#mosquito incense

[kojiiwata]

Traditional Japanese summer scene. Old tatami mat with mosquito repellent incense and morning light. 懐かしい感じの夏のイメージです。

© KOJI IWATA

[runbugzcompany]

A Comprehensive Guide to Herbal Mosquito Sticks

Mosquitoes are not just annoying; they can also pose significant health risks due to the diseases they transmit, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. While conventional mosquito repellents like mosquito repellents sprays and mosquito repellents coils are commonly used, herbal mosquito sticks have emerged as a natural and eco-friendly alternative. These sticks utilize the power of natural ingredients to repel mosquitoes effectively, making them a popular choice for those seeking a safer, chemical-free option. This article explores what herbal mosquito sticks are, how they work, their benefits, and tips for using them effectively.

What Are Herbal Mosquito Sticks?

Herbal mosquito sticks, also known as mosquito repellent incense sticks, are made from natural ingredients such as citronella, neem, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and other essential oils known for their mosquito repelling properties. These sticks are typically made by blending these herbs and oils with a natural binder, which is then shaped into a stick form that can be burned. When lit, the sticks release a pleasant, aromatic smoke that helps repel mosquitoes, providing a protective barrier around the area.

How Do Herbal Mosquito Sticks Work?

Benefits of Herbal Mosquito Sticks:

Natural and Chemical-Free: One of the primary advantages of herbal mosquito sticks is that they are made from natural ingredients, free from synthetic chemicals like DEET. This makes them a healthier alternative, particularly for families with children, pets, or individuals sensitive to chemical repellents.

Eco-Friendly: Herbal mosquito sticks are made from biodegradable materials and natural plant extracts, making them environmentally friendly. Unlike chemical sprays that can harm the ecosystem, herbal sticks break down naturally and do not contribute to pollution, making them a sustainable choice.

Pleasant Aroma: Unlike traditional mosquito coils or chemical sprays that often have a strong, unpleasant odor, herbal mosquito sticks emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the ambiance of your space. Scents like citronella, lemongrass, and lavender can also provide aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation while keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Ease of Use: Herbal mosquito sticks are easy to use — simply light the stick and let it burn in a well-ventilated area. They are ideal for outdoor settings such as gardens, patios, balconies, or camping trips, providing protection without the need for reapplication like sprays or lotions.

Cost-Effective: Herbal mosquito sticks are an affordable mosquito repellent option, often costing less than many chemical alternatives. Their long-lasting burn time ensures that you get extended protection without frequent replacements, making them a cost-effective solution for mosquito control.

Versatile Application: These sticks can be used in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, making them versatile. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing in your living room, herbal mosquito sticks provide adaptable protection against mosquitoes.

Tips for Using Herbal Mosquito Sticks Effectively:

Proper Placement: Position the sticks in areas where mosquitoes are most likely to gather, such as near doors, windows, or outdoor seating areas. For best results, place multiple sticks around the perimeter of the area to create a barrier.

Use in Well-Ventilated Areas: While herbal mosquito sticks are made from natural ingredients, it’s still important to use them in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhaling excessive smoke.

Keep Away from Flammable Materials: Always place burning sticks on a heat-resistant surface and away from flammable objects to prevent any fire hazards.

Monitor While in Use: Never leave burning sticks unattended, especially around children or pets, to ensure safety.

Conclusion: Herbal mosquito sticks offer a natural, effective, and eco-friendly way to protect against mosquitoes. By harnessing the power of essential oils and herbs, these sticks provide a pleasant alternative to chemical repellents, making them a great choice for anyone looking to keep their space mosquito-free. Whether you’re at home, camping, or enjoying a meal outdoors, herbal mosquito sticks are a reliable and convenient solution for mosquito control.

Original Source: mosquito repellent sticks

[bearbench-img]

カトリセンコウ

蚊取り線香（かとりせんこう）は、蚊やその他の虫を寄せ付けないようにするための防虫用具です。一般的には、巻かれた細長い形状をしており、火をつけて燃焼させることで発生する煙や香りが、蚊や他の害虫を遠ざける効果があります。

蚊取り線香には一般的なものだけでなく、様々な種類や香りが存在します。主成分は通常、パイプ菸の葉や粉末を含む木材パウダー、シトロネラやピレスロイドなどの虫除け成分が配合されています。また、防腐剤や着色料も含まれることがあります。

蚊取り線香はアウトドア活動や夏季において、蚊や虫に悩まされる状況で利用されることが一般的です。一部の蚊取り線香は、特定の香りを楽しむことができるものもあります。

手抜きイラスト集

[bitevibe]

Insects are such a big sign of life to me. Small as fairies and the closest thing to nature spirits you can touch with your hands. Where there's life and things are organic there are insects, wherever there's no insects there's no life. When they walk on me it's because i am alive and so on and so forth

[haridarshanindia]

Hari Darshan Neem and Citronella Incense Sticks: A Natural Solution to Mosquito Problems

Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti is a unique and innovative solution to mosquito problems. It originated in India, a country where traditional practices and natural remedies hold great significance.

The creators of Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti recognized the need for an effective mosquito repellent that was safe for both humans and the environment. This led to the development of a product that combines age-old wisdom with modern technology.

Ingredients

The key to the effectiveness of Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti lies in its carefully selected natural ingredients. It contains a blend of traditional herbs and aromatic substances, including neem, citronella, and camphor. These ingredients have long been known for their mosquito-repelling properties. Neem, for instance, is famous for its natural insect-repelling qualities.

How Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti Works

Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti works by releasing a gentle and pleasant fragrance when lit. This fragrance is a combination of the natural ingredients mentioned earlier. While the scent is pleasing to humans, it is highly repulsive to mosquitoes and other flying insects. As a result, when you burn Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti, you not only create a soothing ambiance but also create a protective barrier against mosquitoes.

Benefits of Mosquito Agarbatti

Natural and Safe: One of the primary advantages of using Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti is that it is made from natural ingredients, making it safe for human use, including children and pets. Unlike chemical mosquito repellents, it does not emit harmful fumes.

Environmentally Friendly: Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti is eco-friendly, as it does not contribute to air pollution or harm the environment. The ingredients used are sustainable and biodegradable.

Aromatic Ambiance: In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, the agarbatti releases a soothing aroma that can enhance the ambiance of your home. It is perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere during meditation or relaxation.

Easy to Use: Using Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti is as simple as lighting a regular incense stick. You can place it indoors or outdoors, making it versatile and convenient.

Long-lasting: Each agarbatti stick burns for an extended period, providing protection against mosquitoes for hours.

Affordable: Compared to other mosquito repellent products, Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti is cost-effective, offering value for money.

Conclusion

Hari Darshan Mosquito Agarbatti is a natural and effective solution to the persistent problem of mosquitoes. With its traditional roots and modern convenience, it has become a popular choice for households looking to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases while enjoying a fragrant and peaceful environment.

Source: https://www.haridarshan.com/

[phoolofficial]

Need a natural Mosquito Repellent?

Too many mosquitoes?

Citronella Incense Sticks can work as a natural mosquito repellent.

Burning Citronella Incense Sticks can help keep bugs and mosquitoes away from your space.

Get you Agarbatti from Phool today!

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

As mosquito season is starting, how about the skeletons with an S/O with bad reactions to mosquitoes, yet mosquitoes love them. 🥲

The skellie sees their S/O covered in big bandages on their hands and arms and such, and the S/O has to explain that it’s to cover mosquito bites so they don’t absentmindedly scratch at them. They try incense, mosquito repellent, and a screen over the window but they still somehow get into their room. If they take the bandages off there’s these big swollen red spots all over their skin.

Undertale Sans - He starts digging into his science book to create a formula that will kill these nasty creatures. And somehow, it works. Sans just invented the best mosquito repulsive ever, and you told him that the world would probably want to know that, but, eh, that's too much work. You're in disbelief lol. He could do so many good things for the world if he actually tried to. That's frustrating.

Undertale Papyrus - It's his new obsession. He becomes a ninja and slaps mosquitoes passing by at the speed of light. But also in the middle of the night. It's surprising the first time he goes from deep asleep to jumping on the bed in three seconds.

Underswap Sans - He tries his best to keep the windows closed and even bought a mosquito net to hang above the bed to prevent being bitten. He's sad he can't help more, but it's actually helping so far.

Underswap Papyrus - Well... Welcome in his personal hell. Honey is badly allergic to bug bites as well, so at least you're suffering together. He even mimics you with the bandages now.

Underfell Sans - He's laughing at your misery honestly. That's why he's only bones and that you don't grow a flesh coat. It's not his fault humans are the worst at evolving. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two when you'll mutate in 2000 years or so. You're not sure how to tell him you won't be here in 2000 years.

Underfell Papyrus - He's your knight in shining armor and will protect you from all harm with his mighty fly swat. He's training hard to kill all these nasty beats and even more. Ok, sometimes he gets so invested he actually slaps the thing on your arms, legs, or face at full force, but it's working, right?

Horrortale Sans - He's growling at the mosquitoes like it's supposed to do something. At least, it's warning you there's a mosquito in the room somewhere. But he's not giving more indications of where to find it, so it's actually not really helping. But he's trying.

Horrortale Papyrus - He has a spray against mosquitoes in his pocket for emergencies. Except he often forgets you're smaller than him and sometimes, it happens he sprays you in the face with the mosquito, leaving your eyes burning for hours. He swears he's trying to be careful, and he's so sorry every time it happens. But it still happens though.

Swapfell Sans - Every time you have a button, he's staring at you like some alien laid an egg in your arm or something. He's very suspicious. And he doesn't like it. What if it's contagious? What if you start laying mosquito eggs in his bones? He knows science-fiction and you won't fool him. If a giant mosquito comes out from your stomach, you're on your own, he's not helping.

Swapfell Papyrus - He thought it would be funny to hide mini speakers everywhere in the house playing mosquito noises. You're now paranoid, living in constant fear and your whole body is scratching either you got bitten or not. He's an asshole, but at least he's a entertained asshole.

Fellswap Gold Sans - He can't stop the mosquitoes but he can for sure prevent you from scratching your bites. He slaps your hand every time you're touching the bandages, and if he's too far in the room, he straight-throws his shoes at you. And he has a very good aim. In the most extreme cases, he handcuffs you if you keep touching your arms. He has no limits.

Fellswap Gold Papyrus - He doesn't like this and seeing you scratching your arms all the time is contagious. Now he's scratching his arms too when you're scratching because he feels ghost bug bites. He knows it's impossible since he's made of literal bones, but still, he can't stop his brain from thinking he's under attack too.

[greenwitchcrafts]

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum Verum

Known as: Ceylon cinnamon & sweet bark

Related plants: Cinnamon is a member of the Lauraceae or the laurels. It is a plant family that includes the true laurel and its closest relatives. This family comprises about 2850 known species in about 45 genera worldwide that can include Cinnamomum, bay, sassafras, bay laurel, litsea & cassytha.

Parts used: Inner bark

Habitat & Cultivation: This evergreen tropical tree is native to Sri Lanka, the neighbouring Malabar Coast of India, and Myanmar (Burma) and is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies. this species is found growing from the lowlands up to an altitude of 700 m. C. verum is a hardy species which tolerates a wide range of tropical soils.

Plant type: Perennial

Region: 10-12

Harvest: Give your cinnamon tree two to three years after planting to fully develop. When the bark is brown and the leaves are firm, the plant is ready for harvesting. Carefully Cut away the outer bark until you reach the yellow-orange inner bark then peel away strips of the inner bark until you reach the core of the branch or trunk. Dry the inner bark & let the peeled pieces in a single layer on a window screen or tray. They will curl as they dry until they resemble the cinnamon quills you’re used to.

Growing tips: Make sure the planting site is several feet away from other trees & at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. Cinnamon plants prefer a rich, well-draining soil-A sandy loam will work well & don't do well in waterlogged soils, so don't plant in heavy clay or hardpan soils. They don't do well when temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or in very dry conditions.

Medicinal information: Cinnamomum verum has been reported to have anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Cinnamon oil is also used in dental and pharmaceutical products. Cinnamon leaf oil has been found to be effective in killing mosquito larvae & in some studies the leaf oil is being proposed for use as an insect repellent.

Cautions: Cinnamon usually causes no side effects. But heavy use could irritate your mouth and lips, causing sores. The oil can be a skin irritant & therefore should not be put directly on your skin.

Magickal Properties

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Aesclepius, Aphrodite, Bast, Helios, Mercury, Oshun, Ra & Venus

Magickal uses:

• Add to a spell to speed up action &success

• Burn as an incense to stimulate spiritual powers, increase, psychic ability & awareness

• Wear as an amulet to attract passion into your life

• Hang the sticks or a cinnamon broom above your front door to keep negative energies away

• Keep a cinnamon stick in your wallet to attract financial prosperity

• Mix with your coffee for an easy prosperity spell

• Rub the oil on ritual tools to cleanse them(but please use gloves, cinnamon oil is very strong)

• Substitute the sticks for bones while attempting divination via osteomancy

• Use in a simmer pot for money, cleansing & prosperity spells

• Burn the bark or incense to increase male libido or empower sex magick

• Along side a green candle & basil, cinnamon helps makes a quick & easy money spell

[legallybrunettedotcom]

burning incense to repel mosquitos. and hopefully demons too.

[kebriones]

Socrates: never gets bit by mosquitoes

Alcibiades: mosquitoes LOVE him. He's tried every herb and incense, every trick, even charmed amulets from dubious traveling merchants. Nothing works. Mosquitoes destroy him every summer. He spends a lot of money on soothing ointments so he can at least survive without scratching his skin off.

[liminalwings]

Greenery of the Draconic Persuasion

When you think of dragons and plants associated with them, what’s the first thing you think of? Most likely Dragon’s Blood, but what other plants out there are also associated with dragons? This is more of an overview rather than a suggestion of “use these plants”, because some of them really just… aren’t all pleasant to work with, but still have a fascinating history. 

Dragon’s Blood

Still good to go over the big one we all know. Dracaena is a genus of trees that is noted for having certain members, such as Dracaena draco and Dracaena cinnabari, that bleed a red resin when cut; this resin is referred to as ‘Dragon’s Blood’. The name of this genus comes from the Greek ‘drakaina’, which is the name for a female dragon. It has also been tied to the myth of Heracles, particularly the 11th task and the dragon Ladon, by some interpretations Ladon is the dragon guarding the tree or is the tree; by others, the Dracaena springs from Ladon’s blood when slain. 

Do note, however, that the majority of Dragon’s Blood resin on the market these days comes from a different genus of tree entirely, Calamus dracunculus (formerly Daemonorops draco and Calamus draco), while other genera of trees also exude a red resin that may also be referred to as Dragon’s Blood, all technically having different properties. The tree that was believed to be originally used and written about, Dracaena cinnabari of Socotra, is rated ‘vulnerable’ on its conservation status, while Dracaena draco is listed as ‘endangered’. Calamus draco meanwhile does not seem to be threatened. 

This collective of red resins do have a long history of use in medicine, art, and ritual in various cultures. The most frequent magical uses of the resin are as an incense for protection or cleansing, and dissolved in alcohol as a magical ink. With how many different trees act as a source of ‘dragon’s blood’, it is good to keep in mind that different species may vary in terms of magical/energetic traits, and that the attraction to Dragon’s Blood as a magical component could be considered these days to be more based on symbolism and human-given attributes. 

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus, or “Little Dragon of Artemis”, often referred to as just “dragon” in Swedish and Dutch and, in the past, German; a name that was given for the appearance of its coiled roots, or likening the shape of the leaves to dragon tongues. It is in the same genus as Mugwort, Wormwood, and Sagebrush, and French Tarragon is most frequently used for culinary purposes with a somewhat licorice-like flavor. It was believed, per Pliny the Elder, that Tarragon would ward away dragons and venomous serpents (unproven of course) and could cure snakebite (also unproven). There aren’t many historic magical uses otherwise, though some modern witchcraft practices have given it associations with protection, banishment, and healing. Scientifically, it has been proven effective at repelling insects and as a mosquito larvicidal, effectively combating the spread of malaria through less environmentally-hazardous means. 

Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus, also referred to as ‘toadflax’, ‘dog flower’, ‘dragon flower’. It is so named because of the flower’s appearance, which is likened to a dragon’s snout that opens and closes when squeezed laterally. They come in a wonderful range of colors and, like other dragon-associated plants, are considered to be protective: in Medieval Europe, they were believed to protect from witches and ill magic, and were planted near castle gates or hung above cribs to ward off evil spirits. They were also used as a charm against falsehood, and in flower language symbolized ‘truth-telling’. The skull-like seed pods have commonly been worn to protect from curses and other bewitchments. 

Dragon Arum

Dracunculus vulgaris, also referred to as dragon lily, vampire lily, devil’s tongue, and, in its native Greece, drakondia. Like its larger cousin, the Titan arum, it is not a flower most people would be including in a nice bouquet, with respect to its fragrance being like that of rotting meat to attract flies as pollinators. Like Tarragon, not only does it share the same Latin “little dragon” name, it was also believed to ward away serpents(also also unproven), though some sources also claim that it generates serpents (flies attract other critters that snakes eat, so yeah I could see that as a conclusion). It is also one of many in the Arum family that can produce heat (thermogenesis), reaching about 65°F/18°C, which is used to lure flies to the flower for pollination. These unique physical properties can lend themselves to equally interesting potential magical associations. 

Dragon Root/Green Dragon

Arisaema dracontium is a plant native to North America. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans when eaten raw due to the presence of Calcium oxalate. I am including it here only to show the range of dragon-associated plants and do not necessarily advocate its use. Though historically, it has in fact been used as medicine, especially as an abortifacient and to stimulate menstrual flow. 

__

This is by no means an exhaustive list of plants with dragon-inspired names, as can be seen here. But for those wanting to include draconic plants in their practice but can’t afford or can’t find a place to obtain dragon’s blood, or otherwise want to avoid using it, there are comparatively more easily-obtained alternatives at your local stores, such as Tarragon, Dragonfruit, and Snapdragons, or perhaps another native species local to you. Just make sure to do your research and know if cautions must be taken, what the physical attributes are, and if a plant is endangered or not. 

Resources

https://blogs.reading.ac.uk/tropical-biodiversity/2013/03/dracaenaceae-dragons-blood-and-the-language-of-the-birds/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon%27s_blood

https://herbsocietyblog.wordpress.com/2023/07/03/herb-of-the-month-french-tarragon-the-little-dragon-herb/

https://dsps.lib.uiowa.edu/roots/french-tarragon/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8076785/

https://www.gardenguides.com/126335-history-snapdragons.html

https://www.flower.style/stylewatch/discover-the-curious-origins-of-snapdragons-not-to-worry-they-dont-actually-bite

https://www.petalrepublic.com/snapdragon-flower-meaning/

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/44638/pg44638-images.html#page-153

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracunculus_vulgaris

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arisaema_dracontium

https://ebrary.net/28107/environment/snapdragon

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arisaema-dracontium/

https://www.yellowwood.net/post/skunk-jacks-dragons-the-curious-arum-family

[thenon-fictiondays]

Hirano to Kagiura light novel translation 3-2

Chapter 3: Present.

Part 2

Prev || Next

Having put on their sandals and passing through the entryway, they weave their way through the courtyard upon which the veranda looks out. The kids open the bag of fireworks, their chests puffed out in eager anticipation.

Watching them rifle through their stock of firework sets and peel off the tape seals, Kagiura is struck with the profound sense that summer has truly begun.

Up until last year, it had been the job of one of the adults to light the candles and place them around the courtyard, dripping a bit of wax on the ground to fix them in place.

This year, the task falls to Kagiura.

And what had been his job up until last year—filling buckets with water—had been left to one of the elementary-aged cousins. At one point, he’d been the one getting clapped on the shoulder and told, “it’s the most important job you can have when it comes to lighting fireworks,” by…wait, which uncle was it, again?

He lines up three mosquito-repellent incense sticks on the veranda and lights them.

His middle school-aged cousin, who had just arrived this morning, is taking no chances with bites in a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks. He looks as if he’d come for a camping trip.

His older cousin, who’d had a bit of a rest after drinking a glass of beer, is sitting on the veranda supervising.

It’s nice to have Hirano here—a little strange, but Kagiura’s still glad. The earrings he’d given him just the night before shine brilliantly in his earlobes.

He had told everyone at breakfast that it was Hirano’s birthday, so they’d all sung happy birthday while eating their fish.

Kagiura’s aunt had run out to buy him a cake, so Hirano spent the whole time gratefully apologetic, but he’d seemed happy.

The air is thick with the white smoke rising with the burning gunpowder.

Every so often, a large bug comes close to the group, but after a while they stop caring about them, entranced by the beauty of the multicolored fireworks.

When one fades, they light the next.

The fidgety children had been jostling each other for a turn at the fireworks set, but somehow there were no collisions.

When they reach the end of their stash, they divide up the two types of sparklers and compete to see who can make the small, round fireballs last the longest.

“So pretty!”

Who was it who’d voiced that quiet exclamation of amazement?

And once the sparks fall to the ground, suddenly the world is bathed in darkness.

They submerge all the fireworks in the buckets, throw out the garbage, and blow out the candles.

“We can leave clean-up until tomorrow, since it’s dark now.”

The words had come out of Kagiura’s own mouth, but his voice was unrecognizable, almost as if it belonged to a complete stranger. His silhouette seemed to burn out with the light of the fireworks and melt into the night. But the traces yet remain. He wants to stay just like this, immersed in the faint heat coursing through him down to his fingertips.

“We didn’t light enough fireworks, did we?” At the sound of Hirano murmuring those few words, Kagiura is struck with the feeling that if he lets the moment end like this, he’ll regret it.

“Should we go buy a few more, then?”

Having crammed just their wallets into their pockets and told Kagiura’s aunt their destination, they stood in the entryway spraying each other with insect repellant.

“Akira-kuuun, it’s not safe at this time of night, so make sure you bring your cell phone with you!”

The voice at his back was perfectly clear, but Kagiura deliberately ignores it.

When he’s with his relatives, the time seems to go by slower if he leaves his phone alone, even when it’s done charging.

Stuffing his feet into his sandals, he steals a glance to the side at Hirano, who spreads both his hands with an expression of feigned ignorance. He’s not bringing his phone, either.

Like this, they have plausible deniability.

Kagiura’s gait is light with the feeling of being free from the strict curfew of the dorms.

The intermittent street lamps are dim, and the borders between the slim waterways and the road are dangerously indistinct.

The faint hums of bugs they couldn't hear during the day tickle their ears. It almost feels like the end of summer, even though there’s no sign of cooler weather.

But today is only August 1st, Hirano’s birthday.

Summer isn’t over just yet.

“Where are we going, Kagi-kun? A convenience store?”

Walking while engulfed in the warm night air conjures the illusion that they’re spending the summer the same as when they were little kids. 

Leading the way, a little ahead of Hirano, Kagiura slowly nods.

“Yup. That’s where we’re headed.”

No matter how many times he walks down the neighboring streets, the 24-hour supermarket is the closest to their house, and always has a good selection of products. The road to the convenience store is straight, but it takes 20 minutes to get there. If they walk slowly, they can have just a bit more alone time together.

“What should we do if they’re out of fireworks?”

Given the season, that’s not even a possibility, but the words came out of Kagiura’s mouth on their own.

“Buy some ice cream and call it a day?”

Buying snacks for the road is a daily occurrence for Kagiura, but this is the first time he’s heard Hirano suggest such a thing.

“It’s gonna melt by the time we get back home!”

“We can eat it while we walk. We’ll just buy enough for us two.”

“.....Oh, that’s what you meant.”

“What, did you wanna bring something back for your younger cousins?”

“Well, it’s just, my older cousins brought stuff back for me when I was a kid, so I thought maybe that’s what you were suggesting.” 

He doesn’t snack nearly as much when he’s at home, so he has a little extra pocket change and besides, his relatives had given him some spending money—these words are on the tip of his tongue, but Kagiura leaves it at that. Even if their pockets were light, he doubts Hirano would be swayed from the idea.

“Oh, really? Yeah, sounds like a plan.”

“You think so?”

They keep their voices quiet so they don’t echo down the night road, which makes it feel like their bodies are blending in with the darkness. As Kagiura listens to the voice of the person by his side, it feels like they’re on their way to a place much further than the convenience store, and he swallows.

“Ah…you know, your relatives are kinda like you. Even though I just met them, it doesn’t feel that way at all. To be honest, before we got here, I thought, ‘it’s gonna be super awkward if I don’t fit in with them’, but just like you said, I’m glad I came.”

“You’re fitting in just fine, Hirano-san. You’re really good with the younger kids, too.”

“Yeah, ‘cuz I usually live with a young person.”

“Hm? You don’t have younger brothers or sisters, right?”

“I’m talking about you, dumbass.”

“.....Do I really seem that much younger? Am I a handful?”

“You suck at waking yourself up even on days you have morning practice, you tell me you fall asleep in class all the time, and even though you suck at studying you probably wouldn’t even cram before a test if I don’t tell you to.”

Kagiura’s at a loss for words, and his eyes swim.

Hirano had hit the nail on the head, so he doesn’t even have a comeback.

Hirano’s eyes crinkle with affection at Kagiura’s reaction.

“Of course you’re a handful. But I also know that you’re kind, and you give everything your all. I bet this is the first time you’ve gotten a break from club practice all term. The basketball hoop in the courtyard’s obviously well-worn, too. When I heard from everyone that you put your all into practice even when you come home over breaks, I thought, “man, Kagi-kun’s serious about playing basketball,” and I was impressed all over again. Even on a regular basis, if you’ve been working that hard for your club, of course you can’t help but fall asleep in class.”

Kagiura’s body temperature gets one degree warmer for each kind word spoken in Hirano’s soft voice. His silhouette, nearly dissolved in the windless night air, distinctly sharpens, and hot blood swells all the way to his fingertips.

He’s endured days of sorrow and being so tired he wants to complain that ‘working hard for something I want to do is only right’. In this world where results are everything, he’s not doing this just so he’ll be praised for his efforts. He’s also banking on the idea that he can make up for his lack of study skills with things he’s good at.

That’s why, Kagiura’s a little uncertain if it’s okay to show openly how glad he is that Hirano understands his feelings enough to be able to validate him.

He’s always tried too hard to play it cool in front of him, hasn’t it?

But a certain memory flashes into his mind.

At the beginning of May, when he’d just started school, even when he’d uttered his disgraceful feelings of jealousy towards his teammate, Hirano had praised him, hadn’t he?

He knows all too well of the uncontrollable piteousness and impatience that had seemed to line up at the starting mark beside Kagiura’s teammate.

“Thanks, Hirano-san.”

They wait a bit at the traffic light, now running on the nighttime schedule, and cross at the crosswalk, where the traffic lanes increase and the sidewalks get wider. The line of stores facing the large street contains many famous chains.

When they come near the front of the video rental store, emitting dazzlingly bright light, Hirano says “once we’re inside, you’ll have to guide me,” with a laugh. There’s still quite a few cars passing by.

As they start walking side by side, Kagiura’s fingertips, throbbing with his pulse, most definitely brush against Hirano’s hand.

Sucking in a breath, he steals a glance to the side, where the brand new earrings shine in Hirano’s earlobes. The faint sparkle of blue that matches the gentle color of his eyes shines all the more brightly against the night road.

“Hirano-san, those earrings look amazing on you.”

Having chosen them himself, Kagiura is all the more proud, and he grins from ear to ear.

“That’s ‘cause you picked them out.”

He’s right.

The one who is by Hirano’s side the longest—not quite 24/7, but from the time they come home to their dorm until they head out the next day—is none other than Kagiura.

Of course he’s the right person to pick out the perfect pair for him.

*****

Prev || Next

Sorry for another tag so quickly lol but as always thank you to reading list members @jeizet, @jujupanic, @massyworld, @umbreonwolfy, and @acidsuzanne-blog 💗

[eatmangoesnekkid]

Make More Altars of Beauty—I used to do this when I lived in Atlanta and Cali, and yes those of healing mosquito bites from Tuscany. Plus how are you going to be a real life fairy and not be bitten by mosquitoes 🥰🫀🥰

What you don’t see in this video was a child walked up to the altar and talked to, sung to, and played with the flowers then took one. It was so super cute and I was peaking, blushing, and awww-ing. That sweet child.

I used to be a caregiver to a 4 year girl and I had my own cottage house on their property and one day she walked into my house in all her sass unannounced as resins and incenses were burning and the altars lit with candles and screamed a big loud scream “Auntie Indiaaaaa, it looks like a church in hereeee.” It was the most beautiful thing ever. 😅😅😂🌺🌹🌸💐🌻

And the refinement, detail, architecture and deep sense feeling of some churches are supremely beautiful especially those historical ones in places like Italy and GA. I have always wanted to sneak into a church and share the depth of intimacy in it. Omg! Of course no surprise. 😅

I have been secretly making altars of beauty all over the world since I lived in Atlanta back in 2010. I made altars of beauty many spaces and places including Iowa, Cali, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bali, Greece, Costa Rica, Thailand, Italy, Brazil, and of course Amsterdam.

I never tell anyone, not even the Charming Lover💐. I just walk pass the altar and would be like “ooooh look, how pretty.” It was my secret covenant between me and the universe, me and God/dess.

I really want to say More altars of beauty, simple beauty, not the big ball gowns and shiny stuff, please. Our world needs to make contact with the direct power of real beauty. 😘And those mosquito bites from Italy—they will be gone soon🥲. A time was had fairying out —and you can’t be a fairy and not have mosquito bites ha!

I like having this little quiet secret covenant kept tucked 🥹but if 1 person is inspired to make a secret altar of beauty in their neighborhood or environment today, my god, how beautiful.

I know that love is enough to save us. And that the depth of raw beauty is one greatest portals and gateways. As I love to say “where there is beauty, there is God.”

But with love comes the art of war we have to learn to master.

“…but you can be the one to nourish life.”🫀that’s the mastery ooh

[yume4evere]

Kaname's Weakness

 Kaname has at least one weak point?!

~Let's try to find a little secret that would make it even more charming...!

in fact, he would like to be a little more muscular, and eyed Kain longingly. Only Ichijo knows about it.

Tomomi Sekiguchi from Tokyo.

It's true yes, but I think the muscular macho style wouldn't suit Kaname , don't you think? ( Ichijo )

The chocolates Yuki gave him for Saint Xocolatl are so precious that he hides them in a safe place and eats them little by little.

Yamagata Chameleon.

I'm glad to know he keeps my chocolates but I made them for him to eat. ( Yuki )

Let's find Kaname 's weak points ! Well, he doesn't have a musical ear♥.

Ichigo Milk from Fukushima.

I see... That's why the clubhouse president never sings the school anthem. ( Kain )

Yuki 's secret childhood photos taken by Headmaster Kurosu , Kaname always hides one in a book when he reads...

Jyunko Okada from Nara.

You don't need to hide these photos. That's why everyone thinks you're hiding some secret. (The director)

He seeks perfection, that's why. It's a stress factory.

Remember to set the alarm clock an hour before getting up and half an hour before leaving, and...

By the way, did you think of putting the desk down, of course, the groove of the slats on the floor?

No !! I'm almost done with my shampoo stash stash!!

To avoid mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and pants, spray yourself with mosquito repellent and burn insecticidal incense, and always stay with someone who is blood type O...

...etc. There is always something on Kaname's mind . He always looks devastated!!!!

Asuka Waki ​​from Kyoto.

I hope I can help Kaname relax... ( Aido )

He really sucks at cat perched. When Yuki was little, she often played tag, but he was a very bad player so she kept telling him: "You really are the worst tag in the world!!"

Aichi girl.

What ?! I said that to Kaname me?! ( Yuki )

So here it is, Juri forced him to drink 5 liters of milk a day when he was a child. He was traumatized by it. He can't drink a drop anymore.

Reina Eijiri of Hyōgo.

I can drink it, but I drank so much of it when I was little that it's not really my favorite drink. ( Kaname )

No, Kaname has no weak points!! No. ( Ruka and Aido )

"FanBook"

[ourtearsofrain]

Slow It Down (D.R.W/S.F.K)- Chapter 3

Pairings: Danny Wagner x Sam Kiszka

Genre: medium long drabble?, lil angst (it just gets worse from here)

Word Count:  1.6k

Warnings: ouid consumption, Sam’s being a bitch again

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June 23rd, 11:12 AM

Danny’s plan of paying Sam no mind only lasted for about four days as he spent his days with his dad on the golf course and his nights around the Kiszka’s fire pit with everyone but Sam, who always gave some excuse for not joining them, blaming everything from him being tired to the mosquitoes he wanted to “avoid”. Danny was more than happy to keep doing this all summer, the dark cloud that was Sam over everything barely more than a small smudge in his bright blue skies. That was until Jake and Josh decided to stick their grubby little fingers in his business with Sam.

“Oi! Wagner!” Danny can barely hear him over the noise of their ancient lawnmower, but the second it registers in his mind he knew it had to be Jake, the only Kiszka brother that would call him “Wagner” or use the word “Oi” to get anyone’s attention. He stops the mower, looking around his backyard in confusion before seeing Jake’s face pop up above the fence with a grin.

“What’s up?” He wipes the back of his hand on his forehead, the summer sun beating down on him as he shoved the mower around their backyard.

“You look hot.”

Josh’s face pops up next, a foot or two from Jake’s. “Yeah, you do.” He winks at Danny before blowing him a kiss as Jake rolls his eyes next to him.

“It’s almost like I’ve been pushing around a manual lawn mower that’s probably twice my age for an hour and a half.” He quips back.

“Well, when you finish, Josh and I are heading to that old swimming hole we used to go to as kids. You should join us.”

“Yeah, and don’t tell anyone but we’re bringing some of our good shit.” Josh offers him two overly exaggerated winks as he looks around as if he were making sure his words didn’t fall on any prying ears.

Always has to be theatrical, doesn’t he? Danny rolls his eyes with a smile on his face. “Josh, recreational weed has been legal here since late 2018, you don’t have to be all hush-hush about it.”

“Yeah, but mom doesn’t know we smoke weed.” Josh leans towards Danny, more than likely standing precociously close to the edge of the chair he must have been standing on as he whispers.

“Mom knows.”

“Your parents definitely know, Josh.” Jake and Danny speak at the same time, both men trying not to laugh at the expression of surprise painted across Josh’s features.

“What??? How??” He whips his head towards Jake, narrowing his eyes at his twin. “Did you tell her?”

“I didn’t have to.” Josh’s eyebrows furrow until Jake continues. “Remember when we were 16 and you smoked so much you could do nothing but sit on the couch staring at the wall for like four hours?”

“No?”

“Exactly. Mom came in and tried to talk to you, she thought you were asleep with how closed your eyes were. Besides, half the time when I see you, you reek of weed. You’re not exactly keeping it on the downlow.”

Josh looks to Danny for backup, finding none as he offers him a small smile and a shrug. “Yeah, hate to break it to you, but your incense never covers up the smell.”

“My whole life is a lie. My own brothers have been lying to me for years. I don’t know what to believe anymore.” He looks down as he shakes his head, a sullen expression twisting his features.

“Oh my god, if I agree to come with you guys will you stop being so dramatic?”

Josh grins at Danny, happy their pestering had worked in their favor. “Never. See you there.” He hops off the chair without another word, disappearing behind the fence.

“Alright, well we’re gonna head over now, just come join us whenever you finish. Wear a bathing suit or something you don’t mind swimming in.” Jake’s gone before Danny can respond, having jumped off his chair and began to make his way back to his house just as Josh had done.

Danny shakes his head with a smile as he restarts his previous activities, putting more effort into pushing the mower to finish the job faster as the reward of swimming and smoking with the twins circles his mind.

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It had only taken Danny 30 minutes to finish mowing the rest of the yard, his body sore and tired as he gathered the remainder of his energy into getting changed and preparing for the short hike to their swimming hole. No no no no no no, this can’t be the only fucking swim shorts I have. He holds the shorts up, a Rebecca Purple pair with a two-inch inseam, left over from his high school days where he made that risky fashion choice one summer. At least it’s only Jake and Josh who will see them, they’ve seen me in far worse. God, I pray that they still fit.

He pulls them on, finding them only slightly too tight and left with no other choice, he leaves the house praying they would loosen up in the water. He finds the path through the woods quickly, hoping that none of his neighbors would see him dart across the street, his cheeks burning red from more than the light sunburn he had thanks to spending the last few days outside with less sun protection than he should have. The quiet calm of the woods as he walks along the old trail now overgrown with ferns and vines brings him a sense of peace that he hadn’t felt since moving to the city. He closes his eyes for a moment as he walks, the trail engraved into his mind even after all those years, taking a deep breath of the fresh forest air in.

A memory flashes across his mind briefly; of running through these woods as he raced his best friend and his older brothers, only 10 years old and not a care in the world. It was the first day of summer break, with the thought of the next school year pushed to the back of his mind as he splashed around in the water from dawn till dusk, making up games with his favorite people until they had just enough energy to drag themselves back home only to do the exact same thing the next day. But he wasn’t 10 anymore. He was 21. His best friend was now a stranger, and no number of happy thoughts could push away the reminder that this summer had to come to an end at some point.

Just as he begins to scold himself for putting a damper on what was supposed to be a fun day, he breaks through the tree line around the watering hole. It was all the same, just like his room. Every rock, tree, everything. It was as if time had stood still.

A sharp wolf whistle pulls his attention away from his thoughts. “LOOKIN’ GOOD DANNY!” Josh yells across the small clearing from the water, waving at him with a grin as Jake whips his head in Danny’s direction, an identical grin also gracing his features as he pauses the movements of his hands on Danny’s guitar that he had forgotten to return.

“Welcome, Daniel. So fine of you to join us on this lovely day.” Danny laughs at Jake’s formality, just the reaction he had been hoping for.

He barely has a chance to take his shoes and shirt off before Josh is chomping at the bit for company. “Get in the water with me, it’s the perfect temperature and I’m bored. Jake and Sam are too lame to get in.”

Fuck. Sure enough, Danny notices Sam perched on a rock away from his brothers reading, only sparing a quick glance up at him as Danny tests the water temperature with his toes. Is he… blushing? Don’t get your hopes up, it’s just summer, he’s sunburnt. Why would he have reason to blush right now.

“Wanna play mermaids with me, Danny?” Josh provides the perfect distraction from his own thoughts as the man bats his eyelashes at him with a grin.

Danny laughs as he wades into the water, already knee-deep in it. “How old are you, 8?”

“Hey.” Josh starts, pointing a finger seriously in his direction. “You’re never too old to play mermaids. In all seriousness though, we need a rematch for who can do an underwater handstand the longest. Last time you only won because Jake pushed me over.”

Jake’s quick to speak, even as he focuses once again on the guitar in his hands, already strumming away at the strings. “I didn’t, you’re just a sore loser.”

Josh only rolls his eyes, sticking his tongue out silently at his brother before he swims further into the watering hole, the ground far beneath his feet. Danny follows him, swimming close enough to him to be heard in his whisper. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me Sam was going to be here?”

“Would you have come if I did?” Danny says nothing, and Josh looks a little too satisfied at his point proven. “Exactly. Listen, it was Jake’s idea too.”

“Backstabbing bastards.” He mostly means it as a joke, only feeling slightly deceived at the twin’s plan.

“We aren’t trying to get you guys to be friends again, that isn’t what this is. If anything, it’s to torture him with your presence. We’re hoping he’ll get a fucking grip and stop being a mopey little bitch. Pull the stick out of his ass just in time to have some fun with him before- before we have to leave again.”

“Thank you for using me to torture your brother with your sinister plan.” Danny deadpans, but it’s hard to keep the smile from his face as Josh grins at him. “It won’t work though, he’s too stubborn.”

“Only time will tell, Daniel. Only time will tell.”

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