#I've gotten it to where they aren't too noticeable but I can't figure out what's going wrong

[oliver-quick-ens-my-pulse]

I Hate to Ask

Ominis Gaunt x f!reader

Summary - Anon request for “Would you please write either some HC or a scenario where female MC is just really horny so she sneaks up on Ominis and says she has something to ask him and then she basically begs him to rail her. And of course how Ominis would react to such a lewd ask ♥️”

Word Count - 1,856

Warnings - 18+ smut

You had Ominis on your mind for quite a while now. Not just for hours or minutes, but for days. You had always been much closer with him than Sebastian, but as you neared the end of your 7th year, your thoughts had gotten out of control. He had grown into a handsome man and had no idea how achingly beautiful he was. He had shot up to over six feet tall and filled out his slender frame with more muscle tone beneath his robes. He was always particular about the feel and fit of his clothes and unaware of how delicious they looked hugging his calves and thighs. His manhood.

It wasn't like he was walking around exposed, but as trained as you were on him you had imagined too many times what was beneath the straining fabric. You'd decided today was the day you would finally swallow your pride and beg him to relieve you of your suffering. You didn't even care whether it meant anything at this point, but you were desperately clenching your thighs together anytime you so much as passed him in the hallway.

You caught him coming out of transfiguration, so you hoped he would be in a good mood. You knew he didn't have this class with Sebastian so you watched as he shared some parting words with a few people before starting down the stairs by himself. You walked up to him, grazing your arm with his shoulder. He directed his wands towards you and a smile spread out on his face.

"Y/N, how are you? How was your free period?"

You swallowed hard, thinking about the answer to that question. Well, I spent the entire first half of it pining after you and driving myself mad because my own hands aren't good enough anymore.

You settled for laughing softly and pushing your hair back against your head, "It was fairly boring. I was hoping you could join me for the start of yours. I had something I wanted to ask you, but not here."

Though the halls around you weren't crowded, there were still plenty of students milling about having just left class themselves. Ominis turned towards you and gave you a strange look, wondering what you could possibly have to ask him. "Sure," he placed an arm around your back and guided you to the entrance of the undercroft. You both stepped in and the gates closed behind you. He utilized some quick spells to create a comfortable couch and escorted you over.

Your nerves were buzzing and your face was already heating up as realized what it was you were about to do. Ominis guided you to your seat before sitting close beside you, keeping you tucked beneath his arm. "What is it you needed? There isn't anything wrong is there?" His eyebrows furrowed together with worry as he looked down at you.

You swallowed hard, turmoil brewing in your head over whether to let your anxieties or impulses win. "I, erm, I've been feeling kind of strange lately, and I...I may need your help to figure it out."

You were annoyed with yourself for not coming outright with it, but his concern seemed to lessen as he responded to you, resting his wand between his legs.

"Alright. What do you mean by strange? How d'you think I can help you?" His earnest expression, ready to help his friend in need, almost made you come up with some other excuse so you didn't feel as if you were taking advantage of him. You inhaled a deep breath, drawing your knees up on the sofa, ready to spit the whole embarrassing truth out. "Ominis...I've always found you to be quite comely. And lately, I can't stop thinking about you. Lewd images keep running through my mind and I want to know if you'll help me extinguish them."

You fidgeted with your own hands, unable to face him. You felt him shift beside you, noticing the way he opened his legs and tugged slightly at his trousers. He used the same hand to find your chin and force you to look up at him.

A devilish smirk was on his lips, "I fear I can't extinguish them without knowing more about these thoughts."

You hadn't anticipated a reaction where he wanted to know more; where he steered the conversation so that he had total control. You stumbled over a few words, attempting to describe a scene before you adjusted yourself to be in his lap.

You gasped when you felt how hard he was beneath you, which made him laugh at you softly. He dragged both hands down to your hips to hold you in place.

"Just like this? Are you too worked up to use words?" His fingers tugged at your blouse, untucking it from your skirt to find your warm flesh beneath. "Y-yes," you stuttered, shivering from his touch and already arching into his palms. You felt helpless against him, you knew he must be able to feel the dampness from between your legs.

He was intoxicating as you looked up at him. A picture of confidence and lust as he was clearly toying with you. "Well, I'll agree to help you, but if you can't tell me what you want, you'll have to show me," he shrugged, "otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do, princess."

You couldn't figure out how he managed to remain so commanding even whilst essentially giving you control over the situation. He was getting off on the power he held over you.

You let out a whine as you rubbed yourself up against the stiffness in his pants, he let out a deep sigh in response. You tossed your robe off and quickly started to undo the buttons on your shirt to create a pile of clothes on the floor.

You reached to the edge of your camisole just below your ribs and pulled it over your head, leaving your top half entirely exposed. You groaned in frustration when he didn't make a move to touch you at all, his expression amused. You guided his hands up your sides and over the soft warmth of your breasts.

You yelped in surprise when he began kneading at them and pinching at your stiff nipples, "I can work with this if you continue being a good girl."

You bit your lip, surrendering yourself to his assault while you used your hands to unfasten his pants. He hoists you forward without warning, crushing his lips to yours. The kisses are hot and wet as he holds a fistful of your hair. He allows you to pull back to breathe and rests his forehead against yours. "I didn't think it was right for us to start this without getting that out of the way first."

As you took in the sheen of saliva on his lips you had to agree, but you were hungry for so much more. You brought your mouth back to his with more passion, hands now fumbling with his pants to pull out his member.

When you peeled his underwear back just right his thick cock sat up at attention just between your legs, causing you to rut helplessly against it. You pulled back from him, resting your hands behind your body as you rocked your hips against him, the thin fabric of your underwear no longer hiding much of anything.

"I want more of you Ominis. Can you — do you think you could help me get ready for you?"

He brought a hand down to your thigh, a little more harshly than he initially intended, squeezing tightly. "How should I do that? Will your thighs suffice?" You groaned in protest as he was so close to where you wanted him, but clearly teasing you. You grabbed his hand and slid it upwards so he could follow the trail of your juices from your thighs and up to your underwear. Ominis applied pressure where he could feel your sensitive bundle of nerves, making you squirm in his lap. It was his turn to gasp when you wrapped a hand around the base of his cock, giving him a gentle stroke while you tried to ground yourself. "Fuck," he murmured, "You want me here? Your cunt does seem very wet. You think if we fill it up it'll stop?"

You moaned out a pathic 'yes' before he pushed your underwear to the side. He forcefully added two fingers that went in with ease as he pumped them in and out of you, curling them to hit the perfect spot. His name continued to spill off of your lips.

"I can see how this has been a problem," he mused, "but, darling, I don't think you need any help getting ready. You're taking my fingers so well and I know my cock was made for you."

He removed his fingers from you and grabbed your hips, helping you lift yourself to line your entrance up with his dripping head. He kept a tight grip on you to allow you to sit down on him at your own pace. His moans mixed with yours and his fingers dug into your waist. He was breathing heavily alongside you by the time you took all of him, "Y/N, I hope you can forgive me."

Before you had time to question what he meant or adjust to his size he was hitting the deepest parts of you. He held you in position and pulled out as much as he could before slamming back into you with force. He kept rotating his hips until he felt your walls clench indicating he found your g-spot.

"More, Ominis, please, it's too slow," you rested your arms against his chest as he took control and found a steady rhythm to please the both of you.

"You're so tight and perfect, I — agh — I'll have to have you again and again Y/N. You have no idea what you've gotten us into."

You bucked your hips in response to meet his every thrust until your legs started to quiver and your thighs were clenched around his.

"Ominis, I'm, I'm cumming," you bit into his shoulder to contain your whimpers as you came hard around his cock. You felt like you were floating as he continued to fuck you until he released his own ropes of cum inside of you. He was panting and clawing at your back, finally at a loss for words. You collapsed against him, breasts pressed up against his chest as you felt him softening up inside of you. Your clit had been neglected this round, but it was still incredibly sensitive resting against his pelvis, making you flinch every now and again. Ominis traced shapes on your back and spoke up much softer than before, "I helped you with your problem, yes? And well...you helped me with mine, but I wasn't brave enough to ask you on my own."

It made you laugh that after all of that, he was getting sheepish on you now, "I think we can help each other regularly don't you?"

[twit-ter-pa-ted]

Apple of My Eye

pairings: vinsmoke sanji x gn!Reader, straw hat crew x gn!Reader

warnings: can be romantic or platonic, can be opla/animanga (but more on animanga), everyone finding out in one fell swoop (thanks to reader), honestly a self-insert, includes the whooolee crew!!

overview: a headcanon wherein sanji has heterochromia, an optic condition where a person has two different colored eyes. moreover, you can't seem to get over those eyes.

a/n: this was inspired by and dedicated to a tiktok (@/drayiskewl) i saw tbh. got love at first sight w the idea. enjoy!

Sanji was cooking while you watched, feet swinging as your seat was too tall for them to be able to reach the floor.

He seemed to have been quite engrossed in his cooking, as he only noticed your staring once he was finished.

"Hm? Anything I can do for you, lovely?" He wiped his hands on the 'I like big buns and I cannot lie' apron the crew had gotten for him on his birthday (partly as a joke, though Luffy gifted it wholeheartedly).

You curiously tilted your head to the left. Wordlessly, he mimicked your action.

Your hand then lifted reluctantly, getting closer and closer to his face. Sanji never had a problem with people getting touchy with him, much less you getting touchy, so he decided to let things play out to see what you would do.

Though, being on the same boat as you for god knows how long surely didn't help him in predicting what you would do next.

You brushed your fingers through his hair, specifically brushing aside his fringe adorned over his eye.

"H-Hey, wait a minute – " His cheeks turned pink while you stared in adoration at his mocha-iceberg eyes.

He tried to take your hand's gentle grasp off his hair. His fumbling came to a stop as he looked at the smile on your face as you looked at his eyes.

He chuckled, almost nervously as if easing himself into the fact that you were seeing his blue eye.

He initially didn't intend to hide it, attempting to casually slip it into conversation if it ever came up as a topic, but it never did. So he figured it didn't matter whether the crew knew or not.

"What, you like them, sweets?"

You grinned. "Yeah-huh. They're pretty." You leaned back onto your seat.

"Well, if I'd known, I'd have constantly pulled back my hair." He humorously pushed his hair back.

"Sanji! Give me food!" Luffy came marching into the kitchen with the demand, then his eyes widened as he saw Sanji's. "Woah! Sanji, is that really your eye?"

He practically jumped on the chef as he kept Sanji's usually hidden eye open to examine it.

"Do you really have to ask that – ?"

"It looks so cool! Can you teach me how to do that? Ooh, food!" He spotted the recently cooked food while Sanji was speaking. His attention quickly averted from the cook's eyes to his dishes.

" – Hold on, Luffy!" Sanji stepped back to bring his foot down onto the captain's head.

"Ow!"

Usopp and Chopper barged into the kitchen in a panicked manner. "Sorry, Sanji! We looked away for one second – woah!"

It was almost as if there were stars in their eyes. "They're so mesmerizing…!"

You chuckled, looking at Sanji's eyes again. "Aren't they?"

Chopper opted to jumping on the counter, though quickly changed his mind as he thought what Sanji's reaction could be to that, so he changed into his human-hybrid form and quickly took out a flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine his eyes.

"I've never seen anyone with this before!" He seemed to be the most fascinated so far. Or perhaps it was just in his nature as a doctor to be curious about it.

Sanji's eyes widened as they darted between you, Usopp, and Chopper. "S-Stop staring, would you?!"

Usopp let out an exclamation. Chopper suddenly recognized that he had jumped into Doctor Mode before thinking and snapped out, returning to his normal, smaller form.

He and Usopp then each grabbed a hold of Luffy's shoulders. It was their turn to keep Luffy out of the kitchen, after all. "S-Sorry!"

The other half of Luffy's body stretched and lagged behind, considering the Straw Hat didn't want to leave, yet soon came hurling out the door and towards the pair that pulled him.

A whack soon sounded as Luffy inevitably collided with the top half of his body, and Usopp and Chopper.

While Sanji started to bake a dessert for the ladies, Franky entered the kitchen. "Hey, curly cook, is the food ready? The ladies and the skeleton are hungry."

"It's almost done, give me a second."

Franky nodded in understanding, then sat on the seat next to you.

"Hey, could you give me some cola?" He requested from the cook.

"Yeah, as long as you promise to leave my kitchen after." Franky let out a small laugh and raised his hands in surrender.

"Hey, wanna see something cool?" You smirked towards Sanji who sighed just as he had reached for the cola bottles in the fridge, already knowing what you were scheming.

"Yeah? What is it?" He prevailed curiously. You reached to push Sanji's hair back again when he approached the counter to set the cola bottles down.

Your smile widened as you looked at Franky's fascinated stare. "Don't they look cool?"

"Oh! I never knew your eyes looked like that. Super!"

Sanji couldn't help but chuckle, never getting used to the crewmate's silliness. "Thanks, Franky. I'm afraid I'm still gonna have to ask you to leave."

"Aw, but why can they stay?" Franky whined, pointing at you.

"Because it's them. I don't really have a choice," he jested before leaning back to smoothly avoid your swinging hand.

Franky laughed as he left the kitchen with the cola bottles.

Sanji quickly finished making the desserts. While settling the plates on the tray, you tugged on his sleeve to catch his attention.

He hummed to acknowledge your attempt. "What is it, darling?"

You held your hands up. "Hear me out – "

One of his curled brows rose with curiosity, then your hands went up to his hair.

You tied his hair up, it currently being long enough to barely settle into a man bun.

Sanji chuckled at your antics, yet went along with it. You searched around and found Nami's mirror, facing it to Sanji. "What do you think? Good?"

Zoro, seemingly recently done with his workout session (though his sweat seemed to have dried) with his towel over his shoulder, passed by and lightly chuckled through his nostrils before Sanji could reply.

"Hmm? I'm in the kitchen?" He asked himself, seemingly unaware of you and the cook being there.

"Yeah-huh," you replied. Zoro only seemed to notice your presence then.

"Nice eyes, idiot cook."

Sanji rolled his eyes and set the mirror down. "Quiet, moss head."

"You look like a broom." Zoro cocked his chin towards Sanji's hair, then smirked. "Broom head."

You couldn't help but chuckle.

Nami entered as if searching for something, or someone.

Her brows shot up when she saw Zoro. "Zoro, I thought you were going for a shower? Luffy was looking for you and I told him you headed to the bathroom. He got there and talked to no one for a solid ten minutes."

"I was gonna go take a shower," he clarified. The room was silent for a moment, waiting for his explanation as to why he was here.

Everyone should have expected his answer – "I got lost."

Your eyes widened, "How do you get lost on your own ship?!"

"Idiot!"

"I can't believe you!"

Still, Zoro waved dismissively before heading back the way he came from.

"That's still not the way to the bathroom…!" Nami shouted after him, but the swordsman had left through the doors. Nami's palm met with her face. "Oh, he is hopeless."

Sanji brushed the situation off and went back to arranging the food.

"Oh, Miss Nami, I'll have the food out in a minute." Nami finally looked at the cook, who was now looking at you to see if it was alright if he were to untie his hair. He did once you gave a reassuring gaze.

Nami's mouth slightly went agape as he approached the cook, pushing his hair back to see if she had seen it correctly. "Hey. Sanji, I never knew your eyes looked like that. They look…!"

He was holding one of the desserts as Nami started complimenting him. You quickly lunged to grab the dessert off his hands when he suddenly collapsed.

You and Nami looked over the counter to check if Sanji was alright. He was, he just became struck by the sudden compliment.

"…I didn't even finish complimenting him."

Food had been served by you by the time Sanji woke up again.

He was surprised to see that you had gotten him to sit at the table and waited for him to wake while the crew ate. You had tied his hair up again.

"Oh! You have such pretty eyes, mine almost flew out of my skull!" Brook exclaimed once everyone had realized he had regained consciousness. "But then again, I actually don't have eyes anymore. I'm all bones! Yo-ho-ho-ho-ho!"

Luffy, Chopper, and you were the only ones to chuckle at the skeleton's joke. Robin let out a small chuckle as well, "But how come you've been crewmates for so long, yet you didn't know Sanji had different-colored eyes?"

Luffy somehow grinned while stuffing his mouth full of food. "I didn't ask."

Nami sighed and shook her head. "In case you hadn't noticed, our captain just has a tendency of inviting anyone into the crew."

Zoro nodded in agreement. "It's true. Just look at the cook."

Sanji's brows almost uncurled in fury. "What does that say about you, First Mate?!"

"I must admit," Robin crossed her forearms and prompted an arm to sprout from the top of Sanji's head, its hand brushing his hair out of the way. "they do look…"

Luffy nabbed the cook's food from his plate before Sanji's face planted onto them as he once again fell unconscious.

"…Pretty."

[icarusthefoolish]

Finding a Family in a Ruined world

Summary: Ellie and Joel end up camping in an old and abandoned town, while clearing out the infected in the Area and trying to settle down they meet a child.

Warnings: body horror, emaciation, infected wounds, Mentions of past shoddy done amputation, child abandonment.

Notes: No gender specified. Ellie and Joel might be a bit OOC mostly based on the game not the HBO series since i haven't gotten to watch it. No mentions of Y/N

Original idea by: @lemonlaides

Wc: 5k

Note: I've been messaged by the author of Notre Dame @lemonlaides mentioning that this story is incredibly close to theirs. That was never my intention. They said i can keep this up if i give them credit for the original idea and change some stuff. Again copying them was not my intention.

Joel and Ellie were on their way to the Firefly Hospital and usually they would hunker down in some place which is not an Abandoned town that's probably full of Infected but they didn't really have much of a choice, they had arrived to scavenge but ended up having to stay the night because it got dark too fast. They were currently killing off what they hoped to be the last infected in the area.

Ellie let out a grunt after she kicked one of the Walkers of her before stabbing her knife into its rotten skull and piercing it's brain killing it. Joel was currently stomping on the head of another infected before he let out a deep sigh. "Alright that shoulda been all of em... hopefully." Ellie nodded before looking around the area, other then a few houses that looked more then just unstable and a few shops there was a big Clocktower which would probably be the best area to stay the night in.

"Joel, I'd say we should ger into that Clocktower to stay in." The man nodded walking to the door which was locked tight. Ellie looked around "maybe i can find a way in through a smashed window or some-" she looked over when she heard a smack and the lock break, Joel had smashed the butt of his shotgun into the lock effectively breaking it. "That... Also works i guess..."

She shook her head before Joel pushed the door open carefully, Ellie stood behind him flinching because of the smell, the entire area smelled like death, decay and food? She looked to Joel who was scanning the area full of opened and half eaten food that didn't look older then a day at best. What Ellie also noticed was that most of the lower walls were full with crude small drawings, some which looked like stick figures others that looked like someone had just scribbled on the wall.

The floor boards above them creaked loudly, Joel immediately pushed Ellie behind him holding out his shotgun. Ellie looked up letting out a gasp when she saw a face with big scared looking eyes look down from a gap of the floor boards, the gap was big enough to see the kids face, with cheeks that were sunken and a generally emaciated frame.

Joel put the gun down carefully his face going slightly white at the way the child looked. He lowered the gun to the floor before turning back to the kid. Who came down the raggedy steps but stayed far enough away that they could run. Ellie walked Infront of Joel "hi there, I'm Ellie the grumpy man behind me is called Joel" Joel let out a huff at that though he couldn't really complain because he was grumpy. "We aren't here to hurt you." Ellie smiled but her smile vanished when she saw bloody rags tied to the stump of their Left Leg.

They answered their name back. timidly "My mommy and daddy left me and i dunno where they are..." They sniffled slightly and Ellie frowned. "We have some food if you want? You look hungry kid." They nodded slightly "mhm i don't eat much because I can't find stuff. One day something bad happened to our neighbours and one of them tried getting me, when my mommy pulled me in here something bit me..." They lifted their left leg or what was left of it, "mommy and daddy pulled me in here and held me down... T-then i just remember that it hurt and there was a lot of red stuff..." Even Joel grimaced at that before standing next to Ellie.

"If you want we can help you with that too looks like it hurts kid." They hobled down the rest of the stairs and before looking at Joel and Ellie afraid not sure if they should trust them. Ellie smiled "don't worry we really just wanna help." They hummed looking at their leg before slightly nodding. Jole took his honestly nasty looking Med Pack out of the bag. He sighed before sitting down and grabbing their leg and carefully undoing the blood stained fabric, and honestly the sight under the fabric was worse then any Infected, not only because of how it looked but because of the way that this was a child maybe 6 or 7 years old if he had to guess.

The skin around the cut was red puffy and leaking a yellowish white pus. The suturing job was also no where near good but he guessed that that was all they had. "Alright kid.... This is probably gonna hurt." Ellie frowned and sat down next to them pulling out her Joke book. "Hey focus on me while he deals with that how about i tell you some jokes while you eat something hm?" She also pulled some candy that she had gotten a little while back and let them choose a few.

While Joel was trying to carefully disinfect the area, Ellie told them Jokes and honestly Joel wanted to groan at each one but at least she was Keeping the kids mind of the pain, They let out a whimper as soon as the alcohol touched the already inflamed skin. "Hey don't focus on how much it hurts i know it does, try to focus on me ok?" They nodded clenching their eye's closed and biting their lip.

Joel tried to clean the infected stump up quickly befor suturing it closed again and wrapping it up. "There hopefully that will stop the infection." He looked at the kid "you did good." Ellie looked to Joel "can they come with us? We can't just leave them here." Joel hummed, while Ellie was definitely right they also couldn't risk anything. He let out a small groan rubbing his hand down his face. "We'll talk about it tomorrow okay?"

Ellie nodded "alright you can sleep in my sleeping bag if you want." They smiled and nodded slightly "mhm I'd like that." Joel and Ellie got a small fire going to keep them warm through the night, Ellie opened up her sleeping bag and the child crawled in.

In the morning Joel had decided to take the kid with them, he didn't want to say it out loud but he'd grown fond of them in the short time they spent together. After what happened at the Firefly Hospital he was glad that the kid was too young to understand what was going on. So Joel Ellie and the child made their own home in Jackson. Their amputated stump started to heal thanks to the help of Maria who couldn't believe that a child had been living alone for who knows how long.

Their life's started becoming normal and they were a little family in their own way.

Tag list: @wilczachannn

(if you want to be added to my Taglist just send an ask.)

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

I found myself rewatching the scene where the Thieves explain their plan on 11/21, and I noticed something. It's become a common consensus that the whole plan was Makoto's idea, and that's literally not true.

Futaba is the one to come up with the initial idea!

I've seen people use this to frame Makoto as the reckless and self-centered one who was too wrapped up in her genius plan to recognize the danger it put Akira in. And that's just...not even the slightest bit true? Futaba comes up with the cognitive copy idea, aka the part of the plan that requires Akira to put himself in danger. And I really doubt anyone would seriously try to suggest that Futaba doesn't care about Akira's safety. She's his little sister, of course she cares, but this is their only option left. There is no safe way out of this.

Not only that, but look at the way Makoto talks about this plan.

"This is our only option" paired with a sad sprite. Is that really the look of someone who is too obsessed with the genius of "her" plan to recognize the suffering of others? Not in the slightest. Makoto realizes this will be dangerous. She's not happy about it. But they're out of options. This is all they have left.

And I'm not done.

The game goes out of its way to have Makoto say she's glad Akira's okay after the whole things goes down! Makoto does care, you guys. She cares a lot, and this plan was not about her ego. It was about survival. Makoto and the others didn't realize the police would go so far with Akira, and if they had, I bet they would all have been a lot more hesitant to put their leader in that kind of danger.

I'm so sick of the fandom throwing Makoto under the bus for things she literally didn't do. And all the Phantom Thieves, for that matter! They aren't horrible friends for their plan!

I think people forget just how utterly fucked the Thieves are in November. They can't go public about Akechi because no one would believe them and his master would continue to remain unknown and unpunished. They can't go to Sae because she's been corrupted. They can't go to the police for obvious reasons. They're all wanted criminals, and they've been set into a trap they can't turn down by Akechi. What else are they supposed to do? It was either this, or let Akira, and the rest of them for that matter, be framed and murdered. Those were their only options.

They made this plan to save Akira's life. I'm sure if it was an option, any of them would have taken his place. But they couldn't. It had to be him. Akechi knows who the leader is--if he found someone else in that cell, he'd have figured out he was tricked immediately.

And don't act like Akira didn't want to do it. You know he'd do absolutely anything for the sake of his friends. He's a daredevil, he probably got excited at the idea of putting himself at risk like that. He didn't realize how dangerous it'd be, either. Yeah, afterwards he's been traumatized as hell. But that doesn't mean he didn't put himself in that cell willingly. The Thieves wouldn't have made him do it otherwise, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

I've gotten a bit sidetracked with this, but anyway. Stop the Makoto slander, alright? And stop the Thieves slander, too. They did what they had to in an impossible situation. Write your fics about Akira's trauma, but please recognize that it's not the Thieves' fault if he refuses to talk to them about his suffering, and that none of them ever wanted to put him in any danger. It wasn't their fault!

(Like, come on guys. If it's anyone's fault, it's Akechi's? He's the only one who actively put Akira in danger here, lmao. Not that I think Akira would see it that way, ofc, but still. If we're assigning blame here...)

[awakened-dreamers-blog]

Soulslikes, just like any genre of media, obviously aren't for everyone. However, they often seem to resonate with trans people in particular (or, at least, they did for me), and I've figured out what one of the bigger psychological reasons for that may be.

If I asked a bunch of different people what one word they most associate with the genre, most of them would probably answer something to the tune of "persistence." These are games about throwing yourself at seemingly insurmountable obstacles and failing. A lot. Until, eventually, you succeed. And you will succeed, no matter what, as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort and just don't give up.

Every time you try to get past a boss or a tough group fight in those games, you learn something. You get experience. Even if you don't actively realize it at the time, you are closer to achieving your goal, simply because you tried and failed. But at least you tried. And, when you eventually put all of your accumulated knowledge and skill into beating the fight, what once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle is vanquished, rewarding you with a nice [noun] [verb]ed screen, some levels, and maybe a weapon or something.

So you persisted, even though it seemed insurmountable at first? Isn't that the definition of insanity? Well yes, because you'd have to be insane to actually enjoy those games, but also no.

Because soulslikes bosses are a very practical example that perseverance can work.

Sure, you'll die a bunch. Maybe even spend 4 hours on a single boss like I did when I killed the first Tree Sentinel without doing anything else. But the first few times you die, you'll notice that the boss's health bar is a little hit more empty than it was the first time. After that, you'll probably plateau as you work out the moveset and the dodge timings and all that, but at least you know it's possible. And once you do beat that first boss, that rush of dopamine is even more confirmation for your brain that trying (and failing along the way) does eventually lead to success. So at the next obstacle, you're lore than willing to throw yourself at it and learn and grow until you win because you've already seen that it will work and that it's not fruitless. And, when you come back to that boss on subsequent playthroughs, I bet it'll be a lot easier now that you've already overcome it

Now, to bring this back to trans people, you can probably already see where I'm going with this. If you can't, allow me to explain with the metaphor that led me to this realization in the first place: voice feminization training.

At first, it seems impossible. You'll never sound as cool or as pretty or girly or whatever as the people that have already mastered their girl voice and been using it for years. But those are the speedrunners. The people that have already mastered the game's mechanics and can no-hit bosses faster than you can beat them normally. But you aren't an expert on the game yet. In fact, you've just started, so you shouldn't fee bad about not being as good as they are. If anything, all it should do is serve to prove that your goals are attainable, as long as you put in the effort.

So you try. You're never gonna get it your first try, unless you have a really good build and crazy skill, which, if you do, then good on you, I guess. But for the vast majority of us, you're going to fail at first. That's fine. Resurrect at the nearest bonfire, grab your runes, and keep on saying "heat from fire, fire from heat."

Yes, it's uncomfortable and dysphoric, and yeah, maybe you need to take a break and come back the next day because it's too uncomfortable to have to pay so much attention to the voice you've been avoiding for years. But simply in the act of trying, you've gotten closer to your goal. Literally just by playing with your voice and seeing what happens if you x or y, you have gained experience and knowledge that will get you closer and closer to your goal. It'll probably take a while, of course, but as long as you keep trying, the voice you dream of someday having will eventually end up being the voice you use to order coffee and chit chat and mundane crap like that.

Eventually, you'll be the one no hitting social encounters with your relaxed and flawless girl voice. It'll be so commonplace for you that it won't even seem notable that you didn't slip up at all.

Anyway, all of this to say that trans people like soulslikes because they show us that working towards a goal is the most important step in achieving that goal. They teach us that failure is just a step in the path of learning and that anyone is capable of doing things that seem impossible to them, as long as they try.

Father Gascoigne will never be put to rest if you don't get curb stomped by him a few times, and, I'm sorry to say, you won't ever wake up with the feminine voice of your dreams. You have to work for it. And you'll fail along the way, which is unpleasant and sucks major ass. But you beat everything Miyazaki could throw at you, goddammit, and you can beat your larynx into submission too!

[gh-woah-st]

Kitty Dew Tidbits

Some important little things @sphylor, @divine-misfortune, and I have said that probably won't make its way into a post on its own.

This got long so there's a second post with puppy Mountain here

So Sphy did end up talking about the hats thing but I had already compiled this list so instead have some pictures of kitty Dew's hats

Also mentioned in that post is the shark onesie, which kitty Dew LOVES. It was originally Rain's so it's a bit big on him, but that makes it even more perfect because it smells like Rain and the sleeves are long enough to flap around

This one is a direct copy and paste because no summary will capture it correctly

Rain does that thing where he'll stick his tongue out a little when he's focused and Dew always mirrors it "oh its time for bleps now? ok!!" Rain: :p Dew: :p

Dew is captivated by videos of birds at bird feeders and sits as close to the TV as possible to bap at the birds

(one time they had to replace the TV because he tried to pounce on a bird and broke it)

(The first time he saw a bird outside the window he nearly got a concussion by pouncing at it head on)

Rain and Dew also sometimes watch ocean documentaries in bed on Rain's laptop, and Rain has to keep his arms around Dew to keep him from trying to attack the fish. Maybe also to hold a cuddly kitty, but mostly to keep him from pouncing... definitely

Speaking of sleepy kitty Dew, he has a very specific bedtime and if he and Rain aren't cuddled up in bed by that time he will meow incessantly at Rain, even herding him to their room if he's tired enough or Rain takes too long

He also never sleeps normally. There's a shared photo album with all the ghouls specifically for pictures of Dew in the oddest, most uncomfortable looking positions ever. Conversations in which Rain says "idk, I've gotten used to it" or Dew says "ooohh. So that's why my back hurts so much" are very common

He likes to sit in freshly made laundry, just napping the day away. It's warm and smells like his pack, so why wouldn't he nap there?

Every once in a while, really just often enough for it to not lose its novelty, if someone accidentally runs into kitty Dew, someone else will recite the Miette post for Dew

That's normally only when Dew didn't even notice he was bonked into. When he does, he puts on the biggest show of being hurt for attention, kisses, and cuddles. He does that every time he falls over, plays too hard, or anything else that could "hurt" him. If they had to pay infirmary bills Dew would be the cause for all of them from that alone.

Every time he goes outside, kitty Dew finds a rock to add to his collection. These rocks range from a piece of sidewalk that chipped off to something actually beautiful, and they are equally important

He also likes to steal buttons off people's clothes without them noticing. He stashes them under his bed, then after a while (when he remembers about the stash) Dew will put them in a box specifically for his buttons

The abbey only has door knobs, which kitty Dew can't figure out how to use, so Rain installed a handle for their bedroom door

"How to interact with Kitty Dew," a guide for new kids (Phantom)

1. Actually get close to him and let him cuddle up to you 2. He likes being scratched behind his horns 3. If you can't tell what he wants just sit or lay down and let him curl up to you, entertain himself, or direct you to what he wants 4. If he stretches to expose his belly this is NOT an invitation to pet him there. It is actually a dastardly trap (Proof: Swiss has scars) 5. DO NOT upset him you might actually die 6. Stop tensing up whenever he goes near you he's literally a cat what is he actually going to do 7. He really likes trying to catch your tail if you swish it across the floor 8. You gotta let him catch your tail eventually though otherwise he'll get stressed and WILL bite you. Also make sure to give him lots of praise when he catches it 9. Do not give him caffeine. He will get zoomies² and you will move up on Rain's hit list (Proof: Swiss has scars from that too)

He tried to fight the tinsel on the Christmas tree once. He was found with the smuggest face and tinsel everywhere on him

If he's feeling extra silly he likes to roly poly around (links to twitter)

Dew constantly bonks Rain's mouth to ask for kisses then just looks up at him expectantly. After he gets his kiss he holds little mousey out so it can get a kiss too

Sometimes when Rain goes to kiss Dew he will lightly bite Rain's nose instead, giggling like crazy when he pulls back

Rain reads to kitty Dew a lot. Mostly kids chapter books so that Dew can follow along

Rain often wakes up to kitty Dew staring at him, inches away from his face

Though if Dew gets tired of waiting for Rain to wake up, he'll start playing with Rain's plushes and slowly start batting them closer and closer to Rain's face to "accidentally" wake him up

Sometimes when Dew plays with his toys he makes quiet chirping sounds to himself, like he's talking to them or making them talk

Mountain going puppy triggers Dew's kitty brain and vice versa. This causes a lot of problems when one of them has work to do

[penig]

a question of power, Pt 1

"Hastur was a Duke of Hell. Crowley wasn't even a local counsellor." Good Omens, the Book, 1990, p. 186 of my (apparently 1st edition, 1st printing, sweet; too bad the dust jacket's so torn up) hardback copy.

This is probably the only definitive statement concerning Crowley and Aziraphale's power levels we will ever get. Between Gaiman and Pratchett's cavalier attitude toward worldbuilding and the ineffable accounting of supernatural powers that human minds can't properly conceive, we're on our own quantifying this stuff. Certainly anything we figure out now may be confirmed or contradicted or cast in an entirely new light when we finally have the entire story in front of us.

Will this stop us from trying before we get all the data in hand? No, of course not.

Personally, I only care insofar as it relates to characterization, but to some people it matters a lot. And Crowley looks a lot more powerful than a local counsellor, on the face of it, in the video adaptation. (Which is where the "Crowley was Raphael" headcanon comes from. Personally, I despise that headcanon, but you do you.) Whereas Aziraphale often comes across as barely powerful at all, and reluctant to use what power he has.

This is unsatisfactory for those of us who want equality between partners. And we want to be satisfied with the story, don't we? So let's look at what we've got and examine the ways we can justify seeing them as equals, and where that gets us.

First, and most obviously: Crowley can stop time. That seems really powerful, and we don't see anyone else do it - which doesn't mean nobody else can. The way we see it used, however, implies that it's not something other angels and demons are accustomed to. Crowley stops time as Satan comes up through the ground, even though Satan is presumably more powerful than he and Aziraphale put together by several factors. So either he expects Satan not to notice it's happening, or he expects the effect to stop when Satan notices and acts to end it. Crowley also stops time when they swap bodies and checks to see whether anyone's looking, the implication being that it's not a showy power, that unless someone in the know is looking straight at the phenomenon, they aren't likely to notice it.

What if stopping time is a specialist skill? What if it's a power routinely used only by starmakers? In fact -

In the S2E1 teaser, we see Crowley crank up the new nebula to start it running. What if what he's doing there is not just powering the nebula itself, but initiating time in that area of space, to give all the processes the room they need to happen? What if that's his role, or part of his role, among starmakers - not building stars, directly, but starting time for them, or switching them over from the outside-of-time angelic workshop to the material plane where time runs? What if he's one of the few angels ever made who ever learned that skill? And what if, being the curious heedless little bugger he is, he extrapolated from that skill and taught himself how to do the reverse, and stop time in a localized area?

That's a lot of what ifs, but it would also explain a lot, reasonably parsimoniously, including the question of why nobody else is hanging around the nebula ready to hold the scroll for him and he has to call in Aziraphale to lend a hand. Everybody else had finished up their part of the job, and gone home. I am open to other suggestions, but I quite like this one.

Second, in the second series he easily accesses a file which should only be available to thrones, dominions, or above. When the archivist goggles at him he shrugs it off - he used to work with those guys, and they never change their passwords. But why did he have their passwords? Was he their supervisor? Was he a higher rank and security clearance? This, and Saroquel's recognition of him, are the best evidence the Raphael people have gotten to date.

Okay, sure if that floats your boat - but I've worked in a lot of offices. I've never had a supervisor who was any good at system security (or the work itself, not the work I was doing). Even when I was temping, I generally knew more passwords than the boss did. In my offices, the person who knew all the passwords was the snoopy little clerk who a) had legitimate reasons to get into everybody's workstations, b) read over people's shoulders, and c) liked to know what was going on and be one up on everybody else, including playing pranks on them. What's more likely, that somebody put Crowley in charge of other angels, or that his coworkers were the kinds of people who set passwords like "password" and Crowley was a nosy bastard? I rest my case.

Third, he drove the Bentley through hellfire and on to Tadfield, still burning - but we know, because God said so directly in the show, and the authors implied it in the book, that this is because Crowley had developed what, for a demon, was basically a superpower: he could imagine things, including that he and his car were getting through the fire, and shape the world with it. If we adopt the popular fanon that the Bentley is sentient and supernatural in itself (possibly as a result of prolonged contact with Crowley and Aziraphale) he even had help there. It's a power that doesn't originate with his demonic nature, but with his acclimatization to Earth.

Fourth, he can detect things that are obscure to others, including to Aziraphale. He "smells" when the hellhound finds the Antichrist. He can tell when someone's looking. He clearly has finely-honed senses. The only other character who seems able to do anything unusual with the sense of smell is (of all angels!) Sandalphon, who can "smell evil" in the bookshop, but apparently can't tell the lingering scent of a demon who sat all night in the space drinking from Jeffery Archer books. This seems more subtle than we are accustomed to think of power, and it may in fact have been developed out of relative helplessness, a skill honed by hypervigilance, rather than an innate trait. Or it could be innate and individual, or tied to the type of angel he originally was, or related to his beast aspect - we simply don't have enough information on the point.

All the other powers we see him use - shapeshifting, size change, transformation of objects, passing unnoticed, influencing living people (and plants, and rats, and cars), transportation along the telephone lines, mending his car - are things that seem to be routinely available to angels and demons of all ranks. He calls fire to sign the invoice for the Antichrist, but it's a modest amount of fire compared to what Hastur lights a cigarette with, and seems to hurt him. Driving 70 miles per hour in central London must involve superhuman reflexes and a capacity to clear people and cars out of his way. It's all treated in story, and can easily be assumed by the reader, as bog-standard demonic factory settings that anyone can do.

This is probably as long as anybody wants to read through, so I'll have to make another post about Aziraphale and the relative power levels between them.

[forgottenluck]

Headed Towards 2024!

2023 in Retrospect

2023 has been.....a year. There were a lot of changes for me this year, and though not a lot with Koun changed, a lot happened irl. I didn't talk about a lot of it, though I did mention a few things here and there when I had enough energy to be online.

It's been....hectic.

A lot of life changes have happened; Being kicked out of our apartment due to a shitty landlord, my mother having a bunch of medical changes...then moving into a nursing home, Me finally being out on my own and no longer tied down by her.....I've gotten a promotion at work, finally able to make a difference there enough for even my DM to notice me.

Things are still rocky. I'm still finding my footing, working to figure out ways to boost my income since i no longer have to be wary of that. It's a lot. A lot to take in, a lot to adjust too.

Those who helped me keep going

I know that I was absent quite a bit...more so than I normally am on here. But there's been a few people who have really helped me keep going, helped me to want to be on here, helped me when things were dark. People who have stuck with me despite me vanishing from time to time because my energy to write comes and goes as my ADHD hits me with new hyperfocuses. Below are the people who have continued to check up on me, offer support when I needed it, and all around been very active with me OOC and IC.

@bishonenprince - You are seriously a light that I'm not sure I would be the same without. I know we just met this year, but I already consider you one of my closest friends on tumblr. You've managed to stick with me, despite me going dark a few times, been understanding to it. Our muses have such an interesting dynamic, and I can't wait to see how it grows. They'll likely still have their fights, still have bumps....that's just who they are. But Sora can't shake Koun, just like it'll be massively difficult for you to shake me.

@ofstarsandskies - Kika you lovable dork, You've been there in the background, liking posts, and we've spoken OOC quite often. I absolutely love how you and your muses are so supportive, and it means an absolute bunch to me that you've stuck around despite Koun being an absolute dick at times. I absolutely look forward to the new year, and possibly a new Koun for the brothers to interact with. He's softening...definitely.

@pastelfates - Verius my love, you've stuck with me for so long now, I don't exactly know what to do without you. This year was hard on me, and some of the things you did to help me, and cheer me up mean the world to me. I can't explain how much these things helped me, boosted my mood when I was in really dark places. I know you probably thought they were very little things....but to me, they meant the world. Eventually I'll figure out a way to repay you for all you've done for me....eventually.

@morifactory - In the same vein as Verius, Lena you've really been there in the background, silently supporting me. Earlier this year was...hectic. In all the wrong ways, and I'm glad that we've managed to go past it. I do plan on attempting to rp with more of your characters, (you just have so many I don't know where to start aaaaaaaaaAAAAA) but I look forward to this new year with you, and know that if you ever need anything, you can always count on me.

@loversquiver - Yukari my dear, though you aren't on tumblr much anymore, we definitely continue stuff OOC on discord. You're constantly checking in on me, making sure I'm okay. This means so much to me, and I really can't wait to see what the new year brings for these two dorks!

@taleswritten - Jay, I know we don't write nearly as much, but what we do, I absolutely love. I love that we communicate OOC, and you haven't been run off by my open-ness. This coming year I am gonna try to reach out to people more, you included, but I loved meeting you this year.

The people above are those who have stood out to me, made continous efforts, or have been with me for a long time. They mean a lot to me, and I can't wait to continue our stories together.

New friends that I've made just this year and can't wait to make more memories together!: @sootbled/@sootborn, @ama-tcra-su, @bonescribes, @thalassancharm, @talesofourworlds, @hxroic-wxlls

Good friends that I love to see on my dash! We might not have interacted much this year but hopefully next year! @juwul, @alm1ghtysea, @serenitasmusas, @miraiconnection, @ad-simul

If you're not on the list above, please don't fret. I likely just missed you! I do interact with a decent amount of people, and if we haven't interacted in a while, then it's likely i missed you. I appreciate every single one of my followers, and those who interact with me!

Moving into 2024

My plans for this next year....are a lot. For this blog, for tumblr in general, for my life.

This blog won't change much. I do want to reach out to more people, write more in general. I enjoy writing, I do! I just have to take breaks every few months to recharge so that I don't completely get burnt out on it. Koun is my second longest character to stay with me (the first is Erika for those of you who remember the cute little cupcake.). I do want to write more in general. Interact with more people, Help Koun grow more.

For tumblr in general, I do plan on reopening a multimuse sideblog. Well...a few, tbh. One of them is still in the works, but @zcrosht is almost fully functional. I need to get a few more icons made, and some graphics done (if anyone's willing to help me out on graphics that'd be lovely.) and the Rules/bios up, but It's ready to rp with! It'll be my first time rping Canon characters, so it'll be interesting.

For my life goals....I want to get a bit more financially stable. I'm going from only spending 250 a month on rent to 450-500, and despite the promotion it's still a bit difficult. I'll need to figure out how to boost that up without finding a new job (because I like my job now and I need to get supervisor experience so when I do go into a new job i can go in as a supervisor to get more money than grunt work.). It's going to be a learning curve....but I think I can handle it. I've made it this far.....I can keep going. I also plan on changing my diet and working to get a bit fitter.....I'm too close to 200lbs and I don't like it. (I look tiny though I do not know where all this weight is how the hell does this work--). I also need to go to the doctor for some health related issues that I need to get addressed. (mainly sleep and possibly ADHD meds....who knows.)

In general....I'm the happiest I've been in years. I'm the calmest I've been in years. The changes that happened in 2023...I think were for the better. Once I get all the kinks figured out.....I'll be good. It's a new chapter, and i think....I think it's a good one.

[canirove]

I don’t like you, Mason Mount | Chapter 8

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

"Ok, Lola. Are you ready for your present?"

"Yes!"

"The first part is here" I say, giving her a tablet.

"What do I do?"

"Just press play."

"Hello Lola, Merry Christmas!"

"Oh my God, it's Mason!" she screams.

"I hope you are enjoying the holidays with your family, give them all a hug from me. To your untie too" he says with a wink. "Anyway, I've heard that you now have a new favourite player, that I don't own that honour anymore. But I am not mad, don't worry."

"How does he..."

"Keep watching" I tell her.

"I still think I'm better than him, but hey" Mason shrugs. "You should know that he feels very lucky to be your favourite player now, but what if he tells you himself? Dec, come here!"

"Hello mate. And hello Lola, Merry Christmas" Declan says, showing up next to Mason. "Hope you are good."

"She's having a heart attack" my dad laughs.

"Thank you for choosing me as your favourite player, I hope I don't disappoint you."

"Nah, you won't" Mason says.

"Thanks bro" Declan chuckles. "So, we have a little gift for you and your family, Lola."

"This" Mason says, showing some tickets on camera.

"We would love it if you all came to watch us play on Boxing Day, maybe even have a chat after the game" Declan says.

"No way!" Lola screams, her eyes growing wider and wider.

"And when we say the whole family, we mean all of you. You too, auntie" Mason says with a smile, making me roll my eyes. Again, because I have already watched the video. I wanted to make sure they didn't say anything stupid.

"I look forward to meeting you, Lola" Declan says.

"And Merry Christmas!" both of them say at the same time, the video ending with that.

"Auntie... Is this true? Are we going to the West Ham-Chelsea?"

"We are" I say, showing her the tickets.

"Oh my God!" she screams again, jumping at me to hug me.

"You are like the best aunt ever. Ever, ever, ever!"

"Thank you, Lola. But if you keep squeezing me like that, I won't be the best aunt for too long" I chuckle.

"Sorry, sorry. Are you coming too?"

"I am. And I am wearing my Mount shirt. If I can find it."

"You'll wear Mason's, and I'll wear Declan's! We'll be matching! Isn't that perfect, mum?"

"It is, darling" she says, looking at me and trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"I can't believe you kept all this from me, you little bitch!" Monica says, hitting my arm.

"Ouch!"

"You deserve it! I thought that after everything you went through over the summer, you would share something like this with me! Like, you freaking met again, and it actually was a coincidence!"

"I know."

"And things weren't weird! You behaved normal!"

"We did" I say.

"Urgh, Dani! You know what this means, right? You are getting a second chance! This is what I told you! If destiny brings you back together, it's because you belong together!"

"Aren't you getting a bit too excited?"

"Maybe I am, yes. But I am just so happy for you! This was the reason why you had that little smile these past days!"

"What?"

"You probably haven't noticed, but I have. I know you better than yourself, remember?"

"I just... Ok. Yes. Maybe since we met again, I feel like this weight on my chest has lifted."

"Ah!" Monica says, hugging me just like Lola did.

"I would like to be able to go to that match. Can you please let go?"

"Yes, yes, sorry. I can't wait to see you with his shirt. Imagine if he scores and dedicates you the goal!"

"He has a girlfriend." One with whom he may be having trouble judging by the way his face changed at the bookstore when I mentioned her, but his girlfriend still.

"He has. But he also has feelings for you. He wouldn't have gotten us those tickets and recorded that video if he didn't."

"You think?"

"Yes, I do. Now let's go find that shirt, God knows where you put it. It will definitely need a good ironing."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Lola, darling. Breathe” my sister chuckles.

“Yes, yes, sorry. I just can’t believe I am meeting you!” she says to Declan. After the game, they did as promise and met us to have a chat. Though so far, only Declan and Lola are talking.

“Would you like me to sign your shirt?” Declan asks her.

“I would love that! Do we have a pen?”

“I don’t. Dani?” Monica asks me.

“Nope.”

“It’s ok, I’m sure someone has one in the changing room. Why don’t you guys come with me? I can give you a little tour” Declan offers.

“Yes! Can we, mum?”

“Of course. Dad?”

“That would be nice. Daniela?” he asks me.

“I…”

“I think she should wait here with Mason” Declan says. “Someone has to stay with him, I don’t want him to get lost.”

“I’m not a child, Dec” he replies, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, but do you remember what happened the last time you came? You got lost. I trust Daniela, I’m sure she can take care of you. Shall we, guys?”

“Wait, what?” I say. But before I can properly protest, they all are gone and it is just Mason and I standing in the middle of a corridor.

“He did that on purpose.”

“You think?” I say, rolling my eyes. “Do you at least know where the exit is? We can wait for them outside.”

“It is freezing cold outside. Why don’t we wait at the bar?”

“Ok, fine.”

“My shirt looks really nice on you” Mason says after walking in silence for a couple of minutes.

“Thank you” I reply, looking anywhere but at him. “Are you sure you know where we are going?”

“Yeah, we are… shit” he says when we make it to an emergency exit.

“Dear God, Mason. We are lost.”

“No, we are not. We are just a bit…”

“Lost?” I chuckle.

“We’ll find our way back, don’t worry. We just have to follow the same route but backwards.”

“Do you remember it?”

“I…”

“We are lost. They are going to close the stadium with us inside.”

“Nah, Dec and your family would not allow that.”

“What? After setting us up? C’mon, Mason. You aren’t that stupid.”

“Wait, did you just compliment me?” he asks with a cheeky smile.

“Don’t get used to it.”

“And was that a smile? Oh, my God. It’s a late Christmas miracle!”

“Shut up!” I say, hitting his arm.

“She’s mean and she’s violent. Wow.”

“This is nothing compared with what I can do. Besides basketball, I also did some karate when I was a kid.”

“Did you?” he says with a smile that makes his dimple pop, making me want to kiss it. Wait, what? “You are staring.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are staring. At my mouth. Do you want to kiss me?” he says, taking a step closer.

“I wasn’t staring at your mouth, I was just looking at your cheek. And why would I want to kiss you?”

“I don’t know” he shrugs, taking another step forward and getting closer to me. “Maybe you were thinking about my car in Portugal.”

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

“Yeah, sure. Then why are you blushing?”

“I am not blushing.”

“Yes, you are Daniela. Your cheeks,” he says, touching my face and making my heart skip a bit “are as red as United’s shirt.”

“They are not” I whisper.

“I want to kiss you” he says, his face very close to mine while his thumb caresses my cheek.

“And I don’t want you to kiss me.”

“Because you want to kiss me?”

“I don’t kiss people I don’t like.”

“Sure” he says, his lips brushing against mine.

“Mason…”

“That’s my name.”

“I…” And I’m not able to say anything else. I can’t resist it anymore, and I kiss him.

[pico-digital-studios]

Into, Across and Beyond! Scripting: Home or Hero?

In One More Hero Chapter 1, after OMT!Tails, CR!Sonic and Nine got their transport vehicle sorted out, they began their flight over New Yoke City.

Nine: So, do you have a Sonic back where you came from?

OMT!Tails: Well, I did.

Nine: What happened?

OMT!Tails: Some supernatural monster tried to ravage my home, and Sonic sacrificed his life to destroy it. I know everyone else has been able to move on, but it's been near-impossible for me to maintain the promise I gave him. *sigh* Guess I just suck at moving on, I suppose…

Nine: I'm sure he'd be proud of how far you're coming, Tails. I mean, you can gradually learn the steps needed to take up his mantle and keep those in your land safe. And you've got my support as well, through whatever you endure from here on out.

OMT!Tails: Thanks, Nine. That really means a lot coming from you.

Nine: Anytime!

CR!Sonic: Alright. Next stop-! Hey.

CR!Sonic had noticed a hedgehog figure standing on the ground in one area of New Yoke.

CR!Sonic: Is that-? Oh, boy! Tails, slow down, quick!

OMT!Tails: Huh? What’s up?

CR!Sonic: STOP THE SHIP!

OMT!Tails: Okay, okay! Hang on!

Tails did so, landing it as the three hopped out.

Nine: What’s up, Sonic?

CR!Sonic: If it isn’t bleedy eyes himself! Haven’t seen you since Corrupt and stuff.

The figure, Exegod, turned back to CR!Sonic in response.

Exegod: Oh, Sonic. Never thought we’d cross paths again.

Nine stepped in front of Tails to protect him, mainly due to the latter having not yet gotten over seeing an evil Sonic.

Exegod: Still shaken from whatever ordeal took hold of your dimension, huh?

OMT!Tails: Yeah...

Exegod: Hey, it's alright, kid. My killing days are long behind me.

CR!Sonic: So, what brought you into this Shatterspace?

Exegod: I felt there was a lot of unusual activity going on and tried to cross through here, but I guess we crossed paths sooner than I had anticipated.

CR!Sonic: So you experienced those weird portals too, huh?

OMT!Tails: I... think I know what really caused the issue.

Nine: Huh?

OMT!Tails: Back in my dimension, me and the local hero there uncovered an interdimensional energiser in an old and abandoned Death Egg.

Flashbacks are shown to the sequence.

OMT!Tails: I felt an urge to figure it out, though during the fight, the energiser fired up proper, and Detective Ghost was caught in the beam. We both managed to escape, though I've now got the responsibility of the world on my shoulders, since I need to be the one to shut it down.

Back in the present...

CR!Sonic: Oh, NOW you tell me how I got in your dimension proper?

OMT!Tails: I could've explained it to you before you went and ran off ahead of me before.

CR!Sonic: I ain't one for long talks, though, kid. You know who I am, right?

Exegod: He does have a point, though. Don't you remember? With great power always comes great-.

CR!Sonic angrily pushed Exegod back.

CR!Sonic: Don't you dare finish that sentence... Just don't do it. I'm sick of it.

Nine: Sonic, cool it! What do you even plan to do?

CR!Sonic: Well, go back there, and when it runs again, I'll just jump in and get back to my life-.

Exegod: Doing what? Wasting away on chilli dogs whilst lamenting about breaking your Sally's heart?

CR!Sonic: ...How the hell did you know that?

OMT!Tails: Look! We can't let the guy behind it run it! I'm supposed to destroy it so that it never runs again, or everyone's gonna die-!

CR!Sonic: (mockingly) -or everyone's gonna die! (normal) That's what they always say. BUT! There's always a little bit of time before the end of the world, and that's when I do my best work!

OMT!Tails: Before we head back... Aren't you gonna be needing this?

OMT!Tails pulled out the little device Kaede had passed to him before.

CR!Sonic: Ah, you have a goober! Give it.

He tried to take it, though OMT!Tails just flipped his back to Sonic with some cute pouting.

OMT!Tails: Not so fast! Kaede called it an override key.

CR!Sonic: There's always a bypass key, a virus key, a who-cares key I can never remember. Since I don't have my Tails available for this, I just call these things goobers for consistency. Hand it over!

OMT!Tails: I need it to destroy the energiser!

CR!Sonic: I need it to go home!

Tails quickly put it in his mouth, glaring at Sonic.

OMT!Tails (muffled): No! I'll swallow it if I have to. Don't try this on me!

CR!Sonic: What was that?

He walked slightly ahead, knowing he would provoke a response.

OMT!Tails: I said-!

And he quickly swiped the device right out of Tails's mouth.

OMT!Tails: Hey!

CR!Sonic: The energiser created a portal that brought me into your dimension before, so I have to g-. ... Did you break this?

OMT!Tails (sweating): Oh, no... It must've broke in the middle of that crazy chase away from the SIGU.

CR!Sonic: *sigh* This is why I never had kids. This is why I never did that!

Nine: We got my workshop, haven't we? Can't we make another one?

CR!Sonic: No, Nine. We can't do anything! Thanks to the whole thing back at Tails's world, I have to re-steal what his girl stole from that Death Egg and make another one of these.

OMT!Tails: Okay, look, Sonic! If I don't turn off the energiser after you leave, everyone on my South Island, Knuckles, Amy, my little sister, my aunts, my uncle, my big sister-in-law, and millions of others are going to die! And you're just gonna trail right back into a crummy apartment without making meaningful changes and leave ME to figure it out all on my own?! Are you seriously good with that, Sonic?

CR!Sonic: ...yeah? *sigh* I'm gonna take a small walk. Call me when you're ready to cruise off again.

He walked off.

Exegod: Urgh, come ON, Maurice! This isn't the blue blur I once knew!

CR!Sonic: Yeah, and he ain't comin' back!

Exegod followed him as OMT!Tails sighed in frustration.

OMT!Tails: How come I'm now stuck with the angsty, older, broke Sonic?!

He punched a nearby girder to vent out his anger, only to look in surprise when the punch actually knocked it out of shape a bit.

OMT!Tails (surprised): Oh. That's new.

Nine: *sigh* Yeah. That Sonic's not been in the best state, even when I first met him last week. I'm sure there's still good in him deep down. It's just that it's currently buried deep under a lot of trauma.

OMT!Tails: Yeah, I get that. When we're on the move again, I'll try to see if we can awaken that in him again.

Nine: Heh, good call.

Nine got to sorting out the engine for multiversal travel while OMT!Tails waited for CR!Sonic to let off his steam.

[acourtofthought]

What would be your reaction if SJM said the next book was by Elain and Azriel?

It is...

What would be your reaction if she announced that the next book was Elain and Lucien?

(What kind of reactions would you have in these hypotheses).

If Elain and Az were endgame and announced as being next I would first apologize for what was clearly my misinterpretation of the books before it 😂

And I would probably like the book. I like every trope and I have loved every SJM pairing she's given us. I was excited for the continuation of Feyre and Tamlins story in book 2 only to ADORE Feysand. I really liked the idea of Dorian and Celeana, loved Celaena and Chaol but definitely understand why they weren't meant to be. Nesta is not one of my favorite characters however I do like she and Cassian together. I mean, I did like the thought of E/riel at one point so it's not like I don't see the appeal. I just began to notice things that I missed the first time around and my opinion changed after I started deep diving into the books but that's ONLY because it's what I think the author has been telling us and that's only because I began to really pay attention to how she has written in the past. But that doesn't mean if SJM turns around and says, "nope! E/riel is who I want!" I'm going to boycott her. If that's who she wants then I will allow her to lead me along in her vision. I'm not the one writing these characters so if she says, "E/riel is endgame and this is how I'm going to make that happen" then I'm going along with it because that's the story she's telling.

If that happens though, I would like for Elain to call out Az for a few things. I hope that things I consider "wrongs" between them are acknowledged moving forward, that she finds out he didn't support her searching for the trove and gives him hell, that he was interested in her for the wrong reason (three brothers / three sisters).

I would be sad over the missed Elucien opportunity. With Lucien and Elain, I do think SJM has a chance to give us a story that feels new and fresh, something different than we've ever seen from any of her other characters. Not only because their personalities are so different than others she's written about but because we've never gotten the POV from a character who has known with certainty that they have a mating bond with someone else. But again, if SJM wants E/riel than I believe in her ability to have it all make sense by the end.

If she announced Elucien, I might momentarily pass out 😂

I hate desperately wanting things, it's a very consuming feeling for me. As a result, I hate the feeling of disappointment, it's very soul crushing, so I try to be happy and content and accept things as they are. Which on one hand is a good thing (I think) but on the other hand, I could see how I might come off as complacent at times because of it. Like, maybe I could be doing so much more with my life but rather than pushing and failing, I live in a happy bubble where the stakes aren't too high.

With that said, part of me hates that I would really love to see Elucien happen because I know it's just a book and I know that it's not going to be anything that truly matters regardless of who is endgame and I wish I wouldn't have gotten so obsessed with the series because I hate knowing I might now be disappointed (this is why I like series AFTER they're complete and I can search for spoilers to better prepare myself) 😂. And I've put a lot of time into writing posts on my blog and I've spent a lot of time interacting with those in the fandom so if I'm wrong, that's a long way to fall😂. It doesn't help knowing that I now have people online who hate me and would love for me to be wrong.

So if Elucien is endgame, I think my heart will momentarily stop and I can't imagine how euphoric it will feel to not only know that I'd be getting to read an entire book about two of my favorite characters but also that I actually figured something out 😂. That I was able to pick up the authors hints and that I don't lack reading comprehension, that I'm not misogynistic for shipping Elucien, that I'm not "delusional". It's not that I believe any of those things however, I can't pretend like it's fun reading them.

At this point, I think we're probably all ready for news, regardless if it's the news we want to hear or not. I personally don't think she's been building E/riel as endgame since book 2 however I know E/riels do. And Elucien did become mates in book 2 but we still don't know what they'll do about their bond. That means both sides of the fandom have been waiting for answers since as far back as 2016 and that is a looooong time.

[morroodle]

Towards the end of day 4 of top surgery recovery and figured I'd share how it's going. Idk if this can help anyone else but its at least going to help me. Prepare for out of order chaos

The pain isn't too bad! Like yea it hurts but I got used to it and I can take pain meds to help

Getting out of bed is a pain in the ass though. Going from laying down to sitting up is HARD (it's definitely not because I have no abs)

Speaking of pain: the drains. They don't hurt by themselves but when I shift wrong and they tug? Not fun. Not sure how to explain it but pinching isn't inaccurate

Drain fluid. Does not smell good. It's not a very strong smell and you get used to it pretty fast but it's still not fun

I also. Do not smell good. God I can't wait to shower

My mom spilled the drain fluid on me. Twice. Ew.

It's fuckn ITCHY. Always just below where I can reach through the bandages. I am going to kill someone.

Other itches are annoying too. They may not be covered by bandages but with such limited mobility it's annoying. I got a back scratcher but those don't help much when you can barely move your arms

I've probably been moving more than I'm supposed to

Love it when I move wrong and suddenly there's pain and a very suspicious warm feeling and I can't check to see what's wrong because of the bandages

Bendy straw my beloved <333 the $20 ninjago cup I got from legoland is finally making itself worth it

The first day I was incredibly nauseous. I could barely sit up for a few minutes, much less stand. Made eating dinner... not easy.

Day 2 I was feeling great! Even touched some grass!

Day 3 morning: nearly threw up when changing my shirt. I didn't but oh god it was not fun. I've never been nauseous like that before, I was hot inside but my skin was cold and my mom said the color very literally drained from my face. Made me stuck in a chair for like 20 minutes until I could stomach going back to bed.

I'm fine now (probably)

I've been enjoying being taken care of. I'm lucky enough to have a very good support system and I appreciate it. I also appreciate always getting my pic of food >:D

God I want a hug. I'm gonna get so squished once I'm healed and I fully accept my fate

Mentioning again my hatred for the drains. I was very scared of them going into this, I didn't like the idea of having tubes both in and out of my body. I don't really care about that now, I don't see it and I've gotten used to it, but god they are so annoying

I'm not nearly as tired as I was expecting! Sure I'm a bit sleeper than normal but it's really not that bad.

I'm bored

I wanna draw ;-; I havent had motivation or ideas for weeks but the moment it becomes inconvenient? Release the floodgates!

I haven't actually noticed the lack of boobs much yet. Maybe it's because they're still bandaged and I can't see or maybe it's because I live in my mastectomy pillow but I haven't really had a rush of emotions yet

It's kinda weird. I was expecting to feel so much but everything so far just feels so... normal? It's not normal but I've gotten used to it. Its like I'm waiting for my emotions to catch up

That being said there is one thing I've noticed and definitely felt things about. I had a pretty big chest and there used to be quite a dip between them and now there's just... nothing. It's flat. I'm sure this is just a fraction of what I'll feel when I get the bandages off for the first time but this tiny bit that I can see and feel right now is... wow. It's weird. God I can't wait for the rest of it

That's all I can think of for now, I'll keep yall updated on how things go from here and hopefully this can help someone! I know most of this has been complaining but I am not trying to discourage anyone from this, I've just only experienced the bad parts so far. I'm sure I'll make a similar post listing all the positives once I get there but for now things aren't very fun

[x3kristax3]

Eternal Love -Chapter 6

It's been a few months now since I've seen Jake. My heart hurts less when I do think of him or when Hannah and Lilly mention him by mistake. I guess he's been in contact with them. That thought brings a smile to my face as that means even while on the run he's trying to be their brother. Jessy and I have been having girl nights which are just full of horror movies, junk food, and laughing. But hey, they say laughter is the best medicine, right?

Dan and I ever since that night in the bar have gotten really close and tonight he's over here for some movies and popcorn. He had put on a movie as I was making it. I walk into the living room with the bowl, and I find myself smiling at him. Not the way I used to but I find myself wondering why this man is still single. He loves hard for those he cares about and will do anything to protect them. I've seen this side of him way more than anyone else I feel.

He looks over and catches me smiling "hey boo, don't let that popcorn get cold" he laughs.

I can't help but laugh with him and I throw a piece of popcorn and he catches it and realizes it's still hot. His face makes me laugh harder as I sit down next to him, maybe a little closer than I should but something is drawing me to him.

We enjoy the movie eating popcorn and laughing at the funny scenes. There's a few spots that make me jump and I hear his laugh at me.

The movie ends and we both go to grab the remote to put something on and our hands touch. This is different from other times. I find myself looking into his brown eyes. I never noticed the hint of gold and different browns in them before. I notice he recently cleaned up his beard and his hair is let down which frames his face.

I find myself leaning in towards him but I notice he is too and our lips touch. I feel his soft lips on mine and I feel my body melting. Everything over these past few months with him just makes sense at this moment. How have I never noticed him like this before?

We pull away and I see a look on his face. It's one of uncertainty. "I'm sorry if that went to face. '' His voice feels distant as I'm still thinking about that kiss. 

I shake my head "no we both leaned in Dan. Maybe we should give us a shot?" I ask, biting my lip.

The nerves as she stares at me makes it feel forever but in reality it's only seconds before his lips crash back onto mine this time more demanding and I give in to him as I feel his hand on the back of my neck. 

I reluctantly pull away from the kiss and looking into eyes I see the love in his eyes. They aren't like I'm used to but dang he knows how to make me feel good at least in this moment.

"Maybe we should take it slow and not tell anyone just yet" he states cupping my face.

"Yeah, I agree let's see where this goes before we tell the gang. Even though they are going to figure it out fast." I say with a chuckle.

He chuckles as well at that, "you're so right. They might have figured out something already." He stands up. He leans down and kisses me softly and quickly. "But I should go boo. Work in the morning and don't want to mess this job up" he smiles.

"Goodnight Dan. Drive safe" I say following him to the front door and watch him get in his car.

—----------------------

It's been a few weeks, Dan and I are keeping things quiet but everyone is starting to figure it out. We're all heading to the Aurora tonight as there is live music. We figured tonight is the night to finally tell everyone officially. Dan had picked me up and are now standing outside the Aurora, we know everyone else is inside already. He grabs my hand and looks me in the eyes and then kisses my forehead. 

I would have never imagined Dan to be like this in a relationship and I love it. He's not afraid to show the world I'm his but there's always a thought in the back of my head of doubt. 

What if Jake comes back and is free? Can I really stay away from him?

I shake my head out to get back to the moment. No, I can't think that way not now. I've done so well moving on from him that I can't let what if's ruin a good thing that is building.

We head inside hand in hand and walk up to the table. Of course my red headed best friend is the first one to notice us holding hands.

"I KNEW IT!" Jessy exclaims hugging Dan and I

"I think we all did at this point" laughs Lilly.

"Oh shush we're happy" I say looking at Dan.

"MC do you have a moment?" Asks Hannah.

"Yeah lets go get a drink, I need one" I say with a smile as I let go of Dan's hand.

Her and I walk up to the bar and I order my drink. "What about Jake?" She asks.

"I've moved on like he told me to Hannah." I sigh as I wait for my drink.

"But what if…." She starts to say

"No, what if Hannah. He's the one who pushed me away. I'm finally healing and happy. Dan isn't a rebound like Phil was. I promise you that. Will your brother always hold a spot in my heart? Hell yes…. I still believe he's my soulmate but obviously it wasn't meant to be." I see my drink show up and I grab it.

Hannah grabs my hand. "I just don't want to see Dan or you hurt. I know what he did was wrong but I will tell you, he asks about you when we talk. It's the first thing he types every single time." She sighs.

I look into her blue eyes, they are just like Jakes. "I can't say down the road I won't forgive him but right now I can't let him or the thought of him back into my life. I'm healing and happy with where things are. I need you and Lilly to accept that him and I might not be the end game like everyone thought." I walk away from Hannah back to the table.

Dan instantly realizes something is wrong and holds me tight not wanting to ask what we talked about. He's protective of me for certain but he won't push me too far when I don't want to talk about something.

We enjoy the night. I do notice Hannah on her phone a little more often texting and it's noone in the group so I know who she is. She's telling him everything I said.

[authorautumnbanks]

A Thousand Days With You (7)

Series Master List

"Good morning, Kagome! Your tits look awesome today," Satoru chimes, lifting one hand in greeting. His other hand cradles the other cup of coffee he picked up on his way to work. He may or may not have gotten Kagome's favorite latte out of Tsumiki.

"What?" Kagome's brows furrow. She blinks at him. Her long dark hair curls at the end. One strand teases the skin he so desperately wants to run his tongue between. That green dress has him green with envy. He'd love to be on her so snug that she wouldn't be able to tell where their bodies end. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

Shit.

He didn't mean to say that out loud.

"Your armpits! Spectacular. Never seen such fine looking armpits in my life." He forces out a laugh.

Kagome lifts her arm. "Uh.. thanks? I tried waxing instead of shaving."

"What else is shaved?"

"Huh?"

"What else needs saving?"

"I'm not sure. Yaga is letting me ease into the role while they figure out where they want me and I went ahead and gave the school a month's notice so they can find a replacement." She looks past him. "How are you doing, Shoko?"

"Me? Oh, I'm doing great on this amazing, entertaining Saturday."

Satoru rolls his eyes, thankful for the indestructible blindfold Kagome gave him. She practically proposed to him. "I got this for you," he says, taking a step forward, blocking Kagome's view of Shoko.

Kagome smiles, and his heart punches him in the throat.

He knew it. This blindfold was an indirect way of confessing her feelings for him. Her fingertips brush against his and the electric current sends shockwaves throughout his body from his head to his toes. The touch is brief.

Too brief.

And he can't think of any reason for her to keep touching him.

"Where's my coffee?" Shoko asks.

Satoru looks over his shoulder. "I only have two hands, Shoko."

Seriously, since when does Shoko want him to bring her coffee? The woman survives off of cigs and the pot of coffee she keeps in her office.

"That's crazy. It's like there is this neat invention that allows you to carry multiple drinks." Shoko sighs. "Kagome, if you aren't doing much, I wouldn't mind help in the lab."

"Of course," Kagome says, moving around him. She smells like vanilla. He inhales. His lungs expand and he can't get enough of her scent.

"Wait!" His outbursts startles him, but he carries on. "You can't help in the lab dressed like that."

"What's wrong with my outfit?" Kagome clutches the drink to her chest. The v-cut is far too generous. Helping in the lab means helping wounded sorcerers who will look up at her breasts and... Satoru grits his teeth, willing the imagery away.

"Your dress is far too nice to be getting blood on it. And the lab is cold. So cold. As a fellow teacher, you should join me today. I've got lots to show you."

Shoko snorts.

What a traitor.

Kagome presses her lips together. "There should be lab coats."

"Please go with this man before he combusts."

Kagome's eyes widen. "Combust? Satoru, why didn't you say it was that bad? Come on, we can go to my office. I think Yaga said it was close to yours."

Satoru's throat is dry. Her office? "Not enough privacy," he says weakly. Is he developing an addiction? "I can make it until tonight. Where did you want to get dinner?"

He swallows. He has a mission tonight, but he could do it afterward. Satoru would do it before, but he can't afford to be late to their date.

Shoko coughs out a laugh. She wipes at her eyes. "I think those massages affect Satoru differently. I'm still doing great."

"I'm glad you are doing okay," Kagome says. "I'm not sure why they aren't as effective on Satoru. But I can't do dinner tonight. We can do it before."

Do it before?

He shakes his head. "Another date?" She said she had no more dates this week. What is this betrayal? After everything they've shared? And she's going to go on a date with a normie? "I thought we had plans."

Kagome raises the coffee to her soft pink lips.

Damn. He can't stay mad at her.

"I'm going out with the girls after." Kagome wets her lips. Her eyes seem to sparkle when she looks at the coffee in her hand. Based on her reaction, Tsumiki told him the truth. "Shoko, did you want to come out with me?"

WHAT?

She's inviting Shoko and not him?

"Really? Why, Kagome, I would love to. No one invites me out to have fun." Shoko smiles, but it's all wrong.

Shoko is fucking with him.

"If you're going to be drinking, then you'll need a chaperone or a driver."

"Chaperone? We aren't teenagers."

Satoru ignores that comment. Clearly, Shoko has gone to the dark side. So much for friends sticking together. She gets one energy massage, and she changes up on him in the blink of an eye.

"I appreciate it, but you'd probably scare the guys away," Kagome quips.

His mind screeches to a halt. Scare the guys away? So, she's planning on meeting someone?

"Oh, are you going to take someone home?" Shoko asks conversationally, but her eyes slide over to him, and he can see the joy radiating off her in waves.

Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.

Kagome shrugs. "Maybe. The girls are always getting on my case. But you'll like them. Eri and Yuka are a bit outspoken, but Ayumi is like the mother of the group."

Satoru gnashes his teeth. She plans to give him an energy massage, get him riled up, and then send him on his way so she can go out and dance on some other guy? And she plans to take one home? Does she not see him standing right here, ready, and more than willing?

"My mission!" He yells, startling Shoko and Kagome. "Uh...it's a doozy. I might need help. You know it's a special grade one and there aren't any other special grade sorcerers nearby."

Shoko rolls her eyes.

Kagome's brows furrow together as her lips press together. "I guess I could help you before and then go."

"He doesn't need any help."

"Yes, I do. Everyone needs help."

"Since when do you need help?"

"It's okay, Shoko. The massages may have loosened something in him. I'm not sure why they aren't as effective on him." Kagome frowns. "Or you just need more of them compared to everyone else. But I'd hate for something to go wrong because he's all twisted up." She takes another sip of her coffee and hums.

His cock twitches at the sound.

She loosened something all right. All his damn self-control.

A phone rings and Shoko's entire demeanor changes.

Shit. Did someone die?

"It's Nanami and Ino," Shoko says, sliding her phone back in her pocket. They're both injured and need help.

"I'll come too," Kagome says, already trailing behind Shoko.

Satoru clucks his tongue and slides a hand down his face. Why does she have to go? Shoko has been healing everyone just fine. Shoko doesn't need help. And it's not like they are life-threatening injuries.

A headache blooms between his brows.

There better be an oversized lab coat in there.

"Satoru, you don't have to come," Kagome says.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. It would be a shame if something happened to my fellow sorcerers," he says with a sigh, while dragging his feet. "What are you wearing out? Some baggy pants?"

"The theme is red," she replies, but she directs her response to Shoko.

"So red baggy pants?"

"I don't own baggy pants. Probably a dress."

He swallows. A red dress. "Where are you guys going? Do you own any pants?"

"You sure ask a lot of unrelated questions for someone so worried about his coworkers," Shoko interjects, right as they reach her wing of Jujutsu High.

"I was trying to ease my mind, Shoko. No one likes to think about their comrades being injured."

Shoko snorts as she hands Kagome a lab coat that is nowhere near as big as it should be.

"You two sure took a hit, huh?" Shoko gestures to Kagome. "This is Higurashi Kagome. Kagome, this is Ino Takuma and this Nanami Kento."

"Ohhh, you're the new teacher," Ino gushes, fucking gushes, while holding his stomach. "Thank you for the charms. Think they're the reason we made it out." He winces, but looks at Kagome as though she hangs the stars in the sky.

Disgusting.

Nanami dips his head. "Thank you, Higurashi-san." He closes his eyes and lets out a shuddering breath.

Honestly, both of them were on the mission together. Why are they hurt? Satoru rolls his eyes. He expected better from Nanami.

Kagome wriggles her nose. "Just Kagome is fine." She sets her coffee down and moves over to Ino.

"Uh, Shoko can heal them," Satoru says, gripping his own drink tighter. Kagome hasn't even officially started yet. Why is Shoko making her do all the work?

"I'm fine with supervising," Shoko quips, crossing her arms as she watches Kagome. "Are you going to do an energy massage, too?"

"I can," Kagome says. Her hand rests on Ino's abdomen, as a pink glow emits from her hand. Satoru narrows his eyes behind his blindfold. Does she have to touch him? Can't she make a healing charm or something, so she doesn't have to place her hands on Ino?

Is that too much to ask for?

Ino wiggles his fingers and then rotates his arm. He pats his stomach and smiles.

"Better?"

"Oh yeah, I feel like I could take that curse on all over again, no problem." Ino shifts his weight to the side and then back again as though he has so much energy pent up, he doesn't know what to do with himself. "Thanks! I don't know what that was, but..."

"An energy massage is what she calls them," Shoko answers.

Kagome moves over to Nanami, who admittedly is in worse shape than Ino was.

Still, Shoko could lift a finger to heal him instead of having Kagome do all the work. This is Shoko's job, after all. He recommended for Kagome to be a teacher like him, not a healer.

Nanami peels off his jacket and leans back against the exam table. Satoru scowls. Ino didn't need to take his clothes off. Why is Nanami?

"She can heal ya through your clothes," he says, with a bit of a bite to his words, but either Nanami is used to his snark or he doesn't care, because Nanami focuses solely on Kagome.

"Let me know if it hurts," Kagome murmurs, placing her hand on Nanami's chest. She closes her eyes.

Satoru grips the cup tighter. The liquid spills from the cracks, but he doesn't feel it. Can't feel anything other than this raging headache that keeps pounding on his temple.

Nanami's face flushes pink. His breaths are haggard. "Kagome-san—"

"Just Kagome," she says, but it sounds breathless and someone should put a stop to this.

Why isn't Shoko stepping in? This is indecent.

Satoru tosses his drink in the trash, ignoring Shoko's look of annoyance at the now mess on the floor. "I think it's too much for him, Kagome." He stands behind her and looks over her shoulder at Nanami, who turns his head away.

Oh, hell no.

Satoru lifts his blindfold. Is he seeing this shit right? Is Nanami getting off on this?

"Thank you... Kagome," Nanami breathes out. He grabs his shirt and bunches it up and places it over his lap. The blonde sorcerer refuses to look Satoru in the eye, or Kagome, for that matter. There's a light sheen on his forehead as though he just ran 100 laps up and down the school steps.

"No problem, but what are you doing?"

Nanami opens his mouth, but his words come out choked. "I'm... fine."

"You don't look fine."

"He always looks like that." Satoru taps Kagome's shoulder. "C'mon on, let's leave Nanami alone. He said he's fine, and he's a man of his word." Besides, Nanami looks like he wants to be anywhere but in the lab with all of them.

"I dunno know... Nanami, are you sure you are okay?" Ino asks.

Unfortunately, it is frowned upon to knock one's coworker out, so Satoru lets out a huff of frustration instead.

"I'm fine," Nanami stresses. He swallows, and every action appears to take more and more of Nanami's control. He sucks in a breath and looks up at the ceiling.

Satoru grits his teeth. Is he really the only one seeing this shit right now?

"Did the massage hurt you?" Kagome asks, reaching out a hand, but Nanami sidesteps her and rushes out of the room. His foot slides forward and Nanami topples back. The scene would be funny on any other day, but as Nanami struggles to get up, coffee stained on the back of his pants, Satoru can't conjure up a morsel of humor about this situation.

There is nothing funny about this. No, this is bullshit.

"Ummm Nanami?" Ino calls out, but the blonde sorcerer stands up and rushes out of the room as though the fall never happened.

"... Did I offend him?"

"He's fine," Satoru says. Nah, he knows that walk and he knows how close Nanami was to blowing in front of them. "Come on, Kagome, I need more coffee since mine spilled."

"Stop hogging her," Shoko says. "And you need to clean up your mess so no one else walks in it and trips."

"Hogging? Kagome is a teacher here. We have curriculums to go over and compare." He grabs Kagome's coffee and not so subtly urges her to leave the lab before Shoko convinces her she should stay all day.

"That's true. There's a lot I still need to know about this school before coming up with a plan." She shrugs off the lab coat and hangs it up. "Shoko, if anything comes up, call me. And I'll text you the details." Kagome grabs some napkins on the counter, but he takes it from her before she can bend down.

Fine, he'll get up his own mess. Even though Shoko needs to mop the floor, anyway.

"I can't wait until tonight," Shoko says. "Here's to finding hot men tonight." She smiles.

Shoko is messing with him.

"I can't believe you'd do Ijichi like that." Satoru throws the napkins away.

"I'm not in a relationship with him."

"How cruel you are," Satoru sighs and pretends to wipe a tear.

"Are you dating Ijichi?" Kagome asks.

"Not at all. Satoru has delusions sometimes. He images things that aren't there and comes up with his own reality."

His mouth drops. Oh, she did not.

"Is it because of your eyes?" Kagome turns to him. "The blindfold should help with that, since your eyes are so sensitive."

"... Shoko? What is going on?" Ino asks.

"A train wreck. Entertainment."

"I think I need to lie down," Satoru says, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Luckily, there's a couch in my office. We should go there right now."

Kagome nods. He reaches for her hand, enjoying the warmth of her skin. She's so soft. He doesn't look back as he kicks the door close with the back of his heel.

"How long have you been like this?" she asks after a moment as they walk to his office.

"I was born with the six eyes, but I didn't start wearing blacked-out glasses and the bandages until high school."

"And it wears down your brain?"

"I repair it with my reverse curse technique, but it's not nearly as effective as your massages." He doesn't remember a time when he didn't know the feel of her energy shimmering underneath his skin.

"What about Nanami? Does he—"

"No."

"But he reacted pretty poorly to the massage. He ran out like you did."

"I didn't run away. I just remembered that I had something to take care of." He lets go of her hand and opens the door. Placing the coffee on the desk, he goes straight for the couch and stretches out. His legs hang over the sides, but it's fine. Kagome peers down at him, and his tongue is as dry as sandpaper.

"Do I need to take your mission? You aren't doing too hot."

"You think I'm hot?"

Kagome frowns. "I'm sure you get compliments all the time. I meant you being sick. There's clearly something going on with you."

"I don't get praised enough. That's my curse. If I don't hear it from your lips, I might die."

"That makes no sense." Kagome turns away from him, muttering under her breath.

Satoru slaps his forehead. Oh, come on! That was so smooth. How could she miss that?

"I'm taking your mission tonight. Ijichi has the details, right?"

Her footsteps grow faint. Satoru sits up. Why is she leaving?

"Wait! Where are you going?"

"To talk to Yaga, if he's here," Kagome replies. "You need a break. Especially with how dangerous the missions are. You can't go out on the field if you're tired. That's just an accident waiting to happen, and you guys don't seem to get any days off is not good on the body."

"I'm fine," he stresses. "But... if I got hurt, you'd nurse me back to health?"

"Satoru, I'd nurse anyone back to health." She shakes her head. "Just get some rest. We can go over the curriculum later."

"Wait!" He hops off the couch. "You know, brunch would help. There's a spot nearby."

"You should go get food then if you're hungry?"

"I mean, we should go. Together. In case I pass out." What the hell is he saying? Pass out?

Kagome presses a hand to his chest and pushes him backward. He bites his lip. Does the thought of helping him turn her on?

"You coming on to me?"

"Sit," she commands. "What's the name of the spot? I can grab you something to eat. If you pass out, there is no way I'll be able to carry you back. You're way too big."

He leans forward. "I could fit," he murmurs.

Kagome sighs. "I know you can fit, but there's no way I'd be able to get you in on my own."

"I'm a team player."

"If you're passed out?"

Satoru leans back and smacks the back of his head against the wall.

"Satoru!" Kagome grabs his face. "You should just go home."

He pouts. His shoulders slump forward. Her palms are really warm. They feel so nice. "Mhmm, could you help me home, then?"

Kagome opens her mouth right as the door slams open. The pictures on the wall shake. Panda and Maki burst into the room.

"No class today," Satoru says.

"We aren't here for you," Maki says. "Stop hogging Higurashi-sensei."

"Oh, did you guys need something?" Kagome pulls away and turns to address the students, who look far too smug.

"Gojo-sensei said you're good with barriers. Do you mind showing us?"

"Of course," Kagome quips. "Satoru, just lie down. I'll come check on you later."

"But—" The door closes. Satoru huffs. He pulls out his phone and dials Ijichi, who picks up on the second ring.

"Y-yes?"

"Get the car ready. We're going wig shopping."

***

A/N: I live! Started taking some medicine as soon as I felt off, so it hasn't been too bad. Brain is no longer blah.

Just reiterating that the reverse harem option won for this story and I want to thank everyone for voting. This story is different from the others in that it was supposed to be a one-shot, so I've just been writing off of vibes. I know not everyone is a fan of the reverse harem, so right now A Thousand Days and Wish I Could are the only reverse/poly stories. All others are Satoru and Kagome. And when I get around to that one night stand fic, that will also be Satoru and Kagome.

Wishing you all a wonderful week. If you start to feel sick, please listen to your body and give it the rest that it needs. If you haven't heard it this week, I think you are amazing. Take care of yourself. Fill your well. And try not to engage with things that suck your energy.

Haven't answered any questions in a bit:

The Higurashis have some powers in this story, not Mama H though.

'Could Kagome set up a bigger protective barrier' - She could, that's definitely a possibility and I think some people would be very interested in her and what she can do.

"Are the effects of the massage permanent or temporary" - Temporary, but how long it lasts is determined by the individual and how many they receive also plays a factor.

"Is this pre-Hakari's suspension" - Yes. I'm sure he will have a lot to say when he meets Kagome and sees how Satoru is behaving.

We will be getting some insight into the demon realm and Shippo is 100% guaranteed to troll everyone.

"Where can you read the fox story" - I'm still debating which site, but in the meantime, I'm stock piling chapters so updates will be consistent.

Next update will be Wish I Could. Here's a sneak peek:

"Kagome," Satoru calls, "Can you come do the splits on it?"

Kagome pauses. Her body leaned to the right as she stretches. "I don't know." She sighs as she stretches to the left. "I don't wanna bewitch you any further."

"That's okay, I'd gladly go under your spell."

[winters-hysteria]

Hey hello! Could you write something about M'Baku or Scott Lang, please? The reader opens up about a Black Widow and what was done to her. What would M'Baku or Scott's reaction be to this? I am curious.~

hey hello to you too!

so im not super sure what you mean by "a black widow," so i'm going to assume that reader is a black widow and shit happened to her.

(im also writing for scotty boy bc i've never written for M'Baku before lol)

so i think that scotty would definitely tear up. like, you'd be telling him stuff that happened and he's tearing up and hugging you, and trying to reassure you that he won't let anything else happen to you

a blurb example:

"hey scott? i think i'm ready, to y'know. talk about it."

the aforementioned man looked up from his phone, the game he was playing beeping and trilling. "what do you mean? like, having a kid? i don't think i want a ki-" he was cut off by your soft laughter as you shook your head.

"i can't have kids, remember?" you said, gesturing to the place where your uterus once was. "gone." you wiggled your fingers to simulate dust in the air. " i meant the widow stuff. like what happened there."

"ohhh, that. i mean, y-yeah sure we can talk about it, definitely. let's um, let's sit on the couch." he was clearly anxious but you knew it was not from being uncomfortable but not wanting to scare you away. the both of you settled on the couch, you grabbing a pillow to ground yourself as to not get lost inside your head.

he put his arm around you, further grounding you and letting you know he was there.

"while i was in that place. with nat? i remember growing up to be a, a ballerina, but sometimes those memories glitch almost- and they show differently- of me holding a gun, of being strapped down to a gurney, scalpels, blood...so much blood." a shiver ran through your body, remembering the awfullness of it all. "some girls died. a lot of them, actually. i'm surprised i made it out. i don't think i deserved to, sometimes. sometimes i wish they'd gotten out and not me. you know?" you half turned to see scott, who's eyes had grown huge and sad.

"why do you think that though? aren't you glad you got out?" he asked quietly.

"i think it's a survivor's guilt thing. like i'm happy i got out, but i'm sad they didn't. they would've loved the world now. they didn't deserve what they got."

scott noticed the look in your eyes you got when you talked about the girls. they were like your family, your home. it was sad to know they were no longer with you, seeing how much it hurt. he pulled you into a tight embrace and rested his chin on your head, breathing in your sweet scent deeply. you were confused, but relaxed into the hug- that is, until, you felt something plop onto your hair. pulling away, you saw him rapidly wiping his eyes and sniffling.

"oh, my god, babe, are you crying?" it was hard to fight the hint of laughter in your voice, and he sniffled again before pulling you back into him.

"m never gonna let anything happen to you, love. never gonna let anyone hurt you, or touch you, or take you away from me. gonna protect you forever an' ever." his hands smoothed down your back, which was shaking from laughter. "and i'm gonna- wait, are you laughing at me?" he asked.

you tried your best to act like you weren't but to no avail. he grumped at you once he figured it out, to which point you had to tackle him with kisses to get him to stop whining.

suffice to say, it benefitted the both of you to talk about it. although you did have to make a few well-placed threats to get him to stop walking on eggshells around you.

(A/N): IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK FOREVER TO GET OUT WITH SCHOOL AND STUFF.

but thanks for the ask, i had so much fun writing it! i hope you like it!!

[fraglance]

I LOVE YOU IRREVOCABLY

By: Fraglance

"I love him. And it doesn't matter

that sometimes our worlds are colored

different hues. Because when the colors

blend together, it's the most beautiful

thing I've ever seen."

── AUTHOR B. DIAZ

***

─ I'M CURIOUS.

─ ABOUT?

─ WHAT you love. What you hate.

(You're beautiful; gorgeous; breathtakingly out of this world; cute; astronomical. Everything. I take my eyes off of you try to focus on the stars above. I feel a nonexistent burn on the side of my neck, and I know you're looking. You're boring your eyes into my skin ─ only one meager example of the ways you've made permanent marks in my life.)

─ When do you think you'll end? How do you wish to spend your days, you know? Stuff like that.

─ I want to spend my days happy.

─ (Nods.) You deserve happiness.

─ Yeah. I don't care how, or with who. Just happy.

(That was an unbearable lie that donned all bold and blinding letters, and I wouldn’t be shocked if you knew. The only person I'd want to waste my days with is you; binging your favorite movies for hours on end, walking around to anywhere and everywhere to see the scenery, romancing you over candlelight, kissing in the rain, seeing you in my favorite clothes, spending all my days with you until the end. But there will be no end to us. We do not separate in death.)

─ I get it, I do, but don't you wish for more? And like, don’t you think about the future at all? The past? I believe you do. Sometimes I don't know where you go, don't know what happens in that head of yours.

(I try to bite my lip, or look at the stars, or do anything to try and ease my restless mind. But I can never seem to escape the thoughts about you.)

     ─ Nothing worthwhile. Not most of it, at least.

─ Don't say that. It just isn't true.

(Silence.)

─ I'll tell you what I love, then.

(Please love me.)

─ (Whispers.) Your eyes.

─ My eyes? They aren't really anything special, though.

─ They're the window to your soul, of course I'd love them.

(I don’t think my heart could beat faster than it did in this moment, and I find myself wondering if you could somehow tell by reading me. Or just, somehow . . . simply knowing. Like the way you can expect something to happen, or in our case, someone’s dumb heart to go in a frenzy, as that certain person’s reoccurring and very familiar butterflies flutter against their ribcage.)

─ (Blushes.) Well, uh . . . Blue suits you better than me.

─ Sure it does. Now, tell me, what's something you love?

─ The stars.

(I love you, too.)

─ Astronomy, yeah?

─ The way your moon earrings dangle, your smile, the glitter on your face. Suits you well.

─ I knew it! You're always looking.

(Silence.)

─ You're so cheesy; I love it.

     ─ You're the cheesy one.

─ Somehow I don't doubt that.

     ─ Because after all this time, you've finally figured out you can't deny the blatant truth.

─ Mmhm, sure . . . (Pause.) I love this.

     ─ This?

─ Talking about nothing under the blanket of stars. It's refreshing.

(You have a dark complexion, butter smooth skin a beautiful hue to where it brings out your sapphire eyes perfectly. It also bears a striking resemblance to a dark shade of blue, or even a variety of gemstone.)

─ (Grins.) I'd talk to you about nothing all day if I could.

─ (Melodic laugh.) Nothing and everything?

─ Yes. Nothing and everything.

(Your hair is dyed and styled in thick red strands that do nothing but help you stand out in a large crowd. Though excluding the crowd part, that’s exactly how I noticed and had my first pang of adoration as I looked at you while you were on the stage at your first ever concert ─ though nobody would suspect so with your easygoing confidence. It radiated in your smile. Your appearance, too; that was definite.)

(Silence.)

─ I think I know what I love most.

─ Yeah? What is it?

(I remember you placing the iron on the edge of the sink. I watched your every move as you’d gotten ready for a girl's night out. I remember you looking into the mirror as you pat your fluffy hair down. You grinned, so vibrantly, as you stared at your reflection for a moment or two, a stunning glimmer in your eyes. Self-love, that’s what you’d seen. What you’d found.)

─ Life. Scenery.

(A confident one, you are, and I don't blame you. There's just something about you that screams, or rather whispers, peace. Whispers safe, home, forever.)

─ And why's that?

─ (Chuckles.) Look around you, and you'll see quite easily. You'll find out in only seconds.

─ Fair. That's fair.

─ (Hums.) What about you?

(Peace, safe, home, forever.)

─ (Deep breath.) You. I live for you. You are my scenery.