#news flash in some peoples world nobody is innately good

[mourningd0ves]

I hate a bitch who goes into a fandom or themed tag/tags things with that fandom or theme just to criticize and bitch about it? Or call it boring and make people feel guilty about it? Like literally do something better with your life. I don't go in my tags for you to shit all over something that I have a relatability to or connection with. Like you 100% have the right to criticize it and even feel repulsed by it, but Tag your shit anti-(insert theme) and hang out with your own group. This isn't twitter.

[pedaltothemegalodon]

@moraypower

Shiver hadn't felt so unsafe in a long time. First the entire weird world they'd been spirited off to had completely warped into something different, as well as they themselves having changed into some sort of weird ocean monster person. Somehow they innately knew how to change between that form and one that looked more like a human, which seemed to be less suspicious to the people around here, good for laying low while they figured out the whole deal of how to get out of here. They just wanted to wake up from this weird, bad dream and not be alone anymore.

And thus the sea monkey's paw curled a finger in, as within a week's time a very familiar face showed up: their own, trying to fight them and...merge? It's what it looked like, but they weren't going to allow it! Using some of the new weird magic gifts they'd discovered, Shiver managed to beat back their Mist Reaper and escape its clutches. But even as safety was assured, they kept running and running and running like hell. As if somehow it would help them escape.

But they couldn't run forever, certainly not in this human form. Their legs turned to jelly, their breath tore at their throat, and a very uncomfortable wall was their only support as they fell over, sliding down to their knees. Tears began to prick up at the corners of their eyes, blinked back furiously on instinct. As if there was anyone here to see them cry in the first place. But they couldn't help it. It was how they'd cultivated their own behavior. They only ever cried when they were alone, or when the only ones around were Big Man and-

"...Frye?"

They'd brought their attention upward, looking around to make sure there was nobody to see them come so close to shedding tears. Only one other person- a Siren, like themselves, only she wasn't disguised. It was absolutely a form they hadn't seen before, but...the long ears, the way the tentacles atop her head fell...the way she carried herself...as Shiver brought themselves to their feet, the life they'd lived for many years with that fiery Inkling flashed in their mind, focused on cutting right through every skin-deep change. They could see this Siren for who they really were.

"Frye, that...that's you, isn't it? You're really here!!"

[beni-draw-ikemen-please]

Kintsugi ~ Repairing with Gold

Kintsugi ~ Repairing with Gold  ◆ Ikemen Vampire Fanfiction ◆

CHAPTER 3 - TWO SUNS

Words: 4, 596

TW: Angst and Hurt ◆ References to Depression ◆ Mental Instability ◆ Mental Health Issues ◆ Implied/Referenced Suicide ◆ Suicidal Thoughts ◆ Graphic Depictions of Sex/Intercourse ◆ Vaginal Sex/Fingering ◆ Rough Sex ◆ Non-con

Pairings: M/F  Leonardo Da Vinci x Seiya Amanogawa [OC] / Comte de Saint-Germain x Seiya Amanogawa [OC]

Chapter Index [ 1 ]  [ 2 ]  [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ]

                               ━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

A/N: This work of fiction is Canon x OC. For some reason everything is coming to me but I have no idea how to structure this properly, let alone beta >.< But still, if you made it this far, thank you for reading! Here’s chapter 3, fresh from AO3. 

                                             KINTSUGI - CHAPTER 3

                                                         Two Suns

                                      ━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

Seiya couldn’t remember why, but she remembered being fully awake on a Tuesday, 3:32 am and she just hauled herself yet again across the globe. 

A new apartment, a new life, another clean slate. For the fifth, or was it sixth, time in her life. 

She remembered her empty apartment, just outside Amsterdam, barely a futon and any cooking pans in possession. It was cold, but it was a new beginning and new beginnings settled her nerves. It was familiar. 

The moving, the starting -- she accustomed herself to these things, sort of like a reversed coping mechanism. Adjusting and adapting to a new place, a new environment, a whole new country was something she could do without even trying.

She was exhausted. Tired from all the big cities. 

She remembered booking a last-minute flight to Paris, and then visiting the Louvre for the sole reason of finding inspiration. She had been working non stop, and she came to Paris hoping to revive whatever creative soul or confidence she had before the past five years. 

It felt like the crowd never ceased and it took almost all of her strength and willpower to go around the people who were barely looking at the paintings. 

She remembered being exhausted, and securing a bench just outside the Da Vinci hall. 

And she remembered stopping, not particularly minding or observing a piece but stopping to draw something down her notebook. 

And the next thing she knew, the bright museum day turned into a star-lit sky. Darker than what she’s accustomed to, behind widows that stretched as high as the ceilings, wine red curtains framing the peculiar view in sight. A thick dark forest just outside what looked like a giant mansion gate. 

She forgot a whole list of things as the man clad in gold explained the rules and basics of the mansion, and her month-long wait before she could go home. 

It wasn’t particularly different from what she’d experienced before. 

Another place? Another move? Only now, it’s another time. 

Seiya didn’t really remember much, she barely got acquainted with her new apartment, and she wasn’t particularly attached to anything yet after she prepared herself to move and leave everything that’s been established in her life. A career that barely sustained her creativity; wore her energy and self-esteem down. People who only hung around because of her work, or because it was convenient at that exact place, exact time. There were no farewell parties on her behalf. 

It was as if she quietly slipped through the back door, continued to run and run and run until she was on the other side of the world. Not knowing anyone, not receiving any other calls as to why she left, no emergency contact in her wallet. Nobody. Nothing new, really. 

And yet, for the briefest moment, as she focused on him — lush locks of gold that seemed to glow and shine under the masterful lighting of the museum, and the meticulously-placed lamps within the mansion — she saw a man whom she’d hoped to be someone in her life. 

The count smiled at her, careful with his words but never mincing them around her. She felt no threat, no ill intent coming from him, and immediately, she told her heart to settle down. She could  — at least, she really hoped to  — trust this man who called himself Le Comte. Maybe, this was the reason why she followed him that day, in the Louvre. When he chuckled faintly and softly behind her back as she scribbled what she thought would be a fitting portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci himself, all tension that accumulated in her neck and shoulders seemed to melt away at the sound of his voice. 

He complimented her, saying Leonardo himself would approve of the portrait, however silly and childish her scribble looked. He said it was an accurate depiction of him. Seiya didn’t know if he was being honest, or if he was just making fun of her. But she didn’t peg him, a man dressed like a gentleman —an elegant light mohair suit and golden cufflinks — as someone who would go by so casually only to make fun of ladies wandering inside museum halls. But she had to admit, making small talk with him felt pleasant and comforting. Her first conversation in days. 

She wasn’t the type to open up so easily to strangers, let alone, let them peak inside her pocket Moleskine. But something about him, the gold of his eyes, something that reminded her of time, and something forgotten —something old and true and important—called to her and swept her off her feet. 

Enough to lure her into opening the door to an alternate timeline. An alternate universe. Where creatures of the night were made up of the greatest names in history. This was their domain. His domain and she was a visitor. And yet he was gracious enough to provide for her, much to her surprise. Why would someone like him care about someone like her? She always questioned it. And, as she learned more and more about the mansion, the household and the residents, she found herself watching the count. Anticipating when he’ll be back, what he’ll be needing next, and how she can be a part of it. 

Seiya remembered when she felt the need to draw something. For the first time in a long time, to actually sit down and make something for herself. Make something that’s not dictated by some middle-aged, kitsch cretin. Just something for herself. Something she could hold on to, whilst she lived the dream of being scooped up from her own reality and into a world of vampires, enchantment, and time travel. Who could have thought? Who could have imagined? She most certainly did, many times, many days, all those years. 

Seiya didn’t feel like anyone wanted her, really. A home was something her parents once paid for; allowance usually automatically being credited to her account. Holidays that were empty, birthdays without anyone, achievements unrecognised. It didn’t take long for her to realise that these people, who were supposed to care for her, were simply waiting for her to be old enough so they can let her be without being frowned upon by society. She quickly learned that all those years of moving and adjusting, readjusting and adapting— her so-called talent— left her with almost no one to turn to. 

No foundations. 

No shared experiences that forged true friendships. 

Nobody. 

You leave, and people feel sad, and they forget about you. 

People move on.

Or people just leave.

People move on.

They forget about you, and they move on.

A mantra she’d recite every time she decided to move again and again and again. 

The beginnings excited her, and opportunities were always present for those who were willing to take the risk. Opportunity was this haughty goddess she was now very much acquainted with. But she had no one to call to share the good news. No one to celebrate the good days with. And the bad days — the bad days were heavy and ruthless — bad days would stay for days, weeks, years. 

So, when the count explained that she’ll have to stay for a month, maybe more, Seiya felt relief seep through her veins. The tension on her shoulders and back dissipated, and for a while, she almost fully stopped clenching her jaw.

Being around him helped her feel at ease. She never had anyone to rely on, up until Leonardo. When he promised he'd look out for monsters and watch her door until she fell asleep, she felt something she never felt before. A sense of security. 

 Leonardo offered more than just a brief sense of security. For Seiya, he felt like a safe room, and she, though she does not notice it herself, was acting more and more like herself around him. Truer to herself than she could ever imagine herself to be. Because of Leonardo, and those days they spent quietly together, the evenings when they both retire together, she began to see a clearer image of who she really is and how she can live her life without the restrictions and the prejudice of the modern world she was so used to.  

The modern world is filled with mannerly empty phrases, words that seem to zigzag away further from the truth. Communication was done in a blink of an eye, but all other meanings— meanings that truly mattered— were lost even before the button was pressed. 

He must have felt uncomfortable sleeping outside her door, though. She thought. 

Seiya wasn’t sure why and what force of nature brought it back, but she felt an ounce of confidence lift her hand to catch the hem of his coat just as he was leaving. How beautiful he looked, she thought. Not at all close to that chibi drawing she did whilst sitting by that bench in the Louvre. But just as her glass-blue eyes were focusing on him and how the golden light seemed to amplify his innate glow, she saw the count’s face, clear as day, flashing before her eyes.

She felt her throat dry, at the sight of Leonardo’s eyes. The same gold as Comte’s. The same distant, unearthly, gold smoked by time, and maybe eternity herself. 

Was that the reason why she invited him to her bed?

Because his eyes resembled the count’s? 

Seiya remembered Leonardo’s weight shifting her bed as she waited for him to settle down. It had been years since she slept with someone. And the last time she did, she became incredibly attached. When you get used to living and being content with your own company, anyone else who breaches your space feels uncomfortable, until you unlearn the true meaning of solitude, until you start leaning onto that person, until you start being attached, dependent. 

Seiya knew what it was like to be alone with her own thoughts. She kept most things to herself and barely interacted. But when one person tried to get past her defenses, she gave in. She let down her guard and soon enough, she was crumbling, ready to give anything, her everything to this person at any given word. 

She knew what it was like to give her everything only to be left alone. 

She knew better. People won’t reciprocate. 

She should have known better. And yet,

And yet, she allowed herself the comforts of Leonardo’s company. The rhythm of his husked breathing was a lullaby she so desperately memorised, so once he is gone—by the time she is to return home—once the spell is broken and she is back to her own world, her own reality, she can sing herself to sleep. With his face in mind. With the image of his dark brown locks slowly fading into an ashen hue, locks that covered and framed his face that slept so serenely next to her. As if she wasn’t a stranger to this house.

Just so she wouldn’t have to rely on anyone, ever again. Not ever. 

But Seiya underestimated the romance that 19th century Paris brought, and along with it came the renaissance man. 

He was especially good with his hands, she noticed. And she found comfort in them. They were warm and larger than her own, and they easily found hers whenever she was unsure where to go, what to do, what to say. Her fingers found safety and solace between his gloved ones, and slowly, very slowly, she caught herself able to touch him freely. Leonardo touched her often, too. And Seiya did not mind, no. 

It was new, at least to her. It was different. It was a treasure she was adamant to keep around her. A soothing companion, a calming presence, a safe haven, all these things meant Leonardo in her heart’s dictionary. But something inside her doubted this dream. Doubted the comfort of his touch and if she was the one who was deserving of it. She felt, at times, like a fraud. 

Odly enough, they could communicate well, though she felt confused and uncomfortable whenever he would grumble, maybe even curse in Italian. But after a while, she grew accustomed to his quirks, even picked up a few Italian swear words. It made the count frown, but it made Leonardo smile the biggest smile she ever saw him smile. Leonardo, at least to her, was like the sun. 

A radiant and roaring presence, even if he tried his best to lay low, even often slouched when he walked, but no one could deny the presence that was Leonardo. Seiya liked that about him. Her life, for the longest time, felt like a dark room with just her in it. And she— at least to herself— believed she liked being in the dark. She was able to convince herself, throughout the years that it was cool, and calming, and no one could touch her there. It’s safe there. No one could hurt her. No one could leave her. No one could disrupt this oasis she’s built for herself, albeit the lack of light. Everything she needed, she could buy, she could get her hands on. Except for a warm, inviting and soothing source of light. 

Comte, to her, looked and felt like the sun, too. Far away, unreachable and untouchable. The brightest treasure to everything it supports, everything it touches. A gem on the horizons that pull her to her feet in the morning, and one that gently whispers goodbye as it hides itself back.

 But Leonardo was a different kind of sun. Leonardo was the sun you could embrace. The sun on midday, that dries the white sheets hanging behind the mansion. The crisp scent of cleanliness and warmth all tangled together inside the consumable, describable word of fabric. 

The sun that keeps your heart warm. Like the stained glass colourless sun that would seep between the leaves of the trees as you walk along the forest. Like the warmth you feel while you’re immersed in a novel, laying by the grass without a care in the world. 

The sun that kissed your cheeks pink, planting loving marks on the bridge of your nose and your shoulders.That sun is now slowly bringing that warm light inside her dark room. 

There was no way for Seiya to stop the light. She tried to, half-heartedly. Something inside her wanted that light, wanted that warmth. But she already made up her mind and her heart, not to yearn and not to ask for things she cannot have. In this case, in Leonardo’s case, something shifted within Seiya’s world. And it all came together with the lingering scent of velvet cigarillos, the faint smell of leather, and wood, and something metallic but sweet when it hits the tongue. Something dark, and something light, all at the same time. Everything that made up the renaissance man and more— indescribably luscious and sensuous even to someone who has their guard actively up. 

                                             ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Sebastian would notice how their new resident would ask if she could bring Comte’s meals up to his study. And, when given the chance, if she could be the one to welcome him home. Sebastian noticed the smile on her face whenever she was tasked to take Comte’s coat. Or, when he finds her with some free time in the afternoon, the blush on her cheeks when he would invite her to share some sweets over a fresh pot of tea. 

Sebastian thought it was adorable of Seiya to follow the count around whenever she had the chance. And, Sebas being himself, would reward Seiya for finishing her chores with more tasks - picking up things Comte asked for. Getting his favourite macarons and picking new tea leaves so she and Sebastian could blend a new flavour for the next day. 

When she could, she would bring back flowers for his room and his study. Yellow chrysanthemums, sometimes white. They reminded her of home, but also reminded her of him.   And she would make sure there were always fresh flowers whenever Comte was around. It was for him, though she would not say anything in words, Sebastian knew she was putting them up for the count. 

And he would notice this red leather book wrapped in black lace whenever she was working in the kitchen or carrying the residents’ meals. It would be next to her by the counter, or at the bottom of her trolley whenever she lunged it around the mansion. 

Sebastian too, had his own secret notebook where he writes his observations, the quirks he’s learned from the residents and research. But something about Seiya’s book intrigued him. But he would always brush it off, telling himself that a lady is entitled to her own privacy. 

Seiya didn’t say much around the other residents, except for Isaac and Vincent, but to Sebastian’s dismay, he was stuck with all her questions. 

Sometimes, she would just throw them at him like a curveball. With a straight face, whilst they polish the silverwares or refill the blanc bottles. 

“Why do they have to eat so much food?”

“If I sliced a finger off, would it grow back?” 

“Why do they sleep? Aren’t they supposed to be nocturnal?”

“Can they smell us like how other animals can?” 

Sebastian then learned that Seiya was simply curious and to her, she was entitled to answers if her means of travel home was inoperable, prolonging her stay in the mansion. 

She didn’t seem too displeased with that fact. And now, it had been more than a month since she travelled through the door. 

“Can they,” Seiya paused for a moment, a new question at the ready. Sebastian’s skillful hands kept with the polishing of the silverware. It was quiet as they both slowly settled the objects down. “Can they feel pleasure, like how humans do?” 

Her eyes stayed on the shine of the fork she’s been polishing. And Sebastian’s eyes focused on her hands as he waited for a follow up question. She’s heard Arthur mention this before. How a vampire’s bite can be nothing like any kind of pleasure humans can fathom. But she wanted to know, truly, if a kiss, an embrace, or just being against someone’s back gave the same kind of satisfaction and pleasure as it would give a normal human. 

“Vampires are not so different from us, Seiya-san.” Sebastian’s hands continued the work as he cleared his throat. Continuing his sentence made Seiya’s curious eyes look up at him, her pale hair, now tied into a loose bun behind her, gave him a better view of the expression on her face. 

A childlike curiosity blinked several times before he could finish his sentence. And the colour of the sky slowly widening before him as he assured Seiya that yes, vampires do feel pleasure like humans do. Not entirely the same, but it’s there. 

Seiya wore a meek and triumphant smile as she continued with her work. Sebastian was happy to teach, and help her, any way he could though they are from different timelines from the future, they grew incredibly closer. They spoke Japanese to each other, and when Dazai fancied joining in on their traditional tea ceremonies. 

She felt at home around them. Somehow, they accepted her, jaded and broken as she was, she was welcomed by the most unusual crowd. But she liked that. How they were all patched together, irregularities and quirks and all. Somehow, it all works out, and everyone lives in harmony and comfort. 

She saw it first hand, the warmth within the mansion, albeit the frequent tension. Everyone, somehow, accepted one another. Perhaps being brought back to life by Comte proved to be a necessary common ground. Perhaps, he was the one who kept the household together. 

Seiya didn’t understand it, until she started attending society balls and parties as Le Comte’s companion. 

The brilliance and radiance that is Le Comte de Saint-Germain is not limited to the walls of the mansion. Everyone wanted to meet him. Everyone wanted a moment of his time. Everyone wanted to shake his hand. The women so desperately asked and waited for a chance to dance with him. 

She remembers it well, that night. When the light of the lamps burned somewhat brighter for them, Leonardo asked about the meaning behind her name. Seiya never saw anyone so excited whilst she wrote these characters that make up her name. 

 As she settled her pen and showed him the characters, his gold eyes slowly shifted from the characters she’s written down, to her face. 

Her lips. 

She wasn’t able to notice the shift in weight, but his hand, somehow, ended up on her neck. She could feel herself trembling. 

Him, a creature of the night, with his hand on her sweet spot—the place where vampires sunk their teeth in movies she’s watched over and over again. Her eyes found herself in his as they closed the gap between them. Something about the way he pressed his weight down her neck and shoulders that tempted her to surrender her heart, even though she was in fact warned through a dream, an apparition, not to. 

“Leonardo,” her lips barely forming his name as a whisper, a prayer, a wish perhaps. She wanted to know why he was so eager to tend to her needs and why he would reach out to her, at random times during the day or mid conversation. Why his eyes felt so heavy whenever they settled on her. And why, he was holding her like this right now. 

Why now, Leonardo? She thought. 

All thoughts and questions seemed to disappear when their lips met. The taste of him, entirely new and yet somewhat expectedly familiar to her. Cigarillos, and somehow, sweet like apples. Lips so light on hers, she even questioned if they were really there. But, after a moment, his hesitation dissolved into a deeper, hotter, heady kiss. His mouth was rough, and yet smooth as his lips glide with hers. Tongue licking her lips down, and then down her chin and then back up, back to her lips and finding its way entwined with hers. She felt hunger from him, and she felt a chill down her spine. 

But Leonardo pulled away, panting. His eyes hesitated to look at her after leaving her in that state. Lips so desperately kissed and flushed. Cheeks red as his favourite apples and eyes misted with unanswered questions. 

He managed to mutter an apology, but Leonardo was surprised when he felt Seiya tug his collar and soon, her lips were once again crashing with his, only this time, she was able to show him that there was no need for hesitation. Not from him, not from her, ever. 

And so it began. This peculiar thing they did. A comforting ritual, perhaps. They would retreat in her room, sometimes his. And more often than not, the library. Seiya could imagine the scowl on Mozart’s face whenever they knocked a pile of books as they kissed. Or whenever they’d forget to fold the blankets they brought with them whenever they felt like reading by the fire. But in a sense, she felt happiness in his arms. A shriveled sort of happiness that came with the comfort and security that was Leonardo da Vinci himself. His hands always behind the small of her back, guiding her through; hands and arms pulling her close to him whenever he felt like, not that she mind, no. 

There was solace and tranquility in his voice whenever he spoke to her and reassured her he was around. She never had anyone in her life that guarded her like a prized jewel. Not anyone who made sure she knew they were around. Not anyone, unfortunately, to treat her the way Leonardo treated her. 

And everyone noticed. 

The special treatment wasn’t intended to be kept a secret. Somehow, Leonardo now can’t be found half-dead or asleep like a log someplace where people could step on him. Oddly enough, to Mozart’s satisfaction, and in the very rare occasion he would peek through Leonardo’s room, he found not chaos but a semi-organised mess. He would be where Seiya was. And he would be watching her, attending to her, making sure she was safe, comfortable and smiling. 

They were quiet. A quiet couple who barely said words to each other. But what couldn’t be said with words, they made up for with their hands and lips and sighs. Vincent would often be the last person she would be hanging around with before Leonardo finally picked her up for the evening. 

“I thought you liked Leonardo,” Vincent’s voice was hesitant, as he sat down with her by the bench near the gate of the mansion. It was dark and dusk already gnawed the day away, the glow of the moon reflecting on her pale hair. Vincent almost always found a way towards her. Their eyes seemed like signals to one another, the same crystal-clear kind of blue. The bluest of spring blue sky. 

He didn’t like seeing her like this, tears rolling down her cheeks. 

He truly believed that Seiya was fond of Leonardo. Until of course, they would have these episodes. He would walk in, and he would take her notebook away. And they would argue. It happened twice already, and until now, Vincent is unsure if he should be used to these antics already. 

He was most certain that Leonardo only wanted what’s best for Seiya. At least when they are together, that’s how it looked like. To him, to any of the residents. To Sebastian, to Comte. 

Seiya took a deep breath, after a moment of silence as Vincent asked her the question. Her hands willingly opening the book that had been thrown, and picked and wrapped in black lace. 

“I do love Leonardo,” her voice was hoarse and her lips trembled as she slowly spoke those words. It was as if they were only revealing themselves to her now, with him. The priced treasure that was the contents of her dear leather-bound book and her confession caught Vincent off guard. His hands gently picking up the book as she handed it to him. Her head lowered, pale hair falling down the side of her face like a shimmering sheer curtain against the backdrop of the night sky and moon. 

Vincent’s eyes focusing on the pages, his hands tracing over illustrations, sketches and sketches and sketches of him. Vincent took a deep breath, and Seiya waited for him to take in everything. He could’ve sworn he heard her whisper an apology in between sobs. 

Vincent did not say anything, but he sat closer to her and listened as she cried the last bit of tears she could that night. Vincent understood now, why. And he felt his heart full at the thought of Seiya, drawing away her feelings for this man. 

The way her cheeks lifted every time she finished a drawing. The blush on her cheeks as she tucks a small piece of folded paper in one of those makeshift paper pockets. His heart ached for her, and all he could offer was his hand. Seiya squeezed his hand, and he understood, somehow, it was her thank you. The most unusual person he ever met, even more unusual than Gaugin, and all those eclectic peculiar artists. 

His friend loved this man. And he could really only hope for the best. 

-To be continued-

[smuttymess]

bts astro soulmate reading | for ellen

sign: leo sun | aries moon | scorpio rising

lover: Park Jimin | soulmate: Kim Seokjin

This reading is for the beautiful, smart, lovely Ellen! I really had fun writing this one as I think this is truly a match made in heaven. Hope you enjoy too :)

Action-oriented, strong-willed and enthusiastic, Leo Suns are truly a force to behold. Add in a fiery Aries Moon and you've got yourself a powerhouse who will work tirelessly to achieve any goal they set their mind to - be it a seemingly impossible project at work or playing matchmaker to a notoriously picky bestie. A big-picture thinker, you live in the here and now, focusing less on fantasy and more on the expansive potential of your reality. Supported by your innate self-confidence that radiates from your soul, you are a naturally charming and strong leader, bringing people together and making beautiful things happen (see: events!) Scorpio is a curious sign as it has the intensity of fire, but all within the magnificent depths of water as its core element. While your Aries Moon and Leo Sun is a roaring fire that burns passionately and bright, your Scorpio rising - which dictates how you present yourself - often results in a cooler exterior, with an incredible emotional current flowing just beneath the surface. To those who first meet you, you are seemingly reserved and aloof - avoiding frivolity and small talk like the plague - preferring instead to simply listen, observe and absorb before revealing your true self. This is to your benefit, as your Leo/Aries combination often lends to bluntness, sharp words, and sometimes hurt feelings - the Scorpio rising dials that back a bit, making you more cautious with your language but also perhaps standoffish at times. Despite this occasionally ice exterior, you are very keen to connect with people on a deep, emotional level, and nobody knows this better than the people closest to you. While you have many friends and admirers, there are only a select few that get full access to your heart - and to them you are unfailingly loyal, warm, compassionate, reliable, and generous. Once your trust is earned, you are likely to give your all in your work, familial, and romantic relationships - your love is big, bold, and boundless. Unlike more passive, agreeable signs, you definitely expect equal love in return - Leo/Aries needs praise, recognition, and appreciation for all of your fabulousness, and like a true fire sign, you're not afraid to ask for it. A goal-setter, there is nothing you do in life that isn't deliberate or without meaning. Your desire is to leave an impact, making your mark on the world with your own fiery personal brand, and its likely that your influence already spans further than you realize.

A true connector and creator, you naturally seek ways of construction experiences that meet your expectations and exceptional taste levels - who better than you? Being a lover of fantasy and spectacle, nobody is surprised when you create a Studio 54-inspired pop-up party, wherein you show off your curves in your best 70s get up. Blissed out in a sea of glitter, sequins, and champagne, you are simply shining beneath the dazzling lights as disco floats through the air. The tone of the evening is simply fabulous, and surrounded by friends new and old you are truly in your element. You are unstoppable, the star of tonight's show, and the only thing that could make it better is a dance with the beautiful stranger sauntering around the club in his perfectly tailored bellbottoms and silky button down shirt like he owns the place. Wanting nothing but the best in your life, you are attuned to the fact that you want him, strategically positioning yourself in the middle of the dance floor as the music plays and meeting his eyes with an inviting stare. With ample confidence and mysterious aura in your arsenal, Park Jimin does not stand a chance once your sights are set, and it is not long before you two find yourselves immersed in each other's company under the flashing lights and the sheer electricity of the evening you've created. You tend to leave people wanting more, so you are not surprised to find the flirty Libra boy in your DMs the next morning. So, when is the next party?

Developing from a flirtatious friendship into something a bit more fun, Leo and Libra are an instant hit. This is a combination of fire and air, with Jimin acting as the wind beneath your sails as the easy, go-with-the-flow, partner in crime for all of your big schemes. Possessing an innate love of beauty, of fantasy, and romance, Jimin provides a level of optimism that your fantastical mind requires - he genuinely believes that there is nothing you cannot accomplish, helping your dreams along to become a reality. A Libra's extremely affable, adoring nature is like kryptonite to the romantic Leo who does not know the meaning of too much praise. It is no surprise when these two meet it is nothing short of a whirlwind relationship, with Jimin doting on your every wish without hesitation. The combination of Jimin's Libra Sun and Gemini Mercury makes him expertly aware of how to charm you, giving you exactly what you need at the right time. A true people-pleaser, you are delighted to find Jimin highly amenable to your emotions and desires, wanting nothing more than to ensure you are content. When you feel the genuine nature of this person that simply wants you to be happy - and unwavering loyalty of his Gemini moon - you are able to fully let down the walls posed by your more mysterious, reserved Scorpio rising that initially avoids vulnerability so soon. As Leo and Libra falls in love, there is an infinite level of romance and adoration. Suddenly, you find that you are in fact a hopeless romantic, loving being that sickening couple that sits next to each other in the corner of wine bars. He helps you slow down to access a more sensual side of your sign, your fingers intertwined underneath the table in a playful exchange while his hands graze your thigh despite. Jimin's Gemini Mercury allows for a bit of mystery and impulsivity, and there is something exciting to you about not knowing what you're going to get from him on any given day - while he can easily seduce you, is more than happy to let your more assertive Aries Moon take control when the mood strikes.

While Leo and Libra are typically quite compatible, there are some underlying issues presented by your charts. While you enjoy Jimin's free-flowing nature and desire to please, you become unsettled when this behavior is not just limited to you. His eagerness to please makes him quite susceptible to peer pressure, something that you simply cannot relate to with your heightened sense of independence. When he shows up late for date night, flushed and tipsy after a couple of extra rounds with the boys, you grow less amused by this side of his persona which you begin to see as inherently weak. Additionally, his moody, sensitive Moon in Gemini combined with a Venus in Scorpio makes him an especially possessive partner, not fully allowing you to be the social butterfly you are at your core and also requiring a level of affection and attention that you cannot always provide. When you feel that your needs are not being met to the level you expect, your Leo bluntness alongside the sting of your Scorpio rising are likely to hurt the softer Libra who is effectively allergic to criticism or discomfort in their personal and romantic lives, causing him to retreat. This only serves to exacerbate the problem, leading you to end the relationship on a swift and final note.

Always on the move and averse to any type of wallowing, Leo Sun/Aries Moons are constantly ideating, creating new ways to have fun and enjoy life to the fullest. You are truly the architect of your life, moving on your own terms which often leads you in the pursuit of food, travel, music or any other experience wherein you can connect on a sensory level with the world around you. Travel to another city for a concert? Consider tickets booked. Try a foreign cuisine completely unknown to you? Why not! Your friends are more than happy to go along for the ride, knowing that wherever you're going is where they want to be. You enjoy activities which showcase your profoundly adventurous, spirited nature. Independent and proud, you adore a challenge but not known for asking for help even when you need it say, during your first foray into rock climbing experience at a facility in the mountains. Despite your assuredness that you've got this (you don't!) it is when you're stuck midway through the advanced wall you insisted on climbing that a pair of big, strong hands are firmly grabbing the harness around your waist and steadily guiding you back down to earth. Before you can even process all that just occurred, your eyes widen at the sight of the gorgeous man in front of you shaking his head in disapproval. "You weren't listening to my instructions at all, were you?" His words are stern, but his eyes bright and lips pursed into a smile as he senses your competitiveness. In true Leo form you're soon able to charm your way out of what potentially could have been a lawsuit, enjoying taking to the smoke show who reintroduces himself as Kim Seokjin before explaining the basics you so diligently ignored. Impressed, you remain composed despite the incredible visual of Jin swiftly scaling the wall with ease. Like this, see? Our Sagittarius Jin is not always extroverted, but certainly has the confidence to ask for what he wants, and it's not long before he's proposing a 1:1 lesson in the very near future. Your Scorpio rising knows to play it cool but also when to seize an opportunity, and undoubtedly this one is too good to pass up.

This is a duo that may play a few games in the early phases of dating, but one ignited there is no extinguishing this spark.  Jin's Sagittarius Sun is an ideal match for your Leo Sun as you share a warm, good-natured aura that you exude in every area of your life - its one of your signature qualities that you find most attractive in yourself and others. While there is a lot of ego in this pairing - both of you aware of your individual greatness but also in each others - you find a true partner matching your profound level of adventure, curiosity, and genuine experiences. This manifests itself in somewhat of a condensed dating phase, equipped with elaborate dates wherein the sky truly is the limit. Such a fiery countless hours together bonding over both new and shared interests - think skiing in Aspen, racing on a closed-course, a food tour of Rome - allowing them to show off their own skills while igniting their competitive fire while learning something new. Initially there is likely to be more of an investment in fun than an emotional commitment - a Sagittarius's specialty - and were it not for your other placements this could easily dissolve into a longstanding friends-with-benefits or fun summer fling. Luckily, your compatibility is deepened exponentially by several specific pairings that overlap and compliment each other. Two Moons in Aries are equally ambitious, fair, independent and honest, and you both take pride in this character trait that you are so appreciated for and allows you to be extremely successful in work and your social circles. Once you begin to explore the "why" behind your ambition - your desire for connection, improving humanity, making an impact - you are both able to open up into a deeper level of emotional understanding that few others get to access.

It is here that you find true romance, with his Venus in Capricorn appealing to your sensitive, dreamy, and romantic Pisces rising/Leo Sun. True to your Leo brand, you also need to be praised, worshipped and adored. You rule with your emotions, so acting up out of sheer passion is not unlike you. Not everyone can handle this wide range of emotions, but adaptable Jin is up for the task. He is perfectly able to navigate your moods, with the patience of a saint combined with a Mercury is in Scorpio which makes him extremely observant and strategic in terms of his communication. There is no staying mad with a Sagittarius (no matter how annoying he may be) as his need to move forward at a rapid clip makes it nearly impossible for problems to fester too long. With Venus in Capricorn there displays of grandiose affection you adore: two dozen roses at your door just because, renting out your favorite restaurant for a private meal on a random weeknight, a fully packed suitcase at the edge of your bed with an accompanying note. Madrid tomorrow morning? This is a couple that fucks like rabbits, often beginning the foreplay long before they reach the bedroom. He certainly enjoys watching you slink around the room at any party or event, entertaining the crowd with your charm and basking in the limelight, looking absolutely stunning in a dress he's gifted you. There is an air of excitement as the night goes on, knowing full well that he will be the one that has his hands all over you as soon as you get home. Its likely that the two of you get off on being the power couple that nobody can get enough of, and even more satisfying is that is just comes so naturally to you - there is no faking this level of chemistry! A mutually impulsive nature exists at the core of this dynamic, meaning you may not wait until you get home (why would you, when there's a car?)

Fiercely independent and fast-paced, more than anything you need someone who can both keep up with you and challenge you as well. Jin the Archer is notoriously hard to lock down, seeking someone who will let him be his fully adventurous, fun-loving self, and he successfully finds that in the equally on-the-go Leo. Your sensitive Leo thinks funny guy Jin may initially be a bit over-the-top in his playful teasing of you, enjoying pressing your buttons a little bit, but over time you learn that this is simply how a Sag shows love. It is this highly humorous element of his personality that opens you up to access a more playful and lighthearted side of yourself that embraces your humanity and flaws without taking them too personally. Together, Leo and Sag guide and drive each other in your respective careers, acting as partners and confidantes, while innately understanding the others need for space like few others can. At the core, this pairing has a strong foundation of friendship upon which everything else is built, creating a very open and respectful relationship which allows the other to stay true to their deeper selves without fear of judgement for being "too much". The life created between this pairing is one of fun, great wealth through your many successful enterprises, and the strongly rooted presence of family. Fiery, bold, passionate selves, this pair grows even stronger as they move through life together, inevitably making their mark on the world through charitable and culture contributions with their infectiously energetic personals and uniquely creative minds.

[danhobden]

I have news but it’s not good news

My mum has terminal cancer. Her breast cancer has returned and this time around nobody can do anything about it. 

She had been unwell for a while and was eventually sent to hospital to figure out what was wrong. She was told the same week of admittance it was advanced cancer. I got a message from her saying it wasn’t good news and to prepare myself for what I was about to be told. We FaceTimed half an hour later to fill me in on the details once my dad had arrived at the hospital. The 30 minute wait felt hazy at the time and even more so now. It was as close to an out of body experience I imagine I will ever get.

The initial shock and devastation I felt upon hearing the news has subsided, I now mostly feel anger, sadness, tiredness and repeat. My mum after a relatively healthy and happy few years will no longer get to enjoy her retirement or see her granddaughter grow up, all because of rotten luck.

Some days I don’t feel anything at all, I wake up in my childhood bedroom and pretend everything is OK and when I reach downstairs I realise my mum and dad are doing the same and I smile. Sometimes the illusion is shattered by the time I finish making my first cup of tea but sometimes it lasts the day. I struggle with knowing deep down it is not my family’s current truth, none of these moments are grounded in reality, but I also know without them it would be virtually impossible for us to function as a unit. We have to keep moving forward.

Having returned to Hull for the interim I’ve spent more time in my parent’s company this past couple of months than I have for over the previous five years. My dad is angrier than I remember, at war constantly with the world around him. We now have to plan for a life without the person who holds all of us together and it won’t be easy. He’s noticeably older now too, moving slower with each passing day, unwilling or unable to adapt to our new circumstances. He’s not yet beyond the point of no return, I see flashes that allow me to hope he’ll be OK once all of this is over - and he will be. He will be because he has to be.

My mum maintains the usual strength and grace I’ve come to expect from her. She stays positive, for everyone else’s sake mainly, even though she doesn’t need to. Not all of the time. Not any of the time. I tell her as much and she understands, but her innate desire to put others first will never not be there. All I can do with whatever time we have left together is try my best to reciprocate the love and care she has showered me with throughout my life.

Hull itself feels smaller. I’ve been running a lot around my old haunts, thinking about everything and nothing. My childhood best friend, Mark, often pops into my thoughts. I wonder how he’s doing. I watch the house across the road from my parent’s where I once suspected a witch lived. I look at old drawings I did of Michael Jackson album covers. The ice cream van drives up and down constantly, Greensleeves playing, even on the most miserable of days. Everything feels bathed in nostalgia and I find comfort in it. I read a piece recently about something called Golden Age Thinking, the incorrect notion that a different time period is better than the one a person is living in — a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.

It is hard to ignore the present, though, and that all of this is happening in the middle of a pandemic. 2020 is without a doubt the worst year of my life up until now, but that’s almost certainly true for many, many other people too - there is something to be said for us all being in this together. Timing is a strange thing. That my mum can go through chemotherapy to help prolong her life whilst the fire continues to rage outside is, ultimately, a good thing. She isn’t missing out on anything, she won’t be for a while I’d venture. But with that comes uncertainty. The central question of how to ensure the end of someone’s life is as fulfilling as possible can’t be answered at this point in time in any meaningful way.

For now, we wait. Living life in limbo. We grieve over something that is yet to happen. We find pockets of joy where we can. We pretend none of this is real. We do all of the above. I know the hardest part is still to come - it’s a problem for another day.

[smilingformoney]

Platinum Diamond Scene: Fountain Hopping with Shane

You: As if I could turn down an epic fountain adventure. Who do you think I am? Shane: Good point. Glad some things never change.

Hank drops you and Shane off at a small park on his campus. You: Oh, man, Shane. It’s been age since we fountain-hopped. Shane: Remember last time, at the Fort Lucenne Mall, when the cops showed up? You: And we had to run from the cops in our underwear. You: Yeah, that’s not the kind of thing one easily forgets. You begin walking down the streetlight-illuminated path. You: So… tell me more about how film school’s going. Shane: It’s… humbling. I’m learning a lot, but it’s hard to focus on creating anything because I’m frozen before I even start. Shane: I see what everyone else is working on, and everyone is so great. Maybe I don’t belong in the same program as them. Someone made a mistake in the admissions office.

You: Shane… -I believe in you.

You: You’re the most talented film visionary I know. You earned your spot, same as everyone else. You: So take advantage of the opportunities, resources, and connections you can make while you’re there! You deserve to learn, same as everyone else. Shane takes a deep breath. Shane: Thanks, Cadence. I sure hope so.

-You need to snap out of it.

You: You got lucky enough to be given this opportunity, so you can’t waste it. You: Who cares about innate talent? What really pushes someone over the edge to being great is the work they put in, and that they’re brave enough to take a stab at it, even if they fall on their face multiple times. Shane: Whoa. Shane: That was fire. Can I record you saying that so I can use it to pump myself up in the mornings? You: Nope, it was a fleeting strike of brilliance. You had to experience it in the moment. Shane: Aw, damn. Shane: But you’re totally right, Cadence. I’ll think about what you said.

You turn the corner to a secluded courtyard with a huge, ornate fountain that’s bellowing crystal-clear water. You: Whoa, Shane! This is gorgeous! Shane: Yeah, I come walk here between classes when I need to take a break. It’s amazing during golden hour. A lot of people go picnicking. Shane: Well, um. Should we… You: Get down to our skivvies? Sure. Shane: Well, I mean, I just… You: Come on, Shane. We’ve seen each other in our underwear, like, hundreds of times. Don’t make it weird. Shane: Okay, fair. The two of you start peeling off your clothes. You glance over at Shane and his abs, and… Whoa, okay. Someone’s been working out since he started film school. Shane: Alright, let’s go! You: Wait, are you really still gonna wear your beanie? Shane: Cadence! You know this beanie is sacred. I never take it off.

You: (I should…) -Compliment him on how he looks.

You: Whoa, Shane. Have I ever told you how handsome you look? Shane: Uh, what? You… you think I look… You: Like a sexy, hipster Abercrombie model. Shane: I didn’t know hipster and Abercrombie could go together. But thank you. I think. There’s a long, slow pause. Both of you staring into each other’s eyes. Neither of you saying anything. Shane: You look, um… good… too. You: Thanks. Thank you. I appreciate that.

-Steal his beanie!

Before Shane can react, you snatch the beanie away! You: And now… the sacred beanie is mine! Shane: Noooo! That’s sacrilege! Shane chases you around the fountain until you’re both laughing and breathless. Shane: Alright, fine. You can keep it for now. Safeguard it well for me. You: Oh, don’t worry. I’ll hold it in escrow. You can trust me. Shane: Escrow? I was gonna say theft, but okay.

Shane: Well? Should we do this thing? You: We should definitely do this thing. Shane reaches out and takes your hand, and the two of you leap over the low wall of the fountain. You: Whoa! There are so many pennies on the floor of this thing. I almost slipped. Shane: Careful, careful! I got you. Shane reaches around you and holds you steady. It’s kind of like a hug. Is it more than a hug? You’re both in your underwear, after all. Shane: You know what we have to do now, right? You: What? Shane crouches down, then springs back up with a handful of pennies. Shane: We gotta make a wish. Shane presses a smooth, cold little penny into your palm. His hand accidentally lingers there for a second. Shane: Well? What do you wish for?

You: (I wish for…) -World fame.

Shane: Hey! You can’t wish for something you already have! You: Oh, please. I’m not ‘world famous’ yet. Shane: Cadence. You literally played Madison Square Garden tonight. I was there. I saw it. You: I don’t know. I think I still have a ways to go before real fame. You: Maybe I’m a one-hit wonder. Maybe I’m a flash in the pan. Maybe… Shane: Maybe you’re incredibly talented, and completely deserving. Shane: Maybe you need to stop being so hard on yourself.

-Artistic success.

Shane: Hey! You can’t wish for something you already have! You: Oh, please. I haven’t even put out an album yet. Shane: Cadence. You literally played Madison Square Garden tonight. I was there. I saw it. You: I don’t know. Anyone can sing in a real venue, but writing songs that change people’s lives? You: Maybe I’ll never get there. Maybe I’ll try, and try, and I’ll keep getting my swings clipped… Shane: Or maybe you’re bigger and better than anyone who tries to limit you. Shane: Maybe there’s nobody who can stand in the way of you changing the world.

-True love.

You: Maybe my career’s taking off, but I still want to keep my heart open to meeting someone special. Shane: well, I wouldn’t worry about that, Cadence. You: Huh? What do you mean? Shane: You’re jaw-droppingly beautiful, you’re talented, you’ve got soul, and you’re an all-around badass. Who wouldn’t fall for you?

He looks so sincere when he says it. And, like, mortifyingly ardent. Shane: But… you don’t need me to tell you this stuff anymore. Shane: You’ve got the whole world telling you you’re amazing. You: Well… I still like it when you say it. You smile at each other for a moment, then look away. You: Now, enough about my wish. What’s yours? Shane thinks for a second, tossing the coin up and catching it a few times. Shane: Hmm… Shane: Actually, isn’t it bad luck to say our wishes out loud? You: No way, we totally threw out that myth when we started the magical tradition of fountain hopping. You: You’re deflecting. Shane: Well, I guess… I’d like the courage to tell someone how I feel. You: Someone? Shane swallows. Shane: Come on, let’s throw the coins in. You: Okay. One… Shane: Two… You: Three! You toss the coins backward over your shoulder, as though you’re at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Shane: Another one bites the dust. You: Taking over New York one borough and one fountain at a time! You laugh, sitting along the edge of the fountain. Shane leans back, putting his hand under the cascading water, catching a few drops. You: Hey, Shane? Can I, um… can I ask you something? Shane: Of course. Yeah. Anything, Cadence.

You: I was just wondering… -Can I kiss you?

Shane: You… you… Yes? Yes, you can? You rest a hand on the side of your best friend’s face. And then you kiss your best friend. Shane: I’ve wanted to do that for… Shane: Well, for my whole life, I think. You: You saw me on the playground, in my OshKosh B’Goshes, and you thought… ‘Yup. That’s the one.’ Shane: Exactly. That’s exactly right. You: You’re ridiculous. You kiss again, but on the slippery edge of the fountain, you lose your balance… You: Ah! …and fall in together! Shane: I was gonna be much smoother in my head. You: Shhh. I like it the way it is. You cuddle up close together in the fountain, as water falls down around you. You explore his arms, his chest, his lips… Everything feels familiar, yet so new at the same time. Shane: Cadence… You kiss him again. And maybe one day you’ll regret the fact that your first real kiss happened while fountain-hopping in your underwear. But maybe it’s perfect. Maybe you wouldn’t change a single thing about it.

-Can I push you in the fountain?

Shane: Huh? You: Gotcha! You shove Shane into the water playfully, and he lands with a splash. He re-emerges, shaking the water out of his eyes. Shane: Good one… Cadence. You: Seems like you forgot what else happened at the Fort Lucenne Mall. You gotta keep your guard up! Shane lunges for you, tacking you so you fall in as well! You: Ahhh! You: I call foul play! Shane: What do you call what you did to me? You: I call it nothing but honourab--

Campus Security: Hey! This is public indecency! You can’t be here! You: Oh, shoot! You scramble to pick up your clothes, and dash off, trailing droplets of water behind you. Campus Security: Get back here! Shane: This is like Fort Lucenne all over again! You book it onto a detour path, and can’t help laughing as you sprint through the trees. You: Catch us if you can! Shane: Woooooo!

[shadowonaqua]

The Power of Mackerel (Free! Dive to the Future - Episode 9 )

Yo, I’m back! So I know the title of this post may seem odd, but I have a reason for this! Before we jump in, however...We have some new people to meet! Let’s go! Time for my rambling all of my inner thoughts on the latest piece of the story.

(A little note, however. There is more in this episode with Asahi, Ikuya, Hiyori, and Makoto (Makoto’s sweetness is amplified at least a million times here. If he doesn’t become the #1 choice for imaginary husband for y’all, I don’t know who else can), but what I’m about to touch on is content that made even a transition episode such as this one that much more powerful for me.)

(Also, I’m in love with the image below. My heart cried in happiness.)

Now I’m ready.

So at the start of the episode, we finally get to meet two unknown characters who showed up in the intro song to every episode and whose identities we did not know at all until today. But, the first character gave me some heartwarming feels (and brought back some comical nostalgia too).

Meet the newest Mikoshiba member, Isuzu Mikoshiba!

She is not only a female swimmer, but also a passionate gamer and a leader. I did not see this coming, but I am glad that they placed a seemingly strong-willed female character into the series. After seeing her, I wish that they introduced her earlier in the series (especially because she is the first female swimmer that we have been personally introduced to during the entire franchise), but I am excited to see just how good she is. Plus, she noticed Haru’s triceps as well! Perhaps... she’ll be Gou’s new best friend? I won’t be surprised if that happens... After all, both of her brothers like the young lady!

(And Haru’s imagining all three Mikoshiba siblings laughing in their usual Mikoshiba manner... I feel you, Haru).

I do look forward to seeing what role she plays in the rest of this season, especially because we do not really see her do much aside from ask Haru whether he can compete with her (and I bet Isuzu and Momo bond over their older brother locking them with his arm and most (probably) putting them through a hell-of-a swimming training, haha).

However, the first time we meet Isuzu is also the first time we meet this super blonde, purple-eyed tall guy: Albert Wahlander.

This gigantic foreigner creams Isuzu in gaming, which at first didn’t leave much of an impact on me until he is in the water. On that topic, during this entire episode, I loved that there were multiple clues floating around that suggested his prowess. Some were explained to us through the other characters in the series, and others seemed more symbolic. So, let’s list the ones that weren’t blatantly mentioned by the rest of the cast, because why not?

1) He goes for mackerel as his meal.

Alright, so now you see where my title came from, eh? Well, Haru, being the now smiley version of himself, helps out a lost Albert when it comes to ordering food. More specifically, mackerel, since the tall guy seems to want to eat it. And, this new character is so darn cute with his usage of chopsticks that I was wondering for a moment what his role was in the episode/series. But, back to this topic at hand, he and Haru begin to form a bond through their both eating mackerel (despite their massive language barrier, which really wasn’t a barrier since they oddly understood each other. This made me smile, so much.)

2) He is good with his hands.

He not only uses his finger dexterity to beat Isuzu in gaming, but also learns how to handle chopsticks in seconds after first not knowing how to pick things up with them. And Haru, being the sweet boy/young man he is, goes to get a spoon and fork for the guy, but then is amazed that the tall, blonde foreigner dude would master chopsticks in one go? This makes me think back to when Haru was carving a massive amount of Iwatobi-chans in high school, haha.

3) He floats around in the water like Haru does, but he is ahead of Haru.

So this is where things became interesting for me. During the episode, we find out that Haru is one of three Hidaka University Swim Team members to enter the strengthening camp in preparation for the All-Japan Meet (in addition to the older Mikoshiba and Isana Kiryuu). In the middle of swimming, Haru sees Albert swimming next to him, and then we flash to the two of them floating underwater like Haru did for the last three seasons.

But, Albert is ahead of Haru the entire time.

Why does this mean anything? For the entire franchise, we have never seen anyone swim ahead of Haru. This makes sense, because Haru was known for his affinity and love for the water, unclouded from the influences of competitions, friendly rivalries, and societal expectations. More commonly, we saw Haru’s friends follow behind and try their darnedest to reach his level. Haru is the hero that his friends needed during troublesome, lonesome, and confusing times, and Haru is also a source of strength for young men like Rin, Ikuya, and Makoto to strive for their goals. To do this, Haru has to be ahead of them in the water.

Now that we see this difference with Albert’s appearance, even if you haven’t watched the episode and read this post first instead, you may be able to infer what happens when Albert, Haru, and other swimmers at the camp have a friendly 200m freestyle race against each other.

And this is where our latest cliffhanger begins.

We don’t know how Haru reacts to this loss, as it is the first time that someone out swam him by so many bodies that I won’t even try to count. I mean, the guy was out of the water by the time Haru reached the wall . Knowing Haru, he might react in one of two ways. 

One, he may be devastated. After all, freestyle is his forte, and for his entire life he has been known as a prodigy in this specific stroke. It is okay if Haru lost the IM in the last episode; after all, he does not regularly compete in backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly, and Ikuya has more experience in this specific event than Haru does anyway. But, when it comes to freestyle, the only characters we have seen who are on-par with Haru are Rin, Ikuya, and maybe Asahi, but nobody has surpassed Haru to this degree. As such, no wonder everyone in the pool is shocked by this revelation, including Makoto, who ran in just as this scene unfolded. Losing to this extent for the first time his life can be upsetting and frustrating at the same time, and I wonder whether Haru will express such a natural human response.

Two, if Haru is as positive as Asahi is, then Haru may see Albert as someone to look up to and strive for. Although this is less likely, purely because the human psyche does not always work this way, I sincerely hope that this is the way he reacts to his loss. For all of Haru’s life, he has had companions, rivals, and supporters who have been by his side, but never has he had someone to directly look up to. In particular with swimming, Haru has been in his own world this entire time. Why? He is the only one of his friends who has an innately keen relationship with water, and it is Haru’s affinity with water that Albert picks up on immediately after swimming/floating together. 

Haru has never had anyone float so freely with him in the water until now (we could potentially count the pool scene with Makoto in the High Speed! movie, but that was part of their reconciliation. This scene, however, is purely one of connection). Also, the fact that Albert sees swimming as fun is refreshing and an epiphany, both for Haru and for us as viewers. It not only implies that Albert may have just as strong as an affinity with water as Haru does, but also that Albert’s love for water may surpass that of Haru. Should this be the case, then Haru may be forced once again to confront his own beliefs with regards to his love for swimming, his skills, and his ability to swim on the global stage.

I wish the best for Haru. After all, Ryuuji (who we find out is an Iwatobi High School Swim Team alum, thanks to Gou’s amazing muscle-identifying skills) has mentioned before the Haru still a ways to go with regards to improving, and Albert may be the key to unlocking that potential. Plus, Albert honestly seems like a nice person, so I hope that he and Haru can get along. The fact that Haru still has that much room for growth, maturity, and progression, both literally in his swimming and figuratively in his own life, is what truly kept my attention with the latest episode of “Free!” and is allowing me look past some of the other flaws with this season. And, I hope that this tidbit is enough to keep you guys interested in the series and in the boys’ story as well.

(Albert, despite his size, reminds me of a little boy. Perhaps his personality truly is that of one, since he seems to be drawn to old arcade games and finds everything fun. He even whines like a boy when the waitress rips the meal ticket >.<, which is just so endearing and makes me want to hug him)

So, now that this ramble has finished, I’ll add these cute little GIFs because I internally squeal whenever I see a baby, and my heart beats faster every time I see a man playing with one:

(And Nitori... way to give us a total plot-twister this episode! Rin was thrown for a shock there, I’m sure.)

(I can’t wait for the next episode! But honestly, the event I’m looking forward to the most is the 100m free at the All-Japan Meet since it’s going to have so many of the characters we love in it. Anyone else with me on this one?)

[swsequelsalt]

The above section is from the IGN article Star Wars: The Last Jedi Director Reveals Options He Considered for Rey’s Parents.

1) You failed miserably in your goal; Rey makes the Star Wars universe more about “chosen ones” than ever before. You see, until now, any life form could learn to wield the Force and be a Jedi. The EU/”Legends” books had characters who had deeply low midichlorian counts or who struggled to feel the will of the Force, but they just had to work harder to get to where others were. Sure, it was easier for Skywalkers to do it, but they still had to train and learn.

It took Luke more than three years before he finally made a physical object fly into his hand using the Force.

It also took him more than three years and loads of training before he had his first lightsaber duel... which he lost badly against someone who wasn’t even putting his full power into it, because Vader didn’t even want to kill him there.

Rey, on the other hand, is just born with the innate ability to wield the Force without ever learning or training at all. Shit, she can’t just use the Force inherently (like how Anakin could get flashes of events that were a few seconds in the future) — she’s fucking amazing at it, all of it, without ever training or learning anything. She makes things fly into her hands on the very first try. Her first lightsaber duel against someone with more than a decade of training? She wins without ever holding a fucking saber before.

“Anyone” can become a Jedi? I mean... MAYBE, but some people are born super-privileged and don’t even have to try, so they have a MASSIVE advantage over everybody else, and basically render the efforts of the “lessers” into jokes.

2) If you honestly think that the “hardest thing Rey could hear” is that her parents were already dead and were nobodies, you didn’t think about it very hard. Did you give the idea more than a couple of minutes? For example... I like the “your parents are already dead” angle, because that’s shocking and pretty mean. But if you really want to make this “the hardest thing she could hear,” maybe imagine Kylo Ren pulling out some of this shit:

What if we found out that Rey was created by Snoke (either as his daughter or by some kind of “conceived by midichlorians” experiment in an attempt to make a new Vader to serve him), and then, as she learns that he is the one who abandoned her there and he never intended to go back and get her, Kylo Ren still cuts him in half like in the final film? THAT would’ve really hurt her, explained some of her incredible powers, and opened up new questions about who her MOTHER was that the next film can deal with. Eh?

“Rey, I know you’ve never stopped thinking about your parents. The funny thing is, you’ve been close to their location more than once in the past few weeks. Your parents? They’re First Order. They’re stormtroopers. They sensed the power within you from birth, and they knew Snoke had a policy of killing any Force-sensitive newborns among the ranks, so they hid you away. They hoped they could escape one day. They trained in combat that was effective against lightsabers. They hoped they could help you learn some saber skills one day. They earned their way into Supreme Leader Snoke’s good graces, hoping to understand more about how someone with such skill manipulates the Force. They realized what hope that would bring to the Galaxy... if they could return to you, help you, and let the world see the First Order destroyed from within. And even after I read their minds, I let them sit beside the Supreme Leader every day, knowing full well that they hoped to betray him in the future. I wanted to use them. But I don’t have to do that now that I’m the new Supreme Leader. And your parents? *gestures to the bodies of the Imperial Guards on the floor* You just killed them.”

Those are just a couple of examples, but come on. I didn’t even have to TRY.

[jobsnhomes1]

How to Become a Successful Writer

Creativity is an innate instinct in humans. This is evident from the ancient carvings, paintings and other forms of art seen in caves and archaeological findings. Anyone can develop these skills to become a writer.

But people find themselves restricted by various self-made barriers. These imaginary hurdles include reticence, lack of time, inability to find publishers, discouragement by peers and cold feet.

People often believe, penning their thoughts is a sheer waste of time since nobody would appreciate the effort.

In this article, we provide useful tips on how to become a successful writer and the various types of writing you can enjoy.

6Ws and 1H The six ‘W’ and one ‘H’ is the basis of all writing. This idiom is used by journalists across the world since decades. The five ‘W’s include Who, What, Why, Which, When, Where. The one ‘H’ stands for the question ‘How’.

To be a successful writer, you need to answer all these questions related to proposed article, regardless of whether it is based on fact or fiction. Successful writers answer these questions while covering an assignment or writing a feature, essay or story.

Fiction writers create an imaginary character and place and spin their story using these questions. Anyone who watches movies will find that any plot revolves around these seven questions.

Some style books limit themselves to five ‘W’ and a single ‘H’ but you can choose which questions to begin with.

Eye for detail and keen observation Every writing- whether it is a down-to-earth news report, heart wrenching love story or a script for a nightmarish horror movie are based on fine details.

Such details are the essence and spice of success and actually decide whether a story gets published or dunked in the nearest trashcan.

Examples:

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ by legendary Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson contains all details about the house, garden and laboratory of the fictional character Dr. Henry Jekyll.

It gives a complete description of the scientist’s persona, describing his traits as a typical English gentleman who is well respected in the society.

Minute details including the taste of the potion concocted by Dr. Jekyll, the pains and mental agony he undergoes after consuming it are well defined. The character Mr. Edward Hyde is described in a manner that helps forming an image of this persona in the reader’s mind naturally.

The same holds true for English playwright Shakespeare’s epic ‘Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare writes at length to describe the beauty of Juliet to minute details such as the fragrance of her skin and lip colour as well as the brawny and attractive physique of her lover, Romeo. Stevenson and Shakespeare set their stories in an imagined environment that was created from real-life observations.

At the same time too much fine detail puts off readers.

Invoke the Artistic License to overcome language barriers Most people who wish to write restrain themselves due to lack of proper language skills. Proper knowledge of any language and correct use of words is vital for a writer to ink a successful real-life story or work of fiction. But some degree of deviation from correct language is permitted under the Artistic License.

The Artistic License, also called the Poetic License is not a real ‘license’ issued by any government or organization. Artistic License simply means the assumed permission to use words, phrases and grammar loosely but in a manner that describes something more astutely.

A great example is the alliterative poem ‘The Siege of Belgrade’ which runs: An Austrian army awfully arrayed, boldly by battery besieged Belgrade, Cossack commanders cannonading come…..”

As will be evident, the English poet Alaric Alexander Watts sacrificed correct grammar in favour of alliterative sentences while describing a real life scenario, the Battle of Belgrade.

Keep it simple- the magic phrase Merely knowing a language fluently is not sufficient for a writer. One has to bear in mind that readers come from all age groups and with different levels of linguistic proficiency.

Several good writers shy away from putting their creativity in words because they are not well versed in a language.

It is vital to bear in mind almost every reader on Planet Earth prefers to read stories- fact or fiction- that are penned in simple language.

Nobody wants to reach out for a dictionary or thesaurus while enjoying a novel or reading newspapers. Avoid use of technical jargon unless absolutely necessary. Slangs can be used safely provided their meaning is well understood.

Pack your words with power Means minimal use of correct words and phrases to convey the meaning. For example, the word ‘inebriated’ can be used in place of ‘very heavily drunk’.’ Several online resources and guidelines that help writers to select a correct word instead of a phrase are easily available on the Internet and bookstores.

Packing that extra punch in your words allows you to better describe anything from a personality to a situation. A large fire can be described as ‘inferno’.

Free flow of thoughts Whenever you feel like writing, get into the act immediately. Most good writers work with sudden spurts of creativity. These rare flashes of inspiration lead to excellent creativity and writing. Make the best use of these moments since another might never come.

Allow your thoughts to flow freely and unhindered without any inhibitions while writing. You can always edit and rearrange your words later.

Book publishers and newspapers always subject any writing to stringent editing and sequencing, which takes off a large load away from writers.

While doing so, do not leave out any unanswered questions in a reader’s mind. Here, the adage of ‘6Ws and 1H’ comes handy.

Great starts make great endings All readers singularly have a short attention span. Your story can be successful provided it has grabbed the interest of the reader within the first 300 to 500 words.

If a reader feels bored at the onset, there are few chances he or she will continue reading further.

All great writers and novelists were influenced by works of some contemporary. Reading books by your favourite author helps you develop a style of writing and helps develop a judgment on how the story should flow.

Avoid disconnects by abrupt jumping or swinging wildly from one topic or situation to another. Smooth conclusion of a paragraph or chapter assists the reader to continue reading seamlessly while maintaining continuity of your story.

Getting past the censor’s scissors Every work- fact or fiction- undergoes censorship before printing. The only exception is newspapers and news magazines which are exempted to maintain press freedom.

Long carnal and sensuous descriptions of personae or situations are almost always sniped since they can be viewed as lewd and promiscuous.

Graphic description of any gory crime, regardless of fact or fiction, will meet disapproval of censors and most likely, meet the scissors.

You can acquaint yourself about what gets past a censor by simply studying prevailing media and censorship laws. The same laws hold good for authors too though some exceptions are permitted.

Creating an indelible impression Write in the manner that you know the best rather than using the style of another author. Book lovers become your fans when they get well acquainted with your language and style of presenting a story.

Get your own story ideas and develop them because copying the concept of another will not fetch you any accolades and recognition.

The more original your ideas and writing, the better exclusivity and exclusiveness you enjoy. And that is what publishers look for. The title of your work should be indubitably original. This attracts readers and publishers too and can define the profitability of your book.

Copyright your works always An unfortunate practice that occurs in the writing profession is plagiarism. Simply put, it means somebody copies your idea, tweaks your word and takes the credit and money by publishing it under their name. Copyrighting your works protects it from such pirates.

Registering the title and contents of your work with the concerned government department helps prevent plagiarising of your works while keeping its title your exclusive property. This can be a put-off for budding writers due to formalities involved.

Publishing houses can procure this Intellectual Property protection for your works without much effort.

Types of writers Author: a person who writes fiction and non-fiction stories is broadly described as an author though use of this term is largely ambiguous.

Poet and balladeer: People who write poetry. Almost everyone can write poetry with rhyming verses if they exert some minimal effort.

Writing ballads is however more complex since it depends on chronicling and describing real life events in flowery language.

Journalist: These are categorized as people who deliver news stories. To become a journalist, one must have a keen sense of news and a very fine eye for detail since these will be required in a report. Journalism ranks among the most dangerous professions of the world.

Content writer/ Blogger: A person who informally writes about any topic exclusively for independent publication on the Internet is called a content writer or blogger. In recent years, content writer jobs has evolved into a lucrative profession provided your work meets certain prescribed criterion.

They earn by either providing write-ups for blog sites or launching their own Internet blog. They can also get writing jobs from popular freelance sites.

Chronicler: Avid interest in a particular event or a personality are the prerequisites to become a chronicler.

This category includes biography writers or people who study and write about all details of a famous personality. Writers who provide historical timelines about an event or development fall within this category.

Critiques: These are individuals who possess a certain skill that can be utilized to gauge the quality of anything- from a humble meal to a movie or a book and a host of other stuff.

To qualify as a critique, one must possess or have keen interest in the subject they wish to assess.

Travelogue Writers: People who write about various travel destinations and attractions on offer are called travelogue writers.For those who loves travelling, this profession can create one of the good opportunity among travel industry.

Excellent knowledge about places, cuisine, culture, local laws and issues combined with exemplary presentation skills are called for when writing about any destination for travel.

This work also involves writing about food and history of a place, its people and culture, among others.

Ghost Writers or Moonlighters: These are real life people and not spooks as the word may suggest. Ghost writers or moonlighters are people who write stories and articles that are published under another name.

Their identity often remains a secret. They willingly allow another person to take credit for their works.

Erotica writers: These are people who write steamy stories that may sometimes border on vulgarity. Erotica writers write sexually explicit stories with no holds barred on use of language or description of the male and female anatomy.

They use graphic language to arouse carnal instincts of the reader. This is one of the most lucrative categories of writers.

Playwrights: Authors who write dramas, complete with the plot and script as well as dialogues for the personae are called playwrights.

In colonial days, playwrights were feared by the government since they subtly spun nationalistic messages into their plays which directly influenced people to fight for independence.

The category also includes script writers. Script writers convert a story into a script that can be acted by various characters.

People sans any training have emerged as some of the best writers in history. Legendary authors like Mark Twain, HG Wells and Charles Dickens had minimal formal education. One of the top icons of America’s corporate world, Lee Iacocca and management guru Peter Drucker had never intended to become writers.

They shed every inhibition and took to their pens or keypads to put their thoughts in words.

These guidelines may encourage you to put your thoughts on paper. With some luck, you may emerge as one of the topmost writers in your category.

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