#the language barrier is just yet another obstacle

[electricpurrs]

Just want to say you type English very well! I'm sure you're just fine while speaking it! 💖

thanks ^_^

[uyuforu]

Astrology Observation: Synastry & Composite with In-Laws pt.1

This post will be about Synastry and Composite observations with in-laws. It is only observations, and are not observed on many charts so take it just as a study. I'll make more in the future when I have more details and placements to study. This is also not something I have seen yet, so this is really a theory right now. Take everything you see lightly! In this observation post, I also include brothers and sisters in laws when I talk about In-Laws! Pretty much the family of your spouse. When looking at the Synastry, we look at what the two individuals feel for each other. While Composite is for looking at how their relationship is.

All pictures were found on Pinterest

Other posts you could like:

જ⁀➴ How to know when you will get married?

જ⁀➴ How to make a solar return synastry

જ⁀➴ Boda in Signs, Houses, Degrees

જ⁀➴ Boda Aspects

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*IL= In-Laws

𝜗𝜚 Synastry

₊˚⊹♡ Since In-Laws are ruled by the 9H, most of the times you will have 9H synastry with them. Your planets could often fall in your In-Laws' 9H.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Saturn in your 1H could mean they will have hard time to see you, they could hear a lot about you but it will take time to meet you. In any way, it could mean there are obstacles in the way for you two to meet? It can also that they refuse to meet you, or you can't meet them for a while, or perhaps you don't want to meet them? You are not meeting them fast, that's all!

₊˚⊹♡ Your Saturn in your IL's 9H could mean there is distance between you two (physically) and you can't meet them because you live far away from each other. There could also be language barrier between you.

₊˚⊹♡ If your Saturn falls in your IL's 4H, you could struggle to see them or meet them often. You don't get to see them often.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Ceres in your 3H could mean they feel like they can share a lot with you, they feel like you will understand how they feel. Your IL will also encourage you in your intellectual pursuits and your hobbies too. This is a good communication sign between you two.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Ceres falling in your IL's 11H could mean could mean you see your IL as a friend, someone you like to spend time with, and actually enjoy having conversations with them. You could also like to hangout with them even without your spouse.

₊˚⊹♡ If your IL's placements fall in your 7H, they see you as someone they have a "contract with", meaning they are close to you because you are a IL to them, and they see you this way. By being married to you, your IL also see this as being married to you, meaning they don't really have a choice. Some placements falling in your 7H could mean they don't really like you, 7H is also about enemies!

₊˚⊹♡ IL's Sun in your 5H means they see you as one of their child, they will take you as their real son/ daughter than just an IL. You can have a more close relationship with them than just IL. It's a very good placement tbh.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Sun in your 4H means they actually see you as a family member and accept you.

₊˚⊹♡ IL's Sun conjunct your Union asteroid could mean they like you since the day they meet you. It also means you will "travel" to see them (doesn't mean a long travel, it means you will move yourself to them than the other way around).

₊˚⊹♡ Your Sun in your IL's 6H means you will see them as someone who help you, and you will heal some trauma or some fears you have through them.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Sun in your 6H is reversed, your IL could heal some traumas or fear through or with you.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Moon in your 12H means they can understand you in another level, they can read you even when you don't say anything. If you like them, it's great, meaning you have a good relationship. If you don't, well good luck!

₊˚⊹♡ Your Moon in your IL's 10H could mean you could admire your IL very much.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Moon in your IL's 8H could be similar to the 12H synastry, but it could also mean there could be toxic vibes. You could also feel uncomfortable with your IL, there could be conflicts.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Moon in your IL's 5H (or their Moon in your 5H) could be like a siblings kind of relationship, it could be cheeky and fun too.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Mercury in your IL's 9H could mean you don't talk the same language as them and may learn a new language to talk to them. It could also mean you like to learn a lot from your IL and see them as someone you can learn from.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Mercury in your 5H means they could like to joke around with you and they may talk to you very familiar way, you could joke around with them a lot.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Mercury in your IL's 7H could mean you could talk to them in a respectful way. It's also a nice way, not cold.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Mercury in your IL's 4H means you could talk to them in their native language (if you are a foreigner to them). The conversation could be very comfortable and heartwarming too, you may feel comfortable talking to them.

₊˚⊹♡ Same thing if your IL's Mercury fall in your 4H but they could talk to you in your native language if you are a foreigner instead of you.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury conjunct Mars in this Synastry could mean the conversations are passionate, alive, and not forced, pretty natural. You both could want to talk to each other, but be careful to fights or disagreements.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Venus in your IL's 9H could mean you like the fact they are different from you. If you are a foreigner to them, you may actually enjoy that there is a cultural difference. You could also feel like it's the first time you love your IL so much. The feeling could be reciprocated.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Venus in your 6H could mean they want to take care of you, they could want to give you gift based on what you like (because they listen to you) but also based on what you need, what is best for you in their opinion. They could like to help you and to give you advice. They will care for you.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Venus in your 5H means they really enjoy spending time with you, they could laugh a lot with you and they just are happy to know they can spend time with you.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Venus in your IL's 4H could mean you take care of your IL and you treat them are your real family.

₊˚⊹♡ Venus conjunct Uranus in this Synastry could mean the love and attention the individuals feel are very transformative, they both (or one of them) feel like it's nothing they felt before. For example, my FS and my little brother have that aspect. And my FS is an only child and my little brother is the only boy. So they both could feel like they have the brother they never had.

₊˚⊹♡ Venus conjunct Vertex in this Synastry could mean the love and attention one receive is truly changed by the other one, it could be new or something they never experienced before too. It could also be a major turn for both of them.

₊˚⊹♡ Mars conjunct Ceres could mean Mars person feel responsible for Ceres person and want to appear strong to the Ceres person, they want them to feel impressed.

₊˚⊹♡ My dad's Mars conjunct my FS's Boda also and it could mean my dad will probably be invested in our wedding lol (could he pay...? perhaps?)

₊˚⊹♡ Your Mars conjunct your IL's North Node could mean you will help them in their life purpose!

₊˚⊹♡ Your Mars in your IL's 8H could mean this can be explosive sometimes, you could stand up to them if they get mad, and it can lead to arguments. But you can also help them with that, because you are not scared of them. You stand up for yourself.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Mars in your 10H mean they can admire you a lot and admire how you work, stand for yourself, your confidence, etc. They think you are strong.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Jupiter in your 7H could mean they feel lucky they are bond to you because of the marriage you had with their relative.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Jupiter in your IL's 5H means you feel lucky to be able to have such a close bond with them, you always have fun with them.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's IC falling in your 5H could mean they see you as their child (if they are your mother/father in law). And brother sister if it's another relative.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IC conjuncting your IL's Ceres means you will feel like they protect you and care for you like their own family.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Jupiter in your IL's 3H could mean you have good conversation and you could joke around a lot.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Jupiter in your 9H could mean they could want to see you in your country if you are a foreigner or they will want to travel with you.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Jupiter conjunct your MC could mean they will probably think you are doing a good job and admire you for that, they could also be interested in working with you.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Uranus in your 5H could mean you are the child they never had, or sibling they never had.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Chiron in your IL's 1H could mean they remind you of a trauma you had, you could have hard time with them because they will trigger you somehow. You will also heal those with them probably.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Chiron in your IL's 3H could mean there could mean miscommunication problems between you two.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Chiron in your IL's MC could mean you will help your IL to be more confident and to lead more in life. You will be like a mentor to them.

₊˚⊹♡ Chiron in the others 8H or 12H could be complicated, you could also trigger each other, sometimes it can be a sign of not liking each other. If other aspects are good, then it means you will heal traumas together.

₊˚⊹♡ Neptune in the other's 7H could mean you have the illusion the person has good manners and are very into being appreciated. It could mean you can have a bad view thinking the person is not really like that and just pretending to be this way to be liked. Neptune person feel like that about 7H person between. On the other hand, Neptune person could feel like they are actually quite a charming person. On the bad hand, they could think they are fake.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Neptune in your IL's 5H could mean you think your IL is childish and prefer to have fun rather to take their responsibilities. If Uranus is there too, you could actually confront them about it one day.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Neptune in your 10H could mean they could admire you for your work but they could also not exactly know what you do for living. They could also have a certain view on you that is not true, so they could be mistaken about your reputation.

₊˚⊹♡ Your Neptune in your IL's 3H could mean you don't understand when they speak most of the time, or you could lie to them often.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's Neptune conjunct your Mars could mean your IL could be easily influenced by you and your opinion. If it is in your 10H, they could really admire you.

First Impressions

₊˚⊹♡ Your 1H in your IL's 11H means you will see them as outgoing, chill, cool and very nice. You will think they are the kind of IL who act in a very unbothered way, and you could also think they have an unconventional way to act with you. For example, if you come from a family who are very high on respect forms, your IL could shock you because they will talk to you in a familiar way directly.

₊˚⊹♡ Your 1H in your IL's 10H means you will see them as cold, distant, quite respectable and sometimes scary. They could want you to think they are this way. This can happen more if it is the Father IL.

₊˚⊹♡ Your 1H in your IL's 7H mans you will see them as respectable, nice, charming, outgoing, and you will like to spend time with them. You will think you spend time because of your obligation as an IL. You can think they dress well too.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's 1H in your 2H means they see you as someone who has money, who is respectable and who is someone quite patient, nice and well put together. They can think you are good looking too.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's 1H in your 4H could mean they see you as a family member already, someone they want to take care of.

₊˚⊹♡ Your IL's 1H in your 6H means they will see you as someone stable, hardworking and someone who takes care of themselves and someone who is healthy. They could admire you too, and they could want to help you a lot too.

𝜗𝜚 Composite

₊˚⊹♡ Sun in Sagittarius could mean you have a cheeky and fun relationship. You could travel with your IL a lot or you could want to, you could also help each other learning languages. One can admire the other and one can teach a lot to the other. You could consider each other friends.

₊˚⊹♡ Sun in 6H could mean there are some distance between you two and respect. You care about the other and help each other a lot, you may also give each other advices. You could really be each other's motivation. There are still some kind of distance there, meaning that despite you can have a good relationship, perhaps your IL will still want you to be respectful.

₊˚⊹♡ Sun in Scorpio could mean you are not that close, and you don't speak much. You can have some small talk, and you can sometimes have an actual conversation on things that matter much. But rare I guess?

₊˚⊹♡ Sun in 5H is a sign you enjoy each other's company, you can really like talking to each other when you do, and your IL could consider you as a son/ daughter or a brother/sister.

₊˚⊹♡ Sun in Capricorn could mean one of you really respect the other and look up to them a lot.

₊˚⊹♡ Sun in 11H could mean you can think of each other as friends and sometimes siblings depending who is your IL to you. It's a very nice relationship as you two could play often games and video games together and talk about a lot of things. You could also follow each other on social medias too.

₊˚⊹♡ Moon in 11H means you can express your emotions together freely without having the feeling of being judged, you can also feel like you can talk about anything together. You can feel free and very outgoing with them too. It's a true friendship potential here.

₊˚⊹♡ Moon in Aries could mean you have a way to tease each other a lot and you could also have a lot of inside jokes. You could also get in some fights or arguments sometimes since you express your emotions freely and quite spontaneously together.

₊˚⊹♡ Moon in 5H could mean you feel emotionally safe with this person, and you can also like how close it's easy to be with them. They could think you are like a member of the family already. If it is your Mother or Father IL, they could think of you as their son/ daughter, but if it is another like a sibling IL, then they think of you as a bother/ sister.

₊˚⊹♡ Moon in Gemini could mean you joke a lot together, laughing could be often happening. You can like to talk with your IL and you feel like you can express your opinion freely. But you can also gossip together or about each other.

₊˚⊹♡ Moon in 10H could mean you don't hide what you feel towards each other and actually prefer to face each other about your emotions. You enjoy spending time together and respect each other. You could have a desire to work with each other.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury in Sagittarius means you both joke around and have a good communication, you could help each other with languages and also share your life experiences to each other a lot.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury 7H means you have a fair way to communicate towards each other. Your conversations can be quite charming, and you could talk about relationships, contracts, what is fair and right, appearances, romance, but also enemies. You could gossip also.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury in Taurus is a fair way to communicate, you could have a steady communication. Sometimes the conversation can be boring. It can also mean you have a healthy way to communicate towards each other. This can mean you have conversations about money, stability, food, good things in life, shopping, material things, etc.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury in 11H means you can have a friendly way to talk to each other, and mostly you can joke around easily, and perhaps even talk in a familiar way. You can text often with this person of follow each other on social medias. This means a good friendship can happen if you talk to each other quite often.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury Capricorn means you are not good doing daily conversations with your IL but you may both prefer to have debates or conversations that are more intellectual. One of you may also really admire the other, and so there is one teacher and one student in this one.

₊˚⊹♡ Mercury 12H means you can understand each other on another level, but it can also mean you don't talk much to each other. You could have difficulties to talk at first and have hard time to understand each other. It can also mean you have conversations that can be very deep and you could also communicate telepathically together if you happen to be very close.

₊˚⊹♡ Venus in Capricorn means you and your IL could buy each other a lot of gifts or things casually, you could always bring something to each other anytime you see each other. You could admire each other a lot or one of you admire the other. You both show a lot of respect for each other.

₊˚⊹♡ Venus in 7H means your IL could feel like they totally adore you, they can be all over you. They will really like spending time with you, and will probably be proud and glad your partner chose you. They will love to see you and will probably will want to spend time with you often.

₊˚⊹♡ Venus in Sagittarius could mean you love to spend time with your IL, and they do too!

₊˚⊹♡ Venus in 6H could be a more cold and distant type of relationship you have with your IL, but deep down they actually care. You may not say it to each other, but you could both try to improve each other's life.

₊˚⊹♡ Venus in 12H could mean you both don't totally express how you feel towards each other. It means that perhaps you and your IL will not hug each other or actually say you appreciate each other. But you could know actually. It can mean you could be shy together lol, or you could be shy with them.

₊˚⊹♡ Mars in Aquarius is a sign of being best friend with your IL.

₊˚⊹♡ Mars in 9H means you could help each other see the bright side of life. There could be a lot of wisdom shared.

₊˚⊹♡ Mars in Pisces means you don't like fighting with each other. There is a lot of support between you two.

₊˚⊹♡ Mars in 1H could mean you help each other with confidence, one of you could help the other more.

₊˚⊹♡ Jupiter in 6H means you could help each other live a healthier life, and you feel like your life improved by knowing each other.

₊˚⊹♡ Jupiter in 9H means you could help each other learn a lot. If you are a foreigner, you both could help each other learning each other's languages. Even if you are, it could also mean expending your mind to new ideas and horizons with this placement. A lot of positive learning and teaching.

₊˚⊹♡ Saturn in 11H means you could have hard time to replace the link you have with your IL. With other bad aspects this could mean you both don't get along well. With good aspects this means you actually have hard time to replace your IL. You have such a close bond with them.

₊˚⊹♡ Saturn in 10H indicates that in order for your IL to trust you, time will be reacquired. It could take time for both of you to become close.

₊˚⊹♡ Saturn in 3H could mean there is a language barrier between you two. Or you could struggle to understand each other sometimes.

₊˚⊹♡ Pluto in 10H means you will both change a lot ever since you met each other.

₊˚⊹♡ 7H Stellium could indicate one of the base of your relationship with your IL is respect but also a lot of fairness. You could love to spend time with your IL and they do to, you both adore each other. You don't see spending time together as an obligation. You could also both want to solve any problems together if one arise, and you could ask for your IL help. They could be a friend to you. You trust them, and they also trust you. I think this is really good with an IL as it is actually a good sign of a good relationship. Your IL could be very happy to have you as their IL.

₊˚⊹♡ 6H Stellium could mean you will heal a lot with your IL. You both could need to either face things or heal trauma, and it is most likely to happen with them. This relationship could be complicated at first since you may feel a bit disturbed with them. Otherwise, you could care a lot about each other. You could like to help each other but also give each other advices. You could still be cold, distant and respectful towards each other, your IL is not your best friend in your head.

₊˚⊹♡ 12H Stellium means one of you idealize the other, and you two could have a close bond. Anything that you say to each other stay as a secret. You both could confide to each other.

₊˚⊹♡ Gemini Rising means most of people around you will see you two having a playful relationship, you can be seen laughing together a lot, joking a lot, but you can also love to debate together. People just see you two talking together a lot.

₊˚⊹♡ Cancer Rising means people could sense there is a strong sense of family between you two. You both could treat each other as a family member, depending on who this is compared to you. For example, my FS has that with my dad, and my FS could see my dad as his other dad, and my dad could see my FS as his other son. People could see you take care of each other and you care about each other. Tho sometimes the relationship could be tense.

₊˚⊹♡ Aquarius Rising here could mean people see you two sharing a good friendship. You could look very different from one another, yet you could get along well. People could also see you talk a lot about technologies or your friendship could be based on similar interest around the topic.

₊˚⊹♡ Aquarius MC could make you and your IL very open to talk and actually liking to discuss about many different topics. You could get along well because you could be both open-minded. This could be a sign you both challenge each other into having a more open mind and actually see realities in different ways.

₊˚⊹♡ Pisces MC could make you both have a complicated relationship, they don't know if you like each other or not. But it could be because you indeed have a complicated relationship with them.

₊˚⊹♡ Scorpio MC could make you both close to each other and you may help each other a lot through rough time. You have a strong bond with your IL and both of you could trust each other a lot.

Thank you for reading!

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[underneathsoldiers]

Farah Karim x Reader

You are insecure af

The love you had for Farah would always bring you to Urzikstan. You could see her blossom with pride and love for her land and her people. As they had with Alex, the Urzikstan Liberation Force adopted you. Of course, you were open and followed all the customs and social rules. They were merciful when you made errors, and you were very grateful for it. You had worried beforehand, but as Farah's dear friend Dena would say, "We have real monsters to fight."

You have this duality within you:

1- You are privileged and should be grateful for your own life, even the pains and obstacles.

2- You want to become Urzik because Farah will love you just as she loves her people.

Both were mind games, so you never voiced them aloud. Even to Alex, who helped you the most with the culture shocks and the language barriers. But if they accepted someone like Alex— an American CIA operative— surely they could love you? Or was it simply a tolerance, like you were the three-legged stray that's fed from pity?

You loved the Urzik coast, and Suldal Harbor was the only area that you could remember the directions to. You went by yourself when you finally learned to drive a motorcycle when the sun was becoming gentler but the snow hadn't yet fallen.

You left the motorcycle and stood at the edge of the harbor. The ocean was reflecting the light, but you felt cold. Your mind had been troubled for years— a sane person wouldn't fall in love with a freedom fighter from another country. Or at least, they wouldn't travel there after working endless hours for plane tickets and new outfits for the Urzik weather. They wouldn't stay up late for five-minute phone calls, and send short texts only so they wouldn't be a burden...

You'd gone insane, you believed. Mad with love. You were being wasteful by being here, even though you did everything to help.

"We just weren't meant to be forever," you knelt on the edge, your hand reaching down to graze the cold water. "I have to set you free."

"I am free," Farah's voice startled you.

You felt immense shame. She's never seen you like this vulnerable and silly. You feared showing this part of yourself.

You stood up and tried to change the focus. "I was just seeing the ocean."

Farah was still on her motorcycle, with the black silk scarf you had gifted her. It had silver stars peppered throughout. You got it from your home country. It had reminded you of her soul and she already used lots of scarves. You didn't think she would use it in public as it was very fashionable rather than her usual muted colors.

She pulled down her goggles and revealed her amber eyes that reminded you of tiger's eye gemstones. She left the motorcycle to approach you.

She didn't say anything as she grasped you and lifted you to your feet. She held you. You closed your eyes and weakened in her arms, almost shaking.

"Whatever you're feeling, I'm here," Farah kissed your hair.

"You're too good for me," you whimpered. "Why are you with me?"

"Only I decide if someone is worth it," Farah whispered in your ear. "Not those bad thoughts. I don't see myself as better than you."

"But you are."

She pulled away slightly to hold your face, making sure you saw her say her next words: "You are the only person that I would marry."

You felt your cheeks heat up and your heart breaks and swell at the same time. Your reaction made Farah chuckle, a rare site.

"You don't know what you mean to me," Farah said, with some wistfulness. She kissed you on the lips for a long moment. You melted.

[yuesya]

Xiao straightens, and flicks his spear.

The downed form of the man-shaped demon before him fades slowly, crumbling motes of darkness drifting up and gradually vanishing in the air. It’s not dissimilar to the demons of Liyue that he’s familiar with –the demons that Xiao has spent so many centuries hunting and slaying in an endless, eternal cycle– but at the same time, he is able to discern the difference.

This demon was not one born of the restless grudges of fallen gods that refused to accept their own deaths. If anything, its origins seemed more… but no… no, that was preposterous. Surely it couldn’t be–

A monstrous roar sounds behind him; Xiao whirls around. There’s another demon left, struggling futilely in a pool of its own blood. The signature of its energy is far weaker than the one that he’d just fought, and all four of its limbs have been broken… and yet it’s still alive, and struggling to crawl forward on its belly.

Xiao exhales, raising his spear–

–and pauses.

There’s a pale hand that rests upon the bladed edge in a clear gesture for Stop. Xiao looks up sharply.

“You intend to let it live?” The girl –yet there is no doubt that this is no mere mortal girl– doesn’t say anything, but presses insistently upon his weapon. Please stand down, is her unmistakable, unspoken request.

The only reason why Xiao doesn’t point his spear at her in turn is because he knows that she actively fought the demons long prior to his arrival. It’s the only reason why there are humans who managed to escape this catastrophe.

Her appearance… Xiao does not recognize her. He admits that she looks similar to the snow women yokai of Inazuma, white hair and pale skin and clothed in Inazuman dress as she is. But she does not bear any powers of ice nor snow. If anything, the way the sword in her hand cuts through every obstacle without pause reminds him of the whispers of kunado-no-kami. But to his knowledge the last of them had died along with the Watatsumi Omikami that they served.

Regardless, Xiao does not intend to allow the current situation to go unanswered. If she was present here, fighting those strange demons that were decidedly not of Liyuan origin, then surely she knew how this incident came about in the first place.

“Explain,” Xiao says. He banishes his weapon, allowing it to dissipate into motes of golden light. “How did this situation come to be? Has the war in Inazuma worsened to such a state that it’s no longer able to contain malicious spirits within its own borders?”

The girl opens her mouth–

Oh.

Xiao blinks, genuinely surprised and caught off-guard. Her words…

“That’s a dialect I haven’t heard for quite some time.” He doesn’t have a perfect understanding of what she’s saying, especially given that the last time he’d heard this was… during the time of the Archon War, perhaps?

Xiao tilts his head. Is he looking at a survivor of the kunado-no-kami? … So far from the shores of Inazuma?

I apologize. I don’t understand what you’re saying.

Luckily for them both, Xiao is also old enough to know of the dead language that she speaks and discern the general meaning of her words, if not the precise details. Although Xiao is a Liyuan adeptus who has never once left the land in the thousands of years he’d lived, he has encountered gods of other lands, so he is not unfamiliar with other tongues.

That she is apparently unfamiliar with the language that is spoken in the present…

“Thank you for your assistance,” the kami bows. Polite, graceful. Xiao folds his arms across his chest and waits for her to explain. “… I’m afraid that this also came as an unexpected situation to me. I didn’t think that there would be a long-distance transportation array, and the barrier should’ve… no, I suppose that’s unimportant.”

She shakes her head.

“I was investigating a matter that was entrusted to me by my cousin, and ended up being ambushed by cursed spirits. Four total, the last of which you just slew,” she nods towards the fallen demon beneath him. “There was also a curse user, but he doesn’t seem to have been transported along with us. Ah, he would be the one responsible for teleporting us here. He needs to die.”

The words are spoken calmly, serenely. Xiao is aware of the dissonance here, but it’s not as if he disagrees. The regrettable casualties and wanton destruction around their current surroundings speak for themselves.

“And the demon you wish to spare?”

“Demon?” The kami blinks, then instantly understands what he’s referring to. “Ah, Muta-san? I’m afraid I can’t allow him to die yet, he’s the one I’m supposed to investigate. Although, given his current state I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to interrogate out of him…”

“I cannot allow such threats to remain within these lands.” It is his contract, and the duty that he must uphold as one of Rex Lapis’ adepti and his last yaksha.

“I understand,” she nods. “We will depart as soon as possible. If I may ask a question of you, where… are we?”

“You are within Dihua Marsh,” Xiao answers. Pauses, upon the uncomprehending way she looks at him, and elaborates, “Located upon the Bishui Plains.”

“… Did Not-Geto teleport us to China?” the kami mutters. “An entirely different country?”

Xiao stares at her. “This is the country of Liyue.”

The kami falls silent. Then, proceeds to take out a small pouch from her sleeve, and procures a strange device from it –a rectangular piece of metal that lights up with an artificial glow when she taps at it. There’s a small frown on her face, before she wipes the expression from her face with a long sigh.

“By any chance, do you have a name for this continent?”

Continent?

“… If you mean this world, it is named Teyvat,” Xiao says slowly.

Going by these questions… this is very likely not a kami of Inazuma who stands in front of him.

[toxicmalysh]

The link we share

Chapter 14: strawberries

Word count: 2,707

Summary: Wanda and Maria sing together whilst she bakes, you Wanda and vis watch TV together

Warnings: tension, Maria just being a bit of a bitch sorry guys

⋆✧✦✧⋆

When Wanda woke, she felt a slight pang of disappointment to find Vision had left, but she understood he had things to do in the evening whilst she slept. Wanda looked over at the digital clock, the time reading 6:24 am. She groaned at how early it was, stretching as her muscles protested. She took a minute to get up from the bed, opening the blind and adjusting to the early sunrise. 

Wanda hummed softly, scratching her scalp as she made her way to her desk. She threw on a pair of joggers over her underwear, covering herself appropriately before leaving her room. 

She made her way down to the kitchen, finding it empty, she was usually the first out of everyone to be up, so this wasn't a surprise. Wanda made her way to the fridge, grabbing the same milk and cereal as usual.

She sat down slowly, bringing her bowl closer to herself as she took the first mouthful. She took a deep breath, enjoying the morning atmosphere. Wanda took her time, not in any real rush to be anywhere. 

When she finished she took a minute, picking some of the crumbs out of her teeth as she thought about her plans for the day. She knew she still needed to train, but after that she didn't really have anything planned. She figured she'd just make it up as she went like usual anyway. 

Wanda made her way down to the gym, a white towel in one hand and her bottle in the other. As she placed them down onto a small obstacle box, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eye was still a mix of brown and green, her nose a rashy purple with the healing cut.

She brought her finger up, poking her eye gently, immediately retracting at the sensitivity of the skin. It wasn't going to heal anytime soon. She felt insecure, and a little bit grossed out by her own face. The last few times she had seen it, she told herself she was stupid for letting herself get distracted, that Natasha was right and she was more than capable of dodging the dirty throw. 

Though this time, instead of blaming herself, Wanda felt bitter. It frustrated her that she felt such overwhelming emotions for you, and yet she wasn't able to act on them. She felt guilty about the confrontation between Natasha and you, she felt frustrated with how stubborn you were to not let her help you. But she also felt sympathy, it was clear you were struggling, and it wasn't your fault, Wanda just wished you knew you could rely on her, that she wasn't going anywhere.

As she stepped into the familiar glass box, setting up the simulation, her thoughts went back to Vision's words. They contradicted everyone Natasha had said, but in a selfish way, she wanted to agree with Vision. She wanted you to know she wants to have more of these ‘moments’ and that you need to understand it doesn't matter what you do or say, she still experiences this overwhelming care and protectiveness for you.

Wanda spent the next three hours hitting every target, and blocking every rebound. She felt motivated by her progress, happy with her performance. Once she decided she was too tired to continue, she stepped back out of the box, wiping her sweat down with the towel and taking a few large sips of her water. 

She decided today was going to be a day for herself. She wasn't exactly sure what she was going to do, so whilst on her way to the shower she googled some ideas. Wanda's main issue was leaving the compound, of course she was allowed to, she wasn't a prisoner, but she still struggled with certain language barriers and the idea of being involved in a whole new society was intimidating. Most of the time she would simply find things to do inside the building, and leave going out to a last minute resort with another team member.

Wanda didn't rush her shower, but she did feel a slight hint of excitement as her mind set on spending the day baking. Baking was something she'd found comfort in as it was something she could share with the team, and distract herself for hours. It was one of the few things that made her genuinely happy. 

Wanda spent a few hours prepping different doughs and mixtures, deciding to make macarons. Dancing around the kitchen to her music. She added different food colourings and flavourings, all natural that she had made over time. She didn't really talk to anyone about her baking if they didn't ask, but she excelled in it, constantly modifying her own recipes. 

It didn't take long for her to have icing sugar and empty piping bags scattered across the kitchen island, the smell of sugars melting filling the room. It was a strong vanilla scent that Wanda often smelt of, not too overpowering but warm, welcoming. Certainly a contrast to her exterior personality, always on guard and anxious, striking as confident but really just paranoia.

Wanda continued dancing around the kitchen, picking up a wooden spoon to sing into like a microphone. When Maria walked into the kitchen, instead of freezing up, she watched as Maria joined in, matching her energy. Her heart fluttered slightly, her face filling with a blush as she continued to move closer, singing and dancing along to the song. The pair shared the wooden spoon as their microphone, laughing through their teeth. This was the first time they had really interacted outside of Natasha's company. It wasn't bad, Wanda felt comfortable. 

Wanda took Maria’s hand fluidly, spinning her around, and as the song came to a slow halt, the pair broke apart laughing.

“What are you baking?” Maria spoke up, ending her laughter with the question. Wanda placed the wooden spoon into the sink, trying to keep up with the mess, 

“Just an assortment of Macarons.” She spoke casually, pointing towards the oven where the small meringue circles were rising. 

Maria reached round to a bowl with a jam consistency mixture, licking a bit off her finger. She hummed in delight, before dipping her finger back in and handing it out to Wanda. Wanda blushed slightly at forwardness, but she let herself relax, licking the mixture from Maria's index, smiling through her soft blush. 

“Mmm it'll thicken in the fridge then it'll be perfect.” She licked the rest of the mixture from her teeth, the strawberry jam coating her taste buds.

Maria nodded “You've got a real skill with this stuff you know.” Maria moved closer to Wanda, a foot or so away from her, biting her lip softly, fidgeting with a fork covered in meringue mixture, “nobody seems to notice how much passion you have for this sort of thing but I think it's cute.” 

Wanda's mind lingered on the way Maria said the last word, her mind shaking slightly remembering how Maria was with you only a few weeks ago. The thought of her so close to you, her hands on you. 

She fixed her composure, replying calmly as she filled another piping bag, 

“Yeah I guess I do really enjoy it, it just gives me some time to enjoy my own company.” she spoke softly, hoping Maria wouldn't overstay her welcome,

“I think that's healthy.” Maria moved even closer to Wanda, almost breathing down her neck now, as she she stood behind the shorter woman, her eyes fixated on her waist and hips, her hands coming up as she began to speak, 

“I do think some companies, are good from time to time.” 

Just before Maria's hands found comfort on Wanda's waist, Wanda moved to the other side of the island, reaching for a bowl of a different mixture, slightly darker in colour. 

Maria huffed slightly, listening impatiently as Wanda retaliated,

“Yeah. That's why I'm so grateful to have Vision, he’s like my better half.” Wanda smiled at the thought, she was so lucky to have such a close friendship. Maria rolled her eyes, putting distance between her and Wanda.

“Right, yeah… so you and Vision?” Maria spoke in a bitter yet curious tone. Wanda mentally took a breath, responding dryly,

“Vision is a good friend, nothing more.” She half smiled at Maria, before turning her attention back to her mixtures. 

“And what about y/n?” Wanda's eyes flickered for a moment, her mind burning at your name, she knew where this was going. 

“y/n and I are just friends.” Wanda spoke in the same dry tone, her movements becoming more aggressive in her stirring. Her mind had blocked out the music, focused on Maria's next sentence,

“Oh good.” Maria's tone was cocky, almost sly. Wanda dropped what she was doing, placing her hands on the kitchen island paying full attention to the taller woman.

“Why is that good?” She fake laughed, her undertone filled with irritation, 

“Just means she's a free agent, you know, she's cute, sometimes I do wonder if she's gay at all though with how little she pays attention to women though.” Maria had picked up a strawberry from a half empty punnett Wanda had been using. The sound of the juice against her teeth caused Wanda to snap. 

The same hot, rapid frustration that filled her when she saw Maria with you for the first time filled her head.

“She's is gay, but not all of us climb every tree we see in the forest.” Wanda muttered the second half of her sentence, she wasn't sure why she was so defensive, why she felt so triggered, it frustrated her that this was a weak spot.

Maria saw the vulnerability, smirking as she placed her hand holding the half eaten strawberry down to the island. She spoke as she picked seeds out of her teeth with her tongue,

“Frigid yeah… but she's still available.” 

Wanda crossed her arms raising an eyebrow, her tone short and sweet.

“Not to you.” 

Maria nodded sarcastically, enjoying teasing Wanda,

“It's fine, I’m really not that interested in her anyway, she's hot, good lay I'm sure, but I'm thinking about turning my attention to a different personality type.” 

Maria walked round the counter, stepping closer to Wanda, noticing the way her face reddened. 

“You know someone a bit more possessive.” 

Wanda noticed how close Maria was, slightly confused by what she was implying, but not oblivious, she raised an eyebrow, entertaining the conversation purely for her amusement.

“Possessive?” Wanda looked up slightly, the taller woman towering over her, Maria nodded slowly bringing her hand up to her mouth, taking another bite from the strawberry as she looked down at Wanda. 

“And who exactly do you know that's possessive?” Wanda tightened her arms into her chest, keeping her composure, watching the way Maria chewed the fruit.

Maria raised both eyebrows, smirking wildly.

“I think you know.” 

Wanda nearly retaliated, but the beep of the oven snapped her out of whatever was happening. Maria huffed to herself again, watching as Wanda took her oven gloves to take the tray out.

“Well I'm off, apparently shield can't go a day without me.” She laughed to herself leaving the kitchen. 

Wanda placed the tray of macaron shells onto the island, immediately spreading her arms out against it, taking a deep breath out then in.

“What the fuck…” she spoke under her breath, completely confused by that interaction. Still slightly annoyed at her mention of you. Why did she care so much anyway, Maria was right, you were available. The idea of Maria and you on the lab desk making her nauseous again.

When she had finished assembling the macrons, she placed them all onto a plate into the fridge. Making her way quickly to the common room. It was already early evening time and she figured some of the team would be huddled in there already. 

Wanda turned the corner, finding comfort to see you sat on the sofa, she walked slowly, taking in the sight of you, drawing in your A4 sketch book. It was rather endearing to see you drawing, lost in the way your pencil moved around your sketch pad.

“What you drawing darling?” Wanda spoke softly, making her way to the other side of the sofa, making sure not to disturb you. 

Your face lit up, sitting up to make room for Wanda, watching as she reached for the TV remote.

“Honestly I'm not sure, what do you think I should draw?” you spoke lightly, your tone comfortable as you tapped your pencil against your lips.

Wanda placed the remote back down for a moment, bringing her hands to up to mockingly cup her face.

“How about me?” She chuckled to herself, completely sarcastic in her tone as she picked the remote backup, turning the TV onto one of her comfort sitcoms.

You hummed lightly in amusement, turning your attention back to your sketchpad.

After a few minutes of quiet, the TV softly playing, you spoke up.

“Wanda, I'm not… I'm not broken, you know?” your voice was slightly shaken as you continued to draw. Wanda turned to look at you, a slight confusion melting on her face.

“I know you might think I'm weak, or… broken…, I'm not, I just struggle sometimes.” 

Wanda reached a hand out onto your knee, rubbing it reassuringly.

“y/n/n I don't think you're broken… I think you're strong, I think you're brave. Y/n I want you to know you can be open with me. I don't think you any less of a person for feeling emotions.” 

Your heart warmed, her words rattling softly in your head, the verbal reassurance making you physically melt, your voice broke softly,

“Thank you.”

Wanda looked up from the sofa as she heard soft footsteps entering the room.

“Oh Vis! Come join us, we're just watching Van Dike!” Her Sokovian accent came through thickly as she called the synthezoid over. 

“Ah season 3 episode 32.” Vision spoke clearly as he sat in between you and Wanda.

“I have to say this is definitely not my favourite episode.” Vision spoke in a monotone voice, speaking his mind. 

Wanda hummed softly in response, enjoying the show, but also the company. She looked to her left, admiring the two people she was with. It was heartwarming seeing both of her closest friends sat with her. Her eyes travelled to Vision who was fixated on the TV, laughing at some of the more obvious stunts as usual. 

Wanda turned her attention back to the TV, sitting forward slightly, enjoying the show. She felt her eyes growing heavy, something about the atmosphere was different, lighter, she felt peaceful. 

“Wanda, sorry to wake you, the others are waiting in the kitchen for dinner, do you wish to join them?” Wanda's eyes fluttered open, watching Vision’s hands wave in front of her face. She sat up slightly sore from the position she'd slept in. 

“Mm? Yeah okay.” Wanda let out a sleepy hum, standing slowly as she walked with Vision to the kitchen. Her eyes travelled to where you had been sitting, finding a slight disappointment to see you missing. 

“Evening everyone.” Wanda called out as herself and Vision walked to their seats. The team gave acknowledgement to their presence, helping themselves to portions of a lasagna you had made and put in the freezer a few days ago. 

Wanda's eyes scanned the room for you, concerned that you weren't anywhere in the room. She found comfort in her seat, taking her own serving of pasta and salad. She tucked quickly into her food, admitting to herself how good it was.

She observed everyone in the room, the way some ate faster than others. Some ate salad before pasta or the other way round. People watching was something she enjoyed, and it helped her pick up on little things about the team.  

Wanda stood after she finished her meal, taking her plate to the sink, washing it thoroughly before drying it and putting it away along with the cutlery. 

“There's desert in the fridge.” she spoke softly, making her way out of the kitchen, prepared to turn in for the night. 

[nobodylikety]

hello nyúl, am here to request a foreigner (spanish) reader who is in Korea for Uni and starts dating school president dahyun but a year into a relationship reader starts missing home and dahyun ends up calling readers parents to help her make all of readers hometown food or foods from there childhood and when reader gets home they are surprised by this gestured by ends up loving it of course, then you can make it even fluffier by dahyun giving YN 2 tickets back to Spain for the summer holiday as a surprise present

Hey! How are you doing? <3

You always send me good ideas and request for fics, thank you very much 🥺🩷 I know I still have some of your requests pending, and I'm slowly working on it! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

There is no place like home

School president! Dahyun x Spanish exchange student! reader 

tags: College AU! fluff.

notes: fem pronouns used!

For someone born and raised in Mojácar, a small city in the province of Almería, embarking on the exciting experience of studying in Korea, particularly in the vibrant and enormous Seoul, was practically a dream.

So shortly after your arrival, the immensity of said culture immersed you in an absolutely unknown world, where the main difficulty had been from the beginning the language barrier (because let's be honest, at the beginning you couldn't pronounce annyeonghaseyo correctly not even to save your life), although soon, between classes and new faces, you caught the attention of Dahyun, the class president.

And well, how could you not catch her attention? You always seemed like a lost puppy hanging around the hallways, speaking a language practically unknown to her, and for god's sake, it surprisingly made you look adorable doing it.

But again, and just as from the beginning, the language barrier presented itself as a challenge, so the interactions between you and her were mostly simple greetings and smiles. Because you couldn't speak Korean to save your life, nor could she speak Spanish. However, as the days went by, the spark overcame problems as earthly as a linguistic obstacle, through patience and friendly gestures, dissolving the difficulty of her first encounters.

Because beyond that, you and Dahyun had learned to communicate through gestures, shared laughter, and genuine expressions. The connection grew day by day, turning their friendship into something deeper and more meaningful. And of course, over time you learned one or another Korean expression or sentence, purely through the process of adapting to the environment, but it was no longer crucial. You told each other everything, without saying a word.

And as your friendship intensified, excitedly sharing your Spanish roots with Dahyun, as well as the tenderness of discovering Korean traditions together, the sum of each and every one of those experiences strengthened their connection.

Which wreaked new havoc on you.

So after some time, you felt trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. The attraction grew, and every moment with Dahyun was a rollercoaster of sensations: you felt fascinated by Dahyun's vibrant energy, her infectious joy, and the way she lit up any place with her presence; You felt anticipation for her text messages, or you got giggles and butterflies in your stomach when you looked at each other.

All of that was, according to you, the worst and at the same time the best that could happen to you. You loved being by her side, but you also feared the always possible probability of a one-sided love.

Except it wasn't a one-sided love.

Although you didn't know it yet.

Because the turning point came on a starry night, during one of the now routine night walks through Seoul, when Dahyun, with a special shine in her eyes and her heart beating strongly against her ribs, confessed her feelings for you. It was a moment full of nervousness, because the words were different, they were another language, but the sparkle in your eyes revealed those same passionate feelings and finally, love resonated clearly.

//

But after a year of shared laughter, walks around the city, and mutual support, you began to experience a quiet melancholy. You were nostalgic for your home in Spain, longing for the familiar streets of Mojácar, as well as the aromas of your mamá 's cooking and the comforting meals she prepared in your childhood, remembering how she used to say that 'the cuisine of Mojácar is the best exponent of the gastronomic tradition of the Costa de Almería'.

And for Dahyun, who never took her eyes off you (because deep in her heart, she still associated you with the image of the adorable lost puppy wandering the college hallways, which was what she saw when she met you for the first time), she clearly observed the melancholy in your eyes and didn't need to ask anything about it. Sje just knew it.

And with ingenuity and determination, Dahyun decided to take action. So while she was slowly laying out a plan that she hoped would cheer you up, one day while you two were sharing a quiet walk around campus, Dahyun took your phone with a mischievous smile.

“Would you mind if I took your emergency number? You never know when we might need it,” Dahyun said, playfully.

Without even thinking and with a giggle, you gave her the phone number she had asked for. Anyway, you thought it was always good to have someone other than yourself have your emergency contact, just as a precaution. You never know, right?

And of course, what you didn't know on that occasion was that Dahyun was planning something special. That night after Uni, Dahyun discreetly left to make an international call.

"Hola, es esta la casa de reader? Uhm, soy Dahyun y, uh, su hija y yo hemos estado saliendo por un año y poco más. Llamé porque me gustaría conversar una situación con ustedes" Dahyun explained respectfully, using the Spanish she had learned.

So, after a pleasant conversation (and less difficult than Dahyun expected, given her little knowledge of Spanish), she shared her idea with your parents. Together, they created a plan to transform your dorm room into a piece of Spain. Your parents' help was very useful for Dahyun, being able to recover numerous family recipes, details about your home, and anecdotes that only your true friends could know.

So with information in hand, Dahyun gave free rein to her efforts for the surprise. Since you and Dahyun did not coincide in all classes, since academically you had different interests, consequently you two had different class dismissal times. And that day, after the end of her classes, Dahyun had run to your dorm room while you would still be engrossed in your studies for about two more hours.

You had a kitchen in your small dorm room, but you didn't usually use it, since you had little or practically no time to cook something decent, and therefore, you tended to eat with Dahyun outside or heat up microwave dinners; so at that moment, Dahyun had your entire kitchen to herself and she was ready to get to work.

The first task that Dahyun set himself was to prepare Ajo Colorao, a typical dish in almost the entire province of Almería, including Mojácar, your hometown, and which you had stated more than once that you loved to eat. So in the kitchen, and with the ingredients scattered all over the counter, Dahyun immersed herself in the process. First she prepared Ajo Colorao, a dish that, according to your parents had explained to her during the phone call, is made up of a puree that has the consistency of a salmorejo and where cooked potatoes are combined with desalted cod, chorizo pepper, garlic, tomato and cumin, and that you particularly liked to accompany with bollo de panizo, a typical bread from Almería.

Then, the second masterpiece on her gastronomic list was Patatas in ajopollo, a dish that reminded you of Sunday lunches, characterized by family reunion and togetherness, as well as shared laughter. Dahyun remembered that your parents had told her that the trick for this recipe was to first brown the bread, almonds and garlic in a frying pan with oil at low temperature until it turned golden brown, and then mash everything in a mortar until it was obtained a a soft, but thick mixture. Soon she understood that this pasty mixture was 'ajopollo', and that it accompanied the potatoes.

The aroma that filled the kitchen while Dahyun prepared your favorite dishes evoked the homely memories of your childhood in Mojácar and while now she was cooking the papaviejos —a typical dessert from Almería, preferred by the little ones, and whose ingredients simply consisted of potatoes, milk , flour and sugar—, she reflected on the connection she had built with you since you two had been dating, more than a year ago. Dahyun had the feeling that with each ingredient that fell into the pan it not only seemed to carry with it the very essence of your hometown, but also your happiness. She had noticed how homesick you had been lately, and this surprise was intended to do just that.

Make you happy. 

Because if Dahyun loved something about you dearly, it was your smile.

With that in mind, Dahyun checked the clock, taking note that it was almost time for you to return to your room after classes. And it was just in time, because a few minutes later, she heard the slight struggle while you inserted the key, and then a 'click' when removing the lock. You paused for a moment, noticing a familiar scent hanging in the air.

And then, as you opened the door, the sight of the unfolding in front of you, left you speechless. Dahyun had transformed your modest room into a corner of Mojácar in the heart of Korea.

Dahyun, with a nervous and anticipatory smile, was waiting for you standing next to the table. Her eyes shone with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, while she held an apron that revealed her as the author of this surprise feast.

"Welcome home!" Dahyun exclaimed happily when you entered. Your eyes met and the knowing glow between them conveyed the affection and dedication she had invested in this surprise.

Your heart skipped a beat when you saw the incredible surprise Dahyun had prepared for you. In turn, your face lit up with a mixture of surprise and excitement, and your eyes shone as you recognized every detail that evoked your distant home.

"Dahyun, how...?" You murmured, not finding the right words to express your gratitude.

The table was decorated with details reminiscent of Mojácar, from small flags to photos of local landscapes. Dahyun had learned a lot about your culture and wanted you to feel a piece of home in that moment.

"Do you like it?" Dahyun asked, her eyes shining with hope while pointing to the plates.

You nodded, unable to contain your excitement. You approached the table and looked at each dish in awe, and Dahyun, with her apron on, began to describe each dish excitedly, revealing how she had contacted your parents for authentic recipes and cooking tips.

The table was full of delicacies, from succulent Patatas en ajopollo to the Ajo Colorao that you remembered with nostalgia. There were even papaviejos, your favorite childhood dessert, perfectly golden and sprinkled with sugar.

And as you ate each dish, you felt your eyes filled with tears of gratitude. Every bite reminded you of home, your mother's kitchen, and the family meals you had missed so much. Dahyun, carefully observing your every reaction, was satisfied to see that her surprise was achieving the desired effect.

But just when Dahyun couldn't feel happier and prouder of her small achievement, and after finishing dinner, you got up to hug her tightly.

“I can’t believe you did all this for me,” you said, your voice filled with emotion. "You're amazing, Dahyun."

Dahyun reciprocated the hug, feeling your heartbeat. “Your happiness is mine,” Dahyun whispered. "And even though we are far from Mojácar, I want you to feel like you have a home here with me."

But the surprise didn't end there! There was more!

Because while Dahyun shared with you a handful of churros, which she had personally gone to buy at a Spanish place in the area, she handed you an envelope containing tickets back to Spain for the summer vacation.

"I want you to have the opportunity to hug your family and enjoy meals from home in person," Dahyun expressed, her eyes shining. She then came up to kiss you gently on the forehead, on the nose, on the cheeks. She practically drew a map of kisses on your face, and you let her do it.

And so, between traditional dishes and affectionate gestures, another chapter of your story with Dahyun was woven, a story that transcended borders and demonstrated that home is not always in a physical place, but in the shared heart.

Dahyun was your home.

And that being the case, there is no place like home.

[spotsupstuff]

Does Aftertaste see Ko as part of her hivemind the way Euros sees Sparrows as part of his?

MMMM -so so gesture-

lemme try show it with pics the vibes i'm thinking

Euros and Sparrows are like this

if you excuse the language and are willing to approach it maturely along with me, it's that sensation that sparks healthy sex between two people who love each other endlessly. the individualities are defined and separated in respect, but the Hivemind acceptance of her carries the same feelings like when one embraces another who they love out of sheer true passion, the strength of it, and it's just not enough. you want them even closer. it feels like the physical is an obstacle in this, another layer of clothes that can't be shed. closer, closer, need to get closer and that's generally solved with sex with humans. that's where the "love making" comes from, in my understanding. it's that complete connection, layering through each other, ability to finally share the love cleanly

Euros pulls her and holds her in who he is as a way to breach this feeling of an obstacle the only way he is able to do so with her. she's part of him in that loving kind of way, in which she is still very much her own respectable person- yet it doesn't pose any issue in the form of an obstacle because he loves who this person is. that's what it is about. it's about Her and what he feels for her and wanting all that as close as possible

the goal is to be so close that hugging him is like hugging herself

keywords with them are Passion and Love

while Disdain and Ko are more like this

they aren't equal like Euros and Sparrows and their thing isn't about love and breaching physical barriers, and also obtains a lot aggression. the aggression is there from Disdain's side of things and aimed at the rest of the world in the name of keeping him safe

he's weaker which is why they can't be equal and existing on a different plane than Sparrows, out of his element as originally a mortal. and Iterator is this giant made out of souls that are locked onto singular goal (Individuality) and that makes them special and so so terrifyingly powerful when it comes to spiritual presence. he's just one lone, lost and hurt thing. and all the spirits that are Disdain make it their responsibility to shelter him within them

he can hide within them, he can get lost within them, he could become just another piece of her that would get lost in all the other pieces if she just didn't push for his individuality to keep existing and thriving, he could leech off of her for energy. kinda like a parasite that chooses not to harm, that is treasured by the host and the host regards the "parasite" as its equal

keyword with them is Protection or Harboring (sheltering, giving him refuge)

i GUESS i don't know how else to say it, it's kinda hard to explain it

[criptox]

PEPE: The First Meme Coin in the Japanese Market

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The Rise of Pepe: A Meme Revolution in Japanese Crypto Culture

In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, memes have found their way into the hearts and wallets of many. Among these, Pepe the Frog has emerged as a cultural icon, transcending its origins to become a symbol of not just humor, but also of a burgeoning digital economy. In this article, we’ll dive into how Pepe is reshaping the Japanese crypto landscape.

A Brief Overview of Pepe

Originally created by Matt Furie in 2005, Pepe the Frog quickly became a viral sensation thanks to its relatable expressions and the flexibility it offered meme creators. Its journey to becoming a staple in the meme economy has been nothing short of fascinating. Pepe has morphed from an innocent comic character into a complex symbol with various interpretations across different communities.

The Meme Meets Cryptocurrency

As cryptocurrency gained traction worldwide, it was only a matter of time before memes joined the fray. In Japan, where the crypto culture is robust, Pepe transcended to become more than just a meme – it birthed its own cryptocurrency, Pepe Coin. Operating on the principles of community and humor, it’s a playful addition to the diverse world of digital assets.

Pepe Coin: The Main Features

Decentralized Governance: Pepe Coin allows holders to participate in decision-making processes, echoing the ethos of decentralization that cryptocurrencies stand for.

Engagement and Community: The coin attempts to blend social interaction with finance, giving its community a reason to engage both online and offline.

Art and Culture Integration: By incorporating elements of Japanese pop culture alongside memes, Pepe Coin appeals to a wide audience, making crypto more approachable.

The Cultural Impact in Japan

In Japan, where the influence of anime and manga is profound, Pepe Coin has found a unique niche. Japanese users resonate with the character's goofy yet versatile expressions. This has led to a growing interest in cryptocurrency through platforms like NFTs that feature custom Pepe art. It’s become a way for artists and creators to merge digital art with financial investments, highlighting that the intersection of culture and finance can be both fun and profitable.

The Challenges Ahead

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The volatile nature of cryptocurrencies means that Pepe Coin, like many others, faces significant challenges such as market speculation and regulatory hurdles. Furthermore, the meme’s association with various controversial movements has led to debates on its appropriateness as a financial symbol. Language barriers and the rapid pace of the crypto world also pose obstacles for Japanese investors trying to navigate this new terrain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the emergence of Pepe Coin in Japan represents more than just another cryptocurrency; it underscores the powerful role of memes in shaping our digital economy. As the cultural phenomenon persists, we can only imagine how memes like Pepe will evolve and influence future trends in both the crypto space and Japanese culture at large. Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or a lover of memes, one thing is clear: Pepe is here to stay.

``` PEPE: The First Meme Coin in the Japanese Market

[internationalrelocationcompany]

HOW TO ADJUST TO A NEW CULTURE AFTER AN INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION

Moving to another country can be one of the most exciting and at the same time overwhelming experiences. The excitement of exploring new surroundings, making new friends, and coming across unfamiliar ways of everyday living often juxtaposes with the complication of adjusting to the culture of an unfamiliar country. From social norms to communication, there are so many things that may come across differently and overwhelming when one moves internationally. But with the right approach and mindset, acculturation may become one of the most rewarding aspects of your relocation journey. This article will discuss how to adapt to a new culture after an international relocation.

1. Be Open-Minded and Patient

Amongst the numerous things to consider during any international move, keep in mind that adjusting to a new culture takes time. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed by all the differences that one experiences: language, customs, food, and day-to-day interaction. The key to a smooth cultural transition is to remain open-minded and patient.

You may feel irritated or frustrated at first whenever things are not happening just the way you thought they would be. Yet again, remind yourself that these changes are normal; it is part of adaptation. Welcome the fact that you will make mistakes and that it is okay to ask for questions or help when you do not understand something. And again, the more patience one has with oneself and people's differences around him or her, the easier it will be to adapt little by little.

2. Learn the Local Language

One of the most overwhelming obstacles to cultural adaptation often emanates from language barriers. If your move abroad drops you in a country that doesn't speak your native language, taking the time to learn the local language can prove to be one of your biggest assets in integrating yourself into the community. Most individuals who actually live in another country are not immediately proficient in the language, but for many cases, basic phrases of greeting, shopping, and ordering of food enable them to easily perform daily tasks.

Consider joining a language class shortly after relocating or even before your arrival. Many cities have language classes designed for expats, and online tools, such as apps or language exchange groups, could also serve quite useful. Locals appreciate you even more when you try talking to them in their language and show more interest in their culture.

3. Engage with Local Customs and Traditions

One of the effective ways to settle into a new culture is to actually engage in the local customs and traditions. Take time to learn about the cultural do's and don'ts in your new country. This could include understanding the appropriate way to greet people, how to conduct yourself in social settings, or learning what is considered polite or rude conduct.

Attending local festivals, holidays, and community events is a brilliant way to plunge into the culture. These events allow you to meet locals, learn about their practices, and immerse yourself in the cultural dynamics surrounding you. The more you become involved in the traditions, the more connected you will be to the culture and its people.

4. Cultivate Cultural Understanding

It means that one should understand and respect the value, belief system, and cultural practices of this new culture. Every country differs in some way from others in terms of its unique set of norms and values that dictate various things in their social life to business etiquette. You will be able to handle such differences more easily and delicately by developing your cultural awareness.

It may range, for instance, from simple straightforwardness in some cultures to indirectness and subtlety in others. This realization will save you from misunderstandings and make dealing with locals much easier and far more agreeable. You might get to understand the culture even better through reading about it in books or articles, by watching local media, or just simply talking to locals.

5. Make Local Friends

Not surprisingly, one of the best ways of fitting into a new culture is to make ties with natives. It is quite natural to lose one's self in an expat community, but friendships with natives give one firsthand information about the culture, and one fits in much more easily. They can provide insight into social norms prevalent in that country, show you around in concealed areas, and help during the times when you feel like an outsider.

Whenever possible, talk to your neighbors, fellow workers, and others. Join clubs, other organizations, or a group of people in your area, participate in activities, such as sports or volunteer work. These will provide you with further opportunities to meet people around you and make friends. Having friends in town will lighten up and add value to your process of adjustment to the new culture.

6. Balance Between Your Own Culture and the New One

Also, it does not just need to involve removing oneself from one's own culture; it actually involves a question of balance between the two cultures-a person maintaining his or her original cultural identity and the new one. Retain contact with your own traditions and customs that mean a great deal to you by being open to the inclusiveness of your new host customs.

You may continue to observe the holidays of your home country while becoming involved in the commemorations of your adopted one. A persistence in your own culture can be comforting and bring you stability within your changing environment.

7. Expect and Manage Culture Shock

Culture shock is a common phenomenon when people move to another country. This is when the level of differences between the culture back home and the new one become overwhelming or disorienting. Culture shock tends to go through four stages: the honeymoon stage-when one initially feels excited about a new culture; frustration-when one starts to feel irritated with the cultural differences; adjustment-one gradually gets accustomed to the new culture; and acceptance-one is fully adapted to the new environment.

In order to handle culture shock, remind yourself that it is part of the process of moving, temporary, and very normal. Give yourself a little time to get used to the place, and be easy on yourself if there are things in the new culture that you just won't seem to understand or take in. One other way you can try to cope with this rather challenging phase is by establishing routines, keeping in close contact with your loved ones, and finding support in expatriate groups or counselors.

8. Embrace Local Food and Lifestyle

Food forms a big part of the culture, and embracing local food is one sure way to adapt to a new culture. While it is normal that one may crave familiar dishes from home, exploring the flavors and culinary traditions of your new country can be quite rewarding. Try local dishes, visit traditional markets, and learn to cook some of the country's popular meals.

Along with food, acculturating yourself to the native life will enrich your cultural experience. Be it the pace of life, slower or faster, working hours, or leisure activities, acceptance into the local way of life will bridge the gap between you and the world you are in.

9. Be Easy on Yourself, and Acknowledge Improvement

The integration into a new culture surely will take some time in due process, and that also calls for your effort with due patience. Be easy on yourself as you go through this transition. Of course, days when you would feel out of place or frustrated will come, but it is normal, and over time these feelings will lessen.

Celebrate the small victories along the way, whether mastering a new phrase in the local language, making a new friend, or successfully navigating a cultural difference. Let these moments of achievement help build confidence to keep going.

10. Look for Support When Needed

It can be emotionally demanding to move to a new country, especially if you are further away from your usual support network. Do not hesitate to seek support if you find this transition difficult. Moving companies that are truly international offer resources and support groups for the new arrival; expatriate communities or local organizations often do this as well. These groups will provide you with practical guidance, emotional support, and contact during your settlement period.

In case the adjustment of the new culture is taking such a toll on your mental health, you can consult a professional. Many counselors and therapists actually specialize in helping expatriates deal with the emotional challenges of relocation and cultural adaptation.

Conclusion

Cultural adjustment after an international relocation can be life-altering and bring personal growth with an understanding of the world. Approaching this transition with an open mind, taking an active interest in the culture around you, and asking for help when needed are all ways of securely adjusting to your new environment. After some time, combined with patience and efforts, your new country will finally feel like your home, and you will learn to truly appreciate how rich and diverse the cultures of the world are.

For more information please visit Asiantiger international relocation

[emersoncollege0]

Unlocking Success: The Power of Effective Communication Skills

Effective communication is a critical skill that shapes how we interact with the world around us. It affects everything from relationships to career success. When mastered, communication opens doors, resolves conflicts, and leads to clearer understanding and collaboration. Whether speaking, listening, or writing, refining communication skills is a worthwhile endeavor that brings lasting benefits.

The Foundation of Strong Communication

At its core, communication is about connecting with others. It goes beyond simply exchanging words; it’s about understanding and being understood. Good communication fosters trust and collaboration, helping you build stronger relationships both personally and professionally.

In the workplace, clear communication is crucial for teamwork and productivity. Teams that communicate well work more efficiently, solve problems faster, and produce better results. On a personal level, being a skilled communicator allows you to express your thoughts and feelings openly, creating deeper and more meaningful connections.

The Art of Listening

Communication is a two-way street, and listening is just as important as speaking. Active listening is the ability to fully engage with what another person is saying without interruptions or distractions. This skill helps build rapport and shows respect for the speaker.

To practice active listening, focus on the speaker without preparing your response in advance. Offer non-verbal cues, such as nodding or maintaining eye contact, to show engagement. When appropriate, paraphrase or ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the message. Active listening helps you gain new perspectives and makes others feel heard and valued.

Expressing Yourself with Confidence

Verbal communication is not just about what you say but how you say it. Speaking with clarity and confidence allows you to present your ideas effectively. A clear voice, appropriate tone, and steady pace make your words easier to understand and give your message more impact.

To improve verbal communication, focus on being concise and organized. Avoid jargon or overly technical language unless necessary, and adapt your message to suit your audience. Use a confident yet friendly tone to establish credibility without sounding aggressive. By honing these skills, you can express your thoughts with greater precision and influence.

The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal cues—such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures—are powerful tools that often communicate more than words. Your body language can reveal your confidence, attentiveness, and sincerity, reinforcing or contradicting the words you speak.

Positive non-verbal communication includes open posture, maintaining eye contact, and using hand gestures naturally to emphasize key points. Facial expressions, such as smiling or nodding, can create a welcoming atmosphere, while closed-off body language may signal disinterest. By being mindful of these non-verbal cues, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your interactions.

Navigating Communication Barriers

Even the best communicators encounter challenges, and understanding how to overcome communication barriers is key to maintaining effective dialogue. Language differences, cultural variations, and emotional misunderstandings can all create obstacles in communication.

One way to overcome language or cultural barriers is to ask open-ended questions and avoid making assumptions. Adapting your message to the other person’s background or preferences can also make a significant difference. In emotionally charged situations, keeping calm and being empathetic can help de-escalate tensions. Addressing misunderstandings as they arise fosters clearer communication and mutual respect.

Improving Written Communication

In today’s digital world, written communication is an essential skill. Whether you are sending emails, writing reports, or sharing ideas online, the clarity of your written words reflects your professionalism. Strong writing skills help you convey your thoughts accurately and avoid misinterpretation.

When writing, aim for clarity and conciseness. Structure your message logically, starting with the main point and supporting it with relevant details. Use short sentences and straightforward language to make your message easy to read and understand. Proofreading your work ensures there are no errors or confusing statements. By paying attention to these details, you can enhance the effectiveness of your written communication.

Building Confidence in Communication

Developing strong communication skills requires practice and confidence. Engaging in conversations, sharing your opinions, and speaking in front of others can all help you grow more comfortable expressing yourself. Confidence comes with time, and the more you practice, the better you will become.

A helpful way to build confidence is by seeking feedback from others. Constructive criticism provides valuable insights into areas for improvement. Additionally, participating in public speaking activities or joining discussion groups can offer opportunities to practice and refine your skills. As you become more experienced, your ability to communicate effectively will improve, boosting both your personal and professional success.

Understanding Different Communication Styles

People have different ways of communicating, and understanding these styles can help you adapt your approach to suit the situation. Some individuals may be more direct and assertive, while others may prefer a more reserved and reflective style of communication.

When interacting with someone who communicates directly, being straightforward and concise is often the best approach. For more reserved individuals, showing patience and offering time for thought can make the conversation more comfortable. Adapting to different communication styles enhances your ability to connect with others and ensures more productive interactions.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Communication

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as understand the emotions of others. High emotional intelligence leads to better communication because it allows you to navigate social situations with greater awareness and empathy.

Being emotionally intelligent means paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, adjusting your communication style based on the emotional state of others, and responding thoughtfully rather than reactively. By developing your emotional intelligence, you can improve your relationships and become a more effective communicator.

Empower Your Future Through Communication

Mastering communication skills is essential for achieving success in all areas of life. Whether you are advancing your career, strengthening personal relationships, or simply looking to express yourself more clearly, effective communication is the key to unlocking your full potential. By improving your listening, speaking, and writing abilities, and by being mindful of both verbal and non-verbal cues, you can create a foundation for success that will serve you well throughout your personal and professional journey. Embrace the power of communication and watch how it transforms your life.

[accesscounselling]

Is Your Dublin Depression Therapist Listening? How to Ensure Effective Communication in Therapy

In the delicate and often intricate journey of therapy, particularly for those battling depression in Dublin, the importance of effective communication cannot be overstated. Through this channel, individuals seek to understand and be understood, to unload and uncover insights into their battles.

Yet, amidst this process, a cloud of doubt can hover – a question that might seem simple yet carries profound implications: “Is my Dublin depression therapist really listening to me?” This concern is far from trivial. It touches on the foundational aspect of therapy that can significantly influence its effectiveness. Addressing this doubt, therefore, is not just about reassurance but about ensuring that the therapeutic relationship is built on genuine understanding and mutual respect.

The Power of Active Listening in Depression Therapy

The efficacy of therapy relies heavily on the quality of the therapeutic alliance – the collaborative relationship between therapist and client. This alliance is cemented by trust, mutual understanding, and, critically, effective communication.

When clients feel genuinely heard, it fosters an environment of safety and trust, encouraging openness and honesty. Conversely, when clients doubt whether their therapist is listening, it can create barriers to healing, suggesting the need for strategies to identify, address, and resolve these concerns for a more fruitful therapeutic experience.

Effective communication, in its most impactful form, takes the shape of active listening. In the context of depression counselling, active listening extends beyond merely hearing words. It involves fully engaging with and processing the client’s message, signalling not just reception but comprehension and empathy. This form of listening is paramount, as it lays the groundwork for understanding the client’s perspective, emotions, and thought processes without judgment.

When therapists engage in active listening, they not only validate their clients’ experiences but also empower them, making them feel valued and understood. This level of engagement is crucial, especially in the treatment of depression, where feelings of isolation and being misunderstood are common. Thus, active listening can significantly contribute to the therapeutic process’s success by building a strong, empathetic relationship between the therapist and client.

Signs Your Dublin Depression Therapist Is Listening

Now that we’ve explored the power of active listening and its impact on the therapeutic relationship, let’s turn our attention to some key indicators that your depression counsellor is genuinely engaged and listening attentively.

One of the clearest indicators of a therapist’s engagement is their body language. An engaged therapist will lean forward, maintain an open posture, and possibly mirror your gestures, signalling attentiveness and a willingness to collaborate.

Another sign is the use of eye contact, which, when balanced, communicates presence and interest. Too little can seem disengaged; too much may feel intrusive. It’s about finding a respectful and attentive medium that signals, “I’m here with you, and I’m listening.”

Beyond non-verbal cues, verbal affirmations play a critical role. Therapists who actively listen often paraphrase or summarise what you have said, ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration, and use affirming statements to validate your feelings and experiences. This not only demonstrates that the counsellor is following along but also helps clarify and elaborate on your discourse, promoting a deeper understanding.

Why Depression Counselling Communication Fails: Understanding Key Barriers

Feeling unheard in depression therapy can be frustrating. It’s important to remember that communication obstacles can arise, but they are not insurmountable. Here are some of the reasons why communication between you and your therapist might break down:

Therapist Biases

Everyone has biases, and therapists are no exception. Sometimes, a counsellor’s unconscious biases might make it difficult for them to fully understand your unique experience of depression. For example, a therapist who hasn’t dealt with situational depression might struggle to relate to someone who lost a job due to their illness, potentially minimising their feelings.

Distractions

In today’s fast-paced world, both therapists and clients can get easily distracted. External factors like ringing phones or internal worries can disrupt the flow of communication.  A counsellor preoccupied with personal concerns might miss key details in your narrative. At the same time, a client focused on planning what to say next might struggle to completely engage in the present moment.

Communication Styles

Sometimes, communication breakdowns stem from differences in communication styles. Clients might struggle to articulate their complex emotions, while therapists might use technical jargon that clients do not understand. Additionally, counsellors might miss nonverbal cues like body language or facial expressions that could provide deeper insight into a client’s feelings.

Unrealistic Expectations

Therapy, be it for depression, grief or anxiety, is a collaborative process, and sometimes clients might have unrealistic expectations. Hoping for immediate solutions or a quick fix for mental health issues can lead to frustration and a sense of not being heard when progress feels slow.

How to Talk Effectively With Your Dublin Depression Therapist

Engaging effectively with your therapist is not just about overcoming communication barriers. It’s also about actively enhancing the dialogue to ensure your counselling sessions become a cornerstone for significant improvement and understanding.

Here are some indispensable tips designed to help you and your therapist foster a stronger, more meaningful connection through enhanced communication:

Come Prepared

Don’t walk into your session empty-handed! Jot down some thoughts and feelings beforehand, or come up with a list of topics you want to discuss. This helps you stay focused and ensures important issues aren’t overlooked. Plus, it gives your therapist a clear picture of what’s on your mind.

Know Your Goals

What do you hope to achieve in therapy? Is it managing your day-to-day mood swings, developing coping mechanisms, or building a healthier support system? Openly discussing your goals with your therapist allows them to tailor their approach to your specific needs. This sets you up for a more personalised and effective therapy journey.

Ask For and Give Feedback

Don’t be afraid to give your therapist feedback. Let them know if something isn’t working for you or if you prefer a different communication style. Regular check-ins ensure your counsellor stays on track and you feel heard and understood. Remember, a good therapist wants you to feel comfortable and supported!

By following these tips, you can transform your Dublin depression therapy sessions into a space for open communication and positive change.

What to Do If You Feel Unheard in Depression Counselling

Feeling like you’re not being heard in therapy can be disheartening, but it’s a situation that can often be improved with open communication. If you find yourself in this position, the first step is to discuss your concerns directly with your therapist. It might feel daunting, but remember, a professional therapist values your feedback and sees it as essential to the success of your therapy. Addressing the issue can lead to a productive conversation that might result in adjustments to the therapeutic approach or techniques, ensuring your needs are better met in future sessions.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not every therapist-client relationship is the perfect fit. If, after expressing your concerns, you still feel disconnected or misunderstood, it might be time to consider seeking a second opinion. There’s no harm in exploring other options or even transitioning to a new therapist. The right depression therapist for you is someone with whom you feel a connection and from whom you feel support and understanding.

Moreover, don’t overlook the value of support groups during this time. They can offer additional perspectives and coping strategies while you navigate finding the right depression counsellor in Dublin. The journey towards mental wellness is personal and varied. Sometimes, it requires patience and a willingness to advocate for your needs.

Remember, the ultimate goal of depression counselling is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to work through your challenges. Ensuring you have the right match with your therapist is critical to your therapeutic journey.

In conclusion, therapy is a two-way street, and feeling heard is crucial for success. Don’t be afraid to have open conversations with your Dublin depression therapist. If communication feels strained, remember that finding the right therapist is key. There are many qualified professionals in Dublin, and a good fit fosters a space of understanding and support. With the right therapist by your side, communication becomes a bridge to a brighter future.

But remember, this bridge is built on collaboration. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and feelings openly. The more your therapist understands your unique experience with depression, the better they can tailor their approach to empower you on your journey towards healing and a life filled with hope.

Are you feeling unheard and overwhelmed in your journey towards emotional well-being? It might be time to consider reaching out to a Dublin depression therapist who truly listens and understands the depths of your struggles. Call us on 015240708 or click here to get supportive and empathetic professional help today!

[jcmarchi]

How AI Is Democratizing the Writing Process

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-ai-is-democratizing-the-writing-process/

How AI Is Democratizing the Writing Process

The digital age has been a double-edged sword for authors, positioned at the intersection of innovation and preservation. This paradox came to the forefront with the recent news about the unauthorized use of thousands of books for training Meta’s AI language model. While this incident has given rise to legal battles and ignited public discussions, it has also stimulated profound debates about the concept of authorship and the broader impact of AI on our society.

Yet amidst the apprehension, Ian Bogost, presents  a refreshingly unconventional perspective in his recent The Atlantic piece. Bogost challenges the gravity we often attach to authorship by pointing out that all content holds a certain democratic equality, even though the literary world may prioritize published works over Amazon reviews or Subreddit posts.

This discussion unveils the intricate interplay between authors, technology, and the evolving concept of authorship in the digital era. However, this article aims to look at AI, not as a replacement for authors but as an enabler for those who don’t see themselves as writers to ‘better express their thoughts, thereby expanding the pool of public conversation’.

Book authorship – a privilege for a select few?

Throughout history, book authorship has often been the privilege of the most fortunate individuals. In fact, until recent history, even owning books was considered a luxury. After all, even in the contemporary era, where the majority of individuals possess the capability to write and valuable knowledge worth sharing, becoming an author remains a privilege. It’s not just a matter of skills and knowledge; it also entails another important currency: time. Besides, even those who possess the necessary resources confront considerable odds when striving to see their work in print. In fact, in the book publishing industry, it is widely accepted that the likelihood of an author getting their work published typically falls within the range of 1% to 2%.

For those who lack the time, writing skills, or resources to embark on the traditional path to authorship, AI offers a promising alternative. AI, in this context, is not a replacement for human authors but rather an enabler for those who have valuable knowledge to share but may struggle to articulate it in writing.  For example, many subject-matter experts want to impart their knowledge but lack writing skills or time. Typically, their only recourse would have been to hire a ghostwriter, which is a significant expense often reserved for a select few. AI technology helps bridge this gap by providing a cost-effective and accessible means for experts to transform their knowledge into well-structured written content, thereby fostering inclusivity in the content creation process.

The traditional barriers to becoming an author, such as the requirement of exceptional writing skills, available time, and access to ghostwriters, are no longer insurmountable obstacles. AI technology levels the playing field, allowing a broader spectrum of individuals to participate in the literary world. It brings a sense of democratization to the writing process, ensuring that it is not confined to a select few with the necessary resources.

AI – hero or villain?

Rather than being labeled as a hero or a villain, AI should be seen as a silent co-creator that helps bring ideas to life. AI is not just about generating content but also about making writing more accessible.

One of the significant benefits of AI in writing is its potential to facilitate the engagement of neurodiverse individuals in a wide range of workflows, including the creation of literary content. People with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, or autism often possess rich and valuable insights but may struggle with conventionally organizing their thoughts. In this case, AI takes on the role of a silent co-creator, effectively dismantling the barriers that neurodiverse individuals might encounter in the writing process. By aiding individuals in the transformation of their ideas into well-structured manuscripts, AI is providing opportunities for those who, despite their talent and knowledge, might face daunting challenges in their writing journeys.

By leveraging AI’s capabilities, neurodiverse individuals can harness their unique insights and contribute to the literary landscape, challenging established norms and adding diversity to the voices and narratives found in literature. In this way, AI proves to be a powerful tool in making the world of writing more inclusive and allowing neurodiverse individuals to share their knowledge and experiences effectively. Therefore, AI should be appreciated for its capacity to assist, enable, and empower rather than feared for its potential to replace human authors.

Conclusion: The essence of storytelling remains unchanged

Ian Bogost’s argument in his piece for The Atlantic raises important questions about how we define authorship in an era where technology, particularly AI, plays an increasingly significant role in content creation. If writing is an act of sharing knowledge and ideas, then AI should serve to advance this purpose by ensuring that the act of writing is accessible to everyone.

The democratization of writing through AI is not a threat to the essence of storytelling. Instead, it upholds the fundamental purpose of writing by ensuring that knowledge sharing and ideas are accessible to everyone. The digital age and the rise of AI should be viewed as tools that enhance the democratization of knowledge and facilitate the inclusion of a wide range of voices in the ever-evolving conversation of the written word.  As AI technology continues to advance, it becomes an essential partner for individuals who aspire to share their expertise, experiences, and ideas with the world.

The core purpose of writing and storytelling remains unaltered. AI catalyzes achieving this purpose by making the act of writing accessible to all. It does not seek to replace authors but rather to empower them and expand the boundaries of the writing landscape. As technology advances, more and more people from diverse backgrounds have the potential and the chance to share their insights with the world. The democratization of writing through AI ensures that the world of ideas remains open to all, regardless of an individual’s background, abilities, or resources.

[makeste]

BnHA 323: “I Don’t Know How to Explain to You That You Should Care About Other People”

Previously on BnHA: Kacchan was all, “Izuku, I’m sorry.” Bakugou Stans were all, “[sobs for a week straight and tearfully awards him the Nobel Prize for character development].” Deku was all, “[faints in Kacchan’s arms].” Iida was all, “[trying to decide if Ochako genuinely tried to kill him a few minutes ago].” Horikoshi was all, “NO TIME FOR HUGS WE MUST GET BACK TO UA.” The civilians holed up at U.A. were all, “WE TOOK A VOTE AND DECIDED THAT WE’RE ALL GOING TO BE JERKS ABOUT THIS AND MAKE A BIG FUSS ABOUT YOU LETTING DEKU BACK INTO THE SCHOOL.” Deku was all “[stands there looking like he expected nothing less and breaking my heart more and more with each passing moment].” Ochako was all, “that does it, looks like I’m gonna have to do something about this... next chapter, that is.”

Today on BnHA: Flashback!Rat Principal is all “I just want you all to know that I spent nine million dollars turning U.A. into a giant Battleship-style grid that can burrow underground and zoom around in a giant subway maze because Horikoshi lacks a grounded understanding of both civil engineering and economics.” Back in the present day, Jeanist is all, “EVERYONE TAKE HEED, MY COMRADES AND I HAVE DEEMED IT EXPEDIENT TO CONVEY THIS AUSPICIOUS YOUTH BACK TO THIS STRONGHOLD. WE ANTICIPATE THAT WE MAY DEPEND UPON YOUR GOODWILL AND ACQUIESCENCE TO THESE TERMS.” The civilians were all, “NO.” Ochako was all, “EMPATHY, MOTHERFUCKERS, DO YOU SPEAK IT?!” The civilians were all, “oh shit.” Anyway so Ochako is a giant badass, but I’m a little worried that she’s going to get struck by lightning. Please come down from there.

so before we start this chapter, I would just like to apologize for having not posted the ch 321 recap yet, and would like to reassure everyone, and especially Iida who is staring at me with Sad Wobbly Guilt Trip Eyes, that I will get to that as soon as I can

OMG FLASHBACK??

yes please Horikoshi please show us more of class 1-A and their Deku intervention strategy jam sessions

oh dear

Iida you are too pure and good for this cruel world. [sprays the U.A. civilians with a water bottle] NO. BAD CIVILIANS! NO OSTRACIZING SCARED AND EXHAUSTED CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE

EXCUSE ME RAT PRINCIPAL WHAT’S WITH THESE MIXED MESSAGES

???

RAT PRINCIPAL: he’s free to return to us at any time!!

ALSO RAT PRINCIPAL: but it’s too risky for him to return to us

?? ??????? ?????????????????????

so now he’s going on about how strong the U.A. Barrier is, and how it’s comparable to the defensive capabilities of Tartarus. this would have sounded a lot more impressive before chapter 297 lol

OH!!!! HELLO, WHAT’S THIS!!!

A TIMELY CALLBACK TO A CERTAIN MYSTERIOUS EVENT WHICH HASN’T BEEN REFERENCED SINCE USJ? [U.A. TRAITOR MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

so now Rat Principal says he upgraded U.A.’s security systems with his own “modifications”, whatever the fuck that means. I mean look, I’ve been saying for a long time now that U.A. is the best place for everyone to hole up, don’t get me wrong. but that was mostly on account of there not being any other practical alternatives. but you’re making it sound like you figured out a way to actually make it Decay-proof or some wild shit like that

-- hold up, DID YOU ADD A FORCE FIELD. DID YOU TRICK THIS SCHOOL OUT WAKANDA-STYLE YOU CRAZY MARSUPIAL. HOLY SHIT. because that would actually be perfect

LMAO

WHAT KIND OF GALAXY BRAIN BULLSHIT. “NAH THERE’S NO NEED FOR A FORCE FIELD, LET’S JUST PUT WHEELS ON IT”

oh okay so the whole campus is basically capable of burrowing itself underground. that’s insane lol I wonder how they pulled that off. probably got poor Cementoss working overtime

blah blah blah so basically the entire campus is split into a grid and each section of the grid is capable of its own independent movement. lol this is just the Merone Base from KHR. you thought no one would notice this casual plagiarism ten years after the fact, but YOU UNDERESTIMATED YOUR AUDIENCE, HORIKOSHI

“joke’s on you imma just lampshade it” WELL ALL RIGHT THEN

“look at me I’m so fucking self-aware” fucking swear to god. I can’t believe this man is my favorite mangaka of all time smdh

“excuse me, I wasn’t finished describing all the rest of this bullshit yet,” Rat Principal breaks in impatiently. “we also added a steel wall all around the underground of the campus that’s 3000 steel plates thick. that’s fifteen fucking meters of solid fucking steel just fyi. and if anyone fucks around with any part of it the defense system will activate immediately! and also all of the plates are independently motorized, whatever the fuck that means!! in conclusion you’re gonna need a fucking tower crane to suspend all of your disbelief by the time I’m through with this paragraph”

“also Shiketsu is almost as reinforced as U.A. but not quite because we still had to make sure we were better.” but of course. and apparently the two schools are connected via a secret tunnel as Hagakure mentioned earlier

LSDKFJLSDKJFLK

“WAIT WHAT” LMAO YOU HEARD HIM, NOW INASA CAN VISIT YOU BOTH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND TELL YOU ALL ABOUT THE WEIRD DREAM HE HAD. GOD BLESS YOU HORIKOSHI

(ETA: moment of appreciation for Shouto and Katsuki having the same thought at the same time and making Knowing Eye Contact and saying the exact same thing out loud in perfect unison like the best friends they are. what a blessed day.)

so Tokoyami is all “but wait if you engineered all this shit all the way back during the Band arc how did you even know that Tomura’s quirk awakening would become a thing, Horikoshi -- uh, I mean, Principal Nezu”

and Rat Principal is all “lol idk”

“basically I just woke up one morning and was all ‘say, you know what this school really needs? a fifteen-meter-thick underground steel wall, and the ability to break up into little pieces that individually zoom around wherever the fuck they want.’ jesus christ. lol if money and common sense were apparently no obstacle why didn’t you just teleport U.A. to the fucking moon or something. maybe I should shut up before I given him any ideas

dsfaelkjldkjgl

you heard it here first, folks, all of this cost a grand total of nine million U.S. dollars. well technically it cost “more than” nine million dollars. never has that distinction been more important lmao. are we sure this barrier was really made of steel and not cardboard? who the hell sold it to them, Ea-Nasir??

this is my favorite manga series of all time. yes I am ashamed

“in conclusion please do your best to reach Deku-kun” SO WHAT WAS ALL THAT NONSENSE ABOUT IT BEING TOO RISKY THEN. anyway thank you for this super informative and edifying flashback, Horikoshi. I will cherish it always. I don’t even want to read another translation of this absurdity lmao, there’s something special about it just the way it is. pretty sure Horikoshi just had a cracked out fever dream one night and transferred it to the pages of the manga verbatim

anyway so back to the unruly mob

not their finest moment. please excuse me while I cover poor Deku’s ears and give him a good shoosh pap

oh wow the parents are out here too

is Mitsuki trying to hold Inko back?? that’s the last thing this fandom needs right now is more Mitsuki discourse fffwlkjs. and even Jiroudad, scientifically proven to be the best dad in all of BnHA, is just standing there silently looking vaguely unhappy. way to rise to the moment you guys

MONOMA

so this settles it for me that Aizawa is not at UA. I know a lot of people have been wondering about his whereabouts, and if I had to wager a guess it would be that something happened with Shirakumo/Kurogiri. I can’t think of anything else -- even the loss of an eye and a limb -- that would keep him from his kids at a time like this

anyway but this is excellent Monoma content right here though. I love that he apparently adopted Eri after a single interaction with her. also WHERE IS SHINSOU DAMMIT. THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW

and Kouta’s there too looking like he wants to run over to Deku but Ragdoll won’t let him :/

it’s gotta be pretty upsetting for him to see his hero like this and not having anyone stand up for him. [taps megaphone] IS THIS THING ON. OKAY YEAH IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING. AHEM. PAGING URARAKA OCHAKO. GONNA NEED YOU TO GET OVER HERE ALREADY AND MAKE THAT BIG DRAMATIC SPEECH WHICH YOU ARE CLEARLY DYING TO MAKE. IF YOU DON’T DO IT SOON I’M GONNA HAVE TO STEP IN, AND YOU REALLY DON’T WANT ME TO DO THAT SINCE MY SPEECH WILL NOT BE VERY GOOD OR INSPIRING, AND WILL PROBABLY JUST CONSIST OF “HELLO, YOU ARE ALL STUPID, PLEASE SHUT UP AND GO AWAY”

so now Mic is telling them to calm down. at least someone’s speaking up here, geez

OH MY GOD

MY MAN JEANIST OUT HERE DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST: MAKING EVERYONE FEEL GUILTY AND JUDGED

OH MY GOD HE IS GIVING SUCH A LONG AND BORING SPEECH LMAO IS YOUR STRATEGY TO PUT THEM ALL TO SLEEP OR WHAT

truly in awe of this man’s ability to take messages which could easily be conveyed in ELI5-speak, and stubbornly convert them into incomprehensible language the likes of which you need a graduate degree in order to understand

“hey guys, so originally our plan was to use Deku as bait for the villains, but that didn’t really work and also we realized it was kinda dumb and was probably gonna get him killed, so we brought him back here instead.” was that really so hard, Jeanist. also are we all really just gonna sit back here and watch Jeanist take full credit for Bakugou’s plan just like that lmao

(ETA:

WHERE DID ENDEAVOR GO AND WHO IS THIS DIABOLICAL MASTER OF DISGUISE. lol I genuinely didn’t notice this because I was too busy digging through thesauruses trying to rewrite Jeanist’s speech; many thanks to @class1akids​ for pointing it out and making my day immeasurably better. take it easy there Dick Tracy.)

“anyway so please stop being dicks and let him fucking rest so he can save all your ungrateful asses” what an impassioned and inspiring plea. time to see if the masses will listen to reason

narrator: they did not listen to reason

oh my god finally Ochako is doing something. YEAH OCHAKO WOOOO SHOW THEM HOW IT’S DONE

hmm

this entire chapter is truly and utterly nonsensical to me lol

(ETA: on my second readthrough I’m fucking dying at how she stole the megaphone right out of Mic’s hand lmao. and how Kacchan is all “fuck yeah nothing I appreciate more than some quality fucking larceny.”)

oh I see she was jumping on top of the main building so as to scream down at them all more impressively

“ANYWAY DEKU IS PRETTY COOL ACTUALLY, YOU GUYS ARE JUST MEAN” couldn’t have said it better myself Ochako

lol uh

gotta say I did not have “Ochako reveals the secret of OFA to the entire U.A. Citizen Clown Parade” on my bingo card for this week. it’s a bold strategy cotton let’s see if it pays off

SDLFKJSL

“NO, SERIOUSLY, HAVE YOU LOOKED AT HIM YOU GUYS. YOU THINK HE LIKES RUNNING AROUND DRESSED LIKE A RUSTED OIL DRUM?? HE DID THAT FOR YOU YOU UNGRATEFUL SLOBS”

so she is basically explaining the entire Deku Angst arc to them and explaining what a good and selfless protagonist Deku is, YES, PREACH

OMG IT’S THE GIGANTIC FOX LADY

not to insinuate anything, but what exactly were you doing standing out here with the hysterical mob, Gigantic Fox Lady? you’re better than that

-- KACCHAN SIGHTING!!

sdlkfjl. thanks for weighing in with that helpful and important observation. where have you been for the last five minutes. were you asleep. was it Jeanist’s speech

never mind, now he’s yelling at the civilians so I instantly forgive him

THE FUTURE NUMBER ONE HERO, EVERYONE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. HE’LL BE HERE ALL WEEK

“anyway so I’m just going to end the chapter here” lmao seventeen pages truly do go by so fast. at least he didn’t try to force in a cliffhanger at the end this time. dare I say, growth

so I guess the civilians are either gonna have a Kamino and/or Fukuoka-esque moment where they remember how to be decent people and apologize to this poor young man, or else they’ll remain unpersuaded, and so Kacchan will have to knock a few of their heads around until they become more inclined to be reasonable. either option is fine by me lol

[just2bubbly]

Sometimes Love Stays

Masterlist

TLC Ship Week 2021!

*written for tlcshipweek2021- kaider for the prompt 'In another life'

@kaiderforever

Summary

"Hmm.."

"Do you?"

"Wish you happiness? Yeah, Kai, I do- with all my heart."

"I wish you were happiness!"

Sometimes love becomes stronger overcoming the obstacles thrown along your path, but when the obstacles never end and you become tired enough to want to stop, will 'Love' help overcome the new problem or would it be succumbed to obstacle?

When their future doesn't play out as they want to, will they dare to take a chance or lose everything without trying?

Reading an article, Cinder is thrown back into the past, trying to figure out if the choices she made were right.

A look at Kai and Cinder's relationship through newspaper article fragments.

--

Ship: Kaider

Words: 3.2k

Genre: Angst

Prompt: 'In Another Life'

Note: A Canon Divergence AU from Winter- major character/ relationship reflection. Bold contexts are newspaper articles!

Cinder's Perspective:

"Sometimes love stays."

The article read and Cinder could not bring it upon herself to understand the implications of those three words. She considered it was the most preposterous sentence to start a piece of news informing about a break-up. Her mind could only fathom that a hopeless romantic had written this article, one who most certainly believed in unrequited love and stuff- That she could be sure from the very first line. "Many times love seems to not reside in a relationship as the lovers struggle to continue to live together after years of togetherness, but this does not appear to be the case in the infamous royal courtship that lasted for over 10 years but was suddenly called off 2 years ago- Yes, we are talking about no one but The Emperor of Eastern Commonwealth and The Queen of Luna- " Cinder seemed to convince herself that she was only reading it because it was the most trending news on Earth. Yet it was no new news to her or even anyone on Earth and the saint forsaken rock Luna as well. The article had become famous only for its illustrating language and artistic words that seemed to give the entire ordeal a new look. Hence, after having ignored, overlooked and unseen the article, its rumours and the stink eye that her aristocrats sent along her way. She finally decided to read it and fucking get over it- just like she got over him. It was fucking simple until it was not. "The infamous break-up of The Emperor of EC and the Queen of Luna happens to be no news to us. It has been two years since the two royals called off their relationship in the name of diplomatic and personal reasons. However, it appears that the years apart have done no good to their awkward and unresolved heartfelt tension." She wondered which newbie journalist had decided to write about this- about them, the two lovers madly in love with each other, stubborn enough to put others above themselves and naive enough to let it all go. She could feel her body going stiff as she tried to muster up the courage to continue reading. Her mind going numb just like it always did when thoughts of Kai resurfaced. The memories and the murmurs, their banters, his adoration all seemed to drown her with misery- one where she could not shed a single tear but only carry the overwhelming weight of the past of what they had- of what they had lost. It had been good- going at first with the frequent comms in their free time, flying kisses from literally two different worlds, exchanging gifts thanks to the Rampion, jumping at the first chance to meet each other. They were happy and yet they were not. With near to 10 years into being the Queen of Luna, she had thought that maybe she had given her bit to the moon, and now she could step down from her role and convert Luna into a republican state. She had planned her future, their future, the future of thousands of people and had acted accordingly to liberate Luna from the clutches of a single person, forgetting about what the people would have to say about it? Apparently, Lunars loved royalty more than equal representation! Consequently, when she had put the matters of 'abolition of monarchy' to vote she had been made a fool in her own court with the outcome - her vote against all of them. When she had demanded an explanation out of Iko for such a bizarre scenario. She had acknowledged, "They seem to like you as their Queen. It is clear they don't want you to step down!?" "But what about equal representation?" "Cinder you are already giving it to them!" "And what about the aristocrats- Don't they want more say in the administration?" "They do want it but not with the responsibility. Thus they have started preaching about royalty and stuff..." she trailed. Dumbstruck, she had thought how can one gift someone freedom when they don't want it? That's where things started looking down. This made all her plans go downhill. Because hadn't she planned that she would step down, abolish the monarchy and turn it into a Republican government? Hadn't she decided she would be free to live her own life on Earth?

Hadn't she wondered how she would travel with Thorne on Rampion- be truly free for once in her life before having to settle down? Before having to go to New Beijing.

Hadn't they planned that they would stay together- and with every passing day weren't they coming near to achieving their intention to constantly stay together and make up for all the physical affection they had been deprived of over the years? Wasn't it what their future was going to be off? With this new hurdle, plans had to be changed and when she had mentioned this to Kai, he was grief-stricken. Even then, they came up with alternatives, for at that time it was clear- they wanted to spend the rest of their together. They had discussed spending their time between Earth and Luna, tackling the barriers of distance and royalty. It's not like they did not try, it's just that every time they strived harder to stay together- fate made it impossible to. A year later, the realization dawned upon her. It had really taken a long time but it had finally crashed- the full reality of their long-distance engagement relationship, that maybe it was taking a toll on them. That maybe they would not survive through all the distance separating them. She had been avoiding thinking about it lately but she knew even if they tried it was not going to work out, that sooner or later they would have to call it off. 'Call what off?' She had asked herself, wondering how things were going to change. 'All of it' a tiny voice in her mind replied. The engagement, the relationship. Everything. That night she decided against comming Kai, instead, she confronted Iko speaking of her troubling thoughts aloud and from the dark blue, somewhat grey colours of her eyes, Cinder understood how truly sorry she was.

She sat in the arms of Iko, wanting to whine, yell and cry. However, the cruel fate left her with a throbbing sensation in her head and an itchy feeling in the throat. She wanted to see Kai, but she had not the heart to tell him the truth. She presumed he already knew what was troubling her- troubling them. She had not the courage to see the sorrow on his face, so she pretended that everything was fine even when it was not. She smiled and teased him at all the opportunities she could possibly get knowing very well that one day that they would have to stop. One day he would have someone else do that to him. Therefore the next time she had gone on Earth she had confessed it to him. He had listened patiently without a word and had calmly accepted it. The unforgettable silence that followed would haunt Cinder forever. She thought they had fooled themselves enough trying to make the impossible happen, justifying their actions as a result of love. In the end, he had sighed, tears reflecting in his copper-brown orbs and croaked, "I guess this is the end?" She had nodded failing to meet his eyes. "Sorry, Kai", she had uttered, feeling every ounce guilty and sorrowful. They had stood like that for a long time, feet shuffling- gazes never meeting each other until he was called. He did not shed a single tear before her. On her last night at the Palace, she felt a sort of Deja-Vu for all the things around her. Her thoughts roamed around only a single thing- 'After today, this place would no longer be home'. He had come to her room that night and once they had gotten over the awkward small talk of the breakup, he had launched at her and hugged her till her bones crushed. "I love you," he whimpered. "Don't forget it- don't forget it, Cinder. Even when you go to that fucking rock in the sky." And Cinder could feel something warm- not inside her but on her shoulders.

Kai's tears had been falling on her shoulders and she had chanted sorry all the time they stayed like that.

'What do you do to calm two heartbroken souls?'

He was in her arms hearing her speak, though her words were not soothing, they did not reduce his grief like they ought to. They were bitter truth of their future, their fate. They were apologies for what they had lost. Her words were not comforting. She was not going to tell him how they will be fine when she knew they would not. There was no point lying- telling him nicely painted lies of their future when their present was broken like that. She had no idea how but they fell asleep together, a mess of tumbled limbs on the carpet for the last time. And when the streaks of sunlight fell over their sleeping forms, it was not out of hope.

"It seems that it's over for the two royals, one of them the Queen of Luna and the other The Emperor of Eastern Commonwealth. Queen Selene, 26 and Emperor Kaito, 28 called off their relationship yesterday. Emperor Kaito in his latest press speech stated that "Myself and Queen Selene are no longer together- we have parted ways on good terms. However, we are no longer involved," when one of the reporters asked if there was any wedding to be expected soon. The Queen of Luna also addressed this in one of her official posts, saying "It's been great 10 years with Kai but we can no longer stay together," with a bittersweet smile. The two refuse to brief about this. It just seems like just yesterday they were THE happier and attractive couple dancing at the Annual Peace Ball and -well now they are not, we are sure their fans all around must be heartbroken but worry not you can catch up on their relationship through the years-" Two months later, they formally announced their break-up. They called off everything- all of it just like she had thought. The world did not know- they did not know how Kai had gone down on his knees and she had said yes before he could even ask. How she had pieces of her never- going to happen wedding vows drafted somewhere in her brain. It was only them, Torin, Iko and their friends who knew the disaster of grief they had unrolled in their life. He had refused to take the ring back, "Keep it to remember me by." He had insisted and she had not-so jokingly replied, "I don't need jewels to remember you by." Returning to Luna had been the harder task, She-They had cut off all ties except maybe friendship (?) but things were going to be different- they are different.

It felt hollow for months later, she drowned herself in work to forget about the messy-haired boy, to forget that there was no one waiting for her comms now, that she did not have someone to whisper 'I love you's too', to kiss him and be found by someone, no reason for Thorne to shout 'Get a room.'

She had for the first few days been hopeless- locking herself up, both metaphorically and literally only to realize that Kai had been an integral part of her daily schedule and world even from thousands of miles away. The breaks that she once looked forward too, taunted her of what she had lost- so she was hell-bent on working the day without breaks. She forced her mind to not stray around to the boy on Earth. The only moment she had let her guard down was when Thorne was visiting- because he was her BFF and wasn't he the one who teased her all along about Kai and his heavenly copper-brown eyes? Wasn't he going to be her rock where she had lost her anchor? At the sight of his friend's dark circles, thinner than the usual frame, Thorne and Cress had bear-hugged her and the only thing that she felt was it felt good to be embraced by someone other than Iko. 'I'm so sorry, Cinder', Thorne had said and she had croaked, "Don't be sorry." She had cracked that day.

"I DON'T WANT PITY THORNE, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR HOW PEOPLE THOUGHT WE WOULD GET MARRIED AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER. I DON'T WANT THE MEDIA TO TELL ME HOW WE LOOKED GOOD TOGETHER. I FUCKING HATE LUNARS TELLING ME THAT THEY HOPE I FEEL BETTER. AM I NOT IN THIS CONDITION BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO BE SELFISH? THORNE, I WANT TO CRY AND MY STUPID CYBERNETICS WOULD NOT EVEN ALLOW BE TO CRY FOR MY EX-FIANCEE." She might have been a bit tipsy to blow up like that but she was past caring. She had been pretending that everything was fine while she was falling apart inside. "What sort of cruel joke is this? Haven't I already endured enough? I don't want anyone's fucking apologies. I don't want that crap, I- I want K-Kai."

She yelled as her face echoed pain. "Do I not deserve love, Thorne?" She had demanded, looking very vulnerable. She never said a word after that. The next big blow came when she had attended the world leader summit. Thankfully, it was a virtual thing or she could not have gone through the entire ceremony without a mental breakdown. She had felt the air knock out of her lungs at the sight of Kai after six whole months. He looked paler than normal, his always messed up hair looked neatly fixed in place with layers of hair gel. And his ever blinding grin present at even stupid meetings like this was now merely his lips pressed together in a thin line.

How was Kai who was her joy in human form suddenly became the picture of grief? She wondered how she looked to him if even he was out of breath at the sight of her- realizing how she was drifting away from the main reason she was attending the summit, she forced herself to look at anywhere but him. That night she slept thinking about how she was not the only one suffering. "-The Emperor of EC starts a new journey in his life at 30. However, there are no wedding bells in the air as of now, making the world and the EC anticipate the future of their Emperor and their nation. At 30, the Emperor not committed to anyone nor having any living heir had caused multiple questions to be unanswered about the legacy after him. Hopefully, he will find his partner to secure their future until then we wish him a Very Happy Birthday!" Marriage. Wedding. Love. Hadn't it been what they had lost? She knew this was going to happen. Then why did she feel like drowning all over again? Why did her heart shatter yet again? He was no longer hers to worry about...Was he even part of her world anymore? She knew it very well that he was supposed to marry someone. He must marry someone and have an heir to the Commonwealth. Cinder was asked to do the very same thing. They were monarchs who had to keep their legacies alive. The next time she was invited for the Annual Peace Ball, Kai had cornered and said, "They want me to get married." "Tell me you are saying this because you want the ring back." She had jokingly said, swallowing the sadness and jealously that threatened to submerge her. Her mind asked if he would go down on his knees at the Ball just like he had done for Levana. But that was just her stupidity, misery and desperation mixed together. How was her tyrant aunt going to manage her marriage with Kai by living on Luna along with her sinister motives?! "Cinder" "Kai", she pleaded, underlying the please without saying it. She averted her eyes and nonchalantly asked," Have someone in mind?" "No", he replied without a beat, making her at ease but what he said next crushed her healing heart again. "But I have someone in my heart." She could not stand around him without wanting to kiss him senseless. Therefore, she said, "I wish you happiness, Kai." And tried to walk away until he questioned, "Do you?" "Hmm.." she replied, looking back at him. "Do you?" He repeated. "Wish you happiness? Yeah, Kai, I do- with all my heart." "I wish you were happiness!" Looking at his lean frame dressed in the colours of EC she dared to speak, "I wish that too." She had not returned after that episode but maybe she would have to. Soon. "The Emperor has been sighted with Chen Daiyu, daughter of Chen Zian, the Chief Commandant of Light Chariot, she is an activist working towards the liberation of perils faced by cyborgs in modern society, along with being a psychotherapist by service. It's not the first time that they have been seen together making people hope that it's not the last. There are rumours about their courting with no confirmation from any one of the two-It appears the Emperor has finally moved on from his last date with Queen Selene. Only time will tell if the Emperor has found his Empress or not." She could not blame anyone. They were just pressing time trying to avoid some inescapable future- yet why did her mind ask if he had learned Chen Daiyu's favourite flowers? or Did he hold her as he had held her once? Wondered if he explained to her why there was a cyborg's foot in his room? She was cursing goddamn every star because it was not just him but even she was looking into suitors!? She had gone on dates with a few, noticing how one of them grinned like Kai with a dimple on his left cheek, how someone scratched their necks when they were flustered or how some of them had a struggle keeping their hair in place- without wanting to she was searching for Kai everywhere in them. None of the two was married yet. It was okay to imagine about him for a while. It was okay for grief to overwhelm her. Maybe that's what she needed to

move on from her past.

Had they moved on? Had they stopped loving each other? 'NO!'- she shook her head violently to no one in particular.

She loved him even now. There will always be some part of her mind that will love him. Maybe it was treasuring their memories while making new ones. Two years later reading an article about them, she thought if maybe she had tried harder, would they be together? Alas, there was no point fantasizing when both time and distance had separated them? Could they start from where they had left? Or would they be two broken pieces no longer fitting?

"Sometimes love stays," The article read again. "But lover's don't." Maybe if distance, time and qualms of royalty were not preventing them then things could have been different, their lives could have been different. Perhaps in a life with different circumstances, they would have been together unlike this one- where they had briefly touched, in another life possibly their tale could have had a happy ending. Maybe if she was Cinder and not Queen Selene Channary Jannali Blackburn of Luna, and if he was just Kai and not Emperor Kaito of the Eastern Commonwealth then they would have made it till the end.

But they were not and that's what mattered. __

A/N: We are done! :)

I know you would likely want to hit me right now since I promised certain someone that there would be no angsty fics for at least a few months and yet HERE I AM!

I have kinda portrayed Iko in this really bad, so sorry about that! And you have no idea how much frustrated I was that Cinder could not cry, like crying is such a essential part of human behavior and having to describe her grief without tears was certainly a challenge. I hope I did her character well- You guys have no idea how much break-up articles I have read just to get the news articles right. I might as well do a course on journalism later ;)

Was that a bit too much angst? and yeah in this fic they are secretly engaged!

This was written for the TLC Ship Week, the word prompt for this one was 'In Another Life'. However, I had already planned it beforehand with no idea of  how the ship-week was going to give me the perfect opportunity to post this. I know I'm cruel right?

This idea had been going a lot in my mind since I made @salt-warrior write her fic 'Anyone Else', and read the fic 'After' on AO3, along with 'Once' by @/betaluz. I just thought that maybe Cinder failed to get past the boundaries of royalty on Luna and converting it into a Republican, wondering if that happened what would happen to her relationship with Kai. Hence, this sudden angsty take.

Tell me which is your favorite part from this?

And don't worry I have more angst lined up for you! <3

Taglist: @cinderswrench @gingerale2017 @linhcinder686 @shellyseashell @ladyvesuvia @shelbylmkaider @levanariddle @cindersassasin @kaider-is-my-otp (Tell me if you wanna be added/removed)

[whatareyousearchingfordean]

Mile Six

Summary: The Kings, and Queens, of Con take on the Central Texas Tough Mudder Competition and have a good time doing it. 

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader

Word Count: 2.3K+

Warnings: Language, suggestive themes

Author’s Note: So, this little thing was inspired by this post (x). I saw it and instantly went weak in the knees and thus this was born. I hope you enjoy my little musings. As always, I love to hear what you thought xo Alex.

Check out Alexandra’s Library for more works by yours truly!

Trees lined the wide expanse of the field, the grass below shimmering against the Texas sun that had settled high in the afternoon sky. A slight breeze blew across the space, rustling the edges of the leaves and sending a chill down the breadth of her wet body. 

“Your turn, Y/n,” the quirky voice of her team member had slipped past her consciousness as she watched the sun be eclipsed by a wisp of a cloud. “Y/n!” 

“Hmm, what?” The woman snapped her head back to the obstacle in front of her. 

“Go, Jensen’s gonna boost you,” Rob urged her forward with a hand on her shoulder. She shook off her daze, the exhaustion fogging not only her muscles but her brain as well. The team had officially hit the halfway point of the obstacle course and she knew that she was going to be sore for days. 

“Come on, baby,” Jensen smirked at her from where he was squatted against the tall wooden wall. He cupped his hands in front of himself and indicated for her to step one foot into his palms. Y/n halted in front of him as she placed her right foot in his hold and rested her hands against his broad shoulders. She glanced up at Jared and Rich sitting on the ledge, ready to help her in whatever way she needed. “You’ve got this.”

The mud-caked woman smirked back at the actor, who was still grinning from ear to ear. She rolled her eyes for effect but leaned in and pressed a quick peck to her husband’s lips before using her leverage on his shoulders to jump. Jensen responded easily, lifting her in one swift movement as if she weighed nothing and guiding her to step on his shoulder with her left foot. As soon as the ledge was in reach she wrapped her gloved hand around it and allowed Jared to take her other to assist. Every muscle in her body protested the action, but she pushed through until both legs were swung over the wall. She wasted no time in climbing down the other side just far enough that it was safe for her to jump the rest of the way. 

Cheers erupted from her team waiting on the other side, much like they had after every other obstacle they had overcome. Y/n ran straight into her best friend, Genevieve’s, arms and embraced her tight. Both of them knew they were kicking ass at this, having argued with their respective husbands about being able to keep up with the guys. They trained for months beforehand, building up their strength and nothing made them more gleeful than proving they deserved their spots on the team. 

The two relented their embrace as the three remaining team members clambered from the barrier.  They all exchanged high fives before setting off down the trail. It didn’t take long before they arrived at yet another pool of murky water directly in their path. The group wasted no time in heading straight into the muddy hurdle. Despite the rays of the early spring sun beating down unhindered, the water was bone-chilling slowly. A shiver ran up her spine as soon as it met her heated skin and she couldn’t be sure if it was refreshing or just shocking. Y/n could also feel her feet sinking into the thick mud at the bottom of the pit, making each step difficult and slowing their process through the course. 

Once on the other side, getting back out of the pit proved difficult, the sheer weight and stickiness of the surrounding sludge seeming to want to drag her back down with every advance. She finally made it out, running to the nearby grass to rub away what she could from her sneakers as her teammates joined her one by one. When everyone was back together, they once again continued on. 

They jogged a few hundred feet before the majority slowed down as the day began to wear on them. Rich pulled the recording camera from Osric’s head as he squeezed through the group. The spritely man stuck it in everyone’s faces, asking a myriad of questions.

“That footage is going to be hell to cut together in the end,” Gen turned to Y/n with a giggle. 

“I know that true,” she agreed before sending her only female counterpart a wink. “Watch this.” Y/n jogged ahead to be closer to the group and hollered. “Hey Speight, toss me the camera. I know what the fans are gonna want to see.” The guys all turned to look at her, confusion evident in their expressions. Rich frowned but obliged the woman’s request, who caught the small camera with ease. Her steps slowed to give the guys space, allowing her to fall back into stride with Genevieve. The woman rubbed the dried mud from the display as she steadied the recorder and pointed it at her target. Gen watched over her shoulder as her friend focused on the men’s backsides, one at a time. 

“This is the view Gen and I have had all day,” she narrated, emphasizing ‘all’ for her intended audience. As she came up behind her Texan husband, he peered over his shoulder at her, taking in where she had the lens directed. He rolled his eyes at her as she rounded the group and jogged to where Jared was leading a couple of yards ahead. 

“Now what are you doing?” Jensen furrowed his brow as she kept the camera pointed on them, now walking backward as the group continued to advance. 

“I’m getting ahead of you so I can get you all in the frame,” she explained, her eyes still trained on the display to ensure she was getting at least semi-quality footage. 

“You can see all of us, it’s a wide-angle lens,” Jensen retorted gruffly, earning a grimace from his wife. Her jaw dropped in offense to his comment, turning the lens on Jared. 

“Alright, I see Ackles got an attitude around mile six,” she huffed to the towering man who just shook his head with a grin. Y/n spun back around, now seeing the group gaining on her and Jared. 

“Turn it off, I’ll show you an attitude,” Jensen indicated the camera delicately balanced in her grip. His wife nearly choked on her breath, his unexpected words settling a heat deep in her belly.

“Oh, will you now?” The woman was quick to steady her composure and cocked a challenging eyebrow at the bowlegged man who now took up a majority of the display she was observing. The look set him off and he reached her in two swift strides, snatching the camera out of her hand and ducking to pull her over his shoulder before she could react to his movement. Y/n let out a shriek that faded into laughter as her husband gripped her legs against his body with both hands. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him quickly toss the camera to one of the guys, jetting off away from the path and the crowd. 

“Aw, come on, Ackles,” Jared’s voice faded as Jensen carried the woman to the nearby tree line. “Be quick!” 

Shade enclosed the two completely before he set her back on her feet. Jensen pushed her back a step until her body hit rough bark. He placed one hand on either side of her head, caging her against the oak. She took a deep breath now that her stomach was no longer restricted by his shoulder and looked up at her husband through her lashes her stomach fluttering as she took in his hooded gaze. 

“I feel like you want to say something.” A hint of a smile twitched at the corners of her lips which was instantly reciprocated by the actor. He raised a gloved hand, trailing his exposed fingertips light as a feather across her jaw and down her neck. His eyes were trained where his digit tucked into the collar of her destroyed tee and pulled it away from her skin. 

“You’re cold,” he noted, the smug upturn of one corner of his lips telling her he had noticed her condition a long while ago. Y/n followed his gaze, noting the faint outline of her nipples seeping through the sports bra. She cursed silently, having hoped the material would have done a better job at hiding her modesty throughout the day. 

“Maybe-”

“Maybe?” His eyes flickered up to hers, amusement hidden throughout the familiar verdant iris��� that she loved so much. Dragging out the moment, the woman chewed on her bottom lip and took the opportunity to enjoy the visage of her husband. His hair was a wild mess, pushed away from his face with a sweatband that matched the color of his shorts and tennis shoes. He was caked in mud from head to toe, much like she was. A lot of it had dried and caked to the skin of his face and his beard while his body was dripping with the foggy liquid and his sweat. Even through all of it, he was somehow still as beautiful as ever. Still Jensen Ackles. 

“Maybe I’ve just been enjoying the view,” she teased him, her hands gripping the stretched-out material of his shirt to pull his body flush against her own. He was warm and refreshingly cool at the same time. Y/n breathed in his musky scent, mixed with the fading aroma of his signature cologne. It was her favorite thing in the world, something reserved just for her and the times he spent ravaging her body. 

“I can’t take you anywhere can I?” The hot breath of his chuckle fanned over her face. He let go of his hold on her tee, the material shrinking slowly back against her wet skin. 

“Not when you are looking like a whole damn meal,” she purred before pushing up on her toes to press her lips to his. He froze at first, his brain taking a second to catch up to her before he responded in kind. His hands fell from the tree to cradle her head in place as he deepened the kiss. Y/n let her body relax against the wood as her husband sucked her tongue into his mouth, pulling a moan from inside her chest. He picked up the pace, devouring her in the shadows of the competition that was continuing around them. As her hands dropped to the elastic of his shorts, he begrudgingly pulled away and gripped her wrists to halt her movements. 

“Fuck, we can’t,” he whispered, resting his forehead against hers. His eyes were screwed shut as he breathed deeply. She exaggerated the pout on her face even though he wasn’t looking at her. 

“That’s unfortunate, considering your little problem there.” Y/n jutted her hips forward, coming in contact with the situation now in her husband’s pants. 

“Oh, I hate you so much right now,” Jensen pushed away from his wife, putting a respectable distance between the two of them. 

“Hey, you are not the only one suffering right now. Lucky for me, my panties were already soaked.” Before he could utter a word, she ducked away and back into the heat of the Texas sun. He watched her jog away, but not before she glanced back over her shoulder, a wide grin on her face. 

It didn’t take her long to catch up to the group, her and Jensen having not been gone as long as she thought. Her eyes scanned the crowd of people for Jared, knowing his tall frame would stick out to her first. And she was right, the mess of hair on top of his head towering over everyone else, guiding her to where they were huddled waiting for the group ahead to finish the next course. 

“Where’s Ackles?” Jared chirped as she moved through the people to come and stand with the Kings of Con. 

“He should be right behind me,” she snorted out the words in an attempt to hide the laughter bubbling up inside her. Jared narrowed his eyes at her as if he didn’t believe what she was telling him. Not that it mattered much, as her husband’s voice drifted towards them. 

“I’m here, I’m here,” he promised, only slightly out of breath from sprinting to meet up with them. “What’s next?” 

“‘Hold Your Wood’,” Jason answered as he turned to where a massive log was being placed in front of the lot of them. Y/n nearly fell over as the barely contained laughter spilled from her lips. She brought a hand to her face as the laughter turned silent and tears ran down her cheeks, the action muffling the squeals of delight that came with each breath. 

“Yes, it’s all very funny, babe,” Jensen frowned at his wife, the downturn of his lips only fueling the hysterics inside her. 

“What the hell is wrong with her?” Rich had the same look of concern on his face as the rest of the group. Even passersby were beginning to stare at Y/n where she stood shaking with laughter. 

“Wood,” was the only word she could force past her lips as she held up her hands, gesturing to indicate length. 

“Jensen had a boner,” Jared clarified for the group, ready to keep moving. 

“Dude!” Jensen smacked his friend upside the back of his head, sending his wife into further giggles. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Y/n finally was able to force a semi-coherent sentence. “Jay, you are just too easy.” 

“That’s what she said,” Rob and Rich shouted in tandem. 

Jensen rounded on Osric, who still had one of the action cameras attached to his head, and pointed at the lens. “You can cut that out.”

“No,” Y/n protested, grabbing her husband’s arms as he reached for the Go Pro. “Keep it in.” 

Forevers: @22sarah08​ @440mxs-wife​ @akshi8278​ @anathewierdo​ @asgoodasdancingqueen @atc74​ @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce​​ @briagallen​ @callmekda​ @dawnie1988​ @deandreamernp​ @deangirl93​ @deanwanddamons​ @ellewritesfix05​ @emoryhemsworth​ @foxyjwls007​ @hobby27​ @janicho88​ @jbsgirl4ever11​ @jensengirl83​ @lunarmoon8​ @lyarr24​ @mishacollins4evah​ @miss-nerd95​ @mrsjenniferwinchester​ @msmarvelouswinchester​ @polina-93​​ @sleepylunarwolf​ @squirrelnotsam​ @stiles-stilinski-24-dylan​ @suckmyapplejacks​ @supraveng​ @tatted-trina6​ @thoughts-and-funnies​ @traceyaudette​ @tranquility-or-chaos​​ @waywardbeanie​ @winchest09​ 

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[couchpotatoaniki]

One Year ❣︎ One: Holidays Aren’t For Drama

Chapter Summary: San has finally found you after five years of searching, and he wants you for himself--though not knowing how to do it just yet. In the meantime, you’re having fun hanging out with a friend on the plane to Jeju.

Pairing: Mafia!San x Fem!Reader Genre: Mafia AU, fluff, angst, eventual smut, lotta crack and stupid shit ngl Chapter warnings: swearing, stalking Word count: 1.2k+ A 365 Days parody

Previous: Prologue For the rest of the series, click here

Speech in bold means they’re talking in Korean

Speech in italics is whatever the reader wants their native langue to be that’s not Korean or English

Speech without either means they’re talking in English

You were glad that you were sat next to Yunho on the plane since you needed good vibes that your boyfriend couldn’t really give you. Too sucked up in his own life, which make him the worst person to sit next to Yeosang.

Thankfully, Dominic was terrified of the boy so he was silently scrolling through his phone. That left Mingi to annoy poor Seonghwa the whole trip.

“Oh, you bitch,” Yunho mumbled, picking up four cards from the deck beside him. To pass the time, you and the tall boy decided to play a game of Uno. 

Chuckling, you threw down a yellow 2. effectively ending the round. “You know, for someone of your profession, you’re really shit at cards.”

“Maybe because I’m playing against your devious ass.”

“You love my devious ass, don’t lie.” Scoffing, he gathered the cards and began to shuffle them before you ripped them from his hands. “Oh hell no. I know for a fact you’re gonna rig it.”

“I tried last time, and you still won,” he huffed, running a hand through his sandy blonde hair before using the other to take the deck again.

Yunho wasn’t really your friend to begin with. More so Mingi’s, but that had not stopped the two of you becoming just as close. Seonghwa and Yeosang too; you had meet them through the sweet-hearted boy, and all three had quickly become an addition to your short list of loved ones.

In fact, out of the six of you, Dominic was the odd one out.

He didn’t know the secrets you shared, the things you did without his knowledge. Nothing that would directly harm your relationship, no.

To add to that, the five of you were like a family, looking out for each other, and the boys weren’t very font of the guy you had chosen to date.

Then again, compared to the last one, Dominic was much better.

Every year, the boys and you had decided to treat this time as a holiday away  from the all the work you do, to treat yourselves for living another year. So you all splurged out and did something big.

How you chose the destination was fairly simple; one of you would throw a dart at a map of the world--blindfolded, obviously--and wherever it landed, you all went there.

It’s what led to the fun cruise in the Pacific the previous trip, and this part of Korea for this current one.

Though, Jeju was one of the places on your bucket list. You were more than excited to go and sight-see. Already, you do plenty of that for your job but never really get the chance to stop and pay attention.

To relax with friends and have fun.

You were going to Jeju for leisure purposes.

San was going to Jeju for you.

Yes, he was originally going there for work, to deal with a bit of business that had gone awry. But then he saw you, quickly crossing the road, from his vehicle.

Decided to follow you, see where you were going and with whom.

At first, he was a little pissed to know that you were travelling with five men, you being the only woman. Most likely scenario, one of them was your boyfriend.

But that information had no longer mattered, because you were going to Jeju. On the same flight as him.

San didn’t like to admit in believing in fate, but if that wasn’t it, he didn’t know what would be.

Hongjoong--who was stood beside him in the middle of the airport by now--was concerned over his strange behaviour. Even the slightest shift that seemed out of the ordinary, he immediately became suspicious.

That’s why San knew it was stupid to try and lie to him.

When he pointed out to you, telling him to look, it only took the older boy a few seconds for him clock on. “You’re shitting me...”

“I’m not, Joong. She’s here. She’s really here.”

“San,” the now-blue-haired boy began, trying not to draw any unnecessary attention, “look at me. You can’t. It was five years ago, and not to mention, you’re already with--”

Shoving his hands off his shoulders, the mafia boss glared at his second-in-command. “You don’t even like Dae anyway!”

No, Hongjoong hated that crazy woman to his very core. She was bad for his friend, but the boy was too caught up in filling the hole you somehow managed to carve to even care.

Had it been any other, the short man would have let San do his thing, but his current girlfriend was one of the heirs to a rather big mafia herself. Being with her involved politics, and being with her for nearly five years brought more trouble than you were worth.

But Hongjoong knew that San wouldn’t listen to him. Not when he’s like this.

The only thing he could do now was damage control.

The two males--San mainly--had stalked the six of you, deducing who meant what to you. Didn’t like how cosy you were with either of them, but specifically disliked the guy who had his hand wrapped around your waist.

Then there was the other guy, one of the really tall ones, with black hair--streaks of green and grey running through it--and a loud voice. Party animal, the two thought. He was particularly close to you too, sending playful hits that were definitely reciprocated. Hopefully, he was just a friend...

The other tall guy--the blonde one, with puppy-like eyes--seemed more reserved yet somehow still as energetic.

Next tallest was s black-haired fella. Clean and lean--smart-looking, with soft (but somehow sharp) eyes.

Finally, the last guy. The one who rarely spoke, with a silvery grey mullet that surprisingly complimented his pale skin. There was something about him that Hongjoong couldn’t pin down. Something familiar...

The most obvious odd thing was how you and your supposed ‘boyfriend’ were of a different ethnicity to the other four. Confirmed when the two men overheard you speaking in a completely different language neither of them were used to.

“Fuckin’ language barrier,” San grunted as he realised there was yet another obstacle in his way.

“Fuckin’ good-lookin’ people,” Hongjoong laughed, scanning the six of you.

Being in business class was usually a comfortable experience, but right now was the most excruciating thing possible for both of them. San constantly bombarded the elder with questions and worries about you.

Couldn’t even send Hongjoong back there since his newly-dyed electric blue hair would have captured too much attention. “What’s the point of you if I can’t even get you to spy on people,” the younger huffed. “Dye your hair back to black when we get to the villa.”

“Oh, shut up,” Hongjoong spat with gritted teeth, already beyond annoyed with the man’s behaviour. “That’s not even my job. And you come at me with having unusual hair, but you look like Frankenstein’s Bride with that lock of white with the rest being black.”

Groaning, San looked at the entrance of the business area, hoping for some other miracle to occur and you would peer out. Desperation filled him, wanting to see you again. Etch your newer features into his mind once more.

“Who do you think those other guys were? Her boyfriend’s friends? Her friends? Colleagues?”

“Probably her friends, since they all seemed pretty close to her.”

“Ugh.” San buried his face in his hands, still not liking the sound of that.

“It’s the 21st century, dude. Girls can be friends with guys--and that girl is friends with those guys. Get used to it.”

“Don’t wanna,” San mumbled, puffing out his cheeks as Hongjoong narrowed his eyes at his tantrum.

“Listen, dude, you can’t confine and control her. Doing that’s only gonna push her away--if you’re actually serious in pursuing her.”

“Of course I’m serious!”

“Then you need to plan this out carefully. And you need to think of it fast, since I doubt they’ll be in Jeju for long."

The younger male scoffed, running his tongue against the inside of his cheek as his confidence grew and cogs in his brain began moving. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely come up with something.”

Sighing, Hongjoong looked out of the window, into the peaceful, empty ocean they flew above. What exactly had he done?

☕︎ Tag list: @little-precious-baby​ , @sparklychangbin​ ,