#we and our-self are same but different but same but also different

[acmeangel]

I’ve had this in my drafts for about 5 months because I’ve been too afraid of stirring the pot if my takes are hot, but I also really just enjoy character analysis so… this is my opinion!

Levi would not be a rough, mean dom in bed, and he wouldn’t have a high sex drive.

(CW: sex, prostitution, trafficking, all the Levi childhood things)

To start, if we look at his childhood, his mother was a prostitute in the Underground. And he was the direct product of this. While it was never specified exactly how Kuchel died — just that she was sick — I'd wager that it was almost definitely from an untreated STD; and even if not, it was precisely her dire circumstances that would've prevented her from receiving adequate treatment for any other illness. This lifestyle killed his mother, and we can see how deeply her death impacted Levi through even the smallest behaviors in his adult life; in the way he treats life as valuable, how he looks out for the young teenagers who end up on his squad, even in the way he holds his teacups. Kuchel loved him, and she was a kind person, but it didn’t matter—the world was too cruel of a place.

In Bad Boy, we see young Levi being threatened with the prospect of being sold into the same life as his mother — one of the men says, "We should make him do the same job as his mother. He might have inherited her talents." That's not something he'd easily forget, and, unfortunately, would likely be an experience that shaped his perception of self-worth, what sex is, and how the world works. This is not to say anyone is defined or shaped by their traumas, but our childhoods are very often where many of all our behaviors lead back to.

I'd imagine that if this is the life he grew up with, it would make his viewpoint on sex that it's something harmful, cruel, and unforgiving; it's a transactional means to an end, something taken with brutality, not an act of care, love, and intimacy.

There likely wasn’t anything in his life in the Underground to shown him otherwise, and he was there for all of his key, formative years. Even aside from his own personal experiences, we know that prostitution and trafficking ran rampant in the Underground—Mikasa and her mother were intended to be sold into it.

His abandonment by Kenny (who he almost definitely thought was his father at the time), only would've compounded his negative views regarding self-worth and the dysfunction/unreliability of relationships that are supposed to be caring, comforting, and nurturing. It took him decades to find out who Kenny really was or why he was abandoned—that's plenty of time for these emotional scars to cement themselves deep within him, even if subconsciously.

He'd then go on to lose basically anyone he'd ever dared to care about from that point forward—from Furlan and Isabel to the original Levi Squad to almost the entire Scout Regiment to Erwin to Hange to Sasha and Eren. Because of all of that emotional turmoil and the loss of all of his relationships that had mattered to him (despite his best efforts to keep them), I don't think emotional or physical intimacy would come easily to him or be something that he'd go out of his way to find, because why risk it? Why take the chances of getting attached to someone if your life is full of loss?

For that reason, I don't think he'd seek out sex just for the pure physical release. I think that for sex to even interest him at all, there'd have to first be a level of emotional connection and trust. With the right person, I'd reckon that over time, he'd develop a desire/need for it—it feels good physically, he'd see that it does foster intimacy, it would likely soothe some of his emotional wounds, and he'd want to please his partner. It’s also not to say he’d be overly gentle or timid or meek; but there’s a difference between passion and being rough with someone to the point of harm.

I just don’t envision him being particularly rough or dominating about it. He's not a violent or aggressive person at heart—only by necessity and circumstance. Honestly, I think, to some degree, he likely struggles internally with the super-human physical strength and fighting skills he's inherited. In my mind, it's not a far stretch to think that Levi has viewed himself as more of a tool/weapon/killer than a person, and I don't see him wanting to bring that into sex (or a relationship at all for that matter).

Levi didn’t choose to be an Ackerman/fighter — it was a perfect storm of his bloodline, Kenny’s influence, and the survival instinct necessary to live in the Underground that turned him into one. But that doesn’t mean that it’s his true nature. (Yes, he can at times reach a breaking point and lash out because he’s human, and almost no one constantly acts in line with their true nature and morality when put into dangerous, pressurized situations.)

I feel that Levi would want to avoid being violent or aggressive in an intimate setting, toward someone he deeply cares for, at all costs. Underneath his stoic exterior, crudeness, and the hardened mask he's often had to wear, he's shown to be a deeply caring, protective, and empathetic person.

Not to mention, I could genuinely see him being wary of his own sheer strength and not wanting to hurt his partner in any way or potentially scare them off, which would lead to yet another loss/abandonment.

Again, none of this is to say that a person’s trauma has to define them or shape their actions, feelings, and behaviors; but Levi is a deeply empathetic person, and I don’t see him easily shaking off seeing his mother’s tragic life, being abandoned, the loss he’s experienced, and the violence he has committed. Sure, it’s possible that after he gets into a relationship, or feels truly comfortable enough with someone, he’d be more open to different types of sex and not be as wary, but he’s just not a violent person in my eyes.

But mostly… I think, after a life of fighting and violence and aggression, he’d be eager to leave that behind when he can.

He’s not a violent dog, he doesn’t know why he bites.

This is not to discount anyone’s versions of Levi that they write/enjoy in fics/smut, I don’t really care what other people do and this isn’t about that. I’d never tell anyone what to do in regards to that. At the end of the day, we are really all just having fun here and living out our little fantasies as our our collective favorite character (I mean, I mostly write fluff pieces, so it's really not all that serious…). This just happens to be my take on Levi, it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s by any means, and I think character analysis is interesting! Pls don’t come for me, I won’t come for you!

[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt behind the cut; got some more "draft stud" for y'all. No real reason, haha, just because I actually wrote a pretty decent chunk more of this than I ended up having space to post for the mystery slots last week and like, it SEEMS like so far this WIP is up a few of your ( crime ) alleys. Like juuuuust maybe, hahaha. So I took a lil' writing break and got it all Tumblr-able for all of your tire-thieving, crime-lording needs! ❤️ content notes/warnings: omegaverse, family-planning via attempting to recruit a crime lord who is legally your dead-brother-by-adoption to knock up your best (boy)friend, and Tim Drake's total lack of respect for both personal boundaries and Jason's impending migraine. (( chrono || non-chrono ))

“Jesus Christ,” Jason groans, burying his face in one hand. He doesn’t even bother asking when or where the little creep got ahold of any of his DNA to test that. Fucking–probably off the damn memorial, for all he knows. Or, well–admittedly "at a crime scene" is an equally likely option. “You know if I were legally alive, we’d be legally siblings, right? Technically we are legally siblings.” 

“I actually think it’s pretty common to ask siblings for favors like this?” Tim says. “Or cousins, maybe.” 

“Yeah, the actually related ones!” Jason says in exasperation. “Or at least the ones who aren’t trying to drop-kick each other into either early retirement or a life sentence in goddamn Blackgate!” 

“I mean I really don’t think we have that kind of relationship anyway, considering, but also I’m not the one who you would ideally be knocking up,” Tim says with a shrug. “Also full disclosure, I don’t actually think Blackgate could handle you so there’s not much point in trying to send you there. Maybe if I just needed a free weekend or something, I guess.” 

“Why did Batgirl turn you down on this, Dream Warrior?” Jason asks, half-eyeing him.

“I’m going to blame either David Cain or Lady Shiva for that,” Tim says. “Probably Shiva, considering we were effectively asking her to sire a pup and then not actually be their parent. I didn’t think there was a high chance of her saying yes, honestly, but she was both our immediate first picks so it seemed kinda . . . I dunno, disingenuous not to ask her?” 

“Yeah, obviously she would've been,” Jason snorts as he unwraps his sandwich to tear a bite off. It's goddamn delicious, which MM's always is, but he's still vaguely annoyed because it's goddamn Tim Drake who brought it. “So what pick in the stud draft am I, eleven? Twelve? Lucky number thirteen?” 

He cannot actually imagine how many people must've turned Tim down for him to be here, so–

“No, you're second,” Tim replies, shaking his head. Jason stares blankly at him past his mouthful of wafflewich. “If you say no, I’ll be calling Super-Man, and if he says no then–” 

“Superman?!” Jason sputters. 

“No, Super-Man,” Tim “corrects” like he somehow thinks he’s actually saying a different name. “Kong Kenan. How was that not self-evident?” 

“Because it sounds exactly the fucking same, that’s how!” Jason says in exasperation, though that does make more sense. Definitely more sense than Clark, anyway, because that was definitely a what the actual fuck EVEN moment. 

“It really doesn’t, but this is getting off-topic,” Tim says, then gestures meaningfully with a hand and asks, “Which is: what are your thoughts on sperm donation? 

“Sounds boring,” Jason replies frankly before taking a swig of coffee. 

“Oh, that was a metaphor, Kon said he’s fine either way but I’d really prefer you actually fuck him,” Tim clarifies with a much more meaningful gesture. 

Jason stares blankly at him again. Tim continues to look unfazed. 

“. . . is this a kink thing, Beyond Thunderdome?” Jason asks finally, for lack of any other reasonable explanation.

“This is a ‘I don’t want my omega to feel like a lab experiment for his first breeding heat because he’s worried about making me feel emasculated’ thing,” Tim says. 

“. . . yeah, fair enough,” Jason allows, taking another sip of his coffee. Still goddamn delicious; still Tim Drake-related annoying. “Jesus, though, you could’ve led with that. You know I’m a fucking beta, though, my chances of successfully knocking up your boy in one cycle are not that impressive.” 

“Well, that’s the useful thing about cycles,” Tim says with another little shrug. “They, you know, cycle.” 

“You want me to fuck your omega through probably multiple heats?” Jason asks, still more than a little incredulous about the idea. Again, he was not even aware that those two were dating. He was not even aware that Tim was into invulnerable and insatiable touch-based telekinetic omegas built like sexy industrial farm equipment with a very public history of “let me prove I’m good enough” issues, though actually when he thinks through that full sentence in his head it’s admittedly difficult to make an argument for why he would not be. 

Maybe if he was very, very gay or very, very asexual, Jason guesses. 

“Well, if it goes well this time, we’d probably ask you to do it again in a couple years anyway, so why not?” Tim says. “Kon wants to have more than one.” 

“Oh, so twice as many multiple-heat fucks?” Jason says. Jesus, this little freak of human nature. 

“Maybe three times, depending?” Tim says, tilting his head to one side with a considering expression. “Kon was designed to be hyper-fertile but given I have heard of exactly one Kryptonian ever that had a littermate it seems like Kryptonians might have a lower chance of conceiving litters than humans do, so we don’t really know how that might go yet.” 

Jason pauses for a long moment, because all general incredulity and disbelief aside, that sentence contained a red flag the size of a damn bedsheet. Several bedsheets sewn together, in fact. 

Maybe just an entire Bed Bath & Beyond’s worth of bedsheets, actually. 

“‘Designed to be’,” he repeats, and Tim’s expression briefly sours. 

“We’re not going to get into what Paul Westfield’s backup ‘make myself a custom Superman’ plan entailed,” he says. “Especially because he didn’t immediately scrap the thing when Kon came out sixteen and unpresented.” 

“Fucking hell,” Jason says. Well, that definitely explains Tim wanting to make sure Superboy doesn’t feel like a lab experiment while he’s getting bred.

“Mmmhm,” Tim says. 

Jason eyes him for a long moment as he takes another swallow of very good coffee, debating on how stupid this idea is and also if he wants to deal with Bruce’s opinion on him getting involved in it. A counterargument, admittedly, is Superboy’s very pretty smirk and ass you could bounce a giant penny off. 

Though . . . 

“Do you actually factually know if Kryptonians have a lower chance of conceiving litters, or is the prevalence of them having singles potentially just a birthing matrix thing?” he asks. “Because another solid reason I can think of to use one of those besides not risking the dam’s health or life and doing whatever weird ‘genetic optimization’ thing they had going on with 'em is Kryptonians being a lot more likely to conceive litters. Like big litters.” 

“. . . that is a question that I should have thought to investigate sooner,” Tim admits with a slight wince. 

“Y’think, Season of the Witch?” Jason asks dubiously. Tim frowns, tilting his head again and clearly confused, and Jason rolls his eyes. “Third Halloween movie, genius.” 

“Oh,” Tim says. “I was wondering what the names were about.” 

“Terminator, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Mad Max,” Jason says with another roll of his eyes. He did not think calling the guy a bunch of threequel titles was that subtle a dig. “Jesus, kid, watch a movie that didn’t originate on either Netflix or PornHub."

“I don’t watch either of those?” Tim says, wrinkling his nose. 

“You watch porn somewhere, otherwise you wouldn’t be asking me to knock up your bitch for you,” Jason snorts dubiously, tearing another bite off his sandwich. Who even has that thought process? 

“I’d really prefer you not call him that,” Tim says. 

“Who cares, he’s not even here,” Jason retorts dismissively, waving him off as he chews. 

“Well yeah, I wouldn’t be telling you not to call him a bitch if he was here, because that would actually be helpful,” Tim says reasonably. Jason . . . pauses, and stares at the corner of the wall past Tim’s head. It’s a wall. 

 It . . . sure is a wall, yeah. And also the corner of a wall, yup. 

Wall. 

Jason chews the rest of his bite very slowly and does not allow himself to process the implication that Superboy might like being called a bitch in bed. 

“I’ve never actually heat-partnered anyone before,” he says. “Like I’ve rut-partnered a few people, but I feel like that is likely a significantly different experience. And probably also easier, frankly, given getting most alphas off takes about a fifth of the time and effort as getting most omegas off.” 

“That’s not really a concern,” Tim tells him with another one of those little shrugs. Jason stares at the corner of the wall past his head some more. It is . . . still a wall, yeah. Yup. Definitely still a wall.

What the fuck does that even mean? There is literally no way Tim meant “you wouldn't need to bother getting my omega off while you were breeding him as non-lab-experiment-ly as possible”, because in what fucking world would he have meant that, so like–what? Just . . . what? 

Jason’s brain is unfortunately supplying some very goddamn creative and very goddamn dirty theoretical answers to that question.

[a99jazzybean]

so i just read you DateEverythingChanse! X Reader and fell in LOVE. it was sooo so good and genuinely one of the best Date Eveything pieces that I’ve read!

And since your request were open; could you write some Eddie Volt x Reader. And maybe pull some of Volt in there?

(This is my first time requesting anything on tumblr, so idk what more info you would need.)

-🐄

Oh I really enjoyed this one! I love, love, love Eddie! Thank you for the request!

An Old Fashioned for the Live Wire

synop: You were just hired as a new bartender for the Breaker Box. One of your bosses, Eddie is kind of an asshole, but part of you also kind of likes it. The two of you push and pull at each other, but when will it become too much? And should you even go after someone like him?

words: 7.4K

includes: eddiexfem!reader, age difference, boss/employee, drinking, choking, manhandling, smut, oral, dead parent mention.

a/n: This one is a bit on the tabooer side. Hope you enjoy! No minors!

Also, Volt will be getting his flowers too. Don't you worry your pretty heads.

Harsh summer sun beat against you as you made your way downtown. A job interview that you pretty much had in the bag was awaiting you at your destination. Just a few more blocks and the beginnings of a facial sunburn, you found yourself in front of a bar. Beside the door a familiar face stood tall. 

“Uncle Dorian!” You exclaim, running to embrace him. 

He gave an “oomph” of surprise followed by a deep chuckle before returning the embrace. 

“Thank you so much for this!” Chin on his chest, you looked up at him. 

“Of course, sweetheart. I’m always lookin’ out for you.” 

Pulling away, you smoothed down your dress. Dorian nodded at you and proceeded to open the door to the bar. 

Much to your chagrin, it was very hot and stuffy inside. Looking up you could see an AC unit, but it wasn’t running. You gave Dorian a confused look, and he sighed. 

“I can’t believe this place always keeps falling apart.”

“Oh same old Dorian, not understanding the character that is the Breaker Box.” A man with long stark white hair made his way over to you. 

“More like Broken Box…” You mumbled, earning a laugh from Dorian.  

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you say that. Considering our dear Dorian gave you quite the glowing review.” 

Your face grew red with embarrassment. This man was obviously one of the owners of the establishment. 

“I apologize. That was rude of me. May we start over?” You offered your hand and an apologetic look. 

“Oh I could never say ‘no’ to a face like yours.” He takes your hand and gives it a kiss. A spark sends shivers up your spine. 

“The name is Volt.”

From behind you comes a grumble. Dorian’s expression now formed into a stony one. He briskly walks up between you and Volt. 

“Now, I don’t want any funny business. My girl needs a job, that’s all.” He said lowly. 

Volt raises his hands in defense. 

“Apologies, Dorian. I did not mean to be so forward. There will be no funny business, I swear.” He gives you a wink. 

Across the bar you hear a scoff. You can’t make out where the sound came from till a head pops out from under the bar. 

A tanned man with shaggy dark hair appears, looking perturbed. His steely gaze moves between Volt and Dorian, then lands on you. You grow self-conscious, feeling as though you were being studied. Part of you wondered what he saw. 

“Ah! Eddie! How lovely of you to join us!” Volt looped an arm around your shoulder, ushering you to the bar. “This is…” He paused for you to give your name.

You said your name, offering out your hand over the bar. Eddie looked down at your hand, then back at your eyes. Raising his hands, you realized they were covered in grease. 

“Such a lovely name. She’ll be our new bartender.” Volt squeezed your body toward him, making you squeak. 

“Wait, I’ve got the job?” You were surprised, this was supposed to be an interview. 

“Of course, like I said, you received a glowing review. And we could do with someone like you around.” He released you from his hold, giving you a sultry once-over. 

“You’re hiring her without an interview?” Eddie asked gruffly. While it was a question, he seemed unsurprised at Volt’s decision. 

“ I must take my leave, now.” Ignoring the question, he gave you a curt nod before turning on his heel and striding up to Dorian. 

Over his shoulder Volt left a final remark.

“Oh, and Eddie, since you’re not busy, you can train her before tonight.”

Eddie let out an incredulous scoff, a look of disbelief on his face. His dark gaze flitted to you, to which you shrugged your shoulders. You didn’t ask for this either, and honestly would prefer otherwise. Being trained by a man that clearly held disdain for your existence didn’t seem like the grandest of times. 

“Not, busy…” He mumbled, before grabbing a towel. 

“Don’t worry, I should be good. You can continue with whatever you were doing.” You tried to ease the tension coming from him.

“Nice try, sweetheart. But you will be working.”

“I never said I wasn’t, you were just clearly in the middle of something.” 

“I know a person trying to get out of work when I see em’.” That coldness in his eyes sent an icy chill through you. 

“If you say so…” You pouted. 

Eddie washed his hands, grumbling to himself the entire time. The last thing he wanted to do was babysit the new girl. Even if you were attractive. Wait, what was that? The man gave you a once-over. Taking in your pretty face and curves. Yeah, you were quite the looker, but that was beside the point. You were also clearly used to having everything handed to you. Dorian helped you get the job, and Volt gladly gave into it because of your looks. Tale as old as time. Hopefully you were at least competent at learning the ropes. 

“Alright, let’s teach you some of the basics.” 

From behind the bar he pulled out a shaker and jigger, pointedly setting them down on the counter. It almost made you roll your eyes, but you decided to play along. See how far this would go. 

“Do you have any bartending experience? And I’m not talking about making yourself a gin and tonic, I mean actual experience.” He spoke to you gruffly.

Wow, he was kind of an asshole. Regardless, this could be entertaining. Lord knows you needed something interesting to handle. 

“Sweetheart, I’m headin’ out.” Dorian walked up behind you, placing a hand on your shoulder. 

“Okay! Eddie is gonna teach me the basics of bartending!” You said, a sickly sweet smile on your face. 

Dorian gave you a confused look, opening his mouth to say something, then catching the look in your eyes. Deciding instead to keep his mouth shut. 

“I hope that goes well. Don’t cause too much trouble.” He planted a kiss on your cheek and you returned one to his before he headed out of the bar.

“Looks like it’s just us now.” Eddie sighed out. 

Gazing around the club, you realized Volt had vanished. Likely in a different room, leaving you alone with a man who did not want to be here. Whatever, you would just trudge on through this “training”. 

“Show me what you got.” You said, crossing your arms over your chest. Face watching him expectantly. 

“Right, one of our more popular drinks is a Moscow Mule.” He spoke patronizingly to you. Now, that did irritate you. 

He spotted that irritation as your eyebrow twitched. 

“Is everything alright?” He asked. 

“Everything is perfectly fine. Please, continue.” You waved at him to keep going. “Though I do know what a Moscow Mule is, and how to make it.” 

“Good for you.” He said sarcastically.

“What’s your problem, man?” Alright, this was getting a bit TOO annoying. 

“I don’t have a problem.” He said quickly, a calculated gaze steady on you.

“Clearly, you do. Despite the fact that we just met, you have some issue with me.” Your jaw clenched in frustration.

“I don’t have any issues with you.” The statement was somewhat true, but there was something he wasn’t saying. “I just prefer that Volt not hire a nepo baby without consulting me as well.” 

“Nepo baby?” You asked incredulously.

“Yeah, Dorian got you the job. You didn’t even need an interview for it. Therefore, nepo baby.”

“Dorian helped me find the job, my skills ultimately got me the position.” You jabbed a finger in his face with a snarl. 

“Sure, sweetheart. Whatever you say.” He rolled his eyes at you. 

Grumbling, you made your way behind the bar. 

“Ugh, whatever…” 

Standing very very close to the man. With a wave of your hand you motioned for him to continue. A glare emblazoned on your face, complimented by a cute pout. Eddie’s eyes flitted to your stuck out lip, then back to your eyes. Thankfully, you hadn’t noticed the involuntary action. 

“Well, are you going to show me how to make a Moscow Mule or not?” You pressed, poking him in the arm with a harsh jab.

“Hey! Jeez, let me get to it.” 

I don’t want to be here, I don’t want to be here, I don’t want to be here… His mind droned on. 

The man took out a copper mug, then quickly poured vodka, and lime, adding ginger beer in the end. With a little flare, he put a mint garnish on the side.

“Voila.” 

You gave faux applause, lips pressed into a thin smile.

“How impressive.”

“Look, I said I’m showing you the basics.” He sighed.

“And you’re doing a wonderful job.” You said through gritted teeth. 

“And it looks like I won’t have to continue anymore.” Eddie let out a sigh of relief. 

Entering the front door was a woman with bright ginger hair. When she looked over to the bar, a bright smile lit up her face. 

“Oh finally! Volt said he had hired a new person!” The woman strode over, offering her hand over the bar. “Name’s Beverly, but you can call me Bev!” 

You took her hand, giving it a nice firm shake. Taking the time to give her your name as well.

“Pretty! Well, I can’t wait to work with you!”

“Lucky for you, that starts now.” Eddie said, waving you two off and walking toward the back of the club.

When you could no longer hear his footsteps, you turned to Beverly. Frustration knitting at your brows. 

“What the fuck is that guy’s problem?” You asked, exasperated.

“Eddie?” She bit her lip. “He’s a bit closed off, I’d say.” 

“Doesn’t give him the right to be an asshole.” You huffed, crossing your arms.

“Oh, Volt didn’t talk to him about you, did he?” 

“From what I could tell, no. Then Volt left me in the man’s care.” 

Beverly let out a low hiss, her face cringing at the awkward scenario you just shared. 

“Well, you’re with me now! So we can enjoy our time getting to know each other, and I can teach you the ropes.” 

“I only need to learn how to use the register.” You said bluntly.

“Really? Cause I overheard Eddie about the basic-” You cut her off.

“I was only amusing myself with that. I’m a fairly good mixologist.” 

“Is that so?” She seemed unconvinced. “Why don’t you show me what you got?”

“Sure thing, whatcha thinking?”

Tapping her chin, she tried thinking up some drinks to have you make. After a moment, she perked back up with a smile.

“Alright, I’ve got three. Gin Sour, Paper Plane, and Sazerac. Think you can handle those?” 

“As long as you’ve got the ingredients, I can make them.” You cracked your knuckles, preparing yourself. 

“I also want you to make them as fast as possible.” 

You bit your lip with worry. That gin sour she requested would take a bit, but you had a feeling she knew that. Regardless, you would do your best. 

Bev gave you free reign of the bar. In the fridge you found a carton of egg whites along with fresh lemons. Into a shaker you added the ingredients, then began the semi-long process of dry shaking. Shaking something for a max of twenty-seconds might not seem like a large task, but if you had a dozen other orders, it could cause issues. Still, in order to make the drink properly, you had to follow the proper steps. Eventually you poured the drink out, even adding a lemon peel as garnish. 

Pushing the drink to Bev, she grabbed it and took a sip. A content smile on her face.

“Good, now the Paper Plane.”

Spotting the Aperol, you plucked that from a shelf. As you made your way around the other liquors, you kept your eye out for paper or a napkin. Out of the corner of your eye you noted some sticky notes. Bingo. 

Quickly you added all of the ingredients into the shaker and went to work. Straining the drink out into a coupe glass, then quickly making a paper plane out of a sticky note for garnish. 

Bev took the drink, grabbing the plane and throwing it in your direction. It spun in the air before nose diving straight down. Both of you chuckled at the sad display. Bev had a sip, nodding and looking at you.

“Pretty good, but ease up on the lemon a bit.” You nodded, noting her advice for later. 

“Alright, time for the Sazerac.”

You grabbed an Old Fashioned glass, then searched for some Absinthe. Trailing over the liquor bottles you couldn’t see it. Trying other cabinets, you couldn’t find any there either. You gave Bev a confused look.

“Where’s the Absinthe?” 

“Oh, we don’t typically carry it.”

“Really? But you guys specialize in craft cocktails?” 

She shrugged her shoulders then waved you on to continue. Turning back to the liquor bottles, your eyes landed on one that could work. Plucking the Herbsaint from the back, you spotted Bev giving a slight nod. You gave the glass a good wash, then moved onto crafting the rest of the drink. Stirring cognac, simple syrup, and bitters together. 

Again, Bev tried your drink. A pleased smile on her face after she set it down. 

“Very good.” From behind her, she pulled out a bottle of Absinthe. An amused smirk on her face at the reveal.

“You were testing me.” You chuckled.

“I certainly was, and you certainly passed. You really were pulling on Eddie's leg.” 

You shrugged.

“Guilty.” 

“Don’t be too hard on him.” Beverly paused, letting out a long sigh. “He’s got a lot on his plate.” 

You spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for opening. Cutting lemons, and dumping ice. Beverly showed you how the register worked, and you were good to go for the night. 

As it was the middle of the week, you weren’t expecting a large crowd. Though you wouldn’t be facing the busiest time of the night since you started your shift early. You felt a little bad leaving Bev alone, but you were feeling exhausted. 

The end of your shift neared closer, and a familiar face returned to the front of house. You could see grease stains on his clothes. Eddie plopped himself down at the bar, watching you and Bev converse during a lull period. Clearing his throat, he caught your attention. Beverly waltzed over to him with a smile.

“Eddie! What can I getcha?” She said cheerily.

“Actually, could I get the new girl to make it?”

You and Bev shared a knowing look. 

“Sure thing, think you can handle it?” There was a slight teasing to her tone, you did your best not to smirk. Instead nodding.

“Of course.” You walked up to Eddie, face scrunching as you saw the state he was in. 

Extremely disheveled, sweaty, and fairly dirty. You wondered what exactly he was doing that brought him to look like this. 

“What will you have?” You asked.

He gave you a questioning look. Wondering why you were suddenly so confident. 

“I’ll take an Old Fashioned.” 

Grabbing a mixing glass, you plopped a sugar cube inside, followed by the other drink ingredients. You made sure to stir everything well. You poured it over a glass with a large ice cube in it, then slid it over to him. Turning around, you made yourself your own. 

Eddie waited till you were finished, head cocked in confusion. You returned to him, drink in hand. Then you offered your glass out to him, an amused look on your face. Eddie realized what you had done. 

“I see. Do you always like to play dumb?” He let out an airy chuckle, raising his glass to yours. 

“Only to  people who see me as dumb.” You clinked your glass against his and took a sip. 

Eddie followed, letting out a pleased hum at the taste of the drink. 

“I see why Volt didn’t need to interview you.” He pulled your glass out of your hand. “But that doesn’t mean you get to drink on the job.” 

You pulled the drink back.

“I’m off the clock now, and I get a free drink with the job.” You took another sip.

Walking around the bar, you sat beside the man. 

“Think I’m just a nepo baby now?”

He waved his hand in a “maybe” motion, to which you scoffed at.

“Dorian still did have some sway in Volt’s decision. He does provide us with our bouncers, after all.” 

Rolling your eyes, you finished your drink. 

“I’ll admit, Dorian was a foot in… well, the door. However, I still put the work in. He would never vouch for me if he wasn’t sure of it.”

Eddie shrugged and nodded.

“I suppose, but I know he’s sweet on you.” 

“Ugh, don’t make it sound like he’s in love with me.” You scrunched your face up in disgust. “He’s my father. Adoptive father.” 

“Adoptive father that you call, ‘uncle’?” 

“Yeah, it’s a bit of a long story.”

“Fair enough.” 

That took you aback. People tended to be a bit more curious about your relationship with Dorian. The fact that Eddie just left the conversation as is had made you a bit irritated. Eye twitching before you shook your head. 

“Whatever.” You lifted yourself off the bar with a groan. “Well, I’m heading out. Have a goodnight, Bev!” You waved, and walked away. Paying no mind to Eddie. 

He watched as you left, eyes drawn to the sway of your hips as you headed out of the club. Finding himself a bit transfixed to the way your body moved.

“Smooth, Casanova.” Bev said as she dried glasses.

Eddie gave her a confused look, pointing at himself. She nodded, then motioned her head to the door. 

“I’m not into a brat seven years my junior.” He said, finishing his drink.

At that, Beverly raised a brow. 

“Sure, hon.” 

The next shift, you came in at a much later time. Entering the club, you greeted Beverly with a wave. Volt was present for your arrival. Once again, upping the charm as he greeted. 

“How lovely to see you.”

“I work here now, it’s kind of expected.” You shrugged.

You heard a scoff from the stage. Crouched behind one of the speakers, Eddie was working with some wires within it. 

“I can leave, let you guys deal with your one bartender.” You threatened, making Volt audibly gulp.

“Now, let’s not be too rash.” He glared over at Eddie. “He just hasn’t gotten enough rest, have you?” Eddie matched his glare.

“I’ve gotten plenty.” He turned back to the speaker. 

“Whatever.” You said, turning to the bar. 

The rest of the night was uneventful. The Breaker Box had a one man band crooning like Elvis Presley for the live entertainment. While he certainly wasn’t the best, it was at least somewhat entertaining to watch on the slow night. 

As you worked the bar, you couldn’t help but feel as if there were eyes on you. Every time you looked around, you couldn’t spot who it was that would be making you feel that way. There was a sneaking part of you that believed your dark haired asshole of a boss might have something to do with it. Occasionally catching his face just turning away as your eyes scanned the bar. He appeared to be working on some small electrical panel in the back corner of the room.

The night winded down, and Eddie left his work to come up to the bar. You made him the Jack and Coke he requested, sliding it to a very disheveled looking man when you were done. Seemed like going ragged was a common occurrence for Eddie. 

“So what exactly is your job here? Besides telling me what to do.” You asked as you wiped down the bar in front of him.

“I fix things.” His cold stare looked at you over the glass.

“That’s it?” 

He slugged back the rest of his drink and sighed. 

“Yes, that’s it. Any more questions, sweetheart?” He asked sarcastically.

“No, I’m not too curious about your going ons.” You turned away from him, smirking as you heard him grumble.

“You know what, I’ll have you stay after close. I’ve got something I need help with.” He said lowly.

“What?” You whipped around to face him.

“You. Stay. After. Close. Kapeesh?” 

“My shift is over after two.” 

“And I have the ability to fire you.” 

Clenching your fists, you willed yourself to calm the angry energy growing within you.

“Fine.” You hissed. 

Eddie gave you a smug smirk, nodding at your response with approval. When he turned his back, you stuck your tongue out at him. While you were annoyed at him for making you stay late, there was an odd curious part of you buzzing. 

Perhaps you needed to admit it to yourself. Even though you barely knew the guy, Eddie was hot. And maybe there was another part of you that enjoyed the push and pull you had already developed with the man. Something that made you feel like a school girl kicking her feet and twirling her hair. 

Shaking your head, you pushed the thoughts away. No, you shouldn’t think of your boss like that. While it wasn’t technically illegal, he was fairly older than you. Not to mention the inherent power imbalance of him being your boss. Yeah, this one would just have to remain a taboo fantasy. 

Closing time came, and Beverly left you with a wave goodbye. Volt also made his way out of the building. Before leaving he spotted you waiting at the bar.

“Do you need someone to take you home?” He gave you a concerned look.

“Nah, Eddie asked me to stay after close to help him with something.” 

“Is that so?” Volt looked over at the spot Eddie was sitting at, narrowing his eyes at the man. 

“Yeah. Not ideal, but he is my boss too.” 

“I suppose.” Volt shrugged on his long coat. “Don’t stay too late.” 

“You got it!” You saluted Volt, who smiled politely at the action. 

Now you were alone with Eddie. Thick tension was growing in the air around you. Making your way from behind the bar, you walked up to Eddie. He was still working on the electrical panel. Eyeing you up and down, he waved at you to take the seat in front of him. 

It felt like forever before he finally spoke as you were left twiddling your thumbs in awkward silence. 

“I’m almost done.” He said gruffly.

“Cool, cause I’d like to go home soon.”

“I’m sure you do.” He didn’t look at you.

“Whatever.” You huffed.

The man stopped what he was doing, setting the panel and tools down. He pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose.

“You do that quite often.”

“What?” You were confused.

“‘Whatever’. You say it whenever you wish to push past an uncomfortable conversation.” 

“What are you, a therapist?” 

“More like an observer.” He shrugged nonchalantly and returned to his work. 

“Perhaps you could observe the fact that I am exhausted.” You grumbled.

“Noted.” 

“Ugh, whatever.” You felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment at the words.

“There it is again.” He chuckled lowly. The sound shooting straight to your groin.

“Do you really need my help tonight, or did you just keep me to hold me hostage in a nonexistent conversation?” 

“I do need help, but I think you can have just a bit more patience.” He pinched his fingers together to emphasize his point. 

“Just tell me what I need to do to get the job done.”

He looked up at you, but didn’t give an answer. You grumbled again, huffing and crossing your arms. This man! 

Finally, after what seemed like an hour, Eddie seemed to be pleased with the progress he had made on the panel. Pushing up from the table, he stretched out. Cracking his back and revealing the lower part of his stomach. A dark line of a happy trail peeking out. Quickly you averted your eyes, but not before Eddie caught you. He decided to keep it to himself though, only revealing his thoughts with a coy smirk that had your face burning. 

“Alright, let’s get some bulbs changed out.”

He walked over to a storage closet, pulling out a very rickety looking ladder. 

“See why I need help?”

“Someone to hold the death trap that looks like a ladder?” Your eyes widened with concern.

“Oh, no. I won’t be stepping on this thing.” He chuckled watching your face drop. “I’ll be the one holding it.”

“Like that makes me feel better.” 

“Let’s just get this done, live wire.” He smirked again. 

He walked over to the stage, setting the ladder up. Holding it down, he motioned for you to come over and climb. Looking over yourself, you realized you were wearing a dress, and only had your panties on underneath. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to be the one that climbs?” You did your best to act sweetly, batting your lashes at him.

“I already told you, I’m holding. Now, c’mon. The faster you get up there, the faster this gets done. 

“It’s just, I’m wearing a dress.” You clenched the fabric in your hands nervously. “So?”

“So, you’d be able to see up it!” Your face turned red.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not lookin’.” For emphasis, he faced down. Dark hair flopping with his head. “Don’t forget to grab the bulbs.”

Tapping your foot in irritation, you gave a grunt of defeat. You leaned down to grab a box of bulbs. 

“Fine.” You walked up to the ladder. “You better keep your head down.”

“As you wish.” 

Rolling your eyes, you began your ascent up the ladder. Praying the man beneath you would not look up. When you made it to the top, you reached up. Thankfully the bulb in the light wasn’t too far away. You unscrewed the bulb, but as you were pulling it out of the fixture a small spark hit your hand.

“Fuck!” You yelped. 

From below, Eddie looked up just in time. Seeing you wobble and fall off of the ladder. Quickly, he managed to catch you with a grunt. In his arms you stared at him, wide eyed.

“Are you okay?” He breathed out in relief that he caught you.

Slowly you nodded, then looked at your hand. Your pointer finger turning red with a burn. 

“Shit. Did you get shocked?”

“I think so.” 

“Fuck, the lights aren’t supposed to be hot. I swear to god if the wiring was messed with again…” He paused, realizing that you were still in his arms and injured. 

Slowly, he let you down to your feet. Then he grabbed your hand to inspect it. It looked like it was just your finger that was injured. He sucked back an annoyed groan. This wasn’t your fault. It was the fault of the OSHA violating idiots that had owned the place before he and Volt took it over. And now those issues had injured someone. If Dorian found out…

“Are you okay?” You asked quietly. The tender tone of your voice catching him off guard.

“Uh, yeah. The most I did was pull my back.” He stretched his arms up. “Better than having you break yours though.” 

“Yeah.” You were staring at him awestruck. Perhaps saving you was the bare minimum, but the action had you smitten regardless. 

“You good?” He was concerned at the look on your face. Did you get fully shocked?

“Yeah, yeah I’m good.” Shaking your head you pushed the thoughts of him away. 

“Good, good. Let’s get you patched up and heading home.” 

Eddie grabbed hold of your unharmed hand, sending a shock through you. Oh no. He pulled you to the back office. Rummaging around, he managed to find the first aid kit. Inside he spotted some burn cream and bandages. He took your finger, spreading some cream around the burn. A cooling sensation hit the spot immediately, making you sigh. Tenderly, he wrapped a bandage around your finger. Making sure it wasn’t too tight. When he was done he brought it to his lips, giving it a soft kiss. An unconscious movement, as if it was something he needed to do.

The action made your face flare red. Eddie’s cheeks became ruddy as well. Unsure of why he did that. 

Looking up at you had his face flushing harder. 

“Uh, a kiss makes it better. Right?” He tried to deflect. 

“I-I guess.” Shaking your head, you narrowed your eyes, questioning his motives. “It’s just not something that I would expect from a guy who’s been an asshole to me.”

“Asshole?” He let out an airy chuckle.

“Yes, asshole.”

“Newsflash, live wire; you’re no angel either.”

“Whatever.” You grumbled.

“See! You and your ‘whatevers’.” 

“I don’t understand why it’s a problem.” You practically spat. 

“Frankly, it’s a bit disrespectful.” 

“Oh I’m sorry, I guess I should respect my elders, shouldn’t I?” You said sarcastically.

He yanked you toward him, nose to nose. You hadn’t realized he still had a grip on your hand.

“Yeah, a brat like you should.” He practically growled. 

The close proximity had your face flushing again. Unconsciously, your thighs clenched. Eddie smirked at the action. Licking his lips as he looked back at you. Your eyes were wide, body shivering at the close proximity. You attempted to regain your composure.

“I-I’m not a brat.”

“Of course you would think that. You’ve gotten everything handed to you. Bet you think you deserve it all.” 

You scowled, lip in a pout. One that Eddie realized he desperately wanted to kiss and bite. Fuck, this was… electrifying. Something he hadn’t experienced in years. Was it wrong to go after his subordinate? Maybe. Did he want to? Absolutely.

“I said, I’m not a brat.” You tried yanking your arm back. 

Eddie tutted, keeping you locked with him.

“WHATEVER, princess. I’m sure you can go run off to uncle Dorian and be treated just right.”

 Looking at your eyes, he realized he might have gone too far. He let go of your hand, which you snatched back. Rubbing your wrist you turned away. You blinked away tears. 

You didn’t know why, but his words hurt.  

“I’m going home.” You said quietly. 

Oh shit. He knew he fucked up.

“The only reason Dorian treats me the way he does is because my dad is dead.” You still were faced away from Eddie.

“I didn’t…”

“I know.” You peeked over your shoulder at him. “But now you do.” 

You exited the office quickly, not turning back once. Eddie was left alone and miserable. Why did he feel the need to press you so much? He barely even knew you. And now, it’s likely he fucked up a good thing. 

You and Eddie avoided each other the next week. You couldn’t tell if you preferred that or not. Whenever you would cross paths, he’d do his best to exit the area as quickly as possible. You would do your best to make yourself invisible. Eventually, you couldn’t stand it though. 

The distance somehow made the man more enticing. Perhaps it was the fact that he gave you the space you clearly needed, or maybe it was something else entirely. 

While your last conversation with him hurt, you couldn’t get the man out of your mind. Was it inappropriate? Probably. Did you care? Not really. The moments before your outburst in the office had made you feel… things. Things you wished to explore further. Specifically with your boss. So after multiple days of avoidance, you decided to fuck with him.

It was a fairly busy shift, so you decided to have some fun. Popping one button of your shirt to give just a peek of your cleavage. With your patrons, you put on a bit of a show. Flirting with everyone. Making sure everyone got a good look at you. Complimenting whoever you could, making them blush at your words. Even teasing about giving your number out. 

Out of the corner of your eye you watched as Eddie made his way closer and closer to the bar throughout the night. When he reached you, he spoke lowly. Jaw clenched in frustration. Exactly what you wanted. 

“You’re staying after close. I’ll meet you in the office.” 

“As you wish, sir.” You said, your eyes growing dark. The look made Eddie shiver. 

He shouldn’t, but fuck, you were making it so difficult. He should have just continued to give you space, but he couldn’t help feel the same pull that you did. Something so enticing, all he needed was a taste. Just one, that’s all…

Eventually, the bar closed. You told Volt and Bev that you were asked to stay late again. While Bev paid no mind to it, Volt had given you a questioning look. Bright eyes trying to read you. When it seemed he couldn’t get a read, he shrugged his shoulders and headed home. 

When it was just you, you geared yourself up for your confrontation.

Making your way to the office, you shook off your nerves. Reaching the door, you gave two knocks. A muffled voice called out from the other side.

“Come in.” 

Behind the desk sat Eddie, his head perched on one hand. Eyes dark as he watched you enter the room. When you shut the door behind you, the man motioned for you to sit in front of him. He was trying to maintain a neutral expression, but you could see the tension in his jaw. Teeth clenched together in frustration.

“Did you have a good night?” He asked lowly. 

The way his gaze remained on you had you shuffling uncomfortably. Looking up, you gave him your best naive expression.

“I did, yes. Why do you ask?” 

“Do you think your behavior was appropriate for this establishment?” While his words maintained an air of professionalism, he practically growled them out.

“I don’t know what you mean? I was just being friendly with patrons.” You gave him a sweet smile, a knowing glint behind your eyes. “I apologize if anything came off as misconstrued.” 

“Oh come off it.” He scoffed, pressing his hands on the table and pushing himself up. He walked around the desk to you. Leaning against it, eyes steely and cold. 

“Again, I don’t know what you mean.” You batted your lashes at him, earning you another scoff.

He leaned down, hand reaching for your chin. Lifting your face to look directly at him, you had to swallow down a gasp.

“Don’t think I didn’t see you acting like a whore.” 

Sputtering at his words, you batted his hand away. You stood up, glowering at him. 

“Is that better or worse than a brat? Cause I think it shouldn’t matter how I act.” You huffed. “It’s a bar, decorum isn’t exactly a prerequisite to work here.”

His jaw clenched again. His eyes darted to the door, then he moved to turn the lock on the knob. The action made your eyes widen and heart race. 

Turning to you, he stalked up. Face now almost nose to nose with you.

“Do you want to know what I think?” The low timbre of his voice had you shivering. 

When you didn’t answer, he chuckled lowly. His hand returning to your chin, forcing you to face him. 

“Well?”

“W-what do you think?” You stuttered out, eyes locked with his.

“I think you need to be put in your place.” His hand moved to your throat, lightly squeezing the sides. 

He pulled you even closer, lips barely grazing yours. Sparks flew through you at the soft touch. 

“Tell me to stop, and I will.” He murmured against your lips. 

Taking the opportunity, you pressed your lips against his. A low groan escaped the man as he pressed his lips against yours, taking back control. His tongue pressed into your mouth, making you whimper. He tasted like whiskey. Hot, heady, and fucking delicious. 

Pulling away, he left his hand around your throat. A handsome smirk on his face as he took in your state. Disheveled, breathing hard, with your pupils blown wide out. Oh, he could get used to seeing you like this. 

Using the leverage on your neck, he maneuvered you back onto the desk. Placing himself between your legs, he pulled you in for another kiss. 

When he pulled away again, you managed to find your words.

“W-what…” You took in a shaky breath. “What exactly is my place?”

Nipping your lip, he groaned. 

“With me, as mine.” He looked over you possessively. “Say it.” 

Your face burned bright red, you almost shook your head. The look in his eyes had you deciding otherwise. 

“I’m yours.”

“Good.” 

With that, he pressed his lips against yours again. You whimpered into his mouth as his tongue tangled with yours once more. Oh, this was dangerously addicting. 

Clenching your thighs together, you tried to gain some friction. You could feel how wet you already were, and how you were burning with need.

Against your lips, you felt him smirk. A warm hand reached for one of your thighs, spreading it apart. He slowly trailed his hand up your thigh, making you shiver. Up your skirt his fingers reached your drenched panties. Hips jolting, you moaned against him. 

He groaned at the feeling, slipping his fingers under the fabric to gather some of your slick. Bringing his fingers to his mouth, he held back a whimper at your taste. The dark gaze in his eyes had you shivering again. 

“You’re soaked. You’ve wanted this, haven’t you?”

Embarrassed, you looked away and nodded. The hand around your throat gave a warning squeeze.

“No, tell me.”

“I’ve wanted this.” You breathed out.

“Prove it.”

Letting go of your throat, Eddie reached for the belt on his pants. Easily sliding it off and dropping it to the floor. Following his hands, your eyes widened at the very prominent bulge in his pants. Licking your lips, you clenched your thighs again.

He unbuttoned his pants, sliding them past his thighs. His boxers followed shortly afterward. His cock sprung out, a bead of precum at the tip. Oh, he was very large. A nice length with a lovely curve that you could already imagine inside you. 

“On your knees.” He commanded, to which you obliged. 

Shakily you slid off of the desk, and onto the hard floor of the office. His cock just inches from your face. Mouth watering, you gazed up at him. He smirked, pressing the tip against your lips. 

“Open.”

Opening your mouth, you let your tongue flop out slightly. Slowly, he slid his length into your awaiting mouth. The wet warmth made him groan. Grabbing a fistful of your hair, he began to fuck into your mouth. Spit bubbled at the corner of your lips. With a thumb, he swiped it up. Watching him suck your spit off of his thumb had you whimpering around his length. Wetness was pooling into your panties as the man used you. 

“Fuck, look at you. You’re loving every second of this, aren’t you?” All you could do was respond with a moan. 

With a pop he pulled out of your mouth. Using the hand on your hair, he tugged you back up. Turning you around, he forced you face down onto the desk. Flipping up your skirt, he groaned. Your panties were soaked through. He slid them off of you, exposing your pussy to the cool air. You whimpered at the feeling, then moaned as Eddie began to tease your sex with his cock. The tip sliding between your drenched lips, catching on your clit. 

“So fucking wet.” He groaned, staring at your pussy.

Slowly, he began to press into you. Both of you moaned at the feeling. Yeah, it had been a while for Eddie. Your tight wet heat had him shivering. His length was hitting all of the right spots within you. 

When he felt you were sufficiently ready, he started to thrust in and out of you. Obscene squelching sounds filled the room. Against the desk your moans were muffled as you were being fucked dumb. That wouldn’t do. Eddie grabbed your hair, pulling your head back. The action making you moan loudly. 

“That’s right.” He groaned in your ear, before leaving a trail of bites and kisses up your throat. 

At this angle, his cock was hitting that one perfect gummy spot within you. Every press inside makes you sputter out moans. A tightness was building up within your core. Pleasure coursing through you as you let the man use your body. 

“Mine.” He nipped at your ear. “Say it.”

“Y-yours, I’m yours!” You cried out.

“Damn right.” His thrusts grew faster.

Dexterous fingers trailed down your front. Hands cupping your breasts before trailing under your skirt. He began circling your clit as he continued to fuck you. Each press of his cock accompanied by sparks of pleasure from his fingers. 

In his arms you were an absolute mess. Mouth hung open as a stream of moans escaped you. Gaze glazed over, just taking everything the man gave you. Your wet heat twitched around him as you felt your orgasm building up to a peak. 

“Fuck, you’re close. Aren’t you, live wire?” The nickname had you whimpering. 

You nodded, letting out a long moan as his cock hit just the right spot within you.

“Why don’t you cum on my cock then, yeah?” His voice was ragged. You could tell he was nearing his end as well. Likely holding off till you finished on him. 

A perfectly placed swirl around your clit along with a thrust had you shattering. Screaming at the pure pleasure coursing through you. Clenching around Eddie had him following you. Stuttering out groans as you felt his cock twitch inside you. Hot ropes of cum filling you with a satisfying warmth. 

Both of you groan at the feeling of your orgasms subsiding. A warm hand cups your chin, turning your head back. His lips meet yours in a messy open-mouthed kiss. Your lips capture the overstimulated moans he lets out. 

While you both catch your breath, you feel his hands trailing over your back and sides. A surprisingly comforting action that has you sighing with content. You don’t see it, but a soft smile makes its way to his lips. 

Eventually, Eddie pulls out of you with a groan. Some of his spend trailing down your thigh. A sight he would memorize for… later purposes. Helping you up, he smooths down your skirt. The look in his eyes is soft now. 

He kisses you slowly, this time it's almost sweet. Like he didn’t just fuck you like a whore two minutes ago. When he pulls away, his eyes trail over your neck. He winces as he sees the bruises he littered over your throat. Guess it was time for turtleneck season, in the middle of summer. 

“Sorry about that.” He gives you an apologetic look.

“It’s alright.” You wave him off a satisfied smile on your face.

“Let’s getcha home, yeah?”

Nodding, you let him escort you back to your place. Both of you buzzing, wondering what comes next. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, you show up to work clad in a stuffy turtleneck. Praying desperately that no one would notice your odd choice of outfit. 

As you prepare for the night, a large presence appears next to you. Looking up, you see Volt looking down on you expectantly. A smirk playing on his lips. 

“Have a good night?” He asked, smirk growing wider.

Your eyes widened. 

“Uh, yeah. I-I guess.”

“You guess?” He let out a dramatic sigh. “Did Eddie leave you dissatisfied?”

His words had you choking on your own spit. Sputtering and blushing, you stared at him in disbelief.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Really?” He reached for the collar of your turtleneck, pulling it down.

Clicking his tongue admonishingly, he gave you a knowing look. Brow raised, waiting for you to say something.

“I hit myself on something.” You covered up the spot on your neck. 

“So be it.” He placed a hand on his hip, enjoying the embarrassed blush that had reached your cheeks. “I’m just disappointed I wasn’t invited to the party is all.” 

Mouth agape, you watched as Volt strode off. Leaving you alone with a new aching between your thighs. 

[lavenderangel111]

Heyyyy

I'm George's sister Valerie

I found loa in 2024 since then it's been a roller coaster. I was obsessed with changing my life but it was so hard to stay motivated. My family was poor and I was bullied for wearing old clothes and shoes. I have been bullied my whole life. My self esteem was shit. Deep down I didn't feel worthy of having a good life. I managed to manifest few things over the years but the thing I wanted the most is to enter void. When my brother started having problems with work I knew that I had to lock in. The breaking point for me was the day my brother called me from jail after he didn't come home which isn't something he would do. After that call I said f it all. I will enter void if it's the last thing I will do. I didn't sleep that night. I spent the whole night rampaging. I fell asleep what the sun rise. I woke up to my mom shouting and crying. My brother had come home looking like he had been to hell and come back. He was limping and had bruises all over his body. He had dried blood on his face and his clothes were torn. I'm crying just remembering. I'm so glad he got his revenge. Anyway, my mother and I helped cleaned his wounds and he went to sleep after taking pain killers. Both of my parents looked 20 years older. When my brother woke up from his nap he said that he would enter void. He said that if he enters he will manifest that we have always been rich and we have never suffered. I told him that I want to remember our old life and that he should manifest that I enter void. We were all so tired and we went to bed early.

The exciting part

I woke up in the middle pf the night to pee. Before I open my eyes I know that something feels different. My bed feels soft as a cloud. I opened my eyes and said oh shit. My room was completely different. I just sat there for 2 minutes crying because I couldn't believe that my brother actually did it. I wanted to run to his room to wake him up but I remembered that I had to pee. I put my feet on the ground and I felt this soft rug. I'm embarrassed to say that I got off the bed and rolled on the rug 🙈. I looked around my room and noticed that I had my own bathroom. I did my business and looked in the mirror but my face was still the same. I was almost disappointed then I remembered that I asked my brother to manifest for me to enter void so I ran to bed and lay on my back. I forced myself to stay still until I started to feel like I'm floating. I said "I am pure consciousness" until I fell asleep. When I woke up everything was black then I said "I have everything I want" then I just stayed there because it was so peaceful. I woke up and my room was different again. This time it was exactly what I wanted. I heard little feet on the floor and a bark. It was a puppy! A golden retriever. She's so cute and as soon as I picked her up she gave me lots of kisses. I stood up to check out the rest of my room and I was really impressed because I didn't have an exact picture of the things I wanted but I believed that everything would be perfect. I have a walk in closet full of so many things like expensive jewellery, shoes, clothes and purses. I also have a full length mirror. My jaw dropped when I saw my face and body. I look Unreal now. My skin is clear, my body is hairless, I have dark waist length hair and Hazel eyes, slim thick body. Everything is even better than I could have possibly imagined. I finished exploring my room and when I stepped outside my room, my brother was about to knock on my door and when he saw me and my puppy he said "Valerie what the hell???" Lol. I noticed that his injuries dissappear so I gave him a tight hug and thanked him a thousand times. I went to take shower and spent an hour in there playing with soaps shampoo and all the different shower settings 😂. I checked my phone and it was a Samsung S25. I saw that I was added to so many groups and I had a bunch of new friends 🧡. I went downstairs to have breakfast prepared by our new private chef with my family. My parents look so happy and carefree. I don't think I have ever seen them like this before. Later on i went to hang out wuth my friends and we took pictures for instagram. I saw that i have 95k follwers. I git home and cried again because i couldn't believe that me the girl who had no friends and was bullied has a perfect life now. I go to a private school and I'm the most popular girl in school. In tbe evening, my brother and i just sat in silence. I turned to him and said "is this what happiness feels like?" He said "Yes, we don't have to worry about anything ever again." I'm sorry for giving unnecessary details but I'm just so excited 😊. I'll end here.

I would like to thank everyone in the community. Your posts, advices and success stories kept me going. Lavender, I want to thank you for being there for my brother through the roughest time of his life. You're an angel 😇. Because of you we are now planning a family vacation and I'm going to have a sweet 16❤️. I love you so much 😘

Congratulations Valerie!!!

You guys have been through so much but everything worked out in the end. Some parts of your story made me cry and other parts made me laugh, I really enjoyed reading it and I love how detailed it was :) I could feel your excitement through the screen 💖

Have fun on your vacation! Love you too ❤️❤️

[cafedragons]

Thoughts on Previous "Final Fusion"

Heads up at a brief sui mention, nothing graphic nor detailed.

Hi, sysblr! I've had a lot of these thoughts for a while. I fully fused in sometime around May-August of 2024.

It fell apart around February-March 2025 after a series of unexpected life events and the unfortunate beginning of post-viral trigeminal neuralgia.

Literally, it peeled apart. Dissociative barriers between parts increased a little bit, and we split three new alters. Overall, we mainly have four: Theo, Sunburst, Relic, and a half-fragment guy who we're trying to elaborate a little more for stability.

Theo is the closest to our "fused whole" self, made up of Max, Mocha, Toby, Virtue, Jukebox, and Cirrus. Sometimes, they function as "multiple", but they're mostly fully integrated.

Sunburst, Relic, and the fragment guy were all new. Sunburst and Relic split as compliments or foils, while the fragment is still just kind of hanging out. There's not severe blackout amnesia like there was before recovery, even between them and Theo. It's mostly greyout and emotional amnesia, and it's not hugely distressing 99% of the time.

The main difference in our system now as opposed to before "final fusion" is that we actually function quite a bit better this way than as one whole. As I mentioned before, I recently developed trigeminal neuralgia. I already had chronic pain that was tough to manage due to a condition since birth, but I'd had that for so long it mostly didn't bother me. TN is a whole different beast. It is the worst pain I have ever experienced, second to nothing, and it incapacitates me entirely when it flares. I cannot move, speak, or eat when it's at its worst. I can only lay down and sob until I eventually am too exhausted to be awake.

We all need breaks to handle it. Without that level of dissociation, I don't think I'd be alive (genuinely, the pain is bad enough that I've made an attempt on my life). No medications I can have are very helpful, and I can't take the ones that might be helpful without aggravating my other conditions and risking a sharp decline in usable vision (of which I have very little), so dissociating into the void is... kind of the best I have. I can handle the pain in short bursts since I'm slowly sort of getting used to it, but I need to tap out every once in a while because it really starts weighing on my mental state. (This doesn't apply when it's in full swing. At that point, consider me dead to the world because even painkillers at the hospital do absolutely nothing. Those points are somewhat uncommon as long as I'm careful not to touch my face too much or get too stressed.)

Finding this point in my life was a fine balancing act. I don't want to suffer from my pre-recovered DID like I did in the past. (Thankfully, I don't! None of my parts are scary to me anymore since... all of us have been all of them and I don't have the awful night terrors or flashbacks I used to deal with.) At the same time, I don't want to be fully fused again. It quite literally hurt too bad to be alive and I doubt I'll seek FF again unless some sort of breakthrough treatment gets inserted directly into my body.

All this to say... final fusion isn't always final, nor is it the best path for everyone. There are a lot of factors to consider. Your recovery is your own, and nobody else's business.

(At the same time, if you start demonizing final fusion in my notes, I will block you and also kick you into orbit. Final fusion is beautiful and valid even if it's not for you.)

[azzifudd10]

Somewhere To Land

Chapter 26: For The Record

Dallas Family Court – 8:46 AM

Azzi sat beside Paige on the hard bench outside the courtroom. Her fingers were woven tightly in Paige’s, her free hand resting on Eli’s stroller handle. He was wide awake, tiny feet kicking in little cloud-print socks.

Katie and Tim sat just down the row, quiet but rock-solid.

Paige leaned over. “You ready?”

Azzi exhaled. “I’ve never been more scared.”

“But also?”

“…also, I’ve never been more sure.”

Paige smiled and kissed the back of her hand. “Then let’s go make it official.”

In the Courtroom

Judge Ramirez, mid-fifties and famously no-nonsense, entered with a purposeful stride.

The Wrights sat on the left side of the room, their lawyer rigid beside them. Azzi sat on the right, Paige close, her parents behind her.

Opening arguments were fast and clinical.

Then the Wrights’ attorney stood and said, “Your Honor, our concern is not only stability but environment. While Ms. Fudd is undeniably caring, her unconventional lifestyle raises valid concerns about the long-term welfare of the child.”

Azzi’s jaw tightened.

Judge Ramirez blinked slowly. “Be specific, counselor.”

The lawyer didn’t hesitate. “Ms. Fudd is unmarried, cohabitating with another woman—who is not biologically or legally connected to the child. She is, by self-admission, in a same-sex relationship. There is no traditional family structure to offer Elijah security.”

A hiss of disbelief escaped Katie behind her.

Azzi stood.

“Objection—Your Honor, I need to respond.”

Ramirez nodded. “I’ll allow it.”

Azzi stepped forward, voice steady but fierce. “I am not cohabitating with Paige. We live in separate units across the hall. But even if we didn’t, that wouldn’t matter. I’m not raising Eli to fit into a ‘traditional mold’ that rejected his birth mother. I’m raising him in a home that’s safe, where he’s loved, and where he knows he will never be shamed for being different.”

Ramirez nodded. “Continue.”

Azzi turned to the courtroom. “Tasha—Eli’s mom—chose me because she didn’t want him raised in the same environment she was. She didn’t want him taught that love was something you had to earn. She knew her parents wouldn’t accept her. And she was right.”

She pulled the printed message from her binder and handed it to the bailiff.

Ramirez read it quietly.

“This is a message from Tasha?” the judge asked.

Azzi nodded. “Yes. It’s in her handwriting. We also have a notarized journal entry and multiple witnesses who can testify she named me guardian.”

The Wrights’ lawyer stood again. “That’s not a legal will.”

“No,” Paige said, rising now, fire in her tone, “but it is a mother’s clear and written intent.”

Ramirez leaned forward. “Ms. Bueckers, you’re not a legal party to this case.”

Paige stepped back slightly. “Understood. I just want the court to know—I've watched Azzi raise Eli with more strength, tenderness, and responsibility than anyone I’ve ever seen. If this court takes him away, you are not putting him somewhere better. You’re ripping him from the only real family he’s ever known.”

A long beat of silence.

Then Judge Ramirez looked to the Wrights.

“Do you have any evidence that Ms. Fudd has neglected, harmed, or endangered Elijah in any way?”

“No, Your Honor,” the lawyer replied stiffly.

“Any indication that the child is not thriving in her care?”

“No.”

Ramirez closed the folder slowly.

“Then let me be clear: this court does not—and will not—penalize a guardian for their sexual orientation, marital status, or nontraditional family dynamic. If this case were truly about the child’s well-being, it would never have come this far. This feels like punishment. Grief weaponized.”

Sharon flinched.

“Elijah Thomas Wright will remain in the full legal custody of Azzi Fudd. Petition denied. This court is adjourned.”

The gavel came down.

Outside the Courtroom

Azzi sank to her knees in the hallway and pulled Eli into her arms, sobbing — this time from relief.

Katie bent down and hugged them both. Tim stood guard behind them like a wall.

Paige knelt too, resting her forehead against Azzi’s shoulder.

“You did it,” she whispered. “You did it.”

Azzi looked up, face wet, and cupped Paige’s cheek.

“No. We did.”

Later That Night – Azzi’s Apartment

Azzi sat on the floor of Eli’s nursery, him nestled against her chest in striped PJs.

“Hey, baby bear,” she whispered. “Mommy won.”

Eli blinked up at her, drowsy and safe.

“They tried to say we weren’t a real family. That I wasn’t enough. But guess what?”

She kissed the top of his head.

“They were wrong.”

A soft knock tapped the open doorframe. Paige leaned in, eyes gentle.

“Mind if I say goodnight?”

Azzi nodded, and Paige crossed the room, kneeling beside them.

She pressed a kiss to Eli’s forehead. “Sleep tight, champ.”

Then she looked at Azzi. “And you?”

Azzi gave a quiet laugh. “I’m exhausted. But I’ve never felt more certain.”

Paige pulled her into a slow, grounding hug.

“Good. Because he’s yours. Always has been.”

Text from Paige to Nai

Paige:

Custody battle’s over. Azzi won. He’s officially staying with his real mom.

Nai:

I knew she would. So… when are y’all getting matching Christmas jammies?

Paige:Mind your business 😒 (Also probably November)

[wren-of-the-flock]

ah, okay, here we go. Sit the fuck down and buckle the fuckle up we’re speedrunning this shit. Smirke’s fourteen + Adelard’s addendum let’s go

The Eye: the fear of being watched, known, seen, something is leaving you to suffer for its amusement. It’s main stronghold is the Magnus institute, and the Archivist, whoever they are

The Web: fear of being manipulated controlled, you’re caught in a trap you can’t see. Also the fear of spiders. Also called the mother of puppets or just the mother by her followers

The Vast: fear of wide open spaces, the expanse of the sky, the deepness of the ocean, the void of space, but also the fear of our own cosmic insignificance. Main avatars are the Fairchilds, and their patriarch Simon Fairchild. Not a blood family though, just a Name

The Buried: opposite of The Vast. Fear of claustrophobia, tight, confined spaces, you don’t have anywhere to go, you’re trapped and you cannot breathe.

The Spiral: Fear of losing your mind, you can’t trust your sense, reality is bending around you. If you see fractals, that’s a telltale sign of The Spiral at work. Same with yellow doors. The doors belong to the distortions, either Michael or Helen depending on the timeline. Easiest way to tell them apart is Michael is blond, Helen is not.

The Stranger: Fear of the unknown and the uncanny valley. Dolls, mannequins, anything vaguely human shaped that isn’t human. Big circus theme, its largest player is the circus of the other.

The Corruption: fear of rot, disease, decay, illness, filth. If it grosses you out, it’s probably Corruption. Weird love theming with this one. Also any bugs that aren’t spiders are Corruption

The Desolation: fear of loss, destruction, losing what you love. Heavy fire motif. Main group is the lightless flame. Nasty lot. Don’t touch them, they’re made of burning wax

The Slaughter: fear of war, of senseless violence. Heavy music motif. It’s avatars are scary, but I am friends with one, so obviously they’re not all terrible

The Hunt: unofficial twin patron with The Slaughter, but an animalistic fear this time. One of the oldest powers, its prey fear, the fear of being, well, hunted. It’s targeted, it’s precise.

The Flesh: the only other purely animalistic fear. The fear of being eaten or consumed. Can also manifest as gender dysmorphia or just general discomfort in your body. Second youngest fear, comes from the first factory farms during the Industrial Revolution

The Dark: the fear of the dark, or what lurks in it. Self explanatory. One of the oldest fears, and its main worshipers are the peoples church of the divine host. They’re fine for what they are, just not the biggest fan of their leader, maxwell Rayner.

The End: the oldest and most powerful fear, the fear of death. It’s simple, it’s powerful, and it will come for us all. Has a motif with games, like playing chess with the reaper to buy you more time, but The End will come for us all.

The Extinction: the youngest fear, the fear of humanity’s extinction, of our effect on the planet. It’s still finding its footing, so different avatars will have wildly different motifs and methods of feeding. I know one girl whose doing stuff with religious motifs, and Eve is well, herself.

and….finally……

The Lonely: it’s the fear of being alone, of isolation, of complete and utter solitude. Its main players are the Lukas’s, a blood family all dedicated to serving it. They call it the Forsaken. You might see Peter Lukas coming in and out of the institute, he and Elias are getting divorced and re-married constantly

Please explain to your dad (David) the difference between not-them and the taxidermy shit.

I mean well saying something isn't someone is accurate it just. They're different kinds of Strangers

not-them is fae shit, the rest steals skins and are clown mannequin

@aussiewhogotvased

[beesonjupiter]

i haven't seen anyone talk about when phil said

"We lubed our-self up with poppy playtime"

our-self?

[pixelatedboombursts]

Both Kamado and Volo suck, the difference is that Volo gets sent to gay baby jail and Kamado to “you remind me too much of my shitty dad for me to actually look at your actions from a justified pov” jail.

[mantisgodsdomain]

Now that we are being followed by people, we need to make some thoughts and opinions clear so that people are not later Shocked And Disgusted or whatever by thoughts we have held for many years. We think it's weird and also bad to treat queer people like they're a different species from cishet people, and we think that treating things like Having A Sexuality makes a character better than if they have a different sexuality is bad no matter what way you put it.

We also think that, if in your setting queer folks are widely accepted and straight isn't a "default", it may be worth noting that, say, a straight woman might need just as much self-discovery to work out she's straight that a lesbian does nowadays. In the same manner that, in Ace Attorney, Larry Butz needs to tell Phoenix that no matter how many photos of handsome men he shows him, he's tried, he's just not attracted to men,

[prythianpages]

I hate being such an over thinker because anytime I write something angsty, I always worry that it sounds better in my head and is not enough angst 😩

[nexus-nebulae]

thinking about when i had such intense phantom limbs as a kid i told my math teacher about it

[wriiothesleys]

i don’t know who needs to hear this, but your mutuals, even your friends, don’t have to exist in the same world as you and your f/o if they also self ship with that character.

there doesn’t need to be competition or feeling like they’ll pick your friend over you. your f/o is yours and they exist in your own space separate from someone else’s. it isn’t wrong or mean either to keep people out of your self ship. if you’re having a hard time because someone “shares” your fave, just remember that person doesn’t even exist in your self ship universe ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

think of your f/o as a copy, and there’s plenty to go around for everyone to enjoy and love in their own unique and comforting way.

[gurorori]

um

[foldingfittedsheets]

When I was getting my associates degree I took a Mythology class that I loved. But one of the girls in class was absolutely off the rails conservative Christian which made things… interesting.

The professor started off the class by being like, “Mythology is stories associated with religion.”

This girl. Haaaated that. She was like, “No, Christianity is true. It’s not mythology.” Mythology was delivered in the same tone as someone trying to spit excrement from their mouth.

The professor raised her eyebrows and said laconically, “Yes, most people believe their religion is the real one, that’s part of it, and the stories surrounding religion are referred to as mythology.”

The girl stewed in a hateful sullen rage. I truly don’t understand why she didn’t drop the class but perhaps it was court mandated education. We all expected her to drop the class but she dug in like a tick and derailed discussions as often as she could.

On a different occasion the professor was drawing a comparison between social constructs like gender. The girl raised her hand. The class hushed to hear her announce, “It’s just a fact that women like domestic work and even though men are awful and stinky we just have to love them anyway. It’s biology, we’re just hardwired like that.”

I was sitting next to my friend a baby gay Jewish girl and our eyes met in mutual hilarity while the professor tried to pretend she hadn’t just been stricken with a stress induced migraine while she steered the class away from that landmine.

The next sticking point was a week later when the professor informed us that many mythologies have overlapping events like floods but these didn’t necessarily happen in such literal terms. It was a metaphorical way to process and understand the world.

This girls hand shot up. I watched the professor exercise extreme self control to keep her expression bland before calling on her.

“The world did flood. And Noah saved all the animals. Before the flood all the water was in a dome outside the earth and then the dome broke and the world flooded. All of it.”

The whole class stared at her as if struggling to comprehend the overlap of her acceptance that the world was round while also firmly believing that there had previously been a barrier that held up all of the earths water before god smashed it in a fit of pique.

She raged under the attention, glaring balefully at our astonished faces.

The professor stared at her blankly, unable to form words to such a bizarre belief. I wanted to ask clarifying questions- what they’d drunk before the dome broke, if there were rivers or lakes prior, or did the dome allow some rain in somehow, but then I really looked at her.

She had the eyes of a feral, cornered animal who regarded any deviation in worldview from her own to be a physical assault on her person. Like the professor, I said nothing, and after a wretchedly long pause class moved on.

[aspectpriority]

I do wonder if we'll ever figure out like, what is a Realistic expectation of ourself. Between the plurality dvd the disability and the neurodivergence, we struggle a lot, and I dunno how much of that is a lack of coping skills etc and how much of it is just that we Literally Don't Work That Way. I wonder how you figure that shit out.