#reaching top 10% elder

[momlovesyoubest]

Sell Benefits Not Features to Wealth Managers

 Sell Benefits, not Features to Wealth Managers to Grow your Bottom Line Selling benefits, not features, to wealth managers is a key to great marketing. Do you know how you do that? When you market Geriatric care management, what makes the sale is ” What’s in it for me, the 3rd party?”. “Benefits answer that question for your targets. Learn how to make an excellent marketing presentation that…

[absolutebl]

Best & Worst BLs of 2023

My Top 15 BLs of 2023 are (in order)

1 Our Dating Sim

Korea Viki

Nerds in love, deadlines, gaming, teasing, pining tiny idiots, casual affection, linguistic oops, ADORABLE. If you haven't watched this, it's a must. A perfect short form KBL, an office set reunion romance featuring geeks that really suits 8 eps with no fluff and no chaff. Just comforting and yummy.

I adored every aspect from the casting to the pristinely simple premise to the quietly smooth execution. Sure it’s low stakes, but that makes it high domesticity and extremely warm and gentle. This is a fuzzy blanket of a story - a cozy BL. It lives in my rewatch pile and you know what’s best about it? Every single episode is in that pile. There’s no skipping with this one, it might be good natured and calmly sweet but it’s tight and the pacing is excellent.

Also recieves my 2023 award for best giggle.

2 I Cannot Reach You

AKA I Can't Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai

Japan Netflix

This classic friends-to-lovers BL is everything Japan does best. Angsty. Emo. Aching. Driven by real thirst. Yamato is deeply in love with his childhood bestie, Kakeru, and has been for ages, unable to hide his ungainly damaging high school need. He wants Kakeru in every way possible and it oozes off of the screen.

Kakeru is silly and a little simple, but not frenetic or overly camp about it. He is earnest, and genuinely wants to keep Yamato in his life which means giving a romance (and gayness) a fair chance. We watch him realize his affection and what form it can take in a truly authentic way.

This show was impossibly kind to both of its lead characters and I felt almost honored that I got to watch something so lovely and rare play out on my screen.

Also wins the best thirst award.

These were the 2 BLs that got 10/10 from me in 2023. The rest of these got 9/10 from me.

3 My School President

Thailand YouTube

GMMTV gave us a classic high school set Thai BL with tropes like messy boys singing their feelings that made this one Love Sick for the modern age with all the gentle sweetness and pining ache, but none of the dated damaging tropes or issues. Who let my BL be this wholesome and funny? My favourite GMMTV BL offering to date. And yes, I've watched them ALL.

Received the Namgoong award for best wingman 2023.

4 I Feel You Linger in the Air

Thailand grey

IFYLITA is an exquisite BL, from filming techniques to narrative framework. Steeped in history and family drama this is an elegant and classy BL. The main couple (both as a pair and individuals) were excellent, particularly Bright (Yai) whose eye-work acting style is a personal favorite of mine. It's a marker of how great it was that it's so high on my list despite the ending which was very much not what I wanted.

Additional accolade, sexiest moment of 2023 - (the oil scene).

You could try to fight me, but you'll have no grip.

5 Kiseki: Dear to Me

Taiwan Gaga & Viki

The plot is totally ridiculous and slightly unhinged. There’s a gum-ball machine of cameos, elder gay rep, great chemistry from all pairs (everyone is queer), and a KILLER side couple. It involves all the tropes under a very offhand framework of gay mafia gangs + food = love. As a result Kiseki is a poster child for Taiwanese BL, and I happen to love Taiwanese BL. Bonus? They also managed to END IT WELL, which we cannot expect from Taiwan.

Best side couple 2023!

(thank goodness Taiwan made this list!)

6 Jun and Jun

Korea Viki

A delightful office romance about an ex-idol who joins cubical life only to find his new boss is his first love. With a snappy (sometimes even raunchy) script, enjoyable sides, a pretty as peaches cast, and descent chemistry this show made up for in style what it lacked in substance. I like fluff. I loved this. I smiled every moment I was watching.

Best flirting 2023.

AKA "the tongue knows" award

7 The Eighth Sense

Korea Viki

This one is a bit chewy and sticky and less perfect than most KBLs. It’s got a bit of an age gap, country boy/city boy, stellar acting, complex characters, and leads with great chemistry and tension. This isn’t in the KBL bubble, there’s sharp edges and lots of triggers. For a BL the darkness of the content left me feeling unsettled (which is the only reason it didn't get a perfect score) but it has a glorious ending and that counts for a lot.

2023's most likely to appeal to non-BL watchers.

8 Unintentional Love Story

Korea iQIYI

The lead, Gongchan (maknae of B1A4) is a fucking GIFT, who carried this show. He was luminous with extraordinarily expressive eyes, which he used to carry a killer plot and challenging role. Forced into a totally understandable betrayal, falling in love despite himself, put into a corner he can't get out of, the AGONY, the eyes EMOTING at us in PAIN. Driven by external conflict, social tension and pressure this story seems simple but it's actually refined and quite complex. I loved this show.

Best story structure 2023.

9 My Personal Weatherman

AKA Taikan Yoho

Japan Gaga

This is classic yaoi of the kind that really only works from Japan. Basically: boys who fell in love in college end up living together but both are so repressed they actually don't realize they're in love. It's high heat is well done, but it leaned into the "why don't they just talk for fuck's sake?" which is exacerbated by the fact that they're already fucking. Sure is sexy tho.

Best use of props 2023 for the shower of sheets.

10 Our Dining Table

AKA Bokura no Shokutaku

Japan Gaga

Lonely salaryman and talented cook gets accidentally adopted by a college kid and his little brother. It’s a quiet & cozy little parable of found family alleviating loneliness. It's lovely & sweet with the romance beats used to build a family relationship, not just couple intimacy. Special.

First prize for domesticity.

11 Laws of Attraction

Thailand iQIYI

This is a great gay suspense thriller with several solid couples, fun plot, killer characters, queer rep, and a happy ending. It’s tons of fun and I had an absolute blast watching it.

Charn wins my favorite character of 2023.

12 La Pluie

Thailand Viki

This BL takes to task the fated mates trope and what it means to have love chained intimately to predestination. It’s about how faith in destiny before choice diminishes the authenticity of emotion, relationships, and connection. This is a high concept to examine through the lens of a BL. With good chemistry and decent acting all around, plus some excellent high heat and representation of consent and a few other rare tropes, this one has to (like it’s sibling show My Ride) earn high marks.

Most interesting concept 2023.

13 The New Employee

Korea Viki

So good, SO QUEER, so soft, a near pitch perfect office BL with conflict derived from that setting. Also found family and a lesbian bestie. This is what I wanted from this new crop of office set KBLs ALL ALONG. Rainbow rice cakes forever!

Best overall queer rep from Korea.

14 Step By Step

Thailand Gaga & YouTube & Viki

This was Thailand’s answer to The New Employee, and everything I loved about that show I loved about this one. This was an office romance between stern boss and sweet subordinate that felt more authentic to an office environment than previous Thai BLs of this ilk which added tension to the narrative and character development.

Chot wins best queer character 2023.

15 Love Tractor

Korea iQIYI

Most of this country-set BL had me feral for the beautiful broken city boy and his hot young farmer. Hyung romance, puppy/cat pairing, open frankness meets jaded reserve, language play, water hose frolicking, only one bed = all my favorite silly tropes.

Biggest "he so pretty" gasp of the year award.

10 Worst BLs of 2023 (that I watched)

My Blessing

My Universe: Casanova Begins

Boyband the series

Cafe In Love

Chains of Heart

Hit Bite Love

Only Friends

Senior Love Me

The Luminous Solution

The Promise

Yes, you read that right. I know I'm against the flow but I really did not like Only Friends. Everyone's taste is different.

However I DNFed faster and more BL's this year than ever before, so that means my 10 worst probably aren't quite reflective...

10 Probably Actually Worst BLs (I dropped 'em)

My Story

The Day I Loved You

Beyond the Star

Crazy Handsome Rich

Dinosaur Love

House of Stars

Mr Cinderella 2

Love Bill

Stormy Honeymoon

The Star Always Follow You

Codicils in General

I only carefully track/watch Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. Other countries are not fully represented.

My Numbers

So my spreadsheet chronicled 138 BLs that finish airing in 2023.

101 = watched & reviewed

2 = still in the docket (WDYEY2 & Love Syndrome III)

15 = CNF (could not find)

20 = DNF (which also accounts for how few very low scores I handed out in 2023 as opposed to previous years, I just stopped watching). Speaking of which...

Ratings spread

(# of stars. #of BLs given that rating)

0 (see the DNFs instead)

2 - IT'S DEPRESSING they killed the gay, save yourself

7 - I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM WATCHING AND NEITHER DOES IT

7 - FATALLY FLAWED but still basically BL, however… do we want to support this kind of behavior?

9 - WATCH IF YOU HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO but don’t expect much, it’s a total hot mess

17 - WORTH WATCHING BUT FLAWED probably around the ending or in narrative structure/cohesion or censorship

14 - RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS i.e. isn’t quite BL, convoluted, not strictly HEA, too short/long, or chemistry issues

30 - RECOMMENDED some concerns around tropes (like dub con) or story structure but still satisfies as BL

13 - ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED probably a few pacing issues or one flaw

2 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED faithful to tropes, happy ending, good chemistry, few flaws, high rewatch potential

(source)

[kittykat-25]

One Of The Guys

Pairings: Hongjoong x F! Reader

Genre: idol au, Friends x Lovers, angst

Summary: You tried really hard not to be a cliché, falling love with your best friend. How unoriginal. But when your best friend is Kim Hongjoong what are you supposed to do?

Now Playing: One Of The Guys- Jessia

Word Count: 1.6k

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Epilogue

Being friends with Hongjoong had led to you meeting the rest of his members. And soon enough you were the ninth person of the friend group. While you cared about and respected all of them, Wooyoung and Mingi had taken it upon themselves to be your pillars. The two who kept you sane and standing. They quickly caught on to how you felt about their captain. The others had as well but they chose to respect your privacy, Woo and Mingi; not so much. You were grateful for the two dorks who kept you on your toes and only left your side when needed. Hongjoong loved that his members had taken you in so quickly. He knew they all adored you and would look after you when he couldn’t. Y/n had always been a comforting presence to him, he knew Hwa called you when he got too far into his head. You would show up, make him take a break and relax and then sit down and help until he felt confident in his work. You had started taking care of the kids too at some point, bringing food when they practiced late, making sure the fridge at the studio was stocked of their favorite snacks and drinks. The staff had told him of you coming by early on the way into work to drop off treats for them. You cared about everyone one around you, so he had made it his mission to be that person for you as well. A protector, a friend, a big brother of sorts. Little did he know he was breaking your heart in the process.

Saturday night you made your way up the stairs of the dorm, take out bags lining your arms. You stop at a door and give it a few swift kicks alerting the eight men inside. Yunho throws the door open, looking down at you. "Need help with that shorty?" you threw him a glare, "I can take your food and give it to Woo." Yunho reached out and took some bags leading her inside. "Y/N's here." He called into the apartment. You started unpacking food containers onto the counter when a massive hand came down onto your head, "Thanks cupcake!" Ming said while ruffling your hair. "Anything for you Princess." You smirked back and you elbowed him away from you. “Leave Y/N alone, they were nice enough to bring us food.” You heard the oldest boy call as he walked into the kitchen. “At least one of you has some manners.” You said as you handed Seonghwa his food. “Yah I offered to cook but noooo I just go bullied for suggesting it.” Wooyoung said plopping his chin down on top of your head. “Poor little baby, getting bullied?” You fake pout. Wooyoung dug his chin into your head. “Owh Woo!!” You said swatting at the menace. “Have some respect for your elders Hyung.” Jongho said as he sat down next to Yunho on the couch. “Oh because you do that so well?!” Wooyoung called back. You laughed as you grabbed the eighth container. The boys bickering getting quieter as you head down the hallway to Hongjoong’s room.

You knocked on the door, a muffled “yeah?” came through. “Joongie?” You called opened the door into a dark room. You looked over at the only light source, Hongjoong sitting in front of his laptop, his silhouette sending butterflies through your body. “You know you have to eat to stay alive right?” You said softly as you sat the container in front of him. He looked up at you “I just need to finish this clip for Eden Hyung.” Eyes focused back on the screen. “Joong, you can’t finish it if you’re unconscious from lack of food. When was the last time you ate?” He spun his chair around to face you as you sat on the edge of his bed, “I ate breakfast this morning.” You looked down at your watch, “it’s 11pm. You haven’t eaten in over twelve hours.” He turned his chair back around, “thank you for the food y/n-ie. Go eat with the others, I’ll join in a bit.” Y/n looked at the back of his head and stood up and walked to the door. Looking back at the man who had no clue that he held your heart in his hands. “Let’s not lie, we both know you aren’t leaving until you’re satisfied. Just make sure you eat please Joong.” You said quietly before shutting the door.

You made your way back into the main room, curling up in the couch beside Wooyoung. They had started a movie and everyone was hyper fixated on it. Wooyoung nudged you in the side lightly, nodding towards the kitchen. You got up and followed him out of the room. Leaning against the counter you watched him clean up the take out containers. “What happened?” He asked quietly. “What do you mean?” He stopped and looked down at you, eyes soft and full of pity. “Bubs you have the same defeated look as when your book doesn’t end the way you want. What happened?” You twisted the ends of your hair, another sign to Woo that something was wrong. Being friend with them the past 7 years he learned to pick up your anxious habits. “Nothing happened, same Joong as always.” Wooyoung nodded his head, he opened his mouth to speak when Mingi walked in. “Y/n do you think you should just tell him how you feel?” He said casually as he set his cup in the sink. “Going straight for kill aren’t you Minki?” Woo said trying to lighten the mood. “And do what? Ruin my friendship? Lose all of you? No thank you. I’m happy to sit here in misery.” You said while picking at the hem of your shirt. Mingi grabbed your hands “you wouldn’t lose us cupcake.” He said softly. “Yah y/n you can’t lose me, I’m like glitter. I never leave.” Wooyoung said. He threw his arm around your shoulder “besides who else is going to protect me from all of them.” He whispered as he lead you back into the living room.

You woke up on the couch, a blanket thrown over you and Wooyoung sprawled out on the floor beside you. You looked around taking in the guys sleeping peacefully around the room. Noticing one blonde haired man missing you pulled yourself up wrapping the blanket around you and trudged down the hall to his room. You lightly knocked before opening the door and found him asleep at his desk. Quietly walked to him, making sure the clip was saved; you gently shook his shoulder. Hoongjoongs eyes shot open, calming down when he saw your face. “Bed now don’t even try to object Kim Hongjoong.” You said before he could defend himself. He stood and walked over to his bed throwing the blankets back and climbing in.

He patted the pillow beside his and you hesitantly laid down next to him. You had shared a bed before but every time it messed with your head. “Do you work today?” He asked, his eyes scanning your face. “No Joongie, it’s Sunday.” You said, your voice barely above a whisper. He pulled your blanket up and softly patted the top of your head, “then get some rest.” You calmed yourself to where your cheeks wouldn’t glow red, glad his eyes were closed. “You need it more than I do.” He hummed quietly in answer. You laid there until his breathing evened out and you knew he was asleep before slipped silently off the bed and back into the living room. You could hear someone moving around the kitchen, cooling your features you walked in there. “Hey shorty, sleep well?” Yunho said as you make your way into the space. You nodded your head, “I’m probably going to head out soon.” You croaked, voice laced with emotions you wanted to shove down. Yunho looked at you and the direction you came from and nodded his head. “Do you need me to walk you home? Or wake up Mings to do it?” You shook your head, “I’m good but thanks Yuyu. I’ll see you all later.” You laid your blanket over Wooyoung and gathered your things, looking back down the dark hallway towards his room once more before walking to the door and letting it close behind you.

You made your way down the street to a convenience store to grab a coffee before started the walk back to your place. You heard someone calling your name and saw Wooyoung and San jogging down the street after you. “You were sleeping when I left?! Not even five minutes ago!” You said once the two men got close enough. “Yunho woke me up, he was worried about you.” Wooyoung said while catching his breath. You moved your eyes over to San, “Woo stepped on me as he was leaving.” You started laughing “of course he did. Well let’s go get you both some food and I need caffeine.” You made your way into a café and ordered. Chit chatting about plans for the day and soaking up quality time together. “I’m meeting Changbin later at a game room later if you want to join?” Wooyoung suggested as you walked down the street, “it could be fun?” You shook your head, “I’m terrible at computer games Woo.” Wooyoung gave you his best pout face “please.” You rolled your eyes, “no I have things I need to get done today.” He jutted out his lip even more “I’ll buy you lunch, please Bin is nicer to me when you’re there.” You laughed and shook your head, “fine, fine. But I want lunch and a coffee.” Wooyoung tackled you into a hug as you stopped in front of your apartment building. “Be ready around 1, I’ll come get you.” You gave a thumbs up as you walked into the building. Feeling much lighter than you did this morning.

Taglist🥰

@vampzity @sanslovesblog @sundaybossanova @skzline @edenesth @owmoiralover @scarfac3 @mingisbbokari

[xddaengx]

play along : the series ⎜pt 10

✧ Pairings: mingyu x afab!reader ⎜seokmin x afab!reader ⎜

✧ Genre:  Poly!AU ⎜ Idol!AU ⎜ Established Relationship ⎜ Romance ⎜

✧ Warnings: bottom!seokmin ⎜soft top!mingyu ⎜switch!reader⎜threesome? ⎜fingering ⎜face sitting ⎜face riding ⎜blindfolding ⎜handcuffing⎜needy seokmin ⎜seokmin is a giver ⎜oral (f receiving and m receiving) ⎜voyeur mingyu ⎜breath play ⎜nipple stimulation ⎜you know what doja cat said about big noses, right? ⎜

✧ Word Count: 4k

✧ Summary: Your boyfriend proposes the idea, that he shares you with his 12 best friends.

✧ Author’s Note: This is the second last part to this series :( so expect the next part to go out with a bang, I can say the members who haven't had a chapter so far *cough* 95 line *cough* will definitely be the ring leaders.

(ROUGHLY EDITED)

Things have been different recently. 

You can feel it in the way all eyes turn towards you as you walk into the room. The boys jumping up from their chairs to make room for you to sit with them.  Shooting quick glances when you sit besides them, more often then not each of them scooting closer to have a body part in contact with you. Hoshi outright shoved Dino off the chair besides him to make room for you the other day.

Hoshi is usually the worst when it comes to wanting to share his affection. 

“She always sits next to Wonwoo, it’s my turn.” Hoshi whines from his spot on the couch, pointing at the clearly empty cushion besides him, Seungkwan glaring up at the elder from his new spot on the floor, Wonwoo just grins at his friend his hand firm as he tugs you closer to him, his fingers laced with yours.  

Hoshi whines louder as Mingyu just shrugs, not taking his eyes of the video game on the T.V, Hoshi pleading at the leader to do something. 

“She’s not a toy, guys.” Seungcheol mumbles from his seat on the floor, shaking his head at the younger members antics. He rolls his eyes as Hoshi continues, shooting a quick glance at Wonwoo who sighs, understanding that the fun is over, his hand loosening in yours. 

“Finally.” Hoshi exclaims, patting the seat besides him enthusiastically, before Mingyu jumps up looking down at his phone with wide eyes. 

“Don’t say it.” Hoshi groans as Mingyu glances at you and then over to the tiger-wannabe with slumping shoulders. 

“We actually have to go.” Mingyu mumbles, Hoshi huffing in defeat as he slouches against the back of the couch. 

“I told you not to say it.” Hoshi grumbles his arms crossed against his chest. You stand from your seat, tip toeing your way across the room trying to avoid standing on any of the men sprawled across the floor.  Mingyu hands you your bag before reaching for the front door. 

“Oh just one quick thing.” You say before shuffling over to the back of the lounge pausing behind the still frowning performance leader. 

“Be a good little kitty and play nice.” You whisper as you lean down to his ear, your lips grazing the underside of his jaw as you press a quick kiss against his skin, “I’ll sit besides you next time, I promise.” You continue Hoshi quickly fixing his posture as he nods. 

Seungcheol stifles a laugh at the quick change in attitude from the performance leader as you wave a quick goodbye to everyone in the room, shuffling back over to the eager to leave man by the front door.  Smiling up at your boyfriend as he holds his hand out for you to grab, his palm warm as you slide your hand into his. You wave to the others as Mingyu drags you out of the apartment, his hand tugging you to his side. 

“Seokmin said everything was ready to go.” Mingyu whispers as you both step into the elevator, going down two floors before stepping out. “He said I should warn you ahead of time that he’s a giver.” 

You raise your brows at Mingyu’s words asking for more explanation as he stops in front of his new apartment pressing numbers into the keypad before throwing the door open and guiding you inside. 

You turn towards the rack besides the door, hanging up your bag and kicking your shoes off.

“Follow me,” Mingyu says as he walks down the hallway towards his bedroom. You slowly follow behind him as he pushes open the door to his room the sight of a half naked Seokmin on the bed taking you by surprise. 

Mingyu says nothing as he pulls you into the room, before closing the bedroom door behind the two of you. Your eyes trail over the body on the bed, the glean of the handcuffs causing you to quirk a brow, the loose silk ribbon tied around Seokmin’s eyes making you turn to glance up at your boyfriend. 

“When I talked with him about today he only really had one request.” Mingyu begins, taking a seat on the chair in the corner of the room, patting his lap for you to take a seat. You oblige him, Mingyu pulling you down, your back pressed against his chest, your eyes trailing over the bed watching Seokmin’s chest rise and fall calmly as Mingyu whispers against your neck. 

“Like I said before Seokmin here, is a giver” Mingyu emphasis his words by pointing over to the man on the bed, a gentle smile on his lips, “He always has been, and he has been dreaming about the day where you sit on his face until he can’t breath.” Mingyu’s breath is hot against your skin as a gasp gets caught in your throat, Seokmin’s breathing falters as he listens to the soft words of his friends, the blindfold stopping him from being able to see your reaction. 

“Would you like that, princess?” Mingyu questions your head nodding as your teeth catches your lip, your eyes unable to leave the tanned skin of the man on the bed. Seokmin was expectedly toned, his chest defined and his abdomen tight. His biceps were mouth watering, straining as he tugs at the handcuffs that leave him trapped on the mattress. 

All of the members could be defined as well built, even the shortest made up for his lack of height in other areas but Seokmin sat near the top with some of the bigger members of the group - he had always piqued your interest as one of the sweetest members, you didn’t even realised what he could be hiding beneath his oversized sweaters. 

“Princess, you’re going to have to use your words so our friend can be more involved.” Mingyu mumbles as he presses a teasing kiss against the edge of your shoulder. “Would you like Seokmin to eat you out till you can’t take it anymore?” Mingyu reiterates, his teeth gently sinking into your shoulder as you move to nod again. 

“Yes.” You choke out, letting out a stuttered breath as the grin returns to Seokmin’s face, the man obviously pleased with your answer. 

“Should I warm her up for you, kyeom?” Mingyu asks into the room, Seokmin answering back with a rough “Please” as Mingyu’s fingers graze the hem of your skirt. His fingers are gentle on your thighs, softly scraping up the sides until they sit at the edge of your underwear your skirt covering his hands. 

“Underwear on or off?” Mingyu asks the room, you’re not sure whose he’s asking until Seokmin answers. 

“On but take off the skirt.” His voice echos from the bed, his body shifting slightly on the mattress your eyes trained on him as you feel Mingyu’s fingers pinch the edge of your skirt slowly pulling it down your legs. He takes his time lifting each leg to guide the fabric over your knees letting it drop to the floor as the cool air in the room hits the arousal soaking your panties. 

“You good, baby?” Mingyu asks as he presses soft kisses against your flaming hot neck, your head nodding, Mingyu’s teeth grazing your skin as you let out a soft, “yes.”

“Shirt on or off?” Mingyu asks next and this time you know who he’s talking to watching Seokmin’s nose scrunch in consideration. 

“On but take off her bra.” Mingyu smiles against you pressing another chaste kiss to your skin before leaning back, making room for his hands to slip under your shirt unclasping the light blue lacy material the straps dropping off your shoulder as you pull your arms out of them, Mingyu pulling the garment out from under your shirt. Your eyebrows furrow in confusion and Seokmin’s choices. 

“Do you have a question to ask?” Mingyu asks you and you shiver as his hands are back on your thighs, holding you steady as he spreads his legs, your legs hooked over each of his spreading too, opening you up for him. 

“I’m just confused why he wants me like this” You say your body falling back against your boyfriend as he adjusts in his chair a little. 

“Well?” Mingyu spurs the man on the bed to answer. 

“What kind of underwear is she wearing?” Seokmin asks carefully. 

“Well she was wearing a matching set she got for her birthday.” Mingyu starts, “It’s light blue and the bra was seethrough lace, it’s one of her favourites.” He continues, the man on the bed letting out a soft sigh. “Now she has on some cotton cheeky bikini briefs, it’s got the lace trim around the edges and the little bow on the waistband that you love.” You can tell Mingyu is teasing his friends, his fingers trailing up your thighs to fiddle with the lace edges of your underwear, pulling them away from your skin and letting it snap back into place, the sounds echoing around the almost silent room. 

“Her ass is bare against my sweatpants, I can feel her dripping against me.” Mingyu adds for good measure as you and Seokmin let out matching sighs, the tension prickling over your bare skin. 

“And her shirt?” Seokmin asks, adding “it is the one she wore to dinner the other night?” Your brows raise in surprise, this was the shirt you wore to dinner a week ago, a loose tank top made of thin white material that you had tucked into a pair of jeans. 

“It is.” Mingyu confirms glancing down the front of you with a smile. “You can see her nipples through the material, she’s so turned on for you.” Seokmin smiles his head raising a little before falling back to the pillows after realising he can’t see anything. 

“I love when she walks around in those flimsy pyjamas, she never thinks we’re watching but we all are.” Seokmin groans, his cock twitching a little in his sweats. “And when she bends over to grab stuff from the cupboards” He lets out a hoarse laugh. Mingyu just nods in agreement, his fingers finally finished with their fidgeting “over or under?” 

Seokmin doesn’t hesitate this time saying a quick almost breathless “under” Mingyu’s hands obliging quickly. His hands stroke up the sides of your hips before his right hand lifts off your body raising until his two middle fingers tap against your lips. 

“Suck.” He says quietly, his fingers slipping into your mouth easily as you suck on the digits, twirling your tongue around them before he pulls them from your mouth, quickly dipping them under the waist band of your panties. You let out a soft whimper as his fingers slide between your folds, your head falling back into the crevice between his neck and shoulder, Mingyu’s head turning to place a soft kiss against your cheek. 

“She’s so wet for you.” Mingyu tells his friends, watching the way your body relaxes against him, your legs spreading further as he works against you, his friends on the bed bucking his hips at the soft sounds that escape you. 

“Make her do that again.” Seokmin’s voice is husky as he makes his request. Mingyu - enjoying the way you tense slightly at the words before relaxing - is obedient. His fingers dip inside your wet heat slowly, dragging against your walls as he pushes in and pulls back out at a snails pace. 

“Fuck.” You moan, your bottom lip getting trapped between your teeth as you let out another throaty moan as Mingyu pumps his fingers back inside you. 

“Watch him, princess.” Mingyu mumbles in your ear, before latching his lips on your pulse point sucking harshly against your skin as his fingers pump a bit faster, the palm of his hand grazing against your clit ever so softly. You turn your head slightly before peeling your eyes open, letting out a soft sigh at the sight of the man on the bed. 

Seokmin’s hands are gripping the chain of the handcuffs his body coiled tightly as he bites down on his lip, trying to stay quiet. Every time Mingyu pulls a gentle sound from you his hips buck and his chest heaves, a slow growing patch on wetness in the crotch of his pants. 

“I think she’s ready for you.” Mingyu says, his fingers pausing before pulling out of your underwear, sucking his wet fingers into his mouth with a grin. He lifts you slightly, helping you to your feet before patting the bare cheeks of your ass and motioning for you to move over to the bed. 

You shuffle to the bed gently sitting on the edge of the mattress Seokmin taking a sharp inhale at the feeling of the shift in movement. “How do you want me?” You question softly, slowly reaching a hand out, running the tips of your fingers down Seokmin’s restrained arm, the muscles flexing as you move, goosebumps rising on his skin. 

“On my face.” Seokmin says quickly. “Please god, sit on my face.” He hums again, his hips bucking urgently at the thought. 

“How about we take care of this first?” You suggest, your fingers trailing down Seokmin’s heaving chest, dipping between the crevices of his abs before pausing at the waistband of his pants. Seokmin stops breathing as you dip your hand into his pants, your fingers curling around his cock as you watch his face. 

“Do you always go commando?” You question with a smile, glancing over your shoulder to your boyfriend who watches with his arm crossed against his chest, a pleased smile on his face. Seokmin shakes his head furiously, letting out a stuttered breath as you stroke him twice. “Do you mind if I play for a little?” Seokmin shakes his head again, his hair becoming a mess on top of his head. 

“Please.” His whisper is barely audible as you pull your hand off his cock, pushing his sweats off his hips, moving them off his legs, his cock springing to life, smacking against his stomach before you wrap your hand around it again. 

“Spread your legs.” You hum as you stroke his cock, the pre cum leaking continuously out of his tip. Seokmin does as told, spreading his legs. 

You smile climbing further onto the mattress slipping your body between his outstretch legs, his cock still in hand as you dip your head down licking a long stripe from the base of his cock to the tip. 

Seokmin flinches, letting out a high whine as you take the tip in your mouth, swirling your tongue around it before pulling off with a pop. Mingyu lets out a low chuckle as you continue the same pattern, long lick, just the tip before pulling off and starting again. 

As your mouth continues, your hands move up his torso, fingertips grazing his hard nipples before reaching just a little bit further, closing around his throat. “Mingyu said you’re a giver” You hum as you test him, pressing lightly on his throat for a few seconds before releasing the pressure, his mouth falling open as he nods. 

“Tell me Min, has anyone ever given back?” You ask, his head quickly shaking no. You smile lightly, leaning forwards to catch his lips with yours, your hand still loose around his throat. Seokmin lets out a surprised sound, his lips quickly following yours as he sighs into your mouth. “You’re so handsome.” You praise as you pull away sitting back on your knees to look down at him, his tanned skin is glistening with sweat, his cock twitching under your gaze. 

He bits his lip at your praise, clamping his mouth shut as a whine escapes him, your lips latching onto his left nipple as you press down on his throat again. You can’t help the smile that blooms as you feel his hot cum hit his stomach, the white strands smearing between the two of you, your shirt turning transparent where his cum latches to the fabric. 

“Good boy.” You praise pressing a soft kiss to his chest as you release him. Seokmin’s body relaxes into the mattress as Mingyu’s eyes widen.  “Did he just cum?” He asks your head nodding as you glance over your shoulder at him. “You barely touched him.” Mingyu comments your shoulders just shrugging. 

“I guess Min was just a bit tense.” You say, Seokmin’s head nodding slowly. 

“Can you sit on my face now?” He asks you his arms tugging against the handcuffs as he tries to sit up on the bed. You reach forwards your finger tracing the bottom of the ribbon over Seokmin’s eyes silently asking for permission. He nods tightly, just once as you lift the fabric off his eyes. 

He takes a moment, squeezing his eyes closed before slowing prying them open, glancing over your body with wide eyes. “God, please just fucking sit on my face.” He groans, his arms tugging at the handcuffs again, his eyes meeting yours before shooting over to the key sat on the bedside table. 

You lean over him, your clothed breasts rubbing along his bare chest, his semi hard cock pressed between your bodies, starting to swell again. You slide the key into each handcuff releasing his hands before helping him unlatch them from the bed frame. Seokmin just smiles finally free to move as he sits up, his lips finding yours, his hands pulling your body against his. He smothers you against his chest as his tongue slide along your bottom lip. 

Seokmin’s kisses are just as sweet as his personality, gentle, teasing kisses only just pressing against your lips before pulling away to look down at you again, his hands stroking up your sides under your shirt before his gaze flicks over your shoulder to his friend. 

“This still okay?” He asks Mingyu who just shrugs back, his own hand dipping into his pants, moving slowly on his cock. 

“Don’t ask me.” Mingyu answers, “Ask her.” He adds. Seokmin’s gaze flicks to yours, the question obvious. You chuckle, pushing gently on his shoulder till he lies back down, slipping off the mattress to move closer to his face. You kneel besides his head, brushing the hair off his forehead before lifting one leg over him, hovering in a straddle above his mouth. 

“Three taps.” You say quietly, gripping his now free hand placing it on your thigh. “Three taps and I’ll get off.” You reiterate, Seokmin nodding in understanding as his other hand comes up to grip your hips pulling your clothed pussy down to his mouth. 

“Heaven” You feel Seokmin mumble against you, his fingers pushing your panties out of the way before he takes a long lick of your cunt, your hands reaching up to brace against the headboard as he delves in. You let out heavy breaths as the lewd sounds of Seokmin licking and sucking echo in the room. 

“Holy shit.” Mingyu curses as he watches his best friend, your head turning to face him, the stimulation quickly growing. “He eats pussy like a demon.” Mingyu chuckles as he pulls his cock out of his pants, squeezing the flesh as you let out a whimper as Seokmin dips his tongue inside of you. 

Mingyu’s right, Seokmin eat you out better than anyone has before, using every inch of his face to incite pleasure, his tongue swirls around your entrance his head bobbing to get better access, his nose nudging against your clit. 

Every time he sucks the small bundle of nerves into his mouth your body jumps to get away from him, his hands just pulling you back down to him harder, your thighs clenching around his head as he slurps up anything that escapes your pussy. 

“Seokmin…” you whine as your hips buck, his teeth grazing against your clit as he nibbles on the flesh, giving himself a chance to breath he turns his head, pressing soft kisses to the flesh on your thighs. “I’m so close.” You whine again, he delves back in, his hips pushing your hips forwards before pulling them back his nose dragging between your lips. 

Your hips lift of his face as your orgasm hits, thrusting in the air as his mouth chases after you, pressing his tongue against your sensitive pussy as you ride out your high. Your breathing begins to settle as you move to lift your leg over him, his hand gripping you and sitting you right back down. 

“No.” He growls, his hands moving to grip your ass, “Again.” He demands, your hips stuttering forwards as his begins sucking. 

“Min, I can’t.” You hiss as overstimulation hits. Seokmin gives no fucks as he removes one hand from your ass his finger pressing against your entrance as his mouth circles your clit. 

“One more.” He pleads, his fingers slipping into you with ease as you let out a yelp. It doesn’t take long for the second high to hit, Seokmin’s fingers just barely moving in and out of you, taking time to explore your walls as his tongue lavishes you. 

Mingyu lets out a long groan as wetness soaks Seokmin’s face, his tongue working quickly to collect what he can, the man letting out a satisfied hum beneath you, the vibrations making you squeal as your hips jump away from his face, your body forcing itself off of him as you pant. 

You glance over to your boyfriend whose black shirt is now smeared with his release before flicking back to Seokmin who lays still on his back a very pleased smile on his face. 

“That was everything.” He comments, his hand raising to his mouth sucking off your wetness before he lets it drop back to the mattress. “I think I’m in love with you.” He says softly, Mingyu jumping up off his seat as you adjust your panties back into place. 

“I think you’re just pussy drunk, man.” He comments as he helps his friend sit up. “Maybe go get cleaned up before your profess your love to my girlfriend.” He says clapping Seokmin on the back. Seokmin gets the hint quickly, sliding off the bed and making his way down the hall to the bathroom, the shower turning on soon after. 

“Must’ve been some good pussy.” You laugh breathlessly as Mingyu takes a seat next to you on the mattress chuckling in response. Mingyu leans forwards pressing a chaste kiss to your lips before slumping against the wall, his hand finding yours. 

“He might’ve meant it.” He says, and you freeze. “What would you do if he did?” Mingyu adds. 

You don’t know how to respond. Your eyes flick to meet your boyfriends as you squeeze his hand, bringing it to your mouth to press soft kisses to his knuckles. 

“Honestly?” You question and Mingyu nods, watching you with full focus. “I don’t know, I’ve never really thought of anything beyond you and me.” 

“What if we opened things up?” He spurts out. 

“Like we both date other people as well as each other?” You clarify, Mingyu shaking his head. 

“Like you date other people.” He responds, “Like we see if polyamory might be an option?” You’re stunned, your mouth gaping as you stare at him, he sighs his free hand reaching forwards to push some hair off your face. 

“I was thinking the other day about how great you are for the guys, how great the past few weeks have been. They can give you everything I can’t.” He says quietly his eyes soft and sincere as you shake your head. 

“Gyu…” 

“I didn’t mean it like that, I just mean it would be good for all of us. All I want is for you to be happy.” He mumbles and you squeeze his hand again. 

“I am happy, gyu. With you I’m the happiest person in the world.” Mingyu nods at your words pressing a quick kiss to your cheek before adding. 

“Just think about it, okay? Don’t worry about it hurting me cause it won’t. You’re my person and to share you with some of my favourite people ever would be a dream come true.” He whispers before glancing over to the ensuite and back at you. 

“How about we get cleaned up?” 

[ju1cyfru1t]

Heeey, I stumbled upon your blog and wanna say it's sooo cuuute. And the fact that you're a minor makes it 10 times better because like, I turned 18 this year so that means I'm older than you and legally allowed to step onto my elder sister role to encourage you too keep going. The fics you've published are so nice and fluffy and heart-warming and, even though they are not perfect, they are so fun! Keep going!

Idk, I felt like saying something nice.

Aaalso, if you like to write headcanons, I'd love to see some with Leo or maybe all four turtles. If you need inspo, you could start off with a stressed/busy reader because with becoming an adult comes university :'D. And I think Leo would be particularly jelaous of the homework and refuse to leave the reader's arms even when there are ✨deadlines✨ and ✨assignments✨.

This is my first request btw and it wasn't meant to be one originally lol

Have fun!

omg thank you so so much this is actually so sweet and it fr means a lot :( 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 I really hope you like this!

Rise! Leo x Overworked! Reader

Fluff! :D comfort? Headcanons + Drabble

gn reader! romantic but could be read as platonic

- Leonardo obviously could not truly, fully understand academic pressure nor did he care to seeing as he had never really gone to school. He didn’t get what was so important about it to you, but he was supportive…to an extent.

- It just took all of your attention! he is needy

- There’s really no point in resenting something inanimate, but he doesn’t really seem to understand that.

- “what does your dumb homework have that I don’t?” “Are you seriously jealous of my homework right now, Leon?” “…Maybe.”

- as time went on and your schoolwork seemed to just keep piling on, he couldn’t deny he was worried about you. You just seemed so stressed and exhausted all the time, and midterms coming up did not help. He didn’t really know how to help you, or if he could at all but he could at least try to get you to rest a little.

“Uuuuggghhh, are you almost done?” Leo groaned, setting down his comic and watched you typing away at your desk as he laid on your bed.

“Yes, Leo, I am almost finished. “ You sighed, your back aching from sitting like that for so long and Leo sighed too. “You said that like an hour ago!”

“I know! I still need to proofread my essay again, turn in my reading guide, I think I have something missing for math right now-“ Your head was throbbing with tension as you held it in your hands.

“Come on, just take a break! you obviously need one…” he grumbled the last past, sitting up, he reached his arms out to you. He was staring at you pleadingly sigh then big ole’ eyes. “Just for a minute, I promise!”

You sighed deeply, standing up slowly. “Ok, fine. But only for a few minutes. I’m serious, Leo.”

“Yep, just a few minutes!” His eyes sparkled, and he practically tackled you. Leo laid on top of you, laying his head on your chest and he was squeezing you tightly. He really missed you…

Leo-1, homework-0

He could feel the tension in your body fade slowly, relaxing little by little. “This is nice…” You mumbled and yawned, your eyes shutting lightly.

“I told you so.” He smirked. Man, did he like being right. You allowed yourself to just have a moment of peace, trying so hard not to fall asleep. This was a nice moment, and you wanted to take it all in while you could. Oh, and you also needed to get back to work.

“Leo…I need to get back to work now.” You tried to sit up, but he just pushed you back down lightly, nuzzling into you.

“Nooo! Shhhh, just relax, babe.” Leo cooed, his soft voice made you feel warm and fuzzy as he churred,“Isn’t this comfy?”

“Yeah…but you are kind of heavy.” You mumbled the last part.

He gasped dramatically, but didn’t move at all, he was too comfortable like this. You were fighting to stay awake at this point.

“ I need to…finish my work.”

“Shhh~ don’t worry about that right now, just relax. I’ve got you.” It concerned you at how well he could soothe you so quickly, and soon you forgot about all of your assignments as you slowly drifted into a much needed sleep.

And soon a few minutes turned into a few hours.

[ystrike1]

Devil On Top - By Bulma (3/10)

This is by far the worst writing I have seen in a long time. I don't think I've ever seen an author give up so completely. The story just veers away from the main couple, because they failed. Yup. The author gave up, because their yandere writing was that bad.

This could have been a really great comedy. It starts out pretty fun. Jacque is the devils only servant. He lives in the Devil Tower, which is smack in the middle of a Korean city. Nobody is afraid of the devil anymore, because he doesn't terrorize anyone.

He just mopes all day.

His lover. Jacque. Jacque lost his memory and now he just works as a servant.

Yes the devil is a strange one. Terius is very depressed. His elder brother found him lying on the ground, with ratty hair down to the floor. Terius lost someone very important to him. He's been waiting for that person.

Terius has been waiting for Jacque to remember him. He doesn't harass Jacque. He becomes too depressed to reach out at all eventually. He stays in his lonely bedroom, pressed up against the door. He listens to Jacque while he works, and he hopes that their love is true and Jacque will remember him.

He doesn't...so Terius rots in his sadness..

Then...he hears Jacque calling for him.

He goes downstairs and...

He finds Jacque cheating on him with a female tentacle demon.

He's heartbroken.

Jacque tries to explain. He didn’t want to mate with the female. She forced him. Jacque was literally crying out for help, but Terius doesn't listen.

Terius says they need to mate to save him from the poison and eggs the female injected into him. He's kinda not lying Jacque was poisoned....but then Terius just starts torturing him???

He accepts that his true love will never return....so he just starts abusing the attractive body he's been lusting over and missing???

Jacque loses all respect for Terius. He only stays out of fear. He hates sleeping with Terius and he no longer wants to work as a servant.

There's no....nothing???

The story of his tragic memory loss gets completely tossed aside???

Jacque utterly hates him now.

Terius puts a leash on him and its not even hot??? How do you mess up that badly???

Terius puts a leash on Jacque, because he fully intends to indulge after his years of loneliness. He barely lets Jacque out of his sight and there's nothing. No spark or moment of memory. Terius is just an asshole and Jacque is only afraid.

The worst part is you can tell that these two characters were SUPPOSED to reconnect and have a somewhat comedic relationship. In the beginning Jacque is often enamored by Terius's beauty and he naively believes that mating will save him from the poison.

Then by chapter ten the reviews were in.

It seems like Terius was such a universally hated love interest that....well it killed the story. The author ended it.

There's this big, symbolic scene where Terius is holding onto a little fish underwater. One he claims to love and adore. Then a shadowy version of himself threatens that love. Then he just wakes up and abuses Jacque like usual.

Then...Jacque falls off the top of the Demon Tower and Terius basically vanishes from the story.

Jacque has an **** with a bunch of fat bald guys.....I'm serious...

The author had plenty of opportunities to make this decent. Please, authors of the world, if you are not a fan of yandere content DO NOT MAKE IT. Yes, yandere stories are popular now. But, come on. If that particular kink disgusts you that lack of passion will show in your work. I have no doubt that this author made zero dollars off of this travesty, and it was a waste of time for everyone involved. Including the readers!

This is just insulting.

[shanastoryteller]

Happy Halloween something with Ron Hermione and Viktor and Wangxian?

a continuation of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

By the time Wei Wuxian makes it to the top of the waterfall, it's solidly morning and he's sore and exhausted and every step causes pain to shoot up his legs and every breath threatens to turn into a cough.

Perfect.

In the Jiang, they drown their children.

Wei Wuxian, thanks to his time on the street, hadn't been forced to endure that particular training very often. Nothing grows a core faster than fear. Than desperation. Than terror.

Madame Yu had thought that Shijie's weakness was because she was too soft on her. She hadn't made the same mistake with Jiang Cheng.

It's easier with kids because they think they're really going to die. Older disciples know better, know that their elders are carefully watching them and the water and that a dead disciple doesn't do anyone any good.

No one wondered how the undisciplined Wen managed to produce such powerful cultivators.

Wei Wuxian already had a decently impressive core before his parents died, and then the months as a beggar child meant that that pressure ballooned his core even more.

He's exhausted and the cliff pokes through the water in places and from this height, the impact in the water will kill him before the cold even has a chance.

There's a very real chance that this will kill him. But frankly, he's on borrowed time in a borrowed body, so it's not like that matters.

He grips his sword, takes a deep breath, and jumps.

Flashes of the last time he fell off a clip flash in front of him and his breath hitches in his lungs. It's cold and miserable and the water is approaching him rapidly. He should pull out his sword and slow his fall, but he's too far away still, he's sure that he'll be okay, so he has to wait until he's not so sure.

He has to be afraid.

The space between him and the water gets smaller than smaller and he's sure he's going to end up with broken bones if he even survives this. He's not scared enough yet. He has to wait.

Then there's an arm around his waist, jerking him upright and away from the water.

He reacts without thinking, unsheathing his sword and twisting in the grip and rolling his attacker over in midair. He shoves his blade against a pale throat, heart beating too fast in his chest.

Lan Zhan is holding him upright, pressing him against his chest and his eyes, normally cold, are furious and he's unnaturally pale. "Xuanyu! What are you doing? Have you lost your mind? If the patrol hadn't told me where you were headed-"

Irritation melts away the shock. Wei Wuxian wrenches himself out of Lan Zhan's grip and pushes him away. Lan Zhan lunges for him, but Wei Wuxian jumps onto his sword and keeps himself out of reach.

Damn. He couldn't have done that this easily before, and he definitely shouldn't be able to do it at all with how thoroughly he's exhausted himself. Lan Zhan has actually done him a favor by stalking him for no reason.

"If I want your help, Wangji, I'll ask for it," he says acidly. He hasn't used just Lan Zhan's first name since they've married, knowing how he'd feel about it, but right then he just doesn't care. "Why were you following me? It's not like you've paid me any interest."

Which was a good thing, really. He needs to do his research and it's not like Lan Zhan wanted this marriage and it should be fine for both of them.

If Wei Wuxian is a little resentful that he doesn't get the chance to even be Lan Zhan's friend while he's his wife, that a him problem.

"So you just throw yourself off a cliff?" he thunders.

"What I get up to isn't your concern," he says. "Mind your business."

He turns, intent on flying back to Cloud Recesses, or at least trying to, when there's a hand holding his wrist in a vice like grip and keeping him in place.

Lan Zhan fingers are probably going to leave bruises behind, but Wei Wuxian can't focus on that with Lan Zhan holding him so close and looking at him so intently. He's not even falling. What is Lan Zhan doing?

"You are my wife," he says severely, "you are my business."

Wei Wuxian's eyes narrow and he sends out a shock of cultivation energy to get Lan Zhan to loosen his grip. "Then act like it."

On his way back to Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian thinks that was probably a mistake and he's going to regret it.

[bubble-tea-blossom]

Slip Up

Pairing: Joel x f!reader

Rating / Warnings: E for Explicit sex so 18+ Only. PIV. Oral sex. Slightly rough sex. Use of “good girl.” Violence at the beginning (killing Infected)

WC: 6k

Summary: Despite agreeing to keep your thing a secret, Joel can’t help but slip up when he almost looses you. 

Part One

A/N: Cross posted to my AO3

“There he is, finally.” Tommy grumbles besides you, and you turn to see Joel walking towards the stables, “He hate’s being late, the hell was he doing?”

Me. You think. Instead you distract Tommy with a new subject.

“So where were you thinking on bringing the new recruits?” You ask, giving your horse a cheek scratch.

Tommy watches Joel disappear into the stables before turning to you.

“Was thinking since we’re a big group today, split into three groups, one senior member per newbie. Go as one group to the first check point then meet up at the last before heading home.”

You look over your horse’s neck to watch the slightly nervous new recruits wait on their horses.

“What do you think?” Tommy asks.

There’s 3 of them, Kiera, Tiff, and Jaime, and apparently they’ve all been good so far on the group patrols, so by splitting up Tommy is wanting to test them how they work in pairs. Smartly since they would partnered with someone Tommy trusts, which is himself, Joel and you.

You look over at them, quickly scanning them as you think about Tommy’s plan. The two women look quite comfortable and even a little bored as you all wait for Joel.

The young man seems a little unnerved being on the horse. He keeps tensing up like he’s trying not to shit himself when the horse swishes it’s mane or shifts it’s weight.

You make a mental note to check in with him and see to get him some riding lessons. ASAP too if just sitting on one is making him nervous.

The plan seems like a smart one, a general progression to see how they do in just pairs.

Since you can’t think of a good reason why not, you say, “Works for me.”

Joel’s finally walking through the doors, reins in hand as he leads his seal brown gelding, Old Beardy.

You notice the top of his cheeks just a little above his beard line, are a little red still.

“Good of you to join us.” Tommy says with that sarcastic tone of glee that only a younger sibling gets when picking on the faults of their elder.

“Sorry folks.” Joel says to the group as he swings Old Beardy’s reins over his head before mounting up.

Tommy takes the lead out the gates talking with the new recruits, Joel following quickly and you bringing up the rear on your mare.

As Tommy fills in the newbies on the plan, you catch up to walk side by side with Joel.

“So Joel, had something exciting going on at home or something?” You say with a casual tone, keeping any trace of a hidden meaning out of your voice.

Joel looks over with a squint only to receive your flash of a smile. His squint turns mischievous as he replies, “Yeah, I think some little beaver was having away with my wood.”

Your jaw drops a little at his blatantly ill-hidden innuendo spoken just a few feet behind everyone. You recover quickly and instead hum in understanding as if that sentence makes perfect sense.

Once the group reaches the first checkpoint, everyone was aware of the plan. But before you could reach the building the echos of infected can be heard from a grocery store a street down.

The horses are dismounted and weapons drawn as it is decided that you all go in as a group to deal with this first.

Good thing too because there’s at least 10 infected in there.

Tommy takes the lead, sending people in certain direction, everyone moving silently. It seems like they’re all Runners as well, to make things a little more complicated.

Things seem to be going smoothly as you and Kiera take down two runners stumbling in the same direction down the ice cream isle. You’re hunting knives slicing through the Runner’s throats before they can let out a scream.

You round the corner just in time to see Jaime step in front of a runner facing him. It lets out a scream as it makes towards him. This sends every single infected remaining into a frenzy, and gunshots ring freely in instant reply.

Kiera’s a quick shot and pings the Runner through the head before it can get too close to Jaime.

You shoot the next to Runner that run into view with your Winchester. You slam the lever back up to pop the next bullet into place, and take aim at the next Infected.

None to quickly and yet not quick enough, silence falls on the abandoned grocery store. You run up to the registers in a few long steps and jump up onto the conveyor belt.

With a quick scan you see most of the rest of the group. And no signs of any remaining Infected.

“All here?” you call out and everyone roll calls nice and quick.

You jump down next to Tommy as everyone makes their way to you at the front of the store.

“Jaime.” you hear Joel say intensely, and you snap your head over.

“Remember, if there’s no fungus on the head they can still see.” Joel says, his tone short.

Jaime looks as if he’s about to fall over, and he nods out a quick “Yes, sir.”

You don’t blame Joel, but you still felt a little bad for Jaime who looks deeply embarrassed.

“Everyone good?” Tommy asks, and a sigh of relief is felt pass around the room when everyone reports all safe and sound.

Tommy turns to with you with a look as you share an exhale, making your way to the exit back to the horses. Everyone mounts back up and Tommy leads the way to the doctor’s office, where the first checkpoint is.

It’s a short ride, only one street down, and Tommy and the new recruits jump down so he can show them where the log book is and the route map.

You stay outside, across from Joel, both seated on your respective horses.

Neither of you say anything, looking at each other with a soft smile on both of your faces. Sometimes one of you tips your face up toward the breaking sun. Feeling it bring warmth to the air as the sunrise fades in.

Once they’re done, Tommy and the other three join you and Joel back outside.

“I think Kiera should go with Joel,” you say quickly before Tommy can announce the partners. Kiera is a great shot and handled everything extremely well today, she’ll be the least likely to piss Joel off.

“And I’ll take Jaime. Tiff you can go with Tommy.” you finish, waiting for Tommy to say anything in disagreement.

Tommy shrugs his shoulders, “Seems good to me.” he announces and people part with their respect partners, quick words of good luck passing around.

“Lead the way Jaime.” you tell him encouragingly. He looks up at you with an embarrassed appreciation for your effort.

As he pulls ahead, you cast a quick glance behind you. There you see Joel doing the same, the both of you looking backwards on your horses so you can share a last secret goodbye.

With an effort, you pull your gaze back in front, focusing on Jaime.

You make your way down the trail with Jaime in relative silence. One check point is passed and no Infected in sight. The trail seems quiet so you strike up casual conversation.

The next checkpoint comes with two more Infected in a little trinket store. A Runner and a Clicker this time. You dispatch the Runner, and Jaime takes down the Clicker well on his own.

You give him a nod of acknowledgement as you remount your horses.

The third checkpoint comes half an hour later and is all quiet as well. You rendezvous at the last checkpoint and wait for the others to join up. They all come good and clean, with various excited reports between Kiera and Tiff.

“There’s a fuck ton of ‘em in the school, we’re gonna need to all go clear them out.” Tommy announces to the group and you all take a quick rest to water and check amo.

You set off all again, Tommy in the lead and you and Joel bringing up the rear.

“Pretty morning.” you say amicably. Joel gives you a knowing look.

You keep quiet the rest of the way there. You know how seriously Joel takes things like this. And you don’t blame him, and it actually makes you feel safer with him around.

But you also know how intimidating Joel can be to those who don’t know him. He’s big, and doesn’t hold himself to make himself smaller, he stands tall and faces you directly when he speaks to you with intense eyes that don’t miss anything, usually with a frown on his face.

And yet, your first interaction from way back, you remember doing a double take when you saw him, feeling drawn to him.

Your thoughts of Joel’s intimidation score are flicked out of your head when you hear the shrieks from outside the school. Tommy was right, there’s a fuck ton of them. And they all click.

You all dismount like cats jumping down from the counter. Quick and silently.

Tommy opens one of the four main doors. He flags everyone through, you first this time. Jaime hot on your heels to keep up with you still.

Tommy directs you down an aisle and you take it in confident silent steps. Your first target is shambling in somewhat erratic directions, making it quite risky for a stealth kill, but it’s necessary with so many Infected in this confined space.

This particular Clicker is agitated, it sways back and forth a lot more aggressively than most Clickers do while at ease.

You spend an extremely respectful amount of time waiting for your moment with how twitchy it already is. The problem is choosing a time to strike. Every time you brace to leap onto it’s back it moves again. You know you’re taking too long trying to find the right moment. Hopefully the others have taken down more than you have.

The slightest too heavy of a step sounds behind you and you whip your head around to see Jaime right behind you. You usher him back quickly as the Clicker starts it’s way toward you.

You luckily don’t have to make a run for it because it startles at something in the other direction. You stand still with Jaime, catching your breath, heart pounding a little faster than it already was.

You look around and see another Clicker a little bit away, standing still, hunched in on itself. The only movement it makes is the occasional twitch of it’s head accompanied by a croak.

An easy kill, and not too far away so you can help if you need to. You touch Jaime lightly on the shoulder and gesture for him to go take care of that one.

He looks frazzled, wide eyes and nervous as he nods. You give him a soft pat in encouragement as he steps around you. Maybe you shouldn’t send him out, just tell him to leave while you and the others deal with things. But then it’s too late and he’s already a step too far. Well, if he’s going to be on patrol he needs to be able to handle this.

You turn back to your own current target, refocusing on it. You take more slow steps, as it stumbles squarely in front of you, back turned to you.

Perfect.

You take a few quick light steps, just one more and you can finally tackled it safely from behind.

You’re halted in your steps when an ear-splitting bang cracks through the room from behind you. Close enough you know it’s Jaime shooting.

The Clicker one step away whirls around with a scream and stumbles right into you. You let you a scream accidentally as you brace your arms against the clawing Clicker. It slams it’s weight full force against your palms, sending you to the ground.

You fall on your back hard with the weight of the thrashing monster. Your elbows are locked as you yell with effort to keep the thing from tearing your throat out. It’s fingers come within a millimeter of your nose, it’s teeth snapping together with audible clicks. You don’t know how much longer you can restrain it.

A deafening bang rings close over head and the Clicker falls to dead weight, still being held upright by your straining arms for a split second. You quickly fling it aside, scrambling upright.

Joel is there with his smoking revolver, one hand lowering it while he bends to grab you around your waist to help you up.

You lean your weight into his hands in comfort for a split second before the two of you separate. There’s no time for greetings with the size of this group of Infected howling their way closer, so you leave each other to reach for your guns instead.

Everyone has opened fire and all hell has broken loose.

You stay by Joel’s side the entire time, the two of you moving around each other as smooth as water rolling over a stone.

Finally silence falls after what seems like at least 5 minutes of shooting.

You come to stand still, quickly counting people in your view.

“Everyone here?” Tommy calls out and everyone again shakily call back.

“Jaime!” Joel rounds on him, leaving your side to approach the young man. Jaime’s reaction airs similar to Simba seeing the stampede of water buffalo.

“What the hell was that? Why did you shoot? You almost got her killed along with everyone else.” Joel barks out, reprimanding him harshly. It’s a little much, and too soon. Jaime looks like he’s about to cry.

“It turned around,” Jaime starts to explain before Joel cuts him off,

“They were Clickers. Clickers can’t see-“ “Joel.” Your one word halts his verbal lashing in it’s tracks.

The room falls silent as you share a quick look with him. And even as you make heated eye contact, you notice in the back of your head how the warm sunrise makes his tan face glow.

Joel holds your gaze for a moment before looking away, walking back to the horses.

Tommy clears his throat and everyone shifts on their feet to relieve the tension.

“Alright everyone, let’s head back.”

—

Tommy quickly looks back and forth between you and Joel as everyone follows him outside.

There was something off about that millisecond interaction you had with Joel.

Joel was serious about this stuff, but he’s not usually so intense and harsh. He didn’t sound like he was just worried about another Jacksonite. He was terrified.

Tommy had heard Joel sounded like that about Ellie’s safety plenty, and even about his own safety. But Joel loved both Tommy and Ellie, and was therefore extremely protective over them both.

That’s when Tommy’s steps falter a little bit.

He snaps his eyes to you casting a slightly mournful look at Joel’s back and it all clicks.

Holy shit.

—

You aren’t being very careful when you go over to Joel’s midday.

The ride back was tense and quiet. Joel and you going separate ways home without many words in parting.

Yet at home you were too restless to rest. So, snatching your sweater off your chair, you leave your home. You can’t wait until the cover of night. You need to see him now.

You take the time to sneak to Joel’s back door. You can see your reflection in the glass as you wait for him after your knocks. Joel slides it open quickly, after seeing it’s you.

You step in without waiting for an invitation. Brushing past him into the warm glow of his house, stepping into his space. You notice his comforting smell, he must have showered when he got home. It’s a scent you’re becoming more and more acquainted with.

“Hey.” you greet, looking up at him. He’s frowning again. He used to do that so much when you first met him.

But when he meets eye contact, the frown melts off his face.

“C’mon, let’s go sit.” You speak up, taking him by the hand, leading him to the couch that’s facing the back door.

You sit him down and sit right next to him, taking both of his hands in yours. You bow your head and he mirrors you, resting forehead to forehead as you exhale.

You sit like that for a little bit, breathing with each other, hands clasped. You break the contact to look at him. You reach up and tilt his face down so you can press a kiss to his forehead.

You gently pepper kisses down his face. Over his eyelids, his cheekbones, the bridge of his nose. Before finding their way to his lips.

His lips part for you quickly, as he kisses you back.

It’s not a long kiss, short but sweet as you pull back a little bit.

Joel's terrified. You can see it in his eyes. He thought he lost you. He doesn't want to let you go.

You can tell from the way he runs his hands up and down your arms. The slightly frantic look in his eye. He wants to dig his hands in and not let go. Good thing you want that too.

This time when you lean forward he rushes to meet you. Almost smacking each other, you recover just in time and begin to kiss him passionately.

Never stopping your kisses, you swing a leg over his hip and climb onto his lap.

"I'm here." You tell him through breaks in your furious kisses.

"I'm here for you." You reiterate which makes him slow his kisses to a gradual stop.

You look him square in the eye as you take his hands from your face, and slide them down yourself, before setting them on your hips. Then you wrap one arm around his torso while the other arm goes to thread through his thick his hair. Interlocking lips again and you dig your nails in harder than you've ever before, then rolling your hips down hard, feeling the relief rush through you with the weight of his hardness press against you even through your clothes.

He responds a few kisses later, fingers digging into your hips bones as he drags you against himself this time. You answer with an excited moan.

He gets the message.

He literally flips you over to your back, Judo style, one hand grabbing your knee to bring up over his hip. It's gentle, he cushions your fall to the couch, eyes expectant over you as he reads your reaction. When a pretty smile splits your face, he continues with a press of his soft lips against yours, hands drifting lower to cup your sex directly.

You hum in your chest as your knees instinctively fall to the side, opening up t o him. He closes that space as he grinds his palm right on your clit. It sends a stake of electricity up your body.

You break apart with a "fuck" and grip his hair tighter. He's rubbing strongly with the perfect amount of pressure to be intense without crushing.

Over and over, he strokes you steadily as you dig your fingers into the muscles of his back. He’s pushing you closer and closer to the edge surprisingly fast. Maybe your blood is still hot from the fight. You drag your fingertips down his broad back, feeling the space between the two of you heat up.

Quicker than you expected, you feel your insides flutter, and you gasp out a surprised moan as you fall over the edge. Once you've finish switching, you blink your eyes open, a bit confused and a touch embarrassed by how fast he made you come.

Yet Joel looks nothing but pleased. Big, warm, eager hands going to your zipper, while you quickly half sit up so you can do the same to his.

He lets out a satisfied grunt when his fingers part your lips and feel how wet you are. Rucking your jeans and underwear down your legs to your knees, he slips two fingers deep inside. Finding your cunt warm and greedy, the narrow angle of your hips from your jeans half off making you tighter in this position.

You ruck his jeans and boxers down his hips, just enough to pull his dick free. You immediately grasp a hold and he grows harder quickly in your hand as you begin stroking him.

You were already wet before he started touching you and you’ve only gotten wetter post your orgasm so Joel is quickly coaxing a third finger past your entrance. It brings a slight burn from the cramped position, but any sting is rubbed away with Joel’s massaging finger tips, rubbing you everywhere you need. You hum through your chest your appreciation, your forehead resting against his as he braces himself over you with his other hand, pressing against the cushions by your head.

Joel's big, so you don't like to skip foreplay, but right now with him three fingers deep, your fist wrapped around his length only a few inches away from your plugged hole, your want for him to sink inside you becomes unbearable.

It's what you need after this afternoon, to press as close as possible, as you recover from the close call.

Joel seems to agree because close he's removing his fingers and instead pressing his hips to yours, guiding his tip to your hole. He rubs himself against you, dipping his cock in your wetness before running himself up, splitting your lips as he rubs at your clit.

You jolt and go to beg him to just fuck you already, but he's already sinking inside. His cock splits you open slowly, nestling deep inside as you feel your whole body spark with pleasure.

Your mouth falls open a little as he pushes in with your inhale, a rumble of pure pleasure sounding from his chest. The sound is deep and gravely, making your pleasure spark higher, hearing it.

It’s a good thing he’s been fucking you so often, your pussy’s grown accustomed to him spreading you apart, but you remember the first time he fucked you, this process had taken much longer.

Joel holds there, deep inside, your walls gripping him tightly but adjusting quickly. You tilt your chip up to look at his face. The expression on his face, his jaw loose, eyes glosses over with pleasure you feel mirrored on your own.

He’s still waiting for your go ahead, either as a self-assurance or a tease, he always waits for you. So you give it to him.

“C’mon Joel, fuck me.” you plead, your voice throaty as you grip his shoulder tighter.

You see something change in his eyes, something you haven’t seen before. He finally responds with a strong roll of his hips into yours, and your eyes roll back as he finally starts to give you what you want. You like keeping your hands on his back, moving a little lower to feel his muscles working to pump his hips against yours, fucking himself within you.

You can only imagine what it must look like from the outside, his broad form covering yours, your knees framing his hips with your jeans and underwear bunched up around them. The image of Joel fucking you into the couch makes muscle clench, shutting your eyes, pussy suctioning onto the thick cock inside it and your hands turning into claws dragging down his side.

Before you can feel bad for the scratches, Joel’s moaning against your cheek.

You feel gentle fingers tip your chin up in contrast with the relentless thrusts against your lower half.

“Sweetheart, look at me.” Joel whispers, somehow his voice is tender while he simultaneously pounds you so hard you slide up and down on the couch. You know your hair is going to be a fucking disaster after this. Gravity only pulls you further onto his cock when you come back down as he thrust up, making your eyes clench shut harder.

“I want to see your pretty eyes.” he asks, and you give him what he so beautifully asked for.

Blinking your eyes open, you meet his. His pupils are so dilated they look almost black, the green nearly swallowed up.

Joel rewards you with some more kisses, the touch of his tongue against your lips makes them tingle as if he shocked you somehow. But in a good way, a really good way.

One of the many nice side effects of Joel being a guitar player is he knows how to create a rhythm, combine that with accurate fingers as he reaches down to stroke your clit and thrust into you at the same time. You can sense his desperation for you, he needs you to come, now.

Well at this rate he’s going to get his wish pretty soon. He’s driving you relentlessly towards the edge.

You’re so close, you can almost taste it, your entire body seizing up as it prepares to fall over that cliff. You feel your heart jolt in absolute terror at the sound of heavy knocks on Joel’s front door.

Now your body has clenched up in a bad way, and you and Joel wait there, silent and still.

The couch you’re on is in the living room which is viewable from the front door if the person should walk in. There’s no way you and Joel could detached yourselves from each other and straighten out your pulled down clothing in time.

“Joel, I know you’re in there. You can’t just ignore me.” Tommy’s voices flows from the other side of the heavy wooden door followed by more rapid, agitated sounding knocks.

You feel shock and let out a quiet gasp before you can snap your mouth shut when Joel starts grinding against you again.

“It’s just my brother, he’ll go away.” he mouths, barely audible.

When Tommy knocks again, you know you should stop and get dressed, it’s too risky. But you’re so desperate for Joel, that even with him still fully seating inside you, his inaction is making you ache with the orgasm that had been within finger reach mere moments before.

You do your absolute best to breathe as silently as you can when you start grinding back down onto Joel, and you feel him pick his pace back up.

He was right, you hear Tommy groan out a curse and stomp down the steps not even a minute later.

By that time you’re near your peak again. Your body tensing all over so hard it’s starting to shake. Joel’s fingers rubbing you perfectly on the outside and his cock rubbing against you perfectly on the inside, driving you higher and higher.

“Are you gonna be a good girl and come around my cock?” Joel rasps near your ear. His lips going to lick and suck under your jaw. You thrust your chin up to give him more access, and gasp out a “Yes” as clearly as you can with your irregular breathing.

The sparks of pleasure from his mouth against the sensitive nerves along your your throat is enough to throw you off the edge.

“Oh, good fucking girl.” He moans, feeling your grip shudder around him. He slows the rolling movement of his hips down so he can focus on the sensation of you coming on his cock. But he never stops completely, purposefully rubbing at that one spot in particular to prolong your orgasm.

Finally, your body shudders one last time, and you realize your eyes are screwed shut. You blink them back open, your heart slowly coming down, before a gasp is being ripped out of your throat at the force of Joel’s sudden thrust.

“I’m not done with you.” Is all he says as he picks his pace back up, fucking you long and hard, his breathing hard in between growled groans.

If you thought you were wet before, after coming a second time, you’re like a slip-n-slide.

Your wetness spread around your inner thighs by his thrust and coating his length completely, so when he pulls out of you completely you see his cock shines with it.

“Turn around.” he growls. You do your best to follow his orders, but your heart is still beating so hard moving is difficult and your brain feels drunk with endorphins.

You must not be moving fast enough, because Joel takes hold of you under the shoulders to pull you upright and then flip you over in one move. He scoots you a little further so your face isn’t being crushed against the arm of the couch and so you’re instead resting over it.

With your front on the arm and your ass in the air, your wet, well-fucked, exposed pussy in the air on display.

You don’t have to wait long before Joel’s sliding within you again.

“Fuck yes.” you groan out, the ache he brings 100% welcome.

He hits much deeper in this position, and you feel the head of him nudge against the end of you. Pushing your limits to get as deep as he can, the sensation strange in a wonderful way. You’ve never felt this full, it feels like he’s at your bellybutton.

Your orgasm comes as a surprise to Joel but mostly to you. You had about a split second warning before you were coming again, gasps and grunts being ripped from your chest before you collapse back onto the couch arm.

As you lay there, huffing and puffing, Joel grabs a handful of your ass and bounces you up and down on his cock.

It feels good, but it’s also a little too much so soon after your second orgasm of the night. Your nerves feel plucked raw, exposed like a live wire.

Joel’s other hand takes a hold of your other cheek, fingertips massaging your muscle briefing before they’re spreading you apart, and you know he’s taking pleasure watching his cock sink inside you before slowly sliding back out. Over and over.

“Fuck, you’re so wet.” he groans. His movements speeding up again. When his hand reaches under you to rub at your clit you whimper.

“It’s too much, Joel.” you hate to say it, but you don’t think you can come again, you’re too sensitive.

“You can take it. I know you can.” he responds. He trusts you to tell him when he needs to stop, but he can feel your body preparing for another orgasm.

You never want to let him down, so you calm your breathing, and relax into the rocking of his hips. Not long after, his rubbing of your clit crosses the threshold from ‘too much’ to ‘not enough.’

Soon you’re whining, and throwing your hips back, spearing yourself harder onto his cock and his ministrations speed up.

In tandem with his movements, you hear him behind you grunt out curses and you can tell by the sound of his voice, he’s close as well.

Impossibly, he seems to grow harder inside you, and you come for a fourth time, the feeling of your walls throbbing while being spread so far apart is toe curling, and an embarrassingly guttural groan comes from you.

Good thing you’re too blissed out to care.

Besides you have Joel behind you cooing praise at you, “So pretty. Feels so good sweetheart.That’s a good girl. Fuck you’re so soft and wet.” His jumbled sentences another marker that he’s not going to last much longer.

“I’m gonna come.” he groans out and you slap your hand behind you against his arm and he gets the message and pulls out.

As quick as your shaking legs can, you jump off the couch and kneel in front of him while he follows your movements and sits back down on the couch.

You take him in one hand around the base of his cock and seal your lips over his head. 


Joel throws his head back with a groan, and you start licking his tip, rubbing with your tongue along the underside while sucking with your mouth and pumping his base rapidly.

Joel’s hand tangles in your hair, grunted out curses filling the air before he’s pulling you a little deeper. You let him and his hips arch off the couch to push further into your mouth as he finally comes.

You don’t stop licking or stroking, meaning some cum you don’t swallow in time smears across your lips.

At Joel’s gentle double tug at your scalp, you release him. With a feather light touch you lick off any mess on him you left behind, looking up at him to make sure he’s watching you clean his cock.

When you’re done, you sit back on your heels, doing your best to scrape off any cum from around your mouth and suck it clean. You’ll need to go wash your face, but this will do for now.

Joel helps scoop you back onto the couch and the both of you slowly shuffled clothes back into place.

Once you’re finished, you turn to look at him.

He looks calmer now, a pleasant look on his face, his eyes soft as he looks back at you, his hair a mess, cheeks red. He looks well fucked.

“Can I stay the night?” your voice is a little sticky.

“Of course, sweetheart.”

“Good, cause I don’t think I can walk.”

—

Tommy scales to steps to his brother’s house two at a time. His mind is racing, and he needs to talk with Joel.

Two years of Tommy trying to set him up with various people, and Joel always coming up with an excuse of why not.

At first Tommy had thought it was trauma. He knew things were hard after Sarah’s mom left, and then loosing Sarah like that, would make thinking of a family of any kind too terrifying.

But Tommy had made it clear it didn’t need to be family, Joel didn’t need to find someone to marry like Tommy had found Maria.

But Joel didn’t even seem interested in a casual fling, or even a one-night stand.

Because of you.

Tommy couldn’t help but chuckle, you were sweet, and kind, and protective, and good with a gun. Now that he’s thinking of it, he’s not that surprised Joel feel for your charms.

No, the question was how the hell did Joel manage to make you fall for his, seeing as in Tommy’s opinion, Joel had no game whatsoever.

He was an ornery, grumpy, old and closed-off bastard. Who never talked to anyone, and never seemed to show any interest in anyone.

Apparently not.

Now that Tommy is thinking of it, his pain-in-the-ass brother has been in an uncharacteristically good mood recently.

How long have you been a thing then?

Tommy needs answers. So he pounds on Joel’s door even when there’s no answer the first time.

“Joel, I know you’re in there. You can’t just ignore me.” Tommy calls through the door.

Joel never goes anywhere, he always just stays home, playing guitar or carving. Tommy is the one who has to drag him for any social interaction so Tommy knows 100% that Joel is in there and ignoring him.

Fine. If Joel’s going to be rude, Tommy’s not going to worry about being rude either. He jogs down the stairs again, and turns around the side of his house.

Tommy knows where Joel keeps the extra key to the back door, under the doormat (very secure) so he’ll just sneak in through the back and then Joel really can’t ignore him.

Only, when Tommy gets to the back porch, and rounds the corner and bends down to move the door mat, he sees something that takes his brain half a second to catch up before he can duck out of view again. There on the side of the sliding door, out of sight, Tommy stands squeezes his eyes shut as hard as he can as if that can seal out the memory burned into his eyelids of his brother obviously having sex with someone on the couch.

He couldn’t see who it was underneath his brother, but given one guess, Tommy has a pretty strong suspicion.

He feels a shudder go down his back at the familiar feeling he remembers feeling when he was 10, and Joel was 16.

Little Tommy had wanted to talk with his older brother as well, the Atari wasn’t working. And so naive Tommy had walked straight into Joel’s room while he had his girlfriend over “studying.”

Present-day Tommy rushes down the steps of the porch, blinking hard each time, hating feeling like a 10 year old again.

Tommy knows he can’t tell anyone, but right now he just needs the comfort of Maria to forget what just happened.

He’ll never sit on that couch again.

A/N: Sorry Tommy lmao, but I feel like as a younger sibling, it is your destiny to walk in on your older sibling at least once.

[krisiplays]

Extended Legacy Disney Princess Challenge

Sul sul!

The original Disney Princess challenge is all fine and dandy, but I found it lacking when compared to challenges such as the Not So Berry Challenge. I did some research to see if I could figure out why, watched a ton of simmers play the challenge, and I came to the conclusion that it's just a little too open-ended. Not So Berry is beautifully structured without railroading simmers which keeps it entertaining and fun throughout all 10 generations. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and now I present to you my version of the Disney Princess challenge... which I am affectionately calling the Extended Legacy Revised Disney Princess Challenge.

Please do NOT claim this revision as your own. I worked really hard on this and would like to be credited appropriately for it. Also, linking to the original creator of the challenge if you DO share this would be the right thing to do.

NOTE: This challenge has not been playtested as of the time of this posting. I'm hoping to begin a new series on my Youtube channel starting in early-to-mid April that will go over the challenge and will allow me to make tweaks as needed since I think I might have gone a little bit overboard! Also, if you don't have certain packs, feel free to fudge it a little.

Link to original Disney Princess Challenge: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/784536/the-disney-princess-10-gen-challenge

Generation 1: Raya

"The world's broken. You can't trust anyone."

You grew up in a divided world, with conflict all around you. You have always believed in the magic of the world and in others until your trust was broken as a child. You must begin this challenge as a child (create both parents).

Traits: Gloomy, Good, Goofball

Aspiration: Neighborhood Confidante

Career: Politician

- Must have a best friend as a child that becomes an enemy when you become a teen, then rekindle that relationship as an adult.

- Must be good friends with a child, elder, young adult, and adult at the same time.

- Make it to the top of Mt Komorebi and have lived in at least three different worlds throughout your lifetime.

- Complete the Neighborhood Confidante aspiration.

- Reach level 10 in the Charisma and Mountain Climbing skills.

- Master the Politician career.

- Have at least one child.

Generation 2: Moana

"One day I’ll know how far I’ll go."

You grew up as the heir to a legacy; however, you want to explore and see the world. You know your choices make you who you are and you hope that one day they will show you the world and all it has to offer.

Traits: Child of the Islands, Child of the Ocean, Loves Outdoors

Aspiration: Outdoor Enthusiast

Career: Conservationist

- Must have a close relationship with your Grandmother who dies before you become a young adult. Be friends with her ghost.

- Must own at least one chicken and own a boat.

- Must become good friends with the Sulani island spirits.

- Master the conservationist career and choose the career path “Master of the Sea” (marine biologist branch).

- Visit or move to Selvadorada as a young adult and explore the hidden temple.

- Must move back to Sulani as an adult.

- Complete the Outdoor Enthusiast aspiration.

- Reach level 10 in the Fitness skill.

- Have two children (twins may make the next gen easier).

- Live the rest of your elder life in Sulani.

Generation 3: Anna

"We used to be best friends, but now we’re not."

Living on an island prevented you from getting much exposure to the outside world. Your sister was your best and only friend, but after an unfortunate accident, she became quiet and hid herself away. All you wanted was to be with her, but she never let you in.

Traits: Cheerful, Goofball, Childish

Aspiration: Soulmate

Career: Your Choice

- Must live in only one location your entire life (wherever you choose to live after becoming a young adult and moving out).

- Must have both parents die early.

- Must be best friends with your sister as a toddler and child, but lose that friendship with her just before you become a teen until you become an adult.

- Must have no friends except for your lovers and your sister until after you reunite with her as an adult.

- Complete the Soulmate aspiration.

- Reach level 10 in the Charisma skill and level 5 in the Rock Climbing skill.

- Must have one failed relationship before getting married to your one true love.

- Must have four children, the oldest one being much older than the other three

Generation 4: Merida

"If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?"

Your mom sure had her hands full with the four of you. She expected you to be the leader of the pack, but all you wanted to do was find your own way. You never seem to be able to do anything right in her eyes. Because of this you rebel as a teen and run away from home to seek a better life.

Traits: Unflirty, Hot Headed, Mean

Aspiration: Athletic

Career: Athlete

- Must run away as a teen and live with an elderly lady who takes you in.

- Must have a good relationship with your siblings but a bad relationship with your mother.

- Must make 5 enemies and have no friends (except for the elderly lady) until you become an adult.

- Never have any romance with anyone. If you do gain romance with someone, you must make them dislike you.

- Reach level 10 in the Fitness and Handiness skills.

- After the elderly lady, your only friend in the whole world, dies and you become an adult, attempt to reach level 10 in the Wellness skill to try to learn to control your emotions and become a better person.

- Once you have achieved at least level 8 in the Wellness skill and become an elder, reunite with your family and fix your relationship with your mother.

- Complete the Athletic aspiration.

- Master the Athlete career and choose the Professional Athlete branch.

- Never have any children of your own. Adopt a child as a young adult and never have a good relationship with them until you become an elder.

Generation 5: Rapunzel

"You were wrong about the world, and you were wrong about me."

You don’t remember your real mother. Your adopted mother never understood you and didn’t like or trust the outside world, so you grew up in solitude. You love art and want to share your love with the outside world.

Traits: Creative, Art Lover, Cheerful.

Aspiration: Painter Extraordinaire

Career: Painter

- Must never leave the house and must be homeschooled.

- Must never have any friends or romantic relationships until you meet your one true love.

- Must reach at least level 8 in the Painting skill before you become a young adult.

- As a teen, sneak out past curfew when the “Humor and Hijinks” festival is happening and participate in all events. Talk to sims and try to find one with either the Kleptomaniac trait or one who is on the criminal career path.

- When you return home, get in a fight with your adopted mother until you become enemies. Walk out and never speak to her again until she’s an elderly woman.

- Marry the sim you met during the “Humor and Hijinks” festival during the “Romance” festival.

- Reach level 10 in the Painting and Baking skills. Reach at least level 3 in the Knitting, Cross-Stitch, Guitar, and Cooking skills. 

- Complete the Painter Extraordinaire aspiration.

- Master the Painter career and choose the “Master of the Real Branch” career path.

- Have at least one child.

Generation 6: Tiana

"The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work."

Your mother was a painter and your father was a criminal. You didn’t grow up with a lot of money and you dream of having more. You start working early in your life and hope to one day become your own boss.

Traits: Foodie, Ambitious, Outgoing

Aspiration: Master Chef

Career: Culinary, Restaurant Owner

- Must start working in fast food as a teen.

- Must get straight A’s in school.

- Must have one close friend who is rich or is a celebrity.

- Work odd jobs on top of your hourly job. Pinch and save every penny you earn.

- Buy a restaurant that is torn down and very small. Use all of your savings to turn it into the fanciest place in town!

- Must have at least three waiters, two chefs, and five stars.

- Reach level 10 in the Cooking and Gourmet Cooking skills.

- Master the Culinary career and enter the “Chef” branch.

- Marry a sim with green (this can be hair, eyes, skin, etc). 

- Complete the Master Chef aspiration.

- Adopt or have a child once you have at least a three star restaurant.

Generation 7: Mulan

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful of them all."

Your mother worked hard so you could have a better life. She worked herself half to death ever since she was a teenager and all you want to do is provide her with a life of ease. You’re not very close to her because she worked so much, but when the restaurant starts going under due to fake bad reviews and things beyond your family’s control, you decide to take matters into your own hands and catch the people responsible for destroying your mother’s dream.

Traits: Family-Oriented, Proper, Active

Aspiration: Successful Lineage

Career: Detective

- Must get straight A’s in school.

- Must be good friends with all of your family members.

- Become a Global Superstar level celebrity.

- Master the Detective career and become the Chief.

- Reach level 10 in the Fitness, Logic, and Charisma skills.

- Fall in love with a co-worker once you reach the top of your career.

- Complete the Successful Lineage aspiration.

- Have at least one child.

Generation 8: Pocahontas

"You think I’m an ignorant savage. You’ve been so many places, I guess it must be so."

You were very comfortable growing up, your parents made sure of that. You knew and understood the world you lived in and nothing seemed strange to you. That is, until you met someone from an entirely different world than you. Now your life has turned completely upside-down and the adventures you find yourself on are out of this world.

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Animal Enthusiast, Loyal

Aspiration: Friend of the Animals

Career: Astronaut

- Must be good friends with at least three different animals.

- Must have at least two pets.

- Must build a rocket and travel to Sixam.

- Must be friends with at least 3 aliens.

- Must have a romantic relationship with an alien on your first visit to Sixam, but marry the next alien you have a romantic relationship with the next time you visit Sixam. They cannot be the same alien.

- Avoid contact with the outside world after marrying the alien and move into your parent’s home to care for them during their final years.

- Complete the Friend of the Animals aspiration.

- Reach level 10 in Rocket Science, Logic, and Fitness and level 5 in Pet Training.

- Master the Astronaut career and choose the “Space Ranger” branch.

- Have at least one child.

Generation 9: Jasmine

"A whole new world, a hundred thousand things to see."

You come from a long line of rich, famous people, but you never understood it. You appreciate the comforts and privileges you have, but you hate the duties that come with it. As a child you were always told to be on your absolute best behavior and never speak about your father’s origins. The world just wasn’t ready for that. You always wanted to explore beyond the walls of your family home and experience life to the fullest.

Traits: Materialistic, High Maintenance, Cat Lover

Aspiration: City Native

Career: Freelance Photographer

- Must have a cat that is your companion.

- Have a maximum of one best friend until you leave home.

- Get engaged as a young adult and leave them at the altar (you can cheat the engagement so they have no romance).

- Run away with your cat after the failed wedding and reduce your funds to 0 after purchasing the cheapest apartment in San Myshuno. The apartment must have the “Needs TLC” lot trait.

- Meet a poor sim who is in the criminal career.

- Elope with that sim.

- Stay in all of the vacation/rental locations in each world for at least three nights each.

- Have at least 50,000 simoleons from just the criminal career and selling photographs of the places you visit.

- Complete the City Native aspiration.

- Reach level 5 in the Photography skill.

- Have at least one child once you have at least 25,000 simoleons.

Generation 10: Belle

"People think I’m odd, so I know how it feels to be different."

Your family never had much while you were growing up, so you had to find free ways to spend your time. You always loved books and visited the library so often that it felt like your true home. Knowledge is what you crave, not romance. On a vacation to a strange new place, you find yourself trapped in your worst nightmare: in the clutches of a horrible monster looking for love.

Traits: Genius, Book Worm, Cheerful.

Aspiration: Bestselling Author

Career: Writer

- Must be good friends with your father.

- Have no friends until you add Greg to your family.

- Visit Moonwood Mill as a young adult and get into a fight with Greg.

- Add Greg to your family (shift+select, Add to Family) and move into the Moonwood Mill Library (you can change the lot type to residential) OR build your own library palace a la Beauty and the Beast ;)

- After you add Greg to your family, befriend at least all the leaders of the wolf packs (bonus points if you befriend all the werewolves in Moonwood Mill).

- Befriend Greg.

- Read all the books on Werewolves until you can no longer gather information from them.

- Cure Greg and then marry him.

- Once you have married Greg, move out of Moonwood Mill. You CANNOT live in any directly-occult world (Moonwood Mill, Forgotten Hollow, etc).

- Complete the Bestselling Author aspiration.

- Reach level 10 in Singing and Writing skills.

- Master the Writer career.

- Have at least one child.

Author notes: This challenge is a little harder than the others, so feel free to cheat some stuff to help your relationship with Greg. However, you may NOT directly cheat your relationship levels with him. You also must NOT become a werewolf. You must stay human.

Generation 11: Ariel

"Someday I’ll be part of your world."

Your family strived to fit in with humanity, but you never saw anything wrong with being different. Maybe it’s your father’s ties to the moon that led you to fall in love with the ocean, or maybe you hear a call from the distant past. Either way, you love collecting all things related to the water and one day you find something that changes your life forever.

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Child of the Ocean, Active

Aspiration: The Curator

Career: Conservationist

- Complete at least 5 of the following collections in your lifetime: MySims Trophies, Metals, Crystals, Elements, Fossils, Frogs, Fish, Feathers, Seashells, Buried Treasure, Message in a Bottle.

- Find and eat mermaid kelp and become a mermaid before you become a young adult.

- Fall in love with a pretty Sim that is in the Fisherman or Diver career.

- Complete The Curator aspiration.

- Master the Conservationist career and choose the “Marine Biologist” career path.

- Reach level 10 in the Fitness, Singing, and Fishing skills.

- Have at least one child.

Author notes: It’s just reverse little mermaid lol. 

Generation 12: Aurora

"I walked with you once upon a dream."

You never really cared for getting up at 6am to comb the beaches for seashells. You’d rather just stay inside, sit around, and lazily flip through a book or maybe just sleep forever. Ah… sleep. Doesn’t that sound nice? Your mom is a fish and your dad is just some pretty boy that lives on a secluded island, so you’re not exactly the most motivated person in the world. Your looks are about all you’ve got going for you. Your primary motivation is avoiding the sun and getting some zzz’s.

Traits: Lazy, Slob, Clumsy

Aspiration: Lady of the Knits

Career: Self-Employed - Sell your Knitted Creations

- Can have a maximum of 3 human friends.

- Reach level 10 in the Knitting skill before becoming a young adult.

- Reach level 15 in Vampire Lore before becoming an adult.

- Move to Forgotten Hollow as a young adult.

- Befriend a vampire and convince them to turn you.

- Become a Grand Master Vampire and move into the Straud Mansion (go ahead and kick the old bat out. heh)

- Hide/hibernate in the creepy Straud Mansion basement until you receive word that your parents and all your friends have died.

- Complete the Lady of the Knits aspiration.

- Reach level 10 in the Pipe Organ, Violin, and Piano skills. Reach level 5 in the Dancing skill.

- Once all you know and love is gone, re-awaken.

- Have twins, then a third child (you may cheat for the twins).

- Must have a good relationship with your two oldest children, but once your youngest baby becomes a child, hibernate in your coffin for the rest of your existence.

Generation 13: Cinderella

"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep."

You spent a lot of time trapped indoors, peeking behind the perpetually-drawn curtains trying to absorb any amount of sunlight. You don’t have a good relationship with your older siblings, so you spend your lonely days cleaning the mansion and talking to your forest friends to make the time go by. One night you can’t stand the loneliness anymore, so you dress up and run off into the night looking for friends, love, and adventure.

Traits: Neat, Romantic, Dance Machine

Aspiration: Party Animal

Career: Your Choice

- Must have no human friends until you run away as a young adult.

- Must not leave the lot until you run away during the “Pumpkin Ball” festival.

- Place a “Wild Rabbit Home” and “Flock of Wild Birds” on the lot (found in build mode. You may cheat for this) and befriend the rabbits and birds.

- Must have a poor relationship with your older siblings and parents (you can give the older siblings negative traits such as mean, mischievous, etc to help with this).

- Must cook every meal that you eat, but you can only cook family sized meals and you can only eat the leftovers.

- On your young adult birthday, create a new holiday called the “Pumpkin Ball” and add the activities “Countdown to Midnight”, “Wear Costumes”, “Party Spirit”, “Romantic Spirit”, and “Spooky Spirit” (for the pumpkin carving) and set the decoration theme to either “Spooky” or “New Year’s Eve”.

- Dress up and run away once the holiday is active and visit a popular venue. Find and romance a sim with the “Romantic” trait.

- Once the holiday has ended, return home and get in a fight with your sisters and become enemies with them.

- Elope with the sim that you met and move to Granite Falls.

- Reach level 10 in the Singing and Dancing skills.

- If something becomes dirty while you are on the lot you must clean it.

- Have at least one child.

Generation 14: Snow White

"Come on, perk up! Won’t you smile for me?"

You spent all of your childhood roaming the woods, collecting herbs and helping your mother in the garden. You didn’t have a care in the world and you loved your parents dearly. You wish you could spend all your time at home outside exploring the woods, but your mother insisted you get a good education. Things aren’t going so well at school because the most popular girl bullies you relentlessly. You never understood why, until you overhear her boyfriend saying that you’re prettier than her! You decide to run away so that you don’t cause any more problems, but it breaks your heart to leave your parents.

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Vegetarian, Cheerful

Aspiration: Freelance Botanist

Career: Self-Employed - Sell your vegetables and canned goods.

- Must have a close relationship with your parents.

- Must make enemies with a girl at school and get in a fight with her.

- Must run away as a teen and move to Henford-On-Bagley and help out the locals as much as possible.

- Must have seven friends in total (not including your parents) in your lifetime.

- Must have a garden and be friends with at least one of each of the local wildlife (birds, rabbits, foxes).

- Must grow an apple tree but never eat any of the apples.

- When you become a young adult, reunite with the popular girl’s old boyfriend and spark a romance.

- Add the boyfriend to your family, then die from poison (you may cheat for this).

- As the boyfriend, plead with Death for Snow White’s life and resurrect her (you may also cheat for this if the boyfriend is unsuccessful).

- Elope immediately after being resurrected, then have 5 children. Become pregnant, then either kill your husband or have him leave you. The last pregnancy must be twins (you may cheat for this. You must have seven children in total with the same dad).

- Each child must have one of the following traits: Gloomy, Glutton, Mean, Unflirty, Lazy, Slob, or Evil

- Each child must reach level 3 in all toddler skills before aging up.

- Each child must have all A's in school before aging up into a young adult (a la 100 Baby Challenge)

- Each child must age up with at least three positive character values.

- Reach level 10 in the Parenting, Gardening, and Herbalism skills.

- Must live on a lot with the “Off-The-Grid” trait.

Author notes: Congratulations! You’ve completed the Extended Legacy Revised Disney Princess Challenge! I hope you enjoyed this challenge and feel free to message me @krisiplays on Instagram or here on Tumblr to give me any feedback. I haven’t fully playtested this challenge so I'm sure there are plenty of issues with it, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

[rosiesramblings]

Growing Out of It

Fandom: Stranger Things, Steddie

WC: 1.1k

A/N: Here is my squealing santa submission for @apricots-and-dynamite !!!!! Happy holidays! I hope you like your fic! And thank you to Hypah for organizing this whole thing this year. 10/10

It was a typical summer day in Forest Hills trailer park. Far too hot to stay inside the stifling trailer, Steve was lying on an old beach towel in the shade, lazily watching Eddie and Dustin wrestle as though it wasn’t hot enough to fry an egg on concrete. Max sat near Steve, fiddling with her Walkman, and Robin and Nancy were both holding cold cans of Coke against the backs of their necks as they chattered about college.

Steve didn’t know it yet, but he was about to make, quite possibly,  the biggest mistake of his life. Actually, scratch that, rewind - the biggest mistake barring anything before he stopped being an asshole.

A shriek from Dustin indicated that Eddie had decided to play dirty, and the giggles and protests that followed soon after told Steve that Eddie was inclined to absolutely wreck the brat, summer heat be damned. Steve smiled to himself as he secretly basked in the sound of Dustin acting like a normal kid.

“You’re smiling like a weirdo,” Max said, nudging Steve with her flip flop. “You’d better not be getting all sentimental over there, Harrington.”

“Why, Max Mayfield, are you promoting toxic masculinity?” Steve asked, running a hand through his damp hair and proud that he remembered the phrase from when Eddie explained it last week.

“Uh, no. I don’t like anyone getting emotional, not just men. I am all for everyone shutting the fuck up, all the time,” Max declared, and Steve cackled.

Eddie finally released Dustin with a ruffle to his hair, and the boy stumbled toward Steve, still sporting a wobbly smile. “Steve, Eddie’s being mean to me,” Dustin whined.

Eddie snorted, “Lies and slander! Libel! You just need to learn to respect your elders, my little sheep.”

Steve smiled, reaching out to poke Dustin’s side. “Seriously, Dust, your life is going to be sooo much easier once you grow out of that.”

Dustin’s brows furrowed. “Grow out of what?”

“Being ticklish,” Steve said, gesturing to Dustin like it should have been obvious.

From behind Dustin, Steve registered an unfamiliar look on Eddie’s face.

“What are you talking about, Steve?” Dustin looked at him like he had suggested Dustin try to grow wings and fly. 

“I’m saying, once you grow out of being ticklish, Eddie will have to find another way to torture you,” Steve explained, throwing an arm over his eyes to signal it was the end of the conversation.

However, he could still hear the mischief in Eddie’s voice, sounding much closer than he had been a few moments ago, “Harrington…” he said, slowly, and the warning bells went off in Steve’s mind. He opened his eyes and pushed himself up on his elbows, finding a slow grin spreading on Eddie’s face. “Are you telling me you ‘grew out’ of being ticklish?”

“Uh, yeah? Didn’t everyone?” Steve looked around nervously. “It’s a kid thing. We all grow out of it eventually.”

“Uh huh,” Eddie said, still grinning. “And when was the last time someone tried to tickle you?”

Steve furrowed his brow, trying to figure out how that would be relevant. “I don’t know, dude, Tommy and I would play-fight in middle school, but probably not since then.”

Off to the side, Nancy and Robin had paused their conversation and were observing the scene before them, interested. Robin had a grin, not unsimilar to Eddie’s, creeping up on her face, while Nancy looked a little like a sad puppy, the way she often did when Steve brought up his childhood.

“Really? It’s been that long?” Nancy asked quietly.

“Yeah? But I really don’t see what that has to - oof!” The breath was knocked out of Steve as Eddie suddenly plopped down on top of him, knees on either side of Steve’s hips. “Eddie? What-“ Steve jackknifed up into an almost-sitting position when Eddie clawed at his tummy.

Three thoughts occurred to Steve simultaneously. First, he was very close to Eddie’s lips, and a large part of him would like to be even closer. Second, he might have missed the mark with the whole ‘I grew out of being ticklish,’ idea. Third, if the evil grin on Eddie’s face was any indication, Steve was absolutely fucked.

“Quite an interesting theory you’ve got there, Stevie,” Eddie drawled as he pushed Steve back down. “However, everyone knows that a good theory needs to be tested.”

Steve was so focused on how hot it was that Eddie had him pinned that he barely registered what Eddie was saying. Without any more preamble, Eddie darted both hands into Steve’s underarms and wiggled his fingers.

Steve’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “FUCK!” he exclaimed before collapsing into laughter. Holy shit, it felt like his nerves were crackling with electricity. This was far from Tommy’s quick pokes from middle school wrestling matches. This was so, so much worse.

“What is this?” Steve managed to ask between rounds of snickers.

Eddie snorted at how baffled Steve sounded, even through his laughter. “This, Stevie, is evidence that you were wrong.” Then, he wretched his hands out of Steve’s underarms and scribbled over his ribs and sides.

Steve laughed harder, squirming fruitlessly to try and escape Eddie’s fingers. “Oh my GOD,” he gasped out when Eddie found a spot in the middle of his ribcage that made him arch his back helplessly.

Eddie laughed along with him. “Want to rethink that hypothesis there, sweetheart?” One hand still at his ribs, Eddie reached up to flutter his fingers at Steve’s neck, which made him scrunch up his shoulders with a giggle and pull his bottom lip between his teeth. 

Steve’s mouth shot open moments later with a shriek of, “Dustin!” before his cackling was redoubled. Eddie looked down and saw that Dustin had latched onto the muscle above Steve’s knee and was squeezing ruthlessly.

“Ooooo, did the shrimp find a bad spot?” Eddie teased, voice syrup-sweet. Steve shook his head back and forth, cheeks darkening.

“Fuck OFF,” Steve yelped, squirming harder now that he seemed to have remembered they weren’t alone.

“Still think you grew out of it?” Eddie taunted as he took the hint and gave one final scribble to Steve’s ribs before rolling to lay down beside him. Steve, still giggling, curled up on his side and hugged his knees to his chest. Dustin ruffled Steve’s hair, and Steve was too preoccupied with chasing away the last of the ghost tickles to dodge his hand.

Catching his breath, Steve gazed at Eddie. “Yeah, I might have missed the mark on that one,” he said seriously, before breaking into a grin. “Although,” he said, scrambling to straddle Eddie. “If I didn’t grow out of it… I would bet that you didn’t either, Munson.”

Eddie just smiled.

[talonabraxas]

The Golden Sun Disc of Mu Talon Abraxas

Held by ropes of pure gold in a shrine in the greatest Temple of Divine Light of the Motherland of Mu was the gigantic Golden Disc of the Sun. Before it, on an altar, which was a pillar carved out of solid stone, there blazed the eternal white Light of the crystalline Maxin Flame, the Divine Limitless Light of Creation. About 30,000 B.C. the Maxin Light went out on the Altar because of the evil of some of the priest-scientists of Great Mu. The Sun Disc remained in its shrine, however, until the time of the final destruction and submergence of 10-12,000 B.C.

As we said before, this Disc was not merely used as an object of adoration, nor was it the symbolic representation of our Solar Sun. It was also a scientific instrument, and the secret of its power came originally out of the dim past in the time of the Elder Race. In part, it was an object of adoration because it served in ritualistic temple services as a focus or point of concentration for those meditating. It also served as a symbolic representation of the Great Central, or Cosmic Sun, which, in turn, symbolizes the Creator. As a scientific instrument it was used in connection with a complex system of mirrors of pure gold, reflectors and lenses to produce healing in the bodies of those who were inside the Temple of Light. Indeed, that is why it was called Temple of Divine Light. Besides all these functions, the Sun Disc was a focal point for concentration of a dimensional quality. When the Disc was struck by a priest-scientist, who understood its operation, it would set certain vibratory conditions which could even bring about great earthquakes and, if continued long enough, might bring about a change in the rotation of the Earth itself. When attuned to a person’s particular frequency pattern it could transport this person wherever he wished to go merely by the mental picture he created. It was, therefore, an object of transportation.

The Golden Sun Disc of Mu was not made of ordinary gold, but was transmuted gold, and unusual in its qualities in that it was a translucent metal similar, evidently, to the “metal you can almost look through” of the UFOs.

Lord Muru brought this Disc with him when he journeyed to Lake Titicaca, and it was placed in a subterranean temple at the Monastery of the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays. Here, it was used not only by the students of life daily, but also by the Masters and Saints from the Mystery Schools throughout the world so that they might be teleported back and forth to sit in Council or to partake of some Transmission Ceremony.

When the Incas came to Peru, and come they did, for they were not native Quechua Indians, but came from a land across the Pacific, they established a highly spiritual society on top of the ruins of the great culture that had belonged to the Colonial Empire of Lemuria. The High Priests of the Sun of Tawantinsuyo–the name of the Inca Empire–built their Coricancha or Temple of the Sun exactly on top of an older structure dating from very remote times. From ancient records in their homeland across the Pacific they learned of the Golden Sun Disc of Mu and they knew it had been removed from the doomed continent and taken to a new land where Lord Muru had founded an Inner Retreat or Sanctuary.

Once in Peru, the Incan High Priests searched long for the Disc but were never able to locate it. However, when they had reached the place on the Spiritual Pathway where they could use the Disc to the benefit of all their people–the native, indigenous tribes they had amalgamated into an empire–as it had been used on Mu, then it was presented to them for their daily use in their Temple of the Sun at Cuzco.

The Inca Emperor at the time was a Divine Mystic or Saint, and he made a pilgrimage to the Monastery at Lake Titicaca, and there Aramu-Muru, as Spiritual Head or Abbot of the Brotherhood, gave the Disc to the Emperor. Several Brothers from the lake were directed to journey with him to the capital of the empire, Cuzco. Here the Disc was placed in a shrine that had been prepared for it, and it was secured with golden ropes as it had been held in ancient Lemuria. Even today, the holes through which these ropes passed can be seen at the Convent of Santo Domingo in Cuzco which is built on top of the Pre-Inca and Inca Sun Temple.

The Incas called their Temple of the Sun Coricancha, which means Place of Gold or Garden of Gold. This was because of the magnificent, solid gold, life-sized figures of men, animals, plants and flowers that were placed in a real Garden of Gold adjacent to the Sun Temple. But the priest-scientists called the Temple Amarucancha. On some of the stones at Santo Domingo today you can still see carved serpents (amarus) and that is the reason, they say, that some knew the Temple as Amarucancha, or, Place of the Serpents. However, that is not the real reason. Amaru is a form of Aramu, which is one of the names of Lord Maru. There are large snakes in the Andes which are still called amarus. Lord Maru’s name concerns a snake because his title is similar to that of another world teacher, Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed Serpent of the Aztec Empire in Mexico. Therefore, the Temple of the Sun at Cuzco was named for Aramu-Muru, head of the Monastery at Lake Titicaca, for it was he who enabled them to have, at last, the Golden Disc in their Sun Temple. Within this greater Temple there were smaller temples or shrines dedicated to the Moon, the Twelve Planets (Stars), and to the Seven Rays.

The Brotherhood of the Seven Rays became the leading force in the spiritual life of the Incas, and they learned the use of the Disc from ancient records left by the wise Pre-Incas who were Lemurian colonists. The Disc remained in the Coricancha at Cuzco until word reached the priests that Don Francisco Pizarro had landed in Peru. Knowing full well what was going to take place, sorrowfully they removed the Disc from the Cuzco shrine and returned it to its place in the subterranean temple at the Monastery. The Spanish conquerors never saw it.

On January 21, 1956, Beloved Archangel Michael of the Sun gave an address at His Retreat at Banff, in the Canadian Rockies. The following is an excerpt:

Many of the Temples used on Atlantis and Lemuria have been raised into the etheric realms. Some day they will be lowered again when man is spiritually ready to receive them. It has happened that one or more of the precious stones used in the construction of these Temples have been put in the hands of a High Priest or Head of a Spiritual Order where they form a connection with the Celestial Hierarchy. There are several dozens of the stones from My own Temple in the possession of individuals at various points on the Earth’s surface today…

The Golden Sun Disc of Mu is one of the precious stones referred to by Lord Michael. And it was put in the hands of the Head of the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays, Aramu-Muru. The Disc will remain at Lake Titicaca until that day ‘when man is spiritually ready’ to receive it and to use it once again. On that day the Golden Disc will be taken out of its subterranean chamber and placed high above the Monastery of the Brotherhood. For many miles the pilgrims of the New Dawn will see it once again reflecting the glorious rays of the Sun. Coming from it will be an undeniable tone of purest harmony that will bring many followers of light up the foot-worn path to the ancient gate of the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays, and they shall enter the Valley of the Blue Moon for fellowship in the Father.

Excerpt from Secret Of The Andes

[strawberry-cowgomooo]

Just Like Their Dog

The Just Like Their Dog, 10 Gen Legacy is based on 10 different dog breeds. Each generation has to have that type of dog in their household at all times. Complete the challenges, take care of your dog, and max out friendship with them. And most importantly, have fun!

Use Hashtag: #JustLikeTheirDogChallenge

Gen 1 Golden Retriever Complete Super Parent Aspiration Complete Fish Collection Max Fishing Skill Max Parenting Skill Must Have A Pool On Lot Must Host A Pool Party Every Week Traits: Family-Oriented, Loves Outdoors, Slob

Gen 2 Border Collie Complete Freelance Botanist Aspiration Complete Frog Collection Max Gardening Skill Max Herbalism Max Cross-Stitching Must Can Must Own A Farm Must Live Off-The-Grid Must Have Simple Living Traits: Loves outdoors, Animal Enthusiasts, Active

Gen 3 Husky Complete Musical Genius Aspiration Max Entertainer Career, Musician Branch Max Singing Max Guitar Max Piano Max Violin Max Dancing Date A Coworker Leave Them at the Altar Have A Random Hookup At A Bar/Nightclub And Find Out Your Pregnant Move In You Parents To Help Raise The Baby Traits: Music Lover, Family-Oriented, Party Animal

Gen 4 German Shorthaired Pointer Complete Bodybuilder Aspiration Complete Feather Collection Max Athlete Career Max Fitness Skill Max Comedy Skill Must Have An At-Home Gym Marry Someone You Met At  Bar Have A House Party Every Week Traits: Active, Loyal, Goofball

Gen 5 German Shepherd Complete Friend Of The World Aspiration Complete Fossil Collection Max Cop Career Max Charisma Max Comedy Max Fitness Be Engaged To Someone Be Left At The Altar Marry A Co-Worker Traits: Active, Outgoing, Bro

Gen 6 Corgi Complete Mansion Baron Aspiration Max Baking Max Painting Max Knitting Must Host A Dinner Party Every Week Must Marry An Elder Right After High School Marry For True Love After Your First Spouse Dies Of Natural Causes Traits: Lazy, Loyal, Outgoing

Gen7 Chihuahua Complete Serial Romantic Aspiration Complete Crystal Collection Complete Metal Collection Max Charisma Max Debate Max Wellness Marry High School-Sweetheart Must Have Married Three Times, Each Spouse Must Die Before Remarrying Have At Least One Child In Each Marriage Have Little To No Relationship With Your Children Traits: Noncommittal, Hot-Headed, Overachiever

Gen 8 Pitbull Complete Chief of Mischief Aspiration Complete My Sims Trophies Collection Max Mischief Skill Max Video Gaming Max Programming Skill Max Criminal Career, Oracle Branch Marry Your Neighbor Who Is A Secret Agent Once You Reach The Top Of The Career, Quit and Become A Full Time Parent Traits: Socially Awkward, Geek, Loyal

Gen 9 Schnauzer Complete Master Chief Aspiration Reach Level 8 Of Chief Career Before Quitting And Opening Your Own Restaurant Marry Your First Love They Pass Away, Never Marry Again Max Cooking Max Gourmet Cooking Max Mixology Max Baking Have A Dinner Party Every Week Have Restaurant Reach 5 Stars When Spouse Passes, Change Romantic Trait To Gloomy Traits: Foodie, Romantic/Gloomy, Glutton

Gen 10 Poodles Complete Master Actor Aspiration Complete Postcard Collection Complete Poster Collection Complete Snow Globe Collection Max Acting Career Max Acting Skill Max Charisma Skill Must Have A Sauna On Lot Must Have A BFF That Moves In With Them Have One Enemy In The Acting World Traits: Self-absorbed, High Maintenance, Perfectionist

I hope you enjoy the challenge! If you want to play them in a different order, feel free to do it! I just set them up this way to make it flow easier in a story telling way, but have fun!

[roohuh]

Perilous Proposals

Part 10 of the Obliviate Series

Ominis x MC

Summary: After Celebrating at the Three Broomsticks you and Ominis take a stroll in the moonlight.

Warnings:

The Centaurs only brought good news. All of the work you had put in was finally paying off and you are ecstatic; the region around Hogwarts has become somewhat of a sanctuary for all the beasts dwelling in it. You and Poppy chatter excitedly as you leave the forest. Earlier that day Sebastian had insisted you and Poppy would join him and Ominis at the Three Broomsticks that evening in celebration of the good news you hoped to receive. As you approach the tavern you can see Ominis and Sebastian casually chatting at an outdoor table. Sensing your approach the boys stand and greet you.

“How did it go?” Ominis questions before taking your hand planting a kiss on the back of it. Blushing you reply,

“It went rather well I would say.” Looking to Poppy for reassurance.

“Well? It went better than we could have hoped! The poachers have all but entirely moved out of this region and the wildlife is booming! All thanks to MC or as the poachers call her Merlin's Wrath.”

“Shut up Poppy!” Hitting Poppy you desperately try and change the topic

“How about some butterbeers?”

“We better listen, we don't want to invoke Merlin's Wrath.” Sebastian laughs leading the way inside. It is difficult to find a table so you grab your drinks and walk up to the tables on the upper level. The tavern beneath buzzes with conversation as you cheer for your victory. Poopy who has had a crush on Sebastian since her second year plays with her hair nervously as she asks

“How was Anne this weekend?” He turns to her almost as if just now noticing her presence and smiles.

“She is doing the best she can, I suppose. She fights the curse but this hot weather makes her tired.” Poppy sympathizes as Ominis nudges you amused at her attempt to flirt. Sebastian seems completely oblivious to her advances as he starts into a monologue about the renovations he has planned to make their dwelling more comfortable for her. Ominis laughs at his friend as he squeezes the top of your knee.

“It is quite loud in here. MC would you care to stroll down to the lake with me and enjoy the fresh air?” Seeing what he is doing you play along and wink at Poppy.

“You two stay here we shall not be long.” Waving your hand over your shoulder to your cherry red friend. Once outside you laugh to Ominis

“What a splendid idea now maybe Sebastian will notice the poor lovesick girl.” Ominis smiles, tucking your hand in his arm.

“I do not know what you could be speaking of. I just wanted to be alone with you.” His voice drops low at the end and you blush deeply. Walking hand in hand in the moonlight you stroll around the streets of Hogsmead. Eventually reaching the bench hand in hand facing the lake you sit watching the moonlight dance across the water. Crickets serenade you with the song of the night. With a sigh you place your head on Ominis shoulder content. After a while Ominis hand reaches for your face drawing it up to his placing a small kiss on your forehead. Then your nose. And finally your lips.

“Oh how brash of you little brother.” A man teases from behind you. Drawing his wand, Ominis moves in front of you.

“What do you want?” He snarls.

“I have come to make peace.” His hands raised in the air.

“I do not trust your peace. Be gone with you.” Ominis keeps his wand trained on his brother.

“Oh but Ominis; I have a deal you can not refuse.” Placing your hand on Ominis shoulder you try and calm him,

“Let’s just hear him out. His wand is away. He seems like he just wants to talk.”

“Alright, but be quick.” He sighs, keeping his wand trained on Professor Gaunt.

“So distrustful.” He tisks and shakes his head in mock disappointment. “I know how to make it so you and your little beauty get to be together.”

“And what is in it for you?”

“Liberation.” A slow smile spreads across the elder brother's face as if the words alone give him satisfaction.

“What is the plan?” You pipe up intrigued.

“You are going to kill our father.” He says flatly.

“No!” Ominis shoots back.

“Just think about the evil you would be obliterating. Not to mention freeing yourself from his control.” The silver tongued brother persuades.

“If it is such a good idea why don’t you do it yourself?” You eye his cautiously.

“Because I made an unbreakable vow to serve our illustrious father after I graduated Hogwarts and if I kill him I will be breaking that vow. He will force you to do the same Ominis.” Unsure of what to do, you turn to Ominis.

“Kill him yourself if that is what you want done but you can not send her to fight in your stead.” Ominis speaks sharply.

“I know she can do it after that lightning show the other day I am sure she can get the job done.”

“You sent the spider?” Bellows Ominis. Shrugging innocently the young Professor puts his hands in his pockets,

“I was just confirming she was capable and was she ever? You are magnificent. If you ever want the real Gaunt experience you should ditch Ominis and spend a night with me.” In an instant Ominis fist meets his older brother's face. Lurching forward you grab Ominis in an effort to restrain him.

“Stop! He is a Professor! You can not fight him. You will be expelled!” You plead. The brother backs off laughing, rubbing blood from his nose.

“I did not think you had that in you little brother!” His eyes shine with the adrenaline of battle and he raises his wand pointing it at you.

“ I shall have you know if you try anything foolish I will punish your prize foolish brother.” Shoving you behind him Ominis stands ready for a fight.

“You never were good at picking enemies. Just think about it.” With that Professor Gaunt vanishes.

[iamthecomet]

Gamer Rain! 🍿🎮 please share your thoughts, esp. Rain's top 5-or-10 fav games please

Yessss! Ok, so. Gamer Rain rambling under the cut just to save space, no warnings. The NSFW stuff is going to be in a different ask lmao.

Rain = computer gamer. Will play console, loves console, but in his heart of hearts he's a PC girlie. Has a whole set up. Duel monitors (at least). Comfy gaming chair that he is usually contorted in. LED keyboard/headset/mouse/desk pad/tower the whole nine). Plays late into the night a lot.

Usually found hunched over his keyboard hissing into the microphone at his teammates, or curled up in his desk chair, one knee up so he can rest his chin on it while he plays (either with an xbox controller or just bent over himself so he can reach the keyboard.) Dew, Aeon, and Aurora watch him play a lot. The others will too sometimes, but usually it's just Rain alone, or him and one other person who is sprawled out behind him on his bed. Eating snacks and telling him to: holy shit look out there's one right behind you.

I think Rain also plays games with the others in the common room pretty frequently.. I think they have basically every console known to man. And they play a good mix of story-based and mission-based games together. ( Dew and Rain are very very close to beating Borderlands 3 for probably the fifth time.) Copia bought him a Switch when they first came out and Rain walked around with his nose in it for a month straight. That's his console of choice when they're on tour (loves Breath of the Wild, Graveyard Keeper, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, all the things). Alright, some of Rain's favorite game series for solo playing (in my opinion, feel free to add more!) -Dark Souls -Elder Scrolls -Resident Evil -Fable (especially 1) -Bioshock And his favorites to play in the common room with his pack: -Overcooked -Borderlands (2 is his favorite, he plays as Zero) -Halo -Diablo -COD but only the older ones. He also loves playing shooters online against people because he's *very* good at them and pissing random people off makes me very happy.

[changingplumbob]

Honey, I'm home!

TLDR: I'm back. Incoming reblogs. Normal posting resumes 21st at 9am NZDT (GMT+13).

My cat summary, tales of travel woe and random trip tidbits below.

Cat! The cat survived the cattery. Apparently she wasn't eating too much and just stayed in her cage area (I say cage but it was a neat two level set up, she had an individual food bowl, litter tray and cat bed). She's lost a bit of weight so she'll be getting bigger feeds the next few days. She's periodically patrolling the house and hiding in my bed which is fair.

Travel! So our first bus was running late. Trying to make up for it the bus sped over the hill. Imagine sitting sideways on a bus with a large suitcase as the bus quickly drives a winding downhill road. So fun right (sarcasm is heavy here). We made the train but halfway through the trip it stopped and sat for 10 minutes because of an "incident" (yeah I'm curious to). Bus from train station to airport was fine but the baggage check in went down just as we reached it. Then the plane was delayed by about half and hour. Fast forward to this morning. Checking in at the airport early to discover our 8:15am flight was cancelled because the aircraft was damaged overnight. They put us in a van for a nice hour and a half trip along a sometimes empty, sometimes standstill motorway. At the new airport we checked in fine, but what do you know the plane home was delayed. Hour delay this time. Eventually back home, took the airport bus to the train station no problem. What do you know, the train line was having errors and replacement buses were running instead. At the home train station we just gave up and got a taxi to the vets, and then home.

Wedding! It was nice, my cousin and his bride were so damn happy. It was in a place called the Tree Church where the structure is actually made out of shrubs so it's like getting married in a church made out of nature. The sun was shining and she walked down the isle to an instrumental of Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams. Her dress was gorgeous, their vows were sweet and I was sitting in an aisle seat so got to throw flower petals over them as they walked up the aisle together. Then (remember I'm in summer people) they had an ice cream truck after a champagne toast and they had vegan ice cream!!!

Reception! It was at a vineyard and half the area had trellises with grapes growing above you. There was so much food, and some vegan stuff! Because my cousin has a large family (lots of aunts and uncles) I was the only cousin from our branch. But you know when the band started playing ABBA I had to get up and dance with my aunts because how can you not dance to Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (Man After Midnight)? I sang along, loudest to Love Story obviously.

Tea Ceremony! So my cousin's wife (is she my cousin in law now? IDK), her parents are Chinese and came to NZ before she was born. She had lots of family fly over from China and Canada and they brought her and my cousin these beautiful red robes for a tea ceremony. Basically it allows the married couple to honour their elders by serving them tea. The couple also get money and jewellery from elders. Apparently all the Cantonese speaking relatives told them they hoped to see a grandchild next year, no pressure cousin.

Internet! As some of you probably realised the air bnb had wifi so I was able to keep up on some people's posts. But because I'm an overthinker I wanted to keep my post about going away near the top of my blog. I'm now going to blog some things I wanted to reblog during the 5 days which you may well have already seen but I want to reblog anyway to show support.

Me! This whole thing has been about me but anyway, I am very sleep deprived. I was not sleeping well before we left. The house we were staying was so creeky I barely slept while we were there. So I'm going to do extra rambles because that's what happens when I'm tired. Thank you for a couple of sunflowers today, with my travel chaos I needed them. I keep them in my inbox for low days but appreciate it beyond measure. I'm going to try get to my asks today but sleep may claim me first. The favourite facts are coming I promise! Lastly check out this puzzle that I was fiddling with intermittently for 3 days. I can't believe I eventually solved it!

[weirdozjunkary]

Golden heart [a SATBK au fic] chapter 10 (end)

Finally here we are. The climax, and sadly, the ending to it all. This was a fun ride, and surprisingly, my first multy part fanfiction. Thank you all for tuning in to read this story, I hope you had a blast reading it. Take care, ill see you in the next post!

Chapter1 Chapter9

Chapter 10- Time Trials

The sun had long set beyond the horizon a long time ago now, leaving the sky an inky darkness that was only separated by speckles of starlight, caught amongst the tall trees that aggressively swayed and writhed from the wind that the two blue hedgehogs were creating. The elder one had trouble keeping the pace as his younger self chased after him. He wasn’t used to running this fast.

“Blue please stop!” Sonic called out. “Let’s talk about this!”

“Stay out of this, Sonic! This doesn’t concern you!” The king yelled back.

“It does when you are about to do something that you’re gonna regret!”

The king raised the sword and slashed off the thick branches of the trees along their path, trying to block the hedgehog from running further. The blade sliced through them with ease, it only took one strike before each branch fell onto the path with a heavy thud. The branches barely slowed Sonic down as he jumped, swerved and dodged each falling branch. He wasn’t going to let anything stop him.

“Sonic please! Whatever you are planning to do, it’s not worth it!” Caliburn pleaded. 

“Be quiet!” Blue said through barred teeth. “I already was stick of your nagging! I don’t want to hear more!”

Tailing behind the speedy hedgehogs was the black knight Lancelot and sat atop his shoulders, the blacksmith Miles. The knight struggled to keep a steady fast pace. He was fast on his own, but the twin hedgehogs were faster, especially without something on their shoulders. It didn’t stop him from racing on despite the extra weight he was carrying. 

The hedgehogs left the forest and into open fields. The ink blackness of the sky fading away as the stars shone bright as ever. It would’ve been a beautiful night any other time. Sonic called out to the king, he wanted to fix things. Things would be better if he just stopped and talked. The king wasn’t interested in talking. 

Fed up, Sonic ran his fastest and stopped just a few feet away from the king. “Come on Blue! Can we just talk about-“ The king didn’t stop, he ran at top speed towards the blue hedgehog, raising caliburn out to strike. He missed, thankfully, but only by a hair. Sonic watched as Blue continued to run towards his goal. And judging where he was running to, his goal was not something good.

Sonic furrowed his brow. “Guess I have no choice!” He spun and launched himself into the back of the king, falling to the ground. The king still didn’t let go of the sword.

Blue stood himself up, using Caliburn as a crutch. His legs shook as he struggled to stand again. It’s been ages since he ran like that. He swung his leg at the second blue hedgehog but missed him by only inches. He swung his leg again, and again at Sonic, attempting to strike him somewhere, anywhere. The king was fast, and Sonic could keep up just as well. 

“You are such a nuisance!” Blue cursed.

“Heh, thank you! Being a nuisance is my specialty!” Sonic ran to the king and reached for the blade.

The king held it up high and struggled to push Sonic away from him. “I told you that this doesn’t concern you!” 

“And you should know that I NEVER back away from someone in need! And I know you wouldn't to!”

Blue growled. “If you won’t leave… THEN YOU WILL PERISH!” His leg slammed into Sonic's body, tossing him to the ground. He jammed the handle of Caliburn into his side, creating a loud and painful yell to come out of him. Sonic held his wounded side as the King kicked him over again. 

He gripped his fist tight as he walked off, speeding up the further he got from his young double.“I don’t need your pity…”

Sonic got up onto his knees and groaned. That was the hardest he’d been hit in a long time, he forgot what it was like to have the wind kicked out of you. 

“Sonic!” A young voice called out.

“Are you alright?” A deeper voice called after.

“Miles? Lancelot?” Sonic noticed. “What are you doing here?”

“Following, to make sure that the king won’t do something stupid.” Lancelot growled.

Sonic stood up and stretched his back. “Yeah, I’ve been trying to talk to him, but he’s not listening to me. And I don’t think he’s gonna listen to you either.”

The knight nodded. “I know. But-“

“Don’t worry! I’ll do whatever it takes to knock the sense back in him! I have to try!” Sonic put his hands to his hips. “I just need to figure out what he’s planning on doing before he does it…”

“… He’s going to the volcano..” Tails said.

“What?”

“There’s a volcano not far from here. It’s lava is so hot it could melt even the densest materials…. He’s going to destroy Caliburn!”

“WHAT?! THATS CRAZY!”

“That has to be it! Something happened to him back then with Caliburn, he must think that getting rid of him would fix things!”

“Well he’s not gonna do that on my watch!” Sonic spun his legs around. Revving up before dashing away. “I’ll get him to stop! No matter what!”

“Sonic! Wait!” Lancelot called out, but he was already across the horizon. Too far and too fast to hear anyone.

…

He was already at the base of the volcano, a gigantic hill that hid burning hot lava in its center, waiting for the right conditions to burst its fiery contents onto the forests below, destroying the foliage and the people and animals that lives in it. The magma inside of it felt all too familiar. He was the volcano. The king clenched the sword in his hand. Maybe for a moment he second guessed himself.

“Blue.” Sonic stopped a few feet away from the other hedgehog. He didn’t give him so much as even a glance. Sonic gave a deep sigh. “Come on, let’s talk about this. Just… talk…”

“What else is there to say?” The blue king stepped along the steep path.

Sonic grabbed the kings hand, preventing him from progressing further. “Please, Blue! I want to help you! But I can’t do that if you keep shutting people out!”

“Then stop trying…” the king glared at the blue hedgehog. He ripped his hand from his grasp and moved up the side of the volcano at the speed of sound. Sonic followed after.

The two hedgehogs bickered and tussled, grabbing and pushing at each other. It was only slowing the kings quest to the top. He wasn’t going to let some younger and more naïve version of him from another world stop him. He’s never going to stop. Something that he and his younger self had in common. 

“Blue please!” Sonic cried out in desperation. “Do you really think that DESTROYING caliburn is going to fix things?”

“STOP ACTING LIKE YOU KNOW WHO I AM!” He struck sonic in the face and sent him tumbling a quarter ways down the volcano. He was quick getting back onto his feet, and Blue was just the same getting up to the top.

He stared through the mouth of the volcano, down at the white hot bubbling lava. It was the entrance to hell. Or maybe, the final circle of it. Despite the heat emitting from the lava, the king felt ice cold. His body shook. His hands shook. He struggled to lift caliburn up, extending him over the glowing hole. His fate was coming, and if he had a body he would be breaking out into a cold sweat. 

Blue stared into the swords’ eyes. His green eyes, despite how dull, shone through his brow. His expression was firm, and it could only be described as frustration or anger. His hand was firmly attached to the sword. Perhaps he didn’t want to let go. Caliburn didn’t say anything. He didn’t know any words that would deter this hedgehog from the things he was considering. Or the fate he was bringing him to.

“Blue! Please! Just stop!” Sonic panted. He finally caught up with the king.

“Why not?!” Blue snapped. “Everything- EVERYTHING is because of this thing!” He addressed caliburn like an object. “He was the cause of ALL OF THIS! The magic that’s inside of him- if I hadn’t used it, none of this would be happening!” He gritted his teeth, baring his gums. He gripped caliburn even tighter than before. “The magic of Excaliburn corrupted me… turned me into a monster that I can never forget. I was filled with rage and sadness… I needed everyone to feel my pain.”

“And why did it change you? Why did Excaliburn bring out the worst in you?”

“BECAUSE MY FAMILY IS DEAD! THAT IS WHY, SONIC!” The yell pushed all the air out of his lungs. “MY MOTHER, MY FATHER, MY UNCLE… THEY ARE DEAD BECAUSE OF THAT TYRANT! They were so kind… they pushed me to be who I am… and now they are NOTHING BUT ASH!”

“Even so, would they want you to be like THIS? A shut in, sad and pathetic, about to kill one of his friends! Is that what they pushed you to be?”

The king struggled to hold back his tears, his throat throbbed and burned and he struggled to breathe. He bared his fangs at Sonic and resisted the urge to scream at him. He needed to scream. His body shook again.

“I don’t know what you’re feeling, but it’s okay to feel these things. Excaliburn may have gave your emotions a physical form, but they aren’t who you are deep down, I can see that.” Sonic took a single step towards the king. “Blue, I know you want everyone to be happy. You want good things to happen. You want everyone to be free to do what they want to do. I’m like that to.”

“But the sad truth is that there is always gonna be someone, or something that’s gonna try and stop you from doing that. That’s why you need to step up and show the world who’s boss! You’re a good person, Blue. Please, put down Caliburn and let’s just talk. Okay?”

The king stared at sonic in his calm eyes, his own were sharp. Trying to stare daggers into the younger hedgehog that looked like him. He acted so much like him, full of positivity and hope for others, so naieve. No, he wasn’t naieve. 

He knew just as well of the horrors that could come, and yet he persisted in staying his sickeningly optimistic self. He was just like him. He was him. They were each other. Both of them were just as likely to be the one in front of them as likely as they were to be themselves. 

The hedgehogs broke eye contact and drew their attention to the fox, who stood not far from them. He didn’t look angry or upset, he was determined. He looked at the king through firm eyes, only then, now, the king finally softened.

“Go away, Miles…” He squeaked through his throat.

“No” Miles said flatly.

Blue put a hand over his face, tilting it away from the fox. “You shouldn’t see me like this… I don’t want you to…”

“I know, I don’t care.”

 “…why…?”

“You’ve done bad things, I know. But I don’t care about that. They don’t define who are are! You are a kind person, Sonic. A kind person who’s helped so many people.” The fox walked up to him. “The whole reason you’re king is because Caliburn chose YOU! He chose you because he knew you were a good person. You’ve done so many selfless things for others, I can’t even count! You are King Arthur because you DESERVE to be!” He chuckled. “I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.”

Blue glanced his tired eyes at the ground. “How do you know it wasn’t a lie?”

Miles raised a brow, then shook his head and sighed. “I don’t. But it doesn’t mean that what I’m saying ISN’T true. I think you are the best person alive! Youre someone who's very important to me!” He reached up and took the kings hand and held it in its own. He smiled. “I love you, big brother.”

Tears streamed down Blue’s face as the emotions inside of him burst open like water from a broken dam. He collapsed to the floor and sobbed, dropping Caliburn to his side who continued to stay silent. Miles wrapped his arms around the king and let him sink into his chest. He sobbed and cried and whined, letting out years of built up emotions of pain and regret, he was so sorry. So sorry about everything.

Sonic picked up Caliburn and sat on a rock not far from them, his eye caught Lancelot standing a bit of a ways down the mountain. This wasn’t his business to be in, but he didn’t want to leave them completely alone. Sonic rested his cheek against his hand and smiled. 

“You are a lot like him.” Caliburn finally spoke. 

Sonic chuckled. “What? The king, or mister dark and brooding?.”

Caliburn laughed. “You know who I mean.”

Sonic returned the laughter. “Yeah I know.”

“I am surprised, though. That you do act like him, when he was younger. But you are from somewhere different. Somewhere where none of this exists. It’s like you came from his past.”

“Maybe. Or maybe I’m just this good in every timeline!” He winked.

“I see you also have his ego…”

“Guilty as charged.”

“Sonic.” The dark hedgehog appeared in front of him. “I wanted to say that even if you’re actions are extremely reckless… thank you, for doing it.”

Sonic raised a brow. “You’re thanking me? For screwing stuff up?”

“I know I haven’t been the best host to you, none of us really have been. But I am glad you came here, and I am glad you helped the king. Hopefully things will be much brighter now. The king, and the kingdom.”

Sonic grinned widely. “Heh. It’s no biggie. I do this stuff all the time!”

Lancelot shook his head and smiled and Sonic returned it. 

“You know, Lancelot. When I first arrived, I thought that everyone was just a version of my friends. Ya know, just putting on a costume with a slightly different backstory. But I know that’s not the case now. You may look like them, but you aren’t them, you’re different.”

“How different am I to your friend? I believe his name was ‘Shadow’?”

Sonic chuckled. “Well for starters, he’s SOOOO serious about everything! He’s the guy to ask questions later. He calls ME a hazard, yet the times I’ve met him, he’s the one looking for trouble!”

“He sounds… interesting.” Lancelot said with a brow raised.

“Perhaps he should take lessons from you, Lancelot.” Caliburn said.

Lancelot shrugged. “Perhaps.”

The young fox came towards them. His and the king hands were locked together tightly like two pieces of a puzzle now united. The king looked tired, not like how he used to though. He was tired from crying, expelling all his energy into the fox that was much younger and smaller than him in comparison.

“… I’m sorry for what I’ve done… and what I’ve tried to do.” Blue said sorrowly. “I understand if you think less of me. But now ill be better, for everyone. Ill make up for the hurtful years I've caused.”

Lancelot scoffed. “you don't need to, because I never thought of you liked that.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I knew back then you weren’t yourself, and I know now that you weren’t in the right mind either.”

Blue smiled, relieved at his comment. Lancelot smiled back, but just as quickly it turned into a smug grin. “Though, I hope that something like that doesn’t happen again. I don’t want to run all the way down to the town to grab the Fox, just so you can stop whining.”

“You remember I’m your king, right?”

“Of course. Why else do you think I said those things?”

Blue couldn’t help but laugh at that, and the others soon joined in. Even though the sun had long set, things felt brighter. There was no weight of the word, no weight of guilt. Not anymore, not ever for the time to come. Things were okay now. Finally. They were. Okay…

[END]