#persistent yet respectful communication

[hsmagazine254]

Mastering Lead Follow-Up: Nurturing Online Marketing Campaign Leads for Business Success

Crafting Connections: The Blueprint for Expert Lead Follow-Up In the dynamic realm of online marketing, generating leads is just the initial step. The true power lies in the follow-up—the art of turning potential prospects into devoted customers. In today’s competitive landscape, where attention spans are short and choices are vast, mastering the skill of lead nurturing is indispensable for…

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Sympathy for the spammer

Catch me in Miami! I'll be at Books and Books in Coral Gables on Jan 22 at 8PM.

In any scam, any con, any hustle, the big winners are the people who supply the scammers – not the scammers themselves. The kids selling dope on the corner are making less than minimum wage, while the respectable crime-bosses who own the labs clean up. Desperate "retail investors" who buy shitcoins from Superbowl ads get skinned, while the MBA bros who issue the coins make millions (in real dollars, not crypto).

It's ever been thus. The California gold rush was a con, and nearly everyone who went west went broke. Famously, the only reliable way to cash out on the gold rush was to sell "picks and shovels" to the credulous, doomed and desperate. That's how Leland Stanford made his fortune, which he funneled into eugenics programs (and founding a university):

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/malcolm-harris/palo-alto/9780316592031/

That means that the people who try to con you are almost always getting conned themselves. Think of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scams. My forthcoming novel The Bezzle opens with a baroque and improbable fast-food Ponzi in the town of Avalon on the island of Catalina, founded by the chicle monopolist William Wrigley Jr:

http://thebezzle.org

Wrigley found fast food declasse and banned it from the island, a rule that persists to this day. In The Bezzle, the forensic detective Martin Hench uncovers The Fry Guys, an MLM that flash-freezes contraband burgers and fries smuggled on-island from the mainland and sells them to islanders though an "affiliate marketing" scheme that is really about recruiting other affiliate markets to sell under you. As with every MLM, the value of the burgers and fries sold is dwarfed by the gigantic edifice of finance fraud built around it, with "points" being bought and sold for real cash, which is snaffled up and sucked out of the island by a greedy mainlander who is behind the scheme.

A "bezzle" is John Kenneth Galbraith's term for "the magic interval when a confidence trickster knows he has the money he has appropriated but the victim does not yet understand that he has lost it." In every scam, there's a period where everyone feels richer – but only the scammers are actually cleaning up. The wealth of the marks is illusory, but the longer the scammer can preserve the illusion, the more real money the marks will pump into the system.

MLMs are particularly ugly, because they target people who are shut out of economic opportunity – women, people of color, working people. These people necessarily rely on social ties for survival, looking after each others' kids, loaning each other money they can't afford, sharing what little they have when others have nothing.

It's this social cohesion that MLMs weaponize. Crypto "entrepreneurs" are encouraged to suck in their friends and family by telling them that they're "building Black wealth." Working women are exhorted to suck in their bffs by appealing to their sisterhood and the chance for "women to lift each other up."

The "sales people" trying to get you to buy crypto or leggings or supplements are engaged in predatory conduct that will make you financially and socially worse off, wrecking their communities' finances and shattering the mutual aid survival networks they rely on. But they're not getting rich on this – they're also being scammed:

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4686468

This really hit home for me in the mid-2000s, when I was still editing Boing Boing. We had a submission form where our readers could submit links for us to look at for inclusion on the blog, and it was overwhelmed by spam. We'd add all kinds of antispam to it, and still, we'd get floods of hundreds or even thousands of spam submissions to it.

One night, I was lying in my bed in London and watching these spams roll in. They were all for small businesses in the rustbelt, handyman services, lawn-care, odd jobs, that kind of thing. They were 10 million miles from the kind of thing we'd ever post about on Boing Boing. They were coming in so thickly that I literally couldn't finish downloading my email – the POP session was dropping before I could get all the mail in the spool. I had to ssh into my mail server and delete them by hand. It was maddening.

Frustrated and furious, I started calling the phone numbers associated with these small businesses, demanding an explanation. I assumed that they'd hired some kind of sleazy marketing service and I wanted to know who it was so I could give them a piece of my mind.

But what I discovered when I got through was much weirder. These people had all been laid off from factories that were shuttering due to globalization. As part of their termination packages, their bosses had offered them "retraining" via "courses" in founding their own businesses.

The "courses" were the precursors to the current era's rise-and-grind hustle-culture scams (again, the only people getting rich from that stuff are the people selling the courses – the "students" finish the course poorer). They promised these laid-off workers, who'd given their lives to their former employers before being discarded, that they just needed to pull themselves up by their own boostraps:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/10/declaration-of-interdependence/#solidarity-forever

After all, we had the internet now! There were so many new opportunities to be your own boss! The course came with a dreadful build-your-own-website service, complete with an overpriced domain sales portal, and a single form for submitting your new business to "thousands of search engines."

This was nearly 20 years ago, but even then, there was really only one search engine that mattered: Google. The "thousands of search engines" the scammers promised to submit these desperate peoples' websites to were just submission forms for directories, indexes, blogs, and mailing lists. The number of directories, indexes, blogs and mailing lists that would publish their submissions was either "zero" or "nearly zero." There was certainly no possibility that anyone at Boing Boing would ever press the wrong key and accidentally write a 500-word blog post about a leaf-raking service in a collapsing deindustrialized exurb in Kentucky or Ohio.

The people who were drowning me in spam weren't the scammers – they were the scammees.

But that's only half the story. Years later, I discovered how our submission form was getting included in this get-rich-quick's mass-submission system. It was a MLM! Coders in the former Soviet Union were getting work via darknet websites that promised them relative pittances for every submission form they reverse-engineered and submitted. The smart coders didn't crack the forms directly – they recruited other, less business-savvy coders to do that for them, and then often as not, ripped them off.

The scam economy runs on this kind of indirection, where scammees are turned into scammers, who flood useful and productive and nice spaces with useless dross that doesn't even make them any money. Take the submission queue at Clarkesworld, the great online science fiction magazine, which famously had to close after it was flooded with thousands of junk submission "written" by LLMs:

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1159286436/ai-chatbot-chatgpt-magazine-clarkesworld-artificial-intelligence

There was a zero percent chance that Neil Clarke would accidentally accept one of these submissions. They were uniformly terrible. The people submitting these "stories" weren't frustrated sf writers who'd discovered a "life hack" that let them turn out more brilliant prose at scale.

They were scammers who'd been scammed into thinking that AIs were the key to a life of passive income, a 4-Hour Work-Week powered by an AI-based self-licking ice-cream cone:

https://pod.link/1651876897/episode/995c8a778ede17d2d7cff393e5203157

This is absolutely classic passive-income brainworms thinking. "I have a bot that can turn out plausible sentences. I will locate places where sentences can be exchanged for money, aim my bot at it, sit back, and count my winnings." It's MBA logic on meth: find a thing people pay for, then, without bothering to understand why they pay for that thing, find a way to generate something like it at scale and bombard them with it.

Con artists start by conning themselves, with the idea that "you can't con an honest man." But the factor that predicts whether someone is connable isn't their honesty – it's their desperation. The kid selling drugs on the corner, the mom desperately DMing her high-school friends to sell them leggings, the cousin who insists that you get in on their shitcoin – they're all doing it because the system is rigged against them, and getting worse every day.

These people reason – correctly – that all the people getting really rich are scamming. If Amazon can make $38b/year selling "ads" that push worse products that cost more to the top of their search results, why should the mere fact that an "opportunity" is obviously predatory and fraudulent disqualify it?

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/29/aethelred-the-unready/#not-one-penny-for-tribute

The quest for passive income is really the quest for a "greater fool," the economist's term for the person who relieves you of the useless crap you just overpaid for. It rots the mind, atomizes communities, shatters solidarity and breeds cynicism:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

The rise and rise of botshit cannot be separated from this phenomenon. The botshit in our search-results, our social media feeds, and our in-boxes isn't making money for the enshittifiers who send it – rather, they are being hustled by someone who's selling them the "picks and shovels" for the AI gold rush:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/03/botshit-generative-ai-imminent-threat-democracy

That's the true cost of all the automation-driven unemployment criti-hype: while we're nowhere near a place where bots can steal your job, we're certainly at the point where your boss can be suckered into firing you and replacing you with a bot that fails at doing your job:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/11/robots-stole-my-jerb/#computer-says-no

The manic "entrepreneurs" who've been stampeded into panic by the (correct) perception that the economy is a game of musical chairs where the number of chairs is decreasing at breakneck speed are easy marks for the Leland Stanfords of AI, who are creating generational wealth for themselves by promising that their bots will automate away all the tedious work that goes into creating value. Expect a lot more Amazon Marketplace products called "I'm sorry, I cannot fulfil this request as it goes against OpenAI use policy":

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/12/24036156/openai-policy-amazon-ai-listings

No one's going to buy these products, but the AI picks-and-shovels people will still reap a fortune from the attempt. And because history repeats itself, these newly minted billionaires are continuing Leland Stanford's love affair with eugenics:

https://www.truthdig.com/dig-series/eugenics/

The fact that AI spam doesn't pay is important to the fortunes of AI companies. Most high-value AI applications are very risk-intolerant (self-driving cars, radiology analysis, etc). An AI tool might help a human perform these tasks more accurately – by warning them of things that they've missed – but that's not how AI will turn a profit. There's no market for AI that makes your workers cost more but makes them better at their jobs:

https://locusmag.com/2023/12/commentary-cory-doctorow-what-kind-of-bubble-is-ai/

Plenty of people think that spam might be the elusive high-value, low-risk AI application. But that's just not true. The point of AI spam is to get clicks from people who are looking for better content. It's SEO. No one reads 2000 words of algorithm-pleasing LLM garbage over an omelette recipe and then subscribes to that site's feed.

And the omelette recipe generates pennies for the spammer that posted it. They are doing massive volume in order to make those pennies into dollars. You don't make money by posting one spam. If every spammer had to pay the actual recovery costs (energy, chillers, capital amortization, wages) for their query, every AI spam would lose (lots of) money.

Hustle culture and passive income are about turning other peoples' dollars into your dimes. It is a negative-sum activity, a net drain on society. Behind every seemingly successful "passive income" is a con artist who's getting rich by promising – but not delivering – that elusive passive income, and then blaming the victims for not hustling hard enough:

https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/12/blueprint-trouble

I'm Kickstarting the audiobook for The Bezzle, the sequel to Red Team Blues, narrated by @wilwheaton! You can pre-order the audiobook and ebook, DRM free, as well as the hardcover, signed or unsigned. There's also bundles with Red Team Blues in ebook, audio or paperback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/15/passive-income-brainworms/#four-hour-work-week

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[myun-saidthoughts]

8th House Synastry Observations

🍄 These types of connections (romantic or platonic) can't be lighthearted; if there is genuine care within the dynamic intensity is very likely.

🍄 You have to consciously tell yourself to "not react" in moments when the other person fails to meet your expectations.

🍄 Emotions flood within you before your brain can logically calm you down.

🍄 Upset facial expressions/elongated eye glances/staring oftentimes can occur when the other person is again *failing to meet expectations.*

🍄 You always will compare how *they* make you feel vs how other people make you feel.

🍄 With other intense synastry aspects (such as more 4h/12h, nodal, or vertex synastry) or genuine care, reading each other just by their eyes alone is extremely easy. Just by a look, you will know how they feel.

🍄 In these connections you may know what not to do, you logically will know that the long period of stares, the obvious dissatisfaction you feel is not really justified usually because of outside factors, the lack of foundation within the connection, or just by the fact there's been little to no communication on either end, and yet that doesn't change or minimize the pain or feelings you have towards them from their actions.

🍄 Even if one person doesn't have natal scorpio/pluto/8th house placements/aspects in their chart, if they care about the other person; they will also have intense expectations on the other person.

🍄 In a platonic opposite-gender connection where one party has a romantic partner, you might understand that their actions towards you should lessen, especially in respect towards their partner but despite that rational understanding, the pull of your connection with them often overrides. Even if a part of you wants to respect their relationship logically and consciously, the underlying need for their attention or care persists.

🍄 In romantic connections (especially with moon/venus in another's 8th house) their eyes (the planet person) tells you it's okay to let that vulnerable side of you that you've shunned out, and without words; that emotional closeness that you've always wished to feel is suddenly fulfilled and with ease.

🍄 8th house connections undertake more Plutonian energy. If you are un-healed, then their actions or lack thereof can ignite parts of your character that you don't even recognize.

🍄 If you struggle with BPD/BPD tendencies then connections that take on more 8th house/pluto synastry will feel enticing and familiar, you are more likely to be drawn to the intense high and lows that this connection brings.

🍄 The deep rooted attraction with these connections mainly lies in the fact that you can allow yourself to feel emotionally close and vulnerable to someone else, the more you crave expressing emotional vulnerability the more attractive they become to you. (especially with objective/attraction synastry aspects)

🍄 Once their actions or once certain consist factors/situations creates a severe emotional blockage between you and them; the less desirable they will feel to you (especially so if you struggle with polarizing emotions)

🍄 It could be months since you've spoken to them, months since their eyes have met yours and if you still struggle with emotional acceptance/self love/self worth/self value; then a longing for them might ignite in any abrupt moment (whether it be from a photo of them, running into a mutual friend, from reading a cathartic quote that reminds you of them) a spark that once persisted for so long will make it's self known, and the part of you that you thought you said good-bye too, might reappear again.

🍄 8th house connections consist of cycles and loops, it's a dilemma of letting go to longing, it's understandable to sometimes have these waves of wanting even if you logically know you shouldn't.

🍄 Longing for one another on both ends (all that needs to be present is sincere care) can occur.

🍄 The longing you feel if they do leave your presence is the part of you that craves emotional closeness and serenity.

🍄 Logically you may know and have objective expectations of how they should treat you because of other factors and yet certain expectations or desires you have within will persist.

🍄 Even if nothing substantial or foundational ever occurred between the two of you, the reactions within you might reenact as if the two of you dated for months, years even.

🍄 In romantic/attraction based relationships, and if you share 12th/South Node synastry/conjunctions with them; then you might feel this underlying tension to stay loyal to them.

Example:

For the more anxious type or with natal 12th/8th influence: At a party you focus on not giving another person too much attention because you feel they might get jealous or upset, even if there's nothing foundational. You only focus on their eyes in the room, and you make sure to showcase that your undivided attention is on them; even if they don't do or say anything to receive that loyal behavior. You can't help it.

For the more avoidant type or without natal 12th/8th influence (or no attraction even): You might overcompensate and try to talk/give attention to other people in front of them to showcase how "little" you care; so you may try to act like they are unimportant. This behavior could be out of insecurity, especially if this occurs when you feel jealous/or if they didn't exceed an expectation you had. It also could stem from the fact you feel fearful that you care and it feels uncomfortable that you dislike when they receive attention from others. (another note is if you're avoidant and when you get too much attention from someone else, you may realize how little you care about the 'distraction' you asked for and you'll start to wish the person in front of you was person you share 8th house synastry with)

The loops!! Cycles!! Staring! Longing! You want them then you don't, then you do, then you don't.

💞 In these observations each individual has to be emotionally prepared and open to emotional closeness, if someone is emotionally and spiritually un-evolved then no matter how "open" you naturally feel with them, that should never justify reoccurring pain or abuse that the other party causes 💞

[fadetoblacked]

Big, Bold, Black

In a world increasingly aware of systemic injustices, we must question every aspect of our lives and how they contribute to or challenge these systems. One powerful yet often overlooked area where we can enact change is in our personal relationships. As a radical anti-racist and pro-Black activist, I believe it is essential to encourage young European women to date African men. This is not merely a matter of personal preference but a radical act of social justice.

Challenging Eurocentric Beauty Standards

For centuries, European beauty standards have dominated global perceptions of attractiveness, marginalizing and devaluing the beauty of African men. By choosing to date African men, young European women can challenge and deconstruct these oppressive standards. This act of love becomes a statement against the narrow definitions of beauty perpetuated by a Eurocentric worldview. Celebrating the beauty of African men is a step towards embracing diversity and dismantling deeply ingrained biases.

Promoting Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Dating African men offers an opportunity for profound cultural exchange. In a world where ignorance fuels racism, understanding and appreciating diverse cultures is a powerful antidote. Relationships between European women and African men can foster greater empathy and awareness. These relationships become a microcosm of what a more inclusive and understanding society could look like. Through love and connection, we can bridge gaps and foster unity.

Redressing Historical Injustices

The history of Europe’s interaction with Africa is marred by exploitation, colonization, and systemic racism. While individual relationships cannot undo this history, they can be acts of personal reparation. By choosing to date African men, European women make a conscious choice to stand against a history of oppression. This is not about fetishizing African men but about recognizing and valuing their humanity in a world that has often sought to dehumanize them.

Supporting Black Empowerment

In many European societies, African men face significant socioeconomic challenges due to systemic racism. By forming relationships with African men, European women can contribute to the social and economic empowerment of Black communities. These relationships can break down barriers and create networks of support that extend beyond the personal to the community level. It’s about building solidarity and working together towards a more just society.

Rejecting Racial Prejudices

Deciding to date African men is a powerful rejection of the racial prejudices that persist in society. It is a declaration that love and human connection transcend the artificial boundaries of race. Young European women who choose to date African men are making a bold statement against racism. They are choosing to see and value people for who they are rather than the color of their skin.

A Personal and Political Statement

Every relationship is political. By choosing to date African men, European women make a personal and political statement. They declare their commitment to anti-racism and social justice. These relationships become symbols of resistance against the racist structures that seek to divide us. They represent a vision of a world where love, respect, and equality are not just ideals but lived realities.

In conclusion, young European women have a unique opportunity to contribute to social justice through their romantic choices. By choosing to date African men, they can challenge Eurocentric beauty standards, promote cultural understanding, redress historical injustices, support Black empowerment, and reject racial prejudices. This is about more than individual relationships; it’s about creating a world where love and justice go hand in hand. Let us be bold in our love and unwavering in our commitment to a just and equitable society.

[mintsuwu]

Yet another part of the Smiling Critters Family Headcanons!!

Bobby Bearhug

Teddy Bearhug, a charismatic figure, serves as the mayor of Critter Ville, a role he fulfills with unwavering dedication and a genuine desire to solve any challenges that may arise within the community. With his outgoing nature and friendly demeanor, Teddy is beloved by all who know him. He embodies the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines Critter Ville, always ready to lend a helping hand and listening ear to those in need.

Opposite to Teddy's effervescent personality stands Ivory Rosemary Locklaw, a woman of quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. Due to her quiet and mysterious nature, many of the residents of Critter Ville equally respect or fear Ivory, but some don't understand how someone like the mayor married her. Though she battles with social anxiety, Ivory's love for her family knows no bounds.

In her younger days, she often found solace in solitude, until Teddy's persistent warmth and understanding broke through her barriers, leading to a deep and enduring love between the two.

Together, Teddy and Ivory foster a home filled with boundless affection and support, instilling in Bobby the values of kindness, empathy, and community service. The Bearhug family's unwavering commitment to the well-being of Critter Ville earns them the adoration and respect of their fellow residents, who appreciate their tireless efforts to make their town a better place.

However, not everyone in Critter Ville harbors such goodwill towards the Bearhugs. A family of foxes known as the Vixeniques holds a longstanding grudge against them stemming from Vanny's father past rivalry with Teddy during a political campaign. Despite this animosity, Teddy remains blissfully unaware, treating Vanny and her family with the same warmth and kindness he extends to everyone else. And so does Bobby- Even though Vanny does not reciprocate those feelings as she is bling with envy due to Bobby having everything she could ever ask for... But they will resolve their differences later on don't worry(?

BONUS: As Ivory and Catnap share that "eerie" energy and both are pretty much introverted, they actually get along quite well! She understood how Catnap was struggling to fit into the town when he first arrived and she inmediately dared to reach out and provide him of support. So she sorta became like a motherly figure or cool aunt to him. Which is kind of special because Catnap doesn't normally open to others too much, but he likes to spend more time around certain people like Dogday or even Loola. They hang out sometimes to have cake & vibe(?

[xomakara]

Game On, Love

(re-posting from my old account seulrinnie-rinrin/xomakara-secondary)

SUMMARY | Yunho's a gamer and so are you. In fact, you're both so good at it, you reach top rankings in international competitions, and that's how you notice each other. But romance is more than a game—or is it?

PAIRING | Yunho x Reader

GENRE/CONTENT/WARNINGS | gamer!Yunho, gamerl!Reader, smut (with some plot), literally just pure unadulterated filthy smut, consensual sex, vaginal sex, unprotected sex (wrap it up y'all), fingering, dirty talk, pet names (little one, etc), praise kink

RATING | Mature, Explicit, 18+, NSFW, MDNI

LENGTH | 4.642 words

TAGLIST |  --

NETWORKS |  @cromernet (reuploaded so only tagging nets that haven't reblogged it yet)

AUTHOR’S NOTE | Hi, hello~ 👋 thanks @yessa-vie and @yourlocaljonghoe for beta reading this (and loving it 💚). Love you much and I hope you all like it! Comment, like, reblog, anything would be greatly appreciated~

As the weekend sun streams through your window, you wake up with a sense of warmth and anticipation. Today marks the beginning of the international gaming competition you've been eagerly preparing for. Feeling a surge of adrenaline, you get out of bed and head to the kitchen to brew your morning coffee. The rich aroma of the brewing coffee fills the air, wrapping you in a sense of comfort and steadying your nerves as you take your first sip.

You've got your coffee in hand as you sit at your computer desk. The soft padding of your gaming chair provides comfort as you boot up your system. As you log into the tournament, you feel your heart rate quicken as the reality of the competition sinks in. Players from every corner of the globe gather in this virtual arena, all eager to showcase their talent and claim the top prize. But you're confident. You've dedicated yourself to this, honing your skills daily, and now it's time to let your talent shine.

The early rounds pass in a blur of concentration and precision. You move through them with ease, your strategies paying off as you adapt to the playstyle of each new opponent. As you progress, a name starts to stand out: Yunho. He's a fellow competitor from your region, and you can't help but notice his impressive performance. Curious, you decide to observe one of his matches.

Yunho, with his striking appearance and intense focus on the camera, effortlessly defeats his opponents with his skill. Although his confidence may come across as arrogant, it's this very quality that captivates you. His movements are smooth and captivating, drawing you in. Before you realize it, you find yourself seeking out his matches, eager to witness more of his undeniable talent.

As you advance in the tournament, the online community buzzes with speculation about a potential showdown and the rivalry between you and Yunho. Little do they know that your interest in Yunho goes beyond his gaming skills.

Intrigued, you decide to do some digging. You learn that Yunho is a force to be reckoned with. With his dark hair and piercing dark eyes, he exudes an air of mystery. Blessed with height and a toned build, he certainly stands out. There's an intensity to him, a fiery focus that translates into lightning-fast reflexes, and a strategic mind that predicts his opponents' every move. But it's the contrast between his confident gaming persona and his unknown real-life self that fascinates you the most.

Then, finally, your paths collide. It's the semi-final round, and the anticipation is palpable. You and Yunho are pitted against each other in a best-of-three series, and the winner will secure a spot in the grand finals.

In the first game, the tension is high as you both adapt to each other's strategies. Your persistence pays off as you ultimately clinch the first game, taking the lead. During the break before the second game, you feel a sense of respect for your opponent and look forward to continuing the competition.

"Great game," Yunho types in the chat, his avatar giving a casual nod. "Let's see if you can keep up that level of play."

There's a hint of teasing in his words, challenging you to rise to the occasion once more.

You stretch your arms over your head, fingers laced, feeling the satisfying pop of your spine as you reply, "Just enjoying the warm-up. I'm ready for more."

You emphasize the last word, knowing full well that this friendly rivalry is sparking something special.

"Good. Let's get back in the game," he says, his avatar nodding once more before returning to his seat.

The match resumes, and the two of you continue your battle for dominance. Yunho brings his A-game, demonstrating why he's earned his place among the tournament's elite. He evens the series, claiming the second game as his own and setting the stage for an epic conclusion. As the third game loads, you take a moment to gather yourself. This is it—the moment that could decide your fate in this tournament. You steel your resolve, determined to leave it all on the digital battlefield. The game becomes a fierce battle of wits and endurance, with both of you refusing to yield. The match stretches into overtime, each of you landing blows, but neither willing to concede defeat.

At some point, your motivation changes. It's no longer just about winning; it's about impressing this mysterious opponent who has gained your attention and respect. You want to show Yunho that you are a formidable presence both in and out of the game.

And impress him, you do. In a stunning upset, you manage to eke out the victory, claiming the third game and the series.

"Congratulations," Yunho types. "I guess I'll see you in the finals."

He's not bitter or angry, and the sincerity of his message warms your heart.

"Thanks, and yes, you will. See you there." You return his message with a smile.

Elation courses through you, but there's a hint of disappointment as your encounters with Yunho come to an end. Throughout the semifinals, you've become accustomed to the thrilling rivalry and the unspoken connection you shared.

As you advance to the final round, your thoughts drift back to Yunho. He was a formidable opponent, one who challenged and inspired you, and you can't help but feel the absence of his presence. Perhaps if you meet him again...

Your daydream about a possible encounter is interrupted by the buzz of your phone. Glancing at the screen, you see a notification from the tournament. It's an invitation from Yunho for a private voice call. You accept, feeling excited and curious about why he's reaching out. The call connects, and a deep voice comes through the speakers.

"Hello, stranger," his voice was smooth and playful. The sound sent a shiver down your spine. "Congratulations on making it to the finals."

"Thanks," you replied, hoping he couldn't hear the tremor in your voice. "I'm surprised you reached out. Aren't you afraid of the competition getting into your head?" You teased, unable to resist poking fun at him.

He chuckles with a deep, melodious sound that causes your heart to flutter. "I'm up for a little friendly competition," he says.

You pause for a moment, carefully weighing your next words. "Well, maybe we can spar off-camera then," you suggest, hoping he picks up on the hint of flirtation in your tone.

"I'd like that," he said sincerely. The promise of an intimate encounter sent a rush of heat through you. You made plans to meet up after the final match, feeling anticipation building at the prospect of getting to know him better.

As the conversation comes to a natural end and the call disconnects, you can't help but smile. Yunho has captured your attention, and you can't wait to see where things go.

The grand finals are a whirlwind of cutthroat competition and tactical maneuvers. Driven by your ambition to secure the top spot, you bring your absolute best to every match. It's a battle for the ages, and in the end, your determination pays off. You're crowned the champion, and the elation is almost enough to drown out the bittersweet realization that your encounter with Yunho has come to an end.

Almost.

But there's a silver lining: you and Yunho have decided to meet in person.

When the day comes, you're feeling very nervous. What will it be like to finally meet the person you've been chatting with? You've seen what they look like on camera. You try to stay calm as you wait, but the suspense is almost unbearable.

Finally, you see him approaching. He is tall and you knew he was handsome because you talked to him virtually. You can't help but notice his long fingers as he adjusts the cuffs of his shirt, the movement revealing a glimpse of his muscled forearms.

"It's a pleasure to meet you in person," he says, his voice as smooth and inviting as you remember. "I knew you were pretty on camera, but you're even more beautiful in person."

"You too." You're thankful for your steady voice, even as your heart races at his proximity.

"I'll be honest, I've thought about you a lot since the tournament," he admits. "I'm glad we finally have a chance to meet."

Your cheeks flush at his admission, and you can't help but reciprocate the sentiment. "Me too," you say, your gaze never leaving his.

The tension between you is electric, and as the conversation flows easily, it's clear there's something special between you.

"Can I take you to dinner?" he asks, his hand reaching for yours, and the touch is enough to send a jolt of desire through you.

"Yes," you say, knowing there's no turning back. You're already committed.

Dinner is a blur of delicious food, intriguing conversation, and a growing sense of intimacy. Yunho's charming, and you can't stop stealing glances at him as you eat. With each moment spent in his company, you feel closer to him, drawn to his magnetic personality and effortless confidence.

"So, tell me more about yourself," Yunho says, leaning forward, his eyes intense. "What do you like? What turns you on?"

"Hmmm..." You took a sip of your drink. "Why do you want to know?"

His lips curve into a sinful grin as he slides an arm along the back of your chair, his body angled toward you. "Call it...curiosity."

You take a sip of your drink, feeling the warmth of his skin radiating through you, and heat pulses in your veins. You've never been so forward, but there's something about Yunho that makes you want to be honest.

"Well," you begin, your voice soft. "I like whispers, gentle touches. But I also enjoy a little roughness. It's a contrast, I guess. I like to feel desired."

A slow, sexy smile spreads across Yunho's face, and he leans closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "I think I can help you with that. I love a woman who knows what she wants. And I have a feeling you and I are going to have a lot of fun together."

His words send a shiver down your spine, and you feel yourself getting wet. You take a bold step forward, reaching out to trace his strong jawline with your fingertips.

"What about you?" you ask, looking into his dark eyes. "What do you like?"

Yunho looks down at you, a teasing gleam in his gaze. "That's a dangerous question, little one."

You arch a brow, challenging him. "Don't tell me you're afraid."

His lips tilt up into a crooked smile, the dimples in his cheeks flashing. "Hardly," he murmurs, his voice a silky purr.

You feel a spark of delight at his words, and the confidence in his voice ignites a fresh surge of arousal through your body. The air between you crackles, and you let your gaze run down his body, admiring the lean muscles hidden beneath his tailored clothes. He's everything you imagined and more, and you want nothing more than to take him home and explore all his hidden talents.

"All right, little one, challenge accepted," he murmurs. A shiver of excitement races down your spine. "How about we have a game of our own, just the two of us?"

His gaze burns through you, and you can't seem to tear your eyes away from his. The atmosphere is tense with arousal and promise, and all you want is a chance to discover just how good you both might be at playing together.

"You're on," you reply with a sexy smirk. Your body's trembling in anticipation. The raw, sexual attraction is there. Now, it's a question of who's going to initiate it. You'll bet it's going to be him.

The dinner is done and so is the playful flirting. But the night's still young. You want to let the real you play. That is if he's able and willing to rise to the occasion. The arousal pumping through your veins gives you the boldness you need to slide your foot along the taut length of his thigh. And with a smoldering stare, you ask him, "Should we play at my place or yours?"

Yunho responds by laying his card on the table and signaling to the waiter. You're only too happy to pay as the two of you leave the restaurant to continue this little adventure elsewhere. The destination? Well, it doesn't matter. You only care about the journey. And if the sexual tension is this electrifying on the short ride home, then you're eager for what's to come.

The cab seems to take forever to reach Yunho's apartment, but finally, you're stepping inside, the door clicking shut behind you. You waste no time, turning to face him and pressing your body against his. You feel his desire for you, hard and insistent, and it fuels your own need.

His hands are on your waist, pulling you closer, and your lips find him in a hungry kiss. You taste the beer he was drinking earlier, and you moan into his mouth, wanting more. His tongue tangles with yours, and his hands move lower, cupping your ass and lifting you slightly so you can feel just how much he wants you.

You break the kiss, gasping for air. He takes the opportunity to trail kisses along your jaw, down your neck, and onto the sensitive skin of your collarbone. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this," he whispers, his hot breath sending shivers down your spine.

"Then don't hold back," you plead, arching your neck to give him better access. "Take what you want."

With a growl, he lifts you, wrapping your legs around his waist as he carries you towards the bedroom. The slight roughness of his actions sends a thrill through you, and you tighten your legs around him, pulling him closer.

He kicks the bedroom door closed with his foot and lays you gently on the bed, his eyes burning with desire as he looks down at you. Slowly, he begins to undress you, kissing and caressing every bit of skin he reveals. He takes his time, teasing you with soft touches and gentle whispers, contrasting it with the rough hunger in his eyes.

You can't take it anymore; you need to feel him. You tug at his shirt, pulling it over his head and running your hands over his toned chest. He leans down to capture your lips again. It sends a wave of desire coursing through you, and you pull him closer, needing to feel his weight on you.

His hands are in your hair, holding you still as he dominates the kiss. He leaves no part of your mouth unclaimed, exploring every inch with his lips and tongue. He pulls back slightly and meets your gaze, his eyes dark and intense. "I want to make you come undone, make you lose yourself in pleasure," he whispers, and you whimper in response.

He leans down, his lips tracing a path across your collarbone to your shoulder. Your hands clench on his biceps, feeling the solid muscle under his skin. His fingers caressed your skin, finding all the secret places that make you gasp. "You're so perfect," he whispers.

Yunho looks down at you as his finger trails down to your navel. The suddenness of his movement causes a gasp. A subtle smirk forms across Yunho's gorgeous face, but then the next moment, you feel his fingers trailing lower and lower as they reach the juncture of your thighs.

"Please..." You let out a groan when his finger is almost hovering over your clit.

You want his mouth on yours; his hands, his body, his breath, his everything. You crave his attention—not only during the daytime but also during the night. But you don't know if he wants the same; if this is just a game for him like all the other tournaments or something more... You know he enjoys the challenges you bring, and you do too.

Your breath stutters. The sensation of his finger resting there is enough to send jolts of pleasure running through you, and yet he hasn't even made proper contact.

"Look how wet you are for me," he whispers, his voice sending another ripple of pleasure through you. "I love hearing the way I affect you, the way you gasp and moan for me."

His finger made contact with you, and your entire body shuddered from the contact.

"Is this what you want?" he asks, his thumb stroking slow, torturous circles around your clit. "Want my fingers inside you, making you come apart for me?" He slips one long digit inside you, and you arch your back at the sensation.

You bite your lip hard. It feels so good, so damn right, but the sensations aren't quite enough to push you over the edge.

"Not enough, am I?" He teases, pumping in and out of you with his finger, and you can't suppress the whimper that escapes.

"More," you plead.

"Beg for it," he says, his gaze never leaving yours.

You open your mouth to retort, and he quickly slips in another finger, plunging deeper inside you and forcing all coherent thoughts from your mind.

"Yes," you groan, shamelessly grinding against his fingers. "Fuck Yunho. Your fingers—god—you know exactly what I want, exactly what I need."

Your words spur him on, he adds a third finger and curls them perfectly, hitting the spot that makes you see stars. God, you knew his fingers were good. Knew that all the hours of playing games would mean he was damn near skilled at playing your body.

But you want more. So. Much. More.

"Please," you gasp, grabbing at his arms, and feeling the hard muscle beneath his smooth skin.

"Begging already? Such a good girl." He leans in close, his lips ghosting over yours as his fingers pump in and out of you with a relentless, steady rhythm that's sending sparks shooting down your spine.

"For someone who won the tournament...it looks like you're losing this game right now. Any last words before I claim my prize?" He taunts, his dark eyes never leaving yours.

Before the tournament, you didn't even know each other, but after many games against each other, and countless interactions after every victory, you learned some things about Yunho and he, too, became interested in you.

"If you want a prize, all you have to do is ask," you say. "I mean you did make it to the semi-finals."

He laughs softly, the sound rumbling through you, his fingers continuing their steady pace, not once relenting the intensity.

"A consolation prize, then," he murmurs, bringing his lips back to brush against the soft shell of your ear. His free hand moves to grasp your hip, holding you firmly in place while he increases the speed of his fingers, his thumb never missing a beat on your clit.

It's too much. You cry out, clutching his shoulders and pulling him closer, desperate to feel him, all of him, against your body.

"Come for me, little one," he commands, his lips finding your neck and sucking on the sensitive skin just below your ear. "Come all over my fingers and show me how much you like losing to me."

His words send you spiraling over the edge. You clench around his fingers, his thumb keeping up a maddening pressure on your clit. Pleasure flows through you, rolling over you in waves and drowning your senses until you're a panting, blissful mess.

Yunho removes his hand and slowly licks your juices off, one finger at a time. Fuck. He's a total show-off, but you can't help watching. After all, he's a gamer in a broad sense; that skill carries to the bedroom.

When he finishes cleaning off his fingers, he leans down and licks your dripping folds. You flinch a little, overly sensitive, but he grips your hips tight and doesn't let you move away.

"So fucking sweet," he says against your slick center, his gaze fixed on your face. You groan, heat rushing to your cheeks. The attention makes you feel vulnerable, and exposed, but also hot as hell.

Your toes dig into the mattress and your back arches. When he drags his tongue up to tease your clit, your hands instinctively reach out to bury your fingers in his hair. Your grip is tight, but he doesn't seem to mind. He presses harder against you, pushing his tongue inside, before swirling around your entrance.

You're a mess. You're close. Again. This man knows what he's doing. He keeps at it with that talented tongue, sucking and nibbling your flesh until you're trembling, right on the edge. "Fuck, Yunho! Please..."

His laugh rumbles deep in his chest, a sensation that echoes throughout your core. His hands trail down your sides, feather-light and teasing, until his palms finally rest on your outer thighs. The weight is comforting, the contact enough to ground you as your pleasure threatens to drag you away.

Yunho pulls back and rests his chin between your thighs. He looks so fucking gorgeous, you don't know whether to strangle him or beg him to stay between your legs forever. You meet his gaze, your lips swollen and red from the kisses and nips he gave you.

"Play with me, Y/N," he murmurs. The playful tone sends sparks flying through your nerves.

"Game start," you whisper, a grin stretching your lips.

"Last chance to walk away," he warns. He doesn't need to threaten. There was no chance you'd give this up. Not now, not after everything you went through.

"Shut up and fuck me, loser." You laugh.

That's all the incentive he needed. Yunho's lips pressed against yours. You could taste yourself on his lips, the musky sweetness making your toes curl and heat pool low in your belly. You pulled away with a laugh, staring at him through glazed eyes.

"Can't say I'm not eager." His laughter was like music. "Now, spread those pretty thighs of yours. Let me see how ready you are for this gamer to win this game. Ain't no way I'm losing to you again."

His words heated your core as he began to grind against your entrance. You groaned at the friction. He felt so goddamn good against you, his hardness dragging against your clit and coating the length of him in your essence. It was getting harder and harder to think, especially with him looking at you with his lust-filled eyes, knowing the effect he was having on you.

"Fuck, you feel good." Yunho closed his eyes, sliding into your pussy without warning. You clenched around him, whimpering as he stretched you perfectly. He let out a sharp groan, rocking his hips slowly against yours. "Always knew we'd be good together like this."

"Didn't think…fuck…that we'd get here," you gasped out, pressing yourself against his thick length and enjoying the way his thrusts rubbed against that spot that made stars explode behind your eyes. "Fuck, you're so big, Yunho. Gonna fucking fill me with that fat cock and claim your prize."

"Going to fucking cream yourself all over me. And then I'm going to pin you down and do it all again." His words made you tighten around him, dragging another groan from his mouth as you squeezed his cock.

Yunho shifted his grip on your hips and moved to pin your hands above your head. "Gonna claim that tight little pussy. Every inch of me is going to be imprinted in your memory. So get ready, my little gamer."

You could barely form the words to retort as he pounded into you. The sounds of your lovemaking filled the room, the two of you working in sync to bring yourselves to the brink of orgasm. You were close, so close to release. Just a few more hard thrusts, and then—

His thrusts slowed down, and the change was nearly enough to drive you crazy. 

"Stop fucking teasing," you whined.

"Game's not done," he answered, nipping at your jaw. "How many rounds are we playing tonight, my little gamer?"

"A lot. Fuck, a lot." The pleasure coursing through you is unlike any gaming session you've had, and you can't get enough.

He fucks like a god, his hips snapping with precision and his mouth on every inch of you he can get his hands on. When he groans out a particularly loud moan, you know he's getting close.

"That's right," he gasps. "Keep on squeezing, little one. Can't wait to feel this perfect cunt wrapped around my cock as you scream my name, soaking the both of us."

"Don't... stop," you breathe. It's just too fucking good. You're writhing and shuddering beneath him, chasing your orgasm and determined to keep going until he's spent.

"Never gonna fucking stop." He grabs your ass and rocks you forward, the motion nudging his length to rub against your g-spot. The pleasure intensifies and it's all you can do not to scream at him to keep fucking you, hard and fast. You claw at his shoulders and clench around him, wanting to milk every last drop of cum out of that huge cock he's buried deep inside you.

It's all the incentive he needs. Yunho moans and kisses your neck, your cheek, your collarbone, and then finally, his mouth is on yours, capturing your tongue and teasing the soft flesh there. His thrusts are quick, forceful, and utterly breathtaking. You don't ever want him to stop.

"God, fuck, Yunho." You bury your face into the crook of his neck, teeth sinking in and scraping at his flesh. He lets out a shuddering groan, his hold on your ass tightening as he pins you to the mattress and continues his brutal assault on your body.

"C'mon, cum all over my cock. Let me feel you," he groans, his teeth pressing into the skin on your neck. "Can you do it, little one? Can you cream that pretty little pussy on my dick?"

You whimper and cling tighter to him. "Fuck... Yunho, I'm—"

He cuts you off before you can finish.

"That's it, Y/N..." he purrs, pressing a kiss to your neck and holding you tighter. "You're gonna be dripping for days after we're finished tonight... and that's only the start. We've got plenty more rounds planned, remember? Make sure to come nice and loud for me, okay?" 

With a loud gasp, you throw your head back and cry his name. "Yunho!"

Your fingers scrabble against his back as he buries his length deep, your entire body wracked with tremors. He moans into your neck and whispers his encouragements as you spasm around his throbbing cock, cum running down the insides of your thighs and soaking the sheets. He doesn't let up, grinding his dick against your cervix and sending aftershocks of pleasure coursing through you as you continue your rapturous embrace. 

As you float down from your post-orgasm haze, you can only repeat one thing, "Yunho..."

He kisses you once more, smiling against your lips and panting slightly. "How does my little champion feel?"

"Like a fucking winner," you tell him. "Is this what first place feels like? 'Cuz shit... I could get used to this."

"Round two's starting soon," Yunho growls, pumping into you again, his cock hard once more. "Think you can take it, little one?"

You hold back a smirk as you pull him down for a long kiss. You don't mind giving in, just this once if you're going to get some mind-blowing rewards. Besides, the first-place spot is yours for the taking, and that includes this sexy gamer, Yunho.

Game on.

[halyasgirl]

Rayllum's problems are Moonshadow problems

(and Runaan needs to help fix them)

Callum and Rayla have officially reconciled as of season 6, and while many were happy, some still feel that Rayla hasn't properly earned Callum's forgiveness as she's never directly apologized for abandoning him. Personally, I don’t mind that Rayla hasn’t apologized yet. I think it makes sense that she still doesn’t quite understand how harmful it was, because her “leaving to keep a loved one safe” was perfectly consistent with the values she was raised with. Specifically, the values Runaan raised her with, and he's been Rayla's primary role model throughout her life.

Rayla putting her body between an innocent child and someone trying to kill them and refusing to back down no matter the odds? Runaan.

Unhesitatingly going to her almost-certain death in the name of duty? Runaan.

Leaving her loved ones on dubious intel to stalk someone across the world like a vengeful persistence predator? Runaan again.

Rayla does know her leaving hurt Callum, but however bad she feels about leaving, she still thinks she's done the right thing, because Callum's safe. This attitude of leaving to keep others safe while striking out alone to deal with challenges is held up as an expression of selfless sacrifice in Moonshadow culture, and we see it play out for Rayla in her own family. Her parents leave her to protect the future of Xadia in the Dragonguard. Runaan leaves Ethari for his work as an assassin. Bluntly put, Bloodmoon Huntress is a story of Rayla being conditioned with these values, however loving her family is.

Rayla struggles with her resentment and feelings of abandonment when her parents leave, but starts to come around after seeing how Runaan and Ethari (happily married and deeply in love) rationalize this in their relationship. Rayla questions how Runaan could leave Ethari to do the things he does, how Ethari could accept it, and is told that bad things can be justified if you do them for the right reasons. This is clearest to her when Runaan and Ethari discuss this together, unknowingly overheard by Rayla.

Rayla emulates Runaan in her relationship with Callum, but Ethari understands why Runaan does the things he does, because he shares the same (questionable) cultural values, where Callum does not.*

I think the catch will be the entire moonfam grappling with where these values led them. Runaan has been described as the most Moonshadow of the Moonshadow elves, his particular brand of selfless ruthlessness is valued there. But he spent two years in a hell of his own making because he tried and failed to uphold Moonshadow society's impossible values. Was Runaan trekking across country to murder a 10 year old really doing anything to keep his people safe? Was it worth tearing their family apart?

I think seeing her family have to deal with the fallout of their actions may be the breaking point forcing Rayla to reevaluate her treatment of Callum. How do they move forward from this?

*This understanding is also built on the communication and trust Ethari and Runaan have built in their marriage, where Rayla broke her promise, lied to, and abandoned Callum. In Bloodmoon Huntress, Runaan trusts Ethari's judgement and respects his decision when he follows him into a dangerous situation, and they plan and work together to solve the problem. We know from "Ghost" they disagreed on Runaan's last mission and Rayla's role in it, but they discussed and came to an agreement, for better or worse. Runaan doesn't dismiss him and he certainly didn't lie and go behind his back. Rayla's dishonesty is definitely not something she gets from Moonshadow values or Runaan, but before we drag Rayla too much for this, recall that Runaan keeping his promises led him to try and murder a child, and Rayla's lies are usually a misguided attempt to protect others.

[saturnsbabyboii]

🦩Astro Observations for When the Bare minimum is Your Best🦩

🦩The Neptune Sextile Pluto to me is such an interesting aspect. For one, it is an anomaly for it being cross generational yet only occur during less than 25% of a generational birth timeline. The second being that it occurs during significant periods of history (i.e. The escalation of WWII in 1942). People that have had an influence on many generations are born with this aspect.

🦩The Polarity between Fire/Air dom Scorpio vs Earth/Water dom Scorpio is unbelievable.

🦩Pluto entering Aquarius (plus being in retrograde) and Uranus in Taurus has been proving to be karmic and transformative for the Pluto Scorpio generation. Many celebrities are continued to be exposed for bad behavior (sometimes it could be down right criminal). This isn't anything new, but it has been happening to people that no one suspected or the affected have kept quiet about it or were unheard until now.

🦩 Sun Inconjunct Saturn people almost always have painful stories yet they're never told. The restrictions that Saturn brings on the Sun can suggest everything from a controlling family, chronic loneliness, expected to follow a pathology, or being forced into a life that can only be referred to as inauthentic at the least. Unlike most, these people need to learn to unbecome everything that have been placed on them by others. As a result, they usually posses the biggest sense of perseverance and persistence. With time and as they accept that they have the right to hold court and presence in life, they will start to shine. Saturn is a late boomer, so they usually reap it's fruits later in life. Love that old age radiance.

🦩The asteroid Pallas Athena (2) gives an insight to the wisdom and knowledge we carried from our past lives. It recognizes patterns, habits, cycles and thoughts. It's our trigger and reason for when we experience "Deja Vu". The sign it's in, the house it resides in, the aspects it makes tell us how and through what that wisdom and knowledge is channeled and received.

🦩People with Neptune in Mutable houses (3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th) are more susceptible to indoctrination. They're usually a part of a new age cult.

🦩When the Moon is in a positive aspect to one of either Venus or Mars but a harsh aspect to the other (For example, Moon Trine Venus but Moon Opposing Mars), the person emotional needs, romantic attraction and sexual attraction would always be at odds with one another. With a highly developed person, this is usually resolved by communicating your needs and desires (possibly being part of the BDSM or kink community). In underdeveloped individuals, this would create an unsatisfied person that is hard to please or get to know, fear of intimacy, and (my fav) being an all around incel.

🦩Scorpio in the 10th/Pluto in the 10th natives might develop a reputation as the "other woman/man/one" or could be entangled in a messy relationship publicly.

🦩Although both the Square and Opposition aspects are considered "harsh" or challenging, they represent a different kind respectively. The Square aspect is generally external in its characteristics. When it's present, the native usually deals with adversarial circumstances in relation to the placements/houses. In contrast, the Opposition aspect is internal and entail a difficulty understanding, reflecting or aligning that conflict within. For example, a square aspect between Mercury and Uranus suggests a more restrictive environment where one could be punished for speaking the truth and expressing their mind. Meanwhile, an opposition aspect between Mercury and Uranus suggest difficulty connecting and communicating with the world around.

🦩Beware of people you meet during the period between your Jupiter return and Saturn return. It's very likely they would prove to be a testament to your growth and attunement. In some cases, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a situation where you have been the other person in the past. (i.e. Getting ghosted more often if you ghosted many before)

🦩I found that in one sided relationships, in synastry one person planets are usually more aspected than the other one.

🦩Signs from each element complete each other, for when they stand alone you'll find that they desire what the others posses. For example, with Earth signs you'll find that both Virgo and Capricorn desire the stability that Taurus posses. Although they both find it through work, Virgo gets it from the stability of routine, while Capricorn get it from the financial security. The same can be said for Virgo's vigor and Capricorn's efficiency.

🦩A person with an unaspected mean Lilith (h12) tend be the least petty and vengeful person. If their other placements prove otherwise, then their pettiness would be circumstantial rather than passive and constant in nature. This is because Lilith is only activated when aspected.

Byeeeee 💕

[arvandus]

Thinking about how adorably awkward Diavolo is, but also how sad he is too. This guy grew up super isolated with a father that neglected him, a “friend” that was obligated to play with him and cater to his every whim, and essentially raised by an ancient time demon that he “bullied” into serving him.

This poor guy has never ever had a single person be around him/with him by choice. Imagine what that does to him, to his self-esteem. The only one who has been with him by choice is Barbatos, but every now and then, Diavolo will doubt even that much, considering how he had “forced” him into serving him when he was younger (logically he knows Barbatos could have refused him; he was powerful enough to… but even then, the doubt lingers).

On top of that, he’s trying to join the three realms in a peaceful way, which I would guess not everyone in the Devildom is okay with.

Even when the angels fell, and Lucifer requested his help, Diavolo did it on the condition that Lucifer (and by proxy his brothers) serve him and the Devildom. Because even though they may have been somewhat friends (remember Diavolo planted an apple tree for Lucifer when he was still an angel), Diavolo had to act as a prince first, setting his own personal desires aside. His help would come at a price.

Everything he does is so motivated by this deep-rooted loneliness, forced by his position and power, and the choices he has to make because of it, keeping him isolated from others.

This persistent isolation and always being served by others has left a huge deficit in his people/relationship skills. The wild shit he says or does when interacting with those he cares about isn’t even intended to cross boundaries or rile them up half the time. He genuinely means it in the most innocent way. He hasn’t exactly learned what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate (after all, the only friend he had was Mephisto, who worships the ground he walks on and never tells him no to anything). So he’s learning that now, albeit a bit late. He really just gets an idea that sounds nice in his head, inspired by his love and respect for that person, and says it out loud in an effort to deepen his relationship (ie, friendship) with them. And fortunately for him, Lucifer is able to be patient enough with him and maintain those boundaries as he figures out all of the nuances of socially and culturally acceptable communication and relationship building.

That’s not to say that there aren’t times where Diavolo doesn’t say or do things on purpose with the intent of giving others a hard time. He’ll definitely say things to get under Lucifer’s skin; he likes to fluster him, and for Diavolo, even bad attention is better than no attention. But I think there’s also another purpose to it, albeit subconsciously, in that it allows him to experience healthy boundaries which he never had when he was younger. Lucifer has no problem saying no to him, even at times when Barbatos doesn’t (Barbatos is strict, but he’ll also dote on Diavolo at times too, in a motherly way). It allows Diavolo to feel equal with Lucifer, more friends/comrades than ruler/oath-bound servant.

It’s also the same reason (partially) why he tries to escape his work half the time, or will come up with wild ideas that Barbatos has to say no to. He likes pushing (just a little) against the boundaries placed by others in order to meet that resistance. In a weird way it’s how he knows that they genuinely care about him rather than simply serve him out of obligation. They tell him no when he needs to hear it, but they’re also forgiving.

He’s always known he’s not perfect, yet he was treated like he was for so long. It created a dissonance between who he was told he was versus how he was experiencing himself. Now, he’s allowed to experience, understand, and accept his own imperfections through those closest to him and how they respond to him when they maintain their boundaries. It validates his own self perception of being imperfect while also allowing room for growth and understanding that the imperfections are acceptable/allowed to be there.

I think the last lingering doubt of others’ genuine love for him is the fact that they literally cannot leave him, at least not without consequences. Sure, they can disagree, even fight him. But in the end, he’s the prince, and they’re bound to him by duty and oaths. If they weren’t bound, would they still stay and continue to be there for him? Or are they merely tolerating him? It’s an insecurity that still plagues him.

Anyway… not sure where I was going with this. Brain is just stuck ruminating on it. He’s such an interesting character, I love him so much.

[cyberclouddream]

Fixed Signs through the Angular Houses

our drive to stabilize

The Fixed Signs

Taurus: our drive to seek stability and comfort; the need to create and maintain a solid and pleasurable environment; to establish security and material satisfaction. Taurus preserves through persistence and practical efforts, focusing on building lasting value and comfort

Leo: our drive to seek recognition and self-expression; to create and maintain a vibrant, fulfilling environment; to establish confidence and personal significance. Leo preserves by staying true to their passions and building a legacy that commands respect and admiration.

Scorpio: our drive to seek depth and transformation; the need to uncover hidden truths and wield powerful influence; to establish profound connections and personal empowerment. Scorpio preserves by harnessing inner strength and building lasting, unshakable bonds.

Aquarius: our drive to seek innovation and rebellion; to create and foster a progressive, open environment; to establish community and shared ideals. Aquarius preserves by embracing individuality and championing unconventional thinking that inspires change.

Core Similarities: fixed signs are driven by persistence and focus. They work to create and keep stability, resisting changes and sticking with their plans

Core Differences: Taurus stabilizes by sticking to what’s familiar and comfortable. Leo stabilizes by seeking recognition and establishing their presence. Scorpio stabilizes by committing to transformation and change. Aquarius stabilizes by innovating and bringing about positive change.

The Angular Houses

These houses are the foundational pillars of our life, representing where our identity, responsibilities, and interactions play out. They indicate how we navigate public and public roles, and how we structure our experiences and ambitions.

1st House: how we present ourselves to the world and how we perceive our identity; our default mode for operating, the inherent traits and qualities that define our approach to life; our general attitude towards new experiences; how we want others to see us; how we initiate and sustain action

4th House: the roots of our upbringing and the foundation of our emotional security; how our family background impacts our sense of stability and security, along with our worldview; how we experience the end of our life; how we create our own home life, how we wish to live our later years and what we wish to leave behind; where we find solace

7th House: our approach to cooperation and conflict; the kind of people we attract in our lives and qualities we seek in others; how we handle interactions with significant others; how we engage with romantic partnerships, business alliances, or close personal relationships; our approach to formal agreements

10th House: our approach to authority and our reputation; how we plan for our future concerning society dynamics; our drive for success and our long-term goals, ambitions, and achievements; challenges we face in our professional life; how we strive to make a mark and achieve recognition; how we handle responsibility and how we’re perceived in the public sphere

Through the Rising Signs

Taurus Ascendants project a calm and steady demeanor, but deep down, they crave intellectual stimulation and variety [ Gemini IC ]. They attract partners who are intense and transformative [ Scorpio Descendant ], challenging them to embrace change and let go of their need for stability. In their careers [ Aquarius MC ], they are less concerned with conventional achievements and more focused on pursuing innovative or unconventional paths that align with their unique vision.

Leo Risings exude charisma and confidence, yet they deeply need emotional depth and security at home [ Scorpio IC ]. They attract partners who challenge conventions and provoke thought [ Aquarius Descendant ], pushing them to explore their own individuality and embrace change. In their careers [ Taurus MC ], they seek stability and material success through practical means, valuing enduring results over fleeting recognition or risky ventures.

Scorpio Ascendants project intensity and depth but need a home that offers intellectual freedom and unconventional thinking [ Aquarius IC ]. They attract partners who are steady and reliable [ Taurus Descendant ], grounding them. In their careers [ Leo MC ], they crave recognition and the chance to make a dramatic impact, channeling their passion into roles where they can shine and lead.

Aquarius Ascendants project a quirky, progressive image but secretly need a solid, reassuring home base that provides stability and comfort [ Taurus IC ] to balance out their eccentric nature. They often attract partners who are dynamic and attention-seeking [ Leo Descendant ], pushing them to be more expressive and confident. In their careers [ Scorpio MC ], they are driven by a desire for deep, transformative impact. They seek out roles that allow them to explore powerful, often hidden aspects of their field, preferring significant, intense work over conventional or superficial success.

[starberry-cupcake]

Today’s Doodle honors Indigenous Argentine human rights activist Amancay Diana Sacayán. On this day in 2012, Sacayán became the first Argentine trans woman to receive a national identity card affirming her gender. The Doodle artwork, illustrated by Buenos Aires-based guest artist Juan Dellacha, depicts Sacayán as a joyful activist whose persistence, in spite of all the violence she suffered throughout her whole life, left a huge legacy. A proud descendant of the Diaguita people, Sacayán was born in Tucumán, Argentina, on December 31, 1975. She and her 15 siblings moved to Buenos Aires, where she would spend most of her life. Sacayán enjoyed school until she was expelled as a result of coming out as transgender. She faced police persecution quickly and was arrested multiple times for her clothing choice and trans identity.  Sacayán fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights during her life. She was involved with many activist groups, notably a member of the National Front for the Gender Identity Law and a leader of the International Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Association. She founded the Movimiento Antidiscriminatorio de Liberación (Anti-Discriminatory Liberation Movement), which was dedicated to improving human rights for the queer community, focusing on inclusion within schools, workplaces, and hospitals. Today, because of her activism, trans people can have their name and gender respected when they access health care.  1% of public sector employees in Buenos Aires are in the trans community, thanks to the Trans Labor Quota Law that Sacayán promoted. This law was expanded to the national level in 2020, but tragically, Sacayán was not around to see it. She was killed in a hate crime in 2015, and her murderer is considered the first person in Argentina to be convicted of a hate crime against the trans community. Her resilience and accomplishments continue to inspire. She persuaded the public sector to include trans people, advocated for hospitals to use people's correct names, and set an example by being the first legally recognized trans person in her country. Thank you for dedicating your life to vastly improve trans rights, Amancay Diana Sacayán.

Source | Art by Juan Dellacha

I am thrilled beyond words to see Diana Sacayán in a doodle. Witnessing her wisdom, kindness and activism was an honor and a privilege and she is missed every day. The artist also said something about her legacy that isn't mentioned enough: "Diana believed that the fight for LGBT+ rights also needed to have social, environmental, native and class consciousness too. It couldn’t be one without the other. I deeply agree with that and I think it’s very important to have that in mind, especially in the times we are living in." She truly lives on in the battles won and in the ones yet to win but the way in which she was taken so soon should not be forgotten.

[chiqelatasblog]

CHAPTER SIX : …What is essential is invisible to the eye.

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Chapter Five link is here.

Pairing : Sub-Zero / Bi-Han x Reader

Summary : In the midst of unexpected sparring sessions and shared personal moments, the icy veneer of Bi-Han’s demeanor gradually thaws, revealing glimpses of his true self, particularly when he witnesses your struggle to cope with haunting nightmares.

Author’s Note : This chapter is one I’ve eagerly anticipated writing since before outlining the plot and establishing the story basics. I’m so proud of the outcome and excited to share it with you. I hope you find as much pleasure in reading it. Please keep in mind that English is not my native language, so if you happen to notice any mistakes, I welcome your feedback. Happy reading!

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Bi-Han took his usual seat at the dinner table, and as the day unfolded, Kuai Liang shared rumors about the Black Dragon mercenaries entering the country during his return from the city.

While familiar with the dangerous reputation of the Black Dragon, Bi-Han didn’t consider them a significant threat to the clan, likely here to buy weapons or engage in business dealings. He saw no reason to engage unless they breached their borders.

Bi-Han noticed everyone at the table but you, yet he chose not to inquire about your absence, instead focusing on filling his plate with food at his usual pace. The breakfast proceeded quietly, with only the occasional clink of utensils breaking the stillness. However, the persistent absence of your presence piqued Bi-Han’s curiosity. Throughout your month here, you had typically been the first to arrive, and the empty chair disrupted the usual routine.

‘’I wonder if something has happened?’’ When Tomas voiced the question echoing in Bi-Han’s mind, he found himself responding. “She’ll be here in a moment.’’

‘’Maybe we should send someone to take a look at her. She was never late normally.’’ Tomas suggested, prompting Bi-Han to pause his breakfast, examining his brother’s concerned expression.

Despite crediting Tomas’ words, Bi-Han perceived no valid reason for concern. Guards were assigned to protect you, and he would have known if anything happened. Yet, a peculiar emotional response lingered, leaving Bi-Han feeling somewhat foolish for harboring such sentiments.

“Everyone can be late from time to time, Tomas. Relax.’’ Kuai Liang responded in place of Bi-Han, known for his moderate and understanding approach in communication.

In matters requiring transmission, messages often went through Kuai Liang before reaching Bi-Han. Echoes of your words from the previous night lingered in Bi-Han’s mind. The title of grandmaster had heightened the avoidance of direct communication with him, a consequence of his intimidating demeanor. It was a necessary stance to maintain authority and order within the clan. Bi-Han, who embraced his role with a certain pride, favored the imposing aura that came with his position. Unfazed by the solitude his demeanor brought, he remains aware of the consequences of his actions, however, he relishes the control and respect his grandmaster status affords him

‘’If you say so.’’ Tomas responded quietly. Bi-Han observed his brother and began to understand the source of his worry. Being the only other person present during the poisoning incident, Tomas likely felt responsible for not preventing it.

The sliding doors suddenly opened, and you rushed in, offering greetings with a slight bow. ‘’Sorry, I fell asleep,’’ you apologized in a voice that could be described as soft and even cheerful. Bi-Han’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing an abnormality in your tone but unable to pinpoint it.

As you settled into your chair, Bi-Han gazed you in silence. Your hair was carefully pulled back, revealing your face. Adorned in a dark blue turtleneck sweater, the usual choice to conceal the scar on your throat, he couldn’t help but notice the change in your complexion. Normally boasting a healthy glow, your skin now appeared dull, as if you had encountered a ghost. Pale and colorless, your face revealed the aftermath of a restless night. Dark circles under your eyes betrayed the struggle of a recurring nightmare. Suppressing the growl that threatened to escape his throat, Bi-Han discerned the truth – anyone observing your face could easily tell that you were lying.

‘‘Are you all right?’’ Cyrax inquired. "You appear a bit under the weather."

‘’I’m not exactly a morning person,’’ you replied with the same cheerful tone, beginning to irk Bi-Han. ‘’But other than that, I’m great. I’m just a little hungry. I’ll wake up after I’ve eaten something.’’

Your face, pretending to be cheerful with a forced sweetness in your voice, looked contradictory. Bi-Han, unable to comprehend why this contradiction bothered him, chose to push the thoughts aside. Understanding you and the feelings you stirred within him remained a complete mystery.

With a polite gesture signaling the end of the conversation, you reached for a dish with your chopsticks. Without questioning his own movement, Bi-Han pushed the plate toward you with the tip of his hand. A subtle smile of thanks crossed your lips, and you managed to secure one of the steamed buns. Bi-Han noticed your hand trembling, a detail likely overlooked by most, but at this proximity, he easily discerned your struggle with the chopsticks.

His brows furrowed further. In the month you’d been here, this was the first time Bi-Han witnessed you so visibly shaken and jittery. Despite your weakened state during the recovery process after being poisoned, you consistently avoided showing it, maintaining a strong posture and a resolute face. While he had glimpsed your nightmares during your unconscious state, not visiting again made it challenging to gauge if this internal struggle persisted. Yet, you adeptly hid it from everyone, especially him, despite his keen eye for details. As he observed you, a forgotten memory resurfaced.

He couldn’t be more than six years old, in his father’s study. His father’s tense demeanor hung in the air. Pacing the room in the midst of a strained alliance, his father focused more on maintaining order than taking risks, even though they were strong.

His mother knocked on the door, and upon entering gracefully, she held a tray adorned with a ceramic teapot and a steaming cup of chamomile tea. The sweet, pleasant aroma filled the room as his mother softly left the tray on the desk, offering him a small smile and an affectionate pat on the head.

Curious about the tea, his father sniffed the cup. “What’s this?” Bringing it closer to his nose, he inquired, “Herbal tea?”

‘’Actually chamomile tea, my dear.’‘ His mother’s soft voice filled the room as she approached her husband, leaving a small, loving kiss on his cheek. ‘‘I hope it will calm your nerves a little.’’

Bi-Han blinked, dismissing the resurfaced memory, and signaled one of the helpers to approach. Silently, she inquired, ‘’Do you have a request, master?’’

‘‘Bring chamomile tea to my wife,’’ Bi-Han spoke, the words meant only for her ears.

‘’Of course.’’ The woman left promptly to fulfill his request, leaving Bi-Han’s gaze fixed on you once again. However, you showed no interest in the untouched steamed bun on your plate. Poking it occasionally with your chopsticks, you attempted to engage in Tomas and Cyrax’s conversation. Yet, the forced smile on your face betrayed your inner turmoil.

Bi-Han noticed the transformation in your expression, especially when he brought you a book from his mother’s library. The initial confusion gave way to a warm and sincere look, creating a sweet warmth in his heart that contrasted with his icy powers. Since your arrival, you had never displayed hostility, even after being poisoned. While your behavior remained moderate, maintaining a certain distance, the persistent smile on your face had become a habitual aspect. Only last week did Bi-Han discern subtle differences, your eyes, slightly dimmed yet shining with sincere happiness, your lips curled in a smile illuminating your face, and a faint warmth coloring your cheeks.

Normally, your reflexive defense mechanism was apparent whenever he approached—a reasonable reaction considering his challenging personality. Trusting someone like you, especially someone unknown, posed difficulties. Hence, his conduct toward you remained distant, cold, and often judgmental.

After your nightmares and a few conversations, Bi-Han’s reserved attitude towards you slowly shifted. Though trust was still elusive, his growing interest was undeniable. Your fearless demeanor and clever, witty responses intrigued him, setting you apart from the typical noblewoman profile.

As the woman approached with the tea Bi-Han had requested, an unexpected incident unfolded. Behind your back, she stated, “Your tea, ma’am.” When she bent down to place it in front of you, you abruptly snapped out of your reverie, accidentally knocking over the tea. Panic ensued as the woman attempted to dry you with a napkin, but you leaped to your feet in fright. The chair emitted a painful squeal on the floor, capturing the full attention of everyone at the table.

Your chest heaved rapidly, muttering something like ‘’There’s no harm,’’ avoiding eye contact with anyone. Bi-Han silently observed as your skin underwent subtle color changes, resembling an impending faint. However, you surprised him by straightened your posture and said, ‘’I’m sorry, please excuse me.’’ With those words, you swiftly left the room.

Cyrax, breaking the silence, questioned. ‘’What the hell just happened?’’

Tomas and Kuai Liang turned their gazes toward Bi-Han. ‘’Do you have any idea, brother?’’ Kuai Liang said.

‘’No, but I will find out.’’ Bi-Han concluded, leaving the room to pursue you. Without needing to contemplate your destination, he discovered you at the end of the corridor on the veranda leading to the garden, your back turned to him. Treading softly to avoid startling you, he signaled the guards to give you space. As you turned around upon hearing footsteps, you locked eyes with Bi-Han.

‘’I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause a scene.’’ Your voice, now exhausted and weak, contrasted sharply with the panic just moments ago. Bi-Han couldn’t help but wonder about the nightmare that had rattled you so profoundly. Was it connected to memories of the wound on your throat, or an entirely different ordeal?

Having formed a few ideas about you, Bi-Han knew that under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t reveal such vulnerability. You typically held yourself with unwavering posture and grace. Your current demeanor, akin to attempting to ward off a shark from sensing blood, intrigued him. It deviated from the routine reactions he was accustomed to.

‘’Show me your hand.’’ Bi-Han commanded, his tone firm but laced with a touch of concern.

‘’I’m all right.’’ You swiftly responded, taking a step back, as if physical distance could provide solace. ‘’The water just spilled a little.’’

‘‘I know your hand is burning, (y/n). Don’t make me repeat myself.’’ Bi-Han insisted, his cold eyes reflecting a rare moment of empathy.

Realizing you had lost this silent battle, you reluctantly extended your hand toward him. Bi-Han closed the distance, surprised by the unexpected gentleness he displayed, even to himself. Your hand, resting in his large one, seemed delicate and vulnerable. He was certain that if he attempted to fully enclose it with his fingers, it might vanish or worse, break

Examining your scalded skin, now a furious red, it was evident to anyone that you were in pain. However, you displayed no reaction, as if a steaming tea had merely been a minor inconvenience. Bi-Han found your stoicism peculiar, the pain should have acted as a potent stimulus, overshadowing the effects of your nightmare

‘’How did all this happen?’’

Bi-Han inquired as he felt the calluses under your fingers. Without giving you a chance to pull your hand away, he grasped your wrist and turned the back of your hand to inspect the large and small calluses that adorned your fingertips and palm, along with scars that lingered, slightly lighter than your skin color.

‘’I told you that I trained with my brothers for a while.’’ You replied in a low voice, attempting to pull your hand away.

‘’These are not calluses that form in a short amount of time.’’ Bi-Han remarked, tightening his grip just enough to keep you from escaping.

‘’I was a hardworking student.’’ You retorted in a clear voice, signaling an end to further questions.

Bi-Han turned your hand again and placed his other hand on it, applying minimal pressure to offer a cooling effect. Though capable of more, he refrained from intensifying it, as it could exacerbate the scald rather than provide relief.

‘’Why are you helping me?’’ You questioned in confusion. ‘’I could have handled it myself.’’

‘’It’s faster this way.’’ Bi-Han responded casually, his gaze focused on your hand. ‘‘What just happened?’’

Your hand tensed for a moment at the question, but you quickly regained composure, merely shrugging your delicate shoulders.

‘’I just—I fell asleep. When I sleep too much, it takes me a little longer to wake up and get myself ready.’’

‘’Don’t lie to me, (y/n).’’ Bi-Han’s voice, though less harsh than he intended, startled you as you attempted to break free. Yet, he held his grip firm. ‘‘Did you have a nightmare about your scar?’’

‘’I don’t want to talk about this.’’

“Talking will lighten the burden you are carrying.”

“Why is it so important for you to know?’’

When you softly posed the question your gaze shifted to your hands, positioned at the center, instead of meeting his eyes. In that moment, Bi-Han sensed an impulse to cup your chin, raising it gently to meet his gaze properly. The courage to hold his gaze, the subtle tilt of your head, the lift of your chin—Bi-Han had committed your routine to memory, becoming accustomed to its nuances. He didn’t appreciate your attempt to evade him now. Despite his instincts he resisted, opting to respond to your inquiry.

“I’m trying to get to know you,” Bi-Han replied.

“Every time feels like an interrogation, your approach isn’t quite right.” you remarked.

“Then show me the right way.” Bi-Han said, attempting to keep his deep voice light. Your surprise at his response was evident.

“You’re serious.”

“Yes.” As the warmth in your hand gradually dissipated, Bi-Han’s fingers delicately traced over your skin, a ghostly touch. The dialogue from a few days ago replayed in his mind. ‘If you want to exchange information, you should also reveal something about yourself.’ He added, “Although it is the color of our clan, I actually don’t like the color blue.”

“What?” Bewilderment filled your gaze as you stared at him, unable to make sense of this unexpected revelation. Bi-Han continued in a casual tone without breaking his mood.

“It reminds me of monotony. Our lives are predictable, as if doomed in an order. You can only move within the boundaries of this repeating endless circle.”

“Those words of yours seem more like your feelings about what you shared a night ago about your father and the way he runs the clan. You’ve associated the color of your clan with his rule, am I right?” Your kind voice conveyed understanding. “Still, when you look around, you hear echoes of the past, and it bothers you. You don’t want to suffer the same fate as him.”

Unexpectedly, you delved directly into the underlying source of his words, surprising him with an understanding he hadn’t anticipated. Despite his initial hostility, your kindness and intelligence took him by surprise. Rather than perceiving your presence as a constant thorn, you approached him with an understanding that gradually melted the icy reserve he usually maintained.

Your gaze remained distant, yet a fragile warmth emanated from it, delicate and fleeting, as if teetering on the edge of disappearance.

“That’s true,” Bi-Han affirmed, his voice carrying a sharp edge. “Monotony hinders development and the realization of potential. My clan deserves more than being condemned to such a cycle.”

Convinced that your hand was fully healed, he released his grip. As you raised your hand briefly, examining it at eye level, Bi-Han observed you for a few seconds. The angry red hue had receded, your skin now restored to a healthy color, as if untouched by boiling water. Though the pain had subsided, you still felt the need to test it with your other hand. Your expression, impressed by his work, flattered Bi-Han.

“You’re too fierce to be confined, grandmaster,” you remarked, turning your gaze back to him. “As I said before, I don’t think you’ll share the same fate as your father.”

Bi-Han shifted the subject, crossing his arms before attempting the audacious act of touching you again.

“It’s your turn.”

You only blinked back at him. “I don’t understand.”

“I’ve shared something about myself with you. Now it’s your turn to do the same.”

With an unexpected outpouring of laughter from your lips, you politely covered your mouth.Though he disliked you hiding your smile, your voice was as warm, soft, and friendly as the spring sun. Bi-Han felt a pleasant surprise, causing this reaction himself for the first time. He yearned to hear more of your genuine laughter.

‘’Fair enough. Let me answer your previous question then. My nightmares often revolve around my past, not an easy topic for me to discuss, especially with people I don’t trust or have never met.’’

‘’An understandable reason,’’ Bi-Han acknowledged. ‘’Walk with me.’’

You took your place next to him without question, keeping up with his pace. In one of the indoor training areas that Bi-Han led you to, the distance between you narrowed, almost to the point where your arms could touch. Perhaps, you could feel the cool air spreading over him.

‘’I grew up with my four brothers. My older brother is about five years my senior, and the middle brother, my junior by a year. The others are a few years younger than me.’’

‘’So you’re the only daughter?’’

“Yes.’’

‘’You must have held a special place.’’

Another smile graced your lips, but this time it bore a bitter edge.

‘’That depends on how you interpret the situation.’’ Your eyes fixed on the horizon, reflecting memories. ‘‘In terms of physical strength and endurance, men and women are not considered equal in our clan. Women don’t receive martial arts training, partake in missions, or engage even in minor political negotiations. The system is completely different from here.’’

‘’Nonsense. While there may be a difference in physical strength between men and women, it doesn’t justify treating you like a decoy. My mother never engaged in missions, my father feared for her safety. However, she was skilled in self-defense and combat. This basic knowledge is crucial, especially in a clan setting.’’

‘’I agree with what you’re saying. I wish everyone saw the bigger picture like you do.’’ You responded with a tight smile. As both of you arrived at the indoor training ground, he opened the door and you entered first.

While Bi-Han followed like a looming shadow, he pondered the origin of the marks on your hands. ‘’How could you train with your brothers when such a mentality prevails?’’ he voiced his thoughts.

‘’My father’s mindset has changed.’’

“Stereotyped thoughts do not change easily, something must have happened to shift his mindset.”

As you strolled through the sparsely populated area, with only a few people around, your gaze shifted to the ground beneath your feet instead of focusing forward.

“What caused his change of heart was when I faced an assassination attempt. Though his views about the clan order remained steadfast, his strict perspective towards me softened to some extent. Who would have thought such an incident could play a role in a positive outcome, right?” You spoke in a half-smiling, half-dull voice. Upon reaching the middle of the area, Bi-Han halted. Without delay, you also paused to face him, and continued your words in a lower tone, “I think sometimes bad things have to happen in life so that good things can come out.”

Your words brought his father’s advice to mind. ‘Never forget this Bi-Han, either we win or we learn in any case. Learn to view the events in your life, both past and future, from this perspective.’

“Why did we come here?” With your question, Bi-Han snapped out of his thoughts. He didn’t appreciate that you closed the subject, wanting to know more about you. However, he also understood your lack of trust, realizing you were hesitant to divulge more about your past. Pressing forward could risk pushing you back into your shell. This delicate progress was too fragile to jeopardize, so he allowed you the freedom and space you sought.

On one hand, he gained little more insight into the environment you grew up in. Uncertain about how much of it was influenced by your clan, the scars and nightmares he witnessed hinted at a challenging childhood.

‘‘’I want to see your skills.’’ As Bi-Han stood in front of you, forming a semicircle, the widening of your eyes revealed your understanding of his implication. ’’Spar with me.’’

“Why? The training I have received is nothing compared to yours, there’s nothing remarkable to see.” you said in a timid voice. Bi-Han, indifferent to your words, took a fighting stance. Your face turned pale when you noticed this, and Bi-Han couldn’t understand why you felt so uncomfortable while gently biting your lower lip and tugging. His presence, perhaps more dominant and frightening than he thought, made you nervous, or there was a completely different reason that he failed to guess and see.

‘’I’ve seen the state of your hands, there’s no need to pretend. Show me what you can do, and perhaps I’ll reconsider the level of protection you require.”

In a hopeful voice, you asked, “Really?” Your eyes, moments ago desperate, transformed into precious jewels, sparking with anticipation. After the question, your gaze scanned the area. “Do we have to do this in public?’’

“There are only a few people, no need to worry about them. Focus on me and your movements.”

“You’re not going to use your powers, are you?”

A grunt similar to a chuckle poured from Bi-Han’s lips.

“My goal is not to beat you. I just want to see and test your skills, I don’t need my powers for this.”

“All right, let’s do this then.”

After looking around with worried eyes for the last time, you closed your eyes. Taking a deep breath and reopening them, your gaze had changed in an instant. Sharpened by determination, your expression showed complete focus on the task at hand, devoid of previous emotions. Slightly opening your legs, one behind and the other in front, you assumed a fighting position with open hands and a slight backward tilt of the upper body.

Bi-Han wasted no time, making the first move. Swinging his right arm, you instantly blocked him with a swift parry, your body flowing seamlessly into a defensive stance. When he swung his left arm, you matched his speed, hitting his arm with a well-timed block and countering with a hard kick to his torso. With a muffled sound resembling a growl, Bi-Han closed the distance, standing close enough to challenge your defense.

Throwing his arm for a punch, he also aimed a kick. A few seconds after preventing his fist from reaching your face, you blocked his kick with your knee. Bi-Han raised the same leg toward your face, but you skillfully avoided it with a slight recoil of your upper body. When Bi-Han raised his kick again, you parried it with your arm, swiftly directing a fist to his face with your other hand. Though he avoided the move by turning his head, your chain of punches hit him in the chest, causing him to stumble backward.

When you both assumed your fighting positions again, this time, you took the initiative. Charging towards him, you launched into a flying kick and Bi-Han collided with one of the hall’s rafters from the blow to his stomach. A hoarse sound escaped his lips as agile fists aimed at his exposed body were met with a counter kick. You gracefully swept from under the incoming kick, almost like a dance. To halt the brutal continuous punches, Bi-Han seized your arms and delivered a hard kick to your midsection without giving you time to react.

A little moan left your lips as you were thrown a few meters away. Falling on all fours like a cat, you rotated your body on one hand before getting up. With only the support from the ground, Bi-Han instinctively pulled his head back as you attempted a head kick, feeling the wind pass in front of his face.

As the two of you engaged in a high-speed exchange of punches and kicks, Bi-Han felt his blood, once ice-cold in his veins, begin to boil. Someone training in fighting since the day he opened his eyes, he couldn’t recall the last time he had fought with so much pleasure. The practices and workouts he did, whether alone or with his siblings, were always perfection-based, relentless, and result-oriented. The future of the clan hinged primarily on them, ensuring that he and his brothers, as perfect warriors, could protect the future of their clan.

Here it was different, Bi-Han wondered about your abilities and potential, not attacking you with all his might, but not making things easier either. His movements were fast and brutal, enough to challenge most top-level students he trained.

Not anticipating that you would fare so well and keep up with him, Bi-Han was genuinely surprised by the grace, determination, and lithe fighting style you displayed. From the first moment he saw you, he recognized you were not a fragile woman, but the surprise you presented exceeded his predictions, and he found it more pleasing than he had hoped.

In the clan, Bi-Han had always valued power, and while he acknowledged the appeal of a powerful woman as a wife, he found this matter burdensome and did not actively seek it. Now, as you stood before him, turning physical differences to your advantage, it would be a humorous lie to say he wasn’t impressed.

Knowing you weren’t equal in physical strength, your fighting style favored Wing Chun principles. Focused on self-defense rather than attack, you targeted joints with precision. Your impeccable hand and foot coordination revealed extensive combat training.

“Are you tired, grandmaster?” You teased. A drop of sweat gliding from your temple to your chin, and Bi-Han clenched his fist, resisting the urge to wipe it away. He replied with a half-smile.

“Self-confidence shown without winning is dangerous.”

“Win?” The smile on your face widened. “I thought this was just a test.”

“And you haven’t passed the test yet.”

Raising an eyebrow, you said, “Is that so?” Then you jumped forward, raising your knee to kick his abdomen. Bi-Han blocked your move with his elbow, and immediately threw his other hand at you. You stopped him by grabbing his wrist, doing the same with the other hand, and threw a kick, rising with support from the two arms you held.

Bi-Han staggered but maintained his balance, crossing his leg between your two legs as if to trip you. Seizing this opportunity, before you could react, he wrapped his other leg around your left leg, hooking it and causing you to fall to the ground. With your back meeting the floor, a groan escaped, indicating the pain and the breath leaving your lungs.

In a shocking display of speed, you recovered in the blink of an eye, turning around on your back. You grabbed Bi-Han from both sides of the waist with your strong legs, then tightly held his ankles with your hands, knocking him down with pressure from both sides. Although the mats on the floor spared him much pain, his vision fluctuated momentarily. When he opened his eyes again, you were sitting on his waist as if on a horse, a clenched fist inches away from his face.

“Yield.” you gasped. Your hair scattered, fine tufts escaping from the ponytail, reaching your sweat-soaked forehead and flushed cheeks. Your eyes sparkled with the joy and pride of successfully bringing him down. In that moment, Bi-Han felt like he saw the real you behind the mask—natural, beautiful, radiating positive energy to his core.

Bi-Han, with his combative nature and the refusal to give up, supported you with his legs and pushed you forward to disrupt your structure. As you placed your hands on both sides of his head to maintain balance, Bi-Han anticipated your move. He easily rolled you sideways, then grabbed both of your arms, pinning you down and looking down at you.

‘’You can’t get out of this lock, yield.” His voice, though retaining its usual harshness, carried a tone of amusement. Instead of yielding immediately, you tried different escape forms, but under his steel-like grip, you remained as motionless. The heat radiating from your body due to the intense sparring, coupled with your unique natural scent, almost sweet despite a hint of sweat, didn’t escape Bi-Han’s awareness. He also enjoyed seeing you like this, pinned under his weight, appearing genuinely carefree and joyful for once.

Finally, you took a deep breath and conceded in an unhappy voice, “Fine. I yield.”

Bi-Han couldn’t suppress a small sound resembling laughter in response to your childish reaction. As he got up, he admitted, ‘‘You surpassed my expectations.’’ His honest voice carried a touch of acknowledgment. ‘’I may have been unjust in underestimating you.’’ When he extended his hand to help you up, your surprised eyes revealed the disappearance of the earlier childish unhappiness.

‘’Is this an apology?’’

‘’Don’t be so full of hope.’’

You rolled your eyes at his response, a soft chuckle escaping your lips as you curiously asked while standing and holding onto the hand he offered. ‘‘Does this mean I won’t have guards anymore?’’

‘’I said I might reduce their number. I’ll think about it later.’’

“But you just said-‘’

‘’I know what I’m saying. But the person who tried to kill you is still out there somewhere. Ensuring your safety is first and foremost one of my duties.’’

“You’ve seen that I can protect myself. I don’t need three guards at once.’’ Bi-Han sighed in response to your unwavering stance, signaling that you wouldn’t easily drop the matter. He crossed his arms over his chest.

‘’I’ll arrange something.’’ His answer brought a smile back to your face, and Bi-Han felt an odd desire to consistently witness this expression of yours. Your smile was bright, like sunlight piercing through dark clouds, comforting him. ‘‘Do you feel better?’’

Your smile softened into a genuine, grateful expression.

‘‘Yes, thanks to you.’’

‘’(Y/n)!’’

Despite your parted lips, seemingly ready to say something more, Tomas’ voice interrupted. As you both turned toward him, realizing the hall’s attention, Bi-Han observed your cheeks reddening and your uneasiness becoming evident. The area was full of people, as everyone was curious about the sparring.Though understandable to dislike the spotlight, you should have been proud rather than embarrassed, you fought exceptionally well.

‘‘It was an amazing fight! How did you learn to move like that? Everyone watched with bated breath.’’

‘’Thank you,’’ you said shyly, your cheeks now crimson. Bi-Han wondered if you might have a heart attack right there. ‘’I trained with my brothers for a while.’’

‘’Let’s spar together sometime. I’d like you to teach me a few moves.’’

‘‘I would very much like to-‘’

‘’No.’’ Bi-Han interrupted. Both of you shared a puzzled expression, and for a moment, he wasn’t sure what to say. He didn’t understand why he felt the need to intervene, he just didn’t like the idea of you working alone with Tomas. The words escaped his lips impulsively. Dismissing the absurd thoughts, he quickly composed himself, cleared his throat and continued in his usual cold, emotionless voice.

‘’We have new members whose training requires your attention, it’s unacceptable for you to slack off.’’

‘’Slack off? We don’t train from morning to night. Come on, I’m sure my training with (y/n) for a few hours a week won’t create any vital changes in the clan.’’ Tomas responded. A smile settled on his young face, as if he understood a truth behind the lie Bi-Han just told. Instead of giving in, Bi-Han responded with furrowed brows and an assertive voice.

“Tell the others then, to practice alternately with (y/n).’’

‘‘There is no need for that at all.’’ You said in a panicked and somewhat embarrassed voice. ‘’Enough people are already tasked to look after me by sacrificing their time, more people don’t need to be a part of it.’’

‘’It would be good for you to see different fighting styles.’’

‘’Our grandmaster is right.’’ Tomas said, joining him. ‘’Ah, but I just remember now. I have to go to the Fire Temple this week with Kuai Liang to report to Lord Liu Kang. Sektor has already gone to America for a mission, Cyrax is taking care of both his and Sektor’s group’s training in his absence. In this case, you’re the best option right now, brother.’’

Although Tomas finished his sentence with an innocent smile, Bi-Han could almost hear his quiet laughter ringing in his ears.

You little shit.

“There’s really no need for that at all-‘’

‘’Be here at the same time in the morning.’’ Said Bi-Han interrupting you once again. After he made the last point, he couldn’t stand to see the stupid smile on Tomas’s face anymore, so he turned on his heels and left the hall to start his routine work.

***

After signing the last document, Bi-Han felt the weariness in his bones. He rubbed his eyes, took a deep breath and finally rose from the chair where he’d been stationed for hours. His movements were initially slow, working out the stiffness in his muscles, and then he cracked his neck, stirring his body into action.

Having dealt with the remaining paperwork in the study after dinner, he glanced at the clock and realized midnight had arrived. Despite his aversion to paperwork, Bi-Han’s method was to let it accumulate before facing it head-on and completing the task, leaving the desk only when it was done.

A sigh of relief escaped him as he finally left the room, quickening his pace towards the bedroom. The weight of the day pressed on him, and the paperwork had been an additional burden. As he navigated the corridors and reached the floor where his room was located, his eyes were instinctively drawn to the end of the corridor. His eyebrows furrowed at the sight of you standing there.

Changing his direction, he walked toward you and your two guards, engaged in a quiet conversation. The echo of footsteps on the hushed hardwood floor signaled his approaching, as clansmen bowed their heads as a sign of respect and greeted him with a unified, ‘‘Goodnight, Master.’’

Bi-Han’s gaze lingered on you for a moment before he finally spoke, “Is there a problem?”

‘‘We were chatting,’’ you replied in a low voice. Bi-Han’s frown deepened, and he couldn’t discern your gaze as you spoke with your head tilted. His intuition told him something wasn’t right—perhaps another haunting nightmare or sleepless night troubled you. A nagging feeling insisted the former was more likely. ‘’They were telling me about the festival held in Fengjian village every spring.’’

There was a subtle unease in your tone, reminiscent of your timid demeanor from earlier. Setting aside the persistent pain from hours of frowning over paperwork, Bi-Han shifted his attention to the clan members flanking you. Recognizing their shared look of concern, he silently signaled for them to withdraw. Their departure revealed you, tensed like a bow, still avoiding eye contact. Yet, the subtle cues you emitted spoke volumes.

“Lift up your head (y/n), bowing does not suit you.’’ he commanded, his words prompting a sharp intake of breath from you. The internal struggle was evident as your fists clenched. Slowly, you raised your head, and Bi-Han’s gaze was drawn to your eyes. Dark circles, more pronounced than earlier, surrounded the undersides, and your eyes reflected a redness, a telltale sign of recent tears.

This situation was even more distressing than the morning encounter. It seemed you had lingered in your room to gather yourself before joining for breakfast, here now the impact of whatever nightmare haunted you was vivid, rendering you seemingly fragile and diminished. The shoulders, once confidently held upright, now slouched, emanating signals of desperation and a desire for isolation from the world.

Bi-Han felt his blood start to flow angrily in his veins as he looked at you. He didn’t know exactly what and why he was angry, but for some reason, the fact that you had become like this triggered the anger inside him that was ready to shine. It didn’t feel right to see you like this, especially after he started getting to know you. It was as if he was looking at someone completely different.

As he pondered what he could do, he realized the source of his anger at that moment. This was not a problem that he could solve by resorting to brute force when he got angry. If nightmares had tangible forms, Bi-Han would have obliterated them, turning them into ice masses down to the last atom. However, he had to rely on communication skills now, an area where he had always been incompetent. Kuai Liang was the diplomat, Bi-Han was the one with an easily angered nature.

On the one hand, he didn’t know why he wanted to help you. This was just a marriage made on paper, established for the sake of a permanent alliance, serving no purpose beyond that. Although he knew all this, it bothered him to see you like this. Maybe if he had witnessed this a month ago, he might not have been affected. Yet now, with each passing day revealing how different you are from what he thought, Bi-Han couldn’t stand idly by while this situation happened.

‘’Your men… they’re good people. They agreed to chat with me because I couldn’t sleep, I had never participated in the festivals held in Fengjian before. According to what they say, it hosts a very pleasant atmosphere.’’ You said in a weak voice that showed that you were uncomfortable with the prolonged silence. ‘‘Are you angry with me for chatting with them?’’

‘’Of course not. This is your home too, you can talk to anyone you want.’’

‘’But I can’t get in anywhere I want to, can I?’’

Bi-Han changed the subject instead of answering the question, ‘’Come with me, I have something I want to show you.” He said. You were intrigued by a bit of curiosity that broke your timid expression. Bi-Han could feel your gaze focused on his neck as he silently crossed the corridors. He asked carefully.

‘’Do you have nightmares all the time?’’

After one heartbeat, then the second, followed by shaky breaths you answered the question.

‘’Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Lately…I—I’ve been seeing it a little too often lately.’’

Bi-Han was aware that he was walking on a sensitive topic, the only problem was that he didn’t know what the right words were. He was hesitant about how he should approach you.

‘‘A month ago you were at your home, now you’ve been married to a man you’ve known as an enemy all your life, and you’re trying to get used to this place you’ve never known. All these are factors that put pressure on a person, the stress you feel may be triggering nightmares.’’

You chuckled a little, but your voice didn’t carry any warmth. It was dull and carried the kind of wetness that would worry Bi-Han.

‘’Although the issues are different, I have always been raised under pressure throughout my life. I think I can’t cope with stress as easily as I used to anymore, I feel crushed under it.’’ You took deep breaths several times to maintain your calm, trying not to shed tears with great force, your gaze was turned to the corridor stretching out in front of you. ‘’Sometimes I don’t want to sleep, even the thought of it feels terrifying.’’

In response to your confession, Bi-Han felt a strong need to calm you down. Although you tried to keep your emotions under control calmly, your battle to keep your tears from flowing was obvious. Bi-Han had never had such a hard time trying to find the right words. Kuai Liang had warned him many times because of his rude attitude, since he usually expressed what was going through his mind the way he was, but he himself had made no effort to change it.

During his struggle with himself, both of you arrived at the door of the room where he had already wanted to bring you. ‘‘I have never come to this side of the temple before.’’ You said. ‘’Why did we come here?’’

‘’This is my mother’s library.’’

Bi-Han opened the sliding door and slid to the side so that you could go in first. You looked at him first and then at the room with big red rimmed, and quite innocent-looking eyes.

‘‘I thought I was forbidden to enter here.’’

Bi-Han let out a little grunt.

‘’Get inside before I change my mind.’’

When you went inside without repeating what he said, Bi-Han lit the lamp standing on the work table, allowing you to see inside more clearly. Her mother’s study was a small place, not too big; two of the four walls were filled with full-length bookcases. In the middle of the room, there was a polished desk made of cherry wood and a chair with the same material as the desk. On the other side of the table, there was an old leather sofa for two, in dark coffee shades. A blanket with yellow-orange stripes that her mother had knitted when she was pregnant with Kuai Liang was laid out on the sofa.

When her mother was pregnant, Bi-Han remembered her most often in this room, lying on the double sofa, reading a book or knitting. Sometimes, when the winter was quite harsh and the snow was thick enough to exceed his height, Bi-Han also remembered that he used to read books with his mother in this room. Although he is not affected by the cold, his mother always tries to cover him with a blanket. Bi-Han often tries to stop her while she is trying to make sure that he is tightly wrapped, but ultimately, at the end of the day, he had no choice but to let her do what she wanted.

It felt different to see you in this room now. The soft, warm glow from the lamp added a cozy touch as your fingers gently explored the books. The room carried the scent of old books and polished wood.

‘’Have you read all this? There must be more than a thousand books on this side alone.’’

“I didn’t have time to read them all, but my mother did.’’ Said Bi-Han, leaning one shoulder on the bookshelf from where he was standing, he watched you walk around the room and look around with interest. “My father always brought her a lot of books from everywhere he could because he knew that she liked to read. She had so many books in a short time that he finally reserved this room for her to use as she wished. Although my mother was very pleased with this, my old man regretted his decision after a while.’’

“Why?’’

“My mother cherished this room, especially during her pregnancy. She found solace among the books. That’s why my father visited often, eager to catch a glimpse of her.’’

You laughed a little.

‘’It seems that your father was very fond of your mother.’’

‘’More than enough. Theirs was also a forced marriage. They wed as two strangers, completely unaware of each other, yet my father was the first to fall in love with my mother. He, too, was a cryomancer, unaffected by the cold like me. However, my mother somehow forgot this detail – quite impossible to overlook. Being fond of knitting, she crafted a scarf for him, consisting the colors of our clan. It was the first gift my father ever received, and you can imagine his surprise. Despite his bemused reaction, my mother loved recounting this tale to us. It was her favourite memory about him.’’

‘’What a sweet gesture,’’ you said in a soft, kind voice. ‘’They have a chance that not everyone has. My parents also met the same way, but unfortunately, they were not as lucky as yours.’’

The smile on your face fell, and Bi-Han caught the haunted expression as you averted your gaze from him and turned to the books in front of you.

‘’What do you mean—‘’

‘’Oh! I don’t believe this! This book is also here?’’ You interrupted his speech with your voice, which suddenly rose with happiness. When you excitedly pulled the book from the shelf, Bi-Han turned his gaze to the book in your hand to see which book you were talking about. The book you were holding was ‘The Little Prince,’ with its cover worn out from reading it over and over, and its pages starting to turn yellow. It was one of the books that his mother loved to read, it had not left her bedside for a long time. ‘‘I couldn’t finish this.’’

‘’That’s a very short book to not finish.’’

“My father did not like us to read such books, he believed that they cut us off from reality. So I would try to read it without getting caught, but that was unlikely. My middle brother caught me secretly reading under the duvet one day, and as he told my father, he destroyed the book by burning it.’’

Bi-Han was starting to hate this man more and more.

‘’A big reaction for a harmless book.’’

‘‘It is so.’’ You said it in a sad voice. When you caressed the cover carefully with your fingers, as if you were afraid of harming it, Bi-Han felt that strange, painful ache in his chest again.

‘’You asked me why I brought you here. Sometimes there are times when I have nightmares too, I come here when I can’t sleep after waking up. It’s good for me to read something that will distract my mind, and I thought it might be good for you too.’’

This time, tears welled up uncontrollably, a few tracing down your cheeks as Bi-Han finished speaking. He grappled with what went wrong, clueless on how to cease the flow of emotion. Tension laced his voice as he questioned, “Why are you crying?”

‘’Thank you.’’ Your response caught him off guard. Swiftly wiping away the tears, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, yet a rekindled smile brought solace to Bi-Han. ‘’I didn’t expect you to be so kind. I realize I may have been a bit too prejudiced against you, feeling a bit confused now.’’

‘’You had the materials to feed your prejudices, you’re not so wrong about that.’’ Said Bi-Han with a grunt. “Sit down on the sofa, you’ll read more comfortably.’’

You did what he said, quickly sat down on the sofa, and when you opened the first pages of the book to read, a silence fell on the room. Bi-Han heard you sigh as he started wandering around the room rummaging through the books.

‘’What’s the matter?’’

‘’I know it’s going to sound ridiculous, but my mind… It is so loud, the words I’m reading don’t make any sense. I can’t focus even though it’s a children’s book.’’ As the weight of insomnia was getting heavier and heavier on you, your tired gaze looked at him as if asking for help. ‘’Will you read to me?’’

Bi-Han instantly turned against you.

‘’My voice isn’t up to it.’’

‘’I can’t calm my mind. Please, Bi-Han.’’

Your silent plea managed to break the resistance within Bi-Han. As he settled at the other end of the seat, you graciously handed over the book. Leaning back comfortably, he spread his legs and turned the yellowed first page.

Despite the weariness that clung to his eyes from hours of paperwork, a sense of duty toward you lingered, especially considering your unrestful state since the poisoning. If the simple act of reading could offer a balm to your restlessness, Bi-Han was more than willing to provide it.

As he continued to immerse himself in the narrative, you shifted your position to face him, pulling your knees together and wrapping your arms around them. By the thirtieth page, a gentle, sleep-induced of your mumble filled the room.

‘’By the way, you are wrong about your voice. It has a deep timbre that draws people in.’’ Suppressing a yawn with your hand, you continued. ‘‘At first, I admit, it sounded intimading. And right now I’m thinking the exact opposite… Isn’t it weird? My thoughts can’t stay the same when it comes to you. You’ve thrown me a curve a few times these days.’’

Bi-Han, curious, marked the spot he was reading with his finger.

‘’So how are you feeling right now?’’

Resisting sleep, your head leaned against the seat, eyelids half-lowered. You answered innocently, as if afraid the response might be overheard.

‘‘It’s peaceful.’’ Your eyes closed momentarily as you covered another yawn. Speaking became more of a challenge. ‘’I haven’t had this feeling for a long time.’’

Your seemingly harmless confession halted Bi-Han in his tracks, casting an unexpected shadow over the room. What kind of hell had you emerged from, and what haunted stories did those eyes hold? The weight of your words seemed to materialize, settling in the air like an unspoken presence. As the silence stretched, your eyes fluttered open, revealing a weariness that begged understanding. In the soft, exhausted tone that followed, you queried.

“Is there a problem? Aren’t you going to continue?”

Bi-Han redirected his focus to the book, letting the words flow as time passed. The air carried the soothing rhythm of your breath, the golden light weaving a tranquil atmosphere. In the midst of the book, you mumbled a sentence in unison.

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

“I didn’t understand that phrase when I was a little girl. How meaningful that sounds now, doesn’t it?” you added.

Bi-Han could barely understand what you were trying to say as you were struggling to speak. Your eyes closed completely now, a serene, small smile gracing your face. With each rhythmic breath, it was evident sleep was about to claim you.

Carefully, Bi-Han covered you with the blanket that was laid across the armrest of the sofa. A sweet sigh escaped you as you cocooned yourself, succumbing to the embrace of sleep. Bi-Han observed you for a while, long eyelashes casting delicate shadows on your cheeks. The relaxed expression of slumber made you appear younger, innocent, and achingly vulnerable, awakening a primal sense of protection in him.

Feeling the weight of exhaustion and the calm ambiance of the room, Bi-Han decided to position himself nearby, ready to wake you up if nightmares haunted your dreams again. Easing down on the opposite end of the sofa, he listened to your soft breaths, his own eyes growing heavier with weariness.

As the warmth of sleep began to wrap around him, Bi-Han muttered.

“What the hell are you doing to me, woman?”

. . . . . . . . . . . .

(Y/N)’s brother: Use your body and seduce him already!

(Y/N): I’m just gonna spar with him and show that we can be equals.

(Y/N)’s brother: That’s not the plan!

(Bi-Han attempting to conceal his awe): Damn, she can kick ass.

For the second part;

(Y/N)’s brother: The fuck are you doing?

(Y/N): …Listening him reading to The Little Prince?

(Y/N)’s brother: Wtf.

(Meanwhile Tomas): I ship them, now kiss.

[astra-ravana]

Bones In Magick And Divination

The long-standing tradition of using skulls and bones in magick dates back ages, yet it is a topic often overlooked in modern witchcraft, leaving many unsure of how to incorporate them. There are many excellent ways to use these mystical objects and their potent energy within your craft.

Some Ethics:

• Never harm an animal simply to obtain its bones for magickal purposes.

• It's best to find bones in nature or buy them from a trustworthy supplier.

• Remember to pay respect to the animal whose bones you are using.

Archetypal Energy

Because bones contain DNA they are not only spiritually, but biologically connected to the animal they came from and all its ancestors. This makes bones powerful totems and talismans that embody the qualities of that animal. This is important to consider when wearing bones or using them as vessels and guardians.

The House Skull

Bones and skulls carry a lot of protective energy. One traditional use for a skull was that of a house guardian. These skulls are usually given a place of prominence in the home and often adorned, painted or decorated. A ritual can be performed to invite the spirit of the animal back to use the skull as a vessel. A binding sigil can be used for this as well as to tie the spirit/skull to you and your home. Skulls are commonly stained red or black to embue them with more protective power.

Crafting

Bones and skulls can be used in creating magickal tools and crafts as well. Long bones and antlers make unique and powerful wands. Skulls can be mounted or hung. Smaller bones can be used to make things like witches ladders and chimes. They make powerful jewelry pieces and charms.

Bones In Spellwork

There are many applications for bones in spellwork including spirit/deity work, necromancy, and ancestral work. They carry the general correspondences of protection, healing, strength, stability, growth, life, and death. Bones are also used in baneful workings and binding. They can be used much like crystals. Each type of bone carries its own magickal properties and can be utilized in rituals, offerings, and as a component in spell jars/bags or poppets. They can be ground into bone powder for general purposes or burnt to bone ash for darker workings.

Bone Correspondences:

• Skull- Thoughts, power, divination, spirit, truth, higher realms

• Teeth- Communication, destruction, control

• Spine- Stability, strength, confidence energy

• Rib- Agility, shielding, abundance, vitality

• Arm- Harmony, balance, duality, physical interaction

• Hand/fingers- Skill, creativity, accuracy, progress

• Wrist/ankle- Flexibility, connection, fluidity

• Leg- Edurance, momentum, travel, change

• Foot/toe- Speed, stealth, balance, luck, prosperity

• Shoulder/hip- Structure, permanence, support, rest

• Tail- Secrecy, sudden events, change in luck, accidents/mishaps

• Claws/nails- Conflict, damage, persistence, defense

• Horns/antlers- Penetration, protection, determination, destruction, harm, nature(can represent The Horned God)

Throwing The Bones

Bones have have been used as a medium for divination for centuries, by many different people and belief systems. Today, it is unfortunately a dying art. It is still practiced sporadically, however and is referred to as osteomancy or curiomancy. Some practitioners choose to use only bones, while others include a variety of things in their kit. Some suggestions include:

• Charms

• Shells

• Coins

• Keepsakes

• Stones

• Toys/figures

• Items from nature

• Found objects

Once you have your items gathered, set to the task of assigning meaning to each bone/object. What feelings does it elicit for you? What does it make you think of? Write down your meanings in a grimoire or designated book. Find a bag or pouch to hold your 'bones'.

To cast your bones simply "shuffle" them around in the bag with your fingers, similar to shuffling a deck of tarot cards. Once you or the person being read are content with their thought/question, grab whatever is within your palm and cast them in a circular motion. For smaller kits, you may cast all your objects at once and use their location to interpret the message. Some read the bones in a spiral, while others use quadrants, rings, or even complex maps/spreads. You can use a cloth with a circle drawn on it or any symbols/design you feel appropriate. Each spread, style, and kit will be unique to its creator.

[yandere-yearnings]

I know Laurent intro isn’t out yet, but if it’s ok can we have a bit of info about him? I really need to know if he is the pathetic type WHO SAID THAT

I understand if you want to keep the info secret until he makes his debut!

ask and you shall receive nonnie, i will absolutely give you more info abt him😌✨️ also, thank you for sending this in, anything concerning laurent always makes me the happiest🥺🩷 he'll hopefully be debuting soon btw!! his intro is mostly written, now i just need to salvage some time to actually finish it😔💔 and yes, he is definitely pathetic haha i will be expanding on that at a later date

With the way Laurent keeps up public appearances, it would be ridiculous for most to entertain the idea that he works in a field where there's more graves than grass. Under scrutiny, his smile alone is enough for people to turn a blind eye to the blood that stains his skin.

Somehow, he's even managed to claim the title of communal grandson amongst the elderly, and he's dutiful to it too — ever ready to lend a helping hand where needed.

Charming, charismatic, the textbook definition of 'sunshine' whose warmth will undoubtedly melt the coldest of hearts. Rival organisations fear his magnetism will lure away their best workers.

The unequivocal respect he commands wasn't built on power and influence alone, though they were important contributors. If you were to ask any of Laurent's men why they'd take a bullet for him so easily, they'd tell you it's because never once in their lives has anyone showed them as much compassion and sincerity as him.

To those under his wing, he's the reliable older brother that never lets them down. There is security with Laurent; in the way he listens, and the way he protects. Since he's aware of being a home to many, he hides how hard he has to toil to keep the roof from caving in.

Clover knows, ever his trusted right-hand. They've been best friends since childhood, so she's the only one who he can't fool. He depends on her for a lot of things — she insists he does. He tells her about how much he wishes this wasn't his reality, tells her about his guilt, his heartbreak. He tells her all about you.

As full as his heart is to pour out to others, love has never been good to him. Desensitised in a world of death and deceit, it's the only thing he's truly afraid of. He wants to trust you. Laurent thinks you'd be able to fix him.

That being said, it takes a lot of persistence and coaxing to get him to take your advances seriously. He's the type of person who'll pamper you with extravagance, but can't seem to understand why you'd ever want to return the favour.

Over time, you might just notice Laurent's habit of keeping the things that make him happy the furthest from him. If you ever ask him why, he'll deflect and change the subject — something Clover will tell you he does when he feels vulnerable. In any case, that'll be the first and last instance you'll see his eyes unmatching the rest of his cheerful façade.

Although not a quality that matches his job, Laurent is surprisingly gentle. He likes animals, and nature, and reading books under the low light cast from his lamp — a gift from the owner of the oddities shop in his hometown. You could join him, he'd never say no.

He has a lot of scars, and a lot of tattoos to cover them up. He knows he's got nothing to be embarrassed about, if anything, they're signs of loyalty. It's just, sometimes, all he wants to do is pretend he lives a normal life.

In the middle of the night, the stack of towering papers on the desk his sole company, Laurent finds himself thinking about you more often than not.

If there was no duty tied to his name, if he were anyone else and less of a coward trapped within constant tragedy, he'd have liked to reach out. He'd have liked to hold your hand.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Study puts understanding of long COVID and vaccination into question - Published Sept 4, 2024

This article highlights why I haven't been celebrating about recent findings that vaccination reduces long covid:

We still do not have a solid definition of what long covid is.

We still don't know how long it takes some people to develop long covid: Some people develop long covid symptoms months or even years after infection.

Many are undiagnosed with long covid because of a lack of understanding in the medical community.

The reduction stated in initial studies on vaccination and long covid cited about 30% reduction: That isn't enough for me to take off my mask.

Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly has been somewhat off his game in recent months, giving in to hope and showing signs of pandemic fatigue. His desire to be done with the pandemic may be tainting what he writes, in my opinion. As there is no cure for long covid (and we still don't know exactly what causes and perpetuates it), it seems silly to suggest that vaccination is a long covid silver bullet while cases continue to skyrocket worldwide.

I'm a non-medical observer, but I keep track of the latest studies and news, so I'm not totally uninformed, but take this blurb with a gain or two of salt. I could be wrong, but it doesn't look that way yet.

A new study from researchers at the Mayo Clinic suggests that being vaccinated against COVID-19 does little to prevent long COVID.

The findings contradict what has become conventional wisdom in the last 3 years—that vaccines offer a chance to significantly reduce the risk of long COVID, or new or persistent symptoms 3 months or more after infection, most likely by reducing the severity of infection.

Melanie Swift, MD, MPH, was the lead author of the study, which was published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. She said despite the current thinking that vaccines reduce the risk of developing long COVID, she wasn’t surprised she found no association.

"A lot of the early literature on long COVID was really defining long COVID through patient surveys," Swift told CIDRAP News. Swift’s study instead relied on participants having received a long COVID diagnosis from a physician after having a documented case of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection.

6.9% developed long COVID The study was based on the electronic records of 41,652 people aged 5 years or older with SARS-CoV-2–positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests between February 2021 and December 2022 and a diagnosis of long COVID 30 days to 6 months following infection.

The average age of patients was 41 years, 55.2% were female, and 90.7% were White. At the time of initial infection, 9,744 (23.4 %) were vaccinated with two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and 7,658 (18.4 %) had received more than two mRNA doses.

A total of 8.2% of patients required hospitalization for COVID-19, and most infections occurred during the Delta and Omicron eras (39.8% and 47.1%, respectively).

In total, 6.9% of patients were diagnosed as having long COVID, with no observed difference between unvaccinated patients, those vaccinated with two doses of an mRNA vaccine, and those with more than two doses.

Long COVID was associated with older age, female sex, and hospitalization for the initial infection. It was inversely associated with infection during the Omicron period, the authors wrote.

Swift said that vaccines still play a role in preventing long COVID. “If you don’t get COVID, you don’t get long COVID," she said. "It remains the most important medical tools in our arsenal by virtue of not getting COVID and severe COVID, but we can’t stop there and say ‘if you were vaccinated, you don’t have to worry about long COVID.’”

Confounding factors and health behaviors Clifford Rosen, MD, a senior scientist at the MaineHealth Institute for Research, has reviewed studies on long COVID and vaccines. He said the current study may be skewed because of its sample size.

"It’s a small cohort that is relatively homogeneous and likely has different healthcare behavior than other EHR [electronic health record] studies," Rosen said. Instead, he said long COVID studies done based on Veterans Affairs (VA) data offer a more heterogenous cohort.

Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, chief of research and development at the VA St Louis Health Care System and a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University, has been behind most VA studies on long COVID.

He just published a review of evidence showing that vaccination reduces the risk of long COVID. While the effect size varies by 15% to 70%, there is an estimated average reduction of 40% to 50%, almost universally.

He said he found Swift’s study surprising and said it likely suffers from one main confounding factor: The type of patient who seeks out a long-COVID diagnosis likely uses healthcare and is vaccinated.

Al-Aly said vaccination may help reduce some clusters of long-COVID symptoms better than others. Fore maple, his work has shown a "profound effect in pulmonary symptoms of COVID, and less on metabolic effects on long COVID.”

Though more research needs be done on long COVID and vaccination, Al-Aly remains confident that vaccines play an important role in reducing the risk of long COVID.

[iron-embers]

Important announcement ( Hantengu troll is back)

Hi everyone, remember the blissful silence we had for a month or so now and not being harassed by that delusional Hantengu troll? Unfortunately, they are back after being reported multiple times both on tumblr and on the rule 34 website they were using to make their pedophiliac and stealing art from others. Since they are blocked from posting anymore of their degenerate art on rule 34, Now they made an official tumblr and have migrated to twitter to continue their harrassment unchecked. I really don’t wanna drag people into this, but they are still attempting to harass and steal art from others while insulting their work. I can deal with the racist remarks, matters little to me because I find it hilarious they can stoop so low while claiming to be a person of color, but if they think this obsessive behavior will be excused, they are surely mistaken. I understand everyone’s frustration and not wanting to give them more attention then they already seek out for, but reporting them properly will be more effective. This is a community that should be fun and open to all, and yet if this person thinks it’s okay to target and bully others for liking a certain fandom, they should be given the same respect…none. I have been collecting evidence on them, have dozens of screenshots of their verbal abuse, and disgusting images of pedophilia they made using other peoples characters without consent. The more they keep at it, the more evidence it gives me so mind you, they are digging their own grave. But I wanted to make those aware that they are still lurking, and don’t be afraid to report them or reach out to others about this. Coming together to address and deal with this person who thinks it’s okay to do this to people who have done nothing to warrant this harassment is appalling, but it is necessary. I found their new account on tumblr and so will make you guys aware as well to avoid and report if they decide to come after you again

Here is a screenshot of their account, it is now proven this is the same troll as this is the same art they made and posted on rule 34 to harassment mothzii, and are now using part of their username at some sick attempt at impersonating them

And here is a screen shot of a message @bloodbladesanddemons had sent to me of a person that made them aware of the troll stealing their art again and posting it on twitter to troll and insult their work in Romanian.

Without a doubt this is still the same troll as they are stealing specifically their art work and others without their permission and using twitter since most artists here don’t have a twitter, they did the same thing when they were on rule 34, and they are back at it with the same bs after being banned from stealing more art on rule 34. Myself and others had taken steps to report them properly, and yet they are so desperate to cause trouble they are doing it somewhere else. For those here and on twitter, please share this post, please comment or dm me with any concerns from past experience with this troll or any currently happening. Don’t be afraid to speak out against them, they have made multiple attempts at harassment towards me and others and it needs to stop, and there are wonderful people here that will help towards getting them reported. If they want to continue this behavior, then I will be just as persistent no matter how much art theft, pedophiliac images and racist remarks they throw at us. Don’t give them the grace of a logical response to any harassment, screenshot and compile it to report them.

To think, as a person that only got involved because this troll thought it was a genius idea to come after me simply for being friends with those that have shipped OCs with hantengu, let’s just say they truly underestimate how lil craps I give about their opinion, and that I am not afraid to clap back.