#can he both suck blood from people and swim with dolphins????

[birdsbeard]

yall what the hell i literally have a vampire mermaid hybrid in my sims game?? its a guy that was born from a family i dont play that is i think the son of vlad and a mermaid townie, but he just moved in with his boyfriend and i was curious bc i remember making him over in cas and i knew there was another "form" of him but i couldnt really tell what it was bc where it would say "dark form" it was empty, and he doesnt have any type of frame over his traits indicating an occult. So when he moved in his Needs tab had a tail so i was like oh? hes a merman?? (bc i made him over looking like a vampire) and since i wanted to go to cas anyway to change his height i decided to make over his mermaid form too, but when i got there there wasnt a tail? and theres like the vampire facial things? so i got out of cas super confused and noticed that while his needs tab is a tail... his needs are of a vampire?? (BUT ALSO HYDRATION i just noticed from the screenshot) and just the cherry on top of it all I decided to have him go take a bath and lo and behold

literally what the hell is happening lmao

#me #sims 4 #the sims 4 #i wish i could choose his tail !!! #i swear this isnt a mod its just super buggy #its like the game couldnt decide if he made him a merman or a vampire #I havent even checked like his interactions with people like is it just vampire stuff? is it just mermaid stuff? is it both or none??? #can he both suck blood from people and swim with dolphins????

[bump1nthen1ght]

Deep Blue Sea (Shark Merman x Reader) Chapter 2

Pairing: Gender Neutral! Reader/Shark Merman

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Soulmate AU

Warning: Slight description of Animal Violence. Nothing too graphic, but if the genre of stuff you see on Shark week isn’t for you, skip over the part denoted by the *******

Word Count: 3530 words

Summary: You learn more about Cruz and about yourself

Prologue

Chapter 1

“-and then he just leaves. What do I even do with that?”

“Uh-huh, uh-huh,” Your roommate hums, refilling up your glass of wine. “And you don’t have his number, so you can’t call or text him right?” You take a large sip, nodding and trying not to spill wine on your pajamas.

Well, kind of.

You hadn’t told anyone about Cruz, not even your family, because frankly you didn't know where to start. But when you walked into the apartment, sullen and dragging your feet, your roommate, Caitlyn, had offered wine, ice cream, and a willing ear. That's when the floodgates opened (with some modified details, of course).

“We’re meeting at our usual place in a couple days, I just…”Another sip of wine,”...hate sitting here, not knowing what he’s feeling, what I did, how I’m feeling.” You set down your glass and throw yourself back against the couch, sinking into the cushions. “I feel so stupid, like a fucking teenager, and I hate it.” Caitlyn sets her own wine glass down and nudges the half-empty ice cream carton towards you.

“It’s for the best your feeling all this now, then you can come at ‘im all composed and articulate. Really throw him off his game.” You grab a spoon and the carton, Caitlyn patting your shoulder as you take a pathetic bite.

“You’re right but I-I don’t even know. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Sounds like this guy’s got you hooked. At least that’s a start right?” Caitlyn hums, pressing her chin into her palm. “To be completely honest, Sam took a couple days to warm up to me. And I never told her this, but she gave me hardcore pretentious vibes on our first date.”

Caitlyn gives a long spiel about her awkward first soulmate date (“Seriously, who brings up ‘the superiority of vinyl’ on the first date!”), and if you were in the mind to be a good roommate, or hadn’t heard this story before, you might’ve listened closer. But only one question was occupying your thoughts; Did Cruz like you?

--------

You arrive at the boardwalk an hour early. You don’t immediately go to the tidepool, instead choosing to take a long walk on the beach, taking a moment to calm your racing heart and collect your thoughts.

You like Cruz. You like him as much as two people who just met can, despite a less-than-romantic first impression. But does he like you?

You never thought you would have to ask your soulmate that.

There’s a small thwap as you slap your cheeks, heat simmering your skin even as the cold water laps at your feet.

This is ridiculous. You’ve talked twice. Caitlyn and Sam have a thriving relationship (You should know, you share a wall with Caitlyn) and even they got off to a rocky start.

The pit grows in your stomach, thinking of Cruz’s disinterested stare as he swims into the open ocean. The weight of it almost sinks to your toes.

You shake your head, slapping your cheeks once more.

Today is a new day. Just go through the motions _____.

You reach the tidepool, setting down your picnic blanket and bag. You grab one of your notebooks and prop it open as you bite into an apple. You’re 30 minutes early, might as well get some reading done.

The waves crash and pull against the rocks, pleasant studying ambience, but is interrupted by several clicks and abrupt, out of rhythm, splashes. You look up, immediately in awe of the sight.

About 50 feet away from the entrance to the tidepool is a pod of dolphins, breaching out of the water. You grab a pencil, your phone, and your notebook, tiptoeing through the tidepool to get a better look.

Good choice wearing water shoes today.

From closer up, you notice the distinct lack of dorsal fins and realize they must be Northern White Whale Dolphins. 60 of them have congregated in a group, most likely scouting for easy food or taking a rest.

Their pod is pretty small though. What are they doing so close to the shore?

The pod continues to play as you take shaky photos with your camera, trying to balance your notebook and pencil in the crook of your elbow. Through your viewfinder, you spot a familiar shape, not 30 feet from the pod, peeking his head out of the water. Cruz’s black eyes narrow into focus before he fully submerges. Your eyes widen as you lower your camera.

The water above Cruz rushes as he swims closer and closer to the pod. You tuck your phone back into your pocket as you finagle your way up to a nearby rock. You need a better view, and it might be best to be out of the water while this happens.

The dolphins haven’t noticed Cruz yet, still gliding along the waves. There's a quick flash of his strong back before he dives even deeper into the water. The rock slightly digs into your stomach as you lean over to get a better look.

What I wouldn’t give for a drone right now.

Before long, there is a burst of clicks, the largest dolphins quickly surrounding the group and issuing them away. They’ve spotted Cruz, but one is a little too slow.

Cruz’s dorsal fin cuts through the water, close enough to the surface that you can make out the details of his determined face. His eyes have latched onto the slowest dolphin and his speed increases exponentially. His long tail flicks back and forth as he gains on it.

*******

The dolphin flips into the air, trying to gain distance. But like a flash Cruz’s large hand shoots out of the water, getting a hold of the dolphin’s tail, and pulls. You see his shoulder and tricep bulge as the dolphin thrashes in his grip. His head once again breaches the water as he digs his other clawed hand into the dolphin’s side, raking into it as he pulls the dolphin closer to him. The two tussle and wrestle against each other, going in and out of the water as the dolphin tries to push Cruz away.

But Cruz is limber, keeping a tight grip on the dolphin as he maneuvers his body alongside it. His torso raises up as he pushes the dolphin down under the water and into submission. Cruz then yanks the dolphin’s front upwards and out of the water, grip still tight on it’s rear, before opening up his maw and tearing into the dolphin’s neck. He rips his head back and forth until the dolphin stills, a large pool of red slowly cascading around them.

*******

Your pencil hangs loosely in your fingers as you watch, eyes locked on Cruz. You think the struggle must’ve lasted only 20 seconds, but in the moment, it felt like hours. Cruz’s chest heaves as he takes another bite, serrated teeth easily ripping the flesh, as casual as the lobster roll from your last meeting.

Blood drips from his mouth and covers his claws. His cards his fingers back through his hair, leaving crimson streaks that shine against his black locks. Cruz bites off another mouthful before heaving the dolphin onto his shoulder.

As a large science nerd, you’ve always enjoyed watching nature in progress. But a new, exciting, vaguely uncomfortable feeling stirs in your gut as you watch Cruz suck in his fingers, picking out stray bits of meat from his large, sharp teeth. A feeling like a shiver rushing down your spine and heat in between your legs.

Oh my god. Why was that the hottest thing I’ve ever seen?

Cruz turns away and submerges himself, giving you a nice shot of his defined back muscles as he sums up his hunt. You can’t take your eyes off his form moving just below the water, even as your 5 PM alarm goes off.

You knew Cruz was larger, and far stronger, than you, but seeing him in his element reminds you just how easily he could tear you apart.

God, and I kind of want him to.

As he swims further away from the shore, you see two black dots in the distance. You take out your phone again and open up the camera to zoom in.

Speaking of huge. Holy shit.

The focus is a little blurry, but it’d be hard for you to miss the massive mermaids. With only their shoulders and up out of water, they still tower over Cruz by at least a head each. Both have long black hair, intertwined with what looks to be seaweed and various types of shells. The one on the right is holding two larger masses over her shoulders, positioned the way a lumberjack would hold a fallen tree. Cruz reemerges with his dolphin in tow, frighteningly small.

Cruz’s gestures indicate they’re having a conversation, mostly one-sided. The dolphin on Cruz’s back bounces as he talks animatedly, his hunt small when compared to the two weights the right mermaid carries. With your old phone you can only catch a glimpse of the left mermaid’s lips moving. Cruz’s energy dims as she continues and he seems to sink deeper into the water.

The left mermaid holds out her hand. Cruz hesitates, then throws his dolphin into her arms. She swings it over like it weighs nothing and then shakes her hand as if to shoo him away. The right one rumbles with laughter. Cruz nods, solemn as the two submerge and swim away.

Cruz stays there for a minute, looking out at the horizon. When he finally turns, his movements are lethargic as he swims towards the tidepool.

You scramble down from the rock and quickly tiptoe  back to your blanket, fumbling to stuff your notebook and pencil back into your bag.

Cruz glides in, his eyes not meeting yours, locked in thought.

“Hey Cruz.” You wave, struggling to catch your breath from your impromptu rush.

Cruz slowly looks up at you, still slightly downcast.

“Hey. Sorry I’m late.” You  shake your head furiously.

“It’s no problem! I got her kind of early, and then I saw you hunting and didn’t want to bother.” Cruz’s eyes widen a bit, before her recoils into himself and sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.

“Oh, sorry. You probably didn’t want to see that….” You once again shake your hands and head back and forth.

“No! No I-, I actually thought it was super cool!” Cruz quirks his eyebrows.

“What?”

“Yeah! It was like my own personal Shark week. Like wow, you looked amazing out there.”

Cruz’s cheek tint a cerulean blue, the corners of his lips turning up at the sides as he fiddles with his fingers.

“And those dolphins are the fastest kind around here, but bam! You were on them like a firecracker, kind of wish I had a slow motion camera.” You laugh, before realizing Cruz probably didn’t understand half of your analogies. “You looked uh, you were really good at it.”

Well duh, you idiot. He’s a shark.

“Thank you.” Cruz shoots you a tiny smile, blush still running across his face and down his neck. The ensuing silence is only slightly uncomfortable, as Cruz’s blush stays strong and you're sure you develop one of your own. You try and focus on something else to calm down, but catch a glimpse of his biceps, and fail miserably.

“Oh, that’s right.” Cruz reaches over and sticks his hand in between two nearby rocks. His brow furrows before his eyes light up, and he pulls out a….handbag?

It’s loosely sewn together with kelp, made of some sort of seal skin and closed with a seashell button. Cruz pops it open and begins to rummage inside.

“Gotcha.” Cruz pulls something out of the bag, before turning and hiding it behind his back.

“Uh, whatcha got there?” Cruz smiles, his blue blush painting his face from top to tip.

“I found this thing and thought you um….might want to look at it?” Cruz pulls his arm in front, revealing a reflective white shell, just a bit longer than his palm.

“It’s not a crab, but I thought it was neat looking so….”

You slowly move towards him, gesturing to ask if you can hold the shell. Cruz nods, almost shoving it into your hand.

The color is completely white, sharp, almost polished-looking. It carves into several rings before sloping into a point. It’s empty, the inside free of any sand or tiny algae.

“Do you know what it’s called?”

You look back to Cruz and nearly brush your nose against his. You realize how hot his body heat is as he leans over you to look at the shell. Your shoulders just barely touch.

As if dipped into boiling water, your face alights into red and your body convulses to jerk away from the heat.

“Yeah-Yes! Actually I do, it’s-it looks like a Kellets W-Welk. Well, the remains of one’s shell anyway.”

Cruz stays close, letting out a small “Ohhh.” as he squints his eyes to get a closer look. It’s the most on-land you’ve seen him, with the water lapping at the base of his tail. Sitting down, your head only comes to his clavicle. The uncomfortable burning stirs in your gut.

“Is it a hermit crab?”

“Not, it’s a sea snail. They're not really on land like crabs.” You brush your thumbs over the shell’s ridges. “There are quite a few varieties of sea snails around here, lots of beautiful shells. Their babies look pretty cool too.”

Cruz nods, eyes intent, and it reminds you of the elementary kids you saw when working at the aquarium. Your heart skips as you futilely try to fight the smile on your face.

“Can you eat ‘em?”

You chuckle and Cruz’s face grows a darker shade of blue. “Yeah, you can. You’ve got a good eye for snacks huh?”

Cruz pouts playfully, blue still awash on his cheeks. “Maybe, but I’m not always thinking about food.” Just as he finishes, you hear his stomach rumble. You stifle your laugh with your hand and Cruz grabs his stomach angrily. “Sh-Shut up! It’s almost dinner!”

The two mermaids flash in your mind. You see Cruz handing over the dolphin as they swim away. Then you see Cruz, furiously cracking open crabs with a single-minded purpose. The smile drops from your chin.

How often does that happen?

Cruz was small for a Great White. You hadn’t even thought about why. You don’t even know if you want to.

“They’re pretty tasty, but their shells are a lot more fun.” Cruz furrows his brow again. “Here, let me show you.” You scoot yourself closer to him, putting the white shell against his ear. His eyes widen and he leans backwards a bit from your closeness, but the shell still lingers by his ear. “Do you hear it?”

Cruz stills, furrowing his brows even deeper, but then they rise in surprise. He leans back towards you, tentatively grabbing your wrist and pulling the shell closer.

“Its-”

“The ocean.”

The same childlike wonder from before flushes on his face as he looks at you, bringing your stomach a flutter. Cruz presses his head down closer to the shell, the bottom of his cheek now touching your palm. Cruz’s skin is cool against yours, slightly damp, and you feel the hint of roughness as his chin brushes against your wrist.

“How-How did you-”

“My mom showed me once. I mean, technically it’s the echo of the blood coursing through your ear, which reverberates and sounds like waves crashing. But it’s still a neat trick.”

“Oh, I see….”

From this close, you can see the small freckles which dapple Cruz’s cheeks, peppering across the bridge of his nose and up onto his forehead. Specks of dark blue, black, and green contrasts against his light gray skin, like the setting sun catching the pulling tides.

In the moment, you long to touch them.

So you do.

It’s so….soft.

As your thumb brushes up his jaw, the mottled colors are overwhelmed and overshadowed by Cruz’s furious blush. Cruz moves away so quickly that he unfurls his grip on a nearby rock and loses his balance. He braces himself and hisses as his thin skin nicks the corner of a rock.

“Oh my god, I’m so-so sorry! I just- oh my goodness are you okay?” You retract the shell closer to your chest, your other hand outstretched to steady Cruz. When he flinches away, you pull it back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have invaded your personal space like that.”

Cruz's chest heaves but he doesn’t move or say anything. From the corner of your eye you spot a tiny bit of blood leaking onto the rock.

“Oh shit, wait I-I should have something.” You whip around to your backpack, shuffling and pushing aside your notebook to find your emergency first aid kit. Water wells in the corner of your eyes as you frantically search. You desperately try to will the tears away.

Stupid, stupid, stupid stupid-

Your inner insults are interrupted when your fingers brush against the familiar plastic fabric pouch. Before turning back to Cruz, you hastily wipe your eyes.

“Here, this should help.” You hold out the small thing of gauze and an antiseptic wipe. Cruz slowly takes them, fiddling with the gauze until it's undone. He picks up the antiseptic package with the tips of his forefinger and thumb, eyes squinting as he tries to read the small text.

“That’s to clean the wound with, to get the gross stuff out.” Cruz’s eyes narrow even further, brushing his thumb over the paper wrapping. Tentatively, he plops the unwrapped wipe on his wound. He looks back, clearly confused. “You have to unwrap it first, then wipe it.” His blush returns as he jerks his eyes away from you, embarrassed with you watching.

“I could do-”

“I’ve got it.” Cruz snaps, finding the perforation and ripping it off quickly.

“Okay, but it’s gonna sting-”

“Ow, shit!” Cruz curses as he presses the wipe against the apex of his cut, whining and biting his lower lip.

“If it’s hurting that means it’s working.” Cruz nods, but he hastily wipes the wound and sighs as he crumples it up.Cruz wraps his cut with medical precision, reminding you of boxers right before a match. He cuts the gauze short with a snip of his teeth

“Wow, you're really good at that.” Cruz snorts.

“I don’t need any jackasses going into a frenzy anytime soon. That would be the perfect end to this shit day.”

Your heart freezes as your stomach drops, and you recoil into yourself. The nausea of guilt washes over you. And then that makes you feel even worse, and so the cycle continues.

Cruz notices your sheepish, downtrodden stare, and frantically waves his good hand.

“Wait, shit, no, thats-thats not what I meant. Uh…” He loses track of his sentence, mouth agape as he looks for words. “I mean….thank you.” He fiddles with his claws. “For the bandage, a-and the food a couple days ago. This is...nice.”

You’re almost embarrassed by how quickly his praise perks you up, rolling over your tense muscles like a masseuse.

“Thank you for the shell, it was very thoughtful of you.” Cruz sputters.

“I just passed by it on a swim, it wasn’t a big deal. The reefs got a ton of them, so, y’know.”

You don’t know, but it’s cute watching him fumble with his words. He’s so bashful for an apex predator you saw kill a dolphin not 20 minutes ago.

“I could even-well, it’s close that we- we could go sometime? You and me?” Cruz fiddles with his claws once more, and you wonder if it’s a nervous compulsion. “It’s a little ways away from the coast but with me carrying you, we could probably see a lot.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.” Cruz’s nervous smile is much more lopsided than his regular one. It accentuates the dimple on his left cheek.

“I would love that.”

-----------

You decide to meet up early on Saturday to get a head start on the sunlight. You leave the boardwalk giddy, your nerves tingling pleasantly with pre-plan jitters. All this energy means you might have to spill to Caitlyn once more, just to let it all out. You’ll most likely tell her you two are getting breakfast by the beach, maybe stop by an aquarium.

Looking at all the coral and the crustaceans. Just me, in Cruz’s arms-

You stop, your nerves bubbling up under your skin, like steam is blowing out of your ears as you think about what is in store for Saturday.

You’re still not sure how Cruz feels about you. But there isn’t a show of a doubt now; You have a crush on him.

----------

Cruz sits in the water, cracking open a leftover oyster he had left in his bag for emergencies. Emergencies like being so flustered he can't possibly go back to the pod, not without looking incredibly suspicious.

He brushes his thumb over his cheek, and it’s almost like you're there again.

So….soft.

#my writing #monster romance #monster x reader #reader insert #shark merman #merman #shark merman x reader

[justasparkwritings]

March: Too Scared

Pairing: Jung Hoseok x Reader

Genre: Angst, Slice of Life

Rating: PG15

Word Count: 1.6K

Warnings: Swearing

Summary: Hoseok always plans on going on epic adventures with you... and it’s not his fault his fight or flight response happens to lean towards flight, resulting in you being left alone... again and again. 

Written for #thebtswritersclub monthly challenge

           Your red and blue jumpsuit hangs off your frame, a size down and it would be too small, a size up and there’d be too much fabric, a hazard in this environment. Your helmet, in contrast, fits snuggly over your cranium, safety goggles protecting your eyes from the impending devastating winds. At this moment, you’ve completed the preliminary training and are waiting with your fellow divers for your chance in the tube. Earplugs already in, it takes you a minute to register that he’s trying to talk to you. It’s his hand aggressively tapping your shoulder that brings your eyes to his.

           He takes off his helmet, and your stomach drops. Adrenaline left your blood stream as you watched him. His eyes begged of you to take yours off, and you did, if only to hear your disappointment more clearly.

           “I don’t want to do this. I’m too scared,” He informed you.

           “You wanted to do this!” You snapped.

           “I changed my mind!”

           “The deposit is paid, we have to,”

           “It’s too scary, no,”

           “You’re being-

           “Don’t say it,”

           “So difficult, my god!” You stood up from the bench, moving to the back corner of the waiting area and away from the other two people in your group.

           “I’m scared! Aren’t you?” He asked.

           “I wasn’t until you started chickening out.” You said.

           “I’m just, afraid, okay?”

           “Hoseok,” Your voice was a warning, a siren that couldn’t be overwhelmed by the voracious faux winds being created twenty feet from you. “You promised.”

           “Come on, baby, please, let’s just, not and say we did?” He begged.

           “You can wait in the car. I’m still doing it.” You quickly moved out of his reach and sat back down, placing your earplugs back in, and securing your helmet over your head.

           Hoseok, unwilling to sit in the car and not watch you, decided to sit to the side, staring in awe as you “flew” in the indoor skydiving chamber, legs steady against the hurricane like winds, arms spread to steady yourself. You’re a natural.

           The adrenaline returned, blocking all anger you were feeling towards Hoseok. In the moment, what mattered is the slight lock of your legs, the angle of your arms, breathing in rushed moments to ensure you don’t faint in the sky. Who would jump out of a plane when you could do this?

           It was over too soon, leaving you feeling empty and angry again, this time tears welling in your eyes.

           “You were so good!” Hoseok exclaimed.

           “Thanks,” You muttered, busying yourself with taking off your gear and pretending to be interested in the photos that were snapped.

           “How was it? It looked amazing,”

           “It was fine,”

           “Just fine?” Hoseok trailed behind you, one step away from flat tiring your heels, breath threatening to tickle the back of your neck.

           “Yes, fine,” You refused to look at him the entire drive to your apartment, where Hoseok could’ve sworn he was going to stay the night.

           “Why are you so mad at me?” Hoseok asked, this time his breath fanned your face, his arms caged you against the island in your counter. Dominating you, eyes narrowed, voice low, hands steadfast, white knuckling the faux granite.

           “Because you suck,”

           “That’s a terrible reason,” He said, he didn’t roll his eyes, but stared at you, mouth slightly open in surprise. He hadn’t expected you to be indifferent towards him.

           “I’m mad because you always get so close to trying something new and then you just, poof, cancel, leaving me to do it all alone.” You explained.

           “You don’t have to go through with things,” Hoseok told you. He backed away, arms crossing over his chest in defense.

           “Then why make the fuss if you never plan to go through with it?” You asked.

           “I do plan to, I just, get scared.”

           “You abandon me,” You accused. “You give me your word and then at the last possible second, back out.”

           “I, no,” Hoseok shook his head, gone was the domineering, confident, J-Hope-Mic-Drop version of himself. Here stands Hoseok, scared to ride a horse, screams at balloons being popped, cuddle monster, multitudes of a man.

           “Yes, you do,” You repeated.

           “I don’t mean to,”

           “You do everything in RUN BTS! Everything, you eat it all, try it all, there isn’t anything you won’t do when the cameras on you!” You reprimand him.  

           “I have to,” He countered. It was true, a contract was a contract.

           “Is it that you get to do it with them?” You asked. “Is that the difference?”

           “No!”

           “Explain to me how you can be so,” You sighed. “You’re so intentional with everything you do, from music to fashion to writing and dancing… but when it comes to us, to me, you just stomp all over me. Namjoon’s the god of destruction but you, you just break my heart again and again.”

           “Baby-

           “No, Hoseok, no. I’m not your baby,”

           “You’re my girlfriend,” His confusion was written in the slope of his brows.

           “No, I’m not, because you don’t treat me like your girlfriend. You treat me like a toy, like a friend you get to be naked with, but you don’t treat me like I’m your girlfriend. So, I guess, I’m not.”

           “That’s not true,” He tried to argue, to protest, but he can tell, nothing he said that night would make a difference. He hurt you, however unintentional his actions were, he still hurt you.

           “That’s how it feels.” You muttered.

          “It’s not true,”

          “Then why do you just, you leave me. Today it was indoor sky diving, a month ago it was go carts, before that it was swimming with dolphins and taking the pram up to Jesus the Redeemer. You plan these elaborate trips, these excursions and exhibitions and just… leave me to experience it by myself. What’s worse is that you turn around do it with Bangtan! I’m tired of being second best.” You pushed yourself off the counter and begin to walk away from him.

          “What do you, what do you want me to do?” Hoseok asked.

          “I want you to leave and call me when you can treat me like your girlfriend.”

           That was three weeks ago.

          It wasn’t that Hoseok hasn’t called, or texted, or sent flowers and chocolate. He has. His “Good morning, I hope you have a beautiful day” texts continue to arrive around 7AM every day, followed by his mid-morning check in… But his efforts, his I love you’s, his song of the days, all go unanswered. You aren’t so cruel as to You just haven’t responded. You’re hurt, aching, disappointed. Hoseok couldn’t see you, and that was a devastating realization for both of you.

           For Hoseok, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to do all those things with you, or spend that time exploring. It was just, he didn’t know what it was. What stopped him?

           “What are you doing here?” You ask, staring up at Hoseok. He’d knocked on your door, no text or call warning you of his arrival, just showed up. In one hand he held a bag of take out, the other rested against your door frame, leaning.

           “We need to talk,” He says. “Can I come in?”

           “I, yeah,” You step aside to let him in. He kicks off his shoes, Gucci, before slinking off his jacket and face mask.

           “I stopped by your favorite,” Hoseok says, setting the bags on the counter.

           “Did you buy enough for us or all of Bangtan?” You question. Grabbing two plates, you stop to look over what he bought.

           “I got one of our favorites, then I got two new things for us to try,”

           “Why?”

           “Because, our relationship is about growth and moving forward together, and I’ve been asking you to do all that without me,” Hoseok stops fidgeting with the take out containers. “That hasn’t been fair to you, and I’m sorry.”

           “I don’t, I don’t know what to say,”

           “I didn’t realize the position I was putting you in. With Bangtan, we just power through it, do whatever we have to do. I guess, when I was given the chance to back out, I always took it because it was the only time I could,” Hoseok’s gaze finds yours, he’s surprised to see the warmth in your irises. “I’m sorry baby.”

           “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner,” You tell him, “I should’ve, and I could’ve said something instead of letting it bubble and boil,”

           “And burn,” Hoseok steps towards you, his cautious steps moving him incrementally closer. He’s moving far too slow, and you nearly leap at him pulling him against you. A muffled “Oh!” can be heard as your arms hold him tight, the physical contact needed after what felt like years apart.

           “I missed you,” You mumble, cheek pressed against his chest.

           “I missed you too,” Hoseok agrees.

           “I’m sorry I stopped answering you, that was shitty of me,”

           “I accept your apology,” He hums.

           “I accept yours too,” You tell him.

          Hoseok leans down, placing a kiss on your forehead. “Let’s try not to do that ever again, okay?”

          “Deal,” You pull away, eyes staring into his.

          “I love you,” Hoseok tells you.

          “I love you too,”

          “I’ve missed hearing that,” Hoseok says, leaning down to press his lips to yours. Damn if you didn’t miss his lips, on yours, on your neck, nibbling your ear, whispering, praising, licking, kissing… and his hands… touching, caressing, groping, tickling, tracing… He was everything you could dream of.

          “Hobi,” You whisper, lips close to his ear as his trail your neck.

          “Hm?”

          “I’m really hungry,” You inform him. He giggles before leveling his gaze.

          “Ready for this food adventure?” He asks.

          “Yes, but no backing out!”

          “Promise,” Hoseok smiles.

          And this time? He keeps his word.

Next: April’s Monthly Challenge

#thebtswritersclub #march challenge #monthly challenge #jung hoseok #Jung Hoseok / j hope #j hope #hoseok fanfic #hoseok x reader #hoseok x you #BTS fanfic #houseofddaeng #hobi drabbles #hobi angst #Hoseok angst #established relationship #established couple #Jung Hoseok fanfic #Jung Hoseok fic #Jung Hoseok angst #adventure #bangtanarmynet

[animeniacss]

A Palette of Emotions - Artist!Taehyung x Teacher!Reader - Chapter 24 - Art is Subjective...

Synopsis: Taehyung dreams of being a professional and famous artist one day, but finds that the sea of creativity can be lurking with blood hungry sharks, as well as bland, motionless starfish. Swimming through the sea of opportunities somehow washed him up onto the shore of Bright Star Preschool, as an art teacher. This wasn’t where he expected to be 4 years into his career, but anything to get his big break though, right?

Feat. BTS, TXT, ITZY, Jisoo (BlackPink), Taeyong (NCT)

Genre: Romance, Slow Burn, Love Triangle, Drama, School Setting, Working!AU

Length: approx. 4.8k words

Chapter 24 - Art is Subjective

           Taehyung watched from his folding chair as Jungkook eagerly set up his paintings around his spot in the show. Taehyung insisted on helping, but Jungkook told him he was not allowed to do anything but sit in the chair and offer support to the high schooler. Despite all of Taehyung’s insisting, Jungkook was not having it and proceeded to set up all of his work on his own. When he was done, he was quick to pull out his phone and step in front of his stall. Taehyung looked over at the eager boy, curious as to what he was doing.

            Jungkook’s wide grin made Taehyung smile. “Smile, Hyung! This is going on my Instagram and I’m tagging you, so look cute!” Taehyung had to crane his neck slightly, but offered the camera a slight glimpse of his boxy smile, a peace sign lifting into the air. Jungkook snapped several pictures and stuck the phone in his pocket. “I’m so excited for everyone to start coming! Do you think I’ll sell something?”

            “I’m sure you will,” Taehyung said. “But this can be a hard thing to do, so don’t get upset if you don’t have much success, it’s only your first art show.” Jungkook plopped beside his mentor, who offered him a supportive pat on the shoulder. The younger nodded and ran a hand through his hair.

            “I know. I’m not a seasoned pro, like you.” He nodded, and Taehyung had to let a laugh out.

            “Don’t suck up, I’m not buying shit.” He teased, and the both of them grinned. After a moment of silence, Taehyung nodded. “But you’re not wrong.” Jungkook giggled a bit, and with that, the sound of people approaching the area around their stall had Jungkook right back on his feet.

            For a good hour, Jungkook was standing outside of his stall like a puppy who was eagerly waiting at the door for its owner to come home and greet him. Taehyung watched for a while, before standing up and approaching the younger boy, who was just waving goodbye to someone who had stopped to look.

            “Don’t stand right here the whole time,” Taehyung advised, and Jungkook looked over. Taehyung could see his eyes widen slightly, as if he wanted to hear Taehyung’s advice, but was scared of what it would end up being. “You look a little desperate. If you at least sit down, the right people will see the work and come over. That’s the best time to get up and walk over to say hi.” Jungkook nodded. “One time I stood up for a whole 6 hours in front of my stand. I think I tried to make contact with every person who passed me by. At the end of the show, I had sold nothing, and only left with a headache from all of the intense staring I did.”

            Taehyung’s confession did make Jungkook nod in understanding. “Right….” He said softly.

            “It’s good to be eager, but don’t be too in your face. Just sit back and relax for a few minutes.” Jungkook nodded, plopping back down on his seat and crossing his arms. He watched people pass by, looking in the direction of his stall, their eyes scanning all he had to offer before deciding if they wanted to stop and stare or move on for now. Jungkook felt his heart sink with every person that passed by. Taehyung immediately noticed this, and nostalgia fell over him; the nostalgia that brought him back to his early days of selling art. 18 years old, sitting on the grass with Jimin and a tarp full of his earliest works. Most of those works now have either been sold, donated, or given away as gifts, but he remembers the feeling of disappointment that fell across him each moment that passed with nobody stopping to stare for longer than a few seconds. “Art is subjective, Jungkook…” He said simply. “Not everyone is going to like what you have, and that’s fine. We talked about that.”

            “I know…” he said, “But it sucks more when you experience it in real life.”

            “Heh…” Taehyung let an amused grin fall across his face. “Trust me, I know.” He was quick to stand up. “How about I go do some front-line work?” he asked. Jungkook glanced up at Taehyung, curious as to what he meant by ‘front-line work’. “I’ll walk around, and if I see anyone selling stuff similar to yours, I’ll help you make connections with them. And if anyone is staring at what other people are selling, I’ll point them in this direction.”

            “Really?” Jungkook’s eyes sparkled; it was as if Taehyung had just handed him the world on a silver platter. “You’d do that?”

            “Sure! Jimin did it for me, and I ended up making a few art buddies from it. So, it doesn’t even hurt. You can even take a walk around later and do it yourself if you want.” Jungkook nodded. “But for now, man the front lines. I’ll be back.”

            “What about your head?” Jungkook asked, the realization finally hit him. Taehyung scoffed.

            “I’m fine, my sunglasses are on. I’ll be back soon.” He waved Jungkook off, and sticking his hands in his pockets, he headed off deeper into the art show. Jungkook leaned back in his chair, grabbing his water and taking an extra-long sip of it.

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

            “Where do you think Jungkook’s set up?” you asked curiously, glancing over at Hoseok. He ran a hand through his hair and shrugged.

            “Not sure, but I’m sure if we keep looking, we’ll find him.” He said simply. You nodded, continuing to look around as you both passed several stalls. You watched as individuals stood around their crafts, pulling in those who walked back, hoping that they could pair someone up with the art of their dreams in only a few seconds. It felt as if you were at a car dealership instead of an art show, but at the same time, you enjoyed seeing how passionate everyone was! “Anything you see catching your eye?” Hoseok asked curiously. When you turned back to your friend, he smiled. “I’ll buy you something.”

            “No way, it’s okay.” You assured. “I just like looking. I don’t have any room in my apartment for artwork, that’s why the dolphin is hung up in the school.” Hoseok chuckled. “If I find something small, maybe I’ll get it, I don’t know. It really has to catch my eye.”

            Hoseok laughed once again, and the both of you headed deeper into the park, arms linked together in order not to get separated.

            While the both of you were walking and admiring, Taehyung was doing the same thing. He had stopped at a few different stalls to look at some work, chatting up some of the local artists who seemed to be around Jungkook’s age or a bit older. At this moment, he was not the artist. He was Jimin, the charismatic, handsome businessman who was sure to coax anyone into a deal without even realizing it. Taehyung had been channeling his energy the entire walk from Jungkook’s stall. And so far, it seemed to be working.  

            “My friend Jungkook is a few stalls down,” Taehyung said to a young girl no older than 20. She had an entire stall of hand-crafted figurines of famous cartoon characters. As several young children begged their parents for figurines of Pororo or Mickey Mouse, the girl was watching Taehyung scroll through Jungkook’s Instagram. “He’s talented, but still new to the art world. I’m trying to get him some art friends.” The girl chuckled a bit, tugging her hair into a ponytail. With his glasses acting as a cover, Taehyung’s eyes fell in her direction from the phone, wanting to gauge her reaction to see if she was interested. However, every few seconds, he saw her eyes flicker from the phone, gazing up in Taehyung’s direction. When she thought he was staring back, she quickly looked back down at the phone again.

            “He’s talented…” she repeated softly, nodding her head. Taehyung set his phone back into his pocket and turned to the girl. She glanced up at him, and that was when Taehyung slipped off the glasses, piercing her with his dark and intense eyes. He could have sworn he heard her gasp, but he ignored it and offered a warm smile.

            “We’ll be there the whole time, so you should come to say hi and see all of his work in person.” The young woman quickly nodded again, and Taehyung saw her cheeks turn a soft pink.

            “I’ll come to stop by in a bit when I take a break.” She murmured. Taehyung nodded and waved goodbye. The girls waved as well, and Taehyung passed by her stall, glancing over all of her creations before continuing down the path. His hands slipped into his pockets, and he was quick to slip his glasses back on, the sun beginning to hurt his head just slightly. He continued through the stalls, trying to find artwork and artists that he thought would be a good connection for Jungkook to have. He wanted to try and find people with various art styles, allowing the group to share experiences and teach each other new ways of making art. In Taehyung’s mind, that was one of the most important things about making connections with others.

            As Taehyung was deep in thought, manager mode on as he eagerly searched the area, he was stopped almost immediately, when he heard a high-pitched voice hit him right in the back of the head.

            “I think that’s Jungkook down there. Let’s go say hi!” Taehyung was quick to spin his entire body around, eyes darting directly to whoever it was who made that noise. It was easy to find, he knew exactly who it was: Hoseok.

            Dressed in a pair of baggy jeans and an oversized blue button-up, Hoseok was grinning as he pointed in the opposite direction. Taehyung’s eyes turned slightly to see who exactly who he was with, and when he saw you, his heart swelled into his chest. You were holding a beautifully crafted mug in your hand, practically cradling it that was how tiny it was. He watched you set the mug down quickly, thanking the artist for allowing you the chance to hold and look at it. Waving him off, you followed Hoseok down the path and towards Jungkook’s stall. Taehyung stood there a moment, wondering if he should follow you. He had been waiting for the chance to see you and watching you hurry farther and farther away from him only made him want to try to catch up.

            No, no. I’m helping Jungkook. I’ll catch her later, I’m sure. He thought to himself, shaking his head. As he watched you both disappear behind the other groups of people walking between exhibits, he turned back on his heel and continued down the path.

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

            Jungkook was standing outside of the stall, holding up a painting of his as he spoke to a kind older woman who was asking about it.

            “You really are a talented young man, aren’t you?” she beamed. Jungkook laughed nervously.

            “Oh, thank you, I don’t know if I’m really all that good just yet. I have a lot more practicing to do.” Jungkook admitted sheepishly. “My mentor has taught me a lot though, he’s the real talent.”

            “Well, if someone is teaching talent such as this, then he must be.” The woman grinned. Jungkook laughed shyly. “Well, I want to go find my husband and bring him over to see the collection you have here. He’s quite a lover of the arts, you know. Would it be ok if I come back in a little while?”

            Jungkook’s eyes sparkled. “Of course!” he said eagerly. “I’ll be here all day.” The woman nodded.

            “And what did you say your name was again, dear?” she asked.

            “Jeon Jungkook.” He smiled happily. The woman nodded, waving before walking down the path. Jungkook watched her go for a moment, and that was when he saw Hoseok and you appearing, heading towards his stall. That only made the smile on his face growing wider. “Hey.” He said happily.

            “Hi!” You said happily, hurrying over to Jungkook. “How’s it all coming?”

            “I’ve got a few people to stop and look, but no sales yet.” Jungkook pouted. “But a nice older lady came and said she was going to bring her husband to look, she liked my stuff.”

            “That’s great!” Hoseok cheered. You were quick to scan the stall, and saw two open chairs sitting under the shade.

            “Taehyung ended upcoming?” you asked curiously.

            “Oh yeah. He said he was going around to find some other artists I could meet and talk to since I don’t know many other people other than him. He should be back soon, hopefully. I don’t want him being out too long, he said his head was still hurting a bit.” Hearing Jungkook’s comment made you feel a bit uneasy, remembering how he looked when you had gone to visit him the other day, despite how hard he had tried to act anything but. As that memory flooded your mind, you couldn’t help but also remember the kiss –

            “Well, if we don’t cross paths that’s okay!” You said quickly, offering up a nervous giggle. Hoseok looked over at you, raising an eyebrow.

            “We can always come back later, you know.” Hoseok was quick to point it out, and you nodded your head. Hoseok had no idea about what happened the other day, in fact, nobody outside you and Taehyung knew. Hopefully.

            “Yeah, that’s true…” you said simply. “We can…” Hoseok, who was actively confused as to what had suddenly gotten you so jumpy, simply rubbed your arm gently. “Anyway, let’s take a look at what we have here, hm?” you walked towards the stall, and began to quickly admire all of the work. “Wow…” you said in disbelief. “You made all of these in such a short amount of time.” Jungkook nodded.

            “I do a lot of it on the weekends, and I doodle a lot during class.” He admitted. Hoseok shook his head.

            “You shouldn’t do that, Jungkook. Your grades are important.” Jungkook chuckled a bit.

            “I know, I know. But I’m a good student.” He assured quickly. “Oh! You have to come back later, anyway. My uh…” The realization of what Jungkook was going to say made his cheeks turn red. “My girlfriend is coming by when she gets out of work.” Hoseok and you smiled as if you were his parents meeting this girl for the first time. Jungkook must have felt that same thing because he could only laugh nervously. “Not until later though, okay?”

            “Okay, okay…” the both of you said simply, grins on your faces. You quickly turned around and continued to look at his artwork, while Hoseok motioned to a nearby stand and led Jungkook that way.

            Taehyung returned to the stall about 20 minutes later. He had managed to get a few people to look up Jungkook on Instagram and either follow or reach out that way, with another few offering to come by the stall later and say hello in person. He felt good knowing that he was able to help the teenager, and he was excited to see the look on his face when he came back and told him.

            Taehyung had also snagged two orders of fries for the boys to enjoy from the snack stand they had set up right outside the entrance to the park, a nice treat for Jungkook to congratulate him on his hard work so far. As he popped a fry into his mouth, he quickened his pace. He wanted to sit and relax for a bit, he didn’t realize he had been up and walking in the heat for almost 40 minutes, and he was starting to feel it in the back of his head. As he walked closer to Jungkook’s stall, he was met with a very…interesting sight.

            When he approached the stall, he didn’t see Jungkook standing in front and chatting up those who passed by. No, instead, he saw you. You were kneeling in front of the canvases, admiring Jungkook’s hard work with a smile on your face. As Taehyung watched you, it made him think back to the look on your face when you first saw his work in person. It had been stuck in his mind ever since, and he didn’t think it would ever leave.               

            He finally approached the stall, with you still unaware of his presence. “Hey.” He finally said. You were quick to glance up, and stood up almost immediately afterward. “I thought I saw you before, but I wasn’t sure.” He lied. “How are you?”

            “Oh, I’m good. How’s your head?” Taehyung shrugged.

            “Touch and go. I think I’ll make it to Christmas.” He grinned a bit, and you offered a smile. Taehyung glanced down at his hands, still holding the fries tightly. “If I knew you were here already, I would have offered to-.”

            “Oh, that’s okay.” You assured quickly. “We already ate…” Taehyung nodded, smiling gently at you. “Hoseok and Jungkook went down a bit to look at other groups, they should be back soon.” You quickly motioned to the chairs in the shade. “You should sit down and rest. Jungkook said you’ve been up and in the heat and a long time, you’ll make your head hurt more…” Taehyung decided to follow your advice, taking his seat quickly and setting Jungkook’s fries in his chair. You watched him for a moment. “Are you guys staying long?”

            “Maybe.” You chuckled. “Jungkook said someone took an interest in something and is coming back in a little while with her husband. He got pretty excited, so we might hang around a bit longer and see what comes out of that.” Taehyung felt a proud smile form on his face.

            “That’s good.” He said happily. Silence fell over the both of you as Taehyung began to eat, something that you realized happened very often between the two of you. You watched him for a moment, watched as he nibbled on his fries and rested comfortably in his chair. You had to admit, you were wondering what he was thinking. However, the last thing you wanted to do was bring your drama up today and risk anything being thrown out of proportion. Taehyung, though you couldn’t tell with his glasses on, looked over in your direction. When he spoke, it surprised you.

            “Want one?” he asked, holding the bag of fries in your direction. You blinked, shaking your head.

            “No, no. I’m okay…” you assured again. “I already-.”

            “Ate. I know. You just looked like you wanted one.” His playful and boxy grin crept onto his mouth. “Feel free to take one if you change your mind okay?” You were hesitant but nodded.

            “Okay…”

            “Or you can eat Jungkook’s if he doesn’t come back in time.” As you watched Taehyung chuckle a bit and return to eating, it made your mind spin. You were surprised he was as calm as he was right now, especially compared to you. You weren’t sure what had him this way. Your first thought was the concussion was more serious than anyone had thought, but maybe that was a bit too extreme. Letting out a soft breath, you simply decided to turn in the direction Hoseok and Jungkook left in. Lucky for you, they were coming right back to the table. Hoseok hurried up to you.

“There’s a whole group of little knick-knacks at that table over there. Want to go look?”

Hoseok asked when he approached you. Jungkook walked over to Taehyung, sitting next to him and grabbing the fries. He quickly began eating them, and the duo fell immediately into the conversation, Taehyung showing him all of the people who he managed to speak too, and Jungkook sharing what had been going on while he was away. You turned to look at them, watching as Taehyung ruffled Jungkook’s hair, congratulating the younger male on a job well done so far. It made you smile, seeing him so happy.

            “So…” Taehyung hummed. “When is this woman coming back with her husband?” Jungkook shrugged.

            “Not sure. But I hope she comes back soon. She was really nice. She said her husband is really into art, so maybe they’ll buy something.” The giddiness in Jungkook’s voice was infectious, and Taehyung couldn’t help but be excited himself. “That would be amazing!”

            “I’m sure it’ll happen.” Taehyung assured. He got up quickly, walking towards the nearby garbage and tossing his trash in. He took a moment to scan the area. He wanted to see if any good people were passing by, anyone he could chat up and introduce Jungkook’s work too. A few more people stopped and glanced over, curious about what there was to see. Taehyung could hear Jungkook quickly getting up from his seat, eager to talk to more people. It was then he noticed a familiar person walking in the direction of the stall. This person, middle-aged, walked arm in arm with a woman who seemed to be chatting his ear off. The man was looking around as they walked, and Taehyung felt his heart sink the minute he saw that woman point in the direction of Jungkook’s stall. Oh Min-Jae. “Oh God…” Dread covered Taehyung’s body like a blanket, and at that moment, he wanted to die.

            “What’s wrong, Hyung?” Jungkook asked, walking over to Taehyung. He looked in the same direction, and a grin broke out on his face. “Oh, that’s the woman who said she liked my art!”

            “Of course, it is…” Taehyung groaned, covering his face. He walked back towards the stall and rested his hands on it, trying to collect himself. “Of. Fucking. Course! Of course, her husband is Oh Min-Jae why am I not surprised?!” Jungkook raised an eyebrow, turning towards the couple once again, who was getting closer with each step. It took Jungkook a minute to remember all of the times Taehyung had mercilessly gotten frustrated and talked about Oh Min-Jae, and Jungkook bit his lip. “Oh…”

            “Don’t worry, you talk to them. I won’t start anything…” Taehyung said quickly. “Just make a sale. I’ll be over here wondering how someone you claim to be so sweet ended up marrying Satan himself…” Jungkook looked over to see the couple approach, and quickly smiled.

            “Hello again.” He said happily.

            “Hello again, Jungkook.” Mrs. Oh chimed happily. “This is my husband, Mr. Oh Min-Jae.” Jungkook quickly nodded his head, smiling sweetly as he introduced himself once again.     

            “My wife hasn’t stopped talking about you. It’s made me very excited to see what you have to show today.” Jungkook nodded, watching as the couple went closer to his works of art. From the corner of his eye, he could see Taehyung still standing on the side of the stall, not wanting to move in fear he would catch even a glimpse of this guy. That was the last thing he wanted. “Hm…” the man said. “Very interesting. You have quite a unique style here.” Jungkook nodded.

            “Oh uhm…thank you.” Jungkook said softly. “My mentor has really taught me a lot. He’s an amazing artist.” Jungkook glanced at Taehyung once again and saw the guy was chewing on his lower lip, using up all of his strength not to move from that spot. It made Jungkook feel bad, because he wanted Taehyung to get the recognition he deserved. “Maybe you’ve heard of him, Kim Taehyung?”

            At that moment, Taehyung’s eyes went wide, and he felt as if he was going to die. He quickly turned to look at Jungkook, hoping he would catch his gaze. However, he did not. Min-Jae pursed his lips together, and nodded.

            “Yes, I know who that is. Amazing how someone who likes to paint dolphins and mentored such talent out of you. Unless we are thinking of two different people, which would not surprise me in the slightest.”

            Bastard…Taehyung thought to himself, eyes narrowing.

            “No! Kim Taehyung, I know you know who he is.” Jungkook smiled. “He paints amazing pictures of-.”

            “-Of dolphins, like I said.” Min-Jae repeated. “I’m merely saying it takes true talent on your part to create such beautiful pieces under the guide of someone so unprofessional in his craft.”

            “But that’s not-.”

            Before Jungkook could finished, Taehyung turned the corner and crossed his arms. “For someone who hates me, you sure do love having my name in your mouth.” Taehyung scoffed. Min-Jae looked over, and a devilish smile graced his lips.

            “Taehyung, happy to see you.” He said simply. “How is your life of mediocrity suiting you?” Taehyung glared, but tried his best to keep his cool and brush off what the older man had said.

            “Just fine, thank you.” He said simply. Min-Jae turned back to his wife, who was admiring some of the pieces Jungkook had laid out. “We’re not going to have the same issue we had when you saw my artwork, right? Harassing me and not buying anything.” Min-Jae laughed.

            “Unlike then, I actually enjoy the artwork I see right now.” Min-Jae said simply. Taehyung frowned as the man turned to his wife. “Did you find the one you liked, dear?” The woman, smile beaming, lifted up a painting of a beautiful skyline. The feeling emanated a warmth, as if one was indeed at the beach and enjoying the sunshine the picture gave off. “That’s absolutely beautiful.” He grinned. “You’re incredibly talented, Jungkook. You have the potential to truly become something amazing in the artist world.”

As Taehyung watched the scene unfold, he heard a voice behind him that caused him to turn his head. “Taehyung!” When he turned, he saw you approach. You were beaming, holding something in your hands. “Look what I-.” before you could show him, you caught sight of the other people before you. You quickly looked at Hoseok, who gently pulled you back behind him, wanting to shield you in case anything happened.

Taehyung turned back to Min-Jae, and watched as Min-Jae pulled out his wallet. “We’ll take it.” Jungkook’s eyes widened as Min-Jae handed Jungkook a handful of won. He skimmed it over and immediately could tell there was more in his hands than he planned to charge for the painting.

            “What? Sir, I can’t-.”

            “Take the entirety of it. Consider it my intuition that you’ll be able to double or triple this selling your art in the future.” Min-Jae looked at Taehyung one more time. “It’s truly good work. You might want to give your mentor a few pointers.”

            “Okay, now come on!” Taehyung frowned. Almost immediately, he felt someone grip his arm. When he turned around, he saw Hoseok holding onto the sleeve of his arm. He sighed softly. He saw you watching silently, unsure of what exactly was going on, but Taehyung could tell that you were a bit put off. Jungkook watched as Mrs. Oh turned to Jungkook, smiling sweetly.

            “Thank you, sweetheart. It’s going right above my study. It is going to be wonderful.” Jungkook nodded, smiling sweetly. Mrs. Oh quickly took her husband by the arm. “Now you. Knock it off and let’s get going.” With that, the both of them headed away from the stall. Taehyung watched as the both of them left, and he turned to Jungkook, who was holding the money given to him tightly in his hands. His eyes were sparkling as he looked at it. Taehyung sighed, walking over to Jungkook and patting him on the shoulder.

            “Good job, Jungkook. You sold your first painting.” When Jungkook looked up at his Hyung, Taehyung only offered him a smile. “Put that money somewhere safe.” He walked over to you, watching as you looked down at the thing in your hands. Taehyung tilted his head as he approached you. “What did you buy?” he asked curiously. You glanced up at him, showing him the little canvas, you had in your hands. As he walked over, he kept thinking about what he had told Jungkook earlier that day. 

Art is subjective…. Not everyone is going to like everything. 

Taehyung tilted his head as he approached you. “What did you buy?” he asked curiously. You glanced up at him, showing him the little canvas, you had in your hands. You were holding a bright yellow figurine, shaped like a star with a bright smile on it. Taehyung looked down at you.           

“It’s a cute little figurine.” You smiled. “You know, a star…like Bright Star Preschool.” Taehyung blinked. At that moment, despite the annoyance and anger, he was feeling after having to get through that conversation with Min-Jae, he ended up breaking into the widest grin at the sight of you. “I think it would look really cute on my desk, don’t you? It was cheap too.” Taehyung chuckled a bit.           

 “Definitely.” He said softly. You smiled a bit, nodding in happiness. “Hey, uhm…do you want to take a walk with me?” he asked curiously. “I want to clear my head…”             

“Uhm, okay, sure!” You said sweetly. Taehyung nodded, quickly leading you down the path and away from the stall, leaving Hoseok and Jungkook there with nothing to say.           

Art was subjective. Taehyung thought to himself again. But I have a feeling that prick just did that on purpose.

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[johnnypovolny]

Iquitos

-Day 1

Abby came down to Lima to join me for the jungle!! We flew into into Iquitos and got picked up by our tour company. Our guide is Kevin, a somewhat quiet guy who told us a ton about his experience doing ayahuasca and other hallucinogens. We went in a car to a smaller town (looking at the map, maybe Nauta?) where we got a tuk tuk to this riverside market to meet our boat. Iquitos and the smaller town both remind me a lot of asia: tuk tuks everywhere, lots of bright colors and a vibe of sweaty chaos (in particular the riverside market reminded me of India- lots of little wood tiendas selling fruit and a guy announcing specials for a restaurant over a loudspeaker for literally hours). Turns out we had the boat and the weekend’s tour to ourselves, just us, Kevin, the boat driver Miguel (and later Jhon Marcos, the local guide we picked up).

The beginning of the boat ride was down a brown muddy river past the suburbs of the town- the tin roofed colorful huts and the brown water made me feel a lot like i was in a pirate town in the caribbean or something. For lunch we ate juane, which is a bijao leaf wrapped around a yellowish chicken and rice stew and steamed. Pretty cool jungly way to cook a meal. 

I was resting with my head in Abby’s lap when suddenly we got a huge shock- the boat ran aground on a sandbar! We slowly worked back and forth in reverse to get unstuck and then promptly ran into it again in another spot which made me laugh, but eventually we got it right. 

WE GOT OUR FIRST VIEW OF RIVER DOLPHINS! These were the grey variety (the smaller of the two freshwater types). But so beautiful to see that animal and so weird in the context of a river- they were all around the boat and we followed one particular group of them along the edge of the river (Miguel got us super close) and watched them in the golden evening light. There was one individual in particular that seemed to almost be showing off- jumping high out of the water as they swam away from us. We came to a bend in the river and left the dolphins just as we changed to the black water that Pacaya Samiria is famous for!

Got to the TINY town of Buenos Aires where we’re staying the night in a lodge (which is wood and mosquito screens so its basically open to the air). The town is basically a cluster of houses next to the river around a soccer field- the people there climb trees to harvest aguaye fruit and sell it to be taken upriver, act as jungle guides, make crafts, etc. They also told us that a lot of times its normal that girls there have babies as early as 12 which was a crazy “we’re not in Kansas moment”. This is where we picked up Jhon Marcos (I like his vibe, friendly and with the air total confidence that comes with being extremely competent in whatever situation) I went canoeing in a hollowed out canoe and watch the sunset light on the trees. I found a little side river and went a few meters into it- not too much because I didn’t want to accidentally get lost but it was so cool to imagine it just snaking away into the jungle and the middle of nowhere. A sudden warm jungle rainstorm started as I was sitting there in the mouth of the river. It was a super tranquil, solo, wild moment- I really like the no-frills no-rules approach of this tour where they just let me take a canoe out to wherever I felt like. 

We got up to our room around sunset and had a pink toed tarantula IN THE ROOM. It’s a huge jet-black spider close about the size of my palm (and the old man who runs the hotel told me that there are much bigger ones). Did some david attenborough impression videos watched it walk around our room and eventually under the edge of the wall and away. 

We went on a night jungle walk through the muddy trails- not a ton of wildlife, but we saw one big brown tarantula and a scorpion spider and had fun walking under huge-leafed plants feeling like Alice in wonderland. Kevin also showed me a way to keep mosquitos away that the local hunters us- poke a hole in a termite nest, let them crawl up on your arms (because they’re too small to bite) and then wipe your arms, crushing the termites which leaves a sticky residue on your arms that actually smells amazing to me (kind of sweet and herbal like pine) but apparently mosquitos hate.

Day 2

Kevin, Jhon and I did an early canoe ride through the flooded forest. Saw 4 sloths, including one up close at the edge of a little jungle-bound lake. The fur and face looks fake like a star wars ewok - rubbery pink lips, dark eyes, patches of greenish grey and brown fur which exactly matches the two colors of the tree it was staying in. Saw a rare jungle bird called juatsin (“shangsho” by locals). It has a big crest on its head and two stomachs where it ferments and then digests food, learns to swim when young and eats fish then grows up and changes to leaves. Also saw “mama vieja” which is a hawk with a white head that makes a scratchy cry. Wended our way through the little gaps between trees growing out of/reflected in the black water- cool to watch Jhon expertly turn and move the canoe effortlessly through small spaces. He told me about local medicines (gave some leaf-infused alcohol and water mixture to Abby that actually really helped her stomach an impressive amount- cool to see it really work!) and local alcohols made from roots (called 7 raíces), maracuya, and other fruits.

Went 2 hours further down the river to set up our tents! 

In the afternoon we went to look for monkeys in the jungle around this lake that’s inaccessible because its grown over by plant life (normally managed by turtles and manatees but their populations are too low right now). We didn’t see any monkeys but in the trees while we searched we saw the head of a large snake sitting in a hole in a tree (Jhon said it’s probably about 6ft long). Tried some jungle berries that we cut right off a tree with the machete- you strip them off the spiney branches with your fingers or teeth and then crack them, suck the juice, and spit them out- sweet and tasty. But the really cool thing was on the way there:  PINK DOLPHINS! They’re much bigger than the grey ones (more like 6-7 feet instead of 3-4) and vary between greyish pink and really bright pink depending on gender and age. I managed to catch one as it jumped all the way out of the water! Such a neat bucket list animal to spot in the wild, I was excited. 

In the nighttime we went out looking for caiman (a crocodile-like animal). Jhon was calling to them with a deep throaty grunt and sometimes a squeaking noise that the young ones do. He taught me how to do it and sometimes they would answer us from miles away which was cool. They used the flashlight to search for reflecting eyes from the boat and then we took the canoe to go catch them! I sort of envisioned them being bigger (the larger ones apparently live deeper in the jungle so its easier to see them if its dry season and you can hike- they get up to like 15 feet). The ones we saw were only a few feet long, BUT we got to hold them! Jhon literally paddled the canoe silently up next to them and would wait poised and then suddenly pounce and grab one out of the water with his bare hands! Crazy to watch that. 

Camped in the jungle under a tree with lots of fruit falling on our tent in the night. 

Day 3

Monkeys were in the trees around us in the morning- some of them were far away so it was tough to see them, but there were a few small black ones in a tree right near the boat. We also saw spider monkeys and black capuchins in the trees later in the day from the boat as we were traveling. 

Went to go get “hubo” for Abby, which is a tree medicine that’s good for stomach issues. This was a hike, but parts of it were in the flooded jungle trails where the water was chest deep and apparently there are extremely dangerous electric eels! Kind of a wild adventure to be walking through the murky water of a dark flooded jungle stepping over submerged roots and wending our way through the dappled shadows and sunlight and among the trees. At the end of the walk/wade/swim was the mother of all trees- normally this stands but it fell recently because a storm eroded its roots. This thing was INSANELY massive. One section we were standing on was a sort of spur (because the trunk isn’t round) was like 10 feet long- a top section where we were standing, and then a sweeping curve of trunk downward (because the tree was fallen) to another spur like 8 feet long. It’s hard to describe in writing but it was just massive. We stood on this big tree and scraped bark from the hubo tree with the machete, then I used my hands to squeeze the blood-red moisture out of the bark and into a cup so Abby could drink it. She said it didn’t work as well as the leaf infusion but it was still cool to learn about and the water hiking journey there and back was certainly a new experience.    

We went piranha fishing (Abby caught more than anyone, more quickly, so see her if you need fishing tips) and on our way there for a second we saw two giant river otters! One of them popped his head out of the water and stared right at us from like 20 feet away, showing us his big doglike teeth. This is kind of a rare animal to spot so it was fun to see (I have really good wildlife juju for some reason, knock on wood).

Day 4

Jhon taught me how to use the two rope system the locals use for climbing aguaje trees- super physically difficult and technical. I couldn’t go all the way up the tree like I’d envisioned because it was kinda dangerous and difficult, which was disappointing but still cool to learn. Our boat ride back was some of the best weather we’ve had- just spectacular sun and a warm breeze. We basked 

We got back to Iquitos and the guides dropped us at the airport. We realized it was too long to wait till our flight, so we took a super smoggy tuk tuk ride to the city center. Sat in the plaza de armas with our backs against a statue and ate cake we bought from a lady on the corner. Then we walked around a bit and saw a restaurant on a balcony- sat up there watching the sun set and the traffic whizz around the plaza as the fluorescent street lights came on and had drinks. I got a cocktail made from rum, “7 raices” (the root liquor), and coconut cream- it turned out to be frozen, pink, extremely girly, and the best thing I think I’ve ever had in my life, I had two. I’m going to dream about that drink forever. Relaxing on a terrace was such a chill, nice way to finish off the weekend together. 

Overall the weekend was a little more challenging than we expected based on both our health issues, but still really fun memories!

[apsbicepstraining]

Peru’s ayahuasca industry thunders as westerners search for alternative healing

Every year thousands of tourists leader to the Peruvian Amazon to take the plant medicine ayahuasca. But what does the powerful guzzle actually do, and what do local shaman think up the rise in its notoriety?

Imagine youre in a simple wooden house in the outskirts of Iquitos, the largest municipality in the Peruvian Amazon, and drinking a bitter, dark dark-brown liquid. The lightings go over. Half an hour later the most extraordinary eyesights begin.

Fast forward four hours and its all over. Youve received Christ and Buddha, and youve nearly been moved to snaps by the charms of curandero ( healer) Juan Tangoa Paima and all the deep-throat upchuck youve been doing in his garden.

Ayahuasca is made from an Amazonian vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi( and usually at the least one other bush ). Photograph: Emilie Lescale

That was my first experience, in 2005, of what has come to be known internationally as ayahuasca. Made from a mix of an Amazonian vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi and usually at least one other flora( in Peru chiefly chacruna ), ayahuasca is a plant drug that has been used in the Amazon for centuries for mending and spiritual purposes.

Its about connecting to the natural environment, says Romulo Sinuiri Ochavano, a Shipibo curandero who sucks ayahuasca to communicate with the character world and understand his patients illnesses. Its one technique for us. Its the same as a medical doctor in a clinic with gear that permits him to see if someones ill. Wheres the illness? The curandero checks which bushes are good for antidote that person.

Ayahuasca being brewed over a grove flaming. Photograph: Emilie Lescale

Traditional use involves merely the curanderos booze, according to Luis Eduardo Luna, a Colombian anthropologist and ayahuasca researcher. He says it has mainly been used for divination, such as diagnosing psychosomatic or ethno-specific illnesses with no western equivalent, or for acquiring contact with the flavour world.

The manifestation[ of the psychosomatic illness] may be you lose your articulation or have a physical trouble, or in children through diarrhoea and vomiting, says Luna. Or somebody who has very bad luck in love or business they would go to a curandero who will take the ayahuasca, give the patient ritual tubs and vitality, and protect them.

A area is prepared for a group to drink ayahuasca at the Temple of the Way of Light

Over the last 25 years ayahuasca has exited world, with thousands of beings understand better it, and boozing it too. Curanderos are travelling abroad and ayahuasca is being exported very. In Peru, major centres include the Cusco region and the cities of Pucallpa and Tarapoto, but it is Iquitos that captivates most sake. Every year thousands descend on the city, where centres offering ayahuasca have bounced up in the enclose forest, while hostels offering jungle tours or quality tours include ayahuasca as well. The majority of guests are foreigners.

Estimates of the number of centres in the Iquitos region offering ayahuasca diversify from 30 to 100. Then “theres” jungle hostels and the curanderos living in the city, like Juan Tangoa Paima, and encircling villages. The latter gratify chiefly for neighbourhoods, though tourists can seek them out too.

Temple of the Way of Light ayahuasca centre, two hours from Iquitos. Local Shipibo welcome guests

Why are so many immigrants, especially westerners, coming to Iquitos to suck ayahuasca? Some are striving healing: for sadnes, alcohol-related issues, tobacco and drug addictions, arthritis, diabetes, disease of the skin, cancer and more.

Most of the therapy were carrying out is for trauma, says Matthew Watherston, founder of the Temple of the Way of Light, a centre two hours from Iquitos. The drive is often the crises that beings appear in day-to-day life, certified on a psychological, psychological or physical height. Ultimately, these are all symptoms; the origin, normally, comes from an energetic imbalance or disorder.

Temple of the Way of Light

Others drink ayahuasca because theyre curious and want to learn about it, or theyre looking for a brand-new tendency in life. Then “theres” those who, captivated by the often extraordinary visions, think its another tourist activity or recreational medicine. Thats an idea many experienced with ayahuasca vehemently dismiss.

If anyone thinks its in the same category as a sail, well, the first beverage would promptly change their heads, says Peter Gorman, a correspondent offering expeditions into the forest that include swimming with dolphins, foraging for wild food, hiking and ayahuasca. Its very serious remedy; very profound, very quick.

Unlike western medication, ayahuascas makes no distinction between thinker and person Photograph: PR

Those after only a high arent welcome at some cores. Omar Gomez, from the Rainforest Healing Center, told me that he swerves away 60% of potential visitors: either because they have difficulties that ayahuasca doesnt mix with( such as schizophrenia) or because theyre not sufficiently serious about it.

We do an intense screening process to make sure we dont have any psychedelic tourists, says Gomez. Right now the ayahuasca industry is booming. But we want to made to ensure that the people who come are parties that have a strong purpose and are looking forward to heal.

Indigenous Shipibo at the Temple of the Way of Light

Fundamental to ayahuascas plea is that, unlike western remedy, it is believed to address the true causes of illness and makes no distinction between psyche and person. Ayahuasca practitioners recognize the physical manifestation of some mental, psychological, mental or energetic disorder.

Reports of success are common, particularly with depression, trauma and addictions. Brendan, a former US marine, was overweight and suffered by radiation poisoning, hypothyroidism, and nerve damage caused to his left leg after a education coincidence, and massive remorse after not serving in Iraq. But 12 days at the Temple transformed their own lives; it get him off the oxycontin and other prescription he had been taking daily for years. He says he lost more than 45 kg, his thyroid gland now serves commonly, and he is fully mended from the radiation.

When I left the Temple I went to a Veterans Affairs hospital in the US and had blood tests; everything was running normally, something they said is not feasible, says Brendan, who now lives in Iquitos and has opened his own centre, The Sanctuary of Renana, offering free care to other veterans. My doctor almost scorned me when I told him I was coming out here but when he saw the results of the tests he grew fascinated.

In 2013, the International Centre for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service( ICEERS) issued a report on ayahuasca went on to say that clinical tribulations evidenced it to be physiologically very safe. One of research reports signatories was Jordi Riba, a Spanish pharmacologist who has researched ayahuasca for years.

Theres preliminary evidence that it has the potential to change life positions for the better in situations of drug addiction, depression and damage, says Riba, currently involved with a landmark study by ICEERS analyse the impacts of medication on visitors to the Temple.

The an opportunity for drinking ayahuasca in and around Iquitos( in terms of rates and bundles) diversify profoundly. The Temple furnishes nine-day, 12 -day, three-week and month-long recedes, mainly for big groups, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,300 per person, while the Rainforest Healing Center, approximately two hours from Iquitos, offers seven- and 10 -day withdraws for small groups expensing $995 and $1,495 per person respectively.

The admission to the Sachamama Botanical Garden, run by Francisco Montes Shuna. Picture: David Hill

Then there are options such as the Sachamama Botanical Garden, 90 minutes from Iquitos, where one weeks stay and three ceremonies costs $650, or they are able to drop in for a ritual and thrash out world prices when you arrive. In additive, there are currently curanderos such as Paima, who I paid 40 Peruvian soles ($ 12) for one ceremony in 2005 and $60 for another ceremony last year.

Despite numerous positive know-hows, there are numerous things to watch out for, and anyone very interested in drinking ayahuasca should do as much study as is practicable. In Iquitos, there are reports of increasing numbers of beings announcing themselves curanderos, or offering ayahuasca while knowing anything about it, as well as sex crime on dames. Some beings have had terrifying ordeals and violent actions, and over the past decades there have been ayahuasca-associated deaths.

One tragedy, in December 2015, was reported or rather, misreported by the mainstream media. A Canadian gentleman, Joshua Andrew Freeman Stevens, killed Briton Unais Gomes after apparently being attacked by him during an ayahuasca ritual at Phoenix Ayahuasca near Iquitos. Despite initial reports that both men had drunk ayahuasca, one of “the centres activities” founders told me Stevens had not done so, and one precede media report claimed the toxicology decisions confirmed that.

As the ayahuasca event can be intense and even psychologically destabilising, one should be careful when choosing a proper ceremonial navigate, wrote Joe Tafur, a western-trained Colombian-American doctor and marriage in the Nihue Rao Centro near Iquitos, in a recent article in the Iquitos Times.

Other concerns include claims the ayahuasca thunder is moving the Banisteriopsis caapi vine more difficult to beginning; that it isnt regulated by the government; that the emphasis on business fails to respect the sanctity of the weed; and that it is employing indigenous peoples knowledge.

Francisco Montes Shuna, a curandero running the Sachamama Botanical Garden, says most centres are owned by non-Peruvians and therefore should be closed. Its our culture; the Amazons culture, says Shuna, whose parents were indigenous Capanahuas.[ These foreigners] are coming here and plagiarizing our knowledge.

In the last couple of months more than 40 centres in Peru have committed to joining the newly formed Ayahuasca Safety Council to establish common standards of safety and moralities, as William Menech from the Qhispikay Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat makes it. Laws on ayahuasca differ and are sometimes fuzzy. According to the Ayahuasca Defense Fund, hosted by ICEERS, it is legal in Peru, illegal in Canada, illegal for everyone in the US apart from two religious organisations, and appears to be caught by prohibitive legislation in England and Wales due to a combination of factors. These are instances set by case law, the brand-new Psychoactive Substances Act which came into force on 26 May, and the facts of the case it contains N, N-Dimethyltryptamine( DMT ), which is listed as a Class A medication in the UK. The International Narcotics Control Board schedules DMT, one of the alkaloids present in ayahuasca, as a controlled substance, but to expressly stated that ayahuasca itself is not prohibited.

Luna calls the boom in ayahuasca a sword with two margins. Some without proper training see it as a method to shape easy money and seduce gullible sightseers, he says, but the positives include reigniting respect for it among indigenous peoples and others and was helping to a certain renaissance in Shipibo art.

Ayahuasca may find its neighbourhood in future civilizations, says Luna. Its ritual usage is expanding, as well as its therapeutic applications, and its further consideration of its effects may reveal aspects of the workings of the psyche.

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[apsbicepstraining]

Peru’s ayahuasca industry thunders as westerners search for alternative healing

Every year thousands of tourists leader to the Peruvian Amazon to take the plant medicine ayahuasca. But what does the powerful guzzle actually do, and what do local shaman think up the rise in its notoriety?

Imagine youre in a simple wooden house in the outskirts of Iquitos, the largest municipality in the Peruvian Amazon, and drinking a bitter, dark dark-brown liquid. The lightings go over. Half an hour later the most extraordinary eyesights begin.

Fast forward four hours and its all over. Youve received Christ and Buddha, and youve nearly been moved to snaps by the charms of curandero ( healer) Juan Tangoa Paima and all the deep-throat upchuck youve been doing in his garden.

Ayahuasca is made from an Amazonian vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi( and usually at the least one other bush ). Photograph: Emilie Lescale

That was my first experience, in 2005, of what has come to be known internationally as ayahuasca. Made from a mix of an Amazonian vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi and usually at least one other flora( in Peru chiefly chacruna ), ayahuasca is a plant drug that has been used in the Amazon for centuries for mending and spiritual purposes.

Its about connecting to the natural environment, says Romulo Sinuiri Ochavano, a Shipibo curandero who sucks ayahuasca to communicate with the character world and understand his patients illnesses. Its one technique for us. Its the same as a medical doctor in a clinic with gear that permits him to see if someones ill. Wheres the illness? The curandero checks which bushes are good for antidote that person.

Ayahuasca being brewed over a grove flaming. Photograph: Emilie Lescale

Traditional use involves merely the curanderos booze, according to Luis Eduardo Luna, a Colombian anthropologist and ayahuasca researcher. He says it has mainly been used for divination, such as diagnosing psychosomatic or ethno-specific illnesses with no western equivalent, or for acquiring contact with the flavour world.

The manifestation[ of the psychosomatic illness] may be you lose your articulation or have a physical trouble, or in children through diarrhoea and vomiting, says Luna. Or somebody who has very bad luck in love or business they would go to a curandero who will take the ayahuasca, give the patient ritual tubs and vitality, and protect them.

A area is prepared for a group to drink ayahuasca at the Temple of the Way of Light

Over the last 25 years ayahuasca has exited world, with thousands of beings understand better it, and boozing it too. Curanderos are travelling abroad and ayahuasca is being exported very. In Peru, major centres include the Cusco region and the cities of Pucallpa and Tarapoto, but it is Iquitos that captivates most sake. Every year thousands descend on the city, where centres offering ayahuasca have bounced up in the enclose forest, while hostels offering jungle tours or quality tours include ayahuasca as well. The majority of guests are foreigners.

Estimates of the number of centres in the Iquitos region offering ayahuasca diversify from 30 to 100. Then “theres” jungle hostels and the curanderos living in the city, like Juan Tangoa Paima, and encircling villages. The latter gratify chiefly for neighbourhoods, though tourists can seek them out too.

Temple of the Way of Light ayahuasca centre, two hours from Iquitos. Local Shipibo welcome guests

Why are so many immigrants, especially westerners, coming to Iquitos to suck ayahuasca? Some are striving healing: for sadnes, alcohol-related issues, tobacco and drug addictions, arthritis, diabetes, disease of the skin, cancer and more.

Most of the therapy were carrying out is for trauma, says Matthew Watherston, founder of the Temple of the Way of Light, a centre two hours from Iquitos. The drive is often the crises that beings appear in day-to-day life, certified on a psychological, psychological or physical height. Ultimately, these are all symptoms; the origin, normally, comes from an energetic imbalance or disorder.

Temple of the Way of Light

Others drink ayahuasca because theyre curious and want to learn about it, or theyre looking for a brand-new tendency in life. Then “theres” those who, captivated by the often extraordinary visions, think its another tourist activity or recreational medicine. Thats an idea many experienced with ayahuasca vehemently dismiss.

If anyone thinks its in the same category as a sail, well, the first beverage would promptly change their heads, says Peter Gorman, a correspondent offering expeditions into the forest that include swimming with dolphins, foraging for wild food, hiking and ayahuasca. Its very serious remedy; very profound, very quick.

Unlike western medication, ayahuascas makes no distinction between thinker and person Photograph: PR

Those after only a high arent welcome at some cores. Omar Gomez, from the Rainforest Healing Center, told me that he swerves away 60% of potential visitors: either because they have difficulties that ayahuasca doesnt mix with( such as schizophrenia) or because theyre not sufficiently serious about it.

We do an intense screening process to make sure we dont have any psychedelic tourists, says Gomez. Right now the ayahuasca industry is booming. But we want to made to ensure that the people who come are parties that have a strong purpose and are looking forward to heal.

Indigenous Shipibo at the Temple of the Way of Light

Fundamental to ayahuascas plea is that, unlike western remedy, it is believed to address the true causes of illness and makes no distinction between psyche and person. Ayahuasca practitioners recognize the physical manifestation of some mental, psychological, mental or energetic disorder.

Reports of success are common, particularly with depression, trauma and addictions. Brendan, a former US marine, was overweight and suffered by radiation poisoning, hypothyroidism, and nerve damage caused to his left leg after a education coincidence, and massive remorse after not serving in Iraq. But 12 days at the Temple transformed their own lives; it get him off the oxycontin and other prescription he had been taking daily for years. He says he lost more than 45 kg, his thyroid gland now serves commonly, and he is fully mended from the radiation.

When I left the Temple I went to a Veterans Affairs hospital in the US and had blood tests; everything was running normally, something they said is not feasible, says Brendan, who now lives in Iquitos and has opened his own centre, The Sanctuary of Renana, offering free care to other veterans. My doctor almost scorned me when I told him I was coming out here but when he saw the results of the tests he grew fascinated.

In 2013, the International Centre for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service( ICEERS) issued a report on ayahuasca went on to say that clinical tribulations evidenced it to be physiologically very safe. One of research reports signatories was Jordi Riba, a Spanish pharmacologist who has researched ayahuasca for years.

Theres preliminary evidence that it has the potential to change life positions for the better in situations of drug addiction, depression and damage, says Riba, currently involved with a landmark study by ICEERS analyse the impacts of medication on visitors to the Temple.

The an opportunity for drinking ayahuasca in and around Iquitos( in terms of rates and bundles) diversify profoundly. The Temple furnishes nine-day, 12 -day, three-week and month-long recedes, mainly for big groups, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,300 per person, while the Rainforest Healing Center, approximately two hours from Iquitos, offers seven- and 10 -day withdraws for small groups expensing $995 and $1,495 per person respectively.

The admission to the Sachamama Botanical Garden, run by Francisco Montes Shuna. Picture: David Hill

Then there are options such as the Sachamama Botanical Garden, 90 minutes from Iquitos, where one weeks stay and three ceremonies costs $650, or they are able to drop in for a ritual and thrash out world prices when you arrive. In additive, there are currently curanderos such as Paima, who I paid 40 Peruvian soles ($ 12) for one ceremony in 2005 and $60 for another ceremony last year.

Despite numerous positive know-hows, there are numerous things to watch out for, and anyone very interested in drinking ayahuasca should do as much study as is practicable. In Iquitos, there are reports of increasing numbers of beings announcing themselves curanderos, or offering ayahuasca while knowing anything about it, as well as sex crime on dames. Some beings have had terrifying ordeals and violent actions, and over the past decades there have been ayahuasca-associated deaths.

One tragedy, in December 2015, was reported or rather, misreported by the mainstream media. A Canadian gentleman, Joshua Andrew Freeman Stevens, killed Briton Unais Gomes after apparently being attacked by him during an ayahuasca ritual at Phoenix Ayahuasca near Iquitos. Despite initial reports that both men had drunk ayahuasca, one of “the centres activities” founders told me Stevens had not done so, and one precede media report claimed the toxicology decisions confirmed that.

As the ayahuasca event can be intense and even psychologically destabilising, one should be careful when choosing a proper ceremonial navigate, wrote Joe Tafur, a western-trained Colombian-American doctor and marriage in the Nihue Rao Centro near Iquitos, in a recent article in the Iquitos Times.

Other concerns include claims the ayahuasca thunder is moving the Banisteriopsis caapi vine more difficult to beginning; that it isnt regulated by the government; that the emphasis on business fails to respect the sanctity of the weed; and that it is employing indigenous peoples knowledge.

Francisco Montes Shuna, a curandero running the Sachamama Botanical Garden, says most centres are owned by non-Peruvians and therefore should be closed. Its our culture; the Amazons culture, says Shuna, whose parents were indigenous Capanahuas.[ These foreigners] are coming here and plagiarizing our knowledge.

In the last couple of months more than 40 centres in Peru have committed to joining the newly formed Ayahuasca Safety Council to establish common standards of safety and moralities, as William Menech from the Qhispikay Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat makes it. Laws on ayahuasca differ and are sometimes fuzzy. According to the Ayahuasca Defense Fund, hosted by ICEERS, it is legal in Peru, illegal in Canada, illegal for everyone in the US apart from two religious organisations, and appears to be caught by prohibitive legislation in England and Wales due to a combination of factors. These are instances set by case law, the brand-new Psychoactive Substances Act which came into force on 26 May, and the facts of the case it contains N, N-Dimethyltryptamine( DMT ), which is listed as a Class A medication in the UK. The International Narcotics Control Board schedules DMT, one of the alkaloids present in ayahuasca, as a controlled substance, but to expressly stated that ayahuasca itself is not prohibited.

Luna calls the boom in ayahuasca a sword with two margins. Some without proper training see it as a method to shape easy money and seduce gullible sightseers, he says, but the positives include reigniting respect for it among indigenous peoples and others and was helping to a certain renaissance in Shipibo art.

Ayahuasca may find its neighbourhood in future civilizations, says Luna. Its ritual usage is expanding, as well as its therapeutic applications, and its further consideration of its effects may reveal aspects of the workings of the psyche.

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Peru’s ayahuasca industry thunders as westerners search for alternative healing

Every year thousands of tourists leader to the Peruvian Amazon to take the plant medicine ayahuasca. But what does the powerful guzzle actually do, and what do local shaman think up the rise in its notoriety?

Imagine youre in a simple wooden house in the outskirts of Iquitos, the largest municipality in the Peruvian Amazon, and drinking a bitter, dark dark-brown liquid. The lightings go over. Half an hour later the most extraordinary eyesights begin.

Fast forward four hours and its all over. Youve received Christ and Buddha, and youve nearly been moved to snaps by the charms of curandero ( healer) Juan Tangoa Paima and all the deep-throat upchuck youve been doing in his garden.

Ayahuasca is made from an Amazonian vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi( and usually at the least one other bush ). Photograph: Emilie Lescale

That was my first experience, in 2005, of what has come to be known internationally as ayahuasca. Made from a mix of an Amazonian vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi and usually at least one other flora( in Peru chiefly chacruna ), ayahuasca is a plant drug that has been used in the Amazon for centuries for mending and spiritual purposes.

Its about connecting to the natural environment, says Romulo Sinuiri Ochavano, a Shipibo curandero who sucks ayahuasca to communicate with the character world and understand his patients illnesses. Its one technique for us. Its the same as a medical doctor in a clinic with gear that permits him to see if someones ill. Wheres the illness? The curandero checks which bushes are good for antidote that person.

Ayahuasca being brewed over a grove flaming. Photograph: Emilie Lescale

Traditional use involves merely the curanderos booze, according to Luis Eduardo Luna, a Colombian anthropologist and ayahuasca researcher. He says it has mainly been used for divination, such as diagnosing psychosomatic or ethno-specific illnesses with no western equivalent, or for acquiring contact with the flavour world.

The manifestation[ of the psychosomatic illness] may be you lose your articulation or have a physical trouble, or in children through diarrhoea and vomiting, says Luna. Or somebody who has very bad luck in love or business they would go to a curandero who will take the ayahuasca, give the patient ritual tubs and vitality, and protect them.

A area is prepared for a group to drink ayahuasca at the Temple of the Way of Light

Over the last 25 years ayahuasca has exited world, with thousands of beings understand better it, and boozing it too. Curanderos are travelling abroad and ayahuasca is being exported very. In Peru, major centres include the Cusco region and the cities of Pucallpa and Tarapoto, but it is Iquitos that captivates most sake. Every year thousands descend on the city, where centres offering ayahuasca have bounced up in the enclose forest, while hostels offering jungle tours or quality tours include ayahuasca as well. The majority of guests are foreigners.

Estimates of the number of centres in the Iquitos region offering ayahuasca diversify from 30 to 100. Then “theres” jungle hostels and the curanderos living in the city, like Juan Tangoa Paima, and encircling villages. The latter gratify chiefly for neighbourhoods, though tourists can seek them out too.

Temple of the Way of Light ayahuasca centre, two hours from Iquitos. Local Shipibo welcome guests

Why are so many immigrants, especially westerners, coming to Iquitos to suck ayahuasca? Some are striving healing: for sadnes, alcohol-related issues, tobacco and drug addictions, arthritis, diabetes, disease of the skin, cancer and more.

Most of the therapy were carrying out is for trauma, says Matthew Watherston, founder of the Temple of the Way of Light, a centre two hours from Iquitos. The drive is often the crises that beings appear in day-to-day life, certified on a psychological, psychological or physical height. Ultimately, these are all symptoms; the origin, normally, comes from an energetic imbalance or disorder.

Temple of the Way of Light

Others drink ayahuasca because theyre curious and want to learn about it, or theyre looking for a brand-new tendency in life. Then “theres” those who, captivated by the often extraordinary visions, think its another tourist activity or recreational medicine. Thats an idea many experienced with ayahuasca vehemently dismiss.

If anyone thinks its in the same category as a sail, well, the first beverage would promptly change their heads, says Peter Gorman, a correspondent offering expeditions into the forest that include swimming with dolphins, foraging for wild food, hiking and ayahuasca. Its very serious remedy; very profound, very quick.

Unlike western medication, ayahuascas makes no distinction between thinker and person Photograph: PR

Those after only a high arent welcome at some cores. Omar Gomez, from the Rainforest Healing Center, told me that he swerves away 60% of potential visitors: either because they have difficulties that ayahuasca doesnt mix with( such as schizophrenia) or because theyre not sufficiently serious about it.

We do an intense screening process to make sure we dont have any psychedelic tourists, says Gomez. Right now the ayahuasca industry is booming. But we want to made to ensure that the people who come are parties that have a strong purpose and are looking forward to heal.

Indigenous Shipibo at the Temple of the Way of Light

Fundamental to ayahuascas plea is that, unlike western remedy, it is believed to address the true causes of illness and makes no distinction between psyche and person. Ayahuasca practitioners recognize the physical manifestation of some mental, psychological, mental or energetic disorder.

Reports of success are common, particularly with depression, trauma and addictions. Brendan, a former US marine, was overweight and suffered by radiation poisoning, hypothyroidism, and nerve damage caused to his left leg after a education coincidence, and massive remorse after not serving in Iraq. But 12 days at the Temple transformed their own lives; it get him off the oxycontin and other prescription he had been taking daily for years. He says he lost more than 45 kg, his thyroid gland now serves commonly, and he is fully mended from the radiation.

When I left the Temple I went to a Veterans Affairs hospital in the US and had blood tests; everything was running normally, something they said is not feasible, says Brendan, who now lives in Iquitos and has opened his own centre, The Sanctuary of Renana, offering free care to other veterans. My doctor almost scorned me when I told him I was coming out here but when he saw the results of the tests he grew fascinated.

In 2013, the International Centre for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service( ICEERS) issued a report on ayahuasca went on to say that clinical tribulations evidenced it to be physiologically very safe. One of research reports signatories was Jordi Riba, a Spanish pharmacologist who has researched ayahuasca for years.

Theres preliminary evidence that it has the potential to change life positions for the better in situations of drug addiction, depression and damage, says Riba, currently involved with a landmark study by ICEERS analyse the impacts of medication on visitors to the Temple.

The an opportunity for drinking ayahuasca in and around Iquitos( in terms of rates and bundles) diversify profoundly. The Temple furnishes nine-day, 12 -day, three-week and month-long recedes, mainly for big groups, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,300 per person, while the Rainforest Healing Center, approximately two hours from Iquitos, offers seven- and 10 -day withdraws for small groups expensing $995 and $1,495 per person respectively.

The admission to the Sachamama Botanical Garden, run by Francisco Montes Shuna. Picture: David Hill

Then there are options such as the Sachamama Botanical Garden, 90 minutes from Iquitos, where one weeks stay and three ceremonies costs $650, or they are able to drop in for a ritual and thrash out world prices when you arrive. In additive, there are currently curanderos such as Paima, who I paid 40 Peruvian soles ($ 12) for one ceremony in 2005 and $60 for another ceremony last year.

Despite numerous positive know-hows, there are numerous things to watch out for, and anyone very interested in drinking ayahuasca should do as much study as is practicable. In Iquitos, there are reports of increasing numbers of beings announcing themselves curanderos, or offering ayahuasca while knowing anything about it, as well as sex crime on dames. Some beings have had terrifying ordeals and violent actions, and over the past decades there have been ayahuasca-associated deaths.

One tragedy, in December 2015, was reported or rather, misreported by the mainstream media. A Canadian gentleman, Joshua Andrew Freeman Stevens, killed Briton Unais Gomes after apparently being attacked by him during an ayahuasca ritual at Phoenix Ayahuasca near Iquitos. Despite initial reports that both men had drunk ayahuasca, one of “the centres activities” founders told me Stevens had not done so, and one precede media report claimed the toxicology decisions confirmed that.

As the ayahuasca event can be intense and even psychologically destabilising, one should be careful when choosing a proper ceremonial navigate, wrote Joe Tafur, a western-trained Colombian-American doctor and marriage in the Nihue Rao Centro near Iquitos, in a recent article in the Iquitos Times.

Other concerns include claims the ayahuasca thunder is moving the Banisteriopsis caapi vine more difficult to beginning; that it isnt regulated by the government; that the emphasis on business fails to respect the sanctity of the weed; and that it is employing indigenous peoples knowledge.

Francisco Montes Shuna, a curandero running the Sachamama Botanical Garden, says most centres are owned by non-Peruvians and therefore should be closed. Its our culture; the Amazons culture, says Shuna, whose parents were indigenous Capanahuas.[ These foreigners] are coming here and plagiarizing our knowledge.

In the last couple of months more than 40 centres in Peru have committed to joining the newly formed Ayahuasca Safety Council to establish common standards of safety and moralities, as William Menech from the Qhispikay Kawsay Ayahuasca Retreat makes it. Laws on ayahuasca differ and are sometimes fuzzy. According to the Ayahuasca Defense Fund, hosted by ICEERS, it is legal in Peru, illegal in Canada, illegal for everyone in the US apart from two religious organisations, and appears to be caught by prohibitive legislation in England and Wales due to a combination of factors. These are instances set by case law, the brand-new Psychoactive Substances Act which came into force on 26 May, and the facts of the case it contains N, N-Dimethyltryptamine( DMT ), which is listed as a Class A medication in the UK. The International Narcotics Control Board schedules DMT, one of the alkaloids present in ayahuasca, as a controlled substance, but to expressly stated that ayahuasca itself is not prohibited.

Luna calls the boom in ayahuasca a sword with two margins. Some without proper training see it as a method to shape easy money and seduce gullible sightseers, he says, but the positives include reigniting respect for it among indigenous peoples and others and was helping to a certain renaissance in Shipibo art.

Ayahuasca may find its neighbourhood in future civilizations, says Luna. Its ritual usage is expanding, as well as its therapeutic applications, and its further consideration of its effects may reveal aspects of the workings of the psyche.

The post Peru’s ayahuasca industry thunders as westerners search for alternative healing appeared first on apsbicepstraining.com.

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