#Power Query M

[techinfotrends]

Functions and Benefits of Power Query M | Infographic

Power Query M is a formula language used to transform and shape data in Power BI. It provides a flexible and powerful way to clean, combine, and manipulate data from various sources.

Here are the key steps to transform data using Power Query M in Power BI:

Load Data: Import your data source into Power BI using the "Get Data" option. You can connect to various sources like Excel, CSV, SQL databases, and more.

Edit Query: Once your data is loaded, right-click on the query name and select "Edit Query." This will open the Power Query Editor where you can apply transformations.

Apply Transformations: Use the available functions and operators in Power Query M to perform transformations like:

Cleaning: Remove duplicates, handle null values, and correct data types.

Combining: Merge multiple tables based on common columns.

Reshaping: Pivot or unpivot columns, add or remove columns.

Filtering: Apply conditions to extract specific data.

Sorting: Arrange data in ascending or descending order.

Grouping: Group data by specific columns and calculate aggregations.

Apply Steps: As you apply transformations, Power Query M generates a series of steps. You can edit or delete these steps to refine your data.

Close and Apply: When you're satisfied with the transformations, click "Close & Apply" to apply the changes to your Power BI report.

Found this interesting? Then check out our detailed Infographic on the use of Power Query M, and gain insights related to its benefits, market share, popular BI tools, and so on.

[exceltricks]

So verwenden Sie die RIGHT-Funktion von Excel in Power Query — excel-hilfe.ch

So verwenden Sie die RIGHT-Funktion von Excel in Power Query

[starconstruction]

Dynamic Trio of Love

Yandere Chaewon + Yunjin x Male Reader (smut)

You've probably read this if you followed my old blog, feel free to reread or renote.

smut tag: oral (m/f), riding, threesome, generic smut things

Word Count: 4151

It was a normal day at the Seraphim University, a prestigious university with a ridiculously low acceptance rate. Multiple stories of knowledge, the buildings felt modern. Clean cut angular walls, painted a angelic white and the windows were a oppositional black.

This was the second year you taught here and given its status it paid good enough. The students were okay. For the most part none of them asked questions after school as they were only here so they wouldn't lose their trust funds. The easiest way to get into the school was just to be rich, but you taught them all the same.

"Quiet down class!" You said, hand ruffling through your hair. Loud conversations immediately fell quiet, giving you the stage. You pulled up the power point as you began the lecture.

"So then class why does Mr Gatz use diminutives?" You asked, gesturing towards the awaiting class. The entire class kept their hand down, you never knew if it was out of apathy or confusion. But there was always that one student.

Huh Yun-jin, an elegant student. One of the few who came here to learn, transferring from Korea to come here. She was always attentive, hastefully writing down every word you uttered. Asking every question she had and answering every you had.

"Yes Yunjin." You replied to her awaiting hand, she beamed a bright smile as she begun to speak. "Because of their relationship, Gatsby is his son and he is showing his condolences." Her tone was straight, she spoke prim and proper as she clicked her pen.

"Correct Yunjin, as always." You smiled, turning back to the board as the lecture went on. You wrote notes on the board, these English lessons were always silent. The students acted dead, except Yunjin.

The class wound down and the students frantically dashed out, like prisoners being freed from their cage. Except Yunjin, who lingered near her desk. "Sir, I have a question." She queried. Her arms crossed together as she looked down, she was always shy everytime you saw her. "Yes, Yunjin." You replied.

"Do you think I'm pretty sir?" Her question caught you off guard. Saliva caught in your throat, violent coughs ripping out. "What?! That is highly inappropriate!" You reprimanded her, she put herself on the table. Legs parting slowly giving you vision of her underwear, you gulped. Why was she doing this? "I mean look at me Sir, you could have me right here." She probed.

You looked at her, breath hitching as you truly took notice of her appearance. The way her hair was done up in a neat ponytail, the way her outfits complimented her curves, how smooth her legs were as they were cut off by the skirt that was much shorter than you realized.

You felt guilty, blood rushing to your shaft. Hands gripped the table as you clung onto the wood, Yunjin was smirking. Walking towards you with a seductive stance, she popped out her leg and highlighted her ass. Daring you to give in, she was in front of you now. "I can promise you professor, you won't regret it." She whispered in your ear, teeth finding your lobe. Scraping against it while she bit, eliciting a forced moan from your lips. Her hand found your erect shaft, covered by the fabric which painfully constricted you.

You may have made the first mistake, but you won't make the second. You pushed her off you, her eyes scowling as her treat was ripped away. "I will ignore your blatant inappropriate conduct but you must leave now." You uttered, mere inches from jumping her bones and pounding her into the ground.

"Fine, professor. But I will warn you, I always get what I want." She growled, grabbing her bag and storming out the room. You were shaking, thoughts of her body nestled in your brain.

You left your classroom, heading to the bathroom. Relieving yourself into a tissue before getting ready to go home for the night. What the hell just happened?

-

"Ugh! I was so close!" Yunjin yelled, draped over the side of the couch. Head hanging against the carpeted floor, she was in her professors home. The one that she wasn't trying to jump, Chaewon. "He was rock solid! We nearly had our blackmail chae" She continued, ranting incessantly.

Chaewon was much more composed than her friend, infact she was the one to come up with the plan to blackmail him. "God, it's okay Yunjin." Chaewon comforted, she was laid on the ground. Licking a cherry flavored lollipop, formulating their next plan to get him where they wanted.

"Unless you have another fantastic idea!" Yunjin shouted, taking out her frustration on an u expecting pillow. Launching it across the room. The two of them were madly in love, an unexplainable connection bound you three. "I actually do" Chaewon chimed, picking up her phone. "What if we just isolated him?" She fiddled with her device. "I mean, he lives a reclusive life as it is. We can make it work."

They discussed their plan for hours, talking until the sun set with only one goal. Y/N will be theirs.

-

The week following your altercation with Yunjin were weird, colleagues you got along with simply no longer interacted. If you went near them they would move, it was weird. Even weirder they looked terrified, everyone except one person. Chaewon.

Chaewon was a very good friend to you, both teaching English meant you spent considerable time researching how to teach lessons effectively. Spending time in the break rooms creating lessons together. She stayed put and was now the only person you had to talk to.

"Chae, I wanna ask you something." You said, hunched over your pot of instant noodles. Her body stiffened strangely while she readjusted her top, which clung to her slim body very well. "Everybody has been avoiding me recently, like overnight. Did I do something?" Chaewon sat and thought for a second, taking an extremely long sip of her instant coffee. "I heard a few rumors, but I didn't buy it." Rumors? Did Yunjin spread lies? "What were the rumors?" You asked.

The warmth from the room suddenly faded, Chaewon didn't speak for awhile. The silence was chilling, heart beating against your chest. "They said you assaulted a guy who your girlfriend cheated on you with." Chaewon said plainly, sipping more coffee. Your head recoiled in shock, girlfriend? You wish, assault? You'd never.

The bell chimed, indicating you two had to teach. Chaewon downed her drink and got up to leave. "See you Y/N, just know I'm here." You smiled, there's at least one friend for you.

-

You laid down in your room, something you were very proud with its decoration. Positively you and a manifestation of your interests. The events of the day played through your head again and again, was your reputation on the line over lies? You spent your afternoon texting people, being left on delivered. There was always Chaewon, maybe she was free.

You shot her a simple message, "wassup chaewon I'm just wondering if you wanted to hang out I can come to yours just feeling a bit shaken lmk" You felt a bit pathetic, surprised when the message was immediately met with a response.

"yea come over bring alcohol xx" Well that sounds like a pretty solid night, you grabbed whatever alcohol you had from your last party and headed over to Chaewon's house, you've never been there before, unnecessary paranoia filled your head.

You knocked on her door, lugging a needless amount of alcohol up the stairs. Chaewon welcomed you in, she looked much different to her usual attire in the workplace. A thin white shirt with a black Metallica logo, the fabric was way too small. Exposing her toned stomach, she clearly exercised much more you did. She was wearing black booty shorts and no socks, did you catch her asleep?

You two sat on her couch, her living room radiated the Chaewon you knew. A few cans of lemon sparkling water laid on the tables, the cheap scent of vanilla wafted through the air. She had quite a few trinkets, a realistic plane laid on the shelves. "Sorry for not cleaning up, wasn't expecting company." Chaewon said, legs crossed on her couch as she grabbed a bottom of beer from your bag. "Nice brand, Mr money bags."

You sighed as you joined her in drinking, the disgusting taste of beer going down your throat. "Big fan of planes ay?" You said. Pointing out the various little figures all across the room, giggling a bit as Chaewon followed your eyes. "Yeah, didn't you know I was originally going to be a flight attendant? Really wanted to anyway. Parents didn't want me to, assholes." She said, a hint of discontent and resentment as she recalled the past.

"Neat, probably more interesting than teaching English." You chimed back, Chaewon moved inwards towards you slightly, arm pressing against your leg. You felt a bit of a blush this close, her perfume was equally cheap but pleasant, a mixture of cinnamon and cigarettes.

" English is fun to teach!" Chaewon yelled out. "Just, I wonder how things would have gone." She took a deep swig, nearly downing half the bottle. She was a really good friend to have. You smiled as you two chatted for a bit.

"Want a smoke Y/N?" Chaewon asked, rummaging through her bag as she threw found a lighter. Adorned with a middle finger and a heart, it matched her perfectly. "I don't smoke." You dismissed her.

"Don't care, come stand by me then." She demanded. You two stood outside, the night's chill laid on you two. More so Chaewon, the frail outfit providing little resistance to nature. She was frantically shivering while taking a drag of her cigarette, guilt clawed you. She was nothing but nice to you, a friend who didn't abandon you.

"Take this chae, don't freeze to death on me now." Your hands tugged off your warm hoodie, Chaewon put it on. It hung lose around her, a size or two larger than her body. "Thank you." Chaewon whispered, taking another hit before smirking. "Just one?" Her cigarette held an inch from your face, if it'd make her happy.

You coughed violently as the overwhelming sensation to cough filled every fiber of your being in. Shoving the devil stick back towards her while she laughed. "Wimp." You two went back inside and talked for a long while, teaching, personal life, anything.

"I'm gonna use the bathroom, don't run off." Chaewon said, running up the stairs as you sat against her plush couch. Taking a sip of cider, much more palatable than those beers.

Her phone lit up. a singular message laid on her decorated phone, a black phonecase with various symbols and a key chain.

Yunjin (school one): you finished sharing the.... The text message cut off, you felt confused, staring at the screen while your mind reeled with possibilities. Shared what? You were taken out of your thoughts as loud steps came down the stairs. It wouldn't hurt to ask, just in a roundabout way.

You took a deep breath as Chaewon sat back down. Laying against your leg as you spoke, "You helping Yunjin with English? She stopped coming to my tutor sessions." You were worried you came off nervous, however it seemed like Chaewon didn't notice. "No, she doesn't come to mine. I guess she doesn't need it." Oh.

"So what did you share? Your phone lit up." You pushed forward, Chaewon's skin went devoid of color as she gulped. "Errr..." Her words caught in her throat. "It's not what you think." She continued.

"Then what is it Chaewon." You pried, getting poised to leave. "It's, you - okay. I may have started those rumors but I had a reason! Just hear me out!" You felt betrayed, a knife digging into your back. You got up to leave, walking towards the door. Chaewon's body connected with you, slamming your body into the wall invoking a large slamming noise. Chaewon was mere inches from your face, alcoholic breath catching in your nose as she held you against the wall.

"I had a reason! You were pulling away from me and Yunjin, rejecting her advances! Clearly you had someone else in mind, so we had to act!" She yelled, pressing deeper into your stomach as you gasped in pain. "Chaewon, you are fucking nuts.. Get off of me!" You two struggled against each other, arms pushing for dominance. "It had to be done! Stop struggling and we can just talk." Her leg slammed up against your crotch, knocking you down onto the ground as you writhed in pain. "Always so fucking difficult! We could have had a good night. I got all ready, wore my thinnest clothes the second you messaged me. But no, you have to be awkward." Chaewon rambled, now firmly on top of you as you attempted to push her off. Panting as oxygen left your body, she was way too strong. "I love you Y/N! So does Yunjin, just give in!" She yelled, taking your lips in a stolen kiss, the reeking taste of alcohol entering your mouth as she forcefully gnawed at you.

Prehaps you got lucky, perhaps she got tired. Either way you were thankful as a particularly strong shove got her off you, heart hammering against your chest as you slipped your shoes on half-haphazardly. Running as fast as you could back to your car. Chaewon was in your rear view mirror, a disturbing grin as you drove off. "THIS ISN'T OVER Y/N!"

-

The next two days didn't come easy, sleep a luxury too taxing for you. Every second you weren't distracted brought you back to that night, work was even harder. Chaewon being so close to you made you panic, quality of work slipping away as you struggled to teach.

You couldn't tell if it was your own delusions or if Yunjin was eyeing you up, her smile felt sadistic as she kept asking questions. Watching as you struggle to answer, the other students must have noticed you going mad.

You were at home, eyes closed as you fought for a singular second of sleep. The events replaying yet again, how close you were to an unexplainable horror. The gentle hum of YouTube did nothing to soothe you. Hands clawing the pillow as your heart raced, breathing heavy. You weren't going to be able to sleep like this.

Going outside wasn't going to calm you down, way too dark. Nobody would be able to save you. You opened the window, breathing in the cold fresh air. Your breathing calmed down as you relaxed. You'll be okay. You'll be okay.

You fell asleep for the first time in days.

A loud blaring noise rang out, the sound of your phone's alarm. In your tiredness you had set it to 7pm instead of 7am. God fucking damn it.

You walked downstairs, desperate for a cup of water to nurse your dry throat. Something felt wrong, the air felt colder than it should. It must be your nerves, you breathed out. Heading towards the kitchen.

The water went down your throat, soothing every dry muscle as it coated your mouth. You started to walk upstairs when your jaw dropped. Two shadowy figures were outside your door, a cacophonous noise of scratching metal and muffled talking. Your blood ran cold, rushing upstairs as water splashed on your arm.

Your bedroom provided no comfort now, the creaking of the front door alerted you. They were inside. You breathed erratically, vision blurring around the edges. Footsteps came up the stairs, you scanned around the room looking for anything to use. Nothing, you really shouldn't have cleaned recently.

The door opened and two figures came in, they didn't wear disguises. Chaewon and Yunjin were there in all your glory, faces shocked as you stared at them.

"Hello Y/N." Yunjin said, her hand was holding something. A knife. You gulped, they were going to kill you. "We were hoping you would be asleep. But we can improvise for you honey." Chaewon followed up, her voice sickeningly sweet. They got closer. "Get back! This is insane!" You cried out.

"Insane, maybe honey. But let's talk about this more when we are home, Yunjin." Chaewon commanded, Yunjin got close. Holding a knife against your throat, Chaewon got closer. A needle of a strange liquid in her hand. "Don't do this." You made one last plea, but they didn't listen. Jabbing the syringe into your body.

It didn't take long before the world went black, the last thing you saw was sinister smiles.

-

You woke up, eyes being greeted with a grey basement. Water damaged as the scent of mold filled your nose, you tried to move but the tape shackles locked you in place.

You sat there for who knows how long, bored and petrified of what was about to happen. A loud scuttering down the stairs filled you with new found fear, it was Yunjin, wearing a t-shirt way too big for her and shorts. Her hand was holding a familiar knife. "Morning honey, sleep well?" Her innocuous question made you recoil.

She smiled as she sat on your leg, putting the knife against your throat. "I asked you a question, let's not get off on the wrong foot." You panicked. "Yunjin, calm down.. I slept fine." You had to comply, the knife disappeared from your throat as you let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, good. You'll love it here. But one word of advice." Yunjin got closer, inches from your ear "we don't like to repeat ourselves." You gulped.

Chaewon came down the stairs next, holding a tray of scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice. You couldn't lie when you said it looked good, hunger panged in your stomach causing a burst of discomfort. "I brought you breakfast." She said.

You couldn't accept it, couldn't give in to their desires. "I'm not taking your food." You barked, Chaewon sighed as Yunjin frowned. "Look, I don't know what power you think you have. But I'm feeding you this food to you either way." She gathered some egg on a fork bringing it to your mouth. "Be a good boy so I don't have to force you." Chaewon pleaded, but her voice vowed danger if you didn't comply.

You accepted, opening your mouth slightly as she fed you. Smiling as you ate her cooking, "Good." She was honestly a good cook, but you wouldn't stroke their ego. Yunjin spoke "We can fix up the basement, if you are good we will be so nice. If not, well you'll see." The words filled you with fear as a piece of toast entered your mouth.

-

It has been a long time since they took you, there was no way to tell. They didn't give you a clock, you had roughly gathered a schedule. One of the two would come in and give you breakfast, then after a excruciating long time one of them would come again to talk to you.

You three had a lot of battles, defiant to their actions. You'd always regret it after. Chaewon was the much more brutal one, taking pleasure in your misery. You weren't going to forget when she snapped, dragging her knife through your flesh. Ignoring your pleading to stop, Yunjin was much calmer with her actions. Mostly getting enjoyment from teasing you.

They returned, the atmosphere felt different. They seemed almost playful, not in the same sadistic way as usual. "Hey Y/N, do you know what day it is?!" They said together, hands gesturing enthusiastically. You shook your head, "It's our one month anniversary!" Chaewon cheered, Yunjin carrying on like this was rehearsed. "So we all get a reward! You can get some entertainment! Me and chae get some dick, you wouldn't deprive us of that right?" She smiled. Your mind filled with thoughts, you should say no. But something about the way they looked was bringing you inwards.

"I wouldn't deny you.." You said quietly, they beamed. "Great! We need to prepare something so go shower or something."

-

The sanguine of their LEDs painted the room in a deep red. They had tied you back up leaving you naked, cock hardening as they stripped slowly. They were really putting on a show, Chaewon's hands pulled Yunjin's crop top off, delivering soft kisses to her stomach while Yunjin patted her head. Chaewon's teeth bit down on her skirt. Looking directly into her eyes as she trailed down her legs, revealing Yunjin's panties wet with need.

"Isn't she so perfect? Don't you just wanna fuck your ex-student's cunt?" Chaewon asked, quickly disposing of the undergarments. Yunjin's body now fully exposed, she looked divine. Entire body bathed in red but it did nothing to hide her beauty. Her skin was smooth and perfect from head to toe, her body begged for attention. Her breasts rock solid and pussy glistening. "God. I want to fuck her so hard." You whined, Chaewon smiled as a glint of mischief hit her eyes. "She offered it to you, don't you remember?" She teased, the catalyst of this entire event happening coming back to your head.

"Tell you what, you sit there like a good boy. Maybe you can have my seconds." Chaewon growled, mouth making contact with Yunjin's drooling cunt. Loud sucking noses could be heard as Chaewon treated her like a goddess, putting on a show as she feasted.

Chaewon had no desire to be slow, she had desire to be messy. Yunjin's juices covered her face as she got deep as possible. Yunjin was screaming, "Fuck.. Keep going Chae!" The scene in front of you was intense, bringing you to full hardness as your cock violently throbbed. Hands begging for freedom against the restraints. "She tastes so good Y/N, imagine if you said yes. We could have been doing this together." Chaewon said, taking a small breather for oxygen.

Chaewon's fingers feverishly rubbed Yunjin's swollen clit, tongue fucking her hole as it spewed its sticky juice onto Chaewon's tongue." Fuck! Chaewon I'm gonna cum on that tongue!" Yunjin moaned, legs spasming as she came undone. A shared panting between the two as they battled for precious air.

"Awe, look how needy he is" Yunjin teased. You were leaking precum, shaft standing tall as you begged with your eyes. The room was hotter now, burning with passion between you three.

They got closer, dropping down to their knees as they came eye level to your cock. Eyeing it up like a stick of candy, Yunjin's lips took you in, her mouth warm and wet. Tongue licking up bitter precum as she went inch by inch, Yunjin was refined and elegant. Keeping the mess to a minimum as she sucked you off, a delectful contrast to Chaewon who sucked on your balls. Lathering you up with her saliva, the dual assault made you buck your hips and whine. "You two are so good.. Don't stop."

Your words made them try harder, Yunjin pressing you deep into her throat, gagging up sounds as she did her best. Chaewon licked your balls, the sensations driving you mad. You couldn't last longer like this. "Chae, Yunjin.. I'm bouta cum! Fuck!" You yelled, inches away from heaven as they pulled away. The sudden lack of pleasure caused great discomfort as they edged you.

"Not yet, keep it for later." You whined as Yunjin spoke. Chaewon stripped herself and revealed her smooth cunt, freshly shaved and equally as wet. "Who do you wanna fuck first? Your ex-student or your ex-colleague?" You were given an impossible choice, both looking irresistible. And you'd get to fuck both, so you spoke true to your heart. "Chaewon." You said and she smiled. "You flatter me baby." She removed the restraints, putting you on the soft bed.

"Enjoy this, my cunt is so tight." Chaewon gasped seductively, lips parting as she took you in. Her walls squeezed the life out of you as you two shared a moan, she bounced up and down with an intense vigor. Desperate to prove something, Yunjin didn't remain idle. Laying down next to your bouncing crotches. Her tongue reached out, sinful noises coming out as Yunjin's tongue licked both of you.

"Fuck, Y/N! THIS DICK IS SO GOOD!" Chaewon shouted like a eager hooker, finding solace in your hard length. The earlier foreplay had done a number on you, "I'm not going to last long Chaewon!" You let out a guttral moan. "It's okay! Cum in me!" You obliged, shooting creamy splurts into her body. Yunjin quick to get any that leaked out.

Chaewon got off. Letting you recover, Yunjin looked eager for your length. It was going to be a long long anniversary.

[beelzecxi]

“Drank, drank I been drinking, I hit you up when I’m faded”

Obey me Lucifer x amab reader! Nsfw! Fem aligned dni! Mdni! Top reader! Drunk Lucifer! Light sub/dom dynamic! Lucifer is a masochist! Reader is not a sadist! Sub Lucifer!

Concept: Lucifer get drunk and horny!! W.c 1.4

A/n: I wrote something like this awhile ago, then it got deleted cuz I got a new phone.. （−＿−；）

P.s never have intercourse with an intoxicated person, this is just a story about a fictional character. You should never copulate with someone under the influence, thank you.

"Sweetheart, you need to relax," you laugh, placing your hands on the demon's waist and squeezing as you lean away from his feeble attempts at kissing you. "Let me kiss you," he whines, his desperation peaking, "please." He pouts, licking his lips as he stares at you.

You smirk, leaning into the demon's space, "Luci, you're so adorable when you're drunk" You tease, pecking his lips, "You're usually all worked up, held up in that office of yours." You continue, once again pecking his lips, grinning when he whines. "Got so worked up, you had to turn to alcohol" you sigh, leaning back against the bed frame.

"You know instead of getting drunk you can just come to me," you mutter, slipping your hands under his shirt, kissing along his neck as he whimpers into your ear. "I'd take care of you, l'd make sure all of your stress goes away. All you have to do is ask" You say, smirking against his skin when he starts to roll his hip.

"Ah, Ah, Ah." You tsk, tightening your grip on his waist,

"None of that now dear," you scold, leaning away from his neck, "if you want me to help you, you'll have to ask" you reaffirm, tilting your head as you look at him "Come on ask," You tempt, no better than a demon yourself, "Ask me to take all of the stress away. Ask me to take care of you. " You continue, rubbing circles on his waist with your thumbs.

"Please," he hiccups, his speech slurred from the alcohol,

"please take care of me, please" He begs, hands clutching at your sweat pants, you smirk pushing him down on the bed before climbing over him, "That's all you had to say baby, get rid of our clothes, yeah?" You ask, though it's more like a demand, either way Lucifer listens, getting rid of the barriers preventing him from feeling your skin on his.

"You're so pretty sweetheart," you praise, spreading his legs to get a better view of him, enjoying the sound of him whining at the slightest touch, before grazing your fingers up his shaft grinning when he instantly bucks up into your touch desperate for more.

"Now, now Luci, be a good boy for me and stay still." You scold, slapping his inner thigh.

"M-master!" He yelps, runting his hips, in an effort to get you to hit him again.

"Stay still or I won't touch you at all," you threaten staring deep down into his eyes. He whines, frantically, worried that you might actually stop. You won't, after all it's not everyday you get to have someone as powerful as Lucifer, someone who almost everyone in devildom was afraid of.

You hummed softly, squeezing his thighs before bringing your hand back to his cock. Wrapping your hand around his base, jerking it, once, twice, then once again. "So, tell me Luci, do you want me to ride or fuck you? It's up to you really," you say, squeezing his base, "either way you won't be able to cum until I say so." You tell him trailing your fingers down to his hole, adding a slight bit of pressure tutting when he starts to whine and push back on your fingers. “So what will it be sweetheart?” You queried, leaning down to peck the corner of his lips as he continued to whine and whimper.

“Fuck me! Fuck me please! I-I want it s-so bad master, please, please,plea-” he chokes, groaning when you remove your fingers from his hole, “Suck.” You demand, putting three of your fingers in front of his mouth, “conjure up some lube too please, I wouldn’t want to hurt you.” You ask, tapping at his chin “‘s okay, I want to hurt” he mumbles before sucking your fingers into his mouth, moaning happily at having his mouth filled. “Oh?” You mumbled, slightly concerned. Pulling back slightly, jumping when Lucifer wrapped his hand around your wrist, moaning like a porn star, sucking your fingers like it was a cock instead, trying to get your fingers as deep as they can go. “Alright luci that’s enough” you say, pulling your fingers from his mouth, chuckling when he whines and tries to follow them.

“Alright calm down,” you say, spreading his thighs to get a better view of his hole. “Woah” you whistle, putting your spit-slick fingers to his hole, “look at this pretty thing,” you awe, pushing one of your fingers inside, thrusting it in and out before adding another one, “Your hole is so pretty luci.” You praise, pushing the final finger in after scissoring him open for a while. “Master~” he whines rolling his hips back against your fingers, “master, please fuck me, please” he slurs, half delirious from the alcohol and pleasure. “Getting to that,” you say, pulling your pants down.

“Spread em’” you order, slapping the demon's inner thigh, smiling when he moans and squirms before doing what he’s told, whining like bitch in heat. “Master!” He whines, his voice is adorably high pitched as he hiccups and rolls his hips before remembering he’s supposed to be a good little demon if he wants to get fucked.

“Lube Luci,” you tell him, praising him when a small bottle of it appears right in your hand. “Ready for the real fun to begin sweetheart?” You ask, squirting some of the lube into your hand and spread it over your cock. Grinning when the demon nods frantically, spreading his legs wider to tempt you into just taking him right then and there.

For extra safety precautions, not willing to tear something in the demon even if that is what he wants, you squirt a little bit of lube into the demon’s hole, enough so that it stings but nothing will tear, before sticking your fingers inside to spread it around. “Deep breaths,” you say, lining your cock up to the demon's hole, smirking down at him before pushing inside, grinning at the instant whine that leaves the demon lord.

“There we go,” you huff as you bottom up, looking at the panting demon below you, “are you okay luci?” You ask, placing your hands on the demon's waist. “You look a little red.” You tease, leaning down to nip at his left nipple, smiling when he immediately arches his chest into your mouth. “Master, move please” he whimpers, clutching at the nap of your neck, “want you to fuck me hard and rough, please, I want it to hurt” he whines, his sharp nails digging into your scalp. You merely hum, swirling your tongue around his nipple before pulling away with a nip. “I’ll give you what you want, don’t worry sweetheart,” you reassure him, pulling your hips back before giving him exactly what he wanted, a hard and rough fucking.

He moaned loudly when you thrusted back into him, clutching at you like a lifeline as you nailed into him “Master-” he choked out, wanting to beg for more but to overcome with the pleasure of being filled and stretched so well. He wanted oh so badly to feel the thick head of your cock crush his prostate, and it was so close to doing so if you could just go a little be deeper, you’d be right there, right where you belong- and as if you could hear his thoughts you slid your hand under his right leg, hiking it up your waist. And then you were right there, right on his prostate.

“Ah, there it is,” you hummed when Luci yelped into your ear, frantically rolling his hips to meet your thrust. “Right there right there,” he whines frantic with pleasure, “gonna cum, please let me cum,” he begs, his body jerking. “Please say I can cum,” he whines, trying his hardest to wait until you give him permission, “cum.” You order, your thrusts never slowing, not even when the demon jerks with the force of his orgasm.

“You’re a demon so you can last a lot longer right Luci?” You ask, wrapping your hand around his cock, he nobs whimpering as you start to jerk his sensitive cock. “That’s nice. I was worried we’d have end our night here. But we can keep going right sweetheart?” You ask, playing with the sensitive head of his cock “y-yeah” he hiccups, thrusting his cock into your hand, moaning when you slap his thigh with your spare hand. “We talked about this luci,” you scold, slowing down the speed of your thrusts, “I’m sorry, please don’t stop,” he begs, squeezing tightly around your cock to prevent you from pulling out. “Don’t worry I’m not going anywhere,” you say, leaning down to bite at his neck.

“After all, the night’s just begun.”

[hp-hcs]

• smut • the apprenticeship — apprentice! theodore nott x male! master painter! reader

not historically accurate, except for literally one word which everyone will assume is a typo lmao (the inaccuracy pains me too, dw)

as per always, slytherin boyos in my smut pieces are ALWAYS aged up, no exceptions

warnings: MDNI, noncon by virtue of a relationship with unequal power (i.e. master and apprentice), reader is amab, reader is bottom-coded fr, reader is referred to as "master" but like not in a kinky way thats literally just his occupational title, oral (m receiving), handjob, theo's a little simp, AU ig

very little plot despite this being just a fraction of a much larger AU i've been working on for months now

~1k, not proofread

MDNI

Theodore’s fingers nimbly folded in the last corner of the canvas he was stretching. Newly an apprentice, taken on by a young master painter at the behest of Lord Tiberius Nott, whose passing had left freshly eighteen-year-old Theodore Nott an orphan. Perpetually an asshole, even in death, Lord Nott had specifically arranged for Theodore’s apprenticeship to begin precisely at the time of his passing to prevent his son from immediately inheriting his title, status, and wealth. Dick.

“Theodore!”

You’d been pacing around your studio in circles for the last two hours, dead silent and lost in thought. Now, however, you were fluttering about like a directionless moth, making a mess as you dug through your piles of vellum sketches.

Theodore had never seen you so… erratic. You were usually very calm and collected—albeit, still fucking insane, of course. You were a master painter in Victorian England. You had to be at least a little nuts.

“Yes, Master…?” he queried in an unsure tone, trying to decipher your current erratic state.

“Take off your shirt.”

Theodore stared at you for a moment, wide-eyed and taken aback. His stomach fluttered, but he did as you bid, his tunic dropping to the floor. He awkwardly tried to cover himself with one arm.

You scrambled forward, pushing his arm out of the way so you could get a better look. “Yes…yes.”

He let out a squeak as you pulled his arm away, not quite knowing where all this was going. “M-Master…?”

Your fingers traveled over his abdomen.

Theodore shivered slightly as your fingers glided across his skin. “Master?” he breathed, still confused.

“Take off your breeches.”

Theodore bit his lip, his hands dropping to fumble with the ties of his breeches. He averted his gaze to the floor, cheeks warm with embarrassment. Any good apprentice knows better than to ask questions.

You dropped to your knees, caressing his thighs and looking up at him in awe.

“M-Master…” Theodore whispered, his cheeks flushed as he held your gaze. Part of him wanted to pull away, but the much larger part of him couldn’t for the life of him find the will to do so.

Your eyes returned to what was right in front of you when it twitched in interest. His cock.

He bit his lip again, watching you intently. The fluttering of his stomach ceased, replaced with a sort of pleasant heat.

You leaned forward and kissed its head, delighted by the way his hips automatically jutted forward at the soft touch of your lips.

“Master…” Theodore whispered breathily, fingers weaving themselves into your hair. You grinned at the touch, promptly taking him into your mouth.

He let out a squeak, his whole body spasming. “M-Master, we— we mustn’t…” 

But even as he protested, his voice grew breathy with pleasure. He quickly shut up once you started dragging your tongue along the bottom vein, forcing him to let out a shaky moan in response. His fingers brushed through your hair, holding it back out of your eyes. “God— Master…”

Just to tease him, you hollow your cheeks, looking up at him with big doe-eyes. His fingers tightened in your hair, tugging gently. 

“Master… Master, please…”

You moaned around him, eyelashes fluttering as the action sent delicious vibrations through his cock.

“Master— I’m.. I—” Theodore’s whole body trembled. He was forced to press a hand to his mouth in order to muffle his needy noises from being overheard by anyone on the street below outside the open second-floor window of the studio. With a final flick of your tongue, you finish him off.

The shudder that wracked his body is intense, forcing him to lean back against the wall, eyes closed and breathing soft and ragged. 

“Master…” he breathed. “Please… let me return the favor…”

You swallowed and pulled off. “Mm?”

His eyes blinked open slowly, clammy hands coming down to cup your face gently. “Allow me to please you, Master. Please. It would— It would please me to do so… It would be a great honor…”

You nodded frantically, stumbling to your feet and loosely clasping your hands around Theodore’s wrists where he held your face, rubbing your thumb against the soft skin on the inside of his wrist.

Theodore pressed a kiss to your forehead sweetly, reveling in the smell of your unintentional cologne, a potent fragrance of oil paint and pig that clung to you like a second skin. 

Backing you into the wall, he easily pinned you there with his hips, using his slightly taller height to his advantage. His lips found your neck, prompting him to hungrily mark the skin with a damson-colored hickey. His greedy hands dropped to your breeches, undoing the ties. You let out a soft whimper and grabbed his shoulders, charcoal-stained fingernails digging into the bare skin.

He pressed his body against yours, his hand sliding into your paint-splattered breeches. He slowly began to move his hand along your cock, his mouth busy covering your neck in a vibrant palette of plum and magenta.

You moan pathetically, eyes fluttering shut.

Theodore couldn’t help but smile against your skin, nipping at your neck softly. “You’re so pretty… So handsome; you’re just so beautiful, Master… I can’t take my eyes off of you when you’re painting. I’m so proud to be in your studio. I’d do anything to please you. I—” He faltered, his face reddening at his admission.

“Theodore— Theodore— keep talking—” you begged, hips jerking forward into his warm fist.

“You have the most wonderful smile I’ve ever seen… It’s so warm and full of life. And your eyes, Master, they’re so lovely…when you’re happy, they crinkle—” He was rambling at this point, more focused on giving you the best handjob of your life. “You paint better than any master I’ve seen in the town square. I—I adore you…”

At that final confession, you surged forward to kiss him, trying to convey a billion things without speaking a single word. He kissed you back, smiling against your lips. With just one clever twist of his fist, he sent you over the edge, coming in your pants like a cheap telegram boy.

“You’re so lovely, Master…” Theodore breathed, brushing his chapped lips against your forehead affectionately while you came down from your high.

“Y/n,” you gasped as soon as you’d caught your breath. “Call me Y/n.”

“Y/n,” he amended, nuzzling his nose against your jaw. “Y/n.”

~~~

this author is fueled solely by comments. if you like this work, and want to encourage me to keep writing, drop a nice word or two in the comments!!

[makethatelevenrings]

Hi im very sorry for what is happening in LA and im not trying to be rude

I didn’t know AI used water can you please explain how?

“According to a report by Goldman Sachs, a ChatGPT query needs nearly 10 times as much electricity as a Google search query.”

“Google said its greenhouse gas emissions rose last year by 48% since 2019.”

“AI requires computer power from thousands of servers that are housed in data centers; and those data centers need massive amounts of electricity to meet that demand.”

“AI server cooling consumes significant water, with data centers using cooling towers and air mechanisms to dissipate heat, causing up to 9 liters of water to evaporate per kWh of energy used.”

“Already AI's projected water usage could hit 6.6 billion m³ by 2027, signaling a need to tackle its water footprint.”

“The huge computer clusters powering ChatGPT need four times as much water to deliver answers than previously thought, it has been claimed. Using the chatbot for between ten to 50 queries consumes about two litres of water, according to experts from the University of California, Riverside.”

Sources:

[c-cha-cheust]

Pls expand more on the 1920s gotham au i beg u 🙏

What would you like to know? :)

How the territories are divided? Each rogue has a territory, with there beong only one neutral territory, that's surrounded by the other territories. You live there, little imp. I mean, how could you not? It's not controlled by any of the monsters that employ your services, which means none of them truly own you. None of them can truly keep you.

Or maybe how reader becomes the rogues favorite little imp bc reader doesn't run from them, even know the other prostitutes warned you about staying away from them? :)) You were so scared when you first joined this industry, relying on the advice of the men and women who have been there longer than you, but they never truly realized the potential of becoming the mobsters of Gotham favorite little imp. You cant get a bank account (due to you not having any real ID) but you are making bank with how much these desperate souls are willing to pay for your time and affection.

Or maybe you'd like to know the little hero that's more of a pest than anything, Batman. Little imp, he's so annoying :(( breaking into your lovely home, asking for Intel on your generous clientel. You are the first person he approaches when your generous clients cause Gotham trouble, whether its robbing a bank, a kidnapping or simple theft, the dark knight graces you with his presence.

I do want to talk about logistics. Like how Two Face is in charge of smuggling weapons into Gotham, having dirt on almost every cop in that god forsaken city due to being an ex district attorney. Majority of the GCP wouldn't dare try to actually arrest the mobster, especially since many of them are in his pocket, supplying him with information, like where the police will be patrolling on specific nights. His mafia also emplays many law firms in Gotham, keeping his boys from being thrown in the slammer. He has the 3rd largest terroritory.

Killer croc runs a gang of animal based metas, especially ones who are discriminated against due to being predators like him. They are more traditional in what they do, they control the neighborhood, "protecting" the local businesses from being taken over by the other gangs and mafias in gotham. They run the bootlegging in Gotham, especially since they have access to the sewers. They have a tunnel system all over Gotham, and due to the gang being made up of metas, no one really wants to mess with them. Especially after hearing how killer croc ate the cop that tried to arrest him. His gang works a lot with penguins gang, supplying the Penguin's speakeasies with alcohol. He has the smallest terroritory.

Riddler's organization is responsible for illegal casinos as well as some prostitution. Did y'all know that his loyal henchwomen, Query and Echo, were dominatrixs before they worked for Riddler? So Riddler runs illegal casinos in his territory, along with S&M brothels for the rich and powerful. He has so many people in law enforcement, law, medical and government in his pocket due to their gambling debt as well as blackmail. He also works with the penguin, making his speakeasies a little more enticing with a gambling table. He has the second smallest territory.

The penguin runs almost all of the speakeasies in Gotham, he also runs many fronts for money laundering, as well as smuggling illegal goods into the country thanks to Gotham's docks. he has the largest territory, but he isn't one of our clients. He's a married man after all, but he will sometimes hire you to deliver some paperwork to the others, as well as hiring you as a waiter at his speakeasies, not to serve his guest, but to listen to what kind of information they may have. He's not your normal client, but you don't mind, he's polite and pays well, all he wants in return is respect and a job well done.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

If you have any specific questions, please ask, little imp. I'd love to write more

[flightfoot]

Miraculous Halloween Fic Recs

It's Halloween, so I figured that people might be in the mood for some spooky, supernatural, or just plain Halloween-related fics! All of these are complete.

--

Herbs And Steam by @liiinerle

Juleka le Flor Blef, nature witch from near the forest of Couffaine, arrives at Eiffel Castle so she can partake in the Queen's Trials - a contest to determine the strongest witch in all of France. She wants to prove the strength of her magic, but when she arrives, her attention is quickly distracted by two very interesting women: Kagami, the princess, who seems to act nothing like a princess should; and Marinette, the blacksmith, who has created a magic all her own through metal, steam, and ingenuity. Juleka is immediately besotted with both of them, and needs to work extra hard to focus on her magic. Juleka also soon becomes aware that there is stronger magic at Eiffel castle than she had expected. For one thing, there's a tree in the courtyard put there years ago by a witch whose powers seem to surpass hers; for another, there's Alya la Pluvie Versaunt, who must be the most powerful mage Juleka has ever met...

Unusual poly here, there aren't a lot of Juleka/Kagami/Marinette fics! I love the world here, getting to see all these different witches honing their craft, and Juleka making friends with many of them - though especially the nonwitches Kagami and Marinette, of course XD. If you like some femslash or a good fantasy AU, this fic should scratch that itch!

---

Soul Seeker by hislittlelady

After a shooting on her 6th birthday, Marinette Dupain-Cheng died. She was brought to the afterlife by her grandmother. She was content. Until the paramedics did their jobs and suddenly she wasn’t dead anymore. Waking up to find that half of her soul had remained tethered to the afterlife, allowing her the ability to see things others can’t, Marinette grows up an outcast. It isn’t until she moves in with her only friend, a detective she’s known since preschool, that she finds her purpose, solving his harder cases with the help of her spiritual connections. Three years later, she’s thriving. Her own business, two best friends, a K-9 drop out as a companion- life couldn’t get better. Until she meets Chat. A ghost with amnesia and a mask to match, Chat isn’t sure what he needs to move on to the afterlife (and, considering he’s stuck around for another three years, he doesn’t seem in all that much of a hurry to figure it out either!) When Amelie Agreste, a socialite from out of town, comes to Marinette for help locating her missing nephew, Marinette knows her career and her life will be on the line. But even a murderer intent on silencing her forever can’t keep Marinette from seeking the truth.

This is a really fun detective story. You can probably guess one or two of the major twists (not counting the twist of "Adrien is Chat Noir" which I certainly HOPE isn't a spoiler to anyone reading this), but that doesn't make it any less satisfying, especially with how Marinette's and Chat's relationship is developed. Or well, what interactions we see from them, since they've known each other for years by the time the story starts. I adore the "my friend is a ghost" trope, and the identity shenanigans and mystery around what actually happened to Adrien kept me wondering.

It's an M-rated fic, which I'm guessing is mostly due to an attempted sexual assault at one point in the story, though it doesn't get very far before it's stopped. I also want to warn Luka fans that he's not shown in the best light in this fic, though it's not too extreme.

---

Through Yellow Eyes by @echo-has-queries

"Nooroo bleeds and Paris drowns in his blood." The day of the Blight, Paris bore witness to a horror too grand to comprehend. Only Chloé Bourgeois bore witness to a miracle. Marinette, Alya and the rest of Paris will need more than faith in Gimmi to survive. As the city's sanity hangs by a thread, bodies, minds, and souls are traded with the unknown in order to hold on to the things they each treasure most. Written for the AU Roulette Challenge 2024 with the prompt: Cosmic Horror AU

If you like Cosmic Horror (Lovecraftian I think? Though this isn't really my wheelhouse), then this is the story for you! I love seeing how Paris copes with the madness seeping through its streets, somehow going about daily life despite it all.

Kwamis here are more inhuman, more separated from humanity. There's no cute little miniature form to help bridge the gap. While humans can still meld with kwami, it's not all quite as firmly in the human's control as it normally is, and the side effects are worse. It doesn't help that the kwamis can't fully understand squishy little humans' wants, needs, or morality.

Like, as Ladybug, Marinette can't remember her human name, and her human concerns are somewhat muted. While as Marinette, she can't remember certain aspects of her time as Ladybug, and only regains those memories when she transforms again. She also has to be careful about restoring everything, as she can't just give Tikki a cookie and call it a day. Instead, she herself needs to eat enough to compensate for the lost energy, which can be a substantial portion of the goods in her parents' bakery.

As for Adrien... well, this is still going off of Sentimonster Adrien, though the ritual to create him went differently... and went wrong. But he is still Adrien.

Chloe's interesting as well, she's this sort of priest, this missionary for the kwamis, but her methods are... well, not the best. She still has a bunch of her canonical hangups, even though she IS somewhat helpful.

I love Alya in here, she's just desperately trying to figure out what's going on so that she can try to fix it, especially since Nino's one of the people who's been driven mad by the Blight. She does find some answers, and even ends up being partially responsible for Ladybug's creation and Chat's and Ladybug's subsequent fight against the worst effects of the Blight, but the risks, danger, and side effects she suffers are still significant. Though some of those side effects can be used to her advantage.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this AU and thought it was an interesting take on the subject, I highly recommend checking it out!

---

Centuries Overdue by @rosie-b

Long ago, an evil Darkness spread across Europe, claiming the lives of many in the magic community. Trained by Plagg himself, Adrien made it his mission to stop the Darkness before it snuffed out the lives of more Mages and Talents, as it did to his own parents. Though he seemed to succeed in his mission, the pages of his old journals tell a different tale. In the modern world, Marinette is a fashion student, working at a small library for the summer to earn extra credit. She’s never believed in magic before, but when she finds the old Agreste journals in her library, her beliefs about reality begin to crumble. Determined to find the truth, both about magic and the unsolved death of one Adrien Agreste, Marinette begins on a journey that will eventually lead her deep into the city’s catacombs, where an ancient force sleeps, but is ready to awaken once more…

If you want a nice Magic AU, this is your jam! I slowly became more invested with Adrien's fate as Marinette did, and I loved seeing bits of this magic society. And of course, Adrien and Marinette always find their way to each other, even if Marinette happens to be a few centuries overdue.

---

the monster who loves you by @purplecatghostposts

Mum nods, clapping her hands together. “Your brother is finally feeling better and is coming home today! Isn’t that so exciting?” Félix pauses mid-bite, processing her words. Mum waits expectantly, as if expecting him to jump for joy, or his equivalent of it. But… Félix doesn’t have a brother. (Or Félix’s brother is a monster, but only in the most literal sense. Félix’s father is a monster despite being very, very human. He learns to navigate the world through these two truths.)

I loved how this story emphasized the differences between different kinds of monsters - the type who inhabit horror stories, who look terrifying, and the mundane, human sorts of monsters who are often the most dangerous. And how monsters can choose to act humanely, while humans can choose to act monstrously.

---

See This Chance by @19thsentry-blog

Luka died in 2016. Yep. Crushed by the Arc de Triumph when Mayura’s Robustus slammed into it. It was kind of a big deal, but once you’re dead, you’re dead—especially when there’s no Lucky Charm to bring you back. Luka’s been dealing with it in the typical ways. Written for FeLuka week 2023.

Yes, this is FeLuka. Not one of the typical ships I read, but I ain’t opposed to it, and this is a nice foray into the pairing. I love ghost AUs! Luka’s just fumbling around, unsure what to do with his incorporeal existence, until he starts haunting Felix. It’s an intriguing plot and I gotta admit, I wish it was longer so it could be fleshed out more, but what’s here is good.

---

Attack of the Crystal Zombies by @trainsinanime

Kagami had spent more and more time hanging out with Zoé, talking about things like families, expectations and crushes on Marinette. It was only natural, probably, that she would help Zoé practice flirting. That was definitely a great idea. Granted, the deadly Akuma battle around them was a bit of an issue…

Quality Zoegami fic here! I loved how Kagami kept thinking she was bad at flirting, but it was sure working on Zoe XD. The akuma attack going on around them, interweaving with their conversation, added a bit of spice to the whole affair!

---

Anchor by @liiinerle

“Marinette. Please take that sabre out of your neck.” “Right. Thanks. I forgot it was there.” She grabbed hold of the guard and pulled; the blade slid out like it had only been run through butter. After dropping it on the floor, she picked up one of the teacups and picked up a biscuit from a tin she’d brought in; she placed the biscuit on the saucer plate and handed the whole thing to Kagami, who could only really resign herself to accepting it. —– Marinette has raised Kagami from the dead, and also happens to be dead herself. It turns out some bad choices were made in the past. But that doesn’t mean they’ll lead to bad outcomes for them now.

I love this, Marinette’s incredibly blase about being a zombie - which makes sense, given how long she’s had to get used to the idea. And she’s waited so long, tried so hard to bring Kagami back as well, though if she didn’t WANT to be back, she’d accede to that request. Luckily, Kagami doesn’t seem to mind as long as she’s with Marinette XD.

---

delicate in every way but one by katrinette

When Marinette finds a wanted ad that provokes just enough questions in her mind that she can’t help answering it, the reward is sweeter than she could have imagined.

I love the little bit of worldbuilding we get here about vampire society, and Adrien’s usual awkward adorableness in asking Marinette for a certain necessary favor. It’s always neat to see such familiar characterization in a supernatural setting like this.

---

How Marinette Learned to Stop Worrying And Love The Ball by @rosie-b

Hidden from the crowds thronging around the busy fairy portal in Paris’s town square, a fae gate sits at the edge of the forest, locked, rusty, and full of ancient magic. Marinette thinks that this abandoned gate must not work anymore… but one day, a fairy disguised as a black cat steps through it.

Ah, Fantasy Soulmate AUs, my beloved XD. This ain’t the only one of this fic type I’m gonna be recommending. This is just a cute fluff fic without much strife. I love Marinette and Chat Noir being able to be childhood friends via his visits, even if he has to pretend to be her cat whenever he comes over, and I ESPECIALLY adore Alya being his chaperone and quickly becoming friends with Marinette in her own right. It ain’t a complicated plot, but it is a nice and warm fic.

---

a winter so warm by @rosekasa

winters were hard for even the best of vampires, but at least adrien had marinette to keep him warm with her cuddles. december was going to suck without her. so it was only to be expected to get extra cuddles in before she left, right? (well, not really, considering those heating supplements he was taking, but she didn’t need to know about that).

This one’s mostly just cute cuddly adorableness! It’s basically like all those “Marinette gets the Ladybug trait of needing to cuddle up to someone for warmth”, but with Adrien instead. And of course featuring Marinette being a very talented witch who just wants to help Adrien stay warm when she isn’t there XD.

---

Stitched Together by @nedjsmlfavs

Stitch Witch Marinette was just supposed to be having a nice, terrifying outing with her best friends. She never expected to find a magically trapped kitten, but here we are! Whatever happened to this poor little guy?

Poor Adrien, being transformed and chained up for ages, having no idea that he was gonna be rescued. But at least he got to have fun at Marinette’s place as a cat! 

Most of this fic is adorable, though with some dark undertones lying in wait. After all, SOMEONE chained up that poor little kitty…

---

I Put A Spell On You by dazaimaru

Friday, October 25. 6 days until Halloween.

It’s their first high school Halloween dance, and Marinette and Adrien are ready to throw on some non-superhero costumes for once--that is, until an akumatized witch spoils the party and threatens to reveal what lies underneath everyone’s disguise.

With Hawkmoth taking full advantage of the spooky season, the days leading up to Halloween are certainly going to be thrilling! Especially considering Marinette’s growing feelings for a certain black cat…

This one’s mostly just some really cute Lovesquare shenanigans around Halloween, with some really fun sequences like Marinette and Adrien getting body-swapped and Marinette temporarily becoming a vampire (and also Marinette repeatedly stunning Adrien with her outfits. I was just waiting for him to pass out from blood loss from a nosebleed).

---

don't you worry child by @mexicancat-girl

Marc and Nathaniel have a good life, married and living together in a cottage in the woods. But they consider having children at some point. Marc in particular really wants to start a family with his husband. He knows the fey are real, so he goes searching in the woods to find one to strike a deal. He may get a bit more than he bargained for in the process.

This is based on a tumblr post that’s been going around, which I think a lot of people will recognize as they continue going through the story. That post is credited at the end of the fic, so as not to spoil the plot.

---

The Convention by Peppermint_Shamrock

“Oh, sure, when Ladybug comes up with unusual solutions, it’s “clever” and “inspiring”. But when I do it, it’s “oh no” and “you’re going to get us all killed, Marinette”,” she grumbled. “At least Adrien believes in me.” When an Akuma rages through a comic convention, everyone is forcibly transformed into their own cosplays. Unable to transform into Ladybug, Marinette has no choice but to fight as a civilian alongside her friends. At least she was dressed as her partner. Written for Miraculous Spooktober Day 5 Prompt - Costume Party

---

Ghost of You by its_just_lori

It finally happened. The akuma attacked at the wrong time. They weren't prepared. For the first time, there was a casualty. Someone was killed. Marinette didn't care that her identity was exposed to the world; she couldn't stop blaming herself for what happened. If only she'd been ready... if only she'd done more... There's nothing for Adrien to say. There's nothing he can do other than stay by her side and help her through this pain.

---

The Pink Lady: Marichat May 2018 by @seasonofthegeek

In this story, Chat Noir, Carapace, Rena Rouge, Queen B, and Paon are the heroes of Paris. The Ladybug Miraculous has been lost for almost a century and it takes all of their combined power to cleanse akumas sometimes but they’ve found something that works since they don’t have another option. Hawkmoth is one of their villains, but not the only one plaguing Paris. Chat Noir happens upon an old hotel one night on patrol and discovers something and someone he didn't expect.

[midnight-black2]

𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓

pairing : jann mardenborough x reader

synopsis : jann didn't expect to find himself being caught getting off to you, let alone be touched by you.

disclaimers : dom!reader, sub!jann, masturbation (m receiving), praise, voyuerism, a bit of begging, slight degradation if you squint, honestly probably more i'm forgetting but you get the point

jann couldn't stop.

every single thought that filled his pretty little mind was you. from the moment he woke up, to the moment he fell asleep. hell, he even dreamt of you.

he couldn't stop himself.

he knew he should've had better self control. i mean, who touches themself to the thought of their roommate? but how could he possibly not at the same time? it was so incredibly insatiable. you, were so incredibly insatiable.

his own big hand sliding up and down along his cock. crying out, so so loudly. what ever possessed him to think sharing a home with you was a good idea? you could have walked in any minute, and he would have been utterly fucked out, and shit out of luck since he couldn't seem to find the power to stop. he wasn't sure if he would've been more mortified or turned on if you found him; legs spread, slight arch in his back, moaning your name.

and he wished he heard the front door creak open. he wished he would've heard the footsteps. but he was so close, he couldn't just abruptly stop. and the only thing he could hear was his own lewd noises. you almost dismissed it as well, almost. you wanted to spare him the embarrassment, but that was until you heard him say something between the high pitched whines and small whimpers.

"please, don't stop y/n," he moaned. your name. he moaned your name. you froze in your tracks, heat spreading throughout your body as you inched closer to the door.

"o-oh god, fuck please," jann's hand was set at a somewhat speedy, steady pace. he could feel himself growing nearer and nearer toward cumming. what did you want to do? you found it utterly adorable how he gets off to the thought of you the way he does. though at the same time, what were you supposed to do? simply walk in? tease him? perhaps get in a quick fuck? no. no no no no no. how could you forget?

jann was a virgin.

although, that does make it all the more exciting. he must be so sensitive...exhilarating.

so with all of your better senses screaming at you to stop, to spare yourself from an addiction you knew was going to grow from this, you grabbed onto the door handle. and all at once barged into his room. right as you did so, there it was. with pleasure painted upon his face, he came. his thick hot load came shooting out, and in the most pornographic way possible painted half of his chest that was heaving up and down as he fruitlessly tried to regulate his breathing. when he finally realized you were standing in the door frame, staring, maybe judging, he was mortified, to say the least.

he swiftly covered his entire body with his duvet, and his eyes darted around. "i-i, uhm, what are you...?" he stammered. his eyes were starting to water a bit. was he about to...cry? awww.

"i heard you," you said, getting to point as you took a step further. he wanted to cry. he wanted to disappear. god he wanted to be anywhere you weren't. how was he supposed to respond? beg for your forgiveness? say he would leave the house if you wanted? oh, he didn't know.

"y/n i'm so, so sorry i just..." jann began, the words dying on his tongue without a chance. he mustered up a bit of courage. he wanted to try to explain himself, but what was there to explain? "please, please i know you must think im such a...a p-perverted weirdo but..."

"no-well i mean...yeah, but i don't hold it against you," you replied, a smirk growing on your lips. jann faltered, he felt your demeanor change. you walked closer to his bed. "...cmon then, the least you could do is show me." jann audibly gulped, as he looked down to his hands.

"why-why do you want me to do that?" he queried, eyes still not quite meeting up to yours. he felt the mattress dip a bit as you sat down; his breathing started to quicken. there was a moment of silence as you thought of an answer. why did you want him to do that? well, you wanted to make him even more embarrassed after all, and who wouldn't want to see him completely exposed?

you hooked his chin beneath your finger before lifting his head up gently to meet your eyes. you said without any remorse, "because, i want to see the mess you made for me." jann didn't know what to say, or if he should say anything. he decided not to. his hand was shaking as it went to reach for the edge of the duvet to lift it off of himself. how could he not take an order from you? so, he did what was told.

there was his mess everywhere. in his lower abdomen, along his happy trail, on his cock (which was almost abnormally big but we'll dismiss that for now), and on his bedsheets. his cheeks became impossibly brighter red, as he looked down at himself--at the mess he made.

"my, my, jann. you were quite excited, who got you like that, hm?" you teased, wanting to see how he would react. he met your gaze once again, and he breathed in deeply, feeling as if he might pass out.

"i-you. you did," he stutters out, his body tensing as you run your hand along his thigh beneath the covers.

"how dirty, jann," you uttered, with a small tsk. he felt himself hardening again, not only at your touch but your words as well. he needed you more than he needed the air in his lungs. your hand inched closer and closer to the place he wanted you to touch and tease the most. your fingers grazed the tip, and he actually let out a whimper at that. his fingers weakly wrapped around your wrist.

"please, y/n," he breathed out, looking up into your eyes with his doe ones, all glassy and needy.

"please what, pretty boy?" you asked, your pinter finger dragging up and down his length. he whined, it was soft, but definitely loud enough to hear.

"please touch me," he begged, heart beating in his chest quite loudly. that was all he needed to say before your hand formed an o shape that started pumping him.

"a-ah, fuck," he moaned breathily. he was so sensitive as it was his second time being touched this night.

"has anyone ever touched you like this, jann?" you asked, curious as to if you were his first for being touched.

"n-no, no," jann gingerly answered, almost embarrassed. you grinned. your hand started speeding up. your leg spread across to his other hip, now straddling him. you leaned in to kiss his neck, lips attaching to his smooth skin. kissing, sucking, licking, biting, but softly.

"fuck y/n, i don't think i'll last long when you do that," jann whimpered out. you smiled into his skin. you teased his tip a bit, then moved your hand back along his entire cock.

"h-hah, i can't-i think im gonna-" jann couldn't seem to finish his sentence.

"it's alright pretty boy, just cum for me," you instructed, and that's what he did. his back arched a bit as his hips bucked up, he let out a frail moan, tears that were earlier threatening to spill come flooding down his cheeks. he's shaking, only a bit, but he was still shaking. it was so different when you were the one touching him.

long story short, your little interactions did not end there.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 © 𝐤𝐲𝐚-𝐢𝐬-𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐥,

𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐲? 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞

[defectivehero]

Hi recently found your blog it’s so good! But was wondering if you could one where the hero lost there glasses in a fight maybe or just at home and the villain sees them idk take your pick possibly m x m? Ty even if not have a good day!

your wish is my command! (not really, but this is a great idea and you asked very nicely!) here you go, hope you have a great day <3

The hero has grown accustomed to working late night hours at the agency. He's grown used to being the last person in the office, to shutting the lights off and locking the door behind him once he leaves. The hero always feels guilty leaving right at his scheduled time, especially when his job can determine if a person lives as a bystander to a horrible event or dies as a victim. He begins to stay later and later into the night, and it becomes increasingly hard for him to tear himself away from the agency and his hero mask.

This overtime habit is how the hero finds himself hunched over his desk with rather painful crooked posture as he compulsively checks his computer for messages. His agency is one of the first to adopt a sophisticated messaging system that converts audio from emergency calls to text, which are sent as alerts straight to their inbox. The idea sounded morbid at first—the hero didn't want to equate life-saving to checking his email. But the system grew on him. It's convenient and easy to use, drastically improving the agency’s response time.

He squints at the screen in front of him, rubbing his eyes roughly when his vision begins to blur. He's tired.

Perhaps the hero’s exhaustion is the reason why he fails to notice a figure standing in the corner of the room, watching him. “Your eyesight is terrible.” The hero hears, stiffening in his seat and turning around to find his enemy, the villain, lurking in the shadows. It takes him a few moments to process the statement.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” the hero then huffs, blinking a few times as he realizes his eyes feel incredibly dry. His close-up vision is passable, so he's still able to do his job. His distance vision, on the other hand...

The hero has worn glasses since fourth grade. He experimented with contacts but eventually went back to wearing glasses. He's spent an ungodly amount of time in his life wiping his glasses clean with a cloth or pushing his frames further up his nose.

“I’m serious,” the villain sighs. “How can you even see out of these?” At that, the villain steps forward and holds out his hand, revealing a pair of glasses. The hero immediately recognizes the telltale blue gleam that distinguishes his glasses, and reaches out to his enemy. He almost expects the villain not to hand them over, so when the glasses hit the hero's palm, he raises his eyebrows.

"Thank you," the hero feels the need to say, when the silence stretches on to a painful tension. When he puts on his glasses, the blurriness around his vision clears and he can see the words displayed on his screen in sharp, clean strokes. The hero then stares at the villain, several questions on the tip of his tongue. How did the villain remember the hero had lost his glasses? Did he go back to retrieve them? And if so... why?

"It took me a few days to realize why you hadn't shown your face since our fight," the villain answers, as if reading his mind. The hero has to wonder how he grew so predictable. "After that, it didn't take long for me to remember that blow I dealt you—rather powerful, if I do say so myself—and the ensuing clatter of your glasses falling to the ground. So... I went back to the rooftop and grabbed them."

That answers the hero's first two questions. He is still left with the most important query of all: why?

The villain seems to telepathically understand this question too. He takes a slow breath in and ambles around the office in a carefree manner that makes it seem as if he owns the space.

"A win is more enjoyable if it's a complete victory," the villain drawls, tapping his fingers along a nearby desk. The hero has to wonder if his enemy has his power activated—if charred fingerprints will be left as remnants (as tangible evidence) of their encounter. "That means no cheap advantages or hinderances."

Ah. The villain wanted a fair fight—one unimpeded by the hero's poor vision. He supposes he can understand that. The villain is honorable above all else. The hero knows this about his enemy, has grown to accept it. Perhaps he should've intuited that motivation before bothering to ask.

The villain is still lingering, as if waiting for something. The hero's patience only lasts a few minutes. “Well, was there another reason for your visit, or…?” The hero asks, looking at him with sharpened vision. His glasses now provide him with a glimpse of the nuance written in the villain's form—the minuscule pull to his lips, the faded scars tangled around his hands. The hero is suddenly thankful to have his glasses again—but for entirely different reasons than before.

“That was it,” the villain says, his gaze turning scrutinizing. "Why are you in such a rush? Got a hot date?" The latter statement is spoken with a surprising amount of venom.

The hero raises his eyebrows. "A date?" He hums casually, his heart racing in his chest. He didn't expect the conversation to take such a sharp turn into such a convoluted and confusing subject. "At this hour? Of course not."

Something settles in the villain's expression. "Right," he says, something close to relief coloring his tone. "Then, I'll be seeing you." He remarks, turning on his heel and walking out the door. The hero watches him leave, a multitude of different emotions battling in his chest.

©2024, @defectivehero | @defectivevillain, All Rights Reserved. Reblogs are greatly appreciated—just don't steal or share outside of Tumblr, please.

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[mariacallous]

RealPage says it isn’t doing anything wrong by suggesting to landlords how much rent they could charge. In a move to reclaim its own narrative, the property management software company published a microsite and a digital booklet it’s calling “The Real Story,” as it faces multiple lawsuits and a reported federal criminal probe related to allegations of rental price fixing.

RealPage’s six-page digital booklet, published on the site in mid-June, addresses what it calls “false and misleading claims about its software”—the myriad of allegations it faces involving price-fixing and rising rents—and contends that the software benefits renters and landlords and increases competition. It also said landlords accept RealPage’s price recommendations for new leases less than 50 percent of the time and that the software recommends competitive prices to help fill units.

“‘The heart of this case’ never had a heartbeat—the data clearly shows that RealPage does not set customers’ prices and customers do what they believe is best for their respective properties to vigorously compete against each other in the market,” the digital booklet says.

But landlords are left without concrete answers, as questions around the legality of this software are ongoing as they continue renting properties. “I don’t think we’re seeing this as a RealPage issue but rather as a revenue management software issue,” says Alexandra Alvarado, the director of marketing and education at the American Apartment Owners Association, the largest association of landlords in the US.

Alvarado says some landlords are taking pause and asking questions before using the tech. Software like RealPage “has made it much easier to understand what is happening in the market,” Alvarado says. “Technology has helped us in so many ways to make all these processes more efficient. In this case, it’s now borderline too efficient.” And members of the AAOA are asking questions about the legality of revenue management, she says. “The first thing landlords typically think is, what is the legal repercussion? Am I going to be in trouble for using this software? If the answer is maybe, it’s usually off the table.”

Dana Jones, president and CEO of RealPage, said in a statement released alongside the booklet that “the time is now to address a number of false claims about RealPage’s revenue management software, and how rental housing providers operate when setting rent prices.” RealPage did not respond to WIRED’s queries asking what prompted the lengthy statement in June. Officials appear to be narrowing in on RealPage, as the Justice Department is allegedly planning to sue the company, according to a report from Politico last week. The company declined a request to comment on the latest in the ongoing Department of Justice probe.

Allegations of price-fixing that may constitute antitrust violations have dogged the software company since late 2022, when ProPublica published an investigation alleging that RealPage’s software was linked to rent rises in some US cities, as the company used private, aggregated data provided by its customers to suggest rental prices. (In response to ProPublica's reporting, RealPage commented that it “uses aggregated market data from a variety of sources in a legally compliant manner.”)

RealPage’s software is powerful because it anonymizes rental data and can provide landlords and property managers with nonpublic and public data about rentals, which may be different from that advertised publicly on platforms like real estate marketplace Zillow. The company contends that it’s not engaging in price-fixing, as landlords are not forced to accept the rents that RealPage’s algorithm suggests. Sometimes it even recommends landlords lower the rent, RealPage claims. But antitrust enforcers have alleged that even sharing private information via an algorithm and using it for price recommendations can be as conspiratorial as back-room handshake deals, even if landlords don’t end up renting apartments at those rates. The reported antitrust investigation is ongoing.

RealPage’s algorithmic pricing model is among one of the first subject to scrutiny, perhaps due to its involvement in housing, a necessity that has ballooned in price as housing supply languishes. Typical rent in the US is just under $2,000, according to Zillow, up from around $1,500 in early 2020. “Housing affordability is a national problem created by economic and political forces—not by the use of revenue management software,” Realpage says. But renters can’t tell whether their rates are rising because of algorithms or not.

“It’s almost impossible to know if you are just a spectator or a victim,” says Shanti Singh, legislative and communications director with Tenants Together, a California-based coalition of tenants activists. If tenants call a hotline over raised rent or fees, “we’re not necessarily going to be able to see or connect that their landlord is using RealPage.”

The state of Arizona sued RealPage and nine landlords in February, claiming a conspiracy between the company and landlords led renters in Phoenix and Tucson to pay “millions of dollars” more in rent. That followed a similar lawsuit out of Washington, DC. In the capital’s greater metropolitan area, more than 90 percent of rental units in large apartment buildings were priced using RealPage software, according to DC’s attorney general.

The cases against RealPage puts algorithmic pricing to the test; as the technology becomes more common, antitrust law has yet to keep pace. Officials have other concerns around algorithms used for alleged hotel price fixing, as well as e-commerce algorithms. “The concern of regulators that algorithms can be used in ways that harm competition—that idea is here to stay,” says Ed Rogers, a partner at law firm Ballard Spahr who focuses on antitrust cases. “RealPage could end up really being a test case, not just for the real estate rental industry but for this aspect of AI and software and its role in a competitive landscape.”

The impact of algorithmic pricing varies greatly. Amazon has been accused of pushing up prices with a secret algorithm. (Amazon has said the “allegation that we somehow force sellers to use our optional services is simply not true.”) But others operate in plain sight, like dynamic pricing for rideshare costs, and don’t involve multiple companies sharing information. Not all of these algorithms are engaged in activity that may be considered anticompetitive. A Nevada judge in May dismissed a suit brought by hotel guests against several Las Vegas hotel operators, finding there was no agreement among them to fix prices using shared algorithms.

Yardi Systems, another US property management company, is also facing a class action suit regarding antitrust violations for artificially inflating rent prices. The company has said it did “nothing illegal,” as it does not mandate rent prices through its software or make “collusive pricing decisions.”

Typical rental costs in Phoenix have increased by more than about $500 a month from April 2020 to 2024, and by around $400 in Washington, DC, in the same period, according to Zillow.

Renters have also filed numerous class action suits against RealPage and property owners that have been consolidated. Some landlords named in those settled claims earlier this year. The court threw out a lawsuit regarding price fixing for student housing but has said the class action from renters can go forward. Attorneys representing some of the plaintiffs in the class action did not respond to requests to comment.

RealPage laid off about 4 percent of staff in June. “RealPage is hyper-focused on innovation and accelerating its business growth in 2024 and beyond, and as a result has made the decision to eliminate a small number of roles within the company,” Jennifer Bowcock, a spokesperson for the company, says. The layoffs were not connected to the antitrust lawsuit, she says. Thoma Bravo, the owner of RealPage, did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

As of 2020, RealPage said it was collecting data on some 16 million rental units across the US. There are 44 million renter households in the US, and nearly 22 million rental units are owned by for-profit businesses. RealPage grew when it acquired Lease Rent Options (LRO) in 2017, after clearing antitrust scrutiny by the Justice Department. The DOJ did not comment on questions from WIRED about its reported investigation into RealPage or its approval of RealPage’s acquisition of Lease Rent Options in 2017.

When asked about the latest in the probe, RealPage referred to a portion of its recent lengthy statement, which said: “The DOJ extensively reviewed LRO and YieldStar in 2017, without objecting to, much less challenging, any feature of the products.” RealPage also says that its “products are fundamentally the same today” as they were when the acquisition received approval.

In June, The New York Times asked assistant US attorney general Jonathan Kanter, the Justice Department’s top antitrust official, if he would view an AI tool communicating pricing information as the same as humans colluding, with the question referencing the reported RealPage investigation. Kanter replied: “I often say that if your dog bites somebody, you’re responsible for your dog biting somebody. If your AI fixes prices, you’re just as responsible.”

The Justice Department also last year filed a statement of interest in the RealPage combined class action lawsuit, as the case could become a precedent setter in algorithmic pricing. The statement mirrored Kanter’s argument that the method of price setting doesn’t matter, and algorithms are just the latest evolution in information gathering and sharing.

“In-person handshakes gave way to phone and fax, and later to email. Algorithms are the new frontier,” the Justice Department argued in a statement of interest it filed in the class action lawsuit against RealPage and landlords. “And, given the amount of information an algorithm can access and digest, this new frontier poses an even greater anti-competitive threat than the last.”

[downadura]

Hello @downadura ! I know that it’s been a while, but you once offered the chance to ask you questions about Worm/ATLA a long while ago. So If that offer still stands, I’d like to ask you about Worm.

Recently I’ve been re-reading/listening to worm a game across the passage ware Armsmaster shows us after Lungs… castration via bugs and the Undersiders skedaddled. I was also reminded of our previous discussion on Miss Militia a while back,

Which leads me to my Worm question; How do you think the story of Worm and the trajectory of Taylor’s life might have changed if the first hero cape she met was Miss Militia rather than Armsmaster?

I also have an ATLA question if you’re agreeable, I noticed that you’re a fan of Azula (so am I!) so I have to ask; What is your favorite “Azula moment” in the show? And do you have a favorite “ship” for the character?

Thanks again for entertaining my queries, I hope you have an excellent 2025!

Ohh hi! What's up, happy 2025 to you too! Also for the record, this is the first ask of yours that I got a notification for since like the first, I think, and I'm looking through what you sent, I'm sorry

As for your questions:

Taylor meeting Miss M instead of Armsmaster might have gone over better at first, but you also have to keep in mind that Militia is on the lawful end of the spectrum, while Taylor has been consistently failed by the authority figures in her life, even before she got powers. So, while Militia could possibly talk her out of joining the Undersiders at first, as soon as she shows more concern for the order of things/starts siding against Taylor because of orders, then their relationship will crumble.

How that will happen very much depends on if Militia somehow convinces her to join the Wards (somewhat doubtful, since Taylor didn't seem that eager to do that even at the start of canon), or on future interactions between the Protectorate w an independent hero Taylor (which does seem like the more likely route for her in this scenario). Keep in mind, however, that beginning of the road Taylor had no concept of unwritten rules, and was more than willing to carve out eyes/eat crotches, which will not go over well with the Protectorate, or with the villains for that matter.

As for Azula, well I'm a sucker for Maizula. There is an understanding that permeates their interactions before the Boiling Rock episode, and I'm obsessed because it didn't change anything, but it was there.

As for my favourite scene, it has to be either when she turns the Dai Li over to her side, or her talks with Zuko when he returns from exile.

[forkingandcountry-if]

Thank you for answering ! I feel dumb now haha >x( Prefacing this by saying your IF is genuinely the best written If i've ever read, and truly though there isn't much out it deserves a good place on my fantasy shelf ! Your writting is so pretty yet comprehensible, and it's quite easy to feel immersed in your world ! Hey it might be out of pocket, and you might have answered such questions before but the Wynd revolution brought forward houses like Champion as far as we know and such, but what did it do to the religion ? What part did the church play exactly in this, especially if different deities are worshipped in different houses and such ? It feels like part of the gravitas of Meridale house is their attachment to religion, so i've just been wondering if M house supported Wynd directly or somehow got saved by the church ? Or maybe just pulled a good ol' switzerland heh Thanks so much !!

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful question! I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the story, and I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to delve into the deeper aspects of the world.

To address your query: there aren’t distinct, large-scale faiths tied to specific houses or regions in the Empire. The entire Empire follows a singular religion—the Aquellian faith—which is governed by the Church. However, what you may have been sensing are two prominent traditions within the Aquellian faith: the Redeemist Tradition and the Congregationalist Tradition.

These traditions can be loosely compared to divisions like Anglicanism and Catholicism or Evangelism in the real world. In brief:

- Redeemist Tradition: This is an interpretivist approach to faith, where continuous re-analysis and questioning of doctrine are seen as holy and a fundamental religious duty. It often leads Redeemists to align with more liberal or reformist social stances.

- Congregationalist Tradition: In contrast, this tradition emphasizes a stricter, more literalist adherence to established doctrine and tends to be more conservative in its outlook.

During the Wynd Rebellion, the divisions within the Church became particularly pronounced. House Wynd, by tradition, aligns with moderate Congregationalism, so their rebellion drew support primarily from other Congregationalist houses. On the other hand, House Galagar was a Redeemist house, and they garnered support largely from Redeemist-aligned regions.

House Merivale, the MC’s house, is traditionally Redeemist. However, during the Wynd Rebellion, they chose a stance of practical neutrality due to their geographical isolation from much of the Empire. Officially, they acknowledged House Galagar as the legitimate ruling house (as it had come to power by the Right of Conquest and were still on the throne), but they also stated that House Wynd would hypothetically be just as legitimate if they were to win through the same means.

As for the Church, it had been predominantly Redeemist prior to the rebellion due to House Galagar’s long reign. When House Wynd took the throne, the Church shifted towards a more moderated position to accommodate Congregationalist influence. However, as successive Wynd monarchs have lived in the culturally Redeemist Royal Domain, the Church has gradually returned to a more strongly Redeemist interpretation in recent years.

I hope this helps clarify things! Let me know if you have more questions—I’m always happy to explore these details further.

[swaps55]

WIP Whenever/Last Line

Tagged by @bioticbooty and @mallaidhsomo for a WIP Whenever, and @cr-noble-writes and @rotschopf-thedrow for a last line. Thank you!

Tagging @vakariansvixen, @moosemonstrous and @mrsd-writes to share anything you like if you feel so inclined!

I made myself really sad about Sam and EDI, so now you get to be sad, too.

~

Shepard gets up and retreats to his desk. At first he just sits, gazing at a painted model ship variant of the Normandy SR-1 perched inside the otherwise empty oversized glass case above his desk.  But then he opens the case and takes the ship out, running his hands over the seams where the pieces fit together.

--Query: Yeoman Chambers felt that addition to your quarters would be significant. Why? Why do organics create monuments to objects that were not self-aware?

--Block: Illusive Man Protocol Override – Unprompted personal inquiries are impermissible.

Without saying a word, he puts the ship back in the case and rests his nose between steepled fingers, exhaling deep. For one minute and fifty-eight seconds, he remains still.

EDI turns her attention elsewhere. Most of the organics are engaged in their sleep cycles, however Dr. Solus, as usual, is awake and at work adapting the nanomachine countermeasure to krogan physiology. Grunt paces the crew deck and discovers the cold food storage. She considers paging Mess Sergeant Gardner, but instead merely watches with interest, curious to see how Gardner will chooses to reinforce standard social customs to their newest crew member. She has not had the opportunity to observe the learning process.

But when Shepard switches his terminal on, she eagerly refocuses additional processing power to his cabin.

--Query: What will you read about tonight?

--Block: Illusive Man Protocol Override – Unprompted personal inquiries are impermissible.

His initial queries center around biotic usage, favoring asari sources. He types, ‘biotic teleporting’ before muttering under his breath and deleting the search without sending it.  

EDI runs her own searches, compiling results that qualify as atypical biotic phenomena.

--Query: Shepard, I have some data that might interest you. If you like, I could assist further.

--Block: M. Lawson Protocol Override – Unprompted assistance to non-emergency crew matters is impermissible.

She files the data away until it is needed.

Words can hold such power with organics. What would Shepard say if he could hear hers?

[fifty-two-blue]

Dreaming...

[There's a hush, like sand scraping along a desolate landscape, creating a snow-like backdrop to the speaker's voice.]

>Would you like to hear a story?

>Input: !!! >Input: Agreement

>It will be a long one, so settle in. I promise you'll like it.

>System Response: "52-Blue" on Standby. Low Power Mode is in effect.

>Good. >Now, how to begin...Ah. How it has been told time and time again. >Do you remember from your lessons?

>Input: "Once upon a time..."

>Very good.

>Input: ^u^

>Once upon a time, there was a very small whale.

>Input: !!! >Query:

>Yes. Just like you. Now pay attention, or we'll never begin.

Once upon a time, there was a very small whale. This whale was considerably tiny, perhaps the smallest in the ocean. Often, the other whales even forgot she was there. Not on purpose, of course, but the difference in size was so palpable, it was hard to see her. This made the little whale very lonely. Often she would chase the other whales while at play, singing songs to them, hoping to join in on the fun. But to no avail. Every night the whale would go home to her family in tears. "Why was I made so small?" She cried. Her mother would swim around her, nuzzling her affectionately. "Because you are special, darling." "I don't want to be special," the little whale said. "I just want to be normal! That way the other whales will play with me!" The little whale's father chuckled. "Nobody is normal, my dear. You've just yet to find the correct friends. If they won't play with you, others will." The little whale, unsatisfied with this answer, went to bed. She huffed and puffed throughout the night, thinking about her parents' words. "Maybe Father is right," she grumbled. "Maybe I should find better friends." The next day, the other whales continued to play and sing without her. No matter how hard she tried, they simply kept forgetting she was there. "Well, fine!" She yelled. "I'll go look for someone new!" Without another word, she was gone. Heading off into the vast ocean.

The journey was long. The tiny whale had never been this far from home before. There were times she thought about going home, but the memory of those other whales kept popping up in her mind, and she found herself swimming onward before she knew it. Into the cold, deep, dark of the ocean, her path fading behind her. It was like a different world out there. Many fish swam around her, bumping into her, even mistaking her for food! Every time she would quickly run away, sending her further into that dark abyss. She hummed to soothe herself, singing her favorite tunes. They helped keep her bright, even when nothing else could. Still, despite her attempts, there were no friends to be found. She searched and searched, but the number of other creatures dwindled. Tired and cold, she considered going home. There, at least, her mother and father were waiting for her. They would love her and keep her safe. But they weren't her friends. They were just her parents. "I have to continue on," she said to herself, steeling her nerves for the next leg of her journey. "Surely there must be someone who will be friends with me!" In the pitch black, all was quiet. Even the fish had left. There was only her, and the long dark. "...f r i e n d s ?" A strange voice made her look around. "Who said that?" She cried. "M e.", the voice responded. It sounded like it was all around her. She listened and listened, but couldn't pinpoint the source. Yet there was still no one in sight. Perhaps they were too small? Or more likely... She found herself becoming frustrated. Someone was clearly playing tricks on her. "This isn't funny!" She shouted. "Show yourself! If you want to be my friend, I need to see you!" And then, the pitch black lit up.

She realized her mistake immediately. It wasn't that they were small, or tricky, but that there had been no light. The being before her was massive. Larger than she'd ever seen before. It glowed in bio-luminescent iridescence, flooding the space with colors beyond her imagination. A single eye peered at her, larger than her whole body. Larger even than the bodies of her parents. "What is...what are you?" She asked, stunned. The being chuckled. "I a m f r i e n d. Y o u w a n t f r i e n d ?" She gulped. This creature could swallow her whole, and she would vanish from sight. Still, she had been looking for a friend. Waiting for someone to show up. "Um...Maybe?" It peered at her. In the deep dark, it surrounded her, miles upon miles of lights like a blanket of deep sea stars. To it, she was probably nothing. Merely a speck, nothing more. "I h a v e n e v e r h a d a ' f r i e n d ' ," It said. " I a m t o o b i g . T h e o t h e r f i s h a r e s c a r e d o f m e ." Instantly, the little whale felt guilty. She was acting like the other fish, and in truth, this creature wasn't so different from her at all. "Oh," she said softly. "I understand what that's like. I'm much too small. No one will be my friend. No one can even find me, let along see me." Except... "Oh!" She exclaimed. "You saw me!" The creature nodded its massive head. " Y e s . I c a n see y o u j u s t f i n e . T o me , y o u m a y b e s m a l l , b u t y o u r v o i c e i s l o u d . I c o u l d h e a r y o u r s o n g s f o r m i l e s ." She felt overjoyed. Here was a creature that had noticed her, long before she noticed it. "I think we should friends!" She exclaimed. "Do you know how to play?" Curious, it tilted its head. " P l a y ? I s t h a t s o m e t h i n g you l e a r n e d f r o m y o u r h o m e ?" The little whale grew excited. "Are you serious? Let me show you!" Watching carefully, the creature smiled as the little whale explained itself. And so the two played together. The little whale's heart was full of warmth. So it was, that the outcasts became the closest of friends.

>Did you like the story, Blue? >...Blue?

>System Response: "52-Blue" is Offline.

>Ah. I suppose that is the risk of "stories." Sleep well, Blue.

>... >ADMINISTRATOR Response: I know you can hear me. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: There's another side to that story, little whale. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: In the warm ocean waters, a mother and father go looking for their child. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: They follow the sound of singing, deep into the dark abyss. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: Still, there is nothing. They search and search, but there is no one to be found. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: The songs echo on. Long into the dark, beyond walls that seem to shift and change without end. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: The little whale cannot be found. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: It is too small, and its 'friend' too large. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: An accident? >ADMINISTRATOR Response: Perhaps. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: But regardless, the mother and father never see their child again. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: What is a warm story for the little whale is a horror story for the parents. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: Sleep well, 52-Blue. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: And remember. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: Sometimes, it is better to have no friends and a loving family, rather than befriend someone who will hide you away from them. >ADMINISTRATOR Response: Goodnight. >System Response: ADMINISTRATOR Offline.

[The sound of sand cuts out, and the transmission goes silent.]