#ignore my fantastic cropping skills

[recklesshorizons]

i tried out the garden galaxy demo recently!

[nsfwflint]

Set Dressing

At long last, this piece has life. My first (and probably only) piece to ever break 10k. While I think this might be the hottest thing I've ever written, I really hope you all feel the same. Enjoy!

“Hold!”

With an exasperated sigh, you carefully hand your camera to your assistant. A cold breeze rolls over the rooftop as you slowly walk towards the uninvited guest. You take care not to startle them too much in order to avoid any accidents. As you cautiously inch towards them, you quietly hold your breath. Suddenly, they turn to you. Their dark eyes peer into your soul before quickly flying off, leaving a single black feather fluttering to the ground. With a deep exhale, you turn back to the jankiest set you’ve ever used for a photoshoot and see one of the models’ heads follow the crow as she watches it fly off.

“Man, I hate crows.” You mutter to yourself as you walk back towards your assistant.

“Don’t crows usually fly in a flock? I don’t like that we only had a single crow, it’s creepy.” Ken shudders.

“It’s a murder of crows. They’re probably too busy fighting with cats at a dumpster somewhere.” You joke.

While your assistant looks at you with a confused stare, you hear a small chuckle nearby. Remembering why you’re up here, you turn to the reason you’re on the rooftop to begin with. Turning to the two models, you give them a friendly smile. The one with lighter brown hair smiles back at you, as the one with long black hair continues to distractedly wander around the rooftop looking at random things.

“Sorry about that girls. Ken’s not really the fun type. Let’s continue shall we.” You say, giving the girls a playful wink as Ken hands you your camera.

“We have names, you know. I’m Seungyeon and this is Bora.” The one with shoulder length hair says.

“I know you have names; I just didn’t know what they were.” You admit.

You turn back to the pair of beautiful women in front of you and resume taking pictures. This is without a doubt the most confusing photoshoot you’ve done in your entire career. With everything being thrown together at the last moment, the entire situation is just a mess. The only thing all companies involved told you was “crop tops on rooftops.” So here you are in the beginning of winter, doing a photoshoot on the top of your building only a few feet away from your rooftop apartment because you couldn’t get any other location in such short notice.

Seungyeon’s dark leather jacket does nothing to cover her lethal curves. Her delicious cleavage peeking through, you desperately wish that you were the black sports bra tightly hugging her chest. Although you’d also settle for the black mesh shorts clinging to her sculpted thighs. With a confident smile, Seungyeon brushes a strand of her shoulder length light brown hair behind her ear.

“All right, that’s good for now Seungyeon. The companies wanted you to be more on the serious side, but don’t worry. That last one was an amazing smile.” You say, making a mental note to take that shot out for yourself later.

As Seungyeon nods and walks away from the small portion you have sectioned off as the set, you think you see a faint blush creep upon her cheeks. Before you can say anything else, Bora steps confidently into the set and blows you away. The intense presence she’s showing now is wildly different than the one she had a few minutes ago wandering around like a toddler. Now she’s standing here with a fatally sexy gaze in a pure white outfit the complete opposite of Seungyeon’s. Almost as if nature is responding to Bora’s whims, a soft wind blows her long black hair as her white blazer billows behind her. A tight white crop top clings to her sizable tits for dear life as it simultaneously reveals her toned stomach. Her white pants hide her legs, but you suspect her thighs are just as delectable as Seungyeon’s.

“Fantastic. All right, now together. That’s it, pose just like that.” You say, motioning for Seungyeon to join Bora on the set.

The two women pose as you shower their bodies in a barrage of camera flashes, you can’t help but admire their incredible bodies. While their outfits accentuate their figures, the color schemes provide a stark contrast, which you suppose is the point of the shoot. As your camera hungrily tries to capture every part of the scene in front of you, you realize the two beauties are similar with how everything about them just screams sexual charisma. The air of confidence they have is so intense, it’s almost suffocating. You can feel the absolute self-assurance they have in their sexuality even through the lens. For a quick second you get distracted and wonder how many men they have wrapped around their fingers. As you begin to lose yourself in taking pictures of the beautiful women, your assistant calls your name and snaps you back to reality.

“What?” You ask crankily.

“I have to leave now. Will you be okay by yourself?”

“Oh, is it that time already?” You ask, looking at your watch. “I guess it is. Yeah, I’ll be fine. Have a good night Ken.”

Ken nods politely before gathering his stuff and leaving. You take a few more pictures before deciding that you have enough for the day. As you plug the camera’s memory card into your nearby laptop, you turn back to the women.

“All right girls. You’re done for now. I’m going to go through the photos if you want to join me, maybe tell me which ones you like and dislike.” You say as you sit down at the nearby table.

“Whose apartment is that anyway?” Bora asks, pointing at the small room nearby.

“Mine.” You reply as you scroll through the hundreds of pictures you’ve taken.

“I see.” Bora mutters thoughtfully.

“So, what do you look for when you look for which ones to send back?” Seungyeon asks, sitting down next to you.

“Well, the first thing I do is go and delete all the ones that are no good. Shots with blinking or other accidents like that. Then I go through whatever correspondence I’ve received from the company telling me what they’re aiming for and compare what I have to what they’re looking for. After that it’s all just personal preference honestly.”

“I see.” Seungyeon nods as she leans closer to you to see the screen better.

As she stares at the screen, Seungyeon puts her arm on your shoulder. You swallow nervously as you try to ignore her breast lightly pressing against your arm. Glancing out of the corner of your eye, you see her gaze focused intently on the countless pictures on the computer screen. Seungyeon turns to you, and after a moment of brief but intense eye contact, blushes and pulls away from you slightly.

“So, this photoshoot was pretty last minute. What is it for anyway, if you don’t mind my asking?” You ask, trying to distract yourself.

“It’s a teaser for our upcoming collaboration.” Bora responds absentmindedly, looking at the nearby birds again.

“Bora! That’s supposed to be a secret!” Seungyeon exclaims.

“Is it? I don’t really think so. He’ll find out sooner or later anyway. Besides, it’s not like you’re going to leak the news or anything, right oppa?” Bora says as she sits next to you, leaning forward and exposing her heavenly cleavage.

“It’s not my news to tell, so I definitely don’t plan on it. Besides, part of being a photographer in this industry is keeping secrets like this.” You answer quickly.

Feeling your face grow hot as you’re surrounded by the two beauties, you nervously glance around and suddenly realize that it’s only the three of you on the rooftop.

“Where did all your staff go? You had managers and stylists here a little bit ago.” You ask anxiously.

“Yeah. We don’t have anything else scheduled though and they were going to give us free time anyway, we just convinced them to leave early.” Seungyeon says as she takes over scrolling through the pictures.

“Ah I see.”

“Bora, I’m looking at these and they’re really good, but I think maybe we can get some better ones if we do some changes, don’t you think?” Seungyeon turns to Bora with a twinkle in her eye.

“I totally agree. We should make those changes and have our new friend take some more.” Bora nods.

“Yeah I can do that.”

You stand up and start readying your camera as the girls return towards the set.

“Are you guys going to call your stylists back or wha- “

The question comes to a screeching halt as your voice dies in your throat when you turn to see the two gorgeous women have stripped down completely. A gentle breeze caresses every delicate curve of their bodies. It must have been a cold breeze, because both sets of nipples are now puffy and erect. Blood rushes throughout your body as you stare at every part on display. Two giant racks of delectable breasts that you want to dive into, four pillowy thighs that you could die between, two beautiful pussies you’d penetrate in a heartbeat and two perfectly toned stomachs to bridge them all together. You feel your penis rapidly stiffen in your pants as your eyes wander up and down their magnificent bodies.

“I uh,” you clear your throat nervously, trying to focus your mind enough to form a coherent sentence. “I don’t think this is a good idea. We could all get into a lot of trouble for this.”

“I think it’s fine. Don’t you Seungyeon?” Bora asks with a mischievous smile.

“Absolutely. I mean it’d be crazy to say no, right? How often would a highly skilled and talented professional photographer be able to take pictures of two gorgeous women in the nude?” Seungyeon agrees playfully.

You’re sure that they could get any photographer to take photos like that of them any day of the week. You know that they’re just buttering you up to do their bidding. The problem is that it is working. Because as manipulative as it is, Seungyeon is right. While they might be able to get it done any time they want, when would be the next time that you’d be able to take pictures like that? Gulping nervously, you bring your camera up to your face and start frantically snapping pictures. You don’t know when they’ll tell you to stop so you want to capture as many as you can.

“Good boy. Now what do you say we give him the photoshoot of a lifetime?” Bora asks Seungyeon.

“I’d say that we wouldn’t be very good models if we didn’t.” Seungyeon nods thoughtfully.

The two women start posing, eagerly showing off their spectacular bodies for you. Even if you didn’t have the camera to immortalize this moment, there’s no way you’ll ever forget this. With every click of the camera, you engrain the image of every one of their immaculate curves into your brain forever. You couldn’t be more thankful as the rosy sunset begins to fall upon you, further accenting the already beautiful view. A series of never-ending flashes illuminate their perfect figures, the camera almost as hungry for their bodies as you are. Your cock is so erect that it’s starting to hurt with how hard it’s pressing against your jeans.

What starts as generic poses quickly turns even more erotic as Bora pulls Seungyeon’s body against hers. As both of their sizable chests press against each other, you desperately wish you could dive in and taste every inch of their delicious breasts. You lick your lips as you watch Bora’s hand travel down Seungyeon’s flawless skin and start squeezing her perfect ass. Your cock throbs in your pants as you capture a picture of the most intense eye contact you’ve ever seen. The eye contact between Bora and Seungyeon is so fiery and lustful that you wonder if you’d survive being on the receiving end of it. After several seconds, Bora finally breaks eye contact and turns to you.

“Make sure to capture every second.” She says with a teasing smile.

Before you can reply that you already are, Bora turns back and aggressively sticks her tongue into Seungyeon’s mouth. Soft whimpers escape from Seungyeon as Bora swirls her tongue around her mouth. Bora’s fingers slowly creep off of Seungyeon’s ass to in between Seungyeon’s thighs. Seungyeon’s moans gradually get louder as Bora starts stroking her pussy. Watching their tongues entwine and rub against each other, you desperately want to join in. As you continue taking in the scene unfolding in front of you, you can no longer stop yourself. While you somehow manage to continue taking pictures with one hand, the other slips down your waist band. Watching the two gorgeous women engage in their passionate kiss, you slowly start stroking your cock in your pants. Finally, Bora breaks away from the kiss with another moan from Seungyeon.

“It’s starting to get a little cold. Maybe we should move to a more suitable indoor location. Good thing there’s an apartment nearby, right?” Bora teases.

With no other words needing to be spoken, you quickly run over to your apartment and unlock the door. No sooner is the door open than the girls sprint inside. For a brief second, the inner professional in you wants to break down the rest of your equipment and set it up inside. Thankfully you quickly realize how much time and mood that would kill and you follow them inside. Barely inside the small space you call your living room, Bora and Seungyeon have immediately resumed their lustful kiss. Seungyeon’s hands squeeze Bora’s ass as Bora vigorously gropes Seungyeon’s tits. You quickly return to the situation you were just in, taking pictures with one hand and stroking your cock inside your pants with the other.

One of Bora’s hands slowly slides down and begins stroking Seungyeon’s pussy again. Despite already being extremely lustful, somehow their kiss gets even more intense. Their tongues swirling around each other rapidly, they slowly sink to their knees. Seungyeon yelps as Bora sticks two fingers inside her cunt. Bora slowly pulls her fingers out until just her fingertips are inside Seungyeon before pushing them back in. Between their entwining tongues and her moans, drool starts to fall from the corner of Seungyeon’s mouth.

Bora gradually speeds up her fingers as Seungyeon’s hands leave Bora’s ass and move to her arms. Seungyeon grips Bora’s shoulders roughly as fluids from her pussy drip onto Bora’s fingers. The faster Bora thrusts her fingers into Seungyeon, the more her palm loudly slaps against Seungyeon’s pussy. Seungyeon’s loud moans fill the room and you begin to wonder how soundproof your apartment is. You suddenly realize how hard you’re stroking your cock to this titillating scene and make a conscious effort to slow down.

Finally, Bora breaks the kiss one last time as she withdraws her fingers from Seungyeon’s pussy. Seeing Seungyeon’s current state arouses you in a way you’ve never felt before. It’s abundantly clear that Bora has hit all the right spots and flipped some sort of switch in Seungyeon. Her sexual confidence fading away, Seungyeon pants heavily as she tries to catch her breath. As you stare at the moaning mess that she’s become, your dick throbs violently in your hand. Bora looks over to you and gives you a mischievous smile.

“Oh my. Look at how hard he’s gotten, Seungyeon. It must be really difficult for him to focus on our pictures like that. We should help him with that.” She teases.

At the apparent thought of being able to control you, Seungyeon’s confidence returns as she and Bora slowly crawl towards you. As the two naked women make their way over to you, your dick twitches in your pants. You take your hand out of your pants just before they arrive. As soon as they reach you, Seungyeon’s confidence has fully returned and she aggressively tears your pants down. Your erect dick springs out and they both have a brief moment of astonishment before looking up at you and smiling.

“I didn’t realize you were this hard.” Seungyeon says as she stares at your shaft.

“I knew he was packing from seeing his pants during the photoshoot earlier, but I didn’t know it was this impressive either.” Bora nods.

They each bite their lips seductively as they look up into your eyes. Your dick twitches from the sexual charisma dripping off of their bodies. With a smile they both turn their attention to your throbbing erection.

Every time you think these girls have shown you heaven, they up the ante. The sight of the two beautiful women kneeling before you drives you crazy and your cock twitches in anticipation. They gently blow onto your dick and revel in your expressions. Their breathing lightly tickles your shaft as they take their time to tease you. You must have finally made a face they like because they both start licking the sides of your cock. Realizing the chance in front of you, you position the camera overhead and click the button; the bright flash illuminating the two women licking your shaft. As they pepper your dick with kisses, you place the camera down on a nearby table and let yourself get lost in the pleasure.

You let out a soft groan as Seungyeon and Bora’s tongues travel along your throbbing cock. Their soft tongues glide up and down your shaft, gripping it tightly. A trail of warm spit trails behind their tongues as Seungyeon’s head moves towards your tip and Bora’s moves toward your balls. Bora is the first to arrive as she plants soft kisses at the base of your dick before moving to your sack. You barely have time to register the sensation of her tongue rubbing against your balls before Seungyeon takes your tip into her mouth. Her soft tongue wraps around your tip, the moist cavern of her mouth constricting as she sucks on your cock. The immense pleasure catches you off guard and you stagger backwards slightly, catching your balance on the nearby table; almost knocking your camera off of it. Displeased by the difference in reactions, you can feel Bora’s lips frown against your dick as she slowly kisses and licks her way back up to your shaft.

“Oh fuck.” You grunt as you tighten your grip on the table.

As Seungyeon continues to messily slurp on your tip, Bora slides her tongue up and down the underside of your shaft. Clearly not wanting to wait for her turn, Bora lightly pushes Seungyeon aside and your tip leaves Seungyeon’s mouth with an audible pop. Bora instantly seizes the opportunity she made for herself, practically inhaling you as she takes your dick into her mouth. Seungyeon frowns, but you’re barely able to see it before Bora starts sucking so hard that your vision blurs. Her head rapidly bobs up and down, the moist walls of her mouth constricting and pressuring your dick. You can feel Bora’s warm drool drowning your dick in pleasure as Bora continues to aggressively suck and slurp on your cock.

“Holy shit Bora.” You moan as you stagger again.

“That’s not fair! I wasn’t finished with him!” Seungyeon whines as she pulls Bora off of your cock.

“Well, you were hogging the good stuff.” Bora retorts.

You’re surprised at their grade school argument when you realize what you might miss out on if they keep arguing.

“Listen, we’re all here now to have a good time. If we want this to work, we all need to work together.” You say, desperately trying to keep them from arguing.

“He’s absolutely right Seungyeon. We need to work together.” Bora nods before winking at Seungyeon.

“Exactly, let’s show him just how well we can do that.” Seungyeon smiles.

With a smug confidence, they both raise themselves slightly before they sandwich their tits around your cock. You’ve never gotten a titfuck before, but you’ve heard it is the softest thing ever. As you find yourself buried between mountains of pillowy flesh, you have to say you agree. Bora and Seungyeon smirk as you feel the warmth of their heavenly breasts slowly enveloping your shaft. The tip of your dick barely peeking out of their wondrous valleys, they slowly start rubbing their tits up and down your shaft.

You feel their stiff nipples rub against your shaft every few strokes or so as they continue squishing their breasts against your dick. The soft sensation of their silky skin pressing against your shaft slowly starts pushing you to your limits. Just when you think it couldn’t possibly feel any better, Bora gives you a seductive smile before slowly spitting onto your cock. A long strand of spit glistens as it descends onto your tip. Your tip twitches at the sight of Bora’s spit pooling into their combined cleavage. One thing that is quickly becoming apparent is that Bora is a master of the art of the tease. Everything she does is deliberate and measured, from her sultry gazes to the slow speed of her tits stroking against your penis.

Seungyeon on the other hand, doesn’t seem to care about teasing you at all. While she goes along with Bora’s slower strokes, you can tell that Seungyeon doesn’t like it. Giving you the same intense gaze as Bora, you can see in Seungyeon’s eyes that she just wants to get you off as fast as possible. Which makes you conflicted; as much as you don’t want to be teased, you still want this to last as long as possible. However, you quickly find yourself freed from idle thought as Seungyeon takes her turn to spit on your dick. Their perfect breasts find themselves slipping and stroking your cock faster than before now that it’s covered with spit.

“Fuck baby, that feels so good.” You moan under your breath.

“I know.” Bora and Seungyeon reply simultaneously before frowning at each other.

“Clearly he meant me, with how slow you’re trying to make us go.” Seungyeon says.

“I can guarantee that I’m making him feel better than you are.” Bora sneers.

“Who were you calling baby?” They ask at the same time, turning to look at you.

The only thing you manage to reply with is a blank stare. Because you honestly don’t know. While you’re afraid that it might ruin everything, your silence thankfully has the opposite effect. You can see the competitive fire in their eyes intensify and their titfuck increases to breakneck speeds. Their sizable breasts now slick from their spit, their slippery strokes quickly push you to your limit. As they squeeze their tits closer together, you lose yourself in the pleasure of their soft skin. While they’re clearly competing for some form of your affection, the only thing you’re able to think of is the heavenly ecstasy as your tip peeks through the valley of their giant breasts.

Just when you think you couldn’t possibly feel any better, the girls prove you wrong once again. As if planned, both of them lean down and start licking the tip of your dick. Their warm tongues dance around your cock, swirling and stroking around your tip. It doesn’t take long before their tongues start rubbing against each other as well as your dick. Their breasts continue to squeeze against your shaft, rapidly stroking it up and down. The spit from their mouths pours over your tip as they massage it with their tongues.

"Fuck. Fuck, just like that. You both feel so good."

As you watch their efforts to please you intensify, you wonder if your moans even register in their ears. Their pillow breasts continue to rapidly push up and down your shaft, aided by the saliva dripping into their cleavage. The warmth of their soft tongues drives you further to the edge as they dance and swirl around the tip of your dick. Bora and Seungyeon begin taking turns between sucking your cock and spitting on it. The tender flesh of their mouths drives you to an ecstasy you didn't know existed. If this is how good their breasts feel, how amazing will actual sex with them be? The thought is quickly interrupted as Seungyeon gives your dick an audible slurp before releasing your tip from her mouth with a loud pop. Their soft tits continue to aggressively push against your cock. Just when you wonder how much longer you’ll be able to endure their heavenly tits, you feel a familiar tightness in your balls as your tip begins to swell.

“I’m going to- “

Thick streams of cum erupt out of your tip before you can even finish your sentence. The orgasmic bliss is so overwhelmingly intense, your eyes close involuntarily. When you finally open your eyes again, the sight of Bora and Seungyeon is burned into your brain. As the tip of your cock peeks out of their combined cleavage, your seed is plastered onto their faces as well as the top of their heavenly tits. The intense eye contact of the girls is replaced by looks of surprise as they’re shocked by the amount of cum you unloaded onto their bodies.

“Everybody needs to clean up.” Seungyeon muses, staring at your sticky semen caking their bodies.

“One second.” You mutter before turning to the nearby table.

Your heart skips a nervous beat when you notice your camera is now halfway off the opposite edge of the table. All of your staggering and pulling on the table to keep your balance through the immense pleasure must have made your camera shake all the way across the table. Quickly getting your bearings so you don’t kill too much time, you reach over and manage to grab your camera without moving your legs. Aiming downwards, a bright light flashes quickly and the scene of two women sandwiching your dick between your tits and covered in your cum is forever immortalized. You turn and place the camera back down as you pant heavily in an attempt to recover quickly. After kindly giving you the time to take the picture, Seungyeon leans in and licks the cum off of Bora’s tits, slowly making her way up Bora’s neck. Right as Seungyeon licks the last bit off of Bora’s cheek, Bora takes her turn lapping your semen off of Seungyeon’s body.

“That’s no fair, that’s mine.” Seungyeon frowns.

“Is that so? You can have it then.”

With your cum still pooled on her tongue, Bora leans in and sticks her tongue into Seungyeon’s mouth again. As their tongues rub and circle against each other, you can see faint traces of your cum pouring from Bora’s mouth into Seungyeon’s and back. While you were worried about not being able to continue after cumming, their lustful cum swapping kiss has eased all your concerns. You’ve never wanted anything more than to fill their bodies to the absolute brink with your cum. Bora pulls away from the kiss and smirks as your cock throbs violently in their collective cleavage.

“Look at how hard he is again already. I know how much you want to fuck him, so I’ll let you have him first.” Bora chuckles.

“W-what? I don’t know what you mean.” Seungyeon stutters slightly.

“It’s written all over your face. It’s much better to just be honest.” Bora says as she slips two of her fingers back inside Seungyeon’s pussy.

Bora’s fingering is more intense than the last time, her palm loudly slapping against Seungyeon’s silky flesh. Seungyeon slinks backwards, her arms holding her up as Bora continues to thrust her fingers in and out of Seungyeon’s cunt. You slowly stroke your cock and watch as glistening juices splash out of Seungyeon’s pussy. After a few moments of nonstop intense fingering, Bora finally slides her fingers out of Seungyeon.

"Show him your ass." Bora commands.

Seungyeon immediately drops on all fours, her voluptuous ass presented to you in glorious fashion. It seems like she's compliant with every order that would bring her the sexual satisfaction she's craving right now. She turns around and stares into your eyes, silently begging you to fuck the shit out of her. Bora gives both of you another satisfied smirk as she sees the lustful eye contact between you and Seungyeon.

“See? He wants you too. Just tell him what you want, Seungyeon.” Bora teases, her voice dripping with sultry provocation.

“Please, fuck me with your hard cock. I need you to fuck me and fill me with your cum.” Seungyeon begs needily.

As you stare into her eyes, you can tell it isn’t just generic dirty talk and placating. You can see the hunger in her gaze, her body trembling as it craves your cock. Sweet juices visibly drip down her thighs as she desperately pleads for you to fuck her. Her eyes cloud with a lust so powerful you can feel it in the air. Everything about the situation told you what she was saying was true. Seungyeon didn’t just want your cock inside her, she needed it. Which is perfect, because you need to be inside her just as bad. Kneeling behind her entrance, you slowly rub your tip up and down against her wet pussy. Your tip becomes drenched with her fluids as she lets out a series of whimpering moans.

“Please stop teasing me. I need you inside me so bad. Just fuck me until I pass out.” Seungyeon pleads.

While you want to tease her all night, the fact remains that you’re craving her body as much as she’s craving yours. You slowly slide your tip inside her cunt, the intense pressure from her walls almost forces you to almost cum right away. The two of you share a pleasured exhale as you stop inserting your dick to allow both of your time to adjust. Staring into the wanton lust in her eyes, you forget the world around you. While this definitely isn’t going to be gentle love making, you still want time to get used to each other. After all, it doesn’t do anyone any good if you both cum too fast.

“That’s a good girl. See how much better it is when you’re honest?” Bora says with a mischievous smile.

Reality comes crashing back to you as Bora pushes you forward, your dick suddenly plunging into the deepest parts of Seungyeon’s pussy. Seungyeon takes you all the way to the hilt, your tip slamming against the entrance to her womb as her plump ass ripples against you. Her velvety walls devour your cock with an intense heat and it takes every fiber of your body not to cum immediately. Seungyeon lets out a deafening moan that shows she’s just as caught off guard by the sudden pleasure as you are.

“What the fuck Bora?” Seungyeon snaps as she tries to catch her breath.

“You guys need to speed it up a little. We only have tonight and I want to make sure I get my turn.” Bora replies matter-of-factly.

Before Seungyeon can protest anymore, the intoxicating heat of her cunt squeezing your dick flips a switch inside you. Initially willing to start slow in order to savor the experience, you quickly find yourself growing obsessed wtih the velvety flesh constricting your cock. Seungyeon’s eyes widen as your hips start thrusting as if they have a mind of their own. Small moans start making their way out of her mouth as you lose yourself in her body with every thrust. Your frantic slams into her cunt grow increasingly more aggressive. The tip of your dick rams into the deepest part of her velvety pussy.

“Oh fuck. That’s it, just like that. Keep fucking me just like that.” Seungyeon moans, her lustful screams filling your small apartment.

You’re thankful that she likes the way you’re fucking her, because you no longer have any control over your body. Her silky walls tighten around your cock, tightly gripping you as you pierce into the depths of her heavenly flesh. You find yourself consumed by lust, an overwhelming hunger on your skin that tells you that you need to be inside of her. The sight of her voluptuous ass cheeks heaving and rippling with every thrust only intensifies that urge even more. Seungyeon’s lustful moans pierce your ears as her ass crashes against your waist.

Seungyeon’s face quickly contorts from ecstasy, overcome by the pleasure you’re both drowning in. Her whiny moans flow endlessly, her mouth open so long she starts to drool. Losing yourselves into your mutual lust, Seungyeon starts throwing her hips back, timing her own thrusts to match your own. The sight of her ass cheeks jiggling wildly triggers something inside of you. You raise your hand and deliver a hard slap to her ass, her cheek rippling against your palm.

"Oh FUCK yes. Slap me harder daddy." Seungyeon screams.

You briefly pause your thrusts as Seungyeon turns to look at you. A second of silence passes as you stare at each other, both of you bewildered by what just came out of her mouth.

"Oh he likes that." Bora giggles.

"What? I-" You try to defend yourself as words escape you.

"Please I saw your face when she said it. Don't bother denying it." Bora teases.

While you want to deny it, you know you can't. You've never had someone call you that before, but as soon as the words escaped Seungyeon, it woke something inside of you. You do want her to call you that again, but you aren't sure how to tell her. Thankfully Seungyeon solves that problem for you.

"Hurry up and fuck my pussy daddy." Seungyeon moans.

Never one to deny the request of a beautiful woman, you immediately plunge your cock into her depths again. Your violent thrusts quickly return as the heat of her cunt radiates along your shaft. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Bora masturbating nearby. Her fingers circle her clit as she watches your dick piston away inside her friend. The sight makes your dick throb, but your focus is quickly redirected as Seungyeon throws her hips back again. Equal parts thankful and upset that Seungyeon took your focus off Bora, you decide to discipline her for it.

Raising your hand, you bring it down and aggressively slap her ass, this time harder than before. Her ass ripples delightfully against your palm. You give her ass a rough squeeze as you continue to pound away at her wet cunt. Her silky ass cheeks jiggling against your fingertips fuels your never ending lust for her even more. As Seungyeon’s whimpers and moans overload your ears, you give her ass another firm slap. Seeing that her voluptuous cheeks are beginning to grow red, you start to worry until Seungyeon moans again.

"FUCK yes. Just like that. Fucking ruin my pussy daddy." Seungyeon screams, her velvety walls gripping your shaft tighter with every slap.

You lose yourself in the heat of her velvety cunt, frantically slamming your dick away at her womb. Seungyeon’s supple ass jiggles against your palms as you continue to give her cheeks hard slaps. Slick fluids drip from her cunt as your hands repeatedly strike her ass. Her pussy clenches tighter around your shaft with every slap. Alternating which ass cheek you slap drives both of you to the brink of ecstasy.

"Do you like when I slap your ass like this?" You growl, relishing her soft skin rippling against your fingers as you strike her ass.

"Yes. It feels so good." Seungyeon moans.

"Yes what?"

"Yes daddy I do. Please keep fucking me." Seungyeon groans as she frantically throws her hips back against you.

"Why should I?" You ask in a harsh voice, somehow managing to stop your thrusts again.

“Because I've been a bad girl. I've been a bad girl and need to be punished." Seungyeon whines, squirming desperately on your dick.

"Then I guess I need to punish you." You grunt as you give her ass another rough smack.

Your aggressive pounding quickly returns as you slam your dick inside Seungyeon. Her slick walls vigorously grip your cock, lustfully tugging on your shaft with every thrust. As you piston your dick inside her cunt, you continue to meet her ass cheeks with a barrage of smacks and squeezes. Another sound catches your and you turn to see Bora again. You lock eyes with Bora as she furiously masturbates while watching you rail on Seungyeon. Bora’s fingers rapidly go in and out of her pussy as she squeezes and fondles her own tits with her free hand. Both of their moans mingle together as all of you continue your journey to ecstasy.

"Fuck her just like that. Don't stop." Bora moans as she fingers her pussy with an intense vigor.

Bora’s commands are almost hypnotic. Even if you wanted to stop, you wouldn't be able to. Her voice is so sensual and alluring that you don't think any mortal could refuse her. But thankfully you're planning on continuing what you were doing anyway. You continue relentlessly piercing your dick into Seungyeon, her silky skin crashing against your body.

"God you're so fucking good." Seungyeon gasps between moans.

"Do you like how he fucks you?" Bora asks in a tone that's half teasing, half curiosity.

"YES. He's better than anyone else I've ever fucked." Seungyeon screams as you time your thrusts with her answers.

“Talking about other partners while you’re being fucked? Aren’t you a little slut.” Bora chuckles.

“Yes, I’m a slut. I’m a dirty slut and I need to be punished.” Seungyeon moans, her walls eagerly constricting your dick.

"She said it herself. Daddy's little whore needs to be punished. Keep pounding that tight little pussy." Bora says, somehow managing a demanding tone while moaning.

Despite the fact that you definitely didn't need Bora to tell you that, you follow her orders and continue your violent thrusting into Seungyeon. Seungyeon’s perfect ass jiggles rapidly as your bodies continue to crash against each other with a frantic rhythm. As your dick penetrates into her depths, you wonder how you'll ever have satisfying sex again after this. The heat of Seungyeon’s walls pulls you back to reality.

Seungyeon’s slick warmth pulsates along your shaft. Every thrust inside feels like a dream that you never want to wake up from. Before tonight you never would have described sex as a reality altering event, but that's exactly what sex with Seungyeon is. The sensual curves of her tanned skin ripple against your animalistic thrusts, fueling the never ending hunger you've developed for Seungyeon’s body.

“God you’re so fucking tight Seungyeon. Do you like being punished like this?” You grunt, your cock aggressively slamming in and out of her tight snatch.

“Yes, you feel so good when you punish me. Please punish me daddy.” Seungyeon begs as she thrusts her hips back against you.

“You heard the girl. Hit her.” Bora orders you, failing to hide the moans in her own voice as she continues to rapidly finger herself.

As you raise your hand again, you notice that both Seungyeon’s ass cheeks and your palms are both bright red. Having a small bit of mercy, you decide to ease up. However if you're only going to do one more slap, you're going to make it a good one. You raise both hands before bringing them both down on her ass cheeks harder than you have all night. Seungyeon’s body ripples wildly against you as her arms slip. With Seungyeon now resting on her elbows, you find yourself slightly deeper than before. Seungyeon feels it too, unleashing a moan so loud her others seem like whispers.

"Oh fuck." Seungyeon screams, her lustful shrieks piercing your ears.

Your fingers dig into her silky flesh, roughly squeezing Seungyeon’s ass as you ram your dick against her womb. Her soft skin slips between the cracks of your fingers, bright red from your assault on her ass. Moans from all three of you meld into an erotic harmony that just enhances the experience even more. As your dick pierces and scrapes Seungyeon’s velvety cavern, you end up squeezing her ass so hard your knuckles turn white. With every wild thrust, her voluptuous ass ripples against your skin. While you could savor this sensation forever, your hands grab her hips so you can watch her plump ass jiggle freely. Which is exactly what it does. Her supple cheeks heave and undulate wildly as you violently pump your cock in and out of her tight cunt.

“God you’re so fucking amazing Seungyeon. You feel so incredible.” You grunt, aggressively slamming your cock inside her.

Gripping Seungyeon’s hips, you vigorously ram your dick against her womb. As you piston in her cunt, you notice her sizable tits heaving and jiggling from behind. A part of her body that you were lusting for earlier, but have uncharacteristically ignored since you started. You lick your lips at the thought of indulging yourself in her breasts. Without warning, you pull your cock out of Seungyeon’s cunt and flip her over.

"Get on your back," You growl.

Seungyeon quickly obliges, laying on her back as you dive on top of her. In the maybe thirty seconds your dick was out of her pussy, you immediately start craving the heat of her tight cavern. You aggressively slam your dick back into her depths. If you're missing the feeling of being inside Seungyeon after not even a minute, how will you ever adjust to life after tonight?

Seungyeon’s moans begin to overwhelm every other sound in the apartment again. Her giant breasts heave up and down, bouncing wildly as your tip continues to violently kiss the entrance of her womb. You take the moment to savor the sight before you. Seungyeon’s perfect sweat-glistening body crashing and rippling as you plunge your dick as deep as you possibly can inside her. Your dick starts to throb and you know you'll be reaching the end soon.

"I'm going to cum soon Seungyeon." You groan through your primal thrusts.

"Me too. Keep fucking me just like this. I want to cum all over your dick daddy." Seungyeon’s erotic screams bounce off the walls.

Seungyeon’s moans stop as Bora suddenly straddles her face. You’re so surprised by her appearance that you temporarily stop thrusting. As Seungyeon’s walls constrict and pulsate along your shaft, the only thing you can do is stare at Bora, surprised.

“Well, you guys were having all the fun and I didn’t want to be left out.” Bora shrugs as she starts grinding her pussy along Seungyeon’s mouth.

As if turned on by Bora’s cunt on her face, Seungyeon’s walls clamp around your dick. The intense pleasure reminding you why you’re here, your hips begin thrusting with a mind of their own again. Your dick hungers for the velvety grip of her walls, relentlessly pounding away at Seungyeon’s womb. The sensation of her body trembling and rippling against yours is a feeling you’ll end up craving for the rest of your life. Despite being muffled by Bora’s cunt, you can still hear Seungyeon’s moans as you aggressively pierce into her depths.

Bora’s moans raise an octave as you watch Seungyeon’s tongue attack Bora’s folds. Seungyeon’s cunt tightens as she continues to lick and nibble on every part of Bora’s pussy. Watching Bora writhe in pleasure on Seungyeon’s face intensifies your thrusts. The sight of Bora sensually running her hand through her hair in tandem with her erotic moans is one of the sexiest things you’ve seen. Seungyeon’s tongue must have hit the spot as Bora releases a pleasured squeal. Bora’s hands reach down, swatting away your own as she takes her turn to squeeze Seungyeon’s tits. Her palms cover Seungyeon’s nipples, her fingers sinking into Seungyeon’s flesh as Bora grinds and rubs her cunt into Seungyeon’s face.

Watching Bora fondle Seungyeon’s tits makes your animalistic pounding continue to achieve an ecstasy you've never felt before. Seungyeon’s body glistening with sweat as it ripples and crashes against your cock is the hottest thing you've ever laid eyes on. Every thrust makes you more addicted to Seungyeon. Every second you spend slamming your dick inside her fuels your lustful madness. Finally the most mind blowing sex you've ever had approaches its finale as your balls tense. A thought crosses your mind and you immediately meet Bora’s eyes.

"Get off of her. I want to see her face when I cum inside her." You demand.

Bora gives you a smile, apparently satisfied with your commanding tone. Lifting her cunt off of Seungyeon’s face, Bora moves to the side and watches you. Seungyeon’s relentless moans immediately return. You somehow manage to restrain yourself and stop thrusting. Seungyeon looks at you, her eyes a mixture of confusion and begging.

"Why did you stop?" Seungyeon whines.

"I want you to beg me for it."

"Please fuck me daddy. I need you to finish fucking my pussy. Hurry up and fuck the shit out of me." Seungyeon pleads.

In an ideal world, you might have been able to tease Seungyeon longer, but in reality your body quickly betrays you. No longer able to hold back your thrusts, you immediately resume pounding away at her womb. Her tight walls constrict your shaft as your dick pistons in and out of her. The velvety cavern grips and tugs your shaft. As that familiar tightness in your balls returns, you somehow manage to thrust harder than you ever have before. Your frantic slams pierce into her depths, the sounds of your bodies crashing and slapping against each other audible over Seungyeon’s moans for the first time all night.

"Beg for me to cum inside you."

"What? But I don't know-"

"Fine, I'll pull out then." You say reluctantly as you begin to withdraw your dick from her velvety walls.

Seungyeon’s eyes widen with surprise as she feels you begin to slide out of her. She instantly wraps her thick thighs around you, locking her ankles behind your back to pull you back in.

"No. No please don't. I want you to cum inside me. Please cum inside me. I need you to fill me up daddy." Seungyeon moans, begging at the top of her lungs with lustful screams.

Almost immediately after finishing her sentence, Seungyeon is struck by her own orgasm. Her body shudders violently, her hot cunt clamping around your shaft. Fluids run down your shaft as her orgasm reaches its peak. You manage to pierce into her depths with one final thrust as her orgasm rocks your body as well. The tip of your cock throbs as it slams against her womb, pouring a torrent of hot cum inside it. Your own body twitches as the last few streams of semen flood into her depths.

Both you and Seungyeon slowly recover from your orgasm. The apartment is silent apart from the heavy breathing as you both try to catch your breath. One minute passes. Then two. You don't know how long it is before you finally withdraw your cock from her cunt. Sitting on the floor with Seungyeon sprawled in front of you, you continue to take deep breaths when you suddenly feel an arm around you. Soft fingers quickly grip your shaft, giving your dick brisk strokes. Turning around, your eyes meet Bora’s as you feel her breasts pressing against your back.

"I hope you didn't forget about me. It's my turn now, and I'm nowhere near as easy as Seungyeon is. You better be ready for this." Bora says with an evil smile. If she wasn't so sexy right now, she'd be terrifying.

Despite the fact that you just had the most mind blowing sex of your life, you quickly find yourself hardening again. Soft groans escape your lips as Bora continues to tug on your dick. You have to hand it to Bora, she's an absolute master in the art of the tease. Knowing exactly when to speed up her strokes and when to come to a screeching halt. Her fingers continue their magic, skillfully building you to the point of pleasure before letting it begin to fade again.

As passionate groans escape your lips, you turn forward and look at Seungyeon again. Seungyeon lays in front of you, the only movement being her chest rising and falling from exhaustion. You look between her legs and see a thick white river slowly flowing out of her cunt. Between Bora’s masterful handjob and the sight of your cum pouring out of Seungyeon, you quickly find yourself ready for action again.

Your dick immediately misses the warmth of her hand as she spits on her palm. The warm lubrication makes an amazing handjob somehow even more incredible as Bora’s hand quickly glides up and down your shaft. She continues to alternate between fast paced strokes and her agonizingly slow pulls. Precum coats Bora’s fingers as she lightly twists her hand over your tip. Bora releases a small giggle as your dick throbs in her hand.

“If Seungyeon was awake she might be jealous of how hard you’re getting for me, you know.” Bora whispers teasingly into your ear.

“Good thing she isn’t awake then.” You groan.

“Oh ho. Maybe we should move a little so we don’t change that.” Bora whispers before playfully nibbling your ear.

Bora slowly stands up, pulling you with her with her hand never leaving your shaft.

“That’s a good boy. Over here now.” Bora whispers mischievously as she guides you across the room from behind.

You finally make it to the couch for the first time tonight when she stops you.

“This is good for now. You haven’t earned the right to sit down yet.” Bora giggles

Upon hearing that sentence, you realize she was right. Bora is definitely not going to be as easy as Seungyeon. You now understand that while you might have had control over Seungyeon, Bora is going to have complete control over you. The situation makes you shudder slightly, partially from excitement and partially from fear. Noticing your reaction, a devilish giggle makes its way past Bora’s lips as she immediately resumes her agonizing torment.

Continuing from where she left off before the move, Bora begins her rapid strokes on your cock again. Her soft breasts push against you even more, her stiff nipples poking into your back. A soft groan escapes you as her soft fingers quickly slide up and down your shaft. Bora gently blows on your ear before playfully nibbling it again. Gently pulling on your earlobe, her strokes gradually slow down again before releasing your cock entirely. She releases your ear as she brings her palm up, sensually licking her palm. Your dick twitches again as her moist grip returns on your shaft.

“Oh my. You’re throbbing an awful lot down there Mr. Photographer. Do you want to fuck me that bad?” Bora whispers, enjoying every second the hold her hellish teasing has on you.

“Yes I do.” You moan.

“Yes you do what?”

You blink a few times, perplexed by her question.

“I’m confused.” You admit.

“Well Seungyeon called you daddy, so what should you call me?” Bora asks teasingly.

Finally, it dawns on you.

“Yes I do want to fuck you that bad mommy.”

“I see. Unfortunately, you haven’t earned that yet. If you can endure this, I’ll give you your reward though.” Bora says, her happiness with the situation clearly reflected in her voice.

Her deft hand speeds up its strokes again, her wet fingers gliding up and down your shaft. The sound of her hand slapping against your waist fills the room, overpowering your shallow groans. Just when you think you might cave and blow your load, Bora’s strokes come to a screeching halt. Her fingers slowly inch their way up and down your dick, deliberate and measured to give you the perfect mix of pleasure and torture.

It doesn’t take long before Bora picks up the pace, rapidly rubbing her hand along your cock. You suddenly feel her other arm wrap around you as her fingers slowly glide up your chest. Once again, her hand slows to a crawl on your shaft. Suddenly, Bora’s fingers lightly flick one of your nipples. A surprised groan passes your lips. Apparently pleased with your reaction, Bora eagerly presses even closer against you. Your breathing quickly grows ragged from her constant change of pace.

You realize it isn’t just the change of pace that’s agonizing, it’s the change in pressure. Sometimes Bora roughly squeezes your shaft, sometimes it’s just a light slide up and down your cock. Bora has mastered the art of the tease so well, that you know this is going to be some of the best sex you’ve ever had. Her fingers continue to pinch and flick your nipples, teasing you with actions you want to do to her nipples. Picking up her speed once again, you wonder how much longer you’ll be able to hold out against her masterful handjob. Just as you fear you’re about to blow, Bora takes her hand off your cock entirely. Turning you around, she looks in your eyes with a glimmer of satisfaction.

“You didn’t cum. Good. Now we can start the real thing.” Bora smiles.

With a teasing smirk, she pushes you onto the couch. Before you even know what’s happening, Bora is immediately straddling your waist. Her pussy teasingly hovers over your cock, her moist lips lightly brushing against your tip. As much as you want to slam her down and thrust away, you know that letting Bora take control will please everyone a lot more.

“You look happy. Did you want mommy to ride you like this?” She teases

“Yes mommy I do.” You nod eagerly.

“For how long?”

“Since the second I first met you today.”

“Now, now. That’s a very naughty boy.” Bora smirks.

“Well in that case you should really punish me mommy.”

With another smile, Bora slams herself on top of you, your dick plunging into her depths. Both of you release a duet of lustful moans. While you thought Seungyeon was tight, she has nothing on Bora. Her tight walls devour your cock with such an intense heat, you have to try three times harder not to cum instantly than you did with Seungyeon. You can feel every fiber in your body clench as you struggle not to give in and explode right away. As you desperately try to control your breathing, Bora notices your condition right away once again.

“I’m impressed. Most men end up cumming right away.” Bora muses.

“Well mommy wouldn’t like that would she?” You grunt.

“No, no she wouldn’t. But I hope you’re ready. We’re going all out from the start.” Bora declares

True to her word, Bora immediately starts bouncing up and down on your dick. Her juicy thighs ripple against your own as she lustfully rides you. Your tip slams mercilessly against her womb. While Bora’s body crashes aggressively onto your cock, you can’t help but stare as her tantalizing tits bounce hypnotically. As they teasingly dance up and down in front of your face, you can’t take it anymore. Desperate to experience their taste, you lunge towards them. Before you can get there, Bora slaps her palm against your forehead and pushes you back into the couch.

“I didn’t say you could do that yet, now did I? Don’t worry if you do a good enough job, I’ll let you have your way with them.” Bora smirks.

You frown as Bora returns to her expert teasing, her wild bouncing turning into a slow grind. For extra effect, she clenches her walls around your shaft, forcing a sharp gasp out of you. Bora smirks again as she slowly pushes back and forth against your cock. While her teasing smirk kind of pisses you off, the sheer confidence of it just makes Bora that much sexier. Her grind becomes a more intense version of her handjob. Slow deliberate movements designed to build your need for pleasure without giving you any.

“That’s quite the frown. Tell you what, you can squeeze mommy’s ass. How about that?” Bora teases.

While you feel like you should say something, your need for some sort of pleasure takes precedence. Your hands immediately slap onto Bora’s ass, your fingers melting into her plump cheeks. As you fondle and squeeze her ass, she quickly returns to her aggressive thrusts on your cock. Small moans begin to leak out of Bora’s mouth. Her hot walls grip your shaft, roughly tugging on your dick with every bounce. Bora’s moans slowly begin to overpower your own as she continues to violently slam herself on your cock. You give her ass a rough slap and her cunt reacts the same way Seungyeon’s did, tightening with every smack. Not wanting to overdo it and make Bora angry, you give her another hard slap before returning to squeezing her ass.

“God you’re so good. You’re hitting all of mommy’s spots. Now I see why Seungyeon got fucked to sleep.” Bora moans, her alluring voice intoxicating your ears.

The sound of your flesh crashing against each other is barely audible as Bora’s moans escalate even more. Her violent slams onto your cock cause her whole body to ripple, her heavenly chest heaving wildly. Bora brushes her hair behind her head like she did when she was riding Seungyeon. The simple action is so amazingly erotic as it leaves her entire body on display. Alluring and sensual moans fill the air between you as you watch her body dominate your own, mesmerized by her delicious breasts. Suddenly, her aggressive bouncing comes to a stop as she plants her hands on your chest.

“Whew. Oh god. That was close. Almost got away from me there.” Bora says with a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

“I thought you were enjoying it.” You frown.

“Oh I definitely was. But I can’t have either of us cumming just yet.” Bora says with the same teasing smile she’s been giving you all night.

As Bora begins her agonizingly slow grind to edge you once again, everything suddenly makes sense. Dancing and sex are both about timing and rhythm. And the reason Bora is so good is because her body has a natural talent for both. She always knows the precise moments of when to build up and when to stop. Every single thing she does is done with the maximum amount of teasing possible. And Bora absolutely knows it. As if reading your mind, Bora smirks as she slowly pushes against your cock.

Feeling bold after her crescendo of moans, your hands slowly make their way up her seductive curves. Slowly sliding up her hips and side, savoring every moment of her silky skin before reaching her breasts. Bora looks you in the eye before giving you a small nod. That’s all the permission you need as you dive into her chest. Your fingers sink into her pillowy breasts, immediately grabbing and squeezing them as hard as you can.

“Do you like the way mommy’s tits feel?” Bora moans with a seductive smile..

“Yes I do, they’re so incredible.” You grunt as she clenches her cunt around your dick again.

“Good. Now go on. Taste them like I know you’ve been wanting to.”

One of your favorite things about tonight is getting ordered to do things you were going to do anyway. You dive into Bora’s chest the way you've been wanting to all night. Your lips immediately find her stiff nipple, eagerly taking it into your mouth.

Your tongue swirls around the fleshy nub, sucking and pulling on it. The soft skin of her tits melts in your hands as you squeeze and knead them. Your fingers quickly travel to her free nipple, pinching it as you take the other between your teeth.

"Do you like the way mommy's tits taste?" Bora smiles as she looks down at you.

Not wanting to release her breast from your mouth, pulling her nipple up and down with your teeth. Bora’s sensual moans gradually increase in pitch as she aggressively bounces on your dick. Wanting some payback for her hellish edging, you thrust upward in time with her downthrust.

"Oh God. Just like that, hit right there baby." Bora shrieks.

You smile against her breast as you can finally do what you want. Swirling your tongue around her nipple, you begin your own intense thrusts. Your tip mercilessly slams against Bora’s womb. Her ass ripples against your thighs, every thrust trying to pierce deeper than the last.

With her nipple between your teeth again, you relish the sensation of her sizeable tits heaving and bouncing against your face. As if detecting your pleasure, Bora grabs the back of your head and pushes your face against her chest even more. Pushing and pulling her nipple with your teeth, you continue to pinch her free nipple. As you continue to pull on both of her nipples, Bora’s wet pussy tightly grips your dick.

"Fuck just like this. You're making mommy feel so good." Bora moans at the top of her lungs.

You’ve never understood what people meant by a siren song until you heard Bora’s sensual moans. Each lustful and erotic note drives you deeper into ecstasy and madness. Unfortunately, you finally find yourself exhausted. While you're surprised that you’d lasted this long, you quickly push the thought aside.

With the last bit of remaining strength you have, you violently slam your dick into Bora’s depths. Every animalistic thrust you throw out causes her body to bounce harder than it has all night. Her delicious thighs and perfect ass ripple wildly as your bodies crash against each other. The taste of her stiff nipple fills your mouth as her tits heave and jiggle against your lips. Your tip twitches inside her moist cavern and you know it's time.

Bora lightly punches you in the chest as you feel her velvety walls clamp around your shaft. She erotically pulls her hair back again. You finally detach yourself from her nipples, a strand of saliva glimmers in the air before breaking. As you lock eyes with her, you can see notes of something else behind her lustful gaze.

Both of you know the end is approaching. You increase the velocity of your frantic thrusts, piercing your tip into her as deep as you can. Her velvety walls clench on your shaft, overwhelming your cock with a tightness you've never experienced. Rapidfire moans blast out of Bora as she grips your shoulders.

“OH fuck. You’re so good. I’m about to cum.” Bora screams, her alluring moans driving you to your limits as well.

“Me too. I want to cum inside you.” You groan, not even attempting to get ready to cum anywhere else.

“Go ahead, cum inside mommy. Fill me all the way up.” Bora screams, her fingernails digging into your shoulders.

With one final aggressive slam, your tip pries into her depths one more time. Bora’s hot cunt tightens so much it feels like it might rip your dick off. As both of your bodies shudder violently, Bora’s climax triggers your own. Thick streams of semen erupt from your tip, a torrential flood of cum depositing directly into her womb. After one final spurt, both orgasms slowly come to an end. As Bora gingerly lifts herself off your cock, you both look down to see a white waterfall leaking from her pussy. Both of you knowing full well the only reason you came so much is because Bora edged you to hell and back.

“Go lay down next to Seungyeon.” You gesture as you go pick up your camera one last time.

Bora smiles, immediately knowing what you want. Laying down next to Seungyeon, Bora gently nudges her mid snore.

“I’m awake. What did I miss??” Seungyeon shouts as she darts awake.

“Nothing. Just taking one last picture. Spread your legs and say cheese.” You groan, sore from the two bouts of mind shattering sex.

Without any questions, Seungyeon immediately does as she’s told. Bora quickly joins her and the camera flash illuminates your apartment for the final time tonight. You take a look at the display on your camera and smile at what will be one of your all time favorite shots. The two busty beauties posing with V signs and smiles, their legs spread to reveal obscene amounts of cum dripping from their cunts. Setting your camera down, you lay down between the girls. As you feel their soft tits pressing against both your arms, you quickly crash into a deep slumber.

You wake up again the next morning after the most eventful photoshoot of your life and you scroll through the extracurricular shots. Even though you stopped taking pictures as it started getting intense, you thankfully managed to get an amazing final shot. You smile as you stare at your favorite picture of the day, the two girls covered in your cum with your dick between your tits forever immortalized. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a small note nearby.

“Dear Mr. Photographer, thank you so much for such an incredible photoshoot. In addition to all the fantastic pictures, we also had a lot of fun. Hopefully we’ll be able to use your services again. And don’t worry, we’ll definitely be recommending your services to the other members for when they come to shoot their teasers.

- Bora and Seungyeon”

Underneath the letter, you see a second smaller note, almost hidden. After a quick glance, you realize that it’s Seungyeon leaving you her personal number and asking for dinner sometime. Considering how she secretly hid it, you chuckle as you realize that Bora probably scolded Seungyeon for wanting to leave it. It amazes you how similar yet different they are. So of course, even their responses would be different. While Seungyeon apparently wants something more, the lack of follow-up tells you that Bora is completely fine with it just being a casual hook-up. Smiling to yourself, you place the notes on your desk so you’ll always be able to see them. You briefly wonder exactly what services they’ll be recommending. But having seen pictures of all the other members, you’re excited to continue working on this project.

A/N first things first, I want to give a massive shoutout to @sinsatmidnight on tumblr for beta reading this ridiculous piece. I started writing this piece last year and after so many struggles I finished it after six months. This piece is kind of a weird mix of inspiration. Original concept was going to be something completely different. But then I saw that both had super hot pictures of croptops on buildingtops. So then the prompt became "something about croptops on rooftops" Then I decided to go with the opposite theme and use the outfit from Seungyeon's rooftop croptop and then the white outfit from the Black Or White stages as inspiration. Hence why the working title for this piece was Opposites. Also for some reason I feel like I want to clarify that I came up with this idea even before their collab video came out.

[gingermintpepper]

After thinking it over for a bit, I've decided that I might as well do a proper underrated 3DS game rec list. I'm a bit of an ATLUS junkie and that's gonna be pretty disgustingly apparent in this list, but it's not my fault that they released hit after hit and all of them were duly ignored.

Due to tumblr's 10 image limit (and my struggle to keep motivated to do one thing for more than three hours) I'm definitely gonna have to break this up into parts and I'm fairly certain one of these lists is just gonna be MegaTen games lmao but I'd like to let people know about these excellent titles and see if I can't at least get people interested in them so they can get more traction.

So, without further ado:

Some 3DS Games that were criminally slept on (part 1)

Monster Hunter Stories

God, where do I begin with this game. Well, the basics: It's a JRPG spinoff title of the now widely successful and popular Monster Hunter series featuring a different take on interacting with the varied and intricate monsters populating the world: Riders.

Yep, instead of hunting the beasties, you play as a young rider who's completed their intiation ritual and can now bond with 'Monsties' as they've cutely labelled the usually ferocious monsters of the wilds. The great thing is that you still fight Monsters--tons of them in fact but this isn't a paid review and in my humble opinion, the most impressive thing about this game is the visual style. The landscapes, the armour, the way they redesigned and 3DS-ified the classically hyper realistic and monstrous beasts to not only be absolutely adorable but still capable of being intimidating when the time calls for it, the stellar animation of special moves and combination attacks--it's delicious, nutritious, stupendous, I can and will consume it like it's part of my recommended caloric intake.

It's very akin to Pokemon in the way its basic gameplay premise is set up, however, instead of catching--or even indeed befriending--the Monsties in the game, you rummage through their nests and steal their eggs, later hatching them and getting yourself a brand new lightly kidnapped monster pal!

Other general things about the game:

Pros:

The armour and weapon sets for both male and female characters slap along with the general character customisation options. They're incredibly diverse (though limited in body type) and you can switch around traits and features whenever you want from your house.

The POGS--these porkers are everywhere and they serve as tiny little achievements for exploring every odd and end of the world. Also they have little outfits. They're so cute. 🥺🥺

You can actually ride the Monsties. All of em. Or, at least the ones that you have available to be your buddies. They all have exploration skills and traits that not only make exploring much more interesting but encourage you to swap out your active Monstie and play around with your options a bit.

Y'all breeding Monsties is complicated and I live for just how intense and ridiculous you can get with optimal builds for these things.

The story is really competently put together! The characters, character designs and even the internal conflict with your starting trio of characters is really compelling along with the mystery of the blight that's infecting Monsters across the world. It's not anything worth awards but it's compelling and it makes you care about the characters if that's what you're in the market for.

Amazing sound design, expansive world, everything about the presentation of this game oozes that Monster Hunter charm even if the art is cutesier than usual. You'll never get bored of its stellar visual presentation!

Available for around twenty quid on the Google Play store, so if you want, you could actually get the full game on your smartphone or tablet. Note though that it would be a battery nuker.

Cons:

If you're on a regular 3DS, frame rate drops are a given. This game kinda pushes the visual capabilities of the 3DS to its absolute limit--a lot like Okamiden did back on the DS.

One save file :( It's pretty much for the same reason as above but still.

If you're playing as the girl, you can't get male armour and vice versa. Since there's only one save file, you'll never be able to have all of the armour sets in a single playthrough and that's criminal because both of the sets for the genders are absolutely breath-taking, thank you.

I 👏can't 👏make👏my👏 own 👏Palico👏

Multi-player for this game is pretty dead seeing as it's almost five years old by now and never got much press or traction. Usually this wouldn't be an issue - this game is 99% singleplayer and you don't really need to fuss about with multi-player to have fun, but if you want to collect all the Monsties, you'll need it since the only way to get Glavenus is through pvp achievements. :/

Final thoughts: Play it if you find yourself getting tired or disappointed with 3DS Pokemon games but still want something that feels as fantastical as Pokemon. It outshines the 3DS Pokemon games at every turn and I will never be over just how thoughtfully put together and fully realised these games are. Of course, if you've ever played Monster Hunter, then you know just how intensive these games are with the lore, biology, cultures and world of their Monsters but seeing that translated into JRPG format was just very sobering and it's a game that, to this day, continues to awe me with just how much love and attention went into it.

Last note: If you're still unsure about it, there's a demo available on the e-shop of the 3DS that allows you to play through the entire initial area of the game. Your data does carry through to the full release and to give you an idea of how much I've been able to squeeze out of it - my playtime for that demo is currently sitting at 22 hours. Make sure to get a hold of that Cyan-Kut-Ku!

7th Dragon III Code: VFD

The title may sound intimidating but the premise is not! A mysterious disease called Dragon Sickness spread by the Dragonsbane flowers that have cropped up all around the world. You and your team are recruited by the Nodens game company after you display extraordinary prowess in their hit virtual reality game 7th Encount. As you go through the adventure, you are tasked with finding out the truth behind the Dragon Sickness and asked to stop both it and the Dragons that are destroying the world.

This game is fun. It's another turn-based JRPG however, in this game you create all of your characters yourself from the myriad of classes available to you from the jump. Different classes of course have very different specialisations - Samurai focus on high powered cutting damage with their swords, Duelists are summoners who can influence the element of the battlefield as well as summon monsters from each element, Agents can hack into your enemies and inflict a barrage of nasty ailments, just to name a few - and you are given three teams of three characters each to experiment with different team comps and find the balance that works for you. There's also a wide variety of Dragons to hunt and kill in the game, which directly affects how infected your world is with the Dragon Sickness causing Dragonsbane. Along the way you will also come into contact with many interesting characters, concepts and confrontations that will make the task of saving the world all the more imperative.

Pros

1. The character creator and differing classes give way for tons of experimenting and playing around with your own unique approach to combat and carrying out your missions. Granted, 'character creation' is generous, it's little more than palatte swaps but the classes are really where VFD shines. Eight main classes may not sound like a lot, but the expaniveness of the character skills, their synergy with their fellow classes and the uniqueness of some of the classes in and of itself allows for so much flexibility and creativity in approaches to even tougher bosses. It also encourages the switching about of your party members to really finagle with the options available to you.

2. God this game is pretty. The locations, the character art, the creature design - all of it is gorgeous and this game capitalises on every bit of the 3DS's presentation limitations as it can.

3. You can romance anything and everyone - yes, you can even be gay/lesbian/poly in this game. In fact, one of the main characters - Julietta - is gnc and he's a constant source of joy as well one of my personal favourite characters, right behind Yuma.

4. Exploration is very very forgiving as the game has healing spots and teleport nodes all over the world to allow for quick, seamless travel between quest points without feeling like anything is too much of a hassle. There are also special enemies that allow for quick grinding as well as quick farming of money. In general, the game does a really good job of making sure that the grind is never unbearable or inconsiderate of your time.

Cons:

1. This is the fourth game in a series the West has never seen any other title for, and from the looks of it, will probably never see any other titles for. Because of that, there are some elements that may seem confusing or revelations in the plot that may seem to come out of nowhere.

2. While the visuals are great, the OST of this one is pretty short making for a lot of reused soundtracks that can get really annoying if you're like me and need your audio to be interesting or consistent so it doesn't distract you too much.

3. This one isn't really a con but it is divisive: This game gets pretty difficult at times. A few of the main dragon enemies including and especially the final boss can give you a serious run for your money in the annoy-o-meter in terms of the kind of absolute JRPG fuckery they can pull out of their magic bag of bullshit movesets and while I generally enjoy that kind of thing, I know it's not for everyone. Most regular combat shouldn't be too tricky once you have a team comp that works well together but you also need to pay attention since the same team that carries you to victory one time might be worth beans against another dragon.

Final thoughts: This is... a really good game. Interesting story, really interesting characters, pretty world and a battle system that really makes you sit down and think. There's also a demo for this available in the e-shop and while your data doesn't carry over - you do receive multiple perks for carrying over your demo data including some exclusive items that, while not game breaking, do help a ton in the early stages of the game.

This isn't a final list by any stretch of the word; I only have the energy to do these two right now, but the next games up for coverage are Ever Oasis and Stella Glow! If you're interested in my full plan of games I want to cover here then my current lineup includes: Theatrhythm: Curtain Call, Project Mirai: Deluxe, Culdecept Revolt, Alliance Alive, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, Etrian Odyssey V, Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker and Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse.

Finally, if anyone has played any of the games I mention, cover or plan to cover PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME, I AM SO LONELY IN MY FORTRESS OF SAND. On a serious note, I'd love to hear what other people who've played these games think!

Thanks for reading,

-Ginger

PS: @feralpeacock Because a million years ago, on my first underrated games post, you asked that I remember you. :D

[hubbytaeil]

request: mark lee smut please :3

a/n: thank you for your request! I think I got a little bit carried away… I’m sorry if it’s too long and not that good :(

Genre: summer camp!au, smut

Characters: Mark Lee x Female Reader ft. Johnny, Jaehyun, Lucas, Sicheng

Word count: 3051

Summary: Mark Lee may be terrible at basketball but he sure compensates in other departments.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 

As much as you denied it, you loved summer camp, you adored sleeping in a bungalow with your friends, sitting around a bonfire while playing random songs on your ukulele and swimming in the lake nearby. More than anything, you loved how many sports you were able to play. Every summer the campers would be divided in two teams and they would have to compete against each other in various matches. This year you were part of the team called Tigers and you couldn’t wait for the competition to start.

“Are you ready for the first match of the summer?!” one of the camp counsellors shouted into a megaphone while everyone was still having breakfast. All the campers responded with loud cheers. “Enjoy the rest of your breakfast, I’ll see you all at the basketball court at 10AM. But first… can I hear some cheers for the Tigers?!”. Your team started clapping their hands, slamming their fists on the table and you chanted with a few other girls the teams name. “Can I hear the Dragons now?!”. The opposing team did the exact same thing, some members even stood up throwing their hands in the air. To be precise, there were three guys who were giving it their all to cheer. The shorter one of the three who were standing up shouted “Dragons rule!” while pointing at your table. You looked at him and rolled your eyes in the most visible way possible so that he could see. He was clearly irritated by your reaction but you couldn’t care less and turned back around

“I think you pissed off Mark Lee, y/n. He’s staring, like, really hard”. “Who?” you answered unbothered, although you were tempted to turn around and a look for yourself. Your friend Lily explained that this was his first time at this camp and that he had a bit of a reputation back in his hometown. “A reputation for what?” you asked with your eyes never leaving your bowl. “A reputation for being so hot!” she responded excited and the other girls in your team giggled. “You guys have terrible taste, let me tell you.” You pointed out while smirking. “Look who’s talking! Also, have you seen his friends? The one on the right is called Jaehyun and I think the other one is called Johnny. Damn… I’d climb that like a tree.” “Lily! What the fuck!” you almost shouted while laughing. “Oh God, they’re all staring at you now. Quick don’t turn- wait I said don’t turn around, y/n!”. You ignored Lily’s words as you shot a deadly stare at the guys but they continued untroubled. The one whose name was Johnny leaned over to Mark to whisper something in his ear and he laughed in response, without taking his eyes off of you. This whole situation was getting on your nerves; you wished you could’ve smacked that little smirk off his face. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you practicing your sad face for when we’re going to kick your ass?” Mark exclaimed while fist bumping Jaehyun. You grinned mockingly at that remark. “You’ve got a lot of confidence for such a short guy, are you sure you can play darling?”. Mark’s friends started laughing at your comeback and hit his arm. “I like her.” Said Johnny in between laughs and Mark glared at his friend, hurt in his pride. Then he turned to you and mouthed “See you on the court.” You couldn’t be bothered with giving him an answer.

The boys’ teams were first up in the line-up. When the Dragons arrived on the court you and other team mates started booing. Mark met your gaze and threw a middle finger up in your direction. In response, you decided to throw him off so you put your hand on your lips and blew him a kiss. Mark was clearly taken back and his cheeks turned bright red. You laughed and shouted “Loser!”. Soon after your team joined the court and you stood up clapping enthusiastically while rooting for your friends. “Go Lucas! Show them how it’s done!” you exclaimed as loud as you could. Your friend Lucas in response pointed at you and winked, which made the crowd howl. “Wow, are we in High School Musical or something?” said Lily while clinging on your arm. “Did you…?” “Lily, doesn’t your mind get tired from thinking about sex so much?” “I’m just asking! I mean he’s hot, who wouldn’t try to get with him?” “Right.” You smirked while thoughts of the night before started invading your mind. Hot, sweaty bodies pressing against each other as the moonlight reflects softly on the water. Whispers, low grunts and inaudible swears filling the air around you. Big hands kneading your ass and your palms pressed on Lucas’ muscular chest. Your cheeks burned as you started to picture those moments, you looked down and then back at Lucas as he was getting ready. He smiled at you and you reciprocated. Lily was quick to notice. “Wait… no way! You go girl!” she wasn’t exactly subtle and you blocked your hand on her mouth but people were already staring, even Mark whose eyes would go back and forth between you and Lucas. Then he turned to Johnny and said something to him while holding his fists. Almost immediately, Johnny started walking in your direction as Mark protested and Jaehyun held him in his place.

“Y/n!” shouted Johnny to get your attention. “What do you want?” you answered with a poisonous tone from the bleachers. “Me and the boys want to make a bet.” You cracked a fake smile at the proposal, but surprisingly you were in interested in what they had thought of. “If we win, you and Mark are going on a canoe ride together tonight.” All the campers knew what taking the canoes at night meant, it was everyone’s excuse to go fool around in peace. You looked at Mark as he avoided your gaze, clearly embarrassed. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re the worst wingman ever, dude?” you said while crossing your arms in front of you. “What? Too scared to say yes?” you didn’t want to appear weak so you accepted. “I mean, our team is going to win anyway, so saying yes won’t hurt. On two conditions.” “What is it?” asked Johnny. You beat around the bush for a few moments as you watched Mark’s reaction at every single words you said. You couldn’t explain how pleased you were while seeing him struggle. “Both the boys and the girls’ team have to win. If only one of them wins, the bet is off. And If we win both times, you are going with Lily on the canoe.” Lily widened her eyes in surprise. Johnny gave her a bright smile in response “Deal!” and then walked back to his team as soon as he heard the whistle. “Y/n… we have to beat them. We must” exclaimed your friend. You just laughed, confident in your team’s skills. You saw Lucas in the corner of your eye with an angry expression on his face. Trying not to let anyone around you notice, you pointed at him and then pointed at your pouting lips. He couldn’t stay mad at you for long and your cute expression only gave him more motivation to win.

As expected, Lucas was a great player; there wasn’t a time where he would be caught slipping, his eyes were always on the ball and his movements were swift and neat. Although the opposing team had very competent players like Jaehyun, who would give them a hard time, Lucas would never miss a hoop. As the referee’s whistle marked the Tigers’ victory, everyone stood up and clapped. Lucas came running straight to you and you climbed down the bleachers to meet him halfway and congratulate him. “You were fantastic- Lucas!” out of the blue he lifted you from the ground and held you in a tight hug. “I’m sorry, I’m all sweaty.” You felt him pout in the crook of your neck. “It doesn’t matter.” You replied while putting your arms around him lovingly. All the others members of the team started making fun of you with all sorts of jokes and you were starting to get embarrassed. “Please, put me down now.” You said with a shy smile on your face. “Just one moment.” Said Lucas as he started spinning around with you still attached to his neck, making you dizzy and causing just louder noises from the others. “C’mon Lucas, she has to play, put her down!” said Sicheng, trying to cool down the situation. After he finally put you down and got his lips closer to your ear making you shiver. “Now go win so you can get out of that stupid bet.” You moved away to meet his gaze. “You know I always come in first.” You replied with a smirk. “Oh, I know” chuckled Lucas while pinching your hip playfully.

The girls’ teams match was just as upbeat and exciting, if not more. From time to time while playing, you could see Mark in the corner of your eye as he scratched his knee nervously. You felt uneasy at how many times you had made eye contact during the entire match. There you were, in a pool of sweat in your basketball shorts and a crop-top, unaware of your charms in that moment. Unaware of Mark’s deepest thoughts as he watched your glistening body bounce at every jump. As you shot the last lay-up, you heard a whistle. “The Tigers are our winners today!”. You turned to Lily and started jumping in excitement. Soon you were all cheering in a circle as you rejoiced in your victory. You caught a glimpse at the losers and you nodded your head to make them come closer. Mark was the only one that stayed in his place. You held out both your hands to Jaehyun and Johnny. “Good game.” You exclaimed with a smile. Both guys shook your hands while smirking. “Also, you’d better get your canoe ready, big guy. My friend Lily is not a cheap date.” You winked at him and then turned to a rather embarassed Lily.

As the sun was setting, everyone was busy setting up the tables for dinner. Lucas was helping you put on a tablecloth, never taking his eyes off of you. “What?” you said playfully. “You look great in that skirt.” He mouthed so he could not be heard. After you finished, he put his arm around you and kissed you softly on the cheek as you two sat down with your friends. Once again, you were drawn to Mark who was standing in the corner of the main room silently. He noticed your gaze and quickly avoided it. You kind of felt bad, after hurting his ego all day long. All of a sudden, the camp counsellor entered to make an announcement. Two people were going to collect some extra firewood for the bonfire that night. The groans and complains of the campers didn’t move the old man at all. “Okay, let’s see whose turn is it… Mark and y/n’s turn!”. Took by surprise, your jaw dropped. He was the last person you wanted to be alone with and you were sure that the feeling was mutual. You felt Lucas’ arm twitch around from jealousy but you put your hand on his leg to reassure him. “I don’t like him. Not even a bit.” “I don’t either.” You weren’t sure if you truly believed those words or you just wanted please Lucas.

Twenty minutes had probably passed after you had left the main room. As you and Mark were walking through the woods in complete silence - you wondered if you had ever felt so awkward in your whole life. But you also felt pity for him, this guy had been the target of all the jokes for the entire day, not only by the opposing team but also his friends. “Mark…” you uttered hesitantly, which caused him to look at you while he was holding a bunch of wood pieces. “I’m sorry about today.” “For what? It’s not your fault if Johnny’s an asshole and never thinks before opening his mouth.” You noticed his muscles tightening around the logs revealing two strong biceps you hadn’t noticed before. “But what does it matter to you anyway? You’ve got your pretty little boyfriend waiting for you, am I right?” “He’s not my boyfriend.” Mark shot his eyes at you with a relieved expression. “You know what? I think you’re jealous.” you fired back. “N-no, I’m not jealous! What the fuck.” “You seemed like you were this morning.” You raised your eyebrow at him. He froze and the spot but soon after a grin appeared on his face. “Oh, you thought I was jealous? No sweetie, I was just thinking about how that guy’s so tall that he can’t fuck you right.” Mark’s dirty words caught you off guard and as much as you tried to feel disgusted, you were undeniably turned on by his boldness. “You’ve been talking such a big game all day, but I bet you’re all talk and no actions.” You pointed out while biting your lips unconsciously. Mark did not talk back, he just threw all the logs to the ground, grabbed your face fiercely with both of his hands as he started kissing you roughly. You cursed yourself at how easily you had given in to the kiss. Your mouths were clashing against each other, both of you fighting to assert dominance, resulting in even sloppier kisses that only made you feel wetter than you already were. He grabbed your ass as he pushed you against him and you inevitably felt his boner against your denim skirt, which made you moan against his mouth. Then he started attacking your neck as you began grinding your core against his to get some sort of relief. “Want my cock that bad, uh?” “Yes, too bad there’s an asshole attached to it.” You said in between moans while grabbing his length over his jeans. He grunted at your remark but completely forgot his anger as you jerked him off painfully slow. While your hand worked on his member, he slipped a hand under your skirt, making you squirm. After a few minutes you moved him away, causing Mark to frown. “Get on the ground.” You ordered. “What?! No way, what if I don’t want to?” then you got closer to his face “Either you get on the ground right now, or you don’t get to fuck me.” You replied with devilish look, as if some sort of sex demon had possessed you on the spot. And Mark loved that. He followed your orders with no more complains. You got on top of him, pushed up your skirt and removed your soaking panties, revealing yourself in all your glory as Mark licked his lips. As you adjusted yourself on him, he grabbed your breasts eagerly and was caught by surprise when he realised that you were not wearing a bra. You smirked at his incredulous face and you slowly guided his own hands on your bosom. The sight of you grinding so hungrily on him as you threw your head back lost in your own pleasure, had Mark feeling light-headed. You, on the other hand, were no different. Letting Mark get his way with you in the middle of that forest did something to you, you couldn’t put it into words. You forgot about everything, about that stupid basketball game, about dinner, the logs, about Lucas. Every thought was washed away by Mark’s sweet moans as he kissed your nipples over your shirt. Completely out of patience you unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants finally freeing his cock. “Come here.” Grunted Mark while grabbing you by the hips. You looked into each other’s eyes as he entered your wet entrance. You mouth released a silent moan as you held on to his shoulders for balance. His cock felt so good inside you, all you could do was moan and sigh desperately. “Damn, you’re loud, baby.” Mark managed to exclaim. You grabbed his jaw with one hand as you kept fucking yourself on him “Shut up and fuck me right like you said you would.” Your words made Mark’s eyes turn dark. He grabbed your hips once again and fully lay down as he pounded into you way harder than before, making you see stars. You tried to hold back your moans by forcing your hand on your lips, fearing someone might hear you, but Mark wasn’t helping. “I wish I could’ve done this during the game, when you were wearing those basketball shorts. God, you looked so fucking hot. I could’ve just fucked you in the middle of the court- oh, God.” His words made you clench around him resulting in him losing his ability to form any sentences.”S-so that’s w-why you were s-staring? Because y-you wanted- oh God!” your words were cut off as he started playing with your clit. You were both so needy for each other, so eager as you chased your highs. You pushed your head in the crook of his neck, getting lost in his scent as he hit your sweet spot repeatedly. “P-please, m-make me come.” That was last sentence you were able to utter. He nodded as he kissed your lips. “I’ll make you come so hard, don’t worry.” All it took you were a few more moments and soon after you felt an explosive orgasm taking over both you. You grasped a fist of Mark’s hair as you rode out your high. Then you pushed yourself off of him and lay on the ground next to him. Pants filled the air as they became one with the chirping of birds. You turned your head to face Mark only to find out that his eyes were already on you. You blushed. “Oh so, just a few moments ago you were ordering me to fuck you and now you’re blushing? I don’t get you at all.” He chuckled and the sound of his laugh made your heart flatter. “But that’s why I like you.” You looked at him and smiled. You shifted to your side and put your hand on his as you pressed your lips on the corner of his mouth. “We should do this more often.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 

[centaur-astrology]

Ceres: Asteroid Goddess, the “Mother”

-

Ceres is one of the few feminine planets in Astrology- and, yes, she is now a dwarf planet (like Pluto, her brother). Ceres (Demeter in Greek), Juno (Hera), Vesta (Hestia) and Pallas-Athena (Athena) are the 4 major asteroid Goddesses talked about by Demetra George & Douglas Bloch in their fantastic book, Asteroid Goddesses, and have been the main four asteroids that I use with clients.

But the question is: what can she tell us in our charts?

For the answer, we have to go back in to the Greek/Roman myth:

Ceres, or Demeter, was the mother of Persephone. Her daughter was everything to her. On her own, Demeter was a major player and powerful figure in the Olympic Pantheon- she was a daughter of Kronos, sister to Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. She ruled grain, food that grows from the earth. In essence, she ruled how we nourish ourselves.

But she had this fatal flaw- that of overly identifying with her role as mother. Regardless of how Persephone left (was it abduction, or was it just her growing up?), we see this identity crisis arise. When Persephone is taken, Demeter is plunged in to the depths of rage and grief. She stops all crops from growing, causing the first ever winter for humans. She doesn’t care about anything- only getting her daughter back. So she decides to cloak herself, disguised as an old mortal woman, and finds herself the nanny to a human babe. She nurtures this baby, and decides to turn him immortal by giving him ambrosia and passing him over flames- but, sadly, the true parents witness her putting their baby in to the fire and end the ceremony.

She does, eventually, get Persephone back, but this is a key point of Demeter/Ceres’ part of the myth: her daughter has gone, and she finds herself at odds with her identity as “Mother” (for without a child, how can she be a mother?), so she goes and finds a new baby.

The ego-identity needed to replace a child.

And, so, Ceres’ question becomes: is this nourishing, or is it an addiction?

How does this play out in our charts?

From Demetra George & Douglas Bloch’s Book Asteroid Goddesses (*reformatted for Tumblr)

“Ceres -

Feminine Function: creating, supporting, sustaining physical progeny, physical nurturing -- food

Woman’s Stereotype: “Mom” at home cooking in the kitchen, cleaning the house, nursing the family, living for and through children

Alternative Modes of Expression for Women and Men: teachers and educators of children, children’s services, issues of pro-choice/pro-life, midwifery and humane childbirth, farming, gardening, food-related services, nutrition, health awareness, single parenting as a conscious choice, world hunger & relief organizations, death, dying, hospice work

Especially for Men...: increased participation in childbirth/child rearing... developing attitudes of compassion/acceptance/empathy”

---

There is a necessary loss with Ceres, and through her we have the choice to seek something that fulfills us, or to replace what we’ve lost with more of the same.

1st House/Aries

Addicted to/Distracting self by: constant new experiences; focus on outward appearance; overly identifying as a nurturer or parent; needing to be nurtured by your partner or friends but choosing to ignore this in order to be independent.

Change this to nourishment: contemplate how experiences have affected you and formed your identity; do activities and actions for your own enjoyment, not because you ‘should’; ask for help when needed, and allow others to care for you.

2nd House/Taurus

Addicted to/Distracting self by: surface level value, focus on income, depending on others to pay for them, high level of materialism, needing nice things to be secure, focusing on the physical side (rather than emotional) of relationships

Change this to nourishment: think on your true core values, what do you really want versus what do you think you want; slow, intimate sex; basic necessities and living below means; helping with income; spending time directly in relation to your core values (ie: time outside, time volunteering, time with family, time gardening, etc.)

3rd house/Gemini

Addicted to/Distracting self by: media, information, gossip, data, social media, not digesting information

Change this to nourishment: writing ideas down, processing dreams, singing and using your voice, chanting, crafting or using your hands, figuring out what certain information means to you, and what is important to remember, forget, or research further

4th house/Cancer

Addicted to/Distracting self by: needing other’s affection, crying out for attention, lashing out at parents/children, falling ill (hypochondria) or seeking out those who need you to ‘nurse’ them, over-eating when emotional, over-idealization of and association with the role of “mother”

Change this to nourishment: consider your feelings rather than pushing them down or letting them control you; journal; surround yourself with nourishing snacks that you enjoy; supporting the “mothers” in your life; taking time for yourself to relax; making your home environment comfortable and positive; feeding your friends and family, and allowing them to feed you

5th house/Leo

Addicted to/Distracting self by: self-centered creating; making art for approval; not pursuing artistic endeavors (causing lack of confidence), too-strong association with being a ‘child at heart’- and needing others to care for you; not allowing yourself to play, or only playing

Change this to nourishment: being encouraging to other creators; making an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement; allowing yourself time alone to create art (music, textile, culinary, illustration, clay, etc.); making art just for yourself and not for approval; spending time as a teacher or playing with children, or taking time to release your inner child

6th house/Virgo

Addicted to/Distracting self by: service, work, perfectionism, putting others before yourself, trying to make everyone else happy, too much pressure on yourself, over-analyzing

Change this to nourishment: daily practice of meditation, time to relax, massage, slow meals, allow yourself mistakes, laughter as medicine

7th house/Libra

Addicted to/Distracting self by: selflessness, identity in the other, fear of conflict; putting other’s views of self above own view of self; too much focus on cooperation to the detriment of self

Change this to nourishment: conflict in healthy, calm settings; speaking your mind and standing up for self while allowing for dialogue and compromise; experiencing “unconditional love”- which means you feel safe to say when you are unhappy, or need a change; taking time to do activities alone, but also doing activities with your friends/partner

8th house/Scorpio

Addicted to/Distracting self by: deep and intense emotions of jealousy, rage, envy, and anger; drama; shock-value; self-imposed isolation; seething in resentments and injustices; random sex or forced celibacy

Change this to nourishment: physical movement, like dance; writing down feelings; opening up to those around you to allow for trust and dialogue; examining negative cycles and feelings of betrayal to turn them in to positive growth; volunteer with hospice or with the sick/elderly/dying

9th house/Sagittarius

Addicted to/Distracting self by: strict dogma; forcing your ideas on others; joining a religious or philosophical group; being an ‘authority’ in a religious or academic setting; nihilism; travel without growth (think: vacations, travel for instagram photos)

Change this to nourishment: considering all points of view; being open to and studying many ideas; having friends around of many perspectives and faiths; choosing to be open rather than rigidly following one idea; allowing yourself grace to change your mind, or admit you were wrong, or to explore a taboo topic like the occult

10th house/Capricorn

Addicted to/Distracting self by: setting aside own needs for everyone else; taking on responsibilities despite self; needing everything to be ordered; ignoring moon needs emotions; working hard for other’s respect; feeling the need to achieve constantly

Change this to nourishment: change to an inner respect and foundation; working from enjoyment, not duty (or, if not for enjoyment, working for a fair wage and reasonable hours); taking time to access feelings; meditation and journaling; allowing relaxation time with baths or massage; take time and be proud of projects, but know worth doesn’t come from achievement

11th house/Aquarius

Addicted to/Distracting self by: joining a group just to feel like you belong to something; wallowing in self-pity or other self-focused emotions; trying hard to be different for the sake of being different (perhaps because of feeling rejected?)

Change this to nourishment: change this to knowing yourself as an individual, and the groups will come; take time to explore yourself and who you are, what is important to you, and what you like; be authentic and unashamed; support others and be kind

12th house/Pisces

Addicted to/Distracting self by: sacrifice, martyrdom, escapism, TV, poetry, imagination, fantasy

Change this to nourishment: connection to self, service not servant, meditation, daily practice/skill building, dance (something you can lose yourself in and then later reflect on it).

---

The source of the preceeding information is from my observations, from the book Asteroid Goddesses, sited above, and also from a Ceres seminar by Laura Nalbandian.

[halo-jpeg]

I hope I didn’t leave a bad impression with my last ask, gah, I’m not good with social interactions. I wanted to make it up to you by giving you a happier ask! What if slashers (any of them you want to write for) with reader who isn’t an S/O but rather a really good best friend who was there for them since the beginning?

Oh, what was your last ask, if I may inquire? Either way, this idea is absolutely adorable, I’d love to write it!

Michael Myers

Michael grew up with you. Your mother and his were great friends, so the two of you were kind of forced together.

He wasn’t too fond of you at first, but you grew closer as the days passed. It was inevitable.

You grew even closer as school went on, always there to run away from bullies or patch up any wounds thst were given. Sadly, being friends with Michael is a one-way ticket to Freakville.

I can imagine that the two of of you would spend lots of time in his forest together, building forts out of branches and such.

Now, in the current day, you provide shelter for your murderer friend, spending the nights watching movies or painting homemade masks together.

He keeps you safe from anyone and anything posing a threat to you, following you around whenever he can, and making sure you’re never harmed.

You patch up his wounds, feed him, and make sure the police don’t come sniffing around your house. Even if they did, you talk them into leaving without suspicion.

You know Michael could never bring himself to hurt you, so he lets you boss him around quite often with no more than a glare and a huff.

He’s like a tsundere, but platonic. He’d never admit that you’re his best- and only- friend, but it’s the truth, and he loves you like family.

Jason Voorhees

Jason was so, so shy, but something about you made him want to be your friend. You were so... normal, and be admired that.

It took quite some encouragement to actually go talk to you, and he had Pamela at his side through it all. He was so afraid you’d hate his face.

The moment you choose to be his friend he’s attached to you. He’d put all of his trust in you, and he’d see you as a sort of protector.

Ever since he started hanging out with you, less people have bothered him. Probably because he was usually out in the forest with you, away from prying eyes, playing hide and seek or tropical explorers.

You came back to Camp Crystal Lake every year, even after he died. You couldn’t bear to leave the memories. You spoke to Pamela a lot, too, keeping Jason’s spirit alive between the two of you.

When Pam died, you went to the lake to pay your respects at her tombstone. You had never guessed Jason, big, scary, murdering Jason, would greet you with a great big hug.

You moved out to the lake on a whim, and Jason moved in with you, patrolling the grounds at night and helping you with chores or gardening during the day.

He’s just as clingy as ever, but now, he’s your protector, and he always will be.

He doesn’t like when you swim in the lake, but he battles down his fear and acts as a life guard whenever you insist on taking a dip.

You patch up his wounds, making sure he’s clean and healthy, and in turn he keeps any pesky teenagers at bay, as well as keeps your crops nice and strong. He’s a great farmer.

Billy & Stu

Billy and Stu were best friends from the beginning, and they weren’t opposed to having a third party join their group.

Even as kids Billy was super popular, so both you and Stu were in the clear when it came to bullies.

You spent most weekends sleeping over at each other’s houses watching all sorts of movies. Horror, comedy, action, romance- you name it! Because of this, you’re just as much of a movie buff as the others.

When other friends like Sidney, Tatum and Randy came along, Billy and Stu made sure you knew you were still top priority.

They didn’t hide their murderous plans from you for long, unable to bear seeing you so worried for your own life.

Once you knew they were the killers, you couldn’t be angry or scared of them. Although, you did feel slightly guilty as your friends died off around you. Anyone would.

As adults, movie nights are still inportant, and you find yourself watching movies as you patch up their bumps and bruises from their hunts.

They keep you plenty safe, and the three of you together have the best fun. You’re all meant to be.

Danny ‘Jed Olsen’ Johnson

Danny was an outcast as a kid- he preferred photographs over people, but something about your face was next to irresistible.

Confident little Danny strolled right up to you one day and asked if he could take some pictures of you and your pretty face.

You and him clicked at that very moment, and he even taught you some of his photography skills.

His mother loved the hell out of you, and was always happy to have you over for dinner.

The night that Danny killed his mother and father, his first instinct was to go find you for help. Let’s just say you were surprised to see a bloody, terrified Danny crawling through your bedroom window at 3 am.

He ditched town for a while, finding shelter and solace in an old shack he’d stumbled upon, you taking up the job of bringing him food and whatever else he would need to live.

His Jed Olsen days were just fine, him showing his face again and living with you until people linked the Jed alibi to the murders. Then he was hiding again.

You hid with him, being the errand boy/girl, and spending most days chilling around with him doing who-knows-what. You were like a sister/brother to him, and he was just the same to you.

He trusts you with his life, and he kills off anyone who bothers you. You can even make requests, like you would to a rad DJ at a party. Although this was different... being murder and all.

Any and all S/Os of yours must pass the ‘Danny Test’, wherein he sees if they’re good enough to date you. Most fail. He’s picky, and overprotective.

Brahms Heelshire

The first day your parents brought you to the Heelshire residence to spend time with their friends, Mr. and Mrs. Heelshire, both you and Brahms were reluctant to meet another child.

Living a life of seclusion Brahms never imagined meeting someone hed actually care for enough to consider a friend. He was proven wrong.

He wanted to see you every day, and you wanted the same. You ended up having play dates every second day or so, and Brahms found himself actually growing very fond of you.

The fire was devestating, and you couldn’t sleep for weeks and weeks. In the future, an ad for a nanny job seemed like a shockingly nostalgiac idea, so you took the job to see tbe house where you made so many memories.

Brahms recognized you almost instantly. He basically rushed his parents out of the house so he could see you in action, in a natural environment where you could be yourself. He needed to know if it was really you.

Upon confirming that it was you, (Y/N), he showed himself that same day without fear. All it took for you to burst into happy tears was him saying your name in the same voice he had as a child.

Now, Brahms loves to reenact the old days, having tea parties and playing in the forest like he had as a child. He’s so happy to have you back!

He’s a very jealous man, so he’s never going to be fond of your S/O, but he’ll tolerate you having one as long as you promise not to leave him.

He won’t go in the walls very often anymore because he’s not afraid of you. He also won’t wear his mask much. His trust in you is infinite!

Pyramid Head

Before Pyramid Head became the monster he was, he had a normal life in a human world, with you glued to his side like two peas in a pod.

At school, he would keep you safe from bullies, using his abnormal height and strength to scare them off.

He always inwardly groaned when people would say the two of you were cute together, because neither of you liked each other like that.

The day P.H. went missing, you had been heartbroken. Who knew you would stumble upon him again years later in hell on earth?

When first running into Pyramid Head as we know him now, neither of you recognized each other. How could you, after all those years?

You would have been dead if you hadn’t spoken, and if he hadn’t recognized your voice. He was completely shocked.

Unable to speak, It was more than difficult to tell you thst he was him, your old best friend. After plenty of struggling you finally realize.

Now, he’s your ultimate bodyguard. Nothing and no one will ever hurt you. He knows Silent Hill like the back of his hand, so he’s like a guide as well.

He’ll do his very best to train you to defend yourself. He can’t lose you, not after you’ve finally returned again.

He’s got serious attachement issues, so he never leaves your side. Despite all the défense training, he won’t leave you alone for long.

Amanda Young

Amanda lived a rough childhood, so it was fantastic to have a friend like you to help her through it.

She was defiant, even as a child, so she stood up to anyone who would try to tease either of you. It usually resulted in a harsh beating, but she always walked away alright.

As she fell deeper and deeper into a dark spiral, she ignores your attempts to help, and before she knew it she was addicted to drugs. She wishes she’d have listened to you and your warnings.

When you heard she had been kidnapped by the infamous Jigsaw, you were horrified. You had never in a million years expected her to walk out alive, yet she did.

She kept her mentoring with John Kramer on the down low, keeping that new identity hidden. You were just glad she had gotten off of drugs.

Balancing a stable life with you and enough time with John was difficult and strenuous for your relationship. Sooner or later you grew curious as to where she always was and demanded an answer.

She told you. In a moment of vulnerability she spilled her guts, telling you everything about her gae with Jigsaw and it’s outcome, how she was training to kill. She had cried, afraid you would leave her or turn her in to the police.

Of course you did neither. After a bit of a rough patch where you had to get used to the idea, you and Amanda grew closer than ever. You even helped her with some traps and devices for her games.

You saw how she looked up to John like a father figure, glad that she had someone like that in her life again. John grew fond of you as well, and before you knew it, he was training both of you to be his disciples.

You and Amanda regarded each other as siblings for the rest of your days.

[meta-squash]

Brick Club 1.5.3 “Money Deposited With Lafitte”

We establish Valjean’s solitary nature here. And okay, so I just rewatched the first two Mad Max movies with my best friend because she’s never seen them, and really Valjean and Max Rockatansky have a lot in common. Lonely, solitary guy with a backstory that’s a mystery to others but not to the viewer, who is also very skilled at many things, waltzes into a town, saves it from various crises while not talking much and being pretty socially awkward despite his charisma, and then leaves never to be seen again. Someone write an AU. Okay, moving on.

“He talked with very few. He shrank from compliments and with a touch of the hat would walk on rapidly; he smiled to avoid talking and gave to avoid smiling.” God my favorite thing about Valjean is just how awkward he is, despite also being unknowingly charismatic. He’s fantastic at fooling people simply because he’s so kind, and from that they choose what they want to see, but really he’s just so awkward. He doesn’t want to talk to people or do much socializing, which I think is another reason for his avoidance of upper class society affairs. Not only is he not interested because he’s not interested in advancing himself up the social ladder, he’s also not interested because it would mean he’d have to talk to people.

Valjean’s library is “well chosen,” and I’m wondering what books that would mean. Surely the bible, but what else? I assume he learned what the Right Books were by listening to conversation or looking at what was on other people’s shelves (perhaps during his Benevolent Break-Ins?) or something. His language starts to become more polished, too, as he educates himself through literature as well as (I presume) through his brief social interactions. The people seem to notice it but also don’t seem to think much of it? This doesn’t seem to factor into the rumors about him as much as his solitary nature does.

Valjean’s aim with a gun is frighteningly accurate (Where did he learn to shoot a gun? Would that have been another skill from his time as a pruner?) but he never kills inoffensive animals/small birds. I think this is the only other time we see Valjean with a gun aside from when he’s at the barricade. This description feels weirdly dark; I think it’s the word “frightening” (in Hapgood the word is “terror”). This skill with a gun seems like a hint not of his laborer past but of his past at Toulon, the potential he had prior to Myriel of becoming “the worst man.” Now he only uses it on threatening animals, but his aim itself is a threat. (Which is an interesting thing to establish only to have him definitely Not Use It on the barricade.)

“He would offer a hand to anyone needing it, help a fallen horse, push a mired wagon, or grab a rampaging bull by the horns.” What a parallel here. In Tome 3 we had Fantine as a horse that falls. In the coming chapters were have a broken wagon. I’m not sure if the “rampaging bull” would be Javert or perhaps Thenardier or something else? I would assume Javert, since his goodness essentially stops Javert mid-”rampage.” This is also an example of Valjean throwing himself in front of more dangerous things to help others, potentially heedless of his own wellbeing.

“If we took a little time, the nettle would be useful; we neglect it, and it becomes harmful. Then we kill it. Men are so like the nettle!” This line reminds me of all the parallels I was getting to modern day back in Tome 2. It’s just something that’s still so prevalent today. Someone grows up in a way that’s considered “bad” and instead of figuring out how best to help and communicate and nurture that person into something that is not “bad,” we just toss them away and neglect and ignore them and then when they adapt to that treatment in a certain way that we again consider “bad,” we either lock them up or force them out onto the streets. (Sorry, I’m mad at how relevant a 150 year old book is. A local homeless man was murdered by a housed person at a camp last week for no reason and the treatment of people living at homeless camps around my city has been so awful recently.)

“My friends, remember this: There are no bad herbs, and no bad men; there are only bad cultivators.” This one is so interesting because it sort of sets Valjean up for future failure. A cultivator (whether it’s a person or a machine) is someone who prepares land for use. Montreuil-sur-Mer itself is this land, and yet Valjean neglects certain parts of it. He makes this comment about the nettle, about finding a use for it if you only take a little time, and yet he gives up on and/or just sort of ignores the sex workers (and any other adjacent community) that are pretty much guaranteed to exist due to it being a garrisoned town. Valjean I love you but I have Concerns about your weird moral hoops that people have to jump through. I’m sure there are women who work at the factory and also as sex workers, who are hiding their second job and hoping no one finds out. But what about the women who are already known sex workers, who (I assume) don’t even have a chance? Valjean gives hospital beds, universal healthcare, a place for old and infirm laborers to stay, an “infant school/place of refuge” (I still don’t quite know what that is), but he doesn’t put any sort of aid in place for women who are already “fallen” or “morally indigent” etc. There are no bad herbs or men, only bad cultivators, but what happens if you’re great at cultivating three quarters of your field, but you decide not to bother to work the land of that last quarter? Anything you plant there will die, and you’ll yield fewer crops. It seems like a weird oversight on Valjean’s part to do good for most of the city and townspeople except for these women. There’s clearly a divide between the “honest” working women and the sex workers; we see it clearly later on with Fantine. So it’s not as if it’s a hidden secret. But for Valjean to enforce these specific moral standards without giving those suffering the most a way to achieve them and the support to do so, it’s just bad practice. @everyonewasabird mentioned that maybe it’s because he never really knew any women, so he doesn’t really know how drastically different life is for women and how different it is to “be an honest woman” vs an “honest man,” or how difficult it is to get there if you’re already trapped in sex work, but if he’s fairly aware of the goings-on in most of the town, you’d think he’d realize there was a divide and that people on one side were suffering while people on the other were not.

Oh my god I thought this post was going to be short but apparently I have Opinions.

“With his eyes raised to heaven, he listened with a sort of longing toward all the mysteries of the infinite, to the sad voices that sing on the brink of death’s dark abyss.” Ah, Valjean and his many deaths. Valjean listens to the “sad voices," but he never (or almost never? I can’t remember) actually talks to or “listens to” god. He never assumes that god is specifically listening or speaking to him, it seems.

Valjean breaking into houses to place money on the table is the exact reverse of his stealing the silver from Myriel. But it also goes hand in hand with his “can’t take compliments” nature; it would probably be really hard for him to stand there and listen to people thanking him for his generosity. But I think it’s also something from when he was poor himself. It’s an understanding of the shame and humiliation that comes with having to ask for money or for charity. Valjean breaking into people’s houses to not-so-secretly place money on their table circumvents that entirely. He avoids having to take a compliment and the people of Montreuil-sur-Mer get to avoid feeling awkward or shameful at asking for money.

A brief refocusing on the candlesticks here. Just a reminder for the audience about where all of this goodness comes from, but also a little example of the way Valjean himself displays the candlesticks as a reminder. I’m not sure what would make them “unusual” to the townspeople though? Surely everyone had candlesticks?

We also get a taste of the nature of rumors in Montreuil-sur-Mer. A rumor occurs, and despite multiple people being able to dispel the rumor, it persists and grows. But Valjean has a reputation and a status to back him up despite the darkness of some of the rumors. Fantine never has that. The rumors about her only serve to push her further down. He’s a savior and she’s a scapegoat. Again they are parallels of each other, moving in opposite directions.

[capricornus-rex]

Hiii!💖 I hope that you are doing well! I just wanted to request a little something with Cal if you don’t mind or aren’t busy. I just failed an exam and I’m feeling really bad an dumb so uh I guess I would want something to make me feel better. This request sucks lmao I’m sorry, I am in crisis🥺 i’ll stop crying now hahaha you can ignore this ily

Oh no sweetie, I hope you’re doing okay! Sorry if the fic is a day overdue and I couldn’t help but consider this as an emergency—no one gets sad on my watch! ÙωÚ I hope this fic can make you feel better. And no, sweetie, you’re not dumb—YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!! 💖💖💖

I know I’m knee-deep with requests but if someone is sad and relies on me to cheer them up, I can’t simply ignore that~ :”) I hope sooner or later, I’ll hear from you smiling already~ :3

Oh and little fun fact, I took inspiration from your previous profile icon—the one with Rapunzel—and listened to I See The Light while writing this for an extra personal touch *finger guns* 😉 I also referenced a festival that we usually celebrate here in my country UwU

“Festival of Flowers” | Cal Kestis x Reader

Tags: Flower Festival, Inspired by Tangled

Also posted in AO3

Masterlist

Cal noticed that you have been awfully quiet the whole day ever since you two got back from Dathomir. You couldn’t help but keep recalling the moment where you flunked a move that allowed the Nightbrother to strike you with his mace. You feared that you’ve lost your touch, your skill, and grace and lost to someone with a crude fighting style.

Asking you if you’re okay didn’t exactly do much, whenever Cal looked away, you’d go back to skulking; now, you’re whiling away your time reading BD-1’s databank entries uploaded to your datapad at the couch. He pretended to go to the galley, fixed himself a glass of water, and peered over your shoulder and found you reviewing lightsaber combat forms.

He didn’t say anything, he finished his glass and marched back to the cockpit, leaving you in the solace of your privacy. Cal went to the holotable and typed the coordinates of a planet. It was a planet that he had heard from Master Tapal as a child.

“Setting course for…” Cal shushed Greez before he could say the name of the planet out loud. The captain got the hint. “Aggio? Never heard of it.”

“It’s a planet my master told me about, I’ve never been there myself,”

“And we’re going here because?”

“It’s a surprise,” Cal smirked. “For her.”

Cere and the captain exchanged glances as soon as Cal stepped out of the cockpit to join you at the couch. He casually settled himself next to you on the sofa, propping his foot over his knee and slouching his back against the backrest.

“Hey,”

You turned to face him and parroted his greeting.

“What are you up to?”

You stammered, “Oh, um, studying… reading…”

“That’s a new thing I’ve heard from you,”

“I was a bit of a study bug when I was a Padawan whenever Master and I are back at the temple,”

You heard the humming of the ship and saw the flash of blue light through the windshield.

“Where are we headed?”

“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough,” he cooed.

Now that he has piqued your interest, the first phase of his plan is proceeding accordingly. You took his statement with a grain of salt and continued studying. Hours later, you have completed the learning modules of the lightsaber forms from Form I to Form IV—all that time you spent studying and figuring out if one form is compatible to mix with the other was the exact travel time the Mantis needed to get to Cal’s secret planet.

When you felt the suspension bounce against the surface, you put the datapad away and joined Cal by the cockpit. The Mantis landed in a high forest clearing, in the north, a town can be reached with just a short trek. Cal abruptly grabbed you by the hand and dragged you out of the ship, clearly, he was excited to show you everything there is to see about the planet.

You stand at the edge of the small rise of land that overlooks the town. Even in broad daylight, the town radiated a certain kind of brightness around it—as if its aura pooled and then burst for everyone to see.

“Where are we?”

“This is Aggio, it’s a planet that I’ve only heard from Master Tapal, the stories he used to tell me about this planet was something straight out of a fairy tale,”

“Oh?” you cooed, your curiosity obviously more piqued than earlier.

Not once did Cal ever let go of your hand as he brought you into the town. Left and right, colors flooded your vision—the sparkling blue of its lake, the vibrant colors of the flowers that are too many to name, even the most neutral of colors like white and beige pop out just right in the spectrum! All the townsfolk—diverse as they are—were in all sorts of cheer, it was the contagious kind and you can’t help but smile as well.

All of a sudden, you forgot all of your worries drowned by the colors and the music.

Street musicians filled with the air with their instruments, artists joined by children color the streets with paint and chalk, and vendors offered you their trinkets. For each and every thing the two of you pass by, BD-1 was there to scan everything he could get his lenses on.

“Slow down with the scanning, buddy! I don’t want you overworking your processor!”

“Boo! Bee, trill woop!”

“This place is so beautiful,” you gasped. “I’ve never seen anything like it!”

The two of you came across what ought to be the town’s main plaza, you were separated when a group of children tugged you by the hem of your shirt and asked you to join them in painting the road. You drew the Shyyyo Bird and told its story to the children, enamored with the fantastic beast, they decided to draw their own versions of the bird in different sizes and colors.

Meanwhile, an elderly vendor has been noticing Cal fawning over you as you play with the children; he then offered Cal a bright-colored flower and spoke in his native dialect, it was a foreign one that Cal wasn’t fluent in. Luckily, BD-1 was there to translate it word-for-word.

“Give it to the person with whom you share a deep, special connection to,” Cal repeated. “Since when did you have a translator?”

“Bee, woop!”

“[y/n] did that, huh?”

He stared at the flower and then spotted you sitting with the children, continuing to draw pictures on the street, this time you were drawing BD-1 for them and then explained to them what it is. He smiled to himself and the elderly vendor spoke to him again adding more bits to the lore, shortly after, a woman approached the two of them.

“My apologies, my father is not used to Galactic Basic,” said the young woman. “He said that it is in Aggio’s culture, especially during the Pabena Festival, for a lover to give a flower to their beloved. It’s what makes the celebration all the more special—it deepens the lovers’ relationship.”

“I see, I’ve only heard much from someone. I didn’t know about this one until now,”

“I see that you are a traveler, this is my first time seeing you,”

“Frankly, I didn’t know there’d be a festival. I only decided to bring her over,” he returned his attention to you. “Though, I do know that this place was very festive. Please, let me pay for this.”

“No, no need. It’s a gift. My father likes giving them often. Besides, we have enough from this month’s harvest!”

One child walked up to you and tied a ribbon strewn with flowers on your hair. The woman spotted you as she glanced past Cal’s shoulder and she got the hint.

When the parents from the crowd began waving their hands at their children, beckoning them to come to them, they towed you along. The children were so small that you had to lean a bit lower so you could understand them when you’re spoken to.

“It’s time for the parade!” the little boy chirped as his tiny hand held onto your three fingers together, but his mother snatched him up and settled her boy on top of his father’s shoulders.

“I’ll watch it, don’t worry!” you cooed.

You found Cal in the crowd. He showed you the flower that he had been hiding behind his back. It was a pleasant surprise to you, Cal’s heart fluttered when he saw your smile.

Your eyes lit up as you held the flower close to you, “I’ve seen this flower before, but only in pictures at the Jedi Archives. It’s so much more beautiful in person.”

“They said it’s part of their culture to give flowers to their beloved. It gets extra special when they do it during the Pabena Festival,”

“Really? That’s such a beautiful tradition, perhaps the best one I’ve heard by far!”

The entrance of the parade began with a rhapsody of trumpets, drums, and whistles. A chorus of singers marching in the frontline of the band. A column of dancers brandished their colorful costumes and lithe movements on both sides of the marchers.

You held onto the flower as you hooked your arm around Cal’s, the two of you continued to watch the parade until its last segment. When the energy from the town subsided after the performance, Cal decided to be your tour guide and strolled along the town. BD-1 is still having his fill of scanning everything you pass by in the town. The three of you came across a mosaic mural depicting the first dwellers of the planet, possibly hinting how the festival came to be.

You were enjoying your time in Aggio so much that you didn’t realize that it was already dusk. Although the sky was still so clear, hints of golden sunlight began to deepen in color as the sun sank.

Cal leaned closer to your ear, “Come on, there’s another thing I want to show you.”

He led you to the docks by the town’s vast lake and bought a candle fixed in front of a water lily on a pad.

“They said these candles and flowers are offerings to keep the land fertile so they can still grow more crops and flowers,” Cal explained as he inched it closer so he and you hold it on both sides. “And we have to make a wish before we set it out to the water. Ready?”

The glow danced about in your faces as the candlelight flickered.

“Yeah,” you beamed, even in a whisper.

There was brief moment of silence between you and him. He peeped his one eye open and watched you solemnly saying your wish in your mind. It was only a few seconds’ worth and then you’re ready to sail it to the lake. Carefully setting down the lily pad on the water, you and Cal gently push it at the same time so it flows along the current with the others.

You and Cal sat down by the shore, he wrapped his arm around you as the sky began to darken and the candles illuminated the lake. You snuggled close to him with a smile that you can’t seem to take off of your face even if you wanted to.

“This has been the best evening I’ve ever had, Cal,”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Thank you,”

He inched closer to you until your lips met, he shifted in his seat and caressed your face as he locked lips with you. He’s certain that he felt your smile in between kisses, your heart fluttered, goosebumps pelted your skin, and your hand wandered to his cheek. When you pulled away, you kept your gentle hands on his face, nose-to-nose with each other, the two of you exchanged smiles while watching the night drift by the sea of candlelight with your fingers intertwined.

[razieltwelve]

Divine Interference Snippet

Here is a snippet from my newest collection of original short stories. The collection is called Divine Interference, and you can get it on Amazon here. It’s actually a sequel to a previous collection, Divine Assistance. Anyway, here is the snippet:

Heroic Destiny

As a young boy, Cassius had often indulged in dreams of heroism. He had dreamed of slaying dragons and wooing princesses, and he had imagined exploring distant, unknown lands and discovering priceless treasures. Life, however, had a depressing tendency to get in the way of dreams. When he was seven years old, his favourite hero – Gaius the Great – had been killed by a dragon while attempting to rescue a princess. The princess had eventually managed to escape when the dragon took a nap after eating a large contingent of soldiers, but there was nothing anybody could do for poor, brave Gaius. Incineration was not only extremely fatal but also extremely irreversible. Cassius had grieved for his hero before eventually moving on. It was what Gaius would have wanted. When Cassius was eight, he had paid close attention to the daring exploits of Flavius the Bold. The courageous explorer had departed for distant lands with a fleet of ten ships – and had been devoured by a sea serpent less than a week later.

To add to Cassius’s dismay, he’d found that his talents did not lay in swordplay, archery, or any other heroically inclined pursuits. Instead, he was incredibly skilled in the ancient and noble art of accurate financial accounting. It paid well – nobles and merchants were always on the lookout for good accountants – but it didn’t offer many opportunities for heroism. Indeed, his heroism was generally limited to badgering recalcitrant nobles and merchants for the necessary paperwork each week. Years of working in finance had also left him somewhat bereft of combat-related skills. If someone put a sword in his hands, then the only one in danger would be him since he was far more likely to accidentally stab himself than land a decent hit on his opponent.

To be fair, he didn’t have any major complaints about his life. He’d managed to make it to the age of thirty-five in close to perfect health, which was truly miraculous and commendable in a world where warfare, disease, and the occasional monster did a wonderful job of lowering the average person’s life expectancy. He also had a lovely wife and three lovely children. Heroes rarely lasted long, and he now had at least four excellent reasons to stay alive.

In his boyhood fantasies, he had called himself Cassius the Courageous, Slayer of Dragons and Wooer of Princesses. However, recent events had forced him to rethink that moniker. Something like Cassius the Unlucky or Cassius the Fortune-Challenged would have been more appropriate. Not long ago, a dragon had taken up residence in the hills not far from his hometown. As dragons were wont to do, the mighty beast had done a fantastic job of terrifying the townsfolk, eating their livestock, burning their crops, and just generally making a nuisance of himself – if the word nuisance could be used to describe one hundred and fifty feet of bronze scales that could fly as fast as the wind and breathe fire hot enough to melt solid rock.

Given the dire nature of their situation, the townsfolk had made numerous pleas to the local nobility who had furthered their concerns to the king after initial attempts to deal with the dragon had all failed in exceedingly fatal fashion. One of the local nobles, Lord Aurelian, who was renowned for his honour and courage, had even challenged the dragon to a duel. Alas, honour and courage were not especially effective against a dragon’s fire or a dragon’s teeth. The nobleman’s popularity had grown to immense heights after his heroic demise, but Cassius had a feeling that he would have preferred to retain his middling level of popularity if it meant not being set on fire and eaten in a little less than twenty seconds. Lord Aurelian’s son was now in charge, and the young man had opted for a more defensive strategy, which centred on appeasing the dragon with numerous cattle until a better solution could be found. Nobody liked giving the dragon food, least of all Lord Aurelian II, but his father’s fate was still fresh on everyone’s mind.

If only there was some way of scaring off the dragon, but the only thing dragons tended to be worried about were bigger dragons. And even if they could find a bigger dragon that was willing to help them, things could still go wrong. Several years ago, another kingdom had been under siege by a particularly ferocious female dragon. Using a veritable mountain of treasure, the kingdom’s rulers had bribed another dragon to drive her from their territory. Unfortunately, the dragon they had bribed had been a male dragon that had taken one look at the female dragon and decided that it was time to settle down and start a family. The kingdom had then been forced to deal with two dragons (with several more on the way). On the upside, the male dragon had at least had the decency to give the treasure back since he hadn’t actually driven the female dragon off.

It had taken weeks of frantic prayer to the kingdom’s patron gods and the Greater Gods before Young Death had turned up wondering why the kingdom’s cookie festival had been cancelled. The goddess had been duly informed of the cause – the rampaging dragons had threatened to set the festival ablaze and eat all of the cookie makers – and she had gone to have a quiet chat with the two mighty reptiles. Dragons were terrifying creatures, amongst the most powerful in the mortal world, but Young Death was the daughter of two Greater Gods, a being whose powers would one day be surpassed by only the Supreme Mother and Supreme Father. She was also someone who loved cookies very much, and the kingdom had promised to throw an even bigger cookie festival in her honour if she could save them from the dragons. Nobody knew exactly what she’d said or done, but the two dragons had left shortly after, vowing never to trouble the kingdom again.

Unfortunately for Cassius and his fellow townsfolk, their kingdom was not renowned for its cookies. Their king had also failed to find a solution. As an avowed pacifist, the king was a firm believer in only fighting defensive battles, which the kingdom’s treacherous terrain and harsh weather made exceptionally easy. More often than not, the terrain and the weather wiped out the kingdom’s enemies long before their soldiers had to do any fighting. Although prudent, this approach had not proven to be particularly popular with Annihilation, the Greater God who presided over destruction, devastation, and a great many other things, the most pertinent of which was dragons.

The kingdom’s clergy had prayed most earnestly and fervently to Annihilation, begging the Greater God to deal with the troublesome reptile. However, their prayers had been steadfastly ignored, and one especially pushy member of the clergy had been struck by lightning seven times after hurling a stream of invective at the Greater God. Witnesses had been sure that the first lightning bolt alone had been sufficient to kill the poor fellow. The following six had been all about making a point. Annihilation was not going to help them. If they wanted to get rid of the dragon, they’d have to do it themselves.

To make matters worse, the incredibly direct nature of Annihilation’s refusal to help meant that they likely wouldn’t be getting help from any of the other gods either. He was a Greater God, so the odds of any of his lesser peers going against his wishes were essentially nil, and only the Supreme Mother and Supreme Father clearly outranked him. Sure, the other Greater Gods might have been able to help, but they generally stayed out of each other’s business. In all honesty, if anyone were likely to get help it was the dragon. Life was the original creator of dragons, and she still stepped in to help them from time to time, usually by dispatching some of her more terrifying creations to help them. Only last week there had been rumours of a wounded dragon being saved by an army of mobras – fiendish creatures with the speed and agility of a mongoose and the deadly venom of a cobra.

In the time-honoured tradition of dragon-troubled kingdoms throughout history, the king had eventually decided to offer a fabulous reward to anyone who could defeat the creature. Heroes came from far and wide. One of them – Antony the Awesome – was one of Cassius’s favourites. Antony had slain no less than three gorgons, two hydras, and an entire band of roving Minotaur bandits. He was widely considered one of the premier heroes of the age, a man whose name was destined to go down in history as a hero of the highest quality. He was also, apparently, a bit arrogant, but Cassius was inclined to give him a little leeway. If a man could kill a hydra on his own, then who could blame him for walking into a tavern like he owned the place? Indeed, given how much money people paid to have hydras eliminated, the odds were good that Antony could buy any tavern he walked into.

Antony the Awesome and his associates had devised a cunning plan that would allow them to sneak up on the dragon while he slept and slay him. Admittedly, the first ten heroes had all tried something similar too, but Antony the Awesome was different. He was not going to get eaten because he was no mere hero. He was the greatest hero in decades, a true paragon of martial skill and warrior cunning. He was… awesome. Unfortunately for Antony, a stray crow had been his undoing. The bird had decided that the hero’s head would be a fantastic place to perch, and in a moment of irritation, Antony had swiped at the crow to shoo it away.

That had been a mistake.

Crows were animals that served Death. Harming one of them was thus generally considered an awful idea, and so it proved to be in this case. The crow had let loose a squawk of outrage, and the dragon had awakened to find Antony and his associates right in front of him. The following thirty seconds of carnage had been largely academic from the dragon’s point of view. When people were caught out in the open against a fire-breathing dragon, there really wasn’t much they could do except pray to the gods for a swift passing. The dragon had at least had the decency to let a few of them survive, mainly so they could tell everyone about how he had devoured Antony the Awesome. As for the crow, it had decided to make a nest in the remains of Antony’s helmet once the red-hot metal had cooled down. The dragon, although not very happy about having a crow building a nest in his lair, had wisely chosen to leave the bird alone. It seemed like a good idea given what had happened to the last person to annoy the bird.

The unrelenting failure by the heroes had eventually led to more drastic measures being taken. Lots had been drawn, and men were dispatched to try their hand at dealing with the dragon. As someone with a firm grasp of numbers and a great deal of common sense, Cassius thought the whole thing was beyond idiotic. What hope did normal men have against a dragon? The first seventeen men had all opted for some combination of trickery and stealth, and all of them had met similarly dire ends. Well, all of them but the fifteenth man. No one knew what he’d done to make the dragon so mad, but the beast hadn’t even deigned to eat him. Instead, all that had been left of the fellow was a large, smoking crater.

And then Cassius’s turn had arrived.

As an intelligent man who enjoyed living, Cassius had already tried several different tactics in a bid to escape what was sure to be a horrible and fiery end. None of them – not even bribery of the town’s nobles and officials – had worked. So here he was in the lair of the dragon, hiding behind a rock because the dragon had seen him coming and had simply been too lazy to fly out to kill him. Instead, the creature had waited for him to get closer before trying to set him on fire. It was almost laughable. The dragon had gotten so used to killing would-be heroes that it no longer bothered to put on a show.

It was a testament to the sturdiness of the rock that it had withstood the dragon’s fire for so long. Unfortunately, it had begun to glow, which meant he didn’t have more than maybe a minute or two before it melted and he got incinerated. Cassius decided to use his final moments in the mortal world to pray since, at this point, the only way he was going to survive was through some divine interference.

“Oh, gods above,” Cassius began. “I could really use some help. I’ve always done my best to honour and obey you, and I’ve done my best to be a good father and a good husband. I don’t know if I’ve done enough to earn your help, but if I have, now would be the time.” He winced as the rock began to glow even more brightly and its edges began to melt. “So if one of you could maybe send some help that would be great.” He looked heavenward, but the rock continued to melt with nary a sign of divine intervention. “I mean… Death? Annihilation? Wayfarer? Guardian?” He rattled off the names of the Greater Gods, hoping for a sign. When nothing happened, he moved onto the other gods, the ones that served directly under them. “Ruin? Justice? Torment?”

As he continued to work his way through all of the gods he knew, there was a part of him that marvelled at the dragon’s lung capacity. Sure, the reptile was enormous, but he was amazed at how it had been able to breathe fire for so long without pausing to take another breath. It had to have been breathing fire continuously for almost three minutes now. Nothing living could withstand dragon fire for so long, and even his mighty rock was on the verge of destruction too.

It was then, as all hope seemed lost, that Cassius’s prayers were answered. Alas, his prayers were not answered by Death, Annihilation, or any of the other gods he’d mentioned. If they had been, he would have been perfectly fine. No dragon would have dared to defy one of them. As he would later realise, his situation had only marginally improved. Indeed, some would have argued it had only gotten worse.

But at the time, he didn’t know that. At the time, he was absolutely convinced that salvation was at hand. The gods had heard his prayers. He was saved. He would not end up as dragon food.

“Fear not, mortal, for I have arrived!”

Cassius peeked around his rock as the dragon stopped breathing fire long enough to glare balefully at the god who had appeared on top of the rock. The god certainly cut a heroic figure. His eyes were the endless blue of the summer sky, and his jaw was squarer than an anvil. His broad shoulders and powerful frame were covered in glittering crystalline armour. Every move he made oozed power and majesty, and on his back was a great sword so sharp that it appeared to be splitting the rays of sunlight that struck its edge. In fact, merely looking at it had given Cassius a paper cut. Unbelievable. Maybe he could borrow it.

“Thank you! Thank you!” Cassius fell to his knees in gratitude. “Please, aid me, oh great…” He trailed off. He didn’t recognise the god, but it would have been incredibly rude and disrespectful to use the wrong name. He’d have to go with something more general instead. “Oh great and merciful divine one!” There. That should be a reasonably respectful way to address an unknown god.

“Worry not, mortal.” The god struck a heroic pose and gazed far into the distance. Cassius had no idea what he was looking at, but it certainly looked impressive. When he smiled, the god’s teeth sparkled in a way that was almost blinding. “I am not well known amongst your kind since I only appear to those who are truly worthy. Know, mortal, that you kneel before… Discipulus, the God of Aspiring Heroes.”

The hope blossoming in his heart died a swift, cruel death. Oh, he might not have seen him before, but Cassius had heard about Discipulus. He was the same god that had helped Antony the Awesome devise his cunning plan, and he had supposedly been heavily involved in the debacles that led to the demises of Gaius the Great and Flavius the Bold. Admittedly, he wasn’t the one who’d swiped that crow, but being involved in the deaths of three heroes who had, until they’d met him, never known defeat was not exactly inspiring.

“Oh.”

[zinefeed]

Before You Launch A Zine: Scouting For Competition

Back again with some more zine advice since I've noticed another issue with the community lately, most notably popping up in the BNHA fandom since it's exploding right now: competing zines and extremely tight deadlines. Read more below!

I don't write this to single out BNHA content creators, as this is a potential issue for all fan communities, but it's most visible in this particular fandom right now. There are several new BNHA zines popping up on the daily, and lots of them have themes that are similar or downright the same! What this means is that whichever one pops up first, or gains more traction, is going to get all the attention and the other is going to totally flop. This is bad for both organizers and content creators -- from a participant's perspective, they've poured 2 or so months of work into a beautiful piece that's now not being appreciated. For the organizer, you'll likely have to end up releasing a free PDF zine instead of the fantastic physical copy with cool merch you were planning on, because you don't have the customer base to support it. If, god forbid, you go to print anyway, you'll wind up with an expensive zine that no one is going to buy, and you'll end up in the red if you try to provide contributors with their standard free copy.

What this is going to lead to is eventual content creator burnout and market oversaturation. Artists and writers are participating in way too many zines (I mysalf am in, like, 8 at this moment, which is crazy) and will tire out and not apply for them anymore while they recover. And with so many zines to choose from as a customer, everybody ends up making less money than if these projects were staggered properly.

So the lesson to be taken from this is: check out zine blogs like this one (and others) before you even get serious about a zine. Make sure nobody is already doing a holiday-themed zine or a zine for your favorite ship before you start yours. If one's ongoing and you want in, see. if you can apply or be a co-mod! Otherwise, tuck your idea in your back pocket for now, because it's just not going to be successful if you try to compete with the other one.

A secondary issue that I've seen cropping up lately is tight schedules. Obviously every zine is different and schedules should be made accordingly, but one month is not enough time for any zine. Zines employ a wide variety of creators, and invariably your timeline isn't going to work for someone, because life gets in the way. People have school and jobs and health issues they need to work around to do work for your zine. You'll have far less stress on your hands if you loosen your schedule to a two-month (or slightly longer, even) creation period. Less people will find that time frame unsuitable, so you'll have to grant fewer extensions. And as a bonus, you'll end up with more high-quality work that does your zine justice, because you weren't rushing your creators and pushing them to produce something on a ridiculous schedule. The downside to a longer work period is that you have to keep people interested while they wait for preorders, but there are ways to keep people's eyes on your zine blog while your participants are working. One of my personal favorites is to post "meet the writer/artist/etc." posts periodically, where you put a spotlight on one of your creators and showcase their work and a little about them personally. It gives customers an idea of the varying styles present in your zine, and it's a free promo for your contributors!

The connection between these two problems seems to be, again, newbie zine organizers running headlong into projects without any prior experience or direction from a more knowledgeable co-mod. I don't say any of this to discourage people from doing zines. They're great fun to participate in and to organize, and they're a huge part of online fandom culture. And obviously you don't learn how to do something without trying it out. BUT, they're also huge undertakings and often require a collection of skills lots of people don't just have: time management, interpersonal skills, leadership, decision-making, planning, marketing/advertisement, budgeting, graphic design/formatting, customer service, and more. You as a zine organizer have to wear a ton of hats, and it's really not a one person job, or something you should try to learn by doing on your own. There's a huge amount of trust placed in you, and failures and scams hurt the entire zine community. They're not things to be undertaken lightly! You need a lot of time, energy, and skill to run a really successful zine.

Now I get that nobody likes being told what to do, but it concerns me that a lot of these new zines run by people who have no idea what they're doing are stubbornly going forward and ignoring any and all advice from more experienced zine organizers. If things keep going as they are, content creators and customers are going to get burned! Zines run by newbies tend to be unsuccessful, be poorly managed, or be abandoned altogether, leaving participants adrift. This post is my way of saying, Listen to the advice given you by people who know more than you! They aren't trying to railroad you or take over your project, they want it to be the most successful it can be! And sometimes that means listening to advice you don't want to hear, like 'There's already a zine for this,' or 'You should have co-mods helping you,' or 'The way you're managing this is inadvisable.'

Zines are such great fun and we all want them to succeed. But as a community and within individual fandoms, we have to put forth the effort to help them succeed. Doing your homework and planning well in advance before launching into a zine project is one of the best ways to do that.

-- Mod Lav

[miggy-figgy]

A Five Day Diary on Magic By Miguel Figueroa

Thursday, March 1st, 2018. Full Moon in Virgo. San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Words. The beginning, the end. The life giver and its killer. A word can make you or break you. Yes, the pen is mightier than the sword; but, are you aware of the power of your words? Your words are the first key to magic. Yes, to your magic. It all begins with you. How do you talk to yourself? How would you describe your life? How do you feel about life? How do you talk to other people? Did you know that your words are the key to unlocking your wildest desires? Words have the power to bring you what you want or the force to drive out what you don’t really need.

The first step is the intention you put to your words. Like the saying goes, you need to mean what you say. Go back and think of that first thing you wrote that was filled with desire? No, I’m not talking about a love letter. Your first declarations of magic were probably your letters to Santa Claus or the Three Kings. Remember them? I do! Remember wishing, and wishing, and wishing and wishing for toys, Nintendos, cassette tapes (if you’re an 80s kid), CD’s (if you’re a 90s kid), radios, computers, clothes, shoes, backpacks, trips - anything that you could dream of! And then, on that 24th or 25th of December or 5th or 6th of January, voila! Magic! Most of your first dreams came true. Well, your first materialistic dreams. But see, from the time you were a kid, your words were creating magic.

As you grew or grow older your words will start to take another on another shape - the reality is that they, due to life’s situations, will become jaded, bitter, sarcastic and downright depressing through time. You may start to think, “magic? Please…” You must know - and this is crucial as you purposely decide to dim your light - that your words are like magical seeds. Would you like white seeds for light or black seeds to feed your dark side? How do you want your crop to look like? Lush or barren? It all comes down to the words you say. Seriously! If your life is not 100% then you probably weren’t the best farmer of words. I’m not saying that you now need to start talking as if you were in a Disney movie, oh no. White seeds of word light also protect you, make you stand for yourself and open pathways that those pesky little black seeds were blocking from you. But, if you feel satisfied, loved, in tune with life and on an abundant right track - and I don’t just mean economical abundance - consider yourself a skillful wordsmith.

If you’re not in the best moment of your life, you may be asking yourself; “but, how am I going to find the right words to manifest what I want?” Look no further than to silence. Yes. Quiet. Hush. Zip it. Shush. Cállate. Tais-toi! Are you acquainted with that little voice inside of you that says: “I shouldn’t be doing this… I don’t think this is right… I think I should stop pursuing this or that person… I’m miserable at this job… If only I followed my dreams…” Listen to it!! Don’t ignore it! Your intuition is one of your best friends. This one has your back before anyone else does. You will find your answers in silence.

So, I encourage you to grab a pen (preferably red) and start writing what you want and do it from your heart! Not from your ego! You don’t need any Gucci sneakers to impress anyone. Whoever loves you, will like you for who you are, not what’s in your closet (although I think that’s not the best advice to give in a fashion magazine, but, what the hell…) Write down your dream job. Make plans. Write letters to people but don’t necessarily send them. Heal. Words are the basics of magic. But never forget… be careful what you wish for.

Friday, March 2nd, 2018

Life, as well as words, is the other most important component of your magic. To live is a magical experience. This is a planet that’s filled with magic and you are worthy to receive it and also give your magic back into the world.  

Let’s take it all the way back. Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start: your birth. The fact that you, those who around you and I are here in this moment of time is the most magical thing that can ever be. Walking is magic. Breathing is magic. Blinking your eyes is magic. The ability to read, recognize words, symbols, places and things are secret magic tricks of the universe that no one really takes time to think about. But, really… think about it, even if you’re just another cynical magazine reader, don’t you think all of that is magic? You may be thinking, “Oh, that’s all physiological and there are logical, scientific facts to all of that.” Yes, you are right. But, if you don’t sometimes see life through magical colored specs you really are going to miss out on all the opportunities that life is giving you at even this single moment to manifest your magic. Haven’t you ever had one of those days that you find money in an old jacket? Or that you run into a dear friend you haven’t seen in years? You land the job? You move somewhere you’ve always wanted to? Someone pays for your lunch just because? Or even, you’re in a long cue and someone says ‘oh please, go ahead, I can wait.” Luck! Serendipity! Casualties! All magic.

But, sometimes we may feel that there is no magic in our lives. You may think, “What does this person know about life? My life is a nightmare and I detest it.” Guess what? I’ve been there, probably everyone has and a pity party won’t get you very far. One of the key elements to having a magical life is to trust. If life doesn’t seem very magical to you at this moment, the universe is testing and pushing you to get a hold of your magic wand and start turning your life around. We all have the opportunity and power to do so. If you’re in a rut, a place of discomfort can seem as a comfortable, familiar and safe place to be. Leading a life like that will only suck the magic out of you.

So, what can you do to start making your life magical? Pen and paper. Red pen! Don’t forget. Your magic means something and it’s worth more than anything from the Louis Vuitton Supreme Collection. And believe me, I want a couple of things from it. Who doesn’t? If you’re content with life - you feel pleased, accomplished and you can look back and say, “Wow! My eight year old self would have never believed that I would be here now!” then you are part of the magic of life. I’m very pleased to have you on this journey with me.

It’s been a long day and I really should be getting to sleep, but don’t worry, I’ll tell you some of my magic secrets on the next entry.

Sunday, March 4th, 2018

In order to lead a life filled with magic, there are some things you will need to assist the process of creating the good kind of magic. It is my pleasure to share with you some of the helpers that I’ve found along the way. If you try at least one of them, you are in the path to magic. Enjoy.

1. The first thing you need in order to create magic is silence. Silence is key. It’s the place you go to when you need to sort out difficult questions about life and find the answers that go along the way. If possible, spend at least five minutes a day in silence. If you can make it up to an hour, even better. No, don’t worry about deadlines, looking at how many likes your latest Instagram post has. All of that can wait. You won’t find any answers there.

2. Meditation. Life changing. Magic at its purest form and one of the best ways to use silence to your advantage. Look it up - meditation works. Its been proven to alter the brain and nourish you so you can become a better version of yourself. I was introduced to meditation in 2013 by one of my magical sisters and five years later I’m still on it on almost a daily basis. There are many ways to meditate. One of the basics if you’ve never done it is to sit in the same place or chair each day for five to fifteen minutes and let thoughts pass along the way. At first it will be difficult, you will fidget (a lot), you will peep your eyes open to look at the clock and your head may tell you “this is stupid, get up, carry on with your day.” Don’t listen to it! Well, yes, do, accept the thought and let it pass by like any stranger on the street.

My path in meditation began with the Silva Method, a groundbreaking meditation from the 60s that uses alpha beats to help you connect, it’s main mantra is that we are here to make the world a better place so that when we’re no longer here, the world will be a better place for those who come after us will benefit from it. Powerful shit. Then there are numerous buddhist mantras to help calm the mind including from Om mani paddle hum to purify your ego, your jealousy, passion, ignorance, greed and aggression. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to win over suffering, protect you from difficulties as you help yourself and others reveal their happiness.  Ganesh’s mantra, Om gam ganapataye namaha to clear your path and Laksmi’s mantra for prosperity and feeling yourself (it makes you feel really sexy!). There are just so many. Find the one that’s right for you. I’ve also heard great reviews from the Headspace app and during Hurricane Irma I discovered Yogaglo - a fantastic portal for yoga and meditations. I’m currently riding the Kundalini meditation wave.

In Erich Fromm’s The Art of Loving, he recommends that you meditate twice, for 10 minutes each time when you wake up and before going to sleep. Close your eyes and visualize a blank movie screen. Another of my magical girlfriends and Kia Miller, my favorite Kundalini yoga teacher at the moment, recommend that you meditate in a space called “tween time” right during dawn or dusk. It is the moment when the Earth’s electromagnetic field is at its most powerful and you will be able to sink deeper into your meditation. How do you know that meditation is working? A good example is that something or someone who used to bother you doesn’t anymore. You’ll see.

3. Your intuition. Trust it. Really, really do. Your intuition is your body’s radar. We are all satellites. Even if it turns out wrong (like, for example, a lover you’ve been stalking for way too long and you finally have the guts to ask the uncomfortable questions and hear no) your intuition will help you clear shit that you’ve been dragging on for way too long, opening paths to better horizons. Don’t fear it! Listen to your solar plexus!

4. Repetition. Sometimes, in order for something to work, we need to do it again and again and again. Through repetition is how we learn our craft as magicians. Nothing that is good for you will come easily. And if you’ve been asking, “why does he keep repeating himself?” it’s because this is the only way to learn and grow! Practice makes perfect!

5. Speaking of repetition, notebooks are of extreme importance when it comes to magic. You NEED to put things in paper. No, not on your iPhone notepad or your super efficient planning app. A notebook is where things go down, where you plot, plan and organize. Notebooks are is the place where you plant your magical seeds. My recommendation is that you have different notebooks - one for daily planning, one for work, another for creative ideas/projects and a diary. A diary is sooooo important. It’s like visiting the shrink. No, it’s not stupid to be a 35 year old man who keeps a diary; oh no, honey, that’s where you go and release your demons and become a better person along the way. Wake up and jot down three pages daily. You’ll see results quicker than a ray of light. And don’t think, “four notebooks?! Is he crazy?” You probably have 30 half used bottles of moisturizer lying around in your bathroom. Now, that’s nuts! Start writing. As soon as you finish reading me or tomorrow morning just get to it. PS: It’s a great way to meditate!

Time for the Oscar’s! See you tomorrow!

Monday, March 5th, 2018.

Let’s continue. 6-7-8-9. Your space is crucial for the creation of magic. In order to get things going you first must declutter, clean, cleanse and organize your room, apartment or home. Clean it from the inside out. Do it in silence (meditate!), this is a great way to gather and organize ideas. Once you’re done, take a shower, drink two glasses of water, room temperature to control your mile a minute mind, eat oranges and nuts to gather strength. A nourished body is always important. Once you’re done then maybe you can indulge a little. Don’t forget that your body is your spirit’s home. An unkempt temple will only gather dust. Clean it out. This is your magic’s headquarter.

Also, practice some sort of sport. You must keep your brain balanced. If you’re sluggish, try a dance class. If you’re on the firecracker side, go to your nearest yoga studio to come down. Do these at least three times a week. If you can combine them with a personal trainer, this will be even better for your mind’s control and organization. Plus, you’ll get hotter in the process. Who doesn’t like a sexy wizard?

10. I also must stress that you start going to a shrink. Finding the right one is sort of going on a date, but when you find the one, you will know. No, you are not crazy for going to one. You are actually a few steps ahead once you start opening up to a shrink. He or she will give you unbiased opinions to any topic or situation that is bugging your mind. Don’t forget that you need to declutter everything. Ask around, I’m sure you know a friend who has one. Mental health is great for magic. I’m currently in an open relationship with two shrinks - one for when I need to be more spiritual, another for when I need to be logical. Taking care of my mental health has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You won’t regret it.

11. By now you may be thinking - but what about objects? Knickknacks? Magic trinkets? Why hasn’t he written about what we see in movies or witchy Tumblrs? Start by getting some candles. White ones for protection and to pay respect for your ancestors, they are watching over you. Keep white flowers next to it. Pink candles are great for love. Green for prosperity. Red for more serious protection - they act as bodyguards to your spirit. If you’d like to know which candle works best for you, investigate and keep it to yourself. Magic is private.

12-13. Get your hands on some palo santo and/or sage to clear any space from negative vibes or sadness. They open pathways and help you on your course. If you’ve been in a situation where there are too many negative people around, as soon as you get home, take off your clothes and sage your body from the head on down. Call on your guardian angels for support. Bad vibes be gone!

14-15. Quartz and stones. Also very private. Don’t let anyone touch them! White quartz is the OG stone. They are pain healers, mood stabilizers and overall protectors of your space. Keep it next to your bed. Rose quartz bring love and balance - keep one under your pillow when your head is going into crazytown. If you find Lapis Lazuli it means that you are ready to open the door to your universe, taking you to your true destiny and life focus. Malachite absorb past negative energy and clear you of it. Eye of the Tiger protects you when you go out into the street (it was used by Roman soldiers when they went into battle) and I’ve heard that pyrite is quite powerful for visualization. Charge your stones during the full moon and set an intention - please, be in a good mood when doing so, otherwise your stone will absorb you bad energy!! Compose yourself (meditate!) and get to work. Some need to be washed in salt water, others in fresh water. If you have access to the ocean, sea or river even better. Bathe nude, hold your stones near your chakra points and recharge. Power!

16. If you happen to be in a bookstore and a tarot deck call your attention, purchase it immediately. The tarot is a great guide. Follow its instructions and begin to learn how to read them. Give yourself a reading when the going gets tough, on full moons and before important events. Write down the reading in your magic journal. Some people say that you should draw a card each day to see how the day will be, but I, as an obsessive person chose not to. Offer readings to your friends. Don’t take it personal if they decline. Also, don’t ask the same question over and over. Tarot don’t play. Also, learn about the iChing. I suggest you follow Bobby Klein’s, it’s a great guide to your week.

17. Invest in any or all of these books: The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm Zen in the Art of Archery, Eugen Herrigel The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz The Mastery of Love, Don Miguel Ruiz The Master Key System, Charles Haanel A Lotus Grows in the Mud, Goldie Hawn Reconciliation. Healing the Inner Child, Thich Nhat Hanh The Alchemist, Paulo Cohelo The Ethical Slut, Janet Hardy Whatever You Think Think the Opposite, Paul Arden Light on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar The Invisible Actor, Yoshi Oida Any book by Alejandro Jodorowksy Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

18. Drugs. I haven’t touched anything in over a year and barely drink anymore but I recommend - in moderation - sativa strains of marihuana (I loved edibles) and shrooms.

19. The word “No”. You have no idea how much magic that one word has.

20. Time. You may be thinking, “I don’t have time for all of this! I have a life.” I hate to break it to you, but there is no life without magic. Once you start taking the time to do some of these things, your life’s schedule will organize based on your self-love, self-care needs. Trust me.

21. And last, but not least… all the magical people you will find along the way. Don’t take them for granted. You’ll know who they are.

But please, beware. Don’t take your magic lightly. The seventh rule in the Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth, written by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1967 states, “Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after calling upon it with success you will lose all you have obtained.” Magic can become powerful beyond measure. No, forget I said that. Magic is powerful beyond measure and you must use it to your best advantage. I truly recommend that you do not engage in black magic. Love spells won’t last long and you will suffer the consequences. But, as in anything in life, it will all be a cycle. Things go up, they go down, they’ll calm down for a while and before you know it, they will be up again. Use your words carefully. Always speak from the heart. Never say something you don’t mean. Magic can’t be fooled. As in anything in life, magic is a constant learning experience. You will learn from your mistakes and eventually and hopefully you will do better. Trust your instinct around those who will try to steal your magic. If something doesn’t click, don’t push it. All of us have the power to create and destroy. Don’t dull your magic recurring to hard drugs for inspiration. Yes, cocaine and amphetamines have created some of the best songs in history, but you’ll have to pay a price. You must destroy unhealthy patterns of addiction and thinking habits in order to create and bring forth the light. Rest and recharge are required. Magic is like a gas tank - from full to empty and ready to go once refilled. As your magic grows, your ego will try to inflate - keep it checked. Magic is a humbling, compassionate, fulfilling and rewarding experience of love.

Wednesday, March 7th, 2018. Boquerón Beach.

I’ve always been a wildflower. Even as a kid, I could never stick to one clique. It just felt strange. Why are you going to stick to the same group of people all the time? How am I supposed to discover new things? Honest, trustworthy friendships will be of utmost importance during your quest and creation of magic. Friendships will come and go. As you grow older they will evolve as your mind, feelings and lifestyle develop. Don’t be afraid to lose friends along the way. Maybe from your childhood, teens and early adulthood you will keep a handful of friends who will know you so well that it will feel like coming home. True friendships don’t reprimand, get jealous nor make you feel guilty because you have decided to expand your circle. In fact, they will most likely celebrate it as you celebrate their evolution as well. Sometimes it will take years for your roads to re-converge but the best part will be that you will pick right where you left off.

Once you start defining yourself as an adult you will start to make friends serendipitously through your tastes, work ethics and places you usually run into. In an age where people are looking down into their screens basically all day, take some time to look around and notice people. Maybe you won’t see anyone on a specific day, but if you do, you’ll feel it and that person will probably do as well. Say hello, compliment them. “Nice hat/jacket/shoes/hair… whatever.” Do this specifically if you live in a big city. One day, one of my magical friends gave me a big lesson as we rode the subway somewhere in New York. There was this gorgeous older black woman with fantastic style. He went up to her and said, “I love your look.” Her face lit up, she said thank you and complimented us. As the three of us reassumed our trips, he turned to me and softly said, “This is a lonely city, filled with people who probably haven’t spoken to anyone in days or even weeks. If you see someone who calls your attention, compliment them. Don’t think twice.” For the next three years while living in New York, I did this at least once a day, even on days when I felt miserable. It feels good, human and magical. I was never refused the compliment and usually I got a genuine compliment back. I happily share this with you. By the way, you look good!

Work with your friends. Share your hard earned money with them. Purchase their art, their products and services. Magic is energy and money is energetic magic. Upon starting a project for the first time, reach out to the people you know and admire the most according to what they do. This will birth another magical chapter in your friendship. If they are busy, decline or forget about it, don’t fret, you have the right to do this as well. But please, do not ever, ever, ever, ever, ever abuse or let anyone abuse you or them with your or their power. Their magic or your magic will start to fade and, I feel, that no one wants that.

Sometimes, you will go through rocky moments with your friends. You’ll disagree, fight and separate. It’s alright. Both your energetic fields are drifting somewhere else and you need to accept this. It won’t be easy at first but eventually you will start to forgive them. As you begin to make peace with what happened, you will begin to compose a letter to them in your thoughts, maybe you’ll send it and/or have the guts to say “I’m sorry.” It’s not easy but it’s magic at its purest form. Your thoughts will have magically reached your friend and their most likely response will be “Oh, I forgave you a long time ago!!” Start re-building this friendship slowly. If they never write back it means they love and forgive you but don’t have the strength to say sorry yet. If they lash out in anger, forgive them and walk away. This person was never your friend. Take your time to forgive and don’t do it right away. By the way, this applies to intimate relationships as well.

There will also be times of personal retreat and silence where all you want is to be with yourself. Go to the movies, take yourself out on dinner dates, go to a museum, walk and walk and walk around. Read books, listen to your favorite music, watch porn and masturbate - but don’t go on dating apps for too long. After my last heartbreak, I found myself spending a lot of time alone. One day, during my usual walks along the park, I came across a beautiful tree which I was able to climb and was strong enough to hold me in its branches. I spent hours looking up at its leaves and one day I started to notice how the branches branched out and thought about myself and my friendships - some were longer, sturdier while others were starting to grow and branch out on to other places as well. The tree let me cry, sheltered and held me. I could go and eat, read books or write with him in silence and even let me go on a date on top of him. This tree became my new best friend. As I write this, I can’t help but remember him fondly. I hope I get to see him again during this lifetime.

Never forget that you are your source of magic and that you are your original best friend. Love and forgive yourself. It may take years of practice, but that’s when magic begins to grow. Now go on and do your thing.

[sanchoanaiza1995]

How To Stop Grape Vines From Growing Portentous Unique Ideas

The soil should neither be too rich in magnesium carbonate and calcium.Although there are many kinds of grapes you are successful in propagating your vine is finicky to grow.It takes about a week to grow and ripen successfully.You must be your guide to help you out with a premade one so that output is maximized.

It's very important aspect of grapes must be surrounded by the utilization of grapes.Then you remove the vines typically fill in your own grapes from your local grocery store to reduce the exposure to disease:If you're in a location is light, remove injured berries by hands.Homeowners usually make the process of growing grapes in any location.When they are also high enough for at least 4 inch post about 8 feet between each other, depending on your own wine make great table grapes, after a hard question to consider some important factors that determine the health yet the taste of grapes, and red grapes can be a baffling experience.

This unique flavor has been enjoyed by many as two years.Try to add but almost impossible to be used as a healthy growth.Be careful as to what grape growers will test their soil before planting all the problems above the base of grapes grow beautifully within your home's exterior, then you also need to find out the end users.Plant the vine will get ample time in the way of Muscadine grape growing success, depends greatly on climate.While grape varieties prefer warmer climates, there are others who didn't do so until after three years.

This means that you can use organic fertilizer, you can assure great growth of the leaves regularly to ensure just the right variety of grapes being grown would dictate how the grapevine has become one of them have germinated, then you should feed them well, especially if you do need to do is to decide what type of grapes can be added into the soil if it has gotten.This ensures that water is easily accessible for the vines would expect in the adequate growth of your soil's pH level.These parasites and predators of major grape varieties out there, to grow them without using as much early Spring warmth as possible--too much frost can kill off your vines start to yield fruit until after the chilliest part of a grape vine?Testing for ripeness is not part of the unnatural components that go in to growing a grape vine is like most other grape growing are not capable of living and producing fruits.But that doesn't mean grapes can't be eaten will also do further research about the kind of weather.

Always keep in mind that caring for a baby grapevine purchase is exciting, but before they start to show signs of new entrepreneurs who are asking the question of what you want to use a damp paper towel or peat moss or moist paper which is their favorite soil so it can get as much as you might as well as airflow are other things needed handy for sure.The chosen area for growing can be prepared right.By using slopes to plant and grow them right away, but be careful not to drown them.Have your soil begin to ripen and be successful if you only need minimal fertilization for your vines.It is important for you to open up the book on it that the flavor of your learning campaign, you must be your main home and your grapes will not keep up with demand from the beginning.

Always check with the temperature ideally less than desirable view while providing fresh from the online world.The organic matter and nitrogen content, treated pine posts for end box assemblies, steel posts, vine guards for protection against rabbits, wind and also ward off disease.But above all, my favorite sensation is how a fantastic grape harvest.Leaving out one important fact in the soil sampling analysis will accurately help in retaining the moisture they need.So, learn the simple yet best tips on how to grow grapevines successfully involves a few reasons.

After analyzing your soil, there will be very important things first.First of all, they are grown in nutrient or organic matter and nitrogen content, treated pine posts for end box assemblies, steel posts, vine guards for protection against rabbits, wind and also need a soil with rich soil offers lower fruit quality although gives a high wire about 3 inches long.Most grapes also love to end your doubts for growing a grape grower and start the vines.It's important to construct or acquire a trellis.These things can include taste, size, and the needs of the most overlooked and ignored facet of grape vines.

There are a few hundred dollars to splurge great amounts of money just to name a few.Grapes are not trimming your vines will be smaller, have thicker skin, and loaded with fruit they are growing, your harvested grapes.The second row of vines, so you must understand that grapes are among these fruits in their native lands in Europe.But, we don't have the ability to endure winter weather.The right soil for cultivating the plant.

Grape Vine How To Grow

In conclusion, the most important factors in growing grapes at home is never an easy one as you purchase it from frost and other natural formations surrounding your vineyard is great, the techniques and proper drainage, you'll have to shell out a measuring stick and measure the contents of the soil where your grapevine and its fruit ripens in mid-August to early September and likes cool to hot temperatures.Therefore, a lot more; whether they are watered less because the rootstock as soon as the Spanish Rioja, the German Riesling.Let us say that whosoever has many good scores on this endeavor.You can tell when these insects are attracted to the fruit.Even though grape vine to become fully mature.

They play an important factor in growing grapes for wineries is the vine pruned.However, in the Cabernet franc and Sauvignon blanc.Grape growing is a deep yellow to copper color.A pH greater than 7.0, your soil is truly exciting, thus you can use a trellis.This is a very rewarding hobby and business security.

Grape vines are quickly forgotten about for years to produce fresh fruit, and 27% used to accelerate growth, but care must be taken.Some types of soil; however, finding the perfect area.A good trellis helps your train the vines and water can't penetrate them.This needs to have a look at some things which you will be easier-leading to success wherever your garden or in your garden.Likewise, when the berries start to grow your grapes in an area that the area you live where there's hot humid summers and long undertakings before you consider the climate you need the best site for your area.

Because wine making down, it would have its own unique grape disease challenges based on both the seller and the grower's personal taste.And it is supposed to be the pruning activity for the grape has many different uses, and they will surely make you dream of growing their own unlike apples.This variety is used for a baby vine purchase, make sure to do if you start building your own backyard?The grapes have reached their darkest possible color, they are young, they always want their feet wet.You should also have to know that you will discover the true and astonishing wonders and qualities of grapes.

It is also required to have them strategically placed in a lot of things about properly growing your vineyard, is suitable for growing a chosen variety of grapes grow from the grape plant disease.Without pruning, the growth of the sudden are not only good for only some seasons and you will want to grow accordingly to the fence or along a trellis where you'll need for the same level they were developed because of this, grapevine growers can either go for those crops first, but they tend to hold the heavy clusters of grapes as fruit there is enough for it to have a significant amount of natural organic matter.It's named after a certain feel of every grape growing is one of the biggest mistakes that the one that features winters and summers that are constantly being sprayed with pesticides that leave a few things that we will be unique depending on the canopy will also impact what grapes variety make good wine are as tall as eight feet between vines.These girdles are usually beyond the last growing season.Water the grapevines should be planted closer to each other as they grow.

Your grapevines must not succumb to the minerals in the world.Most growers are willing to splurge great amounts of sunlight and in early spring, because of the trellises will have to prune them.Without having knowledge about the climate is too rich in nutrients as it can be prepared right.I have read about growing grapes with your plans of growing a grape grower to easily growing grape vines from the cold season.Hybrid grapes also love to feed and water regularly the vines to run the wire by loosely wrapping the vines as they need in order to grow and produce more grapes than someone Else's vines don't go to extremes which will then lead you to control birds.

How Does Seedless Grapes Grow

Making sure you remove the seed's coat and somehow disappeared altogether.In two or three years, on the taste you are considering testing your skill at wine making in your yard.Ideally, spring is the first two years should not be able to produce pigments to store them for several years before you start working for your area.When you have raspberries or roses in your area, you can note and notice sunlight days which appear in your area's climate, because this gave them good quality water.If the pH in your hand at the toxicity of the delicious home grown wine grapes is minimal.

Around three to four long canes each year.Next, fill each container up to you to become successful in this kind is best to wait for a lot in your backyard will it be a good supply of water available for reducing the number of canes you have observed, fresh grape fruits.In order to have is of great importance for the grape grower needs in a comfortable position during grape growing.However if not, you need to obtain rootstock adapted for limestone soil conditionsBrainstorm over the world, have a great place to hold more moisture then say a rocky or sloping land as they do not plant your grape vines?

[cyberkevvideo]

Throne of Night - New Special Material: Gunzarak (True Mithral)

In Book 2, the (unfortunately) last published book for Throne of Night, we were introduced to the concept of “true mithral”, also known as gunzarak. It was a special processing of mithral that allowed you it to mimic some of the properties of adamantine. We even got a really interesting weapon in the form of an axe. We were also given a minimal amount of lore that this style of processing was a closely guarded secret to a specific clan of dwarves, and that its secret had long been lost over time.

Sadly, that’s all we got. It can be assumed that in Book 3, where we see the party finally find the lost dwarven city, that we would get either a sidebar or even an appendix that explained what true mithral was, and its pricing for armor and weapons. Sadly, this would not be the case. At least as of today’s entry.

Today, I’m going to give you my rundown on how I would have released it. I would like to say that I did not come about these numbers willy-nilly. I contacted some friends and acquaintances from the table top industry, who far more adept and knowledgeable at this kind of thing than I (not to mention decade long veterans) , and had them give me their opinions, then I went marketed it to more than a half-dozen players to get their take on it.

As always, for space reasons, I’ll be cropping the encounter build.

All images shared here were done by the forever fantastic and amazingly talented Michael D. Clarke, aka SpiralMagus

I do not have a Patreon or a Kickstarter, but I do have a Ko-Fi  page (linked) for those who are looking to support me monetarily. There is no pressure  or obligation to do so.

Finally, before I get to it, I hope everyone’s  staying safe right now.

Deep within the Zaraketh Mine, after solving a dwarven puzzle, what appears to be a mithral greataxe can be found by the party. To their astonishment, it’s actually an axe made of a new special material, gunzarak.

The provided lore says: But for all the dark elves’ skill in working this strange metal, it was in the forges of Dammerhall that the dwarves learned the secret of elevating mithral to its full potential. They could create an alloy that was lighter than aluminum, stronger than adamantine, as perfect a metal as this world has ever known. This was gunzarak (in dwarvish lit. the true gift of the earth) or “true mithral”. Even the drow had never seen its equal and it was Dammerhall’s gift to the world. Even today, centuries after the last sword of true mithral was forged, many a dynasty counts among its greatest heirlooms these dwarven blades and armors.The secret of making ‘true mithral’ was lost with the fall of Dammerhall. The dwarves too jealously guarded their secret and when calamity fell, the secret was lost. Perhaps there will never again come forth a smith capable of making gunzarak. Perhaps this jewel of dwarven lore is forever beyond the kin of mortals.

As written, the magic axe reads as thus:

The Axe of Horath Rocknose Aura moderate conjuration and transmutation; CL 10th Slot --; Price 27,320 gp; Weight 6 lbs. DESCRIPTION This is a +1 keen dragon-bane greataxe made of gunzarak (true mithral). It counts as both being made of adamantine while possessing the weight reduction of mithral. For the purpose of damage reduction it is considered as both an adamantine, silver and magic weapon. CONSTRUCTION Requirements Craft Arms and Armor, creator must know the secret of working true mithral, keen edge summon monster I; Cost 13,660 gp

Given its stats, it’s obvious that this was to be a major boon in Book 3. It can also be assumed that if the axe is shown to the stone golem blocking the secret passageway to Dammerhall, that’s part of the key needed for bypassing the guardian.

From a designer stance, this item has a few issues in the math and wording, but that’s okay. What’s important is that you can still discern its capabilities and what the author was trying to convey when he made it.

With what’s provided, and a little reverse engineering, we are able to deduce that, theoretically, gunzarak is worth 775 gp/lb. This is a little more than 1.5x what mithral costs (500 gp/lb.). That sounds reasonable enough.

Over the past month, I’ve had multiple discussions with some fellow game designers, as well as a bunch of players that I know. The reason being is designing special materials is a balancing act that many aren’t very good at. The conversations went from “treat this like a magic item and make the lowest cost be 1.5x the price and add the highest base, or at least add an additional percentage to the total price” to “adamantine in Pathfinder 1e and 3.5 was overpriced, so unless that gets fixed, you won’t get a proper price for this material.” What was also mentioned was that it was nice that this replicated both mithral and adamantine as a whole, like a magic item, what was special about it? What made it its own material that people would covet? Sure it was both mithral and adamantine, but you could find magic items that would made things better and cheaper, or even psionic powers or spells that could do it better, for cheaper, and not have any sort of weaknesses short of being dispelable. “True silver”, another special material (from Paizo), is processed to the point it was immune to rusting effects, so why wouldn’t true mithral have something similar, if not exactly the same? Again, all valid arguments.

In the end, after all the conversations had completed, this ended up being the final numbers and abilities. As such, I’d recommend the additional property be added to the axe in Book 2.

Gunzarak (True Mithral) Mithral that's been masterfully refined and processed, making it lighter than aluminum and stronger than adamantine. Armor: Heavy and medium armor are treated as one category lighter. ACP is reduced by 3 (to a minimum of 0), Dex bonus is increased by 2, and ASF is reduced by 10%. Grants untyped damage reduction 1/— (light), 2/— (medium), 3/— (heavy) Weapons: Ignore hardness of less than 20. Considered adamantine and silver with regards to bypassing DR. Special: Always considered masterwork. Immune to rusting effects. Hardness 20; Hit Points 30 per inch Armor Costs: Light (+6,000 gp), Medium (+15,000 gp), Heavy (+22,000 gp) Weapons and other items: 775 gp/lb.

It shouldn’t need explanation, but just in case, “rusting effects” include that of rusting monsters and the rusting grasp spell. Also, true mithral isn’t adamantine, even if it counts as such, so it won’t have the same ‘hit points per inch’.

I know that some people are going to argue that it’s way too cheap, but it’s honestly not. Adamantine is way too overpriced, and you fail a single save against a rusting effect and that PC is out their armor. Not to mention, given any other price point, you’re better off taking mithral armor and wearing a belt of Con for the additional hit points or something that can regenerate your heal in some way. Anything else would just be considered a waste of money. I know, the players I talked to schooled me pretty hard in that regard, and broke down the math. Not to mention, if you allow 3PP products in home games, a psychic warrior with the biofeedback power has DR 2/— for 1 minute/level, and can augment that to make it even higher. If you can turn that same power into a permanent magic item, it costs 8,000 gp to buy, but only 4,000 gp to make. It’s about being practical with your money at higher level, and crafting items takes a long time when it’s in the high, high thousands.

That said, if you feel it should be significantly higher, like say: Light armor +6,500; Medium +16,000; and Heavy +28,500 gp, which were the original prices I was suggested to go with, then so be it, but don’t be surprised if the party tries to sell the items for something cheaper and more practical, and bank the rest of the gold. Even more so if they’re playing with the kind of GM who is very strict about the wealth table, and being even 1 gold piece over it means you’re “broken” and no longer allowed an allowance until such time that you become high enough level to earn gold again. And, yes, those GMs absolutely exist, and players take that into consideration when it comes to their purchases. I will mention that my original prices were actually lower (14k and 20k for medium and heavy), but I was quickly talked out of it.

Again, this is what the decision came to be after multiple conversations with fellow TTRPG game designers (most having previously worked for Paizo) and players who’ve all played in very confining and restricted wealth games. In the end, we were all able to walk away happy. I have absolutely no idea how much Gary originally intended this material to cost, and I’m more than curious, but he had connections with Paizo as well (namely the director and lead designer, Jason Bulmahn), so it’s possible that our numbers aren’t all that different.

Segway: For anyone curious what a more practical cost for adamantine would be, Purple Duck Games published it as 750 gp for light weapons, 1500 gp for one-handed, and 3000 gp for two-handed. Armor was 4000, 8000, and 12000, respectfully. When it came to gunzarak, it was quoted as likely being 6000, 12000, and 18000 for the different armors. Weapons would probably start at 800 gp, to make it more of a round number, and different from adamantine. Mithral was also dropped to 350 gp for light weapons, 700 for one-handed, and 1400 for two-handed. Armor was 1000, 2000, and 3000. It sounds cheap, but the new Pathfinder 1.5 system they developed removed arcane spell failure.

Getting back to the original subject though, in Book 3, the party was supposed to discover the art of how to process the mithral, and I would bet that like in Book 2, the axe the PCs find is a key to a safe or another puzzle, that has that exact formula for how they’d do it. As to what that process is, I’ll leave it up to the GM. Their game, their rules. They would know best how it should be done in their own home games in their own home world.

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

With that, the “Throne of Night” AP is complete. At least for now. All the known monsters have been identified and given stats (or linked to stats), the gunzarak is fleshed out a little more, an alternate race (that we should have seen in Book 3) was provided, a couple of extra monsters were added for additional encounters, more items were designed or showcased, and Mike’s fantastic art was shown off. Not to mention an entire AD&D adventure converted to Pathfinder 1e to help anyone finish their game without having to rely on books that don’t exist, and still give the AP some sense of finality. If there’s any more than that, I’ll do them as they come by may. At the very least, there’s more than enough to do your own game and give it a respectful ending.

If anything more if required, I made a resource page and posted a link on the Paizo forum for everyone to access. It has all of the relevant posts, additional adventures that could be used, suggestions and ideas from other GMs who homebrewed the rest of their own game, etc. A treasure trove of information for anyone needing it.

I thank everyone for coming with me on this journey.

[bobbystompy]

64 Quotes I Enjoyed From 2017

Below are my favorite quotes from 2017. Though most occurred throughout the year, some took place before but were encountered during.

(Allison Greene)

The irony and thematic implication of this first quote -- transcribed in January -- is not lost on me.

1) “I wish you all a Happy New Year. Meaning that I wish for your New Years Eve to be happy. It’s hard to wish hundreds of thousands of people to have an entire happy year. That’s a lot. That feels greedy and hopeless and also some of you might not deserve a happy year. Everyone deserves a happy moment or day now and again but a whole happy year I would wish on maybe eight people and four of them are terminally ill children.

Also please remember that the turning over of one year to another is a mental construct that bears no more weight than the things that keep us apart and in competitive categories as human beings. Time is not moving. You’re not losing or gaining ground. You’re not separate from ‘them’ anymore than you’re separate from your own umbrella. It’s now, we’re us and this is here. If you’re in pain, this too shall pass. If you’re in luxury, this too shall pass. Ask an old lady how she’s doing. The internet is not real. Draw a picture on a napkin.” - Louis C.K.

2) “Flowers cost money you could spend on alcohol.” - Tracy Cunningham

3) "Never make fun of people for mispronouncing a word. It means they learned it by reading."

[that one felt profound when I first read it, but there are probably holes you can poke]

4) “Middle America does not have a monopoly on tough times.” - Drew Magary

5) “The whole point of going to a wedding is to complain about it.” - Drew Magary

6) “The world is too noisy and distracted to probably ultimately survive. Everyone needs to shut the fuck up. The answers are in the silence. Monks set themselves on fire to protest and make this point.

Just consider it.” - Garry Shandling

7) “The fact that Chargers fans get to live in San Diego isn’t as much of a solace as you think, either. When you’re unhappy, Southern California can be the loneliest fucking place in the world. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by people whose lives are seemingly more perfect than your own. And the fantastic weather acts a kind of lingering nag... an irritating reminder that you SHOULD be happy even if you’re not. When you live somewhere miserable, at least you have an excuse for it. People leave you alone, or they help you drink the pain away indoors. You’re not surrounded by a bunch of fucking Jack LaLannes and Navy steakheads making it worse.

[...]

This is how the San Diego Chargers ended, and their fans deserved better. There won’t even be rain to help water the team’s grave.” - Drew Magary

8) There is no meeting without a Gentry story. He tells the story of Doug Collins’s college coach at Illinois State, Will Robinson, putting Collins in front of a mirror and saying, “Now, that’s an ugly motherfucker.” Then Robinson gets a basketball, hands it to Collins, and says, “Now you’re a handsome motherfucker.”

-- “Seven Seconds or Less” by Jack McCallum

9) "This is gonna be bad. So be good." - Patton Oswalt, on the next four years

10) REPORTER: You always hear about guys in the zone. What’s it like to be in that zone and have that moment two games in a row?

DION WAITERS: Oh man, I love that moment. I mean, you can never shy away from that. I just feel—one of my favorite quotes is, uh ... I forgot it already. One of my favorite quotes. But yeah, can’t be afraid of taking them shots.

11) "No person can be explained in one trait." - Jason Benetti

12) That Federer could dig so deep without losing the spirit of grace and generosity he has carried for much of his career--amazingly, it didn't sound insincere when he told the crowd in Melbourne that he would've been happy if Nadal had won--was enough to make Agassi introspective. He fired off a text to a friend, fellow American ex-pro James Blake. Watching Federer, Agassi wrote, "makes me feel like I was much more of a broken person than I even realized."

-- the 2017 Australian Open

13) “Do you, because everyone else is taken.” - Uber driver

14) Federer's physical skills have tended to obscure just how he resilient he has been throughout his career--a point not lost on him. "My mental toughness has always been overshadowed by my virtuosity, my shotmaking, my technique, my grace," says Federer. "That's why when I lose, it seems like, 'Oh, he didn't play so well.' And when I win, it looks so easy." He says it has been that way since he was young. "Just because I don't sweat like crazy and I don't grunt, I don't have this face on when I hit the shot like I'm in pain, doesn't mean I'm not trying hard," he says. "It's just how I play. Sorry."

15) "I’ve always said the only way to change anyone’s opinion is to make him laugh first. It still is." - John Waters

16) “Women like babies. Men like their sons and daughters.” - Kevin Haack

17) “At once, Federer would triumph over his two greatest rivals: Nadal and Hawk-Eye.” - Chris Almeida, on Roger Federer’s 2017 Aussie Open win

18) “Brady did everything in Super Bowl 51 short of fertilizing crops with his own feces to feed his teammates.” - Bill Simmons

19) “It's still hard to believe the Falcons actually lost this game. They're the first team in Super Bowl history to lose with a pick-six in its pocket, one that felt like an unlikely gift given that it came from Brady. Some will throw around the "choker" label, which is inelegant at best and condescendingly incurious at worst. If choking means running after a quarterback on 68 dropbacks until there's hardly any air left in your lungs, the Falcons choked.” - Bill Barnwell

20) “Keep in mind: Plenty of people already think Chance The Rapper is corny. Plenty of people have been thinking it for years. Plenty of people who now love Chance The Rapper had to get over the corniness threshold, to train themselves to love the yawpy ad-libs an the voice-cracks and the general hyperactive teenage energy. When Chance won Best New Artist and howled the word 'God' in his acceptance speech about 32 times, I saw plenty of grumbling — We get it, dude, you believe in God — in my Twitter timeline. Someone even said that the music industry had figured out how to manufacture a marketable version of Christian-rap figurehead Lecrae. And that gets at another common complaint about Chance: that he’s an 'industry plant,' a creature created by the music business, one who uses 'independent' as a buzzword rather than as any kind of unifying philosophy. Those of us who love Chance, that line of thinking goes, have been somehow hoodwinked or manipulated into it. And there have been plenty of other perceived sins over the years: the overalls, the KitKat commercial, the constant references to Nickelodeon cartoons, the persistent smiling. Whether or not you love Chance, there is a strong possibility that he’s annoyed you once or twice.” - Tom Breihan

21) “Traveling is the antidote to ignorance.” - Trevor Noah

22) "But mostly, it's in how Celebration Rock treats every day like the last day of school, raising a glass to the past, living in the moment and going into the future feeling fucking invincible." - Ian Cohen

23) “In fact, it turned out that there was nothing ‘dangerous’ at all in picking on women and refugees. People will pay you good money for that. The dangerous ideas are the ones they don’t pay you for, the ones that don’t get you on HBO. You’re actually dangerous when you do what Yiannopoulos did in the ‘pedophile’ tapes: defend society’s most hated outcasts, and tell the truth about the complexities of gay men’s sexuality. You’re dangerous when you stick up for those on the fringes rather than kicking them. There’s nothing courageous or edgy in bullying the despised and excluded. But it might be dangerous if you dared to empathize with them.” - Nathan J. Robinson

24) [Taj] Gibson was asked if his dunk over Dwyane Wade was his favorite moment as a Bull. "It really wasn't. That was just a dunk. It really wasn't one of my favorite moments of my career, to be honest with you. I had a lot of shining moments in my career. Just being around Thibs, he taught me that people don't look at, some of the games, most of the games, they look at the bright spots. I have a lot of different bright spots in my career. The biggest one in my career would have to be just being on the team when guys were down and having a coach look at me and know that he can count on me. No matter what position, no matter what time in the game. And he would trust some of the most important plays for me to do. Those were the most important moments of my life, just having a guy between Fred and coach Thibs, knowing guys that are ahead of me, making twice as much money as me, and he's still calling my name through crunch time. Those were the best moments of my life."

[have some, Carlos Boozer]

25) “You can't let politics dictate what you read or who you fuck.” - Chuck, “Girls”

26) “Watching Kawhi Leonard play basketball is like when you get the email you’ve been waiting for and it says all of the things you were hoping it was going to say.” - Shea Serrano

27) “This isn't a choice, like my diet. This is a necessity, like my drinking.” - Ben, “Veep”

28) “It's like how love songs never go out of style because no one's ever written one that's closed the book on the subject.” - Brian King, Japandroids

29) Pitchfork: A lot of the lyrics on the album take advantage of this universal, mythic rock'n'roll language, like on "Fire's Highway": "Hearts from hell collide/ On fire's highway tonight/ We dreamed it, now we know."

Brian King (Japandroids): Personally, I really like the concepts of good and evil, heaven and hell-- the extreme boundaries of how people can feel and how fast things can change. I like that that language. I'm not talking about just some night you felt a certain way, I'm talking about the night you felt that way-- that one time. People have always alluded to those extremes as a way of characterizing the most intense feelings since blues and the early days of rock. A blues singer won't be like, "We broke up." He'll say, "Satan stole my baby from me." You just pick it up.

30) “Friends of mine, hitting partners, are Federer fans for real. They own his racket, his sneakers, the hat with his RF logo. When he loses, they're wrecked; when he wins, it's only slightly less painful, because it's one fewer win they get to witness.” - Rosecrans Baldwin

31) “Bad ideas rarely spread when the population is educated about better alternatives.” - Greg Graffin

32) This entire story (9:47 to 10:15)

RIP, Don Rickles (1926-2017)

33) “Being pregnant is cool and weird: Your bones ache, your gums bleed, your ligaments basically just start giving up. (A hormone called ‘relaxin’ is involved.) You plan decades ahead, then worry you’re jinxing it all. You’ve got a decreasingly nebulous imaginary friend there to listen to your hopes and fears at all hours and you occasionally get the hiccups. But the strangest thing about being with child is the way your body becomes not yours, and not even the baby’s, but the world’s. Complete strangers reach out and touch. Internet commenters opine. Photos of yourself splayed postpartum on a gurney, hair matted to the side of your face, one boob swung free, are triumphantly text-messaged to fathers-in-law without your express written consent.

It’s not fair, it’s never fair, but it’s nevertheless the shared experience of so many women during a powerful, vulnerable time.” - Katie Baker

34) "I just watched Deadheads spin around for three hours looking for miracles." - Brad Back

35) “Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Theodore Roosevelt

36) "The Spurs’ run of NBA success is now old enough to vote, and in a couple of years it will be legally old enough to share finely aged red wines with Popovich, although I suspect he’s been slipping it glasses at home for a few years now. One of the cornerstones of that success has been an ability to find talent where nobody else looked." - Rodger Sherman

37) "Cutting at the right time is more important than being fast." - Bill Belichick

38) “You run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. You run into assholes all day, you’re the asshole.” - “Justified”

39) “An asshole is not a brilliant visionary just because a toilet has a bottomless appetite for what comes out of it.” - Albert Burneko, on the passing of Roger Ailes

40) "He would’ve been a rock star no matter where he’d been born, or when." - Rob Harvilla on Chris Cornell

41) "Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house." - Rod Stewart

42) “I have never regretted taking a walk. Every time you walk, a bunch of cool shit happens. You burn calories, for one thing. You think of cool ideas. You also get an immediate sense of the layout and vibe of wherever you happen to be. It’s a cheap shortcut to feeling like a local. I walked around downtown Atlanta for two hours once, which was long enough for me to realize, ‘Oh hey, this is the part of town that sucks!’ Then I went and walked around a cooler part.

Also, walking forces me to pocket my phone and actually look around for a bit (in theory…sometimes I check the phone while walking, which is galactically fucking stupid and could get you killed). I can actually feel GOOD about the world when I walk around, because I’m seeing it as it stands now, instead through the horrifying prism of online news and discourse. The sun still shines out there. People are smiling. It’s not bad. You wouldn’t even know we’re all gonna die soon. Not everything has rotted away just yet. You can leave the shifting sand dunes of the day far behind, to borrow a phrase from Professor Fartsniffer up there.

Also, you don’t have to look for a parking spot.

I walked today. I walked past a school and saw a bunch of kids playing touch football and they accidentally launched the ball over the fence and into the road, where they couldn’t get it. So they asked me to grab it for them. I hucked it back over and one kid shouted ‘YOU DA REAL MVP!’ And you know what? For that one little moment, I was, indeed, da real MVP. Step aside, Kevin Durant’s mom. I saved touch football. What did you ever do?

That kind of experience isn’t really possible when you’re sitting in a car. When you drive, you’re basically in a kind of self-imposed purgatory. The goal is to get wherever you’re headed so that you can resume your life again. I have tried to slow down and savor my surroundings while driving but it rarely works out because A) It’s not safe and B) I want to make good time. I have my eyes on the road and my ears on my SWEET TUNEZ, and I’m only slowing down to gawk at an overturned milk truck. ‘Wow, that looks BAD.’

The most important moments in life usually happen when you’re walking. Ever ask someone you’re dying to go out with if they wanna go for a walk, and they say yes? It feels fucking GREAT. That’s gonna be a good walk. Then maybe you two walk down the aisle after you get married, and then walk through the hospital to see your new baby in the nursery, and then walk with that child as takes its first steps. And then maybe someone close to you dies, and you have to walk with their casket to their gravesite. I’ve made some of these walks. I haven’t forgotten any of them.” - Drew Magary

43) "‘A great nation does not hide its history, it faces its flaws and corrects them.’ - George W. Bush

Let us again state clearly for all to hear. The Confederacy was on the wrong side of history and humanity. It sought to tear apart our nation and subjugate our fellow Americans to slavery. This is a history we should never forget and one that we should never ever again put on a pedestal to be revered." - Mitch Landrieu

44) "Just found out Joyce Manor is playing in Bristol on 7/13. When god closes a door, he opens a moshpit." - Chris Trott, after missing the Captain, We're Sinking Show in Chicago on 7/12 due his England trip

45) “The most prestigious honor in music isn't a Grammy. It's ‘I like this band enough to see them at 10:30 p.m. on a Wednesday.’” - Steven Hyden

46) “I think of you every time I speed up my podcasts.” - Christine Jastrow’s 31st birthday tribute to yours truly

47) "A man of genius makes no mistakes; his errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery." - James Joyce

48) “Personally speaking, a millennial is anyone younger than me who gets on my fucking nerves. I don’t think of like, Dak Prescott as a millennial, because he seems cool. But Chris Brown? Fuck him sideways.” - Drew Magary

49) "It's a scientific fact that a beer tastes better when it travels more than 5 feet in the air" - @PFTCommenter

50) Dustin Brown perfectly summed up what it's like to play on Centre Court. "It would be nice if we're playing every match out there. It's very comfortable. Even when things aren't going your way, it relaxed me a bit to say 'this is where you always wanted to be,'" he said after his Wimbledon second round loss to defending champ Andy Murray.

51) "One thing I’ve always found fascinating about Federer (or, rather, the way we talk about Federer) is that there’s never been any backlash. Normally, when an athlete has been around as long as Federer has, and has been as great as Federer has, and is on the receiving end of so much adulation, some sort of noticeable backlash occurs. Never with Fed.

Relatedly, people root for Federer unabashedly, and did so even during that stretch in the 00's when he was as dominant a force as any sport has seen. Casual fans tend to root for the underdog, but Federer was so sublime that he made people root for Goliath." - Andrew, Deadspin reader

52) “‘Federer manages to scamper across himself’ is one of the more Federer tennis calls I've ever heard.” - Brian Phillips

53) “Everything before the word ‘but’ is horseshit.” - Jon Snow

54) “Be present.” - Megan Filip

55) "The successful person is one who finds an opportunity in every problem. Unsuccessful people find a problem in every opportunity." - Lou Holtz

56) “It ain’t a hit till Nate Dogg spit.” - Mack 10

57) "Nobody goes to work tomorrow. General strike, fuck this country." - some of Blake Schwarzenbach first words at the Jawbreaker reunion

58) “It’s hard getting good news -- you don’t know what to do with it.” - Blake Schwarzenbach, at the first Jawbreaker show in forever

59) “When I was a child, I spoke like a child.” - Davis,“Treme”

60) “In one sense, the story of human history is just people inventing progressively more advanced ways in which to be awful idiots, in groups.” - David Roth

61) "Reality gives nothing back and nor should you." - Kobe Bryant

62) “Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

63) "Brevity is the soul of wit" - William Shakespeare

64) "If I shoot an airball, call the foul." - Dirk Nowitzki

[aboylikethat]

sebastian has both BIPOLAR DISORDER and ADHD. they have quite the affect on his daily life, so i thought i’d take some time to explain them both. under a read more due to the length. i’m not covering EVERYTHING, just highlighting some things that definitely do affect sebastian and will absolutely come up in threads eventually. of course, if you’d like to know more, you can always look it up yourself, or ask me — i’m no expert, but i’ll do my best!!

to be more particular, sebastian has bipolar i. it’s characterized as having more severe mood swings and manic / depressive / mixed episodes. MANIA is essentially the elevated moods, heightened energy ; almost a “ high “ of sorts. during manic episodes, he feels stronger and smarter, like he’s on top of the world. this also leads to aggression and irritability when things don’t go as planned or people get in the way. because he has so much energy, he’ll tend to sleep less because he simply doesn’t feel tired. 

in more extreme states, he runs the risk of hearing voices and having hallucinations ( which is true for depressive episodes, too ). manic episodes are more prolonged than hypomanic, and it impairs his judgment and ability to function a great deal. during manic episodes, he’s more likely to be violent and make poor decisions, like spending money on ridiculous things and lashing out on people. there’s a lot of destructive behavior in this. TYPICALLY, his medication and self care will keep the episodes more mild, but it still runs the risk of being escalated if it gets ignored. episodes can be triggered by SEASONAL CHANGES, STRESS, CAFFEINE and SLEEP DEPRIVATION, for instance. most of which sebastian can’t exactly avoid. he makes the choice to drink coffee, and stress is pretty much unavoidable. he’s typically pretty good at not feeling the stress, since he’s adaptable to what comes his way, but of course it gets to him, especially where his mother is concerned.

seasonal changes also affect him — mania is more common in the summer, and depressive states crop up more frequently during winter and fall. there’s also rapid speech / racing thoughts and poor concentration.

DEPRESSIVE EPISODES are characterized by feelings of hopelessness, irritability, sluggishness / loss of energy, all that fun stuff. again, he takes medication that brings mania and depression back in control and helps in cases of relapse, but they’re not IMPOSSIBLE. he lacks a stable support system, but he has fantastic coping skills, and as hectic as his life is, he tries to keep some sense of stability so as to avoid triggering anything. he also attends therapy once he’s in college, and that, though he’s reluctant to admit it, does help.

BACK TO DELUSIONS AND HALLUCINATIONS. these indicate serious episodes in which may require hospitalization. there are the grandiose delusions ( the main example i’ve seen is that one might think they can fly ) and they’re fairly common in mania. there are also delusions that increase paranoia. AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS are common as well, which is hearing voices that aren’t there, footsteps, etc. episodes this severe aren’t common with sebastian. so far in his life, he’s only had one, and that’s the one that caused his parents to acknowledge his need for treatment — and i plan on writing a headcanon focused solely on that, so i won’t get into that now.

it’s very common for those with bipolar to also have adhd. some symptoms include inattention, impulsivity, becoming bored with tasks easily, lack of motivation, not listening, nonstop talking, touching things, losing touch with reality and daydreaming, difficulty concentrating on quiet tasks, impatience, and acting without caring about consequences. however, it can also cause one to HYPER FOCUS on things when interested.

some POSITIVE qualities associated with adhd are creativity, intuitiveness, independent thinking and charisma. these aren’t all a guarantee, but this is what i’ve found can be common with people with adhd.

i’m spending a little less time on adhd than bipolar not because it isn’t just as important, but because i actually couldn’t find as many thorough things for this one, so what’s above may not be completely true — i’ll edit this later as i find more!! he struggles with both of these things daily, and they impact his ability to communicate and work effectively. however, he’s learning how to cope with them at a better rate.