#Exploring iOS 12

[mygentec-official]

Exploring iOS 12: A Comprehensive Guide

iOS 12, the twelfth major release of Apple's mobile operating system, brought a slew of exciting features and improvements to iPhones and iPads when it was released in 2018. Designed to enhance performance, security, and user experience, iOS 12 was a significant update that catered to both old and new device users. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the key features of iOS 12 and explore how they transformed the iOS ecosystem.

[trippinsorrows]

looking through your eyes + thirty two

authors note: we're nearing the end, folks. buckle up!

cw/tw: fluff, angst, and smut

song inspo: ‘looking through your eyes’ by leann rimes

cast+ masterlist +story playlist + taglist request form

words: 12k

“Baby, look.”

Roman redirects his focus from the text reply he was formulating to Dwayne to glance over at his wife who’s angling her phone screen toward him. 

Naturally, he’s confused by what he’s looking at, seeing a lot of colors, several words in different fonts/sizes, and what looks like fruit.

“What is this?”

Solana smiles and leans against his arm, explaining, “this is what our girls look like right now.” Realizing how that sounds considering she’s showing him a picture of actual fruit, Solana explains, “well, this is how big they are right now. The size of two Limes.”

And, it’s only when she says that, Roman takes the time to really look at the screen. To see that it in fact reads, “At 12 weeks, your babies are about as big as two lines” accompanied by a graphic of two limes as well as other things, one of them prompting him to point and ask. “And that?”

Solana’s smile deepens. “That’s what they probably look like.” Rubbing her belly, she clarifies, “it might not be an exact match, but pretty close.” She looks over at Roman, ready to explain more when she sees it. Sees the amazement. The surprise. The emotion.

“Shit,” he finally breathes, eyes still on the phone. “They….they’re growing fast.”

Solana nods, kissing his shoulder. “According to my app, their pituitary gland is producing hormones, and their bone marrow is making white blood cells, which will help them fight off germs.” Solana’s explanation is accompanied by her showing him her phone with the information displayed. 

Roman scoffs, finally looking at her and asking, “how did you get this? Is it something the doctor gave you or—”

She shakes her head. “No. It’s just a pregnancy app. I’ve tried out a couple, but I really like this one.”

“How do I get it on my phone?” He asks, Solana partially taken back by his interest, though it makes sense when she thinks about it. Her husband is a man who likes to be in the know and have information readily available to him, and an app that allows him to track the growth of their unborn children seems like a great resource for just that.

“You can download it from the app store. It’s called What to Expect.”

Roman moves to grab his phone, tapping around, a scowl growing on his face. “Where’s that damn little box?” Solana leans into him, pressing her face into his arm to hide her amusement. “Why does it keep moving and shit?”

The struggle to withhold her laughter is real. “Baby, it’s not moving. They had another iOS update, so the layout changed again.” 

“Another one?” She can’t help it. A giggle escapes, as Roman’s scowl deepens. “How many fucking updates are they going to do? I already can’t find shit half the damn time. Now they’re just making it even more difficult. Fucking hate this damn phone.” 

Solana moves her hand to the back of his head, massaging the base of his neck, trying to calm him down while also having to push back the desire to fall out in laughter. Roman is easily the most intelligent person she’s ever come across, but his inability to work or understand technology will never not be hilarious.

She 1000% believes that if he wasn’t who he is, he would most definitely do well, and best, with a flip phone.

“Here, babe. Let me do it for you.” Roman has zero issues handing over his phone to his wife who in a matter of minutes has not only downloaded the app, but has set up the account as if it was her profile so he can follow along, just as she’s doing. “There you go. All done.”

“Thank you,” he mutters, and she leans up to kiss his temple. Solana allows him time to play around and explore the app, while she shifts to something different but equally important. 

And, it’s when she stumbles across one that she likes, she draws his attention, once again showing him her screen. 

Instantly, he’s confused, and he’s not afraid to express as such.

“What is that?”

Solana looks at him, initially thinking he’s joking, which is a strange, impossible thing because her husband doesn’t joke. But, judging by the genuinely confused look on his face, he also really doesn’t know just what he’s looking at.

“It’s a crib, Roman,” she answers, providing additional information when that one word also doesn’t seem to trigger anything for him. “It’s actually a 4 in 1 with a changing table and can also be converted to a crib and a toddler bed as they get older, so we wouldn’t have to buy new—”

“I don’t want them using old shit,” Roman’s interruption, despite the almost rude wording, is more informative than anything. “We’ll buy them new things as they need em’.”

Solana frowns a bit. “But, if we can find something so we don���t have to spend unnecessary money—”

“If it’s for them, it’s not unnecessary, Sol.” She rolls her eyes, as he asks with almost uncertainty. “So a crib….it’s like….a baby bed?”

She nods, her small smile returning. “Yes.” She motions to the screen that shows the pink and one number she finds herself really liking. “The rails on it keep them from falling out or even climbing out when their gross motor skills start to kick in more.” 

“When does that start?”

“It depends,” Solana answers. “Every baby is different. They typically learn how to roll over at around 4 months, and their mobility just continues to grow and improve from there.”

Roman nods, clearly taking in all of this new information. “So does that mean they’ll need to sleep in the room with us?” His question is so innocent, borderline naive, that it makes Solana giggle. “Until they learn….how to control their movements and shit.”

She shakes her head, gentle grin on her face matching her patient tone. “No, baby. They don’t need to sleep in the room with us. We’ll just get baby monitors to put up in their nursery.” Sensing he’s still hesitant, she adds, “they have ones with audio and video.”

This seems to settle him a bit when he, in true Roman fashion, picks up on a single word. “They’ll have separate rooms.”

Solana rolls her eyes. “Maybe when they’re older, but as babies, they can share the same nursery, Ro.”

It’d honestly make things easier, too, as Solana plans to breastfeed, and just the logistics of it, changing them, rocking them, and other things, will be significantly easier if they’re feet apart instead of rooms apart.

However, Roman doesn’t seem to be having it. 

“I want them to have their own space.”

She sits up a bit, looking at him, borderline shocked. “As babies?” She shakes her head, rubbing her temples. “Roman, they won’t even know what a room is, let alone anything about a space.”

“You don’t know that for certain.”

“Roman—” Solana has to stop herself. Lord knows she loves this man with everything in her, but he’s being impossible right now. Just like she also knows there can be no reasoning with him when he gets like this. “Okay, we—we can revisit this later.” Eager to get onto another similar baby subject, she asks, “how–how is this going to work?”

He looks at her. “What do you mean?”

Realizing her question was far too vague, she doesn’t waste any time clarifying. “I mean with the shopping portion. There’s a lot of things we’re going to need, and I can definitely get a lot of it online, but I’d like to be able to shop in person…and for you to go with me.”

The elaboration is helpful, Roman nodding, clearly understanding the true, unspoken concern in all of that.

In that how do they keep this pregnancy as under wraps as possible while still being able to enjoy it with little things like baby shopping.

“You just have to let me know at least a couple hours in advance if you want to go somewhere and where exactly you want to go, so I can have the stores cleared out.” Solana partially expected as such, given how he’s done the same every time they go grocery shopping together. Same with the empty doctor's office they're currently sitting in, waiting for the start of her three month check up appointment, Bautista and their security team patrolling the premises.

And, she’s not even showing yet.

But, it’s what he says next that she hasn’t really thought about. “And when you start showing, you won’t be able to go out much.”

She frowns. “What do you mean?”

Roman sighs, clearly trying to word it as best he can. A thoughtfulness always reserved for her. “Realistically speaking, there’s a chance, even if small, this pregnancy will reach the ears of people who don’t need to know. So, that means I have to eliminate their access to you—”

“But, I have security—”

He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter.” A gentle but firm interruption. “My family had security that night, too, and look what still happened.” Solana’s shoulders slump, her heart aching seeing the flash of pain cross his handsome face. “The only way to ensure the safety of you and the babies is to cut off any access to you.”

She's following along, understanding where he’s coming from, but it’s not exactly what she was wanting and expecting to hear. “I….I won’t be able to leave the house?”

Roman pauses. “You will, just….on an as needed basis.”

Solana grows quiet, sitting on Roman’s words. They make sense, given who he is, what them welcoming children into this world will mean for them. Mean for him. Though she can’t deny a part of her is saddened at the fact that she won’t be able to treat this pregnancy like any other expectant mother would.

That she can’t be out shopping, bump displayed freely, without having to worry about who sees it. Dragging Roman from store to store as she tries to find matching outfits for their girls. Having him help her pick out furniture, while they consult with the sales associates for what is best. The normal things.

And Roman sees this, sees the sort of grief she’s experiencing at realizing some of that, maybe none of that, will be possible.

That at some point, she’ll be practically homebound.

“I know….” He trails off, Solana hating the regret that crosses his handsome face. “I know it’s not what you imagined or probably want, and I’m sorry it’s because of me, but—”

She shakes her head, completely shifting gears, unwilling to have him feel anything remotely close to bad. “I wouldn’t want this if I couldn't do it with you.” An easy thing to share, even if it seems to startle her husband. Solana sees the surprise, feels the way he’s almost moved by such a thing. “Ro….” Solana reaches across, taking his hand and settling it on her stomach, her hand atop of his. “There’s no one else I’d want to do this with, but you. If I couldn’t have you as the father of my children, I wouldn’t want children. It’s…..it’s you or nothing, Roman.” She smiles, eyes watering. “And if that means some of the traditional things I don’t get to do or have, then that’s just what it is.”

Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is doing whatever it takes to welcome two healthy babies into this world. Some things might be missed, yes, but she’s certain it’ll all be worth it the moment Lina and Leya arrive.

Leaning up, she kisses his bearded jaw, murmuring, “I love you.”

He repeats it back at the same moment the nurse comes out and calls her name. Solana takes Roman’s hand as they walk to the back, going through the same order of things as her last few appointments. Questions. Urine sample. Bloodwork. It’s all routine at this point, the most exciting part being when Dr. Sharmell walks in. She asks her usual questions, and Solana provides her honest answers. 

Sometimes Roman chimes in with a question usually regarding what to expect at this point in her pregnancy, so he knows what to expect. It’s all so attentive and moving, how much he cares and how invested he is.

“Time for your favorite part,” Dr. Sharmell jokes as she moves the transducer over Solana’s stomach, searching only briefly. “Here’s Baby A.” The rhythmic beating is soothing and relieving, a big smile on Solana’s face as she looks over at the screen, immensely settled by the sound of her baby’s heartbeat. “Heartbeat just as strong as last time.”

Roman rubs his thumb over Solana’s knuckles as the doctor travels the transducer around a little bit longer this time around. “Baby B once again giving me a hard time.” She shakes her head, Solana holding in her smile at the thought that crosses her mind. A silly one, in some ways. 

Lina. 

Lina comes to mind. Glimpses of her spitfire and wild child spirit from her and Roman’s shared dreams, and how making her identification during a routine ultrasound difficult seems just so aligned with her personality.

“There you are,” Dr. Sharmell makes an ‘aha’ sound, the baby’s steady heartbeat once again filling the room. “And there’s Baby B.”

Solana’s eyes water as she stares at the screen, seeing her children, her babies. “They’re getting so big.”

“They are,” the doctor smiles, observing. “I see you’re still not showing yet, but I’d gather it’s only a matter of a few weeks until you’ll see a bump.”

Solana giggles, squeezing Roman’s hand, completely uncaring of what the emergence of a bump might mean for safety measures. Having a baby bump makes this pregnancy just that much more real. 

Physical proof of the lives growing inside of her. 

“Everything looks good?” Her husband asks, ever the concerned and wanting to stay on top of everything.

Dr. Sharmell nods. “Everything looks great. Babies are growing as expected at the three month mark. Stats look great,” she answers, going to wipe the gel off Solana’s stomach. “In fact, you don’t have to be on pelvic rest anymore.” The announcement takes both husband and wife by surprise, as the OB-GYN continues to explain, “your ultrasound has come back clear during your last three visits with no bleeding since the initial incident. I could have cleared you last week, but I just wanted to make absolute certain.”

Roman and Solana share a look, the former asking, almost skeptically, “are you sure?”

“Positive,” she reassures. She directs her statement to Solana. “You can resume all normal activity. Exercise, regular movement, sexual activity, the usual.” Dr. Sharmell moves to grab her tablet, tapping around and gasping. “Oh my goodness. I almost forgot. So sorry. Your NIPT test results came back, and it was also clear from any signs of chromosomal disorders for the babies.” A small smile grows on her face as she looks between the parents. “And there were no Y chromosomes detected in either fetus, which means—”

“Girls,” Solana finishes, eyes watering all over again. “We’re having twin girls.”

—---------

The sounds of the clips being unloaded is muffled by the earmuffs on her ears, the recoil force something Solana is able to withstand much better than the first time she fired, and it’s an improvement noticed by Afia.

“Nice,” Afia compliments, taking note of the continued improvement in Solana’s aim. She waits for the younger woman to remove her earmuffs before applauding, “you’re a quick learner.”

Solana smiles, appreciative. “Thank you.” She looks back over at the target, seeing holes all around the dummy’s abdomen and shoulder, the areas Afia has taught her to always aim for. “You’re a great teacher.”

Afia grins, dipping her head and winking. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

In the few weeks they’ve trained and hung out together at the shooting range, Solana has learned a lot about the woman who is technically her sister-in-law. Starting with the fact that Afia is actually a retired master assassin, a member of an elite group of female assassins in her home country of Nigeria.

Learned how from a young child, like Roman, Afia was taught one thing and one thing only. 

Kill or be killed. 

That she was molded and shaped into the nonpareil killer that she is. That she was.

Because the Nigerian woman also shared how she walked away from it all, turned her back on her sisters, was disowned by her “family” the day she decided to choose love instead of violence.

How instead of choosing to kill Matteo, her intended target and assignment, she ended up falling in love with the man. A love that has withstood a tremendous amount of trials and tribulations but has remained strong and resulted in three beautiful children. 

Solana admires her in so many ways and truly appreciates all the help and insight she’s provided.

It’s helped her in ways she’s not quite sure how to explain. 

Afia looks Solana over, acknowledging, “you’re small and have a kind aura about you, Solana, but make no mistake, there’s definitely one hell of a fighter in there, too.”

Words that Solana takes to heart, that maybe just months ago, she wouldn’t agree with. She wouldn’t agree that anything about or in her comes remotely close to a fighter. But, the truth of the matter is that Solana has always been a fighter. A survivor. Overcome more adversity than anyone could ever realize.

Been burned by the fire but survived nonetheless.

She is fire. 

It’s been a long journey, largely aided to and due to her husband, due to Roman doing something as simple as making her learn how to train, how to fight, something she’s learned to love and will miss throughout this pregnancy, but something she still holds with her. 

That fight.

“Kinda hard to not at least try to catch up when surrounded by so many strong people,” Solana says with a small smile as the two women to start removing their bulletproof vests, clearly ready for a lunch break. 

Afia chuckles softly, soft eyes focused ahead, as Bautista quietly escorts them to the cafeteria. “You’ve always been strong, Solana. It just maybe took you a little longer to realize it. That’s the case with a lot of women who’ve been told what they can and can’t do, who they are, and what they are and are not.” She casts the shorter woman a meaningful gaze, “but the truth is that there is no stronger being on this planet than a woman. Do you know why?” Solana shakes her head as the two women reach the door that Bautista holds open for them. Afia chuckles and steps forward, answering clearly and with zero hesitation. “Because just as easily as we can create life—” Something dark and intentful flashes in her pretty eyes, the lingering remnants of the killer that will always lie within. “We can take it, too.”

At one point in Solana’s life, not even a year ago, such a statement would unnerve her. Maybe even scare her a bit, but there’s something about the transformative journey she’s been on all these months that has her in such a different place.

The fact that she has not only one, but two lives, growing inside of her. Two daughters. All of that has her in such a different place with a different mindset than she had just some months ago when talking with her husband about her fear of how badly she hurt Wesley. Her fear of if she unintentionally would end up killing him.

Of killing in general.

Then, Solana told Roman she didn't think she could live with herself if she ever did such a thing.

Now, she no longer feels the way.

She would prefer to never be in that situation, to never have to make that call, but the truth of the matter is that if she had to, if she had to kill to protect, she would.

For herself.

For Roman.

For her daughters.

Because not only has she made a vow that no man would ever hurt her again, she’s made the same for her girls.

For her family. 

She’ll do whatever it takes to protect them, to protect their lives.

Even if it means taking someone else’s. 

Afia and Solana continue to engage in discussion about topics regarding life and training when that damn nausea returns, prompting Solana to place down the last bit of her sandwich as she covers her mouth. 

Afia is forever perceptive and notices as such, asking, “are you alright?”

Solana nods, mustering up a small smile and trying to play it off. “Yes. The food is just.....probably not agreeing with me.”

It feels like a good answer, a good excuse. And, it is, if not for Afia being who she is. 

The other woman chuckles quietly, asking in a low voice that’s not necessarily required given Roman had the entire shooting range cleared just for the two women to train. Something he’s done since their first lesson and will continue to do.

Afia’s gaze is assessing. “How far along are you?”

Solana, to the best of her abilities, tries to hide the complete shock that shoots through her body at Afia’s cavalier question. But, it’s difficult, to say the least. “Wh–what?”

“Solana…..” Afia leans across the table, placing her hand on top of Solana’s. “I know we haven’t known each other for long, but we’re technically family, if our stubborn husbands would set aside their pride and talk things out, that is.” Another bombshell as Solana is unsure if Afia is referring to Matteo and Roman as cousins or the half-brothers that they really are. “And, I know this is a rare thing in this world, something that’s almost non-existent, but I promise that you can trust me. You have my word. On my childrens' life.”

Such a strong, powerful statement that Solana doesn't take lightly. That she believes. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned about the woman sitting across from her, it’s that Afia does not play about her family. Especially her children. 

She’d never include them in something like that if she didn’t mean it.

It’s why Solana finds herself asking in a quiet voice, “how—how did you know?”

“I’m a mother myself, Solana. I’ve been there before with the morning sickness, the light headedness, the headaches.” Solana continues to sit stunned as Afia lists off some of the symptoms the wife of the Tribal Chief thought she’d hidden well enough when they hit her during her trainings. “The pregnancy glow.” 

At that, Solana’s eyes light up. “I–I have that?”

Afia nods with a warm smile. “You do.”

There’s something about that, about that acknowledgement from another woman, another mother, that means the world to Solana. 

“I’m—I’m three months,” she finally answers, confirming what Afia clearly already knows. “It’s–it’s twins.”

It’s always been discussed that the pregnancy should be kept private and will continue to be kept as such, but Solana knows that if she talks with Roman, explains how Afia knowing transpired, that he won’t be upset. 

The same way she wasn’t upset when he told her how he told Ava and Dwayne about the pregnancy.

Family.

Ava. Dwayne. Afia. 

They’re family, and Solana can only count the days until she can share her big news with the rest of her family.

“Twins?” Afia gasps, face filled with awe. “What a blessing.” Curiosity brimming, she inquires, “do you know the genders yet or…..”

“Girls,” Solana answers, hand over her belly, overcome with pride. “They’re both girls.”

“Solana….” Afia’s laughter is light and so joyful. “Congratulations. You are going to be an amazing mother.”

A compliment Solana could never tire of hearing. Reassurance she needs in some ways. “Thank you.” Clearing her throat, she wipes at her eyes, sharing, “it’s….it’s nice to finally be able to have someone to talk to about this, about….being pregnant.”

Afia laughs. More heartily this time. “Well, I am an open book for any questions you may have.” She smirks, leaning back and crossing her arms. “I do have some experience with this, you know.”

And Solana is instantly filled with such happiness, such relief in some ways, because having only her doctor and Roman talk to about her pregnancy is fine, but not enough in some ways. Because her doctor can only help from a medical standpoint, and Roman’s knowledge is obviously limited. 

So, Afia, another woman, another mother, being available to offer insight is invaluable.

In more than one way.

“Afia….” Solana is the one to sit forward, gaze focused on the woman opposite her. “You know Matteo and Roman are brothers….don’t you?” 

She has to. Her wording basically confirmed as such. 

“I do,” she answers. Nothing more.

It’s not needed though.

“Then….then I need your help with something else, too.” Because this family has already been so broken, so shattered, so unhealed. It’s time to change that. Solana is determined to make a better, cohesive, healed future for her girls and this next generation of children.

“I’m listening.”

Solana takes a deep breath, pushing aside any amount of self-doubt. “I want to help Roman and Matteo actually be brothers.” She explains, offering with just as much determination, “our children will be cousins, and I want them to have a relationship. I want them to be close, but I don’t know if that can happen if Matteo and Roman don’t form some kind of relationship.”

Form a brotherhood. 

Afia nods, clearly taking in all of the information, Solana a bit unsure if she should have waited. If maybe she came on too strong, that doubt trying to creep its way back in. And then, Afia smiles, simply asking, 

“Where should we start?”

—------------

Roman wasn’t expecting to see his wife again until later in the evening. They both had busy days, her with her training with Afia and work, as well as him with work. So, he’s more than surprised when she shows up at his office looking every bit as fine as she is in a sexy, little red piece. It’s far too easy for him to bark for everyone to get the fuck out of his office so that he’s left alone with said wife. 

But, as the room is quickly cleared, he can’t help but wonder what brings her to see him. She’s always a sight for sore eyes, but he can’t shake the feeling there’s something behind this surprise visit. 

Her smile is bashful, something similar to shyness, a bit of a thing she’ll probably always have around her husband. “Hey.”

“Hey.” His eyes move over her, a mixture of studying and admiring. Her body has always been divine, but the slight changes he’s noticed because of her pregnancy have only elevated her to a delectable category. “You alright?”

She nods. “Yeah, I just….I wanted to see you.”

Roman’s eyes flitter to something curious. “Baby, we just saw each other this morning.”

She shrugs with one shoulder and chews down on her bottom lip. “I know, but….” Solana looks around, focusing mostly on the door, almost expecting someone to walk in. To interrupt. Even though she has a feeling anyone with a brain knows not to interrupt the Tribal Chief when she’s around.

When his wife is present.

“Solana?”

Him calling her name pulls her from wandering thoughts. Solana redirects her focus back to him, trying her best to think on how to word it. In the car, on the way here, it seemed a lot more straightforward, but now standing here in front of him, it’s anything but.

“I…..” Solana breaks away from him, sliding her purse off her shoulder and placing it in one of the chairs on the opposite side of his desk. She feels his gaze never leave her as she hops up on his desk, ankles crossed. An intentional gesture. “Do—do you have a meeting soon?”

Curiosity gleams in his warm brown eyes as he walks over to her, a simple two steps with his long legs. “Define soon.” When she doesn’t answer, he skips right to the chase. “Solana, why are you really here?”

It’s not asked rudely, just something conceived from dire intrigue. 

Solana leans forward, palming the edge of his desk for support. “You know I was…..I was cleared this morning,” she reminds. An unnecessary thing given Roman was right there next to her at her appointment this morning and heard that same things that she did. “I’m…..I’m not on pelvic rest anymore…..” Her voice slides into something quiet and unsure, similar to the way she’s looking at her husband. A husband whose face is filled with knowing and realization.

“Solana….” A pained, almost rough iteration of her name as he moves closer and lifts her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. “Why are you here?”

There’s something about how it’s asked, the heaviness and almost need in said question, the way Solana knows that Roman knows exactly why she’s here.

And she tells him just as much.

Just, in her own way.

Solana closes her knees together to force her husband a few steps back, and when he does so, she proceeds to lay back on his desk just enough to give her the room she needs. Sliding her dress up higher, dangerously high, it’s when she slowly spreads her legs once more and Roman’s eyes flint downward that she sees it.

Sees the way his jaw clenches, his eyes gloss over with an undeniable and unmistakable amount of lust.

“Fuck, Sol…..”

Her mouth slips into something similar to a smile. “Exactly.” She leans up just enough to reach for him, to pull her between her open legs that reveal her exposed cunt and the fact that she’s not wearing any underwear. Solana glides her hands up his chest, cupping his face, as she murmurs, “I want you…..”

Roman’s eyes shut, his voice strained. “Here?” He moves his hands to her hips, tugging her forward. “I would have come home….”

“We can do it again when you get home.” It comes out before she even really realizes what she’s saying, a shocking thing that takes them both back. Solana’s cheeks heat up as she clarifies, “if—if you want.”

“You know I always want that with you,” he assures, kissing the corner of her mouth. He looks at her, lust briefly replaced with all the seriousness. “Are you sure?”

It’s a question that doesn’t even require any sort of contemplation. “Yes.”

The ‘s’ has barely left her mouth when Roman smashes his lips over hers with a hunger that’s equally yoked. Solans moves her arms around her neck, pulling him closer, savoring the feel of his full lips on hers, the intimate, intricate dance of yearning and longing. Roman slides his tongue into her mouth, evoking a yawn as she tightens her thighs around his waist.

Roman groans and drops his mouth to her neck, Solana’s lips parting, her hands to the back of his neck as he sucks on her sensitive mouth and moves his hand over her breast, palming them. She moans and arches her back, oh so sensitive to his touch, a combination of it being far too long since they could be together in this way as well as the changes her body has started to undergo due to her pregnancy.

Solana moves her hands up to slide his suit jacket off, something Roman assists her with as he tosses it off in the distance, uncaring of how it falls onto the floor. He moves to kiss her again, Solana smiling into said kiss only to gasp when Roman nudges his hand in between her legs. 

“You get so wet for me, baby…..” His tongue darts out and over his bottom lip, watching how the pleasure from just a simple touch has her head lolled back. “Lay back a bit for me, sweetheart.”

Solana doesn’t have to be told twice. Excitement fills her as she follows his request. Roman moves his hands to her hips, tugging her a bit forward on his desk as she rests on her elbows. Looking down at him, Solana watches his eyes gloss over with that returned lust, that hunger that always seems to fill him whenever they’re intimate.

“You have such a pretty pussy….” It’s the way he licks his lips and moves to his knees that has Solana’s nails scraping against the wood of his desk. 

And, he hasn’t even touched her yet.

“Keep your legs open for me.” A soft, sultry command that doesn’t need issuance, Solana already adjusting her body and scooting down the desk. But, Roman quickly switches gears, deciding on something different. 

“Fuck it.” Is the last thing Solana hears before her husband has his face buried into that sacred, dripping apex of her thighs. 

“Roman,” she shouts, immediately biting down on her bottom lip to try to keep herself quiet, a difficult task as Roman sucks on her clit with all the urgency and need in the world. “Oh my…..” Her head falls back, her fingers moving to the top of his head. Solana moans as Roman adjusts her legs, one over each shoulder, heels falling off, her calves squeezing against his back.

His thick warm tongue working that magic over her most sensitive bud has her struggling to remain quiet, to not alert anyone outside of the safe space of his office just what carnal activities are transpiring. 

He pulls away, and Solana just about loses it, “I wanna hear you, sweet girl. Stop being so quiet.”

Solana would love to look down at him, meet the dazed, lustful gaze that must fill his eyes, but head thrown back, chest heaving up and down from the sensations of it all make it hard to do so. The same way it’s damn near an arduous task to muster up a verbal reply. “It’s….your office….they’ll—shit—they’ll hear.”

Roman growls lowly and tugs her closer, Solana shooting up off the desk when he thrusts his tongue back inside her. “Ro!”

“Good,” he sounds, face immersed back into her pussy that has his beard soaked, her essence dripping and making a mess all over a $50,000 desk. “Let them.” He’s never been so unbothered. “Let them hear you’re mine.”

Solana whimpers and writhes as he continues to eat her out within an inch of her life, bringing her to kingdom come and back as she comes all over his face and into his mouth, the Tribal Chief lapping up every ounce of it like it’s his last supper. And Solana has truly gone too long without being intimate with her husband, because it’s almost naive on her part for her to think one is enough. 

No. Roman has a minimum of two to three. Two to three times he has to make her come with his mouth, some assistance from his fingers but mostly that talented tongue of his. On several occasions, he’s made it clear, in several graphic ways, just how much he enjoys this. Enjoys going down on her, so much so that Solana has learned trying to push him away as she comes down from her orgasm only makes him pull her closer, as he starts his journey to bringing her to heaven all over again.

It’s too much and yet exactly what she’s been wanting. Been needing. 

And it’s with that same need, she grabs him by the back of his head and presses their lips together, tasting herself on those same, talented, full lips when he’s finally and fully satiated. 

Solana’s hands can’t move fast enough to reach for the belt, but she’s no match for the speed in which Roman has his pants undone and her perched on the edge of the desk, ready and waiting. 

And the minute his thick mushroom head pushes into her, Solana grips his shoulders, the wince on her face more than enough to cause him to stop.

“You alright?” His voice drips with concern, Solana able to feel him pull back just enough, prompting her to shake her head. 

“I’m fine,” she assures, holding him, pulling him closer. “It’s just….it’s been a while.” Too long. “Please—please don’t stop.” Because that’s absolutely not what she needs. She needs him, and she needs him now. 

Roman still looks a bit reluctant, Solana silencing his doubts by pressing her lips against his and maneuvering her hand in between their bodies to reposition him. “Please….” 

Roman obliges, Solana’s hand dropping and moving to grip his shirt as he carefully inches himself into her. She bites down on his shoulder, uncaring of the lipstick stain now on his shirt. “Oh my God…..”

It’s a bit of a burning sensation, somewhat painful, something similar to their first time, but it’s expected. Solana expected there to be some difficulty taking all of him again after such a long period of time. Doesn’t make her want him any less though. Want this any less.

He kisses her temple, asking. “You okay?”

A soft smile and sincere answer. “I’m okay.” Because it’ll never not move her with how attentive and caring he always is, even outside of their sex life, but it somehow seems more prominent in this aspect of their relationship.

Solana can absolutely tell and feel when he’s completely inside of her, an overwhelming sensation that’s been missed even more than she realized. She squeezes his shoulders, whining almost, “move….”

Again, always wanting to assess her comfort, Roman looks down at her, studying her face. Needing that reassurance, and the minute he receives it, Solana is already gasping, feeling him pull out just enough to slide back into her, the tip of his long, thick dick pressing that spot inside of her.

“Yes,” she moans, the pleasure easily and quickly overpowering any amount of discomfort. “Ro….”

His thrusts intensify by the seconds that pass, the slick feeling of her pussy, hugging and tugging his dick with all the need. “Like that, baby?”

“Yes.” She cries, overwhelmed in the best sort of way. “Just—just like that, oh—”

Solana moans when Roman moves his hand under her ass, lifting her up just enough to switch and change up the angle. God, he feels so good.

“You have no idea how much I’ve missed this,” Roman’s voice is heavy and deep with need, his mouth traveling the perimeter of his  face. “Missed being inside this pussy.”

Solana feels numb, feels so many, too many things to say anything. Can only continue to lock her ankles above Roman’s ass as he fucks into her, his hips thrusting against and into her, driving her delirious in some ways. 

“Fuck, you feel so good, Sol.” Roman tips her forward once more, eager and needing to dig into her, to continue to feel her come undone around him. “Good ass pussy gripping my shit like this.”

“You’re so deep.” It’s impossible how much he fills her, the fullness that consumes her, the pleasure that he brings her. “Mmm feels amazing, papi.”

“Fuck, Sol,” Roman curses, squeezing her ass, pumping into her harder, deeper. “If you weren’t already pregnant….”

Solana smiles as he buries his face into her neck, his mouth ghosting over the collarbone of her fully healed tattoo. The tattoo for him. A reminder of her love and devotion to him.

It’s that devotion that fills her and drives her to make him look at her, her hands cupping his face, “mine.”

His eyes shut, his forehead pressed against hers, vowing, “yours.” She clenches around him, both nearly coming in that same moment. “Always yours.”

Solana gasps, intakes sharply as he claims her mouth in a kiss that’s broken by her moan, loud and heavy. “I love you,” she whimpers, nails digging into his clothed shoulders. “I love you so much.” 

“I love you, too, baby,” he murmurs, never once stopping his delicious thrusts, his determination to bring her over the edge, to take her to that wonderful place only he knows the way to is unwavering. And with each thrust, with each reminder of his love and devotion for her, Solana’s caring for who, if anyone, overhears dwindles.

She doesn’t care.

This is her husband.

The father of her children.

The Tribal Chief, and she, his wife. 

His a faletua.

The Wife of The Tribal Chief.

She can do whatever she damn well pleases. 

And she does, as she comes, still uncaring of anyone hearing her moans, of how vocal she is at how good her husband makes her feel. The way she savors in the way he once again buries himself into her neck, groping her big breast as he too reaches his climax, emptying his seed all into her. Solana clutches her legs around him, wanting all of it. Everything he has, she wants.

In all the ways. 

She holds onto him, enjoying the feel of his big, strong body leaning, resting into hers. She kisses his temple, again reaffirming her love for him.

And after a few minutes of silence, he speaks, voice low with lingering need. “You need to come visit me every day.”

She giggles, stroking the hair at the nape of his neck. “I just might.” He’s still buried inside of her, growing soft, but she swears she feels his dick jerk at her reply. “My….drive has been…..high.” 

Because, it has. Because while Solana has completely understood the need for pelvic rest and would do so for the rest of her pregnancy to keep her babies safe and healthy if necessary, the lifting of said restriction is something she’s also very much looked forward to the past few weeks. Especially as her sex drive has spiked ten levels. Another pregnancy symptom.

One she’s elated to no longer have to suppress. 

The implication with her pronunciation of the word drive makes Roman look up, his gaze filled with desire and baseline level of excitement. “I can take care of that.”

She smiles, eyes darting from his eyes to his lips, whispering, “yeah?”

“Yeah,” he murmurs, closing the gap between them, leaning over her body, laying her back on the desk. Solana giggles against his mouth, already feeling—in more ways than one—where this is headed.

Would be headed.

“....I keep trying to tell you, Roman don’t care if I go—OH MY GOD!”

Solanna’s scream of horror is just about what and what with Jimmy’s as he quickly scrambles to shut the door. Solana tries to hide her face into her husband’s chest, her husband who barks at his cousin to “get the fuck out!”

Embarrassment fills her as the two of them move to separate, Roman looking every bit as irritated—or enraged—as he feels. Solana’s hands over her mouth, her eyes wide with continued horror, the sound of Jimmy outside the door a soundtrack to this quite unexpected scene.

“Alicia! Get the bleach! And the Lysol! And the CDC! I need one of them yellow suits they had in Monster’s Inc!  

—----------

Roman was in a decent mood after starting the day off with Solana’s OB-GYN appointment and was in an even better mood when his wife surprised him with a visit. A visit that resulted in them being intimate intimate again after far too long. But, that better mood was immediately squashed the moment his dumbass cousin interrupted them, the same cousin who sits at the same conference table as himself, Dwayne, Matteo, and the Wise Man, still going on and on about what happened a good two hours ago.

“Don’t make no damn sense,” Jimmy scowls, randomly spraying Lysol around him, setting the personal sized can on the table. “Ya’ll couldn’t go somewhere else?”

Roman’s expression is every bit as bored as his tone. “It’s my office, Jimmy.” He lifts his eyes, voice even as he reminds. “I’ll fuck my wife all over that space if I want to.”

It’s then that Matteo gives a look of understanding. “Is that what you’re so upset about?” He asks Jimmy, scoffing and sharing. “I’ve done the same with my wife plenty of times in my office. It’s normal.”

“And, I don’t have a wife, but Lord knows I’ve done some things in my office as well.” Dwayne smirks, leaning back into his chair. 

Jimmy makes a face, mocking the two men. “This ain’t about ya’ll!” He dismisses them, pointing to himself. “This is about me. I am a victim!”

Matteo looks toward his brother and asks in Italian. “Is he always like this?”

Roman rolls his shoulders, answering in the same language. “Unfortunately.”

“I mean, that’s why they make bedrooms. Ya’ll could have done that shit at ya’ll damn house,” Jimmy continues to object, shaking his head, nose turned up. “It was like walking in on my little sister or something.”

Roman rolls his eyes, suddenly curious. “You really think we’ve only had sex in our bedroom at our house?”

At one point, the answer was yes. When they first started being intimate, Solana still growing into her comfortability with sex, yes. It was limited to the bedroom, as that was her comfort level. But now? Especially in the days and weeks following her return from treatment? Roman has easily made his wife come on every available space in that damn house. 

A realization that has Jimmy just about ready to throw up. “You mean I been contaminated?” His eyes are wide and filled with horror as he lifts the can of Lysol, spraying much more than necessary, evoking a fit of heavy, violent coughs from the asthmatic Wise Man. “I’m suing!”

Dwayne and Matteo share a chuckle at the ever dramatic Jimmy, while Roman decides it’s time to switch gears. 

It’s time to get to business.

He sits forward, asking in an unmistakably irritated voice. “Where are your brothers and dad, Jimmy?”

It’s a shift in tone and energy that makes all the men sit up straight, even Jimmy, who answers, “I don’t know, man. They knew to be here.”

“But, they’re not,” Roman finishes. He glances at the expensive watch on his wrist, frustration growing exponentially seeing they’re almost 15 minutes late. 

Unacceptable. 

“Wise Man.”

Paul stands up almost immediately. “Yes, my Tribal Chief?”

“Call—” Roman’s directive is interrupted by the arrival of the missing parties themselves. In walks in Rikishi, followed by his sons, Solo and Jey. 

All wear unreadable expressions with the exception of Jey who looks annoyed, and that only pisses Roman off more.

To show up late to a meeting called by the Tribal Chief is one thing. To show up late and deepen that disrespect by looking irritated is a whole other level of contempt.

Roman rolls his shoulders and tries to settle himself by focusing on the objective of said meeting.

Even if that same objective is most likely going to exacerbate an already tense situation.

Once everyone is settled, Wise Man naturally steps into the role of mediator. 

“Gentlemen, thank you for your attendance today,” he starts out, Roman partially listening, mostly focused on how Jey is focused on the wall of windows across the room rather than the discussion that’s about to change everything. Like, he doesn't care.

It’s infuriating. 

“Your Tribal Chief has called this meeting today for a very important reason given the….less than unfortunate events that have transpired over the past few weeks and months.” Unfortunate is one way to put it. “Now, please understand, your Tribal Chief has thought long and hard on how to proceed and respond to these events in a way that is fair and just, but still—”

“You’re all out.”

Roman’s interruption is short, blunt, and concise. A simple sentence with a hefty weight behind it.

Rikishi is the first to respond. He sits forward, removing his glasses. “Excuse me?”

Solo and Jey exchange confused expressions. 

“You’re all hereby removed from my cabinet and relieved of any current, higher up Bloodline duties,” Roman continues his explanation, also sitting forward, studying the non-verbals of each man. “Solo, you’re also removed from Solana’s security detail. You and Jey will be joining the trainers and training new recruits. Rikishi, your primary task will be whatever the Elders assign you with. Just know it won’t be coming from me.”

“Is this a joke?” It’s the first thing to come out of Jey’s mouth as he looks over at Jimmy who’s also just as confused. An expected thing given this was a decision made between Roman, Dwayne, and even Matteo, given how closely connected he’s come to Bloodline business. Especially as he was privy to Jey’s latest and last outburst. “You gotta be fucking with me?”

Roman’s voice is even and challenging. “Do I look like I’m joking?” A rhetorical question to a stupid ass question.

“Roman, this is madness,” Rikishi objects, his voice also even as he looks between his two fellow ousted sons. “How can you—”

“You all have disrespected me, disrespected my reign, my leadership in one way or another.” He’s tempted to add in ‘my wife’, but ultimately goes against it, already knowing they’ll try to say this is personal. Even if, in some ways, it is. “I don’t stand for that shit from anyone.” Not even family. “I’ve killed for less.”

And, they all know this. 

“Fucking training?” Jey sneers, slamming his fist on the table. “You demoting me to a goddamn trainer?”

Roman growls, reminding, “you’re lucky demoting you is all I’m doing.” The Tribal Chief doesn’t hesitate to remind his hot headed cousin of the straw that broke the camel’s back. “That shit you pulled at the party was fucking unacceptable, Jey. Acting a fucking fool on neutral territory in the presence of Escobar and his men? You should have fucking known better.”

Jey responds by jumping up out of his seat, chair falling back onto the floor. “This some bullshit, Roman, and you know it!”

Jimmy also stands up, moving over to try to calm down his brother as Dwayne breaks his silence. “Your temper makes you a liability, Jey. We can’t have that.”

“You either learn to control it, or it’ll control you,” Matteo advises, studying the way Solo remains surprisingly calm in the face of upsetting news. It’s….interesting, to say the least.

Jey growls, “man, you stay the fuck out of this! You ain’t even fucking family!”

“That’s enough, Jey,” Jimmy tries to advise, even though Jey is clearly past the point of conversing. “Roman, this ain’t…..this ain’t a forever thing, right?”

Roman feels all eyes on him as he answers without hesitation. “We’ll see.”

It’s only then Solo gives some indication of his true feelings. Rage. Slowly, he stands, and as he does so, Matteo sits forward, as if ready and waiting. But, Rikishi places a hand on his son’s shoulder. The two share a look before the Elder responds, “is this really what you want to do, Uce?”

No. Truth be told, it’s not really what Roman wants to do, because while he’s always butted heads with Jey at various points over the years, like he’d told Solana that one time, he knows—or knew—the twins always had/have his back. And vice versa. Knew they’d die for him the same way he’d die for them. 

But, things have changed. Feelings have changed. Whatever lied dormant all these years has resurfaced, and Roman has no idea if, and when, it’ll settle.

And what he ultimately wants to avoid is the other alternative. The one that he and Jey utilized years prior. 

Tribal Combat.

Something Roman was victorious in at that time, but not something he wants to have for a second round. Because the stakes are higher this round, much higher. Because while Roman was simply allowed to defeat his cousin and call it resolved the first time. The second time, he won’t be as lucky. 

This time, with everything that’s happened, Jey’s public display of disrespect, Roman can’t just defeat Jey in combat. 

He’d have to kill him.

It would be to the death.

And while Roman isn’t sure he could ever admit this aloud to anyone, not even Solana, it doesn’t negate the fact that deep down, he’s not sure if he could do it.

He doesn't know if he could kill Jey, and not because of lack of ability but lack of want.

He doesn’t want to kill Jey.

So, that’s why this route is the route he must take, and it’s why he answers calmly, “yes.”

And, it’s with that, his decision is made. Final and without appeal options. Roman motions for the Wise Man to see the now three disgraced men out of his office, his flushed face advisor moving to point and usher the four men out.

Jimmy leaves with his brothers and father.

It’s only when he’s alone with his cousin and half brother, Roman sees Dwayne nod, advising, “you made the right decision, brotha’.”

“You made the only decision,” Matteo agrees. 

Roman looks away, silent and questioning. 

Because while the satisfaction of knowing one problem has been handled should settle the Tribal Chief, the nagging feeling that another entirely different one has just been created is something he can’t push away. 

—-----------

It’s a battle of senses. Roman’s sense of smell fights with his auditory system as he steps foot into the home. He smells the delicious aroma of whatever his beautiful wife has prepared for them this evening, and he also hears the music that’s playing through the speaker system throughout the home.

A small smile falls on his face as he walks gingerly toward the room where the music seems the loudest and the scent of dinner—and more—lures him. 

Roman proceeds gingerly when he’s in the vicinity of seeing her, but her not seeing him. The smile is conjoined with a warm feeling that only she evokes as he realizes not only is she singing along—he loves to hear her sing—but she’s playfully dancing around the kitchen as well. 

Roman maintains his safe distance to secure his ability to observe. To see the big smile on her beautiful face as she moves around the kitchen, one of those god-awful shirts Jimmy has made for him every Christmas on her frame that Solana stumbled across and has commandeered for herself ever since. And with her is Dulce, tail wagging, jumping up on her hind legs every so often as she “dances” with her mom.

But, it’s the way she occasionally brings her hand to her stomach, lovingly, protectively, that moves Roman the most. The way her eyes briefly close, clearly taking in this moment of pure bliss and long-deserved happiness. 

A similar feeling for him as well.

This. This is what he needs. Her. Her light. Her love. The balm she is for him on even his hardest days, and today is definitely up there on the list of difficult times.

You got a fast car

Is it fast enough so we could fly away?

Still gotta make a decision

Leave tonight, or live and die this way

A brief thought crosses Roman’s mind, an idea that prompts him to step away and head for his office. Hitting the light, he moves over to the bookcase set where his Canon sits. Years of experience allows him to switch the lenses and adjust the settings in a matter of minutes, allowing him to return without alerting his wife of his presence.

He starts with photos, snapping and capturing this moment in still shots. But then, the desire to bottle all of it—audio and video included, fills him, prompting him to switch to the record option. Roman watches her through the viewfinder, admiration abundant. 

So, I remember when we were driving, driving in your car

Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk

City lights laid out before us

And your arm felt nice wrapped around my shoulder

And I, I had a feeling that I belonged

I, I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

Solana spins around and laughs at the sight of Dulce also spinning around, but it’s also in that moment she becomes aware of the fact that she’s not alone.

Solana shouts in a mixture of surprise and fear, slapping her hand over her mouth. “Roman!” It’s the initial shock of seeing he’s present followed by the awareness that he’s also recording. “No. Ro, I look terrible!” She tries to hide her face, prompting him to remind her of what he’ll gladly spend the rest of his life doing.

“You look beautiful.” His compliment grants him her dropping her hands just enough to give away the fact that she��s hiding a smile. “You always do.”

Solana doesn’t say anything, just nervously darts her eyes up and down, asking, “how long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough.” Roman stops the video and lowers the camera to walk over to her. Solana leans up and wraps her arms around his neck, kissing him, as he murmurs, "missed you today.”

Because, he has. Any moment not spent with her and instead spent dealing with bullshit just intensifies that ache and borderline empty feeling he has whenever she’s not around.

Her smile is wry and playful. “You just saw me this afternoon.”

Roman absolutely picks up on the fact that she’s teasing him from his response to seeing her this afternoon, prompting him to remind her, “I did more than just see you, baby.”

“Roman!” She squeals when his hand drops to her bountiful ass, giving a squeeze. “Stop it.”

He’ll do no such thing, but he will allow her to bring him over to the stove. One hand holding his, Solana uses the other to stir around whatever is in the pot. She then grabs another smaller spoon, scooping up some and lifting it to his mouth. “Try this.”

He does so, easily. It only takes a second for the taste to set in. “It’s delicious,” he compliments. “But, everything you make is good as fuck, Sol. You know this.”

Her cheeks redden, as she explains, “it’s a new recipe I was trying. Got it from Afia. It’s Nigerian. Something called Gizdodo,” she says the name with uncertainty, sheepishly admitting, “I was worried you wouldn’t like it.”

“Solana, I love everything you make.” He loves everything about her, including and especially her excellent culinary skills. “Except that damn soup.”

Solana rolls her eyes, taking the spoon to toss it in the sink. “Roman, don’t start with that.”

“It’s not that it’s not good,” he defends. “It’s good as hell. There’s just nothing to it, and I’m hungry an hour later.”

Solana rolls her eyes and moves over to him, hands on his chest. “Ro, you’re hungry an hour later even when I don’t fix you soup.”

“Yeah, but I’m hungrier when it’s soup.”

Shaking her head, she goes to take the camera from him, pointing out of the kitchen. “Go change, so we can eat. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Roman answers by kissing her temple and lightly slapping her ass, prompting her to giggle as she playfully pushes him away. Dulce barks from the floor, clearly wanting his attention as well. Chuckling, he kneels down and pets her. “Hey girl,” he gives her a brief belly rub before sending her to resume her stalking of Solana by the stove. 

15 minutes later, he’s out of his work clothes, dressed in sweats and a short sleeved shirt, finding his wife still by the stove. He realizes she has the same song as before playing clearly on repeat.

Roman moves behind her, arms around her waist as she leans back into him, explaining softly, “my mother loved this song.” A quiet admission as he kisses her temple in a comforting gesture. “She—she used to play the original all the time while she cooked, and I used to dance with her, and in those moments, everything was fine. It was just….just me and her, and we were happy…..I was happy.”

Roman doesn’t say anything, just allows her to speak and share freely. He knows she's been working with Gail on processing her confusing feelings towards her mom and would never do anything to make her feel invalidated. Hate. Grief. Love.

It's all valid.

Her eyes shut, and she sighs heavily. “We’re not going to be like them, Ro.” Solana turns her head to look up at him. “We’re not going to be like our parents.”

It’s one of the easiest things he could agree to, and some of it, he can’t deny, is due to the conversations he’s had with Lita about the very same thing. “No. We’re not.”

She smiles, but it’s small, weighed down with memories of the past. He can relate entirely. “They’re gonna have a childhood.” She turns around again, so her head remains tilted back into his strong chest. Roman’s hand snakes down to her belly, protective placement. “A happy one…”

He’s in agreement. 1000%, but there’s something about her sentiment, a combination of all the conversations they’ve had the past few weeks that has him sharing something he’s gone from briefly contemplating to seriously considering. 

“Sol….” She looks back up at him, expression expectant. Roman lifts his hand to her cheek, index and thumb gently tipping her chin. “Let’s move.”

Naturally, she’s confused, her smile almost reluctant. “W…what?”

“Not out of state,” he clarifies. Though, if possible, he wouldn’t be entirely opposed to that either. Away from all these damn people. “A new house.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “A new house?”

The shock in her voice makes him chuckle. He nods. “Yes, baby. A new house.” The hand on her stomach moves around in a small circle. “Let’s build something. You tell me what you want in it, and I’ll have it made.” Solana continues to look astounded, Roman adding in a small voice. “A nice backyard for them….”

Solana turns around, forcing his hands down and to her hips. “You’re….you’re serious?”

“Yeah,” he answers. Roman lifts his hand to the small of her back, further explaining as he looks around. “This place is mine, and it’s been mine for years. It’s yours too, but it’s got more me than you, and I want it to be us.” He moves to cup her face, asking gently, “does that make sense?”

Because this house has been solely Roman's for so long, holds so many memories and experiences that no longer represent the future he wants. This was his bachelor home.

And, that's not what he wants anymore.

He wants a family home.

He wants to give his wife the home she wants and his daughters the kind of home that they deserve.

“It does.” Solana slides her hands up his chest, locking them behind his neck, her lips curving into a wide smile. “We can really build our own house?”

He chuckles. “We can do anything you want, Solana.”

She giggles, scoffing in disbelief. “Then….” She bounces a little against him, a clear sign of excitement. “Then let’s build a house.” Roman smiles as she moves to hug him, gasping and asking, “wait, I can design my own kitchen?”

“I’m certainly not going to do it,” he answers, chuckling when she slaps his arm. He watches how delight fills her eyes. 

“I’ve always wanted to do that,” she muses, sharing with continued elation. “I can have a kosher kitchen!”

“I have no idea what that means, but sure.”

Solana rolls her eyes and hugs him again, murmuring into his chest, “thank you.” And before he can remind her once again that she never has to thank him for anything he does for her, she peers up at him with those mischievous eyes. “Gotta start preparing for our six kids, huh?”

She’s quick to move away, giggling and opening cabinets to pull out plates. “Don’t start with that shit again, Solana.” Her laughter continues, a stark contrast to the serious expression on his face. He’s almost certain that one sentence alone has spiked his blood pressure. But, it pales in comparison to what his numbers must be when he catches onto something. “Did you just say six?”

—---------

His breathing is heavy, her fingers gliding up and across the sheen of sweat across his back. Roman continues to pulse inside of her, coming down from yet another shattering orgasm, every drop of his cum depleted inside of her addictive pussy. 

Solana kisses his temple, evoking a contented sigh. Carefully, Roman lowers one of her legs from off his shoulder and removes himself from her, plopping down on the bed beside her. Seconds later, she’s moving on top of him, laying against him.

“Ya know…..” Solana pants, clearly trying to catch her breath. “For someone who claims he doesn’t want a lot of kids, you sure do love doing the thing with me that can give us all those kids.”

He scoffs, explaining, “you’re already pregnant. I don’t need to be careful.”

Curious, Solana inquires, “and when I’m not pregnant anymore?”

Roman shrugs, continuing to glide his fingers up and down her arm. “Then, we’ll be careful.”

A scowl falls on her face, Solana unwilling to hide her displeasure or her stance. “I’m not getting on birth control. I don’t want to.” And she knows he won’t make her either. Will respect that decision and her. “So we start using protection–

Roman is immediately shutting that shit down. “I’m not using condoms.” 

Solana smiles knowingly, burying her face into his chest. 

No condoms. 

No birth control.

She’s certain she’ll end up pregnant again in a matter of months after the twins are born.

Roman will just have to deal with the “consequences” of them being so sexually active without any barriers to protect them from pregnancy. 

He’ll be fine. 

She snuggles even closer to him, dwelling in the comfort that always comes with being pressed against his body. He always makes her feel so safe when they’re cuddled together, but there’s something about this time that deters that. A feeling that nudges at her, prevents her from doing so, from getting comfortable, because it feels so obvious.

It’s why she sits up and looks down at her husband, asking, “what’s wrong?”

Solana is expecting him to deflect. She knows he’s been trying hard, working hard in therapy, to be more open with her, but it’s still a struggle. So, it partially surprises her when he answers, “I need to talk to you about something.” 

And right away, she knows she’s not going to like whatever he’s about to share. “O—okay.”

Roman’s hesitation is visible and palpable. “I know….I know you want this pregnancy to be as normal as possible, and I want that too. I want to be able to give you that—”

“And you can,” she cuts in, anxiety rising with the way her chest is starting to feel a little tight. She thought they already discussed this. “You have.”

His eyes briefly dart to the side of the room. “Years ago, when there was….a protocol when the wife of the Tribal Chief was pregnant. She....she would spend the pregnancy….away.”

Yeah…..Solana knew she wasn’t going to like this conversation. 

At all.

She sits up completely. “Roman, what are you saying?” His silence is damning. “Are—are you sending me away?”

“No.” A relieving answer preceded by a stressful follow-up. “Not…not unless I have t—Solana.” He stops mid-explanation as she kicks the sheets off and moves to get out of the bed. “Sol—”

“No,” she cuts him off, voice icy and slicing. Solana looks over at him, face filled with confusion and distress. “I can’t—I can’t believe you would even suggest that.”

Roman also sits up, running his hand over his face. He knew this wouldn’t be something she would enjoy hearing, but it’s something she needs to hear regardless. “Baby—”

He tries to reach for her, only for Solana to jerk away from him as she rises out of the bed. He ultimately decides to let her leave, closing his eyes when she slams the door to the bathroom. 

“Fuck….”

Again, it’s not that he expected Solana to be thrilled about this, especially as they’d discussed just this morning just how excited she was about all of this. About experiencing this pregnancy with him, and he can’t deny that those confused feelings he was experiencing about said pregnancy at the beginning have started to gradually shift to something likened with excitement.

That there was a sense of joy that filled him hearing confirmation that Solana is in fact pregnant with twin girls. Just like their dreams.

Dreams that have slowly been becoming a reality, but there’s also a darkness to his reality. One that places Solana in a tremendous amount of danger once news of her pregnancy starts to reach the wrong ears. 

And while there is some hint of decreasing that danger by “leaking” the fact that she’s carrying girls and not a boy, so not an heir, that’s something Roman could never be okay with. Nor does it take away the danger of her pregnancy being “public,” because her pregnancy, no matter how they could try to spin it, just puts an even bigger target on her head.

And, it’s that target that he finds him struggling with. It’s been there since the day she became his wife, but the fact that it’s even bigger, or will be, is unsettling to him. It’s why he’s found himself thinking of ways to minimize that risk, and the biggest, possibly best way, would be to have Solana spend the rest of the pregnancy in hiding of sorts. 

He’d maybe even consider letting her go to Mexico. Let her be around with family. But clearly, she’s not okay with any of that. 

At all. 

And, it’s not as if he’s thrilled about it either, because while he’s still working through feelings about being a dad, there’s a small part of him that feels a sense of grief at possibly not being able to experience that with her. Her first pregnancy. Their first pregnancy.

But, that grief is largely outweighed by his desire to protect her. Protect them.

He’ll do anything to keep his family safe.

Anything.

The sound of the shower running alerts Roman to the fact that Solana won’t be coming back to bed anytime soon, which is why he finds himself kicking the covers back, finding and sliding on his boxers and stepping over to the bathroom. 

He’s not surprised to find the knob unlocked, already knowing she just wanted space in the moment, not to not be around him at all.

It’s why he quietly closes the door behind him and walks over to the shower, seeing the backside silhouette of her nude frame standing under the running water. Roman removes his boxers and is careful, meticulous in the way he opens the shower door to join her without actually disturbing her.

Naturally, he moves to stand beside her, his arms around her, gently turning her around to face him.

“Shit.” Roman knew he upset her, expected as such. He just didn’t know how much he upset her, because the water droplets swimming down her face, trickling from her bangs can’t hide the fact that she’s clearly crying. 

“Baby, I’m sorry,” he’s immediately apologizing, kissing her forehead, eyes shutting. “Please don’t cry.” Because she’s the only person on this earth that he actually cares about upsetting. It’s the last thing he ever wants to do.

The sound of her sniffling is a punch to his gut, but not as painful as what fills him hearing her soft, quiet, desperate response. “Please don’t send me away.” He looks down, meeting her teary, scared eyes. She shakes her head. “I can’t—I can’t do this without you.”

Sentiments she’s expressed before, especially after her nightmare a few weeks back, but something she obviously feels the need to reiterate. 

“I’ll—I’ll do whatever you want me to do, but—but not that.” She swallows, her voice shifting into something more determined, fierce almost. “I am with you. Always. No matter what.” She moves her hands up to his face, whispering, “to the end, Ro.” Head tilted, lips pressed together, she asks in a quiet voice. “Okay?”

Roman nods. He won’t risk further upsetting her. She can’t afford it. Not…not in her condition. 

He leans down to kiss her before reaching for the wash cloth laid across the shelf and motioning for her to turn around so he can wash her. An act of love and affection that she reciprocates for him before they both find their way back to bed, Solana sleeping peacefully atop him.

But, it’s short lived sleep for Roman who eventually escapes the sanctuary of their bed and trades it for the seat outside on their balcony.

Something....something is off.

He can't put his hand on on it, but he feels it. The situation with Jey, Rikishi, and Solo could be it, probably is a large part of it, why Roman can't shake this uneasy feeling.

It could be Cosa Nostra related, because things have been quiet on that end. Perhaps too quiet. But, Dwayne and Matteo continue to reiterate that the few men they trust back in Italy continue to keep them in the loop, and nothing has raised alarm.

Matteo has even been ever transparent regarding the reports he sends back to the Administration regarding Roman's activity. All truthful. Nothing damning.

But, all of that is what makes it so difficult for the Tribal Chief, because a tangible issue is a solvable issue. An invisible one is nothing but a possibility that may be nothing.

Or may be something.

And Roman knows he would have to have something to justify sending Solana away. She would need a clear answer, an explanation as to why he's doing the very thing she begged him not to do. And telling her it's because he has a hunch that something is off simply won't cut it.

Roman sits there for a good half hour, thinking, overthinking, and something beyond that even. He goes over it all, from the moment he first met his wife to the moment just a few hours ago where he agreed to her request. He evaluates it all, not from Roman, the man in love with his wife, but from The Tribal Chief, the protector.

The warrior and fighter who recognizes the one and ultimate goal in this situation. 

Protection.

Because he lost his family once before.

He won’t lose them again. 

Eventually, Roman walks back into the room. He moves over to the side of the bed where Solana is on her side, sleeping peacefully, completely oblivious to the decision her husband has come to. 

He crouches down beside her, watching her, studying her face before his attention drifts downward. To her stomach.

Wordlessly, he reaches a hand to place it atop the thin sheet, settling it atop her belly, those damn feelings intensifying all over again.

“I don’t know a lot about any of this.” Something he’s gradually coming to grips with with every day that passes where he learns something new about the two tiny human beings growing inside of his wife. Roma’s eyes fill with something that can only be likened to dedication. “But….one thing I do know how to do is how to keep you safe.” His voice is low, whispered, drenched with vulnerability that would never leave the sanctuary of this space. “And, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and her safe.” His eyes fill with a sense of dread, regret, and immense determination. “Even if she ends up hating me for it.”

[inuxi]

that ask was rude of me, i should've just blocked you instead of telling you about it, i'm sorry. i'm aroace and sex+romance repulsed, and i guess i thought alastor was gonna be something i could enjoy for once like everyone else gets to without feeling like i'm intruding on a conversation i have no right to be part of. i'm on ios so i can't use browser extensions to actually get rid of all the alastor ship posts like i want, and i'm not sure my problem even has a solution short of just giving up trying, because so far i have found exactly zero blogs that are 1.) still active at all, 2.) still post about Hazbin, 3.) aren't actually 12 years old, and 4.) don't post about fucking Alastor ships. i got so excited seeing such good, recent art i haven't nuked yet considering how old every other post i can still see is, and i'm not kidding when i say i sent that ask through tears. it was rude and unacceptable either way, and i'm sorry.

i've blocked over 200 different people and i'm not exaggerating that number even a little bit. i would rather put a gun to my head and pull the trigger myself than see them so much as breathe next to each other ever again. i am so. so so so so so sick of searching and searching and searching and finding nothing.

the thing i've learned from alastor's aroace representation is that not only is the world as a whole not made to accommodate me, fandom space isn't either. i am an alien on a planet i was never made to fit into, and i don't even get to escape that through fiction like everyone else does. no amount of filtering and blocking and searching will bring into existence a community for me that simply does not exist, and it is futile for me to try. that's what this fandom has taught me.

i think the chances of me sticking around in this fandom are slim, so at least it won't be an issue for anyone else anymore. i think being excluded from conversations about an aroace character sting a lot more than just not being represented at all to be honest.

Okay, listen.

First of all, Alastor is officially an Ace, NOT an aroace. That means he can still be interested in any romantic things or finding a couple. No one is stopping you from seeing him exclusively as an aroace. But shaming people who don't share your point of view is a bad idea.

Secondly, I am an aroace artist myself. Romantic and sexual themes are virtually non-existent in my art. I can joke about it, but almost all of my drawings explore completely different things. And you come to me and try to talk about how hard it is to feel socially comfortable being an aroace? I understand your worries, but, again, trying to shame other people because they don't share your point of view is NOT a healthy coping mechanism.

Third, I have done THREE drawings in all my time that include a romanticized Alastor. Two of them were collabs, and the third was asked to be drawn by people. And these three drawings made you give up on my art, which you said you really liked?

The community is too heavily oriented towards romantic and sexual themes, it's true. People like us are often uncomfortable in that environment, that's also true. But aroace people can't just come in and ban others from having fun just because we don't find that fun or interesting.

Man, I'm not even Alastor's artist! What the kind of Alastor shipper am I? And you picked me out of a thousand people to block? Oh my God, that's as funny as it is sad.

In case you haven't looked at my art, I am a Lucifer artist. I very rarely draw Alastor, simply because I don't find him interesting enough. And because of that, I find it so funny to be labeled an “Alastor shipper”

[bump1nthen1ght]

A Very Monstrous Kinktober: Day 12 (Somnophilia)

Kink: Somnophilia

Pairing: NB!Shadow Demon x GN!Reader

Other kinks: Oral sex (r recieving)

Warnings: Dubious Consent (It could be inferred reader prior consented to somnophilia, but it isn't explicitely stated)

Word Count: 1119 words

Kinktober Masterlist

Xa’reth had never been more thankful for the heat.

Born in a void of inky black nothingness, feeding on dreams and ideas for most of their life, the human climate had never quite agreed with them. Whether it was humidity or biting cold, it always felt wrong against their skin, so used to the nothingness of subconscious space.

But now, looking down on your sleeping form, Xa’reth could kiss the heatwave that had washed throughed your town, and the AC repair guy who couldn’t come until tomorrow. All of it had lead to you, precious you, to discard pj’s for underwear and to throw aside your covers. Not to mention the way you splay out on your bed, trying to disperse any body heat and soak up the little coolness your two fans provide you.

All in all, it is quite a tantalizing sight.

Xa’reth feels them slipping out of the shadow in the corner of your room, soundless footsteps leaving imprints in your carpet as they step towards your bed. Their hulking form means the top of their horns brush against the ceiling and the bed creaks when they set their knee down. Neither sound is enough to wake you, breathing steady as Xa’reth sets themselves between your open legs, admiring the beads of sweat that decorate your thighs. Their form shifts and smokes, arms thinning to slip under your legs without you noticing, before bulking against to lift them over their shoulders. They take a deep sniff.

Oh, what an incredible smell.

Xa’reth murmurs, soaking up your human scent that enticed them so. You never seem to notice it, nose much worse than theirs, not even realizing the pheromones that leak out of your pores and drives them crazy. You’re so cute in that way.

Their clawed thumb brushes across your entrance, taking another sniff of the fabric covering. They can feel the saliva bubbling into their mouth, dripping through their razor sharp teeth and down their jaw. Xa’reth doesn’t need to eat, but at this moment they feel real hunger.

They kiss up your leg, tong trailing and soaking in the salt of your sweat. They can feel you begin to turn, still asleep but slightly reactive. Xa’reth sucks several bruises onto your inner thigh, lightly tugging at the skin and watching it pull back. A rumbling purr vibrates the bed. Your head tosses and you give a hesby exhale. Not exactly a moan, but Xa’reth revels in it all the same.

Xa’reth licks up the crotch of your underwear, sucking the fabric for just a taste of you. Its not enough, they quickly decide, hand shifting again to slip into your underwear and pull them down your legs, turning briefly incorporeal just so they won’t have to move. Glowing eyes in the darkness stare at your bare crotch, pulsing with desire.

Xa’reth digs in, tongue licking circles around your entrance before plunging in. Their eyes roll back in their head, sweet ambrosia finally on their lips. They are quick to prod at your walls, feeling you clench around them as they explore unhindered. Your feet kick, Xa’reth not feeling thing as a dreamy sigh comes out of your mouth. Xa’reth can see the content expression on your face, body soaking io the attention easily.

Xa’reth retracts their tongue to just the tip, teasing themselves before shoving it back in. Your thighs jerk around their head, clenching against their broad neck. The chill of their void-like skin must feel good in the heat, as your legs dance across your back like you're trying to soak them up. They lap at your insides with every thrust of their jaw, tongue lathering up and down. Drool slickens across your inner thighs, an erotic sound of sucking hidden under the white noise of the fan.

Your feet just barely touch around the broad muscles of Xa’reth’s back, legs warming up the sides of Xa’reth’s face like a muffler. Now this is a heat they can get onboard with.

Xa’reth crawls a hand up your stomach, petting at the skin, rubbing gentle circles into the soft flesh. A shiver runs down your sine, goosebumps across your thighs, unintentionally rubbing your hips against Xa’reth’s mouth. Their eyes roll back into their head, nuzzling their face back into your heat.

It’s damn near torture to detach themselves, to rip sweet divinity from their mouth, even for the moment. Only made worse by your sweet whines, your unconsciousness begging to be filled again. The ache it sends down Xa’reth’s chest is unbearable.

But there is reprieve, the sweet sighs as they sink two long fingers inside your whole. Properly stretched out by their tongue, the muscle relaxes as they scissor their fingers outwards, rough finger pads running along your walls. It's enough for Xa’reth to slip a third finger inside, now adding the sting of pleasure you were looking for.

Xa’reth can see your chest heaving in the dark, fingers curling around your pillow as your head tosses around. Sweat has begun to bead on your chest and stomach, the cool fans doing nothing to stop the fire Xa’reth stokes inside you.

Even as their fingers begin to thrust, fucking you open against their palm, Xa’reth can’t help themselves and go for a taste. They lap at the muscle around your hole, tongue wiggling in the gaps between their fingers. Your lips open in a pant, keening and whining so breathlessly.

“That’s it.” A discordant voice, layers of soundbites of conversations heard before. “Cum for me.” Xa’reth whispers, tapping into that haze of your sleeping mind. You may not be fully aware, but they can send the impulses well enough to your brain, have your body understand what they ask.

Your keeling voice goes higher, shorter bursts of moans as your hips rock back and forth on their fingers. Xa’reth smiles, eyes rolling over your desperate form. The way you ride their hand is euphoric, they’re sure there is no sight quite like in the rest of the world.

Your lower half raises up, a moan cut short as you tighten around their hand, orgasm racking your body. Xa’reth whispers more sweet nothings into your skin, kissing the sides of your legs as they let you ride out the rest of your high, only withdrawing their fingers once your body begins falls onto the bed.

They crawl up your side, their body too long for the bed, feet dangling off the edge. You still pant, sweatier than ever, but curl up against their side anyway. They watch as you nuzzle your face into their side, a content sigh of the cool skin against your flushed cheeks.

[the-bjd-community-confess]

Hello, folks. This is your Oldie Chinese Diaspora Anon™️. I am starting to feel like I sound like bad news bears, so I would like to make my stance clear here. I have nothing against blind box dolls – heaven knows, I have a couple of them, too. It’s just unfortunate that I keep on encountering troubling news when it comes to blind box dolls, it seems. Please bear with me, would you?

Now, I need to introduce you to an... old friend. While we all know the resin recaster and his myriad of companies, I think I have brought up the vinyl recaster, DBS, a few times before as well. As a refresher, DBS is a toy company that specializes in vinyl and ABS toys. They bill themselves as the creators of “proudly MiC” toys for the next generation. However, their dolls have been found to be “recasted” from resin into vinyl and they have been plagiarising from several different companies, from Koreans to down-home Chinese. The MäyTrëë line of blind boxes were rejected by the BJD community because while the original designer was independent, the dolls were made by one of the DBS companies and was thought to be one of their subsidiaries. (more information here: https://the-bjd-community-confess.tumblr.com/post/727751969206304768/hello-anon-this-is-your-oldie-chinese-diaspora )

With that as a preamble, let me introduce you to the “Inedible Rabbits” dolls (Well, these ones: https://www.kikagoods.com/products/moon-jumping-time-bunny-series-1-12-action-figure-bjd-blind-box?variant=44766128931050 ). Similar to the “Escape Plan” dolls, they were created by a team of newbies who first 3D-printed their designs and pitched them to what’s akin to a Chinese-version of a Kickstarter called Modian. During the crowdfunding period, people can pre-order these dolls while the team running the KS maintain regular updates, chase goals, changes to the designs, etc. The final production is usually outsourced to a factory. The team is, in theory, working with the team all the way until delivery. I still vaguely remember someone asking “why aren’t there KS campaigns for dolls?” Well, you’re about to find out why… it wasn’t the price or the long production time, There’s a lot more to it.

As with the “Escape Plan” team, there’s a gap between the final products when compared to the samples (https://the-bjd-community-confess.tumblr.com/post/756541155738615808/一万次出逃计划开箱-避雷快跑哔哩哔哩bilibili ). One of the problems that was encountered by the buyers from the Escape Plan Team was that they have gone AWOL when people started to receive their dolls and started complaining. With the Inedible Rabbit Team however, my sources reported worse issues with communication. The creative team was not only unresponsive most of the time but they would block anyone who even asked benign questions. We also found out that the creative team behind the Inedible Rabbits did not apply to become a company prior to establishing their KS. It means that all of the transactions are considered personal (think F&F). With their frequent and wilful blocking of people, there are a lot of donors who are worried about how shady their behaviour is.

This is the latest expose from a Chinese source: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/66e00cce000000001e01903f?app_platform=ios&app_version=8.52&share_from_user_hidden=true&xsec_source=app_share&type=normal&xsec_token=CBUsqAi70IwpfK_-OZEZS28zESD2e88FIMRgVnkEaN3D8=&author_share=1&xhsshare=CopyLink&shareRedId=ODlFNzlGND02NzUyOTgwNjg5OTc7Szk8&apptime=1725972303&share_id=49435c4b26604cbe8cd6fd49fc41db11 And this is a summary by a Taiwanese proxy: https://www.plurk.com/p/3gac0e1qck (please feel free to use a Google Translator to help you)

The Taiwanese Plurk mentioned that the clothes of the dolls were made by the infamous DBS. This was discovered from a video that the Inedible Rabbit Team posted on their social media showing the interior of their outsourced factory that made clothes for them. (can be seen here: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/66e26d2a000000001e0193cc?app_platform=ios&app_version=8.53&share_from_user_hidden=true&xsec_source=app_share&type=video&xsec_token=CBaBewvBjppksg843In6KcCKwy5e3Tbv8rN-f9ARvjXks=&author_share=1&xhsshare=CopyLink&shareRedId=ODYzRUU9PTw2NzUyOTgwNjY0OThISEtL&apptime=1726233161&share_id=189d6a99974941f899342c780b0e8890 ) At the 0:12 timestamp, a box with the DBS logo was shown very briefly in a pan-over shot. (seen here: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/66e283db0000000027002ca0?app_platform=ios&app_version=8.53&share_from_user_hidden=true&xsec_source=app_share&type=normal&xsec_token=CBaBewvBjppksg843In6KcCK1D4UzhNUD8Fm5_7tph_yA=&author_share=1&xhsshare=CopyLink&shareRedId=ODYzRUU9PTw2NzUyOTgwNjY0OThISEtL&apptime=1726233089&share_id=9de63adea9b14bd191309c996ed2bc29 ) Thanks to this discovery, a lot of the collectors and donators who also own resin BJDs are asking for refunds because they do not want to be associated with DBS in the fear of being seen as pro-recast. Thanks to people pulling out of the KS, the proxy has informed me that some of the unlocked stretch goals would most likely be rescinded. She is afraid that if too much of the funds get pulled out, the creative team may just pack up and do a rug pull with the money. Thanks to the fact that they never registered as a company, if they run, there’s basically no way to get that money back.

I do not want to be seen as someone who stands in others’ way of having a good time and earning money. But I also cannot stay quiet when I know that blind box dolls are a lot of new collectors’ gateway into resin BJD. This is akin to me knowing that something is a recast but fail to warn the new comers ahead of time. If anyone gets looked down upon or rejected from a group due to association with a doll that uses DBS clothes, I don’t think I can quite live with myself. So… thank you very much for lending your ears to me once more. I know full well that I do not have the ability to change anyone’s mind, but at least I can sleep better knowing that I have tried my best to tell you what I know.

Post Script: On September 14th, the creative team behind Indedible Rabbits posted their first public apology: https://www.modian.com/project/update/detail/161340 They promised to create a business account and becoming more accountable. They also stated that despite the factory video they are not in collaboration with DBS. It's up to you to decide if you want to believe the team. end!)

~Anonymous

[satoshi-mochida]

Celestia: Chain of Fate launches September 12 - Gematsu

Otome visual novel Celestia: Chain of Fate will launch for Switch and PC via Steam on September 12, publisher PQube and developer Agate announced.

Celestia: Chain of Fate was originally released via Memories: My Story, My Choice, an otome visual novel stories app available for iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play.

Here is an overview of the game, via PQube:

About

Celestia: Chain of Fate is a romance-fantasy visual novel that delivers a captivating player driven narrative. The perfect life you’ve known as a daughter of a Duke is about to change forever. With the revelation of your new hybrid identity, as a descendant of Angelus and Daemon, you must learn to live in a new world. Compelled to accept an invitation to the Academy of Celestia to explore the world of magic, you must set out on a fresh journey in a world filled with demons and angels. Uncover the secrets of your family history and learn to control the magical abilities you hold. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to develop relationships with one of three romanceable characters, each with their own unique traits and personalities. It’s down to you to hold your friendships and advance your love interests while also prioritizing your education. Remember not to neglect your studies as you’ll need to overcome a series of challenges to graduate!

Key Features

Otome Visual Novel – Follow a captivating romantic fantasy about Angelus, Daemons, and Half Bloods over 20-plus hours chapters!

Romanceable Leads – Discover the diverse personalities of your love interests across three main routes – ranging from the fiery passion in Val, to the gentle warmth of Luke, to the cold reserve of Ash. Build up affection and pick the man of your dreams!

Choices and Scenarios – Control the story by choosing options that best suit you! However, tread carefully, as there are various undesirable outcomes awaiting you.

Breathtaking Illustrations – Immerse yourself in a story full of exquisite hand-crafted illustrations, brimming with intricate details. Progress will automatically unlock stunning special illustrations that enhance your experience.

Extra Stories! – No detail will be missed with the opportunity to discover more about your favorite characters! Each character will feature their own side story, providing you with the chance to delve deeper into their backgrounds and personalities!

Atmospheric Music – Enjoy the story accompanied by music, enhancing key moments, and enriching the overall experience with deeper immersion and heightened emotional depth.

Watch a new trailer below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

Release Date Trailer

[randomvarious]

Today's compilation:

Freezone 4/5 1996 Downtempo / Ambient Techno / IDM

Quality 12-inch here from Belgian label SSR, who in 1994 launched a series called Freezone that ended up exploring the expansive bounds of electronically chilly and deep music across seven separate volumes. Each Freezone slate consisted of exclusives that came from some of the biggest and most creative names in the worlds of both electronic and alternative music at the time, and this little record whose tunes were also included in the series' third installment, 1996's Horizontal Dancing, contains bookending contributions from none other than UK legends Coldcut and their side project DJ Food—who are operating under the name of The Illuminati of Hedfuk here—and Marc Clair of breakbeat-and-broken beat pioneers 4hero, who supplies something as Nu Era.

The theme of Freezone is something that appears to be implied by its own name—electronic music with little to no constraints; a blank canvas that's waiting to be filled—and with Coldcut's mix of Illuminati of Hedfuk's "Miasma," we get a free-roaming, near eight minutes of heady intrigue and unpredictability that uniquely manages to combine different elements of electro and dub together, while other things linearly infuse themselves along the way too, like a drum break, sci-fi strings, and some lazy horn.

And then from Marc Clair we get "Solar Winds," an icy bit of lush ambient techno with acid bass burble-stabs that melodically lead the way as his complementary backing synths sound as if they're ethereally singing too. This one adds another plonking melody atop at its close to satisfyingly complicate things even further as well, making for a brilliantly crafted tune.

I don't think any of these songs have ever physically appeared anywhere else besides within this Freezone series itself, so give 'em a listen, because even if you're familiar with these artists, these particular mid-90s tracks haven't been included on any of their own releases; and they're all bongers.

Highlights:

The Illuminati of Hedfuk - "Miasma (Coldcut Mix)" Envoy - "Hopeless Romantic" iO - "Theme for a Man Who Wants to Take Over the World" Nu Era - "Solar Winds"

[world-visual-media]

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With so many IPTV providers available, selecting the right one can be challenging. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing an IPTV subscription:

Channel Availability – Ensure the IPTV provider offers a broad selection of international channels that match your preferences.

Streaming Quality & Server Stability – Look for services that provide HD and 4K streaming with reliable server uptime.

Device Compatibility – Choose an IPTV service that supports multiple devices, including Android, iOS, Smart TVs, and Firestick.

Customer Support & Reviews – Check user reviews and customer support responsiveness before making a purchase.

Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee – Opt for providers that offer a trial period or a refund policy to test the service before committing.

By selecting the right IPTV subscription, you can enjoy a premium viewing experience with access to the best international channels.

Top 10 IPTV Services in 2025

Now, let’s get into the heart of the article: the best IPTV subscriptions available in 2025. We’ll break down the details of each IPTV service, including their subscription plans, features, pricing, pros, and cons.

1. IPTVUSAFHD - Affordable and High-Quality Entertainment

IPTVUSAFHD is one of the top-rated IPTV service providers in 2025. Known for its high-quality streams and extensive channel list, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for reliable and affordable IPTV service.

Features:

50000+ channels

4K streaming support

VOD (Movies & TV Shows)

Sports channels, including NFL, NBA, etc.

Compatible with Firestick, Roku, and Smart TVs

💰 Pricing:

Standard Plan:  $ 28.99 / 03 Month

Premium Plan:  $ 35.99 / 06 Month

Elite Plan:   $ 59.99 / 12 Month

Elite Plan:   $ 70.99 / 12 Month (Best Value)

Pros:

Excellent picture quality, including 4K IPTV service

Affordable pricing plans with no hidden fees

User-friendly interface

Reliable customer support

Cons:

Occasional buffering on very slow internet connections

Real User Reviews:

“I’ve been using IPTVUSAFHD for 6 months, and it’s been fantastic. The streaming quality is excellent, especially the sports channels!” – John M.

2. ArisIPTV - A Close Runner-Up

Another standout service, ArisIPTV, offers a broad selection of channels, great for sports fans and TV lovers alike. It’s a great IPTV service for Firestick users who want an easy setup.

Features:

Over 30000 channels

VOD options

International channels

💰 Pricing:

Monthly Plan:     £ 11.99

3-Month Plan:    £ 19.99

6-Month Plan:    £ 30.99

12-Month Plan:  £ 45.99

Annual Plan:      £ 59.99

Pros:

Affordable plans

Excellent sports coverage

Easy to use on Firestick and Roku

Cons:

Limited 4K Channels than IPTVUSAFHD.

Real User Reviews:

“Love the selection of sports channels. It’s great for watching the NFL games live.” – Sarah T.

3. Platinum IPTV – Decent Content, But Not Outstanding

While Platinum IPTV provides a range of live TV and sports channels, it falls short in offering consistent streaming quality.

Pros:

Decent channel variety.

Supports multiple devices.

Cons:

Frequent buffering and lag issues.

Interface is outdated and not very user-friendly.

4. LivePlayer-IP

Known for its extensive library of live channels, LivePlayer-IP offers a great mix of TV series and live sports events.

Pros:

Extreme channels lists.

Supports smart TVs and multiple platforms.

High-quality streaming.

Cons:

The interface can be tricky for first-time users.

No free trial available.

5. FreegoTV

Affordable and packed with content, FreegoTV is a great option for those who need a mix of movies, sports, and international TV shows.

Pros:

Affordable plans.

Good channel variety.

Cons:

Limited VOD options.

Support response times can be slow.

6. TereaTV

Offering over 12,500 channels, TereaTV is a solid choice for sports lovers and movie buffs alike.

Pros:

Large channel selection.

High-quality streaming.

Dedicated app for seamless use.

Cons:

The website can be difficult to navigate.

Some buffering issues on certain channels.

7. Epic IPTV

Epic IPTV provides a strong lineup of channels and on-demand content at competitive prices.

Pros:

4K UHD quality streaming.

Large variety of live TV and VOD.

Easy setup process.

Cons:

Some international channels are missing.

Not as many features as other competitors.

8. Area 51 IPTV

Area 51 IPTV offers a budget-friendly option for those looking for a large selection of channels.

Pros:

Affordable pricing.

Good sports coverage.

No contract required.

Cons:

Limited content outside the US and UK.

Customer support issues.

9. Rocket Stream IPTV

With an emphasis on speed and reliability, Rocket Stream IPTV is a good choice for users who prioritize uninterrupted streaming.

Pros:

Extensive HD content.

Reliable connection with minimal buffering.

Cons:

Expensive subscription plans.

Limited device compatibility.

10. Nitro TV

Nitro TV is known for its large selection of live TV and sports channels but falls short in some areas.

Pros:

Available live channels.

Good sports content.

Cons:

Unstable streaming.

Inconsistent customer support.

Why Choose an IPTV Subscription for International Channels?

An IPTV subscription is the perfect solution for those who want access to global content without the limitations of traditional cable TV. Here are some key benefits of choosing IPTV for international channels:

Cost Savings: As IPTV services offer affordable subscription plans without the need for long-term commitments, many people are making the switch from expensive cable TV services. With IPTV, viewers can customize their plan to suit their preferences, paying only for what they actually watch, unlike cable packages that bundle unnecessary channels and drive up costs.

Better Streaming Quality: IPTV services provide high-quality streaming with no interruptions or buffering. Whether you’re watching in HD or 4K, the picture quality is typically much better than what traditional cable services offer. Plus, IPTV providers ensure smooth streaming without lag, especially during prime-time hours, thanks to advanced technologies and optimized infrastructure.

Flexibility and Accessibility: The flexibility of IPTV streaming services is another reason for their increasing popularity. Users can stream content not only on their smart TVs but also on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other connected devices. This makes it incredibly convenient to watch your favorite shows on the go, whether you’re traveling, commuting, or just relaxing on the couch.

On-Demand Access to Content: Traditional cable TV forces you to follow a schedule and rely on DVRs to record shows. With IPTV, you get access to on-demand content, which means you can watch movies, TV shows, and sports when it’s convenient for you, rather than waiting for the program to air at a specific time.

International Content: IPTV services allow you to access channels from around the world. Whether you're in the United States, the UK, Europe, or Asia, you can enjoy content in various languages, including international sports and local programming from other countries. This global access makes IPTV an attractive option for people who want a diverse selection of channels.

No Equipment Fees: With IPTV services, there are generally no additional equipment fees as is often the case with cable providers. Cable companies tend to charge extra for set-top boxes, installation, and maintenance. With IPTV, all you need is a device that supports IPTV apps or players, such as Firesticks, smart TVs, Android boxes, or even your computer or smartphone.

Free Trials and Flexible Plans: Many IPTV subscription services offer free trials or low-cost introductory plans that allow users to test the service before committing long-term. This provides peace of mind, allowing users to explore all the features and offerings of an IPTV provider without the risk of a large upfront payment.

IPTV Requirements: What Do You Need to Get Started

One of the great things about IPTV subscriptions is that you don’t need much to get started. Here’s what you’ll need to enjoy a top-notch IPTV service:

Stable Internet Connection: A high-speed internet connection (at least 10Mbps) is essential for uninterrupted streaming. For best IPTV streaming services like 4K IPTV service, you may need even faster speeds.

Compatible Device: Whether you’re using a Smart TV, Firestick, Roku, or a laptop, most IPTV providers offer compatibility with a wide range of devices.

IPTV Subscription: Obviously, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription with one of the best IPTV service providers. This typically involves choosing a plan and creating an account.

Once you’ve got all this in place, you’re ready to stream all your favorite channels, TV shows, and movies to watch.

How to Set Up a Streaming Service: Quick Guide for 2025

Setting up your IPTV service is a straightforward process, but there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure a smooth setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your IPTV service up and running:

1. Choose Your IPTV Service Provider

The first step is selecting the right IPTV service. Based on our discussion, services like IPTVUSAFHD is great options for 2025. Look for a provider with a solid reputation, a wide selection of channels, and a user-friendly setup process.

Check Device Compatibility: Before signing up, ensure the service supports your TV, streaming device, or mobile device.

2. Sign Up and Choose Your Plan

Once you've chosen an IPTV provider, visit their website and create an account. During sign-up, you’ll typically choose a subscription plan (monthly, yearly, etc.) based on your needs.

Free Trial: Many providers offer a free trial, so take advantage of this before making a long-term commitment.

3. Install the IPTV App on Your Device

After you sign up, the next step is to install the IPTV app on your device. Here’s how to do it on different platforms:

Smart TV: Search for the IPTV app in your TV’s app store and install it. If it’s not available, you can sideload the app or use a compatible streaming device like Amazon Firestick or Android TV.

Firestick/Android TV: Download and install the IPTV app via the device’s app store, or sideload it using the APK file.

Mobile Devices: Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for your IPTV provider’s app, and install it on your smartphone or tablet.

4. Log In to Your IPTV Account

Once the app is installed, open it and log in using the credentials you created during sign-up. You’ll likely need to input an activation code or username/password provided by the IPTV provider.

Activation Code: Some services provide an activation code to enter within the app to start streaming.

5. Configure Your IPTV App

Once logged in, you may want to adjust some settings to suit your preferences. Common settings include:

Setting Up EPG: Customize your Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to show upcoming channels and content.

Channel Organization: Organize your favorite channels for quick access.

Audio and Subtitle Preferences: Adjust audio settings and choose your preferred subtitle language for international content.

6. Start Streaming

Now that everything is set up, you’re ready to start streaming. Browse through the channel list, VOD library, or use the search function to find your favorite shows, movies, and sports events.

Buffer-Free Streaming: If you encounter buffering issues, check your internet speed or switch to a higher-quality server if the provider offers it.

Streaming on Multiple Devices: Many IPTV services offer multi-device support, so you can watch content on your smart TV, tablet, or smartphone simultaneously.

7. Consider Using a VPN

For added security and privacy, consider setting up a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and keep your online activity private while streaming.

Conclusion

Setting up your IPTV service is relatively simple, but choosing the right IPTV provider is the most important decision. By considering the factors outlined above—such as channel selection, reliability, device compatibility, and customer support—you can ensure a top-notch streaming experience in 2025. Whether you’re streaming on smart TVs, Firestick, or mobile devices, setting up your IPTV service correctly will unlock a world of content at your fingertips.

Legal Disclaimer:

Please note that the use of IPTV services must comply with the relevant legal regulations in your country. While we recommend reliable IPTV providers, it’s important to ensure that the service you choose adheres to legal standards for streaming and content distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an IPTV service, and how does it work?

👉 IPTV Services deliver television content over the internet instead of traditional satellite or cable. This means you can watch TV Series, Movies to Watch, and live channels on multiple devices, including Smart TVs, smartphones, and Firestick.

2. Is IPTV legal to use?

👉 Yes, using a Best IPTV Subscription is legal as long as the provider has the necessary licensing for the content they offer. Always choose Reliable IPTV Service Providers to avoid potential issues.

3. How do I choose the best IPTV provider?

👉 Look for factors like channel variety, streaming quality, pricing, customer reviews, and free trials. A good IPTV Service Provider should offer affordable IPTV Service without compromising on quality.

4. What internet speed do I need for IPTV streaming?

👉 A stable internet connection of at least 10 Mbps is recommended for HD streaming, while 4K IPTV Services may require 25 Mbps or more for smooth playback.

5. Can I use IPTV on multiple devices?

👉 Yes! Most IPTV Stream Services support multiple device connections, including Smart TVs, Firestick, mobile phones, and tablets, allowing you to watch from anywhere.

6. Are there free IPTV services available?

👉 While some providers offer free trials, be cautious of completely free services, as they may be unreliable or operate without proper licensing. It’s always best to invest in a Best IPTV Subscription for a seamless experience.

[battagliacomunista]

Io so' io, e voi non siete un...

«Io sono il vostro male assoluto. Rappresento plasticamente tutto ciò che detestate, perché sono quella dei tacchi a spillo 12 centimetri, della collezione di borse, del Twiga, del Billionarie. Ci tengo al mio fisico. Sono una signora. Non mi farete mai diventare come voi».

Ve li ricordate i paninari? Ostentazione di lusso, il brand come status symbol per esibirlo, il disprezzo per il povero o il meno abbiente, il rifiuto dell'impegno politico come cosa demodé e superata.

[ibusukiss]

Boueibu Rewatch

Thursday's for the Boys! 4

Season 1 - Episodes 10-12

Episode 10

MEGAWA!!! my favorite side character!!!! I was still deep in love with Free! when this came out so Nagisa's VA showing up was super exciting

i have always been fascinated by the heat pack(?) HANGER that Gora has...is that a jp thing?

tbh...i like megane yumoto more than normal yumoto ^^;

kinchan doesnt give a f abt yumoto's good manners

atsu are u saying a cold is a gateway drug to mental illness...?

The Door!!! Ohhhh how many smut fics ive started writing over the years have hinged (no pun intended) upon that door being there

AKU MADE KOUHAI TOSHITE!!

unrelated to the episode but when this was airing i was taking an 8am class and an asynch-online class and id come home on tuesday after my 8am and Forbid myself from watching the new ep until i was done with my online class homework. i think it posted on CR at 10 or 11am PST? mannnn, community college schedule, i miss you T_T

ok was the blast from ryuu's love stick Very penis shaped or am i just dirty minded :O

megawaXentirebaseballteam fic when

"we were all waiting for you bc we cant say some bullshit about love ourselves" or smthn

Episode 11

i REALLY dont remember this ep

is this the only time wombat calls them 'missionaries of love'? that deffo has a different connotation...

Ryuu youre so wrong thai curry is the best

kinchan's trauma is curry-scented

actually insane what this whole plot ended up being about

BAKA PAWA

glad yumoto supports gora's kink exploration

deffo the biggest stretch for a transformation all season

wow its so funny that student just know there's weird magical boys with blurry faces around

KINCHAAAAAAN DARK AURITE!!!!!!! ICONICCCCC

such a choice for them to find out who the other team is at the Very End

io has his priorities

god i love how petty this whole thing is

aaaaa them referencing back Atsu and En's fight!!!

gora's brocon senses tingling

man i just love the evil student council trope

Episode 12

FINALEEE

there really is an element of Surveillance and Privacy that couldnt easily been touched on more here, Kinchan's reaction skims the surface of it, but it could be So Much More (the theme of my feelings about this show in general)

my question is...is Boueibu the real show, the same show all the aliens watched?

NANDATTE

WOW i completely forgot Gora was a monster

kabuki rule is deffo my favorite 4th wall break here haha

akorima together here was So Important to me

Akoya PUNCHHHHH!!

oh he says akoya here too :D

that tiny akorima conversation fed me for MONTHS

THIS KINATSU MOMENT!!!!

moa betta rabu meikingu was such a choice

my thesis is that LOVE is scifi and HK is fantasy

aaaaaaa i have watch just thiw kinchqn moment more than anything else in this ep lol

did they imply hireashi banged his supervisor?

my gf is watching with me and she says hireashi belongs on adult swim lmao

hhhrhrrr akoya with his hair up is so cuuute

____

that was season 1!!! this show genuinely changed my life, i owe it so much happiness and joy throughout all these years <3

(Fair warning to all who are reading this - season 2 is my least favorite by far so i am gonna probably be more critical of it than s1 or s3. if you love s2 and dont wanna read me bitching about it, i get it! no need to read it lol lets just say i am looking forward to when we get to HK :P but im sure thats not a surprise)

[rideboomindia]

Another milestone will be added in RideBoom journey of launching its bike taxi in the Indian city of Agra.

Agra, India, 23rd October 2023, ZEX PR WIRE, RideBoom, a leading transportation network company, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its innovative bike taxi service in the city of Agra. With this new addition to its portfolio of services, RideBoom aims to provide convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options for residents and visitors of Agra.

The bike taxi service offered by RideBoom will utilize a fleet of well-maintained motorcycles operated by trained and professional drivers. Customers will be able to book a bike taxi through the RideBoom mobile application, which will connect them to the nearest available driver. The service is designed to offer a fast and affordable mode of transportation, particularly for short-distance trips within the city.

RideBoom’s bike taxi service brings numerous benefits to the local community. Firstly, it provides an alternative transportation option that reduces road congestion and promotes cleaner air quality. Additionally, the service offers flexible employment opportunities for individuals who own motorcycles and wish to earn a livelihood by partnering with RideBoom.

“We are thrilled to introduce our bike taxi service in Agra,” said Mr. Harminder Malhi known as Harry Malhi, CEO of RideBoom. “Agra is a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism industry. By launching the bike taxi service, we aim to enhance the overall transportation experience for both residents and tourists, while also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.”

To ensure the safety and security of passengers, RideBoom has implemented comprehensive safety protocols for its bike taxi service. All drivers undergo a thorough background check, and the motorcycles are regularly inspected and maintained to meet stringent safety standards. Furthermore, riders will have access to a 24/7 customer support team, allowing them to address any concerns or queries they may have during their journey.

The launch of RideBoom’s bike taxi service in Agra is scheduled for 12 November 2023. The service will be available to residents and visitors throughout the city, allowing them to conveniently navigate through Agra’s bustling streets and explore its many attractions.

For more information about RideBoom and its services, please visit https://rideboom.com/india/ or download the RideBoom mobile application, available on iOS/Android.

About RideBoom:

RideBoom is a leading transportation network company committed to revolutionizing mobility solutions across various cities. With a focus on convenience, safety, and sustainability, RideBoom offers a range of transportation services, including ride-hailing, bike taxis, and more. The company strives to create a seamless and enjoyable transportation experience for its customers while contributing to the development of smart cities.

[p5x-theories]

There's an interesting bit in the news post on the official P5X site announcing the third beta that I wanted to share here!

As always, keep in mind I just used Google translate, but one of the paragraphs in it says:

"[Familiar figure, breaking through the intersection of time and space] In the PV, we saw familiar figures... Joker and Wonder, what kind of story will they intertwine with each other as they break through the fateful bonds of time and space? In "Persona 5" (referred to as: P5), all members of the Phantom Thieves of Heart will appear in P5X. With their help, the captain can conquer the palace and start an adventure!"

("The captain" being how announcements refer to players)

It's not really conclusive, but it does seem interesting that they refer to this as being the "intersection of time and space" (or, at the very least, time and space are mentioned here), because that really does seem to imply that P5X is an alternate timeline of P5!

Not that this series as a whole is really new to those, but it's something the theories seem to keep going back and forth on (and I, myself, keep going back and forth on too, haha!) so it's fun to have more to feed into that.

Here's the entire article (Google-translated) below the cut, just in case anyone wants to read the whole thing, but I promise the rest of it isn't really anything new, haha:

In the name of the Phantom Thief! "Persona: Phantom of the Night" "Heart Stealing Test" will start on January 16th

Take the name of the Phantom Thief and take back the Flame of Desire! "Persona: Phantom of the Night" (referred to as: P5X), which is officially authorized by SEGA, deeply participated by ATLUS, and created by Perfect World Games, will soon launch its third online test on January 16th - the "Stealing Heart Test" . The new real machine PV has been released, and the test recruitment is in full swing. Welcome to participate.

【Test information】 Recruitment time: January 3, 10:00-January 12, 10:00 Test time: January 16th 10:00-January 31st 24:00 Pre-download starts: January 15th at 10:00 Test type: limited number billing file deletion test Test system: Android, iOS, PC

[Awaken the power of the soul and start an adventure in another world] In the game, players will transform into Wonder, the leader of the Phantom Thieves team, and lead their partners to adventure in different worlds, sneak into palaces with different themes, and experience rich gameplay such as exploration, puzzle solving, development, and combat. Lock in those violent desires and embark on a journey of heart-changing that will make the "Phantoms" repent!

[Youth Daily Interactive Dating and Deepening Bonds] A cheerful sports girl, a mysterious velvet room assistant, a gentle and quiet female classmate... The captain will get to know partners of various identities and experience the daily life of youth. Use SNS to connect with each other, give gifts to cultivate goodwill, experience your own stories, and develop a more intimate relationship.

[Cool trendy city, free and easy CityWalk] In the game, the captain can also travel through famous Japanese neighborhoods such as Shibuya and Shinjuku to experience the bustling street scene of Tokyo. ​ Experience real urban life through a series of gameplays such as taking classes, working part-time, playing baseball, watching movies, exercising, and meeting passers-by. The rich and subtle daily life is waiting for you to experience it.

[Familiar figure, breaking through the intersection of time and space] In the PV, we saw familiar figures... Joker and Wonder, what kind of story will they intertwine with each other as they break through the fateful bonds of time and space? In "Persona 5" (referred to as: P5), all members of the Phantom Thieves of Heart will appear in P5X. With their help, the captain can conquer the palace and start an adventure!

[Genuinely authorized hall-level JRPG] As the first mobile game in the P5 IP series, P5X is authorized by SEGA's genuine IP, with ATLUS's full supervision and in-depth participation. Coupled with the protagonist's character design by the famous artist Shigenori Soejima, and the vocal performance of Lyn, the lead singer of the P5 series, it will bring you an authentic and palace-level JRPG gaming experience.

For more exciting content and detailed revelations about the "Stealing Heart Test", please continue to pay attention to the P5X community. I look forward to meeting the captain on January 16th, and I also hope that everyone can provide valuable opinions and suggestions.

[chottopoco]

Syncing Scrivener 3 with Mega

Because Dropbox is dumb and being very glitchy lately, the sync function is no longer reliable. I spent a day trying to figure out why it wasn't syncing only to find out this is now an issue among Android and iOS users alike. Given the piddly space Dropbox gives as well as these ongoing issues, I decided to jump ship. If have Scrivener and are thinking of doing the same, here's a lil guide for you.

I opted to go with Mega. Their free account comes with 20 GB. Their website says 20, but if you download the mobile and desktop app, you get a 5 GB bonus for each. I suspect it might not be a permanent bonus, likely for a year, but I'll check again in the summer of 2025. They are also more privacy-oriented and have no AI scraping (like Google).

This walkthrough is for Android. I'd imagine the steps are similar for iOS, but I can't say for sure.

1. Make a Mega account, go through all that registration stuff.

2. Download the mobile app. Log in.

3. Download the desktop app. Log in

4. Open File Explorer and make a folder wherever you'd like your files to be synced from.

5. Once the desktop app is installed, you need to look for the icon to open the program. I found it in my task bar. The little red M icon is what you need to open.

6. Go to the three dots and double click to open up options.

7. Go to settings.

8. Go to the Sync option in the Settings menu. Select Add.

9. Another dialogue box will pop up. One the 'Local Folder' line, click 'Add'.

10. Select the folder you made specifically for sync. For this walkthrough, I'm using the 'Testing' folder.

11. Once you've selected your folder, you'll be back at the previous dialogue box. Now click on 'Select' on the MEGA folder line.

12. I forgot to take a screenshot, but you'll have a new dialogue box pop up with an empty list. Select the grey box saying 'New Folder'. You can name it whatever you want but I gave it the name 'Test'. Once done, your screen should look similar to the one below. Then click 'OK'.

13. When done, your dialogue box should look like below. This is the crucial step as this is how the Mega program will help you sync with Scrivener. Make sure these folders are exactly where you want them to be and are named as you want. Once you're certain, click 'Add'

14. When done, you'll have a list that looks similar to this. The first step is done.

[ireviews]

Install Cydia for All iOS Versions [2024] — Full Guide

Cydia Plus is the jailbreak app manager developed for the latest iOS versions. With Cydia Plus, you can add repos and install amazing jailbreak tweaks, themes, and third-party apps, offering support for any iOS 15, iOS 16, and iOS 17 to iOS 17.4 iPhone and iPad devices.

Best No Jailbreak App Manager for iOS 16 — iOS 17.4

Install Cydia Plus 📥

Important: Cydia Plus provides the latest iOS customization tools for installing jailbreak apps, tweaks, themes, and more on iOS versions 15 through 17.5. It’s the best alternative to Cydia. Please note, Cydia Plus is not the official Cydia.

Cydia Plus Compatibility

Cydia Plus Supports Device Models:

A16: iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15

A15: iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13

A14: iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12

A13: iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11

A12: iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X

Cydia Plus Supports iOS Versions:

iOS 17.4, iOS 17.4 RC, iOS 17.4 Beta 4, iOS 17.4 Beta 3, iOS 17.4 Beta 2, iOS 17.4 Beta 1, iOS 17.3.1, iOS 17.3, iOS 17.2.1, iOS 17.2, iOS 17.1.2, iOS 17.1.1, iOS 17.1, iOS 17.0.3, iOS 17.0.2, iOS 17.0.1, iOS 17

iOS 16.7.5, iOS 16.7.4, iOS 16.7.3, iOS 16.7.2, iOS 16.7.1, iOS 16.7, iOS 16.6.1, iOS 16.6, iOS 16.5.1, iOS 16.5, iOS 16.4.1, iOS 16.4, iOS 16.3.1, iOS 16.3, iOS 16.2, iOS 16.1.2, iOS 16.1.1, iOS 16.1, iOS 16.0.3, iOS 16.0.2, iOS 16.0.1, iOS 16

Why Cydia Plus Special?

Cydia, once the reigning app manager for older iOS versions, held a prominent position in the jailbreaking community. It was the default choice for enthusiasts who sought to customize their devices beyond Apple’s restrictions.

Collaborating seamlessly with popular jailbreak tools like Checkra1n, Unc0ver, Chimera, Electra, Pangu, TaiG, Yalu Jailbreak, Meridian, and Phoenix, Cydia became synonymous with the jailbreaking experience.

However, in 2018, the original Cydia developer, Saurik, ceased updating the platform. The decline in untethered jailbreaking’s popularity contributed to this decision.

Cydia Plus is a modified version developed by the Cydia Plus team. This alternative to Cydia caters specifically to the latest iOS versions. It empowers users to install jailbreak tweaks and third-party apps without requiring an untethered jailbreak on their devices. A fresh approach for a new era of iOS customization.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cydia Plus

What is Cydia Plus?

Cydia Plus serves as a third-party package manager offering the latest iOS customization options that are not accessible in the official Apple App Store. It’s specifically tailored for the newest iOS versions, ranging from iOS 16 to iOS 17+.

What differentiates Cydia Plus from the original Cydia?

While Cydia was the default jailbreak manager for older jailbroken devices, it was discontinued by its developer, Saurik, in 2018. Cydia Plus emerged as a successor, catering to the needs of users seeking customization options for newer iOS versions.

Does installing Cydia Plus affect my device warranty?

No, installing Cydia Plus does not tamper with your device’s root system, thus preserving your warranty.

How do I install and utilize Cydia Plus?

Installing and using Cydia Plus is remarkably straightforward. You can bypass complex jailbreak procedures by simply tapping the designated button, downloading it to your Settings app, and completing the installation process. Once installed, you can effortlessly add repos and access a plethora of apps, tweaks, and themes through Cydia Plus repos.

Is it legal to install Cydia Plus?

Yes, installing Cydia Plus and similar third-party app managers is entirely legal.

Can I access all old jailbreak tweaks and themes using Cydia Plus?

While not all old jailbreak tweaks are available on Cydia Plus, users can explore alternative versions of certain tweaks. However, it’s important to note that the complete catalog of original Cydia tweaks may not be accessible.

Do I need to jailbreak my device to install Cydia Plus?

No, Cydia Plus can be installed on your device without the need for jailbreaking. This makes it accessible to a wider audience, offering customization options to users without the associated risks of jailbreaking.

Credits

Jay Freeman: Cydia is an app developed by Jay Freeman named “saurik”) to allow the installation of software on “jailbroken” devices designed by Apple Inc. This makes it possible the download and install software from sources other than the Apple App Store onto devices running operating systems such as iOS and iPadOS, which have protected privileges by default.

Cydia Plus developed by Cydia Plus dev team: Cydia Plus team goal is to empower people who want to bring true usability to their devices, people who aren’t afraid to express themselves through technology.

[the-merry-librarian]

Set in an apocalyptic, mythical future, after the death of the gods and the Collapse of the world, Threads That Bind is an intriguing, layered mystery. Io Ora is moira-born, a descendant of the three Greek goddesses of fate, and as the youngest of three, she is representative of Lachesis—or, more colloquially known, a cutter: a severer of the threads between people. Stumbling across the scene of a violent and unexplainable murder, Io is drawn into the teeming underworld of half-sunken Alante, and into a conspiracy that changes everything she knows about her life and her family.

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Target Age Group:

Grades 9-12

Justification:

I love Greek mythology. This is probably something that people can intuit about me very quickly, just sort of based on the kind of person that I am. I grew up with D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths and devoured the Percy Jackson series as a middle schooler, so when I read the synopsis of Threads, I was captured immediately by the premise—descendants of the gods with peculiar, miraculous powers. As for how I found it, I was browsing the BookRiot list of Best Books for Teens 2023. (Pretty prosaic.)

Evaluation:

For this review, I will be evaluating characters, plot, and setting. I’ll admit, it took a while for me to warm to the characters in this book. In the beginning, Io feels a little generic; she’s the typical troubled YA protagonist, with powers that ostracize her from others, and her personality felt muted and a little too understated. However, as the novel went on, more facets of her personality were revealed—her humor, her compassion, her strong senses of loyalty and justice. Other characters are at first presented a little one-dimensionally and could be summed up with brief titles: The Love Interest. The Mob Boss. The Older Sister. By the end of the novel, though, all of these characters have a little more depth to them. Edei, the love interest, is a lovable but quiet boy, with his own demons to face; Bianca, the mob boss, is more than a swaggering threat; Ava and Thais, the older sisters, offer their own unique brands of familial love and betrayal. While each of the cast has room to grow, I think that Threads reaches farther than many YA novels in their characterization, and allows further development in the sequels (one of which is already published; I anticipate a trilogy). The plot is also more ambitious and far-reaching than many YA novels I’ve read. It’s a mystery that begins with a murder, but it’s far more than that—Io finds herself hip-deep in a conspiracy from over a decade before, the consequences of which are still rippling through the city. Without giving away too many spoilers, I found the plot of Threads to be genuinely engaging. Intrigue didn’t have to be manufactured, it was simply generated by every new fact and twist that we discovered through the protagonist. The only aspect I didn’t immediately enjoy was the romantic subplot, although I suspect that’s a matter of personal preference: I’ve never been a huge fan of the soulmate trope. Finally, the setting of this book absolutely blew me away. Hatzopoulou’s description of this postapocalyptic world is rich and riveting—a moon that shattered into three, continents drowned under tides, cities that flood in the onslaught of neo-typhoons, isolated city-states that jealously guard resources, swarms of chimera-like beasts that crawl from the seas, and wars over the last clean water in the form of icebergs… and that’s everything that’s talked about in any kind of detail. There are references to parts of this world that haven’t even been explored in text, such as the Flying Orchards, but Hatzopoulou does such a good job of establishing the state of the world that once the Orchards are mentioned it’s easy to guess what they might be. The existence of other-born, humans with some kind of ancestry from a god or goddess, is almost unremarkable when compared to the rest of the world; it’s just a part of this new world, one that Hatzopoulou clearly put just as much thought into as the rest of it. I really enjoyed this book. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t hooked right away—it did take me a while to get into. But, I think, if one can get past the first fifty pages or so, it’s worth finishing. I absolutely recommend it to fantasy-loving teens, readers of mystery stories, and anyone interested in new interpretations of mythology.

References:

Doherty, A. (2023, October 5). The 20 best books for teens: 2023 picks. BOOK RIOT. https://bookriot.com/best-books-for-teens-2023/ Hatzopoulou, K. (2023). Threads That Bind. Penguin Young Readers Group. Penguin Young Readers. (n.d.). Threads that bind by Kika Hatzopoulou. PenguinRandomhouse.com. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713492/threads-that-bind-by-kika-hatzopoulou/

[proavis]

Les meilleurs smartphones de 2023 pour tous les budgets

meilleurs smartphones 2023 Voici une sélection des meilleurs smartphones 2023, parmi tout ceux que j'ai testé. Faites en fonction de votre budget mais tous sont intéressants et dans leur catégorie de prix je vous les recommande ! N'hésitez pas à aller voir les vidéos de test approfondi sur la chaine YouTube pour plus d'infos. 🛒 Google Pixel 6a : https://amzn.to/43bpAGA 🛒 Samsung Galaxy A53 : https://amzn.to/43uTV2Q 🛒 Samsung Galaxy A54 : https://amzn.to/3oDnUXt 🛒 iPhone 12 Pro (reconditionné) : https://amzn.to/43tukqP 🛒 Samsung Galaxy S23 : https://amzn.to/43arhnS 🛒 Samsung Galaxy S23+ : https://amzn.to/3MZzYf7 🛒 OnePlus 11 : https://amzn.to/3IJXiuy 🛒 iPhone 13 Pro : https://amzn.to/43wCK0z 🛒 Google Pixel 7 : https://amzn.to/43tPeWZ 🛒 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra : https://amzn.to/3WCbPhH Dans le monde en constante évolution de la technologie mobile, choisir le bon smartphone peut être un défi. En 2023, il existe une multitude d'options, allant des modèles d'entrée de gamme aux smartphones haut de gamme. Dans cet article meilleurs smartphones 2023, nous allons explorer les meilleurs smartphones de 2023 pour tous les budgets.

Google Pixel 6a

Prix sur Amazon

Le Google Pixel 6a est le smartphone le moins cher que je peux vous conseiller. Il est disponible à environ 300 euros. Si vous aimez prendre des photos, vous ne trouverez pas mieux dans ce budget. Il dispose d'un grand angle et d'un ultra grand angle, ce qui vous permet de faire beaucoup de choses. De plus, le traitement logiciel de Google rend les photos de ce Pixel 6a très bonnes dans toutes les conditions.

Samsung Galaxy A53 et A54 (meilleurs smartphones 2023)

A 53 prix sur Amazon A 54 prix sur Amazon En montant un peu dans la gamme, les Galaxy A de Samsung peuvent être des smartphones intéressants. Que ce soit le Galaxy A54 de cette année à moins de 500 euros ou le A53 de l'année dernière à environ 350 euros, les deux sont très similaires. Ils offrent une excellente qualité d'écran, une bonne autonomie et 4 ans de mises à jour majeures.

OnePlus 11

Le OnePlus 11 est un smartphone intéressant. La marque est revenue à des smartphones plus abordables et cela mérite notre attention. Autour de 800 euros, le OnePlus 11 offre des performances imbattables à ce prix. Il a le même processeur que les smartphones Android haut de gamme qui coûtent presque le double du prix.

Samsung Galaxy S23 et S23 Ultra

En haut de gamme, le Samsung Galaxy S23 et le S23 Ultra sont mes recommandations. Ils sont chers, mais pour moi, Samsung a fait un sans-faute avec ces modèles. Ils sont incroyables à bien des égards, notamment en termes de performances, de qualité d'écran, d'autonomie et de capacités photo et vidéo.

iPhone 13 Pro

Si vous préférez iOS, l'iPhone 13 Pro est un excellent choix. Il offre une grande fluidité, d'excellentes capacités photo et vidéo, et sera mis à jour pendant encore quatre ans facilement.

Google Pixel 7

Le Google Pixel 7 est le smartphone le plus intéressant de cette année pour moi. Il est tout simplement le seul haut de gamme aujourd'hui à être d'un si bon rapport qualité-prix. Il est imbattable. En conclusion, il existe une multitude de smartphones sur le marché en 2023, adaptés à tous les budgets. Que vous recherchiez un modèle d'entrée de gamme ou un smartphone haut de gamme, vous pouvez trouver le téléphone qui correspond à vos besoins et à votre budget. Samsung S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max : Une bataille de caméras 🛒 iPhone 12 Pro (reconditionné) : https://amzn.to/43tukqP 🛒 Samsung Galaxy S23 : https://amzn.to/43arhnS 🛒 Samsung Galaxy S23+ : https://amzn.to/3MZzYf7 🛒 OnePlus 11 : https://amzn.to/3IJXiuy 🛒 iPhone 13 Pro : https://amzn.to/43wCK0z 🛒 Google Pixel 7 : https://amzn.to/43tPeWZ 🛒 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra : https://amzn.to/3WCbPhH Read the full article