#calf mules

[the-laridian]

Fallout protags will do anything to increase carry capacity and avoid overencumbrance

[poutybeaniebaby]

Too late to get my nails done tonight, going to marrow before work. Also thinking I need business cards in the same style as American psycho... What was it…? Egg shell again? Hmmm…

[femmefatalevibe]

Femme Fatale Guide: Spring Wardrobe Essentials

Staple Tees & Tanks:

**Purchase in Modal, Pima cotton, linen, silk, or Tencel fabric**

Fitted scoop neck tank

Fitted high-neck tank top

Structured, relaxed fit crewneck tee

Fitted scoop neck/crewneck tee

Halterneck tee/mockneck tee

Contour tank/tee bodysuits

Blouses/Shirting:

Linen button-down (can be long/short-sleeve or a tank variety)

Silk button-down (can be a long/short-sleeve or a tank variety)

Relaxed fit silky tank

Relaxed fit silky cami top

Sweetheart neck tube top

Any other desired silk shell top/t-shirts/camis (for layering)

Sculpt knit top(s)

Self-tie wrap blouse

Halter-style silk blouse

Bottoms:

Black straight-leg jeans

Black bootcut/flared jeans

Black straight/bootcut trousers

Wide-leg trousers (I love a solid black, black pinstripe, and black with lace-up detail selection)

Split hem trousers

Black linen trousers

Stretch jersey pants (straight-leg, bootcut, and/or flared)

Black satin midi skirt

Leather skirt (mini or midi)

Tailored shorts (Tencel ones are great for various climates/weather that drastically in temperature/humidity throughout the day)

Leather shorts

Tailored black linen shorts

Dresses/Jumpsuits:

Slip dress (midi-length for every day; mini for hotter days/nights out)

Linen button-down dress (for work/modest dressing)

Linen tank dress (for layering/hotter days)

Little black dress (shift dress/A-line cuts are great)

Minimal black jumpsuit ("LBJ")

Black linen or silk jumpsuit

Blazer dress/jumpsuit

Long-sleeve playsuit/romper

Tuxedo jumpsuit/playsuit

Jackets/Outerwear:

Well-tailored black blazer

Well-tailored black vest

Leather moto jacket

Black trench coat

Tailored longline sleeveless blazer/vest

Neutral-toned racer jacket

Structured utility jacket

Satin coat/trench/blazer (great over transitional nighttime looks)

Footwear:

Black loafers

Square-toe/pointed-toe flats

Slingback/mary-jane flats/casual kitten heels

Short black lace-up boots

Sleek low to mid-calf black square/pointed-toe boot

Western-inspired boot

Minimalist white sneakers

Black pointed-toe pumps

Sleek mules/cut-out flats

Slingblack pointed-toe wedges

Rain boots

Accessories:

White/black ankle & crew socks

High-waisted shapewear shorts

Chunky/small chain necklaces & bracelets

Simple pendant necklace(s)

Pearl necklace

Simple diamond studs

Crystal drop earrings

Minimalist bangles

Stackable rings

A sleek, minimalist black tote (can fit a laptop for work/travel)

Black shoulder bag

Small black bag (top handle, crossbody, etc.)

Statement bag/evening bag

Silk/decorative scarf

Sleek neutral sunglasses that suit your face shape

Lingerie/Loungewear:

Seamless bra/underwear

Lace bra/underwear

Matching pullover cotton sweatshirt/sweatpants

Tencel, Modal, or cotton top/lounge pants set

Luxurious pajama set (Long sleeve/pants + short-sleeve/tank + shorts, depending on the climate – silk, Tencel, cashmere, etc.)

A to-die-for piece of lingerie like a lace slip/silk teddy

Silk or cozy robe

Open-back slippers

[nonexistent-introvert]

One Kick

Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader

Word Count: 1.2k

Content: One-bed trope, pure fluff. Based on the prompts: "You pushed me off the bed!"-"I'm sorry?" "I'm sitting in the dark. I like it."

A/N: For @pedrostories celebration! Congrats on 1k! I'm swamped with exams but I really wanted to participate in this, hence the inactivity. Just a drabble and it was kinda rushed.

   “Joel.” You called out into the dark, rubbing at your eyes. Exhaustion and sleepiness were practically dripping off of you. He let out an annoyed grunt in response, his figure barely illuminated by the scarce moonlight that was lighting up the room. Joel’s eyes stared at your shadow that was dancing on the walls, ignoring the urge to go to you. “You’re injured,” he stated sternly. You could hear the silent scolding in those two words, he wanted you to rest and not move around. “I’m not dead.” You assured him. With how silent the night was, you heard the huff he let out at your words. 

   “What are you doing?” You asked as you fell limply onto the chair next to him. You flinched slightly at the creak that resounded within the walls. He looked over at you, folding his arms over his chest. “Sitting in the dark.” He deadpanned, then with a small smile he added “I like it.” You let out a chuckle at his words. In an apocalypse, night was the scariest part, you’re alone in the darkness, unsure of what lurks beyond the next corner. However, most of the survivors who had made it so far had learnt to enjoy the serenity that night brought, a huge contrast to daytime where everyone fought hard for supplies to survive. 

  “Why aren’t you sleeping?” You asked with a curious tilt of your head. “Someone has to keep watch.” Joel replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. You scoffed at his response, “The door is barred and the windows are nailed shut. It’s perfectly safe, there is no reason to keep watch.” You argued. “You’re injured, you can have the bed to yourself. I’ll just sit here until I eventually fall asleep.” Joel said, insistent on doing it his way. You stared at his unmoving figure, he was as stubborn as a mule. “I don’t need a king-size bed to myself, I barely utilize all the space of a single bed.” You told him while looking at the chair that Joel was sitting on. Joel’s head was leaning against the top of the chair, his whole body too big for the chair. He was using his legs to support himself up, you just knew that it was a matter of time before his legs go numb and he falls from the chair. From the months you spent with Joel, you knew better than to argue with him. You sat up on the chair, folding your arms across your chest as well. “Then I’ll accompany you.” You said, stifling a yawn right after. Joel frowned as he looked at you, his eyes drifting toward the bloodied bandage on your calf. “You're going to make your injury worse.” You closed your eyes, ignoring his words. “Have you never shared a bed before?” You teased instead, ignoring the stern tone of his. “I was married.” Joel deadpanned. “Then why won’t you just share the bed with me? I know you’re tired too Joel.” You shifted your chair to sit in front of him. “So why stick to the small chair that is definitely uncomfortable when there is a king-size bed?” Joel stared into your eyes, his eyes studying your every feature and yet he kept that poker face of his. It used to intimidate you but now with every passing second, your confidence only grew. 

   You threw a fist into the air in victory when Joel relented. He pressed on his knees for support, letting out a huff as he stood up. The moment Joel laid his back against the mattress, he felt all his muscles relaxing, thanking him. Joel was practically on the edge of the bed, he would fall if he decided to inch any closer to the edge. You simply sighed as you got into the bed, a considerable gap between the both of you.

   It didn’t take long for the both of you to fall asleep. 

   Joel had an inkling that something bad was going to happen. He was still exhausted but his guts were telling him that something is wrong. Before he could truly pinpoint what was wrong, Joel felt a force against his stomach and he dropped to the cold hard ground. He let out a guttural groan, as his tired mind tried to put the pieces together. 

   His jaw drops slightly. Did you just kick him off the bed? He brushes himself off, standing up with a grunt. Joel towers over you, his discerning eyes trying to figure out if it was on purpose. You seemed totally oblivious as you turned to your side, sleeping soundly. A few soft snores escaping you.

==== 

   “Do you hate me that much?” Joel turns to you at the sound of your voice. The morning sun now letting in some light through into the small apartment the both of you were seeking shelter in. “I know you still slept on the couch last night.” You stated, there’s a disappointed look on your face. He huffs, rolling his shoulder back as he massages his sore muscles. The blankets on the couch only served to prove your point. 

   “You kicked me off the bed!” He defended. His impatience caused by the bad sleep he had last night on the couch. “I’m sorry?” Your eyes widened in shock. “I woke up when I fell to the ground and decided at least I wouldn’t be kicked to the floor if I slept on the couch.” He responded sarcastically. “You’re lying.” You laughed, it was rather comedic. Joel was a stoned survivor and yet he was simply kicked off the bed by you. “It’s not funny.” He frowned, “Even with your injured calf you’re still pretty strong. You should be fine for the trek then.” He said. You chuckled, moving your leg around. “I told you I was fine, was a kick all it took to assure you?” You said, a playful tone in your voice. He narrowed his gaze at you, he remained silent as he packed his bag. “Maybe I should kick you more, to reassure you.” 

   He let out a small amused breath. “Don’t worry, I will not be sharing a bed with you anytime anymore.” He replied, a playful twinkle in his eye. You beamed, it was rare when Joel would allow himself moments where he seemed human. That he wasn’t void of positive emotions. “Joel! Come on, I know you find it funny too. Just smile! Like this!” You pushed your cheeks up, giving him an exaggerated smile. Joel chuckled lightly at your face, unable to resist the humor in this situation. 

“A chuckle! That’s more than I’ll ever ask!” You celebrated. He shook his head in amusement, letting the grin on his face shine. 

   “Maybe sometimes you do need a kick, to knock that grumpiness away.” You suggested. “Don’t you dare.” He warned but there was still amusement in his voice. 

  It was moments like this when you treasured your time with Joel. Times of normalcy between the both of you. He gave you a sense of home when everywhere else was not. 

   Home was a person, not a place. 

  Even if Joel wouldn’t admit it, you were his home too. You’re the only person who can make him smile despite everything the apocalypse has put him through. 

[peggy-sue-reads-a-book]

Wound

Patroclus x Achilles | M | one-shot | hurt / comfort | bandaging wounds | broken ribs

Summary: At first, Patroclus was horrified by his love returning from battle smattered with gore. Now, he’s so used to it he only wishes Achilles would shower off and leave his sweaty armor outside their tent. So when Achilles comes back clutching his side, he can only assume it’s a prank …

It was a dry summer. Despite nearly daily sacrifices and chants, the fifteenth day without rain was drawing to an end. Flies collected on the backs of mules and the White Tent stunk with the sweat and blood of returning raids. Even Patroclus, though a seasoned medic, found himself stepping out for air more frequently than usual.

He plunged his hands into a jug of lukewarm water, wishing it were colder. The more he repeated to himself the day would end, the longer each minute stretched. But it would end. Achilles would be home. If he so much as sets foot in our tent with his crusty armor on … thought Patroclus, scouring his hands and forearms methodically. He was about to swear to himself that Achilles did not have a prayer of getting him in bed if there was so much a fleck of grime from his chariot wheel on his person. But of course, who could keep a promise like that? He grabbed a towel as he stepped back into the sweltering tent. If tries to kiss me with his helmet on, I’m not giving him head for a week.

There was so much to do. A huge man from Pylos needed stitches in his calf. Patroclus kept a stoic front, but by the time he returned to his own camp was irritable, hot, and tired. He knew Achilles would be home already. He hated leaving him to wait. It always felt like wasted time.

“Oh good,” said a clear, familiar voice, “I thought you’d never come.”

“‘Killes,” Patroclus mumbled, suddenly folded in the young man’s arms, his head pressed to his shoulder. He shut his eyes and allowed his neck and face to be kissed. He loved the feeling of Achilles’ firm, calloused hand cradling the back of his neck.

“You need to shave,” Patroclus said as his lover kissed between his eyes, “Can’t burn down Troy looking patchy.”

“Patchy?” Achilles pulled away, “Ugh.” At twenty two, his beard never quite filled in.

“Well don’t stop,” he said, stepping closer to murmur against Achilles’ throat, “Let me do it. Take a bath with me.” He grinned and pulled him close by the hips. He was warm and hardening.

Achilles was perfect. The sun left his skin a deep olive against the snowy linen of his tunic. He was hard, lean muscle, the fastest runner in the world. His hair always a little fairer in summer. It clean and tied in an easy knot at the nape of his neck. A few wavy strands framed his face, which now that Patroclus studied it, was tense. Patroclus took his chin, running a thumb over his lips. “What’s wrong?” he asked, “Never mind about your beard. I’m sorry I said anything.”

Inwardly, he was a little annoyed at having to reassure Achilles of his good looks. It wasn’t like him.

“Oh— no— It’s not that,” he said, wincing a little when Patroclus tried to pull him close again, “Love, I’ve got to sit down.”

Achilles stumbled to the edge of their bed, clutching his side and leaving Patroclus puzzled. He looked up and forced a smile. “Sorry about that bath, Pat, really.”

“Sweetheart?” Pat was beside him immediately, studying him closely, “Oh, gods, you got hurt.”

A protective arm drew around Achilles strong shoulders. He kissed the top of his head, then paused and said suspiciously, “You never get hurt.”

“Well I did, this time!”

“Pelides, if this is a prank—“

“No, no, Pat, I swear!” Next thing he knew, the hand gripping Achilles side was held out to him, slick with blood.

“Oh-oh.” It came out as two syllables. “Oh no.”

His brows knit in a worried frown. Patroclus took Achilles hand carefully in both of his. “Oh, sweetheart, what…? What happened?”

“Oh, come on, it can’t be as bad as how you’re looking at me right now,” said Achilles as he held up an arm to inspect his ribs.

“No. It’s not bad. It probably won’t even scar,” said Patroclus, but his voice was sadder than his words. “Hold still, baby.”

“Ok, ok, that hurts!” Achilles backed away, folding his arms defensively.

“I should think so. Why weren’t you wearing armor?”

“I was!”

“Achilles!”

What Patroclus had seen was a shallow, bright red slash where something sharp had grazed his ribs. He wasn’t looking forward to seeing the bruising tomorrow morning.

“You cracked a rib so whatever little stunt this was from I hope it was worth it.”

“Why are you angry?”

“Just tell me what happened.”

Achilles smiled, a little smugly, “I swung onto the back of a chariot and slit the throat of everyone in it. The horses panicked and scattered their whole formation.”

Patroclus rolled his eyes. “I bet your driver loved that. Did you even warn him you were going to jump?.”

He grinned. “I was on foot.”

“You fucking what? Achilles, you’re not faster than a horse. This is stupid.“

“Not weighed down with armor I’m not.”

“Oh gods.”

“What? You’ve raced me. You’d know.” He leaned back, self satisfied.

“Fucking show off.”

“Why are you so angry?” he took Patroclus’s face in his hands. “Pat, I’ve missed you all day. Like you said, it probably won’t even scar. What do you want for dinner?”

Tears stood in Patroclus’s large brown eyes. “You got hurt.”

“I’m a soldier.”

“You took your armor off! For what? For everyone to see your faster than all the Trojans and their horses?”

“I—“

“Are you twelve years old?!” Patroclus raised his voice as he so rarely did.

“You didn’t even ask me what happened after I hijacked the chariot.”

“Stay there. It doesn’t need stitches but you’re bleeding.” He rummaged through a trunk of clothes for an old tunic, which he began tearing into strips. It was his own and he’d have to replace it but the linen would be worn soft and more comfortable.

“And then,” said Achilles, “I trampled five people before someone threw a spear at me.”

“Someone threw a spear at you?” The blood was draining from Patroclus’s face.

“Serves me right. I throw spears at them all the time— ow!” He cried out as he tried to finish his joke with a shrug. “Anyhow, why do you care? They missed.”

Patroclus touched the open wound lightly. “Not by enough.”

“Pat, you’re crying. You’re seriously upset, aren’t you? Patroclus—“

“What? You did what you wanted to do and even I did been there I can’t stop you, can I?”

“Pat, don’t. Come here, baby.”

Patroclus shook his head. “I’m not cuddling up on your broken rib. You’ve gotten enough attention for one day. Sit still.” Achilles yelped as Patroclus wound clean cloth around his chest.

“Pat,” he whined, struggling to hold still as he pulled the bandages tight. Patroclus’s face was a flat, professional mask. “Don’t you feel sorry for me?” he teased, “Even a little?”

“No.”

“Pat! Patroclus, where are you going?” He sounded panicked as he watched him calming slip on his shoes and gather a couple of larger jars.

“The beach. You did a good job cleaning it yourself, but I want to boil some water and check it again in a few hours.”

“Oh no, you are not putting salt water on me, Pat, I am wounded. I am in pain.”

“What do you think the rest of us put up with?”

Achilles sighed and settled onto his good side, cheek resting on one hand. “Please come back and tell me what’s really bothering you. Was it just a long day? Wash up and get something to eat and then you can tell me about it.”

Patroclus set down the jars by the tent entrance. He sat beside Achilles and opened his arms. “You’re going to hurt yourself at that angle. You don’t need to pose for me to appreciate your slutty little waist.” Patroclus gave a half smile, playfully pinching Achilles’ sleek, perfectly straight side.

“It hurts more when you ignore me,” he said, resting his head on Patroclus’s chest.

“When have I ever ignored you?” Patroclus relaxed a little now that his dearest was right where he could touch and smell him, feel his heartbeat against his own skin.

“You were about to.”

Patroclus stroked his neck and upper back in a thoughtful silence. “I didn’t want to be angry at you. Not when you came home with a broken bone but … gods, Achilles, it was so close.”

“Hector is still kicking, yes?” Achilles was kissing his throat, clearly trying to distract him from the discussion.

“That’s not a good reason to be careless. I’ve been thinking.” He paused and pursed his lips for a moment. “You know how prophecies go. Like in plays and things.”

“Sure.”

“They’re never what you expect.”

“So? I’m alive. Hector’s alive. We’ll play again tomorrow.”

“Yes, but you’re banking on being the only thing that can kill him. He’s just a man, Achilles. He can get sick or in an accident. You’re only assuming he’ll die in battle because it’s the most obvious.”

“He will. I’ll kill him whenever I get around to it. Maybe I’ll hit him over the head with my cane just before I drop dead of old age. Did you think of that?”

Patroclus felt a chill thinking of it. He wasn’t sure where the words he said next came from. “The fates don’t like being tricked.”

“I won’t push it,” said Achilles, “For you.” He kissed Patroclus’s throat and along his strong jaw. “I won’t leave you.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“Ouch— too tight.”

“M’Sorry, honey,” said Patroclus. Achilles had slid down, his head on Patroclus’s belly. He curled up in a tangle of arms and legs to keep from hanging off the bed. Patroclus ran the back of his index finger down the bridge of his nose. “Don’t leave me.”

“You just said I can’t promise.”

“Promise anyway.”

Achilles kissed him right at the sharp angle of his hipbone. “I won’t leave you. Never.” He planted more kisses down Patroclus’s hip, each teasing and more intimate than the last.

“Oh no,” Patroclus stopped him, “You’re resting tonight. If you want that, you can come home in one piece.”

“You don’t want me?”

“I want you to heal your damn rib. Go to bed, Achilles.”

He lay his golden head on Patroclus’s stomach once again, restless and tense. He couldn’t help stroking the dark hair around his navel, tracing his finger in soft swirls.

“Excuse me,” said Patroclus, arresting his fingers in his. “Good night.” But despite his stern tone, he pressed Achilles’ hand to his lips in a kiss more tender than if he were caring for a sick child.

“It hurts to much to sleep,” Achilles confessed.

“I know. I’ll stay with you.” He massaged Achilles shoulders, rubbing slowly down his arms, then back up again. “Can I take your hair down, love?”

“Mmhhmm.”

His face always looked about three years younger when he was tired or sad. He smiled boyishly, burying his face in Patroclus and inhaling deeply. Patroclus gentled tugged his hair free. It spread across the mattress in soft, fair waves. Thought he would have been content simply to admire the beautiful hair, Patroclus began working his fingers in little circles at Achilles’ temples, back to the base of his neck. He knew Achilles was like a cat about affection. Hesitant to touch nearly anyone, but spoiled and eager when he wanted it.

“Never stop,” he mumbled, “That’s perfect.”

Patroclus rolled his eyes. “Brat,” he said.

“You love me.” He tried to sound cocky but he tumbled out almost like a question.

“More than anything.” Patroclus didn’t feel like playing games anymore. He was as serious as a devotee at an alter. His hand rested still on Achilles head.

They were quiet together, though neither fell asleep. And as the sun went down, an easy rain pattered against their tent.

@johaerys-writes @hycinthrt @shitfacedalways @tristicorde

[lookinghalfacorpse]

ttdtn extra scene 1 (?)

honestly surprised that i haven’t written any extra scenes for ‘the trees deny themselves nothing’ yet! everything has just kinda fit inside the main fic. 

i’ll be honest, idk if this will be an extra scene or if it will be part of the sequel.  so, if it’s part of the sequel, then enjoy the preview i guess!

read the full fic on ao3 here, info and trigger warnings here 

Chex was the biggest ram in the barn.  Being a big ram didn’t mean much; he had a lot of respect among his fellow sheep, sure, but he still felt small alongside the horses next door, the mules they could see from their field, and even the goats across from them.  He had a solid set of horns upon his head, sure, but he couldn’t hope to reach much further than a human’s lower thigh (or a piglin’s upper calf).  But, neither the horses, the mules, nor the goats could reach him from within their enclosures, so Chex confidently trekked across the stall and bumped his dark snout against the feeders, wondering why they were still empty at this hour of the morning.

Philza was still in bed.

Technoblade was worried.  Upon waking, he liked to play a game where he guessed what breakfast was based on just the smell.  He was very good at it– sometimes he’d walk into the kitchen with his eyes closed, listing off the ingredients he recognized and the way he thought they combined, while Phil chuckled at him.  But there was no breakfast that morning; not for Chex or for Technoblade.  Philza was still in bed.

“Phil?”  Techno pushed a knuckle against the slightly open, wooden door.  Since Dream has been staying with them, Phil kept the door ajar in case he was needed throughout the night.  But Dream wasn’t there anymore, and Philza was still in bed.

“Eh?  Phiiiiil?”  

Phil was lying comfortably on his side, hands placed gently on the mattress beside him, wings gently folded.  Poised and beautiful, even in his sleep.  Placing a knee on the bed, Techno’s weight indented into the fabric and dipped it, jostling his partner’s body.

“Philza…”

“Mornin’,” came Phil’s drowsy answer.  His voice was a bit odd.  Heavy with slumber, yet brittle.

“Mornin’.”  Techno laid more of his body on the bed, reaching an arm across Phil so he could brace an arm against the other side of the mattress.  He knew from experience that if he put too much weight on Phil, he’d hurt him, so he was careful about where he placed his limbs.  It was difficult when he was bigger than the bedframe.  “You’re still in bed.”

Phil stretched, pulling his body into a straight line, from his spine to his feet.  Techno felt him shuffle, the fabric of his robe and blanket bunching up.  “Nothing gets past you, hah?”

“Never.  I’m brilliant and observant.”  When Phil settled back into position, making no real effort to get out of bed, Techno nuzzled his head into Phil’s shoulder.  “Chex is gonna be mad at you.”

“Mm.”

“And Saffron.  And the chickens.”  

"Mm-hm."

"And there's a big pig who, uh, is a bit worried about ya."

A smirk made an indent on the side of Phil's cheek.  "Donna?"

Donna was one of their heavier pigs.  Techno grinned as he answered, "Yeah.  Donna.  Totally."

"Well, I'd hate to make her worry.  But my head hurts like a motherfucker," Phil replied, solemn and musing, "and I'm finding that I'm not all that helpful these days, anyway."

Techno worried that it was about this.  A few days ago, Dream stormed off into the forest, limping with his wooden prosthetic, and they haven't heard a peep from him since.  Not even a letter.  Techno knew his old roommate well, and he knew that Dream's shame was often misplaced.  He assumed that the kid must be embarrassed or afraid of being a burden.  Philza assumed he must be angry, which is an easy assumption to make when you’re also angry with yourself.

Techno rubbed the flat plateau of his forehead and snout on Phil's shoulder.  "You were helpful." Techno responded in a low tone, "Not your fault certain people had ulterior motives."

Phil sighed as he rolled over, pressing his back against the mattress.  He adjusted himself so he could meet Techno’s forehead with his own.  “I should’ve known better.”

“He should’ve known better.  I’m almost done fixin’ up your armor, you know.”

Phil hummed, satisfied, and let himself sit still under Techno’s warmth.  Techno let his eyes fall shut, and they burned behind his eyelids.  In truth, he didn’t sleep too well, either.

“Painkillers for your headache?” Techno offered.

“Please, mate.”

-----------

Dream was still in bed.  He didn’t know why.

It wasn’t his bed.  Not the bed he set up in the prison, which was a little bit too soft and made his hips ache in the morning (He wondered, sometimes, if there was something wrong with his hips.  What are the chances he’d broken something?).  Not the guest bed in the arctic, where he’d spend the night under a pile of dogs (He felt cold without them).  

He was in Sam’s bed.

He didn’t remember how it started.  They were arguing– no, debating– and then it turned into an argument when Sam raised his voice.  The logic made no sense, and it was moving too quickly, as things usually go with the Warden.  Dream knew this type of conversation well, and he thought he was good at navigating them and taking advantage of obvious inconsistencies.  But Sam said something that really pissed him off (He didn’t remember what), and Dream pushed him back, and then somehow they were even closer.  Dream was scared, and he was angry, and he was betrayed.  It felt better when they were kissing.

He woke with a burning pain at the amputation site.

He tried to ignore it and go back to sleep.  Sleep was a favorite pain reliever these days, especially when he felt lethargic and heavy enough that he was able to ignore his body in favor of rest.  But today, the pain gripped his lungs and made his teeth grind together, the muscles of his back contracting as he curled in on himself.

Sam seemed to manifest from nowhere.  Pain made Dream’s mind fuzzy, which he hated, and he often missed important details such as when someone entered or exited a room.  Perhaps Sam spent all night beside him, or perhaps he just walked in from the kitchen.  Either way, he towered over Dream, eyes scanning along his body the same way he might look at a machine that wasn’t working.  Dream was used to it.

Wordlessly, Sam took the blanket off of him.

It wasn’t an aggressive movement– in fact, it was actually rather slow and unrushed, but it was authoritative enough to convey a typical agreement of their relationship: “I will look at you now.”  Sam took the stump of Dream’s leg in one of his palms and lifted it slightly.  The incisions he made a while back were now pinkish scars, blending in well with all the other scars that littered the area.  It was an ugly limb, Dream thought.  But it wasn’t any uglier that morning than it was any morning before– no extra swelling, no leakage, and no redness.

“Does it hurt often?” Sam asked him.

“Yes,” Dream replied stiffly.

Sam’s expression didn’t change.  Dream wondered for a moment if he didn’t hear him, or if his own voice was too hoarse to be audible.

Quietly, Sam raised the leg up even further, and Dream whimpered from the strain.  He barely even felt as Sam pressed his lips, softly, against the scarred skin.

“I have potions,” Sam stated.

“Don’t,” came Dream’s stern reply.

[tamayakii]

the right to live

Desc: you applied to the scouts, you were to leave by the end of the month. You tell your mother; only for her to disagree. Heavily Pairings: Carla Jeager x child!reader warnings: light angst

It was late into the day, the sun slowly moving down in the west. Mikasa and Eren collecting last-minute firewood and Father is gone for the week, you and your mother prep dinner. She watched the simmering pot as you cut the potatoes, it was peaceful.. 

“Mom..” you whisper, hands beginning to shake. “I.. I want to..” she turns to you, her hazel eyes examining you with worry, eyebrows upturned. “Tell you something.” You manage to finish the sentence, anxiety gripping your bones like death's grip upon life.

“What is it, darling?” She asks, stepping away from the pot, and setting down the ladle. Wiping her hands on her apron before she runs her right hand through your hair, the other on your shoulder. She loves you, she loves you. She’ll understand.

“I- .. I applied for the scouts. The wagon will be here in a couple of weeks.” You keep cutting the potatoes as if you didn’t say a word, and suddenly pain shoots through your ear.

“You are not going!!” She shouts, pulling on your ear. You cry out in pain, being tugged away from the wooden counter. “No daughter of mine- no CHILD of my mine will be a scout!!” Her face ridden with a scowl, “It’s stupid and useless! You’re staying here!” you desperately try to grab onto her wrist, 

“No! I’m going!! I’m gonna go and I'm going to be a scout!!” You shout back, if Eren was as stubborn as a mule, you were a bull. “Mom!! Stop it!” You scream as she drags you to your room, “Stop!!” her grip on your ear is painful, tears filling your eyes.

“I’m doing it for you!!!” She stops, letting go of your ear. You fall to your knees, holding your red ears. “I’m… doing it for you… and Eren” You sniffle, hot tears stain your cheeks. “If I go… that means Eren won’t… So he can stay here, with you and Mikasa.” Your mother stays silent, you see her clothed feet at the top of your vision. 

“And about your father?” she whispers with little to no emotion, your breath hitches as you look up at her, blinking like a newborn calf. “You’re doing it for me and Eren… Right?.. So, what about your father?” The silence is almost deafening, 

“I..” Before you could respond, the front door is opened. Eren and Mikasa’s voices reaching your ears, “Mom!! y/n!! We’re home!” Eren yells out, your heart almost stops. You’ll have to tell them too, and soon Armin and Dad when he gets back. 

“Go to your room. Now.” Carla pulls you off of the ground and rushes you to your room, “Don’t say a word about this until your father gets back, Understood?” She ordered and before she closes the door, she looks at you before sighing. 

Defeated you stare at the door, dropping to your knees. You don’t want to fight for humanity's chance to live, you want to fight for your family’s right to live.

[jordanianroyals]

Royal Fashion → Wedding of Crown Prince Hussein (1 June 2023)

Caroline Herrera Button-Up Silk Dress ($4290)

Bulgari “Serpenti” Mini Calf Leather Tote in Ivory (€2700)

Malone Souliers “Maisie” 45 Cord-Trimmed Leather Mules in Cream ($675)

Wedding Banquet:

Safiyaa “Gingko” Dress in Azalea Red (£913)

[lovely-lauren-arts]

If the obe cast were in Mary’s cult, what would their masks look like?

Well in a situation where another character had been taken in by the cult instead of Beatrice, this is what their mask would look like.

(the animal for the mask doesn't have much to do with the character's personality, appearance, likes, etc. It would be Mother Mary's decision).

Isabella - Hare 🐰

Madeline - Calf 🐮

Daisy - Owl 🦉

Oliver - Panda 🐼

Claude - Pup 🐶

Audrey - Sloth 🦥

Dolly - Badger 🦡

Kev - Rat 🐀

Freddie - Squirrel 🐿️

Catherine - Crow 🐦‍⬛

Sophia - Lamb 🐑

Chester - Mule 🐴

[teribst]

An accidental Exposure

An Accidental Exposure

A STORY BY MIKE

My 38-year-old wife has wildly curly blond hair and stands 5’ 6” She has beautiful blue eyes, soft perfect lips, and a long thin neck. Her B cup breasts are still perky and capped with what seems to be forever hard just off pink nipples. She has just a hint of a mom's muffin but after 2 kids I know why. Her shapely mound is hairless and she either has me shave it or has it waxed every few weeks. Her legs are long and shapely with thin ankles and beautiful feet, and she keeps her toes always painted to match her fingers.

Kim is by no means a prude, in fact, she is a wild lady in bed but she has always been, except for around the house, very conservative in her dress. I don’t remember the last time I saw her in public in anything but a mid-calf maxi-length dress or floor-length skirt. Her bras are lacy but not overly sexy and while she doesn't wear panties with them she always wears pantyhose, and that's because I asked her not to right after we got married. She also always wears wedge style 3” heels even wearing mules at home.

At home, her just past shoulder-length hair is always in a ponytail or piled up on her head held in place with pins that can only about halfway contain her curls. She wears my old work shirts or t-shirt sometimes with panties, a lot of the time without, or sometimes runs around in a thong but rarely with a bra.

Kim has a few tops that while they are not sheer are very see-through and come down to about halfway on her butt leaving it and her pubic mound mostly exposed. Most mornings when she gets up that's what she slips on knowing how much I love looking at her legs exposed all the way up to her mound.

At this point in the story, I have also got to say that except for her Gynecologist, the woman that does her waxing, and her massage lady, I am 100% positive no one but me has seen her nude since we got married.

~

I have an hour and twenty-minute drive to work if there is no traffic. It was on a Monday that I overslept. We had some friends over for Sunday dinner and it was about midnight when we finally got to bed.

It was 7 am when I woke up and by the time I was in my truck and on my way it was 8. At 9:30 am I stuck my head in my Partners' door, sorry I’m late, did I miss much.. He looked up and smiled, “No worries Mike, you're hardly ever late and no.” 

I was still turning on my computer when Kent came to my office “You got that Anderson folder?”

I felt my face go white “Shit I was in such a rush I left it on my desk at home.”

“Is it all done?”

“Yes, I finished it Saturday.” I looked at him and said, “I’ll go get it.”

Kent laughed, “It’s a good thing you don’t often screw up and own half the company.” He was still smiling “I have to go out that way, well almost right past your place to get to Talbuts anyway. I can stop and pick the folder up on the way.”

I picked my keys up and pulled my house key off the ring saying “Kim will be at work so just let yourself in. It’ll be on the right-hand side of my desk.” Kent had been to the house many, many times and knew where my little bedroom turned into an office.

He took the key saying “I should be back but if things run long I’ll just see you in the morning.” he looked at me “You want me to keep the key?”

“That's fine I have a spare in the truck.”

~

Kim…

I had to laugh at my poor husband Mike running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He loved his work and his company almost as much as he loved me and I had to smile at him for being late because it made him crazy. I was still laying in the bed as I watched him as he rushed around trying to shave, have coffee, and dress all at the same time. Once he was out the door I picked up my cell pushing the speed dial button to call my office. I was still smiling while looking out through the kitchen's french doors as he was pulling out of the drive. I told my secretary I was not feeling well and would be networking with her and the office from home.

I love the freedom of being home alone. I went in and spent some time trying my hair in new ways and was thinking for the millionth time, “There is nothing to do with this curly shit. God, I hate trying to straighten it every day. Mike would shit!” I smiled as I was thinking of having it cut as I pinned it up. Still wearing my skimpy morning shirt I smiled at my reflection thinking about how much Mike liked seeing me almost naked like this. I laughed out loud “He can be a bit of a perv.” It made me shiver thinking about the things we did together, and the things I wished he knew I wanted to do…

It was about 11 am and I was standing in the din at the bar between it and the kitchen. I had my back to the front door while I stood looking at my laptop and checking my email. I heard the key in the door and knowing it was Mike turned, smiling as I leaned back on the bar resting on my elbows. I knew that my short shirt fell so my breasts with my quickly hardening nipples could be seen through the thin cloth. I also knew that it had pulled up completely exposing my hairless mound. I felt myself grow damp as I waited for Mike to walk in.

Kent and I both froze in place as I squeaked “What the fuck are you doing..umm with my house key!” I saw his eyes running over my mostly nude body and that’s when the old Kim took over my mind. I made no effort to cover up as his eyes ate me up.

“I..A… Mike forgot a folder this morning. He gave me his key. Kim, he told me…I'm sure he thought you were at work.” His eyes were drinking in what he was seeing and something in me liked it. In fact, that old something came to the surface, liking it a lot!

Trying to be cool I pointed to the hall and Mike's office “Want some coffee?” I asked, thinking I should put on a robe but making no effort to do so. I stood watching Kent as he looked at his watch. “My meeting isn’t till 2 sure I have time for a cup.” I moved away from the bar top but I saw him looking back at my exposed bottom as he turned to go back to Mike's office.

When Kent came back into the kitchen I was standing next to the kitchen island. I knew with the light from the french doors I may as well not even have a top on as he sat the folder on the countertop. I pointed to the cup of steaming coffee “You don’t take anything in it do you?”

“No..um look Kim” His eyes dropped to my breasts then down to my mound and long legs “I’m sorry. Maybe I should just go.”

“It’s up to you, no harm done here. I know neither you nor Mike, neither one knew I was home.” I looked into his eyes. “We just won’t ever talk about it and Kent, you will call from now on before you come by.”

Kent picked up the folder and smiled “God you are beautiful.” He turned to walk to the living room and stopped. I smiled as he took out his cell and again I have no idea why but I just stood there and sort of posed for him as he took a couple of pictures of me.

“Alright, that’s enough.” I smiled at him as the shutter clicked on the 3rd pic “Mike had better never ever see those, now you go on and get out of here.”

It was a good thing he had not looked too closely. I was so wet it was leaking down the inside of my thighs and the instant the door clicked shut I almost ran back to our bedroom. I got out my magic wand and for the next hour used it between my trembling thighs cumming 5 or 6 times before I shut it off. It was still held tightly between my thighs as I turned onto my side and fell asleep.

~

When I woke up, I was at once angry at myself for what I had done, angry that I was still horny from it and wondering what in the world had made me not even try to keep Kent from looking at my nakedness. Then talking out loud to myself I said, “You know what it was and why you did it you sick bitch!” It was then the guilt kicked in and I began to cry at how I had betrayed my husband and my wedding vows. I rolled onto my side, eyes wet, and looked at the clock. It was 4 pm.

When the tears stopped and as I pulled myself together I went in and took a really hot shower washing myself, feeling how tender my pussy was after an hour of grinding the ball of the magic wand into it and my clit. I was trembling at my betrayal as I washed worrying about Mike. I dried still wondering what to do, what if Kent said something. He wouldn't, would he?. He is married and has as much to lose as I do. No, he wouldn’t. But what about me? I have never lied to Mike about anything, not once not ever. I looked at my reflection as I put on a little brush of makeup. Again talking out loud to myself I said “It will be better if I’m upfront about it. Better he finds out from me than any other way.” Looking at how pink my cheeks were, I knew I couldn’t hide it from him anyway. He knew me too well.

~

Mike…

I was home at 10 past 6 pm just like every other day for the last 6 years. Kent was back early and had given my key back and I slipped it in the door and walked in. Kim was leaning back on her elbows against the bar and I was momentarily frozen in place as my eyes ran over her naked body. She looked so beautiful because all she was wearing was her nightshirt top.

 “Mike, you stop right there.” I did as I was told and Kim started talking to me “I was as late as you but I called in telling them I was going to be working from home today.” 

Her eyes searched my face “Imagine my surprise when hearing your key in the door I turned, thinking it was you only to find it was Kent coming in through the door. Mike, I was standing here just like this when he walked in.” She pointed to the hallway leading to the office. “Don’t say anything, just go to your office and come back.” Again I did as I was told, my mind screaming “FUCCKK!” as I walked back from my office finding her in the kitchen. She was standing next to the island, a cup of cold coffee still sitting where Kent had left it and she went on ” I was standing here just like this when Kent came back with the folder. I had offered him a cup of coffee but as you can see he didn’t drink it. He did tell me he was sorry for walking in on me.” She shook her head slowly back and forth her eyes looking into mine trying to see what I was thinking “Mike all of it was just a mistake,” Her hands came out to me in a sort of an I don’t know gesture “all of it that is but the fact I did nothing to cover my self, and the fact that me being so openly exposed had, well still has me so turned on I could scream!”

 It was kind of like it wasn’t me, it was someone else that stepped up behind her. I had never been rough with Kim but now my hand went to the back of her neck as I pushed and turned her and as her hips stopped at the counter, it wasn’t me forcing her to bend over the island. With my free hand, I opened my pants letting them drop around my knees “OH! Mike SHIT!” Came from Kim “OHuhu!” As I placed the tip of my cock at her wet opening and pushed. My hands went to her tits and I pulled on them twisting her nipples “Aaaahhhh Umm!” She cried out and in my mind, I smiled at how she was pushing back on me. This wasn’t love-making, it was me taking what I wanted from her. I began pounding into her, taking her listening as she was gasping for air, and came, “Huh, Huh AAAaaaaaa!” She cried out as she came again. It was like her climax only seemed to madden this man that wasn't me. I was growling as I tried to push into her so deeply I thought my 9-inch cock would push through into her cervix as it bottomed out with each heated stroke “Aaaagod ohhhhHUHU!” She came again, she was shaking under me still pushing herself back into me meeting each thrust as I went at her like I was a jackhammer pounding into her.

When it happened it seemed to come from my toes up my legs ripping through my balls “I’m Cumming! Kim oh fuck! OHHH Gumphhh” I bellowed as I shot into her, emptying myself rope after rope of my white-hot seed getting pushed deeper into her as I tried to screw myself deeper than I had ever gone before. I had always been afraid of hurting her with my size, but now I gave her all of it listening to her whimper as she shook through another small cum.

 I was frantic and still coming as I pulled out of her, hauling her back away from the island I pushed her to her knees. Still hard as stone, her eyes came up to mine as a glob of my cum hit her chin dripping down onto her right tit. She opened her mouth taking the last of what was in me, her eyes on mine as she swallowed it. That was something else she would never do. But she did that day licking and sucking me clean.

When I stepped away pulling up my pants I looked into her eyes, at her maybe bruised red lips, the cum on her tits. I wasn’t sure what I felt. I had never treated her like that and I didn't think I was sorry for it, in fact at that instant I didn't think I felt anything. This roughness was something I didn't know was in me and by the look on her face neither did she.

~

We didn’t talk. I helped her up from where she knelt on her now very red knees. Her eyes were still searching mine for a moment before she turned and went to our bedroom. When I heard the shower come on I went in and changed into a t-shirt and shorts.

It was about a half-hour before she came out of the shower with her wet curly hair all drawing up letting the pull up to their kinky curly natural look. She had on a t-shirt over nothing and black lycra volleyball shorts that plainly let me see it was without panties and as always in her 3” wedge style mules. She picked up her purse and held my truck keys out to me, being sure I saw she was holding them out by the house key. “Let's go to In and Out.”

We walked out to my truck and much to my surprise she got in on my side. She was sitting very close to me as we drove, but still not talking. In fact, nothing was said until we were on our way home. “Mike, it wasn't my fault.”

“I know.”

~

We had been in bed for a while. I could hear Kim breathing in the darkness of the bedroom, “Did I hurt you?”

She turned on her side to face me, her hand coming to my hair-covered belly “No.”

“Kim I am always so afraid of hurting you. Making it so you don’t want me in you anymore.”

“I’m not made of glass Mike, I won’t break.” She scooted close her right leg coming over mine. Her head came to my shoulder. “Mike...um..I…Shit babe don’t get angry please but I need to tell you this. Um...where to start… I have always known that deep inside of me was another person.” She was speaking very softly “When I was about, well let's just say young my Uncle Tim would come around. I was in cheer and I loved the attention I got when I would let him watch me as I practiced. Then one day I saw the lump in his pants.

 I of course knew what it was and I started watching my dad, and then his friends, and the coaches. I slowly started to realize they were getting turned on looking at me.” She moved up on her elbow “So I started doing other things, mostly to my dad, uncle and their male friends that would come around, doing it because somewhere in my head I knew..” I could feel her shaking her head “ I had a sort of power over them. I also knew it could get bad for me but didn’t care. I just wanted them to look at me, I wanted them to get all sexed up thinking about me. I started buying panties that were while not sheer were thin enough that they could be seen through and wearing short dresses that were too short, short enough so that while setting or dancing around or bending they could see my pussy in them.

  After I would spend time showing myself to them I would be so very wet I would run to my room and touch myself rubbing it like crazy.

 It even got to the point I would let my uncle see me sometimes without my panties.” Kim ran her hand down over my tummy to my mound and gasped “Ohh.” At what she found. She moved up over me lifting then setting astraddle of me going on as she lowered herself down taking me in, then up and back down taking me deep in her belly and she went on. “As I got older I would do other things, like a skirt too short worn to the grocery so when I bent my bottom would show” She was moving very slowly on me “I would wear short skirts and dresses to the shoe store so when the sales guy would help fit the shoes I wanted to try on they would get a nice look up my skirt at my naked sex.” She had not picked up speed but I could feel her trembling inside as she said “I never..oh shit  oh aaaaaa!” She moaned as she came flooding us both “Ohh Mike I..I…I’m not a slut!” I pushed up into her finding my own release as she leaned forward, I held her to me like that for a long time. “It was when I met and fell in love with you I changed my way of dress and quit being a bad girl.”

I held her to me until grew soft in her and slipped out, only then did she move off of me, turning onto her side facing away from me and speaking very softly, “Please don’t hate me. Mike, I haven't done anything bad since I married you.”

~

The next morning after a mostly sleepless night I showered in the guest bath to keep from waking her. I called Kim and I both in telling her work and mine we had a family emergency and would not be in the rest of the week.

It was about 9 am and Kim was nude and still damp from a shower when she walked into the kitchen. I saw she had just finger-combed her hair. “You know I love it when you just let your hair get all kinky crazy like that.”

She gave me a funny look, “I only ever straightened it because that's how it was when we met and I thought you liked it.” She poured a cup of coffee. “Trust me I’ll be more than happy to just let it curl for you if you like it.”

“I do.” I said as I pointed to the open french doors “Let's take our coffee out onto the deck.”

Kim frowned “I’ll need to slip..”

I put my hand on her arm stopping her “No you're ok, I think it’s private enough with everyone around us off at work.”

Outside at the little cafe table she loved, we sat facing out to the pool. “I’ll call and get a finance company to come out and put up a privacy fence around the back here.” I looked at her “You know when we first moved here I didn’t understand why you wanted it, but I get it now.” 

Kim smiled, “I'd really like that.” She blushed “That is if you wouldn’t mind me with an all-over tan.

 “Yea, I’m pretty sure I'd like it.” I looked at her “Honey, I couldn't sleep. I lay there in bed and thought about everything you told me and babe,” I reached over taking her hand “I wish I had known years ago.” I let my eyes search her face “But Kim, you have to know I’m no cuckold. I could not stand the thought of someone else touching you.”

She gave me sort of a twisted funny look “Oh, Mike no. My desire to be exposed has nothing to do with our sex life. Godman, the things you did to me yesterday still has my head spinning, no it has never been about that at all.” she shook her head, her eyes growing big “I am purely an exhibitionist. I just like to be looked at, that's all.”

We grew quiet each of our own thoughts about the changes that we both knew were coming.

~

 “Kim I can do this but there have to be some rules for it to work for me.”

Her eyes dropped to my half-hard sex, “Okay, tell me.”

“I like how you dress for your work or church or whatever. I like that you, the you, you have you have been for all of these years.” I was getting more excited as I went on. “I am wondering if wearing sexy things under your normal dresses would help, you know lacy or sheer bra’s garter belts with stockings or lace teddies.” I kinda shrugged “I mean you can’t walk around with your ass hanging out all of the time, so do you think that would help.”

“It is nice to feel sexy under my clothes, so yes we could try that.” 

I nodded ok as I said “I kind of got the impression you like to act like you don’t know you're showing off or it’s an accident. Am I right?”

“Well, yes and no. The teasing of flashing up my skirt has always been what gets my motor running, but I have often thought about wearing things that should have a slip without one or going braless in a top that shows just a little too much, that kind of thing.” She smiled “I do love to act like I don’t know what I’m showing, but Mike, I have to tell you it really turned me on being exposed to Kent, having him seeing me almost naked made my blood boil.” Kim stood and moved in front of me saying “I wonder what the pool guy would think if I was nude when he came around?” She moved so she was facing me and straddling my legs. She took my steel-hard manhood in her hand pointing it to her opening as she sat down on me. She was as wet as I ever felt her and I slipped easily into her belly. The feel of her heat was so hot it was as though it would burn me.

“Ummm.” I was having a hard time thinking as she moved in that ever so slow way she always seemed to enjoy “I guess I don’t care how much or how little you wear when you are with me.” I put my hands on her butt cheeks helping her move. “But when I am not around you have to be covered just like you always have been in the, oh honey...in the past.” She leaned into me, her breasts mashing into my chest “Ummm” I whispered into her ear.

Her lips came to my neck kissing it up to my ear and she nibbled on its lobe softly saying “I’m so close.” I pushed up tilting my hips as I went in all the way to the bottom “Oh godddd!” Her hips began jackhammering on me as she sucked in air “Aaaaaaaaaa!” When her lips found mine she gasped into my mouth “Cum in me!”

It only took a few hard thrusts up and I exploded sending rope after hot rope up into her sucking womb “Ghhhh!” I shook, pumping it into her.

She rested on me as I held her. She stayed with her head on my shoulder long after I grew soft and slipped out. 

“Babe, listen, it's very important that you only play when I'm around. I know men and I don’t want some guy to think that just because you let him look up your dress you want his hand up it or worse to think because you let him he see it you wanted him to fuck you.” I kissed her soft pink lips “Alright.”

“Yes, my love, that's fine.”

We spent the rest of the day in and out of the house talking about her, the things she wanted, and me with the things I thought I could handle and keep her safe.

~

 The next morning we were to go shopping and as I shaved she asked: “What should I wear?”

“Honey,” I looked at her reflection as I pulled the razor over my face. “I’m going to say that today is your day. Wear what you want.”

I was having a coffee when she came into the kitchen. Kim wore her normal just past knee-length button-down maxi dress with black slingback peep toe 3” wedge heels and her blond hair was wildly unkempt. “God, women, you are so beautiful.” I looked at how the top 4 buttons of her dress were open showing a lot of the valley between her obviously braless breasts. I let my eyes travel down and as she took a step in a sort of letting me see and I saw that the buttons in the bottom of her dress were open up so the last open button was the one about an inch below her smooth sex. “Do you want me to wear panties?” She smiled.

“No.”

We went to several stores and when she would try on things she almost always left the curtains of the changing room open at least a quarter of the way. Always enough so that me or anyone else looking could watch her change. 

 She bought several shelf bras that went under the bottom of her breast leaving the top half and her nipples uncovered. She bought lacy garter belts in reds, blacks, and blues and Wilford stockings to wear with them. She bought some lace bodysuits and tap pant-style jumpers. She bought some almost sheer blouses and some dresses that without a slip would be seen through or at least highlighted showing that she had no slip-on. Then she bought 3 denim skirts that were well above mid-thigh and I knew if she sat wearing one there would almost be no way for her to not show panties, if she wore any.

~

It was almost 3 in the afternoon when she looked at me. “I’m hungry and need a drink.”

There was a little pub in the back of scoobies restaurant and so with the back seat of the truck filled with bags we stopped. Kim had a Margarita and I drank a Lone Star in a long neck. She was a little quiet, the constant chatter of her shopping being replaced by something else, she looked kind of thoughtful. I asked, “So what’s going through that beautiful head of yours now?”

She tilted her head to the side “I... well...Mike I want to get my nipples, belly button, and clit pierced.” I guess I kind of did an oh shit kind of thing with my head and it must have shown on my face because she said, “But I won’t do it if you don’t..”

I interrupted her “Do we need an appointment or is it something we can have done today?” 

She half smiled “They do it at little Johns.” John has always done my tattoos and I knew

 he did piercings, I just wanted to know if she knew it.

Watching her face I pulled out my cell “John please, it’s Mike King.“Hey John, how are you...Yes fine, fine.” I looked at Kim's smiling face “Well my friend, my wife has decided that she wants her nipples, belly button, and gig pierced, would you have time to do it this afternoon?... Cool. See you in about 30 minutes.”

~

John as always was happy to see us. I have over time spent a boatload of money sitting in his tattoo chair and he knows Kim from her coming with me when I get inked. This would be a first for me in that I was going to be with her when she not only got naked with an almost stranger but he would be touching her intimate place. It would be her first time being touched but her second time being seen after Kent. John looked at me. “You ok man? A lot of guys have to wait outside.”

“Yes. I’m fine” I chuckled looking at Kim “This is the first time I've been here that it’s not going to hurt me.”

In the little room, Kim, not shy at all, took off her dress and hung it up. I watched her standing naked while watching John put the fresh paper on the chair. “Ok, Kim, if you're ready to go, have a seat.” Her cheeks were flushed with excitement as she sat on the chair and John patted the stirrups like a gynecologist would have on his table “Feet up here hun.” Now with her feet up and her knees bent John pushed a button and an electric motor came to life opening the bottom of the chair up. Her eyes shot to mine as it spread Kim's legs about as wide open as they would go leaving her sex fully exposed. John on a rolling stool moved between her legs and as he worked he talked telling her what he was going to be doing. I saw her growing wet and how it glistened in the light as he said he wanted to do her gig first because it was the hardest. Still talking to her about it he slowly started washing her sex with paper towelettes. He told her they were soaked in a clear betadine and by this time she was wet as hell but doing fine until he pulled back the hood of her clit, her eyes came to mine then closed as an involuntary “HUH! Oh!” came from her.

He held her clits hood up with his gloved fingers as he put a clamp on it with a loop in the tip. The clamp held her hood in place so the needle with the ring hooked to it would go through her clit. With the clamp attached to her hood, his fingers went to her clit and suddenly her eyes went wide as she gasped “Oh Oh Aaaa!” and while she didn’t squirt she did almost flood herself as she came “Aaah umm!” and in that instant, John pushed the needle through. He held the palm of his hand flat over her clit cupping it for a moment or so to let her rest for a moment and he was still talking like nothing had happened, “You doing ok?” He again washed her down with the towelettes.

Her eyes searched my face as she said “John I’m sorry.”

“Kim.” he chuckled. “that happens to about 98% of the ladies that come in here to get their gig done.” He shrugged looking at me “That's why if I didn’t know you I would have had you wait outside.” He looked back at Kim “I don’t know why, but I guess it’s a combination of the skin's reaction to the betadine, a stranger touching you in such an intimate way, and then there is the pain. I know it hurts.” 

30 minutes later with her boobs and belly button done, we were holding hands walking out to the truck, She shook my hand “Mike I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

As she slipped up into the truck seat I leaned in and kissed her, “You're fine.” I smiled “and if I’m truthful with you and myself, that was sexy as hell.”

Over the next few days really nothing much changed at home. Kim as always wore skimpy things that I loved. The fence company showed up one day and the next they were gone so our backyard became our own little nudist heaven. We had gone out to dinner a few times with Kim wearing one of her new shelf bras and a blouse that plainly showed off her nipples.

But her pussy was still a little tender so there wasn’t much in the way of sex.

~

It was just past 9 AM when my cell buzzed. I smiled to see it was Kent’s wife and our friend Amy. “Hey beautiful what's up?”

“We need to talk. Can you meet me at Ables for lunch?”

“Sure. What Time?”

“11:30.”

“Amy, are you ok?”

“No.” I frowned when the phone went dead.

She was sitting in her car when I pulled up. Ables is a place that makes Hoagie-style sandwiches and I was really looking forward to eating. As I walked to her car the door swung open and as Amy turned to get out her wrap skirt opened all the way up exposing her very shapely leg up to her hip. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the belt at her waist keeping it closed it would have opened up to her beautiful neck. “Hi.” I smiled.

“Hi yourself.” She leaned in, kissing me softly on the lips. Amy is a short woman, I'm guessing about 5’ 2” with shoulder-length brown hair glasses and a round face. She isn’t what I’d call a full-figured, but she is thick with a full c-cup, and for a big girl she had a small waist, a great ass, and those legs, oh my those legs. She hooked her arm into mine as we started walking. We had met in college so I knew her long before Kent or Kim. In fact, I had introduced her to Kent. We walked into the place and once seated with our order taken she looked at me. “There is no easy way to say this. Mike, I’m leaving Kent. She pulled a cell phone from her bag, opened it then pushed it to me. I looked at the picture of Kim standing next to the kitchen island, and I put the cell phone in my jacket pocket.

“Amy, they are not having an affair if that's why you're leaving Kent.”

She gave me a hard look “They aren’t? Then what in the fuck is that?” She pointed to my pocket.

And for the next few minutes, I told her the whole story about me forgetting some papers and when Kent went to get them he walked in on Kim still dressed from bed. “Amy, Kim told me all about it that evening when I got home.” 

Amy frowned and asked, “And Kent didn’t tell you about it?”

I said, “No,” I shook my head saying, “‘But then I don’t think I‘d tell him if I walked in on you and then spent 15 or 20 minutes with you mostly naked as I got the papers and left. I know it was that long because Kim told me they talked for a couple of minutes. But Amy I'll tell you again they are not screwing around.” I looked at her “Have you asked him about it?’

“No. He left his cell home the other day and I went to answer it when it rang. That's when I got nosy and looked at his pictures.”

“Kim told me there's more than one?” I pulled the cell out of my pocket and looked at all 3 pictures. Kim looked hot and I felt myself lengthen in my pants but other than being mostly nude she wasn’t doing anything naughty. I shook my head “Amy, I well, alright let me tell you the rest of it.”

She and I ate and then drove to a park by Brushy Creek and spent the rest of the afternoon talking about Kim and what I had learned about her and us. Amy told me about Kint and while she could not prove it she was sure he was screwing around on her with someone.

“Why do you think that?”

“He has since the day we got married been the horniest man I have ever known and if I would let him he would screw me 4 times a day. Well, it has slowly stopped.” She had a sad smile. “He hasn’t touched me in 5 or 6 months.”

“Amy, that doesn’t mean he has a girlfriend. For god’s sake woman you have to talk to him, you can’t just walk out.” I took her hand in mine and squeezed it “He’s 50, maybe..”

Amy’s eyes went wide, “ED problems?”

“It could be. Want me to get nosy?”

~

That evening as Kim and I cooked dinner together she listened quietly as I went through the whole story with Amy thinking she was fucking Kent. She stopped in the middle of the kitchen holding her hands out to me “Mike I swear on my kid’s eyes I’m not fucking him.”

I smiled as I stepped to her and took her in my arms, I kissed her deeply saying “I know babe.” I pulled back looking into her beautiful eyes. “I know.” I chuckled, “And we don’t have any kids.”

“You ass hat!” Her arms still around me she asked “So what do you think is going on?”

I shrugged my shoulders “Maybe he can’t get it up. He is the right age and maybe he is too embarrassed to talk to her about it. I told Amy I'd talk to him.”

~

The next morning after the day had started I went to Kent’s office and closed the door. As I sat down across from him I sat the cell on his desk. I watched the color drain from his face. “Where did you get my phone?”

“Kent, relax. Kim told me everything the evening it happened. You and I are ok.” I saw him visibly relax “The problem is, it wasn’t me that found it. It was Amy.”

“Well fuck.” came out from clenched teeth. “And she saw the pictures and came right to you?”

“Yes. Shit Kent she thought you were fucking Kim.”

His hand came up “WHOA BUDDY! Mike, I’m not!”

“I know, and I think Amy knows now. Look if she hadn’t come to me I wouldn’t have said a word because I would not have told you if something like that happened with me and Amy. Kent, she told me you haven’t touched her in months. No wonder she thinks your fucking around.”

“Well this is just getting better and better isn’t it ” He shrugged “What the fuck! No...It’s just that I’m  having problems.” His shoulder went down as he sort of collapsed in his chair “Mike I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, the first thing you do is talk to your wife about it. The next thing is you make a doctor’s appointment. It might be something other than your an old fucker.”

A slight smile came to his lips “Fuck you to buddy.”

I grinned at him “Look beside the little blue pill there are 1000s of different ways you can keep both you and Amy happy in the sack.” I stood up and said, “Come on, I want to go to the toy store anyway.”

~

That evening after the lights were out I whispered to Kim “If you want to try something new roll onto your tummy.” Without a word she did as I asked “Spread your legs babe, I need to get between them.” Again she simply did as I asked and moving between them I began to massage her. I started on her shoulders and worked down until I was rubbing on her butt cheeks. I pulled them apart as I leaned in and kissed her right on her star.

“Oh!” there was just a hint of her pushing up to my lips “Babe! What are you doing?”

My hands were moving over her legs as I was still bent over her. I blew cool air onto her ring “Ohh.” I kissed it again “mmm.”

I rose up picking up the KY jelly I had set next to us and put some on her star. Now as my left hand moved over her back the thumb of my right hand worked at slipping into her, In then out “Oh BABE!” I then got deeper and deeper in until my whole thumb was in her and she was humping slowly on it “OOOOO BABAE!”

I moved again, working more KY into her with my thumb as I picked up the ¾ inch rosebud anal toy I had bought that day. I pulled my thumb out and as the tip of it came out the tip of the plug went in. Again I work her slowly with her gasping “HUH HUH OH YES OOOO!” As I worked it deeper and deeper until the head slipped in past her accepting sphincter and it sucked the plug sucking it in “OGGHHOOGGod OH fuck I’m cumming!” She pushed up into my hand gasping “Aaaaaaaaaaa'' Then trembling from her cum she moved to her side slipping away from me. “Oh, fuck Mike!” She turned on the bed and with me still on my knees as I had been between her open thighs brought her lips to my sex.

I was already really turned on and with her mouth and talented tongue I didn’t last long “I’m about to cum.” I warned her, she renewed her effort in the dark of the bedroom. “Ho!” I gasped expecting her to pull back as she had always done. But she didn't, she pushed in taking me deep in her throat and as my burning hot seed shot out of me I felt her throat working to swallow me. “KIM!” I called out “God!” Needing air she pulled back keeping the tip between her lips sucking it like a straw. It was the first time she swallowed every drop, then with air in her lungs again she took me back into her throat catching the last of it. She pulled back licking and sucking as I grew soft in her mouth. “I love you!” She whispered as she moved to pull me down next to her. It was also the first time I tasted myself on her lips and tongue. Then breaking our kiss I whispered back “That's good because I love you.” I pulled her hand. “Come on, let's get you cleaned up.” 

~

Nothing was said about the butt plug or the fact that we had never done anything like that before. It was about 10 am the next Saturday she was in the kitchen when I walked in, “Kim I have something for you. Close your eyes.” 

Smiling, she did as I had asked, saying “What kind of magic are you up to this time?”

“I chuckled “Oh you will see. Bend over the counter please.” Again she did as I asked and with my left hand I spread her vagina lips as I placed the next toy at her opening “You're really wet, do you want some lube?”

“No, OHH!” I pushed the head of the mouse in “OHHHH!” It slipped completely in and I used my finger to push it in as deeply as I could get it. “What is that?” She looked over her shoulder at me. “It’s all nice and warm.”

“I had it in my hand for a while to bring it to my body temperature. It is a kegel exercise.” I lied.”

I stepped back and she turned to frown at me as with exasperation in her voice she asked: “Are you saying I’m loose or too big to feel good!”

I smiled just a little “No silly! Not at all. But I have read that ladies can keep from dripping when they cough if they work that muscle. You know I see you cross your legs when you cough or sneeze.”

I pulled her to me “No babe, your pussy is perfect!” I kissed the tip of her nose “And I’d love to take you with it out for lunch.”

Still frowning, her hand went between her legs finding the antenna hanging down “What's this?”

“Well it's so more weight can be hooked to it making it harder and harder to keep in.”

“You're taking me to the Olive Garden for making me think my pussy is not tight enough.” She smiled, “Besides I have a new dress I want to wear.”

~

The new dress was off-white, almost ten, and Kim looked elegant in the plain boat neck unlined midi dress with half sleeves. It was a cotton dress and were it not for the folds in the full skirt would have been very see-through. As it was when she moved and the skirt touched her or the light was right I was able to see it shining through it. To say the least, it was quite an eye opening and fun to look at. There was a flat belt around the waist and because she was wearing a tan half bra her nipples were out there for the world to see. “You look amazing!” I must have had a goofy grin because she blushed.

“Thanks, babe!”

As we drove to the restaurant she was quiet, then she looked at me “Tell me the truth about whatever it is you have in me!”

“No.”

“You're killing me here, you know that, don’t you, you ass hat!”

“Good.” We were parking. “You just keep thinking that.”

As we walked into the restaurant I could not help but look at the people we passed. For the most part, the women would smile or look away but I think every man in the place had their eyes glued to Kim's breasts. I felt myself lengthen in my pants.

Once seated I smiled sweetly as the waiter walked up “Would you like wine? We have an excellent Lambrusco available right now.”

I had taken out my cell and had it sitting on the table and just as she said yes... I touched the screen “OH!” There was a fire in her eyes as they met mine “I’m sorry yes..Um..shit,  that will be fine.”

He was walking away and I turned it off and in a harsh whisper asked, “What in the blue balls of hell is that thing?”

I smiled and turned it on again giving it a little more vibration. “It's called a mouse and I have it hooked to my cell so I can make the mouse move whenever I want to.” I turned it back off watching her move a little uncomfortable in her seat.”

And that was the beginning of a whole new chapter in our life....

[graytrailcam]

WOLFQUEST: AE THREAD EMBER-Burn Creek 4M Later Documented, Hope Creek 1M

The last of Talon and Nightingale's first litter, Ember, also chooses to disperse along with his brother Scorch. Both of them part ways as they make it to the Eastern side of Amethyst Mountain. Ember initially trailed behind Scorch before losing sight of him one morning, and was left to fend for himself.

Scorch is a far less bold and much more careful wolf than his two older brothers, Blaze and Scorch. He takes a lot more time to carefully assess scenarios before jumping in, planning hunting strategies with the idea that he can work smarter, not harder.

Here he manages to wait until the two rutting bulls are too distracted by each other to help the calf that he was aiming for.

However, before too long, Ember actually takes note of its mother who seems to be trailing behind the herd in such a way that she would make for an even more fruitful target.

Happy with himself, Ember settles into his kill and tries to rest for another day on his own.

Unfortunately, he's not the only dispersal wolf on Amethyst at the moment, and three other male dispersals from the 8 Mile pack accost him at his kill. He managed to fend them off long enough to run and abandon his hard earned elk, leaving him hungrier than he thought he would have been that morning.

He had been so focused on escaping that Ember hadn't noticed he was being trailed by another dispersal. This time, a Beartooth female, 14f specifically, who seemed more interested in getting to know him than fighting.

She was firm with him from the start, which paired well with Ember's more reserved nature.

It was a fairly stressful trial period for Ember, as the herds had moved on by then and he was eager to impress and reassure that her was a competent hunting partner.

Even though the Elk herds had begun moving down the Valley however, Ember and 14f were able to catch wind of some Mule Deer and their fawns.

The successful tracking must have been enough for 14f to solidify her decision and the two were recorded as seeming to have settled with each other. Researchers have now dubbed her 'River'.

[xgoldenlatiasx]

RED SKY PACK UPDATE WOO

as I mentioned I finally started Gen 3, but MAN did Gen 2 go out with a bang- we had a nasty bear attack, and Clarity got a major injury to her leg that just Would Not Heal. she couldn’t hunt for days and had to rely on rabbits + the one leftover elf calf carcass we still had to feed the pups

thankfully the pups were nearing 20 pounds, so I just planned to wait it out but Beryl being the smallest of the litter was taking forever to catch up (surprisingly she wasn’t a runt, just tiny). eventually I Had to find food, and after many failed mule deer + elk + pronghorn hunts we stumbled across a moose calf god BLESS (just in time cause Cobalt decided to be a little shit and eat the remainder of the pups’ elk calf)

then poor Clarity had to drag the thing halfway across the world with a broken leg. we made it seconds before affinity dropped too low 💀 thankfully Beryl ate and finally got to 20 pounds

[acontinues]

Linea calf leather mules

[voidoutbt]

Welcome to the first little scene (of many, an ongoing series) featuring the adventures of mine and @samfrancis94 @samkuchingdraws MULE OCs 'Cosmic' & 'Franc'.

A collaboration of my writing and Sam's wonderful artwork illustration. Some will be scary, some will be sexy, and some will be very silly. I hope you enjoy. 😊 Your feedback is encouraged and appreciated. 🙏

---------

'Shower encounter'

Death Stranding OC Cosmic the MULE x Higgs/BTs

Warnings : Suggestive unconsented touching.

As Cosmic stepped under the cool blast of water, it took her breath away. It's exactly what was needed after a long hot day of chasing porters for their cargo. She couldn't wait to peel off the layers and let a cold gush hit all the bruises and aches. The outside make-shift shower made of a hose rig and plastic panels wasn't exactly luxury, but it was all they currently had. In MULE terms, it was an indulgence. Most went without running water.

Leaning forward into it so that the spray hit the back of her head, she surveyed her throbbing feet. Blisters covered her toes and heels. 'Hmm, really should upgrade my boots.' She thought. But there had been an odd shortage of decent gear recently, in particular boots. She could have sworn that they had grabbed some in the last encounter, but they were not amongst the shared loot back at camp.

An odd noise broke her thoughts. She straightened up and listened again, straining to hear over the torrent. She thought it sounded a bit like a growl. Her heart pounded, she stood still like a rabbit caught in headlights. Splat. A black handprint appeared on the ground a few metres away. Then another. She took a sharp intake of breath. 'That can't be what I think it is... There's no timefall...And the motion sensors haven't gone off.' The inky prints continued, moving in her direction. She stayed frozen to the spot, eyes wide in panic.

Suddenly a loud bang reverberated through the translucent sheeting next to her - a black tar handprint, followed by a clicking-like growl. Cosmic clamped her hand to her mouth to hold her breath. The urge to scream and cry out for help was overwhelming. The others in camp we were not far way, but too far to run, she would be dragged down before she got anywhere. She couldn't raise the alarm. She couldn't even grab her clothes or a towel. She was completely exposed, and in immediate danger. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing it to go away, shaking while her lungs burned for oxygen.

A voice full of southern drawl abruptly pierced the air in front of her. "Weelll, what do we have here? A lone little Mule." Cosmic gasped, attempting to cover herself with her hands, forgetting about the BT. A couple of metres in front of her a gold chiral skeletal mask appeared, seemingly out of thin air, and danced around with the whimsical voice. She stared, unable to speak with shock, clutching at her own chest and groin defensively. The voice continued after a chuckle, "Ah, ain't nothin' I ain't seen before, little MULE. Not that I mind having another look..."

The skull mask disappeared into a cloud of Chiralium, and with a pop appeared directly behind her. She jumped. The water pooling under her feet grew dark, it became black and sticky, rooting her to the spot. She swore she could feel hot breath on the back of her neck and shoulder, and all the hairs on her neck and arms erected as if the air was electrified. The shower water stopped. A black hand appeared from the puddle between her feet, and grabbed her calf. Then another slimy arm followed, groping her other leg. Cosmic whimpered. The golden mask laughed as the BT arms slid up her legs. They didn't pull her down but held her in place. The searching hands were cold, tacky, and smelt like death. "Please don't kill me!" she managed to blurt out. The skull face hovering over her shoulder chimed "Oh I wasn't going to KILL you....you're too much fun."

The tar arms continued their slow ascent, blindly grabbing, feeling their way. They got to her inner thighs, Cosmic clutched herself tighter, desperate to protect her most intimate areas, shivering from fear and the damp exposure.

Without warning, they stopped. She looked down to see only a now muddy pool she was stood in. The phantom voice echoed in her ear, "Got to keep you wanting more, little MULE..."

Cosmic came to her senses and made a dash for it. She used a towel for cover, and grabbed her clothes, running back to the MULE camp. A few of the others stared after her, she wasn't very often seen out of her suit. As she scurried past his tent crying, Franc looked up from weatherproofing a new pair of boots. He called out after her, "What?! You alright?"

----------

A big thank you to @samkuchingdraws for the beautiful Illustration. Go check out his art!

[mspirations]

Fallon Carrington "The Only Thing That Counts Is Winning" - 5x08

Charo Ruiz Aurora Strapless Asymmetric Broderie Anglaise Cotton-blend Maxi Dress

Emilio Pucci Tie-waist Wool Coat

Tom Ford Calf Leather Wristlet Clutch Bag

St.End Beachy Keen

Paris Texas Mules in Croc-Embossed Leather*

* I found it

Thanks for identifying:

Dynasty Closet

Dynasty Fashion

[kariachi]

Until I can write worldbuilding, consider this fluffy Osmobeast centaur au fic my holiday gift to you all. Not seasonal, but it involves baby pictures and these two being adorable both together and individually, so-

~~

“Okay, here we go, oldest picture of me I still have.” It wasn’t a favorite, but after everything that had happened in his childhood, there were only so many things he had left from it all. A dozen or so pictures, some books, one of his dad’s watches. So even a picture he didn’t find particularly interesting was still worth showing off. Curled around him the way only somebody several hundred pounds larger than you could, arms draped around his shoulders and chin nestled between his antlers, Kevin cooed.

“You were so cute,” he said, “and it’s so weird seeing you not green.” Gar chuckled.

“Yeah, this was a ways before all of that.” He couldn’t have been more than a few months old, all spots and long legs and big eyes. It’d been taken in some lab or another, little fawn him settled in a taped off spot in a corner, dressed in bright purple underwear, a little see-through plastic lab blanket and coat, and fawn-sized safety goggles. He really had been adorable. “Don’t know why my parents went for see-through.”

“The spots are half the adorable of a fawn.”

“That answers that then.” Gar went to the next one- him a few years older, still pre-powers, still spotted, stood next to his dad and wearing a near exact replica of his outfit. Tall hoof boots, solid color leg wraps, a short blanket, long-sleeved button-up, and a vest with more pockets than someone his age would’ve ever known what to do with. Fuck, he was coming into his mid-twenties now and he still wouldn’t know what to do with them all. “These are all I’ve got of me before… everything. All the rest of them are just my parents or have me post-powers.” Kevin nodded, pressing a kiss to his hair as he moved on to one of his mom, stood laughing at the dinner table with a mug of coffee in her hand.

“They’re great pictures. Can see the start of how damn pretty you’d be in your parents.”

“Aww. Thanks, hun.” With a hum, Kevin shifted enough to get Gar to edge aside and let him stand up.

“One sec.” As he vanished off into the bedroom, Gar continued flipping through the pictures. With much purpose he slipped one into the ‘already shown’ section, hidden away. He was in the mood to share pictures, but not that one, of him in that brief period between knowing he wouldn’t die and getting the shapeshifter label. Not pretty nor pleasant to remember. The bang of Kevin pronking in the other room pulled him from bad memories- and wouldn’t the fact Kevin was over eight-hundred pounds and could pronk always amaze and delight him- turning to watch as he trotted over and settled back into place behind him.

“I have,” he said as they got back into position, voice quiet and soft, like he was sharing a secret, “one picture from when I was little. Was what I managed to grab when everything went... well.” Gar nodded his understanding, turning his head to rub an antler against Kevin’s cheek.

The presented image wasn’t- couldn’t have been- as old as Gar’s eldest had been, but it looked like it. Worn, folded, clearly exposed to the world and elements for years as Kevin had carried it with him through dimensions and across the galaxy. Still you could easily make out the focus. A mule deer doe, exhausted and exasperated, laid in a hospital room and robes. She had what was far too large to be anything but a moose calf- and Gar nearly flinched at the not-near-enough size differences of the people in the image- curled at her flank, with an array of spots in his russet fur and a blue band loose around one ankle. Worse for the poor mother, there was a second one- this one’s spotting much fainter- stood half on his sibling, a pink band around the ankle and pink bandaged wrapped firm around one wrist and hand.

“Guess the twin.” Kevin smile was clear in his tone and Gar couldn’t have stopped himself from matching it if he tried.

“Well,” he said, pointing at the first calf, “this one’s eyes look blue, so… Gonna guess you’re the one who already hurt himself.”

“Supposedly I managed twenty minutes before I found something to launch myself off in naïve excitement,” came the laughing response. “Eric was like you, he had those fawn genes where you could just put him somewhere and he’d stay put. I was the bad twin right out the womb.”

“None of that,” Gar said, elbowing him. “If you’re the bad twin none of us would’ve been able to meet the standards he’d have set.”

“If you say so, babe.”

“You were really cute though.” He had been, him and his brother both, with massive fluffy ears, miles of leg, and big bright eyes.  “Almost want it framed.”

“You can frame this one and put it up, but only if I get to frame you in those little goggles.” Hmm. It was a tough call. Could it even be framed, with the state of it? Gar had no idea, and the idea of his own baby pictures on display was mildly embarrassing. But then, having nicer memories, ones from when things hadn’t gone to hell, hanging up where they didn’t have to go dig them up- That might be nice.

A bit of his heart melted and panicked in turn as the words ‘family photos’ crossed his brain.

“Remind me later, we’ll look into getting them done all nice and proper. If we grab one of us we can tie it all together, too.” Kevin practically purred into his hair, grip tightening, and the melting portion of his heart won out.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”