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#renew timeless
livelovelyatt · 1 year
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I know there are very very few left in the Timeless fandom (understandably so, of course) but I wanted to pass along the GoFundMe for Annie’s son and husband as they grieve the loss of their mother/wife. Please consider donating if you’re able :)
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...You see through right to the heart of me; You break down my walls with the strength of your love... "I Have Nothing", Whitney Houston
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dazzlesizzle · 1 month
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Check out the new product Botanical Beauty Bloom https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Botanical-Beauty-Bloom-by-Dazzle-Sizzle/159200025.XNZKR?asc=u
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magdalene-spirit · 1 year
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Mother ‘Time’ is a quality of consciousness—or
Timelessness
A continuous wave spiral of creative display, collapse & renewal 🌹
Time as quantity is the play of the mind; it is superimposing measures onto eternal cycles— it is not wrong, but forgetting Timelessness, we fear endings
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not even 5 minutes into (a let's play of) a devil in me and I am. feeling things.
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notori · 1 year
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Keyleth's Timeless Body: You have become so connected to nature and the essence of renewal.
Beau's Timeless Body: You have reached peak enlightenment where the physical no longer affects you.
Laudna's Timeless Body: WELL Y'AIN'T GETTIN' ANY DEAD-ER!
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visit-new-york · 8 months
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Chrysler Building. Gazing from Afar
Photographic Icon: The Chrysler Building has become an iconic subject for photographers, its gleaming facade and Art Deco details offering endless creative inspiration.
Artistic Muse: Artists and creatives worldwide continue to draw from the Chrysler Building's unique blend of elegance and innovation, making it a timeless muse in the worlds of art and design.
Architectural Symbolism: The spire of the Chrysler Building reaches high into the sky, symbolizing not just the ambition of the building's creators but also the aspirations of an entire era.
Elevated Gargoyles: The eagle gargoyles that adorn the 61st floor of the Chrysler Building's crown are among the highest architectural elements in New York City, adding to their mystique and symbolism.
Structural Drama: The Chrysler Building's design is a dramatic departure from traditional skyscraper aesthetics, with its setbacks and ornamentation creating a dynamic visual narrative.
Chrysler Building. Cultural Legacy
Literary Inspiration: The Chrysler Building has featured prominently in literature, serving as a backdrop for various novels and stories that capture the essence of New York City.
Film Icon: Its distinctive appearance has made the Chrysler Building a sought-after location for film and television productions, adding to its cultural prominence.
Design Evolution: The influence of the Chrysler Building's Art Deco style is visible in the design of numerous buildings, both in the United States and around the world.
Fashion Forward: Art Deco, epitomized by the Chrysler Building, has left an indelible mark on fashion, with its geometric patterns and sleek lines finding their way onto clothing and accessories.
Cultural Significance: Beyond its architectural marvel, the Chrysler Building is a symbol of the enduring spirit of innovation, aspiration, and creativity that defines New York City.
Chrysler Building. Preservation and Restoration
Ongoing Preservation: Dedicated efforts by preservationists ensure that the Chrysler Building's exquisite details and structural integrity continue to shine, safeguarding its heritage.
Art Deco Revival: The resurgence of interest in Art Deco design has brought renewed attention to the Chrysler Building's architectural significance.
Sustainability Initiatives: Modernization efforts have also extended to sustainability, with upgrades to the building's energy efficiency and environmental impact.
Visitor Experience: While the Chrysler Building is primarily a commercial office building, its lobby remains accessible to the public, allowing visitors to appreciate its Art Deco grandeur.
A Living Legacy: The Chrysler Building's legacy is not frozen in time but continues to evolve, adapting to the needs of a changing world while preserving the timeless essence of its design.
Chrysler Building. A Beacon of Hope
Iconic Beacon: The Chrysler Building's illuminated crown serves as a symbol of hope and unity, often illuminated in special colors to commemorate important events or causes.
Cultural Connection: Its presence in the New York City skyline is a source of cultural connection, a shared symbol that binds residents and visitors alike.
Historical Resilience: The Chrysler Building has withstood the test of time, remaining steadfast through historical events and shifts in cultural preferences.
Artistic Representation: Countless artists have depicted the Chrysler Building in their works, capturing its beauty and significance in various mediums.
A Promise of Tomorrow: As the sun sets behind the Chrysler Building, its illuminated crown stands as a beacon, reminding us that even in challenging times, there is always a brighter future on the horizon.
The Chrysler Building, with its timeless elegance and architectural innovation, continues to inspire and captivate. Its enduring legacy reminds us of the power of human creativity, determination, and the enduring spirit of New York City. In its gleaming spire and Art Deco splendor, we find not just a building, but a symbol of aspiration and a testament to the heights that can be achieved through bold vision and unwavering dedication.
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lazyyogi · 1 month
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Spring Renewal: Healing from Time
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Feeling lethargic, unfocused, or apathetic despite the onset of Spring? You may benefit from the practice of Renewal.
In this post:
What is the purpose of renewal and why do we need it? -> How burdens accumulate through the passage of time -> Timeless = freshness
Technical elements of renewal practices: -> Recapitulation -> Defragmentation -> Trauma shard release -> Reclamation of loaned energies
When we rinse away the dust of wear & tear and shed the accumulated burdens of time, we experience renewal. We regain a feeling of the timeless brightness that was once so natural to us.
Time exists for us as memory of past and imagination of the future, but also in the way we interpret the present according to those memories and imaginations. 
Time exists in this moment as the imprints we have absorbed in the form of judgments and beliefs as well as the ways in which our repeated experiences have dulled our senses.
Think of an older adult. How they are as living beings is mainly shaped by the ways in which they have accumulated time: the weight of lifestyle choices on the physical body, the definitions and perceptions fixed into the mind, and the various forms of conditioning programmed by life experiences.
A common reason for low levels of energy and enthusiasm in adults is due to the accumulation of time, which leads to a state of staleness.
Now think of an infant, a creature who embodies the very essence of newness: unburdened by imprints or conditioning, undistracted by thoughts of past or future, undefended in their naked experience of consciousness in the moment.
An infant radiates freshness.
Habituation and conditioning are the marks left in the subtle (energy) body by the passage of time. Some of that is useful and part of what makes us more functional than an infant. But much if not most of this is accumulated garbage.
Just as a diamond coated in dust still possesses its inherent luster and clarity, so too do we still possess that freshness of infancy. Such is the esoteric meaning of "innocence." It can be obscured but it can never be lost.
When we engage in renewing practices, we first recognize and then rejoice in our fundamental essence. It has not gone anywhere, nor will it ever. It is us. Only, it can be forgotten and therefore go unknown and unseen. So, we dust off the diamond.
There are many ways to discuss the elements of self-renewal. In this post, I will address four of them.
The first is recapitulation.
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." ~ Maya Angelou
"They believed that by means of the recapitulation, however, they could acquire a degree of control that could permit them to separate their life experiences from their life force." ~ Carlos Castaneda
The events of our lives, and the way we experience them, invariably impact us deeply. Sometimes it's a good thing, leading to self-discovery and inspiration. Yet at times it can be traumatic, confusing, and weakening. Especially when we unquestionably believe that we are those experiences.
When this happens, our enthusiasm and brightness (in other words our energy) becomes drained and muted. Through recapitulation, there is a therapeutic and cathartic disentanglement of our living reality from our past history. We can still reference our memory of the past for practical purposes but we are no longer reduced or limited by our past experiences.
The next two elements are defragmentation and trauma shard release.
Like a computer, we don't always develop in an orderly and optimized fashion. It's not surprising when you consider the disjointed and fast paced unfolding of experiences from the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep. Unfinished thoughts, half-baked daydreams, subconscious micro-emotions, and more all swirling just out of sight of our conscious attention. In a sense, we play host to fragments in many forms within us.
Related to this is the piercing placement of traumatic shards within our minds and bodies. A trauma is an experience that overwhelms and bypasses our capacity for healthy processing. In an acute form, when its fresh, it can cause us persistent distress in several ways and we will consciously suffer. In a chronic form, it can be more subtle in the form of triggers, crippling fears, avoidance and dependance behaviors, and more. These tend to be semi-conscious due to the way the trauma has integrated into your sense of self or identity. Any suggestion of being free from that trauma can feel like an affront on your identity, your self.
Instead of dealing with the discomfort of the healing process, many will instead resign themselves to coping mechanisms designed to prevent the re-activation of their traumatic wounds.
The burden of fragments and traumatic shards are just a few examples of how we carry time inside of us.
Lastly is the reclamation of loaned energies.
Through our prayers, intentions, and karmas, we have become involved with the paths and energies of other beings--be they people, animals, or other forms of sentience. This may be positive or negative, such as beings you have supported emotionally or beings with whom you have engaged previously in repeated conflicts. Those connections can persist on subconscious levels, influencing and siphoning our energies.
Through the practice of self-renewal, we can call all of those energies back to us and sever the obsolete connections that remain. This leaves us fresh and capable of forming new connections while moving forward from a place more whole and wise.
For a practice to reach down deep enough to be more than just a momentary relaxation or distraction, it must touch our fundamental nature: primordial awareness. This is the stainless diamond beneath the dust of time.
It is from that stainless place of beingness within us all that we can find both the perspective and the power necessary to free ourselves from the accumulated burdens of time.
Next up will be a sequel post about combining these elements to find a renewal practice that works for you.
LY
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bloggermee · 7 months
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JFK’s Moving Speech: A Timeless Message That Resonates Today #JFK #MovingSpeech #TimelyMessage
In these uncertain times, the words of great leaders from the past often echo with renewed significance. In his iconic speech, John F Kennedy delivers a powerful address that remains relevant and urgent today. JFK's impassioned words remind us of the importance of unity, courage, and perseverance in times like these. Thank you Jack for your timeless wisdom. May God Bless each and every one of us everywhere.. Praying for peace. Please share this message with others.. #JFK #MovingSpeech #TimelyMessage #Inspiration #Leadership #Unity #Courage #Perseverance #IsrealHamasConflict
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emidealia · 1 year
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☆ timeless what's AWAITING YOU next month ☆
Hey lovelies! Bienvenue! This is a PICK A CARD tarot reading is about what you need to hear about your upcoming month, starting pretty much from where you are right now. Choose a picture from the top 1, 2 or from the bottom 3, 4. Be kind and take with you only what applies. Take a deep breath ...and enjoy!:)
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Nurture your Goddess energy
Main thing you’ll focus this month is bringing back rosy feeling(fresh, sweet, gorg). You have a tendency to not feel like a boss a— bitch and this is rooted in trauma from home/finances and results in lack of trust, confidence in yourself. Perhaps not feeling “clean” or not having a romantic lifestyle like others around you and on internet. It is affecting how you express your mind, the way you present yourself etc. Because you don’t really believe in yourself you treat yourself as such. The way back from this is from outward actions too. This month you’ll start prioritizing having a put together bedroom, aesthetically pleasing desk and thought-out hairstyles, makeup and outfits. Healing feminine energy will be truly empowering for you. Look into that! When you act confident you start gaining back your power, truly believing and feeling worthy and divine.
Don’t deny it, there’s a lot you could do in your situation. There’s absolutely no point in sitting in your despair, hoarding sadness, feeling pathetic. Literally no one else cares, no one will come feeling sorry for you and no one but yourself can save you. Be known for having built yourself up or are you envisioning yourself in the same pile of pity years from now, only more bitter? If you can change it, stop whining and change. If you can’t, then there’s no point in whining either, it’s out of your control. But be honest.
Back to what you can do. What is it that creates a spark in you? Even the smallest of desires to get yourself together. For example late at night on pinterest or the right tiktok hitting the spot, maybe the right friend or seeing what your interests can accomplish. Journaling, vision boards, meditating, working out, waking up early, podcasts. Gather everything that sparks the motivation to start something, change sth about yourself, chase your dreams and such. Use these things to your advantage, learn what helps your mind to stay focused, body to stay healthy. Learning about the way you can motivate yourself with your actions, you’ll trick your brain into being more confident as the brain changes everyday according to your surroundings. I do recommend notion for putting down your plan to renew yourself, music, habits, dreams, routines etc. This month you’ll be in your element and succeed babe. Love the process, love yourself, you are so goddamn worthy of living as you desire. You are divine as fuck, you lack nothing!
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A long period came to an end. School term, finals, relationship, friendship, lease on sth or a project? Even though it’s over, rather than being grateful, glad, you visit the situation and feel a bit guilty, uncertain, could you have changed the outcome, said/done it better or been more present? Yeah, no, stop, it’s useless. Maybe you could have, how about that? Nothing to do about it anyways. Find peace for yourself human! You are in the now, it is certain that storm is over and be glad.
MOVING ON. Too much overthinking, man, this time about the future. You are tiring your mind, so much is going on, like the 13 open tabs and there’s music, screaming, a random question about lemurs and existensialism video essays. A lot of escapism, wishing someone would make the decisions for you or being far away from here, doing nothing. No no no. You can’t give away your oppurtunities and potential, you’ll learn a lot from this. You are destined for greatness. I’ll be honest this month there are a few days of feeling shitty but it’s in your control and nothing you couldn’t deal with. Also nothing you haven’t done before so this may be a reoccurring lesson. Main question is, how tf to sustain yourself? In healthy-ish coping mechanisms please. Learn to find something stable in your life that doesn’t fall apart if everything else does.
Main focus this month is about concious progress, intentional advancements. Things will get better, you’ll keep pushing forward, along with much success and enjoyment. You can shape your career, hobbies, plans in according to your own timetable, if you make the needed choices. In this upcoming period you need to be grounded and ready to jump at oppurtunities. You are ambitious, career-driven, but a step back does not kill you. It’s actually essential to sustain yourself. Your brain is a resource, for too long you have used it only for work, being in survival mode, resulting in feeling drained out of power.
I know how hard it is, but take a break, several breaks, a vacation even. Learn to do nothing more than just exist for once. Loving yourself for you, not just for your work validation. That’s also something you should tak einto consideration this month. Separating yourself from performance statistics in your job. If you give it so much control it can really eat you up and destroy you. But you are more than that, am I right? I bloody am, you are an amazing person. Reconnect with yourself, with more humanity. Get rid of the need to be perfect. You really don't need to. Truly okay if you couldn't do your best, or just didn't. It's okay.
Being mentally ready, feeling present and being truly glad to wake up to experience the world is pretty awesome. You’ll be ready for anything then. Love you for you!!! Kisses and hugs, muah :)
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Right away, when starting this pile I was full of the feeling YOLO, let’s do it :D. Spring is coming. Oh the cards made me smile right away. Attracting like a rose, receiveing abundance, you have a right to your joy. Screamiiiiing in joy. I’m obsessed. You have noticed how easily you manifest, right? The little things just flow to you. This is your time: vision boards, letters, writing down your wishes, affirmations, being grateful. You’ll receive everything you manifest right now.
Fall into the mystery, when you receive oppurtunities take them. Your manifestations come in different forms, what you might gain may be hidden but you will receive what you desire for sure. If an offer sparks feelings in you, the ,,what if ;)” type. DO IT! It’s your soul calling. If you want to advance creativity, learn new skills or gain a little money, you might do it in a different way you anticipated. I sense some workshops or little jobs, it might not be exactly what you thought about when manifesting but it’s like such a cute opportunity to also take some time off. It will be easy and safe to you, in a good way. Your boss or the manager and colleagues will be such great people, you’ll gain so many connections. I hear some teamwork is in order. I feel you will be receiving abundance in the form of what your inner child loved to do. You’ll be connecting to that forgotten side of yourself. I think you are aware of the hobby, but forgotten the potential of it, the joys it can bring you. This can turn out to be first of all an amazing way to connect to yourself, but also a way to gain mental well-being and little side cash. It will offer emotional and physical things, like the joy of creating art and having paintings in your home or selling prints on internet.
I just need to put this out there that it will be something you can connect over with your future significant other too. This shared joy for a hobby is truly pure, healing and sweet. You may even meet through this. Yep they are amazing, but don’t take your focus on romantic validation, you know better. There’s this beautiful saying. If you spend your time chasing butterflies, they'll fly away. If you spend your time making a beautiful garden the butterflies will come to you. And if they don't come, then you still have the beautiful garden.
STAY LOVELY!
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I started the reading with bits of confusion and come clumsiness but in a free nonjudgemental chill way if that makes sense? Pfft oops:D anyways … You are the essence of confidence, self acceptance, at least you are perceived that way. You know your needs, you don’t resist when you need a break, you ask and you receive. Great standards, others must accept you like u do. Just like it should be. I am enchanted by your energy and I’m not the only one. This month you’ll keep on shining like you are, taking it to another level. Others will be greatly motivated by your ability to be in total control of your life, caring for your wishes and needs with trust. Main focus this month is advancing your everyday things: style may be the most prominent, also smaller things like a new type of go-to food or coffee you swear by. You’ll have great luck in finding new items for your wardrobe and new ingredients for recipes. So saying yes to going thrifting or buying mysterious exciting things will be rewarding.
Traveling to a neighboring city or country most likely alone. A great refreshment for you. I see you safely wandering in the evening, finding cool bars, cafes, museums, talking and hanging out with strangers but essentially making new friends and learning about people. This is something that really interests you, finding out about different subjects, talking to strangers, learning about different opinions and world views. At the same time, you will also develop your own hobby, photography or filmmaking, writing or doing remote work.
So to sum up, this month is about great curiosity, travelling, charming, communication with new people, developing your style and pursuing a hobby. Life is a grand adventure!
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goldenlikedayl1ght · 7 months
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timeless - j. kiszka
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a/n: this one is super long and holy shit i'm pretty proud of it :) my other song choice for this was wii sports resort theme song. warnings: cursing, past infidelity, some angst, stupid choices, allusions to sex, lots of wedding talk, readers family all being chill, reader being feminine (no real descriptions though) but they wear a wedding dress and are 'mrs', uh, petnames, josh being flirty. my qualifications for writing this is that my dad got married on a cruise but it will be inaccurate, whoops. word count: 10.2k words summary: you decide to be kind after being cheated on. it spirals out of control, thanks to josh kiszka. pairing: josh kiszka x reader now playing: timeless (taylor's version) (from the vault) - taylor swift "and sometimes there's no proof, you just know/you're always gonna be mine/we're gonna be/i'm gonna love you when our hair is turnin' gray"
You book the cruise about six months before you break up with him.
Your whole family is going, you tell him, and it’ll be about five years since you got together when you go, it’ll be romantic!
When he proposes to you two months later, you decide to get married on the cruise. You’ll have the ceremony with your closest family, and then friends will be able to celebrate with you two when you get back, you’ll throw parties!
You catch him cheating on you about six months before you leave for the cruise.
At that point, you had already reached out to plan the wedding with the cruise line, you have your wedding outfit, you won’t be getting your deposit back. He will not be going, he says, because what sadist would go with your ex-fiancé’s family to the Bahamas for two weeks after they find out about your infidelity?
Your sister convinces you to go, telling you that your parents can renew their vows and you don’t even have to go.
You can get over the last of your feelings towards your ex while sipping a pina colada on a beach somewhere.
And this, dear reader, is the story of how you meet your husband on that cruise.
• • •
Day One:
Okay, so you don’t mean for him to be your husband, really. It goes something like this:
Your sister picks you up and you climb into this car with your parents, your sister, your nephew and your brother and his wife.
As your brother and his wife canoodle, still in their honeymoon phase, you make sure your nephew doesn’t spill his juice, and you ask yourself, is this it? Are you meant to have random sex and live a life of freedom yet loneliness and eventually leave everything to your nephew when you croak?
Maybe it isn’t that dramatic, but you still feel shitty!
 You’re waiting at the port, sitting by the help service desk as you wait to board the ship. You’re entirely too occupied trying to fend off thoughts of your ex, yet you hear something that just catches your ears just right.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Kiszka, I can offer you a voucher for your next trip with us, but unless a stranger here offers you their ticket, I’m afraid you’re not going on this cruise. We’re all booked up.”
The man the employee is talking to looks like he just came from a trip to the Bahamas, with this wild curly hair and sandals on. He has these, almost goofy, sunglasses on. He stands with a few other people, one who looks just like him with straight hair.
His body language seems angry, but he’s handsome. And you feel it.
You feel an attraction that you haven’t felt since your ex.
And then you remember your ex, and the ticket in your bag that was abandoned by him, and you realize that someone can give this man their ticket.
You realize you can help this angry, handsome man.
You glance at your sister.
“I’m going to do something sort of crazy, and I need you to support me no matter what. Can you do that?” She smiles.
“Always and forever.”
You get up and grab the ticket from your bag, heading over to the counter where the man stands with the employee.
“And I’m telling you,” The man says, and you almost swoon at the stranger’s voice, “These are my credit card bills! My payment for this trip is right here, there has to be something you can do—”
“Excuse me?” Heads turn towards you, and the employee sighs.
“I’ll be with you in just a few minutes—”
“Oh, no, I—” You sigh, and hand the employee your ex-fiancé’s ticket. “This guest won’t be joining us on the trip, and since I paid for his trip, I’d like to give his ticket to the gentleman here.”
Translation: This guest was a lying piece of shit who broke my heart and was supposed to marry me on this trip, and since I footed the damn bill for aforementioned piece of shit, I’d like for the handsome stranger here to stay in my room.
The stranger looks at you like you just saved his life. Your heart swells.
You all look back to the employee, who looks exhausted.
“We can do that,” They scan the ticket, and start reading your ex-finance’s information. “Okay, so, Joshua Kiszka is going to be the name on the room and the ticket,” she starts, “He’ll have to stay in your room, is that okay?” They glance at you. You turn to Joshua.
“Are you an axe murderer or a creep?”
“Not that I know of.” He answers. You smile.
“That’s totally okay.”
“Alright,” The employee glances at their computer again, typing some stuff. “So, there’s two other things. Number one, there’s the romantic dinner for two this Saturday. Is he going to that?”
“Yes,” You answer, not thinking about it. You smile at the stranger, and he smiles back.
“And the wedding.” The stranger’s smile drops. Yeah, that was understandable.
Your hand lands on his arm, and you become vulnerable.
“Just, go with it for a while, okay? We’re not getting married on this trip, I promise.” You smile, and this seems to reassure Joshua, who turns back to the employee.
“We’re a couple of soon to be newlyweds, baby.” He smirked.
The Employee seems less sure. But they scan the ticket and type a few more things into their computer before handing the ticket to Josh.
“All set. I’d recommend boarding together to get your keycards and everything sorted out. Please step to the side so I can help the next guests.”
You oblige, and suddenly it hits you. You’re a stranger standing in front of a family after you just saved their vacation. You just invited a stranger to stay with you. Joshua looks at you.
“Well, that was a crazy way to ask me on a date.” He tells you, and you laugh.
“Did it work?”
“Absolutely, this vacation would’ve been ruined without you!” He grinned. “I’m Josh.”
You give him your name, and you can just see the relief on his face. He introduces you to his family, and you meet his brothers, Jake, Sam, and Danny, as well as his sister and parents. They’re all lovely.  They begin to call boarding numbers, and Josh takes his backpack from his twin.
“I’m gonna go with them to figure this whole thing out, we’ll meet for lunch later?” They all agree, and Jake mentions how nice it was to meet you, and you head back to your family to board.
Your family looks extremely confused.
“Everyone, this is Josh—There was a problem with his ticket, and I figured since we had an extra, we can hangout with Josh for the trip.” Your sister laughs, and your nephew copies her giggles.
“Don’t worry, we’re not going to do anything wild together, I’m just so grateful that I’m actually going on this trip.” He said honestly. Then he turns to you. “So, what’s this about a wedding?” You laugh, and link your arm with his, a bit of a bold move on your part, but you’re feeling bold. For the first time in months, you want someone, and it’s making you feel bold.
Mostly, for the boarding process, you stand in pairs. You and Josh, your parents, your brother and sister-in-law, and your sister and nephew. You’re waiting in line when you start to explain.
“So, the wedding was originally supposed to be mine, yes. But, the groom turned out to be, uh..” You try to put it nicely, “Not the one.” Is the best thing you settle on, “So we’re going to use it as a way to have my parents renew their vows, or something.” You explain. Josh nods,
“But you realize that we’ll be regarded as the happy couple the entire time we’re on board, right?” You laugh at this idea of this dude you barely know being in love with you and marrying you.
“Josh, you don’t strike me as the type to shy away from the spotlight.” It’s just something about him that gives you the impression that when he walks into the room, he is the center of everyone’s attention. But he just laughs, almost a tad shy.
“Fine, then I’m making up a wild story about our meeting.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, you remember it, right? When you invited me to be a guest at a wedding for a man you were in love with but fell in love with me through out the night?”
“Why does it always have to be about weddings with you, Josh?”
“You know me, I’m a romantic.” You roll your eyes at this, and you hand your boarding passes to the person at the podium, who scans them, and then glances to you.
“Enjoy your stay on the Princess of the Ocean!” The ship name almost makes you laugh, “And congratulations to you both! We hope your wedding and honeymoon is all you want and more!” You realize they must have your name on file, or something comes up when they scan your passes.
You don’t get a chance to respond, because Josh’s arm is around your waist, and he says,
“Everyone’s been lovely so far, thank you. We’re having a great time already, right, Doll?” Your face flushes.
“It’s a dream, honey.” You respond and kiss his cheek. The employee wishes you a great trip, and you head off to the ship.
“I guess we’re going to have to get used to that, huh?” You don’t move from his arm around you.
“I guess so, honey.” You tell him.
You make your way onto the ship, wondering if this could be different. When you get to your cabin, it’s decorated with wedding stuff, and it makes you and Josh both laugh with red faces. On the bed, are towels in the shape of swans, who make a heart with their necks.
Josh tells you they look just like the two of you, and you can’t help but get this feeling that it’ll be impossible to stay away from him while on this ship, no matter how big it is.
• • •
Day Three:
But then you don’t see much of Josh for the second day of your cruise, finding your day full of drinking and running around with your nephew, who you can’t help but indulge in all the kid stuff. You take him on the slides, in the pools, to bumper cars. You get him a Shirley Temple when he gives you puppy dog eyes.
But during your second day at sea, you sort of want to see Josh. He’s out of the room before you even wake up, even though he got back to the cabin after you went to sleep last night. You miss your fake husband.
So, when you see him by a bar around noon, you approach him.
“You look familiar,” you start, “Do I know you?” You ask, a playful smile on your face. He laughs.
“Could be, we’re getting married next week.” You giggle and ask the bartender for a tropical, fruity, alcoholic drink. Josh asks him to make it two. “I want to say thank you again, for letting me take your douchebags ticket.” You smile at his hatred towards an ex he’s never met.
“Don’t worry about it. Why’d you decide to come on this cruise in the first place?” You ask curiously.
“Well, we got back from tour about a month ago, and we knew we’d be wanting to take a vacation that doesn’t involve preforming anywhere.” This leaves you with more questions then answers, and he sees it on your face, “We play in a band, my brothers and I. We scheduled a tour for this year and wanted to reward ourselves with some relaxation.” Huh. “How about you?”
“Well, my parents wanted me to go with them to celebrate their retirement. Then, it was to get married because that worked out so well.” You know you sound bitter about it. It’s because you are.
“Well, I like your new husband more anyways.” He tells you. It makes you laugh.
“We’re are you from?”
“Michigan, originally. I live in Nashville, now.”
“For music purposes, right?”
“Right.” He takes a sip of his drink, “And you?”
“Atlanta, Georgia.” You told him. “But I don’t know, that cities way too small when you have someone living there that you thought you’d marry.” You confess. “What type of music do you play?”
“Oh, we’ll play anything, but we’re known for our rock and roll.” He smiles.
“Well, what do you like to play?”
“I really love all of it, but my true passion is film. I sing. I’m partial to singing jazz.” He explains.
“Huh..”
“And what about you? What do you do for work?”
“Nothing as cool as singing for a rock and roll band.” You admit. “I’m a teacher. I’ve taught a lot of groups, but my favorite is high schoolers, honestly. I teach English.”
“Oh, an Academic?” You laugh.
“Shut up, film boy.” He fakes a hurt gasp, placing his hand on his chest.
“I’m hurt, Doll. I don’t know if I want to marry you anymore.”
“That’s a shame. We already put the deposit down, I’m not getting my money back.” He laughs with you this time.
You talk a while more, and before you know it, your stomach is rumbling for lunch. He walks you to the popular lunch spot on board and decides to join you for lunch.
You both wind up taking bites from each other’s plates.
“Do you like grapefruit, Doll?”
“God no, I was sick once, so my mom gave me one, supposed to be very good for you,” You pause, “I threw up while eating it and haven’t eaten a grapefruit since.”
“Aw, that’s a shame, it wasn’t the grapefruit’s fault!”
“Yeah, but now I associate the grapefruit with throwing up.” You told him.
“I’m sure the grapefruit longs for your forgiveness, Doll.”
“Shut up, Honey.”
• • •
Day Five:
You wind up spending all of day three with Josh, but you don’t see him much on day four—It’s your first day at the beach you’re docked at, so you both want to spend it with your family.
You learned a lot about him on day three—His favorite foods, his favorite movies, music, stories of him and his brothers on tour, growing up. He learns that you went to school in Florida before moving to Georgia, and that you have a scar on your stomach from getting your appendix removed when you were nine.
Learning about each other makes you yearn for him.
The fifth day, though, he’s still in the room when you get up. He grins at you when you wake up, coming out of the bathroom amid brushing his teeth. His hair is wet from a shower, and you sit up, deciding you desperately need a shower.
“Morning, Pumpkin.” He grins as you grab clothes for the day from your bag.
“Morning, sunshine.” You grumble.
“Do you want to go to the beach with me today?” He asks.
You grin and nod, “Sure. Sounds cool. Just let me shower.”
When you finally head off the ship to the beach, Josh has decided he needs to hold your hand. It’s a requirement, he decides.
“We’re betrothed, after all!” He defends.
It makes you laugh, but you’re happy to hold his hand. The sun beats down on you, but there’s this warmth that feels good. You’re unsure if it’s from the sun or from Josh, but you don’t ask. You just walk with him.  
There’s something that’s just easier with Josh around, something that requires no thinking. You can’t really put your finger on it, but you love being around him.
You pass this private beach that you must pay to get into. Josh, in his infinite wisdom, decides the two of you can have fun with this.
“Do you trust me?” He asks, as he takes your hand and drags you off to a shop with a sign that says, ‘locally made jewelry’ in it’s window.
You’re suspicious, but you would follow him to the end of the earth.
“Absolutely not.” You respond, but make no effort to stop him from walking you to the store. He looks around for a second before pulling you over to the ring section.
“Pick out something nice, we might as well milk the whole marriage thing.” You wind up choosing a delicate looking ring that has gold flower decals and a small black diamond in the middle, which you’re pretty sure isn’t real.
You ask the employee to try it on, and it fits like a glove.
Josh can’t take his eyes off you with this ring he’s about to buy for you.
“We’ll take it.” He says to the employee, handing him his card before you can object, and you look to him.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“We’re getting married, of course I did.” He jokes, but then he becomes more serious for a moment. “Plus, I told you, I owe you a million times because I wouldn’t be here without you.” He says softly.
You lean forward and kiss his cheek.
“It was my pleasure.” You say softly. The employee is done ringing you up, and he looks like he’s on the verge of tears.
“I just want to say how happy I am for you two. You’re a beautiful couple.” He hands you the ring and you slip it onto your ring finger.
“Thank you.” You tell him, smiling, and admiring your new engagement ring. Josh wishes him a good day and takes your hand to head back to the beach, where the person letting people in stops you and Josh, telling you the cost to get into the beach. Josh goes for his wallet before smoothly throwing in,
“Thanks for this, it’s such a nice place to spend our time before the wedding. One last quiet moment before the chaos leading up to it.”
“Oh, when are you getting married?” She asks.
“Next Thursday.” You smile. “We’re getting married on the cruise ship over there.” You point, and she shakes her head.
“Don’t worry about the admission fee, I remember how chaotic it was to get married in a familiar place, let alone on a boat.” She chuckles softly and lets you pass.
“Thank you so much!” You say gratefully, never letting go of Josh’s hand. He smiles to you.
“You’re a natural.” He says, as soon as you’re far away from the employee.
“Are you kidding? I’m literally shaking, I keep thinking someone’s gonna call our bluff on the whole wedding thing! I don’t know how you’re managing it.” You tell him honestly.
“I think you’re doing great.” He tells you. “Besides, we’re technically not lying! You were supposed to get married next Thursday on the ship, it just wasn’t supposed to be with me and it’s now for your parents.” He reminds. This is true, you suppose. Plus, with Josh, it’s so easy for you to lie and say he’s in love with you or that he’s the love of your life.
The beach is beautiful—It’s clean and quiet, and you both lay in beach chairs that have been laid out for two.
You’re just laying there for a while, but eventually you turn your head to admire him for a while. He wears a short-sleeved button up, that’s this light blue color. It’s opened, exposing his torso. He has on swim trunks too, and his sandals are discarded on the sand. He also wears this pretty necklace that matches his sunglasses.
“I can feel you looking at me.” He says softly, not turning his hand. Your face flushes and you turn your head back and close your eyes, enjoying the feeling of the sun on your skin.
“Sorry. You’re just really gorgeous.” You confess. He smiles.
“Doll, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had a crush on me.”
“You’re the one that bought me a ring, Honey.”
“Touche.” Your conversation is cut short when someone approaches you with two pina coladas from the bar. On the house for the happy couple, he says.
After a quick conversation with him, you find out he runs this tropical paradise, and that he’s celebrating twenty years with the woman who waived your admission fee. They got married on this very beach; he tells you. You thank him profusely and when he leaves, you and Josh raise your glasses to each other in celebration for your faux marriage.
“Bajabule.” He hums, taking a sip of his drink.
You think you can get used to being engaged to Josh Kiszka.
• • •
Day Seven:
For those of us in the crowd who have never been on a cruise, there’s always a day on board where you have to dress fancy and nice, and the captain makes this speech, it’s called the captain’s dinner.
When you got engaged to your fiancé, you decided that on this captain’s dinner night, you would book a private, romantic dinner to have a moment of peace before the wedding.
And, like everything else regarding your ex and the wedding, it was nonrefundable, and you were planning on either doing it on your own or giving it to someone else who could enjoy it.
Then, you met Josh. And you had a reason to go.
So, you ask Josh that morning to come with you to this dinner before you leave for breakfast.
“Like a date?” He asks. You smile. Except for swimming and showering, you haven’t taken off your ring.
“Exactly like a date. Be my date tonight, Honey.”
He puts his hand on your cheek.
“Anything for you, Doll.”
So, you spend the whole day excited for your date. You have breakfast with your parents, and then spend the afternoon with your sister and brother, while your sister-in-law takes your nephew and parents to the beach.
You tell them about Josh, and they share this look, you’re not sure what it means, you’re too busy admiring your ring and gushing about how funny and handsome he is.
Your sister sits on your bed, all dressed with her son on her lap as you get ready. You’re nervous and you’re not sure why. Josh gets ready with his brothers.
“You look great,” Your sister assures.
“I just don’t know why I’m so nervous!”
“Maybe because this is your first first date in six years?” That could be it.
“But it’s not with just any random guy, it’s Josh. He’s so casual and cool about everything.”
“Is that supposed to make you feel better?” You see her point.
You sigh and take one last look in the mirror, before slipping on your ring. You turn to your sister.
“How do I look?” Your hair and makeup is nice, and your outfit looks really good on you.
“You look amazing. If he doesn’t like the way you look tonight, he’s not worth it.” You want him to be worth it. You want it desperately; in a way you never knew you could want.
“Thanks.” You smile, nervously. You hear a knock on the door and open it to see him standing there. He wears a white button up with the top two buttons undone, as well as black pants. He’s so good looking it almost kills you.
“Hi.” He grins. “You look amazing.”
“You look amazing.” You respond. You lean forward and kiss his cheek, and he peeks into the room to see your sister and nephew. He greets them and smiles, before taking your hand in his.
“Ready to go?” You nod and tell your sister to give everyone at dinner your love before you head out for your date. Dinner is at this candlelit restaurant, where you and Josh sit at a private table behind this beaded curtain.
“This place is so nice..” You tell him. “I don’t know If I’ve ever been on a first date this fancy.” You confess. He smiles.
“Me neither. It’s beautiful here.” He takes your hand that rests on the table. Your waitress comes in with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, introducing herself as Anna, and telling you about the menu for tonight.
“The chef has chosen five courses for our patrons tonight. It isn’t the same as last night’s dishes nor will it be the same as tomorrow’s. It’s preselected, so if there’s any allergies, just let me know. Now, I understand that we’re celebrating a special occasion tonight.” She hums as she pours the two of you champagne.
You look to Josh and wait for him to make up some story about wanting peace and quiet before you get married. Instead, he looks to Anna and says,
“First date. I think this one might just stick, too.”
“First date on a cruise ship? My, what a fairytale.” She smiles. “Well, we hope to give you a night to remember and a start to something wonderful.” She tells you both. “I’ll be back with your first course, soon. Enjoy the champagne, my friends.” She leaves, and you look to Josh.
“Why didn’t you tell her we’re supposed to be engaged?”
“I don’t think she’s the type to tell on us. Besides, this is real. I meant what I said, I want you to stick around...”
“I want you to stick around too.” You confess. You make conversation, getting to know each other through dinner. It’s all delicious, really. Over dessert, you decide that you can’t take it anymore. “I’m having a great time.”
“Me too.”
“I wouldn’t have asked anyone else to go on this date with me.” You confess.
“I would hope not.” He smiled.
“No, Josh, I’m being serious. It has shocked me to my core, but I’m finding myself wanting you more and more.” You tell him, your eyes meet his. “I think one of the best decisions I ever made was giving you that ticket.”
He says your name softly, and when he’s not saying anything like this back to you, you feel tears in your eyes. Is it possible that this man you’ve found yourself falling for has been playing pretend the whole time, the way you were meant to be as well?
“I’m sorry...” You say shakily. “I thought that... That maybe you’d feel the same way about me, but I was- “He squeezes your hand softly.
“Stop. I do want you… I want you so badly it’s destroying me to not have you.” He tells you. Your face flushes. “I’ve wanted you ever since I saw you, and I’ve been thanking whatever force that exists in the universe for meeting you.” He confesses.
Before you can respond, Anna comes back, asking if you want anything else, more champagne, perhaps?
“Can you have someone send it to our room in about two hours?” Josh asks. Anna, who must get that request often, thinks nothing of it.
“Of course. Enjoy the rest of your night, young lovers.” She leaves, and Josh leaves her a generous cash tip, before standing up and grabbing your hand again.
“Come on.” He tells you, and you follow him, curious as to what he has planned. There’s something in his eyes, a spark he gets when he has an idea. You follow him out of the restaurant, your hand locked into his, as you lean your head on his shoulder. He walks with you, all the way up to the top deck of the ship, where it’s quiet and the stars are plentiful. Maybe it’s the alcohol. Maybe it’s the way you’re looking at him. But Josh leans forward and kisses you, and it’s full of a gentleness you haven’t felt in years.
Your hands land on his jaw, as you deepen the kiss slightly, the night air and the passion you feel sends a shiver down your spine, only amplified by Josh’s hands on your hips.
He pulls away for a moment, looking to you.
“Let me take you back to our room.” He says softly.
“To do what?” You ask in a teasing voice. He groans and kisses you again before pulling away to add,
“So, I can make you feel good, Doll. So, I can watch you in pleasure underneath me.” He tells you. His voice is low, and there’s a lust you haven’t heard before.
“Okay.” You tell him.
“Okay?”
“Yes. Yes, Josh, please take me back to the room and fuck me.”
“As you wish, Doll.”
And he does exactly that.
• • •
Day Eight:
Your entire body aches when you wake up, tangled in sheets and in Josh’s arms. You feel amazing. Your eyes flutter open to see him admiring you, and you bury your face in the pillow as you groan. He laughs, his hand gently tracing patterns into your shoulder blade.
“Good morning, Pumpkin.” He says gently, kissing your ear.
“Good morning, Sunshine.” You tell him, before finally picking your head up to look at him. “Josh, I think you’re something equivalent to a sex god.” You say honestly. He laughs.
“Thank you, Baby.” He hums. “Wanna order room service?” He asks.
“Nah... I want you to do that thing you did last night, the one that made me scream.” You reply, and he has this smirk on his lips that makes you want him desperately.
“As you wish.”
You don’t get out of bed until lunch time, and even then, he joins you in the shower.
• • •
Day Nine:
Jake has to beg his brother to come up for air and ask you to join them for drinks that night. He’s worried, maybe that you’ll be scared off by the three of them, or maybe you’ll realize you don’t like him as much.
But you’re thrilled to get to know them, and you head down to the bar around six for drinks and dancing.
“Hey guys!” Sam calls over to you when he sees you. Josh still seems nervous, and you don’t really understand it. You both like each other more than you can put into words, so why is he so nervous for you to meet the three men he calls brothers?
Well, because his brothers are assholes.
You slid into the booth next to Jake, and you go to engage him in conversation. Instead, Sammy loudly calls over to the bartender. “Hey! My brothers getting married next week, how about some shots?”
Josh looks like he might die.
“I am so sorry about him—” You laugh, leaning against him as you try to contain your laughs.
“No, No, it’s funny, I’m glad you told them about it.” You turn back to the boys. “How are you guys enjoying the cruise so far?”
“It’s been great!” Danny yells over the music. “The beaches are so nice!”
“Did Josh tell you about the private beach we found?’
“Yeah! He also told me about the two of you conning your way into free drinks and shit!”
“It’s technically not a lie! I was supposed to be married on Thursday, just not to Josh.” You explain, and Sam laughs.
“You know, Josh has been doing nothing but talk about you, but you’re much funnier than he mentioned.” He hums. You glance over to Josh, who just blushes and rolls his eyes.
“You talked about me? What sort of things does he talk about?”
“Let’s not embarrass him, guys.” Jake says a smirk on his face.
“Thank you, Jake—”
“His new beau doesn’t need to know that he’s constantly gushing about ‘em!” The boys all break out in laughter, and you can’t help but giggle a bit. Josh is overly embarrassed.
“Douchebags! All of you are assholes!” He laughed, not really mad at them. He’s just enamored with you, and despite sleeping with you and telling you as much, it’s still a little bit embarrassing. Not that he’s embarrassed of you, but he finds himself falling for you more and more as the days go by. It’s hard to verbalize.
“Aw, Joshy, they’re just having fun, honey.” You hum. Leaning over and kissing his cheek, a habit you’re finding yourself getting more and more used to.
Shots land in front of the five of you, and Sam holds his up.
“To the happy couple!” You all drink your shots, and you think something crazy.
You think maybe you could get used to doing this. Being a part of their group. Being close to him, to them.
Maybe you could do this for the rest of your life.
You blame it on the alcohol, this feeling that this could last forever.
But when you look at Josh, you’re just enamored by him, in a way that’s deeper than just being a fan or just a crush.
And it crosses your mind for a second.
This crazy idea.
You kiss Josh quick, forgetting about the idea, blaming it on the alcohol again.
• • •
Day Ten:
You wake up with this wicked hangover, and to your disdain, Josh is nowhere to be found. You decide to get dressed and grab breakfast, figuring he’ll either text you or find you when he wants to see you.
But every few moments you’re turning as if you want to say something to him.
It’s frustrating because you know how crazy it is that you like him so much.
And it’s scary because you haven’t felt this way in a long time, maybe even a year or two, because with Josh, you realize how much you weren’t in love with your ex-fiancé, and it’s wild because you thought you’d marry him.
But it’s different with Josh, Better, most definitely. That thought from last night comes back, and you can’t blame it on the liquor anymore, and you can’t blame it on Josh looking amazing in bar lighting, and you can’t blame it on how connected you feel to his brothers because they aren’t around.
Your hand drifts to your ring finger, and you play with your ring, thinking about Josh. You wonder what will happen when you get off this ship. You wonder how it would be taking weekly trips to Nashville, especially when the school year starts and you’re busy with grading and lesson plans.
It all seems totally ridiculous. Why bother then?
But you keep coming back to it. This crazy idea, like an itch you just can’t scratch. You want to verbalize it, you want to ask it of Josh, but you realize how damn wild it is.
Maybe he’ll like that.
You’re lost in your thoughts when you feel a hand on the small of your back. You grin.
“You know, Honey, I—” When you turn around, you don’t find Josh. You find some random asshole who is already drunk, because, when in Rome. “Get the fuck off me, Dude.” You move away from him.
“What’s the matter? You seemed into it before—”
“I thought you were someone else.”
“Oh, you got a little boyfriend?”
“Fiancé, actually.”  Like magic, Josh appears behind the stranger. He looks angry. He looks jealous. He looks hot. “Is there a problem here?” he asked, tilting his head. He moves to you and wraps his arm around your waist.
“No problem, man.” The creepy dude backs off, walking off. Josh looks to you and cups his hand to your cheek.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” You say softly, “I’m okay...” You bite your tongue, before adding, “That was sort of hot—”
“I’m sorry?”
“No, not that asshole, you! Being protective of me like that… I’m not used to it.”
“Oh… Well—”
“And you were jealous. So hot.”
“I was not jealous!”
“Honey, you most totally were! It was so so attractive.”
“Why?” He seems genuine.
“Because... C’mon, I have to tell you a story, but we gotta go sit down so I can tell it.” You sigh. You wind up leaving the restaurant and sitting on a beach chair on the top deck. He keeps his hand on your thigh as you relax. Your heart is beating rapidly, and you’re not sure why you’re so anxious, but Josh seems to sense this.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I just hate this story…” You take a deep breath before you begin. “I was with my ex for about five years. He asked me to marry him after we booked this cruise, and I don’t know why I said yes… Maybe I loved him, but I wasn’t… In love with him like everyone describes I should be... But he never did anything romantic for me, no flowers, no sexy things, certainly no jealousy… So, I’m not sure why the cheating on me destroyed me so much, but it did. I haven’t felt anything for anyone since then. Until you.” You told him, and he just has this focused look on his face.
“He sounds horrible.” You laugh, tears falling from your face that you didn’t even realize you had. He wipes them tenderly.
“Yeah...” You say softly, leaning into his touch.
“Wanna hear my sob story now?”
“Sure, Honey.”
“I’m falling in love with someone who I met last week and might never see again after Saturday.”
“Josh...”
“We don’t have to ruin anything with commitment, we don’t…” His breath is shaky, and you catch tears running down his face, too. “I just need you to know that I’m falling in love with you, and I have no intentions of staying away from you or stopping that process.”
“I wouldn’t ask you to. Never.” You tell him earnestly. “I’m falling in love with you too.” You wipe his tears. Even crying, your boy is beautiful.
“Well, then we’ll just hope that the ship sinks before it docks so we can go down in history as the lovers who should’ve made it.” He smiles. It makes you cry harder, offering all this comfort but no happiness. Josh frowns and wraps his arms around you. “I’m sorry for making you cry.”
“It’s okay…” You whisper. “You have this way with words... It makes it hard not to be moved or not to fall deeper in love with you.”
“I thought we agreed no preventing the inevitable like falling in love with each other?” You pull away from the hug and wipe his tears. He kisses yours away.
“Right, well I’m instilling a new rule. Not preventing us from falling in love with each other. No more tears, either Kiszka?” You hold out your pinky. He links your pinkies together and then you both kiss the ends of your hands on instinct, giggling when you realize you both did it without words. It’s like an invisible string that had connected you all this time.
“You got it, Doll.” He says softly, before leaning forward and kissing you gently. You decide not to worry too much about it, realizing that if the universe was smart enough to bring you and Josh together for these two weeks, you’d find your way back to each other again. How could you not?
You were falling in love with each other, after all.
• • •
Day Eleven:
You wake up the next day to your favorite sight. Josh tangled in the sheets with you, but for once he’s still asleep. You love it. You wound up spending the day with him and then going to dinner with your family, the night full of laughs, because Josh is just so God damn charming.
He’s so pretty.
You grab your phone from your dresser and then take a photo of him, all sleepy and shining under the sunlight.
His eyes flutter open after a few minutes of you admiring him.
“Well, good morning, Pumpkin.” He says in this low morning voice. Your fingers play with his hair,
“Good morning, sunshine.” You grin, leaning down and kissing his head. He turns to you and smiles.
“What do you have planned for today?” At this question, you groan. Fuck, you forgot everything you have to do today.
“I have a meeting with a notary, who doubles as the cruise line’s wedding coordinator, that I was supposed to go to with my ex…” You sigh. “But now I gotta go and tell them that no, I am not getting married, and that the ceremony is going to be a renewal of vows for my parents.” You sigh and rub your eyes. Josh looks at you, and he has that idea spark in his eyes. You see it, and he knows you see it. “What? What is it?” You ask.
For a moment, you wonder if he has the same idea that you’ve had for the past few days. But that’s crazy, why would he possibly think that you two should go through with it, that you two should get married?
“What if we went through with it? Getting married, I mean?”
Well, I’ll be damned. He did have that thought.
“Josh—” You grin, and he shakes his head, burying his face in his pillow.
“Never mind, that’s dumb, I’m sorry…” He sighs. “We just met, it’s a completely crazy idea, I just can’t get it out of my head, and—”
“Let’s do it.”
“What?”
“Let’s get married.”  What the fuck are you talking about? Why would you agree to this? “It’s bonkers.”
“I completely agree.” He speaks. “You need a dress.”
“We need rings.”
“We need to tell our families…” You grab your phone and start to make a list. Get notarized, get a dress, get rings, tell families. That’s the list.
Busy busy day. Josh takes your hand and kisses the back of it, squeezing your hand. Then, you get up and head off to shower.
As the two of you get ready to meet the notary, you begin to realize how crazy this is. You met Josh what? Ten, eleven days ago? How did you manage to fall in love with him so quickly? You try not to think too much about it. Worst case scenario, you get an annulment, right?
You’re getting married to a rockstar and you’re not even a groupie.
Josh meets you at the door and takes your hand, and you begin to grow nervous. Not to get married but to tell your parents. This was a wild idea that you most definitely did not see them approving of. But you’re an adult, you can make your own choices.
Josh squeezes your hand when you get into the elevator. As the doors close, you begin to kiss him, full of this need.
Eventually, you do make it to your notary, Linda.
“Hi! You must be Mr. and Mrs. Austin—”
“No, actually. Mr. and Mrs. Josh Kiszka, and I have no intention of being Mrs. Josh. Mrs. Kiszka is fine.” You smile.
“Oh, my mistake. I didn’t realize—”
“Spur of the moment decision. Which, I know is crazy and you probably don’t get that a lot, but—”
“Elopements of all types are extremely common especially in the vacation business.” She assures. “And honestly, I met my wife and knew I wanted to marry her after a week. Some people wait years to get married and only last for a few months. Others get married after two weeks and stay together for the rest of their lives. When you know, you know.” She advises. You like that, and grin.
“When you know, you know.” You repeat. “What do we have to do to get married?” She hands you two forms for a marriage license and goes through them with you.
“And are you going to take his last name?”
Kiszka. Mrs. Kiszka. You imagine your students calling you that, imagine the name on your ID, on a sign in your home.
“Yeah. Yeah, I think I will.” You smile. She guides you through the steps to do that on the marriage license.  It takes a while, but you eventually get the licenses filled out, and Linda takes them back.
“Amazing. I’m going to make sure everything looks good here and give you confirmation tomorrow. At the very least, you get married by the captain tomorrow and then when you get back to the states, you’ll fill out the license again, and celebrate your anniversary as tomorrow not when the license goes through.” That seems simple enough.
“Thank you.” You tell her. Josh parrots you, and Linda just smiles.
“Of course. I wish you two a very long and happy marriage.” She says, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Yeah, you remember how we said this was last minute?” She nods. “Where can we get rings and a wedding dress?”
She directs you to a small boutique on the island you’re docked at, somewhere that has lots of gowns for stupid decisions like yours. Then, she tells you there’s a jeweler on board. Is there anything this ship doesn’t have?
So you head off to the jewelers first, and you, honestly, spend more time doing this than anything else. You look at black bands, and they’re not your style. You look at silver, but it really doesn’t go with the gold ring you got the other day.
Then you land on these gold wedding bands. They’re engraved with leaf patterns, and the jeweler advertises custom ring carvings in less than 24 hours.
“Hey,” He says to the attendant at the counter. “Can we see the gold bands?” He takes them out and hands them to you, and you both place it on your right ring finger. It’s bad luck to try them on your left hand, right?
They fit like gloves.
Josh glances up to the attendant. “How long would it take to engrave our initials into each other’s rings with tomorrow’s date?”
“Couple of hours. You can pick them up tomorrow morning.” He tells you two, and Josh nods.
“Great.” He tells him your initials and his, so that he gets them right, and hands him his card.
Your next step is the boutique. And you stop Josh before you go into the boutique.
“Wait here.”
“What?”
“It’s bad luck to see my wedding dress before the day of.” He scoffs, playfully.
“We’re getting married tomorrow, doll. Besides, we’re not really traditional.” He has a point, but you shake your head.
“C’mon, for me? I won’t be long.” You play with his collar. He kisses you gently, and nods.
“Okay, okay. Good luck with your shopping.” He tells you, and you kiss him quickly before heading over to find yourself a wedding dress.
You don’t find a bunch of white options, but here are your options:
The first is a pretty silk thing but it makes your proportions look bizarre. So, you move on.
The second makes you look like a Mormon, with long sleeves and a turtleneck. It goes down to your ankles and is made of a heavy fabric. No, thank you.
The third is a new age dress that is white with complex black designs. You appreciate the look, but you decide it isn’t for you.
The fourth one is one you weren’t excited about, but then when you try it on, it’s all you want. It’s a 50’s style cut, and it comes down just past your knees, with a corset top. But the skirt and corset has floral designs, with the skirt being a thin lace layer with the flower print. It’s gorgeous, and it almost makes you cry to see yourself in the mirror.
It exudes spring energy. You think about Josh’s face when he sees you walk down the aisle.
You go to pay for it at the counter, and you pick up a pair of simple white heels, and a pearl necklace.
There’s a bouquet of flowers that sits by the counter. You get an idea when you see them and throw them into the pile of wedding things you have.
“Special occasion?” The cashier asks, an amused smile on their face as they ring you up.
“My wedding day tomorrow.”
“It’s a beautiful dress.” They hum. ���Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” You hum, a blush filling your cheeks.  They put the dress in a garment bag, so it isn’t visible, and you hold the bag in the other hand.
“How’d you make out?” Josh asks.
“Lovley. I even got myself accessories.” You grin. Josh leans forward and kisses you quickly.
“My bride to be…”
“My husband to be.” You say softly. “We need to text our families. Maybe we could have them meet us for dinner and tell them then?”
“Yeah, that’s a great idea.” He says. You whip out your phones and spend a few minutes texting your families on the cruise asking them to dinner. Then, you turn back to your husband to be, for real, not just to get free things.
“Wanna go back to our cabin...?” You smirk. “We should engage in premarital… activities.”
“Oh, Doll… You’ll be the death of me...” He growls, taking your hand and leading you back to the ship.
You spend your time until dinner doing your favorite things with Josh, and then you spend about two hours fashioning your bouquet of flowers into a flower crown, leaving a few to tuck into Josh’s hair and suit pocket.
He was off grabbing coffees for the two of you, when there’s a knock on your door. You answer it, and it’s your sister. Oh.
“Hey!” You grin, going back to your work on the flower crown.
“Hey, why’d you ask your roommate and his family to join us for dinner?” She hums. You’re about to answer when she looks around the room. She sees the garment bag hanging from your bathroom door, the white shoes and pearls, flowers scattered around the room. Her eyes land on the gold wedding bands on your dresser. She says your name, before adding, “You aren’t…”
“Listen, I know how crazy it is—”
“It’s more than crazy!” She says, sitting on the bed with you. “You’ve known him for a week!”
“…Ten days.” You say, a little ashamed, your older sister disapproving of your choices.
“C’mon.” She says.
“Mom and Dad have been married for twenty years.” You say. “They got married after six months. Arthur and Veroncia got married after a year! You had a baby with a guy who you aren’t even dating anymore. So what if I’ve only known him for a week? Who gives a shit? People have gotten married after a week and stayed together their entire life, others get engaged after five years and don’t even make it to marriage!” You sigh, rubbing your eyes. “Maybe it’s a mistake. But it’ll be the best god damn mistake of my life, so just stand by the alter and look pretty for me.” You ask.
She looks at you for a few minutes.
“Okay. Yeah, I’ll be there. You’re right, it could be a mistake, but it could be amazing.” She hums. “You have a nicer man than I do.” She grins. You laugh and hug her. “Now let me see your dress, Mrs. Kiszka!”
That night at dinner, you hold Josh’s hand nervously, as if he’ll float away if you let go. Your two families get along great. Your parents love his, your siblings quickly get accustomed to his, and your nephew sits on Josh’s lap, and they entertain each other.
Between Dinner and Dessert, when your nephew returns to his seat, you stand up and gently clink your glass for everyone’s attention.
“Hi everybody. Thanks so much for coming tonight,” Is this a rehearsal dinner? “So, a few of you might have noticed my ring, and uh—It started as a joke. To get free stuff.” You say, earning a few laughs at the table. “But it developed into something more.” You look to Josh. “And what I’m about to say, is crazy, I know that. And I’ve been thinking about it for a few days, and nothing has ever felt so right. So support us or not, I don’t care. This is what’s happening and—”
“Spit it out already!” Your dad laughs. You pause, your hands shaking. Josh takes it in his.
“So, Josh and I are getting married tomorrow.”
Silence. No response. You feel tears in your eyes.
“Mozel Tov!” Your mom gasps, standing up and going over to the two of you. She hugs you tightly, and her congratulations break the tension of the table as the rest of them come over to congratulate you.
Anyone who has reservations against your decisions keep them to themselves. Jake comes over to congratulate you two, and suddenly Josh is nervous again.
“Congrats, man!”
“You’re not mad?” Josh asks.
“Mad? You’re marrying a girl you met last week. That is so rock and roll!” He pulls josh into a hug, and then he hugs you. “Oh, good luck, hot stuff.” He hums and kisses your cheek. You feel loved.
“Good,” Josh grins, “Because you’re going to be my best man.” You turn to your parents.
“You’re not mad?” You ask.
“No, of course not. It’s crazy, but you’re an adult. If you love him, you need to do what’s best for you.” You grin.
“Thank you. We should schedule a different renewal of your vows, too, and—” Your dad hugs you.
After dessert, you hold your nephew in your arms, and he’s sleepy.
“Is Josh gonna be my uncle?” He asks softly, and you smile, kissing his head.
“Yeah. I think so...”
“Good. He’s cool…” You look at Josh and admire him laughing with your sister and his brothers.
“Yeah. I think so too.”
• • •
Day Twelve:
Your wedding day goes by way too quickly, and before you know it? You’re slipping on your heels and clipping the pearl necklace around your neck. Your phone rings.
It’s Josh.
“Hey, Honey. What’s going on?” You ask.
“Doll, there’s a photographer by the venue, was this planned?”
Shit. You forgot about that.
“Yeah, uh, let her take photos of you and our families, and she’ll photograph the ceremony. Then, she’ll take photos of the happy couple.”
“Oh yeah? And who would that be?”
“I love you, Joshua.”
“I love you.” He says your name. You hang up, and your parents are knocking at your door. You open it, and they’re speechless at your ensemble.
“Does Arthur have the wedding rings?” You ask, hoping he’ll give them to your nephew.
“Oh, baby, you look beautiful.” Your mom coos, and it hits you.
You’re getting married.
You grin, and head down to the small venue that has been put together on the ship. The photographer takes a few photos of you, and you’re suddenly happy you paid for the whole package.
And then it’s time. Your parents walk you down the aisle, and when you see Josh standing there, his brothers as his best men, your sister stands with your nephew on the other side of the alter. You kiss your parents quickly, before you stand in front of Josh, taking his hands. Your cheeks hurt from smiling.
“Hey.” You say softly.
“Hi…”
“This is crazy, right?” You whisper.
“Absolutely. You look amazing.” He hums. It’s funny because he looks ethereal. The flowers in his hair look amazing.
“You look amazing.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
The captain, your officiant, begins the usual--- Telling everyone why they’re here, about life and death.
“Do you two want to say a few words?” He asks.
“I’ll go.” Josh says gently. “For a long time, I never thought I’d find anyone who could keep up with me. Who could love me for all the parts of me… And then you came along and immediately, you showed me this infinite kindness. I knew I would never get over you in that moment. I love you. And I hope this marriage is an infinite source of happiness and wild adventures. And if not, fuck it—” He cringes, realizing he used fuck in his wedding vows, “Fuck it. Let’s make it a crazy and fun marriage even if it only lasts a week.” You almost kiss him right there and then.
“Josh, I don’t… I never really thought I’d fall in love again. I never thought I would fall in love with anyone again. I… I thought that maybe… Maybe I was unlovable or...” You play with his fingers. “Whatever. But when I met you, I realized that I didn’t know what love was before you came into my life. And since I’ve met you, life has just been crazy, full of love and this… this general glow for life. I love you. I love you deeper than anyone I’ve ever known, and I like to think we have a golden type of love. I’ll love you forever, no matter what. Marriage or not.”
You realize you’re crying and Josh wipes your tears.
“I thought we promised no more crying, doll.”
“Sorry, Honey.” You whisper.
The Captain smiles and looks to you.
“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health? In richer and in poorer? For better and for worse?”
“I do.” A ring is slipped onto your finger.
He turns to Josh.
“Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health? In richer and in poorer? For better and for worse?”
“I do.” You slip a ring onto his.
“You may now kiss the bride.” And he does. He places his hands on your hips and pulls you in, kissing you deeply.
The rest of forever starts now, and with Josh by your side, that doesn’t seem so daunting.
• • •
Day Thirteen:
Only technically is it day thirteen.
After the ceremony, the photographer dragged you and Josh off to take photos, and then you went to dinner. You had cake, and then the party really started. Josh’s parents and your own call it an early night and promise to watch over your nephew.
The rest of you go out and drink until you and Josh stumble off into the night. It’s around two a.m., maybe three.
You lay on the beach chairs that you had your talk on back on day ten. Josh holds your hand as you listen to the waves crash, and even drunk, you admire the stars from the top deck.
“Honey?”
“Yeah, Doll?”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
“What happens when we get off the boat..?”
“We…” he sighs softly. “We try long distance. We can make It work until we decide to move in together.”
“It’ll probably be a while, unless I can get a job before the school year starts in Nashville...”
“I’ll wait for you.”
“And when you go on tour?”
“You’ll knit on our porch and wait for me to come back.”
“You’ll write songs about me?”
“Baby, every song is about you.” You kiss his cheek. “It’s all about you...” He hums.
You listen to the waves crashing as Josh starts to sing you something. Light My Love, you think.
It makes you realize you’ll never regret marrying him.
• • •
Day Fourteen:
You have to get off the ship early. Like, eight a.m. and you have to say goodbye to Josh.
You say goodbye to his parents, his sister, and then his brothers. Jake holds you close for a while, and then tells you,
“See you around, Sister. Be strong, yeah?” You smile and kiss his cheek. He climbs into the car, and you’re left with Josh.
Your husband.
You wrap your arms around his neck, and he places his hands on your waist.
“I love you.” You whisper. “Don’t be a stranger...”
“A stranger? How could I ever be a stranger to my wife? I love you. We’re gonna spend the rest of our lives together, doll. I don’t give a fuck about distance. You’re the only thing that’s ever been easy.”
“I’m a real hassle.”
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic.”
“I want a divorce.” You giggle. He laughs and kisses you, pulling you close. He hugs you for a while. Neither of you say anything. You want to cry. But you don’t. You maintain your composure. You begin planning, you’ll drive up to Nashville next weekend, you’ll make it work.
You have no other options.
None.
You have to be with him. It’s like breathing, it’s the most natural thing in the entire world.
“I love you.” He says, pulling away to look at you. “Doll, I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you, honey.” You kiss him one more time, and then he leaves. He climbs into his car, and you start to cry on the walk back to your car. Your family says nothing, and you just cry as you start to drive. Your nephew frowns, and looks down at his dinosaur blanket, that always makes him feel better. He takes your hand in his and doesn’t say anything.
You begin to look for teaching jobs in Nashville, searching for apartments too. As you’re searching for something, you get a text.
“Good morning, by the way, Pumpkin. See you soon?” You smile and wipe your tears, before texting back.
“good morning, sunshine. see you soon.”
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thawabuponthawab · 10 months
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“Ibn al Qayyim رحمه الله said: “A person should spend an hour before bed for Allah, giving an account of his soul: what loss he suffered today and what income he gained today. Then he should renew repentance in front of Allah and fall asleep in the state of repentance. This should be done every night.”¹︎
Repentance is among the key heart softeners a servant of Allah can resort to when softening their heart and remaking their lives for the better. Sadness and loneliness in the heart is often a direct consequence of the sins a person commits. Remembering Allah, the hereafter, and death are impediments to sinning.
Imam al Shafi’i رحمه الله remarked: “There is a verse in the Quran that every wrongdoer should be terrified of.”
He was asked, “which verse is that?”
He replied: “And your Lord never forgets.” [19:64]”
↿︎Sharh Kitab al-Tawhid, Timeless Seeds of Advice
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ivesambrose · 1 year
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𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧 × Happy things to look forward to 🫧🩵☁️
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1. 2. 3.
Been MIA for sometime so I decided to make a comeback on a positive note.
It's a timeless reading and I intend that it finds you at the right time 🦋
To book a personal reading with me DM or email me at [email protected]
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Finally an ending you have been looking forward to but the mere thought of this ending made you anxious at first because this situation however brutal seemed so familiar to you that you almost forgot how luck and happiness felt and looked like.
You know when it's been raining for too long and suddenly you have a clear sunny day and later realize the reason you had been feeling so miserable is because your body lacked early morning sunlight.
You can look forward to reconnecting with your friends or your hobbies. You will also be taking yourself out for a treat perhaps.
You'll be receiving gifts in form of - sudden wealth, food and having things paid for.
You'll be finding a solution to a problem because you stopped searching for it.
Whatever has been confusing or for some I'm getting a sense of, "I can't see the bigger picture I can't make sense of anything, why is this happening?" in the past or present will be disolving, like a thick fog clearing the road.
Timings: A month from now or a week, it'll be sudden but enthusiastic.
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Congratulations! Your patience is paying off, at one point you just stopped struggling and putting yourself through a ringer to 'get' what you want. It is time to receive.
Happiness in the form of new opportunities I believe this is on the financial and material side. This could manifest in the form of new career opportunities, new business opportunities, more sales, being more booked and busy and prospering in your endeavours.
Manifesting or foreseeing events in your dreams. Visualising things and having them come to you.
Travel or lot of communication and things picking up!
You'll realize the power of your words as well as the way you influence people. You'll be less ruled by your emotions and learn to honor your conscience and thoughts more.
New friends or endearing messages as well from people who want to be close to you.
Timings : A month from now, it'll come to you. It's yours already.
Gif 3
Whatever it is, you're prepared. Perhaps some of you tend to anticipate the worst even if you're looking forward to something good. Perhaps that something good will come after an upheaval, but whatever it is, is leading you to what you want.
I also see you healing an ailment or something that caused you anguish. I'm sensing this is more so related to your health however.
A sense of community and feeling less lonely or isolated. I feel as though you may have been feeling like you're completely alone with your emotions and that no one will understand you, that's far from the truth.
I also see a new found zeist for life. Maybe a new job or study or business opportunity or a new found passion or heck just feeling more in charge and in control of your life. Remember whatever this is, makes you happy and majes you look forward to what's next.
It's like renewal that feels like a prayer being answered. You'll be thankful that you kept the faith.
Timings: As soon as 9 days to 9 weeks, when you make rest your priority.
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Exploring the Mystique of the Green Man: Nature's Enigmatic Guardian
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In the tapestry of folklore and mythology, one figure stands out as a symbol of nature's enduring power and mystery—the Green Man. Often depicted as a face covered in lush foliage, this enigmatic entity has captivated imaginations across cultures and centuries.
The origins of the Green Man are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, spanning various cultures and civilizations. From Celtic mythology to Hindu iconography, the Green Man takes on different forms, but the essence remains consistent—an embodiment of nature's vitality and the cyclical rhythm of life and death.
At its core, the Green Man is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. In many cultures, particularly in European folklore, the figure is associated with the changing seasons, representing the lush growth of spring and the inevitable decay of autumn. It serves as a reminder of the perpetual cycle of life, death, and regeneration that characterizes the natural world.
The Green Man is often portrayed as a guardian of the forest, embodying the spirit of the wilderness. This role as a protector of nature aligns with the increasing awareness of ecological issues in the modern world. The figure serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's interconnectedness with the environment and the need for responsible stewardship.
One fascinating aspect of the Green Man's legacy is its integration into architecture. Throughout history, intricate carvings and sculptures of the Green Man have adorned cathedrals, churches, and other structures. These representations not only showcase the artistic prowess of the craftsmen but also hint at a deeper connection between spirituality and nature.
In contemporary times, the Green Man continues to resonate with individuals seeking a connection to nature and a deeper understanding of life's cycles. The figure has found a place in literature, art, and even modern spirituality. Many environmental movements draw inspiration from the Green Man, emphasizing the importance of sustainable living and ecological harmony.
The Green Man remains a timeless and powerful symbol, weaving its way through the fabric of human culture and consciousness. As we navigate an ever-changing world, the wisdom encapsulated in this verdant entity invites us to reflect on our relationship with the environment, urging us to become stewards of the Earth and guardians of the intricate balance that sustains all life.
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powerful-niya · 7 months
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The Tell-Tale Heart
❀Fest No Jutsu 2023❀
Naruhina Oneshot Available on: AO3 | Wattpad | Fanfiction.net |
Prompt claimed fulfilled for @wickermayne 🥰
❀Naruhina RomCom❀
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
Summary: The Fourth Great Ninja War ends and Konoha is at peace; Hinata Hyuga contemplates Naruto Uzumaki's unexpected desire to spend more time with her.
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
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》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
Tags: Blank Period • Canon • Canon Divergence • Declarations Of Love • Drama & Romance • Fake Relationship Trope • Fluff • Happy • Happy Ending • Humor • Light Angst • Love Confessions • Mutual Pining • Naruto Universe - Freeform • No Smut • Post War • POV Third Person • Romance • Teen Rated  •Tooth Rotting Fluff •
Word Count - For Entire One-Shot: 8.4k.
Word Count - Tumblr Post: 3.3k.
��Preview:
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Today in Konohagakure, the temperature was moderately warm.
The shining sun rose high in the cloudless, blue heavens, beaming with happiness where it took center stage above.
The residents of Konohagakure, enjoyed every moment of the new day, a day of peace and fun, as the sun smiled down on them with warm but pleasant beams.
The summer breeze flowed through the busy streets of the village, sweeping green leaves within its gentle wake where they carried on powerfully, just as the ninjas, Konoha's defenders, have done each and every day.
A year had passed since the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War, allowing Konoha as a whole to at last settle down.
The streets were alive with laughter and chatter, with kids flying kites and pretending to be the ninjas they idolize, racing full speed through the crowds with their arms thrust behind them as if soaring.
Smiling villagers of all sizes and ages filled the streets, setting up their businesses and outlets to cheerfully trade their produce and wares with one another.
All around, structures and residences stood tall, having all been rebuilt from the devastation that numerous battles, particularly the Pain onslaught, had wreaked upon them.
Konoha was now endowed with brand-new structures, fresh possibilities, and new beginnings.
Ninjas, villagers, and children alike were all beaming and renewed—all appreciative of the timeless peace they had gained by never giving up, by consistently standing up for what is right, and by moving onward no matter what.
Konohagakure was now at peace.
Aside from Hinata Hyūga.
In the midst of the happiness that beamed all around her, the young kunoichi found herself having quite an episode: fingers twiddling together, her breathing escalated, cheeks red, and her mind in scrambles.
Hinata traversed the streets of Konoha dressed in her typical ninja garb, accompanied by her longtime team members and companions, Kiba and Shino.
Kiba, her loud, ferocious friend, shot her a glance with his slitted eyes, lifting an eyebrow as he sensed his shy friend's worried state.
After all, it was Hinata's idea to get together so the three of them could go for a walk through the village, get some fresh air, and just spend some time in each other's company.
However, Kiba and Shino have observed Hinata to be extremely fidgety and quiet the entire time, appearing to be preoccupied with a problem that both ninjas were overly conscious about.
Hinata was unable to stop talking about it after all.
Kiba groaned and shook his head, causing his brown curly hair to tussle about, brushing against the nape of his neck due to its increasing length.
To lighten the mood, the cheerful canine ninja gave Hinata a gentle shove with his elbow—just with the side of his folded arms.
He laughed as he caught the surprised squeak that flooded out of her lips, her body jolting as a result of being shoved out of her troublesome thoughts.
"Come on, Hinata-chan, stop overreacting already. It's not that bad." Kiba remarked with a gruff tone and an amused grin, his lips stretched wide to show off his razor-sharp canines.
Due to his delighted smile, the red triangles on his cheeks raised just a touch, his features quite robust and well-defined given his maturing age.
His voice, which had become deeper over the years, was emitted in a halfhearted manner, with little worry detected within, which did absolutely nothing to calm Hinata's anxiety.
Hinata's predicament was only made worse because of it.
Her pale cheeks grew even redder, and she found herself hiding behind the curtains of her long, midnight-blue hair, unable to meet Kiba's gaze.
"No, th-this is..."
"It's just Naruto, Hinata-chan. What does it matter whether the knucklehead wants to spend time with you? Big deal."
Kiba muttered impassively once again, simply shrugging his shoulders as if everything was normal—and especially normal for Hinata.
She shook her head. There was nothing normal about her situation.
Hinata took a glimpse at her brown-haired pal through the strands of her dark hair, only to be struck by the nonchalant expression found on his tanned face.
Kiba didn't seem bothered by her predicament or even able to understand why she was feeling the way she was, for the matter. It was certainly a sight she just couldn't comprehend.
It was quite obvious why she was so worked up.
Hinata bit her lip briefly, to deal with her nerves.
"B-But every day?" Hinata exclaimed, apprehensive.
"A-Am I the only one who finds it strange that Naruto-kun is suddenly spending so much time with me? It's s-so odd."
Hinata's meek voice broke through the gaps of her delicate lips, bursting into the village's midday hum. Such comments of hers would have been drowned out by the din of the crowd, but Kiba's keen hearing picked up on her words flawlessly.
He heard her loud and clear.
Kiba shrugged.
He genuinely did not perceive anything wrong with her current "situation."
Kiba thought Hinata was acting rather ridiculously, in fact. Every time Naruto was brought up in their many conversations, she would just revert to her usual flustered self.
The mere mention of the goofy blonde ninja always causes her to flush red all over and sends her into a stuttering frenzy. Even in her primary years, she would faint just by being in the blonde's presence.
Hinata has always been a flustered mess around Naruto, but even now, after having Hinata as a teammate for so long, Kiba has never been able to understand the immense anxiousness she would feel because of the blonde.
Apart from the fact that Naruto was now regarded as a war hero as a result of his heroic deeds during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Kiba still saw him merely as a hyperactive, dense, brainless knucklehead.
He just couldn't wrap his head around the fact that anyone would feel immense anxiety around someone like him.
It was all quite ridiculous.
Kiba found nothing odd or different about Hinata's frenzied behavior nor about Naruto's desire to spend more time with Hinata. After all, they were all growing closer to one another—every single one of their friends—now more than ever.
Nothing's strange there.
Shino, on the other hand, saw a different picture.
He let out a hum of curiosity, bringing to light his presence as he walked alongside Hinata.
His eyes were shielded from the sun by black shades, so others couldn't see his facial expressions as well.
One hand of his was buried in the pocket of his long jacket, while the other lifted to stroke his chin.
"Now that you mention it. That is strange."
Shino's voice emerged from his mouth, somber and monotone, phasing with the pleasant breeze around them. He too joined the conversation between Kiba and Hinata, voicing his concerns about the current situation at hand.
Hinata's dilemma.
All in all, it shouldn't really be a dilemma.
Hinata was aware of this.
Her predicament shouldn't be one that keeps her up at night, sends her in a tizzy, and leads her to become a hot, stuttering mess whenever she thinks about it.
Naruto.
Naruto was her dilemma.
Since the war has ended and all of Konoha has spent its time relishing the peace, Naruto has been exhibiting a variety of behavioral shifts—shifts that were pretty different and quite apparent—particularly because they diverged from the customary behavior tactics he has always demonstrated.
Such changes were all very unusual to Hinata, changes that she was unable to interpret or understand.
To put it simply, Naruto's been acting quite strangely toward her.
How strange you might ask?
For starters, Hinata thought it was somewhat odd of Naruto to unexpectedly develop the longing to devote every waking moment with her.
It seemed weird to her that he wanted to see her every day at the same time at Ichiraku Ramen in order to spend time with her.
Hinata bit her lip a bit harder.
She could hear him now.
"Let's eat out again, tomorrow, Hinata-chan. At Ichiraku, same time, same place. I had such a great time with you, dattebayo!"
Hinata could still clearly remember what he said to her almost a day ago when they shared a meal together at the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
Even then, he showed signs of immense eagerness for her that she had never seen him show before.
Hinata recalled how he constantly barraged her with many subjects of discussion, even as he spoke to her while stuffing ramen noodles into his mouth.
He told her several of his own tales, including mission experiences that actually made her laugh quite a lot. More than she's ever done in her entire life.
It was all so... strange.
Don't misunderstand Hinata; Naruto's excitement was refreshing, albeit a little overwhelming.
Indeed, Hinata has always wished to spend time with Naruto, and she can't stop herself from enjoying those moments when she gets to sit beside him, shoulder to shoulder, and share a meal and a conversation with him, especially after the war is all said and done.
Sharing such moments with him has always been her dream.
Hinata relished the moments when Naruto lavished her with lots of attention, gazing into her eyes with a true sense of joy and care, and wanting nothing more than to spend as much time with her as he could.
And maybe, she's just overthinking.
Maybe, she's just blowing the entire situation out of proportion.
Maybe she was getting ahead of herself, but she was unable to ignore Naruto's peculiar behavior toward her, including the very difference in the way he spoke to her. It consumed her mind and bugged her so much.
Hinata has made a constant effort to understand why Naruto's behavior has drastically changed in the way it did toward her and why he suddenly developed the urge to hang out with her so excessively.
This was a really big deal to her.
Hinata couldn't help but mull it all over.
In the immediate aftermath of the war, Naruto changed from scarcely recognizing her to having just fleeting conversations with her to obnoxiously craving her company all the time.
It's such a drastic change.
This cannot be a coincidence, she thought.
Hinata occasionally found herself questioning whether Naruto's motives were sincere; she wondered if perhaps he was merely allowing himself to be close to her out of pity.
Pity for her losing Neji.
Yes, the war was officially over, but even so, there were still a lot of wounds that needed to be healed, and Neji's death surely left a lot of them. A lot of wounds.
Hinata occasionally finds herself becoming very sad at the mere recollection of Neji being dead, no longer living in Konoha, but instead buried with the other valiant ninjas who fought in the war.
She would frequently experience severe depression as she recalled the events leading up to his death and once more realized that he had indeed left this world and never to return again.
Hinata often thought of such depressing memories and felt their suppressive effect on her throughout her day-to-day life, and thus, she often thought that is why Naruto wished to spend so much time with her.
Because of pity. Because of guilt.
However, she always dismissed the idea, labeling herself as ridiculous for having such negative thoughts about her dear Naruto-kun.
As a result, Hinata discovers herself becoming quite enthusiastic about the alternative reason she came up with for Naruto's behavioral changes toward her.
And that was a result of authenticity.
Maybe, just maybe, Naruto has come to want to be close to her from a genuine standpoint.
Maybe he secretly yearns to be close to her, yearns to learn more about her, or, better yet, just genuinely enjoys her company.
Maybe, Naruto has come to yearn for something more.
But just as Hinata thought of such a thing, just as she allowed her fantasies to intertwine with her thoughts, she was quick to shake them off.
Hinata squealed, covering her eyes with her hands due to her lewd thoughts.
'No, no, that can't possibly be it!" Shaking off the idea, Hinata exclaimed in a frenzy fit in her mind. It was absurd for her to think that the frequent outings she would have with Naruto were anything romantic.
Yes, Naruto yearns to see her virtually every single day.
Yes, he genuinely offers to pay for her meal at each and every get-together.
Yes, he regularly gives her his jacket whenever she grows cold, without her having to utter a single word.
But...
Those were merely the acts of a friend, Hinata thought, a friend that truly cares.
'There's nothing romantic about that.' Hinata dismissed once more, hysterically shaking her tomato-red face as she hurried on carelessly, her open-toed shoes kicking up dirt every step of the way.
However, she was interrupted from her thoughts when she once more heard the voice of her enigmatic friend, Shino, speak after a little period of silence between the three of them.
"Hm, it almost seems like the two of you are dating. Maybe that's what Naruto wants."
It was only hearing those words from Shino that led Hinata to completely lose it.
She began to feel lightheaded. Terribly lightheaded.
'Me? D-Date Naruto-kun?!?' Hinata practically screeched in her head. She was going to faint, she just knew it.
It was only a matter of time now.
She whipped around to face Shino, in an effort to quickly dismiss such a ridiculous notion from his head. She couldn't bear it.
Hinata sweat dropped, her cheeks flushed red, "No, no, Naruto-kun and I aren't d-dating. Dating o-or romance, for that matter, isn't possibly the reason for all of this. There has to be a-another explanation..."
"Hm." Shino rubbed his chin once more, "It's quite obvious what's going on here, Hinata-chan. Naruto's sudden and enthusiastic yearning to spend more time with you when the war is over. All of it seems to be pointing towards the possibility that his eyes may have opened after all this time." Shino hummed.
"The evidence is right in front of you." Shino expressed with a nod, as he tried to piece together the situation and come up with a solution.
Kiba, in contrast, just shrugged. He merely found the two humorous, trying to solve an issue that was so clear.
He shook his head, "Hinata-chan, come on. You gotta stop overthinking."
He brushed his shoulder against hers yet again, doing so with a groan, "Good kami, all of this Naruto stuff is getting you ridiculous, Hinata-chan. Come on, think about it. Isn't this what you always wanted?" He asked, blurting out what he knew had to be said.
With wrinkled brows, he gazed down at the midnight blue-haired woman beside him, watching as her lavender eyes widened at his remark.
He tilted his head, his expression somewhat solemn, "Isn't this time spent with Naruto, or rather, him wanting to spend time with you, something you always wished for?"
Hinata's eyes widened even more. Even her heart skipped a beat.
It was. It's all Hinata has ever wanted.
She's spent her entire life walking behind Naruto, always staring at his back, longing for him to turn and notice her.
She had yearned for him to realize her presence, to recognize all the times she had followed him, supported him, been influenced to become stronger by him, and even risked her life for him.
She yearned to be by his side, showering him with her affection and reverence.
She wished so badly he would one day look at her the very same way she looked at him.
That is all she has ever wished for—Naruto to notice her.
And now...
Hinata's breath caught in her throat as Kiba's words flashed through her mind, finally waking her up and causing her to realize what a blessing this entire situation was for her.
The sudden acts of Naruto wanting to spend time with her; and the genuine smiles he showers her with.
The big, warm hugs he gives her the moment she arrives at Ichiraku Ramen.
The jokes, the laughter, the smiles.
Everything.
Hinata finally considered every bit of her situation, and she used the opportunity to take a step outside of herself, away from the troubling emotions that were stifling her, and instead take in the situation as a whole.
Her breath hitched.
Indeed, she has always wanted this.
Always.
And now, with her eyes opened, she has realized how silly she has been.
She has done nothing but speculate about Naruto's motives, questioning herself as a whole for liking his behavioral shifts.
She was so worried and anxious about the whole thing, as well as flustered and embarrassed by being so close to Naruto so suddenly, that she entirely failed to notice the positive elements of her predicament.
But now...
A smile arose on Hinata's face and in that moment, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She suddenly felt the worries she's been dealing with for a couple of weeks now set sail and fly away.
She finally sensed herself becoming free from her worries; free from it all. All thanks to her friends; Kiba and Shino.
She really needed this chat.
Because now, Hinata could finally see the situation from a different perspective, a more positive approach to her situation, and now she finds herself a little bit more...
appreciative.
She bawled her fists tight by her chest, biting her lip briefly, "Y-Yes, this is what I have wanted." She whispered, finally voicing out her own wants for a change, voicing that she indeed has always wanted Naruto to notice her, just in the way he has recently.
Kiba and Shino exchanged a joyful grin, both ninjas flawlessly catching their bashful friend's answer even in the midst of the raucous outside noises around them.
It was undoubtedly like music to their ears, and they were both comforted by the fact that their friend's sentiments of embarrassment and worry were no longer clouding her judgment—no longer keeping her troubled.
The two men were pleased to find that their efforts had been successful and that their words of caution and contemplation had not been merely ignored or overlooked.
Kiba and Shino were certainly pleased to see Hinata finally diverted from her mental woes and the clamor of her irrational thoughts, which had previously blinded and hampered her. And ultimately, keeping her from finding happiness with the one man that almost everyone in the village knows can greatly comfort and increase Hinata's level of contentment.
Peace was now assured.
Kiba exclaimed joyfully, "See, there you go! So I say, quit your overreacting and relax! Enjoy the peace already!"
He shoved her shoulder again which actually caused Hinata to giggle, her body swaying a bit.
"Kami, if you're so worried about Naruto spending time with you, why don't you just ask him? Who knows, Shino might be right, your precious Naruto-kun might have finally woken up." Kiba teased with a laugh.
Hinata instantly gasped, her head space once again flooded by overwhelming thoughts, her body riddled with feelings of flusteredness.
Throughout Kiba's entire speech, one particular detail caught her attention the most.
My precious Naruto-kun.
Hinata's blush rushed back to engulf her whole tenfold, "H-Hey don't call him that!" The flustered kunoichi exclaimed in embarrassment before reaching over to slap Kiba's folded arm.
But her gesture of getting him back due to his teasing only pushed the brown-haired male to laugh and tease her even more.
"Oh, Naruto-kun! My precious Naruto-kun!"
"St-Stop it, Kiba-kun!"
"No! You make it so easy, Hinata-chan!"
Hinata grumbled, her heart racing in her chest as she was teased by Kiba but soon comforted by Shino.
After all was said and done, however, and after a much-needed conversation with her good friends, she found herself looking forward to the dinner get-together with Naruto.
Now, more than ever.
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kookie-doughs · 4 months
Text
Evermore
Dracule Mihawk X Reader
-Your evermore with Mihawk is a story to be told
Chapter 1: I Was The One Who Had It All, I Was The Master Of My Fate
The island was bathed in the soft hues of sunset, a tranquil paradise now stained by the recent clash of pirates. The aftermath of the Red-Haired Pirates' intervention painted a scene of contrasting emotions on the once troubled island. The air carried a sense of relief, mingling with the residual tension that still lingered like a fading echo.
Strewn across the sandy shores were remnants of the tumultuous battle—broken weapons, discarded pirate flags, and the occasional charred mark on the earth—all testaments to the chaos that had been averted. The island's residents moved with a renewed purpose, repairing the damage inflicted upon their homes while grateful smiles and whispers of gratitude flitted through the air like a shared secret.
The village, once shrouded in the shadows of despair, now basked in the soft radiance of newfound hope. The wooden structures, adorned with vibrant tapestries and flowers, stood as beacons of resilience against the adversity that had threatened to consume them. Laughter, hesitant at first, began to resonate from the now-reopened market stalls as merchants and buyers alike engaged in the timeless dance of commerce.
Citizens bustled about, picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. Among them, you moved like a ghost, haunted by memories of the invaders who had ravaged your home. Sold into slavery, you were a mere shadow of your former self, shrouded in trauma.
Amidst the chaos, a solitary figure stood out. Dracule Mihawk, the enigmatic Warlord of the Sea, had graced this island with his presence. Red-Haired Shanks and his crew welcomed him warmly, celebrating their recent victory. As the festivities ensued, Mihawk's keen gaze fell upon you, a lone figure on the fringes of the crowd. Your eyes met his, and a shiver ran down your spine.
Shanks, ever perceptive, noticed Mihawk's interest and nudged him playfully. "Seems like someone's caught your eye, Hawk-Eye."
You tensed, ready to flee, but before you could act, Mihawk stepped between you and Shanks. "Akagami, stop frightening her."
Mihawk's words held a strange comfort, and you hesitated, your eyes darting between the two formidable figures. Shanks smiled kindly at you, but his presence still felt overwhelming. As you turned to leave, Shanks made a move to reach out, but Mihawk's hand halted him with a gentle but firm touch.
"Akagami, give her time. Leave her alone."
The night settled over the island, and the festivities dwindled. Mihawk, shrouded in his dark aura, left the crowd and followed the path you had taken. Through winding alleys and dimly lit corners, he found you huddled in the darkest and most secluded part of the village. Mihawk's presence was unsettling, but your fear had been replaced by curiosity.
He approached silently, his boots making no sound against the worn cobblestone. You looked up at him, your eyes wide with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Mihawk said nothing, respecting the silence that enveloped you. Just as he was about to leave, you summoned the courage to grab the edge of his coat, your fingers trembling.
His gaze met yours, and you pointed to the sword strapped to his back The legendary blade, Yoru, gleamed faintly in the moonlight. With practiced ease, Mihawk drew the sword and placed it before you. Your heart raced as you hesitantly reached out, your fingertips grazing the blade's surface. A mixture of awe and fear filled your eyes as you studied the intricate craftsmanship.
Seeing your desire to touch the sword, Mihawk's lips curved into a rare smile. "You may touch it."
Hesitantly, you extended a trembling finger and brushed it against the blade's edge. A rush of emotions surged through you, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of your lips. Mihawk's own smile deepened, as a silent connection formed between you and the sword.
Just as the moment seemed to linger, Shanks appeared, his jovial laughter cutting through the silence. Your guard snapped back into place, and you retreated, your heart pounding. Mihawk swiftly moved between you and Shanks, his grip on Yoru tightening subtly.
Shanks laughed heartily. "Hawk-Eye, I didn't expect to find you here."
Mihawk's gaze remained fixed on you, and he simply nodded in response. With a playful wink at you, Shanks allowed himself to be dragged back to the crowd by Mihawk, their shadows fading into the night.
The following day, as the sun began to rise, Mihawk returned to the secluded area he had found you. There you were, sitting, your gaze fixed on the sword that had captured your heart. A silent understanding passed between you and Mihawk as he picked up the sword, the weight of its history evident in his grasp.
You looked up at him, your eyes bright with anticipation and curiosity. He extended Yoru toward you, a silent invitation. The sword practically hummed with energy, and you couldn't resist. With a hesitant smile, you reached out and took hold of the hilt, the cool metal sending a thrill through your fingertips.
Mihawk settled onto the ground beside you, his presence both comforting and enigmatic. As you inspected the blade, your excitement spilled over into a monologue about its history, its legends, and its unparalleled craftsmanship. Mihawk listened intently, his usual stoicism softened by genuine interest.
As your words flowed, Mihawk's curiosity grew. "You seem quite knowledgeable about swords."
You looked up at him, a mixture of emotions in your eyes. "I was swordswoman."
Mihawk's eyebrows lifted slightly, surprised by your admission. "And do you possess a blade of your own?"
A wistful smile tugged at your lips. "I did, once. A legendary sword, passed down through generations. But it was taken from me."
Mihawk's gaze turned contemplative, as if he were piecing together the puzzle of your past. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his tone measured. "Would you like to come with me?"
Without hesitation, you nodded, a spark of excitement igniting within you. "Yes."
Mihawk's lips quirked into a faint smile. "May I ask why? Why would you agree without hesitation?"
You met his gaze, your eyes holding a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Because your sword is the only thing that can bring me back to who I was before... before everything happened."
Mihawk nodded, his gaze softening. He shared stories of his own home, his castle perched atop a desolate cliff, where the sound of crashing waves was a constant companion. Your heart raced at the thought, and the idea of a new beginning filled you with hope.
~
Mihawk's boat glided smoothly into the calm waters surrounding his remote island sanctuary. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the tranquil scene. As the anchor found purchase and the gangway was lowered, Dracule Mihawk stepped ashore with his characteristic grace.
His arrival, however, was met with a sight that drew a rare quirk of his eyebrow. There, standing near the shore with her arms folded and a pout on her lips, was the ever-quirky Perona. Her vibrant pink hair stood out against the backdrop of the island's lush greenery, a vivid contrast to her annoyed expression.
"Finally! You took forever to come back, you know," Perona huffed, her tone a blend of frustration and relief.
Mihawk turns regarded the brash yet endearing ghost princess. "I apologize for any inconvenience, Perona."
Perona's annoyance seemed to dissipate as she caught sight of the turning away. "Hmph. Well, it's about time. Leaving me here with that marimo was a nightmare."
Mihawk arched an eyebrow. "Marimo?"
Perona rolled her eyes, her exasperation evident. "Yes, that swordsman you're so fond of, that green-haired, three-sword-wielding Roronoa Zoro. He's insufferable, you know. All he does is train, act all serious, and get into fights. And the way he talks back to me! I can't take it!"
Mihawk's stoic façade held firm. "Ah, I see. Zoro has a knack for invoking strong reactions."
Perona's arms crossed once more as she launched into a full-blown tirade. "Strong reactions? That's an understatement! He doesn't appreciate my powers, always giving me that scowl. And he's utterly dense when it comes to my Negative Hollows. I tried to have a conversation, you know, something civilized, and all he wanted to do was spar!"
"It appears you had quite the eventful time."
Perona huffed, her annoyance still palpable. "Eventful? More like excruciating! I'm just glad you're back so I can have some semblance of sanity."
"I am tired, may I retire back home? You can regale me with your adventures in dealing with our dear marimo whilst we walk."
Perona's scowl softened into a begrudging grin, and she floated closer to him. "Fine. But you owe me. Big time."
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