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majorlysapphic · 5 months ago

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It's brain splurge time once again...! What am I presenting today you may ask?

A glassheart, modern-day celebrity/performer AU!

TW: self-destructive habits.

(This AU is a continuation of my previous big brain splurge post, so I'll be making small references to it at the start, but I'll try my best to write this post in a way so it can be read as a standalone :)) )

Okay, here we go!

So I imagine that Red would have LOVED performing from the earliest moments of her life. Music, dance, acting, modelling; it flows through her veins and has always been her calling. And who can even be shocked by that fact? She's the only child of two of Auradon's most iconic stars in the 80s: her mother being 'The Queen of Hearts', a pop princess with a golden public imagine, and her father being the heart-throb bassist of a punk band ('Uliana's Crew'), James Hook.

It's only natural that the daughter of these two would follow in their footsteps, especially knowing her mother runs one of the most successful music labels in Auradon: 'Wonderland Records'. However, every time Red mentions she wants to start performing, she's told no (and on occasion actively discouraged from following her parents career path). Because 'she needs to prioritise growing up away from flashing cameras' and because 'the life of a performer can be demanding, it's best she focuses on school'. Frustrated, Red does end up getting a normal childhood (barring the pretty strict rules she's living under as even though she hasn't made a name for herself, yet, paparazzi still like to have a field day following her life because of who her parents are), and she's (im)patiently waiting for the day she turns 18 to finally start her career as a performer.

But we all know what Red is like, and when she thinks of an opportunity to get what she wants, she's going to take it. So, she starts anonymously posting her music on social media at the age of 14 under the username 'rebel riot', and she goes viral. People love what she's got, and Red is soaring, because this is proof enough that she can make it. So for the next 4 years, she carries on growing her platform, posting videos (whilst hiding her face with an iconic heart mask and talking with a slightly morphed accent/pitch) and interacting with her growing fanbase. Throughout this entire time, she has always had to reject invitations to perform, but on her 18th birthday she can finally take control. So when she's emailed an invite for 'Rebel Riot' to perform at a charity event, she takes it.

And that's how her official, big debut goes. She's the last to perform from all the artists at the charity concert (which include her own parents, who on occasion take a step out of retirement to perform for charitable causes), and after giving her performance her all, she takes a deep breath: flipping down the hood of her outfit and letting her hair fall down, talking in her normal voice (trying not to note down the shocked looks of Bridget and Hook as they realise who she is) as she properly introduces herself as Red Hearts, whilst theatrically throwing off her mask.

The crowd goes wild. And Red is signed up to a music label that same night, choosing to carry on performing under her stage name.

Now... Onto Chloe's path to stardom!

Chloe grew up not wanting to be in the spot light (to the relief of her mother, a popular 80s riot grrrl, 'Cinderella'). Instead, she dabbled in multiple interests, and whilst she did have fun in her music lessons, she ended up figuring out how much she loved academics. So, she grew up happy and safely tucked away in a countryside estate (meaning she is quite sheltered, but that's something Ella and Charming were willing to deal with so long as she got a normal childhood). Chloe eventually figured out she wanted to become a historian, and started her journey towards that goal - but things didn't quite go to plan. Because the world of academics can be tiring and toxic at times, so once graduating with her diploma at 21, she takes a year out before thinking of applying to masters programs. To deal with her burnout she starts making music.

And she loves it. There's a spark there that wasn't present in childhood, and soon enough Chloe's writing songs and strumming on her guitar. But it's only a small passion so far, so she enters her masters program still set on becoming an academic, but to keep her spirits high she starts posting song covers and some original works on social media.

The next thing she knows she's got a loyal following and finding that maybe, music is something she wants to take more seriously. So she starts playing at a few small indie festivals, and she loves it. So in spite of her parents worried protests, Chloe drops out of her masters program and signs up to a music label, and she finds a gradually growing success over the next few years.

Now, a key plot point: Chloe and Red are signed up to the same music label ('Atlantis City Music Group' - ACMG for short).

There's excitement surrounding the artists ACMG keep signing on, and whilst there's success with touring each of the artists separately, the label decides they want to do something big to appreciate all their stars. So, they announce a world tour with all their singers/bands participating: going from place to place over 3 months of summer in order to host music festivals.

This is how Chloe and Red will meet... And the meeting doesn't go well.

They've been assigned to share a stage for most of the up and coming festivals, and as ACMG is funding it all, they're in the same accomodation/transport/rehearsal spaces/dining areas/etc.

They're still in the starting leg of the tour, and so as stages and stands are being set up in the opening festival of the tour, Chloe and Red are at their shared stage. Chloe's heading on stage for her rehearsal time, and Red is going off. And it's an understatement to say Red is in a bad mood that day; she's dealing with a few overeager fans/borderline stalkers (which she refuses to tell anyone about because she doesn't want people fussing over her, especially her mother) and her trusted friend and backup musician (Maddox) has his flight delayed, meaning she'll start her first performance of the tour solo.

So when Chloe tries to greet her, she's brushed off passive-aggressively. And, ouch. That stings, because Chloe is a fan of Red's work - and has been following Rebel Riot since her early stages of being an anonymous singer online. But whilst it stings, they're both 23 years old and shouldn't be immature enough to hold petty grudges. Chloe can handle this (she's going to be thinking about that one interaction at 2am for at least a month), and decides to just keep pushing forward. First impressions can be deceiving after all.

But as time passes, travelling occurs, and performances go on. And Chloe gets a second impression of Red. And a third. And a fourth. And a fifth.

She doesn't need to wait to give a sixth chance to know she absolutely despises Red. Because Red is loud, impulsive, ignorant of others time, sarcastic, quick to frustrate, and a flirt.

And Chloe knows for a fact that Red doesn't like her one bit either.

In Red's point of view, Chloe is up tight, has an annoying need to placate others, sugar coats things way too much, and is a plain bore.

Because here Red is, forcing herself to stick to the trademark personality of Rebel Riot for the entire summer, whilst Chloe is getting huffy about when Red decides to extend her performance/rehearsal times by just a little bit so she can be perfect for her fans. She's here to sell a performance (something that will leave viewers reeling. Red's been one of the best in the game for years and she'd soon rather drive into a ditch than have the quality of her work decline) and live life to the wildest, and Red will be damned if she'll let some random girls judgement get in her way.

So, they carry on travelling and performing at festivals. They give off snippy remarks to each other, and try to one up each other in performance quality. Red will roll her eyes when Chloe comments about being tired at the end of the day (they all are, it's what they signed up for.), and Chloe will scoff whenever she hears about another person Red's left lovesick and 'heart broken'.

People stay clear of the bickering between the two. Because they have better things to do with their life. And also because there's a growing tension that everyone can feel building up (though Red and Chloe remain ignorant to it) and they don't want to be caught in the cross-fire.

...Then eventually, the worst happens: Red and Chloe are alone together.

It's a small, private jet with just the two of them as they travel to the European leg of the summer tour. There's stony silence. There's poorly hidden glances. There's teasing once said glances are called out. Then there's arguing.

They're in each others face, and it's like electricity is running through their veins with each spiteful word tumbling out. Red can feel Chloe's breath tickle her cheek with how close they are. Chloe's eyes are darting down to Red's lips (a habit she picked up weeks ago). And next thing you know both are silently praying that the flight deck is sound-proofed as they meet in the middle for a bruising kiss.

Once the flight lands, they're both just about presentable for cameras, murmuring excuses to go their separate ways as soon as possible.

They were a one time thing, a moment of weakness. They'll be able to go the next 2 months being perfectly professional. They don't care about what the other does. They don't think about each other at all.

All of the above doesn't hold true. Not in the slightest.

Soon enough, Chloe and Red find out the best way to maintain peace in their workplace and stop being a headache is to just carry on leaving each other breathless - It's a burning summer fling. Something superficial. Where Chloe has to painstakingly shrug on a denim jacket in the July heat to cover the scratch marks Red left behind on her back. Where Red has to aggressively rub away Chloe's tinted gloss off of her stomach before running onto stage. Where they both pull each other into hidden corners/rooms after getting jealous way too easily.

It's casual fun with a time limit.

But it feels a lot less casual the more things go on. Because when it's just the two of them, Red finally drops her trademark Rebel Riot personality and lets Chloe in to know her properly. And they start getting on (really really well). Red learns of Chloe's love for history and will listen to her rants for hours and hours. Chloe learns of Red's adoration for art, praising her sketchbooks contents.

And of course, when they learn the big things about each other, they're bound to start learning about the little things. Red's mind is a wealth of information about Chloe's little quirks and likes (and vice versa). Without knowing it, they're with each other more often than not on this tour (I'm thinking: late night drives on countryside roads singing along to the radio with the windows rolled down, stealing each others wardrobes, baking together, sneaking around in festivals when they're not on stage, having a constant back and forth dynamic on social media posts).

But the turning point for both of them, the moment when they realised that they were in danger, is when they start writing songs about each other. And, fucking hell. They write a lot of songs. There's piles of papers with lyrics about the other girl, which they keep private. Because in no way would they would ever want to share this.

So they carry on ignoring what is obviously going on. But cracks start showing in their friendship.

The jealousy gets worse (especially on Red's side, knowing Chloe tends to be oblivious of how charming she actually is). The need to be around each other is ever growing, deeming their clandestine meetings as insufficient to satiate their urge to be in each others presence (meaning they start hanging out publicly).

And then, there's a final thing that starts causing problems: Red's destructive habits. Because after all this time as Rebel Riot, Red is doing her damn best to keep up with the massive reputation she's created whilst she carries on improving her performance/impressing anyone. And this quest of hers is destroying her as she's taking it at a pace that is way too fast/idealistic to be healthy, but she can't help herself. She needs to be the best. She needs to prove to everyone that she's not weak. She needs to put on a front to show her parents that they were wrong for worrying about her starting her stardom young.

And at first it's 'small' things that Red is having issues with - she starts with skipping meals and sleep in order to practice/improve. But then that spirals and spirals.

Chloe doesn't realise Red's destructive habits until she's driving to a rehearsal studio, only to find out that Red had passed out when practicing a new dance formation earlier in the day. So obviously Chloe does the only logical thing: driving like a madwoman back to their hotel after she learns Red's been sent back to rest for the day. Chloe enters Red hotel room with her spare key (which somehow Red had acquired and decided to give to her) to find a startled Red.

Chloe goes on a miniature rant about how she'd like to know if something happened and how Red should really take care of herself. Because if she needs to start bringing Red breakfast everyday she goddamn will, and-

Chloe pauses at the sight of Red: sat on the hotel bed, straight out of a shower with a bathrobe on, a perplexed expression as if she wasn't expecting Chloe to be concerned for her well-being. But the thing that's stolen Chloe's attention? The mottled bruises all over Red's entire body. Bruises that Red had been hiding with mountains of expensive concealer.

After evading Red's typical responses to change the topic, it's revealed how badly Red's been pushing herself to perfect her performances. That her collapsing today was something mild in Red's mind.

With enough gentle questioning, Chloe gets enough of an idea of Red's state of mind and is the one to suggest that Red should pull out of the rest of the tour to take some time to heal/get help.

Red reacts very badly to this. Like very badly.

'Because she's perfectly fine and doesn't need fixing. Chloe just worries too much - and why should she care so much anyway? They're not that type of close to each other, its unnecessary and suffocating. Red's fine with committing to the the demands of being Rebel Riot as that's what makes her interesting enough for people to remain fans.'

Chloe is obviously furious Red is trying to push her away. And she's even more annoyed that Red can't see that she doesn't need to stick to the Rebel Riot persona, because Red Hearts is just as, if not more, likeable. There's no logical reason to why Red can't give up something that's causing her harm (and Chloe feels like she's being punched in the gut seeing the other girl like this).

They argue. And it's not like their previous conflicts. It's vicious and they're both saying things that they don't actually mean in the heat of the moment. And the next thing they know, what they have is over.

An hour after she entered, Chloe storms out of Red's hotel room. Both of the girls experiencing heartache. It's messy, and they're both back to how they were when they first met each other.

In fact, they're worse than they were before. Because, you guessed it! When there's anguish, more songs are being written. And this time, there's no lyrics about falling in love, instead there's quotes of what each other has said to the other, there's double meanings in the lyrics, there's rage.

And neither seem to quit it, because soon enough they decide to start playing some of these unreleased songs at the end of their set. And then there's glares being shot at each other from across the stage. There's arguing. And oh god, history repeats itself, because they're once again back together (in secret, of course). They can't seem to stay away from each other.

This time though, they are swearing to themselves that they're going to stay out of each others business. They'll only think about each other when they're with each other.

(They're the worst liars ever, because those self-imposed rules don't last more than 24 hours).

But still, Chloe and Red are in an odd place. More than friends, and less than partners. Red will have a reminder on her phone to remind Chloe to take her iron pills and she'll buy all of Chloe's expensive hair care to keep round hers. And Chloe will make sure to drag Red out to lunch everyday and will always be around to hold her at night (as Red seems to fall asleep a lot easier and earlier when she's in Chloe's arms).

But they don't talk about the elephant in the room. But it's getting harder for Chloe to ignore as she sees the tell-tale signs of Red withering away as the festival tour goes on.

And out of all the people Red keeps contact with, it's Maddox who has to point out the two of them are practically dating and to sort it out before everyone on set has to deal with another awkward week of them blowing up.

So... They talk. They have to.

And they don't get together.

Because Chloe highlights the fact that she won't be a bystander AND a girlfriend if Red keeps destroying herself. And Red doesn't want to say goodbye to her Rebel Riot persona. She doesn't want to admit it's time to let go and/or make a change.

They make it to the final week of the summer festival tour with ACMG, and they're pretty much acting like kicked puppies around each other. The cherry on top? Both their mothers are here to support them for their final show of the summer, and they can tell something has happened.

And have you ever told your mother about your summer fling/sort-of-nearly girlfriend/one that may have gotten away/the bane of your existence and the reason you get up in the morning? No? Well neither have Red and Chloe before, and they both feel like digging a small grave when they both end up doing so.

Both get information on why their mothers were so against them becoming celebrities when they first started off. And for Red, this incudes Bridget tearfully telling her daughter that she is so much more than what she can give to people. That she should live for herself and for the people she loves that love her back. And whilst she can't dictate what Red does, she really hopes that she won't make the same mistake she did decades ago.

A lot is going on in Red's mind when she goes up to be the closing act for the final show.

She goes through with her set, hears the cheers of her fans. And once playing her final song, she starts making her way off stage only to meet Chloe's eyes. Chloe who had been watching from the VIP section by the stage, in hopes to find some kind of closure or at least say goodbye. And Red knows what she needs to do.

She goes back, calling attention for one last song. The song she covers? One of Chloe's unreleased songs she had shared a few festivals ago. A song that was about the good in life and the joy she's found with Red.

Red's heard it only a handful of times, but she committed it to memory. And after performing the song, she's looking at only Chloe when she makes a large announcement.

She'll be abandoning her act as Rebel Riot for good. That she'll be taking a hiatus to have some time for herself and others that she loves before releasing new music under her own name, not a stage name.

There's mixed reactions in the crowd. But for the first time, Red doesn't care if she's disappointed her fans. Because Chloe is quickly making her way onto the stage, and she practically runs to Red. And before Red can whisper any apologies for the past, Chloe is bringing her into a kiss for all the world to see.

In that moment, they're only caring about each other. In that moment, they know they'll be okay and they're going to be able to work through this together.

#descendants: the rise of red #glassheart #chloe x red #red x chloe #chloe charming #redcharming #charminghearts #MajorlySapphic'sConcepts

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unluckycryptid · 2 months ago

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Popcorn Shrimp

Read on Ao3

Summary: Chloe didn’t know Red had a shrimp allergy. Neither did Red.

AKA My attempt at Glassheart Crackfic

—

“Hmm, that’s an interesting taste.”

Chloe looked over at Red with a confused face.

She had just grabbed the two of them some food from the dining hall in the midst of their studying session and brought it back to their shared dorm. Red hadn’t told her what to grab, just telling the blue haired girl to ‘surprise her’ and had gone back to looking over a chemistry question that had been causing Chloe some trouble. The red haired girl was still at it when Chloe had come back with a variety of different foods they had been serving in the dining hall. Red had taken one of the takeout containers—the one filled with popcorn shrimp—and immediately started snacking on it while Chloe was busy laying out the rest of the food between them.

“What do you mean?” asked Chloe.

“Is it supposed to be—I dunno—spicy?” Red shrugged as she grabbed for another popcorn shrimp.

“Huh?”

‘Was Red talking about the marinara sauce?’ Chloe wondered, but it wasn’t laid out anywhere in front of them. Looking around, she spotted the little container still in the bag she had brought all of their food in.

“It’s an itchy sort of spicy, like I can feel it in the back of my throat. Can’t say I’ve ever had food like that before. Is that unique to Auradon?”

Oh no.

In less than a heartbeat, Chloe crossed whatever distance there was between her and Red and smacked the fried shrimp appetizer out of her hand.

“Wha- Hey! Mmmhf!!” Red exclaimed mid-bite when her blue haired roommate turned and stuck her hand in Red’s mouth. Chloe retracted her hand and hurled the shrimp that she had just been eating across the room.

Red felt two hands grab her face as Chloe looked her up and down with an urgency.

“Did you swallow?”

“Excuse me?”

“Red, did you swallow the shrimp? Yes or no?”

“Yea—”

Red couldn’t even get the full word out before she found herself being thrown over the shoulder of one Chloe Charming.

“Chloe! What the actual fuck is going o—owww!”

The blue haired girl had started running and accidentally smacked Red’s head into the door frame on the way out of their dorm.

But Chloe seemed to ignore her, instead opting to scream at other people in the hallway to move out of the way.

Everyone did. It’s not everyday you’d see the usually polite and demure Princess of Cinderellasburg cussing out anyone in her way while full-sprinting down the hallway with the Crown Princess of Wonderland yelling every sort of explicative known to man on her shoulder.

Principal Uma’s office was much closer than the infirmary on the other side of campus, so Chloe opted for there instead. Chloe practically kicked the door down while shouting, “Principal Uma!! We need medical help!”

“Chloe Cordelia Grace Charming, you put me down right now!”

“Girls!” exclaimed Uma who had been enjoying a peaceful night behind her desk up until now.

Chloe basically threw Red down on one of the couches as she rushed to explain, “Shrimp! Red— s-she ate shrimp!”

“What the hell, Chloe!”

“Charming, I may be from the sea, but that does not mean you get to waste my time—”

“She’s allergic! Red’s allergic!” Chloe cried in defense as she pointed to the girl on the couch, “She said the shrimp felt itchy.”

All eyes turned on Red.

Now that she mentioned it, Red did feel like she was having some trouble breathing.

“Stick her.” The Principal grabbed an Epipen from a desk drawer and threw it at Chloe.

“Wha—”

The next thing Red knew, there was a sharp needle stuck in her thigh. Red looked up slowly at Chloe, both of their mouths open in shock.

“I’m so sorry!”

“Oh you little—!”

“No time for that. Ms. Charming, grab Ms. Hearts and follow me. We’re taking the magic carpet to Auradon hospital.”

“Chloe, don’t you dare pick me up again!”

“Sorry Red, Principal Uma’s orders!”

“Nonono—ghhhuuhh!”

——

“Oh my sweet darling rose! I’m so so sorry that I never thought of getting you checked for seafood allergies. Are you alright?” Bridget, the Queen of Wonderland, asked as she ran to her daughter’s side.

Red sat under the covers of the hospital bed, clearly not wanting to be there. The doctors were strongly encouraging her to stay and be monitored overnight. Of course, that meant she was going to stay the night at the hospital in this itchy gown.

“Yeah, mom, I’m fine,” Red grumbled before she was pulled into a bone crushing hug by Bridget. It was still so weird to Red that she had such an affectionate mother now.

“Moooommm, you’re embarrassing me.”

In the corner of the hospital room, sat her roommate and Principal Uma. The two stood up at Bridget’s arrival.

“Thank you again, Principal Uma, for bringing my daughter here as urgently as you could.”

“No need to thank me, Queen Bridget, just doing my job,” the Principal said as the two started walking towards the entrance.

Bridget turned towards the blue haired princess, “And, Chloe, thank you for calling and telling me everything.”

“Just let me choke next time.”

All three pairs of eyes rolled at the same time.

“Tell your mother I said hi for me, alright?” Bridget continued, giving Chloe a quick hug.

“Of course, Aunt Bridget,” said Chloe as she stepped away to join Uma at the doorway. She waved at Red.

“Bye, Red, and get back soon. Wouldn’t want this incident to shrimpede your studies.”

“You’ve been working on that one for a while now, haven’t you?”

“Why yes, yes I was.”

“Get out.”

“Alright.”

#glassheart #crackfic #d:ror fanfic #chloe charming #red of hearts #descendants rise of red #uma’s had enough of these two idiots #hc: red has an allergy to shellfish #bc wonderland doesn’t have a sea #post rise of red canon #humor

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littlenahsstuff · 6 months ago

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When will my life begin-pt. 1

Chloe Charming x Red x f!reader

Synopsis- you are Rapunzel’s daughter but don’t know it because Mother Gothel survived and took you too. You possess similar powers to your real mother but they don’t work as well. Red and Chloe are visiting wonderland for the first time since the time travel and Red is nervous. She decides to take Chloe her new girlfriend to a mysterious tower from her childhood and they meet you.

Warnings: not proofread, angst, mentions of abusive parents, anxiety, fluff, slower burn, you just meet so no relationships until at least part two.

Almost 3.5k words

I really hope you enjoy!

~~~~~~~

You awoke in your cramped tower, another lonely day. Mother says you can’t leave, you mustn’t. Evil people will hurt you just like your real parents. “You are weak and helpless and they’ll eat you,” is repeated daily.

You have a special gift; you can bring life and healing when singing. Mother loves your tricks but they are somewhat rare and you have a hard time making it actually work. She gets so mad at you, she says harsh punishment is the way to make it work. So far you still screw up.

She barely leaves you alone, the only time you can relax is when she takes her daily naps. Her “Beauty sleep”. Or when she goes on supply runs. You only ever let your thoughts drift then. To that one time you saw a flash of red outside. You were only 13 then and it’s been years but you always did wonder who it was.

***

Red was beyond nervous, Chloe a little too. She had to be strong for her new girlfriend, however. Red was dealing with healing from the trauma still and this visit was making her sick. She knows her mother is better but the whole time travel being dangerous thing has her waiting for the other ball to drop.

“It’ll be alright, promise Heart,” Chloe said it, trying to soothe her. She holds her hand whilst keeping the other on the steering wheel.

When they get there it’s a lot less gloomy than it was originally and the kingdom sits in the midst of a massive ring of roses. Red holds a smeck of comfort that the change brought her home some real peace, but the gnawing feeling never ceases.

“Yeah… I know” Red sighs. “I feel as if-“

“This is just a facade?” Chloe interrupts. “I realize how scary this is; I, myself, worry something went wrong but for now we have to play the part. It’s okay to be scared. You grew up with the most terrifying women I’ve ever seen.

They got to the entrance.

“Well… let’s face this then.” Red decides. She gets out and waits before entering.

Queen Bridget stands ready to greet her daughter, coming in for a bear hug. At least this time both her and Chloe are squished. She still flinched a little but was quickly soothed by a comforting tap on her wrist from Chloe.

“It’s good to see you… Mom,” for the first time.

“It’s so good to see you too my muffin cake!” Reds mom squeals. She starts to see more similarities to Pink haired Bridget by the second and she’s still weary, but relieved.

They pull away and Queen Bridget turns to Chloe.

“Oh where are my manners?! Chloe it is so wonderful to see you here again!” Bridget smiles. Not sickenly to Red’s mild shock.

Chloe glances at her girlfriend and they both smile too and shrug.

“Glad to be back too” Chloe replies with a chuckle. Time travel is weird.

“Now as much as I want to talk your ears off you girls must want to settle in first! I’ll have the Tweedle brothers carry your stuff to your room so you can unpack. Now… I wanna hear about any cute dates later but I understand. I’ll wait dears,” she actually GIGGLES and walks away. Not without giving a little squeeze to Reds shoulder.

They both stand there a little awkwardly and Red exhales, feeling like she can fully breathe again. She feels like she needs to get out when an idea pops into her head.

“Hey wanna go see something cool?” Red says excitedly. Chloe nods and red grabs her hand to drag her back out into the wonder woods they passed through on the way there.

“Where are we going?” Chloe whispers when they hit a particularly thick part of the forest.

“I would go into these woods a couple of times when I was younger… around the third time I came across a massively tall tower. I heard pretty singing. I sadly had to leave but when I came back for the seventh time I heard it again. I never really figured out what or who it was but maybe we’ll see if we go again.

And so they trekked further into the heavily wooded area for a few minutes until finally there was a small clearing with a large tower.

Just by luck did they happen to hear a soft melody coming from it. There was clearly someone home and Red couldn’t not pass up the chance to figure it out once and for all. She used to think about this for years after her last encounter.

“Oh no…” Chloe whispers and whips her head, “I know that look. We are not about to do what I think you’re thinking.” Chow huffs

With a role of her eyes, Red replies hushed, “Fine, just me then. I’m gonna figure it out.” She jumps up on the viney stone and finds it stable. She starts climbing and soon after Chloe groans and follows her.

“Does it have to be this high?” Chloe whimpers, daring not to look down. Red is already far enough up that she doesn’t hear her.

***

You finish sweeping when you hear climbing you don’t think much of it, it’s just your mother. You still tense but remain sweeping. You should’ve finished awhile ago, but you enjoyed the free will of being able to daydream while she was on a trip a little too much. You hear footsteps hit the floor and try and finish up faster.

“I’m sorry mother I’ll be better next time, let me finish first!” You hurry out. When there’s a second pair of feet hitting the ground you focus on the window. Two girls stand there.

You drop the broom and scramble back, falling on your back and hitting the wall.

“I- I- who are you?” You question breathlessly.

Red and Chloe both share another look.

“We aren’t here to hurt you!” Chloe hurried out. Red nods and slowly steps forward.

“No, we just heard the singing and wanted to check it out. Are you up here alone? How do you even get down every day?” She questions and you still cower but decide to answer them.

“I’m not supposed to speak to others. Mother will be furious, I- who are you?” You repeat.

“This is Red and I’m Chloe.” The blue haired one speaks. “I am from Auredon, Cinderellasburg specifically and Red is from here in Wonderland. Do you know why you are in this tower?” It’s almost too much but you answer honestly for fear of angering them.

“My parents were killed when I was a baby and my Mother took me here for my protection. This place is called wonderland?” You question. If you are gonna be killed maybe you can learn some stuff. Although, these ladies seem harmless enough and quite pretty. Nothing like the grotesque monsters your mother warned you of.

“Yes, you don’t know?” Red says, you shake your head. Your curiosity is quickly getting the better of you now.

“Please don’t lie what’s it really like out there?” You softly question.

“Well… there a kingdom just past these woods. my castle, oh by the way I’m the princess” Red casually throws in there making your jaw drop “but it’s very…. Beautiful.” She goes for. “There are roses everywhere now.” She adds.

“Oh… your majesty” you bow. You read a book once with a king in it and you knew you were supposed to bow.

“It’s only majesty for kings and queens, it’s- you know what that doesn’t matter you don’t have to be so formal, I am also a princess as well. Again though you don’t have to be so formal.” Chloe urges. You are completely awestruck by the fact that two very lovely princesses happen to be your first real life interaction besides your mother.

“Well… thank you Chloe and Red. I am still honored to be in your presences. Tell me, are these kingdoms violent at all?” You interrogate farther.

“Not too much honestly, like the occasional violent coup but day to day life can be lovely,” Chloe replies. Red looks to be deep in thought.

“So your mother locked you in here? That’s… that’s crazy” she realizes. Then her face lits up.

“Chloe, a quick word in the corner.” The two huddle leaving you to finally pick yourself up from the floor and dust off.

“Are you thinking what im thinking?” Red asks. Chloe bites her lip.

“Unfortunately. This poor girl needs our help. I can’t help but feel she looks familiar somehow.” Chloe frets. She thinks you are beautiful truly, but she can’t figure out for the life of her who you remind her of.

“Okay well I think we need to convince her to leave-

“I’ll do it.” You say, causing them to jump up from the huddle. “You two are loud by the way and this room is pretty small,” you giggle. It feels good, you don’t know the last time you’ve laughed. They both blush.

“That easy?” Red questions and Chloe slaps her lightly.

“What she means to say is, we understand how terrifying this could be and that we are glad you are allowing us to help you.

“I’ve wanted to leave everyday, my mother isn’t even my real mother and yeah, I’m terrified. You two are living proof it’s okay out there.

“So how does your mother get down?” Red asks.

“The vines”, you shudder at realization you will have to climb down. Chloe seems to have an equal reaction.

“Well let’s go get you somewhere less cagey.” Red smirks.

After a very fear filled climb down your bare feet touched the hard ground. The gravel admittedly hurts your sheltered feet and you wince.

“What’s wrong?” Chloe notices.

“Oh, I guess I’m not used to standing on such rocky ground.” You admit shyly and wince again when you take another step.

Red hums.

“Wait a sec.” She starts taking off her boots and hands them to you.

“thank you! I’m sorry if I’m a little slow with all this.” You relent, still very great full.

“Don’t be.” Red smirks.

Chloe turns to her, “is you giving people shoes a habit now?” She snorts.

Red rolls her eyes. You finish putting the boots on and get a little nervous.

“We better go, mother could be back any second.” You say.

“Alright then, let’s go” Red leads.

The walk is so terrifying every sound muffled from your time up high is so much louder. Each cherp, squeak, and buzz makes you jumpier.

It’s all worth it though when you see the red castle.

It’s the grandest thing you’ve ever seen, lit up (it’s now darker outside) and the roses are so stunning and fragrant you want to cry. And you do.

“Hey,” Red says. They both come closer.

“I’m fine it’s just so pretty.” You sob.

“If you think this is pretty wait till you see my room. It’s so cool” Red says excitedly and leads for you and Chloe to follow again.

Reds castle looks so much brighter than she remembers. It’s so well lit she can actually see the high ceilings now.

“Right this way, I need to check in with my Mom… she’ll know what to do.” Red decides. It feels so weird asking her mom for help.

The lounge room is very ornate and there is satin cushioning and mahogany wood everywhere. Reds mom is setting out some tea and snacks, enough that they are clearly for the girls too.

Red clears her throat, “mom I have someone I need you to meet.” She says. Bridget looks up and immediately drops the teapot.

“Oh my,” she tsks, “very sorry dear I just thought you were someone I knew. You look so much like her. Um who are you? It was now that both Red and Chloe shamefully realized they didn’t ask for your name. They were so focused on getting you out they didn’t even find out who you were.

“Y/n your majesty.” You curtsy. The queen inhales sharply.

“You don’t have to be so formal but uh… You wouldn’t happen to have hair that glows when you sing would you?” she questions. You are immediately scrambling to figure out how she possibly knew that.

“That’d be a coincidence, we found her in a tower. She’s like repunzel!” Chloe adds and then immediately gasps. Chloe feels so stupid for not putting two and two together. Meanwhile both you and Red are clueless of what’s happening.

You squeamishly give a “yes”.

“Oh you look just like her.” Chloe realizes.

You want to curl up in a ball. This is already so overwhelming.

“Like whom?” Red nods her head in confusion.

“Well, there was a princess named Rapunzel locked in a tower by an old hag, she would use the girls powers to rejuvenate herself. She originally pretended to be her mother. Her now husband Eugene found her and allowed her to see floating lanterns that appeared on her birthday. Turns out the whole kingdom was setting them off for her. They thought mother Gothel turned to dust but she reappeared and in turn stole her baby. They had no idea where she went and searched the lands. She wasn’t ever found…. Until maybe now?” The queen finished the tale, hope growing on her face by the second. Both you and Red were utterly gobsmacked.

They all turned to you only for you to get extremely lightheaded from the attention and the fact that other than the lanterns, the story completely paralleled yours. You didn’t even know when your birthday was. Your thoughts wage a war and you feel as if your legs are giving out.

Before you hit the floor Chloe catches you.

“Oh rabbits,” The queen exclaims. “You girls be a dear and make sure are guest is alright. I believe I really do have to make a phone call now.” She turns to you, who is still conscious but out of it. “Sweets, I promise you are safe now. This castle is heavily guarded. No one gets in that wasn’t supposed to and while you are technically free to leave at any moment I believe you understand you have to stay for a little bit longer.” She hums and turns shaking her head in disbelief as she heads to the phone in her room.

“I-I” you stutter. The two others give a concerned look.

“Hey it’s gonna be fine, even if you aren’t the lost princess we can keep you save. We promise,” Chloe soothes, Red is now hunched down to your levels.

“Promise” she agrees with a curt nod. You take a deep breath, it comes in more broken but it helps ever so slightly.

“Thank you, thank you both!” You exclaim, wrapping them in some sort of embrace, you don’t know what it’s called though.

“Ha no problem maybe-princess,” Red jokes. She earns a glare from Chloe.

“So if I my parents are alive, am I gonna meet them?” You question in disbelief. This feels like a scary dream.

Red bites her lip before replying, “Well I’m assuming that’s what the call was for, she is most likely calling them now.” You are more confused.

“How will they hear her voice from all the way from the castle?”

“There are these machines that let you call from any land so long as the other has one too” Chloe responds, sharing yet ANOTHER look with Red.

“Sheesh, you need to get out more” Red tries to lighten the situation and to be fair it makes you laugh a little.

“RED” Chloe scolds.

“She laughed!”

“It’s okay, I’d rather joke about it than have it still happen” you add but now they both look sad for you again.

“Do you think they still want me? Like what if they have other children and don’t need me as a child anymore. And I’m not really a child at all, I don’t know how old I am yet but I seem far too big to be one.” You start picking at your nails in worry.

Red sighs, “I know what it’s like to have to worry whether someone likes you or not. Trust everything will work out.” She says.

“From what I heard they never stopped looking for you. They did have another child but they actually did kinda do the lantern thing every year. It’s just that they didn’t understand you were sent to wonderland. The whole time they’ve been looking elsewhere but I know for a fact they never fully stopped and that shows they will want you.” Ella offers. You just nod softly, the fear was still there, but if it’s true then it makes you feel a little better. They were good at that. You think you’d want to be their friends. Best friends even someday if you still manage to hang out.

Before the awkward tension breaks naturally the Red queen burst through the door with two others. They also look like royalty to you but that’s not what makes your chest pound. They woman looks so painstakingly like you it makes Chloe curse herself for not getting it immediately. You all stand up, Red and Chloe help you first. And you all how your head.

The woman nearly runs to you and pulls you into another embrace of sorts. This time it’s a little tighter.

“Oh my, you’re really her aren’t you, you’re my baby girl!” She gasps. You blush and stand there terribly awkward. Red can feel your uneasiness from next to you so she coughs in attempt to break Queen Rapunzel from her stupor. It works.

“I- you’re my real mom?” You question.

She pulls apart just enough to put one hand on your cheek and another on your shoulder.

“I know for sure, yes. You are everything I dreamed you to be, my beautiful baby girl. Oh you must have so many questions.” She says. She smiles like the sun and has tears pooling in her eyes. She’s dress so elegantly in purple, but she’s shaking quite a bit.

“I’m here, you’re here” you say. Rapunzel turns to the man.

“Eugene Flynn Fitzgerald Ryder, come over here this instance,” she beckons and slowly a man steps forward. You notice you have his eyes and hair color. You’ve never had a dad before, it’s almost too much. He certainly doesn’t seem like he’s an evil man.

“That’s really her my little buttercup?” He says and when he gets a good look at your face he breaks into the loudest sobs you have ever heard in your life. You honestly don’t know what to do but stand there. You are also overcome with emotion but this is quickly becoming too much for you. He steps forward again.

“Bathroom!” You exclaim and haste fully walk past them and into the halls where you start running.

“Y/n-“

“Flynn give her some time,” Rapunzel sighs.

“We‘ll make sure she’s safe,” Chloe interrupted, grabbing Red to follow you.

After a couple turns they hear sobbing down an otherwise empty hallway. You sit there with your head tucked into your knees gasping for breath. They slowly walk up to you.

“It’s a lot, I know” Red sighs. “Meeting your mo- family for the first time. You start thinking of what can go wrong when you don’t know them and they don’t really know the real you. It’s hard.” She pauses, “but take it slow. I promise that they are also overwhelmed too. But after not getting any affection your whole life it seems like even the tiniest bit is too much.”

“If you want, we will stay with you as much as allowed. I know we just met but it seems like maybe you trust us the most and that’s precious, the trust,” Chloe states. Her eyes are truthful and earnest. Red shares that earnesty.

“I- supposed if it’s alright. I would never want to impose and you’ve done so much for me. This is all just- well you said it” you gesture to Red.

“We’ll be here.” They both say in unison and it makes all three of you giggle. Maybe your new life won’t be so bad. At least not if they’re in it. Your worry is replaced with a similar fluttery feeling but you don’t know exactly what it is.

This is your happy beginning. Your life has finally begun.

#disney descendants #rise of red #red x chloe #red x reader #Chloe x reader #red x chloe x reader

142 notes · View notes

moonveiltarot · 3 months ago

Text

Quote: “I will only get prettier and richer.”

★ About This Reading:

Your Next Glow Up!

Here are the sections for the reading. It’s gonna be kinda long, so buckle up and enjoy!

We will be going over:

what your haters think

what your supporters think

areas of life impacted by the glow up (self + how, house/home, relationships, love and sex, career and money)

extended version was will gonna be a patreon exclusive, but nah. freebie!

★ 𝕯𝖎𝖘𝖈𝖑𝖆𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖗:

▸ This is only for my and your entertainment. Not intended to be any kind of advice. I am not a professional.

▸ 18+ Only, please. I don’t want kids in my business or readings. Shoo.

▸ Not every part of every collective reading will resonate. Please understand this! Take what resonates and leave the rest.

★ Trigger Warning: Pile 4 mentions k*nky stuff potentially! 😌

Choose an image from above for each portion of the reading and go on to your pile!

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 1. ★

★ Songs

treat me - chloe. my kink is karma - chappell roan. problem with you - sabrina claudio. summer bummer - lana del rey. west coast - lana del rey. good thing - zedd ft. kehlani.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

★ Astro Dice*: 4th house. moon. pisces. 11th house. uranus. libra.*

★ Charms: black heart lock, big black star, pliers, teeny plastic moon (blue), party hat, plastic blue star, pink flamingo, pink heart balloon, plastic flower, bunny wearing a sweater, red heart with love written across it, plastic purple star, moon with tiny black star (overlapped 2 sections)

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: plastic purple star. moon with tiny black star.

Career / Biz / Money: moon with tiny black star. big black star. black heart with lock.

Social Life / Others: pink flamingo. pliers, pale blue plastic moon.

Love Partnerships: birthday hat. plastic blue star.

Advice / Guidance: empty.

Spirit / Self: empty.

Home / Family: red love heart. plastic blue flower. heart balloon. bunny with sweater.

Health / Wellbeing: empty.

Skull Dice*: 66, 6, 33, 444, 55, 111, 11, 2, 44*

★ What Your Haters Think

manara ero oracle: The Garden at the Top of the World. The Truth Behind the Illusions.

animal oracle (wild unknown): Lizard. Snake. Frog.

Your haters, Pile 1, see that they are shut out. You see through their bullshit. They want to tell you that they find you slimy, deceptive and a liar. Don’t worry, I’m seeing that this is not the truth. You're so gorgeous that you are untouchable. It’s true, so look in the mirror and realize that you are physically very attractive.

I feel like your haters think you should cover up and hide away. Hide your body because it makes them feel jealous. Whatever your appearance is, you wear it well and with pride. This is off putting and intimidating to some people around you / who view your content (in case you post online a lot). It makes them feel intimidated — they have gone to the ends of the Earth (or they think they have) to hide what they’ve been told are flaws.

Unfortunately, their perceived flaws are just their own projections of their insecurities onto themselves. They see you being confident no matter who says what about you, no matter what they think, and it’s triggering. They see you living life expecting no less than what you deserve and it triggers them. They wrongfully believe they deserve more and better because they think they have worked harder to maintain a false image. They have a group of people feeding them this BS and they believe it.

You shattered their illusions. It triggered all their inner demons. They are angry and spiteful at your glow up. At who you are and who you do have the absolute right to be.

Your haters feel like you’re in your own world and they can’t reach you. They can’t see what you’ve been up to, as you only show a little or what you want people to see. They can’t help but to feel affected by it. It’s like you are showing only the good part of yourself and your life. They can’t get close to you, so they can’t figure out how you did it.

They want those things too.

I am getting a feeling of you being at ease, embracing all that you are and accepting life as it comes. It’s like you know life is going well for you.

Your haters can’t stand that you are creative and can bring things into existence. They aren’t creative like you. Standing next to you, you put them to shame. This causes some haters to be jealous.

I just saw 729 twice in a row and it’s a special number to me, so it might resonate with you in some way or be relevant here. I also am randomly hearing “like blisters.” So maybe that’s for someone? I am seeing the lizard on this card … if some of you have a skin condition, know that it doesn’t matter.

The beautiful wellspring of creativity and manifestation you have inside you is attractive as hell. It’s sensual, other worldly and beautiful. For the majority of readers, though, this is about creativity.

Your creativity triggers people. I am getting v heavy Neptunian energy. Like a creator of illusion, but it’s beautiful. It delights others, indeed. Your haters feel like you’re untrustworthy.

★ What Your Supporters Think

**manara ero oracle. **The Purity of Freedom. The Fire of Desire.

animal oracle (wild unknown). crow. eagle. peacock.

Interesting note: On the fire of desire is a dragon. All of your animal oracle cards are birds, aligned with the element of air. I just wanted to point out the winged creatures and how aligned with air your energy is. This may be a confirmation for you.

Your supporters love that you’re living your life to the fullest. They see you having fun and want to join in. They are inspired by your energy! They see you as someone who goes for what they want, uninhibited, and you look good doing it.

Your supporters find you very enthralling. To them, you seem to have a spiritual understanding that comes from a magical source of some kind. You also seem calm and like you just know your next move. They want to be like that too.

You are confident and most of all, to them, you are a kind person. You are a beautiful and magical being. Your supporters love this about you. Your energy can shift an entire room / area. It’s awesome! How mystical.

You’ve stepped into your power. While it kills your haters and makes them wish they could have you or be you, it makes your supporters feel immense joy. They love seeing you be in your power. It makes the world a better place, after all!

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

believe your own magic. sun. evil queen. confidence.

personality archetypes. saboteur. dilettante. liberator.

the citadel oracle. the patron reversed. the pilgrim. the miser.

There may have been a disappointing situation you experienced, but I’m seeing that you’re taking control of your life. In fact, you’re not letting opportunities pass you by. This situation could have been a breakup, but maybe for some of you it wasn’t.

You are taking control of your finances. No one will be having any hold over you in life at all anymore. You want to be free from the control of others, so their opinions be damned!

You deserve to be treated with respect and like a literal goddess — if anyone approaches you and lack the understanding of this, they will be cut off with a quickness. You are no longer allowing others to use you as a door mat. This is your villain era, but it’s actually your most powerful glow up of all.

🎮 How To Level Up:

the sacred self care oracle. soak in a bath. look to the stars. connect with crystals.

the wild unknown animal oracle. otter. bear. raccoon.

the modern witch tarot. strength. 2 of cups. justice. the high priestess. 5 of wands. the star

Pile 1, you need to make something. Create a art. It doesn’t have to even be for anyone else to see. Take your tools for whatever you used to be skilled at and start learning again. Feel the tools, get used to using them. Start creating. Even if you think others aren’t seeing your artwork or if only people who don’t “get it” are commenting on it / seeing it, keep going anyway. There is an audience for you.

There are people out there waiting to see the beautiful art you haven’t published yet. Your entire life is supposed to be your own work of art. You are supposed to create art and share it.

Physical movement is a big thing too. You need to move your body more. You can go on a little walk to the local convenience store or just around your block if you want. You could dance while doing chores or anything you like.

Just. Get. Moving. Even if it’s a lot of effort. You have inner strength that you must draw on to keep going. You’re entering your happiest period of life yet pretty soon. It will pay off in the end.

Zoom out and view things from a higher perspective. Ground yourself. Being stuck inside all the time will drive you nuts and make you overly emotional or too numb. Get outside and soak up some vitamin A or something …

Your vibe needs to mellow out. I’m sure you will in time. Anyway, this portion of your glow up is about taking control of your life. Once you’ve successfully done this, you will be at peace 90% of the time, if not more.

You will have the means and confidence to go out on your own, create and publish content and make things your own. This is a powerful glow up!

You are going to make intuitive moves and navigate competitive spaces like a pro. Even if it’s difficult at first, you will come out on top. You truly are inspiring to others! Your life is supposed to be lived like you are a muse. Your entire life should be beautifully and uniquely crafted to suit your own tastes. You are meant to embody joy and fulfillment, to walk the earth with a sense of calm and playfulness. You are meant to be elusive, not available for anyone and everyone to disturb.

Once you start to embody your archetype with confidence, you will manifest great things and experiences.

You are truly meant to inspire others. ✨ I love this pile! You’re the kind of person I want to spend my time around more often.

★ House / Home:

modern witch tarot. the empress. the high priestess. king of swords. 2 of wands. temperance.

You know exactly what you want, so don’t bend for anyone. There is no need to rush either. You might be ordering things for your space online. In one card she’s got a laptop and is sitting, the king of swords is sitting there holding the sword that shipped from amazon, the two of wands is shopping on their phone and waiting for the payment to go through, the empress is sitting in her new chair with some cute pillows she just got.

Order what you need, then patiently await it’s arrival. Your space is going to be filled with your own art in no time. It’s can even have all the merch you wanted as a kid but never got.

Alternatively, you’ll decorate your space like it’s a sacred and magical place. Your space will be filled with things you adore and that mean something to you. The more you know yourself and confidently embody that energy, the more easily you will find items to add to your home. You know what you’re here for and that’s great.

Your style will likely be feminine, as the figures on the cards are mostly in their feminine energy. You will receive things from different sources that are meant for you. You may even have a space where you display (or hide lmao) gifts from masculines or suitors.

★ Relationships:

You will be very carefully choosing who to socialize with. You will be particular about who you entertain or interact with from this point forward. This is a good thing. You’re in your feminine energy now, so you will easily attract the right people to you.

You have the pick of the litter, though. I’m not feeling a whole lot of energy for this group. You’re going to be picky and remain poised about it. <3

If it isn’t a spiritual connection, you may not seriously entertain it. Your intuition will be guiding you and you’re going to trust it. You will be intuitively choosing the right people to allow into your circle and your life. You will know when something is maybe off about a person or their intentions, even if not overtly obvious. You will handle the situation gracefully and “pluck” that person out of your social circle without causing any stir.

★ Love & Sex:

modern witch tarot: 4 of cups, 8 of swords reversed, the devil, the wheel of fortune. 6 of swords, 9 of wands, ace of cups, ace of pentacles.

You will be or currently are off the dating market. You are focusing on other things. I see you freeing yourself from a karmic situation, mindset or addiction. You are now enforcing your boundaries and, unless you are approached correctly, you won’t be engaging.

Casual hook ups look like a no-go, as you’re moving away from cycles and addiction. You may have one karmic in particular that you are moving away from. It could also be unhealthy sexual behavior or situations that aren’t giving you the love and care you deserve.

You may end up moving toward someone else who has something substantial and real to offer.

★ Career & Money:

modern witch tarot. the fool. justice. 3 of pentacles. 7 of cups. 2 of wands. 7 of wands. botd: 6 of wands.

I see many options for you in terms of streams of income. You also may be set financially and enjoying retirement or something like that. I see that you have financial freedom and acknowledgement for something. You are free to embark on a new adventure and will likely do so. This may be in regards to money or it could be something money gives you the freedom to do.

There is public recognition of some sort. You may be an influencer. You will likely get brand sponsorships or free things from them.

You are living life freely, as you desire. You continue to inspire others! 💗

★ Conclusion

You are the muse archetype. You are a goddess / god among mortals. The rest of us are lucky to be on the same planet as you. You are meant to be given things, literally handed things from God, the Universe, Suitors, Loved Ones and so on. You are in a place or will be moving into a place of receiving all you desire and being free. You are joyful and truly happy. You are entertaining to be around. You are a great person, but beware of sabotage. There are envious and jealous haters lurking.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 2. ★

★ Songs

what they say - tilden parc ft. katori. like woah - nbhd nick. twerk it like miley - brandon real ft. christopher. the most - xavy rusan.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

Astro Dice*: 6th house. aquarius. jupiter. 6th house again. taurus. uranus.*

Charms: pink carriage. bunny with pink bow. white crucifix. angel aura quartz. pliers. big white star. astronaut. saw. blue star with hollow center. pink whale. black star with hollow center. saturn. big black star.

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: big black star

Career / Biz / Money: pliers (overlapping the next house too)

Social Life / Others: pliers. bunny. white star.

Love Partnerships: astronaut (almost flew all the way off the board), saw.

Advice / Guidance: blue star. pink whale.

Spirit / Self: black star. saturn (yellow).

Home / Family: empty.

Health / Wellbeing: empty.

Skull Dice*: 666. 22. 44. 444. 1. 3. 5.*

★ What Your Haters Think

animal oracle (wild unknown). bee. shark. tarantula.

manara ero oracle. the promise of unending love. the temptation of pleasure. the roads to regret or remorse.

So, there are some vindictive b*tches hating on you.

They are like “pile 2 is going down the wrong path in life” but this is not true.

They don’t even believe that themselves, they just simply hope it’s the truth.

They want you to fail, but you cannot fail on your current path. You are determined to see it through. The only failure is giving up. I see that you are not letting this go and you are not giving up. You have belief in yourself.

Your haters think you need to be exposed. These are most likely some people who no longer have access to what you are doing in your life and they are mad about it. They have been blocked out. They think you’re really on to something and some of them are angry that they can’t ride your coattails so to speak.

I’m seeing someone pull up a notes app on their phone and it’s a list of people who did them wrong and how they did it. This is a note to some of you that you may want to make a list of reasons certain people have to stay blocked.

They think you’re hiding from them specifically and again, want to expose what you’re doing. They see that you are going after your purpose in life and they know for a fact it’s your calling. They can tell you are seeking what is meant to be yours and that you’re serious about it.

No worries, you and your goings-on are private from these people. What ever they wish they could dig up on you and expose you for, they wont find it.

Now, just from the imagery on the cards, your haters are scared. They think you’re going to sneak up on them or hide in plain site basically and then hurt them. The shark silently stalks its prey. The bee stings if you get too close. The tarantula is creepy and hairy and stares at you with 8+ eyes (probably).

They are scared of you. This could be just your aura or even your physical presence. Intimidating is an understatement.

★ What Your Supporters Think

animal oracle (wild unknown). dragon. worm. moth.

manara ero oracle. the purity of purpose. the flow of inspiration. the feelings of an awakened heart.

Like I stated above, you’re following your purpose. You’ve become aware of what you’re supposed to do and are going to do it. You are stepping into a leadership role and taking control of your life. Others will do as you say or be removed accordingly (this isn’t a bad thing).

Those who support you can see that you are doing what you believe in. Some of you are leading a cause that’s important to you.

They feel like you’re cutting out all the weirdos and anyone who tries to get you f*cked up will absolutely find out.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

believe your own magic. mirror. potion. spaceship.

the citadel. the orator. the hunter. the mascareri.

personality archetypes. the beggar. the queen. shapeshifter.

On two of the cards, there were music notes and the orator is about communication.

For those of you who resonate: I feel that music is important to you. You may be in the music industry and learning new skills, or this is a form of therapy and motivation for you.

I’m going to link a hottie playlist so you can listen.

You are hot A F. It seems like you’ve found your voice and using it to better your life. You also have a sense of purpose moving forward. You are learning how to voice healthy boundaries.

You’re making boss moves that are going to be shocking to others. You’re taking control. This makes some people around you down right terrified. You aren’t doing anything cruel or mean to them, you’re just laying down the law. This could be the first time you’ve taken on a role of authority for some of you.

Either way, I’m seeing an absolute bad b*tch who is very much crafting life to be the way they want it to be.

You’re becoming more honest with others, shedding the mask that you created to keep others placated. Screw that! You’re finally leveling up in the way you communicate. You’re making your wants and needs known and you are not wavering on them.

Play the music you like as loud as you want it (just don’t burst out your ear drums).

🎮 How To Level Up:

sacred self care. dance. pleasure. connect with earth.

Since you’re finally feeling yourself and you know who you are and know your purpose, put on that playlist and move your body! You can close the curtains and lock your door if you’re self-conscious.

Honestly, get in tune with your body. Learn how each muscle feels when you move it, learn what sensations make you feel amazing. Learn what you find pleasurable. You need to please yourself before anyone else and I think you realize this.

In fact, I feel that you could be pursuing a dancing career if not a music career. For those of you who resonate with this, an artist called Grimes (you may have heard her music!) said before that she wanted to dance while making one of her albums. She wanted to make music that people could dance to! This could be your goal or Spirit is encouraging you to try this.

In fact, get out in nature too. Don’t just lock yourself up for hours and hours or days on end. Go outside and give yourself short, but much needed breaks. This is not to say that you should interrupt the flow of your work. If you’re in the flow state, go along with that.

It’s important to get sunshine though, as the sun feels really good on your skin. You probably don’t want to hear this, but never be afraid to touch grass. It’s a great way to ground yourself.

Spirit says to really, really give yourself what you feel you deserve. Your desires are your desires. The fact that you want those things means that they are yours. You can desire it, you can have it.

You deserve to have things that make you happy.

★ House / Home:

modern witch tarot. the devil. six of swords. knight of cups. ace of wands. two of cups. 5 of swords. 10 of cups.

Ooooh. I see. Now I see why the messages were confusing me a bit before.

Your home will be your new pleasure chamber. Kinky things will be going on here. I see that there may someone who will disagree, but you will be able to run them off in no time. This is your space and it’s for fun, sex and pleasure.

There will be plenty of equal give and take. I’m seeing that the person on the 6 of swords has their back turned on the knight of cups and is heading toward the devil card. The imagery is giving: the knight is chasing a woman with a love offer, little does he know that in chasing her back to her home, he’s being led carefully into her lair.

She will use him for her own pleasure, there will be orgasms as well as mind games. Grappling for power and control, confusion about who is really in charge here, wondering if one if truly trapped or can they leave at any time? Plenty of power play.

And you, pile 2, have the power. You may be taking on a more dominant role here, dominatrix vibes kinda.

The 2 of Cups initially was reversed, but I felt confused like “Should it be upright? Should it be reversed??”

That was because it was out directly before the 5 of Swords. This is part of the confusion your targets will feel when in your grasp. Are they getting somewhere with you? Are they not? I’m taking the ace of wands as a phallic symbol here. When you reject these Knights and their fake generous love offer, it turns them on. They love being rejected. They would never tell you this, though.

On another note, if you aren’t into this sort of thing, it’s probably saying your home is your sanctuary away from karmic relationships.

But, while this is true for all readers, I am getting 100% sex dungeon vibes.

There could be knife play as well. The imagery of chains, fire, the devil, swords, more than one person on most of the cards … it’s giving “I’m taking you into my dungeon, you will leave after we both orgasm a billion times, you will keep it quiet and you will be confused about our relationship … if we even have one.”

So yeah. You could be inviting or luring targets into your bed chambers to have fun and pleasure. In fact, you seem to be pursuing this sexual exploration relentlessly. You are getting in touch with your receptive energies, as well as your giving energies.

Regardless, this is about your sexual expression and pleasure. You are being selfish and there is no shame in this what so ever.

★ Relationships:

Not much about familial or friendly relationships for this pile. Probably just not a huge area of focus for this reading, like the empty portions of the charm board. It’s just not a lotta energy going into this.

You’re being ultra-careful and ruthless about who you socialize with, work with and so on. The same for job opportunities.

★ Love & Sex:

manara ero tarot. 6 of pentacles. king of wands. 3 of wands. 6 of wands. queen of swords. death.

You are very carefully selecting who to allow in your personal space and who not to allow. You will cut people off with a quickness if they act a fool or if you’re done with them (iykyk).

I see you being kind of mean to your pursuers, pile 2. Lol!!

I see that you are going to demand equal give and take or you will breadcrumb and lead them on, let them buy you things and then cut them off if they act a fool.

You have men wanting to follow you around, magnetized by you, aggressively pursuing you and trying to act right. Desperate to get into your panties. They want you and you know how to drive them mad with lust.

It’s like people gambling at a casino: they keep getting closer and closer to winning, so they keep giving their money and, eventually they end up feeling stupid and backing out or they give until their well runs dry.

This is what you are doing to your suitors, Pile 2. And this is a beautiful way to set the bar for the other women in your family, for generations to come. Other than that, it’s how to get what you want.

You’re shamelessly using the assets you’ve always had, but maybe were hidden. You are letting yourself be seen. There are plenty of offers and you’re going to take all you can from them. This is your gift from the universe: getting sexy and confident has given you these opportunities. You have the okay from the universe to be as greedy and picky as you want.

★ Career & Money:

I was thinking music or dancing of some sort, but given the turn that this reading took in the house & home section, I’m thinking about pole dancing. This could be something you do, or maybe you’re a stripper. Which is fine. <33

My eyes are drawn to the word “Gucci” on this wall art I bought a while back. You are very very carefully selecting material possessions, opportunities, partnerships for business or your job and you will not back down. Once something proves it won’t be useful to you, you’re cutting it out.

I don’t think you will have to work very hard to get money.

★ Conclusion

Sexuality and sensuality are important aspects of this next glow up. You could be into sw or porn or smth? I’m not sure lol. Anyway, get in touch with your sensual side and be careful out there. This glow up makes me feel like you’re gonna be manifesting quickly and the happier / more blissful you are, the faster your manifestations will come in.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 3. ★

★ Songs

eat me - demi lovato. heathens - twenty one pilots. me, myself, my money - iggy azalea. burgundy - atlas in motion. bluntly - ktlyn. fahrenheit - azee.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

Astro Dice*: taurus. 9th house. south node. capricorn. 10th house. moon.*

Charms: red ring. big white star. pink star of david. little daisy. black star of david. large daisy.

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: big white star.

Career / Biz / Money: red ring.

Social Life / Others: empty.

Love Partnerships: empty.

Advice / Guidance: small daisy. pink star of david.

Spirit / Self: large daisy.

Home / Family: black star of david.

Health / Wellbeing: empty.

Skull Dice*: 11. 222. 6. 33. 333.*

★ What Your Haters Think

manara ero oracle. sweet sobriety in feelings. loving and trusting yourself. instinctual bliss.

animal oracle (wild unknown). crow. frog.

Oh, to be a fly on Pile 3’s wall. Your haters see you as vulnerable in this new spotlight. They see you as someone who sits on their ass and enjoys themself while the rest of the world (themself included) toils away miserably.

They feel that you insert yourself into their spaces and you so easily pull the attention away from them. They think you are enjoying the attention they should receive. They think you are overbearing with your presence and others must look your way.

Some of them hate that they can’t look away from you, glowing in your luxurious light, emanating this beautiful light from your very soul.

They think you are self-absorbed and a narcissist and they can’t wait until someone finds out who you REALLY are. According to them.

They hate seeing you living blissfully, in childlike wonder. It triggers their shadow side and they see how vulnerable you are.

They may be plotting to exploit you.

OR they are just thinking of how they can teach you to stand up for yourself.

They feel like you have divine gifts. They are jealous of your connection to your intuition.

★ What Your Supporters Think

manara ero oracle. purity of purpose. reaching outward. the pain hidden by luxury.

animal oracle (wild unknown). eagle. whale. snake.

Your supporters see you putting yourself out there and they want you to do so with pride. they want to see you confidently sharing your life and your pursuits. They wouldn’t change you for the world and want you to keep on keeping on.

They see you as someone who is giving and kind, someone who wants to help others and will get off your ass to do so instead of sending only thoughts and prayers (which do help, by the way, just not in a strictly practical sense).

It helps that you are beautiful on the inside along with your physical appearance. You’re beautiful inside and out.

You are divinely led and you have a strong intuition. Your psychic abilities are stronger now than ever.

They have seen you say or do something that only someone in a specific position or of a certain ranking would know. They know you must be psychic. You know things and it kind of scares them. It also excites them.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

believe your own magic. protest. wings. homeward.

the citadel. the brawler. the poet. the scholar.

You will be learning about yourself and what you like. You will be taking yourself out on dates and you will start where you are. You are ending these karmic cycles (bad habits / behavioral patterns) that keep you stuck. You are upgrading yourself and growing as a person. You will step out of your comfort zone.

I see that you’ve “bossed up” and aren’t afraid to put people in their place. While you are willing to be vulnerable and open up to someone, you’ll be cutting them off with a quickness. You will be able to emotionally detach if need be.

Something you felt was confining you will no longer be able to do so. You are taking control of the narrative and writing the story your way.

You are going to be watching, taking notes and taking names. You will make moves accordingly. Ruthlessly. If you have a bad reputation now, you’re owning it. If you don’t yet, you’re going to have one. Probably on purpose.

There is nothing stopping you from reaching your goals. I keep seeing a person who is fit making a smoothie in the morning and working out. Your mind is disciplined.

I even see you working out in your office. It has a huge window overlooking the city. It’s like you will do what needs to be done (in regards to fitness or whatever your goals are right now). You’re like a person possessed. You know what you want and nobody and nothing will get in your way.

You may be doing this to empower yourself and build a stronger body to make sure no one will ever mistake you for an easy target again. You are going to “toughen up” mentally and physically.

♥ How To Level Up:

You don’t need to be told. You’re driven and practical. You’re going to be making all the boss moves. You’re going to be a millionaire in your lifetime.

Cutting certain people off is part of the game. You have the ability to shake foundations and simultaneously achieve your goals.

If I could give you advice it would be to take that paid webinar (not the scammy ones, the ones that are legit, and I feel you’ve looked at a few already). Follow those classes, but really do take them seriously and put in the hours to get things up and running. You will, though. I’m seeing that anything you pay for right now in regards to studies (of any sort) you are taking seriously. You may even be a college student.

★ House / Home:

You will likely keep things clean, clear and organized. Minimalist lifestyle. This makes things easier for you to reach your goals, as the clutter and bullshit won’t be distracting you anymore. I see someone waking up early or it’s evening time. It’s dark out, it’s dark in this room. I can see someone doing a workout. There’s a punching bag. There is not a lot of distracting stuff around. It’s so clean and sort of “sleek” if you could call it that.

You have no room for anything that isn’t directly on the path to your goals being achieved. Even your fridge is stocked with only what you need and it’s going to suit your daily caloric intake perfectly. Probably even your macros.

I’m seeing that you know where everything is and it makes your life efficient. You might not spend a lot of time here, but it’s like you don’t have excessive decor or anything. It would only be more to clean and who tf has time for that? Maybe when you can afford a maid …. until then, you’re sticking to your schedule, routine and busy life. You don’t have time for anything else.

Because you want it this way.

It will still be your place of comfort. The greatest comfort will be in knowing that you are reaching your goals. You will push through every obstacle in your way.

★ Relationships:

modern witch tarot. eight of cups. queen of cups. knight of pentacles.

You’ll be very picky, careful and smart about your relationships. You won’t let others in unless they are deserving of what you offer. Nurturance, guidance and an abundance of intuition.

These are invaluable gifts. If anyone isn’t letting you in or is bringing less than you deserve, you’re taking your cups and walking away. You’ll leave anything on the table if it isn’t what you need at any point.

You lose who you lose. Your new boundaries are non-negotiable. It doesn’t feel easy to you to let these people go.

You are also choosing to put more focus on your business, career or financial goals.

★ Love & Sex:

modern witch tarot. king of wands. knight of wands. the devil. 6 of cups. 3 of cups. 8 of swords rv.

You are going to be in a fwb situation and it will be liberating from conventional restraints. I’m seeing that you are the player and you may be playing those who would otherwise play you,

You will be revisiting your past. You are befriending your past demons. Integrating them. They will help you along your journey. Your breaking free from being held down by them. In some way, your shadow side is going to lift you up.

Your love is your partner in everything. You are manifesting this person into your life. A Divine Counterpart! This is your king, your masculine, your other half. No pressure. You are willing to take it slow with them so you can both feel ready. The love is already there, now you’re going to grow together, even if you’re apart. You belong together. Power couple vibes.

If no one fits the bill, you’re not taking them seriously and you’re not using them.

★ Career & Money:

Your money has immense spiritual protection along with your assets. Whatever you do to make income is a strong habit or pattern — you will not be easily accessed. You may go through some growth-challenges at this time with your finances and you will be encouraged by spirit, perhaps even forced, to go through a tough time to break routines and habits that no longer serve your financial goals.

Spirit will not put you through financial turmoil, so no worries. You are getting rid of what no longer serves you. You will learn from karmic people and patterns in regards to finances, all the while, Spirit will catch you if you fall. You’re ready to fight through it all and you will succeed. You know just what to do in these situations. You will face business or career challenges that will help you grow. You’re going to just barrel through it.

You may go through brief phases of “fuck this” in regards to your finances, but your drive and “keeping the vision” is going to put you right back on the track to manifesting your millions. I’m not kidding when I say that, either. There are tons of millionaires in the world, we just don’t hear about all of them. You definitely will be, as long as you stay on your destined path, that is.

You are breaking a karmic cycle or generational pattern that has plagued your family for centuries. It’s time to fix that. You know it’s true. You have the metal to get through this, don’t worry.

★ Conclusion

This is your Boss Up era. You’re growing as a person in all aspects, but you are mostly taking your finances more seriously. You are taking up your mantle as the black sheep, the scapegoat, the underdog. The loser. The forgotten. The unwanted.

And you’re going to be so high above those who did you wrong that they will cry when they remember your face. You will haunt their dreams. You will seep into their every waking moment. They will despair, they will rejoice, they will go on existing where they are. You will be out of touch for them, but right there when they close their eyes.

When they were cruel to you, they went on to justify it. Now you have their ticket and you don’t even care about it. They still live in terror, in fear, of what you know about them. The things you’ve seen and heard them do or say. They are terrified you will tell — you might as well be god himself.

Some of them may try to silence you. Especially the ones with political pull. They will pull those strings and you will be ready this time.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 4. ★

★ Songs

oh no - marina. murda. bizness - iggy azalea. where i go - nxworries. giveon - make you mine.

death - melanie martinez. this hell - rina sawayama. never be me - snow tha product.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

Astro Dice*: virgo. 10th house. pluto. south node. 12th house. taurus.*

Charms: astronaut. black flower w/ rhinestone in the middle. white half-heart. crescent moon with black star. yellow crescent moon and star. dagger.

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: astronaut.

Career / Biz / Money: black flower w/ rhinestone in the middle. white half-heart.

Social Life / Others: crescent moon with black star. yellow crescent moon and star. dagger.

Love Partnerships: empty.

Advice / Guidance: empty.

Spirit / Self: empty.

Home / Family: empty.

Health / Wellbeing: empty.

Skull Dice*: 333. 222. 11. 5. 3333.*

★ What Your Haters Think

manara erotic oracle. sharing tales of love and romance. the naked self. protecting your feelings.

You are closed off from them. They feel like you’re flaunting the fact that you were 10 steps ahead and simply let them “hang themselves” so to speak. You were able to be ahead of the games they tried to play and they didn’t realize you would be able to do that.

You were underestimated and they showed their whole ass, meanwhile you just peeped the games they were playing and kept it pushing. These people can’t stand being outsmarted. They are dumbfounded and embarrassed by their own behaviors and your ability to make them show their hands by staying out of the drama.

These are people who lied on you and slandered you, they keep digging the whole. People are getting exhausted hearing your name in their mouth. They are clinging to the idea that you were definitely in the wrong and they could do no wrong, ever.

This makes me think of those women who are always pushing Christianity on others, meanwhile being the biggest hypocrite you’ve ever met. They run their mouths, sabotage others at any opportunity and think their shit doesn’t stink. They were petty with the wrong one and God said “let them catch thy holy hands” and they did. Meaning, they received and will continue to receive bad karma until they straighten the fuck up and learn the lesson.

They know what they did to you was fucking wrong. You know it too, which is why you “let go and let God” so to speak. You may actually be religious in some way. I’m not slandering you or your religion. I’m just using this example.

I was raised Christian, but ended up going my own way. I think there are some who chose this pile whose family are your enemies. Because you won’t conform anymore. At this point you’re just like “fuck it, they can say what they want to.” You’re on your own spiritual path and they may not like it. You’re tired of putting your gifts on the back-burner, staying shut up and letting others shine instead of anyone ever standing up for you.

You were expected to take the back seat and, because you’re taking your own place in the spotlight to FINALLY fucking give yourself what you deserve, are now being shunned. Relatives, friend groups, colleagues … fake ass people who don’t even truly adhere to what the status quo is. These are people who think they’re better because they let someone else think for them. You think for yourself and you are happier without them.

They are seething and will continue to seethe. You aren’t going back to them. They couldn’t pay you to go back to that Hell Hole they mistakenly call home.

★ What Your Supporters Think

manara erotic oracle. loving and trusting yourself. the fire of desire.

These people are in your corner. They see you leveling up and are glad you are no longer hiding yourself. They are incredibly happy for you. They are few and far between right now.

You’re walking a lonely path, but your guides and anonymous onlookers are supporting you. I’m supporting you too from here. You are protected and loved by your guides. You have great spiritual protection for choosing your own path.

They see you pursuing your passions and are in 100% full support.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

You are prioritizing your health and, most of all, your look. You may be trying to lose or gain weight or get body modifications to fit a certain standard — and it’s not a bad thing. This is what you want to do and, if you are careful about it and truly well-researched on the subject, go for it. Use your best judgement, though.

You will be reaching this goal of yours and you will be elated when you finally have your signature look. You may have a capsule wardrobe which is casual and professional, with a few select pieces for special events, sexy time and so on. I see you wearing incredibly sexy lingerie under your normal outfit. Others might look at you and think “model, but off-duty” when really you’re wearing a matching set with straps or clasps of some sort.

Your life up to now might have kicked the absolute shit out of you, but you are pulling yourself out of the mud. You are refusing to lay down and die, even if others have looked at you like that before. You are taking all the darkness and transmuting it into power.

I always thought that term was too vague for collective readings. “Transmuting” in this sense means using the pain and fuel to reach your goals, but it’s spiteful. You’re taking your power back. You are using your physique, intuition, sad backstory, all of it completely to your advantage. You know what makes men weak and you are going to become that.

I’m getting “Female Manipulator” and I would never shame you for this. Use the patriarchy to your advantage and get what you want out of this life. Out of this fucked and broken system that has abused you and enabled the abuse over time. You’re using it to your advantage and not giving a damn who gets hurt in the process. It is your turn to get what you want out of life.

🎮 How To Level Up:

You already know what to do. Fit the bare minimum standards of conventionally attractive and use it to your advantage. Your appearance is tactical.

I would suggest learning to emotionally detach from others. Glamorize your pain, the past, no matter how gritty or dirty it was. Like how Lana Del Rey made her trauma so beautiful with her art. There are really painful things in life that happen to us all. Sometimes, there is no amount of therapy that can help us.

Using the system and destroying it from the inside is the most beneficial thing to us. Instead of showing the world who you really are, your truest self, cloak her. Hide her and protect her. You know what to do. Get out on your own for a little while. Travel. Get out of your home town. Befriend a local truck driver (don’t get SA’d, dammit!! please use your brain and better judgement when reading these things). Get the fuck out of town.

You are meant to walk this kind of path. You are meant to see the darkest parts of the world and destroy those structures. There is a lot of cruelty, abuse and corruption in the world. You are a protector to those who need it. The defenseless.

★ House / Home:

One place to call home? Not likely for you. Your home is you. You are always with you. You need to experience more of the world, even if it seems scary. You can leave in the night and sneak away at any time. I see you staying in apartments or hotels, maybe even a camping van / rv or something like that.

You will be getting what you “want” out of others though. I see you using wealthy suitors for their penthouse apartments or 5 star motel rooms. You’re going to be traveling a lot, so “home” will be far away for awhile. It’s okay to miss it.

With your no strings attached style, you are wise to have something to go back to.

★ Relationships:

You may have been in a karmic relationship before, but you’ve cut them off. Now you’re going to use people as pawns until you truly find the one. The one person who is home to you, no matter where you are. Until you find them, you’re living a wild and free lifestyle.

You will have no inhibitions in regards to using people. If you can get what you want out of a social circle or situation, you will. You are going to have all the experiences you held yourself back from and other people will be a part of that process. Your intuitive nature allows you to pick up on people with herd mentality.

You have lived, loved and lost by now. You are going to get everything you wanted in life. If no one will hand it to you, you’re f**king taking it.

★ Love & Sex:

Your sex life is going to be used to your advantage. You may do sex work on occasion, but this only to get you to where you want to go. In fact, it may be part of your career. I’m getting Cardi B vibes.

Anything they like until you get them inebriated. Like not going all the way, then they’re drunk or too high to know what’s going on. You pretend to be and you’re actually sober. Then everything you like, bb. Whatever is in their wallets is yours for the taking. You get gone ASAP.

When you finally find the one person you want to build a home with, you’re going to have a very passionate dynamic. Power play. They will be like you. Doing what it takes to survive and live the life they want. You will be very much alike in this way and they may become your future spouse. They will be the one person you have a soft spot for. The one person you want to protect and who will want to protect you. They’re your dream come true. It’s mutual. You are good together.

You may be entering into a financial agreement (legal or not) for someone you love or because you know someone you love will respect you for it. It could also be because they burned you and you wanna get them back. You don’t hate them, if this is the case, you just want to show them what they are missing before you let them go.

And you are willing to let them go, but not until you set their wings on fire.

You aren’t in love with your rival / enemies in this field of work are you?

Whoever has their eye on you has some “punishment” they want to dole out and you’re their target. They couldn’t be more aroused by your badassery. Honestly, no one has ever made them as flustered as you have. They keep a poker face and most people wouldn’t notice, but they want you. You may have had intense eye contact with this person.

Your kinks are aligned with this person. I see one of you provoking the other on purpose. Sexual tension is high. One or both of you like it rough — maybe beyond rough. PSA: be safe, obtain clear consent, use a safe word, use common sense.

Very punishing energy though. Like a Dom and a sub dynamic. There is trust and affection there.

It could also be a power struggle type of dynamic that you both like, but don’t overtly say it. For the kinkier ones who chose this pile, I see that primal play comes naturally to you both. They will pursue you and take you, you will like it and take it. If you aren’t into this, obviously this portion isn’t into you.

★ Career & Money:

Your job isn’t stable, but not in a bad way — you are perfectly independent. I see you traveling the world and experiencing things you want, but your jobs vary from place to place. You could end up driving an uber or lyft in one place and sell or pawn jewelry in another. That sounded bad? I didn’t mean it to.

Basically, your job could be getting transferred from one place to another. Your job, for some of you, may not be 100% legal, but it pays the bills and you love it. I don’t judge. Do you, babe.

You will be making bank regardless, but you won’t stay in one place. Your job will require you to travel and you will be in the air a lot.

Side note: You will probably also take those paid helicopter rides once in a while and post it on socials. If you’re not on socials, you’re definitely doing it for the experience.

★ Conclusion

Are you … an assassin? Or a real life femme fatale / dom fatale in some way? I’m getting “revenge is a dish best served by me.” Hmm. Just be careful. Obviously, we don’t go around un-aliving people. I still get gangster vibes. You may be drawn to characters like this. The people you link up with might be like this.

You have the grit and metal to get through anything in life now. You are longing for more and finding your purpose.

You seem like a thrill seeker, or this is the phase of your life you’re entering. Bikes, helicopter rides, jets, travel. All the things. Sky diving for some of you? Fun!

Your mentality is like “we all are going to die, so I might as well do it having fun” when doing your activities. Zip-lining in Quebec? Hell yeah. I can see you looking like you’re chill and stoic af, which is giving really fucking cool vibes. Like you could meet God and not be impressed. Anyway, people are gonna find you sexy and cool basically, because you are.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 5. ★

★ Songs

F Myself - Queen Herby. Miracle - Bayside. Lindsxy Mesenburg - Divine. “Supervillain” - Jakobs Castle. Savage - Megan Thee Stallion.

✨ Charms & Astro Dice

Astro Dice*: 3rd House, Aquarius, Neptune, 1st House, Moon, Scorpio. Mercury.*

Charms: White diamond. Pink Rose. Green Star. Cherry Blossom Flower. Butcher’s knife with bl**d splotches. Pale Blue Starfish. Dark Blue Planet with Ring (saturn dupe).

On The Charm Board: i forgot to fill it in for this group…

Skull Dice*: 22, 66, 1, 5, 4.*

★ What Your Haters Think

modern witch tarot. king of wands. eight of wands. seven of wands. 4 of cups.

For some of you, you rejected or have to repeatedly reject / turn away a king of wands. It could be several men with this energy. Passionate suitors are wanting you and you have people being so jealous. They think you should be grateful, but they see you being unimpressed and turning away these sexy suitors.

You have to defend yourself against all of the unimpressive offers, but your haters only see someone who “looks good” or “makes money” and don’t consider whether you’d be happy or loved properly. They don’t see that you are able to see the truth of these potential mates and are so revolted by them. Even if they check every conventional box it means nothing if they aren’t like you — or liked by you in a particular way. They have to be outside the box and as unique as you are, or they have to worship the goddess your are.

If they aren’t grateful for you and to you, you won’t entertain them at all.

This goes for all suitors.

★ What Your Supporters Think

modern witch tarot. two of swords. queen of swords. the devil. the hanged one. king of pentacles. three of pentacles.

Some of your supporters want to work with you. They see you working with others to get what you want. Your supporters see that you are cutting people off in a cold way, but only if you have to. Once you detect the fuckery, you cut them right off. Anyone suffering with attachments or addictions would only bring you down. You are able to see when someone is of two minds and can’t make up their mind about you. You are shutting those people out.

For some of this group, you had a person who was treating you v badly. You kept being strung along. Your supporters wanted you to stand up for yourself. You might come off as bitchy to this person, but this is the kind of cut-off they deserve.

They are cheering for you as you lay this dusty to rest (metaphorically). They know you deserve so much better.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

I’m seeing right away that you’re highly psychic. You are probably very much connected to your intuition. I feel that you used to play it small and sacrifice too much of yourself to others. You weren’t putting your own oxygen mask on first, were you? (I hope you get the reference.) Now, you’re moving into your “celebrating my awesome-self” era. You are more confident in your energy and psychic abilities.

I can see you staring at a phone that’s on vibrate from the tub across the room. Don’t let anyone disturb your peace. You are making damn sure that you get the care and treatment you need.

You are so confident in yourself — you know you’re special! You enter a room and are like “That’s right, I am a unicorn.” And you just glow and look amazing and allow others to stare in wonder.

You are in your princess treatment phase of life and you love it. It suits you. You look as amazing as you feel on the inside.

You are confident to be seen and be spiritual, because you know your gifts are no fluke. You know you are blessed with a connection to the infinite wisdom of our universe, whatever that source may be called.

You are who you are, shamelessly and anyone who doesn’t like it can kick rocks.

You have gained so much confidence in yourself and you’re putting it into practice. You realize that you, unique as you are, belong on the same level as others you looked up to or admired. Even people who may have put you down in some ways.

You see now that you have your place among a certain group, even if you have a different aesthetic. “Taking your place among the greats…” crossed my mind, but I’m not sure what that means to each of the people who will hear this.

You have decided to bring all the personality and all of the colors to your life. You have fully embraced who you are and you’re expressing that on that outside. You’re a leader and a guide to others to embrace their authentic self and do what makes them happy as well.

★ How To Level Up:

I feel that you are naturally inclined in this direction, but you may be playing it too small.

Your psychic abilities and intuition make a much larger impact than you are giving yourself credit for. Give yourself the roses. Get cute, go to the local florist or market, get yourself the flowers.

Stop doing too damn much just because others don’t feel like it. You don’t have to do all the dirty work anymore. You’re not everyone’s maid — unless that is your profession, in which case, you must still make time for romanticizing your own life. Take care of you and prioritize yourself. Be SELFISH.

Set a strong boundary for when you actually do your spiritual practice. You are blessed with gifts that the world around you needs. In fact, be ruthless with your boundaries. Your energy is worth protecting.

You may be too go with the flow or too rigid. Either way, find a balance between what you can be flexible about and what you aren’t willing to be flexible about. You do not ever have to put yourself on the back burner to please another person. Make a task list or schedule that has set times for self care and spirituality. You can choose which activities to do here, but definitely set hard boundaries that protect this energy.

You need to really notice within yourself that you are the sht.* Truly! You’re a literal mythical creature. Not everyone can do the things you do. You don’t need to put your gifts on the back burner or put off working on your spiritual practice and abilities. You’ve done the work no one else was willing to do, you might have even been put in roles where you were doing the dirtiest work and no one was helping you. You were just assigned the role and you accepted it, maybe even took pride in it.

Somehow, something made you realize your true worth. You are your own person and you deserve all the beauty and glamour you want in life. You will get it.

You are protected, so you don’t have to hide anything about your gifts. You are unique, even if others avoid you because of some bullshit judgement against you. Even if they don’t recognize how great you truly are, you know how amazing you are. Despite their judgements against you, you’re owning your abilities and gifts now.

Others have taken you for granted, possibly while not supporting you. Those people will not matter on your journey. They are merely tools for you to use to teach and guide others along the way.

By embracing the truth of who you are, you heal the world a little at a time. 💗

★ House / Home:

Sacred Spaces is what I’m getting. Feng Shui may or may not be a part of making your home as mystical, magical and divine as you are. I’m seeing your divination tools in one area, a clean desk area for studies or work and I’m seeing peachy tones. Gold, peach, light brown wood and white are colors you may be considering or drawn to lately.

Salt lamp? Singing bowls? I feel that you’re investing in your spiritual practice to get healing items. Are you going to be teaching reiki or crystal healing?

When you or others enter this space, you will breathe a sigh of relief. ☺️

This could be a space that is healing to your inner child. If you like plushies or figurines, they will find their way into your home.

You will go here to relax and chill out. It’s your sacred, bright happy little space. And no one bad may enter. No bad intentions whatsoever. <3 You might watch cartoons here and snuggle up in blankets or a cozy chair. You will probably sketch or draw or read books in this space. I see you having your beverage of choice in your hand in a really cute mug. You will probably have one if not fifty special little mugs that make you happy.

This magical sacred space will uplift your spirits and cleanse you of the bs. I see you investing in the prettiest and best smelling cleaning supplies to keep the vibes good here. I see high-end candles too. Aroma therapy is a thing you will be doing, whether intentionally or not.

I just saw someone doing a cord-cutting ritual as well, so you might have a little corner where you do that for people.

★ Relationships:

modern witch tarot. the tower. ace of swords. 3 of pentacles. the magician. 5 of swords.

You will be hurting some feelings and not feeling any type of way about it. Anyone who manipulated or betrayed you in the past or is planning to do it in the future will be cut out, like the rest.

I see you gaining knowledge that someone did betray you and you will be learning this information if you haven’t already. This information causes a foundational shift, which will lead you to better relationships in the future. You will see the manipulation against you, finally, and how everyone had a hand in keeping you in a certain belief system.

If this already happened, allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay. This was a painful situation.

★ Love & Sex:

modern witch tarot. king of pentacles. nine of wands. the three of swords. the hierophant. the wheel of fortune.

Something fated or karmic is going on here. You are healing from something that hurt you and are in your king of pentacles energy. You’re still generous, but less so. You are guarding your finances, assets, heart and so on. You will be more protective moving forward. You may be divorcing or it’s finalized.

You’re putting up new boundaries after the most recent relationship betrayal. You are going to meet your counterpart in time, but for now, vet carefully and do not rush into any relationship. You are practically a mythical, magical creature amongst human beings and we don’t deserve you. You are truly so amazing.

You may be kicking someone to the curb as well, causing them heart break and a sending them into another karmic cycle. Ouch for them, but if they were taking advantage of group 5, then forget that mothafucker.

The people you reject are descending into their childhood wounds. Ouch. That’s the worst thing you could ever do to someone… being a catalyst to their healing. Don’t shy away from this lol.

★ Career & Money:

modern witch tarot. justice. judgement. ace of pentacles. the empress. the lovers.

If some legal thing is going on here, you’re winning. It’s going to be a fair and just outcome, winning you a nice little pay out. You’re gonna be living comfy.

If you need to still file for divorce (and were already planning to), spirit is encouraging you to ask for alimony. That or the financials will grant you something to be grateful for. Especially if you’re getting out of a toxic and abusive marriage.

Otherwise, any legal case you have will go in your favor.

Your finances will be improving due to someone passing judgement and making things fair for you in regards to career. Hell, your company or boss could promote you or something.

With the lovers, you could be meeting someone who will worship you and is going to financially provide for you.

★ Conclusion

This is a mystical and powerful group. You’re incredibly magical and strong. I’m proud of you for standing in your power and letting others react to the way you glow. You really do shine and your energy is missed and craved by those around you. Your energy

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 6. ★

★ Songs

up - cardi b. cult leader - king mala. everybody knows - sigrid.

friends - v. nut quick - glorilla. gangsta - kehlani.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

Astro Dice*: saturn. capricorn. 9th house. leo. moon. 3rd house.*

Charms: birthday hat. shell w/ pearl. heart w moon and stars. angel aura quartz. chunky birb. white star. pink rabbit.

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: heart with moon and stars.

Career / Biz / Money: pink rabbit.

Social Life / Others: empty.

Love / Partnerships: shell w/ pearl. birthday hat. white star.

Advice / Guidance: chunky birb.

Spirit / Self: empty.

Home / Family: empty.

Health / Wellbeing: angel aura quartz.

Skull Dice*: 33. 22. 66. 333. 222. 1.*

★ What Your Haters Think

manara ero oracle: loving and trusting yourself. creative intimacy. the naked self.

Instead of obsessing about your flaws, you are focused on your best traits. You are putting them on full display, maybe even bragging. Your haters see you bragging about these amazing qualities you have. They feel like other people are obsessing over your amazing qualities too.

They feel like you know how amazing you are, you’re bragging about it to others and others agree, then others are showing you off and bragging about it too.

This may even be an accomplishment or maybe you got a new tattoo or piercing? Either way, you are being talked about in a good light and your haters are seething.

You’re not putting your insecurities at the forefront and letting that drive you. You’re focused on a talent or skill or trait you have and running with it. This is a good thing, but it fuels your enemies’ jealousy and self-hatred.

★ What Your Supporters Think

manara ero oracle. belief in your beauty. confidence in the power of healing.

Your supporters have seen a change in you. You find yourself beautiful and anyone who disagrees will get kicked out of your entire life. They love that you’re healing and learning to love you. Anyone who doesn’t see it can get fucked.

They feel like they don’t know this new you, but they want to. Some of them may have been watching you from afar, maybe secret admirers. You may not have been their typical type or you weren’t someone they could talk to without getting ostracized.

They may have felt there was a “taboo” element to you, but regardless of others opinion’s, they were your number one fan. They kept it hush hush though.

If they come back in, know that they got humbled. If they didn’t like you before, they like you now. Something happened and they are in your corner. Nothing could change that now. They stand up for you. They want you in their life, they want you to be in their life. 💗

This person or these people stand up for you now. They have “protector” energy. They see that you came out of this cycle as a whole new person and are fucking happy. They could cry.

Can you forgive their past? Maybe they’re a new person too. Be cautious, of course. They want the best for you in life, even if they can’t be a part of it personally. I want to say they love you, but maybe weren’t able to express it in a healthy way.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

manara ero oracle: the freedom to be yourself. the muse living in my dreams.

modern witch tarot: three of wands. the magician. the moon. the page of wands. queen of wands. the sun.

the citadel oracle: the witch. the runaway. the painter.

I am channeling anger in this reading. I feel like you all are enraged or very angry about some situation.

You are the baddie of the piles. Like, you’re truly becoming a baddie or becoming more of one. You’re learning to be mean to former bullies or troublemakers. You’re going to fuck them up if they try you ever again. They’re too cowardly to try it, so no worries.

Anyone who wants to spin the block might get their ass kicked. They know it and are a little afraid of you. People don’t want to fuck with the new you. They don’t want to catch those hands, the want that smoke. Hard pass for them.

You are leveling up your look. You are more “extra” with the fashion and makeup. Wigs, piercings, tattoos, hair cut and dyed, new fit, new body. New you. On the outside… but really, you’re matching the aesthetic to the inside. Now people can see who you are and always have been, but upgraded.

I’m seeing a “fall time” aesthetic, and alternative kind of fashion. Selfies incoming! You’ll be posting more on socials and your selfie game is on point. Your follows and likes are going up and up and up.

You will be learning your best angles, features, lighting and so on. You will likely receive sponsorship deals or pursue them. You are going places and getting stuff for free. You will be traveling. Road trip with fun pit stops along the way. Zip-lining over some huge chasm in the ground? … Hmm. Giraffe rides? Wine tasting? Anything you find fun and want to do, you’re going to do it.

You are a badass, to be honest. You have no room for kissing anyone’s ass or being anyone’s subordinate. People in those positions are easily triggered by you. You are doing your own thing and will give respect to those who earn it. You’re too authentic to kiss up.

How To Level Up:

manara ero oracle: the flow of inspiration. for better and for worse.

the citadel oracle: the forgotten. the muse. the shepherd.

To level up, you’re going to be putting yourself in the forefront of your life. You will be the top priority. Your own life story may inspire you moving forward. You are becoming the person you want to be. The person you’ve always needed. The person everyone said you couldn’t be.

You are going to inspire others and lead them from afar, of course. I’m getting heavy online stuff for this pile. Getting in shape, working out, eating well … self care basically. You will be showing off your results online. Tiktok, insta, x … wherever you choose to share / be active online the most.

So get back online and glamorize the shit out of everything you can. You don’t need to post everything, but any time you can get a good selfie, try to do so. And good photos of your surroundings as well.

★ House / Home:

modern witch tarot: 6 of swords. 5 of pentacles. 9 of cups. 6 of pentacles. ace of pentacles.

I see you leaving an old situation or living space for a new one. The new one seems to be a fixer-upper so to speak. You will be satisfied with it, even if you are investing in making it better. It will be your sacred, wonderful space. This is your own thing.

You could be kicking some people out or leaving them in a situation where they can’t stay without your help. That’s for them to figure out. If you feel a pang of guilt, don’t you dare. Spirit is helping you along your life journey. If others have treated you badly it’s their karma. If they just don’t understand you or where you’re coming from, that’s for them to deal with. If you are on amicable terms, spirit will help them out in their own time.

As for you, you will be following your intuition and the synchronicities and signs you see along your path. Your new living space will be a place where no one can tell you that you are wrong or you need to live a particular type of way.

No one can tell you shit in your new place, basically. You’re going to be living on your terms and anyone who disagrees can gtfo. You’re going to be showing them the door and happily so.

You are no longer a door mat. Your space. Your life. Your terms.

Maybe you’re a bully in the eyes of others, but so what? You’ll treat them accordingly. You’re entitled to everything you want and tailoring your life exactly to your own liking, no matter who doesn’t like you.

If you got kicked out of your last place or have to depend on others, I’m seeing this is coming to an end. You’re going to be offered a place to stay or receive an opportunity to get a new place, one that you like and is better for you.

You will have enough to support the person you’re worried about, if this applies to your situation, as well as yourself.

If you owe someone money, you’re going to be able to pay them back. This could be someone who helped you out or it will be someone who you owe a loan to or something.

Anyone who kicked you out previously and sat there with a smirk on their face… spirit has a b*tch slap waiting for them. Their little smug ass is going to end up homeless. This is for someone in particular.

You might also travel a lot and invest in an RV or something where you can just get up and go at any time.

★ Relationships:

modern witch tarot: 3 of wands. 10 of cups. Queen of cups. 5 of cups. Strength.

The people who lost out on having you in their lives are going to depressive and crying. They want you in their life, pile 6. They really want you to be around … too bad, so sad. You’re meeting your soul family now. You’ve got your back turned to unappealing offers of friendships, family ties and collaborations. You’re only accepting people who will be good for you.

And they are on the way. You will have your girlfriends who are loyal to you and have compassion for you. Instead of using your or abusing you, these people will be lifting you up. You’re going to have the support you need, even if it’s in an entirely new situation than what you’re used to.

If they don’t celebrate you and your life, they can’t be in your circle, period. You’d do it for them, so they better step up or gtfo. <3

★ Love & Sex:

tarot: 6 of wands. the empress. the 7 of swords. the devil. 10 of pentacles.

For this pile, you all will be secretly hooking up with a sneaky link. They are sexy as Hell, but you’re both keeping this private. To maintain your appearance of being single or the “ideal person” in your family or community.

You will be financed, cherished and cared for. You can take care of yourself, but you may be taking assets of this sneaky link from them… hmm. More like, you’re using your sex appeal to secure your own cushy life.

You will have sexy time with them, sure. But ultimately, you aren’t going for anyone or anything that doesn’t secure your future financially and materially.

You know you can be emotionally fulfilled on your own anyway.

Not a lot of cups, so love may not be your focus. Securing yourself and being well-off on your own sure is though. No matter what it takes.

★ Career & Money:

tarot: ace of swords. death. 6 of pentacles. 10 of cups. 4 of cups.

You will be putting an end to a stagnant situation for yourself. You are going to find emotional fulfillment in this area of life. You aren’t letting anyone tell you what to do or how to do it, either.

Unless you are. Like if you find a sponsor.

I see you following your bliss to make money and, once again, putting yourself and your joy first. Any unappealing job offers or disappointing job offers will be ignored or turned down. You will be doing work where you are equally compensated for the amount of work you put in.

★ Conclusion

I am getting some vibe from this group like you’re into being an escort or sugar baby for wealthy suitors only. I also see that you’re turning a little Machiavellian. I encourage thinking this way at times. Especially when it comes to your well being and quality of life. You’re a badass and embracing the title of “villain” instead of playing it safe.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 7. ★

★ Songs

icognito - bludnymph. crazy woman - cloudy june. i’m bad at life - falling in reverse. stealth - judgement day. kerosene - miranda lambert.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

Astro Dice*: sagittarius. sun. 5th house. libra. sun. 6th house. aquarius. jupiter. 8th house.*

Charms:

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: empty.

Career / Biz / Money: empty.

Social Life / Others: empty.

Love Partnerships: empty.

Advice / Guidance: empty.

Spirit / Self: empty.

Home / Family: empty.

Health / Wellbeing: empty.

Skull Dice*: 33, 555, 11, 333, 6, 5, 3, 2, 1, 66*

★ What Your Haters Think

starspinner tarot. the queen of wands. emperor. the hermit.

Your haters can see that you’ve gone on your own path and are kind of “hermit-ing” yourself away from the world. They realized you disappeared off the face of the planet, but kept stalking your socials for a hint of what you were keeping secret.

The secret was your glow up. You disappeared, got hot and sexy and came back to the scene with a lot more self-control and power. You’re more of a loner now.

You will entertain them, but with a “polite” facade. They won’t have any reason to dis you for the way you’re responding to them, but they can tell you’re completely detached and they mean anything to you.

I randomly drew the page of swords off the top of the deck after shuffling. I feel like they are gossiping about you more now than ever. They cannot deny how gorgeous and hot you are. Jealous.

They may think this was caused by a relationship gone bad or someone who was not good for you.

★ What Your Supporters Think

starspinner tarot. the magician. 3 of cups. queen of wands. 2 of swords. the tower. ace of wands.

You, once again, have people feeling your hotness. They find you extremely attractive. You have a circle of friends who support you as well and more people want to be your friend.

Some of your friends find you incredibly attractive now. Like, your glow up was so shocking it made them get an erection (I’m seeing a group of friends where the nerdy dork girl/boy glows tf up hard and the guys all start pining for them immediately).

They find you incredibly gorgeous.

For the platonic relationships, they want to celebrate your glow up with you. They see that you manifested real physical change.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

starspinner tarot. queen of pentacles. queen of wands. 4 of wands.

★ Self:

You are finally, finally getting back out there after a really time. You may even be apologizing to those who need it most. If you get a chance to apologize to someone, you will take it.

If someone gives you a genuine apology you will appreciate it. If you get a fake ass apology, you’ll just brush it off and say “it’s cool.” You’ll be kind of chill about it. I’m seeing you making right your past wrongs. That’s awesome. I’m inspired by you, Pile 7!

You have a lot to celebrate. Your entire life is all about joy and happiness, celebrating your wins and getting other people back into your life. Relationships worth repairing will be.

Others will be kicked to the curb.

I can’t believe you had a glow up that made you that fucking hot. Others are going to be running from you, but in the best way. You are going to be teaching some players a hard lesson — breaking their hearts instead of them collecting yours. You’re gonna have them

It’s giving major weight loss or new tattoos / piercings … maybe cosmetic procedures. New wardrobe and everything. You have found your new style. You are giving people a run for their money.

You’re going to maintain your newfound hotness, so expect other women to try and get you out of character and to start bullying you in public. It’ll be very obvious that you triggered their insecurities violently.

I see you sitting at a little table and having a beverage like tea or coffee, reading something or watching youtube videos on your phone. Someone walks up with a smug little smirk on their face and starts saying insulting things, but you never look up once or acknowledge their existence. You don’t even adjust your posture. You laugh under your breath, but are entirely comfortable while this person stands there awkwardly until they have to walk away, embarrassed by their own actions. Enjoy the show, Pile 7, your glow up has made you one force to be reckoned with.

I see you having the mentality that “no one is coming to save you.” So you are being your own hero.

Very many people are attracted to you.

You are incredibly powerful too. If you are into magical / occult things, you will be becoming more powerful in that. If not, your presence will be very powerful. Others can feel this in your presence.

I see you not caring to hurt other peoples’ feelings too. You will let men court you, spend money on you and then ruthlessly cut them off. Because they wouldn’t have looked at if you were still heavier, so. No harm, no foul. Let ‘em give you what you deserve. You will be teaching these small-minded suitors to not objectify people like you so much. If they are going to treat you like an object, you might as well let them buy you things and spoil you.

How To Level Up:

You have a determined spirit. You’re going to manifest your desires, by force if necessary. You’re going to be prioritizing yourself.

★ House / Home:

the wild unknown alchemy oracle. chaos (rev). raven’s head. resin. smoke.

starspinner tarot. 2 of pentacles. king of wands. the chariot. ace of wands.

The chaos card appeared reversed. With the smoke card, this indicates clearing out chaotic situations and decluttering. I’m seeing someone cleaning and dusting a big empty room and only putting back what they truly enjoy. Marie Kondo method.

Raven’s head and resin suggest taxidermy to me. Like maybe you’re going to collect dead bugs and hang ‘em up or put them in resin. Maybe you’ll collect animal skeletons and skulls. I do this too! I love taxidermy and find it very cool. I couldn’t tell you why I love those things. They are just so neat. 🕷️

You could also get resin pyramids or something with photos of your loved ones in them.

You’re going to have a little treasure trove of oddities that you enjoy and you’re gonna love it.

I am seeing cat and bird imagery. You will probably have your space set up to be easier for them to navigate. Or you’ll just be getting some new pet supplies or new pets! Yay, new animal friends!

It could be for some of you who have pet birds or cats that passed away, you’ll be having them stuffed so you can keep them close and continue to care for them … just in a different more macabre way now. Very cutesy. Very demure.

Anyway, aside from the neat gothic and “creepy” (not to me, just the aesthetic).

You might away from home or living on the road. Either way, your pets are going with you. I do see a lot of travel for pile 7 in general, but if the rest of this pile isn’t for you, then you’ll just be traveling a lot. Maybe you’ll make-over a bus and live in it? Like a tiny home out of a vehicle type situation.

Living out of a suitcase by choice for some of you.

You may have a hard time deciding whether to put down roots or living alone and free. Part of you wants to do both at different times. Finding a balance between the two isn’t impossible. It’s fine.

You will probably be letting someone else pay for your dwelling, your living situation, while stacking your cash for whenever you feel like leaving.

★ Relationships:

starspinner tarot. the lovers. the 3 of wands. the king of pentacles. 5 of cups. 6 of swords. knight of wands.

You will probably be meeting people who want to take care of you and who offer you stability while you live your life all care-free like. I see that you, personally, aren’t sticking around for a long time. Perhaps during your travels you’ll have flings or trists or what-have-you.

I think you’re really dedicating this time of your life to live creatively and freely. You aren’t getting chained or caged to anyone right now, since you’re on your own path. Any heart ache that arises, you’re back on the road. You aren’t going to be letting the past or sorrow or grief hold you down. You’ll process it for a bit, but then you’re back out there having more fun.

You aren’t letting heartache and missing others stop you from living life to the absolute fullest.

Your frienships might not last very long and you’ll probably have relatives who miss you.

You might be making lots of new LGBTQIA+ besties on the road and during your travels though.

You may have been in a same sex relationship or the two people in it were in their feminine energy. I see you walking right past this person in pursuit of your creativity. You are leaving this person and focusing on you.

★ Love & Sex:

starspinner tarot. the lovers. strength. the star. the tower.

This part is only for some of you: Something unexpected and possibly traumatic happened to you. Despite this, you have the strength to push forward. You are still hopeful and have faith in yourself or that things will work out better next time. For now, you’re on your own journey and are working on making it through the difficult times.

I clarified with some personal cards. I’m seeing that you thought you’d met the one or a trust-worthy partner. They came in like a hero to save the day, offer assistance, but you found out they were just using you. They were a dictator and began to control everything.

For everyone who selected this pile: You’re determined to never ever be controlled again. You are out from under their control, believe me, and you are free. You are doing your own thing and living life on your own terms. You don’t want them anymore and they can’t hurt you. You have complete autonomy over your life.

I don’t see you immediately seeking a new relationship, but rather stability in yourself first. Then, if you meet someone, you’re so open to that.

★ Career & Money:

starspinner tarot. the hierophant. the king of pentacles. temperance. 6 of swords. ace of wands. 9 of pentacles. 6 of pentacles. 5 of pentacles. judgement.

You are financially well off, maybe because of suitors or a trust fund. Maybe you got some money from a lawsuit? I dunno, but I’m assuming you will be vetting your suitors based on whether they can financially provide for you and how you can live your best life. At the same time, you’re going to pursue something creative to have a little money save up.

Maybe you were burned before by being loyal to someone who kept you in poverty, but now you’re running very far away from it. You can make better financial decisions at this point in your life. You are making sure you’re taken care of period. No more poverty, ever. You are taking whatever help you can get, getting your financial independence and moving forward with this mentality.

Things are going to be very good for you.

★ Conclusion

Black cat energy for this pile. You may have some things in common with pile 3 or 4, or have been drawn to those piles. If not, it’s okay. There’s a huge emphasis on personal independence for this group.

You are entering your hot girl era, but you’re going to put in the effort to get it. This means it is change that will last. You get tired of being the old “you” and your old excuses, so you’re putting that version of yourself in a grave. After laying her to rest, you’re going to get your shit together and get back on track.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 8. ★

★ Songs

begin again - taylor swift. hey, soul sister - train. the wanted- chasing the sun. crowded house - don’t dream it’s over. phil collins - another day in paradise. junior senior - move your feet.

★ Charms & Astro Dice

Skull Dice*: 55, 22, 2, 4, 6, 1, 44, 444, 11*

Astro Dice*: Taurus. Jupiter. 8th House. Moon. Aquarius. 9th house. 5th House. 10th House. 6th House. Saturn. Uranus. Cancer. Gemini.*

Charms: astronaut, yellow cuddly chick, bloodied meat cleaver, white star, saturn, pink flamingo, white heart half filled and half empty, red heart, white kitty with huge eyes, pink perfume bottle, pink merkaba / star of david.

On The Charm Board:

Finances / Wealth / Assets / Inheritance: astronaut, yellow cuddly chick

Career / Biz / Money: bloodied meat cleaver.

Social Life / Others: pink perfume bottle, pink merkaba / star of david

Love Partnerships: empty.

Advice / Guidance: red heart, white kitty with huge eyes

Spirit / Self: white heart half filled and half empty.

Home / Family: white star

Health / Wellbeing: saturn, pink flamingo

★ What Your Haters Think

starspinner tarot. the hierophant rev. 9 of pentacles. page of swords. 9 of cups.

manara ero oracle: purity of freedom. pain hidden by luxury. feelings of an awakened heart.

Your haters’ energy is difficult to channel, so I whipped out the tarot cards too. Haters suck, so I’m not trying to embody this energy lol.

They think you’re going home and crying because you’re lonely or they think they broke your heart and destroyed you. You may be heartbroken or grieving, and this could be because of a break up or the loss of someone or something you loved dearly.

But they are incorrect in thinking that you just buy stuff to drown your sorrow and hide behind your luxuries and nice things.

You are poised in public and you are the life of the party — your haters or hater can’t stand this, so they cope by assuming your life is shit behind the scenes. Your supporters have a more accurate view of what you’re doing behind closed doors.

They know you’re free and starting to explore just what freedom means — especially financial freedom — and it is destroying them that you have the opportunity to do this. They want you to stay stuck and stagnant with them. You may have actually had something.

★ What Your Supporters Think

manera ero oracle. purity of purpose. promise of unending love. secrets and discoveries.

Your supporters see how you’re curious about life. They watch from afar and don’t disturb you while you’re doing little things. You may not even notice them watching you. Your supporters love you. Adore you, even. They watch and admire you as you pursue your goals and liven things up.

They love to see you out and about.

They enjoy feeling your warmth. Being in your presence and engaging with you is their greatest pleasure, but seeing you innocently minding your business and doing your own thing like reading or drawing and giggling to yourself? That makes them incredibly happy too.

Your aura and energy could soften the hardest of hearts. At least, they think so. You are just like a small child and others delight in how you go about enjoying life. This makes your haters upset and they won’t acknowledge that you are truly healing to be around.

Your brilliant light irritates their demons. You are genuinely a precious soul. Someone is not going to have access to you anymore and you don’t care. It’s not even a thought in your mind now. You’re on your spiritual path and your guides are making sure you have everything you need and want.

Your haters think you are buying things for yourself and over-indulging to hide that you’re grieving over them. I need to clarify real quick that you genuinely are not a dislike-able or hate-able person. This is, for most of you, one person who has some kind of problem.

Probably because they aren’t on your level anymore, as they are not an energetic match.

💅 Areas of Life That Are Leveling Up

★ Self:

starspinner tarot. 9 of cups. the hermit. death. queen of cups. 5 of cups rev. page of cups.

Pleasure seeking and partying. Not the dangerous kind. You’ll be traveling and just doing anything you can get into. Bongo drums on the beach, random ass dance classes in Italy or whatever. You’re being creative and traveling for it. You’re living for yourself and enjoying your life on your own. 9 of cups, aka wish fulfillment for you is doing whatever brings you personal joy in each moment.

Being creative and explorative is your next glow up. I’m inspired by you! You will be just doing really fun things that you want to do for your inner child or just ‘cause it looks fun.

You are going to indulge in catharsis because, as wonderful as you are, you are going to be incredibly structured. You are highly disciplined in this new era of your life. You carry yourself with grace and poise. You may be learning to do yoga or teaching yoga.

You will have a self-care routine too. This requires discipline as well.

You will be treating your physical vessel as though it is a temple, like it’s a shrine. You will be taking immense care of yourself. You will be close to having the mental discipline of a monk. You will be pouring into yourself after something negative that happened.

Someone may have hurt you horribly, but this is your spiritual journey right now. Your focus is on loving and pouring into yourself. I am seeing someone moving on from grief. You are giving yourself compassion and moving forward into your new life.

This is kind of like a rebirth. There is a highly spiritual element that isn’t overtly spoken or seen, but it is felt by those around you. The peace others feel in your presence is incomparable to anything they’ve felt. It is dense, but it is calm. You will carry this self love and your power with you everywhere you go.

You will do things that make you love life and yourself again. You are healing and nurturing yourself in ways that are exclusive to you.

You’re going to start seeing the magic in everyday life again.

Your social life is going to be okay too. Others can sense that you’re spiritual and the other spiritual people will be interested in getting to know you. You will be making spiritual connections with others.

On another note, you will be finding your signature fragrance or others may inquire about it. You will probably be told that you smell really good. Others may gravitate toward you because of this.

You are transitioning from heart-broken to healed and happy, ready to move on with your life and fill whatever void was left from a recent betrayal or trauma.

🎮 How To Level Up:

Discipline and routine are important to you. You work hard to maintain a good physique. As good as possible, anyway. Saturn is going to reward you for this.

You will be nurturing your inner child. I see you being outside in nature a lot more. Enjoying the grass, the streams and creeks and rivers, the bridges, the trees … just everything. I can see you playing with puppies or feeding stray cats. The weather is so good. Even if it’s bad there’s something to feel and explore and learn about. You’re enjoying every aspect of life again. You aren’t burdened by things that suck the soul out of you.

You are going to enjoy all the small things. All the little details that are often overlooked will become a source of comfort or idle entertainment. You will be glad you remembered how the grooves in the tree bark looked like small valleys and how the veins on the leaves looked like long skinny fingers.

Your attention to detail will be like that of a child again. You will be seeing things with new eyes. You’re not going to let the past hold you back in any capacity. You will realize that it cannot be changed and isn’t worth revisiting. You’re safe now.

★ House / Home:

Your home is going to nourish and nurture your soul.

For those of you who have family, they are going to be such a source of relief for you. They are going to help you out. you can rely on them when you’re in trouble or in pain. A parent, a grandparent, a pet or a child even. Your family is who your heart says it is. There are people around you really do love you.

Oof that made me tear up. I almost sobbed like one time.

Your home is going to be your sanctuary and will be a great source of comfort for you. You may get a special light to make things more calm in your bedroom or anywhere in your home. I think you’ll have a cozy little book nook with a really cute blanket, books on shelves or a small shelf near a window or bed. You will probably have a nice comfy chair or sofa to relax in while you read. You may sit here and journal with a manifestation journal and a cute ink pen. You probably will have a beverage of choice on hand in your favorite mug.

You might have a Brita water filter thing. I can see you “purifying” things in your home, especially things that you consume.

Your home will be your guiding light. In your family unit, you are their north star. You give them hope and make them feel safe. You are the embodiment of the term “Home.” Not just to your family. You make people feel so good and calm, free to talk about whatever brings them joy and happiness. You’re so wholesome I’m about to cry for the third time during your reading.

★ Relationships:

Others will love being around you. They will really enjoy your high vibe. You will be fun to be around and entertaining. You will likely have people throwing their head back laughing or hype them up when they need it. I can see you making others feel so much joy. It feels so good to be in your energy. I could start cry-laughing just being in your energy.

Note: I just thought of the song “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift while I was doing your reading. You’re going to be incredibly healing to others. I can see that other people in your life will likely offer support, even if you don’t see it now. They will uplift you too. But you are the light here. You are so sunny and cheerful. I started crying. You’re going to have people belly-laughing like when they were just kids.

You will be remembered as the person who said the most iconic line with the perfect delivery for years to come. This isn’t just one moment, but many moments like this. You’re going to feel so naturally in your element too.

You bring cheer and happiness to even the most boring or depressing places.

★ Love & Sex:

This is not an area of focus for your glow up. You may already have these things or they simply won’t play a huge part in this next phase of your life. It’s all good. Spirit doesn’t want you to stress about this. Relax. Spirit doesn’t want you to feel deprived of anything ever, but is suggesting to be celibate for a time. Until you’re healed from the most recent heartache and are truly ready with all your body and soul.

★ Career & Money:

There is a brief stint where you’re going to be the villain — ruthless and cunning, ensuring you cut this person / thing out of your life with a crushing blow. This could have been someone who was absolutely doing everything in their power to destroy you. You may have been victimized by someone and you finally have the means to stop it.

You may also be this person, or have been in the past to get your bag and ensure your future is as comfy as you’d like it to be. You don’t have to end people’s careers or be evil, ya know. Innocent people could end up getting crushed under your feet.

I feel like most people who picked this pile are not the bad guy here. But if you are, I suggest making amends if the other party is open to that. If not … just don’t go around destroying people who have done nothing wrong to you.

Scenario 1: You’re going to actually be making a harsh, cut-throat decision and something in this area will be ended permanently. It can be easy to lose your humanity in exchange for status and material gain. I know it is, because I’ve been on that path too. It never leads anywhere good. The higher you climb, the longer you will have to fall.

For this, you will have a financial cushion to fall back on. Some inheritance or assets are coming your way (if you do not already possess them). Regardless, this is a decision that must be made.

Do not carry this energy with you after the cut-off. Just a one and done kind of deal will be enough. You do not have to identify as a monster, cruel evil **shole or anything you don’t want to. Everything will ultimately be okay if you do this.

Scenario 2: I feel that someone may have done this to some of you who selected this pile. There may have been some workplace drama or cruelty where you were victimized. The ten of swords paired with the meat cleaver charm indicates this was the case: you were treated unfairly and it was a huge loss. This may have even been a traumatic betrayal.

Whoever they were will see you in your Empress energy. They will be lost in the dark and all alone. They will have no place on your journey with you and will feel angry. They won’t be able to do anything to you except kick rocks. They tried to take your money, but your spirit team has an inheritance or assets of some sort to give you, if you haven’t got them already.

Regardless, for some of you, something was taken wrongfully in the money department but will be given back.

And for others of you, you have to make a hard decision to cut someone off, but it will unblock your finances. This person or situation is holding you back or hurting you.

And for a small portion of you, you may actually choose to be ruthless needlessly and stomp your way to a cushy life, but spirit is cautioning against this if you have any conscience at all.

★ Conclusion

Your path will still have ups and downs, but you’re prepared for the tough feelings and events that happen in life. You are held by spirit, your spirit guides, the earth, your loved ones, your furry friends and yourself. You are strong and resilient. You have maintained and nurtured your childlike wonder and innocence (not complete innocence, as you are an experienced human being, but fostering your innocent side will be a focus for now).

You will be okay here. <3 Spirit has you, like your light envelopes and nurtures others. You’re so beautiful inside and out. Your soul is incredible.

You are going to be that person who lights up the room because you are so full of light. You pour into yourself and that shows outwardly. You may even physically have a radiance and glow about you.

That's all for this reading! It took me months to finish. Over 2000 words per reading... not bad, right? Anyway, my asks are open! Please send your tarot questions or astrology questions. I'm no pro, but I'd love to interact with people in the tarot and astro community some more.

And foster positive connections as well. ✌️💖

#tarot reading #pac #pick a card

101 notes · View notes

egcdeath · 2 years ago

Text

kith and kin

pairing: joel miller x f!reader (pairing from the soccer parents AU)

summary: your parents finally meet joel in the midst of celebrating your daughter’s birthday.

word count: 8.3k

warnings: brief mention of past abuse, a little tough love from reader’s mom, no use of y/n, cursing, alternate universe: no apocalypse, angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, joel is a little anxious, your daughters are sassy, very lightly edited

author’s note: i’ve had the worst writers block recently, but i love this pairing too much to let them go. feel free to send me any requests!

previous part / series masterlist

Joel paced back and forth in your bedroom, the padded sound of his socks hitting the floor pleasant at first but was becoming a bit of an annoyance by the tenth consecutive minute of the sound of pacing.

Chloe’s birthday was in just a few days and your parents had rented out a cabin on Canyon Lake, inviting you and one of her friends to come along. Seeing as you’d been together for around a year now and that there was no better time than the present, you figured it was probably about time for Joel to meet your parents.

“Joel,” you finally said sternly, zipping up your suitcase and looking up at your partner. “Relax, honey. They’re gonna love you. I mean, they’re gonna have to love you since I love you. That’s how it works, right?” you walked over to him and gently grabbed the bottom of his shirt, pulling him into what you hoped would be a reassuring kiss.

“I don’t know,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against yours. “What if they don’t think I’m good for you?”

“Well, this may be breaking news to you, but we’re not living in the 1700’s. We don’t exactly need my parents’ approval to have a relationship.”

Joel walked away from you, grabbing his own bag from where it laid on the floor. “I know, it’s just… I want them to like me. I don’t want you to have to feel like you needed to choose between me and your family and secretly resent me for years over that.”

“Maybe let’s unpack that last part some other time. But you’re so likable and charming, they’d have to be crazy to not like you.”

“I admire your belief in me, but it’s been well over a decade since I’ve had to meet and woo someone’s parents. What if I’m rusty?”

“Don’t be rusty, just be yourself!” you tried, smiling at your own terrible dad joke.

“Ha, ha,” his laughter was forced and monotone.

“Not the time?” You knew it was bad when Joel didn’t even respond to one of his beloved dad jokes.

“Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. But everything is gonna go great, okay? And if not, you have a few days to make them love you, yeah?”

“You’re right,” he admitted reluctantly, seemingly just wanting to move on from the conversation. “You ready to go?”

“I am. Are you?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

When you arrived at the cabin, your parents were sat on the front porch, seemingly deep in their own conversation before noticing your car pulling up.

Chloe was quick to hop out of the car, excited to see her grandparents. Given that they were practically attached at the hip, Sarah followed close behind Chloe, with the pair receiving hugs from your parents as they greeted the girls.

Still firmly seated in the car, Joel took a deep, yet shaky breath, giving you an idea of just how nervous he was to be meeting your parents. Wanting to give the man a bit of reassurance, you grabbed ahold of his slightly trembling hand and squeezed it hard.

“I promise you have nothing to worry about. You’re gonna have a great time, and my parents are probably gonna love you more than they love me. Got it?” you asked firmly, trying to sound sure of yourself despite the minor nerves you were facing yourself.

“Got it,” Joel parroted, although he didn’t exactly sound sure of himself.

“C’mon,” you beckoned, unstrapping yourself before getting out of the car. After a very subtle moment of reluctance, Joel’s door opened and your partner stepped out of your car as well.

The moment he got out of the car, you grabbed his hand, squeezing it once again as a small demonstration of your support before leading him up to the porch.

The girls were already making their way inside when you finally reached your parents, your mom giving you a tight hug and setting her head on your shoulder.

“It’s been too long,” she declared as she squeezed you for a few more beats, finally pulling away to analyze the man you had brought with you. “And who is this?”

“Mom, Dad, this is Joel. He’s Sarah’s dad,” you stepped back to wrap your arm around Joel, a slightly territorial move to show your parents that whatever you had going on was serious. “He’s also my boyfriend.”

“Nice to meet you, Joel” your mother greeted, shaking Joel’s hand and maintaining a somewhat loaded eye contact with him. She smiled at him, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Your dad didn’t even bother with the pleasantries, giving Joel’s hand a firm squeeze and one solid shake. Both of your parents looked rather skeptical of the man, but you hoped that the stern look you were offering them was warning enough for your parents to behave around your boyfriend.

As everyone left to put away their luggage, you stayed downstairs with your mother, who indicated she wanted to have a separate conversation with you.

“What’s up?” you asked her, crossing your arms over your chest defensively in anticipation of what she might say. Based on that loaded interaction on the porch, you already had a good idea of where this conversation is going.

“Is this the Joel from Chloe’s soccer games?”

Shit. The one time your parents remember the name of someone you disliked just happens to be the one time you bring them home.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you remembered that,” you attempted to casually brush off. “It is.”

“The one you couldn’t stand?” your mother pressed, her brows furrowing as she looked at you with what seemed like disbelief.

“That was a while ago! Before our kids got closer and I got to know him better. And really it wasn’t even like I couldn’t stand him, it was more like he mildly annoyed me and we would argue sometimes. Even then, I kinda just had a crush on him. That’s why I told you guys about him in the first place. Notice how you don’t know the names of anyone else on the team who I don’t like?” you spoke quickly as you attempted to justify what you’d told your parents in the past.

“Stop. Just stop,” your mother rubbed the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. Growing up, you were all too familiar with that move of exasperation. “Why do you keep doing this?”

“Doing… what?” you said meekly, almost scared of what was going to come next.

“Finding men that don’t treat you right. Men who aren’t good for you?”

Oh. So that was what this was about. It was less about Joel, and more about your parents not trusting you to take care of yourself.

One of your biggest fears after exiting your relationship with Nathan laid in the ways that people would treat you after finding out you had stayed in a relationship that was abusive. Sure, there was the sympathy that always came with finding out about someone’s past trauma, but then there was the judgment that came with finding out you stayed. You knew people would question your ability to take care of yourself and your daughter, and you knew people would question your ability to find a significant other who didn’t end up toxic. It shouldn’t have surprised you that your mother was grilling you like this—after all, it was her that you turned to on nights where you had nowhere else to go, bringing your daughter to her home on days where things with Nathan got particularly tough.

“No! No, no, no,” you protested, emotions that had spent far too long simmering on the back burner beginning to come forward. “Joel is the best thing to happen for me in a long time.”

“Honey,” your mom sighed and looked at you with what could only be described as pity. Frankly, it made you want to crawl out of your skin. “You sound just like a teenager again, defending Nathan.”

You nearly had a visceral reaction at the comparison of Joel to Nathan. You just wished your mother could understand that even though she may have heard some of the things you’d been through, that you had lived through those things, and you would never make that kind of mistake again.

“Mom, Joel is nothing like Nathan,” you expressed passionately. “He’s an amazing partner and he may have only been in Chloe’s life for a short bit of time, but he’s a far better father to her than Nathan’s ever been.”

“I want to believe you, and I am going to give him a chance. But just know that things even seem like they might go South, your father and I will be fighting tooth and nail to keep Chloe safe. You’re an adult; you can make your own decisions, but we won’t let her go through something like that again.”

You understood the implication of her statement and frowned. You knew that your parents just wanted the best for you and your daughter, but this whole thing just made you feel like a child. Why were you being punished for being a victim? Did your parents really trust you so little? Little enough to think that you would intentionally put your daughter in harm’s way?

“Okay,” you uttered, defeat evident in your tone. “But there’s nothing to worry about with Joel.”

“I certainly hope so,” your mother said with a sense of finality.

You found yourself sitting by the lake as Joel played with the kids, deep in thought as you pondered the situation. Maybe inviting Joel was a bad idea. Your parents clearly weren’t happy and your partner certainly wasn’t comfortable. At the very least, the girls seemed to be excited to spend some time on a little vacation with the man.

Chloe ran over to you, pulling your attention away from the cyclical motion of the water as it approached and receded over and over again.

“Come look at our sandcastles! They’re really detailed,” she said excitedly, grabbing your hand and attempting to pull you up. Her excitement was contagious, causing you to completely disregard all the negative feelings you’d been stewing in after your conversation with your mother in favor of adopting some of your daughter’s enthusiasm.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming,” you laughed, following your daughter out to the shore as she practically ran all the way over to her creation.

You squat down next to Sarah and set your hand on your brow so you could protect your eyes from the sun as you looked upon the three sandcastles in front of you.

“Well, what do you think?” Sarah asked, her tone just as excited as Chloe’s.

“I am very impressed. Great work, guys,” you expressed, beaming at the people around you.

“But which one is your favorite?” your daughter asked, shooting you a cheeky look that you were becoming all too familiar with.

“They’re all my favorite,” you replied, evaluating the castles.

“Boo,” Sarah jeered, clearly hoping for a better answer. “Which one is your actual favorite?”

“Hmm,” you fake-pondered aloud, bringing your free hand to your chin to make you seem like you were far deeper in thought than you actually were.

“We don’t have all day, mom,” Chloe commented, setting a hand on her hip.

“Hey! Good deliberation takes time,” you replied. Given that everyone was sitting by their own castle, it wasn’t very hard to pick out which one belonged to your boyfriend. Seeing as you were in the mood to mess around, you proudly declared Joel’s castle as your favorite, despite his castle not looking so hot.

“That one,” you said, trying to hide entertainment on your face as you pointed to the least technically impressive castle. Joel’s expression matched yours as he clearly bit back an entertained smirk.

“Whaaat? C’mon, I have a moat!” Chloe gasped, throwing a hand over her heart to show just how offended she was.

“And I have a mermaid! What does his have that ours doesn’t?” Sarah protested as she gestured over at her sand mermaid.

“She’s just biased because they’re in love or whatever,” Chloe scoffed. “Don’t worry, Sare. You’re a winner in my eyes.”

“Aw, stop, I love yours too!” Sarah grinned, going in to hug her friend as the two began to compliment aspects of each other’s sandcastles.

You couldn’t wipe the smile off of your face if you tried. Somehow, being around your little found family always made you feel a bit better. Even if your parents didn’t approve and never came around to Joel, that didn’t change the fact that you genuinely were happy with the man, and even happier with the blended family you’d created.

“Girls!” your mom yelled from inside, drawing all of your attention away from the beach and towards her booming voice. “Lunch is ready!”

“I’ll race you back inside?” Sarah offered. Chloe was off on her feet before she could even respond.

You and Joel took your time getting back to the house, walking slowly as you filled him in on your mother’s one-on-one confrontation with you. Despite the joy in the moment just prior, the reality check of having to deal with your parents had brought both of your moods back down rather quickly.

“I don’t think your parents like me very much,” Joel admitted to you, a hint of shame in his voice.

“I-“ you wanted to lie to him, to at least bring a little comfort to your boyfriend who had been worried sick about your parents not liking him. “It’s not your fault, it’s Nathan’s. They think I… they basically think I have a type. It doesn’t help that they think I used to hate you.”

“Fuck,” Joel exclaimed quietly, looking away from you. “I’m sorry, I just… I want them to like me. I’m already so nervous, I feel like I’m gonna shit a fucking brick. How can I make them like me?”

“Just be yourself, okay? And relax. I’m gonna love you regardless of whether or not my parents like you. Nothing's gonna change because of what my parents think of you. At the end of the day, I’m the one crawling in bed with you, not them. Who cares what they think?”

“I care. Deep down, you care too.”

“Joel, please,” you stopped and grabbed his hands, gently tugging him over to you. “I genuinely do not care. I love you. I love our family. Nothing is going to change that, okay? Nothing.”

Joel looked at you anxiously, his eyes a bit more defeated than usual. The two of you made wordless eye contact, communicating something heartfelt without using one word.

“We’re gonna be okay, regardless of how this weekend turns out. Okay? Just be yourself and my parents will eventually come around. If they don’t, it’s their loss.”

The round table at the patio of the lake house had a shape that in any other setting you wouldn’t even really notice, but only seemed to create more tension in this particular context.

You sat next to Sarah and across from Chloe, who sat next to your mother. It just so happened that Joel and your father were sitting across from each other at the table, and you could already feel the stare down just waiting to happen.

“So Chlo, what are you wishing for for your birthday?” your mom gently asked as your daughter took a bite of her food.

“Hmm,” she hummed as she thought. “I don’t really know. And if I did know, I wouldn’t tell you! Remember, wishes don’t come true if you tell people. But I am very happy to be here with everyone. So maybe my unofficial wish is to have more family time.”

“That is a great wish, Bug,” your dad agreed. Sarah smiled mischievously at the nickname and Chloe threw her a playful glare.

“So how is school going, ladies?” your mom asked them, looking between Sarah and Chloe.

You glanced over at Joel, mostly to make sure that he was doing okay under the pointed gaze of your father. Sweat beaded at his forehead and you weren’t quite sure if it was from the dry heat or from the daggers your dad was currently shooting at him.

Thankfully, your kids seemed to be blissfully unaware of the one-sided war going on at the table. You attempted to reach under the table and grab Joel’s hand, but the odd shape of the table didn’t allow for that. He was on his own for the duration of lunch.

The conversation mostly flowed between your mom, Chloe, and Sarah, with your father occasionally butting in to comment on something. All you could do was sit and watch while your dad grilled your boyfriend with only his eyes, with not one thing you could do about it.

Finally, it seemed like everyone had finished their meals, and that Joel could finally get up and be put out of his misery. But fate didn’t seem to be on his side, as he somehow wasn’t off the hook yet.

“Why don’t you all go try out one of the trails? Joel and I are gonna stay behind and do some dishes,” your dad proposed, making pointed eye contact with your boyfriend.

The girls happily agreed with the plan, excited and oblivious of the fear that had just coursed through yours and Joel’s veins with the idea of him being alone with your father.

“Hold on, ladies. You’re still wearing flip flops. How about you go change into better shoes, then we’ll go explore a trail. Sounds good?” you asked, hoping to buy yourself a moment of time to give Joel a pep talk.

Chloe nodded affirmatively and the two of them headed inside to change. At least you could have one private moment with Joel before he had to face off your father.

You stood up and pushed in your chair before grabbing Joel’s hand and squeezing his slightly shaking palm as hard as you could.

“You’ll be okay. Just relax,” you said under your breath so that your parents wouldn’t notice. “Remember, you can’t say the wrong thing. Even if they despise you, I’ll still love you. Okay?”

“Okay,” Joel agreed, although he didn’t seem completely convinced.

“You got this,” you reiterated, letting go of Joel’s hand as the girls came back outside, talking about some show they’d been watching.

When you glanced away, your father had begun picking up plates, looking at Joel like he expected him to be doing the same. That was your cue to leave.

You mouthed good luck at Joel before your mother ushered you all away. You had no idea how your dad was going to act around your boyfriend, but you certainly hoped for his sake that he wouldn’t be too terrible.

After you and the girls left, Joel and your father picked up the dishes outside in silence, with Joel focusing on finding his composure and maintaining it, and your father being completely unreadable.

Joel politely opened the door for the man, even with his hands filled with plates, cups, and silverware. Your father simply gave Joel a curt nod rather than a verbal thank you.

He followed your father into the kitchen, trailing a few steps behind him before setting down the content of his full arms into the sink. Joel did his best not to overthink this interaction, but it was going to be his first one-on-one with one of your parents, and your father had already spent the past hour giving him a nasty glare.

The following silence was awkward and thick. Almost like those tension filled silences you and Joel had the first few times you were together with stakes that somehow felt even higher.

Joel stood at the sink, silently scrubbing away at a dish, hoping that an awkward silence would be the most of his woes that day, rather than any sort of verbal confrontation.

“You do the dishes often?” your dad asked out of the blue, breaking the awkward silence with an even more awkward question.

“Uh,” he tried not to show how thrown off he was by the question. Maybe if Joel could treat the interaction as less of an interrogation and more of a way for your dad to get to know him a little better, things would be slightly less awkward. “I do. I mean, I’ve been a single dad for almost 13 years. Someone had to wash the dishes, and it wasn’t gonna be Sarah.” Joel chuckled awkwardly, but your father didn’t even crack a smile.

“So if you had a wife, she’d be doing the dishes?”

Joel was once again thrown off, this time by the accusatory tone your father had asked the question with. Joel tried to give the man a bit of grace—your dad was probably trying to get a good read on him, so he would try not to let it get under his skin too much.

“What? No! I-I never said that. We’d probably split our house chores. I mean, that’s what your daughter and I do.”

There. That was a good enough answer. Tell the truth while explaining why him and his daughter were a good pair.

“Oh?” your father began with the raise of a brow, setting down the dish he was working on. “Well, why don’t you have a wife?”

Joel was completely taken aback by the blunt question, but assumed it was fair enough game to ask about. He would probably wonder the same if he were in your father’s shoes.

“Uh, my last long-term partner left shortly after Sarah was born,” he answered quietly, afraid of the judgment that your father may pass upon him, and slightly ashamed to admit what happened in the past.

“Oh,” if Joel wasn’t mistaken, it almost seemed like your father’s tone shifted, as if he wasn’t expecting that answer. “That sounds hard. Do you know why?”

It almost felt like that answer had humanized Joel the slightest bit in your fathers eyes.

“It’s a long story,” Joel dismissed, not particularly wanting to get into all the details at that very moment. “Leaving was better for her mental health.”

“Okay,” your father simply accepted, although Joel had a feeling that answer didn’t quite suffice.

“But things are better now, with your daughter around,” Joel added. “Sarah’s probably happier now than I’ve seen her in a long time. I can’t really speak for Chloe, but based on what I’ve been told, she’s been doing better too. It’s been really nice to finally have another parent around to be able to split duties with. I just wish I’d found your daughter earlier,” Joel gushed, hoping that your father would find his answer pleasing enough.

Your father was unresponsive to Joel’s statement, finishing up the last of the dishes before finally speaking again.

“You talk a lot,” your father said simply, turning off the water flow of the sink and turning to face Joel head on. “I’m not gonna beat around the bush here. I’m glad to hear that things are working well for you two right now. I don’t know how much you know about Nathan. I don’t particularly care how much you know either. What I do care about you knowing is that I will never see my daughter suffer like that again. Understand?”

Joel was taken aback by the abrupt change in tone, and just when he thought tensions between them were easing up. “Y-Yes, yeah I-“

“So if you ever put your hands on my daughter, or raise your voice even an octave higher than it needs to be at her, there will be hell to pay. Get it?”

“I do, uh, I get it,” Joel wasn’t even completely sure how he was supposed to be reacting to this sudden rant.

“I want you to say it. You’re not going to mistreat my daughter, and you’re not ever going to lay a finger on her. And god help you if you do anything to Chloe.”

“I swear. I swear I’ll never hurt your daughter or your granddaughter ever,” Joel’s words were rushed, and he swore he could hear his rushed heartbeat in his own ears. The sudden confrontation being jarring was an understatement, but he supposed that’s how your father intended it to be.

“Good. I’m going to hold you to that,” was all that your father said as turned to dry his hands off on a towel. “Thanks for helping with dishes.”

“No problem, sir,” Joel choked out, like his heart wasn’t still in his throat. He took that as an indication that he was dismissed, and he set down the things in his hand before walking back outside and heading straight to the lake—far away from your father.

As you were heading back from your hike, you were surprised to run into Joel. He looked slightly disheveled, but particularly relieved to see you. The girls seemed just as pleased to see him, talking his ear off all the way back to the lake house. You occasionally glanced over at your mother, trying to get some sort of read on her opinion of Joel, but it didn’t seem to be working.

“So what happened?” you asked as you stepped out of the bathroom, exchanging your towel for the soft pajamas you’d brought with you. “You seemed pretty shaken up after lunch.”

“Your dad just really grilled me,” Joel explained, turning off the lamp on his side of the bed as you flopped onto the mattress next to him.

“My dad can be an ass sometimes. I apologize,” you muttered, curling up beside Joel. “And I apologize for bringing you here. I didn’t know they were gonna be like this.”

“It’s not your fault,” Joel assured, hoping to bring you a little consolation.

“It is, though. I’m the one who suggested that you come. I wasn’t thinking,” you whispered as you set an arm and your head on top of Joel’s torso.

“They were gonna have to meet me eventually. Better now than at the wedding, right?” Joel quipped.

“Right,” you agreed, looking up from where you’d set your head on your partner’s chest. “Hold on, are you proposing to me right now?”

“No, not yet,” Joel began to backtrack.

“Good. You’ll need my parents’ blessing first,” you teased. “Too soon?”

“Maybe a little,” Joel stifled his laugh.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted,” you groaned. “I can’t even imagine how you feel.”

“Also exhausted, mixed with a little bit of defeated,” Joel sighed, looking up at the ceiling. “You meant it when you said you’ll love me even if your family doesn’t, right?”

“Of course!” you exclaimed, sitting up a little so you could make better eye contact with your boyfriend. “Of course I will love you even if they don’t,” you promised.

Joel still didn’t exactly look like he was buying it.

“Joel,” you began, tone stern and serious. “Every day, you make my life so much better. You bring me so many laughs and smiles, you’re always there when I need to rant, and you’re the most reliable person ever when it comes to parenting shit. You’re probably the best thing that’s happened to me since Chloe was born. So yes, it would be great if my parents loved you as much as I do. But until they figure that out, I could care less about their opinions.”

That answer finally seemed to resolve some of the insecurity Joel was feeling around wanting to impress your parents, as he didn’t bring it back up for the rest of the night.

It was far too early to be awake, but Joel was having a hard time sleeping. Sure, you peacefully snoozed next to him, and of course Joel was comforted by your sleeping presence, but despite the pep talk you gave him, the knowledge that your parents disliked him and that all of his fears had come to light weren’t allowing him to rest very well.

With not much else to do and an arm that was quickly falling asleep (thanks to your cuddling), Joel snuck out of bed and down the stairs. Maybe he could catch the sunrise on the lakefront.

As he made his way to the patio, he heard a few sounds coming from the kitchen, and went to investigate. He was surprised to find your mother already walking around the kitchen, seemingly making a coffee for herself.

“Morning,” Joel greeted, voice raspy as he announced his presence.

Your mom turned around and offered him a pressed smile. She clearly was not expecting visitors this early in the morning.

“Morning,” she repeated. “Would you like some coffee?”

“That would be great,” Joel smiled, sitting down at the kitchen table while your mother worked on putting together another mug.

“You an early riser?” your mom asked Joel, bringing a mug and some creamer over to him.

“Thank you. And no, not really. Your daughter and I usually trade off on who’s gonna wake up early and get the kids ready for school while the other gets to sleep in. I just couldn’t sleep all that well today,” Joel shrugged as he prepared his coffee just the way he liked it.

“That’s sweet,” she hummed, taking a sip from her drink.

Joel sipped his coffee as well, and found himself surprised at the quality of the drink. “This is really good,” he acknowledged. “Is this a pour-over?”

“It is! How did you know?” your mother sounded quite excited that you were able to identify any way of brewing coffee, let alone identifying how his drink was made from just one sip.

“I can taste the difference,” Joel explained.

“See! That’s what I’ve been telling my husband.”

“I also may or may not have seen your dripper. But from one coffee connoisseur to another, this is amazing coffee. I’ve always said a pour-over gets you the best flavor.”

“I completely agree! These new, fancy drip machines just don’t do coffee justice. Keurigs, Nespressos, they’re all hunks of junk to me.”

“Well someone gifted me a Nespresso for Valentine’s Day after seeing my dripper and calling it prehistoric. I use it, of course, but it doesn’t compare.”

“Since it was a gift, I can forgive that,” your mother laughed, taking a hearty sip. “Do you ever grind your own beans?”

“When I can,” Joel replied, thinking about the fresh bag of beans he had sitting on the counter back home.

“Ah! Good boy,” your mother exclaimed, clearly pleased with Joel’s answers. “You do any other special things in the kitchen?”

“Eh, not particularly. I do enjoy being in the kitchen, though. I mean, being a single parent, I didn’t really have many options but to learn how to cook since I didn’t have anyone else to carry me in that area. I will say, we’ve been baking more often. Turns out, I can make a pretty mean focaccia.”

“Baking? With my daughter? You sure you’re talking about the one upstairs? I swear I’ve been trying to get her to bake for years and she just… hates it! What’s your secret?”

“I don’t know. The honeymoon phase, maybe?”

Your mom laughed aloud at Joel’s joke. He had to hold himself back from beaming with pride. He could barely speak to this woman the day before, and now he was making her laugh?

“Whatever it is, bring some over next time. I need to be the judge of this ‘mean focaccia’.”

Next time? Thank god for not being able to sleep.

“Of course!” Joel said with what may have been a little too much enthusiasm. He sipped some coffee from his mug while he thought about something else to say to fill up the silence, but your mother began to speak once again.

“So Joel, I want to know more about you. Other than the fact that you raised an adorable kid, like coffee a lot, and used to argue with my daughter during the soccer season.”

“She told you about that?” Joel asked, unsure of how to react. He wanted to laugh at the fact that you’d shared that with your parents, either before your relationship began or recently as some sort of fun fact, but he was still walking on eggshells around your parents.

“Yeah,” your mom acknowledged. It almost seemed as if she wanted to be casual about it, but also was curious for a bit more context.

“It was a long time ago,” Joel explained as if he could make it better. “It was never anything serious.”

“Well, how did you go from arguing every week to… this?”

“After the girls became friends, they kept setting us up to do things together. After that, things progressed pretty naturally. I think we just clicked. Realized we’re a good team and like each other’s company. I mean, I really love her and Chloe. I’m really happy with our little family.”

“Family?” your mom questioned with raised brows and a tilt of her head.

Joel wondered if he’d said the wrong thing or overstepped some sort of boundary. “I mean, I guess. I would say we… function as a family?”

“So there’s no secret engagement or secret wedding I need to know about,” your mother probed.

“No! Not at all,” Joel confirmed, hoping to quell some of the concern that had seemed to find itself on her face.

“And you didn’t come here to get a blessing for an engagement?” she implored.

“No! This is only my first time meeting you guys. I mean, I’m more worried about making a good impression than getting your approval on our potential marriage. Besides, I’m not really sure she’s interested in marriage after…”

Your mother nodded as Joel trailed off, not needing him to finish his sentence to understand where he was going.

“How much has she told you about Nathan?” she queried, seeming to be even more curious about this question than she was about some of the previous questions.

“Bits and pieces. Some things I’ve inferred,” Joel answered.

“Yeah. It was pretty bad for her and Chlo,” your mother simply stated. “Maybe we’ll talk about it some other time. It might help you understand why my husband and I have been the way that we’ve been towards you.”

“No, I get it. If anyone I loved had to go through those things—let alone my daughter, I would react the same way. I’d probably be worse,” Joel stiffly chuckled into his drink. For a moment, Joel thought about punching Nathan. The perfect cathartic moment for hurting and harassing the woman he loves. He’d do it again. And he’d do it to any person who even attempted to hurt you, Sarah, or Chloe.

“I just want to wrap her up in bubble wrap,” your mother admitted. “I never want her to be hurt again, and I know it isn’t possible, but I just want to be so sure that she’ll never be hurt in that way again. I apologize for being hostile, but you understand, right?”

“Of course I do,” Joel said earnestly. “And if it’s any consolation, I would never, ever do anything to intentionally hurt her. I know what it’s like to have a wall built around your heart and to swear that you’ll never let anyone in again. Your daughter let me in, and I’d never want her to regret that.”

Your mom seemed to think for a moment, getting up and setting her mug in the sink before sitting back down across from Joel.

“Either you’re really manipulative, or you really love her. I’m gonna hope for all of our sakes it’s the latter.”

“I can guarantee that it is.”

“I’m gonna believe you. But only because I want to try that focaccia.” Though your mom stated that with the cadence of a joke, Joel couldn’t help but feel that there was some hint of truth behind her words. Sure, this conversation hadn’t fixed everything, but it seemed like she trusted him just a bit more.

You crept down the stairs, clearly trying to be quiet, but failing at doing so. You approached the kitchen and yawned aloud, attempting to alert Joel and your mother of your presence.

“Good morning,” you greeted the pair. “You better not be interrogating my boyfriend,” you told your mom as you sat down next to the man of the hour.

“Nothing of the sort. We were just talking about baking. Why didn’t you tell me you bake now? And why haven’t you baked with me?”

“I guess I just didn’t have the right pastry chef,” you chimed, stealing Joel’s mug and taking a sip of his coffee. “Did Joel tell you that we’ve been working our way up to sourdough? I just ordered some starter the other day.”

“Oh wow. You’re like a completely different person. I don’t even know you anymore.”

“Sorry,” you apologized insincerely.

“Does this mean you’ll start baking with me when you come home?”

“Sorry mom. I’m loyal to my pastry chef. Has he told you about his focaccia? It’s really good. We’ll bring it next time you invite us over.”

You pulled your chair a little closer to Joel’s and held his hand under the table, a simple reassurance that you were there, and you weren’t going to let your parents treat him any way he didn’t deserve to be treated.

“You are breaking my heart,” your mom said, clutching her chest jokingly. “Although you mended it when you mentioned bringing bread.”

Luckily, it seemed like this day had started off far better for everyone—but particularly your boyfriend and mother. The two of them were getting along swimmingly, working together to whip up breakfast, carrying the conversation throughout the meal, and even going on to converse while the girls played at the beach.

If nothing else, you were glad that Joel was growing on your mother. You still couldn’t really get a read on your father’s opinion of your boyfriend, but hopefully with your mom now on his side, she would be able to talk some sense into your father.

It just so happened that your parents had planned to set up a few things around the house in preparation for the birthday festivities for the following day, and your mother had somehow managed to talk Joel into helping them out with their preparation. Since your boyfriend would be setting up, you were tasked with distracting the girls with a day out on the town, leaving your boyfriend alone in the lake house with your parents.

As things seemed to be going well between your mother and Joel at the very least, you at least weren’t too worried about your parents shredding your partner to bits while you pampered the girls and took them shopping.

Despite this fact, you still checked in with your partner multiple times throughout the day, getting updates about things he was doing with your parents, or any particularly interesting conversations they’d had during the day. For the most part, things seemed to be going well, but as the evening began to come in, you began to hear less and less from Joel, making you the slightest bit worried.

Once you got back to the lake house, you were pleasantly surprised to hear the sound of laughter coming from the back patio, paired with the familiar scent of a bonfire. The girls seemed more than pleased to go straight to the backyard, walking off far ahead of you.

By the time you reached the patio, Sarah and Chloe had already found spots to sit around the fire, and Joel was tossing some more firewood into the pit while seemingly laughing at a conversation going on between himself and your father. Although you couldn’t have seen the evening going this way when you initially came the previous morning, you couldn’t have been happier that everyone seemed to be getting along.

You found your own seat by the fire and Joel came back to sit next to you as your mother began to ask the girls a few questions about their day.

After getting as comfortable as you could on what was essentially a rock turned into a bench and leaning onto your partner, you and Joel quietly roasted marshmallows as your daughters excitedly chatted away, just happy to be able to sit and relax after a busy day. You were curious to hear all that occurred between Joel and your parents while you were away that had made them open up to each other more, but you could certainly wait.

“So girls, what was the highlight of your day?” your mom asked, turning to face your daughters.

“We had really nice manicures. The woman who did my nails was so much better than mom is. No offense, mom.”

“None taken,” you laughed at your daughter’s blunt statement.

“If it makes you feel better, you can’t be any worse than my dad,” Sarah offered, only contributing to your laughter.

“You’re probably right,” you agreed, playfully nudging Joel.

“I thought we understood that anything regarding my artistic ability is a soft spot?” he attempted to defend himself, but it was already too late.

“Sorry, Joel,” your daughter giggled, encouraging Sarah to giggle along with her.

“I also really liked our manicures, but we went to this really cute café with really good pastries and drinks!” Sarah exclaimed, gratefully accepting the slightly burnt—and just the way she likes it—s’more that you passed her.

“We only got decaf drinks, don’t worry,” you explained as you watched Joel hand Chloe a s’more of her own. “But everything was really good.”

“You would know, since you tried everything,” Chloe teased.

“Thirteen-year-old Chloe is even more sassy than before,” you teased right back. “It’s called the mom tax. Since I was your chauffeur all day, I got to steal a little nibble of your pastries. I think that’s fair.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Sarah added in, grinning mischievously at you.

“I would probably do the same,” Joel interjected, coming to your defense.

“See? This is why I keep you around,” you squeezed his arm and grinned up at your partner.

“Ugh, you guys are always being so gross,” Chloe laughed. “Do you see what we have to put up with?” Chloe directed at her grandparents.

“You know, one day you’ll find someone that you want to be gross with too,” your mother explained.

“No way,” your daughter giggled, standing up and stretching. “Do you wanna go get ready for bed, Sare?”

“Sure!” she said cheerily, popping up and heading inside with her friend.

“Seems like they had a good day,” your father commented once the pair were gone.

“I think so. I hope so. Chlo was pretty bummed when she found out her dad was going to be out of town during her birthday, but I’m pretty sure this has made up for it. Thank you for putting this all together,” you acknowledged.

“Of course! Anything for our girls,” your mom said, smiling softly at you as she reached out to put a hand on your knee.

“Well what did you guys get up to while we were gone?” you asked, hoping to get a little insight into what you missed while you were gone.

“Joel and I did some baking, then he helped your father put together some decorations. Speaking of which, you’re gonna have to help me put up some final touches before the big day.”

“Of course,” you agreed, happy to do anything that would make your daughter’s special day more special.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I can finish up and help you with whatever needs to be done,” Joel offered.

“You’ve already worked so much today, Joel. We couldn’t possibly ask you to do anything else,” your mother practically gushed. Joel seemed like he was going to protest, opening his mouth before your mother cut him off. “I insist.”

You couldn’t believe that just the previous morning your mother was lecturing you over this man.

“Well, I’m not gonna argue with that. But if you need any help at all, I am more than willing to be there,” Joel reiterated.

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary,” your mom stretched her arms behind her head and yawned. “I’m getting a little tired. Would you like to go set up now?”

You were getting the feeling that the question was less of a question and more of a direction, but you agreed regardless, pressing a kiss to Joel’s cheek before you went back inside with your mom to help set up the last few things for Chloe’s birthday.

Setting things up was about as eventful as you thought it might be, other than the absolute raving your mom was doing over your partner, and the occasional sound of muffled laughter coming from the patio.

“I’m starting to think you like my boyfriend more than you like me,” you commented offhandedly as you tied off a balloon.

“Oh I do,” your mother agreed. “You think I’m bad? You should see your father. Yesterday he was so wary of Joel, but today those two have just been giggling and bonding all day. I should’ve known it was a wrap after your boyfriend made a stupid dad joke,” she glanced over at the glass door leading to the backyard.

“So what changed his mind?” you asked, setting down the balloon. “What changed yours?”

“After talking to him for a while, it was just very obvious how much he loves you and the girls. He also just happens to be a very likable guy. I don’t know how you ever managed to hate him before.”

“I already told you, it was like we were flirt-arguing!” you insisted.

“I know, I’m just teasing. I’ll still be a little cautious, but he seems like a good guy. Now, after he and your dad got over their little awkward thing, they absolutely hit it off. Just started bonding over everything under the sun. Their love of guitar, their love of DIY projects, their love of you…”

You smiled to yourself as you listened to your mom. It was great news that Joel had been able to bond with your parents, despite whatever feelings they’d had towards him previously.

“That’s good to hear. I’m happy you both finally came to your senses. He was worried sick about you guys not liking him.”

“Well, he’s got nothing to worry about now,” your mom flashed you a smile that matched yours as she finished off the balloons. “I think that’s all we needed to do. I’ll wake you up in the morning if I need any extra hands then.”

“Please don’t,” you groaned, pulling yourself out of your chair and glancing back over at the back door, where Joel and your father still seemed to be having a great time. When you looked back over, your mother was approaching you with open arms.

“I’m sorry, honey. I know you’ve already been through so much, and you wouldn’t purposely put yourself through that again,” she began as she embraced you. The apology was like music to your ears. You just hoped that Joel had also received some form of apology from your parents, as he was the one receiving the majority of the pushback. “I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you for leaving Nathan, and I’m proud of you for focusing on yourself, and I’m proud of you for finding someone good for you when you were finally ready.”

“I love you. I’m pretty fond of your boyfriend, too. Goodnight,” your mother bid you farewell, and you couldn’t even think of a proper response before she was already going up the stairs. You had much to process tonight.

Long after you’d fallen asleep, you woke up to the feeling of the mattress shifting its weight. When you turned over onto your side to see what the disturbance was, you just barely made out your partner in the dark.

“It’s just me,” Joel whispered as he settled in bed next to you. Like you were a magnet, you found yourself clinging onto him almost automatically.

“Hi,” you mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

“Hi,” he repeated, settling his arm on your hip.

“How was today?” you asked, nudging Joel over enough for him to be on his side so that you could spoon him.

“Really good, I think. I think your parents kinda like me now,” he yawned, relaxing into your touch as you held him.

“Kinda?” you muttered sleepily. “What did I tell you? They’d come around eventually.”

“You were right. I should’ve listened earlier,” he confessed as he fell into a more and more relaxed state.

“Maybe. I could care less about their opinion of you. That’s what I wish you listened to earlier,” you explained. “But I am happy that they like you so much.”

You were up bright and early to put the last little finishing touches on Chloe’s birthday decorations. You and your father taped up a few ‘happy birthday’ signs, while your mother and Joel worked on decorating Chloe’s birthday cake. Not much longer after you came downstairs, Sarah found herself downstairs helping to put her own creative spin on the cake as well.

After some discussion of when it would be acceptable to wake up Chloe, you all headed upstairs to her room to wish her a happy birthday.

As her door opened and everyone began to sing slightly off-key rendition of ‘Happy Birthday,’ Chloe slowly began to sit up as she grew more and more awake before she broke into a fit of slightly embarrassed laughter.

It was quite the scene, and probably not the most ideal wake-up call, but your daughter grinned and expressed her gratitude regardless, getting out of bed so she could attempt to pull everyone into a big group hug.

“Ugh, I love you guys so much,” she sighed fondly. “How did I get the best family ever?”

You were starting to wonder the same yourself.

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