#excel beyond the bell

[lgcarl]

What Kind of Ripples Are We Making?

I was raised to be kind to others….not just to “be nice” when someone talked to me….but to care….to watch others in order to see when someone needed a kind word, or assistance, or encouragement. My parents showed me by example that we should help other people out whenever we can….and I saw each of them do this over and over and over again throughout my life…. They provided me with such valuable…

[gabbygdraws]

*Mashes my special interest and hyperfixation together*

Sonadow Beauty and the Beast AU!!

This is something I've been doodling in my off time (or when I can't focus on freelance-y stuff). Haven't really seen anyone else do it so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Ramblings under the cut if anyone cares. I'm gonna go hide now.

LinkTree

"Why design Beast!Shadow if Sonic the Werehog is right there"? Hear me out, but I find a lot of similarities between Shadow and Beast. Both characters are broody, temperamental, self-doubtful, self conscious, seen as outcasts and/or dangerous (and outright attacked for it), they both die but then don't die, and most importantly, they have a good heart under those emotional walls.

I tried to stick to Glen Keane's thought process when designing him, hence why I didn't change his eyes. Despite all the monstrous features of the Beast, Keane designed him with human eyes to remind you what's underneath it all. I'm not totally satisfied with Shadow's design but for now it'll do.

Sonic as Belle was simple to design. The hardest part was drawing the guy! So if he looks different in each drawing that's why.

In this AU, Sonic is bored of life in his village but stays to watch over Tails. His special interest is astronomy and he definitely has a little telescope of his own (it's also how he bonds with Shadow).

Still trying to figure out who I would want as the enchanted objects/servants and Gaston. Rouge as Lumiere seems like an excellent fit but beyond that idk. (Knux or Silver as Cogsworth, Amy or Vanilla as Mrs. Potts, Cream as Chip, Jet, Knux, or Amy as Gaston????)

Anyways, if you've made it this far, YES you can send asks about this AU! I could talk my head off about B&tB and Sonadow. Those gayass hedgehogs are circling the inside of my skull like they're powering the eclipse cannon.

[runtwithwolves]

SOUTH PARK X HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON AU This is south berk! a south park au set in a mix of the httyd first second and third movies! Now heres an extremely long winded explanation of the lore ive come up with so far :D

Dragons have been integrated into viking society to the same degree as work horses, and while the vikings care for them they arent protected or treated nearly as well. A big point in the AU's story that shows the difference is in Stans lore. Stans dad Randy is chief of berk- he leads the growth of berks main agricultural source, their weed fields. Vikings on Berk arent allowed to travel beyond the outer isles for fear of raiders and foriegn dragons and disease. Berks main food source is fish, and the dragons on Berk are almost exclusively fed fish as to not deplete the islands limited vegitation and livestock. HOWEVER On Stans tenth birthday he was gifted a Monsterous Nightmare- which he named Sparky- and had snuck out with that same night to go flying with Kyle who had already been given a dragon. (Kenny and Cartman had also been riding on the back of Kyles dragon) The group flight didnt last long though as Stan out paced the others by leagues on his fully grown dragon. They raced high and low, getting closer and closer to the outer isle border when they had been overtaken by a flying horde of dragon, many of which Stan didnt recognize. Stan fully lost control of Sparky and while trying to regain his attention they were suddenly taken from below by Shelly - Stans sister. Her own Monsterous nightmare began to wrestle with Sparky as Shelly commanded Stan come home. Stan and Shelly argued as their dragons fight became vicious, and without warning Sparky bit out the throat of Shelly's dragon. In a panic Stan tried to pull Shelly onto Sparky, but Sparky lunged for her after letting her dragon fall. Shelly pushed away from Stan but too late, as she and Stans left leg were crushed in Sparky's mouth.

Stan fell as Sparky flew to rejoin the dragon horde, and awoke on his fathers ship. The grief of losing Shelly affected both of his parents and eventually Stans mom passed away, and Randy grew colder and over protective. Stan never learned to ride and isnt allowed into the dragon training or fighting classes. He mostly attends meetings and agricultural lessons. Kyle on the other hand excelled with his dragon, a deadly nadder he named Wendy. Coming from a prestigious family he and Stan grew up extremely close. He joined the scouting party that reports dragon sightings as well as hunts for game and scavenges for food. Kyle is also an extremely talented inventor and creates weapons- like his flame sword- and prostetics! He is particularly focused on Stans leg and creates a new joint for him to try every other week. He also takes Stan on scouting missions when they can slip away without Randy's notice.

He likes to decorate wendy with bells and ribbons cause shes his girl. Cartman also joined the scouts, however it had nothing to do with an affinity towards his dragon. Cartman was told from a young age that a dragon ate his father before they had been tamed to work alongside vikings, and so has never had a gentle hand or understanding of them. Infact, Cartman grew to be big and concerningly strong, and was assigned to the scouts simply for his ability to throw a mean axe. He had gone through many trails with dragons but wasnt able to tame or bond with one till he met a sweet Gronkle that was the only dragon able to tolerate him. He initially named it proffessor chaos however when he realized it would respond to any variation of the name- specifically professor gay-ass, by Kenny- he changed its name to Butters. Cartmans favorite food.

Butters is a weak flyer and shoots the smallest fire balls any one has ever seen a gronkle produce. Kenny’s father and mother are fishermen, a job thats considered low work. Fishermen create their homes on the boats they sail out on, however children are not allowed out to sea. Because of this Kenny lives alone with Karen in a fishermans shack except for one week out of the year where his parents fully dock- during yule and the new year. When Kenny was ten his older brother, Kevin, stole a ship and sailed off beyond the outer isles. Kevin and Shelly had been dating, and after her death Kenny assumed Kevin left to find and slay Sparky. He never came back, and his crime brought shame onto Kenny's family. To make money Kenny mixes and sells medicine, as well as doing healing work on both dragons and people. To collect herbs and also to goof off he rides along with Kyle and Cartman while Karen is in school.

Karen is sweet and gets along with dragons easily- however she has the unfortunate tendency to take in injured strays. Her favorites being terrible terrors. Jimmy rides on her back as his hind legs are crippled. Tolkien is a particularly pretty dragon who never learned to fly. And Clyde is dumb. Lastly the story picks up when the New Kid arrives. New kid is from a wandering group of religious dragon trappers. This group worships a Queen dragon they ride on the back of. This queen allows them to build homes on her back functioning as a roaming island as long as they keep her fed. The cult makes sacrifices to her, mostly dragons they catch, and occassionally their own followers. The trappers also eat dragons they catch, as well as fish, and no part of the dragon goes to waste. The cult wears dragon skins, giving them an effective armor- and use different gases and venoms from different species. The New Kid joined this cult along with his parents as a child. He rarely participated and kept his head down reading books on dragons he had traded for and filling in his own dragon journal. Till it was his parents turn for sacrifice. In exchange for his parents lives the New Kid offered to catch worthy dragons to take their place and sailed on his own. He had followed the sound of thunder hoping to come upon a large dragon when he was caught in a storm and nearly drowned. That was until he was plucked from the sea by a Night fury. The New Kid assumed the Night fury had mistaken him for a dragon based on the skins he was wearing and carried him to a cave it shared with a Light Fury. The Light Fury was obviously sick and anxious and seeing that the Night Fury wouldnt leave him, the New Kid captured them both injuring the Night Fury's tail in the process making sure he couldnt fly away. When he returned to the cult the New Kid offered the exchange, but to his horror his parents refused and were willingly eaten by the queen. The cult leader accepted the dragons and promised to use them for a greater purpose, and had assigned the New Kid to sail out the next morning to continue hunting for Furies. In the night, the New Kid stowed away with the Light Fury's help- which he named Tweek- half carrying the Night Fury and the new kid directing his remaining tail wing. They crash landed on Berk, and were spotted by Kyle, Cartman, Stan and Kenny. Tweek bonded with the New Kid and is the only human he allows near him. However the other dragon, which Karen names Craig, barely tolerates him.

The New Kid is hiding where he came from along with the fact he is the one who messed up Craigs tail. Hes working alongside Kenny to heal Tweek and build a new tail for Craig with Kyle. He stays near the dragons and feeds them, at the same time of filling out his own journal of dragon knowledge hes been collecting. The only person Craig seems to not hate is Stan, and the two are slowly getting along, though Stan is wary of dragons and Craig is wary of humans.

all of this while hiding the new kid and the furies existence from the chief and village! what could possibly go wrong. If you read to the end of this i love and appreciate you!! Feel free to ask questions or request anything from this AU! id love to draw responses and fill out the world and story :D

[utilitycaster]

You know, the thing about the FCG Coin of Delving One-shot (or for that matter one about the Chetney Eggs) is that it struck me how compared to the plot-relevant post-campaign one-shots for C1 and C2, it feels like a premise from which you could, ostensibly, have Bells Hells on your screen in a physical sense for a few hours but it's weirdly empty in terms of reflecting them in a meaningful way with any growth, and this too feels like a casualty of all the things this campaign skipped past or rapidly smoothed over in the finale to make a happy ending.

The coin was important to FCG initially because it was one of the only things they had from Dancer, who at the time they believed to have died, along with all their other companions. So that element disappeared once he found out she was alive, and especially the complicated circumstances and his own responsibility of what he'd once believed to be her death. It's unsurprising they never really revisited it.

Now, there's a way retrieving the coin could have been meaningful as a one-shot, and that's if the party had taken any time to grieve FCG either during the campaign or even in the finale beyond the brief moment with FRIDA. A single scene with Dancer, in which they told her what had happened, could have set this up with considerable weight - if they'd mentioned the coin incident at a memorial, for example, and she'd said she'd like the coin back now for herself because now it's all she really has of FCG, that could have been a deeply poignant moment and laid the groundwork for something with the same mix of shenanigans and grief as The Search for Grog/Bob. As is, the mere premise feels like a bit of, if you pardon the pun, a cash grab.

Opal's restoration without any real work done feels similar: this is a moment that could have been an excellent two-shot a la Uk'otoa, but it's solved now, so there's no point. And so on. One of the things I specifically loved about Campaign 2 that wasn't as true of Campaign 1 (for reasons that are not the fault of C1's narrative, to be clear) is that there were a huge number of remaining opportunities out there purely based in the work the characters had done during the campaign. For Campaign 3, the only character who really has any unexplored business he seems to care about is Chetney; even Ludinus feels like a plot thread that will, if ever addressed, fall to the Mighty Nein. By ignoring these consequences, they've also cut off a number of avenues for future stories with Bells Hells and the Crown Keepers that inherit the weight and meaning of a full campaign. The main options are mostly insubstantial fluff.

[leejenowrld]

heart to heart — spoiler

pairing — surgeon! na jaemin x intern! y/n

genre — smut, fluff, angst, age gap (10 years, jaemin is older)

word count — 2.9k

authors note — this is quite a generous and lengthy spoiler, fans of ‘love me back’ and ‘back to you’ will appreciate this one a lot. if you’re not familiar with the other two stories in the ‘love and games universe’ then my only advice would be… become familiar LOL, anyways enjoy my loves <3 don’t say i never gave you anything 🫶

Hayoung’s eyes glitter with mischievous delight as she leans closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. She’s always been the resident sleuth, devouring every headline, every whisper in the intern’s lounge, cataloguing names and dates like precious specimens in a private menagerie. For her, uncovering the hidden ties that bind people is as satisfying as stitching new stories into a patchwork quilt. Tonight, she’s your guide through an exclusive gallery of Jaemin’s inner circle, each figure more beguiling than the last.

You draw in a shaky breath and edge nearer to the one‐way glass. Hayoung raises a slender finger toward the towering silhouette at the room’s center, a man whose presence feels as inevitable as gravity itself. His broad shoulders fill the crisp lines of his navy blazer, the fabric stretched ever so slightly across a sculpted chest, each inhale subtly flexing muscle beneath starched cotton. His trousers fall in a perfect, confidence-infused drape, hinting at powerful thighs honed by hours on hardwood courts. A tumble of dark curls grazes the nape of his neck, and when he turns, the faint arc of a smirk reveals a jaw so sharply carved it could slice through the hum of conversation. Even from here you catch the swirl of his cologne, something smoky, dark wood warmed by sunlight and feel the air shift around him. In that moment, Lee Jeno is less a man in a room and more a gravitational force: utterly magnetic, a living testament to strength and elegance entwined.

“That’s Lee Jeno, he doesn’t need an introduction. Everyone knows him, the most influential NBA player of his time.” She murmurs, voice hushed as if narrating a masterpiece. “See how he stands, shoulders squared like the corner of a backboard, every line of his tailored suit whispering discipline and power? He’s an NBA legend, record-breaker, triple-double maestro, the kind of athlete whose name is etched into every stat sheet and every fan’s heart. But more than that, he’s been Jaemin’s north star since they were toddlers dreaming of the same impossible things. He was the first to learn of Haeun’s little heartbeat, sneaking into the NICU at dawn to cradle the tiniest secret in his enormous hands. Off the court, he’s quietly philanthropic, rumor has it he quietly funds scholarships for underprivileged kids in his hometown, though he’d never brag. The media paints him as unflappable, the perfect poster boy for athletic excellence, but those who know him well call him fiercely loyal, the kind of man who shows up whether you’ve invited him or not.”

She lets that settle, then nods toward the woman at his side. “And that,” she continues, “is his fiancée, a vision of composure in couture. They met in college, drifted apart, then discovered that some bonds refuse to break. Their love story is whispered about in fashion circles and sports columns alike: soulful reunions, secret late-night text threads, wedding bells set to ring in just a few weeks. It’s the sort of romance you’d write a novel about—timeless, improbable, and entirely, irrepressibly theirs.”

Hayoung tells you that beyond the fairytale love story, she is every bit her own force of nature: the celebrated face of APEX, a powerhouse executive whose razor-sharp intellect and unflinching moral compass have steered global design initiatives and social impact campaigns for over a decade. In boardrooms she commands deference, in studio ateliers she inspires apprentices, and in every exhibition she curates she challenges viewers to see beauty as a catalyst for change. Each year, she and Jeno co-host the hospital’s signature gala, an evening of crystal chandeliers and whispered promises, where proceeds underwrite life-saving surgeries for families who simply can’t shoulder the cost. Hayoung recalls one gala night to you in particular. When little Haeun, clutching Bunny in one hand and a crayon-scrawled invitation in the other, was lifted onto the stage to present a check; the room hushed as the child’s earnest smile lit every heart, and tears of joy stained even the driest cheeks. It was a moment that crystallized their shared mission, to tether privilege to purpose, and to kindle hope in every young life they touch. Each December, they dispatch carefully curated gifts to every child in the ward—small treasures that, come Christmas morning, become lifelong keepsakes.

“Ryujin and Shotaro’s story is kind of a real-life fairy tale,” Hayoung begins, voice warm. “They met during college, he was mastering a contemporary routine, she was perfecting a lyrical piece and sparks flew over perfect pirouettes. Together they opened a tiny dance school in a repurposed loft, teaching six students and dreaming of bigger things. Now? Twelve studios later, they’ve trained hundreds of young dancers, from hopeful amateurs to budding professionals, and their outreach programs have given every child, no matter their background, a chance to feel the magic of movement. They’re always giggling when they talk about how their after-class water breaks turned into marathon brainstorming sessions. ‘What if we could heal with dance?’ and how every new studio opening felt like adding another heartbeat to the city’s rhythm.”

“And that dream brought them here,” she continues, tipping her voice conspiratorially. “Ryujin and Shotaro now co-design the hospital’s pediatric dance-therapy wing, turning sterile hallways into places where little feet learn strength and resilience. They’ve taught Haeun to pirouette past her fears, remember that time she insisted on ‘just one more spin’ even after her echo scan?—and they’ve choreographed holiday performances where she’s always the star. Their partnership isn’t just about fundraising or fancy recitals; it’s about showing every child that joy and healing can bloom side by side, and proving that sometimes the purest medicine comes in the form of music, movement, and a whole lot of love.”

“You see that hot guy by the window? That’s Lee Donghyuck, he’s a sports anchor whose name you can’t scroll past without wanting to know more. He’s the guy who turned a sideline gesture into a signature catchphrase, but off-camera he’s even more impressive: he spearheaded last year’s ‘Heart Run,’ a charity marathon that raised millions for the pediatric ward, and personally negotiated with sponsors so every dollar went straight to families in need. He’s brokered equipment donations, hosted fundraising luncheons in that very lounge, and somehow still remembers every child’s name who’s ever cross-checked him for an autograph. And don’t think he lets Haeun escape his radar. last month he rolled out a mini basketball hoop next to her play corner, just her size, and taught her how to drain a ‘baby three-pointer’ with a flourish. She squealed so loud you could hear it through the corridor, and he bent down afterward, ruffled her curls, and whispered, ‘You’re my MVP, princess.’ Even now she’s peeking at him, cheeks lighting up every time he offers a thumbs-up from across the room. With Donghyuck, it’s never just television bravado, it’s genuine joy in every high-five and every fundraiser he champions, a constant reminder that heroes come in many uniforms.”

She shifts her gaze to another figure: graceful, magnetic. “And finally, that’s Jang Karina. She doesn’t need any introduction, she’s a fashion powerhouse, her silhouette feels sculpted by intention. Karina began as a runway model whose charisma captivated editors and buyers alike; today she presides over a global design empire, her eponymous label celebrated for its architectural lines and daring palettes, while her beauty brand, praised for its clean formulas and bold pigments, has soared into the multimillion-dollar stratosphere. She pioneers mentorship programs for young designers, spearheads sustainable textile initiatives in collaboration with leading research labs, and curates charity auctions that funnel life-saving funds to children’s hospitals around the world. Every accolade she collects, Vogue cover shoots, Council of Fashion Designers awards, front-row appearances at the Met Gala, has been earned by a woman who learned to temper brilliance with empathy, who moved beyond the runway’s glare into the quiet confidence of a leader whose influence stretches from boardrooms to breaking bread with those she protects.”

“Karina and Dr. Na have a tenderness, a shared history written in soft confidences and midnight phone calls. They met during college before either dreamed of a spotlight, she, a striver fresh from design school; he, a busy surgical resident moonlighting to pay his rent. He didn’t like her in college, but they ran into each other in New York and started fucking intensely. Their first real date was over steaming bowls of bibimbap in a corner café, trading fears and ambitions until the staff nudged them out at closing time. Then life intervened—back-to-back seasons for her, grueling on-call marathons for him—and they drifted apart, each chasing dreams they’d once whispered to each other. They’re not really romantic but I’m sure they still fuck, I could bet on it, that’s how confident I am that I’m correct. They’re co-architects of Haeun’s world. She’s the first to arrive with balloons and homemade cookies on scan days, the one whose laugh draws Haeun from any shyness. Karina helps Dr. Na with Haeun a lot.”

Begrudgingly, you learn that they were lovers once, in that brief, incandescent season before parenthood reshaped his every horizon; the memory of their closeness still simmers behind Karina’s steady gaze. Now she arrives at the hospital not as a distant star but as a second mother to Haeun, smoothing stray curls with the gentlest touch and laughing through bedtime stories whispered in the playroom’s lamplight. When she bends to offer Haeun her lap, the little girl curls in as naturally as into her father’s arms, murmuring “Mama Rina” with the surety of a heart that instinctively knows where comfort lives. In every pivot of her poised stride and every warm look she casts at Dr. Na, you sense the unspoken vow: that this chosen family, wrought from loss and love, will hold its orbit against any darkness that dares encroach.

Her tone softens, eyes drifting back through the glass as if she can already see their silhouettes in the corridor. “They’re legends in their own right. Jeno, with championships and record-breaking buzzer-beaters that make arenas tremble; Karina, whose gowns have rewritten the language of fashion and whose makeup line is in every beauty editor’s kit; Ryujin and Shotaro, whose dance therapy programs have coaxed laughter and movement from children who’d forgotten how to feel joy; Donghyuck, whose voice carries stories of triumph on screens that millions tune in to each night. But none of that matters here. What binds them isn’t fame or fortune, it’s this hospital. This place saved Haeun when her own mother tried to end her life before she even drew a single breath, when she was left to die alone on the rooftop. Doctors patched her broken heart; nurses soothed her frightened sobs; researchers here keep rewriting the rules of what sick children can endure. Every gala Karina co-hosts, every scholarship Jeno underwrites, every dance-floor fund Shotaro and Ryujin open, all of it funnels back into this ward. They fund free surgeries for babies born blue-liped, they underwrite outreach clinics in forgotten towns, they sponsor scholarship nurses who stay to care for children no matter the cost. They do it all because of Haeun. Because she survived the darkness, they learned what true rescue means, and found a way to pay her back in light.”

Your heart twists in your chest as you watch Karina cradle Haeun at the edge of the room, tiny arms fluttering around Karina’s neck like fledgling wings seeking warmth. Karina’s hair tumbles over her shoulders in waves of midnight silk, each strand catching the light of the conference wing’s golden glow. Her posture is an unspoken manifesto of poise: spine straight as a ballet barre, shoulders soft but unyielding, gaze warm enough to melt the iciest boardroom. Haeun’s laughter resonates like a chime, and Karina responds with a low, musical hum, her fingers tracing idle patterns in Haeun’s curls. You step back, scrubs suddenly heavy on your skin, as though you’ve walked into a painting you were never meant to touch. The distance between you and this effortless grace stretches taut, and you wonder how you—ten years her junior, still mastering knotting sutures and bedside manner—could ever bridge the gap. You feel like a child intruding on a world you can’t touch: awkward in your youth, your intern’s scrubs swallowed by the hush of designer silks and tailored blazers. 

Your cheeks burn when you realize how small you feel here: stripped of your usual confidence, every inch of your skin prickles with self-consciousness. You recall the times you braided Haeun’s hair, the soft “thank you, my wuv” she pressed against your palm, and you ache to belong in that gentle space again. But here, in the orbit of Karina’s radiance, you are merely a shadow, an earnest trainee whose greatest accolade is a passing nod from Dr. Na. While Karina, in the privacy of their past, has lost herself on his cock a million times, a fiery intimacy you ache to claim as your own. You tighten your grip on the edge of your clipboard, fingernails biting into the paper, and force your gaze back to the room. Yet even as you try to anchor yourself, your eyes betray you, drifting back to Karina’s measured smile, the easy way she curls a lock of Haeun’s hair behind her ear, the quiet assurance that you can never duplicate.

It’s not merely Karina’s beauty that stings, it’s her history, her accomplishments writ large in the world Jaemin inhabits. You think of the single-family flats you shared with overwhelmed roommates, long shifts of charting before dawn, the perpetual undercurrent of imposter syndrome that thrums beneath your every success. Karina, by contrast, has carved an empire from thread and vision, her name sewn onto the seats of fashion capitals from Paris to Tokyo. She is the creative force behind runway shows that have shaped decades of style; the philanthropist whose gala soirées have raised millions for pediatric research; the mentor whose apprentices now stand on stage in their own right. And here she is, bending gentle and unguarded over Haeun—an innocent whose life Karina helped to celebrate, whose future she pledged to support long before you ever learned your first surgical knot.

You flush all the way to your fingertips as you recall Hayoung’s hushed confession about Karina and Dr. Na’s secret trysts—how Karina’s satin lips once pressed against his throat in the moonlight, how she gasped his name as his fingers tangled in her platinum-blonde waves. Your pulse hammers when you imagine those heated nights, Karina draped over him like silk, whispering his name between breathless moans. You bite your lip, thighs trembling, picturing yourself in her place—skin slick, lips parted, arching beneath his touch as he buries himself deep inside you. Every polished step in these hospital halls suddenly feels charged with forbidden promise: could those same strong hands guide your body, curl you into whispered ecstasy until you’re nothing but warm, quivering mush in his arms? The thought sends a delicious shiver down your spine, and you press a hand to your chest, breathing unevenly, desperate for even a flicker of that raw, unfiltered passion Karina once claimed as her birthright.

Karina’s presence is almost mythic: hair that falls in glossy waves around a face sculpted by years of confidence, eyes that have both softened at a child’s smile and hardened at the cruelties of fashion backstage. She embodies refinement and resolve—each step a whisper of silk, each laugh a note of genuine warmth. Haeun clings to her as though born knowing Karina’s arms are safe harbors: tiny fingers threading through Karina’s familiarity, curls brushing Karina’s velvet collar. You watch that bond and ache—you’re not certain you could learn the art of such effortless love, not sure you could anchor Haeun’s heart as deeply, as naturally, as one who has guided her through every high-profile gala and quiet bedtime story alike. In that moment, you feel the full weight of your inexperience, the impossibility of matching a grace so honed, so intrinsic. The envy blossoms bitterly in your chest, and you wonder if you will ever find your own place in Haeun’s world beyond the shadow of these legends.

You turn your gaze inward, the harsh white of hospital walls receding as memory and desire entwine into a single, bitter bloom. You recall the early mornings when you and Haeun would share cereal in the NICU hallway, your voice the only anchor to her frightened world. You remember the fear that distilled your every thought when her tiny chest stuttered for breath, and the primal desire to be the guardian of her heart. Yet here, in the glow of polished floors and the gentle murmur of celebrities-turned-family, you feel neither hero nor protector. only an outsider whose worth is measured in clinical competence, not in the kind of love that sees without pretense. The ache in your ribs intensifies, a reminder that motherhood, in its many forms, is not won by credentials or passion alone but by the quiet alchemy of trust, time, and intimacy. You realize that Karina has woven herself into Haeun’s life with every shared story, every whispered promise, every dance lesson sponsored and every stolen cuddle. And you, still learning the rhythms of both scalpels and lullabies, are left yearning for a place in the soft tapestry they have created. You close your eyes for a moment, drawing a shaky breath, and resolve to carve out your own kind of sanctuary, a space in Haeun’s world defined by your devotion, your sleepless nights, your relentless hope that even the most fragile hearts can find new wings.

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[wonder-innie]

oblivious

bf!jeongin x fem!reader x han and hyunjin. smut (mdni)

— ; One day, Jeongin got tired of Hyunjin and Han teasing him, so he invited them to hide (and jerk off) in the closet while he fucked you, the thing is he didn’t tell you.

word count: 2.2k

t.w: oral (m. receiving), daddy kink, dirty talking, spanking, masturbation (male), voyounerism, clit slapping, creampie, boob play, nipple play, multiple orgasm.

a.n: english is not my first language. check my masterlist

︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶

Jeongin and you have been dating for a few years, you loved each other and, thankfully, the sex was beyond good, it was excellent. He knew the right places to touch and so did you. You and him shared most of your kinks.

However, Jeongin wanted to take it to the next level. He always fucked hard in the dorms so every member could hear your moans, he just loved making everyone know how good he made you feel and that you were only his. Han and Hyujin always found a way to tease him, and one time they started calling “daddy” with a mocking tone since you always screamed that during sex.

One thing led to another, and Jeongin ended up inviting them to see how good he fucked you, so they would stop bothering him. They were a bit surprised at first and laughed awkwardly thinking it was some kind of a joke, but when they saw that Jeongin was serious, they accepted his offer because they’ve always thought you were hot as fuck.

The thing was, Jeongin didn’t tell you and wasn’t planning to do it. Instead, he told the guys to hide in his closet the whole time. The wardrobe was next to the bed and had bars that allowed almost perfect visibility.

“You sure about this?” Hyunjin asked.

“Yeah, now hurry up and get in. She’ll be here in any second” as soon as Jeongin finished the sentence, you rang the bell.

Ashe walked toward the door, he stopped for a few seconds to look at himself in the mirror and fix his hair a bit. When he opened the door, he saw your outfit. You were wearing a short skirt and a tank top, you didn’t have much time to think of a good outfit.

You kissed him and hug him before entering. You and him have a chit chat about your day and other stuff in the living room for a few minutes. He told you the place was empty because all the members went to a bar.

You were sitting in the couch next to him taking about a cat you found on the park, when he cut you off with a passionate kiss. It caught you off guard yet you didn’t complain at all. The kiss was lasting longer than you expected. He separated slightly from you.

“Baby… let’s go to my room” he said before kissing you once again.

A few seconds later, Jeongin closed the door of his bedroom behind you and started kissing you again. The guys were getting tired of waiting, luckily you came in just in time, causing the guys to get closer to the wardrobe’s doors.

Jeongin’s cock was already hard and was ready to fuck you, but he wanted to show the boys all your abilities. He basically manhandle you to his bed, he was sitting in a corner of the bed as you were kissing him while sitting in his lap. Between kisses, he managed to take off your tank top and bra, leaving your tits at full display. The guys had a side view of the scene, still they were able to appreciate your boobs.

Jeongin broke the kiss only to redirect his mouth to your boobs. He had one hand massaging roughly your right tit and the other in your ass. Meanwhile, he had your left nipple in his mouth, sucking it hard. The man just loved your tits and how sensitive they were. You were a moaning mess, his mouth was making you feel so good. But when ge started pinching your nipples, your whining became even louder.

You felt his hard cock below you, and, almost by instinct, you started grinding your pussy against his dick. The friction made him suck your nipple rougher than before. His tongue was tracing circles around it.

“So fucking soft” he whispered as he left marks all over your chest. “Perfect for daddy”.

Hyunjin and Han had their cocks out and were stroking them slowly, they were turned on but not enough. The guys were unimpressed, so far the only things they saw were some kissing and boob play, not big deal.

“On your knees” Jeongin ordered and you obeyed without thinking it twice. You started unbuckling his jeans as he was taking off his shirt. You were so desperate to have his cock in your mouth that you did everything clumsily yet fast. Once you took off his boxers, his erected cock was free and hit his abdomen. You wanted to put it in, but you knew you had to wait for his instructions. “Open” you did as he said and sticked out your tongue.

Jeongin hit your tongue a few times with his tip, enjoying how crazy you were going over his dick, before sliding it inside your mouth. At first he let you have your fun, sucking it slowly, giving kitten kisses to tip, playing with balls and more. You tongue was making circles around his cock while we was inside.

“Fuck…” he moaned as he leaned his elbows on the bed to be able to recline slightly backward and thus have a better view. “Just like that” His words worked as motivation for you to keep going. “Look at daddy” you raised your gaze and found him looking straight at you with devouring eyes. He passed his tongue through his lips before biting them, and that simple gesture made your mind go crazy.

You sneaked your fingers through your underwear and started touching yourself so your pussy could be ready for his dick as soon as he was done with your mouth.

No much time passed before Jeongin put your hair in a ponytail, you knew exactly what that meant. He started fucking your face slowly at first, but it didn’t take long for him to pick up a faster pace, with quick and hard thrust that made his dick slide all the way down to your throat. He loved how good you were at deepthroating.

Hyunjin stokes were way faster than before and so did Han’s. The older one felt how drops of sweat traveled through his face. Han was also sweaty, no at as much as his friend though. That’s the kind of show they were expecting to see, you being treated like the whore you are.

“Yeah, take daddy’s cock. Know your fucking place, you are just my personal hole” your were getting more wet with every word that came out of his mouth. The fullness of your throat and his roughness made your eyes watery, with a tear escaping from them occasionally.

Apparently that was what Jeongin needed to get to the climax; his breathing became heavier and his thrusts more erratic. With his cock in the deepest of your throat and your nose in contact with his pelvis, he let go. You felt how his hot cum was going inside you, filling your abused throat. A few seconds later he pulled out. He always compensated you if you swallowed his cum until the last drop, so you did it. His face came closer to yours.

“Show daddy your mouth” you opened your mouth, it was empty as he wished. A little smirk formed in his face. It was such an ego booster watching how obedient you were and drank all of his cum.

“That was… fast” Hyunjin thought. He and Han had been jerking off to a not so fast pace and now they stopped stroking their cocks. They thought they weren’t going to finish tonight since Jeongin had already cum, until they notice he was still hard.

“Ride me, baby” he said before laying down with the soles of his feet pointing towards the closet. “I wanna see your ass bouncing”

You loved being his little obedient slut so you did as he said after taking off your skirt and underwear. You placed your feet at the sides of his thighs and gave him a perfect view of your ass, preparing for the reverse cowgirl position.

You approached your entrance to Jeongin’s cock and started to putting in slowly, trying to get used to the size. With every inch you felt how he stretched your insides, making you moan more and more. He was getting impatient so he spanked you with both hands before grabbing your ass and forced you to go all the way down.

You couldn’t stop yourself from letting out a loud moan as his tip reached your g-spot. Without wasting more time you started bouncing up and down with a fast pace, knowing he wouldn’t tolerate a slow one.

The boys in the closet were having the time of his life watching you ride Jeongin’s cock. They had a front view of your tits and how they bounced with every thrust. Hyunjin had one hand playing with his balls and the other busy with his tip. Meanwhile, Han was stroking his cock as he played with his sensitive left nipple.

They were getting more turned on every passing second. Their hands began to get sticky due to the precum leaking from their tips. Hyunjin was now using two hands to jerk off his big cock. On the other hand, Han was now pinching his nipple making him whine desperately. He had to bite his lower lip to remain silence.

“Shit… you got so wet just from giving me head” Jeongin said between moans.

You wanted to answer him but your mind was foggy, the only think you could think about was his cock and how well it was making you feel.

“Aww, did daddy’s cock make you dumb?” he teased before spanking you. “Look at you, such a pathetic hole”

The time passed and you kept riding him unit Jeongin, with a simple movement, managed to make your body lean back so that his lips were beneath your neck. Your eyes and tits were pointing at the selling. This took you by surprise, but you knew it was a matter of time until he decided to take control.

Jeongin used one hand to grab your right boob and squeezed it hard and he moved his other hand to your clit. He started tracing circles with his fingers in your clit and he fucked you with no mercy. Your moans got so lewd and loud that it was almost embarrassing.

He laughed at how pathetic you were. “This pussy is so fucking tight” he whispered in your ear before slapping your clit.

Hyunjin and Han now had a perfect view of you opened and abused pussy. They couldn’t take your eyes off you, they were so close. Their bodies were full of sweat and precum. Hyunjin decided to copy his friend and started playing with his nipple.

Jeongin thrust were fast and his dick was touching the right spot, he kept rubbing your clit. You felt the orgasm building in your stomach, wanting to be set free.

“Innie… I-I’m gonna…” you whined, the lust didn’t let you finish you sentence.

He bite your neck and placed his feet in the bed, his soles touching the sheet, so he can gain more stability to fuck you even faster and deeper. ���Cum for daddy, don’t be shy”

Those words were all you needed to finally let go, you cum all over his dick and your moans sounded almost like screams. The knot inside you was finally untied.

You weren’t the only one, when the boys watched you cum they knew they were next. Their stokes became more erratic and messy and so did their breathing. A few seconds later they came all over their abs at the same time.

The only one left was Jeongin, however he wasn’t planning in cumming soon. After you finished, he took his cock out of you and was able to manhandle you to the closet door. Your cheek was hitting the door as you were in a standing doggy position. They boys couldn’t believe what was happening, they were so close to you, your tits and pussy were only a few centimeters away.

Jeongin inserted himself inside your cunt once again. He loved overstimulating you, but he didn’t know he was about to overstimulate his friends. Han and Hyunjin were hard again, so they began jerking off again, this time their dicks were more sensitive (and so was your pussy).

His thrusts became wild and intense; he spanked you every now and then. He loved watching how you reacted to each thrust and spank. He passed his hand through his tongue and, once again, he played with your clit.

“Who is your daddy? Hm. Tell me who owns you. Tell me who owns this pussy” Jeongin ordered between heavy breaths and spanks.

“Y-You! Jeongin is my daddy!”

A few minutes passed, in which he never gave your pussy a rest. His cock started twitching, he was close, your cunt just felt so good.

“Gonna fill this pussy… You gonna take my babies? Hm?”

“Yes! Please… cum inside… I need it” you begged.

That was it, the four of you had finally cum. Jeongin and you came at the same time, he did it inside you. Your pussy was full of his cum, just like you wished. The boys came for the second time as well, their torso was full of sweat and cum. Their breathing was loud, but since Jeongin’s and yours were loud too, you couldn’t hear theirs.

Jeongin felt like a fucking god, he just showed his friend how good he fucks you and how hot you were. The boys had to eat their own words.

You made three guys cum today and you were completely oblivious.

[zzeraphilm]

One Sweet Day

Shota Aizawa x GN!Reader (A) word count: 1,447 tw: character death summary: Aizawa was a man of many things, he upheld the standard of what it meant to be a true hero. So when the invitation for his funeral procession was sent around his ex-students and fellow heroes, not a single seat was left empty.

Eraserhead was known amongst some of the greatest heroes that Japan had lovingly nurtured. Upon the surface, he wasn’t as extraordinary as blazing figures like All Might and Endeavour. But, Shota Aizawa was a hero both in spirit, body and mind. He represented what it meant to be a true hero, for his students, his co-workers and his partner - Shota Aizawa was the greatest hero in their lives. 

For the latest generation of heroes, his past students, those who fought alongside him against All for One - Aizawa was the pillar that always stood tall in their lives. He believed in the truest form of love for his students, it ran deep within his blood. The light touch of his hand upon their heads to reassure them of their worries. 

For those who were moved by Eraserhead’s nurturing for the newer generation, they felt it to be their calling to pass the same flame that their hero gave them onto the next generation. This was certainly the case for Izuku Midoriya, who took extreme pride in teaching alongside the man he saw as UA’s moral compass. 

Alongside his students, his co-workers knew of Aizawa’s sharp exterior to be a thin veil for his kind hearted soul. Close friends Hizashi Yamada and the late Nemuri Kayama, despite Eraser’s throw away comments of his annoyance for them, brought a sense of normality and joy beyond the stresses of heroism for Aizawa. Despite it all, his close friendship with Hizashi remain unshaken, so when the news of the end arose, his world shattered. 

Y/N was the un-movable mountain that brought Shota solace. A warm embrace, a shoulder to cry on, a kiss to console. Whilst Shota had many fears and insecurities, ones of which he wouldn’t dare speak aloud, Y/N would always prove him wrong. 

‘I’m worried this is getting too much for you.’

Y/N brushed their fingers through Shota’s dishevelled hair, he never had time to maintain his appearance, it had become habit for Y/N look after him. 

‘That’s not true, it’s never too much. You’re never too much Shota. I’m here, always.’

The two came from separate ends of life, yet maintained many similarities that just made them work. Y/N succeeded as a part of UA’s General Education teaching staff, seeing the same pride and joy that Shota saw in his own students as well. Their quirk wasn’t particularly ornate, the world didn’t need another hero with a minuscule quirk. Y/N always felt as if their quirk was never enough to be classed as ‘heroic’ or ‘beneficial’ or even useful. But Shota never made them feel this way, together their quirks were just that, quirks that made them unique. That didn’t define them and didn’t dictate their lives together. Whenever they were together, the muffled noises that was brought amongst the chaos would cease, all that was left was the serene world of domesticity and love. 

‘How you holding up Y/N?’ Izuku Midoriya had grown into an excellent teacher in UA, well respected and blessed with grateful students. He mirrored exactly the image of Aizawa in his teaching. It was heartwarming to see the flickering remnants of Shota Aizawa through his ex-student. 

‘I’m getting better at trying.’ A faint smile danced on Y/N’s face, their eyes were permanently swollen from sleepless nights of tears. 

‘I understand how you feel, I’m here if ever you need someone.’ Midoriya rubbed Y/N’s shoulder and walked back into the corridor as the bell rang, calling for the beginning of homeroom.

Y/N could only sigh and turn back to their laptop, a document open, half completed. 

‘Eulogy: Shota Aizawa’

It had been a month since Shota’s passing, unlike past heroes before him, he did not see a tragic end. Quite the opposite really, he passed in his sleep from a stroke. After years of mental and physical fortitude, the cruelty of being taken away in his sleep was a blessing wrapped in irony. The morning of his passing, Y/N knew instantly, from the way his body was sprawled differently and the cold touch of his skin. Y/N could never forget the peaceful look on their lover’s face, forever lying in an eternal sleep. The days that passed were chaos, as news broke across the country, many were in joint mourning. Hizashi was the first to rush beside Y/N. The white sheet that outlined the grooves of Shota’s body did not move, only the light wind from the world outside rippled the soft fabric. Together, Hizashi and Y/N wailed cries unheard before. It was not the first time they had lost someone dear to them, and it won’t be the last. After Nemuri’s passing, Hizashi had Aizawa and Y/N’s comfort, the two of them held more than enough love to help him. This time, his best friend was gone. His heart couldn’t handle one more loss.  

Y/N’s chest burned tight, as if someone had ripped their hand through their ribcage and gripped upon their still beating heart like a ball. They felt sharp nails dig into their heart, their mind was spinning and nothing felt real. The bright white lights blurred together with the monotonous sheets that surrounded them, white curtains, white blinds, white tables and a white cotton sheet. A white veil place upon their lover, almost as white as their wedding day. 

The preparations for Shota Aizawa’s funeral only went smoothly thanks to the aid of multiple close friends and family to Y/N and Shota. Almost all of the burden of planning was lifted from Y/N’s shoulders. The only role they were given was to lead the precession with a speech. Nobody wanted to pressure them further, because they knew, one small tap could send them over the edge. 

Heroes from across the continent travelled far and wide to attend the precession. Upon Y/N’s request, Shota Aizawa laid peacefully in an open casket, adorned with assorted flowers both upon his coffin and inside. His hands linked holding a tiny bouquet of flowers that were the same flowers Y/N held during their wedding. A tiny brooch from Hizashi tucked into the blazer pocket of his suit. A small folded letter, written by all of the alumni of the infamous class 1-A that fought alongside him at the peak of his career. Rows and rows of familiar faces bowed their heads in respect for the great man. Black clad shoulders shook from tears, others had laid their heads on them, whilst others attempted to maintain their composure. Every single seat was taken, nobody had declined their invitation, some even came without one. Everyone was seated, only one seat was empty. Y/N’s.

‘Thank you all for coming,’ Y/N’s shaking hands could barely grip on the printed paper in front of them.

‘It means so much to see you all here, to remember the life of Shota. He meant so much to everyone, to the world, to me. He inspired so many of you in this room, some of you becoming great heroes, shaping a new bright future that none of us could’ve dreamed of. Shota always believed in you, all of his students. I remember one particular day, he came to me about a student of mine from General Studies. He spoke so brightly about his potential, about how he saw himself in him. A boy full of wonder, who was dismissed by those around him. He wanted to prove to the world, to the boy, that he could be a great hero. His dreams spoke wonders and I always knew he could see through to it. I’m sure you’re all aware of his, cold exterior,’ a collective light chuckle echoed throughout the hall.

‘But we all knew it was just that, a veil. Shota Aizawa, my love, you will forever be the greatest man I’ve ever known. May you rest peacefully, we thank you immensely for the selfless life you have lived and may you wait for me to be by your side one sweet day.’ 

One by one, ex-students, co-workers, heroes and regular citizens alike paid their respects to Shota Aizawa. Placing a white lily upon the mahogany, whispering goodbyes and wiping away their tears. Y/N Aizawa refused to leave Shota’s side they remained glued beside the coffin until the very last person left the hall. Silence ringed aloud, Y/N collected the flowers and tucked them into Shota’s arms, they lightly grazed their palm against his cheek, their thumb rubbing just underneath his eyelid. Gently, they placed one last kiss upon his forehead, shutting the lid and saying their final goodbyes. 

[nanowrimo]

When Is a Small Press a Good Fit?

When it comes to publishing, many writers will think about big publishers first. However, there are a lot of different publishing options out there to explore. NaNo participant and author, Clara Ward, talks about their experience publishing with a small press and gives you questions to consider while you think through your publishing options!

NaNoWriMo inspired me to write. Signing with a small press gave me the support I needed to publish a book I love. 

I’d published books before—starting with NaNoWriMo sponsor deals in the early days of online publishing—but I never had the right skill set to promote those books. As a result, they never truly found their audience. 

In November of 2020, I poured my heart into a genre-blurring near-future tale of sailing across the Pacific and building a neurodiverse, queer, and possibly magical chosen family. In 2021, I titled it Be the Sea and asked myself: What am I going to do with that?

1. Are you looking for fame or family?

Small presses are as varied as the people who form them. If you read widely, you may already have a treasured book on your shelf from your publisher-to-be. Try asking NaNoWriMo friends who share your interests if they’ve discovered any surprising or emerging sources for great reads. (At the very least, you may find books you’ll love in unexpected places!)

Admittedly, a small press doesn’t have a fortune to spend on paving your path to fame. But I have never felt as seen as when my soon-to-be publisher, E.D.E. Bell at Atthis Arts, wrote back, “I’m really in love with what you are doing and would like to talk about it.” 

2. Do you have the bandwidth for working with others?

Even with the most supportive small press, you may have to push outside your comfort zone. I know authors who love the absolute control and freedom of self-publishing. For a time, I felt very comfortable just posting my NaNoWriMo fanfiction novels on Archive of Our Own. At most, I had one or two beta readers to offer feedback on those works. Whereas E.D.E. told me in one of our earliest conversations that in addition to our three rounds of editing we’d need “a good number of betas” to cover the range of topics we were working on together.

I was delighted! I knew what I’d written was ambitious, and I welcomed all the feedback I could get. But it turns out, each extra person in a process adds new challenges and delays. I had to stretch my empathy as well as my publishing timeline because, to quote E.D.E. again: “It’s a lot of emotion (as well as brain cycles) to go through...” Outside perspectives will only improve your writing if you are willing to work with them, to truly listen and learn.

3. Can you handle the two-way commitment?

No form of publishing is easy. The myth that authors write while others handle business and promotion is not true at the top, and certainly not with small presses. In my experience, working with Atthis Arts was like joining a team or chosen family. Beyond certain paid tasks, such as editing and sensitivity reading, I discovered a community of authors who freely offered coaching before my first public reading, social media boosting, tips for author webpages, and an extra pair of eyes on letters requesting bookshop readings or other events. While not all small presses work the same way, this supportive culture proved to be an excellent fit for me. Naturally, I wanted to give back whenever possible.

Small presses can only succeed with community. This month, as I promote the launch of Be the Sea at bookshops in Mountain View, Davis, and Sacramento, I will be introducing many Californians to my Michigan-based small publisher, Atthis Arts. When I stand up as a panelist at Norwescon in Washington state or at various science, library, or Pride events later in the year, I’ll be promoting more than Be the Sea by Clara Ward. I’ll give back by sharing my appreciation for small presses, the supportive and inclusive practices they can normalize, and the opportunities they open up for future writers and readers. 

Clara Ward lives in Silicon Valley on the border between reality and speculative fiction. Their latest novel, Be the Sea, features a near-future ocean voyage, chosen family, and sea creature perspectives, while delving into our oceans, our selves, and how all futures intertwine. Their short fiction has appeared in Strange Horizons, Decoded Pride, Small Wonders, and as a postcard from Thinking Ink Press. When not using words to teach or tell stories, Clara uses wood, fiber, and glass to make practical or completely impractical objects. More of their words along with crafted creations can be found at: https://clarawardauthor.wordpress.com

Photo by Hümâ H. Yard��m on Unsplash

[monsterbachelors]

The Three Don'ts of Sabertooth Brewing

[contains semi-public sex + fem!reader]

SUMMARY: You visit Yanu at work on a slow night. One thing leads to another and just when things get exciting, something both unpleasant and unexpected forces you to take a rain check on back-alley romps.

WORDCOUNT: ~ 2k

A smile brightens your face when you see the Sabertooth Brewing sign from across the street. The venue doesn’t look like an appropriate place for a young lady without nefarious motives but at the same time, the entirety of the Copper Valley district doesn’t appear so. Nonetheless, you couldn’t think of a safer place to be. Whatever turf wars the former copper miners lead, they all agreed to omit Yanu and his business. It reached the point where some locals called the bar “the embassy” as it’s the only neutral ground in the neighbourhood.

The rough-looking miners curtly nod at you as you walk past them. A cloud of smoke and soot surrounds the two men. They always stand near the entrance of the locale but never go inside. Smoking one cigarette after another, their job must be to ensure that Yanu stays largely unbothered by the conflicts of Copper Valley. So far, they’ve been excellent at doing their duties.

You giggle quietly as you read the sign hanging on the front door:

Don’t: - fight - spill drinks - ask Q’rill to make a mojito

A bell chimes when you push the door open. Low, yellow lights make the interior look cosy. Conversations held by the patrons sitting in booths and around small tables are drowned out by a trio playing a familiar swing tune. The smell of cigarette smoke fills your lungs and sticks to your clothes. Two waiters weave between tables and clients, faux joy plastered to their faces. One of them notices you - she gives you a quick wave and nods towards the long bar counter.

Although he is surrounded by bottles filled with colourful drinks, it’s impossible to overlook Yanu. Maybe it’s a general rule or perhaps it’s just your fatal affliction. He’s wearing a shirt, a vest and a pair of tailored pants - exactly what one would expect a bartender to wear. Seemingly lost in thought, he’s just wiping some glasses but still, there is something unspeakably captivating about him. An aura that paints him as extraordinary and not just the way he is.

Yanu must notice you approaching out of the corner of his eye. When his gaze meets yours, his expression immediately changes. The deep, pink scar across his blind right eye gives the rakshasa a certain edge but even that isn’t enough to hide the pure adoration painted all over his face. His blue iris stares at you lovingly until a shadow of mischief dances across Yanu’s features.

“My, my, I don’t recall having an appointment with a princess,” he speaks with pretend surprise.

“Princesses don’t make appointments,” you answer casually. Sitting on the high bar stool, you’re still significantly shorter than the rakshasa behind the counter. “They just show up when they want to.”

He chuckles in a low voice. “Gods bless them for that.”

Yanu leans on his forearms on the counter and hangs his head to let you kiss his cheek. Round, furry ears adorned with silver jewellery flutter as they brush against your hair. It tickles when his whiskers touch your face. 

Feeling his breath against your skin, you don’t have to speak loudly. “I hope I’m not interrupting you.”

“You,” he points an accusatory finger at you, “interrupt my every coherent thought but I’ve learnt to enjoy that.”

Suddenly, your face gets hot. “I’m being serious, Yanu,” you say through flustered giggles. Even after all this time, it’s beyond easy for him to make you giddy.

“Likewise.” He winks at you before standing up straight. “So how can I spoil a princess’s palate?”

“Hm… I feel like elderberry.”

“Drunk all the time, feeling fine on elderberry wine*,” he sings while looking around for ingredients. The idea for a cocktail comes to him in an instant as befits a true connoisseur.

Yanu appears to be in a trance as he pours and mixes lemonade, vodka, St-Germain and some thyme. Every action is quick and decisive but never careless. Similarly, you are in a sort of trance, too - watching his white shirt and elegant black vest strain around the muscles of his arms. One day the seams of the garments might just let go but say, would it really be so bad?

The rakshasa pours elderflower syrup into the shaker. With a swift flick of his wrist, the shaker with your cocktail-to-be flips in the air. The metal cup makes a full circle only to be caught again by his hand, its content poured into a square drinking glass.

He looks at you in anticipation. Satisfaction is written all over his face. “Pretty nice, right?”

But you’re in a bantering mood tonight. Not letting him see how in awe you truly are, you only raise your eyebrows. “You have huge arms. It would be more impressive if you dropped that.”

Yanu sighs dramatically. He shakes his head and crosses his arms across his chest. If it wasn’t for the glimmer of amusement in his good eye, you’d think he’s genuinely upset. “And here I thought that a lowlife like me could impress a princess.”

“Well…” you ponder for a moment, “there are a few things you could do with your hands that would be impressive.”

Something changes about his demeanour. The amusement stayed but now it is joined by some darkness that leaves an aftertaste of chocolates with brandy - warming and rejuvenatingly bittersweet.

“Really?” he asks in a low voice. His blue eye is watching you intensely, almost looking through you. “Pray tell, what do you have in mind?”

Perhaps there’s some perversion to it but you enjoy leaving his question unanswered for a while. Slowly, you sip on the drink, silently enjoying the perfectly balanced flavours. Not too sweet, not too sour. A true testimony of how well Yanu knows you. That passionate gaze of his never once leaves you, catching even the smallest of movements. A predator or a lover? - how similar these two can be.

“A princess shouldn’t be saying such things out loud,” you finally say.

Yanu leans on his arms against the bar counter. With each exhale, his warm breath gently brushes against your face. There’s some intensity hidden under his casual demeanour as though if you were to play your cards right, he might just cause scandalous immodesty in full view of the clients.

“Will she share them away from prying ears?” More than a question, it’s a suggestion. One that you have neither the will nor the want to reject.

Feigning innocence, you shrug your shoulders. “Perhaps.”

The rakshasa only chuckles. He stands up straight and calls out to someone:

“Hey, Q’rill! Watch the bar for me for a bit, eh?”

The drow, equally well-dressed as Yanu, doesn’t even look your way. Still cutting a lemon into pieces, he answers in a heavy accent, “Got you, boss.”

Not waiting for a sign or a word of encouragement, you get off the stool and walk towards the closer end of the counter. Ever the gentleman, Yanu lifts the wooden part, letting you go behind the bar. But that’s not where the two of you are headed - you follow him through the back of the brewery, only to leave through the staff door.

The alley is dark and narrow. Something rattles in the skip filled with trash, probably a rat or two. In the distance, far away from where you’re standing, cars drive by every now and again. Muffled swing music played by the trio inside the bar sounds like an ambience of a faraway world.

Yanu pushes you against the wall. He’s towering over you - if he so wished, he could effortlessly throw you over his shoulder and carry off.  The bricks are cold against your back but soon you find them refreshing when compared to the warmth beaming from the rakshasa. His rough tongue slowly licks the side of your neck. It’s strange, tickling and absolutely delightful. 

One of his hands lifts your leg, resting your knee against his hips. Lustful greediness has him grabbing and groping whatever part of your thigh and ass.

Just when a pleased sigh leaves your lips, Yanu stops licking your neck and nuzzles it instead.

“So how can I impress my princess?” he purrs into your ear. 

He’s not waiting for an answer - not really. Not when you feel his clothed erection grinding against your groin. You can almost feel your arousal dripping down your legs.

Yanu’s other hand slides into your underwear. His fingers, thick and furry, sensually rub your clit in circles. Breath hitches in your throat. “Would this impress her?” he asks.

“Maybe,” you manage to say between whimpers.

The rakshasa only hums in response. It’s hard to say whether your answer satisfies him.

A loud moan escapes your lips as Yanu easily slips his fingers inside your pussy. The stretch is already more than enough for you. Slow strokes have him reaching deliciously deep inside you.

“You look so pretty like this, princess.”

Looking for support, your hands grab his shoulders. It feels as though your abdomen is suddenly set on fire, your coherent thoughts swimming away and turning into static, if not disappearing completely. There is only Yanu, his quiet groans against your neck and his thick fingers hitting that perfect spot.

“Faster, please,” you squeal.

With utmost pleasure, he obliges immediately. It feels so good you could scream but not a sound leaves your agape mouth. If you weren’t so lost in your pleasure, maybe you’d notice your legs quivering. Your grip on his shoulders only tightens, earning a chuckle from him.

“My princess is going to come?” Yanu coos.

No answer comes from you, only another pathetic moan. Desperate to orgasm, you begin rubbing your clit. It’s “allowed” in these extraordinary circumstances. No doubt Yanu’s “I live to please you” attitude will come back behind closed doors and between the white sheets of your bed.

Your vagina is clenching around his relentlessly thrusting fingers, your whole body begins shaking. A cry gets stuck in your throat. The wave of pleasure, the climax he so eagerly gives you, washes over you more like a tsunami than a wave. It drowns out your thoughts, your breathing, your strength. Fortunately, Yanu has a tight grip around your leg, keeping you standing straight. He’s still sliding in and out of you, letting you ride out your orgasm.

Finally, he slips his fingers out of you. You’re about to say something, thank him or praise him, when a loud crash resounds from inside the bar. Someone’s yelling but the voice is too muffled for either of you to understand what’s the matter.

Yanu and you exchange a look of both confusion and worry. Then, as though lovers know something akin to telepathy, the two of you chuckle.

“Mojito,” you say simultaneously.

When your laughter, contrary to the row next door, dies down, you let out a sigh. “Guess we’ll have to postpone our little escapade.” 

Yanu brings his fingers to his mouth and licks them clean. He’s a cheeky man, staring right into your eyes while doing something so indecent. “I’m fine with that,” comes the answer.

But you can play that game, too.

Low groan rumbles inside his chest when your hand teasingly rubs his prominent bulge. He clenches his fists, doing his utmost best to keep himself collected. You could so easily make him fail at that…

“Are you, though?” you ask with faux innocence.

Although you’ve just had a great orgasm, you can feel your pussy throbbing again. As your mind wanders for a second or two, pondering possibilities, your mouth starts watering.

Yanu firmly grabs the wrist of your hand caressing his crotch. Keeping you in place, he grinds against your palm. Through clenched teeth, he growls into your ear.

“I’m a big boy,” the rakshasa purrs. “I can wait a few hours.”

“I know you’re big, boy,” you retort in an equally sultry voice. “I’ll see you home.”

In a loving gesture, he nuzzles against your neck one last time. “Don’t stray.”

After that, he watches you walk away. Only when you disappear behind the corner does he go back inside the bar. As much as he likes Q’rill, he’d much rather go back home with you.

_____

*Lyrics from "Elderberry wine" by Elton John. A bit of an anachronism, yes, but a damn good song.

If you see any books, plays, movies, paintings or songs mentioned, it's most probably something very close to my heart :)

I'm also a complete greenhorn in writing smut, so bear with me as I learn on the go.

[leoprincess777]

DHANISHTA NAKSHATRA

23º 20’ Capricorn – 6º 40’ Aquarius “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” The Dolphin: Alpha Delphini, Beta Delphini, Delta Delphini, Gamma Delphini Ruled by Mars Star of Symphony. Power to give abundance and fame. Symbols: empty drum, an hourglass, bells and bulbs.

Dhanishta is like a death of the inner child. Its essentially inert like sand, of coal or oil. Even the system is a dead thing unless the people actual show up to support it. The death of the spirit begins in Dhanishta and is completed in Purvabhadrapada. The machine  is just a dead thing. There is a suffering here as one is constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve.

Struggles of being controlled by other people, feelings of emptiness and superficiality. They devote themselves to a purpose or a person to deal with emptiness.

As it is within Dhanishta's power to give fame, they enjoy popularity and are often local celebrities. If well placed, they have a good reputation and are loved by people. They tend to mask their inner struggles with a bubbly persona, become an entertainer for other people, play the jester (performative) and seek out external stimuli as a way to fill the emptiness.

Major karma with marriage. Ashlesha is direct across so they often get into manipulative relationships do things they don’t want to do. They display big devotion towards their spouse and are service orianted, however they can get manipulative and use marriage as a means to an end. Often as a result, they are prone to getting controlled by their spouse. They enjoy material comforts.

Planets here are more likely to have feminine characteristics. It may also be seen that women with this placement have a somewhat easier time with the energies of this nakshatra.

Rakshasa: Belonging to the clan of the demons. Less practical, more hedonistic, often many ups and downs in life as the guru of the demons has the power to raise from the dead. Rebirth, transformation, redemption are all part of the system. Cyclical sense of time; mystical sense of reality. Marriage matching with another Rakshasa is best.

Dhanishta's stars form the diamond shaped Delphini constellation. Dolphin’s are unique creatures thought to be even more intelligent than human’s, and with that intelligence comes a childlike nature, playfulness, understanding, and selfless nature. They have a unique way using sonar & echolocation for communication, navigation and understanding the world around them. They are friendly, curious, peaceful, carefree creatures who live in harmony with humans as well as most other creatures of the sea. But they are also fearless in the face of predators and will sacrifice themselves to protect the pod rather than show any fear.

The Vasus such as Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), etc helps lord Indra in his fight with the demons and hence this nakshatra can also indicate some type of fight, competition, and competitiveness in a person’s life. Dhanishtha is also linked with land, real estate and may attain multiple properties. Suitable for real estate business.

Dhanishtas should keep musical insturments in their house as a remedial act and practice performance arts, music, communication and diplomacy.

"Most scientists and historians are born in Dhanishta. Since there is an inherent talent of keeping secrets, you are quite suitable for secret service, private secretaries to senior executives. Whatever may be your academic background, your intelligence is beyond question. In argument you are much ahead of others. Lawyers profession is excellent for you. From the 24th year onward will show progress in the earning field. Any improvement in the financial field will be only after marriage."

Shil-Ponde Female with Dhanishta Ascendant: “This is a talkative and interesting person, particularly successful in lecturing and debating. She is capable of writing mystic novels and is good at story telling. She will be happy in domestic life. She loves nice dresses, especially blue, pink, and purple, and likes curios and antiques.”

pada 2 (virgo): They can do very well in public service, administration, communications, or managing public affairs. They can be very good at the rhetorical, persuasive side or languages, marketing, and communications.

[caffedrine]

Rio Ortiz - Beyond the Connection Between the Past and the Present – Event Summary

This is mostly a summary for me - I make no promises on the accuracy of what’s happening. I’m not nearly fluent enough to get half the jokes/innuendo much less accurate plot points.

On her day off, Emma sits in Rio’s room, drinking the tea he brewed.

Suddenly the door slams open, and to Emma’s shock a little kid who looks like a mini-Rio walks in, only to stop and stare at her as if she was the interloper.

The kid asks who she is, also asking what she thinks she’s doing in his room. Rio, who is also in the room, asks the kid who he is.

Valerio.

Huh, that name rings a bell for some reason.

Rio kindly introduces himself and asks Valerio about his circumstances. 

Well, he was just at the courtyard pool in the garden, but before he knew it, he was magically in the palace hallway. It was weird and scary, so he returned to his room, only to find them.

Rio nods and surmises that this is himself as a child somehow transported to the future. Emma feels like there were a lot of jumps to that reasoning - but here they are with a kid who looks like he’s doing his best not to cry, so she’ll go with it.

Besides, he looks just like a mini-Rio - all cute and adorable.

(Picture this but clingier)

Valerio does, unfortunately, break down into tears, and he asks them why he is here and what should he do. Emma reaches out and pulls him into an embrace, which Valerio admits he likes. 

Rio explains that somehow Valerio has found himself in his own future. Until they find a way to send him back to his own world, it might be better if Valerio stayed with them.

Since they’re here now, Emma asks if Valerio would like to play some games with him. Valerio cheers at this, he wants to go swimming, can they go to the beach.

He’s cute and a little spoiled, but Emma can’t bring herself to mind. She offers to make the three of them lunch to Valerio’s delight.

Literally peeling Valerio off of Emma, Rio offers to arrange the carriage. 

Valerio complains, he was comfortable hugging Emma, and she smells nice too!

Rio explains that Emma is his fiancé, and surely Valerio isn’t so rude as to try to cuddle someone else’s fiancé.

Well, if Rio is Valerio’s future self, that means Emma is his fiancé too. So, where is the problem?

(No! We are not applying logic to this situation!)

Oh, there is a big problem. Rio is the one who fell in love with Emma, confessed his feelings, grew his love with Emma, and got her to fall in love with him. Not Valerio. Yet.

Valerio grumbles that his adult self is especially heartless. Come to think of it, they have different names too . . . 

Rio explains the concept of nicknames to Valerio, which blows his younger self’s mind. 

Besides, it’s the name Emma picked for him .  . . 

Valerio complains about the weird expression Rio is making. Rio explains that he is never normal when he talks about Emma. He launches into a speech about all of Emma’s wonderful and excellent qualities.

Rio ends his profuse compliments by comparing Emma to an angel, which Valerio latches on. With shining eyes, he asks if Emma really is an angel.

Angels are kind, and pretty, and probably smell as nice as Emma. After listening intently to Rio, Valerio is now convinced that Emma is an angel touching down on earth.

Emma tries to explain metaphors to Valerio.

Valerio gives her a really big wink; angels are supposed to pretend they’re human when they walk on earth. Don’t worry, he totally understands.

Emma turns to Rio for help.

Rio muses that Valerio has a point, and besides, it’s not like she has ever proved that she’s not an angel. 

Valerio is happy, he’s going to the beach with an angel!

Defeated, Emma goes with it. Valerio is smart, he’ll figure it out eventually.

At the beach, Valerio puts his mind to collecting beautiful seashells for his angel- oops- his fiancé. Rio helps, and soon it’s time for lunch. 

Valerio cheers at eating lunch on the beach, and Rio fawns over Emma’s homemade meals.

They make sandcastles - or at least something similar. Valerio is proud of his boat; Emma thinks her rose cake is quite nice and Rio . . . Rio made an effigy of Emma out of sand. Rio is satisfied with his near-lifelike idol of Emma - he can admit that there are limits to how cute something that is not Emma could be. 

It’s starting to get late, so Rio suggests they return to the castle. Valerio, finally showing signs of exhaustion, agrees. Emma suggests that they bring back some of the seashells and make a decoration out of them to commemorate this trip. 

Valerio grows quiet - he likes the idea, but anything he ‘owns’ will be taken from him.

Oh, right, back then Rio wasn’t allowed to have things. 

Rio assures him that in this day and age, that won’t happen. Valerio snaps back that Rio is a liar, everything is always stolen from him. 

Emma comforts Valerio and asks him to trust her. She’s an angel, so her words are true, right? He doesn’t need to worry about that happening here.

Valerio relaxes, smiling up at her with pure trust. 

Rio remarks that all teasing aside, Emma is an angel to him and Valerio. The smile that he gives her is gentler than Valerio’s dazzling smile, but no less warm and trusting.

Maybe, if only for these two, being an angel isn’t so bad.

[utilitycaster]

The build of Ria'Doin is honestly just...such an elegant answer to so many things. Why has no one found this portal? Well, it's deep underwater in a lake that's so cold most commoners would drown or die of hypothermia just trying to find it, and as of some point in not too distant past an eldritch creature that lures people to their deaths quietly emptied out the town. It's in rural Issylra, already a place that tends to get overlooked by most larger powers...though honestly this raises the question of whether one of the motivators behind Vasselheim attempting to take over Hearthdell is if there were some documents in the vault that hinted towards a back door but were insufficiently specific regarding the location beyond "rural Issylra" and so they simply stabbed about for leyline nexuses. Another possibility is that the creature broke through in some way and created this rift, a la Vokodo, so it's a recent development, which would also explain why a town was able to grow and sustain itself and then very suddenly become abandoned.

It's also just an excellent vibe; it reads like a setting guide's plot hooks. It's a tight little D&D mystery, a fun change of pace from the scouting in a hostile environment, and it feels like the sort of classic tier 1-2 D&D setups that Bells Hells largely didn't have due to the early campaign circumstances.

[vethbrenatto]

TLOVM Season 3 Retrospective

I am not a campaign plot purist. The concept of fitting a meandering D&D campaign into a 12-episode season of television is, by all accounts, ridiculous. TLOVM is based on the campaign, not a blanket retelling, and we've all known that from the start. In fact, that's why I'm not particularly worried about the comments about the M9 series that CR has released, how the plot will change vastly. D&D, especially in worlds DMed by Matt Mercer, is extremely sand-boxy and will not one-to-one translate to the time allotted in TV and movies. VM is actually the campaign that I think translates the best to the medium without much modification as it has very clear arcs and corresponding antagonists (Briarwoods, Chroma Conclave, Vecna).

That said, the core behind plot changes is that the narrative heart should remain. The character beats, the character arcs. And I do think Season 3 dropped the ball with this.

Let's start with those that I think were handled better- Vex and Percy. Percy's relationship with both Ripley and Vex, I think was handled excellently. We see Percy's journey to move beyond vengeance and try to grasp something real beyond it, the start of the man who just wants to be a clockmaker. Vex struggles to be loved and deal with her fear that's she's a curse to those she loves and then her reluctance to do it while Percy was still alive, thinking she's missed her shot.

Vax and Keyleth have an odd role switch in this season, with Kiki (initially) hopping into the Vaxleth relationship while Vax feels it's too risky to get involved? This just feels weird to me, as a lot of Vax's characterization is so centered around still pulling for love in the face of death and adversity. Outside of Vax, Kiki gets a late season arc about believing in herself and coming into her own as a leader, but I felt this was somehow both redundant and underplayed. Keyleth's fire plain aramente in Season 2 felt reminiscent of her E10/11 scenes in Season 3, so I got a bit of deja vu. But also the stem of her belief in herself in this season, her instinct about Raishan is so underwhelming. Keyleth's moral compass and instict is a pivotal character beat for her, she's the only one who clocked Raishan and that matters. The others disregarded her opinion and that matters. And yes, it got brought up, but the take away ends up being just tying back to Vax and "You have ties to this world. Don't be afraid to let people in." ?? These are two separate issues, my guy. (On this point, I feel I must point out that while plot changes are necessary, Keyleth spent an episode and a half doing a scrying spell. Could she not have been better utilized exploring her emotional connection and friendship with Percy in the Vax/Vex chasing down Ripley plotline?)

Grog is absolutely shafted in this season. I can't say it's shocking- Grog is a simple guy (Likes ale, fighting, loves his friends) and I don't expect him to reach the character depths others do. But he had a very clear place he could’ve soared this season- yes, the Scanlan stuff. Not only is the “fix him” character beat a muffled whimper, but he’s left to comedically hold Scanlan’s limp body while Pike goes off to save him (by finding Kaylie). Grog could’ve easily slid into that side story, Kaylie could’ve heard not only from Pike about Scanlan and why he’s important and good and worth saving, but also from Grog, a man who cares about very few people in the world, but so very deeply when he does and Scanlan is one of those people he cares about.

I enjoyed the amount of Pike content this season (that’s my girl!!!) and I won’t get super into because I already made a post about it, but I just didn’t really get the crisis of faith arc for her. She’s already experienced a crisis of faith in a prior season and it’s not something I feel like campaign!Pike would’ve gone through, even IF Ashley was full time at the table. It weirdly almost feels like ground building for the current Bells Hells/Downfall/Calamity takes on the Critical Role gods as opposed to how Pike would feel about her deity, specifically. I did enjoy her relationship to Scanlan in the season and her support of Scanlan building a relationship with his daughter, it felt like a nice connection to Scanlan asking Pike to be Kaylie’s person if he died during the campaign.

And Scanlan. Oh, Scanlan. Just… confused, is all I can say. The show has had Bard’s Lament seeds for multiple seasons, including in S3 itself, and then just doesn’t go through with it. I simply don’t agree that it couldn’t work in the medium- what it feels like is that this is the more palatable story to tell. The resentment is so important to his character development. The show makes this all about Kaylie and fatherhood, which is of course a huge part of ABL, but the lament is also about Scanlan himself (in fact, I'd argue that Kaylie is more of a loose factor in it; his promise to kaylie [another egregious cut in the story] being a spur of the scene and Percy calling him out changing the trajectory of what Scanlan leaving actually was. it's about Kaylie, but it's kind of not). It's about feeling neglected or undervalued. There are scenes in TLOVM throughout alluding to this (a couple with Vex in particular I can think of in 1, 2, AND 3) but then no payoff? That part of the character development is completely swept under the rug for both Scanlan AND those around him. Pivotal moments in the campaign have been honored in TLOVM, even with shifts in them (the arrows in Ripley's heart and mouth, Keyleth stands up to Raishan, "My heart is yours"), but when the defining campaign moment is Scanlan's, it's completely changed. I simply think this is too far outside of the original intent and character beat to pretend it's honoring the moment.

So, yeah, I really don’t care if Scanlan just goes down instead of gets fully resurrected. Or that the fire plain and the trek to the city of Dis is combined into one journey. Those are just plot points.

What gets me is that these character beats, the meat and heart of the story, are getting shifted dramatically and not in ways that I feel are aiding the narrative.

ALL THAT SAID, this is going to sound a lot more negative and hatery than I really feel. This post is mostly of summation of criticisms, when there were of course, many highlights in the season. TLOVM continues to be a beautiful, well done show and would not keep getting renewed if it was a flop. But there are certainly things that I think could be done better.

[perotovar]

hey sweeties!! kel and i put a list together of all the submissions we got for our event and split them into two masterlists of fics for you all to read and enjoy! this is my part of the list, so if you don't see yours give @beskarandblasters 's list >here< a look and see if that's where your fic/submission ended up!

we can't thank you enough for submitting and helping us give a voice to the smaller writers of the fandom ♥ oh, and for any multi chapter fics/series, we only read the first chapters to make it fair!

please make sure to read each fic's warnings carefully and happy reading! ♥

@iamskyereads - Compulsion (Ezra x ofc!Beatrice)

i can't even begin to describe how much i love this fic already. it's so smart and the worldbuilding?? incredible!! it feels like a sequel to the film, or like it could easily take place in the same universe. just brilliant. and ezra's voice is so clear here, i could hear him saying every word. and the oc, beatrice, is fascinating already, i can't wait to see where it goes!

@all-the-way-down-here - This Is Why We Fight (Dieter x nb!oc!Bell)

i love the start of this. both dieter and bell have excellent characterization and the conversations being had by every character feel so real and are so important. bell's group of friends all sound like friends i would have, and i would love to hang out with them. i love the direction this is going!

@linzels-blog - Delta Palms Tropical Resort (Frankie x f!reader)

ahh what a delightful little fic! it feels very much like an early 2000s rom com and i mean that in the best way! very cute and i love the vibes. everyone's characterization is great and i can't wait to sink my teeth into the rest of it!

@elvenmother - Context and Perspective (Marcus M x f!reader)

completely obsessed with this concept. i love a good enemies to lovers and this is such an awesome way to do it! i always see marcus m fics featuring someone without superpowers, but to have a character that's just as powerful as him? sign me up!

@kedsandtubesocks - In the Dead of the Night (Din x f!reader)

one of my absolute favorite din fics. the worldbuilding and din's creature form is incredible. i love a horror au that's flipped on its head. i also love the "creature is also the hunter" trope and this does that incredibly well. the atmosphere is off the charts.

@ghostofaboy - Rock Bottom (Frankie x original male characters)

god, i don't even know where to begin with this story. it's so raw and visceral and i can't say enough how much i enjoy it. i love reading something new and especially if it's coming from a male perspective. this is, unfortunately, something i could see frankie getting up to. frankie is such a deeply tragic character and this fic does that justice in a dark, but really intriguing way.

@ishabull - The Way We Were Drawn (Marcus P x f!reader)

ohh this is such a sweet fic. i love the imagery painted and the dynamic between marcus and reader is so sweet!

@secretelephanttattoo - Headshots (Marcus P x f!reader)

this fic is beyond sweet and so dreamy. the ideal scenario for anyone, in my humble opinion. who wouldn't want to take pictures of handsome fbi agents and then fall in love with said agent?

@lesbianhotch - you walk by and i fall to pieces (Frankie x f!reader)

THIS WAS THE CUTEST DAMN THING. i love me a nervous frankie (hello, have you read my fic lmao) and this was by far one of the cutest. i'm obsessed with reader's confidence and i just know those two are gonna be menaces once they're together. throw in some patsy cline and i am a goner. this is going on the reread list for sure.

@insomniamamma - Remain Nameless (Ezra & Cee w/ gn!reader)

ok, this one actually made me cry. i'm not sure if it's my own sleep-deprived ass that caused it but this is probably one of the most beautiful but sad fics i've read in a long time. i mean all of this in the best way because i don't normally get emotional from fics. prospect as a movie makes me emotional, though, so it doesn't surprise me that this did as well. it's such an incredible missing scene that i can, unfortunately, see absolutely happening. have some tissues nearby.

@sweetercalypso - Unlikely Friends (Joel x gn!reader)

this fic is one of my absolute favorite fics for joel. a big reason for that is i have a cat named tilly. and imagining joel reluctantly and grumpily cuddling with my tilly makes me emotional, ok??

@softstarlite - The Casualty of Love (Javi P x f!reader)

very cute! i love the awkward tension around not seeing someone for so long and there being a huge glow up maturity-wise from one of them! seeing someone in a new light is always a strange thing and i love the start to these two and their journey!

@julesonrecord - Shots (Jack x f!reader/oc)

probably one of the best post-movie fics i've ever read for jack. the way jack's trauma and therapy is handled is so fucking brilliant and tonic is one of the best fucking characters, god. eva is written so well and i just. i can't recommend this fic enough. if you like jack, hell even if you don't, give this fic a shot. i promise you'll come out of it liking it.

@coulsons-fullmetal-cellist - The Audition (Dieter x f!reader)

goddd this was so cute! dieter's insecurities don't come up very often and i absolutely love what a match he and reader make. she's so sweet with him and takes such good care of him. and he loves her so much and i love them ok

@max--phillips - A Little Lipstick Never Hurts (Max P x f!reader)

this is one of the best explorations into kink that i've ever read. it's so respectful and hot as fuck. completely obsessed with this take on max as a character and i can't get enough of the dynamic between him, reader, (and eventually dieter). it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but i highly encourage you to give it a try. max gets some well deserved lessons taught, and who doesn't love that?

@coastielaceispunk - The Gift of Lingerie (Max L x f!reader)

god, this was so fucking hot. i'm so here for a mentally healed maxwell in a healthy marriage with a fulfilling sex life lol the little bit of teasing on both their parts was beyond sexy and i loved how equal everything felt. ugh, will be rereading this one for sure.

@lotrefcp - Hidden Away (Javi P x f!reader)

i'm obsessed with a no nonsense reader with just as much attitude/sass as javi does lol i just kept reading going GET HIS ASS. an excellent start to a universe i'm excited to sink my teeth into!

@beefrobeefcal - On the Waterfront (Frankie x f!reader)

oh, this is dark. i love the vibes immediately. i've had a weird fascination with the mafia for most of my life and this has that air about it. a dark, chubby mob boss!frankie is right up my alley for sure. i love that he's still frankie tho. sensible, practical, but with an edge. mind the warnings.

@flightlessangelwings - La Estrella de Mi Vida (Javi G x f!reader)

ahhh so romantic and so tragic!! i swear, it's impossible to make javi unappealing but this fic is just so sweet and manages to make me love him even more (somehow). but i love the added drama and tension from outside forces!! i need to read the rest of it asap!

@littlemisspascal - Rockford & Roan (Tim x f!reader)

my god, i love this?? i'm not usually one for superpowers/soulmate au's but i'm in love with the practicality of this? it feels otherworldly without being too much and it's very grounded. i love the reader and the way tim is written is so believable. i love that we as a fandom have created such a visceral image of this character from only a minute's worth of footage!

@something-tofightfor & @the-blind-assassin-12 - Aphelion (Oberyn x Ellaria & f!reader)

goddd the imagery painted in this one. so heartbreaking. absolutely breathtaking. i'm a slut for vampires and i'm a slut for oberyn/ellaria. this is absolutely something i will be reading the rest of lol

@bluestar22x - The Rockford Files (Tim x f!reader)

ok this is insanely good. one of my favorite books of all time is "red dragon" by thomas harris and i felt like i was reading that again while i read this. the details of the case and the cadence of everything was top notch. obsessed with the psychic element thrown in there and i'm beyond excited to see where tim and psy end up next!

bonus:

@sweetenerobert - Fiction vs Reality (Tommy Miller x m!reader)

ohhhh my god. you give me a bisexual tattoo artist tommy miller with stretched ears and i'm supposed to be normal about it??? UNLIKELY. i am extremely tempted to edit this into reality ngl but my god. this was so fucking hot lmao

[satureja13]

Sai and Vlad started the last installments for the droid scanner. Come tomorrow morning, they should be able to boot it, get a rough direction where Tiny Can is and finally leave Batuu's orbit. That was about time! Vlad wants to celebrate this milestone in Moogies Bar, but Sai already has other plans. Jeb asked him to try the cooling basin/hot tub! Sai is so excited. Jeb barely ever makes the first step. It even got worse after his revelation he'll probably never be able to woohoo Sai... And after Jeb shoved him even farther away by building the computer corner for him, Sai feared the worst. Finally putting Jack's plan to lure Jeb into an 'accidental woohoo' is not only going so slow because Sai's body needs to get prepared for their first woohoo, Sai was also reluctant because - in some way - he's tricking Jeb into it. At least it feels a bit like that, even though he knows how much Jeb wants it too. But Sai also had a talk with 'Big Snout' Jack earlier, and Jack told Sai how broken Jeb was when he came to their room to pour his heart out. So Jeb's offer to jump in the hot tub together came just in the nick of time to put some wood behind the arrow! This was the sign Sai was waiting for to go for it!

But when they crossed the cargo bay and approached the entrance to the engine room with the cooling basin/hot tub... ... they heard moaning... water splashing... ... and Jeb: "Gods, you're so tight..."

What the...

None of them wanted to know what's going on in there, but like being pulled by invisible strings, they moved inside. Vlad too, because there's no way he'll leave his friend alone in this. ... Just to find Ji Ho there together with Jeb! They didn't even notice them... Ji Ho let out a soft moan: "You truely have magic hands, Jeb."

This painfully reminded Vlad and Sai of the one night beyond the Veil, when Jeb's magic entered Ji Ho to find that spell... Jealousy biled up in both of them. What is going on here?! Jack: "Ah, you're finally here! What do you think? Awesome, right? We've been at it all day!" Sai is about to faint and Vlad can't even look Ji Ho's way: "You've ... been ... at it? What...?" Is this ... an orgy?

Jack: "Yes, we've installed the showers and a sitting corner - there's even a snack vending machine!" Kiyoshi: "Poor Ji Ho strained his back by setting it up - but don't you worry, Vlad. You know Jeb is an excellent healer and Ji Ho's as good as new now, after a healthy massage." So this 'you're so tight' and 'you have magic hands' was a ... massage? To heal Ji Ho's back? Skully interruped them: "Now that we're finally all here - let's get the party started!" And - of course - the goats gathered too. To not miss anything out ^^'

Jeb: "Sai, Vlad! I was just about to text you. Try the new showers and come on in! The water is just right! I added some of my relaxing herb essences. It's wonderful."

Skully started his record player:

'I'm glad you're home Now did you really miss me? I guess you did by the look in your eye (Look in your eye, look in your eye) Well lay back and relax While I put away the dishes (put away the dishes) Then you and me can rock a bell

You can ring my bell, ring my bell You can ring my bell, ring my bell You can ring my bell, ring my bell You can ring my bell, ring my bell

The night is young And full of possibilities Well, come on and let yourself be free, yeah My love for you (love for you, love for you) So long I've been savin' Tonight was made for me and you'

Anita Ward - Ring my Bell (I can't believe we've never played this masterpiece in one of the episodes before?)

Skully chuckled, he has every reason to celebrate. None of the Little Ones placed the right bet on who would be the first pairing in the cooling basin/hot tub! So all the money's on the bank. Little Goat: 'Tch.'

It wasn't all that unlikely, though. Ji Ho and Jeb often share a bathroom - and even a hot tub at the Tavern at Mount Komorebi - and the glances!

(Aouwww! Vlad and Ji Ho's Little Goats are kissing! 💞🐐)

Vlad and Sai recovered from the shock and took their showers.

Vlad went into the tub. It's so hot in here. And Ji Ho immediately moved next to him.

So Sai could sit next to Jeb. Vlad ogled Ji Ho's back. Is he still hurting? Ji Ho must have suppressed his pain so he wouldn't upset Vlad through their Bond. Surely he didn't want him to heal his back - because it's still so awkward between them... What would he give to be able to touch Ji Ho as easily and natural as Jeb could...

Even though Jack was busy with his fated mate, he noticed Vlad's glances and he knows how jealous Vlad gets when someone dares to touch Ji Ho. Jack: "Kiyoshi, as a healer - would you say Ji Ho needs a thorough aftercare even though he feels better now?" Kiyoshi played along: "Of course he does! Vlad is a healer too, he should do a full body examination later and see if there are some more tight spots that need attention and being cared of." Vlad: "Will you two put your dirty mouths on each other's again and stop talking? PLEASE?"

Jack: "Ah. If it is still such a hazzle for you, Jeb will continue caring for Ji Ho. Right, Jeb?" Jeb: "Ehm..." Sai: "Omg, Jack!" Jack: "You can thank me later ;) "

Vlad, after he stopped hissing: "Fine! I'll do it!" Jack: "That's my Boy!" Jack killing two Klatooine Paddy Frogs with one Hutt, hahaha

After that, they had a relaxing and fun evening. Ji Ho and Jack left the hot tub and raided the snack machine. And Sai was happy. Even though he didn't have his sexy time with Jeb. It's a while ago since they had such a carefree time all together. There will be other ocassions soon when he and Jeb would be able to be alone in here. And then Jeb wouldn't feel so tense because he has good memories of this place. Jack and the others did a good job making this engine room an awesome hang-out.

Jack noticed Ji Ho is a bit stiff: "Does it still hurt?" Ji Ho rubbed his back: "Not as bad as before. I'm ok." Vlad leaned forward to try to sense something through their Bond.

Ji Ho: "But I can lift my arms again higher than before Jeb's massage. See?" At some point Ji Ho stopped in his movement: "Ouch." Ji Ho really tried to whisper the 'Ouch' - but of course Vlad heard it - and stiffened too. He will care for Ji Ho - even if it's killing him... Kiyoshi: "We should mix an ointment so Vlad can rub it in ... Ji Ho's back." Ms Coombes was right, Jack does have a negative impact on Kiyoshi ^^' Jeb: "Something that relaxes his muscle and tenders his tight spot." Vlad: "..."

From the Beginning 🔱 Underwater Love 🔱 Latest

Current Chapter 'Goats in Space': starts ▶️ here Last Chapter: 'Piglets in Space' from the beginning ▶️ here

📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 23-29

[imhereformysciencefriends]

Gaston is honestly the easiest Disney villain to do a Wicked-style perspective retelling of, imho. Like,

You are stupid, and you are arrogant, but your arrogance is not necessarily ill-earned. Your town might be a pretty damn small pond, but you are undoubtedly the biggest fish in it. You excel at all the masculine pastimes you pursue, you are well renowned amongst your peers, and you have multiple examples of women fawning over you.

You are attracted to the most beautiful woman in town. Of course you are. You are a simple man of simple wants, and although she is weird and bookish, she is uncontestedly the most beautiful fish in your small, small pond.

So you attempt to woo her. You flatter her with compliments that would be well received by any woman in your town that was not weird and bookish. But she is, so she does not enjoy your compliments. You spin a tale of a future that all your contemporaries would consider simple and idyllic, well regarded amongst the values of your time period. But she is a strange and funny girl, that Belle, so she does not want what you have been raised to believe that all people would want for their futures. When she rejects you, your feelings, ego, and the bottom of your chin are all bruised. 

So you have a sulk in the tavern about it. Softer souls than yours have nursed a broken heart over some ale and a game of darts, and your companions, your peers, your friends, all remind you of how highly they regard you, of how you have a whole community of people who know you, love you, admire you, and while the most beautiful girl in town may have rejected you, there are still plenty of women who are quite beautiful in their own right who do share your values and aspirations for the future. You are roused by their affection, and your spirits are once again high.

A while later, the father of the woman who rejected you bursts into the tavern, clearly unwell. He’s babbling, out of breath and talking fast, spinning wild tales of cursed castles, demonic furniture that moves on its own, and a terrible, lumbering beast that took him prisoner and, as the cost for his release, now holds his daughter imprisoned.

So you get in contact with the best option for medical treatment of your era. Your era will not be remembered kindly for its treatment of mentally unwell patients, but that will be then, and this is now, and so you arrange the best medical care that you have access to for him, and then organize a rescue mission. She broke your heart, but she is still a member of your community, reclusive and strange as she is, and as a member of your community it is naturally the responsibility of you and the townsfolk to go save her. Whether or not the beast is real, her father’s fear for her safety certainly is, and the fact that she did not come home with him is evidence enough.

But then she’s there! And she is also raving, she pulls a mirror from her bag to show you that the beast is actually a good person, but what she shows you is no simple man. There really is a beast. It is horrible, groaning, roaring, with giant fangs, horns protruding from its fur, muscles on its torso well beyond what even you, with a lifetime of dedication, have built and what’s worst of all—its eyes. There is something intelligent in those eyes. Something that scares you.

Clearly, entering that castle drives folks mad, because the next thing she tells you is that this beast, this thing, is not only a good man, but a man she has fallen in love with. You are not a smart man. You do not even know where to begin with that. But you do know hunting. You do know your townsfolk. And you do know that that beast cannot be left alone to continue capturing and terrorizing members of your community. Two good people have already been driven mad by whatever conspires inside its haunted home, and that is two too many. You rally your people. You have a beast to hunt. 

Like, we dislike Gaston because he’s an asshole, but you can very easily make and follow a logic trail for him that paints him as mostly-average and entirely reasonable.