#when youre trying to develop a new habit you have to remember that forgetting and then remembering it too late is progress.

[baronessvonglitter]

Distractions

dbf!Dave York x f!reader | wc: 2.7K

summary: You and Dave are finding it hard to forget that one night.. and a chance encounter gives you both a second opportunity..

WARNINGS: 18+ Only! Explicit. dbf!Dave. jealous!Dave. Slight angst. Alcohol consumption (no drunkenness). Fingering. Semi public/public sex. Unprotected p in v. Some teasing on Dave's part (surprise surprise). Pet names (princess, sweetheart). Age gap (reader is in her 20s, Dave in his 40s). Dave teases you about your preference for older guys but he started it so why the name-calling(?). Reader wears a dress but is otherwise undescribed. No use of y/n.

a/n: it's me, ya girl Adriana, and I have synesthesia.

I decided to bring back one of our favorite dilfs, our Suburban Murder Daddy. (although I haven't decided if he's a killer in this universe or not. we shall see). Enjoy, babes! (This is a sequel to Just a Ride but can be read as a standalone.)

dividers by @strangergraphics 👑

DAVE YORK MASTERLIST | FULL MASTERLIST

Dave orders a Macallan and looks around the bar while he waits. Any trace of a smile on his face disappears when he spots you across the way, seated at a table with another, older man. A work friend of his and your father's. His arm is around you as he's whispering sweet nothings in your ear. It looks to all the world like he's planning on sharing more than just a whisper with you later.

A pang of jealousy and something new, a bright and bitter feeling, shoots through his veins. He grips his glass a little tighter, trying to ignore the way his blood is heating up at the sight of you with another man. He takes a long gulp of his Scotch, trying to keep his cool as he decides what course of action to take. Going up to you and demanding to know why you're here with fucking Charles of all people would sound plaintive and greedy. You're a grown woman, you can date whoever the fuck you want.

Just not fucking Charles.

He's practically nonplussed when you get up and make your way to his direction. As you come closer your eyes meet his and he has to fight to swallow his drink.

"Hey!" You call out, seemingly surprised to run into him. "Dave.. how have you been?" You go in for a hug and Dave freezes, giving your back a light pat. He remembers how you felt in his arms, so pliant beneath him, even in the confines of the passenger seat of his car.

"I've been well, just grabbing a drink. What about you? How's life?" He manages a smile, hoping it'll hide how surprised he is to see you here.

"Good, good. I'm on a date. Again." You chuckle, but your eyes set right on him as if expecting a particular reaction.

"Oh," he says, as if caught by surprise. He casually leans against the bar, his eyes taking you in, disguising the way your words make his stomach clench with a feeling he has no right to act on. Your dress is dark blue this time, his favorite color, and he wonders if you knew he'd be here tonight. Maybe Charles mentioned it and you suckered him into coming here, hoping to run into him.

He doesn't allow himself the freedom of thinking that.

"Another date, huh? With, uh.. Charles, huh?" He cranes his neck to give the fellow a good look, pretending he hadn't been green with jealousy over you just minutes ago. "How's this one going? Is he treating you right?" In all the unanswered texts from you he has in his phone, you never texted him about your date, and now he figures why. The last guy was an idiot and maybe you knew it from the moment you accepted the date, and that was why you asked Dave to rescue you. But Charles is older, less prone to being pushy about getting into your panties. He wants to ask if you've developed a habit for older men, but he knows it'd be out of line. He can't risk knowing he's hurt by seeing you with someone else.

"Yeah, it's great. We started talking at my dad's dinner party last week." There's a glimmer in your eye that compels Dave to ask for more details, to get the nitty-gritty of what exactly you've done while he's been in radio silence with you.

But he's good at keeping his composure. For now.

"That right?" He looks over at the table again and sees Charles there, but he's on his phone, likely taking an important call. "Has he started to bore you yet with talk of his golf game?"

"Dave," you gently chide him. "He was talking about you.. he thinks very highly of you."

"Does he now? That's nice to hear. What has he said?"

"Just that you're one of the best in the agency," you tell him honestly, your eyes shining with the tickle it gives you to compliment him.

"Can't help talking shop, even on a date, huh?" He downs the last of his Scotch and puts a bill on the bar, covering the drink and a good sized tip. "So why him?"

You shrug, even though your expression gives the truth away. "I like him.. and I've been lonely." You look up at him through your lashes. "You haven't been coming around lately."

"Yeah, I know," he says guiltily. "I've just been busy."

"With Julia?"

His mouth sets in a firm line. So your parents told you. He wonders if you know about the double date he went on with your folks and Julia. The whole time he was thinking about you.

"Yeah, with her," his tone is even, careful, as if to tread lightly, and a piece of his heart crumbles to see the hurt in your eyes.

"She's.. a friend," he feels the need to explain. But he knows that you already know -- Julia is a distraction.

"Oh, that's nice," you tell him, swallowing hard, forcing back the tears that threaten to spill. "Did you fuck her in your car just like you fucked me?"

He whispers your name harshly, leads you to the end of the bar where you aren't as noticeable. "Jesus! Why would you ask something like that?"

"I'm so stupid," you whisper, hanging your head. "I thought.. I thought you liked me." You sound pitiful and you know it. Even if Dave would reciprocate his feelings, he's only going to see you as a child. Still a kid despite your age. You turn to leave, hoping to forget all about this night and vow to never think about Dave York ever again.

"Wait, wait," he gently pulls you back and wipes your tears away with his thumb. "Please, don't cry, princess.." His large hands cup your face, his deep brown eyes searching yours intently.

"I do," he says quietly. "I do like you.. more than I should."

Your breath hitches, hope burgeoning in your chest. "But why would you just ignore me like that? I was really hurt by that, Dave."

"I know." He exhales a long, remorseful sigh. "You deserve better. You're young, beautiful, you have a hell of a good head on your shoulders. Don't you want to be with someone who can offer you more than what I can? Or what that fuckwad Charles can offer?"

"Are you jealous?"

"Honestly? Fuck yes, I am. He's even older than me!"

"He's only fifty."

"Still.." Dave's eyes travel across the room to see Charles looking around, a frown on his face. "Were you planning on sleeping with him? Or have you already done that?"

There's something honest about your clear, open gaze. "The last person I slept with was you," you whisper.

The memory of it is still fresh in his mind, and hearing you talk so matter-of-factly about it isn't helping keep his growing need in check. "You know.. I can still taste you.."

Heal pools in your lower belly and, as if your body has been preparing for this very moment, a little slick runs out of you, into the gusset of your panties.

"What do I taste like?" you ask, wanting to keep the game on, hoping it'll lead where you think it's going to lead.

"Like the sweetest peach, or a sip of the finest wine," he whispers back.

"I haven't been able to stop thinking about you.."

Your words ignite a fire that he's been trying to smother. Despite his best efforts he finds himself drawn to you, pulled in by the confession that mirrored his own unbidden thoughts. "Don't say things like that, princess.. it's not fair."

"What's not fair is you leaving me the way you did.. I wasn't happy with just one time." You recall the days spent after your night with him, waiting for a call, your heart leaping with joy each time you heard the doorbell, but it was never Dave on your doorstep.

Dave clenches his jaw, your words hitting him like a punch to the gut. The image of you, panting and wanting, flashes through his mind, and his body starts to respond in kind. "You're making it really hard to be a gentleman right now, princess.."

"I don't want you to be a gentleman, Dave. I want just the opposite."

His restraint snaps and he pins you to the bar, pressing against you from behind. You're in a dark, secluded area of the bar, with no one paying you any mind, but he doesn't care if anyone sees. Let that idiot Charles get an eyeful. Dave is the one you want after all. He kisses the junction of your neck and shoulder, entranced by the scent of your perfume, something sultry and warm, just like you.

"I could do whatever I want to you.. right here.. and no one would even know," Dave utters.

Your eyes flutter shut, goosebumps rising on your flesh, your nipples already pebbling under your bra. You shudder, and it doesn't escape him that you press back against him, your ass seeking out the growing bulge in his pants. His hands skim up your sides as he pulls you against him, giving you want you want and letting you feel how hard you're getting him. "You really want it that badly, don't you? You said you couldn't get enough after the first time?" he taunts.

"I do want it," you sigh, feeling your panties now soaked in anticipation. You imagine what it'd be like for him to unbuckle his pants, free his cock and shove your panties to the side so he can fill you, right here where someone might catch you. "I never stopped wanting you."

"Got a thing for older men?" he teases, enjoying the way your breath catches in your throat. Guilty. "Seems you do," he says as he teases one finger into your drenched cunt. You cover your gasp with your hand. "A little bit of daddy issues at play? Don't know why.. you had a pretty good childhood. I should know - I was there for most of it."

"Dave, please!" you whisper, both as a deterrent to keep from teasing about your age gap and a green light to keep stroking you.

"Do you think your date will miss you if you're gone for awhile?"

"That depends on how quick you are.."

His lips press against your pulse, the curve of his aquiline nose caressing your neck. "Oh princess.. there's nothing quick about the things I want to do to you."

Dave presses you against the wall of the alleyway behind the bar, the night air cool after the artificial warmth of the building. His lips are on your neck, kissing and nipping at your skin, working his way up to your jaw, each kiss like fire on your skin.

"You don't know how hard it was to keep away," he mutters in your ear, taking your lobe between his teeth. "Every day since the last time I got a taste of you, I've been dying to have you again." He buries his face in your neck, holding you to him tightly, as if he's afraid to let you go again. A mixture of guilt and desire swirls within him as he presses his hips up into yours, letting you feel the proof of his need. "I never should have left you that night. I should have brought you back to my place, taken my time with you. I should have fucked you senseless and made you mine."

"Make me yours now," you beg, lifting the hem of your dress.

Dave growls. a primal sound of need as your request hits his ears. His hands travel up your thighs, gripping your flesh firmly as he presses up into you. "Right here? Daddy's princess wants to get fucked in a dirty little alley?"

You shudder a sigh, teeth sinking into your bottom lip. "Yes," you respond, your face heating with what ought to be shame, but only desire resides in you.

His hands slip under your dress and his fingers sneak into your panties. "Do you still want this, princess? Tell me. because I can't think straight when you're around me."

"Yes, God, yes, Dave.." you gasp, the warmth of his digits even nicer than the silk against your skin. "Tear them off me, I don't care!"

He doesn't hesitate. Giving a fierce, possessive grunt his hands rip the scrap of lace off your hips with a sharp tug, making you cry out in surprise. "Christ.. I need you. Now."

You pull him close, quickling unbuckling his belt and dipping your hand into his pants. Your touch sneaks past the waistband of his boxers, igniting sparks of pleasure that course through his body. "Fuck, sweetheart," he murmurs, leaning in to capture your mouth in a bruising kiss, his tongue exploring greedily.

With your legs hooked around him he presses you to the wall and he positions himself at your entrance. "Tell me again that you want me," he begs. "I need to hear it."

"I want you.. I want you so bad," you plead.

His hips thrust forward and he sinks into you slowly, allowing you a moment to adjust to him again. You're tight and wet around him, a vise grip around his throbbing dick. The sound of his whispered name coming from your luscious lips only serves to amplify the intensity of the pleasure, and he rocks into you slow and deep.

"You're so damn tight, princess.. so damn good.."

He begins to pick up the pace, his body moving against yours in a smooth, controlled rhythm, but his control slips at the sound of his name from your lips, his movements becoming more urgent as he loses himself to the heat and ecstasy of being inside you. He hitches your legs higher around his hips, driving into you harder, his body a tense, coiled need against yours. You give a high-pitched moan, screaming his name with every thrust, the shoulders his crisply-ironed shirt balled up in your fists as you cling to him for dear life.

Dave is lost to the sound of your voice, your body responding to his every move, driving him wild. "Fuck, that's it.. scream for me, sweetheart. Say my name." He drives into you harder, deeper, his breath coming out in rough gasps as he takes you, his hips slamming against yours. "God!" you moan, long and loud as you come hard around him.

The sound of your orgasm, the feel of you clenching around him, is too much. Dave's release hits him like a freight train, his own climax hitting him with the force that makes his vision go white. "Jesus Christ, sweetheart," he mumbles. He lets out a low, guttural groan as he buries his face in your neck, his body shuddering against yours as he comes. riding out the waves of pleasure coursing through him.

You whimper as he finishes, holding him close. "Oh.. my.. god," you whisper.

Dave holds you against him, his body still shuddering involuntarily as he tries to regain his breath, his brain struggling to process the intensity of what they'd just done. "Jesus Christ, sweetheart, that was just.. fuck." He leans in and buries his face in the crook of your neck, pressing soft, breathless kisses against your skin as he holds you in his arms, savoring the feeling of being close to you.

You give a shaky laugh, still trying to catch your breath. "I don't think I've ever come that quickly.."

Dave lets out a gruff chuckle at your words, his body still buzzing from the aftermath of his release. He nuzzles his face against your neck, breathing in the scent of your hair as he triest to recover. "That makes two of us, princess. I don't think I've ever come that hard, either."

"There's no way I can go back to my date now," you chuckle.

His arms tightening around you. "You're not going back to him. You're coming home with me."

You lick your lips. "Really?"

His eyes darken as he watches the seemingly innocent gesture. "Yeah, princess. Really. I'm not letting you go back to him. You're mine tonight."

"Yes," you whisper.

Dave's heart soars at your quiet agreement. "Good. Let's get out of here, sweetheart." He carefully lowers your legs from around his waist, straightening your skirt and helping you regain your bearings. He slips your ruined panties into his pocket, a keepsake for later, as he offers his arm and leads you away to his car.

tags: @lilac-boo @604to647 @joelalorian @tateypots @letsgobarbs @yorksgirl

@inept-the-magnificent @bunniboo0015 @professionalpromqueen

@cathsteen @itwasntimethatdidit40 @megangovier @evolnoomym

@probablyreadinsmut @untamedheart81 @joelmillerswife9

@ariundercovers @axshadows @sawymredfox @yxtkiwiyxt

[sweetangelbarbie]

Cg! Sevika x puppy regressor! Reader headcanons

🌸Sevika is a very busy woman but she always tries to make time for her puppy :3

🌸When Sevika isn’t home on time you whine and cry, thinking something horrible has happened to her. You snuggle into all her old clothes trying to remember her scent. When she eventually does come home you jump on her all happy.

•“Hi puppy.” She’ll sigh exhausted picking the pup up with her human arm, you snuggle close to her.

“I thought you were gone!” Sevika rolls her eyes “they can’t get rid of me bub.” You whine more

“Come on… how ‘bout a treat?” That makes you perk up.

🌸Sometimes she’ll even take you to work with her :3. She dolls up your hair and puts you in nice cute clothes, not forgetting your puppy ear headband! Even if all you do is sit on her lap while she fills out paperwork, or on the couch preoccupied with a chew toy. The idea of being around your mama makes your tail wag!

🌸At first when you told her you pet regress, more specifically puppy regress she thought that you could be like a guard dog. (Silly sevi)

• “attack.” She points at the stuffed bunny on the floor. You quickly scamper over, picking it up in your jaw and bound back over to her, excitedly looking up at her.

She groans lightly “puppy… I said attack not fetch.” She takes the well loved bunny from your mouth.

“Play!” You happily yip, nuzzling against her thigh. She ruffles your soft hair “you’re lucky you’re cute.”

🌸Will always play fetch, even if she’s tired. She doesn’t really know how you always have that much energy. Sometimes she’ll be asleep on the couch while you race around the house with the zoomies.

🌸You like being held by mama, even if she’s grumpy she will always pick up her needy pup.

• “again?” The older woman looks down at where you tug at her shirt before hoisting you up to rest on her hip.

“Missed yous….” The poor puppy snuggles against her chest.

“Sooo needy.”

🌸you are a very messy puppy! Always spilling your juice or milk. Your food all over your new shirts. Sev tries not to get too frustrated, she’ll always scrub the stains out. Making sure you’re near so she can fuss to you the importance of trying to be neat.

🌸puppies can’t help but being a little naughty! You had recently developed a bad habit of chewing up her shirts. You can’t help it! You miss your mama and the shirt smells so much like her :(

🌸Sevika does send you to time out in your kennel. You only really use it if it’s nap time and Sev can’t nap with you, or for time out.

• you were recently put in there for yet again getting into the pantry without her permission, there’s food in there that will upset puppy’s tummy!

“Out!” The poor puppy barks, banging on the crates bars.

“Stop it puppy. You know that won’t help.” The older woman groans. You only whimper nudging at the metal again.

“Do you want five more minutes?” You immediately stop.

🌸She does always give you lots of love and reassurance after freeing you from timeout. Poor puppy just needs to learn better!

🌸She likes to hand feed you. Smirking at the feeling of your tongue licking up the rest of the treat from her palm.

🌸you always give her the best puppy kisses! Making her chuckle as you happily lick and slobber her face.

🌸if you are padded she’ll pay it no mind, she’s had to deal with worse things than changing a diaper. She gets you cute ones with puppy’s on them :3

🌸If you do have an accident Sevika won’t make you feel bad for it. Puppy can’t help it! Sev will clean you up in a very gentle way, that surprises even herself with how soft she was. Your owner will reassure you that it happens to everyone, even big strong dogs. 

🌸You lovee bath time! Splashing around in the soapy water, tail wagging happily at all your bath toys.

• “stop splashing, you’re getting the whole bathroom wet.” You pout happily dipping your mermaid Barbie’s into the water. It was a bit of a hassle to get you undressed, and let alone get your puppy ear headband off.

“Splish!” The puppy announces happily, splashing the Barbie back into the water. Your owner only sighs.

“You’re killin’ me kid.”

“I puppy.”

🌸Sevika likes to do your hair :3. Whether in pigtails, or braids, clipping cute clips in or bows. You’re such a pretty puppy! With a pretty coat!

🌸If you’re scared of the dark, Sev will plug in a paw print shaped nightlight. Soothing over your hair with her rough human hand as she coos at you. Your eyes glimmering in the low golden light.

🌸You can really only sleep good if your mama is there holding you. Occasionally Sevika sleeps without her mechanical arm on, not wanting to accidentally hurt you. She cuddles you sooo close, making you feel safe with her big muscles. Sev will always make you sleep closest to the wall in case of danger so she can protect you.

🌸If you’ve been good Sevika will let you decorate her metal arm with cute puppy stickers. At work Jinx will poke fun at her for it, it always ends up with her getting punched hehe.

🌸If Sevi HAS to leave she has Jinx puppy sit for you. After a few tears when mama has to leave Jinx will always make you giggle by tickling you. You lovee when she pet sits, she’s always more fun and lenient than Sevika. Letting you stay up late, and have an extra ice cream after dinner!

• “puppy!!! Ima’ get youuu!!!!” The blue haired girl giggles as she chases you around the living room. You bark and dodge her bony grasp.

“NO!” You giggle when she eventually gets you. Blowing raspberries on your cheek until you start kicking her off.

“Silly puppyy” she smiles cuddling you reallyyyyy tight. Jinx’s cuddles are always like that.

🌸Jinx always teases Sevika by saying she’s gonna kidnap you. Sevi doesn’t find that funny!!!

🌸Sometimes if Sevika isn’t paying enough attention to you you’ll nip at her. She doesn’t appreciate this, talking sternly to you that biting isn’t how you solve problems…but she always cuddles you afterwards.

🌸She gets you the cutest collars!! With your name on them (and hers on the back hehe). You beggg her to clip them on as soon as she surprises you with them. Before you guys go out she lets you choose from all of them, but it’s tooo hard to choose ૮ ◞ ﻌ ◟ ა…

🌸When you have a meltdown she tries to not get super frustrated. You had wanted a new stuffy but Sevika said no due to you not having enough stickers on the chart. You ended up getting really frustrated, emotions that were to big for you that had turned into tears, and eventually a big freak out.

• She tries to calm you down, talking softly to you and petting your head.

“I know you wanted the plush bub, but you haven’t been good this week..” she says softly to you in the car. You can’t help the tears.

“I…I wana….” You whine pawing at her.

“I know… please calm down.” She hugs you. “I can give you a baba when we get home if you can calm down. I won’t even put you in timeout.” She kisses away the puppy’s tears.

The thought of a bottle calms you down enough, and soon it’s just sad sniffles. Next week you’ll be better enough to earn that stuffy!

🌸She does have a sticker chart in place. It’s good for puppy’s that like to cause trouble. She’s not afraid to remove stickers if you get into something you’re not supposed to, or have been particularly fussy.

🌸She likes to bottle feed you. You’re a greedy little thing and will drink it down too fast, ending up with a tummy ache. Your mama will simply rub your belly, telling you to slow down more.

🌸Sevika isn’t above buying your affection. Ehh this does make you a spoiled pup….buttttt she loves to see the look on your face when you get a new toy you’ve been eyeing.

🌸she loves to take you on walks! She’ll walk you around all the safer parts of Zaun, making sure you stay close by, she will tug on that leash if she feels you’re getting too far. If you see something shiny on the ground and want to pick it up, nooo!!!! Mama will warn you that it could be something unsafe.

sometimes, if you’ve been particularly good, you two will sneak up to topside and she will let you run around at the park and gardens to your hearts content!

🌸After these walks you are a very muddy puppy, you love digging holes in the ground ૮ >ﻌ< ა. Sevika will have to hose you down before you get back inside. You always love to chomp at the water. Sevika will purposely splash you in the face making you growl and giggle.

🌸Sev will draw up a bath and let you play until you get sleepy. (Life hack instead of having a wiggly puppy in bed) you can barely stand as she drys you off, tooo sleepy. She’ll put a pull-up on you, your cute frilly Jammie’s, and your fuzzy puppy socks!

• Sevika carries you to bed, your poor head slumped onto her shoulder. She gently places you onto the bed, placing your beloved puppy stuffy in your arms.

You whine gently, missing your mama’s warmth.

“Mama…”

“Shhh…I know hold on bub”

She pulls off her shirt before sitting on the bed, taking the screwdriver off the bedside table, gently unscrewing her arm. Clinging onto your stuffy you look up at her with your sleepy eyes, admiring your mama :3.

Shortly she joins you in bed, laying down and letting you crawl onto her chest, sniffing her. Sev pops the binky into your mouth to prevent you from chewing on her or the bedding.

“Poor sleepy puppy…so tiny.” You whine snuggling against her as she wraps her arm around you, patting your back soothingly.

My mamaaaaaaa seviiiii hehe ૮⍝• ᴥ •⍝ა

My requests are open!!! Plz read my rules!!!

(Psttttt if you want to read my other stuff look at the #kitty write🐈 tag on my blog!)

[deleteddewewted]

Supermarket Romance P3

Modern! Titus x Reader

S: His first conversation has inspired him to try and build greater connections with the people he already speaks to. His therapist is overjoyed with this development advising him that in due time he will see his anxiety dwindle as exposure is the best type of therapy. Titus is motivated and encouraged even, to pursue further socializing with you. Hopefully, this could be the start of a new connection.

W: PTSD episodes, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Reader is a broke Artist, Titus works as an Analyst for a company, Ableist comments (From Titus and to Titus)

Previous / Next

He didn’t know why he continued to do this to himself. Guilliman had told him to buy a notepad or set reminders on his phone but Titus refused to do so. It got to the point that Guilliman bought him his very own notepad with differently formatted pages so that he could use it for whatever he needed. He once again forgot to take the notepad or write anything down in it as he was browsing the grocery store shelves searching for something he knew he needed but forgot.

His forgetfulness only grew worse with the more he remembered the conversation he had with you a few days back. He couldn’t stop himself from reliving it as it was a weird source of comfort. You didn’t frown at him or make a displeased face. You looked at im, really looked at him, and didn’t think any different about his appearance. Even his doctor at times made faces when talking about his injuries. It made it hard to live in his body at times. But you made it tolerable, at least for the moment.

He mindlessly grabbed whatever was in front of him, not even bothering to read the label or check the price as he continued to relish in the memory before being snapped out of it by his phone buzzing. He pulled it out of his pocket, hoping to see a call from his doctor or Chairon but he was instead met with his boss's name. He frowned at the still-ringing phone but still answered the call reluctantly.

“Hello, Mr. Guilliman.” Titus greeted.

“For the love of everything, Demetrian. Stop calling me 'Mr. Guilliman'. I’m not just your boss, I’m your friend. Reframe from such a habit.” The younger man shouted. It never ceased to surprise Titus just how odd Guilliman was. Their age difference made this even more odd considering that Guilliman was also his superior at the office. It felt awkward to have his boss be younger than him but he guessed he couldn't complain too much as he himself was once a young Lieutenant and Captain who led men and women off all ages. Age didn't matter too much in the military if you had the ability to prove yourself capable of the work being assigned to you.

He assumed this is why Guilliman didn't stay longer in the military and didn't resign his contract. His might and his brain weren't worth being wasted in combat when it could be used for more analytical and important tasks such as leadership in the bureaucratic system they lived in. In a way, Titus was glad the younger man had left. Guilliman looked more relaxed working in an office than working in a tent in the middle of nowhere.

“I will do my best to refrain from addressing you in that way.” Titus complied.

“Good. Now, I have a question for you if you aren’t too busy.” Titus could practically hear the grin that was spreading across his boss's face.

“I’m not.” Titus began to walk down the aisle and into a new one as he spoke on the phone. He readjusted his phone so he could hold it with his other hand instead of the same hand that carried his basket full of groceries.

“I have an event that I want you to attend. I’m having some of my best employees come with me to help push and talk numbers with some big players in the industry that Father is interested in doing business with. This will be over the span of a week but won't be until a few months from now.” Guilliman explained.

“Ok?”

“I wanted to ask if you had anyone or any responsibilities that might interfere with this event.”

“No.”

“Are you sure?” Guilliman teased.

“I’m positive.”

“That’s a shame, I was hoping you’d say yes so I could get you an extra ticket for a potential plus one.” Guilliman added. Titus stopped in his tracks, processing what his superior had just said. Plus one? The only person he could think of that Guilliman might be insinuating is you and it made him feel unease.

Titus had mentioned you in passing during their lunch break. They had been speaking on the phone and decided to have lunch together to catch up on what the other was doing outside of work. He had been talking about how he had met someone at the supermarket who had caught his attention because of how they shopped. He didn’t know how to explain to Guilliman that you reminded him of his mother and how she would take great care in reading and observing costs and food contents when buying food. He didn’t know how to explain that he liked that you dressed the way you did, uncaring if some may criticize you for looking poorly in the middle of the day. He thought it was unique and quirky that you gave such a lacking amount of care to what those around you thought of you. It almost helped him feel less judged when he shopped.

Since then, Guilliman had tried getting him to talk more about you or about any of his few friends outside of himself. Guilliman found it interesting to see just how much Titus needed routines and positive reassurances to know he was doing good. This was in stark contrast to the Captain he had known who didn't seek praise and would scream his lungs out at privates and soldiers during drills and combat. A larger-than-life man who lived to serve was now reduced to an anxious mess who needed reinforcement. It was a fall from grace that Guilliman dared not talk about since he knew that his comments would do more damage than good.

All that Guiliman knew was that predictability and transparency helped Titus and that had remained the same even now. Guilliman wasn't complaining, Titus had been more talkative, more communicative, more present. He had found some strength to come into the office for small project events or meetings that could have been done remotely or even on an email debrief. He was seeing great developments in work and he wanted to nurture these new habits since it slowly brought out the man Titus once was.

"I dont know them well enough for that, Roboute." Titus explained.

"The event is 4 months away, ok. Im just saying that if by any chance there is someone in your life that you wish to bring along I'm more than happy to have them come. The more the merrier." Guilliman added. Guilliman said his goodbyes before hanging up without giving Titus time to respond back. Titus, annoyed, put his phone back into his pocket, not paying attention to the path ahead of him as he did.

"Ouch!" Titus snapped his head towards the noise in front of him. He looked down where he felt something crash into him only to find you sitting on the floor, rubbing your forehead.

"Sorry." He apologized. He put his basket down on the floor before grabbing you by the arm and helping you to your feet.

"No, it's ok. It's on me. I wasn't paying attention." You apologized back. You patted your clothes hoping to clean them from any dirt you might have picked up in your fall.

"Thanks for picking me up, Titus." You smiled up at him, hoping that he didn't misinterpret your apology for sarcasm. Titus looked nervous as he watched you. He looked like he was inspecting you for injuries, not that you would have any, but just to make sure.

"No problem, Y/n."

"So what brings you back to the store, Titus? Anything new you're trying?" You asked wanting to be polite.

"I was told by my dietician to try adding more sugars into my diet. I'm... trying to see what is tolerable enough for me to eat." For someone of his stature, you would have assumed he would be louder but he was soft spoken. Clear and precise, calm but soft. It reminded you of the older gentleman living next door to you who would ask you to help him bring his case of water up if you had the time.

"Do you not like sweet?" You asked.

"I've developed a dislike for overly sweet things so I tend to avoid sugar in general." He explained. In reality, his anxiety made sugar act almost like a trigger. Either he could taste it and it was overwhelming or he'd consume it and it made his anxiety spike. He avoided sugary drinks, sweet treats, and even basic foods that have sweetner in it. The ice cream he had bought was the only thing he could tolerate as it wasn't too sweet and the cold numbed the taste.

"Fruit tends to be the easiest way to get sugar into a diet. It's hard not to enjoy them since there's variety." You explained. This seemed to ease Titus a little. His once furrowed brows eased just a little at the suggestion.

"I will try that." The conversation died from there. While you thought there was nothing more to say, Titus was buzzing with questions of his own. Another conversation with you meant more exposure which meant that his therapist would be proud of his progress and he himself will be proud of his progress.

"What about you?" He asked. He looked at your empty basket before returning his gaze to you.

"Me? Oh, I was seeing what I could get for $20. I don't really have the budget right now to experiment with food."

"What can you possibly get with $20?" He questioned. You thought his question was brash but you chalked it up to shock.

"You'd be surprised. It mainly works if you bargain or use coupons. For the most part, I get the ramen packets or rice." You shrugged.

"So you mainly eat...."

"Poorly? Yeah. When your broke you have to eat whatever, so might as well eat something that's not gross."

"Doesn't it leave you in a nutritional deficit?" Titus was trying to wrap his head around how anyone could possibly live off of this diet. Even the MRE's he would get in his service was better than the food you planned on buying. It sounded horrible and his face must have shown it because you laughed before explaining yourself.

"It does, but again, I dont have the money to buy anything other than the things I really need." You smiled up at him again, the corner of your eyes pinching against your cheeks.

"It was nice talking to you, Titus. Hopefully, next time we see each other you can tell me what fruits you liked." You winked at him teasingly.

"Of course. I will make sure to do so." He nodded. You couldn't help it, but you chuckled at him. He was amusing, to say the least. There was no way he was an actual person. He was too formal, too forward, too honest. You kinda felt bad for being able to know so much about this man when you haven't said enough about yourself.

As you walked away Titus sighed. This had been the longest conversation he had with you. This was good! He wondered if he had said too much or not enough. Maybe it was invasive to ask the questions had asked. It was all said and done but he couldn’t help but worry. He shook his head, he wasn’t going to allow doubt to consume him. Not now, not when he had just gained such a positive thing.

When he made it back home he made sure to go about his usual routine with as much urgency as he could. He double checked his locks, took a shower, put away his groceries, and grabbed his laptop from his desk to bring it over to his bed. He laid there, silently waiting for a call to come in. The ticking of his clock unnerved him as he waited. No matter how many times he had done this it still never stopped being stressful. The waiting, the anticipation ate at him as he counted down the seconds.

*bzzzz* *bzzzzzzz*

Titus clicked on the green answer button that appeared on his laptops screen before readjusting the camera and himself.

“Demetrian, what a pleasure it is to see you once more.” An older man with glasses that looked almost comically round, greeted Titus. He smiled, teeth showing as he waved at the man.

“Dr Galeo, it is good to speak with you again.” Titus greeted back.

“You’re looking well. I hope you’ve been following instructions given to you by your physician?”

“I have. There’s no need to be concern.”

“Good, good. I’m that case, let’s talk about your progress shall we? What have your most recent interactions with other people have been?” Galeo ask.

“Positive. I’ve been meaning to tell you abott it my interactions either Y/n, actually.”

“Do tell, Titus.” Proded Galeo.

It was as if the flood gates had open. Titus talked and talked and talked about you and the conversation you had had with each toner. Every moment, every word, every movement you had made was described in detail as he spoke to his therapist. Be couldn’t stop even if he wanted to, he just needed to talk to someone about his new friend. Galeo didn’t mind his team kings, if anything, this was the whole reason why he enjoyed his weekly check in with Titus.

When Titus had first started therapy he was closed up. He refused to speak or even write down his thoughts or feelings. It was frustrating as it didn’t seem that the man would open up any time soon and Galeo would have to fire him as a client. So when Galeo proposed Titus begin making small interactions with people in his gym, this seemed to spark a reaction. Titus didn’t take recommendations but orders and a life of service made this even more important for how Galeo was going to treat him. So he began giving Titus orders. Do this, do that, you must complete this. This worked even if it felt like it was degrading to do but it gave Galeo space to work with. Titus began reporting back that he would speak to the kind woman in the front desk at his gym if only to say “hello” and “goodbye”. This began to slowly evolve into him speaking to the new security guard at the gym that had approached Titus asking what his workout routine was. Story after story of the security guard became frequent but what threw Galeo off guard was the story about the person Titus had met at the supermarket.

“They spoke to me, again.” Titus said. His voice was in awe, almost as if he couldn’t believe that a basic human interaction could possibly be directed at him. Galeo knew Titus was deeply insecure but to see him genuinely surprised that something so small such as a greeting or acknowledgment would be directed at him made something in Galeo mourn for his patient.

“And they said that they wanted to hear if I liked anything new that I tried.” Titus finished. Galeo smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgment.

“That’s wonderful Titus. You and your friend seem to be making progress."

"They even gave me their name. Y/n."

"See, and here you were worried about rejection. You're making good progress. This is something to celebrate." Galeo encouraged.

"It feels childish to celebrate something so normal but I truly feel like I've progressed in my treatment, Galeo."

"And I see that progress, Titus. In due time, you will see all of these efforts pay off." Galeo comforted him, hoping that his words held some value to the man.

They spent the rest of their session making idle conversation on things Titus could improve on. Galeo hoped that more social interaction could help Titus see that the world wasn't against him. They ended their session with Galeo tasking Titus with trying to extend this connection with you outside of the supermarket. friendship is good for his health and Titus, unfortunately, has lacked those platonic relationships ever since he left the military. Titus agreed with him and even stated that there had been a few people who had reached out to him but he hasn't had the courage to reach back out of discomfort. Galeo reassures him that all in due time, there's no need to rush but there needs to be an attempt to try. With that, Titus ended the call and began preparing an early dinner for himself. He ate his meal in silence as he thought about the events of today. Would you want to be friends with him? Would you feel comfortable spending time with him outside of the occasional bumping into each other in the supermarket? He made sure to clean his dishes and then take a shower before heading to bed. He lay in his bed contemplating the plans for the next day. He had it off, there was nothing for him to do. Maybe he would be kind to himself and explore the city he lived in.

[gabryellastudies]

just saw ur pinned post. i'm really struggling with self-discipline, and honestly can't remember the last time i've been consistent with studying...

i think my biggest flaw is never developing the habit of studying early. procrastination is so real. how were you able to change things?

(btw my study sideblog is gottaxxrepresent hehe)

hi!

struggling w self discipline is something i'm no stranger to! tbf - i think a lot of my personal struggles with self-discipline were solved by treating my anxiety and depression with medicine and time! if yr not like me and your mind isn't actively fist fighting you then i suggest:

i like to think of studying as a race and i think when we dread studying we forget that although finishing strong is really important its not even half the race!

see, you have to start the race strong

- that means starting somewhere around day 1. doesn't have to be good, pretty, or "right". or even studying. maybe you just read a book or organize your planner. whatever you do, even light studying, you don't have to do it long, probably like 30m at first. but it should be with the intention and reminder that it's normal not to enjoy studying (or the tasks that come with it) but the quality and joy of studying only come with consistency and time

mid-race (like 60% of the race)

- u CANNOT give up (completely here). this is where you keep showing up to your desk.

1) make showing up to your desk for a set amount of time (still like 30m-1hr) doing something that LOOKS like studying, literally even just doing your assignments (aka bare minimum). leave elaborate shit for later. this is all about grinding through the moments where the material is boring, your brain is bored, and you probably wanna quit. this...can last days to weeks to months. but studying is a habit. you have to at least put the time in.

once u get accustomed to studying, don't try to ramp up the time just yet - that's NOT your focus. now that you have a beginner desk-sitting habit you have to build a quality-studying habit

2) atp we know memorizing isn't the only study technique we should be doing. now that you can sit and use your time towards your studies for a decent time, now incorporate focusing on whether your study methods work! i keep a random little notebook where i make notes about the day's study session - providing a useful log for reference. keep tweaking things until you mainly figure it out (tbh u have to do this basically with every new subject in some form or fashion)

3) NOW u can ramp up the time, but don't get greedy and do a big jump! i usually change in increments of 30-60m/wk!

FINISH LINE!

now that you've grinded through the impossible - forcing yourself to like revision - you've built a quality habit! keep it up, and realize that your consistency through the trenches means u won't have to give up when the weight of cramming at the finish line gets to u!!

i hope this is helpful and i hope u are able to rebuild your self-discipline soonnnn (u CAN make studying a habit!)

- gabryella x

[justagalwhowrites]

Get to Know Your Moots

Thank you for the tag, @burntheedges! I know it's been a minute but this one looked so interesting I just had to go back and do it when I had time.

what's the origin of your blog title?: Title is from when I was talking with a friend of mine about how Leia is the only consistently competent person in the original Star Wars trilogy and how she has to tolerate Han and Luke being dumbasses on the regular and one of us (I can't remember which) said "They may as well call the original trilogy Leia's Intergalactic Tour of Ineptitude" and that seemed like a great fit for the stuff I post here.

OTP(s) + shipname: Han and Leia were my first ship but hell if I know what their ship name is. Ron and Hermione (I would throw down over this one back when I was a bigger HP fan before JKR ruined the fun for everyone) aka Romione. Richard and Kahlan from the Sword of Truth series (deep cutttttt!)

favorite color: red! Also a big fan of emerald green and yellow.

favorite game: I think this means video games but I don't really play those SOOOOOO board games it is! Wingspan for sure. Takenoko. Clank Legacy. Everdell. Brass. Abomination.

song stuck in your head: Francesca, Hozier.

weirdest habit/trait?: I feel like I'm a poor judge so I asked my husband and he said it's the fact that my mom and I have a secret language that we use with only each other lol. I think it's also probably the fact that I sing to and about the people and animals I'm closest to. I also need to eat my food in a specific order otherwise I enjoy it less.

hobbies: writing is the big one obvs! Reading, D&D, baking, cooking, playing board games, hiking.

if you work, what's your profession?: Corporate communications. I handle environmental communications for a major corporation.

if you could have any job you wish what would it be?: Writer. I want to just be able to tell my silly little stories and send my imaginary friends on adventures in my head all day.

something you're good at: very little lol I'm an OK writer, an alright cook and baker. I'm not sure that I'm GOOD at it but I'm very comfortable speaking and presenting in front of large groups. I think I'm good at decorating and organizing my house? I like how I did it, anyway. I'm good at empathizing with just about anything.

something you're bad at: most things lol honestly if it's a basic human function I'm probably bad at it. I'm incredibly clumsy, I'm very bad at sleeping, sometimes if I try to breathe too deep I choke on my own spit. I'm very bad at being purposely aggressive or mean to people on my own behalf. I'm not great at really aggressive board games because I don't like being mean to people I'm playing with. I'm terrible at singing but I love to do it so I sing constantly so everyone send pity to my husband!

something you love: writing! Making people food they really love. Hiking where I can really hear the trees. Sex in the water.

something you could talk about for hours off the cuff: Joel Miller (obviously.) U.S. media law. The gentrification of cultural foods. Star Wars. Board games. The patriarchy.

something you hate: Besides the obvious (Trump and the right wing, Zionism, bigotry, etc.), something that's very minor that drives me crazy is when movies give away the whole plot in a trailer. Let me experience the story dang it!

something you collect: Swatch watches, mugs, postcards.

something you forget: how much I like almost any specific fruit until I eat it again for the first time in a while.

what's your love language?: Being noticed and remembered and treated as though I matter. That whole to be known is to be loved thing.

favorite movie/show: TLOU and The Mandalorian of course! Arrested Development. The Sopranos. New Girl. Family Guy. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Star Trek: Voyager. Inglourious Basterds. Elf. Baby Driver. It's a Wonderful Life. Star Wars. 500 Days of Summer.

favorite food: A really good burger, fresh pasta, fudge-y chocolate cake, my grandmother's chicken paprikas, caprese made with perfect summer tomatoes.

favorite animal: cats of all sizes (the fact that a tiger will just go chill in a box makes me so happy) and horses.

are you musical?: I LOVE music but I'm not remotely musically inclined. I can play piano and flute but not terribly well. I love to sing but I'm VERY bad at it. I do (I think) have a sense of rhythm though so I've got that going for me, which is nice.

what were you like as a child?: obsessed with books lol my dad was digitizing old home videos and found one from when I was two years old on Christmas morning and there was a book by my stocking and I immediately did not care about anything else. My mom tried to get me to pay attention to the toys Santa brought but I just kept looking at the book. I've always been sensitive and an easy crier, that was true then too. I really liked to pretend, I was very imaginative.

favorite subject at school?: English in my younger years, eventually journalism. Theater was another favorite, as well as psychology. I loved science before it got too math heavy.

least favorite subject?: MATH. I'm very bad at math.

what's your best character trait?: oh I have no idea. I think I love really hard and I hope that's a good thing?

what's your worst character trait?: I'm very big emotionally. I get very excited, I can be very loud without realizing it. I'm just a lot as a person. I very much wish I wasn't, I wish I didn't have incurable and chronic cannotshutthefuckupitis but I do. I feel like I'm probably pretty insufferable as a person honestly, especially for anyone who has to actually spend time with me in person. I just haven't really ever managed to change that about myself!

if you could change any detail of your day right now what would it be?: My in office desk chair is kind of trash on my back so my upper back is just mad at me. I'd love for that to go away!

if you could travel in time who would you like to meet?: Such a good question! Maybe Oscar Wilde?

recommend one of your favorite fanfics (spread the love!):

I had a slight inconvenience last week so I ended up back reading @netherfeildren's Fear of God for the umpteenth time, no regrets.

I'm loving Falling by @damneddamsy, her writing is so wonderfully vivid and I think her Joel is just fabulous.

Cherry by @mirrormauve has be in a complete chokehold right now and I'm in love with them your honor.

NP tags: @dundienominee, @interdimensionaldrey-blog, @dancingtotuyo, @whocaresstillthelouvre, @mysticnightmarewrites

[mindhealing]

Don't Hide From Yourself!

I wish you could see yourself, not the physical body of matter which is organic, lives and dies but the true you which is a Magnificent Being of pure Light and Love. I wish I could show you that even when you are in the shadows, in the misery and darkness that you allow to overpower and overcome you, the magnificent Light you carry around you that is who you are, shines ever brightly, illuminating the space around you and beckoning to show you the Magnificence and power that you are. But you are so lost in the abysmal depth of your mind that you can't see this about yourself and too miserable to look beyond your sadness, misery and sorrow and see the Light and Love encompassing you in its warm embrace, saying "weep not, I am always with you", come to me and be free.

The child that you were, once upon a time at a certain stage of your life and life experiences does not disappear like that into thin air, it is a part of you that unfolds and evolves as time passes and eventually becomes a significant part of your story and evolution. The child does not fade into the past like an old photograph that is discarded and made insignificant or dissolve into nothingness with the passage of time - absolutely not. The child lives within you still woven into the fabric of your life and existence, your life and life experiences, your fears and trepidation, your longings and desire, your habits of life and self-protection, it is woven into everything within you and within your life and life experiences. It is also in the way your body tenses when you are scared and alarmed at anything or anyone not attune with you, at a raised voice which causes you to cringe and sets the body into the characteristic "fight or flight mode" before eventually restoring law and order back into the body to the normal functioning of the body. It is in the way you ask for what you need hesitantly and unsure of yourself, in the ache, pain and loneliness that you feel when love and affection you seek and long for so desperately, seems just out of reach, so much so that it brings despair to your heart.

But don't despair, don't be burdened by this mere lack of insight rather look and seek for the reason for this within yourself. Disconnect from the mind and it's narratives, stories and drama causing you this pain and misery and reconnect with your Higher Self which is your true authentic self, waiting to connect with you and show you how Magnificent you are. You are a Magnificent Being of pure Light and Love and can do and be anything you want and desire in your life and life experiences but you must stop hiding from yourself and instead stay connected to your true self and nature and then experience the healing, magic and wonder of nature and life. Remember your birthright is abundance!

Healing is not about leaving this part of you behind like a used piece of rag or cloth and forgetting it ever existed, or attempting to erase the past like it never happened because unfortunately for you it did and it was a lesson, a blessing for a reason, and purpose which when you connect to your real and authentic self, you will see and understand this dynamics in action. Healing, true healing is about turning inward and embracing all aspects of yourself with love and understanding - the good, the bad and the ugly. Understand they came for your own good to help free you from yourself, from the abysmal depth of your mind, towards being this amazing new person, highly developed and evolved, the best version of yourself to fulfil your mission in life. So look  toward them with the love and understanding that you didn't have before, out of a lack of understanding of their purpose in the grand scheme of your life.

Life always happens in whatever forms and ways it chooses and will always do no matter how hard you try to stop it, so don't bother trying. Life will always throw challenges, issues, problems and difficult situations your way, it may bring life conditions and situations you never expected and want but they are there to help you awaken and unfold to your true nature and self, they aren't there to punish you but rather to bless you and heal you, you only grow and unfold in difficult situations and conditions. Trauma is not just what happened to you if you are in that situation or condition, it is what did not happen during this time of your life. The touch, contact and connection that wasn't there, the safety net for your safe landing that was absent, the soothing and calm voice of love that wasn't there to hold you in its warm and soothing embrace telling you that you are loved, that you are great and that you are enough.

When you experience life, it's trials and scorching experiences that leave you heart broken and in despair, especially at a young age, you don't just lose a moment in time, a part of reality crucial to your existence and life experiences, you lose the trust and faith in life, you lose connection and sense of direction and purpose in life, you lose the full experience of who and what you are, your true authentic self. You go into survival mode, stricking out and lashing out at everything and everyone, hiding from life and all love coming your way because of pain and anguish, you try to obliterate your experience but it's there to gently lead you back home to who and what you truly are if you let it do so for you. It helps you come out of the darkness of the abysmal depth of the mind and into the Light of your Higher Self which is your true authentic self. No one is going to save you except you yourself so stop hiding and expecting pity, playing the victim mentality card, it doesn't help you in any way and serves no purpose. So come out of your shell and heal.

Healing is not about discarding that past experience or experiences that hurt so much, trying to obliterate it or them from your mind, as if we could simply will ourselves into a new story while wishing away bad experiences. It is not about reliving pain and misery needlessly or endlessly, but in reconnecting with that power that is hidden within you. To truly heal, you must become that which you have longed for. You must become that in every way possible, speak to that - that part of yourself gently, lovingly and tenderly, hold that part in a warm embrace of understanding and love, grieve for what was once, but it is finally over and rejoice for that which is becoming and has become.

So you have to break the cycle of self abnegation, hiding and  self-abandonment.  You have to stop running from your past, instead embrace the past with tenderness and understanding. This whole process is for you to stop hiding, rediscover your true self and integrate this real nature and life into your life and life experiences, and discover that the pain that once defined you, your life and life experiences becomes the doorway to your deepest wisdom and greatness in life.

More to come!

[voltronisanobsession]

Being Keith’s Older Sibling

The urges were too strong to not write this💆‍♀️💆‍♀️

Sorry if there’s some typos, my eyes are in a LOT of pain rn

Being Keith’s older sibling is definitely a hard feat in itself

After the death of your guys’ dad, things kinda went downhill for both of y’all

Your general mistrust and attitude towards people brushed off on little Keith, which comes to play later in his life as we’ve seen he was a more troubled kid

So while you tried your best to be a good role model for Keith growing up, it was hard to do so when all he ever saw from you was your aggression towards adults who tried separating you both

Eventually, social services do separate you guys, claiming that it would be best to allow Keith to grow without your negative influences but the damage had been done

Keith would grow up to not trust many people in his life because of your separation, always finding ways to sneak off and see you at the school they sent you to

It was times like those where you would promise to take him away from this place, from Earth, and live a life where you won't lose each other again

Because of this, Keith also developed a habit of lying to his guardians about his whereabouts because of your own attachment to him, encouraging him to continue this behavior 😭😭😭

Man none of yall knew better😭💔💔

But as you grew older, you, unfortunately, were sent away to the city to continue your studies there, cutting all contact with your little brother

Keith would then take an interest in flying and would go on to attend the Garrison to learn to become a pilot while you made plans every day to once again be reunited with him

I feel like it would take some time to leave the city and go back to your hometown because of the lack of resources available to you

So by the time you reach the Garrison after finding out he's been attending the school, it would be around the time he flunked out and disappeared

Fate is not fair to yall (crying)

So you get a job at the garrison while trying to find Keith and some time passes (YAY TIME SKIP)

After following Lance and Hunk while also finding Pidge on the rooftops, readying to reprimand and write them up, you all see the space shuttle crash and explosions go off, shooting off immediately to investigate

All while you're yelling at them to get back to the building cuz you don't want to lose the only job you have that's near where you think Keith is lurking💀

After seeing it was Keith who caused the explosions, he doesn't recognize you until you all get to the cabin

It's kinda emotional on your end cuz bro

This is your little brother... He's all grown up now, but in a way, he still looks the same. He's so much taller now, his hair is longer, and he would look at you with a familiar distrust you recognized

It was the same look he would give others when you guys were younger

The worst part is that he doesn't even recognize you because its been YEARS since he's last seen you

So it's a bit of a shock for him when you reveal that hey! I'm your sibling! And I've been trying so hard to get back to you for YEARS!

Very emotional as you both hug it out

Like really hug it out, tears and everything

"I thought I would never see you again."

"I never stopped looking for you Keith."

URGH MY HEART💔💔💔💔

After that everything is HISTORY

The dynamic between you both is kind of a weird thing tbh

While you're still holding onto the past and the younger version of Keith you remember, Keith has since let go of what the past held, ready to start a new future with his older sibling in his life

Because you're still holding onto this past, you treat him as if he's still a child and appear somewhat coddling in a way

You're just so excited and happy to be reunited with Keith again that you forget he's since then grown up. He's learned to be independent from years spent alone

And while Keith does miss you as well, he isn't used to having this new 'guardian figure' in his life, only used to the freedom and advice given to him from others, especially Shiro

Speaking of Shiro, I think you would go to him for advice on the blockage between you both since he basically raised Keith after you had left.

He knows Keith better, as much as it hurts you to admit it

Shiro would definitely tell you to give Keith space, to give him time to adjust to the new changes in his life. He's still a teen and is still learning to deal with his emotions, so just give him space to fully digest the situation at hand

You take this advice to heart and tread carefully, which Keith appreciates A LOT

Like imagine you grow up with unrestricted freedom, being able to do whatever you want and just learning to take care of yourself, and then one day, an authoritative figure appears in your life and begins setting up these restrictions. Telling you to be careful, making small rules that break your routine entirely

That's what Keith felt when you began making your presence more known in his life since you believed that you had to keep protecting him from the world

But he's grown up

He shows you that he doesn't need you protecting him anymore

It's bittersweet for you to see him not need you and makes you sad that you missed out on basically his childhood

BUT HE'S SO SWEET IN LETTING YOU KNOW THAT YOU'LL BE THERE FOR HIM NOW AND HIS FUTURE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

AND THAT HE'LL BE THERE FOR YOURS TOO😭😭😭

There's just TOO MUCH I can say about being Keith's older sibling, like it's such a complex relationship I would love to develop more on!!!!

This is literally just the tip of the iceberg but imma cut it short for now

To keep it sweet, both of you know that now you're together again, nothing is ever separating yall again

Space wars and all, you guys know you're stronger together and your bond just grows into a beautiful relationship as time goes on😭😭

[dee-morris]

An Overdue Rant and a Christmas Fic

I wrote this Hallmark AU last December. It was supposed to be a jokey little one-shot, but man it ate my brain. My average daily word count is 500-1k words a day, and I think I was doing 2k to 5k a day until it was done. I couldn't fuckin stop, and it was glorious.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43616245/chapters/109670092

This is very important to me, because I came to fanfic like a dying traveler comes to an oasis. After the pandemic I became deeply depressed and I developed chronic writer's block. Marketing was an uphill slog, and not being able to go out and socialize at events made it unbearable. When I did go out, the anxiety I felt about COVID made it not fun. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to write again.

Writing fanfiction was a welcome reprieve from all that: no deadlines! No SEO! No depressingly tiny royalty statements! Positive reinforcement with no dollar signs attached! So it was nice, it was fun, but I didn't really get my groove back until I wrote HallMark. That wasn't just fun. That was drive. That was passion. And it was glorious.

After it was done and posted, I couldn't forget about it. I had to know what it was about that story that grabbed me by the brain cells like that. So I went back and read it again, and I read the comments (thank you all kind people you're the best), and I realized that it was about Aziraphale and Crowley, but it was really about my feelings towards how children are raised.

*I'm not going to completely spoil the fic here, but feel free to go read it before we get further bc I'm about to discuss some thematic elements.*

Crowley is raising the Antichrist to be the destroyer of worlds on the surface, but underneath it he cares about the world, and he cares about Adam too. And that is the side of him that Adam responds to, and why he turns out the way he does. And that's what parents don't understand about children. They are only kind of listening to your words. What they respond to, and what nurtures them, is your behavior towards them and towards the world you're raising them in. If you tell your kid that Jesus loves everyone and we should help the poor, but you vote for people who will cut welfare bc you think you'll get a tax break and a new boat, your kid sees you. If you tell your kid that it's a sin to judge others but you glare at a tall woman going into the ladies room bc you think she might be trans, your kid sees you. They might grow up to be an asshole or they might grow up to think that you're one, but either way you lose.

And if you tell your kid that his destiny is to destroy the world and that living things are fit only to be ground under his heels, but you make him sandwiches and worry about him when he's out of your sight and buy him stupid Christmas crap because it makes him happy, your kid might not turn out as evil as you thought.

(don't actually tell your kid he's the Antichrist, btw, this fic is hyperbole for symbolic thematic purposes and not a parenting guide)

Anyway, my point is if you love your kid and treat him right, if you treat other people right, and give him a stable home and maybe a dog if you can afford it, he'll probably turn out pretty much okay. The rest is just flavor.

Parents stress too much about things that don't matter, but it's not our fault. You have to run the gauntlet a couple of times before you can filter out stuff that matters from stuff that doesn't, because the books and guides and parenting classes will just try to scare you about everything. Let me assure you that your baby does not give two shits if you feed with breast or bottle. But your child will remember whether you were happy, and whether you took pleasure in their presence in your life.

So what sucked me in about this fic was the reversal of what I've seen in the real world. My brain conjured a fantasy of someone who's a good parent despite themselves, instead of a bad parent with a church habit and a fat bank account. Of course I had to bring that fantasy into the world. It's how things become real.

[alsikeclovers]

looooong get-to-know-me tag game

I do love forest green, so I'll take the tag @dimsilver !

Origin of your blog title: I really like clovers, and any wildflower really. One of my book collections that I add to on a whim is just field identification books of wildflowers. So it didn't need to be alsike clover specifically, I just think they look neat! :D

OTPs: Howl/Sophie, Katniss/Peeta, Miri Larendaughter/Peder Doterson, etc... (I don't have that many idk)

Favorite game: Ooh, hmmm I don't know! I like riddles, like Green Glass Door (mostly in giving that riddle to small children) or lateral thinking puzzles. Other than that maybe Bananagrams?

Favorite color: Deep navy blue! Though forest green is a close second :)

What song is currently stuck inside your head? Irish Eyes by Rose Betts! I love that it's got so many family members speaking to the singer about lovely traits that she has. I think it is a kind and slightly silly song.

Weirdest habit: I gesture almost constantly in comfortable conversation. I am basically mirroring what I communicate with my words in the way I move my hands and torso. (I learned this by analyzing a video of myself for class work, I would not have realized how constantly I gesture otherwise)

Hobbies: So many! I oscillate between them in phases. The main categories are art (sketching and painting in watercolor and gouache!), fiber arts (sewing, crochet, embroidery, knitting, weaving, etc.), and creative writing! And learning languages, but that only sort of counts.

What’s your profession? linguist

Dream job? Teaching in some capacity, I think. But if I'm shooting for the moon, I want to get involved in language revitalization in low-resource language communities. That would probably involve studying the language in depth and developing language curricula for children and adults, working in collaboration with the community members. It would be hard, but it's a cause that is important to me and I would love to teach in that capacity.

Something you’re good at: singing harmonies, giving people very specific compliments, and approaching difficult situations joyfully.

Something you’re bad at: remembering to eat food :( I get too excited about literally anything else in my life. I have a system for remembering, don't worry! It just takes more work for me.

Something you love: My friends, and the beauty I see in their souls. There is something utterly breathtaking about the virtues I see in my friends, like little reflections of God's image.

Something you could talk about for hours off the cuff: Languages, folk tales and mythology in various parts of the world, and fiber arts history!

Something you hate: when people try to trick you into contradicting yourself so that they can say your worldview is false (and their worldview is the right one, of course). Just agree to disagree if we can't be on the same page, it's mean-spirited to try to "win" in that conversation.

Something you forget: I forget that the color orange exists sometimes.

Something you collect: language dictionaries! And as mentioned before, wildflower field identification guides.

Love language: quality time and acts of service/words of affirmation tied in second place :)

Favorite movie: Howl's Moving Castle is one of the most watched for me!

Favorite food: traditional Japanese cooking! Specifically not pop culture foods like ramen. More like stews and potato stir fries and bitter melon sauteed with pork. Farm food! Veggies!

Favorite animal: Sea otters! So cute, and smart, and the favorite rock thing gets me.

What were you like as a child? Very introverted, read almost constantly. Also, somewhat tomboyish in style but very quiet and yet loved meeting every single new kid in any function where I was a regular attender.

Favorite subject at school: English! I got to nerd out about grammar. Makes sense that my career is going the way that it is.

Least favorite subject: Plane Geometry. proofs still feel so overly convoluted to me.

Best character trait? I am not sure what would stand out to others, but I tend to be very joyful and resilient in hardship through that joy. The bad parts of life are not the end of all things, and I carry hope that it will be better.

Worst character trait: I can be overly rigid in my application of rules, and therefore judgmental of others who do not follow the same internal compass. I need to learn the wisdom of having my integrity while still lovingly bearing with others. It's a hard balance.

If you could change any detail of your life right now, what would it be? That I could figure out my blood pressure issues and subsequently my migraine problem :(

If you could travel in time, who would you meet? I'm not sure! Maybe J.R.R. Tolkien, if only to chat about philology (precursor to modern linguistics!) and Beowulf with him. I would love to hear him talk about Old English!

I tag anyone who likes to play a woodwind instrument!

[artwnhys]

WHY JOURNALING IS SO IMPORTANT

I am sure everyone tried journaling at least once in their lives. I don’t know about boys, but it’s definitely part of girlhood.

I remember laying down on the carpet after dinner every night next to my parents and my big sister. They helped me with grammar while I registered what happened in my day. Every single day. I registered from ‘Dear diary, today I argued with my best friend” to “Today my dog ran away from home”. It could be the most stupid and pointless event in my life, but it is part of my life, of my story.

These moments were the most expected and special in my daily routine. I didn’t know back then but they were one of the last moments of peace in my family convenience, once my parents’ discussion turned more and more frequent therefrom. And how do I remember that? Journaling.

Therefore, this activity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It started from silly notes from childhood but now it’s how I discharge my mind so then it doesn’t affect me as much as it would if I keep it to myself.

In this blog, I’ll try to convince you to start or to resume the habit of journaling, which benefits will help you with personal growth and development.

Memory

Do you remember the part of the film Inside Out on which the workers are selecting which memories were which ones will stay and which ones will be forgotten in Riley’s mind? That’s what happens inside of your brain, and that ‘s why sleeping is so important. Let me explain why. There are two types of memories: short term memory and long term memory. As you can imagine, the former are the ones you forget easily. That’s because it’s the first stage of all the memories you’ve got. In the case of the latter, some of these memories go through REM (rapid eye movement), a sleep stage that happens the consolidation of memories.

However, as I said, not all your memories turn into long term memories because your brain wants to save energy from keeping everything. So, even though you want to keep them because they’re important for you, you cannot. Here is where the diary comes in. When registering, you can save all the little but special details to be forgotten forever, just like what happened to Bing Bong (Inside Out’s character).

Reflexion

What happened in your day is all inside of you. All those emotions. What you’ve done wrong. Which actions gave you pleasure. Discussions with your best friend. Internal and external conflicts… There are a lot of things happening, and it’s your choice to decide what to do with it.

Although emotions are dangerous if handled incorrectly, they can lead to self knowledge when accurately understood. What you feel is a result of an internal or external factor. If you’re angry, happy, or sad, there is a reason behind that. It can be your health and nutrition habits, your hormones, stress because of work…

Not only can you reflect on how you’re feeling, but also take a moment to think about your actions and choices. Is that the right choice? What are the possible consequences of this? Trust me, understanding what you’re doing and how this will affect your future is essential to not worsening your mistakes. If only had I done it before, my life wouldn't be turned upside down (in a bad way). 

So take a moment of your life to reflect on everything. This is the best way to comprehend yourself and your own actions, and what you can do to improve it.

Creativity

Journaling becomes more popular once the media is romanticizing and using it as a cell phone replacement. Consequently, knowing that journaling is your space to express yourself as you want to, a new way of journaling went viral in social media. That is, using your creativity to the extreme. For example, making a collage of photos and things you collected on a trip.

Keep in mind that you are journaling to yourself. You don’t have to feel pressured into copying others’ style. Mine, for example, is just written topics in black ink. Sometimes I illustrate to have a visual explanation, but it’s not as colorful as we see on the internet. And that's ok. What matters is journaling the way that fits you the most and how you can use it to your advantage!

[wrongcaitlyn]

Do you have any have any head canons about any of the pjo characters either in your fics or canon?

ALWAYS

(i actually really suck at coming up with headcanons on the spot because i mainly just think of them randomly while reading fics or writing and then five seconds later i. forget. so. ummm yeskjsdf i don't have that many tbh but i just created a draft and then added to this whenever i remembered to!

talk your talk!

nico has an ongoing feud with the intern who runs the olive garden social media account

is it too niche to have had taylor swift open for naomi solace- HEAR ME OUT THE TIMELINES MATCH UP OKAY (not really but it's pretty close - sure naomi dies in 2007 and taylor releases her debut album in that same year but like IT COULD HAPPEN)

once a year or so leo and piper steal nico's credit card and buy him a whole new closet of clothing because all he wears is his own tour merch or will's clothes and they insist they need to get him new clothes. at first it was just a one-time instance and nico like freaked out over how much money they spent, but then a few weeks later when having to go on tour and be seen in public a lot more often, he was incredibly grateful that they did it and it became a yearly tradition (does nico actually need all those clothes? no. he just donates the stuff that he doesn't use anymore because it's tradition to all of them now. rich ppl thingsKSLDF)

a habit that nico develops over the years is to occasionally record random voice memos of his friend group while they're all together. he doesn't actually use them a lot, but he likes holding on to them, and occasionally he'll use it as a very subtle and quiet background noise to a sound when he feels like it needs something else

i feel like i've already said this, but apollo and nico have a duolingo club. as in they are constantly trying to beat each other on the leaderboard while learning new languages

canon!

caleo breaks up

does that count as a hc

leo is aroace!

nico and leo friendship. 100%. im sorry it's actually canon. i wrote a fic about it.

annabeth and will friendship!!! both became head counselors at such a young age even though it was for different reasons - and you know how annabeth was in the infirmary when percy woke up? i think she just liked hanging out around there and often helped whenever she could, and so she was also pretty close with will who spent like his entire life there (well not rlly, but eventually he started to - plus they're both workaholics)

i actually have a whole series of will hc's and i KNOW that most of them have been disproved by canon and tsats but like they're still true in my heart😭

and im pretty sure that this is canon. but like. will is a swiftie. just putting that out there again-

(nico shadow traveled them into the eras tour and they very nearly got caught by security guardsLKSJ)

i also absolutely love any sort of hc that has to do with nico having a social media account where he sneaks into random places. that is so canon to me. let him cause a little chaos. also let this kid from the 1930s be completely addicted to the internet

thank you for the ask!!

[growing-cosmos]

Kim SeonHo for ELLE MEN Singapore Issue 05 2023 - Full Interview

Kim Seon Ho Keeps Going On

Farisia Thang

The beloved South Korean actor is back and taking things one day at a time — starting with his debut as a villain.

Every movie needs a good villain — but that's a role that not just anyone can pull it off. Especially when the cards are not stacked in your favour. Kim Seon Ho knows this well.

Having always played heroic roles (Hong Du Sik, literally the neighbourhood hero in Hometown Cha Cha Cha or charming second leads who win over the audience's affection, Han Ji Pyeong in Start-Up and Jung Jae Yoon in 100 Days My Prince), there was a certain image that became expected of the South Korean actor. Before taking on the Nobleman in The Childe, it would have been irreconcilable to picture him as a villain, much less an antagonist. Not because there was any doubt in his acting skills, but because it never would have occurred to the masses to cast a man who has been given the endearing nickname "good boy" to play a Machiavellian assassin. Even the director of The Childe Park Hoon Jung didn't see the fit when he first looked at the actor's profile as he thought, "This face is not for noir."

But Kim has always been one to rise to the challenge. Let us not forget that before he was a TV actor, he was a familiar face in the theatre industry. And though it was only at 31-years-old that he debuted in his first TV drama, his so-called big break came three years later with shows like Start-Up and Hometown Cha Cha Cha. This is the way things go: Just when you think he has reached the height of his career, he keeps proving otherwise.

And that is exactly what he's done in The Childe.

Even if it wasn't a comeback role from his two-year hiatus, it still stands as an impressive film debut on its own. This marks Kim's first big screen role and for that reason alone, the Nobleman remains one of his favourite characters. "All of the characters I've played are special to me and I cherish them all, but a memorable character would be my most recent role in The Childe as Nobleman since it was my film debut," says Kim. "I still vividly remember the excitement and nerves I felt seeing my character on the big screen for the first time."

As it is with most of his roles, he runs through a routine. "I usually take a fairly long time to understand one character. I would choose about three or four lines that I like from a script, and then repeat them over and over again in my head. This could be when I'm walking, when I'm in the shower, or when I'm eating." Kim adds, "Sometimes I also make use of music. would put on some good music, put myself in front of a stunning view, and then read out the lines. And as I do that, there would be moments where I realise, 'This is it. This is how this character would say it. From that point onwards, everything else falls into place itself. For this method to work and in order to get closer to a character, studying the script in detail has to come first. It's important to have a good grasp of a character's language and habits.

With the Nobleman, details maketh man. He says, "I developed my character by studying the lead character from A Clockwork Orange, and I spent plenty of time trying to understand my character as Nobleman." Just like he had done many times before, Kim learned new skills to better embody his character. "I got to learn about using handguns for acting for the first time. I did some practice at a shooting range in Myeongdong and I was given a dummy too, so I was able to practice and have a feel of it. That helped me a lot during the actual filming."

To simply call the Nobleman a villain would reduce the character to a flat trope, but Kim's performance and interpretation of him are actually for more nuanced. This is a character who gets imitated by his shoes being dirtied with blood after killing a room full of people, curses with a sadistic smile in an American accent and British accent, chases after the hero while hollering — and yet manages to confuse the audience with whose side he is actually on. Ultimately, Kim's portrayal of the Nobleman brings to life a brutal yet whimsical anti-hero.

And yet, the actor still struggles to pinpoint a moment during The Childe's filming process that he felt proud of himself for. In past interviews, he scrutinised his performance for the movie. Even now, he laughs as he says, "To be honest, it's hard for me to point out areas that I did well in. In my eyes, I mostly see only my shortcomings. Thankfully enough, people who went to see the movie had lots of positive feedback. I was glad and thankful to be praised as a fluid actor."

Fluid is the perfect word here, and yet it still feels like an understatement to the actor's performance. If his previous roles solidified his expected trajectory as an actor, then this character turned it all around - reminding us all that Kim has been honing his craft for over a decade now. He has been finessing this duality for almost 14 years, and while others may rest on their laurels and rely on their experience in the industry to get by, Kim is always looking for ways to better himself.

His recent projects have been movies and because of that "I'm not as pressured having to film a large amount of scenes in a short time as compared to other mediums. The directors told me to take my time between lines, which showed me the art of slowing down." He goes on to say, "When I was younger, I was also taught to enjoy the pauses between each line. I did think that I was already doing so with my acting for dramas, but the mechanics of movies and dramas are still very much different. So I've recently been working on how I can savour those pauses even more." Looking back at the Kim Seon Ho who started acting 14 years ago, the 37-year-old feels envious of his past self. "I'm envious of the experience and how raw my acting was back then. I recently rewatched some of my previous work. In the past, if I were to rewatch something a year later, all I could think about was how inadequate my acting was before. But seeing it again after 10 years makes me realise that that kind of raw acting was something I could do only back then."

Now, what he is able to appreciate about his approach to acting is. that "I'm a lot more composed and poised. My acting was often carried away by emotions in the past, but I think that my acting now has become more rational. I feel that this kind of rationality is also what makes me grow. After all, Kim knows a thing or two about alchemising patience into gold. While he started acting in plays at the age of 23, it was only eight years later that he made his debut on the small screens. But he has never been one to measure his trajectory against his counterparts in the industry. Waiting has always been a welcomed ritual for the actor, and Kim knows it's to that good things take time.

It's like his Hometown Cha Cha Cha character Hong Du Sik said, "Life isn't so fair for all of us. Some spend their whole lives on unpaved roads, while some run at full speed only to reach the edge of a cliff." It's a line that hits close to home for Kim too. "Coincidentally enough, I happened to re-watch that scene just three days before this interview, I searched for the scene randomly one day because I suddenly got curious about the kind of expression and tone I shot that scene with. Through that scene, rather than discovering elements about myself, I focused more on how I could get closer to Chief Hong. But there were moments where I did feel that I was becoming a better version of myself, like when I was preparing for the drama, after wrapping up the filming, and when I met other great characters." He adds, "People say that each word you say and each action you do creates one's character and personality. I think I got to learn a lot through the lines of my past characters like Han Ji Pyeong and Chief Hong, and thanks to them, I am the person I am now."

During his two-year break from acting on-screen, he remained loyal to his earlier comforts — stage acting. While he stayed off social media and film projects, he went back to his roots and performed in the theatre with Touching the Void. In that period of time, "I found comfort in the fact that one has the ability to create a change if they could just think a little differently in times of trouble." He continues, "I felt grateful to be able to share a stage with other talented actors, and I had fun. Touching The Void was a project where I discovered that the results of something can be very different depending on my perspective on a particular situation and on the support I receive. Most of all, I was moved and comforted by the audience members who came to watch the play even though things were difficult due to the pandemic. I was honored to be able to perform such a remarkable piece of work for the audience, and it inspired me to become an even better actor."

In life and in work, Kim believes himself to be a dreamer. "I am someone who thinks that we must dream big, and I'm happiest when I come close to the goals I've set. Rather than setting a realistic goal but still feeling unsatisfied even after accomplishing it, I find more joy when I set big goals and accomplish it to a certain extent. When he considers his dreams for the distant future, "My goal is for people to remember me as a skilled actor and to be an actor that people want to work with a second time." But for now, his ambitions are straightforward — "I want to try a role that feels real and warm, one that others can relate to."

When he looks back at his career, there is only one thing he can really say he's proud of over the years. "Instead of feeling proud of my own accomplishments, I feel a stronger sense of pride towards the people that have been there for me since the days before I became an actor. Seniors, juniors and directors who gave me advice so I could pass the audition for my first project, agency colleagues who worked tirelessly until I got my first lead role, and my fans who supported my career as an actor. These are people that I'm thankful for and proud of every moment." He continues, "I often have thoughts like, 'How was I able to meet such incredible people?', 'How did I get so lucky to receive such advice from my seniors at this timing?', 'How is it that all these great people. are rooting for me?' Thanks to these people, there have been so many moments in my career that have made me proud that I cannot single out a specific achievement."

His gratitude grounds him because if there's one thing Kim has leamed, it's to take nothing for granted. With the love he's received from fans and friends in the industry, he hopes to return it tenfold. "I hope to repay the love with my acting and to successfully wrap up current projects. By doing so, I think I would be able to welcome 2024 with a happy heart." What that looks like these days is a running list of plays, dramas, and films. And while he's busy with his ongoing projects, for now, "I will be focusing on the upcoming mystery drama Mangnaein. Although I don't know what the future has in store for me, I will work hard to live my best each day."

When he thinks about the actor he wants to be remembered for, he considers the weight of his answer. "Not too long ago, I felt that I was on a plateau so I reflected a lot on it and I'm getting back on my feet again now." He goes on to say, "I hope to be remembered as an actor who constantly improves. (Of course, for that to happen, a lot of effort is needed on my part.) And I hope people think of me as an actor who is always growing, and as an actor who has the potential for even more growth. I hope to refine my craft a little more."

Because at the end of the day, Kim Seon Ho knows when to walk away from comparison. He's never bothered to measure himself to others, and he has no plans to start now. Instead, he holds himself to his own standards. And the version of him today is content to take things as they come, to better himself with every passing day. After all, if there's one thing we know for certain, it's that whatever accomplishments he's made so far are only a step to greater things to come.

—

special thanks to seonhojoy & preferredalways

[patent-registration-services]

How to Effectively Treat Acne and Remove Scars for Good

Let’s be honest—acne is the worst. Whether it’s the occasional breakout before an important event or those deep, painful pimples that just won’t go away, acne can mess with your confidence. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. With the right approach, you can fight breakouts, fade scars, and finally love your skin again. Here’s a breakdown of what really works—from everyday fixes to advanced acne scar removal treatment options.

Why Does Acne Happen?

Acne usually starts when oil, dead skin, and bacteria get trapped in your pores. Hormones, stress, diet, and even the wrong skincare can make things worse.

Start Simple: Over-the-Counter Help

Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are great for clearing pores and drying out blemishes. These are perfect for a basic Pimples Treatment in Jubilee Hills routine. Just remember—consistency is key. Stick with a routine for at least a few weeks before expecting big changes.

When It’s Time for Stronger Solutions

Still breaking out after trying everything in the drugstore? Prescription creams, gels, or pills can treat tougher acne. These also help reduce your chances of developing scars later, which makes Acne Scar Removal in Jubilee Hills a lot easier down the road.

What About Scars?

So, your acne’s gone—but now you’re left with dark spots or uneven skin texture. Don’t worry, you’ve got options. For lighter marks, peels or microneedling might do the trick. These treatments can smooth things out and give your skin a more even tone.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scars: Worth It?

The laser works by encouraging your skin to heal itself—boosting collagen and resurfacing damaged areas. You’ll likely need a few sessions, but the results are often worth it. If you’re serious about Acne Scar Removal in Jubilee Hills, lasers are one of the most powerful tools available.

Going the Natural Route

Into clean beauty or just want to avoid strong meds? You’re not out of luck. They won’t cure severe acne or scars, but they can help with inflammation and mild breakouts. Use them as part of your Pimples Treatment in Jubilee Hills plan if your skin tends to be sensitive

Don’t Forget Skincare Basics

Fancy treatments are great, but daily habits matter too. Even if you’re oily, you still need a good moisturizer. These little things make a big difference—especially if you’re using active treatments like acne pimple treatment in Jubilee Hills or prepping for Laser Treatment For Scars in Jubilee Hills.

Acne can be frustrating, but you’re not alone—and there are more options than ever. Whether you go for natural remedies, prescription meds, or high-tech solutions like Laser Treatment for Acne Scars in Jubilee Hills, the most important thing is to stick with it. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

[artisticone]

How Students Can Manage Finances With Ease

Balancing academics, social life, and part-time work is hard enough. Add money management to that mix, and things can feel overwhelming. Most students don't have a steady income or the habit of tracking where their money goes. But that’s exactly why learning to manage finances early is so valuable.

Getting smart with money doesn't mean cutting all the fun. It simply means making informed choices, developing good habits, and using the right tools to stay on track. The good news is, it’s easier than it sounds - and much easier when you know what to focus on.

Understand Your Spending Patterns First

Before creating any budget, it’s important to figure out where your money is going. Most students think they only spend on food and books, but the list gets longer when you start tracking daily habits. Think coffee runs, weekend plans, subscriptions, or transport costs - they all add up fast.

You don’t have to stop spending. Just knowing your pattern helps make better choices. Break down expenses into fixed and flexible ones. Fixed could be rent or tuition. Flexible includes food, entertainment, and shopping. Once you're aware of the full picture, things become easier to control.

Set Realistic and Flexible Budgets

Budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t spend - it just means spending wisely. When students try to be too strict, budgets fail quickly. That’s why it's smart to set limits based on priorities. Decide what’s essential and leave room for fun and emergencies too.

Avoid copying someone else’s budget plan. Everyone has different needs. Start small, maybe weekly budgets, and slowly adjust based on your lifestyle. A flexible budget gives you control without feeling restricted.

Make Use of the Right Tools

It’s hard to remember every purchase or expense, especially during busy college weeks. This is where the right budget app can save the day. Budgeting apps help you track expenses, categorize spending, and keep things in order - all without much effort.

Most importantly, a visual breakdown helps you see where to cut back or improve. Some apps even notify you when you're about to overspend. Think of it as your personal finance assistant, available anytime.

Track Every Penny Without Hassle

Sometimes the little expenses are the ones that derail your plans. You might forget a small snack, a ride-share, or a one-time subscription charge. But if you keep ignoring those, it creates gaps in your financial plan. This is where an expense tracker app comes in handy.

Tracking doesn’t have to be boring. Many apps offer clean interfaces that make it easy and quick. Plus, it builds awareness and discipline over time. Soon, you’ll be able to guess your weekly total before even checking it.

Save Without Feeling the Pressure

Saving money during student life sounds tough, especially with limited income. But it doesn’t have to be a huge amount. Even small, regular savings build up over time. The trick is to automate the process, so you don’t feel it too much.

Start by saving the leftover money from your weekly or monthly budget. Or use cashback from student deals and offers. Put those savings aside - not for spending, but for future plans. Emergency fund? Trip with friends? Savings make it possible.

Avoid Impulse Purchases Through Planning

It’s tempting to buy things on the spot. Flash sales, food cravings, or peer pressure can easily lead to spending more than you should. The best way to control impulse spending is to plan ahead. Know what you need, list it down, and stick to it when shopping.

Don’t rush decisions. Wait a day before buying something outside your budget. If you still want it, you’ll make a smarter choice. This simple habit can save you more than you expect over a semester.

Use Money Management as a Life Skill

Managing money isn't just for now - it builds habits for the future. When you understand your finances, you become more confident and independent. It's one of the most important skills to carry into adult life. And the earlier you start, the better your chances of long-term financial success.

As a student, learning to manage your limited funds trains you for future responsibilities. Whether it's rent, bills, or savings, every decision becomes easier when you build that skill early.

Start Strong With the Right Support

Managing student life is already a full-time job. Add budgeting to the list, and it can feel like too much - unless you have help. That’s why using a money tracker designed for ease and clarity can change everything. A smart app takes care of the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

If you’re looking for something simple, powerful, and made for everyday users, DollarBook is a great choice. It’s free, easy to use, and helps you track income, expenses, and savings - all from your phone. Start small and build strong financial habits that will last beyond college.

[chacha-diaries]

what happened in march

March 31, 2025

Hmm. I’m quite not sure where to start or how this month went for me, but I guess it’s a little better than January & February. I tried to get up everyday. I tried to shade every single habit I wish to developed. Every week, I always make sure there’s something I can write under “What I loved & learned this week”. Even if my only achievement was to wake up. I had productive weeks and sleepy days I had days filled with me just breathing the whole day. Before I got back to this social media shit, I had already shut down everything that had hurt and broke me into pieces. From career, and friendships & to family.

I’m done feeling things for it. I have decided to start again. I have decided to rebuild again. I have decided to show up for myself again. I have decided to pick up the debris from where I fell so hard that I have seen my soul cracked wide open. I have gained clarity. I have decided to be intentional with people, from the things I will allow, and from the things I have to let go. This month I can attest my heart is raging with anger from grieving when I finally dared to turn the page. To loosen the grip and hope for the things that no longer serve me and people who is simply not the right person to begin with.

Oh God knows, I am mad. I don’t feel anything but rage and disgust for the person I used to be. I hated her so much that I trained in the morning and night so I would forget who she was from February and the months before it. I don’t want to see her again. I hate her so much, that she had given herself like that again for the wrong people, but still managed to care how it’d make them feel if she walked away.

It disgusts me how she tried to make a home for people who can’t even give her a seat at their table. And it sickens me to the core, that I force myself to a table that doesn't even have a value in it to offer & elevate my life but I still believed it was a privilege, how fucked up was that. It nauseates the hell out of me each time I think about how I gave someone the power to make me feel unvalued. I hate myself that I take full responsibility for it. I am accountable for every strand of emotions I have felt and the narratives to which I attached to it. Because at the end of the day, maybe I was just longing to be loved, and I have hoped and searched for it again for the wrong things. I have given too much again when it should have been poured to me. I have been too kind to others but not to myself. But I have no regrets at all. Every beat of my heart has been genuine, and whether they are deserving or not, they are meant to have it and I am destined to feel & learn this. I am still grateful for how the universe will let you be entangled with someone in this lifetime to show you that the blanks you are trying to fill will never be answered by another, because you already have it. It's already inside you all along, and sometimes someone will help you remember that by showing you how it should NOT be done.

They are probably right when they say you will know what you want when you start with the things you don’t want. And life has its way to let you experience what you don’t want so you will be directed to the path where the desires of your heart are truly aligned. Hahaha and yes I had to get hurt so I could learn this wisdom, again and again and again.

Self-respect is not something you pick up on the street, it is something you learn the hard way. It is a value that you earn after crushing yourself into the ground.

I am proud of how I closed that chapter. It saddens me from time to time but I know deep within my scarred bones it is the right decision after all.

So maybe this month, I started a clean slate. I’ll start putting my life piece by piece again until I can never recall who I used to be yesterday. And I will carry only those who have shown me grace when I couldn’t myself. I’ll write them again in this new chapter I am making because they have shown me what love should be. How love should circle back. They have shown me how it should have been all along.

I guess I’ll start again from zero to one. I am excited to meet new people now. I feel liberated now.

Chacha.

[blanknotebooks]

just another night just another day

journal entry below the cut

where do i even begin? man, it's just been rough. i can barely even remember anything. i hate feeling this way: i wanted to take a bath since i feel so itchy and dirty, but it's way too late for that now. or maybe it's not, i'm not sure.

today i attended to some of my responsibilities. i got lucky since i didn't have to train today. it's good, i don't think i could've handled that. i asked god if he could please pull me out of this situation if i couldn't handle it, and i guess that was the response.

when i got home, i just knocked tf out. period cramps are no joke. i drank a pain killer and slept until late in the night. it was so painful, it was like i could've fainted. when i woke up, dinner was already cooked. we ate, and thankfully it wasn't too hard on our teeth, since the food was quite soft.

me and my ate (older sister in Filipino) got to talk again for the first time in a while after dinner, and we just hung out, which was nice. we talked a lot about tarot cards and such, which made me want to try getting into that, or buy a deck. it could be helpful to try something new. i've been feeling as if i've been losing control in my life, and that's been fucking me up. maybe i should try stuff i hadn't before, acquire new tools to cope or take care of myself ... or revisit old helpful habits or tools i hadn't been using. they say, if you want something to change, then you need to change something. nothing changes if nothing changes. i feel like i could've worded that better...

this hasn't been my first rodeo in life, where it's like everything is being destroyed to rebuild better. it's just confusing, since i'm not exactly sure what i was doing "wrong" or what i need to change. i still feel that sad ache in my chest. but right now, as i'm writing, listening to new music i hadn't to before, it does make me feel a little better. i know this will pass. and when i survive this, i think i'll come out of it having learned a lot more about myself. hopefully by then, i have had "improved" my life or developed my character more. this just ... needs to happen, i guess. maybe this "destruction" was inevitable. my foundation was never gonna hold up, so it might as well happen now.

there are bits about myself that i'd like to change, like i think i could be more responsible, with my duties and spending. i also really need to find ways to manage my memory issues. it's so difficult when it's like your memories are being blocked or even erased. forgetting items is also really expensive. but i don't know.