#fully managed network

[reasonsforhope]

"England is celebrating the first pair of beaver kits born in the country since they were reintroduced back into the country’s north last year.

Landscape managers in England are beside themselves with surprise over the changes brought about by a single year of beaver residency at the Wallington Estate in Northumberland—with dams, mudflats, and ponds just appearing out of nowhere across the landscape.

Released into a 25-acre habitat on the estate last year, the four beavers at Wallington are part of a series of beaver returns that took place across the UK starting in 2021 in Dorset. Last year, GNN reported that Hasel and Chompy were released into the 925-acre Ewhurst Estate in Hampshire in January 2023, and the beavers that have now reproduced established their home in Wallington in July.

“Beavers are changing the landscape all the time, you don’t really know what is coming next and that probably freaks some people out,” said Paul Hewitt, the countryside manager for the trust at Wallington. “They are basically river anarchists.”

“This time last year I don’t think I fully knew what beavers did. Now I understand a lot more and it is a massive lightbulb moment. It is such a magical animal in terms of what it does.”

It’s believed that the only animal which alters the natural environment to the same extent as humans is the beaver. Their constant felling of trees to construct dams causes creeks to build up into pools that spill out during rainfall across the land, cutting numerous other small channels into the soil that distribute water in multiple directions.

Hewitt says that in Wallington this has translated to a frantic return of glorious wildlife like kingfishers, herons, and bats.

Recently the mature pair of beavers mated and produced a kit, though its sex is not yet known because beavers don’t have external genitalia.

These beaver reintroductions have led to a raft of beaver sightings around the country. Those at the National Trust working to rewild the beaver back into Great Britain hope the recovery of the landscape will convince authorities to permit further reintroductions to bigger areas."

-via Good News Network, July 16, 2024

[harryspet]

ribbons & rage | b.barnes

[warnings] dark!gray!congressman!bucky barnes x feral!hybrid!reader, daddy!bucky, power imbalance, possessive bucky, pet play elements, dollification, political manipulation, age regression tones (dd/lg dynamics), dom/sub dynamic, stockholm syndrome, forced domestication, DUBCON

summary: After a diplomatic mission turns into an extraction, Congressman James Buchanan Barnes brings home a prize no one knows about. She’s impulsive. Dirty. Disobedient. But under his eye, with enough ribbons, praise, and correction, he’ll turn the wild thing into something beautiful. Something his.

word count: 5.8k

bucky barnes masterlist

Sam warned him not to get involved in Project LUPUS. He was only a year into his congressional term and he’d managed to fully rid the public of the image of the Winter Soldier. For the first time in the century he’d been alive, he was just James “Bucky” Barnes. Some of his colleagues had even begun to take him seriously. Despite this, Bucky knew Sam didn’t fully understand. He’d never fully understand the destruction that Hydra had caused to his mind. Bucky was the only one who could understand the minds behind the deep-state project. Modern American scientists influenced by Hydra’s science. 

Project LUPUS was Hydra’s legacy. The experimentations, the genetic manipulations, the violence. They hadn’t been erased. They were buried, waiting for someone to dig them up. It was his responsibility to make sure everything tied to it was destroyed. 

The classified file came across his desk because one of his colleagues recognized he would be the best person for the job. He was granted limited access under the purpose of an oversight audit and a bioethics violation review. 

According to the document, everyone involved had been terminated and all the experiment subjects had been exeterminated. His colleague believed otherwise. Bucky read the documents even closer during his private flight to Outpost-25 A, and undisclosed location in Alaskan territory. A snowstorm had grounded most flights but he’d been given “special clearance”.

The scientists, under the direction of a network embedded within the Department of Defense, were intending to create self-healing, biologically engineered hybrids with enhanced aggression, sharp senses, and fast reflexes. They’d be able to detect and eliminate threats, control public unrest, recover key asessets, and could even be deployed during warfare operations. 

They’d learned nothing from the past. 

The very last document in the pile of fifty pages peaked Bucky’s interest the most. It was a scanned intake form, faded, stained and partially redacted. This one had many notes written in the margins. A different tone than the documents describing the purpose of the project, the different subjects and how they’d been exterminated. 

Subject 109. LUPUS-F. Status: Unconfirmed termination. Last seen on Sublevel 3. 

Ah, the real reason he was here. You were nineteen at the time that the project had been terminated. Many of the notes were similar to the other subjects. Rapid healing. Strong territorial response. Pre-verbal communication. A few others, including you, had been listed as non-compliant. 

He stared at the paper longer than he should have, becoming unsettled as he read further. 

There were so many incident reports related to you. Reports on the use of deadly force. Gunshot wound to the abdomen. The accidental death of a Lt. Carney. Another accidental death of a Lt. Wynn. Destruction of two containment doors during transport. The standard dose of sedation being ineffective due to rapid metabolism.

Avoid eye contact. 

Will only accept food from [REDACTED] 

Your termination order was prior to the termination of the project. The justification included unmanageable behavorial volatility and emotional instability. It stated your body had been incinerated but there were no autopsy photos included. 

Double dose required for sedation. 

Rejection of mating partner 103-M. 

Rejection of mating partner 98-M.

Rejection of mating partner 115-M. 

Bucky searched for anything that gone right during your captivity and didn’t find anything. Bucky finally tore his eyes away when the plane dipped from turbulence. The storm was building. As the jet began its descent into a snow-covered valley, Bucky caught sight of the outpost. It was buried under permafrost in a decommissioned missile silo.

The pilot warned him not to stay long before he finally stepped off the transport. It was a thirty-foot walk through snow, reaching up to his mid-calf, to the entrance. The tall steel doors of the entrance had been sealed off. He used his clearance code, courtesy of his colleague on the oversight committe, and the steel doors groaned open. 

Lights flickered weakly above. He passed through long corridors and security checkpoints until he reached the main lab. It didn’t look abandoned. Only frozen in time. Notes were still scrawled across whiteboards, papers stacked on desks, and metal trays with half-used syringes. A shattered, glass, containment chamber sat nearby, clawmarks across the glass. 

But there were no bodies, or bones, or even any bullet casing. 

Carefully and methodically, Bucky cleared the first two floors of the outpost. He found each cage door open and and empty. When he finally reached Sublevel 3, he noticed something in the air had shifted. The air cooled even further and lights dimmed. That’s where he found the bones. Animal bones. 

He checked each cage for a sign of life. Though there was a pistol on his hip and a shotgun strapped to his back, he didn’t ever reach for them. He paused at cell 12-C and stepped inside. There was bedding, sheets created from lab coats, chair cushions and even shredded documents. Muddy foot prints. Small and barefoot. 

You weren’t in a cell. You were loose. Surviving. 

He stepped back into the hallway. And then he saw you. No chains. Just … standing at the end of the hall. Watching him. 

Despite the the lack of sunlight and coldness of your home, your skin was rich and radiant. Your curls, though some were matted, defied gravity. Your frame was slender, most likely from being trapped here with dwindling resources, but the curves of your body remained. Gunshot to the abdomen. He saw the scar above your hip bone. He also saw another one on your right thigh and an even larger one on your collarbone. 

It wasn’t just the scars or the angles of your body that made you unlike anything Bucky had ever seen. Unnaturaly wide pupils that he could see even in the dim light. Slightly pointed ears. You looked him over, scanned him, and Bucky noted the faint twitch of your nostrils – scenting him. Though you were physically much smaller than him, you did not cower. You were not prey. 

Your lips parted and Bucky could see your canines, just slightly too long. 

He remembered your file. 

Hybrid Type: Homo sapiens/Canis lupus (Genome Series III)

Ancestral Donor: [REDACTED] 

You were made this way. Selfishly, inappropriately, Bucky wondered how something made by evil minds could be so … beautiful. Something switched in his mind then. He couldn’t ensure the full termination of Project LUPUS. 

You were like him. A monster of another’s creation. He had to save you. Someone decided to give him a second chance, he could do that from you. 

Perhaps they had evolved. Maybe he was here to get rid of you like the others. He was armed. There was no reason to trust him. 

You didn’t speak. Just stared. Assessed. 

Until you did move. 

Part of you expected to easily pierce his skin. To be so much faster and stronger that the shear force of pushing your body against his would easily knock him down. You hadn’t met a worthy opponent yet. Until now. 

He caught you. 

He moved but barely. You let out a scream of anguish as his arms wrapped around your torso, pulling your body against his. You thrashed wildly, trying to pull your knees into his groin, before you decided to go for his throat. Bearing your teeth, you lunged for him, but the wind was almost knocked out of you when you suddenly found yourself slammed against the concrete wall. 

Now you were mad. Blindingly furious. 

What was he? He didn’t smell like a hybrid. He smelled chemical, metallic, and synthetic. His arm, across your chest, pinned you against the wall. You looked up at his face now, long dark hair shielding half his face. 

“You’re supposed to be dead,” His first words to you weren’t a threat. You knew that much although you couldn’t decipher the full meaning. He was surprised. Not scared of you. Not the least bit scared of his own safety. It made you even more furious, “You’ll hurt yourself if you don’t stop.”

Dead. Hurt. You knew those words. Those were bad words. But he almost seemed worried. He looked … conflicted. 

You couldn’t breathe, your chest was tightening under the pressure, and it felt like your bones might crack at any minute. Your eyes burned from the rage and frustration. No one had ever made you feel like this. You wanted his heart in your hands. You wanted his head off his shoulders. But you forced your body to still. Not in submission but to allow yourself time to think. 

A growling whine left your throat, the pain finally fully registering. His grip loosened and something changed in his face. He managed to keep you pinned but the pressure lessened, “I don’t want to hurt you,” He spoke and you hung onto every word. You needed to think. To try to understand him, “You won’t be able to hurt me. Not in the way you want to.” 

Your nostrils flared. You didn’t believe him. You also didn’t move. Clearly, you would have to take a different approach.

He talked like a human. Carried weapons like the humans. You weren’t sure why. It wasn’t like he needed them. You could take another bullet, you’d done it before. You wished that the food hadn’t started running out a few weeks ago. You would be stronger. But there was still fight left in you. 

He didn’t notice the switch flip in your mind. He was already pulling away, giving you space, but you quickly struck again. Dropped your weight, slammed your forehead against his jaw as hard as possible. Nails slashed against his throat when you successfully caught him off guard. You drew blood and smiled. 

“Fuck,” He growled, actually growled, and your smile grew bigger. 

So he bleeds. What was he? 

A metal arm wrapped around your throat before he shoved you to the ground. You scrambled and kicked as he got on top of you, straddling your torso. When he reached into his pocket, you thought he was reaching for his gun. 

“You don’t get it,”  He said. You screamed as best as you could. Your chest heaved, “I’m not your enemy.”

You didn’t see the syringe until it was already pressed against your arm. The sting was nothing. You’d felt much worse. You didn’t flinch. Despite the way his face softened, you showed him your rage. You pushed at him until you couldn’t feel anything anymore. 

Bucky didn’t realize he’d taken on too much responsibility until it was too late. 

“You’re safe here,” He’d say over and over, “This isn’t a cage.”

Now you were here in his Brooklyn home, barefoot, feral, and you were close to destroying every valuable item in his home. His first mistake was trying to make sure you didn’t feel caged. He realized quickly that he couldn’t be nice with you. The only things you responded to were pain and control. 

This would be a journey. A long one. It would be a slow, brutal fight to drag you out of whatever darkness they left you in.

And Bucky wasn’t sure yet who would survive it.

For the first two weeks, he kept a bit gag in your mouth to stop you from biting, and padded gloves on your hands, leather on the outside, soft inside, to keep you from scratching him. He had to sedate you everytime he deemed you needed a bath or your teeth brushed because you’d fight him until your body went limp from exhaustion. You completely refused any clothing, leaving Bucky to draw every curtain in the home. 

He hadn’t found a way to make a click. To help you understand. Until he’d prepared you a breakfast one morning and you’d thanked him by flipping the table. He lifted you by your waist and dragged you kicking and screaming to the living room. He bent you over the couch, vibranium arm pressed against your upper back, and spanked you until your growling turned to whimpers. 

He hadn’t seen you cry yet. Not until then. His heart panged, realizing he’d let his anger make him lose control. He hand’t wanted to hurt you. Not really. But the spanking had done more then bruise your ass. It embarassed you. Made you truly realize how much stronger he was. You were deadly but Bucky had an extra eighty years to perfect his craft. 

Bucky could tell in the way your posture softened. How you leaned into the fabric of the couch for comfort. You weren’t broken but you were beginning to understand. He was the one in control. He could keep you here no matter how much you fought it. 

You allowed him to lift you, to place you softly on the material of the expensive sofa. As he rounded the piece of furniture and sat close to you, he watched how you pulled your knees into your chest. And then quickly sat up and tucked your knees under yourself instead, bottom sore.  Hesitantly, he rested a hand on your thigh. You looked up at him, eyes sad and confused. 

“I know,” He said quietly, voice rough but steady, “But there are rules to follow. You were being a bad girl–”

You pointed to your chest and spoke to him for the first time, “B-ad girl.”

Bucky was taken aback by your tone of voice. Gritty from misuse but he heard so much softness underneath. A delicateness he had not expected. Bucky nodded after a long pause, “Yes, you were being a bad girl. But I know you can be a good girl.”

Your brows furrowed and Bucky saw the way that you momentarily grew frustrated before you pushed it away. For the first time, you pushed away your gut instinct to fight him. You pointed to him next, “Good girl?” You asked, confused. It didn’t sound right and Bucky could see your mind working.

Bucky grinned, “No, I’m Bucky.”

“Boy,” You corrected yourself, “Good boy?”

Bucky’s lips parted. He honestly hadn’t thought he’d get to this point with you so he hadn’t spent enough time considering how he would explain all of this you, “No,” He said after clearing his throat, “That one’s for you. You get to be the good girl.”

You tilted your head again, “You … Alpha?”

Bucky shook his head, “No, not exactly. I want to be your …” He thought carefully about his next words. He pointed to you, “You … good girl. Baby. Doll. Pet.”

He pointed to himself next, “Me …. I’m Daddy.”

“Hmm,” You made a noise as you looked him over. You reached out next, your fingers wandering curiously over the fabric of his white button up. You felt his chest, hard and thick before you gripped the metal wrist of his left arm, “Daddy arm … this … you?”

“Yes, it’s me. Still me,” Bucky spoke a little breathlessly, not realizing how much that word on your lips would make his heart race. You studied his face and then subsequently his heart rate. You placed a hand over his heart and felt the beating. It fascinated you. Your heart rate was so much slower, so much more controlled.

You made another noise and your hands wandered back to your own lap. It would be a strange sight to anyone looking in. You were completely naked and Bucky had, somewhat, grown used to looking at your figure. Sometimes his eyes lingered a little too long on the perks of your nipples or the plumpness of your bottom. And your legs were slightly parted, he could clearly see your slit. You didn’t mind it. It bothered you more when he wanted you to wear clothes. 

“No baby,” You interrupted his thoughts and Bucky realized his hand was traveling closer to the gap between your thighs. 

You were so soft. 

“What?” he asked, brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“No … not baby,” You pointed to yourself then and gestured to a lower height, palm facing downward, emphasizing how small an actual baby would be, “This baby.”

You wanted to be understood, “Not a real baby, no,” Bucky said, “But I want you to be my baby,” When you went quiet, he continued, “I want to take care of you. I will take care of you.”

You shook your head, “No need.”

“I know,” Bucky agreed, “You’re right. You’re strong. But I know you don’t want to be alone again. All by yourself. No family. No friends. No love. It’s bad for you.”

“Bad for me. No love,” You said after awhile, mimicking him. Trying to understand. 

Bucky nodded, “It’s good to have someone. Stay with me. I won’t hurt–”

“You hit,” You retorted, some of that fury returning. Your palm touched the skin of your bruised bottom, “See, you hit! No like. I … don’t like.”

You raised a hand and Bucky quickly caught it. His eyes grew sharper and he sent you a warning. 

“Hey, you’re not supposed to like it. I hit, yes. But it’s different than this,” Bucky emphasized the scars on your skin, the bullet wounds, the scars from where knives had sliced you open, “Sometimes it hurts more here.” He pointed to you heart. 

“I don’t like,” You said again, softer this time. 

Slowly, Bucky’s tight grip turned gently and he took your hand into his. One hand on your thigh, his metal hand on your soft one. 

“Then you won’t be a bad girl, okay? No fighting. No hurting Daddy. If you want something, you have to tell me. You can’t just throw a tantrum. There are rules to follow.”

You sighed, considering. Your lips parted again, uncertain. That was good enough for Bucky. 

Bucky leaned in, his voice gentle, “Do you know your name? I’m Bucky. You are …”

“109-F,” You answered easily and flashed him a look of boredom, like your name didn’t matter. 

“That was your name. We’ll think of something better, okay?”

Another week passed and Bucky found he had little use for the bit gag and leather gloves. The tantrums remained but Bucky noticed your intentions had changed. You didn’t get riled up and try to hurt him anymore. You pushed at him and knocked things over but mostly only when you wanted to communicate something and Bucky couldn’t understand you. 

As the spankings increased, the good behavior increased as well. He started new routines with you. 

Your room was currently only a twin bed and soft carpet despite the size of the room. It allowed for less things to be destroyed. You didn’t sleep in the bed anyways. Bucky started to notice that his couch cushions, blankets, old newspapers, and even clothes from his closet were starting to go missing. He found them later in the small closet connected to your room. 

A nest.

You had created a soft, safe space for yourself inside. At first, you bared your teeth at him when he tried to step inside. Instead, Bucky sat right by the entrance of the closet door. He brought you breakfast, a simple bowl of oatmeal. He’d take a spoonful into his mouth and exaggerate an, “Mmmm,” as he ate. Then he would hold the spoon out to you and wait for you to take it, “Your turn, baby.”

You refused the first few times. Then eventually you took the spoon in your hand and catapulted it at the wall. Not out of anger, mostly out of curiosity. And then you clumsily dipped the spoon inside the oatmeal, brought it to your nose, smearing some on your nose. “See, it’s not so bad. Try it.”

You looked at him like he was from another planet. 

Eventually, you took the spoon into your mouth and had a few bites, “Good girl, baby.” That’s how he knew you were warming to him. 

His work in Washington continued even as he continued to help you settle into a routine. There were still meetings and late-night calls. Stacks of policy briefs piled high on the living room table and his phone buzzed constantly. Soon, he would have to return but he hoped by then you would be more house broken. Easier to manage. Easier to leave on your own. 

You responded well to the corporal punishments. To make even bigger changes, Bucky tried to workout a system of rewards for you. It started with the stuffed animals. Soft and cute. He knew you’d never seen or held one before. He sat outside the closet, further than he usually did, one evening holding a stuffed, brown bear, “Look, he’s soft. Do you want to hold him?”

“ … hold him?” You made you way to the edge of door and reached for it.

Bucky pulled back, “You may hold him. You’ve been such a good girl, eating your food, and not throwing things. Come here,” He patted his lap. 

For a long moment, you mentally debated whether or not you would leave the closet. When you finally decided the risk was worth it, you hesitantly crawled forward, sitting your bare bottom on the worn fabric of his jeans. Bucky let you take the bear into your hands and he saw something your face soften immediately. You brushed your hands over the fur methodically, over and over. Bucky counted fifty brushes of your hand over it’s head. 

“You can hug him,” Bucky demonstrated for you, realizing then that you wouldn’t know what a hug was. He pressed the bear to your chest and then guided your arms around the plush toy, “See, sweet girl. Do you like him?”

“I like bear,” Your voice came out muffled as you pressed the bear against your face, “Soft.”

You were mesmerized for a solid fourty-five minutes. You didn’t mind when Bucky shifted you in his lap so that you were fully straddling him, the bear between the two of you. His hands caressed your back, the sides of your waist and eventually he fully grasped your bottom in his hands, “Fuck,” He cursed under his breath.

“Hurt?” You asked though it was clear your mind was elsewhere.

“No, baby,” Bucky said although he was painfully hard.

“I keep bear?”

Bucky placed a soft kiss against your shoulder blade and was surprised when your face remained soft, almost happy, “It’s yours. For you, my good girl.”

“I’m good girl,” You smiled a real smile. It was the first time he fully saw your teeth and you weren’t thirty seconds from trying to rip out his jugular, “Good bear for me.” 

He nodded, brushing your curls back with his metal fingers. He’d have to tackle another deep detangling another night, “That’s right. But when someone gives you something special, there’s something else you say, too.” He touched your cheek. “Can you say thank you, baby?”

You blinked at him.

“Thannnk—” he started, slow and patient. 

You studied his mouth. “Than...”

“Good,” he coaxed, smiling now. “Now say thank you, Daddy.”

You continued, “Thank you… Daddy.”

“There you go. So polite. So sweet.”

You just stayed there, safe in his lap, hugging the bear a little tighter.

You followed Mr. Bear around the house. Wherever Bucky placed him, you were there. The kitchen table at breakfast, the space beneath Bucky’s desk while he was working, beside the bathtub when Bucky decided you couldn’t go any longer without a bath, your bed that you had initially abandoned. You’d even spent a full night in Bucky’s large bed, letting Bucky hold your waist as you slept using Mr. Bear as your pillow. It wasn’t conscious at first. You fell in love with the small toy quickly. You looked in his eyes and squished his belly to help calm yourself, to even help yourself sleep. It was an attachment that was foreign to you. You liked that Mr. Bear was yours and that Bucky had given him to you. 

It was comfort and regulation. It was all new. 

You spent a full two weeks with that sense of peace. Until you woke from a long nap on the living room couch and Mr. Bear was missing. You’d learn to breathe, to slow down and to not let your anger rise to point of seeing red. You breathed deeply as you turned over every cushion and looked threw drawers. You couldn’t even smell him anymore. 

He was gone. Forever. Stolen from you. Had you been a bad girl? You’d grown attached and now you’d been abandoned. You started looking under any item you could find, letting items fall to the ground with a thud. You emptied an entire bookshelf of all it’s books and spread the contents of one of Bucky’s manila folders all over the floor. 

Cold, dense paper. Nothing soft. You didn’t register the sound of Bucky’s voice in the other room. You fell to your knees, cheeks wet with tears, and started to shred the papers with your nails. 

“....Then tell them to hold off until I’m back D.C. I won’t sign off on anything blind …. Yeah, he knows this. Email him again. Then call. Whatever you have to do. That’s your job …”

A second later, the footsteps came. Fast, heavy but controlled. 

“Give me a second,” Bucky said. Then louder, “Just pause the call.”

Your eyes found his when he finally walked into the living room from his office. He looked over everything quickly. You couldn’t control your breathing. 

Before he could ask you what was wrong, you yelled, “You took bear! Not here! Where?!”

“He’s not gone,” Bucky crouched next to you, eyes dark and fixed sharply on you, “I was in the other room. You need to ask when you have a question. You can’t do … this.” 

“Need bear, Daddy,” You crawled closer on your knees, “Need. Baby is sad.”

“Thank you for telling Daddy how you feel but this is not what you do when you’re sad. You didn’t ask Daddy for help,” Before he continued his lecture, he realized you weren’t the least bit sorry. Your focus was on your toy, “Daddy put Mr. Bear in the washing machine. He was dirty. He’s in the dryer now.” 

“You took bear,” You croaked and Bucky sighed, “Not dirty. Give back.”

“I’ll give him back after you clean up your mess.” 

“No, Daddy!”

“Do you want a spanking too?” You blinked, eyes wide. You shook your head slowly. It had been so long since Bucky had bent you over and done that to you, “Clean, all this needs to go in the trash. The books go back on the bookshelf. And you can put the couch back together. I will wait.”

You scowled then. You had to clean when all of this was his fault. He took Mr. Bear. 

He kept his word. He waited. You put the couch cushions back where they belonged before you stacked the books back on the shelf. He stepped in to show you exactly where the books needed to go and held a trash bag open for you to place all the destroyed papers in.

“Good girl,” He said though the way his jaw clicked made you believe he might be just as mad as you. 

He took your hand a moment later and led you into the small room with two white machines. One was loud, rumbling and as Bucky opened it’s door, the shaking came to a cease. And then Mr. Bear appeared. Before you could lunge for him, Bucky’s metal arm shot out, holding you at a distance, “My bear,” Your voice trailed off as you eyed the toy. He looked cleaner but he’d lost the smell you’d grown to like, “Bucky no more clean. Not dirty.”

“Mr. Bear does get dirty just like Baby does. He has to have a bath sometimes. Do you understand?”

You were reluctant but you nodded. “Yes,” As soon as the plus toy was in your arms, you curled up on the ground, and held him tightly. As Bucky turned to return to his call in the other room, you let out a small, “.... Sorry, Bucky.”

He paused in the doorway, glanced back.

“I know, baby,” he said gently. 

Bucky decided the perfect gateway into you finally wearing clothes around the house was yet another toy. This one was a soft rag doll that looked just slightly like you. The same skin tone and dark curly hair pinned up by two lavender colored bows. She also wore a lavender dress and matching ballet flats. She looked sweet, safe, familiar. 

His usual spiel had failed. He explained that clothes were a good thing. They were soft and kept you warm. He also teased the possibility of one day going outside with him, “The people outside always wear clothes,” He’d say, “You want to go on a trip with Daddy one day, don’t you?”

You just ignored him and let your eyes wander towards the window, “This is Mr. Bear’s good friend,” He presented the doll to you, placing her on your bed, next to the loose-fitting, pink t-shirt dress that was laid out on the bed. He chose something completely unrestrictive on purpose. You perked up then. You gave him a hungry look, as if he was presenting you with a medium-rare steak instead of a doll, “She’s a ballerina. Uh, like a dancer. To music. Her name is … Rina.”

“Rina,” You tried, your eyes locked on her, “Soft?”

“She’s very soft,” Bucky assured you, “She loves hugs too.”

“Rina mine?” You asked next, face soft, looking up expectantly, “Like Bear?”

“She could be. She wants a new friend. But she has a rule.”

Your arms crossed at that. You leaned forward to study the doll, brows furrowed, “She has rule?”

“She doesn’t want to be held unless you’re dressed, like people are supposed to be. Even cute hybrid girls have to wear clothes.  She feels the most comfortable that way.”

You pouted adorably, “Bad rule.”

“Maybe,” Bucky said, “That’s what she told me. Rina’s rules. She might let you hold her if you’re a good girl.”

“Don’t like,” You started to whine, pressing your body against Bucky’s body, forehead pressing against his chest, “Please … don’t like.”

Bucky placed gentle on your shoulders, lifting your body from him. He pressed a finger under your chin, lifting it until you were looking at him, “I’m sorry, I would help you but it’s not my rule.”

He turned away from you. Not far, only a few steps. He gave you space. Pretended to check his email on his phone. He heard you stomp your feet. Once. Twice. Then a whine. Then there was silence. The tiniest ruffle of fabric. When Bucky turned around, you were wearing the dress. He smiled wide, impressed. 

He doubted he could get you in pair of underwear or a bra today but there was time for that. 

He came closer again, running his fingers over your hair before he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, “Did it. See, Bucky.” You declared, eyes wide and expecting, “Mine now?”

“She’s yours.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” You bounced on your toes excitedly before you happily scooped up the doll. Bucky picked you up next, and you wrapped your legs around his torso. You let out a soft laugh, a real one, and it was music to Bucky’s ears. One arm looping around his neck, the other squeezing Rina to your body, you looked Bucky in his eyes deeply. Like he’d placed gentle kisses on your forehead, your shoulder, and cheeks, you placed a soft peck on his lips. 

He stilled for a second. Then smiled, full and proud, “Thank you, babygirl.”

There was one week left until Bucky had to return to Washington. He was more than happy with the progress you’d made. You’d started wearing underwear and you’d even been open to trying different kinds of clothes. Pants were still a nonstarter. You didn’t mind the skirts. You didn’t love the tight-fitting t-shirts but Bucky often left you no options. You tugged at them and pouted. Selfishly, he liked the way they looked on you. 

There were still many gaps in your social etiquette. It took him a full three days to explain that you couldn’t lift up your skirt whenever you wanted. You had a habit of wanting to stare at the different patterns on your underwear and often would flip up your skirt in the middle of a conversation or activity or anything to look. He corrected gently, not because he didn’t like the view but because ideally one day you’d accompany him to dinners and go on outings with him. He didn’t need you putting your body on display. 

He convinced you Rina liked it when wore different hairstyles. Ribbons and bows were her absolute favorite. He’d started getting really good at braiding it into neat rows, and tying bows to the ends. During his morning meetings, you often sat between his legs at his desk, Rina in your lap, as he fixed your hairstyle for the day. 

Bucky was settling into a sense of peacefulness. A feeling he had longed for. Therapy helped. His new job fulfilled him in some aspects but also made him realize how slow change really happened at the same time. This life, the pocket of innocence he was building around you, was starting to help most of all. This life was the opposite of everything he and you were ever used to. 

He didn’t want you exposed to the real world. He would shield you from reality for as long as possible. He would give you something he never had for himself. He’d also had enough of following orders for ten lifetimes. With you, in his own house, he made the rules. 

He had to address his mission. Debrief the committee on all of his findings. He had to give his colleagues enough information to satisfy them but couldn’t risk them getting their hands on you. You were the survivicing data to a program that never should’ve been created. He decided to lie. The site was clear of any sources of life. The facility was sealed, records wiped away, and he submitted a report that suggested Project LUPUS be permanently blacklisted from funding due to “gross ethical violations”. 

He’d have to spin another story eventually. Explain your presence in his life. Mel, his assistant, was already working on using the story for political advantage. You were a rescued civilian during a humanitarian negotiation. You’d suffered severe trauma and Congressman Barnes, recognizing the complexity of the situation and understanding the importance of mental rehabilitation, he’s personally arranged for you to receive trauma-informed rehabilitative care under his sponsorship. He’d be even more of the hero than the public saw him as. 

Colleagues would raise questions but no one would push to hard. He was a war hero. His word was gospel. 

Pls reblog w/ your thoughts if you enjoyed! This will be a 2 part series with the second chapter focused on Bucky + Baby’s time in Washington! Hope you enjoyed :)

[motorsportbarbie13]

The Accidental Influencer

In which you're reminded why you fell in love with Lando in the first place.

Warnings: nothing Pairing: Lando Norris x Influencer!Reader Word count: 1.5k(ish)

based on this request Master List

yourinstaname posted

598,029 likes liked by landonorris, charlottetilbury, kikagomes, and others yourinstaname 'tis the season and all that (tagged: charlottetilbury, landonorris) user444 love when we get @/yourinstaname and lando content >>>user837 for real. charlottetilbury so excited to see you tonight!!! user009 body goals fr landonorris hey cutie, you got a date for tonight??? >>>yourinstaname eh, just my boyfriend but i'm willing to ditch him if you're offering 🤭 >>>user928 their interactions are always so sickeningly cute. >>>user829 always flirting, never serious. my favorite F1 couple fr.

You hadn't meant to become an influencer. Honest to God, you really hadn't. But then your Get Ready with Me, Cheerleader Edition had gone viral during your senior year of college and that had been that. Even though you'd been in the influencer world for a few years now it was still a place where you weren't totally comfortable. Sure, you had made some really good friends and had even found the love of your life in F1 driver Lando Norris but there was still something about the parties and late nights that had you feeling anxious sometimes.

Anxiety that spiked on nights like this, despite the fact that you had brought said boyfriend with you as your plus one, where you found yourself just wanting to run back to Lando's apartment and snuggle on the couch.

It had been a few weeks ago when the email invite had landed in your manager's inbox inviting you to Charlotte Tilbury's annual Christmas party in the heart of downtown London. It was a big deal that you'd been invited, an American that had moved across the ocean 2 years ago, and your manager had insisted you go and network. You had been reluctant even back then though. It had been a difficult and busy year, with Lando's season being hectic and you trying to be there for him as much as possible while fulfilling the brand deals and obligations you needed to do. You wanted nothing more than to spend the evening alone in your flat hibernating with your boyfriend.

In the end, it had been Lando that had convinced you to go, offering to be your plus one. Which you were now regretting as you stood in the corner of the room near one of the giant Christmas trees watching the room buzz with activity.

Girls in tiny sparkly dresses stood in little groups, laughing and socializing. Girls that were dressed to the nines, makeup applied perfectly probably by professionals. Girls that kept tossing you glances every once in a while, as if they were wondering what in the world you were doing with someone like Lando. Fairy lights twinkled above, creating a soft ambient glow that you knew would create good lighting for some photos later in the evening.

Across the room, you spotted Lando standing at the bar getting you another French 75, your favorite drink of the moment. Lando stood behind another plus one date dressed in a charcoal grey suit waiting to order you a drink. As he waited, his head turned just slightly and you caught his gaze, the eye contact with you sending a cool shiver down his spine. You'd been dating for nearly two years now and the sight of you still set something squeezing in his chest you were just so pretty. But beyond your looks, you were authentic and felt everything so deeply and fully, something that he found was missing from a lot of people in your world. He knew you didn't like these kinds of nights but he was so proud you had put your anxieties aside in order to put yourself out there.

Once the drinks were ordered, Lando started back towards you, surprised to see you chatting with one of the other girls that had been invited. As he crossed the room, his eyes stay locked on you despite several women trying not so very subtly to get his attention. A few just simply called out his name, voices thick with flirtation and innuendo. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw your boyfriend approaching and also noticed how many heads turned in his direction, sending something painful twisting in your stomach. You struggled to keep the conversation up with the girl across you, someone who you'd met a few times before and genuinely did like, just watching Lando approach you with 2 drinks in his hands.

"Baby, look they put glitter in the drinks tonight." Lando gushes when he finally reaches where you're standing, handing you your drink before slipping his now empty hand around your waist.

A sharp streak of desire skitters across your skin at being claimed by Lando as he pulls you in for a quick kiss. The small reassurance that he's here for you and only you settles something in your bones and you don't miss the glint of jealousy in your friends face as she watches the two of you come together.

"You guys are so cute together." Fiona coos across from you. "How did you meet again?"

Your eyes dart over to Lando, and he winks at you, encouraging you to answer the question. A small smile plays on your face as you recount the beginning of your story with him. "I had been invited to be at the Miami race last year by Ferrari."

Next to you, you can practically feel Lando roll his eyes. 2 years later, he's still bitter you started off as a Ferrari fan and not in papaya. You pinch at his arm softly, knowing that he was shaking his head at the thought.

"And I was in the paddock when Fernando Alonso went flying down the sidewalk and nearly took me out. My knight in shining armor pulled me out of the way just before I was nearly made road kill."

"Swept her right off her feet." Lando quips as he squeezes your hip, nostalgic smile playing at the corner of his mouth as he barely resisted the urge to kiss you right in front of everyone.

"He offered to take me to lunch in the McLaren hospitality suite after threatening to put Alonso into the wall as retaliation for nearly killing me."

"I was a goner the moment I saw her walking down that sidewalk and then Nando did me the biggest favor of my life." Leaning down, Lando nuzzles into your neck, not caring that your friend is right there, watching you both with an amused smile on her face.

"I somehow found myself in the McLaren garage a few weeks later in Montreal, which someone still refuses to admit he's responsible for two years later." You bump your hip against your boyfriends, grinning over at him like a lovesick puppy.

Lando just shrugs, "I had absolutely nothing to do with that." He says, faux innocence lacing his voice.

Which, of course, was been a total lie. Seeing you draped in Ferrari scarlet had jealousy coursing through his veins the entire time he had been with you that first day in Miami. Lando had fallen hard and fast for you, something that had taken him completely by surprise. The way you laughed so quickly and easily, the way you put your entire soul into anything you did, the way you loved so loud and so boldly had him craving time with you, no matter how short it was.

He had gone straight to the PR department the next time he had been at the MTC, requesting special VIP passes be sent to you to the next race you were available for. Gina, who was responsible for coordinating guest passes and celebrity invites, had been shocked at his insistence at inviting someone who didn't do F1 related content or anything but had, of course, complied with the driver's request and began working on getting you to another race.

When that invite had landed in your managers inbox, you had agreed nearly instantaneously, remembering how good it felt to have Lando's full attention on you even as briefly as it had been in Miami.

"God, you guys are so cute, it's gross." Fiona gushes as you two get lost in each other's gaze as if she's not even standing right in front of you.

Lando reaches in his pocket for his phone before handing it over to Fiona. "Would you mind taking some pictures of us in front of the tree?"

You glance over at him, somewhat surprised at his request. It wasn't that Lando didn't like taking pictures with you, most of the time he indulged your requests because he did love getting those pictures together with you and he knew it was part of your job, but you knew that he preferred his privacy when it came to his personal life. "You sure?"

Lando nods, no hint of insincerity on his face. Fiona takes Lando's phone without hesitation and directs the pair of you on the best angle to take advantage of the twinkling fairy lights above and on the tree behind you.

As you listen to your friends direction, enjoying the way Lando's hands sit heavily on your hips when he pulls you closer, you're filled with gratitude and appreciation for your boyfriend, glad he had insisted you come tonight despite your initial reservations.

yourinstaname posted

299,948 likes liked by therealfiona, landonorris, charlottetilbury, and others yourinstaname It's the most wonderful time of the year. thank you to @/charlottetilbury for inviting us out for such a lovely evening. (photo cred to @/therealfiona.) (tagged: landonorris, charlottetilbury) therealfiona I should look into a career as a photographer. lovely to see you babes, can't wait to see you for New Years!! >>>yourinstaname profesh photog material for sure! xox landonorris whoever had the idea to take these pictures deserves an extra kiss tonight >>>yourinstaname you're literally sat two feet away from me rn, come get your reward. >>>user938 i'm obsessed with boyfriend lando >>>yourinstaname me too! 😉

Tag list: @shelbyteller @formulaal @martygraciesversion381 @longhairkoo @samantha-chicago @stelena-klayley @dark-night-sky-99 @luckylampzonkland @chlmtfilms @aykxz98 @forensicheart @cheer-bear-go-vroom @lieutenantchaos @willowsnook @sltwins @linnygirl09 @meglouise00 @mixedstyles @strawberryy-kiwii @secret-agents-stole-my-bunnies @mrosales16 @charlesgirl16 @leclercdream @eloriis @daemyratwst @dramaticpiratellamas @mochimommy2002 @bibissparkles @llando4norris @chelseyyouraverageluigi @iamaunknownsecret @maxivstappen @imlonelydontsendhelp @nina-or-anna-or-nora @a1leexxa @littlegrapejuice @sunflowervol18 @freyathehuntress @finn-dot-com @swiftie-4-lifes-stuff @chirasama

(If you want to be added or removed, let me know! Also, if you’d prefer to only be tagged in certain types of fics, like just my Lando or just my max stuff, send me a message. I’m going to try to keep a better tag list organized going forward and I don’t want to keep tagging people who don’t want to be tagged 🥹)

[vanillasyrupsblog]

The 6 Month Project

the concept of 'glowing up,' is a popular one. a simple idea that you can change yourself, and be more attractive. and now i can't pretend that the idea of 3 month, 2 months and 1 week glow ups haven't motivated me. of course, there's some truth in drinking 2 litres of water and sleeping 8 hours, that brings a change to your life. but i want to focus on something bigger, more than just simply appearance. i want to turn my life around and be me again. so this is my plan for the 6 month project.

step 1) establish goals

whilst i'm sure that success is possible without absolute direction, i'm not willing to risk my chances. therefore the first good step to any project, is to establish the goals or what i want by the end of these 6 months.

to make everything absolutely organized i split all my goals into 7 areas:

physical health (this refers to diet, sleep, exercise)

image (skincare, haircare, style, makeup, etc.)

finances/current career

future career (networking, becoming a linkedin warrior, etc.)

hobbies

intelligence (any sort of learning, or hobbies that push me further)

mental health (coping mechanisms, general wellbeing, managing stress)

step 2) research

this step, i'd argue is the most time consuming. for every goal, i did a bit of research to fully understand how i could achieve it. for example, for the 'physical health' goals, i researched how to sleep better and how to eat a more balanced diet. or for 'image,' i researched skincare and different styles to figure out which one fits me. although, this can be done in extreme detail, i've tried to not use this step as a tool to procrastinate actually getting started

step 3) make a timeline

to make sure that i stayed on track with all my goals, and due to the sheer amount of steps/goals i made a timeline. as to not overwhelm myself, i decided on picking up around 4/5 habits everyday, cutting out 3 negative things and doing one off changes (mostly to appearance) once a week.

step 4) start

with nothing else left to plan or prepare, simply start.

[searchingforserendipity25]

exorcising my list of unwritten conclave concepts from a few weeks ago i haven't written much since, in case the list is all there ends up coming out of it or anyone wants to welcome any of them into a good home:

cardinal lawrence and sister agnes won each other’s respect and trust during ratzinger’s papacy (liberals who leak church scandals to the justice system and the press stick together). everyone lowkey thinks they are having an affair. they are not, but they do keep sneaking into corners to gossip during the conclave. leaning fully into the reading of sister agnes as the late pope’s intelligence expert. incredibly jaded vatican spy. aldo is not jealous. benitez finds lawrence with the yellow canary eating from his hand and going back to his side after short flights, and has a number of franciscan emotions about it. the whole thing would ideally be about their friendship, different views and thoughts on power, what it looks like, what it ought to look like. responsibility, and doubt. also: how horrible it is the only non smokers in an european workplace.

(does this change anything materially? possibly the adeyemi and trembley situation is revealed much sooner with lawrence and sister agnes working together earlier and sharing intel, which in its turn makes him seem more competent and aggressive in taking down competitors, ergo more votes, ergo more influence? maybe bellini supports him more overtly earlier idk.) 

cardinal lawrence is dead. as a matter of fact, cardinal lawrence has been dead for a few days after the pope dies; unlike the pope, he keeps coming back to do his job. the curia covers up his death, because the dean of the college of cardinals is a ghost who apparently hated his job enough that is it his very literal purgatory is both hard to explain, and bad for the press. the fate of his unliving soul is very much at risk when steering the conclave, which is, uh, fun. cardinal tedesco's vape smoke now strongly smells of sulfur to him, which is probably not satanic in origin but then again might be. people keep voting on him and their belief in him corresponds directly to how much he can interact with the world, which is a very straightforward way to test one’s moral limits and otherwise a great torment. the one silver lining is that he can walk through walls and scoop out corrupt dealing easily, and no one can really tell he is dead. well, barely anyone. cardinal benítez and his ability to walk easily between the liminal spaces and certainties of the world is an outlier, and should not be counted.

dean lawrence keeps getting kidnapped, poisoned, blackmailed and otherwise threatened. this is an unfortunate if occasional part of being the vatican’s manager of two increasingly liberal and unorthodox papacies. it is considerably less fine and unfortunately far too normal for innocent xiv, who has a non-zero number of experiences with friends being kidnapped, poisoned, blackmailed and otherwise threatened. 

bellini/lawrence full on established relationship nonsense. as in, they have been together for thirty years and counting. conclave rewrite?? 

innocent xiv’s phone messages get leaked. innocent xiv’s phone messages consist of selfies with turtles sent to various friends and family, a good deal of memes in the santa marta groupchat, and daily jokes, complaints and affectionate messages to dean lawrence. the media has thoughts. aldo bellini, newly in charge of the papal media strategy, also has thoughts. and prayers.

a glimpse at all the people that Did vote for benítez from the start, and how much his work is or is not known outside the hermetic sphere of the vatican. he's kind of famous in religious activist circle probably! he has fans! he has a wide network of people he regularly approaches for information, resources, mutual aid and donations to his clinics and dioceses! he keeps dropping insane facts about horrifying personal experiences with unnerving serenity!

vincent benítez soft doms cardinal lawrence into taking a rest during the conclave. this incidents turns into a habit and gains new dimensions, as per the forthcoming changes in job status

pope john has an ongoing crisis of faith and also a gigantic imposter's syndrome. unrelatedly, pope john would really really really rather vincent benítez did not die in kabul and/or cause a diplomatic disaster. how convenient, then, that he is now a benevolent religious dictator who can arrange (read: wholesale invent) a number of postings and duties only benítez can accomplish. if anyone ask, this is a long-delayed move on part o the church to develop a deeper connection to on-the-ground aid organization. this can’t possibly last forever, though, can it? 

friar lawrence has shed all politics and chosen an abbey who keeps a vow of silence. friar lawrence is genuinely having a lovely time of things in his little abbey post canon. for like, uh, two months? friar lawrence keeps accidentally gaining more and more influence. manager-guy who cannot not manage. six months in he’s in charge of shelters and social associations. one year on, and he’d be archbishop again, if he were not aggressively trying to clamber down the church hierarchical rung. his friend, innocent xiv, who went from being a non-entity to one of the most famous men in the world, is sympathetic but also thinks this is very very funny. epistolary fic?? email epistolary? there is a little cat in a friar's habit and this is the most important part.

possibly related: cardinal lawrence comes back from his enforced sabbatical in a peaceful retreat freckled, healthier and smiling. people have thoughts on this, and emotions also. 

turtle pov of benitez/lawrence. literally: turtle pov. is the turtle an angel?? unclear if the turtle is an angel.

cardinal tedesco must die au.

[midnitetech]

🎉 Classic Career Overhauls—Batch #1 Now Available!

Per your votes, I’ll be releasing my Classic Career Overhauls in batches of 3–5 at a time! These careers have been recreated from scratch to work with the latest game versions. (I've rejigged things to include my Real Estate career in this batch to keep posts at a minimum.)

✨ Included in This Batch:

💻 Cybersecurity Hacker – Break into systems (legally) and keep networks secure.

🏡 Real Estate Agent - Seal the deal on dream homes and skyrocket to mogul status.

👔 Workforce Management (HR) – Recruit, train, and navigate workplace drama like a pro.

💰 Banking – Manage money, approve loans, and climb the corporate ladder to financial success.

📌 What’s New?

✅ 10-Level Career with Progressive Pay & Realistic Hours ✅ New Custom Interactions ✅ Daily Task & Custom Promotion Objectives ✅ Includes NPC Coworkers, Career Layoffs & All Up-to-Date Features ✅ Fully Integrated with Base Game Career Systems ✅ 100% Maxis Match

📂 More Classic Careers Coming Soon!

⚠️REQUIRED⚠️ 🌐Lot 51's Core Library 📁midnitetech_modlibrary

📌 Want to know how career updates are handled? Check out Career Updates – What to Expect for details on how older careers are being updated!

📂 Explore More Careers! You'll be able to find the full collection of career mods here, as I update them: Classic Career Collection.

Download to C:\Users\....\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods Don't forget 🌐Lot 51's Core Library and 📁midnitetech_modlibrary—script files must be no more than 1 folder deep.

PATREON (free)

[mydearestbeloved]

Chapter 10 [Draft]

Sung Jinwoo/Trial Player!Reader

CW:

Inspired by @circeyoru ‘s “Future Power Couple”

[Masterlist🦋✨️]

You paced around your domain, anxious thoughts swirling in your mind. Despite your butterflies’ best efforts to calm you, the mounting concern for what lay ahead in the Demon Castle wouldn’t ease. Jinwoo was strong—very strong—but the risk of becoming a burden weighed heavily on you.

Your mana stones were a reliable aid, but they wouldn't be enough to match the challenges ahead. The image of the castle lingered in your mind, pulling at fragmented memories of the manhwa. Something about it… contaminated mana. Yes, that was it. Inhabitants brimming with corrupted energy—but if mana was plentiful, maybe you could use that to your advantage.

A thought began to take shape: you needed a system that could function as a self-sustaining cycle, requiring minimal upkeep from your own reserves. Contaminated or not, the mana saturating the castle’s demons and undeads could potentially fuel a process to debuff them, slowing their movement and stamina so that your butterflies could use and drain them more easily.

A medium, you thought. Then, a cool breeze shifted your attention toward the garden outside your window, where flowers bloomed in quiet elegance. Plants were efficient—absorbing carbon dioxide, converting it to oxygen—a near-perfect cycle. Perhaps you could craft something similar, a way to absorb the ambient mana and use it to sustain a field spell. If you could channel contaminated mana into a converting field, your butterflies would be able to drain the demons’ energy at a manageable rate and use them after. It would also mean that they could function without constant energy input from you.

Yet, this method came with challenges. It would take time for your butterflies to fully drain each demon. The Demon Castle’s floors were likely to hold innumerable enemies, which meant progress would be slower and more methodical.

The enchanted field also would require high maintenance. As long as you focused on supporting Jinwoo and his shadows, you’d be able to manage the upkeep; but any direct offense from you would divide your attention, weakening the field’s effect. You could already feel the strain it might put on your mana reserves, especially considering the higher floors.

The real concern, however, was the contamination itself. Without a beast or specimen to experiment on, you were left to speculate. The effect of corrupted mana could potentially be as dangerous as a poison spreading through the flowers’ roots, disrupting the delicate balance of energy that made your powers work. You made a mental note to craft a few protective charms in case things turned toxic.

Your butterflies circled back around you, their light flitting movements a quiet reminder of what you had to prepare. The risks were there, yes, but with proper caution, this plan could help Jinwoo conserve his energy for the battles that mattered most.

You stilled your pacing at last, glancing toward the enchanted blooms. “It’s a gamble,” you murmured, brushing a fingertip over a petal. They’d form the basis of your spell, a network that could repurpose the demon’s energy.

Placing a hand over one bloom, you murmured an incantation, feeling mana pulse from your fingertips into the petals. The flower’s color lightened, and you sensed a faint but steady flow of power within it, pulsing in a rhythm that matched your own heartbeat.

“But with this, maybe we’ll stand a better chance.”

---

The sound of your knuckles tapping against Jinwoo’s apartment door echoed faintly in the quiet hallway. You shifted from foot to foot, mentally running through the negotiation tactics you planned to use. The stakes were high; you knew that the system would pull every trick in its arsenal to complicate your upcoming mission in the Demon Castle. A single week wasn’t going to cut it, no matter how confident Jinwoo was.

The door opened, revealing Jinwoo’s familiar figure. He leaned against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow at you. “(Name)? This is unexpected.”

“Got a minute?” you asked with a casual smile, slipping past him into the apartment before he could refuse. Jinwoo sighed but didn’t protest, closing the door behind you.

“Alright,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest, “what’s this about?”

You turned to face him, your expression serious. You needed to convince him, no matter what. “We need more time for the Demon Castle raid. One week isn’t enough. I’m thinking… a week and a half, at least. Maybe two.”

Jinwoo blinked, his brows furrowing. “Two weeks? Are you trying to turn this into a vacation?” His tone was light, but his eyes remained cautious. He clearly wasn’t on board with your suggestion yet. “That’s overkill. I’m confident we can clear it in less.”

“Hey, if I wanted a vacation, I’d pick somewhere with sunshine and no murderous demons,” you quipped. In fact, locking yourself in your domain for a few weeks sounded like the perfect vacation actually. Jinwoo had been dragging you to his supposedly solo raids almost daily recently.

Your expression sobered. “I don’t doubt your strength, Jinwoo. But the system’s not going to make it that simple. You know it loves to pull unexpected stunts. A little extra time gives us room to adjust our strategies.”

His eyes searched yours, looking for the hidden meaning behind your words. You could tell he was trying to figure out why you were so insistent. “And what are you not telling me?” he asked softly, his voice losing its edge. “You know something, don’t you?”

“…”

He sighed. “I’ve handled everything it’s thrown at me so far. Why would this be any different?”

Ah, you were prepared for that. Time to employ the sub-skill you'd honed through your many encounters with stubborn enemies while trying to test out your <Language> skill. Your <Communication> was maxed out, after all—if you couldn’t haggle a bit of extra time out of Jinwoo, what good was it? You sighed dramatically, putting on your best negotiating face.

“Alright, let’s break it down,” you said, raising four fingers to count off your points. “One: we don’t know how deep the dungeon goes. Two: if the system decides to change the conditions mid-quest, we’re screwed if we’re on a tight schedule. And three: wouldn’t you rather be over-prepared than scrambling at the last minute?”

Jinwoo’s eyes narrowed. “And what’s point four?”

“Point four,” you said with a sly smile, leaning in closer, “is that I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer.”

There was a moment of silence, and then Jinwoo let out a reluctant chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re really something, you know that?”

“I’m persistent,” you corrected, your smile widening. “So, are we good with extending the trip to a week and a half?”

After a long, tense pause, Jinwoo’s posture relaxed slightly, his sigh one of reluctant acceptance. “Fine. A week and a half, but that’s it. No more extensions,” he agreed, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re hiding, but I’ll trust you—for now.”

“—And if we end up with too much downtime, you owe me.”

“Deal,” you replied, your eyes twinkling. The system might have its tricks, but you had your own ways of leveling the playing field—like charming one particularly stubborn Hunter into giving you more time.

---

Jinah popped her head around the corner, watching the negotiation unfold while still staying hidden enough. Though she’d been quietly ‘eavesdropping’, she couldn’t catch all the exact words of the conversation, only murmurs. She really wanted to get closer, but it was hard when your brother’s senses recently amped up, it was like he gained eyes in the back of his head or something.

Despite being exempt from the details, she was thoroughly entertained by the seemingly back-and-forth and the faces Jinwoo made throughout. In fact, she felt like she’d be missing out if she didn’t witness firsthand how easily you could sway her usually stubborn brother.

If she were any less polite, she might have grabbed a bowl of popcorn.

Her curiosity only grew once she found out Jinwoo would be spending the next week and a half with you. Her mind buzzed with questions she planned to bombard him with once you left, and she was already grinning at the thought. But she stayed quiet, content for now with the food and books you'd brought her—a thoughtful mix tailored to her interest in medicine, showing how considerate of a person you were. That alone sealed you in Jinah’s good graces.

The food was heavenly too, and a bit familiar, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Where had she tasted something like this before?

You even promised to bring her a souvenir as you said your goodbyes.

When you finally departed, Jinwoo saw a bright-eyed Jinah looking up at him with a smirk that spelled trouble. The glint in her eyes that told Jinwoo he was in for another barrage.

In her mind, you were flawless. Her brother, however, was a prime candidate for interrogation.

---

If Jinwoo had a nickel every time he ended up in this situation because of his recent plans with you, he’d have… well, not a fortune. But two nickels was still enough to be memorable and bizarre, especially considering how it had happened back-to-back.

First, there was Jinho. Jinho was on his third glass of soju, and the flush in his cheeks was evidence enough that he was already tipsy. As Jinwoo mentioned he’d be out of contact for a while—and that you'd be going with him—Jinho’s reaction was instant. His eyes widened dramatically, the implications of the words clearly firing off into a direction Jinwoo had not anticipated.

“Hyung, you and Noona… are you two… eloping?”

Jinwoo nearly choked on his drink, coughing as he tried to process the absurdity of Jinho’s statement. “You’re really something else, you know that?”

He tried to wave Jinho off, chalking it up to too much soju or an overactive imagination. But Jinho wasn’t having it. “Oh, come on, Hyung. Don’t be shy! If you’ve made up your mind, I’ll support you. Just let me be your best man, alright?” Jinwoo had to practically pry himself away from his friend, stars were practically dancing in Jinho’s eyes.

Jinwoo sighed, rubbing his temples. “Jinho, it’s not like that at all,” he insisted, but it was no use. Jinho had already convinced himself otherwise and was now too invested in his new theory. And after another round of drinks, Jinwoo gave up trying to explain, hoping Jinho would pass out before he could push further.

And that was just the beginning.

Jinah was the next obstacle. As soon as you left his apartment, Jinwoo turned back, only to find her waiting in the hallway with an expression that said she’d been planning her line of questioning since the moment you arrived. She crossed her arms, a knowing glint in her eye, and Jinwoo had the uncomfortable realization that his sister had inherited their mother’s tenacity when it came to digging for details.

“So,” she started, voice heavy with implication, “a week and a half, alone, with (Name), huh?”

Jinwoo groaned inwardly. “We need the extra time. It’s just to be safe.”

Jinah wasn’t buying it. “Uh-huh. Sure. And I’m the Queen of England,” she replied with a dramatic roll of her eyes. “You’re taking her on a long trip, away from everyone else. You’re basically taking her on a getaway, right?”

He sighed, knowing his sister well enough to recognize that trying to brush this off would only invite more questions. “Jinah, it’s… it’s a dungeon raid. There’s nothing more to it than that.”

But his sister was relentless. “Oh, really? A whole week and a half, though?” Her eyebrow lifted, her smirk only growing wider. “I mean, it’s not every day that you disappear off-grid with someone. Have you… told her how you feel yet?”

Jinwoo, ever patient, felt his patience tested. “There’s nothing to tell, Jinah.”

Jinwoo tried to dodge it, giving her vague, simple answers. But Jinah, ever the sharp one, was unrelenting. She started throwing pointed questions his way, and each one felt like another barrier crumbling under her tenacity. She asked him everything. Every. Single. Damn. Thing. Her smirk grew with every evasion and half-answer Jinwoo gave, as if each word was confirming all her suspicions.

“Alright, alright,” she said in a tone that clearly indicated she wasn’t done. “But should I be prepping a maid-of-honor speech? Or maybe I should look into flower arrangements. Ooh, would it be butterflies or roses? Maybe both?”

By the time her questioning tapered off, Jinwoo felt as though he’d waded through a mental dungeon, one even his high stats couldn’t have prepared him for. Jinah’s grin was wide and smug as he escaped to his room, but he knew it wasn’t over. She'd keep this interrogation up the minute he returned.

But in true Jinah fashion, her smile softened at the end, clearly pleased with Jinwoo’s flustered state, an answer she didn’t need to hear but could now safely assume for herself.

---

Yet that wasn't the strangest part. Because now, Jinwoo was left alone with his own thoughts... and for once, they were nearly as relentless as Jinho and Jinah combined.

As he was going through his inventory to ensure they had all the supplies they would need before the dungeon, he was hit with a vision so vivid it stopped him in his tracks.

You were standing in a grand hall, under soft candlelight, wearing a wedding dress, though it wasn't quite the traditional white. In his mind's eye, the gown was two-toned, an elegant mix of black and white. While the white gleamed like moonlight filtering through mist, the black somehow mirroring the shifting tendrils of his shadows.

Jinwoo could see it all too clearly: the way the shadows would curl protectively around you, as if even they had accepted you.

Butterflies, your butterflies, danced around you, forming a veil that draped over your shoulders. Their delicate wings catching the light, creating a mystical aura around you that contrasted beautifully with the darkness of the gown.

In your hands, you held a bouquet of red spider lilies. The sight of the crimson flowers sent a pang through Jinwoo’s chest, evoking memories of his countless near-death experiences. The spider lilies symbolized his rebirth, the way he had clawed his way back from the brink time and time again. He’d been “reborn” when he received the system, and because of that—

Jinwoo’s heart skipped a beat as he watched the scene unfold in his mind. So clear, so tangible, that it left him breathless.

—he was able to meet you.

His face flush hot, and he rubbed the back of his neck, frustrated. How had his mind gotten there of all places?

And as he forced himself to refocus, he decided to treat the image as nothing more than a momentary lapse.

But when he finally met you on the day of the mission, the scene in his mind surged back as soon as he saw you. It didn’t help that you looked so composed and determined, your butterflies floating around you in their usual silent watchfulness. One of them—one of the red ones, the ones that somehow seemed to reflect your calmest self—drifted down and landed delicately on your eyelashes.

Your eyes closed softly at the butterfly’s touch, a serene look spreading across your face as if in meditation, and for a second, Jinwoo could almost see the veil around you, framing your face in soft lace. The entire image from his mind threatened to come to life, and he felt the flush rising to his neck and ears.

You noticed his silence, your brows drawing together as you asked, “Are you all right? You look a little… flushed?”

Jinwoo cleared his throat, looking anywhere but directly at you. “It’s nothing,” he managed, though even he knew how unconvincing he sounded. But you only tilted your head, curiosity lingering in your eyes, genuine.

Not for the first time, he was thankful you couldn’t exactly read his thoughts, despite how you seemingly know him too well.

 “Let’s just… focus on the dungeon.”

---

You knew the system would pull something like this the moment it let you into the Demon Castle without a barrier. Still, a vein practically popped as you glared at the quest interface floating before you.

‘Jinwoo was supposed to collect 10,000 demon souls, not 20,000!’ Your gaze narrowed, watching Jinwoo swiftly clearing out the first waves of demons. His level was clearly way above the demons on these early floors, but that didn’t mean you weren’t annoyed.

Of course, the system had doubled the soul requirement. And just when your powers were at a disadvantage, too, thanks to the demon-and-undead-ridden environment. You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to stay calm. Now wasn’t the time to get too frustrated. ‘At least I prepared for this... It’s a good thing I had Jinwoo agree to extend this run to a week and a half instead of one.’

With a thought, you brought up your inventory, mentally ticking off your supplies: plenty of food, and lots of mana gems you’d crafted in advance. If the system counted any kills you made as Jinwoo’s, you might as well help thin out the weaker hordes so he could save his strength for the higher floors. With a flick of your finger, you dispatched a sneaky demon behind you, your butterflies swooping in to devour its remnants.

You stepped forward, catching Jinwoo’s attention. “Save your energy for the tougher enemies on the higher floors,” you advised. “I want to try something.”

With that, you began to chant, letting your power seep into the ground. Glowing flowers bloomed in your wake, their petals pulsating in unison, creating rippling shockwaves that staggered the demons nearby. Your butterflies took the cue, flitting from demon to flower and back, draining each one with methodical precision.

Your powers thrived on life force, sure—but they didn’t stop there. Demons and undead were reservoirs of condensed mana, enough to fuel your abilities even in this dark domain.

“I figure the lower floors’ demons should be weak enough for me to handle with my own powers,” you explained, keeping your focus on sustaining the field. “It might be slower, but my butterflies can still devour them, even if they’re undead.”

You offered Jinwoo a graceful curtsy, a fond smile playing on your lips. “So, I’ll be in your care for now, Jinwoo. Shall we ascend?”

Jinwoo was just about to extend a hand to help you up onto the ice bear he’d summoned—ready to barrel through the demons like a living tank—but found you already floating beside him, butterflies swirling around you like a graceful aura.

“Try to keep up,” you teased, zooming past with a grin.

The ice bear, as if inspired by your daring, charged into the horde with Jinwoo on its back. He blinked in surprise before breaking into a determined grin, chuckling under his breath.

“Alright, Tank,” he murmured, naming the bear on the spot, “let’s catch up.”

End Note:

Unfinished Draft of [25/10/2024] -

Alright, this is the last decent draft I can post for now. This might seem rushed because it is the latest draft, you've been warned.

I'm not gonna post chapters like this for few months now. Though, I'll still answer short asks and comments. <3

Last Edited: [14/11/2024]

Okay, I was exaggerating when I wrote those end notes. I am taking a break, but not for months. I'll still update drafts and or post something with few days of rest in between. I just don't have a fixed schedule.

[alpaca-clouds]

The Technology We Have Already

Today I want to talk about one Solarpunk-thingie, that kinda annoys me - and has to do with a lot with how real-life politians deal with talking about technology and especially energy technologies.

And this is the following fact:

We already have the technology! This is not some SciFi shit!

See, the issue within the politics tends to be, that a lot of folks go: "Oh, yeah, we would LOVE to go renewable. But right it is not possible! Once the technology gets there, we will totally go 100% renewable!"

And basically a lot of Solarpunks online are also waiting for the technology to get there. Again, there is sadly a big group of folks who technically love the aesthetics of Solarpunk and also generally the idea of a Solarpunk future, but do not engage with it over it. And they usually will also wait for technology to get there.

But it already is.

Let me talk about it.

We can produce enough renewable energy

In a way I get it. If you are not working in any fields related to this - and do not follow science news - you might just not know how fast the renewable energy field is moving right now. 10 years ago, yes, a lot of countries would have been able to go 100% renewable, but not all. It depended basically on the climate and environment. Partly because the photovoltaic (what most people call solar, but us engineers use solar for something a bit different) cells were just not as efficient in certain climates. And while the mix of wind and hydro power could do A LOT for many countries, it could not for all.

However, that was mainly before China really pulled all the stops for their research. No, it is not only China, but holy shit, China's research in terms of photovoltaic is insane. If you follow this, you basically will see a new breakthrough - often from China - every couple months. And by now, the efficiency of photovoltaic is insane. Sure, it might not make sense as the only source of energy in places were you basically do not get any sunlight for half the year, but outside of that? It is so darn good.

Other than that, we are really darn good with wind energy (which to my opinion is still the best way of producing energy) and hydro energy.

Don't get me wrong: We can totally improve those things further and further. But we can absolutely power the world on renewables right now. We do not need fossile fuels right now!

We can build climate-friendly transport!

I will remind y'all once more: Electric cars are definitely better than gas powered cars, for those people and situations in which cars are needed. (Read: For emergency services, certain forms of service work who need to transport stuff outside of the rail network, and probably also some people who live very isolated for certain reasons.) However, they are still cars and suck for this reason, if you do not REALLY need them.

Still, we are fucking good by now in building electric cars and for those scenarios where they are needed. Heck, by now in my city pretty much all public transport runs electric, including the busses. And no, they are not tram busses.

And yeah, turns out, we figured out how to build railways more than 200 years ago, and we figured out how to electricize them in 1881. Yes. 1881. 18 in the front. Almost 150 years ago. Sure, back then we were not that good with it, but we managed to build one for intracity transport that worked - and worked for long.

Yes, admittedly, there are some forms of transport that right now we might indeed need fossil fuels for. Right now, we have no method to fly planes and helicopters in a way that is both mass-producable and renewable. And the same is with transcontinental transport via the ocean.

Yeah, sure. We can technically just go fully low tech and just sail. That works. Heck, while it is about half as quick as modern ways to transport over the ocean, it is feasible. However, we just cannot move the amounts of cargo we might need to move with sailing. There are people figuring this out (partly through creating much better sails that work for MUCH BIGGER ships) but yeah, we are not there yet.

Still, a) a lot of the intercontinental stuff we technically do not need to transport (most of it is using cheap quasi-slave labor to save money), and b) that should not stop us from just doing sustainable on-land transport which we can do.

We also know how to build a better society

Now, a lot of the folks going for the Solarpunk aesthetics rather than philosophy are quite often very mistrustful of both anarchism and communism - or heck, just socialism. They often have drunken the capitalist cool-aid of capitalism being the "only system that works". But here is the thing: It doesn't.

Sure, there are versions of capitalism that would work a whole lot better than the Chicago-flavored one, but it will never really work - especially in regards to saving the environment. I talked about that a lot before.

But here is the thing. We know how it works better. We know how to build a better society. We know how to make economics work better. We know how to make better schools. We know how to build better cities. We know how to prevent at least a lot of wars. We know how to make society safer for kids. We know how to make healthier families. We know how to make medicine as a system work better. We know it all.

Heck, we have known how to make schools that are better in every way since the early 20th century - so more than a hundred years. This proposed school system since has been proofen time and time again in studies to be better for kids, and better in terms of education. But do we use them? No.

Again, politicians love to go: "We would love to change things, but we do not have a better system." But it is not true. We know how to do it better.

Same with the police and prison and stuff. We know how to do it better.

But right now, a) a lot of the stuff works in the favor of those who hold most power (aka the billionaires), b) a lot of people just do not like the idea of changing stuff majorly (which makes politicians who want change unpopular), and c) politicians also would need to fund the change - and that is going to be hard.

So, yeah. Change would be hard.

But it is not because we do not know how to do better.

And I really just wish people would stop propagating this idea that we do not know better. We do. But folks right now profit from things staying the same. And it sucks.

[nekomanager]

.—♡ 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐌𝐄, 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 { K. KENMA }

KENMA accidentally walked in on you in the airplane lavatory; @mrskenmakozume: dedicated to you like before and as always

︶︶୨୧ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐒 ⋮ pwp, semi-public sex, frotting, dry humping, penetration, slight dacryphilia, airplane sex xD (trust me with the outrageous places to have sex) 𖦹 @enchantedforest-network

It was a bad idea opening up the link Lev sent, Kenma thought. He never expected it would be a hentai game and his curious ass played it while on flight. Great. He knew he couldn’t take it any longer or he’d get his balls blue for real. Pulling his hoodie on, he rushed to the restroom, opening the first available cubicle.

You both froze as you were halfway from pulling your panties back up. Your pussy was fully exposed from his sight.

Fuck!

He immediately turned around and was about to open the door when you stopped him, “Don’t! Don’t open yet!” You pleaded in embarrassment. “I’m not yet fully dressed some people outside might see me!”

Shit! He’s annoyed. Fucking annoyed. He’s already hard and you got him even harder. Just…Fuck!

“Hurry up.” He snapped. “You should’ve closed the door.”

“I did!” You rebutted.

Kenma glared at the door lock and flipped the switch. Some of the lights turned even brighter and the green sign from above turned to red. “This is how you lock it.”

You sighed and rolled your eyes! Did this person even realize that you’re the one humiliated here? The only thing he had was a pretty face, but what’s with the personality?

“Okay. I’m done.” You said, avoiding eye contact. He just saw you half-naked!

“We can’t go out together.” He leaned back to the wall, giving you space to make your way out of the restroom. Striding sidewards through the tight space, your ass grazed against his crotch. He tightly pinched his eyes close. He sure felt your shape through those tight leggings.

You were about to unlock the door when the plane wobbled. The toilet seat cover closed as you both struggled to keep your feet.

Ladies and gentlemen the fasten seatbelt sign is on. Please remain seated at all times.

Your body bumped on Kenma’s, throwing the both of you off balance, which had you stumbling right on his lap. Good thing he managed to sit on the covered toilet.

You both sighed as soon as it stopped quaking. However, your eyes widened when you felt his bulge poking against your ass. You looked back at him and he had that wide-eyed gaze and flushed face.

Now, you’re quits.

He’s quite the pretty boy though, bearing that cute and boyish features. You mentally slapped yourself! You shouldn’t be thinking this way towards the guy who just saw your privates and whose hard-on was poking your back.

You were about to stand up, when the plane seesawed and you fell hard back on his lap.

Fuck! Kenma took hold of your waist, keeping you in place so you won’t fall. This new position had his cock in between your crotch. Your soft cunt roughly rubbing against him. Your walls clenched with the friction as the plane kept on shaking while your hips matched the movement.

He's growing even bigger.

Kenma gritted his teeth and you bit your lip. It felt so good.

The turbulence ended yet no one’s making a move to stop and you just kept on squirming around him.

“W-we can’t do this!” You said, but your hips were grinding his length.

“Yes, we sh- we shouldn’t.” He said, but he’s doing nothing to move you away and you were both still hungrily rubbing against each other.

More! More! More!

He needed more! As long as he could still control himself, he better stop this now, right? That’s just sensible. He lifted you away from his lap, giving you a chance to run, however you pulled your leggings and panties down.

“A-Are you sure this is okay?” You asked with reddened face, taking his gesture differently.

His eyes were wide as he couldn’t believe what just happened. “I think so...”

He’s pretty sure that his fucking dick was now dominating his head.

He freed his cock from the opening of his pants. It wasn’t that difficult as he’s already full-pledged. Hastily, he put on a condom with agitated fingers. It’s better to be safe, though he had no intention of putting it inside you.

Guiding you on his lap again, your thighs sandwiched his cock and your bare pussy was rubbing his length. You rocked your hips, pressing your mounds further against his flesh to add a satisfying pressure against your clit, sliding and dragging the lips of your pussy on the length of his cock and coating it with your wetness. His hips met your rhythm and gradually increased it, until the plane teetered.

“Aaaah~” You moaned. You were both jolted! He accidentally slipped inside you!

Cabin crew prepare for landing.

Kenma wrapped his arms firm around your waist and you gripped on the side handle tightly. Your bodies were shifting together with every tilt of the plane. Both of you were no longer in control of your movements, yet it was very satiating. His cock was reaching the deepest and most pleasurable spots inside you, while the plane's brisk motions were giving him so much friction and it's getting him close to losing his mind.

You had to tightly latch onto each other with the intensity of the shaking. Tears started forming in the corners of your eyes. Kenma had his forehead pressed on your nape while you were holding his head, reaching a hand from behind. You both couldn't even manage to cover your groans and whimpers as the plane began its descent. Both of you were drowning in pleasurable friction caused by the sudden tilts and vibrations.

As the wheels of the aircraft touched the runway, his grip on your waist tightened even more and so was your hold on the side handle; the impact took you bouncing up and down raggedly and violently against his cock, getting the both of you to your destination, screaming and crying curses while you were being completely muffled by the engine’s noise.

You both trembled out of your orgasms, still throbbing at how intense it all felt and reeling in the pulses in your core.

Ladies and gentlemen we have now arrived at Galeão International Airport, Rio de Janeiro. Please remain seated until the fasten seatbelt sign is turned off. Current ground temperature is…

Your minds were empty as you caught your breaths, panting and limply swaying your heads. It was so good that your pussy and his cock felt like it’s burning hot in the right way. You both wanted more of it, but you had no energy left.

“Are you…Are you alright?” Kenma asked in an airy whisper.

You nodded your head silently.

“Can you walk?” Somehow, something inside him wanted to assist you outside but…

You blushed. There’s no other way or else you had to walk out together and people would be suspicious. You gave him another nod and stood from his lap, his now flaccid cock slipping out of you. You pulled your panties and leggings up and almost stumbled. Your knees felt like jelly.

“Walk closely to the wall.” He said gently.

“Alright, thank you.” You told him without looking back. You didn’t even get his name or whatever, but you sure would never forget his face.

Kenma watched as you walked out of the door.

Shit! What did he just do? First flight to a different continent and he fucked up. Literally.

Running a hand over his face, he let out a sigh. He hadn’t even asked for your name. All he knew was your whines were kinda’ cute…just like you. He blushed. What was he even thinking now? Did the plane ride rewire his brain?

Kenma went out of the restroom once he sensed that almost all of the passengers had already gone, though there’s a part of him that hoped you were still there. Even up to the baggage carousels, he sort of looked for you, but you were nowhere to be found anymore.

Anyway, what would he even do? Ask for your name and where you’re heading? He’s just here to visit Shoyo. That’s it. This would probably be one of the experiences he’d keep to the grave.

Finally picking his luggage up from the conveyor belt, he glanced around to search for his friend until the bright boy beamed at him. His name written in a white paper. “Ke-n-ma!”

Kenma smiled upon seeing him again after a long time. He looked toasted, geez.

“Shoyo,” he greeted back.

"Welcome to Rio!" Shoyo welcomed him happily. “Oh! I forgot to tell you.” He said with excitement. “This is Y/N! She’s the friend I was talking about to you. I’ll tour you two together. I actually booked you in the same hotel…”

The ginger head’s voice drowned as you and Kenma stared at each other, frozen and red-faced.

It looks like you were never done yet.

JOIN THE 🍷 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐄! Get tagged whenever I update ♡

⏝︶︶⏝︶ ୨୧ ︶⏝︶︶⏝

© nekorei 2023 - All rights reserved. No work shall be reproduced, reposted, modified, translated in any form or by any means.

[cece693]

Hannibal x male reader who is seemingly not that bright been getting away with murder for a LONG time (primary targets r pedos) and 1 night when Hannibal is disposing a body he sees reader doing the same by making it seem like the most recent victim simply died in a cave system?

Thanks for the ask! I changed your request slightly since I thought of ideas for a 'himbo' reader. In this fic, the reader is smart but acts dumb to stray people from looking into his murders. Kinda like Hannibal, but the reader knows if he acts clueless, people would overlook him. It isn't what you asked for, but I think it came out alright. Hope you enjoy!

The Unlikely Confluence

pairing: hannibal lecter x male reader tags: you're a murderer, duh, dinner invitations, I changed your ask to have the reader be bright but act like a dummy in the presence of others, I want to write for himbo readers separately, I actually have a lot of ideas and would like to flesh them out in another post :)

You hum softly to yourself, the quiet of the night pressing around you like a heavy blanket. The noises that do manage to break into your concentration—a cricket’s chirp, the low hoot of an owl—seem distant, as though you’ve chosen to exist in a dimension occupied solely by you and your current task. The flashlight between your teeth flickers, illuminating the dripping limestone walls. You pause and delicately shift it in your mouth to bite down on a less chewed groove. It’s easy to lose track of the right angle when you’re elbow-deep in mud and rock, but you can’t afford to drop your only source of light down here.

You’ve never been one to study complicated subjects or chase lofty degrees. People say you’re not that bright, and, in some ways, you agree. Patience has never been your strong suit either; you prefer the direct route in life. You don’t need fancy words to let you know how the world works. If anything, your unassuming nature has become a perfect cloak, allowing you to slip under the radar. And that small oversight on people’s part has kept you alive—and, more importantly, uncaught—for years.

Tonight, you’re making it look like yet another unseemly accident. There’s a labyrinthine network of caves beyond city limits—poorly marked and rarely frequented except by adventurous spelunkers who think they can handle nature’s darkest corners. It’s the ideal place to ensure a body won’t be found, at least not until time and moisture have had their way with it. The person you’re disposing of isn’t exactly a pillar of the community—like most of your targets, he wouldn’t have garnered pity if the world discovered his predilections. You’ve done the world a favor, or at least that’s how you justify it.

You straighten, wiping your brow, and set the flashlight on a jagged rock shelf so you can wrestle the limp body deeper into the shadows. The entire place smells like damp earth and stale air, with the faint metallic bite of blood that you’ve tried hard to rinse away. Suddenly, the small hairs on the back of your neck prickle.

You still.

It’s that primal warning that tells you something is there—someone is there—watching. Standing absolutely still, you pull in a breath, then slowly edge one hand into your jacket pocket. The blade there is a last resort; you’re not used to being caught off-guard. So you wait, quietly, mentally cursing yourself for letting your guard down.

A voice curls through the darkness like a silky cat: “I do hope I’m not interrupting.”

You would know that cultured lilt anywhere—on the news, from that one time you met him in person and swore you’d never get close again. Hannibal Lecter steps forward with the elegance of a well-groomed feline, eyes bright with a curiosity that you can’t fully parse. He carries a bundle wrapped in dark cloth—about the size of a human torso.

His eyes roam the scene, taking in the soaked cuffs of your pants, the wet stains on your jacket, the fresh scuff marks in the mud. You feel suddenly self-conscious, though you can’t quite place why. You’re covered in dirt, blood spatter, and your hair is plastered flat on your forehead. He, by contrast, remains immaculate even in this dank space, as though filth simply doesn’t dare cling to him.

“And who, might I ask, is your unfortunate friend?”

You let out a laugh that comes out more as a short bark. “Somebody who deserved it. I…I only go after certain sorts.” You’re not sure why you choose to disclose that, but something about him invites honesty. Maybe it’s the way he stares like he can peel your mind open on a cutting board.

“Do you?” he prompts, voice curiously gentle.

You nod, a tension flooding out of your shoulders. “Pedophiles,” you say, near-spitting the word. “World won’t miss him.”

There's a flicker in his gaze, surprise and something else—approval, maybe. “I see.”

It strikes you that you might not be the only one in the world who carefully selects their victims. And you can’t help but wonder what draws his lines, what cause Hannibal Lecter finds worthy of a final punishment.

“So, what now?” you ask, looking him in the eye, though you can’t hold that intense gaze for long. “We pretend we didn't see each other and go our merry way or...?"

He seems slightly amused by your directness. “It would be prudent for us both to complete our business and leave no trace.” His gaze shifts to the body behind you, then to the corpse-shaped object wrapped at his feet. “I won’t stand in your way, and I ask for the same courtesy. Mutual benefit.”

You look him over. His posture is relaxed, but you sense the tension in the lines of his shoulders—he’s coiled, ready to spring if he has to. You’re not naive enough to think you have any upper hand. Although some might say you’re a bit slow on the uptake, you’ve got an instinct for trouble. And Hannibal Lecter practically vibrates with it. Yet, he hasn't pounced. There's something else: curiosity in his eyes, a calm, amused interest that doesn't read as immediate hostility. For a man with his intellect, maybe you spark some sense of fascination, an aberration from the norm.

“Guess there's enough space for the two of us.”

An understanding passes between you in the stale, humid air. Neither of you voices the obvious: if one betrays the other, you risk your own exposure. Returning to your tasks, you awkwardly step aside to let him pass. He does so, a soft swirl of expensive fabric brushing past your jacket. Together—but not quite side by side—you maneuver deeper into the winding tunnels. The hush of dripping water and your own carefully measured footsteps become a strange rhythm, punctuated only by Hannibal’s occasional murmur of observation:

“Mind the uneven rock there.” “You seem well-practiced in this.” “Let’s ensure we depart long before dawn.”

He never says your name; you never give it. For the next hour, you’re simply two men working in tandem—clearing away mud, setting remains in places that will be submerged by the rising water, carefully packing out anything that could link either of you to the scene. “Thanks,” you said quietly, hardly believing your own luck. “Never worked with someone before.”

“Nor I. Typically I work in solitude.” He stepped aside, letting you get your footing. The both of you stared at the bodies—yours tucked cleverly against a rocky pool, his still in the tarpaulin. With the ground mostly rid of footprints, Hannibal jerked his chin toward the cave’s deeper passages. “I’ll finish up in another chamber,” he said. “And you…?”

You stuffed your hands in your pockets, trying to feign a clueless shrug, but you felt a twitch of excitement. This man—this gentleman in fine suits, who carried bodies around like an art piece—was oddly magnetic. “Think I’ll head home,” you said. “Probably break up the night with a snack.”

Hannibal stepped closer, just enough that you caught the scent of his cologne—something subtle, refined. “A snack,” he echoed. “That reminds me: might I invite you to my home for dinner sometime?”

You blinked, processing the abrupt invitation. “Dinner?”

His lips curved. “Yes. Given that we share such distinctive interests, I’d like to hear your stories. You have an unexpectedly clever mind, and I have quite the appetite for intriguing conversation.”

You considered it, but were uncertain. “I’m not exactly the fancy type.”

His voice went low, confident. “I can assure you, I welcome many sorts at my table. Even those who might appear less worldly than they truly are.”

Before your mind could protest, you found yourself giving him a slow nod. The quiet quake of adrenaline that had thrummed through your body for the past half hour melted away into a cautious, enthralled acceptance. “Sure,” you muttered at last. “I…That’d be nice.”

Hannibal’s smile deepened by a fraction, as though you’d passed some unspoken test. “I’ll find a way to contact you,” he said, sounding reassuringly certain. Then he inclined his head. “Best not to dally. We both have details to complete before the sun’s up.”

With that, he turned, footsteps echoing into the far recesses of the cavern, dragging the tarpaulin-wrapped body behind him with a grace that belonged nowhere near such a macabre chore. You stood motionless, watching until the darkness swallowed him whole. A shaky exhale left your lungs. You felt like you’d just survived a near-death encounter, yet emerged with an odd sense of possibility. You didn’t know whether Hannibal Lecter was a man to be feared or revered—maybe both. Whatever lay ahead, dinner with Dr. Hannibal Lecter would be anything but ordinary.

[nopanamaman]

How does the stalker business work?

Loredump. October 2023

A web of alliances, insiders, clients, and territorial disputes - this is what forms the stalker business, a domain that’s as illegal as it is profitable.

Today, we’ll delve into the basic origins and inner workings of this peculiar profession. Let’s find out how these glorified marauders operate!

How did the stalker business develop?

The stalker business emerged almost as soon as the Zone itself was born. But, much like every structure based around the Zone itself, it became more refined - and more corrupt - as years went on.

What started as individuals travelling the Zone completely on their own accord grew into a network of organised groups with their own informants, clientele and designated territories. Yet when it looked like major alliances had become fully solidified with a couple of large groups operating across vast stretches of the Zone, the development of the internet put a dent in the system.

Yura: Do I really need to know the territorial policies of 70s factions Sergei: YES Olya: No.

As many information-gathering and order-related operations moved online, doing business in smaller groups became a more viable option. Nowadays, the majority choose to operate in gangs of up to 30 people.

Since the business has grown more decentralised and, in a way, accessible, the competition within it has increased dramatically. Territories are less clearly defined and run-ins with members of rivalling gangs are commonplace. When it comes to the human factor, it’s more dangerous than it ever was.

How are the little groups organised?

Modern stalker groups are typically formed around somebody who has direct connections to potential clients or those able to nicely aggregate information about the Zone’s current state. So any group needs at least one product reseller and one strategic leader, which can sometimes be the same person.

The latter is true for Sergei's group, for instance.

He is responsible for processing orders, evaluating the delivered artefacts, reselling them, gathering up to date information about the Zone’s landscape and traffic, and helping the available stalkers plan their trips accordingly. It’s a heavy workload, so having just one person performing all of those tasks wouldn’t be manageable on a larger scale.

Obviously enough, smaller groups are more reliant on the quality of their individual members, even more so when they have a specific role to fill. If we use known members of Sergei’s group as examples, they fit pretty neatly into the following roles:

Radar (радар). Formerly fulfilled by Kolya – a stalker with an outstanding sense for anomalies. Irreplaceable for navigating the more treacherous parts of the Zone. Yura was going to inherit that role.

Doctor (доктор). Self-explanatory. While it’s recommended that all stalkers undergo some form of first aid training, it never hurts to have someone with a deeper knowledge of medicine on the team. This role was filled by Nikita.

Insider (свояк). As the name suggests, it’s a person that helps in various aspects of stalker work by providing client contacts, guard post information, info about other gangs’ operations, and so on depending on their position. Insiders don’t usually take part in actual trips or even work with specific stalker groups, but Olya is built different.

Ram (таран). The muscle of the group. You don’t need to be especially physically fit to navigate the Zone,but when things become dire, it absolutely helps. This was Sergei’s role when he still travelled the Zone.

These are arbitrary designations and many don’t fit into one particular role. That said, creating a balanced group of 3 is easier when there’s a fair understanding of each person’s strengths.

Yura: Oh, kinda like video game classes! Sanya: Yeah, I guess. Yura: So who would I be? Sanya: Support.

What does the typical work cycle look like?

An order is either placed on an online marketplace or is mailed directly to a trusted trader. The trader then passes the information to the strategist, who analyses the current Zone layout, as well as the latest available information about the placements of various artefacts and anomalies.

The strategist then determines the optimal routes to retrieving the ordered goods. Some use special software to aid in the process. The service price is then estimated based on the difficulty of retrieval and transportation. If the initial price suggested in the order is lower than this estimate, price negotiations will ensue.

Once the minimal price is agreed on, the actual planning starts. A group of three is gathered from the pool of available stalkers. They are all informed about the mission specifics and the route they need to travel - this is when the team can discuss and make adjustments to the plan.

Nikita: No, no, this route will be way too stressful for Olyechka. Perhaps, she should sit this one out? Olya: If we don't make this route shorter, Nikita won't come back, I'm afraid. Nikita: Well, aren't you a treat. Anyways, Serozha, my leg has been getting worse and I won't make this climb. Olya: Perhaps, you should sit this one out.

After the artefacts are delivered to the trader, their quality is evaluated. Stalkers tend to pick up whatever valuables they find on the way, which means extra cash for them and more work for the trader.

Once the evaluation is complete, stalkers are paid off and the products are resold at a significantly higher price. The artefacts that were specifically ordered are exchanged for the agreed upon amount of money and the extra stuff is peddled to other high-paying customers.

Since selling artefacts is a risky and complicated endeavour in itself, most stalkers are content with the paychecks they get from their trader.

Finally, when everything is done, stalkers may anonymously share information about their trip to the online community. But considering the competitive nature of the business, not everyone is willing to help out their fellow colleagues – or really, not everyone wants to talk about the things they’ve seen.

What is the online stalker community like?

As was already mentioned, the internet has majorly changed how stalkers went about receiving orders and information about the Zone. It has become an important channel for communication and securing deals.

Firstly, all of the relevant platforms are on the deep web. Secondly, all of them are invite-only.

The three major platforms are:

Doska (literally “the board” as in bulletin board)

A marketplace where orders are placed and taken up by anyone interested, as well as an auction platform for selling off artefacts. Widely used by groups and stalkers who have not yet gained established clients.

Krematorii (crematorium)

A closed forum. Discussions, rumours, shitposting.

10K Crematorium karma

14KKM (as in 14 thousand kilometers, the approximate area of the Zone)

A dynamically updated map of the Zone. User-managed, hence chaotic and unreliable.

Users can mark locations of witnessed anomalies and artefact positions, which others can confirm or downvote. A marking needs to be confirmed by at least 4 people before it is put down and is removed if at least 4 people downvote it. All markings can be commented on.

Most of the community tries to maintain it more or less accurately for the sake of their own future missions, but there are malefactors that will add false markers to it. Should be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Of course, it bears mentioning that there are plenty of fake online communities on the surface web. Those are rife with people roleplaying as stalkers, scammers, kids, and just shitposters. No actual stalker uses those for business.

Rules regarding the Zone

Though the information side of things has changed a lot, the core methodology of travelling the Zone itself remained the same. Sets of universal rules became solidified over the years, which can be described as a mixture of operational protocols and esoteric beliefs.

What are the basic operational protocols?

Basic operational protocols outline best practices for dealing with simple anomalies, traversing the Zone, bypassing guard posts, and handling difficult situations (mercy kills, painless death, encountering other stalkers).

Some common recommendations include:

use projectiles (usually bolts with pieces of cloth attached for visibility) to check for gravitational anomalies;

operate in groups of three - two do the job, the third one watches on;

do not consume any food or drinks you find;

avoid unnatural shadows;

do not stay at the Hollow for over 20 minutes (your body will start to decay);

do not approach the Town (your body will permanently distort);

do not handle fizzy clay without rubber gloves (will leave you debilitated or addicted to the substance);

always send the draisine back;

don't photograph ghosts;

etc.

They are objective results of many years of trial and error. Going against them is likely to end in death or injury regardless of your personal qualities. In other words, there is little dispute over the validity of these rules. The same cannot be set for the second ruleset.

What are stalker beliefs?

The Zone favours the miserable. The desperate, the broken, the lonely. The Zone favours ones that are willing to give up their whole being to her, to completely entrust themselves to her whims. She rewards dejection.

These are common truths to some and hogwash to others. There is no solid proof for any of these claims - how can there be? However, there is no happy stalker, and there is no living stalker without a scar. To many, that's evidence enough.

On top of that, there are some group-specific philosophies. They include:

the Zone is a holy place that needs to be revered;

the Zone is an ulcer of the world that needs to be cleansed;

the Zone is the new stage of Earth’s evolution;

the Zone is divine punishment;

the Zone is a point of contact with a parallel universe;

and many others.

These philosophies dictate how people go about their activities in the Zone in a more ritualistic sense. It’s hard to devise whether or not those little rituals have any effect that isn’t purely psychological.

There is a good number of people that hold a purely cynical view of the Zone. But whether they admit it or not, everyone gradually develops a sense of fear and reverence for it. How they compartmentalise it is a different question.

Conclusion

I could write more about the topic, but as of now, I think this general outline should suffice. The stalker business is a multifaceted enterprise to say the least, so hopefully this article has shed the light on its most essential aspects.

Perhaps, there will one day be a more in-depth follow-up! Who knows. As we continue to unveil the enigmatic layers of the Zone, only time will reveal the full extent of its mysteries... And the engimatic layers of shitty Stalker forums, I guess.

[stellarsecrets86]

All About Mercury In Natal Chart

{PS: These are my own interpretations. For entertainment purposes only. Have Fun💚.}

[Mercury in the natal chart represents intelligence, communication, thinking patterns, and how one processes and expresses ideas. It governs speech, learning style, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability in social interactions. Its placement by sign and house reveals how a person thinks, learns, and shares information, influencing everything from daily conversations to career choices. A strong Mercury enhances logic, wit, and versatility, while a challenged Mercury may indicate difficulties in expression or scattered thinking.]

Mercury in Aries

Mercury in Aries brings a sharp, quick-witted, and assertive mindset. Individuals with this placement think on their feet, speak directly, and often convey their thoughts with enthusiasm and confidence. They are natural debaters who relish challenges and can be quite persuasive with their words. Their thinking is independent, and they tend to prefer action over lengthy contemplation. However, they might be impatient with details and quick to jump to conclusions. Their communication style is bold, sometimes blunt, and they may find it difficult to fully listen to others before responding. These individuals excel at initiating projects, brainstorming ideas, and making spontaneous decisions. They thrive in careers that demand quick thinking, leadership, and innovation, such as sales, entrepreneurship, or public speaking.One drawback of Mercury in Aries is their tendency to argue or dominate conversations, often believing their opinions are always right. Their competitive nature drives them to prove themselves intellectually, which can lead to conflicts if not managed properly. Nevertheless, their passion for new ideas and fearless approach to communication make them inspiring leaders and trendsetters. They flourish in environments where they can take the initiative and express their ideas freely.  

          Mercury in the 1st House

           Mercury in the 1st house endows the native with an incisive, communicative, and adaptive intellect. The native is innately curious, ingenious, and has a dynamic, young communicative style. Mercury here makes them quick learners with a mind-set to learn something new. They have the habit of speedy communication and they blend well with most social atmospheres. Mercury in the 1st house people equate themselves with their mind, and they might have the urge to convey a powerful message to the world. They are good communicators and can succeed in communication-related professions or as writers, speakers, and teachers. They might also have the inclination towards excessive thinking and nervousness. These people tend to appear talkative and mentally active, and sometimes even restless. They tend to be analytical in life, and their mental processes guide their personality. When Mercury is well-aspected, they are very good at solving problems and making fast decisions. But if troubled, they become excessively nervous, flighty, or too logic-oriented and less intuitive. They need intellectual stimulation in their relationships and have deep conversations with their partner. They tend to be young at heart, regardless of age, since they're inquisitive and capable of being adaptable. The placement also makes them brilliant networkers who are good at relating to all sorts of people.

Mercury at 1°, 13°, and 25° 

In these degrees Mercury possesses a blend of innovative intellect, tactical communication, and creative self-expression. Mercury is direct and bold in expression, and the native is a natural communicator, willing to get ideas out there, and prompt to take charge of the conversation. It suggests a sharp analytical and methodical nature, with an interest in detailed research, logical analysis, and problem-solving skills. These degrees perform well in professions that require precision, such as law, science, or strategy-based fields. Mercury takes on a more intuitive and creative nature, facilitating insightful storytelling, poetic eloquence, and an interest in philosophy or spirituality. Together, these degrees create a dynamic synthesis of intellect, organization, and creative depth in communication and thought.

Mercury in Taurus

Mercury in Taurus tends to slow down the thinking process, leading individuals to be more deliberate, practical, and methodical in their thoughts and communication. They are not quick to jump to conclusions; instead, they prefer to analyze situations thoroughly before forming an opinion. Their speech is measured, calm, and often persuasive, as they have a knack for making their words impactful. Those with Mercury in Taurus possess excellent memory retention, particularly for matters related to the material world, such as finances, business strategies, or creative ideas with long-term value.These individuals are attracted to tangible, real-world knowledge and often have a deep appreciation for the arts, music, and nature. Their practical mindset makes them effective planners and problem-solvers, especially in areas like finance, real estate, or agriculture. However, they may find it challenging to adapt to sudden changes in plans, as they prefer stability and consistency. Their reluctance to change their views can sometimes come off as stubbornness, but once they commit to something, they are highly dedicated. People with Mercury in Taurus excel at explaining concepts in a simple, relatable way, making them great teachers, advisors, and business strategists. Their patience and practicality enable them to thrive in endeavors that require long-term planning and perseverance. 

          Mercury in the 2nd House

            Mercury in the 2nd house affects how one feels about money, possessions, and values. They have realistic and logical thoughts regarding money and are usually good at budgeting, investing, and planning for money. They are able to utilize their communication abilities to make a living, so they do well in careers such as writing, sales, teaching, or public speaking. They are very good at negotiating and business deals due to their quick minds and adaptability. They have a tendency to have an eye for evaluating the value of things, whether it is money, ideas, or material possessions. On the negative side, Mercury here can cause indecision regarding finances. Such individuals might overthink purchases or alter their financial objectives constantly. If Mercury is poorly aspected, there may be financial insecurity caused by careless decision-making. They might also be deeply interested in intellectual pursuits that yield concrete benefits. They might accumulate books, knowledge, or possessions of value. Their speech might be calculated and practical, tending to discuss facts more than feelings. In their relationships, they seek partners who share their values and intellectual interests. They can talk openly about money in their relationships and value intellectual security just as much as material security.

Mercury at 2°, 14°, and 26°

Mercury here creates a mind that is both pliable and demanding, with an ease of movement from logical analysis to intuitive perception. There is a natural ability to communicate with others through words, so that the individual is an effective communicator who can adjust their tone and approach in line with whom they are communicating. An acute attention to detail allows for accuracy in writing, problem-solving and technical skills, and they are suited for professions that require accuracy. At the same time, there is an intense curiosity about abstract ideas, psychology, and esoteric information, and therefore a tendency to go beyond the surface of dialogue. This combination makes for someone who is both socially astute and intensely perceptive in thought and communication.

Mercury in Gemini

Mercury is at home in Gemini, and people who have this placement are very quick-witted, inquisitive, and versatile. They live to learn, inquire, and investigate several things simultaneously. These people are natural communicators and can talk about almost anything. Their capacity for fast information processing makes them great multitaskers, journalists, public speakers, and authors.They possess a dry, banter-ish sense of humor, so they're fun to talk to. All that thinking, however, also makes them disorganized in their own minds, so they have a hard time concentrating on anything for very long. They may have a hard time sitting down to concentrate on learning in depth in any single subject because they're always chasing after new ideas. They may possess quick speech and jump from one subject to another with ease, at times leaving others in wonder at their speedy ideas. Mercury Geminis are best fitted to professions that entail networking, teaching, marketing, and communication with flexibility. Their ability to understand various points of view helps them as debaters, but also makes them potential gossips or shallow chatterboxes unless they are able to rein in their mental energies by slowing down and concentrating. Hitting the brakes and concentrating will direct their intellect towards more constructive activities.

          Mercury in the 3rd House

           Mercury is naturally placed in the 3rd house, so these people are extremely communicative, curious, and mentally active. They are passionate learners and may be drawn to writing, teaching, journalism, or public speaking. These individuals are conversationalists and tend to be highly knowledgeable on a variety of topics. They are excellent multitaskers but may lack concentration if they do not learn to channel their mental energy. They are logical thinkers and tend to have a problem-solving knack. Mercury in the 3rd house also signifies a strong sense of identification with neighbors, siblings, and the immediate community. They might be often traveling short distances and liking to encounter various social groups. Though, they can also be too unpredictable, skipping from one subject to another and never developing anything in depth. With Mercury afflicted, in a challenging situation, they are apt to gossip or to spread misinformation. They thrive in situations that demand flexibility and fast thinking. They are lifelong learners due to their inquisitive nature and may like to take part in debates or intellectual arguments.

Mercury at 3°, 15°, and 27°

Mercury in these signs provides the person with a clear, dynamic, and versatile mind, capable of combining logic and creativity. There is a natural search for knowledge through numerous subjects that makes them keen learners and excellent problem solvers. Their communication skills are interesting and persuasive, and they can express ideas in a clear, confident way. They can be gifted in public speaking, storytelling, or debate and are well suited to careers requiring intellectual speed. There is also a depth of philosophy in their minds, and they are drawn to deeper truths and abstractions. This integration of intelligence, expressiveness, and insight makes them move between structured environments and creative pursuits with ease.

Mercury in Cancer  

Mercury in Cancer provides a very intuitive, emotional, and nostalgic approach to thinking and communication. They learn everything emotionally rather than logically. They possess a perfect memory, particularly for emotional history, personal past, family issues, and emotional experiences. They think in stories and images and are personal connection focused, and thus they do very well in writing, counseling, and nurturing communication. Because they communicate sensitively and tactfully, they have a soothing presence. However, they may take things personally or have trouble not being overly defensive in discussions. They are naturally defensive about their ideas and values, and they may, when under attack, retreat into silence rather than engage with conflict openly.Cancer Mercury individuals are best matched to storytelling, psychology, and any profession that demands profound emotional insight. They have a talent for making others listen to, and their emotional reading skill makes them brilliant counselors, teachers, and caretakers. They should be careful, however, not to idealize the past excessively or allow emotions to overshadow logical thought.

          Mercury in the 4th House

           Mercury in the 4th house influences one's thought process about home, family, and their emotional origins. These individuals have perhaps been brought up in a family that was mentally focused where discussion, books, and debates were the preferred activities.They tend to have a good memory, particularly where family is involved and what has taken place in the past. They have a strong connection between their mind and emotions, and they may think with their emotions rather than reason. This assignment may also indicate constant relocation or intense interest in real estate, home decor, or home ventures. They may enjoy home employment or value mental solitude in the privacy of their own domain. They are problem solvers in their home lives and may be the peacemaker during conflicts. However, with an afflicted Mercury, they will overanalyze emotional matters, leading to nervousness or obsessing over what has transpired in the past. They might also have an interest in genealogy, history, and psychology. They express themselves in a very personal manner, and they may be very bonded to their mother or mother figure.

Mercury at 4°, 16°, and 28°

Mercury in these degrees bestows a well-structured, disciplined, and highly methodical style of thinking. These natives are adept at getting their ideas structured and communicating them in a clear and concise fashion. Their learning process is methodical, and they are excellent strategists and planners. They have an acute ability to break down complex ideas into understandable concepts and are hence very good teachers, analysts, or counselors. Although they enjoy logic, there is also a practical, down-to-earth quality to their words, and they are very often respected voices in their communities. What they have to say is given weight, and they are often people who "think before they speak" so that their words are worth listening to.

Mercury in Leo

Mercury in Leo infuses communication with charisma, confidence, and drama. They think in grand terms and have a dramatic flair in relating stories. They possess an inherent capacity to draw attention while talking, making them excellent public speakers, actors, and leaders. Their ideas are bold, creative, and typically centered around self-expression.They are deeply committed to their beliefs and love to encourage others verbally. They will have difficulty, though, with criticism, since their ego is usually in their intellectual prowess. They can be stubborn, too, in believing they have the right viewpoint. When in balance, their charisma and enthusiasm render them persuasive and powerful.

Leos with Mercury are successful in professions that involve persuasive communication, like marketing, show business, politics, and teaching. They have to guard against arrogance or excessive theatrics of communication, but their innate confidence helps them make great motivators.

          Mercury in the 5th House

            Mercury in the 5th house provides them with a creative, expressive, and playful communication style. They are effective story tellers, dramatists, and entertainers. They would rather write, act, or do anything creative.They are witty and charming by nature and are good flirts and socializers. They utilize words and intellect to win over love interests. This position also implies a passion for games, puzzles, and intellectual stimulation. They might be drawn to teaching children or be employed in education since they have an innovative and interesting approach to explaining things. Yet they may have a problem with taking life too seriously and would rather keep things light and playful. And if Mercury is afflicted, they have a tendency to exaggerate or be insincere in how they communicate. They are also very creative and their interests can include strategy, like chess, writing, or acting. They are natural innovators due to their tendency to think differently.

Mercury at 5°, 17°, and 29°

This placement brings creativity, confidence, and expressiveness to their style of communication. Such individuals have an innate talent for captivating audiences through narration, humor, or persuasion. They are naturally drawn to leadership roles where they can utilize their words to inspire and motivate individuals. There is a certain charisma in their speech that draws people to listen to them with undivided attention. They are also inclined towards a dramatic form of expression and therefore make effective performers, orators, or entertainers. Despite their eloquence, they are rational and can argue cases well, moderating passion with logic.

Mercury in Virgo

Mercury is also exalted in Virgo, and thus, they are very analytical, detail-oriented, and precise in their mentality. They are very intelligent and good problem solvers with the ability to spot weaknesses in systems right away and rectify them. They communicate clearly, logically, and practically.They are good at research, writing, editing, or any career that demands organization and accuracy. They are perfectionists with high intellectual expectations of themselves and others. Though their ability to spot details is a strength, they should be cautious that they should never over analyze or criticize excessively.Individuals with Mercury in Virgo excel in medicine, data analysis, accounting, and technical professions. They make great teachers and writers because they can simplify complex concepts. However, they must try not to get bogged down by perfectionism but rather learn to view the larger picture.

          Mercury in the 6th House

           Mercury in the 6th house provides a sharp, analytical, and detail-oriented mind. They are very effective in their day-to-day life and are good planners and problem solvers. They are perfectionists and prefer to take pride in their work with keen eyes for minute details which others might miss. This alignment makes them well-placed for careers that demand accuracy, like medicine, research, data analysis, or writing. They do well within structured environments and might have an innate ability to optimize workplace efficiency. They are conscious of their health and might spend a lot of time studying diets, exercise, and health trends. They are also prone to anxiety and nervous tension, particularly if Mercury is afflicted. Excessive thinking causes stress-related illnesses. They like to have communicative and practical partners in relationships. They usually show love by doing acts of service and like to help others with problem-solving. Although they are good at multitasking, they should take care not to be bogged down by trivia. They make great counsellors due to their analytical minds, but they must try not to be overly critical.

Mercury at 6° and 18°

Mercury in these degrees makes communication and the approach to thinking very analytical, painstaking, and perfectionist in style. Individuals with Mercury here are good at research, problem-solving, and critical analysis and fare well in technical fields like science, engineering, or medicine. They have a natural talent for finding errors and streamlining efficiency and are therefore effective editors, analysts, or strategists. They are straightforward and to the point in their speech, without embellishing their words with unnecessary drama. They prefer to argue using facts rather than emotions and are highly sought after for their no-nonsense advice. Their mental discipline makes it easy for them to master challenging topics.

Mercury in Libra

Mercury in Libra produces a balanced, diplomatic, and harmonious approach to thinking and communication. Individuals with this trait are natural peacemakers who are extremely adept at social communication. They weigh several opinions prior to judgment and aim for impartiality in communication.They are tactful, convincing, and polite and do well in negotiating, law, public relations, and counseling. However, their need to keep the peace sometimes makes them indecisive, since they don't wish to upset the applecart. They can also have problems being too conciliatory, sacrificing their own views to maintain peace.Mercury in Libra individuals excel in environments where beauty, sense, and tactful communication are appreciated. They make excellent diplomats and function well in partnerships. They need to learn to have faith in their own judgment and not look for perpetual approval from others.

          Mercury in the 7th House

          Mercury in the 7th house puts a strong focus on mental compatibility in relationships. They want their partner to be intellectually stimulating, witty, and interesting. They like to talk about ideas, exchange knowledge, and argue over various points of view with their partner. They are tactful and adept at negotiating and thus make good mediators in both personal and professional lives. This function is seen in lawyers, counselors, and business consultants who use communication skills to excel. Their ability to see both sides of a question leads them to form well-balanced relationships. However, if Mercury is afflicted, they draw into their lives partners who are manipulative or untruthful in communication.

They tend to change their minds a lot when it comes to romance, and may have a problem with commitment. They will analyze their relationships to death and require open, honest communication to feel secure. They are sociable and like forming connections with diverse individuals. They are popular as they are charismatic and intelligent, and they can network and do PR effectively.

Mercury at 7° and 19°

This placement gives a profound, intuitive, and sometimes mystical style of thinking. These individuals have a natural understanding of human psychology, and they are great at reading between the lines of a conversation. They are drawn to philosophy, metaphysics, and subjects requiring profound reflection. Their style of communication is often poetic or symbolic, and they may use metaphors as a way of expressing deeper truths. They have an inquisitive mind and are drawn to professions like detective work, psychology, or research. Though reserved, when they speak, their words are filled with wisdom and depth that captivates others.

Mercury in Scorpio

Mercury in Scorpio produces a profound, penetrating, and intense mind. They are reflective and penetrating thinkers, usually getting to the underlying truths others fail to see. They are intuitively receptive and penetrate dishonesty with ease.

They speak plainly, even piercingly at times, and are not squeamish about tackling taboo or difficult topics. They are superb at psychology, detective work, research, and anything requiring penetrating analysis. They can be secretive about their own minds, though, and can have problems with trust.Mercury in Scorpio individuals need to watch their intensity of communication since they can be intimidating at times. When used constructively, their depth of mind makes them superb researchers, strategists, and seekers of truth.

          Mercury in the 8th House

            Mercury in the 8th house provides a profound, questioning mind that feeds on revelation of concealed truths. They are interested in psychology, the occult, money, and anything relating to mystery or transformation. They are very good at investigating and have a knack for grasping complicated topics. They may be inclined towards forensic science, detective work, or financial management, with special interest in matters such as taxes, inheritance, or shared investments. This position can point to strong intuition, as they read between the lines and can feel what others are not verbally expressing. Should Mercury be afflicted, though, they can be beset by paranoia or obsessions. They prefer discussing deep and life-altering topics, and they would much prefer serious discussions to idle chatter. They may also have an interest in taboo topics such as life, death, and the afterlife.

In their relationships, they seek intellectual and emotional intensity. They may speak cryptically or evasively, measuring their words. If Mercury is well-aspected, they can be skilled negotiators and persuaders.

Mercury at 8° and 20°

Mercury at these degrees enhances determination, intensity, and a persuasive way of communicating. These individuals are persuasive speakers who possess the power to influence others with their strong convictions. They interact with knowledge intensively, wishing to master a subject rather than just skim its surface. There is generally a transformative quality to their speech—they can lead others to change their minds or challenge long-held assumptions. They are not shy of difficult conversations and can handle disagreements with aplomb. Their minds are incisive, questioning, and strategic and can thrive in careers that demand mental hardiness, e.g., law, finance, or crisis management.

Mercury in Sagittarius

Mercury in Sagittarius provides an expansive, adventurous, and philosophical mind. They seek knowledge, travel, and information about new concepts. They're big-picture thinkers and are always in search of wisdom. They are natural teachers, storytellers, and motivational speakers, although they might have difficulty with facts or become impatient with repetition in learning. Their presentation is lively, occasionally abrasive, and they tend to embellish for effect. Mercury Sagittarians do well in education, journalism, and global business. They need to improve by making their communications more accurate without losing their inspiring and visionary nature.

          Mercury in the 9th House

            Mercury in the 9th house provides an expansive and philosophical mindset. They are lifelong learners with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about various cultures, philosophies, and higher education. They can be inclined towards travel, academics, or publishing. They are drawn to share their knowledge and may become teachers, authors, or lecturers. They want to know more than what is around them, and they seek to find the greater meaning of life. This role promotes an open-minded and adventurous spirit. They easily talk about religion, politics, ethics, and philosophy. But if Mercury is afflicted, they might struggle with dogma or intellectualization of their faith. They are generally polyglots or interested in picking up new languages. They are so adept at understanding different cultural viewpoints that they excel in diplomacy and international relationships. In romance, they look for partners who intellectually stimulate them and match their zeal for discovery. They can be drawn to individuals from different cultures or to distant relationships.

Mercury at 9° and 21°

This placement gives an adventurous, philosophical, and expansive style of thinking. These individuals love to explore new ideas, travel, and learn about other cultures. Natural teachers and communicators, they are attracted to careers in journalism, publishing, or teaching. They express themselves with passion and energy, and they are persuasive conversationalists. They have a natural ability to see the big picture and inspire others with their visionary ideas. Although they love intellectual freedom, they may sometimes struggle to focus on details, since they think in broad, sweeping strokes. They thrive in environments where there is room for exploration and discovery.

Mercury in Capricorn

Mercury in Capricorn bestows a systematic, organized, and strategic mind. They are practical thinkers who like to plan well in advance rather than act spontaneously. They are professional communicators, solemn and concise.They are great at structuring information and excel at professions that involve logic, business, and organization. But they tend to be deficient in the emotional expression arena, appearing too stiff or formal.Mercury Capricorns excel in the business, law, and leadership professions. They need to balance practicality with warmth in their communication.

          Mercury in the 10th House

            Mercury in the 10th house has a strong impact on a person's career, reputation, and public image. They are extremely ambitious and utilize their intellect and communication abilities to succeed. They will most likely be drawn to professional careers in media, politics, education, or business. They are natural leaders due to their strategic planning and the ability to articulate themselves. This placement gives them a knack for public communication and networking. They know how to present themselves professionally and can gain recognition for their intellectual abilities. However, if Mercury is afflicted, they may be plagued by miscommunication in the workplace. They are typically viewed as expressive and insightful, and they like to work in managerial or advisory positions. They are able to fit into various working styles and can switch careers several times in their lifetime. They might put professional goals ahead of relationship issues. They require a partner who is aware of their drive and encourages their professional goals.

Mercury at 10° and 22°

Mercury in these degrees gives a disciplined, structured, and highly ambitious intellect. These individuals take communication seriously and use words to build authority and credibility. They fare very well in the professional world, where their logical and strategic thinking helps them advance in their chosen careers. They value precision and may be drawn to business, law, or politics as careers. Their words carry substance, and they rarely speak without deliberation. They are good networkers and can navigate easily through social stratifications. They are self-disciplined and present themselves as stable and intelligent people in their societies.

Mercury in Aquarius

Mercury in Aquarius provides an inventive, out-of-the-box, and progressive thought process. People with this placement are unique in their thoughts and are attracted to new ideas, technology, and social advancement. They are brilliant problem solvers with an independent vision of life. They usually approach communication in an innovative and stimulating way, but they tend to be emotionally aloof. They excel in scientific, technological, and humanitarian activities. Aquarius Mercury people need to try to be more personal in their communication since their intellectualizing nature may cause them to come across as detached sometimes. 

          Mercury in the 11th House

            Mercury in the 11th house shows a highly social and progressive person. These people are great in groups and are brilliant networkers, thus are well-liked by their peers and friends. They are drawn to forward thinking and are often interested in science, technology, or humanitarian pursuits. They enjoy discussing the future and may be involved in activism or social change. This placement makes them innovative thinkers who enjoy brainstorming and problem-solving in a group. They are excellent at event planning, team management, and bringing people together on the strength of ideas. Still, they might find detachment difficult since they will intellectualize their feelings. When Mercury is afflicted, they might have difficulty with creating strong emotional bonds, and they will enjoy interest-based friendships over emotions. In relationships, they look for partners who are similarly intellectually curious and open-minded. They may be drawn to non-traditional relationships or friendships that become romantic.

Mercury at 11° and 23°

The position contributes ingenuity, innovation, and a forward-thinking mindset to the way of thinking. These people are visionaries and are drawn to unconventional ideas and progressive movements. They have a tendency to think ahead of their times, bringing new and innovative answers to old problems. They communicate in a different way and can be very persuasive when talking about their ideals and beliefs. They may be drawn to the sciences, technology, or the humanitarian fields. They value intellectual freedom and will rebel against rigid formats in communication or learning. Their ideas can be revolutionary, impacting large groups of individuals with their new way of life.

Mercury in Pisces

Mercury in Pisces creates an intuitive, imaginative, and poetic mind. They think in symbols, emotions, and abstractions. They are creative and imaginative by nature and are ready to excel in storytelling, music, and spiritual studies. They tend to communicate in a dreamy, fluid manner, but might have difficulty with logical analysis or organizing their thoughts in a clear fashion. They do well in artistic, healing, and mystical careers. Mercury Pisces people have to try to ground their ideas in the real world while accepting their innate potential for creativity and sensitivity.

          Mercury in the 12th House

           Mercury in the 12th house generates a profound, reflective, and insightful mind. They possess an intrinsic spiritual, psychological, and subconscious understanding. They are creative and might find their best form of expression through the arts, i.e., poetry, music, or fiction writing. They are inward-looking in their thoughts and might find it difficult to express their feelings in words. They do understand the human mind though and are extremely empathetic. This is a typical stance of individuals who are involved in healing, counseling, or spiritual practice. They might be interested in dream work, astrology, or meditation. If Mercury is afflicted, they can be prone to confusion, overanalysis, or indecision. They require time alone to sort out their thoughts and can benefit from writing or artwork. In their relationships, they may struggle to communicate their needs and have to practice communicating openly. They are extremely intuitive and might pay more attention to non-verbal communication than words.

Mercury at 12° and 24°

Mercury in these degrees gives a dreamy, intuitive, and highly imaginative approach to thought. These individuals have a natural talent for tapping into creative and spiritual realms, making them gifted poets, artists, or mystics. Their words have a tendency to be emotional and deep, moving others on an almost subconscious level. They are very intuitive and can pick up on subtle energies in communication. While they may at times lack practical information, their ability to inspire others through language is tremendous. They have a tendency to speak in a way that evokes deep feelings, and so, they become excellent writers, musicians, or storytellers.

All aspects of Mercury

1. Mercury-Sun Aspects

Conjunction

The Mercury-Sun conjunction is a dynamic aspect that emphasizes communication, intellect, and self-expression. These individuals have razor-sharp minds, quick thinking, and an instinctual flair for expression. They are good speakers, writers, and problem solvers. Their minds are strongly identified with their ego, and they take great pride in their intellectual powers. However, this aspect can sometimes lead to over-identification with opinions, and they become closed off to other views. They may also be prone to overthinking or mental distress. This conjunction enhances learning ability, and they become inquisitive and eager to learn. They are generally drawn to intellectual pursuits, media, teaching, or public speaking. If the conjunction is too close (only a few degrees), it can create a blind spot where the person is too engaged in their own mind and is not able to be objective about things. Practicing mindfulness and developing active listening skills can offset the intensity of this placement. With awareness, this aspect can make a person very persuasive, charismatic, and mentally agile.

(Mercury does not form sextile, square, trine, or opposition to the Sun due to its close orbit.)

2. Mercury-Moon Aspects

Conjunction

This aspect blends intellect and emotion, and these people are very intuitive and emotionally expressive. They think with their heart and feel with their head, so there is a good connection between thinking and feeling. This position reinforces the memory, especially for emotional experiences, and makes them wonderful storytellers. However, they may struggle with objectivity as emotions are powerful in their logic. Mood swings can influence decision-making, leading to changing opinions. They excel at communicating their feelings and perceiving others' feelings, so they make great counselors or writers. They should be careful not to overanalyze their feelings or be overly sensitive to words and conversations.

Sextile

This aspect imparts the innate ability to convey emotions with ease. These individuals are emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and persuasive. They fare well in social settings where they can freely exchange ideas and emotions. They think fluidly, and hence they can view different perspectives and negotiate conflicts. Writing, teaching, and public speaking are areas where they excel. This aspect also enhances creativity and the power of storytelling, making them competent in literary or artistic pursuits.

Square

Mercury square the Moon creates tension between the intellect and emotions. Such people may either struggle to express their feelings or think too much about their emotions, creating inner stress. The mood they're in can influence how they communicate, and they may be overly sensitive or distant. Misunderstandings in relationships are common because these individuals are prone to speak without consideration or afterward regret their words. Learning to balance logic and emotion is the key to solving challenges in this placement. Journaling or therapy will help them to balance thoughts and feelings in harmony.

Trine

This aspect gives an easy connection between intellect and emotions. There is no issue for these individuals to express their feelings and to understand others on a deep emotional level. They possess good intuition and can sense what others need to hear. They are skilled writers, orators, and mediators. They possess a sharp memory, especially for past emotional events, and therefore easily learn from their errors. This placement provides them with good social skills, emotional intelligence, and an inherent storytelling talent.

Opposition

Mercury opposition Moon creates an internal tug-of-war between intellect and feelings. For these individuals, decision-making is emotional because logic and feelings pull in different directions. Communication is not straightforward because they may say one thing but feel another, which leads to confusion. The aspect also promotes deep self-knowledge and ability to see many aspects of a situation. A heart-head balance must be found for emotional and mental stability.

3. Mercury-Venus Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury conjunct Venus brings intelligence together with beauty, grace, and charm and makes individuals effective communicators. Their communication is naturally harmonious, making them persuasive, diplomatic, and artistic. They are fond of literature, music, and art and are likely to communicate through writing, poetry, or design. This aspect enhances social skills, and they are popular and welcomed in social dialogue. But they will avoid arguments, instead of having uncomfortable conversations. Their language is warm and affectionate, and they are good at making others feel understood. This is a good trait for careers in media, public relations, or the arts.

Sextile

This aspect prefers ease of expression and social wit. They are the kinds of people who easily marry intellect and emotions, thereby making them good conversationalists. They have the innate ability to find beauty in words and thoughts and are talented in creative writing, diplomacy, or salesmanship. They receive positive social interaction and enjoy an even, affable nature. They are able compromisers and negotiators and thus are ideal mediators for relationships and professional life.

Square

Mercury square Venus may cause difficulties in expressing affection openly. Individuals may struggle to choose the right words, and this causes misunderstandings in relationships. They may even overanalyze love matters, leading to indecisiveness. Even though they appreciate beauty and art, they may be superficial in communication. This element poses a challenge to them to concentrate on being sincere while communicating and exercising patience in relationships. However, this tension can also compel them to polish their verbal and creative abilities, turning difficulties into strengths.

Trine

Mercury trine Venus is a very favorable aspect that provides for natural eloquence, creativity, and charm. These individuals are blessed with the flair of conveying emotions and appreciating beauty in all forms. They are great writers, musicians, and communicators and have the tendency of putting smiles on others' faces with their words. They perform well in calm environments and can utilize their diplomatic skills to bring people together. This aspect also enhances their learning and communication skills, and they turn out to be excellent teachers or speakers.

Opposition

Mercury opposite Venus can make it a battle between reason and emotions. Individuals may struggle with expressing love or finding that their communication style clashes with their ideal of romance. They may also be unable to blend logic with emotional needs, and so relationships become misconstrued. This aspect is also the one that presents them with visions of seeing things from other angles, hence becoming wise and considerate in relations. They are able to acquire the ability to blend logic and emotion with time.

4. Mercury-Mars Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury conjunct Mars yields a keen, swift mind with strong convictions and a no-nonsense communication style. These individuals are argumentative, persuasive, and assertive. They possess a natural talent for thinking on their feet and responding promptly in arguments. Their words are full of power and energy, so they are excellent leaders, businesspeople, or public speakers. They are prone to being impulsive with their words, which gets them into trouble. They must learn to balance their words with patience and diplomacy to fully utilize the strengths of this placement.

Sextile

This quality creates a dynamic but harmonious connection between action and thought. Such individuals are able to think quickly and make good decisions. They are effective problem solvers and enjoy engaging in debates or discussions that challenge their intelligence. Their communication style is active but controlled, allowing them to motivate and encourage others. They perform well in chaotic environments where quick thinking is required, e.g., journalism, sales, or sports strategy.

Square

Mercury square Mars makes one argumentative in speech and combative with communication. They might struggle to be too blunt or confrontational in words, leading to conflicts. They might also have a restless mind, overthinking or acting on impulse easily. However, if guided in the right direction, this aspect will have them become brilliant debaters, writers, or strategists. Coping with frustration and active listening will help them channel this aspect's energy in a positive way.

Trine

This aspect gives individuals mental acuteness and good communication abilities. They are smart, assertive, and able to articulate their ideas with passion. Their communication is energetic but harmonious, making them inspire and persuade others. They have an inborn ability to guide conversation and motivate action with words. Their decisiveness and strategic nature enable them to become excellent entrepreneurs, negotiators, or athletes.

Opposition

Mercury opposite Mars will produce inner conflict between action and thought. Individuals might get irritated while trying to express themselves as they feel they are being misunderstood or too argumentative in a conversation. They might also be prone to attract controversies with their impulsive words. Nevertheless, this position will also make them impassioned and fervent communicators if they learn the ability to balance assertiveness with patience. Practice halting before acting and honing their argumentative skills can benefit them in converting this energy constructively.

5. Mercury-Jupiter Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury conjunct Jupiter broadens the mind, producing people who are optimistic, inquiring, and philosophical. They enjoy learning, traveling, and investigating new concepts. They have a broad-minded and enthusiastic way of communicating, which makes them excellent teachers, speakers, or writers. They tend to neglect details in favor of seeing the larger picture. They need to balance optimism with practicality to maximize their mental potential.

Sextile

This aspect enhances intelligence, communication, and the need to learn. These individuals are natural teachers, mentors, and counselors. They can articulate abstract ideas in a straightforward manner and inspire others by their enthusiasm. They excel in higher education, law, and philosophy. They are inquisitive and receptive, hence lifelong learners.

Square

Mercury square Jupiter can render it difficult to focus and be wordy. They might not be detail-oriented and tend to commit to much more than they can deliver. Their expansive imagination can, however, lead to remarkable insights if controlled. They need to learn to put their ideas on firm ground so that they become pragmatically successful.

Trine

This quality gives a mix of intellect, curiosity, and optimism. These individuals are articulate communicators and natural philosophers. They attract opportunities by virtue of their enthusiasm to learn and speak. They have a broad vision, and they coexist with different people.

Opposition

Mercury opposing Jupiter can lead to overconfidence in opinion and a propensity to overlook details. They might struggle to balance reason and belief. This aspect also grants them the ability to see many sides, and they are excellent debaters and critics.\

6. Mercury-Saturn Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury and Saturn together make for a responsible and serious-minded person. They are practical and analytical thinkers and precise communicators. They perform well in roles that require deep concentration, such as research work, law, or engineering. They tend to keep their talk quiet, opting for depth more than superficial chatter. They may struggle with doubt as they do not feel like they are as expressive as others, but after some time, they are clever and respected speakers. This placement inspires patience and endurance in education.

Sextile

This aspect provides an innate balance of intelligence and control. These are responsible, rational, and orderly in their thought patterns. They possess effective communication skills, blending reason with clarity. They are effective organizers and excel where planning and patience are required. This aspect is good for academic success and a systematic method of tackling problems.

Square

Mercury square Saturn makes it hard to verbalize ideas, become negative, or develop blocks in thinking. Such individuals are usually insecure in communication or feel repressed in expressing ideas. They think too much, leading to pointless worry. After they overcome their thought blocks, they have a strong, analytical mind with deep insights. They must learn to trust their mind and speak with confidence.

Trine

This aspect provides disciplined thinking, excellent concentration, and practical intelligence. They are slow learners, excellent researchers, and strategic thinkers. They are able to break down challenging topics into simple-to-understand concepts, making them excellent teachers. They approach life with a realistic and mature mindset, which allows them to work towards long-term goals.

Opposition

Mercury opposition Saturn creates tension between intellect and structure. They can be insecure about their intellect or struggle with free communication. They can be challenged in school early on but develop mental toughness later in life. With determination, they are able to put their cautious attitude into structured effective communication and perform well in areas of critical thinking.

7. Mercury-Uranus Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury conjunction Uranus is a very creative, unorthodox, and innovative mind. They are incredibly intelligent thinkers and love change and innovation. Their communication is not typical, yet they are truly brilliant. They can have unexpected flashes of intuition or genius moments, and as such, make excellent inventors, scientists, or revolutionaries. They may not be as good at continuity or find conforming to formal learning difficult. Their quicksilver minds require incessant stimulation.

Sextile

This placement brings creativity, quick thinking, and adaptability. They are liberal and liberal-minded in their communication. They enjoy learning new concepts and are innate problem solvers. They are excellent at grasping abstract ideas quickly and are thus excellent at science, technology, and futurism. They enjoy intellectual stimulation and are drawn to innovation.

Square

Mercury square Uranus provides an erratic, rebellious mindset. Individuals with this position have sharp minds but are impatient, haphazard in thoughts, or undisciplined. They don't enjoy discipline and prefer learning in a different way. Despite being innovative, they must learn to translate their ideas into practice. Meditation and being aware of the surroundings can ground their mental energy.

Trine

This component gives a marvelous, unconventional intellect with inductive intelligence. Such individuals learn rapidly, having an easy time to understand abstract concepts. They are successful in changeable environments and enjoy debating fresh ideas. They communicate with electric and intriguing ease, often exciting others with their vision of things to come.

Opposition

Mercury conjunct Uranus creates a tension between conformity and revolutionary thinking. These individuals will struggle with sudden shifts in mind or difficulty with keeping pace in systematic communication. They are very intelligent but will struggle to blend in with societal norms. Getting the skill of balancing their innovation with discipline makes them utilize their mental genius efficiently.

8. Mercury-Neptune Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury conjunct Neptune allows for imagination, intuition, and creative expression. These individuals have a poetic, dreamy mind and excel at artistic endeavors like writing, music, or the films. They think abstractly and are drawn to spirituality or mysticism. They may be troubled by logical reasoning or be susceptible to deception, either from themselves or others. Keeping their ideas grounded in reality helps them deal with their very creative minds.

Sextile

This trait makes intuition and intellect closely related. Individuals with such a trait can beautifully blend logic and creativity and make great storytellers, poets, or spiritual educators. Their communication style is gentle, compassionate, and inspirational. They have the power of empathy and can put abstract ideas in a beautiful way.

Square

Mercury square Neptune can confuse, misinterpret, or blend fact and fantasy. Such natives may be afflicated with mental fogginess, daydreaming, or dishonesty. They must guard against misunderstandings and clarify their thinking. Critical thinking will help them to focus their ideas and communication.

Trine

This aspect enhances creativity, intuition, and deep insight into emotions. These individuals have an almost psychic ability to pick up on unspoken thoughts and feelings. They express themselves in a creative manner and are likely to excel in the arts, psychology, or healing professions. Their minds operate on a symbolic level, so they are naturally gifted at creative storytelling.

Opposition

Mercury's opposition to Neptune is a challenge between logic and fantasy. These people may have an issue with clear seeing, becoming lost in idealism or wishful thinking. They are highly creative but need to be careful not to lose their grip on reality. Learning to balance imagination and practical reason allows them to harness their gifts.

9. Mercury-Pluto Aspects

Conjunction

Mercury conjunct Pluto produces a penetrating, intense mind. These people are deep thinkers who need to know the truth about everything. They're drawn to psychology, mysteries, and uncovering hidden information. Their words are potent, so they're strong communicators. They can, though, obsess over a topic or have trust problems. Learning to be constructive with their insights makes them great researchers, strategists, or leaders.

Sextile

This aspect brings intellectual intensity and insight. These individuals have a natural ability to dissect and uncover hidden truths. They are excellent at research, strategy, and persuasive speech. They often excel at professions that require deep psychological understanding, including therapy, criminology, or investigative journalism.

Square

Mercury square Pluto can create deep-seated mental battles, obsessive thinking, or a need to control through communication. These individuals may have control issues in communication, as they have strong opinions and may resist changing their minds. It helps them to develop healthier communication patterns by learning to take on other perspectives and not use control tactics.

Trine

This aspect provides the natural ability to cut through complex issues and understand deep truths. Such individuals are intuitively insightful and persuasive and become effective psychologists, writers, or leaders. Their words carry weight, and they have the ability to transform others with their words.

Opposition

Mercury opposition Pluto creates issues of mental control and black-and-white thinking. They either have difficulty trusting what others say or must investigate hidden motives behind everything. They may also have difficulty expressing themselves for fear of revealing too much. By opening up to communicate and releasing the need for control, they can constructively use their penetrating insights.

[zerosomnia]

Thunderbolts Bucky Barnes x Reader:

The Perfect Gentleman

Summary: The reader, having recently started using dating apps, laments about their failing love life to some of the group. Bucky, shocked by the attitude of their dates, offers to show them how a real gentlemen acts on a date.

Genre: Fluff

Author's Note: Eeek! I've been wanting to write a Bucky fic for sooo long - it's quite late here though, so I'm sorry if I have missed any typos. Also, I rewatched the movie at the cinema, so I am feeling extra inspired atm! Big potential for part 2 here so lmk what you think.

Word Count: 2867

Four of you sat in the common room of the watchtower. Walker and Ava sat on the floor, playing some form of card game on the low coffee table, bickering occasionally when one would dislike another's choice in cards. Bucky was over by the minibar, back turned to you all, and nose deep in some book. And you? Well, you were lying back on the couch, disgust plastered on your face as you flicked through dating profiles on some app. Throwing your phone down on the cushions next to you with a frustrated groan, you rubbed your hands across your face, hiding your despair from your fellow teammates. Not that it wasn’t obvious, Ava and Walker had already slowed their incessant battle of sarcasm to watch you.

“You ok?” Walker broke the silence. You chuckled bitterly into your hands.

“I am totally fantastic, Walker.” He shook his head.

“Fine, don’t tell us,”

Ava sent him a sideways glare, already having an inkling about what this was related to.

Recently, you had made an attempt to reignite your dating life. It may, or may not have been, an attempt to get over a certain teammate – but no one had to know that. Unfortunately, the intricacies of the modern dating world were almost entirely new to you, as being an assassin rarely left many networking opportunities. Your first attempts at romance had not been pleasant experiences.

“This isn’t about that dating app again, is it?” Ava jumped straight into the deep end, leaving an uncomfortable silence lingering in the room. Peeking out from under your hands, your attention was drawn to a certain dark-haired super solider, who had stilled at the mention of your dating life. You turned back to Ava.

“Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!” You tried to mask your discomfort behind the joke, hoping that the others wouldn’t dwell too much on it.

“I don’t get that stuff,” Walker butted in, annoyance was evident in his voice but you couldn’t decide if it was the cards or the topic of conversation. “Why do you need an app to meet people? Just go outside.” You chuckled at Walker’s bluntness.

“That’s easy for you to say, you’ve been married.” Ava bit back. You agreed with her, sitting up so you could address them properly.

“Yeah, Ava’s right. Plus, spending your life around people who are just training you to kill, or are being killed by you, doesn’t leave much room for practice with flirting.” Bucky had fully turned in his chair now and had given up on pretending to read, observing your conversation from afar.

“You know,” You turned to face Ava – she always gossiped with you about your dates. “I went on a date with this person like two days ago, and they got up mid-way through our dinner to go to the bathroom-”

“Oh noooo, how terrible,” Walker interrupted you. In response, you threw a pillow at the back of his head.

“As I was saying!” You glared at Walker. “They went to the bathroom and then never came back! I got left to foot the bill.” You saw Walker visibly cringe, clearly feeling bad about his previous comment.

“Jeez… that’s not cool,” Was all he could manage. Ava sent him a pointed look.

“Really? That’s the best you could give them?” The pair started to bicker again, too distracted to notice Bucky approaching you all and sitting near you on the couch.

“That… that’s bad. That wouldn’t have happened when I was younger, they wouldn’t have gotten away with it.” That silenced Ava and John.

“You are, like, one hundred years old. Dating has changed.” Ava shrugged. You found yourself staring at Bucky, who had a wistful look on his face.

“I don’t know, I’m probably just overreacting. I’m sure there are lots of other, far worse things that could have happened." You tried to reassure your friends.

“I suppose it is good by your standards…” Walker commented. You whipped your head around to stare at him.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Well… didn’t you go on a date where someone spent the whole time telling you about how in love with their ex they were?” Walker trailed off, only for Ava to jump in and add to your shame.

“And what about that one where your date got blackout drunk and trashed the restaurant?” You could feel heat rising up your neck, especially with the way Bucky was staring at you with wide-eyed incredulity.

“Where are you finding these people?” The quiet horror was evident in Bucky’s voice.

“Oh that’s nothing. There was this one time-”

“Okay! We get it! I don’t have a particularly high bar for what is considered a good date.” You harshly interrupted Walker, sighing in defeat and pinching your brow at the headache you could feel coming on.

“Maybe that’s something that we can fix.” Bucky chimed in. You stared at him, disbelief on your face.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there isn’t a line of ‘quality candidates’ lining up to ask me on a date.”

“I’ll take you then.”

Ava and Walker had remained quiet throughout your exchange, watching with eager curiosity. To be honest, you weren’t really registering their presence anymore, too distracted by the earnest look in Bucky’s eyes and the blatant manner in which he had made his statement. You fell back on your humour again, trying to make the situation a little less awkward.

“Bucky Barnes, are you offering to take me on a date?”

“I am.” You drew in a deep breath.

“Alright then, wow me.”

A knock sounded at your door at exactly 7 PM. You already knew who it was; you had been waiting for this moment for the past half an hour. In typical you-fashion, you had prepared far too early and therefore had been sitting around in your date clothes. Bucky told you he would take care of the planning, and that all you needed to do was be ready for him. He had also mentioned that it wouldn’t ‘just’ be a restaurant date – and to wear clothes you could be comfortable in. So here you were, sitting around in an outfit that you had spent hours toiling over, and feeling nothing but dread and nerves. It wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling. You had come to expect it while dating.

You opened the door to your room and stepped out to meet Bucky. He was holding a bouquet of flowers, and not just some store bought packet, they looked like they were from an actual florist. An involuntary gasp left you.

“Oh! Thank you, I’ll just put these in a vase.” As you set about finding a vase, Bucky hovered in the entryway to your room. You could feel his eyes studying you, but not in a predatory way like others had, it was like he was admiring a painting from afar. You returned to him.

“You look nice,” His voice was low and gravelly, like the compliment was only for your ears. You felt your face heating up as you thanked him.

“So do you, I really like this jacket on you.” You traced your fingers up the zip of his leather jacket. He seemed a bit taken aback by you returning his compliment, but he sent you a small smile of thanks regardless.  He had adhered to the ‘comfy but nice’ dress code, and he looked good. His hair was neatly styled in a side part, and he wore a pair of nice jeans to accompany the dark leather of his jacket. Underneath you could see something reminiscent of a compression shirt, that sat tight against his skin.

“Shall we go?”

The night started out with a twist, you had never pegged the serious ex-winter soldier for the dancing type. Yet as you climbed out of the taxi, which he had paid for despite your protests, you found yourself in front of an old fashioned nightclub. A flutter of excitement rushed through you, and you saw a pleased grin on Bucky’s face as he watched you marvel at the flashing lights in the entryway. Most of your dates had been boring dinners, or walks with nearly no chemistry. You could already tell this would be different.

Bucky offered his arm to you. “Are you ready to head in?” You took it without hesitation.

“I never pegged you for a dancer.”

“Yeah. Well, it’s been a while, so don’t get your hopes up. You might end tonight with another embarrassing story.” He sent you a sly smirk, and you swore your legs turned to jelly.

“Please, if anything, you’ll be embarrassed by me. You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into here.” You laughed.

The pair of you walked into the nightclub together, remaining unbothered by bouncers. Immediately, a rush of warmth, alcohol, and, much older, music hit you. It was pure joy. Couples were dancing unabashedly in the centre of the room, where the tables had been pushed back for such activity. The building was two stories, and you could see the balcony from where you stood. It was clearly an area for people to sit with their drinks, tucked away from the music in secluded privacy.

Bucky used your hold on his arm to gently direct you both towards the bar. As you ordered, you saw him pull a card out of his wallet. And when you tried to pay for your drink, he gently pushed your hand down with a reassuring gaze. The two of you settled at the barside, sipping as you chatted.

“Thank you, you didn’t need to pay for everything so far.” He sent you a confused look.

“What do you mean? I get to go on a date with you, I should be thanking you.” All of the breath left your body at that. And he said it so easily, so confidently.

“What?”

He shrugged, as if what he was saying was the most obvious thing in the world.

“You could have said no.” You nodded. Of course, that’s what he meant – he would have been embarrassed in front of the others if you had rejected him. You were taking it the wrong way. Stupid feelings. You blinked, and there was a hand in front of you. His hand. He was… offering it to you? “Would you like to dance?” There it was again, that earnest look in his eyes. A blue so deep that you could sink into them.

“I would love that.” You grasped his hand firmly, and the pair of you made your way onto the dance floor.

The music was upbeat, and it took a minute to get into the dancing. You didn’t really loosen up until Bucky took the lead, pulling you into something somewhat resembling a swing dancing routine. You allowed yourself to be carried by the music, twirling and spinning, and occasionally, Bucky would grasp you firmly by the waist, lifting you into the air like it was easy. It was like time slowed down, the pair of you whooping and throwing one another about the floor. By the end of it, you were both a panting mess. You collapsed against him as the song shifted into something a little calmer, laughter getting lost in the sounds of the dance floor. As you leaned on his chest, you felt his arms gently circle you. He was looking at you with such a fondness, such a bright smile – it made your heart beat like you were running a marathon. You felt shivers tingle down your spine as Bucky leaned down to speak into your ear.

“Have you ever done the fox-trot?” His grin was cheeky, a reflection of his boyish youth. You shook your head, allowing him to show you this side of himself. He led you around the floor, reciting steps to you with a protective arm around your waist. Once you got comfortable, he started to have fun with you, adding flair to your twirls and swaying his hips. As you laughed, you felt yourself falling into place, allowing him to whisk you around the dance floor with practiced precision. The other couples moved for you both, and some tried to copy, but either way – you were having so much fun. Your cheeks were aching from the smile, and your heart caught in your throat every time you caught Bucky staring at you with that adoring smile. Once the song had ended, Bucky bought you both another round of drinks, leading you to a secluded table on the upstairs balcony. From your seat, you watched the couples twirl below, joy palpable on their faces.

“This has been so fun!” You grinned at Bucky, who nodded with a knowing smile. “And you were not as rusty as you claimed,” You motioned to the dance floor with a giggle.

“You were pretty good yourself, you picked up the moves really quickly. I’m impressed.” You let yourself sit in the ambience for a minute, enjoying the music now that it was quieter, but there was something that you were caught up on.

“Bucky-”

“James.” You blinked at him in confusion, and he quickly clarified. “I want you to call me James, at least for tonight. I don’t want you to think of me just as the winter solider, I want you to see James.” He was awkward in his delivery, but the words were heartfelt. You nodded, continuing your previous thought.

“Ok, James.” The name was foreign on your tongue, but you didn’t dislike it for him. “Earlier, you said you should be thanking me for accepting your invitation. What made you say that?” You searched his face, hoping desperately that your internal thoughts had been wrong. He chuckled, and part of you panicked for a second. Bucky sat for a second, clearly contemplating how to answer your question. His stare was switching between the floor and your face, like he knew he was about to say something that would change how you saw him.

“I’m going to be blunt here.” You swallowed hard, dread pooling in your stomach. “The way other people have treated you is ridiculous.” You stared at him for a moment. But he continued before you could press. “You are wonderful, and amazing, and strong – and the fact that they wasted their chance with you is.. it’s so stupid.” He was quiet, but starting to stumble over himself, frustration gnawing at his words. Bucky took a breath and met your eye with a quiet determination. “If you keep giving me a chance after tonight, I swear I will not mess it up.”  He looked down to the lower floor, and couples were preparing for a slow dance. While you were still processing, he stood and offered you his hand. “Last dance?” His tone was hopeful. You accepted without hesitation.

The slow dance was nothing short of magical. Your arms were looped around Bucky’s neck, and your bodies were pressed together tightly. Every movement was amplified tenfold. The lights had shifted to a low blue, bathing you both in splendid tones as you glided slowly across the floor. But despite that, it was his eyes that caught your attention. They always did. How could they say so much, without saying anything at all? The heat of his hands on your waist was driving you insane. And with your faces mere inches apart, how were you supposed to survive this dance? The song started to slow, coming to a close, and he leaned down to your ear again.

“I really want to kiss you right now, would you mind?” You nodded, breathless at his confession. One of his hands moved to your face, the other planting you firmly in place, and he brought his mouth down to meet yours. He was gentle, warm, and surprisingly soft. You let him take the lead, suddenly feeling very aware of your inexperience with romantic acts. When you separated, he let his forehead rest on yours, eyes closed like he was savouring the moment. His voice was barely audible.

“Thank you.”

As your evening drew to a close, James walked you to your room. You felt like you were floating, even as you travelled through the watchtower. If one of the others had seen you, well, you dreaded the thought. You leaned back against your door, hoping that he would steal another kiss from you. And he did, as if he were reading your mind. It was just as careful as the first, like he was worried he’d scare you off if he was any harsher. A surge of confidence prompted your invite.

“Would you like to come in?” It was a breathless whisper against his mouth. And he groaned against your lips.

“You are making it very difficult to be a gentleman.” You shrugged with a small smile. “We’ll have time for that later, if you still want it.” He backed away from you, slowly, as if it was hard to do so. A smirk plastered itself over his face. He knew what he was doing as he left you, his parting comment drifting over his shoulder as he walked away. “Sleep well.”

[xomakara]

After Midnight

SUMMARY |  You are on a blind date, and the guy turns out to be a total jerk. Increasingly uncomfortable, but too polite to get up and leave, you are grateful to be rescued by Yangyang, the cute college frat boy in your class and the object of your affections, who comes over and gives you an out. PAIRINGS | Yangyang x Reader RATING | Mature, NSFW, EXPLICIT, MDNI, 18+, Any Minors and Ageless Blogs will be blocked GENRE |  smut, college au, non-idol au, blind date gone wrong CONTENT/WARNINGS | profanity/strong language, unprotected sex (wrap it up ya’ll!), fingering, slight dirty talk, praising, vaginal penetration LENGTH | 8,887 words TAGLIST |  --- NETWORKS |  @k-vanity @ksmutsociety AUTHOR’S NOTE | Finally managed to get something written for Yangyang! Finally! Thank you @shadowkoo for the beautiful banner! I hope you all like it and enjoy it 💚

NCT Main Masterlist

The dimly lit bar feels like a scene out of someone else’s life. The hum of conversation buzzes around you, but it feels distant, muffled by the tightening knot in your stomach. You shift uncomfortably on the barstool, your fingers tracing the condensation on your glass. Across from you sits Wooseok—your blind date. A guy who seemed charming over texts but now drips with an arrogance so thick it could coat the walls.

“So,” he says, leaning back arrogantly, his smirk as cocky as his tone. “You into sports? Or are you one of those artsy types?”

You force a smile, trying to mask the irritation clawing at you. “A little of both, I guess.”

His laugh is sharp, dismissive. “Yeah, I heard that one before. Bet you love yoga or something, right? All that ‘namaste’ crap.”

Oh god. You glance at your half-empty drink, wishing it were stronger, faster. Anything to numb this awkwardness. Why did you agree to this? Why didn’t you just ghost him when his condescension became clear over text? But no, you’d been raised too well for that. Too polite. Too much of a people-pleaser. And now here you are, stuck.

He picks up the thread again, his voice rising above the ambient noise. “Anyway, I’m more of a gym guy. You know, real fitness. Not that flaky stuff. Gotta stay in shape, especially if you want to keep up with me.”

You nod absently, your eyes darting across the room. Relief floods through you as you spot Yangyang, the cute frat boy from your class. He’s sitting with a group of friends a few tables over, laughing and sipping beers. His smile lights up the room, and you feel a pang of longing. 

If only this were a date with him.

As if sensing your gaze, Yangyang glances over. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, everything else fades away. His lips curl into a reassuring half-smile, and you feel a flutter of hope. Maybe—just maybe—he’ll save you from this nightmare.

But then your date leans closer, his cologne overpowering even the faint smell of beer and smoke. “So, what do you say we get out of here? Maybe grab some dessert? My treat, of course.”

His tone is smooth, almost too smooth, and there’s something in his eyes that makes your skin crawl. You open your mouth to decline, but the words catch in your throat. Before you can muster a response, Yangyang stands up, his attention shifting fully to you.

“Y/N!” he calls out, his voice warm and playful. “How’s it going?”

Your date frowns, his annoyance obvious. “Who’s this guy?”

You feel a surge of gratitude as Yangyang approaches, his presence radiating confidence. 

“I’m Yangyang,” he says, extending his hand to your date. “A friend of hers. Classmate, actually.”

Your date shakes his hand reluctantly, his jaw tight. “Nice to meet you.”

Yangyang’s grin widens, and he turns to you, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You weren’t answering my texts earlier, so I figured I’d come find you. What’s the deal? Having fun?”

You blink, caught off guard by the sudden shift. But then you realize—he’s giving you an out. A way to escape this unbearable situation. “Oh, uh… yeah, sure. It’s been… interesting.”

Yangyang chuckles, his gaze flicking between you and your date. “Well, I hate to interrupt, but we’ve got that group project meeting tomorrow, and I need to go over some notes with you. You free to head out now?”

There’s a pause, and you can practically see the gears turning in your date’s head. Finally, he straightens up, his pride clearly wounded. “Sounds like you’ve got plans. Guess I’ll let you go.”

You stand quickly, relief washing over you. “Thanks for… uh, dinner? Drinks? This.”

He snorts, shaking his head. “Yeah, no problem. Have fun with your… homework.”

Yangyang steps closer, his arm brushing yours as he guides you toward the exit. “Don’t be rude, man. Have a good night.”

“Thank you,” you whisper, once you’re out of earshot.

Yangyang grins, his dimples deepening. “No problem. Couldn’t let you suffer through that alone. You looked like you needed rescuing.”

You laugh softly, the tension easing slightly. “You have no idea. How did you even know it was me?”

“Oh, I saw you walk in earlier,” he admits, his voice lowering. “Figured I’d wait a bit, see how things went. When things got weird, I knew I had to intervene.”

You glance at him, your cheeks heating. “That’s… kind of amazing, actually.”

He shrugs, looking away briefly. “Happens to the best of us. Anyway, you okay? Want to grab some coffee or something? My treat.”

Your heart skips a beat. Coffee? With him? 

“I’d like that,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

You both step outside, the cool night air hitting your faces. Yangyang walks close enough that both of your arms brush occasionally, sending shivers down your spine. 

“So,” he says, his tone light but teasing. “What’s next?”

You turn to him, your pulse quickening. “Depends,” you reply, feeling bold suddenly. “What do you want to do?”

“Funny you should ask,” he whispers, his voice low and husky. He meets your gaze, his eyes dark and intense. “Because I’ve been thinking about this all night.”

Before you can respond, he steps closer, his breath warm against your cheek. “Do you trust me?” he asks, his voice barely audible.

You swallow hard, your heart racing. “Yes.”

He smiles faintly, his hand reaching out to lightly touch your waist. “Good. Because I don’t wanna take this slow.”

And then, without waiting for an answer, he presses his lips to yours. His kiss lingers on your lips, a sweet, dizzying sensation that makes your knees weak. You glance up at him, his dark hair catching the faint glow of the streetlights, and he grins, a playful glint in his eyes.

“So,” he says, his voice light but teasing, “coffee? Or do you want to see if I can make this even more interesting?”

You laugh softly, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement. The date with Wooseok feels like a distant nightmare now, washed away by Yangyang’s effortless charm. 

“Coffee sounds good,” you reply, tilting your head slightly. “But if you’re trying to impress me, you might have to work harder than that.”

He chuckles, the sound low and warm, and nudges you playfully. “Challenge accepted.”

The two of you walk side by side down the dimly lit sidewalk, the quiet hum of the city surrounding you. Yangyang leads you to a small, cozy café tucked away from the main street, its windows glowing warmly. Inside, the air smells of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries, and the soft murmur of conversation fills the space. A young barista behind the counter glances up with a bright smile as you approach.

“Hey, Yangyang,” the barista says, their tone friendly but subtly flirtatious. “Long time no see. What can I get for you tonight?”

Yangyang smiles back, leaning casually on the counter. “Hey, Ruby. Two coffees, please—something strong. And maybe a slice of that chocolate cake.”

“Coming right up,” Ruby replies, their fingers already moving deftly over the espresso machine.

As Ruby works, Yangyang turns to you, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. 

“So,” he begins, his voice dropping just enough to feel intimate in the bustling café, “what made you agree to a blind date with him? He seemed… not your type.”

You sigh, shaking your head as you think back to Jake’s arrogance. “I don’t know. I guess I thought it was worth giving it a shot? But yeah, he was… not my type. At all.”

Yangyang nods, his gaze lingering on you as if he’s trying to read something deeper. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Not when you’ve got me around.”

His words send a shiver down your spine, and you meet his gaze, feeling a sudden intensity in the air between you. Before you can respond, Ruby sets down two steaming mugs on the counter, each topped with a swirl of foam.

“Here you go,” Ruby says, sliding the plate with the chocolate cake toward you. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks,” Yangyang says, taking the mugs and handing one to you. “Let’s grab a table.”

You follow him to a small corner booth, the dim lighting casting shadows that make the space feel private. As you sit across from him, the warmth of the mug in your hands contrasts with the coolness of the night outside. Yangyang takes a slow sip of his coffee, watching you over the rim of his cup.

“So,” he says again, setting his mug down carefully, “tell me something about yourself. Something real.”

You raise an eyebrow, feeling both amused and intrigued by his directness. “Something real? What kind of question is that?”

He shrugs, leaning back in his seat, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. “You seem like someone who doesn’t open up easily. So, I’m curious. What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?”

Your heart skips a beat at the question, and you shift uncomfortably, unsure how much you want to reveal. But there’s something about the way Yangyang looks at you—calm, attentive, and genuine—that makes it hard to resist.

“Okay,” you say slowly, picking at the edge of the cake with your fork. “I… write poetry. Like, really bad stuff, mostly. But it helps me process things.”

Yangyang’s lips curl into a slow, appreciative smile. “That’s pretty cool. Do you ever show it to anyone?”

You shake your head, feeling a flush rise to your cheeks. “No. It’s just… for me. Private.”

He nods thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving yours. “Fair enough. Maybe one day, though, you’ll let me read some. If you want to.”

The suggestion hangs in the air, heavy with possibility, and you find yourself wondering what it would be like to share that part of yourself with him. Before you can dwell on it too much, Yangyang reaches across the table, his fingers brushing lightly against yours.

“You don’t have to answer that,” he says softly, his touch sending tingles up your arm. “But I hope you know I’d listen. To anything you wanted to say.”

You swallow hard, feeling the heat of his words settle deep in your chest. 

“Why are you being so nice to me?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

Yangyang’s expression shifts, a flicker of something raw crossing his face before it settles into a gentle smile. 

“Maybe because I like you,” he admits, his voice low and sincere. “And maybe because I saw the way he was treating you, and I couldn’t stand it. I wanted to fix it. For you.”

The honesty in his words leaves you breathless, and you realize, with a jolt, that you’ve been holding onto so much tension since the start of the night. With him, though, it’s different. Easier. Like you can finally exhale.

“You didn’t have to do that,” you say quietly.

“Yeah, I did,” he replies, his voice firm but warm. “Because you deserve better than that. And if you’ll let me, I’d like to show you how much better.”

The sincerity in his tone catches you off guard, and you find yourself nodding slowly, a knot of emotion tightening in your throat. 

“Okay,” you manage to say, your voice shaky.

Yangyang’s smile returns, brighter this time, and he leans forward, his hand slipping beneath the table to rest on your thigh. The contact sends a spark through you, and you bite your lip, glancing up at him with uncertainty.

“I really like you, Y/N,” he murmurs, his voice filled with promise. "Tell me if I’m moving too fast.”

Your pulse quickens, and you feel the weight of his hand on your leg, warm and deliberate. “You don’t waste any time, do you?”

He laughs softly, his breath feathering against your cheek as he closes the distance between you. “Like I said before, I don’t wanna take this slow.”

And then his lips are on yours again, soft and insistent, pulling a quiet gasp from deep within you. His hand tightens slightly on your thigh, drawing you even closer, and you melt into the kiss, your fingers curling into the fabric of his hoodie.

The world seems to fade away, leaving only the two of you and the electric hum of connection. His tongue traces the curve of your bottom lip, and you part your mouth willingly, deepening the kiss until you’re both breathless. When he finally pulls back, his eyes are dark with desire, and he presses his forehead against yours, his breath hot and uneven. 

“God, you’re incredible,” he whispers, his voice ragged. You don’t have the chance to respond before he speaks again, his voice thick with urgency. “We should go somewhere quieter. Somewhere we can focus on each other.”

Yangyang’s hand slips into yours, his fingers interlacing with yours as he leads you out of the café. The cool night air nips at your skin, but his touch is warm and grounding, a steady anchor in the otherwise chaotic evening. His hoodie swishes against his jeans as he walks, and you can feel the faint hum of excitement radiating off him.

“Where are we going?” you ask, your voice just above a whisper, curious and a little nervous.

He glances at you, his smile soft and mischievous. “Trust me?”

You hesitate for only a moment before nodding. “Yeah.”

He squeezes your hand tighter, like he’s trying to reassure you without saying it aloud. And then he breaks into a light jog, tugging you along with him. You don’t question it, following his lead with a laugh bubbling up in your chest. There’s something freeing about running through the streets with him, letting go of all the awkwardness and tension from earlier tonight.

The park comes into view after a few minutes, its gates already closed for the night. But Yangyang doesn’t seem fazed. He pulls you along the iron fence until he finds a small gap where a section of bars has rusted and bent outward. 

“Shortcut,” he says with a wink, crouching down to slip through first. You hesitate again, looking around nervously. The park is eerily quiet, the shadows of trees stretching across the ground like skeletal hands. But Yangyang sticks his head back through the gap, his eyes bright and encouraging. “Come on, I promise it’s worth it.”

Swallowing your doubts, you duck through the gap after him, brushing dirt off your jeans as you straighten up. Yangyang takes your hand again, guiding you deeper into the park, away from the well-lit paths and toward the darker, more secluded areas. The crunch of leaves underfoot grows louder, and the scent of damp earth fills the air.

Finally, he stops near a large oak tree, its branches twisted and gnarled, reaching out like they’re trying to embrace the sky. The moonlight filters through the gaps in the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the ground. It’s quiet here—peaceful, almost magical.

"Here?" You asked.

"Yeah," Yangyang nods. "Look up."

You tilt your head back, feeling a rush of awe as you take in the view. The stars glitter against a dark blue background, like tiny pinpricks of light in an infinite canvas. The air feels clear and fresh here, free from the noise of the city, and the wind rustles softly through the trees, adding to the serenity.

"I wanted to bring you to my spot," Yangyang murmurs. "Where I go when everything gets too much. When the world feels overwhelming."

You looked at him. "I'm sure you bring other girls here."

"Nah," he replies, a flicker of regret crossing his eyes. "I came here before I even joined the frat. Back when it was just me, getting by on scholarships and part-time jobs."

You reach for his hand, running your thumb along his knuckles gently. "You had a tough time?"

He smiles sadly. "Yeah. And even now, when I've got help with tuition and the whole student life deal... the pressures are still there, you know?"

It's strange to hear him talking like this, opening himself up to you. It feels vulnerable and intimate. You take a tentative step towards him. "I think I can relate. Even though I have a scholarship and good parents, I still have to balance work, studying and finding time for social life, and it can be a lot."

Yangyang nods, and you can tell he understands. He tilts his head, searching your face as he searches his next words. "What would help you deal with all that?"

The question takes you by surprise. You think it over carefully. "Spending time with friends. Releasing emotions through writing. Watching tv." You look back up at the stars and try again. "But the thing that helps most, the most soothing thing for me, is just going somewhere alone, listening to nature or the city. Finding somewhere peaceful and calming."

"Somewhere like here?" He asks.

"Yeah," you sigh contentedly. "I haven't found somewhere quite like it, though."

His hands settle on your hips as he pulls you in for a sweet, lingering kiss, his teeth lightly grazing your lower lip. You smile against his lips, and the butterflies in your stomach turn into something wild. He backs you up against the trunk of the tree, his body flush with yours, and you can't help but run your hands up his neck and into his soft, dark curls. The moonlight illuminates his face, revealing the hunger in his gaze. You close your eyes as he trails kisses down your neck, sending a thrill up your spine. He lifts his head and searches your gaze again.

God, he tastes so good, you think, your mind hazy with desire. His flavor is sweet, like the coffee you shared earlier, but there’s an undercurrent of something wild and untamed, something that sets your pulse racing even faster.

When he pulls back, his breath comes out in uneven puffs, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “Fuck,” he mutters, leaning his forehead against yours. “I’ve wanted to do that since the first day I saw you in class.”

Your lips curve into a smile, giddy and breathless. “Really?”

He nods, his curls bouncing slightly. “Every time you walked into the room, I couldn’t focus on anything else. You have no idea how many times I almost asked you out, but I kept chickening out.”

You laugh softly, your fingers tracing the line of his jaw. “Well, I’m glad you finally did.”

“Me too,” he says, his voice low and gravelly. Then his lips are on yours again, softer this time, more deliberate. His hands roam down your sides, slipping beneath the hem of your shirt to rest on the bare skin of your lower back. The coolness of the night air contrasts sharply with the warmth of his palms, sending a shiver up your spine.

You press closer to him, your own hands fumbling with the zipper of his hoodie. When you pull it down, he shrugs it off his shoulders, tossing it aside without a second thought. Underneath, he’s wearing a plain white T-shirt that clings to his torso, outlining the muscles you only catch glimpses of during class. Your fingers dip beneath the fabric, skimming across his skin, feeling the tautness of his stomach beneath your touch.

He groans into your mouth, his body tensing under your exploration. “Jesus,” he breathes, his hands gripping your hips tightly. “You’re killing me.”

You smirk against his lips, feeling a surge of confidence. “Is that a bad thing?”

“No,” he growls, pulling you even closer. “Not even close.”

His hands move higher, sliding up your ribcage until they’re cupping your breasts over your bra. You arch into his touch, a needy sound escaping your throat. His thumb brushes across your nipple, teasing it into a hard peak, and you gasp, your head tilting back as pleasure shoots through you.

“Yangyang…” you murmur, half-pleading, half-whining.

He presses a quick series of kisses along your jawline, his breath hot against your skin. “Tell me what you want,” he says, his voice thick with hunger.

You bite your lip, suddenly shy. “I…”

He grins, his teeth flashing in the dim light. “That’s okay. Let me guess.” 

And without waiting for your answer, his hands shift again, one sliding down to palm your ass while the other slips beneath your waistband, his fingertips trailing dangerously close to where you need him most.

Your breath hitches, your whole body trembling with anticipation. “Yangyang…” you say again, this time more urgently.

He pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, his dark eyes gleaming with desire. “Yeah?”

“Please,” you manage to whisper, your voice barely audible.

His answering smile is slow and triumphant. “Anything for you.”

Your breath catches in your throat as Yangyang’s lips press against yours again, this time with a hunger that sends shivers down your spine. His hands move to your hips, pulling you closer until there’s no space left between you. You melt into him, your fingers threading through his dark curls as the world around you fades away. The cool night air is no match for the heat building between you, and you can feel the rapid beat of his heart against your chest.

Just as you’re about to deepen the kiss, a sharp voice cuts through the silence. “Hey! You two! What do you think you’re doing?”

You freeze, your body stiffening as you recognize the authoritative tone. Slowly, you pull away from Yangyang, your eyes widening as you turn toward the source of the noise. A tall, broad-shouldered park ranger stands a few feet away, his arms crossed and his jaw set in disapproval. His uniform fits him like a glove, emphasizing his muscular build, and his sharp, observant gaze locks onto you both.

Yangyang curses under his breath, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Crap,” he mutters, tugging at your hand. “Let’s go. Now.”

Before you can respond, he’s already pulling you deeper into the shadows beneath the tree. Your pulse races as you follow him, the thrill of being caught making your stomach twist in knots. You glance back over your shoulder, your heart pounding as the ranger takes a step closer, his flashlight sweeping across the ground.

“I said stop!” the ranger calls out, his voice echoing through the park.

You press yourself closer to Yangyang, your breaths coming in short bursts. “What do we do?” you whisper, your voice trembling.

Yangyang glances around frantically, his mind working quickly. “We need to lose him,” he says, his eyes darting toward a small trail leading deeper into the park. “Come on, let’s go this way.”

Without waiting for your response, he drags you along the path, his grip firm but reassuring. The trees close in around you, their branches creating a natural barrier from the ranger’s view. You stumble slightly, the uneven ground making it difficult to keep up, but Yangyang’s hand stays locked around yours, guiding you forward.

The sound of heavy footsteps grows louder behind you, and you can hear the ranger muttering under his breath. “Kids these days… always causing trouble,” he grumbles, his frustration evident.

Yangyang smirks despite the situation, his playful nature peeking through. “Don’t worry,” he whispers, squeezing your hand. “We’ll give him the slip.”

You can’t help but laugh nervously, the tension between you and Yangyang growing stronger with every step. As you round a corner, Yangyang pulls you into a dense bush, muffling your laughter with his hand. You hold your breath as the ranger’s flashlight beam passes by, illuminating the leaves around you momentarily.

When the light disappears, Yangyang releases a shaky laugh. “That was close,” he says, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

You nod, your heart still racing from the adrenaline. “Too close,” you agree, your voice barely above a whisper.

Yangyang’s gaze softens as he looks at you, his playful demeanor melting into something more serious. “You okay?” he asks, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

You nod again, feeling a warmth spread through you at his concern. “Yeah,” you say, smiling faintly. “Just… a little shaken.”

He chuckles, his confidence returning. “Well, I guess we showed him, huh?”

You roll your eyes, but the smile on your face doesn’t fade. “I wouldn’t exactly call that showing him.”

Yangyang shrugs, his dimples deepening as he grins. “Close enough. Now…” He pauses, his expression turning mischievous once more. “How about we get out of here before he comes back?”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued by his suggestion. “And go where?”

His grin widens, and he steps closer, his breath warm against your cheek. “My place,” he murmurs, his voice low and inviting. “It’s not far. We can be there in ten minutes.”

Your pulse quickens at the thought, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling in your chest. Part of you wants to playfully protest, to tease him about his boldness, but the other part—the part that’s been drawn to him since the moment he walked into your life—is already saying yes.

Yangyang must sense your hesitation, because he adds, “I promise, it’ll be worth it.”

You look into his eyes, searching for any hint of insincerity, but all you find is sincerity and a flicker of desire. And maybe, just maybe, a touch of vulnerability. It’s that last part that seals the deal, pushing aside any lingering doubts.

“Okay,” you say softly, your voice barely audible.

His answering smile lights up his entire face, and without another word, he takes your hand and leads you out of the bush, navigating the dimly lit paths of the park with ease. The cool night air brushes against your skin, sending goosebumps down your arms, but Yangyang’s touch keeps you grounded, his presence a steady anchor in the chaos.

As you leave the park behind, the streetlights guide your way, casting long shadows that stretch and shrink with each step. Yangyang’s pace quickens, his excitement palpable, and you can’t help but match it, your own anticipation building with every passing second.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity but is probably only a few minutes, Yangyang stops in front of a modest apartment building. His free hand reaches into his pocket, pulling out a set of keys as he unlocks the door. He ushers you inside, his movements almost frantic with eagerness.

The apartment is cozy, with simple furnishings and a faint scent of laundry detergent and fresh air—just like him. Yangyang leads you to the living room, where he finally lets go of your hand, turning to face you. His chest rises and falls slightly, his breathing still a little uneven from the rush of the escape.

“So,” he says, his voice low and teasing, “what do you think?”

You take a moment to survey the room, your eyes lingering on the small details—the bookshelf filled with textbooks and novels, the worn couch draped with a blanket, the faint hum of a refrigerator in the background. It’s nothing fancy, but it feels lived-in, comfortable. And somehow, that makes it even more appealing.

“It’s nice,” you admit, your voice soft.

Yangyang’s smile returns, warmer now, less playful and more genuine. “Good,” he says simply, stepping closer. “Because I didn’t bring you here just to show you my apartment.”

Your breath hitches as he closes the distance between you, his hands reaching up to cradle your face. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, and you can feel the sincerity in every brush of his fingertips. When his lips meet yours, it’s slow and deliberate, a marked contrast to the urgency of earlier.

This time, there’s no rush, no fear of being interrupted. Just the two of you, lost in the embrace that neither of you seems willing to break.

Yangyang breaks the kiss, his eyes locking with yours. His hands slide down to your shoulders, then lower, tracing the curve of your back until they settle on your hips. The heat between you is palpable, a tangible force that seems to push and pull at the edges of your restraint.

“Do you trust me?” he asks quietly, his voice low and steady.

You nod, though the question sends a shiver through you. Trust. It’s such a simple word, yet it feels so heavy in this moment. You realize, almost suddenly, that you do trust him—completely. There’s something about the way he looks at you, like you’re the only person in the world who matters, that makes it impossible not to.

“Good,” he says, his lips curving into a sly smile. “Because I want to show you something.”

Without waiting for a response, he takes your hand and leads you deeper into his apartment. The hallway is dimly lit, the soft glow of a lamp casting long shadows across the floor. The air is quiet, save for the faint sound of your footsteps and the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards beneath you.

Yangyang guides you to a door at the end of the hall, one you hadn’t noticed before. He pauses for a moment, glancing over his shoulder at you before reaching out to turn the handle. The door swings open with a soft click, revealing a cozy bedroom bathed in the warm light of a bedside lamp.

His bedroom. The thought flutters in your mind, sending a fresh wave of excitement coursing through you. Yangyang steps inside first, pulling you in after him. The door closes softly behind you, sealing the space as your own private world.

The room is simple but inviting, with a large bed taking up most of the space. A pile of pillows rests against the headboard, and a few books are scattered haphazardly on the nightstand. A faint scent of cedar lingers in the air, mingling with the familiar smell of laundry detergent that seems to follow Yangyang everywhere.

He turns to face you, his eyes dark with intent. “I wanted to bring you somewhere… quieter,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “Somewhere we could be alone.”

You can feel your heart pounding in your chest, the rhythm accelerating as his words sink in. Alone. The word carries a weight that’s both thrilling and terrifying. You glance around the room, taking in the details—the softness of the carpet underfoot, the warmth of thelighting, the way the shadows seem to dance along the walls. It’s intimate, cocooning, and somehow perfectly fitting for what you know is about to happen.

Yangyang steps closer, his hands settling on your waist again. This time, there’s no hesitation in his touch—just confidence, laced with a tenderness that makes your knees weak. He leans in, brushing his lips against your ear. “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs, his breath hot against your skin. “Just let me take care of you.”

The request hangs in the air, a silent promise that sends a jolt of electricity through your veins. You nod again, unable to find the words to respond. Yangyang smiles, a slow, knowing grin that makes your stomach flutter.

With one hand still resting on your waist, he reaches up with the other, sliding his fingers through the loose strands of your hair. The gesture is gentle, almost reverent, as if he’s savoring the texture and weight of it. You close your eyes, tilting your head slightly to give him better access, and feel a soft hum of pleasure ripple through you.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve wanted to tell you that since the first day I saw you.”

The confession catches you off guard, sending a rush of warmth flooding through your chest. You open your eyes, meeting his gaze, and see nothing but honesty reflected there. It’s overwhelming, the depth of feeling in his expression, and it leaves you momentarily speechless.

Before you can respond, Yangyang shifts his grip, guiding you toward the bed. His movements are deliberate, each step calculated to draw you further into the moment. When you reach the edge of the mattress, he stops, his hands sliding from your waist to rest on your hips.

“Sit,” he commands softly, his voice a velvety rasp that sends shivers dancing down your spine.

You obey without hesitation, lowering yourself onto the plush comforter. The fabric is soft beneath you, and the faint scent of linen fills your nostrils, adding another layer of sensory overload to the mix. As you settle in, Yangyang kneels beside the bed, his eyes never leaving yours.

For a moment, there’s silence—a charged, electric kind of stillness that seems to hold the weight of everything unsaid between you. Then, slowly, deliberately, Yangyang reaches out, his fingers brushing against the buttons of your shirt.

“May I?” he asks, his voice a teasing half-whisper.

You nod again, your throat too tight to speak. Yangyang grins, his eyes gleaming with mischief, and begins working on the buttons with expert precision. Each pop of the closure seems to echo in the quiet room, a symphony of anticipation that heightens the tension between you.

When the last button slides free, he tugs the fabric apart, revealing the thin layer of lace beneath. Your breath hitches as his eyes flick downward, briefly scanning the sight before returning to your face. “So pretty,” he murmurs, his tone a mix of awe and desire.

Without warning, he leans in, pressing a soft kiss to the hollow of your throat. The sensation is fleeting but insistent, a tease that leaves you yearning for more. You instinctively tilt your head back, giving him better access, and feel a surge of satisfaction when he obliges by trailing kisses along your collarbone.

“Yangyang...” you manage to whisper, your voice trembling with a combination of need and uncertainty.

He pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, his lips curved into a wicked smile. “Shh,” he says gently. “Just let me love you.”

And with that, he resumes his exploration, his hands and mouth working in tandem to unravel every thread of resistance within you.

Yangyang’s hands move with an almost reverent grace as he undresses you, his touch light but deliberate. Each piece of clothing he removes feels like a revelation, not just to him but to you as well. You feel suddenly exposed, yet entirely safe in his presence.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs against your skin, his voice low and gravelly with emotion. His fingers brush against the edge of your bra, hesitating for a moment before carefully unclasping it. The fabric slips away, revealing you to his gaze, and you catch a flicker of awe in his dark eyes.

“You don’t have to say that,” you whisper, your cheeks heating under his intense scrutiny.

Yangyang shakes his head, his smile soft and genuine. “I know what I see,” he says simply. His hands cup your shoulders, thumbs brushing lightly over your collarbones, and you shiver at the tenderness of his touch. “And what I feel… it’s overwhelming.”

He leans in then, his lips finding the sensitive skin just below your ear. A sound escapes you, half-laugh, half-groan, as his teeth graze the lobe gently. His hand trails down your arm, fingertips leaving a trail of fire in their wake before wrapping around your wrist. He guides your hand to his chest, pressing your palm flat against the rapid thudding of his heart.

“Feel that?” he asks, his voice thick with desire. “That’s all you.”

You nod, unable to speak, your own heart pounding in response. Yangyang’s free hand snakes around your waist, pulling you flush against him. The solid warmth of his body against yours is intoxicating, and you cling to him instinctively.

His lips find yours again, this time with a hunger that leaves no room for hesitation. The kiss is deep, consuming, every stroke of his tongue igniting a blaze within you. His hand slides lower, slipping beneath the waistband of your panties, and you gasp into his mouth as his fingers tease the soft curve of your hipbone.

“Yangyang,” you breathe, clutching at his shoulders for balance.

“Tell me what you want,” he rasps, his breath hot against your cheek. His fingers dip lower, brushing against the wetness between your legs, and you clench your thighs together, both resisting and inviting his touch.

“I—” Your voice falters, uncertain, as his fingers ghost over your most sensitive spot. You arch into the sensation, your hips tilting involuntarily.

Yangyang chuckles softly, the sound vibrating through his chest and into your body. “It’s okay,” he murmurs, his tone reassuring. “Take your time. We have all night.”

His words send a shudder through you, a mix of relief and anticipation. You relax slightly, letting go of some of the tension that had been coiled tightly within you. Yangyang takes advantage of your momentary surrender, his fingers sliding back between your legs, this time with purpose.

The first tentative touch makes you jerk, a sharp intake of breath escaping your lips. Yangyang holds still, watching you intently, his expression a blend of concern and arousal. “Too much?” he asks, clearly trying to read your reaction.

You shake your head quickly, your cheeks burning. “No,” you manage to whisper. “Just… unexpected.”

A slow grin spreads across his face, and he resumes his exploration, his fingers tracing delicate patterns against your folds. You bite your lip to stifle a moan, your body responding eagerly to his ministrations.

“So responsive,” he murmurs, his voice dripping with admiration. “You’re incredible.”

His fingers press harder, delving deeper, and you gasp, your back arching off the bed. Yangyang shifts his position slightly, angling his fingers to hit that perfect spot inside you, and you feel yourself spiraling closer to the edge.

“Yangyang,” you choke out, your voice trembling with need. “Please…”

“Please what?” he teases, his voice low and husky. His free hand cups your breast, thumb flicking over your nipple in rhythm with his finger movements.

You whimper, torn between the dueling sensations of his touch. “I… I don’t know,” you admit, frustrated by your inability to articulate the raging storm within you.

Yangyang chuckles again, the sound dark and intimate. “That’s okay,” he whispers, leaning in to kiss you deeply. His fingers quicken their pace, stroking in and out of you with increasing urgency. “Let yourself go. Let me take care of you.”

The combination of his words and actions is too much, and you feel the wave building inside you, cresting higher and higher with every thrust of his fingers. Your breath comes in shallow pants, your body tensing as you approach the precipice.

“Yangyang, I—”

He doesn’t let you finish. Instead, he presses a hard kiss to your lips, swallowing your cry of release as you come apart in his arms. Your body shudders, waves of pleasure rolling through you, leaving you boneless and gasping for air.

Yangyang pulls his fingers from you slowly, watching your face with rapt attention. His eyes are dark, filled with a mixture of awe and possessiveness. “Fuck,” he mutters under his breath, his voice raw with emotion. “You’re amazing.”

You blink up at him, still dazed from the intensity of your orgasm. “You’re not so bad yourself,” you manage to joke weakly.

Yangyang laughs, the sound warm and genuine. “Oh, we’re just getting started,” he says, his voice dropping to a teasing purr.

Yangyang’s hands trail down your body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. His touch is deliberate, almost reverent, as if he’s memorizing every curve and dip of you. When his fingers brush against the side of your thigh, you shiver, the sensation sending a spark of electricity through your veins.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. His eyes never leave yours, their intensity making your breath hitch. “I want to see you touch me.”

His words send a jolt of arousal through you, but there’s also a flicker of uncertainty. You’ve never been this intimate with anyone before, not like this. The thought of exploring his body feels thrilling and terrifying all at once. But when he guides your hand to his chest, the moment becomes too electric to resist.

Your fingers curl around the soft fabric of his hoodie, hesitating for just a second before you tug it up and over his head. The movement exposes the warm skin beneath, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. You can feel the heat radiating from him, the thrum of his heartbeat underneath your palm. It’s intoxicating.

“Go on,” he whispers, his voice thick with desire. “Touch me.”

You do. Your fingertips trace the ridges of his collarbone, the muscles of his shoulders, the faint dusting of hair that trails down his sternum. Each touch sends a shiver through him, his breath hitching as your exploration grows bolder. When your hand skims lower, brushing against the waistband of his jeans, he groans, the sound raw and needy.

“Fuck,” he mutters, his voice breaking. “Don’t stop.”

His reaction emboldens you, fueling the fire that’s already burning between you. You let your fingers dip beneath the hem of his shirt, sliding along the taut planes of his abdomen. His skin is warm and smooth, the muscles beneath tense with anticipation. You can feel the way his body responds to your touch, the way he shifts closer, his breath fanning across your cheek.

“So good,” he rasps, his hands gripping your hips tightly. “God, you feel so fucking good.”

His praise sends a thrill of pleasure through you, your confidence growing with each passing second. You slide your hand higher, brushing against the edge of his nipple, feeling it pebble beneath your touch. He gasps, arching into your hand as a low moan escapes his lips.

“Turn around,” he says suddenly, his voice commanding yet laced with urgency. “I want to touch you.”

You obey without hesitation, turning to face the bed and leaning forward slightly. The position puts you on display, your back arched and your ass lifted slightly. Yangyang’s breath hitches as he takes in the view, his gaze darkening with hunger.

“Jesus,” he mutters, his hands coming to rest on your hips. “You’re perfect.”

He strokes your sides, his fingers trailing up to your ribcage before dipping lower, pushing the material of your dress aside to expose the lace of your panties. The sight of them makes his grip tighten, his fingers pressing into your skin as he pulls them down slowly, revealing the curve of your ass and the delicate skin beneath.

“So fucking gorgeous,” he breathes, his voice rough with need. “I want to taste you.”

Before you can respond, he drops to his knees behind you, his hands cupping your ass as he presses a series of light kisses along the crease of your thigh. The sensation is electrifying, sending shivers of anticipation rippling through you. You can feel the heat of his breath against your skin, the promise of what’s to come making your core throb with need.

When his tongue finally makes contact, you cry out, your hands clutching the sheets as waves of pleasure crash over you. He licks a slow, deliberate path up your folds, his tongue darting inside you with relentless precision. The sensation is overwhelming, your body trembling as he works you with expert skill.

“Yangyang,” you gasp, your voice breaking as he grazes his teeth along your clit. “Please—”

He doesn’t let you finish. Instead, he bites down gently, the sharp sting followed by a rush of warmth that sends you spiraling. Your thighs tremble, your body tightening as he continues to stroke and tease, his tongue flicking faster and harder until you can’t take it anymore.

“I’m close,” you manage to whisper, your voice barely above a whisper.

He nods, his hands gripping your hips as he redoubles his efforts. The sudden surge of pressure builds rapidly, your body tensing as you teeter on the edge. And then, with one final thrust of his tongue, you shatter, your orgasm crashing over you in waves of pure bliss.

Your legs give out, but Yangyang catches you, guiding you gently to the bed. You collapse onto your back, your chest heaving as you try to catch your breath. He climbs onto the bed, hovering over you with a predatory smile.

“That was incredible,” he murmurs, his voice filled with admiration. “But we’re not done yet.”

He leans down, capturing your lips in a searing kiss as he positions himself between your legs. You can feel the thick ridge of his cock pressing against your entrance, the heat of him making you ache with need.

“Are you ready?” he asks, his voice low and strained.

You nod, unable to form words as your desire consumes you. With one swift movement, he pushes inside you, filling you completely. The sensation is intense, your bodies perfectly aligned as he begins to move.

Yangyang’s breath hitches as he slides into you, the heat of his body pressing against yours. You feel every inch of him, thick and demanding, filling you completely. His hips move with a slow, deliberate rhythm, each thrust sending waves of pleasure coursing through your body. His lips find yours again, kissing you deeply as he sets a steady pace, drawing out the moment.

“You feel so good,” he whispers against your lips, his voice low and trembling. “So tight… so perfect.”

His hands grip your hips, holding you firmly as he continues to thrust into you. You can feel the way he’s holding back, wanting to savor this moment, but the strain in his voice tells you just how much he wants to let go. Your own desire is building, spiraling higher with every movement of his hips. You wrap your legs around his waist, urging him on, desperate for more.

Just as the tension between you reaches its peak, a loud POP echoes through the apartment, followed by the sudden absence of light. The room plunges into darkness, the only sound now the heavy breathing of the two of you.

“What… what was that?” you ask, your voice shaky and breathless.

“Power outage,” Yangyang replies, his tone amused but still strained. “Looks like we’ve got the place to ourselves for a while.”

The darkness seems to heighten everything. Without the distraction of sight, your other senses become sharper. You can feel the warmth of Yangyang’s body pressed against yours, the weight of him grounding you. His breath tickles your neck as he kisses your collarbone, his movements growing more insistent as the adrenaline of the unexpected outage pushes him closer to the edge.

“Let’s not waste it,” he murmurs, his voice dripping with desire. He shifts slightly, adjusting his angle, and you gasp as a new wave of sensation hits you. His thrusts become deeper, harder, each one bringing you closer to the edge.

“Yangyang…” you moan, clutching at his shoulders, your nails digging into his skin.

“Tell me what you want,” he demands, his voice rough with need. “Tell me how bad you want it.”

“I want you… I need you,” you whisper, your voice breaking. “Don’t stop.”

He growls in response, his hips snapping forward with renewed urgency. The sound of skin slapping against skin fills the silence, mingling with your ragged breaths. You feel yourself teetering on the brink, the pressure building inside you with every thrust. Yangyang’s hand moves between your thighs, his fingers finding your clit and stroking it with expert precision.

“Almost there,” he promises, his voice a harsh whisper. “Come for me. Let go.”

The darkness feels like a cocoon, wrapping around you both as you fall apart. Your body shudders, your muscles tightening around him as you reach your climax. Yangyang follows soon after, his movements becoming erratic as he buries himself deep inside you, letting out a deep groan as he spills inside you.

For a moment, all you can do is cling to each other, the weight of your bodies the only anchor you have in the dark. Yangyang rests his forehead against yours, his breathing slowly returning to normal.

“That was…” he starts, but trails off, his voice soft and vulnerable.

“Perfect,” you finish for him, your voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckles softly, kissing your forehead before pulling out of you and lying down beside you. You roll onto your side, facing him in the dark, your fingers tracing the contours of his face.

“What now?” you ask, your voice curious.

“Now…” he pauses, his hand reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “Now we wait. See how long this lasts.”

The thought sends a shiver of excitement down your spine. There’s something thrilling about the uncertainty, about being forced to slow down and enjoy the moment. You nestle closer to Yangyang, feeling his arm wrap around your waist as you rest your head on his chest.

“I could get used to this,” you murmur, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Yangyang’s chest rises and falls with a soft chuckle, his voice warm against your ear. “I could too,” he admits, his tone laced with contentment. “There’s something about the dark that makes everything feel… simpler. No distractions, just us.”

You smile into the darkness, feeling the weight of his words settle between you. His fingers trace lazy circles on your back, the gentle rhythm soothing yet electrifying all at once. The power outage has stripped away the usual comforts of light and sound, leaving only the raw connection between you two. It’s intimate in a way you hadn’t anticipated, but now that it’s here, you realize how much you crave it.

“Do you think we’ll be stuck like this for long?” you ask, your voice soft as you nuzzle closer to him.

“Who knows?” he replies, his lips brushing against your temple. “Maybe it’s a sign. A chance to slow down, to really feel each other without anything else getting in the way.”

His words send a flutter through your chest. You can hear the sincerity in his voice, the way he’s embracing the moment rather than letting it frustrate him. It’s one of the things you love most about him—his ability to find beauty in the unexpected.

“You’re right,” you murmur, tilting your head to press a kiss to his collarbone. “This is kind of nice. Just… being together like this.”

Yangyang hums in agreement, his arm tightening around you. “Yeah,” he says after a pause, his voice low and thoughtful. “It’s perfect.”

The silence stretches between you, broken only by the occasional rustle of sheets or the soft whisper of his breath. You trace the lines of his chest with your fingertips, marveling at how familiar yet endlessly fascinating his body feels. Each curve and plane feels like home, like something you never knew you needed until now.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks suddenly, his voice curious.

“I was thinking about how glad I am that you were there to bail me out of that bad date,” you admit, your voice soft but laced with gratitude. “If it wasn’t for you… I don’t even want to imagine how that night would’ve ended.”

Yangyang chuckles, the sound warm and comforting against your ear. “Well, I couldn’t let you suffer through that alone, could I?” he teases, his fingers brushing lightly over your shoulder. “Besides, I think we both know how much better this turned out.”

You smile, feeling a blush creep into your cheeks despite the darkness. “Yeah,” you agree, tilting your head to press a kiss to his chest. “This was definitely better. So much better.”

He hums in agreement, his hand moving to cup the back of your head gently. “I’m just glad I could be there for you,” he says, his tone sincere. “You deserve someone who makes you feel as amazing as you make me feel.”

His words send a shiver down your spine, and you tighten your hold on him, nuzzling closer. “You do,” you whisper, your voice barely audible. “You really do.”

The silence between you is comfortable, filled with unspoken words and lingering touches. You trace the lines of his chest again, your fingers pausing over the faint scar near his ribs. It’s a mark you’ve grown familiar with, one that tells a story of its own.

“Do you ever think about how different things might’ve been?” you ask suddenly, your voice tinged with curiosity. “If you hadn’t shown up when you did.”

Yangyang pauses, his hand stilling on your back. “Honestly?” he says after a moment, his voice thoughtful. “I try not to think about it. Because the way things are now… this… it’s exactly where I want to be. With you.”

You smile, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at his words. “Me too,” you murmur, pressing another kiss to his skin. “Me too.”

The power outage may have thrown you into darkness, but in that moment, you realize it’s brought you closer to something infinitely brighter. The moonlight and the stars seem to be flittering brighter above you and you decide, maybe, for tonight you won't wait for the lights to come back on.

Because this is perfect as it is.

[a-d-nox]

astro hypothesis: how to glow up

hi, friends! remember when we had the tick tock goes the clock game? it was all part of my evil plan!! i wanted to know what everyone wants to accomplish in 2025 and a lot of you want to level up - physically, work, school, etc. so let me present a glow up hypothesis series!!! venus persona and venus return charts are where you want to focus!

why venus?

please recall the mythology of venus/aphrodite! in mythology, venus/aphrodite entered the world fully grown and radiant, skipping the awkward transitions most mortals experience. her effortless grace and beauty symbolize the ultimate glow-up. in astrology, venus returns and persona charts reveal the keys to our own seamless transformation - guiding us on how to embrace our venusian energy and manifest our most radiant self.

paid reading options: astrology menu & cartomancy menu

enjoy my work? help me continue creating by tipping on ko-fi or paypal. your support keeps the magic alive!

1h: physical appearance, identity, and self-confidence.

reinventing your look and attitude. updating your style. focusing on fitness. build self-confidence. embody a strong sense of identity and show up authentically.

explanation post

2h: self-worth, personal values, and material realm.

how to build a strong sense of self-worth. focusing on financial independence. how to improve your finances, refine your values. surrounding yourself with quality (anything from clothes to relationships) that aligns with your newfound sense of worth.

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3h: communication style, mindset, and social interactions.

transforming how you think and speak. being more articulate and confident in expressing yourself. building meaningful connections with others. learning new skills / enhancing intellectual abilities.

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4h: inner world, family, and emotional security.

internal; focusing on creating a peaceful, nurturing home environment. strengthening your emotional foundations. healing family relationships, setting boundaries, and/or redecorating your space to reflect your ideal haven.

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5h: creativity, romance, and pleasure.

embracing joy, fun, and creativity. reconnecting with hobbies. dating more openly or bringing playfulness into your life. the goal is to feel more vibrant, expressive, and magnetic.

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6h: daily habits, health, and self-discipline.

glow-up centers on creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle. a workout routine, focused on nutrition, or improve productivity habits. creating a solid structure that supports wellness and efficiency in daily life.

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7h: relationships, self-image in partnerships, and balance.

transforming how you relate to others, often by building healthy boundaries, improving communication, and attracting balanced partnerships. becoming confident in relationships. identifying what you deserve.

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8h: deep transformation, healing, and shared resources.

facing fears / healing past trauma. stepping into a more empowered/fearless version of yourself. financial management and investments may also be part of this process.

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9h: personal growth, spirituality, and worldview.

expanding your mind through travel, study, or spiritual practices. exploring different cultures, religions, or philosophies to gain new perspectives. glow-up of your belief system and how you connect with the world on a broader level.

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10h: career, reputation, and life goals.

centering on your professional life and ambitions. building a strong career, gaining public recognition, or refining your life goals. present yourself with confidence and integrity in your public or professional image.

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11h: social connections, friendships, and future goals.

aligning with a supportive community and nurturing friendships that inspire you. getting involved in causes you care about. expanding your social network. setting future-oriented goals that align with your dreams.

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12h: spiritual growth, subconscious mind, and solitude.

introspective and focused on inner peace. healing from past wounds, working on mental health, practicing meditation, and connecting with your spiritual side. letting go of old baggage and finding serenity within yourself.

explanation post

have ideas for new content? please use my “suggest a post topic” button! 

return to nox’s guide to metaphysics

return to nox's hypotheses

© a-d-nox 2025 all rights reserved

[theprettynosferatu]

CONTENT WARNING. NO, FOR REAL, READ THIS FIRST.

This story contains strong themes and graphic non-consensual sex. If you feel they might affect you adversely, skip this one.

Andrea is being tormented in college by a bigoted popular girl. Her daddy has always helped her... maybe he can help her get some justice...

CW: Incest, non-con, SA, orientation play (F-straight to bi)

I - No Expiration Date

She felt ridiculous. She probably looked ridiculous too, sitting against the wall, grabbing her knees, almost shaking, all in the middle of the hallway. Most made a point to not look at her, rushing to their classes, their dorms or wherever the hell they needed to be with such haste. Well, Andrea knew they only rushed because of her, to give themselves a plausible excuse to avoid doing the right thing and checking up on the poor, weird girl hyperventilating on the ground.

The worst part was that Andrea knew she shouldn’t let it get to her. If anything, it was Kate that should be ashamed of herself, not Andrea- fuck, to say such things in these days was almost quaint in its ignorance, and if Andrea chose to make a stink, grounds for expulsion. Would it be considered a hate crime? Maybe. But going up to the dean or whoever like a poor little victim felt so… humiliating. Perhaps more so than Kate’s constant, whispered words and stories. And some idiots actually listened to her! 

Andrea supposed that was the big perk of having a rich, connected daddy. Even the most moronic and bigoted statements found an audience eager to please, if only for the unspoken promise of future gifts, recommendations, networking opportunities. Shit, even the dean might sweep the whole thing under the rug just to please her family. Andrea could feel the rage building up inside her chest, making her almost sick. Part of it was the stench of injustice that surrounded the whole deal. But most of her anger was directed at herself. It wasn’t as if any of this was new to her: she had come out in highschool. Every insult and every joke and every slur had been thrown at her a thousand times over already. 

But… college was supposed to be different. Even the teachers that saw the abuse in her younger years had told her so. It will get better. You’ll get out of here, and in college all this will be a distant memory. That hope had kept her going even as everyone forgot her name and simply called her “The Dyke” her entire senior year. But those were kids. Kate was a fucking adult. And yet, bigotry seemed to have no expiration date.

Fuck. The bullying wasn’t even fucking accurate! Andrea had been openly bi for years, but apparently the nuances of sexual orientation were irrelevant when it came to making one person the butt of every facile joke, a stepping stone to get some sweet, addicting attention. And Kate loved nothing more than attention. Good, bad, who cared? As long as the spotlight was on her, whatever hole she had in what she called a soul was temporarily filled. Fucking go to therapy, you cunt! Did daddy not hug you enough? Used dollars as a substitute for affection? Boo-hoo. It didn’t justify a goddamn thing.  

Andrea took a deep breath and managed to get up. Her Social Psych lecture was about to start, and Andrea knew she would skip it, even if she tried to fool herself for a moment, to force her legs to walk towards the classroom. Step by step, she headed for her dorm room. Fuck. Another absence. Kate was even fucking up her academic life. But what could Andrea do? Go to the professor and explain that, sorry, I couldn’t make it because the rich girl made fun of me?

She threw herself on the bed with punishing force. A miniature form of self-harm, she figured. Sometimes she hated majoring in psychology: that little voice that analyzed her actions almost made her feel like she was performing her suffering, rather than feeling it fully. And that distancing might also be a defense mechanism. Well, shit. How does one turn their brain off?

Andrea felt a pang in her chest, a familiar longing for home. Sure, it wasn’t a perfect place and money was always tight. Sure, her mother had vanished when she was barely one year old. Sure, the old place was in dire need of repairs and an update. But it was home. Of course, she knew she was lying to herself by omission. She was trying not to think of the one person that made it a home, and inevitably, in trying to suppress the idea, it came to her twice as strong. Daddy. Her father was her home, and it made her feel childish, helpless, as if she was ten and running to him whenever things went poorly. That her mind still went to him filled her with shame.

Oh, bullshit. You know damn well why you don’t want to think about him.

She couldn’t tell when it had happened, exactly. It had been something slow, growing inside her, indirectly pushing her subconscious. If she looked back at her dating history, a pattern emerged, one hidden at the time but blindingly obvious in retrospect: similar to dad, similar to dad… and then, when an errant comment by a friend (“All I’m saying is, like, for an old guy… you’re dad is kinda hot”) opened her eyes, she swerved in an attempt to escape her feelings. Different from dad, different from dad… The problem with “different from dad” was, of course, that those guys were, well, different from her dad. 

The summer before college had been the worst. She did her best to be home as little as possible.

Before she knew it, twin emotions were boiling over inside her. The first made her feel sick to her stomach, made her muscles tense up, made her breathing shallow and quick, as if she was about to leap and bite some animal’s neck. It was rage, pure and shining, clad with the garment of a righteous need for justice. It isn’t fair. It isn’t fucking fair. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. That fucking bitch. She needs to suffer. She needs to be punished. She needs to fucking learn some humility. And at the same time, the second feeling snuck up on her, traveling in the shadow of the first, mingling with it until they became one, like snakes mating. Dad. She needs to suffer, dad. Make her suffer for me. Please. Please, daddy. Do this for me and I’ll… 

Andrea snapped back to reality, horrified. She moved her hand from between her legs, not even knowing when she had started playing with herself. Fuck, she was soaked. Shame almost brought her to tears, until Kate’s sneering face popped back in her mind. She had endured enough for one day. She had earned a little bit of fantasy. Just that. It wasn’t as if she’d ever do anything about… well, anything. But she could imagine, couldn’t she? She wasn’t that much of a coward- she could dare to imagine Kate, and dad, and… 

Fuck it. Who cared if it was wrong. She needed release.

Andrea let her hand go back between her legs.

II - The Call

Mike found himself staring at his phone. His morning coffee had gotten cold, but he took a sip anyway, almost as an automatic action. He couldn’t stop playing the conversation back in his head over and over.

“Dad, I’m on my way. I need your help. I… I’ll explain…”

“Andrea, are you okay? What happened?”

“I… I’ll be there in about an hour. I kinda… I don’t want to talk over the phone. Dad, I… nevermind. We’ll talk when I get there.”

And that had been it. No clues, no hint, nothing to guide him except the tone in his daughter’s voice. She was scared, and she was suffering, and that was all that he needed to know. Whatever it was that was harming her girl, he’d move Heaven and Earth to make it better. That much he knew, deep in his heart. Still, he couldn’t stop picturing the worst possible scenarios.

He tried to remain calm. Sexual assault on college campuses is… 

Mike pushed the thought away.  

Restrictions on reproductive rights have…

Snippets of news stories slapped him. The world could be a terrifying place for a young woman. But that was why they had chosen a college close to home. So Andrea could always come to him if she needed help. And she clearly needed help. Stay focused, old man. She needs you to be strong. Don’t let her see you panic. 

He needed to be strong for her. That was all he always wanted to be, more than anything: a rock, a place of stability, a North Star for the one thing that mattered in his life. They had faced the world together. They had survived poverty together. They had endured the pain of an absent mother and wife together. They had managed a retrograde high school that tormented Andrea together. She had saved his life as much as he had fostered hers. Without his girl, Mike wasn’t sure where he would be- perhaps underground. She had been the reason to dig deep, to find strength, to endure, always. 

Don’t let her see you panic.

Don’t let her see you looking at her.

He shook the intrusive thought off. Andrea needed him, not his fucked up neuroses, not the secret shame the last months of living together had awakened in him.

One hour stretched into a year, and Mike practically leaped out the door as soon as he heard the car pulling over. The first thing he noticed was his daughter’s panicked face, and that alone was enough to make his heart feel like it was about to burst out of his chest. The second thing he noticed was the other girl, passed out in the passenger’s seat. Andrea rushed into his arms, and he held her tight, trying to will some degree of peace into her mind. First things first.

“Are you okay?”, he asked.

“Yes, I’m… I’m fine.”, Andrea sobbed.

Good. Now to do what he did best: fix things.

“Ok, so, your friend…”

“She’s not my friend.”

“What did she take? Did you take anything? Look, I’m not… I won’t get mad, I just need to know what she may have taken… is it just booze? No, couldn’t be… Benzos? Or… Christ, I don’t know what you guys take these days in college…”

“Dad! She didn’t take anything!”

“Are you sure? Maybe she went into some bathroom and did something… okay. First things. We need to call an ambulance…”

“Dad, please! Listen to me! I’ll explain everything. But we need to get her inside before anyone sees-”

“Andrea, this girl is passed out! She needs medical attention! Who knows what-”

“I know what she took because I gave it to her, okay? She’s just asleep! And she should be asleep for… maybe another couple of hours. Daddy, please… I swear I’ll explain. Just help me get her into the house, okay?”

Mike felt dumbfounded. The idea that his Andrea had roofied some other girl was so distant from his image of her, from the girl he had raised, that the contradiction felt impossible to resolve. It was a paralyzing feeling, one he couldn’t entirely put into words. All he knew was he didnt like it one bit. He was a man of action. He needed to do things, more than ponder feelings. And the thing to do, if only to escape that horrid sensation, was to get the poor girl out of the car.

They dragged Kate into the house, and laid her down on Andrea’s bed- a task that, Mike noticed, his daughter undertook with less care than he would have liked. Back in the living room, he looked at his daughter and put on his best stern face. Stern was good. It hid other ideas that came into his mind when he looked directly at Andrea.

“Explain.”

Andrea broke down in tears.

“Daddy, that girl… Kate.. she’s… she’s making my life Hell! She tortures me every day, makes fun of me, spreads rumors about me… people think… I don’t even know what they think about me anymore. So I can’t make any friends. Just like high school. It’s the same damn thing! And they all said… you said college would be different! But it’s not! Maybe it’s my fault. Maybe I’m just… I don’t know. Broken. Maybe people can smell I’m weird, or weak, or… and they know they can abuse me and mock me and… It’s not fair! And I didn’t know what to do, I wasn’t thinking straight… I just put a couple of pills in her tea, and… I freaked out. I needed to feel safe, and I feel safe here… with you.”

Mike took it all in. He had to admit the sight of his precious daughter in such despair was enough to pierce any ideas of being tough he might have. And yes, it wasn’t fair. The world wasn’t fair at all. Andrea was beautiful, smart, creative… but there would always be those people who couldn’t understand someone being different, loving who they loved, being their authentic self. He got the anger. He got the frustration. He hated that Andrea had been driven to this point. But there was a big thing to address.

“Honey… I know… but you can’t just… just… kidnap someone!”

Andrea couldn’t help herself. She ran into her father’s arms, and hugged him tight.

“Daddy… I didn’t know what to do. I…”

She went silent. Mike couldn’t find the words to console her, to lecture her, to say anything at all. All he could do was feel the warmth of her body pressed against him, intuit her soft curves, take in the smell of her shampoo, her skin. It was intoxicating, and for once he let himself feel… whatever it was he was feeling. He let himself enjoy the moment, and even the sleeping girl in the bedroom seemed to fade away from his consciousness. They simply lingered, holding each other, taking it all in.

Such a moment couldn’t last. It shouldn’t last. Mike forced himself to speak, to say… whatever he could muster.

“What… I don’t know what you expect me to do…”

He felt Andrea’s hands on his back holding him tighter. He felt her warm breath on his ear, sending shivers down his spine as she whispered before the words even registered in his brain.

“Daddy… please… fuck her for me. Fucking rape the cunt… show her her place. Daddy… break her with your cock. For me.”

III - Persuasion 

Andrea couldn’t tell exactly what happened to her, what shifted within herself in that embrace, what dam had finally broken in her mind. Even as her father pushed her away with a horrified look on his face, she could see him- almost as if for the first time. A veil that had been dulling her sight for so, so long had finally vanished. Yes, she saw everything so clearly now, with such simple purity, devoid of fear or shame or silly excuses. It was a bizarre sensation, to finally be able to accept without doubt or hesitation the truth, so long buried.

She wanted to fuck him.

He wanted to fuck her.

So obvious. So simple. So powerful. Andrea wasn’t going to run away from it anymore. And she could see, under the mask of horror worn by her father, beneath the shock in his eyes, something else. Stirring. 

Suddenly, Andrea felt powerful. Immense. Sexy. In control. The fact that she had become one with her secret desires and he hadn’t brought a predatory joy to her chest… and something else, both an anger and a need. In her heart she could see not just what her father was but what he could be, what he could become, what he needed to be. She could almost smell it- the strong, conquering Man suffocated by the dull veneer of morality and social norms. Yes, she felt powerful- but she didn’t need to be strong. She needed to be taken by him. She needed to bring the beast forth, somehow. To make him see himself as she saw him. To make him see her as she wanted to be seen.

She smiled inside, even as her father almost recoiled from her. It was all a game, now. One she intended to win.

In the blink of an eye her entire demeanor, her posture, the way she looked at her father shifted. For a second she was the perfect picture of innocence, of a young woman in need of rescue.

“Daddy… please… I need your help. Won’t you help your little girl? I promise I’ll be good. I’ll be so… so good to you, Daddy. I’ll be your good little girl. Your obedient… slutty… little daughter”, she smiled as she took one step towards her father, her body now swaying like a cat slowly approaching its prey. She took a moment to delight in the confusion in her father’s eyes, the tension increasing almost to a breaking point.

“I… what are you…”, managed to mumble Mike. Oh, it was so pathetic it became cute.

“Daddy… you think I haven’t noticed the way you look at me recently? It must be so, so hard for you… to see your little girl all grown up, and you all alone… that’s not fair, is it?”, said Andrea as she closed the distance with her now paralyzed father. Oh, this was too much fun. “You have been a bad daddy in your mind, haven’t you? That sounds so painful! Knowing it’s soooo wrong to think about your little girl like that… having to pretend you don’t want to… Fuck. Your. Daughter. Oh daddy, don’t blush! Surprised to hear such naughty words coming from my cute mouth? Or… do you like me having such a potty mouth?”

Andrea, in a swift motion ran her hand over her father’s crotch. Yes. She could feel it. So hard. So warm. She was right. He was breaking.

“Feels like your daddy cock likes me talking like a dirty slut! Don’t be ashamed! I love to imagine your cock getting so hard for me… I love to know I can make it so, so happy… And only using my words! Just talking like the hopeless little fucking whore I am… for you… just knowing you can use my tight holes whenever you want… however you want… and I’ll take it like a good girl! I am your good girl, daddy. You made me, after all… you own me… you can own every inch of my slutty, smooth body…”

Suddenly, she took a step back, her eyes almost in tears. She was the very picture of anguish, of despair, of vulnerability. Mike opened his mouth to speak, but he found no words came to him. He just watched, fighting his need to hug her, to protect her, to tell her he would make everything right again.

“Daddy… I’m so sorry… I don’t know what got into me. I just feel so confused, so disoriented, and… I don’t know. It’s like I have all these feelings inside me and they get all mixed up and I can’t really tell what I feel anymore, and it hurts so much. It hurts, Daddy. And that girl… Kate… I can’t tell you how much she’s hurt me, how she has been messing with my mind and making me so miserable… and… and I guess, I’m not sure, just… I thought you could help me, Daddy. You always could help me. You always could make me feel like everything would be okay, that I wasn’t a freak, or…”

“Honey, you are not a freak! You know this. You’ve been so brave, so strong, so true to yourself, even when everyone gave you grief over it!” He couldn’t help himself anymore. He held his sweet girl in his arms.

“But I… I did a bad thing, Daddy. I brought Kate here… I couldn’t think of anything else to do to make her stop, to make her leave me alone…”

“I know. And yes, you did a… wrong thing. But that doesn’t make you a monster, or evil or anything like that, okay? We’ll… I’ll find a way… I’ll help you. I’ll… fix it, somehow.”

“Will you rape her for me? Will you punish her with your cock for hurting your little girl? I’ll be so, so good for you if you do it, daddy… I’ll be the bestest daughter ever for you!”

Mike tried to pull away before he was interrupted by the sensation of warm, soft lips on his own. Time stopped. He felt dizzy, trapped in the feeling, the scent of skin, the rush of adrenaline in his chest. He panicked as he realized he didn’t stop it in time. He didn’t stop it as time stretched. He wasn’t stopping it even as the thoughts flooded his mind. It took Mike every ounce of willpower to push his daughter away.

Oh, it was so fun to see her Daddy so confused, so aroused, so disoriented. But Kate would wake up soon. Andrea needed to land the killing blow on whatever resistance her dear dad had left.

“I’m sorry Daddy… it’s just that I love you so, so much…” One slow, seductive step towards him. “I was bad, Daddy. I shouldn’t have done that, right? Does that make me a bad girl? A bad daughter?” Another step. So close now. “I’m so, so sorry for being bad, Daddy. I’m sorry I made your cock all hard for me and teased you and used all those dirty, dirty words. Will you punish me, Daddy? Will you make me good again, show me my place? I think you should. I think you should take your cock, and-”

One final step, and Mike snapped. For the first time in his life, he slapped his daughter. Horror set on his face, and it became a mixture of bewilderment and fire when he noticed Andrea’s reaction. She was smiling.

“Mmmmh… so strong, Daddy. Do it again. Punish me. Show me you own me. Make me your bitch!”

It was over for Mike. Something primal, something awful had taken hold of him. 

His hand on her neck. Hers rubbing his cock over his pants. Her soft moans. Kisses that turned into bites. His own mumbled, jumbled words. Little cunt. Evil fucking bitch. Her words, playing off his. Your little cunt. Your good little girl. Her face against the wall. Her movements, grinding her ass against him. Her hands on his chest, pushing him back. 

So many lines crossed. Mike knew, deep down, he had broken something inside himself. Or maybe she had broken it in him. It didn’t matter. He looked down at the beautiful, perfect woman kneeling and smiling. He saw his daughter, yes, but his eyes were now different. The barrier that kept the idea of “daughter” and “sex” apart simply didn’t exist anymore. He felt adrift, caught by a whirlwind he couldn’t stop- one he didn’t want to stop. 

Victory. It looked like victory. Victory over herself, over her old fears. Victory over his attempts at doing the “right thing”. Further victory to come, as well. And it didn’t hurt that the cock that made her was a rather large one, veiny and beautiful. He tried to keep herself in check. She knew exactly what to do, which went against everything her body was screaming for her to do. No matter how much she needed to feel that cock deep inside her pussy, no matter how much she longed to taste his cum on her tongue, she would have to wait. She couldn’t risk some post nut clarity throwing further objections to her plan. She kept her mind on Kate as she licked, kissed, loved his member. She was alert, ready to stop before he went over the edge. She did let one hand slide between her legs- just a treat, and a bit of a show for Daddy. She took him deep in her throat, deeper than anyone she’d ever blown. He deserved it. He was her one true love. 

She did manage to stop herself when she felt him getting close, heard his moans getting stronger.

She stood up and simply, gently, gave his Daddy her soaked hand for him to smell. It was a promise of the pleasures to come… if he did as she asked, as she needed him to. She could see it in his eyes. He had been unleashed. Andrea smiled, and with a moan sucked her fingers clean, keeping her green eyes fixed on her Daddy’s gaze.

Punishment would finally come to the one that had wronged her.

IV - Melody of Madness

Slowly, Kate started to regain her consciousness. It was a gradual thing, messy, disoriented. The first thing she noticed was a scent- the kind of smell that tells one they’re no longer home, but in a place inhabited for years by some unknown Other. Her body felt heavy, sluggish, weighed down. She wasn’t afraid, not at that point. She was too out of it to register such an emotion.

Only when her vision cleared a bit and her body started to feel more like her own did the true horror begin. She tried to remain calm. Okay, Kate. Just… try to figure things out. You’re in a bedroom. A girl’s room, judging by the decor. Shit, did you get wasted again? Wait, no… a room, yes, but not a dorm room. Bigger than the dorms. Oh, fuck. Did I party in town? Did I black out and some random girl decided to help me?

A part of her screamed. Assuming that this was just another regrettable morning after too much liquor was only a pleasant delusion, and she knew it. As painful as it might be, she would have to face another possibility. What was the last thing she remembered? She was getting up, ready for class… then she was picking up her morning coffee… a bitter taste, more than usual, and then… nothing. 

Kate needed to get out. Wherever she was, it was not where she wanted to be, that much she knew. She’d have time to figure things out later. First, get out of bed, and then…

She couldn’t. She was bound to the bed by improvised ropes made of sheets. Her legs were open, held in place. She noticed the way the air felt on her skin. She was in her underwear. This final fact froze her for half a minute- thirty seconds that felt like an eternity. 

Finally, she screamed.

“Shut the fuck up, or things will get very, very messy for you. And I don’t want to ruin my sheets, thank you very much.”

The voice was calm. Cold, yet expressing a hint of anticipation. And it was a voice Kate would never have expected to hear in that place, not in a million years.

“Andrea?”

“Oh, I’m ‘Andrea’ today? Are you sure you don’t mean to call me one of your usual nicknames? No ‘dyke’? No ‘carpet muncher’? No ‘cunt licker’? Isn’t it interesting, how something as simple as a little bit of metal and a few sheets are enough to teach you manners?”

Metal? Kate lifted her head as much as she could. There was Andrea, holding a knife. Shit. Shit. Shit. That little, insignificant bitch! And what was it with the outfit? Black lingerie, full face of make-up, devilishly sharp stiletto heels… Kate had never seen the stupid dyke looking anything like a real woman. Huh. So she had curves hidden under her usual baggy hoodies. Good for her. But she was still a fucking loser, and Kate knew how to handle losers.

“What the fuck are you doing, you crazy bitch? Let me go, now! What the hell are you thinking? People will hear…”

“Oh, don’t make a sound. I don’t want my father to…”

“Really? You brought me to your own home? You really are that stupid, huh? Let’s see what your dad thinks of his dyke daughter when she sees what you’ve done! Help! Sir, please! In your daughter’s room!”

Steps stomping outside. A man entered the room. Finally. Victory! Now the crazy dyke would get what was coming to her, and Kate would have a brand new story to bury the little cunt’s reputation even further. Maybe even hold the possibility of jail over her head.

“Andrea! What the hell is this? What are you doing?”, the man said, suitably shocked.

“Daddy! I’m so sorry! I… I just…”

“Didn’t I tell you to let me know as soon as she woke up?”

“You did. Sorry, Daddy. I’ve been a naughty little girl… will you punish me later?”

“Later, yes. Now we have work to do, don’t we, baby girl?”

“Yes we do, Daddy!” she chirped before giving in to a long, deep kiss with the man.

What. The. Fuck.

“Oh, I’m sorry!”, laughed Andrea. “Did you think he would help you? Kate, Kate… Ignorant as always. For one, I’m not a dyke, I’m bi- not that you care, but I figured a little education can’t hurt. And another thing about me: I have the bestest Daddy in the whole world! And my Daddy would do anything for me, because I’m his perfect, slutty good girl… and he’s very, very good at training good girls! Well, maybe ‘training’ isn’t the right word. How about… ‘breaking’? You know, like a horse! And we’ll make you such a good, good girl!”

Panic set in.

“Crazy! You’re both fucking crazy!”

Kate squirmed, a scream dying in her throat as Andrea crawled on the bed, swaying like a terrible feline, giving her dad a marvelous show. She lightly touched the inside of Kate’s thighs as she made her way up… before flashing the knife in front of the poor captive’s eyes.

“If I were you”, cooed Andrea, “I’d be very, very still for this part.”

Kated hated that her body seemed to instinctively do as the fucking dyke told. She froze, every muscle locked tight. She closed her eyes, and prayed to no deity in particular. Please. Please. Make it stop.

Kate shuddered as she felt something cold barely grazing her, almost between her legs. Terrible images flashed inside her mind. I might die here. A second later, she felt air caressing her private areas. She opened her eyes, only to see Andrea’s mad smile as she held the remains of Kate’s panties in her hand, skillfully cut off her body. 

“Not the sexiest of panties, I must say. I’m a bit disappointed! But…” Andrea brought the panties to her nose and took a deep, gratifying sniff. “There’s something alluring there. Oh! You’ve never had the pleasure of smelling a nice cunt, have you? No, you’re so very, very straight… you’d never do that, right? Well, you’ve been missing out. Time to fix that.”

Andrea carefully, almost lovingly, tied the panties around Kate’s face. Every breath now was an assault, a reminder of how powerless she was. A humiliation.

“Better get used to it, you stuck-up slut. You’ll be tasting the real thing soon enough. But…” Andrea leaped off the bound body of her foe. “What am I thinking? You’re straight! So, I take it you’d enjoy a big, hard cock more than my… dyke attentions, won’t you? Well, how about some Daddy cock? Won’t you love that? I know you will.”

Andrea skipped, child-like to her father. He was watching the scene before him, almost panting. A beast ready to be unleashed.

“Look!” chirped Andrea. “He’s so, so hard for you already! You should be flattered! Well, no point delaying the inevitable, I say. Ready to feel this big cock ramming into that tight pussy, you bitch?”

“No… no, please, don’t… I’ll… I’m sorry for… for everything! Please, please, please…”

“A little late for that, you evil cunt! Now get ready to be used like the fucking cumrag you are!”

Kate tensed up and shut her eyes hard enough to make them hurt. She braced herself for pain, for agony. She tried to somehow make her mind escape somewhere, anywhere else. Wasn’t that something that happened in these situations? Some sort of protective dissociation? And yet her mind was nailed in place, as stuck to the bed as her body. She waited, shaking… and nothing happened.

“How rude of me!”, mocked Andrea. “I almost made my daddy take that pussy dry! That would hurt a lot! I could help with that situation, you know… but you’re not a filthy pervert like me, that likes cock and pussy alike… so… I have to say, I’m a bit conflicted! Wouldn’t want to make you a dyke against your will! But you can choose. Dry or dyke? Huh? Too shy to speak now, you cunt? Answer me! Dyke. Or. Dry.”

Kate couldn’t believe her ears. An image of the knife flashed in her mind. Fear took hold. Feel of pain, primal, deep. The promise of less pain seemed like an imperative, and her mouth spoke before she could stop it.

“Dyke…” she mumbled.

“Sorry? I couldn’t quite hear that”, saud Andrea.

“Dyke! Dyke! Dyke, goddamn you!”

“She’s out! She’s loud! She’s proud! Welcome to the club, sister! Now relax and let me introduce you to a brand new world…”

It felt gross. It felt odd. Kate tried to reframe it. It’s just lubrication. It’s just making it easier for later. It means nothing. It’s just a tongue. It’s just…

Andrea was good. Extremely so. She took pride in her oral skills and was using all her talents, all her tricks on Kate. Not because she wanted the little bitch to feel good: simply because she knew that pleasure would make her suffer as much as the pain to come. Every involuntary thrust of Kate’s hips, every muffled moan that escaped her lips was a step towards conquest… and Andrea felt like a warlord, like a terrible goddess exacting just revenge…

“Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” she giggled. “But we can’t have you cumming like that… not when dear Daddy has been so, so patient!”

Fear crept from beneath the disgust Kate felt with herself. A part of her had enjoyed it, and she hated herself for it. Her body was starting to betray her, and that, more than anything, was terrifying. But now the pain would come. She knew that for a fact.

“Daddy, my sweet, sweet Daddy… break the cunt”, said Andrea.

“Please… don’t…” managed to mutter Kate.

It was in vain.

It did hurt. The man was a beast, savage, thrusting into Kate without the slightest care for her pleasure or comfort, using her body like an object to take out all his messed up frustrations, his fantasies, whatever was mixed up in the storm inside his brain. Kate whimpered and yelped and tried not to scream. And in her ear, a warm breath, whispering to her constantly.

“Good girl… won’t you cry for me? Like you made me cry so many times? You fucking slut… don’t fight it… you know what you are, deep down… don’t you miss my sweet tongue on your cunt? Relax… let it happen… you deserve this… and I’ve earned it… your pain… and what you will be for me later… when the pain is gone…”

Part of her mind was aware enough to realize Andrea was rubbing herself right beside her. But most of her mind was focused on the sensation between her legs, the burning, the feeling she was being torn apart… and something worse, slowly creeping its way into the strange mixture assaulting her consciousness. Andrea saw it immediately.

“It’s better now, isn’t it? You can feel it… it’s okay. You don’t have to lie. Not to me. We are sisters now, after all. I, made by the cock that is remaking you! It’s so… poetic, isn’t it? You are a slut. You’ve always been a slut, deep down… all you needed was someone to prove to you that a slut is all you need to be. All you deserve to be. No more queen bee at college for you! And I know you will be such a good little girl for Daddy…”

“Fuck… fuck you…”

“Oh, you’ll get to do that too! Want a taste?”

Andrea started slowly, kissing Kate’s neck, nibbling it, giving her victim goosebumps. Then she delicately removed her bra, and lips met sensitive skin. Kate’s nipples, hard against her will, were assaulted by kisses, suction, skillful licks. Andrea toyed with Kate, varying the pressure, the speed of her tongue, inserting playful little bites into the game. Measuring. Learning. Deciphering every preference, every weak point. To Kate’s horror, the pain was starting to feel duller, as if coming from far away. The pleasure, on the other hand, was sharper, demanding, a hungry thing coming from her own traitorous body. It was hard to think. Hard to keep any single idea in frame inside her mind. Too many stimuli, coming from too many places, attacking different parts of her idea of self. She felt as if she was drowning in sensation.

Andrea made her way down, slowly, as her father’s thrusts became a bit slower. Stamina wasn’t infinite, but she was quite confident that together they could get the job done. Together, they could do anything. It took a bit of careful positioning, but soon the tip of her tongue was able to tease the little cunt’s clit and even give her dear Daddy a little extra lick when he pulled his beautiful cock out, only to ram it into Kate again. Oh, if only this moment could last forever. Father and daughter locked eyes for a moment, in something that felt like a twisted perversion of love. It was time to move on to the next step.

Kate couldn’t stop squirming. Couldn’t stop moaning. Couldn’t stop her fucking body from reacting to the big cock inside her, the tongue playing her pussy like a violin, her own shame turned into a corruption of pleasure, disgust with herself that swirled and shifted and somehow enhanced the feelings that were eroding her sanity. And then, it snuck up on her.

Kate came, harder than ever in her life. Any pretense was undone at that moment. Her body was too honest. But the fucked up father and daughter team didn’t stop. No, they paused for only a second or two before resuming their work. It was too much. Kate shook as she came again. And again. And again.

She was exhausted. Too exhausted to fight anymore. Too confused to protest anything Andrea said. Her words just permeated, unfiltered, into Kate’s mind.

“...tell you? You can be such a good little whore… and we can be Daddy’s sluts together! Don’t you think he deserves it? His cock made you cum so much… your pain gave it so much pleasure… it owns you now. And you’ll love it, I know you will. We’ll make you love it so, so much, until you forget what a fucking bitch you were before…”

Kate didn’t even notice when the restraints were removed. There were stronger ones in place now, and she could feel them. Inside her head. She had been defeated. She had been conquered. She had surrendered.

“On all fours”, Daddy said. He didn’t have to say it twice. Kate complied. 

“Word on campus is that your little ass is the one hole you’ve been saving up for someone special! Well, I say you’ve met someone very special! So now Daddy will take the last bit of you and you’ll finally be entirely his! Isn’t that exciting? But… what about your poor fellow slut? I mean, I gave you pleasure too! I say I deserve a treat. So… you get pain for Daddy and he gets to watch you eat a pussy for the first time! What a show it will be! And we’ll make it a show, won’t we, sis?”

Yes. Whatever Andrea said. It was easier to comply. Easier to obey. Easier to just accept. It would hurt. Good. If her pain was what they wanted, they would have it. She would have sex with another girl. Good. If they wanted her to dyke out, she would. 

Kate’s screams sent vibrations through Andrea’s pussy, only making Kate’s inexperienced attempts at eating her out so much more delicious. Andrea felt like a queen, being serviced as she deserved. Mike was a beast, finally letting out something that had been suppressed in shame for far too long. Kate let her body take over, turning even pain into something else, something like purpose, or atonement. In a single day, all three had changed. Forever.

The tight, virgin ass, paired with the spectacle of this girl pleasuring his sweet little girl sent Mike over the edge. He barely managed to pull out before cumming with an intensity that shocked even himself. Kate’s back was soaked, and some drops had even landed on his own daughter’s breasts. 

Andrea licked her lips.

“Kate… sis… why don’t we clean each other up for Daddy?”

V - Epilogue

Mike woke up to the sensation of tongues on his cock, as was the norm. He let himself relax and sink into pleasure. To think that half a year ago, the idea of even looking at his daughter had felt revolting! How silly he had been. They loved each other. They made each other their best versions of themselves. Their most perverted versions. 

And Kate… how lovely it had all been. Sure, it had taken a little while for her to fully enter the family, but now she and her adoptive sister were inseparable. They went shopping for slutty outfits, they did their camshows together to make Daddy money… they had even made out in front of the Dean when they announced they were dropping out of college to be full-time whores. It was tender, in a way. Kate’s addiction to pain and humiliation had come as a bit of a surprise, but a welcome one- especially by Andrea, who had started to explore her sadistic side more and more.

Of course, they both adored Daddy. They were always ready, always willing to please him. After far too many years of gray, dull effort and solitude, Mike felt happy. He let himself enjoy that fact.

After he came, the girls licked each other clean, moaning as they savored their Daddy’s cum. With bright smiles, they leaped on the bed with Mike.

“Good morning, Daddy!” they said in unison.

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