#public adjuster pa

[reyalvr]

SHE’S MINE | 00

CATCH ME, I’VE FALLEN IN LOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

synopsis ┊ thrust into the spotlight, ken sato had easily become the next big thing tokyo had seen in decades. alongside his fame came the inevitable string of rumors, of which sprung forth scandals and discrediting information against his image. of course the obvious and most rational solution would be to address them like every other celebrity, but this was ken sato; nothing would ever be rational with him, which is how you wound up with a ring on your finger and the sato name in your papers.

genre ┊ fake dating, fake marriage, idiots-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, mild angst, chaotic fluff, smut

pairing ┊ ken sato x fem-PA!reader, ken sato x fake-wife!reader

warnings ┊ mild cursing, eventual smut, mentions of alcohol, all events in ultraman: rising take place a year after kenji moves back to japan, RUMORS isn’t related to anything that happens in this series

word count ┊ 798

author’s note ┊ YAY i finally wrote it! i really love the fake dating/marriage convenience trope and i’ve been itching to write it with kenji. this is highly inspired by one my favorite books of all time, terms & conditions by lauren asher! if you enjoy fake dating i highly recommend reading it. as mentioned at the top, this is only the prologue! i'll be putting out part one and the series masterlist asap hehe... as always, happy reading!

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SOMETIMES YOU WONDERED IF ANYTHING YOU SAID EVER STUCK WITH KEN. For the past year and a half, you had the supposed “dream life” that every assistant yearned for. It confused you, really, as you tried to ponder on what part of your job was envious. Were the late nights drafting NDA breaches so desirable? What about the press statements after altercations, were those résumé worthy? You let out a deep sigh as you watched Ken from the TV in his dressing room, crossing your arms as you sunk deeper into the couch.

He was on a press tour for his latest collaboration, his overconfident persona charming everyone left and right. You had to physically stop yourself from rolling your eyes when he used his signature flair to charm the show’s host. At least he was sticking to the script… for the most part. He wore the product, threw in a few adlibs, and of course, flirted. Be it a talk show host or a random photographer on the street, Ken always found a way to leave people smitten with him- save except you. 

It’s not like you were actively trying to hate him, he just made it so easy. At first you thought it was just some awkward phase, like he was just trying to adjust to working with a new team. But then he just kept doing the same things over and over again. A brawl with an opposing team member? Just another Sunday night. A rumor about having a fling with yet another supermodel? Sounds just about right. 

“I mean of course I have to thank my team,” Ken’s voice cut through your train of thought. “It was a dream of mine to play for the Giants as a kid, now I actually get to do it.”

Tone it down, asshole. You thought to yourself, noting the sarcasm laced in his words. Of course the general public wouldn’t have caught on, but you had no doubt his coach and the other players would. Then again, he’d been relatively untouchable because of his rank in the sports world. You poked your tongue into your cheek, shaking your head as you sat through the rest of his interview. The clock on the wall counted down the remaining time, the bright red numbers casting a reflection on the screen. Two minutes left, and all he had to do was to keep the act up…

…Until he didn’t. Nothing could’ve prepared you for what was about to happen next. 

“Now I don’t want to hold here any longer, but you know I have to ask it,” The host teased, almost like an overexcited child ready to tattle. “Any special someone back home?” 

Ken chuckled, just like he usually did when asked the question. “Cheeky question,” He paused and grinned, his eyebrow raised slightly as he shrugged his shoulders. “What if there was?” 

“Well, is there?” The host pushed, his tone eager to have the Ken Sato answer such a juicy question. He gestured toward the crowd before he continued. “I mean there are a lot of fans here today who would love to know more…” 

“Yeah? And if I said yes, then what?” He replied, his smile growing brighter and his eyes shining. 

The crowd cheered even harder, itching to find out the truth. You shared the same sentiments, trying to figure out what the hell Ken was up to now. Did he have a girlfriend? If he did, why didn’t anyone know about it? You stood up straight now, your right hand deathly gripping the remote. What the hell do you have up your sleeve, Kenji Sato? Your inner voice seemed to yell as you waited for him to speak up. 

“I mean only time will tell, yeah?” The host replied, leaning back in his seat. “C’mon Ken, it’s not nice to keep secrets.”

Ken mimicked the host’s moves, leaning back into his sofa chair as well. He shrugged his shoulders, licking his lips as he fiddled with his fingers. He bit the inside of his cheek, and though it was brief you caught it. You knew that look; his look of contemplation. Your grip on the remote was still taut as your breathing seemed to quicken the longer he waited. Granted it was only a few seconds, but those seconds felt like hours. 

He tilted his head slightly then, his eyes staring directly at the camera. It slowly zoomed closer to focus entirely on him, and he let out a small laugh before he finally replied. His gaze was strong, and it almost felt like he was actually looking at you.

“Yeah, yeah I do.” He finally said, throwing in a lovesick smile for good measure. “And she’s the best damn thing in my life right now.”

reyalvr © 2024 … do not repost, alter, or steal my work.

[barefoothighlander]

absolution - it will come back

-simon 'ghost' riley x wife!reader

-warnings: canon typical violence, mdni (18+), death, smut, fingering, p-in-v sex, creampie, jealous!ghost, praise, mentions of alcohol, unwanted male attention

-word count: 4k

-summary: you and the 141 set out for your first mission together, enduring the challenge and everything that comes after

prev chapter fic masterlist next chapter

a/n: alright finally got around to writing this chapter, just a pre-emptive warning, this fic is gonna have a fair amount of smut just in case you don't like to read it, or if you just want to skip over those sections. Also if you got the notif for this at 5am... no you didn't.

The air was thick with dust, it settled in the air after the disruption from a few select explosives, courtesy Soap, you were positioned high on an old building, a few miles out from the target building. You had been laying there for over an hour, settling yourself before the rest of the team got into position, you and Ghost had made a point to keep a distance between the two of you, trying to avoid any sort of detection from the team. It wasn’t hard to distance yourself from him, you were married to Simon, not the Ghost, yes, you were acquainted with his alter, but that was a side of him that left when he came home, it had been years since you came face to face with the Ghost, welcoming him back almost as an old friend.

You started getting restless, your clothes suddenly feeling far too heavy on your body, shifting slightly from your position, you readjust your scope before you hear a quick whizzing beside your ear, stopping for a second to figure out if you had simply imagined it another shot. “Shit” you whisper to yourself. In your movement the sun had caught on your scope, reflecting it toward the target building, and someone had spotted you. Quickly disassembling your rifle you turn on your comms.

“Captain this is Strider, I’m compromised, moving to position two”

“Copy Strider, make it quick we’re about to breach”

You descend through the building, running through back alleys to avoid the public gaze, making your way as fast as you can to your secondary position, you and Price had strategized a handful of points for you to position in, in case of anything going wrong. You make your way to the second position in time to watch the 141 breach into the building, hearing the all-too-familiar sound of gunshots ringing through your comms. You hear the team call out their positions, adjusting your sight to get a good view of each individual member.

“Strider, I’m headed up, you have eyes?” Soaps voice calls through your earpiece.

“Negative, Johnny” you respond back

“Strider I’ve got two coming out, east side, do you have eyes on them?” Ghost asks

You take a breath, and fire two rounds.

“Count, two down east side” you answer back.

Ghost can’t fight the smirk that creeps up on his face under his mask, he’s seen you work first hand and he’s always been impressed, rarely did you miss a shot. The men continue clearing the building, calling out any targets they need you to take care of, and killing the rest themselves.

“I don’t see any more movement in the building,” you say

“Copy, ears out for the hostage” Price responds

“Captain the buildings are empty” You hear Gaz say

“Are you sure Sargeant?”

“Positive, no one’s here”

Price curses to himself and calls for the men to exit the building and meet at the rendezvous point. You follow his orders, packing up your rifle and making your way once again through the streets. You arrive at a rundown warehouse, greeted by the rest of the team, you look around and everyone has a worried expression painted on their faces.

“I’ve contacted Laswell, she’s reaching out to contacts to try and track down the target,” Price said to all of you

“So what now?” you ask

“We regroup at the base, I have some calls to make, we move from there”

The group nods in agreement and you all make your way to the cars outside, settling into the passenger beside Price, and in front of Gaz. The ride was quiet, aside from any small conversation made by the three of you, Gaz inquiring about your history with the military.

“I spent 5 years with this team in the States before transferring to the base in England.”

“What’d you do in the states”

“Um, mostly hostage negotiations in the middle east”

“So why transfer?” Gaz asks

“What do you mean?” you respond, turning to face him

“Well why leave your team? I mean you spent 5 years with them, I can’t imagine what would’ve brought you to the UK”

“Needed a break from field word I guess, before this op I mostly spent time training recruits and dealing with paperwork”

“Huh” Gaz nods, you quirk an eyebrow at his response. “It’s just, I’ve read your file, over 400 confirmed kills from just 5 years, seems like alot of talent left on the field”

You scoff at him.

“I didn’t mean it that way I just-” He raises his hands defensively.

“Better stop now Sargeant, before you’re in too deep” Price says, laughing to himself

You huff a laugh, “It’s alright Kyle, I just found something more important than field ops” 

“A guy? Did you leave for a guy?” Gaz’ face lights up with a smile, you laugh and shake your head, turning to face infront of you, Price and Gaz sharing a look with eachother through the rearview mirror.

The team was in rather bright spirits arriving back at base, even though you hadn’t gotten your target, everyone made it out without more than a scratch, you pass Soap who gives you a nudge with his shoulder and commends your talents.

“Great shooting lass,” he says as you respond with a meek smile, Ghost watching the encounter from behind the two of you. You continue in light conversation with Soap as he talks about how he took down 3 men at once, two with a single shot, you laugh at his cockiness.

As you enter the base and make your way down the hall to your room, you feel a strong arm tug your waist, pulling you into a near closet. Turning to face him he stares you down, the room is dark but you can see a slight shine in his eyes, eyes you could never mistake for anyone else. You reach your hands to pull at his mask but he grabs your wrists, stopping your actions.

“What was that?” he asks, his tone deep

“What?”

“With Soap, you seemed rather entranced with what he had to say”

“I was just laughing with him Si-”

Before you can finish your sentence he spins your body and pins your arms behind your back, pushing you forward into the wall.

“Simon we were just chatting,” you say breathlessly as he presses his body against yours, forcing your cheek to flatten against the cold wall. The rough grip of his hands tugging on your wrists as he lowers his head to your shoulder

“Do you think he could fuck you like I do?”

“What?” you ask trying to turn your head to look at him, he presses you harder against the wall, you can feel his hardening cock against your ass. “No,” you say through a gasp “no one can”.

He seems content with your answer, removing one of his hands to reach around and unbutton your pants, sliding his hand down your pants, teasing over your clothed sex. You close your eyes as your jaw falls open over the sudden contact. He presses his forehead to the back of your head, the teeth of his mask digging into your scalp as he pulls your panties to the side to slide a finger teasingly over your clit.

“Fuck Si-”

“No, you know the rule, no using our names on base”

“Ghost please” you plead

“Good girl” you can feel his breath down the nape of your neck, he slides a finger into your pussy. “So wet already”

“For you fuck all for you,” you say as he adds another finger and begins to pump faster, you arch your back into him, craving more contact.

“Needy girl, need you to cum on my fingers first”

You moan as he continues fingering you, bending his fingers to hit that sweet spot inside you while bringing his thumb to circle over your clit.

“Need to be quiet love, don’t want someone walking in here”

You bite your lip trying to contain your moans as your forehead comes into contact with the wall, Ghost removes his grip from your wrist, bringing his gloved hand up to cover your mouth before using the leverage to collide your bodies, arching your body back into his. You turn your head and settle into his neck while your hand finds purchase, gripping his tactical vest, trying to ground yourself.

Ghost feels you clenching around his fingers as he picks up his pace urging your orgasm closer, you reach your free hand down to grab at his large forearm, trying to keep your body upright as your legs begin to feel wobbly.

“That’s right baby, cum all over my hand”

He pumps his fingers a few more times and your eyesight blurs, feeling your ass press back against his cock as he fingers you through your orgasm, not removing his fingers till he feels you unclench. He releases your body and you fall forward, catching yourself on the wall before he kneels down to take your pants off, kneading the flesh of your hips and thighs, grabbing handfuls of your ass before bringing his hand back to your soaked vagina. Your hips twitch at the contact, trying to catch your breath as you hear the sound of his belt undoing. 

In one swift motion, he turns your body around and locks his arms under your legs, lifting you up against the wall, your arms falling around his neck as you try to steady yourself. He reaches a hand down to line himself up before pushing into you in one solid motion, burying his cock deep inside you, his tip brushing against your cervix. 

Usually, he gave you time to adjust to his size, but as soon as he was inside you, feeling the clench of your warm walls he couldn’t help himself. He pins your body against the wall as he begins thrusting into you, hands gripping hard at your waist as he keeps his eyes locked on your face, enjoying every flutter of your eyelashes, every twitch of your mouth that came with the pleasure you were experiencing. He’s fucking you hard against the wall, you can feel your spine digging into the concrete behind you, grabbing at his neck, his shoulders, anything you could reach. He reaches a hand up to grab your jaw, forcing you to look at him.

“Whose pussy is this doll”

“Fuck, yours, it’s yours Ghost” you say as your head falls forward to rest against his shoulder.

“That’s right, mine” He emphasizes the last word with a hard thrust that has a choked sob escaping your throat. You bury your face in his shoulder, biting at the fabric to quiet your moans as he brings a hand down to toy at your clit once again. Your second orgasm hits you quick and has you seeing stars, muffled moans escaping your throat as drool starts to pool in the corners of your mouth, leaking out to wet his shirt.

Once you came down from your high Ghost released you, setting you down with a hold on your waist, pressing you again against the wall and immediately thrusting back into you, your slick pooling at the base of his cock and dripping down your thighs as he sets an unrelenting pace. You try to brace against the wall but your arms buckle, resorting to resting your forearms against the wall as he fucks himself deeper into you.

“Who else can make you cum like this?”

You can’t form words, resorting to tired whimpers.

“Use your words doll”

“No one, only you” is all you can maange through strangled moans.

He grips your hips and starts pulling you back into him while continuing to fuck you, the position letting him hit impossibly deep inside you. You feel yourself losing balance before he reaches an arm around your waist to keep you steady. His breathing is heavy, directly in your ear as you continue to clench down on him.

“So fucking good love, fuck gonna make me cum”

You moan at his words,

"Is that what you want huh, want me to fill this pussy, claim it as mine"

He quickly thrusts a few more times before slowing his pace, a choked groan leaving his throat as you feel him fill you with his cum, fucking it deeper into you. Finishing his orgasm he stays deep inside you, his head falling forward to rest on your shoulder as you both stay there, trying to catch your breaths. He pulls his mask up over his lips and plants a soft kiss on your forehead before removing himself. You whine at the loss of contact as he kneels down to pull your pants back up for you.

You turn your body to place your palms against his cheeks, holding his face, looking into his eyes with hooded lids, reaching up to kiss him, he snakes a hand around you holding you to him, deepening the kiss.

You pull back resting your forehead against his, “You know that I would never-” but he interrupts you before you can finish.

“I know” is all he says, reaching a hand up to tuck your hair behind your ear. You stare lovingly at your husband, in that moment he isn’t the Ghost, he’s Simon.

“You should leave first, less suspicious than both of us walking out of here”

You smile and nod, placing another kiss to his lips before pulling his mask back down his face, turning to leave the room. You step into the hallway and catch a glimpse of yourself in the window in front of you, jesus, you take a moment to smooth out your hair and tuck your shirt back in, before walking down the hallway, jumping a little at the sudden form by your side.

“Hey lass” Soap says, a bright smile plastered on his face.

“Johnny” you greet him

“I think some of the lads and I are gonna head to the pub later if yer into that sort of thing”

“Oh, yea maybe”

He nods in acknowledgement and turns down another hallway, you think to yourself for a moment before craning your neck over your shoulder, yep, just like you suspected, Ghost was behind you a few paces, fists clenched after witnessing another encounter between Soap and you, smiling slightly to yourself, silently praying this anger would result in a second round.

You met the team at the bar around 10, it’s rather run-down but for the circumstances, it’s not too bad. Mostly filled with other military personnel that lived on the base, you were greeted with loud cheers courtesy of a very drunk Soap, who was sat in a booth with his arm wrapped tightly around the shoulder of Gaz who was seemingly just as drunk but hiding it a little better. Price sat leaning back in his chair, a lit cigar sticking out of his mouth as he greeted you with a slight nod. You sat down at the booth, glancing around for any sign of Ghost before your train of thought is interrupted by Soap pushing a glass of whiskey towards you, you oblige him and take a quick swig of the drink, your throat burning at the sensation.

The four of you sat engaged in a rather loud conversation, mostly from Soap, if you thought he was chatty before, this was a whole new level. He wanted to know everything about you, and you answered most of his questions with the same answers you had given Gaz earlier, the two were too drunk to remember anything you said anyway. After a while you excused yourself to go to the bar, catching the attention of the bartender and requesting a drink for yourself. 

You stood at the bar tapping your fingers while you waited for the bartender to bring drinks to others first when a rather chipper man positioned himself next to you, sparing him a tight-lipped smile before averting your gaze.

“So you come here often” eyeroll

“Nope”

“You must be new, I’ve never seen you around”

“Something like that,” you say, thanking the bartender for your drink and turning to head back to your booth before his hand grabs your arm, making you spill your drink. “Seriously”

“What you’re too good for a conversation?”

“With you? Yea”

He doesn’t release his grip but before he can speak his gaze is drawn upward to lock eyes on the tall skull-clad figure that stands behind you.

“Might want to let go mate” is all Simon says before the man releases you, throwing his arms up defensively.

“Alright man, just wanted to talk”

You and Simon start to make your way back to the booth when you hear the man mutter something along the lines of dumb bitch, instantly your head whips toward Simon who’s stopping in his tracks, you widen your eyes at him, a silent plea to please don’t.

The next thing you see is your 6’4 hulking figure of a husband grab the collar of the smaller man's shirt and force him back against the bar.

“What was that?” he asks through gritted teeth

By now the rest of the team has noticed and are rushing from the booth, but they aren’t quick enough. Simon balls his fist and hits the man directly across the face, you can see the blood spew from his nose as he falls to the floor as Price moves behind Simon and rests a hand on his arm.

“Simon, step away son”

Simon retracts his fist to his side before exiting the bar with Price, you see Gaz drop a few bills on the bar and whisper a rushed sorry to the bartender, you’re stood frozen, Simon was always protective but this was such a brute display, something was off with him.

You rejoin the team outside the bar and notice Simon off by himself, leaning against a brick wall smoking a cigarette.

“I think we should call it a night” Price says to the group, you nod in agreement, hailing a cab and trying to get Gaz and Soap settled in.

“Yer not coming w’us lass?” Soap questions

“Not this time, I’m gonna walk back”

He brushes you off and the cab takes off, you stand there for a minute chatting with Price as he offers to walk back with you but you decline his offer with some excuse of wanting to be alone, and enjoy the weather. He leaves you with a pat on the shoulder, reaching down for his lighter to reignite his cigar before you see him walk away, a puff of smoke trailing behind him.

You rub your arms up and down with your hands, trying to come up with something to say to Simon. You slowly walk over to him, standing beside him as he reaches a hand down to offer you a drag of his cigarette, you brush him off and he puts it out, grinding it into the ground with his heavy boot.

“You could’ve killed that guy”

“He’s lucky I didn’t”

You turn to face him, “are you alright, you’ve been off ever since we got here, more on edge”

“M’fine”

“Si” you say, reaching to hold is large hand in yours.

He takes a heavy breath, “I don’t know, I’m just nervous”

You squeeze his hand, encouraging him to continue, it’s never been easy for him to talk about his feelings, and you never forced him or pryed, but you also wanted him to know that he could trust you with whatever he was feeling.

“I’m just worried about you, you got shot at today and I don’t even want to picture what the guys around here are thinking about you”

You nod in understanding, “We knew the risks, the op was nothing I haven’t dealt with before, but beating that guy up Si, and the way you’re acting around Johnny, I mean he’s your closest friend”

You look up at him, “I understand jealousy Si, but you’ve never gotten violent like that”

He looks at you, his dark eyes scanning over your face, “I don’t know love,  I’m just under a lot of stress”

Placing a hand on his chest you move closer to him, he wraps his arms around your frame, holding you tight to his as you nuzzle your face into his chest.

“Okay, just promise me you won’t break Johnnys nose too”

He chuckles a little, squeezing you before releasing you.

“I’m serious, beat up anyone else and people are gonna start to catch on to us”

He nods, urging you to walk up the road with a nudge of his head, the two of you walk back to base, giggling quietly to yourselves over small conversation, maintaining a rather platonic distance in case anyone saw you.

The two of you arrive back at the base, you head inside to your bunks while Ghost sits outside, lighting another cigarette. He stands alone in the quiet, enjoying the silent ambience of the quiet night before his solitude is ripped from his chest at the piercing accent of Soap.

“Hey LT” Johnny greets, propping himself against the wall beside Ghost, “Can I ask a question?”.

Ghost remains silent, hoping Soap would simply walk away.

“Have you got a thing for her”

Ghost turns to glare at Soap, eyes starring daggers, but it doesn’t stop him.

“Strider, you’re always eyein her down, like she’s your prey or something”

Ghost merely blinks at him, turning his head back to face out at the pavement, taking another drag of his cigarette.

“She’s nice, not very chatty but kind, hell of a shot too” Soap adds

Ghost blows smoke from his nose, ashing his cigarette before turning and walking into the building, leaving Soap to stand alone in the dark.

“Was it something I said?” Soap asks to himself before he too moves to enter the building.

It was quiet inside the base, aside from the occasional group stumbling in after a night at the pub, a few of them gossiping about how a man wearing a skull mask broke the nose of one of the privates on base. You were in your room, fresh out of the shower getting ready for bed before you hear a knock on your door, immediately assuming it was Ghost on the other side, you open the door with a roll of your eyes but before you can make any kind of sarcastic comment your sentence is stopped by the sight of a man wearing a rather ugly fishing hat.

“Sorry I know it’s late”

“Captain, did you need something,” you ask, suddenly feeling very bare in your pyjamas.

“Just a question,” he says, watching your face for any kind of concern. “Is there something I need to worry about with Simon?”

Your mind blanks, hesitating to answer. “I’m not sure, we aren’t that close sir”

“Cut the shit Sargeant, he doesn’t get into bar fights, yet, one guy hits on you and suddenly he’s hitting the floor”

You swallow, trying your best at keeping a poker face. “There’s nothing to worry about sir” you respond, straight-faced.

“Alright" He takes a beat, "get some rest” He nods his head to you and leaves down the hall.

You close your door, your body falling backwards as your back collides with the heavy metal. You huff a breath to yourself, hands coming up to settle over your mouth, of course, his jealousy got us caught. You have to think of a game plan and quick, if Price has you two figured out it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the team does and you can’t risk that.

You tossed and turned in bed that night, the pooling anxiety refusing to let you rest as you wondered if Price had talked to Simon yet, you know he trusted Price with his life and that you should too, but keeping your relationship a secret was a hard and fast rule the two of you had decided on when you first got together, Ghost had a lot of enemies, enemies that would love to get their hands on you, you began to spiral thinking of all the things that could go wrong before you knew it the sun was coming up, the small windows of your room letting in the warm orange glow as you picked at the skin around your nails. You had to shut this down, and quick.

Taglist: @chloepluto1306 @thychuvaluswife @valdemarismynonbinarylove @simply-vulpecula @lostinsideourminds

[salty-croissants]

If its okay to request, could you do some relationship headcanons for Rayman (and later Ramon?) with a s/o who's been working with him for a really long time? Like a PA? If that's too specific though I totally get it.

Thank you for the request ! 

Don’t worry , it’s not too specific , it’s actually a very interesting concept :D

Hope this turned out okay ! 

Details : use of gender neutral reader ;

established relationships ; 

no warnings needed 

Rayman 🧡

You have been working for Rayman for quite a few years , handling various business matters for him in the position of the voice of Eden’s personal assistant , and over time his charming presence and confidence completely won you over …

… and you weren’t the only one who felt that way .

The more time he spent with you , the more Rayman started to notice little things about you that him smile : the way you were always so kind to the other staff members working behind his shows , the way you laughed , the way you seemed to know what to say to him whenever he was having a bad day , even bringing him coffee when he ended up working overnight …

It wasn’t long before your relationship grew beyond more than just a professional one , and when eventually Rayman revealed his true feelings to you you were overjoyed …

Now it’s been a while since you two started dating , and you both really couldn’t be happier about your decisions .

I think Rayman is someone who overworks himself quite a bit , with the Board of Directors constantly monitoring what he’s doing and giving him more and more things to handle , so you definitely have to take care of him whenever he ends up not doing it himself …

< Ray , it’s 1:00 am … you need to get some sleep . > 

< Ah , don’t worry about me y/n … I need to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting , it’s really important , and - > 

< Well , I assure you that you will barely be able to stay awake at tomorrow’s meeting if you don’t get some rest , and having you fall asleep live in front of everyone doesn’t sound like the best way for it to go . > 

< I - 

… 

Heh … touché . > 

Since you’re always working together but can’t really display too much affection in public , Rayman likes to surprise you with little kisses when no one is looking , smiling in front of your adorable reactions to them …

Before he heads out to one of his shows , you make sure to wish him luck with a kiss of your own , adjusting his bow tie while feeling his loving gaze on you .

< You got this sweetie , you’re gonna do amazing tonight . > 

< Thanks love … I’ll meet you back here as soon as this ends , don’t think I forgot about our date ~ > 

You actually got to see up close the catastrophic interview with Red that lead Rayman to lose his beloved job  , and you were the only one who remained by his side to comfort him when he was in shambles , desperately trying to bury his sorrows in alcohol rivers …

< That’s … that’s it … m-my life is … it’s all over … I have no goddamn purpose left , how am I even going to … > 

< Ray , you do have purpose … we are going to figure this out together , I promise . > 

Your words mean more to him than you’ll ever know , and as he lets you hold him in your arms Rayman can’t help but be thankful for having met you , the person that was able to fill the emptiness in his heart created by a life of loneliness and fear …

With you by his side , Eden’s now ex star doesn’t need to be afraid anymore . 

Ramon 🖤

Now that he is fully aware of the atrocities Eden committed , atrocities that he unknowingly allowed to happen , Ramon’s only wish is to find you and explain everything to you .

He knows you would never blame him , he knows you will understand , and yet he can’t help but feel incredibly nervous as soon as he take a few steps into his lounge where he knows you were waiting for him to come back …

< Oh Ray , there you are ! I was worried something happened to … you … > 

Your relieved expression immediately turns worried when you see just how troubled your boyfriend looks … he looks … different , for the lack of a better word . 

< Oh god … sweetie , are you okay ? Are you hurt ? >

< Oh … don’t worry , that’s not mine . > 

Ramon briefly points at the blood on his face before walking towards you , holding your hands in his . 

< y/n , there is something I need to tell you …

It’s … probably gonna be hard to accept , but I need you to listen to me .

Can you do that for me ? > 

You nod in response , staring back into his tired eyes and giving him your full attention .

< I’m listening . > 

When he finishes speaking , Ramon’s worries about you blaming him for being so blind to all the terrible things the Board of Directors had been doing behind his back immediately vanish as soon as you wordlessly lock him in a tight embrace …

< Is … is it really okay … ? > 

< Of course ! The Board of Directors was really good at keeping all of this hidden all these years … there was no way for you to know . 

Besides , I … did indirectly work for them too , so we’re in the same boat right now . 

I could never be mad at you over this . > 

He is so relieved to hearing you say that … 

< Thank you , y/n … I … I love you so much … > 

< I love you too , Ram … nothing that happens from now on will ever be able to change that . > 

Even now that the two of you have basically started your own little resistance , some things haven’t changed that much between you … like you constantly taking care of him whenever he gets hurt during a fight .

< y/n , I’m okay , really , you don’t have to - > 

< Yes I have to . 

Now please stay still honey … I need to finish patching you up . > 

Ramon is always , always going to be watching over you , no matter the circumstances : 

you’re heading out alone ? He will come with you , and if he can’t he’ll still end up following you from afar , his guns always ready to shoot any possible threat to your safety .

You’re sleeping ? He’s ready to immediately wake up if a sudden , suspicious noise reaches his ears … you sometimes wonder how he can fall asleep comfortably with a big gun under his pillow .

< Are you sure that’s comfortable for you , love ? You might get neck pains , sleeping on a hard surface every night … even if your neck is invisible , I think it could count , and - > 

< Pfft … you’re so cute darling … thanks for caring so much about me , but it’s fine , really . I just wanna be ready for anything at all times : I won’t allow anyone to hurt you . >

Even tough you often tell him not to worry too much about you , Ramon just can’t help himself : you know him better than anyone , you mean everything to him , and if he were to lose you … 

Let’s say he does all he can to avoid thinking about that horrible scenario .

[lolliepops-rox]

Hello 2024 Hetalia fandom. I want to talk about schizophrenic Arthur Kirkland.

Background: I myself is someone with psychosis, along with experience with schizophrenic family members. I'm not talking completely out of my ass. But not do I obviously speak for every mental ill person ever. Moreover, I am pulling on the way being a nation would affect his relationship with being schizophrenic.

I am extremely new to the fandom, but my best friend who has been here for a decade has talked with me about how the idea was handled in the past. I want to give this headcanon a genuine and sincere look at it, because I think it's interesting and I want to project onto Arthur a little.

One of the reasons he's a terrible cook is actually because of his schizophrenia. Disordered thinking means he struggles to follow steps in a recipe. The impact on his motor skills makes him even worse. Please do not give this man a knife. He will cut himself.

I think because of his own experience with cooking, he is prone to food related paranoia, things like it being rotten or poisoned, sometimes affected by the era/current events. During times of famine he's gonna lean towards rotten, verse maybe some civil unrest leading to him thinking his food is poisoned. Disordered eating is a huge problem for him. (We found out partly where Alfred gets it from lol)

Continuing with the food theme, smelling rotten food is a common hallucination for him. Olfactory hallucinations just make sense for him to me, so the smell of fire and gas is a common one too. (This is partly the effect of the many London fires throughout the centuries).

In terms of visional hallucinations, I don't think he'd be very prone to it. Reality checks for them he'd have to rely on his British Isles brothers for them, due to being able to see actual mythical creatures. This is made hard by the fact he's often not on speaking terms with his brothers. This has resulted in an incident where Arthur had assumed a creature following him was a hallucination, that turned out to be real and was HIGHLY offended at being ignored for so long.

In terms of delusions, being a public figure makes discerning reality difficult at times. He is super prone to delusions about being hated by everyone, or being the most popular person ever. This can be hard to reality check because well, he is famous, and sometimes the public does hate him, and people have tried to kill him. My poor man's ego can NOT handle being a public figure with schizophrenia.

England, circa. 2003, on the phone to his PA: Can you send someone over? Either someone is trying to kill me, I'm having another episode, or both. I am not leaving my house until this is resolved. Thanks.

In terms of disordered movement, he would get slapped with that very 'childish' label. Arthur holds himself and moves in a way that looks weird to others. He moves way too much, everything has more motion and steps than necessary, overly fluid. It often leads to people getting accidentally hit by a stray hand from Arthur.

Arthur is NOTORIOUS for his word salad. I feel like Francis over the years has adjusted to understand a lot of Arthur's word salad but still sometimes it's like

Arthur: -gibberish-

Antonio: uhhh what did he say?

Francis: Don't look at me, this is even beyond my understanding of England.

Alfred is the worst of the native English speaking countries when it comes to understanding Arthur's word salad. Like Ludwig is better at guess what Arthur meant than Alfred is.

Anyways, that's some of my thoughts <3 I would love to hear other people's ideas & feedback. Thnx xD

[fayes-fics]

A Job Well Done

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, Modern AU

Summary: Quickie, office sex after being reunited.

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI, quickie vaginal sex, office sex, semi-public sex, workplace sex, exhibitionism.

Word Count: 1.5k

Authors Note: Request fill for Anon (ask HERE) who wanted quickie office sex with Benedict. This is lighthearted, almost crack in places tbh. Unbetaed. Thanks to my discord peeps for help with some ideas for this one. Enjoy <3

You barely make it through the door into the fancy corner office before clothing is wrenched open, both so desperate. You’ve been away on a business trip for two weeks, but it feels like two months. 

“Fuck, I missed you,” his words hiss on your lips as your kisses land wet and hot, open mouths just taking from each other.

“I missed you too,” you can barely gasp, fighting off your knickers under your skirt.

“Shouldn’t we wait until we can go to one of our places after work?” he checks.

“No, here,” you insist and back yourself against the wall, pulling him by the open fly right into you, moaning at the crush of his chest against yours.

“Really?” he sounds disbelieving, even as you roughly yank down the front of his underwear and shimmy it down his hips along with his trousers.

“Yes, really. Just make it quick,” you confirm, wiggling your skirt up around your waist, revelling in his groan as you grab his cock and pump it in your hand, standing on tiptoe to line him up with your aching pussy. 

He splutters the most adorable noise as his hot tip slides inside you, and you groan loudly in his ear.

“Say you are going to fuck me til I can't walk straight,” you command through gritted teeth.

“Okay… that,” he stumbles, still slightly stunned by the speed and ferocity this is happening at.

“Say it!” you demand.

“You already did!”

You grab his face and make him look into your eyes. “Ben. I need you to say the filthiest things to me. I'm so horny, please; don't be embarrassed.”

“We are at work! Isn't it enough we are doing this in full view of London and its recently arrived visitors!?” his voice slightly incredulous, gesturing vaguely at the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the crowds pouring out of St Pancras International a couple of storeys below.

“The glass is mostly reflective; they can probably barely see us,” you dismiss, hands grabbing his bottom and sinking fully onto his cock. “Fuck yesssss!” you hiss, eyes rolling back at the sheer delight of being so filled again.

“Is this revenge?” he exhales raggedly, a hand heavy on your hip as he adjusts to your heated cling. “Fucking in Ant’s office? Cos your PA told you he fucked Kate in yours?”

“Maybe,” you look askance, feeling called out but still pushing up onto tiptoes and sinking back down again as he groans with you.

His face morphs into a crooked grin, and his tone changes. “Well, why didn't you say before?” his voice turning into a velvet rumble. 

You gasp as he grabs one of your legs, hooks it over his arm and proceeds to take control just as you wanted. You moan your appreciation as he immediately starts to slam into you. You make a quick mental note that family oneupmanship is apparently an excellent motivator for him before you lose all capacity for thought.

If HR ever finds out about this, an executive fucking a junior colleague, there will probably be trouble—so it's a good thing HR reports to you. You co-founded this business with Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and have run it successfully together for the last five years. Three months ago, Anthony brought his younger brother into the firm in a decidedly nepotistic hire of in-house graphic designer after his art business stalled. You fought Anthony about the optics of it until about three seconds after you clapped eyes on one Benedict Bridgerton. And then, well, you agreed your company definitely needs someone to design PowerPoint templates or whatever he does. You resisted flirting with him for precisely two weeks, just enjoying his arse walking up and down the corridors every day doing fuck knows what.

But then it was the work party, and honestly, who can be held responsible when Anthony manages to score a whisky sponsorship? You'd be a lousy co-founder if you didn't indulge, frankly. And so you did. And you proceeded to flirt outrageously until Benedict took you up to the roof terrace and had you screaming at the London skyline. Since then, well, you've been together at every opportunity. It's especially thrilling that Anthony doesn't have a damn clue about it, either.

“I'm going to fuck you til you can't walk straight,” he growls, just as you wanted, slamming into you so hard your bra strap catches on the textured wall through your shirt.

“Oh fuck yes,” you mewl your appreciation, tipping forward to bite his neck, not entirely gently, until he hisses and moves faster.

Then, as if he can read your mind, still buried inside you, he suddenly picks you up, spins around, and almost throws you down onto Ant’s glass desk, never leaving your body.

“Oh, you fucking genius,” you compliment, grabbing his shirt greedily and pulling him on top of you, uncaring that you are sending Ant’s stationery and fancy tchotchkes flying. Your mouths meet in an artless, hot-breathed kiss, and then he starts to move again, wrapping your legs around his hips and standing up to drive into you hard.

You start to yell his name and all the praise you can think of, knowing Ant’s office is soundproofed like yours. His cock drags all the places inside that turn off your brain, not capable of anything but chasing more and now and more again. 

“Not so sure the glass is particularly reflective, by the way,” he states almost casually as he keeps pounding into you. “Pretty sure we are drawing a crowd.”

“Then fuck me really good,” is your only breathy response, unwilling to tip your head back and look down at the people below. At least at this angle, they shouldn’t be able to see his cock ploughing into you. And everything else is covered by clothing… mostly. You could just be having a very vigorous wrestling match. Kind of.

“Exhibitionist, hmm?” he hums, leaning over you and kissing down your neck.

“You’re the one who took me on the roof terrace our first time,” you point out, closing your eyes and enjoying the slide of his warm lips on your skin as he thrusts so deep you swear you’ll still feel it tomorrow.

“Guilty as charged,” he murmurs, bemused, a little out of breath now, his tongue lathing hot on your throat.

Then, there’s no talking for a while as you skate closer to your peaks. Desperate hands grab bodies and table edges, growling and moans, hot wet kisses, the sturdy glass desk withstanding his harsh strokes even as your whole body rolls on the surface. 

Then, with a dangerous smirk, he winds a hand between your bodies and flicks his thumb against your clit, and you scream. It’s the little extra sensation you need to break, calling his name, your nails scratching down his clothes, biceps clinging to him as your pussy clenches hard around him, floating somewhere on a blissful cloud, eyes screwed shut, as he growls at your vice-like grip on his cock. A few artless thrusts, and then he is stilling, groaning loudly in your ear and collapsing on top of you as he spills inside.

After a few panted moments, you feel yourself returning to the room, the power of speech returning.

“Oh god, that was just what I needed,” you huff, sated, a fuzzy, languid, bone-deep satisfaction only he can seem to provide. 

“You are welcome, boss,” he sasses with a playful smirk.

“You don’t report to me,” you point out, swatting his arm gently.

“Shame… I think I’d get an excellent review and a hefty raise if I did,” he gloats a little, dropping a quick kiss on your lips.

“I will neither confirm nor deny,” you volley back, pushing him off your body and standing up, shuffling your skirt back down your legs. 

You feel a little unsteady in your gait as you dip down to collect your underwear from the floor.

“There are, however, two things you can do for me?” you smile as he rezips.

“Anything…” 

“Tidy your brother's desk,” you nod towards the mess. He rolls his eyes, accepting his fate, seeing as it was his decision to throw you upon it.

“And?” He prompts you for the second thing as you make final adjustments to your appearance.

“Be naked in my bed by the time I get home,” you breeze as you reach for the office door handle. “Feel free to tie yourself spread eagle to the bedposts if you’re feeling adventurous,” you end with a wink.

“How exactly am I supposed to do that with only one set of hands?” you hear him call after you as the door closes behind you.

With a huge grin, you saunter down the corridor, phone in hand, already texting him a reply.

Y/N: You’ll figure it out. You’re the artist, after all.

BB: I’m a landscape painting artist, not an escape artist.

Y/N: potayto, potatoh…

BB: I’m getting a round of applause from what looks like a stag do outside, by the way…

Y/N: See? There’s your glowing performance review. 

BB: … 🤷‍♂️

Y/N: 😘

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @lilithseve @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @m-rae23 @last-sheep @kmc1989 @desert-fern @starkeylover @corpseoftrees-queen @magical-spit @bunnyweasley23 @how-many-stars-in-the-sky @amygdtjhddzvb

[twice-inamillion]

Children’s Day

Fluff with a little bit of smut talk

Chapter 189

2.7k words

(An outdoor adventure with the children and mommies.)

Tiny footsteps echoed in the hallway as the babies approached the door. Jisoo pointed at the handle while Ari smacked the door. Stood by the babies were Jihyo and Mina, the mothers said "Okay, okay. Don't get upset; we must be quiet so Daddy doesn't get up."

"Shhh…" Hina held her finger in front of her mouth to tell her older sisters to quiet down. Jisoo and Ari crossed their arms as they looked back at Hina. "Okay, I'll open it, so let's be quiet and tip-pie-toe inside." The three of them nodded and headed inside the room. 

Jisoo looked for the step stool and pushed it next to the bed, she then climbed up the stool followed by Ari and Hina. The toddlers then sat beside their father and pulled his blanket. 

"Smack, smack" You felt small hands hit your arm and face. You slowly opened your eyes and saw three small blurry figures looking at you. "Good morning; who's there?"

"Ap…pa… appa," you heard three familiar voices; your eyes adjusted to the light and saw them better. 

"Omg, my baby princesses. Did you three come to wake up Daddy?" Jisoo and Ari nodded while Hina crawled closer to you, Hina then rubbed her face against yours and gave you a small kiss on the cheek. 

"Omg… Hina kissed her daddy first. That's a miracle." 

"That's my girl."

Jisoo and Ari looked at Hina as she got their father's attention, and they launched themselves at him and went for a hug. 

"My babies love me. I'm the happiest father in the world. Where's Daeun?"

"Dahyun said that she just woke up and was hungry. She'll be here soon."

Sana poked her head inside, trying to see what was happening, "Don't forget about us." Jihyo looked at Sana, "Just come in."

With a tiny crop top, she came to you and said "We want to celebrate Children's Day, too" as she stuck out her tummy.

She was only a month pregnant, and her stomach was still the same as last month, but her enthusiasm made you happy. "Want to give the baby a kiss?"

"Sure," you stuck out your head as she approached your face. You pressed your lips against her flat tummy and gave her a soft kiss, "Hope you grow big and strong like your mommy; I can't wait to see you." 

Dahyun, with Daeun in her arms, said "Daeun is going to be a big sister whenever Sana's baby is born. We will have a nursery at this point."

Jihyo laughed, and Mina chuckled at Dahyun's comment since it was true. With multiple members having children, the house was bound to become noisier and might need a bigger place. 

Jisoo and Ari slapped their hand against your chest and pointed out the window. Jihyo looked at you, "Remember the thing you promised them?"

"Yes, I have everything ready, but we must have breakfast before heading out."

After breakfast, you headed to the garage and pulled out two bicycles and two attachments. While the babies were with their clothing changes, you proceeded to do a last-minute maintenance check and put the baby carriers together. 

You remembered that the members wanted to celebrate Children's Day together, but the idea of being seen in public was a risk you were not willing to take, especially risking the members' careers. 

Instead, you and the girls voted on an activity for the day and chose a bike ride with the children. Securing the bikes was not an issue, but the carriers were something that you had to order in advance for today.

Jisoo and the twins came out waddling on the grass as they saw you working on the bicycles and looked at you with confused faces. You said, "The carrier is for you to ride on, but since you're all too small maybe we can get you a bike when you’re older.”

Hina hid behind Ari as she was scared to try something foreign. Having the same emotion as Hina, Ari also stood frozen just like her sister, and afraid to get on the carrier. As the oldest, Jisoo mustered up the courage, puffed up her chest, and pulled on your pants, signaling that she was up for the challenge. 

"Are you going to get on first?"

Jisoo nodded her head and pointed toward the bike. "Okay, I'm going to pick you up then." You placed her on the carrier, buckled up Jisoo's seat belt, and ensured it was nice and tight before placing an infant-sized helmet on her. 

"Alright, Jisoo and I are going on a short test run, okay? So stay with Jihyo and Mina. We'll be back soon."

Jihyo and Mina picked up a child each and waved goodbye as they watched you and Jisoo rode off down the road. 

You rode the bike on the road for two minutes and turned to see if Jisoo was okay. You saw a smiling Jisoo with her arms waving side to side. "Do you enjoy the ride?" Jisoo nodded " Okay, we're going back to get the rest." She put her hands up and smiled the whole way back.

"How was the ride, Jisoo? Did you enjoy it?" Jisoo looked at Jihyo and smiled, pointing back to the road. 

Looking at Jisoo having fun, Ari decided to hop inside, raising her arms so you could pick her up. "Up…up," Ari gave you puppy eyes asking you to place her next to her older sister. "Okay, I'll put you next to Jisoo," and you secured her seat belt and helmet. 

Jisoo and Ari looked at each other and laughed as they were excited about the ride with their father. Hina, on the other hand, stood next to the bike as her sisters enjoyed themselves.

"Aww, don't worry, Hina. I didn't forget about you or Daeun. I bought new bikes just for the both of you." As you held her in between your arms, you showed her the bikes that you purchased aboard. 

"Look, these are new bikes that Daddy bought for you all. You like them?" Hina pointed at the front seat of the bike as she was interested in the weird-looking bicycle. "Here, let me buckle you up!" you said as you strapped the seatbelt. 

"Where did you buy that bike from?" Jihyo and Mina asked as they walked to inspect the bike. 

"I saw it online and did a bit of research. Many people use it in Europe, and I thought it would be perfect for the kids. You can even put a bassinet inside, which is perfect for Daeun, so I got two!"

You walked out with Da-eun's bassinet and inserted it into the compartment. Dahyun walked out with Da-eun in arms and Sana carried a basket for the trip. She placed her inside the bassinet and made sure that she was secure. Once all the children were safe, the rest (Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Sana) rode down the road to the nearby field. You wanted to make this a lasting memory, so you attached multiple GoPros on the bikes to capture the reaction of the members and the children. 

Jihyo, who was pedaling with Jisoo and Ari on board, was laughing as the wind hit their faces. Mina rode with Hina, the toddler held on to her penguin plushy as she tried to enjoy the view. Sana and Dahyun rode their bike as Dahyun tried to stay beside you, ensuring Da-eun was doing okay. With Da-eun in front, you noticed how big she had gotten these past few months. Every day she got bigger and more interested in the world around her as she moved her eyes from side to side in wonder. 

You watched the mothers laugh and rode alongside each other with the wind flowing through their hair, and you couldn't believe how lucky you were to have children with these incredible women. 

After a couple of minutes of cycling, you finally arrived at the open field that led to a small lake. You all parked your bikes and, with the help of Sana and Dahyun, set up the large blanket on the grass. The rest of you gathered up the children and walked them to the blanket as they did some sightseeing. 

Jisoo picked up a dandelion to give it to Jihyo, but the passing wind blew away its pedals. Ari and Hina found it funny and laughed, which made Jisoo shed some tears and ran into Jihyo's arms. Jihyo had to comfort Jisoo, "Aww, it's okay. You can get me a prettier flower. Would you like to help me?" Jisoo nodded, and they both went off to find a flower together. 

Ari and Hina waddled towards you and crashed onto your back, causing you to lean forward. They smiled at you, climbed into your lap, and placed their heads on your chest. You gave them a long-lasting hug, "I love you both; I'm so happy to have you two in my life." They seemed to understand the words said as they worked their way up and kissed you on the cheek.

Jihyo and Jisoo came back to where everyone was and saw her sisters sitting on your lap, which caused her to pout and crossed her arms. "Aww, Jisoo is jealous," yelled out Sana. 

Jisoo looked at you, upset and about to cry. "We have space here for you," you said as you made space for her to sit on. She rushed towards you, walked onto your lap, and snuggled up with the rest. 

The members sat on the blanket and watched as you held your baby girls. Jihyo and Sana were surprised by how Hina opened up to you despite her shyness.

"Hina is trying to catch up to Jisoo and Ari," said Dahyun. "She doesn't want to get left behind and wants her daddy's attention," mentioned Mina. "It's only a matter of time until Da-eun catches up to them," said Dahyun. The members laughed at the idea since Da-eun was only a few months old. 

"Don't forget about my baby. They are going to want their daddy's and sister's attention, too!" said Sana with a happy smile.

As the children played within the circle you all made to keep them from wandering around, you all enjoyed the view of the small lake and the wildlife, especially the mother goose and her children following her. 

"That looks like us with our children who like to stick to us like glue at home," said Jihyo. 

"You're right; Hina is that same way. She doesn't like being left alone and follows me around the house," responded Mina. 

"I can't wait to have my baby; maybe they might follow me as I go around the house, especially when they start walking. If it's a girl, she'll be a mini version of me, or if a boy, it will be one of you, Oppa," Sana told

The laughter ended when Da-eun began to cry, "Aww, are you tired little one?" Dahyun tried to comfort her by swaying Da-eun from side to side, but no luck; instead, she cried harder. "Maybe she's hungry," said Jihyo. 

Dahyun looked at Da-eun and saw her smacking her lips from hunger, "Don't worry, I'm here for you," Dahyun then undid her cardigan and lifted her blouse, revealing her cream white breast and pink nipple. Da-eun immediately lunged and started to suck, causing Dahyun to moan slightly. 

"Wow, don't get too excited, Dahyun, we're in public," said Sana. "No, it's not like that; it is just that my breasts are sensitive."

"That's how it felt whenever I breastfeed Jisoo," said Jihyo

The babies watched their Da-eun have her meal and walked to their mother. They placed their hand and smacked their mother's chest. 

"Do you want some milk, too?" asked Jihyo. Jisoo nodded, and Jihyo lifted her shirt, revealing both breasts, and asked, "Which one do you want?" Jisoo grabbed both of her mother's breasts, laid on her lap, and pulled her mother's left tit into her mouth. 

Mina copied Jihyo, undid her hoodie, and lifted her top; Ari and Hina walked up to Mina, taking a tit each, and began to suck. 

What a fantastic sight, your children being fed by their mothers, showing a completely different side from who they were in public.

"Wanna suck on mine?" asked Sana as she lifted her shirt, showing off her tits. "Not here, not in public." "That's no fun; I'm the only one that doesn't have anyone to breastfeed," she pouted and crossed her arms.

Jihyo tried to comfort Sana and said, "Maybe you can practice when you get home. Don't think Oppa would mind having fun with you," as she turned around to look at you.

Sana turned and waited for your response, "I can stop by later if you like," that response was enough to make her put her shirt back with a smile.

"Enjoy him while you can before he gets someone else pregnant." 

The members laughed at Jihyo's comment, "Yeah, guess who will be next?"

You try to change the conversation but have no luck as the members mention names. "Maybe Nayeon unnie or Momo? They seem they might want to?" said Sana. 

"Haha, I don't think oppa has had sex with Nayeon unnie, right oppa?" asked Dahyun.

You tried to avoid the question, "No comment." 

Sana raised her hand, "Maybe Momo; she said they have been hooking up a lot during this comeback."

"Ohh, you're going for Momo, oppa?" asked Jihyo as she lifted her tits. "Haha, is it because her tits are big?" asked Dahyun.

"Please, stop. You're all making me feel embarrassed."

"Too bad you're with us, girls, so deal with it."

Mina, who hasn't said anything all this time, finally speaks up, "So, who's the next one?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, or Tzuyu?" as she fiddled with her fingers. The members turned around and looked at her in surprise, "Whoa, Mina, look at you all interested!" said Jihyo. "Well, I want us to be at the same pace. I want everyone to feel oppa's love."

Sana shouted, "I want to see Tzuyu's first time. I think it would be so cute, being there for our maknae.".

"Don't kid yourself, Sana; we all know you get turned on by those types of things," said Jihyo.

"Teehee," Sana acted all innocent. 

"I want to see Nayeon and Jeongyeon unnie reaction when they feel how big it is," said Dahyun. "Hahaha, same," the members said in unison. 

"Well, let's leave it up to them to decide when they want to do it, right? You can't just force them to do it if they don't want to," commented Jihyo. 

Even without verbal communication , you and Mina knew what was in each other's mind just by the eyes, the threeway you both had with Chaeyoung and you roughly fucked her for her first sexual experience. When Dahyun caught you both staring at each other, you couldn't help but chuckle. 

———— — 

After the babies finished their morning meal and the rest of you had a small snack, you all walked down the lake. Pictures of the children picking up rocks from the shore were taken. The three of them gave the rocks to their mommies as Sana helped Dahyun by carrying Da-eun in her arms. 

You took as many photos as possible to keep these precious reminiscence moments for your wives and kids. 

Jihyo ran to the front of the group and had the members and you posed for a family picture. She placed a tripod and mounted the phone just before with the timer set off. With the babies in the front, the members on the side, and you in the middle, the shutter sound went off. "Aww, how cute; I can't wait for when all the members are in the picture," said Jihyo. "Oppa, you are going to need and work your magic," whispered Sana as she walked past you. 

You all rode your bikes back to the house and arrived at the smell of brunch the rest of the members made. "Brunch should be ready in twenty minutes, so get ready," said Jeongyeon. "Okay, we will change the babies into comfortable clothes, so we'll be right back." 

"Kay," shouted Tzuyu as she helped Jeongyeon and Nayeon in the kitchen.

Sana walked up to you, "You said you were going to practice with me; we have twenty minutes, so let's enjoy ourselves until then," Sana then grabbed your hand and led you to your room.

[justlike-awoman]

Queen's chief road manager & FOH sound mixer John Harris's interview in the Roadies Page -segment of Beat Instrumental, December 1974 issue (article scanned & edited by me)

This interview with John Harris in 1974 gives very fascinating insights into the technical side of touring with Queen, including managing & transportation of the equipment, and balancing the books!

Beat Instrumental was a UK monthly pop and rock magazine aimed at musicians emphasising instruments, production and equipment.

Full transcript under the cut:

Roadies Page-

QUEEN'S John Harris (and team)

QUEEN ARE going the same way as Yes. That's not to suggest there are any musical similarities, rather the band believe in working for the future.

As soon as Yes started to earn decent money, they ploughed it all back into improving their act and giving better value for money in the hope that the public would respond. Respond they did and the investment paid huge dividends, as everybody knows.

Queen are doing the same thing. And that gives John Harris and his team quite a few problems. John is Queen's chief road manager. He's been with the band from the very beginning when they were called Smile and when the band went pro, he cast aside his college training and left his future in their hands. He's not regretting that.

John's team is a continually expanding and contracting one. His assistant is Robert Johnstone who joined the band in Scotland about nine months ago. Then there's a lighting crew (including someone to mix the lights) and truckers to do what roadies used to do a few years ago.

'The main problem is the worry,' admits John. 'It's such a great responsibility getting this lot of stuff around.’

We were talking at a full rehearsal of the band, held in a disused cinema in Ealing, West London, shortly before the band undertook their UK tour. In addition to the vast piles of source amplification, there was a massive RSE PA system, three mixers (one for fold-back mix), on-stage lighting towers, a massive mobile overhead gantry for lighting (very new), a number of high-power spotlights and a mixing desk for lighting. These are the basic units.

On stage the band's equipment is as follows. For bass there is a mixture of Hiwatt and Acoustic amplification delivering about 300 watts into a mixture of Sound City and Acoustic cabinets. Brian May insists on using Vox AC30s. He uses six of them for lead guitar. His initial guitar signal is amplified by two AC30s, the output is miked up and fed to the PA. The signal is also fed into an Echoplex and that output is, in turn, fed into two more AC30s. That output is miked up and fed to the mixer and it is also taken to a second Echoplex which is fed to the last pair of AC30s. That output is also miked and sent to the mixer.

ORIGINAL

'Brian's a real AC30 freak.' explains John. 'Most of his amps are original but we're trying out some of the new AC30s on the market and he says he likes them.' The piano is miked by a contact mike and amplified via a Hiwatt system which delivers through two Peavey cabinets. The drums are amplified via ten mikes.

Most of the microphones are AKGs with D190, D1200 and 202 models predominating.

One of John's most important tasks is the sound mixing. Because he's been with the band so long he understands exactly the mix required for their music.

'I think the most important requirement for a sound engineer on live gigs, is an understanding of the band's music. If you understand exactly what the band is trying to do in each section you're in a far better position to get the sound just right.’

John has to deal with two mixers. Both are supplied by RSE from whom the entire PA system is hired. One is a 20-channel mixer which mixes vocal and instrument mikes together and the other is a fifteen-channel unit used just for drums. The effects units are Binson and Echoplex echo chambers and the system has an output around 23KW.

The fold-back is also mixed separately, but the band adjust that from the stage. The massive lighting system that the band carry is hired from ESP.

Going on tour for Queen is a mighty expensive operation with this kind of set up. To get it all around the band hire a 32-ton artic, that costs over £500 per week (including driver). The hire bill for the PA and lighting equipment (including crews) is over £2,000 a week and during the time the band are rehearsing the cinema costs £150 a week. In addition there's the back line and that costs about £5,000.

All this is John's responsibility.

'I suppose I spend two hours each day working out the figures.

It really takes some organising making sure that the budget is properly spent. It must be said that Queen don't make anything out of touring, there's just no money in it. It's all to promote the records.

'I don't think tour rigs can really get any bigger or any more expensive. I think we've reached the end.’

[vodika-vibes]

SOFT PA AND FOX SLOW DANCING AND AN ALMOST KISS AHHHHHHHH

The slowest of slow burns~

I love it! It's torture!

Things have been different between you and Fox since the almost-kiss in your apartment a week ago. Not that anyone other than you, and Fox, would notice. At work, he's the same as he's always been. Unamused and stern, even as you antics benefit him or his brothers in some way. He still folds his arms over his chest and shoots you a glare when you suggest adding new responsibilities to the Guard. But when it's just the two of you, in his office, or out in public, he's different. He'll lightly brush his fingers against the back of your neck, against the inside of your wrists, or across the sliver of skin at your waistline when you shift and your shirt lifts. And, to be completely frank, it's driving you inside. Each touch of his fingers, gloved or not, sends jolts through your entire system. You are uncomfortably aware of him in a way you've never been for anyone before. And if you adjust your clothing, slightly, so there's a little more skin showing than you normally would, well, that's easily explained away as fashion changing. After all, everyone knows that you're vain and shallow, and that you follow fashion trends with an unhealthy obsession. (You don't, not really, but it works out in your favor that everyone thinks you're a shallow child-) The change in attire goes unremarked on by Fox, but feeling his fingers against your skin becomes more and more common with with attire change, which is exactly what you wanted. Only, you want more. So much more. Surely you can afford to be a little greedy, right? So here you are, in Fox's office, leaning against his desk, with his staring up at you with a hunger in his eyes that you've only caught glimpses of before. "I like the new outfits," Fox says, as his fingers linger on your wrist, "They're very..." His gaze drags across the exposed skin of your collar, "Colorful." "I do like colorful," You reply lightly, as you lightly trace a scratch on his armor. "It keeps peoples eyes on me, and not what I'm doing." He chuckles, a low noise that sends shivers up your spine, "You do play 'shallow and vain child' very well." Fox's head tilts back slightly, and your gaze trails along his throat, you'd give anything to just touch him...but he has to instigate it. He has to. The chrono chimes on the hour, and slowly, Fox pushes to his feet, "I have patrol," he explains, but now he's towering over you, and his hand is pressed to the desk next to where you're sitting, and his lips are only centimeters away from yours, and he's so very close- You tilt your head back, sending a litany of prayers to whoever, that he'll just kiss you already- When there's a knock on the office door, "Commander?" Commander Thire says from the other side, "It's time for your patrol, sir." Fox stares at you and he slowly pulls back, "I'll be right there, Thire." There's a look of frustration on his face, echoed by an almost identical look on yours. He takes a step back, and pulls his helmet on without looking away from you. And then he's gone, his office door sliding shut behind him. Once you're alone, you groan and flop back on his desk, sending papers flying, "Seriously? Kriff you, Thire."

[astarion-dekarios]

Dr. Alan L. Hart’s Unpublished Autobiography

Dr. Alan Hart, celebrated physician and pioneer of the x-ray photography in the detection of tuberculosis, was one of the first transgender men to receive gender confirmation surgery in the United States. Although his will stipulated that his personal papers and photographs be destroyed, earlier in his life he expressed a serious desire to publish an autobiography describing his experience as a trans man and doctor, to the point of writing out a manuscript which he sent, along with letters detailing his experience, to Mary Roberts Rinehart, renowned mystery writer[1]. The manuscript was never published and was probably destroyed, making his account of his experience in the letters the closest thing we have to his autobiography.  You can find the digitized copy of the letters in the note below, but I’ve also included a transcription under the cut for accessibility purposes.

[1] A. L. Hart to Mary Roberts Rinehart, 3 August 1921. SC.1958.03, box 21, folder 8, Mary Roberts Rinehart Papers, ULS Archives and Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt:31735037971201/viewer#page/19/mode/2up

Thermopolis, Wyoming.

August 3, 1921.

 Mrs. Mary Roberts Rinehart,

c/o Eaton’s Ranch,

Sheridan, Wyoming.

 My dear Mrs. Rinehart:

              I should not have the temerity to approach you as I am doing were it not for two things: First, the fact that both you and Dr. Rinehart belong to the medical world – of which I, too, am a part – and second, my conviction that you are as big and liberal-minded as your stories would indicate. So I venture to ask that you will read my letter and consider it.

              I was graduated from the Medical School of the University of Oregon (in Portland) in 1917 at the age of 27. Until that time – thru common school, High School. University and professional school – I lived as a woman. Shortly before my graduation I consulted a psychiatrist in Portland, Dr. Gilbert, a physician of established reputation; and with him made a complete study of my case, my individual history and that of my family. This was followed by a complete, careful physical examination. The diagnosis arrived at may be summarized as follows: Complete, congenital and incurable Homosexuality together with a marked modification of the physical organization from the feminine type.

              At this stage in my career, life had become so unbearable that I felt myself confronted by only two alternative courses – either to kill myself or refuse to live longer in my misfit role of a woman. I chose the latter, and submitted myself for an exploratory laperotomy for the purpose of establishing definitely and indisputably my proper role, with the result that I left the hospital as a man.

              To say the least, the situation in which I now found myself, bristled with difficulties. My family did not know of my operation nor of my transformation; neither did my most intimate friends. I was faced with the problem of making a living and my way in the world alone. It was in war time and my eligibility for the military service was an open question. The legality of the whole procedure was uncertain. The legal phase of the matter was taken up and attended to for me by Judge John B. Cleland of Portland, Oregon. Since I dreaded ridicule and publicity, and feared my friends might feel themselves embarrassed by what I had done, I resolved simply to drop out of their ken, and with that in view, secured an interneship in the City and County Hospital in San Fransisco and went there to take up my duties as soon as I was able to do so.

              My work went smoothly and well and things seemed in a fair way to adjust themselves, when by chance I was recognized at a public clinic by a young woman physician who had attended university at the same time I did. She spread the story among her acquaintances in the hospitals of the city, that I had once dressed as a woman and was now posing as a man. This coming to my ears, I went to the Superintendent of our hospital – told him the truth of the case – showed him my documentary proofs and voluntarily resigned. He gave me assurance that he would squelch any further notoriety about the hospital. Imagine my feelings, therefore, only a few days later, to open the Examiner one morning and find a garbled account of the whole thing smeared in broad head-lines across the page. The story was carefully written to convey the impression that I was a rank imposter and had fled before the righteous indignation of the authorities; it had been inspired by the young woman who had recognized me and the heads of the hospital I had just left.

              I took my letters and statements and went with them to the editor of the Examiner. He realized, at once, that his paper was being used as an instrument of spite and killed the story in the city and stopped further stuff from going out over the Associated Press.

              I was more or less stunned by what had happened. I had been prepared for criticism and ridicule – I was accustomed to them. But it had never occurred to me that people might want to hound and persecute me for my change in role. I had lived as a woman because that was my social standing, and had been made fun of and called ‘half-man, and now when I had faced the situation and righted the grotesquely false position in which I had lived so long, it seemed that the public would damn me because I had once, perforce, worn skirts. I tried to get other hospital work. I went to the men who had been my chiefs and told them the truth and asked their aid in securing another position; to a man they turned me down. I tried to get other sorts of work and failed for the same reason as soon as I gave my name. Then my family employed counsel and instituted proceedings to have my name legally changed; and the medical school from which I had been graduated served notice on us that if we persisted they would rescind my diploma and have me disbarred from practice.

              Finally, I made up my mind to ‘face the music’ without any attempt at concealment, so I went back home to the little town where I had been raised and gone to school. That was the hardest thing I ever did. This over, I went down into the woods in Southern Oregon and ran a hospital for the lumbermen and spruce boys until the Influenza had passed and the war was over. In the early Spring of 1918, I came to Montana and located at Huntley, a few miles east of Billings where I practiced until last February. Crops have been very poor in Montana for several years and that made collections very slow; the work was hard and trying, covering as it did a territory seventy miles long. I was anxious to work into X-Ray and diagnosis instead of general country practise, so I came last Spring to Thermopolis to be Roentgenologist and Pathologise in Dr. Hamilton’s hospital here. So far as I know my history is not known to anyone in this part of the country.

              To establish the authenticity of my story and give you some side-lights upon it, I am enclosing a number of letters from Dr. Gilbert and others, relative to my predicament. Dr. Gilbert is a man well known in his specialty. He published a detailed medical account of the whole affair in The Jounral of Nervous and Mental Diseases for October, 1920. I should be glad to furnish you with a reprint of this article, at a future time, should you care to see it.

              As you will observe in these letters, Dr. Gilbert has always urged me to write and publish my own story. In the height of my trouble in 1918, I wrote a first-draft of an auto-biography – or rather it boiled out from me without let or hindrance. This Spring I have gone over it and re-written it with a view to publication. The manuscript is now in the hands of the copyist. I want to ask you to read it and give me your opinion of it and advise me as to its publication.

              I do not wish to sail under false colors, and so I will admit at once that my motives are not altogether altruistic in this. My purpose in writing the book has been serious – and my hope that it might accomplish some good for my fellow-unfortunates, very strong – but there is another side to the matter: It is a grave undertaking to bare one’s whole heart before the world; and it is too much to expect a man to do so without reward. I had neither money nor backing when I embarked upon my career as a man four years ago this month; I have had every inch of the way to fight; I have asked no favors from anyone. But it has been mighty hard work and nerve-racking and I am tired. I have never asked for sympathy nor do I want it; I am still capable of standing on my two legs that have held me up for thirty-one years. But if I can make something out of this book, it will relieve the financial pressure and make life much easier and pleasanter for me. So I admit that my motives are mixed; but whose are not?

              I have read many of your stories – you are the only writer I know who can get the right atmosphere for things medical. I have also read your accounts of your trips thru the West and your husband’s articles in the Post. Will you pardon the slang, if I say that these have given me a hunch that you are ‘regular fellows’? And because of this, I have dared to intrude myself upon you. I shall be more than grateful, if you will allow me to send you the manuscript and give me a personal interview before you return East. I want your criticism and advice.

              I have made some notations on the letters enclosed to orient them properly in the current of events. These papers I should like to have returned as I value them highly. I have had to throw overboard almost all the associations and friendships and foundations of the first twenty-seven years of my life; the little that is left, I prize.

              I shall await a reply from you with eagerness.

              Very sincerely yours,

A. L. Hart

 THE HOPEWELL HOSPITAL Thermopolis, Wyoming.

A. G. HAMILTON, M. D. CHIEF SURGEON

August 12, 1921.

My dear Mrs. Rinehart:

              It is hard for me to tell you what my feelings were when I had read your letter. I had hoped but hardly dared expect courtesy and understanding of this type. I appreciate it with my whole heart.

              I understand your hesitation in expressing an opinion as to the feasibility of publication, especially in view of the character of the subject-matter. It will mean a good deal to me to have you read the manuscript. It will go forward to you tomorrow.

              As much as I shall value an opinion of yours on this manuscript, I am even more interested to know whether you will think I have any gift for writing. When I was younger I was interested in literature, and wrote a little while I was in college. Then for ten years the writing instinct was entirely submerged. During the past year it has cropped out again. My time is pretty well taken up, but I have been writing in spare hours a sort of journal of a doctor’s life. It seems to me that a physician’s life is richer than most men’s in the elements of both tragedy and comedy; but more than that I want to picture his own individuality – the graduation with high ideals of service in his profession and bounding ambition, the struggle to make a living and pay the bills, the fight to keep his idealism in the face of ungrateful patients and fee-splitting, cut-rate competitors, the flickering down of his desire to serve as he sees the quack’s commercial success, the waning of youth and its enthusiasms and courage under the burden of the mid-day, the occasional flarings of the old ambitions and hopes and the slowly-dawning realization that the heights are for only the few among whose number he is not, the final determination to play out the game as it has been given him and go out of the world a ‘good sport’ if nothing else. The whole thing a sort of resume of the flickering and blazing and dying of the torch of life. Is the idea worth anything, or am I wasting my time trying to write it down?

              I shall be obliged to go to Billings in a very short time to attend to some business connected with my property in Montana. If it would not be asking too much, I should like above all things to go down and meet you and Doctor Rinehart, as much as anything else to express my appreciation of your good sportsmanship more fittingly.

                                            I am

                                                           Very sincerely yours,

                                                                                                 A. L. Hart

[pandoramusicbox]

I was intending to upload this picture here yesterday but I must have gotten tiered and forgot!

Emperess Nautilus, ruler of the Neptonians

Every year I try to do a drawing of her to see how my art has progressed. This is this years addition.

May has been… a lot and I have not really processed it or really registered that it happened entirely.

But I still managed to finish this.

Something Lore wise that always sort of surprises me about Nautilus is her hair.

See, she’s blond. Which among the sea people is a rather rare trait. Their “hair” tends to be colors of black and brown and in some places blues, grays and purples. Sometimes you might even see some ghostly greenish white. Meanwhile reds and blonds are rare as for the neptonians it is a detrimental mutation.

See I’ve explained it before but, Neptonian hair is not like human hair. It’s thicker and hollow with pores all along it’s shaft.

This along with some other specifics not entirely worked out yet allows neptonians to shift the texture and colors of their hair allowing it to act as portable camouflage. As they use it to mimic seaweed and other aquatic plants and structures.

(And when it’s not camouflage, their hair tends to have venomous stingers at the end or all along the shaft)

Blond hair and by a lesser extension red hair dose not have this mutation, meaning that they can not successfully camouflage to their surroundings. Making them vulnerable to predation and easier to spot by prey.

In other words. Emperess Nautilus is Considered a disabled woman among her own species.

Which is wild to me as by humans standards she is not in any sense of the word.

Though it’s not a Big Deal. Of all the people In the world the Neptonians are among, if not the best at accommodating and Adjusting for differently body ability. After all their empire consists of vastly different people, and even among the larger everyday population of the empire their citizens tend to have three vastly different body types that need different accommodations. As well as a population that does not stop growing as it ages. So why not build things with access for other difference too?

Within the central hemisphere neptonian Architects are considered some of the best in the world.

This along with neptonians lobbing for accessibility to their citizens in land dwelling countries has changed the way most public (and many private) buildings are designed within the southern half of scalipia (ideas eventually migrated north), and Aukulir. As well as all of Gargoraqi.

Empress Nautilus’s mutation is not a huge deal for her everyday life at least in the current empire.

For one thing she is the Empress, the most powerful person politically, economically and socially in the nation.

Her needs are met. (And so are the majority of basic needs for all her citizens)

And she had it relatively well of to start with. After all before she became Empress she had a loving pod. That helped her hunt and provided protection. She also used to keep her hair shorter; a bit of a social faux pas, as short hair is seen as a signifier that a person is aggressive. Cutting their hair to declare ‘war’ on someone. Though she simply cut it to lessen the drag as she swam.

Her daughter phillipa, dose not have blond hair and has black hair she inherited from her father.

[crissiebaby]

DiapOut: Chapter 27

DISCLAIMER: This series contains diaper usage, public humiliation, masturbation, hypermessing, sissification, WAM, mental regression, and other ABDL themes. If you haven’t read the first chapter and want to catch up, be sure to check out the link in the description. I hope you enjoy!

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

*CLANK!*

With her wrist being locked into place by Keelee, Misa was starting to regret letting her big mouth talk her into volunteering to go first. The only solace she found was in the fluffy sofa chair she was reclined in, which felt a bit like sitting in one of those mall massage chairs only much softer.

“Lean your head back,” instructed Keelee, placing her hand on the top of Misa’s scalp to hold her in place as she guided her to sit back. She then took a leather strap and wrapped it around Misa’s forehead before locking it into place, preventing Misa from looking any other way but forward.

Staring straight ahead, all Misa could see was the wide monitor displaying a blank screen that stretched all the way across her range of sight. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was probably going to happen. “So what? Is this the part where you hypnotize me into becoming as horny for diapers as Lelaya?” she scoffed in defiance, straining her peripheral vision to address her gracious host. In reality, she was terrified by what was going to happen next, and her defiance was more or less a defense mechanism to keep her from crying out to be released.

“Hmmm…not quite. Don’t worry, someone as strong-willed and bullheaded as you are will have no problem resisting,” said Cassi, encouraging the audience to laugh at Misa’s expense as if they were watching a carnivore play with its food. Turning to face her adoring crowd, she decided now was as good a time as any to explain what was on the horizon for Misa, as well as Mia and Kyoko. It wasn’t like Misa was going anywhere at this point anyway, “We’ve got a special treat for you today! What you are about to witness is the culmination of years of research into psychology and hypnotics. The method we are about to display was developed by the CrissBaby Diaper Company and has resulted in a 100% success rate throughout the trial phases. And Misa, here, is about to become its first demonstrator.”

The studio erupted with excitement over Cassi’s announcement. A form of hypnotism that had a 100% success rate? Such a feat was unheard of, feeling far closer to the realm of science fiction than science fact. Unfortunately, not everyone was as enthused as the live-studio audience. Namely, the majority of the eight contestants play on both teams, regardless if they were in line to be hypnotized or not.

Gritting his teeth, Zeke cursed himself for going with the honest answer over the smartest one. The last person on their team who needed their mind weakened right now was their fearless leader, even if she wasn’t being the most tactful with how she went about leading her team. Sadly, all he could do now was watch from the sidelines, too nervous to even glance in Kyoko’s direction, let alone look her in the eye.

Perhaps the only person more nervous than Zeke was Ayaya, who hadn’t exactly intended for two of her teammates to receive hypnosis punishment. This was the thing Jackson had primarily warned her about for a reason. Not only was the hypnosis file that her friends were about to be exposed to incredibly potent, but it was also highly experimental and could have lasting effects on whoever sees it.

Ayaya’s concerns were not, however, shared by her diaper-loving teammate, Lelaya, who had only one thing on her mind. “C’mon! Pleeeeeeeease, let me trade places with Misa! I’m super in need of an attitude adjustment!” she shouted at some hapless PA like a child throwing a tantrum over not being picked to participate. After being told no for the eighteenth time, she finally relented, though she wasn’t happy about it as was evident from her crossed arms and pouty lip.

While it was obvious that Lelaya’s campaign to take Mia and/or Misa’s place was doomed from the start, it didn’t stop Misa from praying that the diaper fashionista would be able to swap places with her. “I-It’s not permanent, right?” she stuttered, looking to Cassi, and then to Keelee with worried eyes. And while neither answered her directly, their respective looks of cruelty and pity told her everything she needed to know. She pulled against the cuffs around her wrists, testing to see if she could escape on her own if need be. Tragically, her restraints lived up to their name.

“Alright, ladies and germs, let’s get this show on the road!” announced Cassi, pulling a pair of goggles with black, reflective lenses and placing them over her eyes.

Immediately after Cassi’s new eyewear was in place, a team of PAs, led by Keelee, rushed through the audience carrying totes filled with the same kind of goggles. “Okay everyone, for your own safety, please keep your goggles until after the hypnotics are over…unless, of course, you’d like to share in Misa’s punishment,” announced Keelee through her bullhorn. As the audience put on their goggles, the other seven contestants, as well as any crewmembers out on the studio floor, were also given their own protective eyewear.

Returning to where Cassi and the stand-by contestants were waiting, Keelee handed off a remote with a big red button in the center to Cassi. “Probably pretty self-explanatory but the button turns the hypnotics on and off. There’s also a dial on the side to control its intensity but you shouldn’t have to mess with that,” she said, knowing from the rotten look in Cassi’s eye that she would definitely be testing the limits of her new toy.

Hovering her pointer finger over the big red button like she’d seen countless mad scientists do in cartoons, Cassi let out a maniacal giggle, too excited to contain herself. “Well Misa, say goodbye to all those nasty big girl thoughts!” she exclaimed, mashing her finger down on the button.

“W-wait, isn’t there gonna be a countdown or s-sooommethiiiiing…” shouted Misa, her ability to speak plummeting as her eyes became locked on the purple and pink spiral that was spinning in place on the big screen. She wasn’t to look away; to close her eyes and wait for everything to be over as if it were some grand nightmare. However, she found that her body no longer wanted to listen to what she thought, choosing instead to stare with unwavering eyes at the swirling vortex of regression.

Swiveling her head between Misa and the spiraling screen, butterflies were beginning to eat away at Mia’s tummy. Part of her wished she could gain some satisfaction in seeing Misa stuck in a hypnotized state but that part of her was overshadowed by the guilt of seeing the person who was supposed to be her best friend in the world being subjected to a mind-altering video, not to mention the fact that her turn in the hot seat would be coming up shortly.

Similarly conflicted, Kyoko wished that she could let go and just indulge in what was about to happen to her. Diapers weren’t her only fetish as the kinky lesbian was prone to having fantasies about having her adult mind wiped clean. Even now, she could feel her lower lips growing moist over the prospect of turning into a drooling baby that needed to be cared for and coddled at all times. However, her enjoyment over what should’ve been one of the highlights of this entire experience was somewhat hindered by the fact that she was selected by her own teammates for an “attitude adjustment,” indicating that she was in a behavioral correction. If it was just Cade, she could brush it off as him not really knowing who to choose. Zeke, on the other hand, was a much different story. Even now, anytime she tried to look his way, he’d turn away from her instantly, causing her to wonder if and how she could’ve wronged him. There’s no way he knew that she blabbed about his dolly transformation to Cassi so it had to be something else…right?

“She seems to be handling level one just fine,” said Cassi, circling around Misa as she addressed the audience. She snapped her fingers next to Misa’s head, impressing everyone as Misa didn’t even so much as flinch at the abrasive sound. Placing the remote’s power dial between her fingers, she greedily twisted it forward, “Let’s bump things up and see what this baby can really do, pun intended.”

“Oohhhh!” moaned Misa, her jaw going slack and her body beginning to shake as her brain was forced to process so much input all at once. A few chuckles echoed from the audience as the increase in intensity caused her diaper to start swelling with an easily discernible yellow hue. All the while, the adult side of her brain continued to fight back futilely, unaware that her resistance only made the hypnosis stronger. 

Biting her lip, Cassi’s gluttony for punishment was on full display. She didn’t have anything personally against Misa. It could’ve been anyone in that seat. To her, the contestants on her show might as well have been toys, made for the sole purpose of entertainment only to be discarded when she became bored with them. “I think we’ve officially laid siege to her continence. Let’s see if we can push her a little further,” she said, fiddling with the dial a second time.

*ZAP!*

“Eeeeek!” shouted Cassi, her hand recoiling as the remote sent a sharp shock coursing through her arm. This resulted in her dropping the remote, causing it to shatter against the cold, cement floor, “Uh oh.”

As pieces of the remote scattered across the floor, the spiral on the screen slowly began to increase in speed. This caused Misa’s body to convulse as the intensity of the hypnosis was too much for the unprepared mind to take in. Her body pulled against her arm and head restraints as she shook wildly.

“SHUT IT DOWN NOW!” screamed Keelee, her panicked voice echoing loudly through her megaphone. Crewmembers were sent running off in various directions as the bright screen started to flicker, creating a strobe effect in the dark room.

Standing on the sidelines in terror, Mia watched on as her bestie was subjected to some of the most powerful hypnotics known to man. “M-Misa!” she yelled, her body moving on its own as she sprinted to her friend’s aid. Wrapping her arms around Misa’s head, she used her forearm to cover Misa’s eyes, shielding her from any more damage.

*SHATTER!*

Several of the overhead lights suddenly blew out as the circuit breaker finally cut off power to the studio, plunging the large space into complete darkness. Clicking on her flashlight, Keelee sighed as she looked around, counting her blessings that no one appeared to be hurt. With all eyes falling on her as the only source of light in the room, she cleared her throat before lifting her bullhorn to her mouth again, “Uh…p-please remain seated while we get everything back online. We appreciate your patience.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

« PREVIOUS l FIRST l NEXT »

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Edited by AllySmolShork

[arthistoryanimalia]

For #Feathersday: two examples of kuluh khuds (cap helmets) with built-in plume holders, here adorned with peacock feathers, on display at the Reading Public Museum (PA, USA):

Kulah Khud (Helmet) Persian, 17th - 18th century, steel & gold Dimensions: Overall (including mail): 22 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (57.2 x 21.6 cm) Overall (not including mail): 9 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. (24.8 x 21.6 cm)

"This armor design dates from the Qajar period (1785 – 1925), when Iran waged many wars with Imperial Russia, which resulted in Iran losing much territory to Russia and the British Empire. This helmet is inscribed with a hunting design and figures sitting and conversing. The riveted rim has a protective hanging mail neck guard and adjustable nose piece. The crown has two plume holders and the gold-inlaid crest plate features a quadrangular spike."

Kulah Khud (Helmet) Abyssinian, 18th - 19th century, steel & enamel Dimensions: Overall: 10 x 7 in. (25.4 x 17.8 cm)

"This helmet was most likely used for ceremonial purposes. The typical top spike seen on battle helmets is replaced in this instance by an ornamental peacock head. The helmet’s surface is made up of open-work with a red enamel layer beneath. Although the hanging mail neck guard is missing, the small rivet holes are visible."

[nimbasa-librarian]

A Pretty Good Birthday

This was her first birthday in Unova

And it would be the first one she’d ever spent by herself. 

Okay, not entirely by herself. Drew and Daniel had been up and about and trilling happily at her, affectionately bopping her on the head as if to wish her a very happy 29th birthday. 

“Thank ya, thank ya” she pushed them off with a smile, carefully getting ready for the day.

Her birthday wasn’t public information - she’d made sure to keep those records private when she took her new job - so thankfully, there wouldn’t be any celebration waiting for her at work.

She hated that stuff, the anxiety killed her. 

Putting on her long coat, she checked her Xtrans briefly. No messages.

It was still night in Galar. She was sure she’d at least hear from her mother and father. Maybe Denton if he wasn’t busy, perhaps even Milo. 

She didn’t linger on Piers for longer than she must. 

Ready for her day, she motioned her Yamasks behind her, and she was off. 

She was waiting in the station near Ingo when her Xtrans went off, the soft jingle indicating that her mother and father were reaching out 

Wasn’t it like, 5 AM over here? 

She lifted the Xtrans, answering the call, and was greeted with - 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” 

The poor woman nearly jumped out of her skin 

“Oh, Sweet and Merciful Yvetal-” 

“Happy birthday, Anya!” 

She huffed “Thank you, Ma. That was spirited of you” 

“I wanted to make sure I caught you before work and woke your father up at the same time - win-win!” 

“Sure” her father grumbled in the background “Happy birthday, Annie” 

“Thank’s Pa” 

Ingo tilted his head at the conversation, but said nothing. Anya was too focused on the call, trading pleasantries with her parents. Though Drew did notice him, and almost seemed to motion for Ingo to also say happy birthday. 

He was alarmingly cognizant, even for a Yamask. 

The call ended with Anya shutting her extrans with one of those exasperated sighs that you only give with family. 

Ingo cleared his throat. 

“Hm?” 

“It is your birthday today?” 

“Oh” She looked a bit sheepish “Uh, yeah’ She nodded, adjusting her bag “Ma an’ Pa wanted to say it before I went to work. I should be hearin’ from my brother soon too. Maybe a few friends” 

Milo. It was just going to be Milo. 

Ingo took a second, before tipping his hat to her “Well, A very happy birthday to you, friend. May you receive no challengers today” 

The slightly delighted surprise in her eyes was enough of a thank you, but she verbalized it “Ah, thank ya, Ingo.” 

The train pulled into the stated, Ingo returning into “work mode” “STAY BEHIND THE YELLOW LINE! STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS, PLEASE!” 

“Have a good day, Ingo!” She rushed out before running to get on the train before it got too full. 

The day had been relatively lax, with her work taking her to a very, very delicate rebinding of a 400 year old novel about Lugia. 

It was written in an ancient dialect of Kantonian - a part of her wished she could read it. 

Her lunch occurred, and - for her birthday - she decided to take herself out to a little cafe that made a mean cup of Galarian coffee. It was a treat! 

What she was not expecting was Elesa to already be there, holding up a cup. She was dressed to the nines, as always, and waved Anya down perhaps too excitedly

“A little Ingo told me it was your birthday!” She grinned as Anya approached “I know we just met a few weeks ago, but I was gonna drop this off at the library for you as a little present - win-win!” 

“Ah… oh uh, thank ye, Elesa. Tha’ was unexpected” 

“I was in the area, and I think Ingo said this is your first birthday in Unova, so it felt apt to reach out” Elesa shrugged it off “Oh uh, also, I don’t think that Emmet is going to try anything, but just be prepared. You might get an Xtran message asking if you have plans after work” 

Anya blinked. Her expression clearly showed she hadn’t been expecting that. 

“... You okay?” 

“Uh…. a little overwhelmed, if I’m honest. I was expectin’ t’just… have a normal day” She admitted, Drew seemed to scowl, and let out an annoyed noise “Don’ give me tha’!” 

Elesa chuckled “Well, you’re the one that befriended the subway bosses. Can’t have a boring birthday with them. Trust me. I know” 

“Yama!” Daniel floated over to Elesa, giving her a little bop on the head. 

“He’s sayin’ thanks f’r the coffee on mah behalf. He does tha’ sometimes” 

“Awww, you’re so sweet” 

Daniel beamed at the praise. Drew did not seem impressed

“Well” Elesa checked her Xtrans “I have to go, but I’m glad I was able to get that. Ingo says you like Glarian Coffee with cream, not milk, right? That’s what I got” 

“Ah… yes.. Thank you again, Elesa. I appreciate this” 

“Don’t even mention it. And Happy Birthday!” 

Elesa waved, and left Anya there with her coffee

Huh.

She did, in fact, get a message from Emmet - a voice one

“HELLO ANYA! Ingo has informed me that today is your birthday?? That is verrrrrry wonderful! Happy birthday!! Please let me know if you have plans for your evening! Please be advised that I am on the clock, and will respond to any of your messages when I have a free moment between passing trains!” 

Anya nervously huffed “... d’ya think I should accept what’ever they offer?” 

Both of her Yamasks - in a rare moment of absolute agreement - nodded and nuzzled her head in tandem 

“Ah- ah! Y’two always muss up m’hair!” She playfully chuckled, pushing them away. 

The pokemon just smiled and appreciated her affection 

“Y’r right… can’t make good friends if ye don’ let them give ya kindness, hm?” 

Drew nodded sagely

Anya sighed, and raised the Xtrans to her face “Hello Emmet. I don’ have any plans after work t’night.” She sent the message “Alrightie, le’s ge’ back t’the Lugia text. We’re barely halfway through the bind scrapin. We gotta get workin!” 

“Yama!” 

“Yama!” 

The rest of the day was rather calm as she worked. 

When on a break, she checked her phone, seeing a message from Ingo

“Emmet wishes to invite you to dinner for your birthday. There is an all-you-can-eat place by the ferris wheel that offers free specialty desserts for birthdays. Would you be interested? It would be our treat” 

Oh

Anya’s smile looked almost, sad 

“Heh, Drew.. Remember for my twenty-fifth, when Piers an’ I did tha’ all you can eat karaoke place?” She recalled, distantly “Bastard got us kicked out… I’d never had so much fun” 

No, don’t - don’t think about it. He was the one that pushed you away, you didn’t do anything

Drew seemed to sense her distress, and let out an indignant “Yama!” Before “bonk”-ing her in the head with his stone as lightly as he could, snapping her out of it. 

“Right, right, can’t linger on all that.” she huffed “Okay, alright, I’m gonna say yes” 

“Ya!” Daniel cheered.

Drew nodded in approval, and Anya chuckled with a shake of her head 

“You two, honestly” 

She messages Ingo back promptly, and returns to work. 

By the time the day was over, she had in fact heard from Milo, who sent her a lovely video message with a happy birthday from his pokemon team - a kind gesture, along with a promise that, in a few months time, he’d be making the trek to Unova, and that he’d be delighted to play catch up, and perhaps even try out her challenge. 

She’d been filled with such a fuzzy feeling in her chest at that message. He’d always been an attentive friend. 

But the surprise message was from… Marnie. 

How has the girl gotten her Xtrans number? Had Milo given it to her? Denton perhaps? He has messaged her a happy birthday, and told her to expect more messages. 

But there it was, a brief voice message, addressed to her from a communicator in Spikemuth with the subject line “From Marnie” 

She stood at the door of the archive, having just locked it, and opened the message

“Hi Anya. Long time no talk.. I’ll keep this brief, uh, happy birthday? Milo messaged Piers but Piers is out, so I thought you should at least hear from me” The girl's teenage nonchalance was evident. “I hope you’re enjoying Unova. You’re a battle boss there, right? Uh, congrats, by the way” 

Anya felt like she was going to choke 

“Just.. have a happy birthday, okay? I miss you” 

And it ended. 

Anya stared at her Xtrans for a moment, not moving as she stared at the now listened to message, the little bar glowing in completion 

She was jostled from her stare by Drew, who whined  as loudly as he could manage to get her attention 

“Oh-! Oh..” She rubbed her face “Sorry - sorry Drew. Thank ye” Daniel also whined, bumping into her arm 

“Right, right. I should… respond. Yes” 

Anya took a moment, before pressing the record button 

“Hello Marnie. I’s good t’hear from ya. Y’sound like y’r doin’ well. I am having’ a good birthday, thank ye f’r messagin’ me. I appreciate it… Tell y’r brother I said hi. Chat with ya again soon, ‘m sure” 

She sent it before she could delete it, and took a deep breath. 

“Okay… okay” She shut her eyes, taking a deep breath “Time for dinner. Le’s go meet wit’ the subway twins. Huh?” 

Drew nodded almost sagely, and Daniel went so far as to wrap his arms around one of hers, and pulled her towards the stairs and the exit. 

She let herself get dragged up the stairs, and as she looked outside, she saw Ingo and Emmet standing at the bottom of the library stairs, Ingo giving her a polite wave. Emmet caught the action and turned around, giving her a bright, bright smile 

“Hello Anya! Are you ready to have a verrrrrry happy birthday?” 

Her expression broke into a smile that seemed almost relieved. 

“Certainly” She nodded, making her way down the stairs “Let’s get goin’”

-

After Dinner

Commissioned art by @nartothelar​

[taaaaangi]

grabe din yung bilis ng adjustment and pag adapt ng katawan ko sa ibang bansa eh no. almost 10 hrs ung flight ko last thursday pero walang jetlag. Gumala nga agad tapos umuwi ng almost 1am dbx time. 5am sa pinas haha tas kinabukasan ganon din. gusto ko na dito. Walang traffic. Laging may points pag may bibilin ka. Maganda ukay. Imagine naka jackpot ako ng brand new na Nike and Lee na pants for 20 aed each. Pwede gamitin yung cc nila via phone. As in tap lang sa pos machine ung phone tas oks na or sa apple watch. kahit small store nag accept ng cc. ang saya. Ang speed limit nila 80-120kmph kasi nga walang ka traffic traffic. Normal ung ferrari, sports car and high end cars sa kanila. Wala masyadong mga Vios ganon. Wala din masyado motor. Puro big bikes ung nakikita ko. Walking distance ung corniche. Walkable siya kasi ang lalawak ng lakaran. pag may tatawid hihinto talaga yung sasakyan di tulad sa Pinas na kahit nasa pedestrian lane ka na, ikaw pa mag aadjust na padaanin ung mga sasakyan. Yung waiting shed para sa bus, aircon hahaha pota talaga. Lahat ng public toilet may tissue. hays. di ko talaga maiwasang di i-compare sa Pinas. Iba talaga pag priority ung residents and ung country mismo kasi kitang kita mo at ramdam mo ung “ginhawa”, ung sa atin kasi priority ung mga sarili nila eh. Ang bilis pa gawin ung parang train station from Abu Dhabi to Oman. Yung satin 6 years mahigit na ung MRT sa pa fairview, hindi pa din tapos. hays. gusto ko na lang talaga dito.

[jmflowers]

Now that I’ve slept for 13 hours straight and had a 2 hour nap, I’m ready to share how my day on set went (for those interested):

- I was hired for this job, so my contract was in my email inbox when I awoke at 5:30am.

- I was tasked with picking up the director from his hotel and getting him to set. What should’ve been a 45 minute drive turned into an hour and a half, so I was very late. Honestly, I don’t think he liked me much after that even though we had a nice conversation in the car. Either way, the production team wasn’t upset with me (I apologized profusely) and shooting began as planned.

- it was a small team, so the camera and lighting department were using their own equipment. As there were 3 of us PAs on this job, I stepped back and observed the setups instead of getting my hands in there. At one point they asked me if I’d ever used the specific types of lights before and I was really honest and said we hadn’t learned about them at school yet… hopefully the DP appreciated that because I really respect him and learned a lot watching him.

- since I wasn’t deep into equipment assist and the director didn’t need me, I helped out in the typical production PA ways: guarding doors to minimize noise while rolling, getting talent where needed, handing people water bottles, ordering food, etc.

- our day’s schedule included 3 locations and 13 talent, so there were a lot of moving parts and the schedule was thrown off at the very first location. To accommodate the push of lunch (which wasn’t happening until the third location), I ran out with the production credit card to grab a bunch of sandwiches at a shop around the corner.

- while they were finishing up final shots at the first location, we received a message from the talent for the second location saying she was there and waiting. As there wasn’t a holding area at that location, I was sent with my car to pick her up and bring her to our third location until they were ready for her. I also received the lunch delivery at this third location during that time. (Which was so awkward because she then assumed that one of those meals was for her, but I knew that food wasn’t in any of the actors contracts because they were only with us for an hour or two per the schedule… thank goodness they called her for the shot and I was able to usher her back to location two before she took a meal because it would’ve been my food I’d have to have given up to her.)

- I was technically still the director’s personal driver, but one of the other producers went to the first location to drive him so I could handle the talent pickup.

- at location two we were outside in public, so I sat in while they adjusted cameras and talent were being mic’d, then held the bench they’d chosen until they were ready. To alleviate the attention we were attracting, all of us not needed were sent across the street to watch while they filmed (as opposed to crowding around the shot).

- when we finished at that location, I got the director and the super important guy from the agency to the third location. I’d parked kind of far from where we were shooting, but not obnoxiously so, and the director asked me during the walk to my car if we were walking all the way to location three. I laughed but… yeah, definitely weren’t meshing. Having the agency guy in the car was a relief just as a middleman. Director ended up telling us about some absolutely absurd shoots he’d been on in another country where someone literally almost died because of the working conditions.

- location three! I parked where I would’ve gotten a ticket just to get the director and agency guy upstairs and eating. Then I rushed back out to move my car to where it needed to be and showed our lead talent into the parking garage. Also hauled the rest of the stuff for craft that was in my car into our holding area.

- during this “lunch” break we determined that we were going to lose one of our locations as they were closing, so the director and the producer took off down there before we finished eating to try to convince them to let us shoot after close. Or, scout out another location in the same area. Thankfully, the location agreed and even offered up some free croissants to the crew when they finished filming haha.

- the rest of the shoot was outside and I wasn’t really needed, so I spent a bit of time babysitting talent in the holding area until they were ready for me to move them to where they needed to be. None of the talent had been told anything about the topic of the project, so all day long I’d been fielding questions about what they were going to be asked. The reason was the client was in another country and they didn’t want to pay for a crew to wander around in the streets of Toronto asking the questions and risk not getting answers. By hiring actors, they were guaranteed answers. By telling them nothing, they got pretty human responses (except for from one chick who the director described as “too actor”).

- the second last shot was about three blocks away from our holding area, so I brought two of our talent down there and kept them busy far enough away from what was being shot so they wouldn’t hear the topic. One of the camera guys had asked for a coffee earlier, so I’d made him one before moving talent and was able to hand it off to him between shots… his eyes were so red. Then I checked in on our main talent to see if he needed anything. He didn’t ask me directly, but he said he really wished he had his phone as his 15 month old daughter was home with someone else and he wanted to check in. So, off I went as a good little PA to retrieve his phone for him… my speedy legs got there and back before they finished the last shot and he had time to check in while we walked back to holding for the final shot of the day.

- we’d reached the 12 hour mark by this point, which meant production was required (by law?) to feed us again. So, the producer ordered a couple of pizzas while we set up the final shot in our holding area. We’d lost light as the day had gotten so long and that meant we weren’t able to shoot in our final scheduled location. Thus, holding area. The DP bounced a light to make it appear to be daytime and we moved a bunch of stuff around to make the room look like an apartment.

- fourteen hours after my day began, we wrapped! Just as you see in behind the scenes media, we all clapped. Pizza boxes were opened and I started chugging coke (for the caffeine) because I was supposed to drive the director back to his hotel. He wandered around thanking everyone (except for me) and then told the producer he was gonna walk to his hotel instead. The agency guy expressed great gratitude at my offer to drive him, but declined and handled his own ride, too. So then I was free to help with clean up! I collected garbage, scored some leftover food, helped move carts, checked the room over, turned off lights, etc…

- checked in with the producer and AD before I left as they’re people I’d consider friends at this point. The AD and I went to college together and he knew I had an 8am class the next morning, so he’d been offering to email my professor and get me out of it. The producer had also been asking if I had time to write with them again because the owner of the production company had been asking to work on something with me (!!!?!?!?), so I touched base with her about that.

- then I bounced! It’s about an hour drive for me to get home from where we were and I pulled into my parents driveway at 10pm, 16 hours after my day had begun. Really grateful my mom was still up, as she talked to me on the phone the whole drive to help me stay awake. I always need a bit of time afterwards, I find, to get the adrenaline of the day to leave my system (and the last minute caffeine to wear off) before I can sleep.

- in the follow up, I’m required to sign and return my contract. Then I send an invoice to the production company outlining the work I did and what they owe me. I’ll see that money in about 30 days when they pay all their September invoices. (Or later, since they haven’t paid their august invoices yet either.)

- as is typical for PA work, I didn’t make a lot of money. But! I got a couple of awesome perks and was able to network a bit with people I really respect. Hopefully, my work ethic on set will be remembered and lead to more work later, as that is the most important part when first starting out. The DP has an incredible resume which includes a bunch of shows my parents watch and I like that he knows my face and name now.

And yeah, I did make it to my 8am class. Prof was impressed and thanked me for my initiative. So, winning on all fronts.

[patalipat-blog]

Biryani, sopas, at kape

I need to learn how to balance being kind to myself and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

It's Sunday again. I planned to start my day early but I guess the fatigue has really caught up to me. Last Wednesday marked my first month here in Elbi, but I still haven't completely adjusted yet. I've been so used to my weekday-weekend routine for the past 8 years; I'd hustle at work from Monday to Friday, then I'd spend my Saturday-Sunday doing errands, lazing out, walking, eating, basta tambay galore lang haha. Now, yung weekends ko apart from personal errands like laundry, I still need to study and do lots of reports. I have anticipated this, though, kaya I really pushed for full-time study leave. Thankfully, it was granted.

This week was good to me although it seemed like a blur. Last Sunday, after Tumblring I did some work then went to the church at 5pm. My foggy mind already forgot the Homily huhuhu, but I remember getting struck by it. Small bump on the road lang yung bland coffee na nabili ko in the eve, but it still powered me through the night writing my lab report about stem cross-section.

Kasoooooo during the Plant Anatomy class on Monday, gagi wala pang 30 seconds na nakatayo ako in front, our Prof already said stop, repeat the lab work because my sample was too old na raw haha! Kinda got stunned but we just laughed it off. We really love how our Prof is so sarcastic and tactless, but so fun and informative. She's not a really great teacher (she's a University Researcher, not exactly a Prof), but she's very good in showing us how to analyze our photomicrographs. You just have to be very quick in taking note of her points, and organizing them later on.

Anyway, after class I really committed to doing overtime for my Plant Anatomy lab works for the rest of the week. I spent my Monday afternoon, whole of Wednesday, whole of Thursday, and half of Friday sampling plants, free-hand sectioning them, staining them, and viewing them under the microscope.

(My workstation for the past days)

Grabe super lula na ako everytime I'd go out of the lab at 5pm haha! But Tita Susan and Sir Jeff are reaaaaaally very accommodating Lab Technicians hehe. Sarap ng spaghetti ni Tita Susan huhu! Mas nakavibes ko rin mga Plant Anatomy classmates ko because of our lab hours.

Super hirap makakuha ng maayos na cross-section hehe, may times din na okay na sana yung sample ko kaso nasisira whenever I fix it on the slide or I stain it and flood it with water huhu! But I really learned a lot. Scared lang of course, kasi di ako naggogloves tas carcinogenic pala yung stains hahaha!

(Some unedited photos of my specimens under the microscope)

I really don't like microscopy haha! Ever since! I also get easily bored inside the lab, gusto ko nasa labas lagi. But perhaps it also stems from my lack of practice. So far, halos nagamay ko na rin yung free-hand sectioning and microscope manipulation. Hindi ako proficient, but I'm still excited to teach my students this new skill.

Last Tuesday also, holiday dito pero we did lab paperwork for our Forest Ecology lab on species mapping. Amazing, yung isa ko palang groupmate ay lowkey lang pero marami nang publications huhu! She's a URA (University Research Associate), taking MS also. Our other groupmate naman is from Baao pala hehe! Tas kapatid din siya ng former student ko. Basta super small world hehe. Our other two groupmates couldn't attend but I hope to know them further din in the coming weeks. Last Thursday afternoon and Friday, we plotted our transect for our lab on forest floor cover. Nakakatuwang matuto from our undergrad groupmates on how to plot the bearings for the transect. Talagang dapat specific yung compass directions, di pwedeng basta basta lang.

(We're actually two groups here. Uso collab ftw hehe!)

May utang pa ako sa kanila huhu! Di ko pa nagagawa yung part ko sa species mapping lab! Why? Because after doing Plant Anatomy labwork last Friday, I prepared naman for our Pisay Bikol Tulong Dunong 2024. I was tasked to teach Scientific Method and Variables to 240 Grade 6 pupils via Google Meet. Nakeri naman hehe, medyo napuyat. I was already dreading having signed up to this tutorial, kasi of course imbes na restmode na I needed to shift my mindset back to being a teacher and prepare materials pa diba.

Oks naman though hehe. Suuuuper fun naman yung naging discussion! I lowkey was kinda scared, I didn't know how to sustain the attention of the Grade 6 kids lalo pa at online tutorial. I did away with the lengthy lectures, I just did some diagrams and planned on giving test drills tas I'd explain them later on. But honestly, whatever I prepared, kulang pa pala haha! I had to do on-the-spot illustrations and explanations of how the Scientific Method was used in understanding the real world. Nachallenge din ang understanding ko! But things went well naman, they were so rowdy sa chatbox kaya I had to turn it off several times, then turn it on kapag I need responses from them. Overall, feel ko nagets naman nila nang maayos yung Scientific Method hehe! Napahaba lang talaga sa explanations, and sa chikahan on the side! They had so many questions about Pisay, and of course I was so willing to respond naman, bilang alumnus.

(Some screenshots)

I hope they enjoyed hehe, kahit na magulo rin ako mag-explain at times. In fairness, sabi naman nila gusto nila ako maging teacher hehe! May Round 2 pa ako though, next Saturday. I'll squeeze Variables and Biology in just 2 hours huhu sana kayanin! Another win for me pala this week was finally being able to go to the gym! Last Tuesday, kahit super busy I really pushed myself to go at lunchtime. Typical bakal gym, pero mura naman and hindi crowded, tas mabait naman yung coach on duty, though they wouldn't really focus on you for the entire time unlike doon sa gym ko back in Goa. Tas yesterday, after the online tutorial nagrest lang ako then late eve I went back. Ngarag!!! Pero kinaya naman hehe. Sobrang tahimik namin kagabi, minding our own routines haha. Hanap ngako gym buddy, para may kausap naman kahit pano. Nevertheless, it's still a win for my personal health!

As for today, I woke up late and super sakit ng katawan because of workout kagabi haha! Then I went to the Sunday Market again, had biryani (sobrang sarap!), finally yung naamoy ko last Sunday natikman ko na now haha! Tas sopas, and laaaaarge coffeeeeee!!! Sobrang nabitin kasi ako sa small cup nila last week haha, kaya nagpalarge ako now kahit pa juice cup yung pinaglagyan nila haha! Nagtakeout din ako sopas para sa housemate ko na jusq hindi pa pala natutulog, dami raw kasing acad work and org work. I was happy na finally nakapagbuy ako ng food for my housemate hehe. Nahihiya ako syempre, kasi yung first 2 weeks na stay ko rito last Aug, hindi na nila ako pinabayad. This Sept na lang daw ang start ng rent ko. Tas parang for the past weeks ang lutang ko and tahimik kaya baka naisip niya galit ako or what haha, pero sa totoo lang sobrang dami lang talagang iniisip. Especially financial!!! Kaya mabuti na rin kahit paano umokay2 na ang financial stance ko now, although marami pang dapat ifix.

Oh, and just as I was writing this, napansin ko nag-emerge na from pupa yung adult moth na iniincubate koooooo!!!!

(L: Improvised rearing chamber; R: newly emerged adult moth)

Naamaze ako, finally being able to observe these. I felt daunted when I collected the larvae and then they started to pupate na kahit nasa plastic pa. Tas nung trinansfer ko sila dito sa rearing chamber, I was lowkey expecting that they would all die. Pero hey, nabuhay!!!

(L: moth larva; R: moth pupa)

Last Saturday also, yung shield bug nymph na inalagaan ko, nagmolt into adult stage after about a week. Amazing!!!

(From the green-colored nymph, to the white-colored molting stage na akala ko nasugatan siya at nagbibleed, to the brown-colored adult stage, soft pa ang exoskeleton at that point)

Ayun na muna siguro for now hehe. At the moment, I still need to do laundry (papalaundry shop na lang kasi laging mahina araw the past weeks, di bumabango handwashed clothes ko). Tas magsisimba rin, and I still need to write 1 lab report for Forest Ecology, 3 lab reports for Plant Anatomy, and 1 proposal for my Special Problems (sobrang napabayaan ko na ito dahil minarathon ko yung Anatomy!). Kaya ko ba? Kayaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Go go goooo!!!!