#but it's so expensive it doesn't make sense to switch over to a new plan as long as the old one works

[smoochhyuka]

All at once

Pure degeneracy.

○o。content warnings! NSFW, group sex/orgy, fem!reader, reader is implied to be thicker/chubby, lingerie, sub!reader, fwb!Yeonjun (implied that both like each other more than they probably should), sugardaddy!Jun, Jun is the one orchestrating this whole thing, mentions of previously recording *videos*, mention of alcohol at the beginning, unconsensual distribution of said videos (with the members), loser!txt, perv!everyone, mean!dom Jun (but no insults, just mocking), it's implied no one (except Yeonjun) has actual experience, txt is a little zesty but no actual action between them, swearing, group masturbation, voyeur!Soob, cuck!Jun, dom!txt but everyone is listening to Jun, slight infantilization of reader (pastel princess), ddlg dynamic between Jun and reader (no daddy kink tho), cunnilingus, breast play, anxious and slighty insecure reader, reader is held down, detailed descriptions of their penises, reader gets a foot massage, pussy lover Tyun, lots of cum and no condoms (reader is taking contraception), penetration, their living room is not correctly described but I have specific things in mind ok, formatting all over the place bc I couldn't decide on one, very long, lmk if I missed anything!

Yeonjun has urges, right? Every man has them, it's lonely for someone like him to spend every night by himself. But since there is no time in between his schedules to satisfy a woman emotionally and romantically, he opts to satisfy several sexually.

You know he likes to switch up his girls, and it certainly doesn't make any sense to you at all, but ultimately you don't mind. You're his favorite, after all.

Every time he has a weekend to spare he takes you on expensive dates, whatever your heart desires - You need new clothes? "Leave your wallet at home, jagi." You're bored with your city lately? "Pack a bag, we're going on a cruise."

And on top of that, he is so respectful to you. If you aren't in the mood for sex, he understands. If you feel emotional lately, he is ready to listen. It's not that he doesn't care about you, or thinks you're replaceable because "you are seriously special.", he just isn't ready to commit yet.

He was equally understanding of your hesitancy about sleeping with his team members.

"Did you even talk to them about it?", you ask bewilderedly. You're on FaceTime with Yeonjun, he's sitting in his dimly lit hotel room, only wearing a slutty, white wife-beater and a pair of black boxers. A pair of glasses on his head keep his orange hair out of his face, sipping on a can of beer. You were already dozing off as the man woke you up by his unexpected call, only the light of the screen illuminating your face.

"It's actually funny you say that", he grins, only slowly starting to sober up, "I wasn't the one suggesting it." He and his group are about to wrap up their tour. Since it was limited to Korea, it only took them a few weeks to hold all their planned concerts. "Who the fuck would suggest something like that, other than you?", you can't help but swear due to the sheer irritation you are feeling right now, not taking the offer any serious, "Especially with me, why not Chungae! Or Mihyun? They must be everyone's type." Yes, you know most of the names of Yeonjuns other girls and their Instagram accounts. It's an unspoken rule that you must approve of them before they become a fixed part in his rotation. "Jagiya", Yeonjun sighs, rolling his eyes jokingly, "You forgot that I broke it off with Mihyun? She wanted the princess treatment, although I told her from the start I'm not the one for that. And of course, Chungae is very pretty, but she's not you." You're rolling your eyes now as well, hoping the bad lighting doesn't expose your giddiness at his comment.

"Besides," he continues, this mischievous grin coming back, "I don't have any videos to brag with of anyone else." After hearing this, you feel wide awake again, making you finally sit-up, and you turn on your nightlight. "First, I am the only one you have any recordings of? Second, you SHARED them?" He is clearly not taking you seriously, as he can't help but laugh. "You know, none of them have any game, but they're still men, you know? I am a good hyung, and I show compassion with them. Porn isn't nearly as hot as seeing a woman you know do it.", the alcohol is making him ramble slightly, you have always found this endearing, but right now it's not enough to save him from this mess. "And my other question?", you pry. Yeonjun rolls his eyes again, somehow making it look even more sassy than before. "If you ask so many questions at once, of course I forget them. Of course, I have a few pictures or snaps saved from a few, you know, but why would I make the time to film an actual porno with them? No one is a match to your charm." He winks and sends you a kiss, but you ignore it, trying to out-sass him. Since you feel oddly proud at the fact that Yeonjun is not just uninterested in filming the other women, but also bragging with your video, you decide to drop it and just relish in this feeling of being desired. "Okay, who proposed the... orgy?", you're barely whispering the last word, feeling shy just thinking about it. "So, you want to know what happened exactly, right?", he asks, stretching his arms. You nod. "Then let me tell you from the start..."

Everyone is stunned at what Soobin just said. Yeonjun even pauses the video that the whole team has been jerking off to on Kais hotel bed, earning a low groan of annoyance from Beomgyu. Taehyun is still leisurely stroking his dick, examining the close up of your glistening pussy, the pause being at the perfect moment. The other three are staring at a very confused Soobin, looking for further clarification. "What is it?", the leader decides to break the silence, uncomfortable to be in the spotlight like this. "What did you mean by 'you'd love to watch us in reality?'," Yeonjun asks immediately. "I wouldn't watch, but I'd definitely eat that pussy.", Taehyun comments, still not looking at the others. "She's seriously my type, hyung...", Kai chimes in, now looking at Yeonjun. "Eh?", the oldest is now leaning back into the cushions, pressing the space button to continue playing the video, "And you, Beomgyu?" He immediately turned his attention back onto the laptop, massaging his balls, "Maybe we should fuck her all at once, that'd be really fucking hot." Dick now abandoned, Yeonjun is thinking about whether this is even possible.

You don't recall agreeing, but here you are, changing into your light pink lingerie and touching up your makeup in the bathroom of the TXT dorm. They returned last night, today and tomorrow they have a day off before easing back into their regular activities the day after tomorrow. According to Yeonjun, it's the perfect time. You look at yourself in the mirror -- to play it safe, you decided to lean into your cuter side. You know Yeonjun holds appreciation for your sexy side as well, but there is no way you would be anything else than submissive in a room of five hot men wanting to fuck you. The light colored lace, paired with the bows in your hair and around your ankles, almost seem innocent, if it wasn't for your shaved pussy peaking through the see-through fabric. Although risky, you decided to go heavy on the makeup, the glitter and the blush giving you a soft, doll-like look. You know you look good, but they're five people...

Three careful knocks, so quiet you almost didn't hear them, followed by another pair of louder ones, take you out of your daydreams. "Are you alright?", Yeonjun asks from the other side. You unlock the door, letting him inside. He's stunned at your sight, scrunching his nose while his mouth is forming a small 'o' shape. "If you feel like backing out, I won't mind taking you to my room by ourselves.", he grins, cupping your face with one hand, making you look up at him. He can sense the worry in your face, the small pout on your glossy lips gives it away. He's again, wearing his trusty wife-beater and a pair of basketball shorts. "In all honesty, I am a little self-conscious...," you admit shyly, surprising Yeonjun by how far you have already slipped into subspace. He takes his second hand to squeeze your cheeks slightly, leaning into the trusty dynamic. "Why would you be? Didn't you see how everyone was looking at you earlier, while we discussed this?", he presses a kiss onto your temple, "You can always say no, you don't need to do anything you don't want to, okay? But there are a lot of perverted things everyone wants to do to you right now. Including me." You both hold a little bit of eye-contact, before you nod carefully. "I am so proud of you.", Yeonjun expresses.

Hand in hand, you go into the living room, where the other four are eagerly waiting, everyone is skimpily dressed already. You were too embarrassed to look up, so you weren't able to see their reactions, but by the amount of compliments they are giving you, you are safe to assume they were positive.

"Please sit down with us.", Kai requests, with a small slap on your butt Yeonjun encourages you to do so. They are urging you to sit down right in the middle of their U-shaped sofa, right between Kai and Beomgyu, Soobin is sitting on the far end of it, manspreading, a small tent in his gray joggers already visible. Yeonjun sits down right across from him. Closest to him is Taehyun, who sits closely next to Beomgyu. He's trying to keep a respectful distance at first. Kai, on the other hand, is scooting even closer to you, shamelessly staring at your thighs and tummy. You're wondering how they came up with this order, maybe the two won rock paper scissors?

"Well", Yeonjun breaks the heavy, lust-filled science, "what did I tell you guys about pleasing her?" Your heart is pounding inside your chest, you're trembling in anticipation. Your anxiety didn't leave fully, but it's getting alleviated by the pure filthiness of the whole situation. Pussy's getting so wet, you're so turned on sitting between these men. You feel like prey, about to get absolutely destroyed.

"You said to take it slow", Beomgyu is the one to answer first, "Can I?", he asks politely, delicately turning your head by your chin to him, massaging your bottom lip with his thumb. You just nod, unsure what he's asking for, but eager to take everything. Contradictory to his words, Beomgyu crashes his lips onto yours, almost immedietly sticking his tongue into you. It's very wet, sloppy and you can sense his inexperience, but his enthusiasm makes up for all of it.

Slighty sweaty but long and slender fingers creep up your thighs, up your lingerie to play with the lace trim. Kai drops his head on your shoulder, his nose right at the nape of your neck and you can hear him inhale and groan, probably by the smell of your sweet perfume. Since your eyes are closed, you can't see why he removes his fingers and lifts his head again, you only feel the cushions next to you rise for a short moment and then lower again, implying Kai stood up for a short moment. "Someone doesn't know how to take his time.", Taehyun comments, a moment before Kais head returns to his spot, now groaning a lot harder, almost panting. Your still kissing Beomgyu who fully took your head into his big, soft and fairly cold hands, intensifying the kiss. But you get interrupted by another hand, which grabs your tits rather harshly, making you yelp and pull away from Beomgyu. "Seriously, dude?", he complaints, directed at the blonde culprit who is already stroking his dick. You feel so hot, your head falls back. What do you do? Should you start groping them too, take Kais cock in your hand, play with Beomgyus t-shirt, or ask for another member to join in? Right now your arms are awkwardly fixated behind your back, you needed to get them out of the way as the two slid closer to you.

Before, with your eyes closed, you were able to fully enjoy the sensations you were feeling and almost forget about the other three, whose presence now, dawn on you. Not them personally, but by their sheer amount, you're overwhelmed yet again.

Kai removed his hand, instead carefully placed it on your thigh, his strokes a lot slower. Beomgyu began to kiss your neck and cheeks, unaware of your feelings. You look over at Soobin, than at Yeonjun, who both look at you a little concerned. "Ya!", the oldest exclaims. Slighty startled both men let go of you with a big question mark on their faces. Yeonjun doesn't even need to say anything, he just pats the space between him and you obediently go up to sit next to him. "You're not going to get worked up like that, mhm?", he whispers in your ear, sending shivers down your spine, "Getting you comfortable and wet is the most important thing.", now saying it a lot louder for the others to hear too. Taehyun looks at you both with his big eyes, who is suddenly sitting right next to you. "Lay down, please.", he asks you, Yeonjun guiding your head to lie on his lap, your pussy now facing the younger. He scoots even closer, lowering his head while lifting your legs on his muscular shoulders, pressing feathery kisses on your thighs. Now you're the one groaning, holding eye contact with him. "She is a little bit of a masochist...", Yeonjun reports, "You can tease and edge her all you want. She doesn't need to cum yet." You look up at him, just by being reminded of some of these long nights, Yeonjun edging you relentlessly for hours, tears form in your eyes, eventhough nothing has been done to you yet. "What are you already crying for?", he mocks you, twisting your nipple slightly through the thin fabric, "We need you needy and desperate tonight. You now that."

A shy but very surprising kitten lick at you swollen clit is enough to erupt a pitchy moan from you. By this confirmation, Taehyun is confident enough to press firm kisses onto the pinkish bud and to even tease your hole with his index finger. You close your eyes again, trying to focus on the pleasure instead of thinking about the others burning stare. With a little bit of advice by Yeonjun, Taehyun is able to eat your pussy just right, alternating between licking your folds and sucking your clit, only teasing your sloppy hole, never fully entering it. With glossy eyes you look over at Soobin, who hasn't done anything with you yet. He is leaned back into the cushions, your eyes immedietly meet, since he is watching you closely. Before you reflexively close your eyes due to Taehyuns hard sucks, you see how Soobin squeezes the now big tent in his pants a lot harder. Your legs start to shake, you`re so close to your orgasm, as both men let go of you simultaneously. You can't help but whine and cry at the lack of stimulation, wiggling your hips pathetically. "Fuck!", the younger brunette exclaims, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Yeonjun is laughing lowly, stroking your head.

Due to your delirious state you don't notice how everyone scoots closer to you, only as two cold hands take one of your feet into them, you can sense their proximity. Not feeling like opening your eyes yet, you just enjoy the massage as to get down fromt that almost high. Only as someone starts to kiss your cheeks you open them, blonde strands covering your vision. Kai is sitting on the floor, next to Yeonjuns legs, his cock already in an angry shade of red due to his own edging. "Who gets to fuck her first?", Soobin asks after a while. "I want to eat her pussy too!", Beomgyu complaints, now having moved onto the other foot, sitting behind Taehyun whose leaning into the older one, his head thrown back onto Beomgyus shoulder. The two are about to switch places, but Kai objects. "Only if you let me play with her boobs." Yeonjun sighs, "Maybe we should have thought of a plan beforehand." Everyone shifts around, doing as they please without asking you. Not that you would have argued anyways, you submit fully to all five men.

Kai pulls you up and sits you on his lap, your back facing him, legs spreading in front of Beomgyu who kneels on the floor in front of you, sitting between Kais legs as well. He doesn't waste anytime at teasing your abused cunt, burying his whole face in your pussy. The blonde, this time a lot more carefully, kneads both of your tits, slowly pulling down your top in a way that practically torments you. The fairly rough lace rubs against your hard nipples, "please!", you beg, begging for his slender fingers to finally expose your tits and rub on your sensitive buds. Immedietly Kai gives in, as if he was growing impatient as well, and pleasuring both at the same time. Since you have been horny for so long, it doesn't take long before your legs shake again, but this time the two don't pull away -- Yeonjun is actually the one dragging Beomgyu by his long hair as to stop you from cumming.

"Since I am nice, I won't fuck her first.", Yeonjun announces after scolding Beomgyu and Kai, "I probably won't at all tonight since four people are a lot to handle." You can't help but feel disappointed by that revelation, four are a lot but if the fifth is Yeonjun, you can handle it. "I don't mind being last", Soobin declares, sitting right next to you and Kai for quite some time now, edging his cock, "As long as no one cums inside her." Everyone reacts loudly, apparently all three have planned to creampie you. "You guys are gross, would you have fucked her with someone elses cum already in her?", Soobin complaints, he actually stopped touching himself at the thought. "She's going to look real cute and drowsy after two cocks...", Beomgyu thinks out loud, "But stretching her out, knowing she didn't even get fingered is going to feel way too good..." Everyone agress, you feel like you're in a board meeting. "Maybe the one with the slimmest dick should go first then, it's going to be better for her as well.", Yeonjun suggests. Since Kai and Soobin have already started stroking, only Taehyun and Beomgyu need to pull down their pants to reveal their equally as hard and red cocks.

Since Beomgyu is by far the girthiest, he definitely doesn't go first. Eventhough he isn't the longest, you start salivating by the thought of being stuffed full of him.

Soobin already decided to go last, and you're actually glad about that, since that massive cock is almost as thick as Beomgyus but also a few cms longer. You're not even sure if you were able to take him like this.

The only one who is equally as long is Kai, but it's a lot thinner in comparison and has a cute curve to the side, you know he's going to reach places no one else will be able to.

Taehyuns cock is the most similar to Yeonjun, lenght and girth wise they're in the middle. But that's actually positive, both have cocks that aren't overwhelming like the others, you can always take Yeonjun happily without needing to prepare so much. Besides, Taehyun probably has the prettiest one: his head has a pretty, uniform shape with a lot less foreskin than the others. It's completely straight and sitting stiff against his abs.

The order is obvious.

The others go to sit a little more to the side, leaving you to sit next to Taehyun. You both look at each other with big eyes, his hands on his lap. "How do you want to do... me?", you ask timidly. Knowing Yeonjun would never allow you to pleasure yourself right now, you massage your tits as to at least satisfy yourself a little bit. The brunette swallows hard at your display, you watch his adams apple bob. "I didn't get to play with your tits yet...", he mumbles, patting his lap as to calm himself down, which you misinterpret. Yeonjun does this gesture often, with him it means to sit on his lap, so you just do the same to Taehyun. He is surprised, your tits bouncing in his face, his cock twitching at your boldness. At least he thought you were being bold, in actuality you were just listening to cues and obediently following them. Knowing both of you, Yeonjun can't help but notice this misconception, trying his hardest to surpress his laugh at your cluelessness. You both don't notice though, Taehyun just goes for it and helps you lower your hips down onto him, hissing at the feeling of your wet cunt ingulfing him. You moan louldy at the highly anticipated stretch, throwing your arms around the mans neck. He places his strong hands on your butt, slowly moving you up and down his length to help you adapt, until you're able to do so by your own. Finally he can suck on your nipples while you ride him, the added pleasure only making you whine pathetically, making you almost forget the other four staring lustfully at your back. Now feeling bold himself, Taehyun slaps your ass. You instinctively ride faster, bringing him closer to his orgasm than expected. Barely managing to clumsily pull you off his dick, his cum drips onto the hardwood floor. With tired eyes and a lopsided grin you dismiss him, with that facial expression he could actually go another round, but its finally Kais turn.

He asks you to lay on your back, wanting a full view of your tits and tummy. His long dick even reaching deeper than the one before, his head rubbing a spot you have never felt before due to the curve. You moan loudly, especially as he presses one hot hand on your abadomen to feel himself pound into you. Due to his edging, he cums even faster than Taehyun, actually pulling out at the perfect time and cumming all over your belly. You're left feeling a little dissatisfied by how quick it was, wanting to relish this new experience, but knowing you have two to go, you don't dare to ask for more.

The switch between Beomgyu and Kai goes even faster, you barely noticed them exchanging spots. "Your ass looked so good earlier", he tells you dreamily, "Let's do it from the back..." Feeling the strain on your body, you slowly sit up and turn around on your fours. Ass up and head onto the cushions, since you don't have the energy to hold up your body. He definitely doesn't mind, as well as the others, who are turned on by how deep your arch is. You yelp the moment Beomgyu enters you, expecting a stretch but not this, it's actually bringing tears into your eyes. He rubs circles into your hips, noticing the difficulty to slide into you. Beomgyu is careful to stretch you out slowly, making sure to pull out a little bit occasionaly, until he is balls deep in you. "You're doing so good...", he praises you, making your stomach tingle by the compliment. You expected him to be a lot rougher, considering how he was acting earlier, but his strokes are deep, sensual and moderately paced. Seeing how fast his friends just came, he really wants to drag this out. But he too has been hard for quiete some time now and the way you clench tightly around him, it doesn't take all too long, deciding to just cum in his hand as to reduce the amount of sperm that has already accumulated. You lie down on your belly, Beomgyu takes advantage of it and bites into it, making you yelp yet again. "I couldn't help it...", he apologizes.

Last but not least, Soobin approaches you, having enjoyed the show thoroughly but also in need of your cunt. You swallow, feeling a little bit of anxiety. Taking Beomgyu was already quite difficult, but this will be another level. "I think I'll also do missionary...", he mumbles, before you could react he already flipped you on your back. Since he hasn't really participated before, you expected him to be a lot shyer, just trying to stick it in like the others, but it's actually the opposite: having watched you this whole time, he exactly knows what to do. Instead of his cock he takes his right index, middle and ring finger and pushes them deep into your cunt, moving them around carefully as to stretch you out. "Ugh, don't brag!", Yeonjun spits at him jokingly, making Soobin laugh. After some time, Soobin decides you're ready, placing a pillow underneath your butt and placing your legs around his waist. "I'll try to be gentle.", he grins, slowly sinking into you. Due to his fingering beforehand, the stretch isn't as intense, therefore entering you doesn't take as long as Beomgyu did. But what he wasn't prepared for was the way your gummy walls feel around him, the tired, fucked-out expression on your face, the bounce of your tits... his cock has been yearning for pleasure, for an orgasm all this time. His heavy balls slapping against your booty cheeks, and your cunt tightening around him, almost pushing him out due to his size, are the final straw needed for him to cum deep into you with a moan.

He pulls away carefully, you can feel the cushions rising again, making you realize he too moved away. You slowly open your eyes again after gathering yourself. Yeonjun is standing next to the sofa, looking down at you mischievously. Even though four men fucked you ruthlessly, he knows how much your pussy is throbbing for an orgasm.

[lightleckrereins]

Seemingly getting rid of the silver alt variations and giving Meg one costume with no variations also seems to be a choice. I wonder if by next cast change they’ll have the US cover system with no alt costumes.

I think Meg not having pants is another on the long list of things six is trying out with this cast. One of the things long running shows need to do is being smart with where they spend money, not making very expensive costumes that will only be used a handful of times is one of the most common practices. And that is not a bad thing.

Many shows refit costumes for new cast members, or share big pieces like skirts and coats. With six its not easy to refit costumes or share anything aside from crowns or ruffs in a single cast. But they are exploring alternatives. Alt boots with interchangeable straps mean alts will have the fancy designs without making three separate pairs of boots. Alts now have one or two wigs made to be easily restyled into multiple queens vs having four separate hairpieces. Its been a process of trial and error thats still not finished.

For this cast change it seems they were aiming for having two strong covers for each role (which is what most shows have anyway) plus a third cover just in case with the swings. Ignoring the fact that six always needs extra coverage and that Natalie would be out during a complicated period it is a good cover system. Everyone said no second covers or alt costumes was not a great idea (and we were right) but objectively it is a solid plan.

Meg not having pants I think falls into this. Silver only uses pants for parr and she is probably third cover: Hannah first, Natalie second, and if they need both Howard and Parr with Hannah out I think Meg would get ptiority for Howard. Second priority swing costumes are very rarely worn so they are a big investment that will probably hang in a closet most of the year. Meg not having pants makes sense. But I also don't think it was the right call. (Also I dont think her having boleyn over pants would be the best plan either)

Focusing on priority cover variations for the swings is a good idea as those are the costumes they are most likely to wear. But they are still swings, they should go on for all queens; its like second covers, with most alts they rarely go on for those roles but there has never been a cast where they arent needed. So yes do variations for priority but also make sure they have variations that work for all six queens. Parr with open skirt doesn't necessarily work. But you know what does? Cleves with pants and Symour with pants and its not ideal but Parr with shorts. Do you see where I am going? I stand by the best swing variation set is open skirt, cleves and pants. But if the production is cutting variations make black open skirt and cleves and silver open skirt and pants. Its the middle point, less variations to make but it still covers all six queens.

And Meg not having pants now doesn't mean she won't get them in the future, six WE is at a trial stage for alts. I wouldnt be surprised if she gets a variation sometime soon.

Also I don't think UK casts will switch to Us cover system, both work very well for their respective continents.

[kuvvydraws]

Alright, interesting answer. No magic to keep the tension down, or even request a wax seal from Praetorius so I can seal said communications between us, ensuring it remains just for us two might be a good idea I think. I think writing using ink he favours, maybe even in his preferred colours, like signing his name "Dear Praetorius" (using 'My Dearest, Praetorius all Angelica Schuyler like comes later~) in his preferred colour would be a sweet romantic gesture, granted he notices it. I also think small tokens of affection, like inkwells, lovely fancy pens, maybe interesting words and their meanings and how to use them in a sentence! Using a thesaurus to find new and lovely words to intrigue his mind. Perhaps leaving the gift of green magic to be something he offers himself rather than I do would be a good bonding moment as well, so that makes sense, considering his personality and physical issues. And finally, as an actual ask instead of gushing how I plan to woo this skele over time, I know Praetorius has no love for living plants as gifts, but what about ones deliberately alive yet dead? In that, I mean gifts of gently pressed and preserved flowers in treated resin, homemade. Sent along with their intended meaning, or perhaps, even more his style, embroidered flowers or knitted ones, lovingly and painstakingly worked over on plain white backgrounds. Would be a nice way to grow in the hobby as the relationship progresses. So yeah, what would he think of pressed flowers preserved in resin, and embroidered/knitted/sewn flowers on small handkerchiefs as gifts of courting presented to him? As for use, the pressed resin flowers would make lovely paperweights, and the handkerchiefs with the flowers, for those who know flower language, an intriguing way to have subtle conversations. And now i am thinking of the letters having the corners gently doodled with flowers, as a secret lil message he could decipher as a treat. Look what this skele is doing to me!

It's true magic has so many uses and yet so few. Even then, just because someone wouldn't be able to get their magic signature on wax doesn't mean he wouldn't commission a personalized seal for his partner, so he'd still know where the letters come from. He doesn't like jewelry for himself, but he does understand the appeal and usefulness of signet rings, and finds those with engraved stone quite fetching.

Color has a lot of meaning for monsters, and he often tries to write in a deep baby blue rather than the classic black, even if procuring the ink is more expensive - it's a signal that lets the recipient of his messages he's not to be toyed with. He's one dedicated to details and words and the twists of the language, so no change in the way he's addressed, even as seemingly insignificant as a comma, would be hidden from his eyelights. He's a sharp and attentive reader and, if interested, a profound and yearning writer. All the longing he wouldn't be able to voice would be poured on the paper, missives bleeding with intention.

Praetorius himself prefers gifting practical items, little presents that reveal how his mind wanders not only on what his partner likes but what they might need too. Following that same line of thought, even switching his trusty quill in favor of a pen his partner procured for him would be a reminder to rattle his bones, how in his very fingers he holds a literal token of affection, the proof of his mate keeling him in their mind just as much as he does for them.

Here you can find a similar ask regarding his thoughts on flowers, and pressed flowers are closer to his cup of tea than what any vivacious bouquet could be. He's in constant and dire need of good paperweights and book-ends either way, so he might as well own those that give him the sweetest and most terrible heartache.

He's picky with anything flashy, and even had his uniform redesigned to get rid of all the gold thread embroidery, insignias and unnecessary tuffs of grandiosity. Small details, however, can and will take his breath away. An embroidered handkerchief would be a treasure, and maybe his partner would even dare touch up the cuffs of his shirts with the art - the smallest, clunkiest flower would make his SOUL flutter.

He wouldn't be knowledgeable on the language of flowers from the beginning, but Praetorius would be quick to remedy that fault of his. To pair the doodles he receives in his messages he would try to find a way to scent the wax seal - his partner might not be a monster, and they might not be able to recognize the signature of his magic, but he can always try mixing oils in the seals for the letters addressed to them, the essence of roses and bluebells and tulips meant to deliver everything he cannot put in words.

If he were daring, he wouldn't need the scents, or the paper, or the seals, and would brave his chance to bring the messages to his partner himself, from his SOUL to his teeth, from his heart to his partner, and throw caution through the window to give them as much honesty as he could wrangle from his broken body.

So, indeed he'd enjoy little details. Things that mean something. Things that mean so much they make his SOUL ache.

[sureloanforyou7]

Your Ultimate Guide to Refinance Mortgage Explained Simply

Embarking on the journey of refinancing your mortgage might feel like navigating through a labyrinth, but it doesn't have to be bewildering. Welcome to "Your Ultimate Guide to Refinance Mortgage Explained Simply," where we demystify the process, breaking it down into easy-to-understand segments. Whether you're looking to lower your monthly payments, adjust your loan term, or tap into your home equity, this guide is crafted to enlighten and empower you. 

With straightforward language and practical steps, we aim to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about refinancing your mortgage. Let's dive in and explore how you can optimize your mortgage, making it work better for your current financial situation.

What is a Refinance Mortgage?

Imagine you took a loan to buy your dream home, and that loan came with its own set of rules, including how much interest you pay. A few years down the line, you realize that the rules of the game have changed—interest rates are lower, your credit score is better, or maybe you just need a little more cash in your pocket. That's where a refinance mortgage steps in. It’s essentially paying off your old mortgage and replacing it with a new one, with different terms that better suit your current situation.

Why Refinance Your Mortgage?

People choose to refinance their mortgages for a plethora of reasons. Here are a few:

Lower Interest Rates: This is a biggie. If interest rates have dropped since you got your original mortgage, refinancing can save you a lot of money over time.

Change Your Loan Term: Maybe you want to pay off your mortgage faster, or perhaps you need to lower your monthly payments by extending your loan term.

Switch From an Adjustable to a Fixed-Rate Loan: If you initially opted for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and the honeymoon phase is over (the rates have begun to rise), switching to a fixed-rate mortgage through refinancing can bring peace of mind.

Cash-Out: Some people have enough equity in their home that they can refinance for more than they owe and pocket the difference.

How Does Refinancing Work?

Refinancing might sound complicated, but it's pretty straightforward. Here's a simplified step-by-step:

Determine Your Goal: Figure out why you want to refinance. Lower rates? Change in loan term? Cash-out? This will guide your process.

Check Your Credit Score and Home Equity: Lenders will look at these to determine your new loan's terms. The better your credit score and the more equity you have, the better the terms you can get.

Shop Around: Don't settle for the first offer. Look at different lenders to find the best rates and terms.

Apply: Once you've chosen a lender, fill out an application. You'll need to provide financial information, so have your documents ready.

Go Through Underwriting: The lender will review your application, run a credit check, and appraise your home to make sure everything checks out.

Close on Your New Loan: If all goes well, you'll close on your new loan. This may involve some fees, but if you've played your cards right, the savings should outweigh these costs.

When Should You Refinance?

Timing is everything. Here are a few pointers to help you decide when to take the plunge:

Interest Rates Have Dropped: This is the most common reason to refinance. Even a small rate decrease can save you a lot of money.

Your Credit Score Has Improved: If your credit score has gone up since you got your original mortgage, you might qualify for better terms now.

You've Built Up Equity: The more equity you have, the better the terms you can get, and you might be able to eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you had it.

You're Planning to Stay Put: Refinancing can come with costs, so it usually makes sense if you're planning to stay in your home long enough to recoup those expenses through your savings.

Costs of Refinancing

Yes, refinancing can save you money, but it's not free. You might run into several costs, including application fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs. Sometimes, these can be rolled into your new loan, but they will ultimately affect the loan's total cost. It's important to crunch the numbers and make sure refinancing makes financial sense for you.

Conclusion

Refinancing your mortgage can be a powerful tool for managing your finances, whether you're looking to lower your monthly payments, change your loan term, or cash out some of your home equity. However, it's not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration of your current financial situation, your future goals, and the costs involved.

If you're considering taking this step and are looking for expert advice and competitive rates, Sure Loan is here to help. Our team of professionals is committed to finding the best refinancing solution for your needs, making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Ready to explore your refinancing options? Contact us today at Sure Loan to get started on your journey to a more favourable mortgage. Your ultimate guide to Refinance Mortgage has led you here; now let us take you the rest of the way.

[hzdtrees]

Closer to the Sky

[lesbiansandgayssupporttheminers]

A boring post about energy price caps because I feel like a lot of people don't understand them:

So, firstly the price cap is per unit (kWh) of electricity or gas, and there's also a standing charge you pay to stay connected.

From October 1st:

The new rate for electricity is 51.8p, up from 28.4p.

Gas is up to 14.8p from 7.4p.

The £3549 figure you'll see in the press is for an average family with average usage. This means if you eg a young single person out all day at work who doesn't put the heating on much, you'll pay a lot less. A family of 6 with granny living with them too who are using electricity all day will pay more (potentially a lot more).

It's not necessarily a very useful number and I think it's both scaring people and luring them into a false sense of security.

The next thing is direct debits, which is how most of us pay our bills (probably). With a direct debit, you will pay a certain amount a month, every month. The theory the energy companies use is that you use less in summer (out more + lighter evenings+ warmer + can dry washing outside etc) and more in the winter (heating on + lights on from say 4pm etc), so in the summer usually the idea is you'll build up some credit to buffer the additional costs in winter. It's not "all you can use energy for £80" or whatever as some people genuinely seem to think.

So, two things about this:

1) if you end up in debt to the energy supplier, they will increase your future direct debits

BUT

2) if you're planning to drastically reduce your electricity consumption, your direct debit will likely be too high. So you should do this for a few months, check your account and ask the company to reduce.

You *might* be better off switching to quarterly bills, but in the winter these may be more expensive than your direct debit.

Now, what about people who can't or don't want to pay?

1) If you can't pay, do speak to your energy company as soon as possible - especially if you have vulnerable people living with you. They'll likely want to switch you to pre payment - but do resist this and there are certain circumstances where they can't do this. It's generally better to pay something rather than nothing.

If you open a complaint with your energy company, I believe they can't cut you off or switch your meter until it's resolved.

2) Choosing not to pay as a form of protest.

In order to drag this out for as long as possible with minimum harm to you, I think the best way to do this might be:

- cancel your direct debit and go to quarterly bills. Do this whilst you're in credit and then the energy company will also have to pay some money back to you (which they won't love doing)

- when you get your first bill, obviously ignore it in terms of paying BUT try to keep the amount in your account.

- the company will probably send a follow up or reminder bill pretty soon. Unless this threatens any action, ignore that too.

- the next reminder probably will suggest some action. At this point, you contact the company and raise a dispute about the bill. They will have to resolve this before taking any further action.

- the most likely action is that the company will put you on prepayment. If you don't have a smart meter this will mean sending an engineer round to fit the meter. If you are on certain types of smart meters, then these can be switched to online prepayment only.

- now you've got to choose whether you really are willing to sit in the dark/cold to make your point. Options are a) pay off your debt, try to get the credit meter removed and start over or b) top up the meter but let your debt sit or c) sit in the dark/cold. If you have the option to do a or b, then personally I'd go with that because it makes it more obvious you were making a point rather than simply unable to pay.

This isn't an endorsement of not paying, it's simply a suggestion of how to do so in a way that will cause your energy company cost and hassle (which is the point, right?).

Anyway, things will be tough this winter and next spring for a lot of people, so we should all look out for each other as best we can. And no, we shouldn't accept going to work solely to pay for our rent/bills/food. We should be taking to the streets.

[lovesgonnabe]

Love Is Worth It Episode V - We Got The Pandemic Blues Under a New York City Skyline

Characters: Chris Evans x Maya Alonso-Evans (Black OFC)

Warnings: straight fluff, cursing, implied smut.

Word Count: 3485

Summary: What happens in NYC stays in NYC!

AN: The NYC Skyline prompt is by @iguessweallcrazyithinktho thank you so much for letting me use your theme I hope I did it justice. If you haven't read any of her stuff what are you doing get on it!

Disclaimer: There’s only slight edits so there may be errors. Also if you haven’t noticed this series will have many time jumps and things referenced here may make more sense later on in the series when new episodes come out so please bear with me.

Taglist: @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss, @canadian-girl87, @i-just-like-fanfics, @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful​ if you would like to join the taglist message me.

Please leave a note and tell me what you think!

June 13th, 2020

Being with Chris had its many perks but not working was definitely one Maya never wanted to take advantage of.

When Chris first brought it up when they got engaged she looked at him like he had two heads and said “I worked to hard put myself through school to get these expensive ass letters behind my name to just stay my ass at home” and that was the last time they had that conversation.

But fast forward to 2020 If you told Maya that she would have to close both of her dermatology offices in the middle of award season a few months ago she would have laughed at you.

She just couldn’t see herself not working because she loved what she does, but with both New York and Boston putting in place stay at home orders there’s nothing she could do.

It didn't help that it was only Maya in Boston dealing with work and all that entails, Delilah's up in the air school situation, and a whole hoax of things while Chris was in L A being as supportive of a husband and father as he could be on the other side of the country.

At least Dodger was being pretty normal.

Thanks to Chris's family for being so helpful where they could because for a minute Maya felt like she was beginning to drown.

This saga starts with the beginning of the pandemic.

January was chill there were whispers that there was a deadly pandemic on the horizon but no one took it seriously.

February Chris had left at the beginning of the month to LA to promote his new show Defending Jacob and it wasn't like anything out of the ordinary the couple worked, and called each other daily.

Chris told her he'd have to be there through March but would be home in time for Maya's birthday in April.

Her lawsuit against Boston PD was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount that was donated to charity and trust me that lawsuit cost them a pretty penny because Chris was threatening to go to the press and Boston PD did not need anymore negative press.

After finding out that the older officer already had many reports against him for abuse of power he was "let go" by Boston PD and the other officer was demoted to desk duty and sent Maya an apology letter for his actions

She thinks he only did it because her husband is Chris Evans but she tries not to be a cynic.

In mid March with her offices were forced to close and the lives of her twenty employees were in her hands, but sin there was no money coming in she had to regrettably furlough all of them until she could open back up.

This news could come at a worse time because Lilah's school was trying to transition them to online learning for the rest of the year.

So Maya now had to also be her home school teacher for the last 2 months before summer vacation .

Maya does feel blessed because she was still able to teach some derm online classes through NYU, and her family was healthy but Chris still wasn't home.

Because of travel restrictions in LA on April 1st Maya found out that the earliest Chris could be home was in possibly July or Mid June if they are lucky because he need to start filming for Grey Man that was set in Boston.

Then rumors started to swirl that Chris could be cheating on Maya but

She doesn't play that and isn't a dummy

Chris isn't stupid and

He's been in their home in LA quarenting with his brother Scott the whole time so if some foul shit did happen she would be the first one to know and on the first jet smoking to beat some ass.

But hey when it rains it pours.

In interviews Chris would say he was "quartining with his family at home in Boston."

They would try to make the spaces look just like Chris and Maya's homebase in Boston even going as far as strategically moving photos of them in the background to make it look like his office at home.

And it actually work most people thought Chris was in Boston anyways and it was all gossip the others thought he went back home to clean up this mess.

But nope Chris was not in Boston he was 2,764 miles away and this time it all just felt different and he hated not being able to be there with them during this crazy uncertain time and Maya just needed a vacation.

In April Maya and Delilah just had dinner at the house for her birthday they facetimed Chris and once Liliah had gone to bed Chris and Maya had sexytime over the phone.

The rest of the month Maya just went with the flow and did the same through June.

Now we are all caught up and in the present day.

It's Chris's 39th birthday but he was still in LA.

Maya stayed up to call him at midnight in LA because that was their tradition but now it was about 12pm and Chris has not picked up any of her phone calls Maya was annoyed.

Maya and Delilah sat in the Den as Maya was detangling Delilah's freshly washed hair getting ready to put her curly hair into braids as Mulan played on the tv in front of them.

"Mommy can I call dad it's his birthday and I haven't got to talk to him today. Lilah says playing with Maya's phone.

"Go ahead sweetheart maybe you'll have better luck them me." said Maya as she sectioned Lilah's hair.

As the facetime ringtone went Dodger who was laying in his dog bed next to Lilah began to bark and then he ran for the front door Maya looked that way but didn't see anything since the alarm didn't go off either which she found strange.

She shrugged it off only for a second until she heard a bag hit the ground as she quickly stood up the only thought in her head was to protect Delilah helping her to hide under the couch.

As the person entered their den Dodger continued to bark and she grabbed a pair hair scissors about to attack the intruder until she saw his face and exhaled the breath she didn't even know she was holding.

"CHRIS you scared the shit out of me" she said before he could say anything.

He laughed "Baby I didn't mean to scare you" Chris said

Lilah screamed and crawled from under the couch.

"daddy, daddy, daddy I missed you and Happy Birthday." Lilah said running into Chris's arm.

"I missed you to babycakes you been taking care of mommy for me" Chris said holding Lilah and walking towards a still shocked Maya.

He kissed Maya's forehead trying to pull her into a hug but she rolled her eyes and pushed his hand away.

"Chris i thought you weren't coming home till July" Maya asked

Chris shrugged "plans change now are you gonna come and give daddy a kiss you what"

He said flopping on the couch with Lilah on his lap.

Mays sucked her teeth peeked his lips and told Lilah to come so she could finish her hair.

Her saltiness cause Chris to laugh as Lilah moved over to her mom.

They were sitting on the same couch so Chris bent over and began to whisper in her ear. "Stop acting like that baby I wanted to surprise you"

Maya gave minimal response and Chris didn't like that so then he brought heat.

When he walked Maya had on a beige short set the top was fairly tin and the shorts barely covered her ass, he could see her nipples stand at attention on her delicious breast when walked.

It's been 3 months since he's had sex with his wife and boy can he feel it. He gave her tigh a firm squeeze now pecking her spot behind her ear forcing Maya to stop mid greasing Lilah's scalp to take a deep breath.

"if you stop acting up tonight I'll do that thing with my tongue that you like if not daddy won't be letting you cum at all tonight.

Chris said moving his body back to his original position smirking at his shooken up wife whose attitude did a 180 quick, fast and in a hurry.

Chris was no home and with his girls and he couldn’t be any happier.

After braiding Delilah's hair Maya went and they dropped her off at Chris’s moms which was a fight in itself because she wanted to stay with her daddy but Maya had other plans.

The original plan was to take Chris out of the country for his birthday but plans change.

Before Chris showed up today Maya had nothing planned for Chris's birthday because he was not suppose to be home they were just going to the same thing they did for her birthday.

On there way back home my had an idea with there hands intertwined Maya began to speak.

“So birthday boy what do you want to do for your birthday” Maya asked

“You know I don’t care as long as I’m with you my love” Chris said kissing her hand.

Maya giggled “Well we’ve dropped Dede at your moms and Scott said he could take Dodger”

She states looking at the puppy through the rear view mirror as Chris began to rub is thumb over her knuckles.

“It seems you already have a plan for us babe” he smirks

“I know you are just getting home but how about we drop Dodger off and I was thinking maybe drive to New York, I need to get out of Boston and have a bit of a staycation”. She said.

Chris chuckled and looked at Maya as the stopped at the red light.

“Wherever you lead I’ll follow. He said

“You are so corny old man” Maya laughed as she leaned over and peek his sweet lips.

They continued their drive to Scotts and talked enjoying eachothers company for the first time in a while, they were so wrapped up in each other that Dodger had to bark to remind Chris he was about to pass Scoots house .

Maya laughed at the puppy then pet him telling him how good of a dog he is.

“Alright birthday boy Scott has Dodger now let's switch its my turn to drive you around” She said.

They headed home to pick up a few things and then The Evans were off and headed for there trip.

After the 3 and 1/2 hour drive they got to New York and the barren streets shocked them.

They are staying in there penthouse apartment on the upper east side that over looks Central Park and New York's famous skyline.

Before settling in Maya decided to get groceries once she got back Jazz played softly in her ears as the punchy aroma of the candle Slow Burn hit her nose.

“Hey Chris I'm back” she called out to him.

She was met without a response just the smooth stylings of Frank Sinatra.

Maya put the groceries in the kitchen and headed to their master bedroom.

Kicking her shoes off and following the rose petals into the bathroom that revealed Chris who sat in all his glory in the pink tinted bathtub.

Apparently he did not hear her as his eyes stayed closed and his arms outstretched.

And all Maya could do was admire the greek god that was her husband.

His long wingspan encompassed the entire back of the tub as his strong biceps would flex ever deep breath he took. And don't to get Maya started on those baby blues which were one of the only things Lilah did not get from Chris. Those same blue eyes were now looking straight at her.

“I was hoping you’d be back soon” he said

Raising his head to look at his goddess of a wife smirking at him.

“So I’m guessing you would like me to join you?” She asked

Maya teased him as she began to slowly remove her clothes.

“Hey aren’t I the birthday boy that shouldn’t even be a question Maya so you better bring your sexy ass in here” Chris said to her as his arms still laid on the back of the tub looking like a king”

Maya stepped in with Chris’s help the warm water encapsulating her body as she sinks down.

She sighs in satisfaction when her body is finally completely in the water as she lays into Chris’s embrace.

They just sit there and enjoy each other company, washing the dirt off of each other from the day, and stealing kisses from one another.

Maya and Chris were that couple you loved to hate they didn’t show off their love that much with Chris’s anxiety and Maya’s destain for public scrutiny because she’s black woman with a man of Chris stature, PDA was mostly off the table. However behind closed doors they are the cutest most intimate couple you’d ever meet.

Once she was clean from her road dirt Maya left the water first placing a kiss on Chris’s lips as she headed to start dinner and Chris laid back and continued to relax.

Once Chris finally got out the bath he found Maya in the kitchen halfway finished with dinner.

“Jesus babe it smells fantastic in here and I see you changed the music” Chris said

He was now fully dressed in a blue t-shit in matching joggers, his hair damp from the bath as Lauryn Hill's rendition of Can't Take My Eyes off of You played in the background.

She chuckled “only the best for you my king”

"Mhm I like the sound of that" He said as he went in the fridge and grabbed a bottle of white wine and poured them both a glass.

She was at the counter cutting up veggies.

“Ok so how long do I have wait before I can devour all this?” he asked placing the glass in front of Maya.

They took their first cheers of the night tapping the glasses together.

Maya took a sip and moan at the taste of the wine.

“Soon Chris don’t stress it babe you will be fed very soon” she said.

Her hips began to sway to the music as she hummed along.

At long last, love has arrived, and I thank God I'm alive

Chris walked up behind her wrapping her arms around waist swaying with her body and catching the rhythm.

You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off you

Moving her hair to her left shoulder Chris begins to kiss her neck.

"Remember when we first bought this place." Chris asked

"Yes you didn't want to you said my place in Brooklyn was enough for us" Maya said putting the knife down and melted into Chris's strong arms.

"Mmm but you did an excellent job at convincing me why we need this place, 3 bedrooms right in the Heart of the city just for times likes these when want to get away." Chris said with his arms still wrapped around her.

She laughed "I thought it was because you fucked me against the balcony on our terrace is why you said yes"

He smirked at the memory "well that to"

Chris sucked on her neck and moved his down her satin dress but the timer on the pot decided to be a cock block and go off before he could make a move.

He groaned and Maya laughed directed him to get ready to eat.

Just as the food was finishing up Chris set the dining table for two, taking the rest of the flowers from his bath laying them out between the kitchen and there Terrence where they were having dinner overlooking the city.

It was a beautiful night. There was a soft breeze and the city was a glow quieter that usual but still a sight to behold.

Maya brought out the food as Chris poured them another glass, they both sat prayed then rose their glasses to cheers again.

During dinner Chris made some corny jokes that always seemed to put Maya in a better mood as Maya would slyly rub her foot up Chris’s pant leg.

Next came dessert still out on the terrace they shared a slice of cake (more like Maya fed Chris cake) which is how she ended up in his lap enjoying the very expensive yet immaculate view they had from their home.

He rubbed her thigh as he kisses her shoulder just thinking of the fastest way to get Maya out of her dress.

"god you are beautiful" Chris said

His hand now playing with the trim of her panties under her strappy white satin dress.

"Oh no birthday boy you not fucking me out here tonight you gotta come inside for your last present" Maya said.

Chris groaned Maya got up seductively waking back inside her curves just begging him to follow her

“This woman Is going to be the death of me” Chris thought as he came back inside and closed the door that lead to the terrace.

Maya handed Chris his third and final glass of wine of the night.

He raised an eyebrow "Are you trying to get me drunk Mrs. Evans so you can have your way with me?" he asked.

Taking a sip from his glass he smacked Maya the ass and watched it move as she walked towards their living room.

She laughed "I wouldn't have to get you drunk to have my way with you Mr. Evans"

Their living room had floor to ceiling windows that overlook Chris's second favorite city, and that's where Maya stood wine glass in hand looking all the people that looked like ants. But all Chris could think about was how this woman fell for him.

She watched the scenery and he watched her but when that signature trumpet blew he remembered that the music was still playing and so did she.

Maya turned around to see Chris was watching her one hand in his pocket and the other still holding his wine, she made a face at him.

"What are you looking at me like that Chris, you ok?” she asked hand on her hip taking another drink from her glass.

The moon shined off her skin like she was in the sun, her white dress reminding him of their wedding day the way it hugged her figure.

Still speechless Chris walked up to her placing both of their glasses on the coffee table, he brushed her hair behind her ear and she moans nuzzling her head in his touch.

"Baby I am absolutely perfect because I am here with you" he says.

Chris softly pulls her by the waist bringing her flush against her body as raspy voice of Louis Armstrong in Le Vie En Rose brought butterfly’s to Maya’s stomach because this was their song.

His hands lay softly on her waist as her arms lay around his shoulder as they dancer slowly around there living room.

Hold me close and hold me fast, The magic spell you cast, this is la vie en rose.

His cologne sent waves of pleasure and warmth through her body, when Maya laid her head on his chest not wanting to let him go. As their heartbeat became in sync the moonlight casted their sillones on the ground.

They were two lovers who were lost in eachother hoping to never get out and wanting to hide from the world it felt new but familiar.

Once the song ended Chris kissed her so deep and and passionately Maya thought she was gonna cum then and there.

Chris's hands moved from their previously respectable position making circle on her hips to the bottom of her ass telling Maya to jump causing Maya wrap her chocolate legs around his waist.

As Chris walked he kept repeating how much he missed Maya so much while he was in LA.

They couldn’t even make it back to their bedroom for their first round of many.

And Maya was a goner as Chris made love to her all night in every corner of their apartment as the city watched as the couple were engulfed with each other.

But there was a little voice in the back of Maya's head "Well damn how are we going to top 40 next year" it asked.

The preoccupied side of her brain shooed hat thought away so she could just enjoy being with her man at this moment.

Thanking god there was no more space between them like the miles before.

[castielific]

Title: Fancy and the tramp

Story status: Complete, 8 chapters

Rating: Explicit

Tags: Dean/Castiel, Alternate Universe, Fake boyfriends, pretend relationship, homeless!Dean, rich!Cas, family, angst with a happy ending, temporary breakup, getting back together, coming out, past!homophobia, self esteem issues, Dean Winchester has a sexuality crisis, first time, homelessness, bed sharing, pining

Sex tags: anal sex, switching, bottom!Cas, bottom!Dean, first time, frottage, marking, blowjob, fingering, barebacking

Special warning: Contrary to what the title may presage, there are no spaghettis in this story. 

Summary: 

"Okay, let's be clear on one thing from the start. This is not a lifetime movie and I'm straight, so no falling in love, get it?"

"I get it, Dean," Castiel nods.

Well, that's it then, apparently Dean is going to a fancy engagement party with his new fake boyfriend. What a weird day. 

Link to AO3

Chapter 1 under the cut:

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

"Come on Ricky, you owe me that money!" Dean says on his phone, taking a step forward when the line of the coffee shop shortens. 

"I don't owe you shit, Dean. You still owe me the last three months of your rent," his ex landlord says on the phone.

"And I'll pay you, you know I will. But to get the money, I need a job, and to get that job I need some new clothes and-"

"Yeah yeah, I know the deal. You think no one has told me that one before? No bueno, man, I'm keeping your deposit," Ricky grumbles. 

Dean groans in frustration. "Come on, all I need is fifty dollars so I can buy a pair of pants without any holes in it. You give me fifty, I get the job and I pay you back, how does that sound?" he tries to negotiate. 

"Like a fucking lie," Ricky spits just before hanging up.

"No Ric-fuck!" 

The woman in front of him in line sends him a dark look. Dean rolls his eyes at her. Like she hasn't heard worse before. 

Ricky was his last shot. It was a long one, he really does owe that bastard some serious money. Guess he can kiss the job interview at two goodbye. It's some kind of assistant job. It sounds easy enough, buying coffee and picking dry cleaning and stuff. It was still a long shot anyway. Dean's only real job experience is being a bagger boy when he was seventeen and it lasted about two months before his dad decided to move them further east. 

So far, he'd always managed to get by doing repairs or cleaning at gas stops and motels. The older he gets and the harder it gets to find that kind of random job. People are more willing to give a few bucks in exchange for manual tasks to a kid than they are to a nearly thirty years old guy. Now they just tell him to fuck off. 

And since it's always been casual and off the book, the only official work experience he has is the bagger thing. He doesn't even have a high school diploma because he dropped out long before that. Not exactly a stellar resume. Which explains why he hasn't found work in eight month and is currently living in his car. Thank God he has Baby. 

He had been too ambitious thinking he could get his own place. It could only pay rent for about five months before he went broke. He's never had a home before, and had no idea that having an apartment cost so much. In motels, you don't exactly have to pay for water or heat or utilities. There was a bunch of stuff he hadn't planned for that ate up the last of his meagre savings. Ricky threw him out after three months when Dean couldn't scrape up enough money to pay rent anymore, putting a violent stop to Dean's pipe dream of living a normal life. He hoped it would be simpler to get a job if he had an actual address, had even thought about scrapping up enough to maybe get his GED. He's not sure what he's going to do now. 

He's always wanted to be a mechanic. If his dad ever taught him anything, it was how to take care of the Impala. John taught him all the basics and Dean got the knack of it. As a teen, he spent days reading car magazines and working on the Impala, trying to learn as much as he could about how cars worked and how to repair the different parts. He knows enough by now that he could easily work in a garage, but he's got no diploma, and hasn't found anyone willing to hire him on faith alone. 

The line of the coffee shop shortens again, the barista asking her order to the goody-two-shoes in front of him. Dean looks regretfully at the display of sandwiches. He searches his pockets and only comes up with three dollars. Of course, the cheapest piece of food cost four dollars. Dean sighs. Guess just a coffee will have to do today. 

He won't have another choice but to go to the soup kitchen tonight. He hates it there. The food is crap and he wants to punch the prancy people serving it. They always try to give him some Jesus bullshit with his food, like Jesus is ever gonna put a roof over his head and find him a decent job. Neither Jesus nor God nor whatever gives a crap about him. Not that he blames them. Hell, if they exist they're probably not big fans of the guy that used to slip into church as a kid to pick the lock of the donation box

"Just an americano, please," Dean says regretfully when the barista asks for his order. At least it will keep him warm and fill his stomach for a short while.

Halloween just went by and the weather is becoming really cold. He should use the last of Baby's tank to go as far south as he can before winter really hits. He probably won't get farther than Wichita though, and the thought makes him shiver. No one wants to get stuck for a winter in Wichita. Maybe he could go and see if he can make a few bucks at the nearest motel, that kind of place always needs a handyman's help. He hasn't tried the one on Corn Street yet. He's noticed only two lights are still working on their sign, he could offer to help with that. If he makes fifty bucks, he might be able to reach Austin. 

Dean stops on the sidewalk in front of the coffee shop, pondering if he should walk to the bar a few streets down or the motel. Sometimes Benny, the owner of the bar, lets him use the sink in the back to wash up. If he's lucky, he'll even get some leftovers from last night. It's generally just some stale pretzels, cold fries on good days, but it's still better than nothing. He's got two cans of beans and a car with an near empty tank to his name right now, so he's not picky. 

Dean takes a look at his watch. It's eleven thirty already, the leftovers are probably already in the trash at Benny's. The motel is probably his best bet. 

"I'll give you a hundred dollars if you pretend to be my boyfriend." comes a hoarse voice, way too close to his ear. 

Dean jumps, nearly spilling his coffee on himself. He spins to the right to face the man who just talked and is met with a pair of clear blue eyes. Way too close again. He waits a second for the man to take a step back as he realises as close Dean turning brought them, but the guy just continues to stare at him, head slightly tilted to the side. He's wearing an oversized trench coat over a dark blue suit that looks expensive. He's so close a gust of wind makes the bottom of his coat brushes Dean's shin. 

"Dude, personal space," Dean reproaches, taking a step back. "And fuck off, I don't swing that way," he adds, not meanly. It's not the first time he's getting hit on by a dude. Sadly, not even the weirdest. He's strictly into chicks though, so no dice.

"Two hundred bucks," the man insists. He looks ready to fall on his knees and beg, eyes going wider and wider as he throws a panicked look to the right of Dean's shoulder. "It won't take more than ten minutes and all you have to do is nod along," he begs, making Dean wonders if he's in danger somehow. Maybe he has a stalker or an abusive ex? 

Dean follows his eyes to a woman coming closer. She's very elegant in a grey pantsuit and a long white fur coat as she walks straight toward them. He can feel her eyes judging him even from thirty feet away, looking at him from head to toes. If he wasn't already self-aware of the number of holes in his jeans, he would definitely be under that gaze. 

"Five hundred dollars," the other man whispers just as the blond woman reaches them. 

"Castiel, dear, you should have told me we would have company, I would have notified the restaurant," the woman says, sending a clearly disapproving look toward Dean as she deposits a kiss on the other man's - (Castiel, apparently, what kind of name is that??) - cheek. 

"Mother, let me introduce you to my boyfriend," Castiel says, looking ill at ease. He's obviously not a very good liar. 

Dean blinks a few times as their attention turns toward him. Castiel seems to be trying to communicate something with his eyes, and Dean frowns in incomprehension for a moment before he gets the hint. 

"Huh. Dean. Winchester," he finally says. "Ma'am," he adds when she just continues to stare at him like he has grease smeared all over his face. He's pretty sure that she wouldn't want to touch his hand if he were to offer it to shake, so he doesn't. 

"Naomi Novak," she introduces herself. "What a delight to finally meet Castiel's new companion," Naomi says, her deadpan tone contradicting her words. "Of course, I would have preferred not to be ambushed by such an announcement. Castiel, you know, that Le Délice hates it when we change our reservation last minute. Who knows if they will even have a table for three," she declares, already composing a number on her phone. 

"It's okay, mother, Dean won't be joining us for lunch."

"Oh, is it because your attire isn't appropriate?" Castiel's mother asks, looking at the holes in Dean's jeans and the big leather jacket that used to be his dad's. "I assure you they won't say a word about it if you're with us," she reassures. 

Dean squirms a little, wondering what the hell is even happening. Ten minutes ago he was buying a coffee and going at his day like a perfectly normal person (well, albeit a homeless and jobless one). Now, his fashion sense is being criticized by the mother of a man who is pretending to be his boyfriend. Did a piano fall on his head or something? Has he finally lost his mind?

He looks to the man beside him. He's scratching the side of his neck in nervousness. The move makes his coat fall a little over his wrist, revealing a freaking Rolex watch. Dean looks back to the woman, eyes sliding on her diamond earrings and the huge rock around her neck. 

You know what? That's not okay. His stomach has been crying for food since last morning, and he's what? Supposed to help this stranger by saying no to free lunch at one of the most prestigious restaurants in town? Fuck no. He's gonna eat like a king and make a few hundred bucks off the back of those rich assholes. 

"In that case, it would be my pleasure to join you," Dean announces with his most charming smile. 

"What?" Castiel can't help but bark. "But y-your work thing?" he tries, sweating. The round panic eyes are back. Dean sends him his best shit eating grin. They both know he now either has to invite this stranger to lunch or reveal the lie to his mother. The guy is trapped and may as well continue to play along.

"It's not as important as a chance to finally get to know your mother, honey," Dean answers. "He's told me so many nice things about you, Naomi. Can I call you Naomi?"

"Of course, dear," Naomi says. She looks a little wide eyed too, probably thrown by Dean turning on the charm to the max.

"Perfect! We shall go now, we don't want to miss your reservation. I do hope it won't be too much of a bother for them to add a chair to your table," Dean says. He should probably tone it down with the pompous tone, because he nearly added an English accent here. 

Naomi leads the way, and Dean is going to follow when a hand grabbing his arm makes him fall a few steps behind. 

"What the hell are you doing?" Castiel hisses.

"Acting as your boyfriend?" Dean says innocently. By Castiel's glare, he's not fooled. 

"I asked you to nod silently for ten minutes, not to do method acting for a whole meal," he reproaches. Naomi sends a look behind her shoulder and Castiel smiles at her like there is no worries, indicating for her to lead the way, 

Dean shrugs. "I had some free time."

"I'm not giving you more money than planned, if that's your goal," Castiel says with a suspicious squint. 

"I'm fine with the five hundred as long as you're also paying for lunch," Dean says, wiggling his eyebrows as they walk toward the restaurant. Something passes on Castiel's face that Dean can't quite identify. The other man stares at him for so long that it's a wonder he doesn't trip. He finally relents with a long suffering sigh as they enter 'Le Délice'. 

Apparently, Naomi Novak is prominent enough that they don't mind changing her reservation after all. They're seated at a table near a legit indoor fountain. Dean is looking around, trying not to let show how impressed he is by the place. The walls are made of stone and covered in frescos that he always thought you couldn't see outside of a church or castle. A waiter gives him a leather covered menu and Dean opens it eagerly. After a few niceties to Naomi, they're asked what they want to drink. Dean has an inkling that he probably shouldn't ask for a beer in an establishment like this. 

"Same for me, please," he says after Castiel ordered some wine with a name Dean can't pronounce. At least, he hopes that's wine. Who knows. Hell, in this place the bottles of water are probably more expensive than his usual brand of beer. 

Dean starts to second guess his decision when he realizes that the menu is in french. What is it with rich people and France? He just wants a damn steak, how do you say that in french? Is there even steaks here or is it just frog legs and snails? Oh god, he hopes not. 

"I think I'll take the duck today," Naomi notes. "Nobody cooks it better than chef Francis. How about you Dean? Have you ever come here before?" There is a mean glint in her eyes that says she knows perfectly well he hasn't. Hell, from the side eyes he got from everyone as they crossed the room, everyone here knows he's not from their world. There are three holes in his jeans, threads hanging from the bottom and his dad's leather jacket probably should have ended up in the trash about three years ago. Even now, it's still too big for him and the sleeves are so scruffed that they're nearly paper thin. The original dark brown color has turned to a light beige in most places from wear. His scruff is just the bad side of too long now, and he hasn't had a haircut since April, strands starting to fall into his eyes. At least, he's wearing his best plaid shirt and managed to wash up last night, so he's not smelling too rank. Why would Castiel pick him out of all the people in the street at that moment to play his boyfriend? It makes no sense at all. From the guy's obvious discomfort as he hides behind his menu, he probably realizes it. 

"Actually, Naomi, duck sounds like a delicious idea," Dean says, voluntarily ignoring her question. To be honest, he’s never even eaten duck before, but it's poultry so it probably taste like chicken. You can't go wrong with chicken, right? His stomach certainly likes the idea, gurgling so loudly that he has to hide it behind a cough. 

Castiel ends up ordering some fish and soon their drinks arrive. Dean barely has time to sip at his red wine before Naomi pounces. 

"So, tell me everything, how did you two meet?"

Dean nearly chokes on his drink. Castiel seems to gulp down his whole glass. 

"We met at a coffee shop. Dean was in line in front of me and we started to talk," Castiel explains, not quite meeting anyone's eyes.

"How quaint!" Naomi exclaims, clasping her hands in delight. "I'm just sorry that you didn't tell me about it sooner, Castiel. How long have you been keeping this charming man a secret?"

"Not-," Castiel clears his throat, "-not long."

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you Dean. I sure wish this luncheon will give me the chance to learn everything about you."

Luncheon? Who even talks like that outside of Downton Abbey?

"I do hope I'll get to keep some mystery, we wouldn't want this guy to lose interest," Dean says with a wink. He pats Castiel's hand on the table. Should he hold it or something? How open on PDA are gay people those days? Not that he knows more about how heterosexual couple act in public anyway, especially in those crowds. It's probably safer to keep the PDA to a minimum here. 

"You have to at least tell me some things. For one, what career path are you on?" She looks like a shark circling her prey. 

"I'm a mechanic," he lies. He'd rather stay as close to the truth as possible. It's a little unfair that Castiel is letting him do all the talking when his initial demand was that he stayed silent, especially since it's his skin that Dean is apparently saving, but the guy looks like he's swallowed a potato whole. 

"Oh, that's...interesting," Naomi says in that insincere tone of hers. She looks like he told her he was fucking children’s corpses every full moon. He's two seconds away from telling her that he's actually jobless, penniless, and homeless, just to see her face, when Castiel intervenes. 

"How is Anna's engagement party coming on?" 

Thankfully, this seems to be a subject Naomi loves because she tells them about every aspect of the future party all the way through their meal. 

Duck, as it turns out, is actually very good. It's more like red meat than chicken, which is a great surprise. Although, Dean isn't a fan of the way rich people put tiny quantities of food in very large plates. He eats all the dinner rolls and scrapes every single bit of sauce out of his plate, yet he's still hungry by the end of it. He nearly starts crying when the waiter asks them if they'll take dessert and Naomi declines. He's starting to wonder if that little piece of duck was worth sitting through lunch with her. 

"That sounds like you're turning this into a wonderful event, mother, Anna must be delighted," Castiel compliments. 

"Oh, you know your sister," Naomi waves it off. "It sure feels like a nice opportunity to introduce your new beau to everyone."

Dean frowns. What's a beau? Is that him? That's not him, right?

"I wouldn't dare take any attention away from Anna," Castiel tries to refuse. 

"Don't be daft, you know your sister won't care. Everyone will be so happy that you've finally found-" she passes a long look, over Dean, like she's doubting anyone would actually approve of him. She certainly doesn't seem to, "-someone," she finishes lamely. 

"Oh shoot, I don't think I'm available that night," Dean tries to play off. 

"I'm not sure I've told you the date of it yet."

"Cas did," he says. The other man perks up at the surname, but whatever, 'Castiel' is a mouthful. "And I have this huh work thing, you know? Bummer," Dean says with a fake pout. 

"What kind of 'work thing' can a mechanic possibly have on a Saturday evening?"

Dean tenses up, pursing his lips. "One he can't get out of?"

"Nonsense, you're coming," Naomi brushes off. And that is that apparently. Shit. There is a vein about to pop on Castiel's forehead. "Castiel, dear, you look a little white. Was the fish okay?"

"I-Yeah-I-Actually, do you think we could possibly cut our lunch short? I am indeed feeling quite unwell."

"Of course, my dear," Naomi says, leaning forward until her hand touches his forehead. "You're as clammy as a fish. I should come home with you, and make sure you're okay," she announces, taking her napkin off her lap and deposing it on the table, ready to stand up. 

"No!" Castiel stops her, a little too brusquely. "I-Dean will take good care of me, don't worry," he says, getting up and grabbing Dean's arm so he does so too. Dean follows his lead, all too happy to get out of here. "Stay and enjoy your tea, mother."

"If you say so," Naomi says, sending an unsure look at Dean, obviously upset at being brushed off in his favor. "Call me this evening, or I'll worry all night."

"Of course, mother," Castiel acquiesces, kissing her cheek. Dean hovers behind him. Is he supposed to kiss her too? Wave hello? Shake her hand? 

"Dean," she says as what is apparently a sufficient goodbye. Thank God. "I'll be sure to see you on Saturday," she reminds just as they're walking away. 

Cas turns on him as soon as they're outside the restaurant. 

"What was that?!" he asks, not quite yelling. He starts pacing, rubbing a hand through his already pretty ruffled hair. 

"You owing me five hundred bucks? Dude, you're lucky I don't charge you more for the fresh hell I just lived through."

"You went through hell? You?!" his pacing gets faster and Dean has an idea that if he stops pacing he might punch him in the face. 

"That's what you get for asking this kind of stuff from a perfect stranger," Dean shrugs, pushing a pebble with the point of his shoe. His red sock is peeking out from a tiny hole near his big toe. It's such a contrast to how grand everything and everyone looked in there. It's making him feel like shit. He's maybe feeling a tiny bit guilty for trapping Castiel like that too. He doesn't seem like a bad guy, albeit one with a psycho mom.

Cas turns on him, eyes glaring and mouth open in what will probably be a flow of reproaches. He stops himself before he says anything though, seeming to deflate. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breathe instead, shoulders falling. "I'm sorry. You're right. I should be thanking you. I have no right to make you any reproach when I brought this on myself."

"It wasn't so bad, though, was it? I mean, I think I sold it?" Dean asks, a little hesitant. He even used pedantic talk and everything. 

"You did as well as could be expected."

"That's not much of a compliment…". 

"I shouldn't take more of your time," Cas apologizes, taking his wallet out. Dean goggles at the amount of cash in there. 

"You really shouldn't have that much cash on you, that's, like, asking for trouble."

Castiel squints at him like he's wondering if that means Dean is gonna rob him for a moment, before he hands him a wad of cash. 

Dean's eyes bulge out, "That's way more than five hundred dollars."

"There's also an advance in there to buy some clothes for the engagement party."

"The what now?" Dean blinks dumbly for a second until his brain catches up to what is happening. "Dude, no, I'm done!" 

"You were the one to push it so far in the first place," Castiel reminds. Accuses, really. 

"I just wanted to eat fancy food, okay! Not, like, go steady."

"There will be lots of food at my sister's engagement party," Castiel tries to persuade. Badly. 

Dean gives him a nonplussed look. The cash feels heavy in his hand. He's never had so much before. This could help him get a new start. What's a night of playing Downton Abbey compared to the many many nights he might not have to freeze his ass off in the backseat of his car thanks to it?

"Why are you even doing this anyway? And why would you choose me? Do I look that desperate for cash?"

"No," Cas says after what's definitely a too long pause. Dean scowls. "You were in front of me in the coffee shop line. I heard you talking on the phone. You said you needed some cash to buy a new outfit for a job interview. Begged, really."

"Where the fuck do you get on listening in on other people’s conversation?" 

"I didn't listen, I just heard."

"You know, what? Fuck you," Dean spits, "I don't need that bullshit in my life right now." He has enough cash to get to Austin and replenish his stock of food, even buy some new clothes. At least this way he can keep his dignity rather than being insulted by a bunch of rich assh-

"Please," Castiel begs, following him as Dean storms away. "You don't understand…"

"Oh I understand perfectly," Dean says, stopping and turning around so brusquely that they nearly bump into each other. "You think you can shit on other people from your high horse and that they'll still do your deed for a few hundred bucks. Well, I'm not your freaking puppet, man."

"I have never shitted on any-" he stops himself with a frustrated groan, before turning on the puppy dog eyes. "Dean, please. Listen to what I have to say at least?"

"I know what you're gonna say. I've seen that movie before, Cas. You're going to bring me to that party, so you can parade me around like I'm some earned price or some shit. Meanwhile you get to appease mommy dearest and the clan of hyenas putting pressure on you to find a husband, while still having the satisfaction of giving them a huge fuck you by bringing a guy like me instead of the golden boy they're dreaming of."

"I-" Castiel stops himself, pursing his lips. "That's actually not that far from the reality."

"Of course it isn't. Told you, I've seen that trope before. Except this is real life and your plan sucks, so you can keep your money and I'll keep my dignity. Just grow a pair and tell them all to fuck off, will ya?"

"You sure do like saying that to people," Castiel sulks. "Are you sure you can't do it for me?" 

"Oh believe me I would love to tell your mom to fuck off, but I like my balls attached to my body, so that's a hard pass."

Castiel laughs slightly at that and Dean can feel his own anger start to abate at the sound. "Good self-preservation instinct on your part," Cas mumbles. The puppy look is still there, except now it's making him feel like he's kicked the puppy.  

"You know, we're in the 21st century, right? You shouldn't feel pressured to the point of inventing a boyfriend. Who gives a shit about that nowadays?"

"My family does," Castiel answers in a long sigh. "You don't get it, how could you... I have three brothers, Dean," Castiel explains. "Two sisters. My little sister, who is just nineteen, just got engaged. I was already seen as the irremediably unwed one and now I…," he pauses, sending a nervous look at Dean, looking ashamed.

"Oh come on. How hard can it be? You're rich, objectively good looking. Do you have weird kinks or something?"

 "I-I wouldn't know. I've never even been in a relationship before," he confesses, looking at the ground.

"When you say 'relationship', you don't mean you've never…" Dean inquires. Cas' cheeks redden, and Dean blows like he just got punched. "Wow. That sucks."

"Yes, it's very pathetic."

"What? Eh no, it's not pathetic. Surprising, yeah. But, to each their own, you know?"

Cas inclines his head like he's not sure he does know. 

"I'm sorry I tried to drag you in all of this. You seem like a good man. You don't deserve-"

"-to be served on a platter to your family?" Dean asks, searching Castiel's gaze until they exchange a smile. 

"Yes. That." The man is still looking dejected. The money is still in Dean's hand. That duck really was good. Damn it.

"The food better be freaking awesome," Dean relents with a frustrated grunt. Castiel seems instantly relieved. "And you're not pretty woman-ing me," he warns, pointing a finger at the other man. "I'm choosing my own clothes and I don't give a shit if I don't know which fork to use for fish."

Castiel's head is tilted and he's blinking owlishly, like he doesn't understand a word that Dean is saying. Figures. He's not sure how he could convince anyone that he's this dork's boyfriend, honestly. Naomi certainly looked like she wasn't fooled. 

"I'm sorry for the way my mother behaved toward you. I assure you, being yourself will be amply sufficient to the task."

"Dude, the way y'all talk, where do you come from, Victorian England?"

"I-I don't think I have English ancestry, no. Why?"

They blink at each other for some time. 

"I must be a freaking masochist."

Cas' face scrunches up even more in incomprehension. 

"Okay, let's be clear on one thing from the start. This is not a lifetime movie and I'm straight, so: no falling in love, get it?"

"I get it, Dean," Castiel nods. 

Well, that's it then, apparently Dean is going to a fancy engagement party with his new boyfriend. What a weird day... 

You can read the rest on AO3

[homeremodelingyyi]

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[it1776]

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- Hey, guys, this is Austin.

This is the brand new Series 2 Edition

of the Xbox Elite controller, which has got me thinking.

Kevin, what is the best controller that I can buy right now?

- Well, we got a different couple options to talk about here

so let's round 'em up and see.

(imitates music)

? Kevin Kenson music, Kevin Kenson music, ?

? Kevin Kenson music, do do doo ?

The benchmark that I compare every single controller to

is the current generation Xbox One.

Now, it's seen some updates over the last few years,

like Bluetooth and an audio jack,

you also have the Design Lab.

But this is always what I compare things to.

Kev, why am I wrong?

- I mean, look, the standard Xbox One controller

is a great controller.

When it comes to just the baseline models

that come with systems

this is honestly my my personal favorite as well.

- [Austin] Same, yeah.

- But there's a lot of room for improvement still

and there's a lot of things that have kind of become more

common and popular amongst pro controllers

that aren't necessarily feasible

in an affordable regular baseline like this one.

- Such as.

- Such as Microsoft's own Xbox One Elite 2.

Honestly, we could talk all day

about the special features and things.

I think the main kind of take away points

aside from just general build quality,

multiple sticks you can use, multiple D-pads, back paddles.

Which are pretty common across a lot of these ones.

The big stuff for this too though

is the unique customization features

that are in the Xbox Accessories app

where you can do things like button remapping,

adding a Shift button options, stick acceleration,

lots of crazy in depth stuff.

- And of course, this works across the Xbox

as well as the PC and those settings that you sync

will actually work across consoles as well.

Or across, did I just call PC a console?

I mean, across systems, across platforms.

- Identity crisis.

So aside from the Elite 2

the other one we have here is the Prestige.

Now, this is the newest one from Scuf

I'd mentioned earlier

and the main thing with this

is that this is a modified Xbox One controller

so it still has the same core base in it,

which is really cool actually

'cause that means you can use it with the Xbox One,

the upcoming Project Scarlet, PC, whatever,

if it works with Xbox controller it'll work with this.

One of the cool things about it

is how you can further modify it.

If you wanna change the sticks or anything

you actually just pop off the faceplate.

- That's cool.

- And this is how you can swap out the sticks.

You can also switch out the D-pad,

although I think you can just do that

from having this faceplate on as well.

So this one has four adjustable paddles,

you can take them off if you don't wanna use them.

- [Austin] The problem though

is that this is expensive, right?

this is actually around the same price

as the Elite controller?

- So, it's 20 bucks cheaper

if you just buy the base model unmodified.

But one of the big things about Scuf

is how you wanna customize it to make it your own design

so depending on if you want certain colors,

special designs, different sticks,

depending on all the things you modify and do to it

it can end up adding up to being quite more money.

- So I get that you're really excited

about your controllers and everything

but really everyone knows the superior way

to play any kind of game is using a mouse and keyboard.

Which I so helpfully have provided

with the Razer Turret.

- [Ken] You said this was controller video.

- This works with an Xbox, I can control my games with it,

I think that counts.

- [Ken] What is wrong with you?

- Can I bring in a racing wheel next then?

- There's a cursor inside the game.

It's almost as if I'm playing on a PC called the Xbox.

- Now to be clear, this is because the Xbox

actually does support keyboard and mouse,

it doesn't have to necessarily be the Turret

but the Turret is an awesome controller design

specifically for the Xbox in mind.

- 'Cause essentially you're getting

like a proper Razer keyboard

that's built into this little platform.

And then you have the mouse which is magnetic

so you can actually kind of.

You have a little like mousepad.

So if I was sitting.

- Come on, do it, yep.

Yeah, squat work out!

- This is the way all true gamers play.

So the Turret is certainly not cheap.

At $250 this is probably the most expensive thing here.

So the thing with the Turret is that

you really shouldn't use this

as purely like an Xbox controller.

I mean, you can use it like that, certainly.

But it sorta makes more sense

if you have like a PC and an Xbox

and you wanna have everything

kind of unified into one setup.

- Or if you just really love playing

just Fortnite all the time

and you wanna keyboard and mouse set up.

- And you don't wanna use a PC.

- And you don't wanna use a PC.

- Yeah, that's really popular.

Now over on the PlayStation side of things

we of course have the DualShock 4.

A perfectly respectable controller, it's good, fine,

but it's not really great, it's really super impressive

which is why I'm really curious,

especially to play with this Raiju.

- So actually, real quick before focusing in the Raiju,

I think something that's interesting about PlayStation

is that on Xbox you saw some similarities

with the two controllers we were trying,

they were both based on the standard Xbox design.

All three of these are very different.

All three pro controllers we're looking at

are very different approaches

of how to make a pro controller.

- This doesn't work.

- Does it not work or did you not log in properly to...

- You would be correct, I didn't log in correctly.

- There you go.

- Kevin Kenson, PlayStation expert.

- So the deal with the Raiju is that

at least out of the different pro controllers

we're looking at today,

it's the least physically customizable.

There's a little bit you can do,

you can swap out that D-pad, it does have some other sticks.

But the really heavy focus is on

just straight up the build quality.

- It's so sturdy, this to me out of all these controllers

is the only one that feels on par

with the Xbox Elite controllers

as far as just like, it's beefy, it feels heavy,

it feels like this is something I can throw across the room

in a fit of rage after I lose in Fortnite

and it'll be just fine.

- The table that it hits won't be, but yes,

the controller will survive.

- Now, you know, I totally get that customization is great

and for some people, especially with like the Scuf stuff

you can go really over the top.

But for me, I'm one of those guys

who wants to walk into Subway

and order the sandwich just as it comes.

When I go into Blaze Pizza I'm like,

I just want a pizza with pepperoni on it.

I get overwhelmed with too much choice and you know what,

this doesn't have too much choice.

I just pick up the controller, I'm like,

look, someone smarter than me designed this.

Sweet, I'm on board.

- Of the controllers we have out here today

I think this the only,

is this the only one that we're talking about?

- [Ken] Yeah.

- This is the only one we're talking about

that is actually not available normally in North America.

You can get it, you just have to import it

which also means you're probably gonna spend

a little more money than the actual MSRP lists.

- How much is it if I wasn't importing it,

like say if I'm in Europe,

how much does this controller cost?

- Well you know, that was something I planned on checking

when we weren't filming earlier and hold on a moment please.

- That's fine, I gotta kill some droids.

- Now the Scuf Vantage, really almost the opposite

of what the Raiju is.

While the Raiju is focused on minimal physical customization

but having lots of just high build quality,

the Vantage is all about modular design.

Kind of like what we saw with the Prestige,

you can take the faceplate off.

- That's cool.

- But on this one you can swap the sticks, the D-pad,

and even take out the rumble motors if you want.

Kinda like we were talking with the Prestige earlier,

with Scuf things are so customizable

there's not really one set price.

There's a starting price.

If you get a wired version of this it starts at 170.

If you get a wired wireless version it's 200.

- I will say that so far this is still my favorite.

- I will admit, personally, that's my top as well,

for the PlayStation at least.

And actually let's go ahead and talk about

this last guy then.

- [Austin] So, you need a screwdriver

to work on this guy I see.

- Yeah, so there's a faceplate that locks in,

it keeps all the modules, as they pop out.

So you can do things like, lets say you like offset sticks,

you can have this set up.

Or if you don't, take that off, swap 'em,

and now you have symmetrical.

But I like offset so I'm gonna put it back.

- [Austin] I'm afraid to ask,

how much does the Astro C40 cost?

- Well the C40 is $200 for the base design

and it does not include all the different swappable parts.

So if you wanna get all the different D-pads

and all the different sticks it's gonna be a little more.

We have fewer controllers to talk about for Switch

than we do for Xbox and PlayStation

so I came up with a solution, I got one more.

- Okay, I mean, you've done a video

on every like Switch controller ever so.

(electronic music)

What is this slime thing?

- That, my friend, you are holding the one, the only,

HORI Slime controller for Switch.

- [Ken] I love that!

- Why? - It's adorable.

- This is not meant for human hands!

- It is not comfortable but it is amazing.

I should note that I guess kinda like the Raiju

we were talking about earlier,

this is a Japanese exclusive so if you want one of these

you are gonna have to pay top dollar to import it.

- How much is this really?

How much did you pay for it?

- I wanna say I paid 80.

- Oh.

After these $200 stupid controllers

$80 for a joke is, well, it's actually wait,

no, that's still a joke.

Can we look at some real controllers now?

- How dare you, how dare you. - Insult me.

So for the Switch when it comes to pro controllers

I think the one that really comes closest

to kind of at least capturing the idea right now

is the SN30 Pro Plus from 8BitDo.

- That actually really surprises me

because it's obviously a Super Nintendo style controller

but it has the grips as well as you have the sticks.

And this also works with a pretty wide variety

of different devices, right?

It's not just a Switch controller.

- Yeah, so 8BitDo controllers are designed to work

with the Switch, with PC, Mac, and Android.

- But you said this is 50 bucks, right?

- I believe so, yeah.

- That's not bad, especially considering, I mean,

I've got like $1,000 worth of controllers

on the table right now.

- Yeah, and in terms of what

kind of makes it a pro controller versus say,

using the official pro controller from Nintendo

is that this does offer some of those

special features that people equate with pro controllers,

like you can do things like actually remapping

what all the buttons are.

So if for whatever reason you really want B

to actually be the right trigger button

you can set that up if you like.

- [Austin] Now, obviously this is not as full featured

as the proper pro controller

since you don't have NFC for Amiibo

and you don't have rumble, or do you?

- [Kevin] No, this does have rumble, that's right.

- [Austin] Oh, that's awesome, okay, cool.

- You do have motion controls though.

- Oh, that's cool, okay.

- So this is the Split Pad Pro from HORI

and it's meant to be an alternative to Joy-Cons.

Now, because it is a third party option

it doesn't actually have all the features

that you might get used to seeing in a Joy-Con.

You don't have rumble, you don't have the ability to use

Amiibo scanning, you do have the motion controls still.

But the big trade off for that

is that you actually have a longer--

- It fits your hands. - Yeah.

It's a longer controller that's actually designed

to fit in your hands.

- I mean, look at the difference, right,

it's not even close.

Now, that doesn't necessarily fit in a bag as well

or anything like that but these,

to me the Joy-Cons are fine for a quick game

or if you wanna do some like Just Dance or whatever

but this is not a super comfortable way,

especially when you're using them

even in like a Joy-Con grip.

It's not that great for long periods of time.

- Well, and especially being used in handheld mode

I gotta say that it's not just a matter of the size,

it's not just that the thing is simply bigger,

it's that it actually does have contoured grips

and is designed to fit in your hands a specific way.

It does have remappable buttons on the backside.

Because these are each individual units

you can only remap buttons that are on the same side.

But still, that's better than not having

any remappables at all.

And because it's a HORI controller it has a turbo function.

- Because turbo is what we need.

You can't non-turbo game.

- I mean, if you like turbo, the slime does it.

Wanna use that slime, it's got a turbo button.

- I'm good, you have at it.

Now, if you actually want to use some of these controllers

you might find the sponsor of today's video useful.

This is the brand new Optoma CinemaX P1.

This is a 4K ultra short throw projector

which can go all the way up to a full 120 inch picture.

And the cool part about this

is that you don't have to sacrifice your space.

Even if you have a smaller room or apartment,

you can still get the maximum out of the projector

by putting it just a few inches away.

The picture quality is incredible too.

Not only are you getting an insane amount of brightness

for a projector but it even supports HDR10.

You're also getting an integrated Dolby Digital 2.0 soundbar

with a full 40 watts of power.

Now of course, if you want you can connect it

to a full speaker set up,

but honestly just the way it comes,

it actually works really well

as an all in one entertainment center.

It also supports a variety of streaming services,

you have voice control using Google Home as well as Alexa

and you can also take advantage

of the Info Wall app to fully customize the experience.

If you're looking to up your home theater game

then you should definitely be sure

to check out the Optoma CinemaX P1

at the link in the description,

and again, huge shout out to Optoma

for sponsoring this video.

This excellent bit of consumer advice

has been brought to you by Kevin Kenson,

you can feel free to subscribe to his channel

at YouTube.com/KevinKenson.

Kev, can you please play us out with a little tune maybe,

a song and dance, perhaps an ode to the slime?

- [Kevin] I can set things on fire.

- That's a great alternative.

- [Kevin] Oh, this doesn't have

super reactive environment, I forgot.

- Are you complaining about the Witcher on Switch?

The greatest port of all time

according to everyone on YouTube?

- [Kevin] I mean, it does run great considering.

- It does look like Vaseline was smeared on my TV though.

[maneaterwithtail]

The politics are the cough. the disease is flooding to chase the trend of personal brand building. Events and confusing communities and arguably the arrangement of the direct market itself. No simplicity and lots of expense with shakeup one after the other.

And some transparently business or out of story disrupting existing (in humans versus mutants)

Starting Marvel, as an example, is harder than figuring out where to come in on the Fate series. I mention this because Comics are often compared to manga and yet however convoluted in silly may get for the most part you buy one collection, or let's not kid ourselves pirate, or wait until an animated adaptation comes out realize that it's pretty much faithful, go back to the core comic and so long as you start from the beginning you can follow to the end. Even if it's based off of a visual novel chances are everything will progress from beginning to end. It's usually when that models messed up with that something becomes destructive and difficult to follow or deal.

Unlike with manga where if you're having trouble following where to start with, like the Fate series, you can at least enjoy the latest Nasu verse offering. especially if you can turn your brain off and just engage with one example. Or if you don't want to deal with that you can just go to an entirely different property from a similar publisher that scratches a similar itch.

Like the premise of America Chavez buts I think she did it wrong? Well it's not like you can just switch over to Champions because that's a mess as well along with Miles Morales Spider-Man and ms. Marvel or spider woman.

it's expensive, patchy, filled with all sorts of weird continuity that you end up having to buy just to start. As such only the dedicated fanbase could possibly tolerate it but that also is exclusive in the sense that it's so to them with a history that it feels kind of off-putting.

I like the comicsgate comics I have heard of. I can also understand why we try to move away from that. Such as very obvious p*** tracing. And so on. Yes supposed diversity has basically led to a similar story of we're here now we're going to f*** the status quo too strongly relating to the audience or the author's pandering.

But it's not just they're going to have a trans person in an announcement. Which is a pretty major character trait I imagine that they want to talk about that or include it in the announcement.

the discontinuity does not help you build upsetting characters characterization and Circumstance. This is what I mean you're following themes story and events building to something then a new author will come in and he or she will wreck all that up so that they can go in an entirely different direction. Okay maybe you don't like the homosexual overtones of Eddie Brock and Venom. Maybe you want to stick it to all the slash shippers on Tumblr. But they've been the people who been following the comic and there's been a multi-year build up with sleeper, Eddie Brock and Venom's son.

going no now Eddy has a son he doesn't know about. oh and he was in the car that killed a child and him and Venom hate each other? Basically says f*** that other story we're going back to this story because I liked it better when I was young and I like it this way. And this kind of hostility is constant with every Changing of the Guard which can happen almost every two to three years. This keeps happening right when things are starting to get good or conclusion is reached. this undermines any death any major event or twist especially when it's in the headlines as if it's going to be meaningful

we can't even engaged in the illusion that someone has a plan charting something out when it feels like it's always fly by the seat of the pants the slightest whim can blow off the direction. We know in our conscious nothing that happens matters or at the very least when things end and we don't move on to something else then realize that there was a change but it seems seamless. Or at the very least it's a damn good seem that makes a very likeable and unique and distinct quilt. Again comparing and contrasting with manga

basically constantly ragging on the Politics as if that's what's causing the problem as opposed to Poor practices is off. yeah the customer service is definitely a no-go. But let's not kid ourselves Fanboys started it

I can straight up say that if you had a book that was straight up gay. like it starred the gay couple that once was Rescued by Captain America including his childhood hero And they were joined by the gender-bending exiled courtesan. you know those girls that always hang around in the background of Thor comics and everybody talks about winching and all that stuff? What if we actually focus on one of them and we threw in some mythological deviant queerness with the idea that men who practiced a certain form of Witchcraft had to be ladies. Now in practice this often meant anything from cross-dressing to performing ceremonies with a freaking dildo. But this is Comics so instead I can just go with the idea that after he uses magic so much he can turn or does turn into a lady. At first it's inadvertent but then he Masters the power so much that can transform into any lady. So he can go from weak little nerdy witch man to a Vanir (super durable pretty strong) or she giant.

It gets even more so when apparently he can change not just to a generic woman but any specific one. so he can literally clone an individual lady alive or dead. If she's dead you can act as a vessel for her soul so effectively while he might be booted deep within he can resurrect anyone's female loved one. Until changes back. The Twist is that while he won a beauty contest to be one of Odin's many many side pieces due to the politics and sociology of the time and the setup Odin didn't like admitting that they were both men or equals. Now the crossdressing courtesan isnt necessarily the nicest person. In fact the number one thing that characterizes him is that he hates the alpha male warrior culture or at least what he perceives of the negatives of it of Asgard. But that doesn't necessarily mean that he provides a good alternative. This will be a total retcon. not only would this make Odin effectively bisexual -although it's long since established that it seems like he's banged about so much he has had a child with everyone but his wife- but the idea that Loki and Thor grew up exposed to this weird gender-bending courtesan who tried to compete with the affections of their Queen Mother just so that that way he could get ahead and hated showing the absolute loyalty and Devotion to Asgard seeking glory in battle and death as opposed to conniving Gatling favor and trolling for booty while having to serve drinks for the Warriors that came by and were celebrated in the castle Hall.

Probably make up all sorts of relationships with other lesser-known Danny's that haven't been as much part of Marvel Thor but are important or at least well-known for the tradition. I would also shamelessly ripoff @gumon and her take on Norse mythology. With giants that just naturally produce children whether male or female. anyway ignoring all the continuity just so I could bring in the mythology that I want I would have it so that he was ultimately exiled because he got set up on a failure assignment. He got assigned to the Blue Mountain the traveling planet or set of rocks now that was the home of one of the Warriors Three the blue guy well the guy who wears blue and looks kind of like Angus Khan

The entire point of this is to get a different eye view of the Marvel Universe. What was it like to be one of those disposable pin-up girls. What is the gay population in gay culture and gay people been doing and light of the world that's been invaded from the ground been in a Perpetual fight with remnants of terrorists from World War II. And of course how they've been in for you property and making their lives and how are they responding to the fact that New York finally recognizes their marriage and of course life in the Twilight years as a gay couple that's constantly facing mortality. Also with the usual hey I'm an immortal mystical being who's having to relearn how to be human after having lived a life with a God's but neither being loyal to them nor a particular loyal to my own people. Along with the issues of the shapeshifter gender Dynamics and identity and all other sort of things. Pretty damn gay book. But I read it

Kids like imitating what they see so ripping the idea that someone's going to take some of the more iconic X-Men looks and style themselves after them when they know that their mutant doesn't seem wrong. I like the idea that we're going to open with someone who manages an online community for mutants. I like the idea of Trailblazer I like the ladies thick and I like the fact that she has a more utility power that she's going to have to work with and around hopefully being clever though that backpack does run the risk of becoming the Omnitrix and having the solution for every problem that you need.

Basically I like the children of the atom a bit more than the whole lineup of the new Warriors. I think people really should give the characters a chance so if you're turned off by yet another set of incest siblings in Marvel ya no problem or argument here.