#that's how they earned money for their inventions

[nelkcats]

Double Trouble

During a convention in Gotham, the Fentons brought the rebuilt Fenton Ghost Catcher, they were extremely proud of their invention and were going to catch as many ghosts as possible at their paranormal convention.

But as is normal in Gotham, a rogue attacked. Croc personally wasn't too interested in what was going on there but he was paid by some others to cause a distraction while some villains robbed the place and extra money was always great.

From the looks of it, the news that the Fentons were coming to Gotham were public. The Fentons were known as very reclusive weapon makers with peculiar interests. Their inventions sold very well, and were extremely dangerous so Peguin assumed that even if they were destined for "ghosts" they would work perfectly fine with bats.

Jason already knew that the two weapon inventors were in the city, the Bat was too paranoid not to know, but the Fentons never showed that they wanted to cause harm so when Croc attacked Red Hood was guarding the place.

The problem was that during the battle he was pushed into the Ghost Catcher and separated into two halves. One looked like the normal him but more ghostly? while the other was more lively and energetic. The second one looked like a bigger version of what Robin would have been without his death. Of course, the invention blew up right after that, and the Fentons looked sad.

Danny scrambled to hide both Jason before his parents noticed, motioning for him to be quiet as he watched the villains make off with the anti-ghost weapons. He knew the convention would turned into a mess since the beginning.

[hazard-symbols-that-fuck-hard]

Okay time for the PBS Kids essay

Read it under the cut!

:readmore:

In 1968, before there was PBS Kids proper, there was Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. While it came several decades before the children’s block, it laid the foundation for the themes and values present in every facet of the network’s history.

Mr. Roger famously hated children’s programming at the time. To him, it all was droll and useless. But he didn’t dissuade the medium entirely— he saw potential. Potential that led to a few smaller television jobs, and eventually the creation of Mr. Roger’s neighborhood.

Rogers didn’t invent educational TV for children, but he did perfect it. He poured real heart and soul into probably the most sincere, heartfelt program in history.

Honestly, he could have his own essay. The more things you learn about the real man of Mr. Rogers, the more you’ll like him.

Anyway, the biggest thing that makes PBS different is the fact that it earns money through grants, fundraisers, and private donors— not through sponsorships and merchandise sales. This way, PBS Kids can push programming that it feels is important, rather than programming that merely sells well.

This also means PBS is less afraid of pushing social boundaries. Money doesn’t go away when their shows become subjects of debate— and Mr. Rogers took full advantage of this.

For context, this was 1969. The Jim Crow era had just barely, barely ended. Pool segregation was still very much legal.

Mr. Rogers sharing a pool and a towel with the Black Mr. Clemmons was a pretty big deal at the time— especially on a show made for children.

Rogers was far from the untouchable sacred cow of today. When he was alive, he had a large number of detractors. Let’s just say that scene didn’t fly nicely by everyone.

Just one year after the debut of Mr. Roger’s came Sesame Street.

While Mr. Roger’s was made for all children, Sesame Street had the explicit goal of supplementing the education of underserved communities— especially inner-city Black (and later Latino) children.

While it was made to be accessible to children of all races and income levels, they definitely went the extra mile to make it something special for inner-city Black and Brown kids. (Why do you think it it’s “Sesame Street” and not “Sesame Cul-de-Sac”?)

At the time, a wholesome, sweet show set in a brownstone street was practically unheard of.

Jon Stone, the casting director, deliberately sought to make the cast as rich with color as he possibly could, bringing on a huge amount of Black talent such as Loretta Long, Matt Robinson, and Kevin Clash, as well as featuring Black celebrities as guest stars. Later, the show would expand its horizons, bringing on actors from Latino, Asian, Native American, and many more backgrounds.

White actors were and still are a minority on show.

In addition to letters and numbers, the purpose of Sesame Street is clear: make kids of color know that they’re smart, beautiful, and loved.

It doesn’t get more explicit than this.

I want to point out this comment because it’s funny

You’re telling me this bitch isn’t Hispanic???

Anyway, these two were followed up by Reading Rainbow in 1983. And guess what?

That’s right. Non-white focus.

These three shows, (along with other, lesser-known programs like Lamb-Chops Play Along, Newton’s Apple, and Shining Times Station (who featured Ringo Starr himself?? seriously how did that happen and why does no one talk about it) and some other nostalgic favorites like Bill Nye the Science guy, The Magic Schoolbus, Arthur, and Thomas the Tank Engine) aired on the new PTV block, which evolved into PBS Kids in 1999, bringing along Between the Lions, Dragon Tales, and many more.

Arthur is another stand-out that I’d like to talk about— it doesn’t have the same racial focus of Sesame Street, but it does focus on different income levels. The characters have various housing situations, from apartments to mansions to no home at all.

It also takes cues from Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s in regards to talking about tough topics, though as Arthur has a slightly older target audience, it discusses things through stories rather than talking directly to the audience.

Cancer, religion, workplace discrimination, along with current (at the time) events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina are all discussed on the show.

Another big focus on Arthur is disability. For once, they don’t stick a character in a wheelchair and then pretend he’s not in a wheelchair. A striking number of major characters either develop or get diagnosed with physical disabilities and/or neurodivergences, such as asthma, severe food allergies, and dyslexia, and they deal with them in very realistic ways.

A handful of minor characters have more obvious disabilities, and THANK GOD they go beyond the trite messaging of “disabled people can do everything abled people can do! everyone clap now!”

One episode in particular has the awesome message of “holy shit stop trying to help me all the time— it’s patronizing as fuck. I can get around just fine without you stepping on eggshells and trying to be the hero all the fucking time”

There are sooo many other shows I could talk about, but I can’t write about them all. I’m definitely gonna point out some more standout ones, though.

Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat

Created by Chinese-American woman Amy Tang

Dragonfly TV

Features a multitude of female and non-white scientists to foster an interest in science with kids in those groups

Maya & Miguel

One of the network’s first Hispanic-led shows

SciGirls

I shouldn’t have to explain what the goal of this one was.

Molly of Denali

When was the last time you saw a show that treated Native Americans as people? Much less a children’s show? 90% of the cast is Athabascan, and the show revolves around Athabascan culture, not shying away from topics like boarding schools and modern-day racism. Most of the writers are also Athabascan, and the show even has an official Gwich’in dub!

It’s this commitment to real, authentic social justice that makes PBS Kids so much different from its competitors. Could you imagine the Paw Patrol dog looking at the camera and earnestly discussing what happened to George Floyd? I don’t think so— but Arthur talked specifically about it, Sesame Street did an hour long special about race in general, and the network itself made a 30 minute special.

Disney Jr. could never. (Other than trying to teach colorblindness, of course.)

I’m gonna have to cut this into two parts, since I just hit the image limit

[etherealspacejelly]

Some of my opinions, in no particular order

golf courses should be abolished. mini golf can stay. actual golf? no. golf courses take up so much water to maintain their grass, grass which, btw, is a monoculture and bad for wildlife. the area that golf courses take up could be used for affordable housing, or natural areas left to grow with wild native plants that are better for the insect populations. but nooo, we gotta use all this land so that stuck up rich people can play the most boring game ever invented. bullshit.

the police should be abolished. i would settle for defunding but really they just need to go.

children are people, treat them as such. kids have thoughts and feelings that are just as real and valid as yours.

on a similar vein, you are allowed to not want children, but that doesn't give you a free pass to hate kids or be mean to kids. they didnt ask to be here, be kind.

there should be a maximum wage. after a certain point, there is no amount of labour you could possibly do to Earn that much money. your workers earned that money, and you are stealing it from them.

there is a difference between millionaires and billionaires. when i say eat the rich im not talking about actors and musicians, im talking about people who are directly responsible for poverty, hunger, suffering, and homelessness around the world. people who hoard obscene amounts of wealth that No One could ever hope to spend in an entire lifetime and simply watch while minimum wage workers struggle to put food on the table and the elderly freeze in their homes.

sex ed should start in primary school, at an age-appropriate level. if kids are old enough to ask questions about sex, they are old enough to learn about it in a safe environment. they should be taught correct anatomical names for body parts (penis, vulva, vagina, etc.).

there should be more research into autism and ADHD in adults, this shit doesn't just go away when you grow up.

diagnostic criteria for disabilities, disorders, and mental health conditions should be written by people who have or have had these conditions. how is someone supposed to know if they have autism, for example, if the symptoms are written from the perspective of someone who has never experienced it?? doesn't make any fucking sense.

hostile architecture should be illegal. unhoused people deserve a place to sleep. or better yet, give them houses. there are literal studies done that prove that housing people saves the government money in the long run, so why aren't we doing that? make it make sense

edit: updated to add more clarity to the golf thing. didn't explain that one well enough and left some people confused

[queen-mihai]

We only need a few rich people

And we need zero billionaires

The "need" in society to have rich people running around is mostly for entertainment value.

Let's say someone who earns $20 million a year due to some really popular product she invented and maybe some smart investments.

This person will never be a billionaire

BUT she will be a fun person to have around on some dumb TV show

"Oh yeah I bought myself a second yacht this year 😅. They're kind of a guilty pleasure of mine so I thought I'd splurge"

She's not rich enough to get around paying her taxes, which means she's probably giving 10-15 million a year or more straight to the government as taxes.

Now, she's paying the people who build the yacht, keeping them in business. They hire tradespeople and artists to make her ship nice, and those people go on to further stimulate the economy by spending the paychecks they earned building her yacht

She buys houses, clothes, cars, puts her kids through expensive classes, and sets aside a little nest egg so she can retire in comfort and her kids can go to school

That's not so bad. She's probably on TV shows talking about how fun it is being rich and everything. Maybe she gives some money to charity and people kinda wanna be like her.

You know what we don't need?

Someone rich enough to, instead of buying a car, buys the entire car manufacturer

We don't need someone who has enough money to stop paying their taxes and then pretend they still do.

We don't need someone who can spend a million dollars in a day and have it replaced that same day.

Spending money SHOULD hurt. Or make you feel SOMETHING.

If you're collecting money so goddamn fast that you literally can't spend it fast enough to ever see your bank account go down, we don't fucking need you.

If you're collecting that much money, your bank account should just be a wide open door where people can rob you all they want because you won't even notice anyway.

Are you a billionaire reading this? Give me ten million dollars and I'll think about shutting up. I won't, but I'll think about it.

You're gonna have to give ten million to every other person reading this though cuz they're probably not gonna shut up either.

You know what? Actually it'd probably just be easier to PAY YOUR DAMN TAXES. That would get a lot of us to shut up.

Try it. You might like it

[froot-batty]

happy hatter day to all those who celebrate >:]

Jervis Tetch seemed to one day just...appear in Gotham. Jervis simply popped into existence in Gotham's foster care system with an Alice in Wonderland book in his hand; no records of his birth or who dropped him off there, if anyone. Jervis himself can't remember where he came from before Gotham, but if you asked, he'd figure he just fell down the rabbit hole and ended up here.

Jervis was placed with many different foster families over the years. She never seemed to mesh right with any of those she was placed with, and spent very little time in each before being returned and shipped off to another. Being so young (and already pretty fragile, mentality-wise), Jervis' brain needed a way to cope with the ever-shifting, confusing mess that was her life.

In came Alice in Wonderland.

Imagining the homes she was placed into as the various places traveled to through Carroll's books made things a lot easier for him to deal with. It even became fun, after a while! He would slot the adults or the other children inside the home into specific roles within his mind's version of Wonderland, and would treat them and act out scenarios accordingly. Whenever he was pulled out of his Wonderland, he would become foggy, distant, and downtrodden - like the world had lost it's color.

(This growing disconnect with reality would only increase how many times she was placed in a different home.)

Eventually, Jervis outgrew the foster system, and shipped herself off to Gotham City University. While her first literature love would always be the Alice in Wonderland series, she had devoured anything that related to the mind and the influence of it. During her time in college, she spent her free time perfecting the act of hypnosis - almost to a scarily good extent. Though at first she only used this to make a little extra money from doing shows at parties.

Jervis graduated with a bachelor's in science and almost immediately joined the new, experimental neuroscience branch that Waynetech had begun developing.

Though most of the work there was doing research, Jervis loved his job, and stayed long enough to earn his Ph.D. in Neurochemistry and work his way up to directly working with the chemicals Waynetech was developing. Of course, the people working alongside Jervis weren't the best. She was funny-looking, and weird, and talked far too much, so that made her quite unpopular with just about everyone. All except for one Alice Hart.

Jervis thought he had long left Wonderland behind him, but suddenly it was back in full swing, invading every moment of free time with daydreams of tea parties with Alice in his lovingly-crafted Wonderland, all the roles filled perfectly so he would never have to venture outside of it again. A growing friendship with Alice herself in the real world did nothing but worsen Jervis' obsession.

But work had to continue, and Jervis had stumbled upon an idea that really captured her attention. A way to chemically influence the brain to do whatever you'd like it to do - like a form of liquid hypnosis. This had started with good intentions, but as Jervis gradually approached the rabbit hole, the development for it became...more unethical. Her first tests were on mice, and then on herself, which only proved to make her mind float even further from the real world. But it worked! When injested, it was less outright control and more suggestibility, but paired with her knack for hypnosis, she had invented mind control.

Her debut of what she'd found didn't go over well. Their creepy coworker, who seemed less-than-grounded on the best of days, inventing a way to control people's minds? That spread rumors around the branch, and eventually, Jervis' bosses made the collective decision to terminate him. While he was brilliant, they had been looking for an excuse to replace him with someone less, well....mad.

This devastated Jervis. But he at least had one thing to cling to - his dearest friend, Alice. She had supported her throughout all of it, and when Jervis plucked up the courage to ask her out for a night, she agreed. What she didn't know upon arriving at her home was that Jervis had long past gone over the edge, and the tea she offered had a little something other thrown into it.

]See, Jervis had concocted a plan. He gathered all of the people in his former company that he thought best fit the roles in his Wonderland, including his Alice, and took them to the Alice in Wonderland exhibit at the Gotham Museum. There, he forced them to reenact his favorite book series with him, the lines between reality and fantasy finally becoming one.

Batman came to the rescue a few hours into it, when Jervis had already been struggling to keep so many people under her spell. She fought back the Bat as best as she could, but it was actually Alice who put a stop to it. Alice, who had managed to snap out of Jervis' control and pick up a prop axe from one of the exhibits, caving in her captor's head with it when she wasn't paying attention. Though the axe was blunt and not made of actual metal, it was still a very heavy object, and before being taken to Arkham Jervis had to undergo extensive medical treatment that she'd never fully recover from.

Nowadays, Jervis drifts in-and-out of Wonderland once again. He is desperate to put all of the pieces back together and live his dream, but he can be patient. He's content to make friends with the other Rogues and help them out when his skills are needed, and in turn be seen as harmless to them.

For now.

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

🗡️ Something Dread, Something Red: Chapter Ten

Something Dread, Something Red: Stuck in a proposal to a Marine Commodore, you escape minutes before your wedding in one last ditch effort to avoid getting married to a tyrant. Barely making it to the port of your town, you stumble across a ship just starting to leave and beg for passage off the island. You fail to notice that the people you beg for help, are pirates.

Warnings: Teasing.

To Note: “Red Haired” Shanks x FemReader

Word Count: ~2.9k

Previous | Masterlist | Next

You hadn’t been allowed to help with clean up after dinner, Lucky had promptly shooed you out of the kitchen and given Gab the task of distracting you so you didn’t try and sneak back in to help. You liked to think that you knew the men pretty well at this point, you were going on four weeks of living with them. Well, the same could be said for them. They knew the first chance you had, you would put yourself to work. So Gab had dragged you to Shanks room to play a hand of cards or two, however many it took for the dirty dishes to be done.

Gin rummy was one of the first games the men had taught you to whittle time away at sea. You… were not very good at the game. It was a skill based card game and since you were still so new at it, you really didn’t have any skill at all! You let out a soft growl and nearly threw down your cards in frustration.

“This is pointless,” You complained, dipping your head back and glaring at the ceiling of Shanks cabin. It seemed that no matter who you played against, you always ended up losing! “Who even invented this game?”

“No idea, but you’ll get better with practice,” Gab stated, laying out yet another winning hand. You groaned and slumped in place. “And the point is money, Aria. Gambling. Earning a quick Berry.”

“Or losing a quick Berry.” You huffed out, knowing that gambling was a very treacherous game that many a men and woman lost themselves in. You’d seen it from the shadows of Bonn Manor after your mother held a ball. Card games and drinking were a popular event post dancing and you hadn’t understood the passing of Berry at the time… but you did now. Seeing your expression move to one that was far away, Gab prompted you.

“Aria?” He called, pausing in shuffling the cards. You blinked and forced yourself away from the memories of Bonn Manor.

“Sorry what were we saying?” You questioned, your eyes fluttering and fingers drumming on the table. Gab squinted at you.

“I lost you for a moment, what is it? What were you thinking about?” He pushed, not liking how you seemed to relapse into your shell for a few brief moments. You pressed your lips together. “Aria?” 

“I was just—” You cut yourself off and took a deep breath. “My mother liked to hold monthly balls in Bonn Manor. Card games were a popular activity after dancing, I never understood why they passed Berry around. At least not until now. It seems to frivolous and wasteful, gambling Berry like it was mere pocket change.”

Gab went back to shuffling the cards, listening to your words and pleased that you were opening up more. He and the rest of the crew knew the basics of your situation, and what kind of personality you had,  but no one had heard much about your past. This was the first time you were openly offering to speak about it.

“Did she ever let you participate?” Gab asked, having a feeling that the answer would be no since you had no idea how Gin rummy worked when they first introduced it to you. You softly snorted, remembering the strict timeline your mother enforced.

“No, once the dancing was finished she always declared that I was in need of retiring to my rooms early. She likes to boast that I spend most of my time practicing how to be a lady. Practicing stitching, etiquette, history. I was a dutiful daughter that strived to be the perfect offspring.” The was a bitter note in your voice and the corner of your mouth twitched. “I only know of what went on behind the sitting room doors because I snuck through the servants halls once.”

“Once?”

“I got caught,” You replied, remembering the week you had spent recovering after your mother had beaten you to what had felt like one lash away from death. You’d never tried anything like that ever again. The flashbacks of the welts and bruises haunted you, even to this day. You had never seen your mother so angry. You reached for the stack of cards, taking them from Gab. “It’s my turn to deal.”

Dinner had passed and the dishes washed, so the men were all laying low for the night. Either nursing a beer, sharpening a blade, or practicing some fancy trick, they had cleared out from the main deck. You had been sitting in one of the lounge chairs reading a book Benn had lent you when Shanks approached. Your gaze lifted from the words in front of you and you smiled pleasantly.

“I thought you would have retired yourself to whatever it is that you do at night,” You spoke, observing the red haired man. You were fairly sure that he had mentioned needing to talk to Building Snake about the Red Force’s current course. “Or at least be busy speaking to Snake about our current course.”

“I did talk to Snake,” Shanks replied, leaning against the railing of the ship. “It turned out to be a simple adjustment with the log pose, weather ahead we want to avoid. As for why I am not returning to my latest book, I’m making good on my promise.” Your eyebrow arched at his mention of a promise, and Shanks offered you his hand. “You are going to want to change into something easy to move in for this.”

Wracking your brain for the promise Shanks had supposedly made to you, you closed your book and took his hand. Shanks effortlessly pulled you to your feet and pulled you in the direction of his cabin.

“What promise are you talking about exactly and why do I need to change clothes?” Shanks glanced back at you, lips twitching at the puzzlement on your face.

“You wanted to learn how to use a sword did you not?” Shanks spoke, raising his own eyebrow. “Now’s a good time, full moon with lots of light and the men are settling down for the night so you won’t have an audience. You are going to want to wear something that lets you move around, your pants are a good option. Also, you won’t want a loose shirt, the fabric might get in the way.”

Stopping in front of the door to the cabin, you stared at Shanks with raised eyebrows. He sure got bossy on occasion. Not that you minded. You found it a rather attractive trait of his. Stop it Aria. Clearing your throat, you reached for the door and looked back at Shanks.

“Pants and a non loose shirt, I think Anna picked out some clothing items that match that description. Mentioned it was good for working out, but I have no idea how to work out so…”

“We’ll get there eventually,” Shanks replied before leaving you to change. You watched him disappear before entering the cabin and shutting the door behind you. You hadn’t been able to try out the clothes Anna had said were good for working out yet, and were excited to try something new yet again. Trotting over to your trunk of clothing, you carefully pulled out folded stacks of clothes until you found what you were looking for: a tank top, sports bra, and comfortable cloth pants.

Stripping yourself out of your day clothes, you wrestled yourself into the sports bra and were surprised to find that while it felt constricting, it didn’t make you feel like you were being suffocated. Further pleased with your new clothes, you pulled on the soft pants and admired the fact that the cloth hugged your skin close. You had never seen your legs like this before and felt a sliver of shyness. But you had seen many woman out and about wearing pants like this and even more revealing clothing, so nothing about your outfit was unfit to be worn.

“Stop being such a prude,” You muttered yourself, putting your arms through the armholes of the tank and dragging it over your head. The tank was loose, but not too loose. It was just airy enough that you were sure that you wouldn’t over heat doing whatever vigorous activities working out constituted as. Knowing Shanks, he wasn’t going to overwork you (he certainly still thought you could do with more meat on your bones), you still liked the idea of dressing for the occasion. Some things never change. Since you were going to learning how to use a sword, you figured that it was probably in your best interest to put on your shoes, sneakers rather than your sandals. It would be doubtful Shanks would even humor you wielding a blade with your feet vulnerable, kitchen knifes aside.

Reaching for a hair band, you pulled back your shoulder length lavender hair to keep it out of the way and to stop it from blowing in your eyes. After you had cut it, you had realized that without tying it off, the strands had a habit of flying into your face. Humming to yourself, you slipped out of the main cabin and went in search of Shanks. It was dark out now, but the hanging lanterns on the ship gave off plenty of light. Looking around, you searched for Shanks but couldn’t find him anywhere on the main deck. Perhaps he had migrated to the weather deck?

Walking over to the stairs leading to the upper level deck, you climbed them to see Shanks standing in the middle of the deck, sword in hand. The lights from the lanterns highlighted his red hair as he swung his sword around methodically and with acute precision. You were fascinated with the way it looked like the sword was attached to his hand, and the way his body moved… He had probably been practicing his whole life! Shanks flicked his wrist over his head while turning, and immediately halted in place.

“Aria,” He called, automatically lowering the sword from your direction and promptly sheathing it at his side. “I can say you finally managed to sneak up on me.” He spoke while drinking in what you were wearing. It was by far the most revealing of clothes you had worn to date, trousers that hugged your legs, a tank top that clearly showed your shoulders… and he’d better stop staring at your body. He looked back into your eyes. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, though it is hard to be ready for something I have no knowledge of.” You answered, your brows scrunching as you tried to imagine exactly what went into learning how to wield a sword.

“The fact that you are thinking about it makes you ready.” Shanks said before walking over to the cutlass he’d picked out for you. He picked it up, once again checking its weight and balance, before turning around and offering the handle to you. Your eyes fluttered at the man just handing you a sword before telling you about them, before gingerly reaching for the hilt and grasping it in an awkward pinch of your fingers.

“This sword isn’t nearly as heavy as I thought it would be,” You commented, moving the blade around to get a better look at the sharpened edge.

“First things first,” Shanks began, “Terminology. This is a cutlass, it’s a short sword that is good for quick movements, typically slashing. Not intended for thrusting or stabbing, but slashing. Quick and easy, makes for an easy get away.” You narrowed your eyes.

“Are you insinuating that I will be looking for fights, Captain?” You half heartedly accused, Shanks snorted at you and moved to stand next to you.

“Perhaps not looking for them, but they might go looking for you,” He corrected you, reaching over with his hand to show you the correct way to hold the cutlass. “You are slight in stature still and it would be in your best interest to use that to your advantage. Being large isn’t always an advantage.”

“And here I was under the assumption that men were of the belief that bigger is better,” Your words slipped from your lips smoothly and with the way your eyelashes flickered as you blinked innocently, Shanks was half convinced you knew exactly what you were speaking of, and it wasn’t size. Don’t open that can of worms Shanks. He cleared his throat and continued.

“Have you ever heard the phrase the bigger you are the harder you fall? Use your size to your advantage. Big doesn’t always equate strength, but big doesn’t equate slowness either…” A dismal point he was making.

“So I should simply be faster?” You offered, your mind thinking about size and speed. A light weight sword would move quick, unhindered by weight. Shanks smiled, already knowing that your mind would keep you out of trouble if you ever did get into trouble.

“Precisely,” He said, his smile turning into a grin. “You are smart and you are fast, having a blade to match will be far more fitting than a heavy broadsword. Now you want to hold it like this, and not grip it too tight. You’ll get cramps up your arm if you do.” From there, Shanks fingers directed your own to wrap around the hilt of the cutlass, showing you how to properly hold it, and how to treat it while wielding it.

He stood behind you and reached out with his arm to show you the motions he wanted you to practice, not intentionally swinging the cutlass but moving your entire arm. He made a point that you should never fight with your wrist, because you could injure yourself, and that the golden rule of learning how to wield a sword, was that it was an extension of your arm. It was getting to the point where your arm was beginning to ache from all the repetitive swings you had been doing, and Shanks decided to switch you to some footwork. So he brought out a broom and began poking at you. You clearly didn’t appreciate the sudden prodding and swiftly moved out of range every time he made a jab at you.

“This is entirely unfair!” You exclaimed, dodging another poke from the broom handle while Shanks grinned at you. You were adorably angry and of course, still held the cutlass in your hand. But you refused to swing back at him in revenge and just continued to dodge!

“Wouldn’t be if you swung that sword at me,” He teased you, swiping at your side. You growled when the broom tapped you and glared at the pirate clearly trying to egg you into swiping the cutlass at his body. “You’re not going to hurt me,”

“Shanks!” You hissed at him when he caught your arm with a tap. Your legs were staring to feel heavy from all the prancing around you had been doing and since you weren’t used to this much exercise, your stamina was running on empty. “If I was the one with that broom I swear I would—” You tripped over your own feet dodging the broom and mid twist, began falling backwards with a yelp. Shanks was reacting before you even had a chance to register that he had moved.

The broom drooped from his grasp as his arm shot to your falling body. He swung you around to brace your body against his but in a twist of legs, you both ended up falling backwards. Shanks, at the very least, was glad that he was going down first and could cushion your fall. So hitting the deck, he made sure that you landed on him rather than hard wood. You did with a slight ‘oof’, but thankfully no sounds of pain.

“… I think I’ve reached my limit for the night, lest I stumble overboard.” You spoke after a few moments of silence. Shanks chuckled and gave your waist a light squeeze.

“And you think that I wouldn’t immediately go right after you?” He replied, only antagonizing the pitter patter of your heart further. Oh when you say things like that Shanks… You bit your lip and went to roll to the right so you weren’t still lying on top of the red haired man. He stopped you the moment he got a glimpse of your lower back from your tank riding up. You felt his fingers trace your skin where you once had mottled marks from your mother’s lashing. All that remained were slight echoes of trauma. Marks that would fade in time. Time he wished you didn’t have to wait on.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” You reassured him, rolling back onto your back next to him and twisting your head to look into his eyes. You were still tucked against his side and had a brief thought that it felt nice to be there. Only in your deepest of dreams, Linaria. “They stopped hurting two weeks ago.”

“You should never have been hurt in the first place, Aria,” Shanks softly answered, his eyes a storm of conflicting emotions. He still couldn’t understand how a mother could beat her own child to the point blotched bruises that had taken weeks to heal. How could any mother beat her child?

“No,” You agreed, “But what happened is in the past, and I only wish to look to the future. You gave me that.” Your words were only partially comforting because the longer you stayed on the Red Force, the more he didn’t want to see you go and the more he wanted to continue to protect you. But he’d put those thoughts aside for tonight and simply enjoy the time spent with you during your first lesson.

“As you wish madam,” He finally spoke up, making you roll your eyes once more before looking straight up at the stars.

“They seem especially bright tonight,” You commented, making no motion to move away from his side. Shanks turned his head to admire the stars along with you, enjoying your chosen closeness and comfort. It wasn’t until Shanks arm began to fall asleep from your head resting on his bicep that he realized you had dozed off.

Date Published: 2/2/23

Last Edit: 2/2/23

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[notmorbid]

how to be eaten.

dialogue prompts from how to be eaten: a novel by maria adelmann.

people know of you, but do they know you?

'absolute honesty' sounds like 'total crap', to me.

i do wonder what you've all heard about me.

i am just, in general, very hurt.

i know people don't like me.

whatever you heard, maybe it's not the whole story.

you can sell anything, if you know how to package it.

life shouldn't be lived behind a screen.

everything i have, i earned.

no pain without pleasure.

i should have known something was wrong.

what twenty-something hasn't fallen for some creepy asshole?

is originality the goal?

i wasn't special before this and i'm not special now.

i exist beyond your human concept of gender.

don't tell me that you liked me for my personality.

men don't have to pretend to be good.

when people recognize me, they cross the street.

the dead speak to you?

i don't have much room to call anyone else crazy.

nobody listens to what they don't want to hear.

do you really believe me? i don't blame you, if you don't.

i wouldn't waste a lot of time trying to figure out who believes you.

i was too tired to be afraid; or else, i was afraid all the time.

self-care is a neoliberal trap.

you need everything to be all fucked up.

i'm tired of treating you like shit.

i wouldn't even pay me to sleep with me.

a kid couldn't make up something like that.

you always need to be the most interesting person in the room.

thanks, mom, but i can take care of myself.

it's funny, how they can doubt you and blame you in the same breath.

you're always involved in some weirdo catastrophe.

it's easier to see the big picture when you're not involved.

it's easy to pretend you're too cool for something when you already have it.

one morning i tried to diy a sundial.

it's not so bad, kid. come out here and talk to me.

i wasn't actually trying to hurt you. i mean, physically.

if you lose your dignity while winning the game, have you really won?

i think martinis taste like pine trees.

it would've been good tv, but it was just real life.

i try not to waste too much time wanting things.

rich kids are 'inventive'. poor kids just lie.

there will always be a bunch of assholes who don't believe you.

not everything is a love story.

you have a lot of nightmares. what are they about?

where have you broken? where have you healed?

do you think you're capable of love?

i wanted to be me without the context.

my reputation has never been about me.

you look just like your picture.

what if, for some of us, moving on involves finding good in the bad?

talent doesn't mean as much as people pretend it does.

nothing's free and everything is sellable.

there are so many ways to be torn in half.

what would you do if you had money?

[littlesniggy]

Tying a knot

Soooooo....I'm not back but I really wanted to write this so yeah....hope you like it. Reader is a new recruit in the marines and is actually doing pretty well....if it wasn't for those stupid knots.

Warnings: modern day AU, military AU, dub-c, power dynamics, older man x younger woman, reader is fresh out of high school but over 18, swearing, slightly ns.fw

Pairing: Admiral Sakazuki x female recruit reader

Word count: 4.4k

When you pictured yourself in the future you always thought you’d go to college, get a job, settle down, have some kids, and live the rest of your life together with your husband on some lone range in the middle of nowhere, your grandkids running around while your kids prepare the Sunday dinner in your kitchen while you hold hands with your husband and reflect on what a blessed life you’ve had.

Or maybe you would’ve pursued your carrier, made a fortune by inventing something crazy useful or made the right investment at the right time and by the age of 35 you would’ve been so rich that you never had to lift a finger for the rest of your life. You could’ve traveled abroad, see the world and see where the wind carries you. 

The harsh reality hits you when your commanding officer screams into your face, his spit landing in your open mouth by default since you are breathing heavily. Your muscles are burning and you’re not sure anymore if it’s because of the thousands of sit ups you’ve been forced to do or because you ate something funny (the food is really not the best and you’re not sure how long some of the cans have been hidden in the cabinets, forgotten until the canteen lady unsuspectingly found it and decided it was still edible). 

“MOVE. YOUR. ASS! We’re not in sissy camp, recruit!” he yells, more spit landing on your face. Sweat is covering your entire body, your brown shirt and pants soaking wet, coloring it a shade darker than it actually is. You grunt and follow is order, trying to move faster but everything is simply burning. Your officer luckily moves on to the person next to you to scream at him as well. 

If you remember correctly his name is Cody. You saw him briefly at the briefing in week one but haven’t really noticed him ever since. Apparently, he is also still trying to become a marine, taking the 8 week training camp as seriously as you are. 

The whistle blows and everyone is collapsing on the hard ground, loud panting and groaning can be heard over the entire training ground. “Two-minute break! Then we’ll go over to push-ups!” your commanding officer yelled. Internally your groan in frustration but instead shield your eyes from the burning sun above you to get some shade. Once again, you’re contemplating why you chose this path in life and not the ones you’ve dreamt of when you were younger.

It's not that you are stupid. Rather the opposite. You studied hard to get into university after high school, had a high GPA and all the ambitions to succeed. The only thing you didn’t have was money or a scholarship. Your parents couldn’t afford to send you to college and for some reason you also couldn’t land any scholarships. Contemplating if you should apply to universities anyways or not your uncle mentioned that you could join the military for a couple of years and they would then pay for your studies. So, that’s what you decided to do. Taking online classes is the best possible option but they won’t start before September and you had to survive the first 8 weeks of this hell hole first. 

You roll over onto your stomach and reach for the bottle of water to take a big sip before you have to do a shit ton of sit-ups. 

.

.

.

“Listen up! Tomorrow we will have a high-ranking visitor at our compound. Your orders are to behave at your best, to not complain and to fulfill every task given to you! Not that it’s any different from any other day but I won’t have you lot embarrass us in front of admiral Sakazuki!” a nervous murmur can be heard amongst the recruits, earning everyone a “Shut the fuck up!”. 

“He and vice admiral Garp will stay until the end of week 4 when you will take your second academic test. I don’t need to remind you to study for this test since you will not be able to continue your carrier in the navy unless you pass all tests!” he reminds you all.

Thinking back you noticed some faces didn’t return after the first test but you didn’t really pay it any mind. You scored in the top 10% and are more than content with it. You are also not too concerned about the second test since the questions asked are not too hard anyways. 

“That is all. Dismissed!” the officer yells and immediately stalks off. You and the rest of the new recruits slowly make your way over to the shacks where you share everything with one another. No privacy, only the bathrooms and showers are separated by sex which you are very grateful for. 

.

.

.

After taking a shower you feel much better; still sore but much better. “Dinner” is served exactly at 1830 (630 pm) and if you’re later you won’t get anything to eat and have to wait until the next morning. One of your new friends here made this experience the very first day because he was late. You didn’t really feel bad for him since they said not even 6 hours prior when breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served so it was really only his fault. You have no idea why you engaged in conversation with him since he did nothing but complain that night but you somehow became friends and have sticked together since then. 

“What do you think about admiral Sakazuki coming tomorrow, Y/n?” you look up from your food at Rosinante and shrug. “It’s kinda surprising for him to come here. Maybe he has some business to attend to near the base or even on here….” You muse and take a bite of your meat (?) which tastes just like a show. Rosinante hums and watches your face contort in slight disgust at the taste and texture of the food. “You might be right. Still, I haven’t heard anything good from him.” His voice is hushed as to not attract too much attention. 

“Ever since he’s become an admiral some missions abroad have been somewhat….” He pauses, trying to think of the appropriate word. 

“Questionable?” you finish and he nods in agreement. “Yes, questionable.” He agrees and also takes a bite before spitting it back out. “Disgusting.” He huffs and you smile at him. 

“I heard he’s planned some reform for the marines.” Surprised, you turn around to look at none other than Koby who is sitting right behind you. “I’m sorry for eavesdropping.” He apologizes with a small smile but you wave it off. “No worries.” You assure him, also inviting him to continue. 

“I’ve heard some of the officers talk about him visiting another training ground and he personally threw out some of the new recruits even though they passed the tests. They don’t know why but ever since he’s been promoted the atmosphere within the navy has changed.” He informs you. Both you and Rosinante gulp at the story. Sure, there is always the possibility that you might fail a test but being thrown out even after you passed? 

“This almost seems personal…” you murmur and the others nod in agreement. 

“Guess that’s why commander prick seemed a little nervous earlier today.” Rosinante muses. You stay silent, following your own train of thought regarding this revelation.

You need to pass all the tests and become a marine. This is one of the only ways to pursue your academic carrier without falling into a crushing amount of debt. This visit might be a bigger problem than initially expected.

.

.

.

You are used being yelled at. You are used being spit at. You are also (unfortunately) being used to indecent touches by some of your male comrades. All of this you can look past; you know how to deal with it, are not getting intimidated or flustered by any of it. But this is different. 

You have met a lot of different people in your life; some demand more, some demand less authority when entering a room but you have never, ever in your life met anyone who had such a dangerous and commanding aura like the admiral. The moment he stepped onto the training compound your blood ran cold. Chills covered your skin and your stomach dropped. Since now you have never seen anyone as dangerous or a threat. Call it privileged but despite your poor family you were raised pretty well in a surprisingly good neighborhood and there were not a lot of potentially dangerous people in your area. 

You want to look down when his eyes muster the recruits but you know you are not allowed to. This is an entirely new situation and, quite frankly, you have no idea how to behave. And you don’t like it.

Out of the corners of your eyes you can see that your fellow recruits are feeling the same and you feel some kind of relief. At least you’re not the only one.

“When I look at you, I feel disappointed.” His voice is gravely and sends another shiver down your spine. It also makes you listen up even more. This is not a good start for a speech. 

“I visited other bases before and I came to the conclusion that the navy will have to be more selective with new recruits. It should be a privilege to serve in the navy and people should act accordingly. That is why I will personally conduct interviews tomorrow with each and every one of you. If you’re not convincing, you can go back home. That’s all. Dismissed!” 

There is a long stretch of silence where nobody dares to move, even long after he is out of view. Even the officers are speechless, but not for too long. 

“You heard him! So, you better prepare tonight! We will also be judging you on your progress today so you better get your act together!”

.

.

.

You don’t have problems with neither the physical training nor with the academic part but something you certainly are not skilled at is knot-tying. It seems so easy – everybody else can do it – but you can’t to get your head around the right way to tie this stupid knot. You’re constantly yelled by your officers and it also doesn’t help that the admiral and the vice admiral (who you’ve seen for the first time today at knot-tying practice) are watching you with sharp eyes. Or at least the admiral is, vice-admiral Garp is idly chatting with some of the lower ranking marines. 

A frustrated groan leaves your mouth when this stupid rope keeps loosening up every time you’re about to tighten it. “Fucking stupid shitty rope….!” You mumble under your breath and are about to start over again when a large shadow is covering the light coming from the lamp above. You look up, ready to be yelled at again when your body turns to stone. 

You’re looking at the admiral himself, his arms crossed in front of his chest and a displeased look on his face. Everyone around you is silent, shooting stealthy looks in your direction. “I suggest looking for a different carrier when you’re not even capable of tying a simple knot, recruit.” He says and stretches out one hand expectantly. You have to forces your body to move and to give him the rope, your hand briefly brushing against his bigger one. 

You can only watch his massive hands deftly tie the knot you’ve been struggling with, somewhat amazed at how easy it is. With a loud thud he puts the knot down in front of you on the table, an arrogant look in his eyes. “I’ll keep this in mind for the interview tomorrow, recruit.” His words are nothing short of a threat and you feel dizzy. That you’re entire future depends on this asshole and a fucking knot is ridiculous! You look down at the perfectly tied knot and ignore the admiral disappearing. 

.

.

.

You are usually not nervous before interviews but today is different. You feel like throwing up and your hands are shaking. Not only will you be stepping in front of Sakazuki very soon but he will also decide on your future. Some of your comrades have already come back but so far none of them seems to have been kicked out. Nevertheless, they looked terrified. 

Another thing that bothers you is that you can’t anticipate how long the interview will be. Some of the others came out after 10 minutes, others stayed inside for 20-30 minutes. No way the admiral will be able to interview each and every one of you in a single day. 

The door opens and Koby comes out, his face pale as a ghost. You look at him concerned but he simply sighs in slight relief. “Good luck”, he whispers as he slowly walks away. 

“Y/n!” you’re being called into the room. As soon as you enter, the door is being shut behind you and you’re alone with admiral Sakazuki sitting on the opposite side of the room at a big desk. 

He is wearing the standard dark blue admiral uniform but no tie. All his medals are decorating the left side of his chest and you wonder what one needs to do to earn so many awards within the navy. 

You stand in front of the door, whole body straight and a (hopefully) stern look on your face. Sakazuki looks up at you after opening a file – your file, supposedly. 

“Sit.” He orders you and without hesitation you follow his command and sit down on the opposite side of the table, taking your hat off.  

Sakazuki looks at you for a moment before looking down at your file. 

“So, recruit.” He begins, not even bothering to read your name even though your file is right in front of him. “I’ve read your file. Good academic carrier so far.” He remarks but you don’t feel complimented. You know there is coming more. 

“Thank you, sir.” You reply regardless. 

“What made you join the marines and not go to university?” you knew this questions would come and you have thought about the right answer all night. You wanted to tell the truth but you decided against it last minute. 

“I want to serve our country and give back to this great nation.” You reply instead, swallowing the lump in your throat. There is a short silence in the room before the admiral huffs. 

“Serve our country….give back to the nation….stop bullshitting me.” You freeze at his words and his harsh eyes bore right into you. 

“S-sir?” you dare to ask. 

“I asked you why you wanted to join the navy after school and I expect an honest answer. You’re already on thin ice. One wrong step and you’re gone….” He mused, his eyes never leaving yours. The fight or flight instinct wanted to kick in but you desperately tried to suppress it. Neither would serve you good in this situation unless you wanted to lose face completely. 

“I-“ you cleared your throat before starting over again. “I wanted to go to university. But it wasn’t meant to be. So I decided to join the navy. I plan on taking online classes later in my carrier but right now I am entirely focused on my training and becoming a good marine. 

“A good marine should be able to tie a simple knot.” You couldn’t help but look away as your face heats up in embarrassment. You hear him move and pull something out of a drawer. When you look up you see a long rope in front of you on the table.

“How would you tie an enemy’s hands when you’ve captured them and have only this rope?” you know you learnt this the other day but by God you can’t remember!

You take the rope in your hands, looking lost but you decide to improvise. Maybe you’d be lucky…

You start to cross both ends to start tying the rope but Sakazuki interrupts you. “Try it on me.” His suggestion is much more an order than anything else. You want to protest but he has already placed both hands on top of the table in front of you. 

You don’t want to tie his hands together; mostly because you are scared to touch the man in front of you. But you have no other choice. You reach out and take both his hands into yours; his palms are warm and calloused, the rough patches brushing against your own hands. You slide the rope underneath his hands and start winding the rope around them. You know this is wrong, you know there is a right way but you simply can’t remember. 

The admiral watches you and lets you finish, his expression unreadable but you know you messed up once again. When you tighten the tow ends and look up at him you are met with a disappointed and annoyed look. You press your lips together and wait for his judgement. He lifts up his hands so both of you can take a good look.

“Tell me what you did wrong, recruit.” He demands. You look at your work but remain silent. Frustrated with you lack of answer Sakazuki simply flexes his arms and hands and rips the rope apart, freeing his hands in the process. 

“This was a sad excuse of a knot but an even sadder excuse of an aspiring marine. You want to defend this country?” he huffs derogatorily and you shrink into yourself. 

“First of all, you never tie an enemy’s hands in front of them. Always on the back.” He gets up, grabbing a second rope from the drawer and rounds the table. You slightly glare up at him. Of course, this was a set-up. He deliberately placed his hands in front of him on the table and not behind his back. 

“I must’ve misunderstood the assignment, sir. I thought you simply wanted me to tie your hands.” You admit but this answer is no good. 

“The order was clear, recruit. Tie my hands like I was an enemy. Would you tie an enemy’s hands like this?” you shake your head. 

“This is pathetic.” He mumbles. Suddenly, his hand grabs your hair, pulls you from the chair and presses your flat on the table. You gasp surprised and instinctively try to push yourself back up but the admiral has both your hands already grabbed behind your back, holding them  in an iron grip as his free hand slides around your wrists.

It doesn’t even take 10 seconds and your hands are tightly tied. You squirm underneath him, trying to get up but your tied hands combined with a single hand that is lightly pressing down between your shoulder blades is preventing you from getting away. 

“This is how you subdue an enemy.” You try to look at him over your shoulder but his hand moves to your head back again and presses your face onto the surface. You gasp, your legs kicking backwards to hit him but he steps closer and presses his body against yours. To be precise, he presses his legs against the back of your thighs, preventing you from moving at all. 

You struggle against your restrains but his grip only becomes harder. “Fuck!” You breathe out frustrated and give up, accepting your defeat and the likely end of your military carrier. 

“Pathetic.” He comments but lets go of you, pulling you from the table and onto your feet. You feel humiliated but suppress the tears that threaten to form in your eyes. You will not let him see your defeat, not Sakazuki. 

“You should just quit and save yourself from further humiliation which will come.” He says demeaning but you shake your head, “All due respect, sir, but I will not quit.” To underline your point you turn around to face him, the slight glistering of tears could vaguely be made out but either Sakazuki doesn’t see it or he ignores it. 

“I can be useful and I know I will be of value. I will not quit.” You look right into his cold eyes. Sakazuki remains silent for a moment before he steps forwarder, forcing you back and to bump against the table with the back of your thigh. 

“What will happen if you get captured?” he asks you, stepping another step forward and leaning forward deliberately slowly. You lean back instinctively, swallowing hard. You are not comfortable with this close proximity. 

“Will you be able to keep your mouth shut and not rat out your comrades?” he leans down further, forcing you to back up even more until your back is lying on the table again. 

Sakazuki places both hands next to your head, trapping you between his body and the table. 

“Y-yes, sir.” You affirm his question, forcing yourself to keep the eye contact. 

“Is that so? Even if they torture you?” his right hand traces down your arm until he reaches your hip. The warmth of his hand radiates through the fabric. It’s almost burning hot and makes you squirm under his touch. 

“Even if they do unspeakable things to you?” he continues, his hand moving upwards, riling your shirt up in the process, exposing your soft skin to his gaze. 

You let out a long breath you didn’t know you were holding, body slightly shaking under his touch. “Yes, sir.” You affirm once again, your heart hammering inside your chest. Sakazuki’s eyes slowly leave yours and instead travel down your body, taking in the curves of your breasts and then the exposed skin on your stomach.

You have so many different feelings racing inside your mind but the most prominent one is what is he going to do? Is this even legal? 

The admiral leans down, his mouth brushing against the shell of your ear, his hot breath against your neck. Your body heats up when a low groan rumbles through his body, revibrating against yours. His hand traces your naked skin up, inching closer to your breasts. Your body arches against his touch and you have the urge to wrap your legs around his waist. You know your pussy is wet from his short ministration and you want to be touched.

However, there is this small part in your head that screams at you that this is a trap. But this tiny voice keeps being pushed to the side with every touch from his big hand. You sigh and let your head fall to the side when his hand pushes underneath your sports bra and starts fondling your breast. 

A thin sheen of sweat has formed over your skin and you feel the heat inside your body. How did it come to this? This was supposed to be nothing but an interview! You know this isn’t right, but fuck! – his mere presence makes you feel things that should be forbidden!

Your mind is racing, trying to form a single thought but Sakazuki won’t let you. You feel his body shift, his legs nudging your legs apart and he presses his body between you. Your eyes open wide and you can’t hold back the moan anymore as his penis presses against you, hard and hot. Your hips rut up against his, wanting more friction. 

The admiral raises his body to look down at your flustered form, his right hand buried underneath your shirt.

“So pathetic. As soon as some man shows you some kind of attention you crumble like a cookie. Look at you. You’re so needy you will even risk your carrier to get that dick.” As if to emphasize his words he thrusts his hips forward against yours, forcing another gasp from your lips. 

Sakazuki lets go of your breast and pulls his hand out from underneath your shirt, leaving you breathless and flustered. Your slowly turn your head to look at him, his eyes giving no indication of his erect penis between your legs. 

“I am not pathetic….” You mumble. You don’t know why you said that but it was the only thing on your mind you could communicate with the marine above you. 

“And if I am then you’re as pathetic as I am.” You add, bracing for what’s about to come. Sakazuki lifts an eyebrow, surprised at your reply. 

“Care to explain why?” you swallow hard but know there is no going back.

“You are the one who initiated this. You are the one who felt the need to touch me. And you’re as aroused as I am.” Now it was your time to emphasize your words by pressing your hips against his. The admiral doesn’t answer right away, he simply stares at you. Then, the corner of his lips slightly lifts up, indicating a smile. 

“Gotta admit, you’re braver than you look.” He steps back, giving you some room but also robbing you of that sweet pressure between your legs. 

He pulls down your shirt, deliberately brushing against your breasts one last time before he pulls you up by your arm. 

He steps between your legs once again and reaches around you, his muscular body pressing against yours while his hands reach around you to untie your restraints. You sheepishly breathe in his cologne, his musk reminding you once again of the wetness between your legs. 

When your hands are free again, he drops the rope on your lap and returns back to his seat behind the desk. 

“Come to my office tonight after dinner.” He simply says without looking up, your file occupying his attention again. 

“Why?” you dare to ask. Sakazuki glances up at you, his eyebrow raised once again. 

“You are brave, not stupid, aren’t you? Follow my orders and we will get along well.” He simply said and waved his hand dismissively at you to leave. You murmur a “Yes, sir” and slowly make your way over to the door. 

“Oh, and one last thing, recruit. Bring that rope with you. I think I need to teach you some more knots.” Your face heats up one last time, your hand clutches around the fabric, and you hurriedly open the door to leave his office. 

What the fuck did  just happen?!

[thatgirl4815]

Sand & Perspective

So Sand finally gets the attention this episode, and it's demonstrated a lot of things: namely, that as much as he has brushed it off, he is down bad for Ray. Like really bad. Honestly, he's down even worse than I thought.

A lot of this is evident in his narration, a device which has been used quite skillfully up to this point (I'm usually pretty wary of narration in shows, but I think it suits the general tone of OF and its large cast of characters). It's also exposed something I didn't think too much about before this episode--Sand and Ray's relationship has been consistently filtered through Ray's perspective. We've witnessed Sand's lingering looks and blushes, but with the exception of a few scenes, we've always been right alongside Ray.

"I gotta work for everything I want."

So what do we learn about Sand? He's a caretaker by nature--we knew that already--but we come to understand the root of this trait in his upbringing; he was forced to grow up fast as a result of being raised in a single-parent household. He's managed to get his mother out of her debts in the past. From this, and Sand's ability to earn money from multiple jobs, we can gather that Sand is both pragmatic and determined. Though his lifestyle seems lonely and monotonous, there's no indication that he necessarily feels that way about it; rather, he sees it as the "way things are."

Again, this seems to be the marker of a person who has grown up paving his own way, not expecting others to give him anything for free. (This also explains why he was so uncomfortable with Ray throwing money at him in Ep 4.)

I find Sand's dreams interesting as well. We know he idolizes musicians, but when Ray asks him if he wants to become a famous musician himself one day, he instead describes going to music festivals. To me, this indicates that Sand might not be interested in achieving his own stardom so much as he wants to be part of a collective. It's the thrill of enjoying music with others that attracts him, and I don't think it's any coincidence that we see him doing that very thing with Ray twice prior to this discussion (once at the record store in Ep4, and once at the concert in Ep5). It's illustrating how Ray plays a part in Sand's interests, bringing the two of them closer in the process.

"Ray's Extra Hour"

Sand falls hard and fast, and a large part of this can be attributed to his obligations as a caretaker. He's motivated to help others and offer support, because that's just who he is. Still, the fact that he's willing to carve out an extra hour in his day for Ray is very telling of just how deeply he feels for Ray already. It all brings me back to the first sign of feelings Sand demonstrates in Ep1:

Sand sees Ray as someone in need of help, and I suspect that role will only become more prominent as he continues to unveil just how broken Ray is by his past.

"I've always thought Ray is my 25th hour, my extra hour. But the truth is everyone has the same 24 hours in a day.

I see these lines as Sand coming back to reality. There is no actual "25th hour"; it's a piece of time he's invented to categorize the part of his life he's now devoted to Ray. Sand is pragmatic, but he's allowed himself to live in what he thinks is a fantasy; a fabrication.

"And within Ray's 24 hours, I'm not a part of it. I'm not that special."

As several others have pointed out, Sand's language here mirrors Ray's last episode. Sand wants to be cherished by Ray the way Ray wants to be cherished by Mew. Will we see Sand resort to his old routine, pushing Ray away the way he tried to once before? Will we witness Sand recommitting himself to his dream, narrowing in on his goals and isolating himself from Ray in the process (to protect his own feelings)? I predict we will see some of that, but Sand will ultimately run back to Ray at the first sign of distress. Because like or not, he cares about Ray, even if Ray doesn't put him first. His feelings won't just disappear overnight.

[sanktasansa]

The Ushers as Greek gods & goddesses

Inspired by Juno, the sweetest step-mother, being named "Juno", Roman counterpart for Hera, THE Evil Step-mother. Just as most of the characters don't completely fit one Seven Deadly Sins, some have gods combos. *SPOILERS*

Roderick (Zeus/Apollo)- Patriarch, a "king on high" as a CEO of huge influential company. Gifts his (often "bastard") progeny with power aka wealth, but he also can be hands-off, demanding, and cruel (mean ol' "sky daddy"). One of Zeus' favorite sons is Apollo and you can see aspects of Apollo, god of cities and the legal system, in younger Roderick: straight-laced and ambitious, but also had a poetic side to him (Apollo was credited with inventing the lyre). Apollo, of course, had an older twin sister, Artemis, whom he was close to.

Madeline (Artemis/Athena)- Madeline is the more "ungovernable" twin sister of Roderick; Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo who ruled in the wilderness. Madeline doesn't think much of most men apart from Roderick; Artemis had her male lovers and was close to her brother but she mostly ran with female posse of nymphs. However, Mad also reminds me of Athena, goddess of war strategy, and often the right-hand woman of father Zeus and the many male heroes she mentors into greatness; Mad is the more strategic of the twins and she was the power behind the throne. Worth noting that Athena was born springing out of Zeus' head, almost like the reverse of a twin absorbing their sibling in the womb.

Frederick (Apollo/Aries)- Frederick is the heir apparent, an offshoot of his father but not quite as good as his father. He gives big Apollo "son" energy even at middle age: juvenile in his slacking off of responsibilities (demolishing company buildings), Teacher's Pet attitude with his dad vs. being an ass to his siblings; his phobia of elevators earns him the childish nickname of "Sweaty Freddy". However, he's established to have been a good father to Lenore (at first); Aries is one of the few fathers in the Greek pantheon to give a fuck about his female children. However, Aries has a temper and is the god of war in it's most chaotic brutality (oppose to Athena's logical war strategy). After learning his wife was at an orgy, effectively cheating on him, Frederick spirals into an angry sadism, brutal and cruel.

Tamberlane (Hera/Athena)- Tam is an ambitious woman but a key part of her strategy of gaining power is through marriage: she picked out a man with the right sort of brand to help her pivot her inherited money & cache into the wellness business. She thinks herself more worthy of being Roderick's heir than Freddy, with her cooler head and logical planning (Aries vs. Athena). Hera is the goddess of marriage and so much of her mythos revolves around how her husband cheats on her and how she gets her control back by taking it out on the woman Zeus "seduces". In a twist, Tam controls her husband by making him cheat with women who look like herself (Hera btw is said to be vain; she's often symbolized with a peacock feather). Worth noting she especially of the siblings seems to hate Juno (Roderick's Hera; she calls Juno "it") but Juno tries to reach out to her the most (wife to wife?).

Victorine (Athena/Aphrodite)- Vic is a scientist, just as ambitious as Tammy, but she works closer with her father and is anxious to make him proud (might she wish to be Daddy's Little Girl and new right-hand woman?) I'm guessing Victorine has some legitimate STEM talent but Camille notes that the heart mesh was really the invention of Vic's wife, Al, and implies Vic seduced Al into a partnership, in the lab and in bed, to attain shared glory. Aphrodite, goddess of love, is charming to be sure, but self-centered: Vic willingly charmed a innocent woman into a surgery that likely would be fatal in pursuit of glory. She also commits a "crime of passion", killing her lover in a fit of rage. And her story centers around a heart (heart = love).

Napoleon (Hermes)- Hermes is the messenger god, always flying to-and-fro, light on his feet and a light-touch in life. He plays tricks on people but you can't stay mad at him, he's so charming (see the myth of him stealing from big bro Apollo right out the cradle). He's empathetic but ultimately flaky; Leo likewise is a fun, charming dude, bringer of drugs and Camille's key messenger of spin after Perry dies. He's close enough with some of his siblings to hang out with them, to offer them advice, and to mourn them when they are gone. But Leo is a cheater, inconstant to his boyfriend; he also often "flies" from reality by indulging of copious amounts of drugs, and tries to "fly" from the consequences of (allegedly) killing Pluto.

Camille (Aphrodite)- Aphrodite, along with what was said above, is beautiful, big on pleasure, and jealous, oh so jealous. Camille puts care into her appearance (that hair ain't natural), and is quite sexual, hiring her assistants to pull double-duty to service her in the bedroom as well as the office. She's also creative in her PR work, and Aphrodite loves the act of creation (or procreation, if you get me). But Camille is very jealous, mostly of Victorine. Camille can't help but be her brash self but, perhaps because her sister has that Athena side to her, Vic easily hides the same selfishness and callous nature they share, and Cam finds that infuriating.

Prospero (Dionysus)- Dionysus is the god of wine and a rip-roaring good time (pun intended). Dionysus was said to inspired hedonist frenzy in his followers and Perry wanted to do exactly the same to the patrons of his clubs (to blackmail them later). Also, Dionysus is a "newer" god compared to his siblings and Perry is the youngest.

Lenore (Persephone)- the "lightest" member of the Usher clan, Lenore embodies the sweet nature of springtime goddess of Persephone; she loves her mother fiercely as Persephone loved Demeter, but in a twist, it is the daughter who rails against and defies the gods (Frederick) to save her mother. In the end, Lenore goes to the Underworld, but just as Persephone becomes a powerful Queen there, Lenore's memory ultimately changes millions of lives.

[anjelicawrites]

A quick idea for moder!Aemond x friend!reader with fake dating that didn't want to let me go.

Your phone rings shy of nine o'clock in the morning and it's Aemond. If Aemond calls you this early, you know there's a problem ahead

"I need you to be my plus one"

"Hello Aemond, good morning to you too. How are you doing?"

"Good. I need you to be my plus one"

"Care to explain this sudden influx of feelings?".

You can hear him hum, unhappily, and then sigh teatrically

"I have a family function"

"So?"

"Alys left me"

"And no one more than us friends had been happier since that happened"

"I know. You all got drunk"

"Best bender of my life"

"I had to pick you up from the hospital the day after"

"Still the best since finishing my Master's"

"You had to have your stomach pumped that time"

"So what? Sure sign of good fun had"

"You need to focus"

"Yeah. Why do you want me to be your plus one?"

"Mother tried to make me meet so many children of family friends and business partners that I had to invent I have found someone".

You can't help yourself, you guffaw without shame.

"Are you done?"

The annoyance in his tone sobers you up immediately.

"I'm sorry Aemond"

"I had to invent a significant other. I've always managed to find excuses for them not to show up at family functios, to have an excuse not to go myself, but mother is suspecting something and now I need someone"

"Aemond, you should stop being smart only when you remember to be"

"I know. Will you help me?".

You can hear how hard is it for him to ask, it has always been like this with Aemond.

"Don't you have someone else? Maybe an escort?"

"Aegon knows all of them and I told mother that she knows this person"

"And I am your best option? Your mother hates me"

"She doesn't"

"Do you remember the long theological discussion we had about the Seven not existing?".

Aemond groans, you can picture him facepalming.

"She started to look at me with an extremely crossed expression ever since"

"She doesn't" Aemond says, knowing full well I'm his heart that Alicent doesn't like you.

"Aemond come on! Ok, your Baela and Rhaena are a no go, but there's the Baratheon sisters, one of them would be happy to help or some random Lannister or Tully?"

"I rejected all of them when mother tried to push me with one of them"

"Oh Aemond. You did really shot yourself in the foot this time"

"Don't remind me"

"Why didn't you tell Alicent the truth? That you don't want anyone else at the moment?".

Aemond uhms unhappily, he's pacing around, you can hear his footsteps in the distance.

"She cares too much about this. She was happy as well when Alys left and she wants me to go back to normal"

"By forcing you to find someone? Like changing one old car for a newer one?"

"You know how hard it had been for me. She thinks it will help me dig myself up"

"I like your mum, I really do, but that's a stupid idea. You need to do all the mourning you need".

You sigh. Yes, you were happy when Alys left, all of you friends were, but for Aemond had been hard to process that the person he thought was the one, left him and never coming back.

"Will you help me? I don't want to have this conversation with mother, not now"

"I will, but you owe me one"

"I know. It's going to be a formal event"

"Then you will buy me a nice dress"

"I thought you have one"

"And I thought you were desperate enough to come to me for this"

"I hate you. Come to the office later and I'll give you my card"

"You shouldn't say that to your significant other and thank you. Lend me the black one, will you?".

The night of the event, you stare at your reflection in the big mirror you have in the hallway. You had chosen a sapphire blue dress, with a modest neckline, nice heels and a beautiful black coat to go with it. You spent a pretty penny for the whole getup, plus the makeup and hairstyle, but it's old Targaryen money, they will not miss it and have probably earned it shadily, so they deserve to lose a bit of it to make you beautiful for the night, and for your friend.

As punctual as usual, Aemond rings your doorbell and you run hastily to the lift, not wanting to have him wait when you know he's not happy to go, to begin with.

He's dressed to the ninth, the back suit, the crisp dress shirt, his long hair in an elegant braid, waiting for you propped against his everlasting old car Vhagar. You can see his eye pop up in surprise at your whole getup; he's seen you in casual clothes, wasted beyond words, at your graduation ceremony, but never so elegant and formal, like a model ready for a glamorous shooting.

"See? I've spent your money right" you laugh twirling around

"I had no doubts" he answers, taking your hand to help you inside his car

"How affectionate do you want me to be?"

"Not overly - he says, schooling his voice - a decent amount but I am not someone for extreme PDA"

"Ok - you smile - unclench Aemond, tonight is going to be a success!!!".

He tries, but you've just hit him like a punch in the face, all these feelings dormant in his chest furiously trying to crawl out of the cage he'd hidden them in for years. He's fucked beyond saving and has no one to blame.

Aemond taglist: @phantoms-main-blog

Everything taglist: @ilikeitbetterangsty

[avrelia]

Braving the Elements season 3

The new season of the podcast Braving the Elements concerning the book 3 of the Avatar the Last Airbender started, predictably with the appearance of Mike and Bryan. They talked a little about how busy they are with “something” and a bit more about book 3 “Fire”. There was a lot of mutual admiration and general excitement, but we got some information as well.

- It’s been 20 years, and they don’t remember every detail of their thought process

- they remember some stuff, and are always happy to talk about their inspirations. Like Bryan talking about his trip to Iceland, his admiration for its natural beauty made by volcanic activity, and how Iceland photos became Fire Nation landscapes.

- or Mike telling about his trip to Bhutan and his awe at the Tiger’s Nest temple that became an inspiration for the Western Air Temple.

- they talked about how Ozai’s face reveal – that he is just a regular guy who looks like older Zuko whole we don’t see until Zuko meets him face to face – was initially thought to mean one thing, then it started to mean a slightly different thing, and it is fine.

- Dante was super excited to meet Mark Hamill when recording voices for Zuko and Ozai. (who wouldn’t)

- they talked about inspiration for the lion turtle they found in Korea, and that it really was meant to me there in the story from the beginning, and they tried to hide it while giving away glimpses.

- 99.9% of Air Nomads were airbenders. Because that’s how they invented that world, that’s why.

- Aang was never going to kill Ozai. Never ever. He is a monk and has monk ethics no matter what everyone was telling him.

- animating the scene where Aang and Ozai’s souls are fighting for the dominance during the energybending moment was rather challenging.

- In Bryan’s mind, Iroh is ten years older than Ozai. It is not a confirmed canon, more like idea. Iroh looks much older because of the life he lived, while Ozai has an amazing skincare routine.

- they don’t know any other Fire lords’ names. But you know, those names appear and will appear in various materials – novels, RPG, etc.

- Mike and Bryan love canon relationships – surprise!

- Dante admitted that while he ships Zutara, he started vibing with Zuko/Mai’s relationship as well as he was actually watching the show. Which is fine, and only serves to show his general attitude to shipping: it is a fun activity that keeps the interest going and in the long term helps him to earn money.

- Yes, Dante, there are good people in the Fire Nation, as you’ve been saying all the previous episodes. This time everyone agreed, since we are finally arriving to the Fire Nation.

- I probably forgot something, but you may listen to it – or, for the first time – also watch it on the Avatar the last Airbender official Youtube channel. At first I thought why? And then after I listened to the podcast I couldn’t remember what said Bryan and what said Mike. Not to imply that they are the same – they are very much not- but I have a trouble distinguishing voices I don’t know well. So I watched a bit – and really liked it. Whoever edited the video did a great job of adding some visual jokes and visual illustrations to whatever Janet, Dante, Mike and Bryan were saying. So we can see how Bryan’s photos of Iceland became the Fire Nation, and how Tiger’s Nest looks like.

And it is so easy to remember who was saying what! Mike is the one who looks like Aang, Bryan is the one who looks like Zuko, Dante is the one who sounds like Zuko. And occasionally talks as if he is Zuko.

[pachu09]

Oh. Look at me. Finally posting after a month? of silence…

Let's be real, life is kicking my butt as we speak, so I haven't had the energy to write and draw for the meantime.

( Gotta have to prioritize food and shelter before doing my beloved hobbies )

Anyways, enough of my complaining…

Onwards to the fic and off you go my readers...

Sweet Thing

`“ Oh, For Amaterasu’s sake!. “ Tobirama startled badly and quickly looked up from his paperwork. His wide eyed gaze settled on the Uchiha Clan Head standing in front of his desk. Madara-sama had apparently taken one look at his whole body and the man had crossed his bulging arms across his wide chest in a defensive? lecturing? pose. 

Tobirama braced himself for whatever offense the man thought he had committed.

“ What is it now, Madara-sama? “ Tobirama calmly asked. No need to rile up the man so early in the morning. Anija would be upset again if he saw them bickering. Which,... Tobirama faltered in his thoughts. He realizes that it had been months since Madara-sama and he had a spat? Tobirama furrowed his brows. He’s confused, surely it wasn’t that long ago when he and Madara-sama were at each other's throats?. 

“ Tobirama. – “ said Albino turn his full attention back to the scowling man in front of him. “ – I seem to remember I had given you a generous payment to buy a new wardrobe, yet I’m seeing you wearing that cursed be damn black overalls again? “ Madara-sama’s intensified glowering made Tobirama shrink in embarrassment.

It was true. Madara-sama had paid him handsomely ( it was worth like a Daimyo’s single mission pay ) for a security seal he had invented to be used in the Uchiha Compound. He recalled how Madara-sama had off-handedly commented about his choice of wardrobe. But he thought the man was joking about how he needed to get new clothings.

“ I thought you were joking, Madara-sama? “ Tobirama winced as the man’s glare darkened more.

“ What are you even doing with your money, Tobirama?. You live with Hashirama so I doubt you’d need to pay for rent nor food. I also doubt you of all people would even be stupid enough to do drugs?. And it's not as if your sealing supplies are that much expensive. So where are you even spending your money, Tobirama? “.

Tobirama paled and had to avoid the man’s inquiring gaze. He felt his heart beat loudly in his chest. He finds that he was too embarrassed to come clean about where he put aside his hard earned money.

“ Out with it, Tobirama! I don’t have all day to stand around here. Or….do you want me to ask your Brother? “ the Uchiha impatiently commanded, which made Tobirama; in his nervousness, finally blurted his answer.

“ The money isn’t going anywhere, Madara-sama!. “ Madara-sama stopped in his tracks before he could exit his office window. The man was perched on his office window sill and Tobirama knew it would only take a second for him to Shunshin out of the building and hunt down his Brother to seek the answer he wanted.

Tobirama nervously swallowed. “ I just like knowing I have money, okay!. Its..its for any emergency I might need for later… “

Madara-sama jumped down from the window sill and stood in front of his desk again. But instead of his usual scowl – his expression had smoothly changed into a blank eyed look. Tobirama felt his nervousness intensified. What could it mean?...

“ That’s quite sad, Tobira. “ Izuna’s voice piping up beside him made Tobirama jump up from his seat and tried to smack the man. 

“ Damn it, Izuna! ".  He growled and tried to punch the man on his face again but the younger Uchiha was a slippery bastard when it comes to dodging any kind of attacks.

He only stopped his half hearted assault when Madara-sama’s hands firmly took ahold of his balled up fists.

“ Tobirama. What my Otouto had said is right — “ Izuna’s cheeky face pops out over Madara-sama’s shoulder. “ — It is quite sad that you can’t make yourself spend what money you fairly earned. That’s not a proper way to save up?..I don’t know what you would need the money for, but I refused to see you in another black overalls again. " Here, the older man wrinkled his nose at his obvious ragged clothings.

Tobirama looked down in shame. He knew people must have remarked on him wearing patchy and worn looking clothes but he pretended he didn’t know about it. He just doesn’t care enough for any strangers' comments to confront them about it. But now ... .Madara-sama basically pointed out how hideous he looked wearing it?...for the first time in his life, he’s ashamed that he basically looked like a slob….

“ Come. I will buy you whatever you would need. And I don’t want to hear you saying NO for accepting my gifts. “ Tobirama couldn’t even raise a protest because within a few seconds the Uchiha Brothers had managed to forcefully drag him out of the Hokage Tower.��

Later in the evening, Anija eyed him with an inscrutable glance as he looked over the many bags and boxes that were delivered to their Home. Mito-neesan only raised an elegant brow and she hum pleasantly as she saw the obviously expensive Kimonos inside one of the big boxes.

“ I’m glad Madara has good taste at least. “ Neesan’s remark made him feel confused. He doesn’t really know what Madara-sama and Izuna had bought all throughout the day. His memory had already blank out by the time they went to the clothing stores where the employees had joyfully assisted him in trying out their beautiful Kimonos. 

It was an experience he didn’t want to repeat. He shuddered in fear.

He even told Madara-sama and Izuna about it at lunch but they only said from now on, he better get used to it.

He didn’t even ask what they meant about it. He’s pretty sure they’re joking. About them dragging him back to the clothing store for the next month.

Probably?. 

Maybe?.

Hopefully?.

He grimaced. Maybe he needs to clarify that cryptic answer first.

Anija took out two big boxes of expensive chocolates from one of the many paper bags that littered his room.

“ Huh? I didn't know Madara can buy these so quickly? “ Anija passed the sizable boxes to Neesan and she carefully put those on his working desk.

Neesan looked over the many bags and big boxes that is scattered around in his room. “ We’ll try to help you put away most of these, Otouto. But fair warning, we won’t help you for the next time. You would need to ask Madara and Izuna’s help in the future. “

Tobirama sighs in relief. He really doesn’t know where to even put away most of the Uchiha Brothers had bought for him. 

It took at least an hour and a half before everything was put into its proper place. Anija had to quickly make him a sendai-dansu because there were just too many expensive Kimonos to fit in his regular drawers or his closet. ( He didn’t even noticed his Anija and Neesan grimly stared at each other. ) The excessive food ( he didn’t know that there was a second batch delivered ) was stored properly in their kitchen and the Clan Pantry with the help of some of their maids and active Shinobi. 

( Tobirama felt his stomach grumbling and his mouth watering as he spied live sea foods in one of the crates. He really hope he’ll get to taste the Clan Chef’s infamous seafood recipes. )

The sealing and any experimenting materials were properly put into his laboratory. ( Anija insisted that he didn’t want to accidentally revert his sealing papers into living plants again. They cost quite a lot and Anija was worried it’ll make him angry again if he ever turn his papers into plants again ). He did tell Anija that he won’t get mad again if he accidentally make his papers into plants again but Anija had winced and he muttered something about Madara-sama wouldn’t be pleased or something…which made him confused when Anija refused to answer about his cryptic mutterings.

At near midnight, Tobirama indulgently ate some of the chocolates from one of those fancy boxes. He couldn’t believe that there’s chocolates that tasted good like this. No wonder they were pretty expensive!. He moaned in delight as the sweet taste practically exploded in his mouth. 

A second later, he guiltily realized he hasn’t even shared some of it to his what?. What are the Uchiha Brothers to him?. Benefactors?. Friends?. They were friends, right?. He knew friends treat each other from time to time, right?. He nervously sweated, but Madara-sama had told him he didn't need to pay back what they had bought for him. 

So how would he even repay them back?. 

Tobirama carefully put the chocolates back in its box again and sat it on his chabudai. He licked his lips and eyed the confections longingly. He’ll probably finish those first thing in the morning. They’re really delicious and probably addictive, he’s having a hard time to even restrain himself from gorging on it. He forced himself to look away from his newest temptation and tiredly crawled off towards his new Futon and flopped on it. 

His mind races…Maybe he could help them again with the Uchiha Compound Security?. He could offer some of his more advanced and deadly seals freely in exchange for what the Uchiha Brothers have bought him for today?.

Ugh, Tobirama slapped himself on his cheek. Madara-sama had casually remarked that the Uchiha Compound is already finished!. He bit his lip in frustration and then buried his face on his fresh pillows. ( He carefully ignored that he now own a dozen of big pillows. )

Maybe he needs to sleep first in order for his mind to be organized again?. 

Tobirama yawned widely…and with his thoughts slowly quieting. He didn’t even notice that ( for the first time in many years ) he drifted off to sleep without a problem.

●~●~●~●

Come morning, Tobirama, who's rubbing the sleep from his eyes, was startled out of his dazed state when he walked into the dining room to find Madara-sama and Izuna were eating breakfast at their table. ( They also came with several gifts again and he eyed them with trepidation ). Anija has a peculiar look on his face and Neesan is calmly sipping her breakfast tea.  

Madara-sama had quickly jumped up from his zaisu the second he walked into the room and Tobirama felt baffled and embarrassed as the man practically escorted him from the door then to the dining table. ( Nevermind that it's only a meager distance between the two area. ) He was then seated between the Uchiha Brothers and he felt his embarrassment increased two fold because Neesan remarked in a curt tone that his breakfast was brought by the Brothers and they prepared it with their own hands. ( The underlying advice that he can refuse what they have given him had made him feel warm at her concern ).  

He gratefully accepted their food offerings. But he also became conscious of how they watched him eat his fill.

“ You love seafood then, Tobirama?. “ Madara-sama asked him out of nowhere and Tobirama spluttered as the Ankimo he’s eating went down wrong in his throat. 

Madara-sama had gracefully slapped his back repeatedly to help him in dislodging it. Thankfully, Izuna had readily handed him a glass of water as soon as he got rid of the blockage in his throat. He coughed and sputtered more as the water soothed his sore throat.

“ Uh, yeah.Tobi seems to go crazy when he eats seafood. He loves them! Probably due to him being a Suiton user?. And look at how fast he devoured the Ankimo we gave to him? “ Tobirama didn’t even refute Izuna’s claims, he’s still too busy hacking his lungs out and besides he’s embarrassed that he really did eat the aforementioned dish like a starving man. 

Madara-sama is still patiently rubbing his back with a soothing motion that makes him aware how intimate the man’s action is. Coupled with the man helping him down the rest of the water from the teacup he’s gripping….Tobirama somehow felt wrong footed?….is this because this is the first time Madara-sama had touched him uhh…somewhat familiarly?.

“ I seem to have surprised you with my inappropriate questioning. I apologize, Tobirama. “ he waved away Madara-sama’s apology. It's not the man’s fault he got surprised with his innocent question.

He turned to look at Anija and Neesan but somehow he found himself staring at their vacant seats. Had they left the dining room while he’s busy hacking his lungs out?. Its quite a miracle that Anija hasn’t insisted for today that they go to the Hokage Tower together.

“ Where did they go?. “ Tobirama coughed out his question to both Uchiha Brothers. Madara-sama handed him another cup of water which he eagerly drank. 

“ Hashirama said he needs to go early to the Hokage Tower and Mito-san claims there is something important that she needs to do. “ Madara-sama had calmly replied to his question.

Tobirama cock his head to the side. He really hopes that Anija starts to work on signing up the scrolls he left yesterday on his desk…

Izuna happily ate the Ebi Furai on his plate. “ Come on now, Tobi. Eat up!. We’ll need you for something later…”

Tobirama nodded his head in agreement and grabbed his chopstick again. But a chopstick out of nowhere tapping his lips made him look up in surprise. Madara-sama was using his chopstick to tap his lips. The man apparently decided that he wants to feed him?. Without a question Tobirama opens his mouth and lets the older man put the food in his mouth. He sighs in satisfaction as the delicious flavor of the tempura exploded in his mouth. 

Tobirama didn’t even think it was weird that Madara-sama fed him some of his breakfast using his own chopstick. ( Its probably normal between friends right? ). He also didn’t mind Madara-sama sitting closely next to him, ( The man’s broad physique practically dwarfed him. If he’s not as tall as he is, he’ll probably look stick thin or even fragile next to the man ) or that Madara-sama gently wipes the sauce from his lips whenever he eats some food he had dipped…

When breakfast was finally over, Tobirama wasn’t surprised that the Uchiha Brothers had planned to invite him back to their compound. When he reminded them he still needed to change his clothes. He felt conscious that Madara-sama instructed him to wear one of the Kimonos he bought for him. Though internally, he got excited that he’ll get to wear one of the favorites he tried on yesterday. 

It is a blue colored Kimono with a pattern of swimming Koi Fish and the water was drawn realistically enough that he finds it calming to look at.

When he emerged from his room wearing the beautiful Kimono he felt embarrassed that the first thing Madara-sama and Izuna told him was that he looked pretty and gorgeous wearing it. But his embarrassment quickly faded away when the Brothers excitedly ushered him out of his Home. He disregarded his Clanmates gawking and gaping at his new outfit. They were probably quite surprised that he even bothered dressing up ( because the last time he did so….it was in Itama’s Funeral ). He also ignored the Elders tutting at him from afar. He doesn’t know what they want to moan about again but he’ll be damn if he got delayed because of their nonsense clucking. He marched out of the Senju Compound with his head held high. He refuses to be intimidated by the old bigots. They can stew in their anger amongst their group. He won’t be swayed by their usual false allegations about the Uchiha Clan and that he needs to watch out for their underhanded tactics. 

●~●~●

Walking down the street of Konoha, Tobirama felt self-conscious because of the stares. He knew most people were probably shocked to see him wearing something other than his usual black overalls. But to shamelessly gaped and gawked at him as if he’s someone they haven’t seen for such a long time made him feel awkward. Did he really look okay or were the Uchiha Brothers just humoring him?. He discreetly tried to check if there is something amiss with his clothing but Madara-sama stepped closely beside him and then one of his hands inappropriately settled at the small of his back made him quite distracted.  

( Tobirama didn’t even notice that the Brothers practically covered him from the other people’s curious gazes nor that they threw furious glares at anyone who stares way too long in their direction. )

When they arrive at the Uchiha Compound. There, he is pleased to find they needed him to check most of their security seals. He did his work diligently. After all, it is the least he could do after Madara-sama and Izuna bought everything ( what he needed? ) yesterday. 

It took at least a few hours before he’s satisfied with his adjustments and even then he still tried to inspect his work once more in order to see if everything was functioning as it was meant to be. 

But before he could do so, Madara -sama managed to drag him away from working again because apparently it is lunch time now. 

When they arrived at the Main Family’s House Tobirama was impressed to see a large and opulent Minka the likes he had only seen in the Fire Capital. He is also surprised to see that they needed several maids to carry into the private dining room the many cuisines that the servants had prepared. He has to ask Madara-sama why they need too much food for lunch?. But the man only waved away his confusion and told him he would need to try out the Uchiha’s original recipes.

He easily accepted the man’s explanation. He is also intrigued by what food the Uchiha had invented?. He excitedly eyed the many courses that are artfully set down on the large table. He didn’t even protest when Izuna and Madara ushered him to sit down on a cozy Zaisu. He was so busy eyeing the sumptuous meal that was prepared for them that he failed to notice the Uchiha Brothers throwing warning looks at the amused looking maids.

Tobirama surveyed the sumptuous meals in front of him that looked like it was only eaten by the Nobles. ( He faltered at that thought, of course the Uchiha is a Noble Clan and their delicious looking food reflected their hierarchical station. ) He suddenly felt embarrassed and would have stammered an excuse to not eat…but Izuna ( the fool that he is ) had the brave audacity to shove some food in his mouth without his permission.

The Albino had to quickly chew what's in his mouth lest he choke and embarrassed himself again. His red eyes widen in surprise at the rich flavor that practically exploded in his mouth. He closed his eyes and savored the exquisite food he's lucky to even get a taste of.

After swallowing the frankly heavenly tasting food, Tobirama turn to Madara-sama and politely asked what is the name of the food he just tasted?.

Madara-sama answered him that it was called Funazushi. It is one of the most favorite dish the Uchiha eats. They have a branch family that manages their fisheries in the Mizu. That’s why they're not restricted in producing the Nigorobuna. Tobirama nervously had to down the ( high quality ) tea in front of him. He heard it is one of the most expensive fish in the Elemental Countries because they are cultivated in a specific lake from Mizu No Kuni.

He felt his stomach dropped. Madara-sama and Izuna had just made him eat it as if it wouldn't cost him and arm or a leg to pay for it.

Tobirama was shaken out of his stunned thoughts as Madara-sama passed him his own bowl of rice and nudges several plates of mouth watering sea food dishes in front of him.

" Eat up, Tobirama. " an elegant eyebrow raised at him made Tobirama do so. He didn't want to act like he's ungrateful or something if he didn't eat any of the food the Uchiha servants had painstakingly prepared. ( He also wants to avoid disappointing the maids that sat near the Shoji doors. They’re obviously waiting for his reaction about the food they prepared. ) He internally squashed his uneasiness and tried to enjoy the food he was given.

For at least the entire duration of their lunch time. Tobirama indeed forgot that he's eating a feast that is practically for a person with a Noble Status ( nor that the maids are watching his every move ). Madara-sama and Izuna had managed to pull him into a discussion about how he wanted to build a Shinobi school for the children so that everybody had a chance to learn the Shinobi arts and not just restricted for Clan children. He firmly believe the Civilians could also become professional Shinobi if they have proper training for it. 

So busy was he in spending time with the Uchiha Brothers. He didn’t even realized that an entire day had passed. He was also pulled into training Uchiha Kagami. Their little cousin ( two times removed ) who apparently is now his Fan ( Izuna had chortled to him ). Which is of course not true. Kagami was just pretty curious about him as was normal for a child of his age and had yet to mingle with any other Clan adult in the village.

Though Kagami's remark that he really really likes his eyes and hair.

Because he apparently looked like a beautiful moon rabbit made him embarrassed and strangely shy.

Added with an wondrous innocent expression on the child's face. Tobirama of course had felt abashed at the child's admiration. He couldn’t even look the Uchiha Brothers in the eyes for a few minutes even after Kagami's mother had taken him Home. 

Though he was extremely taken aback when Madara-sama and Izuna had heartily agreed with Kagami's statement.

It is the first time someone outside his own Clan had remarked about his physical looks. In his entire life only Anija, Neesan, Touka ( and his dead Brothers ) had positively remarked about his physical looks. 

Finding out that outside his own Clan, people remarking that he looked very gorgeous and pretty….also felt overwhelming. 

And upon accidentally meeting Madara-sama’s eyes…there is something undefinable in the man's black orbs that made him want to squirm underneath the man's intense gaze. 

But Tobirama is a trained Shinobi. He refuses to buckle under the man's enigmatic scrutiny. He carefully locked his knees and avoided the man's eyes for the moment. He needed to collect himself first if he wanted to talk to the man again. He feared that if he opened his mouth at this minute, a squeak would come out instead of words. He also doesn't understand why he felt pretty embarrassed in front of the man. But he had long resigned that feeling something is a normal thing people need to experience. ( Not whatever bullshit Otou-san had taught him, Anija had painfully explained ).

" You'll love dinner tonight, Tobi! " Izuna excitedly looped his arm around his and Tobirama internally thanked the man for breaking the awkward atmosphere between him and Madara-sama. He let Izuna dragged him away without a protest. 

With his sensing, he knew Madara-sama’s searing gaze on him hasn't even faltered and he shivered in shock as the man’s dense and hot Chakra manages to caress his entire body in a way that only a lover of a Sensor is allowed.  

Tobirama felt his face bloom with a blush. Did Madara-sama knows that what he did was inappropriate? Or did he deliberately act knowing what it meant?.

The Albino bit his lip in confusion. Maybe, maybe he'll let it slide for the meantime. Maybe its just an accident, right?. He didn't want to raise it as an issue because Madara-sama and Izuna are good people who treated their friends generously and with utmost respect. He liked spending time with the Brothers who let him ramble whenever an outrageous idea suddenly crosses his mind. They became very good friends of him. He wouldn't want to lose them if he raises question that would surely make them angry.

He couldn't help but curiously looked back to where Madara still stood motionlessly. The man was still staring at him and Tobirama felt his heart beat quickly as Madara smirked at him, making him blush furiously. He quickly whip his head back to his walking companion. Thankfully, Izuna is still talking his ear off and didn't notice anything amiss.

So Madara-sama did know what it means to use his Chakra in a way most expert Sensors do?. 

But the biggest question is, why now?....

Why declare his romantic interest after all these years?.

Surely, he's not wrong in thinking that Madara-sama is interested in him romantically speaking?. 

Tobirama felt his head ache with all of the unanswerable questions he's thinking of. He hesitated, should he dare to ask Madara-sama's intention?. And would the man even answer his impertinent questions?...

A hand inappropriately touching him on the small of his back made Tobirama stiffen in sheer surprise and he whipped his head to stare at the Uchiha Clan Head with wide eyes. 

" Is something the matter, Tobirama?. " the Albino hesitated to answer. He internally shelve for later everything that befuddles him. Now is not the time to stare off blankly into space and closely examine what Madara-sama's hidden agenda.

" Its nothing, Uchiha-sama. " Tobirama nearly stuttered his reply as he felt Madara-sama's hand caresses downward until it stopped at the top of the swell of his posterior. The man even had the audacity to raise a brow at him as if his action did not make him an internal mess. 

" Come now, Tobirama. Won't you eat dinner with us?. I'm sure the maids would be delighted that they can feed you their delicious cuisine again.  " 

Tobirama felt his mouth water. Its true. The Uchiha servants are fantastic cooks! On par even with the Akimichi. Its just a shame that the Uchiha would never dare to compete with the Akimichi's monopolized business or else he would have visited their restaurant as soon as Konoha was built. 

He shook his head at get rid of his fantasy. " I wouldn't mind a delicious dinner from your servants, Madara-sama, Izuna." Tobirama nods his head in quick agreement. Izuna beams at him while Madara-sama tilts his head. He looked quite pleased that he managed to convince Tobirama to eat dinner with them. 

The Albino stared for a minute at Madara-sama's handsome face. No one had looked so pleased when inviting him for dinner. In fact, the only other man that's delighted to have lunch or dinner with him ( with the exception of his own family ) is Nara Shin. But the man is a close friend and his visage when he is pleased with Tobirama is so far from Madara-sama's smoldering looks. 

Tobirama swallowed nervously. It felt like he's walking into a trap willingly. But surely, the Uchiha Brothers wouldn't put him in danger, right?. 

The Albino snaps out of his paranoid thought thanks to Izuna yelling that they need to hurry up or else he'll eat all of the food and he wouldn't leave them even a crumb. Tobirama hurried after his friend, he cannot take Madara-sama's intense staring for another second. 

He did enjoy his dinner with the Uchiha Brothers. But that night Tobirama doesn't know what came over him when he also agreed to sleep for the night in the Uchiha Brothers residence. All he knew was he felt tired all of a sudden and that he'll probably fell down from a tree if he attempted to even Shuñshin his way back to his Anija's Home. 

He was graciously offered the room next to Madara-sama and he quickly noted ( despite his unexplainable tiredness ) a doorway that connects his temporary room to that of the older man. He shrugged off the wrongness of it, too tired to ask his nosy question when he knew he's already inconvenienced his hosts. 

Tobirama slept without his insomnia kicking in. He was obliviously unaware of Hashirama and Mito visiting the Uchiha residence in an official capacity and that the Senju Clan Head and his Wife had started to negotiate with the Uchiha Council. 

He was unaware that Madara had formally claimed for a courtship trial and that Hashirama found himself with his hands tied from the Uchiha’s demands. At the end of the intense negotiations between the two Clans. A compromise was made that pleased the Uchiha and left a sour note to the Senju. 

●~●~●~

" I swear Madara. If you ever hurt my Brother I would never hesitate to declare a bloody War again to avenge him. " Hashirama sat in front of his so called best friend with a grim look pasted on his usually happy go lucky face. He ignored the sake that the Uchiha servants had lset down in front of him. He didn’t want to lose his inhibitions now in case…in his restrained rage he accidentally flattened the entirety of Konoha. 

Madara scoffs at his friend's declaration. " If you have paid attention as to how we love Hashirama you would know an Uchiha is loyal to their spouses until the day they die. "

Hashirama glowered and bark out a hysterical sounding laugh. " Oh, I know how you people love. You love with all your heart and soul and the moment someone rejects you. You all became insane people. " 

Madara nonchalantly shrugged without even denying his friend's accusation. 

" I can only promise you that Tobirama will be always love and cherish by me. I will never hurt him deliberately. And I'll do everything in my power to make his wishes and dreams come true. You can only interfere with our marital affairs if Tobirama himself claimed that I hurt him. "

Hashirama scowled. His hands are tied for now. But the moment his Otouto tells him that Madara abuse him is the moment Hashirama will make sure the man will regret laying his hand on his last Brother. 

" See to it that he'll be happy in your Clan Madara. I refuse to lose him. My last Otouto. I'd razed the Uchiha to the ground if he comes to harm in your care. " 

Madara inclines his head in a respectful agreement. " Fair enough my friend. " 

Hashirama was still scowling but a dainty hand laying on his arm made him hold back any other additional nasty thoughts he wants to lay on the Uchiha Clan Head.

" Enough, Husband. We have overstayed our welcome. I have faith that Uchiha Madara will keep his promise. You should naturally trust him too when you yourself declares he is your best friend. " Mito who sat silent the entire time the two Clan Heads had been talking had gently rebuked her Husband. 

Hashirama quickly deflated at hearing the sharp tone of his beloved Wife. " But Mito!. They’re taking away Tobi-chan from me!. " 

Mito rolled her eyes, thoroughly exasperated. " Tobirama is already an Adult. He should have been married a long time ago but we all know why his suitors suddenly disappeared and vanished ne?. " 

Izuna, who was content to listen at his Brother and the idiot Senju Clan Head talking, suddenly choke on the dango ( he's enthusiastically demolishing ). Madara automatically thumps his back repeatedly to get rid at the blockage in his throat. When he finally spat out the dango, he stared wide eyed at the Senju Couple and shrilly screams. 

" No wonder Tobirama is so painfully oblivious!. You stunted his mental growth you overgrown weed!. " he glared accusingly at the Hokage. 

Hashirama only cocked his head. " No. I didn't. I just saved him from interacting with unworthy people. " 

Mito shook her head at Izuna. " It is true. Most men who came forward requesting for Tobirama's hand had just only wanted the Senju's influence, specifically they think they can shackle Hashirama's power to their own pathetic Clans. "

Madara's face smoothing into a blank one made Izuna shudder. " I trust they're taken care of, Hashirama?. " 

Hashirama grimaced. " Of course I did. I only killed those bastards but I also did send their remains to their Clans if they ever dared to pull another stunt like that again. Naturally, everyone agreed not to cross me again or else the Fire Capital would lose most of its Noble Families. "

Izuna scandalously gasp. " Civilians wanted Tobirama's hand?!. How dare they think they could measure up to his greatness!. " 

Mito gracefully nods her head in agreement. " I too was taken aback at the sheer idiocy and audacity of some of the Civilian Families. It also cemented the fact that most of their Culture really relies on leeching and then betraying off those who they deemed too powerful. " she took a dainty sip on the teacup porcelain on her hand.

The Uchiha Brothers waited for the Senju Matriarch to continue speaking.

Mito continued and what she spilled made the Brothers glower ferociously. '" Even the Daimyo isn't exempted from this type of political stance. We have the confirmation that one of Tobirama's suitors is a close relative of his and we know he's brewing something to avenge his nephew. But of course he is a cautious man. He wouldn't idiotically wage war against us if he doesn't want Konoha and the neighboring free Clans to destroy his beloved Capital. Hashirama and I expect that he'll do something when word reaches the Capital that the Uchiha and Senju are uniting because of you and Tobirama. "

Madara clenches his fists and his thunderous expression makes the Senju Couple nod and glance at each other. " If that man tried anything funny on my wedding day. I'll personally slit his throat, happily. "

Izuna enthusiastically nodded his head in accordance with his Brother's words. " And I'll happily back you up, Aniki. " 

A knock on the door cuts off whatever tirade Izuna will add. Madara hush his Brother and gave permission to whoever had knocked to enter. 

Hikaku easily slip into the dining room. Madara and Izuna stares in surprise at their cousin. The man should have been sleeping, so what made him wide awake at this hour?. 

" Madara-sama. Tobirama-sama is wide awake and I can sense his Chakra felt afraid. Must be because he couldn't sense anything outside the bedroom he's in or that he's currently locked in there. I assume he's probably knocking at the adjacent door to your room to ask for your help. " 

Madara quickly jumps up from his seat and throws the Senju Couple a hasty goodbye before he runs out of the dining room, Hikaku hot on his heels. 

Izuna let his Brother manage the situation by himself, it's not like he'll be needed to calm Tobirama down. 

Hashirama purses his lips in disappointment that he couldn't see his Otouto before they leave but Mito reminding him that he'll see Tobirama tomorrow makes him quickly perk back up. As long as Tobirama isn't married yet to the Uchiha Clan Head, Hashirama can still freely spend time with his Brother as long as he can. 

Izuna gave the Senju Couple a pointed look. " And that's your cue to leave now, isn't it?. " Hashirama glared but he followed his Wife dutifully as Mito stood up from her seat and thank Izuna for the late night snack and that they even manage to set up a meeting between them even at this time of the night.

The Uchiha Heir eyed them with a displeased look on his face. " If it isn't my duty to receive guests with appropriate welcome I would have never let you step foot in here at this time. Amaterasu–sama, I can't wait to dump this responsibility to Tobirama. "

Hashirama opens his mouth ( by the look on his face he would have spat vitriolic words back at the younger Uchiha damn the consequences) but Mito immediately covers her Husband's mouth and she smiles blandly at Izuna. 

" Fair enough, Uchiha–san. Farewell for now. But I'll remind you that Hashirama will come back early in the morning to fetch our Otouto. So it would be wise for Madara-sama not to do anything inappropriate to him, ne?. "

Izuna choked in the tea he's drinking. He slammed the teacup down on the table and hollered after the Senju Couple who already exited the dining room and was out of his sight. Did they use Hiraishin or something?...

" My brother is not a pervert or a lecher, you Uzumaki witch!..." 

Izuna stop his tirade and took a second to contemplate what he said. 

And then he blanched. Fuck, the Uzumaki witch was right. Why didn't he remember that Madara had creepily collected Tobirama's personal clothings in the span of a month?..

He quickly jumped up from his seat and Shuñshin out of the dining room to the east wing of the House. He didn’t pay attention to the guards ( who eyed him confusedly as he passed by them ) that were standing in front of the doors that led to their personal bedrooms. He had to check just in case….

He trusts his Aniki. But he also doesn't trust an Uchiha’s instinct. 

Arriving at his Aniki's private room. He tentatively knocks two times before he opens the door and peeks in.

Izuna took a relieved breath as he saw his Aniki sitting in front of the Chabudai and signing some scrolls that sits beside him. So far, everything is alright. The room is empty, save for his Aniki working with a fierce concentration. His Futon already neatly prepared in case the man retired any minute. 

Nothing was amiss. 

Izuna slowly exited the room. He also closes the door quietly. He didn’t want to disturb his Brother in case he's reviewing something important. With his urgent worry replaced with a breathtaking relief Izuna cracks a yawn and decided to retire for the night. He felt tired at the harrowing thought that his Aniki somehow did something….Curse that Uzumaki witch. He'll confront her tomorrow for making him needlessly worry. 

As Izuna trudge towards his own room. He's painfully oblivious that something is really amiss in his Brother's bedroom.

●~●~●~

Madara looked up from the scroll he was working on. He finally let a victorious smirk grace pass his lips as he felt Izuna's Chakra trudging towards his room. His dark eyes flicker to his Futon where a certain Albino slept peacefully.

It's good that he had the foresight to blanket an elaborate Genjutsu over one side of his room or else Izuna would have dragged Tobirama out of his chambers regardless if the Albino was still sleeping. 

Tradition states that Tobirama sleeping in his bedroom is wildly inappropriate but Madara doesn't give a fuck. He'll do what his instinct tells him to. 

No one can dictate to him, on what to do and how to act around his Fiance and soon to be Wife. 

No one. 

Not even Izuna or Hashirama….

Madara's dark expression smoothens as he saw Tobirama turn to his side as he sleeps. The Albino's gorgeous face was in his direct sight now and Madara was entrance again. He hastily puts down the scroll he's holding and he nearly Shuñshin to Tobirama's side in his eagerness to join the sleeping man on his Futon.

Tobirama's peaceful visage soothes something deep within Madara's Psyche. He doesn't know what it is but this irrational feeling makes him happy and at the same time spitting mad. 

Mad in the sense that he'll guard Tobirama zealously and ( a sinister whisper in his ear says ) he'll be like his Father ( who was a former shell of himself when their Mother died ) if something worse happened to his beloved.

He shuddered, he knew what he's capable of, if somehow, someway, Tobirama had come to harm. 

 

Carefully opening the blanket that covered Tobirama, Madara gently scooted to lie down beside the deeply asleep man. As soon as he's in a comfortable position his hands automatically gathered Tobirama's slumbering form in his arms and then he tucked the taller man's head under his chin, Tobirama's steady breaths that passed over his uncovered chest soothes the tumultuous thoughts that grinded in his mind for the last few minutes.

Madara closes his eyes, content in the meantime that his Beloved is safe and secure in his arms.

And then he dreams of a future where nothing painful will happen and he'll live his life peacefully with Tobirama until they grow old together and the Shinigami finally takes their last breath and they'll reunite in the Purelands together with all of their loved ones.

[archersarrow-tarot]

| The 12 Astrological Houses |

Each house is associated with a zodiac sign and it’s planetary ruler.

House 1: House of Self😬

Aries • Mars

“I am.” The first house influences your image, your appearance, your ego, identity, your temperament, how charismatic you are, your attitude, your dignity, your self-image, your consciousness, first impressions people have of you, your sense of self, how you interact with the world, self-awareness, your outlook on life, self-actualization, and your choices.

House 2: House of Posessions🪞

Taurus • Venus

“I have.” The second house influences your earning ability, how you spend money, personal resources, self-worth, your assets, possessions, finances, values, earnings, loans, accumulations, lending, attachments.

House 3: House of Communication

Gemini • Mercury

“I think.” Third house influences your communication, thought processing, Curiosity, perspective, language, how you transport, technology, early education, learning, your relationships with your siblings and neighbors, reactions, how you learn.,

House 4: House of Roots

Cancer • Moon

“I nurture.” The fourth house influences your home, family, childhood, how you practice self-care, emotional security, private life, you roots, ancestry, genetics, foundations, old age, real estate, traditions, youth, agriculture, mining, nurturing.

House 5: House of Fun

Leo • The Sun

“I will.” The fifth house influences your beauty and what/where you find beauty, love, passion, talents, self expression, pleasure, children, gambling, integration, performance, vacations, romance, hobbies, fertility, casual sex, and inner child.

House 6: House of Service

Virgo • Mercury

“I serve.” The sixth house influences your health, wellness, service, duty, routines, healing, coworkers, forgiveness, pets, diet, mentorship, meditation, hygiene, helpfulness, forgiveness, and skills.

House 7: House of Relationships

Libra • Venus

“I partner” The seventh house influences your partnerships, relationships, connections, marriages, contracts, foreign affairs, feedback, equality, confrontation, invention, and how you relate.

House 8: House of Debt

Scorpio • Pluto

“I desire” The eighth house influences your death, magic, tattoos, inheritance, authority, occult, regeneration, Transformation, how you bond with others, your attitude towards growth and change, other peoples money, reproduction, respect, and your regulations.

House 9: House of Opening

Sagittarius • Jupiter

“I see” The ninth house influences your big ideas, beliefs, education, philosophy, expansion, publishing, media, Internet, legal, understanding, purpose, spirituality, ethics, love, religion, and how you interact with in-laws.

House 10: House of Public Space

Capricorn • Saturn

“I use” The tenth house influences your professional path, social standing, public personal, ambition, fame, career, reputation, social status, power, boss, public space, and business.

House 11: House of Hope

Aquarius • Uranus

“I aspire” The eleventh house influences your groups, networks, aspirations, community, coalitions, social circle, cooperation, earned wealth, teamwork, wishes, strategies, goals, balance, art and culture trends.

House 12: House of Transcendence

Pisces • Neptune

“I dream” The twelfth house influences your introspection, your unconscious, your shadow self, your remedies, your discriminations, what you fantasize about, your secrets, how much you isolate self, your problem-solving, how you release, your addictions, and how you follow orders.

[goroaix]

〘 In this calm, easy going life was where Kunhang found most fulfillment. But sometimes, he missed the small signs.〙

Hendery x gn reader. No warnings but reader wears makeup

Some would say that Kunhang was rather... Oblivious. That wasn't to say he was inattentive - no, far from it. Kunhang was a master of looking deeper into things, of finding meaning where others would draw blanks, but this ability came with a blindness to the other more obvious things going on in his life.

"Will you ever learn how to cook?" They asked him, having caught a glimpse of his bin that was full to the brim with takeaway containers and paper bags. "All the money you earn goes to your stomach."

"It's too much hassle," was Kunhang's reply to his dear friend, a napkin wiping at the oil left behind on his lips from the malatang. "I can't make it taste like they do." The wooden chopsticks held up some of the delicious, slippery noodles. "You want some?"

They nodded and he laughed, knowing that no one could resist a good bit of delivered food. In his opinion, it was the best thing to have ever been invented. The convenience, the ease and the ability to do other things while waiting - all of it was just on the checklist of positives.

Yes, most of his money from his grocery store job did go towards this but he thought it was money well spent.

"If you're so shit, you can ask Kun for help. I'll even make meals for you if you want." Again, Kunhang laughed at the offer. He didn't want to inconvenience them, though it did make his chest feel warmer that they offered.

"It's okay. Don't worry about me." And he meant it. He was fine as he was and he didn't mind his lifestyle right now - despite the countless scoldings from his mother.

Their eyes met his, endless irises meeting dark brown, and he felt heat blossom from the base of his neck that was only hindered by his awkward cough and offer of more noodles.

To him, there was nothing deeper to this.

"Hey, do you want to sleepo- Oh." He looked down at them on the sofa, their eyes closed as they had curled up into a tight ball. It reminded him of the cats that Ten owned, the way they had tucked their face into their arms and knees to their chest. In a way, it was cute.

His fingers gently poked their side, prodding them to see if they would rouse from their slumber. They didn't.

His eyes fell to their face as he gently moved them to their back, pulling a blanket over their body to let them rest. It had been a long day of doing nothing and Kunhang knew firsthand how tiring this could get. Then, he noticed that they hadn't removed their makeup and he frowned, lips pulled into a straight line.

"You shouldn't sleep with makeup on..." He muttered more to himself than anyone else, and he disappeared into his bathroom to bring out the bottle of makeup remover he had kept in there. He didn't wear makeup himself but he knew that his place was their second home and he'd picked it up for moments like this.

He knelt down, knees to the rug, and brought out some cotton pass he had stashed away. It was doused with the remover and he scanned their features - eyes roaming over the soft curves and sloping edges of their face. For a moment, his eyes lingered on their lips and he had to tear his gaze away to focus on the matter at hand.

When he wiped away the makeup on their face, he did so with a certain kind of tenderness. He kept his touch light, fingers pressing down with no more weight than a feather so that they wouldn't feel it.

It was just a nice gesture, Kunhang told himself and to his suddenly hammering heart. They would do this for me.

The cotton pad was changed for another one after he had done half their face, revealing their natural skin underneath. With or without makeup, he thought they looked beautiful either way.

When he was this close, he couldn't help but focus on the small details: how their lashes were long enough to touch their cheeks, the soft pout of their lips and the detailed contour of their nose.

Kunhang shook his head quickly, trying to push out these unnecessary musings and carry on with the task at hand. Eyeshadow, mascara, highlight - all of it was removed and he moved on to the next part of his canvas.

Whenever his fingers brushed against bare skin, he felt a jolt through his body, heart hammering with the threat of giving out. Yet, he dismissed it as nothing. It was nothing, he repeated.

Once he was done, he did one more final swipe to pick up any remaining residue before he looked at them, feeling that same warm feeling within his chest. His gaze lingered for a few moments too long before he sighed, discarding the used cotton pads.

"Whatever," Kunhang murmured to himself. "It's nothing that serious."

[ducktoonsfanart]

Scrooge McDuck vs Flintheart Glomgold - The Terror of the Transval and The Second-Richest Duck - The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck - Carl Barks and Don Rosa - Duck comics and Duckverse

Well, I haven't drawn the conflicts between Scrooge and Glomgold for a long time, so I drew them together again as a redraw of scenes from two comics. The first drawing is a redraw that I drew is from a scene from Don Rosa' comic "The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck" from the sixth part called "The Terror of the Transvaal" in which Scrooge McDuck goes to South Africa in search of a valuable fortune and finds the then drunkard and hunter Flintheart Glomgold, who is a Boer. After Glomgold stole things from Scrooge one night even though Scrooge saved his life, Scrooge still entered the saloon and shot Glomgold and threatened him with the words, "But you,…you just made me mean!" and shot the tar of mud and feathers and defeated Glomgold and took him to prison. Yes, Scrooge is like a cowboy in this comic.

The second drawing shows a redraw of a scene from the 1956 Carl Barks comic "The Second Richest Duck" in which Flintheart Glomgold makes his first appearance claiming to have earned the most money at one multiplujillion and nine obsquatumatillion, while Scrooge claims to have one multiplujillion, nine obsquatumatillion, six hundred and twenty-three dollars and sixty-two cents and that's how their rivalry about who has more wealth began. And that's where the fight started, from which I drew my drawing. Only Rockerduck is missing and we have a complete scene. XD He will be invented by Barks five years later. Anyway, since I didn't get to do it in time for Carl Barks' birthday, I did this in his honor. Happy belated birthday to Carl Barks, who celebrates on March 27th and is the best writer of Donald Duck comics. Yes, I love Don Rosa as well as other writers and artists of Donald Duck comics that I enjoy a lot. I certainly drew both drawings in my own style.

I hope you like these drawings and these ideas and feel free to like and reblog this! Plus, happy belated tax day, which these rich people can't stand and it's celebrated on April 15th!