#my need for Texture conflicts with my need to Not Have Hand In Way Of Drawing

[midnightcaptions]

i wonder if they could still go hunting if he were a pig 🤔

[gingerteafairy]

𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 + 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞

𝐝𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢 – 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡

Dave would have nearly all the love languages, but these two fit him best. As Kick-Ass, he would go out of his way to solve conflicts in your life, often being a bit nosy. If he found out someone made you cry, that person could expect a serious conversation (a real talk—he couldn’t actually fight them). He loves hugs and never misses the chance, even when you’re busy. He adores studying and gaming with you on his lap. "Would you mind sitting on my lap? It's for my exam. Really important, okay?" #1 PDA king.

𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐢 𝐯𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐤𝐲 – 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡

Alexei would be the biggest fan of long night walks and picnics, where he could admire you and take in every detail of your world, from the sound of your laugh to the subtle way your breath deepens when he gets too close. If the conversation faded, he’d simply trace his fingers over your face, memorizing the texture of your skin and every hair in your brows, cherishing even the tiny imperfections you hated. "If you ever change, i fear that stars will fall with me to the ground. you're perfect this way."

𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐞 – 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬

He loves holding hands and kissing, yet he’s not a fan of being overly clingy and prefers other ways to show affection. He’d write songs for you, teach you how to play bass, and share headphones with you. He’d love when you visited the shop but wouldn’t let you help with the heavy work—he didn’t want you to get overworked. "You can help the cashier. You're good with numbers, right? Always thought you were smarter than me."

𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐞𝐫 – 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬

Tom is used to being praised, he loves having his ego stroked. This carries over into how he handles romance, where he’s quick to compliment you without overthinking it. “That’s really good, you’ve got talent.” “You look great today—did you do something with your hair?” Random gifts? Absolutely. Part of it is because he had the money and liked showing off, but deep down, it was because he loved seeing your surprised smile. “This? Oh, just bought it on sale.” (5K dollar jacket.)

𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐟𝐟 – 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞

Pietro is impulsive—his actions tend to come before he fully thinks things through. If someone upset you or made you insecure, even if it was in the past, he’d probably end up in a scuffle. Too tired to go grocery shopping? In a flash, he’d grab everything you need. Forgot to thaw the meat for dinner? No problem, he’d use physics to handle it in no time. "You saw that? Only for you, baby."

𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 – 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Because his job is so unpredictable, Tangerine prefers to show affection when he’s with you. He’d sit you on his lap and listen to you talk about what happened while he was gone. It was his way of forgetting all the work chaos and focusing on how normal life could still be. He even taught you how to trim his mustache just to have you close. And of course, he’d always compliment your talents, beauty, and everything you did—with that signature dirty mouth of his. “Shit, darlin'. You’re so fucking good for me. love ya."

masterlist

[metranart]

My one and only wants you, so he’ll have you (Part 11)

ft. Sensei! Gojo Satoru, sensei! Suguru Geto, reader insert, slight! Megumi x reader.

Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto happily married, you, their lovely student and the cause of their ragging temptation. The problem: their son, Megumi, your best friend.

𖦹 Warning tags: Gojo x Reader x Geto, threesome, married couple, Suguru and Gojo happy married couple, polyamory, Teacher-Student Relationship (everyone is an adult).

-

It was Suguru’s lips colliding with his that brought him out of that toxic trance, Suguru used his last weapon, the most lethal he had. Gojo melted against him, unable to hold that track of selfish thoughts, instead giving all his attention to his husband's lips, his hand ended up sliding from the knob and Geto smiled against his mouth, pecking those pouting lips a couple of times before smashing a hard kiss on his forehead and sending him a disapproving look. The white-haired man shrugged like a scolded child. He almost ruined it... almost.

“I’m not sure if we are there yet, Gumi…” You mewled timidly. But he needed to fight for his right to have you, Megumi was burning to be yours, literally burning, he could not think straight anymore, you were all he thought about nowadays, you and him, just that. 

You'd only been together for a two month, and you hadn't been intimate yet, maybe some fooling around, here and there, some make out and touching— you'd jerked him off and he'd fingered your pussy after a stressful mission but that was as far as you two had gone... you couldn't find it in you to end the transaction, not when you were terrified of confusing his name with one of his parents. Not when Gojo and Geto had given you an ultimatum. Not when even now they were likely listening in from the other side of the door, if you judged by the shadows you had seen under the door, discreet enough to go unnoticed by your distracted boyfriend who prioritized his attention on you, but undoubtedly blatantly indiscreet enough for you to know and strive to keep your promise.

Nor Gojo nor Geto had been happy about your new relationship with their son but when you explained Sukuna's sudden appearance and your inability to go any other way, they understood, reluctantly… but they understood.

"Not under our roof." Suguru had spat severely, "NEVER under our roof, (Y/N) ... or I'm not responsible for my actions." With that, he spined on his heels with more sharpness that it was necessary and walked away to smoke a cigarette in solitude. His silhouette, the clear posture of an annoyed, irritated and highly conflicted, man.

Leaving behind a very guilty sorceress and a very shaken husband. You sucked in a shaky breath and the lone tear that ebbed the corner of your eye was quickly whipped away before it could even roll down your cheek. 

"Oh, my sweet pup, don’t cry,” Gojo spelled sweetly, burying you in a bear hug “this is all my fault, I should never have—”

“Don’t!” you squealed, “don’t even think about it. I wanted to!... I still DO.”

You felt his lips press a kiss on the crown of your head, to then hear the sigh of relief. “Thank God,” he chuckled, “I feel lighter already. Thank you.”

You opted to stay inside his warmness, the silence was comfortable, nevertheless, was also brief.

“I know you didn't have a choice and the last thing I want is for you to hurt Megumi," Gojo wanted the best for his son, but also for himself. He wanted you so bad, it physically hurt him. His knuckles sliding down the softness of your cheek, slowly, so slowly, felt more like if he was sewing the texture of your skin to his brain. That blue, shiny gaze firm on yours. Searching your stare insistently. Stare that refused to meet his, out of embarrassment. 

"Look at me, (Y/N).” Gojo demanded in a calm tone which quickly grew sharp. “You owe me that much-"

"Y-You have no idea how hard this is for me as well!"

Your outburst was cancelled by his arm getting tighter around you, burying you deeper into his chest, your nose dug hard against his shirt to inhale his fragrance, smelling Gojo always calmed you down, it was one of his many gifts. He smelled safe, if that was even possible, everything about Gojo Satoru made you feel safe. You melted on him, and he smiled against your hair.

"You miss us?" It wasn’t a question, it sounded like one, but it wasn’t.

Your head nodded against his broad chest, and his hug tightened even more. Tight, so tight it should hurt but it didn’t. Gojo’s fingers began to make circles on your back. Massaging the tension away with tender motions, melting the anguish in you with his tireless compression.

"We miss you so damn much, that's why Suguru is so-" his eyes shifted to the aforementioned, who was already on his third cigarette, "-is so upset."

"With me?"

You felt how deep his sigh were, when his chest rose against your cheek.

"I'm afraid, he doesn't know how to be upset with Megumi, pretty. He adores him way too much-…So, you'll have to put up with his bad mood for a while," he laughed but not the merry sound you loved. Then, he kissed each request against your forehead, soft and warm kisses filled with tender pleading, "...please, please don't judge him for his behavior. Suguru isn't good at sharing-"

Your head whipped up to look at him, and he chuckled. "He's not good at sharing with anyone but me."

You giggled, returning to your original position. No! a little close, if that was possible. "Now what?" your lips asked, afraid of the answer.

"We’ll figure it out and while we do it..." Gojo felt conflicted, even so, there was one thing he already knew he wanted from you. Warm palms dug thick thumbs under the curve of your jaw to help him tilt your head up for some needed eye contact. Once your eyes met, Gojo’s understanding look faded away and his reverent grin turned icy "...don't let Megumi fuck you." All tenderness melted away, and he repeated, "... promise me, (Y/N), you won't sleep with him until we know how to handle this."

You promised.

"I'm afraid that's NOT enough." 

It startled you. Suguru Geto, standing behind you, he dropped the last of his cigarette to the ground and step on it, those onyx orbs he called eyes, black and devoid of any kind emotion, were kinda shocking but what shocked you the most was what ended up coming out of his mouth. 

"Let's do a binding bow-"

"Suguru—" 

Gojo started but was quickly stopped by his husband with hard squeeze to his shoulder, it carried a hidden message, something only Gojo could appreciate: ‘let me be the irrational for once’- Gojo fell silent. 

“I already promised to-”

Geto denying his head cut you short.

"It doesn't really make any difference-…but the binding bow, that will actually make you keep your promise."

"Don't you trust me anymore, Suguru?" It was easy to detect the touch of indignation in your voice. Abruptly, you pulled yourself out of Gojo's arms to stare at Suguru with a hint of defiance. "Don't you-"

"I'm not going to let Megumi get hurt, DAMN IT!" The special grade sorcerer bellowed, rushing to you until were face to face. “Over my death body,” he threatened, your mouth scrunched up, a complaint about to come out before being cut off by him. “No, it’s not what you think either,” Geto added, quickly. “I don’t plan on losing you either. You are not going anywhere…”

You had never seen him so visceral, so emotional. Gojo was the creature full of fragile feelings, not Suguru, but apparently you had gotten under his skin, deeper than he had even anticipated. 

“You are mine-...Ours,” he corrected and Gojo chuckled, shaking his head, amused “...if you and Megumi start getting intimate it will only complicate everything.” The raven-haired insisted, grabbing you by the wrist to pull you closer to him, “the binding bow will prevent this.”

“How? I don’t see how-”

“Just grant me this, (Y/N).” He pleaded, grabbing you by the forearms, desperate, crazed, "...I'm dying here, just grant me this, I trust you...but even though I love my Megumi more than my own life," now, you felt your cheeks being wrap in his warm, big hands, "I don't trust him, at least not with you. I know how he feels and after all, he is our son."

Suguru didn't have to explain any further, Gojo supported him, and you ended up, accepting. How right he was, how much Megumi resembled his adoptive parents. Because right now, he refused to accept a negative.

"Is that a, no? you don’t want us to—” he asked, a taciturn emotion kidnapping his features, and the hurt in his eyes made you feel sick to your stomach, you were weak for this entire family, to some more than other, even so, they all have a part of your heart.  

“I do-”

“You do?”

Megumi's eyes sparkled, filled with renewed hope and his parents felt a lump in their throats. Fushiguro climbed on top of you, slow and cat-like, you crawled back until your head hit the headboard of his bed and he laughed amused, excited, hands equally excited sliding down the length of your legs, you could almost hear him purr.

If there was one thing you loved about him, it was the difference that did exist between him and his parents. His shy essence was unbreakable, making him a tender and dedicated creature even in movements predestined to be abrupt. He accommodated you under him prioritizing your comfort over his own, he would have to put more tension on his body, but it was worth it if you were happy.

"Gumi-" you mewled, and he swallowed your next complaint with thirsty lips and slippery tongue. "Just let me show you, (Y/N)," you heard him mumble against your neck, "I know I can also make you happy."

Also?... you didn't dare to delve into that comment, it sounded too desperate, coming from a place deep inside Megumi, a secret and intimate place.

It was just a whisper, but it sounded like a scream to Gojo and Geto, like a bullet going through their selfish hearts, really, they wouldn't give this pleasure to Megumi? Were they really that self-absorbed? They both turned to look at each other and after a few seconds, you saw the shadow under the door disappear completely.

"Is something wrong?" the brunette asked when he noticed you distracted, and you shook your head. Yes, there was a problem, but it wasn't Megumi's problem.

“Nop, babe.” 

Megumi tugged you forward-or maybe he'd lunged toward you of his own accord, he loved when you tagged him as you ‘babe’—and just like that, you were kissing with the fervor and passion of touch-starved souls all pent-up repression and stress, released in a single instant. The force of the collision, lips on lips, tongue against tongue, was deliciously bruising, enough to knock the breath out of you. 

Megumi gasped your name, smearing each syllable in saliva and praises, overly excited, wondering if only him was feeling that cord of electricity running through his veins, fiery adrenaline coursing through his body, blood pounding in his ears as a shiver ran down his spine, so powerful that he thought he might collapse on top of you.

Each effort of Megumi making you let yourself go more, letting you mind fly free, maybe too free to your own good. Your hands tangled in his hair in an instant, pulling him even closer, even harder against your lips as your excitement soaked your panties.

“…. May I have a taste, (Y/N)?”

You had half a second to entertain the request of your boyfriend, before he asked again, just sweeter. 

“One lick or two,” those were the last words you thought you'd hear coming from Megumi, "I just want to put my mouth down there for a minute, please, my love-... may I?" 

His lips quickly came in aid to his goal, eating your neck in sloppy but awfully well-planned kisses, bites and licks, a joint effort to weaken your reason. It was slowly working. Pressing back with his tongue even as a moan began to well up in his chest, “P-Please?

You squealed, a sign of your upcoming defeat. He used that weakness to pull your bodies together for an instant of pressure that sent fireworks off all across your skin. A sensation that you had only experienced with Gojo and Geto, confusing your mind with sparks of recognition, men who were not there felt present in each caress that their son executed without fail.

You surrender to his wholehearted efforts, it was too much, too vivid. Megumi had shown his claws, and they were sharp, going deep, deeper than you ever expected. Sharp in need, tearing you apart like a ragged doll. Your lips parted and the affirmative he so craved was about to pour out-

Knock! Knock! Knock!

PART 12

➡️ NSFW ARTWORK OF THIS STORY

[mosneakers]

Reaper's Wardrobe Collection- Information Packet 📝

I didn't want to bloat the original post up with all of this(it's a lot) and it took way longer than I expected! Sorry I've been so strapped for time recently, balancing life (and ironically—death, unfortunately) but I've finally found some time to include some additional information about the newly released (December- Friday the 13th!!) Reaper's Wardrobe Collection, which by the way, you've all been SO sweet and kind and receptive to, thank you eternally 🥺💗 Below is some additional information if you're interested, just because one, I'm a certified yapper, but also I like to include that with my cc when I can <3 Please, if you use these items for your sims, TAG ME!! I would seriously be so happy to see how you use them 😍

Lamplight Dress (+Glowy Version) and Final Layer Accessory Lingerie

A sensual little number that will draw them in like a moth to the lamplight. This versatile dress comes in a variety of swatches, including even sheerer options for when you really want to turn up the warmth. You can pair it with the Final Layer Lingerie—a maxis match accessory lingerie set found in the glove category—or any other accessory underwear to layer and customize your look.

Lamplight Dress: 44 Swatches Final Layer Lingerie: 26 Swatches

And for those special sims who are the light of your life, or maybe just get lost often, try the bonus glowy version that actually glows up!

Both dresses are standalone, so neither rely on the other to work. You can freely have both in your game at the same time or just one, whichever you prefer.

Lamplight Dress-Glowy Version: 11 Swatches

Deathflower Pendant

Yes, it's the one and only deathflower, now wearable! Meshing this as a beginner almost sent me over to the other side, but I'm happy to say that with the help and support of my lovely husband, I got through it. Which I'm grateful for, because I needed this in my game. Available for ages kids and up, and comes in 9 swatches.

Death Grip Ear Cuff/Eternal Whispers Earrings

Embrace the whispers of the beyond with the Death Grip Ear Cuff and Eternal Whispers Earrings. This one can be a little finicky. So because of how the UV_1 maps work, there doesn't seem to be a reasonable way to make the ear cuff move along with the ear slider, at least that I'm aware of. So the best we can do is to remove the ear cuff entirely or shape your sims ear to work with the cuff. I know, not ideal, sorry :( It was created with ear preset 1 in mind, but you might be able to mold your own ears with some sliding around.

The set is designed to be worn either together, or separated. The cuff (a metal skeleton hand) can technically be worn with other earrings, but due to texture constraints, most textures conflict. Although not all results look bad so definitely feel free to play around and make some happy mistakes!

Whimsical Wings Knit Sweater

A little flutter of quaint, a little flutter of spooky— What started out as an attempt to convert the Life and Death one for toddlers into a kids version, but ended up basically recreating it. However, there are a few more cute swatches special for kids that fit the theme. 16 swatches in total.

First Grimpressions Zip Up Onesie

For the little reapers in training— This cozy zip up onesie is perfect for jammies, costumes, or playtime, and is available for both toddlers and children. Although children get a few extra bonus dingy social bunny swatches reminiscent of the social bunny from ts2. The rest are reaper and "freezer-boney" themed.

Grimborn Onesie

My pride and joy :’) this is one of the first ones I started working on, a little hooded onesie subtly shaped like death himself. Many of the swatches feature an embroidered crow with the daintiest little heart, but throughout the rest of the 8 swatches you'll also find little wings, a skull, and and a freezer-boney.

Reaper Sleepers

How could your days ever be grim when you have these adorable little reapers bouncing around with you each step you take? These were what started this whole project, honestly. I was making a few things for Norvis, and obviously he needed a pair of house slippers, being a middle-aged son of the Grim Reaper, obviously. That's when I decided it might be fun to not only share them, but make this into a whole collection— then it snowballed from there. They're not the most perfectly meshed items, but I think that gives them some character ^̮^

Robes Of Respite

Just the Life and Death Employee Reaper Robes, but with no hood, because sometimes we all need a breather. I did tighten the rope around the waist a bit so your sims can show off that figure when they're reaping someone's soul and dragging them away to the unknown. I also enhanced the textures a bit and added a bonus dark swatch. One for Male frames and one Female.

Prep Me Pumps

Just a cute pair of soft goth pumps to make a statement, complete with the most darling little bow placed right under your achilles heel so you can prepped for anything, anytime. 13 swatches in total.

Spirit Sprinter Athleisure Set

Even though all 4 of these cozy swatches are adorned with a zip up ribbon corset, there's no need to sacrifice your comfort to look snatched. Whether you're bumming out at home handing candy out to trick-or treaters, or training hard to be the best reaper the company has ever seen, this outfit has you covered.

Reaper Scythe Accessory

This is just the regular Reaper's Scythe from the game, made into an accessory by leo_morg on MTS. Link here They don't seem to be active anymore or have a TOU. It is just an EA item from the game but I wanted to properly cover my bases when it comes to crediting, since they were the ones who did most of the work. I just made some edits to the mesh and textures. At first I was just using it for screenshots and previews but since its a fine piece of cc I figured someone might find it useful so why let it go to waste?

Eclipse Cloak-Illuminated, Eclipse Cloak-Veiled, and Halfway Hair

For the adventurous souls daring enough to tread that liminal bridge between the afterlife and the mortal world, shroud yourself in mystery with these deluxe reapers cloaks- This is the first hair I've ever created with the sole purpose of making it specifically for a hat, although I'm happy with how it looks with no hood too! As for the cloaks, I just wanted some separated dramatic cloaks/hoods for storytelling, both a version that is up, and down. Goes in the hat category. They're a lot of material in a small space so the textures aren't the the most beautiful up close—but at the very least they're not going to conflict with pretty much any clothing (unless that clothing item doesn't obey the allotted space, of course) The veiled version is kinda neat because it functions/chops as a hat, so it works with a select handful of hairs. The hair has your standard 24 EA swatches, and the cloaks have 8 matching swatches.

Morgue Moth Vintage Romper

If you're one of my readers, you may have noticed that I occasionally like to use moth motifs from time to time. They go hand in hand with the death theme and they're also just really pretty ♥‿♥ You'll see them a lot throughout this project, and this item is no exception. I especially love this romper because it's super versatile— all 11 moth adorned swatches make for an easy go-to outfit for those hot days, but also work as adorable pajamas or vintage swimwear, and have that whimsical-macabre twist that is so mothsneakers ✨

Plaid To The Bone Shirt

11 swatches featuring a grungy patchwork of button down flannels stitched together, layered with a haphazardly placed tee with grim but colorful graphics for that effortlessly unkempt look. Wanted to make sure we got something for the men too, but of course our girls can throw it on as well, if they want!

Cadaver-demia Coat Set

Fight the biting chill of the morgue freezers, or stay warm on your haunting moonlit walks in the cemetery, and look hot doing it! Lately this has been my irl go to look when I want to look put-together but don't want to think too much about what to wear. simply mini-skirt+shirt+coat, pair it with your favorite tights and boots and you're good to go 😊 Keeping that same kind of idea with this piece, I really love full-body outfits so I don't have to think too much about putting an outfit together, I always feel like the cc-world needs more full-body outfits (that aren't just dresses, but complete looks you feel me?) I digress, this set has 8 swatches.

Thanatolo-dress Outfit

Give off Thanatologist's day off vibes in this studious casual full-body set. 18 swatches; featuring a fitted turtleneck sweater, (some with grim graphics, some plain) layered under a cropped plaid button down top, and paired with a high-waisted corduroy mini skirt.

Once again, huge thank you to every single one of you who have reblogged and shared, or had such kind things to say about this collection. It's been so much fun to make, and I'm so glad y'all encourage my outlet and more importantly, that you're encouraging ALWAYS FREE CC 🥰 because there is no space for greed in this community let's just have fun ok? Please enjoy, please tag me if you use it (because I'm dying to what you do with it) and you can find the collection here 🖤

[mullermilkshake]

People would assume

Part 1 <- Part 2 -> Part 3

So you're Satoru Gojo?

It’s the next day and the auction is happening and you have to deal with your boss once more.

Kento Nanami x Fem!reader Kento is rough,he's jealous,manipulation,Gojo is flirty,

<- Masterlist

You were conflicted. 

So conflicted on whether it was a good idea to do as Kento Nanami asked of you. Of course you needed to because you didn't want to lose your job, but you hated what he did, how he abused your trust and assaulted you right there under the table. 

Where did it all come from? Why had he been so forward to pull something like that when he had never shown any sign of an attraction towards you before? Asking someone to get a drink and displaying that level of lewdness were two sides of a completely distorted coin. He sounded like a possessive lover, or an antagonised husband who caught you in an affair of your own. 

You scrubbed yourself when you got home, sat in the bath for over an hour until the water went cold, making yourself clean. You never slept either, giant black bags under your eyes were a dead give away, everyone would know what he did, it was written all over your face.  

Here you were, at the lobby of the gallery, the launch you had put so much work into making it the biggest event of the year in the art world. Your stomach made you acutely aware of the sinking sensation, flipping and twisting to the point you thought you would vomit. 

Your heart dropped when your boss came into view in the lobby, watching servers flit in and out of doorways with champagne and nibbles for the guests. You didn't want to go to him, you wanted to yell out at what a pervert he was, someone to take him away forever and pray for a new replacement that wouldn’t require HR’s interception.

He turned and spotted you immediately as soon as you stepped inside, but someone blocked your way. 

“So you’re the one who’s been looking after my account huh?”

“Excuse me?” You smiled in confusion at the white haired man, your eyes flitting between him to Mr Nanami.

“Satoru Gojo? The most handsome client you could ever have?” Was he flirting with you?

Oh shit. You remembered.

“Yes of course Mr Gojo.” You faked that smile on your face and offered your hand. “My apologies.”

He took it, shaking longer than what was deemed socially acceptable. “Y’know, I wish I had seen you face to face for our meetings instead of on the phone, Nanami never said how gorgeous you were.” 

“That’s because it’s inappropriate to talk about a work colleague in that way Gojo. Please don't harass my staff.” 

Mr Nanami stepped in behind you and you froze, he broke up your hands taking yours in his and held it longer than he should have. He spoke like he always had, pretending last night never happened. 

How could Mr Gojo not see? You thought everybody would see it all over your face, but no one did.You wanted someone to punch him square in the face, Mr Gojo looked like the type to have strength behind a swing, so why wasn’t he doing it? 

Frustration to speak up kept you quiet. 

“Oh c’mon Nanami, I’m only playing so don’t be such a bore, look at her. She shouldn’t be working for you because she’d look much better on my arm.” Satoru Gojo set his sights on you and held out his arm. “How about it?”

You could see your boss’s eyes burning into you along with Gojo’s smile, a wink over his sunglasses he wore inside. His arm looked very inviting, even though he seemed just as much of a bad egotistical choice as Mr Nanami was, but at least you supposed were sure he wouldn’t do anything remotely as fucked up as last night. 

“I-I’m sorry, I really must decline, Mr Nanami has much to do and I’m here to assist him.” 

“That’s a shame.” He pulled a card from his suit and slipped it between your fingertips. “My personal number, if you change your mind.” 

The cardstock, thick and embossed, cream coloured with a textured look. Very expensive. Very pretentious. It was there for a second and then gone, ripped from your fingers and crumpled up in Mr Nanami's fist.

“It’s not very professional taking personal numbers from clients, is it? I thought you were going to behave?” 

You had a sudden splurge of confidence stir up inside of you, no one spoke to you that way and someone who had no say in your personal life couldn’t dictate it either. You responded, keeping your voice low to avoid a scene. “Sir, I’m here to work for you and that is it. Please don’t insert yourself into my personal affairs. Firstly I wouldn’t do something so unprofessional, secondly we need to discuss what happened last night. But for now, tell me what you need me to do and we’ll call it there.” 

He nodded and his expression was neutral. “Okay. Come with me then.” 

He guided you off to the side, a smaller room down a long hall that housed the coats and belongings of some of the wealthiest minds in the entire country. Great, you were on cloakroom duty. That was what your retaliation got you. 

He turned quickly, no one was in there except the two of you. You immediately felt the pressure in your shoulders as he grabbed you, forcing you up against the wall and the door slammed shut after he kicked it. “I recognise that I’ve given you preferential treatment, but I didn't think it would affect your manners. Don’t ever talk to me like that again, do you understand me?”

Nothing. Nothing that could have come out of your mouth would have, or could have made this better or pulled you out of the situation. Part of you wanted Mr Gojo to burst in and knock the man on his ass for speaking the way he did. Manners? What preferential treatment did he give you? It was nothing short of harassment and plain perversion. 

“Mr Nanami-”

He was much closer now, your noses almost touched and the height difference was frightfully obvious. “I’ve treated you well here, haven’t I? I bet you haven't even cancelled that date I told you to get rid of either? What am I going to do with you if you won't do as you're told?”

“Why are you doing this? Where has this all come from?”

He chuckled, quietly enough, but it was there. “All this time, and you had no idea that I’ve wanted you ever since you stepped into my office for your interview.”

That was four years ago, four years when you started and you were none the wiser, but it wasn’t only that, Mr Nanami had relationships whilst you were there, word got around easy in an office, it always did. 

He didn’t move an inch no matter how much you tried to pull him off you. “Then tell me you have a thing for me like a normal person, not whatever this is and that shit show last night. I don’t appreciate it and you're scaring me, let me go.”

Mr Nanami didn’t respond to your words, he only took a brief glance at his watch. “The auction starts in thirty minutes. I want you behind the display waiting to make sure the right pieces go out, do not leave unless I tell you. We wouldn’t want Gojo ogling you again, would we?”

“Fine. Can you let me go now please?”

“Of course.” He let you go and tidied a section of your hair. “Keep yourself out of trouble until then.” A stroke to your cheek and the pad of his thumb ghosted over your lip. 

Then he just left, closing the door behind him and left you in a delayed rut once the confidence you have faltered. You were confused with shallow breaths that came built up once you were alone with the coats and bags that had just witnessed the same thing you had. 

What the fuck is going on?

You left the room as quickly as you went in, straightening yourself up along with your dress just past your knees. You could smell him on you, you swore it, now everyone would definitely know. 

“Fancy bumping into you again.”

You had to actively cover your mouth to stifle the startled gasp from your lips. “M-mr Gojo, the auction will be starting soon, you should really take your seat.” 

He looked you up and down, but this time his eyes weren’t so hungry, they weren’t perverted in a way that made all of your insecurities scream out loud. 

They were more warm. “Will you be there to see everything sold?” 

“N-no I’ll be dealing with the inventory. I won’t be on stage.” 

Your words made him shrug. “Then I don’t need a seat, come and take a walk with me.” 

Your eyes darted around for your boss, you couldn’t see him anywhere and it put you on edge more than a deer in open season. 

“I still have much to do-“ He took your hand and pulled you with him. 

“Nonsense! C’mon. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together now you’re in charge of all my accounts, we really should get to know each other.”

There was a low outdoor balcony, the doors could close and that’s what he did. He closed the single pane glass doors away from the crowd because it was already getting dark, low amber hues fading into the darkened clouds overhead and everything was losing its sunny shadows to replace them for artificial street lamps and low lighting under trees and bushes. 

The valets worked effortlessly to park up as another car tooks its place and two more men came to help in crisp suits and slicked back hair with a quaint smile to gain the keys and access to a stranger's car. 

“You seem really uncomfortable around him, what he do, shout at you?”

“Who do you mean Mr Gojo?” You knew exactly who. 

“You don’t need to be proper around me. Call me Satoru when we’re alone, it’s fine because we’re going to be working together. And you knowwho I’m talking about.” 

You decided not to abandon your professional client working relationship, but kept it vague for no selfish reason other than it was just plain embarrassing. “Mr Nanami is stressed, he wants this to go well.” 

He chuckled and leant against the balcony to turn to you, the height difference noted. “You can keep telling yourself that, but you aren’t the first person he’s done this too. He runs all you girls ragged, no wonder they all quit. I’m guessing it’s just a matter of time before you do too, though I hope not.” 

He’s done this to more people? 

“How so?” Now you were intrigued. How many others had he done this to and why had no one spoken up about it?

“He usually doesn’t like other people doing things, unless it eats into his overtime, that really pisses him off. So I guess that’s where you suffer. That man seriously needs to get laid, I’m surprised he’s never fucked any of those girls who quit, I know I’d be in a lot of trouble if I was in his position.” 

He sounded genuine, not at all like he was trying to hit on you specifically. It intrigued you how familiar he seemed, like they could have been old friends and it made you die with anticipation for the answer, but it was something that could come later. It was then you realised that you both weren’t on the same page. You only assumed you were, that he was aware of Mr Nanami’s behaviour towards you, but you weren’t. He was going on about something completely different.

“Right…” was all you could say, there wasn’t a point in telling him what your boss did, it wasn’t appropriate either. The best thing was to go to HR. That's all you could do, despite the repercussions from him. And you knew there would be.

“You seem like a nice girl, so I’ll give you this advice for free.” If he wasn’t already serious enough, he was now as his expression dropped from neutral to strained and his hand touched your shoulder so delicately.

“Don’t bend over backwards for him and don’t let him have his way or you’ll be in all kinds of trouble, you’re the best I’ve seen and you’ve lasted the longest. I would hate to see you quit because he’s grumpy.”

You faked a smile, because it was all you could think of to hide the wide eyed shock. “I appreciate that Satoru, I’ll keep that in mind. But don’t worry, I won’t be going anywhere.” 

“That’s good to know!” Thumbs up with a big grin, he nodded you off and turned back to the door. “Good talk, I better go in and see this painting sell. Later!”

It took some time to compose yourself before you wandered back in and prepared to take the backstage to watch everything unfold smoothly. Only there wasn’t anything behind the stage. Nothing at all like it was abandoned. Dark.The curtain was across and the bustle of tables and chairs scraping the floor and footsteps across the stage were clear but no one stood behind. 

Just you. 

“Did you really think I would leave such an important task like that to you when you’re flaunting yourself in front of clients?”

And Mr Kento Nanami.

You didn’t look at him, you didn’t need to. The individual hairs stood up on the back of your neck and every instinct inside you told you to get out, but you had mulled on what Satoru Gojo told you. And you weren’t about to let him have his way and if it was required, you’d treat him like a child to put that point across. 

You weren’t about to let him take advantage. You were so confident. “Mr Nanami-“

“I asked you a question. Can you honestly assume that I would trust you with this, when I can’t trust you to behave around clients?” He was much closer to you now, the negative pressure agonising behind you as you focused on the curtain.   

“I trust you to ‘assume’ I can do my job. Mr Nanami.” 

“There are many people already seated just in front of that curtain. I would suggest you keep your voice down or people might ‘assume’ something else.” 

Part 1 <- Part 2 -> Part 3

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DISCLAIMER - I do not own any of the characters. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

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[aishangotome]

Kagari Amagase: As Long As You Care For Me

From A Hidden Oath: King of the BEAST (2024 Election) - Collection Event

—

(Is tonight the night of the battle?)

The wind caressing my cheek bears the omen of conflict.

This kind of premonition has never been wrong.

(Should I sleep while I have the chance?)

Holding my sword, I close my eyes on my usual perch on the tree branch. But before long, the presence of an amateur approaches.

Looking down, I see Ohii-san* appear, carrying a package containing dorayaki.

*Ohii-san can mean "spoiled princess"

Emma: Ah, there you are, Prince Kagari.

Kagari: What is it? An offering of dorayaki?

Emma: Yes. I found this new product at my favorite shop, and I thought we could share it.

Kagari: I'll take it.

(Nice packaging.)

As I'm about to jump down from the tree, Ohii-san stops me with her hand.

Kagari: Why?

Emma: I'll come to you, Prince Kagari.

(That's reckless.)

I think so, but before I can stop her, Ohii-san reaches for a tree branch.

It's the first time I've seen a woman try to climb a tree by herself.

(This is dangerous. She'll die instantly if she falls.)

Despite being weak and frail, Ohii-san continues to climb with all her might.

Emma: I made it—ah!

At the last moment, she slips, and I grab her tilting body and pull her up.

As I help her sit on the branch, Ohii-san lets out a sigh of relief, her face pale.

Emma: Thank you... I thought I was going to die.

Kagari: Me too.

Emma: But look, I almost climbed it all by myself.

Kagari: Congratulations.

(Was she interested in tree climbing? It's a mystery.)

It's a mystery, but seeing Ohii-san's proud face, I couldn't say anything.

Emma: Well then, here's the dorayaki—

Emma: Oh no!

Kagari: What now?

Emma: The dorayaki... it's completely flattened.

(Didn't she notice?)

During the climb, Ohii-san had been desperately hugging the dorayaki so as not to drop it.

Now the dorayaki is a rice cracker.

Kagari: The taste is the same.

Emma: But...

Kagari: Itadakimasu.

I take the flattened dorayaki from the dazed Ohii-san and put it in my mouth.

(This is... peach filling?)

Kagari: Delicious.

Emma: ...It was actually much fluffier.

Kagari: The crushed dorayaki has a unique texture.

I tear off a piece of the dorayaki and bring it to Ohii-san's mouth.

Her hesitation is fleeting, and her small mouth opens like a baby bird's.

Emma: ............It's delicious.

Kagari: Right?

(It's even more delicious than usual.)

(Maybe the secret ingredient is Ohii-san's effort.)

Meanwhile, Ohii-san's smile is shadowed, and her voice is subdued.

She seems quite depressed.

(Should I cheer her up?)

(I'm not sure how to go about it, but...)

Kagari: Don't worry. You won't die.

Emma: Huh?

Kagari: Even if the dorayaki is crushed, you won't die.

Kagari: If you won't die, there's no need to worry.

Emma: ...Your way of comforting people is unique, Prince Kagari.

Kagari: Is that so?

(I rarely comfort people.)

Emma: But thank you. As long as I don't die, I can try again and again, right?

Emma: Next time I'll try to climb the tree without crushing the dorayaki.

Kagari: You're going to climb again?

Emma: You're usually up in the trees, Prince Kagari.

Kagari: I could come down.

Emma: No, I'll do my best to come to you, Prince Kagari.

Emma: I'd feel bad if you had to go out of your way for me every time.

(So that's why she climbed the tree. How unusual.)

Kagari: You'd go that far to see me?

Emma: Is it a bother?

Kagari: On the contrary. If it were a bother, I wouldn't have helped you when you were about to fall from the tree.

Emma: I'm glad to hear that.

(Her smile is back.)

I feel a sense of exhilaration, like I've finished a task.

Having finished the first dorayaki, I look at the second one Ohii-san is holding.

As I continue to gaze at it, she willingly offers me the flattened dorayaki.

As I open my mouth to receive it, Ohii-san smiles with satisfaction.

(She wants more attention.)

(Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that, forever.)

But to achieve that, I first need to finish the battle that will likely come tonight.

In Kogyoku, it's not uncommon for someone who was healthy today to be a corpse tomorrow.

Ohii-san is no exception, and not dying is the most difficult thing in this country.

(Especially since Ohii-san is weak and frail. It wouldn't be surprising if she died tomorrow.)

Emma: Prince Kagari?

I come back to my senses when she tilts her head in front of me.

Kagari: ...It was delicious. Full marks, Ohii-san.

Emma: I'll bring you more delicious dorayaki when I find them.

Kagari: I'll do the same.

Kagari: So, Ohii-san, don't die on your own.

Emma: ...?

Kagari: Live.

Emma: U-Understood... I'll live.

Kagari: It's a promise.

(I'll protect Ohii-san's tomorrow.)

(As long as you continue to care for me like this...)

(I've decided not to kill you.)

FIN

[yunwangja]

undercurrents | signal no. 7

masterlist | next signal

you annoyingly sigh as you turn off your phone and put it in your pocket after re-reading your texts with samu an hour ago. you hated that he was right. as much as you hate to admit it, you needed that lecture.

unknowingly, you had a lot to think about this… friendship you have with kuroo. ever since you saw that match, you acted, well, a bit more ridiculous than usual. it doesn’t really help that he’s just across you eating fries, observing the hustle outside the food joint you were at.

because, it made sense. why are you getting so defensive when he asked you about how close you were getting these days? and why are you so worked up after seeing he treats other girls? if you think about it, you did like being around kuroo. why else would you always drag him to your stupid shenanigans?

your mind is conflicted as you secretly watch kuroo in front of you. is it really just because he teases you a lot? or… are you putting up your guard about how far this friendship would go?

but why would you feel that way? you try to rack your brain to find a reason.

wait. is it…?

nevermind.

you decide to brush it off. for now. you don’t want to think about it. you don’t have to go down on that rabbit hole.

you take a sip of your iced tea, trying to wash away any further thought. bottomline is, kuroo’s being a good friend to you. and you like that. and maybe, you wanted to look for signs that he did too, without actually asking it and embarrassing yourself.

maybe that’s why you’ve been acting this way. maybe. maybe.

you settle it down to that for now.

“yn, want some ice cream?” kuroo’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts, grounding you back in the moment. you glance up at him, momentarily caught off guard by the easygoing nature of his offer. there’s a brief hesitation as you process his words, but eventually, you nod.

“yeah, sure,” you respond, your tone casual. you reach into your bag, fingers brushing against the familiar texture of your wallet as you prepare to pay for your treat. but before you can pull out any money, kuroo swiftly waves his hand, stopping you in your tracks.

“no, i’ll treat you. don’t worry about it,” he says with a dismissive wave, already standing up from his seat. it’s a small gesture, but one that feels surprisingly natural. as he moves to head to the counter, he turns back to you with a questioning look. “what flavor do you want?”

“strawberry, please,” you reply. kuroo’s lips twitch into a smirk as he tilts his head slightly, raising an eyebrow.

“so you’re a strawberry girl, huh?” he teases, the playful tone in his voice bringing out a light chuckle from you.

you roll your eyes, a smirk of your own forming. “yeah, whatever you call it,” you reply, leaning into the familiar banter. he just grins, clearly amused, and turns to head to the counter to place your order.

a few minutes later, kuroo returns, holding two cups of ice cream. he hands you your strawberry cup with a casual smile, and you take it with a quiet “thanks,” digging in almost immediately. the sweet, familiar taste of strawberry fills your mouth, and you savor it as a comforting reminder of simpler times.

kuroo takes a bite of his own ice cream, leaning his elbow on the table and resting his chin in his hand as he looks at you, his expression curious. “yn. really. what’s gotten into you?”

“nothing,” you reply, shrugging as you take another spoonful of ice cream. “aren’t you thankful i’m being good now?” you add with a playful smirk, trying to steer the conversation away from anything too serious.

kuroo chuckles, shaking his head in mild disbelief. “i very much am, but… it’s unusual,” he says, his tone light but probing. “you even let me choose the design for my own banner after you rejected it a million times.”

“i’m telling you, it’s better than tooru’s,” he continues, his eyes gleaming with a bit of playful mischief. you roll your eyes at his persistence, but there’s a small smile playing on your lips.

“you… deserve it, i guess,” you murmur, swirling your spoon around in your cup as you feel the weight of the words sink in. “since you actually came along with me. so. consider it a thank you,” you add with a casual shrug, trying to keep the mood light. you take another bite of ice cream, hoping the action will keep you grounded in the moment.

when you look up, you notice a surprised expression on kuroo’s face. his reaction catches you off guard, and he takes a moment before responding, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. “did i hear that right?”

“why are you so surprised?” you ask, raising an eyebrow at his reaction. “you’re acting as if i said something groundbreaking. i just let you choose what design you liked, kuroo.” your tone is matter-of-fact, but there’s a hint of defensiveness.

“yeah. but…” he pauses, a small, knowing grin forming on his lips. “you realize you chose to flatter me instead of putting tooru first this time, right?” his tone is teasing, but there’s a hint of sincerity that you can’t quite ignore.

your brows knit together in confusion, and you shake your head. “what are you talking about? i did not!” you protest, a bit more forcefully than you intended.

“that has nothing to do with this. tooru’s different, of course. but you’re also a friend. i didn’t choose you over him or anything,” you explain, your voice firm as you try to clarify your intentions. kuroo’s eyes widen slightly, as if he’s caught something significant in your words.

“you think of me as a friend?” he echoes, his voice soft with a hint of surprise. he dramatically covers his mouth with his hands, his eyes widening in mock shock. “oh my god.”

you roll your eyes, a smirk playing on your lips as you give him a light kick under the table. “shut up! what do you call this then?” you retort, your tone playful, trying to bring the conversation back to a more comfortable place.

kuroo laughs heartily, the sound easing the tension that had built up. he leans over the table, resting his arms on it as he gives you a sincere smile.

“yeah,” he says, his voice softening as he looks at you. “i guess we are.”

notes

the wheels are TURNING !! thank you samu

man as the writer of this smau i felt so bad for making kuroo such a yn simp when she's so >:( at him alll the time kasdashda but it's all for the plot i swear

anyway it's still progress !!!

taglist: @lvtilzs @rarararararq @iamfontenlos @kurooswifeyy @secretsunsetsociety @kagsnumnine @yumiecheesecrackers @tojirin @jaynawayna @noxva08 @zahrawr-writes-fanfics @urslytherin @mawenskiblue @smellysluna @cccccccccccleo

[mintmatcha]

I loved part two so much😭😭

Gib more Obi pls

Draconic works more like a melody than it does a language. It's tonal, drifting high and low as the two dragonborns speak, each word rolling into the next. It lingers in the air, unrushed and growled, pushed from the back of the throat in ways you're not sure your body could ever recreate. Sometimes, the conversation seems to have an edge of anger and it sets your body on guard, but then Obsidian dissolves into laughter and you relax.

You shouldn't be on edge anyway; the dark scaled stranger isn't //actually// a stranger. Jasper Vyke towers over his brother even when seated, but the strong angled spikes and ridges to his face are almost identical. His eyes keep flickering to yours as he talks, no hint of humor present on his stony features.

"You stare." Jasper jerks a chin to you.

"I'm sorry," you say, turning your attention to the campfire. "I didn't expect you two to look so similar."

"Well-" Obi covers his mouth with the back of his hand, but it doesn't hide his smile, "We are twins, my lady."

Meeting Jasper was completely a coincidence. Crossed paths led to a surprise family reunion and now the man sits at your fire, gnawing on the leg of some poor animal he hunted earlier. From stories and your brief interactions, you knew the two would be vastly different people--

You didn't expect that to almost share a face.

"We are, uh-- How do you say in Common?" He can speak Common fairly well, Obi told you once, he just prefers his Mothertongue. It's a point of pride.

"Identical."

"Indentical," Jasper repeats, "Obsidian is the smart one. I am the pretty one."

He flexes a bicep and the muscle coils under the skin. You hate to admit that you do find it attractive-- not as attractive as you find your partner, of course, but it does make you sit a little straighter. If Obi notices, he doesn't seem it mind; he's too busy watching his brother with narrowed eyes.

"I don't think you are identical at all," you say, "Obi's so much--"

"Smaller!" Jasper laughs, leaning in close to nudge you with his elbow. "So much smaller. He is the runt."

"I guess so," You agree with him, but you sense that may hurt your partner's ego, so you keep quiet, "But you are also different colors."

You touch Jasper's arm, running a thumb across a patch of scales. It's no wear near as soft as Obsidian's; there's a dry grit to the texture, closer to shark skin than anything else.

"Obsidian is iridescent-- your scales are matte," you say, "They don't shine in the light at all."

"You like my scales?" Jasper asks, chest puffed and a purr on his voice. He scooches in closer to you, leg pressed against yours, "I will give you one to keep."

Obi snaps his jaws together so forcefully that you jump at the sound. Both of you swivel to face the man. His muzzle is furrowed wildly, so much so that his fangs show to the gums. The air shifts and you can almost see the way magic crackles about him, wild, powerful, and raw. "She has plenty of scales, brother."

An anxiety builds in your chest. You aren't sure where this conflict came from, but you sense you did something wrong.

"Obi, it's fine, I like--"

Obi's attention snaps to you. "If you wish to have a scale to carry I will give you as many as you desire. You do not need anyone else's."

They switch to Draconic again, sharing a low toned conversation. Obsidian may be the smaller brother, but he carries himself with a force that has Jasper quickly backing off.

"Forgive me," The larger brother says to you suddenly.

The apology doesn't make you feel better. The seasick feeling in your chest grows more unsteady and you choose to remain quiet for the rest of the night. It's not until later than night, when Jasper is deep in sleep and snoring like thunder, that Obi approaches you again. He moves his sleeping mat closer to yours, testing your reaction, then moves again.

"Are you cross with me?" he whispers.

"You frightened me a bit," you admit just as softly, "I get unsettled easy after Adam."

Elaboration isn't needed. There's a twitch of a sneer on Obi's face when you mention him, but he mellows out again after.

"I'm truly sorry, my fawn. My anger was not focused at you," he says, "I will take care not to react like that again."

He extends a hand and you take it with a squeeze. The unsteadiness inside you quells just a bit.

"Jasper was trying to court you," Obsidian says after a bit, "And it scared me."

You forget Obi - silver tongued, charismatic Obi- is self conscious about so many things. Did he really think his brother would swoop in so easily and win your heart?

"I didn't realize. I thought he was just being nice."

"Exchanging scales is a dragonborn custom. It's my fault for not explaining it to you," he sighs, "I just..."

He doesn't finish his sentence. You don't need him too. You just squeeze his hand again, stronger this time.

"Why have you never given me a scale?"

"I did not think you would like one, my fawn."

"I want two," you say, quickly, "I shall turn them into earrings so they are always with me."

"They are not jewels," he chuckles, "They will not make very pretty jewelry."

"I disagree."

Obi doesn't respond, but you can hear the soft clicks of his purr, building in his throat.

[gothy-froggy]

I miss your every kiss

AK!Jonathan Crane x goth!fem!reader

She/her for reader

Warnings: patching Jonathan’s face, needles, fluff, possibly hurt & comfort, definitely comfort for Jonathan, insecure Jonathan, slightly suggestive if you squint, Not proofread

Summary: Jonathan thinks back to different moments his lovely wife as she patched him up from a fight. He wonders, how did he get so lucky?

————————————————————————-

Cold, dense, agony, miserable.

These were the things Jonathan felt, grunting at the pain form the sharp needle as he worked to keep his face from falling apart. How could his wonderful plan go all to waste? How could the Batman, not feel fear? His frightening toxin not do anything to him?

Part of him wonders, was it Batman who wasn’t afraid, or the man behind that mask? Perhaps both? It didn’t matter. No, not right now. What matters is him getting back on his feet, climb his way back as a feared villain of Gotham. The media perused him as dead, but he could assure the people of Gotham that he is not. Just slowly piecing himself back together. Literally in a sense.

As he walked in the sewers below, he felt as the pain course through his body. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Slowly walking, hissing at any shift that causes his damaged leg trouble. His one working cloudy eye quickly scanning around.

He needed a way out. He needed to escape. His work, his toxin, his reputation, life,

His wife.

He stopped, leaning over a wasted crate as he tried to control his breathing.

Would he still have a wife? How long has he been down here? That was something he couldn’t tell. Even if she was looking for him, why would she stay? He looked…hideous.

His thoughts continued as he made it out, at the edge of city itself. He could barely make out the boats in the water. It was night, moon hitting the water. The thoughts continued as he water the water, getting louder as he closed his eyes.

His cloudy eyes shifted slowly once they opened, hearing faint footsteps, slowly getting louder with each step. It stopped, to the side slightly behind him. He turned, heart racing as his eyes widened.

“Oh darling,” She whispered out, gently touching his face. Mumbling a sorry when he let out a groan. She observed him head to toe, bringing him back to one of their locations.

He sat there, watching her finish up patching his face, stopping when he told her to.

“Gotham will pay, my love. It’s only a matter of time.” She reassured him.

Jonathan’s hand ghostly touching her suit, feeling the nice fabric of her black suit. He couldn’t understand. Why wasn’t she afraid of him? Not walking away, not disgusted by the way he looks? Here she was in her all black professional suit, carefully stitching his face together with fabric for him, not an hint of fear of his damaged face. She still wore her ring too. But again, he couldn’t help but think of the question again,

Why isn’t she afraid of him? Disgusted by him?

He here now, curled in a ball, muttering to himself. The look of pure terror in his eyes as he scurried away from his wife. To be fair, she looks undead to him. No, no, it can’t be. Her voice echoing in his mind,

“Why didn’t you save me?”

What happened? What have he done? What haven’t he done?

Feeling restricted as he screamed, his wife screaming his name, forced to see her decomposing face. His new greatest fear, losing her.

“Jonny,” Jonathan opened his eyes again. She was there. Alive and well. A sigh of relief escaped through his teeth. Her smile wiping the memories of what he saw from the fear toxin away.

“I’ve got you.” She whispered, looking at him oh so lovingly. And once again, he couldn’t help but ask in his mind,

Why isn’t she afraid of him? Disgusted by him?

Jonathan came back from a disappointing conflict, resulting to his scarecrow textured face getting damaged. His wife, now sits on the desk with the needed materials, fixing him up. Her long, black dress, winged sleeves tied back as she focused on stitching things back.

“You’re concerning me, Crane.” Ah, Crane. She was serious. Jonathan only stayed silent, only letting out soft noises of discomfort from the needle as she finished up his cheek.

“Why?” The room got quiet. She looked into his eyes. Puzzled by his short question, tilting her head.

“Why what?”

“Why are you still here? Look at me,” Jonathan was giving her a partially accidental glare.

“Rough fabric, hideous, no lips, yet you are still here. Why?” He voice ever so slightly quivered. She leaned in, gently placing her forehead on his. It was their substitute for a kiss.

“How does your appearance partakes who you are, my dear?” He shivered as a hand followed his jawline.

“You could be nothing but a beast, and I would still be by your side. Be with you.” She said above a whisper, pressing a kiss on what remained of his lips. unable to stop himself, Jonathan’s tongue slipped inside her mouth, letting out a soft groan. Only to pout as it came to an end. His face expressed grim.

“I miss your every kiss. The ones from the past.” He mumbled. It was a shame. They were so great. He feel everything. It was harder and different now.

“Though I do not miss the time that I haven’t had any.” Jonathan placed his forehead against hers. He pulled her in by her waist, enjoying the warmth form both her body and her laughter. He truly couldn’t believe he how found someone who loved him. Someone so loyal and faithful to him as he is for her. He grabbed her hand, glancing at their matching silver ring. Both with such tiny gothic details engraved inside.

Jonathan brought her hand up to his teeth, gently nibbling on it as his form of a kiss. He was always secretly eager for her warm and soft skin. Her soft skin against his rough fingers.

“How did I…end up so lucky, with a wife like you?”

“Not quite sure, but let me finish patching you up. Then you have to eat. You will eat, right Jonathan?” She said his name sternly.

“Or is the Scarecrow going to keep you a hostage for the plan?” Jonathan let out a soft chuckle, helping her off his lap.

“I will,” He agreed. She finished patching his face, pressing a kiss in his teeth, leaving a bit of her colored lipstick on them.

“I could never love someone like I love, Jonny.”

“I feel the same for you, my dear.” He watched her leave.

The Batman may be a fear of his, but losing her who is the absolute love of his life was one as well. It was one he finds worthy to avoid.

————————————————————————-

[souldregs]

being so brave and thinking about feedist stony agenda (talk about ED, drug use, and body image issues under the cut)

as ive said before its clear to me tony does Not have a great relationship with food and eating. this kinda just comes with having the entire world's eyes on him but also just from close family friends *cough* OBADIAH *cough cough* watching him like a hawk. not to mention howard probably smacked tony's hand away from the dessert plates if he thought he had way too much as a kid/teenager.

tony definitely saw food as a comfort early on, but also a taboo. he isnt allowed to have a lot of dessert or fast food and was definitely forced to eat some things even if he hated the texture of it. unfortunately obie probably reinforced this thinking by bringing tony treats to garner his trust (while at the same time reprimanding him for it and telling him not to eat a whole large pizza in one sitting) (yes i'm taking that one scene in IM1 as context), thus leaving tony with weird, conflicted feelings.

he was scrawny as a kid and well into his late 20's cause of this, even with his persistent drinking problems and drug usage. (though you could say him getting into harder stuff aided in this too.) and then tony's body started slowing down a bit as he got older, started getting a bit pudgier. naturally he flipped the fuck out and started trying too many diet fads to try and get his body "back to normal" in his mind. he HATED working out if it wasn't his engineering work keeping him busy, but he forced himself to. none of this worked of course and everything kind of just stuck to him. flashforward to the cave, starving didnt feel good but something in his dumb little head said 'well, at least i'll probably lose weight from this if i dont die first'. of course this ALSO doesnt work because of how fat will cling to the body during dire times (ty lovely mutual for bringing this up, i had totally glossed over it in my original post!)

not to mention how the moment he comes back he is binge eating like nobody's business. he's stressed. he wants to be alone. he doesnt want to be alone. he wants to improve himself. he's anxious. he's busy trying to take all his food in his lab or have it delivered. so naturally he's gonna put on a lot of weight. and everyone around him will be concerned (or faux concern in obie's case) about it in very strange ways he isnt comfortable with.

on the other half of the coin you have steve rogers, a malnourished scrawny kid who could barely afford to keep himself alive during the great depression. he's used to eating tasteless, barely filling food, if he even had the appetite that day. or if he could even get out of bed that day. bucky having to come into his apartment with peanut butter sandwiches and some soup from his ma's place and hand feed steve sometimes, much to steve's embarrassment. he didn't want to be catered to or cared for. but bucky's his best friend who would do literally anything for steve, and he knows it, so bucky was the only one allowed to do so at the time. even with the super soldier serum improving steve's body, mobility, and appetite tenfold, steve still didn't eat much, or just ate what he needed to, to live. he wasn't used to it. didn't think he deserved it, etc. any extra food he ended up getting went to his fellow soldiers who needed it more in his eyes. it wasn't until he came back from the ice that he was utterly overwhelmed with choices.

there was food EVERYWHERE. he could get it anywhere. hot dogs. pizza. burgers. even healthier stuff like salads or fruit smoothies. all of it relatively cheap (he was probably astonished by the price inflation at first). and he could get it whenever he wanted to.

steve, honestly, still probably had his hang ups on if he "deserved" it or not. should he be eating this much? most likely not. so at first he would stop himself even when his super soldier metabolism was screaming at him to just eat more. but he does end up putting on a bit more weight before avengers 1, and it kinda startled him at first. shirts barely fit him anyway, though.

eventually steve and tony end up meeting face to face on the helicarrier. its obvious that they both look much much different than the photos from their files. (or in tony's case, photos from howard.)

steve, busy studying everyone, saw tony's photo, probably something the man picked out himself since it was something from when the man was in his late 20s. scrawny, lean muscle from engineering work, sharp beard but he still had those glazed over sad brown eyes as the man he sees before him. now though, tony is much bigger, wider looking. the suit and shapewear hides a lot, but tony's face is rounded and soft, which contrasts with his dry wit and cocky, cynical attitude. steve... is surprised. not in a bad way, just a little shocked, and wonders what exactly happened even if it isnt his place to know. but he's nosy.

tony meanwhile, enters the room, nervous. anxious. feeling like he's compressed himself into a can with what he's wearing and his heart is going a million miles an hour. so he does what he always does when he's nervous: talk a million miles an hour so no one can question him or get a word in edgewise, lean a little on the light insults. take up the air in the room. he was surprised that he hit it off with the man who holds a massive green monster in his body, of course. but looking at steve rogers, captain america. he thought something was a little off.

steve was... a little different from the photos howard had constantly showed tony as a kid. all the slightly faded black and white photos from the 1940s showing a tall, blonde, blue eyed boy wonder. a specimen of a man. tony always felt a little jealous he could never have muscles like that, seeing steve's biceps being almost as big as his father's damn head.

but, here, before him. steve was a bit... larger. not as fat as tony is (tony's ego taking another blow there), but noticeable. he looked softer, wider. thicker legs and arms (as if he needed that, tony thinks), a heavy soft chest and a pudgy stomach that was hanging a little over the belt of his jeans. the plaid shirt did wonders to hide any details, though, but overall tony could see his shape was much different than he had remembered.

and tony, being the impulsive guy he is, takes a risk when he goes to dress himself down from his suit. takes the shapewear off. lets his body breathe. puts on his skin tight jeans and black sabbath shirt over his usual black long sleeve and saunters into the lab to find bruce, the other chubby scientist, working on loki's staff. tony feels. a little safer. a little more like himself. treating the lab like he would his workshop in malibu. he does feel more exposed, but he's hoping, for once. it doesnt backfire.

i am rambling like crazy so, fast forwarding a little bit, domestic avengers shit. pre-age of ultron. tony and steve together on the couch in the rec room of avengers tower watching a movie. the others have gone to bed. both tony and steve are definitely a bit fatter than they were 2 years ago, but mainly just ... from being comfortable with each other, challenging each other. caring for each other. theyre sharing a few large pizzas between them without a care in the world because food and eating together is a universal love language in of itself. there's trust, a bond, but obviously it was an uphill battle to even GET to this point. with tony's ego and fame. his self image in the garbage and still getting tossed in the dumpster occasionally. and steve thinking his own self doesnt deserve such nice, kind things. that he has to earn it or he shouldnt have comfort. these issues will always crop up, and its hard to push down on them. but they at least have each other for the time being and can reassure themselves.

[theresattrpgforthat]

Now that requests are open, time to drop a request I’ve been waiting on for a while:

Games where you play as bugs. Whether it be the route of Bug Fables, Hollow Knight, A Bugs Life, whatever. Rules light is preferred but I’m open! I just wanna play a game where I can play a Trapjaw Ant interacting with a whole bug bureaucracy that’s as big as a backyard.

THEME: Bug Games

Alright friend, so I think right away you want to look at Cuticorium, which I have talked about in my Insect Games recommendations. It’s about bugs that have gained sentience and also a moral compass, figuring out how to live with each-other in the shade of a magical tree. I’ve also got a few more for you to look at!

Agramabug Hex, by Volpe80.

Have you spent your whole life dreaming about what it would be like to be an insect? To crawl across the floor for a handful of breadcrumbs and a few shabby spells? To clash with the dictates of your religion that is incompatible with the very survival of your species? To trade every amenity you’ve collected in sweat and blood for precious human poo? Well, if that’s what you dream of, I may have something for you!

This is a supplement for Troika that includes a number of buggy backgrounds to choose from, as well as a bug-themed adventure. You’ll need the Troika rulebook in order to play, which is a really kooky ruleset primed for easy character creation and generative adventures.

Depending on the pace of your group, Agramabug Hex may last for a short campaign, with a small hex map for your little bugs to travel all over, and a random village generator to help you populate the map as you go a-traveling. I don’t know how much bug bureaucracy exists in this little world, but the hardscrabble fight of the various bugs for the scraps of human garbage certainly sounds like a conflict that you can throw all of your legs and mandibles into.

Hive & Hill: A Tale of Two Queens, by thebigtabletop.

Long have the insects warred amongst each-other. Hive and hill rarely see eye to eye. Both sides have suffered innumerable losses when war breaks out and prefer to keep their domains separate. Hives rule the skies and hills rule the earth. A singular threat to their way of life binds them together…

Humans have spread across the world forcing the insects into smaller and smaller pockets of the world. Their size and chemicals make them a great threat. While insects are small, they greatly outnumber the humans. In rare moments, the insects are willing to band together to fight the threat.

Upon a checked ground of red and white gingham, the humans have laid a bounty of food. A veritable feast that they seek to consume. While insects on both sides spend a majority of their time seeking out food, even a small sample of the meal that the human’s call a “picnic” would help feed a hive or hill for the long winter. At this moment, both hive and hill have agreed to work together to get the bounty and drive off the humans.

This is a game all about alliances in times of attrition, but placed on a battlefield distanced from human conflict. You use pools of dice to determine how successful each queen is in her manoeuvres, and role-play through blunders and connections between two sides of the field.

Overall I think this game is a bit closer to a board-game or dice game than a typical ttrpg, although the premise might be something that you can take and run with. If you want a collaborative, team-based game, you might want to take a look at Hive & Hill.

Bug Dish: Amuse Bouche, by The One True Ryan Khan.

Bugfolk from every reach come to Tower Lake at least once. You might be here to see the port city of Tower Point, or the golden hives of Honeyflow. Perhaps you’ve come to wander the paths of woven roots in Banyan Cradle, or to circle the lake on the Gossamer Rail.

But you are certainly here to taste the foods of Tower Lake’s Mobile Kitchens. Restaurant crews who travel around the lake creating culinary experiences. Fusing flavours, textures, and aromas with vision to create delectables no bugfolk has tasted before. Whether it’s a traditional dish perfectly executed, or a meal that changes how you think about food, these chefs are masters of their craft.

Bug Dish is a tabletop roleplaying game about bug chefs who travel the world and compete in culinary competitions. Using a bespoke push-your-luck mechanic, spend time to learn about the local cuisine, find out what your rivals are up to, and create meals to wow the judges.

This is a charming little game that casts your bugs as top chefs, tasked with learning the tastes of cantankerous judgy NPCS in preparation for a big cooking competition. I don’t own this game, but judging by the little teasers on the storefront page, your adventures will include various locations to visit and interesting ingredients to harvest in the pursuit of creating the perfect dish. If you prefer to solve your problems with a saucepan rather than a sword, this might be the game for you.

Beetle Knight, by Brooklet Games.

Beetle Knight is a bug-sized role-playing game for your tabletops. It features "contest rolls" where two creatures, or a creature and the arbiter roll dice against one another to determine uncertain outcomes. 

The quickstart for this game starts with a short list of intriguing mysteries that your little characters might find themselves engaging with; from disappearing flies to a water skater trade embargo, to a sudden reticence amongst the court of the Orb Weaver queen. The problems that plague the insect kingdom call for a coterie of buggy knights, called to go where most dare not go!

This game feels heavily inspired by Hollow Knight, and asks the players and GM to engage with contests with e/o every time the Beetle Knights face up against an obstacle. Depending on the foe, this could make play very challenging. Your characters also have a magical resource called Resolve, which can be gained when you roll ties and spend when you want to use the magical items that your knight carries.

The game underwent some fundraising on Kickstarter a while back; there’s no official release of the game yet, but you can still download the Quickstart version of the game if you like. If you want a game with all the fantastical fixings, I recommend Beetle Knight.

Queenless, by Croaker RPGs.

Our Queen is dead! Such sorrow and despair! Without our Queen, our hive, our home, will slowly perish. Our only hope, our only slim hope, is to find, beg, borrow and steal enough Royal Jelly from our neighbours. If we have enough Royal Jelly, maybe, just maybe, we can raise another Queen.

In Queenless you’ll explore the valley, meeting other insects along the way. Your aim is to recover six jars of royal jelly, which your hive will use to raise another Queen. Some insects are friends, such as the Ants who share much in common with the Bees. But some are deadly foes, like the Praying Mantis, who would like nothing more than to eat you up little Bee.

Queenless is built as a solo game from the start with tables, exploration, and other mechanics that will keep you interested and challenge your little bee as it explores the valley on its quest. The core mechanic is based on Firelights, where you use a deck of standard playing cards and dice to determine success, partial success, or failure. You flip two cards and compare them to a dice roll+stats. Easy to figure out and resolve.

If you want a solo game about exploration and survival, but also bargaining with a number of other insects as you search for the things you need in order to raise another queen. Using the Firelights system, you’ll need a deck of playing cards to draw from, using the values of the cards against the results of your dice rolls to determine whether or now you succeed, and whether it will cost you anything to do so. If you want a game that can be be played at the comfort of your own pace, without the constraints of a group, I recommend Queenless.

You might also be interested in…

My Bee Games recommendation post.

This quick Bug Knights recommendation list.

[holllandtrash]

hi friends im alive i miss u all

sadly, for the time being, i have stopped writing fanfiction. i need to focus on my career and also on writing a story that i so desperately want to turn into something real

i wrote a little synopsis of something im working on if youre curious and you can read a snippet and see the chat gpt curated cover below the cut lol

The Art of Falling

Indy Brookes has spent her life immersed in the art world, navigating the delicate balance between creativity and commerce at the prestigious Westmont Auction House. She understands that every masterpiece holds hidden depths—stories layered beneath the surface. So when the new Head of Client Relations, Sunil Dival, steps into her world, she can’t help but see him the same way: a piece of art waiting to be unraveled.

Indy thrives on passion and instinct, while Sunil holds tight to logic and control. Though they each bring something valuable to the table, their visions for the future are fundamentally at odds.

As their lives begin to overlap, Indy realizes that Sunil, much like the art she loves, has more to him than meets the eye. In the fast-paced world of auctions and high-stakes deals, they find themselves navigating not only their work, but the unspoken connection growing between them.

Wine bottle in hand, I headed back upstairs, my footsteps quiet on the marble floors. I was going to grab my bag from behind the reception desk when something caught my eye in the gallery—Sunil, standing alone in front of the red painting I had just shown Ms. Bass.

His hands were slid into his pockets, his posture relaxed from what I could tell. The soft glow from the light fixture above the painting cast shadows across his side profile. Much like Ms. Bass, he stared at the painting in confusion. But instead of asking what he was supposed to feel, Sunil stared at it as though if he stood there long enough the answer would jump out. I waited in the doorway, watching him for a second longer than I probably should have.

The painting had a way of doing that—drawing people in. But it was strange seeing him like this. Still emotionless, but more composed. I couldn’t tell if he was just in work mode or if there was something else.

I leaned against the doorframe, the bottle dangling loosely between my fingers.  “Admiring the art?” I called out, my voice sounding more casual than I currently felt.

Sunil didn’t turn right away, his gaze fixed on the canvas. “Something like that,” he replied, his tone flat, as if he were working through something in his mind.

I took a small step into the gallery, unsure if I was intruding on a moment I didn’t fully understand. “What are you thinking?”

He finally glanced in my direction, though not quite meeting my eyes. “Just wondering why people are drawn to it,” he said. His voice was measured, detached. “There’s been so many calls about it, you know? It was the piece that Ms. Bass was here to see too, wasn’t it? I just don’t get what makes it worth the attention?”

I hesitated, not sure if he wanted a real answer or if he was just thinking out loud, but I had just had this same conversation only minutes prior. I took a step closer. “It’s about how the artist uses color and texture to create emotional tension,” I said carefully. “The red isn’t accidental, it has a purpose—it’s layered with meaning. Passion, desire, love. It’s almost as if the artist wanted you to feel conflicted, to question what you’re supposed to see.”

I paused, watching for any reaction, but Sunil’s expression remained impassive, his eyes still fixed on the painting. 

“The longer you look at it,” I continued, “the more it forces you to engage with that tension. That’s why people are drawn to it—it’s not just about what they see, but how it makes them feel. It doesn’t let you be a passive observer.”

He didn’t respond right away, then, without glancing in my direction, he said, “Or maybe people just like to overthink things.” His tone was flat, but the words cut through the air with a dismissive edge.

I stopped in my tracks, realizing at that point that he wasn’t asking for an explanation the way Ms. Bass had. He didn’t care about the history or the artist’s intent. This was something else.

“It’s nice, I guess.” he muttered, almost to himself. 

Nice. 

Nice. 

That word felt like a direct slap to the face. Nice? I had spent years studying pieces like this—pouring over the intricacies, the layers of emotion, the painstaking detail behind every ounce of effort put into it. And Sunil stood there, calling it nice? It was like hearing someone call a symphony ‘catchy’.

The part of me that wanted to set him straight bubbled up to the surface. I wanted to tell him that this wasn’t just a painting you glanced at and deemed ‘nice.’ This was a masterpiece, something you had to feel, something that deserved more than a casual shrug and a throwaway word.

A mild summer breeze was nice. A freshly-mowed lawn was nice. This painting landed in a category of its own that I was actually offended by his comment. 

I could almost hear the lecture forming in my head—something about the delicate use of the color red, the emotion hidden beneath the shadows. I wanted to ask if he even knew what it meant to truly see a painting like this, to understand the depth it carried.

But then I stopped myself, the words slipping away as quickly as they came.

What was the point? He wasn’t here to appreciate the art the way I did.

He wasn’t a curator. He wasn’t a historian. He was Head of Client Relations. His job revolved around the sales of the auction, not the beauty that was stored within our walls.

Sunil wasn’t asking for an analysis or a history lesson. He didn’t need to be corrected or belittled. Maybe, for him, ‘nice’ was enough. At least he was taking the time to even look at the piece.

I bit back the urge to put him in his place. Sometimes people just needed to have their own moment and this shouldn’t have been about me proving I knew more. 

For a moment I was envious of the lack of emotion he felt. I knew too much about the artist and his collection. I felt too much, but it wasn’t my place to force someone to feel the same. Maybe he just needed to stand in front of it, lost in whatever he was seeing, without someone like me shoving meaning down his throat.

So I stayed silent. I let him have this. His moment.

I took a step back, muttering a quiet "Goodnight," as the space between us grew. 

Sunil nodded, still looking at the painting. "Goodnight," he repeated, but there was something in his tone that made me pause. It wasn’t cold, exactly, but it wasn’t warm either. It was just…there. Like everything else about him since he’s arrived—distant.

I lingered for a second longer, waiting for some kind of clarity but it didn’t come. I couldn’t get a read on him. With a small sigh, I twirled the wine bottle in my hands and made my way out, leaving Sunil alone in the gentle glow of the nice painting.

--

yes her name is indy like indy car!! u can take the girl out of motorsports but u cant take motorsports out of the girl !!

[manicpixiefelix]

These specific gifs of Louis Garrel in The Dreamers makes me think of Felix Catton and his oral fixation 🚬

also just makes me think of an OC in the Head Heart Hand 'verse who's a French friend of the L/N Siblings. By which I mean, they're friends with benefits and they still have that chemistry which makes Fi jealous.

Jamie had been working as the assistant to a renowned stylist when he'd first met the siblings, at least that's what you all tell Felix when he shows up at Oxford a week and a half before a gala event you and Oliver had been complaining about for a week already. Now his old boss simply works with your parents, and Jamie works with the two of you. Jamie is beautiful and well dressed and you and Oliver interact with him in a way that makes Felix feel a spike of jealousy whether he sees the casually affectionate way you all touch each other.

He's perfectly polite and incredibly warm to Felix, even affectionate at times - what beauty you've found, my loves, is the first thing he'd ever actually said when you introduced Felix to him - but occasionally his voice drops low and teasing as he says something to either you or Oliver that makes Felix wish he understood less French. Because he really didn't need to know just how unprofessional your relationship really was.

Christ some of the things he'd overheard were absolutely fucking filthy. Its also incredibly hot, yes, but that just makes him more conflicted.

"Is something wrong, lovely Felix?" Jamie's voice is quiet but vaguely distracted as he's taking Felix's measurements. Felix was going to be attending the gala with you and Oliver; it'd be the first of many, and Jamie was more than happy to pull together a look for him too at your request. He's got a cigarette poised between his lips, but Felix is looking at the roof, because if he looks at Jamie he's going to think about all he'd been overhearing in the past few days. You all think he doesn't understand, clearly.

"No problem," Felix lies and hopes it's convincing. Like he's not thinking about how the gentle hands sizing him up have pressed you up against the walls of countless dressing rooms, or been wrapped around Oliver so many times that he'd apparently lost count, "no problem whatsoever." If he bites any harder on the stem of the lollypop in his mouth he's pretty sure it's going to break.

Jamie hums non-committally, but Felix knows he doesn't believe him. Still, the next thing he asks is if Felix had any specific clothing textures that bothered him - like the darling siblings do, he clarified - and Felix thinks for a long moment. He doesn't think so, at least none he's adverse to, but -

"No no," Jamie cuts him off, "you will feel luxurious in my clothes," he assures, leaving no room for argument, like it's an order, "you will trust me. But you're saying there's nothing I could put you in that would make you want to rip it off your skin immediately because it would feel bad?" Felix shakes his head, mouth pressed to a thin line. Jamie fixes him with a coy smile, petting his cheek, "you make me feel lucky, lovely Felix; you make a beautiful muse." The genuine compliments make him feel worse for the blatant jealousy.

So maybe Felix makes a point of sticking close to you and Oliver more than was strictly necessary, at the pubs each night and the club when you all finally head to London on the weekend of the event.

"Jealous boy, look at him," he hears Jamie mumble in French as you've all occupied a roomy bathroom stall to do a few lines of coke. Felix's got you in his lap, lips against your shoulder while Jamie's leaning against the wall with that beautiful fucking smirk. You and Oliver both giggle, and you turn and press a kiss to Felix's temple while your brother takes the mirror and rolled up bill from your hands.

"You're making him jealous on purpose," you respond in kind. Jamie's gaze on you is close enough to leering that Felix can't help but start pressing soft kisses along your shoulder and neck.

"Can either of you blame me?" But Jamie still looks away, grin widening as you turn properly to meet Felix in a messy, passionate kiss, "obsessive little lovers you both are, always have been," he accepts the mirror from a grinning Oliver when it's offered, "maybe I should be jealous of lovely Felix."

"Maybe you should be," Felix breaks the kiss, turning to Jamie with a challenging look in his eyes as you mutter a flustered 'ohmygod' and Oliver gives an embarrassed giggle. All three of you come to realise that Felix has been fully aware of everything you've been saying since Jamie had arrived.

Jamie himself just smiles wider, meeting Felix's challenging gaze almost like he's proud.

(also Jamie falls for Farleigh pretty much the minute he sees him btw. Like Oliver fell for Felix in the film, Jamie sees Farleigh and is immediately enraptured. He asks him if he's done any modelling as the first thing he says after his name (and is delighted when Farleigh admits that he has, back in the states). Farleigh is at first bewildered by the attention - he's pretty and self aware but this is the kind of attention Felix usually got, it feels strange receiving it, rather than observing it - but quickly finds himself enjoying the attention. But also there's something very beautiful about Farleigh and Jamie together, they probably have a little fanclub of their own. They buy each other drinks at the pub like it's a competition half the time, but they end up side by side on the leather booth by the table, definitely too close (in much the same way that you, Felix, and Oliver often were, even surrounded by the rest of your friend group) tipsy and flirting in French while half their friends just kind of admire them.)

[whetstonefires]

Overly sensitive re: flavour, OR are you a Super Taster? I've loved that term since I read it in a textbook on the psychology of food and drink. It's like a superpower, except for all the ways it sucks

sdl;akjfs that might be the same thing? idk, i know there are some Supertaster benchmarks i don't hit, and i've followed the common trend of becoming more tolerant to bitterness etc with age.

but taste is complicated even as human sensory systems go, with there being first of all the five different types of basic chemoreceptor on the tongue, each of which can individually be particularly sensitive (detects smaller portions) or particularly 'loud' (data priority in brain; subject to training but to some extent hardwired) and then there's the more complex chemoreceptors in your nose which are also active in the food-tasting process, detecting all the more delicate nuances, which are also subject to varying strength and priority.

and then there's however your sensory processing system mixes and interprets those chemical readouts, in combination with texture feedback etc, and how well you filter that data.

so i assume that supertasting is an elaborate spectrum in its own right, which when superimposed on the autism one creates a universe of unique snowflakes with very specific food orders.

I definitely taste sour way more acutely than a lot of other people, which has caused me repeated conflicts with my dad's cooking, because what he thinks is the right amount of vinegar to get a sauce or something to really pop is, to me, enough vinegar that no other flavor remains in the dish, and it can only serve as a sort of pickle garnish. an unfortunate fate for the main dish lmao.

we feuded in an easygoing way over How To Properly Sautee Cabbage for years.

this is probably why i tend to dislike sourdough bread. the sour is loud enough that it obstructs the subtle pleasures of 'bread' flavor.

similarly for coffee. i need so much cream to lock up its bitterness before I can consume it comfortably. i can enjoy black tea without milk, though, as long as it's not oversteeped, and the main flavor there is certainly 'bitter,' and it's even some of the same tannins that are too much in coffee. so what's with that?

otoh when a thing is 'sour' 'sweet' and 'bitter' all at once and also mushy and wet, my mouth informs me emphatically and relentlessly that this is actually rotting vegetables and i need to spit it out right now, which doesn't strike me as a problem that arises from how well i'm detecting any of that.

third hand, someone helping me out here ig, i spent years frustrated about the subtle weird taste in my home-baked bread only to at last determine that it was 1) active dry yeast does not taste quite as nice as the live yeast professional bakeries often purchase in large cakes and 2) iodized table salt degrades at very high temperatures, creating a faint chemical tang, and these two factors were undermining the flavor of my loaves in a way no one else seemed able to detect. but maybe i was just paying more attention.

also fourth hand, for a couple months after my senses seemed to have otherwise more or less recovered from Covid the 'sweet' dial remained turned up weirdly high relative to the other major taste bands, and i don't think my salt tolerance has entirely reverted to this day.

[zhoumeyourlove]

Ranking TCH's body type 2 outfits!

Okay, so obviously I'm obsessed with The Cursed Heart, and I also like fashion, so naturally I think about TCH's fashion a lot. I really like a lot of the outfits, so I've decided to make a little post series about them.

I’m going to be ranking all the outfits in the series worn by both MC and Kieran! I’m going to be starting off with body type 2 MC and male Kieran because that’s what I play with and I’m most used to those, but I’ll also do body type 1 and f!Kieran! And after those, I want to do a general post with my thoughts on various TCH character designs (mostly gushing about my faves) because Autism Brain Needs To Infodump Or It Will Explode

Down below is my ranking from least to most favorite! Obviously these are all subjective. I'm also modeling them all on my TCH MC because he's gorgeous and I love him.

18. Book 1 Ch. 13 - Sun Court Sarcophagus

Terrible. Awful. BAD.

17. Book 1 Ch. 6 - I Am Groot

In theory, I like the concept of leaves being integrated into an outfit. In theory, I like the wood-ish accents. Unfortunately, in execution I like neither.

16. Book 2 Ch. 13 - Moonlight Mummy

I like the moon charm and the tassles, and I think the gloves could be interesting, but other than that it's not my thing.

15. Book 1 Ch. 12 - Radiance Robes

I guess I just don't like Sun Court fashion much. The solid gold parts are too sharp for my taste and I don't love the pattern they form anyways. I think I'd like it more if it was mostly gold fabric, like on the sleeves and pants, with the solid gold more as accents than the focus point.

14. Book 1 Ch. 4 - Shadow Shrowded

I love that cape and the way it literally turns into shadows, it creates a super cool effect! Unfortunately, other than that the outfit is very uninteresting. The gloves are pretty nice, though.

13. Book 2 Ch. 4 - Frolic Fit

This is definitely the outfit I'm most conflicted on. On one hand, I really like the fabric that flows from the waist, the texture and pattern are nice to look at. On the other hand, I HATE the top half. The circle on the chest - not quite my thing, but I understand what they were going for, and I think if the execution was different I could like it.

The mesh is absolutely NOT for me and I cannot think of any world in which I would like it. Hate hate hate it. This is one of the outfits where I REALLY wish the body type 2 outfit was more similar to its body type 1 counterpart.

12. Book 1 Ch. 13 - Feather Finery

And this is another one of those outfits! I love the feathers, the color of them is gorgeous, and I like the idea of a collar made of them. But every time I look at this outfit all I can see is how stiff the collar and hips look. This outfit looks so uncomfortable and I wish the feathers played a much bigger role. I really dislike the way the top goes over the pants - I can't put my finger on it, but something is just viscerally awful about it to me.

11. Book 1 Ch. 14 - Blades Lite (Armor)

Another feather motif! I like that, the way it's implemented here works very well for armor. I like the color of the pants. The runes kind of clash with the rest of it to me, though, but it does make the cogs in my linguistics brain turn with ideas about Fae language.

10. Book 2 Ch. 11 - The Real Cursed Cloak

No I'm not bitter about TCH being canceled, why would you say that?

Rounding out the bottom half, the outfit works well overall, it's very cohesive. But none of the elements are interesting to me. It's kinda just there. I don't have any strong feelings on this one.

9. Book 1 Ch. 1 - Village Vogue

Starting off the top half with the default outfit! Yes it's very simple, but I think it's still charming. The color is nice and I really like the double-sleeves effect, the silhouette is cute.

8. Book 1 Ch. 10 - Coat Chic

Now THIS outfit looks comfortable! I love the fur lining! My favorite part is the glowing yellow, it really conveys the warmth and it stands out without clashing with other elements. That hood is adorable.

7. Book 1 Ch. 8 - Glass Garb

I LOVE the idea of stained-glass clothing and I think they really aced the top half, especially the texture and the way the yellow pieces look like they're glowing slightly! The beads are a nice touch. Unfortunately, the pants look like they've come straight from LuLaRoe, and that is not the type of MLM I'm looking for in this story. I wish the fabric of the bottom half was more like the fabric used in the body type 1 equivalent.

6. Book 2 Ch. 10 - Opulence, Obviously

The most difficult decision in this ranking was deciding whether this or the next outfit would be at #5, and ultimately the other one won.

I absolutely, completely ADORE the bottom half of this outfit. The part at the waist is so pretty!! And the charm coming down is so cute!! And my absolute favorite part is the way the sheer fabric comes down over the pants, those two just go so well together! The wrist decorations are pretty extra but I think it fits everything else, and I love the way the fabric goes along the shoulders and chest before being cinched in at the waist.

However. The iridescent mesh? Not my thing. Which is really a shame considering I love literally everything else here. At some point I want to do an edit to change the mesh to something else, but I'm not quite sure what to replace it with yet.

5. Book 1 Ch. 9 - Flower Power

Absolutely gorgeous!! Purple is my favorite color so this was practically MADE for me! I love all the flowers, especially the ones that are glowing! And the gemstones beside them really complete the look! Also, the name of this outfit is "lavender blue", which is one of the names used to refer to my favorite color ("periwinkle" would also be accurate), so that definitely helps!

However, like with the stained glass outfit, the pants are definitely not as good as the top. I like these ones better (the silver parts are very nice), but the strings don't fit in to me. Again, I wish the bottom looked more like the body type 1 equivalent.

But that top though!!!

4. Book 2 Ch. 8 - Visit Vestments

NAIL POLISH!! I absolutely love that regardless of body type the MC gets to wear nail polish with this outfit. It looks great on them, subtle but I really feel like it enhances everything else.

The color is very nice, and I LOVE the silhouette, it's very cool and unique from all the other outfits! I think the top-heaviness is somewhat balanced by the pants, which aren't over-the-top but the pattern adds flair. The flower badge thing is the cherry on top!

3. Book 2 Ch. 1 - Consort Costume

Bet you didn't expect this outfit up so high, but I ADORE this.

Number one reason: the pants!! I really like how they're more loose, it looks great to me, especially the loose pleats.

Number two: the cropped top! I think it's super cute how the top part is shorter, not entirely sure why but it just works for me!

Another relatively simple one, but I really really like it. This is my MC's default outfit overall to me, I think he specifically would love wearing it!

2. Book 2 Ch. 16 - Wedding Wardrobe

Loose pants continue to be on top! Even better, these ones are purple! I also think the 'sharper' pleats work very well for this outfit.

Like the second Opulence-related outfit, I'm a huge fan of fabric being cinched in at the waist like this, especially with the slight sheerness. That flower charm is gorgeous!

Speaking of flowers, the sleeves! Pretty but also good to confine the pattern to there, the design might get too busy (side-eyeing that one suit from CoP) otherwise and it balances out the attention the charm attracts.

Book 1 Ch. 2 - Peak (I Ran Out Of Names)

Some of the other rankings I debated over, but I immediately knew what would jump straight to #1.

I'm absolutely, completely in love with this outfit.

First off, the sleeves!! I LOOOOVVEEEE the shape of them!! I have a huge soft spot for sleeves that puff like this (historical fashion example - pagoda sleeves my beloved).

OH MY GOD THE WAISTCOAT. Pretty! And the way it hugs the waist!! My gay ass lives for this!!

I love the silver fabric wrapping around, it's simple but makes everything feel really dynamic and draws the eyes across the body in a super interesting way.

The pants are simple but I love the arrangement of the buttons. Also the texture just looks nice and and matches the shirt.

Also look how pretty he looks in it <3

BONUS ROUND: ACCESSORIES

No particular ranking but I want to give my thoughts on these as well.

Moon Choker

Simple but cute, I like the shape of the moon (i.e. more circular than most depictions of crescents).

Moon Chain

I don't love the big moon at the top. I prefer the design of the body type 1 version - I think the smaller, more subtle charms are much prettier. I do love the color, though!

Undergarments

Incredibly boring. I'm kind of salty that body type 1 got a beautiful pair of stays and body type 2 got the most bare-bones thing possible. At some point I definitely want to redesign these as well to be more interesting.

[itsncthingpersonal]

Continued // @pushspacetocontinue

"...and he returns!" With an impressive display of flexibility, combined with coordination, Rudy managed to hold two drinks whilst emerging from the roof hatch, hauling himself over a safety railing to reach his friend. They had set up a little hangout spot at the very top of his factory, complete with two deck chairs overlooking Endlebridge's skyline at a safe distance, his boombox for listening to banging tunes, and a few soft throws for comfort. He didn't necessarily need them for keeping warm, but the vampire enjoyed the feel of their material against his skin, sometimes turning himself into a cocoon during bad nights. But tonight was anything but; it was good vibes all around. As he made his way over to Russell, who was already reclining, Rudy placed his own drink on a three-legged side table between them, before presenting the other drink like a sommelier offering an expensive wine. "For you, sir, the finest hot chocolate. I hope this is to your liking." Passing the mug over to him, the vampire bowed with a stoic expression, before a wide grin broke out on his face as he plonked down on the empty deck chair besides Russell.

"What're we listenin' to?" Twisting in his seat to face the boombox, Rudy turned his attention to a box full of various cassette tapes besides it, rifling through them as he searched for something to play. He hummed in contemplation, passing by The Romantics and Duran Duran, before settling on a bit more upbeat E.L.O. "Eh...these'll do." Opening up the cassette tape holder with the press of a button, he slipped the tape inside and closed it with a click, before setting it into motion. There was a small stutter, before their hit 'Don't Bring Me Down' started playing, contributing background noise to an overdue catch-up. It kicked off an evening of animated conversation, talking about everything and utter nonsense, but mostly videogames and comics, whilst they both had their retrospective drinks. Blood for Rudy (though he kept it hidden inside a coffee flask), and hot chocolate for Russell in a mug patterned with constellations.

At some point, the vampire got distracted by a ghostly visitor on his roof. It was a precious tabby running around, darting between their chairs and having the time of its life. Part of its tail and left ear was missing, but Rudy found it difficult to figure out how the poor thing passed away. Still, it seemed happy enough, and he was delighting in following it around. "C'mere, love. Where're you goin'? Hey!" She meowed, darting through his legs and jumping onto his deck chair, licking her paw casually. It made Rudy laugh, turning to face his friend with a huge smile. "Hey, Russ, can you see her...the cat? She stole my chair!...Russ?" It was then the vampire realised that the other male had been quiet for so long. And so he asked what was on his mind, which, for a split-second, he wished he hadn't. A momentary flash of conflict passed over his face, his eyes flicking over to his discarded bomber jacket draped across the back of the chair, which had been taken off because he felt comfortable around the other.

"Oh...erm," it was all he could say after the dramatic change in subject, but he wondered how long Russell had been holding that curiosity in for. His scars were hard to miss, and the burns were even more obvious, but for Rudy, they were forgotten about after nearly four decades of living with them. He subconsciously ran his free hand over the scarring on his left bicep and forearm, feeling the horrible bumpy texture. The following reaction from Russell, his shame for asking, had the vampire sighing and moving to pick up the tabby (she protested with a short murp) before sitting back down and placing her on his lap. "No...it's okay, Russ. They're hard to miss, yeah?" He kind of hoped his friend could see the cat, because now he looked like all he was doing was petting the air.

"I got these a long time ago, like, a long time ago. And I honestly stopped carin' about them after a while, because there's nothin' I can do about it. They're part of me now, yeah?" It was partially true. There were some days when the scarring throbbed, and the tendons stiffened up, and he was painfully reminded of what that bastard did to him. But that was in the past. There was a beat of silence as Rudy continued running his hand over the cat's head, scratching behind her injured ear. She purred in content at the attention. What Russell said next felt like a lightning bolt hitting him square in the chest, and he huffed out an unnecessary breath, throat clicking as he swallowed down whatever was irritatingly lodged in the centre.

"Oh god, yeah. He's gone now...died decades ago, thank fuck!" A loud laugh ended his sentence, but the words sounded strained, as though he was struggling to speak them. You deserved better. His head quickly turned away from Russell then, attention fixated on the faraway vents, and he reached up to swipe the side of his hand against his nose, rapidly blinking in a bid to force back unshed tears. What was he getting so upset for? The bastard was dead. But hearing that somebody thought he deserved better was a sentiment he'd never experienced before, and it was too much, too overwhelming to be caught up in. So he huffed out another pretend breath, finally satisfied with his composure enough to look back over at Russell, a light smile given. "Can we talk about somethin' else, mate?" He pointed over to the empty mug. "You want another hot chocolate?"