#Business Orientation Program

[coquettefrancaise]

i got you babe

by sonny and cher

pairing: sick!Azriel x reader ~ 2.9k

warnings: non-sexual bathing

summary: when Azriel collapses from his fever while you're on vacation, you, the only person he'll accept help from, hurry home to nurse him back to health

a/n: overthinking is not for the weak (please please please give me ideas for fics guys I am stRuggling here)

Azriel had felt like shit the moment he woke up. From his sore throat to his heavy, achy limbs. Granted, he had felt the early symptoms of this earlier last night but had hoped sleep would erase it.

That didn't seem to be the case.

He rarely became sick but when he did, it was not pretty.

One could argue that it was because he didn't allow his body to rest which was why but he claimed it was a part of his 'bad luck'. The constant misfortune he was given that had wound him up with a loathsome childhood and three unrequited loves. Until you.

You had turned his world upside down so abruptly that he had been left dizzy and craving more. It took him time to be cared for in the way you did but he now grew to adore it.

He coughed, wincing at the soreness of his throat. Unfortunately for him, you were in the summer court with the females of the inner circle, taking a much needed vacation. And as much as he wished you were here to tell him he'd be alright, he didn't want you to end your trip early.

He stepped out of bed, hand catching the frame as he felt faint. He was fine.

He then took a moment for it to subside and went to change for training and take something for the intense pressure building in his head. It felt as if someone had stuffed cotton balls inside it.

One look in the mirror and he cringed. Face pallor, sunken eyes, sinuses swollen. His body screamed at him to go lay down and bury his face in your pillow and succumb to heavenly sleep. Anything besides being up and about.

Instead he splashed his face with cold water.

Besides... even if he didn't wish to disrupt your fun, Azriel was nothing if not schedule-oriented. It gave him some semblance of control to be able to know what his day consisted of. And it threw off his entire day if there was a kink in his program.

Albeit lethargically, he readied himself and swallowed a sour headache tonic. Hand pressed to his temple to further relieve the pain, he went downstairs to eat breakfast.

Cassian was at the table, a half-finished bowl of oatmeal and glass of water in front of him, humming a small tune. Cauldron, that water looked absolutely delicious.

"Good morning, sleepy head." Cassian cooed, pspspsing at Azriel as if he were a cat in want of chin scritches. "Ready for your ass to be beat?"

Azriel ignored the meathead and sat down, grumbling thanks to the house when his own food appeared. He didn't hesitate to gulp down the water, the ache in his chest dimming. Still fine.

He could feel Cassian's eyes assessing him, skeptical. "You look pale."

It was times like these that Azriel hated how observant the Lord of Bloodshed was.

Apparently, Cassian believed that, with you being gone, he was to be Azriel's warden. Telling him to go to bed when he had been too caught up in paperwork, reminding him to drink more water, having Rhys check on his whereabouts every few hours... and if he found out Azriel was sick, he'd coddle him. And Azriel didn't enjoy being coddled. Except by you.

"Woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. So you should probably take yourself out of my business before I shove that spoon up your ass."

Cassian threw his hands up in innocence, an amused chuckle falling from his lips. "You kiss your girlfriend with that mouth?"

Azriel made no comment.

"Aw, I understand now. Are you just so distraught that she's been gone for a week? Is that why you look so under the weather? She's your only salvation?"

Yes, actually. But Azriel wouldn't admit that.

"You really just enjoy hearing yourself talk, don't you?" he pushed his bowl of oatmeal away, not feeling too hungry.

"You can't even eat because you're so lost without her. It's alright to admit that you're totally, completely in love, Az. We've all been there."

Azriel felt that his head might explode if he sat there for one second longer, so he stood and headed up to the training ring. And Cassian, ever the obedient pup, followed.

As soon as they stepped out into the fresh air, Azriel felt somewhat better. Like he could breathe easier, even if his sinuses still stung sharply. He was still fine.

But his moment of relief was cut short as he swayed softly at his equilibrium being thrown off kilter.

Even in the dim lighting of twilight, Cassian caught the movement, frowning at Azriel. "You don't look so good, Az. You should sit down for a bit or-"

"I'm fine," Azriel snapped, closing his eyes as the intensity of the words caused him to feel even more light-headed.

He heard Cassian sigh heavily and then felt a hand at his brow. "Holy shit. You're hot."

Azriel scoffed.

"Not that way, you idiot," Cassian growled, "you're burning up with a fever."

"I already said I'm fine. Now can we please get this over with? I have actual work I need to catch up on."

"Mm, no."

And then Azriel was being pushed out of the training ring and towards the stair doors. "Your pretty bird would have my head if she knew I let you train in the midst of a fever."

There was no argument there.

You would have caught his fever way before it had broken, Azriel was sure. He never knew how you managed to do it. One cough and he would be put on bed-rest with warm soup being ladled to his lips while you dabbed at his sweat-slick skin with a cool washcloth.

But you weren't here to do those things so Azriel dug his heels into the gravel. "I've lived this long without being coddled by you Cassian. I think I can survive longer without you starting now."

Cassian would hear none of it, so he pulled out the big guns and said, "I'll tell her to come home early if you won't go back to bed."

That had Azriel's heels lift.

You had been ecstatic about this trip for months. You'd planned everything down to the last detail and even bought new clothing for it. Azriel wouldn't begrudge you your long-awaited vacation just because he wouldn't listen to his asshole of a brother.

"Fine," Azriel grumbled under his breath.

With that, Cassian continued to guide him to the stairs when Azriel collapsed. Not fine.

"I really, really, really wish we had a beach in Valeris."

You and the rest of the inner circle—excluding Amren—hummed in agreement at Nesta's contented sigh.

You had arrived nearly a week ago and spent most of the days under the summer court's sun while lounging on their pristine white beach. And in the evening, when the sun went to bed, everyone dressed their best and went out partying, taking advantage of the fruity beverages and up-beat music.

"You could always lay by the Sidra," Elain murmured from under her sun hat. While she didn't want to tan like the rest of you, she still wished to be nearby the group, so she used a towel and hat to cover her body from the warm rays.

"Because seeing a female in a skimpy bikini, sunbathing at the Sidra wouldn't be odd." Nesta said drily, adjusting the straps of said bikini.

The group chuckled then returned to the peaceful silence.

Oftentimes you all fell into naps from the noise of the salty waves lapping onto the shores at your toes. The only reason you hadn't burned to a crisp being that you periodically passed around a protective sunscreen.

Speaking of... you sat up, adjusting the sunglasses sitting on your nose, and dug around your bag for the sunscreen. "Alright ladies it's time."

Despite their groaning, they followed suit in sitting up, taking swigs from their waters and then passing around the lotion you offered. "You're such a mom," Mor teased, rubbing it into her arms.

You shrug, making sure you didn't miss the crevices of your ears or hair part. "I enjoy taking care of people."

"And we're grateful for that," Feyre chimed in, "because without you, we'd all be shriveled and red and a horrible sight for sore eyes."

You'd always enjoy taking care of the people you loved. It began when you were a little girl and you were tasked with watching your youngest siblings. If your parents weren't available, you fed, clothed, and played with them. Unlike others, you thrived under the responsibility.

So when you got together with Azriel, you were thrilled to find out that he wasn't very good at taking care of himself. While, yes, he was great at seeing to his family's and friends' needs, he neglected his own.

That's why you believed you were perfectly compatible. You looked after him and vice versa.

After everyone reapplied the lotion, you stuffed it back into your bag and laid back.

You wondered how Azriel was doing. If he was sleeping enough or- you shook your head. He was a grown male who was fully capable of taking care of himself. He didn't need you to constantly worry over him.

Unexpectedly, Rhys' voice filled your head.

"You need to come home,"

"Is everything alright?"

A pause. "Azriel collapsed."

You were on your feet instantly, heart pounding wildly in your chest like a drum. "Mor."

Mor quirked an eyebrow, clearly displeased at how you were blocking the sun.

"I need you to winnow me home. Azriel's hurt."

As hastily as you had jumped from your sunbathing chair, Mor had you in her arms, the world shifting under your feet until you appeared on the roof of the townhouse. Cassian stood a couple of feet away, leaning against the railing, no doubt waiting to fly you up to the house of wind.

"How is he?" you hurried to Cassian.

He smoothed his hands down your arms to calm you down. "Rhys and I didn't mean to scare you. Azriel is in stable condition but he collapsed on me this morning at training with a burning fever."

Of course the male would attempt to train while being sick. Yet, the worry in your stomach relaxed. You knew how to treat a fever. When Rhys had told you the news, your thoughts had turned to Azriel being seriously, deathly injured.

You took a deep breath in and blew it out. "Take me to him."

Mor called from behind you, "I'm going to head back to the summer court. Update us please."

You turned around and gave her a hug, thanking her for bringing you. "Drink a mojito for me. And don't forget sunscreen."

The blonde chuckled and squeezed you before leaving.

Not ten minutes later, you slipped into Azriel's room, a frowning Madja concocting a tonic at the vanity.

"Good thing you're here, child." She sighed, exasperated. "He's been moaning your name as if he were on his deathbed."

"It's a pleasure to see you too, Madja."

You walked to the bed, taking in the male under the sheets. Azriel looked worn. His skin was leeched of his usual sun-kissed color. Lips chapped and breath raspy.

Your fingers danced along his brow, concern furrowing your own at the heat emanating from his skin. How had he managed to even get to the rooftop this morning while burning this hot? Fevers this bad took time to build.

"Azriel?" you whispered gently, opening the top drawer of the nightstand to retrieve a lip salve and applying it to his lips. It was devastating seeing Azriel looking so sick; a stark difference to his usual strong, put-together appearance.

He hummed, eyelids shifting.

Madja walked to you, holding out a vial. The older fae probably wondered often herself how these males managed to survive this far with the way they managed to overlook their needs. "Have him drink this when he is awake. He'll need plenty of fluids and rest."

"Is there anything he could take to make him less dense?" you teased.

She muttered something under her breath, eyes turned heavenward as if praying for patience. "If there was, I'd have given it to them long ago. The high lord is practically paying for my existence at this point."

"Your work has probably made the biggest dent in his coffers."

Madja grinned, patting your hand. "I trust that you will manage him just fine. He's been one of the bats that I've tended to less ever since you entered his life."

A warmth filled your chest at her words. Madja's praise wasn't given often so you didn't think much when you wrapped the healer into your arms. She grunted softly, reaching around to tap your shoulder in reciprocation.

"Thank you Madja. For the compliment and being here for him. He worries me sick at times." You let go and turned to Azriel was still slept.

"That's how you know you love them, child. You continuously fret over their welfare and wish to take away their pain." A softness entered her eyes as she looked at Azriel too. "All the things he's endured, he never deserved"

It made you sick to think of his father and step-brothers. Of the things they had done to Azriel when he was only a child; small and vulnerable. "They defintely deserved what they got." Your voice was cold, not a tone you usually took up.

Madja nodded just as your name was raspily called from the bed.

You were sitting immediately, brushing the hair from his forehead. "Azriel?"

Hazel eyes blinked open, bleary from sleep. The corners of his mouth quirked up as he took you in before promptly falling. "You're-" he coughed, "you're not supposed to be here."

"Why not?"

"You were in the summer court... having fun."

Soft lips pressed to the crown of his head. "And I'm here now and I want to make sure you're healthy."

"I didn't want you to leave early. You were so excited."

"I wanted to leave early. I wasn't going to continue having fun while my stubborn boyfriend was sick and fainting in the training ring. Do you know how bad you scared me?"

Madja quietly slipped out of the room, giving you privacy.

"'m sorry," he rasped.

You sigh, "Let's get you into a cool bath, shall we? It will help to bring your temperature down."

He let you help him up, muscled arm across your shoulder as you led him into the bathing room and stripped him of his clothes. "For the record," you said softly, pulling off his socks, "I'm not angry at you. Only disappointed."

"Why?"

You stood, holding his face in between your hands, looking down at him from where he sat on the toilet. "Because I love you and I want you to feel that you can come to me whenever you're not feeling great. I hate knowing you were suffering alone."

He cast his eyes down to the floor, "You're always taking care of me."

"Do you not... not want me to?"

Did he think your constant attention was annoying? Sure, some people thought you were overbearing but you thought Azriel appreciated it. Wouldn't he tell you otherwise?

"No, my love," he pressed his forehead to your ribs, shaking hands gripping onto your thighs. "I didn't want to burden you."

"You could never, ever, burden me." It was said with finality.

Hot air blew across your exposed midriff. "Love you,"

"And I love you." You sank to your knees so you were eye-level. Despite his flushed face, his eyes were full of so much love and gratitude. "And I love taking care of you. There is nothing in this world I would rather be doing. So let's get you into this bath and into bed so you can feel better, hm?"

As he lounged in the tub, head thrown back against the lip as you soothed a rag across his chest and face, you laughed. You only now realized you still wore your bathing suit.

He cracked open one eye.

"You must be severely under the weather to not even notice my outfit."

His eyes scanned your body, tucked into the scanty blue bikini. "Is that color...?"

"The same color as your siphons? Yes."

The water disturbed as he lifted out a hand, bringing it to the nape of your neck where it was tied. You shivered at the cold of the water. Then you gasped as, with one expert flick, it became undone. You barely had time to catch the strings before you flashed Azriel. "Az!" you scolded, face pink.

"Can't a dying man admire his girlfriend's beautiful body?"

"You're not even dying." You tied the strings once more. "How about this? When you're fever breaks and you aren't falling asleep every five minutes, I'll let you admire me as much as you wish."

He smirked in reply, waving his hand haughtily. "Carry along with your ministrations then. I need to recover quickly."

You giggled as you continued to blot the cloth at his warm skin.

Later that night, when you were both tucked into bed, you smiled to yourself. Azriel was practically sunken into your skin with how his legs were intertwined with your own, arms wrapped tightly around your torso, and face tucked into your neck.

You truly did enjoy taking care of him.

divider credit: cafekitsune

[mimiii-3]

How old is the Batsib meant to be? Because I think that the most angst potential idea is that they are YOUNG. Like, around Damian’s age.

Most people, especially the Batfam, are really loving and caring towards children, but Batsib is ignored, belittled and disregarded. Meanwhile, Darling is an adult, someone who should literally be able to handle themselves but is instead coddled.

Most neglected reader fics have the family seeing the reader as younger than they are, but maybe in this au they think that the batsib is like 16-17 when they’re literally like 13.

Good idea!

…

Saboteur: Teenage Dirtbag

Yandere Platonic Batfam x GN Neglected Reader

Notes: a tad bit angsty

…

What if batsib is younger than darling?

🦇- you can’t stand darling

🦇 - the way they parade around the house, basking in your family’s undying love

🦇 - you hate them all

🦇 - your Father’s weak resolve. He doesn’t stop darling’s relentless teasing. No, he sits back and watches to stay in their good graces

🦇 - then there’s Dick

🦇 - he reaches back to his circus roots and puts on a show for them. Always flipping off the walls and cracking jokes

🦇 - the overly wide smile he flashes darling looks stupid

🦇 - Tim just can’t get enough of darling

🦇 - he spends hours gathering more information about them. Memorizing their likes and dislikes so he can learn how to keep them happy

🦇 - the spitfire of the family, Damian, follows darling around the house and gazing at them with admiration

🦇 - even Alfred can’t help but wait on them hand and foot

🦇 - but what do you get?

🦇 - you get nothing. Pure indifference is what you get from your so-called family

🦇 - it’s never felt more apparent till now

…

The buses have stopped running. Of course, why wouldn’t they on the worst day ever. You trudge up the muddy slope that leads to the small wood behind the manor.

It was your first day of high school and it did not go as planned. The teachers and students were a bunch of judgy socialites who couldn’t mind their own business. You asked to go to a public school but your father didn’t listen. Typical.

Your shoe slips against the mud and you fall to your knees. A frustrated whine leaves your mouth as you clamber to your feet.

You had asked Alfred to pick you up around 6. You had an orientation for the after school program that would last at least a couple of hours. Unfortunately, you aren’t old enough to drive yourself so you planned to wait for Alfred.

The tip of a branch catches on the mesh side of your backpack. It tears the fabric easily and your water bottle tumbles down a short part of the slope. After retrieving your water bottle, you tiredly continue the journey.

Alfred never showed. Even after you waited an hour and a half. In hindsight, you should have just left the school. At least you wouldn’t be walking back in the dark. You knew that it was dangerous to take the open sidewalk back home so you decided to take the woodsy way instead.

You mentally punch yourself for taking the back way and take hold of sturdy-looking tree branch. With some effort, you pull yourself up the last part of the slope. Your shoulders sag in relief at the small distance between you and the manor.

Maybe Alfred was preoccupied? Yeah, that’s it. He was busy helping Bruce with a new bad guy in Gotham. Or maybe he had too much to drink and forgot about the plan.

You approach the back door leading to the dance hall. Before you can reach for the door, you notice light pouring out of the living room window.

You stay a couple hundred feet back so that whoever’s inside can’t see you. When you look into the room from afar you see them. The whole family, huddled up in the living room and watching a movie.

It must be scary. With the way that obnoxious abductee clings to them in fear. Dick, Tim, and Damian all lean toward Darling on the couch. Your father, sitting in the armchair, is looking over at them with so much love.

Disgusting. The way they look at darling like they can do no wrong. Then Alfred walks in the room carrying a tray of popcorn. You seethe at the sight of him, warm and dry.

So he forgot to pick you up for this. Is it that he forgot or did he just not care? You trudge back to the door and swing it open. You stomp your muddy shoes up the recently waxed stairs.

When you arrive at your room you slam the door shut and shake off your muddy clothes. After a quick shower, you plop down on the bed and pull out your diary. You begin to describe the horrible day you had and every hateful thought about your family imaginable.

Your pen scratches furiously at the paper. The hot tears cascading down your face wrinkle the expensive, leather-bound journal. You write and write till your hand aches just as much as your heart. You pull back to peer at your handiwork.

For about 8 pages your diary is covered in angry rants and violent doodles of you family. The anger starts to dissipate. Your diary keeps you in check. It allows you to express yourself and rant against your family.

You tuck the notebook under your mattress and climb under the covers. You pull your pig plushie close and breath out a sigh. You have to relax and forget about today. Let go of your family and everything else bothering you. It’s only Monday after all.

…

Extra notes: hey y’all, I’m back🫣

Tag list:

@jjsmeowthie @shawty-a-lil-baddie @butratherbutrather @shirp-collector-of-fixations @stove-top96 @yaoizee @bellethesleepypotato @salfishers @eli-mayhaveatencats @wisefuncherryblossom @c4xcocoa

[lucyandthepen]

get you alone | ljn ( m )

ideally, jeno should have his hands full with teaching. (un)fortunately, he only seems to have his head full of you.

pairing: tutor!jeno x reader verse: college au rating: r ( minors, do not interact! ) warnings & tags: jeno is a college algebra math tutor & reader is failing, written in lapslock, not beta’d in any shape or form so please excuse mistakes, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it, folks), piv, oral (f!receiving), use of pet names (kitten, angel, sweetheart), praise, reader calls jeno ‘sunbae’ until she doesn’t, size kink i guess if u squint! word count: 8.5k

a/n : actually this was written for a different fandom but i’ve decided to make it a jeno fic bc idk why not! first time writing in a different perspective so it’s a bit odd for me & i can't say i fw with this style nor am i particularly proud of this fic but she is ... sumn! also i fear i have a thing for the math tutor trope but that’s neither here nor there AHA enjoy !! 

if you liked it, please consider reblogging to support (especially because this may get flagged for mature content)!

there wasn’t anything special about your case; at least, that’s what jeno had thought when he picked up your request before he met you. before he met you, you were just another student trying to demystify the painfully enigmatic art of getting through college algebra. before he met you, he had already tagged this case as another charity stint — a good way to get brownie points with the dean’s office and the mathematics and natural sciences department. in fact, thinking of all his tutoring cases as community service made them somewhat palatable, if not a little forgettable. he was quite sure, at the time, that you’d be in and out — both of the tutoring center and his memory. such was the case with most of his other tutees, anyway. 

he hadn’t expected you to be… well, you — a pretty little thing, with your sweet smile and your wide doe eyes. on the first day, you’d stood out; you’d arrived at the tutoring center’s lobby in a short dress, knit cardigan, and coquettish makeup, as if every fiber of your being were bidding the spring a solid farewell. multiple heads had turned, including his, as you came up to the front desk and asked for one lee jeno for college algebra. you were eager for summer, jeno had learned as you broke the ice little by little, in part because you looked forward to visiting okinawa with your family, but also because you were eager to get your first semester out of the way. that much, you had in common with most of his other students — almost all of the ones seeking help in college algebra only took it as a depressing core requirement of whatever degree they were doing. you, specifically, were focusing on fashion design; that very vividly explained your attention to your looks. this mathematics class was a thorn in your side, a mandatory thing that was simply supposed to get you through later business-oriented classes in your degree program. for jeno, however, college algebra had become the perfect excuse from the moment he’d laid eyes on you. 

the more time he spends with you, the more he thinks you’re exactly his taste. it starts off with little things he finds attractive, things he picks up while he’s watching you fill out the practice sheets he’s prepared for you on quadratic equations or while trying to get you to understand logarithms — your neat, tiny handwriting, almost like print; your habit of boxing your final answers in firm strokes, even if they’re hopelessly wrong; your colored tabs, cascading down the page side of your textbook. but as the weeks wear on, he sees all the little things in between — the way your long eyelashes quiver when you stop and close your eyes as you think for the answer, the upturn of your plush lips when you have the same answer on the practice sheet as he does, the deepening of your artificial blush with a natural hue when you realize you don’t know the answers to his gentle questions. he notices that you refuse to wear anything longer than a knee-length skirt despite the still-strong winds, notices that your tiny palms are always smooth and pink, that your hair always smells of coconut milk. these are things he can’t help but jot down in his memory — that was exactly what you were, after all: memorable. 

and the more he remembers about you, the more jeno wants you. yet he’s never made a move, never given so much as a hint of his interest, not only because there are prying eyes all around the building but also because you have never so much as shown a smidge of desire back. in fact, he has to wonder if you’ve ever thought of him in a different capacity — not as a tutor, but as a man. if you have, you’ve never made that obvious; you always talk to him respectfully, the little wall you’ve erected between the both of you remaining steady, and you never let your eyes linger on his face for longer than it takes for him to explain what you don’t know. jeno has had his fair share of female students, and in all of them, he’s seen the same kind of hunger — to few, he’s catered to their whims, if only to pass the time, if only for his own benefit. but you, with your ribbons in your hair and your sweet, sweet mouth, have never once shown that same kind of desire. 

he doesn’t know if it frustrates him, but he does know one thing — it makes him want you all the more. 

he wants you even now, as you sit across from him, dolled up as usual. even now, as your eyes take on a glassy sheen of defeat, your cheeks puffing out in the way that tells him you’re admonishing yourself once again, he craves you — maddeningly so. and he realizes that it doesn’t really matter if you're not the one to fall first, as long as he can still have you. 

“time out,” you beg, your fingers meeting the palm of your hand to signal a break. “my brain feels like it’s going to explode.”

“you just had a break ten minutes ago,” jeno reminds you, though there’s a lighthearted amusement to his voice that makes you smile sheepishly. “at this rate, you’ll be on more breaks than you’ll be taking the time to actually learn.”

“i’m trying,” you groan, your fingers curling against your forehead as you bump your head against your fist. “i just don’t think i’m cut out for this polynomial whatever — trial and error bullshit.” 

“you’ll hate me for saying this — but you’ll never know unless you keep trying.” 

“funny.” your sigh rustles the papers in front of you gently. “how do you do it, sunbae?”

“hm?” 

“you’re not only good at this stuff, but you’re so good you’re able to take the time to teach people like me.” 

“strengths and weaknesses — it’s the natural way of the world.” jeno smiles gently at you, and he notes how his chest feels tighter when you return the sentiment shyly. “i could never do what you’re doing in your own degree, try as i might. anyway, you’ll get there. i won’t let you become my first ever failed project, you know.”

“i wouldn’t want to let you down either, sunbae, but—” the back end of your pencil taps lightly against the surface of the table. “it just feels hopeless. i can’t focus on anything. it’s so… so abstract, and everyone here is talking all at once, and i don’t even know what i’m ever going to get out of this class in the long run.” 

even when you’re dejected, you look pretty; your bottom lip juts out naturally when you whine like this, and for a moment, jeno can’t say anything in response. he’s too busy wondering what your mouth would feel like on his — on him. when he snaps himself out of his brief reverie, he notices you’re looking around at everyone else — and he has to agree that with the noise level in this whole building, it isn’t the most conducive site for learning, especially when the learner is already so averse to the subject matter.

“i can’t help much in the way of it being too abstract,” he says kindly. “but it’s not a requirement for us to have our sessions here. i know it can be quite distracting, all these voices flying around, so why don’t you look for a place that better suits you, and we can start meeting there instead? the more comfortable you are in your environment, the better you’ll be able to absorb the material, i’m sure.” 

“you think?” your pencil comes to a slow halt as you refocus on him, a thoughtful light glimmering behind your gaze. “yeah — yeah, i actually wouldn’t mind that. then, i’ll look for a different place for us to meet, and we can start there next week. how does that sound?”

“whatever suits you suits me,” he responds easily. 

he lowers his gaze immediately after you flash him a blinding grin; there are far too many people here, as you both very well know, and if he keeps looking at you and your pretty little expressions any longer, he might just give them something to actually look at. 

it had been your idea, not his, so why did jeno feel like he’d dragged you into a compromising situation?

you’d texted him over the weekend that your search for a new venue had been absolutely fruitless; every cafe and study space you’d been to was either too expensive or equally as packed with people, if not both. jeno had seen the preview to your message, but he hadn’t been prepared for what it read out in full when he’d actually opened it. 

sunbae, would it be too difficult to just meet at my apartment? i attached a map, so let me know!

it wouldn’t be too difficult; logistics-wise, it was walking distance from campus and almost directly across the train station he takes home. it also definitely promised an environment you were comfortable in, and you wouldn’t have to worry about excess noise from any other tutoring groups. no, the difficulty really only lied in himself — you two, all alone, would certainly mean his mind would be up to no good for the two hours every monday, wednesday, and thursday you would be together. 

but for your sake, he’d try to rein it in, with the operative word being try. 

your place is as neat and as pretty as you are; he doesn’t know if you’ve cleaned up for him, or if you’re naturally this organized, but he likes it all the same. it smells of toasted marshmallow and expensive perfume, and all your furniture matches. jeno supposes he likes that in a woman — someone able to care for herself, someone who cares about herself. and you’re always just as neat and pretty to match, with your hair always styled sweetly, your makeup always enhancing your features. 

the problem is that now that he’s in here, where you live, and where you spend most of your time, jeno’s mind seems to wander too much towards thoughts about what you do in private. he rejects studying on the couch, not just because it’s bad for posture and concentration but also because he can’t help but imagine you pressed into the cushions by his hand. he suggests the small dining table you have, but on the second meeting at your place, he starts thinking about what you might look like seated on the table, your ass hanging over the edge and his face buried between your thighs. whenever you look up to ask him something, he drinks in your lovely, made-up face again, and starts wondering what your makeup would look like ruined before he interrupts that trainwreck of a thought with the answer to your question. 

by the end of the week, jeno’s defenses are all but shot, and he realizes that this situation might be optimal for you, but it definitely isn’t doing him and his now constantly straining cock any great favors. 

he supposes that your performance has somewhat improved; you’re less likely to trail off when you’re thinking and can actually do practice sets for a lot longer without all the noise and hubbub around you. your only real hindrance is yourself and your frustration; you have a habit of giving into your carelessness that sends you spiraling into despair, and it doesn’t help that when you press your cheek against the surface of your dining table and whine, the comfort jeno offers is noticeably delayed because he’s too busy thinking about his cock between your lips. 

“my dad’s going to kill me if i fail this midterm,” you grumble, stabbing the practice sheet with your pencil; it skids sideways, and jeno robotically fixes it back into proper alignment for you, careful not to brush against the arm that’s folded inwards, supporting your chin. “he only agreed to let me take this degree because of the business aspect of it. as if i’ll need to know about—” you check the header of the worksheet. “domain and range when i’m doing actual design work.”

“you’ll never know what might be useful later on in life. i definitely thought this was nonsense back in high school — and then i got this job.” 

“and now you’re rolling in dough?” you smile slightly. jeno chuckles. 

“i’m a long way away from having myself a scrooge mcduck golden pool, but i make enough to get by very comfortably, thanks to this.” 

“thanks to me, you mean.”

“you’re not my only student,” he snorts, pinching your elbow; you cry out exaggeratedly. “focus up. the hour’s almost over, and you should have finished with this much earlier.”

“can you leave it as homework?”

“not a chance.”

you blow out a sharp puff of air. “my mom used to do this thing where she’d give me rewards if i did well with my homework. i wish i’d still get something out of this.” 

“what kind of rewards did she give you?” 

“chocolates — candy, or sometimes we’d go out for milk tea together, if i did a particularly good job.”

“this is math tutoring, not a trip to the dentist,” jeno says, amused. 

“a trip to the dentist would be more enjoyable,” you mutter under your breath, picking up your pencil and doodling an angry face next to the number you’re only halfway through solving. “this totally blows.” 

“try to finish this before the hour’s up, and i’ll see if i can get you something nice. out of my own paycheck,” he stresses, prodding at your cheek to shift your attention back to the paper. he doesn’t miss the fact that your eyes light up, childish as the promise is. 

he doesn’t know if that’s really what motivates you, but you do manage to finish the worksheet with a few minutes to spare before the clock hits seven, and that earns you some light, solo applause. it isn’t much by way of true praise, but you flush with pride all the same. jeno packs his things in silence as you get yourself a glass of water, and you see him to the door. only there does he notice your eager eyes, your expectant smile. 

“what’s going through that pretty little head of yours?”

“are you really going to give me a reward? i did great today, you know,” you respond bluntly. 

“you were serious about that?” he laughs. 

“absolutely. i earned it.” you raise a slim finger, wagging it in his face. he trails it with his gaze, no shortage of amusement in his eyes. “next monday, i want something sweet.”

jeno takes in the sight of you, keeping your door open with your hip; he wonders if you know what you’re doing to him, what you’re asking of him — if you even know there’s nothing that could possibly be sweeter than you at this very moment. he drinks in the sight of your feigned haughty expression on your pretty features, the unnervingly low dip of your tank top, the tempting hemline of your shorts, and feels like you must be aware of what he’s going to do next. 

“if it’s something sweet you want, you don’t have to wait until next week.” 

he does it before he can think it through — surely, there’s nothing too harmful about a quick kiss? he angles your chin upward with his thumb and forefinger before you can even react to his words, and he tastes you like that for the first time. you’re just as soft and as sweet as he’d imagined, if not more so. 

when jeno pulls away, you step back; there’s shock written all over your face, your mouth still hanging open slightly. your voice is gentle, shaky when you start speaking. 

“sunbae, wha—”

“see you next week. rest up over the weekend, or there’ll be consequences.” 

he finds it easy to joke with you now, even after what he’s done — finds it easy to wave goodbye with nonchalance as he walks to the elevator, now that he’s gotten one thing out of his system. the look on your face, the growing blush across the bridge of your nose and your temples is indication enough for jeno to feel confident — if you hadn’t thought about him that way before, you were sure to spend the next few days doing exactly that. 

it’s exactly a week before your midterm exam, and jeno notices you’re less than focused. 

he’d let you stew over the weekend, not expecting much by way of communication; indeed, his phone hadn’t once been jostled by your texts. he’d taken that silence to assume that you’d been wrapped up in thoughts of the kiss he’d left you with, and you did not disappoint on that front; the next monday saw you fidgety, flushed, and constantly faltering in your words. you asked less questions, which normally indicated a problem, but today, he’d let it slide; you definitely had a little too much on that pretty little brain of yours. 

he notices you’re still dolled up — your eyelids are shimmery, and your lips are glossy; you’re wearing a tennis skirt that hits all the right buttons for him, too. it’s true that you’re always pretty well-dressed and put together, but today somehow feels different. if before, jeno had always seen you dressed up simply to look good, today it feels a little more like you’re dressed up to look good for him. he knows it’s a little bit egotistical to assume as much, but he also doesn’t miss the side glances you throw at him when you think he’s not looking at you answering your textbook or the way your cheeks glow when you make the slightest bit of eye contact. 

still, you try to focus as much as you can; it’s adorable, in fact, to see all your valiant efforts to appear unperturbed. he figures he’ll play along for as long as you will — what matters to him, after all, is that you’re in the game to begin with. you complain less today, focus on your worksheets, and jeno even manages to witness the sight of your forehead creasing up as you concentrate on a particularly difficult item. you’re adorable, in the kind of way that makes him want to pin you down and have his way with you. 

you finish your work without a fuss today; you only actually asked for his help twice, which was a feat in and of itself. and again, when the session is over, you walk him to the door.

this time, when you linger, he waits; you’re clearly not good at hiding your true intentions, as it’s become clear you have something you want to say. as you try to piece your thoughts together, jeno reaches into his backpack’s front pocket and extracts today’s gift — an actual chocolate bar, albeit a rather run of the mill one. 

“what’s this?” you ask, your thought process clearly derailed as confusion takes over your features. 

“your reward. for a good job last week and today — you said you wanted one, didn’t you?” 

“but i thought—” you stop yourself, your mouth opening and closing, suddenly wordless. jeno grins. 

“not good enough? i picked that up from a convenience store on my way here, so it definitely isn’t anything special, but i thought it would at least be a good motivator.”

you’re turning red, and there’s turmoil in your eyes — he enjoys this, he realizes, the way he flusters you. if he had known this would be the result, he would have made a move much sooner. you shift your weight from one foot to the other, back and forth, obviously weighing out your options too. finally, you say, “alright.”

“you seem disappointed.”

“i’m not.”

“i’ll get you a better brand next time, if you really don’t like it.” 

“it’s not that.”

“so what is it?” he doesn’t expect you to say it, and you don’t defy expectations; your bottom lip just quivers, and jeno chuckles low under his breath, stepping forward just past your doorway, just a little bit closer to you. “don’t tell me you wanted something completely different?”

you don’t say so, but he knows; he can tell by the way you tilt your head back, the way your lips part slightly, the gloss still trailing along the seam. he can tell by the way your torso arches just a little bit closer, almost like an accident. he can tell by the way your eyes bore into his, almost pleading. 

“what you did last week…” you start, but your voice trails off into nothing soon after. he chuckles again.

“ah, that. i might have gotten ahead of myself.” 

“was that all?” you press.

“and what would you do, if it wasn’t?”

“well — do you always like to play games?”

“i have a penchant for playing with my food before i eat it, if that answers your question.” he smiles down at your still-reddening face. “i was giving you a reward, as you wanted. i came up short on options then and there. you’ll let it slide this once, won’t you?”

“you did that just because i did well last week?”

“of course.”

“well, i did well today, too.” 

“you did, and that’s why you have this.” he gestures to the chocolate bar in your hand. 

“i don’t want this.” your voice is stubborn now, heated and frustrated, and you stuff the chocolate back into his hand. you must not like having to ask for something so blatantly — it’s too bad jeno wants to hear it in those exact words. 

“tell me what you really want, then.” 

you’re still unable to find the words, but your hands do the talking for you; they press into his shoulders and give you leverage to tiptoe until you’re just close enough to his lips. but you don’t close that gap, your mouth quivering only inches away from his, and oh, jeno wants to toy with you, but you’re just too irresistible this close to him. his warm palms press against your jaw, keeping your face steady as he closes the gap, and this time, he doesn’t just get a brief taste of you — jeno claims your lips with the thirst of a man who’s stumbled upon an oasis in the desert. 

you must have thought about this moment long and hard over the weekend, because the nonchalant side of you that’s turned a blind eye to him is completely gone; he drinks in your soft noises and short, breathless gasps — all signs of your eagerness — until he’s drunk on the taste of you. the deeper the kiss gets, the less you can keep up, but you try, and jeno always likes rewarding your efforts, his wide tongue taut and flush against your tiny one in the sweet, warm cavern of your mouth. he licks every inch of it, leaves the mild nicotine taste of himself there, before he pulls away slowly. your eyes are still closed when he creates distance, fluttering open in a happy haze a few seconds later. 

“good enough for you?” he murmurs, tucking a soft lock of hair behind your ear. you hum in assent through your dazed smile, and jeno knows he won’t be the only one looking forward to this coming wednesday.

you’d done really well today.

jeno’s proud of you — prouder than he’s been of most of his students in his career here at the university, actually. you’d finally answered a worksheet almost perfectly, save for a couple of numbers where you’d forgotten to round up, and those things are absolutely negligible at this point (by his books, anyway). you’ve been on your best behavior yet, avoiding all forms of complaint, and he knows fully well why, but he won’t criticize you for your hard work all the same, no matter the motivation behind it. 

in fact, you’ve done so good that he doesn’t wait until he’s about to leave to give you your sweet reward — which is why, twenty minutes before he’s meant to go, he’s got you on your couch, your legs spread, each one hooked over his shoulders. 

truth be told, you’d been good way before the lesson had started; you’d answered the door in a crop top and the tiniest pair of shorts you’ve dared to wear yet — all clothes that you couldn’t yet wear outside yet, given the weather. selfishly, jeno is thankful for this fact, and if he had to list down other things he’s thankful for, just off the top of his head, it’s that you no longer meet in the tutoring center and that your apartment’s walls seem thick and well-reinforced. 

“sunbae, don’t tease me.” your silly little whining voice makes its first appearance of the day, but all jeno does is smile — it’s an almost wicked expression, set firmly between your thighs. “you said i did really well today. don’t tell me you’re backing out on rewarding me?”

“not at all, sweetheart,” he hums, pressing a small kiss to your inner thigh. he likes seeing you shiver at the contact, likes the way you’re chewing on your lip in what appears to be slight agitation. “just thinking of how much of a reward you deserve.” 

in all honesty, jeno would like to take every bit of you now; you’re already so ready for him, anyway. he can smell the faint perfume of your arousal, can see the way you’re anticipating the most from him, and a part of him doesn’t want to deny you of that. the larger part of him has dreamed of burying his cock into you, anyway, and why wouldn’t he do that? but something also tells him to wait — or, rather, to make you wait, to make you want him just a little more. 

and so, he decides.

his mouth finds your skin again, pressing kisses up your thigh; they get wetter, hotter as his mouth moves up, until his nose and lips are buried against your clothed core. you squirm in response, but his grip on your thighs keeps you relatively steady, even as his tongue presses against thin fabric. the wet muscle pushes sharp against your tiny entrance, the tip meeting slight resistance against your shorts and panties, but he finds a way, burying half his tongue in alongside damp cloth. 

you’re already wet like this, and so needy that it might be possible for jeno to get you off just like this, still clothed, but the hunger in him spikes once you call out to him. 

“sunbae, please…”

with a groan, his fingers yank the fabric aside, exposing your pussy to the warmth of his breathing. it’s as pink, as pretty, as tiny as the rest of you, as fuckable as he’d imagined it would be, and he wastes no time in pressing his tongue flat against your folds, dragging it up in a wide, messy stripe; the muscle only tenses when it bumps against your clit, his tongue flicking upwards to tease it. 

you’re so reactive, even at the slightest things — you whimper, you squeeze your eyes shut, you squirm. you’re begging to be fucked, and jeno’s cock is strained tight against his jeans, but your taste is so addicting that he can’t help but dive back in. his tongue eases between your folds now, spreading them apart until they’re lewd and sticky with his saliva, and the nub of your clit has grown so pronounced now — so pert and lovely that he can’t help but purse his lips around it and suck with excess force. 

“sunbae — f—fuck,” you mewl; you almost sound tearful. “f—feels so good…”

jeno wants to tell you how fucking good you taste, how beautiful the sounds you’re making are, but his mouth is too busy; his teeth rake down your cunt lightly, earning him a jerk of your hips, and he has to place pressure down on your thighs again to make sure you’re still enough for him to slip his tongue into your cunt. 

he can tell even just by that how tight you’d be around him; your walls are warm around his tongue, and there’s a pressure against the muscle that tells him how good it’d feel for his cock to take its place. as if to simulate his desires, he presses his tongue deeper in, fucks you shallowly with its wetness until your whimpers become little sobs, broken and choked back. his thumb drags across your slit then settles against your clit, and he can feel the thrum of your pulse against the pad of his finger, beckoning him. he complies, easily, thumb tracing circles around the nub that start off slow, only for him to ramp up the pace alongside his tongue. 

you’re easily at fault for that; the way you whine for him, call him sunbae, tell him how good it feels over and over — why wouldn’t he want more of you? 

he’s not sure which of you really earns the sweet reward today; you cum on his tongue, your cunt trembling against his mouth and your fingers threaded into his hair, but he’s the one who comes out licking his lips like he’s had the best treat of his damn life.

come the middle of next week, jeno finds himself face to face with a test paper — one already clearly marked, with a number circled on the top-right corner. ninety. a stellar grade for anyone, and especially for you. 

you know it, and you look absolutely triumphant; you’re practically shining as you perch on your little dining table, your perfectly manicured finger jabbing at the score in emphasis. 

“flying colors, wouldn’t you say?” 

“color me impressed,” jeno replies smoothly, a genuine smile of pride tugging at his lips; he turns the page over, scanning your responses. you still draw your parabolas a little on the small side, making them a bit difficult to discern, and you’ve still got the habit of not rounding your answers up, but this is tremendous work, and he’ll be the first to praise you for it. “your dad must be filled to the brim with joy now, right?”

“i haven’t told him yet. you were the first.”

“well, i’m proud of you, sweetheart.” 

“proud enough to give me a reward?” 

he looks down at you in feigned thoughtfulness. here you sit, back in your little tennis skirt, looking up at him with hopeful eyes under those long, curled lashes. for someone who spent the first half of this semester acting ostensibly nonchalant, you’d very easily shown your true colors soon after — not that he really minds. in fact, he’s taken a decided kind of liking to how eager and willing you’ve come to be. 

“we’ve only just started our session, though,” he hums out, an idle thumb grazing his chin as he watches your expression turn from bright to cloudy, the beginnings of strategy darkening your gaze. it’s not like he wants to say no; he has no real intention to. but seeing you squirm in want makes him feel good about his decision to hold out a little longer — never mind the ache in his cock even then. “don’t we usually leave the rewards for a later time?” 

“i was thinking — since it’s the start of a new lesson —” 

“we wouldn’t want you falling behind from the start, would we?”

“i promise i won’t,” you pout. “i promise i’ll put in my best effort next time.” 

“next time? sweetheart, don’t tell me you’re thinking to get off scot-free today…” jeno trails off, his hand falling to the nearest surface it can reach — which, logic seems to dictate, is your soft, milky thigh. he feels you tense under his palm, and he bites back a smile, keeping his expression level. “i just don’t know.”

your small hands grip at the front of his shirt, and he hears you, for the first time, doing something he’s always wanted to hear you do. 

“please, sunbae?”

how could he say no to you? he hadn’t really planned on it, had only wanted to see you do this, but it’s still too much and beyond his expectation — your misty gaze, your quivering lip. it’s almost laughable that you don’t think he’d notice the way you shift yourself so that his hand, still warm against your thigh, slides up your skin, the hem of your skirt bunched up in the junction between his thumb and forefinger.

jeno chuckles — isn’t this exactly where and how he’s always wanted you? “how could you ask me like that and expect me to refuse, angel? in that case, i have no real choice but to dedicate all our time today to your reward.” 

your breathing hitches — in anticipation, in desire, in excitement — as his hand continues its trail upward, deliberately now, fingers hooking into the waistband of your panties. his head dips down, rests into the crook of your neck, and he inhales the thick, sweet scent of your perfume, your shampoo, of you and all that he’ll take from you. 

“just remember, you asked for this,” he murmurs against your skin. “so i’m going to take every bit of you until there’s nothing left for anyone else.” 

you’re so willing, so ready even before he can get his full bearings; your hips are rising slightly off the table, and jeno feels like it’s you that’s telling him to move faster. he tugs down your panties, letting gravity take its course until they’re a tiny puddle of fabric on the floor, and he slots himself between your legs. like this, you have no choice but to spread, and you do so without hesitation, your knees locking against his sides as he pulls you in for a tight, hungry kiss. there’s that taste of you he loves, that clean, sweet buzz that draws him in, and his hands are bruisingly tight on your waist as he reclaims your lips. 

you already look dazed when he pulls away, which is always cute, but a little unfair — jeno wants you to be aware still when he takes you, and damn, if he doesn’t want to take you right fucking now. he kisses you again, harder and more demanding, as if willing your attention back to him, while his hands explore you — run up your thighs, fingers brushing against the plush curve of your ass. it’s not enough, not by a long shot, and he’s pushing the waistline of your skirt up your stomach with his hands, letting his warmth transfer onto your skin; he chuckles as your stomach sucks inward at his touch, just as you let out a gasp against his lips.

and he wants desperately to hear that noise again; in fact, he wants to know what you sound like in every capacity. his mouth works down your neck, pleased to find that suckling wet and languid on a spot just above your collarbone has you writhing and whimpering. are you sensitive or touch-starved? whatever the reason, he wants to draw all of that out of you, his hands drawing back down to hook under your thighs. jeno drags you to the edge of the table, until your bare cunt is flush against the front of his jeans, and he lets you feel him — a brief tease of what’s to come. 

“i’m s—so wet already,” you whisper, as if he doesn’t know — as if you know it’s exactly what he wants to hear anyway. “sunbae, please, i need you.”

“not that,” he murmurs, his teeth grazing your collarbone as he speaks. “not sunbae. jeno. call me jeno, angel.”

“jeno,” you exhale shakily, and it’s music to his ears — as if the last thing holding him back from you had shattered. 

“that’s it — what a good girl,” he purrs, his hips rocking forward against your pussy before they retract, leaving just enough space for his hand to slip between. slender fingers trail down your folds, sticky and slick. “you are all wet for me, aren’t you? ready to take me deep inside?” 

even the way you nod, a tiny movement of assent, drives him wild, yet a part of him still wants to test the limit of your patience, his middle finger stretching to circle your entrance. 

“wouldn’t want to shock your tiny little pussy, though, would i? will you let me stretch you out first, kitten?”

“yes,” you mewl, sounding almost tearful. “anything— anything, please.”

jeno drinks in the long, drawn-out keen you set free when his digit sinks into you; he’s already felt your walls against his tongue, but a small part of him is still surprised at just how tight you are. that same part nags that he might not fit easily into you, but whatever that voice is is easily drowned out by a more assertive promise — he’ll make it fit. 

“can’t tell you how much i’ve wanted to feel your pretty little hole around my cock,” he presses on, his finger pushing deeper in; he feels you tense a delicious kind of tightness, as if it’s almost too much for you. is it? “ever since that first day you came into the tutoring center, dressed up all cute — did you do that on purpose, sweetheart?”

“yes,” you admit, breathless; the syllable is lengthened into a weak moan as jeno pumps his finger into you, slow, deep strokes that tease your tacky walls open. “wanted — wanted to make a good impression…”

“and you did, didn’t you? kept looking so sweet for me, so pretty every single time — got me thinking about all the ways i wanted to have you. got me so fucking hard every time we’d meet — is that what you wanted?”

jeno doesn’t give you much room to respond, but he can make his own answers to appease himself anyway; he reclaims your lips, already eager for another taste of you, and you comply with the same amount of desire, your soft whimpers melting against his teeth. in the space of pseudo silence, wet, messy noises, he manages to tease another digit into you, and you cry out against his lips as it pushes in, joining the first in how deep it reaches. he absorbs that too, takes in every minute sound you make, relishes the way you pulse around his fingers. even without the noises, he can tell your pleasure’s heightening, with the way you clench around him, your hips rocking pitifully as you’re eager to rut against his palm. 

“look at you now.” he’s selfish, but he doesn’t care — he wants to ruin you, and if the telltale squelch of your cunt as he fucks his fingers into it isn’t indication enough, then the way your mouth hangs open as he pulls away, letting his name fall freely from your lips, definitely is. “legs spread, all desperate to feel good for me. what a needy little kitten you are. this good enough for you, angel?”

you shake your head, only to squeal as he pulls you closer, his fingers shoving deeper into you; your hips are re-angled, allowing him to brush the pads of his digits against the rough, sweet spot, and he feels triumph bloom in his chest as you throw your head back, teary eyes squeezed shut.

“no, no, no,” you babble, and he can see the bob of your throat as you swallow hard, clutching at sense to make words. “want — need your cock, want to cum on your cock so badly, jeno — want you to fuck me, stretch me open, please —”

“greedy, aren’t you?” he murmurs, leaning in to nip at the spot he’d left reddened above your collarbone. “go on then — show me how much you want it. show me what a good girl you are, and cum on my fingers.” 

“but—” 

“come on, angel,” he urges above the squelching noises, increasing surely in volume. his fingers meet resistance when they spread apart inside you, but all it does is create a delicious friction that has you squirming in his hold. “don’t hold back. let me see you fall apart.” 

and you do, so prettily, your eyes rolling back and your voice unrestrained. jeno’s fingers ride you through your orgasm, pumping deep and steady despite how slick you’ve gotten, your juices coating his hand and wrist. he watches the flush rise to your neck, stopping at your cheeks, watches the heaving of your chest, the shine of your skin from a thin sheen of sweat, and he doesn’t want to let you come down from this high, but his cock is aching — practically bursting from his jeans — and all he can do is make the silent vow that the next time you look like this, he’ll be balls deep in you. 

“that’s my girl,” he coos gently, watching the tension slip from your shoulders; his free hand is at the small of your back quickly, easing you down as your torso falls back, and you’re laying on the table. “pretty little thing, aren’t you? cumming so sweetly for me.” 

“jeno,” you groan out weakly, your tiny hand clasping around his wrist. “cock — i want your cock, please—” 

“can’t wait?” he’s indecent for sounding amused, but even that does nothing to stay his arousal; how eager you are simply makes him want you all the more. “okay, angel — since you asked so nicely.” 

a slight twinge of disappointment runs through him as he pulls his fingers out, but it’s quickly buried by the feeling he gets once he gives you a clear sweep of a once-over; how slutty you look, still half-dressed but already half-ruined, your thighs shaking in an effort to keep them open for him, the remnants of your last climax still leaking out of your hole. the sight of you has him so distracted that unbuttoning and unzipping his pants feels like a fever dream of an act; he barely notices what he’s doing until he’s already bare in front of you, and alertness has crawled halfway back into your consciousness as you push yourself up on your elbows to look at him.

“it’s so—” you have the decency to blush, though there’s a pleased look on your face that tells him you’re not really embarrassed. “i didn’t think you’d be this big.” 

“does that worry you?”

“i’ve never had anyone… this big.” pride blooms in his chest — good, he thinks, because if he can’t be as memorable as your first, then he’ll take being the most in something as a prize. “i don’t think — will it fit?”

“does it matter?” he chuckles, and your blush deepens. “no matter what — you’ll take all of me in, won’t you?”

you chew on your bottom lip, as if considering your options, but to jeno, there’s really only one choice — the correct one, and you make it when you nod your head. 

“it’ll feel good, though, you know,” he muses. his hand wrapped around his base, he lines himself up with you, the tip grazing against your folds. “even better than just now.”

with just a little more pressure, he has his shaft flush against you; his girth sits against your slit, the tip pressed against your clit, and he starts to rock his hips — into his fist, against your cunt. your hips quiver, and a shiver runs through you as your pleasure spikes again, but he can tell it isn’t enough. your bottom lip is back between your teeth, and your eyes are flitting between his face and his cock. jeno reaches out, eases your lip out from between your teeth, strokes it gently, almost tenderly. 

“say it,” he commands in a soft, silky voice. 

“fuck me, jeno,” you breathe out, barely missing a beat. “fuck me, fuck my pussy, please.”

and if you ask that desperately, he’ll waste no time; he draws his hips back, dragging his cock down until he’s aligned with your entrance. his eyes are trained on your face, even when he pushes in, so that he can take in your expression — the widening of your eyes as his tip breaches the first wave of resistance, the way your mouth falls agape as his fingers dig hard into your flesh. he’s never seen a prettier sight in his life.

“stretched you out already, but you’re still so fucking tight,” his voice is a soft, melodious croon, a stark contrast to the way he’s forcing past your tightness. ���tight and wet, like a good girl.” 

“so big,” you whimper, your fingers stretched far enough to tickle the front of his shirt. “can’t — can’t take it.” 

“of course you can, angel.” jeno doesn’t give you the time to brace yourself fully before he’s rocking his hips in a little more sharply, his cock now halfway into you. your fingers curl into a little fist, immediately flying back to block the noise from your mouth. “ah ah. don’t get shy on me now; you’ve been so noisy for me all this time.”

but he doesn’t really mind the way you clap your palm over your mouth to muffle your high-pitched squeal as he thrusts in fully, the adjustment period after the last movement close to nothing; he’s too busy focusing on how good you feel around him, how warm and wet your insides are. this is heaven, easily, and jeno wants to stay here for as long as he can. 

“god, you’re fucking tight,” he repeats, an appreciatory gaze running over where you’re joined. his thumb stretches over your folds, rubbing them — something of an apology, perhaps, although all it does is stimulate you more, and you shiver at the extra contact. “how deep is it, baby?”

“can feel you here,” you mumble out, your small hand pressing just above your pelvis. he feels the tightness multiply as you place pressure, even just for a moment. “your cock’s so much deeper than anyone else.” 

your hand falls away, limp, as he draws his hips back; you inhale, long and deep, before letting it out as a broken moan when he pushes back in. it drives him crazy, to start off this slow, when all he wants is to find a pace that has you sobbing, but the resistance of your pussy against his length isn’t easy to ignore. jeno works you open, his jaw set and his grip tight against your frame, and it isn’t long before he’s picking up speed, the slap of his flesh against yours fueling him exponentially, mingling with your cries, steadily increasing in volume. 

“that’s it. let everyone hear you,” he eggs on, his thumb now circling tight around your clit; your legs are quivering, threatening to close, but he keeps you steady, one arm wrapped around your thigh. his thrusts grow rougher, more deliberate, and when he looks up from where you’re joined back to your face, he sees your expression as a mixture of incredulity and ecstasy. a thin line of drool hangs from the corner of your mouth, your pretty pink lip gloss smeared, and fuck if he doesn’t want to make sure you look like this every single time he comes over. “let them know who’s fucking you good, angel.”

“j— jeno!” your voice hitches, lilts up as he presses in at a different, deeper angle, and he almost cums right then and there from the way your walls pulse around him. “your cock feels so good, fucking me just right— more, god, more—” 

he complies without hesitation, gathering both your thighs and pushing them closer to your chest; you look even lewder like this, folded in half with your sopping cunt presented to him like it’s all his to take, and it is, isn’t it? there’s an increase in the intensity, the vigor in which he pumps his cock into you, and he knows he’s brushing repeatedly against your spot by the way you’re blubbering his name out in a way that suggests you sincerely think no one else in this building can hear you. 

“that’s my girl,” he hums approvingly, though there’s a thickness in his voice that has him sounding a little more strained. “such a good girl, with your cunt all nice and sloppy for me. do you like it when i go this deep? does it feel good when i fuck you where no one else can?” 

“yes!” you sob out, your hands crumpling the end of your skirt up into tight fists. “jeno, i— cum, i need to cum again, please—”

“i’ve got you, kitten,” his tone is reassuring, a stark contrast to the rigor of his hips. “don’t have to hang on for me, you know; always love seeing you fall apart.” 

“m’close, so close —” 

“let go, then,” he urges, his blunt nails digging into your flesh. “let me feel that sweet cunt cum on my cock.” 

you comply without hesitation, though if you’d done it willingly, he can’t really tell; he has to pin your hips down to stop you from bucking up and causing him to slip out, and you writhe against him as you sob in ecstasy, your walls fluttering before they clench. stray tears leak from your eyes, squeezed shut, and jeno wants nothing more than to eat you up like this — broken, fucked out. 

you’re not even fully down from your high when he feels it — that sudden wrenching in his gut that tells him he’s about to follow suit. with a low groan, he peels your thighs apart again, lets you watch him as he bullies straight into your leaking hole. your voice is a staccato, punctuating every deep, sharp thrust into you, and it’s exactly to that melody that he wants to get off. 

“tell me where you want it, angel.” he doesn’t trust his voice, sharp and short as it is now. “should i mark your pretty face? your stomach?”

“want it against my pussy,” you whisper out, and jeno almost loses his mind as he watches you spread your folds apart with your forefinger and middle finger, inviting him. “make a mess of it, sunbae.”

he’s barely able to pull out before he’s spilling against you; he ruts against your slit, coating your folds and the insides of your thighs in thick, creamy white. you hold your legs apart for as long as you can until they start to tremble, and he catches them and gently eases them down. 

when you sit up to kiss him, you’re still demanding; he feels your hips rock closer, your sticky cunt pressing against the underside of his cock.

“not enough,” you murmur against his lips, and jeno chuckles as you bind your hands around his neck. 

“don’t worry, kitten,” he hums back. “we’ve got all afternoon.”

[victoryai]

The ascendant in solar return chart

♈ Aries ascendant: When this shows up as your Sr ascendant, we are talking about you, you and you. The focus of the year is on you, new beginnings, new goals, a fresh start. They'll be a very significant change in your life and physical appearance. You might adopt new habits, start hitting the gym, dye your hair, cut your hair, change your name, or make a major achievement in your life. Your confidence will sporadically shoot. Aries is ruled by fiery mars. So be careful

♉ Taurus ascendant: Taurus represents, money, food,wealth, self worth etc. when Taurus shows up as your solar return ascendant this listed above will be highlighted. This is a year that is about to shake up your account balance 😂. Your going to earn and spend more. There's a high chance of adding weight. This is literally spoiler alert😂. You'll spoil yourself rotten and buy what ever you like. Your self esteem is gonna reach the stars. Not a year to be broke baby!

✨Where Taurus falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♊ Gemini: Gemini represents short distance journeys, siblings, neighborhood, your country/continent, learning, education , writing. So literally any of these could come up for you. You might find your self really restless 😬. Yeah, the year I had this, I was sooooo restless and anxious 😰😂. I also moved from one city to another . You would literally be so busy. Might end up writing a book or start a blog or take an educational program. You might travel within you country or continent (exceptions if Gemini falls in your natal 9th house, then you can travel abroad)

If you had a strained relationship with your siblings, you can fix that. Something significant happens in the life of your siblings/cousins/neighbors. They might be something happening in your neighborhood too. Where Gemini falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♋ Cancer: Cancer represents home, house , mother, emotions, family, home country, mother figures, Grandma etc.

So when Cancer shows up as your Sr asc, expect this 👆to be highlighted. You're very likely to make a renovation at home, buy a new house, invest in real estate, change homes. The focus of this year might also be on your Mom, just something about her . If afflicted, it might show fights with family or at home. If you're a woman, then you might have your first child or you might become for family oriented. It might also show you reuniting with family members. Where Cancer falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♌ Leo: This year is going to be shiny year😂. Believe me when I saw you might have children this year or focus more on your kids. If not, you might be really having the time of your life. Going on dates, having numerous crushes and admirers, having funnnn. Let's not forget that this is also the house of education. You might enroll in a partime educational course . A short educational program. If your a gambler, expect luck to rain on you this year. Your going to be fortunate In betting and gambling. Lastly and most shiny, you have the chance to be in the spotlight. You're a star✨⭐. You'll find yourself seeking attention and fame and you'll get it. Go girl/boy. plus be careful not to get too prideful. Where Leo falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♍ Virgo: Pls tryy your possible best to take care of yourself this year😬. There's a 50/50 chance of really falling sick. When I had this, that particular year was the worst of my life 😭. I normally don't fall sick but that year, it was something else.

Well apart from sickness, you'll find your self more picky and organized. You wouldn't tolerate nonsense tho 😂 . The year I had this , I literally fought with someone. If your planning on losing weight, then it'll be easier for you this year. You might also do something education related. Your schedules will be full and you'll find yourself being repetitive. You might also decide to take more care of yourself , go to spa, healthcare, clinics often and youibe very careful too 😊. I almost forgot, you'll be of service to someone that is sick , old or a baby . That year I took care of my 90 yr old Grandma. You'll pack others 💩😂 or maybe community service too.

Where Virgo falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♎ Libra ascendant: Awwn 😊, your gonna make heads turn . Having your Sr asc in the sign of partnerships and love, you should know what to expect. People are going to find you attractive as hell 😉even if you didn't change much. Your very likely to find yourself in a romantic relationship or you're going to be surrounded by people. You might get married as well !. If you're already married then your focus for this year is going to be your spouse and your marriage. Without affliction, the love btw you and your person will grow stronger. People will come to you✨.Where Libra falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♏Scorpio ascendant: This year is likely to be about transformation, death, inheritance, wealth of others,s3x, your spouse properties , surgery. Expect a transformative year because your due for a change . You can come across massive wealth this year(which is def not yours), someone might die, thereby leaving you with inheritance. You might decide to go for surgery(mostly surgery to change your looks). You might obsess over something which might be unhealthy for you. Take note. Where Scorpio falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

Your headed for a change baby!!.

♐ Sagittarius ascendant: 😋 my favorite. This year is about religion, travel 🧳 college/university, beliefs, teachers and adventure. You can't get bored this year!😋. You might be making a significant move regarding your studies, might start or finish college. You may travel overseas this year!!😋🤤. Get to experience different cultures and places. Let's not forget the spiritual side of this house. You're likely to improve in your beliefs this year or maybe even change them or convert to another religion . You will feel the presence of God. Your definitely in for luck this year. You might meet a mentor or a very great teacher. Even if you're an introvert you'll literally stand on a hill and scream 😂 lol. Where Sagittarius falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♑ Capricorn ascendant: Your job is highlighted!!. If you're looking for a job, you'll get one this year. Your concern this year is your job and public image. You might even get promoted . You are Boss!. You'll learn to accept responsibilities this year. If the stars are even more aligned, expect fame. Youll shine and be in the spotlight. You should also try to be in good terms with your Dad and other authority figures. This is a year to establish your careeer goals. You might feel a little overwhelmed.Where Capricorn falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♒ Aquarius ascendant: This year is about your hopes and wishes, community, friend group, socials, being unique and being online all the time 😂😂lol. This year you are one among the crowd. You fight for your justice and for what is right. You seem so different from the people around you. You are innovative this year. You're likely to have new friends this year or might even become popular online. Maybe you decide to boost your socials or you fulfill long term goals.Where Aquarius falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

♓ Pisces: 💦💨🌊🌬️. A year of deep introspection or isolation. This year you seek to shut the outside world so as to renew lost energy. You seek peace and quiet but don't let it throw you into depression mode. You're often more quiet this year and let your mind and soul wander in other realms. You third eye 👁️ may 👐 open. You no more seek material things of this world but seek that which last forever. Your likely to be more immersed in spiritual practices.

The bad side is that you might easily get depressed 😔, or get into drugs. There's also a chance of going to jail. I love y'all . pls be careful and don't get confused or deceived 🥺🥺Where Pisces falls in your natal chart is also going to be highlighted.

[c1qfxugcgy0]

At my last job, we sold lots of hobbyist electronics stuff, including microcontrollers.

This turned out to be a little more complicated than selling, like, light bulbs. Oh how I yearned for the simplicity of a product you could plug in and have work.

Background: A microcontroller is the smallest useful computer. An ATtiny10 has a kilobyte of program memory. If you buy a thousand at a time, they cost 44 cents each.

As you'd imagine, the smallest computer has not great specs. The RAM is 32 bytes. Not gigabytes, not megabytes, not kilobytes. Individual bytes. Microcontrollers have the absolute minimum amount of hardware needed to accomplish their task, and nothing more.

This includes programming the thing. Any given MCU is programmed once, at the start of its life, and then spends the next 30 years blinking an LED on a refrigerator. Since they aren’t meant to be reflashed in the field, and modern PCs no longer expose the fast, bit-bangable ports hobbyists once used, MCUs usually need a third-party programming tool.

But you could just use that tool to install a bootloader, which then listens for a magic number on the serial bus. Then you can reprogram the chip as many times as you want without the expensive programming hardware.

There is an immediate bifurcation here. Only hobbyists will use the bootloader version. With 1024 bytes of program memory, there is, even more than usual, nothing to spare.

Consumer electronics development is a funny gig. It, more than many other businesses, requires you to be good at everything. A startup making the next Furby requires a rare omniexpertise. Your company has to write software, design hardware, create a production plan, craft a marketing scheme, and still do the boring logistics tasks of putting products in boxes and mailing them out. If you want to turn a profit, you do this the absolute minimum number of people. Ideally, one.

Proving out a brand new product requires cutting corners. You make the prototype using off the shelf hobbyist electronics. You make the next ten units with the same stuff, because there's no point in rewriting the entire codebase just for low rate initial production. You use the legacy code for the next thousand units because you're desperately busy putting out a hundred fires and hiring dozens of people to handle the tsunami of new customers. For the next ten thousand customers...

Rather by accident, my former employer found itself fulfilling the needs of the missing middle. We were an official distributor of PICAXE chips for North America. Our target market was schools, but as a sideline, we sold individual PICAXE chips, which were literally PIC chips flashed with a bootloader and a BASIC interpreter at a 200% markup. As a gag, we offered volume discounts on the chips up to a thousand units. Shortly after, we found ourselves filling multi-thousand unit orders.

We had blundered into a market niche too stupid for anyone else to fill. Our customers were tiny companies who sold prototypes hacked together from dev boards. And every time I cashed a ten thousand dollar check from these guys, I was consumed with guilt. We were selling to willing buyers at the current fair market price, but they shouldn't have been buying these products at all! Since they were using bootloaders, they had to hand program each chip individually, all while PIC would sell you programmed chips at the volume we were selling them for just ten cents extra per unit! We shouldn't have been involved at all!

But they were stuck. Translating a program from the soft and cuddly memory-managed education-oriented languages to the hardcore embedded byte counting low level languages was a rather esoteric skill. If everyone in-house is just barely keeping their heads above water responding to customer emails, and there's no budget to spend $50,000 on a consultant to rewrite your program, what do you do? Well, you keep buying hobbyist chips, that's what you do.

And I talked to these guys. All the time! They were real, functional, profitable businesses, who were giving thousands of dollars to us for no real reason. And the worst thing. The worst thing was... they didn't really care? Once every few months they would talk to their chip guy, who would make vague noises about "bootloaders" and "programming services", while they were busy solving actual problems. (How to more accurately detect deer using a trail camera with 44 cents of onboard compute) What I considered the scandal of the century was barely even perceived by my customers.

In the end my employer was killed by the pandemic, and my customers seamlessly switched to buying overpriced chips straight from the source. The end! No moral.

[aeth-eris]

★ how to maximize profits via 2nd house ★

aries in the 2nd house can maximize profits by capitalizing on their entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit. aries benefits from fast-paced, high-energy ventures where they can lead and make quick decisions. they might excel by launching a fitness training program, offering personal coaching services, or starting a motivational brand that sells products like athletic apparel, energy drinks, or performance gear. aries could also find success with subscription boxes focused on high-adrenaline hobbies like hiking, martial arts, or adventure sports. by embracing ventures that allow them to innovate quickly and take the lead, aries can build profitable businesses that leverage their passion and high energy.

taurus in the 2nd house is well-suited for steady financial growth through high-quality, long-term investments and products. they thrive in businesses that emphasize luxury, beauty, and quality, such as a high-end skincare line, organic foods business, or eco-friendly clothing brand. taurus could also consider starting a boutique furniture store that sells artisan-crafted or vintage items, as they appreciate products with enduring value. with their talent for creating a comforting atmosphere, taurus might excel with a bed and breakfast, a spa, or a wellness center that offers relaxation services. taurus maximizes profits by focusing on products that prioritize quality and offer a luxurious experience, appealing to clients who value longevity and craftsmanship.

gemini in the 2nd house can boost profits by tapping into their adaptability and communication skills, especially in diverse, mentally stimulating fields. they could thrive by starting a digital marketing agency, offering copywriting or editing services, or launching an online course platform that covers a wide range of topics to cater to curious minds. with their natural social skills, gemini could also excel in creating a networking app or social media consulting service. offering services like translation, podcasting, or even freelance journalism can keep income flowing, as gemini is well-suited to manage multiple streams of revenue. their knack for curiosity-driven ventures and networking makes them ideal for businesses that involve idea-sharing, quick adaptability, and community engagement.

cancer in the 2nd house can increase earnings by focusing on nurturing and emotionally resonant businesses that bring comfort to others. they might start a home-cooked meal delivery service, a childcare center, or a family-focused event planning service that organizes intimate gatherings like birthdays and reunions. cancer could also do well in real estate, particularly with home staging or property management that emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces. they could excel in interior decorating, especially with a focus on cozy, family-oriented spaces, or start a handcrafted candle or blanket line. by building businesses that revolve around care, comfort, and family, cancer can create loyal clients and establish long-term success through emotional connections.

leo in the 2nd house maximizes profits by showcasing their creativity and leadership, often excelling in businesses that allow them to stand out and build a brand. leo could find success with a personal brand consultancy, fashion line, or luxury event planning business. they might enjoy launching a social media channel focused on lifestyle or self-improvement, where they can attract sponsorships or sell branded merchandise. leo also thrives in roles where they can influence and inspire others, so they might consider starting a motivational speaking business, an acting or dance academy, or a high-end boutique. with their flair for self-expression, leo profits best when they create high-quality, visually captivating products and services that let their star power shine through.

virgo in the 2nd house finds financial success through practical, detail-oriented services that provide high value and efficiency. they excel in businesses that involve organization, health, and precision, such as financial consulting, tax preparation, or a personal organizing service. virgo might also thrive with a nutrition or wellness coaching business, offering tailored health plans or holistic products like herbal supplements or self-care kits. a digital bookkeeping service, copyediting business, or virtual assistant agency could also bring them steady profits, as virgo’s meticulous nature appeals to clients who seek reliability and structure. by focusing on services that emphasize quality and organization, virgo builds a reputation for excellence that attracts a steady client base.

libra in the 2nd house can increase earnings by leveraging their skills in diplomacy, aesthetics, and partnerships. they could start a wedding planning business, a floral design company, or a luxury lifestyle brand that sells carefully curated home décor items. libra would also excel in public relations consulting or brand management roles, where they can help clients present a refined, balanced image. creating a high-end art gallery, a boutique law firm, or a relationship coaching service could also align well with libra’s skills. libra thrives in partnership-focused ventures, so building collaborative business models or co-founding a business with others can also enhance their profitability and bring a sense of harmony to their financial life.

scorpio in the 2nd house maximizes profits by tapping into their ability to handle intensity and complexity, often succeeding in fields like finance, psychology, and research. scorpio could build wealth by creating a private investigation firm, a psychotherapy practice, or a financial planning service specializing in wealth management or estate planning. they might also thrive in real estate investment, particularly with properties that need transformation, such as flipping houses or managing rental properties. scorpio may also excel in businesses related to holistic healing, offering reiki or shadow work coaching. by focusing on industries that require trust, depth, and resilience, scorpio can attract clients who value privacy and are willing to invest in transformational services.

sagittarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by embracing their love for adventure, growth, and education. they could launch a travel agency specializing in unique cultural experiences, a language learning platform, or a motivational speaking business that offers courses and workshops. sagittarius could also thrive by creating a publishing company focused on philosophical or inspirational content or starting a tour guiding business for international destinations. their enthusiasm for knowledge makes them great at teaching, so they might consider offering online courses or starting a coaching business in a field they’re passionate about. by aligning with growth-oriented ventures, sagittarius can attract an audience that values inspiration and big-picture thinking.

capricorn in the 2nd house maximizes profits through disciplined, long-term planning and a practical approach to business. they’re well-suited for businesses like a corporate consulting firm, project management agency, or investment portfolio service. capricorn could also do well in real estate development, particularly with rental properties or commercial buildings. they might find success by starting a financial advisory firm or creating a luxury goods company focused on high-end, timeless products like leather goods or fine jewelry. by aligning with industries that reward patience and professionalism, capricorn can build a solid financial foundation and enjoy steady growth, often seeing long-term success through conservative but reliable investments.

aquarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by focusing on innovation, technology, and humanitarian ventures. they might launch a tech startup, a renewable energy company, or a social media platform that prioritizes community and ethical interaction. aquarius could also find success with a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, an eco-friendly product line, or a collaborative workspace for creatives and freelancers. their futuristic mindset makes them perfect for ventures in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, or virtual reality. by aligning their finances with progressive and forward-thinking industries, aquarius can attract clients and customers who value innovation and social impact.

pisces in the 2nd house maximizes profits by leaning into their creativity, compassion, and spirituality. they may thrive in a music or art therapy practice, a spiritual coaching business, or a holistic wellness center that offers services like yoga, meditation, and crystal healing. pisces could also succeed by creating a boutique art studio, a dream journal line, or a subscription service for wellness products like essential oils, herbal teas, and calming rituals. they’re drawn to businesses that help others heal or connect with their inner selves, so they may also find success in fields like astrology, psychic readings, or intuitive counseling. by aligning with businesses that emphasize emotional well-being and creativity, pisces can build a profitable venture that resonates deeply with clients who seek personal and spiritual growth.

[mariacallous]

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is starting to put together a team to migrate the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) computer systems entirely off one of its oldest programming languages in a matter of months, potentially putting the integrity of the system—and the benefits on which tens of millions of Americans rely—at risk.

The project is being organized by Elon Musk lieutenant Steve Davis, multiple sources who were not given permission to talk to the media tell WIRED, and aims to migrate all SSA systems off COBOL, one of the first common business-oriented programming languages, and onto a more modern replacement like Java within a scheduled tight timeframe of a few months.

Under any circumstances, a migration of this size and scale would be a massive undertaking, experts tell WIRED, but the expedited deadline runs the risk of obstructing payments to the more than 65 million people in the US currently receiving Social Security benefits.

“Of course, one of the big risks is not underpayment or overpayment per se; [it’s also] not paying someone at all and not knowing about it. The invisible errors and omissions,” an SSA technologist tells WIRED.

The Social Security Administration did not immediately reply to WIRED’s request for comment.

SSA has been under increasing scrutiny from president Donald Trump’s administration. In February, Musk took aim at SSA, falsely claiming that the agency was rife with fraud. Specifically, Musk pointed to data he allegedly pulled from the system that showed 150-year-olds in the US were receiving benefits, something that isn’t actually happening. Over the last few weeks, following significant cuts to the agency by DOGE, SSA has suffered frequent website crashes and long wait times over the phone, The Washington Post reported this week.

This proposed migration isn’t the first time SSA has tried to move away from COBOL: In 2017, SSA announced a plan to receive hundreds of millions in funding to replace its core systems. The agency predicted that it would take around five years to modernize these systems. Because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the agency pivoted away from this work to focus on more public-facing projects.

Like many legacy government IT systems, SSA systems contain code written in COBOL, a programming language created in part in the 1950s by computing pioneer Grace Hopper. The Defense Department essentially pressured private industry to use COBOL soon after its creation, spurring widespread adoption and making it one of the most widely used languages for mainframes, or computer systems that process and store large amounts of data quickly, by the 1970s. (At least one DOD-related website praising Hopper's accomplishments is no longer active, likely following the Trump administration’s DEI purge of military acknowledgements.)

As recently as 2016, SSA’s infrastructure contained more than 60 million lines of code written in COBOL, with millions more written in other legacy coding languages, the agency’s Office of the Inspector General found. In fact, SSA’s core programmatic systems and architecture haven’t been “substantially” updated since the 1980s when the agency developed its own database system called MADAM, or the Master Data Access Method, which was written in COBOL and Assembler, according to SSA’s 2017 modernization plan.

SSA’s core “logic” is also written largely in COBOL. This is the code that issues social security numbers, manages payments, and even calculates the total amount beneficiaries should receive for different services, a former senior SSA technologist who worked in the office of the chief information officer says. Even minor changes could result in cascading failures across programs.

“If you weren't worried about a whole bunch of people not getting benefits or getting the wrong benefits, or getting the wrong entitlements, or having to wait ages, then sure go ahead,” says Dan Hon, principal of Very Little Gravitas, a technology strategy consultancy that helps government modernize services, about completing such a migration in a short timeframe.

It’s unclear when exactly the code migration would start. A recent document circulated amongst SSA staff laying out the agency’s priorities through May does not mention it, instead naming other priorities like terminating “non-essential contracts” and adopting artificial intelligence to “augment” administrative and technical writing.

Earlier this month, WIRED reported that at least 10 DOGE operatives were currently working within SSA, including a number of young and inexperienced engineers like Luke Farritor and Ethan Shaotran. At the time, sources told WIRED that the DOGE operatives would focus on how people identify themselves to access their benefits online.

Sources within SSA expect the project to begin in earnest once DOGE identifies and marks remaining beneficiaries as deceased and connecting disparate agency databases. In a Thursday morning court filing, an affidavit from SSA acting administrator Leland Dudek said that at least two DOGE operatives are currently working on a project formally called the “Are You Alive Project,” targeting what these operatives believe to be improper payments and fraud within the agency’s system by calling individual beneficiaries. The agency is currently battling for sweeping access to SSA’s systems in court to finish this work. (Again, 150-year-olds are not collecting social security benefits. That specific age was likely a quirk of COBOL. It doesn’t include a date type, so dates are often coded to a specific reference point—May 20, 1875, the date of an international standards-setting conference held in Paris, known as the Convention du Mètre.)

In order to migrate all COBOL code into a more modern language within a few months, DOGE would likely need to employ some form of generative artificial intelligence to help translate the millions of lines of code, sources tell WIRED. “DOGE thinks if they can say they got rid of all the COBOL in months, then their way is the right way, and we all just suck for not breaking shit,” says the SSA technologist.

DOGE would also need to develop tests to ensure the new system’s outputs match the previous one. It would be difficult to resolve all of the possible edge cases over the course of several years, let alone months, adds the SSA technologist.

“This is an environment that is held together with bail wire and duct tape,” the former senior SSA technologist working in the office of the chief information officer tells WIRED. “The leaders need to understand that they’re dealing with a house of cards or Jenga. If they start pulling pieces out, which they’ve already stated they’re doing, things can break.”

[sims-himbo]

THE SIMS 4: BARBIE LEGACY CHALLENGE (BASE GAME EDITION!)

ever since i posted the original challenge, i have been getting asked to come up with a base game version, and it is finally here! i'm really sorry that it took this long but i have no concept of time lol, anyways, i hope even more of you can enjoy it now!

challenge rules below the cut

All heirs must be female and named Barbie. (non-heir children may have any name)

You may use the freerealestate cheat for your first house, but try not to use money cheats after that!

You are allowed and encouraged to use lot traits and rewards to boost skill gain, anything that’s in-game is fair game.

You’ve been raised with traditional values: find a good man, start a family, be a homemaker... But you want your children to aim higher, so you’ll make sure to set them up for success.

Complete Successful Lineage aspiration

Max Cooking and Charisma skill

Have at least 4 kids, each child must complete at least one child aspiration and they must all max out their grades in school

Must have Family-Oriented trait

Your mother was happy staying at home, but not you. You’re ready to fight your way to the top and make enough money to support your family for generations to come.

Complete Fabulously Wealthy aspiration

Max Charisma and Logic skills

Max Business career (Investor branch)

Must have Ambitious trait

Your family is wealthy and you were pretty popular growing up. You’ve always been a trendsetter, pushing the limits and breaking the mold, so now it’s time to take the fashion industry by storm!

Complete Friend Of The World aspiration

Must have Materialistic and Creative traits

Max Style Influencer career (Trendsetter branch)

Max Photography and Charisma skills

Have a gallery wall with all of your friends and family

Your mom has made a name for herself on social media, and she's used her platform to promote your cooking talents! Empowered by this positive attention, you decide to follow your dreams of becoming a world-renowned chef!

Complete Master Chef aspiration (Chef branch)

Must have Foodie trait

Max Cooking and Gourmet Cooking skills

Die by fire, then make Ambrosia to bring yourself back from the dead! (You may cheat for the ingredients, but not for the skills; you may also cheat to add your ghost to your household, here's how)

When you were a lass, your mom made you four dozen eggs every morning to help you get large! Now, you’re determined to reach your full potential in physical performance and become a world class champion!

Complete Bodybuilder aspiration

Max Fitness and Charisma skills

Max Athlete career (Athlete branch)

Must have Active trait

Your mother was physically gifted, but you’re more brainy than brawny. You spend hours at your computer everyday, there’s so much information to absorb!

Complete Computer Whiz aspiration

Max Video Gaming and Programming skills

Win a Professional Tournament in ALL the games

Must have Geek trait

Your family has achieved many, many accolades, and you’ve set out to capture all of it in an epic Tell-All novel that you spend your entire life writing!

Complete Bestselling Author aspiration

Max Writing skill

Write Book Of Life and bind it to your parent, use it to successfully bring them back from a premature death

Must have Creative trait

Being from a successful lineage, people may roll their eyes and immediately write you off as yet another nepo-baby trying to start a music career… So you must prove them all wrong by becoming a proper rockstar!

Complete Party Animal aspiration

Max Entertainer Career (Musician Branch)

Must have Music Lover and Outgoing traits

Max Guitar, Violin and Piano skills

The success of your ancestors has set you up to comfortably follow your dreams. You love the arts, and you want to become an accomplished painter living in a beautiful palace, surrounded by the beauty you’ve created!

Complete Mansion Baron aspiration

Max Painter career (Either branch)

Max Painting skill

Have an Art Gallery and display all of your masterpieces

Must have Art Lover trait

Now that you’ve conquered the world, it’s time to venture out into Space! There’s so much to explore out there, and Barbie must leave her mark all across the galaxy.

Complete Nerd Brain aspiration

Max Astronaut career (Any branch)

Max Logic and Rocket Science skills

Build and fully upgrade a Rocket Ship

Explore Space and bring a souvenir

Try for a baby on the ship!

Must have Genius trait

[femmefatalevibe]

Femme Fatale Guide: 15 Essential Business Skills Everyone Should Master

Articulate, confident communication

Crafting effective, compelling pitches

Operating and communicating through a solution-oriented framework

Research of all types (Google, market research, studies, polls, interpersonal conversations, etc.)

Learning how to streamline, edit, and organize information in a clear and logical way

Accumulating high-level working knowledge/proficiency in all tools and programs directly related to your type of work/industry

Budgeting and financial optimization (investment, tax benefits, etc.)

Reading and interpreting legal contracts/documents

Setting rates, boundaries, and learning when/how to delegate

Good posture, direct eye contact, and a firm handshake

Building streamlined systems for onboarding, different repeat project scopes/workflows, and KPI measuring

The art of following up, listening to (potential) clients' needs, asking thoughtful questions, and benefit-oriented salesmanship

Consistently reading, learning, and studying current events/cultural platforms/industry and field-related knowledge

How to spot customer/client/business partner red flags

Self-management, task/project prioritization, and optimization of your personal energy clock + levels

[sweetkpopmusings]

hongjoong coworker headcanons <3

a/n: a whole bunch of people got laid off at my company today, so it only seems right that i cope by escaping into thoughts of coworker!ateez <3 please enjoy the precious gem that is coworker!hongjoong :,-) pics not mine~

content: fluff, nonidol!au | wc: 1k | warnings: none really! one mention of food | pairing: coworker!hongjoong x gn!reader | requests: open

everyone, and i mean absolutely everyone, wants to be mentored by hongjoong

they don’t care if they aren’t even in the same department as hongjoong

they just KNOW that he is the best ally and support system to have in the office

everyone also says his face is a workplace perk most people are too scared to say thing within earshot of hongjoong lmao

hongjoong knows everything people say about him, but he doesn’t let on

instead, he simply does his job and minds his business

things change when you start working at the company

you were hired in not only the same department, but same team as hongjoong

so your supervisor assigned hongjoong as your mentor

hongjoong, ever the professional, happily accepts and promises to train you well, so you can succeed in your new role

this all happens before you have a chance to learn hongjoong’s lore at the office

so you are wildly confused by the shocked and jealous stares from your coworkers as hongjoong walks you to your desk

it also feels suspicious that seemingly everybody is walking by your desk while hongjoong gives you a brief introduction to workflows, programs, etc.

but you, like hongjoong, are just trying to mind your business and do your job

which is actually super easy because hongjoong knows every single hack, automation, etc that means you can get your work done without being slowed down by tedious tasks

he’s a genius but so casual about it that you’re just sitting there like :-0 ??? how does he know everything ???

he chuckles when he sees your face and assures you that it’s just because he’s been there for ages and that soon enough you’ll be exactly the same way

you doubt it but appreciate his confidence in you LOL

at the end of your first week, hongjoong offers to take you to lunch

he says your boss is paying for it because it is “team bonding” so you agree 

what you didn’t know was that this team bonding would include hongjoong spilling ALL the tea in the office

he wasn’t gossiping in a cruel way, but he felt it was his duty, as your mentor, to give context on all the looks you were receiving

hongjoong finds it hilarious and adorable when you look at him with an absolutely shocked face

he just sits back while it sinks in for you, and, based on your reaction, hongjoong knows for sure that he finally has a friend in the office

he can tell that you won’t treat him like he’s different, which is a massive relief for him

so, from that day on, he makes it his mission to be both an amazing mentor AND a good friend

he stops by your desk for little check-ins and spends his breaks with you, whether sipping on coffee or walking around outside

hongjoong remembers everything you tell him about your life like he’s an incredible listener

you joke that it’s creepy he pays SO much attention to every detail you share and he says his resume didn’t say “detailed-oriented” for nothing

that is the moment you realize he is a complete dork LOL

speaking of dorky hongjoong

whenever he offers you a “cheer up!” or “you’ve got this!” it feels so much like a proud parent cheering on their child

he complains when you say this because “at least i should be an older brother but a DAD?!?!”

hongjoong is sulky but that goes away as soon as you buy him his favorite drink

you also changed his contact to “dad” but he doesn’t need to know that <3

he isn’t beating the dad/older brother allegations any time soon because he nags you once he gets comfortable with you 

it’s always with a smile on his face and full of care

but he will nag you about keeping your desk clean, using better handwriting, making your presentations more stylistic, etc

like sorry when did he become a judge instead of a mentor ???

it’s okay though because he lets you return the favor by nagging him constantly <3

hongjoong pretends not to like it when you nag him, but it fills his heart because that means you’re comfortable with him too :,-)

it also adds to everyone’s jealousy because you two are CLEARLY close and hongjoong finds their envy ridiculous and hilarious 

he definitely brags about how close you two are like he thinks you’re incredible and that everyone should be jealous they don’t know you like he does

somehow dating rumors start of course and when asked about it, you and hongjoong always reply with “wouldn’t you like to know”

hongjoong made you promise to give that answer because he thinks it’s fun to mess with everyone LMAO

he has so much fun with you that, to show his appreciation, hongjoong gets you a gift for your one-year anniversary at the company, including a handwritten note

he makes you promise not to open it while he’s with you because he doesn’t want either of you to feel awkward

later, once you read the note, you understand exactly why he requested this

the note starts with him praising your work ethic and improvement because he’s a proud mentor :,-)

at the end, he confesses that, before you started working there, he felt pretty isolated

it was like he was on an island or in a fish bowl, being watched from afar by everyone else

after that first lunch, and the many, many conversations you shared afterward, hongjoong finally felt like he belonged there

you made hongjoong feel like he belonged

that was something he was immensely grateful for, so he promised to pay you back by supporting you as a coworker and person, so you never felt like you were alone or an outsider

hongjoong tries to play it off the next time he sees you, but the sparkle in his eye when you thank him for being such a good colleague and friend reveals just how much he cherishes you in the workplace and beyond <333

[millysilly123]

This is the Not So Berry Challenge in the Sims 4 but Base Game version! Enjoy!

Gen 1: Mint

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Jealous, Materialistic

Aspiration: Chief of Mischief

Career: Astronaut

Rules: Master astronaut career (Lvl 7), Complete Chief of Mischief aspiration, master mischief and logic skills, complete the elements collection and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 2: Rose

Traits: Hot-Headed, Snob, Romantic

Aspiration: Serial Romantic

Career: Business

Rules: Master the business career, complete the Serial Romantic aspiration, leave someone at the alter, get married for the first time as an elder and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 3: Yellow

Traits: Clumsy, Ambitious, Loner

Aspiration: Nerd Brain

Career: Freelance Programer

Rules: Master the programming, rocket science and handiness skills, complete the Nerd Brain aspiration, must complete ten sculptures via the woodworking table as a teen, must build a rocket ship and visit Sixam, enter the secret lot in Oasis Springs (requires max handiness), never have any close friends or relationships other than grandparent from generation one until the grandparent dies and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 4: Grey

Traits: Active, Slob, Music Lover

Aspiration: Bodybuilder

Career: Athlete

Rules: Master piano, guitar and athletic skills, master the athlete career, compete the Bodybuilder aspiration, have three failed relationships before finding a spouse, marry a neat sim, be good friends with all of your children, have at least one family dinner a week where everyone is present at the same table while eating the same meal and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 5: Plum

Traits: Genius, Non-Committal, Bookworm

Aspiration: Renaissance Sim

Career: Fast Food, Tech Guru, Entertainer

Rules: Master video gaming and two other skills of your choosing, achieve at least level eight in six skills (including the three you master), complete the Renaissance Sim aspiration, get divorced and later remarried to the same sim, must live in both Willow Creek and Oasis Springs over the course of your life and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 6: Orange

Traits: Evil, Self Assured, Glutton

Aspiration: Public Enemy

Career: Criminal

Rules: Master cooking and charisma skills, master the criminal career, complete the Public Enemy aspiration, must live in a cheap starter home (under 12k) for entire young adult life, have twins but only have those two children (you may use cheats for this) and insist on being evil (claim to be a criminal mastermind) but have no one believe you.

Gen 7: Pink

Traits: Neat, Loner, Creative

Aspiration: Best Selling Author

Career: Business

Rules: Complete the postcard collection, master writing and gardening skills, complete the Best Selling Author aspiration, have a well maintained garden, quit day job as an adult to pursue dreams and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 8: Peach

Traits: Foodie, Lazy, Goofball

Aspiration: Joke Star

Career: Secret Agent

Rules: Marry a co-worker, must play an instrument, master gourmet cooking and comedy skills, master the secret agent career, must live in a different world than the one they were raised in and have at least one child (more if you choose). You can choose if you want to complete the aspiration or not.

Gen 9: Green

Traits: Slob, Geek, Cheerful

Aspiration: Computer Whiz

Career: Tech Guru

Rules: Master mixology, programming and video gaming skills, master tech guru career, complete the Computer Whiz aspiration, must accept every invitation to parties/outings with your friends and/or go out or throw a party once a week, have at least five good friends and five enemies and have at least one child (more if you choose).

Gen 10: Blue

Traits: Gloomy, Perfectionist, Family Oriented

Aspiration: Big Happy Family

Career: Painter

Rules: Adopt at least one child, master the cooking, painting and gardening skills, master the painter career, complete the Big Happy Family aspiration, marry your high school sweetheart and stay with them until you die and have a one time secret affair.

I do not own this challenge, it is by Lilsimsie.

For me at least, I make my own husbands with required traits if needed.

Hope you enjoy doing this. Let me know if you want any other base game versions of challenges, if you are like me and play console with no mods or CC and own no packs.

[cleapallea]

master list + More

𐙚 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗦𐙚

& how you can make income! 🤑

Is empty house means empty wallet?

There are 12 sectors (zodiac sign + house) in astrology that reflect different aspects of your life. At this point, if you have planets in 12 houses, a planet being in that house as well as the rulers means you should have more focus in that area. For example, too many planets (2) in a tenth house with Venus aspects or rulers (Taurus and Libra) signifies that your career might be related to Venus qualities such as modeling, rebranding, or makeup (products, tutorials, etc.). Hence, I know some of you might ask: So what to do if none?

Empty Planet in 1st house

Aries: self image, rebranding and investing

Empty Planet in 2nd house

Taurus: depends on your own efforts. Kinda Similiar to 1st.

Empty Planet in 3rd House

Gemini: Person's activity, and investment (education, training and self development -professional)

Example: Graphic Designer, Artworks related, Freelance writer and etc

Empty Planet in 4th house

Cancer: Anything related to fostering homes, and building connections (social network)

Example: adopting a dog (female), and let them grow after that you can sell her puppies. Or you can build a pets/ poultry suppliers.

Empty Planet in 5th house

Leo: Anything related to pleasure, wholesome stuff, makes you happy and alive, self-expression, recreation, and innovation.

Example: Build a program (school, playground, or be a Yaya for a day) and alike

Empty Planet in 6th house

Virgo: anything related to health, wellness, and daily routines

Example: Be secretary, write a blog about health and wellness, Be a Yoga instructor, or Drugs Cashier in some malls, teacher and more.

Empty Planet in 7th house

Libra: anything related to partnership, business and interest in society as a whole.

Example: Be an event planner, teacher, or social media influencer starts to sell your self in social media.

Empty Planet in 8th house

Scorpio: money houses, long term success or growth career, real state investments and financial portfolios

Example: rentals of your personal collection like shoes, etc.

Empty Planet in 9th house

Sagittarius: Travel, higher learning, personal philosophy, exploration and intellect

Example: You may consider writing a story or list of quotes on a known website and look for a small publisher until you get recognized. You can also Teach foreign ppl in diff countries to use other languages.

Empty Planet in 10th house

Capricorn: public image, career aspiration and achievement, and more on ppl oriented.

Example: vlogger, streamer, content creator, YouTuber and alike

Empty Planet in 11th house

Aquarius: humanitarian and personal networks. Anything that may show your passion and interest in specific content.

Example: musician, or be friends with famous people (they can help you a lot), then let them see your talents. I've known a lot of Aquarius placements tend to be very talented. You just have to precise and be stick with good purpose cause double karma occurs if you're not.

Empty Planet in 12th house

Pisces: Mysterious side of humanity, mind, and life

Example: be a tarot reader, practice gambling, or any creative outlets.

✎ There are no such things as empty planets. The empty planets are ruled by the "lord" or "zodiac signs" inside them. Although I don't really believe it's not your main focus but more in IT'S YOUR HIDDEN GOAL AND SUCCESS, I've heard a lot of women who have their second house empty, but years later become rich due to partnerships, investments in education, and such. We have this called "transitting of each sign."

✎ take note that this is not a dynamic and astrology is about multifaceted interpretation. The question of where and what you can do to make money can vary depending on the whole system of your chart (aside from your energy). For me, I need to see the whole birth chart before I give the exact meaning of it. Every chart is different, so I can't provide full, detailed information about it.

✎You have to look for your MC (signs), Jupiter house +signs (power), Saturn (warnings/challenges occur) and Moon placed (for reminder why you started, why you need to work something like that) if you don't like your moon, then look for your south code. Or if you dont know how to start, look for the (Pluto). Find inspiration in everything :) God bless!

Plagiarism is A crime.

[canonsinthehead]

Naruto Modern AU/Hollywood pt.11 - WHAT ARE THEY DOING? (Career/profession) (All Characters)

You may be wondering, what is the carrer/profession of all the other Naruto characters in this AU? Let's figure it out...

Before we did into this one you can always refer to previous parts of this HC for more context.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

NARUTO: JAPANESE KAI CENAT.

SAKURA WWE fighter/wrestler in glitter.

SASUKE: Rock punk star turned model. Ambassador of Orochimaru’s fashion estate.

KAKASHI: Lawyer turned actor. GETS PAID BANDS FOR 3 MINUTES CAMEOS. Most of his money comes from advertisements, collaborations, and sponsorship deals.

GAI: Fitness influencer, celebrity trainer, and part-time actor. Older than what he pretends to be, it feels like he hasn't changed physically since the '80s or something.

NEJI: Producer & label owner. Regarding his downfall, his fate was sealed when he revealed that his cousin Hinata was actively cheating on her husband Shino Aburame (who likes her a lot), and how he felt bad for him. He said the rapper TONERI (she's cheating with) is a straight weirdo and is doing witchcraft for people to like is trash ass music. Nobody listened and just laughed when Neji claimed her cousin had a kid from this bum and aborted it. Only Tsunade (she's messy ofc) was open-minded to his words, but Neji didn’t knew how this interview with her would seal his fate. Hiashi planned his demise immediately after (passed away 3 years after).

She had a cooking show where she cooks with different guests (Cooking Venture with Hinata Hyuuga), and Toneri was in one of them.

NO MATTER HIS DEMISE, Neji always had the reputation of being a loving CEO/manager/producer with his artists, while being high standard and demanding the best of them. During the "decline of his mental health," his work remained irreproachable and of high quality. At his worst, he was crashing out on social media by night and releasing bangers by day.

TENTEN: cheerleader for the red leaves of konoha.

LEE: Olympic gymnast.

KURENAI: Professional Opera singer.

HINATA: Nepo baby/JAPANESE MARTHA STEWART/Marie Kondo.

KIBA: Basketball player (Red Leaves of Konoha). His mother Tsume Inuzuka is the president of the female division of the Konoha Police. Regardless of the assumptions, the Inuzuka clan is a well-established family, especially for the advanced canine training and tracking techniques they provide to various entities, companies, and governments.  

SHINo: GOLF PLAYER

SHIKAMARU: Ran NASCAR at some point. He retired from the sport early despite being quite good, for being "bothersome". He has always been on the bright side AND posses a degree in a field with a long ass name and hard to obtain. He now lives a more chill life playing professional chess and playing/reviewing video games (KILLING IT AT LEAGUE OF LEGENDS). Naruto collaborates with him a lot.

CHOUJI: Chef. Has a TV show trying the weirdest food all over the world. He is always a guest at cooking competitions. Has a passion for spices and wants to collect the rarest of them.

INO:  Alex Earl, social media twin. She likes the fact that most people underestimate her abilities because of her influencer's background, but she is a tuned-up negotiator and goal-oriented businesswoman to the point of perfectly maintaining the music label she co-managed with Neji after his passing

ASUMA: basketball coach

GAARA: greenhouse owner/large-scale gardener. Has programs for the youth and employment opportunities by teaching the art of agriculture. YES, HE IS OF WEALTHIER BACKGROUND WITH HIS SIBLINGS, BUT PREFERS TO STAY OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT. His agricultural projects are turning many desertic regions into green paradises with great success.

TEMARI Businesswomen who have an assistant following her around with a notepad with her very busy schedule. BOSS AND CEO. Owns a makeup brand.

KANKURO: artist, tattoo artist, and doll maker

ITACH: actor, also an official cast member in Killer Bee's variety shows. His debut episode (along with Neji as a guest) has to be the most-watched episode of all time.

OBITO: an illusionist magician. He has facial scars because of a burn accident that happened outside of his work. His most renowned trick is the ability to make himself or objects disappear and make them reappear out of nowhere. Nobody can decipher the secret of his tricks and he his often employed by very rich clients to entertain them.

IZUNA:  nepo baby living off his brother's money. SOFT LIFE and free to live the promiscuous life he desires. gets away with trifling behaviour because NEPOTISM. Madara is running the pr machine full force because he is incapable of telling his younger brother no. The older Uchiha is even funding many of Izuna's dubious ventures. Madara would say it's a luxurious life and the libertine’s way. While Tobirama would say it's escorting with a Louis Vuitton bag.

MADARA: businessman/politicians

HASHIRAMA: politician/businessman

TOBIRAMA: politician

FUGAKU: investor/businessman

MIKOTO UCHIHA: doctor

MINATO: news anchor (the Anderson cooper type), I’m tuned in for the new year’s ball drop celebration every time. he has been doing it for more than a decade now WITH HIS WIFE.

KUSHINA: DISC THROWING athlete. (Think of valarie allman). she discovered her talent when a young Naruto got disrespectful and she sent his small gaming console into the galaxy, Naruto hates that story, rip PSP.

TSUNADE: anime Wendy William

OROCHIMARU: fashion designer, Fashion pioneer/icon

JIRAYA: FOUNDER OF AO3. USING THE DONATIONS TO KEEP THE SITE UP BUT NEVER STOPPING BEING IN BETA. FINANCING HIS EXPENSIVE ADDICTIONS WITH DONATIONS (and y'all keep donating). #1 BEST SELLING AUTHOR

YAMATO: pharmacist (clearly selling weed on the side)

SHIZUNE: successful online lady in sales. Are you tired of working a boring 9 to 5…

ANKO: STRIPPER, nobody knows where she is working, but she surely receives a lot of tips. you can catch her debating other creators online on podcasts since she is more of the lifestyle/motivational content type of girl. the one-sided beef Mizuki has had with her since forever has been fueling her pockets for years, and its not stopping anytime soon.

MIZUKI: podcaster/conspiracy theorist

KABUTO: science researcher

IBIKI: bdsm connoisseur, performer, fashion designer, half way porn star (with some weird "performance" shows for an elite clientele. sits next to Orochimaru as a fashion influence but is more bdsm inspired with all those harness, leather, and belts.

KONOHAMARU: basketball player

HANABI: rapper in a girl group

HIRUZEN: politician

DANZO: Right-wing news anchor on NINE TAILS FOX NEWS.

KARIN: teacher in music school by day, webtoon artist by night.

SUIEGTSU: allegedly, a masked dj

JUUGO: photograph

KIMIMARO: model

RIN: YouTuber doing nails, loves to make collabos with her husband, Obito.

IRUKA: speech specialist

HIDA: hotep cult leader.

KAKUZA: mega church pastor. where the bread is. ushers, close the doors…

KONAN: hairstylist

PAIN: HOCKEY PLAYER, but now activist.

SASORI: POPULAR FORUM CHAT DEVELOPER. some the of the ideologies coming from those using his site is questionable as fuck but reflect his own especially about women smh.

DEIDARA: performance artist/sculptor. he would be the type to break eggs on his head and call it a metaphor for capitalism. outside of that, he is indeed gifted for sculpting, and his pieces are displayed in many museums. his current era is street art, he has made many murals displayed in large cities across the world.

DARUI:  basketball Player

OMOI: basketball player and variety show host.

C: tennis player

KARUI: rapper

SAMUI: singer

RAIKAGE: politician

KILLER BEE:  rapper and host of variety shows

HAKU: figure skater

ZABUZA : basketball player

RAIGA: basketball player

GATO: sport team owner and businessman

KISAME: basketball player,

MIRU: professional cheerleader

IZUMO: interior designer. He is part of Tsunade's show cast, having a fashion/design section.

KOTETSU: a star baseball player, but appears a lot in Tsunade’s show to support his husband, and it always gives hilarious results. they are beloved for being so funny and likable.  They are both busy, but you can catch them at each other's important events every time without fail.

NEXT PART

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BACK TO PART 1

[bouquetface]

Solar Return Observations 3

Accuracy influenced by entire chart

SR VENUS conjunct NATAL MERCURY

This can sometimes indicate resolving issues. Venus can offer a harmonious energy. You or someone else may effectively communicate to create solution.

House placement is important as well - EX: In 3rd, it could be with a childhood friend, siblings/cousin, neighbour. You or them could reach out to resolve past problems.

SR VENUS conjunct NATAL VENUS

In a social house like 7th, 5th, 11th, 1st, this can indicate a new romantic interest.

In 11th, 10th or 2nd this can indicate a blessing in finances, reputation, or long term goals.

In 10th, you may be promoted. You may find a new source of income. You may be better perceived. A boost in reputation or status.

In 2nd, you may purchase one or many new possession. You may find a new source of income. You may receive help in finances.

However, keep in mind entire chart influences accuracy. For example, SR VENUS conjunct NATAL VENUS in 2nd H opposite Jupiter. This can manifest as making purchases that you can’t afford. Venus can feel indulgent. If you’re not disciplined in finances, Jupiter in 8th may expand your debt/what you owe.

SR Lilith in 9th

Usually I don’t put too much focus on asteroids in SR. However, I have seen this many times in the charts of friend’s in the year they dropped out.

This can manifest as being the “outcast”. You may not feel you belong while travelling. You may feel you don’t belong while enrolled in a uni or other type of higher educational program.

SR SOUTH NODE conjunct ASC

This can result in unintentional or intentional weight loss. South Node can create decrease. In my experience, this can be a year where you focus less on yourself. You don’t even realize you aren’t getting enough sleep and/or food. Your focus is on your relationship’s with other people (romantic, business, platonic). Since SR NORTH NODE would be in 7th, this can be due to changes in relationships with others.

However, depending on your chart and personality, this could be weight gain as you do not care about your physical self. You unintentionally gain as you neglect yourself.

SR MARS IN 8th

This is can be a difficult placement. Be careful to not act on any impulsive or negative thoughts. You may experience a lot of emotional distress. Mars can be quick to act.

You may rely on other people’s finances as well. A negative manifestation of this would be stealing money or a possession from someone else.

SR Jupiter in 5th

This can indicate you or someone else is expecting a child.

You may meet new romantic interests.

You may find new hobbies. You can teach others about these hobbies/recreational activities.

The negative manifestation is you may find there is a lot of drama in your life this year. You may want to check aspects & natal jupiter placement for more insight. Example: If natal Jupiter is 10th, possibly this drama is regarding the workplace or authority figures.

SR SOUTH NODE in 12th H

This can leave you feeling mentally or physically depleted. The reasons may be unknown to you. A mystery illness. Negative emotion lurking behind you for possibly unknown reasons.

North node would be in 6th if you have this placement. This suggests you may be inspired to focus on fixing your health. You may join a gym or find other ways to be active. You may create an entirely new routine. You may get a pet to help your mental health.

A negative manifestation would be changes in daily life possibly on the job that negatively affect your mental or physical well-being.

SR MARS conjunct ASC

This can make you prone to accidents. You could develop a rash. You may find scars on your body or face. You may struggle with more frequent breakouts.

The positive manifestation is you are more energized. You could be more active this year. You could be more assertive and action orientated. This may lead to more arguments.

SR MARS conjunct MC

This can indicate your being seen as more assertive. You may go for leadership roles in the workplace. This can indicate hostility in the workplace and in regard to your reputation/status.

ex: Let’s say SR MC is conjunct URANUS & SR MARS is conjunct MC. This seriously indicates a tough work year. You may unexpectedly be fired or quit.

SR PLUTO conjunct SR VERTEX

This indicates a transformative event that is fated. This event may lead to receiving more power or status. However, if badly placed it can be a loss of power & status.

To find in which area of life it will occur, check for the house. EX:

4th H : You may move. You may experience a death in the family.

6th: You may experience the death of a pet. You may be diagnosed with an illness or disorder.

3rd: You may move neighbourhood. You may get a new vehicle. Your relationships with siblings, cousins, childhood friends and even neighbours may change.

SR Saturn conjunct Neptune

This transit will kick your ass if you have been doing any shady shit - lying, cheating, stealing, going behind people's back, etc. The consequences are unavoidable. I have seen people who have this in their SR be exposed, shamed and left.

If you aren't doing any of that, it can still be tough. You may find other's around you are exposed. They could have been going behind your back.

Depending on house & sign, the experience will force you to mature. You can get a hard reality check if you haven't been actually working toward you goals. Saturn will bring experiences that make it hard for Neptune to keep you in a dream state. Saturn wants you to create a solid plan and start working toward your dreams.

[goyardgoyangi]

𐙚 busy woman pt. 2 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

⌗ pairings: eren x reader, slight! erwin x reader

⌗ summary: you don’t believe in fate, but you do believe in probability. the odds of running into a stupidly attractive guy at a highly competitive internship interview? low. the odds of him rejecting you? …higher. the odds of ending up in the same program — and on the same project team after all that? practically zero. and yet, here you are.

⌗ word count: 1.4k

♥ pt. 3 ♥ masterlist ♥

You keep your head down during the remainder of orientation, pretending to be deeply fascinated by the welcome folder in front of you. The company logo, the neatly organized internship schedule, the overly enthusiastic "Welcome to Amazon!" message— all of it is infinitely more appealing than the possibility of accidentally making eye contact with him again.

Eren Yeager.

Your first real rejection of the year. Over 200 resumes and internship applications sent, countless hours of cold calling, but nothing stung quite like his.

The same guy you had foolishly, delusionally asked out after your interview. And now, by some cruel joke of the universe, he’s sitting just a few tables away, existing in your professional space like a bad omen.

You steal a glance in his direction. He’s leaning back in his chair, lazily spinning a company-branded pen between his fingers, looking completely unbothered. Meanwhile, you feel like you’re on the verge of overheating.

It’s fine. You’ll just avoid him for the next three months. Simple.

That delusion lasts for approximately five minutes.

“Alright, let’s get you all into your project teams!” the program manager announces with a bright smile.

You hold your breath. Please, no. Please, no.

Names are called, groups are formed, and then—

"Eren Yeager,

The rest of the names blur into static.

You don’t move at first, clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, you misheard. That your brain, fried from years of caffeine abuse and late-night study sessions, is simply playing tricks on you. Maybe all those Celsius energy drinks finally did you in, and this is just some sort of fever dream.

Or, better yet, maybe this is an opportunity. You could file a lawsuit claiming that excessive caffeine consumption has caused you to hallucinate a really hot guy who rejected you without a second glance, and Amazon is complicit. Emotional damages, mental distress— hell, you could probably milk it for enough settlement money to put a dent in your student loans.

But then you hear the sound of a chair scraping against the floor, and your delusions of denial crumble.

You look up.

Eren is pushing himself up from his seat, tilting his neck from side to side to relieve tension— from what? Holding up his annoyingly beautiful head? It’s unfair, really. Even his neck is attractive. You try not to stare, irrationally envious of whatever lucky girl will get to kiss that neck, rest her head against it, run her fingers through his perfectly long, tousled hair,

Nope. Not going there.

And then he starts making his way toward the assigned table.

You wish a freak power outage would strike the building right now— it is Washington, after all. Would the damn rainy weather finally work in your favor for once?

But with a deep breath, you gather your things and force yourself to follow. You’re an adult. A professional. You will notlet some pretty boy ruin this for you.

You take a seat across from him, avoiding his gaze as introductions begin. Names, majors, eager smiles— interns all fresh-faced and ready to climb the corporate ladder. You do the same, maintaining the facade of someone who is totally, definitely not having an internal crisis.

But you can feel it. His eyes on you. Like he’s only just now registering your existence.

And then, finally—

“Huh.”

The noise is barely more than a breath, but it snaps your focus to him before you can stop yourself.

“Huh?” You respond instinctively, confirming your existence to the very man who rejected you with less warmth than the average LinkedIn recruiter. Fuck.

He tilts his head slightly towards you, green eyes scanning your face as if trying to place you in a different context. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

His tone isn’t mocking. If anything, it’s just... casual. Which somehow makes it worse.

You force a polite smile. “Yeah. Funny how that worked out.”

“Yeah,” he muses, leaning back in his chair. “Really funny.”

He doesn’t sound amused at all.

The team lead starts talking, outlining project expectations and assigning initial tasks. You nod along, take notes, throw yourself into the discussion. But every so often, out of the corner of your eye, you catch him looking at you.

Like he’s still trying to piece together how you ended up here.

And maybe you are too.

The first week of the internship is a blur of onboarding meetings, technical trainings, and awkward team introductions. You keep your head up the best you can, focusing on your work and doing your best to pretend Eren Yeager doesn’t exist.

It’s easier said than done.

For one, he’s annoyingly good at what he does. While everyone else is still figuring out the company’s internal tools, he’s already breezing through code reviews, making small tweaks like he’s been here for years. It’s frustrating. But what’s more frustrating is the way everyone seems to gravitate toward him. The other interns in your group (especially the girls) loudly laugh at his dry humor, lean in when he talks, and nod a little too eagerly at his suggestions.

You? You do the opposite. You keep conversations strictly professional, responding to him only when necessary, ignoring the way his deep voice somehow cuts through all the background noise.

And, for the most part, it works.

Until Friday.

Your team decides to grab lunch together after a morning of back-to-back meetings. You consider skipping, making up some excuse about needing to catch up on work, but you don’t want to seem antisocial—not yet, at least. It’s only the first week, and burning that card too early would be a rookie mistake. Better to save it for when projects ramp up and you actually need to lock in.

Besides, you’re not just here to sharpen your technical skills. Networking is just as valuable (if not more), according to every career advisor who has ever haunted your inbox with “friendly reminders” about the importance of building connections in the workplace! So you tag along, telling yourself it’s the smart move.

And it is. It would be. If it weren’t for him.

You start strategizing, surveying the seating arrangements like a war general preparing for battle. The Art of War, internship edition. You claim a spot at the far end of the table, strategically positioning yourself between the most talkative team members so that maybe, just maybe, you can make it through lunch without having to interact with him.

That’s the plan. The mission. And you’re really, really hoping it doesn’t fail.

Again—easier said than done.

“So,” one of the interns, Sasha, says, pointing her chopsticks at you. “You guys knew each other before this, right?”

You nearly choke on your food. “What?”

She glances between you and Eren, who’s seated diagonally across from you, picking at his rice bowl with a bored expression. “You both interviewed on the same day, didn’t you?”

You hesitate. “Uh, yeah, I guess.”

Sasha grins. “That’s so cute! Like, fate or something.”

You let out a strained laugh. “More like unfortunate probability.”

Eren finally looks up at you, amusement flickering in his green eyes. “You don’t believe in fate?”

You grip your chopsticks tighter. “I believe in statistics.”

“Huh.” He tilts his head. “Then what are the odds of you asking me out after the interview and us ending up here?”

Your stomach drops.

The table falls silent.

You want to die.

Sasha’s eyes go wide. Another intern, Jean, lets out a low whistle. “Damn. That happened?”

You open your mouth, then close it. You should lie. Deny, deny, deny. But you can already feel the heat creeping up your neck, the betrayal of your own body giving you away before you can make up an excuse.

Eren, the absolute menace, just smirks.

Well, as they say, the truth will set you free. For better or worse, with no perfectly rehearsed answer from your imaginary shower monologues, you do your best to improvise. “I was feeling bold,” you say finally, forcing a casual shrug. “Didn’t expect to see him again, so I figured why not?”

Sasha gasps, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Wait, that’s actually so badass.”

Eren hums. “Yeah. Ballsy move.”

You shoot him a glare, but he just pops a piece of chicken into his mouth like he hasn’t just obliterated your entire sense of dignity with one sentence.

The conversation finally shifts after that, but you can feel his gaze still lingering on you, a second longer than necessary before he looks away.

For the rest of lunch, you sulk to yourself. Fuck the career center, you should’ve just stayed in the office. And if fate was actually real, fuck her too.