#i need to know if it's a PIP DECK

[pastafossa]

Internet: so there's a MARVEL TAROT DECK COMING SOON Me: YESSSS, so can I see a lil of the inside before pre-ordering? Internet: ...it's a MARVEL TAROT DECK Me: you mean... I can't even see inside? What type of art is it? Internet: it's a MARVEL TAROT DECK Me: that answers nothing Internet: all you need to know is it's a MARVEL TAROT DECK Me: do you have ANYTHING to say besides 'it's a marvel tarot deck'? Internet: ...it's a- Me: just sit down, jfc

[ohtobeleah]

Summer Love // Bradley Bradshaw

Summary: Falling in love with the Hard Decks new barkeep wasn’t on Bradley Bradshaws 2023 bingo. What else wasn’t on that bingo card was that the barkeep was a Floyd…..

Warnings. Porn with a plot. Bradley Bradshaw x Reader. (Nickname Pip) Mentions of near sexual assault/harassment. SMUT!

Word Count: 6.6k

Author Note: Okay so I know I said I was taking a little break to recharge my batteries but this was my attempt at a little break. Here’s a Rooster one-shot.

“Barkeep!” Bradley beamed as he entered the Hard Deck, his eyes immediately on you from the second he stepped through the threshold. “My oh my aren’t you a sight for sore eyes—“ It wasn't hard to tell Bradley Bradshaw was smitten for the new bar hire. Penny had easily picked up on the aviator's demeanour change from the moment he realised you were going to be a permanent fixture around the Hard Deck. “How you doing this fine Friday afternoon?” 

“I haven’t had enough sleep to deal with this this afternoon—“ Bob groaned as he followed Rooster's path. Both aviators making strides in your direction. Coming to sit at the bar, both men made you the centre of their universe for two very different reasons. “I’ll have a coke thanks Pip.” Bob smiled softly as he took his glasses off to clean the lens. Nodding you turned your attention to Rooster, raising a brow as you flipped your bar towel over your shoulder.

“Draft please Pip—“ Rooster ordered his usual, fishing out his wallet from his back pocket. Handing over his card as he leaned on the bar. “Before I walk out on my tab again.” It had happened a few too many times, Bradley Bradshaw the life of the party—would sink back a few too many beers and leave slung over the shoulders of his colleagues and friends. He’d always make the walk of shame the next day however—tail between his legs as he’d cautiously tap his card on the bar, gaining your utmost attention with a cheshire cat smile and a guilty look lingering in his eyes. 

You took the card with a tight smirk, placing it into your back pocket before opening up a tab in Bradley’s name before fetching Bob a glass of ice—hitting the nozzle of the soda gun on the lip of the glass for a brief second before pouring the syrup and soda water mixture right into the glass. 

“You boys gonna give me any trouble tonight?” Raising your eyebrow, as you turned your attention back to Rooster now that Bob had his coke. Roosters only reaction was to lean a little further on the bar. Watching as you poured his glass from the tap. Holding it at a forty five degree angle so it didn't gain a head the size of his own ego. 

“No ma’am, no trouble here.” Rooster winked as he mimicked your smirk, accepting the beer you cautiously slid along the bar. “Thanks Pip.” It hadn’t taken you long to settle into Fightertown, you’d asked Bob if you could come and stay with him for a few months until you found your feet again after what seemingly felt like you hit rock fucking bottom. You’d fallen out of love with your profession, journalism. You broke up with your long term boyfriend Ben after he’d got wind of your sudden desire for a sea change and possible career move. You just needed a new start, a new home, a new life. 

Bartending had always been something you were good at, although you didn't drink–much like your older, half-brother Robert. 

“You uh, are you doing anything this Sunday?” Rooster asked softly as he looked up at you, taking a small sip of his beer as Bob choked on his coke. You just shook your head no. Not one to talk all that much. Eyeing off the foam that had settled into Rooster's moustache from the foam cap of his beer. 

“If you’re gonna flirt with my sister, please don’t do it in front of me.” Bob snarled as he shook his head in disbelief. These fucking guys honestly. Rooster playfully held his hands up in surrender. Scoffing at the accusations made by the seemingly well reserved weapons systems officer. 

“I don't think I like what you’re insinuating Bob.” Rooster fired back with a wild shit eating grin as you chuckled softly to yourself, wiping down the bar with your rag as you watched the two interact. The bar was barely open. The only two patrons to have arrived, having got off early on this fine Friday afternoon. “I'm not flirting, am I Pip?” Rooster asked as you raised your eyebrows. Scoffing slightly as you bit your bottom lip momentarily. 

“Well if you're trying you don’t seem to be doing all that well.” Rooster held a hand over his heart as he stared at you with hazel eyes. Deep browns and shades of greens swirling as he faked a hurt that cut deep into his heartstrings—forcing a laugh so pure from your soul it left Rooster wanting more of you always. 

“You two make me sick—“ Bob rolled his eyes as he hopped off the barstool, heading over to the pool table. Rounding up bar tables and stools that he knew his fellow aviators would soon fill. Leaving you and Rooster to devote all your attention to one another. Bob would joke and tease and taunt you about your blooming romance with Rooster, but if there was anyone Robert Floyd would trust with his sister? It was Bradley Bradshaw. He had noticed early on in your impromptu over-extended stay that Rooster had developed an affinity for you. The usually reserved fighter pilot had no chill when it came to his advances with you. 

“So Sunday?” Rooster was quick on the draw as he saw more and more people flood into the Hard Deck, knowing his time with you was fleeting at best. That your attention would be scattered for the better half of the evening working the bar and bussing tables. 

“What did you have in mind, Flyboy?” You beamed his way with a glint in your eyes. Those fuck me eyes Rooster could hardly resist. You weren't not interested, if anything you were incredibly interested in Bradley–but you were a little hesitant to fall in love when you weren't even sure if North Island was the place for you and to make mattress all the more difficult while you were trying to find yourself, falling in love with a naval aviator didn't really make the situation any easier to navigate. He could be shipped off or deployed anywhere at any minute. Another detachment could rear its ugly head and god knows for how long he’d be gone? 

But with all that in the back of your mind it was still hard to resist the charming ways of Bradley Bradshaw when he was hopping off his barstool, making strides around the bar to stand beside you. 

“Penny doesn’t like it when you come behind the bar Bradshaw–” You tried to hide your ever present smile as you continued cleaning the bar. “You’re gonna make me ring that bloody bell, aren't you?” 

“You, me, dinner at that restaurant in town that does that really nice sweet potato gnocchi.” Ignoring your reluctance to have him behind the bar with you, Rooster pressed on. Trapping you between him and the bar– strong arms on either side of you as he gently kissed your neck. 

There wasn’t exactly a word to describe what you had with Rooster. The two of you had been talking, flirting, sneaking around and getting to know one another. But you were still very much an enigma to him. Rooster only knew a handful of things about you. One, that you were Bob's younger, half sister. Two, that you smelt of vanilla and bourbon. Three, that you weren't hard to get, but hard to earn–which made you all the more worth it. Four, that Pip wasn’t your real name–it was a nickname of sorts. A callsign if you will. But you just preferred Pip. 

“You really wanna take me to dinner?” The way you said it made Roosters' hearts ache. Of course he did? Why would he not want to take you to dinner? It's not like he hadnt asked you a million times before. “Like you actually wanna take me to dinner?” Turning around in between his arms to face him, Bradley stepped back a little to give you some space as you leaned back against the bar crossing your arms. 

“If you’ll finally give me a chance to?” Bradley smirked as he watched your eyes trail from his eyes down to his lips, lingering a little further down to the collar of his T-shirt. Sticking a few fingers inside the collar to scratch at his collarbone. “Eyes up here Pip.” Reaching over to grab the schooner you'd poured him, Bradley took a sip of his beer as you rolled your eyes. Pushing off the bar before turning on your heels to attend to the other thirsty patrons who started taking up the other barstools.  

“Get out from behind my bar–” 

“I'll pick you up at six o’clock?” It had become an unintentional stand-off, you eyeing off Rooster as he did so you. Patrons were starting to floor the Hard Deck every passing second and you knew if you let this charade go any longer you were going to have to deal with a very unimpressed crowd waiting on their amber beverages. “Or whatever time you like?” Shrugging with a wild smirk, Rooster waited for your response. He knew he was wheezing his way into the cracks that had started to form in your tougher than most exterior. He’d find a way in, if he just gave you time. 

“What can I get you Dave?” You asked the man who'd come up and sat at the bar. A regular older gentleman who worked in the technicians block at Miramar. 

“Just a Budwiser thanks Pip–on tap if you've fixed up the keg.” Nodding, you tried to hide your smirk as Rooster came to stand beside you, pouring his own beer from the tap after having finished the first one you’d poured him. “I never said yes to your little date idea, and don’t touch my taps Bradshaw Pennys gonna kill you.” 

“Well unlike every other time–” Bumping your hip with his Rooster kept his gaze down, trained on the beer he was pouring himself. “You didn't immediately shut me down so I think we’re starting to make a little progress here.” You could feel the heat in your cheeks rising, smitten. Completely sitten. “And I never called it a date.” Rooster smirked as he felt the heat in his own cheeks rising from the back and forth flirting. He loved it, he’d always enjoyed a good game of chase. “You are far too much like your brother Pip, always making assumptions.” Bradley was quick as he placed a kiss on your cheek before you even registered what he was doing. That's all you really had, small fleeting moments that meant the whole damn world to you. 

“Get out from behind my bar before I ring that bloody bell on you, Bradshaw.” Bumping Roosters hip with your own once again you grinned ear to ear. Turning to face him with barely any space between you. “I'm not kidding–” You interrupted your moment with Rooster to hand Dave over his beer. “Eight fifty thanks Dave.” It had become a common occurrence for most of the regulars to see Bradley Bradshaw behind the bar making a nuisance of himself. Dave in particular saw a lot of Nick Bradshaw in the way Bradley danced around you like a fly on a hot summer's day. The apple hadnt fallen far from the tree at all. Handling over the ten dollar bill, Dave just took in the sight that was playing out before him like a poorly put together romance novel, Rooster Bradsahw had it bad and everyone could tell. 

“Neither am I–” With a hand on your hip pulling you into his, Bradleys eyes trailed down to your lips. He wasn't going to, not like this. Not when there were people waiting to be served. Not when Dave the engineer's assistant was sitting right in front of you. But it was fun to think about. His lips on yours, he’d only been blessed with that feeling, that sensation a handful of times. “Go to dinner with me–” 

“If I say yes will you let me do my job for the rest of the night?” You spoke through gritted teeth, pretending to be annoyed as you handed the older gentleman his change from the till as Rooster trailed behind you like a lost puppy as you went to take the next order. Fixing the bow of your barmaids apron as you walked away from him across to the other side of the bar. 

“Great so It's a date.” He’d tricked you, sending you a shit eating grin before ducking back under the bar. “Sunday night at six o’clock.” Rooster beamed, that cherishe like smile had crept back across his face as he stood for a moment just admiring you. “You know where to find me!” Raising his beer as you stood in disbelief at how well Rooster had played you. He wasn't wrong though, you always knew where to find him, and he’d always be there for you when you needed him. A few weeks ago, you were convinced Rooster had saved your life. You never spoke about it, never brought it up and neither did he. Probably for two very separate reasons, but regardless it happened and you were still processing the whole ordeal. 

“Bradley–” The way you said his name as your legs fell either side of his hips had Roosters head spinning. Sitting on top of the bar after closing, Rooster had his hands on either side of your face. Pulling you into him as your tongue danced with his. “Take me home?” If he wasn't hard before he was most definitely hard now. Nodding as he let his forehead rest against yours. Licking his lips as the taste of your chapstick lingered on his. 

“I'll take these bins out for you and we’ll go?” Penny had left you to shut up shop for the night. It had been rather quiet. Rooster hung back originally just to talk to you. Spend as much time with you as he possibly could. Stepping away as he helped you off the bar, Rooster grabbed the garbage bags and kissed your forehead. His hand on the back of your head keeping you pressed against his lips until he was satisfied and let go. “Don't go anywhere.”

You watched as Bradley disappeared out the back, deciding to wipe down the bar just one more time before you started turning off the lights. Going about your regular routine whenever you closed up the bar. 

“You've got time for one more beer, don't you sweetheart?” There were three of them. Since when were you stupid enough to not lock the front doors? Oh yeah– that's right, the one time you decided to let your inhibitions get the better of you and got a little too hot with Bradley Bradshaw. “Or did we miss the fun?” You weren't too sure what he was insinuating, had he seen you with Bradley? Kissing on the bar. 

“It's a few hours past last call, sorry gentlemen, can't help you tonight.” You tried ushering them out back towards the direction of the front doors. But they didn't budge. If anything they were delighted that you'd come closer. Lessening the distance between them and you. “I'm serious fellas, the bars closed.” 

“I'm sure Penny wouldn't like knowing her Bartenders are screwing around with top paying patrons now would she?” One of them hissed as he stepped a little closer. 

“Is that a threat?” You could recognise a threat from a mile away. You didn’t play dumb, you just fucked dumb, except for Braldey–he was far from dumb. Watching as the three men stepped a little closer to where you stood in absolute shock. You could hold your own, but you weren't that stupid enough to know three against one wasn't a fair fight. Your body just froze. 

“You tell me, pretty girl–” They'd surrounded you, curling you like hawkes just waiting for their prey to die. “Now are you gonna get that beer or are we gonna see just how pretty you look bent over that bar instead of propped up on it?” Caressing the side of your cheek slowly, the man hummed as he coaxed a response from you. 

“I only got draft on tap or cider–” Whenever you were scared or protecting yourself or those you loved, your southern drawl seemed to be more prominent, Much like Bob’s. “What’ll you have?” 

“That's more like it, isn't it boys.” They all laughed as you shakingly took a step back into one of them, their hands coming to grip your forearms tightly. “But I still think we’d rather see you up on that bar.” Your eyes never left the mans as you clenched your jaw. His hand running up the inner part of your thing before landing near the zip of your jeans. “I know your type, you’ll fuck anything that’ll have you–wont you?” 

“Everything alright out here Pip?” God you'd never been more relieved to hear Bradleys voice. Exhaling a sigh of relief as you craned your head to see where he was standing. By the back door with Penny’s double barrel rifle up and pointing in the direction of the guys who'd surrounded you. “If she doesn't give me an answer in two seconds I’m taking it as a no–” 

“We’re just having a little fun aren't we boys?” Rooster wasn't having a bar of it, cocking the rifle as a warning. 

“It's been more than two seconds and I still don't have an answer–” There was nothing but red in Roosters ledger right now. Stepping out of the shadows as he came closer and closer to you with meaningful strides. Never lowing his weapon. “Leave, before I decide your worth doing time over.” The silence was deafening as Rooster stepped in front of you as all three men backed out of the bar, not one turning their backs on Rooster. “Cops will met em on their way up the road, would’ve been back sooner but I heard what was going on and took pictures of their plates.” Rooster explained as he waited for the three men to pile into the truck out the front that hadn’t been there when you were closing up earlier. Once Rooster was one hundred percent satisfied they were gone? That’s when he turned to you. Placing the gun onto the bar as you crumbled into a heap in his arms. Shaking and crying uncontrollably. 

“Brad—“

“Shhh, I got you, I’ve got you Y/n.” No callsigns. No nicknames. It was you and Bradley. Holding you in his protectively arms as you cried your heart out on the floor of the Hard Deck. Rooster never ended up taking you back to his—he took you home. Where Bob thanked Rooster with his life for keeping his sister safe. 

Rooster  knew this was going to set the timeline of his progress with you back ten fold–but he didn't mind all that much. Rooster was just glad you were safe, that you were okay and that in time he could love you like you deserved to be loved. 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

It was easy to get through a busy shift when everytime you looked up, you met Bradleys gaze. He was always watching from afar. Somewhat protective but respectful of your personal space and boundaries all at the same time. 

“So what's got you all smiles tonight Pip?” Hangman asked as you came around with an empty bar tray to collect the empty glasses. Penny knew you used it as an excuse to get out from behind the bar and talk to the patrons. One specific aviator in particular. “You’d think by now your cheek would be cramping?” Jake Seresin was a good person, you could tell that much just by the way he looked after his mates. 

“If you must know.” You cooed as you took his empty glass and placed it amongst the others you'd already collected. “I have a date this Sunday.” Bradley could hear your conversation as clear as day, but he wasn't going to interrupt. He’d wait till you came a little closer to grab your wholehearted attention. Continuing his own conversation with Payback about the new admiral. 

“A date huh? With Bradshaw?” Jake teased as he smirked at you, looking you up and down. “Let me guess, a pity date.” 

“More like a get me off my back kinda date but still–” As you shrugged your shoulders at Jake, you turned on your heels, reaching over Bradly to grab his empty glass from the tabletop he sat by. “Excuse me Lieutenant Bradshaw, I just need to get the empties.” You knew Rooster hated it when you called him Lieutenant Bradshaw. That was reserved for work and work only, not pleasure, not play. He poked his tongue into the inner part of his cheek as he shook his head and met your gaze. 

“Not funny.” 

“Sorry Lieutenant–” You cooed, brushing up against his crotch as you leaned in to whisper in his ear, standing between Bradleys legs as his hand lingered on your hip, needing at the flesh as your words affected him more than he would have liked to admit. “It won't happen again.” 

“Oi!” Bob hissed when he turned around to see the interaction unfolding. “This is a PG rated establishment–” At this rate, You and Rooster were going to get nowhere if Bob kept up his protective older brother shtick. “Separate please, none of that.” You didn't budge, you simply ignored your brother's request as Rooster dug his fingertips into your flesh a little more. Not wanting you to move from your place as you held the tray of empty glasses. 

“I'm going on my break in fifteen minutes.” You explained. “Why don't you meet me out the back near the festoon lights?” It was as suggestive as you could make it, hoping Bradley would catch on to what you were insinuating. It wouldn't be the first time and it surely wouldn't be the last time you two would sneak away for a quick rondavoo in the back of the Bronco–but it had been a minute since the last time. If he thought about it for a little while, Rooster was sure you both haven't gotten together since that dreaded night with the three guys. 

“Oh fuck–” Rooster felt like a teenager again when his cheeks begun to blush a rose hume at your words, his jeans feeling all the more tighter as he thought about the possibility of seeing you ride him again. “Okay, yeah, ill uh–i'll be there.” He nodded in quick heist as the flush of his skin started to creep up his neck. God it did things to you knowing how easily you melted the stoic Naval Aviator into a puddle. “But quit calling me Lieutenant Bradshaw, it aint funny sweetheart.” 

“Really?” You pressed as you pushed away from Rooster, he looked ready to jump your bones then and there. “What would you rather me call you?” Again, you were being far too suggestive for such a public place. He’d missed this. Smirking down at you as you stepped back biting your bottom lip. “See you in fifteen, Lieutenant Bradshaw.” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~

Much to your delight, Rooster kept his promise almost to the minute. Meeting you out the back at one of the table and chair sets that were illuminated by strung up festoon lights. Sitting on top of the table, you waved his way as he made strides your way, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. The Hawaiian shirt he wore looked oh so stupid but in the best possible way. Only Braldey Bradshaw could pull off a Hawaiina shirt all year round. 

“I'm a little disappointed you aren't already naked.” You joked as Rooster finally made his way over to you, jumping up beside you with a huff. 

“Didn't wanna get done for public indecency by brother of the year.” Rooster was far too quick to tease back as you giggled softly and shook your head in defeat. It was nice to know Bob had your back, it truly was–but he was relentless. “So what's this about huh? Won't go on a date with me to save your life but you’ll happily have your way with me in the back of my Bronco?” 

“I don't ever remember mentioning having my way with you in the back of your Bronco–” Much like Rooster had done to you with his plane to get you to go out on a real date with him, you had set him up. “You’re far too much like my brother, always making assumptions.” 

“Oh–” Bradley puffed his chest a little as he got down from the table, pulling your legs closer to the edge as he stood between them. “So you’re telling me you don’t wanna just sneak away for a moment or two and–” You didn't let Rooster finish his sentence before you were laughing and biting your bottom lip.

“You'd only need a moment or two wouldn't you.” Bradley had never had this problem before, he wasn't ashamed of his stamina. Usually he could last for at least an hour if the sex was good, he could pace himself and edge his orgasm to the point where he could ride the high out for as long as he wanted–but with you? It had been a whole nother story. A few minutes was all it took for him to be spent. “Kinda don't need any more than five minutes.” You taunted, lifting your arm up to look at your wrist as if there was a watch wrapped around it. There wasn't. “So that leaves me with a solid ten minutes to kinda just dick around on my break.”

The first time you'd snuck away it was to the bathroom in the back of the Hard Deck. You thought for sure someone would catch you if you were gone for too long. Scared Bob would notice both you and Rooster were nowhere to be found. Bradley though, well he didn't make that a problem at all. He was done in about five minutes. 

“I'll have you know that my condition is solely a problem caused by you, Pip–because although I spend most of my day thinking about you.” Leaning in, Bradley kissed you softly, pulling back seconds after as he continued showering you with endearment. “And how beautiful you are.” Again, he leaned in to kiss you, this time for a little longer, a little more passion filled. “And what I would do for just a slither of your attention.” It was this time that Bradley cupped your cheeks as he deepened the kiss he gave you, pulling you against his lips as his tongue danced with yours. Soft moans escaping as you worked to unbuckle his belt, looping it from his waist. “You still catch me off guard every time we’re together and I don’t think ill ever get over just how fucking good it feels to be with you.” 

“Bronco–now.” You mumbled as you wiped your lips on your forearm. Rooster just smirked as he picked you up, a giggling mess as he rancid around the corner in the dark to where he’d parked his Bronco. “Bradley!” You squealed as he ran, carrying you in strong arms around the corner as you wrapped your legs around his waist and held onto the back of his neck. 

“Shhh–” Before you could protest any further, Your back was hitting the paintjob of Bradleys Bronco. His lips were on yours in a fever dream kiss as he worked to fish his keys from his pocket. “Just go with it.” So you did. You kissed Rooster back with as much need and as much lust as he was kissing you with. Devouring one another as Bradley held you up with all his might against the side of his Bronco. 

It wasn't long before you were climbing into the back seat, a giddy mess of adrenaline and need as you felt Roosters eyes on your ass as he followed you in. shutting the door behind himself before, like teenage dirtbags, you both rid yourself of any articles of clothing that just didn't seem practical for the aforementioned activities. 

“Okay, okay so–” To no surprise of your own, Bradley was already a flushed mess. “How do you wanna do this?” He asked softly with big eyes and a soft smirk. It had been a minute and he just wanted you to lead the way–he’d follow. Do whatever you wanted to do. “Do you wanna maybe–” Again, you didn't let Bradley finish before you were taking his lips hostage with yours. Pulling him down on top of you as you laid back on the seat. Your rip tight around his neck. “Fuck–” 

“Missed you, Missed this–” It wasn't that Braldey had inherently gone anywhere, but this was just something that had been off the cards for the last few months since the incident. Rooster respected you far too much to ever push your boundaries or climb the walls you put up. So he waited for you to make the first move. 

“Missed you so much–” Travelling the expanse from your jaw down the valley of your chest and down your torso, Bradley left goosebumps wherever his lips melted against your skin. “So fucking pretty Pip–” Sinking down between your legs to meet your core, dripping and needy for his touch. “Since you think it's hilarious that I can't last more than a few minutes, let's see how long it takes you, yeah?” He’d made it a challenge, to see how long you’d last and you thought for sure it would take you a while. But as soon as Braldey pressed his tongue against your sensitive bundle of nerves and spread your legs as far as he could get them? You knew it wouldn't take long at all. 

“Holy shit–” Your back arched off the seats as Bradley ate you out. His tongue lapping away as his fingertips danced at your entrance. “Ohh fuck!” There was a brief moment where you forgot how to breathe, that's how good it felt. The way Rooster was eating your pussy felt like he’d been starved for months, lapping and sucking and coaxing his fingers against your velvet walls. Two digits slipped in easily as your nectar pooled like it did at the base of a waterfall. All for him, all because of him. “Ohhh fuck Roos, yes!” 

“Such a pretty cunt.” There had been many nights where Bradley Bradshaw jerked himself off to the thought of you, so much so the bottle of unscented moisturiser had become a permanent fixture on his bedside table. His fist would never compare to the satisfaction you gave him though. The feeling of being with you in any aspect, from the nights where you’d close up early and share a pizza down by the beach to the mornings where you’d meet up at Bradleys place and go for a run, was unparalleled. “So wet so easily Pip–” 

“Say my real name.” You moaned as you fell deeper and deeper into the vortex Bradley was shoving you towards. “Bradley, say my name.” God it felt so good, the pressure in your lower abdomen was coming to a boiling point, the tips of your toes tingled with pins and needles, crinkling your nose as your breathing laps and got deeper every passing second. “Oh god oh god oh god oh god–” 

“I got you Y/n, I got you–” Bradley knew you were verging on the edge of your orgasm, he wasn't going to say anything now–but he couldn't help but to smirk against your pussy as he worked you over, pumping his two digits in and out. Your juices slicked him up so good it had started to drip down his wrist. “I got you baby cum for me.” It was otherworldly every time you were with Rooster. He knew just what to do and when to send you over the edge. It was a tell tale sign though whenever you gripped his dirty blonde locks with your first, pulling harshly as you shifted your hips against his face. “Cum on my face Y/n please baby, then ill fuck you so good you’ll be hobbling behind that bar of yours.” 

“Ahhhhh!!” You felt it bubbling, there was no turning back now. “Bradley i'm cumming i’m cumming i’m cumming i’m cumming ahhhh–!” Bradley didn't stop, he never stopped pumping his fingers inside you, he never stopped sucking at your swollen clit. “Ohhh fuck!” It was pure ecstasy, a euphoria only Bradley could provide you with. Your body stiffened as your orgasm washed over you like a damn titlewave. “Ohhhhhhhh–ffuuggghhhh—!” 

“Fucking christ Y/n yes baby look at you.” Rooster cooed as you soaked his face, squirting a little as he hit the squishy wall of your cunt over and over again, coaxing the liquid from you like a pro. It felt too good to not ride out the high to its full capacity. Revelling in every second of your high. “Did so good for me.” Bradley was quick to wipe his mouth on the back of his forearm as he came up to meet you. Kissing your lips softly, he moaned at the thought of you tasting yourself on his tongue. 

“I still have eight minutes left on my break.” You sighed as you looked up at Rooster. “You got enough in the tank to waste two minutes?” 

“What the hell question is that?” It made you laugh at just how ready Bradley was. “Absolutely I do, hop on beautiful.” Within the blink of any eye, Bradley had switched up the positions you were in. A few seconds ago you had been lying on your back with him hovering on top of you. Now? You were straddling his lap as he sat back against the middle seat of his Bronco. “You know you’re the most beautiful woman i've ever met right?” Bradleys complement didn't go unnoticed, it had you breaking out into a bashful smile so bright he swore you could have seen it from space. “And you aren't just another girl.” He cooed, cupping your face as he pulled you down for a kiss. “And this isn't just some summer love for me.” He explained as you shifted in his lap, guiding the head of his cock past your slick folds and into you slowly, sinking down–taking him inch by inch. “I think I'm truly falling in love with you–” 

“I think I'm truly falling in love with you too, Roo.” It would be a conversation tabled for a later day, because the moment you started moving up and down the length of Roosters cock? It was fake over for him. Moaning against your lips as you kissed him. Bouncing up and down to a rhythm of your choice, slowly, coaxing him to write where you wanted him. 

“Ohhhh fuck—yes, Y/n fuck you feel so good baby.” Roosters hands gripped at your hips, helping to guide you up and down his slicked up length as you worked your way down his jaw. Kissing over his scars—sending shivers down his spine as you did so. You’d been the only woman to ever do that, he had a girlfriend once who brought him concealer. But you? You kissed at the scar tissue like it was some imperfect perfection. “Holy shit—feels so fucking good!” 

“You're gonna come already Bradshaw?” You just wanted to tease him a little. “Ahh! But it feels so good, never wanna stop riding your cock.” Rooster let his head fall back against the glass of his Bronco. Squinting his eyes tight as he tried to hold out for as long as he possibly could. With you though? It was damn near impossible to. You just felt too good. 

“I’m good—“ Bradley lied, you knew he did. “Keep fucking me like this though and I’m not gonna last.” You knew he was barreling towards his high. There was a tight sensation pooling at the base of his shift as his balls tightened and breathing hitched. He’d gone a bright shade of crimson, his skin blotchy and hot to the touch. “Fuck, fuck, fuck—holy shit just keep fucking me Pip keep fucking me baby feels so fucking good.” Babbling, Bradley had given himself over to the feeling you brought him. Your touch, your warmth, your ability to have him coming undone at the scene was like a personalised siren song you sung out just for him. “Where can I cum!?” 

“You can cum inside me Bradley, come on baby—cum for me.” Bradley had a fair few inches to carry around. It always felt good with him buried inside you, but with only a few minutes left in your break—the two of you would have to find a lengthier time to be intimate. “You wanna cum for me? Fill me to the brim with your cum Lieutenant Bradshaw—“ There it was, that was it—your point proven, the second that rank left your mouth Rooster was pulling you flush against his chest with your arms strung behind your back. Fucking up and fast and deep and mercilessly into your dripping fucked out cunt. “Aaahhhhh! Fuck! Yes yesss!” You cried out, it felt way too good. “Bradley!”

“I told you not to call me that didn’t I?” He was done for, he was a goner—completely head over heels in love with you as he came hard and fast and without shame. “Ooohhhh fuck! Ooohhh yes, ooohhhhh god—“ flooding your cunt with the biggest load he’d ever given. “Ohh my god, that was—“ 

“The very definition of a quickie.” You finished Rooster's sentence as hot air steamed the windows of his Broco like that one scene in Titanic. “But I’m not complaining.” 

“You wanna come back to mine after you finish work?” He asked as you sat up, his cock still inside you as he softened, deciding you had a minute or two still left to spare. 

“Maybe—“ You smiled softly. “Depends on how busy the rest of the night is.” You knew Bradley hadn’t meant it in a way where he was implying another round. But you knew he would clear that up. 

“I didn’t mean it like, another round—-“ Ah, yep there it was. “I just meant maybe we could just spend whatever ends up being the rest of your night together, a pre date for our real date if you will.” He beamed, leaning in to kiss you one final time before you dismounted to sit beside him. Both naked. Both spent. “And before you say you have to work tomorrow? I already asked Penny, you don’t have work tomorrow.”

“And what if I had plans of my own?” You cooed, looking over your shoulder at Rooster as you pulled your shirt back over your head. 

“Cancel them.” He was as serious as a heart attack. “Spend the weekend with me gorgeous?” Rooster just wanted to be by your side always. “I know you’re reluctant, but—like I said, this isn’t summer love for me, so I’m gonna keep chasing you until you either give up or tell me to stop wasting my time.” 

“Well I hope that your cardiovascular health is a lot better than your sexual stamina Bradshaw.” You teased as you buckled your jeans up. “Because I’m quite enjoying being chased.” 

“Keep running than Pip.” Bradley smiled as he watched you open the door of his Bronco, sliding out as if mother happened. “Because I’ll catch you.” 

“Only in your wet dreams Lieutenant Bradshaw.” You taunted as you leaned in just one more time to place a kiss against Roosters lips. Savouring the feeling before pulling away. “But yes, I’ll come back to yours after work.” 

“So it’s a pre date for our date?” You couldn’t help but to laugh. Shaking your head softly as you nodded in agreement. 

“Yes, a pre-date for our date.” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

[furiousladyking]

It's a Date

It's a Date - Part One??

Jake Seresin x Reader

A/N: this is kind of a feeler to see if anyone is interested in yet another fic in this trope

Summary: Jake Seresin is feeling defeated. His youngest sister, Brooke is getting married in 3 weeks, and he has yet to find a date. While he loves his family, he can't say he enjoys getting those comments from his mother about when he is going to find a "nice girl" and settle down. In comes Y/N "Casper" L/N, a prime target to help get rid of the one on Jake's back.

Warnings: probably very incorrect military information - but hey we're trying our best, probably profanity

________________________________________

The Hard Deck was seemingly filled to the brim with aviators and civilians alike, something quite common for a Friday night in July. The crowd was loud, and there was an old rock song playing, however drowned out. The familiar clink of pool balls and thump of darts lulled incredibly tired individuals into a sense of calm.

In an entirely uncommon event, Hangman was... quiet. Too quiet if you ask any of his fellow aviators. Looks were passed, and whispers between Phoenix and Bob were somewhat hidden for thirty minutes.

"As much as we all appreciate a little bit of a break from hearing you go on about how great you are, you're kind of freaking me out," Phoenix tried as she walked up to the pool table. Coyote snickered beside her.

"Hmm?" Rooster quirked an eyebrow at the distracted man beside him. No come back? No stab at flirting? He took the pool cue and placed one end of the floor. He waited a moment. Despite the far away look in Jake's eye, he sunk the shot he had lined up. Rolling his eyes, Rooster decided to test the boundaries.

"Hey Hangman, did you hear that Cyclone let me know I was getting a promotion? Lieutenant Commander."

"Wow, that's cool," Hangman replied. He lined up his next shot. Those surrounding the pool table were a bit taken aback. Bringing his cue back, he stuttered on the follow through. "Wait, what?" The ball missed the pocket by about half a foot.

"There he is," Bob said from his seat, rolling his eyes.

"Lieutenant Commander? Rooster we both know you'd be the last-" Hangman began, hitting what the squad called his sassy stance. One hand on his hip, jutted out, the other holding his cue stick.

"Hey, no need to hurl insults, I was just seeing how out of it you were. Wasn't sure if we needed to send you to the infirmary. Your ego wasn't practically suffocating us" Rooster put his hands up in a mock-surrender.

Hangman placed his hand on his face, letting it slide down in hopes it wipe the worry away. He debated on brushing it off and telling them he was just picturing the best way to rub in his latest win during their dogfighting. The Dagger Squad had been stationed together in Miramar for a little over a year and no one was being reassigned anytime soon. Jake had been making a conscious effort to be more vulnerable with the squad, to let them in as his chosen family.

"My sister is getting married in 3 weeks."

The others were silent for a moment.

"Congratulations?" Phoenix offered. Hangman sighed and shook his head, mostly to himself.

"When they started planning the wedding six months ago I told my mom I had someone to bring with me," He started. Rooster cocked his head to the side. "She reminded me on a phone call about how excited she is to meet my girlfriend"

"Hangman has a girlfriend?" Fanboy pipped in, after hearing bits of the conversation.

"He doesn't," Rooster answered for him. "That's the problem."

"Hey, why don't you get someone to go with you and just act like you are dating?" Bob spoke from his spot on the chair. Suddenly feeling numerous eyes, he started to defend, "I've heard people do it a lot."

"I'm not bringing some hooker to meet my family," Hangman huffed, glaring in Bob's direction, then softening his gaze. "I'm just going to have to tell my mom that she and I broke up. Maybe she'll even pity me enough to not try and set me up with her friend's children." Jake leaned his pool stick up against the table and went to sit down next to Bob. He sipped his drink as he pondered how that would play out in reality.

"Get Casper to go with you." Hangman almost choked on his drink. He looked incredulously in Coyote's direction. "Think about it, she's the only one you know well enough to pretend you've been dating. Besides Phoenix, but we all know her acting skills wouldn't be good enough to go along with being your girlfriend for four days." Phoenix elbowed him in the rib. Coyote tries to stand tall, but still clutches his side in his hands.

As if on cue, he hears her voice. Still in her service khakis and hair in a bun, she carries her drink with her toward the group.

"Hey, what are we talking about?"

"I swear this type of shit only happens in movies."

_______________________________________________

Thank you for reading!

Anyway, let me know if this is something I should even consider continuing!

[servantofthefates]

The Most Useful Lenormand Tips

Where is Lenormand Better than Tarot?

Shallow but essential questions — “Should I stay at home tonight? If I attend this party, will I have fun?” “Should I bring an umbrella? Will rain overpower the sun?” Tarot knows the answers too, but it prefers questions of a profound nature over little things like the weather.

Mindless gambling and betting — When there’s a sports match I want to bet on but I’m not a fan of either players or teams, tarot will never answer me correctly, because it will feel that I’m not invested emotionally. Lenormand won’t care. It will tell the truth fair and square.

Quick yes or no — When tarot answers a yes or no question, it attaches a thesis as to why it is so. But sometimes, people’s intentions, a situation’s history and my own motivations do not concern or interest me. So I ask Lenormand instead for a snappy decree.

How to Predict Timing with Lenormand

January - Fish

February - Snake

March - Stork

April - Paths

May - Woman

June - Ring

July - Man

August - Child

September - Rod

October - Heart

November - Clouds

December - House

Soon - Rider

Temporarily - Birds

Quickly - Clover

Suddenly - Scythe

A long time from now - Anchor

About a year from today - Tree

Yes or No with Lenormand

Hearts - Yes

Clubs - No

Diamonds - Could Be

Spades - Unlikely

How to Do a Line of Five

STEP 1: Lay out the cards.

Get the first 4 cards from the top of the deck.

Use the card at the bottom of the deck as the 5th card.

Note that the middle card is the theme.

STEP 2: Read the cards.

Read them like a sentence, from left to right.

Then read them as a string, with the leftmost card as the subject, and the succeeding ones as adjectives.

Mirror them: 1 + 5, 2 + 4.

Note any possible date predictions. (See above.)

STEP 3: Read the playing card inserts.

Note the suits for yes or no. (See above.)

Add the playing card pips to get the Lenormand card number. (Ace to 10 is 1 to 10, Jack is 11, Queen is 12, King is 13.) If the sum is more than 36, add the two digits.

Then read the Lenormand card that your calculation led you to as the one message you need to remember, if you forget everything else.

When to Do a Grand Tableau

1) On December 31st, or on your birthday, to ask about your whole year ahead.

2) At the beginning of every quarter, to ask about your next three months.

But just choose one or the other. Don’t do them both together.

Recommended Lenormand Decks

The Blue Owl — This classic deck is the equivalent of a blue box vintage Rider-Waite. It is complete with playing card inserts and has no-nonsense images.

Pixie’s — As a Rider-Waite reader, I find this one great to use side by side a tarot spread. It has Pamela Colman Smith’s art, so together, they’re nice and seamless to look at.

Seventh Sphere — The perfect crossbreed between modern and classic. In look and design, it is no doubt new. But just like the older decks, it speaks clear and true.

How to Master Lenormand by Yourself

If you are the type who deeply values tradition and prefers to read almost purely through intuition, buy Andy Boroveshengra’s book, “Lenormand Thirty Six Cards”. It teaches the Near and Far method — perhaps the oldest and most valid way of reading this system.

If you are a technical learner and reader who is a stickler for the rules, look to Caitlín Matthews’ masterpiece instead: “The Complete Lenormand Oracle Handbook”. It treats Lenormand as Linguistics. You would feel like you are taking a college course.

But… if you do not wish to take Lenormand so seriously, that is, if you do not care to learn everything about it entirely, simply download the “Seventh Sphere Lenormand” by Labyrinthos from the App Store. It will teach you all the basics, though perhaps nothing historical and classic.

Have fun with Lenormand!

[danshive]

The more I think on Lower Decks, the more I don't need to actually see Boimler become a captain.

I want him to be on his way, certainly, and doing really cool things, and for it to be heavily implied that, yes, he will make captain someday, BUT the sort of journey ahead of Brad involves gradual promotions, and time spent at certain ranks.

I don't think him jumping through those ranks in just a few seasons would be satisfying (and would potentially enrage Harry Kim).

I think a satisfactory conclusion would be his first promotion that nobody can justify as being "Lower Decks."

Granted, I don't know how many pips that would be. I just personally don't need to see him in a captain's chair to feel "done" (though if the series actually knew it was ending, and felt like doing a fast forward or something, I wouldn't say no).

[hermitsmirror]

🌀 PICK 🧵 A 🧵 CARD 🌀

Close your eyes. Breathe deep. Let yourself get abstract with the Life Line Tarot and find the thread that leads you through the Labyrinth. Follow it to the center, where mysteries await. The mess can be confusing, but there’s a single line running through it all. Once you find your way to the center, pick a card.

Left? Center? Right?

If you need more time or are feeling trapped, take your time to leave the Labyrinth’s secret center. If it’s too dark to find your way out, feel the warmth of your own inner light becoming a lantern to guide you once you’re ready. Let its light expose all the empty space between lines and follow your thread back out to where you feel safe and free, released of the pressure of those walls but wiser from the experience.

How does that feel? I hope it was freeing and allowed you to find your calm center.

Now pick a card (if you want) and read its message in the reveal.

Let me know how it resonates, and share the post with those who might benefit from a little labyrinthine guidance.

The Life Line Tarot is designed to activate your intuitive gifts with scrying into its single-line artwork or call on quick references through its use of playing card corner “pips” and the familiar-yet-strange icons of Pamela Colman Smith’s work. And it’s budget-friendly as a bridge-size deck in a simple tuck box, perfect for on-the-go readings.

[emmyrosee]

Emmy I just thought about motorcycle man samu in the tight sports leathers and helmet and I’m literally (s)creaming so bad rn. Imagine him with a strong but still soft body all wrapped up in those tight outfits. He’s an upperclassmen in your college and an occasional costumer at the small noodle shop you work at on your days off. The first time you meet him was brief and you don’t actually know it was him. To be fair you were rushing to a lab you were late for and you weren’t looking where you were going -honestly though, how can you miss a man so deliciously big as him?- he had just stepped off his bike right into your path and now you’re face first into his tits with your books scattered on the ground (this is sounding suspiciously similar to the piece you did for college Samu IT WAS SO GOOD EMMY PLS MORE). The next time you meet him he’s leaning against the wall in your living room waiting for your roommate to lend him some notes from a lecture he missed. He has his helmet off this time but he’s still all decked out in his motorcycling outfit and you don’t normally stare but it is genuinely a crime for him to look that good. You stumble out a quick hi before darting to the fridge to get some water and a snack and the whole time you can feel his eyes on you (I don’t know where to go from here but GOD I just want this man to be so smug about himself and wrap my arms around him while riding on the back of his motorcycle. Pls I would literally let him do anything to me) -pip anon

COLLEGE OSAMU MY BELOVED I MISS HIM SO MUCH HES SO DELICIOUS

Also my former mechanic/mechanic k1nk really comes through so I am sorry for any sin you might see PFFFF- also this isn’t what you asked for but I make the rules so-

But unlike his brother, Osamu is just not into the sport life anymore. He’s still bulked up and muscle, hell he is still Atsumu’s brother, but there’s no volleyball in his blood anymore. He turns himself into a love for working with his hands, and the minute he lands his eyes on a pretty motorcycle for cheap- just needed some touch ups with the spark plugs and ignition, there was no way it wasn’t meant to be.

And he pimps it out good.

It’s hot, he’s hot with it, it makes the ladies sweat and men intimidated, he’s always working on it outside of classes and he always takes it on a first date to make anyone behind him squeak and hold onto him tight.

You hate him and that stupid bike.

He’s so ridiculous with it, it’s so goddamned loud every morning, when he rolls up to the small shop you work at- who cares if the nice old couple who owns the store loves the bike and sends him on little errands, it’s obnoxious, and it causes major backups in your line from people staring.

(It definitely doesn’t do that, people just stop and look because they’re interested in the beautiful metal. But that’s not the point, okay, it’s obnoxious.)

You wouldn’t even care, okay, if he wasn’t so obvious about owning the bike. It’s his personality trait at this point; one time, when you were making a mad dash to your class, you literally ran into Osamu, who’s built like a damn house, and he sent you flailing back onto the curb. His helmet and keys clanged down next to you, and at first he looked at the helmet, then he looks at you.

A flurry of apologies came out from his lips, accompanied by an offer to give you a ride, but your scraped palms and sore tailbone caused tears of frustration to well in your eyes, and you shoved him away with a bark.

You hated the motorcycle. And you hated how much he cared for it. It’s a piece of metal, why does anyone love it sooooo much?

It doesn’t help that every Tuesday, you come back to your apartment, your home, your safe space, and the damned hunk of junk is parked, because one of your roommate’s is best friends with Osamu (actually, it’s your roommate’s boyfriend’s bestie, which makes it even worse bc he doesn’t even live with you-) and he comes by to catch up on some notes; that ugly ass helmet with corny ass gold embossing just sits on the table that you eat at, mocking you.

You grumble, slip your backpack off and stomp to your bedroom to get away from the smell of gasoline and sweat and absolutely flowing testosterone.

You’re in the middle of your pity party when there’s a knock on your door, and when you answer it, there’s a fuckin’ barn standing in your doorframe, that horrendous smirk on his face.

“Hey sunshine,” that stupid slight accent drawls, and you snarl. “Gonna run to your noodle bar, you hungry?”

“I’m there every other day, I’m more than fine.”

“Shame,” he sighs dramatically. “Only reason I go everyday is to see you.”

“Get OUT!” You bark, grabbing a pillow and swinging it at him, but before you can hit him with it, he’s laughing and slammed the door shut for protection.

“And don’t ever go out of your way to see me, you freak!”

Spoiler- he does continue to go out of his way to see you.

Granted, you never saw it like that, it was more him flexing off his motorcycle than anything else, but now with the idea he was doing it to see you makes you even more shy around him. You can’t meet his eyes as easy, when he makes an innuendous comment, your cheeks get embarrassingly hot, and god, those fucking compression shirts he wears because of how long he rides starts to drive you up the wall.

Stupid shaggy hair and stupid big muscles and stupid cocky smirk and stupid arms that could easily scoop and pin you to the wall and stupid lips that could mark the deepest of hickeys on your neck.

God damn it.

You hate stupid sexy Osamu and his stupid sexy bike.

The one sliver you’re able to get away from it is when you’re locking up the shop for the night, no sight of anyone for the last hour and a half, and despite the hot broth it’s too cold to walk into the shop, and it’s a time of peace.

Well- at least until you hear the reviving of an engine behind you.

“Hey,” he smirks. “You need a ride? Dangerous for you to be walkin’ ‘round out here alone.”

“Are you stalking me, you freak?”

“No,” he shrugs. “But roomie told me you got out at 10. This is me picking you up to drive you back to your place.”

You scoff as you cross your arms, “I’ve walked this route plenty of times by myself. I can handle it tonight too.”

“Wasn’t a question, doll.” He reaches behind him for the rear compartment’s helmet, shoving it towards you for you to put on. “I’m driving you back.” He gives you a playfully cock of his head and pokes his tongue in his cheek, “what would I do if somethin’ happened to you?”

You cock your brow, “you practically shoved me on the concrete a few months back and you checked on your precious helmet first; you don’t give a shit what happens to me.”

“You’re still on that?” He sighs, taking off his helmet to make direct eye contact with you. “I told you I’m sorry, I heard the loud noise before I heard you. You know I’d never fuck around if you were hurt.”

“I was hurt. I couldn’t write notes for three days.”

His brow cocks cheekily and he gives you a cocky shrug, “well then next time I’ll be a little more gentle with ya, hm?”

Your cheeks flush and your hands ball into fists, trying to ward off the clamminess. Your little heart pounds, and with those giant grey peepers looking you up and down, you hate the way the dynamic shifts. “You’re such a fucking-“ you let a shaky exhale out of your nose. “Fine. Take me home.”

“With pleasure,” he purrs, letting you put on your helmet and swing a leg over the back of his motorcycle. A gasp slips through your lips as your hips shift to try and get comfortable behind him, but it’s taller and it looks and wide enough for his massive legs to stretch over but not necessarily yours, and for fucks sake how does he deal with these vi-fucking-brations-

“Hold on tight,” he calls behind to you, revving the engine once, twice, and a third before he feels your arms cling tight around him. You practically hear the smirk in his voice when he chuckles:

“I like to go fast, babe.”

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

Taking Comfort (In Your Arms) - Chapter 2

Two Weeks Later - May 28, 1943

The last two weeks Bucky Egan had been on base were ones that were unlike the previous 8 weeks Addie had been in East Anglia. The base seemed to be flipped upside down just by his presence alone. 

She usually found him nightly in a local pub, singing alongside the locals as he made ridiculous bets and talked crap. She watched in fascination as he charmed the locals, with stories and tales of his past life in America. There were at least three girls chasing him, by her count, all enamored by the American. 

And Addie tried to keep him out of her mind but it was becoming more and more difficult, especially between him randomly showing up to her office and Josie’s constant chatter about him. 

“I’m telling you, Ads, you should just ask him out.” Josie called out, interrupting Addie’s mid-morning mind wandering session. 

Scoffing, she paused on the report she was reading and looked up at Josie. “It’s not right for a girl to ask a guy out. Besides, he has charmed half of East Anglia and I’m sure his social calendar has all filled up.”

“Who is this mysterious man you’re talking about? And I very much doubt his social calendar is all filled. I’m sure he has a spot for you waiting for you, love.” Speaking of the devil, he shall arrive, causing both Josie and Addie both to yelp in surprise. 

Looking behind her, Addie’s eyes narrowed at the very man Josie was referencing. “Jesus, wear a bell or something. At least let people know you’re lurking around.”

“Not my fault you didn’t hear the door slam. I mean I wasn’t exactly quiet.” Bucky grinned looking at the two women. “Now who’s the mystery man Addie should ask out? By the way, I think it’s great if a girl asks a guy out - takes the pressure off the fella.” 

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. “You’re going to have to work harder than that to find out Bucky. Now how can I help you?” 

Taking a seat in the chair in front of her deck, he crossed his right leg over his left and plopped his hat down giving her a look, sighing. “I need your help. I’m getting nowhere with the Brits loaning us masks and parachutes so I was hoping you could help?” 

Josie snickered as Addie sighed. They both had a love-hate relationship with the nearby British base. “I will warn you, depending on the day they might hate me too.”

“They couldn’t hate a beautiful girl if they tried, Captain.” Addie snorted this time as Josie laughed out loud. “What am I missing?” 

Josie pipped up before Addie could. “They can when our girl flat out turns one of them down spectacularly in the local pub, Major.” 

“That’s a story I look forward to hearing, Captain.” Bucky chuckled, scratching his jaw. “Can you help a poor guy out who’s boys land in two weeks?” 

She sighing, giving him a calculated look. “I need numbers, Major. How many masks and parachutes do you need before your men arrive?” 

Watching Bucky run numbers in his mind, was a sight to behold. His teeth had hold of his bottom lip as she could see the gears moving behind his eyelids. His concentrated look wasn’t one Addie saw very often on his face, but she added it to her growing list of favorite Bucky looks. “We’ve gotten 200 of the 1000 that were sent. If we could get an additional 300 before my guys arrive, we’ll be in good shape while we wait for our stuff to arrive, hopefully a few days after the boys arrive.” 

Looking at the pouty face of Major Bucky Egan, Addie couldn’t help but melt at his face. He hadn’t figured it out yet, but she was a sucker for a pouty face on a man. It tested her resolve and before she knew it she was picking up the phone to make a call. 

She watched Bucky lean back into his chair as she attempted to work her magic. Doodling on a spare piece of paper that was always present on her desk, she waited for the line to connect, hoping it wasn’t the Lieutenant she turned down answering the phone. An older voice came on the line as she grinned. “Colonel Masters, this is Captain Adelaide Baker calling from Thorpe Abbotts. I was hoping you could assist me with a request from Colonel Baker.”

She listened to the man wax on about her father and the great things he had heard. Rolling her eyes, she sat back in her chair, getting comfortable. “Colonel, we need 300 masks and parachutes for the Americans that are set to land in two weeks. Their equipment hasn’t arrived yet.” 

Grumbling, the man on the other side of the phone said a few words before agreeing to have the equipment sent over by the end of the week. She wished him a good day and hung up the phone with a grin on her face. “Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, Major. Everything will be here by the end of the week.”

“Just like that - drop your father’s name and all is right in the world.” Bucky whistled, sitting up in his chair, giving her a surprised look. “Impressive, Addie.” 

Making a note on her desk calendar, Addie grinned. “All in a day's work. Anything else you need help with, Major?” 

“Meet me at the officer’s club later?” He raised an eyebrow in challenge. 

Shaking her head, she met his sad eyes. “I have a date with one of the big birds tonight. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it to the club tonight.” Gathering papers, she pushed back from her desk and stood. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting I can’t be late for. I’ll see you later, Bucky.”

Watching her walk off, Bucky narrowed his eyes on Josie who sat at her desk with a smirk. “Is there something I’m missing, Josie?”

“Every other Friday night or so, Addie goes to one of the birds and reminisces on her time in the sky. Tonight is one of those nights.” Josie smiled sympathetically. 

Bucky turned her words over in his mind. “Would she be terribly pissed if I interrupted that time?” 

“She’ll probably scream at you for a few minutes but I think you’ll be a welcomed guest after that.” Josie smiled, at the man clearly smitten with her best friend. 

John plopped his hat back on his head, tilting it in her direction. “Does she have a particular favorite bird by chance?” 

“Our Baby is a favorite if it’s here and as luck would have it, it will be landing later this afternoon. I’d start there.” Josie winked as John laughed. 

He started towards the door, pausing looking at Josie. “Is there anything else I should know before tonight Josie?” 

“Don’t break my best friend’s heart, Major. That girl has been through the wringer these last few months and she doesn’t deserve any other heartbreak.” Josie gave him a look, a mix that she meant business and not to piss her off. 

Giving a two finger salute, John gave her a silent promise not to do so before leaving the tower and heading towards his jeep. He had a few things to think about before he had a date with a big bird and a pretty girl. 

2000 hours

Tipping the flask to her mouth, she muttered a cuss when nothing flowed out. She was laid out in the nose of “Our Baby”, the last fort she delivered before she was demoted. Scoffing, she shook her head, not wanting to go down that dangerous path tonight. There was a lot of anger built up on how that went down. Throwing her head back, she screamed at the unfairness of the entire situation and that her past came roaring back. 

Choking back a sob, she hit the side of the fort in frustration. She didn’t want to spend her evening sobbing in the fort - she had already had enough of those nights. All she wanted to be was up in the air but because of jackasses and rules, she was sidelined. She was lucky they didn’t send her home, though her father was the likely cause of that not happening. 

A noise caught her attention as she attempted to sit up. Her eyes widened hearing the hatch of the fort open and a voice call up, “permission to climb aboard?” 

Muttering a cuss under her breath, she shook her head, wishing her brain wasn't so fuzzy. “This isn’t a boat, Major but permission granted.” 

She winced as it sounded like a bull in a China shop as he made his way through the fort. Mentally tracking his path from the hatch, she smiled as she heard his footsteps directly above her while his voice carried. “Where the hell are you, Addie?” 

“In the nose Bucky.” Her voice sounded rough as she shook her head away attempting to clear the cobwebs. 

Before she knew it, she saw his boots before his entire torso came into view. He chuckled seeing her sitting there. “So this is what you do when you’re not in the pub?” 

“Sometimes. Other times I’m laying in a field looking at the stars. Depends on my mood and how pissed off I am at the world.” She shrugged. “The pubs weren’t keeping your attention tonight, Major?” 

Shaking his head, he sat down across from her attempting to stretch out his long legs. “Nah, heard there was a rager happening at one of the forts and decided to come check it out.” 

“Sorry to disappoint but it was a rager for one, until you decided to crash.” She let a half smile push across her lips. 

“Do you want me to leave?” He offered, picking up on the sadness in her voice. 

She quickly shook her head. That was the last thing she wanted. “Just know that it’s not exactly a happy mood tonight.”

“Wanna talk about it?” He asked, looking at her with sad eyes. “My buddy Buck tells me that I’m an excellent listener.” 

Holding up a hand, she snickered. “Wait, your buddy is Buck and you’re Bucky? Did you really nickname your best friend after you?”

“I was Bucky first and when I met him at basic, he looked just like a buddy of mine back in Wisconsin named Buck so Gale became Buck and that’s quickly became what the guys call him.” Bucky defended, holding out a hand in innocence. “We gotta come up with a nickname for you, Addie.” 

“Addie is my nickname.” She replied, eyeing him closely. “You’re not what all the rumors said you were like.”

Bucky laughed. “Glad getting to know me has changed your mind.”

“I’ve had my mind changed a lot these last few weeks.” She mused, tilting her head back to look up. 

He shifted, looking at her, concern evident in his eyes, reaching into his sheepskin jacket and pulled something out - his trusty flask. “Offer still stands - do you want to talk about it? You’re obviously upset and sad about something and like I said, I’m a good listener.” 

“I don’t even know where to begin.” She sighed. 

Bucky took a sip out of his flask before offering it to her. She accepted, titling it into her mouth, the sting of the whiskey rough as it burned down her throat. “When did you fall in love with flying?” 

“I’ve always loved it. My dad took me up when I was a baby; he said it was the only time I was quiet. I flew my first plane when I was 13, a Tiger Moth and I instantly fell in love with the freedom of it.  My first job was doing the crop dusting in the local fields - I had five farms that I would spend the days swooping in and out of the clouds and I was so happy.” She grinned. “A family friend passed my name to Jacqueline Cochran and I was in the running to come over here.  I went to Canada, the first time I had left the country, and managed to survive the grueling quest she put us through before being officially accepted to come over here in March 1942 and I’ve been here ever since.”

Bucky chuckled. “I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you speak in one breath.” 

“Shut up; that just means you’re not asking the right questions.” She shrugged. 

He took another swig of the flask, steadying himself for the question he was about to ask. “When did it all turn to shit?” 

Sighing loudly, she wiggled her fingers for the flask. He promptly handed it over to her as she took a swig. “February. This may not make sense but bear with me. When I left in December 1941, I was 23 years old and engaged to be married.  My fiance didn’t have the same ideas I did - I wanted to fly and do my part in the war effort and he wanted me home and tied to the house as his perfect wife. Well, that was the last thing I wanted to do so when Jackie called, I was on the first train to Canada. I couldn’t get away from Michigan fast enough.” 

She ran her hand over her face, avoiding Bucky’s eyes as she sighed. “Well, little did I know, he had done a “welfare” check on the house I was staying in and found out that my roommates hadn’t seen me in a few weeks. He was pissed they didn’t report me missing, and they refused to tell him where I was.  He was on good terms with the local police and requested a welfare warrant be sent out for me in the States. The authorities were looking in the US so it took them a bit to track me down. My promotion from Lieutenant to Captain made the papers back home and the big guns came calling in February. This fort was the last one I had ferried to Rattlesden. My father and CO along with the Air Force big guns were all waiting to read me the riot act. They couldn’t have a pilot and woman who wasn’t as upstanding as they were led to believe and who had skirted her duties back home, blah blah blah; bunch of bullshit to be honest. I ended up being grounded for five weeks while they tried to figure out what to do with me. I was given the option of going home or coming here to set up the base for other Americans. And the rest is history.” 

“Is this the Wisconsin man you referenced during our first meeting?” Bucky asked, clenching his jaw. 

Nodding, she smirked. “The very one and the same. Don’t worry, I got my revenge. Now everyone in Michigan and Wisconsin knows how awful of a lover he truly was and is.” 

“Remind me never to piss you off.” Bucky chuckled, shaking his head. “But you’re so strong - surviving that and finding a new purpose.” 

“Well I wasn’t the hell going back to the US, back to him after he ruined my career.” She scoffed, giggling to herself. “I wrote him a strongly worded letter that our engagement was over and I never wanted to see or talk to him again. There might have been a bonfire a few weeks ago where I burned all of his things I had - letters, poems, his favorite sweater.” 

A comfortable silence fell within the fort, the two of them content. “I can see you have more questions, Major. Might as well ask them since we’re on such a roll.” 

“Can you still fly or did they tear up your pilots license?” He asked, rolling his head to hold her eyes. 

Nodding, she smirked, her face turned excited at the question. “There’s a Tiger Moth not too far from here that I take up on the weekends to just keep up my flying - I couldn’t quit completely cold turkey. But I miss flying these big birds, they were my favorite to fly. It never got old when I stepped out of the fort to see the shocked faces of the men when they realized I was a female and could handle the big girls.” 

“I would agree, there’s something about these big gals.” He smiled wistfully, knocking his knuckles against the side. “I heard you scream earlier. I can’t imagine the frustration and anger you feel.” 

Shaking her head, she chuckled woefully. “You have no idea. At least you can still go up on observation missions. It’ll be a cold day in hell by the time I get to fly officially again.” 

“Are the B-17s your favorite plane to fly, Sassy?” He tried out, smirking when she shrieked.

“Sassy, tell me that’s not my new nickname, Bucky!” She gave him a look that just made him laugh instead. “It’s a toss up between the B-17s and the Spitfires. Spitfires are fun because they are so responsive to turns and they’re fast.” 

Bucky grinned, seeing her eyes light up at the mention of planes. “Sassy’s not an appropriate nickname but I will be testing a few out before I settle on an official one. Never flown a Spitfire before so I’ll have to take your word for it.” 

“Maybe one day I’ll take you up in one. P-51s are also fun.” She grinned, watching his eyes widened as she dropped that little tidbit.

He bit his lip in thought. “You mentioned a brother and sister fighting. I know Elizabeth is in France but what about your brother? And your mom?”

“My brother, Charlie, is currently in North Africa, doing God knows what. He writes when he can, which is about every ten weeks or so. And mom passed away just before I left to go to Canada, another reason to flee as fast as I could.” She bit her lip holding in her tears. “My entire family is in the godforsaken war and I’m just trying to hold on by a thread.”

Before she knew what happened, Bucky was pulling her in for an awkward hug. She was so surprised by the movement that a few tears had escaped and before she could wipe them away, a rough calloused finger caught them. She looked up, entranced in a spicy mix of sweat and aftershave, into the deep blue eyes of Bucky Egan. Trying to steady her heartbeat, all thoughts that she had wanted to say were gone. “I’m sorry, Addie. Josie mentioned that you had had a rough couple of months but I’d say you had a rough couple of years.” 

“It’s life - it keeps moving on its own so just buckle up and hold on.” A weak smile graced her lips. 

Bucky scoffed, removing his arms from around her and scooting back a little to his side of the plane. “I think you have the best outlook for life, Spitfire.” 

“Spitfire - that’s a lazy nickname, Bucky. Do better.” She cocked an eyebrow at him, immediately missing the warmth of his arms around her. She wanted another hug from Bucky. “And I got that outlook from my mom - she would always say that line about buckle up and hold on whenever I was complaining about whatever. She was right - you can’t change half of what’s going on so just buckle up and enjoy the ride.” 

Bucky laughed, knowing full well having her in his life would keep him on his toes. “Will do, Addie. I’ve been having all the fun with the questions. Got any for me?”

“What about your family back in Wisconsin?” She asked, a chill from the night ran up her back. 

“You cold Bluebird?” He questioned, titling the flask in his mouth for another gulp. 

She paused, raising an eyebrow in his direction.  “Bluebird, that’s an interesting nickname. And yes, these forts aren’t exactly insulated, you would know taking them above 10,000 feet.” 

“So not opposed to Bluebird, noted.” He reached behind him and grabbed a blanket, throwing it in her direction. “And family - mother, father and two sisters awaiting me back in the states.”

“When’s your birthday?” She wrapped the blanket around her, wishing it was a tad thicker. “And how old are you?” 

Chuckling, Bucky shook his head. “That’s your grand question, Bluebird? September 8 and 27. You?” 

“July 6 and almost 26.” She paused. “Why bluebird?” 

He hummed, raising his eyes to meet hers. “Because you remind me of a bird who always needs to be flying to feel free. And bluebirds sing the sweetest songs. Do you sing, Bluebird?”

“Absolutely not, cannot carry a tune to save my life.” A not so lady-like snort sounded from her as she laughed, shaking her head. “You Major?”

Bucky laughed loudly, his laugh echoing off the metal that surrounded them. “I’m no good either but I’m loud. And if you commit with enough enthusiasm then it doesn’t really matter.” 

“Well I’m sure it’s a sight to behold, Major. Can’t wait to see that.” She giggled. “What’s your favorite song?” 

“Blue Skies - it’s a classic and it’s usually played at least three times in the officer’s club on any given night.” Bucky’s excitement was palpable while his eyes lit up at the prospect of singing in front of her. “Though, I may get a bit nervous singing in front of you.” 

A flush crept across her cheeks as she ducked her head in embarrassment. His voice dropped as he took her in. “Awww Bluebird don’t blush.  Kinda wanna kiss you if I’m being completely honest.”

She looked up at him as he scratched the back of his neck as his checks reddened. “What’s stopping you?” 

“This is a get to know you session, Blue.” He rushed to get the words out as she laughed. 

“Wouldn’t that be another way to get to know you?” She challenged, making him laugh. 

Scooting closer, he smiled at her. “Trying to show you I’m a gentleman, Addie.” 

Scooting closer to him, she reached up and rubbed her thumb along the soft skin of his cheek. She looked into his blue eyes before tilting her head to capture his lips in a soft kiss. He deepened the kiss, pulling her close, silencing a gasp that just managed to escape. Pulling away slightly, his hand cupped her jaw, his thumb running soothingly up and down before kissing her again. 

Time passed as they continued kissing in the belly of Our Baby. Pulling back, she laid a hand on Bucky’s chest pushing him back. “Slow down, Major. My brain is all fuzzy and I should probably head to bed.” 

Bucky laughed and couldn’t deny her. Pushing himself off the belly, he offered her a hand, making sure she was steady before making his way up. “I had a good time talking with you, Blue.” 

“Same, Bucky, same.” She murmured as a yawn escaped her mouth. “I usually am out here every other Friday, sometimes more often.”

Keeping a steady hand on her back as she stumbled through the plane to the open hatch, Bucky watched her with concentration. “Noted Bluebird. Let me go down first to catch you.” 

“You think I can’t make my way through the hatch. Bucky? You know how many times I’ve done this?” She put her hands on her hips and gave him a look that did too many unmentionable things to him. 

“A few?” He guessed as she cursed then shook her head. “But how many times have you done it with a flask and half gone down the hatch?” 

She paused, giving him a look. “Alright, I’ll let you go first in case you need to catch me.”

Watching him slip through the hatch, she heard his boots hit the pavement before she heard his voice. “Let’s go Bluebird.”

Grumbling to she lowered herself down before slipping through the hatch, his hand steadying her as her feet hit the ground. “Want me to walk you back to the barracks?” 

Holding out his elbow, she slipped her arm through his as he guided her across the tarmac. And if she let him steal a kiss or two or three as they stumbled back to the barracks, that was between her, him, the bright stars and moon that lit their path home. 

Feedback as always is much appreciated. I’m working on the next few parts, so if there anything you’d like to see, just let me know. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 3

[hillbillyoracle]

Finding Tarot Signifiers with Astrological Decans

Here’s a very brief tutorial on how to use astro.com to pull up a chart, understand which decans you’re looking at, and look up which cards are associated with those decans. 

Finding your decans: 

First, go here and input your birth date information. You’ll need your birth time for an ascendant. Then it will take you to this page. 

It’s optional but to get a chart like the one I’ll show - under “Zodiac and houses”, select the “whole sign” house system. 

Less optional is under “Display and calculation options”, select “Chaldean decans”. 

Then hit “Show Chart”.

It’ll bring up a chart like this: 

What I’ve circled in red are the “Big Three” - Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. Decans are counted counter-clockwise through the signs. 

The Ascendant of this chart is in the first decan of Scorpio - Scorpio I. 

The Sun (circle with a dot in it) is in the second decan of Aquarius - Aquarius II.

The Moon (crescent) is in the third decan of Gemini - Gemini III. 

Alternatively you can scroll down and use the list format: 

The first decan of each sign is 0 degrees - 9 degrees

The second decan is 10 degrees - 19 degrees

The third decan is 20 degrees - 29 degrees

So you can see: 

The AC (short for Ascendant) is at 1 degrees Scorpio - so it’s in the first decan.

The Sun is at 12 degrees Aquarius - so it’s in the second decan. 

The Moon is at 22 degrees Gemini - so it’s in the third decan. 

Finding the cards for the decans:

Queen of Wands - Pisces III, Aries I, Aries II

King of Pentacles - Aries III, Taurus I, Taurus II

Knight of Swords - Taurus III, Gemini I, Gemini II

Queen of Cups - Gemini III, Cancer I, Cancer II

King of Wands - Cancer III, Leo I, Leo II

Knight of Pentacles - Leo III, Virgo I, Virgo II

Queen of Swords - Virgo III, Libra I, Libra II

King of Cups - Libra III, Scorpio I, Scorpio II

Knight of Wands - Scorpio III, Sagittarius I, Sagittarius II

Queen of Pentacles - Sagittarius III, Capricorn I, Capricorn II

King of Swords - Capricorn III, Aquarius I, Aquarius II

Knight of Cups - Aquarius III, Pisces I, Pisces II

Pages vary. Thoth systems tend to align them differently than Rider Waite systems and so many decks are removed from both at this point that it’s often easier to read and see which feels right to you. Some people pair them with the Queens or Kings and others use them to represent the element of the suit - similar to aces. I don’t typically use them as signifiers unless they had a traditional relationship to someone’s work. . 

How to figure out which pip corresponds with a decan (Quick Version):

Signs: 

Aries - Cardinal, Fire

Taurus - Fixed, Earth

Gemini - Mutable, Air

Cancer - Cardinal, Water

Leo - Fixed, Fire

Virgo - Mutable, Earth

Libra - Cardinal, Air

Scorpio - Fixed, Water

Sagittarius - Mutable, Fire

Capricorn - Cardinal, Earth

Aquarius - Fixed, Air

Pisces - Mutable, Water

Cardinal signs are the 2, 3, and 4 for each suit.

Fixed signs are the 5, 6, and 7, for each suit.

Mutable signs are the 8, 9, and 10 for each suit. 

Fire signs are wands. 

Earth signs are pentacles. 

Air signs are swords. 

Water signs are cups. 

The first decan is the first number and suit in the progression. The second is the second and so on. 

Ex: Aries  - cardinal (2,3,4), Fire (wands).

Aries I is 2 of Wands

Aries II is 3 of Wands

Aries III is 4 of Wands. 

If you’d like to know which pip corresponds with the decans. Check out T Susan Chang’s writing on Reading the Decans or her book 36 Decans. It’s a great way to learn both the decans and the pips

So for this chart, the options this person can pick from are: 

King of Cups

King of Swords

Queen of Cups

5 of Cups

6 of Swords

10 of Swords

I hope this makes sense and is helpful to people! 

[n3xii]

Crazy tarot reading i just had~ documenting for future reference

Tonight I was doing a reading for myself because even though I enjoy doing readings for others, I don't do many indepth ones for myself so when i get the chance to do one for me i try to absorb as much informstion as possible. You don't have to read if you're just passing by, im doing this for myself. Anyways, one of the oracle cards introduces the idea that I need to "examine the underlying reason of my desires to reveal the true intention of them", to "understand where the desire comes from subconciously." I found this intresting as I've always been into in manifesting and espeically invested in it in the past few weeks. The very nature of manifestion is the will to obtain desires, so i felt that it was urgent to understand this message deeper.

The first card that came out was the moon, which is inherently about the sunconcious, dreams, hidden or alternate realities. At first this card only further affirmed to me that theres something sunconcious that i need to unviel about the nautre of what i want. But more traditionally, the moon represents a feminine figure, typically the mother. My second impression is that my current desires reflect something about the relationship with my mother, which is true. I want indepdence, freedom and autonomy from my mother. She has always had control over me, trying to influence what I wear, when I go out, how I spend my money, if it get a job or not. if I don't conform to what she wants me to do she will turn into the mother from carrie...

My desires stem from longing to be free. But that's not where the reading ended, I started pulling cards from my Marseille deck, which for those who don't know, it's basically the godfather of all tarot cards. Even the rider waite deck, the one that is considered the og, is based off this very deck. This deck is very special to me on a personal level and they have always been faithful to the truth of my situation.

I pulled the judgement, the lovers, 7 of pentacles. The judgement card in this deck is primarily about "awaking to your own spiritual nature" which I felt related alot to waking up to who you are, knowing that you are the fabric of reality, but even more so, that you are free. I may be experincing this now for my mother, but truly nothing can oppress me or have a hold over my spirit. In my belief system, demons don't possess you or control you, there is no hell except for the hell you experience when you're unbalanced or in an extreme polarity. I felt this card spoke to me as remembering where I come from, remaining in balance and staying connected to what tethers me to my true being, I am from heaven and I am free in my spirit, nothing can taint that except for me.

The second card was the lovers. In the deck I'm using this card has a larger spectrum of meaning, it isn't just about partnership or even about choice, the deck handbook says:

"Inclinations of the heart correspond to the will of heaven"

This is when i fully absorbed that the cards were telling me that my desires don't just come from a subconscious place but they come from the part of me that remembers where I'm from. my desires "correspond to the will of heaven". In manifestion we here so much about how the reason we want what we want is because we were meant to experience it. I felt that this message was very reminiscent of that idea, but even more so, the source of my desires is from the heart, from heaven. Perhaps the sunconcious itself is anchored to heaven in a way.

The 7 of pentacles. The minor or pip cards in this deck espeically depart from the meanings that readers are familiar with. In this deck, 7 of pentacles is about: "acceptance, something new is well recieved. Help and protection. Integrating into a system without loosing individuality."

Perhaps I'm being told that as I awaken to my true nature and realize that my desires align to the will of heaven, I am accepted and being protected, helped on the way without loosing my autonomy. And this gives me hope, I want to keep this message to the front of my mind as I go about the next few months.

In my reading I also got the message of transition and being "poised" for success, greatness and abundance. That I'm about to be submerged into the next era of life of which i am completely ready, qualified and capable of entering.

Lastly, I got the 7 of swords and "peace" reversed. This told me that I was going through a temporary period that I need to look inward instead of outward, to harmonize I need go within instead of seeking external validation, which is verbatim what the oracle deck said, which is funny how much that resonates with loa advice haha. And it's funny because the 7 of swords card does look like a guy trying to seek validation or certainity as he's checking behind him to see what's going, he's trying to validate how far he's gone or that he's not being caught instead of trusting himself. I feel this is me, I am not in the state of peace because I'm looking behind me, trying to validate how far I've come or that my place now isnt being compromised. I need to rely on my inner world and not seek outward validation, I will have peace when I trust myself and where I am.

[tarotoftheendless]

Two Birds, One Stone... aka One Post, Two Topics: Tom Sturridge Tarot AND my 18+ Tom Sturridge Discord Server

Hey, so, I said I would be back with more on the Tom Sturridge Tarot idea. Well, it's mostly a think piece at this point cuz I really don't have the $10,000+ for commissioning artists, figuring how to mass print and make decent boxes for the decks, and then shipping and all that... yeah, it's probably more than $10,000... if I had that kind of money on hand I'd first get a new car... but yeah... this is a think piece more than anything.

But I'd like some help from y'all. I have made a spreadsheet that I will share here that can be commented on by people that that have the link. I need suggestions for which of Tom's characters belong with what card. And because I am imagining a full art deck instead of a Pip deck, the minor arcana will include things like official appearances and photoshoot pics as an idea to put with a card. So, if you know your Tarot and you are well-versed in Tom's work and "lore", come join me on this think piece and comment on my spreadsheet giving me ideas on what to put where and why it makes sense.

ON ANOTHER NOTE... I have an 18+ Tom Sturridge Discord Server that is just dying for more members that will help fill the space with content and conversation and connection. No need to be shy on my server, we don't judge anyone no matter their thoughts, feelings and or desires towards Tom. It is a safe space for everyone who is 18+, a Tom Sturridge fan and not a prude. Of course no harm is allowed towards anyone on the server or Tom or his loved ones, but otherwise my server is a perfect place to be an unhinged TomStu fangirl (that is a gender neutral term in these them parts).

I will not be publicly sharing an invite, but if you want an invite, please privately DM me or comment on this post. And it is strictly 18+, if I don't know you at all, there will be a screening process to make sure you are 18+. It is very NSFW on my server and I can't be responsible for minors there, so don't even attempt to get on my server if you are a minor.

Otherwise DM me and I will get an invite to you.

[tatyova]

Second PIP deck down, and this time it's The Wise Mothman! Not quite sure where I want this deck to end up, it's not my usual play style and I know it still needs work. Most of the individual cards seem neat, but I wasn't super sold on Mothman nor The Master. I'm mostly building this deck because I enjoy the cards and I would feel bad having them sit in a binder.

Rad counters seem good but they feel as likely to kill me as they are to kill my opponent, especially if I want to mill myself. Maybe they'll be better than I expect, but no way to tell until I start playing.

[ravenmoodle]

  -Click-

    “Sorry Pip! We where doing another Wool lab and-” 

    “No time for sorry, Hop!” Pip was quick to cut him off. A quiet laugh came from hop’s end before Pip continued. “You know how Paldea finally expanded their international ferry system?”

“Mhm” Hop gave a quick nod.

“They invited champions from every other region to come talk at their fancy school.” Pip chuckled, dusting his jacket off. “That includes yours truly!”

“Oh!” Hop perked up, shifting to sit in the chair in his study, “You’re going right? How long willy you be gone?”

Pip puffed his cheeks up, shifting an arm to rub his neck. “Oh, about that.. I was thiiiinking.. About staying after the seminars and stuff.. for a, uh, a while.”

Hop was quite a moment before furrowing his brow, “but-”

“Hear me out!!” Pip quickly lifted a hand defensively, “I’ve already asked Leon to take over again as reigning champion while I'm gone, AND- get this. The school has their own pokedex archive, and as a special guest I get access to the primary one, I can totally send you stuff that will help with your research.”

Hop sighed and leaned on his arm, pouting like a child who didn’t get their way. “Awe man.. But I’m gonna miss you…” he huffed, before looking back at the screen. “Did you tell your family?”

“My Mom knows.. But uhh….”

“You didn’t tell your Brother!” Hop practically yelled, before sighing again, furrowing his brow. “Pip!! You’ve gotta stop avoiding him, especially if you’re leaving for a long time!”

Pip puffed his cheeks out, looking to the side with a nervous squint- away from Hop’s disapproving expression over the holo caster. “I was gonna have Mom tell him when I was on the boat..?”

Hop looked rather unamused. “You’re so worried you’re a bad brother, you’re just making it worse.”

Pip whined and flopped back against his Gengar. The pokemon was startled before going back to sleep rather quickly. “But- augh you don’t get it..” he sighed.

“I mean.. I kinda do. You’re worried you put too much pressure on him being the champion?” Hop sighed softly, fidgeting with his braids. “Like Leon and me..?”

“He dropped out of the gym challenge..” Pip stared at some trees, shifting in the breeze, before quickly leaning up again. shaking his head he continued, “Then he said he was thinking about going to the Kalos region! Why the KALOS region?!” Pip shook his head before resting his hand over his mouth in thought.. “I never spend time with him anymore.. It’s probably easier if we just- go our separate ways?”

Hop shook his head again and sighed, “avoiding your problems arn’t going to fix them, trust me… you should tell him yourself.” Hop gave a reassuring smile and a thumbs up.

Pip was quite a moment before giving a thumbs up back then quickly pivoted the conversation to ask about Hop’s wool labs, and how they’ve been going. His study is about using pokemon made materials to create clothes and buildings with resistance to natural disasters. Pip was quick to repeat ‘wow you really know your type match ups!’ to him in a mocking tone, but was more than happy to capture any pokemon Hop would need for his research project. 

When It came time to head to the Ferry for Paldea Leon, Hop, Marnie, and Bede all showed up to give their little farewells. Leon was fighting back tears, while Marnie promised she would steal Pip’s title of reigning champion while he was gone. Bede was quick to scoff, of course.. But he had shown up to say goodbyes and Pip was more than happy to force the reluctant gym leader into a hug with the rest of them.

Everything was going smoothly. Pip stepped onto the Ferry, and once he was comfortable on the main deck.. pulled up his Holo Caster. He flicked through his contact before clicking on Locke.. It rang.

-Click-

“Oh hey Locke! It’s Pip, I was wondering.. Mom hasn’t called you yet right?”

The line was quiet before Pip’s brother answered. “No..?”

“Oh, good.. I just wanted to tell you, uhh.. I'm going on vacation!”

“Oh… me too” Locke gave a quiet inquisitive hum. 

Pip sighed, biting his lip. “Still going to Kalos then..?”

“No.”

Pip was quiet for a moment, slowly walking across the deck of the ferry. “Then where are you-” He froze and nearly screamed as someone touched his shoulder.

Pip turned quickly and found Locke standing right beside him, giving a small tired wave..

"Oh...."

[possibly-in-wonderland]

The Giant Tarot Masterpost

I was originally going to post this in several different posts but I'm lazy so...

(btw there's videos where I learned all this, I recommend the videos more than this post)

MADAME MACABRE'S TAROT TUTORIAL SERIES

WARNING: Long post ahead. Feel free to look at this in chunks lol

What is Tarot?

The Tarot is a symbolic map of consciousness that encompasses our journey through life, both spiritually and practically.

Tarot reading is the practice of divining wisdom and guidance through a specific spread (or layout) of Tarot cards. However, contrary to popular belief, the cards do not simply tell your fortune, and one does not have to be a psychic to give Tarot readings. The cards are meant to provide insight into the innermost truths of your higher self. In other words, the cards provide an evolved awareness of what you already know deep within. The origin of the Tarot is unknown, but we do have documented references of Tarot card use back to fourteenth-century Europe. The Tarot has been used as an oracle, in the basic form we know today, since the beginning of the seventeenth century.  

A Brief History of Tarot

Though today we associate tarot with the occult, tarot cards were originally just another card game–one similar to modern-day bridge. Like other decks, the first recorded tarot cards showed up in Europe in the 15th century, with the most popular sets selling in Italy to wealthy families. The printing press had yet to arrive, and since hand-painted cards were all that existed, it cost a considerable amount of cash to commission what were essentially dozens of teeny paintings.

Like any deck, these early tarot cards—tarocchi cards, in Italian—had suits, trump cards, and even pips.

While some people dabbled, the widespread use of tarot cards for divination only took off in the late 1700s, when Frenchman Jean-Baptise Alliette published the first definitive guide to tarot card reading. Pseudonymized Etteilla, he wrote a guide to using the cards and released his own deck alongside it. He gave meaning to each card, incorporating beliefs about astronomy and the four elements. He claimed to have borrowed heavily from the Book of Thoth, an Egyptian text supposedly written by Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom.

Etteilla was also the first to assign a specific order and spread to the cards, both frontwards and backward—a system still used today. His works took off and he published a revised edition of his guide in 1791, becoming the first person to be a professional tarot reader.

Suits of Tarot

Wands

Pentacles

Swords

Cups

Wands = Fire

Inspiration

Motivation

Taking Action!

Creativity/Passion

Pentacles = Earth

Material Things

Money/Finances

Work/Apprenticeship

Swords = Air

The Sacred Masculine

Logic

Communication

Intellect

Cups = Water

The Sacred Feminine

Feelings/Emotions

Intuition

Spirituality

Court Cards ( In General)

Pages = The Time is Right For New Things

Knights = A Message or Sign to Take Action

Queens = Internalized Maturity

Kings = External Maturity

Sacred Numerology 1/Ace - 10

Ace/1’s Represents:

New Beginnings

Example: Ace of Pentacles

Pentacles = Money/Work

Ace/1 = New Beginnings

2’s Represents:

Making a Choice

A Duality

Coming Together

Example: Two of Swords

Swords = Logic/Mind Over Heart

2 = Choices

3’s Represents:

Social Situations

Creation

Following a Choice

Example: 3 of Cups

Cups = Feelings, Emotional Needs

3 = Social Gathering

Example #2: 3 of Wands

Wands = Taking Action

3 = A Choice Was Made

4’s Represents:

Stability (Or Lack Of)

Comfortable Routine

(Or Discontent/Stuck in It)

Example: 4 of Wands

Wands = Passion, Spirit

4 = Stability (Contented)

Example #2: 4 of Cups

Cups = Feelings

4 = Routine (Too Much)

5’s Represents: 

Change!

What Do You Need To Do Differently?

Example: 5 of Wands

Wands = Take Action

5 = What Can You Change?

Example #2: 5 of Cups

Cups = Feelings

5 = What Can You Change

6’s Represents:

Balance

Harmony

Example: 6 of Pentacles

Pentacles = Money

6 = Harmony

7’s Represents:

Introspection

Don’t Rush Any Decisions!

You May Not Have All The Information Yet!

Example: 7 of Cups

Cups = Emotions/Intuition

7 = Don’t Rush a Decision

8’s Represents:

Karma!

You Get Back What You Put In 

Example: 8 of Pentacles

Pentacles = Work/Apprenticeship

8 = You’ll Get Back What You Put In

9’s Represents:

Nearing The End

The Apex of Your Journey

Example: 9 of Wands

Wands = Taking Action

9 = You’re Nearly There!

10’s Represents:

The Ending of Your Current Cycle

Ready For The Next Chapter

Example: 10 of Cups

Cups = Emotions

10 = Completion

Example #2: 10 of Swords

Swords = Intellect (Stop Living in a Fantasy)

10 = Let It Go, It’s Over

The Major Arcana

Card 0: The Fool

Upright:

New Beginnings

Ready For New Adventures

Carrying Little to No Baggage

A Positive Outlook

Reverse:

Naivety, Foolishness

Reckless Risk Taking

Disregarding Consequences

Getting Taken Advantage Of

Card 1: The Magician

Upright:

You’ve Got The Power to Manifest What You Want

You’ve Got Both The Skills and Tools to Make it Happen

A Sign to Take Action

Reverse:

Unused Talent/Potential

Latent Skills

What Skills Have You Not Allowed Yourself to Explore?

Abuse of Skills

Beware The “Used Car Salesman”

Card 2: The High Priestess

Upright:

Trust Your Gut!

Your Intuition is Key!

The Answer You Seek Won’t Fall to Logic or Intellect But Instead, Your Intuition!

Reverse:

You’ve Been Ignoring Your Intuition!

You Need to Find Balance Between Logic and Feeling

There Could Be Gossip or Hidden Agendas! Look Out!

Card 3:  The Empress

Upright:

Sacred Feminine

Motherly, Nurturing

Protective Instincts

Beauty, Confidence

Creativity and Inspiration

Reverse:

Overbearing!

Creative Block

Poor Self Image

Card 4: The Emperor

Upright:

Sacred Masculine

Fatherly, Leader

Ready to Take Action

Reverse:

Overuse of Power

Excessive Control

Rigidity, Inflexibility

Stop Avoiding Responsibility

Card 5: The Hierophant

Upright: 

Tradition, Religion

Group Identity

Compelled to Join a Group

Craving Tradition or to Be Part of Something

Be Careful About Making Waves

Reverse:

Restricted by Tradition

Want to Break Free

A Sign That The Time Has Come to Make Waves

Group-Related Peer Pressure

Religious Dictator

Card 6: The Lovers

Upright:

True Love

Alignment of Values

A Perfect Union

Connection to Past Lives

A MAJOR choice

Reverse:

Trouble in Paradise

Misaligned Values

You Rushed a Major Decision and Are Now Regretting It

Connection to Past Lives

At War With Yourself

Card 7: The Chariot

Upright:

Control, Willpower

Victory and Determination

Harness Your Energy and Your Aggression

Grab Life by The Reins

Reverse:

You Are Out of Control

Aimless Aggression

You Have No Control Over Your Life

Don’t Lash Out at Others

You May Need to Let Go of a Little Control

Card 8: Strength

Upright:

True Strength

Compassionate Strength

Strength of Spirit

Strength of Willpower

Reverse:

Weakness

Faltering

Doubting Yourself

Remember Your Strength

Card 9: The Hermit

Upright:

Take Some Time For Yourself

Get to Know Yourself

Focus On You and Not On The World

Reverse:

Isolation, Loneliness

You’ve Been Alone For Long Enough

It’s Time to Get Back Out There Again!

Card 10: Wheel of Fortune

Upright:

Good Luck

Good Time to Take a Gamble on Something

Life is Good Right Now!

Life Moves in Cycles So Enjoy The Ride!

Reverse:

Bad Luck

Don’t Take Risks

Things Aren’t Going in Your Favor

This Isn’t Permanent

Card 11: Justice

Upright:

Karma

As Above So Below, You Will Reap What You Sow

Good or Bad It’s Going to Come Back to You

Justice Will Be Served

Reverse:

Unfairness

Lack of Accountability

Unfair Judgement

Karma Will Eventually The Last Say

Card 12: The Hanged Man

Upright:

You Are Stick

Something is Keeping You Trapped!

You Need to Let Go of Whatever it is To Be Freed

Reverse:

Indecision, Delay

Don’t Be a Martyr

Sacrificing With Little to No Return

Procrastinating Making a Necessary Change

Card 13: Death

Upright:

Endings Are Needed For New Beginnings

Old Things Must Be Cleared For Growth

Reverse:

Resisting Change

Unwilling to Let Go

You Can’t Grow Something New Until You Let it Go!

Card 14: Temperance

Upright:

True Balance

The Ability to See Both Sides of a Situation

The Mediator Who Can Bridge The Gap

Reverse:

Imbalance, Intolerance

A Warning That Following a Path Will Cause Imbalance 

Don’t Avoid Being The Mediator

Card 15: The Devil

Upright:

Don’t Become a Slave to Your Vices

Struggling With Addiction

Being Materialistic

Reverse:

Breaking Free

Overcoming Addiction

Reclaiming Your Power

Card 16: The Tower

Upright:

Sudden Disaster

Your World Upside Down

Something Important Wasn’t Built With Strong Foundations

Reverse:

A Warning to Help You Avoid a Disaster

Avoiding a Necessary Destruction Because of Fear

Card 17: The Star

Upright:

Hope

The Light at The End of The Tunnel

Peace After a Trying Time

Reverse:

Giving Into Despair

Feeling Hopeless

Remember to Look Up to The Guiding Star

Card 18: The Moon

Upright:

Illusion, Fear, Anxiety

Things Aren’t as They Seem

Look Past The Illusions of Your Anxieties to See The Truth

Reverse:

You’re Breaking Free of Your Anxieties

You’re Unhappy But Don’t Know How to Change

Confront Your Fears!

Card 19: The Sun

Upright:

Positivity, Success, Happiness

You Are Powerful and You Are Radiant

Reverse:

Temporary Depression

Struggling to Be Positive

Setbacks Rattled You

You’ll Bounce Back!

Don’t Be Too Unrealistic

Card 20: Judgement

Upright:

What is Your Purpose

Rise Up to Your Calling

You’re Reaching a Significant Stage of Your Journey

Reverse:

Struggling With Self Doubt

Not Sure of Your Calling

Card 21: The World

Upright:

Completion

The Closing of a Chapter

Graduation, Marriage, Birth

NEAR Completion

World Travel

Reverse:

Lack of Completion

Lost Motivation

Obstacles Have Blocked The Progression of Your Goal

Delays to Your Plans

Travel Plans Fallen Through

Reading The Minor Arcana Suit of Wands

Recap:

The Suit of Wands = Fire

Action

Motivation

Passion

Drive

Ace of Wands:

Numerology = 1 (New Beginnings)

Upright:

New Beginnings (Things You’ll Pursue)

New career

New interest

New creative endeavor

Something aligned with your passion

Reverse:

Delays to new beginnings

Lack of motivation/inspiration

Two of Wands:

Numerology = 2 (Choices, Duality)

Upright:

You’ve got a choice to make!

Now is the time for preparation and planning so keep that in mind when making this choice!

Reverse:

You’re putting off making an important choice

There is a lack of preparation and planning

Three of Wands:

Numerology = 3 (Social, Creation, After a Choice)

Upright:

You’ve made your choice and now all you can do is wait for results

“Waiting For Your Ships to Come Home”

Reverse:

You made a choice but REGRET it

You’re afraid to see the results of an unsure decision

Four of Wands:

Numerology = 4 (Stability, Contentment, Locked in Place)

Upright:

You have a stable home environment

Stable relationships

Stability of your spirit

Celebration, wedding, graduation, etc

Solid foundations!

Reverse:

Unstable foundations!

Your home life and spirit life feel unstable

Five of Wands:

Numerology = 5 (Change!)

Upright:

Fierce competition!

What can you change in your approach so that you stand out among the rest?

Reverse:

Conflict avoidance!

You are so averse to conflict that you are blending into the crowd and NOT standing out

You may be missing opportunities because of this!

Six of Wands:

Numerology = 6 (Balance, Harmony)

Upright:

In balance with your self-image

Confidence, victory, achievement!

Reverse:

Poor self-image

Lack of confidence

A fall from grace negatively affecting

Seven of Wands:

Numerology = 7 (Introspection, Reflection, Wait)

Upright:

You feel under attack

Pause and evaluate: why am I being attacked? who is attacking me? are the attacks real or perceived?

regardless, this is a sign to hang in there!

Reverse:

You’re worn down from constant attacks

You may get caught unprepared!

Choose your battles

Eight of Wands:

Numerology = 8 (Karma, Getting What You Earned)

Upright:

Action! Movement! Travel!

You did your prep work and as a result, you are now experiencing growth and movement!

Reverse:

Frustration from lack of movement!

Pent up energy with nowhere to go

Obstacles are blocking your progress

Did you do something to cause this?

Nine of Wands:

Numerology = 9 (The Apex, Nearing Completion)

Upright:

Defensive, closed, paranoid

You’re so close to the finish line that you’re extremely defensive of your progress

Don’t give into the fears you’re almost there!

Reverse:

You are giving into your fears!

Your anxiety is ruling you now

Your fears are distracting you from your goal and may ruin your progress

Ten of Wands:

Numerology = 10 (The End of a Chapter, Ready For Anew)

Upright:

You carry a heavy burden

You may be tired of it

You’re ready to move up and on

Stress from success and maintaining it

Reverse:

You may have bitten off more than you can chew

Don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities forced on you

Page of Wands:

Upright:

The environment is fertile for trying new things

Inspiration with limitless potential!

You may not have a plan yet but you are THRILLED about your new idea!

A good sign that now is the time for self-discovery and to give that idea you’ve been sitting on a chance!

Reverse:

Pessimistic outlook

A lack of inspiration and direction

Your idea didn’t work out as planned

Knight of Wands:

Upright:

High Energy!

Inspired to take action

Sometimes impulsive

This is a sign that it’s time to act!

Reverse:

Too impulsive

Acting without thinking

Frustration over lack of opportunities

The sign you’re waiting on hasn’t appeared

Alternatively, you’re very excited about an idea but not mature enough to see it through and take action yet.

Queen of Wands:

Upright:

A warm vibrant person

Courageous, determined, and independent

A social butterfly

A sign that you must be bold in your undertakings

Reverse:

You’ve lost confidence and are now second-guessing yourself

You aren’t sure what you’re passionate about

Something faded your spark!

King of Wands:

Upright:

A natural-born leader

A sign that it’s time to step into a leadership role

Your vision is strong! let it inspire and motivate others!

Reverse:

You’re so focused on your own vision that you’re not allowing anyone else room

Don’t abuse your leadership role. keep your vision but don’t become mean to get it.

You may not be ready to lead

Reading The Minor Arcana Suit of Pentacles

Recap:

The Suit of Pentacles = Earth

Material Things

Finances

Work

Ace of Pentacles:

Numerology = 1 (New Beginnings)

Upright:

New financial opportunities

New resources

New job

Reverse:

Missed financial opportunities

Failed financial endeavor

Two of Pentacles:

Numerology = 2 (Choices, Duality)

Upright:

Juggling between choices

Balance and adaptability

Time management

Reverse:

Struggling to make a choice

Disorganization

Poor time management

Financial disarray

Three of Pentacles:

Numerology = 3 (Social, Creation, After a Choice)

Upright:

Teamwork!

Building something together

Putting in the work

Reverse:

A lack of teamwork

Not everyone is doing their fair share

Four of Pentacles:

Numerology = 4 (Stability, Contentment, Locked in Place)

Upright:

Staying in Your Comfort Zone

Too scared to take necessary risk

A fear of loss

Reverse:

Fear of loss leads to greed

You have enough to share but won’t

Five of Pentacles: Numerology = 5 (Change!)

Upright:

Short term loss

Loss of money or health

What do you need to change to overcome this hardship

Reverse:

You are coming out of this hard time

You’re on the up and up

New money, job, or help on the way

Things will improve!

Six of Pentacles:

Numerology = 6 (Balance, Harmony)

Upright:

Financial balance

Be generous with time or money

Prosperity

Sharing wealth

Reverse:

Be careful not to give too much of yourself

Don’t be more charitable than you can afford

Give for the right reasons

Seven of Pentacles: Numerology = 7 (Introspection, Reflection, Wait)

Upright:

You did the work, now you simply wait to collect!

You made good investments

Reverse:

You didn’t make good choices

Poor investments

Know when enough is enough

Eight of Pentacles:

Numerology = 8 (Karma, Getting What You Earned)

Upright:

It’s time to hone your skills

Apprenticeship, education

Start laying foundations

Reverse:

You’re not honing your skills

Stop holding yourself back

Perfectionist nature is stunting progress!

Nine of Pentacles:

Numerology = 9 (The Apex, Nearing Completion)

Upright:

You reap what you sow

Your hard work pays off

You’ve done well

Reverse:

You didn’t do the work

You made poor life choices

As a result, it’s not paying off

Ten of Pentacles: Numerology = 10 (End of a Chapter, Beginning of Anew)

Upright:

Overflowing abundance

Material comfort

Wanting for nothing

Reverse:

Financial failure

Bad investments

Lack of resources

Fears of money

Fights over money

Page of Pentacles:

Upright:

It’s time to manifest your goals

Financial opportunities

Skill development

Reverse:

Daydreaming about financial ideas but not actually doing anything about it

Exploring a new idea but not yet ready to move forward

Learn from past mistakes

Knight of Pentacles

Upright:

A sign it’s time to knuckle down

Hard work

The daily grind

Routines

Slow and steady

Reverse:

You need self-discipline

Set routines and structure

You need to commit

Queen of Pentacles

Upright:

The Working Parent Archetype

Business-minded but still compassionate

Good work/home balance

Independent

Reverse:

Harness The Queen’s Energy

Care for yourself

You need balance

King of Pentacles: Upright:

A True Business Man

Wealth, leadership, discipline

You can make your idea a success

Successful and confident

Reverse:

Bad business

Don’t hurt others in the pursuit of wealth

Don’t get lost in the allure of material things

Reading The Minor Arcana Suit of Swords

Recap:

The Suit of Swords = Air

Clarity

Mental

Logic

Intellect

Ace of Swords:

Numerology = 1 (New Beginnings)

Upright:

A breakthrough

New ideas

Mental clarity

Reverse:

Clouded judgment

A situation regressed to chaos

Any clarity you thought you had is gone and replaced with confusion

Two of Swords:

Numerology = 2 (Choices, Duality)

Upright:

You must make a difficult choice

At a statement

There will be no true winner

You likely know the right answer, even if it hurts

Reversed:

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Not sure what the right choice is

No peace-keeping

You HAVE to pick a side

Three of Swords:

Numerology = 3 (Social, Creation, After a Choice)

Upright:

Rejection, betrayal

Sorrow, grief

Bad decision backfired

Pain is sometimes necessary

Allow yourself to grieve

Reversed:

Releasing pain

Forgiveness

Finally ready to heal and move on after hard times

Four of Swords:

Numerology = 4 (Stability, Contentment, Locked in Place)

Upright:

You need to stabilize your mind

Take time to rest and meditate

Gather your strength

Reverse:

Restless wanting to do everything all at once but your body is tired

Don’t rush past this needed break

Perhaps you’ve rested long enough and this is a sign to get back into it

Five of Swords:

Numerology = 5 (Change!)

Upright:

Winning the battle but losing the war

Winning at ANY cost

Don’t get so lost in the battle that you forget what you’re fighting for

Change your approach to get what you want

Reverse:

Sick of fighting

If conflict continues there will be no winners

Tried to walk away but pulled back in by someone

Six of Swords:

Numerology = 6 (Harmony, Balance)

Upright:

In order to move on you must make a regretful transition

Leave something behind to move on

It’ll be something HARD to let go

Reverse:

Struggling to let go

Old unresolved issues may return

Doubting if you should have let go

Stop resisting necessary change

Encouragement that you got this

Seven of Swords:

Numerology = 7 (Introspection, Reflection, Wait)

Upright:

Sneak thief!

Deception and betrayal

Someone around you is untrustworthy

Toxic person/energy vampire: remove them

Possible unfaithful partner

Reverse:

You have been betrayed

Someone took advantage of you

Perhaps they are starting to feel remorse for this action

An unfaithful partner is ready to come clean

Eight of Swords:

Numerology = 8 (Karma, Getting What You Earned)

Upright:

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t

You must make a seemingly impossible decision

Even the correct choice will be painful in the short term

Reverse:

You were faced with a terrible choice but you made it

You feel a weight off of your shoulders as a result

The consequences hurt but you feel better having acted

Nine of Swords:

Numerology = 9 (The Apex, Nearing Completion)

Upright:

Depression, anxiety, nightmares

Losing sleep over worries

You’re facing very real troubles

Though you may be inflating them unreasonably

Reverse:

You’re making yourself sick over nothing!

Stop overthinking things!

Keep your anxiety in check

Ten of Swords:

Numerology = 10 (The End of a Chapter, Ready For Anew)

Upright:

“Can’t get any deader”

It’s over. Let it go. Nothing more can be done about it.

It can’t get worse so it’s only up from here now.

Cut your losses and finally move on!

Reverse:

A painful loss has you rethinking everything

Refusing to let a dead situation die

Carrying around old wounds; it’s time to finally heal and let go

Page of Swords:

Upright:

Bursting with new ideas!

Curious about something and full of energy (can you maintain it?)

In the exploratory phase

Reverse:

Biting your tongue on something you feel strongly about

All talk, no action

Acting hastily and not thinking

The environment is off at the moment and could go sideways. Now is not the time to take action

Knight of Swords:

Upright:

Ambitious, assertive

Highly motivated

Obstacles don’t phase you!

Driven to succeed

Quick thinking

Reverse:

Pent-up energy with nowhere to go

Lack of direction that leads to rash, rushed decisions

Slow down or you’ll burn out

Queen of Swords:

Upright:

You need to be a quick thinker

Organized

Perceptive

Unbiased

Clear Boundaries

Reverse:

Don’t be so overly analytical that you come off as cold

Don’t become too emotional when making important decisions

Don’t let personal relationships cloud your judgment

King of Swords:

Upright:

The Perfect Advisor

You have the clarity to make change

Excellent judgment

Embody this energy

Reverse:

Don’t use your wit to manipulate or bully others

A warning to you or about someone in your life

Reading The Minor Arcana Suit of Cups

Recap:

The Suit of Cups = Water

The Sacred Feminine

Feelings/Emotions

Intuition

Spirituality

Ace of Cups:

Numerology = 1 (New Beginnings)

Upright:

New beginnings related to things of the heart

New Relationships

New Passion

Reverse:

A relationship might be starting to hit a downturn

A warning that you need to keep an eye out

Special interest may begin to fizzle out

Repressing emotions to the point of control

Two of Cups:

Numerology = 2 (Choices, Duality)

Upright:

New potential romance/best friends

A spark

Reverse:

Potentially going through a breakup (romantic or platonic)

An imbalance in a relationship

Three of Cups:

Numerology = 3 (Social, Creation, After a Choice)

Upright:

Time to get together with the people you care about

Social gatherings

Community celebrations are coming

What you need right now is to be around other people

Reverse:

Three is a crowd

You are feeling like a third wheel

Someone could be being unfaithful

Girl, you need friends (or maybe you don’t)

Four of Cups:

Numerology= 4 (Stability, Contentment, Locked in Place)

Upright:

Frustration

You have much to feel emotionally fulfilled about

There’s something in your spirit that is still missing leaving you unsatisfied and apathetic over your current situation

Reverse:

There’s an opportunity that is right under your nose, but if you aren’t careful to catch it you’ll miss out

A warning that because you are so preoccupied with what you want you could miss what you have

You might have been feeling bored, unsatisfied, or apathetic: You will soon come out of this period

Five of Cups:

Numerology= 5 (Change!)

Upright:

Don’t cry over spilled milk

You can’t just sit and pout

What can you change about the way you are handling this loss?

Callout post, sis

Reverse:

You may have been disappointed by a loss, but you’ve accepted

Putting on your big girl pants

Ready to forgive and accept what happened

Six of Cups:

Numerology = 6 (Balance, Harmony)

Upright:

You have or you will return to a familiar place

Someone familiar will make an appearance

You need to get in touch with your roots

You’ve been working hard, don’t forget to embrace your inner child

Reverse:

You’re stuck in the past and are unable to move forward

You’re stuck in an old way of thinking and it’s hindering you

A warning that you are too in touch with your inner child and are naive

There was some abuse in your past

Seven of Cups:

Numerology = 7 (Introspection, Reflection, Wait)

Upright:

A major card of introspection

A warning that you do not want to rush into a decision

Take a step back and reflect (you may not have all the information)

Take your time 

Reverse:

You may know something on the inside, but you’re choosing to repress it

You’re willing to lie to yourself

You are finally breaking through the fog and you may know what the right choice is

Eight of Cups

Numerology = 8 (Karma, Getting What You Earned)

Upright:

You should be fulfilled, but it’s not enough

If it’s not enough you need some self-development

Soul searching is the only way to fix this

Reverse:

You know something is missing in your heart, but you don’t know what to do to fix it

You know you need to make the spiritual journey, but you don’t feel like nows the time

Nine of Cups:

Numerology = 9 (The Apex, Nearing Completion)

Upright:

The Wish Card

Expect things to go right

Hard work is paying off

Reverse:

Wish Master Situation

You got what you wished for, but at what cost? Was it really what you actually wanted?

You got what you wanted and are happy, but are you letting it turn you into a greedy and materialistic person?

Ten of Cups:

Numerology = 10 (The End of a Chapter, Ready For Anew)

Upright:

The Happily Ever After Card

You have reached the pinnacle of your emotionally satisfying journey

Offers hope if you’ve been in a bad situation

Reverse:

Values you thought were shared are not actually as aligned as you thought

You might be neglecting your loved ones in pursuit of materialistic things

Page of Cups:

Upright:

You should be open to trying new things

Now is the time to explore new sides of yourself

Reverse:

You might be keeping your project a secret

Keep it to yourself, but work on it until it's stable before safely sharing

Your inner critic might be judging you (don’t let that happen)

Knight of Cups:

Upright:

Think with your heart

You have dreamed about what you want and you are now finally beginning to work toward it

You have finally begun taking action on making this passion a reality

Don’t neglect your heart or feelings

New romantic opportunity.

Reverse:

You’re frustrated from the lack of romantic opportunities

You need to not keep a dreamy view of life to the point your feet aren’t touching the ground

You may not be taking that action to start your dream even though the time is right

Queen of Cups:

Upright:

You are a highly intuitive person, trust your heart and follow your gut

Be the mom friend

Reverse:

You're lost in an emotional manner

You’ve been so busy helping others that you've neglected yourself

King of Cups:

Upright:

A sign you need to become the king

You need to harness the balance between head and heart and control your emotions or help others control theirs

You don’t let it get under your skin

Reverse:

You don’t have this balance and might be lashing out at others

Manipulative relationships are possibly at play

You may be being too hard on yourself

Very emotionally manipulative and toxic: make sure you’re not this person and keep an eye out for others

[hexfeathers]

Top 5 biggest pet peeves in witchcraft? Since you already talked about baby witches and labels

Encouraging my salty side, okay

The way that Mercury Retrograde has pretty much been transformed into three weeks of the boogeyman trying to ruin your life. It's become a profitable astrological thing for mass market metaphysical shops to prey on people with. The sensationalism of Mercury Retrograde scares the shit out of people instead of encouraging them to do introspection during that time; if things are coming back from the past during Mercury Rx, deal with it instead of acting like the gods are holding a gun to your head. It's a healing time, not a "bunker down and hide" time.

Lightworker buzzwords, like "activation" and "downloads" and "portal openings" and "angel numbers" etc etc. Fluffy words to try and invoke an otherworldly feeling that have little to no substance.

Minimalist Tarot decks. No, you haven't made reading this deck easier by removing all of the artwork open for interpretation. Pip decks in general. This is more so a me thing, I know plenty of people are okay with pip decks, but I'm not a fan. The same goes for tarot decks that are purely artsy, where the art had absolutely nothing to do with the meaning behind the card. A lot of pop culture decks seem to do that, they just slap a random character or location from the show/game on the card and go "YUP THIS IS GOOD".

"Don't use your crystals until you charge them." Charging crystals under the moon. Me, personally, I will cleanse my crystals, but I've never found the need to charge them. They already radiate the energy that they need, and they are a conduit of your own power. I've actually moved away from "charging" things as a whole.

People claiming that everything about Christianity, Judaism and Islam was stolen from pagan practices. Because that's just blatantly incorrect and a breeding ground for willful ignorance. Especially the people saying that Ostara and Passover are the same thing.

BONUS ROUND: "WE ARE THE DAUGHTERS OF THE WITCHES YOU DIDN'T BURN." That phrase drives me up a wall.

[angel-0f-verdun]

06 Queen of Darkness

Previous Chapter

I walked until I found Jonathan sitting at a table playing poker, he was surrounded by four different American men. The atmosphere was crowded and full of cigar smoke. However, I knew this was the place to be if I wanted to be around people. It was a relatively small part of the boat but it was the only place where those who wanted company went, while there were three decks that could be occupied, I felt safer here. I was itching to get a drink, there was a bar further past the groups, a bit gaudy for my taste, it had a mirror behind the bartender and faux gold inlay in the design where the bottles of liquor sat. The bartender was assisting an exuberant couple probably here on their honeymoon, I assumed. I waited patiently refusing to sit on the stools provided. The girl from my visions was getting in my head, I watched my reflection in the mirror scared to see what she was doing this time. I listened to the Americans conversation to distract myself from the reflection.

"Quit playing with your glasses and cut the deck, would you Burns?" One asked his colleague who clearly needed his glasses to see. My reflection smiled wickedly in the mirror back at me.

"Without my glasses, I can't see the deck to cut it, can I Dave?" He wittingly replied.

I smiled as I waved the bartender down to order. He smiled at me cleaning the glass in his hands with a towel, waiting for me to speak. 

"Old fashioned please" I all but mumbled to him as he nodded I heard my brother join the conversation. I stared down at the wooden bar, following the wood stain patterns with my eyes. 

"O'Connell, sit down. Sit down. We could use another player." Jonathan chided Rick, hoping to become friends, I'm sure. 

"I only gamble with my life, never my money," Rick said, the words coming from him like an anthem he had. I watched as my drink was mixed with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and water. Happily, the barkeep dropped some cherries in for me. I smiled and thanked him putting some money down on the bar. I took a sip and smiled feeling the cold drink hit my empty stomach. I walked back over to the table where Jonathan sat with Rick standing at his side. 

"Never? What if I was to bet you $500 says we get to Hamanuptra before you?" The man with a cigar in his teeth asked my brother. 

"You're looking for Hamunaptra?" Rick asked the confusion was clear in his voice for me. However, not to the one he was talking to. 

"Damn straight we are." The man persisted. 

"And who says we are?" Rick asked. 

"He does." All of them said at once, pointing a finger at Jonathan. 

"Well how bout it? Is it a bet?" The man asked again. I rolled my eyes. 

"All right, you're on," Rick said. 

"What makes you so confident sir?" Another pompous fellow pipped up. 

"Well, what makes you?" Rick countered.

"We got us a man whose actually been there." The man continued to give away his position. Rick and I both knew how to gamble and win with men like this. Giving information away was the easy part to know what and how to win against them. 

"What a coincidence because O'Connell..." Jonathan trailed off as Rick hit him with his pack getting him to shut up. 

"Whose play was it? Was it my play? I thought I just..." Jonathan quickly diverted the conversation. 

"Gentleman, we got us a wager. Good evening, Jonathan." Rick squeezed Jon's shoulder cracking the bones beneath it.

"Night." I heard Jon say as Rick looked up and saw me standing across from him, sipping my drink. His eyes changed, he knew something was wrong. He rounded the table and took my arm in his leading us to the starboard side of the ship to the promenade where there was no one around. He let go of my arm standing in front of me now.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost. One of them?" He asked searching for the answers in my eyes. I looked down feeling the glass beneath my fingers. 

"God Rick no, nothing of the sort. Remember what we talked about earlier?" He nodded in response. 

"They're getting more frequent, she... She's coming for me. It's the most sinister one I've had, Rick. It's real, and I know it sounds crazy. But I don't know what to do. It's terrifying. I don't know what else to do but wait. Eventually, she will win and there's nothing I can do about it." I gulped down more of the alcohol hoping it would calm the nerves I had. He listened to every word I said, knowing that I was trying to convey the urgency of the situation. 

"Okay, do these 'visions' happen around other people?" He asked me putting emphasis on the word visions. I thought back to the museum when Evy checked on me. That's when they began to become more clear. 

"Yes, actually Evy walked in when I was having one before. That happened to be one of my first ones. But since then they seem to happen when I'm alone." I told him. He nodded taking in the information.

"Okay, so you cannot be alone. Why don't you go hang out with Jonathan and the other guys?" He asked me trying to find a solution for the moment. I grimaced at the thought but nodded in agreement. He knew I thrived in these types of situations, it's why he always suggests it. But in this instance, I had an inkling that he wanted to go have a conversation with Evy. 

"Come find me if anything else happens. Do you have your weapons on you? Something doesn't feel right." He told me looking past the water to the horizon. 

"Yes, the ones I can carry," I told him.

"Good, don't leave unless there's trouble." He told me spinning around and walking towards the other end of the boat bag slung over his shoulder. I rolled my eyes knowing he was about to make an ass out of himself. I walked to the rail, it was beautiful, the sun was setting and the colors brushed the sky like a painter, purple, orange, yellow, and blue. I sighed happily feeling the last rays of the sun as the moon took over the sky. 

I opened my eyes turning back toward the crowd. The conversation had lulled a bit and I noticed Jonathan's eyes on me. He waved me over after his initial interaction with Rick I was sure he was trying again with the other O'Connell. 

"So miss are you comparable to your brother?" He asked me.

"No, in this instance I also gamble with my money. I do prefer to do it with my life but well the circumstances have not called for that yet." I replied to him. 

"Is one O'Connell as good as the other?" He asked. I smiled and laughed setting my glass down near the empty chair. 

"$100 says I am." I threw the money down on the table. Jonathan's eyes brightened at the competition. 

"I'll take that wager." He laughed and dealt me in. I slowly pulled the cards towards me on the table. I had a nine of spades and a queen of spades. The cards laid in the middle were an eight of spades, an ace of spades, and a jack of spades. 'All spades?' I asked myself making sure my expression didn't show the surprise I was feeling. 

"So where'd you learn to play?" A blonde-haired man asked with a toothpick sticking out of his mouth. He sat to my right, with a gigantic scarf around his neck. I assumed he wanted to be a cowboy. 

"When I was in orphanage in Cairo, there wasn't much to do as a child. So for fun, we taught ourselves to play with the help of an adult who knew the rules." I replied to him, watching him closely and examining his reaction to the story I was telling. This seemed to surprise him. 

"Why is that surprising to you?" I asked him. 

"Actually it is hard to believe a beautiful woman such as yourself was given up to an orphanage." I laughed, it wasn't that part of the story where he should be feeling uncomfortable it was what came next. 

"I assume it wasn't difficult, for the morbid imagination I had. The things I yearned for and saw in my mind." I smiled grimly at him. Calling the hand he had just raised. Jonathan interrupted the story by dealing the cards out, and adding a king of spades to the table. I could tell the entire group was hanging on to the story, they wanted to learn more. We went around the group again calling and folding until it got to the companion I had been talking to. He played with the edges of his cards as he called. I called as well, and Jonathan nodded as he flipped the last card to the table it was a ten of spades. 

"So, what, there's a sense of darkness about you that you think your parents couldn't have handled?" He asked stiffing a laugh as if he didn't believe it. I pushed the money I had into the pot. 

"I'd bet on it. All in." I told them. Everyone was shocked, the table felt tenser than ever as I turned to Jonathan. He revealed his hand showing three pairs of jacks. The man to my left put his down displaying three pairs of kings. I threw my cards down showing them to the group. A nine and queen of spades. 

"Queen of Darkness" the American to my left laughed. The other to his left looked shocked beyond a doubt, and his buddy to the left quickly did the sign of the cross.

"And what sir do I call you? "I smirked happily grabbing the money in the pot.

"Henderson. Isaac Henderson. And yours?" He looked up at me.

"Eris O'Connell, Queen of Darkness," I smirked putting the money in my bag, that's when I heard it, shots ring through the crisp air, I looked to Jonathan suddenly hearing a piercing scream that ripped through my ear drums. I grabbed him by the suspenders he was wearing and crept around the wall where the hallway was to the rooms. 

"I know that scream anywhere, it's Evy." Jonathan proclaimed ripping himself from my grip and running down the hallway and up the stairs to their room. I ran behind him, moving with the wall. I grabbed my pistol out of my waistband. Jonathan went barreling into the room when he got there, knocking over a man clutching his eye who then went into the couch that was on fire. I shot at him a couple of times for good measure, getting him in the leg and arm, while Jonathan grabbed what he needed and we ran out of the room. The man was trying to run after us but in his attempts realized his wounds were too much to continue on. The ship was encased in chaos the fire was growing out of control and those who brought horses were getting them out of the stables. There was no place to leave that offered an easy escape. I pushed Jon towards the railing coaxing him to climb down as I watched our backs for the cloaked male. Once Jonathan was firmly on the ground he ran towards the gunshots that we were hearing towards the bow of the boat. I saw Henderson surrounded by his buddies. He briefly stopped to wave at me. I didn't give it a second thought. As I almost ran straight into Jonathan. 

"Americans" Jonathan uttered in disdain. I smiled we did enjoy our guns and freedom. But like I had thought before, these are cowboys. The man on fire from before broke through a thin wall to where we were. He hobbled towards the edge of the ship where Jonathan was standing. Henderson fired more shots at him which made him start spinning in a circle, he eventually succumbed and fell overboard. 

"I say bloody good show chaps! And did I panic? I think not!" Jonathan said as he tossed the onyx octagon into the air and catching it. A blaze of fire interrupted his thoughts and he jumped overboard, I followed quickly after him. I immediately felt the water soak through my clothes unhappily. I hated being wet. As I surfaced, I saw Jonathan to my left we looked around the river watching the groups of people flop up on the shoreline. I pointed in that direction so Jonathan would know where to swim as I let my body take over. Swimming I was decently good at but it had been a while since I had done it in action. I slowly let my breathing go and concentrated on it. In when surfacing and out under the water. The swim was relatively quick but the water was cold, it was hard not to focus on how my body wanted to keep warm. We waded up on shore slowly while our muscles relaxed finally being on solid land. 

"We've lost everything, all of our tools, all of the equipment, all of my clothes!" Evy exclaimed. I rolled my eyes she was becoming a new person in my eyes seeing her in the action. She did not cope well. 

"O'Connell!!! Hey O'Connell! It looks to me like I've got all the horses!" I heard a weasley voice from across the river yelling at us. 

"Hey, Beni! Looks to me like you're on the wrong side of the river!!" Rick yelled back to him. I looked at him confused. 

"Beni shut up!!" I yelled to him already annoyed at his antics. He wouldn't last long with me in this sour mood. The next time I saw him I would hurt him, badly. 

"Let's get into town and sort out our roster of things. I'm freezing." Evy exclaimed. We all headed up the bend towards the dimly lit glowing town. Quite the start to an adventure if I said so myself. 

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