#I’m hoping though that I am pleasantly surprised and that it ends up being a banger too

[enteragoodnamehere]

ok before it starts I’m placing bets: Starfall’s gene is either gonna be

1. Runes but More

2. Like Brightshine but Arcane-Themed

3. Just a wholeee lotta eyes or smth idk

[munsonhoneybaby]

Dustin Doesn't Know | Eddie Munson X F!Henderson!Reader

Summary: As things with Eddie start to go farther and farther, you worry how your relationship would impact Dustin if he found out.

Word Count: 7k

Warnings: 18+ mdni, drug use (marijuana), stoner!reader, smut, fwb-esque, oral (m and f receiving), balls??, fingering, p in v (protected), praise, implied subspace?? idk if that was coming across tho???

A/N: there’s a lot of stuff about reader that i’m super vague on because i’m thinking of explaining it more in the final part or maybe additional drabbles and stuff like that (she is adopted tho). i really hope that this chapter lives up to the hype and praise that the first one got since it’s taken me three months to update lol. as always lmk if i missed anything in the warnings.

part one | finale | tmic masterlist

When you heard the soft groan of your window slowly sliding open, you couldn’t hold back the grin that spread across your face. Turning around, you were met with Eddie maneuvering his lean body through the window; it wasn’t quite as awkward as you’d expected, but he certainly wasn’t as silent as he’d hoped to be as his feet thudded on your carpeted floor.

“Not too bad, Munson. You’re definitely lucky being a heavy sleeper runs in the Henderson DNA, though.” As you face him completely, he holds out a baggie of weed and a small box. 

Eyebrows furrowing, you took it to examine it further as he explained. “It’s uh– incense. I noticed you lit some last time, figured it was for the smell.”

“Yeah, makes it a little easier for Mom to pretend she doesn’t know.” Opening the package, you placed one of the sticks in the holder and lit the end. “That’s really sweet, Eddie, thank you.”

“Hope the scent is alright ‘n everything, I didn’t really know what you like.” Shrugging his jacket off, he tossed it over the back of the chair at your desk.

Suppressing a smile, you bent down to the drawer next to him to get out your tray and paper again, “It’s actually one of my favorites.”

“Oh,” He seemed pleasantly surprised, but he kept his head down as he took a seat at your desk. “Good.”

“What’re you doing?”

“I’m gonna roll? Why? What’s it look like I’m doing?”

Flicking the back of his head, you replied, “Suit yourself then, smartass. I was gonna do it this time, but never mind.”

“Jeez, touchy,” He huffed playfully as he swatted your hand away. “I don’t mind rolling, I’d be doing it if I were at home right now anyway. Your only job is to sit there and look pretty for me, alright?”

“A little demeaning, but I think I can handle it,” You sighed dramatically. Much like last time, you stretched yourself out on the bed, lying on your stomach as you watched him roll the joint. His fingers handled the paper so delicately, knowing exactly how to roll and pinch it without threatening to rip it. Every now and then one of his rings would drag or clink against the wood of your desk, and you couldn’t help but squeeze your thighs together as you remembered the way the cool metal had felt against your hot skin.

“So, how’ve you been doing?” He placed the finished joint between his lips and held his lighter to it as he claimed the first long drag of the night. “I haven’t seen you in a minute.”

“I really am sorry about that,” You answered bashfully. “I didn’t mean for that to happen, I swear I don’t usually do stuff like that.”

“What? You mean invite in guys you hardly know to make ‘em dinner and let ‘em finger you?” Wearing a massive smirk, he held the joint out to you. You accepted it but huffed embarrassedly and his smirk only grew. “Nothin’ to be ashamed of, babe. Christ knows I’m reliving every second, I could recite every gory detail back to you.”

“I don’t know why you’re reliving it. You made me come, got blue balls, and went home.”

“So? Making you come is like seventy-five percent of the fun. Jerking off’ll make up for missing the rest,” He shrugged.

“You really don’t hold anything back, huh?” You croaked around a chestful of smoke.

“Maybe I just don’t feel like I have to with you.” You couldn’t tell if that statement went deeper than this conversation. “Should I?”

“You don’t have to hold anything back with me, Eddie,” You answered honestly. “As long as you behave around my brother.”

He pointed a finger toward you in warning as his lips curled mischievously, “I’ll remember you said that.”

Rolling your eyes, you take a couple extra hits from the joint before passing it back. He watched as you laid back on the bed, closing your eyes and slowly exhaling, the smoke billowing upwards. Eyes wandering down your body, he took in the way your shirt had rolled up to show the flesh of your tummy, how the band of your thong peeked out of your pajama pants– a different pair than last time– and accentuated the dip of your waist. He wondered how many people had gotten to see you like this; he wondered if they really appreciated it. 

“You’re about to get ash on my carpet and I’m gonna have to kick your ass,” You spoke abruptly, breaking him from his reverie.

“I’m shaking, babe,” He monotoned as he ashed it in the tray.

“You should be.”

“What’s with you, hm?” He stood and placed the joint between his lips, lifting his arms to stretch his back and shoulders. His voice was teasing as he stepped toward your bed, toward you.“Bein’ so mean to me today. You know, you were a lot nicer the last time we smoked together.”

Scooting over to make room for him on the bed, your eyes caught on the faint trail of hair leading into his jeans before lifting to meet his. Reaching out to take the joint back, you said, “‘M not being mean. Just keeping you in line, Munson.”

Crawling into the bed beside you, he settled on his side, head resting in his hand. “Probably a good idea.” Hoping his fingers weren’t twitching with nerves, he slowly grazed them over the soft skin of your stomach. “You know I’m always gettin’ into trouble.”

“I guess I’ll just have to keep an eye on you,” You posited, taking yet another long drag.

“A close one,” He hummed in agreement. His touch moved up your stomach, raising goosebumps in its wake as your head slumped against his shoulder. “This okay?”

Though you were leaning into his touch, you asked, “Do you think this is a bad idea?”

Eddie’s hand froze and he leaned back slightly to try to look at you. “What? What do you mean? Do you think it is?”

You didn’t meet his eyes. “I don’t know. You’re just so important to Dustin and I don’t want to change the way he sees you. I would never want something between us to affect your relationship with him.”

“In the nicest way possible, babe–” He brushed your hair back from your face, finally locking eyes with you. “You worry too much. We’re both adults, alright? Even if something were to happen, I wouldn’t let Dustin get caught in that. We’d work around it, y’know? I think we could be mature about it. If things went bad, that is– and I mean, I don’t really think they would–”

You stretched your neck to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Careful of the now-unlit joint still in your hand, you squeezed his side. “You’re probably right, Eds.” Your lips trailed to his jaw, lined with a light smile. “I won’t worry about it anymore tonight, I didn’t mean to get you worked up.”

His cheeks flushed and he mumbled only half-jokingly, “‘M not worked up. Just don’t want you runnin’ out on me just yet, you’re actually kinda cool.”

Your eyes softened and your hand slid from his side to his chest, “I won’t go anywhere, Eddie. You don’t have to worry about that. Now,” Pressing against his chest, you urged him onto his back so you could straddle his thighs. He bit down on his lower lip, looking up at you with eager eyes. Slipping your hand into his jeans pocket for his lighter, you continued, “Enough with the heavy. We still have half a joint to finish and I seem to remember getting interrupted in the middle of something important the last time you were here.”

“You know, you really don’t have to feel obligated,” He reminded you. Still, his hands immediately wandered from your thighs, up your sides, and back.

“Who said I felt obligated, hm?” The pads of your fingers brushed his lips as you placed the lit joint between them. “Maybe I’ve just really been looking forward to making you come.”

A cloud of smoke rolled from his mouth as he groaned, clutching your hips to draw you further toward him. “Fuck, keep talking like that and it’s gonna happen way too soon, sweet thing. Been thinkin’ about it, huh?”

“Haven’t stopped thinking about it since you left,” You answered. “About what you’d do when you got home.”

“Yeah?” His hand crept beneath your shirt, running up your spine before guiding you closer. “That’s cute, baby. Thought about me stroking my cock and thinkin’ how much better that pretty pussy would feel instead? You didn’t touch yourself after I left, did you?”

Hips already grinding down against his, you lightly pinched his side. “None of your business.”

“Wait, seriously? I was just fucking around, did you actually make yourself come thinking about me beating off?”

Your head fell back and you let out a laugh that was way too loud for the time of the night. “Eddie, what the fuck?”

He said your name, tone far more serious than his statement required. “You have no idea how fucking hot that is. You’re actually about to make me bust in my pants.”

“Well don’t, alright? We were just getting to the good part when somebody got sidetracked,” You teased. Leaning down, you let your lips graze his and smiled. “Let me make you feel as good as you made me feel, yeah?” After pressing a quick peck to his lips, you sat up. “Take off your shirt.”

“Bossy,” He muttered with false exasperation. As he yanked his shirt over his head and whipped it across the room, he felt your hands drift to the button of his jeans. He tilted his chin to kiss you deeper than before. 

“Of course, you have more tattoos,” You huffed.

He might have asked if that was a problem if he hadn’t picked up on the subtle whine behind your voice. “Mmm, should’a known you’d dig the tatties. I’ll give you a tour later, huh, sweetheart? Wouldn’t wanna get sidetracked again, would we?”

“You’re a jackass, y’know that?”

“I think I’ve been told once or twice, yeah.” Hand framing your jaw, his rings pressed into one side of your neck as his left slow, open-mouthed kisses along the other. “Pretty baby,” He hummed lowly against your ear. “Bein’ so good to me.”

“You still haven’t let me show you how good I can be,” You replied breathily. 

“I just keep on distractin’ you, huh?” He pressed a couple playful kisses to your lips before asking, “Want me to let you get back to work?” Before he’d even finished his sentence, you were unzipping his jeans and scooting backward to tug them past his hips.

“Fuck, I knew you’d be big,” You whined as you eyed the outline of his length within the confines of his boxers.

“I’ll try not to let that go to my head,” He jested with a smirk. 

“I’m sure it will anyway. That’s okay though, your confidence isn’t misplaced, Eds.” When you finally pulled his boxers down, you practically had to bite down on your lip to stifle a moan at the sight. His cock twitched against his lower abdomen, precome almost dripping into the hair there. “Eddie, shit. Gonna taste so good.”

The way his length jumped at the sound of your voice almost had you drooling. He held your hair back from your face, thumb rubbing over your cheek as your hand wrapped around his base. “So fuckin’ dirty, gettin’ all desperate to suck my cock. Go on, baby, I won’t keep you waiting anymore.”

“I think I’m the one who’s s’posed to be saying that,” You hummed. Leaning forward, you let spit drip from your lip to the head, slowly stroking him. 

“Don’t sweat it, you’re worth holding out for.” His words already held a faint pant. As your tongue traced his length he tightened his grip on your hair. When your lips finally wrapped around him, his mouth fell open, a shaky breath escaping him as he hits the back of your throat. “Shit, definitely worth it.” Eyes glazed, he watched how your cheeks hollowed around him, how your lashes fluttered as you kept your eyes down. “Look at me, sweet thing. Gimme those eyes.” Nervously doing as he asked, your gaze locked with his and he stifled a groan. “Too fuckin’ pretty.” 

His hand still sweetly held your hair back from your face as you let his cock slip from your spit-soaked lips, mouthing sloppy kisses along it until you reached his balls. Your tongue laved across one and his eyes rolled back, head falling against your pillows. “What the fuck,” He groaned incredulously. “You’re fucking unreal. I have to be dreaming right now.”

“Vivid dreamer,” You quipped lowly.

Smirk never leaving his face, he tugged lightly at your hair, drawing a small gasp from you. “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had this dream, sweetheart. Definitely never felt this good before, though.”

“Glad I’m living up to your expectations, Munson.” Taking him back into your mouth, the musky taste of his precome coated your tongue. The moan he fought to hold back became a whimper as you lapped up every drop. Resisting the urge to gag, you bobbed your head further until your nose brushed the dark curls around his base. Your nails dragged lightly over the ink winding around his hipbone, making them jerk in response. 

“You have no idea,” A whine was beginning to leak into his tone. “‘M already close, baby. You’re s’fucking good. Such a good girl for me.” Hand cradling the back of your head, his hips rutted carefully to meet your movements. Nails digging into his hips encouragingly, you tried to keep your eyes on him as the rise and fall of his chest grew more rapid. “Fuck, you’re g’nna make me come.” You moaned eagerly, vibrations making his thighs tense. 

Not wanting to pull your hair too hard, Eddie clutched your bedding instead. His other hand formed a fist which he bit down on, huffing out ragged breaths around it in an attempt to keep quiet. You could feel his cock twitch as his come filled your mouth and a tremor ran through his body as he watched you swallow all of it.

He was still panting as you crawled to his level, planting a far-too-sweet kiss on his lips and smiling. Shaking his head, he breathed, “Too fuckin’ good.”

“Happy to return the favor.”

“Fuck favors.” His hand found a home in your hair again as he pulled you in for a heated kiss. His free hand lifted your shirt until you leaned back so he could tug it over your head. “I just want you. Are you alright with that?” You just looked into his eyes for a moment– silently communicating something that you weren’t sure either of you fully understood– before your lips met his again, reaching behind your back to unclasp your bra. Calloused fingertips brushed down the sensitive skin of your neck and over your chest to your nipples. You shivered, goosebumps pebbling your skin as he teased them with the pads of his thumbs. Your mouth fell open against his and his teeth nipped your lower lip. Trailing a few kisses along your jaw, he murmured, “Pretty baby.”

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps in the hallway followed by the bathroom door creaking made you both freeze. You glanced at your bedroom doorknob to ensure it was locked before you and Eddie both eyed the alarm clock on your nightstand. It was almost a quarter past three in the morning and Dustin would be getting up for school in less than four hours.

“That’s my cue, isn’t it?” He pouted.

“I think so,” You sighed. Lifting your hips, you allowed him to fix his boxers and jeans before he handed you your shirt. “We can hang out again soon though, okay?”

“Yeah,” He snorted, crawling out of your bed to search the other side of the room for his own shirt. “‘Hang out’. ‘Cause I do this with all my friends, y’know?”

“I’m sorry, do you want me to say you can sneak in my window for head again?”

Laughing, he pulled his shirt over his head and slipped his shoes back on before walking back over to you. His hands cradled your jaw, tilting your head back so he could look into your eyes from where he stood between your legs. “Maybe I wanna give you head next time, hm? How ‘bout that?”

Body heating embarrassedly, you tried to look anywhere but his eyes. “I’ll consider it.”

“Mmm, good.” He pressed a long, slow kiss to your lips before hesitantly pulling back. “I’ve got a lot to think about until the next time I see you.”

“I’ll call you, okay?” 

Grinning, he swiped his thumb over your cheek one last time before he headed for your window. “I’ll be waiting, Henderson.” He ducked back out the window and you peeked your head out after him. Throwing you a quick wink, he started to cut across the yard where he must have parked a few doors down, lighting a cigarette on his way. This was far from the last time Eddie Munson would make an escape from your window.

Letting out another sigh, you kicked off your pajama pants and climbed back into bed. After spending nearly an hour tossing and turning, your hand found its way between your legs, seeking relief so you could finally fall asleep.

Nearly four weeks later, you were watching TV in the living room when the boys came in after school. Dustin threw himself down on the couch with a loud groan while Lucas and Mike both sat down with much less dramatic frustration. “I just don’t understand why they can’t rehearse somewhere else, Hellfire uses the same room every week and they’ve already kicked us out once!”

“Well, it is the drama room and they are rehearsing for the school musical,” You reminded him, going to the kitchen. He grumbled something unintelligible in response as you poured glasses of water for all three boys. “You guys could always have Hellfire here again. Gives Mom a reason to get out of the house and I don’t mind having you guys as long as you don’t totally trash the basement.”

There was a brief pause before he spoke again, cautiously. “...Will you make snacks ‘n stuff?”

Rolling your eyes, you ruffled his hair which made him swat at your hand as you answered. “I suppose I could do something like that. I’m not making anything extravagant though. Let me know if there are any allergies I should know about.”

“Should someone call and ask Eddie?” Lucas piped up. “You know how he can get. He probably won’t like not having his throne again.”

“Eddie would probably have Hellfire here every week if he could,” Mike scoffed. After a none-too-subtle look from Lucas though, he glanced at Dustin, then you, and seemed to think better of it. “‘Cause of the uh- snacks, y’know.”

“Right, anyways–” Lucas took over, inconspicuously trying to guide the conversation back on track. “Someone should probably call him and let him know so he can tell the rest of the guys.”

Over the course of the past month, Eddie had snuck in a grand total of three times, and between these secret smoke sessions you managed to squeeze in conversation at the weekly Hellfire meetings. You called him every now and then when no one else was home, but that was it. While you suspected he’d told Jeff and Gareth, you definitely didn’t believe he would say anything to Lucas or Mike. Whatever suspicions they had, you just hoped they wouldn’t share them with Dustin.

You raised an eyebrow at the two of them questioningly and, in almost perfect sync, they stood and said, “I’ll do it!” You still had no idea how they got away with lying to their parents so often.

You suppressed a smile as you heard Iron Maiden’s “Phantom of the Opera” slowly growing louder until Eddie’s van creaked to a halt in your driveway the next week. The music cut out, replaced by voices and doors slamming. He didn’t even knock before he walked in, Jeff and Gareth in tow. Wearing a wide grin, his dimples were on full display as he leaned across the counter separating the front room from the kitchen. “Heard all this was your idea. You obsessed with me or somethin’, Henderson?”

“Excuse me for trying to be a good big sister, I’ll let them kick you to the basement with newspaper and AV club next week.”

He opened his mouth to respond but got distracted when he caught sight of just how much food you made. It looked like you were hosting a potluck; there were three different crockpots plugged in, at least four covered pots on the stovetop, and countless bowls and foil-covered plates scattered across the countertops. “Woah.”

“Did you make all this?” Jeff asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

“Yeah, I hope you didn’t eat anything before you came. I may have gone a little overboard.” 

The three of them grabbed paper plates and Gareth chimed, “How long were you cooking?”

“I don’t know uh– since around ten this morning? It’s really not a big deal. Dustin was at school all day and Mom was at work and I had the day off anyway, figured I had nothing better to do.” You shrugged, turning to get a few glasses out of the cabinet for them. “You can drink whatever outta the fridge. The boys are already downstairs digging in, of course.”

“Thank you, you really didn’t have to do so much. We would’ve been thrilled for a couple bags of chips and a two-liter.”

“Yeah, seriously. Thank you,” Jeff added, he and Gareth piling their plates high.

“It’s my pleasure, guys. Really.”

Eddie’s plate was still empty in his hand, waiting up for them to head to the basement so he could get a moment alone with you. The other two noticed, exchanging a knowing glance before making their way toward the basement door. “We’ll go ahead and start setting up.”

“Thanks, I’ll be down in a sec,” Eddie nodded. When the door closed behind them, he set his plate back down on the counter. “They’re right, you really didn’t have to do all this, sweetheart.”

“Gave me something to do with my day,” You insisted. “You’d better eat some or you’ll hurt my feelings.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m gonna eat. You’ll be lucky if there are leftovers.” He spared a glance at the basement door before his hands found the counter on either side of you, trapping you between his arms. “Maybe tonight I can come back for dessert?”

“I already made cookies and peach cream puffs–”

He interrupted you with a laugh, “C’mon, now you’re practically setting me up for it.” You shoved at his shoulder, fighting back another smile, and he leaned closer anyway. “How about I just come back to thank you for all your hard work then?”

Tilting your chin up, you pressed a soft kiss to his lips and replied, “How about you make your plate and eat your food first and I’ll think about it?”

“I’m already on it. I’ll get seconds, too. I’ll get fuckin’ thirds, babe, you’ll see. The way to my heart is through my stomach.”

“Save the theatrics for the game downstairs, hm? They’re waiting on you.”

“You in a hurry to get rid of me or something?” He asked, maybe two-thirds playfully. 

“You’re here for Dustin is all,” You shrugged, toying with a loose thread on his Hellfire tee. “He’s expecting you down there and you know how he is, he won’t have any problem asking me questions about what takes us so long when we see each other.”

His thumb rubbed careful circles against your upper arm. “I really think you’re reading too much into it. You’re his big sister looking out for him and I’m the head of his school club, we’ve got plenty of stuff to talk about. Dustin’s not gonna notice  if we make conversation for a few minutes whenever we see each other.” His tone grew more joking as he added, “Besides, I seem to remember being owed a certain phone call that I’ve yet to receive.”

“It’s been a week. I can’t sneak you in every night, alright?”

“You would if you could though, right?” He smirked.

Shoving him away, you rolled your eyes. “Alright, Eddie the Banished is now officially banished from my kitchen. Get your food and go downstairs.”

His eyes narrow at you as he started making his plate. Between crunches, he spoke around a mouthful of chips. “You’re a bully, you know that?” 

Grabbing a roll of paper towels, you tucked it under his arm for him to take down to the rest of the boys. “Just make sure you all clean up after yourselves and maybe I’ll let you come back over after Dustin goes to Mike’s.”

“You drive a hard bargain, babe.” He stole a quick kiss before making his way toward the basement door. “But you’ve got yourself a deal. I’ll try and keep the noise down.”

“No, you won’t.”

“No, I won’t.”

When he left about two and a half hours later, he only drove two blocks away, circling around long enough for the younger boys to have ridden their bikes away from the Henderson house. “I could get used to usin’ the front door,” He chimed as he strolled back in. “Think I pulled a muscle squeezing through your window last time.”

Having changed into an old Judas Priest tee and pajama shorts, you were sealing the last few containers of leftovers and putting them in the fridge. “Uh oh, should I start looking for a new dealer?”

“See, that? Mean. So mean.”

“How about I let you go ahead to my room and light the joint sitting on my nightstand? Would I be less mean then?”

He frowned, taking a step in your direction instead. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and help you clean up?”

“I’m already almost done, it’ll just be a minute. Promise.”

“If you say so,” He drawled as he headed down the hall to your room. The door creaked as it closed halfway behind him and he looked around your room yet again. He liked being in here, being surrounded by you. He hoped you wouldn’t find it rude that he opened the drawer he’d seen you keep your incense in, lighting a stick and placing it in the holder. The radio was already turned down low when he turned it on, a cassette of Black Sabbath still inside. Then he cracked open the window, taking off his shoes and jacket afterward. 

Holding the joint between his lips, he lit it and tossed the lighter on the bed before continuing to look around. A few necklaces were hooked over the corner of the mirror that hung on your wall. Mascara, rings, and a couple pairs of earrings were left out on your vanity. On your dresser, there was a framed picture of you and Dustin in the Hawkins middle school, your arm around his shoulders as he flaunted a science fair ribbon enthusiastically to the camera. Bottles of lotion and perfume sat beside it and he was obviously lacking a healthy level of self-restraint as he picked one up and popped the cap off to smell it.

He nearly jumped three feet in the air when you spoke up from behind him. “Did you wanna take a pair of panties too or…?”

“Well, if the offer’s on the table–” Still, he had on a sheepish expression as he turned to face you. “I’m sorry, that was probably totally weird of me–”

“Maybe it’s weird of me that I don’t mind,” You shrugged as you took the joint from him and sat cross-legged on your bed. “Thanks for getting everything ready in here. Obviously, I don’t need to tell you to make yourself at home.” 

He sat down backward on the chair at your vanity, facing you though his head was tilted toward the floor. “I swear I wasn’t like– actually snooping through anything. I just looked around the room.”

“Eddie, you don’t have to defend yourself. You were smelling perfume that was sitting out, it’s not like you were rifling through drawers. I told you you could be in here by yourself, I wouldn��t have left anything out I wanted kept private. Besides, I trust you.” Leaning forward, you passed him the joint. “And you don’t have to sit all the way over there.”

“You really aren’t upset at all?” He looked up at you through his lashes.

“Would you just get in the bed? The house is gonna be empty til at least 11:30 and we’ve still got half a joint. I was thinking of possibly smoking a bowl too.”

Suppressing a smile, he settled into the bed beside you. “So, does that mean I still get the panties?”

You replied by jabbing him in the side with your sock-covered foot, but his fingers wrapped around your ankle, pulling your leg across his lap. He traced patterns along the bare skin of your legs as he watched you smoke, occasionally squeezing at your calf or thigh. Feeling a little jittery as the quiet held out, he murmured, “I like your shirt.”

“Thank you, Eds,” You hummed back.

Your little amused smile made his cheeks flush faintly. “Welcome.”

He was flooded with a wave of déjà vu as you crawled into his lap, cupping his jaw to exhale smoke into his mouth. “This feels awful familiar.”

“Well, we’ve got more time than usual.” One hand wandered the expanse of his chest through his shirt as the other placed the dwindling joint between his lips. “I was thinking maybe we could finally finish what we keep starting.”

“You sure we aren’t gonna get interrupted this time?” He asked jokingly.

“We’ve got plenty of time,” You reassured him with a small smile.

“Good.” He drew you closer, “‘Cause I’m thinkin’ we don’t need to go so fast tonight.” Your eyes fluttered closed at the first touch of his lips to your skin, the kisses he left growing sloppier as they moved farther down your neck. A small chill shook his shoulders as your fingers grazed the nape of his neck, caringly gathering his hair into a fluffy bundle and loosely tying it back. So fuckin’ precious. “Thank you, sweetheart. You always think of everything, don’t you?”

“I try.”

Hand cupping the back of your head, his lips molded to yours in a long, slow kiss. As he did, he urged you onto your back, fingers grazing your lips as he settled the joint between them. “That’s enough of that. You don’t have to think anymore tonight. I just wanna take you apart, okay? Make you feel good.” His fingers slipped beneath both your shorts and underwear, gently tugging them past your hips. “Been thinkin’ about this for weeks.” The way he pushed your legs back toward your chest had you spread wide for him, your arms rising to cover your face bashfully. Warm hands eased back and forth along the backs of your thighs as he pressed kisses to the delicate skin at the creases of them. “Fuck, you even smell good.”

Eddie actually moaned when he finally tasted you. His tongue soothed over your clit before delving inside you, hands grasping at any part of you he could touch. Meanwhile, your hands were weaving into his hair, further dishevelling his already-messy bun. “Eds,” You breathed.

He briefly pulled back just enough to pant, “Can you take your shirt off? Please? Wanna see you.”

The second you lifted it over your head he was groping at the newly exposed skin, back to burying his face between your thighs. Looking up at you with those big, brown eyes, he zeroed in on your clit. You gasped, “Oh my god, right there.” When he eased his middle finger inside you, curling it to prod at a sensitive spot, you were unable to stifle a squeal.

“I’m just hittin’ all the sweet spots, huh? Pussy was made for me, baby.” Your hand found his free one on the bed, fingers lacing with his as the other remained in his hair. “That’s right, I’ve got you.” A second finger joined the first inside you, spreading you open. Devoting his effort to making you come, his mouth only ever broke away from you to coo the most knee-weakeningly dirty words. Things like, “Want you to come all over my fingers ‘n’ then I’ll stretch you out with my cock, okay? Know you’ve been waitin’ for it.”

“‘M almost there, Eddie, please. Need more.” Distress colored your tone, muscles tensing and un-tensing sporadically. His hand released yours, choosing to drag the pad of his thumb over your nipple instead. The careful pinch he gave afterward made your toes curl.

Feeling your walls squeeze around him, he fractionally sped up the movements of his hand, tongue still tormenting your clit. Quiet gasping moans overpowered the sound of the music as you clutched at the t-shirt covering his shoulders. “That’s my girl, let it out. I’m right here.” He waited until you’d relaxed to gently draw his fingers from you– arms covering your eyes and forehead as you caught your breath, you didn’t see him lick them clean. His palms were warm and slightly rough as they moved over your stomach and sides, “Still with me, sweet thing?”

“Yeah, yeah ‘m here,” You sighed airily. “Just waiting for the stars in my vision to go away.”

“Oh, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet, babe.” His lips made a path up back up your stomach, sloppy kisses and gentle bites ravishing your skin. Instead, you urged him to kiss you before finding the hem of his Hellfire t-shirt to yank it off. Your nails scraped gently over the tattoos on his chest and he shivered, clutching your hips to his. The icy cold metal of his handcuff belt buckle met the heat between your legs, making you gasp into his mouth. You reached down, fumbling to undo the handcuff design. “Easy, baby, lemme do it.”

Standing from the bed, he took his time working his belt and jeans open, eyes slowly raking over you. His lips curved into a subtle smile making your stomach flip. The way Eddie looked at you sometimes was almost overwhelming. You could see the tip of his tongue poke out from the corner of his mouth as he pushed his pants and boxers down, immediately climbing back over you. “Condoms in the nightstand,” You mumbled against the demon head inked on his pec. 

He reached over to open the drawer, chuckling at the pre-packed bowl in the corner and grabbing a condom. You surprised him by taking it from him, tearing it open, and pulling him down for another long, slow kiss as you rolled it on for him. Humming as you slowly pulled apart again, he said, “You’re kinda fuckin’ adorable, you know that?”

“Don’t be a dick,” You pouted against his lips.

“You always think I’m teasin’ you and I’m not.” His nose brushed your cheek as he murmured, “Just think you’re the sweetest little thing. Let me appreciate you.”

You tucked your head into the crook of his neck a little bashfully. “Wanna feel you, Eds.”

“I’ve got you, honey, don’t worry.” The first few inches already had you clenching around him as he pressed in. His fingers laced into your hair, gently tugging your head back enough for him to watch your face. “There she is. Doin’ okay, pretty girl?”

“Feels so good,” You breathed out. Your voice sounded strained like your throat was tight. “S’big, Eddie.”

“I know, but you’re takin’ me so good. Doin’ such a good job, baby.” He brushed your hair away from your face as he gazed down at you, his thumb stroking over your temple. “Tell me if you wanna stop.”

Your nose brushed his when you shook your head no, nails digging into his shoulder blades. Eddie gripped your thigh, hitching it over his hip. Eyes closing, you didn’t see the way he watched you as he pulled out nearly completely before pushing back in. He admired how your eyebrows furrowed a little, your lips parting with a reserved moan. You still weren’t letting go.

He was gonna change that.

Forgoing the slow pace he’d been giving you to adjust, sudden quick thrusts of his hips had your eyes opening. You blinked up at him with glassy eyes. Thighs squeezing at his sides, you clung to him. Still supporting himself on one arm, the other snuck between your bodies to find your clit. The broken moan you let out made him smile. “S’that what you needed to make some noise for me? Love hearing you, sweetheart.” He hissed as your nails dragged down his back, but that smile never left his face.

Heat licked up your legs starting from the soles of your feet, your stomach tightening as a second orgasm crept up on you. He could tell when you came again, feeling your walls spasm around him while pitchy whines you couldn’t suppress escaped your throat. “Shit,” He panted out. “Fuck, you feel so fucking good. C’n I keep going?”

Nodding, you crossed your ankles behind his back, legs wrapping more comfortably around him and caging him in closer. “Wan’ you to come, Eddie.”

“Jesus, babe, won’t take long if you keep doin’ shit like that.” He kissed you, but your lips fell open against his as his cock ground deeper into you. “God, this pussy’s fucking perfect, baby.” His grunts became pronounced groans as your hands tangled in his hair, hair tie barely hanging on. He gripped your thigh so tight you knew you’d look for fingerprints the next morning. You tugged his lower lip between your teeth and his hips jerked, burying himself as deep inside you as he could when he came.

Neither of you loosened your hold on the other for another minute or two– you just tucked your head into the crook of his neck and let your palms explore the expanse of his back while you both caught your breath. His weight was warm and grounding on top of you, calloused fingertips grazing back and forth along your side.

When you let your head fall back against the pillow you were met with Eddie’s big, warm eyes and soft smile. It was a little flustering, you could only meet his eyes through your lashes. “What?”

But he didn’t answer. He just cradled your face in his hand and delicately molded his lips to yours. It was only after that that he finally pulled out, making your legs twitch around his waist before letting him up. He tied off the condom and threw it away and as he pulled on his boxers, he leaned down to press a kiss to your forehead. “Why don’t you go to the bathroom? I’ll get some water and get the bowl ready.”

“Thank you, Eddie,” You hummed quietly in response.

“Don’t need to thank me, sweet girl.” He handed you your shirt, watching you pull it on and head for the bathroom before he went to the kitchen.

Finding him back in your bed, bowl and lighter in hand, you didn’t hesitate to crawl in with him. Your back against his chest, he offered it to you and lit it as you took a hit. His arm settled around your waist and your fingers loosely wrapped around it. He took a decent hit for himself and finally spoke again as he breathed out the smoke. “Is everything alright? You’ve been kinda quiet– I can go if you want.”

Your hold on his arm tightened slightly. “No, not at all. Sorry, I’m just kinda…” Searching for the words, your thumb tapped impatiently on his skin and you nuzzled yourself further back into him.

“That’s okay,” He reassured. “I think I get it. Take your time, baby, whatever you need.” You hit the bowl again, letting him hold it for you this time and resting your head against his chest afterward. Eddie looked down at you, your eyes closed as you sighed out smoke, and he was taken aback again by how open you were being with him– how much you were trusting him with. Warmth filled his chest at the realization that you were letting him take care of you.

Over the next few minutes, your head seemed to clear a bit. Taking a drink of water, your eyes finally met Eddie’s again, giving each other a small smile.

“So, I’ve got a proposal for you,” He began.

“I’m listening.”

He passed the bowl back to you, gaze following your movements as he spoke. “I wanna spend time with you. Not just sneaking in to fuck around or stealing a few minutes when we see each other at Hellfire, I mean really spend time with you. Let me take you out to dinner or– or come watch a movie at my place or something.” His nerves rose as he kept talking, seeing your eyelids sink lower as you inhaled a lungful of smoke.

He fidgeted with the chain around his wrist until you breathed out a response. “Okay. It’s a date.”

 His face split in a grin, “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

part one | finale | tmic masterlist

tags: @adequate-superstar @akiratoro420 @bbciwp @trixyvixx @yujyujj @nope-thanks @broccolisoupy @spookybabey @comboboo @thecraziestcrayon @mommybaby-witch @imvirginia17 @therensistance @peacheskiwi @skyfullofsong123 @hcneyedsstuff @aysheashea @prestinalove @ungracefularchimedes @psychospore @bellaisasleep @untoldshortsofthefandoms @ficsaremylife @ohmeg @twirls827 @bellasfavoritesweatpants @sebastiansstanswhore @444aslut444 @ourautumn86 @dream-a-little-nightmare @extrainsanity @poniesandcupcakes @trinuh @cantreadbutcute

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(so tumblr doesn’t eat the end of my fic again)

[novorehere]

Famished First-Time

Hello friends! This is an especially special post that I am very excited about, because the story you’re about to read was not written by myself. A friend who would like to remain anonymous submitted this amazing story to me and wanted me to post it to my blog for you all to enjoy. While they don’t have their own vore blog, I hope you can all enjoy and give them some praise and feedback! Words cannot describe how much I ADORE it, and I think you all will too no matter if you’re familiar with Obey Me or not <3 

Enjoy!

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“Thank you!” Yuki, the lovely young cashier, smiled sweetly as Rayfa plunked down the appropriate amount of Grimm—plus a generous tip—onto the counter. “Come again!”

“You know I will!” Rayfa laughed, and the demon chick behind the counter laughed too. They had become fast friends—what with Rayfa being a proud regular and all—and Yuki knew she’d be back again within the week.

It always started with an unrelated shopping trip. An excursion to buy some nail polish and ribbons for her next sleepover with Asmo. Or perhaps an errand to pick up the newest video game Levi had pre-ordered, for he was too anxious to go out himself. Regardless of where her ventures began, they always ended back at the bakery—where she could purchase a little something for Beel. It hardly cost her anything (mostly because Yuki gave her legendary discounts) and Beel always got so adorably excited when she came home with dessert, so of course Rayfa had made it into a habit. It was such an easy way to put a smile on his face! How could she not?

“I’m already looking forward to it!” Yuki beamed. “See you next week, hun!”

“See you then!”

Rayfa carefully lifted the hefty white cake box into her hands, then began her leisurely walk back to the House of Lamentation, the soft chimes of the bakery’s doorbell twinkling faintly behind her. It was a lovely night outside, pleasantly warm but with the welcome caveat of a gentle breeze. It was the kind of evening that Rayfa liked to spend admiring the beauty of the Devildom, but something about this particular night was making her uneasy. She felt like she was being watched—nay, hunted. Instinctively, she quickened her pace, trying not to think about it. It was surely just her imagination.

Rayfa was maybe two blocks away from salvation—the HoL—when disaster finally struck. Out of nowhere, Rayfa felt burly/muscular arms wrap uncomfortably tightly around her waist. She readied herself to scream, but a freakishly large hand—with claws—clamped down over her mouth. She fought and kicked as violently as she could, but humans were no match for demons, and her attackers callously dragged her into the nearest alleyway.

Once they were far enough back not to be spotted from the sidewalk, Demon #1 forced her up against the wall and spat out an impatient order.

“I’m going to remove my hand now. Scream, and we’ll make things far messier than they need to be. You understand?”

Rayfa, shaking with fear, nodded frantically. Devildom nights were darker than black, and the streets had been relatively barren earlier, anyway. Rayfa doubted that anyone would come running even if she did scream. The clawed hand was removed, and Rayfa gasped for breath. It wasn’t that she couldn’t breathe before; She was just relieved to get that grimy hand away from her face.

“It’s not every day you see a human ’round these parts…” Demon #1 chuckled darkly.

Rayfa spied two more demons over his shoulder. So there were three of these fuckers, then.

Demon #1 stepped forward to grab her chin—to force her to look at him—which Rayfa desperately wanted to resist. Her self-preservation instincts told her to keep quiet though, and frustratedly, she obeyed.

…Until the dirtbag harassing her stepped purposefully on top of the cake box that had fallen from her grasp during the scuffle.

“That was for my friend…!” Rayfa growled angrily, surprising even herself with how upset she had gotten on Beel’s behalf—especially when her own current predicament was so much worse.

“Yeah, well-” Demon #1 scoffed and cruelly kicked the cake box aside. He stepped closer—again—and made a very deliberate show of licking his lips. “Your friend’s not the only one who needs to eat.”

Rayfa went pale. This guy was actually Oberon levels of creepy. (Levi would have been so proud of Rayfa for that SAO reference.)

“Wait! You-! You can’t eat me!” Rayfa squeaked. “I’m, like, the face of the exchange program! You could ruin relations between the three realms forever!”

“Tch. Like we care about that!” Demon #2 mocked boisterously. “We never wanted to make friends with those stuck-up celestials in the first place!”

“And humans, of course, are just snacks!” Demon #1 tacked on gleefully. “Who gives a fuck if Diavolo’s little exchange program falls through?”

Rayfa gritted her teeth. She wanted to argue more, but they had clearly already made up their minds. She was so royally screwed.

Demon #3, who had been relatively silent throughout the whole exchange, suddenly stepped closer. He was easily the largest of the three degenerate demons; Rayfa had to tilt her head almost all the way back just to meet his eyes. Intimidating. Demon #3 stared her down with the ferocity of a lion. Then he began to speak—quietly yet gruffly—the words foreign and unrecognizable. Suddenly, realization dawned on her. He was reciting a hex.

But by the time Rayfa realized, it was already too late. Her body shrank rapidly and she dizzily watched the world around her grow larger and larger and larger—until finally, she was left untouched at 2-3 inches tall. Things were not looking good for her. But! At such a small size, they couldn’t possibly clamp a hand down over her mouth again! Right?

Desperately, Rayfa began to recite the one phrase she prayed could get her out of this mess:

“Hear me, denizens of the darkness, you who are born of shadow and you who give birth to it! Hear me and do as I command!”

“Stop her!” Demon #1 roared furiously, and Demon #3 (the nearest) made a desperate grab for her. Rayfa just barely managed to scramble out of the way before he could get his grubby hands on her, silently cursing the fact that the summoning incantation was so ungodly long. Nevertheless, she was determined to see it through.

“I, Rayfa, call upon you to send forth one of your number! I summon the Avatar of- HnghGruh!”

Though he had failed to grab her, Demon #3 was still determined to shut her up. He backhanded her—hard—which was enough to garble her words and send her flying backwards across the pavement. Rayfa winced at the scrapes she received. They were gonna hurt like a bitch tomorrow, assuming she lived to see it.

Interrupted as she may have been, though, the spell—blessedly—had still gone through. There was a blinding flash of golden light, and then there, standing before her, was none other than…

Mammon, the Avatar of Greed.

Huh.

Rayfa had (admittedly) been hoping for Lucifer, but whatever panicked sound she’d made upon being swatted away had apparently sounded more like the word greed than the word pride. Honestly though, Rayfa was just relieved to see a familiar face.

…As endearingly incompetent as that familiar face could sometimes be.

Mammon stumbled around dazedly for a moment, and Rayfa felt guilty knowing that her poor casting of the spell was likely to blame. Quickly, she shook her head to clear her mind. Guilt could come later; Right now was her chance to escape!

Even though Mammon had not immediately chased off the three depraved demons, his unexpected appearance alone was more than enough of a distraction for Rayfa to work with. At the very least, she no longer felt quite as cornered as before. Demon #1, Demon #2, and Demon #3 were focused entirely on Mammon now, and that gave her the perfect opportunity to disappear. A full-sized demon was a much greater threat than a tiny human girl, after all! Rayfa instantly began scheming. Maybe she could subtly sneak away now, text Lucifer or Satan to come pick her up, and apologize to Mammon for using him as an escape later. He would fake like he was annoyed by it, she was sure, but there was no way these demons would actually be able to hurt him—not like they would hurt her—and Mammon would recognize that too. He’d just be relieved that he’d protected her, even if unknowingly at first.

Rayfa was just about to make her move, ready to dart out of the shady alleyway, but right before she took the first step, dark blue eyes swirled with gold locked onto her.

“Rayfa?!” Mammon spluttered out with confusion, as the last of the vertigo from her botched summoning spell finally wore off.

It took a good few seconds for Mammon to realize exactly what was happening, but eventually things did click for him, and the Avatar of Greed whirled on the lesser demons indignantly. Unfortunately for him, Demon #1 and his lackeys had finally recovered from the shock of their surprise visitor and were eager to make him pay.

“Oh shit!” Mammon swore, lightning-fast reflexes kicking into gear as he ducked to avoid a punch.

Demon #2 quickly lunged after him, but Mammon—surprisingly tactfully—sidestepped that, too. Levi really hadn’t been kidding when he’d said that Mammon was “Fast as fuck, boi!” Seriously! He moved so quickly that Rayfa could scarcely make out a blur! Mammon deftly avoided several more attacks, then glanced around with wild eyes, searching for an out. When he found one—as he always did—his body moved before his brain could catch up. Rayfa supposed she shouldn’t hold his recklessness against him though. It was what she was currently banking on to save her life.

When Mammon finally threw a punch of his own, the attack was surprisingly calculated. His fist connected squarely with the jaw of the head honcho—Demon #1—and Mammon capitalized on that fact. All he had needed was an opening, which he’d succeeded in creating for himself when Demon #1 had stumbled backwards from the force of the blow. He quickly darted past the now capsized enemy, taking advantage of the clever little “escape route” that was open. And then…

Mammon just fucking ran for it, gravel flying as he skidded past the remaining two lackeys and began sprinting directly towards poor terrified Rayfa. He didn’t slow down as he neared her. In fact, Rayfa swore he sped up! She squeezed her eyes shut as Mammon barreled forward at breakneck speeds, leaning down at just the right moment to scoop her up as he careened away from the alley. Rayfa let out a squeak of alarm as she felt Mammon’s fingers curl around her, but she relaxed somewhat when she realized that he had actually taken great care to hold her securely (but not so tightly that she’d be uncomfortably squeezed).

And then, just like that, they were gone.

Rayfa hadn’t expected anything less from him. If there was one thing Mammon was great at, it was running away. (Usually from debt collectors or angry brothers, but the logic applied here too.)

“Oh shit! Oh fuck!” Mammon panicked, footsteps pounding heavily on the sidewalk. “I really don’t wanna die!”

Despite herself, Rayfa felt a smile playing on her lips. Even when Mammon actually managed to pull off something pretty damn cool, he was still an endearingly panicky mess. But Rayfa wouldn’t have him any other way.

A few tense minutes of running later, Mammon veered off into another alleyway further down the street, panting heavily. Quick as he was, he obviously didn’t have the stamina to go on running forever. He needed a breather, but Rayfa didn’t think they could afford to take one.

The demon muttered something frustratedly under his breath. Rayfa couldn’t quite catch the words, but she could only imagine he was cursing out their pursuers. Which was totally understandable—they very much deserved it—but what Rayfa couldn’t understand was why he had stopped to do so. Tired or not, they had to get home!

“Mammon?” Rayfa questioned nervously, gently prying his fingers apart to sneak a worried peek up at the demon. He held her level with his heart, hands cupped carefully around her, blue-gold eyes gazing down upon her worriedly. Had they not been dangerously preoccupied, Rayfa would’ve melted at how concerned he looked over her.

“I’m not gonna let ‘em have ya,” Mammon growled protectively. “You’re my human, ya hear?”

Mammon had always been relatively exceedingly protective of her, but Rayfa had never really minded. She thought the whole “keep you all to myself” thing was sweet, even, albeit in a very Mammon sort of way. But something about the way he was staring at her now…

For the first time since they’d met, Rayfa felt inherently nervous under the Avatar of Greed’s gaze.

“Uhhh, are you-” Rayfa started to say, but the demon’s hands suddenly lurched beneath her, causing her to yelp with surprise rather than finish her thought. “Aaa!”

Mammon determinedly brought her to eye-level, an uncharacteristically serious expression etched across handsome features.

“What are you doing?!” Rayfa nervously demanded, the demon’s sudden solemnity eating away at her. Mammon was never sober like this. To make matters worse, Rayfa could hear the angry shouts of the demons they’d run away from. Those fuckers were finally starting to catch up.

It seemed that Mammon had heard them too, their voices being what finally spurred him on to do the unthinkable.

“S-Sorry ‘bout this!”

Mammon rarely ever apologized, which only solidified Rayfa’s right to fear whatever was coming. She had a really really really bad feeling about this.

Mammon, looking just as nervous as Rayfa felt, awkwardly guided the brave little human towards his lips. He gulped nervously, then opened wide with an automatic “ahhh”, and realization came crashing down onto the girl like a tidal wave. Rayfa screamed and tried to scramble backwards, but Mammon quickly threw his head back and fervently crammed her in.

It was almost absurd how quickly the demon’s mouth flooded with drool. Rayfa whined with disgust as warm gooey saliva oozed over her, bubbling up and seeping through her clothes. Mammon cautiously brought his teeth back together, sealing her away inside, then began eagerly slurping down her staple human flavors. Rayfa felt herself blush, angry and embarrassed that Mammon was spending such an exorbitant amount of time tasting her.

“Mammon!” Rayfa seethed, practically shaking with rage. “What the fuck!”

She was exhausted and disgruntled and grossed out, but begrudgingly, she decided to put up with whatever episode Mammon was having right now because she trusted him. For all she knew, demon spit could reverse hexes cast on humans or something! Right, yeah. Mammon probably had a plan. She just needed to play along and-

*Glk!*

Mammon gulped thickly, and Rayfa suddenly felt the clench of tight/squishy muscle around her as she was sucked down into the boy’s throat. She squeezed her eyes shut and held her breath, being worked deeper and deeper with every purposeful swallow. Mammon had been quick to stuff her into his mouth, but now that she was safely out of sight, Rayfa noticed, he was taking his sweet time getting her down. Slow, languid gulps. Pleasured hums vibrating around her. Fingers gingerly pressed against the throat, presumably to feel her fight back as he swallowed. Rayfa grimaced as she slowly squelched down his greedy gullet, squirming violently as the unyielding flesh easily suctioned her down.

“Stop enjoying this…!” Rayfa growled disgustedly. “Bastard…!”

Within the minute, Mammon finished swallowing her down, letting out a relieved and breathy sigh. Rayfa, meanwhile, gasped out as the tight, hot, unyielding throat finally gave way to a much roomier space. Fleshy and vulnerable, the squishy pink walls shifted easily around her as Rayfa scrambled to reorient herself. A noisy gurgle stretched on, echoing around the darkness. She had finally reached his stomach.

“…hububhhuhuhh…” Mammon babbled through what sounded like a very drooly mouthful.

“Mammon! Are you kidding me right now?!” Rayfa screamed, raging annoyance briefly overtaking her fear.

“…tha’ feelsh…” Mammon moaned out. “…so fuckin’ guhd…”

Rayfa shuddered at how the stomach lurched as Mammon stumbled almost-drunkenly backwards, then slumped against the grimy brick walls, slowly sliding down and lowering himself to the ground.

“Urghhh!” Rayfa groaned, utterly exasperated. “You! Are! The! Absolute! Worst!”

Every word was punctuated with an annoyed punch to the stomach walls. She only really succeeded in getting her fist all sticky/slimy with stomach ooze though; Manmon appeared entirely unaffected.

Rayfa surely would have chewed him out even more had she not been interrupted by a sickeningly familiar voice. Even though she was tucked away out of sight, she still shivered just hearing it. They had finally caught up.

“What did you do with the girl?!” Demon #1 demanded furiously.

“I, uh…” Mammon slurred. He had barely even begun to answer when his digestive system suddenly did the work for him, a deep and contented burp rolling up his throat. “Mrph. ‘Scuse me.”

It didn’t take much for Demon #1 and his lackeys to put two and two together after that.

“Bastard! She was supposed to be my lunch!” Demon #1 roared. “Get him!”

Rayfa hated that her heart leapt at the thought of Mammon getting caught up in trouble. Especially on her behalf. She was supposed to be angry at him—he had fucking eaten her—but much to her annoyance and embarrassment, she couldn’t shake the worry from her heart. She’d grown to care too much.

“Mammon, please! Get it together!” Rayfa urged, cursing herself for encouraging the man who had gulped her down like nothing more than an afternoon snack. But she couldn’t just sit idly by!

Mammon stayed seated, but Rayfa felt the stomach shift as he at least sat up straight. She felt a sudden surge of power flow through and around her, too. And when Mammon next spoke, his voice was unrecognizable.

“BaCK oFF,” Mammon snarled like a rabid dog, sounding like an actual demon for the first time since Rayfa had met him. “Or I’LL eaT yOU foR desSERT!”

Rayfa was pretty sure that Mammon only had a hankering for humans—not for other demons—but the threat worked all the same. Mammon almost never lost control, which made the few times he actually did downright terrifying. Rayfa could only imagine the looks of horror on her attackers’ faces as they trembled at the sight of the second son’s true form.

“Shit! I didn’t realize he was one of the seven Avatars-!”

“Okay, okay! You can keep the human! Just-!” An honest-to-god whimper. “Please don’t hurt us!”

“Quick! Let’s get out of here!”

Noises from the “outside world” (with the exception of voices) had proven too muffled to hear from within the confines of the demon boy’s gut, but Rayfa imagined that if she had been out there with him, she would’ve heard a stampede of receding footsteps. Her suspicions were further supported when she felt the energy needed to maintain his true form slowly fade away. Mammon let out a thoroughly contented puff of breath and relaxed back against the wall again, too. Demon form now totally dispelled. And then, in a move Rayfa never would’ve expected, Mammon began rubbing his belly appreciatively—she could feel the gentle weight on the other side of the “wall”. For a hopeful but fleeting moment, Rayfa almost believed he cared. But no! He had eaten her!

Rayfa tried desperately to work out why Mammon had done this. Had he decided that, if she was going to end up “demon food” anyway, it may as well be his belly she was filling? A memory from long ago suddenly sprung to the forefront of her mind:

“The next time your life’s in danger, I’m gonna be the one to save you, all right? Don’t you forget that.”

“…And if I can’t manage to save ya, then make sure you die, got it?!”

Rayfa felt tears prickling at her eyes. So that was it then. Mammon had decided that if he couldn’t protect her, the least he could do was take her out himself.

Rayfa shuddered as the stomach gurgled loudly. It’d been relentlessly noisy—groaning and churning around her—for the entire duration of her “stay”. She felt drowned out, unsure whether or not Mammon could even hear her, but Rayfa had never been the type to give up.

“Mammon! They- They’re gone now, right? So then let me out!”

“…fiyve mr…minuhhs…” Mammon mumbled out, words slurred and utterly unintelligible.

Rayfa groaned.

Why are you like this?

Praying that Mammon could hear her—she still wasn’t totally sure her words would reach him from down there—Rayfa did the only thing she could think left to do. She called upon the power of the pact.

“MAMMON!!!” Rayfa roared at the top of her lungs, fingers crossed that he could actually hear her so that the pact would work. “SPIT! ME! OUT!”

Rayfa guessed her words must’ve gotten through to him, because just like that, the demon’s body began to obey. The stomach lurched, and Mammon began making throaty/guttural choking noises like he was dry-heaving. Rayfa felt herself being tugged back towards the esophagus—This was her way out!—but the gagging sounds poor Mammon was making were rapidly becoming unbearable. Rayfa was genuinely beginning to worry that she’d accidentally commanded him to choke himself.

“Hrrk, rggh, hrghk-!”

“Okay, okay! Stop! Don’t hurt yourself!”

Rayfa cursed her own lack of resolve. She was going to die here now. As nothing more than “demon food”—like Mammon always teased. All because she couldn’t bring herself to hurt the lovable dumbass who’d eaten her.

Her surroundings shook turbulently for another few seconds as coughs wracked Mammon’s body. He wasn’t choking anymore, thank god, but he was very clearly gasping for breath. Rayfa felt terribly guilty for putting him through that. When Mammon had finally cleared his throat, he muttered out an unabashedly annoyed:

“Ya know, it’d be a lot easier on the botha us if ya lemme cough you up myself.”

“You-!” Rayfa brightened at finally being addressed, tears of relief blurring her vision. “You were really going to let me out?”

“Well, duh.” Mammon shrugged, and Rayfa slid as the walls shifted around her. “If I wanted ya dead, I woulda let those lesser demons have ya.”

“But-! But you-!”

“Didn’t ya hear the protection spell?” Mammon grumbled, clearing his throat again. Apparently, some lingering discomfort remained. Rayfa winced sympathetically. She really hadn’t meant to hurt him. “I cast one on ya right before I swallowed ya down.”

Ah. So that’s what he had been doing when she saw him “cursing out” the demons chasing them. Apparently, that flustered muttering had been a protection spell.

“Okay, fine! But why didn’t you answer me?!” Rayfa demanded shakily. “I was seriously freaking out, Mammon!”

“I, uh…” And the regret was practically tangible. He sounded immeasurably guilty. “’M sorry.” He finally settled on. “I didn’t mean to get buzzed like that.”

Yeah, Rayfa had figured that much out. She didn’t say so, though. Instead, she stayed patiently quiet, giving him room to elaborate.

“Humans really are a delicacy for us, ya know? And havin’ one alive and kickin’ in my belly…” Mammon mumbled embarrassedly. “…kinda fried my brain.”

Yeah, that checked out. Rayfa hummed in acknowledgement.

“Didn’t mean to give ya a heart attack though…” Mammon continued after a beat. “I really am sorry ‘bout that, Rayfa.”

He sounded so beyond apologetic that Rayfa couldn’t help but want to reach out to him. In moments like these—rare as they were—Rayfa would usually give him a hug. But obviously, that couldn’t quite be done…

Almost reflexively, Rayfa reached out with both hands, palms splayed against the squishy stomach walls. She gave a reassuring little shove—like a playful nudge to the shoulder—then slowly began rubbing soothing little circles into the flesh. Mammon shivered with delight at her touch; Rayfa could feel the stomach tremble with pleasure. Despite herself, she let out a little laugh.

“That good, huh?” Rayfa teased. The playful banter almost made her feel like they were chilling out on the couch together. Almost made her forget where she really was.

“Sh-Shaddup!”

Rayfa just knew he was blushing like crazy.

“I guess I should probably thank you for saving me,” Rayfa sighed wistfully. “Albeit through very unconventional means.”

Mammon huffed proudly. “You’re welcome! You should know by now never to doubt the Great Mammon!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Rayfa waved away the egotistical comment. “Can the ‘Great Mammon’ cough me up already? It’s super gross down here.”

“Uh.” Mammon froze, and Rayfa could feel the stomach tense up nervously around her. “Just lemme getcha back to the dorms first. You’ve got a penchant for trouble and I don’t wantcha runnin’ into any more of it.”

Excuse me?! You think I’m the one with the penchant for trouble?!

It took Rayfa a moment to realize that Mammon didn’t actually think her a trouble-magnet. He just wanted an excuse to hold onto her for a little longer. Because he was enjoying it.

Rayfa sighed heavily. She knew she was going to regret this: “Yeah, okay. But you’d better let me out the second we get home.”

“Yeah, ‘course! Sure thing.”

Rayfa laughed and shook her head. Now that Mammon had gotten a taste, Rayfa had the distinct feeling that this wouldn’t be the last time she found herself playing the role of “dinner”.

But curiously enough, Rayfa also found that maybe she didn’t totally mind. ❤️

[mrszeoxin]

Cupid Parasite Sweet and Spicy Darling Review

This is the first time I’m playing a game as soon as it comes out! I’m super excited since I just finished the original game this week. I love fandiscs since I love fluff. This does have a new character though, so I’m curious to see what that’s like, but definitely more excited for the main guys.

Merenice

I decided to start with the new guy to get him out of the way. I typically don’t like new routes in these fandiscs, but I’m willing to give it a shot. From what I’ve read he can see people’s future, which is very cool. But kind of like Edward from Twilight, MC is the only person whose future he can’t see, which grabs his attention. I’m hoping this route will be fun.

Honestly I wanted to like this route, and I tried to have an open mind, but I couldn’t get into it. I just don’t like it when they introduce new characters you can romance that weren’t in the original game, and it just felt so rushed and out of place. HOWEVER, this gave us the closest we’ll ever get to an Owen route, and I’m through the roof with joy. The Owen Ending was so good, I love Owen 😭, it’s a crime they didn’t give him a full route in the original game or this one.

Gill

I decided to play the original guys in case order, so that means we start with Gill. Which works for me because I actually liked Gill in the original game (although I now know that not everyone shares my sentiment). Right away, I already noticed the music in this route is much better than the first one I did, which is kind of a relief. When I was playing Merenice’s route I thought the music was way worse than the first game, which made me depressed, but I’m starting to think maybe it was just a his route thing.

I love Gill. No surprise, I really enjoyed his route in this game too. I love how crazy he is, like the things he builds is so nerdy, and sweet, and insane, it’s just so great. I also got some good laughs from his route. Being in an Agape-Agape relationship irl, I really loved when they talked about how self-sacrificing love isn’t the same as straining/suffering for your love, rather it’s being willing to give up certain things mutually and it’s satisfying to love each other like that.

I did play all three endings since I wasn’t sure what to expect. But Sweet and Spicy = Best Ending, Sweet = Normal Ending, and Spicy = Bad Ending, based on what I saw. So I probably won’t do anymore Spicy Endings, as I tend to not like bad endings, but Gill’s Spicy End was very similar to the vibes from that popular Jumin Bad Ending and DLC.

I also really loved his short stories! I love getting to see the male lead’s perspective and thoughts in otome games and books. So it was super fun to get into Gill’s head again and see more of his past.

Shelby

Next up is Case 2, Mr. Shelby Snail himself. Unfortunately he was my least favorite in the original game, so I can’t say I’m super excited. But honestly, I still think his will be cute since at least they are already married. I just need him to not act like a wimp like last game lol.

Okay, this was actually surprisingly fun. As someone who Shelby is my least favorite love interest, I still had such a blast playing his route. It had so many funny scenes, and was just overall so fun to play. I love how real yet hilarious many of the situations in this route were. Like they had a fight, they had doubts, they had *cough* problems in the bedroom *cough*, and it was so funny and entertaining to play. I am a little bummed we didn’t get a SS Cupid joke, since new Cupid’s initials are also SS, but overall super fun to play. I’m pleasantly surprised!

Raul

Next up is Raul! I’m excited since I liked his original route a lot, and he’s about tied with Gill as far as me loving the character. I’m excited to see what we have in his route, I’m sure it’ll be extra fun since we have the whole him being a celebrity trope, plus he knows she’s Cupid. So I’m sure this will be super fun!

Oh my gosh I love Raul so much 😭💕. Raul and MC are just so cute together, and I love their dynamic so much. This route was just so fun. It had so many moments that had me laughing so hard, and others that had me tearing up because it was so sweet. Raul is so wholesome and sweet, which is so counter to the trope he plays. But I love him and his himbo golden retriever energy. I also think the plot for this one was so ridiculous and fun to play. Plus I love his reaction to meeting her dad. Everything was just so sweet.

Ryuki

Let’s go! It’s my favorite from the first game, I love Ryuki and his route so much 🥹💕. I’m so excited to get to play his route in the Fandisc! I hope we get to see him get all flustered again, but I also would love to see him be a little jealous again😅. He’s so cute, and I’m sure I’m going to love this route!

Ryuki is so cute, I can’t 😭💕. As I suspected I loved this route, Ryuki was just as cute as usual, and him and MC have such a cute and authentic “young love” vibe. It’s just so cute and sweet, it was so fun to play! Also when he dyed his hair back to its natural color, that really got to me, I can’t explain why but it got to me. He’s so amazing! Don’t even get me started on his bonus episodes 😭 ahhh I love him so much!!!

Allan

Unfortunately, I’m not super excited for this route. Given I didn’t like Allan that much in the original, I have a feeling I probably won’t love this route. However, I did enjoy Shelby’s in this game, so maybe if this route is funny I can at least enjoy that. I’d also enjoy if they gave MC a bigger change in appearance given she’s a demon now, because the original kinda felt like a cop-out, but I guess we’ll see.

So, I don’t like being a hater, especially since I know Allan is popular, so I’ll try to keep it short. I did not like this route at all. It was not enjoyable for me, I couldn’t get into it and it felt like it was dragging on forever. I just didn’t have any fun, the time skip makes it so we can’t see any of the characters we know in the game which is a bummer, and honestly them living forever just triggered my existential dread of dying. I’m glad she finally looked like a demon at some point, but honestly I just couldn’t get into it. If you like angsty stuff and love Allan you’d probably like it, but I just don’t. The Orpheus and Eurydice parallel also made me upset as someone who loves that myth, because Orpheus turns around BECAUSE his love is so strong, so I didn’t like the implication that somehow Allan’s love is so strong he wouldn’t turn around. Like that’s not the flex the writers think it is, I also didn’t like that Satan plot. They also did my boy Robin dirty in this route. I don’t know, maybe I’m alone here, but this just wasn’t it for me.

Peter

Last route! Let’s go! I’m excited for Peter’s route, he was my second favorite in the original game and so I think I’ll probably enjoy this route. I think it’ll be fun to get to see more of them being Jupiter and Juno, plus Peter is such a cutie I’m sure it’ll be good.

This was a good route! I didn’t love some of the later plot, but I love Peter and so it was enjoyable. He’s so sweet and I love his relationship with MC, it’s such a unique dynamic. I thought it was really enjoyable and fits well as a last route to play for the game.

Overall

I think I really enjoyed this fandisc for the most part. I liked pretty much all the routes, with two making me genuinely laugh a ton. A lot of the CGs were really good too, and it’s fun to see a more domestic life for the couples. However I didn’t like the music as much as the first game, it wasn’t bad, but the first game had such iconic songs that really captured each character and moment. I don’t feel like the music this game felt as special, and there was this sound and song that played that would get on my nerves so bad. But even with the music, I still think the game was super fun. I also loved Robin and his character a bunch. For some reason he reminded me of Yamato from My Forged Wedding, which is my first otome husband, so that made me like Robin even more. Honestly kind of wish we got a Robin or Owen route instead of Merenice. I think if you liked the first game and its humor you’ll probably love this game.

It was really fun getting to play a game when it released, and I’m glad I could post this but too long after. As of now I only played the Sweet and Spicy endings, if I go back and play the other endings later I’ll post an update! Next review will probably be a while until I post it since I’m going to be pretty busy soon.

But I’d love to hear your thoughts on this game if you’ve played it yet.

[revserrayyu]

Thoughts regarding the ending of Penacony’s 2.0 story

Starting off with a heartbreaking scene so if you haven’t encountered any sadness yet during your playthrough, time to look away because spoilers ahead:

Now then, starting off with that scene, I can’t say I was too surprised to see it happen. Not only did I catch a clip of Firefly’s unfortunate end before I personally made it to the cutscene myself, but red death flags were already sprouting up everywhere before the update even released and trailers mentioned how Penacony would be a “heartwarming and uplifting story” and that we’ll be having a “fun vacation.” Ha, lies! Knowing that this death was coming didn’t make the scene any easier to watch of course. This poor girl. I really want to hope she’s okay since this happened during a dream and no actual body was left behind, but aahh. (disappear among a sea of my own tears)

With the way Black Swan & Acheron were chatting afterwards along with Trailblazer’s completely heartbroken reaction however, it makes the loss seem even more believable. Seeing Black Swan try and comfort us was something that I’d expect from her character, but from Acheron? I was pleasantly surprised. I know next to nothing about her HI3 & Genshin lookalikes or how they act, so based solely on appearances I thought Acheron was going to be the quiet and reserved type. While she does seem reasonable chill at times, learning about how poor she is with her directions and memory was fun and seeing her comfort us after this moment was really sweet of her, even to go so far as telling us it’s okay if we’re mad at her for not acting quick enough to stop the attack and how she paid tribute to Firefly in the real brief cutscene (^cover photo. also, she’s so pretty)

Seeing the selfie left behind afterwards is just another critical hit on all our hearts, especially with Robin’s song playing softly in the background once more. (we ain’t smiling anymore now are we??)

I don’t remember too many details about the hotel journey we go on afterwards aside from seeing those echos of Firefly (I forget what they were called, but it reminded me of the Cocolia & Bronya we saw on our way up to Everwinter Hill for the first time) but hearing that Firefly was speaking to someone else while wandering through the dream was suspicious, especially with the mention of “Mecha.” Speaking of which, I didn’t expect us to fight Sam so soon. He was a bit of a pain but thankfully none of my team fell. Also gotta admit his theme was good. (bro I’m already heartbroken, what more do you want from me?)

I am kinda bummed that we don’t know the outcome of the fight between Sam & Acheron. The short cutscene we got of it was pretty nice, so it was bittersweet that Black Swan saved from that. Didn’t get a moment to relax though because we encounter this shady man right after.. (darn him for being so handsome)

The difference between the Aventurine we saw letting loose during the “White Night” trailer and the conniving fruit loop we have the pleasure of chatting with in game is insane and I love it. As if I wasn’t already wary of this man, now he’s getting different colored text! First Acheron with red, now him with yellow. Sure the color choice itself doesn’t seem that threatening, especially since it’s the same whenever we see Kafka’s spirit whisper, but there’s gotta be some meaning behind the colors and I’m irked we didn’t get a clear answer for it during this part of the story, but that’s just something else to look forward to with upcoming versions. Also, what he’s hinting at, with Acheron being the cause of all this? Bro I don’t wanna believe that! I really like her! (and if he knows then why is he letting things happen like this??)

The Acheron stuff is hard for me to believe at the moment, but the news about Duke Inferno and his followers? That’s a bit easier on my mind. I’m not the biggest fan of the Ever Flame Mansion, as we don’t know too much about them and haven’t officially met them yet, but hearing that Duke actually died offscreen before we even got the chance? Wow. (oops)

Black Swan, honey, I’m not sure who to trust anymore okay? I came here for a fun time and I’ll I’m getting is creepy vibes and tears. We should really stay away from hotels. People are always trying to hurt us; first Belobog, now Penacony. But again with the colored text! If yellow means truth, does that mean Acheron’s red were all lies? Or are they trying to trick us and it’s the other way around? Or perhaps their meanings are something complete different. Regardless, the colors are giving me anxiety. I do love how something so simple as a change in color can grab our attention so effectively though. (they're both lucky they're attractive)

And the danger keeps on coming because we got not one, not two, but three deaths! This time of the lovely Robin. (what managed to hurt her like that I wonder? “Death” again?)

I think one of the worst things about this scene is that Aventurine presents us this sight so proudly, saying that there’s no way for us to deny his offer, less we want this to happen to us as well. He’s just so calm about the entire situation and makes me want to slap his pretty face. (someone warn Ratio to stay out of his bathtub)

The other horrible thing about that scene is that it ends! The game smacks us with a “To be continued” and all we’re left with are many concerns and questions! Fortunately (or unfortunately), we get another quick scene soon after with Sunday and.. Robin. Of course the ??? was a bit strange to see, considering we did meet her previously, but given what we just witnessed, it’s odd nonetheless. For a moment, I believed that maybe this was the real Robin, since her voice didn’t sound distorted and broken like it was before, or perhaps Robin was just her artist name and we don’t know her real name. (“again” huh? how common is death here?)

As it turns out, I’m just stupid and didn’t even think for it to be Sparkle impersonating the singer until Sunday mentioned the fool herself. If I ever crossed paths with her, she’d end me effortlessly. (“chicken wing boy” is a brilliant name)

With how popular Robin is, it’s gotta be tough for Sunday to walk anywhere in Penacony now without seeing her face or hearing her music. This man might go insane. (we don’t need the reminder that she’s “gone,” thank you)

At least she’s willing to help keep up Robin’s appearance so there’s not a massive panic before the festival? She sounds a bit too happy though. I can’t tell what she’s up to but she seems to enjoy all the chaos. (I do agree; his pierced wing looks great)

Sunday stays relatively calm throughout the conversation, but there are moments when you can hear how frustrated he’s becoming, along with that last laugh of his, and honestly it’s getting me kinda worried. I feel like he’s got some crazy plan to set things right, like Cocolia level crazy. (do explain how a funeral is “good news” sir)

And that’s where we truly end for now. Let the waiting game begin. In the meantime, someone let Hoyo know that they managed to break many hearts. (the song really is beautiful though)

All that’s left are the several little missions and the new Black Swan/Sparkle companion quest that I have to get through.

[cookii-moon]

Fic rec week catch up because I’m lateee

I’m sorrryefngfnegjef it was hard to think of fics because. I’m really bad at bookmarking. BUT!!! I went back. Through my entire history. And picked out all the fics I like. So now I can make a list !,, and also late by like 2 days sooo time to catch up!!!

Day 1 / July 16th: Canon and/or Lloyd

Pleasantly surprised by the amount of Lloyd content I have ready to go. Most of it is team focused with a Lloyd POV, so hope you don’t mind. I also have a few Lloyd fics I haven’t gotten to reading at all but do have bookmarked. So.

Guys. Guys you know this one. Come on guys. It’s like. An iconic movie verse fic series.

Buuuut if you by some miracle have not heard of it - Essentially, Garmadon, upon wishing on the mega weapon during season 2, ends up isekaing Show Lloyd to the movieverse and Movie Lloyd to the show verse. The respective ninja now have to work to return them to their home worlds, and maybe make some new friends and have a bit of an adventure in the process.

I’m not done with it but I am halfway through and the series is long, but a very fun read! Completed (though the series is still ongoing I believe?) and Canon divergent.

..can I rec a series? Yes? Ok.

A work in progress trilogy where Harumi is a ninja instead and Lloyd is a 1000 year old being causing quite a lot of trouble for the ninja, but finds himself cooperating when the Oni come for ninjago.

Very good and long read. Definitely a rec. Might make you cry. The first part is complete but the entire thing is incomplete. Canon divergent.

Lloyd centric platonic soulmates AU with a twist. Soul bonds can hear eachothers thoughts when completed. They’re so sure Lloyd is their missing link. Untiiiill his birthday rolls around. As Lloyd continued to go without a soul bond, he starts feeling more and more left out. It’s basically good old angst with a happy ending hehe. Incomplete and canon divergent.

a shortie but a goodie. Lloyd learns of all the ways his friends have control over their powers, and also the ways they don’t, and maybe gets something out of it. Complete. Canon compliant.

A two chapter short fic about some of the nifty little tricks Lloyd’s picked up from his childhood. A very cool premise and a fun little read!! Complete (I believe?) canon compliant.

A fun little fic where after the tornado of creation Lloyd is blasted into the past and now has to serve under his younger evil self to try and stop him from releasing the serpentine. Incomplete. Canon divergent.

I do have a feeew more but. This list is already long. So. Sorry that there’s not many canon based fics it’s just that the first prompts usually encompass fics that. Focus on the ninja. So it’s easier for me to order them based on ninja. Because unfortunately I mostly just read any fic tagged as Cole honestly.

Day 2 / July 17th: AU and/or Movieverse and/or Jay

Jay unfortunately falls under the what I like to call “I-have-lots-of-stuff-about-him-bookmarked-but-I-never-got-to-reading-them” effect. Aka the IHLOSAHBBINGTRT effect. BUT!! I have a precious few…

Without further ado!

first FFN fic rec! A story about Jay and Cole’s friendship over the years through Jays POV. It’s been a while since I read it but when I did I loved it so much.. you gotta read it for yourself… it’s beautiful and you will probably cry. Maybe. Happy cry or sad cry. Either or. Complete and Canon compliant.

Short fic about all the ways the ninja have adapted to being homeless from before being found by Wu, while Jay is trying desperately to understand why his friends are so strange sometimes. Complete and canon compliant.

Jay is horrible at Communicating: the fic. Misunderstandings spiral into other misunderstandings which results in Jay going rogue and on the run while the city needs him. If you don’t like screaming at characters through the screen over miscommunication, this fic might not be for you, but hey, it’s a good fic for what I remember. Incomplete.

Day 3 / July 18th: Angst and/or Kai

finally we’re in the present,,, oh my god… ok so. Uh. Unfortunately I do not have many Kai centric fics. Sadly.

so for the angst prompt, take this.

Multi chap unfinished lava fic. Most of it is alternating POVs but Kai is definitely there and it’s definitely angsty. Go. Cry. Be in pain. /j.

That’s all for today sadly,.. tomorrow is Cole… expect me to be there screaming :).

[the-brainrot-central]

MY JOJO MPREG REVIEWS/RECOMMENDATIONS (WITH LINKS!!!) FANFICS

So since I’ve been pretty active in this sphere of the fandom (I’m sorry, I know, I’m cringe 😭😭😫) I thought I’d share some of my favorites. Some of these really deserve more recognition imo because they are SO good (all of these are on AO3 btw. Sorry for not branching to other places, AO3 is just the main place I go for fanfic (horny shit or otherwise)

Happy Joestars!!! by 69ReasonsWhy

Summary - just some wholesome mpreg one shots of different Joestars and their husbands/bfs

My thoughts - WONDERFUL. This is exactly what I needed. Came here specifically looking for Joseph mpreg, was pleasantly surprised to find some Jotaro as well. Very wholesome and cute, I just wish there was more Caejose

Overall rating - 7/10

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Foreign Body (disturbing, graphic, nsfw. No graphic birth but….other things…)

Rundown - Pucci becomes pregnant with Dio’s child. However, he is oblivious to this for months after Dio’s death, even as his body is plagued with aches, pains and nausea. Eventually, however, he comes to the horrifying realization that he is pregnant, after he feels something inside him move.

My thoughts - I loved every MINUTE of this. Well written, in character, very unsettling——everything about this is just fucking wonderful. I’ve never read Pucci Mpreg before but this was a delightful first for me.

Personal rating - 9.5/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

——————————————

1998 by AceTheWolf (Kira mpreg, SFW, non-graphic, Kira x Diavolo)

Rundown - due to an accidental pregnancy caused by his relationship with Diavolo, Kira gives birth in an abandoned church

My thoughts - I’ll be honest with y’all, I have read this a mortifying amount of times. bc I am DESPERATE for kira mpreg, this is good shit but it’s so short 😢

Rating - 9/10

———————————————

Cursed by AceTheWolf (Kira mpreg, SFW, non-graphic, Kira x Reimi Sugimoto)

Rundown - Yoshikage Kira began dating Reimi as an effort to prove he could love someone for more than just their hands. However, things don’t work out the way he hoped and they break up. Soon after, though, Kira realizes he’s pregnant with her child. In his desperation to keep his pregnancy private, he decides to kill her.

My thoughts - I’ve read this more than a few times, I’ll be honest. There’s so little Kira Mpreg out there so I tend to reread whatever ones I can find haha. This one is really good, almost somewhat tragic in a way——it makes me feel sorry for Kira, in spite of his actions.

Rating - 7.8/10

————————————————

Silkspun by blushwings (Abbachio mpreg, NSFW birth, no sex or anything though)

Summary - Abbachio, soon after being taken in by Bruno into Passione, discovers he is pregnant with a stranger’s child. Despite this, he decides to carry it to term. Unfortunately for him, his labor ends up moving unexpectedly fast and he ends up giving birth by the side of the road, with Bruno’s support.

My thoughts - AAAAAAAAAHHH FUCK!!! FUCK YEAH BABYYYY THATS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOOOOR! Let me tell you I have been SEARCHING for a crumb of Abbacchio mpreg and this fic👏FUCKING👏SERVED!!!!🙏🙏🙏 Very emotional, so much angst and fluff, written immaculately as always (blushwings is genuinely a wonderful author you should check them out)

Rating - 12/10

————————————

Sweet Child of Mine (NSFW birth, Dio mpreg, past Dio x Johnathan)

Summary: After inhabiting his former lover Johnathan’s body, Dio discovers that the man was pregnant with Dio’s baby when he died. Despite this unusual turn of events, Dio decides to carry the child (who is Giorno 🥺). He labours in his mansion, with the help and support of his stand.

My thoughts - ANNSJDJDBDBD AHHHH I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! FUCK

Listen, I don’t usually like Dio Mpreg at all but this fic may have turned me. Beautifully written. I really loved getting to see Dio being vulnerable, as well as portraying his more loving, caring side which we don’t see in canon. FUCK. This one hit me in ALL the feels. 💔💔💔

Personal rating - 10/10

[restwellsoon]

Snack Time Slangin’ & Secretive Stares

Pairing: Dick Grayson x GN!Reader, Damian Wayne x Maps Mizoguchi

Summary: It’s with a touch of magic or just plain bad luck that you become acquainted with Dick and Damian, becoming a member of the Snacktime Slangers. As you and Dick grow close, you learn something about him that leaves you pleasantly surprised.

/ “A DILFF is a dad I’d like to fall for.”

Cw: aged down!Damian who might be OOC along with Maps, excessive DILF vibes, misunderstandings, fluff, gender-neutral pronouns

A/N: Written for Fish’s birthday last year.

You didn’t have to turn around to know who it was behind you in aisle number four, the whispered giggles of other store patrons and the loud and exasperated sighs of clerks made it obvious that it was 1:00 PM and time for Damian to peruse the store for snacks.

Thinking about it, it was odd that you knew so much about the child. You knew his name and which aisles he frequented and what snacks were his favorite. But it wasn’t like you purposely tried to learn this information. It was broadcast throughout the aisles as the small child turned the grocery store into his kingdom, his presence announced by the tired shouts of his father. Other shoppers couldn’t help but stare at their wake, either because of Damian's little tirades or his father’s incredibly good looks.

Going to the grocery at this time was pleasant -it was quiet too before the two of them showed up- because it was that sweet moment in the day where most were still at work and kids were still in school. It was already too late in the day to go shopping for the senior citizens of Bludhaven. That meant that the store was mostly reserved for stay-at-home parents, college students and workers with odd hours like you.

That was until those two came along.

Thus your quiet grocery was now obnoxiously loud and more crowded -but still not considered too busy- than before.

You reached the end of the aisle and took a quick left to head towards the produce. Damian and his dad seemed to have an affinity towards the middle section of the grocery store so shopping around the edges meant that it was easier to make your escape.

Colorful round and oblong shapes greeted you in time for you to sigh in relief in sync to the misting of the leafy vegetables. You didn’t know it then, but that would be the last time your trips to the grocery store would be peaceful.

---

You tried going to the market at the same time but on a different day, grateful that your work schedule allowed for such flexibility. To your annoyance, it seemed that Damian’s schedule also allowed for variable shopping times.

The kid was too loud to ignore, his patient caregiver doing his best to soothe his tantrum as you tried to make your way past them unnoticed. Even though the man tried to be firm with him, his disciplinary skills seemed ineffective. A few scoldings were given before he sighed, running his hands through his hair, giving in and handing the boy the snacks.

Clicking his tongue with satisfaction, Damian turned over the box of animal crackers, circus themed illustrations covering the entire surface as he named all of the creatures to his companion.

It seemed he lost his concentration though as you pushed past the duo, the squeaking wheels of the shopping cart or your mumbled list of snacks you wanted distracting him.

The two were standing in front of the cookies you wanted and you stared at the spot in-between them, hoping they would get the hint and move. 

“What are you looking at, witch?”

The last word barely registered in your mind as Damian's handsome caregiver -you were surprised you didn’t know his name despite how much you knew about the two and their schedules- made an audible gasp, alternating between profusely apologizing to you and scolding Damian for his lack of manners.

“Richard, how am I being rude? Staring is rude. What if they tried to cast a spell on us with those looks? Okay, fine. Fine. I’ll be the bigger person and apologize even though I’m not sorry.”

The kid turned to you, his green eyes glaring and showing no remorse as he apologized.

You took it with grace despite that, not wanting Richard’s -it only took you about two months to learn his name and from his son no less, making you wonder how much Damian respected his father if he was calling him by his first name instead of dad- parenting skills to go wasted. You turned to leave, deciding that those chocolate chip cookies weren’t worth more insults.

Satisfied with your acceptance and making sure you stayed, Damian cleared his throat, shaking the box of animal crackers in his hand. 

“Since you’re a witch, the least you can do is set these poor animals in the cookie box free.”

You smiled with amusement. Despite his impressive vocabulary, Damian was still a child with a huge imagination that tried to make sense of the world. You wondered what kind of stories he was reading in school or at home to make him think that witches -especially you of all people- could do that. 

Crossing your arms, you asked him, “What makes you think that I’m a witch and not a warlock? Why should I even help you?”

He tutted and Dick glanced at Damian nervously, worried about what else he might say. He and Bruce would have to talk about his manners.

“Jason said that if someone makes googly eyes at you, they want you, that there’s magic when two eyes meet.”

“Wait, Jason said what? Why were you two even-?”

“Because I told you, Maps won’t stop staring at me during recess.”

The conversation shifted from you and Damian to him and Richard. You took it as an opportunity to leave but that perceptive child took notice of your plan. He shook the box in his hand to remind you of the task he gave you. It looked like you wouldn’t be able to leave without appeasing him and you were worried about what kind of meltdown he would have if you refused.

As you took it, you locked eyes with Dick, his eyes apologetic as he mouthed ‘sorry.’

---

“Damian, kiddo, you can’t continue to be this way,” Dick sighed as he put their snacks for the day on the conveyor belt.

He huffed in the cart, pouting and crossing his arms. Today was a bad day. Maps stared at him again during recess, those animals got stuck in that box and Richard was being mean.

“Look Little D, I love you and I think you’re great, but other people might not think so when you talk to them like that.”

“Tt. Earlier I saved you, so you’re welcome.”

“Saved me from what?”

“The witch! They were staring at you. And I know how others try to take advantage of us because of our last name. What if they put a spell on you?”

Though his observation was accurate, it saddened Dick to know that Damian knew the curse of being a Wayne. He liked this grocery store in Bludhaven because less people knew who they were compared to Gotham City. Maybe he’d have to find another store if they were attracting too much attention.

As Dick bagged the groceries and put them into the cart behind Damian, he picked up a familiar box with confusion. When did Damian sneak this in with their other snacks?

It seemed as if one of the store clerks read his mind, as they offered some clarification.

“Y’know that person that also comes here a lot,” the description was vague and didn’t narrow down who could have possibly given them the snacks. “They told me to give it to Damian.”

The worker sighed, knowing that they would have to describe you the way that you asked, “Um. The witch?”

Oh. It was you. Dick thought that you might have wiped your hands clean of them -well, namely Damian because Dick knew that he was innocent in that situation- and ignored the littlest Wayne’s request.

“Ah, I see. Are they still around so I can repay them?”

The worker shook their head no. You hightailed it out of the store about ten minutes ago, your shyness about actually going through with your act of kindness taking over.

Well, if it was already paid for and you were gone, Dick had no other choice but to accept your gift, handing Damian the animal crackers once they reached his car. He saw you frequently enough at the store where he was certain that there would be another opportunity for him to thank you.

He noticed the weight difference immediately, the box feeling heavier in his small hands as he inspected the front suspiciously. There wasn’t any indication that it was tampered with so he opened it.

To his surprise and delight, there was a small toy tiger in there with a folded piece of paper. Damian held the tiger gingerly in one hand as he tried to read what the note said. Some of it he could understand but other parts he couldn’t. He handed Dick the paper.

“I set them free like you asked but this little guy appreciated your kindness so much that he wants to stay with you forever.”

The note was signed with your name, the title of witch after it. 

“Huh. That’s… Wow, that was actually really nice of them.”

And honestly really cute. Very few were able to humor his little brother’s whim and to have a complete stranger do so made their day.

Dick pulled Damian out of the cart and tucked him into his car seat, asking him what the name of his new friend would be.

“Matches,” Damian said, no providing Dick with any insight about the meaning behind his new friend’s name. 

---

As you put away your groceries, you wondered why you did what you did. The kid was quite honestly a little shit and had been disrupting your peace for weeks. He didn’t deserve your kindness.

But as you closed your refrigerator door, your distorted reflection caught in the stainless steel, you were reminded of how you were as a child. You wished you had someone at his age to foster your imagination and humor you instead of shooting down your ideas as childish.

Maybe the kid wasn’t that bad the more you thought about him. His dad was trying too at least.

---

Your meetings with the two were more pleasant after the tiger incident, the duo approaching you the week after that.

“Hey,” Dick called out to you, saying your name with a smile at the end. You were taken aback that he actually remembered what it was from the note, arm in mid-air with a can of soup in your hand, eyes replaying the way his perfect mouth sounded out the syllables.

“Oh, hi Damian. Richard,” you acknowledged, still unsure of how to act around them. You set the can down in your cart with a thud.

He blanched at the formality. “Call me Dick,” he offered instead.

“Sure, Dick.”

His name felt awkward in your mouth, but perhaps it was because you weren’t associating his name with his face but a different body part instead.

“Hey, don’t you think you said that a bit too aggressively?”

“Oh, I, um. I didn’t mean it like-”

“I’m teasing you.”

You didn’t realize it was a joke because you were too busy memorizing the ingredients of your soup can, trying to will away whatever thoughts you had about the DILF. When you looked up, you saw the twinkle in his eyes and wondered what exact shade of blue they were. Probably something akin to the sea, whose playful waves sparkled in the light and sent shivers down your spine.

“We’re friends now, you know,” Dick told you. “So I hope you don’t mind that I play with you sometimes.”

Dick was most likely a guy who didn’t think before he spoke. Your thoughts warranted more than a cold shower. You needed something stronger like a dunk in the Antarctic Ocean.

“We can be like the three marketeers instead of the three musket… Oh, oh, you got it? Well, I’m glad I don’t have to explain myself.”

“I thought we were the Snacktime Slangers,” Damian added, unhappy at the abrupt name change. If anything, they would be the four marketeers anyway. Dick was forgetting about Matches.

He motioned to Damian and a familiar toy, the gesture somewhat distracting you. “Anyway Little D has been attached to this thing -ahem, sorry, his friend- since he got it so the four of us gotta stick together regardless of what we decide to call ourselves.”

Dick nudged Damian. “This is where you say thank you.”

“Thank you for freeing Matches,” Damian said. “He’s grateful too.”

The kid was pretty cute when he wasn’t being a tiny terror.

---

“Your eyes are very pretty,” you told Damian one week. 

The two followed you towards the vegetable section with zero intention of eating any of the greens. It was then that you noticed how bright the child’s eyes were, a startling green like the celery he was making faces at.

“He has his mother’s eyes,” Dick said before wandering off to get fruit leather. You supposed that it was better than not eating any sort of fruit at all and at least it was organic.

“Those two don’t get along.”

It took you three blinks to register what Dick and Damian said, their offhand comments taking you by surprise. For Dick, it seemed like a normal comment a parent would say, knowing that they took the likeness of one over the other. Though he did seem off after it, quickly leaving as he said it. As for Damian, well, you really didn’t deal with children aside from him, sometimes your niece and the occasional curious toddler on the metro. Was this one of those moments that people talked about where kids overshared about their family life?

You were lost in your thoughts as the three of you queued up to check out your items. 

What they said about children being observant was true and it made sense the more you thought about it. You’ve only ever seen Dick and Damian together. The kid hardly mentioned his mother too. Did Dick have sole custody? 

Who’s to say that they were even married to each other? One of the first things you noticed about Dick -aside from the child throwing a tantrum in his cart and his looks- was his bandless ring finger.

The man didn’t look much older than you, though you suspected he was also blessed with good genes that could hide his age. Maybe Damian was a little accident between high school sweethearts or a drunken college coeds.

You put away your groceries for the week to silly thoughts about what Dick being single meant for you, stupid hope bubbling in your chest like a brewing love potion.

---

“We gotta stop meeting like this,” Dick joked, parking his cart next to yours. Damian was a few feet away, taking into serious consideration which kind of fruit snacks he should get.

“What?” You asked, still needing time to get used to having such a handsome grocery companion. “According to schedule?”

He smiled at your tease, pleased that you were finally feeling comfortable enough to joke around with him. It took a few weeks but it was worth it to see that slight smile on your lips and eased shoulders.

“No, as if it was fate.”

Even better than that smile and ease was the way his words would fluster you, making you stop completely in your tracks. It made you look extra cute. Not the same kind of cute that made him wanna boop your nose like one of Damian’s pets, tease you more like he would when he caught Jason off guard with a compliment or embarrass the hell out of like Tim and Duke. No, it was a kind of cute that made him want to lean his face close to yours and kiss you without care of who might see.

Except there was one person that he did care about appearances with.

Damian, his cutest little brother -and not because he was the baby of the family- held onto the cart with one hand to steady himself, his height making him go on his tippy toes to dunk a box of cereal into the cart.

Dick cleared his throat, knowing he shouldn’t get ahead of himself with the flirtations. He didn’t even know if you felt the same way or were being polite.

“I mean, it’s nice to have a familiar face.”

With your brain on the fringe of short circuiting from all of Dick’s attention, you tried to brush off his compliment, telling him that there were actually several familiar faces here. You listed them in case he forgot too: the clerks, that lady with the twins, that group of college kids and even that old grandma who always complained about the bananas not being ripe.

“You’re the only one who pays attention to Damian though,” Dick countered. “And not because you’re doing it for my sake.”

Before you could argue back, Damian confirmed his suspicions, comparing carts while you and Dick were speaking.

“No snacks,” he stated loudly enough to command yours and Dick’s attention.

You laughed. “I wish I could have snacks but it’s hard when you’re an adult.”

Damian crinkled his nose. He was fine with staying small forever then. But also, what did that make of Dick who kept his pantry full of chips and candy and his fridge nearly empty aside from hot sauce and juice?

“Nah, not really. Grocery shopping as an adult is better because you can have all the snacks you want without judgement.”

He caught you eyeing his cart, particularly two boxes with animal mascots and bright colors.

“Although those aren’t for me,” he told you. “I… I actually don’t even like cereal that much.”

Pointing to Damian, he told you who the boxes really were for. As if to prove his point, he added, “Damian loves the games on the back of the boxes and drawing the cereal mascots.”

“I can show you later,” Damian told you, always excited to show his work to new audiences. “I draw Matches a lot.”

You smiled at his enthusiasm, preferring that childlike excitement compared to his usual old man grumpiness.

“Well, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

---

“Are those your brothers?” You asked at the mention of Jason and Timothy again. It seemed like Damian was talking about them a lot lately, something about them having a family dinner this weekend.

He nodded his head with a begrudging yes, though it was obvious with the way he was speaking about them moments ago that he was fond of them.

“There’s Duke too and Cassandra. Richard’s the oldest though and he’s my favorite.”

It was Damian’s confession that made you realize that you had the wrong idea about Dick the entire time.

“Dick isn’t your father?” You confirmed, still trying to figure out where your conclusion was wrong.

The man in question didn’t look too surprised. Because Bruce had Damian at an older stage in life compared to when he raised Dick, people often thought that the eldest Wayne was the youngest’s father because of their age gap.

Dick shrugged, “Must be the DILF vibes I emit.”

“What’s that?” Damian asked, reminding Dick again that he can’t flirt with you when Damian was around unless he wanted to corrupt his sweet baby brother.

He racked his brain quickly to think of an alternative to the acronym, grinning when he did.

“A DILFF is a dad I’d like to fall for.”

Per usual when it came to matters of the heart, Damian stuck out his tongue with an exaggerated ‘yuck,’ his face scrunched up with disgust after.

Meanwhile Dick took note of the way you looked away from the pair, not meeting his eyes. It was an idiosyncrasy of yours that he picked up on over the weeks, noticing that it only happened whenever he teased you. At first he thought you looked away out of disinterest, then out of social awkwardness. But it was then, between the flowers and wine that he realized your body language for what it really was as you snuck a glance back at him, averting your eyes once more when they met his. You were interested but shy.

---

That little moment you two had gave Dick ideas. He had no qualms with making the first move but with how shy you were at his advances, he knew he had to be careful with his interest.

As the two of you tried to decide between lanes -it was an early out day for the local high school, meaning that the store was flooded with kids buying energy drinks and candy- Dick knew his plan would only work if Damian was distracted. Though he hated to do it, he gave Damian his phone, choosing a nature documentary to distract him.

“Maybe we should just do self-checkout,” you suggested, deciding that it would be easiest not to overwhelm those poor cashiers.

Dick nodded his head in agreement before smoothly adding, “Sure, but if we’re together, I don’t mind checking you out.”

Your eyes widened slightly before pushing ahead, your back to him when you replied. “I wouldn’t mind if you did either.”

Oh? Perhaps Dick wouldn’t have to be as careful as he initially thought.

---

It was full-blown spring, meaning that Melville Park was perfect for picnicking, the grassy knolls and shady trees a respite from the bright rays of sun that made Bludhaven less dreary. Its odd placement in the middle of the city and on hilly land made it a natural jewel in a place that was known for being grimy and urban.

There was magic in springtime, something about renewal and growth making even the most hardened of souls a bit softer. The hardest of them all at the moment was Damian, whose usual worry about catching cooties was halted for a moment as he played with his friend from school, the pair catching bugs amongst the flowers.

Dick was alone, a pang of sadness in heart as he realized how quickly Damian was growing. It was just a few weeks ago that the boy was upset about staring and crushes. Now he was playing with the girl he always complained about after school.

A ding from his phone let him know that you were there and he squinted from his spot under the tree, seeing a lost person a few ways away and waving. You walked over to him, plastic grocery bag in hand.

After exchanging hellos and settling on the blanket next to him, you opened the bag, pulling out juice boxes, chips, cookies and fruit. There were a few sandwiches too, cutely cut into triangles with the crusts cut off. With how well you did with Damian and the spread of snacks you brought, Dick couldn’t help but think that you would be a good parent.

“You really went all out,” he commented, picking up the fruit in the container and looking at how it was cut into star and heart shapes.

“Oh, that was actually from a street vendor by the parking lot,” you said, trying to diminish your efforts. You didn’t want to seem too eager please on your first time out with Dick.

You squinted at the playground, trying to discern Damian from the other little bodies that ran all over the place.

“Wait, is that…?”

“Maps,” he nodded. “I know, right?”

“Guess pollen isn’t the only thing in the air today.”

He gave you a side glance and coy smile before blinking, then leaning down. You wanted to back up in surprise but Dick had a way of making you stop what you were doing with his stares.

“You have a stray eyelash on your cheek,” he said, his voice low and nearly a whisper. 

“Close your eyes,” he told you next. You could feel his warm breath brushing your cheek, mixing with the spring breeze.

His fingertips were brushing yours as he leaned in even closer to you, softly commanding, “Make a wish.”

It was a stupid wish, but you weren’t too sure what it was about today. You felt lucky, as if no matter how stupid and hopeless your crush was on Dick, there might be some possibility that he might feel the same.

As you repeated your wish three times in a row in your head, you felt the soft brush of something warm against the corner of your mouth before it was gone, startled away by the growing chants of two mischievous children.

You opened your eyes to see Maps running to you first, her voice breathless and shaking while Damian came after her, scolding.

“K-I-S-S-I-NG! First comes love, then comes-”

“No one makes fun of my brother,” Damian told her sharply and sternly before his green eyes turned to you both, “even if he is being gross.”

“Gross?” Dick asked incredulously. “I’ll show you gross,” he said, pulling Damian into a hug as he tried to give the kid a wet willy.

It was nice to see Dick and Damian in a more casual setting, away from the prying eyes that often followed them at the grocery store. The two rolled around on the grass outside of the blanket, wrestling. Damian broke away from Dick’s hold -he was definitely going easy on him- before clicking his tongue and standing away from his older brother in triumph, grass in his hair.

You and Maps stared at each other before you offered her some snacks, the child making the obvious choice and grabbing at a few cookies and juice.

She spoke with her mouth full and crumbs on the corner of her mouth, looking at Dick and Damian, then at you. “Matches said this would happen.”

Matches? The…

“The tiger,” she said matter-of-factly, pointing to the toy you got Damian weeks ago, poking out of his back pocket.

“Matches told us that you two would,” she looked around as if she was about to say a swear word, her voice quieter as she spelled out the last word, “K-I-S-S.”

You gave her an interested hum. She was adorable. “And what else did Matches tell you?”

“That Damian’s big bro like likes you.”

“Huh. You really think so?”

But as you asked that, you looked up, feeling watched. You caught Dick staring, locking eyes for a moment before the two of you looked away.

Maybe Jason was right, Dick thought. There truly was magic when eyes met and luckily for him, he knew how to be charming.

Return to

Curated Masterlists

Dick Grayson’s Masterlist

[otome-corner-cafe]

After completing one character route per game (getting good and bad endings), here are my thoughts on the otomes that I’ve been playing.

These aren’t comprehensive reviews I’m giving but just quick rambles of my thoughts based on just the common route and a single character route per game.

Variable Barricade: Honestly the one that I didn’t put much thought into when I bought it. It was added to my purchase on a whim because the art looked cool and one reviewer’s description of the LIs was weird enough to stick with me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how the game made me invest in Hibari and the whack job suitors. I think the story progression being cut up into scenes across the barricade boards was well done as it gave me varying chunks of story to read through without anything feeling like it was too short or overstayed it’s welcome. Ichiya as a first route was delightfully wild but I do worry that none of the other men will quite match the energy. But I still have faith that some fun hijinx will be delivered.

Collar x Malice: I ended up liking this game a lot more than expected. And that’s despite a lot of the translation hiccups and the weird name bug within Takeru’s route. The game balanced despair and hope quite well in my opinion. And I do love it when stories can indulge both my desire to see darkness and still lead towards a bright and happy ending. Now I reached Mineo’s tragic ending before resetting my game after encountering the name issue in Takeru’s route so I will touch on both of those. Both romances develop pretty suddenly (when you’ve got less than a month’s timeline to work with, it’s inevitable) but both still made my heart flutter. Though I believe Mineo’s route was done better. I’m also very fond of Ichika who has thus far consistently shown to have kind ideals but doesn’t quite have much experience to guide her but her desire to help gets her through it. I’m very interested to see how the other routes handle the discussion of justice and challenge the characters’ resolves.

Piofiore: Taisho Era Italy game had decently high expectations and lived up to them. I like how the game doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the mafia while still making the LIs seem good (at least for Nicola, Dante, and Gilbert. Jury is out on Yang and Orlok). While I prefer more action oriented girls like Cardia and Ichika, Liliana’s position as an innocent lady suddenly being caught up on the business of the mafia didn’t feel like she was merely a damsel surrounded by men doing all the action. She’s adapting the best she can, asking questions and putting her effort towards showing the people around her kindness. Even though she’s naive to the world, she doesn’t run from it and instead tries to understand it (to varying results in Nicola’s endings). I’m looking forward to the future routes and getting more insight on what the deal is with the church because something is up there.

Cafe Enchante: The game I looked forward to the most and, because of that, the disappointment feels stronger. The cafe setting and the magical LIs got me excited. But that common route… Oof. Granted, Code Realize also has a common route that’s eight chapters long but it didn’t feel nearly as draggy (and I am replaying Code Realize right now so I can very easily compare). And when it came time to actually do a route… the pacing for Kaoru’s was fumbled I feel. I think the route might’ve needed one more chapter to give a little more time for the romance to develop and to prevent some tonal whiplash between that and the… actual plot of the route. I think it’s a good game. The art is lovely, the themes of belonging and finding understanding despite differences resonated with me, and characters are all charming in their interactions. The pacing is the only real issue I’m having thankfully.

[tatoleee]

(Kaoru from The Gene of AI)

I started watching The Gene of AI on a lark because the premise reminded me somewhat of Detroit: Beyond Human. It's sci-fi, mentions advanced AI, and there's a philosophical transhumanism element, so that falls into my interests somewhere, but totally didn't expect it to approach gender at all. Consider me pleasantly surprised and my interest peaked.

During Episode 2, Risa, Hikaru's assistant, returns to the office to find him giving his friend Kaoru an examination. Due to her obvious interest in him and the fact he's touching Kaoru's chest, this flusters and annoys Risa prompting her to ask him about their relationship later in the episode. Hikaru mentions they are former coworkers, and showing her a picture, Risa is surprised to see Kaoru presenting male. When asked about their gender, Hikaru says if questioned Kaoru would probably say they are neither and muses they are trying to move past these concepts. Also, I am referring to Kaoru using They/Them pronouns because Hikaru does the same and I don't believe it's stated for certain anywhere, at least so far. If this changes, I will update this.

In this world, life has evolved to where humans exist alongside human/machine hybrids with advanced AI. The core story follows Hikaru, a doctor treating the latter, and his exploits. Kaoru is a side character introduced early as his friend still working at the mysterious lab apparently overseeing or otherwise involved with the larger AI happenings of the world. Even though this type of setting is perfect for explorations of gender, you rarely see it. This has always frustrated me about these types of stories. If there was any setting perfect for exploring something like this it's futuristic, sci-fi, and/or cyberpunk worlds. It's infuriating to me there are fantastical universes with interplanetary travel, robots that are basically artificial humans, and even space magic, but gender identity and transitioning between it is never even approached. Though, I suppose that's a rant for another day.

Anyway, I’m not familiar with the source material, so I can’t say one way or the other if it will come up again or be handled respectfully and meaningfully, but I’m hopeful. If I find out it doesn't, I will update this post.

During their initial interaction with Risa, Kaoru mentions body modifications and how their appearance wasn’t always the same. Knowing about their situation, rewatching this interaction holds new meaning. Clearly Kaoru is happier presenting female, describing it as fun, and likes the attention their attractiveness gets from other men. They are happier. While I don’t know the intention of the creators, this reads as joy found after transitioning into their true self. It makes me smile to see things like this in the media I consume.

Of course, I’m worried this will turn into a tragedy or something else equally horrible, but time will tell (or I can go read the manga, I guess). Here’s hoping this isn’t the case. Given how these topics are usually handled, perhaps it’s best if it’s never mentioned again, but I feel so horrible saying that. It's just I worry about again enjoying a piece of media showing a tiny breadcrumb of anything queer only to have it ruined later. Having a clearly Queer series end with the main characters not only surviving but marrying and finding happiness last season may have ruined me. Or perhaps it wasn’t my being ruined, but it proved to me I shouldn’t settle for less. There are queer stories out there. It would be nice if more of them found their way into popular media though without the negative baggage typically forced on them.

Will continue watching this to see where it goes. Also, the queer series I mentioned above was Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. Go watch it, just be warned, if you have abandonment issues like me the end of Episode 17 may traumatize you, but the overall end is worth it.

[adiarosefandoms]

Hocus Pocus 2

Review: *Spoilers start at the end of paragraph 3

Look, I am a witchy girl. I love black cats, and medieval/Victorian fashion, and all things magic. With this I have also fallen in love with witch-themed movies and books. Wicked, Practical Magic, and Harry Potter I all love. But little else signifies the transition into the Halloween season for me quite like Hocus Pocus. Me and my family have been watching this movie every October for, I don’t even know how many years. So, you can imagine that I was very excited, but skeptical, when Disney announced that they would be coming out with a second movie. And all I can say is, I am pleasantly surprised. I’m not sure how bad a movie can even be with the Sanderson Sisters at the helm, and while the first Hocus Pocus is superior, this one was still loads of fun to watch and I have zero regrets. I don’t care about the new teen leads. I had no emotional connection to them, I didn’t care about them, they didn’t matter. They were a means to an end to get this second movie made. But every scene with the Sandersons or Billy, pure childhood nostalgia. To start with the real stars of this movie, lets discuss the witches. I remember vividly just transitioning from wanting to be a princess one day, to wanting to be a witch the next. They’re stories always just end up being much more sympathetic, and they just seem like more fun. Seeing the sisters on the screen, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy just looked like they were having so much fun. The dynamic between the three girls is as amusing and entertaining as it has always been, but they added an extra emotional element by giving us an origin where Winifred was almost taken from her sisters. And the ending where Winnie sees her sisters die, and without a second thought says that she doesn’t care about her powers, she wants her sisters back, it was just beautiful. But it was made even greater when revealed the sisters weren’t returning, she was going to them, and Winnie just had the most content smile on her face. You just can’t not love those witchy sisters. Next: Billy. I always liked Billy a lot. Next to Sarah he was my favorite character. But he just became even more lovable in this film, and even more like Johnny Depp Jack Sparrow/Edward Scissorhands character, so that I fully fell in love with him. I was skirting the edge of that pond before, but now I’m completely submerged and have zero regrets. I don’t know why actors focusing on physicality makes me fall for them, but every jerky movement Billy made just made me fall further and further. I also just loved the way he talked, and his insults to Winifred. Doug Jones was just fantastic in this role. I didn’t care for when the Sandersons appeared and did the musical number in the forest, because that’s meant to bewitch people and there was no one they were trying to bewitch. I was suddenly super afraid they were just gonna Disney Channel-ify the whole thing, but their cover of “One Way or Another” was super fun to watch. Also, I’m a little confused. Winnie plainly stated in the original movie that her book was given to her by Satan himself, so either that witch in the woods was Satan in disguise and Disney thought that Satan is too scary for kids, or the writers just forgot a key part of the canon they had to follow. I’m hoping it’s the former. I also really enjoyed all the callbacks to the original, including the fourth wall break of two guys actually watching a scene from the first Hocus Pocus. We had another black cat (though nonspeaking), Sarah’s song was reprised several times, and we got a random town’s lady in the mothers iconic Madonna costume. There were also mentions of Sarah’s hidden rat tails, talk of the spell that would one day be used on Binx, Mary riding a vacuum again (but this time two roombas), the use of water to trick the witches, the sisters saying “Buh-bye”, and Sarah gleefully shouting “Amok! Amok! Amok!”

Overall, the movie was just a good time. The Sandersons were fabulous as ever, most jokes landed, Billy was amazing, and it was about time that a book shed a tear after all the times they’ve made me cry. Is there going to a third one? The post-credit scene sure made it look like it, but I would be satisfied with this movie concluding the Hocus Pocus story. I was incredibly impressed with the writers’ abilities to not only emulate key characteristics of the witches, but also add more depth to them. If you’re looking for a high-quality feature, this movie isn’t for you. But if you want to have some fun, experience a spin on nostalgia, and get into the season, it’s a really good and quick watch. After all, it’s not meant to be a life-changing thing. It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus.

[sabraeal]

hii, I’m still the hakuouki anon, i do like sanan but I agree with you that he’s inconsistent and it’s a shame (the thing I actually disliked the most about his route though was kodo just randomly trying to redeem himself like he was talking about locking chizuru up for life then changed his mind?? lmao) Would be interested to know what felt groomy in his route if you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts!! your fave is yamazaki ofc but do you have any other faves? sorry for the rant, hope u have or had a nice day💗💗

I don't actually really care to talk about it, no! I've played his route twice, the last time in 2021, and didn't enjoy it either time, and that's enough for me. I don't really need to relive it through discourse.

Favorite routes is a hard question because I feel like when people ask, it's because they're assuming you self-ship, when I am really just here to make my dolls kiss 🤣My favorite routes are typically the ones where the MC vibes well with the LI, or at least there is a good STORY attached to it. So Yamazaki is my #1 because he's the one route where I feel like Chizuru is seen as a peer rather than like...precious cargo. But there's definitely a few others I really like!

Shinpachi-- the whole set up with them trying to do a whole big brother/little sister relationship that instantly falls apart because the lack of sexual expectation makes them emotionally vulnerable? Chef's kiss 10/10 trope, wish it didn't have the sulk cabin but what can you do.

Saito-- great slow burn with the perfect demi-panic for Saito when he realizes he has sexual feels for Chizuru. This was my favorite route until I played Yamazaki's a couple routes later

Kazama-- after bracing myself for an unapologetic villain fucker route, was pleasantly surprise to find out that his EB vibe is "dog who caught the car." He's got Chizuru and has no idea what to do with her, end up following her to the ends of the earth (aka hokkaido) so that she can have closure

Ryouma-- not actually a great fit for Chizuru, but him and Nakaoka are the best looking men in the game, and the spy vs spy romance Ryouma thought they were living vs Chizuru actually being oblivious was a JOY.

I also enjoyed Heisuke, even though his route overall didn't have the same pull for me the other ones did. Corgis in love vibes are impeccable, but I feel like Yamazaki's route did the whole "shinsengumi's worst soldier" with more emotional stakes, there's a whole chapter that is just retreading angst so that Chizuru and Heisuke don't get together too soon, which honestly would have been the superior choice. It DOES give us the BEST Kazama though, and Kazama/Sen, which kept me well fed through the last half of EB.

[lovecolibri]

SaL anon here bestie and even though it will be awhile before you or I get to tonight's episode I figure it's never to early to start lowering our expectations!! So here are my predictions on all the ways it will disappoint. First, we will get Rosa back at last, but it will happen at the very end and supposedly be uplifting but really the writers are just setting up her being Liz's support system next episode. Next, we will have the obligatory trying-to-make-Maria-relevant content forced on us

as she for some reason she tries to connect to her Mom's spirit, a power she never had before but we're supposed to feel bad for her anyway (if they in any way try to make this some BS about her getting messages about Alex I will set fire to the writers). Next, Kybel will backtrack to being uncertain because why have them talk about feelings when we can have a stressful future problem bring them together instead?? Finally Max and Liz will have some sort of conflict either about Bonnie wanting help after poisoning Michael or Max finds out about Alex from Bonnie but doesn't tell want to tell Michael and fights with Liz about it (and she still doesn't say anything). Either way, as much as I hope I'm wrong, Alex will still NOT be missed by anyone including his sick bf, but will be mentioned exactly once in some other context, because the writers think this constitutes being emotionally relevant to the characters. Please add more if I haven't gone low enough!!

Well, this all sounds pretty spot on to me! 🙄 I am dyyyying for someone to even MENTION Rosa so It’ll be a miracle if she actually shows up a second before she’s needed to give Liz some “tough love” that Liz will selectively listen to before doing exactly as she wants like always. Apparently the writers think Liz and Max never learning and growing from their mistakes is...interesting? Who knows. 🙄 You know what would be interesting? Max and Liz being allowed to be each other’s support system for once instead of always lying to each other and ending up on opposite sides of every fight. How am I supposed to want to root for them? Because I would like to! But the writers just keep yanking them back into this cyclical argument every time and I’m tiiiired.

I could not care less about anything going on with m*ria and I’m just hoping Dallas stops having to be in the middle of it, and he’s allowed to go be there for Michael. I’m also confused about Liz brining up m*ria seeing her mom in “visions” and now the synopsis mentioning m*ria trying to “connect” with Mimi because that’s...not anything we’ve seen her do so why would she even be trying when she knows her powers aren’t working? I’m still just stuck on why Mimi needed to die for m*ria to still not be able to get info from her when she’s been barely lucid the whole show and they could have just one that route! But apparently killing Mimi off is supposed to make m*ria sympathetic or something? It for sure does not. Just please keep her TF away from Alex and Michael forever now.

I also think Kybel are going to be awkward but given the synopsis about Isobel finding out Tezca might not be the evil Isobel thinks she is, who wants to bet Kyle ends up quicksanded with Alex for a bit? That way the show can continue to make Alex’s disappearance and rescue about anything other than ALEX. I’m sure we’re going to just keep seeing more of Bonnie, Clyde, Tezca and multiple other guest stars so when would the show have to time to allow Alex to be missed or mentioned or anyone to be worried about him when we need to learn the full history and backstory of these “guest stars” who might as well be main characters at this point considering they’ve had twice the number of episodes as Alex 🙃🙃🙃 

Hopefully keeping my expectations in the earth’s core will allow me to be pleasantly surprised by something in this episode but I’m not gonna hold my breath. Shout out to everyone waiting until Alex comes back to catch up on the show, hopefully he comes back before the finale. But hey, if he does pop up, someone let me know! Just a yes or know is fine, I don’t need spoilers, but I’ll make sure to watch as soon as I can if it means I get to see my boy Alex! Same with Rosa. See you all on the other side!

[oopsitsstella]

Stella’s Review of Thor; Love and Thunder

Spoiler Review!

Movie Review Masterlist

I survived the movie! I made it, and I thought it would be fun to do a little movie review of sorts. What you are currently reading is my spoiler review, I will also have a spoiler free review, linked here!

I also want to say that both my asks and messages are open if anyone wants to discuss, again, both with and without spoilers, so if you want to talk, feel free! 

Now on with the review!

Oh my god. So many things! So many things to talk about! 

I’ll start with what was my biggest concern about the movie, prior to watching it, was that it would feel rushed. It’s less than two hours long, and I was afraid that it was going to feel thrown together and messy. But I don’t think it was! Now, granted, I don’t know much about movies, but I do watch a lot of them, and I don’t think it was rushed. Pleasantly surprised, because it felt way longer than the 1h 59m it actually is.

Now, the villain of our story. Gorr the God Butcher. I really liked him. Not like, as a person, but he was a really good villain. He might be my new favorite Marvel Villain. 

I just had that progressive dawn of realization during the opening like ‘he was betrayed by his god, that’s why he hates the gods, because his didn’t come to him in his time of need and when he finally did, he laughed at him.’ Like I kinda get it. He lost his daughter, he just wanted her to be safe, and then his god laughed at him. I’d be pretty pissed too.

But yeah! Good villain, I think he was cool.

Now the story itself. Good intro to the movie! Loved Korg’s story time, I thought it was fun. Also fun to see the Guardians, but I am kinda glad they weren’t in it more than at the start.

And the goats. Love the goats. So much. I saw in an interview somewhere they said Taika did the voice of the goats, I thought they were being sarcastic. Oh how wrong I was. 

Jane has cancer!? Again had that dawn of realization like ‘oh shit she has cancer.’ That made me a little sad. I did love the Darcy and Selvig cameos though! I missed Darcy, she’s fun, and Selvig was fun to see too!

And then Jane came to New Asgard and the pieces of the hammer started moving and I was just sitting there like ‘oh my god oh my god oh my god’.

I really liked Jane.

Also loved Valkyrie! My beloved. She’s the greatest. I was so scared she was going to die, I almost screamed. I was very scared, but she made it! Thank god. Also scared Korg was dead, I was horrified, but he was also okay!

Jane didn’t make it though, and I’m upset! I was really rooting for a potential Jane x Valkyrie, but nope! For some reason I wasn’t too keen on Thor and Jane leading up to the movie, but it grew on me during the movie, they were cute! Then I just ended up twice as disappointed when Jane died and couldn’t be with either of them!

I loved Omnipotence City! I thought that was just Olympus, but no! All the gods, which was really cool. We got to see the ass. Pretty funny. And then Thor just straight up killed Zeus like that?! Well almost anyway. Either way I was not expecting it. 

The kidnaped kids I was also not expecting. Heimdal has a son?? Pleasantly surprised, I really liked him. And the scene at the end! With all the kids fighting! It was so cool! I loved the kid fighting with their stuffed bunny, it was adorable. I was so scared that Thor or Jane was gonna get stabbed with the sword, but no! They destroyed the sword but Gorr still got to the, what was it, Eternity? I think so. 

Anyway, when we saw Jane dying I was kinda hoping we’d get like, one last act of selflessness or something, and Gorr would ask that Jane survived, but bringing his daughter back was also sweet. 

I was just thinking like, if they believed in some sort of afterlife, then he and his daughter would be reunited anyway, and Jane could have lived, but I liked the ending we got too! Domestic Thor, it was cute. 

Also I have to mention, Mjolnir is the ex and Stormbreaker is the jealous girlfriend. Seriously, like Stormbreaker just slid into frame after Thor interacted with Mjolnir, you could just see the jealousy. I loved it.

And of course, the post-credit scenes. First one; I wholly thought Zeus was dead, so I was very surprised to see him alive. Hercules?!? Exciting. Oh, I can’t wait for that, that’ll be fun. But does this mean we're getting Thor 5? Or like, Hercules the movie? Both would be pretty cool, we’ll see what happens with that.

And the second one. Valhalla! Heimdal!!! It was so sweet! I missed Heimdal, I was very happy to see him. And Valhalla looks so pretty!! Seriously, I love the look! Yet another thing that didn’t look like I expected it to, but I loved it. Cameo from Heimdal, Jane is safe now, and not suffering anymore, a very good and wholesome end to the movie😌

Like I said, my asks and messages are both open if you want to discuss, talk about your expectations (bare in mind I might not be able to say much), discuss trailers, or just talk about Thor in general, feel free to come chat!

[drsorrell]

Wed. 9.6.23

Announcements & Reminders

I'm at the table right outside our classroom hallway every morning from 8-8:30 am. I'm happy to talk about anything or look at any work.

I hope you had a good break! I went on my first real early fishing trip with my son, and he broke his rod and then dropped mine in the middle of a lake, so, you know...

I'll take a look at your Chapter Tutorials and InQuizitives later this week just make sure you've at least started them.

8:30 am Class: We'll have a visit in class on Friday from our course Writing Associate, Kyra (the tutor specifically assigned to our class).

There's a lot to do in class on Friday, so be ready: a writing chapter + two readings. We'll work a lot on making connections among the different readings to prepare you for the outline-draft-paper writing portion of this unit that starts next week.

Updated Writing Center Info for Fall 2023. Sign up for an appointment here: https://outlook.office365.com/book/SVCWritingCenter@SaintVincentCollege.onmicrosoft.com/.

Discussion/Activity: We'll do this in the Schoology discussion forum "Burwell, Lehman, Moro Discussion (in-class on Mon. 9.6)." I'll also post the prompt below (indented).

Discussing Burwell, Lehman, Moro: I think we’ll do this in groups, but we might try a whole-class discussion. I usually avoid those because people tend to stare at their desks and try not to talk if I’m standing in the front of the room trying to moderate what you guys say, so please pleasantly surprise me if we try a whole-class discussion out today ;) ✪ The benefit of a whole-class discussion: We just talk, and I will post notes on what you say in the forum! BURWELL. Burwell has worked for various presidential administrations and is in her last year as the president of American University, where she made $1,066,509 in 2019 (!)..  ✪ Burwell writes, “Today’s young adults seem to arrive at college with less resiliency and a lower appetite for risk and failure. In raising their children, parents have focused more on protecting them from stress and anxiety and less on teaching them how to cope” (560). ✪✪ Do you agree about students being more afraid not to do well? Do you agree about changing parenting styles? If yes, think of some examples of each. LEHMAN. Lehman works for the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, which is a conservative organization (no judgment either way--just giving you the information!).  ✪ Lehman writes, “But in focusing on the scale of the problem, we sometimes forget to think about how all that debt affects people's lives” (568). ✪✪ What comparison is Lehman trying to make between “focusing on the scale of the problem” and "thinking about how all that debt affects people's lives”? What approach do you think would work the best to make people aware of and do something about the situation? MORO. Beyond the fact that she graduated from Notre Dame around 2018, Gabriela Moro has done a good job of hiding on the internet, so I can’t tell you much about her beyond that she wrote this as a freshman for our kind of class!  ✪ Morowrites, “Thus, even though minority student clubs can lead to self-segregation among students and result in less cross-cultural interaction, their benefits to minority students suggest that a balance needs to be found between providing support for minorities and avoiding segregation of these groups from the rest of the student body” (545). ✪✪ So Moro is obviously looking for a “balance” between a personal/cultural identity and a large sense of belonging at college? How best do you think this could be achieved at SVC? Real suggestions, please! ✪✪✪ Extra-credit +1 point on Final Draft #1 if you can actually find out anything about Moro beyond her blurb at the end of this site: https://freshwriting.nd.edu/volumes/2016/essays/minority-student-clubs-segregation-or-integration.

Homework for Friday 9.8

◆ Read Ch. 2 (32-46) + complete Ch. 2 Tutorial.

◆ Read Ch. 21, Addison (527-530) and Clark (531-537).

◆ Complete InQuizitive: “Elements of Argument.”

Other Extra Credit: Read this article, called "You Learn the Value of a College Degree When You Live Without One." Then tell us about it in class on Friday. That's all. +1 point on Final Draft #1.

There shouldn't be a paywall, but in case there is, I also uploaded it to Drive as a PDF here.

[its-ashleyreads]

Finished: 04/11/2022

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss

“I don’t think we should ignore behavior that hurts other people out of loyalty. That’s how bad things are allowed to happen.”

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Summary:

After being invited to a week-long reunion with her posh private school friends, working-class Nory, finally gets to stay as a guest at the castle her family often worked at when she was a girl. But when she runs into Isaac, her brother’s best friend/hater of the wealthy/new head gardener of the estate, Nory can’t help but fall back into her old crush, though the crush may just be mutual this time...

Review:

I know it’s a bit early to start in on the holiday reads but snow was forecast for this week and I’ve been in a reading rut that’s lasted months at this point, so I wasn’t in a place to be picky once this caught my eye. I’d never read a Jenny Bayliss book before, though I have one downloaded on my kobo, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed her style of writing and the depth she brought to her characters and their world. Her descriptions of Nory’s bookshop, the castle, and the gardens were beautiful. The characters and their relationships to one-another were so well written and real, this is one of the few novels I’ve read that I would call effortlessly and realistically diverse. I particularly loved how layered she made the rich, white, douchebags of the group. One, who was trying to be a better person, and one who was still a major twat. I really enjoyed how she wrote the relationship between Charles and Guy, showcasing how Charles still held out hope that his best friend might still come around like he had, and everyone else just wishing that Guy would disappear. The relationship between Nory and Thomas was also spot on for adult siblings. I wish more had been written between them because I think the author could have gone so much deeper instead of glossing over of the issue once Thomas realized he still held resentment toward his sister. It felt like Bayliss had wanted their relationship to be the main conflict in the story but then changed her mind part-way through. And the main conflict she went with is, in the end, what brought the rating down for me.

With less than 1/4 left and still no sign of an organic conflict, I knew the climax was going to let me down, and I knew Guy was going to be involved. Nory and Isaac’s relationship, though a bit quick, was built on a real understanding of who the other was. For Isaac to walk in on Guy mauling Nory and for his immediate reaction be asking her to leave, felt so so wrong. Hours before Nory had confirmed to Isaac that Guy had been trying to get with her during her stay at the castle, despite her protestations. Yes, Nory broke his trust, and for that I am completely on Isaac’s side, but for Isaac to say that he was jealous when he saw Nory in Guy’s arms was honestly a bit sickening. She was being sexually harassed and his first response was jealousy and then to kick her out of his house without so much as an “Are you okay?” Gross. Even grosser that Guy gets his redemption while still being in Nory’s life. I’m glad that Guy’s character grows and becomes a better husband to his wife, but for him to still be in Nory’s life, even invited to her wedding, seems ridiculous to me. He did Isaac a huge solid for getting his great-grandmother’s artwork recognized, but for them to go on living their lives as if he’d never felt entitled to Nory while he was married, was...the wrong choice. Stop making women include their harassers and abusers in their lives. If you want them to forgive them, that’s fine, but they shouldn’t have to go on as if that person never harmed them. Kicking him out of the friend group wasn’t even necessary, just having Nory not invite him to her wedding would have been enough. Sometimes women have to see their harassers, I’m aware, but there’s a difference between having to put up with them in certain situations and asking them for their company. For Bayliss to have so many lines and conversations between her characters about rich, white men never having to pay for their mistakes and then not having her own rich, white man pay for his in any way makes her sentiments ring hollow. Guy ended up back with his wife, his friends still loving and supporting him (even the one he sexually harassed), and more renown as a journalist than ever thanks to his article about Isaac’s family. I love a shitty character that gets a chance to grow and change, but there is nothing I hate more than when that growth and change comes without any consequence for their actions.

I do think that I will read the other book for hers that I have, but my hopes have been lowered significantly.