#anything with magic and or spaceships?
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pangur-and-grim · 5 months ago
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I'm trying to make a list of thirty books to read in 2025, but alas......I've stalled at nine....
EDIT: alright, now I have TOO MANY BOOKS! thank you everyone for the recommendations!
House of Leaves
The Wager
The Hammer
This Inevitable Ruin
Steering the Craft
Penric’s Demon
The Last Unicorn
The Golden Enclave
A Marvellous Light
The Hike
The Blade Itself
The Traitor Baru Cormorant
Catch 22
The God Eaters
The Mountain in the Sea
The Long Way Around To A Small, Angry planet
The Book of Flying
Walking Practice
The Javelin Program
From the Belly
Project Hail Mary
Light from Uncommon Stars
Someone You Can Build a Nest In
The Monster of Elendhaven
Dragondawn
Leech
Long Live Evil
The Haar
Titan
Exordia
Till We Have Faces
The Scum Villains Self Saving System
The Poison Thread
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marlynnofmany · 4 months ago
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My tired brain an Alien pointing a ready at my head "Where does the imagination come from? And where from it go?"
The only response I can think of is "it comes from the brain and goes onto the paper" but I know it also goes to the computer
Yes, it comes from the brain and goes to the paper, and the computer, and the art supplies, and the willing ear of anyone who will listen!
(Where it comes from in the first place is literally everywhere, like a kid with their first camera, taking snapshots of everything.)
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liesonthefloordramatically · 5 months ago
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Obligatory roundup of tabletop characters I played this year:
Vyv (they/them), a cleric of The Twins in yumgeon (a homebrew Dungeon Meshi-inspired campaign)
Amber (she/her), The Old Soul in a game of Wickedness
Endurance Perez (she/her), a Teamster pilot in Mothership
Not pictured:
Poggs "The Slammer" Mulroney (they/them) in Doing the Job
(Links to icon makers: one, two, and three.)
#Amber had ghost magic :) and was menaced by deja vu and false memories. great things for a divination specialist to experience#she made a series of increasingly augh choices including assassinating a couple of people so she could utilize their ghosts#and becoming the court magician for Imperator Bloodchoke (who was actually a pretty cool guy)#she was also the only coven member who wasn't part of the polycule with Sexy Josh#our Wild Spirit DID wind up being corrupted by the Underworld and Amber fell into a perpetual dream coma trying to find a way to save her#Poggs was a pro wrestler with a pog-related gimmick#wherein they slammed their opponents into (extremely expensive second-hand) pogs#they were also living in a friend's car and were absolutely certain that they could be impressive enough at this tournament#to have their big break (and of course win the affection of their mentor and crush Big Daddy Longlegs)#they did in fact get their big break BUT AT WHAT COST#they got bitten by another wrestler and had to go to the hospital immediately after the tournament sljfdlkaufdoiau#somehow despite the living in a car and the romantic drama and the second-hand pogs they were probably the least messy wrestler#they weren't involved in the mistaken identity love triangle involving World of Warcraft#and ALSO weren't a trust fund baby who was obsessed with the idea that being poor made you a better wrestler#(although they did get their pog collection from that guy)#(Riggs Radwolf you will always be famous)#Endurance and Vyv are both in ongoing campaigns so harder to talk about them#Endurance so far has mostly managed to avoid shredding our spaceship in a cloaked debris field#and is currently exploring a deserted space station while trying to keep anyone else from realizing that she's panicking#(because secret reasons)#Vyv. Vyv my beloved. Vyv has so many problems. just an unbelievable number of problems.#they have a -1 to charisma and the dice are bearing out their complete inability to interact with other people normally#they also are incapable of stealth ever#they also do not have a weapon and only sort of understand how their own magic works#they are a cleric to two deities who do not like each other and also have been leaving them on read for like 5+ sessions#but don't worry! the morally questionable wizard grad student in the party thinks that Vyv's magic can be used to break wizard magic rules#and Vyv trust him implicitly :) surely he is not planning anything morally questionable! :)#anyway Vyv rolled too high on an intelligence check last session and threw up which really is the way of things#Queenie actually says something on this blog#LARP is just pedagogy for nerds
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jupiterpilgrim · 2 months ago
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Personal Touch
word count: 11K
Park Jihyo x male reader
commissioned fic
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You’re watching Jihyo from across the gym, her ponytail swinging as she fumbles her way through another set on the leg press. She’s got those tight black leggings on, the kind that hug every curve, and a cropped tank top that’s already clinging to her skin with a thin sheen of sweat. She’s been at it for, what, twenty minutes now? Maybe thirty? And it’s painfully clear she doesn’t have a damn clue what she’s doing. The weights clank awkwardly as she pushes them up, her form all over the place—knees wobbling, back arched in a way that’s gonna leave her sore as hell tomorrow. She lets out a frustrated little huff, loud enough for you to hear over the thumping bass of the gym’s playlist, and it’s almost cute how pissed she looks.
She’s only been coming here for a couple weeks, ever since her dance trainer—some tough professional with years of career in the industry—told her she needed to build stamina if she was gonna nail the choreography for her group’s next comeback. Jihyo’s not a quitter, you can tell that much. She’s got this stubborn streak, this fire in her eyes that flares up every time she stumbles and gets back at it anyway. But stubborn doesn’t mean she knows jack about working out. The first time you saw her, she was trying to figure out the rowing machine like it was some alien spaceship, yanking the handle all wrong and nearly toppling off the seat. She laughed it off then, but now? Now she just looks defeated, slumped against the leg press, staring at the ceiling like it’s personally betrayed her.
You’ve been keeping an eye on her—not in a creepy way, just the usual scan you do as a trainer, clocking who’s new, who’s struggling, who’s about to fuck up their spine. She’s definitely in the last category. You’ve seen her type before: idols, dancers, people who think their bodies can just magically adapt to anything because they’re used to grinding out rehearsals. But gym shit? That’s a whole different beast, and Jihyo’s floundering.
She catches you looking—those big, dark eyes locking onto yours for a split second—and her lips twist into this sheepish little grimace, like she knows she’s a mess and hates that you’ve noticed. Then she’s back at it, pushing the weights again, grunting through clenched teeth. Nope, still wrong. Her knees are caving in now, and you’re half a second from walking over there just to save her from herself when she finally throws her hands up and flops back, muttering something, probably a curse, under her breath. She’s got a mouth on her when she’s mad—you’ve heard her drop a few “fuck this” bombs already during her solo sessions.
That’s when she drags herself off the machine, grabs her water bottle, and stomps over to the front desk. You’re wiping down a bench nearby, close enough to catch the tail end of her conversation with the gym manager, a chill dude who’s always got a protein shake in hand. “I need help,” she says, voice low, like she’s admitting defeat but still pissed about it. “I don’t know what I’m doing, and I’m gonna break something if I keep going like this. You got anyone good?”
He glances over at you, smirking like he’s been waiting for this. “Best we’ve got is right there,” he says, jerking his chin your way. “He’ll sort you out.”
Jihyo turns, and you’re already standing there, towel slung over your shoulder, giving her a casual nod. Up close, she’s even prettier than you thought—flushed cheeks, a little mole on her forehead, lips glossy from whatever balm she’s got on. She smells like vanilla and sweat, and it’s doing something to your pulse that you shove down quick.
Professional, man. Keep it professional.
“You’re the trainer?” she asks, sizing you up. There’s this flicker in her eyes—surprise, maybe something else—but she covers it fast, crossing her arms like she’s daring you to prove you’re worth her time.
“Yeah,” you say before telling her your name. “I’ve seen you around. You’re working hard, but, uh… you’re gonna snap something if you keep going like that.”
She snorts, but there’s a tiny smirk tugging at her mouth. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm having trouble with my dance trainer—she’s been riding my ass about stamina. Said I need to stop gassing out halfway through practice. So here I am.”
“Here you are,” you echo, grinning a little. “Look, I can help. We’ll figure out what you need—strength, endurance, whatever—and I’ll make sure you don’t kill yourself doing it. Sound good?”
She hesitates, chewing her lip, then nods. “Fine. But don’t go easy on me just ‘cause I suck at this. I can handle it.”
You laugh—can’t help it. She’s got guts, you’ll give her that. “Oh, I won’t. You’ll hate me by the end of the week.”
“Good,” she fires back, and there’s this spark between you, sharp and electric, gone as quick as it came. She tosses her water bottle into her bag and slings it over her shoulder. “When do we start?”
“Tomorrow,” you say, already mapping out a plan in your head. “Come ready to sweat.”
She gives you one last look—half challenge, half something you can’t quite read—then heads for the door, her hips swaying just enough to make you wonder if she knows you’re still watching. You shake it off, grab the disinfectant spray, and get back to work. Tomorrow’s gonna be interesting.
The gym’s buzzing when Jihyo rolls in the next day, a little after noon. The second she steps through the door, your eyes snag on her. She’s got this energy today—bouncy, almost eager—like she’s actually hyped to be here. Her outfit’s a knockout: sleek gray leggings that cling to her thighs like a second skin, a neon pink sports bra peeking out from under a loose black tank that’s cropped just high enough to flash a sliver of toned stomach when she moves. It’s not like she’s trying to show off, but damn, she doesn’t have to try. The way the fabric stretches over her hips, the subtle flex of her calves as she shifts her weight—it’s distracting as hell. You catch yourself staring a beat too long and snap your focus back to the clipboard in your hand, scribbling some bullshit note about reps to look busy.
“Hey,” she says, striding up to you with this easy grin. “Ready to kick my ass?”
“Born ready,” you shoot back, matching her vibe. “You look like you’re in a good mood. Sleep well or something?”
She shrugs, tossing her gym bag down by the mats. “Guess I’m just tired of sucking at this. Figured I’d at least try to keep up with you today.”
You smirk, setting the clipboard aside. “Big talk. Let’s see if you can back it up. We’re focusing on stamina—low weight, high reps, keep you moving. Think you can handle it?”
“Psh, bring it on,” she says, cracking her knuckles like she’s about to step into a fight. It’s cute, honestly, how she’s hyping herself up.
You start her off easy—bodyweight squats, just to get her warmed up. She’s got decent form here, knees tracking over her toes, but her pace is all over the place, rushing through the first set like she’s racing the clock. “Slow it down,” you call out, circling around her. “Controlled, not sloppy. Feel it in your legs, not your ego.”
She rolls her eyes but adjusts, sinking into the next squat with a little more focus. You nod, satisfied, and move her to lunges. That’s where shit starts going sideways. Her back leg wobbles like a newborn foal, and she’s tilting forward so far she’s damn near kissing the floor. You stifle a laugh—she’s trying, you’ll give her that—but this is a mess.
“Hold up,” you say, stepping in. “You’re gonna faceplant if you keep that up. Here—” You move closer, close enough to catch the faint whiff of her shampoo, something sweet like coconut. “Back straight, chest up. Step forward, not down.”
She freezes mid-lunge, frowning. “What’s the difference?”
“Everything,” you say, and before you can overthink it, you’re right behind her, hands hovering near her hips. “Can I?” She nods, quick and sharp, and you settle your palms lightly on her waist, guiding her into the next step. Her body’s warm under your touch, solid but soft in all the right places, and you’re hyper-aware of how close you are—close enough to feel her shift her weight, to see the tiny goosebumps prickling up her arms. You nudge her forward, keeping her posture steady, and she follows your lead, sinking into a shaky but passable lunge.
“Better,” you murmur, stepping back before it gets weird. “Keep that up.”
She glances over her shoulder at you, smirking. “Bossy.”
“Part of the job,” you fire back, keeping your tone light. Professional. Always professional.
Next up’s the plank, and holy shit, it’s worse. She drops into it like she’s seen it on Instagram but never actually tried it—elbows wobbling, hips jacked up to the ceiling, looking more like a tent than a straight line.
You can’t help it; you snort.
“What?!” she snaps, glaring up at you, her face already pink from effort.
“You’re, uh… architecturally challenged,” you say, crouching down beside her. “Hips down, core tight. You’re not trying to moon me here.”
She mutters something—probably “asshole”—but lowers her hips, trembling as she holds it. Still not great. You sigh and slide a hand under her stomach, just enough to press up gently, showing her where her core should kick in. Her tank rides up a little, and you catch a glimpse of smooth skin, the dip of her waist. And then there’s her chest—fuck, it’s impossible not to notice now, the way her sports bra strains against her, the swell of her breasts right there as she shifts to adjust. You yank your eyes away fast, focusing on her shaky arms instead. Keep it together, man.
“Feel that?” you say, voice steady despite the heat creeping up your neck. “That’s where you brace. Hold it there.”
She grunts, nodding, and you pull back, letting her struggle through it. She lasts maybe ten seconds before collapsing onto the mat, laughing through a groan. “I’m so bad at this.”
“You’re not bad,” you lie, grinning. “Just… unpolished. We’ll get you there.”
The session rolls on like that—you calling out reps, her fumbling but pushing through, and you stepping in closer each time her form goes to shit. By the time you’ve got her on the rower, she’s panting, sweat dripping down her neck, soaking into the collar of her tank. You kneel beside her, one hand on her back, the other adjusting her grip on the handle. “Smooth pulls,” you say, your fingers brushing her spine as you straighten her out. “Don’t hunch—use your legs.”
She’s so close now, her breath hitching slightly as she follows your rhythm. You can feel the heat radiating off her, the flex of muscle under your palm. Her eyes flick to yours for a second—just a flash—and there’s something in them, a spark that’s not about the workout. But you let it go, keep your face neutral, and step back once she’s got it.
“See?” you say, wiping your hands on your shorts. “Not hopeless.”
She laughs, slumping over the rower, chest heaving. “Yeah, well, you’re doing all the work here. I’m just trying not to die.”
You grin, tossing her a towel. “You’re tougher than you look. We’ll keep at it tomorrow.”
She wipes her face, peeking at you over the edge of the towel, and there’s that look again—quick, sharp, gone before you can catch it. “Tomorrow, then,” she says, and heads for the locker room, leaving you wondering if you’re imagining the extra sway in her step.
Weeks slip by, and the gym becomes your little world with Jihyo. Same time, same routine—her showing up in those killer outfits, you barking orders, her swearing under her breath but pushing through. You’re hands-on, always right there fixing her stance, guiding her hips, pressing her shoulders back. Each session’s a dance of its own, her body brushing against yours just enough to make your pulse jump, but you keep it locked down.
Professional. You’re good at that.
Thing is, you’re not just spotting her anymore. Between sets, you’re talking—real shit, not just gym banter. She’s sprawled on the mat one day, catching her breath, and you ask, “So, what’s it like being up there? All those lights, screaming fans?” She laughs, this low, throaty sound, and spills about the chaos of it all—late nights, jet lag, the adrenaline high that crashes hard. You fire back with your own stories, nothing glamorous, just dumb stuff like the time you nearly dropped a dumbbell on your foot first day on the job. She snorts, calls you a klutz, and it’s easy like that.
Then it shifts. She starts digging too—casual at first. “You got a girlfriend stashed somewhere?” she asks one day, mid-squat, smirking up at you. You dodge it with a grin, “Nah, too busy fixing your form.” She lets it slide, but the questions keep coming. What’s your type? Ever dated someone famous? You toss it back—ask her about the wildest afterparty she’s been to, if she’s ever hooked up with a backup dancer. She winks, says, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” and you’re both laughing, but there’s this undercurrent now, something simmering.
The flirting creeps in slow. She’ll flex a little longer than necessary when you’re watching, catch your eye and hold it a beat too long. One day she shows up in this deep blue sports bra, all plunging lines and tight seams, and asks, “This look okay? Not too much?” You choke on your water, manage a “Looks fine,” but your throat’s dry as hell because it’s not fine—it’s fucking incredible. She clocks it, smirks, and goes about her workout like she didn’t just set your brain on fire.
It’s a Thursday when she drops the bomb. You’re wrapping up, wiping down the bench, when she leans against it, all casual. “Hey, wanna grab a drink tonight? Nothing big, just… unwind.” Her voice is light, but her eyes are steady, locked on yours. You freeze for a second—Jihyo, the Jihyo, K-pop royalty, asking you out? No way you’re saying no. “Yeah, sure,” you say, playing it cool. “Where?”
“My place,” she says, like it’s no big deal. “Less chance of someone snapping a pic. Eight work for you?” You nod, and she’s gone with a little wave, leaving you standing there, half-dazed.
Eight rolls around, and you’re at her door—some swanky high-rise with a view of the city skyline that’d make anyone jealous. She opens it in this oversized tee and shorts, barefoot, hair loose, looking like a goddess who doesn’t even have to try. “Hey, come in,” she says, and you follow her to this plush couch, a bottle of soju and two glasses already on the table. You’re sipping, talking, and it’s easy again—laughing about her tripping over a cable at practice, you admitting you once flexed too hard in the mirror and pulled something. Then she’s leaning in, her hand brushing your arm, and the air shifts.
Next thing you know, she’s kissing you—soft at first, testing, then deeper, hungrier. You’re kissing her back, hands sliding up her back, pulling her closer. She tastes like soju and something sweeter, and when she straddles your lap, her tee rides up, showing off that perfect waist. “Been wanting this,” she murmurs against your mouth, and you’re gone—brain short-circuiting as you tug the shirt over her head, revealing smooth skin and a black bra that’s barely containing her.
You’re at it for hours—her place, yours, doesn’t matter. She’s a fucking dream in bed, all confidence and heat. The way she moves, fluid and sure, like she’s still got that dancer’s rhythm even when she’s riding you, head thrown back, moaning your name. Her body’s unreal—curves that fit your hands like they were made for you, skin so soft it’s criminal. She’s loud too, doesn’t hold back, gasping and cursing in this raw, desperate way that drives you wild. You’re matching her, gripping her hips, thrusting up hard, both of you chasing that high. It’s messy, sweaty, perfect—her nails digging into your shoulders, your teeth grazing her neck, the couch creaking under you.
After, she’s sprawled across your chest, panting, grinning like she’s won something. “We’re keeping this quiet, yeah?” she says, tracing lazy circles on your skin. You nod, still catching your breath. “Yeah, secret’s safe.”
And it is—for weeks, you’re sneaking around, hooking up whenever you can. Her place after a late-night workout, your apartment when her schedule’s clear. She’s insatiable, pulling you into her orbit again and again. Every time, she’s flawless—arching against you, whispering filthy shit in your ear, unraveling in ways that make you want to worship her. You’re addicted, and she knows it, playing you with those sly smiles and teasing touches. It’s your little world, hidden from everyone, and fuck if it isn’t the best thing you’ve ever had.
It’s been weeks since you’ve had Jihyo to yourself—her schedule’s been a nightmare, all rehearsals and promo bullshit, leaving you both stuck with quick texts and the occasional late-night call where her voice is all raspy and tired but still manages to get you hard. You’ve been pent up, restless, scrolling through old pics she’s sent—her in that tiny red dress, or that one mirror selfie with nothing but a towel—and it’s been hell. Today, though, she’s finally here, strutting into the gym like she owns it.
The first thing Jihyo does is head straight to the hallway to store her bag in one of the lockers where the showers are. She’s in this black two-piece set—sports bra tight enough to make you dizzy, leggings that hug her ass so perfectly it’s obscene. Her hair’s up in a messy bun, a few strands sticking to her neck, and she’s got this glint in her eye, like she knows exactly what she’s doing to you. You’re behind the counter when she walks up, leaning over it just enough to give you a peek down her top. “Miss me?” she says, voice low, lips curling into this wicked little smile.
“More than you know,” you mutter, gripping the edge of the counter to keep your hands off her right there. She laughs, soft and teasing, and you’re already counting the seconds until you can get her alone.
The workout starts normal enough—stretches, some light cardio, you playing it cool while she bounces on the treadmill, every step making her chest jiggle in ways that should be illegal. But she’s not letting it stay normal. She’s brushing past you too close when she grabs her water, her hip grazing your crotch just long enough to make you twitch. Then it’s the squats—she’s facing you, sinking low, holding your gaze like she’s daring you to break. “How’s my form?” she asks, all innocent, but her tongue flicks over her bottom lip, and you know she’s fucking with you.
“Good,” you manage, voice tight. “Real good.” She smirks, turns around, and bends just a little deeper, ass popping out like a neon sign screaming touch me. You’re horny as hell, and she’s matching it—every move she makes is deliberate, dripping with intent.
By the time you’ve got her on the leg press, you’re done playing. She’s pushing the weight up, thighs flexing, grunting these tiny, breathy sounds that shoot straight to your dick. You step in close—closer than you need to—hands on her knees, adjusting her angle. “Keep ‘em steady,” you say, but your fingers linger, sliding up her thighs a fraction, and she doesn’t push you away. Instead, she tilts her head, locks eyes with you, and lets out this slow, “You gonna keep teasing, or do something about it?”
That’s it. The gym’s quiet—late at night, hardly anyone around—and you’re buzzing with this reckless, aching need. “Fuck it,” you say, voice low. “There’s a spot out back—employee storage room. No one’s in there. Wanna sneak off?” Her eyes light up, pupils blown wide, and she’s off the machine in a heartbeat, wiping sweat off her forehead with this sly, “Lead the way.”
You’re quick about it—grabbing her wrist, weaving through the gym like you’re just showing her something routine. Past the lockers, down the hall, your heart’s hammering because this is dumb as hell, but the thrill’s got you stupid. The storage room’s tucked behind a staff-only sign, all dim lights and stacked equipment—mats, spare weights, a busted rowing machine in the corner. You shove the door open, pull her in, and lock it behind you, the click loud in the quiet.
She’s on you before you can even turn around—hands fisting your shirt, yanking you into a kiss that’s all teeth and heat. “Been thinking about this all day,” she breathes against your mouth, already tugging at your waistband. You groan, shoving her back against a stack of mats, her gasp sharp and dirty as you grind against her. Her leggings are peeled down fast—your fingers hook in, dragging them past her knees, and she’s kicking them off, desperate, the sneakers getting in the way, while you shove your shorts down just enough.
She’s soaked—you can feel it when your hand slips between her thighs, rubbing her through her panties before you push them aside. “Fuck, you’re wet,” you mutter, and she just moans, loud and shameless, arching into your touch. Then you turn her around and push her against the mats, leaving Jihyo with her back to you. You line up, push in slow at first, watching her face—eyes fluttering shut, lips parting with this soft, “Oh shit,” that makes your blood roar.
Then it’s on.
You’re fucking Jihyo from behind, her ass bouncing against your hips with every thrust, and she’s loud as hell—moaning like she’s trying to wake up the whole damn building. “Fuck, I missed this cock so much,” she gasps out, voice all shaky and wrecked, her hands braced against the stack of mats like they’re the only thing keeping her upright. You grin, gripping her hips tighter, feeling her clench around you. “Yeah? Well, I missed this pussy—been driving me fucking crazy thinking about it,” you growl back, picking up the pace just to hear her whimper.
Her top’s still clinging to her, soaked with sweat, and you can’t resist anymore. You reach around, yank it up over her chest, and those heavy, perfect tits spill out, jiggling with every slap of your hips. “Shit, missed these too,” you say, half-laughing, reaching down to grab a handful, squeezing just hard enough to make her groan. They’re soft, warm, and you’re losing your damn mind over how good she feels, inside and out.
You’re both going at it hard, the storage room echoing with the wet smack of skin and her breathy little curses, but it’s cramped as fuck against the mats. “Hold up,” you pant, slowing down, “we gotta get more comfortable or I’m gonna bust something.” You pull out—her little whine at the loss almost kills you—and spin around, snagging one of the thick gym mats from the pile. You toss it down with a slap on the concrete floor, kicking some random crap out of the way. Jihyo doesn’t waste a second—she’s on her back in a flash, taking off her panties and the top, legs now spread, looking up at you with those dark, needy eyes, chest still heaving.
You drop down over her, crashing your mouth against hers, kissing her sloppy and deep, tongues tangling like you’re starving for it. Her hands are all over you—nails digging into your shoulders, tugging at your hair—while you grind against her, letting her feel how hard you still are. You break the kiss, smirking, sliding down just enough to get between her thighs again. She’s soaked, glistening, and you’re lining up, ready to sink back in, when something shifts behind you—like a shadow or a vibe you can’t ignore.
Jihyo gasps, loud and sharp, and scrambles to cover her tits with her arms, eyes wide as saucers. You whip your head around, heart jumping into your throat, and there they are—your two buddies, Jihoon and Minho, standing in the doorway like they just walked into a goddamn porno. “What the fuck?!” you yelp, adrenaline spiking, dick still out and everything. You’re half-expecting a fistfight or some shit, but Jihoon’s holding up his hands, all chill, while Minho’s grinning like an idiot.
“Relax, man,” Jihoon says, voice low like he’s trying not to spook you. “We’re not here to fuck you up.”
“How the hell’d you get in here?” you snap, pulling your shorts up just enough to not feel totally exposed. Jihyo’s still curled up, clutching her chest, looking mortified.
Minho jingles a key between his fingers, smirking. “Spare, dude. Perks of being on shift rotation.”
“And, uh,” Jihoon cuts in, scratching the back of his neck, “we saw you two on the security cam. Figured you’d want a heads-up before the boss checks the tapes and you’re toast.”
You blink, brain catching up. “Wait, there’s a fucking camera in here? Since when?”
“Last week,” Minho says, shrugging. “You were off that day. They put it in ‘cause some asshole kept swiping protein bars from the stash. Didn’t think you’d be the first one caught with your pants down.”
Jihyo’s face goes pale, and she sits up, tugging her top back down over her tits. “Oh my God, the footage—if that gets out, my career’s fucking done. Dispatch’ll have my head, the fans’ll riot—”
“Whoa, whoa,” Jihoon interrupts, stepping closer. “Chill, princess. We’ve got access to the system. We’ll wipe it clean, no trace. You’re safe.”
She exhales hard, shoulders slumping, and mutters a shaky, “Thanks, you guys. Seriously.”
You’re still processing, adrenaline fading into this weird mix of relief and horniness that hasn’t fully died down. You glance at them, then at Jihyo sprawled on the mat, and back to them. “Alright, well, since you’re here… might as well let us finish what we started, yeah?”
Minho’s eyebrows shoot up, and Jihoon lets out a low whistle. “Dude, you’re still good to go after that? Balls of steel.”
You shrug, smirking despite the chaos. “Caught red-handed already—what’s the difference now? She’s hot, I’m hard, let’s roll.”
That’s when Jihyo’s eyes flick over to Minho, lingering on the obvious bulge straining against his gym shorts. She tilts her head, lips curling into something mischievous. “Wait a sec—were you two getting off on the show back there?”
Minho freezes, face going red, but Jihoon just laughs, scratching his jaw. “I mean… you’re fuckin’ hot, Jihyo. Hard not to notice.”
She looks at you, that spark back in her eyes, and you’re not sure what’s coming next until she says, “Well, where are your manners, babe? Why don’t you invite your friends to join us?”
You choke on your own spit, head snapping to her. “You’re serious?”
She leans back on her elbows, smirking like she’s got all the power in the room—and fuck, maybe she does. “Yeah, why not? They’re hot. You’re hot. I’m down if they are.”
Your brain’s short-circuiting, but you turn to Jihoon and Minho, who are staring at each other like they just won the lottery and don’t know how to cash the ticket. “Uh… you guys in?”
Jihoon’s grin spreads slow and wide. “Hell yeah, man.”
Minho nods fast, already tugging at his shirt. “Fuck it, let’s do this.”
Jihyo laughs. “Alright, boys, strip down and get over here. We’ve got some catching up to do.”
Jihoon and Minho step up, peeling off their shirts and shorts like they’re racing each other, tossing the sweaty gym gear into a pile by the busted rowing machine. You’re still on the mat, Jihyo sprawled beside you, and you’re all just staring for a second.
“Alright, so… how’s this gonna go down?” you ask, voice rough, trying to wrap your head around the fact this is actually happening. Your dick’s still throbbing, aching to get back inside her, but now there’s two extra players in the game.
Jihyo sits up, grinning like she’s already got it all figured out. “We’re switching it up. You’re on the bottom, babe, lie back. I’m riding you, but I’m gonna stick my ass out for these guys.” She pauses, catching Jihoon’s eye. “Never taken it in the ass before, though, so let’s start slow. Fingers first, yeah?”
Jihoon nods, licking his lips like he’s been handed a winning ticket. “Fuck yeah, I’ve got you. We’ll ease into it.”
You finally get rid of your shorts and Minho’s already shuffling forward, positioning himself in front of Jihyo, his cock bobbing heavy and thick right at her eye level. She doesn’t hesitate—wraps her fingers around it, light but firm, giving it a slow stroke that makes him groan low in his throat. “Damn, Minho,” she purrs, voice all husky and teasing, “this is a nice fucking cock. Thick, too—gonna feel so good in my mouth.”
You’re flat on your back now, the mat cool against your skin, and Jihyo swings a leg over you, straddling your hips. Her pussy’s still slick, dripping from earlier, and she lines herself up, sinking down onto your cock with this slow, deliberate roll of her hips that makes you curse under your breath. “Fuck, you’re so tight,” you mutter, hands clamping onto her thighs as she settles, her weight pressing you deeper inside her.
She leans forward just enough to stick her ass out, cheeks round and perfect, wiggling it a little like she’s daring Jihoon to make his move. He doesn’t fuck around—steps up behind her, hands spreading her ass wide, thumbs digging into the soft flesh. “Goddamn, look at this,” he says, voice low and gravelly, before he spits right on her hole, a thick glob that glistens in the dim light. Jihyo shivers, a little “mmh” slipping out as he rubs it in with his thumb, circling her tight entrance, teasing it open slow.
“Feel good?” Jihoon asks, smirking, and she nods, biting her lip hard.
“Yeah, keep going,” she breathes, already rocking on you a little, her pussy clenching around your dick like a vise.
Up front, Minho’s got his hands in her hair, guiding her down as she parts her lips and takes him in. She starts slow, tongue flicking over the tip, tasting him, before sliding deeper, hollowing her cheeks as she sucks. Minho groans loud, head tipping back. “Holy shit, Jihyo—fuck, that mouth.”
You’re thrusting up into her now, matching her rhythm, the wet slap of your hips against hers filling the room. She’s moaning around Minho’s cock, muffled and sloppy, spit dripping down her chin as she bobs her head. Jihoon’s working her ass with one finger now, pushing past the tight ring slow and careful, and you can feel her tense up, her pussy gripping you even harder. “Relax,” Jihoon murmurs, free hand rubbing her lower back, “I’ve got you, just breathe.”
She does, exhaling shakily through her nose, and you can tell she’s getting into it—her hips start moving faster, grinding down on you while Jihoon adds a second finger, stretching her out. “Fuck, that’s tight,” he grunts, scissoring his fingers a little, and Jihyo pulls off Minho for a second, gasping.
“Shit, Jihoon—feels weird but good,” she pants, before diving back onto Minho, sucking harder like she’s channeling it all into him.
You’re losing your mind under her, the heat of her pussy, the way she’s bouncing on you, tits swaying with every thrust. You slide your hands up, cupping them, thumbs flicking over her nipples—hard and pebbled—and she moans louder around Minho, the sound vibrating through him till he’s gripping her hair tighter, fucking her mouth shallow and quick.
Jihoon’s got a rhythm going now, fingers pumping steady, and Jihyo’s ass is loosening up, taking it like she’s been waiting for this. “Ready for more?” he asks, voice rough, and she pulls off Minho again, nodding fast, spit stringing from her lips to his cock.
“Yeah, keep going—want it,” she says, all breathy and wrecked, before swallowing Minho down again, deeper this time, gagging a little but not stopping.
Finally, he pulls his fingers out, and Jihyo lets out this shaky, needy sound around Minho’s dick that makes your pulse jump. Jihoon spits into his palm, a thick wad, and slicks it over his cock—already hard as steel, veins bulging, tip flushed dark. He spits again, right onto her gaping hole, watching it clench and unclench like it’s begging for him. “Alright, baby,” he says, low and gritty, “time to open you up for real.”
He lines up, pressing the head against her ass, and even with all the prep, it’s a fucking fight—her rim’s so tight it barely budges. Jihyo tenses, pulling off Minho with a wet pop, gasping, “Slow, slow—fuck, go slow.” Jihoon nods, one hand gripping her hip, the other guiding his dick, and he pushes—just the tip at first, breaching her with this agonizing, deliberate pressure. She yelps, sharp and raw, her whole body locking up, and you feel it—her pussy clamps down on you like a vise, making you hiss through your teeth.
“Relax, Ji,” you murmur, sliding your hands up her sides, thumbs brushing the undersides of her tits, trying to ground her. “You’ve got this.”
She nods, quick and jerky, sucking in a breath as Jihoon inches deeper, his cock disappearing bit by bit into her ass. “Holy shit,” he groans, head tipping back, sweat beading on his forehead. “Like a fuckin’ vice grip—Jesus.” He’s going slow like she asked, but you can see the strain in his jaw, the way his fingers dig into her flesh—he’s dying to just ram it home.
Jihyo’s got her eyes squeezed shut, lips parted, panting hard as her body adjusts. You start moving again, shallow thrusts up into her pussy, keeping her full from below while Jihoon works her from behind. Minho’s not waiting around—he taps his cock against her cheek, smearing pre-cum and spit across her skin. “Open up, gorgeous,” he says, and she does, tongue flicking out to taste him before he slides back in, filling her mouth again.
Now she’s stuffed—all three holes, proper fucked like some kind of porn fantasy come to life. You’re pounding up into her pussy, feeling the heat of her walls ripple every time Jihoon shifts in her ass. It’s a tight fit—too tight, almost—like her body’s not sure it can handle this much, but she’s taking it anyway, rocking between you, her moans turning into these desperate, throaty cries that Minho’s dick only half-smothers.
Jihoon’s picking up the pace now, still careful but deeper, his balls brushing your thighs as he sinks halfway into her ass. “Fuck, she’s loosening up,” he grunts, spitting again where they’re joined, making it slicker. You can see it—his cock stretching her rim, the skin pulled taut, pink and shiny with spit and friction. Jihyo’s trembling, her tits bouncing with every thrust, nipples hard and dark, begging to be touched. You grab one, pinching it between your fingers, and she arches, a high whine breaking free around Minho’s shaft.
And he is losing his damn mind up there—his hips twitch, fucking her face in short, sloppy thrusts, his cockhead hitting the back of her throat till she’s gagging, tears prickling her eyes. “Goddamn, this mouth—fuck, Jihyo, you’re killing me,” he rasps, pulling out just long enough to let her cough, spit stringing from her lips to his tip, before he’s back in, chasing that wet heat.
You’re synced up now, you and Jihoon—when he pushes in, you pull back, then switch, keeping her full, keeping her guessing. Her pussy’s dripping, soaking your hips, the mat, everything—slick and hot, squelching loud with every thrust. You can feel Jihoon through the thin wall between you, his cock rubbing against yours inside her, and it’s fucking wild—intense, dirty, like you’re sharing her in ways you never imagined.
Jihyo pulls off Minho again, gasping for air, her face a mess—cheeks flushed, mascara smudged, spit glistening on her chin. “Oh my God—fuck, you guys—it’s so much,” she chokes out, voice hoarse but dripping with lust. She’s shaking, thighs quivering, but she doesn’t tell you to stop—just leans forward, kissing you hard, all teeth and tongue, while Jihoon keeps grinding into her ass.
“Too much?” you ask against her mouth, smirking, thrusting harder to test her.
“No,” she fires back, fierce, nipping your lip. “More—fucking give me more.”
Jihoon laughs, low and dark, smacking her ass lightly—red blooms under his palm, and she yelps, clenching around you both. “Greedy little thing,” he says, then slides deeper, almost all the way in now, his hips flush against her. She screams, muffled quick as Minho shoves his cock back in her mouth, holding her head steady while he fucks her throat.
The room’s a furnace—sweat’s dripping off you, off her, off them, the mat slick under your back. Your hands roam her body—tits, hips, the soft curve of her belly—feeling every shudder, every tense. Her ass is bouncing now, Jihoon’s fully in, his thrusts long and slow, stretching her out while you hammer up into her pussy, fast and rough.
You’re all going at Jihyo like she’s some kind of dirty dream come to life, this K-pop diva turned full-on slut in your hands. She’s moaning like a goddamn porn star, muffled around Minho’s shaft, her tits bouncing wild with every thrust, nipples brushing your chest as she rocks between you. Jihoon’s got her ass in a death grip, slamming in deep, his hips smacking her cheeks so hard the sound bounces off the cinderblock walls. “Fuck, this tight little hole—Park Jihyo, man, who’d have thought?” he pants, voice all gravel and awe, like he’s still processing that he’s balls-deep in a K-pop goddess. His thrusts are steady, relentless, splitting her open while you pound up into her pussy, feeling her walls flutter and squeeze like she’s trying to crush you. Minho’s up front, one hand tangled in her messy bun, the other braced against the stack of mats as he fucks her face, spit bubbling at the corners of her mouth, her eyes watering.
“Bro, this is insane,” Minho grunts, pulling out just enough to let her gasp, her lips swollen and glossy, before sliding back in. “Fucking Jihyo—Twice’s Jihyo—like she’s some cheap whore. I’ve been stanning her since ‘Cheer Up,’ and now she’s gagging on my dick.”
You smirk, hands digging into her hips as you thrust harder, making her whole body jolt. “Yeah, well, I’ve been hitting this for weeks, dude. Secret’s been worth it—her pussy’s fucking unreal.”
Jihoon laughs, a dark, filthy sound, smacking her ass again—red handprints layering over her skin. “You lucky bastard! Keeping this goddess under wraps? I’d have been bragging day one.”
Jihyo pulls off Minho with a wet pop, coughing, voice hoarse but dripping with sass. “Keep talking like I’m not here, assholes—I’m the one taking all your cocks.” She grins, then dives back onto Minho, sucking him down like she’s proving a point. You feel her clench around you, loving the dirty praise, the way you’re all losing your minds over her.
“Let’s switch it up,” you say, voice rough, pulling out of her pussy with a slick, obscene sound that makes her whimper. “New holes, new vibes—let’s keep this shit fresh.”
She nods, eager, wiping spit off her chin as you all shuffle around on the mat. You lie back, pulling her on top of you again, but this time you’re aiming for her ass—Jihoon’s already stretched it good, and you want in. She straddles you reverse, facing Minho, her ass hovering over your cock as you spit on your hand, slicking yourself up. Jihoon steps up front, claiming her pussy, while Minho stands close to her face, ready to stuff her mouth again.
You grip her cheeks, spreading them wide, and guide her down slow—her ass is still tight as fuck, even after Jihoon’s work, and the way it grips you as you sink in has your head spinning. “Holy shit, Ji,” you groan, watching her rim stretch around you, pink and shiny, “this ass is something else.” She hisses at the burn, but keeps going, sinking lower till you’re buried to the hilt, her body shaking against you.
Jihoon’s already sliding into her pussy, his cock pushing through her soaked folds, and she moans loud, head tipping back. “Fuck—two at once again, you guys don’t play,” she gasps, voice cracking as Jihoon starts thrusting, shallow and fast, stretching her cunt while you rock up into her ass, slow and deep to counter him. Minho grabs her jaw, tilting her head forward, and she opens wide, letting him fill her mouth again, his tip hitting her throat with a wet gurgle.
Now it’s a whole new beast—her ass is tighter than her pussy, hotter, the pressure unreal as you fuck up into it, feeling Jihoon’s cock rubbing through the thin wall separating you. He’s grunting with every thrust, her pussy dripping down his balls, smearing onto your thighs. “Man, this angle—her cunt’s hugging me so damn good,” he mutters, eyes locked on where he’s disappearing inside her, her lips puffy and slick around him.
Minho’s got her face in a vice, hips snapping forward, his cock sliding past her tonsils till she’s drooling all over him, spit dripping down her chest, coating her tits in this glossy mess. “Look at her, dude,” he says, voice shaky with lust, “fucking Park Jihyo—queen of K-pop—taking it like a street girl. I’ve jerked off to her fancams a hundred times, and now I’m wrecking her throat.”
You thrust harder, making her bounce, her ass cheeks jiggling against your hips. “Yeah, and I’ve been railing her on the DL this whole time,” you fire back, smirking. “You don’t even know—her stamina’s insane. She’s a freak behind closed doors.”
Jihyo pulls off Minho, laughing through a moan. “You’re all obsessed—fuck, keep going, don’t stop.” She dives back onto him, sucking harder, her tongue swirling around his shaft like she’s starving for it. Her ass clenches around you, tighter every time Jihoon slams into her pussy, and you can feel every twitch, every pulse.
The new position’s got her body on full display—tits swaying, sweat streaking down her spine, her thighs flexing as she balances on you. You grab her hips, guiding her up and down your cock, loving the way her ass swallows you whole, the slide slick and hot. Jihoon’s hands are all over her front, pinching her nipples, making her yelp into Minho’s crotch, her cries vibrating through him till he’s gripping her hair tighter, fucking her face with zero restraint.
“Shit, this is a fucking masterclass,” Jihoon says, voice low, almost reverent, as he pounds her pussy, the wet smack of his hips against hers loud and lewd. “Never thought I’d be learning how to fuck from Jihyo herself—K-pop royalty turned cockslut.”
Minho nods, dazed, his hands trembling as he holds her head. “Yeah, man, she’s the dream—those vocals, that face, and now this? Bro, you’ve been living the goddamn fantasy.”
You grin, thrusting deeper, making her scream around Minho’s dick. “What can I say? She picked me first—guess I’ve got the magic touch.” You smack her ass, hard, leaving a fresh red mark, and she bucks against you, driving you even deeper.
“Yo, let’s flip it,” Minho says, pulling out of her mouth with a sloppy, wet sound, his cock glistening with her spit, veins popping like he’s barely holding it together. “I want a piece of that pussy—Jihoon, you take her mouth.”
Jihoon grins, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Fuck yeah, been dying to feel that tongue on me.” He slides out of her cunt, leaving it dripping and pulsing, a slick trail of her juices stringing from his tip to her lips as he steps back. Jihyo gasps, catching her breath, her chest heaving—those heavy tits rising and falling fast, nipples dark and stiff. She licks her lips, smirking, like she’s ready for whatever’s next.
You keep her steady, hands clamped on her ass cheeks, spreading them wide as you thrust up into her, slow and deep, savoring the way her hole stretches around you. Minho’s already moving, stepping up between her legs, his cock bobbing heavy and thick, shiny with her spit and his own pre-cum.
Minho grabs her thighs, yanking them apart like he’s claiming territory, his fingers digging into her soft flesh. “Fuck, look at this—pussy’s begging for it,” he says, voice low and hungry, rubbing his tip against her folds, teasing her clit till she squirms. She’s soaked, dripping down onto your hips, and he doesn’t wait—just plunges in, hard and fast, filling her cunt with one brutal thrust. Jihyo cries out, sharp and loud, her body jolting against you, making your cock twitch inside her ass.
“Shit, Minho—easy,” she gasps, but her hips roll forward to meet him, contradicting her words. He’s already moving, slamming into her pussy with these wet, nasty smacks, his balls slapping her skin, her juices splattering every time he bottoms out. Jihoon’s up by her head now, his dick hovering over her face—hard, flushed, dripping a little from the tip. “Open wide, babe,” he says, smirking, tapping her cheek with it like he’s marking her. She doesn’t hesitate—parts her lips, sticking her tongue out flat, letting him drag his cock across it before he shoves in. She moans around him, muffled and desperate, her hands reaching up to grip his thighs as he starts fucking her mouth, slow at first, letting her adjust.
“Goddamn, that’s it,” Jihoon groans, head tipping back, his toned arm flexing as he holds her head steady. “Suck it good, Jihyo—fuck, your lips look unreal wrapped around me.” Her tongue’s working him hard, swirling around the head every time he pulls back, spit bubbling at the corners of her mouth, dripping down her chin onto her tits. She’s sloppy with it, gagging a little when he hits her throat, but she doesn’t stop—just takes him deeper, eyes watering, loving the mess.
You pick up your pace, thrusting up into her ass harder now, matching Minho’s rhythm. Her body’s bouncing between you, caught in this brutal push-pull—your cock splitting her ass, Minho’s stretching her pussy, Jihoon’s filling her throat. She’s shaking, thighs quivering, tits jiggling with every slam, her skin slick with sweat and spit and her own slick. The mat’s a disaster under you—wet patches spreading, the air heavy with that raw, musky scent of bodies colliding.
“Man, this pussy’s insane,” Minho grunts, his hands sliding up to her waist, pulling her down onto him harder. “Tight as fuck, wet as hell—Jihyo, you’re killing me here.” He’s going deep, his hips snapping fast, her cunt squelching loud every time he drives in, her walls pulsing around him like she’s trying to squeeze him dry.
You laugh, rough and breathless, smacking her ass so it jiggles against your hips. “You’re just figuring that out? Been tapping this for weeks, bro—she’s a fucking goldmine.”
Jihoon’s got her hair fisted now, guiding her head as he fucks her face, his voice all gravel and awe. “Weeks, huh? You’re a legend. Fucking Park Jihyo in secret? I’d have lost my mind day one—her sucking me off like this, now I get why you kept it quiet. She’s a goddamn dream.”
Jihyo pulls off him for a second, gasping, spit stringing from her lips to his cock, her voice wrecked but dripping with fire. “You guys—fuck—talking about me like I’m some trophy. Keep fucking me, I love it.” She dives back onto Jihoon, sucking him down hard, her cheeks hollowing, tongue flicking wild against his shaft.
Minho smirks, thrusting deeper, making her moan around Jihoon’s dick. “Oh, she’s a trophy alright—K-pop’s finest, taking all our cocks like a pro.”
You feel her ass tighten at that, like the dirty talk’s lighting her up, and you ram up harder, making her whole body shudder. “She’s been my slut for a while,” you say, grinning, “loves it nasty—can’t get enough. Right, Ji?” You smack her again, and she whimpers, the sound vibrating through Jihoon’s cock till he’s groaning loud.
“Fuck yeah, she does,” Jihoon says, his hand slipping down to cup her jaw, guiding her deeper. “Look at her—those big eyes, that voice, and now she’s choking on me like it’s nothing. Been replaying her ‘Fancy’ fancams in my head forever, and this is a million times better.”
Minho’s hands roam up her sides, brushing her tits, thumbs flicking her nipples as he fucks her pussy raw. “Better? Dude, this is the ultimate—her body’s unreal, pussy’s so tight I can feel him through her. We’re living the fantasy right now.”
The three of you are synced up, a filthy machine—your cock plunging into her ass, thick and slow, stretching her wide; Minho’s hammering her pussy, fast and greedy, her slick coating his shaft; Jihoon’s fucking her mouth, his tip hitting her throat with every thrust, her gags and moans blending into this raw, desperate soundtrack. Her body’s on fire—sweat streaks down her spine, pooling at the small of her back, her thighs trembling against you, her hands clawing at Jihoon’s legs for balance.
She’s close—you can tell by the way her body’s starting to shake, her rhythm getting messy, her moans turning into these high, broken cries that Jihoon’s dick can’t fully muffle. You pick up your pace, slamming up into her ass, your hands gripping her cheeks, spreading them wide so you can watch your cock vanish inside her. “C’mon, Ji,” you mutter, voice rough, “let go—fucking cum for us.”
Minho feels it too, her pussy fluttering around him, and he leans forward, one hand sliding up to her tit, pinching her nipple hard. “Yeah, baby—cum on my cock, let me feel it,” he growls, hammering her faster, his balls slapping her skin, wet and loud.
Jihoon pulls out just enough to let her breathe, her face a wreck—cheeks flushed, mascara streaking, mouth open and panting. “Do it, Jihyo—fucking cum,” he says, voice low and urgent, stroking himself fast as he watches her unravel.
She’s teetering, her whole body tensing—then it hits. “Oh fuck—fuck, I’m—” Her words cut off into a scream, sharp and wild, her pussy clamping down on Minho so hard he hisses, his thrusts faltering for a second. Her ass locks around you, tighter than ever, pulsing like it’s trying to crush your cock, and you groan loud, hands digging into her flesh as you keep pounding through it. Her eyes roll back, mouth hanging open, spit dripping free as her whole body bucks and shakes, caught between you all.
“Shit, there it is,” Minho grunts, his hands sliding to her waist, holding her steady as he fucks her through it, her pussy gushing, soaking him, dripping down onto you. “Fuck—feels like she’s breaking me.”
You feel it too, the way her ass spasms, milking you with every clench, her body a live wire. “Told you—fucking unreal,” you say, voice strained, thrusting harder to chase her high, her cheeks rippling against your hips, the sound wet and obscene.
Jihoon’s watching, stroking himself, his cock twitching as she gasps and moans, her throat exposed, raw from his pounding. “Goddamn, look at her—cumming like a fucking slut on all of us,” he says, then he slides back into her mouth mid-moan, cutting her off, her lips closing around him as she sucks through the aftershocks, her tongue sloppy but eager.
Her orgasm’s ripping through her, relentless—her pussy’s flooding Minho, her ass gripping you so tight you can barely move, her cries vibrating through Jihoon’s cock. She’s thrashing now, caught in this wild, shuddering rhythm, her tits bouncing hard, sweat streaking down her spine, pooling at her lower back. You reach up, grab her shoulders, pull her down onto you harder, making her scream louder around Jak.
You keep your cock buried in Jihyo’s ass, her tight heat pulsing around you after her orgasm, her body slick with sweat and trembling like she’s barely holding it together. She’s sprawled over you, her ass cheeks jiggling with every slow, deep thrust you give her, while Minho’s pounding her pussy like a goddamn jackhammer, his cock slick with her juices, leaving a wet trail down his thighs. Jihoon is fucking her throat with these lazy, sloppy thrusts, her lips stretched wide.
Her climax has left her shaky, but you’re all too far gone to slow down—her pussy’s still spasming around Minho, her ass gripping you like it’s begging you to stay, and her moans are vibrating through Jihoon’s cock, raw and wrecked. You’re thrusting harder, excitement buzzing through you, your hands digging into her hips, feeling the heat build in your gut.
Minho’s grunting, his rhythm getting jagged, his hands leaving red welts on her waist. “Fuck, she’s still so tight—gonna lose it soon,” he pants, his cock plunging deep, her slick gushing out with every hit, soaking the mat. Jihoon’s not far behind, his jaw tight, sweat streaking down his neck as he pumps into her mouth, her throat bulging with every thrust. “Shit, man—her tongue’s working me over, I’m close,” he groans, his grip on her hair tightening, pulling her deeper.
you are close too, that electric rush creeping up, your cock throbbing in her ass, her walls clenching like they’re trying to milk you dry. “Ji,” you rasp, voice rough and ragged, “where you want it? Where you want our cum?” You slam up into her hard, making her yelp around Jihoon, her body jolting, ass rippling against you.
She pulls off Jihoon with a wet, gasping pop. “My face,” she chokes out, voice hoarse but dripping with need, “all of you—fucking blast it on my face.” Her eyes are wild, dark and desperate, locked on you like she’s starving for it.
You nod, pulling out of her ass with a slick, nasty sound, her hole gaping for a second before she scrambles off you, dropping to her knees on the mat between you, Minho, and Jihoon. She’s on the ground now, thighs spread, her pussy dripping onto the floor, tits heaving as she catches her breath. You’re all towering over her, cocks in hand, stroking fast, the air thick with tension and that musky, primal stench of sex. She looks up, smirking through the mess, her sweat-streaked hair sticking to her neck, and it’s like she’s daring you to ruin her.
You step up first, gripping your cock tight, the tip still slick from her ass. “Open up, Ji,” you say, and she does—parts her lips, sticks her tongue out flat, ready for you. She grabs your shaft with both hands, guiding you in, and fuck, she sucks you like it’s her last mission on earth. Her mouth’s hot, wet, sliding over you deep and slow, tongue swirling around the head, flicking at the slit till you’re hissing. Then she goes lower, popping off your cock to lick at your balls, sucking one into her mouth, rolling it with her tongue till it’s drooling with her spit. “Fuck—Jihyo, that’s it,” you groan, stroking the base as she works you, her dedication pushing you right to the edge.
Minho and Jihoon are stroking themselves hard, watching her with you, their breaths short and sharp. “Goddamn, she’s a fucking pro,” Minho mutters, his hand a blur on his thick cock, pre-cum beading at the tip. Jihoon’s grinning, his shaft twitching in his grip. “Look at her go—fucking Twice’s Jihyo, sucking him like she’s thirsty for it.”
She pulls off you, leaving your cock and balls dripping, spit stringing from her lips as she looks up at all three of you, her voice raw and filthy. “C’mon, boys—gimme your cum, fucking cover me, I want it all,” she begs, her tone pure cumslut, hands cupping her tits, pushing them up like a canvas. It’s obscene, the way she’s pleading, this K-pop queen on her knees, and it’s got you all buzzing, cocks throbbing, ready to explode.
Minho’s the first to break—he steps in, grunting like an animal, his hand flying over his shaft. “Fuck—here it comes, Ji,” he growls, aiming right at her face. His load hits hard, a thick, white rope blasting across her cheek, streaking up to her nose, dripping down to her parted lips. She moans, low and dirty, tongue darting out to catch what she can as another shot lands, splattering her forehead, sliding down to her eyebrow. It’s massive, heavy, coating her skin, some splashing onto her tits, streaking across her chest in messy, glistening trails.
Jihoon’s right on his heels, moving in close, his breath ragged. “Shit, Jihyo—open up,” he gasps, and she tilts her head, tongue out, catching his first shot as it arcs over her lips, pooling in her mouth. Another hits her other cheek, thick and hot, smearing across her chin, dripping down her neck in fat globs. She swallows what she caught, moaning soft, her eyes fluttering as it drips off her jaw onto her tits, mixing with Minho’s load, turning her chest into a sticky, white mess.
You’re last, your hand a blur, the sight of her—begging, drenched—pushing you over. “Here it is, Ji—fucking take it,” you say, voice tight, aiming at her face. It hits like a fucking firehose—a fat, pulsing shot right across her nose, bridging over her tongue, then another, coating her lips and chin, dripping thick and slow. It’s endless, heavy, splattering off her jaw onto her tits, blending with the others till she’s a goddamn cum-soaked masterpiece, skin shining, chest heaving.
She sighs, this deep, satisfied sound, her face a canvas of chaos—cheeks plastered, forehead dripping, lips smeared, all of it pooling and sliding down her neck, her tits a slick, cum-streaked mess. She smiles, slow and smug, like she’s just conquered the world, her tongue flicking out to lick her lips, savoring the taste. “Fuck, you guys—look at this,” she murmurs, hands sliding up to her chest, smearing the cum across her tits, rubbing it into her nipples, making them glisten. It’s insane, the way she’s basking in it, this idol turned cum-drenched fantasy, and you’re all just staring, panting, cocks still twitching.
She’s not done—she leans in, grabbing your cock first, licking the sensitive tip slow and deliberate, sucking off the last drops, making you shudder hard. “Mmm,” she hums, moving to Minho, her tongue flicking over his head, tasting what’s left, leaving it slick with her spit. Jihoon’s next, and she gives him the same, lapping at him like a cat, her eyes half-lidded, drunk on the filth. “So fucking good,” she whispers, sitting back on her heels, her hands scooping the cum off her face—thick, gooey strands—spreading it over her cheeks, her chin, her tits, till she’s coated, glistening, a total fucking wreck.
You’re all wrecked too, chests heaving, the mat a disaster—sweat, cum, her juices everywhere, the air heavy with it. She looks up, grinning, her face a work of art, painted white and dripping, and you can’t believe this is Jihyo—Twice’s leader, now your cum-soaked secret, kneeling there, satisfied as hell. “Fucking perfect,” she says, wiping a finger through the mess on her chest and sucking it clean, her smile wicked, like she’s just won the dirtiest game imaginable. You’re all just standing there, exhausted, awestruck, watching her revel in it, this moment burned into your brains forever.
The storage room’s now a fucking crime scene—sweat, cum, and the echoes of pure filth still hanging in the air as you all come down from the high. You glance at each other—Minho wiping his forehead, Jihoon running a hand through his damp hair—and there’s this unspoken agreement that you can’t just walk out like this.
“Shower time,” you say, voice rough but casual, pushing yourself up off the mat. Your shorts are halfway across the room, crumpled in a heap, and you grab them, not bothering to put them on yet. Jihyo sits up, stretching, her tits jiggling as she moves, cum still dripping down her chest in slow, sticky trails. “Yeah, I need to wash this off,” she laughs, wiping her face with the back of her hand, smearing it more than cleaning it, then she starts to pick up her clothes scattered on the floor. Minho and Jihoon nod, grabbing their own gear, and you all head for the gym’s locker room, a quiet buzz of exhaustion and satisfaction trailing you.
The showers are down the hall, past the empty weight racks and cardio machines, the gym eerily quiet now that it’s late. You each peel off what’s left of your clothes—your shorts, their gym tanks—and pile them on a bench. The water kicks on with a hiss, steam rising fast as you step under separate showerheads, the cold tile a shock against your feet. The hot spray hits you first, pounding your shoulders, washing away the sweat and grime, the faint ache in your muscles melting under the heat.
Jihyo’s in the next stall over, her silhouette visible through the frosted glass divider, water cascading down her curves, sluicing the cum off her skin. You hear her hum, soft and low, some Twice melody she’s probably sung a thousand times, and it’s almost surreal—minutes ago she was begging for your loads, now she’s showering like it’s just another day. Minho’s scrubbing his arms, soap suds bubbling up, muttering, “Fuck, I needed this.” Jihoon’s across from him, water pounding his back, grinning like an idiot. “Best shower of my life.”
You soap up, lathering your chest, your junk, feeling the grime slip away, the hot water working miracles. Your legs are still buzzing from holding Jihyo up, your arms sore from gripping her tight, but you’re refreshed, lighter, like the shower’s washing away more than just the sweat. You rinse off, the water turning cloudy for a sec as the last of it swirls down the drain, and step out, grabbing a towel from the stack by the wall. It’s rough, gym-issued, but it does the job��drying your hair, your back, your balls—till you’re dripping less and feeling human again.
Jihyo steps out next, towel wrapped loose around her, water still beading on her shoulders, her hair slicked back dark and wet, the sneakers already on. She looks fucking radiant, cheeks flushed from the heat, skin glowing like she didn’t just get railed by three guys in a storage closet. Minho and Jihoon follow, towels slung over their shoulders, shorts back on, hair damp and messy. You all linger for a minute, the steam curling around you, the vibe easy but charged, like you’ve all shared something monumental—and you have.
Minho and Jihoon glance at each other, then at Jihyo. “Be right back,” Minho says, jerking his chin toward the staff room down the hall. “Gotta handle something.” They duck out, leaving you and Jihyo alone for a sec. She’s drying her arms, smirking at you, and you lean against the locker, watching her. “You good?” you ask, casual but real.
She nods, grinning. “Better than good. That was fucking wild.” Her towel slips a little, showing the curve of her tit, and you catch it but don’t stare—professional, sort of. “You guys are something else.”
Before you can reply, Minho and Jihoon are back, stepping in with this chill energy. Minho’s got his hands in his pockets, Jihoon’s rubbing the back of his neck. “All clear,” Minho says, looking at Jihyo. “Security footage—wiped it clean. No trace of anything. You’re safe.”
Her shoulders relax, a little breath slipping out. “Fuck, thank you—seriously. If that got out…” She trails off, shaking her head, but then smiles, big and bright. “You guys are lifesavers.”
Jihoon laughs, leaning against the wall. “Nah, you’re the legend here. That was unreal—like, thank you. Never thought I’d be saying that to Park Jihyo after… well, that.”
Minho nods, smirking. “Yeah, hands down the craziest shit I’ve ever been part of. You’re fucking incredible.”
“Well, good news—we can do it again sometime. I’m down if you guys are.”
Your eyebrows shoot up, a grin tugging at your lips. “Oh, hell yeah, I’m in. No question.” Minho and Jihoon are quick to agree—Minho with a “Fuck yes,” Jihoon with a “Count me in, any day.”
“It was unforgettable,” Jihyo says, her voice softer now, reflective. “Like, I’m still buzzing from it. By far one of my best experiences.” Then she removes the towel, not caring about the presence of either of you and begins to get dressed, she opens one of the lockers to take out the bag she stored there earlier and takes out a hoodie, putting it on over her gym clothes. After finishing, she adjusts her bag on her shoulder, ready to head out, but there’s this glow about her—exhausted but alive.
You sling your own bag over your shoulder, stepping closer. “You know, Ji, this is a hell of a way to boost your stamina. You were a fucking beast today—killed it. I’m telling you, a few more rounds like this, and you’ll be unstoppable on stage. Choreo won’t stand a chance.”
She laughs, loud and bright, the sound bouncing off the lockers. “Oh, you think this is my new training regimen? Fuck cardio—give me three cocks and a storage room, right?” She’s joking, but there’s a spark in her eye like she’s half-serious. “Honestly, though—if this is what it takes to get tireless, sign me up. I felt like I could go all night.”
Minho smirks, grabbing his keys off the bench. “Shit, you basically did. Your dance trainer gonna wonder why you’re suddenly out-dancing everyone.”
Jihoon’s already at the door, turning back with a grin. “Yeah, tell her you’ve got a secret weapon—three trainers putting you through the ultimate workout.”
You all crack up, the vibe loose and easy now. Jihyo adjusts her hoodie, pulling the hood up, ready to slip out unnoticed. “For real, though,” she says, looking at you, then Minho, then Jihoon, “you guys are the best. Let’s make it a thing—whenever the schedule’s clear, we’re back here.”
“Deal,” you say, fist-bumping her, the others following suit. “Next time, we’ll push you even harder—stamina training, level two.”
She winks, stepping out into the hall, her voice echoing back. “Can’t wait, boys. See you in the next session.” You watch her go, that sway in her hips still lethal, then head out yourselves, the night air cool against your skin, a fresh contrast to the heat you’ve just left behind. You’re all grinning, buzzing, already counting the days till round two with the goddess Jihyo—your dirty little secret, and the best damn workout of your lives.
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specialagentartemis · 8 months ago
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What queer Asian sci fi authors would you recommend?
Yeah, to put my money where my mouth is, here are some queer SFF writers from Asia and the Asian Diaspora in the Anglosphere that I really like and highly recommend:
Nghi Vo: probably doesn’t need an endorsement from me, hah, her The Empress of Salt and Fortune is one of the most perfect novellas I’ve ever read and well deserved its Hugo win. The whole Singing Hills cycle is great. It’s a fantasy world strongly inspired by Imperial China and Vietnam, and does clever things with fantasy, folklore, storytelling, and memory. Her novels are standalone historical fantasy set in 1920s-America-with-magic and are very much about Asian immigrant/diaspora experiences in the early 20th century US. With Magic.
Yoon Ha Lee: I love his Machineries of Empire. Would love to finish that trilogy someday. But seriously it’s creative, intense military sci-fi in a magic-science space empire and is very interested in what it takes to uphold such a system.
Simon Jimenez: The Vanished Birds is sooo heartbreakingly good and I need to read A Spear Cuts Through Water soon.
Isabel J. Kim: Short story writer. Runs the gamut of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and the weird stuff in between. Creative and vivid in really compelling ways. Her first novel is in the works and I am SUPER interested. She does funky and creative things with perspective and structure in her stories. Has several stories now that are about turning popular tropes or other iconic stories around like they’re in a kaleidoscope, but her first published story “Homecoming Is Just Another Word for the Sublimation of the Self” is probably still the most affecting to me.
Michelle Kan: Has a trilogy of novelettes called Tales of the Thread, self-described as “aromantic Chinese fairytales” that take a deliberately aro approach to fairytale retellings and fairytale style fantasy. I recommend them. (Also has a superhero novel I haven’t read.)
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Haven’t read yet but they are on my TBR:
Aliette de Bodard: Her Xuya universe novellas, and the relationships between humans and AIs and spaceships, sound super up my alley.
Kai Cheng Thom: Author of Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl’s Confabulous Memoir is a less traditionally sff entry but is a fabulist/surrealist take on the Trans Memoir… which I feel like I have to be in the right space for, but I do want to read it.
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Also he’s not out as queer or anything but I can’t not recommend Ted Chiang because he writes some of the best short stories In The World and has THE most interesting and unique and compelling ideas.
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There are also so many more authors out there I don’t know and haven’t read! But! Someday!!
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flameswallower · 5 months ago
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THE BEST FICTION I ENCOUNTERED IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2024!!!
A much longer follow-up to this post. (Can you imagine how much I'd need to type out if I hadn't split them up???)
Once again, I'm not listing movies, TV shows, video games, etc. I AM listing some web fiction and comics/graphic novels, because I feel much more qualified to judge and recommend those things.
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Novels and Novellas!
Failure To Comply, by Cavar (2024): Reading Cavar’s Failure to Comply, I couldn’t help but think of the recent David Cronenberg movie Crimes of the Future. Both deal with dystopias in which bodies and their modification are strictly regulated, and people with unauthorized bodies form a vibrant, perpetually imperiled subculture on the margins. Both use this conceit to speak metaphorically about the plights of trans and disabled people, although Failure to Comply’s characters are also presented as literally, textually disabled and trans. But, although Crimes of the Future is often accused of being a “weird movie,” Failure to Comply is undeniably much, much weirder. Cronenberg is super normal compared to this.
Maej, by Dale Stromberg (2024): a doorstopper I found difficult to put down and finished inside a week; a work of very unapologetic genre fiction that’s equally unapologetic in its intelligence and dedication to doing strange, creative things with language; a high fantasy story I actually liked. The setting is the city of Sforre-Yomn, in the country of Hwoama, whose culture combines elements from across the continents of Asia and Europe. But Hwoama is matriarchal: men are subordinate to women, who dominate politics, business, the military, and nearly all other professions. As a result of this fact, almost all the major characters in the novel are female. By turns this presents a fun, simple, mischievous inversion of maleness as the unmarked default state for fictional characters, and meaty commentary on the social construction of sex, sexuality, and gender. Stromberg has cited Le Guin as an influence on Maej and, in the most complimentary way possible, this influence is evident.
Lote, by Shola von Reinhold (2020) is a gorgeous, funny, moving academic satire/mystery and love letter to Black modernism. It’s also very queer/trans and (in my personal opinion, perhaps not intentionally) very autistic. The title refers to a possibly-mythical clandestine circle of artists/magic practitioners who style themselves after the lotus eaters and seek transcendence via experiences of sensory and aesthetic pleasure. As with many novels that stand out to me, you won’t read anything else like it. I especially recommend this one if you want a completely unique, intellectually stimulating work of fiction, but are put off by the aggressively experimental and opaque style of Failure To Comply and by the SFF-ness of FTC, Maej, and Leech.
Walking Practice, by Dolki Min (trans. Victoria Caudle) (original 2022; English translation 2024) is a breezy, sexy *, gender-bending Korean novel about a poor amorphous space alien stranded on Earth after a spaceship crash. Unfortunately for us, this alien soon discovers that 1.) the most suitable food for it down here is human flesh, and 2.) with a lot of pain and effort, it can squeeze itself into the likeness of a variety of different human beings. It figures out hookup apps pretty fast, too, and then it’s off to the races. This may sound like creature horror, but it plays more as an exploration of identity and humanity, and a satire of sex, romance, and contemporary hookup culture. (*possibly less sexy if you don’t have a vore/cannibalism/consumption thing)
Love/Aggression, by June Martin (2024) is a BANANAS mundane fantasy-comedy about two trans women who are kind of best friends, and kind of enemies. Zoe (actress) is an arrogant, cartoonishly unpleasant minor celebrity who thinks she’s much more famous and popular than she actually is— but Martin manages to show how her personality is in part the sympathetic result of dysphoria and experiencing a lot of transmisogyny over the course of her life, and how she used to be a much kinder person before fame went to her head. Meanwhile, Lily (freeloader and aspiring tattoo artist) is a sweet, spacy, passive daydreamer, and a far more immediately likable character— but Martin manages to show how she is not entirely blameless in the ongoing drama with Zoe, how her passivity is sometimes the result of immaturity and selfishness, and how even when it isn’t, it’s a character flaw that keeps landing her in situations which kind of suck for all parties involved. They live in a magical Pittsburgh that is, conveniently, located right next to Los Angeles. Their friends include a BDSM cult leader and a nonbinary person whose name becomes “Dicks” in the first chapter of the story and who is never called anything else. (This character also happens to be the…owner? Custodian?…of an infinite, maze-like, reality-distorting building that is probably the most fun and least scary infinite, maze-like, reality-distorting building in all of fiction.) There’s vore in this one, too! But don’t go in expecting a particularly cohesive plot: Love/Aggression is far more about characters, relationships, and gags.
Maybe the Moon, by Armistead Maupin (1992) was inspired by the too-brief life of Maupin’s real friend Tamara De Treaux, a little person who depicted the title character in parts of the movie E.T. Her literary equivalent, Cady Roth, is a sardonic, fashionable, thirty-year-old little person who depicted a magical gnome called Mr. Woods in a beloved, albeit treacly, children’s fantasy movie of the same name. But since she played the role inside a thick rubber suit, and since the director of the movie felt it would spoil the magic to give her any credit, almost nobody knows that. Ten years later, she lives in obscurity on dwindling funds and struggles to find work…until, out of sheer desperation, she decides to take a job with a troupe of children’s birthday party entertainers. Romance, escapades, etc. ensue. Both a very funny book and a very sad one; it’s quite frank about death, about the ways Hollywood fucks people over, about the many ways that, especially if you’re marginalized and/or an artist, your life isn’t fair and isn’t ever going to be fair and “happy endings” probably aren’t what the world has in store for you. I think ultimately it’s sentimental in a good way; it has a big heart.
Leech, by Hiron Ennes (2022) is a total banger to finish out this year with! So glad I picked it up finally! Absolute genre jambalaya, this one: sci-fi, stuff that reads as fantasy despite having or probably having a “sci-fi” explanation, horror, Gothic novel (but not, crucially, a Gothic romance), mystery, medical thriller, character study, philosophical novel about ideas of consciousness, selfhood, individuality, and free will…there’s probably something in here for everyone reading this. You’ll love it, almost guaranteed, if you love the Gormenghast books. You’ll love it, almost guaranteed, if you love any Star Trek series. You’ll love it, almost guaranteed, if you love the science fiction of Peter Watts, or the horror of Gretchen Felker-Martin. You’ll love it, almost guaranteed, if you love The Thing (1982). The prose is lush, idiosyncratic, a bit purple, but it’s nothing too baroque, it’s all perfectly easy to read. The complicated, antiheroic protagonist/narrator is delightful and memorable, and I think Ennes did a great job at conveying unusual states of memory/selfhood/cognition through it/them/her. (Some of these states are not ones with which I have, or even could possibly have ever had, real experience, but some are, and I am always pleased to find those replicated in ways I can recognize and feel as “truthful.”)
Short Story Collections!
Stone Gods (2024) and Worse Than Myself (2009) by Adam Golaski contained several of the very best short stories I read this year— especially Worse Than Myself, which is also a slightly more accessible/“normal” story collection and the one I’d recommend starting with. Golaski writes eerie, dreamlike, bizarre fiction that frequently crosses over into horror— even including time-worn horror genre tropes like zombies, ghosts, and vampires. But let me tell you, Golaski’s “The Man From the Peak” (in Worse Than Myself) is a BAD time, like give-you-nightmares scary, and it feels like nothing you’ve ever read before, even though it’s about A Nosferatu. Not just a vampire, but a vampire that is explicitly described as egg-bald with big pointy ears and two sharp buck teeth. That’s the antagonist. And it fucking works. He makes it new. Please, please read Adam Golaski, you guys. It is astounding and unjust that he’s not popularly regarded as one of the 21st century’s best authors of weird short fiction. I don’t actually know if he could have/wanted to publish more than two collections over fifteen years, but I kind of feel like maybe if a lot of people and public libraries buy those two collections, he’ll have more space and incentive to write short stories, and/or more publishers will be interested in picking up another collection of his short stories?
Brave New Weird vol. 2 (2024) was a diverse, entertaining selection of stories. Some I’d read, some I hadn’t. A pretty good overview of the mostly small press horror/sci-fi/Weird fiction scene as it stands right this minute.
All Your Friends Are Here, by M. Shaw (2024) is almost the opposite of the Golaski collections, in a way: Golaski frequently deals with themes of nostalgia, the past, cycles that repeat without end, and timelessness or being outside of time. Moreover, most of his stories feel like they’d be immediately comprehensible to a person fifty years ago or fifty years from now, if not even further into the past/future (with, perhaps, a few footnotes of cultural explanation). But Shaw’s stories are, often aggressively, Of The Moment. And that’s not a bad thing, even if it means they may seem completely dated in a few decades. Shaw is interested in speaking directly to their place and time; directly to us. They’re not going to pretend we’re not all online, that we don’t all know (if against our will) what Ready Player One is— the longest piece in the collection, and one of the best, is a suitably pop-culture-reference-laden dunk/riff/spoof on, and rebuttal of, Ready Player One! These stories are angry and clever and sometimes suffused with a kind of exhausted tenderness. There’s clearly a Bizarro influence on some of Shaw’s work, but their writing is more sophisticated and restrained than what I tend to associate with Bizarro fiction proper.
Individual Short Stories (That You Can Read Right Now!)
“EGREGORE” by Samir Sirk Morató (2024) = clubbing, hallucinatory, girl on girl
“The Spindle Of Necessity” by B. Pladek (2024) = trans academic suspects dead author may have been a closeted gay trans man
“A History of the Avodion Through Five Artists” by Eric Horwitz (2024) = Borgesian, arch, Jewish
“Mad Studies” by Cavar (2024) = loneliness, cats, autism…like Failure To Comply, this is by @librarycards
“Alabama Circus Punk” by Thomas Ha (2024) = robots, the nuclear family, disintegrating language
Comics and Graphic Novels!
Tomorrow You Don't Know Me, by Raven Lyn Clemens (2024) is a subtle, moving, and unsentimental graphic novel about being a middle schooler with problems, and how sometimes those problems just kinda...persist no matter what you do or try or want, and no matter if it's fair. Even if you summon a demon to help you! Clemens is really skilled at depicting emotion visually, at communicating both the absurd goofiness and the deep, genuine pain of the outsize negative emotions her characters experience. All of her characters are at least a little wretched, and she also handles them all with great compassion, affection, and understanding. Check out her artwork at @ravenlynclemens please; it's fantastic cartooning even without any detailed narrative.
In Fair Verona, by Val Wise (2024) is a VERY gory, VERY nasty piece of lesbian Gothic fantasy horror-erotica. I love Wise's art. The bodies she draws, regardless of gender and build, are top-tier sexy and beautiful to me, which means he's often able to get me on board* with kinks and scenarios that would usually be too "extreme" for my taste. (*Genteel euphemism for arousal)
A Guest In the House, by E.M Carroll (2023) is an equally nasty and mean, but far, FAR less explicit and bizarre, lesbian Gothic horror story, told with the visual panache and inimitable art style everyone knows and loves Carroll for. It's a worthy successor to their previous material, and if it doesn't necessarily make enormous leaps from their earlier work in its writing, the drawing and coloring has gone from "already really good" to "some of these splash pages will blow your eyes out the back of your skull."
Expiry Date, by Sloane Hong (2024) is another lesbian/queer erotica comic. This one's science fiction, and is FAR more up my usual alley of kinks. Which is to say that the lovers are quite kind/polite with one another (in a lot of ways it reads as a meet-cute), but also one of them is a hired killer who dispassionately agrees to torture the fuck out of the other one David Cronenberg-style.
Once again, all my comic recs are by queer trans people! I think I made a pretty hacky joke last year about gay trans mascs specifically ruling in this field, but based on recent data, you just have to be a marginalized gender and not heterosexual to make amazing comics.
Web Fiction!
The Frenzy wiki is a fan wiki for an imagined TV series, telling the story of both Frenzy, a popular late 2000s ensemble cast drama-adventure-SFF show drawing equally from the likes of Twin Peaks and Supernatural, and how the existence of this show was mysteriously wiped from the face of our reality-- save in the troubled dreams of a select few. I would estimate it takes a couple hours to explore the whole wiki. (2022 or 2023?)
3D Workers Island is the phenomenal, if less ambitious, follow-up to Petscop. (I don't mean it's a sequel; it's just by the same guy and covers similar thematic ground.) Like its predecessor, it's more about dropping tantalizing hints than letting you in on "what's actually going on," and more about giving you a creeped out and vaguely depressed feeling than about scaring or shocking you per se. It's really smart and well-crafted in an understated way, and does a great job replicating early internet content. I would estimate it takes WELL under an hour to get through this story, although you will probably want to immediately go back and look for things you might have missed or not understood properly. (2024)
Martin's Movies is conventional, compared to the other two. It's a ghost story. But it's a very creepy, effective, well-told ghost story rendered through the unusual medium of letterboxd reviews (of course, these become increasingly diary-like and Not About The Film as the story progresses). I would estimate it takes under an hour to read the whole thing, it's like short novelette length. (2024)
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thydungeongal · 6 months ago
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You know lots of ttrpgs, and I'm trying to run a sci Fi campaign but I've never played anything but 5e. 5e is not gonna work for a no-magic-but-some-psychics Firefly-esque setting kind of thing, and I was wondering if you would recommend any systems?
I'd recommend taking a look at Scum & Villainy! It's a Forged in the Dark (meaning that it's based on the system of Blades in the Dark) sci-fi game very much modeled after the type of fiction that Firefly represents. In many ways it is Firefly but with the serial numbers filed off: the setting is basically the lawless space frontier, gameplay revolves around the players controlling the crew of a spaceship which they create together, and there are psychic powers but no overt space magic. It's a very neat game and provides lots of hooks for long-term play, whether the group wants the game to be about space truckers, bounty hunters, or rebel scum fighting against the evil space hegemony!
Speaking of Firefly, there actually used to be an official Firefly RPG, but I can't speak to its quality. But it's got one of the most fun tables I've ever seen in an RPG.
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literaryvein-reblogs · 4 months ago
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hey i was wondering if you had any tips for writing dialog in a sci-fantasy world? or just sci-fantasy concepts. thanks!
Writing Notes: Science Fantasy
Science Fantasy - (sometimes referred to as technofantasy) a subgenre of speculative fiction that includes elements found in science fiction and fantasy.
Though speculative works can be traced back thousands of years, the science fantasy genre began to take a clearly defined shape in the 19th century with works from authors like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Mary Shelley. These giants of speculative fiction dreamed up gadgets and gizmos, fantastic monsters, and flying ships aplenty.
At the time, the stories they wrote were referred to as "scientific romances," which basically equated to fantastic explorations of scientific concepts and technologies. Or rather, they created works of science fiction that relied upon and embraced fantasy elements to fill in the blanks.
Science fantasy has fluctuated a bit in application over time, especially during the Golden Age of Science Fiction, in which works of strictly hard science fiction were more celebrated, but the tradition never really went away.
Science Fantasy works take traditional Fantasy and Science Fiction tropes and throw them in a blender, purposely creating a setting that has the feel of both.
Expect to see a lot of classic Fantasy tropes (e.g. warriors with swords, dragons, wizards, castles, and elves) AND a lot of standard Science Fiction tropes (e.g. spaceships, aliens, lasers, scientists, robots, and Time Travel).
The fundamental difference between science fiction and fantasy lies in the realm of plausibility:
Science fiction takes what we know about scientific facts and technologies and proposes situations that might arise from the development of these ideas.
Fantasy focuses on the impossible or implausible, presenting situations and settings wholly dependent on magical and supernatural elements.
Fantasy and science fiction speculate on realities that differ from ours by magical OR scientific means.
Science fantasy speculates on realities that differ from ours by magical AND scientific means.
Science fiction focuses on what the future might hold for us based on science and technology:
How would society change if medical knowledge eliminated the aging process?
What are the consequences of climate change?
Science fantasy does the same but throws the fantastic into the mix:
What if a supernatural being offered us immortality?
Can we fix climate change with magic?
However, don’t confuse science fantasy with soft science fiction, which does not offer explanations for how its technology works, but also does not use magic to explain technology. Some works of fiction might occupy a fuzzy gray area between the two.
Fantasy explores the magical and supernatural without speculating about science or technology:
What would a world with dragons be like?
What if vampires lived among us?
Science fantasy throws science, technology, and futurism into the mix:
What if we discovered a planet with dragons?
How would society exist in a future with vampires?
Science fantasy may also arguably describe character oriented stories where the fantastic elements are very subtle and are common to both science fiction and fantasy.
Examples could include Paranormal Romance which just happens to involve Applied Phlebotinum, Time Travel or Artificial Intelligence.
Many such stories strive to keep the fantastic elements understated (often in the form of minimal Special Effects) in the interest of focusing on human drama.
Examples of Science Fantasy
R. L. Stine's Goosebumps: A kids' horror anthology series which features various sci-fi or fantasy monsters in each book.
The Twilight Zone: The earliest TV series in America to show the line between Fantasy and Science Fiction get blurred, from ghostly flying saucers to tales of a man who could create anything with a tape recorder.
Artemis Fowl: This is a major part of the premise, as the novels focus on Artemis' interactions with magic and the fairy folk while both sides make use of highly advanced technology. It's squarely between the two as well.
Subgenres of Science Fantasy
Sword and Planet. A popular genre in pulp fiction magazines, sword and planet stories send a human protagonist to a planet where they must contend with an alien society, usually with a sword in hand. It has the vibes of sword and sorcery—but in space. Not all sword and planet is science fantasy, but a sizable portion of it is. Example: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Science and Sorcery. Proposed by the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, consists of stories wherein two distinct realities—one grounded in science and the other one of magic—interact with one another. This could include supernatural beings from another dimension invading a future Earth or an intrepid star traveler slipping through a portal to a mythical realm. Example: City of Bones by Martha Wells.
Magipunk. These stories blend magic and technology to create a fantasy science where magic either enables technology or is considered another form of technology. Think of flying machines powered by wizards or sentient war machines imbued with and controlled by the spirits of the dead. This subgenre can itself house many subgenres, several of which fall under the punk genre as well, like steampunk or magipunk (also known as magepunk, aetherpunk, or dungeonpunk). It can even include a "harder" punk genre like cyberpunk, but with stronger fantasy elements. Example: Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone.
Dying Earth or Planet. This subgenre doesn't always mean the stories are about the end of our Earth, though the rise of climate fiction would make it seem so. Beyond that, it can often mean any fictional planet in the ever-expanding universe, or it could even be referring to some other world that exists in a different time and place. Sometimes, the "dying world" can be an abstract representation of a clash between an old way and a new way, too. So given these various circumstances for a Dying Earth, a solution can manifest itself in infinite ways—as you might imagine—and each one being equally techno-fantastic. Example: The Book of the New Sun series by Gene Wolfe.
Weird Fiction. A mutation of speculative genres like cosmic horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction. As such, it tends to leave the reader feeling curious, disturbed, fascinated, or some combination of the three. The genre got its start with the likes of authors such as Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft and continues with modern mavens including Jeff Vandermeer and China Miéville. It is often considered a subgenre of horror, but enough elements of prescient technologies and fantastic entities are present to shelve it under science fantasy, too.
Writing Tips: Science Fantasy
Identify a focus. What do you want to stand out about your story, or what central concept should everything revolve around? Examples: Star Wars started with the hero’s journey and built out from that. Shadowrun wanted to be a fantasy version of cyberpunk.
Choose complementary tropes. Take the elements you know and love from both science fiction and fantasy, and start mixing them into something that makes sense for your story.
Avoid the kitchen sink approach. It might be tempting to sweep both shelves into the pot. After all, we love everything about science fiction and fantasy, so we want to include it all. However, this can create a jumbled mess or something that has so much going on that each ingredient can’t be properly appreciated. It can be done, but it takes a masterstroke to do it well.
Sources: 1 2 3 ⚜ More: References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs
Writing Prompts: Science Fantasy
The Fantasy Fiction Continuum
To write dialogue in this genre, consuming media (e.g., books, films, TV series, screenplays) related to science fantasy might help inspire you, such as the examples above or your own favourite books, films etc in this genre. And you can find more examples in the linked sources. Hope this helps with your writing!
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justwinginglife · 9 months ago
Text
After All This Time
Have yall seen the gorgeous man that is Howl Jenkins Pendragon? I had to make it NSFW, I just had to.
Howl leads Sophie out to the balcony for yet another romantic kiss, awash in moonlight.
You think you might barf. That, or claw out your own heart. You can’t tell what’s more distracting, the acid threatening to rumble up your throat or the aching in your chest threatening to consume you whole. You almost feel guilty for just how heartbroken you feel whenever you see them together.
They’re a cute couple. Much cuter than you would ever be with him. The whole time you’d known him, he’d been searching for her. He would repeat to you the same story about how she had appeared to him, almost like in a dream, asking him to come find her. She was all he’d ever wanted, even before he’d even known her. And why wouldn’t she be? She was kind, even to you. Made your favorite foods whenever you were down, taught you how to tie bows in your hair. And yet, all you could do was despise her. You felt like shit.
But some part of you, some wretched part you’d hidden deep inside your darkness, though apparently not deep enough, felt like Howl belonged to you. He’d met her first, but only for a few seconds before she’d vanished into thin air. It hardly counted as a meeting, in your opinion. You met him soon after; you’d run away to get lost in the meadows and the mountains after your family had renounced you, and that’s when you caught sight of his raven black hair fluttering in the wind as he picked flowers without a care in the world. That was honestly probably the moment you fell in love with him, though you denied it until it was too late.
You remember you laid in the field with him for hours that day, plucking petals, talking secrets and aspirations. You didn’t care that he was some stranger you’d just met, you were a kid, and he was your savior. He offered you a home and you offered him your life, said you’d help him find the girl he was searching for. Really, you would’ve done anything just to stay by his side.
Your most comfortable nights were when he snuggled in bed beside you, keeping your nightmares at bay with his sweet words and intoxicating scent. He’d read you stories to pass the time, and you’d fall asleep in his arms, listening to the familiar rumble of his voice in his chest as you snuggled up against it. Sometimes he’d tell you stories about his own life. Your favorite one was the day he met you. You’d beg him to tell you that story over and over, and though he’d laugh and tease you because you already knew the story having lived it, he’d cave in and humor you anyway, each and every time, without fail. He could never resist you (though sometimes he tried, because he thought it was cute when you pouted.) When he’d finally start telling the story, you’d smile the biggest smile and he’d wonder why he ever stalled in the first place, when he had such a sight to look forward to. Sometimes he’d change up details of the story just to make you laugh, say you flew in on a spaceship, say he was 10 feet tall the day you’d met. It wasn’t hard to make you laugh. Howl loved your laugh and you loved to make him happy. You gave every part of yourself freely.
You weren’t always the best influence on him, but you were his perfect match. One weekend, the two of you didn’t have enough money for food, so he stole a loaf of bread from a merchant he hated. When he sheepishly admitted his crime to you, ready to defend himself with his growling stomach as hard evidence, you smirked and uncovered a basket full of pastries you’d stolen from the same baker. He laughed so hard he fell into the fireplace and you had to rinse ashes from his hair. The two of you toasted your loaves of bread and munched on them together, giggling and nudging each other the rest of the night.
The “partner in crime” act continued when you decided to pursue magic together. You almost got yourselves kicked out of your training because the two of you would play pranks on the rest of the class. Sometimes they were justified and sometimes they were not, but they were fun either way. One time, a bully jeered at Howl’s jet black hair and you turned him into a worm. Unfortunately, that was also the day Howl had started to dye his hair blonde, though he claimed it was unrelated. You made every effort to tell him you adored the way he looked before, and it broke your heart that he wouldn’t listen. He’d say you were just like his sister and it was your job to lie to him and tell him he looked good. You didn’t have the guts to tell him that you’d always loved the way he looked, that you’d always loved him. You didn’t have the guts to beg him to see you as something different, to beg him to see you as something more.
When your first Christmas with him started quickly approaching, you used the only skills at your disposal to make him a pink coat with blue diamonds patched onto it. He loved it so much that he wore it everywhere, and when he finally started to outgrow it, he begged you to make him the same jacket a size larger. And then another size larger. And another, until he was fully grown, fully handsome, and still wrapped in the evidence of your secret love for him.
For the longest time, it was just you, Howl, and Calcifer in his castle. And for the longest time, you wondered if he could just let go of the Sophie thing. You were happy the way things were, why couldn’t he be happy too?
You even thought he might have started to love you back at some point. He’d blush when your shirt would ride up. He’d freeze when you’d brush up against him, even though you had spent many nights sleeping in each other's arms when you were kids. He’d compliment you more, every word carefully handpicked, like he’d spent time thinking about all the ways he adored you.
But then he found her. And he remembered the one thing he wanted.
He’d spent so long looking for her, it didn’t seem right to quit now, though you would’ve happily persuaded him otherwise.
And when you met her, when she was talented, when she was generous, when she was spunky, your heart crumbled to pieces. She was the perfect woman. His perfect woman. And suddenly the weight of your hopes, of your dreams, of your love, came crashing down on you, leaving you devastated in the aftermath.
So tonight, you choke back more “what if’s” as you gaze into the glow of the fire, wondering if you can just feed yourself to Calcifer. Of course, he’d never do that. He was rooting for you. He was the only one; you’d given up on having Howl, at this point.
You hear the door open but don't move from your spot. You think you vaguely hear Sophie mumble a shaky “goodnight” to you, but it’s in between panted breaths, and you almost puke again thinking about just how much oxygen he must’ve sucked from her lungs with that kiss. You say nothing, biting your lip until it bleeds. She goes to bed.
You hear the door open again, and find yourself increasingly more interested in the embers, not wanting to look over at him, not wanting to see his love-drunk expression.
He plops down beside you, sighing happily. There’s that puking feeling again.
You don’t say a word and he nudges you with his shoulder. “Can’t sleep?”
You shake your head.
He raises an eyebrow at you. “And can I ask why you can’t sleep?”
You shake your head again.
“Can I at least ask why I can’t ask?”
“Nope.”
He rolls his eyes. “C’mon. It’s me. You know you can tell me anything.”
“No, thanks.”
He sighs, exasperated. “You barely talk to me and when you do, it’s not more than two words. What is going on with you tonight?”
“Nothing. Just can’t sleep.” Then you smirk. “See- I said more than two words that time.”
He laughs, glad you’re back to joking with him again. “Gods, you’re stubborn, you know that? And a bit of a jackass.”
You laugh at that. “It’s a good thing you love me anyway.”
He blushes. “Bold of you to assume I love you.”
You nudge him with your shoulder. “You better love me at least a little, we are best friends, you know.” You hope he can’t hear the tone in which you say the word love, like you’re not holding your breath, waiting for a confession after he’s just sent his girlfriend to bed.
“Right. Yeah. We are best friends. I do love you, of course I love you. Because we’re friends.” He stumbles on his words and you have the audacity to find it cute. His girlfriend is waiting for him to come to bed, and you’re sitting here, coaxing the word love from him, like you’re not going to purposely misinterpret it later, like you’re not going to go lie in bed after this, staring at the ceiling for hours, just dreaming about the way he says he loves you. You thought you knew better than this.
Apparently you don’t. You answer like an idiot. “And I love you too. As a best friend.”
The blush crawls up his face and tinges his ears red. “Yup. Friends. Best friends.”
The sight makes you choke on your laughter, and for a minute you almost forget just how serious this moment is. “Howl, why are you being weird?”
He scoffs at you. “I’m not being weird. I’m being normal.”
You pinch his cheek. “You’re being so awkward, what gives? It’s just me.” You nudge his shoulder as platonically as you can, but you know it’s just because you’re dying to touch him somewhere, anywhere.
He makes a strangled noise. “You’re being embarrassing, that’s all.”
You rest your head on his shoulder, ignoring the thumping in your chest. “And how am I embarrassing you, Howl?
He sighs, your close proximity to him somehow relaxing him and making him tense up at the same time. “You’re being so touchy… and you say you love me… but as a best friend.”
“And are we not best friends?”
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Yes, we are. But somehow I get the feeling that you mean something else when you say that. When you say you… love me.”
“And what do you want it to mean?” You know this is a mess of your own making. You know you’re just daring him to confess. But you can’t stop now.
“Well. Just tell me what you mean when you say it.”
You go back to shaking your head and he groans.
“Why won’t you just tell me? I want, I need to know your answer. It’s driving me crazy.”
“What’s the issue? You have Sophie. You don’t need me.”
He rolls his eyes. “Sophie has nothing to do with this. Right now, this is just about you and me.”
All your nerve leaves you when you think you might finally have to confess. “Howl. I’m going to bed.” You get up to leave.
He grabs your wrist. “No. You can’t. I’m not done.”
You yank your wrist away. “I’m done. Goodnight, Howl.”
You lock the door to your room thinking the conversation has ended, thinking you can finally let the depression swallow you whole. But he bangs on the door over and over, so much so that you start to feel guilty for Sophie who’s sleeping soundly a couple rooms away. You yank the door open and tug him inside, closing the door behind him. He had wanted to come in, but now that he’s standing alone in your room with you, he’s suddenly silent, the weight of this intimate moment sinking in.
You sigh and drag him over to the bed, pulling him down beside you, and snuggling up against him.
He freezes up.
“Stop acting like a stranger, we used to sleep together all the time.”
He coughs. “Yeah, when we were kids. It’s been awhile since we’ve done this.” He says that, but he slowly puts his arms around you anyway, resuming his usual position on your bed.
“Yeah well, that’s cuz you went and got yourself a girlfriend.” And maybe it’s because it was the middle of the night and you’re sleep deprived -if he asks, that’s what you’ll blame it on- but you suddenly blurt out, “And I’m offended, by the way.”
He huffs, amused. “You’re so dramatic, you know that?”
“Well you know what, maybe I should go get a boyfriend then.”
He tenses up again. “Wh-why’s that?”
You shrug. “You have a girlfriend, why can’t I have a boyfriend?”
“B-because! You don’t know what men are like. They might take advantage of you.”
“So who should I date then?”
He swallows. “No one.”
You don’t actually intend to get a boyfriend, you’re too far gone for Howl, but suddenly his words stir some fire in you that you didn’t know existed. He has the audacity to not love you and then claim you can’t love anyone else? The balls on him.
He can feel the air shift because he suddenly tries to make light of the situation. “Besides, I don’t like sharing my best friend with anyone anyway.”
You glare at him. “Well that’s bullshit because I have to share you with Sophie. It used to be just the two of us, don’t you remember?”
He sighs, guilt creasing his face. “I know, I know. But you’re still important to me. She’s just… she’s my everything.”
You wince and pull yourself out of his arms, turning to face the opposite direction.
He groans. “Come on, don’t be like this. Talk to me. I don’t like when you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset, I’m just tired, I want to go to bed. Go to your girlfriend, Howl.”
“Please. Please just talk to me.” He begs, desperation staining his voice.
Suddenly you snap. “She’s your everything, but that used to be me.” You hadn’t intended the words to sound bitter, but they leave a sour taste in your mouth on the way out.
He winces. “I… yeah, I know. I know things are different now, but the way I feel about you hasn’t changed.”
“That’s the problem.” You whisper to yourself so quietly he’s left straining to hear. When he doesn’t answer, you realize he didn’t hear you after all, and you don’t have the energy to say it again. You wrap yourself up tightly in the blankets. “Your girlfriend is going to worry if you keep her waiting much longer. Go to her.”
He sighs. He wants to keep talking with you but he knows you’re right. He doesn’t want to worry Sophie. He promises he’ll talk with you in the morning and takes his leave.
In the morning, he finds that all of your things are missing and you’re nowhere to be found. He panics and races outside in his pajamas, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. He sees your head bobbing down the street, bags in your hands. He almost collapses a lung trying to chase after you.
“What are you doing??” He yells as he runs.
You flinch at his voice, recognizing it instantly, but you keep walking.
He catches up to you and wrenches your arm backwards. You drop a bag and he quickly picks it up but holds onto it.
“Why do you have all your things? Where are you going? Why are you going? You can’t just leave me like this!” His words are rushed, like they’re flooding out, like he doesn’t even know what he wants to say, just that he wants to say something, just that he needs to make you acknowledge him, to make you stay.
You reach for your bag and he yanks it back. “Howl-”
“You- you can’t leave me, damnit!” He snaps and you realize it’s been a long time since he was this mad at you. You almost smile at the thought that your departure causes him so much displeasure. It’s sweet.
“Howl, I need to go.”
“No, no, you don’t. You need to stay with me. What ever happened to best friends? What ever happened to I love you?”
“Howl.”
He doesn’t listen. He keeps rambling.
“Howl. Howl!”
His eyes snap up to yours.
“I love you, Howl.”
He shuts the fuck up.
“I’m in love with you.” You say again, letting the words sink in. He’s still reeling from the shock of it all.
You continue, “I love you, so I can’t stay. I can’t be close to you like this. I can’t keep third wheeling, I can’t keep lying awake at night, dreaming about you, listening to you sleep next door. I can’t. It’s time, I need to go.” You muster up your best smile for him. It’s much easier to grab the bag from his hands now that he’s frozen in place.
You hear him weakly mumbling things like “But I still need you” and “But you can’t leave me” and you wince, but you turn to leave anyway. He weakly grabs onto your arm again, but he’s so shaken, it’s easy to slip out of his grip.
You sigh as you take in the sad sight of him in this miserable state. “You don’t need me. You’ll be fine. You have Sophie. Everything will be fine. I wish you both happiness.” You don’t, but you say it anyway, you reassure him, because that’s what you do when you love him.
When he continues fumbling for you, his words a jumbled mess, you realize he’ll just keep coming after you, even in this weakened state, so you speak up again, “Old friend. Will you do me a favor?”
Life slowly flickers back into his eyes, as he thinks of how he can be of use to you. “Yes, anything. Anything for you.”
“Close your eyes.”
He bites his lip but hesitantly closes his eyes anyway.
You want to leave now. You want to bolt while he’s not looking. But your greed gets the better of you. You hesitate before finally making the decision to kiss him on the cheek, and you know you’ll keep that moment with you forever. You’ll hold on to the feeling of his cheek on your lips until the day you die, because you know you’ll love him until the day you die.
Then you walk away, picking up the pace as you continue down the street, hoping he doesn’t open his eyes, hoping you saved him the pain of having to watch you leave.
Many years later, you’re running errands, walking down the street at a leisurely pace, just enjoying the sun on your skin. You look up at the sky, taking in the fresh air and basking in the sunlight.
Not watching where you’re going, you crash into someone. You immediately think to apologize, but your words get swallowed down when you catch a glimpse of jet black hair.
“H-Howl?”
He blinks. And then he blinks again, this time trying to hold back tears. “Is…is it really… really you?”
A smile spreads across your face. “Hi.”
He reaches out to touch you and then he stops. You intertwine your fingers with his before he can pull his hand away. His fingers lock into place as he draws closer to you, sinking into your touch.
“You’re here.” He whispers.
You ruffle his hair. “You went back to your natural color. I like it.”
He blushes and he absentmindedly reaches up to touch the place where your hand just grazed his hair. “You… you always said you liked it better.”
You smile again. Then you let his hand go, much to his disappointment, and start looking around, looking for her. Your brows furrow in confusion when you don’t see anyone nearby. “Where’s Sofie?”
He swallows, looking down. “She, uh, she’s not… not here.”
You raise an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“She… we…um. We broke up. Awhile ago. Wasn’t meant to be, I guess.”
You choke on your spit. “You what? Oh you poor thing, let me get you a drink.” You start dragging him away before he can properly process what’s going on.
He thinks you’re taking him to a bar, and he’s surprised when you lead him into your house, ushering him onto one of your bar stools. He looks around while you mix up a drink for him. He realizes this place looks oddly familiar, even though he’s never been here before.
You realize he’s trying to piece together where he’s seen this place. You crack a smile. “I modeled it after that house we stayed at, in the countryside. Seems you remember it well. You like it?”
He nods, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Before he can make any proper commentary on the house, a child runs up to you and throws his arms around your leg.
You laugh and ruffle his hair. “Hey, sweetie. What’re you doing down there?”
Howl swallows, watching this interaction with bated breath. He wonders if that’s your kid. It has to be, it’s your house.
You hand Howl the freshly mixed drink and he takes a sip.
He’s about to comment on how good it is when he hears the kid say, “Mom! Up!” and he chokes on his drink.
You pick the kid up, resting him on your hip before giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Silly. What would your mother say if she heard you calling me mom? It’s auntie, remember? Now go run along and help your mom out with the laundry, okay baby?” You set the kid down and he nods before running to the backroom.
When the kid is gone, you burst into laughter. “You should’ve seen your face. I thought I was gonna die, you looked like you just had a stroke. You thought he was my kid, huh?” You turn to Howl and poke him on the nose.
He rolls his eyes and swats your hand away, seemingly unfrozen now. “Well, can you blame me?”
“He doesn’t look a thing like me,” You tease, nudging him with your elbow.
“Well he could’ve taken after your husband!” He exclaimed defensively.
“Well I don’t have a husband.”
Howl blinks. “No husband.” He repeats.
“And… no boyfriend either.” You say slowly, watching him process this information.
“And no boyfriend either.” He repeats, each word softer than the next.
Suddenly you’re interrupted by your sister waving at you as she takes her kid and her freshly done laundry out the door with her. You wave back and when you catch Howl’s shocked expression, you explain to him that you reconnected with some of your family. He’s happy for you. He always is. Your wins were always his wins. You always loved that about him.You wonder if you can dare to love him some more. If you can dare to dream.
“So… do you have anywhere to stay tonight?” You ask nonchalantly.
He bites his lip. “N-no. Just kind of been… wandering aimlessly.”
You perk up. “Well perfect, I have spare rooms.”
He blushes. “You’d let me stay here? Even after all this time?
You hop into a seat next to him. “Well yeah, aren’t we best friends? That doesn’t just go away, you know.” You nudge his shoulder. Then you dare to rest your head on it.
He freezes but then he relaxes. “This drink is pretty good, by the way.”
“Better be. I put your favorite flavors in it.”
He sits up straighter. “You remember?”
“I remember everything.”
He goes silent, lost in his thoughts.
You want to cheer him up. “Bet I can drink you under the table.”
He snorts. “Like hell you can.”
You spend the next few hours chugging drinks, laughing, catching each other up on everything non-Sofie related. She’s not important right now. Part of you hopes she’ll never come up again. Actually, most of you hopes that.
Eventually it’s time to retire, and you say you’ll draw him up a bath with his favorite scents. He smiles at you, “I’ll toast to that!” and he lifts his cup to you as you disappear into the bathroom.
You reappear to tell him it’s ready and he flushes bright red when you tell him you’ll just be right next door, taking your bath, if he needs you. He begins to soak in the tub, his mind swimming with thoughts of you. He can’t stand you being so close and yet so far away. And taking a bath. Naked, no less. Just behind that wall. He gulps and sinks deeper into the tub, trying to drown out his thoughts.
Then you call out to him and he snaps out of it. “Howl. I forgot my towel in there. Could you bring it to me?”
His eyes widen and his heart thumps in his chest. Is this what cardiac arrest feels like? He pulls himself out of the bath and shakily grabs your towel before making the trip next door.
You think he’ll just leave it outside so you get up to grab it but then he opens the door right as you step out of the bath, the water dripping down your fully naked body.
His eyes rake all over your body and he almost drops the towel in shock. But he can’t stop looking. His blood is burning in his veins, but he can’t stop looking. His lungs feel like they’re ablaze, but he can’t stop looking. You look so perfect, so heavenly.
You break the silence. “I-I thought y-you’d leave the towel outside the door.” Your cheeks flood with red.
He lets out a strangled chuckle, as his eyes continue to roam. “I… yeah, I was just… I’ll just…”
You bite your lip and it shoots his heart straight into the stratosphere.
He takes a hesitant step towards you.
You swallow.
He takes another step, taking in every inch of you.
You can’t help but do the same, admiring his bare body.
He takes another step, finally finding himself directly in front of you. “I just…” He continues and then trails off.
“Yes?” You lean in closer to him, but that’s all you do.
You’re so close to him, your breaths begin to mingle with each other.
“J-just…” He finds himself staring at your lips. Of all the parts of you to be staring at, that’s what he’s settled on. He swallows. “Just… can I…?”
“Yes.”
It only takes a second for him to swallow up all the tension between you, closing the distance, and claiming your lips in a desperate kiss. His hands wander the smooth expanse of your body, memorizing every curve. His kisses are possessive, like he needs to make his mark on you before he wakes up and finds this all a dream. His tongue moves urgently through your mouth, like he might find heaven in the back of your throat.
“Howl…” You whine.
He groans at the sound, gripping your hips tighter and pulling you flush up against him.
“Fuck. Howl, don’t stop.”
Lust flares in his eyes at your words. “I wouldn’t dream of it, I can’t get enough of you,” He pants, eager to claim your lips again.
After a couple more dizzying kisses, you murmur in a daze, “You taste better than I imagined.”
He sucks in a sharp breath. “Fuck. You imagined me?”
You trace the length of his bare back, your slender fingers eliciting shivers from him. “All the time. All the damn time.”
He pushes you against the wall and you gasp at the cold tile on your back. “Howl, that’s cold!”
He smirks. “I promise I’ll warm you up.” He traces hot kisses down your neck, down your breasts, stopping to suck on a peaked nipple, before trailing his kisses further down your abdomen. He kneels in front of you, eyeing your dripping cunt. He’s waiting for permission.
“Are you gonna gawk all day or are you going to taste me?”
He chuckles at your bold words. “I’ve never heard you talk like this before. I like it.” And without another word, he brings his head in between your legs, hungrily lapping at your wet heat. Every whimper and every whine he coaxes from your lips makes him eager to taste more of you. The rough strokes of his tongue dragging itself up and down your slit overwhelms you and you think you might just come on his face. Then he jams his tongue inside you, moaning as your depths envelop him, your slick drizzling down his throat as he swallows. And you do come on his face, fist in his hair, as you moan his name.
He groans as your orgasm floods into his mouth.
You’ve not even finished all the way, the evidence of your desire still trickling down your legs, when suddenly he pulls away from you; before you can complain about his absence, he shoves his bulging erection deep inside your swollen cunt, gasping as your slick coats his cock.
“Howl!” You dig your nails into his back as you adjust to the new sensation.
He sighs, the sound filled with ecstasy. “If you keep saying my name like that, I won’t be able to last much longer.”
“I don’t have a problem with that,” You gasp out.
He shakes his head, grunting as he thrusts into you. “I do. I want to enjoy every second of this.”
His fingers carve canyons into your hips as he steadies himself against your skin.
“Howl…” You groan again, letting your head fall back against the wall. “I want you. I need you.”
His eyes darken as he soaks in the sound of your whines. “I’m right here, darling.” He picks up the pace, though still restraining himself.
“And you feel so good inside me,” You bite your lip, “I bet you’d feel even better pumping your seed into me.”
He swears under his breath, but he can’t muster up the strength for anymore words, all his strength has been poured into resisting you, into resisting the urge to let go. But his strength dwindles quickly at the sight of you flushed beneath him, at the sounds of your moans echoing against the tiled walls. He slams his cock deeper and then finds his release with his tongue in your mouth, swallowing down your pleasure as he fills you up.
You both don’t move for a moment. You just stand there, shuddering, panting, holding each other for support.
Then you start to laugh and he laughs with you.
“You may as well take a bath with me since you’ve already seen me naked,” You tease, jerking a thumb towards the tub.
He grins widely. “Well, if you insist.”
“Oh, I do.” You say devilishly, leading him towards the bath.
You both slide into the tub, sighs escaping your lips, as the warm water envelops both your bodies. You snuggle up against him, soaking in the beauty of the moment.
“You know,” He says thoughtfully, “I think I’ve been waiting my whole life for you.”
You lift your chin up to meet his gaze, raising an eyebrow at him. “Don’t you mean Sophie?”
He shakes his head. “I thought that’s what I wanted, but you were right there, right in front of me the whole time. I’ve only ever needed you. I…” He hesitates, but the feeling of you snug against him gives him courage, “I love you.” Then he grins. “And not just like a best friend.”
You laugh and kiss his chest. “Well how about that? I love you too.”
He beams. “Even after all this time?”
You kiss his cheek. You kiss his forehead. You kiss his lips. He sighs, savoring the feeling of your lips on his skin.
You nuzzle up against his ear and murmur, “Especially after all this time.”
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loving-family-poll · 5 months ago
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2nd Ultimate Incest Tournament - Round 1
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Propaganda under the cut:
Vash/Knives:
Twin alien brothers whose polar opposite philosophies and approaches to violence against humans do not impede their all-encompassing love for each other. Canon limb amputation and nonconsensual impregnation attempts are merely the tip of the iceberg of their deeply troubled, deeply intimate relationship.
they are twin aliens literally made for one another. they are the only two of their kind. the mangaka wanted to have nai impregnate vash but instead settled for having nai use vash to impregnate a whole bunch of their slightly less evolved sisters. it's incest all the way down with these two
Knives crashed an entire fleet of spaceships, killing millions of people, to prevent them from hurting Vash. He plans to create a “paradise” just for the two of them, so they can be together. He murders anyone and anything who opposes him, except for Vash. He cut off Vash’s arm to save his life. He even kidnaps Vash to pry open his womb-shaped gate to another dimension to “penetrate” Vash’s alien core. Vash can’t bring himself to lift a finger against Knives and cries when he realizes they’ve become too different. When he realizes he won’t persuade Vash to join his paradise, Knives annihilates himself in front of Vash. Failtwins of all time.
two blonde boys doing what blonde boys do best: look alike. theyre twins, which is hot, and they have a complicated love-hate relationship that has risked both of their lives on multiple counts! do you love mpreg? well studio orange has you covered [SPOILERS!] in Trigun Stampede (2023 Anime) with their season finale of Knives impregnating Vash with his plant tendrils! also did we mention theyre aliens who are also plants? the incest is literally out of this world; Plantcest is the best kind of incest because not only can it include Vash and Knives, but ALL of their plant sisters! fun for the whole family for millennia to cum ;))
Luke/Leia:
They're canonical telepathic magic space twins who kiss a bunch in the movies, what more could you ask for?
The best light genuinely romantic incest to ship that can also be super hot. You think you're watching an average boy meets girl romance but then they not only swerve towards an intense and charged friendship where Luke is ready to be whatever Leia could possibly want from him (and she does take him up on that) but when they find out they are siblings they Like the type of closeness it provides them because despite being attracted to each other, they first and foremost can't help feeling like the other's missing half and they get even more in sync and devoted to each other. I find myself more attracted to their constancy than the ups and downs of the more traditional slap slap kiss romance of the alternative
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autisticshadowthehedgehog · 5 months ago
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yes the plants take the gem but what does that have to do with sonic and tails can you explain I'm very intrigued
i'm assuming you're referring to this post!
In the anime Sonic X, the third season was dedicated to a completely original story. (also obligatory "please watch the subbed version, the dubbed version got censored heavily" mention) The spoiler-free version is that group of aliens in fucked-up robot armor, led by Dark Oak, descend on Mobius to try and steal the Chaos Emeralds. In attempt to save the universe from these freaks, Super Sonic scatters the emeralds across the galaxy before crashing to the planet (he's fine tho). The aliens, known as the Metarex, then attack the planet and steal something from its core, causing the plants to slowly wither and die.
Around this time, a refugee from space crashes on the planet, looking for Sonic. An anthropomorphic plant, her name is Cosmo and she is the last survivor of her race after the Metarex attacked her ship. She knows Sonic as the only person who can control the chaos emeralds, and begs him to help defeat the Metarex. Turns out these guys have been planet-hopping and genociding as they go, but their main goal is to steal the Planet Egg, which is a magic thing at the core of each planet that keeps it alive and thriving. She currently doesn't know what they're using them for but it's not for anything good. And, well, now they're hunting chaos emeralds... and, as we find out later, making fake ones.
Tails happens to have a spaceship so the whole gang goes into space to fight the Metarex. This takes up the entire season and it fucks severely. Again, the English dub was heavily censored; the og Japanese has constant death and shit. In the last of the spoiler-free bits, I will say that if you have ever heard of "Dark Sonic"... this is where he appears.
The entire season is extremely dark but extremely well-written, which makes it very popular in the fanbase. Ian Flynn has previously stated he wanted to adapt this arc to comic but Sega wouldn't let him; us seeing the Chaos Emerald surrounded by plants, along with fake chaos emeralds and Dark Sonic-implications, is making us wonder if Sega's let up and we might get this arc after all.
Now, spoiler version, though I really do suggest you watch the subbed version of this season bc it's a fucking masterpiece:
We find out late in the season that Cosmo and the Metarex are the same species. In this species, the sexual dimorphism is a different "final stage" of their life cycle. The "male" plant-creatures enter their final stage as basically a kaiju, in order to defend their society from threats; the "female" final stage is turning into a giant fuckin tree in order to reproduce with seeds. The downside is that once you enter this final stage, it is FINAL, and you die shortly after.
However, when their planet was attacked by an unseen threat (it's never clarified, but a lot of people theorize it to be the Black Arms considering Shadow 05 was about to drop), they were all about to get wiped tf out. Dark Oak started experimenting with the Planet Egg in order to stay permanently in kaiju version without dying. His wife, Earthia (or "Ashia" in Japanese, but it just translates to "Earthia") is fucking horrified that he's fucking with the life of their planet like this. While he convinces the "males" to join his side, Earthia escapes with the girls and bombs their planet to kill Dark Oak and his new monsters. They survive though, and Dark Oak starts leading them to steal more planet eggs.
Turns out their plan is to use the power of the eggs and chaos emeralds (fake or real) to do a full-scale attack on the entire fucking universe, which will kill all animal-people and turn every planet into overgrown plants. We actually see some characters from a Shadow one-off episode being killed and violently turned into trees in one scene. Fucked up. That's what they want to do to everything.
And Cosmo? Well she didn't just happen to be a survivor; turns out Dark Oak spared her from the attack on her ship, semi-possessed her in order to spy through her eyes and ears, and yeeted her down to Mobius. He's been using her to spy on the Sonic Crew this entire time, against her will and without her knowledge. It fucks everyone up a WHOLE lot.
Anyway there's like a three-part finale where Super Sonic and Super Shadow are desperately trying to keep these fuckers from Mass Genociding. Finally, Cosmo realizes that she's the only one who can stop this and sacrifices herself; she goes into her Final Stage, turning into a tree but trapping Dark Oak in there with her (it's a long story, he kinda turned into a meteor). She then appears to Tails, the ship captain, and tells him to fucking shoot her to kill both her and Dark Oak, saving the galaxy.
The problem is, Tails and Cosmo have had a bit of a romance over the course of the season. It's been fucking adorable, and Tails became extremely protective of her after Shadow tried to kill her (long story). There's an uncomfortably drawn-out scene (and I mean that in the best way) where Tails is like. Emotionally broken and trying to figure out any way to do this without killing Cosmo. Eventually, he has to give in and fucking shoot her, blowing her and Dark Oak up. It saves the galaxy but traumatizes the hell out of him.
Super Sonic and Shadow contain the blast, and Super Shadow chaos-controls it away and disappears (this is likely bc they were setting up for the Sonic Heroes arc, where Shadow would have to appear out of nowhere again). When Sonic returns to the ship, Tails meets with him, desperate for him to say he saved the day last-minute and brought Cosmo back. Instead, all Sonic could find was a single seed– considering how the Metarex reproduce, it's probably Cosmo's child, but it's never clarified. This causes Tails to have a complete fucking breakdown.
The season p much ends there. They show everyone starting to heal on Mobius, have a bit where the anime-exclusive character Chris has character development and leaves to go home, and then go "and now we're going to have more adventures!! yay!!" before panning to a potted plant in Tails's workshop, showing that the seed has sprouted.
As I said, it's very dark, but VERY good, and thus we all really really hope that it's what Sonic IDW is building up to. They've been building up fake Chaos Emeralds, Tails blaming himself for things outside of his control, and Sonic being 110% done. I didn't even get into the Dark Sonic stuff, cause it only appears briefly in one episode and then is never mentioned again, which you'd think would be bad writing but no it just raises so many questions and you know that was what was intended by it.
The arc is really beloved but because it only appeared in a 2005 anime (which was heavily censored in English, and the og Japanese didn't air officially until a couple years ago), not a huge chunk of the fanbase knows about it. Which means we really want to share it and get more people into it and how good a character Cosmo is. So yeah that's what we're excited for.
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cillianmurphysdimples · 2 months ago
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A Female Y/N / Cillian fanfic (Part Seventy Two)
Absolutely not based on anything real at all, all totally fictional, fanciful and it's all total bollocks.
Warnings for sexual references and language. Adult themes. Not suitable for under 18s.
We Got Issues
Part Seventy Two: Cillian's emotions are all-encompassing and vast - made worse by a further press leak - and he's taken aback when Y/N validates his every one - and reminds him that he allowed to express them. Taking Clíodhna in his arms, he knows his little fighter won't give up. [Angst/Emotional. Care of preemie babies]
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@cherrycilly @aesthetic0cherryblossom @meister95 @vivianleighwishesshewasme @watermeezer @steangeions @lavender-haze-01 @meadowshelby @borntodiemp3
A full translation of Cillian's speech is difficult word for word (doesn't fully translate well) but he expresses pride and love at her strength, and apologies that he can't make her better.
"Is breá liom tú, cailín leanbh" - "I love you, baby girl"
Also, the kid-friendly origins of Cillian being 'Magic Daddy'.
You feel for Cillian when, about twenty minutes after he'd stormed away, he returns with an air of embarrassment about him. You wish he didn't look so shameful - there is no shame at all in what he feels. He joins you beside Clíodhna's spaceship-looking cot and silently sits in the chair beside yours. He doesn't look at you for a moment, and you don't seek out any interaction for fear of upsetting him. But when he reaches over the side of the chair and takes your hand where it rests in your lap, you know he has lowered the walls enough for it to be safe to make eye contact. But then he speaks.
“There's another article.” He says. “More details, more claims. Someone's said something.” he sniffs and his jaw is stiff. 
You frown, shaking your head. “Fuck.” He looks at you for a moment and then he rolls his eyes and doesn't say another word about it. You know it'll come up again, but you know there's more pressing things consuming him. “Are you okay?” You ask him quietly. 
Nodding slowly, he mumbles an inhaled yes then takes a deep breath. “I feel useless.” He admits. “I want to make things better for her, but I can't.” 
You turn down the corners of your mouth, “I know what you mean.” 
“She's brand new, and so little, Y/N, she shouldn't have to go through this.” He sighs. He shifts his hand a bit where he has it laced into yours, then tightens his fingers around yours. “Are we allowed to hold her?” 
You feel awful when you realise you hadn't even considered asking that question, having assumed the answer would be no. “I don't know.” You say quietly. “Want me to find someone?” 
Cillian doesn't say anything for a few moments. “When Mal was small and he was sick, he used to lie on top of you. Aran liked to be left alone, and didn't want the fuss, but Malachy would lay out on you and need you there constantly. You'd end up vomited on, and you’d be sweating your bollocks off, because he'd be full of fever or whatever. What if she doesn't want to be left alone?” He frowns, his eyes fixed on Clíodhna. “What if she needs us?” 
The idea of her longing for contact makes your stomach lurch. “She's sedated too, Cillian, so she's fast asleep…” you say, hoping that's a comfort. It is to you, at least a little - if she's out of it, she doesn't know what she does or doesn't need. “And she can hear us. She knows we're here.” 
“It's not the same.” He shakes his head, but his eyes are still focused on Clíodhna. “Malachy would be able to see us, and it wasn't enough. It's the touching, the...hug that makes it better. Hearing your heartbeat, and your breathing, and when you talk. That's what helps.” He sounds so lost and sad that it makes your throat constrict. You smooth your thumb back and forth across his fingers wrapped in your hand. “I want to hold her.” 
You squeeze his hand once and slowly stand up, “I'll find someone.” You say quietly. He finally draws his eyes from Clíodhna, looking around at you. You meet his eyes, and they're darkened with her weight of all he's feeling. “I'll find someone, okay, and you can hold on to her for as long as you want to. Okay?” He lets your hand go but doesn't say anything as you walk away. 
It surprises you how quickly you're assisted and how the request you assumed wouldn't be granted is quickly facilitated. Within minutes, Imelda has Clíodhna safely scooped up in her hands as she waits for Cillian to get comfortable in the chair before she places Clíodhna's tiny, unmoving body right up near his collarbone, settled comfortably on top of his t-shirt. She fusses for a moment, ensuring all wires are still secure and that Clíodhna's observations haven't changed dramatically. She adjust the tiny tube that protrudes from Clíodhna's tiny, parted lips and it makes you wince. You watch what you imagine to be a mirror of your own expression flash across Cillian's face as he winkles up his nose, watching Clíodhna's little head move with the slight adjustments. But when she walks away, you can almost see the visible relaxing of every muscle in Cillian's body. He rests left palm across Clíodhna's back as she lies on her tummy, arms either side of her and tiny legs stretched down along the centre of Cillian's chest. Her tiny fingers don't twitch, but you do notice an occasional curling of her toes which reminds you of the immense strength that you know this little girl has. You sit in the chair beside Cillian silently, as he holds her tightly and equally as silently for a few moments before he begins to talk to her. So beautiful do you find it, that there isn't a shred of jealousy over the fact that he keeps his words private - between him and Clíodhna - as he whispers softly to her in Irish. 
“Tá mé chomh bródúil asat, a leanbh. Hey?” He has chin down, so that he whispers his words close to her head. “Is bean láidir thú. Sea, tá sé sin ceart, a leanbh.” he takes a deep breath, and Clíodhna's tiny body rises with the action. He moves his hand up and down her bare back slowly. “Tá brón orm nach féidir liom aon mhaith a dhéanamh duit. Tá brón orm, leanbh.” You watch him close his eyes tightly, and he rests his head back against the chair. He's barely holding it together. “But I am right here,” he says. He brings up his right hand to cup over her little feet. “I am right here, yeah? Me and Mammy, and we're not going anywhere until you're all better.” He turns his head on the chair and looks at you. “Maybe we should do your idea, taking shifts here? Did you want to go home for a while and come back later on? I'm not sending you, but…” 
You shake your head. “No, I'll stay.” 
He smiles softly, though it doesn't touch his eyes. “She's moving her feet.” You look down at her body as he lifts his right hand, and sure enough her little toes are flexing just a bit. 
“Because she's got her Daddy - you knew what she needed.” You praise him without condescension. “Like magic, you knew what she needed.” you reach your hand across and touch the sole of Clíodhna's tiny left foot. “It didn't even occur to me, but you knew. Her Magic Daddy. And I've never been more sure that this girl was supposed to be here, and is supposed to be here. And that you,” you look up at him, “are supposed to be her Daddy.” 
He takes a shaky breath at your words. “I'm sorry I left before.” 
You shake your head immediately, “Don't you dare, don't apologise. You have nothing to be sorry for, Cillian, and no explanation to give. You're angry and you're scared, and you acted that way. I am not ashamed of you, so do not be ashamed of yourself.” you say, and he looks at you like he can't believe you understand, like he can't believe he's allowed to display something like that. “Never hold it back, Cillian. Your love for her, your feelings for her - your feelings over anything. Please don't think I need that toxic….never bothered, macho man. I never have, and I don't want you to try and be that. Show our girl, and your boys, that it's okay to feel what you feel, and let people know that you need to be heard over that. You do it for me all the time, you let me feel what I feel. I forget, sometimes, that you're only human. You're her father, Cillian, and you're frightened and you deserve to be able to show that.” 
He reaches his right hand across and plants it against your thigh. He doesn't say a word, but you suspect that he can't right now. His left hand stays safely wrapped around Clíodhna's back and he lowers his chin once again and places a kiss awkwardly against the top of her fluffy little head. When he rests his head back again, you can see the tears that are slowly dropping from his lower lashes. You place your hand over his where it's still resting on your leg and let the silence linger between you both. 
The nurses move around you with minimal interruptions to Cillian's cuddle, but they access Clíodhna as and when they need to. There's readings taken and adjustments of the small wires around her, but they don't take her away. While you take no notice of actual time, you know it is at least a handful of hours when Imelda approaches you both, looking to engage a little more. 
“We're going to run her feed,” she says quietly. “I won't even suggest placing her back, don't worry.” She says, and you can see she's reading the look of abject terror on Cillian's face. “We'll need to do a nappy change soon, though, okay, but again I'm happy to just be there and let you two work away.” 
You stop her when, after hooking up what she needs to and ensuring everything is set, she goes to walk away. “Imelda?” She smiles gently at you. “How long until you know that the medication is working?”
“We'll see improvements quickly,” she says. “I can't give exact numbers - NICU babies are so singular - but we'll see improvements in her observations fairly quickly as long as it's going in the direction we hope it does.” She sounds positive, calm even, and it's easy to believe her despite your fears. 
“And if we want to stay tonight?” You continue. 
Imelda softens her face further. “I won't stop you, but I would encourage you both to go home and rest. We can and will call you if there are any concerns. You two burning yourselves out, too, isn't going to be helpful either.” 
“But we can stay?’ you check. 
Imelda nods her head, “Of course you can.” 
“You really think you'd make us leave anyway?” Cillian says, and his eyes are fixed on Clíodhna as he speaks but his tone is sharp. 
Imelda looks at Cillian, then at you. “No, I don't think so.” she says, and her voice is calm. 
Cillian raises his eyes and looks at her. “How does a room full of nurses allow a newborn, premature baby to choke on their own fucking vomit?” The bridge of his nose is in a firm frown. 
“Cill,” you say with a wince. 
“There's three or four of you around here at any given time, and she's tiny and relies on everyone for everything. How do four fucking nurses allow that to happen?” He shakes his head, and you can see all the rationality he'd applied earlier has left him, squashed from him by his fear, anger and uncertainty. “Did youse overfeed her to make her get sick?” 
“Love, stop, this won't help.” You insist calmly. 
“I need to know.” Cillian looks at you, and his eyes are glassy and wide. “I need to know how my daughter got sick.” 
Imelda breathes evenly but it's noisy as she listens, then she nods her head to validate Cillian's words. “It just happens, Cillian. Baby's get sick after feeding, it happens. And she was reclined, and it just… it just happened. It does happen. I know you need to make sense of it, but it is senseless in that respect. It's just an occurrence.” 
“Just an occurrence?” Cillian scoffs. “It could kill her.” His face firms up. “This fucking occurrence could kill her, and you say it's just senseless?” 
“Love, please, you have Clíodhna listening to your heart, and your voice and your breathing…” you say.
At your words, he takes a deep breath. “I'm sorry.” 
You reach across, despite Imelda eyeing you both awkwardly, and cup your hand around his cheek. “Keep it calm for her. Please? I'm not telling you it's wrong, feeling what you are, but I'm just saying - try being calm for her.” you smooth your thumb across his cheekbone for a moment then draw back your hand. “I think us going home is probably a good idea, later this evening. You promise you'll call if there's anything at all that happens?” 
Imelda nods her head, “Someone will call if there is anything that happens.” She vows. You nod once, and Imelda awkwardly excuses herself with the promise to return shortly for the end of Clíodhna's feed. 
Cillian sighs loudly and closes his eyes, “We need to talk to someone, get out somewhere more private.” He says. “Or next fucking print will me hitting some staff member a box in the jaw.” 
You run your eyes over his face. “What did the article say?” 
He opens his eyes and fixes his intense blue stare right at you, “Similar to the other one, but with her name.” 
You raise both eyebrows. “They printed her name?” 
Cillian nods, “Yep,” he says, stiffening his jaw. “And referenced the boys, too. Something like, ‘big brothers Aran and Malachy’ and then it says that the illusive sources have revealed we named her Clíodhna.” he rolls his eyes and scoffs, “No mention of the fact that doctors and nurses can't give straight answers, or that she was allowed inhale her own fucking puke.” He snaps. “It's not right, Y/N,” he looks at you, and his expression is as sad as his tone. “She's no privacy, no fucking dignity, and she's not even here a full fucking week!” He shakes his head. “My mum and dad, my sisters, my brother, her own fucking brothers…They've not met her and already there's information leaking out into a fucking internet wank-page.” 
You nod your head slowly, “I know, it isn't fair.” You say, sadly. 
“And she's got fight off a fucking infection now, too? She's only wee! It isn't fucking right.” He sniffs and stiffens his jaw again. “I don't want to go home,” he says firmly. “I don't want to leave her with people who aren't watching her like they should be.” 
You nod your head again, “I know, but if you stay here you're going to go insane. We will leave, when we are ready, after we've settled her back down. And we will come back first thing tomorrow and do it again. I don't want to leave her either, but if you don't get some distance and a break, I don't think you'll be able to keep your tongue.” 
He scoffs and juts his chin. “I know I shouldn't have given out to her.” He says, half rolling his eyes.
“Probably not, but I understand it.” You say. 
"But I'm not sorry.” He says, and he smirks a little. 
You can't help the small chuckle it brings to your throat. “I can see that.” You sigh and reach out, touching your hand to Clíodhna's leg as she flexes her toes again gently. “She's so comfortable with you.” 
“I hope so.” He says, moving his fingers against Clíodhna's back. “I was thinking about what you said before, about wanting to hear her cry.” He says, and you look up at him, tearing your eyes away from Clíodhna's little foot. You raise your eyebrows at his words. “I hadn't thought about it before, but I know what you mean and I've been thinking about it since. I want to hear it, too. I want to hear her voice - her little…fucking…roar.” He smiles sadly. “I want to know what she sounds like.” He looks at you and sticks out his bottom lip.
“We will, soon.” You nod your head in the hopes of convincing him and yourself of the fact. “Her little cry, and then her giggle, and her words. I'm laying a bet now, her first word will be Daddy.” He smiles, and his cheeks push up into his eyes. “I'm calling it now. And I can almost guarantee, she's not going to want to know me. This is a Daddy's girl right here.” 
Cillian cranes his head to look down at Clíodhna, “Too right.” He says, and kisses the top of her head. “Too fucking right, leanbh, hey? Daddy's girl.” he sighs softly. "I'm sorry, leanbh. But you're fighting so hard, I know you are. I do. I can feel it. And even with all the medicine they have y'on, you're moving those wee toes. You're a wee fighter, and I know you're a winner too. You're gonna win this fight, aren't you? Hey? My wee girl.* He brings his words even quieter, to a breathy whisper, so quiet that even though he's beside you, you can barely hear it. "I'm sorry I went away before - I'm so mad that you're so tiny, but you've to fight like a bear. But I'm right here, leanbh. I'll never go far away, I'm here for you all the time - and even when you get bigger, and you're being bold, I'll still be here and I'll still love ya. Yeah? Are you listening to me, leanbh? Hmm? 'Though she be but little, she is fierce '. And y'are, leanbh. You are. You're fucking amazing, you know that? Keep on being my wee fighter, yeah? And when you're well, me and Mammy are gonna get y'in the car, and I'll take you to Cork and meet Granny and Granddad. My gorgeous wee girl," he sighs heavily through his nose, closing his eyes as he rests back his head. His hand moves gently on her back again and Clíodhna's tiny toes move once again. "Daddy's gorgeous wee girl, hmm? You're safe here, leanbh, with me and Mammy. There's room in these arms for you until the day I can't fecking lift them - until that fucking day, leanbh, I'll hold you whenever, wherever. You listening? Hmm?" He sighs again, and your throat is killing you with his constricted it's become, overcome with emotion at Cillian's whole being. "For as long as I'm fucking breathing, my wee girl, I'm gonna fight right alongside ya." He lifts his head again, and cranes his chin to kiss the top of her head. "Is breá liom tú, cailín leanbh." 
It's after ten pm when you arrive home. Cillian kills the ignition and sighs heavily. He rests his head back against the seat, then turns to his left to look at you. The driveway is illuminated by the motion light that had come on as the car pulled in, but otherwise it's dark around you. You look back at him with a soft and sad smile. His entire face displays his exhaustion - it's not just fatigue, though, it's different. It's emotional tiredness, like his brain has reached its limit and physically cannot process anything else. He blinks slowly, and he draws his tongue across his dry lower lip. He's been absent-mindedly biting against the dry skin across the evening and there are two areas on it that are threatening to bleed if he doesn't leave it be. He reaches forwards and pulls the key from the ignition, then hands it to you. “Let yourself in,” he says, “I'm gonna have a fag and then I'll come in.”
Taking the keys, and clutching them in your right palm whilst you hold your handbag in your left, you don't move to get out. “I'm proud of you.” You say, and you feel your chest dropping with a wave of emotion as the words leave your lips. The look on his face only makes the surge of emotions deepen.
He scoffs, though. “Why?”
“Because I know you wanted to scream at people today, but you didn't. I know you probably wanted to make me hurt because you're hurting, but you didn't. And even though you probably could have done with pounding the pavement for an hour, you came back inside earlier today and you help our daughter - and you spoke to her with so much love, and sweetness, and I know for a fact she would have felt so safe, every single second she lay with you.” You say, honestly, and by the time your words are out you find your vision blurring with tears. “Everything seemed to hit you today, I know that it must have felt like an articulated truck full of shit, and you still showed up for that baby girl.” You sniff and rub the sleeve of your jacket under your nose. “I've known I loved you since the start of us, Cill, and I always thought I knew how much until I saw you today. But you made me realise that what I feel for you can't be measured, because it grows all the time - and watching you with Clíodhna, it grew more than it has in the longest time. You're an amazing man, Cillian, and a wonderful fiancé and lover, but that all pales in comparison to your position as a father. They say a mother's love is complex, but you and Clíodhna…,” you shake your head and wonder if he's staring at you that way because you're rambling an emotional rant of twaddle. You sniff and blink your tears from your lashes. “I'm proud of you, and I love you, and I never, ever, want to consider a day in our future when it isn't you and me, and that little girl, against the rest of the fucking world.”
You wonder what he's thinking as he simply stares back at you. He's still, and silent, and it shocks you a little when he finally moves. He leans across the centre console and cups his left hand around your cheek as he pushes his face close to yours and presses his lips firmly down against yours. He kisses you with a certain ferocity, and parts his lips slightly to keep pressure and passion. The pad of his thumb moves slowly across the outer corner of your eye, and it keeps moving gently even as he finally breaks his lips from yours. “Thank you,” he says in a husky whisper. “I love you.” He croaks. You nod your head quickly. He moves his thumb once more then takes back his hand. He sniffs and clears his throat. “C’mon,” he says and reaches for the door handle. You climb from the car on your side and push the door shut with your hip in time with Cillian shutting the door on the driver's side. He hits the central lock button and waits for you as you walk around the front of the car to join him. He wraps his arm around your shoulders and kisses softly against your temple. “Get yourself inside, stick the kettle on. I’ll only be a minute.* He rubs his palm up and down your bicep before he lets you go again.
He stays behind, lighting a cigarette as you let yourself into the house. You leave the front door ajar as you amble inside. You flick on the hallway light and push the keys into the door on the inside, ready to lock and it alarm the house once Cillian comes in. You move straight into the kitchen and set your bag down onto the island before you fill the kettle and place it back onto the base to boil. Cillian’ll want a soothing cup of tea before bed - that or a beer, you assume, Ur as he's said to put the kettle on, you presume he's made that choice already. You flit around the kitchen like a trapped fly, placing mugs and searching for teabags, and emptying the dishwasher whilst the slightly-too-full kettle takes its time to boil, and then you stand near the kettle with your hands planted into the counter and try to breathe some calmness into yourself. You know Clíodhna can't be at home with you right now, but it doesn't make the lack of her any easier to bear. You turn your head as you hear the front door shut over and you watch Cillian's back as he locks the door and then toes off his trainers, leaving them on the floor under the coat hooks instead of putting them away. You smile softly as he walks towards you on his silent, socked feet. His sleepy face looks a little more relaxed - you're not sure if it's the cigarette, the kiss, or your words that's achieved it but you actually hope that it's a mesh of all three. You look towards the kettle as it clicks off from its noisy boil. “Chamomile?” You ask him, “Or that weird bedtime blend?”
He shakes his head, “Chamomile is good.”
“Do you want anything to eat?” You ask, “Sandwich or fruit, or something?”
He crinkles his nose, “No, I'm grand with the tea.” He sniffs, “We’ll dive into the leaba soon, will we?”
You nod your head and widen your eyes as you pour the boiled water into both of your mugs. “Definitely.” you look back at him as you replace the kettle. “You want to talk about anything before we settle down?”
He pushes his hands into the pockets of his jeans, and shakes his head. “No,” he says quietly. “But I know I can, if I want to. And I hope you'll talk to me, too?”
You blink slowly as you nod your head, “I will.” You look back to the mug and grab the tea bag string hanging over the side of Cillian's. You lift it in and out a few times before ensuring the string is left hanging, then slide the mug across the counter, closer to him. “Get that into your then, love.”
He smirks as he draws his hands free and steps closer. He leaves the tea a moment and instead wraps his arms around, pushing himself up close against your back. “Thank you for today,” he says in a gentle voice. “You're right, what you said in the car - I did want run, and shout, and throw my weight around, and you saying it would have been okay because feeling like this is valid…you let me be an arsey prick today, because you understood it. I know you're feeling it all too, but I appreciate you letting me…fucking fall apart.” He smirks. “I feel better for it.”
You reach up your right hand and caress his cheek. “I can't keep making you be what I need all the time.” You say, “We’re both terrified for Clíodhna, and you need to able to let out. And I need to be what you need.”
You're not sure why it's now you've had the epiphany, but you're glad you have. Saying what you did to him at the hospital, about Clíodhna's name, made you ashamed and had - along with your fears for Clíodhna right now - made you realise that you take so much more than you give in your relationship with Cillian. You know you can't keep doing it, and in making him feel better - you've actually made yourself feel better too. You just wish that same epiphany could extend to fixing it all for Clíodhna, too.
.
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ganondoodle · 9 months ago
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was at my sisters house to watch the cats a bit and played some botw again after a long time, spent an hour running around phirone (faron) and checking out all the cool sonau (zonai) stuff and i felt a wave of sadness wash over me, those ruins there feel so ... heavy with story, with sadness of tragedy, with the thrill of the unkown, yet its revealed to be nothing in totk, i honestly dont feel like the sonau of botw and of totk are at all releated tbh, theres like, NO design overlap besides sometimes some dragon-like figures that feel more like they put them into totk just to have some connection at all-
the botw sonau ruins are all full of curves hewn into dark stone with red accents, theres swirls and snakes everywhere, appropriately withered by time and weather- it was already a stupid idea to replace the shiekah tech with literally another ancient highly advanced civilaztion, but then to not even make them look or feel at all connected to the little things that were there?? totk sonau is white stone and gold and green, its all extremely angular and clean cut, together with weird hologram shit that reads, somehow, as both unfittingly techy to everything else while also neither mechnical nor magical
its fucking bonkers, i know they put some totk sonau bullshit into some of the ruins in totk, like the main ones in phirone but like, especially in that case with the direct comparison its so jarring and artificial, and i hate the excuse of "hylians built those different looking buildings as a monument to the sonau", like we needed more shitty excuses for bad writing decisions- the ancient AND current hylian stuff aligns more with totk sonau stuff, why would they adopt a completely different style to built shit around actual sonau stuff that somehow also looks like it was abandoned like, 50 years, 100 years ago, not over TEN THOUSAND years ago, both the botw sonau ruins and the shiekah tech look more ancient than anything totk sonau
and what for??? i imagine more botw sonau style ruins and like, thats entirely possible, why make it sth utterly different and give it a shitty excuse?? its so unnecessary?? like okay make the wheels out of withered stone hanging together like clumps by invisible magic like how the iwaroks (the .. stone enemy) works- i still would like it sicne i dont like the whole building thing in botws world, but at least it would feel like truly magic bs and fit into the design of botw sonau (even though im still not over NOTHING ever hinting that they were one step away from spaceships hologram aliens, the refusal to work with the stuff they themselves have put into their games drives me up a wall, YOU PUT IT THERE! DO SOMETHIGN WITH IT!)
just to put some modern tech into it? was it worth it?? (no)- and there i could even go on about how much i hate the 'tech' design too, its too little mechanical to be called 'tech' but too modern tech like to call it 'magic', (a balance which the shiekah tech did tremendously well imo) i keep being impressed with how conflicting and incoherent design and story can be in this one single overpriced game
(the reason them making it so modern techy looking was so players would immediately know what it was apparently and i just ... doesnt that make it more boring? like instead of the shiekah stone(slate) they just put a flip phone with numbered buttons and all and give it a vaguely stone texture? instead of like, a guardian with its spider legs and strange creepy design, just put a fucking tank there??? (and like, in a way i feel like the fact that they still tried to not make it look too modern by putting that green texture on it and like, a face here and there, makes it WORSE, a bad cover up is worse to me than none at all, like a shitty explanation can make sth worse than no explanation at all *ahem* literally every interview they did >:C )
also i dont know how you could even design a fan so it doesnt look like a fan? you dont need to put in literal car wheels with suspension and all in there to make it clear its a wheel bc how would you even design a wheel so it doesnt read like a wheel???
since when did they get so anxious about players not understanding something?? the whole series was built on puzzles of varying difficulty, whats with the sudden loss in trust in the player?? botw was already pretty easy but in totk the whole game treats you like you cant think or remember sth for more than 30 seconds to the point it gets actively agonizing to play through- the same two sentences of unimportant info repeated and shown to your face over and over, both in story and gameplay- and even with their immediately readable design choices for the sonau 'tech' they made half teh shrines either sloggingly slow tutorials or one puzzle shrines that are dedicated to teach you how the obvious thing works when you really learn it all on the literal tutorial island AND its obvious from the start BECAUSE THEY WANTED IT TO BE OBVIOUS!! its fun to figure things out and try stuff, its no fun to have a step by step guide glued to your forehead at all times especially when its so obvious, yes thanks for teaching me that a literal fire hydrant spits out water!! wow! never thought about that! thanks for telling me it 5 times too!! (even if it annoys me that they can just do that when not connected to the ground .. would have been more fun to make puzzle with if they were,,), its part of why i felt like the game was so condescending or outright laughing at me-
why even try to teach me how a fan works over and over when like, there arent even any creative things you can do with it in a reasonable amount of time and its never needed or incentivised either bc the game just hands you the literal solution or at the very least give you the four parts or what that you need to make what you need, like pulling apart two bricks of baby lego in fornt of a toddler to see if they can put them back together once you hand it to them
and dont come at me with the "its for kids" argument, the old games were too and theres alot of stages of 'kid', they arent stupid either and nintendo should know that they have alot of adult fans too, it doesnt need to be dark souls and its allowed to have easy stuff in there but the fact that it never gets any more challenging is the problem, yes part of the fun in games can be making your own rules and messing around but it really shouldnt be controversial to want a 70 bucks game to offer a fun experience without you having to make it fun all on your own (i for one dont enjoy spending 30 minutes glueing togehter a tank with ear shattering lasers just to inefficiently beat up 3 bokblins i could just swing my sword at for a few seconds instead and are not worth the materials spend anyway)
in the end it would have been less immersion breaking and more fun if they straight up put a honda civic into the game you can summon anywhere at no cost (hmmmm where did they just do it before hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm) and transforms like a batmobile to fly around in rather than the weird sonau nuts and bolts hassle you have to put up with, costs stuff, can waste hours of your time and despawn as soon as you look away from it unless you want to make le funny tiktok videos i guess
its such a waste too bc the mechanic itself IS impressive, but its utterly missplaced in this game, it would have needed its own, truly own, game built around it, placing it in botws world is like dumping a bunch of knock off brand toys into a world that felt believable and meaningful turning it to feel like its really just a game for you to mess around in, never has a game felt more gamey to me and it SUCKS to have that magic pulled away like that, silly me for letting them make me care about it i guess
maybe its petty but as someone how really cares alot about design stuff, both visually and gameplay wise, it makes me furious to think about (as you can tell) .. also hyperfixation go brrrrrrr
(this is obviously my view on it, writing this to get it out, not to argue, i believe i have heard all the arguments already anyway and by this point all that is left is just insulting me directly lol)
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Group H, Round 1, Poll 9:
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Propaganda under the cut
Ianthe Tridentarius
She is trying so hard to be the main character by lying and manipulating her sister, her cavalier, her mentor, her ?love interests? (Spoiler???) And also god. Not sure how it's working out for her but she does love to lie and manipulate
Worstie Ianthe is the DEFINITION of gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. She is one of a set of necromancer twins that are the heirs to their houses rule. Except wait, only she is a necromancer and she has spent their entire lives doing necromancy for the both of them. She is constantly mean to their cavalier, Naberius, who she occasionally nibbles on like a chew toy, before eventually killing and eating him to ascend to sainthood. She goes to gods spaceship with another woman who ascended to sainthood who she has a crush on, this other woman is like…. Both incredibly mentally unwell and also haunted by at least 211 ghosts. Ianthes method of flirting with her? Gaslighting her about the corpse that keeps moving around and hiding under her bed. For no real reason tbh. She is clearly plotting to overthrow god, and at the moment that consists of her manipulating him while he’s too sad about his long term partners betraying him and subsequently exploding to really care. She dresses in terrible outfits and makes soup by burning onions to the bottom of a pot, putting meat in and some vegetables and then it doesn’t taste like anything so she puts in a few teaspoons of salt so it tastes like a few teaspoons of salt. She had her crush amputate her arm and regrow her a new one out of bone and it’s one of the horniest things I’ve read in my life.
"Gaslight = told her lobotomized (she helped), schizophrenic girlobsession that there was no corpse under their bed, even tho there totally was. Gatekeep = girl did NOT share the secret to god-like ascension. She kept that shit to herself until it was time to eat her boytoy, and by then everyone knew already. Girlboss = she has a non-necromancer twin sister, and literally Everyone thinks they r both necromancers because Ianthe is so good at it. She reverse engineered ascending to the aforementioned ascension without even completing any of the supplementary tasks. She held her own in a fight against a 10k year old lyctor. She becomes the figurehead of her entire empire. "
She uses a man as a chewtoy in the first book, literally gaslights the protagonist of the second book about a corpse, and elder-abuses God when he gets depressed in the third book. Nobody is doing it like her.
Dives headfirst with no regrets while basically laughing and covered in blood into murdering her cavalier once she realizes what the gothic locked room mystery/competition leads to while everyone else is questioning it, helps perform lobotomy on harrow so she doesn't remember the person she loves, manipulates everyone to get to the top
idk just everything about her
her relationship with her sister is incredibly Bad, she fosters codependency and views Corona(the sister) as an extension of herself. This does not stop her from keeping up the con that Corona actually has magic (She doesn't, it was always just Ianthe) for 22ish years and every single person who interacts with them falls for it. She killed a man against his will (most dying for this purpose specifically go willingly) and she consumed him and she will be burning his soul for eternity. She's completely repulsive and still somehow incredibly hot.
she takes advantage of the fact that the main character is prone to hallucinations. at one point she gaslights the mc into believing that the corpse under her bed isn't real just because she can. she reverse engineered a set of very complex trials on her own without anyone realizing she had the skills to complete them normally. she's also babysat god through his drunk and pathetic era.
Artist:@starcanist
Remy the Rat
Gaslight- 'hmm? Me? Steal papers? I'm just an innocent little ratty rat.' Gatekeep- I would debate he's gatekeeping food and taste from the other rats because they just don't GET it. Ugh! Girlboss- doesn't he own a rat restaurant at the end?
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literary-illuminati · 11 days ago
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2025 Book Review #21 - The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain by Sofia Samatar
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My month in reading is going to be mostly dominated by a couple of thousand page tomes, so to keep my sanity I’m breaking them up with whichever of this year’s Hugo nominees for Best Novella my library has handy. Practice, Horizon and Chain was the first one on the list, and besides that nomination I went it literally entirely blind as to its context and contents. Having finished it, it was...not awful. It would, I think, have been better served as a short story than a novella – the added page count mostly gave time for the plot to strain and buckle and the prose to wear out its welcome and go from poetic to overwrought. It was short enough to not entirely overstay its welcome, but the thing felt more like something that would get written as part of an MFA than one of the year’s best pieces of science fiction.
The story is a bit of space age mythology, centring around a boy living in the Hold at the centre of a gargantuan spaceship – one of a whole fleet the journeys from asteroid to another, pulling likely rocks in to their core for the toiling masses to chip away at and process into useful materials for those living in the ship’s more luxurious upper layers. Noted by a doctor changing the size of the chain he would otherwise spend his entire life shackled to for his artistic talents, he’s plucked from the Hold to a new life as a scholarship student at a university, his chain replaced with an anklet that arks him as a provisionally accepted member of polite society. The professor organizing the program – the daughter of the scholarship’s great success story before it was suspended generations ago, now a junior humanities professor in her own right – does everything she can to socialize him and help him make the most of his new life, at least until she has it rubbed in her face how her life outside the hold is just as precarious and conditional as his.
So this is a very academic novella. All the scenes that take place outside the university feel surreal and dreamlike, it is only when the campus that anything feels real enough to actually bite. Which, to be fair, they absolutely do – when it’s trying, the book does very good satire regarding the deeply precarious lives of international students whose acceptance in the first world (and, often, whole lives) is entirely conditional on the good will of the university around them. Similarly with the uselessness of much campus activism, the hierarchy and oppression that is politely unacknowledged right up until the knives come out, the humiliation of one’s presence being justified in terms of the benefit it provides everyone else around them – the exaggeration of chains and anklets and the instantly visible caste system is really quite effective (the author’s incredibly obvious chip on the should about the humanities vs. STEM is rather eyeroll-inducing, but entirely forgivable). Which is why I say that if this had just been a short story, it very likely would have been an excellent one.
As is, the story begins decomposing into something more like a tone poem as soon as the plot properly kicks into gear. Every character aside from the Child and the Professor are rote archetypes, their actions transparently motivated by the need to move things along just so and make the point the author wants to as clearly as they can. The story flips over into a sort of magical realism, the power of love and the (implicit and primordial) solidarity of the oppressed revealing itself as a magical force of all-surpassing power in a way that feels both saccharin and like it’s dodging the actual thematic conflict the story was incredibly explicit about raising.
Now, raising thematic conflicts you don’t know how to resolve is a proud tradition – it’s half the appeal of writing a Novel Of Ideas instead of a manifesto – but still. The book is very, very clear about wrestling with the question about whether it is possible for a university to be a place of both training and transformation – whether an institution created to drill in technical competence and socialization into an expected professional culture can also be a place for moral development and personal or political awakening. Which is a nicely meaty question, and one that I imagine is of no small personal interest to professed radical academics. But after raising it – and dramatizing the conflict and the hypocrisy of the academy really quite wonderfully – it’s just, totally punted. Left behind and replaced with platitudes of solidarity and connection. Again, this is something where it feels like the length of the story counts against it – there’s enough word count there that you feel like there should be some actual meaningful resolution here.
The prose is trying very, very hard to be poetic and literary. Sometimes successfully – it’s beautiful at points! - but more often distractingly. The symbolism and imagery is at times so overwrought it risks drowning the actual characters and events, and is not nearly so affecting as to justify it. As with the rest of it, this becomes worse the further along into the book you get.
All in all, this was short enough that I don’t really regret reading it, and really very interesting at points. But I really can’t say the juice is worth the squeeze unless you have the same masochistic commitment to reading every best novel and novella nomination for the Hugos that I do.
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animation-is-my-jam · 1 year ago
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(Wakes up) WAH-oh yeah, I can post anything here. Okey, tehe (0v0)/ Ha, yes, Jam's infamous just dump art I've made over the past months I've only ever posted on Discord, but now it's Tumblr turn. The usual drill of Wordgirl stuff and AUs/Ocs.
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(Becky, Tobey, Tori, Luis, Matilda)
The McCallister-Botsford family. It's funny how much this Future AU/domestic older Tobecky stuff is my biggest fixation, but I never draw this family together. Yeah, that changed now!
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(Designs for a Becky and Tobey in this AU)
An idea of an AU I had where Wordgirl never crawled into Huggy's spaceship, so she stayed on Lexicon while he still crashed. Mr. Big took over bc there was no hero (a World Without Wordgirl scenario), and Becky technically doesn't exist. I have a doc explaining more of this AU, and maybe I'll post it if anyone is curious.
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Ha! Valentine's Day drawing I did and posted everywhere but here. Sorry yall get it late.
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(Magic Pony (Penelope), Pretty Princess (Phoebe), and Pearl Pup).
I love just expanding Pretty Princess more than it should bc I'm fixated of a show within a show. So here's me going crazy in the reboot idea lmao.
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Wanted to draw something for this, and I helped with a friend in organizing any original characters we had that are Palestinian and draw art in support, and I immediately thought of Mason and Safa, my Wordgirl OCs. Was used for her college project on the topic of new age social media activism.
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(Mari (young) and Lux Jose).
Mari. My interpretation of Wordgirl's biological mother. She's sorta my personal blorbo. Most used in Future AU where I give her backstory.
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Luis expression sheet. The second McCallister-Botsford child, my beloathed. He sucks but I love my son or rather their son? Anyway, I tried in expressions and a second attempt at his older teen design bc I hated it...still kinda do/lh.
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