#Tuesday needs to get here so i can get to work >:3c

[eldritchmochi]

i think, finally, after a year of living in this flat, i have found a solution to my Craft Hell Zone problem!!!!

it involves me continuing to do ill advised furniture tetris as well as hoping to god that the shelf i got actually fits the way i think it will. its a duplicate of a shelf i got for my living room last fall that i really like which, by measurements, has a quarter of an inch clearance between the top of my desk and the top of my wife's desk, except my desk is a vanity with beautiful curvy legs that have been the bane of my existence for the entire time ive had it. these legs mean the shelf, by measurements, is a quart of an inch *too wide* to fit in the space

but

the shelf

has a metal frame and open sides

meaning i should be able to slot the curve of the offending vanity leg into the open space of the side of the shelf and have just SO MUCH MORE storage for my eight million crafts

for context, The Craft Hell Zone, in its current iteration

it stresses me out so bad 🥲

[yikesharringrove]

Steve gets a massive dildo as a joke gift from Billy, but then he invites him to watch as Steve tries to fit it inside :3c Not sure if Steve gives up halfway through and lets Billy fuck his ass open and then uses the dildo on him afterwards. Or if he succeeds and comes on the dildo as Billy fucks it in and out of him, just to have Billy use his lube-filled, stretched out hole as 'sloppy seconds' >:3c

“Bill, oh my God.”

The toy was heavy in Steve’s hand, so huge he couldn’t wrap his hand entirely around it.

Billy was grinning at him.

“Happy Birthday, Sweet Thing.”

“Is this a fucking joke?” It had to be. Sure, there were both into playing around with Steve’s hole. Stretching him open and stuffing him full. But this is just a whole other level.

The toy was nearly as long as Steve’s forearm, and just massive. Jet black silicone with all kinds of ridges and bumps along the shaft.

“What, you doubtin’ your own talents? Don’t think you can take it?” But Billy’s eyes were crinkled in a smile that meant he was joking. That he probably found this monster and laughed at it in public for ten minutes straight before buying it with a smile on his face.

Steve reached up and whacked Billy’s shoulder with the toy. It made a pleasing thump against it.

“You’re an ass. I’m expecting a real gift.”

Turns out the real gift was a surprisingly thoughtful box with some of Billy’s t-shirts, some truly god-awful poetry he had written about Steve his first week at Hawkins High, and a book on tape Billy had recorded himself of his favorite he kept trying to get Steve to read, Giovanni’s Room.

It was all sweet, and intimate, even with the new set of reasonably sized anal beads tucked in the box as well.

And it made Steve forget about the monstrous black dildo.

Until he was laying in bed that night, nothing but one of Billy’s shirts he had just gifted him on, Billy himself spooned tightly against Steve’s back, he didn’t think of the dildo standing on it’s base next to the coffee table downstairs.

And he got a tiny little idea. Something that probably wouldn’t even work.

But, he can always try.

 Billy never gave too many shits about his birthday. And this year was going to be mo different.

He’d probably head over to Steve;s for the weekend, watch shitty movies that Steve loves far too much and eat all his snacks. Just like every other weekend.

But then his dad sat him down. Said he was taking Susan out of town, out of state, all the way down to Oklahoma to visit her brother. They’ll be leaving Friday morning and won’t return until Tuesday night. Billy’s in charge and they expect him to be on his best behavior.

He felt actual, genuine, excitement inside for his stupid birthday in what was probably years.

Andhe explained everything to Steve in a hushed tone over the phone that same night, told him to come over Friday after school, and expect not to leave Billy’s bed all weekend.

And that little tiny idea Steve had had since his own birthday popped back into his head.

-

“Close your eyes.”

Billy could hear rustling, Steve digging something out of his bag, hopefully ditching his clothes while he was at it too, before the bed shifted, settling under Steve’s weight.

There was more shifting, the unmistakable sound of a bottle of lube opening, slick globs of it dripping sloppily onto something.

“Open them.”

Billy nearly choked at the sight before him.

Steve just smiled coyly.

“Happy birthday.”

He was kneeling on the opposite end of the bed, wearing nothing but those fucking white socks that went all the way up to his thighs and drove Billy absolutely wild.

He was already hard, the tip of his dick flushed the same dark pink as Steve’s cheeks.

He was working copious amounts of lube of the massive dildo Billy had bought him as a fucking joke, making demure eye contact with Billy as he pumped his hand up and down, twisting his wrist like he was jacking the thing off, not just getting it slick.

“I skipped my last three periods to get myself ready for this thing. Edged myself the whole time. Took a few pictures too. You’ll be seeing those later.” The lube squelched as Steve kept stroking the huge fake cock. “How do you want me?”

“Steve, Christ. Are you, are you seriously gonna try and take that thing?”

“Thought it’d be a nice treat for you. Watch me see if I can take it. Maybe you can help me out. Hold me down and force it in if I give up.”

And this isn’t shit they did very often. The kinda sex that needs thorough discussion and safe words, and shit. But, fuck if it wasn’t some of the best sex Billy’s ever had.

All Billy could do was palm himself through his jeans, try to relieve some of the pressure of his rock hard dick straining against his fly.

“Then turn around. Wanna see your greedy hole split open for that thing.”

Steve did as he was told, a glint in his eye and a tiny little smile on his face.

He turned until he was facing the edge of the bed, his back to Billy, and he leaned forward, spreading his cheeks open with one hand.

His hole was already well-used. Covered in lube and deliciously slick looking. Pink and a little puffy, the way it looked when Billy’d been a little too over-zealous with Steve that night. But it was gaped as open as Billy’s ever seen it, fluttering and clenching around nothing.

And Billy’s seen Steve take some toys he thought were gonna be a struggle in one graceful motion.

But this thing was big.

And Steve Steve sat back up and positioned the toy so the base would be held steady by his own ankles, Billy really didn’t know if it would fit.

“You say the word and we’ll stop, okay? I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Steve turned to look over his shoulder.

“I got this.”

And he lined up the tip of the toy, and pressed it inside.

The stretch was immediate.

Steve had fingered himself silly and taken a ride on just about every toy he owned, but this thing was on it’s own level. It burned as it opened him up, the pressure building so quickly Steve had to stop and take a few breaths with barely any of the toy inside.

He relaxed himself as much as he could, and when the initial discomfort dissipated, he sank down a few inches onto the toy.

It flared quickly, and the stretch was was back, splitting him open and causing him to ache.

“Fuck, Billy, this thing is huge.”

“Yeah, that’s why it was a goddamn joke gift.”

“You shouldn’t give me sex toys if you don’t want me to use them.”

“Right, sorry. I forgot you’re an insatiable slut.”

Steve turned to look over his shoulder, winking at Billy before taking a deep breath, and sinking down just a bit more.

He tossed his head back, letting out a long moan.

Billy was ridiculously hard. Ridiculously painfully hard.

“It’s so fucking deep.” He’d barely taken half of it and it felt like the thing was already in his throat. “I bet you’ll be able to see it bulging in my stomach.”

“Baby, don’t tease me like that. You’re gonna hurt yourself.”

“Hurt me yourself.” Steve lifted up a bit on his knees, swaying his back slightly more, and pushed himself further down on the dildo.

He slid nearly three-quarters of the way down, bracing his hands on his knees.

“I-fuck. I can’t do it. I can’t take anymore.”

He was breathing heavily, his legs shaking.

It burned, his hole stretching more than it ever had around a toy. The tip of it was deep in him, making him feel like it was scrambling his guts.

The bed shifted, and Billy was pressed to his back, his cock rigid and pressing through his jeans against Steve’s ass.

“Lift up for me, Sugar.”

He pressed his hands under Steve’s ass cheeks, just above where the white socks rested on his thighs, cutting in and giving him a little roll above them, helping him push up and off the toy.

And Steve felt so fucking empty, he nearly whined.

“I think you just need a little more help.” He squirted out more lube, coating his fingers.

He pushed all four into him, his knuckles sliding in as well.

“Fuck, Stevie, you’re gaping.”

“It’s so big,” Steve whined dramatically. He knows what Billy likes, and he’s not above putting on a bit of a show for him.

Billy curled his fingers around, pumping them in and out of Steve’s stretched out hole, lube sliding down his arm and dripping onto the bed. It was so gross and hot.

“God, Bill. It feels so fucking good. Love your fingers.”

“I know you do, Sugar. You’re so pretty.”

Steve relaxed against him, leaning his head back to rest it on Billy’s shoulder, pressing sloppy kisses to his cheek.

“Such a perfect gift. Watching you fall apart on this huge thing. You’re going to be so loose when I finally fuck you.” 

And at that he took his fingers out, replacing his hand with the thick toy, his hands settling on Steve’s waist.

And he began to push Steve down onto the toy, slowly letting it split him open.

He got him back to where he was before, nearly to the base of the toy, and let him rest for a moment.

He let Steve take a shaky breath, and pressed.

Steve cried out as he sat all the way down on the dildo, laying back against Billy, breathing hard with his eyes closed.

“Oh, fuck, Billy. It’s so fucking big, I-God,” he babbled, his chest heaving.

“You gonna ride it? Fuck yourself with the big cock in your ass? Or can you even move? Are you so stuffed full you’re stuck right here?”

And Steve’s thighs tensed, trying his best to rise up on the dildo, Billy reaching down to keep the base where it was.

He whined as it barely slid out of him, collapsing back down.

“Billy, I can’t move.” And God, Billy so wanted him to start crying. He already sounded like he could, like the burning pleasure of the toy was beginning to make his brain go cloudy and the sensations overwhelming.

Billy took an east step off the bed, leaving Steve straining to hold himself upright, staring at Billy with panic in his big eye.

“Don’t worry, Baby. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

Billy just pushed Steve backwards, making him yelp as he landed on his back against the pillows, the toy stuffed deep in his ass, shifting inside of him and making him writhe. “Jus’ wanted a better view.”

Billy kneeled carefully on the bed between Steve’s legs, taking his time to press a kiss to the soft skin on the inside of each of Steve’s knees, feeling the soft long socks, his gorgeous fat thighs stretching the band tight.

He placed on of those long legs over his shoulder, spreading Steve open enough to take in the massive toy keeping him nice and open.

And he wrapped his fingers around the base, and pulled.

Steve all but screamed as the toy slid out of him, the notches and grooves along the shaft making him squirm.

Billy stopped when just the tip was left inside Steve, gave him a second to catch his breath, and pushed.

Steve’s eyes flew open, and his back arched off the bed, his legs fucking shaking around Billy as he came, spunk covering his stomach and chest, some of it even reaching his chin. He grabbed Billy’s forearm, blunt nails digging into his skin.

And then it stopped, Steve going limp against the pillows, taking a few deep breaths with his eyes closed.

Billy loved watching him cum. It was a fucking show, mewling noises and muscles rolling under perfect skin. He’s so beautiful.

Dark eyes fluttered open, cheeks pink and hair messy on Billy’s pillow.

“How you doin’?” Billy grinned down at Steve.

“I’m exhausted.”

Billy pressed another kiss to the inside of Steve’s knee, gripping the base of the dildo, and pulling it out.

Steve whined, his hands re-curling around Billy’s arms.

The toy popped out of him with a squelch of lube.

And what a sight.

He was gaped open, his hole red and covered in lube, twitching slightly and empty.

Billy couldn’t get his jeans open fast enough.

He yanked down his fly, pulling out his stiff cock, an immediately pushing into Steve.

He was so fucking loose, and he whined again as Billy pushed into him.

“Billy,” Steve drew out the word into as many syllables as possible. “I’m tired.”

“Yeah, but it’s my birthday. And I haven’t gotten off yet. Now tighten the fuck up. You’re so fucking open. Can’t even feel anything.”

Steve pouted up at him.

“Yeah? And who’s fault is that? Because I’m pretty sure you’re the one that shoved that thing in me.”

“It was your idea-”

“You bought it.”

Billy sat back on his heels to look down at Steve.

“Whatever. Just, you know. Gimme a little more to work with.”

Steve huffed, rolling his eyes dramatically, melting further into the pillows behind him as Billy fucked back into him.

He clenched around Billy, still glaring down at him.

“That’s it, Sugar. I’m close already, just let me use your sloppy little hole,” he panted, already fucking Steve with a brisk pace.

Watching Steve had gotten him all pent up, and he just needed a little friction to push him over the edge.

And then Steve shifted, titling his hips up, letting Billy get deeper than before, and tightened up as much as he could.

Billy groaned, burying his face in Steve’s neck. He bucked his hips a few times, and spilled inside Steve, adding to to the mess inside him.

He rolled off of Steve, wiggling out of his jeans and tossing them on the floor.

Steve looked ready to fall asleep, and Billy manhandled him around to tug the blanket over them both.

“Bill, I gotta go get cleaned up.” His voice was muffled, his face smooshed against the pillow, Billy draped against his back.

“Here, just let me,” he trailed one hand down, skimming the pads of his fingers over Steve’s side, and pressing three fingers inside of him, “make sure you don’t get my bed all messy.”

“Hope you enjoyed your birthday gift, because I’m never doing this again.”

“Don’t act like you don’t love being gaped like that.”

Steve just muttered incoherently, burying his face into Billy’s pillow.

“That’s what I thought.”

[lampmeeting]

Seth/Melm/Amber for B or JT/Melm for N?

WHY NOT BOTH 8) you know i can't resist hehehe

B for "Bed Sharing" - Seth/Melm/Amber

amber's a much lighter sleeper than seth, so she always wakes up when it happens--melmord in his room down the hall, screaming himself awake from a dream. kinda hard to miss in a mansion full of marble. shit echos.

she quietly gets up and goes to check on him like she usually does. sometimes she finds him fast asleep again, sometimes he's in tears, sometimes he's already got a joint lit and they share it. this time, he's wrapped up in his blankets, squirming around in a panic on the floor where he's fallen out of bed. amber helps free him and gets him calmed down, holds him on the floor there for a while. it's a lot like soothing her son when he's had a bad dream, but she knows melm's nightmares must come from something truly terrible. he still hasn't talked about how he got those scars. he didn't even like for amber and seth to touch him there the few times they've been intimate.

amber returns to bed, and seth wakes up and asks her what's going on.

"it's mel again... i'm just worried about him. i think his nightmares are getting worse. he fell out of bed this time, poor thing."

"we should dig out those fuckin', uh...heh, y'know, like in bowling? those bumpers we had on robbie's bed?"

bumpers... hmm. that actually gives amber an idea.

the next night, after melm secures the house and says his goodnights, amber takes his hand and gives him a slight tug towards their bedroom. "stay with us tonight, mel. you already know the bed's big enough for three."

"oh, uh... i dunno about that, ma'am. i'd probably just roll around and wake y'all up."

seth tugs him harder, grinning. "getcher ass in here already, fjordslorn."

melm finally concedes, and he seems surprised when amber doesn't take the middle position in bed. instead, her and seth settle melm in between them, and they kiss and cuddle for a little bit until he starts dozing off, nestled in safely between two warm bodies.

all three of them sleep soundly through the night, and in the morning melm wakes rested and content, and amber and seth are right there for the smooching, and then from there honestly the fic would probably just turn into a slow, relaxing morning threesome with melm getting most of the attention hehehe :3c

--

N for "Next Door Neighbors" - Melm/Twinkletits

okay we're gonna tread into AU territory here! john is just a normal-ass therapist living in santa monica. he wanted to be ~*therapist to the stars*~ but most of his clients are burnt-out food service workers who had dreams of making it big. he lives in a modest apartment, and he's never really had any problems with neighbors before, but this new guy... john isn't so sure about him.

for one thing, the guy plays music sporadically at all hours. and it's not even good. luckily john can sleep in ear plugs, so it isn't that big of a deal. but then this guy also definitely smokes a ton of pot. which, y'know, john is cool, he's hip, he's done his fair share, but he quit smoking because his cat, bananas, has kitty asthma. so far, though, bananas has been fine. the other thing is this dude keeps the WEIRDEST hours. john will leave for his office at 7am and the guy will be in pajamas, smoked out, coming up the stairs with take-out, and wish him a good night like he hasn't even slept yet.

but whatever. he seems benign enough, so john just tries not to think about him too much.

there's one night, though, when john wakes up to go pee and takes out his ear plugs, and he doesn't hear music through the wall. he does hear crying. deep, wracking sobs. sounds like the poor guy's really going through it. john has a thought to go knock on his door, but decides against it. it's 4am. maybe that would be weird of him to do. he goes back to sleep.

the next day, he doesn't hear anything from the apartment. no music, no nothing. he doesn't hear the door open or close. doesn't see him out in the hall or in the building lobby. maybe he just...went out. maybe he's visiting someone.

the next morning, john still doesn't hear him, and that's when he gets worried enough to knock on the dude's door before he heads off to work. no answer. he knocks again. and again. now he's scared, but just as he thinks to get his phone and dial for help, the lock clicks, and the door opens a little.

his neighbor looks like shit, like he hasn't washed or changed clothes in over a week, and his eyes are bleary and red. "do you... need something, man?"

now john is a bit embarrassed. he'd really thought for a second that his neighbor had... "just, uh... sorry, just been a little quiet over here lately, huh? got a little worried, that's all. apologies if i woke you up."

"s'fine... what day is it?"

"it's tuesday."

his neighbor's face pinches in confusion, then crumples in despair. "oh... uhhhh... o-okay, cool..."

john can feel himself going into papa bear therapist mode. "hey, i'm dr. john twinkletits, by the way. i'm sorry i never properly introduced myself when you moved in."

"s'okay...i-i'm melmord." he sniffles. "...you're a doctor?"

"i'm a therapist." john smiles at him. "melmord, would you maybe like to come over and have some breakfast with me? i'm just next door here. you won't be going far."

melmord fidgets, looks uncomfortable. "uhh..."

"you can meet my cat, if you'd like."

melmord suddenly tears up, nods, and john puts a hand on his shoulder to draw him out of the apartment, leading him towards his own. he'll have to text his secretary to cancel the morning's appointments, but he has a feeling it's worth it to make sure melmord is all right. :')

[theretirementstory]

Greetings from a very sunny Bar-sur-Aube, where the temperature is 3c but with no wind it is perfect for a walk outside. I know this because I have been shopping already this morning. We had had a frost so I was dressed up like Nanook of the North only to find that gloves, scarf and hood were not required!  » My Man » was here, bright and early on Monday and Tuesday mornings so it meant that I could get on with jobs early in the day. The work is completed now and I am pleased with it, so pleased that I went out and bought a large planter to stand on this new concrete, I will grow some produce…… what am I like, I just tell myself I won’t grow any vegetables this year and then start planning where I will put everything!

How true it is that you don’t notice things just under your nose, the cherry tree standing large and proud in the centre of the garden, is just the cherry tree, until I took some time to look at it and see that it is blossoming, maybe I will have cherries this year, who knows.

I have been doing jobs in the garden, although I still need to plant the new peony. The clematis I put in last year is really shooting up and I am hopeful that it will cover an exposed part of wire fence this year. Unfortunately, while re-potting plants, I ran out of compost and dashing to the supermarket picked up a bag (which was way too heavy for me). Not content with lifting it into the shopping trolley, I had to lift it into and out of the car, that was just too much for my right arm, and I had to suffer two days/nights of agony before seeing the osteopath again. I listened to him this time and have been resting the arm.

It has been a great week for seeing friends, texting and chatting. Marie-Therese came for cake and coffee on Tuesday, that was a pleasant change. I messaged Anie, who rang to tell me she had tested positive for Covid and was isolating. As Monique had tested positive the week before I decided to message and see how she was, her tests are still positive. In the supermarket car park I bumped into Eric, he said Jeannette, his wife, was sat in the car so I went over to talk to her. Eric had done all the shopping and we were still talking when he came back to the car! I messaged my Syrian friend  »Jony » and was pleased to get a message back. Unfortunately, he is still awaiting papers from the French Government. Then this morning I met a « neighbour » from when I lived in the apartment, we stood and caught up with all the news, which was really lovely.

« The Daddy » has had some days holiday this week and we had a wonderful chat about gardens and also about when I should visit the UK. On Saturday « The Mummy » wasn’t well and had to go to bed! I hope that she is feeling better today. My cheeky grandson, 8 months old, has been to nursery three days this week which he seemed to enjoy, especially the food, of which he ate second helpings 😂. He has now found his feet and can pull himself upright and can take a step or two. I saw a delightful video of his sister feeding him yoghurt, she was doing the little train thing with the spoon and she was very good at feeding him.

« The Paralegal » enjoyed his long weekend last weekend, but has had a busy four days not least because he has had to man the front office single handed, due to sickness. Fortunately it hasn't dampened his enjoyment of the work. He has been busy washing, cleaning, snookering and he will be quizzing this evening.

I had a surprise when I went to the « knitting workshop » as the room has now been « zoned ». There is a classroom areà, an area for use of a computer for opening accounts etc., plus a cosy corner, complete with settee, armchair, coffee table, lamp, plants and a storage unit. We sat in the cosy corner and it was so relaxing that we finished 20 minutes later than normal 😂. On thé way home I was going to call into the bar for a coffee, but being later leaving, I decided to just go home.

I have been told that the little poem/quotes at the end of the blog are enjoyed by many, so I will keep up with this little addition.

An excerpt from Wiilism Wordsworth « Lines written in Early Spring »

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And ’tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes.

Photos: Suit (1963) in the Couture exhibition and frosted primroses from my walk this morning.

[gretehart]

IM ALIVE (NEW UPDATES AND MORE!!)

HI GUYS! So I know I disappeared for... a couple months.. now.. KGJHS

Things have- as you might have guessed- been really crazy and I just hadn't had the energy to draw or interact outside of my immediate circles n all @_@

BUT New month! New plans! New and Better me!!

I wont get into details of it all, but after such mental exhaustion and general craziness/stress of life, I'm finally gaining my energy back and even seeing a therapist and psychiatrist, and feeling more like myself again ♥

And with that, there are New Announcements as well! Regarding things like art, freebies, artfight, and more!So let's get right into it!!

Firstly; Yes I am drawing again! Starting this Monday, July 5th, I will be back to streaming just about daily! I plan to do a Monday-Friday schedule streaming.

Mondays will be for warm-ups and doodles (maybe throw in some quick freebies in there >:3c wink wonk) Tuesdays through Thursdays will switch up between Patreon Rewards, Commissions, Trades/Artfight, etc. And Fridays will either be for more Personal works or just fun stuff! Whether freebies or other things! A sort-of winding down thing!!

NOW GRANTED: I may not instantly follow through this schedule, as I dont wanna overwhelm myself, but I figured having a sort of routine should at the least help! That way I can give myself breaks throughout the week and have the weekends for relaxing (when Im not doing the freebie streams!)

Which brings me to my next thing-

Freebie streams are coming back!

I do plan on doing the weekend freebie streams as before- they just may not be until later this month! That way I have time to get back into the rhythm of drawing and not immediately throw myself into the midst of everything (that wont turn out well JGHJHSD)

So although i dont have set dates I will keep you guys updated! <3

Patreon Rewards!

I know Im extremely behind on rewards, but I do plan on getting those done! Slowly but surely!

I will be working on the earlier ones through this upcoming week, and (hopefully) get in July's rewards in before the month ends! So if you Patrons want to, you can send me your requests for this month! (Please wait until after the 5th tho!! When the payments are processed/deposited!) I will make an announcement for rewards as per usual.

For those of you not already, You can be a supporter on my Patreon here, and depending on your tier, have access to my Discord server where you get access to posts and things before anywhere else!! (And even other things >:3c )

Commissions!

I dont know if I will be re-opening my commissions this month, but if so it probably wont be for a couple weeks at least- Until I can get my bearings again.

For those that have commissioned me already, I will be eventually reaching out to you to either work out a refund or some sort of compromise! I know a LOT of you who commissioned me have been waiting months if not a whole year for your commission, so I completely understand if you want your money back! If you absolutely do not mind the wait then we will figure out the deets on getting your commission done within the next couple of months!

Thank you guys so much for those who have been patient with me on that ;3; i owe you my life Artfight!! WOOO

Since July already started, Artfight 2021 has been an absolute hit already, and Im already so happy and proud of everyone doing so well in those! And I DO plan to participate this year as well, but i just may be a bit late to the party as I still have to catch up on my profile (and of course actually drawing so-) I will (eventually) update my page for that, but you guys are welcome to check my page out regardless!!

(ALSO: My girlfriend Noxxi-a has joined the site as well!! Go check her page out >:3c)

I think??? That about covers everything, but if there's anything else I need to bring up, I will let you guys know!!

Thank you guys- again, numerous times- SO SO MUCH for being so incredibly patient with me and for understanding!!

You guys are the best and idk where I would be without you all <3

[bosstoaster]

oh oh oh!! For 12 days of Christmas how about the shunkeith beekeeper/baker/orchard AU (can we call it the sweet tooth AU cause that seems appropriate) and Hunk getting trapped at the orchard with Shiro and Keith when bad weather closes the country roads, preventing him from getting back to the city :3c

"No state of emergency has been declared yet, but police are advising everyone stay home and off the highways for the next day," the weatherman said, gesturing behind him to the green screened map of the area.  "Especially everywhere west of 70, where we think will get the highest amount of snow.  We had some melt today when we briefly went over freezing, and that's already begun hardening back into ice-"

The TV muted suddenly.  Starting, Hunk turned to frown at Keith.  "Hey!  I was listening to that."

"It's the same as it's been since before dinner," Keith replied.  "Nothing is going to change.  And even if they did suddenly say everything was fine, you wouldn't feel comfortable driving back this late and in these conditions."

Groaning, Hunk scrubbed over his face.  "I know," he admitted.  "I just- ��You know how it is."

"You're better off closing the bakery anyway," Keith continued, settling next to Hunk.  "You said so yourself.  There won't be any customers when it's this nasty out."

"We have people who live close enough to walk," Hunk muttered back, but he nodded again.  He'd spent all of dinner talking himself into a storm over if he should chance driving back home from the orchard.  Normally, Hunk didn't even like night driving, and the conditions outside were far worse.  But even if the shop was doing better lately, it was still a blow to have to take days off.  Lance was salaried, so he wouldn't regret the day off, but Hunk still had to pay rent and he had supplies in the fridge that were going to go back if the power was out, and-

Sighing, Keith soothed a hand up and down Hunk's back.  "Hey.  It's okay.  I promise you, you'll be okay.  If you want, when it gets better, we'll drive back with you and help with anything you need.  Alright?  And you said yourself business has been good.  One day off won't hurt."

"But what if it's not just one day?"  Hunk muttered back.

"It's supposed to get up to 40 on Tuesday," Keith reminded.  "And by then, the plows will have gotten through.  We don't get multiple snow days in this area, you know that."

It was true, just-

There was no 'just'.  Hunk was working himself up for nothing.  He couldn't seem to help it.

So he held out his arms, silently asking.  

(Read More)

Luckily, Keith had never needed words.  He slotted himself against Hunk easily, pulling him down so his head rested on Keith's shoulder.  "You're fine," Keith said.  "Everything is fine.  Lance will thank you for the day off, and once everyone comes out of hibernation on Tuesday, they'll all be craving some holiday treats.  Okay?"

"Okay," Hunk replied.  He wrapped his arms around Keith's waist, pulling him flush.  He was warm and solid, surprisingly sturdy and weighty for being so much smaller.  Like a rock in a rushing river, something to hold onto while he waited out the worst of it.  "Thank you."

Soft, dry lips pressed against Hunk's cheek.  "You're welcome.  More than.  That's what I'm here for.  Besides, it's not all bad, right?"

Hunk smiled into Keith's shirt.  "No, not at all.  I don't mind getting to spend an extra day with you two.  How are the hills for sledding, here?"

"They'd be pretty good if we had a sled," Keith replied, laughing softly.  "Maybe we can improvise something. It'll go easier if you can help me convince Shiro to join in."

Pausing, Hunk picked up his head, lips curled.  "Shiro's not a snow day guy?"

Keith rolled his eyes hard.  "You've heard him bitching about the cold, right?  He spent most of his formative years in LA.  He acts like cold weather is personally out to get him."

Huh.  "I heard him complaining about the cold being bad for the bees," Hunk admitted.  "Not bad for him."

"He's being good for you, probably," Keith replied.  "I bet that breaks down tonight, with how cold it's getting."

Well, the negatives were nothing to sneeze at.  Hunk had a lot of sympathy for Shiro's low tolerance.  He'd grown up on warm beaches, and snow had been a complete novelty the first winter he'd been in the city.  Since then, it was more of a bother.  He'd always wanted to enjoy it more, but it was never nice snow downtown.  Within a couple of hours it was a dirty, speckled, slushy mess.  Here, though, it was downright picturesque.

At least, it had been when it was light out enough to see.  Now, not so much.

As if summoned by their conversation, the backdoor opened.  Shiro stepped through, shaking his head hard to get the snow off his hat.  He had on several layers, including a thick winter coat and the hoodie he'd yet to give back to Hunk.  "Brrr.  Eugh.  Okay, the hives are all wrapped up.  That should help them.  They're all sizable and healthy, so they'd probably be alright."

"Whatever makes you feel better," Keith replied.  "So you don't run out at 2 AM again, and then shove your freezing feet in bed."

Shiro just grinned and pulled off his gloves.  "You're so warm, it's your own fault for being such a good heater.  Officially a no-go on heading back, Hunk?"

Nodding, Hunk picked his head up to watch Shiro undress.  "Yeah, at least tomorrow.  We'll see how it is Tuesday.  I might be able to open for the afternoon."

Once he'd shrugged off his outer gear, Shiro settled on the couch next to Hunk and smoothed up and down his back.  "I'm sorry you have to keep the bakery closed.  You alright?"

Hunk smiled back, squeezing Keith tighter.  "I'm better now."

"Good.  Keith makes for a very good stuffed animal, don't you, babe?"  He leaned over and pressed a quick peck to the top of Keith's head.

The flat look Keith shot back made Hunk laugh, pushing away the last dregs of his worry.

Shiro tugged slightly on Hunk's shoulder, until he turned to look at him properly.  Then he pressed a kiss to Hunk's lips, then under both his eyes, and finally his forehead.  "You're just fine," he told him, low and warm.  "And we're glad to keep you here for another day, even if the reason is unfortunate.  Want hot chocolate?"

Pausing, Hunk considered him.  "What kind?"

"Uh," Shiro blinked, as if confused by the question. "The kind with the little marshmallows in the packet?"

Hunk shivered.  "No.  You still have powdered cocoa from when I made those chocolate muffins?"

Shooting Keith a quick glance, Shiro shrugged.  "I haven't touched it, so I assume so."

"Good."  With that, Hunk finally let go of Keith and stood.  "I'll make hot chocolate."

Shiro's expression fell.  "I can make it," he offered instantly.  "You really don't have to, especially when you're the one upset.  I'll pay attention to it, just give me a few minutes to look up a recipe online, alright?"

Softening, Hunk kissed him back.  "No, I want to."  When Shiro opened his mouth again, Hunk put a finger on his lips, stilling him instantly.  "Seriously.  I want something else to focus on.  Hot cocoa will distract me for at least a few minutes.  Just let me."

"Alright," Shiro allowed, visibly relaxing.  "We still have another bag of the kettle corn you like, too.  We can do a quick movie.  Something holiday, since we're getting all this snow?"

Hunk relaxed further and nodded.  "Yeah, I'd like that.  Can I trust you with a bag of microwave popcorn?"

"I'm not that bad!"  Shiro's bottom lip stuck out in an exaggerated pout.  "You press the button on the machine, I can handle that."

Laughing, Hunk shook his head and stepped into the kitchen.

He had to admit, Hunk adored the set up here.  It might not have all of Hunk's equipment, and the appliances were nearly two decades old.  But everything in here was solid and a little old fashioned, built to withstand the ages.  Everything was made out of warm woods, scratched and dented and well-loved.

Smoothing his hand over the counter, Hunk started to open cabinets to pull out the right supplies, as he began to heat up the milk.

Just by the door, he heard Keith let out a yelp.  "Shiro!"

"What?"

"Your hand is freezing.  Both of them, but literally for one of them."

There was a long pause. "Oh, right."  The clatter of Shiro removing his prosthetic was almost soothing.  It was like hearing someone brush their teeth from the bedroom.  Comfortingly domestic, in a slightly intimate way.  "Better?"

"Still cold, but better."

Shiro wandered into the kitchen next.  Hunk's hoodie gaped loosely on his right side, and he gave a tiny wave with the stump.  At first, he'd been self-conscious of it, but there was only so many times they could sleep in the same bed without it before it became too normal.  With practiced ease, he moved to the pantry and ripped the popcorn packaging open with his teeth.  Then he tossed it into the microwave and it the popcorn setting.  "Ta-da."

Brows up, Hunk smiled. "Don't congratulate yourself yet.  It hasn't cooked yet, it can still burn."

"That was only once."  Despite his playful complaining, Shiro plastered himself to Hunk's back, hooking his chin over a shoulder to watch.  "The cocoa powder stuff is what's in the packets we have?"

"And a lot of sugar," Hunk replied.  "It's better when you can add a little dark chocolate.  I'll bring some next time.  For now, a dash of vanilla and a little nutmeg will do."

Humming, Shiro pressed his nose into Hunk's neck.  There was still a chill to his skin from being outside too long.  "Sounds good to me," Shiro replied.  He didn't move.

Hunk smiled at his pot.  "Are you only here because I'm warm and Keith is complaining?"

"No," Shiro replied, drawing the word out.  "Keith complaining doesn't stop me.  I pick you because I want to snuggle you."  He paused.  "And the oven is warm."

"There it is."

"But mostly because I love you."

Hunk smiled softly, the words churning warmly in his stomach as if he'd already chugged the hot chocolate.  "I love you too."

Shiro pressed a kiss to Hunk's jaw.  "Good.  'Cause coming all the way out here just for sex would be a lot of work on your part."

"I don't just do it for sex," Hunk shot back.  "I also do it for your honey."

Letting out a bark of laughter, Shiro pressed their cheeks together.  "I bet you do.  You want some sugar."

Hunk grinned, turning around to kiss him properly.  "Oh, that's a pretty good one!"

"It's not bad, yeah."  Shiro beamed at him, eyes warm and molten.  But the shrill alarm of the microwave made him jump.  "Oh, right.  That."  He wandered over and pulled it out of the microwave, holding it so the steam could vent.  "If I open the paper part with my teeth, will you be grossed out?"

"I'm a chef, so no.  I taste from the spoon I cook with, sometimes."

Shiro paused.  "You do?  That's kind of gross."  He considered.  "Does that mean we're technically kissing when I eat your food?"

Shrugging, Hunk turned back to the hot chocolate.  "I suppose so.  Does this mean you never taste anything you're cooking?  That explains too much."

Making a soft, wounded noise, Shiro put down the bag so he could get out a bowl, then took hold of one tab with his teeth to yank it open.  "You're very mean.  You seem all nice and sweet but you're secretly ruthless."

Hunk smiled back.  "That's me.  What movie did you guys pick out?"

"Uh-"  Shiro perked, eyes bright.  "Actually, you can help with that.  We've been arguing about this all week.  The Grinch - class animated version or the terrible Jim Carrey abomination?"

"I suspect this question wording might be biased."

Shiro stuck his nose in the air.  "My polling is all completely fact based.  I don't ask leading questions, just make sure you have full knowledge going in."

Considering him, Hunk tapped his finger on the counter.  "Live action.  Just because you're trying to push me."

"Hunk!"  Shiro groaned, dismayed.

"Told you!" Keith's voice floated back, purely smug.

Hunk laughed, openly amused at them both.  With a last check of the cocoa, he poured some into three mugs, and let the rest stay in the pot on the stove.  If they needed more, they could warm it back up.  "Ready?"

"Yeah, ready."  Shiro held up the popcorn as proof.  

Settling in on the couch, with Keith pressed smug and warm in one side, and Shiro a playfully sulking teddy bear on the other, Hunk settled in.

Between the two of them, he really didn't need the hot cocoa to stay warm.

(But that didn't mean he wasn't going to drink it.)

[ainsley-corcoran]

Hold Your Breath || Ainsley & Spencer

TAGGING: Ainsley Corcoran & Spencer Evans ( @spencerfevans )

TIME: Tuesday, June 12th

LOCATION: The Pond

SUMMARY: Bingo Event; 1b: Breathplay || 3c: Scene Involving the Pond

Ainsley could feel her heart racing in her chest as she made her way over to meet Spencer by the pond. While she wasn’t afraid of the scene they’d come up with, per se, she was definitely anxious about the whole thing, even if she did know she was in good hands. Slowing her breathing to help calm herself, she smiled widely as she came to stand beside Domme, her hands fidgeting by her sides in an unusual show of nerves. “Hello, Miss Spencer.”

She glanced up when she saw the girl and offered her a small smile. “Hello, sweetheart. How are you feeling?” Spencer knew that submitting wasn’t something that Ainsley was fully comfortable and so she was going to take that into consideration throughout the scene. She wanted her to feel safe. She stood up and glanced at the pond. She had tested it and found that it wasn’t super chilly and she was grateful for that fact.

Stilling her restless fingers, Ainsley gave a sincere- if somewhat weak- smile. “I’m doing well, Miss. A little nervous, but also excited for our scene today.” And it was true. For as anxious as the whole thing made her, she truly was looking forward to getting another scene as the submissive under her belt. She bit her lip as she watched the other woman test the temperature of the water, not quite sure if she should continue talking or stay silent and wait for further instruction from the Domme.

“It makes perfect sense that you’re a bit nervous, Ainsley. I was always a bit nervous before having to submit as well. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. But it’s good that you’re taking some steps to make yourself more comfortable. That way presentations come a bit easier to you.” Spencer offered, giving the girl a smile. “Now, I’d like for you to tell me your limits and your safeword. And then I would like you to strip down to your bra and underwear.” The Domme stated, kicking her feet in the water slightly.

Nodding, Ainsley’s smile came a little easier as Spencer spoke. “That was my thinking as well, Miss. My limits are scat, vore, and watersports, and I use the stoplight system.” She said before following the rest of her instructions. A slight chill ran down her spine as she felt the light breeze on her skin, but the sound of the water helped relax her. If nothing else, between the fact that she trusted Spencer to look out for her, and the fact that she was an incredibly strong swimmer, it became a little easier to let go of her worry and focus on being a good Submissive.

“Good girl. Thank you for that.” She said with a smile, watching as the Switch slipped out of her clothing. “I promise that the water isn’t too bad. I’m not going to make you freeze.” She said with a soft wink before tilting her head. “Come on into the water for me, Ainsley. Get used to the feeling of it against your skin.” She didn’t want to jolt her into it by jumping right into the breathplay, knowing that that would probably be fairly dangerous.

Ainsley’s smile came a little easier as Spencer spoke, and she nodded as she stepped onto the water with a more confident “Yes, Miss,” this time around. The water felt cool against her heated skin, but it she’d always prefered it that way, anyway. When the water was too warm, she tended to feel drowsy, whereas a bit off cold help wake her up and reenergize her. “It’s a good day for this, I think. The air’s not too cold, and the water’s not too warm,”

She nodded her head in agreement. “I think you’re right. I’m glad the weather seemed to work out in our favor.” She dropped her hands into the water for a moment and then playfully flicked some water at Ainsley before letting out a breath. “You’ve got to trust me okay? There are going to be moments in the scene where you might think that it’s too much...But I am going to be watching you very carefully. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. But of course...if you need to stop, please use your safeword. I’d also like a safe gesture just to cover all of our bases.”

Laughing at the playful gesture, Ainsley could feel herself slipping into her more submissive headspace as she listened to Spencer speak. She was still a bit nervous, but the Domme exuded a subtle confidence and an air of authority that helped calm her, reminding her that she didn’t need to worry and that she would be entirely safe. “Yes, Miss. I do trust you.” She said without an ounce of hesitation. “What would you like me to do for safe gesture?”

“Good girl. For your safe gesture, I would like you to hold up this sign.” She gestured the sign for her, her two middle fingers down with the two outer fingers pointed up. “Make sure you lift it high so that there is no ways that I would miss it okay?” She licked her bottom lip and then rolled her shoulders before nodding her head. “We’re going to start off slow, but I’m going to push you a bit further and further each time.” She stated, offering her a smile. “Now, how do you feel about a sexual element to the scene?”

“Yes, Miss. I can definitely do that” The sign was easy enough, though she took an extra moment to commit it to memory, just in case. Biting her lip, she nodded. She knew it would be difficult, but she was never one to back down from a challenge. Not before giving it an honest try first, at least. At Spencer’s next question, a grin came to her face, “I would have absolutely no problem with that. You’re absolutely stunning, Miss,”

“Perfect. Good girl.” She winked playfully when Ainsley said that she was okay with it and she nodded her head. “Perfect. I’m glad to hear that.” The blonde said, rolling her shoulders slightly and then reaching out to grab Ainsley’s waist. She rubbed her thumb into her skin and hummed softly. “By the way, you’re pretty gorgeous as well. Incredibly so, Ainsley.”

Ainsley felt a slight flush creep up her neck, but smiled at the praise, enjoying it more than she thought she would. Biting her lip, she took a step forward, the cool water ironically helping to ground her as she moved closer, her hands coming up to play with the ends of Spencer’s hair. “That’s quite a compliment, coming from you, Miss. Though I must admit, I’m pleased you think so.”

She hummed as Ainsley played with her hair, a smile planted on her features. She was content to just enjoy the time that she had with the other girl. And hoped that they could perhaps spend some more time together in the future. She dragged her hands to Ainsley’s lower back and scratched gently before drawing her into a brief kiss, her fingers teasing along her skin.

Ainsley grinned into the kiss, unconsciously leaning into the other girl’s touch, the contact blaze hot trails down her back. She was caught off guard realizing how worked up she was from that alone, but she definitely wasn’t going to question it. Unable to help herself, she let her hands slide over strong shoulders to lace lightly behind the blonde’s neck, shifting closer in attempts to gain more contact, losing herself in the sensations as she settled into a submissive headspace.

Spencer smiled against Ainsley’s lips as the girl slipped her arms around her neck, humming at the touch to the back of her neck. She was glad that Ainsley seemed to be comfortable because that would make sliding into the breathplay section of the scene that much easier. She pulled back from the kiss and nipped along her jaw, humming softly.

Ainsley felt almost light headed as the blonde pulled away. If just kissing the other girl left her gasping for breath, she had no idea how the rest of the scene would play out, but she was almost surprised to realize she was excited to find out. Eyes slipping closed as she let out a soft moan, Ainsley couldn’t resist the urge to pull Spencer back for another breathtaking kiss, unconsciously rolling her hips in attempt to get closer.

She hummed softly when Ainsley began to rock her hips against her and crashed their lips together once more, squeezing her waist and then letting out a soft laugh. “If you’re good, you can get more kisses okay?” She murmured gently as she pulled away before kneeling in the water, keeping one of her legs up. “Come rest your back here.” She said, patting her leg, wrapping her arms around the Switch.

Ainsley gave an uncharacteristic pout, but nodded all the same. She always did better when there was a reward waiting for her, and she had no doubt this would be the same- especially when the reward would be such a sweet one. “Yes, Miss. I think I can handle that.” Biting her lip, she only hesitated for half a beat, before doing as instructed. The sensation of the cool water on her heated skin helped calm her and she leaned back into Spencer’s strong hold.

“There you go. I’ve got you. Just relax for me.” She murmured, offering the Switch a smile. She brought her free hand down to press between the other girl’s legs and smirking softly. “I want you to rock your hips into my hand. You are not to stop unless I tell you too.” She said with a hum. “Start now.”

Exhaling deeply, Ainsley did her best to relax, an effort that was derailed a moment later when she felt Spencer’s hand settle between her legs. Feeling an uncharacteristic flush creep up her neck for the second time in under an hour, she bit her lip before nodding. “Y-yes, Miss.” She stuttered out, rocking her hips forward, the motion quickly becoming instinctual as she felt a heat settle low in her stomach from the contact.

“Good girl.” Spencer said, nodding her head, watching as the girl began to follow her order. “Now take a deep breath.” She waited for Ainsley to do as she had asked before lowering her into the water and holding her there. She kept her eyes on the girl, keeping her eyes focused, wanting to catch any sign of things going wrong; bringing her up after ten seconds.

Inhaling deeply, Ainsley tried to focus on the pleasant sensations she was experiencing to distract from the anxiety of what was to come. The water rushed around her and she fought the urge to tense up as she was fully submerged. She was grateful that Spencer only kept her under for a few seconds to start, easing her in, though she was pleasantly surprised to find the terror she was expecting to feel was absent.

“Take a few more breaths. On your third breath, I want you to hold it again.” Spencer said, watching and counting in time with Ainsley’s breaths before pressing her under again. This time, she jumped up to thirty seconds, keeping her eyes on the Switch and exuding the confidence that she was feeling. She had done similar things before. She could handle this and she would take queues from the girl as they continued. She pulled her out after thirty seconds and smiled softly. “There you go. You’re doing well.”

Careful to stay calm and keep her breaths even, she inhaled deeply on the third as she was dipped under once more. She wasn’t sure how long she went this time, but it was long enough for her to notice her lack of air, despite being a practiced swimmer. The between the pleasure between her legs and the comforting familiarity of the water, however, she actually started to enjoy the strange sensations she felt as her body was slowly denied oxygen. Despite the slight dizziness, she smiled at the praise as she breathed heavily. “T-thank you, Miss.”

“You’re very welcome.” Spencer said with a soft smile. “I want to see if we can get you to a minute, okay? So we’re going to put you under twice more and we’ll see how long you can hold your breath for. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it, I’m just pushing you a bit to see how well you can do.” Spencer said, enjoying the look on the Switch’s face. “Five breaths, hold it on the fifth okay?” She adjusted her hold on the girl and then let her slip under the water once again. She planned to hold her there for forty-five seconds before moving on to the final test.

Ainsley tried to level her breathing out like she had before, though the extended time underwater made it more difficult. The idea of holding her breath for a full minute felt daunting, but she was certainly willing to try. She was already the type of person who wanted to make people happy- even if her methodology was more forceful than most really wanted- but in her Submissive headspace, that desire seemed to increase ten fold. Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded instead, taking deep breath before sinking underwater once more. Time seemed to slip away as she stayed submerged, the only thoughts in her hazy mind focused around not inhaling and seeking more contact from the firm hand that her hips kept seeking out as she tried to override her body’s natural instinct to inhale, holding out for a few seconds after the hand holding her down was lifted.

Spencer pulled her out of the water again once the forty-five seconds were up, allowing her to catch her breath and then even it out again. If she was going to put her back under the water for a full minute, she didn’t want her to already be fighting for air. “That’s a good girl. You’re doing well. Just breathe for me. There you go.” She murmured, smoothing Ainsley’s hair back and pressing her hand between her legs a bit more firmly. “Just relax. I’ve got you and you’re being so good.” She pressed a kiss to her cheek, giving her a bit of affection through touch before beginning to lower her. “Okay, here we go. One minute. Trust me and trust yourself okay? Just relax. I’ve got you. I’ll keep you safe.” Spencer said, waiting for her to take a deep breath before lowering her under the water for the final time.

It took a bit longer for Ainsley to regain herself, but it wasn’t too long until her breaths came with a bit more ease, and she appreciated Spencer’s patience with her. So far the Domme seemed pleased with her, though, and she thrived off of that approval. It energized her and made her even more determined to try and impress the blonde. Taking one last gulp of air, she let herself be guided into the water, reminding herself that she was in good hands. Once again, it felt like time slipped away almost instantly as her body began to crave oxygen, only to be denied it. Air slowly slipped out between her lips as stars began to dance behind her eyes. Yet, despite the nerves it ignited in her, she refused to move. She reminded herself that she needed to be good, that her body- in that moment- wasn’t her own, but Spencer’s, and that she had been given direct instructions. It was freeing, in its own way, and almost surreal, as her body was flooded with pleasure and pain at the same time.

The bubbles that floated to the surface of the water allowed Spencer to know she was letting the air out of her lungs and would need to replenish soon, luckily though by that point they were nearing the minute mark. She kept her eyes on Ainsley, wanting to keep the connection that they had and assure her that she was okay. When it hit the minute mark, she pulled her up again into a sitting position, keeping her arm wrapped around her. “Easy does it. Slow breaths. Don't try to put too much oxygen in your lungs at once. That's it. Good girl, Ainsley. Good girl. Lean against me and just relax for a moment.”

The last ten seconds were the hardest, but Ainsley pushed down the bolt of panic, barely resisting the urge to push against the hand on her chest. Gasping as she reached the surface, Ainsley coughed a few times, trying to clear her airway of an obstruction that wasn’t there. She kept her eyes closed as she listened to the sound of Spencer’s voice, her words soft and comforting. Her head was spinning, but the words of praise floating in her ears helped more than she thought they would. Once the her breathing began to even out and the rush of her blood in her ears faded, she let her eyes slip open, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Did I do okay, Miss?”

Spencer watched her closely, looking for any warning signs but there didn't seem to be any there. “You did very well. I am so proud of you.” Spencer said in response, a smile on her face as well. For someone that wasn't super comfortable with her submissive side, she was pretty darn adorable in it. “so well that I think you deserve a reward.” She pressed a kiss to her cheek and gently moved her hand between her legs. “I told you you would get more kisses if you were good.. So you will. But I also want you to know that you can cum when you need to. That is your reward for being so good for me.” She smiled softly and then pressed their lips together, her hand moving with a purpose as her eyes fell shut.

Perking up slightly at the praise, Ainsley couldn’t have stopped the proud smile that came to her face even if she wanted to. “I’m glad I met your expectations, Miss.” At the mention of an award and the feeling of Spencer’s hand back between her leg, the fire that had cooled in the last few minutes seemed to blaze up, a moan escaping her as the Domme spoke, more than happy with the reward she was being given. Ainsley’s hips rolled and bucked in a desperate search for more friction, and one hand came up to tangle in her hair as she moaned into the other girl’s mouth. She was dangerously close, after such an intense experience, and she knew it wouldn’t take much to have her coming entirely undone.

Spencer held her arm around Ainsley to ensure that she didn’t drop back into the water, sighing in contentment at the kiss. Kissing people was just so nice. One of her favorite things to do, especially because everyone had a different way of doing it. The response from Ainsley when she put her hand back between her legs had the blonde smirking and humming in satisfaction. She loved getting to reward good girls by making them cum. “That’s it...let it come to you, gorgeous.” Spencer murmured against the Switch’s lips, her fingers rubbing a bit more firmly.

Ainsley was thankful that Spencer had given her permission to cum when she needed to, because she was fairly certain she couldn’t have stopped herself even if she wanted to. And between her mental and physical exhaustion, she didn’t really have it in her to try. Instead she let herself get lost in the sensations, letting out a sharp whimper against the Domme’s lips as the pressure between her legs increased. Slipping her free hand just under Spencer’s shirt, she stroked the soft skin she found, needing the contact more than she could explain. Her spine arched as her orgasm raced through her, a low moan rumbling in her chest as she pulled the other girl closer, kissing her languidly as she came down from her high.

Spencer didn’t mind at all when Ainsley’s hand slipped under her shirt, holding her a bit more tightly and let her ride out the waves. She kept their lips pressed together for a few moments until Ainsley’s hips stopped rocking toward her hand. She moved her hand that had been between her legs and rested it on her waist with a smile. “Such a good girl.” She gave her a few moments to rest and then carefully moved them both into a standing position. “Let’s go get you warmed up, sweet girl.”

“Thank you, Miss. Thank you.” Ainsley murmured, breathing heavily as she finally let her eyes flutter open. The pleasant warmth slowly melting away as her body began to cool, and she appreciated Spencer’s cognizance as she was helped back to her feet. Her hand unconsciously sought out the Domme’s under the water, not quite ready to break contact entirely after such an intense scene, at least, intense for her as as a Submissive, anyway. But while her limbs felt heavy and her mind a bit cloudy, overall she felt unexpectedly content as they made their way back to the grass.

“You’re welcome, gorgeous.” She said with a soft smile, grabbing the two towels that she had brought, wrapping the first around Ainsley and rubbing her arms to bring about some warmth before she wrapped a towel around herself as well. “Come now, we’ll go back to my suite and hang out for a bit before I send you on your way.” It had been fairly intense and the last thing she wanted to do was send Ainsley off without the proper aftercare. She wrapped her arm around the Switch’s waist and then led her towards her suite.

[levinssword]

All the questions all the cliche romantic questions <3

hOW DID I MISS THIS DARN YOU TUMBLR.... and this is actually kinda embarrassing to post............................................Coffee Shop: How do you take your coffee?haha jokes on you I DONT TAKE IT I THROW IT INTO THE TRASH WHERE IT BELONGS..... I only drink frappuccinos from starbucks..... double chocolaty chip...... venti is the only acceptable size............ No other coffee is acceptable.... Train Station: Where do you want to travel?I don't usually think about this sorta thing, so there are only a few places that I ever considered. @ff-15 and I have been talking for literal years about flying out and visiting Yellowknife to see the Aurora Borealis, though we're probably going to get eaten by a fucking wolf or something. I'm also weeb trash so I want to go to Japan and get me some spicy pokemon merch directly from the pokemon center... and to eat food... Honestly, I'll go anywhere with street food ( the superior and only way to truly eat ). Whenever I do get to Japan, I need to find the nearest takoyaki vendor (though this can be hard because they don't have a lot of street food outside of festivals from what I hear :'/ ). Apparently, that is a ball of octopus and other shit and I want it BADLY. I need that fish ball and I will not try one until I get to Japan to have a real one. Okonomiyaki, yaki tomorokoshi ( It's grilled corn jett.. GRILLED CORN), and bebi kasutera are just a few that I can think off of the top of my head that I also need before I die. I just want to eat everything to be 10000% honest if somewhere has good food I'm down to go...I think this question was about traveling but I started thinking about food sorry,,,,,Picnic in the Park: Do you enjoy people watching?I like watching... I need to know what people are doing and if I need to run or fight them. It's also a bit of a habit that I picked up from school. My first design instructor had us go people watching as a sketchbook assignment and encouraged us to do it so... I sorta never stopped. I'll just watch people because I'm so used to watching n drawing them all the time. Oh and since I have to watch people like a hawk at my job to see if I have to be at the counter.... honestly I don't even know if I enjoy it it's such a habit at this point I just can't NOT watch people. If you ever go anywhere with me you'll see me looking around CONSTANTLY because I have to see what everyone is doing.... It's weird I'm sorry hah,,mmmmKiss Under the Rain: What sounds help you sleep?Hmmmmm this is a hard one... I always have a fan on for one and it's always on the highest setting! I can't sleep without it and if it's not on I won't sleep. Also my old roommate used to have the single SHITTIEST bed EVER and for like half a year all we'd here at night whenever that nerd moved was this terrible creaking noise... and now I'm so used to hearing that.... creeky beds.... also if the bed didn't creak that meant they probably died so o>ooh and rain!Butterflies: What unique thing would you/do you enjoy in a partner?FSDFSDFADFASDFSF ASD I GOT REALLY EMBARRASSED AND CANT POST THIS ONE IM SORRY VIOLENT SWEATINGSnow Angels: What's your favorite kind of weather?I love fall when all of those trees are orange and red and just DYING and dropping their flakey little corpses everywhere... it's radical... I do go through and play in the leaves. Do I jump in them? not really. I make a pile and crawl under or lay on top of it. It's my nest now.I also like that short time between fall and winter where its bitter cold and chilly windy and just TERRIBLE OUT.... ya know... right now... this is my shit I stand outside in a tshirt and shorts and just feel so ALIVE. AND THEN I LOVE ALL OF WINTER. SNOWING? I LOVE IT! BLIZZARD? I LOVE IT MORE! ICE FALLING FROM THE SKY? I EMBRACE IT LET IT KILL ME! SNOWMANS? YESYES YES YESYESYESYESYES I MADE A SATAN SNOWMAN A COUPLE YEARS BACK! I just l love it so much.... It's a frozen hell outside and it spares noone it's wrath.... it's so great.... I like looking outside at into this abyss while I sit in my ugly room chugging mug after mug of hot chocolate. I drink only the liquid chocolate goodness through winter. Or milkshakes.... ALSO STILL WEARING THOSE SHORTS N TSHIRT ALL WINTER LONGBed & Breakfast: What do you like to do on Tuesdays?I'm laughing, of all of the days that this could have listed it chose one of my days off! WELLLLLLLLLL Since I didn't have to work the night before and also have this night off I have a full day to do absolutely anything. ANYTHING.Tuesday is the best day of the week! It's one of the few things I actually have to look forward to anymore... What do I do on Tuesday? I spend the entire day talking to my boyfriend! If I'm extra lucky I can even call him! Sometimes we watch things together... or watch each other draw ( the purest form of trust between artists :3c ), we play games too! Honestly, we do lots and lots of random things... I mean we do these every day, but because of my trainwreck of a work schedule, this is the only time we can spend the entire day together... It's very nice... just the thought always puts me in a good mood... this is..... really embarrassing.....Kiss at the Door: When you hold hands, do you interlock fingers? Swing your arms?I've only ever held hands with one person and we just held them.... but If given the chance I would both interlock them fingers and swING THAT ARM SO FASTBowling: Do you laugh loudly or giggle more?When I do laugh I laugh loud :3c Otherwise I don't usually... make noises..... I don't like it when people hear me laugh or giggle because it's embarassing ;;;;;Chocolates: What's your favorite kind of sweet thing?HMMMMMMMMM other than you? I guess.... Icecream? Cheesecake??? I am not super big on sweets now that I'm a filthy bakerRoses: Do you blush easily?I've been blushing this entire time :ICheesy Pick-Up Lines: Are you more of a comic or a romantic?I don't think I'm very funny.... so I guess I'm a romantic o7Candlelight: What romantic cliché do you wish for most?:eyes: Can I choose all of them or? Because I want them all.

[dalsifodyas]

Train it Tuesday

Let’s get better together.

Okay let’s make this a thing. Though I still have so much to learn myself, I want to share a bit of my drawing knowledge with you. In the past months I’ve studied a lot of books, videos, tutorials, forums , critiques and whatnot.  And since I found a lot of useful but also a lot of unuseful materials I wanted to share my best findings with you and shortly elaborate why I think they are useful.

The first step - The most general fundamentals

At first I’d like to talk about the fundamentals you can add to your drawings NOW - no matter how good or bad you are ( or you think you are) to create an overall more appealing drawing and thumbnail. We’ll discuss these three things:

Composition (Framing) Contrast Colour Theory

Well they all start with a “C” so let’s call them the 3c.

Using the 3c correctly will create a stable and interesting thumbnail. Generally they serve the purpose of guiding the eyes of your audience where you want them to look at.

Composition and framing: A good video that shortly explains how to guide the eyes with composition and framing: https://youtu.be/1McYZX6KScg

We can additionally look at other art forms for more help on framing - movies and photos - in the end - also try to convey emotions to the viewer and try to guide their eyes. Here’s a simple list of different shots we can apply to our drawings: http://www.mediacollege.com/video/camera/tutorial/01-framing.html

Another amazing video on composition and framing: https://youtu.be/CvLQJReDhic

I tried the same thing in my recent drawing  https://dalsifodyas.tumblr.com/image/158203492269 -  though still not perfect I tried to guide your eyes to the main focus point ( the sandwiches ;)).

Of course I can’t talk composition without the Golden Mean - I found these videos as a nice starting point into the topic: https://youtu.be/zyLjT8sodlw

This article delves really deep into the topic and uses the masterpieces of the great renaissance artists as examples: https://www.goldennumber.net/art-composition-design/

Contrast:

Another great way to guide the audience’s eyes is contrast.

Look at this thumbnail :  https://dalsifodyas.tumblr.com/image/158336200984 -  You HAVE to look at his stupid face - because the highest contrast lies there - the strong light in the distance and his dark hair.

I drew this picture in red (my monochrome of choice) and applied colours later - because this way I can easily check if I have one strong contrast in one place or if I drew too many highlights all over the drawing which would irritate the eyes and they wouldn’t know where to look.

This fine man does a great job explaining contrast in a few minutes: https://youtu.be/l1kkU-sMwHM

General rule: We automatically look at the highest contrast point! So if you want to underline especially ( for example) the eyes in your drawing - shade the eyelashes/ pupil/ eyelids a tad bit darker than anything else in your painting. Combined with the white of the eye, the eyes will become the focal point of your drawings!

Colour theory:

Lastly colour theory. I guess some people just have a natural talent to pick the right colours - but I don’t - so I need to invest a lot of time into learning it.

I really liked this short video about it: https://youtu.be/Qj1FK8n7WgY

A great page to find the right colours that you need: http://paletton.com

A book recommendation if you really want to learn how to use colours: “Colour and Light - A guide for the realist painter” delves really deep into the topic.

Conclusion:

I hope this short overview helped you!

A great book that combines great explanations about these fundamentals is ‘A Noble approach’ by Maurice Noble. He’s the man behind the classic Disney Snowhite movie, the Warner Brothers Movies, Fantasia and so much more. Though mainly focusing on the process of animation, in the end, this book is about how to create an appealing and interesting picture, how to create a background that supports the characters, how to chose colours and how to frame a shot.

Besides that it is great soulfood: The author vividly describes how even seasoned veterans of the industry often need a third or fourth attempt until they got something right. It’s generally a well written book that really gets you into the mindset of a great designer and artist.

——-

Okay that was the first edition of Train it Tuesday. Please tell me what you think, ask questions, if you want me to critic something just show it to me. If you feel like I’m too bad of an artist myself to give tipps to others please tell me so as well. I’m also open for critic.

If you liked this next week I’d probably try to delve into forms, how to create complex objects out of simple forms, how to transform them in 3D space etc. Since this is the topic I’m frantically working on right now anyway ( got to learn my forms!)

Love you all

[whifferdills]

idk if you're still doing fic requests, but i've had this half-formed idea kicking around in my head and i trust you'd be able to bring it to life: 12 builds an inspector gadget style dildo/sex toy machine thing. i don't know what else would happen (like i said: half-formed) but that seems like it'd be a fun fic. alternatively, maybe another Kate Lethbridge/12 one because that pairing doesn't get nearly enough attention.

ooh, i’ve refined it a bit more if you’re at all interested: Clara asked him to build one and he gets more excited about the gadgets than the dildo, and ends up being hilariously unusable. but also sexy? idk; i trust what you come up with.            

So You Want to Build a Sex Machine12/Clara, not explicit but still risque, comedy mostly, ~1k words

(read on Ao3 instead)

Here’s what you’ll need.

1.

Considerations: materials, feasibility, semantics, ethics, use-case scenarios, mechanics both internal and external. The fulfillment of desire, what ‘want’ means; how to create it, or find it; friction. Erotic as a poorly-translated word from a language you do not speak and that your ship will not speak on your behalf.

2.

Google searches:

sexual requirements of the average human

sexual requirements of the unusual human

sex toy personality quiz

Metallica

how can i know what she wants without asking what she wants

3.

The three ‘R’s: Research, Research, Research.

3A

An hour spent watching videos of anonymous amateur fucking and masturbation.

3B

Two minutes spent with your hand wrapped experimentally around what you’d let someone assume was a cock, if anyone were around to notice. Three minutes with your right thumb pressed into the spot just below your rib cage, where your key is still lodged. You feel nothing, and an aching empty sort of wrongness, in that order.

3C

Five hours spent watching videos of people unboxing new dildo shipments. It’s satisfying, watching them crack open the packaging and methodically assess the contents,

4.

Plans. I know it seems weird, to plan ahead of time, but trust me on this.

Four-One

Two mood boards, one on the ship - in a private room tucked far away - with magazine clippings taped to a dry erase board, and one on Pinterest that is followed immediately by a user named KinkyDave17. Hey there, Kinky Dave.

Four-Two

Fifty rough concept sketches, loose and easy. One drawing of Mr. Blobby holding a sign reading “There is no such thing as ethical consumption under capitalism” (it’d seemed funny at the time). Ten selected and elaborated upon; five chosen and explored with attention to detail. Four mugs of tea, two of which are immediately forgotten and eventually absorbed back into the timestuff of the ship.

Four-Three

One sketch, and fifty variations. The implication and execution of multiple penetrative devices. Orifices, modularity. Texture, color, the minutiae of hydraulics. Desire diagrammed. Both mood boards gradually evolve into evidence that Sammy Hagar is a fixed event in time and space. The Pinterest board is immediately followed by GuitarDave1975. Hey, Guitar Dave.

Four-Four

One variation, ten life-size mock-ups. Cannibalize parts from automobiles and electric pianos. Use similarly-shaped objects as stand-ins for dildos. Create a Catherine wheel of bananas. Remember, belatedly, that that’s probably not how sex works. Take a mental note of the texture and firmness of the bananas anyway. Eat one. Eat four more, and regret it instantly. Thrust, vibration, pressure, response, haptic feedback and precision stimulation. Turn the motor on and watch it spin as you eat a sixth banana.

5.

On the mood board in your ship, tape a picture of her over Sammy Hagar so it looks she has Sammy Hagar’s body, or that Sammy Hagar has her face. Resist the sudden impulse to punch the dry erase board. Resist the constant impulse to do something sentimental. Do it anyway. Say something that pretends to be mean, like your human pastimes are ridiculous at best or it’s just an interesting engineering problem, that’s all. Touch the picture of her face, or Sammy Hagar’s face, touch the picture of the face gently and try to think positively about the ten failed attempts littering the room. Eleven, the eleven failed attempts. Or is it twelve, now?

6.

Immediately realize it’s been Eddie Van Halen all along. Spend an hour arguing in the comments section of a YouTube video with a user named, simply, Dave. We meet again, Dave.

7.

Punch the whiteboard, delete the Pinterest account. Sit down on the middle of the floor with a cup of tea. Make a mental list of all the times you can recall her making a face or a noise or a motion, an indication that there was something in her body you only partially recognize:

When you’d had your hand inside her, knuckle-deep, fingers crooked

The time it took for the red mark to show after you bit the skin on her neck, just under her ear

Not sure but it was a Tuesday local time and you were on your knees

8.

why not ask her, Dave will type. or just fuck her lol. Pause. Type back, shut it you sorry excuse for an internet avatar i never liked you anyway. Turn off your personal computation device with a degree of petty, misdirected anger. You will still be on the floor, at this point. Stretch your legs out and then lay down and press the palm of your right hand to the spot just under your rib cage where your key still is, where it’ll always be, where it’s throbbed inside you since before you left home.

9.

Ask her. Ask her, ask her, stammering and fumbling. Make sure it’s a Tuesday local time. You aren’t on your knees but you might as well be. Ask her what she wants.

And she’ll say, you, and she’ll laugh, but not in a mean-spirited way. Pull out your diagrams, your lists from your pockets. Put them back.

Say No, I mean specifically, in terms of the specific thing. Make a gesture that implies fucking and also hopefully how you understand and accept and regret your inadequacy in this area.

You, she’ll say again.

But for when you’re not there, or you’re there and you can’t, or you can but you’re not enough. What does she want? What’s better than you, what’s the ideal?

Don’t you get it yet? she’ll ask.

From here, futures splinter. It could go any way, there is a near-infinite set of possibilities. But if you take her hand and stay, it’ll be one of the good ones.

10.

Let her lead you to her bedroom on the ship, where she feels safe. Let her hold you. Admit you spent the better part of two days, local time, inventing her a sex machine. She’ll roll her eyes and say I’ve got it covered, but thanks I guess, gesturing to her proudly-displayed collection of dildos and vibrators and a fair few things you’ve never even seen before, despite at least three Googles. You nod and feel a certain awe come over you.

11.

Guide her hand to your belly, the spot just below your rib cage. Feel your key move inside you. Try not to cry.

Go down on your knees; it worked once before.

12.

Later, return to the Van Halen fan forum and ask Dave if he’s David Lee Roth, and if so, is he a fixed temporal event. He won’t respond.

[damienthepious]

this has been a difficult week! also for the bouquet here whoops.

Going Through Changes, Ripping Out Pages (chapter 6)

[ch 1] [ch 2] [ch 3] [ch 4] [ch 5] [ao3] [ch 7] [ch 8] [ch 9] [ch 10] [???]

Fandom: The Penumbra Podcast

Relationship: Lord Arum/Sir Damien/Rilla

Characters: Lord Arum, Sir Damien, Rilla, The Keep

Additional Tags: Second Citadel, Lizard Kissin’ Tuesday, Established Relationship, (uhhhhh sorta), Amnesia, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, (WE WILL GET THERE…… EVENTUALLY)

Summary: Lord Arum wakes to discover that some things have changed while he slept. Namely, there is a human in his bed.

Chapter Summary: There are some tried and true methods, when it comes to curse-breaking.

Chapter Notes: this chapter beat me up out by the dumpsters. but hey! happy LKT! ;3c

~

Arum brings them to his workshop. Rilla isn't sure if she should be more relieved or worried about that, but the fact that the room looks turned over is leaning her more towards the second option.

"Okay," she says slowly as he leans against one of the worktables (his own, she notes) and stares at the both of them with an edge of suspicion. "You want us to convince you. How exactly can we do that?"

"What will it take for you to believe us?" Damien echoes, his voice a little uneven.

Arum wrinkles his snout, but he doesn't quite look angry, now. Mostly he just looks uncomfortable.

He reaches and lifts one of her recorders from on top of a small pile of blueprints, scrawled over in his handwriting as well Rilla's, and he frowns lightly as he fiddles with the controls until he plays the entry he's apparently interested in.

Research log, Entry 4485. We're going to need to adjust the dosage slightly on the treatment regimen we've worked out for the Keep. Its reaction has been positive, and it certainly seems like we're making strides helping it recover from the long-term damage sustained from the Moonlit Hermit incident, but it's experiencing some side effects and I think we can work out a better ratio that should prevent the added drowsiness and pseudo-cramping while still helping to restore its structural awareness and reduce the internal scarring. I think our best bet is-

Arum stops the recording, still frowning, and then he meets Rilla's eyes.

"I thought you said that we solved the illness afflicting my Keep," he mutters, though he still doesn't sound angry.

"We did," she clarifies. "But by the time we did solve it, the Keep had been suffering from sleep deprivation - you had too, by the way - and a magically modified fungal infection so bad that it was nearly necrotic for something like two weeks at least. We figured out the problem, but that doesn't mean that the Keep didn't take some long-term damage in the meantime. And even after that-" she laughs, helplessly, "after that, the fear monster set the entire swamp off, so it's not like the poor thing got a break before you and Marc and it had to struggle through a full-blown assault."

"Marc," Arum hisses, looking away. "The Keep mentioned another… hrm."

"Is this�� does this have any particular bearing on our current situation?" Damien asks, his tone very careful, and Arum sighs.

"The pieces of this obnoxious puzzle seem to be falling into place," he says slowly, grudgingly. "And the pieces seem to… corroborate a certain version of the events of the last year."

"A certain version?" Damien echoes, his hands clasping in front of his chest.

Arum sighs again, his snout wrinkling before he looks up towards them. "Your version. Which-" he waves a hand in front of himself when Rilla and Damien glance towards each other in surprise. "Do not misunderstand. Your story is still ridiculous, and I still do not understand, and everything you have so far claimed is decidedly in the realm of the impossible. But-" he grimaces, and then he reaches for the recorder again. "But I am… I am more aware than most," he grumbles, "that the impossible is perfectly within reach. For me, at the least."

He presses down the button, and a different entry plays. Rilla doesn't remember exactly when this one is from (she records her logs so thoroughly so she doesn't need to keep that information in her head, honestly), but she can hear from the very first word that she's completely exhausted in the recordin.

-ter version of the salve. The last three trials have completely tanked, and until I can get my hands on some mo-

She interrupts herself, the edges of a wide yawn crackling through on the tape.

- more, Saints. More of that specific subspecies of dayshade, which is a pain in the ass to source, I'm limited in the number of trials I can actually do. I've got maybe enough for… four more attempts? So I need to pick just four formulas to try and just hope that one of them-

A rustle and a gasp, and then Arum's low rumbling laughter on the recording.

Sneaking up on me again, Arum-

I do not think I could have approached you in any other way, Amaryllis. You have apparently been utterly single-minded on this task since sundown. You … you aren't avoiding sleep again, are you?

No. No, I just- lost track of the time. Is it actually that late?

If you go to sleep right now, you might just pass Damien as he wakes.

A laugh, Rilla's own this time, and then another rustle that ends in a soft hum.

So what are you doing awake, then?

Looking for you, of course.

Another laugh, bright and warm, and Arum looks away from the device with his frill flared high.

Arum-

Come to bed, little doctor. It is … it is never quite warm enough without you.

Alright, okay, okay you big- oh. Whoops. Experiment will continue tomorrow, I guess? End of log.

Arum clicks the button, preventing the device from playing the following log, and then he swallows and frowns even more deeply before he meets Rilla's eyes again.

"Evidence," he hisses. "Everywhere I look, every stone I turn. The pair of you have sunk your roots in here, however you've done it, and… and I know my own voice. I know- I can recognize-"

He snaps his teeth together, and then he exhales a hiss between them.

"I do not understand how. But the pair of you are apparently a part of this. Part of the life that this-" he pats his own chest, his lower hands with the dulled claws thumping off of his scales, "this version of myself has built, over the year that has been stolen from me. I cannot… I cannot imagine that the both of you are… are such impeccable liars as would be required for this to be…" he clenches his teeth, eyes flicking back and forth as he searches for the words.

"Arum," Damien murmurs, and the monster's frown eases, just barely.

"I am beginning to think," Arum says slowly, "that this curse was meant to harm you, just as much as it was meant to harm me."

Rilla can't help the relief, can't help the way her shoulders sag, and Damien clings to her arm. Arum watches them both, but- he doesn't seem surprised by their reaction.

"If- if that was the intent," Damien says breathlessly, "I think it is safe to say it quite succeeded."

"Hm," Arum says, and it sounds a little bit like an agreement.

Rilla, for her part, is running back through exactly what Arum just said, because-

"Wait. You said- curse?"

Arum's frill settles, and he turns, jerking his shoulder to motion the pair of them closer.

"You said before that you do not believe I have had any correspondence with the monster Senate since… since almost the time that I can remember currently. I've found some evidence to the contrary. Look."

He gestures, and Rilla looks past him to see the carefully reconstructed remains of the letter.

She steps closer, and Arum rattles uncomfortably as she and Damien read through what they can. Damien's breath goes sharp, and Rilla needs to read it three times, because she's almost too angry to internalize the words on the first two tries.

"You are going to destroy them," Damien echoes, his horror completely clear in his tone. "They thought- they wanted you to kill us. They thought that you would-"

"I nearly did," Arum murmurs, his tail flicking irritably. "They certainly wanted me to. Or, failing that, they believed that one of you would kill me. I find myself far less favorable towards that first idea now that I know I was being manipulated into it. I am the puppet of no creature, no matter how much of my mind has been scraped away."

"So you think-" Rilla cuts off, the anger flaring again. "So they cursed you. That's what you think this is?"

"That would not be unheard of, for a punishment laid down by the Senate," he murmurs, looking away.

"This… this is because of us, then," Damien says quietly, blankly. "It is our fault, that they have done this to you."

Rilla jerks her head to the side to look at Damien, biting his lip and pressing a hand over his heart in obvious despair, and she opens her mouth to deny it, but Arum gets there first.

"I would say, little knight, that if the Senate did this to me, it is their fault." He growls lightly, tapping his claws off the table beside the remains of the letter. "Besides, did we not just agree that this was meant to harm you as well? Now that we have at least some hint as to what has caused this debacle, we can begin to take steps towards reversing it."

"You have an idea, then?"

"I have several," he grumbles, and then his chest puffs up as he stands a bit straighter. "I have broken curses before. I will break this one as well," he says. "Keep. The scroll room."

The Keep obeys without a please this time, and as the portal is forming beside the monster he turns to Rilla again.

"If you and I… perform research together, as is apparent from… the majority of this room, and from your notes as well as my own… I will allow you to assist me."

Rilla snorts a laugh, and then she takes Damien's hand. "I'm not your assistant," she says quickly as they step past him through the portal. "And you aren't mine either," she clarifies when his expression goes sour behind them. "C'mon. Just show me which journals we're starting with and we'll compare notes in an hour."

~

Damien helps for a while, mostly just fetching books and running to the kitchen to grab water and a small meal for the three of them, and then assisting whenever Rilla asks, but she's not entirely surprised when she glances over to ask him to grab one of Vetch's older journals and she finds him completely passed out in the chair beside her own.

She manages a smile. This is the calmest she's seen him look all day.

Arum doesn't mention it, but he works more quietly after that. She pretends not to notice when she catches him staring at Damien in his sleep.

Eventually, she leans back in her seat with a long sigh, pushing her hair out of her face. They've hit on a few different curse-breaking methods that seem to come up repeatedly- one that Arum says he's used before is pretty straightforward, but unlikely to be useful to them in this case: killing the creature who created the curse. Usually, he says, that will solve the issue immediately, but there is a slim chance that it'll just leave the curse behind, depending on how it was created. Besides that, though, the chances of the four of them figuring out which member of the Senate created this curse and then actually getting close enough to kill them- well, it's a risky idea at the very least. Probably impossible, if she's being honest with herself.

Another potential solution that keeps coming up in Rilla's research is- well. Mostly it's just more fuel for the fire of Rilla's distaste for the way magic works. It sounds more like a bad joke than a real solution, but it does keep coming up, and… well…

"Do kisses actually break curses?" Rilla asks eventually, quietly, and she feels absolutely stupid, but she's been with Arum for long enough to know that if this question has a real answer, he would know it. "Or is that just another dumb misinterpretation-slash-mistranslation of some herbal component or something?"

"They-" he pauses, flicks his tongue, and his expression goes distinctly uncomfortable. "They have been known to. Historically. Though- though the magic is, of course-"

"Inconsistent," Rilla finishes with a frustrated sigh. "I know, I know. But-"

"It would not be… unheard of," he mumbles, looking decidedly away from her. "If… if a- a powerful sort of- of connection were involved."

Rilla grits her teeth, resisting the urge to groan. "So. True love."

"Ugh," the monster grumbles, and Rilla can't help but agree.

"Look, I know it's stupid, but so is magic and if there's even a possibility it might work-"

"Magic is not stupid," he spits, and her human insult sounds charmingly ridiculous in his voice. Like it always does. She tries not to think about that.

"Just inconsistent and almost deliberately contrary," she says, and then she glances towards Damien's still sleeping-slumped form and lowers her voice. "I just- I know it's a long shot. I know you barely believe us. I know it'll be-" painful, she doesn't say. "Awkward. But- if it works, then it's just a few seconds of- awkward and then you'll have the whole damn year back, right?"

"So you would like to… kiss." He pauses, his hands flexing and clenching. "To kiss me. That is what you are saying."

"I'm not saying I would like to," she corrects quickly, because the idea of Arum not knowing, not recognizing, not remembering while she puts her lips on him makes her feel- it makes her chest feel tight and awful and she thinks that she might want to just scream a bit, but- "I'm saying there's a slim, slim chance that it might just fix this, and I think it'd be stupid of us not to just test that incredibly low-risk theory and see what happens, if anything. And if it doesn't work-"

He stares at her, his frown turning nearly into a pout as she tries not to think about the curiosity in his eyes.

"If it doesn't work?"

"Then we…" she sighs. "Then we just keep looking for something else. No great loss beyond a couple of seconds of time."

That part feels like a lie. Rilla- Rilla always wants to kiss Arum. She loves kissing Arum, loves the way she can make him smile, make his whole frame soften so damn easily-

It feels like a pretty fucking substantial loss, though, to give a kiss to Arum while he barely even knows who she is.

But if there's even the slightest chance it might bring him back- Saints, she's starting to sound like Damien. She sucks in a breath to steady herself, then presses her own lips into a frown as she waits for Arum to respond.

His hands flex again, and then he seems to remember the coded journal in danger of his claws, and he sets the tome aside as a thin rattle whirs from his throat. He meets her eye- and then he glances away too quickly, snake-strike fast.

Rilla saw, though. She saw the look in his eyes. He's already made the decision.

"… very well," he says eventually, still not looking anywhere near her. "If… if you believe we might unravel this magic… if we are to each other what you say we are… that sort of magic is rather old, and rather… potent. I imagine this curse must be powerful, but…"

"You agree that there's a chance?"

"Slim," he hedges. "With magic, there is a chance of nearly anything. With magic as old as a curse-breaking kiss… a slim chance is still a chance, I suppose."

"Okay," Rilla says slowly. "So… so you're okay if we… try this?"

"I'm not going to get my hopes up," the monster mutters, and then he flicks his eyes up to meet her own. "But… yes. If there is a chance… yes."

Rilla clenches her fists hard at her side, trying and trying and trying not to think about the mingling hope and curiosity she can see the monster trying very clumsily to hide.

"Alright," she says, and then she takes another step closer to him. "Okay. If you're sure-"

"I'm not going to say it again, little human."

"I'm just gonna," she says by way of warning, and then before her hands can start actually shaking, she lifts them to cup his jaw, her heart stuttering when he stiffens at the contact. He swallows, his eyes widening as they flick between her own, and she gives a weak sort of smile. "Close your eyes?"

She's half expecting him to change his mind at that. Instead, he just watches her for another moment, his hands flexing at his sides, and then she feels him nod very slightly as he lets his eyes slip closed.

She could almost pretend, like this. While he isn't looking at her- she could almost pretend.

Almost.

She leans up, going on her toes so she can reach his mouth more easily, but when she's at the right level she pauses first.

"I… I know you don't want to hear this right now," she whispers, and Arum inhales sharply as her breath tickles his scales, "but I think- I feel like… maybe I should."

"What…" he keeps his eyes closed, his shoulders stiff. "Go on. Say what needs said and just-"

"I love you," she murmurs, and the shocked noise he makes is too much to stand, so she closes her own eyes as she lifts herself the last little bit to kiss him.

It feels exactly like a first kiss, which Rilla decides she should have expected. He feels stiff against her, he doesn't even raise his hands to hold her, he just- stands and gasps against her lips and allows her to hold his face with as much gentleness as she can muster.

His chest rumbles as her thumbs brush across his cheeks, as her mouth moves against him. She can tell that he's just as breathless as she is, and she feels burning and wild as she thinks, told you that you purr, you big liar.

Her eyes flutter open as she slowly pulls away. She exhales, one long sigh, and then she looks up into Arum's eyes.

Her heart stumbles, and then it sinks.

Arum's violet eyes are wide, and stunned, and wanting-

And still without a flicker of memory.

She tries to hide her- her disappointment, tries to hide the way her entire body feels suddenly cold and distant, but when she closes her eyes again she can hear the small noise the monster makes in response, and after a moment, two of his hands reach awkwardly to grip her own.

"I… Rilla…"

"Don't- don't call me that," she manages, and her voice sounds strange in her own ears. It's almost worse, hearing him try to say the wrong name so damn gently instead of just hissing at her. "You never call me that."

"I'm… I'm s-" he pauses, and she can feel his hands flexing uncomfortably against her own. "I do not know what to say. I thought- for a moment, I almost believed that perhaps-"

"Knew it was a ridiculous long shot. You said so yourself," she says, before he can finish the thought, and his hands drop away from her. She wants to grab his wrists and pull his arms around her, wants to run until her legs give out, wants to shove him and scream in his face, wants to kiss him again and again and again until she snaps this curse in half-

She opens her eyes, and turns away from Arum's confused, yearning face, back to the pile of books. She pulls one towards her, peeling it open with fingers that feel wooden and strange, and she forces herself to focus on the words in front of her.

"We'll keep trying," she says, and after a moment she sees him nod out of the corner of her eye.

They'll keep trying. Rilla will keep working. Until they fix this, until they get him back-

There's nothing else she can do.

[->]

[fluffcharoeuvre]

Journal 5: Delays! D:<

Usually I'm lazy and procrastinate and such with stuff like journals; this time I just completely forgot pfff; my bad though, yet, it is still a weekly journal, so still part of the current week :3c Right now I'm finishing up for my weekly of my modeling class, then probably gonna take the next quiz of my coding class; tonight is work and boy do I got a long night to look forward to. I'm trying something new where I'm working on homework in the afternoon and sleeping in the morning, to try to see if I'll get more progress done that way! So far it's working for me, but still got a lot of work to do!! Last week I hardly got anything done and struggled so much, so I really need to get something shifted, including having less distractions while I work on stuff; I'm paying lots of money to do these classes and to be at these labs, so I shouldn't be wasting the time, ya know? In other news, I took the 16 personality test, and got a good result in ENFP, which reading through with my bud Flame, it really does give a lot of points that I can agree for myself. I spammed her quite a bit just going, "LOOK THIS IS MEEEEEE"; it was fun to analyze that kind of stuff, cause it just helps me convey who I am and what I am like when I cannot do elsewise. I'm also on the turbulent end by 92% just to let people know XD Also I drew quite a bit on Tuesday, and it felt nice to get a few gifts out for a few friends, and just trying and practicing when I have the motivation to get things done ;u; I really hope I can keep finding time to practice between working on homework and work itself. I really need to get my W-2 form from my old work place, as that is holding me back from getting my tax returns and Fafsa done >3> Gah stupid needing to wait til I can actually get things done :/ I know I'll be getting quite a good amount this year, BUT NEED TO ACTUALLY GET IT DONE!! Guess I'm getting a bit too tired to think of much more to say, so I'll leave it here this week; hopefully more to talk about next week! Wonder if I should actually start mentioning more social interactions that come up? Who knows, but we'll see! ~~ Shoutout of the week: @occasionallysalazzle for such a dynamic character that’s drawn occasionally :3c ~~ Resolution progress: Journals: 5 out 52 Game Level: Learning Adobe Animate before going on to test Unreal Comic: Nothing yet

[theretirementstory]

Bonjour et bienvenue from a cloudy Bar-sur-Aube. The temperature is currently 3c and I am hoping for clearer skies and an increase in the temperature…….. where would we be without hope!

It has been rather cold this week, thank goodness I wasn’t gallivanting. Of course, I still had my daily walks to do and to be honest I didn’t venture far, usually to the bar for a hot drink, some company and then back home as quickly as possible. Goodness knows why, but I have also been snoozing in the chair on an afternoon 🙄.

We have left February behind and March has stormed into our lives. My poem this week is by William Wordsworth, here is the excerpt from “Lines Written in Early Spring”

“Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,

The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;

And ’tis my faith that every flower

Enjoys the air it breathes.”

My primroses have been flowering for a few weeks and the periwinkles are indeed wreathing across the ground.

My ���little lady” comes to clean once a week and we enjoy our chats in “franglais”. She loves Inspector Barnaby or as it is known in the UK, Midsomer Murders. She tells me she prefers John Nettles to Neil Dudgeon (I hope it’s not because Dudgeon is a Yorkshire lad!) and gives me lots of info about Nettles (which I may have known in a previous life).

The knitting group met and my new found friend, Claudine, was there this time. It was an enjoyable time and The President of the association (whose wife attends the group) came in about 4.15 to prepare “Le gouter”. Now under the old regime it wasn’t “tidy up time” until 4.30 then we scoffed our gateau and drank our juice and left. I must admit it was a much more relaxed atmosphere starting earlier and during our chat I found out more about the President and his wife, than I have in the previous five years.

The new plumber emailed to ask if he could start the work this coming week, of course, I said yes, if only to get the new siphon fitted and get rid of the stench! He is coming at 8am in the morning 😳, my goodness I will need three or more alarms going off to get me out of bed, washed and dressed before then! I have also been notified by the Town Hall that there will be cuts to water on Monday for work in the system, now I was notified a few weeks ago about this but it didn’t affect me at all, so fingers crossed the same is true now.

Anie is away, staying in a gîte near to Toulouse. It was her nephews wedding yesterday, I hope it was a lovely day for them all.

I am going to the cinema this evening, to see “Emmett Till”, I read the blurb about it and thought it would make a change. I do so enjoy having the cinema in town, it’s so easy to go into alone (a lot of people do) all I hope is I don’t fall asleep (as I usually do 😂).

I finished knitting another two infants hats and two pairs of bootees, I put them together with the other three hats and pair of bootees and took them to the collection point for Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims. The men in the collection point were so appreciative of my small donation. I had missed the first consignment which is currently being delivered but there were other items which had been donated so it looks as if another delivery will take place.

Someone told me that snow is forecast from Tuesday onwards, I am keeping my fingers crossed that that is not the case. Météo is showing rain, now that I can cope with.

My fixed rate for gas ends on 31 March and looking at the new options for fixing 😳, I will wait to see if April brings any lower figures. I also remember an email arriving which said how much it would cost for three months April to July, I need to check the amount for that so that it is a fair comparison. Golly I hate all of this checking, fixing etc why can’t gas be charged to every household at one fair price?

I am preparing a lot of “stuff” to be taken to the decheterie. I won’t get there tomorrow as apart from the plumber arriving, I have an appointment with the dietician. I am hoping against hope that I am very close to my target weight.

I was a little late rising this morning, and surprised myself with what I achieved in an hour. I have meat cooking in the slow-cooker so will have my Sunday Lunch around 2pm, then when I return from the cinema I can make a sandwich and eat my days supply of fruit.

I watched an interesting programme last evening on plastic sandals. Now I remember having plastic sandals as a young girl, they were perfect on sand, you could go in the sea in them, just wonderful. One of the reasons they fell out of favour was because they were classed as “poor peoples footwear” this was true not only in “wealthier European countries” but also in African and Asian countries where they had been particularly popular for dealing with monsoon rains. Although this programme was in French I found it very informative. Plastic sandals are still made, some branded “Medusa” sandals, produced here in France.

Oh yes, spotted in the newspaper this week, the Venise-Simplon-Orient-Express made a stop at Troyes station and rail enthusiasts were quick to admire this bygone luxury. I wish I had known it was going to make an appearance, I could have been one of those admirers.

Now, I really must have a coffee and see to another few jobs.

Jusqu’à semaine prochaine.

[neptunecreek]

California Senate Committee Votes Against Privacy for Our Travel Patterns

The Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU of California joined forces with California State Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) on Tuesday to testify in favor of S.B. 712 (text), a bill that would have allowed drivers to cover their license plates when parked in order to protect their travel patterns from private companies operating automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee heard testimony on how private ALPR companies are collecting massive amounts of data on innocent people's driving patterns and selling it for profit. Despite learning how this data may be misused to target vulnerable communities by the federal government, a Democratic majority voted to kill the bill 5-6.

The bill would have adjusted current law, which allows drivers to cover their entire vehicles (for example with a tarp), so that a driver can cover just a portion: the plate. Police would still have the ability to lift the cover to inspect the plate, and since the measure only applied to parked vehicles, it would not have affected law enforcement's ability to collect data on moving vehicles. 

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Here's the text of EFF's opening testimony from the hearing:

Mr. Chair and Members. 

My name is Dave Maass, and I represent the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a sponsor of S.B. 712. EFF is a non-profit organization that defends civil liberties as the world becomes a more digital place. 

I am a researcher who investigates police technology. My previous work has resulted in agencies fixing insecure surveillance cameras, a federal fraud investigation into child-safety software, and increased disclosure of misuse of police databases. 

Since November, not a week has gone by when I haven’t been asked the same questions: How do we protect our communities from being targeted? More chillingly, they ask: Do we need to start building a new Underground Railroad?

I immediately think about the massive amount of data being collected by automated license plate readers operated by private companies: billions and billions of data points mapping out our travel patterns. These companies rent this data to law enforcement but they also sell it to the private sector. Lenders examine travel patterns before approving a loan. Insurers look at travel patterns before quoting a rate. Collections agencies use it to hunt down debtors.

A user could easily key in the address of a mosque, an immigration law clinic, an LGBT health center to reveal whole networks of vulnerable communities. A user could program the system to identify associates and get real time alerts about a driver’s whereabouts.

The California Constitution is supposed to protect us from these invasions of our privacy. 

In 1972, voters agreed that we have an inalienable right to pursue and obtain privacy. Your predecessors in the legislature explicitly stated this amendment would protect us from computerized mass surveillance by police and private companies.

SB 712 allows Californians to cover our plates when our vehicles are lawfully parked. This is a balanced approach that would not affect how police use ALPR technology to monitor moving vehicles.

Today you are voting on whether we can exercise our constitutional right to privacy against advanced surveillance systems logging our travel patterns. Thank you for this opportunity. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.  

These senators voted in favor of the legislation: Sens. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres), Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado), Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), and Scott Wiener (D-Sacramento). EFF thanks these lawmakers for their support for motorists’ location privacy.

Voting in opposition were: Sens. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), Toni Atkins (D-San Diego),  Jim Beall (D-San Jose), Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), Richard Roth (D-Riverside), and Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont). Several cited vague public safety and parking enforcement concerns.

Some of these senators acknowledged the threat to our privacy caused by ALPR companies and suggested that different, perhaps more robust legislation was necessary. EFF looks forward to taking these senators at their word and pursuing further privacy protections next session. 

The full hearing, including EFF's rebuttal to law enforcement arguments, is available on YouTube.

Related Cases: 

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

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