#AWS Modernization Services

[allcodeaws]

DevOps Software Solutions | AllCode

Enhance your software development lifecycle with our cutting-edge DevOps Software Solutions. Streamline workflows, automate deployments, and achieve seamless collaboration between development and operations teams. With tools designed for scalability, flexibility, and speed, our solutions help you reduce time-to-market, ensure continuous delivery, and optimize system reliability. Transform your business with DevOps practices tailored to meet your unique needs, fostering innovation and operational efficiency. 

[pacing-er]

Twitter is so fucking awful. Why the hell are you recommending this shit? Two in a row, from people who I don't follow. I don't interact with any i/p conflict stuff there, there is no fucking reason that I should have to see this. It isn't even news. It's just an antisemitic shithead making up MORE blood libel about Israeli soldiers and their ignorant followers calling ppl genocide supporters for asking them to back up their claims.

It literally is a TikTok screenshot too they didn't even attempt to pretend they got this information from a reputable source! Yet there are so many shares and comments acting like this is true! People are so fucking willing to believe that the only Jewish state in existence is full of degenerates gee I wonder why : /

[jonah-miles-smith]

AWS Cloud Services: A Critical Enabler in the Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry has undergone a digital transformation, driven by the need for agility, patient-centric services, and operational efficiency. Central to this evolution is the growing reliance on AWS cloud services. With its suite of AWS-managed services and scalable infrastructure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is helping healthcare organizations overcome traditional IT limitations while ensuring compliance, data security, and innovation.

The Shift Toward Cloud in Healthcare

Healthcare providers, payers, and life sciences organizations are turning to cloud computing to modernize their systems, manage electronic health records (EHRs), and unlock the value of big data and artificial intelligence (AI). However, transitioning to the cloud involves complex challenges—from regulatory compliance to managing sensitive patient data. This is where AWS cloud managed services offer a significant advantage.

AWS provides a robust, secure, and compliant environment that is well-suited for hosting healthcare applications. Services like Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon RDS offer scalable compute and storage solutions, while more specialized offerings like AWS HealthLake and Amazon Comprehend Medical provide tools tailored to the healthcare sector.

Data Security and Compliance

Security and regulatory compliance are top priorities in healthcare. AWS cloud services are designed with built-in security frameworks that support compliance with HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, and other healthcare-specific regulations. AWS provides encryption at rest and in transit, fine-grained access controls through IAM (Identity and Access Management), and detailed audit logs via AWS CloudTrail.

AWS managed services further simplify compliance by automating infrastructure management tasks such as patching, backups, and monitoring. This allows healthcare IT teams to focus on higher-value activities while ensuring that their infrastructure remains secure and compliant.

Enhancing Patient Care with AWS Cloud Services

AWS enables the use of AI and machine learning to analyze medical data, predict patient outcomes, and personalize treatment plans. For example, AWS SageMaker allows data scientists to build, train, and deploy machine learning models that can predict disease progression or assist in medical imaging analysis.

AWS HealthLake, a HIPAA-eligible service, allows organizations to store, transform, and analyze large volumes of health information in the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) format. By centralizing clinical data in a structured format, healthcare providers can better understand patient populations, improve clinical decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency.

Moreover, AWS managed services like Amazon RDS and AWS Lambda streamline backend operations, allowing developers to focus on building patient-facing apps rather than managing infrastructure.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

Healthcare services must be available around the clock. AWS offers tools to ensure high availability and rapid disaster recovery. Services like Amazon S3 for data backup, AWS Backup for centralized backup management, and multi-region deployments ensure that critical healthcare systems are resilient and always accessible.

With AWS cloud-managed services, disaster recovery processes can be automated, tested, and optimized, ensuring minimal downtime in the event of a system failure or cyberattack. This reliability is essential in critical healthcare environments where data loss or system downtime can have life-threatening consequences.

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth solutions. AWS supports this shift by providing low-latency, scalable cloud infrastructure capable of hosting real-time communication platforms. Amazon Chime SDK, for example, enables the development of secure video consultation apps, while AWS IoT Core can collect and process data from wearable health monitoring devices.

These services are essential for delivering care to remote or underserved communities and reducing the burden on physical healthcare infrastructure.

Cost Efficiency and Scalability

Traditional healthcare IT systems are often expensive to maintain and difficult to scale. AWS offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model that helps healthcare organizations control costs while scaling infrastructure based on demand. AWS managed services remove the burden of infrastructure maintenance, offering tools that automatically scale resources and manage performance.

By leveraging AWS’s elasticity, healthcare organizations can seamlessly expand storage, computing power, or database resources during peak demand—such as during a public health crisis—without overcommitting capital upfront.

Conclusion

From enhancing clinical insights to improving operational efficiency and ensuring robust security, AWS cloud services are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the healthcare landscape. By providing secure, scalable, and compliant infrastructure, AWS empowers healthcare organizations to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality patient care.

As the healthcare industry continues to digitize and evolve, AWS managed services will remain a cornerstone for innovation, efficiency, and resilience. Organizations that strategically adopt AWS cloud-managed services will not only keep pace with regulatory and technological demands but also lead the way in transforming healthcare for the better.

[softweb-solutions]

AWS for Application Modernization: Updating Your Legacy Systems for the Cloud

Introduction:

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, outdated legacy systems can hinder your business’s growth and innovation. These systems can be complex, expensive to maintain, and difficult to scale, posing a significant barrier to agility and progress. To stay ahead of the competition and unleash the full potential of your business, embracing AWS for application modernization is not just a choice but a necessity. By leveraging AWS consulting services, you can effectively navigate the complexities of modernization and ensure a smooth transition to cloud-powered agility.

Unlocking Cloud Potential: Top Strategies for Migrating to AWS

If you want to dive deeper into the benefits and approaches of AWS for application modernization, be sure to check out our detailed whitepaper: Migrating legacy applications to AWS cloud

“In today’s era of volatility, there is no other way but to re-invent. The only sustainable advantage you can have over others is agility, that’s it. Because nothing else is sustainable, everything else you create, somebody else will replicate.” — Jeff Bezos

The Need for Modernization:

Legacy systems often act as anchors, weighing down businesses with outdated technologies and inefficient processes. They can lead to:

Reduced agility: Legacy systems often lack the flexibility to adapt to changing market demands and customer needs.

Increased costs: Maintaining and upgrading legacy systems can be costly, diverting resources from more strategic initiatives.

Security vulnerabilities: Legacy systems may not be equipped with modern security measures, leaving them susceptible to cyberattacks.

Limited innovation: Legacy systems can hinder the adoption of new technologies and innovations that drive business growth.

AWS: Your Partner in Modernization:

AWS, a leading cloud platform, offers a comprehensive suite of services to help you modernize your legacy systems and transform your business. With AWS, you can:

Lift-and-shift: Migrate your existing applications to AWS without significant code changes.

Refactor: Restructure your applications to take advantage of cloud-native features and improve scalability.

Rebuild: Develop new applications from scratch using modern technologies and cloud-based infrastructure.

Benefits of AWS Application Modernization:

Modernizing your legacy systems with AWS brings a multitude of benefits, including:

Reduced costs: AWS’s scalable and pay-as-you-go model can significantly lower your IT infrastructure costs.

Increased agility: AWS’s elastic infrastructure enables you to scale your applications up or down as needed, adapting to changing demands.

Enhanced security: AWS’s robust security features safeguard your applications and data from cyber threats.

Accelerated innovation: AWS provides access to cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics, fueling innovation.

Migrating to AWS:

The journey to AWS application modernization can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Common approaches include:

Lift-and-shift: Move your existing applications to AWS EC2 instances, the quickest and easiest option.

Refactor: Modify your applications to leverage cloud-native features, enhancing scalability and performance.

Rebuild: Develop new applications from scratch using modern cloud-based technologies, maximizing control and flexibility.

Suggested: AWS Cloud Migration Guide: Explore the 7 Rs Strategy

AWS Services for Modernization:

AWS offers a wide range of services to support your modernization efforts, including:

AWS EC2: Provides scalable computing capacity in the cloud.

AWS RDS: Offers a managed relational database service.

AWS ElastiCache: Provides a managed in-memory data store service.

AWS Lambda: Enables serverless computing without provisioning or managing servers.

AWS Amplify: Provides a framework for building mobile and web applications.

Unlock the Power of AWS with Expert Guidance:

Navigating the complexities of application modernization can be challenging. To ensure a smooth and successful transition, consider partnering with an experienced AWS consultant. An AWS consultant can provide expert guidance, tailored solutions, and ongoing support throughout your modernization journey. If you need dedicated talent, check out our Hire AWS Developers service for expert assistance.

FAQs:

1. What are the benefits of modernizing legacy systems with AWS?

Ans: Modernizing legacy systems with AWS can bring a multitude of benefits, including reduced costs, increased agility, enhanced security, and accelerated innovation. AWS’s scalable and pay-as-you-go model can significantly lower your IT infrastructure costs. AWS’s elastic infrastructure enables you to scale your applications up or down as needed, adapting to changing demands. AWS’s robust security features safeguard your applications and data from cyber threats. AWS provides access to cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics, fueling innovation.

2. What are the different approaches to migrating legacy applications to AWS?

Ans: There are three common approaches to migrating legacy applications to AWS: lift-and-shift, refactoring, and rebuilding. Lift-and-shift is the quickest and easiest option, involving moving your existing applications to AWS EC2 instances without significant code changes. Refactoring involves modifying your applications to leverage cloud-native features, enhancing scalability and performance. Rebuilding involves developing new applications from scratch using modern cloud-based technologies, maximizing control and flexibility.

3. What AWS services can help with application modernization?

Ans: AWS offers a wide range of services to support your application modernization efforts, including AWS EC2, AWS RDS, AWS ElastiCache, AWS Lambda, and AWS Amplify. AWS EC2 provides scalable computing capacity in the cloud. AWS RDS offers a managed relational database service. AWS ElastiCache provides a managed in-memory data store service. AWS Lambda enables serverless computing without provisioning or managing servers. AWS Amplify provides a framework for building mobile and web applications.

4. How can I ensure a smooth and successful transition to AWS?

Ans: To ensure a smooth and successful transition to AWS, consider partnering with an experienced AWS consultant. An AWS consultant can provide expert guidance, tailored solutions, and ongoing support throughout your modernization journey.

5. What are the next steps for me to start my AWS application modernization journey?

Ans: To start your AWS application modernization journey, consider these steps:

Assess your current applications and infrastructure.

Define your modernization goals and objectives.

Develop a migration roadmap.

Choose the appropriate migration approach for each application.

Partner with an experienced AWS consultant.

Begin your migration process. By following these steps, you can embark on a successful AWS application modernization journey and transform your business into a cloud-powered powerhouse.

[lysaconsultancy]

Top 10 Effective Practices To Secure Application Modernization On AWS

This is where AWS Cloud steps in, helping businesses upgrade their application portfolios for the future.  At every level of the organization, it necessitates careful planning, effective implementation, and readiness to embrace change. Let’s discover the best 10 practices for effective application modernization on the AWS cloud.

[cloudatlasinc]

UnifyCloud Enables Fast, Seamless Cloud Transformation with Enhanced CloudAtlas Capabilities, Now Supporting AWS

UnifyCloud, a leading provider of cloud modernization and transformation solutions, today announced the expansion of its CloudAtlas platform to include comprehensive support for Amazon Web Services (AWS). With this enhancement, UnifyCloud now offers a unified solution for cloud transformation across all three major cloud platforms – Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.

In response to the increasing demand for multi-cloud solutions, UnifyCloud has extended its CloudAtlas capabilities to AWS, empowering even more organizations to simplify and accelerate the cloud journey and deliver seamless migration, modernization, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration for those looking to transform to AWS. UnifyCloud leverages its extensive experience accelerating cloud migrations to deliver industry-leading software supporting modernization, migration, and modernization to AWS in addition to ongoing support for Azure and Google Cloud. The addition of AWS support exemplifies UnifyCloud's commitment to offering innovative, holistic and wide-ranging support for cloud transformation, ensuring flexibility and choice for businesses across various cloud providers.

Key Features of UnifyCloud's CloudAtlas and its support for AWS:

Infrastructure Assessment: CloudAtlas employs advanced analytics and automation to conduct thorough evaluations of existing on-premises infrastructure, providing organizations with a clear understanding of their current IT landscape that goes beyond surface-level assessments to deliver detailed insights such as application dependencies, resource utilization, and security postures.

AI Integration: CloudAtlas identifies opportunities to transform existing AI workloads to the cloud or develop new AI workloads and services in the cloud to help organizations drive innovation, efficiency, and productivity; improve processes; reduce costs and increase scalability to gain competitive advantage.

Application Modernization: CloudAtlas facilitates the modernization of applications by providing analysis and insights that support the adoption of cloud-native architectures and services available on AWS.

Automated Remediation and Migration: CloudAtlas can automatically apply code and schema changes to speed remediation, modernization and AI integration as well as leverage automated migration tools to efficiently transfer workloads, applications, and data to AWS, reducing the complexities and timelines associated with manual migration processes.

Cost Estimation: Comprehensive analytics include cloud options and cost estimates to help organizations understand, budget, and plan their AWS migration and post-migration management, preventing unexpected delays or expenses.

Seamless Migration: CloudAtlas streamlines the migration process, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations, reduced downtime, and an efficient data transfer to AWS.

Security and Compliance: CloudAtlas places a strong emphasis on security and compliance, ensuring that organizations can confidently migrate sensitive workloads to AWS while meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements.

“Expanding CloudAtlas to support migration to AWS was a logical and necessary development, marking a significant milestone in our mission to simplify and accelerate cloud transformation to all three major clouds for organizations worldwide,” said Marc Pinotti, CEO and Co-founder of UnifyCloud. “With this enhancement, UnifyCloud makes CloudAtlas an even better platform for businesses with the flexibility to choose the right cloud environment for their unique needs, providing a unified platform that supports migration to Azure, Google Cloud, and now AWS.”

Vivek Bhatnagar, CTO and Co-founder of UnifyCloud, emphasizes the significance of CloudAtlas supporting AWS alongside Azure and Google Cloud, stating, “Our commitment to innovation and enabling seamless cloud migration is resolute. By extending CloudAtlas to support AWS migration, we give businesses the resources they need to simplify and accelerate the cloud journey. Expanding to include the AWS ecosystem aligns with our vision of delivering comprehensive solutions that empower businesses to navigate the complexities of cloud migration with confidence and speed.”

With CloudAtlas, businesses can get the analysis they need to make well-informed decisions, streamline their migration strategies, achieve a seamless transformation to the cloud, and maximize the benefits of modernized infrastructure for the three major hyperscalers. UnifyCloud’s CloudAtlas for AWS is available immediately. For more information about UnifyCloud and its cloud migration, modernization and AI solutions, visit https://www.unifycloud.com.

About UnifyCloud

UnifyCloud is a global leader in cloud transformation solutions that empower organizations to streamline the journey to the cloud and maximize the value of their cloud investments. Born in the cloud, UnifyCloud’s CloudAtlas platform has been proven effective, scanning more than 1.7 million VMs, 190,000 databases, and 26,000 applications with over 9 billion lines of code for cloud migration. With a focus on innovation, UnifyCloud delivers a cutting-edge CloudAtlas platform that spans the entire cloud journey, assessing, migrating, modernizing, and optimizing to Microsoft and Google Clouds. UnifyCloud is a Google Cloud Partner, Microsoft Solutions Partner, four year Microsoft Partner of the Year honoree – 2023 Modernizing Applications finalist, 2022 Migration to Azure finalist, 2021 Modernizing Applications finalist and 2020 Solution Assessment winner – and was previously named one of Inc. 500’s fastest-growing Private Companies. For more information, contact marke@unifycloud.com or visit unifycloud.com.

[monstacheol]

Did I write this the day after the Met Gala? Am I still obsessed with Scoups's look? Do I love the look? Yes, and the fact that it's inspired by Korean traditional hanbok and modern, and that it looks so good. And aren't I supposed to be posting my 400 celebration? Yes, but that's for another day. I HAVE AN IDEA. And I can't stop thinking about it. Here is my thought. Also, this isn't proofread and was posted out of excitement, so if you see any mistakes,. I'm sorry. As always, this may or may not be in a book in the future. This was at 1 am. I'm going to bed.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who was known across the galaxy as the fearless leader he is. Seen as the embodiment of strength and wisdom by the younglings and Padawans.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵 who was born in Corellia but raised within the Jedi Temple on Coruscant since he was a youngling with the Force by the Jedi Masters

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who had a strong connection with the Force, was trained by the Jedi master before he could even get his own saber.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who, the day he got his saber, began a Padawan training under his Jedi master.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, whose saber color is a yellow-gold color, a rare color that symbolizes wisdom, loyalty and combat. And he was proud of it. (He may have cry a little)

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who knows the Jedi code and knows it well. And is loyal to the Jedi Order and is determined to bring justice, balance, and peace to the galaxy.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who was given an assignment to keep watch and protect a certain senator, Padme, by order of the Jedi Master.

"A senator?" he questioned as he stood in front of the Jedi Master.

"Yes. A Padmé," Master Windu spoke. "Right from Naboo,” Windu spoke.

"In trouble she is in," Master Yoda spoke. "Must be protected she must."

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, whose brows furrow so lightly, not out of anger but out of concern. He knew that being assigned to such assignments like these, protecting important figures of the galaxy was rare and yet delicate and not an easy task. But Seungcheol— he didn't question. He didn't hesitate. He nodded and bowed in silent acceptance. It was duty before doubt. Service before self. After all, that was the way. The Jedi way

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who arrived at Naboo on the cruiser as assigned. His robe rustled softly in the breeze, his golden saber by his side as he observed the new, beautiful surroundings of Naboo.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who wanders around in the Naboo garden. He had only heard stories of the certain senator that he was assigned to protect from his Jedi friends but they had never seen her in person.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who saw you in the garden and thought you were just… an ordinary citizen of Naboo. And introduce himself.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who heard you say your name so sweetly with a smile on your face. You blankly ask if the order had sent him here and he answers,

"Yes. They sent me to protect a senator, a Padme they say."

"I see," you answer. "And what have you heard about this senator?" Continue to attend to the garden.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who lists all the things that were being said about her and she just chuckles.

"My, those are some words," you comment. "She sounds like such a controversial figure."

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who heard the sudden call of "Padme," noticed that a handmaid was coming over, and her eyes flicked between you and him as the handmaiden spoke that you were needed for a meeting.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who stood there in awe as he realized who you were, thanks to the handmaiden, and apologized for his rudeness. "Please forgive me. I did not—"

And you just softly chuckle and forgive him. Of course he meant no harm and told him that you look forward to working with him.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who after a while being your protector, saw how passionate you were at your meeting. Passionate about the future, for peace across the galaxy.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who protected you from any harm and threats that were leaking in the shadow.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who got to hear your stories from your childhood and he told his.

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵 who walks beside you as he questions everything that was going through his head. He knew the code. And he knew it well. The code warns him of such things. But why … why is it that you… you pull him out of his focus?

𝓙𝓮𝓭𝓲 𝓚𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who for the first time, wasn't sure if the Order. Them had prepared him…for you.

[moonstruckme]

not sure this really applies for the blueberry muffin prompt but...update on roomate!james and reader? 🥺 (AND CONGRATS ON 7k 🥳🥳)

It does haha! I knew blueberry muffin would be my downfall (but it's okay I signed up for it and ily regardless). Please accept this garbage fire of a drabble <3

cw: modern au, alcohol mention

roommate!James x shy!reader ♡ 683 words

You’re squished between Sirius and James, the two people here least likely to allow you space to breathe. James has got you half in his lap, his arm around your waist and one of your thighs over his, while Sirius’ shoulder pushes into yours, his legs cast over the arm of his couch so he can kick gently at Remus when the urge strikes him. 

“Her coworker hates me,” James says. 

“He does not.” You roll your eyes. This is a topic you’ve been over before. “Art likes you just fine.”

“Does too!” He pinches your waist. “It’s because he’s in love with you.” 

You fight the urge to hide your face in his side. “He is not.” 

James laughs. “He is, sweetheart. You just can’t see it.” 

“You would hardly know, would you?” Sirius agrees, but he agrees with James on everything. You’re fairly sure that if James said the moon was green, Sirius would swear the same until his dying breath. “You didn’t know our Jamesie liked you until he practically confessed.” 

“I still doubt it sometimes,” you mutter, earning you another teasing pinch from your boyfriend. 

“Hold on,” says Lily, “she’s the one who works with him.”

Remus nods. While Sirius always agrees with James, Remus always disagrees with the both of them. You suspect this is mostly because he enjoys getting them riled up. “Exactly. I think y/n has had plenty more time to figure out if he has feelings than you have, James.” 

“He used to walk her home after every shift,” James argues. 

“Because he’s nice,” you sigh. 

“Nice to you, you mean.”

“It’s very normal to walk girls home from late shifts.” 

Remus hums. “Have you considered, James, that maybe because you’ve never worked in the service industry, there are norms you don’t understand?” His tone is smug. Sirius kicks his foot at him lazily.

James’ eyebrows rise above the frames of his glasses. “Have you considered,” he waves his free hand in your direction, “look at her?” 

Your face heats something atrocious. Sirius tsks. “He’s got you there, darling.” 

“Hush,” you say to James, though you can’t manage to infuse your voice with any sternness. “You’re the only one that thinks that.” 

“Nope,” he replies, popping the p. “Actually, it’s me and Art and every other seeing person on the planet. Sorry, sweetheart.” 

You’re not sure if he’s apologizing sardonically or genuinely, for the pain his compliments are causing you. A big hand cups the side of your head, bringing you closer so he can kiss your hair. 

It doesn’t pacify you. “You’re awful,” you say, slipping out from between him and Sirius so his friend nearly falls sideways onto James’ lap. “I’m going to get some water, does anyone want anything?” 

Lily and Remus say no, Sirius asks for a cider, and James is noticeably silent. You can’t say you’re surprised when he comes into the kitchen behind you. 

He gives you a sheepish look. You don’t believe it even a little. “Have I scared you off?” 

You go to Sirius and Remus’ fridge, grabbing the cider for Sirius. “No.” 

“But I embarrassed you.” James wraps his arms around your middle, smushing his lips to your hairline. “M’sorry, lovely.” 

“Don’t,” you say, though you’re far from pulling out of his embrace. “It takes more than that to scare me off.” 

“Yeah?” You can hear the teasing slip into his voice, and that scares you more than it should. “Good. Because you’re gonna have to get used to it, you know. I don’t plan on toning down how lovely you are just because you might get shy on me.” 

You tilt your head back to see him. “You’re insufferable.” 

“So you’re always telling me.” James’ grin is huge. He drops a kiss on the bridge of your nose. “You’re lovely, and I’m insufferable. How’s that fair?” 

“Dunno.” You kiss his chin in return. Fill your cup with water and brush past him out the kitchen. “Suppose you’ll have to get use to it.” 

It’s impossible not to smile when his laughter sounds behind you. 

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Too Much, I'm Getting Tipsy on BL

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

May 2025 Week 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Knock Out (Fri WeTV ) ep 2 of 12 - It's so much fun! Yay! Sports BL of my heart! FINALLY.

My Stubborn (Sun iQIYI) ep 5 of 10 - Sorn’s characterization = horrified to be in love + horny on the main. Sure thing hon, we happy with that.

Top Form (Thurs WeTV) ep 10 of 11 - Okay yaoi (no expectation of modern BL beats) what's gonna happen next? This 4 act structure? We gonna get a secret ex? Family drama? Where my 合? (OMG I swear I typed that before the phone call!) Ah BL, nothing if not predictable.

Eye Contact (Weds WeTV) ep 2 of 12 - It’s v stupid. Dub-con drunk fling + that many condoms?! That is indeed how he’d walk. Look, here's the thing:

The HS B plot is profoundly silly and unnecessary.

The acting is awful.

It feels like some scenes are too long and others too short.

Then there’s also scenes that are completely missing.

I like it a lot. Which makes me feel stupid. But there it is, just leave me to my sad pathetic little life.

The Next Prince (Sat iQIYI) ep 4 of 14 - Newnu did pretty good on his languages. Cute. SHOES ON BED SHOES ON BED SHOES ON BED. Also true authentic original whipping boy! How exciting to see!

Pit Babe 2 (Fri iQIYI) ep 4 of 13 - AlanJeff made up, thank you BL gods. I like how animal Willy is. Also, it's so nice to see Nut doing the lord's work and kissing boys again. 

My Sweetheart Jom (Fri YT) ep 2 of 12 - I like fierce Saint. I like their chemistry. It's quite enjoyable. Pass me a tiny sandwich to eat with my pinky up because I think this show calls for that for some reason.

Boys in Love (Sun iQIYI ) ep 5 of 12 - Bah, they are stupid cute. I know it's trying to be Lovesick but I get more Make it Right vibes from the characters. This is the parents interfere ep. Also teachers remain current favs. Would like more of them, please?

The BangkokBoy (Sat Gaga) ep 5 of 12 - Stop him from suicide, get his digits, have him help you out with a fist fight saving your sister from human trafficking. As you do. BDE first date, I guess. Honestly, I get where this show is going in the gritty realism department but it's greedy and clumsy in that area and not working great for me so far. However, the tension around that dinner table was aces.

Sweet Tooth Good Dentist (Fri iQIYI) ep 9 of 12 - Omg Jay knew Sant would be a great bf, and he really is. I love how verse these two are.

The Ex-Morning (Thurs YT) ep 1 of 10 - I’m liking it more than I expected to. I actually like a reunion romance, and this is a different setting and an interesting premise. It’s something we’ve not seen at all before in BL. So I’m intrigued. Krist does seem to play exactly the same character in every BL tho.

I Promise I Will Come Back (Mon WeTV) ep 1 of 10 - It's pretty, but a bit slow. The subs are truly terrible. I’m grateful I know enough Thai to understand what is actually being said. But if you don’t, I'm not sure if this one will make sense. It’s one of those classic travel pulps that we get from Thailand, except the acting is above expectations. And the talent pool is different. I don’t know where I’m landing on this one.

Loy Kaew First Love (Fri YT) ep 2 of 6 - Well this certainly is action heavy. A lot of stuff happened. I’m a little confused by all the different characters but OK I guess? 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Sweetheart Service (Korea Fri YT) ep 3 of 12 - I unabashedly love this little charmer of a show. Sugar daddy kitty shopping + language negotiation = fantastic.

Fight for You (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 10 of 12 - They are separated so at least some movement and action is happening. But also they are both sadsack tiny idiots. BUT they got an incredibly sweet reunion sequence. I have to say, Taiwan is really showing us how to execute chemistry, it is their crown and they wear it beautifully.

On a totally different note, I like that the brothers (cousins?) in this show all do actually look like they could be blood related to each other for a change.

Moon and Dust (China YT) ep 1 of 6 - Yet another instance of can China get away with it? And even if they do, are they gonna end up happily? Probably not. But this is just cheesy enough for me to watch it without getting too involved and therefore I think I’m gonna be OK no matter what happens in the end.

So, premise?

Creepy younger brother obsessed with older (blood related? maybe even that) brother. Baby boy is ALSO fiercely aggressively unhinged and likely a morality chain just waiting to snap. So... lucky me? It's like Tumblr and BL had a baby. Gay dumpser fires all round!

It's airing but......

Sashes and Hearts (Pinoy YT) 13 eps - Philippines is doing Drop Dead Gorgeous only all gay boys queening their asses off. Doesn't interest me, not sure if it's BL. Finished its run, my opinion remains unchanged, thus I will not be watching. DNF.

Season of Love in Shimane AKA Ai no Kisetsu: The Season of Love (Thai) - Sequel to Kiseki Chapter 2 which I intensely disliked. I won't watch this.

Mission to the Moon (YT) 2 of 12 - I can't keep track too short, too many, too YT. I am watching and will report at end.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Coming Next Month

Wait for it...

But seriously, Thailand is airing 15 BLs right now. 15! Can we really handle any more?

2025 Line Up

BL Announced for 2025 - PART 1

BL Announced for 2025 - PART 2

20 BLs Announced for 2025 That I'm Really Excited About

GMMTV 2025 Line Up - My Totally Biased and Wildly Flawed Feels

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENT

No time, too much just getting regular shots this week. SO MUCH BL.

(last week)

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

[yanf4iry]

oh, my dear wife ♡

wc 2.1k

husband! alhaitham x afab! reader

modern! au. breast play. fingering. oral (fem). overuse of the words ‘my wife’ but he’s in awe. probably overuse of ‘love’ and ‘darling’ too. lovey dovey alhaitham. ‘love making.’ still slightly teasing alhaitham. subtle breeding kink. afab autonomy. unprotected sex (pls be safe!). pls lmk if anythimg has been missed.

there could be spelling/gramma so pls lmk if there’s anything to be fixed mwah <333

"my darling," alhaitham spoke gently, coming up behind you, his hands lovingly capsuling around your waist as his chin came down to rest upon your shoulder. "i was thinking of ordering a fish curry and a bottle of wine to our room tonight, rather than going down to the restaurant to eat," he continued, expressing his thoughts to you. "just wanna spend the night alone together."

he nuzzled further against your neck, humming softly in contentment as the feeling of your soft skin brushed against his flushed cheeks. "how does that sound?" he asked, turning you around so you were facing him, "i thought it'd be perfect for our first night together as a married couple."

alhaitham gazed down at you lovingly, the smile on his face unmoveable as he mentioned the fact that you were husband and wife. he proposed to you just over a year ago and ever since he's been beyond eager to finally arrive at the day he can officially call you his wife.

"sounds perfect.." you hum back, enjoying the touch of his warm and firm hands against the curve of your waist.

alhaitham pulled away from you softly, going over to the small desk towards the front door of the extremely fancy hotel room you were staying in for the next 10 days. "so what are you thinking, love?" he asks "red or white?" he continues, referring to the wine he previously spoke about ordering.

"red."

"you read my mind," he grins happily before dialing the restaurant downstairs and requesting room service.

the night eventually started to pass, and you found yourselves curled up on the sofa; you snuggled against his chest and his arm trailed over your shoulder, slowly getting through that bottle of red wine he had ordered just over an hour ago.

you catch him gazing down at you, a look you could only recognise as awe and admiration. "what?" you giggle, a light blush covering your face as your eyes intertwine in an intense gaze.

"you're gorgeous.." alhaitham mumbled, his gaze not budging from your face. "perfect, even," he continued, rubbing his slender hands against the skin of your upper arm.

"i've never been so thankful to have someone in my life, let alone have the same person as my wife; who i intend to spend forever and always with.."

his words struck a chord in your heart, reddening your cheeks. "getting flustered, are we?" alhaitham chuckled, a little smirk on his face, "well get used to it.." he leans down and whispered in your ear, his hot breath causing a shiver to erupt down your spine "you've got a lifetime of compliments just like it."

after a couple moments of silence, his fingers slowly started to edge towards the hem of your shirt, dipping under it slightly to let his fingertips softly caress the skin of your lower stomach. a small sigh left your lips at the feeling, enjoying the gentle and loving touches he often grazed on your skin.

alhaitham cleared his throat, his hand moving up a little, inching ever so closer to your waist. "you know.. umm.." he started up, amusement laced in his voice, "there's still one honeymoon tradition we've not gotten around to doing yet," he continued, a smirk tugging on his lips; even though you couldn't see it, you knew it was there.

"and what would that be?"

he replied with a small tut, shaking his head playfully. "oh.. don't make me say it," he spoke up "you know what i mean."

"and what would you like me to do about it?" you ask, turning your head a little so your gaze was now meeting his.

"let me take you to bed," alhaitham spoke without hesitation, that same look of admiration he had on his face "if you'd be so kind.."

and with that, you found yourself laid out on the bed you shared, his tall, slim body hovering over yours. he leaned down, capturing your lips in a soft, yet passionate kiss; full of need and desire, but most importantly, love.

his hands found their way back to the hem of your shirt, fiddling with it slightly, slowly growing more impatient by the second. alhaitham was always, more often than not, gentle in bed but this felt different; not saying he ever lacked passion, but this felt beyond passionate, beyond loving. it was almost as if he craved to be close to you like his entire being needed it.

"may i take it off?" alhaitham asked gently, tugging at your shirt a little, pulling away from your lips so he could look into your eyes; trying to look for any hint of uncertainty or discomfort, and thankfully, he found none.

you nod in response, a small smile painting your face just before he slowly pulled your shirt over your head. you hadn't been wearing a bra in this moment, i mean, what was the need? you were snuggling on the couch with your husband. a deep breath left his throat as he revealed your bare chest.

"i meant it when i said you were perfect, you know?" alhaitham said, voice sounding genuine. he looked at you like you were the most precious thing in the world. well, to him, you were. you were his wife and there was nothing more precious than that.

"you're only saying that because you're close to getting me naked," you giggle softly, teasing him subtly.

"getting you naked is always a bonus," alhaitham spoke back, "but i truly do mean it, you're perfect," he added, "my perfect, perfect wife."

his hand raised towards your breasts, gently caressing them as his lips moved down to meet yours; them intertwining in a soft and loving dance. "you're so soft.." he mumbled against your lips, pressing his body up against yours.

you could feel his arousal growing against your thigh, the hard-on in his slacks extremely hard to hide as his hips subconsciously moved to gain some friction. his fingers tips came to enclose around your nipple, gently playing with it, his mouth swallowing your tiny moans; he refused to move his lips from yours, desperate to feel you. "i need you so bad.."

slowly, his kisses started moving from your lips and down to your neck, him taking the time to suck and bite the delicate skin there; however, not harsh enough to leave any marks or bruises, he was often careful as he knew they were a pain to cover. your heartbeat quickens and your breath paces as his soft lips edge ever so closer to your breasts, him eventually taking your nipple in his mouth, hand continuing to nurse the other.

quiet moans left your mouth as he pleasured you further, head tilted back a little. alhaitham's gaze raised a little, locking eyes with yours for a few subtle seconds, smirking slightly at how the smallest of touches always managed to get you going. "perfect.." he whispered out once again, never missing a moment to remind you how truly in awe he was of you.

"alhaitham.. please.." you whine out, grinding against his hips a little, resulting in a gentle grunt escaping his lips.

"does my beautiful wife need me?" he asks, his voice slightly teasing, but he knew you loved it when he was at least a little cocky with you during bed. "does she need me as much as i need her?"

his hands trail down to the waistband of the sleep shorts you were wearing, looking up at you once more in search of the consent for him to move on. without hesitation, once he received your permission of course, he pulled them down revealing your embarrassingly soaked core to him.

alhaitham grunted at the sight, his hand coming to wrap around your waist, pulling you closer towards him, kissing your lips gently, fingers needing at the skin of your waist. "my wife.." he whispers against your lips, "i'll make you feel good, okay?" alhaitham continues, "that's all i ever want to do."

not even moments later, his wet, warm lips were trailing towards your inner thighs, gently littering kisses everywhere but where you truly needed him. his hands were firmly placed on your hips, fingertips dancing along the miniature stretchmarks there.

a small whimper leaves your lips as his mouth wrapped around your throbbing clit; he was a pleaser, and oh god, was he pleasing you right now. he knew what to do with his tongue without a doubt, exploring your wet folds.

"oh- god.." you whine gently, hand moving to his head, gripping at his soft hair as his mouth worked its wonders. "too good.. s-shit-" you manage to gasp out, hips subtly bucking up against his mouth which only made him chuckle lowly against you.

"like that, my wife?" he mumbles against you before indulging in you for much longer. it wasn't long before you found yourself getting closer to your high, the many noises from your lips getting louder and louder by the second.

"mmhm," you moan out, "just like that."

"are you close, baby?" he whispers against you, fingers teasing your entrance a little, edging two digits inside you, stretching you out making your eyes roll back a little from the overwhelming pleasure. "cum for me, my wife-"

and with that, you were clenching around his fingers as he curved them inside you, brushing up against g-spot with every motion he made, giving you almost no time to process anything before you were cumming against his mouth; legs shaking, and mouth wide open.

"fuck- fuck-" you whimper, legs shaking around his head.

alhaitham's head moved from between your legs, a little smirk on his face as he watched the way your body twitched for him. "let me fill you, darling..." he whispers, hands flying to pull down the slacks he was wearing. "i need to be in you," he continued, revealing his hard cock that was evidently desperate for attention.

"alhaitham please.." you whisper out, watching the way his hand slowly tugged on his length, biting your lip in anticipation. "i need you just as bad."

a gentle moan left your lips, accompanied by a similar noise coming from alhaitham, as he pushed the tip of his cock inside you. "good heavens-" he moans out, hands tightly grasped onto your waist as he pushed himself further inside you, not stopping until he was all the way in.

"tell me when i can move, my love.." alhaitham spoke in a hushed voice, smiling down at you as he watched your face contort in pleasure. "you're doing so well."

after a few short moments, you gave him the clear to start moving, and with the way your wet walls were gripping onto his thick cock, you didn't have to tell him twice.

his thrusts were soft but deep, hitting all the places you need him to be, moans falling from both your lips at the pace of his thrusts. "so good-" alhaitham gasped out, feeling your walls clench around him subconsciously "my perfect, beautiful wife," he gritted out between each movement of his hips.

the tip of his length was pressing up against your cervix every chance it got, making you want to squeal from how good it truly felt. "you're so deep.." you choke out, eyes rolling back and teeth dug tightly into your bottom lip.

"hmm?" alhaitham hums back in response, staring down at you as his thrusts remained the same pace; deep and slow, different to how he usually was. with alhaitham sex was always wild, fast and hard, not because he didn't care but because that's the way you both liked it. he loved making you see stars in the most unimaginable ways, but tonight.. he was soft, passionate and gentle like he was almost scared you'd break. he was pouring every ounce of love and feeling he had into it, making it something completely new.

"do you think im deep enough to get you nice and full with my child, my perfect, pretty wife?" he asks, grabbing a hand full of one of your breasts as he makes the effort to push himself inside you with a little more pressure.

the question made you whimper a little, but it was audibly a few octaves higher because of the shock of hearing it. you'd briefly spoken about possibly having kids before, and alhaitham had always said that he'd like them but it was always your choice, but it's not a topic of discussion that came up a lot so it was a surprise to hear those words come out of his mouth.

"would you like that, darling.." he spoke softly, caressing the skin of your lower stomach. "i know we haven't spoken about it much, but i cant help think about how pretty you'd look pregnant."

"my gorgeous, wonderful, perfect wife, all pregnant just for me."

[pinescent-and-gingerbread]

CHAPTER I

Modern AU.

- Pairing: detective!Arthur x barista!Reader

- Summary: It's early autumn in Bozeman, Montana. The curtain rises on the daily lives of Arthur Morgan, a police lieutenant, and you, a barista in the café across the street. Impromptu returns of friends in your lives and a strange mystery could lead you to meet at last...

- Warnings/tags: (for this chapter) death, corpse, angst as grief and loneliness are mentioned.

- Words:6k

series info, warnings and disclaimer here. AO3 link here.

Arthur Morgan looks at his face in the mirror. Bags under his eyes. Scruffy stubble that grew in just one night, only God knows how. His short hair, with this golden brown color he never could describe himself, matches the caramel leaves of the trees outside his window. He grabs his razor, a vintage one, just a resealable blade. His shaving brush, his cream. He smears his face, blue pupils staring at his cheeks, and then his throat in the glass. That familiar, everyday smell fills his nostrils. The blade feels weird every time it passes on his chin, his scars oddly sensitive there. Damn he looks aweful. His nose, broken from a fight years ago. A cut, way lighter and fresher than his other wounds, provokes him on his cheek. The two big wrinkles digging into his cheeks on either side of his lips, that never cease to grow year after year. The sunspots staining his skin, marks that would never leave, no matter how hard he would wash his face.

At least he's always had the physique to impress: severe features, broad shoulders, a body strengthened by years of training and physical work. At least his ugliness served him well for his work, which was something to be taken for granted. He sighs for a few seconds.

Today is going to be a long, hard day.

His face roughly shaven and clean, he dresses without paying attention, slipping on a pair of jeans, a black T-shirt, and his eternal leather jacket; pockets filled with crushed cigarettes and empty packs of them. He adds his badge to his big belt, like a soldier adds his banner before going into battle. Like a condemned man holds the axe over his own head. But maybe, on some days, also like the crown of a man's pride.

His service weapon is waiting for him on the kitchen table, almost as loyal as Copper. The good boy is up and excited, thinking he's going on a walk with him, like every morning. And like every morning, Arthur takes a few minutes of his time to pat him and coo at him, the old German shepherd collapsing heavily on the ground with a blissful happiness, showing his belly for him to flatter. "That's my good boah." Both of his hands scratch him vigorously. "You're almost as old as me now, ain'tcha? Two old basterds we are."

A few last licks from his companion on his calloused hands and Arthur gets up, grunting, more from frustration than actual effort. He closes his door, taking his gun and leaving Copper behind.

The cool autumn air swallows him up as soon as he leaves his apartment building. The streets, still almost deserted at this early hour, are quiet, as if on standby, the dead leaves on the trees gently falling in silent, forgotten dances. He heads for the police station, only a ten-minute walk from his place. He likes this little bit of peace and quiet before arriving at work. Before facing reality, and its demons.

He walks up his street, St Tracy Avenue, a heterogeneous mix of new family homes and apartments in Bozeman's typical red-brick buildings. He passes the little local church, St James, still asleep. The tall trees framing the road overlook dozens of cars and pick-ups lining the sidewalks. At the crossroads, he turns right onto Main Street. The rising sun illuminates the shiny windows of the post office, the US flag proudly raised, welcoming the workers, the only ones he usually meets on his way. Beyond the post office, dozens of stores, cafés, restaurants, and banks. The main street is flooded with them. Sometimes he wonders if they were there when the town was founded, when the first red bricks were laid on the ground. He makes a quick stop at number 117, The Treeline, mainly because it's one of the only ones already open at this hour, but also because he knows that the old manager will make him his espresso without making unnecessary conversation. Simple, efficient, silent. What he needs, especially in the morning.

Finally, right after the Comedy Club, he reaches the last crossroads. There, another café stands on the corner, much more welcoming than the Treeline. The window display, featuring a jovial otter drinking a cup of tea, reads “The Green Otter's Café” in round, amusing letters. He turns his head. He doesn't know why, but always does, every morning. Maybe it's the irresistible smell of baking pastries, butter croissants, cinnamon rolls, and loaves of all kinds. Maybe it's the one of coffee beans being roasted, or the energetic music he can faintly hear from inside. But mostly, and surely, it's because it's just about that time you are cleaning the counter. Your hair in a messy bun, your green and orange apron, the colors of your establishment, tight around your waist. Today, you're wearing a beige shirt underneath. He knows so little about you, like what your name is or where you're from; only that you're always there, at 6 a.m., and you always look up, showering him with your death-defying smile.

He smiles back. Tries not to think about his ugly teeth as he does, and grants you a two-finger salute before continuing his walk. You return his greeting, your cheeks so round and reddened by your smile, your eyes crinkled into two crescent moons. You're so beautiful. And you look so sweet, that by repeating this little ritual every morning, this esoteric habit between the two of you, he's ended up nicknaming you Peach —just like that, just in his head.

He knows this is the last peaceful moment before work, and he loves it. He turns left around the café, finally arriving on Rouse Avenue. The police station is only a few steps away, almost directly opposite the Green Otter's building. It was maybe, with the Hospital, one of the only buildings that never ever slept. The impressive brand-new building, large but flat with only two storeys, spans a long stretch of the street. He enters the beast's lair, clocking in his entrance out of sheer mechanical habit, and approaches the reception desk.

"Hello Miss Jackson. How're ya today?"

"Not bad, Arthur. Like a Monday, that is."

"Is Dutch here already?"

"Mmmh, I don't recall him checking in. Mr. Williamson's here, though."

"Fine. Thanks, Miss."

He walks past the civilian zone, leaving Tilly behind, and goes to the Crime and Investigation Unit department. Bozeman isn't a big city; therefore the place isn't as grandiloquent as the beautiful wooden offices there are in thriller films and series. The big room is shared by four of his colleagues, his own workspace in the back separated by a glass wall. The bare functional minimum, lack of budget. Reality. He passes between Micah and Javier's desks, the first one unkept and covered in layers of trash and soda cans, the second, clearly neater and tidier, with just a few discreet guitar picks still lying around. He stops between the other pair of desks, those of Hamish and Bill. The veteran's, always the neatest of all, probably some remnant of military rigidity, have recently had an annex added to accommodate the team's rookie, Lenny Summers. The poor kid had only been there a few months and had already seen more horrors than adults twice his age. At least it taught him a thing or two. He nods in Bill's direction, greeting him nonchalantly.

"Williamson. Remember our 8 a.m. appointment."

"I do, boss."

"Don't call me that." The blue-eyed officer sighs and enters his office.

At least he had the incomparably royal luxury of windows. He sits back in his chair, looking for a pen that works, and goddman how could this fucking place not have a single pen that does, rummaging through the dozens of files he hasn't yet sorted. His own desk is just a bit bigger, and a strange mix you could call an "organized mess". An ashtray that he hides in one of his drawers when a superior shows up. Several coffee cups, of which he throws away the cardboard ones. Files, files, more files, all colors, all sizes. Somewhere on top, the leather-covered journal in which he draws and writes all his thoughts, and never leaves him, especially when he's on a case. There's also a pencil for it, under all those papers, he's sure of it. There are a few elements of decoration too, mainly typical cowboy and rancher things. A horseshoe, some feathers, a wooden buck figurine Charles had offered him. On the wall behind him, a huge painting of Mount Helena. And next to his computer, whose slowness was like a snail in glue, a few framed photos.

The oldest shows him at eighteen with his high school diploma, not a single hair on his face, his features slimmer, more youthful. His lips are stretched in a smile as big and proud and ferocious as a tiger. Damn, he really didn't think he would actually get it, at the time. How he fucking hated maths. A spotty, pissed-off John stands next to him, and around both of them, a younger Dutch and Hosea look on, smiling.

Another one, three years later. His 21-year-old self is showing his police diploma, uniform on. He was so proud of it, too, that day. Yet, his smile is more reserved. It looks like he has aged much more, already. This time, there's just Dutch, only wearing a mustache, holding him around his back, a hand on his shoulder.

And of course, a portrait of him and Mary. The picture frame is pink, kitsch and frilly, with glitter and red hearts, but she chose it for him. So he kept it. And even after all this time, the photo still sits there. It was just a year after the last one, if he recalls right. Mary had bored him into visiting her parents, who couldn't stand him, in San Francisco. At least he'd been able to see the bridge, he who rarely left the Middle West. The photo showed them standing right in front of it, Mary beaming so sweetly as she was wont to do, holding the camera. He, laughing because she had just pinched him to make him smile for the photo. She had managed to capture that rare moment. And for that alone, the picture and its hideous frame would never leave the desk.

He signs some papers, reads others, tries to go and check his mails, but the goddman computer is once again too slow. A few hours pass, call after call. He painfully writes a report from a previous case he had just finished a few days ago, saluting Javier through the glass when he arrives at his post. How he hated writing that kind of formal stuff. Eevery sentence and word had to be thought through. Sometimes, holding back from writing what came from his heart as he did with his diary made his fingers burn and his computer mouse clench. His chore finally done, he searches for his lighter and a cigarette in his pockets, and quickly smokes one. He lets the fume burn all the way from his mouth to the back of his throat, then his nose, almost tickling his eyes. He tries to imbibe this sensation, this familiar and relaxing burning feeling, to remember it later. He knows he will have to dig deep into his roots. 

"Bill. Let's go." He throws at his subordinate, closing his office door.

"A shame the kid isn't here yet, could learn a lot this mornin'."

"Yeah. Or maybe get that final warning that this job really is a shitty one."

Just a few meters away from there, a stove is burning. And not in the metaphorical way of describing that it was functioning. No no. A wreath of flames is shooting out all around the door, like a literal window to Hell, plumes of black, charred-smelling smoke filling the entire space.

"Beau! Quick, hand me the fire extinguisher!"

"Here!"

"Alright, alright, it's fine." You ease him, and yourself, and maybe try to ease the fire too thanks to the Holy Spirit. You quickly turn the stove off completely, before splashing the creamy substance a first time all around the door, and a second time inside it.

The stove turns silent, beaten, having burned as brightly as it could, and now exhausted, out of action, as if it'd given the best performance of its short life on stage. You sigh heavily, pearls of sweat on your forehead from the warmth inside the little kitchen. You turn to your employee, an only eighteen-year-old boy, brown locks falling on his face as he looks bashfully at the ground.

"What were you doing, Beau?!"

"Well, you see, there's this girl, Penelope, and she really likes to write letters, and t-to receive some, not texting or stuff, so I started-"

"Stop, stop." You cut him, a hand on your hip, the other hanging in the air towards him. "Were you watching the muffins? Yes or no? I want a simple answer."

"… N-no."

"Alright. You understand we've got a problem, here?" You try to modulate your voice.

"I understand, I… I won't do that again, I promise."

"Go and take care of the tables for a few minutes, will you?"

He complies without another word, leaving the kitchen, the door squeaking. You look at the state of the infernal device in front of you. The whole thing had turned entirely black, and you're sure the smoky scent will stick to your pastries for at least a month. This isn't ideal. At all. As you grab a few towels and cleaning products to try and save what is left of it, your thoughts are focused on your little café's bank account.

A stove, especially an industrial one, is way too pricey for you to buy right now. And yet, how you wish you could. Just like the dishwasher that threatened to explode with each new use, or the fridges that were starting to date and for which you prayed every morning that they wouldn't let you down. Or the croaky kitchen door, those scratches on the worktops...

Yes, the Green Otter's Café really needed a little refreshment. And yet he had been standing, since its very creation the day your grandpa had decided to quit everything and open his own place. Initially a restaurant and a bar, it had quickly become a renowned city venue with a loyal following and an excellent reputation. Now that it was yours, even though its face and appearance had changed, the beers replaced by your coffee or tea creations, the French fries dinner trays by delicious and appetizing pastries, the clientele was as loyal as ever. And you had been able to keep the spirit and heart of this place so dear to you, but also to all the inhabitants of the neighborhood; through your own will, the values of sharing, conviviality and joy wanted by your grandfather were persisting. Almost like a lighthouse that would guide people through time instead of the waves.

As you scrub the burnt from the stove, muffins turned into charcoals shoved in the trash, you silently brood over your frustration. This place deserved all the love and money in the world. Unfortunately, the debts were starting to pile up. The cost of living was getting high for everyone. Raw materials were harder and harder to find, and prices were rising. As for the poor inhabitants, wages didn't always keep pace. It was the beginning of a difficult period, and you hoped more than anything that your small local business could withstand it; how could you, when you wanted to guarantee products that were always as good for the same price, while competing with big chains that produced quintuple your work much more quickly and for much less…? It's like fighting a full-armed knight with a toothpick.

"Miss, there's someone here for you!" You hear Beau call from the big room, pulling you out of your worrying thoughts.

You leave your cleaning there, some foam mixed with dirt on your gloves and forearms. In this job, you can't be fussy about the state of your clothes.

The sun had finally risen outside. It was one of those very crisp fall mornings, blinding sun but fresh wind balancing the temperature. At the door, a figure from your past is waiting, dark hair in a braid, ultramarine eyes shining in this golden-brown atmosphere, simple but elegant dress highlighting her slim figure.

"Abigail!" You scream in both joy and surprise, walking to hear to hold her in your arms.

The young woman reciprocates the hug, and chuckles a bit a she notices you've let your hands hang in the air not to dirty her clothes.

"It's been a while! You're in town for a few days?" You ask out of curiosity, but her face isn't one of someone who's there on holiday for tourism.

"It's, uh… It's more complicated than that." She looks happy to see you, but her tired gaze holds so many silent things. You feel like there's something more serious stopping her smile from being genuine. Without thinking about it, you do as you would have with any of your friends in need: A hand on her shoulder, you look right at her face.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She nods, you smile gently, happy she's letting you help. "Still into teas? I just received a wonderful blend of spices for a Chai Latte…"

She nods once more, grateful. As you quickly prepare her comforting beverage, you order Beau to finish the cleaning of the consequences of his lack of attention and to bake another batch of blueberry muffins. He doesn't complain even once.

Both sitting at one of the wooden tables, you give her the Chai and listen, careful, empathetic. She's curled up in her chair, looking like she's about to boil over. Abigail had always been strong; a vase into which too much water had kept being poured. Still, she'd managed to grow the most beautiful and precious sprout in it. Today she was going to let the water spill out. And you listen. You listen when she talks about life, about Billings, the big city where everything was supposed to change. About John, and Jack. About how the so-called father of her child was unable to take any responsibility for her and him. To build a normal and stable life for them. About the utter bastard he had been, how her hopes of him becoming a better man now that they had a child had soon vanished. The apartment they couldn't afford. The wasted savings. The tears on Jack's face when she said they weren't coming back to their beautiful place. How she ended up kicking John out, trying once and for all to make him understand. An ultimatum. You catch the little sparkles gathering on her eyelashes, and grab a few towels from the counter. She loves him still, it's obvious. Maybe it's what makes her that angry, most of all.

"Did you find a place here?" You ask, more and more worried for her and the boy.

"Yeah, don't worry, a nice small apartment." She wipes her eyes and some of her beautiful dark makeup smudges on her cheeks, a witness of her lonely tears in her rage. She continues with difficulty, her words sometimes interrupted by little hiccups and sniffles. "But I need to find a j-job if I want to keep it and provide for Jack on my own." Her eyes look up from her half-empty cup to look at yours. Her pained but still gorgeous face now looks embarrassed. "That's also why I'm here -I wanted to ask if you... Maybe had something for me, here?"

You don't answer right away, but still grab her hands in yours. Thoughts rush and collide in your brain. You're hesitant. Not because you think she isn't good enough. All the contrary, you had already worked with Abigail when you were younger, and what a great worker she was. No, the problem was once again the money. Would you be able to pay her a decent wage? Was it really the better option in your current situation? You think for a few more seconds and remember the stove. The burned batch. Beau is an adorable boy, and you don't have the heart to fire him even if he has his head in the clouds most of the time. One more actually experienced worker wouldn't go amiss. You could even change the opening hours and guarantee more rest time for everyone.

It's decided.

Abigail's face lights up and her whole body melts in a wave of relief when you present her a green apron, embroidered with a familiar tea-sipping otter. The delicious, wonderful smell of perfectly baked blueberry muffins emanates from the oven.

Arthur and Bill are standing beside a corpse.

A corpse that used to be a teenage boy.

For now, hidden under a sheet, its waiting for its moment of glory.

The weird white lights from the neon lights glow surrealistically, illuminating its curves, shaping the human form with shadows and brightness. Why on earth do mortuaries always have to be sordid places? The white and grey tiles on the floor, the horrible smell of naphtalene, the coldness, the lockers stretching across the walls, neatly lined up on top of each other, standing at attention like soldiers... On the other hand, would making the place more welcoming really help? He could hardly see himself right now in a room decorated with balloons and bright colors, McDonald's children's birthday party mode. The Death's call is both immaterial and material. The rhythmic gait of Dr. Strauss's little legs snapped him out of his reflexion. He's accompanied by a second person, heels clicking on the floor, breaking the macabre silence of the gloomy room.

The mother.

Strauss, wearing his white coat and usual small round glasses, walks a few more steps and stands behind the body lying on the long table reserved for it. The three men remain silent, facing the woman. In her forties, her hair flowing around her shoulders, a gray suit holds her in place, maintaining her in an expectation that was as burdensome for her as it was for the other three.

Arthur greets her silently, nodding solemnly. It's not the first time he's witnessed this kind of thing. Not the first time he'd heard the cries of a mother torn apart by the one thing a parent cannot endure. Nor the last time, surely.

Arthur knows all this.

And yet.

His heart tears apart as Strauss lifts the sheet, still in the most terrible silence. The few seconds of shock, the poor woman's face twisting in slow motion like in a bad action movie. His bones boil, he doesn't really know from what, rage, sadness, frustration, at this unbearable spectacle. Yet his face remains impassive. He has learned to stay that way. He has learned to keep this bubbling inside him, this fire that consumes and burns and makes his guts writhe. He thought he'd put it out; he thought he'd hardened himself. In most areas, he remained coldhearted. But God forbid, when it came to a kid… He couldn't help but feel it rekindling.

There is, in the screams of this woman facing him, this mother who had just recognized her 14-year-old son on a hospital table in a seedy morgue, an inevitable resonance that reverberates in every cell of his being. Arthur knows exactly how she feels right now.

He closes his eyes for just a few short seconds, invoking for help the sensation of the cigarette burning his lungs from earlier. He focuses on the smoke dulling his senses, his chest, then his throat, his mouth and nose and eyes. The feelings are hidden behind, the bubbling fire masked by this smoke that blended with his own in a perfect decoy. He's ready.

"Mrs Anderson. Do you recognize today, October 1, this body as that of your son, Joshua Anderson?"

He hates doing this so much. It's obvious she does. Or else she wouldn't be crying the premature loss of her own flesh. Another goddamn formality. Arthur slowly takes a step closer to her. He pulls out a few tissues from his leather jacket and hands them to her.

"You can simply nod, Ma'am."

She does.

Arthur's shoulders fall down. He wants to say something else, something comforting, but she suddenly snaps her head to him, eyes accusing, murderous.

"How did he die?"

"He's been shot in the chest, we think by-"

"We all know who did this. And it's all your fault!" She accuses, finger pointing successively Arthur, then Bill. "You, and the joke you call a colleague! You are all supposed to protect us, you knew this gang was prowling around in our neighborhood, we've warned you a hundred times!!"

The blue-eyed detective doesn't say any other words. Dry-mouthed, he takes it in. He'd rather take it than watch her contort helplessly from pain before him. If at least taking the brunt of it would help her in some way, so be it.

He was used to taking it.

"You're all going to rot in hell for this!! You bastards!" She goes on, her curses turning into cries and groans of despair mixed with anger. With injustice. She's the flag-bearer for all these broken families. All the ones they could never save. Through her, Arthur, Bill and even Strauss, usually detached, feel the full wrath of the human race.

"Fuck you!" She screams again and suddenly words aren't enough, and her hand flies directly to Arthur's cheek, wanting to slap him with all her might. 

He stops her in mid-swing with a firm but benevolent grip, the two others hissing in surprise and shock. He hasn't moved an inch, barely disturbed. Face stoic, he must be the rock on which she can lean, even if it's to destroy him, even if she hates him with every fiber of her being right now. His tired, sad eyes stare intently at her, deep blue reflections shining like the waves of the Styx. Bearer of Death he was.

"I'm sorry Ma'am... I really am."

His only words to her, before saying Bill's last name, ordering him to take care of her. He takes her away, trying to stay gentle but he's not the best at treating people carefully. He grabs Mrs. Anderson by the shoulders to pull her out of the morgue. Strauss sighs loudly, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his coat and handing one to Arthur. The lieutenant looks at the poor woman and his colleague one last time as they walk along the glassed corridor.

"Are you going to p-

"Of course I ain't going to press any charges, Strauss." Arthur anticipates his question, rubbing his temples with his right hand, cigarette still in it. The coroner lights his own and holds his lighter for Arthur to light his. "Ya know am a lieutenant now, doc'. We're not supposed to smoke like that in a morgue."

"You're not supposed to let a woman take it out on you with impunity either." The red ashes reflect in Strauss's glasses, his long mouth stretched out like a frog's in a grimace of disapproval, devoid of all compassion. Mortuaries attract strange morticians.

"I know."

The two men smoke in silence for a few more moments, the intensity of what just happened still hanging in the air. The dark atmosphere is only pierced by the burning of their cigarettes and the medical glow of the neon lights. Strauss pulls the sheet back on Joshua Anderson's body.

At lunchtime, Arthur munches on a club sandwich with a chemical taste. In the "machine room", as he likes to call it, these good old steel companions deliver life-saving coffees and industrial foodstuffs to all and sundry, just like they feed cattle in those big intensive livestock farms. The smell of old carpet and sweaty cops is omnipresent. He's up at a stand-up table, insipid espresso already graciously purchased by Sadie, standing next to him. On Mondays, she pays. He listens to her talk about her morning in the patrol division, something about an altercation in the Valley West neighborhood. Her uniform, slightly different from the ones of the crime investigation department, with short sleeves instead of long, but still a very dark blue, contrasts nicely with her blond hair hung in a ponytail. Arthur has always liked Sadie. Since the first day they met at the police academy. He can still remember her beating the shit out of most of the guys there, and smiles when he sees their terrified faces. She was simple and direct, unadorned, like him. He had the impression that fewer and fewer people were nowadays.

Right now, Sadie is tired of hearing him crunch the dry crumbs of what he has the audacity to call his meal, her nose scrunching between her freckled cheeks. She cuts her speech, "Hey, why don'ya go to the Green's like everyone?"

"The Green Otter's Café?" Peach's coffee shop, he thinks to himself. "I don' know, why don' you?" He asks back almost defensively with a nod of his chin in her direction.

"Because you're always there eating this shit and I wanna spent my goddamn breaks with you, dummy."

Arthur snorts as he folds the plastic wrapper of his sandwich without thinking about it. He then takes the tiny little cardboard cup from the machine and brings it to his lips, the taste as disappointing as ever.

"Well, y'know what? We could eat there tomorrow. There, ya happy?"

"Very much, thank you kind sir."

Arthur grumbles as all final words before noticing the rest of his team eating together at the other side of the little restroom. Javier, Lenny, Hamish, Bill and Micah, all in uniform. What catches his eye is the way Bill behaves, silent and withdrawn, while his voice usually carries around the room.

"Wait a sec." He asks Sadie. He approaches them, greeting those he hadn't seen already. A good old handshake for Hamish, a pat on the back for Lenny. Nothing but a cold stare for Micah.

"Bell, I want you in my office in twenty minutes. Williamson, come here a bit." He commands, the tallest of all men walking to him. Arthur brings him to the less crowded part of the room.

Arthur's gaze settles on him, not wavering for a bit. "Are ya alright?"

There are a few seconds before his answer. "It's uh… It's Mrs Anderson, y'know. Made me feel real bad and shit this mornin'."

"Did ya bring her back to the reception?"

"Yes, boss."

"Did ya explain the procedure and advise her to see our psychologist?"

"Y-yes, boss."

"Ya did treat her kindly, right?"

He nods slowly, visibly nervous.

"Then you have nothing to blame yourself for, Bill. We have bad days, but we have good days too, right? Remember when ya saved that little girl from the fire last year, with that Irish MacGuire boy from the fire department?"

The tall bearded officer nods once more, as a child listening in silence to a parent comforting him. He was one of the few people Arthur had to look up to catch his gaze, which he always did with everyone. Some say his eye contact is what made him so good at interrogation, sometimes making the worst criminals break under a punishing silence and the weight of that gaze.

"You saved a child that day. Y'see, that's the thing; we do bad things, sometimes. We screw up. But most of the time, we do what's right, Bill. We do what most wouldn't, to protect people." Arthur reaches for his subordinate's shoulder, palm settling on it. He delivers his words slowly, eyes deep into his."That poor woman's pain isn't yours to carry."

"You… You're right, boss." Bills sighs, shifting from one foot to another, shaking his nervousness out of him. "I guess I… I just forget it sometimes, y'know?"

"I know, I know. I do too." Arthur concedes, patting Bill's shoulder a few times. He then walks away, going back to Sadie, adding an annoyed, "And stop calling me boss for Christ's sake," as he does.

"Sorry boss -Shit!- I mean Morgan!"

Arthur walks up the stairs to his apartment. It's already late. For a normal person, at least. Goddamn Micah. He's still reeling from the discussion he had with him, locked in his office. This incompetent, filthy snake. If it were only up to him, he would have fired this scumbag a long time ago. He screws up an investigation, doesn't do what's necessary to protect a family that should have been placed under protection. Hell, he didn't even know about the whole thing until Strauss called him at the morgue the day before. What is he even paid to do, for God's sake, other than degrade the profession and pollute the air Arthur breathes?

He has just turned the key in the door, and already hears the only one who can bring him a little comfort on a day like this. Ecstatic barks already ringing through the walls. A furry, drooling form jumps out at him instantly.

Copper is so delighted that his old bones don't even seem to hurt anymore. Arthur cuddles him, caresses him all over, on his head, on his sides, his belly. Every time it's like he's been gone for ages. Dogs don't care if you're good or bad as long as you're theirs. Words whispered just for him fill his happy ears. "That's my good boy." A few more scratches. "Must have been bored t'death all day, huh? Sure did."

Hungry, he walks to his open-plan kitchen and looks inside his fridge. He doesn't know why. The damn thing couldn't have magically filled up on its own while he was out. He didn't really like cooking, even less for himself. The solitary pickle jar sadly returns his gaze, desperately surviving between a few slices of cheese and abandoned bears."You wanna go for a walk, buddy?" The dog's ears perk up at the word. He closes his fridge, swaps the satchel he uses for work for a smaller leather one. He slides his journal and a pencil inside. He looks up around his apartment, chest tight. There's only one pull-out chair, only one cushion hollowed out on his sofa. Only one plate, on the rare occasions when he eats here. Only one toothbrush in the bathroom cup, only a used spot in his bed. Only a sad man in it.

When Mary left him, the night before their wedding day, Arthur was hit twice; once in the heart and once by the weight of his failures.

It's been eight years now.

It's so odd; this feeling. Those days seem so long ago, and yet so vivid. It feels like a juvenile lifetime. A very long yesterday. He could still remember the color of her favorite lipstick. But not the one of their sheets, in their old house. The caress of her lips on his forehead. But not how it felt to have her fingertips on his palm. It's all like a paradox; an everlasting, immaterial presence. A painful absence.

He hasn't stayed ten minutes inside his flat, and he's already walking down the stairs, Copper happily running next to him.

In this quiet piece of forest at the edge of town, Arthur is sitting on a bench. A plastic plate of greasy French fries on his side, he pecks at a few from time to time between drawings and writing. Journal on his thigh, the dog chasing after some moths or an unknown bug, he draws what he can remember of Mrs Anderson. The dawning night forces his eyes to adapt to the darkness, so that he can make out the exact contours of the lines he draws. He remembers her perfect suit had ended up disheveled at the end of their encounter. Her eyes, crinkled and thin, then so red and gaping, filled with such terror...

Arthur's buzzing phone in his jacket makes him look away from the drawing. He pulls it out, checks the name.

John

That was unexpected. John had stopped giving him news some time ago, when he had left with Abigail and Jack, his child he didn't want to take on, his bullshit piling up endlessly.

He picks up.

"Hey."

"Arthur," The raspy voice of her brother at heart tickles his ears from the phone's speaker. "How you doin'?"

"I'm fine Johnny-boy, as always." He answers, his own tone a bit annoyed, holding back a sight he knows is coming really soon. He plays with his pencil in his other hand. "What d'you want?"

"What, you think I can't jus' call my old friend to… Check up on him?"

"No."

"Shit you're right." John's words come out more directly now, free from politeness and manners. Arthur can hear him fidgeting on the other end of the line. "Listen, Arthur, I need ya help."

"For God's sake John, what have you done again?" Arthur lets out the sigh he had been holding back since the start of the conversation, his hand tightening on his pencil he stopped twirling in his hand. That phrase. That phrase he'd heard a hundred times after John's bullshit. Arthur, I need you to hide my weed. Arthur, I need you to lend me $500. Arthur, I need your help to take down these guys. Arthur, I need you to cover for me so I can take a chance on Abigail.

"I… I screwed up things with Abigail and the… the boy. She kicked me out and moved back to Bozeman."

"Really? This woman definitely has more balls than you've ever had." His unhurried voice lingers on the words in that pungent tone he so often has towards his little brother.

"Shu'up, would ya?" John hustles; he's clearly doing something while calling. "So, can I stay at your place for a while? Not for long. Just long enough for me to win back Abigail's heart."

"Yeah, so basically an eternity then."

"Shut up!"

There's another silence, and the older brother spins and twirls his pencil between his fingers again.

"So? Arthur"

"Yes." His eyes close slowly as he speaks those words. "Yes, of course ya can."

"Great. Cause I'm on the way already."

"Jesu- Don't fucking tell me you're driving right now."

"Naw, never."

"Hang up that phone or I'll hang you up, John."

"Copy that, sir." He sarcastically answers, as if Arthur were his mother telling him to stop climbing up the girls' balconies.

Alone again in the newborn night, Arthur let his mind get used to this new reality and to all the habits that John's presence would destroy. That boy had always been more chaotic than a raccoon.

"Well, at least old boy," Arthur tells Copper, "We won't be as much alone at home anymore."

In the trees, somewhere.

Not far from a lived place.

There is a moving shadow.

It's discreet at first. Just a few rustles in the thicket.

A crack of a branch.

It is a now moonless night. The kind where, in the old times, children would have been warned not to go out and men not to come home too late. A night when even the cattle get nervous, when the dogs bark and howl with the coyotes, like a horn blown before a hunt. When all the light vanishes, and all the silhouettes of objects, animals, humans, and nature become so black and shapeless that they appear to blend into an impenetrable ebony fog.

It waits.

Its presence is odd. The sheep can feel it. It shouldn't be there. What is it, exactly? They can't recognize its smell. They can't really distinguish its form. They don't hear a single sound coming from it. All that they can understand is that it isn't normal. How could it be so big and be as silent as a graveyard? And why is it… hiding?

One of the sheep moves away from the edge of the forest, on instinct, perhaps? It doesn't take much for all the others to follow. But there are, as always, stragglers.

A few more naive individuals. Or inattentive.

It's getting closer. Slowly, silently. The dark form is now bigger than the bushes. Way bigger. Like a massive cloud would blind the sun, its abyssal mass spreads throughout the forest's edge.

It chooses.

The prey is casually grazing. Unaware. Until the very last second.

Large claws shine as they're drawn…

And it jumps from the bushes. Blood falls on the grass. A screeching cry of pain and death, then suddenly cut out in the night, making every other animal go silent.

Too silent.

The shadow leaves just as silently as a cold breeze.

a/n: yeaaaah so a lot going on in this first chapter. I wanted to introduce a lot of stuff, and I'm really sorry if it's too much info. I hope I'll get you all as interested into this story that I'm excited to write it!

(as alwasy I'm relying on @/papaue00 for this gorgeous Arthur's pic)

tag list: @sadieadlersnecktie @cloudywithachanceofcrisis, @redwritr, @stottlemorgan, @arthurmorganist (please let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!)

[biibini]

you got me so soaked ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

can mizu handle all that?

tags: modern!mizu x f!reader, reader tries on lingerie, mdni pls, 18+, no plot just suggestive p0rn, reader got that body tea (bc ur body tea! i’m not kidding ik yall r baddies), foreplay, lacy lingerie, begging, pathetic, reader lowk dom, down bad mizu, smut smut and more smut, mizu nation rise up!

a/n: happy valentines day <3 some of the narration is influenced by gossip girl… i’ve been binging it and i’m now on s4 :P

Welcome to… Can Mizu Handle That? With your host, me aka bini!

Today, let’s test Mizu’s abilities in handling all of that, aka you in lingerie!

-ˏˋ⋆ Let the games begin! ⋆ˊˎ-

Behind curtain #1 is the first set: a sheer maroon red babydoll top with a big, black bow holding up the dress in the middle. the fabric flows out from the bow, revealing the lower parts of your stomach, teasing the rest behind the thin fabric. a simple lacy black pantie with a small, matching maroon red bow in the middle is paired with the top. your sheer thigh highs match the set, with black lace trim barely touching your panties, as if the whole set flowed down.

Let’s open curtain #1–

Oh dear.

It appears the sweet girl melted at the sight of you.

Mizu eyes slowly make their way down, her body stepping closer to yours. Her lightly calloused hands outline your figure. You feel the warmth of her palms burning past the thin fabric. Her grasp tightens right above your hips. Her lips find themselves against yours, slowly making their way down to your collarbones, leaving a pathway of deep, maroon marks to match your top.

Taken aback by her grasp, you try to pull away, attempting to gain control of the her hypnotization. But instead, she pulls you closer, leaving minimal space for you to escape her grasp.

The black ribbon in front of her teased her, letting her know that behind the black satin was your skin, soft and malleable.

Mizu gently tugs on the black ribbon, letting the ribbon loosen. She watched like a hawk as the babydoll top loosened against your figure. She was one step away from ripping the fabric apart.

It’s not like its made of steel.

“May I? Please?”, she quietly asked, holding back every bit of her that wished to ravish you all night.

Oh Mizu, little did you know there’s more to come…

We now have curtain #2 showcasing our second set: A purple lace set, mimicking a butterfly’s wings, matching with a luxurious sheer robe with a purple feather trim. The lace pattern reminds you of a rose garden, a repeated pattern of flower. The cut of your panties may start high waisted. But, a few holes provide easy access. Technically, you’re covered up, but one bend over reveals everything.

Be careful of the sweet honey you drop, reader. Mizu’s coming for the nectar.

Mizu spins you around, her jaw in awe of the beauty in front of her. She can’t help but pull the delicate robe off of you. Disrobing you at such an egregiously slow yet satisfying pace was a service she could barely handle.

Her hands reach out to feel the lacy bra barrier between her and your bare skin. In front of her laid a small hook, carefully hidden away from plain sight.

Did I not mention earlier that the hook is placed at the front?

Oops…

Your breath hitches as Mizu unhooks the bra. The warmth of her breath drives you crazy, feeling the heat from a few inches away. You hear your heart beat of your drum thumping loudly in your ear, anticipating what Mizu’s next move was.

You hear her curse under her breath.

“Fuck…”

All you could do was smile at her reaction, knowing more to what meets the eye.

“You like this one?”, you tease, guiding her hands down your figure, cupping her hand to the shape of your chest.

Mizu hummed in delight, taking in every curve and dip of your body. She can never resist you.

You sit her down at the edge of the bed (surprise! we always come prepared at this show) and positioned yourself in front of her. Typically, the roles would be reversed as she would be the one to cater to your every wish. But this set brought out a bolder, confident side of you.

Maybe it was the robe that did it…

As her hands continued to follow your guidance, you pulled her left hand closer to your unguarded entrance, circling around the lace edge. You feel Mizu’s fingers tremble beneath you, coated from your dripping liquid. Before she can go any further, you pull her hand away to take a step back.

Her flushed face spoke many words that could be later whispered into the night. It isn’t long before she falls on her knees, working her way up, kisses planted up your inner thighs. You widen your legs, allowing her to get closer to your aching entrance.

Does she wish to eat you out? Yes.

Do we have time for that today? Unfortunately, no.

Off to the next one!

Behind curtain #3 is an angelic two-piece: a lacy white bra held by two pink ribbons paired with short white bloomers to match. The kicker was a lacy garter belt by your left thigh with a small pink bow at the front. Alongside the garter were white sheer knee high lace socks with a simple ruffled trim. Altogether, the set made you look soft, romantic, almost fragile.

Mizu definitely didn’t wish to ruin this one. She wishes to worship every piece that touched your body.

You watch her eyes linger at your figure, amazed at the spectacle in front of her. She wonders how she got so lucky.

Mizu’s hands reach out. However, they hover right above your waist, hesitating to connect with your body. You look into those deep ocean eyes of hers, now deep in concentration.

Be careful Mizu. Something so alluring and angelic can have a devilish plan up their sleeve.

“Honey, it’s okay”, you pleasantly reassure, pulling her hands to your waist.

Her hands followed suit as you let go. She starts to gently caress you, keeping in mind the soft fabric between her palm and your skin. From your breasts to following down your spine, she pulls you close for a soft longing kiss.

You wrap your arms around her neck, guiding you two towards the bed. Before you can sit down, Mizu whispers in your ear.

“Let me hold you close.”

Before you know it, her arms hook under your legs. To her, carrying you is the easiest thing in the world. Her lips interlock with yours, soft yet so needy at the same time. She holds you upright as she crawls onto the bed, laying you down gently. As she crawls on top of you, you push her off, reclaiming a bit of dominance.

“I need you to…” you breathily say, coming up for air.

Mizu leans back with her mouth slightly agape, listening to whatever came out of your mouth. (a/n: blah blah blah proper name place name backstory stuff).

“To?”

You place your right leg in front of Mizu, hinting at the knee high socks.

“To take these off of me… Please…”

Mizu sat down in front of you, pulling your hips closer to her. Her hands reached to the edge of your right sock, dragging the thin fabric down to reveal the rest of your leg. The heat from the palms of her hands warmed you up. Her hands couldn’t help but grasp a little, especially when tugging it off.

“Be gentle!”, you tease, a light-heartedness found in your voice.

She smiled in response before kissing down your right leg, making you breathily moan.

Mizu then moved onto your left leg, noticing the garter belt by your thigh. Her hands trickle upwards, your breath hitching from the pleasure.

“And this too?”, she questioned in a sweet tone, looking up at you.

You nod in response, meeting her gaze. Before noticing the blush on her cheeks, she looks down at the decoration, carefully loosening the tie of the pink ribbon. With a delicate hand, she unties the garter and places it next to you, leaving a kiss on your thigh. She continues her work below, stripping away the other sock. You feel every kisses on the trail she left behind, from your thigh to your ankle.

You come back close to her, lifting her face to meet yours. You find her eyes gazing back at yours, filled with need.

Dare I say, almost pathetic.

With your thumb, you gently caress her flushed cheek, reassuring her work was done.

“Good job baby.”, you praise, planting a kiss on her lips once again.

You would think she would stay obedient for her gorgeous girlfriend.

It’s bold of you to assume such.

It didn’t take long for Mizu to pounce over you, feeling up every curve of your body. Her lips found their way down your neck, leaving wet kisses by the nape. You moan into her ear every time she nibbled at the sensitive skin.

Her hands reached up and down, pulling on the pink ribbons to loosen the bra, freeing your breasts. You feel her cup them, squeezing the soft mounds with little restraint.

“Is this a good job too, princess?”

Mizu quickly places her mouth on your boob, sucking at the soft skin, making you yelp out a “yes” in response.

“Good.”

Maybe I should’ve warned you first… Oops!

Final consensus:

-ˏˋ⋆ Mizu really can handle all that! ⋆ˊˎ-

[vibewithma]

No notification

Sinners Modern!Au

Preacher boy/Sammie x Black Church Girl!Reader

A/N: Clearing up some old drafts🥱 are y’all watching Love Island USA? CAUSE I GOT A LOT TO SAY

When you finally creep back into the house, it’s damn near three in the morning. The rain’s stopped, but your hair’s damp, your lips swollen and your whole body still buzzing with Sammie’s hands, mouth, voice. You’re sure you’re floating.

But soon as you crack your bedroom door open, you’re snatched right back to earth.

Because there, smack in the middle of your bed, is Dawn.

In her faded pink mumu dress, bonnet slightly askew, looking like she’s been posted up thinking deep generational thoughts. Eyes wide, hands folded on her stomach.

You jump, hand flying to your chest. “Girl! You scared me. Why you in here like a lil ghost?”

Dawn squints at you, then sits up slow. “Why you just getting home at three in the morning?”

You ignore that, dropping your purse on the floor. “What’s wrong with you? You look like you been sittin’ with the ancestors.”

She sighs, pats the bed. “Come here.”

You hang your jacket over your stool and crawl in beside her, pulling your knees up. “Alright. Spill. What happened?”

Dawn takes a deep breath. “So… after I left that lil salon? Stack was outside. We talked. It was cool, he was real regular. But then, this woman walked up. With a baby on her hip. Told Stack straight up that’s his child, handed the baby over, then walked off.”

Your eyes snap wide. “What?!”

“Yup.” Dawn flops back on the pillow, staring at the ceiling like it’s got answers. “And he went after her. Left me standin’ there lookin’ dumb. Now I’m over here thinkin’… maybe all them rumors Chris was talkin’ ‘bout? True.”

You bite your lip. You did tell her. But that’s your sister, so instead you rub her shoulder. “Aw, Dawn… I’m sorry, baby. That’s rough. Come on, don’t let it eat you up. It ain’t a reflection on you it’s him. And look, if you wanna stay in here tonight, you can. I don’t mind.”

She nods quickly, sniffling once. “Thank you. I didn’t wanna be by myself.”

So you both shift under the blanket, settling in shoulder to shoulder. It’s quiet for a minute. Then Dawn peeks over at you, eyes narrowing.

“…Where you been, anyway?”

You bust out laughing, face hot. “Oh my days. Okay, okay. Sammie called me after my shower, said he wanted to see me. I told him it was late, he didn’t care. Pulled up on me ten minutes later.”

Dawn sits up on her elbow, instantly nosy. “And??”

You bite your lip, then grin. “He took me to the beach. Had a whole lil picnic set up. We danced… then it started raining so we went in his car.”

“Cute.” Dawn wiggles her brows. “What happened in the car?”

You hide your face in the pillow. “Dawn…”

“Girl! Tell me!”

“…Okay. We were kissing. And then I kinda got in his lap. Started grinding on him.”

Dawn squeals and smacks your arm. “Y/N! I’m so proud of you! Did you do the lil one and two things I showed you? You know the talking, the switching up how you kiss, all that?”

You groan, covering your face. “Yes! I did. And he was losing his mind. Said he wanted to stay like that forever.”

Dawn kicks her feet, giddy. “I trained you well! Look at my Church Girl out here actin’ up.”

“Stop callin’ me that. That’s Sammie’s line,” you mumble, but you’re smiling hard.

Dawn wiggles closer, wrapping an arm around your waist. “I’m really happy for you, Y/N. For real. Even if Stack turn out to be a mess, at least one of us got a man who’s sprung.”

You snuggle closer, pressing your forehead to hers. “You gon’ be alright, Dawn. I promise. Now shut up so we can sleep.”

“Fine… but tomorrow, I want every detail again.”

“Deal.”

And with that, you both drift off, giggling like kids, the best kind of safe.

It’s already Sunday and the air outside the church is thick with summer heat and the sweet scent of someone’s peach cobbler drifting from the fellowship hall. Folks fan themselves on the front steps, catching up on gossip before service. You stand there too, trying to listen to Dawn chatter about some girl’s awful hat, but your mind is far, far away.

Because Sammie’s not here.

He always comes, even if he slips in late, head ducked, giving you that crooked grin like he’s got a secret just for you. But today? Nowhere.

You keep glancing back at the lot, hoping to see that his car roll in. But there’s nothing but old Buicks and deacons’ Chevys.

And it stings.

Because it’s not just that he’s not here, it’s that he hasn’t texted you.

Not once.

Not since that night.

That night in his car when your hands were in his curls and his hands were everywhere, warm and needy, making you forget your own name.

You thought it meant something.

Thought he’d at least send a “you good?” or a “last night was crazy, huh?”

But you’ve got nothing.

So when you sit down in your usual pew, your heart is heavy. Every hymn sounds like it’s about you, every scripture feels like a low blow. When the Pastor Moore says, “Be careful giving your heart to someone who only wants your body,” your throat tightens up so bad you can barely swallow.

You peek over at Dawn, hoping she didn’t notice the way you flinched. But of course she did. She squeezes your hand.

“Still nothing from him?” she whispers.

You just shake your head, eyes glued to the pulpit.

“Girl… you don’t think he just wanted…” She trails off, but you know what she means.

“That’s exactly what I been thinking,” you murmur, voice cracking despite how hard you try to keep it steady. “That he just wanted to… you know. Get me like that. And now he’s done.”

Dawn frowns, squeezing your hand tighter. “Y/N, no. He don’t seem like that. He always looking at you like you’re a blessing he don’t deserve.”

You let out a hollow little laugh. “Yeah, well. Guess I was wrong. Should’ve listened to my own sermons about temptation, huh?”

Dawn bumps your shoulder. “Stop. Don’t do that. You’re allowed to want somebody. And it didn’t seem one-sided to me.”

Still, you can’t shake it. Not through the rest of service, not through the old lady hugs on the way out.

Because your phone stays quiet.

No call.

No text.

No Sammie.

And for the first time, you really wonder if he ever wanted more than just the feel of you in his lap and your mouth on his.

If maybe you were just a warm, pretty thing to make him forget his troubles for a night and now he’s moved on.

And that thought sits in your chest like a stone, heavy and cold, all the way home.

The sun is starting to dip low, painting the sky with streaks of lavender and fire, and the neon sign above the door to the Juke Joint finally hums to life.

Tonight’s the night.

Opening night.

Inside, the club is alive with anticipation bass checks rumble through the floor, lights swirl lazily overhead. People are already milling around outside, waiting for the doors to open. Smoke stands by the DJ booth adjusting wires, Stack is checking the bar inventory, and Sammie? He’s pacing.

He runs a hand through his curls, eyes darting to the entrance every few seconds.

“Boy, you look like somebody’s nervous groom,” Stack teases, wiping his hands on a bar rag.

“Man, shut up,” Sammie mutters, even though a smirk tugs at his lips.

Then the door swings open again and in comes Cornbread, the mountain of a man who serves as their bouncer, fresh from talking to the crowd outside.

“Yo,” Cornbread rumbles, voice low and gravelly. “Y’all got a line out there. They ready. I told ‘em we open in fifteen.”

“Bet,” Smoke nods, adjusting his chain. “Keep it tight, you know how Clarksdale get.”

Cornbread just gives a solemn nod, then disappears back outside.

Meanwhile behind the bar, Annie is wiping down glasses, her thick curls piled on top of her head. She looks tired, like she’d rather be anywhere else, but when Sammie catches her eye she gives him a small smile.

“You owe me for this, you know that right?” she calls over, only half joking.

Sammie laughs, walking over to lean against the bar. “Yeah, yeah. I appreciate you, though. Couldn’t think of nobody else I’d trust on that side of the counter.”

Annie sighs. “Don’t butter me up, Preacher Boy. Just tip me good.”

Stack slides over, snatching a lemon wedge off the bar. “You know he will. Man got a whole church girl on his mind these days, trying to live righteous or whatever.”

Sammie rolls his eyes. “Bruh, shut—”

But just then the door swings open again and in walks Mary.

She’s dressed in a tight little dress that hugs her hips, brown hair cascading down her shoulders. You wouldn’t immediately peg her as someone with Black roots the only clue is the slight curl in her baby hairs.

“Look who the devil dragged in,” Stack mutters under his breath, jaw tightening.

Mary’s eyes land on him immediately. They’re sharp, a little playful, but underneath you can see old wounds.

“Well ain’t this nice,” she purrs, sauntering up to the bar. “Your little place finally opened. You gonna buy me a drink to celebrate, Eli?”

Stack gives her a look like he’s been chewing lemons. “Nah. But you welcome to buy your own.”

Mary laughs, all throaty and mean. “I hear you, Eli. But the next time you want ne to come over remember this day.”

Smoke just snickers from where he’s perched on a stool, lighting a cigarette. “Damn. Y’all need therapy.”

Sammie, meanwhile, just shakes his head and tries to keep his mind off of you. But it’s hard especially when Mary throws him a sly wink.

“Hey, Preacher Boy. Tell your cousin here to stop acting like he didn’t cry over me.”

Stack practically growls, turning away, and Sammie just lifts his hands. “Don’t pull me into this mess. I got my own stress tonight.”

Mary leans over the bar, close enough for her perfume to hit Sammie in the face. “Where’s your little church girl at tonight? Heard you finally found someone sweet to ruin.”

Sammie stiffens, eyes going cold. “Watch your mouth, Mary.”

“Ooooh, touched a nerve.” She laughs again, then slides off to find another victim, hips swaying like she knows every pair of eyes is on her.

Annie shakes her head. “Lord, I see why your mama prayed so hard over this club.”

Stack just grunts, turning back to inventory. Smoke blows out a puff of smoke and chuckles.

And Sammie? He leans back against the bar, staring at the door, praying you walk through it. Because tonight was supposed to be perfect music, lights, new beginnings.

But all he can think about is how he messed up not calling you back.

And how maybe, just maybe, he’s gotta fix that before this place really feels like something worth celebrating.

Taglist:

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[softweb-solutions]

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Originally published at www.softwebsolutions.com on July 2023.

[nanamiskentos]

r/AsksReddit | Help! I think I accidentally summoned the King of Curses ! ⌦ part one of ?

💬 hi reddit, i know this sounds fake but i swear on my life it's true. i was just messing around with this prank book my friends got me last christmas and it had some 'ancient' summoning spells in it. i didn't even think it would work but there's a 7ft demon looking guy sitting on my couch and i don't know how to get rid of him.

Sorry, this post has been removed by moderators of r/AsksReddit. MOD: Please ask real and serious questions, thank you.

💬 update! the mods removed my post but i'm genuinely telling the truth here. anyway, it turns out that by summoning him, i think i bound us together for eternity. sukuna (that's his name) isn't that bad and he's kinda like a big, lazy cat.

u/9to5exorcist : Ryomen Sukuna? Are you quite sure? u/tenshadowsanimalcrossing : You're joking, no way u summoned sukuna lmfao. u/you : not joking! i took him grocery shopping today! u/SixEyesSensei : dm me asap!!!! please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

inspired by @kasukuna and the most amazing dumbass boyfriend!sukuna fics 🤎

absolutely refuses to use your furniture properly. sukuna insults your apartment for at least 2 whole days and calls it a sad, little domain. he has no idea what paying rent is like in this economy. lounges across the couch with all four arms spread, sits on the kitchen counters, and insists on rearranging your entire living room spread so he can move around it easier.

now you're constantly sleep deprived by having this deadbeat, massive behemoth of an awful flatmate. sukuna keeps telling you that he's a medieval sorcerer, someone who flattened entire clans and mountains but it's hard to take him seriously when he keeps hitting his head on your low ceilings. he's always so loud around the apartment, complaining about how boring it is for him to be stuck and bound to you forever. if you're a university student or just someone who's employed, he thinks he's being helpful by offering to curse your professors/employees.

you have to beg him to get some real clothes. you're slowly getting used to the anatomically strange sight of a 7ft man with four arms, but you know that others are going to call the police. he's usually wondering around your apartment and loitering in his loose, wide pants. nothing else, not even a shirt. occasionally sukuna will drape a cloak around his torso but you have to basically wrestle a baggy shirt over his head. and he bites you, at least thrice.

refuses to help clean, and claims he's very much above menial labour. one day, you threaten to leave sukuna hungry if he doesn't contribute for at least five minutes. he begrudgingly starts picking up after himself, but not before bestowing you with the ugliest death threats of all time.

sukuna is the very definition of a lazy freeloader. well, you told him to be useful and get a job, but then the idea of him causing more problems and insurance paperwork later made you break out in a cold sweat. so he usually spends his hours just loitering around your apartment, and draining your resources. never puts dishes in the sink and still doesn't grasp the concept of a fridge so he's always leaving the door open.

but he is very curious about modern day life. seems like the world has really moved ahead in the one thousand years that sukuna hasn't walked the earth. asks a million questions about wifi, the internet, a phone, streaming services and so on. he will be the last to admit it but he loves trashy reality television, and he enjoys watching 'pathetic humans squabbling over pathetic things'. has an ugly, evil-ass laugh that wakes up your neighbours at 3am.

after weeks of being cooped up in your apartment, he starts complaining. loudly. stomping around and getting even nastier, to the point where you have to give in. he tells you that he is no house pet, and if you don't let him outside, he will go anyway and have his own fun. god help you, sukuna's idea of fun in the big city will involve blood and destruction so you relent and prep him with a million rules that he ignores.

has a beef with a bunch of birds that sit outside your apartment every morning. definitely the type of weirdo that glares back at birds and throws rocks at them. backfired, because the entire swarm started flocking around him. but you did promise him that you'd let him go outside, so you decide to start with somewhere easy. grocery shopping.

already impressed with the idea of grocery shopping and parking lots. has no clue why humans would cram their 'carriages' in one place, and has no concept of traffic laws. you try patiently explaining that these cars weigh tonnes of metal and they can really injure a person. sukuna's pretty confident that no car could ever even scratch him. cue the big delivery truck that almost runs him down.

completely fascinated by sliding doors. it's already embarrassing enough being outside with a loud, rude tank with pink hair and tattoos. but now he's holding up gruntled customers trying to figure out what enchantment allows glass to move so smoothly on its own. keeps stepping back and forth in front of them to watch them open and close. almost breaks them with the strength of just one cracked fingers before you plead with him to keep moving.

sukuna encounters an escalator for the first time and refuses to step on it, and vows to bash in the head of the little kid who gave him a big side eye. after five minutes of arguing, he finally steps onto the moving belt and almost tilts off-balance, but he's got a tattooed hand practically gripping the side for dear life.

literally the biggest hater when he's inside properly. makes snarky remarks about how this flashy bazaar can't possibly be for real merchants who respect the trade. you try to show him the different types of stores, but he's more interested in people watching. loud people-watching. you almost go home when sukuna asks another man why he's swallowing wet balls. hint: it was an innocent guy having bubble tea.

entirely interested in new fruits and vegetables that he's never seen before. but he'll pretend he doesn't give a flying fuck. has taken a deep liking to tomatoes, and comments that these delicious, tasty red globes were not around during his era. sukuna thinks colourful cereal boxes are the worst things to ever happen to mankind, and you fear that you gave him too much internet access when he sneers at you for picking up a box of froot loops - suddenly muttering things about artificial and fake foods with fake flavours.

baffled by the concept of frozen food, and wonders what sort of jujutsu keeps the meat cold and fresh? practically wide-eyed when he reaches the butcher's stand until you tell him that 'no, sukuna. you can't buy steak and eat it raw here. we have to get home and cook it.' he's just happy to see the deli. he opens the freezer and fridge doors for too long and lets all the cold out.

he has no concept of modern money or a credit card. insists that there is no need to trade for these goods, and he can just take what he wants. you believe him but you're trying to avoid the mall police, but he just stands behind with his arms crossed, while you sigh and take out your credit card to pay at the self checkout.

sukuna refuses to sit still at the food court, and towers over the poor workers. demands to know how the food is made, "is it poisoned? who are your chefs?" the poor teenager working the kebab store has to call the manager to get this fiend of a man to back off. he's able to polish off a doner kebab in two, nasty bites. refuses to carry any of your shopping bags and claims that he's not a mule. you remind him that he put in five tubs of ice creams and two watermelons, and he begrudgingly slings the lightest bag over his shoulder and leaves you to haul the rest up.

but who knew the key to keeping your local king of curses happy was to just simply take him out for a walk? sukuna seems more energised (while you feel like death warmed over) and he's already tearing open a bag of your favourite crisps, insisting that next time he will be able to conquer this 'shopping centre' properly and rule it with ease.