#Pinnacle Method

[lotrmusical]

tell you what. i love being older than i used to be. and more transgender also

[thebirdandhersong]

I remember talking to a friend last week and saying that if I'm reading obsessively it either means I'm extremely happy or extremely in need of help. alas goodreads my good pal you have GOT to be kidding me

[keeps-ache]

standing here in my star-patterned bathrobe holding a stylus while inscribing something onto my computer. it's wizard time baby

[cyancherub]

Pls. I need a menthol aki in my life. WHERES MY MENTHOL AKI AND WHY HASNT HE SWEPT ME OFF MY FEET YWT

ANON;;SHAKES U!!!!! one day our menthol akis will come KLSFKSDFL he must be out there somewhere </333

[icthyarch]

There's this house near me with CD's strung up as decoration and with the mental concept of storing AI on the Very Big Laser Disc in recent tags this is now a torturous scene

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

idk maybe a weird ask but any advice on how to enjoy romance books without being bummed out by discourse? i know they aren’t the pinnacle of literature or anything, but the recent stuff people have been saying about romance not counting as books has been kind of discouraging. have no idea why i’m asking this, i just wanna read my silly gay romance in peace without feeling guilty i’m not reading Super High Brow Literature. currently my main method is reading out of sheer spite, but any other advise is helpful. it’s not even just online, i get this irl too.

hey man in the most respectful way possible. who gives a shit. reading is for fun and guilt is for catholics. do whatever you want forever.

[thebluester2020]

[ZZZ] "How To Recieve An A+ In Housekeeping!"

Summary: Attempting to get a job in Victorian Housekeeping Co. is a very strenuous process! One must show a wide variety of skills, good vocabulary, and excellent manners— all three were skills that you were failing at but, luckily the leader of the company had the perfect method to teach you these skills and it all starts with a program! Warning(s): Dom! Lycaon / Sub! Reader, Brat-Taming [Reader's a bit mouthy at best tbh] Spanking, Slight Edging, Cum Denial [Kinda? Lycaon encourages reader not to cum but doesn't do anything to enforce it tbh], Lycian being gentlemanly as hell. (Feel free to tell me if I missed anything!) Side Note(s): I won't say I am/am not a furry. But I will say that my taste in dudes will always favor them where they're stoic and serious but have a secret soft side. Respectfully, those types of men make me want to do the sexy splits on them.

Anyway, hope y'all enjoy this <33

"Your manners are terrible"

When those words left the wolfman's mouth sternly as you sat before him, only a desk separating the two of you, you could've sworn you felt a metaphorical anvil drop into your stomach. You had been job-hunting for a couple of weeks now, after your last gang had disbanded due to the leader getting caught up with the law. You no longer had a steady flow of cash (albeit a little illegal ) coming in!

From gang member to attempted housemaid...it was laughable. Even to you.

And clearly, the leader of the Victorian Housekeeping company thought so too from the way he looked at your resume with a strict gaze once more before resuming looking at you. You were fully expectant of another harsh sentence to slip from his sharp-toothed youth until...you heard a heavy sigh escape him.

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, the very room seeming to react to the movement by the way the single light above you two flickered. His then he huffed. "There is a way to improve to improve your manners, however, you'll be learning from me personally."

You gasped. "Really?! Thank you so much, man!"

His ear twitched at the casual "man" you threw his way. "...Sir or mister is a more proper way of speaking to your male superiors."

You cleared your throat and uttered a 'sorry'. "The program will be for three weeks. Each week will be dedicated to a specific set of manners that you are to master if you wish to join the company."

"Which are?" You responded.

"The first week will be vocabulary, communication with clients, and the correct words to address people by," As Lyacon said this, he opened a drawer on his side before pulling out a piece of paper and sliding it to you. You slowly began to read over the paper, one that seemed like a contract of sorts as the wolf continued to talk.

"The second week will simply focus on posture."

You scoffed as your eyes flicked back up to his. "Posture? Ain't that just walkin'?"

"Proper posture is harder to achieve than one may assume Ms. Y/N." He said. "The third week will be—"

The sudden clearing of his throat made him stop immediately, your face suddenly but quickly turning red as you reached a section on the paper that caught your eye.

Complete submission is expected by those who train under Von Lycaon, especially those he offers "favors" to.

"F-Favors...?"

"Favors hint towards a sexual nature, if I'm to assume that was the inquiry to your question?"

In your former gang, you had heard about Von Lycaon and the whole attitude of the white wolfman. He was a pinnacle of perfection in seemingly everything he did! There didn't seem to be a single thing he half-assed, to put it crudely, and what's more? He didn't get distracted. So...for a document to suggest that he wanted submission during sex?

You didn't know if it was shocking or expected.

"I didn't expect the Lycaon to need a document to garner sex." You said.

A rare chuckle left him. "I don't," He answered. "But everyone learns quicker and better when praise and pleasure is included, correct? This is merely a suggestion for you to learn faster. You are more than welcome to opt out of this."

"And if I accept?" Upon that question, the corners of Lycaon's mouth curled up slightly as he slowly leaned in until you could just barely feel his breath.

"Then you will learn fast. On my honor, I promise you."

You should've said no to this optional part of the program. All you needed was a job and Lycaon made it clear that there was a sexless version of the program where you'd simply learn the old-fashioned way! No pleasure or sex included but...as your eyes steadily trailed over the thiren, you couldn't deny he was a handsome individual. It wouldn't be unpleasant in the slightest to have benefits while completing your training under him. And as you steadily came to that conclusion, your thighs beginning to clench underneath the desk.

The thiren briefly sniffed at the air before he closed his eyes and exhaled. He was as still as a statue for a brief moment before he cleared his throat and offered you a pen from his breast pocket.

"I didn't give you an official answer—"

"Your scent gave me a suggestion." His raspy voice in combination with the sudden feral look in his eyes...you all too quickly shooed away any doubts you may have had before you began to sign away on the line at the bottom of the paper. And once you did, sliding the paper gently back to the wolf, he read over it briefly before he folded it neatly and placed it back into a drawer.

"We shall begin Monday," Lycaon said. "Please be prompt and on-time, I don't tolerate tardiness."

"Yeah, yeah." You scoffed.

And thus, your training as a potential housemaid for the Victorian Housekeeping Company has officially begun.

. . .

| Week One |

You had slept in, you had forgotten to set a timer over the weekend, too engrossed with the fact that you had basically agreed to have sex with Lycaon during your three-week training! The second you arrived home, it was a struggle to not touch yourself to the thought of what he looked like underneath his kept-together appearance.

You imagined he'd be soft to the touch judging by how much fur he had.

Would he be firm with his gaze, demanding you to be perfect even in the heat of the moment? Or would be he gentle and accommodating with you?

No matter how much your body cried out for you to indulge yourself a little, you saved it until you experienced it for yourself.

But right now, as your head was bowed down in apology to the wolfman for making him wait over forty minutes to your first day. You had a strong feeling you wouldn't be experiencing anything pleasurable today. "Once again dude, I am SO sorry!" You said.

"I forgot to set a timer, then I wanted to stop and get some breakfast along the way—"

"Stop," He snapped his jaws with a growl seeming to bubble just underneath the surface, the sight of his fangs making you shudder out of fear and...the slightest hint of excitement.

"First appearances are important, the most important out of any interaction and you sullied it on your first day of training? How do you expect to work for the company with such a flippant attitude?"

"I said sorry—"

"Sorry does not cut it Ms. Y/N. Excusing being a minute or two late is another matter but forty? Punishment is the only fitting way to solve such blatant disregard for other people's time." At those chilling words, Lycaon took a single step toward you before he took your chin into his hand, his eyes scanning over your nervous form with a critical gaze before he eventually sighed.

"I have a punishment in mind, please see to it that you are undressed in my office within' five minutes, and be on time."

Your eyes widened to the size of saucers before you huffed defiantly. "I'm not doing that!" You yelled.

His ear flicked, to him? You sounded like an impudent child, screaming and doing anything to get out of being scolded by their parent. "No?" He tilted his head.

"No!"

A wolfish smirk crept onto his face. "Every minute you stand here is an additional minute to your punishment Ms. Y/N. Do take care to remember that."

And so, there you stood.

| + | + | + |

You wouldn't be able to claim that he wasn't patient for the entire duration you had a fit about being punished on the first day of training. For about ten whole minutes, you stood there staring at the thiren until you eventually got bored and decided that "your punishment wouldn't be that bad" and simply went to his office!

You sat on a black couch and waited and when Lycaon came in?

The way he so quickly got his hands on you felt like you were being thrown around by an uncouth beast, a complete switch from the gentlemanly wolf you were talking to just a few minutes ago.

Slap! "Count." He ordered.

"O-One—Ah!"

He tutted his lips with a shake of his head as his hand slapped against your ass again, your maid uniform tugged up to your midsection as he pinned your hands down with his free hand. "Proper communication is most effective when you're speaking clearly Ms. Y/N...also, it's "one, sir"."

Another slap against your red behind rang out in the air, your body jerking forward a little at the movement. "At this rate, you'll never reach fifty." He sighed.

"W-Wait...!" You begged. "J-Just give me a break...so I can c-catch my breath—" When he slowly inched his hand upward again, your eyes widened as you quickly remembered your manners. "S-Sir! J-Just let me catch my breath...please."

If your eyes weren't blurry with tears, your mind getting fuzzier and fuzzier as you tried to ignore the ache in your cunt. You could've sworn you saw his tail move a little. After a minute, however, a sharp gasp left your swollen lips when you felt a finger graze against your sex, the featherlight touch making you shudder as you whipped your head around to look at the Lycaon.

Unconsciously, his tongue poked out to sweep against his upper set of canines as he focused on how your slick oozed out from your pussy so shamelessly. But at the same time? He figured he shouldn't have been shocked at the lewd sight, his keen hearing didn't miss the way a tiny moan would escape your lips at each slap. It was as if you wanted him to keep going and didn't want your punishment to end anytime soon.

Such behavior wasn't befitting of a potential future employee at the company. "Are you done recuperating? If so, then let us continue."

"W-Wait..." You begged. "J-Just a little time- Ah!"

"Now, now—" He pressed his hand down on your wrists a little more, lightly pinching at your thigh with the tip of his claws to calm your squirming. "—If you focus and count Ms. Y/N then your punishment will be over very soon, please remain focused."

After a final warning, he was quick to resume his smacks against your ass. The pain and pleasure eventually blurring into one another enough for your brain to somehow find a way to "center" itself. And, after around twenty minutes...Lycaon finally released you from your bent-over position over his lap and got up.

A lingering rebelliousness in the back of your head wanted to curse out the wolf as he stood, fixing his cuffs until they were neat again as if he wasn't rocking a blatant boner in his trousers! Yet as your mouth began to open as he walked further away...it quickly shut when he started walking back to you after grabbing something from a bookshelf behind his desk.

"What is that?" You asked.

"Aloe cream, it should help with the burn and any burning sensations."

Oh, you thought.

How...nice of him.

At your silence, his head tilted as he sat down next to you. "Are you alright?"

"Huh? Oh, y-yeah...I just wasn't expecting aftercare." You blushed.

"Your work would be even more affected if I didn't do this, I wouldn't want that." Suddenly, your heart skipped a beat.

. . .

| Week Two |

You didn't want to admit it to yourself at the time but you knew full well as to why your heart skipped a beat that day. At first, you tried to joke and claim that you were a masochist starting to bloom! Von Lycaon was handsome, yes but you knew how to distinguish between work and personal lives! Besides, you wanted money more than you did romance and if the latter interfered with your money...you weren't in any shape or form interested in it.

But, at the second week's coming, this week focused on posture if your memory served correctly. You couldn't lie or joke to yourself anymore.

You developed a crush on your future boss.

And it grew harder and harder to deny that fact in your...current position. Naked aside from your short black heels, you were standing right in front of Lycaon with his pants pulled down just enough to reveal his leaking dick. The tip seemed to turn increasingly into an angrier red as you continued to stay frozen in place. "Are you uncomfortable?" Lycaon's words snapped you out of your thoughts before you shook your head.

"N-No sir! It's just..." You went quiet for a second. "How...how is this going to teach me posture?"

"If you would come closer, I will show you." Like a siren's song, the beckoning of his clawed finger made you take small steps forward until you were finally in front of him. "I'll be letting you take control of me for some time," You could've sworn you caught a smirk on his lips at his words. "If you manage to fuck me until I cum with the correct posture then consider your training done, and welcome to your new job as a new maid to the Victorian Housekeeping company. I'll be generous and not even include the third week of training."

"But—" As his hand found its way to your hips, he gently tugged you forward until he slowly maneuvered you to straddle him on his lap, his cock throbbing against your stomach as beads of sweat started to appear at the back of your neck. He reached the middle of your stomach, easily! And that wasn't even considering his girth. "—If your posture fails, you will unfortunately stick to the original training program. And I must warn you, most do not manage to get through week three."

You jumped a little when you felt Lycaon's hand move down to your pussy. "What are you doing?" You voiced out shakily, your clit throbbing at Lycaon's touch as one finger alone was enough to cover your entire clit.

"Preparing you of course," He said with an "obviously" tone. "No matter how much I can smell your eagerness in the air—" A sharp moan escaped your lips when his finger started to slowly move, your cheeks burning at the fact you let out such a noise from such little stimulation. "—I doubt you will be able to fully take me without a little prep."

"Y-You..." You bit your tongue to keep a curse from flying out, your hands quickly moving to his shoulders as you tried to ground yourself and not lose yourself too quickly to the pleasure. A task that you were quickly failing at as you felt a knot slowly begin to form in the pit of your stomach, scorching hot tears brimming your eyes as a single line of drool fell from the corner of your lips.

And Lycaon was enjoying every second of it.

If he were to be honest with himself.

He didn't want you to succeed this time.

After having so much fun with you last week, he would say that he had gotten a bit greedy. As entertaining as it was to tame your bratty behavior and mold it into something more palpable as someone who would be interacting with clients often, it was torture all the same to him to not shut you up with his cock instead! It wasn't enough to rut into his hand at the end of every day, heated pants leaving his lips as his tongue lulled out of his mouth like some common dog begging for a slip of meat.

To say that it was unbecoming of him to set you up for failure was an understatement, rubbing your needy bud until you nearly squirted on him wouldn't make you last very long when you were actually seated on his cock. And as cruel as it was for him to say...how unbecoming and un-gentlemanly it was...

He was so fucking eager for you to fail.

"S-Sir..." His ears perked to your whining as your head fell his chest, his ears then moving to the sound of lewd squelching coming from your pussy. "Please...I-I'm so close..." You whined.

He allowed himself to play with you a minute longer until...he took his finger away.

He struggled to withhold a laugh at your state, your eyes seeming to be confused and stuck between wanting to glare angrily at him or beggingly like a wanton whore for him to continue. "Don't look like that," He said. "If I were to make you cum now, you would be too shaky to fuck me."

You were too shaky now.

But, you'd first kiss the seat of a toilet lid before admitting defeat.

"I-I won't fail this..." You said with determination, although breathlessly.

His tail wagged ever so slightly at your determination. "We shall see," He responded before he relaxed against the couch with a deep sigh. "Please begin at your leisure Ms. Y/N." When you took him into your hand, you felt a surge of confidence at Lycaon's not-so-quiet sharp inhale of breath. You prayed that he was just as needy as you because as you lined him up to your entrance and started to slid him into you, every inch that sunk further into you made your mouth gap wider and wider until you were certain you looked like a gasping fish.

He rubbed against your walls so nicely too, his girth stretching you out just enough to where it made you drool as it touched spots inside of you that you hadn't had a clue existed until today!

"F-Fuckkkkk..." You moaned out once you were fully seated on him.

You sucked your bottom lip into your mouth, desperately trying to ignore that burning feeling in your core as you began to move.

"Shit." Oh, how you just wanted to just shove a hand over his snout to keep him from letting out such sexy noises. His raspy voice and the way his thumbs rubbed encouraging circles into your hips...it wasn't good for you. You'd cum faster at this rate.

"Faster," Lycaon suddenly ordered, opening one of his red eyes to look at you.

"I...I can't- Oh!" Your words caught in your throat when he suddenly fucked up into you. A squeal nearly leaving your throat as you shut your eyes tightly to try and force back that urge to cum.

"Disobeying a superior now Ms. Y/N?" One of his hands slowly dragged up your back before it gently shoved you forward a little. Immediately, you fixed your posture although you nearly fell back over a couple of times. "You should watch yourself, my type of punishment for this act won't be very fun."

You doubted that.

But, as your hands tightened on his shoulders and you fucked yourself more quicker onto him. Tears started to flow down your cheeks more easily as you couldn't deny the burning feeling in your stomach anymore, how the way Lycaon's dick throbbed inside of you and pressed against your most sensitive spots...the urge to beg him for the chance to cum, just once was on the tip of your tongue but you tried to stay focused. "Oh my God..." He moaned deeply.

"Fuckkk..."

"A-Are you close?" You whined.

He scoffed. "Not even close," You felt your hopes nearly crash and shatter at those words. "But...your pussy feels so good on my cock," He praised, his tail thumping against the couch unabashedly as he stared up at you with hooded eyes and a feral gaze. "Perhaps, instead of a maid, you should be my personal breeding toy."

His smirk grew when he felt your pussy tighten around his cock.

"Yeah?" He asked. "You like that?"

You shook your head, shutting your eyes tightly as if not seeing him would help your situation anyway. However, as you felt a furred hand cup the side of your face, the feeling of breaths hitting your face. Your eyes slowly cracked open to the wolf thiren's face right in front of yours, panting and moaning with little to no shame before he smiled. "So pretty like this Y/N..." He said before his leaned down to begin pressing kisses to the side of your neck.

Briefly, the thought of whether or not this was a part of the training flashed in the front of your mind. But...as quick as it came, it was gone. You wanted to believe that...he wasn't following some manual when it came to his actions, that they were meant just for you and you alone. "You're so wet, making so much noise...I think I was right in my earlier suggestion hm? Maybe you will do better as my toy."

You shook your head. "Don't lie." He lightly nipped your shoulder, the sharp sudden pain being just what you needed to throw you over the edge before...Lycaon's ears moved to the sound of gushing and the feeling of wetness splashing against his pants and a bit of his thighs.

Without a second thought, his fingers shot down to gather some of your cum onto his fingers before he tasted you, a groan rumbling out as he almost shocked himself with how fast he got hard again. But before he could mention it, much less suggest it, when Lycaon returned his gaze to you. He saw you passed out against his chest, the very sight making him laugh ever so quietly before he sighed.

He supposed he was feeling a touch bit generous...he expected you to cum within seconds of fucking yourself onto his cock but it took you longer than that! To the point, he actually began to worry about cumming first or not! Although he had a mind not to be, he decided to be generous and forgiving seeing as you fucked him until the point of total exhaustion on your point.

He'd give you a passing A+ for effort.

[stuffeddeer]

HEAR ME OUT PLZPLZ imagine dazai with an s/o thats just ALWAYS stresses about something and it really bothers them but dazai just knows EXACTLY what to say to give them some peace of mind🙏

Dazai with a stressed reader | Bungo Stray Dogs | Dazai x reader

dazai gets a little annoyed at first

he's a smart man but i think he'd assume you're overplaying it at the beginning just to be silly like he sometimes does

which bothers him because there are so many things to be actually stressed about!!!! but you're nervous over deciding dinner!!!!

but pretty quickly he realizes that omg you actually just get stressed super easily! oops

he turns into gentle and quiet reassurances, mentioning that he's hungry for something specific and asking if you wanna tag along so you aren't worried about deciding what's for dinner

mentioning that he's bored and wants to tag along for your mission because he knows you'll feel less stressed knowing he's there to back you up

and once you two start dating, he's more up front about it!!! wants to help you stop feeling so stressed all the time :)

so he helps with bettering your responses to stress and working out better coping mechanisms!

taking deep breaths, hiding in his chest to be away from everything for a few moments (definitely not an excuse to hold you close!! dazai would neverr use your stress to his benefit!!..... most of the time!)

dazai makes sure you have time to actually relax and focus on things for yourself!!! knitting or crocheting can help or just having something to focus on with your hands 🙂‍↕️ write this down anon

he himself doesn't practice healthy eating or sleeping habits but they do help with stress so suddenly he's Mr. Pinnacle of Health and ushering you to bed at 9pm every night 💀

dazai is more for actions than words, but whenever you need it he's there to help logically explain why everything will be alright or lend an ear when you just need to vent about it all!!!!

he'll definitely offer more nsfw services to help you relax too . feel free to just hit him he'll get the message 👍🏻

if that doesn't work and you prefer more vocal methods, he'd definitely piece together the most perfect speech to help you relax, like how he's always the voice in atsushi's head telling him what needs to be done and stay calm (except out loud and to you) but that's more of a last resort

^^ unless you're on a mission and obviously don't have time for the rest!!!! then it's temporary solve now with a few words and permanent solutions later (meditation/deep breathing/etc)

dazai smells and he's the worst (affectionate) so i think he'd rather avoid directly talking about the issues at hand, but that doesn't mean he'd be bad at keeping you company and soothing your troubles!!! he just has a different way to go about it :)

[lila-lou]

✨ His only exception - Pt. 14/? ✨

Summary: 12 months ago, Butcher went above and beyond to have you join his team. You had a simple office job at Supe Affairs. The same thing every day, working from 9 to 5 and watching Butcher and his team defeat one renegade after another. One evening, however, something changed.

Pairing: Soldier Boy x Reader

Warnings: 18+ only! Smut, Language

Word Count: 5400

A/N: This is part 14 of “His only exeption”.

English isn’t my first language, so please be lenient. 💙✨

Ben pulled down your shorts and panties, his hands gentle yet determined, he paused to admire the sight before him. "Such a pretty pussy", he murmured appreciatively.

As he began to kiss your soft folds, his lips moving slowly up and down, you couldn't help but arch your back, a soft moan escaping your lips.

"Ben", you gasped, your voice trembling with need, unable to contain the overwhelming sensation coursing through your body.

"You taste so fucking sweet", he murmured against your skin, his breath warm and enticing. Each movement of his tongue sent sparks of pleasure coursing through you, and you couldn't help but let out a low moan of satisfaction.

As Ben's lips trailed down your body, he gently removed your shorts and panties. With precision and intent, he pressed soft kisses along the tender skin of your inner thighs, moving closer to your throbbing center.

His tongue dipped between your folds, tracing slow, deliberate circles around your clit. He teased the sensitive bud with gentle flicks and licks, sending waves of pleasure coursing through you. With each pass of his tongue, he applied just the right amount of pressure, driving you to the brink of ecstasy.

His lips closed around your clit, sucking gently as his tongue continued its relentless assault. He alternated between swirling and sucking, coaxing soft moans of pleasure from your lips. His movements were rhythmic and methodical, building the tension within you.

You arched your back, your hands clutching at the sheets as he brought you closer and closer to the edge. His touch was both tender and commanding, his lips and tongue working in perfect harmony to send you spiraling into bliss.

"You taste so fucking good, sweetheart", he murmured against your skin, his voice husky with desire. "I could do this all night".

His words sent a shiver of pleasure down your spine, amplifying the sensations coursing through your body. You could feel the warmth of his breath against your sensitive skin as he continued to eat you out.

You moaned softly in response. With each passing moment, you felt yourself drawing closer and closer to the pinnacle of ecstasy, your body trembling with anticipation.

He sucked on your clit hard, the sensation was so intense that your stomach muscles clenched, not sure if they were in for pleasure or an unexpected workout. “Whoa, easy tiger”, you chuckled.

Ben paused for a moment, his lips still tantalizingly close to your sensitive skin as he flashed you a mischievous grin. "What's the matter, can't handle a little extra suction?", he teased, his tone playful yet wicked.

You couldn't help but laugh, despite the overwhelming sensations coursing through your body. "Oh, I can handle it", you shot back, a hint of challenge in your voice. "But I might need to schedule a massage for my stomach muscles afterwards".

Ben's grin widened at your response, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Consider it part of the service", he quipped before diving back in.

"Alright, alright, you win", you chuckled, unable to withstand the intensity any longer. You gently tugged on Ben's hair, signaling for him to ease up a bit.

Ben lifted his head, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips as he met your gaze. "Had enough, huh?", he teased.

You nodded, still laughing softly. "Yeah, just give me a moment to catch my breath", you replied.

Ben grinned mischievously as he made his way back up to your lips, he leaned in closer, his lips hovering just inches from yours. "Why don't you taste yourself, sweetheart?", he suggested, his voice low and suggestive. "See just how fucking good you are".

You couldn't help but blush at his bold suggestion, but the anticipation of his kiss mixed with the lingering taste of yourself was undeniably arousing. With a shy smile, you leaned forward, meeting his lips halfway as you both savored the intoxicating blend of desire and pleasure.

As Ben's tongue delved deeper into the kiss, his movements growing more fervent, you felt the unmistakable pressure of his erection pressing against your pussy through his sweatpants. Despite the tantalizing sensation, you knew you were too sore for anything more tonight, and apparently, so did he.

Breaking the kiss, you met his gaze with a mixture of desire and restraint. "I think we both know what I want", you murmured, "but I don't think I can handle it tonight".

"I won't push you", he replied, his tone gentle yet tinged with longing. "But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the view".

With a smirk, he leaned back slightly, his gaze wandering over your flushed skin with undisguised desire. "And what a view it is".

You couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious under Ben's intense gaze, your cheeks flushing with embarrassment as you instinctively hid your face.

Ben chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Aw, don't be shy now. You've got nothing to hide, doll. Trust me, I've seen it all".

Despite your embarrassment, his playful tone eased some of the tension, and you couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh.

"You know", he began, his voice laced with amusement, "you're not half bad for a first-timer. Maybe I should give you a gold star or something".

You nudged him with your elbow. "Oh, please", you retorted, rolling your eyes. "I think I can do without the gold star".

Ben chuckled, his gaze softening as he looked at you. “You’re something else, you know that?”, he said, his tone warm.

You smiled playfully, feeling bold in the moment. "So, does that mean you can make another exception and let me sleep in your bed tonight, cuddling?", you asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

Ben's expression shifted, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features before he replied, "I don't cuddle with anyone, you know that".

You leaned in closer, your tone softening as you looked into his eyes. "But you've made exceptions for me before", you pointed out, hoping to persuade him.

Ben hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching yours before he relented with a small sigh. "Alright, but just for tonight", he conceded.

You grinned triumphantly, feeling a surge of warmth at his concession. "Deal", you replied.

You snuggled closer to Ben, pressing yourself against his side with one arm draped over his stomach and your face nestled against his chest. “You know, it’s kind of hot how your biceps could crush me within seconds”, you teased, a playful glint in your eyes.

Ben chuckled softly, his chest vibrating beneath you as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders. “Careful, sweetheart. Wouldn’t want to accidentally get crushed”.

His eyes sparkling with amusement. "But hey, if you're into that kind of thing, I could give it a try", he teased while he lightly flexed his arm.

You laughed, shaking your head at his antics. "I think I'll pass on the crushing for now", you replied, unable to suppress a smile.

Ben chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Your loss", he teased, giving you a gentle squeeze with his arm.

As you traced gentle patterns on Ben's chest, the atmosphere between you felt oddly intimate, prompting you to broach a delicate topic.

"Hey, Ben", you began softly, "were you and Crimson Countess really together, or was it just for show?".

His gaze meeting yours with a mix of emotions. "Yeah, we were", he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. "At least, I thought we were. But she let me down, betrayed me to Stan Edgar".

You felt a pang of sympathy for Ben, realizing that the situation with Crimson Countess had likely left him feeling hurt and betrayed. It also confirmed your suspicion that his previous relationships had been far from ideal.

You couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity as you asked, "Did you love her?".

Ben's expression darkened at the mention of love, his jaw tensing visibly. "Love?", he scoffed bitterly. "Yeah, I thought I did. But turns out, she was just another conniving bitch looking out for herself".

As you felt Ben tense even more underneath you, you hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I… I'm sorry", you murmured, your voice soft with sympathy.

Ben sighed heavily, his gaze distant as he spoke. "It's fine", he replied, his tone guarded. "I just… I wanted things with her. Wanted a family, kids, all that stuff".

His admission took you by surprise. Despite his tough exterior, it was clear that he had his own hopes and dreams, just like anyone else.

Ben's mood shifted suddenly, his vulnerability giving way to a familiar defensive stance. "Cut that pussy feeling shit", he snapped, his tone harsher than before.

Taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor, you recoiled slightly, feeling the sting of his words. "I… I didn't mean to upset you", you stammered, unsure of how to react.

Ben's expression softened slightly. "Forget it", he muttered, his voice softer now but still tinged with irritation. "Let's just… drop it".

Ben's grip tightened slightly around you as he spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of bitterness and resignation. "She's dead anyway", he muttered. "And even if she wasn't, she's probably past her prime for popping out kids".

"I´m sorry", you mumbled.

Ben's hand moved to give your ass a light slap before he pulled you even tighter against himself. "Alright, enough of that", he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Time to sleep now. We're not discussing this any further".

You nodded silently, sensing his need for distance from the topic. "Can you hold me closer? I'm cold".

Ben sighed slightly, a hint of annoyance in his tone, but he obliged nonetheless. He turned more towards you, facing you directly, and pulled you closer so that your face was pressed against his chest, and he could wrap both arms around you. As he adjusted, he couldn't help but groan softly. "You've got a lot of fucking requests", he muttered, his voice laced with amusement despite the irritation.

You chuckled softly, feeling the warmth of his chest against your cheek. "I just want some nuclear warmth from your chest", you replied, half-jokingly. Ben smirked, his arms tightening around you.

"Oh, I can give you the full dose sweetheart", he teased. "Then you definitely wouldn't be cold anymore".

You laughed, rolling your eyes. "Yeah, but then I'd also be toast", you quipped.

Ben's fingers brushed lightly over your back, tracing lazy circles as he continued to tease you.

"Ah, but what a way to go, eh?", he joked, his tone playful as he leaned in closer to you. You couldn't help but smile.

"I suppose there are worse ways", you replied, leaning into his touch. With a soft chuckle, Ben pulled you even closer, his fingers still dancing over your skin. "Just remember, you asked for it".

Ben leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead, eliciting a soft moan from you. He pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting yours with a mischievous glint.

"Careful with those noises, sweetheart", he whispered huskily, his breath warm against your skin. "Make them again, and I might just forget about your soreness and fuck you stupid".

You chuckled nervously at his words, feeling a flush creep up your cheeks. "Noted", you replied, trying to hide the excitement that stirred within you at the thought.

Ben leaned in to peck your lips one more time before pulling you close and closing his eyes. A rare sense of contentment washed over him as he held you in his arms, his heart swelling with an unfamiliar warmth.

In that moment, he allowed himself to forget about the chaos of their world. All that mattered was the comforting weight of you against him, the soft rhythm of your breaths lulling him into a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.

As sleep began to claim him, Ben tightened his hold on you, silently grateful for this moment of quiet amidst the storm. And as he drifted off, he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, there was more to this connection than he had ever dared to admit.

The next morning arrived with a gentle glow filtering through the curtains, casting a soft light over the room. As Ben stirred, he slowly became aware of your presence, still peacefully asleep beside him. He watched you for a moment, not wanting to disturb your rest.

Carefully, Ben eased himself out of bed, making sure not to jostle you. He moved with practiced precision, his movements silent as he retrieved his clothes from the floor. With a lingering glance in your direction, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of reluctance at the thought of leaving you behind.

As he dressed, Ben’s gaze softened as he watched you sleep, a sense of protectiveness swelling within him. He brushed a stray lock of hair away from your face, his touch gentle as he leaned down to press a fleeting kiss to your forehead.

It wasn't until you heard the rustle of his belt that you woke up.

You held out your hand, still half-asleep, with your eyes closed. “Can’t you just stay in bed with me a little longer?”, you mumbled, your voice laced with sleepiness.

Ben glanced over at you with a smirk, shaking his head in amusement. “As tempting as that sounds, sweetheart, duty calls”, he replied. “Besides, I can’t have you getting too attached now, can I?”.

You huffed playfully, opening your eyes to shoot him a mock glare. “Who said anything about getting attached?”, you retorted, your tone equally teasing.

With a chuckle, Ben finished adjusting his suit and leaned down to press another quick kiss to your forehead. “Just making sure, doll”, he replied, his smirk widening.

You watched as Ben straightened up, ready to head out for his mission. "Stay safe out there", you said, genuine concern in your voice as you reached out to touch his arm.

Ben flashed you a cocky grin, his smirk never far from his lips. "Don't worry about me, sweetheart. I can handle myself".

Rolling your eyes at his typical bravado, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance. "I'm serious, Ben. Just be careful", you insisted, your voice soft but firm.

With a shrug, Ben waved off your concern. "Relax, I've been in tougher spots than this", he quipped. "I'll be back before you know it".

You watched him go, a mixture of worry and frustration bubbling inside you. As much as you wanted to believe his confident facade, there was always a lingering sense of uncertainty when it came to Ben.

As the day unfolded, you found yourself alone with Frenchie, the rest of the team having departed for their mission in Europe. When Frenchie called out that dinner was ready in the evening, you welcomed the opportunity to break the silence.

"Hey, dinner's served. Come on over", Frenchie called from the kitchen, his voice echoing through the empty hallway.

"Thanks, Frenchie. I'll be right there", you replied, mustering a small smile as you made your way to the dining area.

Taking a seat at the table, you exchanged a knowing glance with Frenchie, silently acknowledging the absence of the others. Despite the quietude, there was a sense of comfort in the familiarity of each other's company.

"How are you holding up?", Frenchie asked softly, his tone filled with empathy as he met your gaze.

You sighed, grateful for the chance to share your thoughts. "I'm okay", you replied honestly, taking solace in the presence of a friend. "Just adjusting to the quiet".

Frenchie’s gaze was gentle as he spoke, his concern evident in his voice. “So, how are things with you and Soldier Boy? Seems like you two are getting along again”, he remarked, his tone careful.

You couldn’t help but smile at Frenchie’s observation. “Yeah, we’re… figuring things out”, you replied, choosing your words carefully.

Frenchie’s curiosity was piqued, evident in the furrow of his brow as he leaned in slightly. “Figuring things out, huh? Care to elaborate?”, he asked.

You shrugged nonchalantly, trying to brush off his inquiry. “Oh, you know, just navigating the usual ups and downs”, you replied vaguely, hoping to steer the conversation away from the topic.

But Frenchie wasn’t easily deterred, his curiosity only growing. “Come on, spill the beans. You two seemed pretty cozy lately”, he pressed, a playful glint in his eyes.

Your nerves fluttered as Frenchie persisted, his playful demeanor making it difficult to evade his questions. "Well, let's just say we're both a work in progress".

But Frenchie wasn't fooled. "Uh-huh, I see", he replied, his tone teasing. "By the way, I heard some pretty intense noises coming from Soldier Boy's room the other day", he said, his eyebrows raised suggestively. "Definitely sounded like they were coming from you".

Your cheeks flushed crimson as you struggled to come up with a response, feeling utterly exposed under Frenchie's knowing gaze.

You stammered, your mind racing for a plausible explanation. "Oh, um, we were just… uh, training!", you blurted out, your voice sounding far too loud in the suddenly tense atmosphere.

Frenchie arched an eyebrow. "Training, huh? Sounds like quite the workout", he replied, his tone laced with amusement.

You laughed, attempting to downplay the situation. "Yeah, you know how intense our training sessions can get", you said, hoping he would buy your flimsy excuse.

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say", he replied.

Frenchie's expression grew serious as he leaned in closer, his tone low and earnest. "Listen, just be careful around Soldier Boy, okay? He's not exactly known for playing by the rules", he warned, his concern evident in his voice.

"I'll keep that in mind".

With a reassuring smile, Frenchie patted your hand gently before returning his attention to his meal. But you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of your mind.

"Hey, Frenchie, could you… keep this between us? I don't want anyone else getting the wrong idea", you requested.

Frenchie chuckled softly, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "Your secret's safe with me, but I can't promise I won't enjoy teasing you about it".

You rolled your eyes, unable to suppress a smile at his teasing. "Thanks, Frenchie. I owe you one", you said gratefully.

With a grin, Frenchie raised his glass in a mock toast. "To secrets and silent agreements", he quipped before taking a sip of his drink, the tension easing between you.

You groaned as your phone buzzed, rudely jolting you awake in the middle of the night. With bleary eyes, you glanced at the caller ID and saw Ben´s name flashing on the screen. Rolling your eyes, you begrudgingly answered the call, already bracing yourself for whatever nonsense he was about to spew.

"What do you want?", you grumbled, your voice laced with irritation as you answered the call.

Ben chuckled on the other end of the line. "Well, well, well, look who's got an attitude", he teased. "Didn't anyone ever teach you how to answer the phone properly?".

You sighed, rubbing your eyes tiredly. "Do you have any idea what time it is?", you groaned softly, your exhaustion evident in your voice as you leaned back against your pillow.

As he lounged on his balcony in Spain, the heat from your tired moan sent a jolt of arousal through Ben's body, his cock stirring with desire. "Mmm, sounds like someone's a little cranky", his smirk audible even over the phone. "Guess I'll have to come tuck you in and kiss you goodnight, sweetheart".

You chuckled tiredly. "Oh, I'm sure you'd love that, wouldn't you? But I think I'll pass"

"Ah, playing hard to get, are we? I like a challenge", he remarked, his tone teasing but with an underlying desire.

You leaned in closer to the phone, your curiosity piqued. “How’s shit going over there?”, you asked, eager for any updates from Ben.

Ben’s voice crackled through the line, filled with a sense of anticipation. “We’ve got a lead on that fucker”, he replied, his tone tinged with excitement. “We’re gearing up to go in about an hour”.

“Watch your back out there”, you said softly, a note of concern creeping into your voice.

Ben chuckled on the other end of the line, his voice tinged with amusement. “Ah, don’t worry your pretty little head about me, sweetheart”, he replied. “I’ve handled worse cocksucker than Homelander”.

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at his bravado, though a part of you appreciated his attempt to brush off your concerns. “Just promise me you’ll be careful”, you insisted, unable to shake the feeling of unease.

Ben’s tone softened slightly, though the edge of cockiness remained. “Always am, doll”.

You sighed, a hint of exasperation in your voice. "Cut the sarcasm, Ben. This isn't a joke", you chided.

Ben's amusement was palpable even from miles away. "Alright, alright, no need to get your panties in a twist", he replied, his voice laced with humor. "Speaking of which, are you naked right now? Trying to distract me with some late-night phone sex?".

"Seriously, Ben? We're talking about a dangerous mission here", you retorted, your frustration growing.

But Ben just chuckled, unfazed by your scolding. "Relax, sweetheart. I'll be fine", he reassured you.

You rolled your eyes. "Try taking this seriously for once, Soldier Boy", you snapped back, irritation creeping into your voice.

"Relax, babe. I'll handle it", he replied, his cockiness grating on your nerves.

"Yeah, because your ego is the size of Texas", you muttered under your breath.

“You know you love my confidence, sweetheart”.

You couldn’t help but shake your head at his arrogance. “I tolerate it, at best”, you retorted, unable to resist poking fun at him.

“Ah, but you tolerate it so well”, Ben quipped, his tone playful despite the serious topic at hand.

Rolling your eyes, you decided to steer the conversation back to the matter at hand. “Fine, Soldier Boy. But don’t forget, while you’re out there playing hero, I’ll be here keeping an eye on things”, you said, trying to sound more serious this time.

Ben’s demeanor shifted slightly, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. “Actually, keep an eye out for Vought”, he said, his tone becoming more solemn. “I’ve got a bad feeling they’re planning something big”.

Your eyebrows furrowed in concern at his warning. “Vought? What could they possibly be up to now?”, you mused aloud, the unease in your stomach growing.

“Who knows”. Ben replied with a sigh.

As Ben let out a sigh, a faint voice called out for him in the background. “Soldier Boy! We’re moving out in five!”.

Ben’s irritation was palpable as he glanced away from the phone, clearly annoyed at the interruption. “Damn it”, he muttered under his breath, shooting a frustrated glance towards where the voice came from.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at his predicament. “Looks like duty calls, Soldier Boy”.

"Yeah, yeah, duty calls", he grumbled.

"Just make sure you don't trip over your own ego on the way out".

Ben chuckled, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "I'll do my best", he replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

Before you could say anything else, Ben's voice turned serious again. "Listen, I'll be out of touch for a while, but I want you to do something for me", he said, his tone sincere.

Your heart skipped a beat, sensing the gravity of his words. "Of course, Ben. What is it?".

There was a pause before he spoke again, his voice low and intense. "I want you to touch yourself every night until I'm back. Got it? Keep yourself satisfied for me".

Your cheeks flushed but still you rolled your eyes. Was he able to remain serious about this topic in particular?

Still you couldn't deny the thrill that shot through you at his words. "I can do that", you mumbled.

"Good", Ben said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll be back in two weeks. Until then, take care of yourself, sweetheart".

And with that, the line went dead, leaving you with a mix of emotions and a promise to keep until Ben returned.

With a sigh, you set the phone down beside you, a part of you was still worried about his safety on the mission.

But deciding there was nothing more you could do for now, you snuggled back into your blankets, feeling the weight of exhaustion pulling at your eyelids. Closing your eyes, you let out a long exhale, willing yourself to push aside your concerns and drift back into the embrace of sleep.

As you settled into a comfortable position, thoughts of Ben and the mission gradually faded into the background, replaced by the gentle lull of darkness and dreams. And as sleep claimed you once more, you couldn't help but cling to the hope that Ben would return safely, ready to pick up right where you left off.

A week passed with no word from Ben, leaving you restless and anxious. Frenchie, sensing your mood, decided to take matters into his own hands. "Alright, enough sulking, mon amie", he declared, marching into your room with determination.

You looked up from where you were sitting, surprised by his sudden intrusion. "Frenchie, I'm not really in the mood for training right now", you protested weakly, unable to muster much enthusiasm.

But Frenchie was having none of it. He grabbed your arm and pulled you to your feet, ignoring your protests. "No excuses. You need to keep your mind sharp", he insisted, his tone firm.

As you reluctantly followed him to the training area, Frenchie suddenly jabbed his elbow into your arm, snapping you out of your thoughts. "Hey, pay attention!", he scolded.

"Ow!", you exclaimed, rubbing your arm where he had hit you. "What was that for?".

Frenchie sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. "You're not focused, mon amie. You need to be ready for anything, especially now", he explained, his tone softened slightly.

Taking a deep breath, you squared your shoulders, ready to throw yourself into the training session with renewed determination. Frenchie wasted no time, launching into a series of quick strikes and dodges, forcing you to react instinctively.

As the two of you sparred, the tension in your muscles began to melt away, replaced by a sense of focus and purpose.

Frenchie's teasing voice broke through your concentration. "You know, it's almost like you miss Soldier Boy", he remarked with a smirk, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

You rolled your eyes, trying to brush off his comment. "Please, Frenchie. I don't miss his ego or his cheesy one-liners", you retorted, though a small part of you couldn't deny the truth in his words.

Frenchie chuckled, his movements fluid as he continued to spar with you. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, mon amie", he replied, his tone teasing but gentle.

Despite your protests, a pang of longing tugged at your heart, reminding you of the absence that loomed over you like a shadow.

As the training session continued, Frenchie couldn’t resist poking fun at you a little more. “You know, if you miss him that much, we can always find a cardboard cutout of Soldier Boy to spar with”, he teased.

You scoffed, but couldn’t help but smile at his attempt to lighten the mood. “I’ll pass, thanks. I think one Soldier Boy in my life is more than enough”, you quipped back, your tone laced with sarcasm.

Frenchie laughed, the sound echoing in the training room.

"Alright, fair point", Frenchie conceded, still grinning. "But hey, at least Soldier Boy has his moments".

You raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh, does he now? I must have missed those", you replied, feigning innocence.

A playful glint flashed in your eyes as you feigned a punch towards him, making him dodge with a laugh. "And what about you, Frenchie? Don't you miss Kimiko?", you asked, unable to resist turning the tables.

Frenchie's expression softened, a wistful smile crossing his lips. "Of course I do", he admitted, his tone gentle. "But hey, absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?".

Before you could respond, Frenchie's playful demeanor shifted as he lunged forward with a quick jab, catching you off guard. You let out a surprised grunt as his fist made contact with your belly, the impact knocking the wind out of you.

"Oof!", you exclaimed, doubling over slightly as you tried to catch your breath.

Frenchie grinned unapologetically, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sorry, couldn't resist".

You chuckled, shaking your head as you straightened up. "Remind me never to ask you about missing someone again", you said with a playful smirk, knowing full well that Frenchie's charm could always catch you off guard.

As the evening came, you went out to get some groceries. As you walked towards the supermarket parking lot, the cool evening air filled your lungs, offering a brief respite from the worries that had been weighing on your mind. However, your moment of peace was short-lived as a big black SUV pulled up beside you, its engine rumbling ominously.

Instinctively, you slowed your pace, feeling a knot of unease forming in the pit of your stomach. Glancing around, you noticed the lack of pedestrians nearby, the empty street adding to the sense of isolation.

Before you could react, the window of the SUV rolled down, revealing two figures seated inside.

The man in the expensive suit leaned out of the window, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sent a chill down your spine. "Get in the car, now", he commanded, his voice cold and authoritative.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you took a step back, your instincts screaming at you to run. But before you could make a move, you noticed the glint of a gun in his hand, the metal barrel gleaming menacingly in the dim light.

You realized that you were in serious trouble. The man's expression brooked no argument, and the sight of the gun left you with little choice.

Just as you were about to run away, a sharp, searing pain exploded in your shoulder as a gunshot echoed through the night, causing you to cry out in agony. Your vision blurred for a moment, the shock of the injury sending waves of dizziness crashing over you.

Before you could fully comprehend what had happened, strong hands gripped you roughly, pulling you towards the open door of the SUV. With a gasp of pain, you stumbled forward, feeling disoriented and helpless as you were dragged inside the vehicle.

As you collapsed onto the seat, your injured shoulder throbbing with every movement, you tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding around you.

The man who had shot you loomed over you, his expression impassive as he inspected his handiwork. "Should've cooperated from the start", he muttered.

Meanwhile, his accomplice closed the door behind you, sealing you in with your captors.

The SUV lurched into motion.

Clutching your bleeding shoulder, you mustered all the courage you could muster and demanded, "What the fuck do you want?".

The man who shot you merely sneered, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "You'll find out soon enough", he replied cryptically.

Frustration boiled inside you as you realized they had no intention of giving you any answers. "This is bullshit!", you exclaimed, your voice shaking with anger and pain.

But your words fell on deaf ears.

———————————

A/N: Well, that's probably not the best chapter, but I have to get on with the story somehow. I hope you like it anyway. Please let me know what you think.🥰

-

Part 15

-

Taglist: @deangirl96, @thatgirljayy, @suckitands33, @deans-spinster-witch @mimaria420 @kaz11283 @uncle-eggy @jackles010378 @vxnilla-hxrddrugs @mostlymarvelgirl @meowmeowyoongles @sarahgracej @zemosdarling228 @leila22rogers

[bookshopsbizarreblog]

Can we talk about how good the Moon Mining song in Midst S3E14 - Shindig is? Like, I've heard lots of songs across the various podcasts I've listened to, some of them quite good. But I have yet to encounter one that was situated in the story as masterfully as the Moon Mining song, or that conveys a fraction of the emotionality. Even without getting into story spoilers, the (at least seemingly) improvised nature of each verse, the layering of shouts and cheers and merry heckling to create a whole crowd leaning into it, the way each character expresses themself and their situation (and is expressed to us as the audience), and even just the way the song is introduced paint such a vibrant and lively setting. The entire 5-ish minutes just radiates a community coming together and having fun.

S2E4 - Weather used to be my favorite episode, as someone who has a deep love of cosmic horror and general eldritch shenans, but I've gone back to Shindig at least seven or eight times just to listen and relisten to that single song. I can't imagine not getting swept up in the revelry, and its position within the episode (and season overall) just sells it so much harder. More concrete spoilers beneath the cut.

If you haven't listened to Midst, please do. Gracious goodness, it's so good.

The entire episode is a rollercoaster of highs and lows for these characters and the community of Stationary Hill that we've gotten to love at this point. Sherman and Tzila finally arrive home, to celebration and joy. The community is barely recognizable but we've seen them band together and rebuild. And at a pinnacle of tension, after the gut punches of Hieronymus' confession to Saskia and the Vault demolition plan and Weepe's victory over Kozma, we finally get a brief break. But even that break is tainted with uncertainty and pain. Right before the song begins, we get Emmet's toast to the fallen, Sherman's uncertainty and fear of staying in Stationary Hill, all the festivities and merriment tinged bittersweet. And then the catharsis hits. It's not announced as a song. It's not a side bar where the ambiance cuts away so a tune can be inserted above the story. All we know is that Goe is getting on stage, and the narrators are saying we're missing something, but what? "That's right." "It wouldn't be a party on Midst without-" "Goe: It's time, you dang raskals!"

It's like the podcast version of show, don't tell. They could have laid out that a song was coming up. They could have even just launched into it. But by merely having uncertain build up and sudden increasing excitement and anticipation from the crowd, we get dragged along with it too. Straight from all the emotions of the previous conversations into this building energy with no clear outlet. It isn't until the cheers and diegetic voices demand "that friggin' moon tune," now that we are also fully on board, that the end point is revealed. And then it slaps.

The different methods of singing for each person, of which Saskia and Ettie (x2) and Ned (whose voice makes me understand the random background lady) stand out the most. Bets and Walter's and Tzila all representing different versions of how a kid would approach being asked to sing in front of their entire community. Sylvester and the chanting and everyone joining in on the chorus and the way each person's verse is a snippet of their life and perspective and situation and story without it being overbearing. It just. The whole thing. It screams of the close-knit Stationary Hill community, which then also pays off in another big way during the last episode.

I highly recommend listening to the song again, with headphones and the volume cranked up to get the full experience if you haven't already. I'm losing my mind over this song. If tumblr woulda let me, I would have just uploaded the full 5:19 clip I isolated, but unfortunately it wound up being too big to post. So here's the link to the time where the song specifically starts.

Thank you so much Third Person ( @midstpodcast ) for creating such a full and magical world.

[fibula-rasa]

Highlights and Shadows (1938)

[letterboxd | Watch at Eastman House]

Director: Kenneth R. Edwards

Director of Photography: James Sibley Watson, Jr.

“This contrast between the standards of handicraft and those of machine products relates, of course, only to the two methods—not to the men or materials involved. The pinnacles of achievement in handicraft will always set an example—for the machine Industry will always require handicraft if only for the reason that the initial step in machine production is the creation of the original pattern.”

[jpitha]

A Matter of Scale

The issue with the humans is that it's a matter of scale. Deathworlder or not, a single human - while intimidating - isn't that dangerous.

All of them is another story.

We had thought us the pinnacle of evolution. A species beyond compare. Why would we think otherwise? with our hard carapaces, sharp vision, and powerful weapons, the small furry forest creatures that called themselves 'K'laxi' were no match. They had only a small handful of planets colonized and a scant dozen starbases between them. They had a toy empire of only themselves. We took their own warp gates and started attacking them slowly, methodically. They presented no threat, so we saw no need to hurry.

Occasionally, our scouts heard of another species that was friendly with the K'laxi, calling themselves Humanity. We only heard descriptions from captured K'laxi. Taller than they were, no fur, bipedal, mammalian species from a world larger and wetter than their own. Supposedly they had massive strength and a strong constitution. Some had said that they were deathworlders, but we know that was just propaganda. Deathworlds looked nice from a distance, but were inhospitable to sapient life.

Everyone knows this.

We weren't worried about the humans. Just another species to subjugate. After we crush the K'laxi, we'll move on to them.

Since everyone uses the gate system, we are able to attack with complete surprise. It was different at this planet though. This planet was a small, lighter world like the others, but also had a strange starbase at a Lagrange point. It was very large and not of K'laxi design. Much heavier looking, it was made of huge rings interlocking in a spiral shape. An officer guessed it must be a human starbase. Assuming we found the humans laughable military, we turned to attack the starbase after locking the gate.

As we approached the starbase, two small ships detached from it and ran headlong towards us! Our commander laughed, thinking it was a suicide run and ordered everyone to attack. The two ships dodged and juked around the missiles and energy weapons we fired. They used small shaped charges which slid the ship out of the way of our missiles at the last second and were able to withstand the relentless fire of our weapons.

A few minutes after the attack started, both ships did something that surprised all of our analysts. With missiles and shots all around them, they both generated wormholes and left the system.

They escaped.

Our scientists knew about wormhole generation, but everyone knew it was much too dangerous for sapients to use! It was a death sentence. At best, you could send goods through it, but the energy costs were enormous. Better to just use the warp gates.

Still not understanding the monumental mistake we had made, we turned back towards the starbase. The distraction of the ships leaving bought time and it had begun to change. The concentric rings of the starbase had slid together and moved around, revealing massive batteries of anti-ship weapons, missile racks containing hundreds of missiles and the rings had become like thick armor.

The battle was very difficult. We lost many ships to the missiles and fire from the starbase, but we reached the docking ring, forced our way on and began to sweep the station, attacking everyone we met and claiming it for our own.

The humans fought back.

In one report, a single human female held off more than two dozen warriors by attacking with makeshift weapons while her K'laxi colleagues ran to escape ships. She was killed, but not before she took out 10 of our finest warriors.

In another, two human security agents held an entire platoon of warriors off while more K'laxi and Human adults and children escaped. Their human firearms subjected our warriors to withering fire while the humans just stared blankly, firing and changing targets. When they ran out of ammunition, they took their rifles, and started swinging them like clubs into whoever was left. Our shots almost did nothing! They'd take a hit, wince, and continue to fight. They were finally killed by a heavy weapon platform that was brought in.

Still more used surprise and trickery. They would hide in the common areas and throw trash and junk to make it sound like they were somewhere else. We'd turn and they'd attack our backs.

It took more than a week to take the station and in that time, the humans helped nearly all the K'laxi onto escape ships which streaked towards the planet.

As they retreated, the humans denied us use of their own weapons and devices. They'd destroy them, they'd trap them to explode, they would ruin computers and servers and even the star base's AI itself fought us. It would slam pressure doors down when we walked under them, it would randomly expose parts of the starbase to vacuum, blowing warriors out into space.

We could take the starbase, but could not hold it.

Less than 3 days after we declared the station taken, there was a massive spike of energy, and more than one thousand human ships linked into space though their infernal wormholes. All different sizes, all a riot of garish colors including 3 'dreadnoughts' that were easily three times the size of the already huge starbase.

However, instead of attacking immediately they sent out a signal.

"It's done. Stop fighting now. Save yourselves."

Fleet Command puzzled over the message for hours. Some minor commanders figured it was some kind of trick and rushed the human flotilla. One of the dreadnoughts fired once and the ship was just...gone.

At that, Fleet Command declared the cause hopeless, and ordered us to stand down and surrender.

And then something amazing happened. The Humans came on board, first in their polished black pressure suits with their massive rifles, and then, with no armor and no pressure suit, their commanders came aboard. They wanted to meet and see what we needed. "What?" We cried. "You could destroy us with a whisper. Why are you trying to help us?"

"We are offering to help you because you need help."

They had learned about the trouble we had back on our homeworld, how we were in the process of ruining our home with industry and pollution and with a wry smile they said "Yeah, we had that problem a while back too. We can help."

With humans, it's a matter of scale.

[oozedninjas]

How would the bayverse turtles react to their partner putting eggs and mayonnaise in their hair? 😭 I used an egg mask once and it works but imagine what they'd think lmaooo

haha omg!

Leonardo

Leo had a hand clamped over his mouth as he watched you intently. The glimpses of his expression reflected in the mirror oscillated between distress and a dash of bewilderment.

"Why the contorted face?" you teased, a smirk playing on your lips. "It's just a hair mask!"

"It reeks of eggs and mayonnaise. Are you sure you want that on your hair?"

Not that Leo was a hair expert. Turtles, after all, weren't known for their luscious manes. But, in his humble reptilian opinion, smearing edibles on your head wasn't exactly the pinnacle of wisdom.

"I've tried it before, don't worry. It works like a charm."

Leo responded with a miniature smile. "I trust your judgment," he muttered, simultaneously shooting a quick text to Donnie, contemplating the need for a contingency plan in case your hair decided to fall off your head.

Raphael

"Hey babe, why are you smearing sandwich condiments in your hair?"

The question came so sincerely and with such a shocked innocence that you couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well, it sounds stupid when you say it like that! But it's a hair mask. I read that it helps make your hair look brighter."

Upon seeing your smile, Raph shrugged his worries away. Your hair was too important to you for you to intentionally ruin it.

He gave you a supportive smile. "Let me know if you need help getting rid of the smell, 'kay?"

"Sure! I—wait, what do you mean?!"

Donnie

"Did you know that rosemary and vanilla are also very effective for hair care and maintenance? I added a couple of recipes here, oh, and I included the preparation methods as well. These herbs are much better for hair hydration than mayonnaise with egg, I assure you."

You took the book with both hands. It was a kind of recipe book for natural hair masks, and you couldn't help but smile. You knew he had something up his sleeve since the last time you asked for help covering the back of your hair with the mask.

"Donnie, this is… it's wonderful. Thank you so much."

He gifted you a smile, his fingers nervously endearingly playing with each other.

"It's nothing. I'm glad you liked it."

Mikey

"Hmm, hmm, yeah," Mikey nodded along to every word as you passionately explained how this hair mask was destined to turn your locks into a radiant masterpiece. Simultaneously, he found himself typing a frantic query into Google: "My girlfriend's putting eggs in her hair, what do I do?" - just in case things took an unexpected turn.

"I'm so excited to see the results! Bet it'd look even prettier," you chanted, delicately massaging the mixture into your hair.

Mikey's heart melted, and an unabashed smile of adoration painted itself across his face.

"That would be impossible, babycakes. You're already perfect."

[nocturnesmoon]

The Edge of Desperation

Archaic Blood Masterlist: TF141 x Vampire!GN!Reader Callsign: Solis

-A new source to quench your thirst-

Ever since you were turned a lot of things changed. The blood beneath your skin froze, your complexion got duller, your eyes changed color. Now, there was an irresistible lust in your veins, to sink your teeth into a creature and drain their lifeblood.

It was the pinnacle of who you now were if you couldn't control it.

After extensive training and time spent dancing on the edge of insanity, you had been able to train yourself into only needing to feed 2 times a month.

It was a careful line of desperation; you had tasted the claws of madness a few times before. The few hours before your brain would switch off any logic, and you'd turn to something far worse. You had very little fears now, but that was one that stuck with you, no matter how much you tried to shake it. The creeping feeling of the beast beneath, demanding sacrifices like a demon, it scared you.

Though the fear never disappeared, you managed it. You rationed what you had, and you got your blood bags restocked occasionally. You didn't like to resort to it, but when you were in the field you could also hunt for animals and drain them dry.

Even if it did the trick, you only really hunted to stimulate your instinct. As soon as you started hunting with the purpose of killing and draining, it turned into something you didn't like. So much about your being came down to desperation, the want to survive and continue, fueled by grueling methods and unethical practices.

Methods you'd have to call upon now, much to your dismay. The mission you had been sent out on had been going on for too long, weeks full of meaningful work and great results. The kind of results that were good but also prolonged the mission, driving towards a success that seemed finally within reach for your teammates.

It wasn't as great for you, you had been told it would be 2 weeks max, and you had even packed so you'd have enough food for a whole month just in case. It was bordering a month and two weeks now. Not a lot was happening on the mission itself, even when you went scouting it was mostly quiet now.

It didn't help distract from the hollowing hunger in your stomach. You had used your last supply of blood bags 11 days ago. You could feel it deep inside you, the craven urge, every thought you had stirred you in a direction that involved blood.

It made it extremely hard to work properly, you tried to hide it to the best of your ability, but you knew that the others had started to notice. Your energy was oddly depleted, you were a lot more confused, and your work efficiency was lowered greatly.

The carnal need for plasma would only get harder and harder to control, and you could feel it deep in your bones. That line of insanity you never wished to tip toe on, one you were too familiar with both externally and internally. The one that had your youngen vampire brothers and sisters lose themselves to it.

You never wished to become like that, to lose whatever was left of you to an ancient urge that plagued you wherever you went. You needed to feed, and you needed to do it very very soon. It had you using the scouting for anything other than what you were supposed to. Your work was the least of your problems at the moment, you were out hunting.

It was something you hadn't had to do in a very long time, trying to outrun the poking desperation in the back of your brain was a hard one. Every turn you took, every new area you uncovered in the dense forest made you more and more frustrated. How the hell were there no animals out here?

Maybe you were losing your touch, your meaningful survival instincts that made you able to hunt could have been dulled after so many years of food being provided, like a pet. It disgusted you, made you want to gag up your own empty stomach in annoyance.

It was late at night, the moon high above on the sky, shining amongst the glinting stars. Beautiful on all accounts, and something you'd have loved to admire if you weren't in such a ferocious state. You stalked through the woods, keeping your senses sharp in search of prey, but the only thing you detected were the critters in the trees.

You finally lost it when you spotted a delicious deer up ahead. You sprung forward without thinking, without planning, and it was really no surprise to you when you lost track of the fleeing animal deep into the woods.

A deep growl escaped your throat that would send a little fear into anyone around to hear it. It was bad enough you were starving for blood, but now your only chance at a big meal just escaped your fingertips.

You were almost about to give up, but then the air around you change for just a split second. A sweet aroma, a scent your nose catches by just a fraction. It's far but it's potent, must be some kind of wounded animal, an animal you could drain.

You stalk forward, finally back on quest to find the wounded thing and finally get back on track, your last chance. This time you're careful about it, checking where you're stepping and making sure to avoid anything that would make you known.

You follow the scent for a long time, all the way back. You've never felt so focused on one thing, you didn't even notice the familiar surroundings and the fact you were heading back towards the cabin safehouse you had all been holding up in.

The first thing that brought a sense of reality into you was a yell, it made you stop in your tracks, your goal was clear, but you only just now realized who your goal was.

"Who's there- Solis you're back!" Price rose up from his chair, taking a step off the porch to assess you in the dim light. By then you had no idea, but you were supposed to have been back a good hour ago.

"Bloody hell you had me worried something was up, you missed the check in" you don't register a word he says. The pounding is in your throat, your head feels like it's gonna explode, and the guilt within you worsens as you realize.

Your eyes are fixated on the very small clump of blood on his thumb, from a cut most likely stemming from a harmless accident. The scent is so much stronger here, so close to the source of it. Oh, how you'd do anything to be able to let your teeth sink into the soft warm flesh, to drain the veins of the person in front of you and savor the sweet scent on your own rough tongue.

But you couldn't, this was Price you were thinking about, he had never given any incentive he wanted to and there was no way you were forcing your way to the blood without digging your own grave afterwards.

But that was the problem, you were hungry, you were starving. The last bit of control you had in your body was holding you back from pouncing on him and licking his wound dry.

"Solis…What's going on" Price sounded inquisitive, tilting his head as his eyes searched over your stance. You looked different, the red glow in your eyes were no longer just a trick of the light, it was there, and your slight pant only raised his concern more.

You held your hands in tight fists at your sides, every thought you had both told you to control yourself while simultaneously urging you towards him. He was right there, and he had no idea what the small droplets of his blood was doing to you.

One step forward, and one more whiff of the scent of blood had your knees buckling. You'd have hit the ground if he hadn't leapt forward and caught you in his arms, his grovel voice getting through to your ears.

"Woah what's going on," he helps you balance yourself, and let's out a surprised noise when you latch onto him. Your nails feeling oddly sharp as you grab his shirt and refuse to let him go. It was even better(worse) up close, the droplet of blood now so much closer.

"Please…" You panted out, trying to claw your way closer to him, as if you weren't already pressed to his chest. "I just need…" you struggled to form your words; your thoughts scrambled "Just…." He tried to listen and coax the words out of you with little success.

By some miracle he seemed to understand, he had likely already thought about this situation. A day when you'd need to depend on them in an almost intimate way. Later on, you'd likely be sure that the entire team had thought about it, if not discussed it amongst themselves.

He gently let his hand travel down to your wrist, pressing his thumb over where a pulse point should be. His other finding the nape of your neck and guiding you over to a small bench pressed up against the wall of the cabin.

He's never felt you so compliant before, the power he held over you in this moment, like commanding water to take shape. If only you were that good at following orders in the field when you got excited.

You weren't excited now; you were barely even here. You looked like you were fighting a losing battle to the void of unconsciousness. He wonders how long you've been like this if it only got to this point tonight or if they've been watching your deteriorating state for weeks now.

He sits you down on the bench, and takes a place next to you, leaning both your bodies so you're facing each other. He doesn't overthink it, does it like it's in his very nature as he brings his wrist closer to your lips. He feels like there's nothing to second guess, it's you, and he trusts you despite how scary you sometimes can be.

He knows you, and right now he knows that you need the help.

As the warm skin meets your lips it's like a bolt of lightning goes through you, bringing you out of the distraught daze. You don't waste any time, opening your mouth and sinking your razor-sharp fangs deep into his flesh.

He lets out a hiss of pain, trying to take his hand back out of reflex but it doesn't budge. A newfound strength lights up in your body, your grip on his arm only tightening as you drink the blood that pours out.

The sweetness hits your tongue and overwhelms your senses, it's been a long time since you've tasted blood that good. A masterpiece in its making, it's dark and sweetly, bordering a good sour. It's the blood of both a fighter and a caretaker, a person that cares deeply and protects like it.

"There you go Vamp," He chuckles but it falls on deaf ears. His free hand rests on your lower back as he watches you feed. He had expected it to hurt a lot more than it did, but the worst part yet was only the shock of your teeth penetrating his skin. A quiet daze falls over the two of you, the only sounds being the slight slurping from you and Price's deep breathing.

Neither of you notices the passing time, not that it could've been that long. The click of the door opening has Price's head snap up, his eyes watching the sergeant’s careful smirk. "Am I interrupting something?" Gaz asks with a sly smile, stumbling upon something that he had hoped to see one of these days.

A calm smile fell on Price as he jerked his head to the side, a motion to get Gaz to take a seat next to the two of you, of which he did. "Just sit down Gaz" his voice rumbled, "make sure this one doesn't drink me dry."

"Rough night then," Gaz walks past the two of you, taking a seat next to you and gently moving some of your hair out of your face so it didn't interrupt your desperate feeding. You had barely even noticed Gaz's presence, too focused on the blood on your lips.

Price nodded, a flicker of concern returning to his eyes as he watched you again. "I think they ran out of their supply weeks ago but didn't say anything." He sighs almost disappointed, he had hoped you had greater trust in them by now, a bigger desire to rely on them just a little more than you do.

"Probably didn't want to trouble us," Gaz mused his eyes darting between his Captain's bleeding wrist and his face. He watches carefully, counting in his own head as he sees his captain become a little more dazed by the second.

Gaz's hand finds the nape of your neck, taking a gentle hold and prying you off Price's wrist. "Easy now Solis, you're gonna bleed the man out" he chuckles but all he earns from you is a whine as you try to go back to feeding.

He tightens his hold on you, pulling you away from the captain and into his chest instead. His other hand finds your jaw, craning your neck upwards so he can see the way the blood coats your chin. Dripping down slow as you try to lick up the excess, you're still whiny for more, your eyes blown and your movements sluggish from being sated.

"Fucking hell, you still hungry?" he asks but already knows the answer, the only type of response you can manage to give him in your desperation is a pathetic tug at his shirt. "Don't say i never do anything for you," he sighs and tugs down his collar, allowing you the space to create a new wound on his neck.

This time around you don't rush it, your nose burrows against smooth skin as you let your sense guide you to his pulse. The small thrumming of blood in his veins, beckoning you closer, your bodies pressed and blending your own senses with his. A small gasp escapes him when he feels your bloodied fangs ghost over his neck.

You find a good spot, gently sinking your teeth down so you don't create a messy wound that would be hard to clean. You're lazy about it, using his shoulder as a headrest while you feed, almost feeling full and just topping off the last bit of hunger.

You're almost surprised when the taste of his blood is so different to the captains. It's a little thicker, sweeter in taste, and reminiscent of a wild spirit. The blood of someone who cares deeply about their topics, one who fights for what is right, and keeps their friends close.

It's been so long since you've fed on a willing human, you've forgotten how much you can tell about a person from their blood. You used to hate it when you fed on unwilling victims in your earlier days of being a vampire. When you'd take the blood of people with loving families, knowing there was a chance you'd have to kill them afterwards.

It was depraved state of your own survival, one you'd never want to return to. But now, tasting the blood of your teammates who so willingly gave it to you like it's nothing. It's a feeling that swells in your chest, and indescribable show of trust and safety, and a decision you won't take lightly.

You feel Gaz's hand filter through your hair, he lets out a deep huff once he realizes you've finished your feeding. You lick up the excess, gently cleaning around his wound in an attempt of staying longer. You'd never thought it'd be that blissful to stay close to them like this, your bodies pressed together and protective gestures to keep each other close.

"Lean back love," Price's voice fills your ears, and gets you to look upwards into his eyes. While you had fed on Gaz he'd gotten himself patched up, and brought a cloth to clean the mess you no doubt created on Gaz's neck.

He gently cleans around your mouth, babying you in a way that you'd have yelled at him for in any other scenario. He takes note of how quiet you've become; how tired and sleepy your state slowly drifts into despite it being nighttime.

Price moves on from you when he's finished wiping the blood away from your mouth. He bends the cloth and brings it to Gaz's neck, gently rubbing it over the wound that slowly stopped bleeding. "Thanks Cap" Gaz mumbles, letting you go when you moved to sit more beside him against instead of literally on top of him.

Getting the wound clean and patched wasn't anything hard to deal with, neither of them were certain how, but your bite wounds healed quickly once you were done feeding. You lean you head against Gaz's shoulder, closing your eyes briefly and letting out content noise that has them both chuckling.

"Thank you…both…" you say sleepily, taking slow turns to look at each of them sincerely. It meant more to you than either of them could possibly know. They had kept you from falling on the wrong side of an insanity you needed to avoid.

"Don't worry about it Solis, you can come to us anytime, we're a team" Price says turning his attention to you but still keeping a hand on Gaz's shoulder. "You can rely on us, you know that" he adds and pulls away, tugging the cloth into itself, "Now let's get you inside, looks like you could use a nap."

Been thinking about this one for awhile now. I like the idea that everyone's blood will taste different, kind of the same way everyone has a scent that's personal to them. You can get a lot of information out of someone just from their blood. I tried doing something for describing Price and Gaz blood but it was just my thoughts in the moment, it's one of those things where im most likely gonna feel different on it tomorrow-

[lookismstuff]

What was "The Mission" from Charles?

SPOILER ALERT

Just in case you don't remember what sort of mission Charles gave Daniel when they were talking in Ep 512:

This was the mission in Ep 177:

Basically Charles would reveal the secret of the Second Body since he considered that the current Daniel had somehow surpassed DG (of back then?). Daniel had also used the Body as it was designed (to fight, and fight A LOT).

How sad that back then I naïvely interpreted this as Charles' wish to elevate Daniel's hitherto unknown potentials when it was actually his egotistical method to trap the boy in intergenerational battles and crew wars. Almost like Charles wanted Daniel to become the pinnacle of the criminal underworld.

[raayllum]

Sometimes I think about the gap between the thematic perception of a theme/character versus how they themselves perceive the same thing. There's not too many gaps routinely like this in TDP except for antagonists — Karim comes to mind most notably, in how he earnestly believes he's doing the right thing with no pretense while becoming increasingly hypocritical — nor are all these gaps negative, per se.

But I think about it in regards to Rayllum a lot.

For example, in their actual relationship, they're pretty healthy. Rayla in particular has struggled with open and honest communication, but they're getting there, and we see that Callum has given her an unconditional, rather than an ultimatum base, upon which for her and both of them to build upon. They can teach really good lessons about taking time for yourself so you don't yell at your partner, that you have to work on yourself and a relationship won't fix your problems, that approaching things together is good and that you should support one another, etc etc.

However, thematically — identity wise — they are codependent to a super intense degree, wrapped up and incredibly dependent on the other person's construction of their sense of self (Rayla struggling to be a good person when she's reeling in the S4 fallout, because what does she have to show for it? Callum trying in 4x07 to push them both into their worst roles if the worst comes for him). And this codependency as well as intense desire to protect one another can cause them to make dangerous or self destructive choices in the name of love (or both), like Rayla leaving to protect him and luring Sol Regem away, or Callum doing dark magic and jumping off the Pinnacle.

Thereby, playing with this push and pull, how they exist and perceive themselves vs how they exist in the narrative (and may be seen as other characters) is well, a lot of fun.

This is also true for the "Rayla as Callum's method of destruction and salvation" theme that's been running through every season of the show, with Rayla being the lynchpin to burn down his old life / understandings of self and trust, and usher in new ones.

Callum doesn't see his relationship with Rayla as anything negative, ultimately; she's loving and brave and she saves people, she saved him, and he saves her right back. He'd do anything not to lose her, because that's the Right Thing to do to him, even if it's not automatically 'the right thing' for the rest of the world's safety.

But we know, thanks to their pattern (1x03, 1x04, 2x07, 3x09, general S4, 4x07, general S5, 5x04, 5x08) that it's something that can and has routinely gotten him into trouble in the past, particularly in S2 and S5.

We also know that Rayla fundamentally doesn't see anything wrong with Callum, either. "It doesn't matter" that he did dark magic before (2x07) and it likely won't ultimately matter to her again. She has so much faith and trust in him and his ability to do the impossible that the idea of Aaravos possessing him again in an awful way is downright hard for her to fathom. To her / in her mind, Callum is sweet and nice (even on the rare instances he yells at her), caring and loving and compassionate. And he is all those things, but even when one another's worst traits come out, both have a tendency to forgive and accept.

Now, part of this is because they have a mutual basis, for lack of a better word, of lines the other would never cross that are all conveniently the lines the other could never forgive (Rayla putting Ez at risk on a whim, Callum killing Stella for dark magic ingredients) which just perpetuates this cycle of support, forgiveness, and unconditionality.

Because unconditional love is great — until it's not.

And I think this blend of "they are actively healthy and actively working on being healthier" mixed with the "oh God quarantine them and their codependent shit together elsewhere for the good of society" is why they 1) have the range that they do and 2) the subsequent appeal that they do.