#dice headers

[jeyyxy]

˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ ࣪ ⊹ 🪐 . . ݁ ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ ࣪ ⊹ 🪐 . . ݁ ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ ࣪ ⊹ 🪐 . . ݁

[pathetic-gamer]

Can you say more on The Burning Wheel? The information on the site doesn’t distinguish it much from other TTRPGs that I can tell, aside from being a D6 system. What makes it unique and worth playing? (You don’t have to provide a huge rundown haha I’m just curious!)

Sure! I tried to keep this short and failed miserably, but I'd be happy to expound even more upon specific things later, if people want more :)

(Please note that, as with any ttrpg, it would be hard to claim any of the things mentioned here are wholly original to The Burning Wheel. It would be even harder to claim that no other systems have used these mechanics or philosophies in the 20 years since The Burning Wheel came out. I am not going to claim either of those things - its the combination of them and the play experience they have resulted in for me that make it unique, so that's the angle from which I'm writing this post.)

So. why is it worth playing? How is it different?

I could talk about the skill learning system, the war rules codex, the whole concept of versus tests vs bloody versus tests. But to me, there are two main ways that it stands out from other systems: its treatment of role-play as a mechanism, and the overall philosophy behind the game's design, including the concept of setting clear expectations.

(using section headers to break up the text lol)

How it uses role-play:

The most obvious thing to point out is that there's a whole set of encounter mechanics for social situations or debates (Circles checks, Duel of Wits, etc.) - sort of the epitome of crunchy role play. But thats not what I'm getting at! What I'm getting is the fact that good role play is integral to the way the game functions.

Let's go back, all the way to character creation: When you're burning a character, you selecting life paths (page to squire to knight, etc.) with their associated skills and traits, then tie them in a pretty bow with beliefs and instincts to guide the character's actions. All of these things feed into each other to make a complete character. Easy! Familiar! We all know how to make a character, even if the numbers and labels are different!

What really matters to this engine once you're playing is whether the character you're acting as matches what you built. If it doesn't, the rules nudge you to redefine your character until it does through systems of rewards, penalties, and consequences. You are rewarded for sticking to and acting on your traits, beliefs, and instincts through different types of points distributed and voted on by fellow players, which can be used to alter the course of events or turn the tide of a bad situation later on. If you're not living up to a trait, on the other hand, you can lose it and all its benefits. (Took the fortitude trait, but ran from trouble one too many times? tough luck! the other players voted to take away that trait and now you can't call on it in moments of peril.) The beliefs and traits of a single character can end up at odds with each other, resulting in characters having to make choices that in other systems might seem insignificant or carry few lasting consequences, but here may alter the function of your character.

It's not all punitive measures, btw! One of my characters caused problems for everyone else by refusing to put away a weapon when someone else was in danger, playing off of an instinct that states he draws his weapon whenever his master does. After the session, another player suggested everyone consider nominating the Brave trait for him the next time we update them. As a character-type trait, it has no effect when rolling dice but does mean that henceforth and forevermore, anyone who interacts with him will notice a sense of bravery. Delightful!!

Also, the beliefs of different characters are practically guaranteed to stray from one another at some point, which is the primary source of inter-PC conflict. Because the mechanics of the game encourage and reward sticking to your beliefs or following your stated instincts even when it makes things significantly harder or causes problems, you're much more inclined to do it. As someone who is terrible at not slipping back into the same kind of character over and over again, I think this fucking rules.

I'm playing with a group of people I've been gaming with for almost five years, and this has opened the way for much richer dynamics between our characters than any of the other systems we've played, in part because as players we're less interested in acting on concensus to drive the plot forward. Working as one unit simply isn't the goal, and if it was, we would play a different system that encourages and rewards that.

the game's philosophy, aka setting intentions and also reading rules:

Now we're starting to get at the philosophy behind the game's design: It believes you have to know why you're playing burning wheel instead of literally any other game. This isn't a system you play on accident. It's admittedly a complicated game with a LOT of rules. It asks for a huge amount of engagement from all of the players, not just the GM - something like inter-PC conflict can only work well if everyone is on the same page (figuratively, but also literally lol) and ready to help adjudicate rules, ask for tests, discuss intentions, etc. Dream scenario for a chronic rules lawyer lol.

Obviously any game will be more fun if everyone has actually learned the rules before they start playing, but this is one where it's extremely difficult (if not impossible) to play if most players haven't learned them, and deeply rewarding if they have. It really operates on the expectation that everyone is putting in work, and everyone has respect for the time and effort the others are bringing to the table.

It's hard to put a finger on how this all impacts play other than the obvious elegence of People Knowing What Theyre Doing, but on a purely emotional and meta level, knowing that everyone is investing so much time and effort to play a game with you is just.. idk, it feels special and makes the time itself feel even more valuable. In that sense, the satisfaction of playing the game isn't coming from the game itself, but is still shaped by it.

(In my mind, this is the #1 reason to try the game, but as @thydungeongal alluded to yesterday, finding people willing and able to do it is also the #1 hurdle to, like, actually having a good time. it would be completely miserable otherwise.)

Also, for a game that does not boast a collaborative nature the way some others do, it is honestly pretty fuckin collaborative lol. I don't know that this was Luke Crane's intention in designing the game, but closing out sessions by going through and grading everyone's work and giving each other glorified gold stars, you will inevitably end up discussing and dissecting things, learning from people's character work, and seeing where and how you can improve individually and as a group. It creates a table culture that values honest expressions of discomfort or dissatisfaction, and also of appreciation and celebration. It's after-care. It leads naturally into setting intentions and expectations for the next session. It just feels really nice!!!

That's obviously a table culture that can be cultivated anyway, and it's a practice my group has learned to be very intentional about facilitating, but it's just interesting how The Burning Wheel of all systems manages to support that. I think that's what the website means when it says playing this changes how you play other rpgs lol

So yeah, idk how much more to say and also I'm sooooooo so eepy and was like an hour late for work, so its a weird brain day. but there you go lol

[i-am-not-a-who-i-am-a-what]

so about the header that proceeded today's statement:

Viability as agent: Low

Viability as subject: None

Viability as catalyst: Medium

i didn't know what to think of this part of the entry at first, but the longer the statement went on... was the institute in this universe trying to manufacture avatars?

the dice can't do anything without someone to use them, they can't be an "agent" by themselves, but might be capable of manipulation, so in that aspect their viability is "low."

the dice could be a "subject" in the sense that they could use further studying, but the statement itself was a very thorough investigation of their workings, so in that aspect their viability is "none."

the dice seem to influence their holder to roll them, or at least find more victims to roll them, and could therefore be described as a "catalyst" for someone's becoming. but, as seen in the statement, their owner can give the dice to someone else (albeit not without consequences), so in that aspect their viability is only "medium."

so what about the line following all this, what does "Recommend referral to Catalytics for Enrichment applicability assessment" mean? if we go by this interpretation, i'd say it could mean the institute wanted to find a way to make the dice even more potent as an artifact, maybe even remove that pesky ability for their owner to reject them.

imho all of this this brings a whole new level of context to the events of episode seven, of unknown violent agents going after an influx of objects that seemed straight out of artifact storage. was that the nature of the titular "magnus protocol" first mentioned in episode four, the one that involved the starkwall group? containing or destroying potential artifacts before the institute could get their hands on them?

it also makes their "gifted kids program," and sam's link to it as one of the kids being studied, all the more horrifying to think about. was it not just avatars in general they were after, but child avatars specifically? no wonder gertrude got so defensive over the possibility of sam and celia dragging gerry back into the institute's business last episode, we all picked up on her clearly knowing more than she's letting on but now we might know the shape of that information a bit better.

and one final bit of food for thought... this statement had a lot of familiar themes, didn't it? free will or the illusion of it, gambling and not-so-random chance, the statement giver being done in by one final hit from what feels like a bit of an addition... all hallmarks of a certain mother of puppets. doesn't it seem fitting that "chester" would use this kind of statement to warn sam about what harm pursuing the magnus institute could bring to him, considering the one his voice might draw from? and doesn't it seem so painfully ironic that his warning seems to have only driven sam further into that web?

[rachiecrown]

Holy merch !!!

I saw people showing off their displays, and I wanted to show off mine (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

Note that the stickers aren't actually stuck to the wall! I actually cut them out from the sticker sheet, then I tape them on the back and stick them like that. I couldn't sticker them for real or I'd explode

The Scarland Artbook is being held up by cardboard, a necklace chain, and a dream haha

List of every single thing on my wall, up to down, under the cut..

Hot Guy and Cute Guy minis I printed and folded

Hot Guy sticker from Scarverse/Hoffen

Printed Hot Guy logo I drew

Gem, Scott, and Pearl snail stickers by Cherrifire

Apple sticker someone gave me

BAMboozler papercrafts and bamboozler minis! Plus BAM!Grian who I made in blockbench myself, all on cardboard shelves I hotglued together, plus a pink flower sticker I slapped on there

Vex sticker and BAMboozler sticker from Scarverse/Hoffen

Bracelet someone gave me at a con + blue heart I cut out of paper

Hot Guy trading card Lumy gave me!

Life Series hearts by Cherrifire

Bow and arrow sticker someone gave me

AHA!! Cutout someone gave me

Jimmy, Joel, Lizzie, Mumbo, Grian, and Scar stickers by Cherrifire

Sticker I cut out from the middle of the Scarland sticker sheet

Watcher symbol trinket someone gave me (it glows in the dark!)

Skizz, Impulse, and Tango stickers by Cherrifire

Season 10 postcard that came with the Scarland Artbook by cocoabats

DDVAU Hot Guy/Grian and Cute Guy/Scar keychains by Doody and Maruu

4 flower stickers that reminded me of HG and CG

Parrot sticker from the Scarland Artbook

Pyramid stack of all Lifers + Oli

Mumbintosh picture I cut out of the package I received when I bought Mumbo merch

Three stickers from Scarverse/Hoffen + six stickers from the Scarland Artbook

20//80 Hot Guy and Cute Guy art, made by me

Hot Guy and Cute Guy standees by Doody and Maruu, plus my HG themed DND dice

Etho, Cleo, and BDubs snail stickers by Cherrifire

Bow + arrow stickers, plus Secret Life sticker

Life Series bracelet someone gave me

Little teeny Grian doodle, plus Martyn, BigB, and Ren snail stickers by Cherrifire

Last Life sticker, plus Scar Secret Life sticker from Scarverse/Hoffen

Smaller stack of minis I'm still buidling, ft. Permit Office group, plus a sticker of two Minecraft hearts

Scar Season 6 hat sticker from Scarverse/Hoffen

Witchcraft SMP Scott sticker I printed, drawn by me

20//80 chapter 4 header art, made by me

Four Scar hat stickers from Scarverse/Hoffen

Scarland Artbook, plus three stickers that came with it.

Here is a closeup of the teeny tiny Grian!

Also, I don't really count the mushroom hat as part of the display, but it can be if you consider it related to Mother Spore

[marveltrumpshate]

Want to participate in Marvel Trumps Hate, but don't know what to offer? Think outside the box!

Stumped on what to offer because you don't write fic or draw? Marvel Trumps Hate welcomes a huge variety of fanworks and fan labor (see our sign-up post), so there are different ways you can contribute. You'll be amazed by the breadth of skills, talents, knowledge, and types of creative expression found in fandom!

Here's a smorgasbord of offers that we've either had before or seen people discuss as possibilities for MTH 2024 or future years to help inspire you. What you can offer is not restricted to the list below; these are just examples to get you brainstorming about what you can auction off because trust us, even if you think you might not have something to offer, you probably do!

ART (VISUAL/ILLUSTRATIVE)

Drawings/illustrations

Single-page and multi-page comics

Pixel art

Paintings (oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor)

Mixed-media artwork on canvas

Ink-on-bristol art

Embroidery on canvas

Pour paint/spin art

Rotoscopes

Digital coloring books

AUDIOVISUAL WORKS

Fan music or filk inspired by characters, ships, or fics

Podfics

Videos (fic trailers, themed edits, vids set to songs)

Animations (making original art/animation or turning existing art into animation)

BETA SERVICES

Editing

Cheer reading

Soundboarding/planning/development work

Fact-checking

Culture-picking

Sensitivity reading

Knowledge about specific topics or experiences (e.g., identities, lifestyles, professions, interests, fields of study)

Research

CRAFTS & MERCH

Candles

Lip balms

Soaps

Stained glass/suncatcher

Scented beanbag-style sachets

Candy/chocolate/baked goods/jellies/sweets

Fic/character/ship/theme boxes (like book boxes)

Pins, magnets, patches, charms, standees, key chains, ring holders, calendars, stickers, bookmarks, temporary tattoos

Sculptures and clay figures

Ceramic mugs and other ceramic items

Apparel/wearable accessories (shirts, jackets, scarves, gloves/mittens, hats, face masks, regular masks, cowls, pajamas/onesies)

Backpacks, tote bags, itabags with custom window shapes, leather dice bags, wallets, pouches/pencil cases

Plushie animal or Tsum Tsum versions of Marvel characters

Dolls (crochet, needle felt, matte board, hand-sewn)

Embroidery hoops/wall art and cross stitch pieces

Jewelry (diamond painting, macrame, metal, crochet, wire, beads)

Woodwork/wood burning (cheese board, box/chest, USB stick, coasters, photo frame, alphabet blocks)

Glasswork

Custom Funko Pops

Paper cut light boxes

Pillow cases, quilted pillows, baby blankets, dishcloth/washcloths, potholders

Handmade leather journals

Linoleum stamps

Dog/cat/pet toys

Artbooks, paper doll books, and coloring books

Hand-dyed yarn skeins

Custom tea blends

DIGITAL (GRAPHIC DESIGN)

Gifsets

Graphics/edits

Mood boards

Photo manips

Fic covers/posters/banners

Icons and headers

Webweaving

Tumblr or website layouts

Digital calendars

Wallpapers

Custom Discord emojis

FAN LABOR & TRANSLATION

Typesetting

Bookbinding

Recipes based on characters, ships, or themes

Names, tags, and summaries for fics

Audio/sound editing and/or soundscaping for podfics

Book cover design and printing

Art/comic/fic translation

Website/game/AO3 skin coding

Fic rec lists

Fic playlists/fanmixes

Knitting/crochet patterns

Art coaching

Help with launching and organizing fan events

WRITING

Fic

Poetry

Meta posts

Social media AUs

Physical letters written by characters to the reader or between two characters

Remixes of your fic or an existing fic with the author's permission

Whether you can do something on this list or something else altogether (we're sure there are a lot of other things that you can do that we haven't thought about or seen before), we hope you'll consider signing up before the deadline: September 28, 11:59 PM ET.

[altis-of-olympia]

Hello, traveler, and welcome to my devotional blog. I'm a Hellenic Polytheist of 9+ years and a Priest in Training for King Zeus Horkios, Watcher of Othas. You may call me Altis. I use any pronouns.

On this page, you will find a variety of content, such as:

A few rambles about my practice, the community, politics, anything that passes my mind that I feel so inclined to discuss. If you do not like politics or do not enjoy political discussion, you do not have to interact with such posts! They will be labeled at the start with a political warning in case they make you uncomfortable. (#Ramblings of Altis)

Lessons and teachings are based on things I know, things that have been requested, and things that I feel are not taught as much as they should be. (#Teachings of Altis)

Journals about my Priesthood training, updates on this process and how things are going, as well as tasks and assignments I have been given by the King. (#Altis's Training)

General updates on my practice and rituals - as of right now, rituals aren't their separate category. (#Practice of Altis)

Everything will be marked with a proper header, like the one on this post.

Now, for the fun facts about me.

This is not my main blog. @light-of-delphi is not my main blog either, but it's more popular and central. I won't be posting on that one as frequently, now that my path has changed and I'm walking a different road. Consider this blog a new chapter!

I specialize in divination with tarot cards, pendulums, coins, and dice. I have strong clairaudience (hearing the divine), and I still have plans of becoming an Oracle of some kind for the Gods.

I am a Cancer Sun, Capricorn Moon, and Scorpio Rising.

I am a lover of philosophy, art history, ancient history and civilizations, and art, with a special interest in the Italian Renaissance, Classical civilizations, and the French Revolution.

I have very strong views - I do not care if your views align with mine. They do not have to, so long as you're respectful about it. If you respect my views, I shall respect yours as well.

I run a 15+ server dedicated to the education on Oathsworn paths. You can find that here.

I sincerely hope none of this came off as intimidating - I am not meant to be intimidating. My status as a Priest in Training for King Zeus does not make me better than anyone, above anyone, or more important than anyone. We're all equals, here. Titles don't change that.

I am beyond open to novice practitioners interacting with my page, as I strive for education and learning! I love teaching and my inbox is always open for questions, comments, concerns, and a little bit of guidance whenever needed. Though, as I am an adult, I will not be going out of my way to dm with or private message minors. If there is any indication that you are a minor, I will not be responding to your dms or inboxes. Feel free to leave an ask instead. This is for my online safety and comfort as well as yours.

I look forward to bonding with you all, Xaire!

~ Altis

Updated on: 2/27/2025

[fistsandfangs]

blood on my shirt, heart in my hands

prologue + chapter 1

synopsis: an R+D love story of an alternate, somewhat kayfabe compliant 2024 told in vignettes of intimacy, passion, and a little pain. because let's be real--dominik mysterio is the sweetest little masochist rhea ripley has ever seen, and she wants to wreck him. tenderly.

rating: mature warnings: light d/s dynamics, suggestive material and eventual adult content, mild bloodplay, mild painplay, light angst, hurt/comfort

originally i was just planning to post this exclusively on my ao3, but after some thinking i figured it was time to just fuck it and chuck it. it's a wip that's a bit more progress than it is work at the moment, but it's been planned and outlined and everything! so without further ado, please enjoy, and comments are always beloved and appreciated!

header made by me; mdni banner by cafekitsune and divider by dollywons

PROLOGUE

If left unchecked, Rhea was going to make a devout disciple out of Dominik Mysterio.

With or without meaning to, she had pushed him to the edge of his self-discipline, and he was one good takedown away from falling to his knees with her name as god on his lips.

It had to be wrong that his heart battered his ribs like a wild bird in a cage too small to contain it whenever they fought. It had to be wrong that when he got busted open from her handiwork, the warmth of fresh blood felt like a lover’s touch. It had to be wrong that he had to actively incite his own survival instincts when she was the one inflicting the damage.

It had to be wrong, but that didn’t make it untrue.

It was easy to say that he subjected himself to it all for the sake of training. Being new to Judgement Day, he was learning how to be a whole new kind of wrestler. He was relearning his ring awareness to account for new people, with new instincts and skills. It took a lot of time to learn how to anticipate something so new.

For Dominik, he had always learned best by doing, which translated to ungodly amounts of time in the gym, and by extension, being beat to hell all hours of the day.

Currently, Rhea had him backed into the turnbuckle by using her whole body to pin him in place, and he was trapped like an insect in honey. He could still muster the strength to move, in the loosest definition of the word, but was ultimately going nowhere and rapidly losing sight of why that was the wrong result.

She looked down at him with a predatory kind of hunger just before grabbing him by the throat and using his own weight as momentum to swing him toward the middle of the ring for a chokeslam.

The reverberations of his body hitting the mat felt like a small earthquake, and he was momentarily winded from the impact. He coughed to try to force some air into his lungs, holding up a hand imploringly.

“Woah, woah, woah!” Damian called out, his voice booming through the empty training area. “Rhea, hey, that’s enough!”

She scoffed but deferred willingly, taking halting steps backwards until she reached the ropes and leaned all her weight into them. “What, like he can’t take it? He’s a big boy now.” Looking down at Dominik’s nearly motionless body, she kicked his foot gently. “Aren’t you, champ?”

“Yeah,” he gasped out, resting his palm on his stomach. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He shifted his hips in an attempt to gain enough momentum to get himself into a sitting position, only to have barely moved himself an inch sideways. “Just…give me a second.”

“No dice, cabrón, you’re done for today.” Damian jumped up onto the edge of the ring and reached over the ropes to pat Dominik’s shoulder roughly.

“You’re no fun, Priest,” Rhea sighed dramatically, sliding out of the ring and stalking off towards the locker room.

Dominik’s entire body was sore, from the roots of his hair to the tips of his toes. His hands were shaking faintly with exhaustion and adrenaline that had yet to burn off, and it made it difficult to roll onto his hands and knees to pull himself to his feet.

Rhea had handed his ass to him in the ring today, and the only thing that bothered him about it was that he didn’t want to let her down. She had gone out on a limb for him—all of Judgement Day had, really, but she was the believer. He didn’t want to give her a reason to regret it. To regret him.

Not when he was on the way down to fallen in love with her.

Finally dragging himself to the showers, he hoped to drown the self-doubt in the scorch of hot water raining down on his tired and battered body. It soothed his taught muscles, but aggravated the throbbing, early-stage bruises.

He felt the ache so deeply that it made a pit in his stomach, but it reminded him that Rhea was all over him now. He would get twinges of pain with unassuming movements and pressures as though she was reaching into him and twisting him up just a little more.

Dominik imagined her low, raspy laugh in his ear, her breath ruffling his hair, when he got a sharp crack of pain in his upper arm, and the headrush of arousal that crashed over him almost dropped him to his knees.

Deciding the shower was not helping as much as it should, he quickly dried off and pulled on clean underwear, sweats, and a t-shirt, before heading for the locker rooms to finish getting dressed. When he walked in, though, Rhea was there.

She had her earbuds in and he could hear the tinny, bright sound of loud music at nearly full volume as she gathered her things and shrugged on her jacket. As he started for his own locker, she spoke. “Hey.” He nearly jumped out of his skin in surprise when she addressed him blindly, her attention still on her task at hand. “D’you have a minute?”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure.” He didn’t have a clue what she going to say to him, but he knew what he feared she might. He busied himself with putting on his hoodie and adjusting it over his still-damp skin as a buffer.

They lingered in silence for a beat before Rhea finally spoke. “I’m not trying to bust your balls, you know.”

He actively fought the laugh that bubbled up in his chest at the idea that she would ever need to apologize to him for that. This was not the time or place for that conversation, though. He pressed his lips together and turned to face her.

“It’s gonna be a pain in the ass for a while, standing on your own like this. You’ll need every advantage you’ve got, because people will be looking for any excuse to tear you down. You’re vulnerable because you’ve drawn a line in the sand, but you can’t afford to be.” It sounded personal to her, and he felt that he was seeing something she may not have necessarily meant for him to. He couldn’t help but see it, though; an openness in her expression, a softened edge to her tone. He wondered if it was indicative of her history with Edge, which he knew was wracked with destruction in its wake.

He lifted his chin curiously, but nodded.

“…Are you ready for that?”

Dominik chose his words carefully before he answered. “I’ve been living for someone else all my life. Wrestling is in my blood, but it’s been in me all along, too, even if no one saw that. And now, for the first time, I might get to be just Dom—not an extension of my dad—and I don’t want to fuck that up.”

Rhea gave him a small smile, kind and almost gentle, and brought her hand up to his face.

She flattened her palm on his cheek and dragged it down slowly with a disarming tenderness, the tips of her nails blazing a blood-heated trail from the side of his head down to his jaw that lulled him into a soft haze, only to pull the rug out from under him when she grabbed his chin between her fingers and squeezed firmly. “Well, look at you. You’re starting to talk like a champion.”

She dropped her hand away abruptly and moved to leave the locker room, hitching her bag up on her shoulder.

“I don’t need it to be easy,” he called after her, stopping her in her tracks. “Or to be babied. Beat the shit out of me if I’m not good enough to stop you; I’d deserve it. I just wanna know someone believes I can do this.”

She turned towards him and leaned against the door with her shoulder, opening it a few inches. “Why do you think I always liked picking fights with you?” With a wink, she swept off, leaving him alone.

Reaching up to probe appreciatively at the tender spot on his jaw where Rhea had gripped him, he shook his head with a wolfish grin. He was so fucked. Ojalá.

CHAPTER 1

“What do you think of the facial hair?” Dominik observed himself thoughtfully in the bathroom mirror, running his fingers over the prickly stubble that darkened his cheeks and chin and the moustache that was just starting to thicken into something a little fuller and softer. Upon being met with silence, he poked his head out the door into the hall. “Mami?”

“Hmm?” she called back, sounding distracted.

He set aside his razor and wiped his hands off on the towel at the sink before leaving the ensuite to find her.

She was perched on the chair in the corner by the window, bathed in warm sunlight, with her phone in hand.

“Mami?” Dominik pressed again, leaning down to try to catch her eye.

“Hmm?” When he didn’t answer her, she looked up. “What?”

“I was trying to ask you something,” he pouted playfully, folding his arms behind his back.

“Aww, poor little Dom Dom,” Rhea cooed pityingly, tossing her phone onto the bedside table and opening her arms for him. “C’mere, then.”

Eagerly, he straddled her lap, taking her face in his hands. Barefaced and more beautiful than anything had ever been or could be, she broke apart his world and rebuilt it into something better every time she looked at him.

“Was there something in particular, or did you just want to look at me?”

“¿Por que no los dos?”

Rhea burst into laughter that wracked her whole body and almost dislodged him from her lap. “Oh my god, I hate you so much,” she managed to get out breathlessly.

“Mm, I love you too,” he said with a smile, kissing along her forehead, nose, cheekbones, and finally lips to bring her attention back to him. “But I was trying to ask your opinion on something, and you were too distracted.”

“Well, I’m not anymore, am I?” She slid her hands along his thighs where they bracketed hers, and then trailed them up to his hips to force him forward against her. “You have my undivided attention now.” Her fingers slipped beneath the waistband of his pants to dig into his skin roughly, drawing a low moan out of him.

“Yeah,” he breathed, forcing himself to think back to something other than her. “Yeah, I wanted to ask what you think of the facial hair? I was thinking of maybe shaving it? But what about the mustache?”

Rhea inspected his face closely, using her forefinger to turn him this way and that. “Hmm… Well, you know I like how your stubble feels on my skin,” she started, running the pad of her finger across the coarse patches of hair. “But if you want a clean shave, I get it. This, however…” she thumbed at his mustache, “I have to insist stays.”

“Mmm, I knew you liked it, but not that much,” Dominik teased coyly, rubbing his face against her cheek to hear her laugh. “That’s good to know, Mami.”

“You gonna shave off the rest of it?”

He sat back thoughtfully. “Yeah, I think so. I just…don’t love it. And it’s getting kind of irritating.”

“Well, I might be able to help.” There was a glimmer in her eye that he knew all too well. It meant all kinds of delicious trouble brewing. “If you come with me, I have a little surprise for you.”

Dominik shifted to get up, but when Rhea started to follow, he boxed her in with his arms on either side of her so that he could kiss her one last time, long and languid. She laughed as they separated, rubbing the pad of her thumb on his lower lip appreciatively, then pushed him back firmly so she could stand.

She led him over to the bedside table, and opened the bottom drawer. Inside was a sleek black box about the size of a hardcover book, and she carefully set it on the bed. “This,” she tapped her fingernails against the lid to make a satisfying click sound, “is something I’ve been looking forward to sharing with you for a while.” She opened the box and turned it towards Dominik, revealing two straight razors nestled in black velvet. Rhea gently lifted one out, running her finger along the detailing on the handle before carefully unfolding the blade. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

The handle was black with pearl inlay etched into bats in flight in the night sky, moving towards the hilt of the blade, which was immaculately maintained steel. When she turned her wrist, the light caught on the sharp point at the tip. They were so, so Rhea; a perfect extension of her the same way her meticulously decorated nails were.

For a moment, Dominik imagined seeing her in the ring, in her gear, toying absently with one of these straight razors, maybe running the flat of it against her tongue and showing off her piercing when she curled it at the tip.

Fuck.

“You got these…for me?”

Rhea looked uncertain at the question, folding the razor back up carefully. “If you don’t like them, it’s okay.”

“No!” he hurried to stop her. “No, no, baby.” He softly touched the back of her hand with his fingertips to still her. “This is amazing. This is…perfect.” A tight globule of emotion had lodged itself in his chest behind his sternum, and he couldn’t swallow it down.

Her demeanor softened at that, and she set the razor back in the box.

She always gave the best gifts, and found a way to show everyone dear to her that they were loved, appreciated, and most of all seen. She anticipated him frequently, as well. Things he never would have thought to want came to her so naturally, and she brought them in her hands like an offering that he felt undeserving of.

Dominik leaned over slightly to look down into the box, drawn in for another look.

“Are you nervous?”

“Um, maybe a little bit?” he chuckled nervously, reaching down to run his pinky along the handle. “I’ve never tried using one before.”

“Well, that’s why it’s a gift for both of us.” Rhea looked at him knowingly. “I can do it for you.”

Dominik’s eyes flicked down to the blade then back up to her. Admittedly, it scared him a bit to think of it held to his throat by a hand that wasn’t his. He’d seen Sweeney Todd once, and he knew it was feasible to murder someone with a straight razor if a killer was so inclined. The thought of an unencumbered blade on his neck made him feel a rush of cold fear all over his body. But then, he thought of who would be holding the blade and heat chased away the icy apprehension—Rhea. His anchor, his origin point. He trusted her implicitly, and knew she would never let any harm come to him, especially not by her own hand.

Well, not unless he asked for it first. In which case—

He imagined the blade on his skin, her hand steady as it pressed the sharp edge just hard enough to cut hair but not skin. He imagined baring his throat to her, and feeling her hand close around it to hold him still for her. He imagined the thrum of his pulse beneath her fingers, knowing she could feel his blood pumping in exhilaration all because of her. He imagined her pressing the sharp point into his skin hard enough to draw just one pearl of blood, one perfect ruby tribute for her alone.

“Yes. Please.” He nodded emphatically and took a step closer to her so he could put his hands on her lower back to pull her against him. “Fuck, Mami, you’re a goddamn genius.” He nosed at her cheek bone, needy and wanting like only she could evoke.

“Do you want it now, sweet boy?” Rhea brought her hands up to cup the back of his head, nails scratching at his scalp.

He dropped his head back into her grasp, surrendering readily. Looking down at her through heavy-lidded eyes, he thought he might die if had to try to be any more patient. As it seemed to be in their nature to do, Rhea had turned up the dial on him and now he didn’t know how to breathe easy until she made it better. “Fuck, yes.” He tugged her into the bathroom hurriedly, and jumped up to sit on the countertop like an eager puppy.

“I know, sweet boy,” she soothed, putting one hand flat on his chest, over his heart, while the other gripped his upper thigh with a squeeze. “Let’s get you ready.” She filled the sink basin with hot water and brought out the shaving cream he liked, then took out one of the straight razors to soak the blade for a moment. “Take off your shirt.”

He was quick to comply, and it earned him a sweet grin and a nip on his chin. “I’m gonna bring in the chair from the vanity table for you to sit on. I need a better angle.”

It shouldn’t have made him shiver, but what could he do? He was only a man.

Rhea easily deposited the small chair in front of him, and turned it around so he could rest his arms on the back of it and lean back into her without hurting his back. “All right, come sit.” Once Dominik was situated and comfortable, she settled in behind him, wedged between his back and the countertop. “Can you tie your hair back for me?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Good boy,” she praised huskily, tucking a loose strand of hair he missed behind his ear. “You’re always so perfect for me.”

Her approval felt like the sun in his chest, hot and all-consuming, and he had never wanted to burn more.

The warm water on his face and the soft lather of the shaving cream immediately lulled him into a sleepy kind of haze, and when Rhea put her hand on the base of his throat and squeezed softly to hold him still, he closed his eyes and settled into her. The first touch of the blade made him flinch, though, an intense sensation with too much shape and feel to fit in with the amorphous fog. He forced himself to stay perfectly still, only a little afraid of a false move that Rhea didn’t anticipate.

Then her lips were at his ear, and he could feel them moving as against him as she spoke. “Shhh. You’re all right, Mami’s got you.” She slowly dragged the blade up from just above her fingers at the base of his throat to the bottom of his jaw, and then moved it away to rinse the blade clean. “There you go, that’s perfect.”

A quiet, breathy whine escaped him, and he might have been embarrassed if he weren’t so fucking in love with her, but that always washed away any doubt or shame that might once have lingered.

“Tell me—how does it feel?”

“Good,” he replied immediately. She was holding the razor to his skin again, and when he spoke, he felt it move with the motion of his throat. Maybe that wasn’t supposed to turn him on, maybe he was truly sick, but Rhea loved him anyway; she loved him through it, for it, rather than despite it. “Feels really nice.”

“You deserve it, sweet boy.” She slid her nails across his scalp, sliding through sections of his hair to make strands she could grab and use to direct him. Pulling his head to the side for unfettered access, she dragged the razor up over his jaw to the bottom of his cheek.

The quiet crackling sound of lather and prickly hairs popped in his ears as she worked. It became a white noise that lowered him further into the warm, safe little piece of the world they had hollowed out together with time and trust.

Suddenly, a small prick against his neck jolted his attention back to her and his eyes opened.

“You’re all right, baby,” she purred, pulling trailing the blunt back of the blade down over his Adam’s apple.

Dominik was abruptly very aware of the tightness in his pelvis, and the press of his pants noticeably tighter on his crotch than it had been before. His hand instinctively twitched towards it, then froze, but Rhea had already noticed it.

“I know.” She tugged a little harder on his hair just to redirect his focus back to her rather than the erection. “You’ve been hard for a while now, but I wanted to see if I could make you throb with another little…push.” She pressed the point of the razor into his skin again, and he felt it break skin.

“Mami,” he exhaled shakily.

“Yeah?”

He swallowed down another desperate noise to speak. “Fuck, after this, can we—”

“Of course. You don’t think I’d just leave you like this, do you?” Rhea leaned over him, her hair tickling his cheeks as their lips came close. He strained his neck to clear the distance, only to jump when he felt the heel of her hand press down firmly on his crotch. She laughed, rolling her wrist once, and followed the motion with his hips hungrily. “God, I love you.”

“I fucking love you,” he chuckled breathlessly, eyes only on her.

“You’ll have to be patient though,” Rhea continued, reaching her arm back away from him. “We aren’t even halfway done, and we’re going to do this properly, however long it takes.”

Dominik groaned, but there was no real distress behind it. She excelled at torturing him, and he loved every second of it. The dance, together and apart, pain and pleasure, was all ecstasy.

She leaned over him to get a better view of his neck, maneuvering him with a finger on his chin, and added, “Only the best for my good boy.”

Yeah, he could be patient.

[fallen-minotaur]

An intruder

————————————————————

No mentions of readers gender, pronoun used = you

————————————————————

It’s been a long day, well not that you did anything but it’s been a long day anyway. You press your face into the pillow and take in its scent, so close but so far from what you’d like your face in right now.

“And who gave you permission to be here?” Dice leans on the doorframe, brow cocked in slight judgment at you in his bed.

You don’t feel like lifting your head but looking at the myth, the man, the subject of your torment is a temptation far too great to resist… god he looks divine standing there, he looks so unimpressed with you.

“Hi.” you muster out.

“Really? “Hi”?” Dice pushes off the doorframe and walks over to the bed.

“Finders keepers?” You shrug, hugging onto a pillow.

“How do you even keep gettin’ in?” Dice sits on the edge of the bed, he’s tired from work and now he has to deal with an intruder, a familiar intruder at that “What have I ever done to deserve this?”

“What haven’t you?-” you blurt out before you can even think about what you’re saying.

Dice stares at you with the most disappointed look you’ve ever seen on a man. The two of you stare at each other long enough to start making you feel nervous or awkward, you can’t even tell. You sit up, clasping your now damp hands together, he only shakes his head and rubs his temples before sighing.

“I was just taking a jab at you?” You try to excuse unconvincingly.

“I know. You’re infuriating. You know exactly what buttons to press and it pisses me off.” He glares, but there is a softness in it.

You attempt your best to look guilty… it’s not really working, your smirk betrays you. He’s being way too soft to be actually mad. It’s not like Dice can keep a straight face either at the moment.

“What do you want today?” he asks, placing a hand on yours.

“To cuddle” You respond sheepishly

“That’s a whole lot easier than your last request. I ain’t too sure what you meant when you said you wanted to be my sweetener.” he gets up to change into his pajamas

“Well it’s like you know… it’s that like in card games when there’s an additional stake to incentivise players to keep playing..?”

“And you’re the sweetener? You’ve got to be kiddin’.” he only glances at you briefly as he continues changing.

At least he’s something to look at. Your eyes drift up, then down, and back up again when he turns around, maybe there’s a universe out there where he’ll look at you all fondly and softly, hold your hands and kiss your- You’re pulled from your thoughts when you start to get maneuvered, arms wrapping around you and your face meeting Dice's chest, his scent filling your senses.

You tuck your arms near your own chest and begin to fiddle with the fabric of Dice’s shirt. “I wish this wasn’t between us…” one of your hands gets taken by his.

“Not a chance.” Dice mutters, his thumb softly massages your thenar as he starts humming.

His heart rate sounds normal, maybe it’s practiced, he seems like the kind of guy who’d practice… whatever it is, you have to practice to keep your heart rate normal.

“Are you ever gonna like me?” you murmur… apparently your body’s more tired than your mind.

“I like you plenty” he huffs “I’d kick you out if I didn’t, dum-” he cuts himself off “I’d kick you out if I didn’t” he repeats.

You muster a nod, this is enough for today. Maybe you’ll get more tomorrow.

————————————————————

That's what we call rizz, rizz, yolo, hastag swag... Anyway I was gonna do a serious header but the second I found the cat I couldn't stop laughing so there you go. You're welcome.

[loveroftoomanyfandoms]

Cooking Up Love, Chapter 9

Pairing: Chef!Matt Murdock x F!Journalist!Reader

Rating: T

Story Summary: Here 

Warnings/Tags: Hallmark levels of fluffy, cheesy goodness (and speed that their relationship develops, lol), no use of Y/N, Matt is not a vigilante, idiots in love

Word Count: ~3100

A/N: I'm so excited to share this chapter!!! This was the first scene that popped in my head when I first got the idea for this fic, so I hope y'all enjoy!

As always, thanks to @theradioactivespidergwen for the header!

Tag List: @yarrystyleeza @hailey-murdock @mattkinsella @bellaxgiornata @danzer8705 @chezagnes @shouldbestudying41 @thepunisherfrankcastle @mattmurdocks6thscaleapartment

“Hi,” Matt greeted you with a smile as you stepped inside Daredevil later that evening. “Thanks for coming.”

You smiled back at him. “Thanks for the invite.”

Matt led you to a table near the kitchen. “Here, have a seat.” 

You furrowed your brow in confusion. “I thought I was watching you cook again?”

Matt shook his head as he pulled a chair out for you. “I actually kind of had a different idea for tonight.” 

You sat. “Oh, okay.”

Matt pushed your chair in. “Be right back.”

You waited as Matt left then returned with a pitcher of water and some crackers.

He poured some water into your glass and set the pitcher and crackers down on the table, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a blindfold. 

He fiddled with it, looking somewhat nervous. “Since you said you wanted to get to know me and how I developed my culinary skills I thought we could do a blind tasting… if you’re okay with that.”

Your mind drifted back to the skillful way Matt had handled himself in the kitchen on Saturday and Sunday. You had been impressed at the ease and precision with which he had chopped and diced and flipped and sauteed and had been looking forward to watching him cook again (admittedly not only because his cooking skills were so impressive but so you could check him out without being too obvious about it). Oh well.

You nodded. “Yeah, yeah that’s okay.”

Matt huffed out a breath. "Good. I wasn't sure how you'd feel about being blindfolded."

You shook your head. "I meant it when I said that I trust you, Matt."

A soft smile spread across Matt's face. "I'm glad. And by the way, I promise there's nothing too unusual on the menu tonight."

He handed you the blindfold. "Here, put this on and I'll be right back."

You slipped the blindfold over your eyes as Matt left to go to the kitchen, engulfing yourself in darkness. 

About a minute later, you could hear the door to the kitchen open. “Okay,” Matt said. “Here’s the first course.”

He set a dish down in front of you. "I want you to use your non-visual senses to tell me what this is.”

You fumbled around for a utensil. "Oh, um…"

Matt placed his hand on top of yours then guided you to it. "Sorry, here, let me help you."

Your heart skipped a beat at his warm touch. "Thanks."

"It's no problem."

You grinned. "Apologies in advance if I accidentally make a mess. You might have to wind up feeding me like I'm a small child."

Matt huffed out a laugh. "Would you like me to?"

Your face heated as you pictured Matt sitting right next to you, his thumb caressing your cheek as he guided your utensils to your mouth with his other hand…

You shook your head. "It might wind up coming to that, but I'm going to at least try to feed myself first."

Matt laughed again. "Okay, fair enough."

You carefully reached your free hand in front of you, realizing that there was a small bowl set on top of a plate. You dipped your utensil into the bowl, coming into contact with a porridge-like substance.

You scooped some of it up then raised it to your nose to give it a sniff. 

You nodded approvingly. "Hmm."

"Well?" Matt said. "Describe what you smell."

You thought for a moment. "Well, it smells delicious, for one."

Matt chuckled. "That's good, but be more specific."

You smelled it again. "It smells… salty? Well no, not salty , but like something familiar that's salty, and it's also sort of earthy? Like grassy, but not."

You winced. "I'm sorry, I'm describing this so badly."

"No, no, you're doing great," Matt assured you. "Now give it a taste."

You took a bite, your eyebrows raising in delight at the taste of rice, cheese, and… something . "Is this sweet potato risotto?"

Matt hummed. "No, actually it's butternut squash and saffron, but I get how you'd think it was sweet potato."

You took another bite, now recognizing the salty with which you had described the scent. "With pancetta?"

"Yeah. I've been trying to perfect it but felt like it had been missing something, so tonight I used the leftover pancetta I had on hand to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish."

You nodded. "I really like it."

"So do you think it's menu-worthy?"

You took another bite. "Mmm. Mmhmm, yeah, absolutely."

"Okay, great." Matt took your hand and placed a cracker into it. "Okay, so between courses I want you to eat a cracker and drink some water."

"Okay." You furrowed your brow as you tasted the cracker. "Huh, I guess I was expecting it to taste like a saltine."

Matt chuckled. "Yeah, table crackers actually kind of remind me of Communion wafers. They're pretty flavorless but cleanse the palette so you don't get any flavors confused."

You heard him stand. "I'll be right back with the next dish."

You nodded as he picked up the plate. "Okay."

While Matt was gone, you carefully reached for your glass of water then took a sip. You couldn't even imagine the trauma he had gone through as a child, having to learn to navigate the world without his eyesight.

You felt around the table before setting your glass down, terrified that you would wind up setting it too close to the edge and spilling it -- or worse, dropping it and breaking the glass.

You turned towards the kitchen as the door swung open.

Matt set another dish down in front of you. "Okay, next one."

He handed you a piece of pita bread. "This one's a dip, so go ahead and try it."

You felt for the bowl and dunked the pita bread in, then took a bite.

You made a face then grabbed for your water, taking a big gulp to get rid of the taste. "I'm sorry, but what the hell is that?"

Matt chuckled. "It's beet hummus."

You heard him dip a piece of pita bread and take a bite. "Oh, yeah, no, that's definitely a failed experiment."

You shook your head. "Yeah, sorry, zero out of ten for that one."

Matt handed you another cracker before taking one for himself. "Let me go get rid of this and grab the next one."

He continued bringing out a variety of different dishes for you to try, including an arugula salad with heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese, a parsnip puree that he was considering as a side to the restaurant's steak options, and (your personal favorite) pesto-parmesan linguine.

"Oh my gosh, this is so good," you said as you ate the entire sample. "Eleven out of ten, definitely needs to go on the menu."

Matt chuckled. "Noted."

He stood. "Okay, time for dessert. Let me go finish getting it ready." 

You nodded. "Okay."

A few minutes later Matt returned and set what sounded like a small bowl in front of you before handing you a spoon.

You reached out and picked up what you realized was a ramekin, then inhaled the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar. "Mmm. It smells sweet."

You poked your spoon into it, the metal breaking through a solid crust into a custard-like concoction.

You took a bite, the flavors that were marrying on your tongue unlike anything else you had ever tasted. "Is this cremé bruleé?"

Matt hummed in the affirmative. "My own take on it, yes. Can you tell me what you taste?"

You nodded. "I can taste the caramelized sugar, of course, and a vanilla custard, but there's something else…" You took another bite. "It's definitely something citrusy… orange?"

"Yes, blood orange, to be exact." Matt guided your hand to a champagne flute. "I'm thinking about pairing it with a blood orange mimosa."

You took a sip of the mimosa. "Oh, wow."

"Good, huh?"

"Mmhmm." You took another bite of the cremé bruleé. "This is wonderful, Matt. It might even replace your tiramisu as my favorite dessert."

Matt huffed out a laugh. "Well damn, just when I thought I had someone to do a final taste-test of my tiramisu before I put it on the menu."

You shook your head. "Oh I'm definitely still willing to do that, this is just amazing too."

"Good, because I added a new ingredient and I want to see if it made a difference in the taste."

You smiled. "You know, you're spoiling me with all this gourmet food. Too bad I'd never be able to afford to hire you as my own private chef."

Matt huffed out a laugh. "Oh, I think we'd be able to come to some sort of… mutual agreement."

Your face heated. It was getting harder and harder to not misconstrue Matt's jokes as flirting, especially after Skyler had planted that seed of hope within you… and Kelsie a seed of doubt.

Matt stood. "You can go ahead and take the blindfold off, by the way. I'll be right back."

"Okay." You took the blindfold off, then blinked to clear your vision before looking over at Matt.

"Would you like something else to drink?" he asked. "Maybe some more champagne? No sense in letting the bottle go flat."

You nodded. "Sure."

You took a deep breath as he left to go to the kitchen. There was something about Matt that drew you to him (besides the fact that he was exactly your type), so you really hoped that he wouldn't wind up breaking your heart. 

Just a few more days, you thought to yourself. Just a few more days until my article is published, then I can see if this is real.

…Please let this be real.

Matt took a deep breath as he entered the kitchen. He felt an undeniable connection with you, one even stronger than the connection he'd had with -- 

He shook his head. He wasn't going to let her get into his head, not again.

He opened the refrigerator and took the tiramisu out. He was fairly certain that it was ready to be added to the menu based on his own taste-test as he was making it, but he really did want your opinion before making his final decision.

He plated a small piece for you then placed the rest back into the refrigerator before grabbing the bottle of champagne and another glass. Okay, here we go.

He headed back out to the dining area and set the plate of tiramisu on the table before pouring you each a glass of champagne. 

He sat and waited as you took a bite.

"Oh wow," you said, sounding surprised. "I don't know exactly what you added to this, but this is even better than the one you made the other day."

Matt grinned. "I added a splash of Frangelico to the espresso."

"It's delicious."

"So you think it's ready to be added to the menu?"

"Definitely, and please let me know when you do, because I'll be here right when you open so I can order both that and the pesto-parmesean linguine."

Matt chuckled. "I'll have it ready for you when you arrive."

You hummed. "Will you bring it out to me yourself so I can say hi?"

Matt nodded. "If you'd like."

"Yeah, I'd really like that -- if you'd have time and weren't busy, of course."

Matt shook his head. "I'd definitely make time for you."

He paused as your heartbeat picked up slightly. "Hey, um, can I ask you a question?"

You took a sip of champagne. "Sure," you replied.

Matt bit his lip. "I was wondering, um… what do you look like?"

"Oh," you said in slight surprise. "Oh, um…"

Matt quickly shook his head. "It's just… I have this blank picture of you in my head, so I've been curious, you know?"

You made a thoughtful sound. "That must be odd, not knowing what anyone looks like. Especially friends and loved ones."

Matt shrugged. "It can be, but I can at least imagine what people look like based on physical descriptions. And I can more accurately picture someone if I've touched them -- you know, if I've hugged them I can determine their body type or if I've felt their facial features I can put together an idea of their face shape."

You let out a light laugh. "I bet that makes dating interesting. 'Hi, yes, nice to meet you. Do you mind if I touch your face to make sure you're not hideous'?"

Matt chuckled. "I know it sounds cliché, but personality obviously really is the most important trait in a woman for me. The face touching usually comes later, although it's admittedly been a while since I've gotten to that stage. Kind of hard to meet someone I'm interested in when I'm always working." 

He paused and took a sip of his own glass of champagne. "What about you? Are you seeing anyone?"

"No, not at the moment," you replied. "Although the last woman I did a feature on kept trying to hook me up with her grandson."

Matt chuckled, relieved that he had been right in his assumption that you were currently single. "But you weren't interested?"

"Nah, he wasn't my type."

"Oh? And what is your type?" Hopefully dark-haired chefs. 

You hummed. "Honestly, just someone I can connect with, someone who understands me and is willing to put in the work to make a relationship equal. Someone I can build a life with, who I can trust and who will trust me in return."

Matt nodded. "Yeah, I get that."

You cleared your throat. "So about what I look like -- well…"

Matt listened intently, putting together a mental picture of you based on your description and the few hugs you had shared.

"So," you concluded, "did I describe myself well enough for you to picture me? Because I, um, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to feel my face too. You know, for accuracy."

Matt's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's fine."

Matt nodded. "Okay then. Um, I'll have to get really close to you so I can reach you."

He heard you get up and move your chair over. "Like this?"

Matt brushed his hand along your shoulder, judging the distance. "Yeah, that's good."

He swallowed, suddenly feeling nervous. "Ready?"

"Mmhmm."

Matt reached out once again, his hand bumping into your nose. "Shit, I'm so sorry, I --"

"Oh, no, no, it's okay," you replied. "I'm fine, I promise."

Matt shook his head. "Do you mind if I…" 

He waved vaguely up at his glasses. "If I can at least see your silhouette I can better judge exactly how far you are from me."

"Oh, no, go ahead."

Matt took his glasses off and set them onto the table. 

"You, um, you have very pretty eyes, by the way," you said somewhat shyly.

Matt couldn't help but smile. "Thanks. I bet yours are very pretty too." Just like the rest of you.

He reached out once again. "May I?"

You made a sound of affirmation. "Yeah, go ahead."

Matt tentatively traced his fingertips across your hairline, raising his other hand as well once he was sure he wasn't going to accidentally knock you in the face again.

He began to build a mental picture of you as he traced along your forehead, down your temples and across your eyes, down the bridge of your nose and across your cheeks down to your chin.

I was right, he thought as he brushed his thumb across your lips. "You're beautiful. "

You sucked in a quiet gasp of breath.

Matt's eyes flicked down towards your mouth. It would be so easy to kiss you, to taste the champagne on your lips.

He leaned in to close the gap, your name a whisper in the air.

"Hey, Matt, I saw the lights were on and --"

Suddenly you jumped back as Foggy entered the dining area from the kitchen.

Foggy froze. "I'm -- I am so sorry, I'm clearly interrupting something, I'll just go --"

"No!" you exclaimed. "Um, no, I was -- I was just leaving."

You grabbed your phone and bag. "Um, thanks for dinner, Matt. I'll let you know if I have any other questions for my article."

Matt sighed as you hurried towards the seating area. Shit. "Here, I'll let you out."

He put his glasses back on and followed you to the door, unlocking then opening it for you. "Thanks again for coming tonight."

"Sure. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

Matt nodded. "Okay."

He locked the door behind you and turned back towards Foggy, who was fidgeting nervously.

"Shit, I am so sorry, Matt," Foggy said. "I figured you were working on perfecting those new recipes for the menu, I had no idea you were on a --"

Matt shook his head. "No, no it's -- it's fine. That was -- that was nothing."

Foggy let out an awkward chuckle. "That didn't look like 'nothing' to me, that looked like you were about to get your mack on."

"No, we were just --" Matt let out a frustrated growl. "Just drop it, okay? It's not like it would've worked out anyway." 

"And why not?"

"Because she's -- because it just wouldn't, okay?"

Foggy let out a groan. "You know, you're a damn good chef but you're absolutely terrible when it comes to love."

Matt snorted. "Says the man who's been single since Marci dumped you back in culinary school."

"Uh-huh. This is not about me, Matt, this is about you . I know Elektra screwed you over but that doesn't mean that every woman who also happens to be a journalist will." Foggy's demeanor softened. "Come on, Matty, admit it. You've got feelings for her, don't you?"

Matt sighed. He could hear your nervous heartbeat fading away the further you got from the restaurant. "Yeah, I do. I really, really like her, Fog." 

Foggy let out a delighted gasp. "I knew it!"

Matt shook his head. "I thought she felt the same way about me, but obviously I was wrong. I mean, you saw how fast she ran out of here after I tried to kiss her."

Foggy hissed in a breath. "Again, I'm really sorry about interrupting that, dude."

Matt shook his head. "It's okay, you didn't know she was even here."

He moved your chair back to its rightful place, his stomach twisting at the memory of how quickly you had lunged away from him. 

He sighed. "Come on, since you're here you can at least taste everything then help me clean up."

[angel-of-the-moons]

Fun Before (Diaper) Duty

Peter B Parker x Wife!Reader

TW/CW: NSFW, Smut, Sex, grinding, dry humping, pegging, sex toys, PiV sex, unprotected sex, creampie, talks of pregnancy, trying for a baby, cumming inside with the intent to make said baby, Peter being a whining mess , Dom(?)!Reader, Sub!Peter, (sort of?) no refractory period, drain this mans dryyyy

MINORS DNI I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT YOU CONSUME

A/N: This is an AU of sorts where MJ doesn't exist and the Reader is Peter's Wife. Takes places after the first movie (Obvi). It's just a thing that's been bouncing around in my head and I need to get the brainworm out!!!

(And as usual header does not indicate reader's race)

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It had been some time since you guys ran into your... "problems."

It had been some time since he came home after apparently interacting with someone who changed his mind on what you talked about.

Kids.

Babies.

Having them.

He explained in great detail what happened, how Miles in particular had just... changed him. Woke him up inside, made his inner Papa Bear come out.

It made him realize he did want kids.

And if realizing he actually did want kids was something, Peter B Parker really enjoyed the task of making said kids.

The two of you indulged in it as often as possible, twining together in bed, or on the couch, in the shower, in the kitchen... Once when you met him on a rooftop to bring him some dinner when you were in the area.

Yeah, Peter wasn't much of the "public sex" type, the poor guy. The moment he came inside you he was a blubbering--still hard--mess and he web-slung you two home to make love to you properly. I.e he basically let you pin him to the couch and ride him until he couldn't feel his legs.

Even that Spider-Man stamina had its limits.

More often than not he was out most nights doing his Spider-Man routine, fighting crime, saving people... Even picking up an extra part-time job for some extra cash.

"Y'know, babies are expensive!" Peter had laughed with you over some crappy Chinese takeout.

"I know, but honey..." You sighed, finishing off your noodles nd dropping the chopsticks in the paper container.

"My job pays well, and I even negotiated with my boss so I can work from home from now on. I'll only need to go into the office for meetings or something important, so taking care of a baby is no problem. Our bills are covered, and... You got your hero gig. I don't want you to overwork yourself, Peter."

"Babe." Peter smiled at you sweetly. That same, charmingly goofy smile as he turned to face you on the couch.

"I just wanna make sure we have all our bases covered. I love you, and I wanna make sure our baby has everything they're gonna need."

"C'mon, Tiger." You smiled sweetly at him. "You already work your ass off being a superhero. And we're trying to have a baby, and once that baby is here we're both going to have our hands full."

He brought your knuckles to his lips to give them a kiss. "Which is exactly why I want the extra cash. I want to make sure you two have everything you deserve."

You smile and lean in, brushing your nose against his affectionately.

"I already got you, dummy."

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Two more months passed.

Two more months.

Months of you not getting pregnant yet. Neither of you knew what the problem was, you planned meticulously, tracked your ovulation and menstrual cycles... Hell, you even drank some kind of herbal tea that was supposed to boost fertility. But... No dice.

Your doctor told you it wasn't uncommon, that some people just don't get pregnant on the first few tries.

The difference was that you and Peter tried more than "the first few tries".

It was frustrating, but you held out hope.

You two would be parents. You would.

Peter had even told you he was hoping for a little girl.

He was going to name her Mayday.

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Tonight, you had just gotten out of the shower after getting back from the gym. You were sweaty and gross and ugh, you really needed it after staring at spreadsheets all day.

Your hair was a dripping mess, but you decided to let it air dry.

You put on one of Peter's button up shirts and at the last second, decided to wear the laciest panties you owned and couldn't help but grin.

It would be a nice surprise for Peter when he got home.

After all, what husband wouldn't wanna come home to their wife wearing nothing but one of their shirts and a pair of lacy panties?

And bingo! You were right.

You had your back to him as you downed your glass of juice when he came through the door.

"Hey, Babycakes!" Peter whistled as he locked the door behind him again. "I brought some--"

You heard whatever bags he had in his hands drop, along with his keys.

"....Well." He said, clearing his throat as you turned around, smiling at him slyly.

"Well?" You purr, leaning on the wall.

"I feel a tad overdressed." He mumbled, a blush on his cheeks as he looked down at himself.

"Peter B Parker, is that a blush I see in your cheeks?" You giggle.

"I, uh, uhm--" Peter coughed awkwardly; you could see his Adams apple bob in effort as he swallowed an imaginary lump. Then, he held the bag up.

"Got dinner from the Greek restaurant down the street?"

You smile and shake your head, taking the bag from him as you walk to the couch, opening the plastic containers to see what dinner your wonderful husband brought home for the two of you.

You decide to give Peter mercy, for now, as his shoulders sag and he pulls off his trenchcoat, hanging it on the peg, revealing the Spider-Man suit along with the sweatpants he was wearing.

His choice in hero outfits lately had you endeared to him even more, with his quirky nature.

"Uh, I'm... I'm gonna change, m'kay?" He says, a lopsided smirk on his face, cheeks still just a bit pink.

"Mhmmm." You wink at him as he walks by.

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You finished chowing down on your gyro with a happy hum, wiggling in place as the two of you watch whatever dumb cop show happened to be on.

You snuggled under Peter's arm as he licked his fingers clean of the remnants of his food and rubbed his cheek on the top of your head.

"How was patrol tonight?" You asked him softly.

"Oh, boring, actually. Like, a few purse snatchers but thankfully nothing where anyone got hurt." Peter told you.

"Well that's good, maybe supervillains are deciding to take a vacation for a bit?" You muse playfully.

"Oh, god, that would be amazing." Peter groaned, dropping his head back on the cushions of the couch.

"They go to the annual Villains' Club and are like "You know what? Let's all take a trip to Fiji! Give Spider-Man a break!"

You giggle and kiss his jaw, the stubble of his shadow tickling your lips.

"Yes, I concur." You sigh. "That would be amazing."

There's a pregnant pause in the air before you broke it.

"Though, given that we're trying to have a baby... Id prefer it if all your patrols ended this way. With you safe."

"I know, babe." Peter replies quietly.

"I promise I'll be careful."

You smiles and turned your head into his neck, breathing in every scent that is Peter.

You could feel his body tense when you did that,, see that Adams apple bobbing again as he kept his eyes focused directly on the tv, trying to ignore how your fingers slowly crept up under his tank top slowly; nails tickling the soft skin of his abdomen.

You slipped your fingers down, just barely past the waistband of his pj's and his breath stutters.

He wasn't wearing boxers. Perfect. Makes it that much easier.

"Babe--" Peter said, his voice coming out shaky.

"Hmm?" You asked innocently, ever so slowly slipping your hands down further, gliding through the well-trimmed hairs and stopping just above his rapidly hardening dick.

"You--" He groaned, dropping his head back and closing his eyes.

"Me.... What?" You sigh, wrapping your fingers around his cock, feeling the half-hard mass of silky flesh twitch and come to life in your hand

You gave a languid stroke upwards, and back down.

Up, and down.

Up, and down... Working him up to full mast as his breathing increased and a small whimper came from his lips.

"Hey, Pete." You grinned, licking over the thumping pulse in his neck.

"Y-yeah?" He whined.

"Wanna see something you're gonna like?" You asked him, your tone breathy.

"Yes. God, yes--" He gasped, as your thumb swirled over the weeping tip of his dick.

You squeeze his cock again as he says that, just barely above painful.

"Peter..." You scold. "What do you say?"

"Yes, ma'am." He whimpered out quickly, his hands gripping the cushions, knuckles turning white as he grits his teeth.

"That's a good Tiger." You purr, pulling your hand from his pants and swinging yourself over so you were straddling his thighs.

"Eyes open, baby." You cooed, urging him to tip his head so he could stare at you, a little slack-jawed as you slowly undo the buttons of the shirt you wore.

God, that pitiful look he'd get on his face when he was horny always got you going.

When you slipped the last buttons out, you pulled the edges of the shirt open, showing your tits off to him with a smirk.

His gorgeous eyes of course locked in on your breasts first, your pebbling nipples eagerly awaiting touch; but his gaze slipped lower, raking all the way down your body until he saw the underwear you were wearing.

It left very, very little to the imagination. And it did a very, very poor job of concealing how wet you were getting; your slick already seeping through and leaving a dark spot on the dark gray pj's he wore.

You watched his hands twitch and arms move; and instantly you frowned.

"Peter." You say, reaching out and gripping his face with your hand, squishing his cheeks.

"Did I say you could touch me?"

He made a soft noise and dropped his arms.

"No. Keep em up." You order, dragging the tank top he wore slowly up his torso.

He obediently lifted his arms up so you could pull the offending piece of clothing off; and you smiled with satisfaction.

"Good boy." You told him, leaning forward to kiss his lips.

The touch was soft, feather light with the ghost of a promise, one that his mouth chased as you pulled away from him.

He made a weak groan, and you giggle.

"Keep your hands on the back of the couch, you're not allowed to move em until I say so. Got it, baby?"

Peter nodded, doing as he was told and he sucked his bottom lip between his teeth and nodding.

"Peter..."

"Yes ma'am." He whispered out.

You smile at him again as your hands greedily paw at him, sliding down his chest and to his belly, softening and round.

"Babe..." Peter groaned, looking off to the side in embarrassment.

It was no secret between you two that he was self conscious of the pooch in his belly, about the softness there. It was why he decided to wear pants over his suit; he didn't like it being on display for everyone.

"Hush," You said to him, gripping softly at his belly, kneading the skin underneath your soft fingers.

"You're adorable. I love your belly. And think of it this way, you've already got a dad bod." You leaned in just a bit, enough to take one of his nipples into your mouth and tugging on it with your teeth.

The sound he made went into your ears and straight to your cunt.

"..And you look good with a dad bod." You assured him with every ounce of love and acceptance you could vocalize.

He shuddered and let out a shaky breath, his eyes fluttering closed as he let you toy with him.

"Now, let's have a bit of fun, okay?" You sighed, positioning yourself so that the bulge in his pants could press tightly against the sopping fabric of your panties, your throbbing clit pressing hard into it.

You were polite and gave Peter a second to breathe, checking to see if his hands were still where you told him to keep them.

They were, and Peter had his head leaned back so you could see the jumping vein in his neck.

You bit your lip and slowly started to grind on him, letting out a soft groan at the friction, each drag of your hips against his throbbing cock smearing your juices along his clothes length, a dark patch starting to form.

God, he looked so utterly fucked already that your mind felt dizzy with how delicious he was sounding.

Soft whimpers and gasps came from Peter as he lifted his hips to meet yours.

You were tempted to scold him, but then again, he was being a good boy.

You plant your hands on his chest, keeping him pressed into the cushions as you continued to hump against his twitching cock, the signs of his precum already soaking through the fabric to join the wet spot of your own slick.

The way he was being so fucking good for you, the sounds he was making, and the little licks of flames that jolted up with each stroke already had you close to wanting to cum. But you held off, instead doubling down, sliding your hips on his even faster than before, mewling softly as he desperately ruts up into you, his jaw clenched so tight you were worried he would crack the bone.

"You're being so good, Tiger." You purr, licking up from his collarbone, to the soft spot on his neck.

You bit down and sucked hard, scratching your nails down his chest as you kept grinding your soaking pussy against him.

You did that four more times, leaving beautiful red-purple marks on his neck.

You feel his hips start to stutter against yours, a deep, heavy groan tearing through his throat.

"You gonna cum for me, baby?" You moan softly.

"Y-yeah." He whined.

"Mmm~" You pull away from him, and he makes a frustrated cry, before going silent as he watched you pull his pants down just enough to free his cock.

His jaw slacks as he watched you pull your panties to the side, and slowly spear yourself on him.

You were so wet and fucking tight, he almost came right there.

You press a finger to his lips as he moaned your name.

"You can cum, but only after me. Got it?"

"Yes ma'am..." He whines.

"Good. Good." You smiled, tapping his lips with your fingers.

"Open."

Peter stares at you, his eyes glazed and pupils dilated as his lips parted, letting you slip your digits in so he could lick around them, sucking them softly and wetting them with his saliva.

You pull them free with a wet pop and bring them down to your clit, using the mix of his spit and your slick to rub the sensitive bundle of nerves.

The way his cock twitched inside of you, the way he struggled so hard to keep still while you used your hand to pleasure yourself while his cock was seated fully into you... God, it was bliss.

"Ah... O-Okay, Tiger." You panted. "Y-you can move. Fuck..."

Peter didn't need another word from you; he began snapping his hips up into yours with a whimper, chasing the orgasm that was a hairs breadth away.

And all at once it was like the world came crashing down. Your orgasm ripped through you and you gushed on Peter's cock, your fingers still working at your clit while he fucked into you, a shaky moan coming from him as he emptied himself into you, snapping his hips up into yours almost mindlessly as the both of you rode out your release.

When the two of you stopped moving, you slowly leaned forward, resting your head on his shoulder, breathing heavily as you tried to control your leaping heart rate.

You felt Peter slip his arms around you and tug you close, and a smirk played on your lips.

"Did I say you could touch me?" You tease.

"No ma'am." Peter grinned.

"Eh, I'll let it slide. This time." You giggle, leaning back to look at him.

God that smile on his face always made your heart flop.

And of course... Another idea came into your mind, biting your lip as you felt his dick twitching inside you.

"Hey, Pete..." You hummed, tracing invisible lines on his chest.

"Yeah?" He asked you.

"Wanna take this to the bedroom? I wanna play a bit more."

Peter looked like he swallowed his tongue right there on the couch.

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Fuck, you loved it when you did this.

You loved the sounds he made, how he'd grip at the sheets and how he'd rock his hips back to meet the thrusts of yours, spearing himself open on the ridged silicone cock you were fucking him with.

"Good boy." You murmured, gripping his ass tight and spreading his cheeks as you glide the toy in and out, in and out.

He wasn't allowed to jerk himself off as you fucked him; that was always the rule.

"You're being quiet again, baby." You cooed, kneading his cheeks with your fingers.

He let out a groan, but it wasn't enough for you.

You wanted more.

And you were going to take more.

You pulled out, almost entirely, watching the rim of muscles clench and try to drag your strap back in.

You hold like that for a minute before Peter makes a needy whine; and the moment he does you slam your hips as hard as you can into him, rocking him forward and making him moan like a whore.

You decided to keep that pace, arching your hips up to reach every spot you memorized inside of him, leaning forward and pressing your palm into the curve of his spine, forcing him down into the bed.

"Thaaaaat's it... that's it." You hissed, biting your lip.

"Gonna cum already?" You teased playfully.

"Y-yes--" He breathed.

You pulled away a bit and bring your hand down on him, slapping his ass, the sound of skin resounding through your bedroom.

"Ah-ah. What do you say?" You say, your tone full of disappointment.

"Yes, ma'am!" He whined loudly, arching back into you as you roughly fucked into him.

"Good boy..." You repeated.

You slid your hand up his spine slowly, earning a pathetic gasp and whimper from him, watching as he ripped at the sheets so hard that the edges came off the corners of your bed; hot ropes of white cum shooting out and staining the silky black sheets as you fucked him.

You pulled out, and unbuckled the harness from around your hips and thighs, tossing the strap-on onto the floor.

Eh, you'd deal with it when you were done.

You laid on your side next to him, smiling sweetly.

"You good, baby?" You asked him softly.

"Agh... Yeah. Shit." Peter mumbled into the pillow.

You grinned and kissed his knuckles as he released his grip on your sheets.

He lifted his gaze and kissed you before you had a chance to react, his tongue pressing into your mouth and tugging at yours, hungry and needy.

He pulled away, a string of saliva connecting your mouths and a glint in his eye.

"Babe, can I..."

"Of course, Tiger." You grinned as he climbed on top of you, gliding his cock through your slick folds.

"We are trying to make a baby, remember? And besides... My legs are tired. You take the lead."

Peter grinned down at you.

"Yes ma'am."

[divineerdrick]

Warhammer 40,000 Adepta Sororitas Changes for June 20, 2024

The additional faction post was getting monstrous, so I'm just going to give each faction their own post. It's genuinely impressive just how many changes and clarifications GW has made for this new season.

Sisters have been running fairly strong since the beginning of the edition, often skating by with a good win rate but not so good as to demand nerfs. Their Index was filled with powerful rules balanced out by relatively weak datasheets. Combined with fantastic looking minis that are still relatively new, this had lead to an increase of Sisters players overtime. Currently, Stat Check has them sitting pretty at a 53% win rate with 7% player representation. Still they've only had 2 major event wins since the last balance pass, indicating that Sisters may struggle against more powerful factions played by their best players.

Now their Codex has dropped and their rules are arguably even more powerful. Josh and Kenny mentioned that there might be a few nerfs considering the increased power in the Codex, but I'm not expecting to see anything in the Dataslate itself.

And yep. Just a big ol' "None."

They did get some FAQs and Errata. Suffering and Sacrifice got fixed to only effecting models in range, not units. Miracle dice have been confirmed to be useable on re-rolls and aren't kept when you re-roll a roll (such as trying to re-roll a 1 for your second die on a charge roll.) Relics of Matriarchs has also been confirmed to not allow you to substitute two dice in a roll. I don't know who was trying to claim that you don't gain Miracle dice until the end of the phase, but GW has confirmed it's when the unit is destroyed. All and all this just fixes the one obvious exploit in the Codex and clarifies a few miracle dice mechanics.

But the MFM is a different story. That is a lot of red.

We also have a new color here. The header for the Army of Faith enhancements is orange. I guess this is the color to call attention to changes while noting there are both nerfs and buffs. The sole buff to the Codex is here, with Litanies of Faith going down to 10 points.

But these are nerfs from the Codex point values of course. Pre-Codex is a much different story. First, a little good news. Arco-flagellants have actually dropped a pts per model and the Mantle of Ophelia and Saintly Example are at their pre-codex pts. By contrast Dominions and Paragon Warsuits have actually both gone up in pts despite being grey. Some of these are significant changes from their pre-codex values. Many of these units have increased by 50% or more! So while Sisters have strong new rules, they're going to be starting with way less army using them. Honestly I'll be surprised if we don't see Sisters fall a bit in the ranking from how big these points changes are.

[surrealisticduvet]

Album Review: Live at the Palais (1978)

This album can do everything! Dice and chop, make pasta, serve a nice side salad… rush out now in a buying frenzy!

Starting off with the intro to “Grand Ennui” is fantastic, especially knowing how I felt about this album the last time I listened to it. I’m really pumping myself up to get back into this one; and hoping that my second listen provides new insights, as it often has with his music. For this review, I’m removing my section headers (“Favorites” and “Critiques”) as my opinions are so intermingled, and will instead go track-by-track. 

Right off the bat, Michael’s lack of experience with this particular band lineup appears to be rather evident. They sound good, but certainly don’t have as much practice together as a band should before getting up on stage like this – they’re either playing too slowly for him, or he’s intentionally trying to sing more slowly than usual, maybe to stretch the show’s runtime. Either that, or he was trying to do an Eagles thing, which is a shame; he doesn’t need to. That being said, it does kind of work, especially towards the end as he gets into the groove of it (and, probably, over the nerves.)

“Calico Girlfriend” is nice – there’s a discernible effort to not sound like a “country” band, and a more lounge-rock arrangement is utilized. Again, he sounds wonderful. The 70’s really treated him well, vocally.

What did they do to my baby, “Propinquity”? I can’t even recognize her. It sounds like a bad cover. 

“Joanne” gets a healthy bit of applause, and even a whistle from the crowd. I’m glad they slowed it down and stripped away some of the heavy accompaniment, giving Michael the freedom to sing soft and sweetly. There’s a lot of emotion in his voice during this one, which perhaps explains a bit of the next song…

“Roll With the Flow” is a bit of an unfortunate track - he’s not sounding his best, for one reason or another, and I think it made him nervous. Here again we see a lot of that semi-ironic “hammy” singing that I don’t think benefits a song that is so plain and honest. There is definitely an attempt to make this sound like the big arena rock hits of the day; it wouldn’t sound bad if this was your first introduction to the song, but for learnèd fans, it just doesn’t click. 

“Some of Shelley’s Blues” is really a standout on the record for me. It has a slower start with some of those nerves still audible, but he quickly slides back into rhythm for it, taking us on a journey full of strong, echoing howls and slides. It truly gets the gist of the song, pleading for another chance, a little courage. You’re left, for once, wanting more.

“Silver Moon” is the show’s official closer, deceptively simple in its build-up to another hair-raising display of Michael’s vocal prowess. The end of this track (after he introduces his band, and himself as Burt Lancaster), showcases a full thirty seconds of applause and cries for an encore; for a second, you almost forget you’re not at a Monkees gig, the crowd being so full of desperate heart-felt screams. 

As an encore, he plays Chuck Berry’s “Nadine (Is It You?)” – a good, lighthearted choice to close out the show with stomping and clapping. Michael puts on a good show here, but the band really gets the spotlight. I think this song, showcasing his affinity for good old rock’n’roll, might have been prophesying that which was just around the corner – his most hardcore rock record yet.  

With that, we’ve finished what made up the actual Palais show in 1978 – any songs leftover on your album are bits and pieces of other shows thrown in for the 2001 rerelease. These are fine; it’s exciting to hear “Capsule” live, even though the intro is a little spacey (and I don’t love the song anyways); this version of “The Crippled Lion” is done very well and I enjoy it; finally, “Listen to the Band,” while served up with a hefty spoonful of awkward stage performance, is touching because of his genuine enjoyment of the band he’s playing with – he repeats the verses over and over, giving them each a chance to shine. 

Conclusion:

Somewhere in Infinite Tuesday, Michael talks about being post-concert in Australia, sitting at a diner feeling miserable about how bad his performance the previous night was, when someone came up to him and said that they’d been at the show, and it was one of the best they’d ever seen. Therefore, I have to serve up a grain of salt alongside all my negative comments on this album: if I’d been there to see it live, I know I’d feel differently about it. It really does break my heart that he felt like his performance was so bad, enough so that he was hesitant to reissue it in the 90’s and early 00’s. It was an iconic night, reuniting him with his old drummer and marking the first time he performed with John Jorgenson and other future Hellecaster members, who he would work with in the 90’s. The album is really not that bad at all – it was probably just an off night, paired with a lot of stage anxiety and a few stylistic attempts that fell flat. It’s fine. It’s kind of fun to laugh about it. It’s Live at the Palais – she’s that girl!

[bonzos-number-1-fan]

TMAGP 9 Thoughts: Name Dropping

This one was a big one. I was hoping some of this would happen later if only for my own amusement. Of all the episodes thus far I think there might be have the most foundational elements to the wider narrative in it.

Spoilers for episode 9 below the cut.

We'll start at the start although I don't have much to say about this pre-incident banter. It's mostly stuff that I think is for humour rather than narrative relevance. Such as the questions have a classic 7 point scale, but instead of neutral in the middle neutral is an extreme and trauma is the other one. Dead creatures, blood transfusions, and why? are all similar there. It's fun dialogue but I don't think there is much to say beyond that.

The case itself is a really great one. Might be my favourite so far. It's a Magnus Institute statement, opens with some interesting titbits, is TTRPG related, has a fun hook, and a satisfying conclusion. Hard to fault it anywhere.

So lets get to the fun stuff. The Magnus Institute framing isn't really of interest to me right now. This isn't anything particularly unexpected and doesn't give us any new information about the Institute itself but does hint at some of their methodology. The statement is part of artefact's assessment, and preceding the statement itself the artefact is given some viability ratings. No viability as subject, low as agent, and medium as catalyst. I've seen some people interpreting this as being about the statement giver but as this is the "Statement and Research assessment for artefact CD137" I think that's a misinterpretation. Especially since this post-statement and the statement giver dies. Those terms aren't explained here but if I had to take a stab at it I think subject is probably about further research, agent is it's utility as a weapon, and catalyst is likely related to rituals or avatars. The recommendation is a referral to "referral to Catalytics for Enrichment applicability assessment. "Enrichment" here could be a euphemism for turning someone into an avatar of sorts, or be a little more literal as an actual catalyst for some sort of experiment or ritual. I think the ritual idea is maybe more on the right lines as alchemy is a large motif of this series.

There isn't much to say about the statement itself. The dice could be the same ones mentioned in Episode 4: Taking Notes. That episode wasn't written by Jonny or Alex, while this one was, but I feel that sort of detail is something they'd feel comfortable adding in. Although I think it's more likely that the old man himself was part of the direction.

"Externals Liaison" being "gofer" so far is pretty great, and Nigel Dickerson is a pretty spot on name for that sort of British TV personality. Can't wait to hear about how they eat children.

Alice still being into Sam and jelly of Celia is cute, and it's great to see more of Teddy. I'm pretty sure he's going to play a larger role in all of this than it seems so far. Going to dig through the ruins of the Magnus Institute might also mean that episode 10 will be a no-incident episode too. Those things usually happened at the start and end of seasons for TMA but it seems pretty appropriate for TMP right now.

Overall, great episode.

Bonzo!Bonzo!!Bonzo!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starting with this post I'm going to include a link to my Google sheet containing all the current cases, their CAT#'s, R#'s, DPHW's, etc. It contains about as much information on each as I think is reasonable, including who narrates it, a link to its episode, and any other relevant notes, as well as headers for incidents we didn't hear. Additionally it also contains the Klaus sheet (German and English) and links to it when a incident matches. It will be updated each episode after the episode is publicly available.

Incident/CAT#R#DPHW Master Sheet

DPHW Theory: 3354 is fairly standard for this sort of thing, I think. I expected H to be a little higher in general but not by a lot. The only very high score we've seen for H involved a lot of compulsion, and the higher scores are harder to escape from than this one seems to be.

Splitting CAT# and R# theories into two separate things now. As you may or may not have seen I wrote a fairly extensive theory on what I think R# means so it makes no real sense to group them.

CAT# Theory: CAT3 is a nice new data point. Not many CAT3's so hopefully this will help elucidate that. But as of yet I don't have a solid theory about how that could work. The other CAT3's were Transformation (Eyes) -/- Trespass, and Transformation (Full) -/- Dysmorphic which have the obvious overlap of transformation but that doesn't have a lot of overlap with Dice (Bone) -/- Fate particularly. There is the subsection of bone here which you could say is linked to the more physical manifestations of those two incidents but the Tria Prima idea I talked about here isn't something I think holds up well. So if CAT3 is something along the lines of the physical I don't think it'll be quite like that.

R# Theory: RB isn't particularly interesting in a general sense. It supports my theory reasonably well and so isn't too surprising. Which means there is little to talk about there. However, I do think it's a really good nail in the coffin for some of my other ideas. Which is encouraging now that I'm thinking about it in very different terms.

Header talk: Dice (Bone) -/- Fate is somewhat interesting. Dice (Bone) is incredibly specific in a way that bothers me. So far sections have been reasonably broad. A violin ends up in Collection, other objects in Agglomeration, Architecture deals with seemingly all buildings, but this section is just for dice? I can't be the only one that thinks that's far more specific than what we've seen before. It's also another very strange crosslink. I'm still not entirely sure what to make of those. I may have mentioned briefly that my current framework for crosslinks is viewing them as vectors. i.e. they're the way in which the supernatural is able to manifest. That holds up with Fate but it's still a bit strange in general terms.

[mostrolounges]

silly fun facts about mafukasa rpg horror because this is my rambling blog, so i shall ramble

they’re based off an au i had and never properly wrote out. the bare minimum summary is mafu & kasa have been trapped in a bugged out rpg maker horror game for like years and have been waiting for someone to download the game so they can leave yayy

it’s not inspired by any game in particular, just general common themes in rpg maker horrors

mafu & kasa don’t have names in the game, instead they’re referred to as haunted jester & possessed puppet. they try to communicate through hexadecimal code to bypass any censor though ^-^

their inventory Is relevant to the au. however, the star tsukasa isn’t, it’s just there because i needed something lmao, what would be there would be his jester hat

mafu’s individual line in her textbox is just her brand new world quote

there’s hexadecimal code hidden in the headers, it’s the same as the one in the middle top banner

i edited tsukasa’s eye shiny out out of all the cards. because i’m evil

did i ever finish the au? no.

there’s two stamps in each of the individual banners that blend into the background

mafu has string and scissors in her inventory, cause puppet :]

kasa just has a bunch of cards, dice, and dominos, he likes silly games okay

i made the template for the top banners myself, and they’re kinda wonky but i think they turned out kinda neat

the frame/border used around the whole thing is an Actual plain frame that i just pixelated a lot lolol

[unstxblesystem]

"where's your father at?"

━━

I doubt any ccs would roll up here but whatever we just exist smile and wave

Blog for the UU introjects of the Pairidaeza System‼️ Not much about us, bodily 18, our interests/fixations vary

Other blogs we have:

@clownpierced - Pierce's main blog

@branzycrafted - Branzy's main blog

@troublex8 - Wemmbu's sideblog

@hxrpy-hxre - Minute's sideblog

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Alters on this blog:

🃏 - Pierce [he/jest], 20, LS + KSMP + UU | [playlist]

🎭 - Branzy/Ajax [he/dice], 23, LS + EC + UU | [playlist]

⚡️- Spoke/Gremlin [he/him], 18, LS + UU | [playlist]

🗡 - Wemmbu/Crown [he/him], 19, UU + LS | [playlist]

🥚 - Egg/Ribbon [he/him], 20, UU

♣️ - Minute [he/him], 22, UU + LS | [playlist]

⚔️ - Zam/Jaskier/Robin/Delilah [he/she], 20, UU + LS | [playlist]

🧨 - Mapicc/Mason [he/him], 18, UU + LS

🐾 - Wifies/Conan [he/him], 20, UU

🎊 - Squiddo/Squish [she/they/he/it], 20, UU + LS

☮️ - Ash [he/him], 20, UU

🌻 - Rejoice [he/him], 20, UU + gen source

🍧 - Loppezz/Kat [she/her], 21, UU

❤️‍🔥 - Mane [he/him], 20, UU/LS | [Playlist]

♠️ - Mug/Gambit [he/him], 18-19, Bliss/Strength but he can stay | [Playlist]

—

> Our Simply Plural is PairidaezasDreams if anyone wants to add us go ahead

> No real DNI other than basic criteria + endos/pro endos let the door hit you on the way out, also you should know we actively dislike k*boodle but I can't really stop you from being here just know we are not fans of her in the slightest (like everything ever this does not impact introjects you aren't your source)

> Nothing outright NSFW will be on this blog but we Are collectively an adult + adults individually so there might be some things adjacent sometimes, just nothing explicit

> You can send whatever asks you want, mutuals can hit us with their cars, we don't bite we like socializing, if you're being weird on purpose I'll just publicly shame you

> If you scroll through our blog spam liking posts and reblogging random text posts of ours I'm blocking you because it's annoying to flood our notifs like that

> Most of our other socials are failureofstars (twt, discord, Twitch but we only watch a few streamers mainly the 2 we mod for)

> We will system post whenever, not all posts are signed off but all system posts are, introject memory related posts are tagged with #mems yap and system related rambles will be tagged with #sys rambles

ART CREDS - pfp and header by @/mellohiizz

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[alviskisser]

List of online people I rlly miss and it’s bc I cut ties bc I was (and am) maladjusted

Katarina league of legends roleplayer circa 2015, I was lux. I remember him being Irish irl and rping lux and kat smuggling each other into noxus/Demacia and showing each other childhood spots (I remember one of lux’s tour spots was a favorite ice cream shop).

J4 roleplayer from around the same time, we were married and I don’t remember if it got creepy or smth (I was 17 and kinda repulsed by smut rp but I did it to try to look grown-) but I associate j4 with positive emotions bc of you

Someone with astora (?) in their url around 2016 when I was into mtg and went by jace. Loved dark souls and the sun, helped me through a lot of shit and felt drawn to a poem about being the sun, blog header was a line from that poem

Someone I met on msparp named aster/sterling that rped meulin and I was nepeta. This had to have been in 2014/15. Tried to be polyam with him and felt too weird to stay in touch when I got cold feet.

Hawkeye rper on gaiaonline who rped with me as Loki in 2013(?) who I feel may have killed herself but I was genuinely in love with her and she introduced me to Lana del Rey (dark paradise was the most memorable song you sent me)

Person I met at a con in South Carolina in 2013 whose email and tumblr account were the same, disappeared off the face of the earth after being grounded or smth, had abiogenesis in their url and I think was from out of town, I was nepeta with blonde hair

Lots of people from a league kin server in 2021 including a pyke, a mordekaiser, and a Leona

Guy on tinierme forums in 2011 named pink Alex who talked to me a lot , had a hetalia themed account bc of course I did it was 2011

Homestuck rpers on gaiaonline, 2012, one was a kanaya I felt like was an older sister to me, a gamzee ? Two gamzees? That called me neppy. I’ve been in touch recently but not very recently, i don’t know I had a huge bad habit of cutting contact a lot and I wish I had you guys in my life still

2012 gaia shit again but a furry snow leopard who interacted with me as nepeta who helped me through a nasty situation and I had fanart of our avatars in my old deviantart. Made a nightvale theme for me (?)

A mutual on an old account when my url was xiiiroxas or xiii-roxas I had the phone number of that I called riku. I remember the url but don’t want to list it but it had stopbreakingmy in it. I remember texting you on the way home from a concert on southern backroads about seeing so many deer!

Kik messenger friend who rped Axel and rlly liked joshneku, had nekomata in their name? Bought me an arpacaso when I was scared of my parents knowing I gave out my address so you shipped it to my (at the time) bfs house. It was pink and had lace on it iirc!

Edea person who crocheted and loved Etrian Odyssey and also had me on kik I was lowkey in love with you but didn’t know how to communicate that. You made me a crochet dragon scale dice bag to give to my (at the time) bf for Christmas? Anniversary? Birthday? Idr exactly. 2016-ish

Probably others