#VS is already doing the heavy lifting

[breadedsinner]

“Imagine a more sympathetic Virmire Survivor,”. Imagine a more communicative Shepard.

[myfictionaldreams]

Day 9: Size Kink - Ari Levinson

Summary: Ari was your grumpy (handsome) boss, who never smiled at anyone. So why did he care so much if you smiled at someone else?

Tags: 18+ readers only, smut, grumpy vs sunshine, arguments, size difference, size kink (Ari is huge in every way), showing off strength, manhandling, spit as lube, fingering, possessive, rough sex

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It had been a long day already; the sun was beaming down, which meant the bar was packed to capacity, with endless drinks and money being swapped. You thrived on days like this, enjoying the perks an extra broad smile could get you from willing customers who hadn’t appreciated service with a smile. Today, there was one specific customer, Matt, who was sitting on a stool in the middle of the bar and had been complimenting you for the entire afternoon.

He was harmless and continuously gave you tips with every drink, so you plastered a great, broad, fake smile that ached your cheeks every time you went near him. Ari watched from the end of the bar at how you smiled towards the stranger and how the man smiled back, and the second your back was turned, his eyes would be searching your body greedily.

Ari’s hand tightened around the beer bottle to the point that he was close to shattering it and had to take a long breath through his nose to calm himself down. Yet, he continued to watch. He always used the excuse that because he was the boss, he needed to keep a close eye on the goings on in his establishment and his employees, but deep down, he knew there was another reason he was always sitting at the bar rather than in his office.

The liquor you needed for your requested drink was empty as you lifted it to show the customer with a closed-lipped smile, “need a new one”, you quickly explained before leaving out the back of the bar. 

All of the stock was kept in the cellar, so you descended the steps carefully, taking your time to have a quiet moment to yourself. Scanning the rows of liquid against the wall, you sighed, seeing that the one bottle you needed was on the highest shelf, which you would struggle to reach. Straining up on the tips of your toes, your arm stretched out as far as it could, reaching for the bottle, but a searing warmth burned through the clothes on your lower back as Ari pressed against it, using it as leverage to reach above you to grab the liquor easily.

You jumped at his sudden presence but were also not surprised, as he usually found an excuse to follow you throughout the bar. Peering up at him, you exclaimed, “God, Ari, you scared me. Wait, what’s that look for? What’s wrong?”.

He didn’t say a word, but you knew something wasn’t right by the angry scowl, which usually softened whenever you smiled up at him like you were attempting to do now. Unlike behind the bar, this smile was genuine, and the joy reached your eyes, making them appear as if they were twinkling. Ari would always do feats like this, showing off his staggering size and strength so that he could experience this smile to the point that he seemed to be always standing over you, with his towering height that made your neck ache, one of the few people to make you feel small in stature, dainty even, especially when he became all dominant and acting like the resident bodyguard for the bar. Everyone knew not to mess with the boss.

It was hard not to fall for him; sure that everyone who was attracted to a man fell in love with him as soon as they saw him sitting at the bar or over your shoulder. To be truthful, there were times when you faked not being able to lift a table or heavy pot of glasses just so that he could come and lift things whilst you oggled at his psychic, but he was happy to help, even though he always had that deep frown.

The frown that he was currently still looking at you with enough that it had you feeling slightly uneasy as you looked away to the alcohol in his hand, reaching for it. “Oh, thank you! Don’t think I would have been able to reach that anyway.” Your hand extended to grab the bottle, but he held it back and out of your reach.

Ari’s eyes darkened in colour as he stepped forward, and instinctively, you stepped back until you were pressed against the cool brick wall with his towering body hovering over yours, his arm resting above your head. Despite stepping away from him, the stance didn’t phase you. Once again, he was doing it to show off the size difference, and you made sure not to waver with your smile, still beaming up at him.

Ari’s shoulder-length hair fell to shadow his handsome face, and all you wanted to do was run your fingers through the soft strands and brush them behind his ears. Even though he may appear threatening, you trusted Ari with your entire life, and the two of you always seemed to be teetering on the edge of being flirtatious. Still, you’d never have the courage to make a move, mainly because he was your boss.

The giant man studied you for a long moment, inspecting your face to the point you became self-conscious until they lingered on your smiling lips.

“You need to stop smiling at him”, Ari demanded with his voice low and gravely. Your smile finally dropped as you released a choked laugh, causing your shoulders to shake with the force.

“What? Smiling at who?” you asked, dumbfounded. He gestures with his head, nodding towards the stairs and to the bar when it finally dawned on you who he was referring to. Crossing your arms over your chest, you continued, “What? Matt, the guy at the bar? He’s harmless, and didn’t you always tell us that we need to serve our drinks with a smile?” As you teased Ari, you raised onto your tiptoes to lean closer and gloat the broad smile that was back on your face.

He didn’t break, continuing to frown, but now his shoulders were tense. “You need to stop”, he growled, stepping even closer until you could feel the warmth from his chest, “You don’t know what he wants, so stop smiling at him; he’ll get his hopes up”.

“Oh, and you know what he wants, do you? You can’t be upset with me because I’m being nice to a customer, and what makes this smile different to all the others that I’ve given to the others?”. You’d come to the realisation that Ari was most likely jealous, and even though it made your heart pound in your chest and excitement wanting to burst from your smile, you had tried to act like you usually did. Even though seeing him being somewhat possessive and obvious with his feelings made you want to shout it from the rooftop.

“Not. With. Him”, Ari grounds out each word with enough venom that you almost wanted to shrink away.

“Fine”, you say with confidence whilst shrugging your shoulders, “So who am I allowed to smile at then? I like happiness and want to smile at someone who returns it. Who else am I supposed to do it with because you sure as hell don’t smile at me”.

Ari doesn't say anything, so you lift a hand and rest it on his shoulders before tapping with your fingers and resisting the urge to give the muscles that you could feel a good squeeze. “You need to relax a little, Boss, it’s fine. I won’t smile at him, I promise. Now, can I go back to work, please?”

All he does is grunt in answer, giving him a Neanderthal appearance as he holds out the bottle of liquor and moves away from the wall to provide you with room to move past him. Accepting the bottle, you thanked him genuinely before walking back towards the stairs with him only an inch behind.

Returning to the bar, you’d expected him to return to his seat at the end, but he stood behind you, staring at Matt with his arms crossed. You wanted to sigh but thought it best not to poke the bear, as they say, especially when he was so riled up.

Pouring the guy's drink, you passed it to him and stated the price, all without a smile. The customer didn’t look in your direction as he eyed Ari, asking, “What’s his problem?” All you did was shrug in response whilst handing out your hand still for the money. Instead of reading the situation and knowing when to keep his mouth closed, Matt made the mistake of muttering under his breath, “I bet he’s an asshole to work for”.

The money for the drink fell into the centre of your palm just as Ari suddenly was at your back, but you tried to push him back, feeling the heat already burning your face with anger as you pointed towards the door. “Get out”, you demanded confidently.

“What?” Matt shouted, astonished that you’d even say such a thing.

“You heard me; get the fuck out” The adrenaline was deciding your actions as you became increasingly angry at what he’d said about Ari. Slamming the money onto the bar counter, you pointed at the door again for emphasis.

Matt finally snapped, kicking back his stool and slamming his drink on the counter, “Are you fucking joking? I’ve just paid for this drink; I’m not leaving!”

Once again, you weren’t sure logic was in control of your body anymore as you did something so out of character it shocked even Ari. Reaching over the bar, you grabbed the drink and poured it over the guy's head before pointing at the door once more, “You don’t have a drink anymore. I’m not asking again. Get the fuck out of his bar, NOW. You don’t talk about the boss like that”. 

It was a rare day when you truly lost your temper, so the entire bar had quietened by this point and stared in anticipation. Thankfully, even though the guy looked ready to throw his chair at your head, he instead turned and stumbled out of the doors.

As the atmosphere began to return to normal, the realisation of what you’d just done came to you. Your fingers began to tremble as anxiety sat heavy in your stomach as you tried to take a deep, steadying breath.

That burning, warm palm returned to your lower back as Ari dipped his head to whisper into your ear, “My office, now.” Trying to ignore everyone else's stares, you moved past him as he nodded to the other bar staff to cover your area of the bar whilst he followed you out.

You walk, anger still prevalent even with the anxiety worsening as you realise that you’d technically assaulted one of the customers by throwing his drink at him. What if you get reported? What if Ari thinks you’ve gone too far?

You’re nervously chewing on your thumb when you reach his office at the back of the building. You looked around at the scarcely decorated room with a desk, two chairs and closed blinds so that it was only just illuminated by streaks of sunlight but nothing else, so it was dimly lit. Ari hardly ever used this room, which is why you knew you were in trouble, especially needing a private space to reprimand you so no one could hear if he wanted to shout.

Walking into the centre of the room, you jumped on the spot, turning towards the door that had just been slammed closed by your boss. He stalked towards you, head tilted low as he backed you into a wall like in the cellar.

“I’m so fucking done”, Ari seethed, a vein bulging in his temple and tense muscles lining his arms and shoulders.

You were initially unsure what to say, your lower lip trembling as the anger seeped away, and only the nerves remained. “I’m sorry, Ari, I shouldn’t have thrown the drink at him. I don’t know what I was thinking”.

You had lost confidence and lowered your face to look at the carpeted floor, but Ari was quick to grip your chin in his thumb and forefinger and tilt your face so you were looking back into his bearded face. His voice was low and steady as he spoke, “I am so fucking done with this bullshit cat-and-mouse game we have going on”.

This caught you off guard as you blinked away the anxiety, asking, “What?”

Ari dipped his face even lower, and you took a moment to appreciate how big he was and how much lower he had to make himself so that you were face to face. With him this close, you could smell the aftershave he’d sprayed onto his neck this morning, smelling spicy and had your mouth drooling.

“I’m your boss”, Ari interrupted your dirty thoughts, “It’s unprofessional the things that I dream about, but you make it so fucking difficult to remain your boss when you’re smiling all the time. I want to kiss that smile away so you can return to work and stop distracting me. But today, seeing you there shouting at that asshole for me. I can’t stay professional much longer, so here’s your chance. Leave and walk out that door right now, and we’ll never talk about this again, but if you stay”, his eyes lowered from your lips to assess your body in the darkness. “If you stay, I promise you there will be no other thoughts than my name coming out of your pretty little mouth”.

Ari gave you a moment to contemplate and decide. You, however, were not thinking at all, your mind was empty, and the only response was the warming of your cunt, clenching already around nothing as you knew there was no way you were leaving.

Your arms wrapped around his neck before any of your anxiety returned, pulling him down for a heated kiss. Mouths moving with need against the other, causing Ari to moan; actually, MOAN into your mouth as his lips instantly parted and warm tongue brushed against yours. His arms were around your waist, pulling you as close as possible until your breasts were squished against his firm chest.

It felt like your boss was completely surrounding you as his arms expanded over the area of your back, just as firm as his chest, and you could feel the muscles bulging beneath his plaid shirt. Your feet were suddenly off the floor as he lifted you into his arms, your legs securely wrapping around his waist as one of his arms rested beneath your arse as your back connected with the wall again.

He tasted so good, even though it mainly tasted of the beer he’d been drinking; you’ve fantasised about this moment for months. He was just as dominant as you’d predicted, his mouth forcing yours more open to caress his tongue further into your face, almost like he couldn’t reach far enough within and needed to feel every crevice. The hand that wasn’t supporting your weight then moved to your cheek, his long fingers stretching so far they wrapped around the back of your head as he tilted your head slightly to once again attempt to deepen the kiss.

Ari’s jean-covered hips then ground against yours, stoking the fire inside your cunt more. His actions were desperate, wanting to feel every single part of you. It was almost overstimulating to your senses because all you’d managed to do was keep up with the pace of his tongue and lips and stroke your fingers through his hair just as you wanted to do. But Ari, he was all over you, his mouth now exploring your throat, sucking and biting on the areas that made you moan more and send tingles between your thighs.

The sound of clothes ripping then echoed around the office as Ari had become frustrated with the amount of clothes you wore that was stopping his exploration. Your shirt disappeared with a single tear down the middle and then disintegrated onto the floor. Once again, he was showing off his strength, and you really didn’t care, completely and utterly, at this disposal, especially when his mouth was now sucking on your left nipple.

He lapped against the sensitive bud with his tongue flat, then sucked it into his mouth, a tight seal forming with his lips before gently biting with his sharp teeth, causing your back to arch and fingers to grip more firmly into his locks. Ari moved to the other breasts as his fingers then replaced his tongue with the wet breast, pinching and pulling until you were begging for him to touch you there.

Your mewls were not stifled at all, head tipped back and mouth wide open; nothing was filtering your volume, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you were thankful that the bar was so busy that the music and talking would hopefully cover your moans of joy.

“Ari! Please give me more!” Pulling on his slightly damp hair from the sweat, you forced his face away from your breasts so that you could devour his mouth. His hips thrust harder into yours, and even though you were both still clothed, you could feel the hardness waiting for you in his tented jeans.

Tugging on his bottom lip with your teeth,  Ari groaned and asked, “Tell me you want this, one last chance to change your mind”.

“I need this, Ari, don’t stop”.

Your back left the comfort of the wall as he began to carry you over to his desk, holding you up with one arm. The other wiped any objects onto the floor, giving him the area to lie across.

The wooden surface was cool and welcoming as he again started kissing you, both hands cupping your jaw, holding you firmly in place. Lower he moved, down your throat, collar bones and breasts. As he licked over your stomach, he finally reached to undo your jean button. As he kissed lower, he pulled the material down with him, and only when you felt startling bare did you realise that your underwear had been removed as well.

Sitting up onto your elbows, you silky commented, “You’re wearing too many clothes”. You’d wanted to explore his body with your mouth, but he was just so tall and muscular that you weren’t able to reach him even if you sat up entirely on the desk, so with a rush, you pulled on his shirt, attempting to help remove it from his body and then the same with his jeans. You noticed how his muscles were defined as they became revealed; his abs, covered in a sprinkling of hair, had your mouth watering to touch and lick, but you became distracted by what was between his legs.

Ari Levinson was fucking huge. It was definitely the most enormous cock you’d ever been with, and it shouldn’t have surprised you, but it did. His shaft was thick, and a few veins bulged like he had in his temple when mad. The tip was bulbous, glistening in precum and a deeper shade of red than the rest of his cock. Even his balls that rested beneath his length seemed more prominent than usual, and for a fleeting moment, you contemplated if it was even going to fit.

Seemingly reading your mind, Ari grasped the base of his cock that seemed to throb as your eyes moved up and down it, “Don’t worry, Princess, it’ll fit”.

Looking up at him through your lashes, you wanted to tease him a little, so you leaned forward to kiss the tip, your lips becoming salty from his juices. As you licked up the taste, Ari hissed in a breath and pushed against your chest until you were lying lengthways against the desk once more.

As he had been before, Ari manhandled you with ease, lifting one of your legs until it rested on your shoulder. You thought he was going to start fucking you straight away; however, he was just giving his hand a better position. Whilst keeping his eyes on yours, Ari spits a glob directly onto your already-soaked pussy, collecting it with his index finger before pushing it into your cunt. Your back arched into the touch; even his fingers felt thick and made you feel full. He twirled his digit, doing this mostly to stretch and pleasure you. That could be for another time, but right now, he needed to fuck you but respectfully not hurt you either.

One finger turned into two as he added his middle digit, scissoring them both, which made your hole squelch from all of the liquids. One more finger was added, and you felt fuller than ever before. The entrance to your pussy burned slightly from having three of his fingers coaxing you wider, in and out slowly, whilst turning and opening your hole. Your thighs were trembling from the stimulation already, breaths hot and heavy as you gripped the edge of the desk above your head.

How did you even end up in this situation with your boss in his office, customers and staff just outside the door as his fingers pumped into you with expert ease to attempt to fit his cock.

Your leg dropped from his shoulder, but only so he could wrap them both around his waist as he moved closer, a hand next to your head whilst the other gripped the base of his cock as you realised he was finally, at long last, lining up with your throbbing cunt. Reaching you, your fingers dig into his shoulders, gripping him like you’d always dreamed of as his tip slotted to your entrance.

Slowly, he began to push in, and your cries turned desperate. It burned more than the three fingers; his cock was so girthy and thick that you had to concentrate on taking deep breaths to remain relaxed. Inch after inch, he pushed in, and even though the burn didn’t fade immediately, you already loved the sensation of it. It was intense but something only he could provide for you, and with time, your body adjusted, and soon you were trying to rock your hips. Even though he wasn’t even fully penetrated, his tip was pushing into your cervix.

“Ari, you’re so fucking big, Jesus Christ!” your mouth dropped open as high-pitched cries filled the thick, pleasured air.

For one beautiful second, Ari actually chuckled at your desperate reactions, wanting to stay in that moment forever, seeing you laid out beneath him like his own personal platter.

As your warm, gummy walls clenched around his cock did he snap out of his admiration. Still being careful, he moved in and out slowly and held onto your waist tightly to keep you from sliding down the desk with how tightly your cunt was hugging his cock.

Eventually, you became used to it a bit more, which meant that you began to beg for it harder, needing to feel him closer, so he dropped himself down until his lips were next to your ear and his hand around your throat to hold you still.

“You’re mine, do you understand that?” he growled with a promise never to let you go.

That beautiful grin he loved so much was suddenly beaming up at him, your fingers moving to grip the wrist that was golding your throat as you declared, “I’m all yours, Ari Levinson”.

“Fuck, I love that smile”, he admits between thrusts, his eyes unblinking so that he didn’t miss a single twitch of your face as it flooded with pleasure. However, his need to taste you took over once more as he kissed you deeply, groaning and squeezing your throat a little harder but not enough to cut off your air.

The wetness of your pussy leaked over your thighs as his desk wobbled with each thrust. Your entire body felt like it was on fire which all resonated down to your core, feeling it tighten to match the hardening in your gummy walls, suffocating his cock further in its harsh grip. 

“So big, you’re so damn big, Ari, fuck I’m going to cum”, you shouted, pulling on his hair to snap his head back so that you could breathe and shout out between thrusts. He leaned up on his arm to watch your reactions again, from the furrowed eyebrows, eyes wide and pupils blown, the swollen lips that were forming the perfect O shape as you finally came.

Your cunt had been stretched so wide that when you came, you could feel it more in your abdomen than the contractions that usually fluttered through your walls.  The orgasm, therefore, lasted longer because you were overstimulated and confused with the sensation. Still, even though you couldn’t necessarily feel how your pussy squeezed, Ari sure could as he cursed loudly, releasing your neck to slam his hand on the desk as he unexpectedly pulled out just as he began to cum.

Looking between your bodies, you watched in amazement as thick spurts of his seed shot out the end of his cock and coated your stomach. With his cock now resting over your body as he shouted through his orgasm, you could see that if he had been able to fit his entire cock inside of you, it would have reached your navel. It was that big.

As both of your moans quiet to just heavy breathing, your head dropped back onto the desk, arms and legs having no more energy, also collapsed to your side. Thankfully, Ari could see the exhaustion you were experiencing, and once he’d calmed down enough, he found a box of tissues on the floor and gently wiped away the mess he’d created on your stomach.

Peaking open an eye, you looked down your body towards where your boss knelt, “I hope you aren’t expecting me to go back to work.” your voice was thick and croaky as you smiled down at him. His blue eyes flicked up to your tired face as he raised a single eyebrow, midwipe, so you continued, “I don’t think I can walk, and you’ve ripped my shirt”.

Ari smirked, standing up again to throw the tissue into the bin. He looked your body up and down, “You know, you could just wear my shirt”.

“Oh yeah, I’m sure that’ll go down well with everyone like it wasn’t already obvious that we’ve come in here for a quick fuck”.

His body leans forward, hovering over yours, all bulging muscles and hulking size making you feel small again as he confidently states, “Well, they better get used to it. You’re mine, remember?”.

[giuliettagaltieri]

Giggles and Wiggles

Pairing: Husband!Gojō x Pregnant!Reader

Chapter Synopsis: Gojō Satoru vs. a pregnant woman's hormones.

Warning: pregnancy, mood swings, flirting, suggested misogyny, jujutsu society stigma, implied cunnilingus

Word Count: 973

7 of 9

It was difficult for Gojō to understand how much strength your body has to be able to carry all that weight.

He was aware of his physical stature, a hundred and ninety centimeters tall.  He knows he is not exactly small, and with his genes growing inside your cute belly, he worries your pregnancy will be difficult.

And there you were, rounded and full, and you were only seven months pregnant.

The day started quiet and warm.  You in his arms, sighing softly in his chest.

And then your son decided it was a good idea to send a power kick through your belly.

Your eyes pop open, watering immediately at the impact.

Gojō cradles your belly as he hushes you, his lips pressed in your temple.

It took a while to calm you and even after that, you were already grumpy, lips turned upside down as a frown pinched your brows.

Gojō knows better than to bother you further so he started the day on his own. He padded to your shared closet and selected his clothing, eyeing your heavy kimonos with much contempt. He was in the middle of a big yawn when your distressed cry reached his ears.

His clothes were dropped on the tatami mat and he rushed out of the walk-in closet.

And there he stood at the foot of your bed, watching you. Just…watching you.

You had tears streaming down your cheeks, your temples beaded with sweat as you made grabby hands at him.

“I-I can’t get out of bed, Toru.”  You whimpered.

It made his cock strain.  He clears his throat and quickly supports your back as he lifts you off your bed.

Your warm bare thigh brushes against his manhood and you cry harder.  How could your suffering arouse him!  How dare he!

“‘S all your fault!”  You cry on his chest and Gojō bites his cheek to stifle a snicker.  “You did this!”

He simply nods as he strokes your hair, peppering your head with kisses.

“Of course. Mmh, yes.  Yes, it’s all my fault.”  His arms were wrapped around you as he swayed you from side to side.

After a gentle bath with you, with Gojō doing everything for you, your hormones decided to take a break.

And you were smiling up at him again as he brushed your hair, you were lavishing your skin with the moisturizing creams he bought for you and kept asking for kisses.

Gojō was happy to do so.  He liked seeing you happy.

But your sweet spirit slowly dissipates with every layer of clothing you wear.  Formality returning as you become what is expected of a Gojō lady.

Your husband did not like that.  He liked being playful and endearing to you, and he was almost grateful for the change that your pregnancy did to your emotions.

Although, he was still always careful with the boundaries he crossed. 

It is just, there are moments in which he loses himself after catching sight of your bare skin.

A soft moan has Gojō’s eyes traveling to his right, there you sat, your face in a twist as you stretched your back.  His eyes followed your hand as you rubbed your waist.

“You alright?”  He asks before sipping his tea.  His hands glided the fountain pen faster in the paper to finish his work.  He enjoyed your company when he was at home, but being stationary in your seat, despite you almost drowning in cushions already, might be causing a strain on your pregnant body.

He caps the pen and places a paperweight on the documents.

“Wanna take a walk?”  He asks as he stands up to stretch.

“Oh, yes.”  You say softly.  He slips his hand under your forearms and helps you up with a soft grunt, your cheeks warming at the sound.

Gojō places a hand on the small of your back as you walk and immediately feels how stiff your posture is.  He might need to get serious about those stretches you do, maybe he can join you more often to help.

His eyes glance at you as you sigh and attempt to subtly roll your shoulder.

“You should probably take those clothes off.”

Your hands fly to your chest, one on top of the other as you look at him in pure horror.

“N-not in that way.”  Gojō scratches his head, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches your reaction.  “Still acting like a maiden when you’re heavy with my child?”  He rubs his knuckle on your cheek and your hands cover your flushed face.

Gojō guides you forward to continue your walk.

“I meant, you should reduce the layers you wear.  Your belly is heavy as is, you don’t need to carry unnecessary weight.”

You frown at him.  “I don’t mind.  The lady of the house is expected to wear such clothing.”

He clicks his tongue.  “I don’t care what’s expected of you.  I say you should wear comfortable clothing.  And whatever I say, goes.”

You choose not to speak further as his tone turns to a more assertive one, and you are reminded that the man you are walking next to is the head of the clan.  His word is law in this house.

The elders seem to have a difficult time understanding that.

So Gojō Satoru brought it upon himself to wage war with your closet.

One by one, your pretty kimonos started disappearing.  Your tight obis vanish along with them.

After some time, the clan elders simply had to raise their concerns as the wife of the clan head was no longer wearing the appropriate clothing.

Gojō started a bonfire that night.  The pretty silk being fed to the blazing fire that was shot from the fingertips of the man who has his head buried deep between your thighs.

Where the Blue Roses Grow

[patscorner]

could u write kate martin x reader where they’re huge basketball rivals who end up falling in love?? maybe it starts out as like a secret relationship and then the media finds out and goes crazy abt it!!

also i love love love ur writing sm

Absolutely! Love you!

Rivals

Summary: The Gophers and Iowa have a generational rivalry with each other, tensions dating back years. What happens when one of Iowa's top players injures you?

wc: 3,248

Contains: slightly suggestive, mentions of blood, insta posts at the bottom, not proofread well, hella long

______________________________

The Minnesota Gophers vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes was one of the oldest rivalries in women’s college basketball history. Whether it’s overly aggressive plays, double technicals every couple minutes, and shoves being exchanged. It’s tradition at this point to have one or two chippy moments at one of these games.

So it’s no surprise when tonight is no different. It’s tied, 83-83 in the third quarter with two minutes and thirty-six seconds left. The air is so filled with tension, it was like a heavy cloud of negativity loomed over both teams. Patience was thin on both benches, and everyone, even the people watching from home could feel it.

You’d been guarding Kate all night, and to say it was a challenge would be an understatement. She was agile and quick on her feet, and in some cases, she just managed to slip through your defensive skills. But, you were able to keep up with her, following and predicting her moves closely. She got a couple shots on you, but you didn’t let that stir your determination.

You were on your A game offensively tonight, too. Whether it was weaving through players with ease, calling good screens, or taking risky threes, you were doing it all.

It was paying off, too. Until the beginning of the fourth quarter. The game had just resumed, you guarding Kate once more. She’d been more physical, which you weren’t expecting, but you adapted, quickly matching her energy.

You had gotten the offensive rebound, running back to the Iowa basket, Kate hot on your tail. You get into position to make a layup, but Kate is right there to block your shot. She smacks the ball, but her momentum sends her body into yours, sending you flying to the ground.

You crash into the base of the basketball hoop, back hitting the floor first, followed by your head smacking into the stanchion. You squeal loudly, but the crowd's deafening cheers drowned out any noises you could’ve made. You’d made the layup, but that was the least of your concerns.

You’re grabbing your head, rolling over on your side, trying to find a position that relieves some of the pounding that has started in your head. Kate immediately goes to check on you, but that doesn’t last long when your teammates push her out of the way to get to you. One of your teammates starts yelling at Kate, who yells back, and the referee's whistle pierces through the air, signaling technicals for both players.

You’re still curled up under the basketball hoop, holding the back of your head, when you feel a warm liquid. You pull your hand away, and your eyes widen as you stare at your crimson cover palm.

Everyone who knows you, knows you hate blood. The red liquid sends a wave of nausea to your already banged up head, and you close your eyes to avoid the tears falling, and to relieve some of the tension that the lights were causing. The crowd silences as the camera shows you looking at your hand in horror.

Your breathing picks up as you continue to look at your hand. Tears fall from your eyes as you start to hyperventilate, unaware that eventually the lack of oxygen would cause you to lose consciousness.

You're only out for about 30 seconds, but that was more than enough time for you to be surrounded. You wake up to the athletic training staff, your teammates, and the coaching staff around you. You're running on autopilot, so the first thing you try to do is sit up, which doesn’t end too well for you. You attempt to lift your head off the ground, but a sharp pain shoots down your back, causing you to gasp loudly.

“Shh-stay still, honey.” one staff member assures you. You groan in response, feeling multiple hands on you at once. You don’t say anything as you try to roll over on your stomach and attempt to relieve the pain in your back. You have a pounding headache and have no idea what’s going on or what happened.

“You gotta stop moving. The ambulance is on the way.” You freeze at these words.

Ambulance?

You have no idea what happened but all you know is that you have a basketball game to play. "W-we gotta play.” You croak out, looking at your teammates, tears brimming your eyes. You watch through blurry eyes as they shake their heads.

“No, kid, I think you're done for the night."

"No, no, n-no we gotta play- we're so close." You whimper out shakily. A couple of your teammates turn their heads, your statement making an already emotional moment even more heart-wrecking.

You feel someone grab your hand and rub it soothingly, attempting to distract you from the increasing pain in your spine. The Iowa bench was kneeling out of respect, because rivals or not, they weren't fucking monsters.

You sigh, accepting that you were done for the night and probably a while after. “What happened?” You whispered to no one in particular. You felt someone adjust the towels that you didn’t realize were under your head. The once white towels were colored now, and you felt sympathy for whoever had to clean them after.

“You fell kid, but you’re gonna be okay.” one of your teammates says. You hum in response.

All you could do is pray that she was right.

The crowd gave you a standing ovation as you were put on the stretcher and wheeled into the back of the ambulance. Despite their attempts to keep you awake, the loss of blood made it hard for you to keep your eyes open.

On the way to the hospital, they check your memory, which is pretty good, all except the moments leading up to the incident. All you remember is the girl that ran into you. When they get you to the hospital, they run their tests and find out that you had a pretty bad concussion, along with a crack in your spine. It’s safe to say you were done for the season.

Eventually, you were released, immediately starting physical therapy and, put in crutches and given a body wrap. You finally check your phone, and you see thousands of overwhelming messages from friends, family, and teammates. You respond to a couple of them, informing them that you were okay before going to instagram. Normally, you’d stay off of social media, but you needed something to distract yourself.

You’ve got hundreds of notifications on there, too, but one stands out the most.

A message from @katemartin

Just wanted to sincerely apologize for knocking you down the other night, I hope you know it wasn’t intentional. I don’t know if you’ll even read this, but you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Opponents or not, you’re a good player, and it’s devastating to see you injured. Get well soon.

Your heart swells at the message, as tears start to brim your eyes. You don’t know what to say, because this has never happened to you before. Usually, when someone gets injured, they get a pat on the back, and that’s it. But she went out of her way to message you.

You heart her message before typing a message back to her.

Thank you for the prayers, I know it wasn’t intentional, I watched the playback. I appreciate the message.

After you click send, you decide to leave it and begin scrolling through your feed. Nothing interesting comes up until you see Kate doing a post-game press conference. She’s asked her thoughts on the collision between you two.

“It was a basketball play. I had no intention of slamming into her like that. She’s an amazing player, like I seriously look up to her. The way she carries herself and the way she plays, that’s an example I think a lot of people should learn from.” she takes a deep, shaky breath, clearly trying to keep her composure. It breaks your heart to see her this shaken up about you.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for being a part of the reason she’s not playing. Everyone deserves to do the things they love, and it’s not fair that I took that from her. Our teams may be hella competitive rivals, but despite that, this is a sisterhood. We aren't friends, but never would I ever wanna hurt her like that. It was an accident.” Kate’s voice cracks at the end, and her teammate rubs her back as she looks down.

“It was an honor to play with her, and I wish her the best.” she finishes, before the clip ends.

You’re in tears by the end of it, and you just want to give her a giant hug, tell her that you forgive her, and that you’ll be back on the court in no time. But instead, you stick with responding to her message she had just sent you.

How are you doing?

It’s been 4 months since your injury, and you’ve been talking to Kate non-stop. You and her had been texting back and forth, calling, and falling asleep on facetime. A lot of the time was talking about nothing in particular, with a couple updates as to where you are in your recovery.

You couldn’t help but feel your heart tighten when you talk to her. It’s like a breath of fresh air. Even though you were barely around her, you felt like you were missing something whenever you two weren’t having a conversation. You knew you were falling and falling hard. Little did you know, Kate was falling just the same.

Kate couldn't sleep well to begin with, but now she definitely couldn't sleep without talking to you. She couldn't go a minute without thinking about what you were doing, what you were wearing, what you were thinking. It got so bad that her teammates were practically begging her to ask this mystery girl out. Her daydreams were distracting her from her practices, the way she played in games, and her schoolwork.

Finally, (after Caitlin went on a ten minute rant about how painfully in love she was), Kate found the confidence to ask you out on a phone call. She was nervous and stuttering over her words, her face painted a beautiful pink.

"Maybe we could hang out sometime, like by ourselves. Like we could go to like the movies-or maybe out to eat somewhere. Or-or not, y'know we could hang out with other people, like our teammates, like not together because I don't think they like each other very much, but we could like not tell them, or we could tell them b-"

You cut off her rambling with a laugh, finding her anxiousness adorable. "Kate 'Money' Martin are you asking me out?" You ask, raising your eyebrows teasingly.

You watch as her face reddens even more, her teeth capturing her bottom as she playfully rolls her eyes at your mocking tone. "Y'know what, never mind. I take it back." She smiles at you.

"Oh, no, no, you got me locked in now." You say smiling softly back at her.

"Is that a yes…?" Kate asked in a joking manner, but you could sense a serious undertone to it.

You bite your lip lightly, staring at the blonde on your phone screen.

"Whatcha got in mind?"

Kate made the six hour drive to Minnesota that Saturday after booking a hotel room not far from campus. As much as you would've liked her to stay with you, you knew your dorm mates wouldn't approve of having her in your shared space. They knew you were talking to someone, but you were very cautious about when you talked to Kate, often doing it fairly late into the night when they were asleep or not home. You thought you were doing a good job, as they never brought up anything about it.

Either way, to not draw attention, you both decided it'd be best if you went super late at night, knowing that the second the public finds out Kate was in Minnesota, rumors would fly, and the media would go crazy. So, you came up with a shifty excuse to be out of the house at three a.m. on a random Saturday morning. You had no idea what Kate had set up, you just knew that you were meeting her at a random park near campus.

Turns out Kate had the date very planned out, from how long it would take to get from point A to point B, to where'd you'd be sitting. She took you to the beach, and even though it was dark, the sounds of the water crashing onto shore was enough for you.

Then she paid, against your will, for sushi. You went into the restaurant and you both sat in the car and ate your meal. Conversations flow smoothly all night, without a single moment of uncomfortable silence. The evening was filled with laughter and lighthearted banter, the both of you losing track of time until the sun started to bleed into the night sky.

You both were tired, tangled in the bed of Kate's truck, basking in each other's company. You were so comfortable, and you never wanted this moment to end. Kate was different from anybody else you'd ever met before. Even though this was the first time you'd even hung out with her, you wanted nothing more than to hold her forever. And to make her yours.

"What're you thinkin' about?" She asked, breaking the silence and pulling you from your thoughts. You're laying on her chest, her arms wrapped securely around your waist, holding you close.

You look up at her and find her gaze already in you. "The sun's coming up." You whispered, licking your lips. Her eyes trail down to them before finding their way back to your eyes. The way she looks at you almost makes you fold right then and there.

"Hmm." Kate responded as her eyes made their way back down to your lips and stayed there. After a moment, you brought your hand up to her cheek to direct her eyes back to yours. You smile as her face turns a bright shade of red.

"You're so pretty." She whispers as she seemingly examines your face. Now it's your turn to blush.

It almost makes you angry, the urge to kiss her lips. You want nothing more than to pour all your words into one kiss.

Fuck it.

You push your lips to hers, passionately expressing your feelings for her wordlessly. It takes her a second to process what's going on, but as soon as she does, she's melting under your touch. She's like putty in the palm of your hand at this point.

You adjust your body, lifting yourself so that the both of you are facing each other. You wrap your arm around her waist, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. Your moment catches Kate off guard, causing her to moan lightly. You smile before pulling away.

Pants fill the air as you both attempt to catch your breath, letting the tension linger in the air. "Holy shit." Kate lets out a breathy laugh.

You chuckle with her, rubbing her waist absent-mindedly.

She rolls over back on her back, staring at the sky, you mimic her actions, sighing deeply. You can sense that the end of your date is near as the sun rises.

"I have to go." Kate whispers. You nod, reaching down and intertwining your fingers. You were right.

Over the next five months, you and Kate took turns seeing each other in the same way, at night, mostly ending up with you two touching each other (in more than one way). It was starting to get exhausting to hide it from your teammates, so eventually, Kate let it slip, and they weren't surprised. They already had their suspicions since the injury.

You weren't too pleased when she told you she'd revealed your secrets, but you were relieved that they didn't hate you. It gave you enough confidence to comfortably tell your team, who, like the Iowa team, wasn't surprised or upset at the idea of you and Kate being together.

It lifted a huge weight off your guys' chest, feeling better about leaving at two or three in the morning. The longer your relationship went on, the more comfortable you both got.

This was both good and bad, as you fell more in love with each other every day. But it also came with the desire to see each other more, which led to you both growing impatient and making sloppy mistakes. It started with you accidentally posting a picture of you holding Kate's hand on your public story instead of your close friends, like you had intended. Even though you couldn't see her face, you knew some people would be able to figure who it was, plus, at that point, it was an early relationship, and neither of you were ready for that kind of attention. Luckily, you deleted it before anyone could see it, but it was too close of a call for your liking.

Another slip-up happened a month later, where you posted a picture in Kate's hoodie, but you were able to pretend that you both happened to have the same hoodie.

The last straw, though, was Kate being recognized by a fan while pumping gas. You ducked down in the trunk as you watched the fan approach her and ask for an autograph and picture, which she agreed to.

The fan had a short conversation with her, which you later found out they had asked about why Kate was in Minnesota. The best Kate could come up with was that she was 'visiting a friend', which you teased her about her lack of an answer.

The fan posted about Kate being in Minnesota and why, and it shocked the internet. Some fans had done a deep dive and found dots that connected you to Kate, such as the hoodie picture. At this point, you both were tired of hiding, tired of not being able to go out during the daylight or support each other during games.

So you both decided it was time to let the people know.

Yourusername

liked by katemartin and 294,210 others

yourusername: Find your person. They make life worth living

user| oh??

user| mystery woman?

user| I knew it

-> user| I feel like we all know who this is at this point

katemartin

liked by yourusername and 968,148 others

katemartin: You're my end and my beginning, even when I lose, I'm winning

user| no wait a minute

user| pov: the dots are connecting

user| my fav enemies to lovers story

caitlinclark22| took you long enough 🙄

-> yourusername| something you'd like to share with the class Martin??

-> katemartin| @caitlinclark22 I hate you.

->katemartin| @yourusername … no…

-> caitlinclark22| @katemartin you should be thanking me 🤗(pay up)

-> user| Caitlin in the comments has me cackling

user| Caitlin instigated is something I didn't know I needed

-> caitlinclark22| I did not instigate… just gave a gentle shove

-> katemartin| @caitlinclark22 I will gently shove you off a cliff 😍😄

->caitlinclark22| awww ur so cute😗

______________________________

taglist: @wintersstan @bueckerslover @lilia22hicks @fake-intelligences @girlokwhatever @breeloveschris

[madebyrolo]

Holding me and holding back

⚘.

Pt.2 Rafe Cameron x pouge reader

Read Pt.1 here

she/her

Summary: summer fling with Rafe. Your typical kook vs pouge war but what if instead of gold it was love?

Obx masterlist

─── ʚɞ ⋅ ᯓᡣ𐭩 ⋅ ୨୧ ───

You pulled into the Tanny Hill driveway, you parked leaving your sleeping bag and stuff in the car because you didn’t know where this night was gonna lead.

You planned on confronting Rafe, the whole tire thing was absolutely insane.

You starting walking up to the door as Rafe was already waiting for you. He opened the door and greeted you with a bear hug and kiss on your lips.

The mint taste feeling like home.

“Where’s your stuff?” He asks “aren’t you spending the night?” Rafe sounded concerned.

“Maybe, my bags in the car just in case.” You say rubing your thumb across his knuckles.

“Okay come on, I set up a movie in the screening room. Sarah’s gone she’s off with Topper, wheezy at a sleepover and my dad trusts us enough to leave us alone” he smiles leading you to the room.

You and Rafe lay on the gigantic bean bag. One had wrapped around you and the other using the remote.

“Okay we can watch scream, mean girls, don’t worry darling-”

“Don’t worry darling.” You say without even considering the other options

“Alright should’ve know, Harry styles is in the movie….” He sighs giving you a tight squeeze.

You guys are into the movie, Rafes eye are glued on the screen and you’re deep into your thoughts.

You and Rafe have being a “thing” since April.

Never in your life you would be in a situationship with the kook king, Rafe Cameron.

ੈ𑁍༘⋆

—flashback—

You're a pouge yourself, working as a bev cart girl at the golf course. The job is easy and the tips are ever better. Tipsy old men with a girl in the skirt is like the money-mouth emoji.

That were you met Rafe of course.

You were covering for your other employee, she was over 21 and she could actually handle the alcohol legally but some how the mangers didn't care that one day. You were doing your loops and happened to meet your best tippers, who usually have $20+ they were easy in a way, but not that day.

"Look it's our favorite doll!" The oldest one said.

"Good to see you too Mr.Adams!" you say with a fake smile plaster on your face.

"Honey, what did I say call me Paul!" Mr Adams said playfully.

"Okay Paul, what would you and these gentlemen like today?" You said getting out the cart and pulling open the coolers.

"Arnold Palmer, needs some of his luck if I wanna win this bet with Andrew" Mr Adams winked

"throw in a splash vodka too"

As you began pouring the vodka Mr Adams kept saying "a little more..."

"Might as well made it a longgg Island" you joked earning fits of chuckles from the tipsy men.

"I'll take a beer" Andrew aka Mr.Gage asked

"And I'll get your number sweet heart" the bald one said checking your ass out.

You pulled it down praying there was gonna be no breeze to help fill out his fansistes. You gave them their drinks about to turn around to enter your cart as the bald one grabbed your wrist.

“I didn’t get what I ask for.” He said leaning in with the smell of wiskey heavy on his breath.

“Sir let me go.” You said with your head down trying to fight your wrist back.

The other men were laughing, sipping their drinks watching their friend miserably hit on you.

“Darling I’m not gonna ask you again.” He said squeezing tighter.

You were about to risk them seeing your paintes to kick this bald bitch in the dick but right before you could lift your leg the man fell right in front of you with a grunt.

As you watch him go down you saw an another dude behind him, and that being Rafe Cameron.

He had a golf club, which you connected that he hit him with. You can see the mark of dirt and grass on the back of his shirt.

“You want another one?” Rafe said looking down at the man as he turned to face him.

But all he could hear with groans, the man bareley being able to get a word out.

“I’m not gonna ask you again.” He ordered.

And with that Rafe slammed the golf club right between his dick. Barely hitting it but enough to scare him.

He yelled as he rolled down the hill as his friend run away.

“I’ll make sure you never set foot in this club, or any club on this island again.” Rafe yelled at them.

You shook your head trying process what just happened, or what could’ve happened. Your legs shaking from the thoughts and your arm being red from the “man's” grip.

“Are you okay?” Rafe asked.

You heard stories of the boy, him being played as this big scary guy from Jayj and the fights you heard involving your friends and others.

“Um yeah I guess, thank you Rafe.” You said avoiding eye contact. You didn’t want him to see the tears building up in your eyes.

“Hey kid.” He said lifting up your chin to see the tears spilling down your cheek. “Here let me help you in, I’ll drive you back to the house, we’ll get your stuff and I’ll take you home.” Rafe offered as he guiding you to the passenger seat of the cart.

As he got in he started the cart slowly driving. Whiping the melted mascara, trying to get yourself together before you have to face your manager.

“You know their names right?” Rafe asked as he looked over at you.

“Uh yeah all of them except the one that grabbed me.” You said trying not to cry again.

“It’s alright I bet you $100 I’ll get it within the next 30 minutes.” He said with a small laugh trying to ease the tension.

“Thank you Rafe, if you didnt get there in time I would’ve had to kick him, giving them the view they wanted” you said with a breathy laugh wiping the rest of your tears.

“Would’ve been one hell of a kick girl!” He said placing his hand on top of yours.

In a way it felt comforting, scary cause you barely knew the kid but he wasn’t a complete stranger.

Soon you were in the passenger seat of his truck, and with a $100 bill in your pocket from the bet he made.

“Can’t believe you got them banned practically everywhere.” You said with a small laugh.

“Oh and they donated 100k to the club all together too. And here’s your tip” He smiled to himself handing over $520 in bills.

“Snagged them from their wallets” he said giving you a wink.

“I’m not even gonna ask,” you scoff in amazement counting the cash.

He’s driving along the beach to the side of the island he swore to never ever to be on. The sun was setting creating a warm ambiance with “3005” by childish Gambino playing from his playlist.

“Great music taste” you complement trying to change the topic.

“Mmm thanks, I take pride in it.” He hummed “you listen to childish gambino?”

“Um the one and only Troy Barnes ? Yes I do girl” you giggle.

“I love the community, it’s so good. I haven’t done my annual rewatch yet.” He said taking a quick glance at you before focusing on the road again.

“Omg me too. Although I can never get myself to finish season 6 because it’s just boring without Donald glover and the problematic old man.” You say looking out the window watching the sun set.

“You have to come over and watch it soon. We can have a little watch party” Rafe offers as he pulls into your neighborhood.

“Yeah I’ll like that.” You say locking eyes with eachother.

Soon he parks into your driveway. You began unbuckling before he speaks up.

“So you’re down to come over one day? Netflix and chill or what not.” He laughs with blush creeping up his cheeks.

“Yeah it’s a date” you say with blush now matching you both.

“Hey I wanna thank you again. I genuinely don’t know what I would’ve done without my knight in shiny golf club” you joked

“Don’t sweat it, besides I’m glad you’re okay y/n .” He said nudging your shoulder as you let go of the seat belt.

“So are you gonna give me your number or…” you joked.

“Oh yeah yeah my bad. Here type yours in” he said handing you his phone.

As you enter it you hand it back.

“What emoji you want by your name ?” he ask trying hard not to have you go.

“A princess would be nice ‘cause you were my prince today.” You give a dopey smile to him.

“Perfect.” He said entering it in before turning his phone off.

The car is filled with silence with his music barely being able to fill your ears.

He looks at your eyes before going down to your lips, you also doing the same.

Next thing you know they’re a warm touch on your lips. And your hands are tangled in Rafes hair.

You break the almost minute long kiss, you have to enter your house at some point.

“Thank you Rafe.” You said before your open the door.

“No thank you y/n. I’ll text you when I get home” he said as you shut the door.

He watched you enter your home before driving off home.

You run into your parents on the couch.

“What are you doing home, I thought you didn’t get off till 7?” Your mom ask

“They let me off early ” you say as your enter your room.

You lay in bed thinking about the eventful night.

Screw the bald man, you just made out with Rafe fucking Cameron.

— end of flashback—

Ever since that day you have been so grateful for Rafe. Even though you guys aren’t exclusive you both knew better not to touch another breathing thing.

He was a sweetheart, to you at least. He always payed for the food, little (big) gifts here and there, sleep overs ever weekend, driving you to world, picking you up from work, hanging out after work.

You two were inseparable.

It was fun behind doors, but the second you were with the rest of the pouges you were nothing more.

Him and his on going “war” with John b and jayj for no reason other then social class. He would call the others out with names and insults laced with venom but never said a thing to you. He couldn't even find the words.

One time he called jayj white trash and made fun of John b for having a dead dad, them literally millimeters away from a fight before you called him out for being obsessed with them, throwing in a gay joke.

He looked at you with soft eyes before throwing a small insult to throw the rest off.

“Okay princess, go make tips with your boobs.” he said leaving everyone confused for the “insult” he threw at you.

And with that he left without a fight.

“Okay so I get called a slut and you get called out for boobs?” kie said offended watching the boy walk away.

“I mean she does have nice boobs…” jayj whispered before Pope smacking the back of his head.

You giggled at the old memory,

But the feeling of guilt washes over you.

Rafe and his buddies always messing with the pouges, you’re bestfriend. The name calling with bruises and vandalism to prove it.

Where does your loyalty lie?

Rafe perks up with the sound of your giggles

“Okay are your giggling at her being crush by glass walls right now?” he asks

“No no it's something else.” you say looking off to the side.

“Actually pause the movie, I wanna talk about something” you say as he grabs the remote.

“Uh okay, so what's up.” he ask with thoughtful eyes.

“So I know we've been sneaking around for a while now-”

“Well I wouldn't call it sneaking around, you've met my parents and vise versa” he said with a nervous laugh

“Yeah i guess but our friends Rafe. If mine find out about us I don't know what they would do”

“Why do you care what they think?” he ask

“Cause you just ruined Kies car…”

“Well she deserved it”

“What did she even do?? We were just having pizza for crying out loud.”

“Oh didnt know jj was pizza…” Rafe mumbled under his breath.

“Oh so this is about jj.”

“I’m just saying if he wasn’t all up on your the night wouldn’t have ended like this!”

“First of all, nothing happend, second of all if it was jjs fault why did you destroy Kiara’s car!”

“Like she couldn’t get it fix, she a kook too you know!”

“You slashed her ties Rafe! Money or not that’s still a despicable thing to do?? She’s completely innocent and she’s never did a thing to you yet your terrorize her? How would she ever react if I tell her? ‘Oh you're fucking y/n? Okay that's fine u forgive you for the slut shaming and destroying my car yay!!’ is that what you think she'll do?” you argue.

“Well if they're the real friend you claim they are they wouldn't care! They'll be happy ur happy!!” he said back

“And Jj? The bruises he has on his back won't disappear the moment you come out hand in hand with me.” you say

“Why who you care what jj would think huh? I see you guys all up on eachother especially after today. What do you think that makes me feel? Seeing you all touchy touchy right in front of my eyes knowing I can’t do a thing about it!” He

“He wiped fucking sauce of my face Rafe.” You say

“I see the way he looks at you! He’s totally into you he’s like a 12 year old, practically drooling over you! Every time I come around you guys he steps in front of you, guarding you from me always with some time of body part on you. Every time I look back after I leave he’s giving you hugs or some bull shit.”

“Is this really about jj Rafe? He’s my bestfriend, brother even! We grew up together and hes seen and been physical with you of course he’s gonna get protective!” you say ruffling your hair

“Rafe are you jealous of him?”

“What? No, no he’s a pouge, he has nothing against me. I-I can practically buy him if I wanted too.” He said

“Screw them you're happy with me alright?” he said trying to change the subject.

“Rafe we aren't even-” you didn't even know what to say. Together? He sure acts like you can't sit by a guy especially at a party.

“What y/n? Official? Dating? Cause these past 3 months have been nothing but perfect for me!” Rafe said trying to make you feel bad.

“Thats the thing Rafe! I wake up in your bed then end the night talking shit with the pouges! Thats not normal, healthy! It's far from perfect can't you see that?” tears began to well up in both of your eyes. “You can't even call me your girlfriend.”

“We can never have a sweet date that doesn’t involve me ducking under a table or you hiding in the bathroom Rafe. We always have to have a small dinner or another movie marathon at Tammy hill, I just want at least a peaceful day at the park or the board walk.” you cry.

“Belive me y/n i want too, do you know how many girls never make it to tannyhill? Only the back seat or a trashy motel room.” he said

“Oh thanks for that image-” you say as your getting up from the bean bag

“Y/n stops that's not what I'm trying to say.” He huffs trying to collect his tears, grabbing your hands into his.

“The moment I first saw you, you were surfing with jj. It pissed me off that you were with him out of all people. but then my eyes landed back on you and all that anger went away. I wish I could explain it, how I feel. You're the only person I find tolerable in this world. When we first officially met on the golf course, the circumstances obviously could've been better” he said with a small laugh

“But you and me sitting in my truck, driving you home felt so, normal. Like it was meant to be. It felt like I've done it a million times even though I was so nervous. If you get what I'm trying to say y/n is that I like you. I want you in my life, as a friend, girlfriend or even the Bev cart girl. But I really hope you take the girlfriend title”

“Rafe….”

“Y/n these 3 months have meant everything to me and I hope for many more. Y/n will you be my girlfriend?

“But the pouges-”

“Screw them, this is about you and me princess” he said looking for something in your eyes.

And it was lust.

You smash your lips onto his, hands tangled into each other hair.

Rafe pulls you onto his lap letting his hands roam all over your body, slowly trying to get your shirt off.

As you began shifting on his lap to tease the poor kook, he starts sliding his hands underneath your shit cupping your breast.

“Let’s take this upstairs yeah?” Rafe offers in between kisses.

“Aren’t your parents up there.” You mumble with your lips still on his.

“Guess we just have to be quiet huh princess?” He says cupping your face, soon getting up.

As you guys walk out the screening room he picks you up bridal style causing fit of giggles.

Finally in his room he puts you on his bed towering over you once again starting a make out sesh.

—flashback—

Rafe and you were on the beach, walking along the sunset after you first date.

You guys went to an arcade in on the mainland so none one can spot you guys.

The date was fun, you never knew this side of Rafe or Rafe in general. The Rafe who let you win in air hockey, who helped you make baskets in basketball, the Rafe would spent all of his tickets on a stuff animal for you.

Everything the pouges describing him to be was far from this Rafe.

Did they have the right to say all those nasty things about him? Yes 100% but you never had it happen to you. The worst thing he’s ever done to you before this whole relationship happened was dirty looks, he never once said or did anything bad to you.

In a way you felt terrible, you were betraying your bestfriends. Yes you felt guilty, but boy were you in love. You hate to admit it, being in love let alone being in love with Rafe Cameron.

One kiss and you instantly metled.

The first being shared in the beach, where you and Rafe went after the ferry ride back.

It was a beautiful May sunset, the weather was finally warm enough for shorts on the beach. Obx winters felt way longer than anywhere els.

You were walking hand in hand with the stuffy you got. Rafe was sharing small stories of from his childhood.

“And so when Rose came out the bathroom she had hot pink hair and very orange skin! She looked like one of those troll dolls from the 90s.” He said laughing.

You guys then sat in a rock, in the between the long grass and daisys sprouted around.

“I remember this one time I manage to actually pull of a prank on jj” you laughs to yourself recalling the memories, Rafe tensing at the boys name but you never noticed.

“I blew up a shit ton of ballon’s and cut open a mattress and replace the insides with ballon’s and I also did it too his pillow. So I know jj jumps onto the bed everytime so the night when he went to sleep I was in the living room and we all heard the big pops and a uncanny high pitched scream from jj.” You say completely losing it.

“Oh so you’re one tough cookie huh?” He said playfuly while you trying to collecting yourself.

“Honestly I didn’t think it would work” you say looking at him.

You guys sat on the rock, waves crashing and the sunset creating the perfect warm atmosphere.

Rafe look down to your lips, you looking at his. His eyes looked into yours asking for permission without saying a word, you nodded and he started to move in closer.

You connected your lips with his.

The kiss sent electric waves downs your spine. Nothing els really matter, everything that once clouded your mind just melted away as you melted into him.

The taste of mint and lemonade.

The kiss was semi short, you both didn’t wanna part but the look in yours eyes made it seem worth it. Rafe swore he could’ve seen stars in yours eyes.

That was the first kiss of many.

Who knew mint could be such a sweet flavor.

— end of flashback—

You’re clothes are fully off, Rafes on top sliding two fingers in and out of you

“Taking my fingers so good Baby” he teased.

His favorite thing has to be fingering because he can’t get over how pathetic it is that you are clenching over practically nothing.

“More Rafe” you can barely get out. now with 4 fingers in.

Rafes pumping back and forth, lips on your breast sending chills down your spine.

As you get tighter and tighter Rafe takes note that you’re about to finish so he picks up his face and tugging on your nips to get you there quicker.

You let out whimpers trying to hold in your moans.

“Such a good girl.”

As you finally reach the first orgasam for the night you quickly grab Rafes free hand covering your mouth muffling the moan.

“Fuck Rafe” you say as he flips you guys over with you now on top.

You send trails of kissing down his body, grabbing his hard dick sliding your fingers over the tip.

“I’ll never get over how pretty you look like this” you say as you staring going up and down his dick looking him in the eye.

“You should see my angle babe” he soft chuckles, buckling his hips.

“Needy” you say putting the lip in your mouth.

You’re head going up and down, trying to take his length in one hole. Reaching the tip you swirling your tounge on it looking up up Rafe that has a smirk on it watching you.

Your hands cupping his balls as Rafe throws his head back.

“Mhmmm fuck y/n” Rafe placing a hand on top of your head slowing pushing down.

“I wanna hear you.” He said as your start gagging.

Deep and deeper you get him both turning you on even more.

You press your legs together as his breathing starts getting more intense.

Before Rafe can finish he pulls you off, yanking you on him before putting it in.

“Remember not too lound princess.” He starts lowering you into his cock. The tip so red its pulsing.

You start to slide down his dick, your body feeling like it’s the first time again.

The way he stretches you out making your brain go numb.

“Oh fuck-” you say as your barely on it.

“Come on princess you can take it, you’ve done it before” he said as he guides your hips.

You moan as you completely take him in. Your hips connect to his, you take a minute to let your body adjust.

Soon your start moving up and down

The feeling of your tight pussy making Rafes mind go haywire.

The slow pace wasn’t enough so Rafe starts bucking his hips into you trying to make you go faster and taking note you did.

Rafe watched as your tits bounced, his hand reaching for your nipples as he begins to twist them.

Your moans being made into whimpers

The feeling of Rafe pelvis hitting your clit makes you go faster, the way his tips perfectly hitting your g spot.

But his length makes is tiring.

“Rafe help.” You pled.

Rafe lifs you up by your waist as he begins pounding you himself.

“Love it when I fuck you huh baby?” He says as he pounds you.

You’re knees began to weak as the familiar sensation that overtakes your body.

The way Rafe easily slides in and out, him being inside you feeling so normal. Like his dick was meant for you. Always surprised how it’s able to fit.

As you grab one of his pillows to drown out the moan messing he’s leaving you in, the tighter you get the more fast he is.

“Rafe..” you gulp as your legs shake.

“I know baby, cum with him.” He grunts.

You free a hand and begging rubbing your clit in fast circular motions, throwing the pillow to the side.

You bit on your lips to hold in the moans so hard that you wouldn’t be surprised if they were gonna be bruised later.

Soon enough you reach your climax, legs shaking and giving up on as aquejen on Rafe as he shoots his load in you.

Both in sweaty and hot you fall into him.

Nothing if your body’s conlasping on the king size matress bento you.

You roll off of him trying to catch your breath, with him doing the same with grunts in the middle.

You look at him admiring the high he gave you before he also turns to look at you.

You let out a little giggle before he pulls you in laying together.

“Are you still jealous of jj now?.”

“Oh shut it.”

-time skip-

You wake up in the king size bed if Rafe, the sheets smelling like him.

As you turn to reach for the boy you're met with nothing.

You began to grab your phone, as you reach for it there's a note

Ran out for breakfast princess, your clothes are in the dresser.

You turn to look around a spot a brand new dresser you've never seen before. How the hell did you miss that.

Hope you like it, it has a built in jewelry storage :)

Damn you Rafe. Time like these you wished your friends saw.

You get up and throw a shirt on that you found on the floor.

You open up the drawers you see he organizated it himself. On the top is your undergarments, then tops, bottoms and PJs (the clothes you took from him)

You grab a pair of clothes which included a new Victoria secret set and head to take a shower.

As you stand under the waterfall showerhead, you can't help but what your friends are doing right now.

You grab the Redken shampoo Rafe bought and lather your hair. The only way you could afford it is if you bought it at tj maxx.

Soon you're out, you change and as you began brushing your teeth you get a text.

Rafe 🕶️: Hey just ran into Jj

Rafe 🕶️ : I think we should wait a little longer to break the news

You sigh.

You: Rafe what did you do.

Rafe 🕶️: lets just say he needs to think before he makes a comment on my girl.

─── ʚɞ ⋅ ᯓᡣ𐭩 ⋅ ୨୧ ──

I literally hate writing smut 👎

Sorry for the long awaited pt2

Please ignore any typos 💁

[svtdarlingbby]

Seventeen with a gym rat s/o

Svt x gym rat s/o. aka with an s/o who loves the gym as much as these buff babes. also low-key an excuse to post seventeen gym selcas 🫣💪

Seungcheol:

I think Cheol said somewhere that he prefers playing sports vs going to the gym

valid

but since he's with you and wants to spend more time with you he finds himself at the gym

he's pretty impressed by all your knowledge of various workout machines

wanted to impress you though so he suggested lifting weights

he's surprisingly able to lift a lot

but not as effortlessly at you

you found yourself gently correcting his form so he won't get hurt

tbh it was so endearing for Cheol

you babying him was so sweet

after weights you guys decided to have a friendly competition on the stair master

Cheol thought it would be easy, I mean it's just climbing stairs right?

WRONG

he was huffing and puffing meanwhile you were still climbing the infinite stairs effortlessly

it was at that point he considered you a fitness god and told himself that he'd always go to the gym with you

the next day he was soooo sore lol he couldn't get out of bed rip

you couldn't help but laugh

still tho you were nice and rewarded his efforts with some cuddles

Jeonghan:

Jeonghan finds himself going to the gym occasionally but the gym def isn't a huge priority in his life

however since dating you he noticed how much you love going to the gym

so he figured he might as well try it out too

but omg

he's trying sooooo hard to focus on lifting AND THEN THERES YOU

looking hella hot in your gym clothes lifting weights effortlessly

is totally checking you out

and you def notice

"JEONGHAN! NO SLACKING YOU CAN LOOK AT ME ALL YOU WANT LATER BUT FOCUS ON LIFTING!"

ah right-

but he low-key uses this as an excuse to get your attention

"Y/N? is my form right?" he says as he purposely holds the weights weirdly

"Nope, you've gotta hold it like this" you say as you adjust his grasp and form

lol this menace found the perfect way to get you close to him

of course he still actually listens to you and works out

but occasionally he'll try to purposely mess up his form to get you to help if he's extra needy

doesn't care if he's sore the next day

will use this as an excuse to cuddle with you

until you use your muscles to break free of his grasp and haul his ass out of bed

this reminds him that maybe he should continue going to the gym

one day he'll have enough muscles to cuddle you all day

Joshua:

I feel like Joshua goes to the gym more often then he makes it out to be

have you seen this guy's veiny arms??

he's gotta be lifting

he's super happy about having an s/o who also prioritizes the gym

arm day with you is always his fave

just seeing your strong muscles and physique lift the heavy weights just make his heart go crazy

like ughhh mommy/daddy

so he also wants to return the favor by impressing you

puts a lot of effort into lifting, making sure his form is just right

tbh you really do serve as motivation for him

he's been getting buffer since he started dating you

he has the cutest shyest smile when you compliment him

"Wow Josh, you've got arms of steel" you say as you squeeze his bicep

if he could he would melt right there

it means a lot coming from you since you're an expert with all things fitness

def reciprocates too

like you guys would just be chilling and he'd squeeze your arm

"Damn Y/N, you're armed and dangerous"

oh lord he's such a cheeseball

Jun:

y'all did you see limbo? 👀

it's so obvious Jun has worked hard for that body

and it was so convenient that you came into his life at that point

just as he was incorporating the gym more into his routine is when you and him began to date

tbh it was so convenient and Jun really appreciates having you around

Jun doesn't know if his form is correct? don't worry he's got you to fix it

Jun needs someone to spot him when he's bench pressing? you're already there by his side

Jun is experiencing a plateau? you've already got suggestions of different new exercises to try

basically it's because of you and your support he's even more motivated to go to the gym!

also my man Jun also appreciates the view if you know what I'm saying

having you by his side makes him feel even more stronger and powerful

like "yes my s/o is a fitness buff and is helping ME while looking like a snack"

these are just his thoughts tho

in reality he's just snaking his toned arms around your just as toned form, smiling to himself

Hoshi:

ohhh you know he's gonna make you his gym buddy

I meannnnnn have you seen this mans body???

boi loves to workout

will always spot you during arm day

is your biggest cheerleader when you move up in weights!!

"OMG Y/N YOU LIFTED THAT MUCH???!! I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!"

will literally hug you all sweaty in the middle of the gym lol its a little embarrassing but sooo endearing

also

the fact that you love to work out? you're prob building quite the muscles

Soonyoung isn't shy when it comes to wanting to feel your toned arms

"Whoaaaa since when did you become so buff?" he says infatuated with your arms lol

of course you feel flustered cuz this man does this even in public!!

but low-key his reactions are your motivation to keep up your progress

also he lovesss to take gym selfies

you think his gym selfies are hot? they get even better with you right next to him flexing your hard work

he feels so luckyy

overall he loves that he gets to work out at the gym with a hottie like you

Wonwoo:

I feel like Wonwoo is a subtle guy when it comes to the gym

like yeah it's so obvious he goes to the gym but the gym isn't a huge facet of his life

when he realizes that its quite the opposite for you, he sees this as an opportunity to make more of an effort to make the gym routine

tbh he's amazed at how locked in you are with a routine at the gym

so for the first few days he kinda just copies you lol

he does the same exercises and kinda lets you be

its comfortable silence really

you guys both have your earbuds in doing your own thing while being near each other

of course he'll steal a few glances at you

but he always says its to match your form lolll sure

in private though he's always teasing you in a good way about your muscles

like he'll just randomly approach you, squeeze your muscular bicep, and say something like "close the gyms" in a really deadpan voice

it's soooo cheesy lmaooo but that line never fails to make you feel flustered hehe

Woozi:

have you seen Jihoon lately?

this mans getting b u f f

and having an s/o who's a gym rat like him?

goals

whenever you're getting ready to go to the gym Jihoon always wants to tag along

"Don't you have to produce a song tonight?"

"Nah I can squeeze in a gym session"

he's mainly going because you're going lol

he's def impressed with how fit you are, knowing all the machines and having effortless form

he's like damn I wanna be like that too

ALWAYS brags about this fact to the boys when he works out with them

"What kinda machine is that?" asked one of the guys

"That's a hip abductor, Y/N is a master of that"

also whenever you two are at the gym together

he feels so much more motivated

will def wanna do exercises that involve the both of you

is always down to hold down your feet during sit ups

cardio day you guys are on treadmills side by side

Jihoon won't admit this but when you guys are taking it easy a walking on the treadmills he treats it as if you guys were on a peaceful stroll together

he also won't admit he turns into a blushing puddle whenever you notice his progress

"Dang Jihoon, you're looking buff today" you say as you squeeze his toned biceps

that's it. brb Jihoon is gonna go to the gym to keep up the progress

DK:

I know this man is gonna be obsessed with the fact that you love the gym

he def will use the gym as an opportunity to spend time with you

while also getting buff himself

Seokmin is a total goofball

I can see him asking you for "motivation" during pushups

aka him asking you to lie under him for a kiss for each successful push up

like just look at him in that pic god damn

I meannnn lets just say you both benefited from that

he's also your biggest cheerleader

like when you're lifting weights omg he got the whole gym staring at you with his cheering

"YEAHHHH YOU GOT THIS Y/N!!! WHO'S THE STRONGEST BABE HERE? YOU!!!"

"ohmygodseokminpls"

after you lift the weights he's still gonna be a goofball about it

"now lift me pls" he says holding out his arms to you

you can only roll your eyes but lift him up nonetheless

he's giggling like an idiot and you can only roll your eyes

low-key motivates you to get stronger and vice versa

he wants to pick you up too hehe

he really does make gym sessions so much more enjoyable aww

Mingyu:

man Mingyu really does work out for that hot bod of his

while he love to play sports he also finds himself working out often too

when you came into his life though he thought having you around would motivate him more to go to the gym

because you were already sporting quite the hot body yourself

while you were typically very focused at the gym, once Mingyu came along that changed

of course you always thought Mingyu was hot, but when he's working out

oh my

you feel your face somehow get even hotter despite being all sweaty from working out when you see Mingyu doing all this

WHY IS HE CAKED UP LMAOOOO

while you're over here flustered over him Mingyu gets kinda cocky lol

like when he's spotting you while you're lifting

"Whoa there Y/N, I know I'm making your heart race but you gotta take it easy" he says as he fixes your form

mannn does he make working out hard

or when you're stretching he'll purposely flaunt stretch his arms while you glare as you're trying to hold your stretch

he'll also flex and try to lift the heaviest weights ever to get your attention

thankfully his antics catch up to him as he's superrr sore the next day

but he'd happily use this as a reason for you to take the lead if you know what I mean ;)

Minghao:

Minghao has become quite the fitness buff within the past few years

I mean look at those guns!!

I remember Minghao once said that it is super hard for him to gain muscle and look at him now ughhh

and seeing you succeed with your fitness goals makes Minghao even more proud

going to the gym is like breathing for you guys

you two always go to the gym together

and since you're with Minghao, every occasion has to be a fashion statement

you two are always wearing the coolest, trendiest, gym clothes that still manage to be uniquely your styles

it makes Minghao's heart flutter every time he seeing you wearing the gym shoes he bought you

especially when you're wearing one of his old gym shirts omg this man can barely even focus on working out LMAO and he's like the biggest gym rat out of all these dudes

gym selfies are a priority

his fav ones being the ones where both of you are goofily flexing your muscles

he's always so impressed by how much you can lift too

is soooooo flustered when you lift him up in the middle of the gym

but he secretly loves it so much awww like on the inside he's giggling and kicking his feet in the air haha

but as unserious as you guys act

once it comes to working out, you guys are fitness gods

you two are so focused when you're in the zone lifting or running on the treadmill

it's impressive really

and Minghao is so thankful that you're here to make the gym more fun

Seungkwan:

Seungkwan has found himself going to the gym more often since you came into his life

you would think it's because he wants to live a healthy lifestyle

no

it's because you two are so damn competitive

ever since you told him how many minutes it took for you to run a mile on the elliptical Boo was impressed but decided to challenge you

"Oh yeah? That's pretty impressive, but I can easily do that in less time"

"Oh really?"

"Bet"

so you guys go to the gym

and for you the elliptical is nothing

you look over and see Seungkwan starting to break a sweat in the first five minutes

"Getting tired Boo?"

"Stay in your lane"

god he was so sassy lol

but beating each other in a friendly competition was how you two rolled

of course you ended up winning while Seungkwan was a huffing puffing mess, all red

"Ok I admit it Y/N, you are a fitness god"

that compliment fueled your ego lol but you weren't mean about it

"Here's the prize for second place" you said before you kissed him

"Maybe losing isn't so bad after all" he laughed and hugged you, not minding either of you being sweaty

"Haha loser, let's play some badminton?" you ask

"Always! Now we'll see whose the loser" he smirks

Vernon:

okay first of all why is he wearing denim on denim TO THE GYM??

ANYWAYS kinda like Jeonghan I don't see Vernon prioritizing the gym all that much

but once he starts dating you, he notices that the gym ends up taking a lot of your time

so he's like "heck why not go with Y/N to the gym?"

is ill prepared as you can see in the pic

"Hansol. WHY are you not in your gym clothes?"

"Hm? Oh. Right. Let me snap a pic of my fit before I change"

*facepalm*

once he's changed he's ready to go!

feels kinda lost tho with all the machines

you're about to start lifting when you see Vernon looking confused as he's trying to distinguish a dumbbell from a kettlebell

you think its kinda cute watching his eyes go back and forth between the different types of weights

but you also don't wanna patronize him or anything

"Hansol, why don't you start with a dumbbell?" you say handing an appropriately weighted dumbbell to him

at this point you kind of become like his personal trainer

at first he was just watching you to see what you did with your dumbbell and tried to do the same

once you began to guide him you could tell he was a lot more secure

and he really did look like he was enjoying the workout!

tbh the gym really strengthens your bond this way

Dino:

our boy Lee Chan is obsessed with the gym

I mean look at that body ughhhh 😮‍💨

so when he starts dating you the gym becomes practically your second homes

he's hella impressed with your strength for sure

"Whoa Y/N, how are you able to lift that much?"

he's also kinda cheeky when it comes to stealing glances at you working out

it's leg day and you're doing squats? 👀

he's super subtle about it tho cause he actually takes the gym seriously *ahem Jeonghan*

he also def tries to show off for you

when he's doing arm curls he'll def put extra effort in flexing his biceps when he sees you watching

will also act like the heaviest weights are nothing for him

pays for his cockiness the next day in the form of soreness

this becomes the perfect opportunity for you to cuddle with his muscular self

maybe the gym can wait a few more minutes hehe

[pickel182]

Aftermath of Goblin camp tag: Tav vs Astarion

******************************

By Pickel182

18+ Oral sex/fellatio, light dom/sub vibes, bodily fluids

Summary: Astarion snd Tav played a game of tag in the temple at the goblin camp. Can you guess the winner’s prize?

She found a heavy-looking door at the bottom of a staircase in front of her, and since the hall seemed to be empty, she sprinted down and peeked inside, seeing nothing but an empty room littered with wine bottles, a candelabra on the far wall, and a massive stone bench sitting diagonally across the room. If she had been quick enough, maybe he’d lose her scent and give her time to gain more ground. She smiled to herself as she turned and barred the door.

She gasped as she was suddenly pinned against it, Astarion’s body pressed against her from knee to shoulder, arms on either side of her. An unmistakably hard bulge strained against her backside as he pressed open mouthed kisses and soft bites on the crook of her neck. She pressed back against his hardness, hoping that he would take her against the door then and there. He rutted against her briefly before releasing her so suddenly she almost fell backward.

By the time she had righted herself and turned, he already sat facing her as he straddled the oversized bench. His eyes were lidded with lust as he leaned forward with one forearm resting across his knee. He beckoned to her with two fingers on the other hand, gesturing to the spot in front of him on the floor. “On your knees, darling.”

She approached as instructed, her heart wildly thumping in her chest, and knelt before him, letting her hands fall into her lap as she watched him remove his gloves and place them beside him.

“Following you around this blasted place has been more entertaining than I anticipated, but keeping my eye on the prize has left me wanting.” He leaned forward to run his knuckles along her jaw, and brushed his thumb over her lower lip as he continued. “I’ll be in quite a spot of mortal peril if you let me keep distracting myself dreaming instead of doing. We can’t have that, can we? It would be very… dangerous,” he said as he pressed his thumb into her mouth gently.

She swirled her tongue over the pad of his thumb and he moaned softly despite himself. He could smell her arousal so much more potently in this small space, and it was making him lose focus. He swallowed thickly before speaking again. “You’re so very good at helping. And since this state I’m in might threaten our mission…” Astarion trailed off as he took her hand slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull back as he guided it to rest on his twitching erection. “….you’ll help me, won’t you?”

She replied by removing her gloves and immediately starting the work of unlacing his trousers, and between the two of them, his cock sprung free moments later. She licked her lips at the sight of his thick porcelain length, blue veined, flushed at the tip and throbbing beneath her gaze. He lifted the hem of the mail portion of his armor to hold it out of her way. Admiring the musculature there along with his erection made her squeeze her thighs together to relieve her own sudden need for friction. But she didn’t want to wait any longer to taste him. As aroused as she was- knowing it was her that made him this way- made Tav feel powerful in a way she hadn’t experienced before.

Astarion gripped the chainmail in his hand, making a valiant effort to breathe evenly as she leaned forward to swirl her tongue over his tip. The heat against his cool skin stole his breath, and her dark eyes, so shameless and full of lust, had him twitching against her lips.

She gripped his thigh with one hand as the other gently stroked from the base of his length to where she worked downward with her lips, spreading her slick, warm salvia as he rolled his hips into her touch. The flat side of her tongue slid over him as she bobbed forward to take more of him into her mouth, and he fell backwards onto his elbows as the wet sounds of her sucking and stroking him filled the room.

He groaned as she used both hands to stroke him while she twirled her tongue around the sensitive head of his cock. His head fell back as she slid more of him into her mouth suddenly, the one hand still at work becoming less and less necessary. He cursed as the other hand cupped his balls so gently, rolling and massaging them as she fucked him with her mouth.

He looked down to see her eyes watering as she took him into the back of her throat, and his head snapped back again as she began to swallow against his length, still sucking him for all he was worth. He writhed on his back as he twisted the chain mall in one hand and cradled the back of her head with the other, desperately seeking something to ground him as his vision blurred around the edges in pleasure. She returned to working him over with one hand while suction and the work of her tongue assaulted the rest of his length, and his thighs convulsed involuntarily as he felt the pressure of release building.

“Gods yes, yes,” he moaned as his cock slammed against the back of her throat. “Tav I’m going to come if you don’t stop,” he moaned as he rolled his hips into her mouth, seeking her eyes to make sure she had heard. She looked up and continued bobbing up and down over him, sucking and licking with even more fervor. He couldn’t hold it off any longer, and groaned as his cock pumped his seed into her throat, panting and moaning as his orgasm blinded him and washed over his body in waves. He lifted his head weakly to watch her gently lick him clean, after groaning again as she made eye contact while she very deliberately swallowed.

His limbs felt heavy and sluggish as he tucked his cock back into his trousers. She took notice at how out of sorts he was, and helped him lace things back up and smoothed his armor back into place. He sat up and pulled her by the collar of her leathers into a kiss, warm, slow, and lingering, before she broke away, grinning like the cat who ate the canary.

Tav had noticed the ruined part of the wall across from them where he must have snuck in, and a devious thought took hold.

Her smile was infectious, and his post orgasmic haze had him fighting not to grin back at her like an idiot. “What?!” He asked, as she was clearly pleased with herself about something.

She pointed to the crack in the wall revealing the outer rooms, and when he followed her gaze, she stole a quick kiss on his cheek before whispering, “you’re it,” and disappearing in front of him only to reappear outside in the blue light of a misty step.

“Fuck.” Astarion announced to the empty room as he ran a hand through his hair. He fell back onto the bench as her laughter echoed off the stone, knowing his attempt at a power play had just spectacularly backfired.

*****************************

AHHHH thank you for reading! This is a snippet from my fic This is a Gift, You Know on AO3!

[curapicas]

Oh look, the donghua is doing the heavy lifting for me and juxtaposing them on its own volition. (kind of a continuation of this)

Plot-wise, Li Tianchen's relationship with Lu Guang hinges basically on trying to manipulate and hurt Cheng Xiaoshi to do his bidding through hurting LG (worth noting this implies an understanding of such attachments, and the viciousness stems from a certain resentment of it + his twisted personality). I don't even remember if he's aware LG also has powers.

but tbh the funniest thing coming out of LTC vs CXS&LG is that, in a weird way, he was actually letting off his anger on the "right target", kinda? Technically? Of course I'm not saying LG deserves it nor that LTC was being anything but unhinged. But I do believe there's more than meets the eye (and probably informs the ways Lu Guang can be confronted on the narrative, more on that by the end)

Bc this show is competent, many characters have parallels with each protagonist, and LTC-LG are no different. There's a post I couldn't find that went on their reactions to their most precious people dying in front of them: whereas LTC loses all hope, LG has the means to go back, and thus doesn't even try to let go. Alas, they're both tacticians who, despiste meaning well for LTX and CXS, end up manipulating them into inaction/ignorance;

And they do so bc both feel adrift and out of options - but the show focus a lot on how powerless LTC feels about his life for it to not be a big factor. LTC fights so hard for a modicum of control that I don't even think it registers how he impacts LTX, meanwhile LG has so many variables stacked against him and his empathetic partner that he ends up prioritizing CXS' survival, even above their connection (he keeps to himself Emma's death, for example)

In the twins past, LG was the one that guided CXS into staying on task. And before that, he hid the photo even from the police. Tbh he'd never see it that way, but isn't this accidentally the best revenge for his stabbing? lol

Either way, LTC loses his hope, blames CXS and believes him to be what LTC hates the most, a nice guy who's secretly a jerk. Except. Who is actually closer to this description? A guy who can be polite but will stay passive if that affects CXS too much, to the point of lying about saving Chen Xiao's mom?

Curious to me he was also pretty straight forward in calling LG a jerk, and maybe it's just because LG botched his kidnapping attempt. But maybe he has pretty good instincts bc I don't think he even knows why he hates the man so much, lol. After all, for all Li Tianchen knows, everyone is a jerk who stands by and watch.

And maybe it makes him even angrier because he finally met someone who also has powers and is willing to call him "friend" and "play" with him. Considering his one friendship was with Liu Xiao, someone he's aware has plans, he might've even considered to have his own pet project on CXS. But the thing is, this person already seems to have a way more genuine friendship, and it's with LG.

Summary: LTC, if only he knew, would hate LG for not changing his past + being a guy who's very much capable of standing by and watch + having an actual friendship with CXS

DISCLAIMER: I think on his own right, Lu Guang values kindness in general. But LTC's vision is too black and white to even account for that.

While I'm on the topic of LG: while his passivity keeps him from being of any effective help to the twins, he's also keenly aware of the butterfly effect and that he could possibly make things worse instead, something CXS has been confronting throughought the story.

And yet. His objective is what ultimately makes us see this approach as instead of wise, more akin to the desperation of a grieving man - not unlike LTC who by the end of s2, gives up altogether of hope and follows the Big Bad. Besides, it somewhat clashes with the fact CXS actually does make a difference for the clients, be it by making the past more tender (Chen Bin's wife has sweeter memories, Dou Dou's life was actively made less worse) or the present better (lesbian noodles make up, Dou Dou's father and Qiao Ling reconcile), which is also something LG is aware of, since he agreed to deliver Chen Xiao's messages. So far I don't personally see a clean, objectively correct approach, thus I'm willing to bet it'll be whatever is diametrically opposite of Liu Xiao's, lmao

-kinda unrelated, but I've seen people mentioning an interview where Li Haoling-laoshi (aka the director) said he tweaked a little with Li Tianchen before s2, and he was meant to be (even more) obsessed with Cheng Xiaoshi, making this whole post even more hilarious

[ohmycale]

I read your argument post and I read the same opinions online. I would like to ask if you considered that Deruth might have hestitant to communucate his feelings because he mught lose his relationship with Cale. I agree with the opinions that communication is important but shouldnt Cale also communicate his father?

Also, you cant deny that Cale wasnt the best person in his version in the story. He was called a trash for a reason.

I also feel that you keep Violan, Basen and Lily out? Do you not consider them as Cale's family? Why or why not?

Anyway, interested on what you think

My take on this:

Deruth is the adult. Cale is the child. It doesnt matter how many times have passed. That is their relationship and their dynamic. It is the duty of the adult/parent to care for the child and assume all the heavy lifting in the relationship until Cale himself is an adult. The main reason is that in the end, it is the adult/Deruth who brought Cale into this world and is tasked to guide said Cale - not the other way around. And Deruth's problems or flaws will affect Cale no matter what. I also like to highlight that almost all power and authority resides in Deruth as a parent and adult in all ways - good or bad.

ETA: There is a line in Sekiro by the last boss - Hesitation is defeat. It's fine to hesitate - as long there is also an acceptance of the risk with the choice. In this case, the growing gap and distance between the two, the continuation of resentment or other negative feelings Cale has for the relationship. While distant is not yet formed as full rejection here, constant isolation and uneasiness in the relationship are good ingredients to maybe a permanent no contact with each other in the future. TLDR - Hesitate at your own risk.

re:Cale communicaitng. Sure, Cale can talk. The issue is - is he comfortable enough with his relationship with Deruth to actually communicate his true feelings? Deruth distanced himself and Cale would have definately felt that. Deruth was given a wide berth due to his grief and his remarriage - assuming it helped him cope in his roles. But his relationship with Cale never did recover pre-Jour's death because rifts and gaps formed during the distance. So, if there are already gaps and issues, do you think Cale would be comfortable bringing his concerns without being accused of destroying/delaying Deruth's happiness? If this is the case, shouldnt be the parent/adult be the one who gives reassurance, love and all those things that help them reconcile and their relationship grow? Or is it another burden for the child who has to hide his own authentic self because he already experienced being isolated and hurt from the person who is supposed to give him unconditional love?

2nd question - He wouldnt need to be a trash if his own father protected his new family over the status he inherited.

For the third question - Violan and her children are his stepfamily. Deruth chose them for himself - not for Cale. Stepfamily dynamics are complex and way more complicated vs bio/nuclear family. There are many issues but I would say that Cale cared for them because his father brought them in Cale's life. One argument (reflected in real life) is since they made Deruth happy, Cale should be happy that his father is happy because of them. In a morbid sense, it can implied that post-Jour, Cale wasnt able to give his father happiness or him being enough for Deruth to move on from grief (not that he is supposed to in the first place). In way, Cale deserves them than his father but his link to them is very weak. The Henituse is a classic high-functioning dysfunctional blended family.

I know many people hate the prefix of 'step' and 'half' - but in the 10yrs that this family has been doing, there has been no evidence they came together or act as one unit. It's always Cale or Deruth + Violan (& OFC Basen and Lily). Violan will side by her husband and take Deruth's lead (wrongly or rightly) because she did marry him (you dont marry children, I cant fathom why she did marry this man but I digress) and Basen and Lily would side with their parents. So, I dont think they are a family - they are people who live in the same place and trying to get along like roommates. Besides, it seems that Deruth + Cale isnt considered as a family in its own right.

Hope this satisfies your interest and ask away again if I left out something...

[blooming-violets]

My headcanon for frat peter is that he joined one after gwen dies to distract himself and as a bandaid fucks everything that movies and gains a reputation oc / reader is his best friend very similar to dancing on my own ik but anyway she tries supporting him but peter is really unhealthy and she leaves for a while how do you think peter would feel about the hole she leaves behind cause she used to basically do all his emotional heavy lifting on hard days

He acts like he's fine. He's learned not to show his emotions especially around the guys. They were never big fans of her, anyway. It takes him about two weeks to finally notice that she's gone. It happens the day he's set to touch up his blonde roots. Usually he heads on over to her dorm, sneaking into the women's bathroom, while she does his hair for him. During those times are when he typically feels more free to speak his mind. They shared a lot of heart to hearts over those moments of the two of them, giggling alone in the bathroom, while he enjoys the feeling of her fussing over his hair. He feels the weight of the world leaving his shoulders for a short time whenever she's around.

This time, though, she doesn't come when he calls.

All his texts go unanswered. At first, he's worried she's hurt. He immediately thinks the worst. It's in his nature to assume that the people he loves will end up dead. Taken too early. It's not until he sees her walking around campus he's able to feel a sense of relief.

He jogs up to her, big, cocky grin on his face, and falls in step next to her. He expects her to open up like usual. Expects her to play along with his teasing. When he only receives a cold shoulder and the silent treatment, he reacts with anger.

Peter's been so angry lately. He's been struggling to feel many emotions but anger is one that always seems to make it through his closed off walls. They say that anger is a massive part of the grieving process but it's one he hasn't been able to shake.

They get into a huge, blow out fight in middle of campus over how he treats her now vs before and how he let's his friends treat her like shit. She's sick of his behavior and only using her whenever he needs something. It's never the other way around. Peter no longer shows up for her like she does for him. She can't take their one sided friendship anymore. This isn't the Peter she grew up loving.

It draws a crowd. People are watching them like they're today's entertainment. It ends with her crying, running back to her dorm, and Peter cursing out the crowds and stalking back to his frat house.

He mourns her loss in his life like he mourned for Gwen.

Denial.

It was her fault. She was being stupid. He had done nothing wrong. So what if his frat brothers teased her from to time. It was her fault she couldn't take a joke. He turned a blind eye to their behavior. He let them get inside his head. He didn't need her. He had lines of women waiting to throw themselves at his feet. What was the loss of one, stupid, annoying girl he knew as a kid? According to his brothers, she refused to put out, anyway. It was no loss to him. He didn't need her.

He buried his hurt by sleeping around more often than usual. A new woman every night. Sometimes two in the same day. He even slept with her best girl friend just to extra piss her off and get back at her.

He wanted her to hurt as much as him.

Anger

He was already the king of anger. He felt its power invade his every pore. It lived deep in his bones and consumed his every waking thought. He was getting into multiple fist fights every week. Not even as Spider-Man, just as Peter Parker.

He fought his frat brothers, he fought guys at the bar, he fought dudes on the street, he even fought his own reflection in the mirror. That one left him covered in blood and surrounded by shattered glass. He needed stitches to close up the wound. He couldn't stand the sight of his own face. He despised the man who stared back at him.

He didn't know this person. He didn't know Peter anymore.

Maybe she was right. Maybe had lost himself.

Bargaining

If he could just see her again...

If he could just see her one time. Hear her voice. That's all he wanted. He could watch her anytime he felt like it. He could overhear her talking to friends whenever he spied on her. He was Spider-Man. He was the master of stealth and shadows. But that wasn't enough. He wanted her voice to be directed at him. He didn't care what she said to him as long as she was talking. All he wanted was a fraction of her attention.

He would trade it all to get her back in his life. Just one conversation. That's he wanted. One, little talk just like old times.

She refused.

He couldn't blame her. He was a destroyer of lives. Anyone he touched crumbled around him. Whether they were killed in a plane crash, shot in the street, fell from a building, or were shoved away...they all left him in the end.

It was his fault. It was always his fault.

Depression

When he lost everything, he used to turn to sex. Now the thought of touching a woman who wasn't her only made him sick to his stomach. Alcohol was too risky. It fucked too much with his emotions. Made him reckless.

Pot was the cure.

It calmed him. Made him forget for a while. Allowed him to just relax and zone out.

He stopped going to his classes. Stopping talking to his brothers. Stopped answering his texts. It was just him, a strong joint, and the quiet of cave of his bedroom. In here, he could wallow in peace.

Peter Parker was not someone who could be trusted in the real world. He deserved to be locked up like an animal. No one needed him. He was better off alone.

This was where he would stay. In the dark. Where he belonged.

Acceptance

The state of his hair told him how much time had passed. It was back to brown. Greasy and unkempt. Shaggier than he typically liked it but he didn't care enough to get it fixed. The only person he ever wanted to touch his hair again was her.

And she deserved an apology.

He had been reading about grief online. There were five stages, so the internet says. There is no specific time period for each and they can jump between the stages whenever they feel like. He liked to hang out in the anger stage more often than the others. It was where he felt most at home. At least he understood anger. Anger made sense to him. Smoking helped quell the raging beast. That was a vice he didn't want to give up. Not yet. He wasn't ready for that step.

The world was an angry place and he fit right in.

But he was learning where to put that anger. It didn't belong on her. That was misguided. She had done nothing wrong. All she had ever done was love him. Anger was okay as long as it was placed in the right direction. He knew that now. Spider-Man could use anger to his advantage. Bad guys deserved anger. His frat brothers deserved his wrath for how they treated others. He, himself, deserved the anger. But not her.

And he needed to make amends. Even if she didn't fully forgive him, he needed to try, because she deserved to hear it, and he deserved to say it.

All it took was one text. After months of no contact. One text and she replied.

Coffee. 9am. Just the two of them.

One, little talk...just like old times.

I LOVED THIS!

It is very Dancing On My Own coded. I think what some people don't fully grasp in that story is that Peter was severely grieving through the later half of it. Gwen died because he couldn't catch her in time. He lost the love of his life because he wasn't good enough at the ONE thing he was supposed to be good at. He fully blames himself for her death. Do people not realize how seriously fucked that would make someone?? I think that's why I like to write dark!Peter so much. Because TASM Peter would be dark after that. He would not be normal. He would not be able to go back to being friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. It would ruin him. We saw that in NWH. It's still eating him alive like a decade later. The college days of Dancing On My Own took place a year after Gwen's death. The boy is fucked up.

Grief makes you do stupid things. Anger and reckless behavior is part of grief. Obvious that doesn't mean that it's okay but to completely write someone off as a monster undeserving of love just because they're hurting doesn't sit right with me. Not that you did that, I'm just going off the comments and complaints I've gotten on the fic that always low key piss me off.

And maybe I'm just not the greatest writer so that didn't come off as well as I wanted it to in DOMO but I tried my best haha. Maybe I shouldn't have ended it where I did and allowed them to grow a bit more after but I really thought that kind of stuff would just be assumed by the reader because it made sense in my head that that's how grief and healing and forgiveness go. But no one lives in my head but me so that's my fault for not executing my intentions properly!

I lovelovelove exploring grief and the different places it can take a person. Grief/depression/anger/angst are my favorite topics. Always have been since I was young. Like how Peter in this story feels most comfortable hanging out in his anger, I feel most happy in my angst and darkness. Sad people sometimes do bad things. Hurting people sometimes hurt other people. Even people they love very much. Does that make them completely incapable of change? Does that make them forever unlovable or not worthy of forgiveness? Sometimes people think too much in black and white and forget that the world is full of all sorts of grays.

Not that this was even about DOMO and I'm completely going on a tangent I know I'm so sorry haha but it's close enough to domo because it's dealing with Peter's grief and hurting of a close friend.

Here's some of my favorite pages from my favorite children's book (Michael Rosen's Sad Book) that talks about grief and the loss of someone you loved very much that's meant to teach children how to better understand their sadness and hurt and that even if you do bad things sometimes it doesn't mean that you are a bad person who doesn't deserve love and forgiveness:

ANYWAY

I just wanted to say that I love this and I love when people come to me with headcanons. That's what fandoms are supposed to be about. We're all supposed to be pestering each other 24/7 with our ideas and creating stories together and collaborating and building shit that we all love. Always send me your ideas. No matter how unhinged you might think they are bc I'm sure I've got equally as crazy ideas to play along with you!

[fallstaticexit]

Hello hello hello! I have a question. You've posted the first half of The Art of Being Seen in a quick succession, and I've noticed that these are /long/ scenes that you're working with with A+ editing. I was wondering, were many of these scenes already completed before you posted them onto tumblr? 🤔If so, how did you manage to hold back from previewing them? I feel my biggest problem as a story teller is that I rush to get the content out due to my excitement.

Hey hey hey ✨ I have to lock myself into a cage and toss the key across the room 😭😭😭

No seriously, the short answer is yes! I’ll have the next two to three parts already completed by the time I post the first. At least for this story.

I think I’ve done a good job since I started storytelling with not spoiling my own story or rushing through it (even though I really really want to all the time) bc I know the pay off will be better appreciated in the long run. I also want to quickly get content out which is why I work on my stories all the time.

The best way for me to work on my story is that I never really shoot scenes in order. I always take care of the big ones first or the main focus of the update first and I’ll fill in the smaller parts later on. I’m also always a day or two head of when I post vs working on them in real time. So let’s say I’ll post part one on Monday morning , Monday night im already working on part three or four because I started working on part one last Thursday and part two last Sunday. That makes sense? 😭

I also do very little editing which allows me to post quickly! It’s mostly gshade pulling the heavy lifting. I use alot of in game objects to help with scenes that maybe someone would edit in photoshop. Here’s a sneak peek of such a scene where I used these lights bc I don’t have the skills atm to create in PS.

I also owe my heart and soul to builders who create breathtaking lots, because if I had to make even a third of the builds I used I’d post once a year. I’m an awful builder, so downloading the lots I need cuts time between post down soooo much.

TL DR: a firm talk with myself to behave and be patient and have a fairly decent posting schedule that’s ahead of when I actually release them into the wild. 😭🥹

[16eggsforxio]

little cuts and bruises

Joshua x Reader (Joshua with a crush vs incredibly socially unaware reader)

1988 words, fluff

I wanted to write 10 seconds of handholding but this happened instead.

---

“Tarja?”

You hadn’t heard the aforementioned stern lady barking at anyone, so when you poked your head into the infirmary, it wasn’t a surprise that she was nowhere to be seen. She would probably return in a matter of minutes, loaded with an onslaught of warranted naggings at the patients there. Your hands were still fully occupied with the herbs you had painstakingly scavenged for, and you didn’t quite feel like sitting around waiting for her, so you shouldered your way through the door and let yourself in.

Helping Tarja collect materials for her medicine was nothing new to you, anyway. For the most part, you knew where she kept what, so you might as well get started on keeping them. She would probably praise you, too, and the thought made you eagerly approach the drawers that were the medicinal treasury.

Pain streaked across your palm momentarily. You winced. A stalk from one of the herbs had dug into an open cut across your hand.

The most recent outing had been successful, but… of course it had been successful. You knew your way around a sword… well, maybe halfway around it? So it wasn’t your fault for running and rolling off a ledge to escape one of those giant monsters and bruising your palms terribly. Bruises were better than being probably dead. And one of the herbs you had been looking for was encased in a thorny bush, but you had been exhausted from running from the monster and just wanted to return to the Hideaway, so you had thrusted your hands through the spikes anyway. Your already worn out gloves failed to persevere and the thorns had sliced through them and right into the skin of your hands.

Injuring yourself was decently normal during scavenging, but you had to admit your hands were quite the bloodied sight this time.

…Tarja would probably scold you, too. Oh, well…

Before you reached the drawers, you caught sight of something rare.

“Oh.”

Joshua Rosfield, red scarf and gloves missing as they normally were when he was being treated, sat on the edge of a bed, was staring up at you, eyes wide like sparrow’s when a human approached it.

You clutched the herbs closer to your chest and bowed your head towards him slightly. “Joshua. Hello.”

A smile adorned his rosy lips as he mimicked you and bowed his head. “Hello. You’ve just returned, I take it?”

“Yes. I found all these… stuff.” Herbs, you scolded yourself inwardly. Sometimes you weren’t the best at talking. You lifted your arms slightly to gesture to them.

“Ah.” He nodded. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

He was working way harder than you, though.

You awkwardly nodded in reply and continued shuffling over to the drawer. Gingerly, you placed the herbs on top.

Your interactions with Joshua were limited, as were most people’s, you guessed. He kept to himself to a severe extent and didn’t speak much to the average Hideaway member. Not out of rudeness, you imagined. He never seemed at ease.

Because you reported directly to Clive, sometimes you did see and speak to Joshua. But only briefly, for the most part. You couldn’t quite recall any memorable events between the two of you–on your side, anyway. Maybe Joshua thought of you as an awkward, bumbling mess. Or maybe an incredibly helpful scavenger? Or maybe he thought nothing of you at all. It didn’t matter that much, you supposed. You hardly saw him. You addressed him by his first name since you addressed Clive by his first name, at his insistence, but you weren’t even sure if he knew yours.

A heavy cough snapped you out of your thoughts. Joshua was hunched over, hand shielding his mouth. You blinked, unsure of what to do for a second. (Get Tarja?) When blood dripped from his lips after he moves his crimson-stained hand, you rushed to kneel in front of him and touch his arm.

“Joshua–” What were you supposed to do? You knew the basics of medicine for minor cuts and wounds, but nothing about this deadly cough that plagued him.

Get Tarja. You scrambled to your feet.

Joshua reached out with his clean hand and grabbed your wrist, shaking his head. You paused.

“Tarja will be back soon.” He tilted his head up to lock his gaze onto yours, and for a moment, you noticed a bit too much how delicately his golden locks framed his face. He smiled wryly. “She’s left to retrieve something, but she said she won’t be long. I will be fine, I assure you.”

As you said, you knew nothing about this deadly cough that plagued him.

“Are you sure?” You squinted at him. “...You won’t run away again?” Tarja often complained about that.

“I won’t. As a matter of fact, she has taken my garments with her as hostage temporarily.”

Oh, the scarf and the glove. Not that that meant much. You imagined if someone burst into the infirmary screaming that Clive was in deep trouble, Joshua would leap out of the window and prime and Tarja’s rage later would be unassuageable. You knew that much about him.

But you weren’t a healer, and you probably wouldn’t help by meddling, so you nodded slowly. Maybe you could help wipe the blood off, though.

Looking around, you located a brown rag nearby on one of the tables. Neatly folded, so it should be clean. You stepped towards it, only to feel a tug on your wrist. You looked down. Joshua was still holding onto you.

Uh. “Um, excuse me.” With your free hand, you carefully pried his fingers off of you. Your cuts did not sting against his hands.

Joshua shrunk back, arm held in front of him almost defensively. He was frowning. “Are you in a rush?” Did he sound disappointed? You couldn’t clearly tell.

“Huh?” You furrowed your brows. “...No? I’m just getting…” You pointed at the cloth.

Joshua relaxed. “Oh, I see.”

You felt like it was hard to understand him at times.

You grabbed the cloth, returned, tousled your hand under it, then leaned forward to dab at his mouth softly. You ignored the way he was looking right at you with those vivid blue eyes of his. It was unnerving.

When you moved down to wipe his bloodied hand, he looked down, and suddenly bolted forward. You only had a split second to wonder if you somehow offended him before he grabbed both of your hands and turned them to face your palms upwards.

“What happened here?” he asked softly.

Your cuts and bruises were a nasty sight. And his hands felt so smooth and unblemished. How did he do it? They somehow reminded you of Torgal’s squishy paws.

You shrugged. “Went scavenging.” You tilted your head at the herbs you had deposited.

“And this happens normally?”

It was difficult to answer that, because you kept no track record of small things like these. “I guess so.” The grimace on his face told you he was not satisfied. “Someone has to go out and get them, right? We have a lot of fighters here, and they get hurt.”

“At your own expense?” he pressed, leaning closer to you.

You did not pull away, but you decided to stare at a spectacular corner of the room that didn’t have anything. “These aren’t that bad. Just a few days–and they’ll be all better… Tarja might be upset, but that’s all.” You were unsure why he was so upset over a few cuts and bruises across your hands.

Joshua was quiet. You shifted awkwardly, unsure of what to make of the silence, and glanced back at him.

Then he cocked his head, blinked slowly at you and smiled the same way someone would when reassuring a lost child. “I could help you, if you’d allow me?”

Did he know his way around these medicinal salves, too? Maybe it would be better than suffering a scolding from Tarja.

“Sure.”

Joshua began to stand up, and you took a step backwards to give him space. He turned your hands over and up so your palms faced him with his hands pressed against them, and interlocked your fingers with his.

You weren’t very sure what this was, but Joshua’s demeanor was known for sticking out like a sore, princely thumb. Groomed to become Rosaria’s archduke, and all. This could be some pre-treatment gesture they did in Rosarian culture or something. You had heard he had given Mid an awkward but well-meaning greeting, too.

The back of Joshua’s hands glowed, and only now you acutely remembered that he was the Phoenix’s Dominant, who had an uncontested healing prowess.

Flames unfurled from his hands and cozily cocooned around yours; it reminded you of drinking hot tea in a harsh winter. The bruises began to lighten, and your skin began to stitch itself together over the cuts. You stared, awed, watching the fire ripple across in waves of brilliant magic, then blinked up at him.

“Is this okay? I mean, the curse…”

He chuckled. “That price is much too small to deny rewarding the most hardworking and endearing member of our team.”

Your face felt warm. Part of it was because of the fire, you told yourself.

“That’s an overstatement, I think,” you mumbled.

“Is it? I don’t think so.”

You couldn’t think of a reply.

Soon, all the cuts and bruises had vanished and your hands looked like they hadn’t worked a day in the field. You withdrew your hands from his and turned them over and over again in wonder. Joshua leaned over slightly to join you in having a look at them.

Pristine. You could go back to your duties almost immediately, and you wouldn’t have to face the wrath of Tarja. You didn’t know how to express with words how grateful you were.

…Oh, right. Recently, you often saw Clive do this thing when he was thanking Jill. You had thought it was a bit too close, but they were both raised in Rosaria, so maybe it really was a royal Rosarian thing. (When you had asked Clive about it, he had said it was nothing, and then walked away strangely quickly.)

You leaned forward, standing on the tips of your toes just a little, and gently bumped your forehead against Joshua’s. Your eyes met his gaze.

“Thank you.”

…Hm, his face looked a little flushed. You guessed it was an aftereffect of using the Phoenix’s abilities.

The sound of his breathing somehow felt even louder in those few seconds. Then he drew back and dusted the hair out of your face with the back of his fingers.

“–Didn’t I tell you to stay in bed?”

You jumped backwards, swinging towards the door of the infirmary. Tarja was grunting at Joshua, as usual, and oddly empty-handed.

“My apologies.” Joshua made a half-smile, as if to appease her.

Her eyes fell on you, and she nodded, before she caught sight of the spoils you had retrieved earlier.

“Oh, thank the Founder,” she breathed, striding over to the herbs. “We’d just run out of these. I was looking to see if you’d come back. This one here,” she casted a dirty look in Joshua’s direction, “needs it urgently, you see.”

You started. “These were for him?”

“Of course. A guzzler of our medicinal supplies, that’s what he is.” She tipped her head at him. “You should thank your lifesaver.”

Joshua tilted his head, smile full of mirth. “It’s mutual, I suppose.”

“What are you blabbering about this time?” Tarja grumbled from sifting through the leaves.

She soon shooed you out of the infirmary, after letting you know Clive was looking for you again. You idly wandered down the corridor and stopped for a while to stroke a sleepy Torgal.

Maybe you should go get yourself more cuts and bruises on the next assignment, too. Just little ones.

[qsycomplainsalot]

Lindybeige is Either an Idiot or an Asshole

Most Likely Both

--There could be more flattering ways to put it, but he's never once given us that favor so why should I. His videos are wildly speculative and often based in cherry-picked British sources, when they come with any sources at all - see his masturbatory piece about the Bren vs the “Spandau”.

--There are two videos that I absolutely loathe at the edges of my youtube recommendations, both just filled to the brim with misinformation and logical contrivances. Videos that neckbeards will endlessly quote at me without question, taking a frustratingly long amount of time to untangle by which point they'd have usually lost interest already. The first one is Shadiversity's video about boob armor, the other is Lindybeige's video about the French Resistance.

--This video will have you believe that the French Resistance on its own did nothing of worth, based in great part on the fact that De Gaulle glamorized its contribution to the war for political status. I cannot stress this enough, just because De Gaulle used the general idea of the Resistance to smooth over a lot of Vichy war crimes and restore national unity does not mean the Resistance did not exist as a capable fighting force. --The very first more specific argument he offers to support his view -if you ignore “ME AND ME PA FOUND THAT VERY FONNY”- is that most of the French armor was American-made and provided through the lend-lease policy, making French people less deserving of credit in winning World War 2. I assume that in his mind that would diminish the contribution of the French Resistance to war efforts, even though these tanks and armored fighting vehicles were used by the Free French Army, not the Resistance at any point of its existence, making the point moot while also conveniently ignoring that the United Kingdom received ten times the aid France did through that same program.

--The image is from War Thunder because it makes for a better glamor shot than having it stand behind a museum fence or in black and white.

--His next argument implies that De Gaulle was "allowed" to walk in the liberated Paris ahead of Allied troops to give a speech that solidified the myth of the Resistance I mentioned. Again, in this passing, deceptive comment, Lindybeige implies that De Gaulle walked in after the fact and that Allied forces did the heavy lifting, only allowing him to do his speech a their convenience. Even a cursory amount of research will tell you that Paris was in fact liberated by the FFI, the Parisian people themselves and Leclerc’s 2nd Armored Division composed of Metropolitan and Colonial French with Spanish elements, supported only on the very last day by the US 4th Infantry Division and a special British unit sent to gather intelligence. --Following this, he quotes the speech De Gaulle delivered in front of the town hall the day the German garrison surrendered, but cuts it short of the part in said speech mentioning “the help of our dear and admirable Allies” to then call De Gaulle ungrateful, which I have a hard time believing could be anything but intentionally deceptive. He then goes on to claim that the French Resistance was not organized by De Gaulle but by the British, justifying the ludicrous claim with 'they didn’t tell him because French intelligence services were bad and would have leaked all of it’. This is of course ignoring the fact that De Gaulle had personally sent Jean Moulin back to France for the exact purpose of organizing the five big Resistance movements into one organization, which he did, creating the Council for National Resistance that played a major role in the liberation of Paris. How the British would have any hand in this may be explained by his further comments, where he goes on to say that agents of the organization preceding the MI6 had been infiltrated in the Resistance to organize it, which begs the question of who's responsible for it being a non-effective combat force if it had been the case. He then gives us a voice in a sarcastic tone by saying, “of course you and your British bias would say that !” but does not really address it. Because honestly yeah, you and your British bias would say that.

--After quickly rambling that there were too many people in France and not enough bushes for all people to join the Resistance, which I have to admit is an extremely pointed and pertinent thing to say in a video downplaying the efforts and suffering of thousands of people fighting back against Nazi occupation under constant threat of torture and execution if caught, he mentions that the German forced labor system had severely depleted France’s manpower of fighting age. He says that by 1944, only teenagers and decrepit middle aged men were left to fight in the Resistance, to the great disappointment of the British agents he mentioned earlier. According to him, this meant France lacked the manpower and the communication capability required to pull the Resistance off, which is again contradicted by the actions of Jean Moulin, who had seemingly managed to access both before his death.

--There are a few problems with that argument. The Service de Travail Obligatoire, STO for short, was a system put in place by Vichy France to supply Germany with civilian manpower to make up for their own shortfalls due to the Eastern front. Because Vichy had negotiated a relative independence compared to other occupied country, its own government was responsible for the order, although it was in almost every point similar to forced labor orders in Denmark or the Netherlands. Now the STO did deprive France of over six hundred thousand young men, many of them skilled workers. However as an incentive given by the Nazis, every three forced laborer sent to Germany would lead to the release of one French POW, meaning that as far as manpower was concerned, France pretty much lost only four hundred thousand men and received qualified military personnel for its trouble. Not only is it hardly the manpower drain pictured by Lindybeige, it also ignores that many of these forced laborers, my grandfather included, immediately skipped work and joined either the Resistance or Allied military regulars after operation Overlord, as they were not as tightly surveilled as POWs and minorities in concentration/death camps. It also bears mentioning that it was teenagers, dismissed by Lindybeige as a negligible quantity, that acted as reconnaissance troops for the Free French using their motorbikes to scout and guide the way to the German Kommandantur. In any case, most members of the FFI integrated the regular French army after the liberation of Paris, meaning they were definitely of fighting age. Of course that whole argument is dropped as soon as he brings in British involvement, at which point he finally points out how the Resistance disabled most of the railway network and stopped the famously lightning-fast German army from facing the Allied invasion properly. For their role in this sabotage, a hundred fifty Resistance members working for the French national railway company were shot and another five hundred deported.

--To put it simply, Lindybeige dismisses the Resistance as a useless, wasteful and infighting group of functional morons, while every successful operation they carried out, every display of good mobility and coordination is attributed to British uniformed soldiers overseeing it. In reality most of that effort was done by either agents of the French government in exile or the Allied command under Eisenhower, with no account mentioning any significant autonomous British involvement which stands to reason as De Gaulle and Churchill could not stand one another. In fact Lindybeige tries to pass off operation Jedburgh as a purely British operation while it was specifically a joint one with American, British, French, Belgian and Dutch operatives all along the Atlantic coast.

--The next part is baffling. Lindybeige points at the Allies stopping their shipments of weapons to the French Resistance after July 44 and justifies it by saying the various cells were fighting each other and were uncoordinated. Thank god the Brits stopped sending arms or there would have been a civil war between these silly French Resistance members. Of course what happened in August was the liberation of Paris followed by the integration of the FFI into the new French army, which would go on to liberate the rest of the country. But Lindybeige pushes this civil war angle pretty hard, calling at this point of the video both Vichy France and the Resistance to be pro French in a way and underlining the conflicts between the two as a reason why the weapon shipments stopped coming, with examples such as Resistance members exacting reprisals against Nazi collaborators, which is a completely moot point because Vichy France and collaborators had nothing to do with the Resistance and were in fact, at this point of time, recognized as the enemy by all Allied forces, meaning acts of resistance against them would in no way prompt Allied command to stop supporting the French Resistance. Lindybeige goes so far as to say that the OSS and British secret service stopping the weapon shipments in August 1944 legitimately prevented an outright civil war between the different cells of the French Resistance, which was in actuality pretty unified in its support to De Gaulle at this point thanks to the efforts of Jean Moulin as discussed previously. This hardly gels with the events following August 1944, where the members of the Resistance and FFI were enlisted in the Free French Army and were therefore issued American military equipment and training to function as regular troops. Now stop me if I'm wrong but it appears that in Lindybeige's mind all French people were ready to tear each other apart until the British stopped sending them pipe guns, after which the Americans sent them tanks which obviously disabled their ability to start a civil war.

--Two French colonial soldiers using a blend of Allied gear during the winter of 1944-45. They are presumably thinking of killing each other.

--Much like the Phantom Menace review this is addressing a piece of media were essentially everything is wrong, hence the length of this post. Lindybeige has obviously researched the topic to great length, then ignored half of it to record 17mn of vague, dismissive and unsubstantiated claim that each take an equal amount of time to debunk. He present the facts as if everything that happened on British soil was under British orders so as to make the French Resistance only effective on their accord, all the while disregarding the French government in exile and slandering the efforts of French people but also inadvertently of the Americans. It is my honest belief that this sad excuse of an historian is either profoundly lacking in literacy or actively trying to justify his xenophobia by bending WW2 historiography around his bias, and whatever it may be he should be deplatformed to avoid spreading more harmful and disrespectful lies about a group of brave men and women who fought to liberate their country from fascism.

[iocaisaint]

Azriel BC

Decided to come back to this (only doing the second half for my sanity)

"He aimed for the training pit, giving in to the need to work off the temptation, the rage and frustration and writhing need.

He found it already occupied. His shadows had not warned him.

It was too late to bank without appearing like he was running"

Why is this man rizzless, maybe he'd be less bitchless (gender neutral) if he interacted with people outside of the incestuous ass friend group! Also love the shadows being sentient and just doing whatever they feel like.

His shadows peered over his wings at her

The young priestess smiled--and Azriel thought it might have been directed at his curious shadows. But she just hooked her coppery-brown hair behind an arched ear."

Az's shadows doing the heavy lifting is... Azriel my brother in Christ maybe it's time to resort to poetry.

Also I'm gonna bet exactly 2 cents that smile was directed at Az (and I say this with love because he's just...yeah) because there's no reason to have it questioned?

"Her head ducked, as if remembering it too. That he'd been the one who'd found her that day at Sangravah. "Happy Solstice," she said, as much a dismissal as it was a holiday blessing.

He snorted. "Are you kicking me out?"

Az is so....sir you wanted to be alone 5 paragraphs ago? You were genuinely bemoaning the fact that you couldn't run, the power of the mere presence of Gwyneth Bedara I guess.

"Gwyn's teal eyes flashed with alarm. "No! I mean, I don't mind sharing the ring. I just...I know you like to be alone." Her mouth quirked to the side, crinkling the freckles on her nose. "Is that why you came up here?"

Sort of. "I forgot something," he reminded her.

The amount of times in which Gwyn gives Az an out to leave in this conversation alone....take it!

Fine,"he said, and realized a heartbeat later that it wasn’t a socially acceptable answer. "It was nice."

Not much better. So he asked, "Did you and the priestesses have a celebration?"

LOSERRRRR (affectionate)

They call you shadowsinger. Is it because you sing?"

“I am a shadowsinger--it's not a title that someone just made.”

She shrugged again, irreverently. Az narrowed his eyes, studying her. "Do you, though?" she pressed. "Sing?

This genuinely got a chuckle out of me, gonna touch on this later.

"Azriel entered the warmth of the stairwell, and as he descended, he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer"

I wonder if Azriel's shadows hold a conference about being attached to an idiot. You are a spy master, where are those skills of deduction???

"Then he flew to the House of Wind, knowing that if he slept in the riverside manor, he'd do something he regretted....He aimed for the training pit, giving in to the need to work off the temptation, the rage and frustration and writhing need"

VS

"Azriel dipped his head in a sketch of a bow, something restless settling in him. Even his shadows had calmed. As if content to lounge on his shoulders and watch"

Lowkey hate the "she's his peace" trope but I'm also not gonna ignore the writing on the wall.

"Something sparked in Azriel's chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn's teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason... he could see it.

But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly."

Wouldn't consider Gwyn a friend (fair) but the thought of her reaction to the necklace brings a smile your face which you have to consciously erase AND you have to bury that image you 🫵🏾 conjured up deep down 🧐

Not going to touch the most notable comparison "secret thing of lovely beauty" because it does not move me and when necklacegate happens I hope Gwyn throws that fuckass necklace into the Sidra a la Cassian and Nesta jumps Az for 3 chapters straight.

Also Gwyn light singer theories do not move me, I'd actually just end up loving her more 🤷🏾‍♀️

[kaphzzz]

Do you use photoshop to edit your pictures? Their so crisp and clean and I just got 4k res on my pc.

If so, can you maaayyybbee give us a brief tutorial on how you enhance these for previews for tumblr. Because they always come out so clean even in the preview images.

hiii!!! omg sorry almost didnt see this! congrats on getting 4K!!! it's truly life changing *tears up*. and thanks for such a high compliment 🥹🥹🥹

i do edit my photos yes, but i don't do it in photoshop, but rather in mobile apps so i can just do it during time i cant do other stuff like on the subway so, yes, i can give a tutorial, but it's going to be general steps and guidelines :) sorry i can't give anything like photoshop specific! and i know you're only asking for editing advice but i'll go over the whole process for anyone else who wants to read this as well, so please bear with me. (and please don't take my advice too seriously, i'm only an amateur hobbyist too)

1. The base photo

So firstly, I think it's important that the base picture itself looks good when you capture it in game. With a good photo straight out of the game you can avoid a lot of further editing down the line.

One common mistake I see a lot is that the field of view will be left unadjusted to the default value, which is good for landscape shots, but for portraits it will have a wonky fisheye effect. For portraits you'd typically want to zoom in a lot so the character doesn't look super thin and distorted. In photo mode this is the "lens" option, I typically just zoom in to the max, and tweak what fits into the frame with the freecam. Here's a pic with good FOV for a zoomed in character shot vs. one with the default FOV (his whole face is skewed, as well as pupper):

Also, the in game environment is important for setting up a good shot. You'd typically want some kind of light vs. dark contrast to make your subject pop out, especially against any background. I like to use Rampage Trainer to tweak the in game time and weather and freeze them for better lighting and atmosphere, and sometimes spawn an extra light source but that's a rare case. For example, okay vs. not very okay lighting that's impossible to salvage even with editing:

I also like to blur the background and foreground in the game, with either the focus tab of photo mode or with depth of field reshade presets, because it's a big hassle to blur those during editing. It's quite subtle most of the time but really helps focus the shot on your character, especially if the background is so messy it can swallow your main subject (trees, I'm looking at you).

The photos in this section aren't edited; my point is that with good lighting, composition etc in game, your base vanilla photo can already look pretty good :D This is RDR2 after all.

2. Cropping

I typically crop my images at 3/4 or 2/3 ratio, depending on what looks better. But I think a general rule of thumb is that you want to crop your image so that the contents look balanced; I don't know how to explain this in concrete terms... Basically the same way centering your subject or cropping it by the rule of thirds serves to balance an image. All these pics are more or less 'balanced' in different ways, even though they're not straight smack centered. It's an eyeing process but I think with time it will be easier to tell how to balance your photo...

3. Editing

So! Editing!

Editing I think is just a lot of fine tuning based on what you have with the base image. Me personally, I used to do a lot of colour and lighting editing, but more recently since figuring out that you can just make your base image look good right out of the game, the editing has become a lot lighter. The game can definitely do the heavy lifting, but still editing is important.

I'll demonstrate with two images (hello my babygorls *kissy noises*):

So these two images obviously need some work. Firstly, I'll tweak the lighting, so that dark and light areas aren't too extreme, and also improve the definition/contrast, not too much, but just enough so that the subject is more defined. For Arthur's image the lighting is too murky so I used RGB curves to sort it out a bit.

Then I will colour grade it a little by tuning the warmth and the tone (not touching filters yet). For Charles, it's at night so I've made the tone a little colder for the blue, and for Arthur a little warmer, as well as some custom light patches just to make his face stand out a little more against the background. Some other mild adjustments.

Then if I think the background is still too attention stealing I'll blur it out a bit more. Again, I try to just blur it enough in game, since manually blurring is faulty and annoying.

Then if I think overall the lighting and colour is fine, I'll go through the filters the app offers to see if I can improve it a little more. Since I focus on portraits (pretty bois how could I not) and not do really cinematic/dramatic scenes I tend to stick to the more natural looking filters that just harmonise the colours a bit more.

And that's pretty much it for the editing.

On a side note, contrast is a good thing, but not limited to contrast in lighting, and not necessarily in lighting either. Contrast can be in the colour of your subject and in the back/foreground, or in the conplexity of your subject and blankness of everything else. I think for especially atmospheric photos you'd actually want less contrast for that softer feeling, and not like super hard silhouettes. So yeah, the editing process depends a lot on the image itself and what kind of emotion I want it to have.

4. Other miscellaneous things that help

Besides using mods to customise lighting and props and character pose etc. to your liking, reshade is definitely also a big help. It has a lot of presets that can help your photo to have better colours or add blur. I don't really have a recommended list since I don't remember how I set up my Reshade, but I think a lot of the most popular or built in ones work really well, just play with it and see what you like.

A mod I sometimes use for colour grading in game is the 'Seasons' mod. I don't like too much green so I often set the season to Autumn for that warmer tone to the grass and trees. The other seasons also have different colour tones so it's good for trying different tones! Without vs. with the mod set to Autumn (ignore the quality on those they are from ages ago):

5. Most importantly! Do what you think suits your visual preferences and taste!

So personally I think this is definitely the most important point! I think while you should look at others' work for inspiration and analyse what they're doing well, you should also definitely always prioritise your own preferences on what you like to see in your own pictures :D I think it's important to just do what you like in the moment instead of worrying about what's necessarily right or wrong, or looks good to others.

For example for me my style changed a lot over the past year and a half, and there was definitely a learning and realisation process along the way but I think my more recent preference isn't necessarily better and how I used to do things wasn't necessarily wrong either, it's just different taste.

Hope this was helpful!! :D

Please ask me if you've got any more questions or would like me to explain anything else <3

[puppycheesecake]

Let’s make a Sim!

I thought it’d be fun to do a quick step-by-step rundown of how I make Sims. Long post, so I’ll put everything under the cut:

Step 1. Start with a base.

I keep a set of blank base Sims in my gallery to start with, so I don’t have to waste time removing clothes/accessories/hair/etc. These one’s were originally premades (the ones that pop up when you first open CAS), but it really doesn’t matter what they look like because we’ll be changing everything about them in a second.

Step 2. Randomize!

First let’s untick everything but the “face” and “skin tone” boxes for the randomization options. (The whole point of starting off with a base Sim was so we wouldn’t have to bother removing stuff.)

And...randomize!

I use Zerbu’s More CAS Presets mod to add a bunch of additional presets, so randomizing will generally give me something different every time. (I also have a ton of custom presets, but linking them individually would take 100 years, so we’ll skip that.)

Perfect! We’ll use this as a base to work with.

I actually like her underlying structure, so instead of choosing new face presets we’ll just work with what we already have.

Step 3. Adjust, adjust, adjust.

Let’s start making some adjustments. We’ll pull the ears out so they don’t lay so flat against her head, and lengthen her face a bit. I find that Sims tend to have kind of round face shapes with small jaws/chins, and I prefer them to be a little longer and more defined, so that’s usually the first thing I do. (Obviously you’ll tailor your Sims to your personal tastes, though.)

We’ll make some small adjustments to her jaw, cheeks, nose, lips, and chin. I prefer bigger noses on Sims, so I usually drag them down/out a bit. I also like sharper and more “severe” bone structure vs. soft and round, so I like to add extra definition.

Next we’ll add CC eyebrows (@ikari-sims‘s Jenna brows) and adjust the brow line a bit... (I’m a big fan of distinctive brows, so I tend to make them thicker/wider.)

Change the eye color (I’m using @missrubybird‘s Aqua Trigger eyes here), make a few more small facial tweaks...

Aaand there we are! I’m happy with her facial structure, so now we’ll move on to...

Step 4. Body.

I prefer custom body presets to the ones that come with the game, so we’ll use one of @obscurus-sims‘s female body presets and adjust it a bit (widen the shoulders and neck, make arms a bit thicker).

Step 5. Add body blush.

The first detail I add is always tattoo body blush. It’s a small difference, but that little bit of color is a must for me. I’m using a mix of @simandy‘s Torrada Blush and @obscurus-sims‘s Body Blush. (I think I use these two on every Sim I make.)

Step 6. Skin detail time!

Skin details do most of the heavy lifting. We’ll start with a skinblend (@obscurus-sims‘s N15 Overlay):

Then we’ll add some of @okruee‘s Misc. Face Details and one of @sammi-xox‘s Eye Masks.

Then @mmsims‘s Eyelashes V7 + @mintvalentine‘s Lash Filler, @nesurii‘s Little Details, @pyxiidis‘s Miscellany Pt.2 Nosemask, and @miikocc‘s Face-kit No.1.

Fabulous. Officially done with details!

Step 7. Hair.

Next up is adding hair + a hairline. I’m really loving @daylifesims‘s Gretchen hair right now, and we’ll pair it with @pixelore‘s Organic hairline.

Step 8. Makeup.

Optional, of course. I’m using @pralinesims‘s Lioness Eyeliner, @grimcookies‘s August Eyeshadow, @thepeachyfaerie‘s Eraser Lipstick, and @crypticsim​‘s Cloud Blush.

Step 9. Clothes & accessories.

Now let’s dress her up! We’ll go with @its-adrienpastel​‘s Saviour Dress, @solistair​‘s Calf Boots, @aharris00britney​‘s Beret, @kumikya​‘s Pearl Necklace, and @caio-cc​‘s Naomi Earrings.

And there she is! I think she turned out super cute.

Before and after:

** Here’s a list of all the custom sliders used (warning: it’s a lot):

Chin/profile

Shoulders

Chin

Eyebrow 01 / Eyebrow 02

Eyebrow N1

Pouty Lips

Lips N3 & N4

Nose N2

Eyelids N1

Eye Slider 07

Cheek Slider 12

Nose Width

Mouth Scale