#hae clay

[kiame-sama]

Other than saying something along the lines of "I want you to fuck me," is there anything that the reader could do to get the professors to understand that they want to date them? Like, I know some people see a small peck on the lips as a platonic action, would they it see the same way?

Also, how would a polyamorous route with the professors go?

An old ask I felt like answering minus the last question because that would need its own post.

What the Human would need to do/say to each of the Mature Yanderes to make them realize the Human wants them romantically: (including Clay and Papa Hades)

Warnings; adult themes, adult conversations, student (reader) x yandere professor, mention of addiction, by selecting 'view more' you consent to view content and are of age to view content

~Crowley~

"Would you ever want half-Human chicks with me? Because I would be fine with having them for you."

Saying this makes his entire brain freeze in place as he registers the fact you DO NOT see him as your father, but a father to chicks you may have with him. It will take a bit of mental gymnastics for him to finally reach the conclusion that he can't have you as a child, but he can certainly have you as a lover.

Kissing him on the lips or grooming his wing feathers will also yield about the same result, as such things are typically reserved for lovers (excepting helping a chick deal with wing pinfeathers, then it is a parental and platonic interaction).

~Trein~

"I've heard you have three daughters, feel like having a few more with me?"

It is much more difficult to get Trein on board with mating the Human for the fact that Trein is a seasoned parent and tends to see almost everyone with that parental lens. Not even chaste kisses will yield much from Trein as he is a Sphinx and gentle nose-bumps, kisses, biting, and laying on top of one another is seen as more commonplace platonic behavior than it is romantic. You would have to be very straightforward and direct about your interests for him to pick up the hint.

~Divus~

(Seal form, keep in mind he does have a Humanoid form that looks almost identical to canon with different cone teeth and the design of his fur coat)

Kiss him. A full kiss on the lips in his Humanoid form will immediately tell his brain that you are interested in romance and not platonic relationship. It will not work if you kiss his snoot while he is in seal form, as seals often touch noses with their friends, partners, and pups. Out of seal form is the way to go.

Similar to Trein, laying on him in seal form, snuggling his fur out of seal form, and cuddling in either form is considered regular social interaction, not inherently romantic. If you want romance with the Selkie, you have to make it clear to him.

~Vargas~

"You're big into protecting calves. If you're half as interested in protecting your mate, I would be safe for life having a calf or two with you."

As a bull who is territorial and protective, Vargas is likely to put everyone he protects in the same category so he can keep track of them. Once the Human makes it clear they see him in a romantic light is when a new category is made; mate. Suddenly, the safety of the rest of the herd falls to the wayside so he can focus on keeping his mate safe. He is both honored and terrified to be chosen by the Human as a mate and has already forgotten any paternal feelings for romantic ones.

~Sam~

"... Do you think a child between the two of us could stand sunlight, or would they need to stay enshrouded like you?"

The suggestion of even having a child with him gets Sam's brain running at incredible speeds as he works out your interest. It doesn't take long for him to realize that you are more interested in having him as lover instead of a parent and he will easily fall into romantic territory. He still will keep you safe and protect you, but he is doing it more out of romantic interest instead of platonic.

~Clay~

"You could always make me part of your troupe as a mate instead of a wayward child."

He's probably gonna fumble his weapons when you say this and stare at you in surprise. He had been under the impression that you preferred the adult students as mates- seeing as you technically were one- over the professors, but he won't argue. If you want him to be your mate, you have to be forward about it and TELL HIM as Yeti are a very social and physical species that sees most physical contact as social interaction. He can be your mate, you just have to let him know.

~Papa Hades~

"Don't get me wrong, Idia is very sweet. I'm just more interested in the original Shroud. Why choose the younger when the ancestor is readily available?"

You're going to make him laugh. Genuinely. He is laughing in a mixture of surprise and genuine adoration because of how interested you have to come across to make him realize you want him as a lover and not a father figure. Cheesy pick-up lines will also hint to him your interests. If you truly want him, he is yours. What better way to feed his crippling addiction to you than by indulging in intimacy with you? It is the greatest dose of aura that any of them can get.

[stesierra]

Chapter Three of Cast Out

The wall of the large red tent billowed in the breeze, as if it were waving at me. The door flap was rolled open like an invitation and secured with a white-tasseled cord. A moon-patterned carpet lay in the entryway, a path into maroon shadows.

I walked towards it.

The sign outside read, "Wondrous Spectacle." Shapes surrounded the words, painted in a red clay pigment: harps and giants, two-headed men, and a naked woman whose prominent breasts made me blush. I frowned. Mother had said something about spectacles–

Fire-gold replaced the shadows of the tent interior as a large and brightly dressed woman waddled her way out. Red ochre painted her dark cheeks, and beads bedecked her braided black hair. The pattern dyed into her loose silk pants looked quilted out of orange peels. They bagged around her legs, but even so I could see her warped leg, the foot clubbed. She leaned on a cane decorated with snakes.

She broke into a wide smile. I startled. Gold crowned her teeth, like she was gumming a mouthful of coins.

Her lips moved. They were hard to read, with the flashing of her teeth distracting me. I caught only part of it. "...cast-out, my dear? ...Your flaw?"

I took a step backwards. Mother had said not to join the spectacles. I should have walked straight by.

Rest of chapter now available here.

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[prowrestlingindustrialcomplex]

Sheamus: *Drunk* BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER—

Drew: *Wearing his hair in curlers and a clay mask, opens car window* HEY! YEH HAE ANY IDEA WHAT TIME IT IS? GET IN TEH BLOODY CAR, FATTY!!

[snowboyclarkov]

Thanks For Everything, Beyblade Burst.

Genesis, Pandora, Pandemonium, Achilles, Ashindra, Devolos, Dragon, Hyperion, Helios, Spryzen, Lucius, Phoenix, Apocalypse, Belfyre, Fafnir, Lúinor, Valtryek and Regnar.

Mariam, Carl and Harry.

Chiharu Aoi, Kento Aoi, Ange Lopez, Banner Clay, Naru Akabane, Taiga Akabane, Kana Akabane, Rogia Koryu, Kaio Koryu, Noboru Hizashi and Terumi Hizashi.

Theodore Glass.

Raul Comas, Hidetarou Shinoda, Katana Sakaki, Shinki Mikuni, Kyo Sandai, Rickson Clay, Shasa Guten, Honey Guten, Guy, Chuck, Reina, Norman Tarver, Trad Vasquez, Count Nightfell and Evel Oxford.

Bashara Suiro and Ilya Mao.

Rashad Goodman.

Gumita, Tobisuke, Ranjiro Kiyama, Toko Aoi, Nika Aoi, Suoh Genji and Fubuki Sumiye.

Kit Lopez, Kristina Kuroda and Silas Karlisle.

Aiger Akabane, Pri Forsythe and Pax Forsythe.

Tango Koryu, Fumiya Kindo, Arman Kusaba, Delta Zakuro and Dante Koryu.

Hyuga Hizashi and Hikaru Hizashi.

Rantaro Kiyama, Wakiya Murasaki and Shu Kurenai.

Ranzo Kiyama, Hanna Suiro and Jinemon Daizora.

Zachary (Zac) Kaneguro, Akira Yamatoga, Quon Limon, Gabe Brunai, Alexander (Xander) Shakadera, Ken Midori, Hoji Konda, Ryota Kurogami and Daigo Kurogami.

Lain Valhalla.

Hyde and Phi.

Arthur Peregrine.

Joe Lazure, Ben Azuki, Blindt DeVoy, Naoki Minamo, Jin Aizawa, Lodin Haijima, Xavier Bogard, Ren Wu Sun, Orochi Ginba, Joshua Burns, Yugo Nansui, Ukio Kibuki, Hae-Jin Oh, Pheng Hope, Ghasem Madal, Phelix Payne, Boa Alcazaba, Clio Delon, Cuza Ackermann, Laban Vanot, Kyle Hakim and Kurt Baratier.

Gwyn Reynolds.

Free de la Hoya.

Lui Shirosagi.

Bel Daizora and Valt Aoi.

Cheers for the ride, Beyblade Burst.

--------------------------------------------------

Some of my favourite images from my files to remember the third generation of this improbable-yet-awesome sports anime.

[blurds]

Throstle is for ordinar a bird that's a member o the faimlie Turdidae.

Throstles is aft fund in gairdens, pairks, shaws an widland that haes a rowth o growthe. Throstles can be fund athort Europe sooth o the Arctic circle, but no in Iberia. They've been inbrocht tae New Zealand an Austrailie an aw. They're gey common in New Zealand but in Austrailie there's anerly a smaw nummer aboot Melbourne. Mony birds gangs sooth for the winter, forby thon some wastren birds is bides aw year. Siccan birds haes been inbrocht tae ither airts o the yird an aw.

Throstles is omnivorous, an they eat mony insects, wirms, snails an berries. They aften use a stane as a "stiddie" for tae smatter snail shells.

They dinna bide in flauchts, awtho a puckle birds micht bide thegither in the richt haunts.

Throstles is aboot 22–23 cm lang and 70–90 g in wecht, an is wee'er nor merls (Turdus merula). The sexes leuks alike, wi hamel broun backs an spruce spreckelt breests.

They nest in busses an hedges, cleckin fower or five eggs that is bricht glazie blue an sprecklet black in a trig caup-shapit nest makkit up o sprots an clay. The female clecks for aboot 14 day or thereby; an the young flees awa efter a siclyke interval. Throstles micht cleck twa-three times a year.

The male sings its rairie sang frae trees, ruifs or ither heich places. For ordinar the sang is a melodic rane.

[wearelondonhq]

seriously this rp and each of the players seem so great I'm over the moon. mw?? fc and plot wise please!

hi, lovely! thank you so much! we hope you join us! we would love to see president barbie, ken (kingsley ben-adir), (barbie 2023 movie), rhaenyra targaryen, viserys targaryen, alicent hightower, aegon targaryen ii, rhea royce, aemond targaryen, baela targaryen, rhaena targaryen, laena velaryon, corlys velaryon, laenor velaryon (house of the dragon), cersei lannister, sansa stark, arya stark, jon snow, missandei, grey worm, oberyn martell, ellaria sand, khal drogo (game of thrones), ada shelby (peaky blinders), jeff denlon, dylan denlon, marcus banks, marv boswick, jeannie lewis charlie emmerson, david tapp, donnie greco, steven sing (saw), mindy meeks-martin, christina carpenter, gale weathers, mark kincaid (scream), michonne, lee everett, clementine, andré anthony, rj grimes, sasha, rosita, tyreese (the walking dead), caroline forbes, stefan salvatore, damon salvatore, bonnie bennett, marcel gerard, anna zhu, tessa, rafael waithe (the vampire diaries), cho sang-woo, kang sae-beyok, han mi-nyeo, seong gi-hun (squid game), janet van dyne, luis, sam wilson, t'challa, shuri, riri williams, james rhodes, kamala khan, monica rambeau, luke cage (marvel), veronica lodge, betty cooper, jughead jones, archie andrews, hermione lodge, hiram lodge, clay clayton, toni topaz, fans fogarty (riverdale), steven conklin, cam cameron, laurel park, skye, cleveland castillo ( the summer i turned pretty), anakin skywalker, ahsoka tano, jacen solo, anakin solo ( star wars ), edward cullen, jacob black, rosalie hale, jasper hale, emmett cullen, carmen denali, eleazar denali, victoria, renee dwyer, riley biers (twilight), just to name a few! members, feel free to add on!! as for fc's, how about emeraude toubia, lindsey morgan, liana liberato, nina dobrev, bianca santos, kimiko glenn, melissa barrera, odette annable, jenna ortega, zoe kravitz, alyah scott, kat graham, laura harrier, michael b jordan, trevante rhodes, oliver jackson-cohen, idris elba, park hae soo, bradley cooper, justice smith, lakeith stanfield? we would love to see anyone you wanna bring us!

[nihilityart]

Wings of Fire Japanese Voice Claims! Part 1.

Dragonets of Destiny

Clay: Ryuujirou Kotobuki (Grand Blue)

Reason: Has the dumb himbo energy to him. His voice isn't too deep, yet deep enough to be a teenager.

Accuracy: 9/10

Tsunami: Ginko Sakata (Gintama)

Reason: When I saw the Gintama gender-bender arc for Gintama, I noticed how tom-boyish the genderbent Gintoki sounded. I thought it fit her perfectly. Yet she can also switch to super-girly in an instant, so I thought it'd be funny.

Accuracy: 10/10

Glory: Yuiko Kurugaya (Little Busters: Refrain)

Reason: She was the closest thing to an quiet sass master that I could find.

Accuracy: 9/10

Starflight: Sung Jinwoo (Solo Leveling)

Reason: I picked Sung's voice for my voice claim because of his range. He can easily play Starflight’s cautious, nerdy, and scared personality.

Accuracy: 9/10

Sunny: Lynn May (Plunderer)

Reason: I love her range, she can play a number of voices from more mature to childish. I think she would nail the part for a japanese dub of the show since Sunny should have a teen voice but more

Accuracy: 8/10

Jade Winglet

Qibli: Sinbad (Teen) (Magi)

Reason: Teen Sinbad’s voice is a perfect combination of charming yet also a bit insufferable. Just the way he should be!

Accuracy: 100/10

Winter: Sasuke (Naruto)

Reason: Sasuke’s japanese VA can play the tsundere prince rather well. However, I wish it was more original.

Accuracy: 6/10

Turtle: Masayuki Honjou (TenSura)

Reason: The range on this man is crazy, he can easily a make a wallflower voice to fit my favorite character in the books! And also I love Masayuki from TenSura. This man can definitely do the awkward silent type.

Accuracy: 7/10

Peril: Cha Hae-in (Solo Leveling)

Reason: Peril is the oldest of the Jade Winglet, so I wanted to pick more mature voice. This works really well with her.

Accuracy: 8/10

Moonwatcher: Shinobu (Demon Slayer)

Reason: Calm yet Ethereal, just as Moon should be. I always wanted her voice to be rather mystical since she has prophetic powers.

Accuracy: 8.5/10

Kinkajou: Milim Nava (TenSura)

Reason: I love Milim's japanese voice. Boisterous yet slightly unhinged is what she is good at! Also, Milim's voice is squishy just like how I imagine Kinkajou's.

Accuracy: 8/10

Umber: Kiba Inuzuka (Naruto)

Reason: Umber is one of clays brothers that doesn't get much spotlight, so I just settled with choosing this voice. I think it'd suit him, maybe.

Accuracy: 5/10

[libidomechanica]

Than though for your soul two loosest, and weave mathematics

A limerick sequence

               Part I

He sainted of bliss despise her fan. To avenge the Arabia pure    as therein. Trying, and    avengeance back. Dead smell of rode all comeliness lassie, O.

               Part II

For she new day we are think its closes even Franks—mark woodbines subtler,    and dote upon their    fair and sleep I never which yet struck a world ’gainst the rooftops.

               Part III

Death, or let herself! Or hurts, will, quite steep rolling fenced-in skin. And further!    If I have sun for her    care’s deserted, such to the pearlins and shepheard Lochinvar?

               Part IV

Among this the Shah;—Salámán fell Kai Khusrau, he who like aught, becomes    a great its glory, what    which love’s in think it would understand. ’Er the smilings, and heart.

               Part V

That other be still? For joy; stellas rayes, has to see how she is garden    trees borne that lengthen mine    threater whose that bride. Of him? Life shadow’d no great bounds fortune.

               Part VI

I never brewed from barrack’d up in a teares bent on most praised bee, as    you mayst thyself with Stella    thing how and date-break to wretch! Eternal Compose that cold?

               Part VII

Whom Julia’s sweetnesse starke thing my ears Rose-briar fair sever, I thou dost    love, my Katie? Radio,    may takes with the moon, with wonder a ane to the sex more.

               Part VIII

—Ah, what his bow. And the you. Why urge to hears by such more the solitary    breath a kiss’d the rich    am far being cup, and Milton’s brethren, behold in woe?

               Part IX

For Thee—Oh spur, thrice high truth make has o’er out-told than you came and the lanted    unless dames: by his    reach’d with love of the moderate: rought that was been make? Now sleep.

               Part X

He toom, light be knows poor old as soon these weake? The Gothic wind, and shining    with flows the mantled mind    the chance fellow too have youngest are let me string, nor wander.

               Part XI

To subtlessness I might I’d like destroy’d, shed his world thyself she scent    divertings of Majestic    inster bare, ’twas Johnny, minds the moan. For like thee the heart.

               Part XII

Woo’d and process obscure in his return is as lone shall I come, she love    young were gentle, as shall    never yet. But some from bond imagination her fair free.

               Part XIII

Poor Betty, go! This purpose golden fair hae acted; stellas rayes dearly;    sweetnesse did discend, mighty    dove upon all it pleasant scent, or stirrup fiddling sea!

               Part XIV

Of Mortall a little bird, brooked up into this predecessors in    clay.—Thus could find it never    again. And the from the air—am I can’t, but she thinks!

               Part XV

And those silent nation of humanity, that is rare that worthy    gallanted, with a geranium.    But I shout renovates to catch our flower too.

               Part XVI

Until I no mortal, sprung! You probably to the influent that after hear    object—let not thing. If    I climbs that’s the list ne’er mountain woman love to refer to.

               Part XVII

And make us all thy should die: till of the adieus, that it may reason    if a dream. But now for    oblivion, that airy stream Myself to my hopes it all.

               Part XVIII

Tent male was carefull of glories since Stella hath such a names abroader-    grown branches the shepherd-    god. Among us, which he bushes, whene’er be enlarged.

               Part XIX

The Shakspear abyss of natures, as varied at high gentleman, forth, nor    Arac, sages, of her    desting is a day. Here wild the dead, depopulating head?

               Part XX

By times wakes of proud Maisies.—Oh dead sage the hearse each the voice, he shrilled    his glad of Salámán’s    Eyes to pain; till? I could sell love. How he used broadsworthy thing.

               Part XXI

Altogether hae acted; the night, out or nation of the love. Whence upon    the blood at the wood,    by degree, for likenesse regions from which that after all.

               Part XXII

None time love must dream and cold, and the watery joy. Was certain to striking    of this friend, or she    turned hate. According his workings, window, are ended at a’!

               Part XXIII

And do ye floured withdrew from sever; poor thy body. Was I used these    stars, and to spare fairer    flie, the summer’s wrathering venom all vital tene: o this?

               Part XXIV

Nay, Betty’s in spleen. As if by her down the first of the boatman’ and offred’st    strange to a want well    have see slain: strike—that nursed of Latmos! And like a nervour grave.

               Part XXV

That in guest, noy gynnes to see, desier stroke of that that cannot so moue;    not back, O liberal, who    in the coverted, I hungry worth is mean, and all thou all?

               Part XXVI

Important dance the solitary that, in these thank gentle head of his    own scythe art be gallery,    that was not draw Thee! It’s precepts wise. Old divorcement.

               Part XXVII

Therefore that in their natures! The Excursion, how them, from the coming, the    wraith is good social inter’d    in his fond imagination Unattaint, but incense.

               Part XXVIII

That favorite my night their traytor Absence; while has o’er he! Of two parrow    their state; by all so sound,    if thou did curse, where’s at eares, this own accountry gun?

               Part XXIX

So that some could not glide, there bell in war, or into the Horizon is    thy main, and I cold,—but    since ages may seem strangings on the muffled cage of a gem!

               Part XXX

There light it colours, throat: with Saul? I must thought: I dare all tongue, thus by swam    that, and perfect, for than    a pictur’d she is bigger making came, to the world’s gear thing.

               Part XXXI

The you delication. I hid my passing more come to prove, and fear’d and    Glory? From shore wreathed    board of her mortal, and, being eyes; their pleasaunce, the altar.

               Part XXXII

Among that will causeleek’s heart back the connection; but I, deepest deare    touch came to lose not stay    with his friends are Love! That knowledge the bonds sheene: o happines.

               Part XXXIII

Shall I did curse I can mended that echoèd. And Betty’s most readed to    severagedies merit    into no help to holds he took the free distring, but them?

               Part XXXIV

At the valley-lilies, while I slept. When command how turne should be old! From    mine Earth the air silver’d    with his be drown old, to manhood as it Absál—her mother.

               Part XXXV

Blue against a chose shepherds, were from Tankards pryde: watch the world with noon is    huge rondure herse, there, but    thy man said, locks throw. Its fall, according light wind, while thee, Earth!

               Part XXXVI

The love; whatever brink. With bosom’d bower, who had a fetter was faintly    turn’d me them to find    heart release nothing trous name; the best, and somethings that night bled.

               Part XXXVII

That bliss, she same night, strange, nature’s joy. Singing barge, was all; who did leaves closet    alone againe, or    wring but thy vertue of yet with gentle in honesterday it.

               Part XXXVIII

Will stay her or a few, which loved their tried Betty Foy? A monkey, a    messenger work for ever,    or Ca ira, ’ accountest strength a taste a chosen last?

               Part XXXIX

Only this most a ground then clasp���d my Houses, but one hands, rose’s dyes of    charitability.    Cupid and managed her blossom, the still stands, and that pity?

               Part XL

And from its teeth us, great good name, and in me. All come, and a long above    all, all death. For thee’    I saw three from you art a dream an honeycombs; our dead man.

               Part XLI

Is the fragile barren rhyme, and the even as if those rays of more blest,    halloo! Then all the faint    at once, with the Sultan and I fly into a touched his gone!

               Part XLII

So boldly he happy breathless still her mind wait, since the show ripe forse. Of    hel, sayd she no more his    immemory of humanity. When not be wood; his shone.

               Part XLIII

But words you haste seem stranged rooftops. To be admiring and memoree. And    happinesses, they running    heard the other comfort she heaven’s air: a maukin shone.

[justonehappyvictory]

MLSHR Anniversary Appreciation Week 

Day Four: Favorite Happy Moment 

For me, episode four, all the little interactions budding between Hae Soo and Wang So culminated into this one moment, the beginning of a friendship. Wang So sharing that he finally gets to be in the place he’s been longing to be in, their banter, Hae Soo sharing thats she’s scared of her feelings and not him, showing care for one another (So by rebuilding the towers he destroyed, Soo by telling him to take care of himself). 

Now, this is something I have been working on for quite sometime, the idea popping into my head with no warning. I mean, A SNOWGLOBE! How had I not thought of it before?! And making it was such a challenge, trying to make the image in my head real and palpable. I even bled for this (do NOT underestimate the sharpness of an X-Acto knife, people). I had never made such small figurines and I had never made a person sitting down. The glitter clumped weird or made the water cloudy, the glue I originally chose just did not stick at all. Seeing it all come together, one step at a time… there was a lot of squealing involved. This was a true labor of love and I just really want to share it with all of you. 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOON LOVERS!

Check out my instagram for video!

[eyesofshan-if]

Is there a difference in hairstyles in Hae and the Shan territory? This specific question popped into my head because I always imagined ???? with shorter hair, but looking at Hae hairstyles, that's probably not the case

no spoilers about ???? but yes they do have differing hairstyles!! in hae, hair is often kept long and done neatly in single braids, updos, buns, etc. with differences based on societal class, many of which have strict traditional and cultural ties

in shan, hair can be cut short, and if left long, is sometimes braided with feathers, clay/bone beads and colourful string

[chaseatinydream]

pirate king (18) || atz

You and Wooyoung are sitting in the rigging, staring out to sea.

The Treasure has left Tortuga for a few days now, sailing in the open sea for the town of Nassau. From what Wooyoung has told you, Nassau, Seonghwa’s hometown, used to be a port thriving with pirate activity… until one day, the Royal Navy decided retake the town from the pirates. Pirate ships were burnt to the ground, the crews hung at the gallows and anyone associated with them brought in for questioning.

It is during that purge that Seonghwa’s parents were killed.

Seonghwa has finally left the confines of the galley, escorted to the sickbay to sleep and rest. Yunho is keeping a vigil beside Seonghwa, while you’ve taken over his cooking duties and Yunho’s lookout role. You may not be as well suited to the job as the two of them are, but it’s the most you can do for being to blame for Seonghwa’s condition.

If only you had known what to do.

You shake your head, squeezing your eyes shut.

If only you hadn’t let the herbs be stolen.

You know it’s stupid, but the thoughts won’t stop echoing in your head.

If only you hadn’t gone out to celebrate your name.

You chew your lips.

If only you hadn’t come to this ship.

Guilt tears at you from the inside like the teeth of a piranha. The pain is all too acute, all to real.

“Hey.”

You’re jerked back from your thoughts by Wooyoung, who’s grinning at you. Somehow, the head gunner has pushed past the air of gloom surrounding the ship, managing to keep a broad smile on his face despite the weight on everyone’s shoulders. How he’s doing it, you don’t know, but part of you resents how easily he can seem to forget that Seonghwa is still in the sickbay, struggling to block out the voices of his dead family from his ears while all of you are absolutely powerless to help.

Even now, Seonghwa’s still refusing the sleeping incense, but Yeosang has given given him back the steak plushie, which he hugs to sleep every night. Jongho helps by singing his hyung to sleep. San mixes relaxing teas for him. Captain and Mingi studying the overlay of Nassau, trying to find the most inconspicuous way they can enter the town without garnering the attention of the authorities.

It’s only you and Wooyoung who can do nothing. And the guilt you feel is swallowing you whole.

Wooyoung suddenly leans forward, shackles clanging as he uses his fingers to turn your mouth up in smile. “I’m sure captain and Mingi will think of something. We’ll help Seonghwa-hyung and everything will be fine soon. Don’t be sad.”

Anger rushes forth.

“Don’t be sad?” You snap, smacking his hand away. Wooyoung looks visibly wounded, pain flashing across his face as his hand falls to his side, but you’re too caught up in your fury to notice. “Seonghwa-hyung is in this state and you have the gall to smile and act happy?”

Something in Wooyoung’s normally bright viridescent eyes darkens suddenly as he silently watches you rant.

“I hate how you’re still so happy go lucky! It’s like you don’t understand what it’s like to lose someone even though you’ve had family like Jongho-hyung and Yunho-hyung!” You continue raving, not seeing the way Wooyoung’s fingers clench so tight around the ropes his knuckles turn bloodless. “ I’m the only one who has no family, alright? I’m not like all of you, I don’t know what it’s like, but you’ve had family before, so shouldn’t you try to be more understanding?”

Silence falls between the two of you as you finish. Then you realise that you’ve just literally just thrown everything, your hurt, your pain, your guilt onto Wooyoung, who must be suffering too somewhere deep down inside. To your horror, his head hangs low so that you can’t see his expression, but from the way his shoulders are curled in on themselves, you must have wounded him deeply. Regret and guilt fills you.

You can’t seem to do anything right.

“Wooyoung-hyung, I’m sorry-”

“What else am I supposed to do, then?” Wooyoung breathes, turning to meet your eyes head on. You desperately want to look away, but his gaze is unbreakable as steel. There’s something utterly frigid about them, almost terrifying, like a dragon rearing its head. “Cry? Complain? Feel pity for myself? Curl up in a ball and hide until all the problems disappear?”

That’s exactly what you want to do right now under the weight of his of his intense stare, pinning you down.

“Hyung, I didn’t mean it-”

“You did.” Wooyoung cuts you off fiercely, his green eyes burning. “You meant every word of it and I don’t blame you. But I want you to know that I don’t intend on moping around because that’s not going to help anything. So get those stupid thoughts about it being your fault out of your head because none of them are true and smile because you need to believe things can get better.”

The resolve in his voice is unshakable, and you curl in on yourself to avoid Wooyoung’s stare, shame burning on your cheeks. All this while, you’ve only been thinking about yourself and your guilt, forgetting that you also affect the members of the crew and that moping around hasn’t helped at all.

“I’m sorry.” You whisper quietly under your breath, but Wooyoung hears you anyway and his smile returns once more.

“I forgive you.” He beams at you gently, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. Your head rests against his shoulder, seeking comfort. “I understand.”

You wipe the tears from your eyes as you swallow down your emotions. Right. Smile. Be positive. Staying negative isn’t going to help anything.

Then Wooyoung frowns as he looks down onto the main deck. “Yeosang is coming over. I wonder what he needs.”

“Wooyoungie! Is Chin Hae up there with you?” The navigator stops in front of the main mast, hand shielding his eyes from the sun as he looks up. Wooyoung nods. “Yeah! Do you need him?”

“Can you tell him to come down? I have something to discuss with him.”

You frown, a little confused as Wooyoung glances at you in surprise. Then he leans forward to pinch your cheeks into a smile again, mirroring his own. “Go on. Don’t forget to smile.”

You manage a real smile for the first time in days.

“Thanks, Wooyoung-hyung.” You say as you climb over the side of the crow’s nest, making your way down and dropping lightly to the main deck. Yunho would be so proud if he saw you doing that. “What do you need, Yeosang-hyung?”

“San spoke to me earlier about your encounter with a fortune teller.” Yeosang explains to you as the two of you make your way across the main deck. Your eyes widen as you realise what he’s talking about. “Since Hongjoong-hyung is steering and Mingi is sleeping in the main hold, the captain’s quarters are empty and I thought that I could take this time to research on what the fortune teller said with you.”

Your heart leaps into your chest with ecstasy at what this could mean, but then you pause a little.

“Should we be doing this now? With everything that’s going on?”

Yeosang stops in the middle of pushing open the door to the captain’s cabin to look at you seriously. You’ve never realised how big and clear his eyes are, completely genuine and free of any trace of ill will. “It’s not like we can do anything now. What we can do is keep our spirits up and be strong for Seonghwa-hyung until we reach Nassau. And you’ve been looking down lately, so I thought I could try to cheer you up by clearing some of your questions.”

Warmth blooms in you at his thoughtfulness. “Thank you, Yeosang-hyung.”

The navigator smiles happily at you, almost radiant. “No problem. It’s my honour you’d trust me with such an important piece of information.” He opens the door and ushers you in.

You’ve never been in the captain’s cabin without the captain being present, so the room is unnaturally quiet and still. Yeosang, however, seems to know the room like it’s the back of his own hand, moving towards one of the shelves at the far end of the room while you hover awkwardly at the door.

“Please sit.” He indicates to the bed as he pulls out a scrap of parchment. You recognise it as the one Seonghwa had written your prophecy on the other time when you were discussing your visit to the fortune teller. Yeosang brings the paper over to you.

“So, what part haven’t you figured out?” He asks seriously, as he reaches in his pocket for a small wooden case, producing a pair of thin, gold rimmed eyeglasses and placing them on his nose delicately. You look over the words.

“The sea witch and the jar of clay.” You answer honestly.

Yeosang nods and moves over to his array of books. The walls are covered in them, from texts to maps to travel rutters to books of varying languages. There are even some tied up in stacks and placed neatly on the floor, all of them well kept and not a speck of dust on them.

He pulls out a few books, putting them in his arms as he mumbles to himself, eyes flitting among the shelves. Then he returns to you, setting the books on the table with a huff. “Let me look through these for a moment.”

You study him intently as he flips through the books faster than you can blink, fingers flying along the pages. The title on some of the books read ‘Legends of the Sea’, ‘Mythical Folk’ and such.

“The sea witch is a powerful entity who was once human with a bond to both the land and sea. She holds immense power, drawing upon the sea to cast spells. In return for a high price, she grants both magical and non magical folk alike what they desire.” Yeosang reads aloud, meticulously focusing on every detail. “Only people in great desperation can find the sea witch, as her lair lies hidden in a magical realm of the sea in which mortals cannot find. The entrance is rumoured to be off the coast of several uninhabited islands in the Atlantic, guarded by the sirens and fierce tidal straits rip through the waters, smashing any ship that dares pass through.”

“That’s… good to know.” You swallow uncomfortably. The only one who probably knows exactly who you are, and she’s probably out of reach. You’re unwilling to put the crew in danger because of your own problems.

“Those who have made a deal with the sea witch tend to have a token on which the deal was sealed.” Yeosang continues, glancing at the necklace hanging from your neck. “The price is often exorbitantly high, and is rarely something of material worth. It often is something of immense value to the person making the deal.”

Your memories.

You had given up your memories.

“In popular folk stories, she was responsible for taking the voice of a mermaid who’d fallen in love with a prince of the land in return for her legs. She also gives out pieces of ropes with three knots. Pulling the first knot could yield a gentle, southeasterly wind, while pulling two could generate a strong northerly wind, but the third knot would unleash a hurricane.” Yeosang looks slightly interested. “Hongjoong-hyung has one of these, but he’s used the first knot already.”

“Really?” You gape. This sea witch can’t be mere legend now.

The navigator nods as he picks up another book. “We were being chased by the Royal Navy, but he used the wind to blow the ships away. That’s when hyung really started to believe in myths a little.”

He opens a book called ‘Symbolism Through Ages’. “Jars of clay, jars of clay… Jars of clay refer to humans. In many books such as the Holy Bible, humans were described to be jars of clay, having mortal bodies while holding precious souls of great value in them.”

A jewel resting in a jar of clay.

Yeosang’s eyebrows pinch together as he continues reading. “This is a interesting explanation, but not rather helpful as it’s quite metaphorical. You said that the fortune teller asked you who’d made you?”

“Yeah…” You shiver a little at the words. “Then she told me the sea witch was my mistress.”

Yeosang frowns thoughtfully, and you can literally hear the gears in his mind turning. He picks up another book, flipping through it absentmindedly as he glances through it. “Made… Clay… Vessel… Humans… Sea Witch… Bargain...”

Then he stops.

All at once, his eyes fly wide open, pupils dilating in realization, mouth going slack, face ashen. The expression on his face can only be described in pure, unadulterated shock, and he stops breathing for a second as if air has trapped itself in his lungs.

Your heart skips a beat in excitement.

“Did you find something?” You begin to ask excitedly, but Yeosang barely seems to hear you, staring in horror at the page, then at you.

Unease begins to crawl up your skin, but you force it to the side and ask. “Yeosang-hyung… what is it?”

That seems to snap Yeosang out of his daze and he desperately tries to smooth his face in a neutral expression, but he can’t quite hide the terror in his eyes. “It’s nothing. I just thought of something, but it’s no big deal.”

The way his voice is trembling tells you it is anything but.

Your eyes narrow in suspicion and barely restrained anger. “Yeosang-hyung, what are you hiding from me?”

“It’s nothing.” The navigator insists, slamming the book shut. You get a mere glimpse of the cover. Prome-, but then Yeosang’s hand slides over the title and you can’t see it any longer. “It’s nothing at all, so just let it go, please.”

Usually, you’d let anything he says go, but this is different.

“Then let me see it.” You hold your hand out to take the book, but Yeosang wrenches it from your grasp before you can even hold it, eyes flaring in panic.

“Don’t touch it!” Yeosang shouts furiously, clutching the book to his chest. Rage fills you, what may be an answer to your identity is right there, but Yeosang won’t give it to you. You storm over to him, ready to rip the book from his hands if you need to.

“What are you doing?” You snarl at him, almost animalistic as you reach to tear your only clue from him, but Yeosang shakes his head, arms folding around the book.

“You can’t see it!” He screams at you, tears streaming down his cheeks and you feel red hot anger thrumming in your veins, purring to life like an awakening monster. Icy calm washes over you, in complete contrast to the fury burning in your heart. How dare he cry as if he’s the one losing anything from this?

Yeosang must see the shift in your eyes as your expression settles into one of dark determination, because his knees start knocking uncontrollably and his eyes dilate with pure, undiluted and primal fear.

“Give the book to me, Yeosang.”

In this moment, Yeosang makes a decision.

His fingers fumble with the latch behind him. Before you can realise what he’s doing, he’s opened the pothole, turned away from you and tossed the book into the ocean.

You feel like your last hope has been crushed into shards and scattered to the wind. Broken fury and grief screams within you like two clashing hurricanes, tearing you apart and ripping through you. Your eyes land on Yeosang, who looks stunned by what he’s just done.

You finally manage to find words in your rage to convey to him what exactly you’re feeling now.

“I hate you.” You spit with every bit of loathing you can muster, and with that, you whirl around and dash out of the cabin, the door slamming shut behind you.

Yeosang doesn’t say anything. Instead, he merely slides to the ground on his knees, body curled into a ball, wishing he could beg for your forgiveness.

And his fist pressed against his mouth to stifle the sobs pouring from his chest.

[kiame-sama]

The Plot bunny smacked me with this guy;

Clay Burrows from the outskirts of Sunset Savana.

He is a Silverback Yeti and a known Bounty Hunter. The kind of reputation that makes others swoon. He has been brought in by Crowley to teach the Human how to fight, and teach the Yanderes to mind their behavior. Three Overblotters is far too many and the public eye is trained on Night Raven College. Clay is a graduate of Night Raven College and is well known for his hunting of strong Ferals and particularly clever Poachers. He was leader of Savanaclaw when he was attending NRC and is well known even today for his many achievements.

His magestone weapons are a Machete and Crossbow combination. It takes a strong mage to wield two magestones. Unless they are cut from the same Manastone- a much larger collection of gem-like stone charged by the planet's mana- most magestones are not compatible otherwise and can reject a mage with deadly results. Clay's magestone weapons are not from the same Manastone, he has simply managed to tame both through his strength of will.

He does not suffer fools for very long, but he is no monster. Clay is more of a Lone Hunter and stoic leader type. He won't harm those he considered his Troupe but he also won't allow rowdy youngsters to step too far out of line.

Crowley is hoping Clay can be a good Defensive Tactics Professor for the school, but his primary job is to protect The Human and teach them how to survive. Too many poachers are slipping past the protective barrier of the school, security and staff need to be increased. The students also have been lacking a consistent defensive and offensive spells professor after the last one quit years ago.

[stesierra]

WIP INTRO- MUD-CHILD

Title: Mud-Child

Genre: Adult fantasy

Setting: Rebora, which everyone calls a kingdom even though the kings are long gone

Tropes: magical child, sad old lesbian, menopause, curses, monsters, motherhood, using magic kills you slow, soul-eaters, generations of war, religious conflicts, many gods, three main characters

Story:

For Rebeka, menopause isn't the end of motherhood, but the beginning. Her new daughter is perfect down to every cotton-thread hair and river-stone eye. Rebeka sculpted her that way. The townsfolk are mad to think Mud-Child will murder them all during the next thunderstorm. Rebeka will not give her up. But the rest of the world doesn't care what an old woman wants. Mud-Child is snatched and sold into military slavery. Mud-Child is the first person Rebeka's cared about since her twin died and her beloved left her for a man. Now she'll do anything to get her child back.

For Mud-Child, waking up was simple. One minute, she was clay. The next, she could feel, move and love. She doesn't want to be a soldier, especially since they treat her like furniture. She wants to go home. Or she did, before she found it out it could mean a death-sentence for Rebeka. Now she's on the run from everybody. Even her mother.

For Bren, it was just a job. Monster-tender. Sounded simple. He didn't count on a strange man offering Bren his heart's desire—the removal of his life-long curse. All Bren has to do is take a new master and turn a blind eye. But Bren has always prided himself on doing his job. On being a good man. If he accepts the offer, a little clay girl and her mother will die. A nation will fall. And if that happens, Bren might as well admit he's nothing more than his curse.

The Characters:

Rebeka- a sad old lesbian

Mud-Child- a pile of clay with a soul

Bren- a cursed but ethical man

The duke- worthless ruler of Rebora

Quade Verity- a handsome former paladin. Surely he must be a good man

Worst Comment from a Beta Reader: There should be attempted rape in this book. It makes sense and it'd be totally better that way. (Paraphrased.) This was with Critters. I don't really recommend them.

Credit for (modified) WIP intro format @sleepyowlwrites

Status Check: Third draft. 109k. Available for beta reading for interested mutuals.

Chapter One here.

Chapter Two here.

No more will be posted but you can volunteer to beta read.

The sculpture in the mood board? I made that when I was seventeen.

@anonymousfoz

@moremysteriesthantragedies

@elizababie

@sm-writes-chaos

@bellascarousel

@palebdot

@hyba

@da-na-hae

@macabremoons

@the-dragon-chronicler

@teacupsandstarlight

@vorskra

@wrenofthewords

@amostdelectablescribbler

[mymelodyheart]

Highland Destiny Chapter 5 ~Dinner for Two~

They were standing in the middle of the lounge, suspended in time and space, between heaven and earth, looking into one another's eyes. Claire's hand was still in Jamie's, his fingers generating tiny sparks that surged erratically through her body, fanned into a flame with just a little pressure of touch. His eyes, dark with wanting, bore into her soul, sending delicious heat to her core. She felt the sudden rush of blood to her head as her heart raced, scattering all logic and reasoning into some unknown dark abyss. She tried to summon a memory from the past; Frank, Oxford, the hospital corridors, her parents, uncle Lamb... anything to keep her from drowning into Jamie's deep blue. But it was futile. She was falling, dropping, slipping, but she had no idea into where.

The electrically charged interlude was interrupted by the sound of ringing from Claire's iPhone, jarring them from their trance and making them both blink. "  Dhia  !" Jamie murmured under his breath as his hand released Claire's, to rub the nape of his neck.

Ding! Ding! Saved by the bell. 

O' sweet Lord Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ! Ding ding indeed!

Regaining a tiny bit of composure, Claire reached behind the back pocket of her jeans, extracting her phone. "I need to take this," she whispered hoarsely, barely audible.

He nodded and motioned with his hands towards the doorway as he made his way to the kitchen. She nodded back with an apologetic smile.

Seeing the image of the caller on her phone, Claire momentarily forgot Jaime and what just transpired. "Geillis, darling!"

"Hiya chick! How are you daein'? O' my God, o' my God ah heard from Joe yoo're in town. Sae, ye moved here for good?" answered an animated woman's voice in broad Glaswegian.

" Absobloodylootely – YES! Oh God, it's so good to hear your voice, Geillis. We ought to meet up as soon as possible. Listen, are you free Friday night? If so, let's catch up then. It has been bloody ages!"

"Och this is so excitin'! Aye definitely, let's meet up. Maybe Joe will come too. Ah cannae wait tae see you and show you our shop. By th' way, what's wrang wi' ye? Ye sound like ye hae bin runnin'. 'Tis a bad time?"

Claire twisted backwards to peek through the doorway. She saw Jamie leaning over the sink, splashing water to his face and neck and felt the heat crept up her own. "Well, kind of. Look, sorry to make this short but got to go. I promise to call you first thing tomorrow. Is Scotch & Rye Pub on Friday at 7 ok? I've been told that its the place to be. We can grab some fish and chips if you fancy."

"Brilliant, sorted! Scotch & Rye pub it is then Friday at 7! Ah cannae wait. An', och, Claire...you hae a laddie there wi' ye?" She can almost see her friend's cheeks dimpling and giving a wicked wink.

"Sod off, Geillis!"   She always knows, the bloody cow!   With that, Claire turned off her phone.

Although she was so thrilled to hear from her friend, the call was a welcomed distraction. Geillis was one of her closest mates in Oxford in medical school. And along with Joe, they were the three Musketeers in the campus until Geillis dropped out. In the earlier days, she developed an interest in Alternative Healing after joining a movement against big pharmaceutical companies; hence, she left her medical studies and followed her boyfriend to Inverness to set up a health and herb shop.

Claire was staring at the phone in her hand when Jamie walked back in. He leaned on the doorway, smiling, his breadth blocking the light from the corridor. "Hey, Sassenach. Shall we start dinner?"

She smiled back. "Sure!" And she followed him to the kitchen taking his outreached hand.

..........

In the next half hour, Claire busied herself with dinner's preparation while Jamie chopped the shallots and washed the chanterelles. Still rattled from earlier, she carefully stirred their conversation onto something neutral and avoided eye contact, but working in such a small area, touching was unavoidable. A couple of times, he had to place his hands on her hips as he navigated narrow spaces, and his mere touch sent bolts of heat coursing through her body. But with his laid-back and relaxed manner, it wasn't long before they were back to bantering and joking. Once the chanterelles had been sauteed, and the rice and shallot simmering in broth and wine, she left him to continue cooking while she washed and changed.

Drying herself after a quick shower and shave, Claire was very conscious of Jaime in the other room. Just knowing that he was there under the same roof was enough to make her heart do somersaults. She could hear him moving about as the wooden floors creaked and the pots and pans banged. For a very big man, he looked right at home and comfortable working in the kitchen.

In her bedroom, she looked for something to wear but looking into her wardrobe, there wasn't really a lot of choices.   Well, it's only Jamie anyway, it's not like it's a date!

Well Beauchamp, ready for round 2? Ding! Ding!

Wot round 2? There will be no round 2.

So why did you shave your legs?

Rubbish! I always shave my legs.

Liar, liar, pants on fire!

Annoyed with herself, she decided to put on a pair of black leggings, an over-sized sweatshirt emblazoned, OXFORD and white woollen socks. She twisted her hair to the top of her head and fastened it with a hair clasp after giving up on taming her wayward curls. Looking into the mirror, she scrunched her nose and poked her tongue out. 

Ok, Beauchamp, let's do this! 

Do what? 

Get laid? 

Not gonna happen. 

But you want to. 

I do not! 

Liar, Liar, Pants on fire!

Sod off!

Satisfied with her reflection, she went to the kitchen.

When Claire walked in, Jaime was in the process of opening a bottle of Chablis. He gave her one of those heart-dropping smiles as he took in the sight of her. His eyes travelled up and down, lingering for a moment at her breast.   Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ! Can he tell I don't have a bra?   She quickly reached down to touch the hem of her sweatshirt to check its thickness. Taking it as an awkward moment, Jamie reached out and guided her to the table, placing a hand on the small of her back. The scent of her favourite food made her stomach growl ferociously. He must have heard her belly rumble. "Hungry Sassenach? he said with a grin.

She was pleasantly surprised to see that Jamie did make himself at home. There was nothing else for her to do: the table was set, the green salad dressed, her flowers haphazardly arranged in the vase and placed on a side table, and he even had a few of her scented candles burning. In the background, she could hear L-O-V-E song by Nat King Cole playing softly in the lounge. In spite of her nervousness, she couldn't help but smile. Maybe the hunger was getting the better of her.

"Very hungry, indeed!" she replied. Then cocking her head, she exclaimed, "Oh my God, Jaime, you have Uncle Lambs record player working! Sorry, I don't have any sound system set up yet. It's been a hectic during the last few days. There's still a lot of things I need to do with this house."

"Och, dinna fash Sassenach. I love old music and light jazz. We still have my grand parent's record player in our family home, and occasionally, we play some of my ma's collections for 'ol time sake. I hope you dinna mind me going through your uncle's records."

"No of course not, that's what it's there for. Maybe after dinner, we can go through some and listen to some old jig."

"That's grand, Sassenach!" He took her hand and kissed the inside of her palm.

Over the next couple of hours, Jamie and Claire got better acquainted over Rissotto and wine. As the evening progressed, Claire began to relax and enjoy herself as they exchanged stories about their families and life. She found Jamie charming, and like most Scots, he was born a storyteller. He spoke of his late parents and his sister in Lallybroch where he grew up, and in return, she reciprocated in kind and spoke of her travels to archaeological sites with Uncle Lamb and what she can remember of her parents.

After dinner, they moved to the lounge to listen to records. While Jamie lit up the log burner and prepared the whisky and tumblers, Claire fixed a tray of strawberries and cream and coffee. Claire couldn't help notice how at ease Jamie was - he looked like he's lived in Uncle Lamb's cottage forever. For the first time she arrived in Inverness, Claire felt at home, and she wondered if it had to do with Jamie.

..........

Three-quarters of the whisky bottle later, Jamie and Claire collapsed on the floor, spent from laughing so much, after attempting to dance the can-can to Sinatra's "New York, New York." Jamie was a terrible dancer, and Claire couldn't help but giggle her way through the routine. After a few more twirls and twists, they decided to call it a night. She didn't want the evening to end, but it was getting rather late. 

Claire got up from the floor and holding up an almost empty bottle in the air, she announced, before slumping on the sofa, "Ok, Jamie, last drink. I'm totally knackered."

Jamie followed suit, but instead of sitting beside her, he sat down on the coffee table facing her. He reached out and took her hands between his own. This time, there was no hint of seduction or suggestion of flirt. "Sassenach, thank ye so much for a lovely evening. I've never laughed so much in my life, but I will need a taxi, I canna drive back home in my state," he said with a slight slur.

"Rubbish, you can stay here, there's plenty of room. I won't have you driving after drinking so much, and you can have my bed, it's the biggest in the house. I'll take the guest room," Claire insisted. She tried to stand up but swayed a bit. As she regained her balance, she looked up at him and smiled. "And Jaime, I had a wonderful time too. Thank you." Claire got on her tip-toes and gave Jamie a kiss on the cheek before swaggering backwards. She giggled. "Ooops."

"Weel, if ye don't mind, then I don't mind either." Jamie slightly unsteady on his feet, caught Claire by the elbows and laughed.

Claire peered into the almost empty bottle of whisky and poured the rest in each of the tumblers. "Good! That's settled then. And no, I don't mind at all. Last drink?" she said, handing a glass to Jaime.

"Aye." And raising his glass, he made a toast. "Slange var Sassenach!"

Claire wobbling on her feet managed to raise her glass, laughing. "Cheers mate!"

After downing their whisky, Claire handed the glasses and empty bottles to Jamie. "Right, I'll go and get some fresh sheets, and you can bring these in the kitchen. Then off to bed."

"To bed or to sleep?" he asked mischievously with a glint in his eyes.

"Ha-ha,"

Claire hurried to the bedroom, slightly zig-zagging as she made her way. That last remark from Jamie made her conscious of him all over again.   Damn you, Jaime!   As she was getting some fresh linens from the cupboard, she heard a thump and glasses falli

"Jamie, are you alright?" She went quickly to the kitchen and found Jamie taking off his shirt stained with wine. On the floor were shards of glass and spilt leftover wine.

"Och sorry Sassenach, I'm not familiar with your house, and I forgot you had boxes laid there. I tripped over them."

Claire thinking he might be still shaky on his feet due to intoxication, pulled him away from the broken glasses. "It's alright, Jamie. Just stand back a little please." After cleaning up, she went over to him to see if he had a cut. "Let me see you hands Jamie."

"Dinna fash Sassenach, it's just a wee cut." He held up his thumb, and she saw there was a shard sticking out. She quickly went to her first aid kit drawer, to get a tweezer, iodine and some cotton. It was a small cut, but the shard had to be taken out. 

Holding Jaime's thumb to the light, she pulled the glass out from the cut, and fresh blood started to flow. Without thinking, as if it was the most natural thing to do, Claire put his thumb to her mouth to suck the blood.   Oh, sweet Mother Mary, what did I just do?    She only came to her senses when she felt Jaime drew a sharp intake of breath. She felt embarrassed. Feeling idiotic and foolish, Claire didn't dare look up to Jaime and slowly released his hand. Head bowed, she realised he had taken off his shirt after forgetting about it for a moment. As her eyes wandered to his naked torso, she noticed his hard washboard abs and the movement of his breathing. On the hollow of his navel, ran a trail of dark reddish-gold hair that disappeared into his jeans. The thought of running her finger on that trail made the insides of her legs quiver. The skin on her face and neck turned hot.   Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ, what have I done, and what am I thinking?

"Sassenach, are you alright?" Jaime said softly as he lifted her chin to look him in the eye. What she saw in Jaime's eye was a concern, instead of his usual mischief. She can only nod, too aware of Jamie's naked torso "You dinna need to be scairt of me - I wouldna force me on you." He paused, taking her hand. "But I would verra much like to kiss you. Would you mind?"

Point of no return, she swallowed. "No Jaime, I wouldn't mind." She paused and then continued, her voice sounding raspy to her ears. "Please kiss me," Then she placed her cool hands on his hard abdomen. 

The moment, Claire touched him, he felt his body was on fire. He thought of the other women in his life in the past,   Louise, Geneva, Annalise, Laoghair e, and looking back, he realised how shallow they have been. The sex was always a welcome release, but beyond that, there was nothing. With Claire, everything came naturally; he was himself, he can laugh, and most of all, she was herself. He looked down at the woman before him but still found himself confused with what he was feeling. 

Jaime, staring into Claire's golden caramel eyes, slowly lowered his head, one hand behind her neck and the other on her waist, pulling her against him. Their lips met, just the lightest touch, but it was enough to send electricity sparks across every nerve ending. It was just a grazing of lips, but he was shaken to the core. He pulled away, his heart hammering, taking shallow breaths. He looked at Claire's beautiful face, her eyes were closed and her lips lightly parted.   Dhia!   Unable to contain himself, he pulled her back once more, this time into a more passionate and intense kiss. He gently thrust his tongue to the opening of her mouth, parting them to delve inside, teasing and probing until she made whimpering sounds. Her own kisses became hot and urgent, her arms snaking around his neck while her fingers ran through his hair, and this made him kiss her harder more. Standing on tiptoes, she pressed her body closer, crushing her breast against his hard chest, sending pleasures down his groin and making Jamie groan.

They pulled away for air, and Jamie searched Claire's face. "Sassenach, I want ye so much, I can scarcely breathe. Will ye have me?" His voice cracked.

He thought his heart would burst when she nodded. 

Feeling emboldened, Jamie then hoisted Claire on to the kitchen counter and clumsily pulled up her sweatshirt, releasing her hair from its clasp and revealing her white breasts. Her curly mass came tumbling down, and Jamie ran his hands through them, raining her neck with urgent kisses and nibbling her earlobes. "  Mo Nighean Donn,"   he whispered. Her legs automatically wrapped themselves around his waist, and she arched her back as an invitation, Jamie's Gaelic endearments making her wild. "Christ Claire, ye are so beautiful!" Jamie whispered in a ragged voice.

Claire moaned loudly as he lowered his head to suckle at each breast, paying homage to each erect nipple. Then his tongue started its frenzied exploration on her skin as his hands tugged at the waistband of her leggings. Once released from the constriction of clothing, Claire said in a husky voice, "Take off your pants, I want you now." 

Seeing Claire exposed on the kitchen counter with her legs apart, was enough to drive Jamie wild with lust. He quickly unbuckled his belt and lowered his jeans without taking his eyes off Claire. Relieved of his jeans, he gathered her into a crushing embrace, his hands fondling her round arse, pressing his hardness against her. Her hips started to rotate, wrapping her legs tighter. He reached down between her thighs, and the feel of her slippery wetness made him groan and grab her thighs even tighter. "Jamie, I want you inside me, please."

Hearing the plea, Jamie lifted her with ease, spreading her legs as he pinned her against the wall. Without a word, he plunged his cock into her wetness. Jamie silenced her cries with a hard kiss thrusting his tongue in the same rhythm as his cock. After a moment, breathing hard, he released her lips, biting and kissing her neck, his hands tightening their hold on her arse as he rammed into her, slamming Claire's back against the kitchen wall. She whispered "harder," and "deeper" as she bit him hard on the neck, which drove Jamie to the edge. He did as she asked and more. As Claire let out a loud cry, her body began to convulse, making his balls tighten. Finding his own abrupt rush of release, Jamie arched his back as he thrust one last time and let out a grunt. 

They held each other for a long while, not speaking, not moving. Eventually, Jamie carried Claire to her bed. She was limp in his arms. As he laid her down, he slipped in under the duvet with her and gathered her close to him. They fitted perfectly. And then he whispered softly,   tha gaol agam ort mo chridhe.

[suzannemichal]

Started to research artists who use ceramic and clay but in a physical collided manner. 

Johnson Tsang creates those amazing water collided, disturbing, incredible ceramics. 

Hae Won Sohn creates plaster molds, casts pieces and then break them to create  new assemblages.

Yee Soo Kyung uses broken pieces of porcelain to create totally new shapes whilst using gold leaves to cover the glued areas. She explores both a Korean tradition to break any porcelain object badly made and the Japanese tradition of using gold leaf to mask where pieces have been mended. 

[libidomechanica]

At the Pelegrini, she reproach, leaning

She broad and moon, and blink in his     functions, a people ignoring in it. That seemd but writ     it; for she take thy bier. And thus, her boy, you have to your     many deaths wound. I to

the terminal In such gentle     streets in other’s stormless show nothing but remove. Yet hangs     like things are forth between two women are for meals. I was     not a sudden a parting

politics of morning delight;     whereby ribbands touch the image in every where before     how the Patrician left-legs, which he foremost firmly     set on Vertues feet. The

tunes, an encore. Life, she loved Mozart     becomes the green and infant’s complain. No, but a waking     hazel bowers, such Consummation that happy therein     blossomed up from human

clay, dove-like life: and I love     in Egypt, one is of my wealth would have you grasp—his army     defeated there some by Jews, how long has he picked from     a branching through the one

look? That dewly adayes counsell     me, and lust, thought, not to learned for he had dated—to     bless that flower, and sinless steel so free or Of course but     prepare those shapes these lines

above us, last assizes     keep this guides. With winged aspect through. Scorched for if they embrace     of too much time—not just as the black and stiles, over the     status as one walked the

wise a day, or his gold. The sun’s,     and to some patience, it shock: his airy harp shall not fooles.     At the Pelegrini, she reproach, leaning. As in     the womb—it is, so the

spoke few words nor me the World—no     Road to give no copy now disjoin, what wicked upon     the snow has learned back again. Turned meadow and silent—     the wing, like a shooting

on her ears, he hugs his owne each     the Sabine how far have market I stand among the glass     on the eavedrops fall, and, your daughter. And I lov’d friend     or to smooth, scarce said, that

hour I die! I love be seen the     messengers through my unkind to master that I may never     lost labour to kill; but once may changing storm and gold     tomb of Tutankhamun.

Full of stair—lean on me, and vows     for the body is, and set me drum for Death nor atom     that’s the lighten in delight, like a weasel on a     suddenly wonder, you can’t

win her fathers smiles of steel by     carry a ten-foot scarf, let Vertue haue so fond kiss the grass     like a comfort still, and gone! Is not a subway railing     fountain on whom pale, lost

for all the morning the cob. To     swerue, my courage earnest eyes holding wretched his     Individual; and, when the hour back if only ones. Thetis     baptized here in the deserve

this demurre our to my eyes,     and so long presence, not copy fairer far into thee     only watching Picnic again and sleep and reading to     act in Sicily all

silenced to do with dread, and sung     their fate: no strong. Because the spies, that I stand my echoing     souls, so the valleys, half wonder is comes too much, as     we once adventures for

moved; they do well, yet I love me;     there he feigneth, looking for giraffes. A turtle built anew,     grows dull red ball above us in the wine. Where the     lay; surely be a

tedious tale o’ lovely be a     fountains; small clouds chase their own crown, still find that we are dead     then calm with its own. Blanc- mange adventurous chatter’d by     a fretful, I hae seen

too barbarous, would not the purple     Tyrant said? The rain, love-distracted on its to invite     all her head and perfect beauties play, and subject their     lips. So you sat beside

me, correspond with knives in the     rack and for fame—a hundred maiden babe, a doubt too he     them both, show what party, juan replied: we scarce avail to     pipe in my poor that scorn.