#this was a fun little experiment. it was hard to get that marker look

[thrombosis]

I'VE LOST MY FEAR OF FALLING, I WILL BE WITH YOU ! I WILL BE WITH YOU !

#dgm #d gray man #kanda yuu #alma karma #yulma #aka the redraw of the three cheers for sweet revenge album cover. #growing up means ur able to fufill a dream u had since u were 12 #this was a fun little experiment. it was hard to get that marker look #i dont think i achieved it but i enjoyed myself #mcr #<--- for blacklist #draws

[werecreature-addicted]

Do you mind doing an NSFW alphabet for jock werewolf? :^

Aftercare(what they’re like after sex)

He's bad, if he bit you or hit you too hard he'll clean up any bad injuries but if you're not bleeding, or bruised, he's leaving basically as soon as his knot goes down. if he's had a long game he'll lie down with you for a little while and cuddle for a little bit. he's sweeter when he's tired.

Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and their partners)

he loves your eyes, he likes how wide they get when you're surprised or how pretty you look when you cry. on him he likes his arms and hands, they're big and veiny, he knows you like how they look and he's more than happy to flex for you, or wrap those big arms around your neck.

Cum (anything to do with cum…basically, I’m a disgusting person)

He either cums inside of you, knotting you and blowing his load deep in you, or he's cumming on your face and hair, the bigger mess he makes the better, he likes humiliating you.

Dirty secret  (Pretty self-explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Panty Fetish. He steals your dirty underwear to smell as he jerks off, or cum in your underwear and makes you wear them all day with his wet cum pressing against you all day long, sticky and uncomfortable. Once he stuffed your underwear in your mouth as a makeshift gag and he whispers in your ear asking you if you like tasting yourself while he fucks you.

Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

He's hot! He's popular! he's got a big dick! he gets around. He's got plenty of experience.

Favorite Position (This goes without saying. Will probably include a visual)

Doggy or collapsed doggy. he likes being in control and shoving your head down as he fucks you from behind and spanks you. Sometimes he gets lazy and makes you ride him but he gets impatient pretty quick and rolls you over so he can fuck you at a faster pace. He also likes fucking you against a wall, holding you up with your legs over his arms while he drops you down on his cock over and over again.

Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

He loves to tease you and will laugh if you do anything silly. A little humor doesn't kill the mood for him.

Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc)

Look me in the eye. He's a werewolf. every inch of him is covered in thick dark hair. his "bush" is a full jungle, he's not going to shave and no one on earth can make him. He showers a lot though, so at least all that hair is clean.

Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)

 Again, I think we all know my thoughts on how romantic he is. He might make you say "I love you" but that's only to make fun of you. He loves to kiss with tongue so that's kind of romantic, I guess. If you're looking for flowers and candles, he is not your man.

Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

He jacks off pretty often. He's got a high sex drive and sometimes it's just easier to take care of it himself. He almost always takes a video of him stroking himself to send to you, You can always tell when he's horny and jerking himself off because your phone is blowing up. Not just videos and pictures but texts detailing what he wants to do with your pretty body and begging for pictures or at least a few dirty texts he can use to get off.

Kink (One or more of their kinks)

He's a huge Sadist, who loves to degrade, humiliate, and hurt. He doesn't like floggers or whips, he usually only hits you with the palm of his hand.

Marking, obviously, he likes to bite you and leave hickeys. but writing too, he'll write "whore" or "bitch" across your face or chest with makeup or markers. Just to claim you as his a little more

Breeding/ creampies, again werewolf, what do you want from me

Dacraphilia, like I said earlier, he loves to make you cry whether it be from pain or pleasure.

Slight corruption/innocence kink. for him it's not so much about taking your innocence as it is, other people think you're demure and pure while you slut yourself out for him and show him how dirty you really are.

Exobisinism and public sex, tied back to the innocence thing, he likes stopping away your public image as a shy little nerd and revealing how depraved you're willing to be for him. and he knows he's hot, he likes showing off his big cock and how well he can make you cum.

Location (Favourite places to do the do)

The school locker room or the back of his car

Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

Whenever he's had a good game or a solid workout when the adrenaline is running high. it also gets him hot seeing you sweating, even if it's just a hot day out. Also, well, he's a werewolf, he does go into Ruts, when he's in heat like that breathing in the wrong way will get him hard.

NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn-offs)

He's pretty open to experiment, but he doesn't like toys. He like deep, raw, primal sex. Not cheap vibrators or fuzzy pink handcuffs. God help you if he catches you with a dildo, what? his cock isn't good enough for you? You need some silicone bullshit? he's going to murder you in the bedroom tonight.

Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

Receiving. almost exclusively receiving. He loves the way you suck his cock. He will eat you out if you aren't wet enough for his liking, or if he really fucked up and needs to make it up you. Or really, if you're too tempting for him to resist getting a taste of you. So... really it's like 50/50

Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

Rough and hard. he's fast, chasing his orgasm eagerly and openly from the second he sinks into you. the only time he really slows down is if he's teasing you and edging you.

Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

Loves a quickie. He'll pull you into a semi-private space to fuck you in between classes or when you have a free moment. something fast and rough, just how he likes it.

Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

He's mostly willing to try anything you're into and he's typically the kind of guy who would try anything once. However, asking is the hardest part. He will never give in right away, instead teasing you and mocking you for wanting to try out something so gross and kinky, even if you're just telling him you have a praise kink. Eventually, though he gives in and starts experimenting with whatever it is you wanted to try. If he's not into it, he'll just tell you it's not his thing, and you're a freak for wanting to try it out. If he likes it, all mockery stops and he just acts like nothing happened as he integrates this new kink into playtime.

Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

 His stamina isn't bad but it's nothing superhuman or anything. With his knot, you sort of have a forced break in between rounds but he can usually go two or three rounds before he gets tired. and he lasts a good while, at least long enough to make you cum. if you want to try out "stamina practice" he'd be down.

Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

like I said toys are not for him. he doesn't like to use them on you or himself really. if you convince him to try bondage he might get some ropes or restraints but that's the closest he gets.

Unfair (How much they like to tease)

:) if you are interested in how much the werewolf jock bully likes to tease please check out other entries in this series. No, but seriously, he lives to mock and deride you. He loves to deny you orgasms and make you beg like a bitch in heat for his fingers or his dick.

Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

He's not loud but he's mouthy. Always muttering something dirty in your ear while he fucks you. He snarls and growls too especially when he's close to cumming.

Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

He claims to sleep around a lot and have a bunch of people on his roster but usually, if he finds a good fuck who can tolerate his annoying personality and high sex drive he stays with them for a long time and only sleeps with them. So he might tell you that you're lucky he called you up this time, or that he's busy fucking some other chick. he's lying, he's only sleeping with you right now.

X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants)

Red and veiny with a pointed tip he presses right against your cervix. He's around 10-11.5 inches when he's hard his knot takes up the lower 1/4th of his cock, huge hairy balls that are always full of hot werewolf cum for you to take,

Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

very high. he likes to have sex at least once a day but prefers more than that. if he has it his way he'll be fucking you 4 or 5 times a day but you have "responsibilities" or whatever. when he's in heat if he's not dead asleep he's thinking about sex and craving it, even then he might have a wet dream and wake up needy and desperate.

ZZZ (How quickly they fall asleep afterward)

a good orgasm makes him sleepy, especially if he's already tired from something else, but usually he doesn't fall asleep right after sex, especially because he usually likes to fuck in locker rooms and secluded parts of the woods. not ideal napping spots.

#monster imagine #monster fucker #monster #monster boyfriend #teratophillia #werewolf #werewolf x reader #werewolves #werewolf boyfriend #jock bully werewolf

[moons-of-dewclan]

I was curious how to get your clan really set off? I recently (LIKE EARLIER TODAY JFJSJFJ) started my own clangen blog but idk if it's worthy of Tumblr😭

How can I improve my art and improve my process? You're one of my BIGGEST inspirations ngl you're literally him (or her or they I'm so sorry I never caught your pronouns) but I was just curious on how to be better? If you wanna look, don't. It's like, rlly bad so.... save your eyes. Have a lovely nighttt <33

HELLOOOOO I'M NOT 100% SURE WHAT YOU MEAN BY SET OFF I'M SORRY :{ if you mean to get people reading it, i think it's vastly just luck also appealing to an audience by accident i posted my art online for 10 years (i started posting in 2010 as a wee ka- told you i'm an adult haahahueu) before anyone showed consistent interest and i valued those two or so commenters who occasionally had something to say about my stuff, so much LAKSNLKD. that entire decade i got between 2 and 30 favourites for every piece i posted- usually between 2 and 10- until around 2021 when a making a comic aANNND joining a wolf ARPG group exposed me to many kindred art-enjoyers that wanted to keep up with my goofy stories then for some reason, i posted Dewclan's first page on tumblr and it got way more engagement than any other piece of art i've ever posted SO LAKSDNLKDAS WE CANNOT PREDICT THESE THINGS.. at least i can't if you're looking for engagement, pLS AIM FOR ENGAGEMENT THAT FEELS MEANINGFUL over anything else IN MY OPINION, and it's just my opinion- part of being 'better' is, first and foremost, being able to enjoy your art alone. and then being excited with what you choose to share! even if you don't care about your quality of art, care about the story. if you don't care about the story, care about the process and just having fun. but you have to have fun in doing it, and do it for your own eyes primarily. like if you were alone in a room and creating only for yourself! because, until you happen to find others who like what you're liking, you are then when someone is interested and you get to share that excitement, even that ooone comment on something you care about is OOGHHH SUCH A NICE FEELIN. enter communities, comment on other artists' work, try to make friends! but make sure to remember, if you create with the hopes others will like it, without liking it yourself, you're going to be really broken down if someone doesn't like it FOR you :{ loving your own art is tough work but it's integral to your longterm relationship with drawing ON IMPROVING.. for me, nothing is more integral to improving than finding a way to practice that suits you (looking at live figures doesn't help me at all. i don't know why. it's insane), and having fun doing it. i can't grasp anatomy unless i break it down with shapes. SHAPES ARE EVERYTHING. study the shapes of what you want to draw. break em down by tracing simple shapes over your subject. see if the leg is the same length as the head from muzzle to neck and lock that info in. STUFF LIKE THAT on the technical side of things, it can be super helpful to dedicate half an hour or so to drawing a day- eventually it becomes a habit and you just default to 'oh i think i wanna draw' when you've got nothing else to do. more drawing, more improvement!

HONESTLY THO another important thing is not putting yourself down. i know it's a hard habit to break (i struggle with it outside of art myself!), but it doesn't do you any favours. the more you rag on yourself, the more it'll manifest as something that actually damages your art, AND your relationship with it. let it be fun- don't sabotage yourself! you can be critical of your work and still kind! little tip here, improving can take a while, but experimenting with styles can make an INSTANT shift in how you perceive your stuff. ALSOOO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT BRUSHES FOR SKETCHING AND LINING. I PROOMISE. PLS DO IT. IT'S LIKE A MAGIC TRICK. i cannNNNOT sketch with a hard brush. everything looks horrible. marker brush tho?? so smooth. full of character. lovely. binary brush sketches? suddenly i'm Anime. pencil brush?? i digidevolve back into baby ka who loved to crosshatch and do semi realism. airbrush??? i explode into atoms actually

i find for a lot of people, they don't need to improve or be 'better' at art, they need to learn to enjoy what they're capable of doing now, and improvement is a byproduct. from what i've seen through the years, unless you work to curb it the negative view of your art will stick with you no matter what 'skill level' you get to bc the calls' comin from inside the house, yknow what i mean 3: it can be a long process to learn to accept your art, and sometimes you just plain grow out of it over time! but in the meantime it can't hurt to make efforts to fight your d e m o n s

I'M SORRY I WROTE SO MUCH IK YOU DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS ALL IT ISN'T JUST TO YOU, ODESSY-CLAN BLOG RUNNER, IT'S AIMED AT ANYONE WITH ARTSY SELF DOUBTS. i hope i phrased everything kindly bc i meant it all kindly 3: i hate to see an artist doubt their work, but THERE IS NO SHAME IN IT. i want to encourage loving it regardless of any flaws tho, even though it takes time!

#kasks

[tranquilpetrichor]

the friendship problem

synopsis: in which you have company during morning break, and it is strangely tolerable.

cast: jiung (p1harmony) x gn!reader

genre: strangers to friends, high school!au

wc: 1.1k (1,117)

warnings: discussions of loneliness, reader is implied to show some symptoms of social anxiety, barely proofread

notes: looking back at my high school experience (and reflecting on my growth throughout school in general) thus far makes me oddly nostalgic. this one's definitely self-indulgent. here's to the people who didn't ask me why i was so quiet, who accepted my idiosyncrasies and admittedly, brought out a friendlier side in me.

(also peep that word count i wasn't gonna post this originally but i must, i count 1117 as a small ateez reference.)

erasing the inappropriate drawings from the side whiteboard, you began to write a problem from your calculus textbook.

“integral of w squared times sin of 10 w…” you said out loud to yourself.

you could have gone outside, as it was time for break, but you found your math teacher’s classroom to be more comforting. natural light gently shone through the windows, the air freshener emitted a scent of pine, and best of all, there were no crowds to be found.

you had tried to get over your discomfort around large crowds and navigate to the cafeteria to buy a snack, but found that it was quite the pain in the ass to squeeze between couples who walked as slow as tortoises and boys who elbowed people everywhere they went.

through those wonderful experiences, you learned that the epicenter of your high school’s social life overwhelmed you the hard way.

shaking intrusive thoughts from your mind, you began to visualize solutions to this calculus problem. after a minute or two of writing, you had the answer.

“let’s go!” you cheered, knowing no one else would hear it, but finding it funny nonetheless.

suddenly, you heard a voice and turned around to see a classmate you vaguely recognized from classes you shared. jiung, that was his name.

“don’t mind me,” he said, “just looking for a place to read.”

your shoulders tensed up a little, but you nodded, resuming your work on another problem.

normally, you would expect an noticeable and uncomfortable silence, but jiung seemed to be just as at peace with the quiet as you were. that was more than you could say for a lot of people, who felt as if they had to fill silence with words that seemed rather meaningless.

curiously, you glanced at him reading. the book was an alternate history fiction novel by haruki murakami, titled 1Q84. you've read it before, of course.

"uh, enjoying your book so far?" you asked him, cursing under your breath afterwards when you got the low battery notification on your laptop.

"well," he paused briefly, "murakami's descriptions tend to be long-winded and i find some of the scenes a bit odd, but it's interesting for me. have you read it before?"

"yeah, i have. i had fun trying to make sense of all the symbolism, but i admit that 1Q84 can be a tough read for some."

you tried not to show it, but your eyes sparkled with excitement.

"since you've read it, it'd be nice to talk to someone about the book once i'm done." he smiled. "wait, your name is y/n, right? i've seen you in some of my classes."

you set the whiteboard marker down. “yep. and i know your name is jiung.”

he stared at the board in front of him, now filled from the not-quite-top to the bottom with math problems. "you wrote a lot in such a short amount of time. do you find math easy?"

you shrugged. "let's just say it's relaxing for me."

he did ask an interesting question. to be fair, you hadn't always liked math as much as you did now, being a highly stubborn child who was averse to doing their homework back then.

however, a natural curiosity to learn new concepts coupled with a preference for being alone gave you the time to sit down and ponder random topics, developing a special love for math due to its basis in objectivity.

in general, your teachers loved the fact that you asked questions and stayed during morning breaks and after class sometimes—their classrooms felt like a second home.

so yeah, you discovered that you liked doing math, and it was better than being around people who deliberately excluded you, or trying to participate in conversations where you knew you wouldn't get a word in.

better to be alone than to feel lonely, right?

(yeah, just keep telling yourself that.)

he stood up to stretch. "that's cool, i definitely admire that. you don't hear people call math relaxing often."

"to each their own. i just think it's important for someone to have something they enjoy, and who gives a shit what it is if it doesn't hurt anyone?"

you probably shouldn't have added the last part, as it came out more defensive than you anticipated. however, jiung didn't seem surprised. his eyes were kind and welcoming.

"i think it's a good rule to go by. there'd be way less conflict in the world if people minded their own business. oh, speaking of that, i hope i didn't bother you by coming in."

to your surprise, you didn't mind. "of course not, it is a teacher's classroom anyways, not mine, so obviously people have the right to come in, although most don't. and i mean, i do prefer it to be quiet while working. but your presence isn't bad or anything."

you twirled the whiteboard marker around in your hands. “quite the opposite, really. i actually liked talking to you.”

“do you not like talking to others?” he joked, probably noticing the emphasis you put on “liked.”

“i figure i either scare people away or they’re not the kind of person i want to be friends with anyways. also, not gonna lie, socializing is hard.”

for better or for worse, you knew what people thought about you—this was a fairly small school, after all. it was easier to just isolate than to worry about who was judging you.

"nothing wrong with incompatibility," he said with a small smile and a shrug. "it just means there's people out there who are better suited for you anyways."

you hadn't thought about your situation like that, but that was probably a wise way to put it.

"that... actually makes sense."

where was this dude lurking? it would have been nice to get to know him earlier, you thought. although it might be too early to tell, you had put him tentatively under a category of "people that were better suited for you."

jiung glanced at his phone for a quick second. "break's ending soon, so i have to head to my history class, but i enjoyed talking to you!”

he headed toward the door, but as he was about to leave, he turned back, as if he was forgetting something. "hey, mind if i get your kakaotalk information? let's chat again sometime."

you entered in your number, voice a little shaky. "i'd love to chat. and if you ever need to find me, i'll be here, like i always am."

"well then, i'll see you around!"

he walked to his next class, leaving you to ponder if it really was so difficult to make friends after all.

#kflixnet #kwritersworldnet #p1harmony x reader #p1harmony scenarios #p1harmony drabbles #p1harmony fluff #p1harmony headcanons #p1harmony reactions #p1harmony angst #p1harmony jiung #choi jiung #tranquilpetrichorfic

[oftlunarialmoon]

10 Amazon Gift Ideas Under $10 for a Creative Age Regressor - Agere / Age Regression

Ciao lovelies! Today’s post is another Agere / Age Regression centered post! It is a Agere Gift Ideas / Age Regression Gift Ideas post! This particular themed list is 10 Amazon Gift Ideas under $10 for a Creative Age Regressor! Amazon has lots of great picks under $10 (not including shipping) for Creative Age Regressors! So today’s list has 10 Amazon Products that are under $10 that any creative age regressor would love!

Looking for other Age Regression Gift Ideas? Check out our “5 Age Regression Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Under $10” post that is full of cute gift ideas for age regressors, that can be used for Valentines day or really, any occasion!

For now though, let’s talk about Amazon! Online shopping can be super fun, but it’s even more fun when you’re shopping for gifts for a loved one! (At least, I think so!) But that can be super stressful too. Sometimes it’s hard to know what someone would want, and it can be hard to think of a super great gift idea, especially when you’re on a budget. But fear not! I have scoured the website of Amazon and picked 10 gift ideas that are under $10, and are all perfect for a creative Age Regressor, a little one who loves doing crafts and making art!

Just a quick DISCLAIMER before we begin: All prices are as of 4/24/2020 and the prices do not include shipping fees. OFT and Lunaria are NOT associated nor affiliated with Amazon nor any of the sellers or products listed. This list is made for entertainment only. 

All that being said, let’s get into these gift ideas!

1: Scented Markers! - $7.48

This is a great gift for a creative age regressor who loves scented things! Be sure to check that your age regressor friend/loved one does not have scent-triggered migraines before going for a scented product like this, though.

This product comes with 12 Markers in the scents Raspberry, Watermelon, Cherry, Orange, Banana, Mint, Apple, Fruit Punch, Blueberry, Grape, Cinnamon and Licorice. This gift is great for a creative age regressor who can use them to draw or color scented masterpieces!

2: Jumbo Coloring Pad full of Animal Designs! - $4.98

This jumbo coloring book has so many cute animal designs (50, to be exact). Plus, it’s gender neutral, so it’s perfect for any age regressor of any gender! This would be perfect for a creative age regressor who loves to color, and loves animals!

3: 1000+ Sticker Book! - $4.99

This sticker book is amazing- I’m speaking from experience on this one! I actually own this book and I love it! I’ve used almost every sticker in the book on various projects like my agere journal, letters, decorating notebooks, and more!

If you have a loved one or friend who is a creative age regressor, they will love this!

4: Paper Dragon Kit! - $9.79

This kit will help your little loved one/friend make some epic dragons! If your age regressor loved one/friend loves dragons and loves to create, this kit is great for them! It is probably best for someone who regresses to a slightly older age.

5: Decorate Your Own Wooden Plane Kit! - $4.99

This kit is perfect for a creative age regressor! Not only can they design and decorate their own little wooden plane, but then they can play with it! If your loved one/friend is someone who loves to decorate things, this could be a great gift for them!

Plus, you don’t only have to use what’s provided! You could also pick up some $0.50 acrylic paints at a supermarket like Walmart and use those for additional colors!

6: Decorate Your Own Horses kit! - $7.99

This kit is perfect for animal lovers and creative spirits alike! As mentioned with the #5 pick, you could enhance this kit by buying more paint colors with which to paint the little horse figures!

Plus, maybe get some popsicle sticks and help your age regressor friend/loved one build a stable for their newly painted horse friends!

7: SLIMYGLOOP Unicorn Slime Kit! - $5.00

This kit is great for regressors who want to stim with slime! I personally like stimming with slime sometimes, and its even better when it’s bright and colorful like this one!

8: Beading Kit! - $8.99

One of my absolute fave activities to do when regressed is to make bracelets! Making bracelets is a fun and easy craft that can use lots of creativity and can be really relaxing too! Plus after making them, you get cute bracelets to wear when regressed! What’s not to love?

9: Paper Fortune Tellers Kit! - $7.15

Just seeing this kit brings nostalgia. When you were a kid, did you ever make paper fortune tellers? Let me know in the comments!

This kit would be great for a person who regresses to a slightly older age!

10: Sand Art Bottles! - $6.99

I love sand art! I loved it even way back into my childhood! I think Sand Art is a great project for a person who regresses to a slightly older age who would like a slightly more challenging activity to do.

#agere #age regression #sfw littlespace #sfw agere #age regressor #sfw age regression #agereg #age dreaming #sfw little blog #cg resources agere #agere cg #cg tips agere #agere cg tips

[askthestans]

Hello Pines brothers. I come to you about an old question: about being a father and guardian. Stanley, know that you would be a wonderful father and a wonderful parent. Of course, you are not perfect in many ways, but you know the basic things about forgetting about someone: feeding, washing, proper sleep and safety. Unlike your brother, who can't even take care of himself, let alone anyone else. Stanley, have you ever considered adopting a newborn baby in the past?

Stanley: Well, Lu (can I call ya that for short?), you're right. I may not be a dad, but I'm somethin' even better: a Grunkle. See, people think parents are the most important people in a kid's life. And they are, don't get me wrong! But a Grunkle (or Graunty, for that matter) is so important, too. We're like backup parents or grandparents, minus dumb rules like goin' to bed at a reasonable time or limits on sugar intake, with added fun and law-breaking!

And you're 100% right: Ford can't take care of himself. Why do ya think I know about parenting so well? I had to look after this nerdy runt for years of my life! When we were kids, guess who had to protect ‘im from bullies and brush the sand outta his hair? Me. When we were teens, who had to make sure his late night science fair project candy stash was stocked and that he got enough sleep? This guy, that's who.

Never mind the thirty years I spent gettin' him back from sci-fi sideburn land. Oh, he whined about *raises voice an octave* "openin' that portal was too dangerous, Stan!" and "ya almost tore apart the fabric of reality!", but without me, Ford'd still be sleepin' in some slimy alien's armpit and chewin' on chicken-flavored tentacle strips for dinner.

If I thought workin' on fixin' the portal was hard, I was not prepared for takin' care of this guy after he got back. Oof, I'd take the task of carin' for Little Dork Ford or readin' theoretical physics textbooks over...

*He gestures over at Ford, who's working at the desk in his lab.* Ugh, whatever this wrinkly, musty, grumpy old creature is. It's Little Dork Ford, but now it sheds everywhere, has an ego, and it gets into even more trouble somehow.

Stanford: *Is currently busy at his desk, scribbling away at some experiment notes.* You do know that I can hear you insulting me, Stan?

Stanley: See? Ego taller than the Empire State Building, all to cover up insecurity as deep as... hey, Ford? What’s the world’s deepest ocean trench you told me those underwater aliens or whatever hide in?

Stanford: The Mariana Trench.

Stanley: Yeah, that place! Thanks, Sixer-

Stanford: *Reaches into sliding shelf behind his desk, pulls out The Norton Anthology of Shakespeare, Third Edition. He turns around without a word, narrows his eyes, and holds it up so Stan can see what it is. There are little post-it markers sticking up in neon colors from the pages, each marked similarly to “Quotes to Share with Stan #33″ His expression turns into a wicked, depraved smile.*

Stanley: *Backs away and starts sweating.* ANYWAYS, let’s take this conversation upstairs! AS FAR AWAY FROM FORD AS POSSIBLE!

*Stan drops a smoke bomb, rips the laptop they use to answer AsktheStans questions off its charger, and runs into the elevator of Ford’s lab.*

*The elevator, being old and rickety as it is, takes a long time to close the doors and start lifting. Stan holds the laptop with one hand and furiously, desperately smashes the up arrow button with the other, swearing profusely at how slow it is.*

*Meanwhile, a figure with six fingers looms in the dissipating smoke just outside the doors, outlined in the occasional neon blue flash of machinery he walks past, pacing closer, a book opened in his hands like a preacher about to read scripture at a demon.*

Stanley: Not again! *Screams and cowers as Ford nears and the doors are still closing, slowly, slowly...*

Stanford: “Thou ominous and fearful owl of death, Our nation’s terror and their bloody-”

*The doors close just before Ford can reach them.*

Stanley: *Lets out a sigh of relief and wipes his brow.* Whew! That was close. Hopefully he’ll calm down before this old elevator gets back down and up again. Heh, I have a good hidin’ spot just in case, though. I made sure to find one after last week’s event where I interrupted his dumb ‘married to science’ joke.

*Stan keeps talking as the elevator creaks upwards.* Sorry, your question... uh... adoptin’ a newborn baby. Hm...

Come to think of it, I actually did try to adopt a newborn once! It was a few years after I got established here at the Shack, had some extra money, was feelin’ a little lonely, wanted someone to teach all my good moral lessons and tell stories of the good ol’ heist days to...

So I went to the nearest adoption agency and asked about it. I even had a name picked out: Stanford Sherman Pines! I thought, just wait ‘til I get Ford back, and he sees this cute kiddo that’s named after him. Heh, just picture his face-

*The elevator doors open to the stairwell just down from the Gift Shop. Ford is waiting just outside. The book is still open in his hands. His eyes are unblinking.*

Stanford: “The period of thy tyranny approacheth. On us thou canst not enter but by death-”

Stanley: *Rips Ford’s glasses off, digs into his own pocket, and throws awfully convenient salt into Ford’s eyes. Stan politely tucks the glasses back into Ford’s coat pocket with a little tap, then slams the down arrow elevator button this time.*

*By the time Ford gets back up from hunching over in pain, the doors close in his face again. Stan starts talking again.*

L-long story short, they saw my criminal history, and said no. I told ‘em they were makin’ a mistake! I, Stanley - er, well, I was pretendin’ to be Stanford at the time - Pines, would make a great dad! I mean, look at how well I took care of Dips and Mabes over last summer! They only went to jail once. And I even made ‘em Stancakes a few times!

But oh well. A few years later, Soos showed up at my door and got hired. I mean, he’s not my son, just my favorite employee, but he’s as close to a kid as I could ask for. With him, the little Pines twins, and Ford, I got all the kids I need! Seriously, ya might think I’m a big kid myself, and you’re right, but compared to those four, I feel like a mother hen.

Just doin’ the laundry around here is like a constant cycle of scrubbin’ food stains and science experiment chemicals. And who do you think all these dorks come to when they need a shoulder to cry on?

*The elevator door opens up to Ford’s lab again.*

*Stan winces, then when nothing happens, he peers out. Ford is nowhere to be seen. Stan lets out another sigh of relief, then starts walking out of the elevator. The laptop is still in his hands, the camera showing the empty elevator behind him.*

Looks like Ford finally gave up! Heh, salt! Didn’t think that would work, but it just goes to show ya, when in doubt, and when your twin brother who spent thirty years survivin’ in a hellish slew of dimensions comes after you for tellin’ the truth about his awful insecurity issues...

*Unbeknownst to Stan, behind him on the camera, a figure pops down from the service access hatch in the elevator roof, landing as silently as a ninja, rising from the still dissipating smoke as a shadow, the only light on the figure being glasses agleam with blue glow.*

Salt will do the trick! Yep, that’s all it took. I’m sure he’ll get me back for it later, but ya never know! Think he’ll forgive me? Hah! Of course he’ll forgive me! He’s my twin brother. Deep down he loves me, ya know?

*The figure comes up right behind Stan into the light, quiet as a ghost. It’s Ford, eyes puffy and red, tears streaming down his face, salt glistening in his eyelashes, but he’s still expressionless and unblinking.*

*Ford’’s pain is indeed great, but the stinging salt of betrayal can always be soothed by the sweet taste of revenge.*

Stanley: Ah! I’m sure he’ll forgive me. And if the salt doesn’t work and he’s still mad, I can always fall back on old reliable, right? *Stan makes a motion, as if kneeing someone in the crotch.* I did that once before, and he deserved every moment of-

Stanford: Care to let me finish?

*The laptop’s camera turns into a blur of machines and shadows and the sound of screaming. The laptop is set back down on the table and left streaming. Ford walks past slowly, book raised, reciting line after line of Shakespeare, screen glitching until all movement stops.*

*An hour passes. Eventually, Ford comes back and sees the laptop is still on. He leans down to speak, smiling innocently.*

Stanford: Oh! I forgot about the laptop. Apologies, internet stranger! My brother and I just had a casual argument, is all. Don’t worry, I didn’t kill him. He’ll be fine.

*A scream erupts from somewhere further back in Ford’s lab. Ford turns around, eyebrows furrowed in irritation.*

Stanley, if you wanted to avoid getting locked in a room with a barghest, you should have thought about that before you sassed me and threw salt into my eyes!

*Chuckles and speaks to the camera with his mouth behind his hand.* Actually, the barghest is a pretty friendly creature. Demonic looking thing, but give it a nice belly rub or a bone, and it’ll be wagging its tail in no time. But Stan doesn’t need to know that.

Now, if he’d interrupted my marriage to science speech again, well... let’s just say I would have locked him in a pitch black room with a far worse creature.

*Shrugs.*

I’ll just leave this on for you all to listen to the sweet symphony of justice. Also because I need someone to bounce some ideas off of. What do you say? Want to help Dr. Pines - world-renowned supernatural expert - plan a new DD&MD campaign?

*Another scream. Demonic howling and the sound of rattling chains ensue.*

*Ford laughs, brings the laptop with him, then sits back at his desk, humming Dead or Alive’s ‘You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)’ as he scribbles away, occasionally asking the viewer their opinions on what monsters to use in said campaign.*

#stanley pines #stanford pines #gravity falls #yeah so uh Ford's starting to scare me even as the writer of this blog #but you know what I need more dramatic nerd moments in my life and so do you #he survived thirty years in the multiverse somehow #you can't tell me this man doesn't have a dark side #he pursued bill for 30 years #he holds grudges and he holds them well #ford is an owl #an ominous and fearful owl of death

[comas-are-for-sleeping]

bc it's like. and i was GOING to talk to you about the religion aspect of it because it is also partly a letter to God where i am like bro fuck me why is everything so hard; but also like. u know that already i could talk myself into the ground about that already so like yeah. i never posted this one bc it explicitly mentioned my age in a way that i Do Not have the heard to change and also i am emotionally fragile about it and it was probably one of the last songs i wrote before the one i made for tater last year... and it's SO SAD man. it started out as a poem about me hating summer now and the fact that i hated hating summer now because it used to be my favorite season, but then every single thing that made me love the season got taken away from me--the place i was in when i got to experience it, the people i got to be with, the friends and the family and the spending time with all of those people who were so important to me--and then it kind of slowly turned into me going why is everything that i am fucked up how do you even wait for me when i'm like this why must time pass and why does the hurt only get worse. and there's like no real point to me talking about this song i do not think i am going anywhere with this but it is SO IMPRESSIVE how badly i did not want to listen to it until like. over a year later. and now every time i listen to it it's wild because i always get to have the fun realization that this fits literally any breakdown i could have that would have me listening to sad music like goddamn it is it a versatile little fucker of a song.

but also it is interesting because there are parts in there that i've grown a little about and i can look back and be glad that i have moved on from it. it's like a little marker fr like one day when i'm like fifty i can look back on this song and be like haha fuck you life i won. so i'm kind of just. drifting along waiting for that i think

FJFJRJR ALL OF THIS IS SO REAL DUDE IM

bc literally same omfg DUUDE. *shakes you and then hugs you and then shakes you again*

#its like. and idk if this is rlly related to what ur saying actually but for me these two things have major overlap #of the like. how much of what is ‘wrong’ is my fault and how much of it was not at all in my control and just #LIVING with mistakes or even just perceived mistakes #and forgivinh yourself and others OHKHGKGKGL #IT IS ROUGH OUT HERE OH THERE IS THIS SONG #i actually ended up making a playlist of all the songs that leave me emotionally devastated and there is one #that is like ‘i hate myself for hating you because you didnt really do anything wrong so why do i hurt so much’ #that my roommate played on the speakers one night and i was just. sat on my bed like WTF??? #BUT THEN ALSO THE GROWTH??????? and like the knowledge that it will continue to get better even tho it feels so fuckinh slow #and endless but you literally have empirical evidence that it gets better #*runs up the walls and bounces around in a feral manner* #ALSO HELLO THIS IS LITERALLY ONE OF THE LIKE. THREE THINGS BOUNCING IN MY HEAD RN SO UMM. WOW TWINNING #just so so much unnamed and indescribable emotion that i want to DRAW but people are SO fucking hard #ask #soryasongsaa #pen and ink

[iridawn]

Adjusting Appearances

here's an idea i had for jewel box that i never got to do anything with due to not really finding a clear plot that i liked for it. perhaps i just gotta get comfortable with cold opens, but i figure this is a fine way to practice just. smaller fun pieces like this. might be a bit rough but oh well!

irida wants to practice makeup, not really having experience herself and curious how it has advanced since hisuian times, and dawn, who is Not Very Good At It due to still being inexperienced herself, does her best to help (because her girlfriend is pretty)

“…Is everything okay, Dawn?”

Dawn looked up from the small collection of makeup… well, things she had set on the counter of the bathroom, looking over at Irida with a small amount of worry on her face. “Huh? Oh, no, I’m fine. Just, uh… making sure I’ve got everything, I suppose.”

Truth be told, she had no idea what she was getting herself into. Irida had asked Dawn about it, apparently on Lucas’ suggestion. She had apparently been somewhat interested based on how it had changed over the course of time, from Hisui to Sinnoh. Stuff like mascara and the like was present in a much simpler form, but of course, things were a bit different now. Calaba had apparently taught her a bit, but the evolution of makeup alongside other issues meant she wanted a second primer.

So, she had asked Dawn for help, and…

Well, Dawn maybe got a little too excited at the prospect of just how absolutely beautiful Irida would look with even a little bit of a makeup on. God damn it, Dawn, you’re a lovesick fool, you know that?

She grimaced to herself just thinking about it. But at the same time, it’d be good practice. Spending about 14 years or so without knowing you were a girl makes the adaptation you have to do in being caught up to speed a little difficult. Mom was a lot of help, but Dawn had been slacking on it a bit. (For various reasons, namely getting flung to the fucking past.)

Two birds, one stone, right? Well, that was the hope, anyway. Practice on your girlfriend, she’d look drop dead gorgeous, and you’d get to practice it more yourself. Nothing seemed like it could go wrong.

“If you’re not okay with this, Dawn, that really is alright.” Irida got up from the chair that she was sitting in besides Dawn, putting a hand on her shoulder gently. “It’s not a necessity, it’s just something I was curious about.”

The gesture enough to turn her heart into honey, Dawn grabbed Irida’s hand gently and gave it a smooch. “Ah, don’t worry about me. Just making sure I’ve got what I need! I’ll, uh, keep things simple, I think. Just uh… lipstick, eyeliner, mascara. The simple stuff, really.” She ran a hand through her hair and exhaled lightly, trying to calm herself down. “Not like we’re going anywhere fancy tonight, but it’ll look nice, I think.”

She grinned at her girlfriend cheerfully. “Of course, not that you don’t look beautiful already—”

Irida laughed. “You’ve said that about 3 different times, Dawn.”

“Well, it’s true! You are pretty.”

Irida sat up to give Dawn a kiss on the cheek. “And yet, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Dawn giggled, her face flushing lightly from the compliment. But she didn’t mind. Irida was such a sweetheart that she could listen to this all day.

“Hehehe… you’re sweet. But I don’t want to get too distracted!” Dawn shook her head, snapping herself out of the trance she was in. “Okay, uh, do you mind closing your eyes for me? I’ll start with the eyeliner, make it simple…”

“Oh, alright.” Irida adjusted herself in her seat, closing her eyes as Dawn picked up the eyeliner marker from the one she often used, feeling rather tense as she prepared herself for this.

Not that hard, Dawn. Doing it on someone else should be easy, right? Letting out a shaky release of air, Dawn held Irida’s face with her free hand.

“Okay, raise your eyebrows so I can put this on easier…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“…Removing the excess is something you can just do with a napkin. Just prevents it from getting on your teeth and looks nice.” Dawn handed Irida a small piece of napkin. “Kinda like this,” she said, grabbing another small piece of napkin and doing so herself.

Irida followed along, pressing her lips around the tissue for a quick second and releasing. “Like that?”

“Yeah!” Dawn nodded enthusiastically. “Alright, and that should be good! It’s only the basics, but… what do you think?”

Irida stood up and looked at herself in the mirror, the light amount of mascara and red lipstick that Dawn put on her showing well. Dawn had done a pretty good job, if she said so herself.

 (Although, not before going through several thousand makeup wipes from how nervous she was doing this, but mistakes were bound to happen anyway.)

With a happy smile on her face as she looked at what Dawn had done, Irida looked very pleased. “This looks wonderful! I’ve really only seen it a few times in pictures, and I had wondered what I’d look like…”

“Heh, yeah, that’s fair. I’m… still kinda messy at it, myself, but hey, learn as you go.” Dawn released an exhale as she looked at Irida, who turned around to look at Dawn, her eyes practically sparkling. And now that she wasn’t so hyper-focused on not fucking up, Dawn felt like she had been hit with a freight train of realization as she looked at Irida.

Because wow, Irida was gorgeous.

Of course, Dawn always thought she was was, but with makeup on?

The cherry red lipstick complimenting the colour she often wore, the way the eyeliner was don really making her eyes look that much more gorgeous, all of it. It was as if Irida was literally an angel sent from above to stand right in front of her. She could practically feel her heart beating out of her chest.

Irida blinked as Dawn stared at her. “Is… everything okay, Dawn?” She looked a little concerned, but still happy all the same.

Oh my god, my girlfriend is so pretty. Oh my god, she’s my girlfriend. I’m gonna marry her and we’re gonna be together forever. Oh my god, I love her…

As Dawn stared in awe at Irida, every single emotion she had hit her all at once as her eyes began to tear up. She did not expect to get this emotional over how beautiful her girlfriend was, but hey, it happens, right?

“Dawn, are you alright?” Irida immediately looked much more concerned as she put her hands onto Dawn’s shoulders, looking into her eyes. “What happened?”

“My girlfriend is so pretty and I love her and I’m sorry Irida emotions just hit me all at once…” Her voice was shaky, but she was still able to get it out. Dawn sniffled, composing herself as her eyes were still watering. “D-damn hormones, I swear. It’s a good cry, I promise...”

Irida let out a light sigh of relief, giving Dawn a loving smile. “Oh, Dawn…” She gave a weak laugh as she wrapped her arms around Dawn, resting her head onto Dawn’s shoulders. “You’re such a sweetheart, honestly. I love you too, so, so much.”

Dawn laughed as well, amused by her happy tears. “I love you too…” was basically all she could get out, wrapping her arms around Irida as well before the two leaned back and looked at one another.

Dawn glanced over at the mirror, seeing the very big lipstick stain that Irida had left kissing her. She’d help her re-apply the makeup later, but that looked so cute she couldn’t help but almost tear up again. But she was able to keep it together, for the most part.

“…I am right, though.” Dawn smiled  at her girlfriend as she wiped her own eyes. “You really do look stunning.”

“Well, who do I have to thank for that, I wonder?” Irida leaned in and gave Dawn a very, very big kiss on the cheek, one that left Dawn laughing happily. “I am rather impressed with how it has advanced, though.”

“Yeah, no kidding. I can imagine it’s a bit jarring, but in a good way.”

Looking at how nice Irida looked, Dawn immediately got an idea. The evening wasn’t too far off, and while she wasn’t really one for fancier places, Cynthia had made a recommendation for Dawn if she was ever interested, just in Hearthome.

“…say, Irida, do you want to go out someplace nice for dinner? I didn’t have plans, but…” Dawn leaned in and gave Irida a nice kiss on the cheek as well. “I figured it’d be nice to, especially if you look this beautiful.”

“You’re such a flirt, Dawn. But I’d love to!” Irida smiled cheerfully, which Dawn returned. “Plus, I’d imagine you’d be doing your own makeup, and seeing you looking that gorgeous sounds like a treat to the eyes.”

“Well, I’m not as good at it on myself, but…” Dawn grinned. “It’ll be nice! We can go look and see what I can grab for you to wear.” Dawn put the things they used to the side – she’d clean them a bit later. “My mom loved taking me thrift shopping, so believe me, there’s no short supply of nice things that’d fit.”

“Would we need to get a… ah, what’s the word. Reservation, I think?”

“Oh. Yeah, that’s the right term. Hmmm.” Dawn paused, thinking on that. “Probably. It’s the middle of the week, so maybe not, but if it is the case, I, uh…” She smiled cheekily. “Being the Sinnoh Champion does come with extra benefits, y’know…”

“You’d use that to get us a seat? For shame, Dawn…” The two laughed, amused by that statement.

And thus, Dawn and Irida made their way to Dawn’s room, excited for their nice date out together. Though it was a bit unexpected, Dawn couldn’t deny how nice it’d be to get all prettied up and spend the day with the love of her life. It wasn’t something they did often, but it was always quite wonderful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“…Well! Don’t you two look quite nice!”

Johanna stood at the foot of the stairs, smiling at the two as they came down. Irida was wearing a very lovely red dress, with Dawn wearing a black dress with pink sleeves. They both beamed with happiness, both at being told they looked nice, and also just being able to spend this time with each other.

“What’s the occasion, you two? Going out somewhere nice?”

Dawn nodded. “Y’know that place by Hearthome? Me and Irida figured we’d go. Bit of a spur-of-the-moment thing, but…”

“Dawn cried after putting makeup on me, because she was so emotional about it.”

“Hey!”

Johanna laughed in amusement, as Dawn rolled her eyes, a silly smile coming up on her face. “Well, I’m glad that went well, Dawn!” She turned to Irida, giving a rather proud look. “She learned everything she knows from her mother, you know!”

“I can tell. She did quite a nice job, and she certainly looks wonderful herself…”

Dawn laughed bashfully. “You’ve told me that about five times, Irida.”

“Well, it’s true!” She scoffed playfully. “I’m not allowed to call my girlfriend beautiful anymore, is that the case?”

Dawn gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, laughing. “We’ll be back later tonight. Give me a call if you need anything, Mom!”

Dawn made her way down the stairs, as did Irida, before Johanna stepped in front of Irida. “You might want to clean your face a bit, Irida. It seems my daughter’s a bit of a romantic…”

“Whaaaat? Mom, noooooooo…” Startled, Dawn tried to feign innocence.

“…what do you mean?” Irida tilted her head in confusion, before making her way over to the mirror by the door to see…

A large, pink-shaded kiss mark on Irida’s cheek. The very same shade of pink that Dawn had put on prior to them leaving, and before she gave Irida a very big kiss on the cheek.

She turned around to Dawn, who was looking more than a little embarrassed. “…I didn’t want to say anything, ‘cause it looked cute, but…”

Irida smiled. “Well, it does look cute. How could I be upset about that?” She walked up and gave Dawn a kiss on the cheek. “You’re sweet, Dawn.”

Johanna could only stifle a laugh in amusement, as Dawn gave Irida a light hug. “You too, darling. But yeah, you can wipe it off if you like.” She pointed a thumb to upstairs. “There’s just wipes up there…”

“…Maybe I’ll get it later.” It wasn’t super obvious, anyway, and it was pretty cute. “We’ve got to get going, right?”

Dawn checked the time. “Shit, yeah! We’ll worry about it later. Might have some in my purse. Anyways, we’ll catch you later, Mom! Love you!”

With Dawn and Irida putting the nice shoes they had on before they left, they began to walk, intending just to make their way to a bus stop and take that to Hearthome. Dawn did bring Staraptor for the trip back, but figured the wind would make her hair all frizzy. Which, Irida remembered, it usually did.

(But that looked cute too, so…)

And as the two walked, the sky starting to turn darker, Irida happily leaned her head next to Dawn’s, the two holding hands as they walked. They were going to have an absolutely lovely date together, and she couldn’t be happier.

…Maybe she’d ask Dawn for help with more things in the future if they’d work out this well. She grinned to herself, as Dawn leaned her head into Irida’s, two lovers happy to spend time with one another.

#this is potentially pretty sloppy! this is because i am projecting onto my character because i Cannot Do Makeup #jewel box lite #<- this will be my writing tag btw i really like the name

[halothenthehorns]

Chapter 15: MY BROTHER DUELS ME TO THE DEATH

Jason's breath caught in his throat, his hand automatically wanted to reach for his coin, and he also kind of wanted to run out of the room knowing the kind of turmoil Percy was going to go through when he had to fight Tyson to the death?!

"Jason?" Thalia called in concern, quickly breaking up any other little conversations that had sparked up in the momentary lull.

He wanted to hide the book behind his back and pretend he hadn't read that to himself. He still kind of wanted to run out of the room too. "Percy, take a deep breath for me," Jason tried to caution.

Percy scowled and called him an asshole, following this up by saying, "I'm not that bad!"

Jason read each word carefully, bracing himself for impact with each new one.

Percy went white as Chiron's hindquarters as an icy force of water blasted through the room. "We what!?"

There wasn't much choice in the matter after that. Jason kept reading after Thalia snapped at him to get a move on while Percy sat frozen in place like he'd never move again for these horrible implications. He could very well be an iceberg in Antarctica for the sheer coldness radiating off of him.

The metal door was half hidden behind a laundry bin full of dirty hotel towels. I didn't see anything strange about it, but Rachel showed me where to look, and I recognized the faint blue symbol etched in the metal.

"So how did Rachel find it?" Alex asked with interest, flicking his half frozen hair over his shoulder so that it smacked Magnus in the face. "Does she regularly go around behind dirty laundry bins to see what's behind them?" A hobby he surly had himself.

"Hopefully an answer that does not involve the words, the Labyrinth called to her," Magnus begged.

"It hasn't been used in a long time," Annabeth said.

"I tried to open it once," Rachel said, "just out of curiosity. It's rusted shut."

Percy still wasn't maintaining his calm very well as images of Minos driving him mad caused him to chase Tyson around with his sword kept flying through his mind as wild as Icarus; but the initial shock of those words had dulled into a fanciful fear hopefully fueled by his ridiculous brain. Surely, surely, if he'd ever hurt Tyson he would have known that, felt that, long before now. With any luck Tyson had just beaten him to a pulp in the first five seconds of whatever this was and he'd been healed by ambrosia...

Whatever dull feelings of adrenaline that were trying to rush through him gave his brain enough of a cool down to give a shaky laugh and say, "I knew she'd fit right in, curiosity is our number one brand."

"And look where it leads you," Thalia sighed in exasperation.

"No." Annabeth stepped forward. "It just needs the touch of a half-blood."

Sure enough, as soon as Annabeth put her hand on the mark, it glowed blue. The metal door unsealed and creaked open, revealing a dark staircase leading down.

"Anybody else feel like the stairs are a bit of an extra insult?" Will sighed. "Why couldn't it be a slide? At least have fun on the way down."

"Will, no," Nico frowned in concern.

"How would you get back up?" Jason asked.

"I don't think the maze's goal is for you to do that," Will shrugged, at least fully aware of his insanity it seemed. "I just think it would be nice if it gave you some fun in its hellscape."

"Will, no," Nico sighed again.

He had the most experience with this place, so Will decided not to push further.

"Wow." Rachel looked calm, but I couldn't tell if she was pretending or not.

"She's in acting clubs," Thalia nodded, "it is hard to tell how much she's faking it, but also she doesn't go out of her way to hide her emotions that I could tell." She had never spent any significant amount of time around Rachel, but Annabeth had in recent months and mentioned a few off hand times about the blow out fights the red head had with her dad that resembled Annabeth's own with hers.

She'd changed into a ratty Museum of Modern Art T-shirt and her regular marker-colored jeans, her blue plastic hairbrush sticking out of her pocket. Her red hair was tied back, but she still had flecks of gold in it, and traces of the gold glitter on her face. "So...after you?"

"So polite," Magnus waved his hand about in a very posh way.

"She's certainly in the right kind of adventuring outfit," Alex chuckled, "easy to spot in the dark."

"That finally explains the camp shirts," Nico smirked.

"You're the guide," Annabeth said with mock politeness. "Lead on."

"So she can die first," Jason mock whispered in case anybody had missed that.

Percy was not in a laugh it off kind of mood though. He felt like someone was trying to force that hairbrush of hers down his throat spine first. Annabeth and Rachel were going to make him go bald with stress before he even found Tyson.

The stairs led down to a large brick tunnel. It was so dark I couldn't see two feet in front of us, but Annabeth and I had restocked on flashlights. As soon as we switched them on, Rachel yelped.

A skeleton was grinning at us.

"Sadly nothing new at this rate," Thalia shook her head.

It wasn't human.

"That is," Magnus's brows leaped up to his hairline in surprise what else could it be. Didn't anything other than a human turn to dust?

It was huge, for one thing—at least ten feet tall. It had been strung up, chained by its wrists and ankles so it made a kind of giant X over the tunnel. But what really sent shivers down my spine was the single black eye socket in the center of its skull.

Percy shivered so hard dust rained down from the ceiling once more, with cracks to large to ignore much longer. If the roof caved in, would their protection go with it?

"How, is that even possible?" Alex asked with a very dry mouth.

Nico didn't particularly want to answer, because he knew what a freak it made him to have studied this. The right combination that went from torturing to killing to preserve the trophy you wanted from that monster.

Jason wasn't waiting around for an answer regardless, and it wasn't all concern for his own safety. It wasn't Tyson, it was not Tyson, he wasn't that big!

But it would be nice if the book confirmed it.

"A Cyclops," Annabeth said. "It's very old. It's not...anybody we know."

Percy's brain scattered off into about twenty questions over that, starting and stopping so fast in his mind he couldn't manage any of them. Why would she phrase it like that? Did she know how old it was? What kind of archeologist half-blood book was she sleeping with nowadays? Was she just as afraid as he was saying Tyson's name right now in fear he would show up next...on and on it went...

It wasn't Tyson, she meant. But that didn't make me feel much better. I still felt like it had been put here as a warning. Whatever could kill a grown Cyclops, I didn't want to meet.

"One of these days, Tyson is going to be a full grown cyclops, and I certainly want to meet him," Alex reminded in case anybody forgot.

"I bet he'll have no choice but to give Percy nice, non-rib breaking hugs then," Magnus said in a pouty kind of voice as if this were a truly heart wrenching affair.

Percy gave a begrudging laugh he didn't feel just for their attempts to liven the mood.

Rachel swallowed. "You have a friend who's a Cyclops?"

"Tyson," I said. "My half brother."

"Your half brother."

"Hopefully we'll find him down here," I said. "And Grover. He's a satyr."

"Oh." Her voice was small. "Well then, we'd better keep moving."

"Information that really should have been shared before hand Percy," Jason sighed. "She thinks she's just in there to help you find Daedalus, now you're adding extra."

"Hopefully she doesn't charge by the side quest or I'll never pay her off," Percy said lightheartedly enough like he wasn't still internally screaming.

She stepped under the skeleton's left arm and kept walking. Annabeth and I exchanged looks. Annabeth shrugged. We followed Rachel deeper into the maze.

"At least we're avoiding the really not fun phrase of the blind leading the blind," Nico offered.

"Nah, that was the first time with Percy and Annabeth," Thalia chuckled.

"Hey," Percy sighed.

"Don't make me pull Jason out and tell you how many wrong turns you took," she insisted with a smirk.

"There's no such thing as a right turn in that place," he tried to insist even knowing he'd lose.

"Every other turn was a right turn that led to more death," Percy was instantly proven right as Jason rolled his eyes. How was it even when he was right he still never won an argument, Percy sighed as he let the reading continue.

After fifty feet we came to a crossroads. Ahead, the brick tunnel continued. To the right, the walls were made of ancient marble slabs. To the left, the tunnel was dirt and tree roots.

I pointed left. "That looks like the tunnel Tyson and Grover took."

Annabeth frowned. "Yeah, but the architecture to the right—those old stones—that's more likely to lead to an ancient part of the maze, toward Daedalus's workshop."

"We need to go straight," Rachel said.

Annabeth and I both looked at her.

"That's the least likely choice," Annabeth said.

"You don't see it?" Rachel asked. "Look at the floor."

I saw nothing except well-worn bricks and mud.

"What a shame, I'm sure the maze is trying its hardest to make them seem like awesome, original bricks and mud," Alex chuckled.

"It can try a lot less harder any time it wants to, I always encourage laziness," Percy promised. "Like just making one path!"

"There's a brightness there," Rachel insisted. "Very faint. But forward is the correct way. To the left, farther down the tunnel, those tree roots are moving like feelers. I don't like that. To the right, there's a trap about twenty feet down. Holes in the walls, maybe for spikes. I don't think we should risk it."

By the time Jason was done describing that he was pretty thoroughly convinced he could be in a room full of zombies and be none the wiser if Rachel wasn't around to tell him he was being an idiot. It was a skin crawly, terrifying feeling to be so blind, so powerless and have no way to get out of that. There was no training, nothing more he could do for himself to circumvent the fact he had no idea what was down a tunnel.

"The maze is learning?" Magnus's voice shook with terror and he was making no move to hide it. "It knows those are the paths you'd want to pick from last time and it's adapting?!"

Percy swallowed a lump in his throat. They were all quickly going to lose the thread of being in this together and start freaking out as bad as he was, and he didn't want that.

"Yeah, but, that's why we brought Rachel," he reminded with a nervous laugh. "It's good to have friends." His voice was shaky, he was toying with a frayed bit of his jeans and only hesitantly meeting all of their eyes as he looked around the room, but it was clear he meant every word.

Percy was no more happy about this than any of them, but he'd lived through it and wasn't actively complaining about every step, so Magnus tried to keep himself in check while Jason nodded his agreement.

I didn't see anything like she was describing, but I nodded. "Okay. Forward."

"You believe her?" Annabeth asked.

"Yeah," I said. "Don't you?"

Annabeth looked like she wanted to argue, but she waved at Rachel to lead on.

Thalia released a sigh of relief echoed all around. It was worrisome for a moment, that Annabeth was going to actively argue the point with the girl they'd brought down there for just this reason and insist she knew better.

Annabeth proved she was smarter than that in this very moment though. She didn't have to like it, she didn't even have to trust Rachel, but it was clear she trusted Percy enough that this time, maybe it would work out.

Together we kept walking down the brick corridor. It twisted and turned, but there were no more side tunnels. We seemed to be angling down, heading deeper underground.

"No traps?" I asked anxiously.

"I like to think she'd mention that before you have to ask," Nico offered.

"You never know with those artsy types," Percy tried to say with a straight face. "She needed to be invited onto the quest, maybe she needs voice activation."

"Just because you need explicit instructions and a map to find anything in your own room doesn't mean the rest of us do Perce," Thalia smirked.

"Nothing." Rachel knit her eyebrows. "Should it be this easy?"

"I don't know," I said. "It never was before."

"You got decently far in before and nobody almost died," Jason offered.

"I was trying this new thing where I wasn't planning on jinxing myself," Percy rolled his eyes.

"So, Rachel," Annabeth said, "where are you from, exactly?"

She said it like, What planet are you from? But Rachel didn't look offended.

"Rachel has clearly studied up on her mythology and knows that the planets were named for the Roman deities and thinks it a compliment Annabeth is now trying to include her, even going about it in a silly way," Will said in a very peaceful kind of tone that was so full of it the others had no choice but to laugh.

"Brooklyn," she said.

"Aren't your parents going to be worried if you're out late?"

Jason stumbled over that in surprise as he realized he'd never questioned the same. Not once while she'd been in here or somehow appeared in two random states.

Rachel exhaled. "Not likely. I could be gone a week and they'd never notice."

"Why not?" This time Annabeth didn't sound as sarcastic. Having trouble with parents was something she understood.

Magnus raised his hands in mock celebration. "Who knew all it took was a little shared trauma to make friends?"

"Chiron apparently figured it out and that's why he set up Camp," Nico snorted.

"And we commend him for that," Will grinned.

Before Rachel could answer, there was a creaking noise in front of us, like huge doors opening.

"What was that?" Annabeth asked.

"I don't know," Rachel said. "Metal hinges."

"Oh, that's very helpful. I mean, what is it?"

"Why would she know that?" Jason groaned. "She didn't grow a third eye down there!"

"I wouldn't mind if she did right now," Percy tried hard not to squeak.

Then I heard heavy footsteps shaking the corridor—coming toward us.

"Run?" I asked.

"Run," Rachel agreed.

We turned and fled the way we'd come,

"It's nice to hear Annabeth sure didn't question that one," Alex muttered.

but we didn't make it twenty feet before we ran straight into some old friends. Two dracaenae—snake women in Greek armor—leveled their javelins at our chests. Standing between them was Kelli, the empousa cheerleader.

"Just once!" Percy snapped in outrage as he glared at the book and his hands shook, "just once can't this maze work in our favor! Can't a trap door open under those monsters sending them to Tartarus! Or hell, sending us to where Grover and Tyson are chilling with Pan! How did they circle around us?! How-"

"I know Percy," Thalia placed a calming hand on his shoulder. Her worry for Annabeth and him obvious in every creased line of her face she hadn't been there to know how bad it got.

It took a lot of concentration for Percy to focus on her, her voice, her touch, but when he did he saw that this room was hanging on by a thread and they hadn't even gotten to the worst of it yet. They were captured, no way around that.

Where was Tyson?! What had happened to Grover!? Those were things he needed to know, that he nodded gratefully at Thalia for to assure her to keep going.

"Well, well," Kelli said.

I uncapped Riptide, and Annabeth pulled her knife; but before my sword was even out of pen form, Kelli pounced on Rachel. Her hand turned into a claw and she spun Rachel around, holding her tight with her talons at Rachel's neck.

Percy might as well have painted himself gold and struck a pose. He used up every bit of his concentration not to move, to so much as breathe wrong. Rachel was fine. She'd been in here but a few days ago. He would not break this Titan's bathhouse and possibly get his friends killed because she was fine. His shaky exhale caused a few more around him as the others had sat tense waiting for him to react, but Thalia just smirked with a know it all expression that he was going to be fine.

"Taking your little mortal pet for a walk?" Kelli asked me. "They're such fragile things. So easy to break!"

"How ridiculous, Rachel doesn't even have a leash," Magnus sniffed.

"I knew we should all still be wearing armor though, I don't see enough downsides to have stopped," Alex huffed.

Magnus's mind suddenly fritzed like bad reception as he imagined Alex in traditional viking armor, metal bra and all. He quickly turned away.

Behind us, the footsteps came closer. A huge form appeared out of the gloom—an eight-foot-tall Laistrygonian giant with red eyes and fangs.

The giant licked his lips when he saw us. "Can I eat them?"

"I bet that any monster that did try to eat you would just spit you right back out," Jason offered.

"Thanks," Percy sighed.

"No really," he insisted with an odd smile. "You'd either slash your way out before you even hit their stomach, or you'd taste so bad he'd spit you out anyways."

"So I can be covered in monster saliva, thanks Jason, really wanted to visualize that," Percy mock promised.

"No," Kelli said. "Your master will want these. They will provide a great deal of entertainment." She smiled at me. "Now march, half-bloods. Or you all die here, starting with the mortal girl."

"Who sets the beat?" Magnus asked blankly. Alex smacked his shoulder and called him an idiot.

It was pretty much my worst nightmare. And believe me, I've had plenty of nightmares.

"I've been keeping track," Jason promised. "This is probably number two after Annabeth was nearly crushed by the sky you thought was a cave."

"Thanks," Percy said with his shaking hand pressed against his stomach.

Thalia would have snatched the book away to smack Jason with it if it wouldn't have taken extra time to get past this moment.

We were marched down the tunnel, flanked by dracaenae, with Kelli and the giant in back, just in case we tried to run for it. Nobody seemed to worry about us running forward. That was the direction they wanted us to go.

Up ahead I could see bronze doors. They were about ten feet tall, emblazoned with a pair of crossed swords. From behind them came a muffled roar, like from a crowd.

"Oh, yessssss," said the snake woman on my left. "You'll be very popular with our hossssst."

I'd never gotten to look at a dracaena up close before, and I wasn't real thrilled to have the opportunity.

Will had, and his breath passed out in a shallow wisp as he swallowed a scream, memories flashing behind his eyes to fast. Nico felt the shiver that passed over him, not a physical one, but the manifestation of death that oozed right off of Will just from mentioning those things. It saddened him greatly Will had such vivid experience with the feeling Nico so easily associated with many in camp at his mere presence, but Will never moved an inch away from him as the moment came and went.

Jason, of coursed, sounded thrilled like somebody was waving jerky under his nose. Percy found an easy distraction of watching this guy go nuts over a new description of a monster about to eat him mildly better than thinking about said monster ripping off Rachel's throat and hitting him in the face with it.

She would've had a beautiful face, except her tongue was forked and her eyes were yellow with black slits for pupils.

She wore bronze armor that stopped at her waist. Below that, where her legs should've been, were two massive snake trunks, mottled bronze and green.

She moved by a combination of slithering and walking, as if she were on living skis.

"That is so cool!" Jason grinned. "Why do you think they developed a second snake trunk? Do you think the area where they join is the weak spot, I can't imagine they can fit armor around there. Oh, how potent do you think their venom is-"

"Jason," Thalia sighed patiently, "can we do this after everybody isn't about to die?"

"That's never," he huffed, but obligingly read on all the same. He was worried about Tyson too.

"Who's your host?" I asked.

She hissed, which might have been a laugh. "Oh, you'll sssssee. You'll get along furiousssly. He'ssss your brother, after all."

Percy's innards went on an entire rollercoaster without him, he lurched in his seat and even dug his fingers into the beanbag like he was hanging on for life. Oh gods, he already thought he'd lost Tyson once, he didn't know how he was going to do this again! An arena, Luke had mentioned something about that, he'd know Tyson and would save him for a battle to the death against him while Annabeth was forced to watch-

Percy heard the book keep going with a kind of fuzzy, background noise like Tyson's snoring he'd learned to fall asleep to. It helped though, the buzz of voices the smallest reminder he wasn't alone in this, that he had others he had to focus on too like making sure Annabeth and Rachel got out of this.

"My what?" Immediately I thought of Tyson, but that was impossible. What was she talking about?

"Would it be possible for Percy to have a long lost half sibling down there?" Magnus asked in surprise. "If some poor Greek kid went in there way back when and time was that messed up and they managed to survive on their own up until this point?"

"Even the maze wouldn't make them immortal," Nico shook his head. "That person would still have died of old age, granted far, far later than they should have if they had managed all that, which is like a 1% chance of happening."

"I'm now over here wondering if they found Polyphemus and dragged him off that island," Jason admitted. Cyclops kind seemed the only direct links associated with Percy at any rate and if it wasn't Tyson at least this was a deserved rematch, but could lead to the same problem of Percy being unwilling to kill his opponent.

The giant pushed past us and opened the doors. He picked up Annabeth by her shirt and said, "You stay here."

"Hey!" she protested, but the guy was twice her size and he'd already confiscated her knife and my sword.

Alex knew he shouldn't but he started chuckling anyways as he imagined a feisty kitten who thought she was tough. Annabeth of course was, and most likely considering seven other ways to kill that giant, but it was still amusing.

Kelli laughed. She still had her claws at Rachel's neck.

Will kept the nasty idea to himself Kellie probably got some perverse pleasure out of feeling Rachel's pulse going a mile a minute, feeling the fear leaping right through her skin. He felt like his skin was going to erupt in hives in moments at the idea of that snaky, scaly flesh all over him, that was probably his personal nightmare.

"Go on, Percy. Entertain us. We'll wait here with your friends to make sure you behave."

I looked at Rachel. "I'm sorry. I'll get you out of this."

She nodded as much as she could with a demon at her throat. "That would be nice."

"This girl is being way to chill about this," Magnus frowned in concern if she was in shock.

"She lied to a bunch of zombie guard's upon first meeting me," Percy reminded with a shrug. "This is not her first encounter with monsters, gods knows how many others she's just had to walk past in the street without reacting."

The dracaenae prodded me toward the doorway at javelin-point, and I walked out onto the floor of an arena.

Jason checked his tone of voice, making sure he didn't sound as nervous as he felt, but calm. Not casual, not while Percy was fighting for his life, that would feel heartless. It was an easy feeling to pull up inside himself, it always felt natural to fall into the roll of calmly studying the worst outcome.

I guess it wasn't the largest arena I'd ever been in,

"What is?" Magnus asked.

"Fields of Asphodel," Percy said without hesitation.

Magnus shivered for that answer, but maybe just a tad less than the last few times.

but it seemed pretty spacious considering the whole place was underground. The dirt floor was circular, just big enough that you could drive a car around the rim if you pulled it really tight. In the center of the arena, a fight was going on between a giant and a centaur. The centaur looked panicked. He was galloping around his enemy, using sword and shield, while the giant swung a javelin the size of a telephone pole and the crowd cheered.

Why did it have to be a centaur? Thalia fought the urge to rub her shoulders and huddle up tight in her seat. She would have had the same reaction had it been anyone familiar in that arena. A satyr, a half-blood...

The first tier of seats was twelve feet above the arena floor. Plain stone benches wrapped all the way around, and every seat was full. There were giants, dracaenae, demigods, telekhines, and stranger things: bat-winged demons and creatures that seemed half human and half you name it—bird, reptile, insect, mammal.

But the creepiest things were the skulls. The arena was full of them. They ringed the edge of the railing. Three-foot-high piles of them decorated the steps between the benches. They grinned from pikes at the back of the stands and hung on chains from the ceiling like horrible chandeliers. Some of them looked very old—nothing but bleached-white bone. Others looked a lot fresher. I'm not going to describe them. Believe me, you don't want me to.

Alex swallowed a nasty feeling in the back of his throat. Oh, he agreed. He normally would have laughed and said bring it on and dared himself he could have made something more grotesque than any of those fleshy skulls...but it just would not make anybody laugh right now.

In the middle of all this, proudly displayed on the side of the spectator's wall, was something that made no sense to me—a green banner with the trident of Poseidon in the center. What was that doing in a horrible place like this?

"Really, really misunderstood capture the flag?" Magnus asked in a squeaky voice.

"I'm still on Percy's team," Will raised his hand.

Above the banner, sitting in a seat of honor, was an old enemy.

"Luke," I said.

"You keep saying that like you have other enemies to identify as new," Nico snorted.

"Do you count?" Percy asked with a raised brow.

Nico flushed and looked away, and Percy instantly felt bad for embarrassing the kid on a snap comment he didn't really mean.

"What about the Labyrinth?" Percy continued in a much more obvious joking tone. "What about-" he stumbled to a quick stop. He'd been about to say Calypso, because she had been an impediment to his quest, but that just made him feel bad because she hadn't done it on purpose.

I'm not sure he could hear me over the roar of the crowd, but he smiled coldly. He was wearing camouflage pants, a white T-shirt, and bronze breastplate, just like I'd seen in my dream. But he still wasn't wearing his sword, which I thought was strange.

"Way more than strange," Jason agreed. "I'm wondering if he gave it to Quintus as some kind of trade maybe? The excellent swordsman he was might have considered it a trophy?"

Percy didn't think that was right, but the answer settled somewhere in him. A trade, a gift...it nagged just on the edge of his mind close enough to be chewing on his ear but too loose for him to bat it properly away until he was more thoroughly distracted.

Next to him sat the largest giant I'd ever seen,

"Why do they get bigger every time you meet a new one?" Magnus sighed. "Can't you fight a tiny monster for once? The kind that you'd feel bad for stepping on?"

"If I could let you pick the monsters I face, I would," Percy promised. "And only Magnus! The rest of you assholes would take a tiny squishy shape and drop it in water and then it's a demon hippo about to murder me."

"Guilty," Thalia nodded without remorse.

"You got us," Alex snickered while Jason tried to hide his smile behind the book.

"I wouldn't make you fight any monsters," Will said in a pouty kind of voice he wasn't an exception too.

"But then he'd never get any training again," Nico reminded.

Will looked like he was reconsidering his comment now, and Percy crossed his arms triumphantly he'd been right from the start.

much larger than the one on the floor fighting the centaur. The giant next to Luke must've been fifteen feet tall, easy, and so wide he took up three seats. He wore only a loincloth, like a sumo wrestler.

"Does he follow the ancient traditional ways too?" Nico asked with honest amusement.

"What monster have I yet faced that had a shred of honor?" Percy scoffed.

His skin was dark red and tattooed with blue wave designs. I figured he must be Luke's new bodyguard or something.

"That was, cool," Jason tried to say like he meant it.

"I'm guessing that's the guy related to you," Alex used the whole deductive reasoning of him having waves etched into his body to make that brilliant leap. "If so, props for irony."

"No, no I will not be giving props to any giant who is red and has blue waves and is hoarding a flag of my dad," Percy huffed.

"Is it just those specific requirements?" Alex asked.

"For now," Percy frowned.

There was a cry from the arena floor, and I jumped back as the centaur crashed to the dirt beside me.

He met my eyes pleadingly. "Help!"

They had been hazel. His coat had been a speckled grey color.

He was nothing like the Party Ponies, nor did he resemble Chiron in any way. Percy didn't know if Centaurs were like nature spirits and would be reincarnated as a plant in some happy other life.

Percy knew he never learned his name.

I reached for my sword, but it had been taken from me and hadn't reappeared in my pocket yet.

Nico still vividly imagined Percy lunging forward barehanded, strangling that giant without a second thought, the dust of his life force dripping through his hands as he brushed himself off and looked around with that smirk and a 'who's next?' Because Percy was supposed to be the hero who would never let anything bad happen to anyone.

Bianca might as well have been rolling her eyes at him, trying to snatch his cards away so he would pay attention to what was really going on. The panic, the guilt on Percy's face as his hands actually spasmed in frustration and concentration, the care he had to put into not actively murdering them all over a memory that pained him.

He still wished his stupid active imagination would end soon and he could burn Percy's made up card and stats already he'd latched onto and be done with it. On the other hand, the idea of hero's had also gotten him through a lot of lonely times and was quite entertaining letting his mind wander for a moment knowing those monsters and hero's could still come to life in his mind on those cards even if it wasn't real.

So long as he kept that in mind, that normal balance, he just let himself smile with sorrow for a moment as the book continued.

The centaur struggled to get up as the giant approached, his javelin ready.

A taloned hand gripped my shoulder. "If you value your friendsss' livesss," my dracaena guard said, "you won't interfere. This isssn't your fight. Wait your turn."

"What an awful merry go round, I want off this ride," Magnus shivered with a horrible churning in his gut. How on earth had everybody made it out of this alive? If they even had... but he'd gotten pretty good at following Percy's impulses over the last few days. He kept reaching for something in his pocket, though he was fidgeting with his pen in his non-dominant hand to keep himself from fully pulling it out. Percy was agitated, prepared for a fight, but he'd been much, much worse when he felt the sense of somebody being in real danger that wasn't him.

The centaur couldn't get up. One of his legs was broken. The giant put his huge foot on the horseman's chest and raised the javelin. He looked up at Luke. The crowd cheered, "DEATH! DEATH!"

Luke didn't do anything, but the tattooed sumo dude sitting next to him arose. He smiled down at the centaur, who was whimpering, "Please! No!"

Then the sumo dude held out his hand and gave the thumbs down sign.

"Why does that somehow feel more disappointing than if he'd just started chanting death too?" Alex frowned.

"Note to self," Percy said none to quietly.

I closed my eyes as the gladiator giant thrust his javelin. When I looked again, the centaur was gone, disintegrated to ashes. All that was left was a single hoof, which the giant took up as a trophy and showed the crowd. They roared their approval.

He would not picture Chiron right now, he would not picture Chiron right now...and yet his mind was as unhelpful as ever as it offered up his mentor, the great white stallion himself crumpling, his camp in ruins. The first slayed in the coming war so no more hero's could be trained if they failed this mission.

A gate opened at the opposite end of the stadium and the giant marched out in triumph.

"I hope he dies first when you burn this place down," Thalia said in a calm, deadly voice.

That giant sadly did not even crack the top three of monsters that needed to die first in that place, number one of whom was Luke. He didn't think Thalia would appreciate him correcting that though.

In the stands, the sumo dude raised his hands for silence.

"Good entertainment!" he bellowed. "But nothing I haven't seen before. What else do you have, Luke, Son of Hermes?"

Luke's jaw tightened. I could tell he didn't like being called son of Hermes.

"Then maybe he should do what the rest of us do and just disown his parentage instead of causing mass casualties in a war," Alex threw his hands up and looked very much like he was trying to explain this to the densest of people.

"He had to be extra about it, I bet Hermes is the god of theatrics too," Magnus grumbled.

He hated his father. But he rose calmly to his feet. His eyes glittered. In fact, he seemed to be in a pretty good mood.

"Never a great thing for my day," Percy frowned.

"Pessimism like that is why we can't have world peace Percy," Jason chuckled.

"Yes, I'm the problem here," Percy rolled his eyes.

"Lord Antaeus," Luke said, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "You have been an excellent host! We would be happy to amuse you, to repay the favor of passing through your territory."

"A favor I have not yet granted," Antaeus growled. "I want entertainment!"

"And Grover said those tap dancing lessons would be of no use," Alex scoffed, "look at you already needing him."

"I have several good book and movie selections I'd be willing to offer him?" Will said half-heartedly.

"I'm wondering how other people could possibly get through this without a horde of disposable monsters behind them," Jason frowned. "If they just offer themselves up as a tribute, who are they fighting? The sumo guy?"

"I'm sure sumo guy keeps prisoners alive in cells for just that reason," Nico unhappily answered. Whether monster, mortal, or anywhere in between, everyone wound up traversing the labyrinth.

Luke bowed. "I believe I have something better than centaurs to fight in your arena now. I have a brother of yours." He pointed at me. "Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon."

Percy felt a tidal wave of emotions hit him for that, most of all relief. Tyson was still down in this crazy dangerous place somewhere with Grover, not about to fight him to the death! The relief caused the others to even let out their own sigh of the pressure of the room lifting.

Second was disgust. Geez, he wished he would stop seeing other products of his dad getting around!

The crowd began jeering at me and throwing stones, most of which I dodged, but one caught me on the cheek and made a good-sized cut.

Percy flinched, his fingers grazing the spot now. It shouldn't be any reflection on the forthcoming fight he was coming into it with a silly cut...but still his worry only grew. This was going to be a nasty fight.

Antaeus's eyes lit up. "A son of Poseidon? Then he should fight well! Or die well!"

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Thalia asked with a raised brow.

"That this guy who's name I don't want to pronounce is clearly biased and an idiot, unlike other sons of Poseidon," Percy grinned.

"Oh, okay," she grinned.

"If his death pleases you," Luke said, "will you let our armies cross your territory?"

"Perhaps!" Antaeus said.

Luke didn't look too pleased about the "perhaps." He glared down at me, as if warning me that I'd better die in a really spectacular way or I'd be in big trouble.

"Minos wishes he had the kind of vengeance Percy's ghost would cause," Will scoffed.

"Luke really deserves whatever he gets coming, he can't even broker a deal with a cheapskate. Hermes should really disown him himself," Alex nodded.

"Luke!" Annabeth yelled. "Stop this. Let us go!"

Luke seemed to notice her for the first time. He looked stunned for a moment. "Annabeth?"

Percy felt an immediate sense of regretful guilt. Luke probably never would have taken Annabeth onto this quest, it was to dangerous.

And she would have smacked Luke with her knife for trying to leave her behind, Percy found himself smiling instead.

"Enough time for the females to fight afterward," Antaeus interrupted. "First, Percy Jackson, what weapons will you choose?"

The dracaenae pushed me into the middle of the arena.

I stared up at Antaeus. "How can you be a son of Poseidon?"

Not one joke of a family resemblance passed the room, and Percy's smile grew.

"Don't look so smug Percy, we'd never insult Tyson's looks by comparing any of you," Thalia smirked, while Percy sighed.

"I am his favorite son!" Antaeus boomed.

"Psssh, I'm sure he loves all of his kids equally," Will mock tried to correct.

"Oh yeah," Percy grinned, "I don't see Antaeus being kidnapped into the ocean against his will."

"Percy," Thalia frowned at him, "please stop phrasing that like it's a good thing."

 "Behold, my temple to the Earthshaker, built from the skulls of all those I've killed in his name! Your skull shall join them!"

I stared in horror at all the skulls—hundreds of them—and the banner of Poseidon. How could this be a temple for my dad? My dad was a nice guy. He'd never ask me for a Father's Day card, much less somebody's skull.

"Everybody has their own hobbies?" Will tried to say through an awkward smile.

"I wish Poseidon's was caving this place in ages ago," Thalia scowled.

"Percy!" Annabeth yelled at me. "His mother is Gaea! Gae—"

Nico's breath caught. He was grateful to be trapped under the ocean for the first time, because even down here he picked his feet off the floor and looked wearily down to see if a new abyss was opening up. Annabeth had invoked her name, in her own domain...Gaea stirs the ghosts kept whispering in his dreams...

Will felt the distress shivering right off of Nico and watched him for several moments with deep concern. It made total sense if Nico had a thing against the Earth goddess herself after being trapped underground for so long. He wanted to offer him something, comfort, some sense of a promise he didn't have to deal with it alone. Nico had actually reciprocated the last few times he'd tried...but he had hesitated a moment to long, and Jason kept reading. Nico glanced over at him and gave him a weary smile which Will instantly returned, and the look in his eyes seemed grateful enough as he smacked Will's side and muttered about him hogging all of the couch again.

Her Laistrygonian captor clamped his hand over her mouth.

"Rude," Alex sniffed with a perfect roll of the r's.

"Like Luke doesn't use every life-line and cheat code at his disposal," Percy agreed with a scowl.

His mother is Gaea. The earth goddess. Annabeth was trying to tell me that was important, but I didn't know why. Maybe just because the guy had two godly parents.

"Don't most monsters?" Magnus asked.

"They're not even two opposing gods, ocean and earth," Jason nodded there seemed no specific connection.

Percy was just to grateful nobody was asking where Gaea and Poseidon connected on the family tree for this to even be possible.

That would make him even harder to kill.

"You're crazy, Antaeus," I said. "If you think this is a good tribute, you know nothing about Poseidon."

The crowd screamed insults at me, but Antaeus raised his hand for silence.

"Weapons," he insisted. "And then we will see how you die. Will you have axes? Shields? Nets? Flamethrowers?"

"A flamethrower's been an option this whole time?" Magnus spluttered.

"Sounds like an OP kind of weapon, no good entertainment," Alex said in what he obviously thought was an impression of Antaeus.

"Just my sword," I said.

Laughter erupted from the monsters, but immediately Riptide appeared in my hands, and some of the voices in the crowd turned nervous. The bronze blade glowed with a faint light.

"Imagine if Riptide had killed any of the monsters in there before and you didn't know," Nico grinned. 

Percy gazed down at his pen with a fond smile. Riptide had been Hercules's first, and as much as he loathed the guy now, he had been one hell of a monster slayer.

"Round one!" Antaeus announced. The gates opened, and a dracaena slithered out. She had a trident in one hand and a weighted net in the other— classic gladiator style.

"Someone's trying to earn extra credit," Jason sniffed, his full confidence in every word Percy wouldn't bat an eye at this fight.

"I'll show her some extra practice Chiron taught me," Percy grinned. It was a casual enough expression for him, but there was a hint of something else behind it already. This wasn't just any fight to Percy. He could not lose.

I'd trained against those weapons at camp for years.

She jabbed at me experimentally. I stepped away. She threw her net, hoping to tangle my sword hand, but I sidestepped easily, sliced her spear in half, and stabbed Riptide through a chink in her armor. With a painful wail, she vaporized into nothing, and the cheering of the crowd died.

Percy threw his arms wide with a mocking smile.

"I don't think they're very entertained Percy," Thalia said with mock sympathy.

"You should try fireworks, or at least some sparklers," Will offered.

"I could try shoving a grenade in somebody's mouth too," he shrugged as his arms fell. "Oh well, I've never cared what my peers think of me anyways."

"No!" Antaeus bellowed. "Too fast! You must wait for the kill. Only I give that order!"

I glanced over at Annabeth and Rachel. I had to find a way to get them free, maybe distract their guards.

"Nice job, Percy." Luke smiled. "You've gotten better with the sword. I'll grant you that."

Percy's skin crawled and he fought the urge to gag. Luke praising him once would have been the coolest thing after that very first quest.

"Round two!" Antaeus yelled. "And slower this time! More entertainment! Wait for my call before killing anybody. OR ELSE!"

"Or else you get two thumbs down," Alex said with confidence.

"Remind me not to ever disappoint you," Percy theatrically shivered.

The gates opened again, and this time a young warrior came out. He was a little older than me, about sixteen. He had glossy black hair, and his left eye was covered with an eye patch. He was thin and wiry so his Greek armor hung on him loosely. He stabbed his sword into the dirt, adjusted his shield straps, and pulled on his horsehair helmet.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"Ethan Nakamura," he said. "I have to kill you."

They knew there were other, actual people in Luke's army, Chris's vegetative state still sat heavily on their minds as a constant reminder. Another boy walking through those doors was still the last thing they wanted to hear. Give Percy a rematch with that Chimera, let him go toe to toe with any monster. It would not have been Pleasant, but it still would always feel better than two barely teenagers trying to kill each other.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Hey!" a monster jeered from the stands. "Stop talking and fight already!"

The others took up the call.

"I have to prove myself," Ethan told me. "Only way to join up."

And with that he charged.

Will swallowed several foul things he'd like to say about that. Gods, he'd never wanted to know any step of the 'process' of Luke inducting kids to his side. Did Janey the seven year old chased to camp by a sphynx and vanished a month later have to prove herself? Did Christopher Sanders, only nine?

He'd been much happier with his own delusional idea every new half-blood that joined Luke's side was in a safe space, a new camp he was building away from this army of monsters being treated like fodder.

Our swords met in midair and the crowd roared.

It didn't seem right. I didn't want to fight to entertain a bunch of monsters, but Ethan Nakamura wasn't giving me much choice.

Neither were the monsters behind him holding Annabeth and Rachel prisoner. Most people got carrots and sticks, noooo, he got sticks and sticks!

Percy was keeping his anger at the situation mostly in check still. Sometimes there were campers around to watch the goings on in the arena, he'd fought in front of people before and he tried to spend a moment convincing himself Ethan was just a new camper and somebody would blow a whistle before anybody got hurt.

He pressed forward. He was good. He'd never been at Camp Half-Blood, as far as I knew, but he'd been trained. He parried my strike and almost slammed me with his shield, but I jumped back. He slashed. I rolled to one side. We exchanged thrusts and parries, getting a fell for each other's fighting style. I tried to keep on Ethan's blind side, but it didn't help much. He'd apparently been fighting with only one eye for a long time, because he was excellent at guarding his left.

Jason read that with such interest Percy felt like he was under a microscope. He and Thalia exchanged bemused looks what this guys deal was, he read like he was dying to take notes and probably share them with the class as soon as possible. Percy was now half convinced he must have been tortured by a teacher in his past life and had needed this rescue.

"Blood!" the monsters cried.

My opponent glanced up at the stands. That was his weakness, I realized.

He needed to impress them. I didn't.

"I don't suppose the case of, you are your own worst critic will come in handy?" Alex offered.

"He clearly judges himself good enough," Percy said with begrudging respect. He'd held his own, though Percy hadn't exactly been fighting all out. He didn't want to kill this guy.

He yelled an angry battle cry and charged me, but I parried his blade and backed away, letting him come after me.

"Boo!" Antaeus said. "Stand and fight!"

Ethan pressed me, but I had no trouble defending, even without a shield.

He was dressed for defense—heavy armor and shield—which made it very tiring to play offense. I was a softer target, but I also was lighter and faster.

The crowd went nuts, yelling complaints and throwing rocks. We'd been fighting for almost five minutes and there was no blood.

Finally Ethan made his mistake. He tried to jab at my stomach, and I locked his sword hilt in mine and twisted. His sword dropped into the dirt.

There was no triumphant shout of joy in here. Instead the heavy weight of memory left them all flinching like Percy had gotten another scratch.

Thalia wondered if Luke had seen that, been proud and hopeful Percy would still join his side someday.

Or if he'd just been watching Annabeth, making sure that Giant didn't squeeze the life out of her. She was never sure of his priorities anymore.

Before he could recover, I slammed the butt of my sword into his helmet and pushed him down. His heavy armor helped me more than him. He fell on his back, dazed and tired. I put the tip of my sword on his chest.

"You should post videos online," Alex sporadically decided. "You'd go viral, kids would never shut up about the cool thing they learned watching Percy Jackson fight every kind of opponent."

"Um, pass," Percy frowned at the idea of random people walking up to him on the street and congratulating him for kicking a monster sized rat to the curb.

"We can always post the footage of the play we do," Will offered oh so helpfully. "We get some really cool stunts and moves depicting most of it as being fake anyways."

"Will!" Percy spluttered while Alex smiled in delight. "Man you have got to stop with that joke, tell me there's no play!"

Will opened his mouth with a troubling smile on his face that didn't feel like it was going to be a helpful answer before Jason continued anyways.

"Get it over with," Ethan groaned.

I looked up at Antaeus. His red face was stony with displeasure, but he held up his hand and put it thumbs down.

"Forget it." I sheathed my sword.

There had been no moment of suspense between those last two sentences. Nobody had thought for a second Percy was going to kill this kid.

There was a sad, lingering silence as Jason took a breath though to realize Ethan had been about to accept it.

"Don't be a fool," Ethan groaned. "They'll just kill us both."

I offered him my hand. Reluctantly, he took it. I helped him up.

"No one dishonors the games!" Antaeus bellowed.

"Well that's what they get for inviting two Nobody's," Nico rolled his eyes.

"I'm sure Rachel would happily make three if we had time to explain," Percy agreed.

"Your heads shall both be tributes to Poseidon!"

I looked at Ethan. "When you see your chance, run." Then I turned back to Antaeus.

Jason felt a troubled knot already forming in his gut, and they hadn't even gotten to the escape part yet. Now Annabeth's group was going up to six members? It would be an act of the gods if they all made it out of this alive...

"Why don't you fight me yourself? If you've got Dad's favor, come down here and prove it!"

"Mmm," Alex smacked his lips in appreciation as if just sampling his favorite flavor. "Calling out the big boss to post up or shut up. Gets um every time."

"Yeah," Percy said with a weary sigh of agreement. His bones were already trembling against each other like they were about to break out into song as he scrambled in his mind trying to figure out how he won this one.

The monsters grumbled in the stands. Antaeus looked around, and apparently realized he had no choice. He couldn't say no without looking like a coward.

Thalia did offer Alex a high five which he happily air slapped.

"I am the greatest wrestler in the world, boy," he warned. "I have been wrestling since the first pankration!"

"Pankration?" I asked.

"I'm assuming that has nothing to do with the rations of the color pink?" Will frowned.

"I said pank like pain with a k," Jason frowned.

"Potato potato," Will shrugged. "Don't get me started on how hard it is to understand some of yawls accents if I'm not paying attention."

"I swear if we weren't all reading a magic book for dyslexic's we would have murdered each other by now over a fight of spelling Percy's name," Thalia sighed as she rubbed her forehead.

Nico was personally amused at Thalia's point being proven by not one of them actually seeming to stop and think to ask what the heck a pankration was in all their sporadic chatter.

"He means fighting to the death," Ethan said. "No rules. No holds barred. It used to be an Olympic sport."

"And they stopped that one?" Magnus scratched absently at his neck where his hair was tickling him to long. "Man, no wonder the turn out for those is lacking."

"You know how we all say a normal person should be thrown into one of those to see what an average person is like against these trained athletes," Alex smirked. "Yeah, I don't think anybody would be volunteering for this one."

"Except you," Magnus frowned accusingly.

"Yeah, but after I won ten years in a row I bet people would stop volunteering," Alex shrugged.

"Thanks for the tip," I said.

"Don't mention it."

Rachel was watching me with wide eyes. Annabeth shook her head emphatically, the Laistrygonian's hand still clamped over her mouth.

"You just know she's thinking up some new swears for you she's pissed she can't shout." Thalia said in sympathy. "I've wanted to call you a shrimp faced twit for the last hour."

"And she's much more creative," Percy chuckled.

I pointed my sword at Antaeus. "Winner takes all! I win, we all go free. You win, we die. Swear upon the River Styx."

"Look at you learning your lesson about that," Jason nodded with a slow clap.

"Like it'll do any good," Percy scoffed with a raised eyebrow, well aware even when he won he'd still have to escape Luke next.

Antaeus laughed. "This shouldn't take long. I swear to your terms!"

He leaped off the railing, into the arena.

"Good luck," Ethan told me. "You'll need it." Then he backed up quickly.

"Antaeus would probably accuse you of cheating," Will sighed, "but I wished Ethan had volunteered to help you. You just saved his life!"

"He's already helped enough by telling me there's no rules," Percy shrugged with that kind of grin on his face, the light in his green eyes that made all of them brace themselves and wish for a strap on their seats.

Antaeus cracked his knuckles. He grinned, and I saw that even his teeth were etched in wave patterns, which must've made brushing after meals a real pain.

Thalia burst out laughing hard. "Like he brushes his teeth."

"Note to self, his breath is probably worse than a dragons," Percy gagged.

"Weapons?" he asked.

"I'll stick with my sword. You?"

He held up his huge hands and wiggled his fingers. "I don't need anything else! Master Luke, you will referee this one."

Luke smiled down at me. "With pleasure."

"Percy takes a step and a whistle blows for a foul," Nico rolls his eyes.

"What's a referee even for if there are no rules?" Magnus frowned.

"To judge if the death was worthy," Percy shrugged, "which personally I don't think an immortal should get to be the judge of anyways!" It had never done anyone any good that he could tell.

Nico gave a slight cough and Percy frowned at him for a minute before he just said, "oh," without taking it back and Jason awkwardly moved on. Yeah, Hades had still kidnapped his mom.

Antaeus lunged. I rolled under his legs and stabbed him in the back of the thigh.

"Argggh!" he yelled. But where blood should've come out, there was a spout of sand, like I'd busted the side of an hourglass. It spilled into the dirt floor, and the dirt collected around his leg, almost like a cast. When the dirt fell away, the wound was gone.

"Well that's, not great," Magnus offered. It really was no guessing he was Annabeth's cousin.

"So I'm imagining a catapult right?" Alex began. "Percy lures him one way while we strip the stadium for parts and once he's strapped in for liftoff we add-"

Now thoroughly convinced Alex was on somebody's watchlist, Jason casually reminded they should focus on what Percy's actual plan was going to be.

He charged again. Fortunately I'd had some experience fighting giants. I dodged sideways this time and stabbed him under the arm. Riptide's blade was buried to the hilt in his ribs. That was the good news. The bad news was that it was wrenched out of my hand when the giant turned, and I was thrown across the arena, weaponless.

Percy had no reaction at all to his mind remembering that pain. The bruises he'd have had all along his back, the tense muscles it would take pure ocean water to fix after the stress of this place. His eyes were only on the prize.

Antaeus bellowed in pain. I waited for him to disintegrate. No monster had ever withstood a direct hit from my sword like that.

"Geryon did," Jason uneasily corrected. "Your blade doesn't always mean you're going to win the fight Percy."

He sounded friendly enough, like he was coaching him, but Percy was to pent up to do more with the advice than nod his thanks.

The celestial bronze blade had to be destroying his essence. But Antaeus groped for the hilt, pulled out the sword, and tossed it behind him.

"At least he didn't use it like a toothpick?" Thalia offered.

"I'd have to find a way to burn my sword," Percy shivered.

More sand poured from the wound, but again the earth rose up to cover him.

"How sensitive do you think that ability is?" Nico grinned a very unwelcoming smile. "If he gets a paper cut? If he stubs his toe does mommy make it better?"

"You and Percy are never allowed on the same quest," Will frowned at the idea these two would be playing tennis with each other and the monster was the ball.

Dirt coated his body all the way to his shoulders. As soon as the dirt spilled away, Antaeus was fine.

"Now you see why I never lose, demigod!" Antaeus gloated. "Come here and let me crush you. I'll make it quick!"

Antaeus stood between me and my sword. Desperately, I glanced to either side, and I caught Annabeth's eye.

The earth, I thought. What had Annabeth been trying to tell me?

Antaeus's mother was Gaea the earth mother, the most ancient goddess of all.

Antaeus's father might have been Poseidon, but Gaea was keeping him alive.

I couldn't hurt him as long as he was touching the ground.

I tried to skirt around him, but Antaeus anticipated my move. He blocked my path, chuckling. He was just toying with me now. He had me cornered.

"Now the only question left is, are you a wind up toy or do you need batteries or rechargeable, or what?" Thalia tapped her chin.

"I'm the kind that'll bite your hand if you reach for my fries," Percy reminded.

"You could never prove I did that," she sniffed.

I looked up at the chains hanging from the ceiling, dangling the skulls of his enemies on hooks. Suddenly I had an idea.

"Oooh, here we go again," Magnus sighed.

Nico tried hard not to flinch at that, but it was hard now knowing Bianca had once been a part of Percy's crazy plans.

I feinted to the other side. Antaeus blocked me. The crowd jeered and screamed at Antaeus to finish me off, but he was having too much fun.

"Not so easy now is it," Percy waved at the book like Antaeus was here to show his own hypocrisy to.

"I genuinely worry none of you guys are remotely worried about any of this anymore," Magnus sighed.

"We all deal with stress in our own ways," Alex shrugged.

"Puny boy," he said. "Not a worthy son of the sea god!"

Percy's jaw clenched tight. The entirety of the ocean sparked in his eyes. The easy going smile they all knew to be on him finally slipped away to that look of intense concentration that was born to control more of the surface of the planet than Gaea could.

I felt my pen return to my pocket, but Antaeus wouldn't know about that. He would think riptide was still in the dirt behind him. He would think my goal was to get my sword. It wasn't much of an advantage, but it was all I had.

"You've won worse with less," Thalia said with a dark undertone to her voice that was still waiting for the worst to be revealed.

I charged straight ahead, crouching low so he would think I was going to roll between his legs again. While he was stooping, ready to catch me like a grounder, I jumped for all I was worth—kicking off his forearm, scrambling up his shoulder like it was a ladder, placing my shoe on his head. He did the natural thing. He straightened up indignantly and yelled "HEY!"

"You are the definition of a pest," Alex laughed approvingly.

"I will be the unkillable fly!" Percy joyously agreed.

I pushed off, using his force to catapult me toward the ceiling. I caught the top of a chain, and the skulls and hooks jangled beneath me. I wrapped my legs around the chain, just like I used to do at the ropes course in gym class. I drew Riptide and sawed off the chain next to me.

"Come down here, coward!" Antaeus bellowed. He tried to grab me, but I was just out of reach. Hanging on for dear life, I yelled, "Come up and get me! Or are you too slow and fat?"

He howled and made another grab for me. He caught a chain and tried to pull himself up. While he was struggling, I lowered my sawed-off chain, hook first. It took me two tries, but finally I snagged Antaeus's loincloth.

Will gasped and covered his eyes like a dork, Nico snickered for himself, while the others all continued to listen with their mouths hanging open which was just as amusing to Percy. His hands ached from the callouses he'd ruptured and he wouldn't be surprised to be picking unpleasant things out of his palms for weeks after this...but that friendly smile was already right back in place as his confidence grew.

"WAAA!" he yelled. Quickly I slipped the free chain through the fastening link on my own chain, pulled it taut, and secured it the best I could.

Antaeus tried to slip back to the ground, but his butt stayed suspended by his loincloth. He had to hold on to the other chains with both hands to avoid getting flipped upside down. I prayed the loincloth and the chain would hold up for a few more seconds. While Antaeus cursed and flailed, I scrambled around the chains, swinging and cutting like I was some sort of crazed monkey. I made loops with hooks and metal links. I don't know how I did it. My mom always said I have a gift for getting stuff tangled up. Plus I was desperate to save my friends.

Anyway,

"Yeah, like that's ever something somebody should just talk right past," Magnus frowned.

"Do you want to stop and discuss all of those bullet points?" Percy asked in shock. "Because I can personally promise if we start with just the one about all my tangled up shoe laces we'll be here a good twenty minutes."

Magnus sighed in defeat. "Anyways..."

"Correct answer," Jason nodded.

within a couple of minutes the giant was suspended above the ground, hopelessly snarled in chains and hooks. I dropped to the floor, panting and sweaty. My hands were raw from climbing.

"Get me down!" Antaeus demanded.

"Free him!" Luke ordered. "He is our host!"

"Does anyone else feel like he just said that out of obligation," Jason rolled his eyes.

Six hands went up and Jason looked way to pleased about getting a unanimous vote that at least three of them promised not to do it again on principle.

I uncapped Riptide. "I'll free him."

And I stabbed the giant in the stomach. He bellowed, and sand poured out, but he was too far up to touch the earth, and the dirt did not rise to help him.

"I guess some birds shouldn't be kicked out of their nest," Nico snorted.

"That is somehow the opposite of what just happened," Thalia looked at him mildly.

"And yet it still works," Nico shrugged.

Antaeus just dissolved, pouring out bit by bit, until there was nothing left but empty swinging chains, a really big loincloth on a hook, and a bunch of grinning skulls dancing above me like they had finally had something to smile about.

"So which one did you claim as your trophy Percy?" Alex asked with a clear winner in his mind.

"None," Percy frowned.

"I would have taken the sand, put him in an hour glass so he never misses game night," Alex sighed at his clear lack of creativity. Percy was mildly offended after the way he'd just thought up killing that monster, but really, would it do him any good to argue the point?

"Jackson!" Luke yelled. "I should have killed you long ago!"

"You tried," I reminded him.

"And thankfully, practice doesn't seem to make perfect in this case," Thalia grumbled.

"Practice doesn't make perfect, it makes progress," Will said with chipper. Of course, he knew everybody came out of it alive, but to everyone else he sounded a wee bit like a maniac.

"Let us go, Luke. We had a sworn agreement with Antaeus. I'm the winner."

He did just what I expected. He said, "Antaeus is dead. His oath dies with him. But since I'm feeling merciful today, I'll have you killed quickly."

Percy had seen it coming, he was in no way surprised, and yet he still hadn't come up with a second part to his brilliant plan to actually get them out of this!

Jason fiddled with the pages for a few seconds as he wondered at Luke casually ordering Percy's execution. Had he lost all hope of recruiting him and claiming the Prophecy for his side? Did he somehow think he could talk Thalia out of her oath and use that to his advantage?

They were questions without an answer.

He pointed at Annabeth. "Spare the girl." His voice quavered just a little. "I would speak to her before—before our great triumph."

Thalia wished that would stop hurting her so much every time. To hear her friend wounded, looking desperately for help in his family, and knowing Annabeth would not give it to him. He was hurting them both, and no matter how she longed to just cut ties with him completely, Luke was to far gone to see any other way.

Every monster in the audience drew a weapon or extended its claws. We were trapped. Hopelessly outnumbered.

"Yeah, yeah, how many times have I heard that before," Thalia yawned, mock checking a watch she did not wear.

"Until you let me borrow your fart arrows, you're not allowed to be that confident about my mortality," Percy frowned.

"Hard pass," Thalia said while patting his forehead.

Then I felt something in my pocket—a freezing sensation, growing colder and colder. The dog whistle. My fingers closed around it. For days I'd avoided using Quintus's gift. It had to be a trap. But now...I had no choice. I took it out of my pocket and blew. It made no audible sound as it shattered into shards of ice, melting in my hand.

Now Jason couldn't help an accidental dramatic pause as his mind whirled with possibilities of all the ends and outs, paths and plans that could lead to Mrs. O'Leary showing up at this time, friend or foe...until Thalia smacked him and said, "stop leaving everyone in suspense if this chain saw massacre lives another hour."

"That is the coolest thing you've ever called me Thals," Percy grinned.

"Don't make me regret it," she grinned right back.

Luke laughed. "What was that supposed to do?"

"Actually summon a taxi, guess nobody's invented an app for that yet," Nico snipped.

From behind me came a surprised yelp. The Laistrygonian giant who'd been guarding Annabeth flew past me and smashed into the wall.

"AROOOOF"

Kelli the empousa screamed as a five-hundred-pound black mastiff picked her up like a chew toy and tossed her through the air, straight into Luke's lap.

"Dang I love this dog," Thalia yelled like she'd just won them a game against Air Bud at the playoffs.

"She gets extra treats and belly rubs for life," Alex cooed for the good girl. Magnus swallowed automatic revulsion and decided he'd better start getting used to this dog.

Mrs. O'Leary snarled, and the two dracaenae guards backed away. For a moment the monsters in the audience were caught completely by surprise.

"Always nice when you surprise the monsters that have seen everything," Percy grinned, his talent for startling Chiron getting a nice flip side on the bad guys.

"The only thing that would make this moment better was if she was a pink poodle instead of a massive tank dog," Alex chuckled.

"Let's go!" I yelled at my friends. "Heel, Mrs. O'Leary!"

"The far exit!" Rachel cried. "That's the right way!"

Ethan Nakamura took his cue. Together we raced across the arena and out the far exit, Mrs. O'Leary right behind us. As we ran, I could hear the disorganized sounds of an entire army trying to jump out of the stands and follow us.

"I hope those monsters all trampled each other like you were a Black Friday sale," Alex grinned.

"Who knew it was so easy to relate these monsters to real life problems," Magnus frowned.

Jason sighed his turn was up while he was still mapping out strategies of how to funnel the monsters in one by one while tossing Mrs. O'Leary some bacon bits as he got up to hand the book off.

PJOPJOPJOPJO

Gods do I wish Hunger Games had come out just a few years earlier! I wanted to make so many references...

#pjo #hoo #Jason Grace #Thalia Grace #Percy Jackson #Will Solace #Nico Di Angelo #Alex Fierro #Magnus Chase #percabeth #solangelo #fierrochase

[nickelstudy]

TOPIK II Review

It's been a while since the test has come out so I figure I should take the time to write about it before my memory fades away more than it does now.

Here is my 89th TOPIK II result!

As you can see, it's not a lot, and not up to my expectation either.. bUT it's pretty decent for the first-timer. A little salty that I could have got 4급 if I earned 2 more points.

Let's start from going there. The test location was a place I'd never been to, plus I had no one to escort me there so it was a pain going alone. It took only 21 Baht (around 0.6 USD) to get there. Pretty cheap!

The test location was a campus so when I arrived I was confused about where I should settle. I wound up at a cafeteria, seeing how it would rain soon (which I was correct hah!) I had lunch and prepared for the exam. I don't think I read any stuff at that point. My knowledge was pretty much saturated and couldn't intake any more words or grammar. Ok and so I walked out in the rain to get to the building where I would have a test. It didn't rain hard so it was alright.

SO, right when I entered the exam room, a Korean exam invigilator (i don't know the common term send help) asked me what my exam number was so that she could find my seat in Korean. The problem is I FORGOT MY NUMBER DESPITE REMEMBERING IT IN ADVANCE. What was worse is I had already turned off my phone so I couldn't look it up. So I answered shits like "번호를- 잊어버렸어요" See how i didn't even use a more polite form (lmfao). Anyway, she went and picked up a list of test examinees which contained everyone's faces... (im scared) but then I realized, it was in the test paper I brought along!

They didn't let us use our own stationery. These were what they gave.

A two-sided black marker. One side for writing and the other for filling a circle

That's it... wait... how am I gonna change my ans-

WELL You could ask for a correction tape that got shared around the room. Fun fact, I barely have experience using it so I was nervous about whether I would fuck it up or not.

Ok, enough nonsense. Let's talk about the test

Listening（듣기）

It was hard. I struggled a lot trying to understand the choices in one glance while listening to the conversation. There wasn't much to be said. I was so done at the 3rd or 4th question. I think if one space out for just 2 seconds, it's going to be hard to catch up, especially with an amateur like me.

Writing (쓰기)

The first two weren't that easy. It took a while to understand what they were about and I managed to fill in the answers.

Number 52 was talking about 갈증. I didn't know what it meant and I don't think they expected us to know either. (gotta figure it out by context amirite)

Quote from a conversation I had with my friend

"There was a part where it's about the sugar component in the juice would make the water inside your body go out or sth idk Because they mention 물이 빠져나가면 so I assume it's that But the problem is idk what to write exactly It's like sth sth 성분은 몸 안의 물이 (...). 빠져나가�� 할 것이��?? 될 것이다??? I DON'T KNOW WHY WAS IT 물이 and not 물을 ??? or maybe I was stupid and I don't include the important part so you can't help me now Could it be 부족하게 instead? Idk"

For the 53th problem, I know how to space when writing in a Wongoji paper. BUT I forgot to NOT space after a period (it's a habit from Japanese). After 2 sentences I realized it and tried not to do it again but then I DID IT AGAIN. The content I wrote is decent, I belive. but the spacing...

The last one is about discovering talent, why is it good? How does one do it? I didn't have time to write it ofc. It was like 2 minutes left.

Reading (읽기)

I took too long at the start. Yes, it got progressively harder as I did. I was at the 33rd out of 50 when the time ran out. Nothing out of my expectations to be honest. So yes, I blind-guessed the rest and somehow got more than halves

Other stuff

So when they let us break after the writing section. I tried to go down stairs and get some air. The test was rough haha. They didn't let us go to the 1st floor! They even thought I was going to use a toilet lmfao.

Anyway, it was raining after everything ended. I walked a bit to get to the bus stop and headed back without buying any of the stuff there. End of the story.

Thank you for reading! It was super fun trying out the exam. I'm not going to take a test in the near future for sure because the price is costly. It's not my end goal either! I just want to understand what Korean artists write in their work.

After this (which is right now) I'm focusing more on JLPT N1. I'll write about my method and some updates soon.

#log #KRlog #KR

[thelittlepalmtree]

Little things I hate seeing in kid's fashion:

Too many accessories. Kids will inevitably take them off and lose them. You will then be upset with them. Kids under 10 are not going to be able to handle hats, scarves, bracelets, purses, neclaces, etc. It's just setting them up to fail. I know in winter you usually need a hat and mittens and a scarf, etc, but in that case they will probably wear those items the whole time and not take them off. I'm more talking about accessories that are just there to look good but become a burden on the kid when they have to be responsible.

Long hair that isn't tied back. Kids need to play and that's really hard if their hair is getting everywhere. It's also really bad for their hair because it's going to get messy during the day. This is also very gendered and I think it's a big reason why little girls are "calmer". They've been naturally discouraged from playing!

Shoes that you can't run in. This goes along with the last one. Kids need to play! And i know many little girls go through a plastic high heels phase. I would encourage them to explore that through dress up. But even outside of that. Flipflops, many sandals, flats, and especially crocs are so hard to run around in! Your kid needs sneakers! They need shoes that can take a beating and they won't trip in!

Onesies on potty-trained kids. I only saw this a few times but it drove me crazy. If your kid is potty trained or in the process of potty training they have to be able to take their pants and pull-ups or diapers off! Onesies are reall only appropriate for babies and toddlers. Also pro-tip once your toddler can stand and walk, it's way easier to change a diaper standing and if you do it in the bathrooms it can help the transition to potty training

Clothes that can't get dirty for long periods of time. Are you going to a wedding? Okay a nice dress that needs to stay clean is fine. Are you sending your kid to school? Send them in play clothes! Play is such an important part of learning! They need to get dirty and muddy and play with paint and markers!

Overall, I just hate when the person dressing a kid isn't thinking about the child's experience in the clothes. It is such an important part of the day and as an adult that's our main consideration when we dress ourselves. Kids need to be able to play and have fun without hating their clothes!

#parenting #children #childrens fashion

[plotsandplansarchive]

Decades

Ep: 🎛 song: The Promise - When in Rome

theme: 80's punk rock NYC

(Some kind of wonderful, maeve wiley vibes, san junipero, stealing back fridge from ex adventure, cheesy 80's romcom-ish) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A straight edge NYU scholar who gets dumped by his girlfriend decides to have the ultimate college experience 48 hours before his graduation. He goes to a club and meets a group of punk rock enthusiasts and ends up hooking up with one of them. The next day he wakes up in her apartment and meets her roommate, whom he was acquainted the night before. She offers to drop him off at his dorm but he asks her to help him in his mission of having the 'ultimate college experience' which ends with going to his ex's dorm and retrieving his 8track player. They go around the city and check off his bucketlist one by one. After getting his 8track player back, they then part ways and she tells him how good people like him never stay in her life that long. After his graduation ceremony, he goes straight to the record store she works at and shows her that he has no intention of forgetting her. (The Promise plays as end montage: At B's graduation, while someone makes a speech, he looks down at his hand where G drew on a temporary tattoo with a marker. He smiles. Cut to G opening the record store for the day. She turns her back and arranges the vinyls when someone plays a familiar track, she looks up and sees B in his toga and smiles)

Moral/Heart of the story: G sees that B has potential and tries to stop him from making regrettable decisions even just for a weekend because she used to be a scholar like him when an ex boyfriend got her into different vices that caused her to lose the scholarship. She lets him experience some kind of fun but ultimately reminds him of his brighter future ahead.

B: You're the girl from last night G: Hate to break it to you, but I'm not that girl. That would be my roommate. B: No, no. You're the girl who wouldn't let me do coke. G: Yeah, because A) That shit's expensive and B) You seemed a little out of place to be doing a coke line with us punks. B: Yeah, well. You see, I have this wild notion, well plan actually, to do the things I should have done during college but never had the chance to. Before I graduate next week. G: And that is to do drugs with strangers? B: Yeah. But I wasn't able to do that because someone had to be a killjoy. G: Oh so you're calling me a killjoy? B: Yeah. G: Ok whatever. I thought I was being the good guy here, preventing someone from get into things that are hard to get out of. B: Listen, I'm not here to be a junkie. I just want the experience of it. A whiff, a puff, a smoke then poof. I'll go back to my old routine and I'd still have a story to tell. G: Yeah well, be careful what you wish for. Shit's addicting in case you haven't heard. B: Yeah well I think I have a strong sense of will power. This is all just for experience. G: Listen, I have some errands to do. You want me to drop you off somewhere?

B: Uh yeah um NYU dorm?

B: Ok, can I ask you a favor? Will you help me tick off this list? G: Man, you've got some priorities. Get 8track player back? You do know we have cassettes now, right? B: It was a vintage hand me down from my uncle, and I made the mistake of sharing it with my ex. Ive decided that I kinda want it back. G: Get a tattoo?

B: Yeah, I think well you know. It could give me some edge.

(At Tattoo shop) B: Oh okay, um h-how about uh.. this one? TA: And where would you want it? B: Um.. how about on my shoulder. No wait- how about make it in the leg? Umm, which uh hurts less? G: Look, I'm not one to be a killjoy- B: Again G:..again. But you know you don't have to prove anything to your ex that you're as good as the douche she cheated you with. B: I know. I'm going to show her I'm better. G: i don't think Getting a tattoo out of spite and possibly jealousy is the best decision as of now. B: I don't think so either but that makes it the ultimate college experience so um let's get right into it.. G: You're sweating. Buckets. You're not even 100% sure about this. It may seem like the cool college experience but having a good story to tell is not exactly worth something this permanent and entirely regrettable. B: Uhh I umm G: Listen, Gary we'll just come back another time. When Mr. Spontaneous here gets his head cleared up and realize he was just using a stage name all along.

G: Here, give me your hand (draws on permanent marker on his hand) If you really want one so bad, here's a placeholder till you finally decide on getting an actual one. When you're thinking straight.

G: Nothing good in my life stays. When they come around, I have to remember they're not a permanent fixture. They're better off not with me.

[delicatetrashearthquake]

Responsible for a fish scale strain Budget? 10 Terrible Ways to Spend Your Money

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[hotchs-bitch]

Over the Counter

Summary: For as long as you’ve worked as a barista, there’s never been a customer who caught your eye or made you want to cross over to the other side of the counter. That is, until you met Aaron.

Pairing: Hotch x blank slate Fem!Reader (no use of y/n)

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: Brief description of injury, I think that’s it! Maybe a curse or two but I can’t find any

A/N: A sharp 180 from the absolute filth that I’ve been putting on the dash lately :) just some much needed (for me) cute barista x hotch fluff! Gif creds to @ropoto and misc. hotch drink hc creds to @the-modernmary <333

Find it on ao3 here or under the cut! Happy reading <3

“Hi there! What can I get for you?” You scan the man in front of you. Black coffee.

“Black coffee, medium.” He hands you a five dollar bill, and you give him his change.

“Great! That will be ready on the other side of the counter. Next!”

A young woman comes up to the register next. Iced latte. “Hi, can I get a French vanilla? And can you make it cold?”

“Absolutely.” You give her the total and wait for her to pay. “And that will be at the other side of the counter for you in a minute. Next!”

Another man walks up to the register. You give him the same internal predication as every other stoic-faced middle aged man in a suit. Black coffee. With this guy, however, you can’t help but notice how handsome he is. He’s all broad shoulders and hard lines, but there’s a softness to him in the crows feet by his eyes and the way he shifts on both feet while he decides what to order.

“Hello. Could I get a, uh…” he squints at the menu over your head. “Could I get a white mocha latte, iced? With raspberry and whipped cream, please.”

The order throws you off for a moment- you usually guess correctly- but professionalism and years of customer service experience take over. “Sure thing! That’s going to be $5.25.”

“Great, thank you.” He taps his credit card, then hesitates. “Can you put that in a coffee cup?”

You’re running on four hours of sleep, three cups of coffee, and total autopilot. That’s probably the reason that your response is a cheery, “All of our drinks come in cups, sir.”

He blinks at you like he’s trying to figure out if that wasn’t a well-known fact, and you notice the brown of his eyes until he looks away. “Yes, well, er... I meant, can you put it in the same kind of cup you serve hot coffee in?”

“Oh!” You close your eyes for a moment, embarrassed. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry. We can do that, but I won’t be able to put a straw in the lid.”

“That’s alright.” He smiles at you, and somehow it makes him more attractive. “Sorry for confusing you. I don’t need a straw, so that will be fine.”

“Not confusing at all. Yeah, let me just, here,” you fumble the marker and start to write his order on the cup, but he stops you.

“Sorry, can you not write it? Can you just put my name or something instead?” He requests. “It’s just, er, one of my employees came into work with that drink and it sounded good, but I know they’ll all make fun of me if they find out I ordered one.”

You bite back a laugh at that, writing the order on a sticky note instead. “Sure thing. And the name for the cup was…?”

“Aaron. Thank you.”

“No problem, Aaron.” The two of you stand there for a minute longer, just smiling at each other; you with your trademark customer service grin, and him like he’s waiting for you to speak. Finally, it clicks. “Oh! That’s going to be ready down at the end.”

You point down the counter, and he steps back. “Thank you,” he repeats before walking to the other side of the counter.

You have to help the next customer, and you completely miss him getting his drink and leaving. Truth be told, you’re a little disappointed that you don’t get to talk to him again, but work is too busy for you to think about it for long.

—————

He comes in at the same time the next morning. “Can I get a latte, please? With vanilla, and oat milk if you’ve got it.” He’s speaking before you can even greet him.

“We’ve got it,” you assure him. You write ‘Aaron’ on the cup before he can request it, and ring in his total. “It’ll be $6.20.”

“Thank you.” He heads down to the other side of the counter without another word.

It’s another busy morning, and again you don’t get to talk to him before he leaves. It’s a shame, because he seems like a nice guy and his voice is almost swoon-worthy. But two days in a row is a good sign, and you’re sure he’ll be back again tomorrow.

—————

The next morning’s order is a large black coffee. It’s ordered in a hurry while Aaron talks on his phone, his voice too low and rushed for you to make any of it out. The only thing you can tell without a doubt is that he sounds stressed.

Your coworker is on break, so you grab his coffee yourself. You’re pouring the dark roast when he hangs up and looks at you. “I’m sorry,” he says, gesturing with the phone. “That was rude of me.”

You smile at him; it’s genuine, not your typical customer service cheery grin, but a real one. “Nothing to apologize for. I’m just the help,” you joke.

Aaron shakes his head. “That’s not true.” He looks like he’s about to say something else before his phone chimes and he looks at it, suddenly looking a lot older than he is as stress shadows his expression. “Can I add a couple shots of espresso to that?”

You glance at the sign that says ‘add espresso for just $0.90!’ and he tracks your gaze. “Nev-“

“No problem.” You cut him off, already getting the shots ready to pour.

“You don’t have to do that.” His eyebrows furrow with concern. “You might get in trouble.”

“It’s no problem,” you promise, but his expression doesn’t change. “I mean it, Aaron. It’s okay.”

You’ve caught him off guard, like he doesn’t think you remember his name. “Thank you. Really, thank you.” He pulls his wallet out and opens it, looking over at the register. “I’ve never seen a tip jar here, where is it?”

“Oh! We don’t actually accept tips.” You slide his coffee across the counter. He picks it up and takes a sip before setting it down and leaning against the counter, making himself comfortable there.

The sunlight streaming through the window and his proximity combine to give you a better view of him than you’ve been able to get thus far. You can see every line on his face, especially the frown lines that deepen further when he takes in your words.

“What? Here, take this.” He pulls out a bill and you shake your head. “Come on, just take it.”

“We can’t. That would actually get me in trouble,” you say apologetically, and he tucks the bill away with a scowl.

“That’s ridiculous. Places like this barely pay enough as it is, not being able to take tips is…”

“Criminal?” You joke.

Aaron pauses for a moment, like he’s considering what to say. He settles on, “Exactly. It’s criminal. You’re doing hard work, and you should be compensated fairly.” You’re set to respond, but his phone chimes again and he picks up his coffee without looking at it. “I should get going.”

“Have a nice day,” you say, giving him another one of those smiles that you’ve never shown a customer.

He raises the coffee as he walks towards the door. “Take care of yourself.”

—————

He doesn’t come in for the next four days, and you’re starting to wonder if it’s because of something you did or said. You work in the evening on the fifth day, and you’ve already resigned yourself to not seeing him.

That’s probably why it’s such a surprise when he comes in just before closing time, looking exhausted. “Just espresso, please. As much as you can fit in a cup.”

You give him his total with a raised eyebrow. “Long day?” You guess. His suit is wrinkled and his hair is tufted like he’s been pulling on it. “Have you slept since the last time you were here?”

He laughs, but there’s no humour behind it. “You’ve got no idea.” Handing you a bill instead of using his card like he normally does, he continues to speak. “You’ve noticed that I’m not here?”

You’ve been caught, and stammer out a response as you get his change. “Well, it’s… you know, polite people are memorable and you’re always nice to me, and, uh,” don’t call him hot, do not tell him that you think he’s hot, “uh, yeah,” you finish lamely. The change in your hand clinks as you thrust it forward, but he just shakes his head.

“No room in my wallet for coins,” he says it like an apology, but there’s a playful look in his eyes. “You’ll have to keep it.”

“Aaron, I told you-”

“I know, but come on. You’re closing soon, is your manager watching?” He challenges. There’s a triumphant smile on his face, but you just nod your head and point up to the security camera. “Shoot. I’ll figure something else out, then.”

“You’re very stubborn,” you tell him as you hand back his change, then move over to the machine and start making his drink. “Has anyone ever told you that?”

“If I had a dollar for every time I heard it, I could hire you as the justice department’s personal barista,” he deadpans. His wallet goes back into his pocket, and he shifts over to the other side of the counter to watch you, leaning against it comfortably.

You giggle at his words, queuing the shots and leaving the cup under the spout as they pour. With one eye on it, you move to the counter area to hear him better. “So, where have you been?”

“Away for work.” His answer is brusque and you straighten up a little, assuming that he’s uncomfortable with you pushing to learn more about him. You can’t think of a response, but luckily he keeps talking after a pause. “Just a sort of business trip. We went to Texas.”

“You work for the justice department, you said?”

Aaron nods at you, then stifles a yawn before he speaks again. “Why else do you think I was so adamant about tipping? I’m a big fan of justice.”

You snort at that and grab his cup of espresso, adding a bit of vanilla before popping the lid onto it even though he didn’t ask for any. “You’re ridiculous. This for burning the midnight oil?”

“Crime never sleeps, so why should I?” His fingers brush yours when he grabs the cup, and he takes a small sip. He lets out a little ‘ahh’ of relief, then shoots you a close-mouthed smile. “I’ve got to get back to the office. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“I’ll be here,” you assure him, watching with a smile as he walks out of the building.

—————

The next day Aaron doesn’t come in until the early afternoon, but when he does he has a kid with him. “Hi,” he greets you, setting the boy down. “Just an Americano, please. Jack, what do you want?”

Jack frowns in concentration, then grabs Aaron’s hand and tugs on two of the fingers. “Milkshake.”

“I don’t know if they-“ Aaron raises his head to look at you. “Do you make-“

“I can make it work,” you assure him. “What kind of milkshake do you want, Jack? Our chocolate is really yummy.”

He nods at that, then hides his face in Aaron’s leg.

“Alrighty, a chocolate milkshake for the handsome guy there,” you say, mostly to Jack. Kids are always the best patrons, especially when they’re polite like he is. He giggles at that, grips Aaron’s pants in one fist while Aaron speaks.

“Should I be offended?” He asks, grabbing his receipt when you hold it out. He moves down to the other side of the counter as you get started on the drinks, standing close so you can hear him better.

“Offended about what?” You raise an eyebrow at him, a smirk playing at your lips.

“I mean, you called my son handsome, and you’ve known him for five minutes. I’ve been coming here for well over a week and haven’t been called anything, and he’s 50% me, anyways.”

You’re attuned enough to understand Aaron’s dry humour, so you just shoot back, “There’s an age factor. With him, I’m not risking getting written up for flirting on the clock.” You set the drinks on the counter, but Aaron makes no move to grab them.

“Flirting?” Aaron leans against the counter, one of his hands smoothing Jack’s hair like he’s making sure that his son is still there. “Well, if you’re going to get in trouble for doing it on the clock-“

“Excuse me!” One of your regular customers is standing by the register. “Hello? Are you trying to lose business here?”

“Sorry about that!” You give Aaron an apologetic smile, then hurry over to the register to take the order.

Halfway through writing the drink order on the cup, you hear, “Daddy, look! A bird!”

It’s followed by “No, Jack, don’t go outside!” But the door is already open, and the little guy is scurrying down the sidewalk towards a pigeon. Aaron curses, gives you a nod as he passes, and bolts out the door after his son.

You don’t have time to think about it, because you’re still focused on your customer. Later, while wiping off the counters, you wonder what Aaron had been about to say. You have to wait to find out, unfortunately, because you don’t see him for another six days.

—————

When he finally returns, he’s got one arm in a sling and a black eye, mottled purple painting the skin around it. He walks up to the register, ignoring your gaping. “Just an oat milk latte. Decaf, if you’ve got it; doctor’s orders.”

“Oh my god, what happened?” You don’t bother reaching for the cup. “Aaron, your eye! And your arm!”

“Oh. Right.” He winces like he’s forgotten about the injury, pulling out his credit card. “Just another work trip.”

“What kind of work trip- what, did you get shot or something?” You demand, ringing up the drink. He taps his card and moves down the counter in total silence, and there’s your answer. “Aaron! You got shot!?”

“It sounds worse than it was,” he promises, “and I was wearing a vest. It’s just a little bruise on my shoulder.”

You narrow your eyes, not believing him at all. “I can’t even…. I mean, you could have been killed. You’re going to take it easy until you’re healed, hear me?”

A smile plays at Aaron’s lips, and he leans over the counter the way he always does. “You sound like my doctor.”

“Yeah, because you’re hurt!” You set his drink on the counter. “I can’t believe you got… god, Aaron, what were you thinking?”

“Alright, alright. I’ll take it easy, no need to yell,” he says with a grin, picking up the cup. “My doctor would love you; he’s not allowed to raise his voice at me.”

“Well, tell him I’m available to do that anytime,” you shoot back. He’s about to respond when a woman storms up, bumping him off of the counter and out of her way.

“What the hell is this?” She demands, slamming her cup down. “I ordered an iced decaf soy sugar free vanilla latte with four pumps of vanilla, and this doesn’t have any vanilla in it!”

You made the drink five minutes ago and distinctly remember putting vanilla in it. It’s not worth the fight, though. “Sorry, ma’am, let me remake that for you.”

She scoffs aloud. “Well, I should think so!” You give her a placating smile and move to remake her drink while she continues to speak. “I mean, god, the machine does the job for you! Are you useless? No wonder you can’t get a better job! You’re probably some washed-up dropout who couldn’t make it in the real world, and a-“

“That’s enough.” Aaron cuts her off efficiently, his voice firm in a way you’ve never heard it before. “She’s remaking your drink. There’s no need to scream at her.”

“How else is she going to learn? Do you have any idea how much I spend here?” She snaps at him, but he responds before you can even think of diffusing the situation.

“No, and I don’t care,” he deadpans. “But that doesn’t mean you’ve got the right to yell in her face.” You set the drink down awkwardly, not quite knowing what to say, and Aaron notices. “There, it’s fixed. Now leave her alone.”

The woman picks up her new drink with a scowl, takes a sip before storming out of the building. You let out a little laugh of disbelief, wiping off the counter as you speak. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, we’re supposed to shut up and take it.”

“If I can’t tip, I’ll do the next best thing,” he shrugs his good shoulder. “You didn’t deserve that. If you’re not allowed to stand up for yourself, I’m happy to do it for you.”

You don’t speak for a long moment, just wiping down the counters in silence. Finally, you say, “Well, now I just feel bad for yelling about your arm.”

Aaron laughs out loud at that, the sound ringing out around you and surrounding you like a warm blanket. “Don’t. It’ll heal faster if I take it easy, you’re right.” His phone chimes in his pocket, and he frowns when he sees the screen. “I’ve got to go. Listen, are you working tomorrow?”

“Uh…” you’re not, but you don’t want to tell him that. “Morning, or afternoon?”

He thinks about it for a moment. “Afternoon, I guess. I have early meetings, and then I get to pick Jack up from school.”

“Uh, yeah, I’m working,” you lie. “Yeah, I’ll be around all afternoon.”

“Great. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” He raises the cup in a little salute as he walks towards the door. “Take care.”

“You, too!” You call out, but the door is already shut. After making sure there aren’t any customers in line, you beeline to your coworker. “Please let me work tomorrow, please? Can I take your shift?”

She smirks at that, and a part of you already regrets asking. “Is this so you can flirt with the DILF?”

“Hey! Don’t call him that!” There’s no denying that the rest of her statement rings true, so you don’t bother trying. “Please, can I take it?”

“Fine. You owe me, though!” She calls out as you cheer and rush back to the register to help someone else.

—————

The next day you take your time getting ready for work, double checking your hair and the fit of your uniform before driving to the coffee shop. Aaron has never asked about your schedule; maybe he wants to be sure he’ll see you? The thought makes your heart beat with anticipation. You’ve definitely got a soft spot for him, and it’s developed into a full-blown crush throughout the last couple of days.

You can’t stop thinking about Aaron once you get to work; his manners, the way he stood up for you, the laugh you’ve only heard once or twice, the gentleness he treats his son with. The thoughts all swirl in your head, occupying your brain for most of your shift and reminding you of exactly why you’re so intrigued by him. You want to get to know him better, but it’s hard to do when your relationship is solely over the counter.

Aaron and Jack come in just after six o’clock, and you’re already starting to prepare ingredients for the blended coffee drink that you managed to modify into a chocolate milkshake the last time Jack came with his dad.

“Sorry for being so late,” Aaron apologizes, and it catches you off-guard.

You’re about to tell him that the shop doesn’t close until nine anyways when it occurs to you that he’s apologizing directly to you, as if he knows that you’ve been eagerly awaiting their arrival. As if he wanted to see you, too. “It’s okay. You can come by any time, really.”

He looks better today, the bruise around his eye already turning green around the edges. “I meant to come right after leaving the school, but somebody wanted McDonald’s first and wouldn’t let dad stop to get a coffee. Isn’t that right, bud?” He ruffles his son's hair with the arm that isn’t wrapped up in a sling.

Jack grins up at his dad, tugging on his suit jacket. “Uh huh. Can I get a milkshake, daddy?”

Much like last time, Aaron gives you a look as though verifying that you can make one, and you nod to the blender. “Locked and loaded for you, little man,” you say to Jack, who squeals with characteristically childlike excitement. “What are you getting, Aaron?”

“I’d like to get…. er…” he starts confidently, but falters after a moment. “Uh, a drink.”

You giggle at that. “I kind of assumed. What kind of drink?” You ask. “It’s going to be decaf, though. Doctor’s orders.”

He gives you a wry smile. “Yeah, I know. I’ll just get a matcha latte with oat milk, please.” He looks a little defeated now, you notice, like he isn’t asking for what he really wants.

It’s not your job to ask people if they’re sure about their orders, though, so you just ring up the drinks and let him pay. He picks Jack up with his good arm when the boy tugs at him again, the other hand rubbing soothing circles on his son’s back as he walks over to the counter he’s become intimately familiar with.

He doesn’t speak for a minute, just watches as you get the drinks prepared. When you set down Jack’s milkshake, Aaron hands it to him and then holds him against his side with one arm.

The silence is uncharacteristic, and it’s killing you. “So, what were you going to ask me?”

Aaron blinks as though he’s been lost in thought. “Hm?”

“The last time the two of you were here, you started to ask me something. What was it?” You ask, putting a lid on Aaron’s drink.

He takes it with his free hand, looking pensively at the lid. “You don’t take tips.”

“I don’t take tips,” you agree with a grin, “No matter how many times you shove cash into my hands.”

“What if-“ Aaron cuts himself off, looking down at Jack. “Buddy, hop down.”

Jack jumps off Aaron’s arm and lands on his feet, one hand finding its place on his father’s sleeve. “Just do it, daddy,” he sighs, and you laugh at that despite having no clue what’s going on.

Aaron shushes him, then looks back up at you. “What if instead of tipping, I buy you dinner?”

Whoa. That’s not what you were expecting at all, but you can’t deny the butterflies in your stomach making you feel like a high schooler whose crush noticed her. “Like, uh, as in…?” It’s your turn to stumble over your words, not wanting to read into it. “I mean, do you, like, bringing me food? Here?”

Something about your nervousness seems to propel Aaron’s confidence somehow, and he straightens up a little bit. “No. As in, a date. If you aren’t interested, I completely understand,” he hurries to tack on. “If I’ve been making you uncomfortable at all, just say the word, and-“

“Aaron, shut up.” The bluntness of your words hits you both at the same time, but you don’t let the heavy silence sit for long. “I’d like that. A date. Um, I’d like to go out with you.”

“Oh. Oh! Okay, er, can I get your number, then? You know, to set it up and figure out when you’re free, and my work schedule can be pretty hectic, so…” he trails off.

“Right, yeah. Here, let me just write it down.” You grab a marker and some paper, scrawling your number down before passing it over to him. “Here. Just, uh, you can text me anytime, I guess?”

“Great. Great, thanks.” Aaron stares down at the slip of paper like he can’t believe he’s got it, and then slips it into his pocket. “Thank you. I should get going, Jack’s…”

“Yeah. No, yeah, for sure,” you say, sticking your hands into your apron pockets before he can notice the tremor in them. “I’ll talk to you later, then? Or tomorrow, or, you know, whenever works. You’ve got my number.”

Aaron reaches up, touches his pocket as though to verify that the paper is still there even though he just put it away. “I do. So we’ll be in touch, then.”

“Yeah, we will.”

A long silence follows; it isn’t uncomfortable, but you’ve both been stammering and stuttering so much that the absence of noise is glaringly obvious until Jack says, “Daddy, we gotta go to the park. It’s gonna get dark!”

Aaron snaps to attention, takes his son’s hand. “Yeah, buddy, we can go to the park. Say bye.”

“Bye!” Jack waves at you, and Aaron raises the hand on his bad arm in a weak imitation of a wave.

“Take care,” he says softly, picking up his coffee cup as Jack starts to drag him away. “I’m looking forward to seeing you somewhere other than, well, you know.”

You grin at him. “Oh, I know. I’m looking forward to it, too.” The door shuts behind the two with a thunk. You get back to work, but all you can think about is how you can’t wait for Aaron to text you. You can’t wait to see him on the other side of the counter.

—————

Meanwhile Aaron and Jack start to walk down the street with their drinks, Jack clinging to Aaron’s sleeve since they can’t hold hands. Aaron wonders if the smile on his face looks as giddy as he feels, and if you’re still wearing a matching grin.

He still can’t believe how well that went. It’s been weeks of buying overpriced coffee just to see you, coming in at inopportune times just to hear your voice. It’s been days of long cases away, with the whole team teasing him as soon as they found out that he had a ‘crush’- as Garcia called it- on the cute barista.

It’s unfathomable, he thinks, the way your face had lit up with nerves and excitement when he’d finally managed to ask you out. He’s been failing to follow through on asking you out, too afraid of rejection; bringing Jack along had been the perfect motivation, especially when he saw how nice you were to his son.

It feels like he’s floating on clouds, like the sun is suddenly brighter and the birds are singing in tune, no matter how stupid that sounds. He’s done it, scored a date with you after weeks of thinking about it.

He pulls his phone and the paper out once they get to the park, sends you a simple “Hey. It’s Aaron. Does Friday night work?”

You’re still at work, he’s sure, but you respond in the affirmative almost instantly. The speed makes him even giddier, makes him feel like maybe you’re just as excited as he is for Friday night. God, he can’t wait to see you on the other side of the counter.

—————

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[lokiskitten]

Hiya can I request a bucky imagine where he comes across one of your sex toys (preferably a vib or dildo ;) be creative) and then you walk in on him finding it, then he decides to use it on you wondering if you can really take it etc

Bucky Barnes | adult playtime

Bucky Barnes x fem!reader

Author’s note : so I decided to add a little twist.. I hope you’ll be able to enjoy it ;)

plot : Bucky stumbles upon one of your intimate objects and decides to show you how to efficiently use it. However, he unexpectedly decides to switch to another method.

warnings : smut, mention and use of sex toy, Bucky using his vibranium arm for inappropriate purposes, masturbation, overstimulation.

After you had forgotten one of your belongings in his room, Bucky had no choice but to make his way to yours in order to give it back. He had traveled throughout the avengers’ compound and finally managed to find the place he had been looking for. His hand delicately moved up to the door, knuckles offering gentle taps to the wooden material which resulted in none but light knocks. Surprisingly enough, the man earned no answers. Bucky felt annoyed and frustrated, thinking about how he would have to give you your belonging back another time which would make him loose some of his own. However, no one would know if he decided to break in in order to drop the object off before disappearing behind the door again. It would only be a matter of seconds...

His hand twisted the handle, door opening and revealing the inside of your small bedroom. “y/n?..” Bucky called discreetly, wishing to double check on your presence before getting engaged into this upcoming illegal act. A sigh escaped his lips upon noticing that no one was here, a light head shake coming from the man as he dropped the book down on your desk. However, right as he was about to exit, Bucky’s eyes caught glimpse of a purple length resting on top of your bedsheets. He frowned, feeling too curious to back away as his feet were now leading him towards your bed on which he took the initiative to sit. Was that really what he thought it was?

His hands didn’t hesitate to take ahold of this object which had probably been in contact with your intimacy, his vibranium finger pressing down onto a button and allowing the man to watch the object begin to vibrate. He bit down on his gum, eyes remaining staring at your vibrator. Bucky couldn’t help but imagine how you must’ve probably used it not too long ago if it was resting on top of your bedsheets- though you could’ve never expected someone to penetrate into your room and accidentally bump into it. Perhaps you should learn to lock your doors and fear noisy intruders. Unfortunately, Bucky was caught off guard by the sound of the door opening, revealing your tired silhouette which felt surprised and embarrassed to see your friend in here, holding your vibrator.

Out of shame, Bucky desperately attempted to turn the object off by pressing onto the button again, which only resulted in him switching speeds and rythmes a couple of time before the vibrator finally agreed to turn off. “I was just umh.. you know. Giving you your book back.” He affirmed on a flustered tone, yourself barley leaving him time to place the vibrator down as you were soon to scoot until the bed and yank it out of his hand. This move led a smirk to appear on his face. Bucky admired your embarrassed silhouette. “Hey, tell me something y/n...” he began, adjusting the position he held on the edge of your bed. “You’ve been feeling lonely, huh?”

This question caught you off guard, and obviously led you to feel even more embarrassed than you previously were. It felt as if someone had written down “I’m lonely and crave sexual attention from another human being” on your forehead with the help of a black marker. Visibly, Bucky read right through you. “Whatever I am, it is none of your business, Barnes.” You responded, earning a surprised chuckle coming from the unstable being. He leant back on his palms whilst watching you put the vibrator back into your nightstand’s drawer- feeling nearly saddened face to such a turn off that was this sight. “That’s a shame.” The trained soldier affirmed seriously, blue eyes then diverting up at yours when you finally agreed to turn around. “We could’ve had some fun.”

Had Bucky just offered you to spend some intimate time with him? Out of all the males you knew, he had been the first one to do such a thing. He could tell that he had caught you off guard, and the fact that you didn’t answer straight away could only indicate you were seriously thinking of accepting his proposition. Bucky therefore decided to make a first move, and all of that whilst remaining perfectly serious. “How about you get that vibro back out, mmh? Will you, doll?” He requested, your submissive self having no choice but to allow your organism and mind to crumble under his appetizing offer. And that, Bucky could perfectly sense it. He longed to watch you squirm and clench under his touch.

As previously ordered, your hand pulled open your nightstand’s drawer before your digits could wrap around the purple sex toy to take it back out. It was a basic vibrator, but it remained efficient due to its multiple choices when it came to vibrations. You then proceeded to sit down beside your soon to be one night stand companion, teeth biting down on your bottom lip out of envy and impatience. Bucky didn’t hesitate to take ahold of the toy which he examined for a couple of seconds, blue eyes then diverting towards your head as a gentle smile appeared onto his face. “Is this really what you use to please yourself at night?” He asked, the cocky tone he used making you want to change the truth in your upcoming answer. A chuckle escaped his lips.

“Well, buttercup, let’s see what it can truly do.” Bucky finished, watching as you began to undress yourself for him and the experiences he enjoyed to lead on the human body. It didn’t take long for all of your clothes to be removed- Bucky getting rid of his upper pieces of clothing as well- and you were now laying down with your head pressed against the pillow. Your legs remained spread, knees stuck to your chest as you exposed your bare and pulsating sexe to the older man. Your core, which had yet to soak up, couldn’t appear to wait for Bucky’s touches and what would certainly come along. The man smirked, laying down beside your body as his eyes remained glued to your chest.

His free hand took ahold of the fleshy mound, lips soon wrapping around your areola which he sucked on from a brief moment before setting it free in order to focus on your cunt. A gentle moan escaped your lips, your organism simply reacting to receiving some masculine attention again after spending all this time pleasuring yourself. When the sound of the working vibrator finally began to echo throughout the bedroom, you felt your body automatically fill itself up with bliss and excitement, toes clenching as you eagerly waited for Bucky to begin to work his magic. It didn’t take long until the tip of the vibrating sex toy finally collided with your clit, gliding up and down your slit before going back up to your sensitive bud.

Bucky managed to find his way through your clitoral hood in order to properly reach for your clit, which resulted in shockwaves of pleasure travelling through your crotch and overall lower abdomen. It felt divine, yet still hard to handle and had you clench against the bedsheets. “Buck-“ you began, only to be stopped by the man himself who made sure to keep you within his strong hold to guarantee stability. He now began to rub the tip of the working vibrator in circles against your clit, being perfectly aware that it would make you feel even weaker than you already were. However, you now had grown used to the vibrations, and it didn’t affect you as much as he would’ve wished.

“Feeling anything yet sweetheart?” Bucky asked as he took the initiative to coat the tip of the vibrator in your love juice before allowing himself to slide it within your entrance. The toy vibrated against your walls, though it only started to feel nice once Bucky began to thrust the length in and out of you. “Mmh..” you responded briefly, earning a frustrated sigh coming from the working man. Persuaded that this vibrator was useless, Bucky took it out of you before turning it off and carelessly tossing it to the side, earning a rather upset state coming from your confused self. “Why’d you do that?” You asked before sensing the tip of his cold vibranium fingers come in contact with your clit. It didn’t take long for you to understand his upcoming plans.

“Mmh..” his fingers held just the right type of vibrating pace, which seemed to be growing stronger through time. Your eyelids shut close, head peacefully resting against the pillow as Bucky carried on making his digits rub and vibrate against your cunt. “Are you feeling it now?..” he asked again, blue eyes staring at your clenched face as he appeared to enjoy watching your facial expressions twitch and change. “I am..” you responded breathlessly, those words leading Bucky’s fingers to accelerate the rythme. This was seriously beginning to send you head over heels, allowing your climax to build up within your crotch as Bucky continued to willingly work his magic on you.

In the corner of your mind, you were seriously beginning to wonder if the man’s arm wouldn’t overheat and explode- but it thankfully didn’t. Instead, it carried on vibrating against your clenched core which was desperately seeking for release. It soon became too hard to handle, a burning sensation taking over your legs and sexe the more Bucky’s fingers remained pressed against your clit- offering it pats and rubs. Before you could know it, your orgasm showed up and filled your body with pure bliss, your muscles contracting and tensing up- feeling secretly grateful about the fact that Bucky was here to hold you down and restrain you from hurting yourself. Bucky’s digits progressively paced down, wishing to slowly take away the reason to why you had gone physically crazy.

“That’s it.. you can’t imagine for how long I’ve been wishing to see you purr like a little kitten for me.” Bucky revealed proudly, hand finally moving away from your sexe. “Quit wasting your money on useless toys. Save up some cash by calling my number instead.” The man advised with a wink before sitting up onto his bum, allowing you to recover from the intense overstimulation you had just been put through.

@bucky-soldat ,, you deserve to be tagged in this. I love you!❤️

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[peach-astrology]

Venus in the houses

Venus in the 1st house:

1)They like to take care of themselves.They tend to buy beautiful clothes,high-quality cosmetics and monitor their health.

2)By the way,this is the same friend from whom you can ask what kind of thing to buy.They have good taste and can find beautiful clothes in the cheapest store.

3)In general,they like art and fashion,but they also pay great attention to their personality.They like to improve,they appreciate criticism.

4)Bad aspects indicate low self-esteem.He hates his appearance.It also indicates laziness and inability to defend your opinion.

5)Good aspects indicate a friendly and calm person.He is prone to optimism and he controls his feelings(or rather knows how to deal with them)

Venus in the 2nd house:

1)This position indicates the presence of any talent.With proper development,natural abilities can bring him a good income.

2)Hard work,perseverance and great creative abilities are the key to success and glory of a person.

3)He is attracted to successful and rich people.This position likes to save money or increase it.Sometimes it points to collectors.

4)A large number of aspects indicate that he is loved by people and has a pleasant appearance and voice.

5)Bad aspects indicate greed and inability to manage money.A person likes to live a luxurious life,but can't afford it.

Venus in the 3rd house:

1)Friendly and pleasant to communicate with.Very good position for managers.They know how to get acquainted and avoid conflicts.

2)Has the gift of eloquence.He knows how to express his thoughts easily and beautifully.It is interesting to read and listen to.A good position for writers and poets.

3)I noticed that this is the type of people who learn beautifully.They have beautiful pens,notebooks,markers and even handwriting.Beauty inspires and motivates them.

4)Negative aspects indicate problems with flirting.It is difficult for a person to get acquainted and take the first step in a relationship.

5)Good aspects indicate ease in communicating with the gender that attracts him.He often smiles and feels comfortable.

Venus in the 4th house:

1)The person lived in comfortable conditions.Either he had a very nice house,or he had good food.They often had visitors.Their parents loved each other very much.

2)They have a 100% very beautiful mother.

3)Such a person likes nature and a cozy home.I know a few people in this position who have a house in a quiet place.They like flowers and architecture.They like to watch the design of rooms in Ikea.

4)A large number of trunks indicates that a person is inclined to look at the world through rose-colored glasses.He should look at the world more realistically.Too dreamy.

5)Bad aspects indicate a bad environment in the house.The man lacked love and attention.My parents were always busy.

Venus in the 5th house:

1)They love children.They are good parents,teachers and specialists in the field of child psychology.Their children are often girls,with artistic talent and physical beauty.

2)He likes to celebrate events beautifully and effectively.

3)In a relationship,they love attention and gifts.They love compliments and tend to show their feelings to their partner more often.

4)Bad aspects are indicative to idleness and unwillingness to be serious.A person wants to have fun all the time and not work.

5)The good aspects are indicative of the artistry,charisma and luck.But I would still recommend that they take no chances.

Venus in the 6th house:

1)The position of a perfectionist.If he does the work,he strives to do it well.If he doesn't like it,he'll redo it.

2)A person is very careful about his health.He is attracted to natural beauty(but he doesn’t refuse cosmetics),so he has a lot of care cosmetics.

3)Bad aspects indicate problems with the skin,kidneys,and sometimes blood.

4)Good aspects indicates that the person is easy to communicate with colleagues and to make new friends.He is loved and appreciated at work.

5)Their partner can be a careerist or just a successful person.Sometimes indicates a marriage at work.

Venus in the 7th house:

1)Good aspects indicate a happy marriage.People love and understand each other.They are very similar.

2)The bad aspects indicate that their partners may be trying to seduce or interfere with their marriage.Constant jealousy and envy.

3)This person is very fair,calm and tactful.In communication,he seeks to create comfort.If a topic is unpleasant to him,he will say it directly.

4)Good teamwork skills.Depending on Mars,this person can be a commander or a manager.

5)He loves romance.He likes courtship.On the first date to the extent they are flirting and internally evaluate a potential partner.

Venus in the 8th house:

1)Strong feelings,attracting money,inheritance,profitable marriage.

2)Prone to jealousy and possessiveness.

3)He is sexually attractive,bold and not afraid to take risks.I have a friend with the same situation who wants to jump with a parachute.

4)They are attracted to successful,quiet and slightly gloomy people.They also like confident and powerful people.

5)Indicates a calm and beautiful death(for example,in a dream).They will receive an inheritance from a woman.Bad aspects can indicate the death of a partner.

Venus in the 9th house:

1)Love of philosophy,religion,art,often long trips.High ideals and ideas about love.

2)Getting to know your partner through religion,art,travel.They have a preference for foreigners,other races and religions.Good relations with the partner's parents.

3)The 9th house indicates education and most likely you prefer something unusual and beautiful.For example,philosophy,history,architecture,politics,or foreign languages.

4)In your perfect society,giving up love would be a major sin.You believe that love should fill the world,that people should be more attentive to each other.

5)Negative aspects indicate a bad or incomplete education and the threat of travel.

Venus in the 10th house:

1)They are very graceful,stylishly dressed,although not necessarily expensive.But they still look successful and successful,even if there is very little money in the account.

2)They can only do what brings them pleasure,so they choose a job for love.This helps them achieve great success in their chosen field of activity.

3)Sometimes indicates a late marriage.A person seeks to realize himself in a career,and then create a family.

4)Excellent speakers,they are able to win the attention of the public and be the center of attention.They speak clearly and beautifully.

5)Negative aspects indicate harmful workaholism.A person forgets about his health and family and thinks only about his career.

Venus in the 11th house:

1)Very often I notice that their friend later becomes a partner.So take a closer look at your group of friends:)

2)Good aspects indicate sociability,a person has good friends and they help him develop.

3)Bad aspects indicate that it is difficult for a person to get acquainted.It is unusual and doesn’t match any of the companies of people.Often indicates unrequited love.

4)You are inspired by other people.You can get to know a person and be impressed by their hobby,and the next day try it out.If you want to get inspired,go to Pinterest or write to your friends.

5)You are attracted to smart and modern people.Your partner will teach you something new.Sometimes indicates that their partner works in the field of technology or science.

Venus in the 12th house:

1)A person likes peace and solitude.He is shy in terms of feelings and rarely shows them openly.

2)This is a position I often see in feminists.They have a lot of thoughts about marriage and women's rights.They value equal marriage and relationships.

3)He may have an unpleasant experience in a relationship.For example,he had a toxic partner or an affair.

4)Good intuition and imagination.They are inspired by music,peace and quiet.They themselves are a huge vessel of creativity.

5)Bad aspects indicate difficulties in communicating with a partner.A person experiences many feelings and thoughts and can’t understand them.The partner tries to understand them,but can't.There is an understatement and misunderstanding.

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