#more excited by the direction and tone they seem to be aiming for.

[littlenimart]

i went into Fionna and Cake unprepared for Simon to be so powerfully moe

[bitchlessdino]

hey, i’m back. recently i’ve been in my chanrot era so if you could please write a daddy kink chan smut i would really appreciate it. also thank you for the he mingyu smut, i was freaking out inside.-🎧

Pairing: bf!chan x afab!reader

Genre: smut, light fluff

Word count: 2.1k

tags: initial reluctance (lighthearted), blossoming established relationship, daddy kink (initially just Chan), slight degradation, reader has tits, mentions of voice kink, asphyxiation, wall sex, pussy slapping, unprotected sex, creampies, cumplay

Summary: You've heard of dadless behaior but what is daddy behavior? You found it unlikely that the answer would be right under your nose. Better yet, already balls deep inside you.

author note: hiii, I'm back. and what a way to be back than to finish up a dino request. SK was amazing, everything was new and exciting. I'd be happy to answer any travel questions or if you wanna just pop in my inbox, I’ll graciously respond. I missed you guys <3

P.s. to 🎧 bestie I’m so glad you enjoy Mingyu’s fic and I hope you enjoy this one too!

He had you by your throat, cock plunged balls deep in your cunt, slamming into your cervix with every calculated thrust. A pool of arousal soaked into your bed sheets as your shallow breaths barely escaped. His upper body weight pins you stomach down on the mattress and his gaze falls on you, emitting unadulterated power. Lost in the world he’s created, he feels you shudder beneath him while you desperately call out to him in your beautifully strained voice.

A smug smile hangs low from his lips. “That’s right. What’s my name?”

“Daddy?”

You sputter, coughing on your own loud laughter as your boyfriend stares back at you with an unamused face in part to your reaction. This was how you initially reacted to the request of his suggested name in bed, pale in comparison to the idea of a reaction Chan had in mind when he thought to bring it up to you. He could only huff in annoyance as you doubled over on your stomach in playground laughter.

“Come on. It’s not funny. Just say you’ll try it out with me.” He whines.

“You think begging is daddy behavior?” The teasing persists with tears in your eyes.

He sighs in relinquishment before pulling himself up from the bed, his bare torso feeling the draft of the conditioned air as his eyes glaze over in the direction of the shared bathroom. “Forget it.”

“Wait, Chan.” You stretch out your arm to claim his wrist in your grip. Your laughter falters seeing the genuine disappointment in his eyes, forcing you to render yourself to a calmer manner, aiming to uplift his spirits, “Come on. I’m just playing. Don’t be upset.”

He scoffs, “The love of my life is laughing at me, in my face, how am I supposed to take it?”

“I’m not laughing at you,” you pull him back onto the bed, “Just…daddy? Really?”

“Yes, really. It wouldn’t hurt to try once.” He says in an utterly soft tone, and you feel your hard shell melt all at once.

Chan is many things. A good friend, a doting boyfriend, and an amazing lover (at least from what you could tell since you only started to have sex recently). ‘Daddy‘ was…different from what you were used to, and frankly just seemed uncharacteristic for Chan.

“Aw, love,” you run your hand through his hair, those pretty eyes looking back at you in a brew of longing and lust, “You’re so sweet and sexy as is. It’s…overdone. Why would you want to be called something like that anyway?”

“I’m curious. I mean…your voice is so pretty I wanna hear how you say it.” He whispers, and that alone causes whatever is in your stomach to do flips.

You roll your eyes in defeat, a love-struck grin on your face, and tug his arm to have it buried between your exposed breasts, their warmth causing a flutter in Chan’s chest. You tuck your chin on his shoulder, looking at him wide-eye, batting your lashes at him in keen interest. “Well. If…daddy…could tell me what this entails, I may just be a bit more interested.”

He digs his teeth in his bottom lips, pleased, and takes a hand to the side of your jaw to trace over it. His soft baritone voice drops an octave and his eyes narrow at you, “It can be whatever my baby desires.”

Your eyes glint from the reflection of the sun peaking through the bedroom window and bouncing off the vanity mirror. The corner of your lips turns up in a small smile, “How would me calling you daddy make things anymore different from what we already have?”

His hand smooths over from your cheek to trail over your shoulder and settles on your hips beneath the sheets. He presses his smile against your forehead, ghosting over your skin to do the same to the tip of your nose, just as delicately, and finally tucking them in the pillowy texture of your lips. You purse your lips to deepen the kiss, but he kisses you just as swiftly as he pulls away. He watches you through his heavy eyelids, seeing how your lips twitch at the loss of his presence, silently laughing to himself.

“Cute.”

How quickly he takes you by surprise by slamming back in the sheets, your eyes shooting back open immediately, heart pounding out of your chest. His hips gradually dip into yours, the outline of his bulge imprinting into your thigh, and you feel one of his hands creep down to the thin fabric of your underwear. A corner of his lips perks up feeling your anticipation soak through and create a thin film between the pads of his fingers.

“Wet? So early? I hardly done anything.” He snickers.

You let out a small whine, hand cupped over his cheek, thumbing its texture, “Can’t help it…daddy.”

He rubs into the fabric, tracing along your slit repeatedly until both his middle and index were evenly coated, your hips shifting beneath him, helplessly under his control. He hears how your breathing got more irregular.  A shift of focus is obvious within you and you could only do one thing at a time; breathe or enjoy the show. Lucky for you, he’d make it an easy choice.

“Well,” he draws his face close to hover over your ear, smiling wide as he says, “too bad you don’t get to cum.”

He pulls his hands away from your body, sticking his fingers in his mouth and retreating to the bathroom giggling. You sit up from the bed in disbelief, throwing the covers back on your body, “Chan! Really?”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have laughed.”

Chan would be proud to know that you were eating your words. He was all you could think about for the rest of the day. His eyes and their allure, then his arms and their strength. You craved his attention, crossing one leg over the other, suppressing your innermost desires of him feasting on you like thanksgiving dinner. The hours of the day would drone on, and you were counting the second of every minute until you’d finally be reunited back home after a long day’s work. 

You needed it, especially from that morning, which would only replay countless times in your mind. Heat running to the apples of your cheeks remembering his musk, you felt a teenager again thinking about their crush as they passed the hallways. It seems as though he was no better as his hands were immediately on you the moment you greet him. Your hips parallel to one another, your wrists pinned above your head against a wall, and his heavy breath ghosting over your jaw. The scene brought a familiar shiver down your back, like a return of an old friend.

“Well, don’t you look pretty?”

The shape of his cock knocks at the surface of your core, gripping your wrists single-handedly, and drawing shapes on your skin with his lips, feeling you swallow from the base of your neck.

“Daddy, please…”

“What,” he taunts, tightening his grip, “what does my baby want?”

You gulp, “Fuck, daddy. I want you so much.”

You spoke from the pit of your stomach, clenching your abdomen as he presses up against you closer, already unbuttoning the top of your slacks. 

“What a dirty mouth you have.”

He abrasively tugs them off you, hands slipping underneath your underwear and feel proof of your words. “Fuck, you weren’t kidding.”

The obscenities that’d leave your lips the moment you felt his middle finger dip inside your warmth made Chan prideful. His eyes bore into yours while his fingers worked inside you, slightly lifting you off the ground.

“God, I could fuck you here and you’d be happy about it, wouldn’t you?”

He pours every ounce into his hands, your body uncontrollably sliding erratically over the wall, “Mmh, daddy, yes.”

“Such a good slut. All for me.”

He fucks into faster, the spillage falling to even down his forearm, you achingly gorgeous sounds of pleasure playing surround sound in his ears. He muffles them against his lips, hiking up your legs to embrace him as you leverage against the wall behind you, thrusting his still-clothed lower body into you. God, he wants to fuck you like a used-up rag doll.

“Fuck, daddy…you fingers…”

He slowly their pace, pumping them at controlled force in every interval. His sweat-damp hair reached his eyes, meeting your dumb-fucked gaze, “Yeah, yeah, they good?”

You choke on a breath as you feel him thrust inside deeper, “F-fuck, yes…”

You vibrated around him and he knew he couldn’t take it anymore. He holds you to the wall with his upper body but soon bares his lower body. His length teases your slit before his fingers flick at your pussy so suddenly, causing you to wince with a soft moan to follow.

“You think you can take me up against this wall, like a good little slut? Hmm?” He slaps them again. 

“Mm, daddy, please. I want it…I want your cock in me…”

A smug grin takes over before he watches it swallow inside you, pushing his filthy fingers in your mouth, defiling you in both his favorite ends. He drags his mouth over your nipples, hard to the touch, and readily available after your top was the first thing you undressed for him before he put you in such a situation. Squeezing them in a free hand, he mouths over it starved, flicking his tongue and sucking as if he was raging with thirst. 

His hands were now knuckle-deep in your mouth, hips lacking in remorse, and your gasping for breath would otherwise be concerning, but in this case, indicated the ravenous sin that took over your body, coating your tongue with your taste. He takes out his hand to wrap them around your throat, watching the sanity leave your body as he fucks you until pure submission. You were more object than human at this point. Yet, you felt so alive.

Your body was not used to something like this. You felt flushed at the touch, ecstasy mainlining in your veins, screaming a name you wouldn’t even say in your dreams, now rolling off your tongue like water flowing through a river. “Daddy, daddy, daddy—”

“I’m right here baby…You’re taking me so fucking well,” he groans.

“Daddy, more, daddy…”

“More? More?” He teases.

“Please daddy.” You spoke from the depth of your throat, feeling him return with more speed, knocking your ass back into the wall.

A manic smile spreads across your face and you gasp out in excitement, clutching around him until you could feel your eyes roll in the back of your head. “Yes, fill me, daddy. I want my pussy full of your cum.”

“You know just what to ask for, hmm? You want daddy’s load inside you?”

“Yes, daddy’s cum, please…”

Chan was growing tired but not of you, never of you. “You think you’ve been good enough for me to deserve it?”

You nod rapidly, “I’ve been so, so, so, so good. I want it. I deserve it.”

“Okay, well you better hold on tight. I have no plans to give you mercy.”

He takes either one of your legs to his side and you oblige, holding on to him as he delivers his promise. Your head knocks back into the wall rhythmically with no delay. His lips plant against yours naturally, harshly claiming your kiss and chewing on your bottom lip to sustain his momentum. Your hands ran through his hair, over his back, clawing at his ass; your orgasm wasn’t far along your path.

Your hips jerk against him, clenching his full length in your walls, vibrating to the kiss, unknowingly dripping so far past his thigh until practically reached his knees. He follows soon after. Thick warmth paints your insides one coat, a second coat, and then a third, but does not stop the man from pushing it deeper back into you, spilling into the floor without a second thought.

He ruts into you until you’re spent, which seems like it’ll never be the case at that point, and even carries you to the bedroom to use you again and again. Chest to sheet, your head being held up by his hand on squeezing the base of your neck, and your ass in the air fitted against his cock and torso. You could practically hear the echo of skin slapping and human suction bouncing off your walls. His stamina felt endless and you loved every restless second. As did Chan, realizing your answer to his questions and demands was a joy like no other.

“Ask again. Do you find this to be daddy behavior?”

“Yes, daddy.”

[plazmafields]

Oh boy you better get your asses ready because I just beat the game again on 2.1+ and I think it actually has interesting implications for Kerry’s romance. SPOILERS FOR THE SUN ENDING SPECIFICALLY!

Like many other players, I got the Sun ending the first time I played, and (other than when I’m roleplaying a new type of character) it’s the ending I always go for and consider canon for my main oc Vesper. Over on the subreddit(s), people seem to view this ending as definitely 100% implying that V finds a cure and lives to see old age. While of course I would love my character to live a long and happy life, I don’t think that’s the case. V free floats off into space toward a several trillion dollar heavily guarded spacecraft filled with the most elite of the elite. That job was a suicide mission, and I interpreted this ending as V going out with a bang so they could finally, actually become a real Night City legend.

I believe Kerry knows this. When he calls you during the credits, Kerry asks you in a casual tone to buy some olives on your way back, then his voice gets soft and he goes, “Actually, you know what, forget it. I’ll buy them myself.” He does this backtracking in conversation several times during his romance, and I always read it as him being uncomfortable talking about his feelings. He stops himself from apologizing to V during A Like Supreme: Kerry gives V the gun he tried to shoot Johnny with, V reminding him that he was actually aiming the gun at V’s head. Kerry says “yeah…” in an apologetic tone and then starts saying “And earlier when–” then stops himself and says “nevermind.” Kerry also does this during Boat Drinks. He starts by saying “You shake things up, V. Make me feel…” trails off for a second, then stutters before saying “uh, I mean.” It sounds like he has a habit of stopping himself when he starts to feel he’s being too vulnerable.

Now, during the Sun epilogue, Kerry doesn’t hesitate when he tell’s V “I don’t want to lose you.” This would normally be a very vulnerable thing to say, and Kerry’s shown that he always backtracks in moments such as these. He even goes so far as to repeat it and make direct eye contact as he says it again. This makes it seem like maybe he’s done some emotional growing and is now more comfortable talking about his feelings, specifically with V. So, if that were the case, why does he restart the habit of backtracking in the credits call? He doesn’t backtrack during the emotional part, when he tells V he wants them to spend more time together and try to be less busy for one another. He only corrects himself when he talks about V coming back. Because he knows V isn't coming back. Even before that, right before V gets on the flying Delamain to head to the Afterlife, he says “Take care of yourself.” to Kerry, which feels very final, like he doesn’t think he’ll see Kerry again.

With all the other romances, saying goodbye in the mansion makes perfect sense. Panam is leaving with the Aldecaldos, Judy is leaving Night City for good, and River expresses that he feels their relationship doesn't feel equal. The conversation V has with Kerry feels very much like any of their other conversations throughout the game: Kerry talks about his stuff, then once he’s gotten it out of his system, asks how V is doing. But with some notable, very subtle changes.

Kerry is always excited to talk about himself, and rarely asks much about V unless he’s making sure V isn’t already dead. The text that actually sparked me wanting to put these thoughts to paper is the one where Kerry takes a personality quiz and it labels him as a narcissist. He’s self absorbed, sure, but he doesn't have the psychiatric disorder Narcissism as far as I’m convinced. Whichever reply you send, his responses are pretty funny. However, getting that text reminded me that the first time I played Cyberpunk I really wasn’t all that into Kerry as a character, and definitely not as a romance option.

So, the conversation you have in V’s mansion in the Sun ending is actually much more V focused than previous interactions with Kerry. When Kerry asks if you’re alright, even if you say everything’s fine, he still insists that he’s there for V and willing to talk, cuddle, fuck, whatever V needs. This is in stark contrast to when you call Kerry on the rooftop before picking your ending. During that call, he definitely notices something is off with V and asks if he’s ok, but doesn’t press any further when V says he’s fine. His dialog in the Sun ending is strangely caring for Kerry, who otherwise always seemed like V was more of a convenient side-piece with whom he shared a mutual friend. Obviously, as I’ve played the game more and considered Kerry’s quests and dialog options from different angles, I really like him as a character and see much more of his depth than I did on my first playthrough.

Now here’s why playing the game on version 2.1+ is important: 2.1 added dates with your romance options to the game (the “I really want to stay at your house” repeatable quest). If you were to consider the new texts, dialog, and gift responses from the perspective of any of the other endings, Kerry’s replies sound somewhat out of character. The phrasing, the word choice, the tone is all Kerry, but the sentiment is decidedly not so. “I really like you, V. Thought I should remind you.” after the first time he goes over to V’s. His response to getting the flowers or car, he’s almost too complimentary; I feel like Kerry would mention everything wrong with the gift first, then admit that he actually likes it, but still find a way to show his appreciation without saying the words “thank you, V.”

However, if you put everything added in 2.1 into the context of the Sun ending, it starts to feel like Kerry is growing as a person. That’s what his whole quest string was about, sure, but you don’t see him put any of those personal changes into practice after Boat Drinks (mostly because all the romance options just stop leaving their houses once you reach the end of their questlines). So the sweet, appreciative texts after dates and gifts, leading into the way he’s much more focused on V and their relationship during the Sun ending, It actually feels like a natural growth for his character. It’s like the dates, the gifts, the cute little replies, are all the beginning stages of him becoming a much more attentive partner in the Sun ending. Kerry even says himself, before V gets on the Delamain, that their relationship has changed his outlook on life and helped him reprioritize things. The 2.1 additions actually make it feel like we watched that journey begin for him, instead of it just being told to us after a time skip.

[gatheringfiki]

The following ficlet was written by @marigoldvance​ based on this photoset.

Fili/Kili, R, Harlequin ‘Verse

You might also be able to read this story on AO3.

If you’ve enjoyed this story, please leave a comment either in replies or on AO3. :)

All Work and No Play

---

          Fíli stared, deadpan, over the desk at the chief, unwilling to process the orders he’d just been given. Chief Théoden Steelsheen stared back with unwavering stillness, eyes conveying a firmness Fíli wished desperately to sway.

Finally, he decided to try a direct approach, cutting through the stifling silence that had descended within Théoden’s office. “No.”

          “It’s not up for negotiation, Durin,” Théoden stated, tone as hard as his expression, “You’ve been hand-picked—”

          “Which sounds every shade of strange, doesn’t it?” Fíli tried to argue, but Théoden spoke over him, stressing his words through clenched teeth.

          “—by a good friend of the commissioner. They were impressed by your success in the Azog case and requested that you head the transport of a very sensitive artifact.”

Sometimes, Fíli hated that he’d ever been involved in the Azog case at all, even though it had earned him a lot of overdue respect within his department and with higher-ups. While the acknowledgment of his talent as a detective was appreciated, that case had come with more baggage than it was worth.

Fíli slotted a glance to his right, the culprit of his recent misfortune practically vibrating out of his chair with excitement. Kíli grinned from ear to ear, head sweeping back and forth as he looked between Théoden and Fíli.

Fíli scrubbed his hands down his face, letting them fall into his lap before he said, “What’re the parameters?”

Théoden nodded stiffly and launched into the details, “The artifact will be loaded and secured in an unmarked vehicle here.” He said, referring to the precinct car lot, “You’ll come in first thing Thursday—”

“On Christmas Eve?” Fíli interrupted without trying to hide his displeasure.

Théoden leveled him with a Look. “—first thing Thursday,” he continued, stressing each word, “and aim to leave immediately. Bard and Éomer will follow you in Bard’s personal vehicle until you hit the county line.”

Fíli tried to focus on Théoden as he explained the plan from the county line, but Kíli’s leg was bouncing, up down up down up down. Before he knew what he was doing, he smacked a hand down on Kíli’s knee and squeezed, halting the rhythm of Kíli’s leg mid-bounce. He didn’t remove his hand, keeping it braced there as a warning.

One Kíli didn’t seem keen to take seriously.

Théoden droned on, shuffling through files on his desk and plopping one down in front of Fíli for him to take home and memorize.

Kíli started drumming his fingers on the wooden arm of his chair, merrily staring ahead as if he was paying attention to what Théoden was telling him. He wasn’t. The imp couldn’t care less about the procedure they’d have to follow on the job, he was just pleased as punch the chief hadn’t used Fíli to command him to wait in the break room again.

Speaking of which, “If Bard’s on escort duty, who’s riding with me?”

Fíli stubbornly ignored Kíli, beaming as bright as a child at Christmas beside him.

Théoden raised his brows, indicating Fíli should’ve already figured that out. Subtly, he cast his eyes toward—

          “Absolutely not.” Fíli pushed his chair back, cutting the air with his arms, “No way!”

Théoden shrugged, helpless and reasonable and so damn infuriating, “Look, Durin, we don’t know the consequences of separating you two yet. So, until we do, this makes the most sense. Do you really think I’d have an escort on you if you weren’t going to be in the company of a civilian?” Théoden frowned, gaze searching Kíli as his head tilted slightly to the side, “Are you a civilian?”

Kíli’s grin somehow brightened further.

          “Whatever he is,” Théoden said, turning back to Fíli, “He’s your responsibility. Which makes him our responsibility, until this whole imprinting mess is resolved.”

          “But—”

          “But nothing. Unless you want me to tell the commissioner you aren’t interested.”

Fíli bit his tongue and clenched his fists. Of course, he didn’t want that; it would be career suicide, and he’d worked his ass off to get where he was. He sloped his gaze toward Kíli, taking Kíli in from under his lashes to be discreet.

He knew Kíli could handle himself. In the two weeks since the tragic incident when Kíli had imprinted and then bonded with Fíli, Kíli had proven himself very adept and resourceful. Although stabbing Lickspittle in the thigh probably shouldn’t have merited Fíli’s admiration as much as it had, Kíli had displayed an aptitude for self-defence Fíli was unaware Harlequins possessed.

From what he’d understood, Harlequins weren’t supposed to do anything unless told to by their Masters. And Fíli sure as shit hadn’t told Kíli to stab Lickspittle with the man’s own letter opener, but that Kíli had.

          “You’re sure it’s not too risky?” Fíli asked Théoden, voice laced with varying levels of concern. In part for Kíli’s wellbeing, but mostly because Fíli was way out of his depth when it came to Mastering a Harlequin.

          “All you have to do is drive from here to the next city. Once you get there, you just hand the artifact over and that’s it. You leave the vehicle there, take the train home. Simple as pie.”

          “You don’t anticipate any trouble?” Fíli had to be sure.

Théoden’s expression softened. “It’s an easy gig, Durin. I wouldn’t put you in a situation I didn’t think you could handle.”

Fíli nodded once and stood. He grabbed the file off Théoden’s desk and thumbed through it quickly.

          “Alright.” He agreed. He trusted Théoden’s judgment more than his own most days, why question it now?

-*-

Fíli questioned everything he’d come to know about the chief. Especially his sanity.

          “I thought it was supposed to be inconspicuous.” He said, balking at the vehicle that an officer pulled up in front of him where he and Kíli stood in the car lot.

          “It’s magnificent.” Kíli squealed, jogging around the front of the cherry-red Volkswagen camper van as soon as it came to a full stop.  

          “It’s a moving target!”

The officer who’d pulled up in the van stepped out and approached Fíli with a nervous smile. He was young, clearly new—if not to the job, then to the precinct—and had a gentle air about him.

          “The artifact is secure, sir,” He told Fíli in a professional manner, posture stiff and unnatural, “Tank is full, and everything’s been looked over twice.”

          “Great.” Fíli said, his tone dipping into a flatline when Kíli began honking the horn, “Well,” He tipped his tall, Styrofoam cup of crappy breakroom coffee at the officer, “Best be off, then.”

He walked around to the driver’s side door, opened it, and yanked Kíli out from behind the wheel by the collar. Kíli protested, squirming in Fíli’s grasp until Fíli gave up and hoisted him over his shoulder like he weighed nothing.

          “You either sit here,” He dropped Kíli into the passenger’s seat unceremoniously, “Or you can stay behind.”

          “That’s murder, Fíli, I don’t think you’re allowed to do that as an officer of the law.” Kíli countered, pursing his lips. He fixed his position all the same, tucking his legs in and closing the door without much argument.

Fíli rolled his eyes and returned to the driver’s side, slipped into the seat, and carefully maneuvered them out of the car lot after casting a short wave to the officer.

          “Isn’t this exciting?” Kíli said, toeing off his shoes and curling up in his seat, leaning into Fíli’s space where he absolutely was not welcome. “A road trip!”

          “This isn’t a road trip, Kíli, this is work.” Fíli corrected.

          “It’s still further than I’ve been in…” Kíli paused to count on his fingers, “Twenty-seven years.”

He didn’t want to admit it, but Fíli’s heart broke a little at the admission, the understanding of what Kíli was hitting him in the chest. Harlequins only knew what their Masters wanted them to know and, often, that wasn’t much. Used as tools, weapons, objects; they couldn’t go wherever they wanted on a whim, even if it was a leisurely stroll down the block and back.

Fíli cleared his throat, sparing a quick glance at Kíli, “It’s not like we’re making any stops.”

          “Of course not.” Kíli agreed, voice suspiciously light.

          “Or checking anything out in the city. Straight there and back.”

          “Absolutely.”

          “Kee, I’m serious,”

Kíli tucked himself against Fíli as best he could over the console between them, “And I respect you implicitly.”

          “Good,” Fíli said, jerking his elbow and shrugging his shoulder as if that would be enough to dislodge Kíli from his side. “Would you—”

          “No.” And Kíli promptly lay his head on Fíli’s bicep and closed his eyes.

He was asleep in seconds.

-*-

They made several stops on their way to the drop-off point. One for hot cocoa from a charming, little kiosk in the side of the road, stood at the mouth of a dirt road leading to a farmstead.

The next stop was Santa’s Village, and, really, Fíli should’ve put up more of a fight. But how could he when Kíli gave him those big, mossy cow eyes and pouty pink lips? Fíli blamed the settling of their bond entirely for his dismal lack of resilience. It was etching deeper into his soul and making his soft.

Somehow, Fíli was dragged into a snowball fight with a bunch of terrifying under-tens, all screaming war cries and targeting Fíli at Kíli’s behest. His jeans and hair were drenched from melted snow by the time they climbed back into the van.

Or, as the case was, by the time Fíli had run back to the van, dragging Kíli behind him, away from the eerily strategic and overly aggressive children, Kíli howling with laughter the whole way.

The fact that Fíli’s jeans were uncomfortable to sit in, wet as they were, had prompted a rather interesting turn of events when Kíli suggested he remove them altogether. He didn’t, but Kíli did pop the button on Fíli’s waistband, unzip his fly, and curl a warm hand around him through his boxer-briefs.

This led to a very dangerous game of don’t get us killed where Fíli was forced to drive while Kíli twisted himself over the console and took Fíli into his mouth.

How Fíli allowed that to happen, he also blames on the settling bond between them. Like hormones, the newly established bond between Harlequin and Master wreaks havoc on the Master’s brain chemistry. Or so Kíli said as he educated Fíli between long, sloppy licks of his tongue and swallowing Fíli down to the root.

It was illegal.

It was stupid.

It was fucking glorious, Fíli decided when he exploded down Kíli’s throat, hips jerking in shallow, aborted thrusts.

          “You’re a menace.” He panted, cheeks flushed and head cottony, but never once faltering at the wheel.

          “Accept it, Fee,” Kíli licked his lips, slow and sensual, “You’re starting to like me.”

Fíli stubbornly kept his eyes on the road.

After all their detours, they made it to the drop-off forty minutes after they were scheduled to arrive. Kíli smirked like a cat who got the cream and unapologetically threw Fíli under the bus, citing him as the reason they were late.

Fíli’s eye twitched.

          “You know,” Kíli began after they’d been dismissed. He wrapped his arms around one of Fíli’s and tipped his head so his lips brushed the shell of Fíli’s ear in tickling strokes. “All work and no play,” He nipped Fíli’s lobe, “will make you a dull boy.” Kissed along the column of Fíli’s throat down to his pulse point where he then dragged his teeth and licked his way back up.

Fíli glared ahead, removed his arm from Kíli’s hold, and banded it around Kíli’s waist, corralling Kíli into the nearest dark alleyway to put that wily mouth to better use.  

Harlequins really were the worst.

[skylarmoon71]

Patrick Jane (Mentalist) - Chapter 4

Returning was supposed to be quiet.

Relaxing even.

You should have known better.

“DAMN IT JANE!!”

You tackled him to the floor as the shotgun went off. With your gun drawn you kept your eyes ahead as Jane stayed on the floor, covering his head.

“Mr. Rodney, drop the gun, we’re police!!” You order.

“Police?”

“Yes!”

You tried to reach for your badge, but the awkward position wouldn’t allow it.

“Jane, grab my badge.”

“I really don’t think it’s appropriate for me to reach over there and-”

“JUST GET THE BADGE!”

“Okay okay.”

He stretched his arm, pulling it out of your waistband. Lifting the badge, you still kept your gun aimed, just in case he got any ideas.

“CBI, put the gun away.”

You could hear shuffling.

“Okay, I’m dropping my gun.”

You just barely lift your head over the fallen table. When he drops the gun, you frown.

“On your knees, hands behind your back.”

He does as instructed and you finally try to rise. Holstering your gun, you straighten. When you’re upright you send the most vicious glare at Jane who’s still laying flat on the ground.

“What did I do?” He asks defensively.

“You’re a bad omen. What are the chances the first day I’m back we get shot at.”

“Pretty high considering the profession.”

Your stare quiets any more of his smart responses. You slide out your cuffs, restraining Rodney.

“Call Lisbon.”

“Yes ma’am!”

You should have expected nothing less.

By the time you make it back to the precinct you fully question Rodney. The entire interview Jane just wears that I know something you don’t look. After Rodney is cleared he exits and Lisbon instructs that you all keep an eye on his whereabouts until the killer is caught.

Cho and Rigsby are chasing a lead and Vanpelt is on a trip to local cops in that county for some follow up.

“No more excitement for you two you hear me.”

“It’s his fault I swear. I had this whole day planned and it did not include catching a bullet.”

Lisbon smiles.

“Jane tends to have that effect on people.”

“Why am I to blame, you are the cops. I’m just a consultant.”

“Even if he wasn’t a gun raving lunatic you might have said something to make him want you to push you off a bridge anyway. “

“That’s not true.” Jane defends.

Lisbon sends him a look and he feigns disbelief.

“Really?”

“Really.” You and Lisbon respond.

“That’s rude.”

He mutters something under his breath, leaning back on his couch as he goes through the case file.

Lisbon turns to you.

“We’re still waiting for forensics, so for the time being you both can lay back. When Cho and Rigsby get back we’ll regroup.”

“Yes boss.”

Lisbon is about to leave, not before sending a look in Jane’s direction. It just screams, “Stay out of trouble.” The minute she’s gone Jane seems to perk up. Never a good sign.

“Psst, hey, over here.”

“What do you want Jane?”

He gestures for you to join him. Your gut tells you that this will inevitably end badly. Standing you move over, and he pats the space next to him with a smile. You sit, eyeing him suspiciously.

“So I’m curious, why don’t you ever use your abilities. You would advance yourself pretty quickly, especially in this line of work.”

You think he’s joking, but he seems serious.

“Are you kidding me, didn’t you hear the whole speech when I told you that hearing the worst parts of people terrifies me.”

“Yeah, but still, any other person would have easily moved past that.”

“It’s not some weapon to exploit people, Jane. Just because I can doesn’t mean I should.”

“Hmm, interesting.”

“Are you done testing my moral values?”

“Pretty much yeah.”

“Good, I’m going to use this time to relax before we ultimately get shot at again because that’s just my luck when I’m around you.”

You intend to leave, but he grabs your sleeve. You take notice that he’s careful to avoid direct physical contact.

“Why haven’t you asked?”

He looks a bit more serious now.

“Asked about what?”

There’s a subtle change. No playfulness present.

“My family.”

His somber tone feels a bit foreign. It’s not often that Jane shows vulnerability.

“You’ve never asked about mine.” You counter.

Of course he must realize at this point that you were an orphan. Raised in the system. He must also know that your circumstances were similar to his. You lost your biological parents at the hands of a monster too.

“All I can do is offer my sympathy. Telling you that I know how you feel would be a lie because it’s not the same. I’ll never understand what you went through. Not really. Whenever you’re ready to share that, I’ll be here.”

He’d patiently sat with you that night and listened to your little trip down memory lane. The least you can do is offer him the same.

“If I ever get overly curious I’ll just find out when you’re asleep.”

You send him a smile, and one begins to inch on his face. The air feels a bit more at ease.

“Guess I won’t be falling asleep around you.”

“Then I’ll slip something into your tea.”

“That’s a crime!”

“Only if I get caught.”

“Lisbon!!”

His whiny childish tone has you laughing all the way back to your desk. 

[versatileginger]

HIDDEN | CHAPTER 2

Billy Russo x OC (Ava) 

Warnings: Not canon, violence, weapons, stalking (not MMC), murder, everything you'd find in The Punisher universe, no betrayal. 

Summary: Billy meets someone that piques his interest. Did he mention she carries a knife?

A/N: Chapter 2 is up, and that on Friday the 13th. I hope everyone enjoys and constructive criticism is always welcome!

Billy had spent the past few days mulling over thoughts of Ava, the mysterious woman he'd crossed paths with at a quaint coffee shop. His life was a relentless whirlwind of danger and duty, but Ava had briefly been the sanctuary amidst the chaos. She lingered in his mind like an enigma, a puzzle he couldn't resist solving.

And then there was that knife.

Billy liked that knife; it kept his mind swirling in a thousand directions.

On a crisp Saturday evening, he found himself in one of New York City's grittier neighborhoods. The dimly lit streets were adorned with dive bars and neon signs, an atmosphere he found comfort in, right amidst the rugged soul of the city he knew so well.

Dressed in his more casual attire he entered the seedy, yet legendary, pool hall that had seen its fair share of brawls and late-night hustlers. It was the kind of place where secrets were shared in hushed tones and alliances formed over games of skill and chance. Billy had come here for a solitary evening of reflection, a way to clear his mind at the end of the day.

As he pushed through the creaking doors, the clatter of billiard balls and the low hum of conversation greeted him. The air was laden with the scent of chalk, carrying an unmistakable aura of competition. He found an empty stool at the bar, ordered a whiskey, and surveyed the room, seeking an escape from his thoughts.

Just as he was about to savor the first sip of his drink, a voice rang out that he knew well. It was Ava. Her laughter cut through the din as she leaned over a pool table, lining up a shot. Billy couldn't believe his eyes; it felt like destiny had conspired to bring them together once more, this time in the very heart of New York's underworld.

He gently placed his glass back on the bar and observed her with a blend of astonishment and curiosity. Ava was in her element, her self-assured demeanor seamlessly fitting among the pool players around her. She meticulously chalked the cue, her gaze riveted on the table, her movements elegant and precise. But there was something more to the way she moved, setting her apart from the casual players.

Billy couldn't resist the urge to approach her. He made his way to the pool table, the dim overhead lights casting shadows across his rugged features.

"Mind if I join in?" he asked, his voice carrying the subtle edge of challenge.

Ava raised her head from the pool table, her brown eyes locking onto his, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across her face. A playful smile curled her lips. "Billy, hey!" she exclaimed, excitement tinging her tone. "You're welcome to try your luck."

The game evolved into a friendly contest, each shot evolving into a calculated maneuver. Billy's years of experience in sizing up situations and devising strategies came into play as he aimed with precision. Yet Ava was no stranger to the game; she was determined to prove it.

With a playful glint in her eye, Ava decided to up the ante. "How about a little wager, Billy?" she challenged. "If you win this round, I'll share a story from one of my adventures. But if I win," she continued, a mischievous smile on her lips, "you have to regale me with a tale of yours."

Billy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the proposition. "You're on," he accepted, his competitive spirit ignited.

Their movements around the table now held a new level of intensity. With each shot, they aimed not only for victory but also for the chance to share a glimpse of their respective worlds. The dimly lit pool hall seemed to fade even further into the background, leaving only the pool table and the two players locked in a spirited exchange of skill.

In the end, it was Billy who emerged victorious, sinking the final ball with finesse. He couldn't help but smile at his success, though he knew that Ava's story would be a captivating one.

Ava took a sip of her drink and then leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Congratulations, you win," she said with a playful grin.

Billy raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Let’s hear it then, a deal is a deal."

Ava chuckled and began, "Well, back in college, I had this roommate, Lisa. She was a bit of a prankster, always trying to outdo herself with elaborate practical jokes."

Billy leaned closer, fully engaged in Ava's story.

"One day," Ava continued, "I came home to find my room filled with helium balloons. Literally, hundreds of them. They were on the floor, the bed, hanging from the ceiling – everywhere."

Billy couldn't help but laugh, picturing the comical scene.

"But here's the kicker," Ava added with a grin, "each balloon had a funny face drawn on it. My roommate had turned my room into a balloon zoo of caricatures."

Billy burst into laughter, finding Ava's story genuinely amusing. "That's quite the prank," he said. "I hope you got her back in some way."

Ava winked, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Oh, I did. But that's a story for another time."

With their laughter still echoing in the pool hall, Billy leaned back and contemplated, as promised, a story of his own.

"You know, that reminds me of a time when Frank and I found ourselves in a quirky situation."

Ava's eyes lit up with anticipation as she leaned closer to hear one of Billy's tales despite not winning.

"So," Billy started, "there was this one time when my buddy Frank and I decided to visit a local carnival. It was your typical small-town fair, with rides, games, and all the classic attractions, ya know?"

Ava leaned in, eager to hear the story.

"So, we're strolling around the carnival grounds," Billy continued, "and we come across this shooting game. You know the one, right? You get rifles, and you're supposed to hit as many targets as possible."

Ava nodded, picturing the classic carnival shooting gallery.

"Now, my buddy Frank and I are both competitive guys," Billy said with a chuckle, "and we decide to give it a shot. The carnival vendor hands us each a rifle, and the challenge begins."

Ava couldn't help but smile, anticipating the humorous twist.

"But here's where it gets interesting," Billy continued. "Frank and I, we're always challenging' each other, so it was natural that we turned it into a competition."

Ava burst into laughter, imagining the playful rivalry.

"And believe it or not," Billy added, "we got so carried away that eventually the vendor, who wanted to close up for the night, couldn't get us to stop. He even dimmed the lights to signal that the game was over."

Their shared laughter filled the pool hall as Billy recounted this lighthearted carnival shooting competition.

"But we weren't about to quit," Billy continued with a chuckle. "Even with the dimmed lights, we could still see those targets well enough. Frank and I kept challenging each other, taking shots in the near-darkness."

Ava couldn't help but chuckle at the image of the determined duo.

"And then," Billy said with a grin, "I accidentally stepped on Frank's foot just as he was about to take a shot. It threw off his aim enough to miss the target and let me get in one more shot."

Ava burst into laughter. ''Accidentally huh?'' she asks, raising her brow.

"You should've seen his face," Billy continued with a laugh. "He looked at me, half annoyed, half amused. But I couldn't help myself; I was laughing too. In the end, we both had a good laugh about it. The vendor finally closed up shop, and we left the carnival with a couple of giant stuffed animals as our trophies."

As the laughter from Billy's story echoed through the pool hall, Ava couldn't help but enjoy the camaraderie and the entertaining tales from his adventures. Their easy banter had created a comfortable atmosphere, and she had genuinely relished their time together. However, she soon realized the time.

With a warm smile, Ava said, "That was a great story, Billy, but I should probably head home. It's getting late."

Billy nodded in understanding. "I completely understand. Let's walk you home to make sure you get there safely."

Ava's expression brightened at his offer. "That's really kind of you, Billy. Thank you."

They both gathered their belongings, leisurely finishing their drinks, and made their way towards the exit of the pool hall. The quiet of the night had settled in around them as they stepped out onto the dimly lit street. Billy walked alongside Ava, their conversation flowing easily as they strolled through the city.

As they reached Ava's apartment building, she turned to Billy with a grateful smile. "Thanks for walking me home, Billy."

"Anytime," he replied, his voice warm and friendly.

Ava stood in the entrance of her apartment building, feeling a pleasant connection with Billy. Their conversation had flowed so naturally, and she found herself wanting to see him again.

"Hey, Billy, I had a really great time tonight. If you ever wanna grab coffee again or just chat, would you mind giving me your number?"

Billy smiled, his blue eyes lighting up. He chuckled lightly. "Sure, don’t forget to shoot me a text later so I have yours. Can’t have a beautiful lady like yourself have my number but not have hers.’’

"I'll make sure to send you a text. I wouldn't wanna miss the chance to chat with a charming man like yourself."

Billy grinned, liking the way this is going. "C’mon, hand it over." he replied, holding out his hand for her phone. He quickly entered his number into her phone, his fingers dancing across the screen. When he was done, he handed the phone back to her, their fingers brushing slightly as the device exchanged hands.

Billy's eyes locked onto Ava's with a hint of intrigue, and he said, "There you go, Ava. Now you've got the number of the charming man himself."

Ava couldn't help but smile at the charged atmosphere between them. She took her phone, tucking it back into her pocket. Her eyes met Billy's, and she gave him a playful yet sincere smile.

"It's been a pleasure, Billy," Ava said. "I look forward to that text."

Billy's grin held a hint of anticipation. "I'll be waitin' for it, sweetheart," he replied, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

With that, they exchanged one last, lingering look before finally bidding each other farewell. Ava turned and entered her apartment building, her heart racing with excitement. She knew that this chance encounter had the potential to be the beginning of something extraordinary, and she couldn't wait to see where it would lead. Billy, standing on the dimly lit street, watched her go with a sense of intrigue, already looking forward to their next meeting in the gritty, unpredictable world they both inhabited.

With a smile on her face Ava enters her apartment on the fifth floor. The hallway is dimly lit, but she can see her door at the far end. To her surprise, there is a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting on her doorstep. Intrigued, Ava carefully unfolds the small card attached to the bouquet.

The message on the card is cryptic, but instead of feeling scared, it piques her curiosity. It reads, "Our paths crossed today, Ava. I can't wait to see you again." Ava raises an eyebrow, analyzing the words. Although the message is unsettling, she is not easily frightened. It could simply be a prank.

Deciding to investigate further later, Ava places the small card in her fruit bowl, a designated spot for things she needs to look at later. She takes out her phone from her pocket and notices that it is still open on the contact screen, displaying the name.

"Billy Russo"

MAIN MASTERLIST HIDDEN MASTERLIST CHAPTER 3

[redux-iterum]

Reread anon here!

Wanted to comment on a few fun things I noticed~

Lizardtail seems to be working on anger issues, in one scene Tigerclaw warns him before a gathering, and in another later chapter Lizardtail catches himself when he’s snapping at fire and continues what he’s saying in a much calmer tone. I thought this was a neat background character thing bc it’s happening at the start completely independently of rusty/fire - Lizard is just a young warrior trying to improve himself, and one of those things includes his temper. As Fire joins the clan, that means he is affected and affects Lizard, and it’s fun seeing the iconic snarky Longtail reimagined as someone who knows he has a temper, and is trying to chill out - he’s wary of accepting Firepaw at first, but as it becomes clear this is what the leader, seer, matriarch, deputy, legit all clan leadership agree on, Lizardtail trys to make an effort, even if he doesn’t personally agree.

And also a completely separate thing !!

During a training session with Firepaw, Tigerclaw offered to give him a few tips, and gave advice on how to fight like a ShadowClan cat- being small and vicious, going for vulnerable point quick and fast.

And then ! Tiger teacher Firepaw how to predict where an enemy will be so he can aim accordingly.

And this results in Tigerclaw teaching Firepaw the infamous attack that, in another world, Scourge would use to Kill Tigerstar nine times over.

I found this very interesting and exciting to notice.

Tigerclaw specifically said to aim for the throat and belly, and showed how a smaller cat could knock him down from mid-pounce.

I’m sitting here screaming, just screaming inside.

((A few comment Rusty made in super early chapters about where he lived before the house next to Smudge - is it a spoiler to ask if his dad is still meant to be Jake? Was he born in a regular house and they just had different food? Or is that super early foreshadowing about rusty/tiny being brothers and BloodClan I spotted? - the vague comment was rusty mentioning to himself his previous house has different food that smelled or tasted different, and I think at one point something in the forest reminded him of the smell, which had me wondering if he was given prey

ORRRR and I’m just realizing this literary as I type, it could be him remembering milk scent, and I’m looking way too deep, lol ))

You’ve done you’re job as author I’m feeling emotions and thinking things and wanting to know more!!

What a delight to return home to, god damn. Thank you for this!

I wish I could say that the Lizardtail thing was deliberately thought out and planned, but the honest truth is that he just started doing his own thing as I wrote him. A lot of characters did! I can only hope that the directions they go are ones people like reading about.

As for the Tigerclaw attack thing... did you know that yarrow is used in cheesemaking to curdle the milk faster and add flavor?

To make up for the lack of an answer before: Jake (now named Sparks) is still Fireheart's father, yes! Also a kittypet like his son, just a wandering one that went all over the place in search of adventure.

[unboundpower]

❣ foooor uuuuh Four and Gogeta

send me ❣ for 3 pros & 3 cons of dating my muse! // accepting

Keeping these as short and sweet as possible for my sanity-

FOUR:

PROS:

He's much of the mellow, "go with the flow" personality. He's also not easily offended, so it can be easy to relax around him.

Four is skilled with his hands (not in that way *squints* well he is in THAT way but that's not what I mean here), and can build an assortment of things - needing only some direction for objects or contraptions he isn't familiar with.

His hair and fur are soft and fluffy. He is also very warm naturally, and can make himself warmer by surging his ki. Four's like a heated blanket if it were in a humanoid form, so he's great to cuddle with on a cold night.

CONS:

He doesn't aim to impress anyone usually, and that would include his s/o. He's not the most exciting gift-giver or outing chooser, so don't date him if you need a partner who will make every single day thrilling somehow.

He likes living in a forest with a very modest house-hut, and basically has an "off the grid" lifestyle. He has little interest in ditching what he has to go live in a city or the like, so he is not the one for you (unless the two of you come to a compromise somewhere) if you're a city person and don't like rural settings.

Somewhat tied to the first pro - Four can be so laidback that he won't take a problem you have seriously if he deems it a non-issue. If to him, you're bothered by something for no reason, he'll brush your ill feelings off and kick back while you probably glare at him. Though, if you communicate your feelings, he'll at least let you vent without scrutiny.

GOGETA:

PROS:

Gogeta is someone who pays close attention to details, and in general his surroundings. If he cares for you, and if you're dating him you should know he does, you can get something off your chest or just talk about your day and he'll absorb every word; even if it seems like he's not listening.

Mans is good at cooking. And likes cleaning. Great hubby material, or just roommate material as a whole. He'll do his part in keeping your shared place clean, and you can count on him preparing a hearty meal for you, or ensuring there's plenty of leftovers you can pick at.

He can be quite physically affectionate, if he knows you're open to it. Expect him to initiate soft or gentle touches often, as he just enjoys your presence and likes to feel you next to him.

CONS:

While not having a volatile temper per-se, Gogeta is the stoic type who sometimes prefer to quietly hang around in his own head rather than chat with you about mundane things. Depending on the day, you can annoy him and he'll be prickly. He never means any of it personally, and at times, might not even realize how he acts or what he says can come off the wrong way because it's not his intention.

Gogeta is brutally honest. He can and will say things to you that you'll probably not want to hear or find cruel, if he's to be truly honest. He doesn't believe in sugarcoating or pussyfooting, nor is he a "social media boyfriend" who will mindlessly stan or defend his s/o if they're getting rightfully criticized.

He can be dense. Guy's made of two saiyans who for sure had many moments of dense-ness in their lives. He can catch into tone or intentions sometimes, but more often than not, things fly over his head. He will get annoyed if you insinuate he's being dumb or whatever, even as a joke.

[kingflups]

Fresh out of my watch of Earthspark, here’s some of my initial thoughts: Spoilers Incoming!

Right off the bat I fucking loved Megatron. His introduction was wonderful, I loved his interactions with the con’s and with the baby Terrans. The scene where Soundwave called him a traitor, and you could see how it fucking cut Megatron to his core? Devastating! I loved it. And then earlier in the same episode when Megs was fighting with Optimus about GHOST’s treatment of the imprisoned Decepticons, I liked how it set up the potential for an arc where Optimus is in the wrong. I’m not sure if this is the direction the show is going, but it seems to me they’re laying the groundwork for GHOST going full shady government and for Optimus to continue to side with them for the sake of an uneasy peace. It might be a stretch with the demographic Earthspark is aimed for, but with Megatron being a protagonist and having precedence for being the conscious of the duo (when he convinced Optimus to let the cassettes go free), they might have the balls to do it, and I’m fucking excited!! I’d love to see vigilante Megatron, and with the amount of new characters and returning con’s running around, I think there’s wonderful potential for team ups.

Tonally, I’m expecting a shift for episodes coming forward. Not a crazy one, but it seems this first round was setting up expectations for the show. It’s very cute, they had wonderful family dynamics, and I loved the Malto’s mixed family paralleling how the Terran’s were split between Cybertronian and earth culture. Speaking of which, the Malto’s have my whole heart. Mo and Dorothy are my favorite of the four, I’m very excited we can add Mo to the growing collection of weird transformers girls alongside Miko and Sari. Dot’s a fucking badass, her friendship with Megatron was a highlight of the show. When the focus changed to her, the tone became more serious and I wish we spent more time with her and Megs, but I’m sure we will going forward.

As we get more episodes, I’m sure Earthspark is going to be more story driven, but not to a crazy degree. Well, maybe they will go ham with story. Did you see the amount of story thread’s they’ve laid down?

Dr. Meridian (might be able to do mind control based episode 1? Also wonderful body horror potential?)

Soundwave breaking into prison/Starscream’s reveal

The Terran’s origin

The new, new babies

Swindle running around

GHOST being shady

Megatron’s uneasiness regarding the alliance

Bumblebee’s supposed “death”

I’m sure I’m missing a few, but even with this list we have some awesome potential… I’m just so excited for what Earthspark is bringing to the table! I’m hoping they lean into more action going forward, as they do fucking great things in motion, and I hope we see more interactions with Cybertronians from now on. I love Twitch and Thrash, but I feel like the show is at it’s weakest when Bumblebee is on alone on screen with them. It lacks some of the depth the other characters have, and I know Bee cares about them a lot, but Twitch especially excels when she’s with other Cybertronians, like Megatron or Wheeljack. I’m hoping we see a lot more of the cast interacting as the show goes on! They have some exciting potential and a lot of fun dynamics to explore!!

[sanuske-ramblings]

Fire Emblem Engage Thoughts:

I am so excited for Fire Emblem: Engage. I haven't stopped thinking about it since the reveal and the more I look into it the more excited I am.

Looking at Engage side-by-side with Three Houses, visually it isn't even a contest. Engage is so vibrant and nice to look at. Especially the animations. Three Houses combat had a much different feel to the usual combat because it was aiming for the "commanders on the battlefield" effect. So the attack animations sometimes felt more like toned down warriors animations instead of 1v1 battle animations. Which makes sense given most battles also had battalions chilling in the background. Engage's animations so far are a lot more personal and a lot flashier. The weapon hit effects in this game look so good, and they actually look like they are hitting the enemy as opposed to the massive arcs that the Three Houses attacks had. I have to imagine that ditching the Battalion system probably cleared up a ton of the graphical budget.

I'm not particularly a fan of Toothpaste-chan's design, but honestly it stopped bothering me almost instantly, and the rest of the designs look pretty solid. Overall the art direction is incredibly pleasing to the eye, and hopefully it won't have the same readability issues Three Houses had.

But Mechanics. That's what really has my brain hooked.

Now some of this is just speculation, but we've been given reason to speculate about some of the core mechanical changes. Here are the things that have me the most excited.

It looks like we're getting classes with more of an identity back. Classes seem to be weapon locked which means that each class/character has their own identity instead of classes just being skill containers. Hopefully this is paired with limited re-classing so we have some freedom on customization, but we don't end up with every character being able to be a wyvern lord.

Traditional FE Recruitment. Judging by the leaks, the Jaegan, and the fact that this isn't a school, we're probably heading back to the normal style of recruitment where you pick up random orphans/child soldiers across the story. This means you have a nice stream of replacement units and just new cool dudes joining your team, and that feels a lot more Fire Emblem than Three Houses's "Pick a school, kidnap some students, and then no new units"

Skills. The handful of skills we've seen actually have some massive impact. The Override/Momentum skill that we saw in the trailer where the cavalier charged through multiple units and damage both of them. I want that. I want to see more absurd movement/AOE skills that make you think up new crazy strategies.

The Engage system. I'm a bit hesitant on the idea of "summoning past heroes" because nostalgia bait, but also the idea of having a handful of powerups to assign to your army that give you some powerful and flashy new abilities is super cool and actually seeing it in action has me completely on board.

Maps. We've only seen a few maps so far, but they seem to be smaller and more detailed than Three Houses maps. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective, but I'm hopeful that this means things are more tightly designed and lead to more interesting tactical decisions.

There are a few things that I'm slightly more iffy on, but they are minor issues that I'll need to see how the whole game is before I can really judge them.

Lack of Weapon Durability. Weapon Durability is a very controversial mechanic in many games, but it always felt at home in Fire Emblem. It allows the game to hand you super powerful items early, knowing that you can't just spam them through every challenge. Everybody who's played a classic FE game has had the dilemma of whether or not to fish for a Killer Crit or just beat a dude to death with an iron sword. Fates didn't have weapon durability, so it added downsides to a bunch of the stronger weapons, which sounded like a cool way to balance them, but it ended up making a forged iron sword the best weapon because it didn't have any of the massive penalties. Echoes also didn't have durability, but Echoes is amazing and weird and different.

Fanservice. The core concept of summing past heroes feels unnecessary and feels like just pandering, but also I'm aware that this was supposed to be a 30th anniversary game. Also Lyn is in it and I'm a hypocrite.

And that's about it. I have a few fears with how things could turn out, but otherwise I am 110% on board. I feel like I sounded a bit too harsh on Three Houses, but that's just because comparing them side by side the difference in visual polish between them is astounding. Three Houses is one of my favorite switch games after Smash and Dread, but I am blown away at the early footage of Engage.

[mila-no-tblr]

Between Us, ep01

[apn-music]

'EASY-TO-USE' Free Virtual Instrument Arturia Analog Lab Play

Arturia's synthesizer preset collection 'Analog Lab' Clear Targeted Version: Play Sound Samples First Impressions Detailed Manipulation for Additional Sound Design Limited Number of Presets Desiring a Virtual Instrument that Inspires Learning

Arturia's synthesizer preset collection 'Analog Lab'

Arturia's Analog Lab is akin to Native Instruments' Play series. Both companies are renowned for their virtual instrument plugins. Analog Lab and the Play series both aim to facilitate easy sound manipulation with simple operations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1BSnJP3Flc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbQ5QnpHjdg However, Analog Lab has a slightly different nature right from its name. While NI's Play series mainly focuses on sampling instruments suitable for specific genres or styles, Analog Lab is a collection of presets utilizing the sounds of Arturia's analog synthesizer modeling products (V Collection). Yet, the interface is not complex. The sound remains analog-like, while the user interface is intuitive and follows abstract imagery. In that aspect, it seems to be a good choice for users seeking both analog sound and convenience.

Clear Targeted Version: Play

The latest version of Analog Lab is Analog Lab V. Recently, Arturia has switched the sales approach of Analog Lab V to 'Pro' and 'Play' versions. Play is a free version with some features restricted. While it might be a very 'personal' thought, I wonder if this move is aimed at the Play series of Native Instruments. Nevertheless, these two products have similar intentions and characteristics. Manipulating every knob and parameter of a synthesizer to create sound can be fun but quite exhausting. Especially if you're clicking on a small monitor with a mouse, it can be frustrating. As someone lacking expertise and manic passion in synthesizing, I naturally became curious about the direction of a product like Analog Lab Play. Installing Analog Lab V through the Arturia Software Center grants full access to the Pro version for licensed users, while Analog Lab Play seems to be activated for non-purchasers. Currently, the installed virtual instrument or download manager still displays 'Analog Lab V,' but the official name has been changed to 'Analog Lab' on the Arturia website. Moreover, it appears as 'Analog Lab Pro' on search engines, leading to confusion regarding the product name, indicating a need for improvement.

Sound Samples

First Impressions

Whether it's a synthesizer or an amp simulator, the sound set as the 'first sound' when you load a plugin is crucial. Although users may change it to their desired sound, the initial sound when launching a virtual instrument should provide satisfaction and excitement, as it sets the tone for the experience. Analog Lab Play starts with an EP sound reminiscent of the JUNO series. I wanted to try different sounds immediately but found out that I could switch to the next preset directly using the left and right arrow keys without moving the mouse. I only realized this feature later and changed presets using the mouse initially, but I wonder if it would have been helpful to have a popup guide at the beginning.

Switching presets with the keyboard arrow keys navigates through different categories of presets such as EP, bass, strings, leads, etc. It's not random but follows a predetermined order. However, looking at the order within 'All Presets,' it doesn't seem to align with the direction keys. While it might not be significant, it feels like they're arranged more as a demo or trial experience. It would have been more intriguing if the sounds changed randomly.

Once you specify the preset category and press the arrow keys, the sound changes within that category. You can also categorize presets based on sound type or instrument type in the browser. Additional sounds can be purchased from the store.

Detailed Manipulation for Additional Sound Design

I found myself just pressing the arrow keys to listen to different sounds without needing to touch the mouse or do anything special. This seemed to be the identity and intent of this Play version. Nevertheless, some sound modifications are possible.

You can manipulate knobs like Brightness, Timbre, Time, Movement, etc., for basic sound design. Depending on the preset, controls like Reverb become available instead of Brightness, tailored to the sound's characteristics. Adjusting the Mix knobs of effects like Chorus, Phaser, or Compressor allows you to completely remove or increase the effects. Reverb and delay can also be controlled separately with volume knobs.

You can mix an 808 drum with applied amp sound using the Mix knob. In fact, to implement such FX effects with effectors, you would need to manipulate more knobs. There seems to be evidence of considering what minimal controls are needed while using this preset. Although the Play version provides only a simplified set of knobs for sound manipulation besides selecting presets, it still allows for various sound designs.

The Keyboard Split feature, which has been available in Analog Lab, is also usable in the Play version. For presets mainly composed of layered pad sounds, you can see orange and green lines on the virtual keyboard. Two sounds are playing in these presets, and by assigning these two lines to certain keys, you can allocate MIDI notes to be played. It's an advantage to have such excellent features of Analog Lab available for free.

Limited Number of Presets

The most significant limitation of the Play version is the small number of presets. While the possibilities of extensive sound design offered in the Pro version might be a merit for those proficient in composition, the fact that more presets can be used is undeniably the real advantage of the Analog Lab series, which pursues simplicity and convenience.

The Play version allows for 100 presets. While this might not be too few, categories like EP have only 4 presets, and drums have only 7, making the scarcity of presets quite apparent. The Pro version offers 2,000 presets and the ability to add custom presets. The regular price of Analog Lab Pro is $199. Although it's currently discounted to $99, it still raises doubts whether upgrading at such a price from the free version is worthwhile. Perhaps the Play version already offers too much? If you're considering purchasing after trying the Play version, it might be more beneficial in the long run to buy the V Collection, which provides more freedom and utility.

Desiring a Virtual Instrument that Inspires Learning

As virtual instrument usage becomes more simplified and accessible, there are concerns as well. Analog Lab Play allows for the easy use of satisfying, good-quality sounds without much effort. Furthermore, if MIDI sample packs easily available on the internet are used, composition might just become looping MIDI files while pressing arrow keys to browse presets.

As you use the limited number of presets and restricted sound manipulation features, you might begin to feel the limitations of the free version. However, instead of igniting curiosity and eagerness for sound design, it merely makes you wish for more convenient presets. I recall my frustrations and excitement when I first encountered synthesizers as an undergraduate, trying to create patches. I always hope for virtual instruments with interfaces and functionalities that promote user curiosity and learning. This article was published in partnership with Monthly Mixing. Read the full article

[suryaprabisha1]

Nailing the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question in Your Job Interview

The dreaded “Tell me about yourself” question is a staple in almost every job interview. It’s often the first question thrown your way, and how you respond can set the tone for the rest of the interview. While it may seem simple, this open-ended query can be a stumbling block for many job seekers. In this blog, we’ll explore the art of nailing the “Tell me about yourself” question and turning it into a powerful tool to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Why Is It So Important?

Before we delve into crafting the perfect response, let’s understand why this question carries such weight in an interview:

First Impressions: This question often marks the beginning of the interview, making it your first opportunity to make a positive impression. Your response sets the tone for the conversation that follows.

Direction Setter: Your answer provides the interviewer with an overview of your professional background and personal attributes. It helps them decide which aspects of your experience to explore further.

Ice Breaker: It can be a great icebreaker, allowing you to establish rapport with the interviewer and ease into the interview conversation.

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

To succeed in answering the “Tell me about yourself” question, think of it as your elevator pitch—a concise, engaging summary of your professional journey and what you bring to the table. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft the perfect response:

Start with a Hook: Begin with a memorable opening line that grabs the interviewer’s attention. This could be a brief personal anecdote, a notable achievement, or a statement about your passion for the industry.

Highlight Your Career Trajectory: Next, provide a high-level overview of your professional journey. Mention your current position, job title, and the organisation you work for. Briefly touch on your relevant work experience and career progression.

Emphasise Your Achievements: Highlight a few key accomplishments or experiences that showcase your skills and qualifications. Focus on achievements that directly relate to the job you’re interviewing for. Use metrics or data where possible to quantify your impact.

Demonstrate Alignment: Show how your background and skills align with the specific role and company. Mention why you’re interested in the position and how it fits into your career goals.

Inject Personality: Don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality into your response. This can help you connect with the interviewer on a more personal level. Mention hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate your well-roundedness.

Keep It Concise: While it’s essential to cover the relevant points, remember to keep your response concise. Aim to deliver your elevator pitch in about 2-3 minutes. Rambling or providing excessive details can dilute the impact of your message.

Practise, Practise, Practise: Once you’ve crafted your response, practise it until it flows naturally. You don’t want to come across as rehearsed, but you should be comfortable and confident when delivering your pitch.

Sample Response

Here’s a sample response to give you an idea of how to structure your answer:

“Sure, I’d be happy to. I’m currently a [Your Current Job Title] at [Your Current Company], where I [briefly describe your role and responsibilities]. Over the past [X years of experience], I’ve had the opportunity to [mention a significant accomplishment or project].

One of my proudest achievements was [briefly describe an achievement, using specific metrics if possible]. This experience taught me [mention a valuable skill or lesson] that I believe will be an asset in this role.

I’ve always been passionate about [mention your passion or interest related to the job]. That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about the opportunity at [Interviewer’s Company], as it aligns perfectly with my background and interests.

Outside of work, I enjoy [mention a relevant hobby or interest that highlights your personality]. I find that it helps me [mention how this hobby or interest benefits your professional life].

In a nutshell, I’m a [Your Key Strengths] professional with a passion for [Your Passion], and I’m eager to bring my skills and experience to the team here at [Interviewer’s Company].”

Final Thoughts

The “Tell me about yourself” question is your chance to shine and make a memorable first impression. By crafting a compelling and concise elevator pitch that highlights your qualifications, achievements, and personality, you can leave a positive impression on your interviewer. Practise your response until it feels natural, and remember to tailor it to the specific job and company you’re interviewing with. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to nailing this crucial interview question. Good luck!

[personasintro]

bruhhhhh what about a drabble in which y/n is a little TOO drunk and jimin and tae cant handle her after they brought her back to her apartment so jk the mf king comes to beat her ass 🥊🥊🥊 ( and he is like able to shush her and shes intimidated by him ) 😏✨🤭

A part of Mutual Help series!

pairing: mh!jungkook x reader

warnings: explicit language

word count: 1.9k+

a/n: I hope you’re enjoying these!! please let me know what you think about it and if I should write more of them x

##

You’re not the one to usually get fucked up.

With friends like Taehyung and Jimin, you’re usually the one looking after them and calling them a cab so they get home safely. They’re the wild ones that love to party, talk to other women and spend the night making out with them, if not inviting them to their apartments for a casual hook-up.

So, when the time comes and you tell yourself to “fuck it” because you’ve to loosen up and release all the tension from your new job and the responsibility that comes with it, you’re the one that needs to be taken care of.

However, even though you’ve planned to drink a little more tonight than you usually do, you haven’t planned to get fucked up at one of those nights where Taehyung insisted on going to a club. Again.

To be honest, you’re not sure what he likes about clubbing that much. You don’t like it but you go, because it’s always fun with your friends. But there are other factors that make you literally go “nooo” when someone proposes to go clubbing. Like all the people, sweaty people, that don’t know anything about personal space. Some of them probably carry perfumes, most of them being women because you could always smell the mix of different perfumes whenever you’d enter the restroom. It’s not a nice smell though. It makes you vomit and especially when you’ve had enough.

Not mentioning all the intrusive guys who are drunk and just looking for a vagina they could fuck.

It sounds as if you’re going clubbing often, but you’re not. If it weren’t for your friends, you’d barely go clubbing because you’re not the type to want that on your own. It’s not usually your idea to go, if ever. But everything seems fun with your friends and honestly, you feel comfortable enough to go with them.

Friends, who probably find you very difficult and annoying at the moment as they’re trying to make you sit on the small bench in your corridor.

“I hate clubbing,” you mutter drunkenly at them, laughing when Taehyung gets on his knees in front of you and tries to grab your ankles to take off your heels.

“We know, you tell us that every time you get wasted.” Taehyung mutters, ignoring the way your mouth falls open in disbelief.

“Taehyungie,” Jimin scolds him, getting on his knees as well to help Taehyung who seems to have trouble with taking off your heels.

Giggling through the entire time, you’re suddenly reminded of something when you look at the two men in front of you, seeing nothing but the top of their heads. “I got two men on their knees.”

Taehyung looks up, cocking his brow at you and finding you extremely annoying as you’re laughing to the point your shoulders shake. Jimin chuckles, nudging Taehyung with his shoulder as he breaks out a grin before they finally get your heels off.

“Kook, we’re taking her to the bedroom!” Jimin calls out to Jungkook who must be somewhere in your apartment. You can’t remember where he went.

“Oooh, sounds… exciting boys!” you joke, your voice resounding in your apartment.

Jungkook chuckles at that, currently in your kitchen preparing you a glass of water and pulling out painkillers from one of the cabinets. You’ll need it for sure. There’s a lot of commotion coming out of your room, something about taking off your make-up which makes Taehyung groan loudly. Jungkook doesn’t fight off the amused grin, only because now Taehyung finally understands how annoying he’s being when he’s drunk. Or at least he hopes he understands.

Jungkook pulls a coke out of your fridge and pours some for himself and for the guys, knowing they’ll have to wait until you fall asleep so they can go. Honestly, Jungkook wonders if one of them should spend the night just in case you get sick. Which you probably will because he hasn’t seen you this drunk in a while. You mentioned something about work when you first entered the club and had your first drink. However, Jungkook wonders if the problem lies somewhere else and that is Heaven. Or whatever his name is.

You’ve been dating for a while and it’s been only over two weeks since you mentioned the relationship isn’t what it used to be. He can smell a break-up in the air and he wonders if you got drunk because it either already happened or you know it will. Maybe he’s just overthinking this. Maybe you just wanted to have fun and get fucked up like Taehyung and Jimin do on a daily basis.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung suddenly yells, the door being opened before they’re loudly shut, Jimin’s soft but loud voice heard for a second.

Jungkook straightens up, ready to make a way over there but before he can move, Taehyung already storms into the kitchen. Face read and annoyed as he looks out of breath, as if he was fighting off a—

“Demon,” Taehyung breathes out, “Y/N is a freaking demon when she’s drunk.”

Jungkook laughs, “She’s just drunk, Tae.”

“Yeah, and she just slapped me for apparently pressing her eyes too harshly when I tried to take off her make-up because she can’t go to sleep without taking it off. God, that woman is a nightmare when she’s drunk!”

“It’s not like you’re a dream when you’re drunk,” Jungkook murmurs, earning a huge glare from Taehyung who keeps his mouth shut because deep down, he knows he’s just as bad.

“Go there! She’s your responsibility right now!” Taehyung exclaims loudly as Jungkook rolls his eyes and puts his body to a move as he brushes past Taehyung.

He barely gets to hold the doorknob before the door is being pushed open again and exhausted Jimin makes eye contact with him. “Great, you’re here!”

Jimin is out of the room and quickly joins Taehyung in the kitchen. Bastards…

Jungkook warily makes it into your room, looking around and barely noticing the flying pillow aimed at him. He catches it at the last minute, frowning at you as you’re standing at the corner of your room next to your closet, still wearing the dress that you wore to the club.

“What was that for?” Jungkook exclaims, watching you drunkenly and messily walk towards your bed before you take another pillow. Before Jungkook knows it, it’s thrown in his direction all over again and he catches it effortlessly and stomps his way over to you.

You’re screaming as if he’s about to kill you, trying to get away from him by jumping onto your bed and getting off the other side.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Jungkook asks, trying to get you from the other side but for a drunk person, you’re quick and make it out of your bed while standing in the middle of the room.

Jungkook stands there, watching you with narrow eyes for a moment. You do the same thing, stumbling a little. Jungkook uses the moment of surprise and he rushes over to you, not giving you any time to react and even when you try to, he gets a hold of you.

“What the fuck,” Jungkook groans when you trash in his arms, “Calm down, you need to get to bed. You’re going to hurt yourself, you damn woman.”

“No!” you whine, gasping when Jungkook lifts you up while his arms are wrapped around your waist, tossing you to the bed.

“Stop it,” he scolds you in a warning, pointing his finger at you which makes you slouch your shoulders in defeat. “What’s the matter?”

“I wanna go clubbing!” you pout, slapping your hands beside your sides like a bratty kid which makes Jungkook roll his eyes at your behavior.

He hears Jimin and Taehyung peeking out behind the door, watching the scene in front of them with curious and amused eyes. Jungkook glares at them but they just grin at them, silently telling him “See?”.

“You’re acting like a brat, Y/N,” Jungkook comments, sitting on the edge of your bed as you dramatically gasp. “And you’re drunk. You wanted to go home just a few minutes ago.”

“Yeah?” you ask, holding your head high as you’re fighting off the pout again. “Well, I wanna go back. I changed my mind.”

“You can’t just change your mind,” Jungkook shakes his head, “You’re already home.”

“You’re no fun,” you comment, tossing yourself on the back as you stare at the ceiling. “I don’t wanna be alone here.” you almost whisper, not really sure why you just admitted that all of a sudden.

Just a minute ago you were having fun and wanted nothing but be alone.

“We could stay here…” Jungkook reminds you softly. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Can you? I think I’m gonna throw up once I fall asleep.” you admit, causing Jungkook to laugh a little. You sound so innocent and child-like. If you weren’t wearing that tight dress, he would actually believe you’re a kid for a moment.

“How about you change your clothes and put some pajamas on? We’re gonna set the couch and stay the night.”

“You’re not gonna fit there!” you whine, “Can you stay here with me?”

It wouldn’t be the first time you guys share a bed, but ever since you started dating Haechan there weren’t many opportunities to do that, nor were you looking for those opportunities. You’re not sure how he’d like that and just out of respect, you and Jungkook mutually understood you should tone it down even though nothing ever happens. You’re friends.

“You sure?” he asks, raising his brow. You might be wasted but you can still think logically, which couldn’t be said five minutes ago.

“Yeah,” you nod eagerly, “Can you rub my back though?”

Jungkook laughs, Jimin and Taehyung join too who are still watching the two of you and how easily Jungkook has handled you. “Deal, but be in bed in your pajamas once I come back. Or no back rubbing.”

“Yes, daddy.”

“Y/N!” Jungkook screeches, standing up as he looks at you in annoyance. You’re such a brat, you know he hates being called that and you’re still teasing and annoying him even in your current state.

Taehyung cackles and Jimin joins too, not being able to hold it any longer as Jungkook rushes them out of the door to give you the privacy. Once Jungkook makes it to your room to check on you, you’re patiently waiting for him and his back rubs patting the spot next to you. God, he thought you’d fall asleep.

But he joins you, rubbing your back just like he promised until you fall asleep so he can take a shower. Jimin and Taehyung are already sprawled on your couch, talking a bit before they fall asleep too. And when you wake up in the middle of the night, Jungkook holds the bucket for you until you fall asleep again, silently apologizing.

The next morning, Taehyung doesn’t forget to remind you what a pain in the ass you were which causes Jimin to scold him while Jungkook glares at his older friend. But you easily tell him to fuck off, reminding him all of the times he was the one being annoying and a pain in the ass.

Jungkook doesn’t fight off the grin he gives you. You can take care of yourself, maybe not entirely when you’re wasted but you can easily handle Kim Taehyung.

[rezzyromance]

Idk if this is how you request things or if it's just asking, BUT-

How would the Lords react to an S/O that's usually the chillest person that you will ever meet (not to be confused with a pushover because they are not), they've never seen them even mildly annoyed when something bad happens. But then something happens and, turns out, the S/O is utterly TERRIFYING when they're mad.

Hope this makes sense!

Aw man I'm gonna feel awful scaring Moreau and Donna :(

Alcina

You're relaxing on a beautiful morning. The sun is shining through the window just enough to warm the room but not hurt your eyes. You hadn't even changed out of your sleep wear. "How are you feeling, my dear?", a sweet voice rang from the doorway. You were sitting in your favorite chair near the window. You turn and smile at her. She walks over and rubs your face in her large hand before leaning down and giving you a soft kiss. "I'm feeling amazing. And you?", you grab her hand before she pulls it away and you place a kiss on her knuckles. "I'm feeling alright. There's a new maid here. She's a bit slow. I'm giving her until tonight to finish dusting the entire castle or else she won't see another sunrise." It was almost comedic how dark her words were as you both stared out the window and gazed at the beautiful scenery. "Come on Alcina.", you stand up and place your hands on hers, trying to hold them despite the size difference. "Give the girl a break. It's a huge castle AND it's her first day.", you knew your words would probably change nothing. Alcina was rather cruel, but you looked past it. You tried your best to make the nervous maids comfortable whenever they arrive.

"We'll see how she does." She gives you one more kiss before leaving the room. You sit back down in your chair, enjoying the warmth of the sun for a little while longer. You lose track of time, minutes maybe even hours go by. Suddenly, there's a crash not far from the door. You jump and stand up, no longer comfortable after being startled. "What in the name of Mother Miranda?!", you leave the room and look down the hallway. The new maid stood there with a terrified look on her face. In front of her was one of the paintings Alcina had on her walls, now with a broken frame and a hole punctured. Your blood began to boil. It was a painting of you, her, and the girls all together. It was your favorite. "How in the hell did you manage to do that?!", you begin to stomp towards her. She cowers and struggles to find her words. "I-I-I was just dusting! It fell and I-I didn't mean t-", you cut her off. "How the fuck did you knock such a large painting over just by dusting?! DO YOU THINK YOU'RE ALLOWED TO MAKE SUCH STUPID MISTAKES HERE?!", you unravel. "I-I didn't mean to! I'm sorry!", she almost begins to weep. "SORRY ISN'T GONNA SAVE YOUR ASS!"

"MISS DIMITRESCU PLEASE HELP!", she cries out. You freeze, realizing that the lady herself is right behind you. You turn to face her. Her eyes are wide with shock. She has never seen you like this before and never even knew you had this type of side to you. She was impressed as much as she was terrified. "(Y/N)? Are you alright my love?" She had no idea what to do as your seething slowed down. "Why don't you go back to the room, yes? Settle down a little and deal with her later.", she places a hand on your back helps walk with you back to the room. Once you're there, she bends down to whisper in your ear. "I don't know where this side of you has been this whole time, but I am so amazed by you. And also a little frightened."

Donna

The Beneviento house was usually a calm place despite its creepy aura. You and Donna are both quiet and chill people. Never once have you fought or even raised your voices at each other. It was pleasant.

You had planned a nice dinner for the both of you. You wanted to try out a new recipe and surprise her, so you made your way to the kitchen to get started. "Okay, what first? I guess I'll need a pot.", you go rummaging through the kitchen and you find the pots stacked within each other inside one of the top cabinets. You groan and stand up on your toes, grazing the pots with your fingers. It didn't take much to cause them to tumble down, crashing on top of you with a loud sound that followed. "Aw shit.", you sighed and picked up the knocked over pots. A small but annoying pain began to throb in your head from where it made contact with a pot. What you didn't notice was you forgot to pick one of the pots up. It remained unnoticed. "It's fine.", you say to yourself as you maintain your composure. Next, a cutting board and knife. You turn around and begin to walk forward to find the cutting board, but you slam your toe into counter. You wince in pain and grab your foot. "SON OF A BITCH!", you yell.

You calm yourself, still wanting to have a pleasant meal with Donna. "Alright. Everything's fine." You step forward and kick the pot that you had forgotten to pick up. It caused your freshly kicked toe to ache even more. "OH COME ON! GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!", you scream and swear as you throw your arms up in pure rage and shock.

"...(Y/N)?", a gentle voice whispered from the doorway, causing you to whip your head in that direction. It was Donna. She looked absolutely horrified and almost looked like she could cry. "Is.. is everything... are you alright?", she worried. "Yes. I'm sorry. Just got a little pissed off.", you took a deep breath to calm yourself down, feeling bad for scaring the poor girl.

Moreau

You were sitting on the dock together, looking into the water as your feet swung back and forth above it. It was a sunny day and you two decided to spend it outside. Your hand slowly made its way over to his. His feet stopped swinging for a second as you entangled your fingers. "I don't know what I'd do without you, (Y/N)." his words were bitter sweet as a gentle smile formed from his lips. "Oh, Sal. You don't have to think like that. I'll always be here for you.", you kiss his cheek and continue to relax as you sway your legs.

"There it is! There's the beast!", a voice yelled from not so far away. You both look in the direction of the voice and see a few young village boys. Possibly between the ages of 13 and 16. Moreau had become some what of a scary story for the villagers. A tale that kids spread on school court yard and bring up during dares. But, you've never seen a kid brave enough to actually make it far enough into the reservoir to actually see Moreau. Now, there were about 3. All of them stood and pointed, shocked and terrified.

"Hey beast! Come get me!", one kid teases. You glare at the kids as a newfound rage begins to boil inside you. "Let's go back inside.", Moreau says before standing up from the doc. The sadness in his voice was heartbreaking. Suddenly, one of the children gathers the guts to pick up a rock and throw it as hard as he could. His aim was off, but not by much. It slammed into the wood near Moreau's feet, startling him. "Take that you devil!", he laughs. "THAT'S IT YOU LITTLE SHIT!", you begin sprinting in the direction of the immature brats. Two of them run from the direction they came from while the one who threw the rock was frozen in fear. You took the opportunity to grab him by the collar of his shirt. "Listen here you little waste of space. I'm gonna give you 3 seconds to turn around and run for your goddamn life. If you or any of your little snot-nosed friends come around here again, they'll be goddamn fish food. Do you understand?" The kid was too scared to speak and instead began to nod rapidly. You let him go and watched as he ran as fast as he could, screaming the whole way.

You walk back to the shack and find Moreau standing in the same place he was when you took off. His mouth was agape and he looked almost as scared as the kids. "You alright Sal? I made sure those little shits won't be coming around here anymore." "Yeah... I didn't know you could be so... scary", he says. "I'm sorry. But those kids were being cruel. I had to do something.", you say. "Well... it was awesome!", he smiled. "But also very scary!" You laugh which helps sooth him a little.

Heisenberg

"Screw driver.", is all Karl said with an outstretched palm. He was working on some type of mechanical heart for his experiments. He wanted you to lend a "helping hand" even though he could easily do it all by himself. He did this because he wanted to be around you, he was just too stubborn with too big of an ego to simply say it. So here you were, handing him every little tool he asks for.

"Do you want the big one or the little one?", you say with a hint of boredom in your tone. "Aw c'mon don't sound like that! Isn't this exciting? It's like you're working on it with me! Also, hand me the big one.", you do as he says and hand him the big screw driver. "I just don't get it. You literally have powers. You can easily do this by yourself and have been for so long. Why do you need me to help?" He pauses for a second and looks over towards you, his brow slightly furrowed. "I don't NEED you to help. I just thought it would be nice for you to help out. Plus, you're the one always bitching about me constantly working. Well, here you are! Helping me work! So, either suck it up or you can leave." His harshness had no real ill will in it. He was just confused and a bit too ignorant to consider his words. But, he was testing your patience. He continued to use the screwdriver until handing it to you without saying a word.

"Hand me a screw.", he demanded with his hand facing palm up again. "Which size?" "They're all the same sizes, dumbass." You feel your blood begin to boil. "They're different fucking sizes! This one is smaller than this one!", you hold up two screws that are obviously different sizes. This makes Karl angry. Not because you were right, but because you seemed upset over something that seemed so insignificant.

"If you came here just to yap in my ear, then I don't think I need your assistance.", he huffed. You put the selection of tools and supplies he was making you hold on the table he is working on and ball your fists. "You're the one who told me to do this in the first place!", you yell. "Yeah, because you won't stop bitching! Non-stop you're always compla-" you cut him off before he can finish. "SHUT UP!", you yell. The room goes silent. "YOU SAY I'M BITCHING? HAVE YOU HEARD YOURSELF? JESUS FUCKING CHRIST KARL YOU BITCH AND MOAN ALL THE TIME! I'M DONE TAKING SHIT FROM YOU!" He wanted to be angry, but he couldn't. He felt something much more overwhelming. Was he.. intimidated? He didn't move from his seat. All he could do was look up at you with a confused expression. What now? What is there to do? If he pushes you further, what would happen? He was actually too scared to find out.

You take a deep breath to calm down before speaking. "Now, if you want me to help with your shit, I'll stay as long as you keep your mouth shut. Can you possibly manage to do that?" He gulps nervously. "Yes ma'am."

[glowingbadger]

Okay, so I had a thought for our dear fox boy, Kurama.... Imagine, "trying" to tease him by going down on him only to suddenly switch it up and go down on you instead, especially when you least expect it as revenge. You're on the phone with your best friend and suddenly he's there between your legs, but you can't say anything or let your friend know.

Oh-hoo, a most excellent concept, friend- and actually plays into a couple things I've written about Kurama before too, so I guess I should have seen this coming xD

Also this all just reminded me that I HAVE to do some sketches of the YYH boys in late 90's fashion. Ugh, what absolute icons.

Kurama (YYH) x AFAB Reader

NSFW 18+ v

Kurama's hair splays out across the pillow, making him look for all the world like a lounging ingenue in a romantic painting. Still, those emerald eyes level on you with a sharp cunning that tells you clearly where you stand. He wears a subdued smile that someone who didn't know him might find pleasant, charming- but you know what the grin of a fox spirit really means.

"Feeling rather bold today, aren't you?" he says, his tone light and conversational, even as your hands run down his chest and the toned contours of his abdomen from atop his clothing.

"Well, it doesn't seem fair for you to call the shots all the time," you reply from your position straddling his hips. You like to think you sound the part of the confident seductress, but your heart leaps every time you meet Kurama's calculated gaze. You may be in the "dominant" position, but you know you haven't nearly tamed him. For now, you'll just have to try to push him a bit further.

You kiss a slow and deliberate path down the center of his torso, undoing the buttons of his shirt one-by-one, and revelling in the feeling of firm muscle shifting and flexing at your touch. Kurama lets out an openly pleasured sigh, and doesn't shy away in the slightest as your hands reach the front of his jeans. With a playful little hum, you run your hand up along the bulge of his stiffening cock beneath layers of fabric. Very subtly, his hips shift up towards your touch, and you bite at your lip as your eyes flicker up to his yet unreadable expression.

"You must be much more sensitive than you let on, Kurama," you tease, tracing his length with a single finger, "You're already this hard, after all."

Just as you'd started to feel sure of having the upper hand, he props himself up on an elbow to observe you between his thighs. One hand reaches down to caress your cheek, ending at your chin, where his thumb runs the curve of your lower lip.

"Of course I am," he replies bluntly, "It's only natural when I desire you so ardently. Besides," he goes on, his grin curling into a smirk, "If your aim is retribution for all that I've done to you, then I imagine I have quite a thrilling evening to look forward to."

So much for flustering him, or even just getting him to act a little bit shy. Your cheeks burn hot, and you mumble,

"Should have tied you up. And gagged you, while we're at it."

"Hm. Perhaps you should have," Kurama replies casually.

This bastard. Is it really this impossible to gain the slightest bit of ground on him?

Impatient for results, you undo the front of his jeans, and tug them down with his boxers, freeing his impressive member from its confines. Kurama continues to watch you comfortably as you take the base of his cock in hand and slowly drag your tongue up the underside of his shaft. You can feel it twitching and swelling in your hand, hardening to its full size before too long. Frankly, you've half a mind to climb onto his lap and ride him then and there. He does so love to tease you- the chance to have him now without the usual exercise of restraint is undeniably tempting. For the time being, you satisfy yourself with gently licking and kissing his twitching manhood, letting the warmth of your breath and fleeting touches gently stimulate him.

He is clearly enjoying himself; aside from the soft murmurs of pleasure he grants you as your tongue circles the crown of his cock, his direct gaze hasn't wavered for even a moment. Still propped up above you, he absently strokes your hair in one hand as half-lidded eyes watch your attempts to provoke him.

"You mean to tease me, I see..." he says softly, his tone only hinting at his amusement. Even better concealed is the heady arousal building at his core- his desire to break this arrogant facade you've put on, to see you crumble back into obedience at his hands.

And as if by divine providence, his opportunity arrives.

The phone at the bedside table rings, and you pause to glance up at Kurama. Only the glint in his eye hints at his plan at first- but then, as you watch in disbelief, he picks up the phone before it's finished its third ring. He sits upright as he greets your friend on the line, and your body feels hot and cold all at once.

"Hm? Oh, yes- right here, in fact. One moment."

Kurama meets your eyes with a smirk and offers the phone to you with his hand cupped over the receiver. Your face is burning red, and you grumble near inaudibly,

"No fair!"

He gives a short laugh, tucking away his still-hard cock and then fixing his clothing with his free hand as he says,

"I apologize if I have ever given you the impression that I am 'fair' by nature." All at once, he catches you around the waist and pulls you down onto your back on the bed. You resist crying out in surprise, if only because when you look up at him and see the smouldering heat in his eyes, your breath catches in your chest. Then, without a word, he hands the phone to you. Biting nervously at your lower lip, you take it from him, clear your throat, and say,

"He-hey! How's it going?"

Your friend immediately launches into an excited ramble about the finale of a show she's been following obsessively for the last year and a half. Honestly, you should have expected this call- stupid of you to think you'd have the evening free with the finale airing. As she goes on about how "so many of her predictions were dead-on," Kuramas hands run indulgently down the contours of your body. Your heart races, and you can't help tensing, arching up against him just a little. Then, he's working your pants down off your hips, and you give him a pleading look that he meets like a stone wall.

"-- I mean, can you believe it?! It's like, exactly what I said would happen!!"

"Yeah, that's, uh," you struggle to keep up, but your eyes are fixed on Kurama lowering himself between your bared legs, "that's pretty wild..."

With a placade grin on his face, he kisses a trail down the inside curve of your thigh, his touches delicate and yet unreserved. Your eyelids flutter half-shut, but you force yourself to- more or less -follow the thread of your friend's rant. That is, until you feel the sting of Kurama's teeth at the soft flesh far up the inner curve of your thigh. He sucks a dark love-bite to your skin- one that you know will remind you of his presence there for days to come. Still, you manage to camouflage your gasp of shock and pleasure into a sudden cough.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, totally! Sorry, don't mind me- go on!" you babble out your reply in a hurry, knowing you won't be able to trust your voice when Kurama continues this torment. He chuckles silently behind his hand, and you pout uselessly at him. Rather than acknowledge this, he refocuses on his task as the phone rant continues. You do your best to keep a consistent stream of "Oh, yeah?" and "Wow, crazy!", all while elegant fingers spread your lower lips and warm breath teases your over-sensitive body. Then, without warning, his tongue glides firm across your aching clit. Your thighs twitch in around his head and you arch up from the bed.

"Woa--! That's... incredible!" you translate the gasp you desperately want to let out into a perhaps overly-enthusiastic reply. Fortunately, your friend is too caught up in her finale recap to police her own excitement, let alone yours. Still wearing that cocky smirk, Kurama pushes his hair back behind his ears, then returns to tease your clit with the tip of his tongue.

He doesn't let up after this, and frankly, your impulses are torn. Part of you wants to be as subtle as possible, to silently endure the slow, luxurious movements of his lips and tongue pulsing against your cunt and stiffened clit. Another part of you- the part you're fighting to subdue -wants to grab onto that silky red hair and grind against him, to rush yourself to your climax and to spare yourself further torture. But you and Kurama both know you won't be able to keep quiet if you do. So you fuss anxiously with the phone's tangled cord, shifting and squirming on the bed beneath him and biting back pleasured gasps and whimpers.

Your legs are trembling around him and you're positively soaked with your arousal and his saliva. Leaning back on the pillow, you scrunch your eyes closed and take a deep breath.

"Oh- you remember that one voice actor I told you about?"

"Yeah, uh," you struggle to pull your thoughts together, but Kurama nudges the flat of his tongue rhythmically against your clit, and your body is begging for release, "This show... was his first big on-screen thing, right?" you manage to choke out. As though pleased by your performance, your lover gives a soft hum that sends his breath fluttering over your vulnerable skin, then presses more firmly into you. His skillful tongue teases your entrance for a moment, rubbing into you while your muscles tighten, instinctively longing for friction, for something inside, for something to cling to. You're panting silently, biting at your finger to keep quiet while your friend tells you all about her latest celebrity crush.

So close. You're so dangerously close to the rush of your climax. But you hold on, every inch of your body aching with need and restraint. Kurama can obviously sense the desperate state you're in, and you know that he's savoring it. And yet, when you glance down to watch the erotic movements of his mouth, the way his eyes devour you, the way his hands grip at your hips- you realize that you don't have it in you to care about your pride anymore.

"Anyway, they're airing an interview with the cast soon, so I gotta go so I don't miss it."

The words are a beacon of hope, and while your friend apologizes for cutting out so suddenly, you assure her again and again that you don't mind.

"Really, you should... go- uh, go enjoy the thing!"

Kurama's lips seal around your clit and the dearly sensitive surrounding flesh. His tongue flicks across the hard little bundle over and over, his hands firm at your hips, holding you strictly in place. He's not holding back anymore. Your eyes roll back and your body burns, but you keep yourself silent. Just a little longer. Don't let him make you cum- not yet. He feels too good- and you know he wouldn't care if you screamed his name for your friend or anyone else to hear.

"Oh, also, we should totally grab coffee or something soon!"

"Yeah- that sounds really good-!" your back arcs up from the sheets.

"Cool! I'll call again soon, byeeee!"

You hear the click of the receiver on the other end. Your arms go limp, dropping the phone to the floor. Kurama leans over you, pushing himself against you while his tongue works your clit and you gasp aloud for him.

"Kurama! Ohhh... Oh, God- I'm-!"

A tingling, sparkling wave of pleasure explodes from your core and rushes across the surface of your skin. You can't remember the last time you came this hard, and you imagine Kurama can feel what he's doing to you. Your taste coats his tongue, one shaky hand weaves your fingers through his hair as your hips buck towards him. With one last desperate cry of his name, you relax back onto the bed, your boneless limbs making you feel like a puddle of mindless bliss.

Panting, practically gasping for breath, your unfocused eyes gaze up at the ceiling as the last tremors of your climax pass through you.

"Haa... Mm, Kurama..." you whimper out as he places one last kiss to your now soaked folds.

He crawls up atop you, and a gentle hand turns your face to him. His smile is warm and openly affectionate, and he caresses your cheek like a groom at the altar. Looking at him now, it's hard to imagine he's the same man who just put you through that unique form of torture. You're still catching your breath, and when he kisses you with all the tenderness in the world, you can hardly even reciprocate.

"Well done, my love," he says at last, "Do you think you can continue to behave for me tonight?"

Some distant part of your mind realizes that you've been manipulated- that he's utterly dismantled your attempt at dominance. You should be frustrated. You should try to regain the upper hand and show him that he doesn't always gets to be in control. Instead, your half-lidded eyes meet him and you murmur,

"Yes... I'll be good..."