#Business Invitee

[recreation-law]

Case sent back to trial court to determine liability when a rider improperly load's a chairlift at a ski area and eventually falls, incurring no injuries.

Arizona allows lawsuits for mental anguish when there is no physical injury. McCaw v. Ariz. Snowbowl Resort, 84 Arizona Cases Digest 9, 521 P.3d 381 (Ariz. App. 2022) State: Arizona; Court of Appeals of Arizona, Division 1. Plaintiff: Vincent MCCAW; Carly McCaw; Andrew McCaw Defendant: Arizona Snowbowl Resort Plaintiff Claims: Negligence causing emotional distress” and “psychiatric…

[thegreatandpowerfulwas]

rainy day on Mellow and a future resident on a Nook Miles Island 🏡

[rraaaannnn]

Lakers lover

third point of view

You are standing outside the party that your college held on the occasion of the victory of the famous basketball team. The team leader wanted to raise the morale of his team, which was ranked among the best teams at the college level, and celebrate its achievements, and you were one of the party’s invitees.

You were expelled after you quarreled with someone at the party. There was no reason in particular. You were angry and took your anger out on a random person. Now you have to wait for your friends to finish their fun and go out to you, but it seems that they do not go out because they are having the most fun.

''Trouble maker, I was wondering what new trouble you're going to cause to get kicked out of the party.'' The voice of the most popular woman on the basketball team, the voice of the woman who made all the college students fall in love with her, the voice of the woman who won her team championships, the voice of the woman you recently broke up with.

Huh yunjin

Now you are sitting on the sidewalk with Yunjin next to you

''So what was the reason for your quarrel this time?''

''Go talk to your friends, I don't want to talk to you.'' You say while resting your face on your hands and looking at the trees on the other side of the street

''I don't want to talk to them, I want to talk to you'' Now Yunjin rests her face on her hands, but her eyes look at you from the side

“Now you have time for me” You raise your eyebrows while your eyes look at her from the side. Now you are interacting with each other, and this is a habit you acquired from each other.

''You know I always have time for you'' Yunjin says while leaning herself next to you until you feel her shoulder touching yours. She was doing this carefully in case you would reject the touch.

“If you had time for me, I wouldn't have broken up with you in the first place.” Now you return your eyes to the trees

''You insist it's a breakup…''

''Do you think I was joking when I broke up with you?''

''You're the one who said with your mouth that it's not a breakup'' You can tell from Yunjin's tone of voice, that she is now furrowing her brows in confusion

''Yes, I told you it wasn't a breakup because you didn't have time for me anyway, so this wasn't considered a breakup for you.''

''Y/N, come on, you know…I've had a busy schedule ever since I became a basketball player.'' Yunjin says indignantly

''Yes, I'm just making it easier for you.'' You say you are bored of the same conversation that always happens between you

''This is annoying'' Yunjin now stands on her feet and hits the ground, turning back to face you and pointing her finger at you accusingly.

''You're mean!''

''You stupid'' You say while looking at her calmly, ready to respond to the insult she will throw at you

''annoying"

''red flag'' You know that Yunjin isn't like that, but since you broke up with her, you've been calling her that

''you're mine''

Very smooth, she knows how to play with your heart

''And you-Do you think I'll fall for this?''

Yunjin sighs

''So how long will it take?''

''It won't end'' You say as you stand up and look at her boredly

Your exchange of glances is interrupted by a call from Yunjin's phone. One of Yunjin's friends tells her that she has to come because the coach wants to give a thank you speech that will not leave her name out.

''I'll go…'' Yunjin says as she frowns at the thought that she's leaving you here

''It's nothing new,'' you say as your eyes roll and your hands fold

Yunjin looks at you while she wants to fix things between you, but she feels helpless, then an idea comes to her head.

She approaches and with a smirk she imitates you and fold her hands but lowers her head slightly to keep up with your height.

''I can let you enter the party again.'' Yunjin looks at you with a wide smile now.

You cross your arms and move closer to her ''really how?''

''Just stay close to me…'' Don't even take a few seconds to admire her confidently smiling lips. Her hand holds yours tightly and walks away while you walk behind her without separating your hands.

And you actually enter the party again without anyone stopping you, because no one can stop Yunjin, especially if this matter concerns you.

Yunjin in the middle of a coach's speech. After you entered the party safely and made sure that no one would kick you out, you try to go drinking with your friends, but Yunjin's hand does not let go of you, but grows stronger without hurting your hand.

''One of the rules of staying at a party is not to let go of my hand.'' She approaches your ear without looking into your eyes, just to make you hear her.

There is no escape, you continue the party with your hand in Yunjin's hand and her other hand holding her drink

You try to take a drink from the bartender so you move away a little, and Yunjin feels you drift away from her hand so she takes you back until she feels your shoulders and hers pressing against each other hard, you turn your face to hers to see her drinking as she winks at you.

She continues her conversation with one of her team members as if she had done nothing to you. You feel as if Yunjin is the ruler of the butterflies in your stomach. She can move them as she wants wherever she wants, but you remember that you broke up with her to give her a lesson, since she became a basketball player and she was busy. While you were the person who was frustrated if you went to the bathroom for a minute, she also gained popularity among people and became everyone's crush, while you were known to be the most jealous person.

''I want some drinks,'' you says out loud while you can feel her laughing out loud and then drinking

She can't finish her drink because a hand snatches it from her hand. She smiles at you as you finish her drink completely. Your lack of balance and preoccupation with finishing her drink makes Yunjin use the opportunity to get closer to her until she feels your stomach touching her abs.

''Do you like it?'' She smiles her playful smile

''What kind of drink tastes good?'' you ask her while pretending that you don't care how close she is

''Soju with Redbull, a squeeze of lemon, leftover of my lipstick, that's why it's sweet.'' You can't stop your face from smiling.

Her words, her actions, the way she don't give up on you, the way she will say the smoothest things

''I see you haven't lost your rizz skills, have you been practicing them on others?'' you said while narrowing your eyes at her.

''I can't think of saying it to anyone but you.'' The looks and tension are indescribable

You move away from her, you can see her eyes following you, but her hand does not leave your hand no matter what happens. You approach her again, loud music, but you are close to each other, even your ears are close.

''Do you want to know why you got into a fight and got kicked out?'' you say as you take another drink, looking at Yunjin and she nods as her eyes look at every part of your face.

''She said she wants to go out with you…and that she can seduce you.''

''Troublemaker, if you're jealous , why don't you stay with me?'' She smiles at every word she says

''Do you want me to prove them wrong, and that you belong to me?''

''Please be a scientist and prove your theory. I like it when you prove things,Yn'' Yunjin looks at your lips as if she knows what you're going to do.

A few seconds and the tension disappears, and your lips mix together. The taste of previous drinks appears in your kiss. Longing, jealousy, love, heat, add to the kiss.

Yunjin pulls you closer from your waist, you're a little drunk, but the kiss makes you more drunk.

You move away first, Yunjin pressing your foreheads against each other

“I hope you keep proving people wrong,” Yunjin says, panting a little

You feel a little dizzy from the drinks you drank, and kissing Yunjin also has a special effect ''I want to get out of this place''

You go out together, Yunjin still holding your hand, as you walk quietly by the trees, the night breeze soothing the air.

''Yn…'' Yunjin says stroking her hand, humming softly to her

''I got you a ticket to watch the Lakers game.'' She's looking at you softly now

''Is this really what you're saying to me after what happened a little while ago and the kiss we shared?'' you say after she stops.

''I'm sorry-I was suggesting this as a date to spend more time with you. I didn't mean to upset you. I know how you really hate me being busy, but I really want to attend the match…with you.'' Suddenly the loser Yunjin came back again.

''Yunjin, of course I'll go to the game with you, I know how important this is to you, even if you're right about being busy with me, you're a Lakers lover.''

Yunjin's face lights up. 'Does this mean we're good? I can kiss you whenever I want and call you Babe?'

You smiles while pinching her cheeks, “You are such a cutie, I will definitely come back to you.”

Yunjin hugs her tightly

''Oh how I miss you!'' Yunjin says over your shoulder

''Just so you know, I still don't like everyone crushing on you.''

''Don't worry, I'm your lover''

[king-of-the-birds]

PAUL'S BALL

a launch party for wings

He produced a handwritten invitation, leaving space to write in the invitee's name, as well as a number, which would be used for a raffle drawing toward the end of the evening. (The prize was a magnum of champagne; the disc jockey Jeff Dexter was the winner.) (..) The recommended dress was "glam."(..)

Some 800 musicians, reporters, friends of the band and music business honchos were invited.(..)

As always at such events, there was ample carping, which a reporter for Rolling Stone duly cataloged. After describing the Empire Ballroom as decidedly unhip, a leftover from the days when the Joe Loss Orchestra would play foxtrots, and young ladies shopped for husbands among the dancers, the writer noted that while the wine and cheese were free, everything at the bar was for sale.

(…)

Eyebrows were raised when, instead of a Wings performance, partygoers were treated to fox-trots, waltzes, quicksteps, and congas, played by McVay's band-along with what McVay remembered as arrangements of sixties and seventies hits, including a Beatles medley and some Beach Boys tunes. They were raised higher still when the heavily sequined and coiffed Frank and Peggy Spence Latin and Ballroom Formation Dancing Teams filed onto the floor to demonstrate their artistry.

"I'm beginning to think that Paul actually digs all this" one guest quipped to the Rolling Stone reporter, "that he actually likes dance bands, ballrooms, and buffet food. That's incredibly camp, you know, incredibly camp. Have you seen his suit? It's like a clown's costume, the jacket is about five sizes too big, and it's not even been finished."

(from the McCartney Legacy Vol. 1)

Paul: A press launch is always a good excuse to have a night out, so we invited friends and journalists, played the album, danced and had a few funny people come on to entertain. I wore an outrageous big check suit that I thought would be good. When I went to collect it from the tailor that morning he told me that it wasn’t finished. I said, ‘Maybe not, but it’s a look!’ So I went to the party with the cotton and the stitching showing, and everyone said, ‘Your suit’s not finished.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I know. Great, huh?’

(from Wingspan, 2002)

Some of the guests that attended were Jimmy Page, Elton John, Sandy Denny, Mary Hopkin, members of the Who, the Faces, Deep Purple, Ginger Baker, Henry McCullough, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Graham Bond, Sandie Shaw, the Greek synthesizer wizard Vangelis, the actors Malcolm McDowell, and Terence Stamp, some of the Monty Python troupe, Sir Joseph Lockwood, the head of EMI, Allan Clarke, of the Hollies, and (Benny) Gallagher and (Graham) Lyle.

After the party a fan encountered Paul:

He went skipping (yes it is true) down the road with Linda and just as he turned the corner to a side street, I took courage and called him back. He stopped and said “yeah” so I ran to catch him up and breathlessly asked him for his autograph. The funny part is my pen was at the bottom of this large bag of mine! He stood patiently watching me with arms folded as I rummaged elbow deep. I asked him if he had a pen as I just couldn’t find mine; he said no (which isn’t surprising as he had this crazy suit on that had no pockets).

(Kathy Turner – From Meet the Beatles for Real: Wings Party)

[somedaylazysomeday]

Good Intentions Part Nineteen

Another event, another fancy outfit, and a surprise.

Silco x fem!reader

Rating: Explicit. Minors, please do not interact.

Word Count: 4,800

Warnings: Ongoing references to sex as a form of payment, references to poverty, mentions of pollution and addiction, mentions of alcohol, fingering, unprotected sex, intercrural sex

Previous | Next | Masterlist

---

There were many parts about running a charitable outreach that surprised you. From the sheer amount of paperwork to the fact that too many donations could be a bad thing, this life was full of unexpected twists. 

The twist that occupied your mind the most at the current moment was how you were expected to have outfits for formal occasions. A lot of your life was spent doing dirty work or cleaning up messes - literal and figurative. That didn’t translate well to high heels and tailored outfits. 

But special occasions required appropriate outfits, and the grand opening of Jazper’s apartment complex was a very special occasion indeed.

The complex - one Jazper had named Stonesea - was beautiful. You had toured the apartments and found them spacious and well-designed. There were rooms for meetings and community gatherings both inside the building and out, on screened-in balconies overlooking the Lanes. 

The massive structure was built in a square, surrounding a protected courtyard. Jazper had explained that he brought in a botanist from Piltover to design the courtyard's gardens. They had worked together to curate a selection of plants that purified the air and dirt without requiring a lot of sunlight. 

The majority of the day’s celebration was to take place in that courtyard. At the moment, the crowd was standing outside of Stonesea, waiting for Jazper to cut the ribbon bound across the front entrance. But when everyone did enter, the courtyard was stocked and staffed, ready to serve a light lunch to all invitees and new residents. 

At first, you had been wary, concerned that the people there would close themselves away and become a shut-in society, frightened of the Undercity outside. But Jazper had considered that as well. One day a week, on a rotating day, local shop owners would be invited into the courtyard for a small specialty market. Or on days when the air was clean, they could hold the market on the street outside. 

Not every apartment had been filled, but the building was rapidly working toward full occupancy. Many of the residents were people who had either been through the Haven or knew people who had been. All of them were aware that there was a zero-tolerance policy toward Shimmer possession or use inside Stonesea. 

You and Jazper both knew that the Shimmer ban was unlikely to be enforced. There wasn’t much he could do about a resident using Shimmer, not unless they damaged the property or harmed another resident. But it was the appearance of the ban that was the most important. 

A year ago, openly refusing to allow anyone to use Shimmer on the property would be seen as an act of outright aggression against Silco. Stonesea would have been avoided by anyone with half a brain, fearing the repercussions that the chem baron would bring down on Jazper and his business. 

The Undercity was changing, though. You had to admit that Silco had played the game masterfully. Most of the work had been done by you and others like you, but he was seen as indulging the small neighborhood around the Haven, and even people who worked for him thought Silco only let you continue your work because the futility of it amused him. 

In any case, residents seemed to take their promise to avoid Shimmer seriously. And that, more than anything, gave you hope. If enough people made a pact to keep Stonesea Shimmer-free, it would reduce the chances of anyone bringing the drug in. If there were enough people who decided to keep Shimmer use out of the neighborhood, maybe it could stand even without Silco’s manipulation of the drug market. 

Not that you had any plans of ending your deal. No, Silco had dropped several hints that your deal would not be broken without bloodshed and death. That probably should have bothered you more, but all you could really think about was that you had an excuse to keep being around him. 

And that bothered you. 

You let yourself be distracted from your snarled thoughts by a technician walking across the front of Stonesea and testing the microphone that had been set up there. Electronics tended to suffer in the Undercity’s atmosphere, but it seemed to be working when he beckoned across the space. 

Jazper half-jogged over to the microphone and was met with a smattering of applause. You cheered as loud as you could, and were rewarded with a beaming smile from him. “Hello, everyone! Thanks for coming to the grand opening of Stonesea. I’ve had the pleasure of opening several buildings, but this is the first one I’ve made in– in this area.” 

You grimaced at the slip - Piltover architects, like anything else from Piltover - weren’t especially welcomed in the Undercity. But no one seemed to take offense, letting Jazper continue his speech. 

“I hope to bring comforts and useful amenities to the people who choose to make Stonesea their home,” Jazper continued. “And I hope to be as helpful to the neighborhood as you all have been to me. I will proudly say that this is the most excited I’ve been about an apartment complex since my first one. I can’t wait to show you all what we’ve been working on.” 

Jazper accepted an oversized pair of scissors from the same technician who had set up the microphone. “Welcome to Stonesea.” 

He sliced through the ribbon in a decisive snip, gesturing people inside before the halves had fluttered to a rest against the sides of the entranceway. The technician scarcely managed to snatch the microphone and stand out of the way before people began to pour into the building. 

You let the rest of the crowd go first. You had seen Stonesea in various stages of being built and finished, so it only seemed right to let other people see it before you did. When you trailed in at the back of the group, you couldn’t help but smile. The courtyard looked stunning, of course. It always did. The air felt fresher, though you were mostly certain that was a trick of the mind. 

No, you couldn’t help melting a bit at the reaction of the Undercity residents. The crowd had been made up of local business owners and a few of Jazper’s associates, but it also held a considerable number of ordinary people. Some of them were the future Stonesea residents, but others had heard the promise of a free lunch or were simply curious. They stared around in open-mouthed awe, more than one stroking the leaves of the foliage with something approaching reverence. 

Jazper told you that Stonesea was designed at roughly the same level of decoration as his Piltover apartment complexes were, just with different materials to lower cost and protect against the dangerous air of the Lanes. But as far as the residents were concerned, it could be the finest place they had ever been, on par with a Piltover mansion. 

It reminded you what you were working toward, and you were filled with a quiet contentment as you wandered around talking to people. 

When Jazper tapped you on the shoulder, you turned around and immediately offered your beaming congratulations. “It’s perfect, Jazper! I’ve already heard half a dozen people talk about applying to live here. With the amenities and the rent cap, you’ve built the perfect place for the Lanes.” 

“Thank you, thank you,” Jazper said, offering a playful half-bow. “But maybe you should save some of those congratulations for yourself. Or at least for both of us.” 

“I’m… sorry?” you asked, at a loss for what that could mean. 

“If you’ll follow me to the Innovation meeting room?” Jazper requested, holding out an arm as he indicated for you to lead the way. 

Fortunately, you knew Stonesea’s layout well enough to do exactly that. You arrived at the meeting room in record time - your eagerness to know what Jazper had meant made you walk even faster than usual. 

When you were in the room with the door closed behind you, Jazper turned to you with boyish excitement. “Do you know where you’re standing right now?” 

You tilted your head slightly. “The Innovation meeting room.” 

“No! Well, yes, but the important thing is what will be happening here in only a month.” Jazper’s eyes sparkled as you leaned in as if to encourage him. “In one month, Stonesea will host the very first meeting of the Undercity Innovation Committee, right here in the Innovation room.” 

“The Undercity Innovation Committee?” you repeated slowly, trying to guess at the purpose behind the too-pleasant name. “What is that?” 

“That is a group of like-minded business owners who are finally becoming aware of the untapped market of the Undercity,” Jazper told you. “Limited to those who have businesses or organizations in the Undercity and operate them with an eye toward improving the lives of Undercity citizens.” 

“Those will be small meetings,” you said with a smirk. It disappeared when Jazper’s grin widened. “Unless-?” 

“Yes!” Jazper was positively beaming. “After seeing how fast Stonesea filled and the tax breaks the city gave us for building here, I have a few colleagues who have bought buildings in the Lanes. They’re all set to break ground on new businesses within the next month.” 

Your jaw was starting to ache with the breadth of your smile. “That’s- Jazper, that’s incredible! What kind of businesses?” 

“They span a few different industries,” he explained. “One will be a grocer, hiring people for shipping, transport, and store staffing. There will be another apartment complex mirroring Stonesea’s business model, which will offer housing and train staff. A mechanic’s shop, looking to train a group of apprentices on repairing most common appliances and sending them to fix things across both cities-” 

You laughed loudly enough to interrupt Jazper, but he didn’t seem to mind. “That will be… I can’t even begin to think about how many lives that will change. Jazper! I don’t want to get too eager, but it’s starting to feel like we can really do this! We can change the Undercity!” 

“I know,” he said, resting a hand on your shoulder. “I’m trying not to get excited too soon, but it finally seems like we’re getting somewhere. It’s exciting! And, of course, everyone wants for you to be part of the Undercity Innovation Committee.” 

“Me?” you asked, trying to blink away the tears that rose. “The Haven isn’t a business, not really…” 

“But it’s what started all of this,” Jazper countered. “Having proof that there were some Undercity citizens not addicted to Shimmer was what gave me the confidence to start working on Stonesea. If anyone deserves a place on the committee, it’s you.” 

You nodded shakily, not trusting your voice enough to say anything aloud. Jazper seemed to understand, offering a sympathetic smile and nodding toward the door. “Come on, let's go enjoy the party.” 

And you did, eating and chatting and basking in the growing feeling of community until you had to leave. Unfortunately, your next meeting with Silco had fallen on that day. 

If you were being honest, that made you slightly nervous. If you and Jazper could sense the tide turning against a Shimmer-obsessed society, surely Silco could, too. He had told you openly that his funding came from sources other than Shimmer sales, but you suspected that he couldn't be happy about the changes. 

Still, he would be even less happy if you missed your appointment, so you made your way to The Last Drop in the early afternoon. The building was as empty as you had expected it to be, and you went directly upstairs to Silco's office. 

“Hello, pet,” was the greeting you received. Other than the nickname, it was as mildly pleasant as you would have expected with any business associate, and it put you more at ease.

“Hello,” you greeted in return. After a moment observing his desk, you asked, “Paperwork?” 

Silco glanced from you to the haphazard scatter of papers across his desk. A wry look crossed his face. “Indeed. It is never ending, as you well know.” 

You nodded in commiseration, though you were seized by a sense of strangeness. You and Silco did many things together, but exchanging pleasantries was not among them. 

“Fortunately, I have far more pleasant activities with which to distract myself,” Silco said, replacing his pen in its holder. “You're looking well, my little philanthropist. Special occasion?” 

You had changed out of your celebration outfit, but he could apparently still see the care you had taken with your appearance that morning. You lifted one shoulder in a shrug you hoped came off as carefree. “Just trying something different.” 

He gave an enigmatic hum at that, but didn't reply. Instead, he swiveled in his chair, looking up at the window behind his desk. “Join me.” 

It was a request rather than an order, and that enticed you to comply from sheer curiosity. When you got to the window, standing beside his chair, you didn’t see anything you hadn’t expected to. The street outside held a few people, but not many. The neon signs across the way were unlit, and the gray stone of the Undercity stretched away in every direction. 

But the look on Silco’s face was almost blissful, so you looked again. 

The people on the street weren’t rushing nervously, they were greeting each other and falling into occasional conversations. The signs were dark because the sky was lighter than it typically was, murky sunlight illuminating the Lanes. From The Last Drop, you could see a lot of the surrounding neighborhood and were struck by the idea of Silco’s watchful eye keeping guard on his people. 

“It’s wonderful,” you admitted, surprised that you honestly thought it was. 

“It is,” Silco agreed. “I wish everyone could see Zaun as I do. As we do. I well remember our conversation about it being unfinished. We have far to travel if we are to build the Zaun our people deserve, but I believe it is important to appreciate the wonderful moments.”

“Our people?” you repeated before you could fight the question back. 

Silco gave you a sidelong look, seeming more than a little amused by your question. “Yes, our people. Do you think I have missed the work you have done for Zaun?” 

Guilt twisted in your stomach. “I don’t-”

“And I am hardly the only one to see it,” Silco interrupted. “Is that not why Jazper invited you to the grand opening of his venture?” 

“Stonesea is close to the Haven,” you pointed out. “It would be awkward if he didn’t invite me.” 

“Perhaps,” he agreed, shifting his weight. That tiny motion closed the gap between you, pressing his arm against yours. “But he shared the news of Zaun’s upcoming growth with you. Surely that implies more than a professional courtesy.” 

You turned to him, eyebrows flying upward. “You know?” 

Silco smiled. “Of course. I know every important development in Zaun, and especially those that impact this neighborhood. Did you think I would overlook it?” 

“I- You never-” You took a quick breath the reset your snarled thoughts. “I was unaware you were so well-informed.”

He chuckled. “Then your subtlety was an attempt to hide the new businesses coming to the Lanes? My dear, you are vastly entertaining when you underestimate me.” 

You rolled your eyes. “Yet I consistently underestimate your ego.” 

“Mmm, foolish,” Silco agreed, leaning over to nose along the line of your jaw. It made you shiver, but he only pressed closer. “An ego fit for a king. You would do well to keep up.” 

Your mouth opened and you started to ask how he meant it - was Silco telling you to remember that his ego was a force to be reckoned with, or did he want you to grow a similar ego? - but his lips pressed to the side of your neck, followed by the sharp sting of his teeth. With your mouth already open, you had no hope of containing the gasp that escaped you. 

Silco’s mouth stayed on your neck even as he began to nudge you, guiding you steadily toward the window. You went willingly enough, letting his pose you with your hands braced against the window - one on the frame and the other on the window itself. When he had you where he wanted you, he turned his attention to other things, stripping you of your clothing with quick, efficient movements. 

“Look at it, pet,” Silco purred in your ear. He pressed himself to your back, and you could feel every bit of him against your bare curves. His hands slipped around you, one cradling your breast while the other worked steadily down your stomach and toward your mound. “Look at Zaun. We have far to go, but look what we have built so far.” 

“I’m not sure-” 

That was as far as you got before Silco’s fingers delved between your legs, parting your folds and stroking between them with steady, inexorable motions. You gaped at the window, staring blankly at the street beyond the glass panes as your world narrowed to one of feelings rather than sight. 

“No matter,” Silco continued. “I am certain enough for the both of us.” 

You had lost the thread of the conversation, but you didn’t mind - especially when one of Silco’s long fingers steadily worked its way inside of you. His thumb strummed at your clit, his other hand playing between your breasts as you tried to guess at where the sensations would stem from next. It was difficult, which kept you poised on the edge of uncertainty. All you could do was feel. 

There was no way to track the passing time, but you were grinding against Silco’s hand by the time he finally drew away from you. If he had told you that you were dripping onto the floor, you wouldn’t have been surprised. 

You whined as his hands disappeared from you entirely. Silco tutted behind you. “Patience, lovely, patience. Take in the wonders of Zaun from your vantage point while you wait. I will not be long.”

The glass panes of the window were fogged, outlining the shape of your palm and spread fingers. “Silco, please. Whatever you’re doing, hurry.” 

“‘Whatever I am doing’,” Silco repeated, tone full of teasing that you were too keyed-up to appreciate. “With minor effort, I am certain you could work out what I am doing.”

It was true - you could hear the rustle of clothing and myriad other sounds of a person getting undressed. “I was commenting on how long it’s taking. Even you don’t have that many buttons on your clothes.” 

Silco chuckled. “Untrue. I have articles of clothing with more fastenings than you could imagine. I simply did not realize that ease of access would be such a vital part of choosing my outfit for the day.” 

“Never-” You had to stop and swallow before your tongue would cooperate enough to form words. “Never thought I would be able to accuse you of not planning ahead.”

Silco hummed at that. “You must rob me of my ability to think clearly.” 

You would have rolled your eyes at the overly complimentary nature of that comment, but Silco plastered himself against your back. His pelvis pressed flush against your ass. You could feel his length pressing against you, perfectly aligned with you.

Whatever he said, it was obvious that Silco was the one who kept you from thinking clearly, not the other way around. 

You canted your hips and pressed yourself backward toward him. With the angle you had chosen, he could feel every drop that his earlier ministrations had wreaked on you. 

Silco's jaw clenched - you could hear his teeth clicking together beside your ear. You grinned as you amended your earlier opinion - maybe you and Silco wrecked each other's concentration. That made you feel better, even if it seemed bad for the safety of the Undercity. 

“Are you ready, pet?” Silco asked, his voice filled with more grit than you could remember hearing it hold. 

You laughed, glancing back over your shoulder to find him looking almost irritated. “Are you serious? Can you not feel the answer?” 

“My good manners are wasted on you,” Silco lamented. 

Your mouth was opening around a sarcastic reply when Silco pulled his hips back the slightest bit. The small movement notched the head of him at your entrance, and he thrust forward in the next second. He rammed into you at top speed, not giving you any chance of adjusting to the intrusion. 

With your lips already parted, you had no chance of holding back the desperate sound that he pushed out of you. It bounced off the window, echoing back loud and strangely flat. You could clearly hear Silco’s chuckle, likely because he was standing with the sharp point of his chin hooked over your shoulder. 

“Good girl, letting me hear you so clearly,” he commented. “I think we can keep it going, hmm?” 

The instant his hands closed around your hips, Silco was pushing further into you. Your stance widened, both to keep your balance and to give him better access to you. It would have been easier to lean forward into the window - that would have left him plenty of space. But with the way his grip was biting into your skin, you had a feeling he wasn’t going to let you go that far. 

A cruel little punch of his hips made him bottom out inside of you, and you felt the length of him buried in your heat so deeply that you would almost swear he was a part of you. 

You gasped, pulling one hand away from the window grame. Your intention had been to place it against your lower belly, to see if you could feel him from outside of your body. Before you could pull away from the frame, Silco’s hand lashed out, grabbing yours and pressing it back where it had been.

“Stay still,” he ordered, voice like velvet. “You are utter perfection here, like this.” 

You nodded, but he didn’t move his hand. Instead, it stayed covering yours as he began to move. That first time he withdrew from the depths of you sent shivers over your entire body, and your eyes fluttered shut with the feeling. 

“I know, pet - it is overwhelming.” Silco kissed the side of your neck, the quick flash of his tongue against your skin making you suck in a breath. “Yet I cannot help but admire the view.” 

You managed to open your eyes just enough to see the window in front of you beyond the reflections of Silco’s office. It was an enthralling view…. But you also realized that the gray light falling through the glass panes illuminated your body, gilding it enough to be visible from Silco’s perspective. 

Even as you watched, Silco moved his hand from your hip, stroking it downward from between your breasts to the apex of your thighs. He parted you deftly as you watched breathlessly in the reflection of the scene. He found your clit with ease, giving it a leisurely stroke as your head tipped back to rest on his shoulder.

When those fingers left you, they simply drifted backward to tease along your folds. The stimulation there was nice, but the pleasure was muted and tickling. It was only when you shifted your weight unhappily that you realized Silco was teasing the base of his own cock. 

The selfishness of that should have irritated you - or at least exasperated you - but you found it intensely compelling instead. To be used for his pleasure was a humbling thing, but you found that your walls gripped him a little tighter. 

Silco hissed at the contraction of your body around him. “Are you close, dearest?” 

You thought about that for a moment. You were, in fact, so you nodded, leaving the rest of the explanation to fade into the recesses of your pleasure-soaked brain. 

“Good.” Silco’s voice was slightly unsteady, and you didn’t think it was due only to the harsh desperation of his thrusting. “Let’s get you over the edge.” 

His fingertips teased back up, traveling over folds and tracing the lips of you until he found that utterly devastating cluster of nerves. Rather than continue his teasing, Silco stroked your clit mercilessly. You were left gasping and twisting in his arms, sobbing out your pleasure before you even knew that your orgasm was getting closer. 

Silco continued to push in and out of you, his fingers toying with your clit until you were standing slack in his arms. When he did release you, it was only to alter your stance until your feet were closer together. A few strokes in your sensitive channel, then he withdrew with a sharp groan. 

It took a moment to process what he was doing, but you eventually caught on - Silco was pressing his throbbing length in the scant gap he had created between your thighs. 

He fucked into that tight space furiously, tipping you forward with it. Your hands against the window and his arm looped around your waist were the only things keeping you standing when he grunted, thrusting forward with all of his strength. 

Hot cum dripped down your inner thighs a moment later, and you could only be grateful that Silco had removed your pants entirely instead of leaving them to shackle your ankles. 

You slumped against the window, uncaring at the moment that you were naked as you stood watching the not-empty street. You had long since noticed that everyone was too scared of Silco to stare up at his window, so there was a reasonable chance for privacy. In any case, there were good odds that you wouldn’t make it anywhere else in the office. Even the thick slide of Silco’s softening cock out from between your thighs left your knees trembling. 

“Give me a moment to catch my breath and I’ll help you clean up.” 

The offer made you feel a little better - at least you weren’t the only one who had been affected by your session. 

By the time your heart rate and breathing had slowed to a normal pace, a soft handkerchief was smoothing wetness from the insides of your thighs. You were still facing away from Silco, which was the only reason you managed to force the question from your lips: 

“How much of that did you mean?” 

Silco didn’t ask you to elaborate. Instead, the silence turned thoughtful as he wiped the last traces of himself from your skin. “I’ve never considered myself royalty. A leader of Zaun, perhaps, but nothing so authoritarian as a king.” 

“Glad to hear it.” You glanced around, quickly locating your clothes in a neat little stack. 

With a chuckle, Silco asked, “And what does that mean, pet? You think I would be a poor king?” 

“I don’t think Zaun needs a king.” You stopped short, startled at how natural that had felt to say. When had you started thinking of the Undercity as ‘Zaun’? Or was that true at all? It could have been a slip after hearing Silco say it so often. More importantly, when did you start thinking about what would be best for a potential country that didn’t yet exist - that might never exist?

Silco hummed understandingly. “And that is why I believe you could also be another leader for Zaun. You have shown a remarkable understanding for what she needs.” 

“I don’t agree with that,” you told him, dressing yourself with motions that felt stiff and unnatural. 

“Perhaps not,” he conceded, “but that doesn’t mean it is untrue. You care for Zaun - it is evident in how you care for her people at their most desperate. In our first session, you argued with a dangerous man to help a random addict living on the street. If I am not mistaken, you offered him your own lunch.” 

“Maybe I just knew I didn’t like you.” You tossed the insult out with bated breath, but Silco only smirked. 

“You had not yet seen me. You simply could not bear the idea of leaving someone homeless and helpless, at the mercy of the streets.” His smirk softened into something that was almost a smile. “Do not be offended, pet. It was a sign of your dedication to the people of Zaun, proven later when you made a deal with me on their behalf.” 

It wasn’t quite an accurate portrayal of events, but you didn’t want to argue with him. Not when he was implying that your meeting and eventual deal had been on purpose. Besides, you were fully dressed and had other places to be. 

Well, you didn’t, but you would find or invent them. 

“Speaking of our deal,” you redirected, “I’ll see you in two weeks.” 

“Of course, pet,” Silco agreed, inclining his head. “As always, I look forward to it.”

---

Author's Note - And we're back! Thank you all for your patience during my Fanfic February hiatus.

Good news: I reread this story from the beginning and was able to plot out the rest of it. I know myself well enough not to reveal my estimate of how many chapters are left because then I'll write dramatically too much and mess up my count. Suffice it to say that we still have plenty of story left, but I hope to post a chapter a month until it's over. No more hiatuses.

As always, I would adore your feedback. Thank you for reading and I'll see you next month!

[bfpnola]

definitely a longer piece so these excerpts are far from showcasing everything this piece has to offer! read the whole thing on your own time, and in general, just check out jewish currents, an educational, leftist, anti-zionist jewish magazine!

Every August, the township of Edison, New Jersey—where one in five residents is of Indian origin—holds a parade to celebrate India’s Independence Day. In 2022, a long line of floats rolled through the streets, decked out in images of Hindu deities and colorful advertisements for local businesses. People cheered from the sidelines or joined the cavalcade, dancing to pulsing Bollywood music. In the middle of the procession came another kind of vehicle: A wheel loader, which looks like a small bulldozer, rumbled along the route bearing an image of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aloft in its bucket. For South Asian Muslims, the meaning of the addition was hard to miss. A few months earlier, during the month of Ramadan, Indian government officials had sent bulldozers into Delhi’s Muslim neighborhoods, where they damaged a mosque and leveled homes and storefronts. The Washington Post called the bulldozer “a polarizing symbol of state power under Narendra Modi,” whose ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is increasingly enacting a program of Hindu supremacy and Muslim subjugation. In the weeks after the parade, one Muslim resident of Edison, who is of Indian origin, told The New York Times that he understood the bulldozer much as Jews would a swastika or Black Americans would a Klansman’s hood. Its inclusion underscored the parade’s other nods to the ideology known as Hindutva, which seeks to transform India into an ethnonationalist Hindu state. The event’s grand marshal was the BJP’s national spokesperson, Sambit Patra, who flew in from India. Other invitees were affiliated with the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), the international arm of the Hindu nationalist paramilitary force Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of which Modi is a longtime member.

...

On December 6th, 1992, a mob of 150,000 Hindus, many of whom were affiliated with the paramilitary group the RSS, gathered at the Babri Masjid, a centuries-old mosque that is one of the most contested sacred sites in the world. Over the preceding century, far-right Hindus had claimed that the mosque, located in the North Indian city of Ayodhya, was built not only upon the site where the Hindu deity Ram was born but atop the foundations of a demolished Hindu temple. The RSS and its affiliates had been campaigning to, in the words of a BJP minister, correct the “historical mistake” of the mosque’s existence, a task the mob completed that December afternoon. “They climbed on top of the domes and tombs,” one witness told NPR. “They were carrying hammers and these three-pronged spears from Hindu scripture. They started hacking at the mosque. By night, it was destroyed.” The demolition sparked riots that lasted months and killed an estimated 2,000 people across the country.

The destruction of the Babri Masjid was arguably Hindu nationalism’s greatest triumph to date. Since its establishment in 1925, the RSS—whose founders sought what one of them called a “military regeneration of the Hindus,” inspired by Mussolini’s Black Shirts and Nazi “race pride”—had been a marginal presence in India: Its members held no elected office, and it was temporarily designated a terrorist organization after one of its affiliates shot and killed Mohandas Gandhi in 1948. But the leveling of the Babri Masjid activated a virulently ethnonationalist base and paved the way for three decades of Hindutva ascendance. In 1998, the BJP formed a government for the first time; in 2014, it returned to power, winning a staggering 282 out of 543 seats in parliament and propelling Modi into India’s highest office. Since then, journalist Samanth Subramanian notes, all of the country’s governmental and civil society institutions “have been pressured to fall in line” with a Hindutva agenda—a phenomenon on full display in 2019, when the Supreme Court of India awarded the land where the Babri Masjid once stood to a government run by the very Hindu nationalists who illegally destroyed it. (Modi has since laid a foundation stone for a new Ram temple in Ayodhya, an event that a prominent RSS activist celebrated with a billboard in Times Square.) The Ayodhya verdict came in the same year that Modi stripped constitutional protections from residents of the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir and passed a law that creates a fast track to citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants, laying the groundwork for a religious test for Indian nationality. Under Modi, “the Hinduization of India is almost complete,” as journalist Yasmeen Serhan has written in The Atlantic.

To achieve its goals, the RSS has worked via a dense network of organizations that call themselves the “Sangh Parivar” (“joint family”) of Hindu nationalism. The BJP, which holds more seats in the Indian parliament than every other party combined, is the Sangh’s electoral face. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is the movement’s cultural wing, responsible for “Hinduizing” Indian society at the grassroots level. The Bajrang Dal is the project’s militant arm, which enforces Hindu supremacy through violence. Dozens of other organizations contribute money and platforms to the Sangh. The sheer number of groups affords the Sangh what human rights activist Pranay Somayajula has referred to as a “tactical politics of plausible deniability,” in which the many degrees of separation between the governing elements and their vigilante partners shields the former from backlash. This explains how, until 2018, the CIA could describe the VHP and Bajrang Dal as “militant religious organizations”—a designation that applies to non-electoral groups exerting political pressure—even as successive US governments have maintained a warm relationship with their parliamentary counterpart, the BJP.

...

The most extreme figures in the Hindu nationalist and Zionist movements were especially frank about the nature of their partnership: “Whether you call them Palestinians, Afghans, or Pakistanis, the root of the problem for Hindus and Jews is Islam,” Bajrang Dal affiliate Rohit Vyasmaan told The New York Times of his friendly relationship with Mike Guzofsky, a member of a violent militant group connected to the infamous Jewish supremacist Meir Kahane’s Kach Party.

...

In 2003, Gary Ackerman—a Jewish former congressman who was awarded India’s third-highest civilian honor for helping to found the Congressional Caucus on India—told a gathering of AJC and AIPAC representatives and their Indian counterparts that “Israel [is] surrounded by 120 million Muslims,” while “India has 120 million [within].” Tom Lantos, another Jewish member of the caucus, likewise enjoined the two communities to collaborate: “We are drawn together by mindless, vicious, fanatic, Islamic terrorism.”

[eeveleon]

For the kiss prompt: can you please do Shikatema #9?

wow yes of course i can do this prompt for you!! thank you for the ask :DDD

Kiss Prompt #9: ...in public (catch the full version of this on AO3 as part of shikatemamonth24 ;))

Temari was almost too comfortable to move. 

They were lying on top of the covers, her back to his chest, Shikamaru’s arms around her waist.

She hadn’t let him use the blanket because then he would fall asleep immediately, and they had to get up to go soon. Not that it had helped much - from the sound of his breathing, she was pretty sure he was fast asleep.

Temari elbowed his stomach. “You have five minutes to get up.” 

“That’s five minutes of more sleep I could have gotten before you so kindly decided to wake me.”

“Four minutes.” She elbowed him again, harder.

He grumbled, tightening his grip around her and pushing his face deeper into her hair. 

He had been that way since they left the Hokage Tower, practically booking it to his apartment to collapse in his extra-plush bed. And stretched out next to Shikamaru, Temari could practically feel the tension and soreness melt away from her shoulders and neck. Who knew that even after years of carrying a giant fan on her back, an office desk could still cause a whole different kind of ache. 

Though Temari wasn't exactly upset about the extra minutes of rest. She would need her energy for a dinner later with the entire Konoha Rookie class.

Behind her, Shikamaru finally got up with a loud groan. Unlike her, he had immediately stripped himself of his jounin fatigues and now had to shake them out from their pile on the floor.

She slid off the bed. “If it’s just dinner, why are you getting dressed in your uniform?” She asked, picking a stray thread off his shoulder. 

Shikamaru finished adjusting his flak vest. “It’s a drag, but I can get called away anytime. It’s happened before.”

Temari leaned against his dresser, silently watching him check the pockets of his vest and pouch. She felt a surge of pride as he made sure his uniform was neat and proper. Shikamaru had definitely come a long way from the lazy fourteen-year-old who never washed his chuunin vest. He had a much more important role in the village now, and the care he was putting into his appearance, even for the off chance that he was summoned, showed that he knew it and was taking responsibility for it. 

It was so hot, she was having trouble keeping her hands to herself. 

Temari wiped her hands on her thighs. “Do they know I’m coming?” She asked, trying to distract herself.

“I let Chouji and Naruto know, so I’m sure they told the others.” 

She nodded, even though he still wasn’t looking at her. “Do they know... anything else?”

His eyes, dark and unfathomable, pierced through hers in the mirror. “You know they don’t. No one does.”

Temari only nodded, and again busied her hands by reapplying her lipstick and tightening her pigtails. If they didn’t leave now, they were definitely going to be late. 

Shikamaru seemed to read her mind, because he pulled her away from the dresser, looking her up and down. 

“You look good.” He said, his hand trailing up her arm. 

Temari huffed, looking away. “So do you.”

He leaned in, thoughts on something other than dinner, and his breath skimmed over her cheeks before she stopped him, her hand over his mouth.

“But unfortunately for you, my lipstick stains and we’re supposed to see your friends in ten minutes.”

He sighed, an exaggeratedly forlorn look crossing his face. “Troublesome….”

---

They got to the restaurant the same time as half of the other invitees, and in the flurry of greetings, no one noticed that they arrived together, standing a little closer than professional.

Chouji was friends with the owner - a distant relative - and the restaurant had arranged a long table near the far side for their large group. They were all quickly seated, and the waiter took down their flurry of food and drink orders with great experience.

The night went smoothly, until about halfway through.

“Nara-san!”

Temari looked up from her dinner to see a uniformed Chuunin rush into the restaurant. He stopped next to her boyfriend and handed him a folded piece of paper. 

“Thank you.” Shikamaru said as he quickly read it. 

He took out a pencil and added his own part to the message, then turned to give it back to the Chuunin. “Take this to the guards at the northern gate. Let them know I’ll be sending more orders soon.”

Temari really liked watching him get into his Commander-mode. His voice would lose its lethargic drawl and his eyes became sharper and more focused. It was so attractive every time - she didn’t think she would ever get tired of it. 

“Yes, sir!” 

The Chuunin shot out the door, back to his post. Shikamaru took a last swig of his drink. “Sorry, guys. Gotta go.” He apologized with a shrug.

He was met with half-hearted groans and complaints from his friends. They were used to his frequent summonings interrupting their hang-outs. 

Temari watched as he took out more than enough cash to cover his and another’s meal. She almost rolled her eyes.

Shikamaru stood up and leaned over, a hand on the back of her chair. “I’ll see you later.” He murmured, and Temari instinctively turned her head to meet him in a quick, soft kiss. 

“Bye.” She gave him a small smile as he squeezed her shoulder lightly. 

She watched him leave before going back to her food. He already paid, so at least one of them should finish eating. 

Temari then became aware of the overwhelming silence at the table. She looked up to see all of Konoha’s brightest generation staring at her. Feeling suddenly self-conscious - and missing the usual presence at her side - she asked carefully. “...What?”

No one said anything at first, until Kiba let out a slow whistle, and Temari noticed smiling and snickering start around the table. “What?” She asked again, more annoyed. 

Tenten leaned forward. “You just kissed Shikamaru.” She stated pragmatically. 

Temari scowled at her, about to reject her ridiculous claim, until the realization hit. Her grip on her chopsticks loosened, and she felt her face heat up. 

She and Shikamaru had kissed each other - on the lips - in front of everyone.

Ino burst out into laughter. “Of all the ways to slip up! And you two are supposed to be the smart ones here.”

So much for being lowkey. 

[isadoresmuse]

Burning Desires

Note: The following fanfiction contains mature content and is intended for readers who are 18 years old or above. Reader discretion is advised.

 Reader is only referred to as “you”/ Gender Neutral but has cis female parts.

Dad’s Best Friend (DBF) OC x Reader

Word Count: 1879

You sat at your desk, scrolling through your research documents absentmindedly your mind wandered to going home for the summer. Home, the sweltering air of the south, and a complex relationship with Your father’s friend, Noah Vandenberg, not that there was a relationship to speak of, just a crush. ‘Later’ you said to yourself and tried to concentrate on your college assignments.

 Growing up, you had always been drawn to Noah's magnetic personality. He was charismatic, kind, and had an air of mystery that intrigued you. As a child, you admired him as an uncle figure, looking forward to his visits and the stories he would share. But as you entered your teenage years, your feelings toward him began to change. After all, he was charming and very handsome. What teenager couldn’t resist a rugged older man? Your father was often absent from Your life due to work commitments, leaving your craving for the attention and love you desperately sought. It was during one of these lonely periods that you found solace in the company of Noah, who had become more like a father figure to you.

 Noah was a captivating man in his mid-40s, with a rugged handsomeness that turned heads wherever he went. He had an alluring charm that made it impossible for anyone to resist his presence. As you grew older, your admiration for him transformed into something deeper, something more complex. In your college years, you found yourself grappling with your emotions, torn between your undeniable attraction to Noah and the fear of consequences that such feelings could bring. You tried to suppress your lustful desires, burying them deep within your heart, but the more you fought against them, the stronger they grew. His pet names and gentle touches only fueled this taboo need from you. Finally, you returned home from college for the summer. Your father had gone away on a business trip, leaving you alone in the house.

 Noah, being aware of this only thought it was polite to invite you over for his annual summer barbeque. His pool would be open and ready to use, the other female invitees took this as their opportunity to show off, not that you were any different. Vying for his attention like a lost puppy. Noah graciously welcomed you in with a bone-crushing hug and his dazzling smile, you couldn't help but steal glances at Noah, admiring his mature features and the way his eyes sparkled as he laughed giving you the layout. 

“Almost thought you weren’t gonna make it, sugar,” His low southern draw slipped out. You blushed and smiled, feeling my cheeks grow warm. It was hard not to be flattered by such a handsome man's compliments. 

You’d rarely if ever been called "sugar" before. 

"I couldn't resist," You replied, feeling my heart flutter a little bit as you looked up into his eyes. They were so intense, it felt like he was gazing straight into your soul. You couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement sweep over you as Noah’s eyes locked on your form, scanning your scantily clad swimsuit. You felt a surge of electricity, a spark of chemistry that was impossible to deny. Noah cleared his throat and tried to compose his heated gaze. He needed to get control of his feelings, that’s his best friend's tantalizing kid! He couldn’t possibly lure you upstairs to his bedroom to “grab some more pool towels” ...could he?

 Leading you up to his lavish room and into his bathroom, of course, decorated by his ex-wife Marilyn, you searched for the pool towels dutifully. You felt a firm chest press against your back, cornering you against the bathroom wall. His carnality wouldn’t be denied. As he gazed down at you, his eyes traced your curves, lingering on every curve and fold. He was taken aback by how arousing you looked, and also a little disappointed that he couldn't see down your swimsuit by just looming over you. 

Oh well, no time like the present to remedy that situation.

Noah grabbed your hips, turning you around so your back was pressed against his body. Holding his gaze, he untied your swimsuit with deliberate slowness, enjoying the view of your bare ass presented to him. He enjoyed the way your skin glowed, radiating a sweet aroma that aroused him further. Aroused him so much that he had to take action immediately. He pulled the elastic band free and with ease removed your bikini top, baring your perfect breasts.

He cupped your breasts, tracing circles on your skin. He roughly pushed you down onto the marble bathtub and leaned over, his mouth watering at the sight of your full lips. Placing his thumb on your chin, he tilted your head upwards until your lips met his own. You moaned as you felt his breath on your neck, the pressure of his mouth, demanding more.

This primal kiss was everything Noah wanted, everything you craved. The sensations coursing through you; the raw hunger he invoked. He began sucking your bottom lip, gently biting on it. His tongue lightly grazed yours while his hands roamed down your back to grab hold of your ass. Pulling you closer to him, he ran his hands along your sides before moving up your stomach, until finally, his hands reached your breasts. Noah squeezed your ample cleavage, firmly kneading them. Your moans continued to build, increasing the level of passion within your core. Suddenly, you felt a tug at your bottoms.

Your eyes shot open in surprise when you realized that Noah had undone your waistband, and now had them slowly pulled down. Once they hit the ground, he stood up behind you, unbuttoning his shirt and letting it fall to the floor. He pulled you into his bedroom, you could hear Noah's guests down below, talking and laughing having no idea that the host is now ravaging you. The feeling of him running his fingers across your ass felt amazing. And the soft touch of his lips on your skin made your body scorch with need. Noah knew you were sensitive, you always seemed to enjoy being caressed softly. He turned you toward his bedroom window, the window that faced the backyard... the backyard filled with people. He huskily whispers in your ear.

"Sugar, look at you all wet and sensitive for me, just remember, sweet thing, the whole neighborhood is downstairs." You shivered at the thought, imagining the look on all those faces. Noah rubs your wet slit slowly, teasing you with his skilled touch. He chuckles quietly, causing you to blush, your modesty suddenly taking over. You lean back against his warm body with his fingers playing with your slick, causing your hips to buck slightly, trying to pull away from his teasing hand. With a devilish grin, he quickly slides one finger inside of you. He quickly changes his rhythm to finger-fuck you, swirling around and circling his finger against your G-spot, causing you to moan loudly.

 He looks deep into your eyes, "Is Daddy making you feel good, Sugar?" 

You nod enthusiastically, not able to speak yet because his actions have sent you spiraling toward your orgasm. His breathing becomes heavy as if he was exerting all of his energy into keeping himself under control. "Do you want to make Daddy feel good too, Sweetie?" 

You realize that he can tell what you're thinking, and you nod again vigorously, practically begging him to let you pleasure him as well.

"Good." You glance out of the window to see the wandering guests below, unaware of the vulgar things their host was murmuring in your ear. 

Suddenly, Noah lifts you effortlessly off the ground, his hands gripping your ass, and pulling you onto his bed; which caused you to gasp as your body was completely shocked by this sudden change. A dark look spreads across his face as he reaches down between your legs, grabbing your already swollen clit, eliciting an audible squeal from you. He brought his mouth down to your already throbbing cunt, your juices dripping from his teeth, saliva sliding down his chin. In one fluid motion, he placed his tongue in your cunt, licking at your wetness, driving you insane. He bit your clit hard, almost painfully, sending another jolt of pain throughout your entire body. He pulled back from your pussy, pushing you forward, spreading your legs wider. He was driving you crazy with the intensity of his attention, his fingers still thrusting in and out of your wet pussy.

 "Daddy, I'm going to cum!"

 Suddenly, he pulls away from you, never breaking eye contact. With his cock still erect, he stands above you and places the tip at the entrance to your tight little hole. "I know, baby, Daddy wants to watch you cum for him," he smirks. You stare deeply into his eyes as he pushes his cock into you, stretching your pussy even further than it already was.

You grunt as the head passes your inner ring, he continues, holding your gaze. 

"Remember, I'm in charge here, doll,” You clench at his words, making him push deeper inside of you, using the momentum to keep you under his control. He takes hold of your hips, spreading your legs wide, forcing his cock as deep inside of you as possible. His words and actions leave you in shock, your body has lost all control of itself, he controls every part of your body right now, the only thing left for you to do is let go and be taken by him.

 The sensation of him entering you over and over again leaves you on edge, close to the edge of your sanity. The walls of your cunt stretch to accommodate him, feeling his balls slapping against your ass. The feel of his hard, thick cock is nearly enough to send you over the edge, but he pulls back, leaving you hanging on the precipice of your orgasm. 

Once more, he pulls back from your cunt and plunges into you once more. Your eyes are clenched shut tightly, your arms are pulled above your head by Noah’s hands, exposing the desire burning through your veins. It took all your strength to hide the urge to scream out for him. Noah, sensing your struggles, starts moving his hips faster, harder, relentlessly pounding into you. Your body shakes uncontrollably as wave after wave of orgasm washes over you.

He keeps up his pace, giving you exactly what you wanted, his eyes watching intently as he sends you higher and higher until finally, he can take no more.

 "Come for Daddy, sweetie," he growls. You obey instantly, shuddering and crying out as you climax again, sending him into his orgasm. After a few moments, your breathing slows, your heart rate drops, and you lay exhausted beneath him.

 Noah lifts you gently onto his chest, cradling you like a baby as you rest your head against his strong chest. Your exhaustion overcomes you and you fall asleep in his arms, allowing your mind to wonder about the happenings of the day.

[recreation-law]

McCaw v. Ariz. Snowbowl Resort, 84 Arizona Cases Digest 9, 521 P.3d 381 (Ariz. App. 2022)

McCaw v. Ariz. Snowbowl Resort, 84 Arizona Cases Digest 9, 521 P.3d 381 (Ariz. App. 2022) 84 Arizona Cases Digest 9 521 P.3d 381 Vincent MCCAW; Carly McCaw; Andrew McCaw, Plaintiffs/Appellants, v. ARIZONA SNOWBOWL RESORT, Defendant/Appellee. No. 1 CA-CV 21-0585 Court of Appeals of Arizona, Division 1. Filed November 22, 2022 Fuller Law Group PC, San Diego, CA, By Craig D. Fuller, Counsel…

[memorizingthedigitsofpi]

how to tell your corporate overlord is about to lay people off

(based on my own observations working at a large Canadian corporation)

Your company is in the first quarter of their fiscal year, and people are telling you not to spend money / to cut back on spending. Usually the first quarter is when the money situation is okay. If you're being asked to slash budgets at the start of the fiscal year, shit is going south and fast.

You see emails about senior managers "leaving the company" and the email doesn't say what company they're going to. If no new job is called out, they're probably leaving because someone else decided they should. If you see retirement notices for people who seem pretty young to be retiring, that's a possible sign as well.

You hear about other parts of the company "re-organizing" or "restructuring" - these are both cover for layoffs happening at the same time. If you can, find someone from those departments and see how many people were let go. A few people is just normal course of business. Dozens? That's a sign that you might be in for it too.

A manager or senior manager asks you what another employee does. If they ask how it's different from what someone else does, that person is likely on a list of people they're considering laying off.

Your CEO goes to an investor call and tells investors that the company will be spending X amount of money on "restructuring" and that this will result in Y amount of realized savings / profits / etc. in the next 6-18 months. The X dollars is how much they'll be spending on severance packages and other associated lay off costs.

when shit actually goes down

Smaller layoffs tend to happen in the fourth fiscal quarter as a way to get the company's annual numbers to look better. They won't happen in the last month because that's too late for reporting. It's more likely to be in month 10 or 11 of the fiscal year.

Layoffs also tend to happen Tues-Thurs. Mondays are usually the last day of "trades" (figuring out the finalized list of who's staying and who's being laid off). It also tends to be when the managers find out that they're being laid of (if they are). They tend not to lay people off on Fridays.

On the day of, people who are being laid off will get an unexpected meeting from their manager (or their manager's manager if you're both being laid off). They'll be told the news and given a chance to ask questions, then they'll hear what the next steps are. They do all of these meetings in the morning.

People who are not being laid off will get an unexpected meeting in the afternoon. If you're being moved to a different team, you'll get two meetings. The first one will be to notify you that you're moving. The second one will be to tell you about everyone who got laid off.

The announcement meeting will be telling the entire team at once. By reading the names of the invitees, you'll know who else is still employed. People not on the invite aren't there because they've been laid off.

the bright spot in the hellscape darkness

Over the last 6 months, a lot of my friends and colleagues have been laid off and most of them are already re-employed. The rest are either taking a sabbatical or starting their own business. Everyone I've talked to has said that getting laid off was the best thing that could have happened.

This is for middle-management level desk jobs at a corporation, so that won't apply to every job but hey. I wanted to end on a high note.

[fox-mulder-gets-pegged]

Important follow up to this poll:

Out of respect for Aladdin's landslide win in the first poll and subsequent crowning as the King of the Blunt Rotation, he has been removed from the bracket and replaced with Kristoff who frankly I think fits into this bracket much better.

Once again, apologies to the other Disney princes who have been snubbed. I only get ten slots per poll and honestly I don't think Hercules would have been invited. Robin Hood and Quasimodo probably would have been but they're too busy cooking meth Breaking Bad style to partake of the devil's lettuce, and Milo Thatcher is currently taking as much Adderall as he can buy on a linguist with a focus on lost languages' salary.

We here at Prince Blunt Rotation Inc. wish them and our contestants the best of luck and the highest of highs. May the worst nightmare blunt rotation invitee win.

[not-so-allegiant-general]

Part 5 Invitees for @kyluxwedding

Part 1|Part 2|Part 3|Part 4

Ren laid down next to Hux on the bed. Redhead was looking at the celling. Ren recognized this mood... Hux was exhausted, to tired to sleep, to tired to not sleep.

"Armitage. "Hux just rolled closer to him " You should rest tomorrow."

"I am still working on the invitees list."

"Ah yes. The list of the most awful politicians in the Galaxy you mean." Hux sighed and wanted to move away but Ren held him "Sorry. But... Don't you think you should invite someone who's presence have a meaning for you? Not just people you want to impress?"

"Like who?" He said, his face looked like the slight suggestion that he have friends offended him.

"Like... Mitaka. You didn't see him since you gave him his own ship. He deserves an invitation not an order to attend or holonet transmission. He is your friend."

"Is he?" Kylo sighed heavily.

"And Phasma."

"Hm." Was the only answer Kylo got. "What about you?"

"Oh i am inviting knights."

"All of them?..."

"Yes. All of them." Kylo shook his head in disbelief. Hux closed his eyes and Ren thought he fell asleep.

" I will invite Mitaka and Phasma. And Opan." Kylo furrowed his brows."What? He killed quite a lot of people for me. "

"Tell me you are not planning to poison any of those politicians on our wedding day." Hux smiled amused.

"Why don't we combine business and pleasure?"

"I am afraid to ask but.. Do you consider poisoning someone business and our wedding pleasure or the other way?"

"Oh darling. Does it really matters?" Hux kissed him. Kylo would be worried, but he loved this man too much not to be amused.

[snapdragoned]

Basil has a busy afternoon socializing! Invitees include Abigail, Ruth, and Hamlet Hawkins' boyfriend Tucker.

[esteemed-excellency]

Silly headcanons about Hiram's yacht and crew:

The oldest are the Gang of Hoodlums, they've known Hiram for years and given that he's been successfully running a smuggling business for decades, and the pay has always been insanely good, they decided to stick with him for maritime plunder too. They're in charge of running operations when Hiram is not on board, and the crew can use the ship as they please when he doesn't need it. It's a good deal for everyone involved.

The Hoodlums were all working together even before being hired by Hiram, he was the last addition to the gang and they basically always regarded him as a very weird cat. Yes that's their weird soulless boss/captain, don't worry about it. Sometimes he wants to sail all the way to some cursed island just to research a single correspondence sigil but what can you do? Sometimes they lose him at sea, but you should see the glim shipments!

They all agree that if Hiram wants to bring some dangerous item on board he has to keep it in his cabin, they're not risking the entire crew to check in at the Royal Beth.

Some crewmen are corsairs from the HMS Ramilles, all very experienced in pirating matters, but they weren't ready for the level of chaos they got into. How is a sailing yacht even managing to hide all of these cannons? Who even approved the idea to sail directly through the Snares? No one in their right mind would host a party with this much Troubled Waters around the ship, and yet here they are. They have to admit it's a very nice party. Plus, they get to loot all the invitees. They might be one of the best paid crews to ever sail the underzee.

The chef is a retired Great Game agent who just wanted to leave espionage behind and open a restaurant, but it's impossible to open an honest business if you carried intel on a daily basis, so now he's on the Great Game equivalent of witness protection. If you ask him, he's an old french chef who sailed to London on a cruise ship and got stuck there. If you ask the crew they say the same thing. If you keep asking no one can guarantee your safety.

A blue prophet took permanent residency on the yacht and no one can make it fly back to Gaider's Mourn. Hiram says it's his blue prophet, but the corsairs know very well that it's the prophet that chooses its ship and not the other way around. The bird goes about its usual omious business of pursuing doomed ships, but it developed a fondness for the crew and it's currently nesting below deck. Funnily enough, the name it utters the most seems to be the captain's.

Hiram's demises at sea are somewhat of a running joke for the crew, but they all were worried sick when he dived in the Bell with the Naturalist, and after hours of waiting they heard the blue prophet screeching his name, and they saw the diving bell's debris. They're used to going back to London without their captain, but that one time was particularly dreadful.

There are some newbies on board too, some had professional experience with luxury ships and were not ready for the type of expeditions they found themselves in, but curiosity got the better of them. Others come from a background of professional piracy, and they were pleasantly surprised by all the parties. They all agree they got more adventures than they bargained for, but as long as the loot keeps coming, and they get to keep some fancy items, they're not complaining.

[archoniluthradanar]

The Volturi Summer Ball

The Volturi Summer Ball-second winner in the one-shot story poll

This one-shot comes off the storyline of my one-shot series, Summer Fun with the Volturi masters, all posted under Tales of the Volturi at AO3. Got all that? Ok then, here we go.

Thanks to @vampyrheartz for the Moodboard (to inspire me).

Marcus is now mated to the Reader who is still human (and featured in those one-shots). She joins the other wives, Sulpicia and Athenodora, in getting ready for the ball.

The annual ball is a mix of vampire and human guests. But it's alright. Everyone will be having a good time.

oooooooooooooooooooo

The masters had taken care of you since the day they had saved your life. Except for the times you could convince them to share with you your mortal existence, you spent time with them on a business level. You helped them with their responsibilities to the city of Volterra and watched some of the vampire trials they had to judge. But the day came when you would participate in an annual ritual. The Volturi Summer Ball.

Once a year, the Palazzo dei Priori would open its doors to vampires and humans alike. It was a festive occasion, dating back to older times beginning with the Romanians. No one ever brought their name up, the Volturi insisting this was their celebration. Aro would invite the city's leaders and their spouses, along with a special invitation going out to any vampires within the area, with requirements for behavior to be strictly observed. This applied to civilized covens and nomads alike. It was important, because this was one of the few times humans were guaranteed to be completely safe within the walls of the castle. Any vampire who attacked a human guest would be instantly destroyed.

The invited humans were aware of the nature of the Volturi, having worked with them for decades. Due to their sworn, and paid for, silence, the vampires could be themselves during the ball.

You were crucial in the preparations, helping the current secretary in compiling a list of invitees, then sending the invitations out. Yet, as the mate of one of the masters, you were also to play the role of hostess, along with the other wives, Sulpicia and Athenodora.

In the rooms you now shared with Marcus, you searched through your wardrobe, disappointed in not finding anything suitable for such a grand affair. He came into the bedroom, seeing you sitting on the bed looking so forlorn. Sitting at your side, he embraced you with his arm. "What is wrong, dear one? You look so sad. Is there anything I can do?"

"Marcus, this is the first Summer Ball I'm taking part in, and to sound cliché, I haven't a thing to wear. I will be representing you and the Volturi, and I have to be impeccable."

It was all Marcus could do not to laugh at his mate's very human concern. Still, he felt some anticipation for the first time. The Spring Ball never concerned him, and he would only make an appearance to placate Aro. Now he had a reason to go. It was you. He'd planned on asking you to dance with him, something he had not done since Didyme was alive. He was so pleased that you had embraced her memory, and felt no jealousy where she was concerned. It made Marcus love you all the more. So he had an idea.

"My love, I will ask Corin to come get you and take you to the Queens' Tower. You may meet Aro and Caius' mates there. I'm sure they would be happy to help you find a new gown to wear. They usually hire the best dress designer in Rome to make their gowns. This one knows what we are and we pay him a great deal of money to be on-call and to keep his silence. He may think you are a vampire at first, but I'm sure he will notice the difference once he takes your measurements."

You grin, delighted with this plan. "Oh, Marcus, thank you," you say, hugging your mate. You stand to face him, moving between his spread legs and sitting on one. His right arm holds you while his left hand takes your hand and kisses the wrist. "I love you so much," you say, happy to see him smiling. "I'll wait right here until Corin arrives."

Marcus hates to let you go. These small interludes with you give him his greatest joy these days. But to speak with Corin, he must leave for the tower. He pushes you up and stands himself, kissing your cheek and leaving.

You sit back on the bed, imaging what type of gown you want.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Later, Corin brings you to the Queens Tower room, where you are greeted by both Aro and Caius' beautiful mates. You feel intimidated by Sulpicia, Aro sometimes taking the liberties of an unmarried man with you. But she smiled and hugged you as her new sister. If she knew about Aro's attentions to you, she didn't say anything.

"Welcome, sister. This is Athenodora, as you must know. Congratulations for making our Marcus so happy. At last, our leadership is complete." She stepped to a table covered in books and fabric swatches. "Come here, child," she calls to you. "These are designs and fabrics sent by Master Cervelli. He's one of the best designers in Rome. See if anything here calls to you, my dear."

Sulpicia gave you the strangest look. "Aro has kept you happy, hasn't he?"

She must have known about the day you spent with the masters at the park. "My lady, I am sorry if that information offends you..."

"My dear, there is nothing to offend me with. Aro asked me before he and the others took you out that day. We gave them our permission."

"He asked you? Then you knew we...my lady, it will never happen again. I'm with Marcus now. He's my heart and soul," you reassure both women.

"We were glad to hear that you two are mated. Dear Marcus deserves love after all this time," Dora said.

"And child, you need not call us 'my lady'. I'm Sulpicia and this is Athenodora, although she prefers Dora. Come, sit by us so we can discuss your gown for the ball."

The rest of the afternoon was spent with your new sisters, each of you trying to find the best fabric and dress design. You had wanted something in teal, but Sulpicia convinced you that crimson was your colour. The dress would be slightly tight around the torso, but full in the skirt. There were no sleeves, only off-the-shoulder straps that bared them and your toned upper arms. The chosen designs would be sent to Master Cervelli, who would get the basic gowns made, then he would come to the castle in person to take care of the final fittings.

It had been fun getting to know the wives, and you hope Marcus will find you beautiful when he first sees you ready for the ball.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

A month or so later, after a lot of hard work, all the preparations had been completed. The audience hall had been decorated with candles and imported blood red roses. Refreshments had been set up on long tables, those for the human guests kept separate from those unique to the vampire guests.

The ballroom, usually closed up when not in use, was opened and aired out. Red and gold drapings now covered the walls. The candles in the bronze sconces were lit. A chamber archestra had set up in one corner and were practicing. Everything was ready, with guests set to arrive in an hour.

You had dressed in your gown, with Heidi helping you with your hair and make-up. When she was finished, you looked into the mirror, hardly recognizing yourself. "Thank you, Heidi. It's perfect. And you look gorgeous yourself. So will you be attending with anyone in particular?"

"Demetri asked me to be his partner, but we both enjoy dancing so agreed not to pair off exclusively." She flashed you a sparkling smile and a 'see you later', before leaving you alone.

You had just stood up from the desk slash dressing table, when Marcus entered the room. He had dressed elsewhere to allow you the privacy of your rooms to get ready. When you see him move to your side, you can't believe how beautiful he is. In a white shirt, bowtie and westcoat with tuxedo and tails, he looked handsome as sin. His hair was tied back with a leather cord, the way you liked it. He had even splashed a bit of human cologne on to fit in with the human guests. It made your nose twitch in interest since it was one of your favourite scents, Drakkar Noir.

"You look...absolutely fabulous, Marcus. I still can't believe what I've done to deserve you."

"I feel the same, my dear. After so much loneliness, I have found the perfect mate in you." Your crimson gown fits you in the right places while baring your shoulders. He leans down and kisses one shoulder, then your lips, careful not to muss your hair. Right now, Marcus would love to tear your gown off and spend hours pleasuring you, but he thinks that might only upset you. He holds out his hand, covered in a black cotton glove.

"Marcus, will you keep your hands bare? I much prefer that to gloves. No part of you is too cold for me. And if you're worried about the humans, you can shake their hands. They all know what you are."

To please you, your mate removes the gloves and drops them on the bed. Then he crooks his arm through which you slide your arm. One more kiss, and you both leave your chambers.

On arrival to the audience hall, you see people entering from the inside staircase in couples and small groups. There are faces you recognize as Marcus greets them, mostly the humans who run the city government. You smile in welcome at the mayor and the chief of police arriving with their wives, and the bishop who runs the Catholic Church here in Volterra. You'd had meetings with all of them since living here, finding them all friendly and aware of the vampires, grateful for their financial aid and protection. The Volturi knew they could be trusted as they had worked with their fathers and grandfathers before them.

Many faces you do not know, but when you see their red eyes, you know these guests are vampires. Confusion hits you when you saw a group of handsome people with golden eyes. Not red, yet they were obviously vampires.

"Marcus, who are they?" you ask, pointing at the group.

"That is the Olympic coven along with their cousins, the Denalis. Carlisle, the head of the family used to live here with us several centuries ago, before heading to the New World in America. He and Aro were once close friends."

"Once were?"

"A story for another time. Let me introduce you to them, my dear." He led you over to the well-dressed group. "Carlisle Cullen, welcome to you and your family. I wish to introduce you to my mate..."

"But she's human," interrupts a beautiful blonde woman.

"Rosalie!" Carlisle chides her. "She is one of our hosts, so be polite. I'm pleased to meet you," he says to you. "My wife, Esme, and my children, Emmett and his wife Rosalie, Jasper and his wife Alice, and Edward and his wife, Bella. Then there is Eleazar and his wife Carmen, Garrett and his wife Kate, and her sister Tanya, our cousins from Alaska."

"Children?" you ask, going back to Carlisle's prior remark.

"Adopted. My family, for all intents and purposes." The blonde coven leader nodded at you with a proud smile.

"Now it's my turn to apologise. Welcome, everyone. Carlisle, Aro is in the ballroom, if you wish to find him and say hello." The Cullens leave you and Marcus, all of them gazing around the rooms' splendour.

You exhale loudly, making Marcus glance at you. "I'm a terrible hostess. At least they're friends of Aro."

"Not all of them, my dear." Marcus leads you into the ballroom, the smile on his face almost invisible.

You see lots of people talking and mingling. Music fills the air but not so loudly you can't hear. Aro, on seeing you, grins broadly. He comes over to you both, his hand taking yours and kissing it.

"You're a vision, my dear. An absolute vision. I assume Sulpicia assisted you."

"Yes, both Sulpicia and Dora were of immense help. They were wonderful to me, Aro."

Aro turns to Marcus, saying, "Brother, you are a lucky man indeed. I'm going to continue my conversation with Carlisle before I ask Sulpicia to dance. Enjoy yourselves. You make a lovely couple." Aro left you, looking as if he were preparing an army for battle. He greeted everyone he passed, offered them refreshments, and in watching him, you noticed how talkative his hands were tonight.

Once you were alone, you smile and tell your mate, "We are a lovely couple, aren't we."

"Of course we are, my sweet." Moving to the middle of the floor, Marcus holds out his hand to you asking, "Will you do me the honour of a dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask." You let him lead you in a waltz, aware you know how to dance it. If the orchestra plays other music, knowing that many of the vampires are very old and remember music from other eras, you might not know the moves to those dances. He decides to play it by ear.

Marcus takes you in his arms, one hand holding yours, while your other rests on his shoulder. To the side, you see Caius dancing with Dora. They both look gorgeous and very much in love. Soon, Aro is with Sulpicia, having ended his talk with Carlisle, who was now dancing with his wife Esme. Everyone seemed to be having a marvelous time.

The music continues while Marcus slowly spins you around the floor. It's all so magnificent and perfect. You marvel at how your life has changed since the masters saved your life from a street robber what feels like only a short while ago. And your life will alter once again as soon as Marcus changes you into a vampire.

As the hour moves into early morning, the human guests partake of the catered food and drink set out for them, while the vampire guests enjoy drinking fresh blood from crystal goblets.

You enjoy a glass of red wine and a few tidbits, not feeling very hungry. Marcus drinks nothing. He prefers not to have the smell of blood on his breath when he is with you.

You and Marcus slip away from the crowd, going out to the large balcony. Marcus takes you into his arms and kisses you, almost bending you against the balcony railing. You respond to him, your arms around his waist. You eventually smile into the kiss, then pull back, looking up into his crimson eyes.

"This has been such a magical night, my love. And you're a wonderful dancer, so graceful. Thank you for choosing me from every woman on this planet."

"I did not choose you, dear one. Our hearts chose one another. We are just going along for the ride. Just know that I love you, my heart of hearts." His cool fingers caress your warm cheek, then he nuzzles your bare neck, kissing your sensitive skin.

You laugh and hug your mate tightly. "I love you, mio marito." The night has been heavenly indeed.

A/N : I listened to the "Volturi Waltz" from the Twilight soundtrack while writing the dance scene. Beautiful. I wish it was longer.

[erseac]

Dance Floors and Dragons

Rated E, Kagami/Rose, Juleka/Ivan, Kagami/Mireille, Kagami/Marinette, and background Kagami/almost everyone.

Kagami had never wished she had a stomach bug and was at home throwing up before, but this time it did seem like a compelling alternative. Anything to avoid being here. It was the most frightening spot she had ever been in: A cool party.

Of course she had always known her high-society events, boring but easy to handle as long you memorised all the etiquette. She had also become familiar with the parties Marinette liked to throw, free-flowing things where instead of structure, she could rely on friends. The official Kitty Section album wrap party was neither of these. The special exclusive band-and-friends afterparty even less so.

Kagami knew that it was a big honour to be invited; it was legendary, according to the other people in her university. There were only ever a couple dozen invitees, mostly celebrities and people from the music business. People were only invited if band members allowed it, and they didn’t do so very often. But that didn’t have to mean she’d enjoy it.

It had taken Marinette and her other friends (but mostly Marinette) literally years to convince Kagami to come as Marinette’s plus one. And for a while, Kagami had been looking forward to it. Kagami could do anything with her best friend by her side.

Picking out the outfit earlier today had been particularly fun. Kagami was wearing combat boots, fishnets, a mini-skirt that was just starting to show a hint of butt cheek, a tiny tied crop-top, and just to be cheeky, a crooked red neck tie. Seeing Kagami like that had turned Marinette into a stuttering mess.

Of course Marinette had been even hotter, at least in Kagami’s view, wearing a custom minidress that seemed to be more cut-out than fabric. Marinette had joked that you didn’t need to underwear at this party if you didn’t want to, but looking at her dress, Kagami wasn’t actually sure it was a joke. They were definitely going to turn everyone’s head on the dance floor. And even if not, dancing so close to Marinette… Kagami felt her heart flutter just from the thought.

It had all seemed perfect, right until they had been ready to head out… and Marinette had to run to the bathroom to throw up. Some annoying stomach bug, apparently. Of course Kagami had wanted to stay and care for Marinette, but Marinette had refused to listen to any of it. She had insisted Kagami go out and have fun, and Kagami had been too bewitched by Marinette’s force of personality (and perhaps also her cleavage) to say no.

So now she was at one of the most legendary parties of the year, the one that all her peers dreamed about getting a glimpse of, and she was standing in the corner, very slowly sipping her glass of champagne, wondering when it would be acceptable to go back home.

“Oh, hey, having fun!?”

Kagami turned around to see Rose, chipper as ever, going against the general trend by wearing a frilly pink dress. Rose took one look at her overall demeanour, and drew the appropriate conclusions.

“Standing in the corner like that, you don’t seem very eager to be here, do you?”

Kagami nodded.

“I am not used to this kind of party. I expected Marinette would be here, but, well… On my own, I don’t think I fit here. This may not be my kind of night.”

“Oh yeah, poor Marinette”, said Rose. “But that stuff about not fitting, that’s nonsense. You look great and everybody here likes you. We just need to make it your kind of night! Hey, I know, let’s dance!”

Rose had enough enthusiasm for the two of them, which was just as well, as Kagami was fresh out.

“I don’t know how to dance to this music. I think it’s better if I just-“

“Kagami Tsurugi!”, growled Rose, suddenly right up in Kagami’s face and amazingly angry. “This is my party, and I will not allow you to be miserable! You will have a good time here at this party, and you do not get a say in the matter! Are we clear!?”

Read the rest on Ao3

The main inspiration for this was this shipping overview by @adeadmansbliss. Lots of pairings there that nobody has written yet, and it was a lot of fun filling in these slots!