#src: tangled

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

In this swoony sequel to The God and the Gumiho, a trickster god must work with his reincarnated lost love to solve his brother’s murder on board a luxury underworld cruise ship.

Seokga the No-Longer-Fallen is working on himself. Reinstated as a god, the trickster now attends much-needed therapy, even as he desperately searches for his lost love, Hani. But when the red thread of fate tangled around his finger—signaling Hani’s reincarnation—leads Seokga to a luxury cruise down the river of the dead, the woman he finds waiting for him isn’t Hani . . . she’s Yoo Kisa, and she has no memory of him.

Yoo Kisa is exhausted with her afterlife. While she’d hoped the underworld would be peaceful, whoever she was in a past life racked up quite the karmic debt, and now she must pay it, working thanklessly aboard the SRC Flatliner. Even worse, the red thread wrapped around her pinky followed her into the underworld . . . and although her fated partner has found her, he seems to find her lacking.

When the heavenly emperor is murdered aboard the ship, Seokga and Kisa must solve the crime before the cruise ends. As the mystery draws them closer, the god and the gwisin will have to decide what they truly mean to each other. But there’s something bigger at play aboard the SRC Flatliner, something that holds the key to Kisa and Seokga’s fated connection—and the fate of the mortal and heavenly realms.

Review:

Starting over with your fated lover... only they've reincarnated and have no memories of you? Nobody said romance was easy. Taking place after the first book, the trickster god Seokga has finally gotten his powers back but at the cost of losing his lover, Hani. Hani sacrificed herself so that Seokga could regain his powers and in turn Seokga struck a deal with his brother, the emperor of gods to have Hani reincarnated. Seokga has been searching for years for Hani yet when he finds her again she is now completely different... and dead. Now she is Yoo Kisa, a healer who works on the luxury cruise on the river of the dead... and Kisa has been killed and waiting to be reincarnated again. Kisa has no memory of her life as Hani or of anything to Seokga but Seokga is determined to be with her again and fall for this new incarnation of her... but when someone on the ship kills Seokga's brother and a bigger conspiracy is revealed, can Seokga find a way to be with his lover again after everything or is he doomed to lose her all over again. I've been such a huge fan of this series and this second book was such a unique twist to the first book it felt like a whole new love story. I just adore the way Sophie writes and this book wraps everything up perfectly while also leaving an open door to a potential continuation of the series which I SO DESPERATELY HOPE SOPHIE DOES. I could honestly do with another book set in this universe. The characters are so much fun and there's so much more adventures to be had with them! I would highly recommend this series to kdrama lovers, fantasy romance lovers, and fated soulmates story lovers.

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[elliepassmore]

The God and the Gwisin release!

Seokga the No-Longer-Fallen is working on himself. Reinstated as a god after saving the mortal world from a demon of darkness, the trickster now attends some much-needed therapy. He’s also been desperately searching for his lost love Hani ever since the red thread of fate tangled around his pinky finger, signaling her reincarnation. But when the thread leads Seokga to a luxury cruise down the river of the dead, the woman he finds waiting for him isn’t Hani . . . she’s Yoo Kisa, with no memory of him, and seemingly no interest in regaining it either.

Yoo Kisa is exhausted with her afterlife. While her untimely death wasn’t ideal, she hoped the underworld would be peaceful. Unfortunately for Kisa, whoever she was in a past life racked up quite the karmic debt, and now she has to pay it, working thanklessly aboard the SRC Flatliner. Even worse, the red thread wrapped around her pinky followed her into the underworld . . . and although her fated partner has finally found her, he seemingly finds her lacking.

When the Heavenly Emperor is murdered aboard the ship, Seokga and Kisa must solve the heinous crime before the cruise ends. And as the mystery draws them closer together, the god and the gwisin will have to decide what they truly mean to each other. Because there’s something bigger at play aboard the SRC Flatliner, something that holds the key to Kisa and Seokga’s fated connection—and the very fate of the mortal and heavenly realms.

Waterstones

Barnes & Noble

Readers who already read The God and the Gumiho will undoubtedly be interested in the question of Hani. Kisa is not Hani. They are two versions of the same soul, but they aren't the same. Both are protective and kind and funny, but where Hani was sarcastic and flirty and a rule-breaker, Kisa is quieter and analytical and a rule-follower (there's karmic justice for you, lol). That being said, I still liked Kisa and particularly enjoyed it when her STEM-oriented side came out.

The mystery in this book is another murder, and it was fun trying to figure out who the culprit was. There were a good number of misdirects and twists, and at certain points it felt like no one was a really viable suspect. I guessed parts of it, but the reveal was still a surprise!

New to Kisa and Seokga's world and wanting to know more about their past? Check out my review of The God and the Gumiho!

Already familiar with their world? Check out my full review of The God and the Gwisin!

[gemscales-and-tea]

[ src. ] ❗❗❗

( romeo to either pinoke or carlo?? go ham! >:D )

Send " ❗❗❗ " for your muse to suddenly and unexpectedly kiss mine. (aaaaaaaaaaa)

It had been some time since Romeo was provided a new body, courtesy of Venigni's impeccable work. Heaven knows Pinocchio would have never trusted such a task to his father, not after learning the truth. The old man had been... well, he was alive but was basically confined to his room in the hotel while the rest of them worked on trying to repair the ruined paradise that was Krat.

Pinocchio had been doing his own part, leaving periodically to deal with threats and issues whenever asked. It was tedious and tiring but it had to be done, much as he grew weary of it. At the moment, however, the puppet was perched in a chair in the lobby. It was rather late, approaching midnight at least.

Everyone else had turned in for the night. Him? He was listening to the record player, the volume of which was turned low in order to not disturb anyone. Head tipped back in repose, eyes shut, he merely enjoys the music with a passive expression.

Nice... this was nice.

Though the feeling of a presence causes him to open his eyes, blinking when he finds a familiar blond looking down at him. For someone as tall as he was, Romeo proved to be able to move quite silently when he wanted.

"... Romeo?"

His voice comes out soft but curious, wondering what had brought the other here. There were a few things he could expect: A verbal response, a look of some sort, perhaps a touch. What the puppet does NOT expect is for the older (technically) to move and for Romeo's lips to meet his own. Pinocchio freezes momentarily, eyes widening, as he processes this. In the back of his mind something stirs while, in his chest, the P-Organ begins pumping rapidly.

What?

Some distant memory tickles at his mind, hesitation making his hands twitch but not move. At least... not until a soft voice speaks.

Go on...

Was that what he needed? Assurance? Permission? Either way, it was enough. Instead of pulling back, leaping away, the 'devil's puppet' proceeds to lift his hands and carefully tangle them in blond hair, curiously pressing into the kiss instead of away from it.

[holyguardian]

Glenn woke before her. She was still at his side, even now. Looking at Ifalna, he had to marvel at it all for a moment. She never let go of him. She never gave up. Even if others surely had in the past weeks he had just lied in this hospital bed. He still had no clue how he had deserved her… or how he would ever be worthy enough for her.

His fingers threaded through her hair, down her side and arm, finding her own fingers to intertwine his with. When she stirred, he could only smile at her, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of her hair. Today was the day. First step back to normalcy.

“We’re going home today…”

The sliver of space beside him didn't look comfortable. The mattress puffed up and Ifalna slept on a bump. She squeezed in, caught between the weight of him and the hard metal railing raised up on either side of the bed.

And yet it was the only space she could stomach. The only one where she could sleep at peace, knowing that Glenn was okay.

There were no 'breaks' and no separate living. Even Aerith and Roran were in the next room, the SRC medical centre their new temporary home.

Ifalna inhaled deeply when she felt Glenn's fingers tangling with hers. The touch woke up, though her eyes weren't open yet — instead she pressed her face against him with a snuggle, a smile tugging at her lips as she hummed to his words.

Going home...

"I'm already home." she sleepily corrected him, a kiss pressed to the fabric of his shirt as she squeezed his hand a little. Her lashes finally started to blink open, lazy, much lazier than usual. "I'm home when I'm with you..... but the house will be nice." Her lips spread wider and her body shuddered with an amused little laugh. The comfort of returning to their own space wasn't lost on her.

[ilinku2]

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[max-tec3000]

The Ultimate Guide to Robotic Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

Introduction to Robotic Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

{"type":"img1","src":"https://crosscountrypromotion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fileUpload-152.jpg","alt":"robotic vacuum cleaner on floor"} Robotic vacuum cleaners have revolutionized the way we maintain our homes, especially for pet owners. These smart devices offer a convenient and efficient solution to keep your living space clean and hair-free. In this guide, we’ll explore the best robotic vacuum cleaners designed specifically for tackling pet hair, highlighting their features, benefits, and how to choose the perfect one for your home. Choosing the right robotic vacuum cleaner for pet hair requires understanding the unique challenges pets present. From long hair tangling around brushes to dander spreading across floors, pet owners face a constant battle against mess. Fortunately, technological advancements have led to robotic vacuums that specialize in addressing these issues, making pet hair cleanup a breeze. Many of today's robotic vacuum cleaners come equipped with specialized brushes and suction mechanisms designed to handle pet hair efficiently. Additionally, some models boast features such as HEPA filtration systems to reduce allergens and programmable schedules, allowing for hands-off maintenance of your home’s cleanliness. Understanding the functionalities and features of these devices is crucial in making an informed decision. This guide aims to arm you with the knowledge needed to choose a robotic vacuum that suits your home's specific needs, ensuring a cleaner, more comfortable environment for you and your pets.

Key Features to Look For

When exploring the world of robotic vacuum cleaners for pet hair, there are several key features to consider. Suction power is paramount, as pet hair and dander require strong vacuuming capabilities to be effectively removed. Look for models with high suction ratings and specialized pet hair brushes that can capture even the most stubborn fur. Another important feature is the vacuum’s filtration system. A high-quality HEPA filtration system is vital for pet owners, as it traps small particles like pet dander, ensuring that the air in your home remains clean and allergen-free. Moreover, the capability of handling multiple surface types is invaluable since homes often have a combination of hard floors and carpet. Smart features and connectivity have also become increasingly important. Many robotic vacuums can now be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing you to schedule cleanings, set no-go zones, and monitor the vacuum’s progress, all from the convenience of your phone. Some models even offer voice control through integration with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Lastly, consider the vacuum's battery life and capacity. A longer battery life means the vacuum can cover more area without needing a recharge, making it more efficient for larger homes or spaces heavily populated with pets.

Benefits of Using a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair

One of the most apparent benefits of using a robotic vacuum cleaner for pet hair is the significant time and effort it saves. Gone are the days of manually vacuuming every day to keep up with your pet’s shedding. Robotic vacuums operate autonomously, often on a schedule, ensuring your floors are consistently clean without lifting a finger. Furthermore, these vacuums are designed to reach areas that are typically challenging for standard vacuums, such as under furniture and along baseboards. This comprehensive cleaning coverage helps to drastically reduce the amount of pet hair and allergens in your home, contributing to a healthier living environment. Also, the precision of these devices is remarkable. With advanced sensors and mapping technology, robotic vacuums navigate your home with ease, avoiding obstacles and effectively cleaning every nook and cranny. This ensures a thorough cleaning that captures pet hair, dander, and dirt efficiently. In addition to cleanliness, the use of a robotic vacuum cleaner can also lead to improved air quality in your home. By consistently removing pet hair and dander, these vacuums help to reduce the allergens present in the air, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

Top Picks for Robotic Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

{"type":"img1","src":"https://crosscountrypromotion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fileUpload-156.jpg","alt":"pet hair on carpet"} When it comes to selecting the best robotic vacuum cleaner for pet hair, several models stand out. The first is the XYZ PetHair Plus, known for its powerful suction and large dustbin capacity, making it ideal for homes with multiple pets. It also features a tangle-free brush design, ensuring maintenance is as hassle-free as possible. Another excellent option is the ABC FurFighter 5000, which boasts a specialized pet hair brush and a high-efficiency filter, trapping fine particles and allergens. Its smart navigation system ensures every inch of your home gets the attention it deserves. The MNO CleanPaws model is another standout, offering an impressive battery life and multi-surface capabilities. Its app-enabled control and voice command compatibility make it a convenient choice for tech-savvy pet owners. Lastly, the DEF ShedMaster offers exceptional value with its robust suction power and advanced filtration system, perfect for those on a budget. Despite its lower price point, it doesn’t compromise on performance, making it a smart choice for pet hair removal.

How to Maintain Your Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Maintaining your robotic vacuum cleaner is crucial for ensuring its longevity and efficiency, especially when dealing with pet hair. Regularly empty the dustbin to prevent overfilling and potential clogs. Also, cleaning the filters and brushes from any tangled hair will keep the vacuum running smoothly. Periodically check the wheels and sensors for any trapped hair or debris that could interfere with the vacuum’s navigation. Additionally, updating the vacuum’s software through its app (if available) can enhance its performance and introduce new cleaning features. It’s also advisable to set a cleaning schedule that aligns with your pet’s shedding pattern. For homes with heavy shedders, a more frequent cleaning schedule may be necessary to manage the hair effectively. Finally, storing the vacuum in a dry, cool place when not in use will help to preserve its components, ensuring it remains a valuable tool in your cleaning arsenal for years to come. Read the full article

[artparks-sculpture]

A sculpture titled 'In a tangle (Fun Curled up Man Stone statue)' by sculptor Patrick Barker. In a medium of French Limestone.

[incorrectaphquote]

england: so i have made the decision to trust you.

spain: a horrible decision, really.

[makeuphall]

[incorrectnordicsquotes]

ICELAND: I've decided to trust you.

DENMARK: A horrible decision, really.

[incorrectshera]

Bow: Angella, you haven't touched your food.

Angella: I touched it. Look, I moved my eggs from there to here.

Bow: It's been nearly a week. Just talk to her.

Angella: You remember my last conversation with Glimmer didn't go exactly as I had hoped?

Bow: Angella, you confined Glimmer to the walls of Bright Moon under martial law. If that's a mother-daughter conversation, I'd hate to see what a talking-too is.

[shieldofrohan]

Unpopular take but I don't know why people think Martin hates Sansa? To me, he likes her a lot. I only sympathize with Arya when I read the books for the first time and even then I didn't demonize Sansa because of her. After rereading a few times, you notice that every Sansa action is explained and it's obvious that she does nothing in bad faith, that's why I was shocked because people think she's a bad person. Now I read arya's agot chapters and I'm like: that's a jealous little girl lol. I just hope that george doesn't do another cat x lysa with then. But I agree with you when you say men help Arya meanwhile Sansa is always groomed, though I think this is because he is too fascinated by the Lolita thing and not because Arya is better than her.

Hello Anon,

Previous asks:

X1

X2

X3

All Martin has ever done was saying that Tyrion is fav character and he also said that he loves Ary* the best too. His first choice is always Tyrion though. And he also makes it clear that he LOVES all POVs.

Tyrion is my favorite character. Okay?  OKAY?  Can we PLEASE put that one to rest??  I love all my viewpoint characters, Arya and Sansa and Bran, Jon Snow and Brienne, Arianne and Cersei and Jaime, Theon, even Victarion and the Damphair, ALL of them, but I love Tyrion the bestest. Tyrion son of Tywin, the Imp, second son of Casterly Rock. How many bloody times do I need to say it?? 

src

He loves all of them. Good ones, bad ones.

Like I said before, Sansa represents the romantic side of him and one of the main themes of the series. His writing really gets more beautiful when he writes her POVs.

Asoiaf is different from the other fantasy books because it is more of a political series in a fantastical world and guess what, which Stark kid is more in those political plots?

Sansa leaves home to become a QUEEN, she lives as a lady and a political/war prisoner in the CAPITAL of the kingdom, she meets and observes other big players, she survives KL and now she is learning about politics and ruling even more in Vale under Baelish's teaching. So she is one of the main characters for the political arc of the series and she is going to be the WINNER of this arc. For Martin, she is very important. His bad or problematic choices don't come from his hatred, he is just writing the way he likes...

We can criticize him but I can't see him hating her (but I do believe he sometimes plays with the readers to make them to dislike her... average minded readers but still..)

My Martin = Ned idea is on point. Ned loves all of his children (Robb, Jon, Sansa, Ary*, Bran, Rickon) but like all parents he has a fav one: Ary*, Cat's fav was Bran for example.

Parents having fav children is usually a very subtle thing. This doesn't affect family dynamic that much but the moment it goes too far or gets repeated too many times, the problems start and other kids get hurt and this starts to affect their mood and choices in life. It happens to Sansa in AGOT. Even in her first POV, we see her feeling cheated by her father because him favoring Ary* more:

None of which stopped Ary*, of course. One day she came back grinning her horsey grin, her hair all tangled and her clothes covered in mud, clutching a raggedy bunch of purple and green flowers for Father. Sansa kept hoping he would tell Ary* to behave herself and act like the highborn lady she was supposed to be, but he never did, he only hugged her and thanked her for the flowers. That just made her worse.

[AGOT- Sansa I]

Sansa can senses that their father is treating them differently and she feels like he gives more to Ary* when Sansa is the one who is trying to do more. Sansa's hurt doesn't get enough attention from Ned in the books:

“Ary* started it,” Sansa said quickly, anxious to have the first word. “She called me a liar and threw an orange at me and spoiled my dress, the ivory silk, the one Queen Cersei gave me when I was betrothed to Prince Joffrey. She hates that I’m going to marry the prince. She tries to spoil everything, Father, she can’t stand for anything to be beautiful or nice or splendid.”

“Enough, Sansa.” Lord Eddard’s voice was sharp with impatience.

[AGOT; Sansa]

So yeah Ned fails as a father and this shapes Sansa's choices in AGOT. BUT in the very end Ned still sacrifices his honor and his life for her. Because he LOVES her.

And Martin is the same. He favors Ary* more and while doing that Sansa suffers sometimes. Because of his writing choices average readers like Ary* more but he probably wasn't expecting this kind of hate in fandom. I am sure that he wanted to fool readers to root for Ary* and love her more than Sansa but he wasn't trying to make a statement like: Ary*-Good, Sansa-Bad.

He was just trying to put drama in the family (choosing two sisters for this was a problematic choice imo... like whole Lysa-Cat thing. But I believe that in the end they'll become closer as siblings like in the show).

BUT in the end, Martin loves Sansa and he cares about her. He is writing a triumphal story for her. He is believing in her and he is going to make her the queen of the place that his whole story had started. A beautiful love story when you look at it this way.

Yes he has made too many mistakes when it came to Sansa but the general feeling of love is still there.

About Lolita book, I don't know if Martin has ever said anything about that book but the "unreliable narrator" is really his thing so... possible. But in Asoiaf he gives enough narrative to tell that all those men are abusing Sansa. I don't like that subtext thing as a writing choice but at least Martin gives the clues for the REAL story, but idiot readers choose to ignore them.

Martin, sweety, most of your readers are stupid honey...

And yes Ary* suffers from rereadings while Sansa is getting better and better with every reread so people start to like her more and like their old favs less.

Thanks for the ask, have a nice day.

[narraboths]

Aron, you've completely turned me around on SRC. What do you think of Andrea and Lena making a honey do list for Kara and some of the items are like "Build a new deck" "Bench press us both at once" "Reach the special chocolate on the top shelf" "Come home safe :)" and Kara is just "As you wish"

The first time Andrea leaves somewhat different requests on the honey-do list on their fridge, Kara’s left staring at it fully flushed and gasping for a good ten minutes. She stays like that even after Andrea comes up behind her and wraps her arms around Kara’s middle, resting her chin on Kara’s shoulder.

“Thoughts, baby?” She finally whispers, her thumb stroking gentle circles against Kara’s tensely flexing abs. Kara sputters, her face burning.

“That list was for serious household tasks!”

“Oh, we’re very serious about it,” Andrea giggles, pressing a kiss under Kara’s ear. She nips at the sensitive skin there, and laughs again, low and soft, as Kara squirms. “Are you amenable?”

Kara feels like she might pass out, a whine stuck in her throat, the heat of Andrea’s body pressing against her almost overbearing.

“Yeah,” she finally chokes out. “Yeah, absolutely.”

She doesn’t miss how Andrea’s heartbeat quickens for a second.

They end up ticking off that item from the list two days later, with vigour, enthusiasm, and hours of dedicated work. It leaves them in sweaty, sated, messy heap, all stretched out on the bed: Andrea sitting, her back against the headboard, Kara resting her head in Andrea’s lap, with Lena tucked against her side, head resting on Kara’s shoulder. Kara loves this, loves every moment of their afterglow when time seems to slow down, flowing sticky-sweet like honey. She basks in it, in the soft warmth of her girlfriends’ bodies pressed against her, in the sound of their heartbeats, now slow, content. 

Andrea’s hand is tangled in Lena’s hair now, gently stroking: Lena leans into it with a breathy sigh, her face pressing against the leather strap of the harness. Kara watches, enamored, drinks in the sight of Lena’s flushed face and half-lidded eyes. She’s rewarded with a chuckle from above.

“Seems like that was a fun task, hm?” Andrea asks. Her hand moves from Lena’s head to Kara’s biceps, nails scraping softly against the line of muscles there. Kara turns her head and nips at her forearm in turn.

“I’m sure you could tell.”

Andrea hisses in mock outrage and Lena raises her head, giving as withering a stare to the two of them as she can with the amused smile shining on her face.

“Don’t you two dare start anything until I regain control of my limbs.”

[kaminobiwan]

stargazing

pairing: obi-wan kenobi x jedi!reader

summary: Existential musings under the stars. Real Disney Princess moment here, folks. (Obi is the princess obviously)

a/n: The prompt demanded it be given to Padawan!Obi. I simply complied. Also, I sprinkled some of my astronomy knowledge in there, bc uni. Thank you AST 104.

This was part of my 175 follower celebration (still open), requested by the ever lovely @highcouncil! Please, for the love of all that is holy, do your Obi-Wan Kenobi-loving hearts a favor and read her amazing work. You’ll thank yourselves for it.

“That one’s the Burning Snake.”

Obi-Wan points to an ambiguous spot in the sky, his too-big robes flapping across his face. He shakes his arm, readjusting the folds, and gestures again.

“Sorry — that one.”

He hears you toss a snort over your shoulder, your back to his as you lean on each other to stay upright. Both of your necks are craned towards the constellations that dapple the ink-black backdrop blanketing Coruscant, and the night is soundless with the exception of your voices.

“Are you sure you’re remembering these right? I’m pretty sure you were reading that starmap upside-down earlier.”

“Was not,” he exclaims, though there is some truth to each of your statements. He’d quickly corrected the map before too long, and he was sure of his memorization after spending so much time in the archives. Positive.

You shift against him, seemingly placated, and he relaxes too, careful not to tug on the Padawan braid behind your ear. It’s predictably still sore after Quinlan had tangled your braids together in a practical joke only three hours ago, the two of you too engrossed in your readings to notice that the Force was being manipulated against you. It had taken fourteen minutes and half a jar of flounut butter to unravel the knots that had formed in the fray.

You gesture towards a star in the distance, and Obi-Wan follows your lead. “What’s that one, then?”

His answer comes immediately. “The Eye of the Pirate. At least make it a challenge for me.”

Your noise of lofty glee jolts him from his position, and he nearly falls flat on his back as you maneuver your body above him so that you’re face to face. Though from his point of view, you’re upside-down. “It was a trick question. The Eye of the Pirate is only visible from Corellia.”

He frowns, his hands moving to cushion his head. “No, it’s not. We can see it from here, too.”

You make an unpleasant face at him, but he thinks it’s rather cute from this angle. As soon as the thought passes through his brain, though, it’s gone. He shuffles away to hide his face from you, but you’re too close to escape.

“You’re wrong. Not every red star is the Eye of the Pirate, Obi!”

Truthfully — and it’s not just because he doesn’t want to admit he might be incorrect — he’s not sure if the star is in fact the one he claims it to be, or whether he’d mixed up Coruscant with Corellia in his studying. But he’s desperate to get out of your line of sight — even though it’s late into the evening, the moonlight pouring into the Temple garden illuminates the entirety of the landscape, and no doubt his embarrassment along with it.

Ever since you’d started to call him Obi, it was hard to handle being in close proximity to you. The physical reaction his blushing upper body always displayed was definitely not something Qui-Gon would be pleased by.

“Okay, maybe it’s not!” He retorts, and you tumble down next to him with a laugh. He blinks some of your hair out of his eyes, but doesn’t ask you to move away from the spot you’ve placed your head, snug into the juncture between his shoulder and neck. Much better.

“Enough with the quizzing, anyway.” Your murmur brings him back to the stars, and he has to remind himself not to turn his head to look at you. “Let’s just take it all in.”

“But you love quizzes.”

“Yes, when the real thing isn’t right there in front of us,” you tease, and Obi-Wan clamps his mouth shut once more. “It’s called stargazing. Not star-analyzing.”

“There is such a thing as — ”

“Shh!”

He fidgets in the grass, unsure of what to do in the silence next to you. As he connects the dots between the clusters of stars across the dark expanse, his memory supplies endless cascades of information and astronomic facts, filling his mental capacity to the point that —

“Obi-Wan.”

Your voice is hushed, as if you’ve just woken up from slumber, but he hears the slight command in your words. “Yes?”

“I can hear your thoughts from here.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

You lean up on your outside elbow, tilting towards him and tucking your hair behind your neck before it can prick the skin of his forehead. “Aren’t you the prodigy of meditation among your crèchemates? What’s wrong?”

Instead of meeting your eyes, Obi-Wan shrugs, and feigns a stretch. “Just having trouble, I guess.”

“You guess.” You echo, unconvinced, but lay back down regardless. “You’re worried about something.”

“I’m not worried, I’m restless. It doesn’t seem right to be stargazing if we’re not going to at least study them. We both have upcoming assignments, might I remind you.”

As if you could have forgotten. Your mission to Halcyon was all you’d been talking about the past week. Still, you’d gushed more over your excitement at hearing his stories than chronicling your own. Obi-Wan had promised to tell you all about the planet of Naboo upon his return to the Temple.

“You’re fretting over the trade dispute? I’m sure you’ll be able to handle the Federation representatives. Though I’ve read that Neimoidian workers regularly compete amongst themselves, and the winning team gets to eat the other — !” You catch the look he sends you out of the corner of your eye, and he allows himself a half-smile as you bashfully fall silent. “Sorry. Probably not what you want to hear right now.”

The apology wasn’t necessary. You both know it. But sometimes, he appreciates that you’d rather it still be said.

“I’m just…feeling unprepared. Luminara and Shaak Ti both faced the trials at my age, and I thought I’d be ready. But I can’t even tell if Qui-Gon thinks I am or not.” You’ve stilled beside him, but he feels you latching on to every word. “I don’t know.”

“You are ready,” you say simply.

“Yes, and if I am, then what?” He asks, to no one in particular. He knows the stars have as much a probability of knowing the future as you do. Maybe more, judging by how often Qui-Gon called to them in exasperation. “Everything changes. I can’t help but feel as though nothing will be the same, soon.”

You’re quiet for a moment, but then he hears what sounds like a chuckle from you. He raises a confused eyebrow, but doesn’t shift his body.

“Obi, of course everything will change. Nothing can stop that,” you say, reaching your fingers out and upwards. “Even the stars can’t prevent themselves from growing and dissipating. Eventually, they’ll all turn into nebulas, or supernovas, or black holes in violent implosions.” You trace an imaginary line across the air, drawing your own constellation, joining together specks that Obi-Wan imagines must be hundreds of parsecs apart. His eyes follow the pattern as you go. “You’re not a star.”

He blinks. “I’m not?”

Immediately, he wants to palm his face, because obviously he’s not a star, no matter how luminous Master Yoda professes him to be, but he just hadn’t known what you meant and now he’s gone and made himself sound like an idiot. But you continue, unfazed, as if you’d predicted he’d respond in kind.

“You’re not,” you repeat, and lower your hand down to your stomach. “You can choose what you become. You’re not born with a predestined fate. You have control.” Obi-Wan feels his body sink further into the ground, and some voice in the back of his head has the agency to surmise that you sound much wiser beyond your years right now. “What matters most is whether you take that control, or give it back to the universe.”

And now, he’s silent, because how in the name of the Force is he supposed to respond to that?

But you bound up again, high-spirited and bubbly and not nearly as prophetic as you had been a second earlier, and conclude, “At least, that’s what Master Koon says.”

He groans as you release a peal of laughter, and slumps further into the dirt. “Did you seriously just recite one of his lessons to me?”

“No! I made it much more interesting,” you clutch a hand to your chest in mock displeasure, and Obi-Wan crosses his arms. “I mean, I ad-libbed along the way, but I still meant what I said. I don’t think it’ll do you any good to worry.” As you speak, he lets his eyes unfocus towards the stars, white and yellow and blue diamonds alike blurring together in a disjointed mosaic. The tip of your nose rims the edge of his vision, and he exhales slowly with what feels like relief, though he isn’t completely sure. But you seem to be more at peace, too, and your voice even drops to a solemn resonance. “What you ask for tends to come and find you. Serenity, wisdom, trouble…”

“I’ve definitely heard him say that,” Obi-Wan muses, and he knows you’re hiding a grin next to him.

“It’s true,” you reply.

You both lay in the garden for several long moments more, until the voices of your masters can be heard calling your names.

Neither of you get up, despite it. A smile of his own creeps up his cheeks, and Obi-Wan knows you’re thinking exactly the same thing he is.

“Pretend we’re asleep so they’ll have to carry us back to the dorms?”

“Master Koon might break another arm, but yep. Worth it.”

“Worth it,” he agrees, and closes his eyes.

[wedreamedlove]

Li Zeyan In Love - Character Study

I sat on this because I wanted to get more dates done but, after seeing people bring up this one poem that is the epitome of Li Zeyan in the aftermath of 34, I decided to finish this. This essay has been brought to you from my occasional bursts of frustration at Elex LOL.

First, I need to acknowledge that I'll be pulling comments from others who have made their own amazing discussions about Li Zeyan's charcter. PS. Thanks for inspiring me and giving me points to think about!

SPOILERS to Chapter 21. Plus CN card lines up to Chapter 34.

THE ENDLESS SEARCH

(Sorry, Luoluo, I still have no good essay thoughts on you yet.)

It's amusing that if Bai Qi's love is in the form of "all roads lead to you". He can see where MC is standing and he is moving towards that point, struggling through all the obstacles in the way.

And Xu Mo's love is in the form of the red string of fate. No matter how much they hurt each other, walk in opposite directions, or try to tangle it up, they are forever connected to each other.

Then Li Zeyan's love is in the form of searching for a needle in the haystack. The needle being MC and the haystack being all possible worlds and universes in space-time.

Li Zeyan has tons of quotes about time, staying beside each other, and searching:

[Winter Infatuation SSR] "No matter the distance or time, nothing can prevent me from keeping you by my side."

[Time's End SSR] "I'll find and bring back the past you."

[Tour to Deep Space SSR] "No matter where you are, I will always find you."

[CN Silent Twilight SSR] "You are the only predestined ending I believe in." and "I will cross countless spaces of time to look for an ending which has you."

[Main Story 18-16] "I will definitely find and bring back the past you."

[Main Story 18-23] "Don't make it hard for me to find you, understand?"

This is reflected so painfully in [Dim Light SR] where MC takes Li Zeyan to light lanterns and he writes a poem on it. Elex didn't translate the poem and, at the time, I was somewhat lenient. But after seeing references made to it... ELEX, COME OVER HERE. I JUST WANNA TALK.

So, Li Zeyan wrote:

The last line about his wish having come true already is the same in both CN and ENG.

He wrote the last line of this poem by Xin Qiji, one of many great poets in Chinese history. Here I have provided Irving Y. Lo's translation of the poem from "Sunflower Splendor: Three Thousand Years of Chinese Poetry".

The Night of the Lantern Festival, to the Tune of ‘Green Jade Table’ - Xin Qiji [1140–1207]

One night’s wind made a thousand trees burst into flower,     And breath down still more     Showers of fallen stars. Splendid horses, carved carriages, fragrance filled the road. Music resounded from paired flutes,     Light swirled on water-clock towers.     All night long, the fabled fish-dragons danced. Gold-threaded jacket, moth- or willow-shaped hair ornaments     Melted into the throng, giggling, a trail of scents. In the crowd I looked for her a thousand and one times,     And all at once, as I turned my head,     I was startled to find her     Among the lanterns where the candles were growing dim.

The bold is Li Zeyan's lines in Chinese.

@love-p typed up an amazing post about the context of this poem:

Regarding Xin Qiji, and the political context of this poem—he was a military general during the Southern Song dynasty, sidelined due to the policy of appeasement against the Jurchen.

The poem reflects his unfortunate political circumstances by contrasting the brilliance and liveliness of the Lantern Festival and the single-minded search of the narrator for just one, special, woman, ultimately finding her in the darkness with the dimming lights.

To the writer, the brilliance and beauty of the festival pale in comparison to his goal. He is not swayed by all this finery, and in fact is willing to reject the light, for what he has held in his heart all along.

Xin Qiji was a deeply passionate patriot, which ultimately led to his discharge and suppression in the changing political tides of the era. He spent decades in seclusion pretending to be indifferent to the world, but he never lost his love for his country, and held fast to his beliefs, even when they could (and did) cost him heavily.

There's other romantic interpretations of this poem, such as the woman deciding to stop and wait when she realized this man was looking for her. She is willing to be with him.

Another interpretation is that, these two are already lovers, and when he turns his head and sees her it reflects how your happiness was right beside you all along and you just needed to turn your head, instead of searching ahead desperately.

So, back to Li Zeyan and MC. He is quoting a poem from someone who suffered for holding fast to their beliefs and who can still ignore everything around him, even the light, to find what he's held in his heart all this time. HM.

@unluckysatellite also pointed out something great, which I bolded for emphasis:

I realized this just now, but MC and Victor have this narrative theme where they keep losing and finding each other, both in the main story and in their dates. The main story plays this out pretty seriously: Victor and MC meet as kids, and then Victor loses MC because of Black Swan, which causes him to search for her the next 17 years. Victor and MC meet in chapter 1 and then Victor loses MC in chapter 18 and he vows to find her again. Victor finding MC in that HBS trap during chapter 10 and nearly losing her at the end of the chapter (with the added irony of him realizing that she was the girl he was looking for all this time). YMMV if you consider MC losing Victor in chapter 14 since a black hole sent Victor traveling into the future, but both managed to keep contact with each other in the time he was away.

BTW the reference is that his [Dim Light SR] was released in 2018 for the real lantern festival holiday. Then in 2019 all the men send gems as gifts during the holiday. Li Zeyan sends mail with the title of "Turning My Head" and the body of the message is him promising to go to the lantern festival with MC this year too, but he reminds her to stay beside him and don't make it so that when he turns his head he can't find her.

THE CONSTANT

Now another common theme that appears over and over again in Li Zeyan's character arc is him being a constant amongst all the change.

[Main Story 11-19] MC confronts Li Zeyan about his overprotectiveness: "It doesn't matter if it's the previous me, or the me in the present, all of them are [a single] me. Do you understand?"

[Winter Infatuation SSR Sinful Late-Night Snack Call] "Of course I'm me. No matter when, the person at your side is always the same me."

@sharinluna wrote a great section about Li Zeyan in Chapters 19-21 and IMO these chapters just hammer in this theme more. Even in a world where none of the men remember MC, Li Zeyan still cruises along (mostly) the same as usual. He really is a steady constant when everything's gone topsy-turvy for the poor MC.

I commented about this in my post on Chapter 19's use of horror but hilariously Li Zeyan is the most normal out of the rest of the men. If the MC weren't around, it's likely he wouldn't be involved in so much craziness. This is reflected in how the MC thinks about how he'd be better off without her in [Main Story 20-4] and her dream version of him in [Main Story 19-6].

However, I always end up thinking about Alfred Lord Tennyson's quote on this topic: "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

I honestly think this is one of the themes of the game too, shown at the end of Chapter 19 where MC doesn't regret holding onto her memories and experiences with everyone, even if that means going back to the cruel real world.

Because the game (hopefully) isn't going to invalidate our experiences with everyone that means that Li Zeyan is not better off for not meeting the MC.

IMO love doesn't have to do something monumental like change your world but I think it adds something to our experience as humans (no matter its form: platonic, romantic, compassionate, selfless, etc). This is why I love this game so much because it's all about love in its entirety.

So, even if Li Zeyan's character isn't changed in any earth-shattering way from meeting or not meeting the MC the fact that he chooses MC again and again over everything else means something. He is willing to sacrifice everything to find her, no matter how long it takes him or how many worlds and times he has to traverse. His constant state is choosing MC.

I'm so scared about the Banquet of the Fallen Moon. Why did he turn into a demon lord SOBS when he promised his father he wouldn't go down that path? If it's connected to MC... OOF.

THE LOVE AND SUPPORT

Here we reach the relationship the two do have! Uh, I swear I wasn't intentionally picking the sad quotes...

[Main Story 6-16] "In your eyes? Am I that unapproachable?" He says this but then grabs her hand and holds it through his company, not caring who sees them.

[Main Story 10-25] "I'm sorry, I came late. I won't lose you a second time. Nothing will be able to hurt you again. In the future, let me fight your battles for you, just like how you protected me that year, alright?"

[Main Story 11-14] "I won't hesitate to pay any price in order to let you avoid all dangers and affairs... The things you wish to do, I will release you and let you do them. However, now isn't the time. That's why, you need to be a bit more obedient."

[Chapter 11] in general shows his protectiveness over MC and consideration for her. From caring for her in the hospital, to sending her between work and home, and even the SP detail (even though it became overwhelming).

[Main Story 18-3] "... Every time I call you dumb isn't to insult you. [...] It's acknowledgement."

IMO these are all more examples of how Li Zeyan is like a steady mountain or a tree that provides a canopy and safe harbor for the MC to take her time growing up under. He wants her to better herself because he cares for her (like a quintessential Capricorn) but at the same time he knows when to back off and let her go at her own speed.

Li Zeyan will be there every step of the way with MC, just a little bit ahead of her so she has a direction but always ready to catch her should she fall. Unlike a certain BS liar COUGHS.

@sharinluna also wrote this great post on Reddit about how the dates reflect Li Zeyan's patience and awareness of the imbalance in his and MC's relationship. Chapter 11 shows this too where he realizes he was overwhelming her and brings back the "old" Li Zeyan to wait for her to make a decision on her own feelings.

Finishing off this essay with some quotes:

[Instant Moment SSR] "There is no such thing as eternity, only every single moment together with you."

This is so cute since it's said by the man who can traverse time. It's the little snapshot moments he can get with MC that mean the most to him.

There's actually another related quote which comes from [Winter Infatuation SSR Sinful Late-Night Snack Call]. This happens when they're talking about the meaning of the Ephemere shop and Li Zeyan quotes a poem about mayflies.

The Chinese line is from the poem "Former Ode on the Red Cliffs" by Su Shi:

"We are like mayflies enjoying a flicker of life in this world, and as infinitesimal as a grain in the sea."

Ironically, Li Zeyan is not asking much at all of the world. He is someone who has everything but all he wants is just a peaceful life with the love of his life and he has shown again and again that he's willing to give up everything for her...

But the universe spits in his face (because tragic Chinese archetype of Crown Prince/Emperor LOL) and makes him suffer so much just for wanting some fleeting moments of joy in this flickering human life they both have.

[nctrenjunie]

Angel~ Haechan x Reader (M)

Author: Sera

Pairing: Mafia!Haechan x Reader

Genre: Smut

IMPORTANT: I wanted to open a instagram acccount for this blog for requests etc. and just be closer to my followers. PLS TELL ME YOUR OPINION?

Request: I started writing at 12pm its 2.45 am and I have to wake up at 6am. It took me 3 coffees  and 2liters water to stay awake. I still have to wash my hair. Hope youll like it. Sry for taking so much time, school is killing me physically and mentally. Feedback is very welcomed! <3 

The fact that it felt like a humiliation wasn't really what made you feel this strong desire to kill him. It was the loss of respect and control that drove you crazy to the point that just from sitting still on the chair he commanded you to sit on your blood started to boil up. 

His dark sinister filled eyes matching yours that were sternly fixed on his rapidly movements through the room, walking from wall to wall, trying to figure out what to do know with his thoughts and you. The gun that he was fidgeting through his hand made you surprisingly nervous as the small sound of the trigger rang through your ears once in a while. 

 The lack of reaction you gave him, with a slight scoff and a smirk didn't surprise him, knowing you trusted him. Still, it pissed him off, knowing that there really is someone who doesn't fear him, that could read him like an open book, someone who even he couldn't shoot a bullet through the head. 

He wanted to make you feel as transparent and readable as he felt, the moment as he saw you pinned against the wall, one of his workers leg between yours whilst the servants and the man could see right through his face. The pissed, furious look plastered on his face, mixed with a hint of betrayal, not really coming from your side but from his underling that thought taking chances on his baby would bring him somewhere else than waiting for his death in the big mansion off his once boss. 

Wanting to make you feel as humiliated as he felt he made you sit down in the middle of one of the living rooms in the mansion, making sure that it was middled enough for everyone that was pacing near the living room to hear your cries and moans later. The gun was still pointed carelessly against your head, his index finger on the trigger as he finally started to talk.

”Care to explain to me what happened angel?” 

He knew what happened, he went to watch the CCTVS after the incident, leaving you waiting there for him, dress pulled down on the shoulders, showing of more of your cleavage that it should be if it wasn't for Haechan.

 “He started touching me, I pushed him away,  he pulled on my dress and pinned me against the wall, trying to seduce me to runaway with him, for you to give him money to get me back, dumb boy, you came in, some of the servants behind you. The rest you know yourself. Stop being a fool and try to show dominance by pointing a gun at me. Now let me go, I want to shower.”

He kept steady, satisfied with your obvious answer but overthinking your words about him trying to show off his dominance.

 “Aren't you the same Y/N? Always trying to show how much control you have over me at every little moment you get the chance to. We are the same angel.”

 You knew where this was going to go as he started to move the gun down against your jawline and then to your neck, touching over your shoulders before gliding the gun firmly over your cleavage down to your heart where he unlocked the gun, letting the click of it echoing through the room. Your eyes were locked the whole time, not like the gun that was slowly gliding down the rest of your body to your core as he suddenly lifted his hand up, shooting up at the ceiling, breaking the lust filled silence as he let the gun fall down to the floor leaving you in semi shock from the shot.

”Now behave for me angel.”

 “I thought we were the same, shouldn't you behave then too, angel?”

 “Heaven already lost an angel when I signed up honey, don't follow my way to hell since you're the only way up for both of us.” 

Hachean didn't left you time to think about his words as he yanked you up from the chair, pulling your legs around his waist. The kisses that he crashed against your lips were quick and sloppy yet passionate and long enough to claim the dominance over you. Your hands were wrapped around his shoulder, tangled in his soft hair that were getting messier every second whilst his hands were making their way up to the hem of your dress, rapidly undressing you, leaving you in confusion. You stopped the kiss, pulling away as your hands went down to his cheeks.

 “Aren't we gonna go to the bedroom? I don't think it's a good idea to do it here.”

 Smirking at your words Haechan let you down, letting the dress fall down to the floor as his hand went down to your core, touching over your underwear. You didn't even realise you got so wet until Haechan pressed against the damp fabric, spreading a welcoming feeling from your clit up into your stomach. He unbuckled his belt with one hand, using the other one to pull you closer before making its way back to your clit, this time leading it underneath your underwear, sliding two fingers over your slit, leaving you squirming from his touch.

 “That's your punishment angel. Everyone will hear you scream my name for me and only mine, companied by your angelic moans.”

 You weren't even surprised by your lovers attitude but now more likely busy with keeping your moans down low as you were already struggling with the volume of your noises. Haechan took of his pants and boxers, blouse still on with the two first buttons unbuttoned as he kept rubbing his finger over your slit, keeping his thumb on your clit, rubbing circles on it. Moving you backwards you felt his big member against your belly before he threw you down on the couch, landing on you and making sure not to hurt you. 

You tried to relax into his touches, feeling his cock against your inner thighs now as you let your guard down, slowly moaning into the feeling of his two fingers on your hole. A loud scream escaped your mouth as he suddenly rammed both fingers deep down your pussy. Keeping the fast movement you couldn't help yourself to squeak out loud lust filled screams, pinching your nails deep into his forearm.

 “Fuck, fuck, fuck...Haechan please, its too much..” 

Haechan didn't stop his movements adding a third finger, filling his ears and probably lot more with your loud euphoric screams as he grew bigger with every second, slowly growing impatient and just wanting to ramm inside of you rapidly to get both of you to a full filling orgasms. 

Seeing you roll back your eyes and stop your breathing for a second Haechan abruptly takes his hand away from your body, pulling your underwear to the side before slowly moving his cock inside your hole, making you scream again. You lay there, already fucked out as you start to scream your lungs out again. Haechan starts to pant with you, moving his hips not fast but hard enough to ramm himself deep down into you, feeling your walls clench every moment around his dick. Knowing you are close and wanting to come with you he speeds up. 

“Youre my little dirty angel, right Y/N? Screaming out my name for everyone to hear, letting everyone know how good im fucking your brains out.” 

His words make you cry out even louder feeling your high approaching. Haechan puts his hands on your hips, holding you still to ramm himself with his last thrusts into you, bringing both of you to feel the relief of your orgasm. You feel him pull out, cum spilling out of you on the expensive couch. His passionate kisses falling onto your lips before you drift of to sleep.

“Sleep tight angel.”