Toll brothers

Hey everyone! I managed to finally do what I planned and alternate fics with each chapter xD. I don't know what it is, but I get hyper focused here and there and then I can get such writer's block with certain things while writing but then get in a zone after managing to get past certain sections. Anyway, this is the second of three planned Linked Souls Day chapters, the next one being the last and from there just hopefully one more chapter that serves as a prelude and transition into the canon events. But don't quote me fully on this as it MIGHT turn into two chapters depending on if I can fit everything in it. But I'm excited to get into the canon material as I've had plans for it since 2020 xD. Anyway, I'm going to likely swap back to my Helluva Boss fic to do a chapter than swap back to this as I want to try to prevent any burn out. Fair warning, I might get a lil hyper focused on the HB fic, but I will do my best to keep a good balance and get back to this as soon as possible.
As I've said before both of these fics are passion projects that I intend to finish no matter how long it takes as I love writing in both worlds. Also, I'm still sticking to this being set pretty much in Japan given everything in canon and sticking to those sensibilities and laws while not neglecting my own western ones and other westerners. I know I've put the disclaimer bout the Nazomi and Sebastian relationship on every prior chapter focusing on then, I just want to make it clear each time this is being handled with care and the maturity it demands. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and I might get the next chapter out maybe early next month or near the end of this one depending on how things go, but I WILL get it out.
Also, curious what everyone thinks about my introduction of a Valentines equivalent.
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After Shinoku and Vega left to meet up with Anya and Sheila, Sebastian took the time to finish getting ready for when he’d meet up with Nazomi. Just like his friends, Sebastian took his time to make sure that he looked good enough for their rendezvous, putting on some clothes he had that looked very similar to the Cherryton uniform aside from differing colors and other minor things. Also like Shinoku and Vega, he had gotten Nazomi a gift as well. After making sure he was good and ready for his meet up with Nazomi, Sebastian went back to reading to pass the time till he needed to head down the hill to meet up with her. As he waited, Sebastian heard his phone ring, quickly going to see who it was and answering it when he saw it was his mother.
“Hello Sebastian.” His mother said as he answered the phone. “I hope you’re well.”
“Hi mom.” he replied. “Yeah, I’m doing well.”
“That’s good to hear. How are your grades, I trust you’re keeping them high like you always do.” His mother inquired.
“I am.”
“That’s good to hear, you always do your best. Though, I’m not sure why you don’t do cram school like your brother did and your sister is doing. It’s nice that you work hard, don’t get me wrong, but I just want to make sure you’re living up to your full potential.” She said, her tone carrying that always subtle pressure of a proud lioness with high expectations.
And there it was; while she did care for him like any lion mother, she always wanted him to live up to the standards and the image of what a lion should be. Not that she was any different from any other lioness towards her kids, they all knew they had to make sure that the reputation of the king of beasts was maintained. It was an ever present driving force for lions; to stand apart, set the example, excel and push yourself to ever higher points and positions. It was both the greatest driving factor, and the most dangerous threat to a lion. While most would manage to get by and repress the toll it took or even thrive; for others, it would be far too much pressure. It was what lead to so many lions to go to the back alley, to form the likes of the shishigumi or join it.
Sebastian took a moment, the pressure of his mother’s expectations briefly showing before he quickly composed himself. “I understand mom, don’t worry, I have everything planned out.” he assured her. “I’m just tackling things in a way that allows me to give my full attention to my grades here. It’s not that I’m not interested in cram school, I just think it’s more logical to not have my focus split too much.”
“Always the analytical one my little Seby.” his mother commented. “But you only focus on your schoolwork and your reading, even your brother managed to handle doing cram school AND being on his school’s baseball team. He always did so well, even as a cub. Your sister’s also excelling in her gymnastics.” She added. His mother never overtly sounded disappointed, but the subtle nudges and constant reminding of his siblings’ achievements spoke volumes of her wanting him to be like them and every other lion. Why couldn’t she just understand that while he had the potential like every other lion, he just didn’t have the interest? Wasn’t it enough that they were bringing home trophies to show off?
Sebastian let the pressure he felt slip slightly once more before regaining his composure again. “That’s good to hear they’re doing so well…” he said in a cheerful voice. “You don’t need to worry though mom, I’ll make sure I get into a good college, plus all my teachers like me. Getting a recommendation good enough to be accepted won’t be hard to get.”
“True, your teachers always liked you.” His mother said. “But it’s just so rare for a lion not to do cram school. At least, in terms of the ones wanting to make a good life for themselves.” she commented in a veiled implication that a lot of the lions who chose not to were always trouble makers and bad seeds.
“I know mom.” Sebastian replied. “But I do have a career path set and I’m not going to stray from it.”
“And given the way you study and your grades I have no doubt. I can’t wait to hear what prestigious college you become the head over. But you might decide to be something equally important to society.” his mother commented. He never dared once to say he wanted to just teach, he didn’t even care where. All he ever said when what he wanted to be came up was something potentially in education and just smile and nod when his mother would suggest stuff. “By the way, have you found a nice lioness yet?”
“No, not yet mom.” Sebastian replied. He didn’t even dare to think about giving her a hint that he had found someone, knowing full well the questions that ensue about her and wanting to see a picture of or talk to her.
“That’s a shame, I hate to hear that you’re alone on Linked Souls Day. Are you looking?” his mother asked.
“Yes mom, I am.” Sebastian lied. “I’ll find someone, it just takes time for some.”
“But you’re so handsome, are you sure you’re looking or giving good impressions?”
“I am…” Sebastian replied as he held back a sigh.
“Alright. But just know that I have a few friends with very nice daughters, I could always introduce you to.”
Sebastian pinched his brow. “Thanks...but I’m sure I’ll find someone soon.”
“OK, just don’t get so caught up in your studies that you forget.” his mother commented. “Anyway, I need to get going, your father’s going to be taking me out for a romantic date. He says hi by the way.”
“I won’t.” Sebastian said as he composed himself once more. “And that sounds nice, tell him I say hello.”
“Sure. And Sebastian, keep working hard and making us proud.” his mother said before hanging up.
Sebastian let out a sigh as he hung up his phone, putting it back in his pocket. As he did so, Hassan looked at him. “I get the whole familial pressure, it’s not fun. I can only imagine what it’s like with being a lion.”
“She means well…” Sebastian replied.
“Clearly given the expressions you let slip.” Hassan pointed out. “I’m not trying to say your mother’s horrible, but her intentions aren’t exactly selfless.”
“It’s just how it is for us lions.”
“Well if you ask me it’s a bunch of bullshit.” Jax commented.
Hassan just shrugged. “Like Sebastian said, it’s just what it is. All we can do is just not let it get to us and forge our own paths the best we can when it comes to expectations.”
“Anyway, I better start heading out, it’s getting close to time for me to meet up with miss Nazomi.” Sebastian said as he stood up, walking over to get the flowers and gift for Nazomi.
“Sure you don’t need any help?” Hassan asked.
“I’ll be fine.”
Hassan nodded. “Alright.”
“Keep living the dream dude, maybe you’ll get to spend the night with her.” Jax said with a wide grin.
Sebastian just rolled his eyes at Jax before walking out to meet up with Nazomi, not even wanting to respond to the comment. As he headed down to the main floor of the dorm, Sebastian felt a combination of excitement and nervousness. It was his first time celebrating Linked Souls Day with anyone, not that he was ever really bothered about not being able to do so in the past. Sebastian also felt a bit guilty due to the fact that because he was a student and Nazomi a teacher, he couldn’t really do anything publicly with her let alone the fact that she was preparing the meal for them to eat.
Deep down he was a romantic at heart, much maligning the fact that he couldn’t be the one to treat her to a cooked meal. It didn’t really feel right that on Linked Souls Day she was doing most the work. It was just something that he would make sure to do in the future if things got that far with them. Although he still worried about being the potential cause of her losing her job. That, and exactly when and how he was going to introduce her to his parents when he was no longer a student. Hopefully he’d have it figured out when the time came.
Sebastian let out a sigh as he exited the boy’s dorm. Despite all the worries, he still deep down found himself hoping that this would work out. Even with the returning thought of this being just a potential rebellion against his parents and their expectations, he could not deny how he felt about the older feline. Especially with their first date still ever present in his mind. No matter what challenges or obstacles they might face, he was willing to face them, his resolve hardening all the more. Even if it ended up with them having to end things before something bad happened, he’d rather live knowing he tried his best than giving into the fear and not trying to fight for his own happiness.
It didn’t take long for Sebastian to leave the school and get down the hill to where Nazomi said she would be waiting for him, and as he got to their rendezvous spot he stopped. His eyes widened as he felt his heart about to beat out of his chest. Before him stood Nazomi next to her car, dressed in a rather nice satin button down green blouse and black business skirt with a slit on the left side that fit her perfectly. She looked beautiful, so much so that Sebastian felt his cheeks were on fire and his heart was about toleap out of his chest as he blushed, unable to really say anything for a few moments.
“W-wow…” he managed to say as he managed to walk over to Nazomi. “You look...amazing.”
Nazomi smiled a bit. “Thank you, I did try.” she said as she blushed ever so slightly. “I would have worn a dress, but I didn’t want to arouse any real suspicion…”
“It’s fine, there’s not a time I’ve seen you where you didn’t look beautiful.” Sebastian said as he continued to blush, rubbing the back of his head as he did so.
Nazomi blushed more. “You look quite handsome yourself, and just as professional as I do.” she commented. “At least it won’t look too suspicious...I hope.”
“I’m sure it won’t.” Sebastian commented before blinking. “Oh, right, I got you these.” Sebastian added as he handed her the bouquet.
“Awe, thank you love.” Nazomi almost cooed as she took the flowers. “They’re beautiful, I can’t remember the last time I got flowers...Thank you.”
Sebastian smiled as he then handed her a smallish wrapped box. “I also got you this.”
Nazomi blinked as she took the gift, opening it to see it was a bottle of perfume. Taking it out of the box she gave it a sniff. “It smells wonderful, I can’t imagine how much this was…”
“It’s nothing, I saw it one day and thought it’d suit you. So I saved up to make sure I could get you it for today.”
Nazomi smiled, tail flicking as a purr emitted from her throat. “You really are too sweet.” she said as she moved to put the gifts up and then hugged Sebastian. “Again, thanks.” she added as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Sebastian replied, giving Nazomi a nuzzle.
The two got in Nazomi’s car, Sebastian first asking if he should maybe hide out of site like in the trunk only for Nazomi to insist that he sit in the passenger seat. Despite his concerns she said if anyone asked, she was just helping him get to Linked Souls Day meet up. Which, in the most technical sense was not a lie. Sebastian nodded, getting in the passenger seat before Nazomi started her car up and drove.
As They drove through the city to Nazomi’s house something hit Sebastian that he could not believe he didn’t think about even when he had first seen the female cat. “Hey, Mrs. Nazomi?” he asked as he looked at her.
“Yes love?” she asked.
“I just realized...you’re a bit tall for an oriental shorthair. It’s something I should have realized sooner, are you…”
“A mixed species?” Nazomi finished asking for him with a slight smile. “Most don’t really take note until they hit their growth spurts and outgrow me by whatever their heights usually are depending on species. But yes, I am.” she answered. “I’m one third panther on my mother’s side.”
Sebastian blinked, that would explain why she was a bit more ebony in her fur color and why she was taller than the typical shorthair. In fact, her coming up to just under the mid point of his chest hadn’t come off as odd until he thought about it. With some growth still to come, odds are she’d likely be at his gut or just over his waist by the time he finished growing. Not that it was really a problem or he minded, it was just an observation he made.
His eyes glanced over at the scenery as they drove, taking in the buildings and noting that they were sticking to a fairly nice part of town. He then glanced over at Nazomi, taking in how beautiful she looked with a blush, she really was quite something. Sebastian found himself moving his hand closer to hers when they stopped at a red light. Nazomi smiled as she noticed, her hand moving towards his as they held hands for a moment before the light turned green. It did become a thing though with each stop they had to make, both of them enjoying the sign of affection.
It didn’t take too long until they had entered in a rather nice looking neighborhood, about the kind Sebastian assumed Nazomi might live in. It was nice and modest and the house that Nazomi pulled in to was just as nice looking. Thankfully, most of her neighbors were either out celebrating the holiday or doing so in their homes.“Here we are.” Nazomi said warmly.
“It’s a nice looking home.” Sebastian said as the two got out.
“Thanks. It’s really nothing all that special, but it’s nice and cozy and it’s really all I need.” Nazomi replied as she got the gifts Sebastian had gotten before heading to the door with the lion, both their tails flicking and even entwining a bit as they approached it. When they got to the door Nazomi fumbled a bit as she got her keys to unlock it.
“Allow me.” Sebastian offered as he helped her unlock the door, opening it for her.
“Thank you.” Nazomi smiled as she took a quick look around before pecking his cheek. “I’ll put these up while you make yourself at home. I haven’t quite started what I was going to fix, so it will be a bit longer before we eat.”
“You haven’t?” Sebastian inquired. “Then mind if I help? I feel bad that you’re doing a lot of the work and it’s only right that I do everything I can for you today.”
Nazomi smiled as she looked at him. “You’re such a kind, sweet, animal Sebastian. I don’t mind, really.”
“I insist.”
Nazomi chuckled slightly. “You really are a gentleman aren’t you?” she mused.
Sebastian blushed a bit as he rubbed the back of his head. “I just...I want to do whatever I can. You’re a wonderful woman and a great teacher. And, well, I want to take any and every opportunity I can get to treat you right because you deserve it.” the lion said as he blushed some more, conviction clear to see in his eyes.
Nazomi couldn’t help but blush, his words having touched her more than anything in her past relationships. “Alright, how about this? If you want to help me then let’s make it a thing and finish cooking it together?” she offered with a smile.
“I’d like that.” Sebastian agreed with his own smile.
“Alright, just give me a moment.”
Sebastian nodded as Nazomi went to go put up the gifts that Sebastian jad gotten her. As she headed off, Sebastian found his eyes wandering over her form, taking in her figure that was shown off by her attire as well as lower, noting her slightly swaying hips and…tail. Sebastian cursed himself as he moved his eyes to something else. Sure he was still a teenager, a boy, but he prided himself in being better than most. Sure he had his...moments, as Jax so brazenly pointed out. But the last thing he wanted was to be that inappropriate towards Nazomi, even if he did, at times, allow some indulgences here and there.
When Nazomi got back she smiled. “Alright, ready?”
Sebastian nodded. “Yes.”
“OK, should be done in half the time with both of us working on it.”
Nazomi lead Sebastian to the kitchen to show him that she was preparing, a fruit lasagna with the usual accompaniments. After Sebastian looked over the recipe she was using, one from the cooking show Happy Happy Cooking that was toted to be one of their more popular ones among carnivores. he set to work helping her, working side by side as they prepared the fruit, making sure that everything was layered properly. Like in the car, ever now and then Nazomi and Sebastian would briefly hold hands as they prepared the meal, satisfying their feline proclivity for touch contact. It wasn’t too long before they had the lasagna in the oven and the accompanying bread.
“Alright, shouldn’t be too long for it to fully cook, thanks for the help.” Nazomi said as she nuzzled Sebastian, giving him an affectionate hug as well. “In the meantime, we can go over some of my old notes and other things while we wait to help you out with your career path if you like.”
“Sure.” Sebastian smiled as he nuzzled and hugged her back, the two staying like that for a good minute.
“I’ll go get them then.” Nazomi said as she finally and somewhat hesitantly separated to go get her old college notes and study material, returning shortly after with them.
While the food cooked Nazomi went over various things she had to study and learn with Sebastian, covering things they hadn’t gone over from prior times and quizzing him on material they had. To Sebastian, this was like cram school in a sense, getting ready for what he’d need to know to excel in college, only with a more...personal and romantic one on one touch. While he never had issue with paying attention to any of his teachers, Sebastian always hung on every word Nazomi said. To him, her voice was just as beautiful as everything else about her. And just like all the times before, they shared affections with each other.
It seemed like no time at all when the food was done, the two of them chalking it up to them just enjoying each other’s company so much. As Nazomi got the lasagna and bread Sebastian set the table before helping her prepare their plates. As he finished helping her he noticed her take out some wine glasses and a bottle of wine and pouring some of the red liquid in each, although one was more of a sample serving compared to the other, before putting it up and placing them on the table.
“Wine?” Sebastian inquired.
“Just to help things feel a bit more normal.” Nazomi explained. “You don’t have to even drink it. But I was your age once, Rex it only feels like yesterday, and even back then sampling wine wasn’t wrong. That first date we had where you encouraged me to not deny myself any wine, where we acted like a teacher and student just having a meet up to discuss things, stayed on my mind for a while. It wasn’t right that there was some inequality, a full romantic atmosphere. So, I figured sense we’re in private I’d have us on an even level or give the feeling of it. But as I said, you don’t have to drink it.” she said before sitting down.
Sebastian blushed, smiling as he sat down. “Thank you, love.” he said with a fair bit of warmth in hid voice.
It never ceased to surprise the other that both worried about the other’s feelings and the challenges they had to face with their secretive relationship. Something that mad each grow more attached to the other was when a few days after their first date Nazomi had confessed to Sebastian that she was far more hesitant and worried than she let on. Revealing she had been hiding the anxiety of them being a thing and was actually on the verge of suggesting they just call the attempt off out of fear as well as the revelation of his uncle. But she had decided to go through with it because of how truly genuine and good a man he was among other things that made her want to try. Sebastian himself had also confided in her his own concerns and worries about it and her, which made her just feel all the stronger for him over time.
“By the way, how has your day been so far?” Sebastian asked as he began to eat, taking a bite of the lasagna. “Oh, this is delicious.”
“It is.” Nazomi agreed as she took a bite of it. “It’s all thanks to you though, doubt it would have been as good without a little help.” she said with a smile. “As for my day, it’s gone well so far, just the usual grading of papers and preparing for the coming weeks’ lessons. Same old, same old, really. So far the rest of the students I have are nice and do there best. Despite what issues some might cause outside of the classroom I don’t really have to deal with any troublemakers really. Maybe a few slackers or an unmotivated student, but that’s about it.”
“Well you’re a great teacher, I find it hard to believe that any pf my peers would want to cause any trouble in your class. Not only that, but you’re very nice and helpful too.” Sebastian commented.
A smile formed on Nazomi’s mouth as her ebony fur darkened. “Thank you, you’re always so sweet Sebastian.” she said as she purred a bit. “Honestly, I think you’re one of the best students at the school, you work hard and are always so polite. I know you’ll go far with being a teacher.”
Sebastian blushed heavily. “Thank you…” he said with a half smile. “Though I will admit, keeping it up can be a bit— stressful. Comes with being a lion, expectations and familial pressure.” he admitted
Nazomi blinked as she looked at him. “Is it that hard?”
“It’s, well…”
Nazomi moved her hand to rest on top of his. “You can tell me if this is something negatively effecting you Sebastian.”
The lion sighed a bit. “It is hard. Being a lion you’re seen as the king of beasts, someone who’ll go far and have high positioned jobs or in some form of leadership. That image both helps and hurts us, becoming a driving factor of pushing ourselves as much as possible to keep to a standard. It’s something that permeates every lion family, the mothers and fathers pushing their kids to do something worthy of being a lion. Cram school is seen as an expected and normal thing to do and those who don’t do it are mostly looked down on as they are often those that end up in gangs or didn’t try hard enough.”
Nazomi’s hand gripped his, squeezing gently. “Is your family pressuring you?”
“Not...entirely. My mother often brings up what my older brother and my sister are doing and keeps suggesting I try to do the same. She doesn’t seem disappointed, but there’s just something about her voice…” Sebastian admitted. “She is happy that I’m doing well, but I know she expects more. She thinks I’m planning to go into an education position that’s high up, or at a prestigious university when I don’t care where I teach so long as I do some good.”
Nazomi squeezed his hand again, feeling bad for the lion. “That’s not all that good Sebastian, have you thought about bringing it up to a councilor?”
Sebastian shrugged. “Somewhat. But as I said, this permeates lions as a whole, it’s far too ingrained to really be dealt with. Thankfully my situation isn’t too bad, it cab be far worse. Plus, I like learning so it’s not that big of a deal. I also have my friends and, well, you.” he smiled.
Nazomi blushed heavily. “I see…”
“I hope I didn’t make things awkward or anything…”
“No, no! You’re fine Sebastian.” Nazomi assured. “It’s good you have a support system and you don’t really let it get to you, you’re very strong for that. Will you tell your mother you’ll try to teach anywhere?”
“Eventually, yes, when I’m nearing the end of my higher education and am about to apply to various places.” Sebastian answered. “Just like how I’ll tell her about us when I’m a bit into my freshman year at college or before I get into college if we get that far, which I hope we do and keep doing. You are an amazing woman and to be honest, to me you are far more exceptional than any other.”
Nazomi blinked, her fur becoming more dark red than ebony black as her heart melted. He was the kindest, most genuine soul she had ever met and continued to prove he was mature beyond his years. “I— thank you Sebastian.” she said with a soft purr, falling a fair bit more for the lion.
From there the two continued to talk as they ate, taking their time and enjoying each other’s company as they swapped stories about their childhood. Nazomi found herself surprised as she learned that even as a young kid Sebastian was well mannered and somewhat bookish. She felt comfortable around him, able to share with him more embarrassing things like the time she was so nervous to do a presentation in high school that she messed up a word or two or when she practically face planted when she was looking at a crush. It just felt right and natural to be so open with him.
When they had finished eating, Sebastian even having drank the small bit of wine, he and Nazomi cleared the table. Sebastian even helped her with the dishes before they went back to going over some more of Nazomi’s old papers and work to help prepare him. It seemed like no time once more as they noticed the sun was start to set.
“Is it really that late already?” Nazomi asked as she looked at her clock, taking note of the time.
“Looks like it.” Sebastian commented.
“My how time flies, it seems to go so slow until well…” she blushed. “I’m around you.”
Sebastian blushed heavily. “Yeah…”
“Thank you for the lovely time, as well as the gifts and helping out, not many guys are as considerate as you.” Nazomi commented.
“Well, you’re worth any effort…” the lion blushed.
Nazomi smiled, blushing as well. How could this lion keep finding ways to make her heart feel like it was a puddle? She hadn’t really met many guys with the ability to do that over the years, more so not in recent years. It had gotten to the point where she just really stopped looking. But then Sebastian came around and made her feel things she hadn’t felt in a long time. His gentlemanly studious nature and willingness to be so considerate, among other things, just had her more enamored with each time they were together. The fact that he was willing to take things so slow, deny himself the most basic of typical teenage experiences that most his age were having just made him seem too good to be true. And yet, there he was proving to be just that good.
Then there was the fact that while she did do a fare share for the holiday he had not only helped out, but went out of his way to get her flowers and a rather nice gift, not expecting anything special in return and just wanting to treat her right. As the lion got up from where they had been sitting she stood. “Sebastian, before I take you back to Cherryton...I think you deserve another kiss.”
Sebastian blinked as he blushed. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to…”
“No, I want to.” Nazomi admitted with a smile. “The only true thing that’s tricky with our relationship is that you’re a student and I’m a teacher. You’ve proven time and again just how good a man you are and that you are someone I...have looked for.” she blushed. “So I don’t see us kissing, at least in private and while off school grounds as being an issue. I know you’d never take advantage of me and I want to reward you for such, and for treating me to one of the best times I’ve had in a while.”
Sebastian’s tail started to flick happily as he smiled. “Alright.”
The two approached each other, embracing as they leaned in to share a kiss. Just like with their first, it was utterly electrifying for Sebastian. The feel of Nazomi’s lips unlike anything he felt before as his heart beat out of his chest as he started to purr. Sebastian enjoyed every second that the kiss lasted, his hands starting to subconsciously roam along her back a bit, though he would catch and restrain himself before they went too low.
Nazomi for her part pressed a bit firmer than last time, what with it being a holiday for love. As they kissed she noticed that Sebastian’s hands roaming along her back, taking in her form and the feel of her body and causing her to purr a fair bit. She smiled as she noticed he restrained himself from doing anything inappropriate, knowing her trust in him would never be misplaced. Although she promised to herself one day when he was no longer a student, she’d allow him to no longer restrain himself.
As she finally broke the kiss Nazomi smiled. “That was a wonderful kiss, possibly better than the first.” she giggled.
“Y-yeah…” Sebastian agreed, his cheeks a dark red.
“Thank you for being such a gentleman and not taking advantage.” Nazomi commented as they stayed embraced.
“I’d never.”
“I know love.” she smiled. “And that is why I will make you this promise. If we manage to make it to when you are out of school, then you have permission to not restrain yourself anymore as we’ll be in the clear. Not that you’d need my permission at that point” Nazomi giggled. “Anyway, we best get going before it gets too dark.”
Sebastian’s blush deepened all the more. “Yeah…”
The two headed back out to Nazomi’s car, first checking for anyone that might notice before getting in and driving off. The ride back went much like the first, the two briefly holding hands here and there as they made their way through the city. It was something that both Sebastian and Nazomi seemed almost unable to resist doing. Hell, when they had walked back to Nazomi’s car their tails entwined again.
When they got back to the bottom of the hill that Cherryton rested on the moon had not been fully risen for too long. “Thanks again for the lovely Linked Souls Day, I haven’t really celebrated it in so long.” Nazomi said as she parked the car.
“No problem, hopefully our next date can be somewhat soon.” Sebastian replied with a smile. “I hope the rest of your weekend goes well.”
“Thank you Sebastian, you too, I’ll see you Monday.” Nazomi smiled.
Sebastian was about to get out when he stopped. “Nazomi?”
“Yes?”
“Mind if we...have one more kiss?” Sebastian asked as he blushed.
Nazomi smiled as a giggle escaped her lips. “I suppose not, it’s only right to have a goodnight kiss after a date.”
The two leaned in close, sharing in one more kiss as they rested a paw on the back of each other’s head, purring loudly as they did so. When the kiss broke a few moments later Sebastian smiled. “Good night.”
“Good night love.”
Sebastian got out of the car, walking back up the hill as Nazomi turned her car around and left. The lion smiled as his heart continued to race, he was as happy as he had ever felt and was all the happier that Nazomi felt the same way as he did. While it was true their relationship had a strong possibility of stopping if they were ever in great enough danger of being found out, it seemed that she was daring for it to work as much as he was. Whether it did or not, only the future knew.

I (25f), caught my cousin(28f) French kissing and groping another man at a shopping mall in a city nearby. I was absolutely flabbergasted to say the least. Her fiance is in the army and they're due to get married in three months. When she saw me she was shocked. I confronted her and she told me that the man I caught her with is married and he is cheating on his wife who recently had a double mastectomy and ovaries removal. I felt absolutely disgusted to say the least. She's my first cousin and we grew up as sisters but I can't condone what she's doing. Now her fiance is a very kind guy and I love him like a brother. He recently lost his mum and it took a toll on his mental health. To make matters worse she admitted that this wasn't the first time she cheated. She cheated on him with 3 other men and a woman (they had threesomes). I felt shocked and disgusted. Her fiance is coming back to the city in a week or so and I just can't look him in the eye and pretend everything is fine. My sister told me not to say anything, since it's none of my business, but I feel sorry for this guy! I believe he deserves to know the truth and not marry her. On the other hand my cousin would kill me if I told him. Anyway I feel confused and can't even function properly, this story has affected me more than it should. What should I do?

Im thinking of adding another bun to help with my boys bond. I habe a clingy boy and an independent boy and the clingy boy ended up being the more dominant one somy independent boy us struggling to keep uo with his demands. My clingy bun also refuses to groom him back which is getting him very mad (rightfully so, he's stronger than i am lol). He is expected to groom his brother multiple times a day, but gets nothing back in return. When he tries to protest and asked for something back, his brother gets aggressive and starts mounting him. Bc of this he gets really frustrated.
I was thinking of adopting a more mellow bun who could take some of the grooming work off of my independent boy amd also groom him back. My clingy boy will also have a second bun to cuddle up too and get groomed from. He'd absolutely love that, he is so needy and loves attention. In my head, It'll benefit them both.
Apart from this, they seriously love each other. They sleep next to each other, they eat next to each other, the explore together. My independent boy (sugar) is extremely anxious, while my clingy boy (seo) is super outgoing and that's helped sugar so much. Before he couldn't even walk anywhere without sniffing first or making sure it's super duper safe, now he's comfortable with just running out of my room, or going up to ppl. Hes become a lot more loving too so the bond hasn't taken a big toll on him, nor does he dislike my other bun. And seo is definitely a thousand times happier now, he looks so comfortable sleeping cuddled up against sugar. He's learnt some bad habits too. And when he was very sick, sugar helped him a lot. I can see when every i look at them that they are bonded, but then the grooming stuff happens and it worries me.
Im definitely aware of the risks of adding a third bun, so im definitely going to do more research before deciding anything. I also need permission from my family to add another bun which won't be easy bc we spend an extreme amount of money on these 2 boys right now and my one boy need frequent dental procedures for the rest of his life so our buns definitely aren't cheap lol.

So my mother had enough of his emotional and physical abuse, the first act of violence when they slapped each other (he started) 22 years ago, they should have divorced back then, his bursts of violence started almost 10 years ago and came in holding her real tight and painful, harassing her physically and sexually...
She never told anybody, she suffered in silence just for her kids, but the last straw was last Friday, they had a huge fight where he chocked her, and throw her on the bed, she had enough, and demanded either separation or divorce
Yesterday mother, father, her parents came, me and my brother, screams filled the place, all of us against him, yet he still dead stubborn that she's is the problem, he also claims that holding in place and chocking isn't hitting and he didn't do anything Haram
He also blamed his lack of affection to us because he was abused, which totally understandable but very unexcusable to what he has been doing to her, he demanded either to she apologized or to be divorced
And because they are Muslims, he can divorce her whenever he could, unlike her which she needs valid reasons, he also want to marry another and let her spoil him...
We all told her to leave him but she can't help herself to leave her old and fragile mother-in-law who is her aunt (yeah did I mention they are cousins?) And my ADHD younger sister, who was broken on the thought of them divorcing and cried over it
Honestly I don't know why I wrote this, maybe I need some opinions o thought about the situation, it taking a toll on us...and stressing it out

My story is similar to all of yours. I’m a 18 y/o who paid attention to the little details from a very young age. I remember in many occasions seeing a photo of a girl on the side while I was playing on the computer and I just couldn’t stop thinking. Even though I only looked at the first pornographic image when I was around 12 years old. It was when I got my first phone and I was on Facebook and I found this account that had only the cover photo of a woman who wasn’t fully naked but showed a lot. I remember keeping memory of the profile name and searching it whenever I was alone in my room and just staring at it. I felt something I have never felt before.
I had such a traumatic childhood and I’m sure many of you brothers and sisters would relate to me when I say that I used many of the online outlets to soothe myself. I played video games for hours. I also started watching porn videos when I was in 7th grade (abt 14 y/o.) That addiction developed to hardcore porn and fantasies by the time I was in junior high, including hentai and others. I ended up realising how much of a toll it was taking on me mentally, physically and spiritually.
I decided I was going to stop once and for all when I was a senior in high school. The reason I wanted to stop was to feel better and get more attention from girls. I relied completely on willpower and watched TONS of motivational. I started going to the gym consistently. I made sure I ate right and slept well and kept good hygiene. I started getting attention from girls more. I started to ask them for their number and if we could hang out. I then got a girlfriend after 4 months of no PMO. I liked her so much but I couldn’t connect with her. I didn’t know if this was right or wrong so I asked God to give me a dream about whether or not I should stay with her. That same night, God gave me a dream where I picked an apple off of a tree and tried to give it to her, and she did not take it. This was a sign from God that this girl was not the one for me. Even though I could not wrap my head about leaving her just because of a dream, I said, “Jesus, let it be your will and not mine.” I then started talking to the same girl about Jesus and about how we should make him the centre of the relationship in order for it to prosper. I realised that the more I talked to her about God, the more distant we because. This was enough evidence for me that God didn’t want me to stay with her. Therefore, I left her and broke it off cold despite having feelings for her. She used to say that she loved me, but today she says that she never even liked me. She got a new boyfriend. Looking back, I think I just wanted to feel loved, but in a genuine way. And I’m not talking about sex or any of that. I just wanted to feel loved but I couldn’t find that in my relationship with this girl. I remember feeling heartbroken and sad. Often, I couldn’t sleep from the pain I felt in my heart because I really loved this girl. I started going out for walks as late as 2,3, and 4 in the middle of the night and just feeling down. With nobody to talk to. What made the pain worse was thinking back of the memories where I used to hug my ex and exchange kind words. I often found myself crying and even sobbing. I was feeling lonely and I missed feeling as though I was loved.
I then went back to porn again to make myself feel better. After 6 months of no porn and no masturbation, I finally gave up. My ambitions started crumbling and binge watched porn again. I didn’t look as happy as I once did. However, I met with a 54 y/o friend that I met before the 6 months of abstinence from porn. This is a guy that God tried using to warn me of getting into a relationship when I was this young. I remembered him in the middle of my pain and called him. He remembered me and asked how I did, I told him the same story and he was happy to know that I didn’t have sex with her and didn’t even kiss her because he said that sex forms a bond between two human beings. He made me meet a group of young men who are around my age and we now support each other. Don’t get me wrong, I still fall. But I now realised that the only way out of sin (pornography and masturbation) is through Jesus Christ. As Jesus said; “I’m the way, the truth, and the light m.” And “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” Jesus gave us all the power to defeat sin, and he said “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
I want to make sure you ladies and gentleman understand that porn and masturbation is not a physical war, it’s a spiritual one. Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” You need Jesus because he said: “Without me, you can do nothing.” Therefore, I will pray for everyone who struggles with porn and masturbation to be set free from the spiritual chains that bind them and make their lives miserable. I want you to know that Jesus loves you. There is no sin too great for Christ. Christ, who died on the cross for you and I 2000 years ago so that we wouldn’t perish, knows your struggles and wants you to know that he knows exactly how you feel and wants you to be better.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:9-11)
Remember that you are precious. The Bible said in Genesis 1:27, wherein "God created man in his own image.” This means that no matter what you want to think of yourself, you are created in the image of God, and he loves you more than you could ever imagine. Just put this in his hands and have faith that he can set you free.
Matthew 21:22 “22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
Therefore, have faith that it is possible to live a better life through Christ who loves you beyond all measures. And his love is the only thing that you need.
Matthew 22:37 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt alove the Lord thy God with all thy bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy cmind. 38 This is the first and great acommandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt alove thy neighbour as thyself.
Peace and Love, Your servant and brother in Christ

I just want to share something. This is kinda long, I'm sorry if this will bore you. English is not my first language, so please bear with me. So for context, I live in a country where children are a retirement plan for parents who weren't able to pursue their careers because they lack the means to do so.
I'm the first born, and here if you're the first born, you have the obligation to serve your family for as long as you can. Setting aside your needs and your future. You have no choice but to do so, cause "family". If you buy things for yourself with the money you've worked hard with, you're selfish. Cause you should've given the money to your family instead.
I don't live with them anymore, cause I can't bear to listen to the family drama every day while I'm working my ass off. Shouting and quarrelling almost every day takes a toll on my mental health. But I live like 10-15 minutes away from them. My father is retired already, and I'm the one who gives them their allowance twice a month. I have a brother and a sister who lives with them. My brother also supports the family.
It is the time of the month that I give them their monthly allowance, I called my mother to tell them that I've already sent the money. I always give them $70 (dollar conversion is a huge amount here in our country) every time, but sometimes I add more if I earn more than I used to. My mother liked it when I gave more, she's happy and she'll thank me. But when she's not satisfied there are a lot of side comments that aren't necessary. I always explain when I can't give them more money cause I live on my own, and I have bills to pay with. If they have no groceries left, I would tell them to come to my apartment and I'll give them what I can. Leaving myself food that I can make through the next payday. Most of the time I only have eggs left to eat. Hahaha. I also have some loans so that I can buy my things or if I want to eat delicious food when I have nothing to eat, cause I already gave them my money or the food that's left on my pantry.
During the call, when I said I only transferred $70 on their account, my mother went complaining, saying that it isn't enough blah blah blah. Mind you that they will still have some more cause my brother will also contribute to their finances at home. I hung up the call, and started bawling my eyes out. I've worked hard to earn the money, and all I hear are complaints. I'm trying hard to make the ends meet. I'm living from paycheck to paycheck, so it's hard for me to hear those kind of things, where I do my best to provide for them.
I messaged her with what I felt, and she replied back that she always says she's thankful for what I give, but it's not true. She always complains to me when she's not satisfied, but is always kind and sweet when she's telling me that she has errands and she needed money. My father had cried because they think that I'm keeping the score with what I gave to them. Which is not true, because I just wanna let them know how I feel. They're the ones who always tell us that, "we brought you to this world, we fed you, put a roof above your head, so you should do this for us with what we've done for you." Stuff like that.
I messaged them and they haven't viewed any of my messages. They're giving me cold treatment again as they always do when they're mad at us. Being the first born here is a pressure. My boyfriend is already planning for us to buy our own house, but I can't give him a solid answer cause I need to buy my parents their house first. Please, I do know what I should do, I can cut them off completely but I can't cause I have no choice. My other sister is still studying. They have no one to turn to, it's just us. I just want this to get out of my chest. I just want someone to share this thing that is bothering me. It means a lot to me that you've read this. Thank you so much. I hope you have a good day! I just want to share something. English is not my first language, so please bear with me. So for context, I live in a country where children are a retirement plan for parents who weren't able to pursue their careers because they lack the means to do so.
I'm the first born, and here if you're the first born, you have the obligation to serve your family for as long as you can. Setting aside your needs and your future. You have no choice but to do so, cause "family". If you buy things for yourself with the money you've worked hard with, you're selfish. Cause you should've given the money to your family instead.
I don't live with them anymore, cause I can't bear to listen to the family drama every day while I'm working my ass off. Shouting and quarrelling almost every day takes a toll on my mental health. But I live like 10-15 minutes away from them. My father is retired already, and I'm the one who gives them their allowance twice a month. I have a brother and a sister who lives with them. My brother also supports the family.
It is the time of the month that I give them their monthly allowance, I called my mother to tell them that I've already sent the money. I always give them $70 (dollar conversion is a huge amount here in our country) every time, but sometimes I add more if I earn more than I used to. My mother liked it when I gave more, she's happy and she'll thank me. But when she's not satisfied there are a lot of side comments that aren't necessary. I always explain when I can't give them more money cause I live on my own, and I have bills to pay with. If they have no groceries left, I would tell them to come to my apartment and I'll give them what I can. Leaving myself food that I can make through the next payday. Most of the time I only have eggs left to eat. Hahaha. I also have some loans so that I can buy my things or if I want to eat delicious food when I have nothing to eat, cause I already gave them my money or the food that's left on my pantry.
During the call, when I said I only transferred $70 on their account, my mother went complaining, saying that it isn't enough blah blah blah. Mind you that they will still have some more cause my brother will also contribute to their finances at home. I hung up the call, and started bawling my eyes out. I've worked hard to earn the money, and all I hear are complaints. I'm trying hard to make the ends meet. I'm living from paycheck to paycheck, so it's hard for me to hear those kind of things, where I do my best to provide for them.
I messaged her with what I felt, and she replied back that she always says she's thankful for what I give, but it's not true. She always complains to me when she's not satisfied, but is always kind and sweet when she's telling me that she has errands and she needed money. My father had cried because they think that I'm keeping the score with what I gave to them. Which is not true, because I just wanna let them know how I feel. They're the ones who always tell us that, "we brought you to this world, we fed you, put a roof above your head, so you should do this for us with what we've done for you." Stuff like that.
I messaged them again and they haven't viewed any of my messages. They're giving me cold treatment again as they always do when they're mad at us. Being the first born here is a pressure. My boyfriend is already planning for us to buy our own house, but I can't give him a solid answer cause I need to buy my parents their house first. Please, I do know what I should do, I can cut them off completely but I can't cause I have no choice. My other sister is still studying. They have no one to turn to, it's just us. I just want this to get out of my chest. I just want someone to share this thing that is bothering me. It means a lot to me that you've read this, and if you pray for me (if you're religious) I'll appreciate it as well. Thank you so much. I hope you have a good day!

I (m32) am here to seek advice about my girlfriend (f29). We have been together for about 4/5 years. Throughout our relationship she has mentioned to me that people close to me in my life or strangers often make rude comments or give her rude looks. It first started when she said members of my immediate family were being passive aggressive towards her. At first this was hard to accept and understand because no one has ever said this to me. It has now become something throughout our entire relationship. I did my best to understand where she was coming from but at times it was hard to think that people would actually go out of their way to make her miserable and it is also hard to say to her that I don’t believe her. This weekend she said she was feeling confident and I invited her over on her terms and she agreed. Once the day was over she continued to tell me my stepbrother (m31) is now brainwashing our 15 year old brother into hating her. (An example of how innocent this kid is would be that he is scared to sleep alone or get caught watching a scary movie by our parents) So when she brought this up i overreacted and told her he would never do that and I say that I’m confidently. Now I am at a point where I am not sure if my gfs feelings are genuine or is there something more going on. I am feeling very lost and confused about how to move forward.
My gf has talk about having an abusive father who is no longer in her life and a mother who also suffered in two abusive marriages.
Any help or insight on how to help me understand my gf and how she works as I do not want to lose her but I can see that it is taking a toll on myself.

Please help me.My (24 f) spouse (24 f) takes care of her mother with sickle cell (50 f). We've known each other for over 10 years and are coming up on our one-year anniversary (tomorrow). Our relationship has been amazing despite some learning curves and we are extremely in love. I am noticing this situation has recently taken a toll on my spouse/our relationship- especially the last crisis. The situation has been taking a toll on me as well and I feel like her mother is constantly around or we're doing something that involves her.When my spouse and I were just friends I knew of her mother's illness but not in detail. I'd say I was the friend she vent to and took her mind off things by going out, traveling, etc. At the start of our romantic relationship, my spouse did not fully emerge me into the health concern or lifestyle. When her mother got sick, she would try to educate me and leave for the hospital or her mom's house to take care of pain, withdraw, etc. She would be gone for hours and I tried to be supportive by just having things in the house ready so she can relax once home, being open to talk, etc. When she was gone for hours, she always tried to be clear and communicative throughout the process and I tried to be supportive although I did not understand the full scope of the disease or this lifestyle. I've never had someone with a serious illness in my immediate family. My dad has addiction issues but I've been distant since the first couple of rehabs did nothing. Recently my spouse's mom had an attack and we took her to the hospital. We were in the middle of heading to our reservation when she got a call from her mom and we turned around to take her to the ER. I sat in the car for at least 4-5 hours until her mom got settled. My spouse was extremely apologetic. I tried to be kind and supportive telling her not to apologize for stuff she cannot control and let's continue with our day now that her mom is situated. But if I am being honest, this is a reoccurring thing. I want to be there and be supportive of my spouse when she needs me, but my personality in general has a lot of scheduling and control. I suffer from depression and when I am not "up and moving" I get fearful I will be down, so it's really has been a difficult adjustment for me. Anyways, her mom was in the hospital for about 4 days and my spouse went back-forth before/after work which is relatively normal. My spouse says the hospitals usually do not care about sickle cell and her mother often has no one there to advocate for her. My spouse came home extremely drained those days and was restless which impacted both our sleep (at least 3 days without real sleep). My spouse says it's draining to constantly argue with medical staff and advocate for her mom. Thursday night her mom got out of the hospital, long story short she had an anxiety attack and was rushed to the ER near her. They had no idea how to deal with it and should be shut down IMO. They tried to take blood directly from her artery and almost killed her. We let her get oxygen (low blood pressure) and then transferred her, ourselves, to another ER. They refused to transfer her without blood work and my spouse (and her sister via Facetime) refused to let them try to take it again/kill her. Her mom ended up feeling better by the time we to the other hospital and we went home. My spouse, and her mother, were distraught so her mom ended up staying with us. At this point, it was at least 2 in the morning. She and her dog stood with us in our one-bedroom for 3 days. I honestly had no problem with this, but I do work from home and it was extremely hard dealing with the noise. Additionally, I have depression and trouble sleeping throughout the night. It was hard to be confined to my office/bedroom throughout the day. It was hard not keeping my routines which is something I rely on. It was hard sleeping with the TV on the whole time since her mom is a night owl. I usually do not let small things bother me but lack of sleep and overall irritation with the situation got to me. My spouse was also restless and anxiety-anger driven which was causing tension. Her mom ended up going home and feeling better Sunday morning but she has been having anxiety about being alone. I thought we would drop her off on Sunday and get her settled, but we stood at her house for another 4-5 hours altogether. Finally, my spouse and I went back home to rest. An hour into us being home her grandma & mom called and my spouse went back over there for another 3-4 hours by herself to see them and hang out. It was now about 8 pm before I began hanging out with my spouse. Sunday is my only day off and time to spend with my spouse we are up for work by 5 am. It was also my brother's 21st birthday and I was not able to leave because we share a car, I did not want to leave my spouse, and I was extremely exhausted my eyes would barely stay open/kept leaking tears. The next day, Monday I am working from home (my spouse and her mom are off due to memorial day). My spouse's mom showed up here with her dog and we are now all going out once I am off at 5 pm. We ended up going to a Korean Spa and guess who paid for the entry- ME. Tuesday her mother asked me to go see some cars with her before my shift. My spouses sister is coming home from college and is getting her first car so I went. Wednesday (today), my day off, her mom randomly shows up at our house with her dog and assumes it is okay to leave her here without asking me or informing my spouse. The heating system in her building is out and she does not want her dog to overheat. I completely understand but it is very annoying and inconsiderate to assume I will be okay with that. My spouse has had that conversation with her multiple times and she does not seem to understand or care. Recently, my spouses landlord came over and saw the dog. Our apartment does not even allow dogs.I have to say, my spouse and her mothers relationship is already very strained. They're both working to fix it but the illness causes tension. Her mom feels like a burden and completely withdraws when she is feeling betteindependent. My spouse is depleted around that time and withdraws as well. Her mom gets sick every 6 months or so. Also, there is past abuse between them from childhood-adolences (physical, finanical, and verbal) that my spouse is holding onto. My spouse has a sister (f 20) who is away at college and she is going to talk to her about completing her master degree at home. I am unsure how sucessful that will be since the college is funding the masters degree and she also holds onto past trauma with her mom.I am on PTO until Monday and do not want to be bothered with anyone (or anything- pets included)! I am trying to use this time to get my mental health right and have my space. I understand medical emergencies but does this feel extreme to anyone else? How do I express this to my spouse? How do I (we) set boundaries in this situation?

[F] Jocoby Malor
994 .M41 - Torian sector; Plotesian Sub
The Bane of Foes, a colossal strike cruiser, sailed through the warp like a leviathan of the sea. The ship, as vast as a celestial metropolis, sailed through the clawing, shrieking madness of tortured non-reality. Its gellar field, a supernatural armor, protected the vessel from the grips of phantasmal beasts and unborn nightmare horrors.
Studded along this behemoth's titanic form were macrocannons. Double-edged like a sword, they flanked the ship, five to each side. This bulky planet destroyer, a testament to the gothic fury of the Imperium, held the capacity to tear asunder ships twice its size - a feat it had enacted on numerous war fronts within the depths of the Torian sector. Nestled beneath it lay orbital gun platforms, divine instruments of judgment designed to reduce cities to cinders. Fusion beamers, lascannons, railguns - all primed, all thirsty for the blood of the God Emperor's foes. The Bane was poised and ready for battle as it sailed towards the planet of Nialos Prime. It stood ready to enact divine retribution of the throne.
Within this monolithic beast, servitors labored in the hull, walked the gantries, and codified the data. These grotesque hybrids of flesh and machine labored without end, tireless drones who analyzed vast reams of data and shifted munitions, several tons in weight, to the ship's weapon batteries. Serfs, the fallen aspirants of the Trioris Valorum, navigated this frenetic chaos with a practiced ease, born of long servitude. Cloaked in cream-colored robes, they were entrusted with the sacred rites within the strike cruiser - from honing enormous swords twice their size in weight and height, to inscribing bolt shells with holy prayers of deference and hate to the God Emperor.
In the landing bay stood the Astartes, Space Marines! Humanity's stalwart guardians and the lantern bearers in this age of cosmic darkness. Each one was a walking testament to war. Humans reborn by gene science and baptized in the furious flames of battle, were holding at bay the monstrous terrors of the galaxy.
Five full squads were formed in disciplined rows, their poise echoing the martial precision of an army of angels. Jacoby Malor and his squad brothers of the Knights Of Valor Chapter stood ready for their debriefing and prayer ritual - an old and venerated fraternity, These Knights were tempered in the hearth of ceaseless battle and honed into a killing edge.
The bay itself was also a hallowed sanctum for those embarking into the jaws of death. Flickering candles and braziers filled with potent incense transformed it into a cathedral of imminent battle. Serfs chanted in High Gothic, their voices rising in a litany of war and honor. In a panoply of lightning yellow and stormcloud gray, the serfs attended to each warrior's power armor with devotion. Deftly anointing the Aquilas on their breastplates with twice blessed oil, stamping purity seals and the oaths of moment to shoulder guards, and securing the tools of wrath to their waists.
Jacoby was attached to Tactical Squad Numion, designation: Bladed Light. The fourth squad within the Third Battle Company. Led by Brother Sergeant Simon Traegle, his brothers in arms, a ten-man squad, carried their own legacy of battle within the contingent.
There in front, stood Lance Fultar. He had been with the squad since before the Sergeant was honored with his current role. He was the Sergeant’s second and the banner bearer for the squad. Aloft on his power pack was the banner itself, obsidian like the void. In the middle of the ancient, heavy fabric was a sword pointing to the heavens. Achievements were written in exquisite scrawl design on the blade's length, depicting the deeds the squad took part in throughout its centuries of service. Angels in gray robes were on either side of the tapestry. One hand raised to blare a horn while the other gripped a shining sword the color of citrine hilt down. A laurel wreath with a gold ribbon above it surrounded the sword's tip. The ribbon had the words “Duty Unto Death” stenciled in bold High Gothic. There, to his front right was Travis Hoatepion, heavy weapons and explosives expert, his Heavy Bolter held in both gauntlets. He led two other heavy weapon specialists within the formation. Saulinious Fugïr and Paul Rottly, who held Plasma Cannon and Multi Melta, respectively. To either side of Jacoby were Johan Holt and Caspian Hellteris, his Faetutiuos Coditum, his Fate's Companions. They began together as aspirants. They trained together as neophytes. Now, they fight together as full-blooded Astartes. For, in the fifty-six years of warring together, this would be their first time serving in an actual Blade squadron. No more sensoria scenarios. No more live-fire exercises. The yoke was off, and he was glad to have his Fated by his side in this action.
Serfs crescendoed in their dirge as three more giants walked into the bay from a side hatch. Their steps were heavy enough to shake the braziers and flicker the candles in their stands. With a final note of solemnity, the serfs stepped back behind the formation and filed out as the trio continued forward.
To the right of the trio was Steward Romero. One of five war priests who held the chronicles and deeds of the chapter. Skull helmet on and in all black, save for his left pauldron which held the chapter symbol, he came like a death that was promised - a living legend and spiritual guide, he would stoke the flames of hate when the time for battle commenced.
To the left was Blade Saint Chrolorian Rex. Company champion and hero, even to the Astartes assembled, was regal in his manner. Smooth, flowing, every swaggering step speaking to his skill as a bladesman. His power armor was richly adorned and ornate with battle honors, his very being seemed to glow with a radiant gleam. His broadsword, Indominus Valorus, hung behind his back just as he hung behind his Fated.
That fated brother was Captain Kylen Rostone, centermost in the trio. Liege lord and commander of the company. His half cloak was draped over his right side. The powered longsword, Wrath, was scabbarded and hung on the same side. His left arm, as if dipped in its substance, gleamed silver displaying the Deathwatch iconography in bold italics on the same shoulder guard. Command radiated off of him as he continued forward.
All three came to a halt in front of the formations of battle-hardened killers. The Captain, with his helmet under one arm, took his time scrutinizing his warriors. His face was relaxed, yet firm. Like old leather, it was creased and pitted with age. A scar ran diagonally from his forehead to jaw line. All those details were rendered moot compared to his eyes. Emerald bright, his rich green gaze landed on each of his warriors' helm-lens, searching for doubt or a lack of resolve, and they stared back in turn. Fervor evident in the way they tightened their fingers around their weapons and the slight puffing out of chests. Seeing this he gave a small nod and began to speak.
"My Brothers, one knee!” Captain Kylen's voice boomed. His rich baritone reverberated like the tolling of a cathedral bell. As one, his battle brothers knelt before their lord, servo joints grinding with the simple motion. The Captain blinked and data was revealed as he spoke. “A Terran month ago, our chapter received a distress call requesting immediate deliverance from a cult of Tyranid breed xenos erupting within the Fortress world of Nialos prime and are, at this very moment, harrying loyal sons and daughters of our blessed Imperium.” Inside Jacoby’s helmet, a world started to revolve in his eyes, data spooling to the side of the turning sphere.
The Captain continued; “They have been fighting this protracted and planet-wide war that grows increasingly bitter as time presses on. To us, it has been three months of travel in the black sea. To them, five years of fighting without cease or respite.”
The Captain blinked and the data changed within all their helms. What was a world spinning with color, now soured to just a malignant purple. To Jacoby, it was like seeing a fruit putrefy in real time. Mortis runes appeared over the majority of the world's surface, denoting enemy-held territory while Aquila runes stamped themselves on the map in their visor displays. Five loyalist-held bastions formed a horseshoe along the east coast of the continent Granddita. Gold against the purple. ‘Light against the dark’ Jacoby thought.
“This is our last update, with 80% of the world firmly in the hands of these apostates.” The Captain continued, his voice swelling with tightly controlled intensity. “These five bastions are what's left of the defiance against the unclean. They would kill this world and offer it up to their false alien god! We will deny them! Deny them of their pagan rituals! Deny them their conquest! Deny them their lives! You! My brothers will add your support to this undertaking. We expect heavy resistance upon translation. Your duty will be to take out the anti aerial batteries on these coordinates.” The Captain blinked and data spooled. “Purge the taint where you find it, clear the areas, and let us bring righteous wrath and fury to these scum!”
“To your valor, my kin! We translate within the hour.” With his speech concluded and orders deliberated, the Captain stepped back as death stepped forward. Steward Romero raised his hands to chest height, Imperial Rosary in one gauntlet, and his Crozius Arcanum in the other. “Let us pray.” He intoned.

preface: we are asian me and him were together for 4 months but we developed a really strong and deep bond through facetime calls. He wanted to come meet me but we decided to do it the right way and ask our parents and let them know. Apparently theres an issue with my cousins side and his family knows about it so they were very against him continuing with me. He fought multiple times and even this was a huge emotional toll on him, and this was the hardest decision hes had to made. Ultimately his brother said it wouldnt be too hard to detach now versus if we continued this and the parents didnt come around etc. so he thought about it and he eventually ended it. He also got tired of constantly feeling like he was disappointing them and ultimately sacrificed his own happiness. he was hurt angry and all emotions. We cried on call for hours. I said its best we go no contact and then come back as friends so that i can move forward. its second week of no contact, and he UNFOLLOWED my arts account. Why would he do this? What is the best advice for me and how do I move on? Should i message? Why am i still holding onto hope?

preface: we are asian me and him were together for 4 months but we developed a really strong and deep bond through facetime calls. He wanted to come meet me but we decided to do it the right way and ask our parents and let them know. Apparently theres an issue with my cousins side and his family knows about it so they were very against him continuing with me. He fought multiple times and even this was a huge emotional toll on him, and this was the hardest decision hes had to made. Ultimately his brother said it wouldnt be too hard to detach now versus if we continued this and the parents didnt come around etc. so he thought about it and he eventually ended it. He also got tired of constantly feeling like he was disappointing them and ultimately sacrificed his own happiness. he was hurt angry and all emotions. We cried on call for hours. I said its best we go no contact and then come back as friends so that i can move forward. its second week of no contact, and he UNFOLLOWED my arts account. should i be hurt? Why would he do this? What is the best advice for me and how do I move on? Should i message? Why am i still holding onto hope?

preface: we are asian
me and him were together for 4 months but we developed a really strong and deep bond through facetime calls. He wanted to come meet me but we decided to do it the right way and ask our parents and let them know. Apparently theres an issue with my cousins side and his family knows about it so they were very against him continuing with me. He fought multiple times and even this was a huge emotional toll on him, and this was the hardest decision hes had to made. Ultimately his brother said it wouldnt be too hard to detach now versus if we continued this and the parents didnt come around etc. so he thought about it and he eventually ended it. He also got tired of constantly feeling like he was disappointing them and ultimately sacrificed his own happiness. he was hurt angry and all emotions. We cried on call for hours. I said its best we go no contact and then come back as friends so that i can move forward. its second week of no contact, and he UNFOLLOWED my arts account. should i be hurt? Why would he do this? What is the best advice for me and how do I move on? Should i message? Why am i still holding onto hope?

preface: we are asian
me and him were together for 4 months but we developed a really strong and deep bond through facetime calls. He wanted to come meet me but we decided to do it the right way and ask our parents and let them know. Apparently theres an issue with my cousins side and his family knows about it so they were very against him continuing with me. He fought multiple times and even this was a huge emotional toll on him, and this was the hardest decision hes had to made. Ultimately his brother said it wouldnt be too hard to detach now versus if we continued this and the parents didnt come around etc. so he thought about it and he eventually ended it. He also got tired of constantly feeling like he was disappointing them and ultimately sacrificed his own happiness. he was hurt angry and all emotions. We cried on call for hours. I said its best we go no contact and then come back as friends so that i can move forward. its second week of no contact, and he UNFOLLOWED my arts account. should i be hurt? Why would he do this? What is the best advice for me and how do I move on? Should i message? Why am i still holding onto hope?

This person was a mess.
Me being the younger sibling only fueled his fragile ego. He sought someone he could "raise", help grow into a man of his image; and a punching bag, someone he could walk all over with no consequence. Always called himself "grown" when challenged, always came to me to vent. Anything I was suffering with was met with long patronizing lectures.
I was "supposed" to allow it because he's "grown". I had to "take it for what it is."
All of this contradictory, abusive behavior; yet preached endlessly about being a man and taking accountability. Can threaten to beat, fuck over or at worst, kill you at his angriest; but God forbid you give a perceived slight.
Has never given a hint of true remorse. Only "pseudo-reflection", followed by an "apology." He will act as if nothing's ever happened, as if he's never said or did anything so awful. Will get angry at you for wanting a distance. It's like you're less than a subhuman to him and your his property because of relation.
Valued "respect" more than being a respectable person. I gave so much energy, trust and money because he was my brother. I cared too fucking much. He constantly talked about how he needed support and was trying to get his life in order and I hate myself for entertaining it, cause that's what he wanted..
I genuinely believed I had a brother to confide in. I really did and really tried to see past it all but he's far too unstable and uncaring to be dealt with.
This "man" violated my right to be a fucking human.
Always stigmatized me as the "lesser man", "beta" whatever. I was weak because of my different upbringing, my mental illness, I didn't have "real life experience", I didn't talk about sex with women or my dealing with them in general so something was "wrong with me." Guess what he would watch on YouTube though. Alpha male videos, dealing with women. Dude, this is so real.
Since age 13, he instilled whatever he could to have me depend on him and put him in such a pedestal. The most tragic and saddest part for me was how he would claim to love me, wanted what was best and wanted me to be better than him despite the true nature of it. Like he's deluded himself.
Hurtfully paradoxical. I've never hated this strong. These were only bits of how he was. These being towards myself. He was a monster to others as well.
I could write a novel on this low vibrant human. The pain and mental toll is too great. We don't talk and never will. This may be cruel to say but I wouldn't in the slightest be phased by his passing.

I'm sure there's a lot of Asian moms out there who have a hard time getting rid of stuff "just in case we need it."
To be honest, I don't have a relationship with my mom. I've cut that relationship from my life since I've recognized that it was too toxic to fix. But I had to recently move back home due to living situations that were out of my control.
I've been trying to clear out stuff from our house, stuff we don't need, stuff we don't use. There are books and junk that has not been touched from since I was in middle school. There is a collection of 50 plastic bowls and sauce dishes that she brought back from Vietnam. There are plastic cups, containers that are never used but kept, again, "just in case." There are stuff that are expired from 5-6 years ago that are still sitting around in our house.
I do my part to regularly throw out old clothes and stuff I do not use anymore to de-clutter. But when I throw out things we don't use anymore, my mom goes into a screaming fit.
My brother and my dad has become passive to her ways and chooses to "ignore the problem". They actively ignore the problem because they do not want to deal with her.
It has taken a toll on me mentally. I want to keep the house clear of clutter and organized but when I step outside of my room, I feel a sense of anxiousness from the clutter that occupies our home. I'm actively trying to make our home feel like home instead of a storage place for all the junk she brings home and keeps. How should I approach this and/or how have you dealt with this?

We’re a couple of weeks from closing, just put down a 5% deposit on a quick move-in new construction home that we were in love with… until our inspection report just came back.
The roof is buckling in several locations. See pics -
https://imgur.com/a/KSlbWct/
On top of this, there were another 8 critical/safety issues and 15+ other issues noted by the inspector. I’ve bought new builds before and there’s always small things to fix, but nothing like this.
This comes after the builder and sales team assured us the home didn’t need an inspection and that the county inspected it multiple times during the build…
Don’t skip inspection. $500 may have just saved us from making a hundreds of thousand dollar mistake. Waiving inspection is just not worth the risk.
Update (6/1/2023) - we have successfully cancelled our purchase.
This was a Toll Brothers community in Eastern PA. Stay away.

Thank very much if you are going to give this text a change, truly.
I’m back to the faith after many years since my baptism when I was a child. All this time I was in between being an atheist and “spiritual but not religious” —I cringe just to hear it now—, hated the Catholic Church and thought all Catholics and in general all religious people were ignorants and simple-minded morons, I’d even say blasphemous things just to upset believers. I became a freemason at some point and then delved into the occult and esoteric stuff, of which I shudder now.
Then my child was born and the beauty and the marvel of his perfect sight switched something on me, a perfect being could only be the work of a perfect creator. Very long story short, I became then convinced of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus, son of God, and its implications. Later I grasped that the Catholic Church is indeed the Church founded by Christ himself.
But the most recent and perhaps my definitive realization came just 2 days ago after hearing some testimonies of former adherents to all what is known as “New Age” who converted to Catholicism.
A veil was finally lifted for me, revealing me all the intricate lies set up by the enemy, and his horrible grip on everything in this world. All the nastiness, insanity and non-sense that I see every day out there in the world fully makes sense now.
It closed the deal for me as to finally and fully realize the non-negotiable, absolute and unyielding truth that represents the Catholic Church: there’s no truth outside of the Church, only damnation.
I can’t find words to describe the awe that I feel for that truth, even if I try in my native language I will fail. I feel terrified from it, frightened to the core, awestruck for the moment God himself finally judges me. Hope is there from the beginning as well, and it’s greater than any fear, but realizing now the gravity of my sins at this moment has brought a lot of distress, knowing that I have a direct pass to hell, and that I can’t be absolved in my current situation, and that I've possibly brought something bad into our lives because my delving into to esoteric things.
I'm worried for my wife as well who I adore and love deeply. Ours is a civil marriage not sacramental. She is a beautiful person, but she is more or less like I used to be, only much more stubborn and intense as to her beliefs, staunch feminist and “spiritual but nor religious” and also into things related to the New Age nonsense and she absolutely hates the Church.
I pray for intensely for her every day and I know everything is possible for God but is just so hard for me to imagine her changing, of which you could judge that my faith is weak in that sense. The temptation of the flesh is always there as well, and I’m worried that me abstaining from the carnal act will take a toll on our relation and that me caving in into desire will just get me nearer to damnation.
I long for the day I can get the Sacrament of Marriage with her and the baptism of my beloved son. There’s nothing else in this world that I desire the most but to be united with my wife and my son attending mass one day. I crave for our souls to be saved and be with our Lord in what lies beyond.
Please pray for me brothers and sisters, so that my family can be converted to the Church of our Lord.
Thank you very much if you made it this far, I really deeply appreciate it, I'll pray for you as well.

So I’ve notice and little stiff neck and multiple swollen lymph nodes behind my head,ear,one on both armpits, behind my thigh, neck,jaw and elbows but the most noticeable ones are behind my ears . I don’t have any other symptoms like flu like symptoms or any recent ear infections or ear pain but I do have a cat I like to mess around with and have multiple scratches and bites from this one cat, mind you this cat has no shots or been to a vet. I also been bit by my dog twice and accidentally burnt my forearm that was medium sized. But when I really noticed the swollen lymph nodes is when I get into a altercation with my brother over something stupid and we end up fighting, I was hit behind both ears and head (I’m fine)so next day a friend mentioned to me that I have a bump behind my ear and I brushed it off cause I thought it was a knot or something it feel tender and sore like one. It’s almost a month from now and it still hasn’t gone away I’m also a anxious person and stress about things maybe it’s taking a toll on my body. I would say I’m a pretty healthy person I just turned 20 years old and like 153lb like to stay pretty active whenever I can.
If anyone is going thru similar things it would be comforting to hear your experience with this Lol, but other than that im fine just the lump behind my ear is freaking me out I made a appointment with a GP I’m just waiting on the call back.

i (f20) have been living with my bf(20) and his family for a couple years now. recently i was asked by his mom to move out. i have mental health issues that are crippling, it’s hard to keep a job because they take such a toll on my mental health it’s almost impossible for me to function. i’ve been going to therapy and taking medications. i’ve been unemployed for a month now, my boyfriend is a big help financially but i cannot depend on him. my dream is to buy a house so i can have a safe space for me and my little brother. i left my moms because she’s very abusive and narcissistic, i can’t afford to go anywhere but her. i’ve been applying for jobs left and right had a few interviews but no call backs. i have debt that needs to be paid off. no money, no house, no job, no stable mental health. i really want a house but i don’t know of any programs that can help me in this situation. what do i do?

I've been married to my Q for two years, together for three. Same story as most - met him and didn't know he was an alcoholic. But he has gotten better over time, has committed (and failed miserably many times) with recovery with group meetings throughout the week. He has a counselor that helps him keep on track and keeps him accountable.
His brother, on the other hand, has been a raging alcoholic ever since he broke up from his super abusive and toxic (and alcoholic) ex-girlfriend. They were like a Syd and Nancy. Co-dependent, and equally destructive. He had been hospitalized before for his alcoholism before he met her. He somewhat fixed it with her, but they were nothing but party and destruction.
Fast forward he is out of that relationship and is on one colossal bender. Two weeks ago my Q and I witnessed him almost die in a car accident and it was traumatizing to say the least. We found him passed out drunk in his car at the park. When we told him we'll drive him back to his parent's house, he took off, drove off the highway, hit an embankment (almost ran into a ditch) and ultimately hit a bridge, which the car nearly fell into, if not for the barrier. Thank god he had his seatbelt on, otherwise he would have literally died in front of our eyes. We called 911 and they took him to the hospital with just minor bruises and scrapes. Car was completely totaled. When we visited him at the hospital that same day, his BAC was 0.46. Which means he was at around 0.5 at the time of the accident. Insanity.
Naturally, this has put a huge mental toll on my Q, my husband, who has been really trying to hold it together for us. I'm really proud of how much he's been trying. But he's been slipping every week this past month.
Would he benefit from going to Al-Anon? I have yet to go to a meeting, should I invite him to a meeting? Or would AA and his group therapy suffice for what he's been going through with his own brother? He has officially set a boundary to never buy him alcohol or even hang out with his brother when he is drinking, which is a good start. Anyone else's Q also have a Q in their life? How do they handle it? Seems like a double whammy.

i (26F) live with my mom (57F). my brothers moved out together 9 years ago so then it was just me, my mom and my dad. my dad passed almost 5 years ago.
both of my parents had drug problems. my mother still struggles with her issues and although we are trying to help, she doesn’t seem to want to help herself. it is literally like having a child, which i don’t have and don’t want at this time in my life, so its my own personal hell to me trying to guide my PARENT in life like a mother would with her child.
i have one year left of school so i want to move out next year, preferably before november. but i feel so guilty because my brothers are not here with her, i know she’s still depressed over my dad and she still drinks and does drugs. it just would get worse and i’m afraid of that.
its having a real toll on my mental health and i hate being home, but i’m not someone that likes to go out all the time either so its difficult trying to find peace in my environment. i also deal with my own issues with anxiety and depression so when i can feel hers radiating to me also, i just want to scream.
i used to have a conniption and the thought of this house being sold or me just not being in it anymore in general, but now i just want to burn it to the ground