#sigh. now time for binah

[transgenderfivepebbles]

hokma realization....

augh. ough my emotions. he really said "it's not shameful to be pitied because pity and sympathy are in themselves forms of love". he wanted angela to know she was loved and cared for despite her conviction that she resented, even hated, the others. "you still are awfully dishonest" i need this man DEAD (affectionate). he's not benjamin anymore but he'll still be the one to stay at her side even when no one else would. fervently gestures at them. you get it. you Get It

in conclusion. clawing and mauling PROJECT MOON WHYYYYYYY

[valorantium]

Gilded Ring

…There’s a woman, sitting at a table in your headspace.

She wasn’t there before. She wears a lightless cloak, and five rings around the fingers of her left hand.

In her right hand is an intricate teacup, from which she occasionally sips.

You and the rest of your headmates are dumbfounded, standing around in utter confusion.

She’s nothing like you.

And yet, here she is. Daintily sipping an aromatic tea.

She looks calm, unbothered… and yet the feeling of power she exudes… is nearly suffocating.

Then, she speaks.

“...You must be very confused, I assume.” Her voice is low, almost monotone, yet melodic nonetheless. “Rest assured, I mean you, and your family, no harm.”

Loop is the first to speak up. “Well, that’s reassuring and all, stranger, but… who are you, exactly?”

“I am called Binah. I arrived here by way of the Light, for reasons I am not privy to as of yet. But I have confidence that all shall be revealed to us in due time.”

Mal du Pays, ever the skeptic, hums in irritation, but doesn’t say anything. Null sighs and turns away.

You sigh, nod, and ask a question. “...So, are you going to be fronting at all? Is there anything I should keep in mind for that?”

In response, she shakes her head. “I will be content to remain an observer. Through your eyes I shall see this world of yours, and grant my input when I see fit. But I shall not take your body from you.”

You give a short nod, and open your eye in the real world. Your headspace fades from view.

Two weeks have passed.

Binah, as she is called, remains an observer in your mind. As she promised.

You’re camping out with your family, and watching the sky and the trees.

You spot a bird, resting on a tree. Light feathers, with a dark patch on its belly.

(“Ah, look there… an interesting specimen.”)

(“Hm?”)

(“That bird. It’s… a lovely little bird, wouldn’t you say? The plumage is wonderfully-patterned, even absent of the hues I am familiar with. The way it carries itself… reminds me of something.”)

You look closer at the bird. It gently preens itself, without so much as a peep. The plumage on its belly shifts a bit… no, that can’t be right. Just your eyes playing tricks.

It looks up, puffs its chest out, and flutters away.

(“...It IS a nice bird, Stardust~”)

You can’t argue with that.

(“I fail to see the point in this…”) Mal pipes up, quietly.

(“Shouldn’t we be looking out for the others?”) Null responds, pragmatic as always.

(“We needn’t exert ourselves too much. It’s a wonderful evening, after all. A perfect time to relax.”)

You can’t help but silently agree with Binah. You feel your eyelid growing heavy.

You drift to sleep.

Everything’s gone wrong.

EVERYTHING HAS GONE WRONG.

A massive Sadness came out of nowhere while you and your family were traveling through a forest.

It swiftly took down Odile before she even had the chance to Craft.

Mirabelle fell next, hurled against a tree, now unconscious.

Bonnie’s hiding somewhere, thank the stars.

Isabeau is gritting his teeth in pain, having taken a wicked blow from a stinger dripping venom.

You can barely stand. Null fronted for a moment, but it somehow suppressed your Time Craft.

Ramos held out longer than expected, but was exhausted and slammed by a tree that the monster tore from the ground.

You can’t move. You can barely force your body to act. The toxin paralyzes your muscles, clouds your mind, you can’t breathe, you CAN’T- YOU HAVE TO- YOU CAN’T GO BACK-

(“...I do apologize for what must happen now. It appears… that you are struggling to hold your own. Surviving as long as you did against this thing was admirable, though.”)

(“...wh-what…?”)

(“Rest, Siffrin. I shall take the lead, just this once.”)

You can’t think straight. You- YOU

You

sink.

…

…

You are Binah, now.

You have taken control of the body you reside in. It takes a moment to acclimate, but you manage quickly.

You glance at your left hand. There are your rings, one on each finger.

The power of your Singularities flows through your veins, purges the beast’s toxins, and patches your wounds.

Time to have a little fun.

You grin, as you rise to your feet. Stretching your arms, you can’t help but chuckle.

The beast turns its attention to you. The small bird from before perches on a nearby branch and watches. Of course he does. He knows you, after all.

Never mind that. With a roar, the monster’s many claws dig into the ground. It bounds toward you, bellowing with hatred.

You raise an arm, and…

Pillar

Snap. A column of pure force, gilded and runed, collides head-on with the charging Sadness, throwing it backwards and blasting a chunk out of its shoulder. Do not let it breathe. You flick your fingers towards it.

Fairy

Shimmering into existence, the Fairy leaps forth. The monster howls in pain, slashed from every angle, every movement compounding its agony. In anguish, it snaps a tree off its trunk and hurls it towards you.

Lock

It stops in place, the Lock’s image gleaming over it. With a wave of your hand, another Pillar, and more Fairy. The trunk is snapped in half, and the monster’s wounded arm is severed.

It screams. Good. It feels pain. That makes this more interesting.

Its tail thrusts towards you, stinger poised to deliver a lethal injection.

Chain

Not a chance. It’s held in place, by gilded chains on every limb. You step forward, chuckling.

“I wonder… what is it that brought you into existence?” You ask, not expecting an answer. “Acting solely on instinct, it seems… and yet… you seem compelled to cause as much pain as physically possible.”

You lean forward, close to its face. “I wonder… who, then, might your master be? Who could have created such a vile beast as you?”

It roars out, snapping the chain on its remaining arm and swinging towards you.

“...I suppose I shall never know.” The attack is easily deflected by use of Wave. Now, the finale. It’s a tad disheartening, to end your display here… but you cannot complain. It had been far too long since you’d ever tasted this thrill.

One.

A wave of energy emanates from your raised hand. The trees waver, the grass flutters.

TWO.

Another wave, stronger. The beast is forced to its knees, body breaking underneath the weight of this gravity.

And…

Shockwave

…Your blinding head hurts…

You remember… camping with your family, and… and then… Right, that Sadness! It came out of nowhere and wiped the floor with all of you! But… then, you heard… Binah. She said something weird, and then… you felt as if you were…

…Sinking.

Sinking, in an endless ocean of thoughts, prayers, and emotions.

(“Ah, you’re awake.”)

?!

(“I do apologize for my intercession in that conflict. But it is clear that you could not handle the threat on your own, though you did fight admirably.”)

Wait… she fronted…? Then, where-

(“Look around you, little star. You shall find the remains of your foe quite… scattered.”)

…That… explains it.

(“The rest of your companions, within and without, should be awake and healed soon. I saw to that. As for you, however… I saw fit to grant you a gift.”)

A… gift?

(“It is but a fraction of my power, one which I am rather fond of. A sort of… ‘skeleton key’, in a way. Though it can open more than just locks. I do hope it serves you well, little star.”)

She vanishes from your thoughts before you can ask any questions.

You feel a slight weight on your left hand…

A tarnished ring. When did…?

[Got MEMORY OF AN ARBITER.]

(Always equipped. Grants access to Degraded Fairy.)

…You don’t notice it, but as you leave later in the day, a small bird follows you out of the dark forest.

The Small Bird’s beak whispered, without cessation…

[thehierophage]

April 9, 2022 e.v. Dies Saturnii, An Vviii e.l.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

The Feast for the Second Day of the Writing of the Book of the Law, The Greater Feast of Saint Rabelais, The Greater Feast of Saint Francis Bacon Lord Verulam, The Day of Beth, The Day of the Magician

Hebrew Letter: Beth

Numerical Value as Letter: 2

Numerical Value as Word: 412 (Beth+Yod+Tav)

Meaning: House.

Thoth Card: The Magus (Atu I)

Alternate Title: The Magus of Power.

Image:

Correspondences:

Tree of Life Path Association: Key 12 - Binah to Kether (from Sephira 3-1)

Astrological Sign: Mercury

Element: -

Egyptian Godforms: Thoth, Seshat, Imhotep (deified) and Cynocephalus

Geomantic Figure: Octagram

Gemstones: Achates/Agate, Opal

Perfumes: Mastic, Mace, Storax, Nutmeg, Euphorbium, Karaya and all fleeting odors

Plants: Nutmeg, Vervain, Ash, Herb Mercury, Palm, Arnica, Mullein, Cinquefoil

Animals: Dog, Mullet, Monkey, Jackal, Cynocephalus ape, Civet cat, Weasel, Bee, Hybrids, Fish

Colors:

King Scale – Yellow

Queen Scale – Purple

Prince Scale – Grey

Princess Scale – Indigo, rayed violet

The Secret Instruction of the Master:

The True Self is the meaning of the True Will: know Thyself through Thy Way! Calculate well the Formula of Thy Way! Create freely; absorb joyously; divide intently; consolidate completely. Work thou, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, in and for Eternity.

Mnemonic:

The Word of Wisdom weaves the web of lies, Weds irreducible Infinities.

Recommended Text for Meditation:

Liber AL vel Legis sub figura CCXX, Cap. 2

The Book of the Law Liber AL vel Legis sub figura CCXX

as delivered by XCIII = 418 to DCLXVI

II

1. Nu! the hiding of Hadit.

2. Come! all ye, and learn the secret that hath not yet been revealed. I, Hadit, am the complement of Nu, my bride. I am not extended, and Khabs is the name of my House.

3. In the sphere I am everywhere the centre, as she, the circumference, is nowhere found.

4. Yet she shall be known & I never.

5. Behold! the rituals of the old time are black. Let the evil ones be cast away; let the good ones be purged by the prophet! Then shall this Knowledge go aright.

6. I am the flame that burns in every heart of man, and in the core of every star. I am Life, and the giver of Life, yet therefore is theknowledge of me the knowledge of death.

7. I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. "Come unto me" is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

8. Who worshipped Heru-pa-kraath have worshipped me; ill, for I am the worshipper.

9. Remember all ye that existence is pure joy; that all the sorrows are but as shadows; they pass & are done; but there is that which remains.

10. O prophet! thou hast ill will to learn this writing.

11. I see thee hate the hand & the pen; but I am stronger.

12. Because of me in Thee which thou knewest not.

13. for why? Because thou wast the knower, and me.

14. Now let there be a veiling of this shrine: now let the light devour men and eat them up with blindness!

15. For I am perfect, being Not; and my number is nine by the fools; but with the just I am eight, and one in eight: Which is vital, for I am none indeed. The Empress and the King are not of me; for there is a further secret.

16. I am The Empress & the Hierophant. Thus eleven, as my bride is eleven.

17. Hear me, ye people of sighing!

The sorrows of pain and regret

Are left to the dead and the dying,

The folk that not know me as yet.

18. These are dead, these fellows; they feel not. We are not for the poor and sad: the lords of the earth are our kinsfolk.

19. Is a God to live in a dog? No! but the highest are of us. They shall rejoice, our chosen: who sorroweth is not of us.

20. Beauty and strength, leaping laughter and delicious languor, force and fire, are of us.

21. We have nothing with the outcast and the unfit: let them die in their misery. For they feel not. Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world. Think not, o king, upon that lie: That Thou Must Die: verily thou shalt not die, but live. Now let it be understood: If the body of the King dissolve, he shall remain in pure ecstasy for ever. Nuit! Hadit! Ra-Hoor-Khuit! The Sun, Strength & Sight, Light; these are for the servants of the Star & the Snake.

22. I am the Snake that giveth Knowledge & Delight and bright glory, and stir the hearts of men with drunkenness. To worship me take wine and strange drugs whereof I will tell my prophet, & be drunk thereof! They shall not harm ye at all. It is a lie, this folly against self. The exposure of innocence is a lie. Be strong, o man! lust, enjoy all things of sense and rapture: fear not that any God shall deny thee for this.

23. I am alone: there is no God where I am.

24. Behold! these be grave mysteries; for there are also of my friends who be hermits. Now think not to find them in the forest or on the mountain; but in beds of purple, caressed by magnificent beasts of women with large limbs, and fire and light in their eyes, and masses of flaming hair about them; there shall ye find them. Ye shall see them at rule, at victorious armies, at all the joy; and there shall be in them a joy a million times greater than this. Beware lest any force another, King against King! Love one another with burning hearts; on the low men trample in the fierce lust of your pride, in the day of your wrath.

25. Ye are against the people, O my chosen!

26. I am the secret Serpent coiled about to spring: in my coiling there is joy. If I lift up my head, I and my Nuit are one. If I droop down mine head, and shoot forth venom, then is rapture of the earth, and I and the earth are one.

27. There is great danger in me; for who doth not understand these runes shall make a great miss. He shall fall down into the pit called Because, and there he shall perish with the dogs of Reason.

28. Now a curse upon Because and his kin!

29. May Because be accursed for ever!

30. If Will stops and cries Why, invoking Because, then Will stops & does nought.

31. If Power asks why, then is Power weakness.

32. Also reason is a lie; for there is a factor infinite & unknown; & all their words are skew-wise.

33. Enough of Because! Be he damned for a dog!

34. But ye, o my people, rise up & awake!

35. Let the rituals be rightly performed with joy & beauty!

36. There are rituals of the elements and feasts of the times.

37. A feast for the first night of the Prophet and his Bride!

38. A feast for the three days of the writing of the Book of the Law.

39. A feast for Tahuti and the child of the Prophet--secret, O Prophet!

40. A feast for the Supreme Ritual, and a feast for the Equinox of the Gods.

41. A feast for fire and a feast for water; a feast for life and a greater feast for death!

42. A feast every day in your hearts in the joy of my rapture!

43. A feast every night unto Nu, and the pleasure of uttermost delight!

44. Aye! feast! rejoice! there is no dread hereafter. There is the dissolution, and eternal ecstasy in the kisses of Nu.

45. There is death for the dogs.

46. Dost thou fail? Art thou sorry? Is fear in thine heart?

47. Where I am these are not.

48. Pity not the fallen! I never knew them. I am not for them. I console not: I hate the consoled & the consoler.

49. I am unique & conqueror. I am not of the slaves that perish. Be they damned & dead! Amen. (This is of the 4: there is a fifth who is invisible, & therein am I as a babe in an egg. )

50. Blue am I and gold in the light of my bride: but the red gleam is in my eyes; & my spangles are purple & green.

51. Purple beyond purple: it is the light higher than eyesight.

52. There is a veil: that veil is black. It is the veil of the modest woman; it is the veil of sorrow, & the pall of death: this is none of me. Tear down that lying spectre of the centuries: veil not your vices in virtuous words: these vices are my service; ye do well, & I will reward you here and hereafter.

53. Fear not, o prophet, when these words are said, thou shalt not be sorry. Thou art emphatically my chosen; and blessed are the eyes that thou shalt look upon with gladness. But I will hide thee in a mask of sorrow: they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen: but I lift thee up.

54. Nor shall they who cry aloud their folly that thou meanest nought avail; thou shall reveal it: thou availest: they are the slaves of because: They are not of me. The stops as thou wilt; the letters? change them not in style or value!

55. Thou shalt obtain the order & value of the English Alphabet; thou shalt find new symbols to attribute them unto.

56. Begone! ye mockers; even though ye laugh in my honour ye shall laugh not long: then when ye are sad know that I have forsaken you.

57. He that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is filthy shall be filthy still.

58. Yea! deem not of change: ye shall be as ye are, & not other. Therefore the kings of the earth shall be Kings for ever: the slaves shall serve. There is none that shall be cast down or lifted up: all is ever as it was. Yet there are masked ones my servants: it may be that yonder beggar is a King. A King may choose his garment as he will: there is no certain test: but a beggar cannot hide his poverty.

59. Beware therefore! Love all, lest perchance is a King concealed! Say you so? Fool! If he be a King, thou canst not hurt him.

60. Therefore strike hard & low, and to hell with them, master!

61. There is a light before thine eyes, o prophet, a light undesired, most desirable.

62. I am uplifted in thine heart; and the kisses of the stars rain hard upon thy body.

63. Thou art exhaust in the voluptuous fullness of the inspiration; the expiration is sweeter than death, more rapid and laughterful than a caress of Hell's own worm.

64. Oh! thou art overcome: we are upon thee; our delight is all over thee: hail! hail: prophet of Nu! prophet of Had! prophet of Ra-Hoor-Khu! Now rejoice! now come in our splendour & rapture! Come in our passionate peace, & write sweet words for the Kings.

65. I am the Master: thou art the Holy Chosen One.

66. Write, & find ecstasy in writing! Work, & be our bed in working! Thrill with the joy of life & death! Ah! thy death shall be lovely: whososeeth it shall be glad. Thy death shall be the seal of the promise of our age long love. Come! lift up thine heart & rejoice! We are one; we are none.

67. Hold! Hold! Bear up in thy rapture; fall not in swoon of the excellent kisses!

68. Harder! Hold up thyself! Lift thine head! breathe not so deep -- die!

69. Ah! Ah! What do I feel? Is the word exhausted?

70. There is help & hope in other spells. Wisdom says: be strong! Then canst thou bear more joy. Be not animal; refine thy rapture! If thou drink, drink by the eight and ninety rules of art: if thou love, exceed by delicacy; and if thou do aught joyous, let there be subtlety therein!

71. But exceed! exceed!

72. Strive ever to more! and if thou art truly mine -- and doubt it not, an if thou art ever joyous! -- death is the crown of all.

73. Ah! Ah! Death! Death! thou shalt long for death. Death is forbidden, o man, unto thee.

74. The length of thy longing shall be the strength of its glory. He that lives long & desires death much is ever the King among the Kings.

75. Aye! listen to the numbers & the words:

76. 4 6 3 8 A B K 2 4 A L G M O R 3 Y X 24 89 R P S T O V A L. What meaneth this, o prophet? Thou knowest not; nor shalt thou know ever. There cometh one to follow thee: he shall expound it. But remember, o chose none, to be me; to follow the love of Nu in the star-lit heaven; to look forth upon men, to tell them this glad word.

77. O be thou proud and mighty among men!

78. Lift up thyself! for there is none like unto thee among men or among Gods! Lift up thyself, o my prophet, thy stature shall surpass the stars. They shall worship thy name, foursquare, mystic, wonderful, the number of the man; and the name of thy house 418.

79. The end of the hiding of Hadit; and blessing & worship to the prophet of the lovely Star!

Love is the law, love under will.

[binah-fae]

The Matchmaker

Based on that soulmate AU where the first words your soulmate say to you are tattooed on your arm.

***

Ellie pulled Jamie down the hallway so ferociously that he nearly tripped on a couch leg in the hallway.

March break at Rosewood University was unusually quiet but Jamie didn’t mind. He liked it when there weren't crowds of people.

Most people went home for the week but Jamie told Ellie’s parents he’d watch over her and she decided to stay at RU because Lottie stayed.

Jamie could just make out the letters on Ellie’s left arm: Excuse me? It was the words her soulmate first said to her.

Lottie Pumpkin, Ellie’s soulmate, had something a little less polite. She had the words: You’re in my spot, Pumpkin-head tattooed on her arm forever.

“C’mon, hurry up!” Ellie moaned. “You’re as slow as cold molasses running up a hill!”

Jamie rolled his eyes but picked up the pace anyway.

Apparently, they were seeing The Matchmaker, a student at the university who had an uncanny way of figuring out someone’s soulmate and then setting them up to meet each other.

Ellie had gone to The Matchmaker in order to find her own soulmate last year. The Matchmaker had apparently told her to just go to all of her classes the next day.

Then, in Ellie’s Women’s Studies class Lottie had been sitting in Ellie's usual spot.

Lottie had been told by The Matchmaker to sit in a different spot than her own in all of her classes.

Jamie didn’t know what to think of this matchmaker. He just assumed that Fate would soon bring him and his soulmate together.

He wasn’t impatient like Ellie.

But ever since Ellie had met Lottie because of The Matchmaker, Ellie had been hounding him day after day for him to go to this student to find out his soulmate.

Finally, Jamie had relented. Sure, it would be nice to finally get to know his soulmate but he didn’t want to rush anything. What if it wasn’t the right time?

Ellie stopped so suddenly in front of a door that Jamie almost ran over her.

“Here we are,” Ellie grinned. She knocked on the door. “I’m so excited!” She exclaimed quietly as the door swung open.

A short, black, girl answered. Her face poked out of the door and she looked at Ellie before turning her gaze to Jamie. She cocked her head to the side and pushed up her circular glasses. “Jamie Volk?”

Jamie nodded. He recognized the girl from his Computer Programming class. Binah Fae, if he wasn’t mistaken. She was a computer whiz and even the professor was baffled by her smarts.

Binah smiled and her eyes lit up. “Good! Ellie told me she’d be bringing you around now, come in, come in.” She opened the door wider.

The first thing Jamie noticed when he and Ellie stepped inside was that it was a single room Jamie could only describe as an organized mess.

Dozens of different types of plants were surrounding the bed and window while piles of library books littered the floor. The bed, however, was immaculately made and Jamie couldn’t see any dust.

Binah sat down on a little pile of books around the foot of her bed and gestured for Ellie and Jamie to do the same.

They sat.

Binah had a twinkle in her eye as she reached out her hands. “Can I take a look?”

It took a moment for Jamie to realize she was talking about his arm. He didn’t really know what else she could have been talking about but it hadn’t really processed in his mind. Jamie pulled up his sleeve and showed Binah what his soulmark said.

Eyyy, twinsies!

Jamie rolled his eyes just looking at it.

Binah inspected it for what seemed like an hour before nodding her head. “Ah,” was all she said with a nod.

“So? Do you know who it is?” Ellie asked, bouncing her feet around while sitting on the pile of books.

“Perhaps,” Binah said with a mysterious smile. Her eyes twinkled as Jamie pulled his sleeve down.

“So?” Ellie asked again, starting to become impatient. “What should Jamie do?”

Binah pursed her lips in thought. Then, as if she had figured out everything, she said, “hmmm, I’d say, Jamie, tomorrow for lunch go to the cafe across the university. Would that be okay?”

Jamie furrowed his brow. “Uh, yeah. Sure.” He had been there plenty of times third wheeling with Lottie and Ellie, not that he minded much.

Binah clapped her hands. “Great.” She stood up. “Then Fate will do the rest.”

Jamie and Ellie both stood up and were about to exit Binah’s dorm room when Ellie, a couple of paces behind him, suddenly exclaimed “wait! You don’t have anything on your arms!”

Jamie turned around and glanced at Binah whose arms were very much bare, not a phrase on them.

He had heard of people without soulmates but he had never met one before.

Jamie, however, had a filter while Ellie did not. He grabbed his friend’s arm and began yanking her out the door. “That’s rude, Ellie.”

Ellie began wiggling her arm out of Jamie’s grasp. “Hey!”

Binah didn’t look fazed by Ellie’s comment. She simply just shrugged. “Yup.” She held her forearms out for them to see.

Ellie finally pulled away from Jamie who gave up and crossed his arms instead.

“Don’t you want a soulmate?” Ellie asked again, her mouth drawn down into a frown.

“No, not really.”

Ellie looked utterly floored. The idea that someone wouldn’t want a soulmate had caused her to go momentarily speechless. A rare occasion, in Jamie’s book.

However, Jamie knew that soon Ellie would cross a line. He didn’t exactly know how but he could feel it coming. He knew Ellie well enough and he knew it was now the time to leave. He began pushing Ellie out the door. “Thank you, Binah. I really appreciate it.”

Ellie, still at a loss for words, opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water.

Binah waved. “Oh, no problem. I love working out puzzles.”

As Jamie pushed Ellie out into the hallway, he quickly turned around and mouthed a quick ‘I’m sorry’ to Binah who was at the door.

Binah just grinned even wider. ‘It’s okay’, she mouthed. Then, out loud, “bye guys! Have a nice day!”

***

The next morning, Ellie knocked on Jamie’s door at 8 o’clock in the morning.

“What are you doing up so early?” Jamie asked, surprised. He had been up for a couple of hours already. “I thought you didn’t get up before ten.”

Ellie snorted and rolled her eyes. “Not today. It’s an exciting day for you!”

“Binah said at lunchtime. Not breakfast.”

Ellie shrugged. “Who said you can’t be a little early? Besides, I want to help you get ready! You have to look your best!”

Jamie rolled his eyes. He would rather just wear what he’d normally wear—a nice plain shirt and some pants. But he sighed. He didn’t know why he relented but he did. “Fine.”

Ellie grinned mischievously.

“But nothing too loud,” he added in quickly.

In the end, the two of them settled for a deep plum button up and denim jeans. Not too bad. Except for the single ruby earring Ellie insisted on him wearing, saying that it would make him look “super cool”.

Jamie hadn’t felt like arguing (nor had he felt “super cool”) but he had let it go. “Why is there only one?” He asked.

Ellie laughed. “I bought it at a yard sale and they only sold one.”

Yard sale? Jamie repeated in his head, his eyes widening and hands immediately going up to his ear—

“—Chill! I cleaned it in hot water and sanitized it. What kind of monster do you think I am?” Ellie asked.

Jamie’s arm dropped back onto his lap.

Fifteen minutes later, they found themselves in a booth in the cafe Binah had told them to go to. Lottie was with them now, snacking on a blueberry muffin.

Jamie drained his second cup of coffee. It was 9:30, nowhere near lunchtime.

He wasn’t usually a fidgety person but the concept of sitting in a cafe for hours on end wasn’t exactly how he’d like to spend his time when he could be actually doing something.

Jamie stood up. “I’m getting another coffee.” He glanced at Ellie and Lottie. “Do you guys want anything else?”

Ellie glanced over at Lottie who shrugged. “No, we’re good.” As she said this she swiped a bit of Lottie’s muffin.

“Hey!” Lottie pouted.

Jamie stepped out of the booth and headed over to the ordering table where he asked for a refill.

As he neared the pickup counter his eyes connected with someone else. It was a guy with a short afro who was getting his coffee order ready. He wore a bright red bow tie which definitely did not match the light purple apron he had on. His name tag read Raphael Wilcox.

As soon as Jamie met his gaze with a cool stare, Raphael immediately averted his gaze and stared at the coffee machine.

Jamie leaned against the metal dividers, absentmindedly reading the menu above the counters.

Raphael grinned toothily as he held out Jamie’s coffee and slid it across the counter.

Jamie gave him a tightlipped smile with a nod. He was in no mood to exchange pleasantries with someone.

This was when Raphael was supposed just turn around and begin another order or something. But he didn’t. Instead, his mouth dropped open in surprise and his eyes lit up like a child opening gifts during Christmas. “Eyyy, twinsies!” He exclaimed, gesturing to Jamie’s single ruby earring and then at his own ear which held the exact same earring.

Jamie dropped his coffee in surprise. The scalding hot coffee splashed onto his body. “Shit.”

[thatrosewoodwriter]

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄.

☾ character/s: raphael wilcox

☾ warnings: none

☾ word count: 783

☾ notes: i made up this musical and it doesn’t exist as far as i’m aware

───────────────────────────

raphael loved being in musical theatre. he got to meet some amazing people, have sing-offs with everyone, discuss favourite characters and favourite songs and everything else that comes with. he always noticed someone who joined in the conversation as the character they played in the musical. everything they said was either a line in the script or said in the voice they’d made up for the role. at first, he thought it was cool. then musical after musical after musical, it continued. it sounded odd to him.

but he was concerned.

he was friends with them for a while. he pretended he didn’t notice. after the sixth show he’d done with them, he confronted them about it.

“why do you play your character like your life depends on it?” the question caught them off-guard.

“what?” for the first time, [name] hadn’t spoken a line from the production or changed their voice to suit their role – as far as raphael was aware.

“you always act like the character you play, whether it be changing your voice or reciting a line from the script. why?” he asked.

[name]’s [eye colour] orbs dulled. an impressive silence filled the space and raphael was beginning to pack up his things when he didn’t get a reply. when he turned back around to say goodbye to the [taller/shorter] [female/male/person] but froze when he saw their form trembling

“no one…liked me. when i was myself…” raphael’s heart fractured when he heard [name]’s voice quiver. “i’ve been bullied all my life… i find playing a character everyone loves easier than being me…” a waterfall of tears rained down their face. raphael pulled them into an embrace, snaking his arms around their [waist/shoulders], leaning his forehead on theirs.

• ──────────⋅☾ ☽⋅────────── •

when he left the theatre, he navigated his way through the school to find the student who joined him in the double-casting of the character they played, making an odd request.

“hey, sorry, i’ll explain properly later, but do you mind if you…skip out on the final performance?” the student rose their eyebrow, demanding to know why he was asking him of such a strange favour. briefly, raphael explained to him what [name] had told him.

“that’s… okay, yeah, sure, man,” they replied, supressing the smile slithering onto his face.

• ──────────⋅☾ ☽⋅────────── •

the audience were slowly creeping forwards in their seats, eye strained on the figure of [name] sitting alone on stage; raphael waiting in the wings. by now, everyone in the cast and all the directors knew of his plan. by now, everyone was going mad trying to locate their phones.

[name] had already acted this scene out so many times in front of the cast and crowd, their heart was running a marathon, regardless.

raphael walked onto stage, tapping them on the shoulder, making them jump. “hey!” [name] pretended to be blinded by his smile.

“geez, you need yellow teeth, you’ll be the reason i go blind.” raphael knew it was a line in the script, but it always made him smile. “what now, port vincent?”

he rolled his eyes dramatically, “it’s vincent, to you.” he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “uh, i wanted to know if you’re alright… you seem really down lately.”

they sighed, “yes, i’m fine, i don’t need you checking on me every second of every day,” they snapped. “why do you care anyway? it’s not like i’m gonna make a lasting impact on your life, you’ll forget me the second we get out of school, and you’ll have a wife and kids in a decade, stop asking like you ca-“

raphael guided them gently by the neck and pressed his lips to theirs gently. [name] had played this scene out before with the double, but maybe this is why they were so scared. they related to the lines, and they felt as if they’d genuinely opened up to raphael about how they’d been feeling. they slowly reached for his hand and laced their fingers together, taking half a step closer to him. when they pulled away, raphael smiled [up/down] at them.

“i love you,” raphael said. that wasn’t the line… “so much,” he murmured, loud enough for the microphone to pick it up.

his smile went blurry as they teared up, resting their forehead on his, “i love you, too…” they glanced at his soft lips again and kissed him for a second time. the crowd’s reactions were mixed. some cried, some aww’d, some whistled, some clapped. lottie, ellie, anastacia, binah and the rest did all of the above.

[everything-lobotomy-corporation]

Lobotomy Corp Pets

Angela permits the Sephirah to have office pets but things get out of hand quickly.

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

“I think it looks classy in the corner of my office.” Tiphereth sighed sweetly, gesturing to the large fish tank teeming with colorful fish. The little boy was through the moon, excited to have a pet in his office. “Thank you, Angela. I didn’t mean to impose-” “It’s simply fish.” She responded, almost robotically, “I don’t see them impeding your work very much.” “I actually think this will improve my work!” He nearly squealed, watching the bright technicolor creatures swim around. Angela raised a brow and a devious smirk formed. “Really?” “Yeah, It will make the day bearable. Who doesn’t want a friend or a couple of friends to help you through each day?” The Ai smiled, tapping her chin and running through the logistics of her new forming plan in her heard. “Tell me... do you think it would help the other Sephirah as well?”

----

The rule was enacted seemingly out of nowhere. Suddenly, the sefirot were allowed office pets. This email out of nowhere was interesting and it didn’t take long for the changes to be implemented.  Angela began in the Control Department, walking the halls and noting the employees and their tasks. She made her way to Malkuth’s office, opening the door without so much as a knock to see the Sephirah hard at work with some paperwork. The cockatiel on her desk danced happily, holding a pen in its mouth. Malkuth took the pen, thanking the little bird for it’s help. “Hello, Malkuth,” Angela finally greeted. Both the girl and the bird looked up, the bird mimicking the sound of the first trumpet upon seeing an intruder. “Oh, Good Morning Angela... Picnic, can you get mommy the white out?” It whistled, kicking off the desk into flight and going over to a little disorganized junk drawer in the corner. It picked up and flung around items as it searched and Angela just watched him eerily. “Your pet is not only for companionship but also has a practical use.” “Y-Yeah, Picnic is a very sweet bird.” “Good to see that it’s helping you work... Do you know if any other Sefirot have gotten into the spirit of things?” “I know Netzach got something and the information department has been abuzz all morning about whatever Yesod has.” “abuzz?” Malkuth nodded, digging through her papers as the cockatiel returned with a bottle of white out. “Yes, Something has them all talking and gossiping.”

--

It wasn’t a far walk to the information department and on the way, snickers and giggles could be heard. Angela entered without knocking and wasn’t phased at all at the sight. Yesod was at his standing desk and at his side was .... a naked cat. “It appears your mammal has lost it’s hair somewhere.” She commented, making the Sefirot roll his eyes. The cat jumped into his desk and he quickly pet the affectionate thing. “ Qetesh is a Donskoy. She doesn’t have any hair. It’s more efficient.” “It looks gross.” He sighed at her remark, having heard something similar all morning from his team. “She doesn’t have hairballs, at least.” “I suppose that is a plus.” “Why is everyone so interested in Qetesh? Netzach and Hod have absolutely abysmal choices.” He complained. “Cats are clean, functional, and they are independent mostly.” “What do Netzach and Hod have?” “Frogs.” “...Excuse me?” “Just go to the Security department. They should both be there.”

----

There was a hastily drawn sign that read Frog Room hanging on the door of Netzach’s office. From inside he heard gigglings and snorts from Hod and Angela determined that knocking was the best idea this time. Hod immediately asked her to enter and Angela was not prepared for what she was about to see. Inside was Netzach and Hod of course and a couple employees from both departments. There were hundreds of frogs hopping loose all over the room, jumping on people and climing on everything.Netzach had one on his head and Hod was cuddling about 5 of them like babies. “...Do I want to know what's going on here?”  “Fun.” Netzach said simply. “We got a shitload of frogs.” “I can....see that.” She said, being slightly distracted as a happy little frog jumped onto her foot. She looked down at it before kicking it off, launching it to Netzach  and hitting him in the face with a loud slap. He didn’t seem to mind, picking up the little guy. “She’s not the cuddly type, Archibald. You stay here with me.” “Please tell me you did not name them all.” “Oh!” Hod started, poking the head of the frogs she was holding. “Of course we did! This one is Pep, this one is chicken nugget, we call this little guy Squeedly Spooch-” “Don’t forget Durndle.” Netzach butt in, leaving Angela almost in shock. She had no intention of sticking around and hearing all the names.

---

Angela stopped by to say hello to the Tiphereth fish tank before making her way to the Welfare Department. The sound of arguing drew her to the hallway that connected the Welfare and Disciplinary departments. The yelling sounded all too familiar.  When she saw Chesed leaning against the wall, holding a puppy in his arms and across from him was Gebura with a leash on ..... “Gebura, is that a Wolverine?” Angela asked, almost exhausted. Both Sefirot turned to look at their boss but Gebura rolled her eyes. “Hello Angela.” Chesed started. “I was just taking Eirene for a little walk. Just to get my precious fluffy sheltie a lay of the land-” “If you’re going to address me do not coddle your dog while doing it.” Angela warned, unamused by the blue haired sephirah cuddling the animal. He ignored her, continuing to hug his precious puppy.  “Gebura’s Wolverine is very aggressive.” “He’s on a fucking leash. What more do you want from me!?” “It bites every employee it walks by-” Chesed was interrupted when the little furry creature snapped its jaws at him. “Get your little monster away from me.” “Maahes is MY little monster!” “I care much less about this now.” Angela said dryly, walking off and not bothering to weigh in on either side.

----

Hokma was frazzled, looking under every desk in the department when Angela arrived. She looked at him curiously but he didn’t seem to notice. “Milly! Milly sweetie where are you?” “You lost your pet?” “Oh, Angela, thank goodness.” He stood quickly, dusting himself off and trying to seem less disheveled. “Milly is missing. She’s a miniature pig.” “Where is the last place you saw her?” “She was just running around. Oh, Milly where have you gone.” “Well, when you find her let me know. I’ll go see what pet Binah has decided to keep.” “Yes. Yes. Of course, Angela.” She had already started walking off, trying not to look back at the sound of Hokma panicking. She made her way into the dark halls of the Extraction department. There were discouraging roars and rumbles coming deep from the area and Angela continued stoically through the hall. It wasn’t long before she came upon Binah’s throne. None of her employees were anywhere to be seen. Behind her stood the large black mass, growling at Angela’s approach. “Binah.” “Angela.... to what do I owe this visit?” “Is that the Mountain of Smiling Bodies?” “I call him Mose, for short.” Binah said casually. “He’s cute when you get past the smell.” The creature burped, a bright pink color shooting out from its mouth and landing at Angela’s feet. The collar read ‘Milly’ and Angela just had to sigh. “....He got hungry-” “Put him back.” “There is no rule that says I have to.” “There’s about to be, this was all a mistake.” Angela turned heel, walking out of the room and massaging her forehead. Binah sighed, petting the sticky mess who let out a little grunt in reponse. “....I’ll still call you Mose, buddy.”

[mychameleonsix]

ILY Epilogue

**Year 2025** "Are you ready?" Soohyun said coming into my room. "My God, I'm not sure! I don't know what to feel anymore." I said looking at her through the mirror as she stood behind me, fixing a few stray strands from my chignon. "Relax, it's going to be okay." "What if something goes wrong?" "Everything will be okay, you're worried for nothing." "I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm only 31, Soohyun, are you sure this is a good idea?" "Kang Soobin can you stop? You're doing this today, stop thinking about it. Breathe." I was about to retaliate but a knock on the door ruined my train of thought. Soohyun and I turned our heads to the figure entering - it was Jiyoung, my sister's friend who did my hair and makeup today. I don't even look like I'm wearing makeup, she's that good. "Thank you for doing this in short notice, Jiyoung, you're a life saver." "My pleasure, I'm glad to be of service." "I'll definitely recommend you to my friends." "Thank you, Ri. Everything's looking good here, you're good to go. I'll see you out there." She said before checking my lashes one last time, and tucking a curl behind my ear. As soon as she left, Ken entered the room, with Chaerin on her tail. "What are you still doing here? Girl, let's go! Everybody's waiting for you." Ken said wagging a finger at me, over-exaggerating her movements, causing Chaerin to laugh at her expense. "Can't keep everyone waiting forever, you know." Chaerin said sitting down on the couch next to where I'm seated, texting on her phone. "This is all happening so fast. Please remind me again why I'm doing this?" "We've been going at this for the past two hours, give it up already Ri. You're doing this, you're ready. Now let's go!" Soohyun said rolling her eyes at me. "Okay, here we go!" ***Jae's POV*** It's a generally beautiful day today. The sky's clear, no signs of rain or any mishaps whatsoever. The weather's fine, not too hot, the wind just right. However though, what isn't right... is this tie I'm wearing. Goddamint, I've been trying to tie this damn tie for the past 15 minutes. "Can you please chill? Here let me do it." Brian said, walking towards me, grabbing my shoulders so I can face him. "You're more nervous than Riley, it's laughable." Sungjin said. "How'd you know?" "Chaerin sent me a picture of Riley looking as if she's about to have a mental breakdown." "What?" "Okay, calm down, I was kidding. She just sent a text saying Riley's just as nervous as you are right now. So can you, please, breathe for a minute." Sungjin said sighing. "Where's Wonpil and Dowoon?" I said throwing a pillow at him, slightly annoyed that he's making jokes at this time. "Wonpil's on his way back from picking up Hana. Dowoon's getting something from the car...hold still, I'm almost done." Bri said, focused on my tie. "There, all done! Good to go, hyung." "Finally!" Sungjin said standing up, at the same time Dowoon walked in with Wonpil and Hana in tow. "Why are you all still here? Aren't you supposed to be out there already? People are waiting!" Wonpil said to us; to me especially. "Wait a minute, I just want to say a word to all of you." I said, facing them - the four people who meant everything to me all these years. "Thank you for everything boys. You've been a family to me since day one, I don't think I'd make it through if it weren't for y'all. And now that there's going to be an addition to this family, I hope nothing's going to change. I'll always be here, still, no matter what happens." "Well duh, you're just getting married. We're still DAY6; tomorrow when we all wake up, everything will be the same between us. It's just that, now, you won't be in the room next to mine." Dowoon said. "Yeah, but you and Riley bought the house downstairs so nothing's really changing. Your room's going to stay as it is, hyung, don't worry." Brian said to me, patting me on the back. "Save your sappy self for your bride, will you? You might run out of words to say for your vows. Now can we please go? You can't be late to your own wedding Jae." Sungjin said and walked straight out. "Congratulations to the both of you, Jae. I'm so happy for you and Riley." Hana said to me as we all headed out. "Thank you, Hana. Don't worry, soon you'll be another addition to this growing family." I said with a wink, laughing at how flushed she immediately looked. "Hyung!" Wonpil said, slapping the back of my head. The audacity of this man? How dare he slap me on my wedding day. "What? It's true." "Shut up, today's not about Hana and I." "See, Hana, he's neither confirming nor denying it" I said still laughing. When we entered the church, a lot of people were already there; mostly close friends and family. We decided to have the wedding in LA so that we can have the privacy that we want. It was a mutual decision. "We'll start as soon as she gets here, okay Jae?" Our manager said to me before he went to sit beside the rest of the boys. I got my phone out to check the time but saw that Riley sent me a text. Jae! Yes, my love? I'm getting married today, can you believe that? What? No way? Who's the lucky groom? Some guy who plays in a band, amazing visuals, heavenly voice, tall, looks like a chicken. His name's Park Jaehyung! You know him? Isn't he that handsome guitarist from DAY6? Oh my God you know him? Yes! But wait, you know I'm getting married today too! Really? What are the odds. Who's your bride? Oh you know, the smartest and the most talented surgeon ever! Name's Kang Soobin, you know her? Omooo, Kang Soobin? You mean you're marrying THE Kang Soobin from cardio? She's like...my role model! She's amazing! And I love her. And she loves you too. See you in a few minutes! See you soon, wife See you soon, husband I smiled reading that last one. Husband. In a few minutes, I'm really getting married, wow. "Jae, she's here." Brian said beside me. He's my best man, they all are. Everybody in the church stood up and faced the back; anticipating the moment the doors open, and Riley walks in. God, I'm so nervous, my palms are starting to sweat. Okay here we go... 3... 2... 1... Wonpil started playing the piano as soon as the doors opened; my entire world stopping. I'm having a hard time breathing now, because I can't seem to comprehend how I got so lucky to be marrying the only girl I ever loved. The moment my eyes landed on Riley, it's as if it's the first time I'm seeing her. She looks so beautiful in her white dress, with a smile that reached her ears - no traces of tears. Meanwhile I was standing here, tears so uncontrollable it's starting to get embarrassing. When she reached the end, her dad gave her to me, giving me a tight hug and a firm handshake... telling me to take care of her daughter. Don't you worry, sir, I will; even if I have to take a bullet. Riley reached her hand up to me, wiping the tears streaming down my face. I got a hold of her hand in the process, pressing it more into my cheeks - feeling her warmth against my cold skin. I locked our hands together and walked with her to the altar. "We are gathered here today to witness a beautiful union between this lovely couple: Jae and Riley." Pastor John said. The pastor was saying a lot of things, the audience reacting to the stories he was sharing about Riley and I. We've known him our entire life since we grew up going to  this church. But my mind's not really processing anything that he's saying. I'm so focused on Riley right now, I can't stop staring at her. Can this day get faster, I just wanna go home and have Riley all to myself. "Jae...hello earth to Jae..." "Huh, what?" "It's time for your vows." The pastor said. "Oh right, yes...um my vows..." "Are you feeling alright, Jae? Do you need a minute? You look like you're about to cry." Pastor John said teasing me, while Riley and the audience laughed at me. "I'm okay, I was just sidetracked." "Your vows then, Jae." Taking a deep breath, I faced Riley and took her hands and locked it in mine, giving it a small squeeze. "People have different ways on how they call you. To some, you're Riri, Riles, Soobinah, Binbin, or even Rilester or Binah. Others call you by your real name: Kang Soobin or Riley Kang, and now Dr. Kang from Cardio has been added to the list. However though, to me, you're my Ri-bear, and you'll always be Jae's girl. We've been through so much already, Ri; and if there's one thing that I've learned in the years that we've been together, it's that love is not just full of romance. You need to work hard for it to make it work, to make it last. That's why today, as I stand before you, I promise not just to love you forever, but I promise I'll love you in every single waking moment of our lives. I can't promise you I'll be the perfect husband, because I won't. I also cannot promise you the fairytale life you dreamed of as a child. But I promise that I'll never stop loving you even when I hate you. I promise that I'll keep making you laugh even when you're angry, give you hugs when you're cold, feed you when you're too tired to eat for yourself, sing you to sleep when you can't, and to be the peace whenever you're battling a war with yourself or with anything.  You and I, we balance each other out. And that's how I want this marriage to be: a balance between love, respect, time, and effort. Today's only the beginning of a lifetime that we'll have to face together; and to be able to spend the rest of my life, standing beside you - supporting you, is a privilege that I am beyond honored to have. I love you Riley, in every language that I know, in every way that I can show, and with every piece of me. You are mine, just as I am yours." I ended my vows with a kiss to Riley's forehead, stopping myself from crying more than I already am. I can see her having a really hard time controlling the waterworks, probably scared she'll ruin her makeup. "Riley, I believe it's your turn to say your vows" Pastor John said, handing her the mic. "To many, our love story will probably seem as the typical friends-to-lovers type of story. But to me it isn't. Ours is special because I knew I loved you even before we were friends. I used to be that shy little girl who had no friends, was bullied and teased a lot because of my glasses, add to that the fact that I'm Asian, and that I'm actually good at math. But you, my fellow Asian boy, who were also teased and bullied a lot as a kid, saved me from those monsters and became my friend. It was in that moment I knew, you were special to me. You've always stood by me, defending and protecting me from the world. But let me tell you, my love - today I promise you, that from this day forth, I will fight the world to protect and defend you as well. We'll conquer the world day by day, just as we always had. Jae, as I stand in front of the people closest to us, to the witnesses of our love, I will only promise you one thing: that I'll never stop trying. I will try to always love you more than I already do; to make things work even when it gets tough; to understand you even if you start sounding unreasonable; to support you with your dreams and help you attain them, and to keep our love story never ending. Today our love story is turning its pages to the next chapter, and we'll keep turning its pages to the next chapter, and the next, and then the next one, til death do us part. And you know what makes this love story, our love story, a great one? It's because God wrote ours, with you and I as the protagonists.

I love you Jae, yesterday, today, and all the days that are yet to come. And just like that line our lyrical genius, Youngk, once wrote: you are my day, Jae. Forever."

After Riley said her vows, Pastor John continued on with the ceremony, saying a few more words and whatnot. But I'm only looking forward to one thing now: the kiss. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Jae, you may now kiss your bride." He said. Gladly, pastor! I stepped closer to Riley, cupping her face in my hands, staring into her eyes. God, she's so beautiful. "I love you husband." She whispered. "I love you too wife." I said as I closed the gap between us, kissing her softly as the crowd cheered for us. 

[tamisdava2]

God/Godesses or Pantheon AU, dunno, call it how you want.

Lilith: Hava, i missed you so much darling! >_< *Huggin*

Hava: I missed you too Sister. *Huggin*

Adam: *Eating apple in the distance*

Lilith: I have to practice my knife throwing skills!

Hava: Lilith please dont do it .-_-.

Lilith: I just need apple... Oh look Adam is eating one, but since he almost already ate it instead of apple i'll shoot his boot!

Hava: Lilith if you'll do it you aren't my sister anymore!

Lilith: THE URGE IS TOO STRONG!!! *Throws knife at Adam's boot*

Adam: *Screaming like a girl* Seriously Lilith? You are here only 10 minutes and you already decided to practice your throwing knives skills on my BOOT?!

Binah: *Sigh* Lilith how many times i told you over those thousand years to stop shooting Adam's boot?! 

Lilith: Probably alot, i've never counted.

Lilith: And what can be better than shooting  the boot of this damn bastard!?

Binah: Lilith, please dont try to kill each other infront of children

Scroched girl: Can i shoot Adam's boot too?

Lilith: Of course my child! *Gives knife*

Adam: My little girl please put down the knife! I hope you are happy with yourself Lilith now!

Laetitia: Mrs. Lilith dont you think that it is rude to shoot knives at people's boot?

Lilith: Wow, such sweet girl, hm... Yes it is rude, but Adam is exception.

Child of galaxy: But why?Lilith: Hahaha... *Serious face* you wont understand 

[sublimeperfectionland]

New Moon of the Dark Kingdom Chapter Hundred and Thirty Three - Army of Darkness

Zoisite and Kunzite have found true love, but when some old friends, a vengeful god, and a pair of evil twins are gunning for the Shitennou all at once, life is not going to be easy

[Scene: Five minutes earlier. The Royal Audience Chamber of the Dark Kingdom]

[Thetis is in youma form, standing behind an obelisk she is using as a lectern. Facing her, from the shadows of the background are thousands of youma.

Thetis: Greetings, youma. I have called you all together to announce there has been a change of plans. Queen Metalia requires your presence in the featureless deadzone surrounding her special sanctuary. For how long, I can not tell you. It might be years. Decades. Centuries. But as it is our duty to serve her in any way she sees fit, we will obey at once, and without question.

[The is an indistinct rumble of grumbling, but no open dissension. Thetis unrolls the blueprints for Metalia Inferno.]

Thetis: Seven Great Youma. You will guard the entrance to the Dead Zone, right beyond the vault door. You, being the strongest, will serve as our first line of defense.

Binah: [Bowing low] It will be an honor to serve!

Great Youma: Praise Metalia!

Thetis: DD Girls...As Metalia's personal vanguard, you will stand sentry at the exit into the chamber of traps and serve as our final line of defense. As this is a magical deadzone, your attacking ability will be greatly diminished, but you should still have your physical attack capabilities, as well as your wings for flight, and I trust you to work together as always as a team.

DD Girls: [Bow in perfect unison] We live to serve Metalia!

Thetis: As for the rest of you. I've taken the liberty of assigning each of you to a zone. While I call your name or group, please approach the podium to review your assigned location.

[She looks about at the sea of faces to see who she will call first and notices a pair of plant youma she's never seen before. A male and a female, standing in an embrace and looking rather too relaxed for Thetis's liking]

Thetis: You two. You're new here. I take it you are Lord Zoisite's creatures?

[The plant youma laugh]

Female Plant Creature: I suppose you could say that.

Thetis: What are your names?

Female Plant Creature: Oh..."What is in a name?"

[She breaks off from the male and preforms a flawless gymnastics floor routine to close half the distance to Thetis, then doffs her wig and mask like a cap and bows to Thetis, revealing medium length red hair and a human face]

El: "...a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet..."

Dev: [pulls off his own mask to join her and clasp her hands from behind her back] Ironically, "Rose" is her middle name.

El: [pulls her hand free and gives him a playful swat] Don't tell them that.

[The army of youma are too stunned by their audacity to react.]

Thetis: You're...insane! [morphing into her human form] You...dare...to show yourselves, here of all places, before Metalia's entire army!

[The twins shrug]

Thetis: KILL THEM!

Bunbo The Great: Wait, stay back, they-

[Dev and El drop a handful what look like tiny glass pyramids, which skitter like spiders as they come to the Seven Great Youma, then unfold and enlarge and fold again to form clear cages in which the Seven Great Youma stand as immobile as wax figures.]

Dev: [sighs] "Alas poor, Bunbo"

El: [sly] He knew we were going to do that.

Dev: Always peeking into the future...

El: ...all the while recognizing the futility of struggling against his Destiny.

[The DD Girls hiss in outrage, and the twins drop more of the glass cages, trapping the DD Girls in the same fashion.]

[Thetis is staring, gapejawed]

El: [giggles] Don't worry. They'll all be fine. Eventually. We just put them on a bit of a Time Out.

Dev: You see, that unbreakable oath of obedience they've sworn would present some challenges that we simply don't feel like dealing with right now.

Thetis: [to the sea of youma] DON'T JUST STAND THERE! KILL THEM!

[The mob of youma roar and surge, only to come up against an invisible force-field.]

Dev: [grins gently] Now, now. There is no need for violence.

El: I concur. [smiles evilly as she stands back to back with her brother] We are all friends here.

Dev: Indeed. I'd like to explain how your interests would be better served by serving us... [a flute materializes in his hands] ...but I find I express myself best through song.

[The room darkens as he trills out a haunting melody, while El's eyes glow white and a pinkish mist rises as she grins in a malevolent manner.]

[By the time he finishes his song, the youma have all fallen into a deep hypnosis.]

[Thetis watches in horror as the entire army bends at the knee and swear fealty to Dev and El.]

Dev: There has been a little change in leadership. You all work for us now.

[Thousands of youma cheer in support]

[The twins hold hands and turn to face Thetis with evil smiles on their faces]

El: Now what are we going to do about you?

[binah-beloved]

(lor good ending spoilers below)

after the final reception ends with the hrad's enforcers leaving, and the library is banished to the outskirts, you immediately rush to Binah's side to tend to her injuries and comfort her. after all, she'd done the same for you after every prior reception you handled

oh, you're terrified.

see, this is the first time you've seen her truly injured. she's told you about her first near-death experience, the almost imperceptible stiffness on her shoulders lost on everyone but you. you had merely given her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance, watching her slowly exhale and give you a subtle smile. her hand is elegant and strong and covered in scars of all sizes, and she laces her fingers with yours in a firm, unbreakable grip

but now, now when you see her bleeding and unsteady on her feet and still looking at you with that small, soft smile, your heart shatters like glass and you rush over to support her, as she's done so many times for you. Binah chuckles, breath coming out short and clipped as you help her sit on the floor, her hand raising slowly to cup your cheek and wipe away tears you hadn't even noticed

"Hush, birdie. It'll be alright."

you sob and cling to her, unable to stop staring at the wounds inflicted by that other Arbiter, the one with short hair and an unbearably smug smile, carefully wrapping them in gauze as you would for any other employee. Binah merely sighs, somehow content, leaning her forehead against yours. she insists on tucking you in her cloak so she can wrap an arm around your shoulders, hugging you close with a gentle murmur and a kiss on your cheek. you're finally away from that wretched City, that horrid district, together

[theshatteredrose]

This Can’t Be Normal… (Guardian Chronicles) - Etrian Odyssey Untold 2 Fanfiction

Summary: Flavio had just wanted to ask Lynus how scared he should be about Chloe making friends with the Pinkettes. He was not expecting to be crash-tackled and forced to hide in a bathroom with a skittish gunner and a survivalist he didn't even know...

AN: This turned out a bit longer than anticipated. Don’t take this too seriously ^^ I just felt the need to write something light-hearted and fun, so I hope you enjoy reading~

~*~*~*~*~

Flavio ascended the stone stairs to the second floor of the inn. He knew that Lynus’ room was located a few doors down from the stairs, and he wanted to ask the medic a few quick questions about…a certain group of pink-haired girls.

As a survivalist, he felt it was important to get a handle on what he should expect to deal with. It probably won’t help with the humiliation factor, but he should at least have some kind of idea what to expect, right? And maybe he could get some tips on how to avoid them?

The sound of pounding feet, akin to someone running or in a desperate hurry, pulled Flavio from his musings and caused him to lift his head up to look in front of him. A blur of someone wearing a forest green coat skidded around the corner, somehow managing to stay upright despite their speed and sudden change of direction, and immediately returned to a sprint.

They made eye contact and Flavio vaguely recognised him as the Guardians’ gunner, Macerio, before Macerio suddenly skidded to a stop next to him and…

Flavio felt the wind knocked out of him when Macerio literally crash-tackled him around the waist. His back hit something behind him, a partially open door probably, with a loud thud and he landed on the floor with an equally loud crash. He uttered a loud ‘oof!’ when something landed on top of him.

The weight atop of him abruptly vanished and Flavio drew in a sharp breath of air as the sound of a door slamming shut rung through his ears. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment as he lay sprawled on the floor with his arms outstretched on either side of him.

Ok, first; ow! Second; what the hell?!

Flavio sat up and clutched his stomach as he stared in utter bewilderment at the brown haired gunner who was frantically engaging the lock on the door. "W-what are you-?" he wheezed.

"Shhh!" Macerio hissed at him as he pressed his back against the door and tilted to the side as if to hear whatever could be on the other side. "She's coming."

Flavio was about to ask who would be so feared that Macerio would crash-tackle him through a partially open door and into god know who's room when he heard a soft tinkling of...bells? Wait, he had heard that sound somewhere before. What was it…?

“Macerio~”

Ah, that was right. Binah. She had chased Macerio through the inn when he had first encountered the gunner. Who of which dove into his room to find shelter. Did he have the habit of ducking through any partially open door he came across in his desperate attempt to avoid the pink-haired troubadour? Ok, sure, Flavio could kinda understand his fear, especially now that Chloe seemed to have made friends with Binah, but wasn’t crashing into someone else’s room rude? Not to mention dangerous?

…Maybe that was a risk he was willing to take?

Good god, what kind of trouble was Chloe going to be dragging their guild through now?

“Macerio~ Come out, come out, wherever you are~”

That sounded more haunting and scary than he thought possible, especially coming from a young girl.

Despite being incredulous of how dangerous the situation truly was, Flavio unexpectedly found himself holding his breath in fright as well when that scarily cheery voice and tinkling of bells suddenly stopped just outside the door.

“Hmmmmmmmm,” came an ominously drawn out hum before followed by a loud, disgruntled huff. “He’s not here. Ugh, so rude! Whatever, he’s gotta come out of hiding eventually!”

Macerio winced and covered his head with his hands as he cowered, and Flavio couldn’t help but grimace in sympathy for the gunner.

“Chloe? Your guildmate is around here somewhere, right?”

Flavio felt his eyes widen as he subconsciously tensed. Chloe? She was out there, too?

“Yup, Flavio should be close by.”

Gah, she was out there, too! Wait, him? She was going after him?!

“He’ll be our next victim, then~” came a girly giggle.

Victim?! She wasn’t even attempting to hide her evil plans for him!

Flavio was torn between feeling utterly bewildered and utterly terrified as he sat numbly on the floor, listening to the sound of footsteps and tinkling bells as they faded from hearing range. Finally, he couldn’t hear a thing. Only silence.

Macerio breathed out a huge sigh of relief and slump against the door. “That was too close…” he muttered under his breath.

Now that the, ah, threat was gone, Flavio’s ribs and stomach started to ache, and he rubbed them subconsciously as he turned a pointed gaze at the gunner. “Look, I know she’s scary, but was this really necessary?”

Macerio immediately sat up straight and bristled as he pointed a finger in his direction. “You should be thanking me! They were after you, too!”

Yeah, well, his back and ribs weren’t feeling too thankful at the moment.

“Thanking you?!” Flavio shrilled and bristled at the same time. “You literally crash-tackled me into someone else’s room and probably fractured a rib or two in the process!” He then paused when he realised that, yes, they were indeed in someone else’s room.

Oh crap…

“W-whose room are we in anyway?” he asked as he subconsciously hunched his shoulders, almost afraid to look around in case he found someone standing just behind him looking utterly pissed.

“Ours,” a familiar voice unexpectedly answered.

Macerio immediately perked up at the sound of the voice and his gaze turned to look over Flavio’s shoulder. “Lynus?” he questioned before he sagged against the door in utter relief. “Axel, oh thank god.”

Flavio quickly turned to look over his shoulder as well to find his gaze locking on with that of a familiar violet-eyed medic. He had to admit that he also felt a surge of relief upon seeing Lynus smile at him with friendly amusement.

He wasn’t alone, though. Axel was there, too. Though there were two beds in the room, they were both occupying the one. Axel was sprawled out on his back atop of the bedsheets with a couple of pillows propped up behind his head. And Lynus sat on the edge of the bed, close to the bedhead and were Axel was lying. He was curled slightly towards him and it wouldn’t be hard to imagine that Lynus had been previously running his fingers through Axel’s hair.

Flavio couldn’t help but notice just how…comfortable yet intimate they looked together.

Lynus suddenly tilted his head to the side, regarding Flavio with a sense of curiosity. “You all right there, Flavio?”

“A-ah, yeah,” Flavio replied stiffly before he gave the medic an embarrassed smile and shifted to face him fully, but still sat on the floor nonetheless. “Wasn’t expecting to be tackled like that, but other than that, I’m fine.”

“That certainly was an interesting entrance,” Axel commented as he peered at them through one eye, a half smirk of pure amusement on his lips.

Macerio managed to flush and bristle at the same time. “Yeah, w-well, desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Both Lynus and Axel laughed softly, but good-heartedly nonetheless and Flavio couldn’t help but marvel at how easy-going the two were. If a guildmate tackled someone into his room before slamming the door shut in a panic, he would be asking a million questions and demanding swift answers. Something like that didn’t happen every day!

No, wait, maybe it did for the Guardians?

“You're welcome to hide out here,” Lynus said with a knowing smile before he shook his head slightly. “But please keep your voices down. Axel has a headache.”

Macerio quickly stood to his feet and pushed away from the door to walk into the centre of the room. “What happened?” he asked with genuine but subtle concern as he looked over at Axel on the bed.

Lynus smiled reassuringly as his hand sought out to play with the red strands of Axel’s hair. “Zeryn and Simmons had a bet to see who could ride a raptor the furthest.”

Flavio honestly found himself deadpanning at the explanation. Really?

Axel grunted in pure disgruntlement and a scowl appeared on his face. “I will murder those two one day, I swear it.”

“Yes, yes,” Lynus chuckled softly as he turned his full attention toward the red-haired landsknecht and began to soothingly run his fingers through his hair. “You can murder them after you've gotten some sleep and rid yourself of this headache.”

Flavio felt as though he was intruding (which, technically, he was), but he was also somewhat fascinated by the gentle but strong bond that Lynus and Axel shared. There was no nervous jittering, no awkward or shy smiles or conversations. They were so comfortable, relaxed with one another, uncaring of who or what was in the room with them.

…Could he reach that level of comfort with Fafnir…?

Flavio shook his head violently to rid himself of that train of thought and cleared his throat in a desperate attempt to prevent those feelings of frustration and disappointment from rising in his chest.

“Quick question; how screwed am I really now that Chloe has made fast friends with the Pinkettes?” Flavio asked bluntly as he looked at the two on the bed.

Lynus blinked at him before he shared a glance with Axel and then the two of them simultaneously looked at him with nothing but pity in their gazes. “...You'll be in our prayers,” Lynus said.

Flavio’s shoulders drooped in defeat. “I was afraid of that.”

A strange sound, like that of a grunt of exertion, suddenly rung through the room. They all fell silent as they glanced around, sharing confused glances. Axel suddenly sat up and abruptly pulled Lynus toward him, manoeuvring him over his lap to the other side of the bed, where he pressed him against the wall. He then slid off the bed, purposely positioning himself between Lynus and the open window.

Flavio felt a bubble of alarm in his chest, brought on by Axel’s reaction. He was about to take to his feet as well when someone hastily, and rather swiftly, scrambled in through the window from outside and practically threw themselves into the room.

Wait, weren’t they on the second floor?

“Ryker?” Axel questioned before he sighed and slumped back down onto the bed, immediately relaxing his defensive stance, and clutched at his forehead in an agitated manner. “The fuck, man?”

The man with blue hair and dressed in the garbs that were similar to that of a survivalist, scrambled across the table that was situated under the window and skittishly backed away. “Only window that was open,” he said as he clutched at his left elbow as if it was painful in some way.

Lynus sighed as he noticeable relaxed and scooted away from the wall. Instead of sitting on the edge of the bed like he had done before, he positioned himself onto his knees and leaned against Axel’s back, his arms slipping around Axel’s neck comfortably and rested his cheek on his shoulder. A small smile found its way onto Axel’s lips and he lazily tilted his head to the side to nuzzle his cheek against Lynus’ hair.

…They were really comfortable around each other, weren’t they?

“Are you hiding from Darrell again?” Lynus asked idly to the survivalist.

The survivalist (Ryker was it?) winced and tightened his grip on his elbow. “Yeah, well, you know what he’s like with me. Too damn protective for his own good. For heaven’s sake, it’s a grazed elbow. Ok, so I entered the labyrinth alone, but it was to the first floor! Christ, can’t I even do that?”

“Dude, no good hiding here,” Macerio suddenly said, cutting the man off mid rant. “Binah's circling outside like a FOE.”

“Oh course, perfect, just what I needed. Shouldn’t have gotten out of bed today,” Ryker mumbled. “Speaking of bed, if Darrell gets his hands on me, he’s likely to tie me to the bed again.”

“So didn’t need to hear that…”

Flavio was stunned into silence once more. D-did this kind of thing happen often around here? Or…just around the Guardians themselves?

“Ryker!” a voice suddenly bellowed from outside the window. “I know you’re in there somewhere!”

Ryker jumped a foot in the air before he lurched forward to hide away from the window and darted behind Flavio. “Oh shit oh shit oh shit!” he muttered aloud under his breath.

“Macerio! I will find you, I swear to god I will!”

Macerio also jumped a good foot in the air before he, too, started to panic. “Why won’t she leave me alone?” he whimpered.

“The bathroom,” Lynus unexpectedly said around a chuckle.

“Right!”

The next thing Flavio knew he was in the bathroom, crouched on the floor with his back against the door of the room with a survivalist he didn't know on the right of him and a gunner who was all but trembling in fear to the left of him.

Definitely not how he imagined his day would turn out when he got out of bed this morning.

Why was he even here?

The blue-haired survivalist next to him suddenly stuck out his hand to him, as if he wanted to introduce himself with a handshake or something. “Ryker,” he said simply.

Choosing to simply go with the flow despite the absurdity of the entire situation, Flavio shook his hand and introduced himself in turn. “Flavio.”

Ryker gave his hand a firm shake before releasing it to cradle his elbow again. “What you in for?”

Unexpectedly, Flavio felt a wry smile slip across his lips at the question. “Teammate teamed up with the Pinkettes and seems to be on a matchmaking frenzy.”

“Dude.” The way Ryker said that, it was filled with nothing but sympathy and empathy.

Despite just how ludicrous everything was, Flavio felt a chuckle of genuine amusement bubble up from his chest. “Yeah.”

“I'd rather deal with Darrell than those girls.”

“They've already got Hrothgar.”

“No one is safe, huh?”

A sharp knock on the door of Lynus and Axel’s room caused the three of them to plunge into a sudden silence. Flavio felt both Macerio and Ryker tense on either side of him, and he found himself briefly wondering just what he had done in life to result in him hiding in a bathroom of someone else’s room. Who did he manage to piss off to get to this point?

“Hello, Darrell,” Lynus was heard greeting after he opened the door.

“Where is he?” a gruff voice asked.

“Who?”

“You know who.”

Ryker grabbed the brim of his hat and pulled it down over his face. “That’s Darrell’s voice,” he muttered.

“I thought you said you're rather deal with Darrell?” Flavio couldn’t stop himself from asking.

“Not when I don't have to,” Ryker retorted sharply in response. “He's a decent guy normally, if know-it-all asshole, but he's dangerous when he's in doctor-healer mode.”

He must be if Ryker was desperate enough to climb in through someone’s second story bedroom window and hide in their bathroom.

“Tell that idiot that hiding is only delaying the inevitable,” the voice that must belong to Darrell said sternly. “I will not hesitate to tie him to the bed again.”

“I’ll be sure to tell him that,” Lynus said in a pacifying manner before there was the sound of the door to his room falling shut and the lock engaged.

Well, one down, right?

“How long are we expected to hide here?” Flavio asked as he looked over at the gunner to his side.

“For as long as it takes,” Macerio replied bitterly, but with a strong sense of stubbornness all the same.

Oh, joy…He better find a way out (without it resulting in pure humiliation) before Fafnir came looking for him. That would lead to a different type of embarrassment.

There was another sudden knock at the bedroom door, softer this time, but they all fell into a tense silence nonetheless.

“Are they all hiding in here?” a somewhat familiar voice asked, causing Macerio to perk up and utter a sound of relief. “Binah's helping Hanna in the kitchen, Darrell has been called back to the hospital, and the one named Chloe has wandered back to the restaurant with her guild.”

Macerio abruptly jumped to his feet and threw open the door of the bathroom. And Flavio and Ryker followed, Flavio sheepishly, while Ryker still appeared skittish. Macerio immediately flung his arms around Lirit’s neck, the orange haired troubadour only partly surprised, but patted his back in a sympathetic manner as Macerio mumbled into his shoulder.

“Best make your escapes while you can,” Axel said idly as he flopped himself back down onto his bed.

That sounded like a good idea.

Though, he…was reluctant to tell Fafnir and the others what had transpired here. He certainly wasn’t going to tell Chloe.

Instead of approaching the door like the rest of them, Ryker chose the window. “Good luck, boys,” he said as he gave them a quick salute before he clambered through window and disappeared from view.

…What’s the deal with explorers and windows around here?

As Lirit guided a still skittish Macerio out of the room with an arm around his waist, Lynus turned his attention to Flavio and gave him a soft, but somewhat amused smile.

“Like for me to escort you back to your room?” he unexpectedly asked.

For a moment, Flavio felt indignant. It was bad enough that he had been crash-tackled into Lynus’ room without warning and then forced to hide in his bathroom, but asking the kind medic to actually be his bodyguard to protect him from a small group of pink-haired girls was beyond humiliating. He was a trained survivalist, for heaven’s sake. An explorer and a member of the Midgard Library. He could handle himself. No need to drag Lynus into it.

However...

“J-just for insurance, yeah?”

[thehierophage]

April 9, 2021 æ.v. Dies Venii, 

☉︎ 20° ♈︎ : ☽︎ 27° ♓︎ : ♀︎ : Ⅴⅴⅰⅰ 

  Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. 

  The Feast for the Second Day of the Writing of the Book of the Law, The Greater Feast of Saint Rabelais, The Greater Feast of Saint Francis Bacon Lord Verulam, The Day of Beth, The Day of the Magician 

Hebrew Letter: Beth 

Numerical Value as Letter: 2 

Numerical Value as Word: 412 (Beth+Yod+Tav) 

Meaning: House. 

  Thoth Card: The Magus (Atu I) 

Alternate Title: The Magus of Power. 

  Image: 

Correspondences: 

Tree of Life Path Association: Key 12 - Binah to Kether (from Sephira 3-1) 

Astrological Sign: Mercury 

Element: - 

Egyptian Godforms: Thoth, Seshat, Imhotep (deified) and Cynocephalus 

Geomantic Figure: Octagram 

Gemstones: Achates/Agate, Opal 

Perfumes: Mastic, Mace, Storax, Nutmeg, Euphorbium, Karaya and all fleeting odors 

Plants: Nutmeg, Vervain, Ash, Herb Mercury, Palm, Arnica, Mullein, Cinquefoil 

Animals: Dog, Mullet, Monkey, Jackal, Cynocephalus ape, Civet cat, Weasel, Bee, Hybrids, Fish 

Colors: 

King Scale – Yellow 

Queen Scale – Purple 

Prince Scale – Grey 

Princess Scale – Indigo, rayed violet 

The Secret Instruction of the Master:

The True Self is the meaning of the True Will: know Thyself through Thy Way! Calculate well the Formula of Thy Way! Create freely; absorb joyously; divide intently; consolidate completely. Work thou, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, in and for Eternity.

Mnemonic:

The Word of Wisdom weaves the web of lies, Weds irreducible Infinities.

Recommended Text for Meditation:

Liber AL vel Legis sub figura CCXX, Cap. 2

The Book of the Law Liber AL vel Legis sub figura CCXX

as delivered by XCIII = 418 to DCLXVI

II

1. Nu! the hiding of Hadit.

2. Come! all ye, and learn the secret that hath not yet been revealed. I, Hadit, am the complement of Nu, my bride. I am not extended, and Khabs is the name of my House.

3. In the sphere I am everywhere the centre, as she, the circumference, is nowhere found.

4. Yet she shall be known & I never.

5. Behold! the rituals of the old time are black. Let the evil ones be cast away; let the good ones be purged by the prophet! Then shall this Knowledge go aright.

6. I am the flame that burns in every heart of man, and in the core of every star. I am Life, and the giver of Life, yet therefore is theknowledge of me the knowledge of death.

7. I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. "Come unto me" is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

8. Who worshipped Heru-pa-kraath have worshipped me; ill, for I am the worshipper.

9. Remember all ye that existence is pure joy; that all the sorrows are but as shadows; they pass & are done; but there is that which remains.

10. O prophet! thou hast ill will to learn this writing.

11. I see thee hate the hand & the pen; but I am stronger.

12. Because of me in Thee which thou knewest not.

13. for why? Because thou wast the knower, and me.

14. Now let there be a veiling of this shrine: now let the light devour men and eat them up with blindness!

15. For I am perfect, being Not; and my number is nine by the fools; but with the just I am eight, and one in eight: Which is vital, for I am none indeed. The Empress and the King are not of me; for there is a further secret.

16. I am The Empress & the Hierophant. Thus eleven, as my bride is eleven.

17. Hear me, ye people of sighing!

The sorrows of pain and regret

Are left to the dead and the dying,

The folk that not know me as yet.

18. These are dead, these fellows; they feel not. We are not for the poor and sad: the lords of the earth are our kinsfolk.

19. Is a God to live in a dog? No! but the highest are of us. They shall rejoice, our chosen: who sorroweth is not of us.

20. Beauty and strength, leaping laughter and delicious languor, force and fire, are of us.

21. We have nothing with the outcast and the unfit: let them die in their misery. For they feel not. Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world. Think not, o king, upon that lie: That Thou Must Die: verily thou shalt not die, but live. Now let it be understood: If the body of the King dissolve, he shall remain in pure ecstasy for ever. Nuit! Hadit! Ra-Hoor-Khuit! The Sun, Strength & Sight, Light; these are for the servants of the Star & the Snake.

22. I am the Snake that giveth Knowledge & Delight and bright glory, and stir the hearts of men with drunkenness. To worship me take wine and strange drugs whereof I will tell my prophet, & be drunk thereof! They shall not harm ye at all. It is a lie, this folly against self. The exposure of innocence is a lie. Be strong, o man! lust, enjoy all things of sense and rapture: fear not that any God shall deny thee for this.

23. I am alone: there is no God where I am.

24. Behold! these be grave mysteries; for there are also of my friends who be hermits. Now think not to find them in the forest or on the mountain; but in beds of purple, caressed by magnificent beasts of women with large limbs, and fire and light in their eyes, and masses of flaming hair about them; there shall ye find them. Ye shall see them at rule, at victorious armies, at all the joy; and there shall be in them a joy a million times greater than this. Beware lest any force another, King against King! Love one another with burning hearts; on the low men trample in the fierce lust of your pride, in the day of your wrath.

25. Ye are against the people, O my chosen!

26. I am the secret Serpent coiled about to spring: in my coiling there is joy. If I lift up my head, I and my Nuit are one. If I droop down mine head, and shoot forth venom, then is rapture of the earth, and I and the earth are one.

27. There is great danger in me; for who doth not understand these runes shall make a great miss. He shall fall down into the pit called Because, and there he shall perish with the dogs of Reason.

28. Now a curse upon Because and his kin!

29. May Because be accursed for ever!

30. If Will stops and cries Why, invoking Because, then Will stops & does nought.

31. If Power asks why, then is Power weakness.

32. Also reason is a lie; for there is a factor infinite & unknown; & all their words are skew-wise.

33. Enough of Because! Be he damned for a dog!

34. But ye, o my people, rise up & awake!

35. Let the rituals be rightly performed with joy & beauty!

36. There are rituals of the elements and feasts of the times.

37. A feast for the first night of the Prophet and his Bride!

38. A feast for the three days of the writing of the Book of the Law.

39. A feast for Tahuti and the child of the Prophet--secret, O Prophet!

40. A feast for the Supreme Ritual, and a feast for the Equinox of the Gods.

41. A feast for fire and a feast for water; a feast for life and a greater feast for death!

42. A feast every day in your hearts in the joy of my rapture!

43. A feast every night unto Nu, and the pleasure of uttermost delight!

44. Aye! feast! rejoice! there is no dread hereafter. There is the dissolution, and eternal ecstasy in the kisses of Nu.

45. There is death for the dogs.

46. Dost thou fail? Art thou sorry? Is fear in thine heart?

47. Where I am these are not.

48. Pity not the fallen! I never knew them. I am not for them. I console not: I hate the consoled & the consoler.

49. I am unique & conqueror. I am not of the slaves that perish. Be they damned & dead! Amen. (This is of the 4: there is a fifth who is invisible, & therein am I as a babe in an egg. )

50. Blue am I and gold in the light of my bride: but the red gleam is in my eyes; & my spangles are purple & green.

51. Purple beyond purple: it is the light higher than eyesight.

52. There is a veil: that veil is black. It is the veil of the modest woman; it is the veil of sorrow, & the pall of death: this is none of me. Tear down that lying spectre of the centuries: veil not your vices in virtuous words: these vices are my service; ye do well, & I will reward you here and hereafter.

53. Fear not, o prophet, when these words are said, thou shalt not be sorry. Thou art emphatically my chosen; and blessed are the eyes that thou shalt look upon with gladness. But I will hide thee in a mask of sorrow: they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen: but I lift thee up.

54. Nor shall they who cry aloud their folly that thou meanest nought avail; thou shall reveal it: thou availest: they are the slaves of because: They are not of me. The stops as thou wilt; the letters? change them not in style or value!

55. Thou shalt obtain the order & value of the English Alphabet; thou shalt find new symbols to attribute them unto.

56. Begone! ye mockers; even though ye laugh in my honour ye shall laugh not long: then when ye are sad know that I have forsaken you.

57. He that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is filthy shall be filthy still.

58. Yea! deem not of change: ye shall be as ye are, & not other. Therefore the kings of the earth shall be Kings for ever: the slaves shall serve. There is none that shall be cast down or lifted up: all is ever as it was. Yet there are masked ones my servants: it may be that yonder beggar is a King. A King may choose his garment as he will: there is no certain test: but a beggar cannot hide his poverty.

59. Beware therefore! Love all, lest perchance is a King concealed! Say you so? Fool! If he be a King, thou canst not hurt him.

60. Therefore strike hard & low, and to hell with them, master!

61. There is a light before thine eyes, o prophet, a light undesired, most desirable.

62. I am uplifted in thine heart; and the kisses of the stars rain hard upon thy body.

63. Thou art exhaust in the voluptuous fullness of the inspiration; the expiration is sweeter than death, more rapid and laughterful than a caress of Hell's own worm.

64. Oh! thou art overcome: we are upon thee; our delight is all over thee: hail! hail: prophet of Nu! prophet of Had! prophet of Ra-Hoor-Khu! Now rejoice! now come in our splendour & rapture! Come in our passionate peace, & write sweet words for the Kings.

65. I am the Master: thou art the Holy Chosen One.

66. Write, & find ecstasy in writing! Work, & be our bed in working! Thrill with the joy of life & death! Ah! thy death shall be lovely: whososeeth it shall be glad. Thy death shall be the seal of the promise of our age long love. Come! lift up thine heart & rejoice! We are one; we are none.

67. Hold! Hold! Bear up in thy rapture; fall not in swoon of the excellent kisses!

68. Harder! Hold up thyself! Lift thine head! breathe not so deep -- die!

69. Ah! Ah! What do I feel? Is the word exhausted?

70. There is help & hope in other spells. Wisdom says: be strong! Then canst thou bear more joy. Be not animal; refine thy rapture! If thou drink, drink by the eight and ninety rules of art: if thou love, exceed by delicacy; and if thou do aught joyous, let there be subtlety therein!

71. But exceed! exceed!

72. Strive ever to more! and if thou art truly mine -- and doubt it not, an if thou art ever joyous! -- death is the crown of all.

73. Ah! Ah! Death! Death! thou shalt long for death. Death is forbidden, o man, unto thee.

74. The length of thy longing shall be the strength of its glory. He that lives long & desires death much is ever the King among the Kings.

75. Aye! listen to the numbers & the words:

76. 4 6 3 8 A B K 2 4 A L G M O R 3 Y X 24 89 R P S T O V A L. What meaneth this, o prophet? Thou knowest not; nor shalt thou know ever. There cometh one to follow thee: he shall expound it. But remember, o chose none, to be me; to follow the love of Nu in the star-lit heaven; to look forth upon men, to tell them this glad word.

77. O be thou proud and mighty among men!

78. Lift up thyself! for there is none like unto thee among men or among Gods! Lift up thyself, o my prophet, thy stature shall surpass the stars. They shall worship thy name, foursquare, mystic, wonderful, the number of the man; and the name of thy house 418.

79. The end of the hiding of Hadit; and blessing & worship to the prophet of the lovely Star!

Love is the law, love under will.

[no-white-knights-blog]

Have You Seen This Cat? - Drabble for TheShatteredRose

Words: 2078

Notes: The characters in this one-shot are members of the Guardian’s Guild, and belong to @theshatteredrose. I wrote this forever ago as a gift for Rose, and decided to post it here as well. I take no credit for any of the characters, they all belong to Rose, I just wanted to write her something so this happened~

---------

The snow had piled up in the few days the winter blizzard had raged through town. For once it had let up, and people could peer outside to see the white fluff reaching the bottom of the lowest window sills. It took more than one volunteer to shovel the snow enough so the door of the inn could be opened at all, and that took so much energy everyone gave up on the walkways and roads.

If you peered out at the right moment you’d see brave citizens trudging through the waist deep snow trying to go about their normal routines, but most of Lagaard was happily tucked inside where the fires were burning bright and warm, without the white crap anywhere near them.

Currently, Lynus was sitting in an armchair near the fire, blanket around his shoulders and book in hand, Chi-Hung curled up near his feet with the tip of his tail giving short, jerky twitches, like something was irritating him but he was too lazy and comfortable to bother with it. Lynus reached down to pet behind his ear to somehow calm him, his head lifting when the sound of soft footsteps lead into the room.

Their guild's blond alchemist looked uneasy, surprising considering he’d been acting so calm and upbeat, literally the only one from their guild who didn’t seem to be too bothered by all the snow. All that relaxation seemed to have seeped out of him, his hair was a mess and one hand was lifted towards his mouth as he looked around the tea room.

“Magnus?” Lynus called out, closing the book as the timid man looked in his direction, “Is something wrong?”

“Ah,” Magnus immediately tugged at the red scarf around his neck, looking down, “Um, no, I just can’t seem to find Zanna.”

“Oh,” Lynus set his book aside and shrugged the blanket off at the mention of the newest member of their guild, the little kitten Magnus had brought home on a rainy day.

She’d grown quite a bit since then, and she was usually with Magnus if she wasn’t lazing around sleeping in random places in his room, most notably on Shen’s bed, which she’d taken a liking to, much to the Ronin’s confusion (it was funny for everyone else because he didn’t have the heart to move her). She was still a little thing though, and the inn was quite large, there were a number of problems she could get herself into.

“Want me to help you look for her?” Lynus asked, and Magnus nodded slowly, wandering over to the window and pushing the curtains aside to look behind them, “I’m sure she’s okay.”

“Mhm,” Magnus didn’t sound too certain, getting to his knees to look under the couch as Lynus pulled the cushions off.

“What’s going on here?” Axel was the one to ask from the doorway, his eyebrows lifted towards his hairline as he watched Lynus lift a couch cushion over his head, looking honestly ridiculous, “Are we redecorating?”

“Zanna has wandered off,” Lynus explained, setting the cushions aside before turning and looking towards the other side of the room, “You haven’t seen her, have you?”

“The little guy? Nah,” Axel wandered into the room, hands in his pockets and a small smile on his face as Magnus scrambled to his feet.

“What if she’s hurt?”

“She’s alright, I’m sure. Cats are really self-reliant and smart.”

“Maybe she’s in your room?” Axel suggested, and Magnus nodded slowly.

“Shen is there,” he said, shuffling his feet as he started for the door, Axel and Lynus following and peering into random corners as they passed, just in case the tiny furball was there.

They found Shen sitting in the lotus position on his bed, eyes closed, but he peeled one open when Magnus called to him, both opening when he seemed to notice the anxiety on the blond’s face.

“Is Zanna in here?” Magnus asked, “I can’t find her. She wandered off and I’m worried.”

Shen tensed and looked around, shaking his head, “I don’t think so.”

“Let’s keep looking,” Lynus suggested, reaching out to take Magnus by the arm and smiling brightly at him, “She couldn’t have gotten far. Just retrace your steps, where were you when she wandered off?”

“Um,” Magnus’ hand was in front of his mouth now, his sleeve covering most of his hand as he stared at the ceiling, “I was… talking to Macerio… upstairs.”

“Let’s start there, then,” Lynus suggested, tugging Magnus towards the door, “Would you like to help, Shen?”

The Ronin grunted a little, seemingly uninterested, but in the end, he stood up and followed his three guildmates, staying close to Magnus as they made their way up the stairs to the second floor where Rahas and Lirit’s room was. The door was open already, and Macerio was sitting on Lirit’s bed with his legs sprawled over the Troubadour’s lap, while Lirit sat with his back against the wall, holding a notebook and a pencil.

Rahas was lying on his bed on his back, holding a pillow over his face like he was trying to block out the noise around him. That noise mainly consisted of Lirit and Macerio talking, and the tap of Lirit’s pencil against his notebook.

“What do you think, Rahas?” Lirit asked, and Rahas pulled the pillow away from his face.

“I think I hate both of you, please go flirt somewhere else.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Macerio demanded as Lirit sighed and Rahas pulled the pillow back over his face.

“Hello Lirit, Macerio, Rahas,” Lynus smiled when two of the three looked at him.

“Hey Lynus,” Lirit gave a wave, “What’s going on?”

“Magnus was here a moment ago, right?”

“Yea.”

“I-I can’t find Zanna,” Magnus blurted before tugging the scarf back over his face, cheeks red like he was embarrassed that he was troubling everyone so much.

“Oh, the kitty,” Lirit leaned forward, “She followed you out when you left, it was cute. How did she wander off?”

Magnus shook his head furiously and Macerio stood up from the bed, “Want us to help look for her? There’s nothing else to do.”

“Yea,” Lirit set his little book down and walked over to Rahas’ bed, pulling the pillow from his face, “Come on, let’s go find Zanna.”

“Ugh, why me?”

“That should be your catchphrase,” Macerio said, skittering behind Lirit when Rahas sat up and glared at him.

“I’m sure we can find her in no time with this many people,” Lynus said, setting a reassuring hand on Magnus’ shoulder and smiling softly.

Magnus nodded slowly, still playing with his scarf, “I’m s-sorry for the trouble.”

“It’s cool,” Axel waved a hand nonchalantly, “We gotta be vigilant if a guildmate is missing, right?”

Magnus smiled at that and nodded, jumping a little when more people still showed up, Tobyn and Jhon, with Binah hanging on Jhon’s arm and dragging her heels on the floor, “Come on, you gotta help!”

“Absolutely not,” Tobyn muttered, practically bristling from whatever it was Binah was trying to coax the pair into.

“What are you doing, Binah?” Lynus asked, placing his hands onto his hips as the three stopped and Binah bumped into Jhon’s back, pouting around his arm.

“I’m tryna get them to help Lirit!”

Lirit pointed at himself, looking baffled as Tobyn grumbled in irritation and Jhon hummed, “What’s up here? Are we having a meeting?”

“Zanna is missing,” Lynus explained for what felt like the tenth time, and Magnus hunched his shoulders, nodding.

“Oh, I saw her downstairs,” Jhon said, pointing, “She was going in the tea room. I figured Magnus was in there but I guess she was playing hide and seek, huh?”

Magnus had brightened at the potential whereabouts of the kitten, spinning around with everyone following, Lynus feeling increasingly confused.

“We were just there,” he said, “I’ve been there for a while, and I didn’t see her come in.”

“Well she’s really tiny,” Axel argued, “Easy to miss.”

“Like Macerio,” Rahas said, earning a fist in the arm from the Gunner in question.

“Maybe we should get Simmons to help!” he snapped, and Rahas snarled.

“Fuck that!”

“He’s still in denial,” Binah piped, and Rahas growled lowly as Macerio snickered and elbowed him.

The tea room was as vacant as when Lynus had left, the couch cushions still on the floor, Chi-Hung still curled up in front of the fireplace, and Macerio pointed at him as the rest of the group fanned out around the room to look under tables and chairs.

“Hey how come Chi-Hung isn’t helping! That’s so not fair!”

“Quit whining, are you a child?” Rahas muttered, and Macerio spun to face him.

“You’re one to talk!”

“Alright you two, no fighting,” Lynus said from where he was putting the cushions back in place, and Macerio held his hands up in defense.

“Yes, mom.”

The response earned him a narrow-eyed look from Lynus, which prompted him into stepping back over to Lirit to hide behind him again. Axel chuckled a little and Lynus turned, throwing the couch cushion at him.

“Oh, shut up!” he said, blushing, and Axel snickered, easily catching the assault.

The room had been turned upside down by the time their trusty leader walked in, stopping in the doorway and letting his eyes pan around the room where his young guild was sitting slumped against overturned chairs and couches, looking put out and upset.

“Was there a brawl?” Hamza asked, clicking his tongue, “I can’t leave you alone for a day, can I?”

“Ah, Hamza,” Lynus sat straighter where he had been leaning against Axel’s shoulder, “Zanna is missing and we were looking for her, but we can’t find her,” he looked over at where Magnus was sitting with his knees to his chest and his eyes glassy.

“Hm? The kitten?” Hamza asked, stepping further into the room and stopping, hands on his hips and looking around again before his eyes stopped on the saber tooth tiger who hadn’t moved an inch since earlier, “Chi-Hung, you wouldn’t happen to know where the little kitten is?”

The bright eyes flicked to Hamza, tail twitching as a sudden, muffled meow echoed in the otherwise quiet room. Macerio gasped.

“Chi-Hung ate her!”

Magnus looked horrified, but Tobyn smacked the back of Macerio’s head, “Don’t be stupid!”

“He can’t help it, it’s habit,” Rahas said.

“Chi-Hung?” Lynus called to the tiger, who peered over at him, “Do you know where Zanna is?”

The noble beast lifted his head, stretching out his big paws as the tiny orange and white kitten stood up from where she’d been settled right at Chi-Hung’s chest, walking in a circle before cuddling back up in the tiger’s thick fur, purring, and kneading her little claws against his chest.

The room was eerily quiet for a long time before Macerio started to laugh, pointing, “He didn’t eat her!”

“That’s so sweet,” Lynus smiled, and Magnus scrambled to his feet, hurrying over and dropping down beside Chi-Hung so he could pluck Zanna up and cradle her against his chest.

Zanna didn’t seem too bothered by the change, knocking her head against Magnus’ chin and purring as the guild slowly stood up.

“So, Chi-Hung knew the whole time where she was,” Jhon stated, folding his arms, “Figures.”

“It’s good they’re getting along though,” Lynus decided, smiling as Chi-Hung laid his chin on Magnus’ lap, looking up at Zanna, “Good job, Chi-Hung.”

Magnus smiled as he lifted Zanna and let her climb up onto his head, settling down in his fluffy hair so her tail was waving in front of his face, “Th-thank you everyone for helping me find her,” he said softly, and Hamza hummed.

“You know you can always ask us for help.”

“Help?” Macerio gaped at Hamza, “You weren’t even here!”

“Ah, but I helped more than anyone, didn’t I?” Hamza said, holding his chin looking thoughtful, “I left you all to bond just enough before coming back and pointing out that Zanna’s tail was sticking out from under Chi-Hung’s paw. You need to be more observant.”

“I call bull! I didn’t see her tail!”

Rahas hummed, “Yea I hate agreeing with him but I didn’t either.”

“You must be seeing things in your old age,” Jhon decided, pointing at Rahas when Hamza narrowed his eyes at him, “He said it.”

“What?!”

Lynus laughed softly and leaned back against Axel’s shoulder, “Glad that’s over.”

“Yea, but it’s not,” Axel mumbled, and Lynus turned to look at him.

“What do you mean?”

Axel hummed before raising his voice, “Hate to break this to you, but if we don’t fix the tea room, Matron’s gonna kill us.”

Everyone in the room froze before immediately scrambling around like chickens with their heads cut off, and Lynus laughed as he stood to help.

“Ah, but it was fun,” he decided, smiling a little bigger when Axel placed a quick kiss to his cheek.

“It always is with this guild.”

[deereyed-blog1]

Change

Warnings: None Ships: Nbin (side kenvi, luck) Characters: Hakyeon, taekwoon, jaehwan, wonshik, hongbin, hyuk Posted in: ao3 **************************************

“You can continue anytime now” Hongbin drawled lazily sending a pointed look toward his rehearsing partner, which by the moment has a faraway look in his eyes. “huh? Yeah where was I?” Hakyeon flipped through the script pages absentmindedly, seemingly not up to do it anymore. Hongbin shifted his eyes to his watch and noticed how fast the time went by. “Ugh it’s already 11:24. Let’s stop for today” The man sighed nodding as he closed the script and put it down beside the bed silently, he was about to suggest making dinner together when his phone buzzed with an incoming message.

From Wonshikkie: 11:24 PM. Hyung, can you come over? There’s something important I want to tell you. It’s very very important! I’ll be waiting!

Hakyeon frowned noting the urgency in his friend’s words, and without missing a beat he found himself reaching for his keys and coat heading to the door. “Where are you going?” He stopped turning around once again. “I need to go somewhere” “This late at night?!” “Wonshik said it’s important” Just like that the curiosity in hongbin’s expression drastically changed into a hostile one. “What does he want now?” Hakyeon rolled his eyes at the way he spat ‘he’ like it’s the most disgusting thing in life. Maybe he shouldn’t have told him since hongbin wasn’t a big ‘fan’ of wonshik, but at the same time hakyeon never felt the need to lie to his childhood friend about anything for the past 17 years, so why should he now? “It won’t be long don’t worry” “I’m not! Go spend the night with your boyfriend” Hongbin was now holding his phone trying to act indifferent but hakyeon knew better. He bite his lips to stop from smiling as he walked back into the room throwing himself on the sulking man, hugging him sideway. “Awww don’t be jealous. You’ll still be my valentine date tomorrow” “I’m always your Valentine date you loser. AND I’M NOT JEALOUS” He fought to get away from the steel like grip halfheartedly, knowing how it’s almost impossible to do that when hakyeon is in the mood for smothering the hell out of him. “You’re sooo jealous” “I’m not!” “Yes” “No” “yes” “No” Hongbin growled, finally getting some air into his lungs making the older of them by 2 years chuckle heartily. “Be careful if people heard you they’ll totally think you have feelings for me” Hongbin huffed glaring at his screen obviously avoiding the eye contact. “You wish” I do. Hakyeon turned his back again hiding the grimace that immediately appeared on his face, and said in an overly cheerful tone. “Say you later hongbinnie” But hakyeon never returned that night. ____________________________________ “I hate you” Hakyeon groaned the next morning holding his head between his hands as he sat on the table in wonshik’s kitchen. He watched as the man in subject sent him a sheepish smile before putting some pills and a glass of water in front of him. “Sorry I was so nervous yesterday and didn’t know you wanted to return to your apartment” “Hongbin must be so pissed off that I stood him up, shit” He continued to glare at him even when wonshik avoided his eyes to look at everything in his kitchen as if seeing it for the first time. “A little bit of alcohol never harmed anyone, and we were celebrating hyung, remember?” Came the overjoyed voice from the doorway making hakyeon wince at how loud jaehwan was. “I’m a light drunk, you should’ve stopped me after the second bottle!” Jaehwan rolled his eyes and walked till he stood in front of wonshik, and without hesitation he reached up and kissed the side of his lips whispering a ‘good morning’ and making the tall man blush like a high school girl. Even after witnessing that hakyeon couldn’t believe that his two best friends from college are officially dating, and maybe yesterday’s turn of events was partly because of it. That made him think of his life, he never felt the need to date anyone, and he still remembers the first few years he explored it dating different people, he ended up breaking up with them immediately after a week of going out with them. And three years later he came to a conclusion. That he didn’t need anyone, because no one can ever replace the person who has always been beside him since they were in elementary school. Hakyeon might never know if what he has for hongbin was that kind of love or not, but he kept comparing everyone with that boy it almost sounded stupid for him to do that, but he couldn’t help it. He was dominating every thought he possessed. Hakyeon sighed and walked toward the living room where his phone was charging, he turned on the device praying that he won’t find angry messages from the abandoned boy. And there were 5 missed calls and 3 messages. Great! He opened the messages feeling guilt fill his insides as he read them.

From Hongbi: 1:55 AM. Where the hell are you? It’s so late!

From Hongbi: 2:24 AM. Hakyeon I swear if you don’t call now..

From Hongbi: 3:45 AM. Don’t come home tonight I have a date.

Hakyeon reread the last one over and over trying to detect what was the wrong with it, and when he finally, really, understood his headache intensified and his hand clutched the device painfully. In a second he dialed hongbin’s number and waited, shaking his leg anxiously thinking how he must read it wrong, better, maybe he was still sleeping. “What?” “Yah I’ve never liked the way you joke!” What are you saying idiot?? Hakyeon rolled his eyes at himself, and he heard the other man let out a confused ‘huh’ followed by a stretching silence before he heard a huff and again, hongbin’s deep voice filled his ear. “It’s too early for that! And I wasn’t joking so spend a happy valentine with your wonshik and I’ll spend it with my new date. It’s a win win” HOW IS IT A WIN WIN? Hakyeon wanted to scream feeling his head nearly split in pain. “I don’t care if you’re going on a date I’m spending it at home as usual an-” “No don’t come, we’re spending the date inside” “LEE HONGBIN! YOU AREN’T LETTING ANYONE INSIDE OUR HOUSE ON VALENTINE DAY. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUR DAY!” Hakyeon heard what sounded like snickering but couldn’t really tell from how much his head was pounding. “Hyung chill. I get it we won’t do anything-” “YOU WERE THINKING ABOUT DOING SOMETHING?” “AS I SAID we won’t do anything so don’t worry and have fun there” Hongbin now sounded more awake and more cheerful it pissed him off somehow. He had a date, he’s breaking up their tradition of spending the whole night stuffing their mouths with chicken and chocolate ice cream, laughing while making fun of sappy and cringy romcoms. The reality dawned on him all of a sudden. “You’re kidding me right? Say you’re kidding now and I’ll forgive you” “You sound jealous?” The grin in his tone didn’t go past him and it made him angrier that he longed to see that dimpled wide smile on hongbin’s face even now. “Happy Valentine’s Day hyung, don’t forget to use a condom” The line went dead and the older man stood a long torturing minute staring at the screen. Use a condom? Why the hell would he ask him that? Hakyeon saw a movement at the corner of his eyes and saw the couple watching him warily. “Is everything ok hyung?” Wonshik’s voice cleared up his mind, and for once all the comments about the droopy eyed man being his boyfriend, which hongbin never failed to throw at him whenever he announced he was going to meet him, finally made sense. “That idiot!” ___________________________________ Hongbin was avoiding the apartment like it was the plague. He spent the whole morning at the gym trying to not think about how he acted nonchalantly with hakyeon this morning. The man sounded pissed off but hongbin was amazed that hakyeon didn’t caught on yet on how a mess his actions actually were. After the gym he went to hyuk’s apartment, who humored him and they spent the whole afternoon playing video games. The 2 years younger kid didn’t comment on how weird of hongbin to ditch his nest on valentine day, he knew him long enough to keep in mind how sacred this day was for him. But hyuk being silent didn’t mean Taekwoon who was glaring at him from across the room will be as understanding. “Go back” “I don’t wanna” “Whatever happened between you two keep it that way” Hongbin narrowed his eyes at his hyung contemplating whether he wanted to point out that sadly there’s nothing between hakyeon and him, or if he should just ignore him. The man’s feral eyes went back to his phone as he shook his head slightly and hongbin wondered if he was standing in the way of the love birds’ plans. Duh genius, no one is as pathetically lonely as you. Even hakyeon has someone. Hongbin gritted his teeth watching hyuk take down the enemy easily while he stood there unmoving. Why is he here again? “Fine!” He threw the controller down and stretched watching as taek’s eyes lit up not so discreetly. Hyuk closed the game and stood up looking at him. “You’ve got to communicate hyung” The giant kid said exaggeratedly, he made it sound so easy but again hongbin was known for over analyzing every silly thing. “I’ll keep that in mind” He bent down putting his sneakers on and before he wore his coat and went out a hand stopped him in the doorway, and he turned back to see taek staring at him with kind eyes. “Just remember why you stayed with him all these years, and why you gave up on a lot of things to be with him. The same for hakyeon too” Hongbin looked down at the ground not knowing what to say, but taek as always understood him without uttering anything. “Happy valentine’s day binah. Stay happy” His big hand ruffled his hair and a small smile graced his lips giving reassurance that maybe, everything will turn well at the end. “Call me if you’re doing the deeds tonight” Hongbin had wondered when satan will go back to his usual self, and he glared at the shit eating grin on hyuk’s face. “I hate you” “aish don’t lie” ___________________________________ Upon opening the door to their shared apartment, hongbin noticed the lack of hakyeon’s presence in it. He sighed hanging his coat and leaving his shoes neatly on the side before entering the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator only to see the pack of beers and two boxes of their favorite ice cream in, waiting to be devoured. He stood there for a minute before taking out his phone to send a message to hakyeon, he is done being stupid and he only hopes that hakyeon didn’t really take him up for that suggestion.

To Hakyeonie: 6:02 PM. Change of plans, I might be the one in need for a condom.

Not even a whole minute after came the replay and hongbin couldn’t stop the giggle escaping him.

From Hakyeonie : 6:03 pm. I’M ON MY WAY DAMN IT.

“So easy” hongbin snorted then started setting up the living room with blankets on the couch, a big glass bowl with ice and beers in and of course the list of movies opened in front of him. Fearing that the ice cream will melt he decided to leave it in the refrigerator, and put the bowl of chicken on the table. He then took a quick shower and wore his favorite sweater, a navy blue knitted one that hakyeon bought him for his birthday, and dark ripped jeans. Usually he wouldn’t care about what he wears for hakyeon has seen him in his worst and they even used to shower together when they were children, but today was different. Hongbin could feel it and it sent an excited tremor down his body, his smile never leaving his lips. And even if it wasn’t, hongbin is adamant to stand up for once and do that himself. He was swaying to the melody playing inside his head when the sound of key jiggling in the lock caught his attention, his body immediately fell down on the couch, his shaking hand went through his hair trying to tame the rebellious locks back to place. He looked around noting everything in its place before he stopped and kicked himself mentally. Man, you’re helpless. ___________________________________ The first thing that hakyeon did after entering the apartment was looking around in an urgent manner. “Where is he?” He saw as hongbin, who was sitting tensely on the couch, shifted slightly to the edge. “Who?” Hakyeon gave him the stink face and went to hongbin’s bedroom, his own bedroom but didn’t find anyone. His legs took him to the living room again and before he said anything his eyes roamed around the place, noting how familiar it was. Confused, he sat on the couch beside hongbin whose blank face was starting to make him worried. “Where’s your date?” “There’s no one” The frown only intensified. “But you told me-” “I made it up” He simply replied cutting him off, still not looking toward him. The older man sat there quietly observing hongbin, there were times when words weren’t the best way to force the younger to express himself, actions affected him more and that’s why hakyeon found himself biting back the string of questions bubbling inside him. He only needed to count to ten, when hongbin sighed and leaned forward taking a hold of the remote control and started scrolling through the list. “I was angry that you promised to return yet you stayed there” Hakyeon winced at his words and thought how it was the first time he didn’t hold up to his promise. Maybe he deserved being ignored by him. “I got drunk celebrating and I ended up passing out on his couch” Hongbin paused for a second before licking and biting his lower lip making hakyeon’s eyes follow the movement absentmindedly. “Celebrate what?” “Wonshik finally not being boyfriendless” Hongbin’s head whipped around, looking for the first time since he came back, at him with shocked eyes. “What?” He sighed nodding his head before letting out a tired chuckle. “You should’ve seen the idiot, he was so smitten” “B-but what about you?” “What about me?” Hongbin searched his face for whatever he thought he’ll see, but seemingly failed he instead looked at him incredulously. “You’re ok with that? Him being someone else’s boyfriend?” The older was reminded of that comment right before hongbin hung up on him this morning, and he couldn’t help it when his hand reached up to neck shop the man with as much power as he can put without actually hurting him. And hakyeon really was tempted to do that. “Awww what was that for!!” “For being an idiot! How could you think that there was something between me and wonshik. He’s practically my younger brother!” Hakyeon couldn’t believe this day, he really was exhausted all of a sudden. “I thought…” Hongbin trailed off looking down at his hands guiltily, and as much as his hyung wanted to keep being angry at him, one look to his shaky hands made his insides melt with fondness toward the silly boy. “You’ll be the death for me one day. I lost many years of my life span today” Hongbin rolled his eyes. “You don’t really have much left” Of course he received another hit. “Don’t worry you’re stuck with me for a long time lee hongbin” Hakyeon smiled at the hint of dimple showing on his pale cheek and he took the remote from his hands ushering him toward the kitchen. “Go bring our ice cream babes” ___________________________________ “She’s going to get her heart broken” Hongbin noted. “Nope. She’s going to live happily ever after” Hakyeon replied with a small smile making the younger one roll his eyes. “Stop fighting me about everything” “Stop being so negative about everything. Life can surprise you sometimes” Hongbin shook his head and took another spoon full of the ice cream, he’d be lying if he said his full attention was on the TV screen. If anyone asked him what he remembers from now, it’d be how sexy hakyeon’s lips were stretched around the spoon, well, he doubted anyone would want to know that. “Pay attention” That snapped him out of the gutter and he stared dumbfounded at hakyeon. “What? I’m paying attention!” He saw hakyeon’s eyes twitch as he let out a low hum. “You pay some attention” He remarked happy with his comeback. “I caaan’t, you’re distracting me” Hakyeon all but whined turning his head just in time to catch hongbin’s eyes coming to stare at him like a deer caught in headlights. “W-wha-” Hakyeon’s eyes cut him off as they, like hongbin’s did before, searched his face for something. “S-stop looking at me like that” “But I love looking at you like that” Is he playing with him? Hongbin rolled his eyes again, he does that a lot with this man, and continued watching the TV ignoring him. “Were you always jealous of Wonshik?” He braced himself not to show anything on his face, any reaction could give him away with someone as observant as his hyung, but isn’t that what he needed? To change things between them? “I was feeling neglected since for a long time I’ve been your only best friend” That was hard to admit but even though, hongbin knew that was a cowardice escape, he has always been a man who faced his problems straight ahead and never liked running away. He wants to move on from this damn spot in their relationship but at the same time he feared the change, what would assure him that he won’t lose hakyeon for good if he admitted his real feelings? Or treat him differently, because he knew hakyeon wouldn’t reject him in fear of hurting him. He cherished their friendship so much to let it turn upside down for a bunch of emotions, so he should be satisfied, right? “Is that all what it was about?” Hakyeon sounded neutral, hongbin couldn’t read him this time. When he didn’t say anything hakyeon continued to speak. “What’s your ideal date hongbinnie?” The question was so sudden it took him off guard, ideal date? Why? He voiced his thoughts only to receive a shrug. “I don’t know but for the 17 years we’ve known each other we never discussed such things so I’m curious” He turned his eyes to him and asked again with a low tone. “What’s your ideal date, hongbin?” The younger gulped and shied away from his piercing gaze to look at the TV again, he took his time turning his words in his head before answering hesitantly. “I..you know how I like to go sightseeing? So maybe a walk in the park? Taking photos of each other and I don’t know, eat some ice cream?” He sounded nervous all of a sudden, hell he felt shaken a little bit as if he was laying himself bare to the world to see. It didn’t make sense, since it was always easier for him to talk with hakyeon from anyone else, but maybe because it was him this time that made it all so different right now? Hongbin felt as if his mind is going to explode. “hmm” Hakyeon all but hummed vaguely, his eyes still heavy on the side of hongbin’s face making him fidget on his seat. “Is that why you were persistent on having ice cream in our ritual for valentine day?” The younger frowned but before he asked him what he meant hakyeon shifted his eyes to the bowl of chicken. “Mine is chicken” “Chicken?” Hakyeon nodded as he sat on the edge of the couch touching the bowl with a small smile. “I have always had this clear image in my mind, I mean my ideal date, since I was old enough to know about dating. It’s simple but it never failed to bring joy to my heart” “What is it?” Hongbin whispered not truly noticing how he edged closer to the other as his eyes remained on hakyeon’s lit up face. “Me and my date, sitting on a cozy couch in a cozy room with chicken and ice cream within reach, turning on TV to watch movies only to spend half of it chatting with each other and playing around distracted” The silence that was stretched after went unnoticed by the loud hearted man. His heart was pounding so hard, and his breathing got faster upon locking eyes with hakyeon. No one said anything for the longest time, maybe feeling satisfied with the amount of eye talking they did. But of course, like everything good in life, their moment was ruined by the buzz of hongbin’s phone announcing an unread message. The young man jumped feeling the vibration in his pocket, he reached his hand to take it out only to be stopped by the other. “Leave it” “But..” “Hongbin-ah” His tone was final so hongbin sunk in the couch with a slight pout, making hakyeon chuckle a bit. He reached out and ruffled his soft hair with a teasing grin. “Good boy” Hongbin rolled his eye and swatted his hand away. His heart was still pounding but not as threatening as before, and his lips twitched with a hint of smile. Shit he felt giddy all of a sudden, but can anyone blame him? It might not have lasted more than few seconds but that moment he shared with hakyeon was different from anything he experienced before. He felt scared but more hopeful. “So THIS is your ideal date?” His words were bold, challenging, as if he dared him to say otherwise and hakyeon must have caught it because he nodded, his lips perking up on the side. “Why are you sharing it with me then?” He kept pushing and the older man went along with it. “Do you even have to ask at this point?” “I just don’t understand why” “Maybe it’s for the fact that everyone I came across never made me want to do these things with except with you” Hakyeon inhaled sharply with hongbin mirroring his action. “Maybe, I don’t want anyone but..you” ___________________________________ The raw emotions that swelled in his chest caught him off guard, he has always been an emotional man but to actually feel his eyes sting a bit threw him off. The things hongbin make me feel, he thought embarrassingly. Said man was still in shock, looking at him with wide eyes and dropped jaw, hakyeon wanted to laugh because it took him a long time to say these simple words for the clueless boy to notice his feelings. Yes hongbin was a sharp person, but not when it comes to realizing someone else’s feelings toward him and hakyeon had to deal with witnessing that for the past years alongside many other heartbroken pursuers. He’s so clueless about what draws people to him and it makes hakyeon’s heart swell with fondness. “Huh?” Was the young man’s reaction, hakyeon sighed exaggeratedly and shook his head. “What to do with you Lee hongbin” Hongbin made a face at him, his lips moving to talk only to stop and frown. “What?” “Since when?” Hakyeon shrugged. “Beats me. It was like how I became aware of things as I grew up, my feelings were there too” He couldn’t believe it, how he’s sitting there discussing his feelings almost openly and more, how hongbin took everything in without escaping and running away from him. It felt surreal and it scared him a bit to be honest. Hongbin shifted in his place pulling his legs up, his slightly shaking hands wrapping around his pulled up knees to clutch at his forearms tightly. It was a normal position but hakyeon knew better, hongbin was losing himself to his thoughts. “Stop overanalyzing everything” He whispered inching closer to him, his arm resting over the back of the couch and was so pleasantly surprised when hongbin leaned closer, pressing his side to the older man’s chest. “I can’t help it, everything right now feels unreal” Tell me about it. Hakyeon kept looking at his perfect side profile until the young man raised his eyes shyly to him.

“Are you sure about it?” He would’ve laughed if the situation wasn’t serious, but he knew hongbin very well and he knew he needed reassurance.

“I won’t talk about ten years from now, I’ll just let everything go with the flow. But right now, in this moment, I’m done with running away from my feelings” His hand played with hongbin’s soft hair lightly as he asked him the same. Hongbin only kept looking at him until his eyes flickered down to his lips and hakyeon’s heart started to pick up in a dangerous speed. Oh boy.

Suddenly, tension shifted in the living room, both of them felt almost breathless from the small space between them as they kept looking at each other’s lips. With their breathing mingled, hakyeon had to clutch the back of the couch to stop himself from decreasing the distance and finally tasting his plush lips, hongbin hands weren’t doing any better as he squeezed his arms tightly, he noticed.

Why are you still holding back idiot?

Hakyeon looked up for a sign that he finally can do what he dreamed about doing his whole life, he watched as hongbin’s eyes rose to meet him only to flutter shut a moment later, his long eyelashes resting on his reddening cheeks. Hakyeon took that as his cue and he dove in.

The moment their lips met in the middle hongbin inhaled sharply taking hakyeon’s own breath away, literally. Hakyeon’s pulse skyrocketed insanely, his lips pressing on hongbin’s without moving nor deepening it, the older man felt frozen in that moment. In the back of his mind he registered the fact that he was the one with the most kissing experiences between the two, hell, he wasn’t even sure if this kiss wasn’t hongbin’s first but for some reason he felt like all the courage he summoned today to confess disappeared in thin air. He felt scared shitless and it made him retreat a bit losing the warmth of his lips. But as soon as he did, he felt a warm and slightly shaken hand rest lightly on the back of his neck stopping him from going any further. He opened his eyes to see hongbin studying his face before a small smile with a hint of dimples graced his expression.

“Who’s the one overanalyzing it now, hyung?” Without any other words he closed the space once again but this time, he was the one that took it upon himself to move his lips against hakyeon’s frozen one, forcing him to comply and finally start kissing back. An experimental kiss turned into a deep and heated one as hakyeon’s hands circled hongbin’s lain waist and pulled him even more closer nearly dragging him into his lap. Hongbin’s own hand went around his neck, his fingers tugging softly at his locks while he continued to drive the older man crazy with his lips. Where the hell did he learn how to do that? Hongbin let out a tiny sound as hakyeon bite his lower lip softly only to moan and tug harsher reflexively on his hair when he bite his lips again, this time more hungrily. He needed to clear his head from this fog, with the lack of oxygen and the small sexy noises hongbin was letting out every few seconds made him almost explode. He never regretted wearing jeans until now.

“H-hongbin let’s s-top” He panted in between hongbin’s attack on his lips but the latter didn’t hear him or pretended not to until hakyeon drew back breathlessly.

“Wait I..” His eyes swapped all over the heavy lidded beautiful man in front of him, and when his eyes noticed the bulge in his dark jeans his mind went blank all of a sudden and he couldn’t do anything but to pull him over his lap and press his face in his sweater cladded chest, his hands tightening around his waist.

He wanted him, hongbin really wanted him and he wasn’t dreaming. He could hear his heartbeat from how close he was and he felt hongbin’s hands go around his shoulders and hug him tightly as if he didn’t want to let go of him forever. He felt the same, and felt so many things that made his chest swell so much it hurt.

“this is the best valentine ever” He could almost sense hongbin rolling his eyes as he replied.

“yeah yeah whatever” He giggled when hakyeon drew back to send him a glare.

“you just ruined it you know?”

“I’m not even sorry” hongbin retorted cheekily while he pulled his legs closer leaning his side to hakyeon’s chest comfortably. The latter only smiled as he hugged him allowing him to snuggle closer. He pecked his nose only to have it scrunching with distaste.

“Get used to it hon”

“Omg you did not just call me that!” Hongbin looked scandalized which made him laugh heartily at him.

“I certainly did” Hongbin elbowed him in the rips earning a pained groan.

“you jerk!”

“bastard” the young one bite back smugly before taking the remote and starting the movie again, hakyeon fake pouted before sighing in contentment and snuggling back to him like many times before but this time he knew things have changed. He didn’t know what their future holds but he wasn’t worried about it at all because deep inside he knew, both of them will never change and they’ll be fine.

[yaboypeonytheix]

Peony sat cross-legged on his throne. He was surprised court was being held today, considering the rainy season had begun. He had thought sure the House of Lords and council would have suspended today’s session. But ever the sticklers for tradition, it went ahead as usual.

The Emperor’s gaze wafted around the room. The only saving grace to what he expected to be another boring day in court was the fact that more than half the attendees were soaked through from the heavy downpour. He smirked; there was just something so pleasing about seeing a bunch of stuck-up upper class stiffs groaning and complaining about their clothes being ruined. Heh, serves them right for always looking down on the regular folks. 

Peony let out a long sigh as Sesemann rambled on about business. While aware that this was a very important part of his daily duties as Malkuth’s reigning sovereign, he could never bring himself to enjoy it. On the contrary, he was bored to tears by it, wishing instead of spend quality time with his pet rappigs or even just watching Jade file papers in his office. The Emperor was on the verge of dozing off when the aging Chief of Staff cleared his throat loudly. “Your Majesty, Lord Takumi has arrived.”

“Mmm.” Peony yawned widely. “Oh, yeah. The noble from St. Binah, right?” When Sesemann nodded. “Good. Then bring him forward. I’ve been wanting to meet him.” The older man nodded and raised his hand to quiet the assembly.

“Lord Takumi! His Majesty shall receive you now!”

@wildcardkinshi

[everything-lobotomy-corporation]

Worries & Welfare ::Chesed x Reader::

-Chapter 1-

This is a heavily modified AU. Sephirah are human, CEO has a daughter, PS you’re the daughter. I’m making stuff up at this point, I hope other people like it.

He tracked a small bit of blood behind him as he walked, trudging through the puddles of blood and bile and bits of viscera. The man ran a hand through his blue hair, letting out a tough sigh as he named off every single mangled body that he passed. He tried to imagine them walking triumphantly behind them, telling him the news and keeping him up to date with the abnormalities. He almost managed to smile, even though the top of his shoe knocked an eye ball out of his path. He took in a shaky breath. If only he had a coffee right now. The smell was overwhelming and it had only been a few hours since the incident. The remainders of teams were rounding up the few escaped abnormalities left. Nothing remained in his department. The Sephirah sighed, his eyes darting back and forth at the twisted faces of corpses he passed.

"Sefirot meeting. now." He heard. He didn't bother to stop walking or turn around, still shambling down the hall just as slowly as before. "Chesed," He heard sternly. "I need you to come with me."

"Yesod, I'm busy." He finally answered, putting his hands in his pockets. " Go bother someone else."

"Angela needs to speak to all of us on the CEO's behalf." The purple haired man said once more. He seemed a bit steamed, gritting his teeth as he spoke. "It's in your best interest to show up."

"I'll get there. Let me grieve in peace." Chesed said firmly, finally glaring over his shoulder at the man. Yesod scoffed, not bothering any longer and simply walking away.Chesed stayed for a bit longer, the sound of light chanting still ringing in his memory as he took in the carnage around him. He didn't want to be here any longer. He thought he prepared himself for this. Maybe not well enough.

Chesed arrived in the meeting room, noting that he was the 5th one to arrive. He smiled, taking a seat next to the twins and kicking back in his chair with a fresh cup of coffee in his right hand. At the end of the table sat you. Chesed couldn't help but smile wider to see you. The CEO didn't let his daughter deal with such affairs quite normally, so it was a joy to see him prepping you for the position of manager. Angela stood to your right, informing you in her robotic way of your basic duties and such.

"Sorry I'm late." Said the man with the olive hair, making the female twin to Chesed's right let out a low groan.

"Why don't you take your job seriously!?"

"Lisa, Not today-"

"No, Netzach, Not in here." Angela quickly warned, hearing the man enter. "She is referred to as Tiphereth in a professional setting."

"That makes it hard as fuck to differentiate between them." Netzach said under his breath, taking a seat beside Chesed. They smiled at each other. "I can call you by your name right, Danny boy?"

" Shut up, Giovanni." Chesed joked under his breath, making sure not to be heard by Angela. It seemed that she turned her focus back to you. Chesed liked the name he was given. Much more so than Daniel. Sephirah's weren't allowed to go by their real names, which was weird for the twins but mostly no one complained. A few more people entered the room but Chesed didn't turn to look, still watching you thumb through paperwork, trying to figure out what was what.

"Everyone, Thank you for coming." Angela started. The doors closed almost on cue, putting a few of the more meek sefirot on edge. "Now. As I'm sure you all are aware, we suffered a massive breach 4 hours ago that we have, only 20 minutes ago, gotten under control." While her voice sounded calm, everyone winced at the surely scathing intentions. "The breach started in the Security Department."

"Big shocker." The female Tiphereth said under her breath. She didn't really care who heard and Netzach sunk lower in his chair after hearing his department on blast. Chesed offered him a weak smile, hoping he wasn't discouraged.

"Because of this over 100 employee's are now dead." Angela continued, " The entirety of Welfare team, including clerks, is dead."

"Ouch," Started the Snarky red head across the table. "Chesed how could you let them all die?" He pursed his lips, moving to take a sip of coffee only to notice that his hand was shaking. He seemed surprised, trying his best to remain calm.

"Sephirah Chesed."

"Yes, Ma'am." He answered quickly. Angela looked pleased with that, at least. She looked through some papers for a moment, handing a few off to you, who looked very confused sitting at the head of the table.

"With your team dead, we may have to move abnormalities and close your department until we can hire some replacements." He simply nodded. He didn't really want to hear that but at this point there was nothing he could do. Until you spoke.

"Why?" Your question was simple yet the room sat in silence. You almost felt stupid, all those eyes on you. You leaned back a little in your fancy chair, biting your lip. Reluctantly, you explained. "I've seen departments run with only a couple people."

"It's possible," Angela started, "but Chesed has some very dangerous abnormalities in his department. We cannot entrust one person to handle them all."

"I have an idea," the raven haired woman spoke, the tone of her voice dragging along.

"Yes, Binah?"

"Swap his out with a couple of simple ones from other departments. Give him some easy ones and he'll be able to handle the job on his own. If we take Welfare team out of commission totally then we'd be losing a lot of energy production."

"I do not believe Chesed could handle his entire department on his own." Angela said flatly. Chesed felt a sting but quickly spoke up.

"I can handle it. We need the energy production."

"What if I help?" You asked, the entire room looking at you again, a couple of themes snickering. Angela seemed shocked, holding a hand to where a heart would be. "I needed field experience anyway."

"I meant more of from a Sefirot perspective. Sefirots do not normally go into abnormality chambers. Chesed is only doing it because he has no team." She clarified, "I would never send you in there-"

"I want to help!" You insisted, making Chesed smile. "I know it could be dangerous but isn't that what this whole line of work is like? I want to get to know this place from an employee's perspective!" Angela just blinked, staring at you with disbelief. She looked back to Chesed, who just shrugged.

"... um... very well... I will try and fill his team quickly then.. in the mean time. Chesed.. get acquainted with your new... 'team member' ."