#can we please get someone with plot armor in here

[7er1ch0]

tristamp ep 11 spoilers

look i have alot of thoughts on the latest episodes

mainly on how horroriffic it was

but this specific thought needs to be out in the world

STUDIO ORANGE WHAT THE FUCK WHY ARE THEY PREGNAUNT 

WHY THE REVERSE UMBILICAL CORD

THEY DONT LOOK HAPPY 

THEY DONT WANT TO BE HERE

HOLY SHIT WHAT THE FUCK KNIVES I THOUGHT YOU WERE ALL ABOUT PROTECTING THE PLANTS 

NOT WHAT EVER THE FUCK THIS IS

[esoteriamaya]

ASTROLOGY EDITION - THE SENSUAL APPEAL OF THE NAKSHATRAS

Hey, so I've been more focused on the nakshatras lately.. and love getting into how sensual, flirtatious, raw and powerful some of the nakshatras could be. I may start this off with just the nakshatras itself, focusing on the sign and its energy as opposed to the planets in each of these naks. So yeah. Lets get into it ;)

So first is up, Hasta. There the ones who really inspired me to do this so here we go.

Hasta - Delicate. Refined. Opened Hearts. Very sensual beings who know how to ease you into to their souls. They have a replenishing auras that could fulfill the desires of another. Oop, did I say that? They are indeed the temptress, the ones that will make you fall in love with, as they know you will never get anything from the in return. Having been hurt in the past, they usually carry themselves with a tight armor, only this time they know they wont have to... Because someone will always take the bait ;)

Hastas are truly amazing at crafting their hearts into the desires that they want. So much so, they'll utilize their sex appeal in order to get what they want. Very smart, coi and productive... Their like the jaguar you dont see coming. They always get what they want, because others are more than likely to give to the hastanian babe whenever they please.

Rohini - Ooooooh! They are sooo seductive. They have a quiet temper that is aroused when the right soul meets into their arms. They're only lovers for the plot. If it gets too deep and on the wrong foot then their outta here. Sorry busta!If you don't give it to them the right way, then they won't be here for long. They are only here for one purpose, and that is to fulfill their desires in more ways than one. Like their hasta friends, they know how to go for what they want, and they'll get it by any means necessary.

There temptress powers they carry can attract an audience if they let it. There touch can last for hours, penetrating into the skin like magic. They are the doorway to salvation. Pleasure is their profound language. It is a blessing and a curse to be this type of delight. A special occasion, they keep anyone anyway who is not deserving of their love.

Anuradha - I feel like this one deserves a round of applause ONLY because they do not share these gifts so easily. The people could want more but that isn't enough. Once they get a hold of your tempting magic people will definitely try and take you to the pits of hell. So its kept in a jar, locked away for a while until the anuradha babe is ready to go for the kill. When she wants it, she will. And when mama's hungry, shes gonna eat ;) Siren-like eyes that can penetrate into your soul. It can spook you ;) But all the Anuradha wants is to entice, it is how she gets what she desires. She has a flow that is naturally pulling like the Jyestha, we don't know what it is but its powerful, convincing, and its rare. The anuradha is the type to pull yu in, to the point that when she catches you in her spell.. she will eat you alive. Its better to stay away if you dont want to be bit, but her allure is just so damn powerful. It'll have you begging for more.

Krittikas - Their raw sexuality will pour into your skin, and before you know it.. they've already gotten you into their mini web. Darling.. the ones who where this nakshatra on their sleeves use every bit of their power to seduce the right one.. sometimes it catches others too. There striking presence keeps the others wondering where have they been all of their life. The one who moves to the beat of their own drum, tameless. It is why so many try to focus on wooing you in order to make you into what THEY want you to be.. and you beat em at their game every time. The seductive prowess they carry show a reflective force from the moon down to the sun, with its rays being so powerful it has everyone looking at them.. waiting to explore what is deep inside the krittika, only to be found later in their dungeon. Taking their souls, and never to be heard of again.

Shravana - They have a very powerful aura that pushes the narrative about themselves. They have the gift that keeps on giving. They know what to do with their seduction, its the one that gets them the highest bidder! What shapes you, is the power of the mind, the soul and the spirit. So they do themselves the diligence to create from within, and not without. They are hungry to learn more about their presence as their gifts connect to the souls of thousands.. What I mean is that these babes have a gift of opening up the godlike force that many try to emulate.. but many can't do. There seductive prowess inspires thousands to watch them as they watch to the shravana native, craving for their affection.. As they can be so very giving, but with a price. It all comes down to them wanting to be at the top, and they'll whatever they can to get it. It comes with a sense of ease, and they'll choose their favorite worshiper to teach ;)

Mula - HOT HOT HOT!!!!!! They don't even know how deep this goes.. but they penetrate into your skin with no effort. There gift is in spiking you with their mind, and leading you in with their heart.. They know how to entice you into doing for them and fitting to their needs.. You wont even blink an eye and yet wont even care. You'll just be glad to be in their presence is all. They have a special aura that most find pretty enchanting, and their souls spark a conversation one what makes them so unique.. because most people are mystified by them and begin to take notes.. but they will never know what that is to be exact. Which is what makes their seductive prowess just that damn good. It exists for them and them alone.. if they decide to share this with you consider yourself LUCKY.. Because they like you more than the rest, and who they are and how they carry themselves is a gift you when they want to share it.. Whew.. they'll really touch you in ways you won't forget.

I will post on the rest of them soon. Let me know in the comments how you feel about the nakshatras !!

[moodymisty]

Please. Iron ween. -Ms. L

[ 𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖞𝕸𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖞'𝖘 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙 | 𝕬𝖔3 ]

Author’s note: I got you homie. Here’s Ferrus whipping out that Shlong after a long crusade. Wife needs the iron injec-

Relationships: Ferrus Manus/Fem!Reader

Warnings: NSFW, Ferrus’ massive iron schmeat, Good girl talk, while we don’t call him it in this fic Ferrus Manus is daddy and I no won’t take criticism, Size kink/size difference, Creampie, The definition of porn without plot

These nights get lonely, without him here.

The days are too; Though with this massive bed so empty, the nights are always the worst.

Nightclothes wrinkled and bunched at your stomach you lay in bed, room dark and filled with little more than your own noises as your hand shifts between your legs.

It’s frustrating, like you’re halfway there but can’t get any farther- teeth gritted in near anger. You desperately claw for that feeling only for it to just slip from your fingertips each time you barely get a hold. You let out a hot sigh of air into the pillow, so tired in at this late hour as you debate ending this self torture. Your hand is soaked, you’ve been at it for what feels like hours.

“Am I interrupting?”

A voice suddenly calls out, and you abruptly lean up to see Ferrus closing the door behind him. Your heart nearly stops from the surprise of it, of not having heard someone enter and that he’s finally here.

“Ferrus!”

You had no idea when he would return; His crusades often take weeks if not months at a time, and if you stay on Terra, it can mean you're alone for an- to you at least- unmanageable amount of time.

Ferrus, already having been freed of his armor begins making short work of his remaining clothing as he walks closer, and takes his place on his own bed. It seems he took your surprise as a good enough greeting, and now seeks to indulge in what he had left behind.

You're soon underneath him, cloaked completely in his massive shadow; He's always been able to make you feel so incredibly small. He’s the largest of the Primarchs, as far as you know.

You have eyes a bit too big for your stomach, perhaps. Though his stature still makes your thighs squeeze together never the less.

With one light toss he flips you from your back to your stomach, and you can feel the heat of his body on your bare skin. You have to swallow the whine you almost let out at the feeling. That empty ache in your cunt is almost unmanageable now, figiting as he shifts behind you.

You’ve spent so long tonight torturing yourself that he feels the way you’re completely soaked, pressing his cock against you. He grinds against your a few times before the head of his cock catches your entrance and slowly he presses into you. But even after so much toying it still makes you grit your teeth as he starts to stretch your body to it’s limit, teetering on that stretch of pain.

“Up higher.”

You arch your back desperately as he slowly presses impossibly deeper; You whine, it always feel like he’s in your stomach.

“Good girl,”

He grunts near your ear. His one hand grips your hip tight, and you just know he’s leaving bruises. He always does, they’ve faded since the last time and you’re eager to have them return.

You whisper his name, mewling as he so easily finishes you off where you’d struggled with so little effort. He barely needs to start fucking you and that coil in your stomach that was half wound finally snaps. You cum around him, gasping as he continues to fuck you through it. Each time he pushes just a bit deeper, until he’s finally buried in you. It’s a process, Ferrus is massive but when he does manage to bury himself to the hilt or near to it, you swear you see stars.

“How long have you been waiting?”

He says, you can feel his hot breath on your skin. You know he loves hearing that nothing else makes you feel the way he makes you, that nothing else works anymore. That you’ve been marked by him.

“Tonight? It’s been hours, I couldn’t…” You cut yourself off as he drives himself in particularly deep, and it makes you bite the inside of your cheek. You feel his hips repeatedly hit the backs of your thighs as he thrusts into you, and you feel almost suffocated by his massive size.

Both his body and his cock; You know after this you’ll ache for days, legs barely able to hold your own weight. Even in his most gentle Ferrus leaves his marks on you, in you, but he’s less gentle now, you know you’ll feel it for days to come.

He’ll be gentle to you after, he always is, but right now he wants to enjoy what he’s missed, and give you what you were begging for.

It’s not long before he’s able to make you cum again, nails gripping anything they can as your sore throat manages to let out a breathless whine. You can’t hold your voice back at this point, and you can only hope the walls are thick enough that no one could ever hear you, or the sound of the massive bed slamming against the wall.

Ferrus grips your hip tighter and you feel his thrusts before more uneven; You can hear the thud of his other hand reaching up to grab the headboard of the bed. Though even with his torso farther away from you, you’re still firmly in his shadow. But alongside your hip you know he’s made the backs of your thighs sore and possible bruised, from how hard he’s slapped his hips against them even with such little of his strength.

You feel him still as he finally finishes, and you can’t help but whine as you feel him fill you to the brim. It’s hot; Though perhaps it’s his size, but he always cums such an exorbitant amount. Sometimes it will linger days later.

Ferrus pulls out slowly, and you can feel cum trickle down your thigh. You let out a sigh that sounds both satisfied, and dead tired.

“Better?” Ferrus says with the slightest amused lilt to his voice. He looks at your dazed, tired expression. You can see sunlight bleeding through the stained glass of the windows.

“That you’re here, yes.”

Ferrus releases your hip and lets you fall limply to the bed. You’re so far beyond well-fucked, finally satisfied. He lets out a small ‘tut’ in amusement. You mean it in more ways than one; While you’re more than pleased he abused your poor weeping cunt into oblivion, you’re also pleased to have him here again, after so long apart.

Still on your stomach and with no desire or ability to move you elect to fall asleep, with it being so late you’re unfathomably tired. Ferrus knows it, he sees you already dozing off, and elects to give you a proper greeting after being apart when you wake up.

[howtofightwrite]

Sorry if this has been answered before. Would it be possible to have a character who learns how to use a sword skillfully in less than a few years (if taught by an expert)? If not, what are some alternatives for a protagonist who needs to learn swordfighting for plot reasons?

Yes, but...

So, this is a little harder to answer than it initially sounds, because there's a few extra things to consider.

I'm going to spitball this, but I suspect you could get someone up to speed with a sword in a few months, probably less than that, depending on how much time they spent training, and how seriously they committed to it.

The issue is, combat training isn't (usually) about getting to baseline proficiency, it's about being more effective than your opponent. So, if your character spent a couple years learning to fight with a sword, and they're taking on soldiers or other characters who didn't spent that much time training, or learning, they'll probably have an advantage. If they're training to go after an enemy swordmaster who spent decades matching wits and blades with their expert mentor, their skills not going to be sufficient. (Though, to be fair, if someone spent most of those two years in intense training, their skills would be pretty formidable.)

One exception here is that soldiers are often trained to proficiency, and nothing further. It doesn't mean they're not dangerous, and their ability to work together can quickly turn them into an insurmountable threat for your character, but, you're not going to be finding a lot of swordmasters mixed in with the rank and file infantry, even if they've spent longer training.

Combat experience is (generally) more valuable than training. So, if your character's been practicing to use their skills, but never been in a real fight, that's going to hamper them. Now, it's likely that their mentor would be fully aware of that, and those years of training should probably include some practical experience of some variety.

It's also likely that if your characters is engaged in intense training for that long, there may be other skills getting mixed in, to give them a better combat base. It's hard to say exactly what those skills would be, though depending on the setting it may include things like armor, or the use of alternative weapons such as daggers and cloaks. (I realize, we haven't talked about this in a moment, but a heavy cloak can be an extremely effective parrying tool when dueling, particularly against light blades like the epee or rapier. Once the blade is wrapped in a heavy fabric or leather, it can take a bit of effort to get it free again. It's not a huge detriment, but it will leave the sword's owner without the use of their weapon for a few critical moments, which is the perfect time to end them.)

Of course, if you're training a Zorro style pseudo-superhero, then things like acrobatics and (anachronistic) parkour are also options.

Depending on the era you're going for (particularly 17th and 18th century) do not overlook the effectiveness of opening a fight by pumping a musket ball into your opponent. Early, smooth-bore, pistols weren't particularly accurate at range, and were downright anemic in comparison to modern bullets, but it will still seriously mess up an unarmored fighter. Similarly, in a situation like that, your character would have to be pretty careful about not getting shot. It certainly doesn't invalidate the sword (that would come later with repeating firearms), but it will make their life a lot more perilous. (Read: interesting.)

So, could someone take a couple years to train with a sword? Yeah, absolutely, and if they committed to it, and had a good instructor, they could come out the other side of that with some fairly significant skills, and as a legitimate threat.

-Starke

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[penncilkid]

Hello hello!

This has been in the works for a little bit now and since our VC night should be well under way by the time this goes up, I'm making this post for the friends who couldn't make it as well as people interested in what our server cooked up. So hi hello, welcome to:

The SkySide Redacted Awards! [Recap Edition]

Short Version: I wanted to host a server-wide Redacted awards of sorts after being inspired by things I was seeing over here! Mainly @autisticempathydaemon and the way they do their Redacted recommendations and such because I love any opportunity to lift up others in the fandom

Now for the Longer Version: I'll be breaking this into two posts! One for the awards and one for the rec list!

For the awards themselves, I came up with a list of categories and then as a server, we nominated characters to pit against one another! Everyone who nominated someone had to provide reasoning as to why, and it was fun to see what the results were. (Note: Some of this was NSFW so mdni, please and thank you /lh)

Let's get into it!

Category: Speaker/Listener W/ The Thickest Plot Armor

Speaker: Milo! // Listener: Lovely!

Category: Speaker/Listener Who Need A Break The Most

Speaker: Elliott! // Listener: Sunshine!

Category: Speaker That Gives The Best Hugs/Cuddles

Huxley!

Category: Speaker Who Would Give The Best Shower/Bedroom Concert

Guy!

Category: Speaker W/ The Worst Bedhead

Aaron!

Category: Listener Who's The Best At Smash

Asset!

Category: Listener Who Needs To be Wrapped In Styrofoam Because They Are A Danger To Themself

Lovely!

Category: Listener Who Could Be Found Via Their Laugh Being Overheard

Angel!

Category: Most Likely To Win A Hand To Hand Fight W/ No Magic Allowed

Speaker: Porter! // Listener: Darlin!

Category: Speaker W/ The Fattest Ass

Guy!

Category: Speaker W/ The Best Dick

Milo! (Barely beat Gavin and David /lh)

Category: Speaker Most Likely To Cum Too Fast Because They Love Their Partner So Much

This was a tie between Sam and Lasko!

Category: Ultimate Brotp

Sam/Vincent!

Category: Messiest "Hear Me Out—" Pairing

Nick/Milo! (Y'ALL ARE MEAN FOR MAKING THIS ONE WIN </3 /LH)

Category: Sip Most Likely To Rain Chaos Among The Masses

Milo/Darlin/Guy/Angel!

Once again, I'd love to thank everyone in the server who participated, helped me organize, and humored this very silly time! The rec list can be found here, be sure to check it out! Peace out!

[ilcuoreardendo-fic]

From Here on Out (Echo x Reader)

I needed a little break from plotting my Echo x Jedi!OC fic, so here you go.

Takes place at the tail end of the series finale. (All because I saw a post asking what you were going to do with your clone now that you knew they were living out a long life on Pabu. Well, Echo's obviously not staying on Pabu.)

_________________

“What are you doing?”

You’d recognize that voice anywhere, challenging and firm but always with a soft-edge. For you. Even when you exasperate him. As you’re sure you’re doing right now.

You close the container of blaster power cells you were double checking, tuck it into the weave of the storage shelf. You pick up your pack, sling it over your shoulder and glance at him as you turn. He looks strange in the shiny white armor, without his neural interface. He’s staring at you; it’s too soft to be a glare, but he’s not pleased.

He’ll get over it.

“What’s it look like?” you say, heading toward the cockpit. “Coming with you.”

He sighs. His footsteps are heavy behind you. You feel his stare as you tuck your bag under the console, settle into the copilot seat.

He says your name and the way he says it, softly, like you’re something precious and fragile, makes your heart clench.

You take a breath, spin the chair to face him, looking up at his face, pale and stern. You remember the first time you met him.

The job Cid had arranged had gone sideways; you’d gotten the intel but the client had decided you wouldn’t live to possibly share it with Cid (which, admittedly, had been the plan). The Batch was sent to extract you.

Even now, what stands out isn’t the fear for your life amidst the ear splitting ring of blaster fire but Echo’s weight bearing you to the ground, his eyes, dark and serious and concerned, as he asked if you were injured; the warmth and breadth of his hands as he’d checked for himself before you’d caught his hands, assured him you were okay and watched the sweet blush spread over his nose.

“No, Echo. I stayed with the others when you decided to leave with Rex. I understood what you needed to do and that you needed peace of mind. And then I waited on Pabu because you were concerned about the coming dangers. But you realize danger came here?” You can still smell the ozone of blaster fire, the choking smoke of burned down homes and livelihoods. You can still hear the screams.

Echo looks guilty and that’s not what you’re after.

You stand, go to him, put your hand on his face, palm cupping the edge of his jaw, fingers tracing the shell of his ear. He leans into your hand. A reflex. His arm slips around you.

“I just want to protect you.”

“I know. But the galaxy isn’t a safe place. You can’t protect me. And I can’t protect you. But we can work together. We can be together. You wanted to do more? So do I. And we can do more. And look out for each other while we are. For as long as the Force or the universe or whatever will let us. And isn’t that something?”

“Sweetheart…” With a sigh, Echo closes his eyes, presses his forehead to yours. “You always make too much sense.”

“You think you’d listen to me more often, then.”

“I’m afraid I’m not very logical when it comes to you.”

“Well,” you murmur, “we can work on that.” And you kiss him, softly, almost tentative. It’s been a while and it almost feels new. His lips are warm, surprisingly soft. And he makes a noise that, if you were somewhere more private, would have you shoving him up against the wall.

Someone clears their throat and you both start, turn to the doorway where Emerie stands. You’d met her briefly when she first arrived, before getting lost in the logistics of getting the children she’d brought with her what they needed and preparing for the imminent arrival of the rescued clones.

She’s looking at the two of you—your hand still on Echo’s face, his right arm around you, scomp pressing into your lower back—with surprise but seems to catch herself, schooling her features into a neutral expression. “All of the clones who are coming to Pantora are on board,” she says and disappears back into the ship.

You glance at Echo. “Time to go.”

“You said your goodbyes?”

“I have the hug-bruises from Wrecker to prove it. Omega has my comm code. I promised to visit.”

He smiles, small, a little nervous. Genuine. “All right.”

You settle into your seats and mere moments later you’re passing through the atmosphere of the planet and into the blackness of space.

Once you get the clones settled on Pantora, with Senator Chuchi, he says, you’ll rendezvous with Rex and his remaining men and start talking plans, from rebuilding what was lost on Teth to the next blows you’ll strike against the Empire.

Echo gets the ship into hyperspace, reaches over and takes your hand. He raises it to his lips, places a warm kiss on the back of it. As he looks out at the starlight, he weaves his fingers with yours, giving your hand a squeeze.

You know what that is. A silent promise.

Everything you’ll do from here on out, you’ll do together.

[stevesbestgirl]

Would you ever write for tangerine 🍊 Cause I would disintegrate of joy

Peachy

Tangerine x f!Reader

1922 words

Warnings: major spoilers for the first third of Bullet Train- for real, this follows the plot super closely, so please watch the movie first (I super recommend), mention of a dead body, alcohol, Tan being a flirt, maybe a little OOC Tangerine, but really he's just soft on reader, pet names, sexual content, swearing, thigh riding, reader really just says "fuck it, he's hot"

You gave a squeak of surprise as a disheveled-looking man crashed into the snack cart, pinching your fingers against the plastic seat edge. You ducked your head, stifling a curse.

“Hey, why don’t you watch where you’re goin’, mate? Bloody fucking hell, it’s not hard to watch out for a pretty lady, is it?”

You glanced sharply across the aisle at the man who had spoken, a chestnut-haired stranger with a neat mustache and sparkling blue eyes. The man who had bumped the cart muttered something in Japanese and continued on his way. While the girl staffing the cart was distracted, the handsome stranger across from you palmed two packages of cookies, tucking them in his coat and sending you a quick wink, as though you were in on the secret. 

You forced your gaze away, back to the open book in front of you, though you couldn’t stop a little smile, even sinking your teeth into your lower lip. 

“What is he, fucking blind or something?” he redirected his conversation back to the man sitting across from him, who had lighter hair and a darker skin tone. You stole another glance at the pair; they were wearing matching tweed overcoats, which was rather cute. You made a conscious effort to not eavesdrop, but he spoke to you directly again, “You alright then, love?”

Nodding quickly, you forced words out before you could fully process the fact that he was still talking to you, “I’m okay. Thank you- for speaking up, I mean.”

“Well someone’s got to, don’t they? Can’t have a pretty thing like you getting all banged up, can we?” That pulled a smile from you- a real one, which he seemed to appreciate, “Now that’s what I like to see.”

Your stomach was light at his attention and you found yourself wanting more of it, "What should I call my knight in shining armor?"

"Name's Tangerine." His companion made a comment you couldn't make out and received a glare, "And this here is Lemon. And what's your name then, sweetheart?"

“Do I get to pick a fake name too?” you teased.

Lemon laughed aloud, “I think I like her.”

Tangerine leaned across the aisle, offering you one of the offending snacks from the cart, waving away your protest, “You were reaching for something, weren’t ya? Before that prick came banging down the aisle.”

“Really, I’m fine, I promise-”

“Look love, I don’t even want this. If you don’t take it, it’s going in the bin.”

Reluctantly, you accepted his offering, though you raised an eyebrow, "If you didn't want it, why'd you steal it?"

Tangerine opened his mouth to reply, but Lemon beat him to it, "Because he needs therapy."

That made you laugh, "Don't we all." Tangerine glared at Lemon, like he'd stolen something from him. You smiled at him again, “Thank you.”

“You grateful enough to give me your name then?”

“Oi-” Lemon nudged Tangerine, “Sleeping beauty is awake.” And indeed, the young man with face tattoos seated beside Tangerine was coming around. You had assumed they weren’t together. 

Your heart sank a bit as they both redirected their attention, seeming to forget about you; you missed when Tangerine stole a glance back at you, having already resumed your reading. You didn’t have to make too much of an effort not to eavesdrop this time- they kept their conversation low, easily slipping under the constant din of chatter and the rattle of train on track. 

At least, until an argument started. Tangerine was the first to escalate and soon the pair were shouting numbers back and forth at each other, counting off some kind of tally. You decided that now was a good time to get yourself a drink.

The bar was unstaffed; you grabbed a glass and mixed yourself a drink, taking a seat by the window. You considered leaving money on the counter, but Tangerine had given you a dangerous little confidence boost. He was gorgeous- and he was trouble. He made you want a bit of both. You finished your drink as the train pulled into the station, leaving the glass on the counter and heading back to your seat. 

At least, you went in that direction, only making it down a car’s length through the traffic of disembarking passengers. Once the aisle cleared, you were left facing the only other person still standing, Tangerine. His brow was furrowed as he scanned the car, not seeming to find what he was looking for.

“Everything alright?” You stepped a little closer, almost bumping into him as he began moving forward, still gazing around.

His gaze snapped to you with such intensity that you started back, but he quickly softened, catching your elbow to steady you, “I was wondering where you got to, sweetheart.”

You gestured over your shoulder, “Thought I’d get a drink. Although maybe I should have waited for you- you kind of look like you could use one.”

“Er- yeah. One of our things is missing- a briefcase. You mind helping me look for it? Maybe I can get that drink on the way.”

“That’s awful about your things, of course I’ll help you look.”

“Knew I could count on you, love.” He captured your hand in his, warmth encapsulating your fingers and flooding your cheeks as he brought you with him down the aisle. “Now, it’s a silver briefcase, with a train sticker on the handle.”

You trailed after him, scanning the cars and finding nothing. By the time you reached the bar again, Tangerine was visibly frustrated, releasing your hand to smooth back his hair. 

You paused a second before resting your palm on his bicep, "Don't worry, we'll find it."

When he glanced at you, there was a glint in his eye, but his gaze flicked up over your shoulder. You glanced back; there was a man leaning up against the window, slumped like he might be sleeping. 

Tangerine took your hand from his arm and squeezed it softly, "Gimme a second, love."

He marched over to the man, giving his shoulder a shake, "You mind giving us a minute here, mate?"

But the man's head lolled, making his center of gravity shift. The body slipped from the seat onto the floor of the car, revealing a knife wound on the chest and dead eyes beneath sunglasses. Your gasp was lost under the curse from Tangerine. Stumbling back, you bumped into the bar, making the glasses rattle on the wall.

Tangerine didn't move to comfort you right away; he watched the way you struggled to look at anything other than at the body, the way you tensed when you failed. 

Then he approached slowly, his hands raised, "Alright love, I'm gonna need you to relax for me alright?"

"How are you so calm?" His eyebrows drew in, making him look rather guilty and your stomach twisted, "It's not really your briefcase we're looking for, is it?"

He planted his fists on his hips, blowing out a breath, "Of course it is." He sounded offended that you would even ask. "Let's put it this way: that briefcase belongs to a friend of mine. And if I don't get it back and return it to him, he's going to be very, very angry with me, understand love?"

"Oh my god, you're a thief."

"I am not a thief," he protested adamantly."I'm an assassin." And whether you like it or not, sweetheart, it looks like you're involved now." 

He expected you to cry, to be completely honest. Or he thought maybe you'd hit him- it wouldn't be the first time that had happened. But he didn't expect you to grin, "Does that mean I get a code name?"

"Er, sure." He cupped your elbow, "You're taking this very well. You sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine." You raised an eyebrow, "I thought you wanted to find that case."

Tangerine lifted a brow, seeming impressed, "How about pumpkin?"

"Pumpkin?"

"For your code name, love, keep up if you can," he grinned.

“I’m going to choose to believe you’re trying to be cute and not commenting on my weight.”

“Alright, fair. Clementine ain’t too bad though.”

“If you call me Clem, I swear-”

“Okay, okay, I’ll keep working on it.” He snapped his fingers, “Got it- Peach.”

You crooked an eyebrow, “I don’t hate it. Give it a go.”

The corner of his mouth twitched in that signature smirk of his just before he leaned in, pressing you against the bar with one hand on your hip and the other on the counter behind you. “C’mere, Peach,” he breathed the words up your neck, his nose tracing the line of your jaw before he cupped it in his palm, ghosting his lips over yours.

And then he smirked again at the way your lips parted in surprise, making heat rise in your cheeks, "Not bad, hm?"

"Alright Tan, you've made your point," you huffed, placing a hand flat on his chest.

He captured your wrist between his fingers, "And now we're getting cozy with each other." His voice was almost a hum, barely audible over the train, but you heard him clearly.

Your breath seemed to catch in your throat as you met those sparkling blue eyes and then his lips were on yours. His hands slipped over your waist to cup your hips, pulling you toward him as though he didn't already have you pinned to the bar. 

Not that you minded, wrapping an arm around his neck, you threaded fingers into his hair and held him just as tightly. His soft lips explored yours, surprisingly gentle compared to the way his hands were groping at your waist. 

He slotted his leg between your thighs, grabbing your hips with both hands, "We've only got a minute now, love, so I need you to do exactly as I say, understand?"

You nodded, the breathy affirmation leaving your lips not sounding much like you, "Yes Tan."

"That's a good girl," he breathed, sending sparks right to your core just before he dug his fingers into your hips, grinding you over his thigh. At the sounds of your strangled moans, he smirked, "You like that, Peach?" One hand left your hips to cup your jaw, his thumb grazing your lower lip as he lowered his head to your neck again, tongue tracing over the sensitive skin there and he continued to guide you along his thigh.

"Come on now, pretty girl, be a peach for me, will you?"

He chuckled softly at his own joke, his mustache tickling your neck, but the humor was lost on you as your breathing grew rapid, the pressure of his thigh between your legs making you gasp with each movement of your hips, guided by Tangerine's fingers on your hip, which were sure to leave marks when he let go.

You cried out, your hips moving in time with his guidance without your direction as you chased your release.

Biting down on the juncture of your neck and shoulder, Tan hummed, "This is only just the beginning, sweet Peach. Because you belong to me now." He slipped his thumb into your mouth as you rode his thigh, the taste of him on your tongue sending you over the edge.

"Tan, T-" convulsions racked your body as an orgasm swept through you, slackening your muscles and leaving you panting against Tangerine's chest.

He cupped your chin, stealing a kiss from your lips before he smiled, “Come on then, we’d better get moving.”

[jazeswhbhaven]

Wish good health and positive vibes to that salt anon, bless their salty heart.

With the MC stuff going down I think I felt I identified a few things. We know what happened with MC's parents but it's never been touched at all and I think PB made a huge mistake. Because that part is probably a good start to give some flesh on that bone that does nothing but bone every devil. Hence why people are complaining that MC is horny...yes it's a horny game but MC's only personality is that and that can fall short without any substance, or clash with the story.

The real questions that need to be ask is: What is WHB MC doing in the story to give them any merit? The answer is: not much. We could give them merit during the end of Chapter 3-4 with Nina and Leamas...but then the dildo thing ruined it. And speaking from the narrative...what else do we know about the MC? They're Solomon's descendant, and for the devils, Solomon was the big deal and very dear to them. But again, this is where the writing falls short. I remembered there was an argument about if the devils even value MC because they're MC and not Solomon's descendant but I won't touch on that we know the devils like MC and it's really just plot armor. I shouldn't be sitting here reading and wondering what EXACTLY makes the devils LIKE MC? Because MC barely has done a lick of anything than sit there and watch, oogles devils, gets kidnapped, gets hanged, etc etc. I guess for me, MC isn't impressive which I expect from a faceless character, they're frustrating because all they have going for them is their horny thoughts but they're ragdolled throughout the chapters and haven't done anything useful even though they're the key for this war deal going on(I swear if chapter 6 makes them a joke again I'm killing everyone in the room), and honestly any sort of situations that's meant to be funny isn't funny to me unless it's just the devils interacting. Then again I enjoy taking a backseat and watching characters interact than any MC in any game.

On a lighter note: if someone as useless as MC can have 6(7) kings and that many devils wanting their dick/cooch then please open the gates and ship all of us to Hell. Unlike MC who dawdles there, we're ALL willing.

Dialing back to answer some old inbox asks before all the new stuff happened (phewihavealottocatchupon)

But yes anon, I wonder though if your opinion on MC is the same after chapter 6 if you've finished it? I'd like to hear your thoughts now that we've seen a bit of push back from MC and them at least vocalizing things this time around.

Now since I don't know if you've finished the chapter, I won't go into too much detail but they DID slip up and it made me shake my head. But at the same time...they're human and perhaps that slip up was bond to happen. (if you did finish it and you know what I'm talking about feel free to chime in on that)

Without getting into Chapter 6, I feel that MC is indeed not giving me much to go on for the valid reason of their plot armor. I'm sure they can help with the entire underground lab thing that's going on, but from what I gather...chapter 7 is probably going to piss off most of us when it gets down to the wire of what MC needs to do.

But that's just my early predictions, I already feel my dread coming from that cliffhanger....

[writeforfandoms]

Warrior Song 4

Find the series masterlist

Still working our way towards some plot, some fun, and some silliness. 

Don’t take any of this too seriously - I am playing very fast and loose with canon on this fic. Also, I named the Weapon Joy. Because I can. 

Warnings: Swearing, frustration, one mildly suicidal joke, self-deprecation, one smooch. 

Word count: 2.7k

Just a couple days later, Chief returned. Which you wouldn’t have known, since you’d hidden in the back of the medbay to make more painkiller tea, except that someone started calling your name. 

“What’s up?” you asked Carter, emerging enough to see him. 

He looked both relieved and upset, which was… definitely a combination. One that stirred unease in your heart. “The Master Chief is asking for you,” he said in a hiss, as if someone were listening in. “Hurry up!”

“What?” You frowned but set your things down, following Carter. “That’s ridiculous.”

“It’s true! He asked! I heard him!” Carter trotted off, expecting you to follow. Which you did. 

Fernando spotted you and smiled, a brief look of relief crossing his features. “We heard everyone moved here,” he said, giving you a quick once-over.

“Yeah, we’re all here. All is well.” You paused. “Well enough, anyway. You? Any injuries?”

“No, no, I stay out of the fighting, let the big guy handle it.” He jerked a thumb towards an exam room with a wry grin. “Better that way.” 

You hummed acknowledgement of that. “I’m glad to see you’re alright.” 

The door to the exam room opened and your boss stepped out, expression tight. “I thought you weren’t on shift,” she said when she saw you, just on the edge of actually pissed off. 

“I was just doing some work in the back, on my own time.” You straightened your shoulders, standing taller, refusing to be cowed. 

And she might have had more to say, except the Chief stepped out of the exam room, taking in everything in a glance from behind his helmet. He nodded to you and walked out, Fernando on his heels. 

“You–” Your boss turned on you, expression going cold. 

“I’ll get out of here,” you hurriedly agreed, before she could really get started. “Carter, take care of the teas in the back, please.” And you beat a hasty retreat after the Chief and Fernando. 

You never claimed to be brave. 

“Have you seen the other Spartans yet?” you asked, jogging a little to catch up to the two men. Who both turned to look at you.

“Others?” Chief asked quietly.

“Yeah. I know there are a few around on a rotating basis, but I’ve seen Kelly, Blue Three, a few times. And Blue Four, and one other, were here yesterday, I spotted all three of them together.” You shrugged. It made sense to you - all Spartans probably knew each other, especially since they’d all been on the Infinity together. And you were like ninety percent certain all four were from the same generation of Spartans. 

“Where?” He sounded interested now, more animated. 

“No idea where they are now, but I’ll show you where I’ve seen them before.” You took the lead, heading off a bit to the side of the main camp. The area had been set aside for what armor maintenance was possible, as well as some sleeping quarters. 

Chief overtook you then, heading straight for an armored Spartan. You hung back with Fernando, feeling almost like you were intruding on something. 

“Are you okay?” Fernando asked quietly, looking at you.

“Me? Of course. Yeah, I’m fine.” You forced a little laugh, looking away. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You just seem…” But Fernando trailed off, apparently giving up on words. You were rather grateful for that. 

“I’m gonna go get some food,” you lied, suddenly desperate with the need to be anywhere else. “Let me know if you guys need help with anything, okay?” And you were gone, trotting off before Fernando could really object. 

Apparently today was just not a day that you could be a proper person. You needed something else to do. Going back to make more tea was not an option, and you didn’t want to hinder anyone stuck with you for searching through the Reverie. 

Which left the old standard: searching for plants. 

You didn’t intend to wander far. You didn’t take a soldier with you either. You just… slipped off. Quietly. Without even stopping to get a basket. 

You just needed something to keep yourself busy until your brain stopped overloading. That was all. 

You didn’t come back with much of anything useful, but you did at least come back before dark. 

Even though you regretted it the next day by noon.

Your head ached from clenching your teeth, your shoulders ached from holding your tension, and you were so close to snapping at someone you weren’t sure whether to run or seek out a fight. 

And your boss was officially on your shit list. 

You left medbay the moment you could, stomping away. A few people moved out of your way, eyes wide, as if you were actually dangerous. You nearly laughed, but couldn’t quite manage it. Instead you scanned for somewhere, anywhere, you could hide until you regained your composure.

A Pelican. Probably the only one you’d seen. You made straight for it, hoping it would be empty and you could hide inside for a few minutes. 

Luck was not on your side. 

Chief, Fernando, and a blue glowing AI all turned to look at you as you hopped up the ramp. You stopped, heart pounding, hands shaking. 

“Just let me hide here for twenty minutes,” you blurted, and immediately winced. “Please.” 

“What’s wrong?” Chief spoke first, shifting your way. 

“Nothing. Not the kind of thing you can shoot.” You shrugged, frustrated and a little embarrassed. “Nevermind.”

“Wait,” Fernando reached out a hand, pausing before he actually caught hold of your arm. “Use the cockpit, close the doors. Take as long as you want.” 

“Thank you.” You swallowed hard and stepped past him, going into the cockpit and closing the doors. You sank to the floor, putting your head down and focusing on breathing. 

You weren’t sure how long you sat there, calming down, settling back in your own skin, before a knock on the door caught your attention. 

“Chief had an idea,” Fernando called, raising his voice a little to be heard through the metal. “If you wanna hear it.”

One last deep breath bolstered you enough to stand, and you opened the door. You still felt a little off-kilter, but better. “Yeah?” 

“We found somewhere we marked to recon later,” Fernando explained. “Figured we could head up there now.” 

You eyed him and then Chief. “Long as I don’t need a gun,” you quipped, relaxing a little. 

“Great!” Fernando grinned as he stepped past you. “I’m gonna assume you’re normal and need to strap in.”

You laughed a little. “What, does he not?”

“Never. Just stands there.” Fernando settled in the pilot seat, and you picked a seat near Chief. The engines rumbled to life, and you hung on a little harder to the grips. 

“You’ll be fine.” The comforting rumble from Chief made you raise your gaze to him, finding him half-facing you, visor as impenetrable as ever. But his stance was relaxed, weapon on his back. He was unconcerned. 

“I don’t have the best associations with flying,” you admitted, shivering as you felt the Pelican lift off. “Did I see an AI earlier?” 

“Hi!” The voice was female and chirpy, and Chief held out one hand to show the AI again. “I’m Joy.” 

“Hi Joy.” You glanced up at Chief. “Nice to meet you.” 

“You too! I’ve heard a lot about you.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Fernando is still impressed with the way you shout at people.”

You laughed, somehow surprised when it was a little wet. “Yeah, well. Don’t think I’ll be doing much of that.” You drew in a deep breath, grimacing at a bit of turbulence that rumbled the ship. “How long is the flight?”

“Not long,” Joy chirped. “We should be at our destination within ten minutes.” 

“Great.” You held tighter at another little tremble through the ship. 

“You’re okay.” Chief moved, surprising you when he stood between you and the back of the Pelican. Boxing you in, more or less. Seated as you were, you were even smaller than him than normal. But you didn’t feel intimidated. Just… safe. 

“Do you always do this?” You couldn’t quite stop yourself from asking, and regretted it almost immediately. 

“Do what?” 

“Put yourself between people and danger, even if it’s just perceived.” 

“Often,” came the answer after a few long moments of silence. But he didn’t move. 

You tipped your head back to stare straight up into the visor, frowning just a little. “So who supports you when you need it?” 

The Pelican dipped suddenly, unexpectedly, and you very nearly shrieked, clinging to the handholds. Chief didn’t even say anything, just put one hand on your shoulder, keeping you firmly in your seat.

“Sorry, sorry!” Fernando called back from the pilot seat. “Had to take a little detour to get there.” 

“Detour?” Chief did not sound amused. 

“Not a direct route from here, parts of one of those towers had gotten in the way.” 

You closed your eyes and held your jaw tightly closed. You were not going to throw up on the Master Chief. It wasn’t going to happen. Not a chance. Nope. No way. 

“Almost there,” Fernando said. Your stomach dropped as the Pelican did, and then it landed with a thump. You didn’t move. 

The ramp opened and you opened your eyes to make sure Chief was out of the way before you dashed outside. Still no throwing up. Good. Small favors. 

And then the sight actually hit you and you forgot all about your stomach. The Pelican had landed much further up than you had been before, and you could see where the ground dropped away in a series of small cliffs. But more importantly, to the side of that–

“Are those hot springs?”

“That was my guess.” Fernando stopped next to you, Chief on your other side. “Figured those would help morale.” 

"I'll check it out!" You started towards the hot springs. 

And almost immediately stopped as Chief got in front of you. 

"Wait."

"Oh come on! There's nothing up here except for us." You scowled a little up at the visor. 

"Just wait." 

"Best not to argue with him, he's stubborn," Fernando advised. 

When you threw up your hands but subsided, Chief nodded and walked the perimeter of the hot springs, alert. Finally, he nodded to the two of you. 

You beat Fernando to the water, having given up on any semblance of dignity, and crouched to put a hand in to test the temperature. "Oh, stars, it's warm." 

"I'm getting in." Fernando's vest hit the ground a moment later. 

You turned away to give him a semblance of privacy, and to take some for yourself, and jumped when you found Chief a few feet away. 

"Turn around, please." You made a shooing motion at Chief. He tipped his head just a little to one side. "I need a little privacy." 

Chief huffed. But turned around. 

You did a quick bit of hopping and tossing your clothes before jumping in the water. Your underthings would be wet, but for a hot soak, you’d deal with it. The noise you made was nearly sinful as you immediately sank to your neck in warm water. 

"This is the best thing ever," you said with feeling, eyes closing in absolute bliss. "I could kiss whoever spotted this." 

"That would be Chief," Fernando told you, and when you opened your eyes again he was relaxing back against the wall opposite you. He looked quite relaxed as well. "You have him to thank." 

"Remind me to kiss him." You beamed, warm and comfortable for the first time in what felt like ages. 

Fernando wheezed out a little laugh. "I would pay to see that." 

You chuckled and leaned your head back. "This is bliss. Absolute bliss. I don't think we should tell anyone so we can just come up here when we want." 

"That idea has merit." Fernando sank lower in the water until his chin was submerged. He blew a few bubbles, making you snicker. 

"Chief," you called. "Get in here." 

"Negative." He barely even glanced your way. 

"Doctor's orders." You hummed. "This is therapeutic and you need it too." 

Chief shook his head. "I need to keep watch." 

You stood up to look over at Chief. "We're the only ones here. We've got the high ground, no one's gonna sneak up on us." 

"You two enjoy." Chief continued a slow patrol of the area, glancing over at the hot spring every so often. 

"Leave him," Fernando grunted, stretching out under the water. "I'll drag him back up here sometime for his turn." 

"I'll help." You sank back into the warm water, sighing in bliss. "I live here now. This is my new home. The base can do without me." 

Fernando chuckled. "What did happen, earlier?" 

You sighed again, but with much less pleasure this time. "I'm sick of people questioning me. Assuming I can't do my job, or I have ulterior motives, or whatever." You smiled up at the sky, sad and frustrated and defeated. "If it keeps happening, I may commit murder. Or walk to the edge of the Halo and throw myself off." 

Fernando sucked in a breath, eyes open now as he watched you. “If you’re joking, that’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking.” You closed your eyes, unable to face him for this. “I have one job, Fernando. One. I am the third most harmless person on this ring. If I can’t do my job and I’m useless for everything else, why even bother.” 

“Hey.” The water sloshed as Fernando moved, and a moment later a hand landed on your shoulder. You opened your eyes to find Fernando stopped at just under arm’s length from you, respecting your privacy while still offering a point of physical contact. “You’re doing great, you know that? Way better than I would be.” 

“I’m really not.” 

“I had a breakdown in front of Chief six or seven hours after we met.” Fernando spoke carefully but mostly without shame. “It’s been weeks since you met him. You’re doing great.”

You laughed, a little wet but genuine. “Well if that’s the metric,” you joked, leaning in a little closer. “Oh man. He probably dragged you all over without even so much as a by-your-leave, huh?”

“Got it in one.” His smile was crooked but there and genuine. 

“I can still hear you.” The comment was very dry, bordering on amused. 

“So no more gossiping about how pushy he is?” You smiled. 

“I mean, what’s he gonna do? Leave us here?” Fernando grinned, leaning back into his own spot. “Fine by me.” 

You nearly cackled, sinking back down in the water. “Yeah, you’re right. We’re good here.” 

Eventually, though, Chief walked over and stood at the edge of the hot spring. “Time to go.” 

Fernando groaned but stood, turning to haul himself out of the water. You turned away and found a hand held out, ready to assist. The visor, of course, gave nothing away. But when you took his hand, Chief hauled you out of the water like you weighed nothing. 

These Spartans were really going to get to you one of these days. Sooner rather than later if these displays continued. 

“Thank you,” you muttered, feeling distinctly warm as Chief let you go. You grabbed your clothes and tugged them on, grimacing at the pull of wet skin on dry clothes. Worth it, though. 

The flight back down to base was short and thankfully smooth, although that didn’t help your nerves. What helped your nerves was Chief wordlessly moving to block you in, one hand on your shoulder to hold you steady. 

The ramp lowered and you stood, still riding the high of a hot soak. And, well, you had said you’d do this… 

“Chief?” 

He turned to look at you. You heard the door to the cockpit open. You took a deep breath. 

And managed to get a good enough grip on his shoulders to haul yourself up to plant a kiss on the jaw of the helmet. 

“Thank you.” One last dazzling smile to the extremely still Spartan and you were gone, dashing off to your bunk to properly dry off and get into clean clothes. 

That was enough bravery for the next year.

[rinwritesfics]

The Wedding - Part 4

Plot: You’ve been invited to the wedding of the millennia, but as a senator it is determined that you need an escort. Fox offers to be your plus-one to keep you safe.

Warnings: none

Word Count: 949

Author’s Note: I again have to express my gratitude for my partner for how this entire multipart journey expanded for the better. And for the readers who followed it with us.

Part 1/Part 2/Part 3

Part 4

A week passed. The entire time, you had thrown yourself into your duties. Not to mention, you had finished your holonovel. You had done everything to get past that feeling you had for the Commander. But late at night, the way he looked at you while you danced lingered in your mind. His hand in yours, the other on your waist….

You tore yourself from the memory yet again and set aside the new holonovel you were trying to focus on. It was no use rereading the same paragraph, it wasn’t going to stick.

A knock sounded on your door and you sighed. Who could it be this late?

You were about to snap at the person when you saw red armor. But it wasn’t Fox.

“Commander Thorn. What can I do for you?”

“Senator, may I come in? I realize it’s late, but I have something urgent for you to review.” He held a datapad in his hand.

“Of course, come in.” You stepped aside, allowing him to enter. “Can I get you anything?”

“No, but thank you.” He handed you the datapad. A video was queued up.

“Commander, I don’t understand -” you began, but he removed his helmet.

“Please. Just watch it.”

You pressed play on it and the video started, panning to Fox who was in his blacks and holding a dummy in his arms the way he held you.

The voice behind the camera said, “And here, we have the reputable and highly respectable Coruscant Guard Commander Fox, learning to waltz. A dummy dancing with a dummy.”

On-screen, Fox shot his brother a dirty look, “Shut up, Thorn. This has to be perfect.”

“Why, are you trying to impress the Senator?”

“I’m just trying not to embarrass her.” Fox replied, stumbling over one foot in the process. Thorn roared with laughter behind the camera.

“You are going to need a miracle.”

“Shut up.”

Fox tripped again and Thorn laughed again. Finally, Thorn asked, “What’s the real reason you’re learning to dance?”

Fox sighed. “Put that thing away and I’ll tell you.”

The camera flipped wildly and you could see the back wall of the training room. “Go on,” drawled Thorn.

“I just want her to have a good time at the wedding. Even if she’s with someone she doesn’t want to be there with.”

What struck you was even though the camera was facing away, Fox’s voice was quieter than usual. Heat rose into your cheeks. The video stopped and you looked up at Thorn.

“Senator, I know it’s not really my place to give you advice unless you ask for it, but Fox… Fox really worked hard to be a good plus one to your event. And he won’t say it, but he’s a little different, now.”

“Different?” You handed his datapad back, trying to get your hands to not shake. He didn’t take it.

“Different.” Thorn nodded. “He’s… he’s a little harsher. We’re trying not to take it personally, but I have to ask. If the trip meant something to you the way it meant something to him, please let him know. And something tells me it may have.”

He paused, then continued, “If it didn’t, please forgive me for speaking out of line.”

You tried again to hand the datapad back, but he shook his head. “Hold on to it. I can ask Fox to come by to pick it up if you would like.”

You retracted your hand, nodding. You didn’t trust your voice to hold steady.

After Thorn left, you watched the video again and smiled a little.

Oh, Fox….

True to his word, the next Corrie Guard at your door wasn’t Thorn but Fox. His helmet was on and when you opened your door, the greeting was extremely stiff and formal. You invited him in.

“I had better not, Senator. I promised Thorn I’d pick up his datapad that you found and return it to him on my way back from a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor.”

“Oh. I-I see that Thorn was wrong. My mistake.” You handed him the datapad and turned away from the door.

“I knew he didn’t lose it.” He cleared his throat. “What did… what did Thorn say?”

“It doesn’t matter now.”

“I… it does to me.” His voice was soft as he said your name. His tone was just like it was when you two were dancing. You turned back to him, lips parted and he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Please….”

You said quietly, “He said… he said that the event meant a lot to you. He said that it meant something to you. Was he wrong?”

Fox took his helmet off and set both it and the datapad on the small table by your door. “He was right, but it wasn’t his place to say.”

“I’m glad he did. Because I knew you wouldn’t.” You paused. “I wouldn’t have, either.”

“I’m sorry for hurting you. I had called you by your title by accident, but then I couldn’t take it back. I wasn’t aware it would cause so much pain.”

You tentatively reached for one of his hands. “I’m sorry, too.”

He brought your hand up to his lips and gently kissed it, not breaking eye contact the entire time. As soon as his hold on your hand loosened, you put both hands on his cheeks and pulled him into a kiss. A moment passed before you broke the kiss and you gasped.

“Oh, Maker, I am so sorry Fox, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Whatever it was, I want it to again.” He gently tilted your chin again and pulled you back into the kiss.

Taglist for this: @fakegingerr, @liana-07, @trixie2023

[andydrysdalerogers]

Undercover ~ Five ~ My Girl

Pairings: Jake Jensen and OFC Samantha Matthews

The Losers have made it back to their families and are out. Well, almost. A threat against the British crown needs to be handled and the CIA has tapped the Losers for one final mission. And they are sending in Jensen.

Jake Jensen hasn't been a civilian in years but now he's undercover to find out why his target is where he is and who he's after.

Enter Sam, someone who Jake doesn't expect and well, he didn't know he was looking for.

Can Jake handle his mission and falling in love? Especially when the truth leads to a bigger mission than expected?

*~* A Jake Jensen Story *~*

Author's note: this story continues after the events of the Losers. I may weave other characters into it but they are all minor. THE TAGLIST IS OPEN.

The playlist is available on Spotify.

cover photo by me! Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Warnings: angst, death, smut, and a bunch of stuff a can’t say because it gives away the plot!

Previous: Four ~ Sara Lee's

Story Masterlist // Main Masterlist

You know that phrase �� walking on cloud nine? 

That’s Jake.  

He has no idea how he got to work.  

He has no idea how he got dressed.  

He only has one thing on his mind.  

Sam.  

His princess.  

Not the nickname he meant to have for her, but it works because she is just too precious and beautiful.  He wanted to be her knight in shiny armor, the one to slay the dragon.  With perfect timing, My Girl by the Temptations hits his headphones and Jake smiles as he hums to himself.  He gets to his floor, doing a little dance before he sees something that bothers him. He pulled off one of his headphones. 

“Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Anderson is not here yet so I will need to ask you to leave.”  

Jake could hear the frustration mixed with fear laced in Sam’s voice. He stepped close but out of the line of sight.  He knew Sam was strong but if she needed back up, he would step in.  

“Miss Matthews, don’t you want me to be close to you?” John cooed at her.  

“I’d rather sit on a cactus,” she replied.  “Now, please leave.”  

“I think you are making a rather foolish mistake, Samantha.”  John took a step forward.  

“And I think you are asking for a sexual harassment lawsuit,” she threw back at him.  

That was enough for Jake.  He stepped forward, “Hey Sam!”  

Sam sighed in relief.  “Hi JJ.” She moved to give Jake a kiss and a hug, missing the absolute rage face John gave the couple.  “You sleep well?” 

“Like a log. Nothing but good dreams,” he flashed her his signature half smile that positively would bring her to her knees.  

“Same.  Coffee later?” 

“Actually, since we are still early, would you like to nip down to Starbucks. My treat?” 

“I’d love to. Let me grab my bag.”  She turned back to her desk and gasped. “I left it in the break room.  I’ll be right back.”  She left her office, leaving the two men.  

“What do you think you are doing, Jensen?”  

“Taking my girl for coffee, Fitzgerald.” Jake got up in his face, still an inch or two taller than the man.  “You harass her again and I will pummel your ass.”  

Fitzgerald smirked. “You have no idea who you are dealing with, do you?” 

Jake knew he had to make the man think he was underestimating him.  He knew exactly who he was dealing with.  Ex-special forces for M-I 6, currently a for-hire mercenary, trained in multiple styles of martial arts, expert marksman.  But he needed John to keep his guard down on unassuming nerdy tech Jake Jensen.  

“Yeah, some punk accountant who won’t leave a lady alone after she asked nicely.  I know a great attorney.  Leave her alone.” Jake spun around and went to find Sam.  

John gritted his teeth as he watched the IT nerd walk away.  Jake Jensen was messing with the wrong man and the wrong cause.  

Sam walked out of the break room and found a gorgeous man waiting for her.  “Well, isn’t my knight in t-shirt armor.”  

“At your service, milady,” he replied with a bow. She giggled as he offered his arm, and she threaded her own through.  “So, I never asked, are you a straight coffee drinker or do you like specialty?”  

“Depends on the day.  If it's bad, I want all the sugar.  If it’s normal I’m ok with anything.”  

“So, if I make you mad, I need to bring you the sweetest coffee to butter you up.  Got it.  Filed that in my Sam folder.”  

That made Sam laughs out loud.  “Your Sam folder?” 

“Everything I've ever learned about you. All filed away for all scenarios.” He tapped his temple. “ For example, last night, I brought you a gin martini and a vodka one, but you only really drank the gin one.  Noted and filed.  You rearrange your burger plate before eating.  Now I know you like organization.”  

Sam looked at him with a blank face.  

Jake swallowed and patted the back of his neck.  “Sorry, I guess it’s the Ex-military in me.  I was trained to observe and retain.”  

Sam pulled him close to her and she got up on her tip toes.  “I think its super sweet,” she mumbled against his lips before pressing them to hers. Jake wrapped his arm around her waist to bring her closer and deepen the kiss slightly.  He pulled back to breathe, and they both had goofy smiles.  

The rest of the day flew, with Sam and Jake softly flirting through the instant messages.  A permanent smile was etched on Sam’s face and Mike took notice.  

“Who is he?” 

Sam jumped as Mike laughed at her reaction.  “What?” 

“Who is making the old Samantha reappear.” He took a sip of his afternoon coffee as he studied the flush of her cheeks.  

“Umm, just a guy,” she replied, feeling her ears getting warm.  

“Right.  About six feet, blond hair, glasses, new manager of our security tech team?” 

“What?” She squeaked.  

“Sam, sweetheart, its ok.  If Jake makes you happy then I’m all for it.  It's been a couple of years since Terry.  You deserve this.”  

“Thanks Mike.  We had our first date last night and hopefully have one tonight.”  

“Well, good luck.”  

The end of the day came, and Jake made his way over to Sam as close shop for the weekend.  “Ready to go princess?” 

“Sure JJ.”  She smiled at him and took his hand.  He led them out.  

“I was thinking, dinner and the carnival the next town over. What do ya say?” 

“I love the carnival.  You gonna win me a bear, JJ?” 

He kissed the side of her head as he put his arm around her.  “I’ll win you the biggest bear ever princess.”  

Jake drove Sam out to an Italian restaurant, treating her to one of the best lasagna she had ever had. The conversation flowed, Sam laughing at the stories Jake would share, Jake at full attention whenever Sam would tell a little more about herself.  

As the evening drew to a close, Jake walked Sam to her door, her newly won bear in her arms.  “I had an amazing night with you JJ.”  

“It was pretty good princess. Do you like your bear?” 

She looked down at the electric pink bear that had sparkles in its fur.  “I love it. Thank you for winning it for me.”  She looked up at him, her doe eyes making him feel like he was lost in the universe.  

He swallowed.  “It was my pleasure, princess.”  He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. She melted against him as she moaned, and he deepened the kiss. He pulled back, just a bit to breathe, their lips still touching.  

“You wanna come in JJ?” She whispered against him.  

“Yeah,” he kissed her again, softly, before he let her go enough for her to turn and open the door.  Once they made it inside, Jake grasped her under her thighs to lift her up, Sam giggling as she held on around his neck, kissing right behind his ear.  

Jake growled at the sensation as he sat on her couch, forcing her to straddle his lap. His hands loved to her ass, kneading and squeezing, causing little moans to slip out of her mouth.  His mouth was busy, kissing around her neck. “JJ, god, please Jake.”  

“Tell me what you want, pretty girl.” Jake nipped at her collarbone. 

Sam lost her words but pushed her hips down onto his growing erection, causing him to groan at the pressure. She kissed him harder as she began to move back and forth.  

“So, my princess is a bad girl.” Jake pulled her back so she could look into his eyes.  “Good.  Because I want you to beg me. Where is your room?” 

“It's...uh... shit... down the hall. Last door.”  She squealed as Jake lifted her up, showing off how strong his arms were and carried her to her bedroom.  He laid her down on the bed and pulled off her shoes as she stared at him with her pupils blown.  

“I’m going to wreck you, pretty girl.”  She moaned softly as her hips floated up uncontrollably.  “You like that, Samantha?  She nodded as he crawled up to undo the button of her pants.  

“Jakey, please,” she wailed.  

“Oh, baby, I bet you taste good.” He placed his nose at the apex of her thighs and inhaled, smelling the arousal in her panties.  He placed a kiss over her clothed heat, and she jumped.  Jake smiled and moved upward, kissing her skin, gripping the hem of her blouse.  He pulled it up with him and placed kisses over the swell of her perky breasts. She tasted sweet to him, like forbidden fruit.  

Jake gave her a soft but deep kiss as he let his finger run over the silk of her panties, feeling the moisture that was now seeping through. He began to kiss down, dipping his tongue in her navel.  As he moved, he pulled her panties down to reveal herself to him. “Goddamm baby, you look delicious.”  He let his tongue explore her folds.  He listened to her mewl, “more,” and he smiled. He lifted her legs over his shoulders, smiled at her before sitting up, basically letting Sam dangle off his body.  

“JJ?” She questioned with a tremble in her voice.  

“Oh princess, I want you to feel everything.”  He latched onto her clit and began sucking and nibbling, getting Sam to start screaming.  He let a finger play with her folds before inserting his middle finger in. Sam could feel his rather thick finger penetrate her and she knew he was going to be big.  And then she realized he was still fully clothed while she was still in her bra. The roughness of his shirt against her ass just heightened her delight of his roughness.  

Jake couldn’t remember the last time a pussy tasted so good.  He was lost in her taste as he ate her like a man starved.  He could feel her clenching his finger as he moved, working to find that spot in her that would driver her crazy.  It took a couple of minutes but soon she started to squirm away from it.  “A-ha! I found it,” Jake crowed.  He worked her hard and then he heard... 

“Jake! I’m gonna cum! Oh god!” 

“Let go princess! Give me all your nectar!” Jake pushed a couple more times until Sam wailed and he tasted the sweet honey she released.  He worked her through the high before gently letting her down.  As he looked at her dazed look, he smiled and let her lay there, chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.  Jake chuckled and worked on removing his clothes.  He fished for a condom from his wallet before letting his pants fall on the floor. Sam’s eyes began to focus when he moved to remove his boxers and roll on the rubber over his impressive length.   

“J-jake? I don’t think it will fit,” she said with a gasp.  

“Oh baby, I’ll go slow.” He climbed on top of her and pushed her legs farther apart to make room. He slotted in between and rubbed his tip in between her folds.  She mewled but still looked nervous.  “If you want me to stop, just say the word, princess.”  

“No, I want this JJ, I’m just nervous.”  

“Don’t be, princess.  I’m not gonna hurt you.”  He kissed her softly as he pushed slowly into her.  She groaned at the stretch, the fullness she was feeling.  It was nothing like Terry or anyone else for that matter.  “Sam, so tight, you were just made for me, weren’t you?” He didn’t stop until he was all the way in. He gave her a moment until she pleaded with him to move, and he slowly pulled out, as she cried out from the sensation.  Jake froze for a second.  “Princess, am I hurting you?” 

“No JJ, it feels so good.  Like a dream.  Please don’t stop.”  

Jake smiled as he pushed in faster and a little harder. His tip reached that spot in her that made her see stars. Sam moaned and groaned in pleasure, the fullness completing her.  “Harder, Jake, please.”  

Jake lifted Sam’s legs over his hip and began to pound her into the mattress.  “Like this, little girl?  You want me to ruin you for anyone else?” 

“Yes! Jake! Please! Oh god!”  Sam was starting to lose herself in the moment.  “Jake!” 

“Cum for me Samantha, squeeze me good.”  

Sam shuddered as her second orgasm washed over her, screaming Jake’s name as he showed no mercy, trying to reach his own high.  It didn’t take long, Sam was squeezing him in a vice grip. “Fuck! Sam!” Jake thrusted once more and released into the condom.  He landed on top of her but put most of his weight on his arms.  

The room was quiet except for their heavy breathing.  “Are you ok?” Jake asked.  

“I’m perfect JJ.”  Sam smiled softly as she kissed his nose.  

I’ll be right back, he kissed her forehead and carefully pulled out of her.  He went into the ensuite to clean up and grabbed as wash cloth.  He carefully cleaned her up and then climbed back into the bed.  

“You understand that I will never let you go now, right?”  Jake asked as she snuggled on his chest. He could feel Sam smile against his skin.  

“You understand that I don’t want to be anywhere else, right?” 

Jake smiled and kissed her forehead, holding her a little tighter as they drifted off to sleep.  

John stared at the couple in bed, sound asleep, naked as they held each other.  It would be so easy to kill then right now but he needed to bide his time.  The only way for the plan to succeed was to keep Sam alive.  

John walked out of the house and reset the alarms so as not to alert them.  He lit a cigarette as he walked away, the smell of sex had turned him on.  Soon, it would be him and Samantha in the throes of passion.  And Jake would be gone from this world.   

NEXT

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

@kmc1989

@kandis-mom

@lokislady82

[skiirtip]

thank you very much one person who likes my random post LMAOO

another drabble, sun-focused, introducing some new lore/plot

tw sun is violent, and he's accidentally in a cult, and hes very much manipulated

not beta read i. no no wanna

cut just in case

~~~

“What are you doing?”

The voice makes you jump in surprise. You slam the drawer closed and shoot up as you straighten your back, eyes widening. You’d been caught red-handed. Sun stands in the doorway, his blue eyes narrowed and his smile thin. His upper lip twitches and it’s silent for a long moment. The heavy robes colored like sunsets drape over his shoulders and down, and when his arm moves you see the fabric sway, nearly dragging along the ground. You don’t get a chance to explain yourself before Sun steps farther into the room, polished black shoes tapping on the stone floor, and the door clicks shut behind him.

“Snooping is very against the rules, friend.” He says, his chipper voice grating on your senses. One of his hands isn’t visible as it rests behind his back. You keep the desk between you as he steps closer. “May I ask what exactly you were looking for? It must be very important if you were willing to risk your future for it.” He hisses, the venom in his voice not trying to be concealed.

Sun opens the notebook with a soft twhip of the paper, deft fingers licked as he turns the page several times. Your eyes narrow into a glare as he shifts his weight to one foot, the glint of the silver dagger strapped to his side a reminder that you are not expendable. Moon needs you for this mission- and he doesn’t know it yet, but Sun needs you too.

“A book,” You say, partially a lie, and a shitty one at that, and you think you momentarily see Sun’s eyebrow twitch up in annoyance. Shit. “I thought maybe you had it.”

“A book?” He echoes, incredulous. His face lights up, disarming you momentarily, and as he attempts to round the desk to get closer to you again, you barely skirt past him. His robes brush you and he hums, a displeased glance in your direction as his hand shoots down to unlock a drawer with his moon-shaped necklace. Your heart sinks as he pulls out exactly what you were looking for. “This, I assume? How strange! What would someone Like you need with the receipts of the month?”

“We ordered from overseas, bought and sold a few horses, visited the masonry… ah, here it is,” He says, tapping the page and dragging one of his pale yellow fingers down the page. You can hear the paper rip along the perforated edge. A cheap book they used to hide records from the transcript.

A cheap book to use as a bible.

“An order for war equipment. Canons, bows, firearms… And of course, a special set of armor, just for you. The king really likes you, doesn’t he? You’re his new favorite,” Sun says it with an almost disgusted tone. To be honest, you’re disgusted at the thought of the king attempting to spoil you as well. You feel ice in your belly as his cold blue eyes meet yours. Usually, the freckles that dot across his cheeks and temples but spare his nose are cute- today, they remind you of eyes. He feigns a saddened sigh, looking back at the paper, and easily rips it and folds it in a smooth motion, handing it to you as if he were a teacher disappointed with your grade. You know better than to reach out and take it when you see his fingers twitch with their iron grip.

“He’s lying to you,” You spit, and you watch Sun’s rays twitch for just a moment in surprise. He grits his teeth. “He’s tricking you. He’s poisoning the kingdom. Haven’t you noticed? New rules, increased guard, separated families- this is getting out of hand.”

“He’d be very disappointed to find out you were helping the rebellion,” Sun says, tutting and shaking his head. He draws the paper back and crumples it. You know there was more on that paper than what he oh-so-graciously told you, and you hate that you’ll never know as he tosses it into the fireplace. “But he’d be very much pleased with me if I turned you in-“

“Eclipse wants what is best for us,” He says, roughly. His hand shakes with the restraint to not snap your wrist right off. “He is keeping us safe. Under control.”

Sun frowns deeply, and this time you don’t get a chance to move before he is dragging you closer to the table by the wrist. You feel your wrist pop and hiss as it’s twisted, forcing you against the desk. It is forced backward by the rough movement and Sun lifts his knee to the surface to avoid losing any balance. You are reminded of the glow in his eyes as he stares at you, his lips pulled taut into a saccharine smile.

“You’re blind,” You spit, and Sun’s rays shrink at the venom in your voice, eyes narrowing. You don’t usually stand up to him. “You’re either to far gone, or you’re trying to keep your ignorance for the sake of his approval. But I know you’ve seen it. When’s the last time you’ve seen Cassie? Did you even notice she was gone? Or did you just blame it on ‘the rebellion’ and move on.”

You can’t move that wrist out of his grip, but you can move your other arm. Your moves and he attempts to stop you from grabbing for his dagger- but you don’t even reach for it, clasping your hand around the moon pendant that dangles from his neck and seizing it, ripping it off. Round beads, gray and blue, clatter to the ground and shatter. Sun’s eyes widen and for just a moment, he looks genuinely distressed. You wrench your hand out of his loosened grip and snap the crescent in half between your palms. Sun lets out a strangled sound, still half across the table, eyes flashing completely white.

For only a moment, things are silent and peaceful. And then Sun is launching himself over the desk to snatch the broken halves from you, shoving you away without a second thought and anxiously smoothing his thumb over the broken pieces, glancing around for glue or tape or something- anything- that will hold the memories of his brother back.

“Sun,” Your voice lowers as he holds the pieces broken edged together, spinning around the room, searching and searching. It’s sad to watch. You raise your voice when you say his name again, watching as he knocks a lamp off of the desk and the room is devoid of light except for the orange glow of the fireplace. The yellow edges of his faceplate are visible as his head snaps to you, eyes pale in the darkness. You can only barely see where his body peeks out of the robe- head, neck, wrists, and hands. The rest of him is blacked out.

“No,” He hisses, roughly. He separates the blue pieces of the crescent in his hand and taps them back together several insistent times, his movements frantic. “No, no, no, no, no. He wouldn’t lie. Not to me. Moon is dead. He tried to kill me, and Eclipse-“ He looks back up at you. His eyes are black with small white rings in them. “Eclipse is protecting me. Protecting me from people like you.”

“What’s going on?” He whispers, conspiratorially. His voice is shaking. You can hear the tick, tick, tick of his rays as they shrink in and out of his head. “Eclipse said that when the necklace broke-“

“That all the memories of Moon hurting you would come back?” You ask. You almost feel sorry for him. You take a step back towards the door. The sound of his rays stop. “I just told you, he’s lying to you. Those bad memories of him aren’t real. He used Cassie to put the dreams of him in your head, and then banished her so she couldn’t tell you. Sun, you have to calm down-“

He shouts as he lunges. The door flies open and knocks you forward, into his chest, and there’s the sound of a dagger clattering away and a sword being drawn. You feel the soft fur on your ankles before you can push yourself up and away.

“Got it.” You turn automatically to dash away, only glancing back once just in time to see Moon scoop a few of the unbroken necklace beads from the floor and put them in his pocket with the broken pendant. You look forward again and run straight for the throne room as Moon throws the end of the rug into the fireplace.

The silver edge of a sword captures Sun’s head and tilts it up. Sun’s face is deadpan. You can hear his internal systems shutting down. Moon’s cloak falls and he kneels, pushing you off of Sun, gently scooping the unconscious advisor into his arms. He stares at the crumpled heap in his arms for a moment before looking back up at you.

“Go. Go make a distraction. I’ll take him back to base through the left garden.”

You throw the doors open and the court stops as the force of the giant mahogany doors caused an armor stand to fall over. You point back just in time to see the room go up in flames.

“Fire!”

~~~~

ends like that because i plan to have fire maybe be a chapter name thats misleading, like the others are all war themed and then suddenly its like "they're (rebellion) getting somewhere and aren't being crushed by Eclipse..."

[starlightandetherealshadows]

Hello! Could I please ask you about the flings? Can we play the whole game only having a fling with someone? can we keep the fling alive?

Good evening sweet one!

Did someone say...FLINGS!?

Now you're speakin my language!

In Contra Spem Spiro, there will be three hookup/fling options.

You can absolutely play the whole game and only have flings!

These three won't be present the entire game, though. Instead, they'll pop up as you embark on your journey. You can choose whether to add them to your group, or leave them to their own devices. Kinda like Dragon Age ooooo

Just know though...the only characters with plot armor are the RO's and MC. everyone else is fair game for me to be evil and do crime. so uh yea, you can try to keep all the flings alive. i will allow an attempt but i can say no more on the matter.

These characters are also currently unavailable for committed relationships. You can befriend them, roll in the hay with them, but that is it i fear. (If i get like, a million requests to make one a late game RO...i'll consider it. or if i do a second book. you know the vibes)

Here are the Contra Spem Spiro fling options !

♡ Carter Sinclair (he/him)

Carter was a carpenter before shit hit the fan. Good with his hands, he can chop wood with the best of them and then build a house with said wood. Period.

Height: 5'9. Age: 31.

♡ Magdalena (Maggie) Harken (They/Them)

Maggie was getting a master's degree in graphic design when the world went to hell in a handbasket. Their favorite music genre is old school rap. 2Pac, B.I.G, Wu-Tang Clan.

Height: 5'1. Age: 24

♡ Delphine (she/her)

Delphine is a succubus alien. Yes. Mommy? yes no wait. Mommy? shit sorry. She has a calming seductive presence and glows in the dark btw.

Height: 6'1. Age: MILF (like 674 in human years)

That's all I'm gonna say about them for now to avoid any spoilers!! Lemme know what you guys think of them! I think they're neat (and I need Delphine in like a very feral way)

Giving you the warmest virtual hug, anon! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

All my love,

Cheye

[msperfectsheep-posts]

Natsume's Book of Friends Reaction Blog - Episode 1

(Below the cut as to not destroy my followers' feeds)

My pure unfiltered thoughts, in chronological order, for Episode 1:

[DISCLAIMER]

oh great we're starting off by calling women despicable--i see how it is, show /j

"just think of all the babes and bikinis you'll meet" what an odd sentence

ooh i love natsume's eyes

they're like a bronzey copper

"is everything okay with you? since you're, like, covered in dirt" "i'm good. anyway--" natsume my friend you were just running from something that called you a despicable woman

"what's weirder: the weather, or natsume" my man is running for his life don't bully him too

nevermind natsume is yokaiphobic. kill him girls

RIP bozo he didn't even make it to a shrine

well that was a short anime

ARE YOU DEADNAMING HIM?

HIS NAME IS NOT REIKO!!!

oh god we have an evil advisor yokai edition

everyone keeps misgendering my man natsume this is so sad

AND they're misogynistic towards him

unbelievable

my poor man

"lets tear out her tongue so she can't utter a word" MY MAN CAN'T EVEN SAY HIS PRONOUNS?

KICK TO THE EYEBALL RUN RUN RUN

oh god this kid has been seeing The Horrors

Takashi Natsume... we have his first name, folks

this poor fucking guy

he gets misgendered and misnamed several times

he gets slammed against a tree and probably breaks several ribs

he's threatened to have his tongue cut out

he has been seeing yokai since he was a kid and was labelled mentally ill and attention seeking for it

he just tripped over a giant rope and landed on said probably broken ribs

THE TRIP JUST UNLEASHED A DEMON

AND INSTEAD OF DOING ANYTHING HE JUST LOOKS IN FEAR AND SAYS "ah. here we go"

THAT CAT DEMON IS SO FAT??????

the smug fat cat demon: "are you not afraid?"

takashi, clearly dissociating: "i'm just used to it, that's all"

HIS NAME IS NOT REIKO!!!!!!!!!! LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!

my god the entire yokai world is trying to either deadname or convince him he's a transwoman named reiko

oh that makes more sense. his grandma is reiko. but now this just says more about reiko if her grandson looks practically identical to her???

"unlike humans, we do not concern ourselves with things as inconsequential as gender" based???????

DAMN THIS CAT DEMON REALLY DID JUST CALL HIM A LONELY BITCH

oop cat's gone

"i'm fit as a fiddle, honest!" (had all the experiences above)(takashi you are either Lying or very out of touch with what it means to be fit)

oh AND he's an orphan too

leave the cat in the wall

GIVING A CAT WATERMELON???

> calls it the book of friends

> is a roster of every yokai his grandmother took down in combat

AND THEIR NAMES BEING WRITTEN DOWN BOUND THE LOSERS TO HER FOR LIFE

BASED GRANNY

EVIL ADVISOR DUDE IS BACK

TAKASHI MY MAN HE JUST TRIED TO EAT YOU

oh wait he actually listened to me

the way takashi takes physical pain/damage is so concerning to me. he is constantly falling/running/getting squeezed to death and he just brushes it off afterwards but it isn't in a plot armor-feeling way. it's in a way where it feels like he's just not processing the pain and that's Worse

"and if i happen to die in the process, then so be it" TAKASHI PLEASE

CHOMP HIM

Super interesting first episode!!

Other thoughts now that the episode is done:

I love the animation--I'm by no means someone who can really tell good animation from bad animation because all animation is really cool in my opinion and it's hard for me to usually distinguish what's stylistic and what isn't, but NBoF's animation is so simple but pretty to me??? Like I love the way Takashi is drawn and how he's so deeply expressive with micro-expressions that are usually hard to make on anime faces without being super exaggerated. It has a cozy slice-of-life look but then it hits you with what i saw above and I'm like????? curious to see if it goes further with "Takashi Natsume experiences the horrors in a nice setting" or if it cools down and becomes much more chill with time. I'll have to see but I literally have NO clue

And because you specifically requested this, @versaphile! Hope you enjoy :)

[swallowtailed]

palisade 22:

it feels like we’re back in partizan.

specifically, in the final arc and finale. inevitability, monochrome, horrific threats and risky plays. a mission underground. a space infiltration. divines scouring the void. (are we back, or did we never leave?)

the new theme music reminds me so much of the partizan finale theme.

the constantly changing gravity inside chimera’s lantern—do we carry it with us?

and then there’s “once the war’s over”.

what i’ve been thinking is, you know, the blue channel has all the narrative power against the stargrave because the stakes are so high that they can justify any sacrifice, which could grant them mechanical power because armor astir facilitates that. and… here we are.

but man am i gonna miss phrygian.

anyway, it adds to the partizan feeling: knowing that someone is going to die, tasting the dream of a happier ending but plunging back into the fight…

(i’ve definitely brought this up before but i am always ALWAYS thinking about the blue channel going back for the pzn finale.)

in other news:

excited for the title drop mostly because it feels like a real arc title—i can think of a dozen relevant ideals that might be proven impossible (/achieved anyway?), in either plot.

my hopes for spaceship bottle horror were so high and this ep did not disappoint. shutting down the systems and gliding silently is excellent sf, as is the heat shields going out. now someone can go out there in a spacesuit and try to fix them >:)

also want to shout out phrygian’s crt monitor & longhand math approach

paramerion is FANTASTIC. love to simply become a sword. love to become a sword specifically to take down your rival in the visage of a dead saint.

pleased to be beyond clocks at this stage. the clock has already ticked; it’s midnight. 

mustard red’s offer… very scary. very interesting. love that the players are being offered the option of getting even more out of this—raising the positive stakes on their side.

hearing each planet in the mirage included in the intro was heartwrenching. also “most people don’t have time to practice dying”/“but that doesn’t mean they aren’t afraid, on palisade”

i bet it was a really weird day for the rose river sleep detachment when they found out about the solar system, maine

really fascinating to listen to this while in the middle of aih 20. weird dungeons! half-understood histories!

it is always an interesting process to write topical fanfiction for a weekly show. (fic. features a take on this mission that nowhere near happened, which i expected, but also you can probably tell where i was hedging my bets re phrygian—i very nearly went this sort of route, where someone would have to die.)

welcome to the end of this world, or, yknow, the fatt midseason finale.

[understandableparadox]

Bottom of the barrel isekai review!

hey

hey

hey buddy

if you think im going to spell that, you can go Fuck yourself.

hey sweet peas, it's time to indulge in my favorite self masochistic pass time of reading horrid isekais and then explaining why they are bad to you.

anyways we have (read above). What's it about? let's present ourselves onto the steps of christ and ready some self flagellation devices~!

meet our wannabe hero Kurei yuugo, they are a god damn sentai nerd who dreams of being a boot licking fucking pig or a fire fighter in their never ending quest to be the hero they admire ever so dearly. he goes out and buys himself a brand new power ranger figure when some dude pops out with a knife and decides today is the day to snap. he tries to snap but with the dreams of every boot not yet licked kurai jumps to action, beating the shit out of this guy! only to realize he has been shanked with a one way express ticket to isekai land!

oh fuck, did i say his name was kurai? it's actually yuugo clay now and he wakes up about to get shanked again by some random blonde twink that is stealing his apparent girlfriend. That's right folks, your favorite kaman rider nerd reincarnated into an otome game right at the annulment event!

This world is a game luminous history, a dating game with a rpg magic system, how do we know this? Because Aryan wet dream with a sword that we saw sticking up yuugo is also not a native here, he popped into this world with a slightly better spawn spot as one of the game's romanceable targets. we also get to know that their are multiple chuckle fucks out there. anyways his plan is just to have a harem so please remember to have a foam hand out whenever something bad happens to him.

anyways that's not the meat and potatoes of this, we haven't even gotten to the god damn Gimmick of this series! Yuugos gets disinherited because Yuugo is a bitch prior to getting soul snatched and has to be homeless. his younger brother phil helps him out and gives him a apparent weak magic item, a bracelet that can transform into a full set of armor that looks suspiciously like a kaman rider suit, which is great because some random asshole decides to spawn kill the moment school starts, forcing him into a duel by... vaguely threatening his new lil brother, i'll be real, they aren't exactly clear what they are going to do to him but its props physical harm.

turns out the rider suit is pretty strong for him as he one shots random asshole, earning yuugo his first duel!

anyways, this makes blonde twink go fucking insane because now the script is off, but again asserts that its all gucchi and he is still going to have a bunch of girlfriends because in a world of endless magic the one constent is someone is looking to get their dick wet. fuck learning how to be a fucking wizard i guess, or looking for bad ass magic sword, Dick must have its moisture level elevated. Damn.

oh, also, yuugo is still homeless, that never stops being a thing. I'm going to stop regenerating the plot and actually start talking about its themes and such.

Again we are met with the idea that someone is taking over for someone. the implications of which are somewhat horrifying if we choose to dwell on it but we got school politics to deal with so we don't. The main character is mostly a blank slate uploaded with the bog standard lawful good personality of your average shounen protagonist.  A welcome change of pace even though it creates a somewhat boring lead whose main point of attraction is “they did/said something nice to me and now i'm going to be their super bestie fore-ever and root for them.”  which we see with the characters brother and the first introduced  female love interest melt. 

But we do see another plot theme erupt in the main antagonist within the story. That being engaging with the world in earnest vs attempting to interact with the world with prior knowledge in effort to enrich yourself through that knowledge. Yuugo does not care that he is in another world, he already died a hero's death so at this point he is just playing a new game plus. The antagonist on the other hand was a Hardcore gamer, the horror, who had memorized the routes throughout the game and was meticulously taking actions in order to take over as the protagonist and rich the “poly for me but not for thee” ending. 

To me this makes the thesis of the manga that you should really not be like the antagonist. I know, truly bold readings here at the bottom of the barral, I'll take my reward for it later. 

Ok ok but what makes it bad? It's because isekai is an inherent colonizer trope. You, the one from the enlightened land, come to some fantasy world, notably behind in technology and become its god. You are perfect at everything, you are able to emasculate the lands men and make the lands women soon with every wayward cape swish. Of course yuugo is still participating in it but to a lesser extent. They understand that this is a fantasy world but they are coming at it from someone who wants to earnestly learn about the world and participate within it as the native populace would. The antagonist has no interest in that and wants to exploit what they know of it as much as possible to reach their desired end point. 

I will admit that i'm reading a lot of this manga that may not be there. To be clear, the point of this manga is that a jock kaman rider fan beats up a bunch of shitty nerds while in cool armor. That's the if and and but of it all and there is not much that can change that. Though i do think it's interesting that even if by accident the author created a really interesting point about something inherent within the genre that they write in. 

Do you have to worry about copious sex stuff?

The main antagonist keeps yapping about wanting a harem and there are some lucky pervert moments with melt but that's about it. 

Is the author heavily invested in the use of troupes to aid the story?

Kinda

Is it worth reading?

Again, Kinda. If you like kaman rider stuff, this is like a dinner mint, fine but if you got it at a restaurant alone you would want to kill someone.