#and he pointed something out that i kind of intuitively knew but didn't want to acknowledge

[irhabiya]

there's so much about the way the medical field operates that i hate, from medical school to actual medical practice. so much of it just encourages these passionless, soulless practitioners who never had their hearts set on helping people in the first place and that translates in their work and affects real human lives

[billthedrake]

LINEAGE (PART FOUR)

Braden always teased me for how much Junior took after me, but it wasn't when my son was pregnant with our second child that I fully realized the bond that was developing between me and Junior.

A lot of it was the stretch in which Brade was too tired for the usual games of catch or even his normal parenting stuff. Seven months and starting to really show, my son had to take breaks and lie down in the bedroom. I brought Bill Jr into the chores like it was a game. "Daddy does so much work around the house... why don't we help him out for a change, buddy?"

Junior's face beamed in happiness. He didn't like doing chores, but he liked time with his dads. "Sure thing Dad. Daddy's OK, isn't he?"

I ruffled his hair. "He's OK. Just tired."

"I get tired, too," Junior said in all earnestness. Damn, to have that innocence of a 5 year old.

We told Junior he'd be having a little brother, soon. That the newborn might get extra attention at first, but we loved him in a special way and that wouldn't change.

***

It was one Sunday, and as I watched golf on TV, I felt wistful, because it was normally Brade's day. But he was taking a nap. Selfishly, I missed the hot pregnancy sex Brade and I had before Bill Jr. was born, but now my son-husband usually wasn't in the mood. I'd stroked off in the shower so I'd taken care of my physical needs, but I missed the emotional connection of sex.

"Hey Dad." God, it was Junior. I thought he'd been playing a computer game, but now he seemed eager for my company. I'd learned to read the kid's moods pretty well by now, in a more intuitive way than I'd ever felt when raising Braden.

"Hey kiddo," I smiled, moving my feet off the couch and sitting up in a more proper way. "Wanna go out and play catch?" I asked. "I'm not as good as your Daddy, but you can make me run for the long ones."

Junior shook his head and laughed. "No, sir.... I was wondering if I could watch golf with you."

Talk about surprise. "You sure that's not boring for you?"

Junior sat on the couch, eager to show off his enthusiasm. "I enjoy it, Dad. You seem to get into it." I almost laughed to think of the contrast with Brade, who teased me for the years watching golf alone in the living room.

"Well, sure... have a seat, kiddo..." I patted the couch next to me.

He seemed happy to be joining, like he was privy to some adult thing he wasn't allowed to do. I honestly thought he'd start squirming or sighing in boredom after a while, but he watched the tournament with attention.

"Who are you rooting for, Dad?" he asked at one point.

The kid was pretty curious, I'll give him that. I tried to think of a way to explain that was honest and clear but didn't dumb it down. "It's not like other sports, at least not for me. I kind of root for the guy who's playing the best, the one who's having a great day on the course."

"Oh," Junior said, not getting it but trying to.

I patted his shoulder. "Golf's about finding your best game within you." I could imagine Brade's eyeballs rolling.

We watched for a while longer. It was getting late in the afternoon. I worried about Brade and would need to check on him soon, but he just needed his rest, I knew. And I was enjoying this bonding moment with Junior. As a dad you crave times like this.

Braden and I had a division of labor. He was the stay at home dad and did more of the playtime bonding and day-to-day stuff with our son. I was the disciplinarian. Braden and I decided it would be better to have clear authority so our kids wouldn't play one of us off the other.

My other responsibility was to have the harder father-son talks. It was too early for the birds and the bees talk with Junior, but I knew I had to have a series of discussions about his parents. And I wanted to take advantage of the closeness Junior and I were feeling now.

"Buddy..." I stared, muting the TV. "Can I talk to you about something?"

Junior looked at me. Trusting. Open. "Sure, Dad."

I sighed but tried to keep like I was bringing up anything difficult. "You know how we've talked about privacy before."

He nodded, like he proud he'd learned his lesson from school. "Oh yeah, I know if your and Daddy's door is shut, I gotta knock." That had been a previous talk.

"Um, yes, buddy, like that," I said. "But you're getting to be a big boy now and you probably know that your Daddy and I are not a conventional couple."

"Is it because I have two daddies? Because Bobby has two daddies too."

"Does he?" I asked in mock surprise. "I guess that is more common." I continued. "But your Daddy and I are different than a lot of those families. See... your daddy is my son. Just like you are."

"I know, Dad," Junior said. "He calls you Dad sometimes."

We'd never fully hidden it, but now that Junior was entering kindergarten he needed to be aware. Careful.

"A lot of people don't understand that, kiddo."

"Why not?" Junior asked. I was glad he didn't seem to respond to any sense of impropriety.

I shrugged. "It's just how it is. Your daddy and I have a very special bond, a special love. And we love you very much. That's all that matters."

Junior seemed OK with that answer. But he seemed to be thinking over this talk. "Is that why you say you're my grandad when you pick me up sometimes?"

I nodded. "I am your granddad, too, Junior. And your father. It's complicated."

He smiled. "I don't mind, Dad. It's kind of cool. Like I'm special."

"You are special," I smiled, ruffling his hair. "You just can't talk about it with anyone. Not your friends or your teachers or anyone who's not family, hear?" I was combining my loving-dad and disciplinarian.

"Yes, sir," Junior responded.

I gave an encouraging smile. "So, buddy... what do you say you help me whip up some dinner? I think Daddy needs his nap today."

****

The next day might as well have been a different month. The alarm went off early, real early, and I felt Braden's warm body snuggle against mine. He was completely naked, and just the feel of his pregnant build against my arm and hip and leg was enough to wake me up, fast.

"Um, what time is it?" I asked in a morning voice. It was pitch black out.

Braden was still not fully awake, even as he was initiating sex. "I thought maybe you could come home early today, Dad... it's been a while."

I grunted an assent and turned to kiss Brade. Sure we'd given each other a good night or good morning peck of a kiss, as husbands, but I missed kissing him deeper. I could tell he's missed his too. His free hand was all over my body, my chest, my abs, my briefs-covered cock as we made out.

Over the last year, we'd gotten into a good rhythm of married sex. I'd worked out a flex schedule, where I'd go into the office real early a few days a week so I could get home while Junior was still at preschool. This gave us time for longer sessions in addition to the quickies we could sneak in.

That rhythm had been disrupted by the tough pregnancy Brade was enduring this time around, but I was more than happy to pick things back up.

Particularly now that my hunky son-husband was turning away from me and turning on the bed lamp. I could see his strong ex-footballer, ex-Marine build. Brade's a few inches shorter than me, which makes his brawn stand out even more. Even with pregnancy, he kept up at the gym, and I could see the strong lats and broad back and that muscle ass. Best of all that eight-month preg gut made visible love handle-like swells along his waist.

I knew how to read my son's body language and the silent way he could communicate his needs in the bedroom. I slipped down my underwear and then reached over to fumble for the lube in the nightstand. It had been nearly two months.

"Think Junior's asleep?" I heard Brade ask.

I slicked up my boner. "Like a rock," I said. It was about 5 AM, and if Bill Jr. took after me in a lot of ways, he was gonna be like his Daddy when it came to not being a morning person.

"I want us to talk, Dad," Brade said. "If that's OK."

My dick was rock hard and I turned toward Braden's strong body and scooted up toward him. "You want an incest fuck, son?" I said. We often had to put the kibosh on verbal sex when our son was in the house. Even with a closed door, you never know.

"Mmm hmmm," came the reply. Brade pushed back against me, savoring the feel of my big father cock in his ass cleft. My son was in heat, pregnancy hormones kicking in.

My own hormones were doing their work, and I felt my heart beat fast. I placed my hand on his belly. Big and round, I loved the way Brade's pregnancy gut was hard and soft at the same time.

"How's my grandson doing in there?" I growled.

"He's gonna be a strong, healthy one, Dad."

"It's because he's an incest kid, Brade. Made by a father and son."

"I love my father's cock," Braden hissed, lust in his voice. "Love that you knocked me up, sir."

I pushed into his ring. Slowly, because it had been months.

"I can feel that breeder cock, Dad."

"Your father's cock."

"Yessir... took my cherry. The night before Basic." Brade's insides were opening up for me now. It was like riding a bike for him I suppose. Or maybe he was reliving that deflowering in his head.

"Sent you off with your own father's cum inside you."

"Hell yes.... I wish I hadn't been on the pill then."

My dick surged inside Braden. I kissed along his neck and rubbed his stomach. "You wanted to get pregged on your first fuck, Sport?"

"You could have done it, too. Potent dad cock working me open."

I was now pushing all the way inside. My son's insides were hot and tight and alive. I missed this but the best part was that Braden had clearly missed this, too. He bucked back against me.

"Unprotected dad cock," I hissed.

"You lectured me so much, Dad," Braden hissed. "But I wish you'd just taken me raw and put your kid in me. At eighteen"

"Damnit, Brade," I said in a tone that was only annoyed by how much that turned me on. "I never told you, Son," I said. "But I made you the night I lost my virginity."

That gave Braden a pause. "For real?" He couldn't tell if this was just sex talk.

I fucked faster, holding onto this big bulk. Fucking a very pregnant Brade was one of the hottest things, almost as hot as knocking him up on the first place. "For real, Son. I fucked your mother the first time out, and all of a sudden I was a teen dad."

"God, Dad," he hissed. I could tell he was trying not to get too loud. I love Braden, but my son can be a screamer in bed. "That's so fucking hot."

I don't tend to be loud in sex, but I was getting worked up myself. "I'm thinking of that moment now... when I made you...." I slowed my thrust to be deep and purposive. "When I made Junior...."

"Fuck!" Braden hissed. His hand left his cock to grip the top of my own hand that was on his big belly, coaxing me to rub it all over.

"When I made Evan," I growled, kissing Braden's neck. For me it was all coming together, the sexual power of fatherhood, of breeding.

I could sense Braden's back muscles tense. Now that I'd slowed my thrusts, going for power rather than speed, he was bucking back against my dong again. Hungry for it. "Just like you're gonna make our next son... and the one after that."

"Oh god..." I hissed. I'd tried to make this mating last, but I was getting closer to orgasm.

"After Evan..." my son muttered, trying to keep his bedroom voice down. "I don't wanna wait for the next..."

"Yeah?" We'd talk about this seriously, later, but my sex addled brain was entertaining the idea.

"Yessir... I want you to bring my home from the hospital and bend me over and rough fuck me right then..."

It was wild and a total Brade thing to say.

I was cumming inside my eldest boy, hard.

I felt my pregnant husband squirm on my spurting dick, and only after a few seconds did I realize Braden was orgasming hands free.

We came down and caught our breath and I held my hunky son's big body from behind.

"I love you, Dad," Braden finally said.

"God, Braden, I don't think I could love you any more."

He nodded in a way that said he loved hearing that. "Dad... I'm proud of how you've stepped up with Junior."

I rubbed his furry preg belly and just savored the warmth and heat of his back against my chest. I was still firm and buried inside him though slowly softening. "You do the work, buddy." It was easy to take for granted what Brade did as a stay at home dad, but I knew he was incredible and hard working at it.

"I mean, emotionally... it takes a real man to grow... it feels weird saying that."

I chuckled. "Weird.. why?"

"Cause you're my dad," my husband said. "Like, I can't imagine any other sons talking to their fathers like this."

"We're husbands, too, Brade. Partners, equals."

"Parents."

"Fuck yes," I hissed, kissing his neck softly.

Finally my dick plopped free and Braden turned around to kiss me. He was still hard and I could feel the tip of his prick against my leg.

"Can I let you in on a secret, Dad?"

"Of course." I figured Braden and I had few if any secrets between each other at this point.

"The equal idea... what you just said... I love that, sir..." he started. "But I also love that you're always gonna be older and wiser and the man I looked up to from my childhood."

"Brade," I said, emotional and getting hard at the same time.

"It's true dad," he said, snuggling up to me, and reaching down to feel my prick. "Just the idea that you've knocked me up twice and are going to do it again..." He didn't finish his thought. We were too busy making out once more.

"We doing round two, Sport?" I asked, running my hands along his side.

Braden shook his head. "Save it for later, OK?"

I forced myself to pull myself from his embrace and slip out of the bed. "In that case, I better get ready." I stood by the bed and got one more good look at Braden's amazing physicality as his eyes stared at my rigid dad cock sticking straight out.

***

Maybe it was getting laid, maybe it was just seeing Braden get his energy back, but I was in a great mood all day. I did miss the time driving Junior to kindergarten, which I'd been doing lately, but I'd make sure to catch up with my son and play with him in the evening, after dinner.

I had a busy work day but threw my head into it and focused and banged out a lot efficiently. By 1:30 I was texting Brade to let him know I was leaving the office.

"Hot damn... we get a nice long session then," came the reply.

When I got home, I had a good idea where I'd find my son, back in the master bedroom, half naked or fully nude.

But as I pushed open the door I was thrilled with the obscenely hot sight. My ex-Marine son was naked on the bed, an extra sheet on top of the mattess. He was watching some intergenerational porn but not really jacking off, more just letting his hard dick ride up against his pregnancy swell. Best part was his normally hairy torso was shaved smooth and looked shiny.

"Jesus, son," I'd hiss as I unknotted my tie and kicked off my dress shoes. "Looks like Evan is ready to pop out any minute." I was exaggerating, since the due date was still a few weeks away. But Brade and I knew how to go into the fantasy and push each other's buttons.

My son just smiled and lay back into the pillows, spreading his legs. "You gonna induce labor with that big dad dick of yours?"

I felt my throat go tight. "I never know how far is too far to go with you, son."

Braden smiled. "Physically or verbally?"

"Verbally," I said, stripping off my suit jacket and undoing my belt. I was rock hard, just like I hadn't gotten off that morning. I'm sure Brade could see my erection riding up the crotch of my trousers. "I know not to go rough when you're this far along, Sport."

"I know, sir," my son said softly. "I just like working you up."

I took a look at the TV screen. I had wider porn tastes than my son and in any case preferred to watch only when I had to stroke a quick load out without Braden. But my son was very focused on daddy-son pairings and roleplay stuff, and he liked when we watched it together. "One of your favorites," I said. I'd seen this video several times with Brade.

"Yes, sir," my son said. "I just wished there was mpreg porn... or real dad-son teams."

A thought came to me. "You ever feel like taking the Connors up on their offer?" Jeff Connors and his father Frank had become part of the incest social circle Braden and I had, along with the Fiedlers. It had taken a few months for Frank to get comfortable with it, but now he was the one dropping hints and finally an outright suggestion that it would be hot to have a dad-son foursome. For all their flirtiness, Todd and Adam Fiedler hadn't gone that far.

Braden's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah? I didn't think you'd go for that, Dad."

I unbuttoned my shirt. Normally, I'd be pouncing on Brade's naked, knocked up body, but I knew we had a solid hour and a half for sex that day, before I had to go pick up Junior.

"And you would?" I asked. I wasn't sure if this was going too far. Brade and I had talked about the possibility of playing with others but only in an idle way.

"Oh yeah"," he said. "I'd love for them to watch you fuck me."

"I think the polite term is 'making love,' Sport," I winked.

"Trust me, Dad, when it comes to incest... you make love and then there gets a certain point where you just fuck."

I now pulled down my trousers and briefs, showing Brade my paternal hardon. This ritual would never, ever get old. "Is that right, Son?"

Brade nodded, his brown eyes hungry. "You can be a total beast, Dad. I fuckin' love it."

I gently folded my trousers and peeled off my button down shirt. "I think Frank wants to make a play for you," I cautioned him.

Braden grinned. "Dad... you've been wanting to nail Jeff Connors since you met him."

I blushed. "Come on, Brade..."

He laughed. "I know your an incest man, Dad. But you're also a man. Men look. And fantasize. It's OK."

A had a bit of jealous streak but also a real curiosity about spicing up our sex life with a threesome or foursome. And as a dad-son couple it would have to be someone we trusted. I stepped up to the bed and ran my hand along Braden's leg, feeling the hairs and knotted calf muscle, then tracing my fingers higher.

I watched his cock jerk and his dimples form on his face. "Nice, sir.." He put his hands under his big eight month belly to frame it for my gaze. "We don't gotta, Dad... but I figure it would amplify the incest, being with another dad and son." My son nodded toward the night stand where a new bottle stood. "I got some massage oil. Why don't you put some more on me?"

I felt that crazy horniness as I did just that, smearing the oil all over that freshly shaved muscle, feeling up the full muscle tits and those strong arms. I oiled his legs, massaging the quads before I finally go to the big prize, that big round stomach. I added extra oil and admired the vision and feel of that large belly.

"Oh fuck, he's kicking," I growled. I could feel it.

"Our son, Dad," Braden said, excited. "Our second son."

I leaned forward and deep kissed Brade, feeling his own sexual excitement and emotion coming back to me. We made out for a good ten minutes, each of out touching each other as we got into it.

"Evan Braden Drake," I finally muttered into my son's lips.

"I love giving you that gift, Dad. A second grandson."

"Baby boy," I hissed. I now felt his fingers curl around my prick, which was dripping.

"Make love to me, Dad. Nice and slow... like that the night you took my cherry."

"Damn, buddy."

I did my best, but it was hard given Braden's size. But as he scooted to the bed's edge and I placed his calves on my shoulders, I entered him slowly, very slowly, lubed up from all that massage oil. It was a new thing. Not being the Beast, not going hard into him. Just seeing how gentle I could be with my son. That slow pump lasted ten minutes until like a tantric cum, Braden and I came at the same second.

I had to pull out to kiss him again. Lazily I rubbed his belly more, smearing sperm into the oil as we kissed.

"You better go pick up Junior," my son finally said. "I'll clean up." It was funny to see my son be the responsibly minded and practical one. Life throws surprised your way for sure.

"Yeah," I hissed before claiming one last kiss. I hopped in the shower and got dressed again.

Braden moved slower at 8 months, but he'd gotten up and was stripping the sheet. Still nude, he was a beautiful sight.

"OK if I reach out to Jeff?" I asked. I needed to check if the idea was as appealing post-nut.

Braden smiled. "Oh yeah. We can get a baby sitter for Junior. If you're cool with the idea, Dad."

"I think we should," I said. "I want to show us off... in the right circumstances." I looked at my watch. "Gotta go... " I stepped up for a last peck of a kiss.

I made good time getting to Junior's school and had a few minutes to wait. I texted Brade. "Love you so much, Sport." Then I pulled up Jeff Connors contact. He was the one who usually contacted me or Todd Fiedler, not his Dad. Plus, I had my own flirty dad-substitute vibe with him. "Hey man, Braden and I are open to your Dad's idea... if you guys are still game."

Junior was all smiles when he came out. He'd gotten a gold star on a drawing he'd done that day. I told him it was going on the fridge. "Feel like stopping for ice cream, kiddo?" I asked.

"Won't it spoil my dinner, Dad?" the kid asked.

"Probably," I admitted. "Don't tell your Daddy," I winked. I was in the mood to spoil my younger son a little.

***

It wasn't until Junior and I got home that I noticed a reply text from Jeff Connors. "Oh yeah! We'd love that."

"This weekend?" I asked. "Saturday? We can get a babysitter and come to your place."

A few seconds later. "Dad says ok. God, I can't fuckin' wait."

I smiled and slid my phone back in my pocket. I'd tell Braden later. For now, he was back in parent mode, asking Junior about his day. Time for me to enter parent mode, too.

[aphroditelovesu]

Yandere Akatsuki Headcanons (Platonic)

❝ — 🍥 lady l: something I thought about for a while and decided to do it now. I hope you like it and forgive me for any mistakes! ❤️🖤

❝tw: obsessive and possessive behavior, murder, mention of death, yandere themes, stalking and jealousy.

❝🍥pairing: platonic yandere!akatsuki x gender neutral!reader.

Becoming part of Akatsuki was an important decision and one you knew shouldn't be made lightly. They were wanted and dangerous criminals. Once you decided to join, there would be no going back.

You were not innocent, you had already killed and committed some minor crimes and you were a well-trained ninja. That's why you decided to join Akatsuki. You just didn't know that your life would turn out completely different than you initially thought it would.

Pain was a little wary of allowing you to join Akatsuki, as not only did you not have a little-known reputation but there was something about you that unnerved him. That attracts him. But he decided to agree, after talking to Konan.

That's how you joined the world's most wanted ninja, Akatsuki and became their obsession.

Pain is the leader of Akatsuki and has a god complex. He is serious and distant, rarely approaching other members except to give him missions or orders. However, when he is Nagato he is totally different. Kind and shy. You and Konan are the only people who really know him as Nagato.

Regardless of your identity, he is very protective of you. He sees you as something good, as one of the few remnants of goodness, even if you are a criminal, you are still better than everyone. Besides being quite possessive of you. He wants to become a God and he will, but he sees no point in becoming one if you are not by his side.

Konan possessed a calmness, an admirable and frightening control. She has enviable self-control and this is visible in the way she deals with you. She is very calm around you, offering a kind smile and seeking any form of affection she can get from you.

She is desperate for affection, but she will never admit it. Konan is very intelligent and knows how to manipulate you. Stoic and cold-blooded, she will kill anyone who gets in her way, in your life other than herself and the other members. She takes whatever time she can have by your side.

Tobi has lost a lot during his life and these losses have shaped him into who he is today. He never expected to get attached to someone again, to love someone else after being deprived of someone he loved. This made him paranoid and very overprotective of you. Obito already lost someone he loved once, he won't lose you too.

He is introverted, however, and tries to avoid social interactions with the other Akatsuki members as much as possible, but with you, he is more sociable. Tobi is very possessive and always has one eye on you, especially when you are around the other members.

Itachi is calm and reserved, his feelings for you, the obsession he harbors, are very well hidden behind his mask. Not even the other members know Itachi very well, as he is enigmatic and mysterious. He deals with you the same way he does with everyone else, calmly and without showing much of how he feels. This makes you more distant.

However, he is not a really bad person. He did bad things, things he will regret. He sees a second chance in you, he trusts his intuition and you a lot. Itachi has a strong sense of empathy towards you and he is the one who notices the most if you are uncomfortable or upset about something, usually offering you comfort. He is possessive, however, because he has already lost a lot and wants your attention to him.

Kisame is a tailless tailed beast, a shark in humanoid form and he has strong predator instincts. He is very aggressive and can often be dominated by his bloodlust and desire for death, but he knows how to control himself when he wants to or when ordered to do so. You are one of the few people who can convince him to have mercy.

He's very perceptive, though. Kisame is always on alert and is aware of any danger and his first reaction is to take you away from danger. He is very protective and is also great at analyzing people and will know when you are bad.

Kakuzu only cares about money and himself, an avaricious and greedy man. He used to be like that until you joined Akatsuki and he started to care about you, but like a possession. Something that belonged to him, something to be controlled.

He often says that you can only trust him and money, the only two things you can rely on. Kakuzu is very attached to you and cares in his own way. He has a violent temper and becomes obsessed easily and you are his biggest obsession. He gets jealous very easily and reacts harshly to it.

Zetsu is a duality and only a manipulation, a difficult one to read and understand. White Zetsu is the easiest to deal with, he is playful and carefree, and he loves to tease others. He is very calm and loves to have fun with you, but he is very protective of you and although he doesn't usually use violence, he will.

Black Zetsu is the real problem. He is very intelligent and is the real brain behind many plans, serious and experienced. He is a great manipulator, appearing trustworthy and loyal, but his true loyalty is unknown to you. He is very possessive and a born stalker and will kill anyone who gets too close to you. He gets into several conflicts with White Zetsu because of this.

Deidara is extremely proud and fully believes that the greatest art form is destruction. He does not accept defeat and will always seek revenge. He is very reckless and even impulsive, often acting without thinking and that includes you. But he is not stupid, but rather calculating.

He is easily jealous and no one can insult you around him, as he will go crazy and be willing to sacrifice even himself to destroy the offender. Deidara protects you fiercely and his possessiveness leads him to states of madness that only you or Sasori can control. His favorite activity is the art of explosion with you.

Sasori is devoid of any human emotion, has no feelings of affection and is even considered inhuman. He doesn't feel anything, he never cared about anyone or anything, until he met you. Cold and distant, Sasori just watches from afar, preferring to keep his attention on his puppets.

You made him feel something for the first time in years, someone he could finally have the love he always wanted as a child. Sasori, although distant, still stays close to you when it suits him. He became possessive, even threatening the other Akatsuki members over you. He doesn't care about anything or anyone except you. And he won't let you be taken from him. Even if he has to turn you into a puppet. You will stay together.

Hidan has no respect for anything or anyone, insulting everything and everyone that suits him. Not even his own leader is safe from his insults, considering he doesn't respect him at all. Although a religious ninja, Hidan acts in a manner completely contrary to a religious person. He kills everything and everyone without any remorse.

He is quite easygoing towards you, his insults are never directed at you and he will eviscerate anyone who dares to insult you. Hidan is a sadist, finding pleasure in causing pain and killing his victims in the most painful way possible. He definitely wants to teach you how to be like him.

Akatsuki became more united when you joined and although there will always be conflicts between them, you became the missing piece. Pain would never let you leave, not when you were true peace. You're stuck with them forever.

[yaseraphine]

RANT ABOUT THERAPY AND WHY IT'S NOT MY CUP OF TEA 🤡

+ trying to guess the therapist's rising and our synastry and ranting about it cause I am tired man (and too sensitive lol)

Really messy post btw just a disclaimer lol

(Update 23/11/24 : I might have slightly overreacted 🤡😀😁 lol plus maybe the therapist was actually a Taurus rising lol idk man I am confused as fuck about everything bye 😝🤪🫡)

Just had my first therapist appointment since 2021 and what can I say....it was REALLY awkward. I don't know how people are able to spill their deepest traumas like that bro she just sat down and told me to talk 💀 like what I thought she would interview me or start the first appointment with pre-made questions to make a profile, regarding my background, family relationships,etc .. It was really messy and I was so confused throughout the whole thing.

I understand it's a privilege to afford therapy (it was 60euros for 45 minutes lol of course it is) but it is much more complex than just spilling your guts to a random with a degree.

Something about me is that I always thought i didn't really need therapy, no matter how painful a situation was for me. And it wasn't only therapy, it was also opening up to my own friends 💀 i could take care of myself like i always did anyways so whats the point of paying for it ? I understood people who needed it and felt helped by it. But it just wasn't for me. I have realizations on my own consistantly thanks to my self-awareness and trained and developped intuition.

What pushed me to go back to therapy even though i was , and still am, very skeptical in its effectiveness on me, is that this year, I realized asking for help won't actually kill me and that i have my limits as a human being.

I fear this appointment just unfortunately kind of validated my initial more negative feelings towards therapy and the idea that I don't really need it.

As a really introspective and painfully self-aware person who has a hard time asking for help (but is actively working on it), I really don't know what kind of therapy could help me, really. I know I probably have a few blind spots, but it's so out of my comfort zone to open up like that. I kind of hate it.

I want to keep an open mind, and probably try another therapist but damn if I don't f*ck with any, it just feels forced .. I trust divine timing for that because I don't really want to put myself in such a situation again.

Right now, I feel dirty knowing a random woman knows about my deepest traumas in a really messy and all over the place way. She has fragments of my soul, and despite me having somewhat giving my consent for it, it was too fast. Maybe it's my 8th house moon conjunct Lilith (1181) in Leo that is speaking but I feel literally violated. Strong words but this how uncomfortable it was for me.

Guessing the therapist's rising sign and ranting about 12th house synastry...

Random but I think the therapist in question had a Virgo or Leo rising... I already said it's the most common rising signs (especially virgo) and I am losing patience. We probably had a 12th house synastry that's why our exchange was really weird and scattered. She kept on making weird faces while I was talking telling me she didn't understand what I was trying to say.... I know it all too well because EVERY single person I knew or had interacted with that had a leo rising, my interactions with them were like this. I was saying stuff and it felt like it went in one ear and got out in the other. Like they could hear me but not listen and understand what i was trying to say. This kind of reminds me of Willy Wonka's relationship with Mike TV or wth his name is, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tim Burton's movie. Wonka always said stuff to him whenever he opened his mouth like "I cannot hear a single thing you say because you're speaking gibberish"or whatever. (Me being Mike TV and Leo risings being Willy Wonka).

This is how every single one of my interactions with Leo risings went, no matter their gender or age. It was always like that.

[yuri-is-online]

Pas de Deux: A Fyuuture Kid au pt. 2 (Rook x Yuu)

Once upon a time there was a house in the woods. Three people lived inside it and they were very happy because soon there was going to be a fourth One day a man in a suit came and knocked on the door of the house, but he did not want to say hello. He was not interested in how happy the people in the house were or that that day was very important. The man was there because he had decided there should only be two people in the house, and because the world is not always kind, and not all houses are happy ones, the man in the suit got his way.

And now there was only one person in the house and he felt very alone.

notes: this will not make sense if you have not read pt.1, so please do. They/them used for Yuu, and the name Oliver is used interchangeably Yutu. This contains lengthy one shot parts, but does still have some hc bullet points. WARNING: major character death, body horror, angst with a bittersweet ending. This is part of the fyuuture kid au, more of which can be found on my masterlist here under the series section.

"Is Oli awake yet?" The new boy, Roland, is an absolute mess and if he didn't look so pitiful you would have told Rook to dry him off outside and not in your Lounge. Rook isn't deathly serious about much, but he is about this and you can't help but feel a bit out of the loop even if it is clear that it somehow revolves around you.

"Non, I'm afraid you gave your brother quite the fright." Rook gently says, carefully massaging Roland's head to dry his hair and try to soothe the tension currently shuddering across his body. "Focus on yourself for now and let our dear Trickster take care of Monsieur Caneton." He smiles at you and you break eye contact to catch your breath, coughing to excuse yourself up the stairs to Yutu's room and away from your personal problems, content to let Grim bother the pair about cleaning up their mess.

You aren't as observant as Rook, but seeing Yutu's face had sparked a strange dissonant feeling in you that you think was triggered by his appearance. The color of his hair, the fat of his cheeks, the way his nose wrinkled when Rook had laid him in his bed (and not so subtlety flexed his biceps while you were watching) felt familiar to you. Absent his hood, he looked like you had spun DNA from yourself into yarn and knit him into being, borrowing ever so slightly from another source to sew his eyes and nose in such a way that a sideways glace would send even the strongest of beasts running. Even before those eyes fluttered open you knew what color they would be, but still you laughed at the forest green that looked up at you.

"Sleep well?" Yutu scrambles away from you, yanks the covers over his head and turns frantically around looking for his hood and mask you know are tucked away downstairs well out of reach. He is stammering, saying a random assortment articles together but failing to describe anything as you try to stick what you had planned to say. "Is it just 'Oli' or is that short for something?" Yutu pauses his searching, but he keeps the sheet between you and his face.

"... it's Oliver. But Yutu is still fine if that's easier." There are a few ways you can go about this, you think as you lean back in your chair.

"I don't really care about what's easier." Because it's true, if you did you probably would have run away from this school the second Crowley turned his back. Damn crow probably wouldn't have gone looking for you either. "I care about what will make you comfortable, since I don't think you planned on ever having this conversation with me." You reach forward slowly, making sure to pause just before you reach the sheet counting on him to intuitively know you are asking for permission. He lets it down himself, allowing you to go back to crossing your arms as you look at him. Oliver mirrors you, holding the sheet around himself taking several breaths before clearly trying to collect some thread of a thought before the damn breaks.

"I'm from the future."

"I should hope so." You hum. "Not that I would put it past him, but Rook would have some explaining to do if you weren't." He coughs and you smile.

"Well- you. You aren't intimidated by that at all? Rook I mean, not... me." He's much quieter than any child you'd expected Rook to ever contribute too, much more jumpy but that's not as disturbing as him calling his father by his first name.

"I've accepted what I feel for him for a while now." The window is much more appealing than your son's face but you force yourself to maintain eye contact. "The idea of him reciprocating is- or well was given you're here, something I thought was never going to happen."

"But he writes you letters! I-" Oliver shouts before remembering said man is downstairs and undoubtedly listening for every breath he takes. "I used to read them." Now it is your turn to be embarrassed as you cough and think about the little box you have so carefully hidden upstairs. Not carefully enough it seems, but then again this isn't just your child.

"Well he didn't sign them. And besides..." It was perhaps a bit harsh to count against Rook's statement that he felt like he was fickle and his heart easily captured. No one had really wanted to propose to the ghost bride so it was natural of him to say something like that and it wasn't like he had known you particularly well back then either. He hadn't said he would never want to get married, just that it was too early to think about and if you were being practical that was the most reasonable position to take- "Look it doesn't really matter! What does is that you're here and not for fun right? And what's up with your brother? I clearly didn't raise you in barn so what gives with him?" It's obvious you're embarrassed and deflecting, but still it works as Yutu, or Oliver you now suppose, takes a deep breath and begins to tell you a story, the ending of which, in a way, you already know. ~~~~ Roland was ten when the changes started. Papa did not come home immediately when the night fell, which was not strange. He had been old enough not to worry. It was not strange for Papa to come home injured, it was not strange for there to be blood. But the blood had been dull that time, dull and Papa hadn't said much. He had held him though, hummed a song that felt like home. No matter where they had traveled he had never heard a song so wonderful, it had a name but Papa said it wouldn't help to find it. It was a yuusong, from "beyond the rift." Roland liked it a lot even if he could only remember a few strains of the words and understood none of their meaning

"Mon poussin, are you afraid of being alone?" It was a silly question of Papa to ask. "No matter where you go, your parent and I will always watch over you. So long as you live this world will be a beautiful place. I love you, so much more than my heart can give me words to describe." It was a scary thing to say. Such a silly and scary thing to ask and say that Papa forgot about it when he woke up the next morning, he would have forgotten about Roland too if he hadn't have yelled at him for it. Papa had said nothing at all that morning actually, not even a twitch of a smile or a laugh at his protest. Roland's mind must have painted over how there was no blood anymore, there was the ink- the blot he had been training so long to avoid instead. The Hunter had allowed him to follow and that allowed him to do all of the lying he might have needed to think things were fine to himself.

And on some level Roland knew that's what he had been doing all of this time but now that he was here, wherever here was, he was being forced to think about it.

"Are you hungry or somethin?" The racoon stares up at him, angry he thinks because its paws are on its hips. "Ya keep staring off into space and it's creepy!"

"Is it?" Roland tries to blink and the racoon jumps away from him so he moves closer so as not to miss anything it says.

"Y-yeah! It is! You're really creepy! And Rook's here so that's sayin something." The racoon mutters the last bit and Roland turns to look at Rook. He's too young, there are creases missing in his brow and a cruel bend to his gaze that isn't present when he looks at him. If anything Rook is looking at him in a way he thinks he should recognize, but doesn't remember the word for anymore.

"Are you hungry, Monsieur Poussin?" Rook smiles, the word that his mind supplies now is kind but it is still not the word he wants for the way Rook looks at him. Poussin... his focus breaks and Rook calls his name gently, fear is a word he remembers and holds onto. Most humans use that word when describing things so it grounds him somewhat.

"I guess." Turning down food is a bad idea even if the new sights and smells are almost too overwhelming to want to eat. When he looks back at Rook the fear has changed, he knows this look too but the humans he met never lived long enough to explain it to him. He thinks he still knows it though, but from where he doesn't want to remember. Not if there's actually going to be food. And thankfully Oliver comes down the stairs just in time to take the attention away from him.

"Roland?" He's still confused and Roland swallows the need to hug him, but he can't stop himself from shaking. "Where- how did you get here?"

"Where is here?" The strange person next to Oliver makes a noise like letting out a breath, and he thinks the racoon screams but he has never heard one do that before so he doesn't know. "Is this where you were? I've been looking for you, and for our parent too but if I've found you then they've got to be near." Roland hasn't thought about them much, dad always got so sad when he talked about them and after he stopped talking it was hard to get answers about anything. Talking about them always made him violent so he had tried his best not to do it. Oli sways a bit, almost like he's going to collapse again but the strange person moves to support him before Roland can.

"Thank you for doing that Roland, you sound like you've been a very good big brother." Something about their voice makes him want to cry, and he has to really work to remind himself that would be a waste of water when they smile at him. "But the answer to that is a bit complicated."

So. Roland. He has no real idea that the portal he went through was going to take him to the past, he just decided to race his "dad" for it and won. It's clear from talking to him that he's not the most educated or aware of things, he knows that he is "from" the Shaftlands, that he is a mage but he's not very practiced on how to use magic and says his dad "punishes" him when he tried to learn. He says he grew up traveling Twisted Wonderland looking for his parent and baby brother, but that his father was always present with him. He has memories of lots of places in Twisted Wonderland before the apocalypse began and while his descriptions are very child like, it gives Yutu some context for things he says will be useful in formulating a plan to stop the bad future.

In Roland's mind, Rook just got sick and became unable to talk after a while. It's clear he is aware on some level of what happened, he calls the phantom dad instead of papa, and while he plays off what were very clear attempts at murder as "games" the way he instinctively flinches at Rook's touch suggests his body knows even if his mind doesn't. His time following the phantom of his father around has clearly taken its toll on his body, his skin lacks the same level of pigmentation as his brother's, like someone has turned the saturation on his melanin up in a way that's clearly unnatural.

He's unused to actual food, he cries the first time you feed him even if it is just a cup noodle. Grim instantly forgives all of his weirdness when he agrees that canned tuna is the best thing he has ever tasted, he has a new favorite henchuman now (until he realizes this means he needs to share, then he demands Roland get a new favorite food). Rook insists on being the one to cook for him, he is genuinely terrified of the future that Roland and Oliver have described and he wants more than anything for his children to know he would never do anything like they experienced of his own free will. He is a hunter of love, not a practitioner of filicide.

There is of course, the small matter of how to explain all of this to Crowley, or if you even should given his suspicious absence in every story you just heard. Rook doesn't want either of his chicks out of sight, so he firmly rejects Yutu's suggestion to entrust Roland to his friends, something you second; you don't trust a bunch of random people with such a traumatized child, let alone one that's technically yours. Yutu suggests asking Idia for advice then, something you can't say you are surprised by given his glowing description of how the guy turns out in the future but still...

"So let me see if I understand this correctly." Idia has his head in his hands, not even bothering to use his tablet from just how done he is with this conversation, even though this marks his first participation in it. "Yutu is from the 'Bad Ending' timeline and he's come back here to make sure you get together with Rook."

"No!" You cough scream as Ortho dutifully pats you on your back in encouragement. "He's here because everyone overblots! Again! Except for you apparently. And Vil but that's only because of you?" He waves a single hand in the air.

"Yeah skill issue or whatevs- look." He finally looks up from his hands, if you didn't know any better you would say he's bored but it's clear from how he actually pauses and minimizes the game he was playing that's far from the case. "If Ortho didn't back up what you were saying about your hellspawn-" you take a deep breath and remind yourself said childrens' existence relies on this moron's help "then I wouldn't believe anything you just said, but it does kind of make sense."

"It does?" Idia pulls up some stills from what you assume are the school security systems of portals similar to what Rook described the one Roland appeared out of.

"The sentient blot phantoms isn't like anything S.T.Y.X. has recorded before, but if you assume monsters can experience evolution similar to how other species do it makes sense that it could happen. Especially if some sort of curse is involved, which it sounds like there has to be. Speaking of which, hellion 1." Idia doesn't bother to look at you so he misses the way your eye twitches.

"Roland?"

"Yeah. We're going to need to run some tests on him." Idia actually looks at you this time, which improves everything but your mood.

"Aren't you supposed to ask permission first?"

"If the world is going to end in roughly twenty years then no." Idia snorts. "I just don't want his parents showing up at S.T.Y.X. again demanding to see their favorite boy." "If his description of what his life was like is real, then he was raised by a phantom. If he's a mage, then it's miracle he hasn't overblotted and he's at real risk of hurting himself if he tries to learn to use magic at this point."

"Is there anyway you can do the tests here?" You don't like the thought of Roland hurting himself, but there have already been so many changes in his life in such a short period you are afraid one more might make him overblot anyway. "Or at least let Yutu go with him, he trusts him. I just- he's really skiddish."

"I can take some samples and send them for analysis, but if he's as fucked up as I think he is then he's going to need a detox that can't be done here." So Idia has the same set of thoughts that you do, that relaxes you somewhat even if you know very little is going to convince Rook to unwind.

"I can keep an eye on him." Ortho volunteers helpfully. "It would look weird if another student got added to Ramshackle out of nowhere, but transfers to Ignihyde aren't unheard of so we could have him stay with us!" Idia, surprisingly, doesn't shoot the idea down immediately, though he notices your confusion.

"What? Kid grew up in a blot infested forest, he'd probably be more at home here since it's so dark and gloomy. And besides he's going to need to learn how to use tech anyway if he wants to survive. Sides, it'll give us an excuse to keep him away from the other dorms."

You hate to say that Idia is right about anything, but he is about this. Roland really likes Ignihyde, tells you it doesn't smell as weird as Ramshackle (Rook has yet to introduce him to Pomefiore) and the Headmage accepts Idia's explanation of him being a S.T.Y.X. project ready for field testing easily enough. You suspect it might have something to do with him covering up all the overblots but wisely hold your tongue. He still comes to visit you and Yutu, but he's very slow to warm up to you. It's not that he doesn't love you, it's just that you were ripped away from him while he was still a baby so there's some trauma screaming at him that you don't really love him, otherwise you would have been there. The first time you really hug him, he breaks down ugly crying and holds on so tightly you swear he cracks some bones.

Roland is a mage, but his magic is weak from years of never practicing. He's very frustrated by this. Idia's surprised how willing he is to participate in the tests he wants to run on him, but not complaining. Roland tells him why quickly enough anyway, he's the oldest so he should be the one protecting his little brother and his parents but he can't if he's got something wrong with him. And just like that Idia regrets asking because he's feeling things like Rook Hunt's kid is being #relatable right now instead of a demon hellspwan from an overblotted future like he's supposed to be. Whatever he'll just take revenge by teaching him how to play video games. It'll be good enrichment for him probably, help him with that vocab.

And I mean it does. Roland certainly learns some new words. It's just that now you are having to explain to Vil that you are married to Rook in the future and yes, that child who talks like an mmo world chat is yours, you promise he's going to be better once the timeline gets fixed and you will have a chance to actually raise him. Vil is surprisingly supportive, both of Roland and Yutu. He already really liked Yutu, the magic of time travel must have made him remember how fond he was of the little sapling, and he is extremely proud to know he was in Pomefiore. Roland's life is a horror beyond his comprehension so he's determined to help teach him what it means to be human. Vil sees it as a test of his character development this far, sure he has an idea of what Roland should look like and how he should act, but what's the best way to introduce these things to him?

Epel is a huge help with Roland. He doesn't understand the gamer speak but he gets the rough and tumble phrases that come out when he's frustrated. He even surprises himself with how much he agrees with Vil on what Roland should do, and how his much of his advice is taken. It's such a beautiful sight Rook cries in pride every time he thinks about it. Roland wasn't super interested until Oliver told him about Vil being the reason he knew he had an older brother. He's still not 100% sold on what Vil tells him to do but if Epel reassures him and explains it then he'll do it.

The tests that Idia does prove that Roland isn't a danger to others, but he is very sick. Extended exposure to blot in its purest from has made him extremely sensitive to it, coming to this timeline has helped improve his chances somewhat but Idia doesn't think he would have lived more than two or three more years if he had stayed in the past. His magic is more or less killing him, so Ortho and Idia double down on teaching him how to use magical technologies. Idia makes sure to tell you and Rook this won't be a problem if you manage to create a good future, and that understanding this helps but still. Hearing your son only has a few years to live, and only if he stops actively using his magic hurts. No parent wants to hear that.

If Yutu has Rook's cunning and stealth, then Roland has his brutality and outgoing nature. He's very friendly, his only problem with speaking is that he lacks the vocabulary he needs to get his point across. Since he was raised by a phantom in the wilderness for a part of his life he has next to no problem hunting and killing., especially if it means he gets to keep his family. It's one of the things that allows him to connect with the real version of his father, Rook has a similar line of thinking, especially after hearing Roland's fate and the more he gets to spend time alone with you. He'd do anything to give his friends a happy future, but for you he would do anything. It's a disease, what is that poem you spoke to him about? Something about the poison from your lips being the deadliest of them all, he'll die if he has to live in a future without your kisses. It just will not happen, he won't let beauty leave this world forever.

Rook hates knowing you had to raise a child alone, he hates thinking that Oliver thought even for a second he abandons you. He hates knowing Roland thought you abandoned him and stole his brother, that he watched him die and refused to believe it. He hates seeing Roland run away from Trey holding onto his jaw, he loves all of Yutu's friends dearly and can't wait to meet their parents in the future. He loves sitting with you and hearing all of the thoughts you were too shy to tell him when you doubted his sincerity. He loves seeing Roland's efforts to adapt to his disability, he hates the fact his son is sick in the first place. He loves watching Yutu chase Azul around and he loves how Ace and Deuce fight about who would be the better Uncle even though it's clear Grim has already won the fight.

The future is always worth fighting for, and you will always be worth crying over. Has he mentioned he loves you yet today? Even when the day is won and the memories begin to fade, the compulsion to tell you remains. Rook knows you have no magic to speak of, but there is something about you when you hold him close that makes him think that can't be true, not really.

"Why Trickster?" Vil doesn't question his choice of nicknames ever, but now is as good a time as any Rook supposes. "I would have thought you would jump to something more romantic now that they've... accepted your invitation?"

"Non non beautiful Vil." Rook carefully sets aside his beaker, making sure that his project is in a place that he can pause before elaborating. "You do not understand, trickster is the most perfect description of my true love." Vil has a look that he makes sometimes that would make lesser men cease, a certain purse to the lips and blank look to the eyes that Rook never fails to ignore. "My true love is plain to the untrained eye, in our world power is thought to be strictly magical in nature but that isn't true. Just as the Fairest Queen was known for her unrelenting effort in the face of adversity so too does Yuu face down any and all that stands before them. Their determination is breathtaking, a magic all its own."

"You do seem quite powerless before it." Vil says dryly, but his smile betrays his true thoughts. Rook is eccentric, someone others only tolerate and, if Vil is as honest as he prides himself on being, the same could probably be said of you, the magicless prefect of a magic school. Of course Rook would love you, it gives him a few ideas for a movie, assuming he manages to hold onto them once time has been set right again.

But Vil will keep that to himself, it will make a lovely wedding gift for his dear hunter. He'll make sure to get you something much more practical.

[fictionalreads]

Hello do you think you could do this one the reader and Mike are married and she knew about Lockwood but Mike didn't believe her because of Rita, reason, and they had an argument he said something that he should never said and she got kidnapped while being months pregnant 😦😦😦😦

A/N: HIIIII!! I'm so sorry this took so long, I was out of town and then had to get back in the rhythm of things once I got back. Writing for Mike (where it's his story and he's not playing the role of narrator for the sake of Armando) was different. I included Rita but I just couldn't make her the reason he didn't believe reader, I just felt like she and the reader wouldn't have beef so that was changed but I tried to stick to the rest of your request. I hope you enjoy this! 🥰 Title from Forget How to Love by Meghan Trainor

I Know Your Words Shouldn't Hurt Me, But They Hurt Me

Fandom: Bad Boys Movie

Pairing: Mike Lowrey x reader

Warnings⚠️: Um... Relationship issues? canon typical violence even though its mostly talked around

You knew when you married Mike Lowrey that he was used to doing things alone, that moving as a unit didn’t come naturally to him. Sure he had Marcus and they were a well oiled machine, but it didn’t start that way and at the end of the day Marcus had a family that was his priority no matter how much he loved Mike.

But Mike was your priority, you’d go through hell for him.

He knew this, but after relying on himself for so long, he didn’t always come to you first. His initial reaction to anything was to internalize and figure out a solution, only coming to you after he failed on his own. You were used to it, but it didn’t make it less hurtful every time he did it.

You on the other hand, preferred talking it out with him. You liked to explain the issue to him, not looking for him to fix it, but rather to vent it out to someone you trusted, someone who would let you think through it all out loud, sometimes offering his own two cents. You usually were able to solve the issue on your own while talking it out, but having him as a sounding board made you feel less alone. Mike was good at listening to what you had to say.

Which is why you were so surprised when he was dismissive about your concerns.

“I’m telling you, something is off with Lockwood,” you insisted.

“The man is one of the best U.S. attorneys I’ve ever worked with. He’s part of the reason AMMO exists and has tried a lot of high profile criminals that nobody else would touch cause they were afraid of the blowback.”

You shrugged, having already thought of this too. “The best criminals hide in plain sight, gain your trust and make sure you’d never think of them.”

“This ain’t Scooby Doo, alright? This is the real world, let’s get back to reality please.” You knew he didn’t mean anything by it, not really, but it felt like a dig.

“You don’t believe me? You think I’m making it all up?” You were defensive, ready to 

“I never said you were making it up, I’m just not convinced. What proof do you have?” He placated.

He had you there. There was no concrete evidence, nothing specific that made you feel like Lockwood was hiding something, but you just knew he was.

“I don’t have any, it’s just a gut feeling. Intuition or whatever you want to call it.”

“Intuition? You want me to investigate a man who will probably be the next mayor of Miami cause you feel something?”

He was being dismissive at best, belittling at worst. It irked you, especially because you knew he had done exactly that for others before. So why not for his wife?

“Would you do it if it was Rita?” It was a bit bitchy to ask, considering Rita had been nothing but kind to you despite being Mike’s ex. You had thought she’d be a point of contention for the two of you when you first started dating and you found out he worked with her all day, but it wasn’t. You weren’t using her now to pick a fight, just to prove a point. You knew if any of the AMMO team had come to him with the same amount of information you had, he’d chase every lead until there was nothing left.

“What?”

His surprise was warranted so you clarified, “would you look into it if Rita came to you and said she felt something off about Lockwood?” 

“Why are you bringing Rita into this?” His evasive answer made the hairs on your neck stand up. Why wouldn’t he answer the question? You were prepared for him to say yes and for you to point out the hypocrisy of his answer, but him refusing to answer? It put you on edge.

“Why are you ignoring the question?”

“I’m not.”

“Then answer the question. Yes or no?”

“Where is this coming from?” Another avoidance.

“Yes or no Mike?”

“Yes! Okay? Yes I would.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” He knew exactly what you were asking and honestly you were almost afraid of what this was leading to, but you couldn’t seem to stop yourself, to diffuse and come back with a calmer head so you pushed some more.

“Why would you do it for her and not me?”

“Don’t do that.”

“Is it because she’s a cop?”

“Y/N,”

“Or because you’ve known her longer?”

“Y/N,”

“Is it because she’s dating him and therefore closer to him?”

“Because I trust her!”

And wasn’t that a slap in the face.

“And you don’t trust me?” You whispered.

“Y/N,”

“What are we even doing if you don’t trust me Mike? What was the point in exchanging vows and being together if you can’t trust me?”

“I didn’t mean that.”

“You still said it.” Mike was at a loss for words, staring at you, hoping you’d understand but you couldn’t. The man you loved just told you he didn’t trust you. You had never felt so unmoored in your life. Everything about your relationship had just shifted in your view. “I’m gonna go stay in the guest room for the night,” you managed before turning away from him.

That had been the last time you saw him before he became a wanted man and you were kidnapped by McGrath. What you wouldn’t give to go back to that night and talk it all out instead of allowing hurt feelings to run the conversation. Now you could be killed before you got the chance to fix things.

You had faith in your husband’s abilities but McGrath held you and Marcus at gunpoint, blocking Mike’s view of himself.

“What you don’t know is one of ‘em can’t die.”

What the hell? Since when did one of you become immortal? What the hell was he doing? You missed his and Marcus’ exchange because you were so confused by the first statement, only jolted out of your thinking by the gun going off. Mike had shot Marcus to get him down and then shot McGrath. It was over, and Mike was running to you.

“I trust you, and I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you before,” were the first words out of his mouth. He cut your restraints, pulling you into his embrace.

Too high off the adrenaline of the past day, you couldn’t have a real conversation about it with him so you let him know it was okay with a joke. “Bet you’ll never doubt my intuition again.”

He laughed and went to say something when you both heard Judy over the comms saying she’d found Armando. He looked at you in a panic, clearly not wanting to leave you but needing to get to Armando. “Go, I’ll check over Marcus and get us back to the team.” He didn’t waste another second, running to find his son.

It was later when you were escorted to an ambulance that you saw him again, rushing to get to you.

“Everything alright?”

The medic looked at you for permission to speak. “It’s okay he’s my husband.”

The medic nodded, answering his question with, “Its just a precaution sir. We just want to make sure there’s no hidden wounds that are being masked by the adrenaline.”

You were helped onto the back of the ambulance and the medic began her examination, checking your head for wounds and asking if you were hit at any point, blacked out or fell into something hard. You answered in the negative, stating you were pushed around a bit but not hit or thrown into anything. Any falling was the result of trying not to get hit by a bullet or the chopped that crashed. When it seemed she was about done with her examination you spoke up.

“Is it possible to do an ultrasound?”

“Ultrasound?” “Of course.” Mike and the medic spoke at the same time.

You reached out to grab Mike’s hand, tears in your eyes. “Yeah, an ultrasound.” Mike looked dumbfounded and you continued to look at him even as you spoke to the medic, “My OB said I was about nine weeks.”

The medic noted the information and readied the ultrasound. Before long the sound of your baby’s heartbeat filled the air and the fear you’d been holding back burst through you in the form of relief. Uncontrollable sobs wracked your body knowing you had managed to keep your baby safe. Mike held you closely, trying to calm your breathing.

You knew the two of you had some tough conversations in your future but right now all that mattered was that your little family was safe.

[lullabyalikpoptarot]

Lee Taemin Perspective Reading

Time to get to this requested one and he also came on my radar, so I felt it was time to get his energy and see what I can pick up on. I was a huge fan, and he was part of a group that got me into Kpop. He is one of many idols that started off very young. He was basically raised as an idol, so it will be interesting to see what I pick up on. The song that came to me was Michael Jackson's Dangerous. I know he is a huge fan, so maybe that is why that came up, but the song may be significant to him, maybe that is his favorite, or it influenced him somehow, or maybe he got that song on repeat right now. Alright, time to get to the cards.

I usually go with four cards, but the fourth one did not want to come out, so he just wants me to stick to these three. I was expecting different cards, but kind of happy I didn't get what I expected, unless he isn't willing to share. Anyway, we start with the atonement card, this gives me sacrifice and it also reminds me of the 10 of Swords. Meaning he has dealt with a lot of mental anguish as an idol or in his life. I also see that he may have felt betrayed and stabbed in the back by many people in his life.

I see him trying to leave the past behind him and move on to better days, but a part of him clings to who he was. But I do feel he wants to shed his past self. So, we get the triumph of lies card, this card usually indicates someone who may have found their success amongst lies, like not all that glitters is gold. What he portrays may not be the truth, not that he is maliciously lying, but he kind of has to, what comes with the territory is lies around him. I just sense with him there is more to the story, but can't really pick up on what.

I will say he is pretty closed off energetically. He isn't giving me much to work with here, but that is okay, he has the right to not want to share. There is some guilt he may feel for wrongdoings he may have done. I can't say what that is, but I do see guilt here. I am being pulled to his song guilty, so there is something there, something about that song connects to this. Not sure he wrote that song, but that song may connect with him more than we think.

I will say he may struggle to clear his mind, not sure if he does things to constantly distract himself, which makes sense if a person doesn't want to cope with what they may have done, or what has been done to them, so he seems blocked from getting guidance and listening to his intuition to help him through whatever he is going through.

So, he got a lot of emotional cards from this deck. I am not sure if this is showing that he is a very emotional person that feels deeply about things. Someone who is very sensitive, or that he needs to be more that way, or maybe not to repress and hide this nature in him. There is something about him needed to let go and welcome change in his life. To allow himself to be more vulnerable and open. With this Mars energy. He has this defense. He could have a bit of a temper as well, felt that in another card too. But there is this need to show a strong stance and have this defensive energy around him.

I am getting volatility, which could relate to anger issues, like he could be unpredictable with that. This can happen when someone represses their emotions, which I feel he may do. Now, it doesn't have to be anything too crazy, he could just lash out every so often. I do this when I am at my boiling point. It is something we both need to work on, because lashing out at others isn't the way to handle issues. So, he may need to work on that. It comes with struggling to handle his emotions properly, but it can be healed and learned with healing work and time.

Oh darn it, getting something uncomfortable here. I knew I was pulled to my Celtic deck for a reason. With this 9 of Wands. I always think battered and bruised when I see this card, because of the imagery here. He's dealt with some battle scars to get to where he is at and that makes him defensive of what he has achieved in the process. Now we go to the 2 of Cups, which signal a connection, a pact, coupled with this 4 of Swords makes me uncomfortable. The person is on the card passed out naked and I asked for clarifier and got the hermit rv, which means outside his comfort zone, or not feeling comfortable, so my interpretation of this is there was a deal to sleep with someone here. There could also be some sort of connection he has that has shined a light on his vulnerabilities. Which can make him uncomfortable. This doesn't have to be sinister, maybe he did it on his own volition and not being forced into it. Just trying to see all sides and not constantly go to dark sh** here. But after I mention, I pulled another card and got the 3 of Pentacles, which is work related stuff and this card always gives me backroom deals being made. So, take with this how you like.

Wanting to pull some archetype cards to understand who he is as a person. He seems to have religious and spiritual aspects to him. He seems to have a strong moral code and may follow some sort of ideology. I think he is someone who likes to help others heal as well and inspire others with his messages. He seems like a kind soul, very empathetic. Pretty much an emotional sponge. Having all this sensitivity can make him easily susceptible to other people's emotions and he may struggle to know the difference between his emotions and others. I can say he is a man of strong intuition and innovator, a visionary, could be psychic. He may be the type that sees things differently from others or has a unique way of going and thinking about things. As a creator/artist, he could be able to pick up on things that can create a stir and get people to pay attention to him because he has a vision of what will work for him very well. He just knows the right path that will suit him.

Okay, ending with my Tarot/astrology keyword deck. Okay, he wants to show that he is very emotional, intuitive, once again could have psychic abilities, spiritual/religious in a sense. He seems to lean heavily on emotions, so he seems to lack stability and sensibility. He can be romantic, loving, and compassionate. Seems he is quite a smooth talker and knows how to say the right things to people. I see him trying his best to give others loving advice and support. So, he rides on emotions mainly and probably goes by his intuition, more so than doing things for practical reasons. It is like how I get these nudges to do things, he may get those too. He just has a lot of love to give to others, so if he does try to suppress it, the emotions will storm out somehow. He can't really hold all that emotion in.

Okay, it was a bit hard to break through, but I felt like he opened up towards the end. I did feel there were some things I couldn't tap into, but that is how it goes, I can't get everything, but it was interesting to get to know him a bit more here.

[rebo-chan]

A small confession:

I think Luce is not the greatest person to admire in KHR. I really mean it in a way that I noticed something in the manga. I mean she knew the future and didn't go against it and let it happen to the people who trusted her so much. I had this small headcanon or maybe a fanon that Reborn actually made someone erase most of his memories to start anew and move-on from Luce's betrayal.

If there is someone I would sympathize a bit, it would be Kawahira aka Checkerface. He's mean, but someone with that kind of millennia old wisdom will forever be kind. He was only mean because he was the overseer of the trinisette. He needed to appease it to keep the balance of the world. He must have at least hoped for the cycle to break at one point, and maybe hoped a little that Luce could do it. She's said to be Sephira's descendant. She could do lots of things. But she didn't, and passed on the curse to the next generation until Tsuna had to do it because he could and his intuition helped him break it as he wanted it because that's the right thing to do. Heck, if he had that kind of clairvoyance, he would have done all he could do to break the cycle that very moment.

That's all. I'm sorry, but reaaalllyyy not sorry a tiny bit.

First of all, no need to apologize (Even if you're not really sorry/lh). This is the confessional booth, all are welcome, no opinion is too controversial in the eyes of Godborn.

BUT this is an interesting take. The hc that Reborn made himself forget most of his memories of Luce is so tragic UGH. I do love me some Reborn/Luce... To respond to whether or not, she can be admired. I don't know, really. I think she's kindhearted and had a good heart, that much is true. But, I think she felt trapped a lot by her fate. As there's a few scenes in the anime canon to imply that she felt there was no getting out of this. Rather than me admiring her, I sort of.. pity her circumstances? Sympathize? It's the same for me with all the sky arco. It's all just tragic. We don't know the extent her visions gave her, all that she felt trapped by them. Reborn states she knew this was going to happen, but how much? Could she have seen the weight of trinisette but not so far into the future to see that her descendants would break the cycle? She's a descendant of an earthling, so she had some sort of connection to Trinisette. To me, there's so much to scratch at. For whatever reason, she felt like she had no out. Maybe her actions weren't the best, but who's to say the other arcobaleno would have believed her? Reborn even joked with her in those scenes that he didn't really believe in her visions or fate. Super complicated situation and I love to bite into it.

The other arcobaleno might feel betrayed if they knew that she had an inkling, and I think that's interesting. They just have such fond memories of her. Ugh, very delicious.

As for checkerface, I honestly do sympathize with him. His entire race is down to just him and Yuni. He's been doing this for so long, so many generations, trying to protect the thing all of his people gave up their lives for. He's always come across to me as a lone God in charge of the balance of the world. Cruel, unrelenting, and out of love and warmth. But lonely. In a way, having Tsuna break the cycle for him was the most relief he'd had in a long time now, knowing that if he does die now; it'll be knowing everything is okay. And that's an interesting character to me, and we deserved more of him!!!

Thank you for confessing!

[inqilabi]

I have gotten a lot of questions in the past about how I identify whether a man watches porn aside from directly asking him. And I'm not sure that I ever got around to listing it. And the further I get away from being in a state where I have to find this about a man, the more I forget. It's fresher in my mind when I'm actually assessing a man for this.

Here's some off the top of my head

1) how they look at you. I think every woman kind of intuitively knows this feeling. You will feel sexualized. There could be an error rate here, if you are a woman who has some internalized misogyny and likes being sexualized, and perhaps you might perceive this as "he's really into me" as opposed to, I felt violated with eyes.

There was one date where a man looked me up and down. I felt grossed out by it. Later on, I did ask him if he watched porn and he said he watched it 4x a week.

Another date, I had worn a knit sweater on the first date. He didn't seem to check me out initially when we walked towards each other and seemed to be respectful with his eyes. But on one of the later dates, we were discussing something and he told me/koked that "I knew what I was doing wearing a knit sweater to the first date". Implying that I was trying to get and draw attention (as my breasts looked big). it was the most basic ugly knit sweater. I wore it because I was comfortable. And it gave me an indication that he probably watches p*** cos only in porn, do you have basic regular clothing being sexualized

2) on that note. If men mention something around certain clothing items, they watch porn. You can't sexualize a neutral object like clothing (unless it's lingerie) without watching porn. So things like pencil skirts. A certain type of hair like straight or curly.. porn thing

3) this one I assess for the most. I ask if they have thought about me sexually. Like early on into the dating process. Around when you have your first kiss which for me is like date 3 or so. But at a point when things are just getting less formal and slightly spicy.

And I ask what they thought about. I also want to know at some point whether they have helped themselves to the thought of me. And I'm a firm believer that a person should not think of you sexually UNLESS you have indicated something to that effect. You have flirted with sexual innuendos. You have been explicit or implicit with sexual innuendos. They shouldn't just see your pictures and have gotten to know you a little bit, and be thinking about you sexually.

A sexual thought should occur in the context of actual explicit sexual play of some sort. Otherwise, they're objectifying you and that is something that happens with a pornified mindset.

(I don't know if my thought process in the last one here makes sense but this is something that I firmly believe in)

[thekatebridgerton]

I like your discussion of Anthony's relationship with his sisters.

For Hyacinth, I have this image of Anthony at her wedding, breathing a sigh of relief. He got Hyacinth married and it didn't involve any of the Theatrics of their other siblings.

Imagine what he would do if he knew about all the breaking and entering & Mattress dancing the bride and groom have done?

Oh I have thoughts about that all right. But on a more serious note.

Anthony's relationship with his sisters is very sweet but also funny because he's at odds with all of them half the time and the other half he loves them to death.

With Daphne, he knew she was going to be the first one he'd have to step up for as a man of the house and she was born in more or less equal footing with him. First girl vs first boy when it comes to society expectations. There is a certain respect there that Anthony has for Daphne, and her womanly intuition. But I think Anthony for most of her life has treated her as an adult, I highly doubt that Anthony did much sugar coating with Daphne, she got to live most of her life in the role of his sister not his daughter and it shows in her relationship with him. The problem in their book was that Anthony at one point started worrying that Daphne wasn't as ready for marriage as she pretends to be and began to be a little bit overprotective over her specifically because of her adventures in the marriage mart. Which seriously weirded her out. And once she got married they went back to their usual relationship where they both respect each other's interests and leave each other largely alone. I'd also like to add that when it came to Daphne Anthony was hurt because he expected a little bit more of her since he always trusted her to be an adult and at one point Daphne was going something along the lines of ' well I'm not an adult, I'm not that mature, I'm just a girl' which really brought things into perspective for him

With Eloise the scene where they're talking things out into tspwl speaks volumes about their relationship. Because Eloise was stuck in the middle between being Anthony's sister and being treated as his daughter, which she never wanted and really rebelled against, both of them wanted to have a sibling relationship and both of them knew they couldn't have it because she was entirely too young when Edmund died and needed a father figure. but she resented that it has to be Anthony, she resented at her playful brother had to grow up too soon and now couldn't play with her, because she simply wanted Anthony to be the guy he used to be before their dad died. So she antagonized Anthony just to be contrary and have her fun. Also she is the sibling who is the most like him, prideful arrogant, I lay the law kind of person. So Anthony was sort of worried for her because he knew she was a lot like him and eventually she would chaff at the weight of the Bridgerton name, he just didn't know if he could protect her from the consequences, so when she ran away to meet Philip he probably had a little bit of a heart attack because he expected something crazy to happen to Eloise at some point he just couldn't prepare for this particular eventuality. Also I think it was a welcome surprise for Anthony to see that his most stubborn sister had actually grown up and was ready to become the leader he always knew she could be, he just never thought that and all this happened while he wasn't looking.

I think that Anthony's relationship with Francesca is the sweetest one, because unlike Eloise and Daphne, Francesca never actually made Anthony feel like a failure which he often felt like with his other two sisters. But Francesca she played by the rules, she never gave Anthony any trouble she was smart, a little bit sneaky, always there to welcome him with warmth, at home or in Scotland, sometimes you just have that sibling who is a healing to the soul. And I think Francesca was that for Anthony, perhaps that's why she fell through the cracks because she never complained and that made Anthony think that she was happy. I think in his younger years Anthony would just spend time with Francesca because he wanted to be with someone who was just always happy to see him, since everyone else seemed to have all these expectations and demanded so much attention, but not Francesca, she was calm and good and she understood when he couldn't give her as much attention as he gave everyone else. And because he loves her so much I think he also feels very guilty that he missed out on a lot of important things in her life and wasn't there for her when she was passing through her worst moments and he feels grateful to Michael that he made her smile again because to Anthony Francesca is special, out of all his crazy siblings, she's the one he probably likes the most and the only one he's willing to look the other way for. I'm pretty sure that Anthony did find out what happened in Scotland, and he pretended that he didn't know because she's his favorite and he doesn't want to have this conversation with her Anthony has never had to seriously scold Francesca for anything in her life and he doesn't want to start now ( at most he told her off for not inviting him to her second wedding and that was it. )

And then we have Hyacinth, she's practically Anthony's daughter so she is more babied than anyone else, I think Anthony spoiled her too much, and at the end he realized that he had to let her grow up make her own mistakes even if that meant he would have to eventually deal with a scandal (because of course she's wild and stubborn like Eloise but with Daphne and Francesca's social charm). Letting his baby grow up also meant setting her loose to find her own path. And let her be the' joy' of other unsuspecting individuals like Lady Danbury and Gareth for a change.

And that's the tea

[blueberry-cheese-pizza]

The Double 墨雨云间 book scene- ML's first step into the 'play'

This scene is too long, so I can't post the Chinese version for this part even though it's written beautifully. The setting: Jiang Li and her uncle face unexpected danger in the woods behind Tong Xiang after rescuing her father's (Xue Huai Yuan) loyal staff from the mines. Ambushed by two groups of assassins, one sent by Princess Yong Ning and the other by Jiang Li's stepmother, Madam Ji, they become separated. Jiang Li finds herself confronting Madam Ji's deadly assassins alone in the dark forest. Guess who appears?

“Second Miss, there’s no need to look around for another way out,” the leader said with a peculiar malevolence. “Madam ordered us to use every method to torture you before killing you. But you’re so pure and lovely, wise and brave, we wouldn’t want to use any terrible methods on you. How about something more... comfortable?”

The surrounding men laughed sickeningly in agreement. Jiang Li didn’t need to guess what despicable ideas were running through their minds.

For an instant, she felt as if she were back in the Shen family’s courtyard, the same feelings of humiliation and rage that had consumed her in those months of near-death. These men were dredging up her most vile memories.

Her eyes darkened, and she sneered, “Do you think you’ve already won? Do you really believe I have no other way out?”

The leader laughed again. “I know you’re trying to buy time, but Master Ye is already injured, held up by Feng Yutang’s men. And your horse moved too quickly for him to follow. He doesn’t know this forest, and he won’t find you. Right now, it’s just us and you.”

His arrogance was blatant. Jiang Li had led three assassins into the swamp because she knew the terrain, but even if Ye Mingyu escaped the assassins, he wouldn’t know where to find her—Tong Xiang was entirely unfamiliar to him.

But Jiang Li merely smiled, “Who said I was waiting for Master Ye?”

The man was stunned.

Her voice, clear and laced with amusement, echoed through the forest.

"Lord Duke, after watching the performance for so long, how about coming out to meet us?"

Her clear voice echoed through the forest at night. The moon hung low, almost reclining on the treetops, illuminating Jiang Li's delicate face. Her eyes were bright and clear, devoid of the panic one might expect in a dire situation. Instead, she appeared relaxed and clear-minded, as if she had everything under control.

The men in black observed her, and their leader chuckled, "Second Miss, why the pretense..." Before he could finish his sentence, a soft laugh emerged from the depths of the forest.

A crimson figure gradually stepped out of the darkness. Under the moonlight, the darker it got, the more magnificent his red attire appeared.

The moonlight shone on the black-gold butterflies embroidered on the hem of his robe, making them seem ready to take flight, their beauty almost sinister in its extreme. Ji Heng walked out of the night at an unhurried pace, holding a gold-threaded folding fan, a smile playing on his lips. "Nothing escapes you, does it?"

Ji Heng’s appearance immediately drew the attention of the assassins hired by Ji Shuran. Several of them pointed their swords at Ji Heng. Jiang Li’s earlier call of “Lord Duke” had not escaped the assassins’ notice.

Ji Heng's appearance was overwhelmingly striking, almost unnaturally so. His sudden presence in the dark dense forest made him seem like a bewitching forest spirit, exuding a dangerous allure. Perhaps it was their assassin's intuition about danger that made the leader in black ask Ji Heng, “Who might Your Excellency be?”

Ji Heng, however, didn't acknowledge them. Smiling, he looked at Jiang Li and said, “Second Miss, your acting skills have become more impressive.”

“If the show isn't captivating, how could it attract your attention?” Jiang Li glanced at the leader in black, her smile widening. “My lord, they are pointing their swords at you.”

Ji Heng was the kind of person who wore a perpetual smile, yet beneath that facade lay a ruthless and cold-hearted nature. His arrogance made the act of pointing a sword at him an outright insult. The leader of the black-clad men caught a glimpse of Ji Heng's gaze and felt an inexplicable urge to step back. His fingers involuntarily tightened around his sword, sensing that something was terribly amiss. Ji Heng paid them no mind, continuing to smile at Jiang Li.

"Second Miss, why attempt to divert trouble towards me? I have told you, I am not a part of the play."

"After watching so many of my performances, would you simply let this one go? If I were to die here today, would you not regret never seeing another of my plays?" she asked, looking up at him.

Her face was fair, her eyes bright and lively, filled with endless appeal. When she spoke in a soft, pitiful tone, even a deity might be moved.

However, Ji Heng was no deity; he was a demon crueler, more callous than any deity. He merely watched Jiang Li with an amused expression and said, "It’s a pity, but I will not be a part of the play."

The look of pleading in Jiang Li's eyes vanished instantly. It was hard to believe that the captivating demeanor she had displayed could be withdrawn so quickly.

Jiang Li felt a twinge of annoyance. In her past life as Xue Fangfei, she had a face that could launch a thousand ships. While she didn't think much of it, her beautiful appearance often smoothed her way through conflicts. People would often relent upon seeing her face, not pursuing matters further. A beauty only needed to pout a little, and everything would fall into place. Though she disliked using such tactics, Xue Zhao often chided her for wasting her looks, saying she could have easily gained a reputation as a femme fatale.

Now, she found herself forced to play the part of the pitiable and lovable, but it seemed that her charms were lost on Ji Heng. His response was as clear and unaffected as ever, leaving her deflated. Ji Heng continued to smile at her, speaking lightly as if he saw nothing wrong in his decision to let her fend for herself. His long, narrow phoenix eyes, beneath which a crimson mole added even an air of seduction, glimmered invitingly in the night.

The leader of the assassins seemed to come to his senses at this moment. He addressed Ji Heng first, "Since Your Excellency has no conflict with us, this will be simple."

He then turned to Jiang Li, saying, "Second Miss, it seems your reinforcements aren’t planning to help you. Let’s not waste any more time, shall we?" With that, perhaps fearing Ji Heng’s presence might lead to unforeseen complications, he lunged at Jiang Li.

The silver tip of his sword gleamed with deadly intent, stirring the leaves into a flurry as they fell.

Seeing that the situation was beyond repair and her supposed ally remained detached, Jiang Li gathered her resolve and shouted, "Lord Duke, I know why you are associating with the Prime Minister and Prince Cheng! The court is divided into three factions. Though the Emperor may appear weak, but he is no fool. To gain his sole trust, you must support Prince Cheng. With threats on all sides, the Emperor will rely on you heavily. This entire tripartite standoff is your creation!"

Jiang Li's rapid and urgent words left the black-clad assassins dumbfounded. What Prince Cheng? What Prime Minister? What was she talking about?

The smile on Ji Heng's lips froze.

end of part 1~

part 2

[gryphonlover]

psssssst you got any other angsty ideas for opossum!Hyrule?

(don't tell Jes)

- hero-of-the-wolf

Hiding secret opossum things under this nice read more. Nothing suspicious here. Just keep scrolling, Jes.

Supposedly, opossums taste kind of like pork. (Stephen Winnick) I am not suggesting anyone should actually eat him, I'm just saying one or two individuals may be familiar with the idea of eating opossums. Personally, I would not recommend eating one, but I would also eat greens from the lawn, so... yeah.

Opossums have also been compared to pigs by some very old, very dead famous colonists, but I don't really see the similarities, myself. Seems like the most they have in common is what they eat and what they taste like. (I would like to point out that their diet is terrifyingly diverse. Opossums have been seen eating just about everything, including "skeletal remains of rodents and roadkill animals.")

I think some parallels can be made regarding estimated lifespan. The generally agreed upon average lifespan in the wild is 2 years. 2 years. That's not very long. Of course, people say that it's short because of predators, and opossums can live up to 10 years in captivity, but the average lifespan in captivity is usually closer to 4 years.

If you assume that there are lots of monsters and barely any support for Hyrule in his home era, then I think it's reasonable to assume that he's going to slip up and die young. As much as I want him to live a long, happy life, in that situation I think he'd inevitably die around the age of 25. Maybe a little older or younger, but he definitely wouldn't make it to Time's age.

Now, I don't know exactly how Dark World forms work, but given that Twilight has a lot of experience with that sort of thing (and Magic Wolf Senses), I rather like the idea that he has some kind of intuition about it.

This is utterly horrible to do to him, but you asked for opossum!Hyrule-related angst, so here you go. I'm finally getting to the point.

What I'd like to see is that Hyrule ends up in his opossum form and encounters Twilight, who figures out what's going on and wants to fix it. (Bonus points if he plays dead and fools Twilight.) One way or another, he puts two and two together and figures out that Hyrule's an opossum because they're terrifying and don't live very long. Maybe they're generally considered a symbol of people who die young or something like that in Ordon. I don't know. Whatever works. This causes a whole long existential crisis because he knew Time would eventually die (see: Hero's Shade) but he didn't realize Hyrule probably would as well and now here he is as a freaking opossum and everyone knows they're dangerous, but they also die all the freaking time. Anyway, at some point stuff happens, and the subject is actually brought up and Hyrule tries (and fails) to reassure Twilight by telling him he always knew he'd die young, and it doesn't really matter anyway because he already died once or twice (see: dolls) so really he's living on extra time and once he dies it's actually for the best for his era (see: Ganondorf ritual). Twilight, being a normal person, is not reassured at all. This would also be a good opportunity to insert one or two random historical documents/folk stories from after Hyrule's era about what actually ends up happening. (Bonus points if he dies even younger than Twilight expected.) Also, they are heroes, so an attempt to change fate is going to be made sooner or later. What happens next is up in the air because that just puts us back at the "is determinism real" debate, and no one has solved that in the last several centuries anyway.

So that's my proposal for an opssum!Hyrule angst fic. :)

[the-tarot-witch22]

Hi, boo kinda little late with my feedback so I really apologise for that! And before i began with the feedback i want to say that I am very greatful to you for everything, thankyou for allowing me to participate and also those 3 songs and message?? You didn't had too ahh. But I'm indeed very greatful. Also I'm glad that it somewhat resonated because I was hearing "reassurance" again and again so I was like i feel like i need to reach mention this and what i felt was too that you needed some reassurance so I was like okay!! It definitely looked like he was tryna say I'm coming baby don't worry things will be okay wait for me. Don't worry at all-

Now coming to my feedback; Okay the sun card?? I mean getting this card even Intuitively is such a huge deal because damn. Also the messages for so assuring because indeed i do get very anxious sometimes and also definitely it indeed was a sign for me ngl. Also the take it easy damn i definitely need too-

Okay so the first song; 1. Car's outside-by James Arthur. Well i absolutely love this song and the fact I've this in my playlist too, the song definitely makes me feel sm emotions and longing idk how to explain. Like damn-Indeed this song has some personal emotions attached so ahh...!!!!!

*It's even more emotional now*

2. Double Take-by Dhruv. Okay so yk what's funny?? Like just a day before or two I saw the lyrics on this song suddenly popped out in my for u page, that have a 18+ thing and the fact most of us definately took those lyrics as something else due to it's sounding something else even after having this in our playlist and it being so popular at a point. And that part was popping in my feed again and again lmao. Like damn also the lyrics they are so cute and so like my pookie baby. Like do you feel the love?? Absolutely babe I do.

3. Just the way you are-by Bruno Mars. I heard this song for the first time i guess & Okay well okay hold up this had me in tears because...!! The lyrics. The fact I was feeling a little more insecure about my looks from a few days and he came up with this...like I've always been insecure and now whenever I do I'm gonna be reminded about this song and feel sm better..like i always was. (Okay i absolutely love this hooman and the hooman who chanelled the songs for me, so you know you both are so precious right!?? And i love you)

The fact each one of these songs seems so connected together and have something about eyes...like i love mine now lmao.

Okay well overall the messages and songs RESONATES with my situations and feelings it was like I definitely needed to hear them. And the fact the songs felt sm emotional and Beautiful, I'm literally very greatful and blessed. Thankyou once again for doing this for me hun, you are amazing>33 sending you sm move and good energy and I love you. 🫶🏻🤍🫂🧿

Hi love! Dw, always take your time my baby! And ofc! I was kept seeing and hearing those songs so I was like you need to hear that! Yeah it really was resonating and I am deeply grateful that you gave me those messages! And the songs were resonating too! I am glad I miss him, and it really felt like a hug, he is such a adorable man.

Thank you so much , I am glad you liked the messages I was kind of worried, but I am glad it gave you reassurance! And definitely "take it easy" was so many times.

1. Ikr, when I listened to those song for you, I was being emotional too, so ik wym, there definitely is longing between you and him ! I love that, I am also glad you liked the channeled song

2. Fr, it's 18+ and yet the lyrics are sweet, he was like let me give this to my baby

3. And you are my fav hooman too! (My baby - you) I knew he was very pick with songs but gave me the best for you, it's so sweet, I love to give things to you from your fs! I am honored to do so!

Thank you so much again too for participating! And trusting your energy with me, sending love to you as well my baby, take care! ❤️

[crookedkryptonitebeliever]

Yves fluff because i need some copium after my grandma just died

Sloppy work, but it's not to expand on his characterzz, its 2 serve me 💯

You sat on the bed, staring at your phone. The room was dark and the only thing illuminating your face is the phone screen.

Your grandmother had died, you weren't close to her. But she was close to your father. He's taking it hard and your mother has to be with him as an emotional crutch.

You don't know how to feel. So you glued your eyes onto the phone screen as you scan the texts and photos your parents had sent of the funeral. You feel bad, yes. But you never knew your grandmother, you were one of her fifty other grandchildren. And you came into this world a lot later, when her mind starts to deteriorate. Of course, she wouldn't even know what your name was.

You didn't feel much. But there was a dull emptiness that you're feeling. It's sad. It really is sad.

It's late at night. You don't know how to process it.

You jolted when you heard a knock on your door, initially not wanting to open it in fear of the unknown. But after receiving a text from Yves saying he's waiting outside, you reluctantly sat up from your mattress and headed to the door. It wasn't very far, you live in a cramped apartment anyways.

You opened the door to see him, beautiful, beautiful Yves. He had a sympathetic look on his face, as if he knew what was going on. But you think he just has this really good sense of intuition. You believed that he was some sort of a psychic medium and he must have felt some kind of shift in auras... Or something else. You don't care, you're just glad to see him in this very confusing phase. He's always been this beacon of light, Yves knows what to do to solve this. He knows how to solve everything.

He wordlessly greeted you with a kiss on the forehead. You stepped aside to let him in, he placed his handbag and duffel bag on the couch. You switched the lights on and locked the door behind you. Your neighbors would sometimes come home drunk, you wouldn't want them stumbling into your room by accident.

He took out what he needed and went into the bathroom, starting the "sanitizing" process. Which includes a thorough shower and a change of clothes, you were extremely picky as to who or what gets to touch your bed. And Yves never ceased to amaze you by knowing what your requirements are despite never properly communicating it to him- most importantly, knowing how to meet them and enthusiastically doing so without complaint.

It takes a while. But you can be sure that he wouldn't "contaminate" your bed. So you went back to somewhat spiralling silently. Looking through the texts describing the event, the circumstances and how your grandmother was found dead, by who.

You felt... Bad. Horrible. You don't know why. You're not missing her because it's just as if you're discovering that a stranger has died. It's a shame, but it isn't necessarily something you would lose sleep over. And your stomach has been recently acting up too, you're bloated and gassy. You remember Yves saying that you tend to have gut problems whenever you're feeling stressed or upset.

You're too distracted over the news that you didn't realize Yves left the bathroom with his jet black hair perfectly dried and silky.

"Sit up straight, please." He murmured as he caressed your back. You didn't realize that you were slouching and hunching to a horrendous extent.

You turned your head to look at him, he's wearing a long, flowy nightgown. It's smooth as it's made of satin, you liked how it brushed against your skin as he rubbed your shoulder soothingly. He sat close to you on your bed, you didn't mind because you think he is clean enough to be on it.

He didn't ask what happened. Yves doesn't have to. You didn't want to use up your depleted energy stores to tell him either.

That's why you sat in silence with him as he gave you tender and loving touches. At some point, you crawled onto his lap and rest your form on his chest, letting his manicured hand sweetly stroke your head.

"it's late, my love." He mumbled against your forehead. The vibration of his voice tickled you. He gently took the device off your hands and set it on the nightstand.

Now with your hands free, you would go on idly toying with strands of his hair. He pressed a kiss on your crown, wrapping his arms around you protectively and cupping your cheek with a soft hand.

You felt very much at ease in his presence. You knew that he wouldn't leave you be, you knew Yves would somehow always show up when something is wrong. He always knew when something troubles you and he always knew how to take care of it.

You felt him shift around as he gently laid you down on your bed, letting you sink into your fluffy pillows and soft bed foam.

He tucked you under your blanket, bringing the comforting material to your neck as he continued caressing the side of your head. You stared into his mysteriously knowing emerald eyes as he stared back into yours, half lidded and relaxed.

"There is no need to be afraid." He whispered, pressing another kiss onto your forehead. "I'm here." He continued, now holding your hand and massaging it. You didn't realize that you kept your hand out of the blanket.

Fear... That's what you're feeling. Your grandmother died after years of battling with dementia, she's trapped in her own mind and each day she's not dead, it's a day of terror. She died alone in her room, with no one realizing until the next day when her body was cold.

You were scared to share the same fate. You were scared to be her.

"I'm here." Yves repeated as he wiped away the stray tears that you didn't even realise fell from your eyes.

"I'm staying." He continued, laying on his side as he observed what you might do. His hand is resting on your neck, fingers gently drawing circles on your skin. "I will never leave you."

Yves smiled, it was warm and inviting, seeing it allows a wave of relief wash over you.

You moved closer and snuggled into his chest, allowing yourself to cry and release the burden of fear that's been trapped in your core.

He rested his chin on the top of your head, arms securely enveloping your much smaller form. Occasionally, he would give you a peck or two as you pour out your emotions onto him.

In the end, you were exhausted. You managed to fall asleep under the blindingly bright lightbulbs installed in the ceiling. It didn't bother you, because Yves was there to shield your eyes from it.

He spent the entire night quietly whispering positive and loving affirmations in your ears while you sleep, giving you only the sweetest dreams.

[yuseirra]

My brain keeps running on its own trying to formulate a way to make sense out of it all but at this point, I wonder if it'd be worth theorizing(If I can think of something good I'll still love to share :) )

Believe it or not, I'm very, very, very stern about trying to stay true to canon.. Because working with existing characters, they have their cores don't they? I really do want to care about portraying them in ways that are true to how they are in their respective stories, that's what makes them, them

With onk.. I'm starting to wonder...(yeah I just started;) this may be the first time where I may go oh let's just ditch canon I'll do whatever I want depending how it goes. Maybe I still believe some sort of miracle may happen in the remaining chapters that'd wrap everything together at may it be cluttersome(sorry but there is literally no room left for it to be able to meet its closure in a beautiful and graceful way with a deep sense of nuance and depth the way this work deserves. It's INCREDIBLY SHORT. It cannot happen within that amount of space it needs at least ten decently lengthy chapters.) but..I don't know~~.....

Oh I'm more concerned than hyped and it's been that way ever since I started vigorously drawing for this series again this July tbh 154 was GOOD, how come everything went downhill from there haha😂.. That chapter had me so hooked and I felt I knew all the answers that were to come from that point forth. I really had a huge intuition of how things would play out(and surprisingly, the possibility is actually still there)

I don't think I'm the type of fan who can ignore canon and do what I want, I've never been that way and I can't bring to convince myself of what's not there (this means, I sincerely believe in all the things I've been drawing o<-<) but... Let's see how it goes. I was so stressed and tense ever since I started drawing hikaai...I don't like being unsure of things...what if they're totally different from what I make of them...but seeing how CANON's going, maybe I don't have to care so much either if it's doing whatever it wants, canon feels so unhinged, was there ANYONE who was able to predict what were to happen 100%? What are they doing?; So yeah.

Oh;; I hope Aqua's okay. It's just...so cruel. I've been annoyed with him but that's because I wanted him to live!!! Why doesn't he- why did he HAVE to do THAT?? Hurt his dad and everyone he loves and even himself, I'm trying to find a reasoning that's convincing enough for me to comprehend just how this could make sense and hold some kind of message although it's downright horrifying; I kept asking in my posts all yesterday right? What message are thet trying to send with this and what could be the point? I can understand if they do a good job with it, I've been putting my effort in order to make out what good may come out of it but I guess only the author would know for now

I don't know where this post is going myself, I'm just writing out my thoughts, this series may have taught me a lot about myself that I wasn't so aware of...

I guess when conflicts appear I end up going, "they couldn't have had malicious intent, could they?" on many occasions, you really don't know what the other party can be thinking so for most cases, it just feels better to believe they didn't mean harm or evil. Maybe I'm being that way about Hikaru but AI LOVED THAT GUY. I didn't have a lot of thoughts about him before that dropped! I couldn't make a clear judgment so I just left my interpretation of him on hold. Oh ;v;).. It's been REALLY ROUGH holding out for him after that happened pft will that pay off.. That guy's still so ambiguous. I rather him be a good person. The story is better if he were. I guess believing in someone is hard but I'll.. Do that till I can. I think Ai would have?

You know, if I were Ai, I'd end him with my own hands if he became that messed up. That's how I drew that one comic after 162. I'd give him a hug and then end him lol because I'd feel responsible in a way. It's ridiculous and tragic how things turned to be the way it is but it doesn't feel so resolved either

I'm afraid about the fate of this series but at least not long left now. Hopefully I can still draw Ai and her bf in a wholesome manner, I really cared for those guys and I'd love to stick around and do more for it at least for awhile

[authorautumnbanks]

One Night (19)

Kagome glances at her phone and then looks around for Ayumi. It was a last-minute invitation. She lifts her hand and waves when she spots Ayumi in the crowd. "You made it!" Kagome slides her phone into her purse.

"Of... course." Ayumi holds up a finger. "Hold on. Can't breathe."

Kagome laughs. "You didn't have to rush here."

"Are you kidding me?" Ayumi sucks in a breath. "You invited me to the Ritz Carlton!" She pauses. "Not to be a buzz kill, but Kagome, I can't actually afford this." She frowns and wipes her hands on her jeans. "Did you want to go somewhere else?"

Kagome shakes her head and links their arms together. "I'm paying. Well, Satoru is footing the bill, but same thing. Kind of."

"Oh," Ayumi says. "Well, in that case. We should get the cheapest option."

"... I got us the Sakura package." Kagome opens the door and lets Ayumi's arm go, so she can walk in. "Don't worry about it." Even though she says to Ayumi, she's really telling herself not to worry about it. Satoru was insistent on her treating herself today. "Hi. Higurashi," Kagome tells the woman at the desk.

"This is really nice," Ayumi murmurs. Kagome slides the black card to the woman and then looks around. The hotel is huge. The floors look freshly polished and there is an overall grandness to the lobby. Perhaps it is the large windows and how the natural sunlight lights up the area?

"Right this way," a woman says, smiling at Kagome. "I will lead you to our spa area, where you can get changed." Kagome takes the card back and follows the woman. "It is a bit early, but we have champagne, if you would like a flute."

"Oh, that's okay, we'll be fine," Kagome answers.

"No worries." The woman points to a room. "You can place your items in one of the lockers. Please wash quickly and then go through the door on the right. The masseuses will be there waiting for you. There are robes for you to change into if nudity is a concern."

Kagome blinks. Wait, so they are to put on a robe but not a towel? Ayumi nudges Kagome to get moving. "Thank you," Kagome says to the woman right before sliding the door close.

"We're gonna be butt ass naked."

Kagome snorts and then laughs. "I've never had a professional massage before. I didn't know." The massage she got from Satoru does not count. "It'll be fine. The Sakura package comes with everything. Full body massage, scalp, facial, and I think foot as well." Kagome strips out of the simple blue V-neck dress. "Besides, I think we are both overdue for one."

"I hear that," Ayumi agrees. "You didn't want to invite Yuka?"

Kagome shakes her head and closes the locker. "No. I wanted to talk to you, and we haven't really hung out with just the two of us." Kagome bites her bottom lip and turns to look at Ayumi. "I wanted to ask before we go out there... did you know about Satoru?"

Ayumi doesn't say anything for a moment and then sighs. "I don't know him, know him. But I know he works for the government." She wrings her hands. "I... uh... can see those things. Curses."

Kagome nods, indicating for Ayumi to continue. So, her intuition was correct. Ayumi knows more than she let on.

"That's my real job. Scouting. I get paid more than I did at the office, but I've seen him at sites from time to time. So that's about the extent of how much I know of him."

"So that's why you weren't upset with me? About Koushi and Shippo?"

Ayumi chuckles. "Kagome, I knew there was something different about you back in middle school. InuYasha's cap came off once. I thought I was crazy, but Eri and Yuka could see InuYasha too. And the curses tend to hide whenever you're near." Ayumi wraps the towel around her and heads towards the showers. "Not that they saw his ears. But just that they could see him and not the other things told me that InuYasha was different." She stops and sighs. "I don't blame you for never bringing it up... I did once."

Kagome presses a hand to her mouth. "Back in sixth grade? Is that why you were gone?"

"Yeah... turns out telling trusted adults you see curses lands you in the hospital." They head into the showers and wash off.

"But how did you get caught up working as a scouter, then?" Kagome asks, raising her voice to carry over the water.

"That's, uh, a longer story." Ayumi shuts the shower off and grabs a towel. "But to keep it short so they don't come in here worried we're dead or something. I got attacked by one. Stared at it too long. A man, a sorcerer with dark hair, saved me and got me set up with the managers. I can't fight them, but I can scout them out and give that information back to the managers. And I learned my lesson about staring at them."

"Wow..." Kagome towels off and then slides the robe on. She walks over to Ayumi and pulls her into a hug. "I wish I had known back then. There was so much I didn't tell you because—"

"I get it. Really." Ayumi pulls back. "What matters now is you're back, and this means I can see you more?"

Kagome smiles. "I'm not going anywhere." They link arms again and head for the door on the right, like the woman said.

Maybe she should make Ayumi a charm or something? Especially if she's going out of her way to feed information back to the school.

"Just curious. How much did this package cost?"

"Around 72,000 yen each."

Ayumi stops and stares at her. "Okay, next movie night is going to be at your place."

"Oh! I forgot. We're getting a house. I'll throw a housewarming party, but I don't want Eri there." One of the first things she did when she got up was to block Eri on everything. Normally, Kagome gives people second chances and maybe even a third, but she does not have the energy to do so with Eri. If Eri was truly sorry, then she would have apologized or said something, but she never did, and some things Kagome just can't forgive. "I think it's for the best I do not speak with Eri again."

Ayumi nods. "She wants your man, and she would double down if she realized how rich he is, too." She scoffs. "I wouldn't tell her shit."

If the masseuses are offended by the crass language, they don't show it. Instead, they instruct Kagome and Ayumi to go to the massage tables. The full body massage with the rose quartz crystals is heavenly. When the massage is over, Kagome is so rejuvenated she sets up another appointment in two weeks.

"Is this about to be our thing?" Ayumi asks, patting her face. "I've never felt so soft."

"I think so," Kagome agrees. She blows out a breath. Maybe she should have consulted with Satoru first before booking a second appointment for her and Ayumi. She'll talk to him during lunch about it. "We'll catch up. I'll need some help with furniture shopping."

Ayumi's eyes light up. "Ugh, you know I love shopping." They hug and then wave goodbye. Kagome gets to the restaurant before Satoru and the boys do, so she opts to wait outside for them. She chose somewhere close to Satoru's missions so they wouldn't have to go far and a place that has private rooms for them to dine in. Kagome shifts her weight to the left. Her breasts feel heavy. It is about time for Koushi to eat.

"Mama!" Shippo yells, drawing some attention. Satoru picks up his strides. "Look what I got!" Shippo holds out a tablet because, of course, Satoru got him one.

"That's great, Shippo," she says, trying to ignore how Satoru is staring at her. She can just feel the heat coming through his blindfold. Best to not make eye contact with him for now. Kagome ducks her head and kisses Koushi's forehead.

"I don't get a kiss?" Satoru whines.

"You look like you want more than a kiss," she says.

His smile is instantaneous. Damn it. Kagome tucks her hair behind her ear just to give her something to do with her hands. She blinks and looks around Satoru. "Oh, is Ijichi joining us?"

"No."

"He likes Shoko though," Shippo says. "And Shoko is meeting us."

Satoru frowns and then turns around. "Oi! Hurry up."

Ijichi points to himself and then bustles over to them. "I... was going to get food over there."

"Shoko is joining us," Shippo chimes.

"I am so honored you invited me to lunch," Ijichi says to Kagome. He doesn't look at Satoru. "Kagome-san, you look amazing. Glowing."

"Aw thanks, I went to a spa."

"We should go in and get our room," Satoru says, grabbing the door for Kagome to walk in. The door slams. Kagome jumps a little and looks back. "He's fine," Satoru says, placing a hand on Kagome's lower back. Shippo snickers.

Kagome presses her lips together. These two are going to be trouble together, she can tell. Satoru gets them a private room and takes a seat closest to the door. Shippo sits at the head of the table, and Kagome sits between Satoru and Shippo. Ijichi sits opposite of them, but across from Satoru. He looks at the door every so often.

Aww, he must be smitten with Shoko.

"She said she's almost here," Satoru says, placing his phone on the table. "I got you something while we were out."

Kagome nurses Koushi with the nursing scarf pulled over them and reaches into the bag. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"Mhmm." Satoru rests his cheek in his palm as he watches her. "You do look beautiful." He slides a hand under the table and touches her thigh. "How are you softer than this morning?"

Ijichi coughs and hits his chest with his fist. "I'm okay," he wheezes out.

"You're like a walking disaster," Shippo chirps.

Kagome pulls the box out of the bag and her eyes widen. "Satoru..."

"You like it? Noticed you didn't have a lot of purses."

"This is a Birkin." While she does not keep up with all the designer fashions, she knows that Birkins can cost as much as a down payment on a house. Kagome holds it up a little longer and then puts it back into the box. She sets it down on the floor between her and Satoru.

"Sorry, I only got one since space is limited right now, but I sign the paperwork on Thursday." He squeezes her thigh. "Which means Shippo and Koushi get their own rooms."

"Can I have a TV in my room?" Shippo asks while drawing something on his tablet.

"Yes."

"No."

Satoru clamps his mouth shut. Kagome unlatches Koushi and fixes her dress. "No, you do not need a TV in your room. You'll just stay up and watch movies."

Shippo pouts, but doesn't argue.

The door slides open and Shoko walks in. Kagome flashes her a smile. "Sorry I'm late," Shoko says, sitting next to Ijichi. "I've been trying to sort out Nanami and the others all morning."

"Cool story," Satoru says. "I'm ready to order."

"Satoru." Kagome squints at him. "Be nice."

The tips of his ears burn pink. "I'm always good."

"I doubt that." Kagome directs her attention to Shoko. "Is it anything I can help with?"

Shoko brightens. "Well, actually, if you don't mind taking a crack at it. I can't get Nanami to change back to his normal self. And Panda is still a zebra. Yuta hasn't moved from that spot."

"Kagome doesn't need to do your job," Satoru grumbles as he pushes the button for the server.

"Ignore him. He's protective," Kagome says. "It's just one thing."

"You're supposed to have the day off and now you're about to do work." He leans over and rests his head on her shoulder. "Oh, you smell nice." He inhales. "I can't stop touching you. You're so soft."

"They're always like this," Shippo says. "Papa is a pervert."

Shoko chokes. "What?"

"Can't you just help them tomorrow?"

"You're serious about me not lifting a finger today?" Kagome wets her lips. "As long as it isn't a life-or-death situation, then I guess I can look at them tomorrow if they still need help." She elbows Satoru right as the server comes in. He makes a big show of being offended, but takes delight in ordering for them. "You know, Shoko, I might be able to help you without having to go on the campus," Kagome says, after the server leaves.

"Oh? How so?" Shoko leans forward. The bags under her eyes are terrible and Kagome feels slightly bad for coming to this lunch fresh off a spa treatment.

"Well, your energy is a little twisted up. Probably because of stress. I could help loosen it, and that might give you the breakthrough you need."

Satoru makes a choked noise in the back of his throat. "I don't think—"

"I would LOVE that," Shoko says, smiling. She makes a face at Satoru and then flutters her eyelashes at Kagome. "Love that. You have no idea," she repeats.

Kagome nods. Ijichi's shoulders slump and he seems more interested in his glass of water. Kagome tilts her head. Ijichi needs some kind of oomph.

"Provided no one reacts like Satoru, I can give you both an energy massage."

"OH Hel—"

Kagome gives Satoru a look.

"Oh, how wonderful," he chokes out with a grimace.

Kagome looks at him and mouths, "Behave." The hand on her thigh tightens before easing up. Satoru swallows and nods.

"How did you do that?" Shoko asks.

Do what? Tell Satoru to behave? Kagome shrugs. She doesn't see what the big deal is. Satoru is just being Satoru, but since Shoko and Ijichi are looking at her, as though she has two heads, she answers with a simple, "Trade secret."

Honestly, she doesn't get what the big deal is. All she said was to behave. It's not like she did the impossible. Satoru can be reasoned with.

***

A/N: Are some of you mind readers? How did you know Kagome was gonna offer an energy massage to Shoko lol.

I've been going back and forth about this death in Wish I Could. I might just put it in one of those random draw pulls (don't judge me).

I think, well I know Naoya is going to do something to tick Satoru and Shippo off, but I'm thinking of them sneaking into the Zenin clan and giving Naoya some nightmares. Just seems like something a fox could do.

Take care. Stay cool. Stay safe. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.