#something i've been toying with for some time

[authorhjk1]

Hello! Been loving your previous and current works and enjoyed reading them, plus this new idea of yours is kinda intriguing. I have yet to see someone make a masterpiece of Seulgi in this iconic outfit. I wish you all the best and stay safe.

Dark Red

(Kang Seulgi X Male Reader)

You both knew that one would eventually falter. While Irene placed her bet on Joy, you expected Yeri to be the first one.

But to your surprise it is Seulgi, who is know standing in front of your door. Her whole body is covered by a long brown coat. You can see the light flush of her cheeks and the slight smell of alcohol invades your nostrils. Seulgi has definitely been drinking.

"What do you mean by 'me too'?"

You pretend to be slow in catching on, wanting to hear the words from Seulgi herself.

"I-I I can't... It's just been so long since I've been with someone."

She looks up at you, her big eyes tempting you to give her a comforting hug.

"I can't keep watching the two of you."

"Well, if that makes you uncomfortable, we can always stop-"

"No!"

The color of her cheeks turns even darker in embarrassment.

"It-It did help me a little. Some material for... You know?"

"Seulgi, I don't know if I should have a conversation with you about these kind of things. You are my girlfriend's friend."

"I-I know."

Seulgi glances at her feet, a defeated look on her face.

"M-Maybe you c-could help me out this one time?"

You can tell that Seulgi is trying to gather all of her confidence. And you know it must be hard for her to ask her friend's boyfriend to cheat on her. But she seems to be really desperate.

And it's not like you are gonna cheat. Why would Seulgi think that Irene wouldn't like you to fuck her friends? She already makes them watch, when you fuck her. Irene made it very clear to you that, if this exact situation occurs, you can do whatever you want.

"I don't know, Seulgi."

You still pretend to be innocent, wanting to see how far she would go. Seulgi is unaware of Irene's kinks. So in her mind, she is actually asking you to cheat on her leader.

"I can make it worth your while, you know?"

She seems to have mustered all of her courage now.

You watch as she slowly starts to unbutton her coat. It reveals a short red dress with all sorts of different patterns. It seems like it's made out of red strings and dark flowers, which are attached to some fabric underneath.

You know for a fact that Seulgi has way more seductive outfits than this one. But she probably didn't plan on asking you for sex, when she put it on and left the house. Wait, what exactly is she asking for? She answers your question by herself.

"After I had to watch you so often, I now need the same. I want to feel it."

Seulgi steps closer. You are still very aware that you're standing in the doorframe as she wraps her arms around your neck.

"I want to know what it feels like."

She gets on her tiptoes and whispers into your ear.

"To get used."

Every man's patience has a limit. And your are no exception. Of course you could toy with her a little longer, but where would be the point?

"Get in."

You try to look as guilty as possible, hoping to keep up the act of you, cheating on Irene. Already planing on revealing it to Seulgi in the future, you walk after her. Maybe while you fuck her hard over the kitchen counter in their dorm and Irene walks in? You would love to see Seulgi's face in that moment.

She is now looking around your living room.

"You have a really nice h-"

"No talking."

You spin her around, pressing your lips on hers.

Seulgi immediately whimpers as she finally feels you touching her. Her tongue starts to invade your mouth, trying to fight yours. As she deepens the kiss, you bend your knee a little, forcing it forward, right between her thighs.

A moan escapes her mouth as you push upwards. Even without orders, Seulgi starts rubbing herself on your knee. After only a couple of moments, you feel something wet form on your jeans. You break the kiss off, pushing Seulgi off of you.

"You really are needy."

She gives you a pleading look as she nods.

"Just do with me what you want. I just need to feel you."

You reach forward, grabbing both her arms with your hands and pull her towards you again. Seulgi stumbles forward. You catch her by grabbing her naked thighs. Lifting her up, her face is now right above yours. She instinctively captures your lips with hers again. Your hands glide along her thighs as you marvel at their fullness. Hundreds of hours of dancing. All packed into these thighs of hers.

A couple of steps forward and you push Seulgi against your wall.

"Le me feel how tight your pussy is."

Seulgi gasps at your words, feeling how your hand reaches underneath her dress. No panties. They're probably stuffed into her coat. Dipping a finger inside, you hear her moan loudly.

"Damn, Seulgi. You must be way tighter than her."

You want to make Seulgi feel guilty for making you "cheat" by mentioning Irene.

Seulgi's eyes drip with lust as she bites her lip. She herself can't tell how she got herself in this kind of situation. What a bad friend she is! A bad bandmate! A bad person!

And yet, as you quickly open your pants with your free hand, Seulgi can only drool for your cock.

You don't even give her enough time to take a good look at it. It disappears underneath her dress as you take both her butt cheeks into your hands.

"Oh, god!"

Seulgi lets out a loud moan as you penetrate her. Her head falls back against the wall as you pull her onto your cock.

"Y-You are way bigger than-than I thought."

She manages to say during her up and downs as you move her body along your shaft.

"And you really are tight, Seulgi."

You start to complement her whole body while you nail her against the wall. Like an expensive painting, you admire her beauty.

"Oh, yes! Please!"

Seulgi definitely went too long without any intimacy. It only takes her a couple of seconds more and she quickly cums on your cock. Her pussy clamps down on you as you keep lifting her body up and down.

"I-I need your cum! I saw y-you filling her up."

You are aware that Seulgi avoided calling Irene by her name. Kissing her neck, you hold Seulgi in place and start trusting into her from below.

She quickly turns into a stuttering mess, while you mark her neck. It'd be fun to see Seulgi trying to hide it from Irene, despite the older one "not knowing" where it came from.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Seulgi buries her head in your shoulder as she climaxes for a second time. Her pussy feels tighter now. And wetter. You feel her juices drip down your cock as you chase your own high.

Her back rubs against the wall as you keep pounding into her from underneath. Her nails start to scratch at your back as Seulgi tries to let go of the pleasure, which is overwhelming her.

"Fuck, Seulgi."

With your final thrust upwards, you simultaneously pull her down.

"Holy-!"

Seulgi's cry is interrupted by a gasp as she feels your cum flooding her insides. Her pussy is filled within a matter of seconds. Your warm cum starts to leak out of your connection, slowly dripping onto the floor.

"That was..."

Seulgi's heavy breathing stops her from finishing her sentence. You wonder if the fact that you are "cheating" is getting Seulgi off.

----------

Hi, everyone!

Hope you liked this one. I honestly did go over the limit by a couple of minutes, because I wasn't finished, since the intro got longer than I expected. But that's not a big problem, gonna try to keep it a little shorter from now on.

Stay healthy!

[estellan0vella]

No Smoochie Kiss! Older Brother Sukuna AU HFBU

Living with Sukuna and Yuji is never boring. Between Sukuna's raw intensity and Yuji's unfiltered energy, you often find yourself navigating a whirlwind of chaos and laughter. It's a household filled with love, but sometimes, that love comes with unexpected twists.

It all begins one sunny morning when you're sitting at the kitchen table, half asleep but awake at Sukuna's insistence that you keep a regulated sleep schedule. Sukuna, ever the morning person, is already bustling around, making sure Yuji's lunchbox is packed with all his favourites. Yuji, on the other hand, is sitting next to you, his legs swinging under the table as he munches on his cereal. 

You sip on your coffee as Yuji babbles happily. You nod along but if asked you wouldn't have been able to tell anyone what he'd been talking about. 

You watch as Sukuna, with his usual swagger, approaches you for his customary morning kiss. However, before he can even get close, a small hand plants itself firmly on his chest.

"No, Suku!" Yuji declares, his big brown eyes wide with determination. "No smoochie kiss for Y/N/N!"

Sukuna raises an eyebrow, his signature smirk appearing on his lips. "And why not, squirt?"

"Because," Yuji says with the absolute authority that only a four-year-old can muster, "Y/N/N is mine."

You can't help but laugh, the sound filling the kitchen. Sukuna glances at you, his smirk softening into something more affectionate. "Is that so?"

"Yes," Yuji insists, crossing his arms over his chest. "Mine."

Sukuna looks back at you, an amused glint in his eyes. "Looks like I've got some competition."

You smile, reaching out to ruffle Yuji's hair. "Well, I guess you'll have to work extra hard to win me back."

The week that follows is both hilarious and endearing. Yuji takes his self-appointed role as your protector very seriously. Every time Sukuna tries to steal a kiss, Yuji is there, blocking his path and repeating his stern proclamation: "No smoochie kiss for Y/N/N!"

On Monday, Sukuna tries to catch you in the hallway. He corners you with that predatory grace of his, leaning in as his hand cups your cheek. But just as his lips are about to meet yours, Yuji appears seemingly out of nowhere, wedging himself between the two of you.

"Suku, no!" he says, pushing at Sukuna's legs. "Y/N/N is mine!"

You laugh again, the sound bubbling up uncontrollably. Sukuna sighs, but there's a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're relentless, aren't you?"

"Yup!" Yuji beams up at him, looking proud of his efforts.

Tuesday morning finds you in the living room, sitting on the couch with a book in hand. Sukuna slides in beside you, his arm slipping around your shoulders. Before you can even think to lean into him, Yuji's head pops up from behind the couch.

"Mine!" he shouts, his little arms waving in the air as he clambers over the back of the couch to wedge himself between you and Sukuna.

You shake your head, trying to suppress your laughter. Sukuna, ever patient (well, as patient as Sukuna can be), simply sighs again, but this time he pulls you and Yuji into a group hug. "Fine. I'll share, for now."

Yuji snuggles in between you two, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Good!"

"Why were you behind the couch?" You ask the boy. 

"Because I know Suku is sneaky," Yuji says, narrowing his eyes at his older brother. 

Wednesday brings another challenge. Sukuna, determined to have his moment with you, tries to sneak a kiss while Yuji is distracted by his toys. You're in the kitchen, washing dishes, when Sukuna wraps his arms around your waist from behind. His lips brush against your ear, sending a shiver down your spine.

Just as he's about to press his lips to yours, Yuji's voice rings out from the doorway. "Suku! No smoochie kiss!"

Sukuna groans, dropping his forehead to your shoulder in defeat. "Does he have radar or something?"

You giggle, turning in his arms to face him. "Seems like it."

Thursday is perhaps the funniest day of all. You're at the park, watching Yuji play on the swings. Sukuna sees this as his golden opportunity. He sidles up to you, his hand slipping into yours as he leans down, aiming for a kiss.

Yuji, who you thought was engrossed in his swinging, suddenly leaps off, running toward you with surprising speed for someone his age. "No, Suku! No smoochie kiss!"

Sukuna straightens up, shaking his head with a chuckle. "You're really not giving me any breaks, are you?"

"Nope!" Yuji grins, hugging your leg. "Mine."

By Friday, it's become a game. Sukuna tries to catch you alone, and Yuji always seems to thwart his plans at the last second. It's a dance of sorts, filled with laughter and playful banter. Despite his grumbling, you can tell Sukuna is secretly enjoying the challenge. There's a softness in his eyes whenever he looks at Yuji, a fondness that makes your heart swell.

Saturday morning, you decide to take matters into your own hands. After all, a whole week without kissing your boyfriend is quite a stretch. You wait until Yuji is napping, his little body curled up on the couch with his favourite blanket. You find Sukuna in the kitchen, his back to you as he prepares lunch.

Silently, you creep up behind him, wrapping your arms around his waist. He tenses for a moment, then relaxes when he realizes it's you. Turning in your arms, he smirks down at you. "Sneaking up on me now, huh?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," you say with a smile.

Sukuna's hands cup your face, his thumbs gently brushing over your cheeks. "Well, in that case..."

He leans down, capturing your lips in a kiss that's been a week in the making. It's soft and tender, yet filled with the intensity that only Sukuna can bring. You melt into him, your fingers curling into his shirt as you deepen the kiss.

Just as you're getting lost in the moment, a sleepy voice pipes up from the doorway. "Suku... no smoochie kiss..."

You break apart, both of you turning to see Yuji rubbing his eyes, his blanket trailing behind him as he shuffles into the kitchen.

Sukuna chuckles, shaking his head. "This kid..."

You kneel down, opening your arms to Yuji. "Come here, sweetheart."

Yuji toddles over, crawling into your lap. He looks up at Sukuna with a pout. "No smoochie kiss, Suku."

Sukuna kneels beside you, his hand ruffling Yuji's hair. "Alright, alright. No smoochie kiss."

Yuji beams, satisfied with his victory. He snuggles into your arms, closing his eyes again.

You share a look with Sukuna over Yuji's head, a silent understanding passing between you. For all his grumbling, you know Sukuna wouldn't trade these moments for anything. Yuji's protectiveness is endearing, a testament to how much he loves you both.

The rest of the weekend passes in much the same way, with Yuji constantly on guard, ensuring no "smoochie kisses" take place. It's a funny, adorable phase, one that you're sure will pass soon enough.

By Sunday night, as you're tucking Yuji into bed, he looks up at you with those big, innocent eyes. "Y/N/N?"

"Yes, Yuji?"

"Why do you and Suku like smoochie kisses so much?"

You smile, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "Because it's a way to show we love each other."

Yuji considers this for a moment, his little brow furrowing in thought. "Can I have a smoochie kiss?"

Your heart melts. "Of course you can, sweetheart."

You lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. Yuji giggles, wrapping his arms around your neck. "I love you, Y/N/N."

"I love you too, Yuji. So, so much."

You finish tucking him in, making sure he's snug and comfortable. As you close his bedroom door and turn around, you find Sukuna leaning against the wall, watching you with a soft smile.

"Looks like I'm off the hook," he says, pushing off the wall to wrap his arms around you.

"For now," you tease, leaning into him.

He chuckles, his lips finding yours in a kiss that's been too long in coming. It's sweet and lingering, a promise of many more to come.

As the days turn into weeks, Yuji eventually eases up on his no "smoochie kiss" rule. He still likes to remind Sukuna every now and then, but it's more playful than serious. The three of you find a balance, a rhythm that works for your little family.

Sukuna still teases Yuji, calling him his little guardian, and Yuji proudly accepts the title. There are days when Sukuna's patience is tested, but the love he has for both you and Yuji shines through, even in the most chaotic moments.

[jasperxkuromi]

Dealing with guilt and shame around age regression

I've been dealing with some guilt towards my regression the past couple days. I have been feeling self conscious and embarrassed about my regression and it's been making it harder to relax and let myself get into little space. I took some time this afternoon to brain storm a few things I can do and I wanted to share!!

🐸 Write it out! I have a "worry" journal. I set a 15 minute timer for myself and just let myself write whatever has been bothering me. After the 15 minutes is over I close the journal and throw it across my room.

🐌 You could also write a letter to someone talking about your feelings. This doesn't mean you have to give them that letter!! Sometimes it is soothing to write to someone who hurt you and then rip it up into tiny little pieces afterwards. Another option is to write a letter to your CG about how much you appreciate them and their support :)

🐸 Positive affirmations! I keep a sticky note on my chore chart of a few affirmations I can say to myself when I am worked up.

🐌 Meditation/Mindfulness. You can do ones that are made for kids if it helps! There are also kids toys that are geared at helping little ones slow down and take some deep breaths. My Furby has a relax mode where he guides me to do some breathing. It is both silly and relaxing enough to distract my brain for a little bit.

🐸 Ask your CG to write you a letter you can read when you are dealing with tough emotions. If you have a fictional CG you can write yourself a note pretending to be them! There are also people out there who will write you letters from your CG. Even if you don't have a CG, you can write a letter to yourself. When you are feeling big, write a letter of all the kind things you wish you could say to little you.

🐌 Age regression can be part of a healthy coping toolbox. You are not doing anything wrong by regressing. It is okay to regress. It is okay to take time for you. It is okay to do something that is just for your own happiness.

🐸 You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to be messy and noisy and playful. You deserve love and care. You deserve to have your needs met. I'm sorry others in your life let you down and made you feel this way. But it will be okay, and we can heal together, I promi.

🐌 Remember; it is okay to take a break from voluntary regression for any reason. Your stuffies and dollies will understand and they will be there for you when you return. ♥️

Feel free to add your own!

If you are continually dealing with feelings of guilt and shame, don't be afraid to reach out to someone. It can hard to unlearn these sorts of things on your own. You aren't weak for needing extra support.

[lila-lou]

✨ His only exception - Pt. 33/33 ✨

Summary: 12 months ago, Butcher went above and beyond to have you join his team. You had a simple office job at Supe Affairs. The same thing every day, working from 9 to 5 and watching Butcher and his team defeat one renegade after another. One evening, however, something changed.

Pairing: Soldier Boy x Reader

Warnings: 18+ only! NO Smut but BIG TRIGGER WARNING, Language, Ben being hurt, Reader being hurt, soft Ben, sad Ben - it´s a fucking mess

Word Count: 4627

A/N: This is part 33 of “His only exeption”.

English isn’t my first language, so please be lenient. 💙✨

The baby's room was a testament to Ben's dedication and love. Together, you had spent countless hours painting, decorating, and arranging every detail with care. As you walked around the room, your heart swelled with a mixture of pride and anticipation.

The soft gray walls provided a calming backdrop, while colorful accents added warmth and personality to the space. A cozy crib stood in one corner, adorned with plush toys and fluffy blankets, ready to welcome your little one into the world.

On the opposite wall, a small dresser and changing table offered practicality and convenience.

As you ran your hand over the smooth surface of the crib, a wave of emotion washed over you. Soon, this room would be filled with the laughter and cries of your precious baby, a thought that filled you with joy and excitement.

Despite the early stage of your pregnancy, seeing the room take shape helped solidify the reality of the new life growing inside you.

For both of you, it was a way to channel your excitement and anticipation, turning the abstract concept of parenthood into something concrete and tangible. Each brushstroke of paint, each carefully chosen decoration, was a step closer to embracing the future as parents.

Sitting in the rocking chair, you gazed out of the window, the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains casting a warm, comforting light in the room.

The rhythmic motion of the rocking chair was soothing, lulling you into a state of peaceful reflection. As you traced gentle circles on your belly, you couldn't help but marvel at the miracle of new life, feeling a profound sense of connection to the tiny being nestled within you.

"You know", you murmured softly, your voice barely above a whisper, "your daddy's been working so hard to get everything ready for you. He's been painting and building furniture, all to make this room perfect for when you arrive".

Your hand gently caressed the curve of your belly as you spoke, a tender smile gracing your lips. "And me? Well, I've been trying my best to take care of you, making sure you're safe and healthy in there".

As you spoke, you felt a faint flutter against your palm.

"And let me tell you about your dad", you continued with a playful smirk, "he's a big tough guy, but deep down, he's a total softie when it comes to you. I've caught him talking to my belly more times than I can count, telling you stories and making all sorts of promises".

You chuckled softly at Ben's earnest attempts to bond with the baby. "He's going to be the best dad, even if he does have a habit of burning eggs in the kitchen".

As you spoke, you couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Ben. You knew that beneath his tough guy act, he had a heart of gold, especially when it came to you and your baby.

"And you know what else?", you continued with a mischievous grin, "he's absolutely terrified of changing diapers. I swear, every time I mention it, he gets this deer-in-the-headlights look. But don't worry, little one, we'll figure it out together".

"I can't wait to meet you", you whispered, your words filled with love and longing. "We're going to be a family, and I promise to love you more than anything in this world".

You rose from the rocking chair with a gentle sigh, feeling a bit restless and in need of some fresh air. Slipping out of the baby's room, you made your way downstairs and towards the front door. The sun was shining brightly outside, promising a pleasant walk through the neighborhood.

Missing Ben, you decided to head to Vought Tower. The familiar route felt comforting, and soon enough, you found yourself stepping into the sleek, imposing building. You made your way up to his office, greeting a few familiar faces along the way.

Once there, you discovered Ben was in a meeting, so you settled down on the couch in his office. The faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air. You smiled, feeling a sense of closeness despite his physical absence.

As you waited, you absentmindedly stroked your bump, your thoughts drifting to the life you were building together.

Suddenly the door to Ben's office burst open with a loud thud. Ben stormed in, followed closely by Butcher, their heated argument filling the room.

"I can't believe you’re still against fucking killing him, Butcher!", Ben snarled, his face contorted with frustration. "Keeping Homelander captive is a ticking time bomb. He fucking needs to be put down once and for all".

Butcher rolled his eyes, his own anger simmering just beneath the surface. "I've told you before, Soldier Boy, we need him alive for now. There’s too much we don’t know. We can use him as leverage".

Ben's eyes flashed with fury as he paced the room, his hands clenched into fists. "Leverage? You think that psychopath is going to be anyone's fucking leverage? He´s a fucking piece of shit!".

Butcher stepped closer. "And you think going in guns blazing is the answer? This needs to be strategic, not a bloodbath".

Ben’s anger was palpable, and for a moment, you feared he might lash out physically. But then his eyes landed on you, and his expression softened slightly. "What the fuck are you doing here?", he asked, his voice still edged with irritation, but with a hint of concern creeping in.

Butcher couldn’t resist adding his own commentary, a smirk playing on his lips. “Looks like someone brought their distraction to work today”, he said, his tone laced with amusement.

You felt a flush rise to your cheeks as Butcher’s teasing remark earned a sharp glare from Ben.

Before things could escalate further, you decided to intervene, hoping to diffuse the situation. “I just missed you”, you said, trying to keep your tone light. “And I was kinda bored”.

Ben’s gaze softened as it shifted to your belly, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "You shouldn’t be wandering around on your own", he said, his voice tinged with worry. "Especially not with everything going on".

Butcher seemed to sense the change in atmosphere, offering a gruff nod before making his exit. "Fine, fine", he muttered, rolling his eyes as he left the office, leaving you and Ben alone once again.

With Butcher gone, Ben turned his full attention back to you, his expression softening as he approached. "C´mere", he said, his voice gentle as he guided you towards the couch.

Ben's grumpiness seemed to melt away as he gently pushed you down onto the couch, his body weight pressing against yours. With tender care, he lifted your sweatshirt, exposing your bare little baby bump, and began placing soft kisses along its surface.

Your cheeks flushed with warmth as Ben continued to pepper your belly with kisses. With each tender touch of his lips, you felt a surge of affection and adoration for the man beside you.

In a soft, murmured voice, barely above a whisper, Ben expressed his love. "I love you so fucking much", he mumbled against your skin, his words filled with emotion and sincerity.

Ben's hands gently cradled your growing bump, his touch both protective and loving. As he looked up at you, his eyes were filled with a mixture of tenderness and awe.

You couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, his expression reflecting the depth of his love to you and your unborn child. With a soft sigh, you reached out to caress his hair, your heart swelling with affection for the man who meant everything to you.

Passion ignited between you as Ben pressed his lips to yours, his kiss filled with longing and desire. With your legs spread beneath him, you welcomed him closer, the warmth of his body enveloping you as your lips moved together in a fervent dance of love and need. In that moment, nothing else mattered except the two of you.

But Annie's abrupt entrance shattered the moment, her voice cutting through the air with urgency. "Ben, we need your help!", she yelled, her words punctuated by the sounds of chaos and commotion from outside the office. The urgency in her tone sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through both you and Ben, snapping you out of the intimate bubble you had been enveloped in just moments before.

Ben's demeanor shifted instantly, his focus shifting from you to the chaos unfolding outside the office. With a commanding tone, he ordered, "Stay here", his voice tinged with urgency as the noise escalated and the sound of shattering glass filled the air. You nodded in response, watching as Ben hurried out of the room, his expression grim with determination.

Annie's voice cut through the chaos, her tone urgent as she relayed the situation to Ben. "It's Homelander", she shouted over the noise, her eyes wide with alarm. "And he seems to be on V!".

Ben's jaw tightened with determination as he took in the gravity of the situation. "Stay close", he instructed Annie, his voice firm as he prepared to confront the threat head-on. "We need to take him down before he causes any more damage".

Ben cursed under his breath as he surveyed the scene before him, his eyes narrowing with rage at the sight of the shattered lobby, the injured and screaming people, and the few who lay motionless on the ground, their lives already lost.

Butcher peered out from behind a metal door, his expression a mix of exhaustion and amusement as he glanced at Soldier Boy. "Well, looks like it's another day in paradise, eh?", he quipped, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Who knew babysitting superheroes would be so much fun?".

As Ben dodged another piece of debris hurtling towards him, he muttered under his breath, his voice tense with frustration. "How the fuck did Homelander manage to escape?".

The chaos around them made it difficult to think clearly, but Ben knew they needed to act fast to contain the situation before it spiraled further out of control. With Homelander on V, the stakes were higher than ever, and every second counted in their efforts to bring him down.

As Homelander made his way towards the elevators, Ben cursed under his breath, his jaw clenched with determination. "We can't let him get away", he muttered, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene for any sign of the rogue supe.

With a sense of urgency driving him forward, Ben pushed through the panicked crowd, his focus squarely on intercepting Homelander before he could wreak any more havoc. Time was of the essence, and failure was not an option.

Butcher's grumble mixed with frustration and exhaustion as he observed the elevator doors closing. "Bloody hell, he's probably hunting for you", he muttered towards Ben, his tone dripping with irritation.

Ben's frustration erupted into a string of curses as he realized the danger you might be in. "Fuck", he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos of the lobby. "We need to get upstairs, now!".

Annie's frustration boiled over as they raced up the stairs, her voice sharp with anger. "Where the fuck is A-Train when we need him?", she cursed, her words punctuated by the sound of their hurried footsteps echoing in the stairwell.

As they sprinted up the stairs with all their might, the sense of urgency weighing heavily upon them, the reality of their limitations became painfully clear. Despite their superhuman abilities, they were still too slow to catch up with Homelander.

Your heart raced as the door slammed open, but your anticipation turned to fear as Homelander strode into the room. Before you could react, his strong grip closed around your throat, pressing you against the wall with alarming force.

Your breath caught in your throat as Homelander's grip tightened, cutting off your air supply. Struggling to speak, you choked out a raspy plea for mercy, but his furious glare told you that he wasn't in the mood for leniency.

"Where is he?", he growled, his voice reverberating with anger. "Tell me, or I'll crush you like a bug!".

"I-I don't know", you managed to gasp out, your voice strained and hoarse. But Homelander's eyes narrowed with suspicion, and he shook you roughly, demanding answers. All you could do was gasp for air, your vision starting to blur as darkness crept in at the edges.

Within seconds, Ben rushing towards Homelander. The rest of the team followed closely behind him, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness for battle.

"Get your fucking hands off!", Ben roared, his voice laced with fury as he confronted Homelander head-on. But Homelander only tightened his grip on you, a menacing sneer twisting his features.

"I'll snap her little neck if you come any fucking closer!", Homelander threatened, his voice dripping with malice as he glared at Ben.

But Ben didn't falter, his gaze locked on yours with unwavering determination. "You touch her, and I swear I'll fucking tear you apart", he growled, his fists trembling with restrained rage.

Homelander's lips curled into a twisted smirk as he observed the scene before him, his grip on you tightening even further. "Looks like you've got yourself in quite the predicament, Soldier Boy", he taunted, his voice laced with amusement as he watched Ben's furious reaction.

You struggled to gasp for air, your vision blurring as the lack of oxygen threatened to overwhelm you. Homelander's mocking words only added to your fear, and you prayed that Ben would find a way to save you before it was too late.

Ben's voice cut through the tension like a knife, his words dripping with barely contained rage as he stepped forward. "Let her go", he growled, his eyes flashing with a deadly intensity. "Or I fucking swear, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your miserable life."

Homelander's smirk widened into a sinister grin as he reveled in the power he held over both you and Ben. "Oh, I don't think so, Soldier Boy", he retorted, his voice oozing with malice. "I have plans for our little reunion, and you're not going to ruin them".

You could feel your strength fading, the world around you growing dim as you struggled to remain conscious.

Homelander's cruel laughter echoed through the room as he taunted Ben, his words laced with disdain. "You know what, since you asked so nicely", he sneered. Without warning, he slammed you against the nearest wall with terrifying force, the impact sending shockwaves of pain coursing through your body.

As darkness closed in around you, you felt a wave of dizziness overwhelm you, your consciousness slipping away as the world faded into blackness.

With a primal scream of "No!", Ben's heart skipped a beat, his worst fears unfolding before his eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, fueled by a surge of pure rage and desperation, he charged towards Homelander, his chest beginning to glow with an otherworldly intensity.

Meanwhile, Butcher sprang into action with lightning speed, his focus solely on rescuing you. He swiftly reached your unconscious and bloodied form, scooping you up in his arms before darting away from the chaotic scene.

As seconds dwindled down to the inevitable explosion, Ben made a split-second decision. With a primal roar, he launched himself at Homelander, their bodies colliding with bone-crushing force as they crashed through the nearest window, hurtling out of the building and into the open air.

Ben detonated in a blinding flash of light, the force of the explosion rippled through the air, shattering windows and sending shockwaves reverberating through the city streets. In that moment of fiery destruction, every trace of V within Homelander's body was obliterated, leaving him powerless and vulnerable once more.

As Homelander attempted to scramble to his feet, Ben swiftly tackled him to the ground, pinning him beneath his formidable strength. With a primal rage burning within him, Ben unleashed a relentless barrage of blows, each strike of his shield raining down with bone-crushing force upon Homelander's defenseless form.

The sound of metal meeting flesh echoed through the air as Ben's fury consumed him, each strike driven by a primal instinct to protect you and exact vengeance upon the one who dared to harm you. With each blow, Homelander's resistance faltered, his once invincible facade crumbling beneath the relentless onslaught. With a sickening crunch, Homelander's body fell limp, lifeless beneath Ben's victorious wrath.

Meanwhile butcher brought you to the hospital of vought, Annie following him quickly. Annie's urgency was evident as she reached out, grabbing Butcher's wrist in a desperate attempt to gain his attention. "Butcher, she's…", she began, her voice fraught with concern.

But Butcher cut her off with a terse nod, his expression grim as he met her gaze. "Pregnant, I know", he replied, his tone clipped and resolute.

Without wasting another moment, Annie led Butcher towards your doctor, her sense of urgency palpable as she handed you over swiftly, ensuring that you received the immediate medical attention you needed.

As the medical team rushed you towards the operating room, panic gripped the air, the urgency of the situation evident in their hurried movements. Doctors and nurses swarmed around you, their voices blending together in a chaotic symphony of commands and reassurances.

Butcher and Annie watched helplessly from the sidelines, their faces etched with concern as they observed the flurry of activity surrounding your unconscious form. Despite their own fears and uncertainties, they remained steadfast, determined to do whatever it took to ensure your safety.

Annie's surprise was evident as she turned to Butcher, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. "How the hell did you know she´s pregnant?".

Butcher shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze steady as he met Annie's incredulous stare. "I pay fucking attention", he replied bluntly, his tone leaving no room for further questions.

Annie's voice cut through the tension, her words tinged with urgency as she turned to Butcher. "I'm going to find Soldier Boy", she declared, her determination evident in her tone. "We need his blood for (Y/N)".

Butcher nodded grimly, his jaw clenched with worry, while Annie darted off, disappearing into the chaos of the tower in search of Soldier Boy.

Butcher's heart sank as he stood outside the operating room, his gaze fixed on the flurry of activity inside. Despite the doctors' efforts, he could hear the ominous rhythm of your heartbeat, irregular and weak. He knew that the odds were stacked against you.

Your injuries were severe—broken bones, internal bleeding, and the trauma inflicted by Homelander had taken its toll. The fact that you were still clinging to life was nothing short of miraculous.

Butcher clenched his fists, his mind racing with a mixture of anger and helplessness. He wanted to storm into the room and demand that the doctors do more, but he knew there was nothing more they could do. All he could do was stand there, waiting, praying for a miracle.

Ben's heart clenched as he burst into the operating room seconds later, his eyes fixed on your pale, unconscious form lying on the table. Covered in Homelander's blood, his own wounds forgotten in the urgency of the moment, he strode forward with purpose.

"No!", he barked, his voice echoing off the sterile walls of the room. "Don't touch her!".

The doctors and nurses turned to look at him, surprise and confusion evident in their eyes. But Ben's gaze was unwavering as he approached the table, his hands trembling with a mixture of fear and determination.

With a steady hand, Ben inserted a needle into his arm, drawing his own blood. His eyes remained fixed on you, his expression a mixture of fear, determination, and desperation. The room fell silent as the doctors and nurses watched, their hands poised but hesitant, ready to intervene if necessary.

Carefully, Ben injected his blood into your system, his movements precise yet urgent. With each drop that flowed into your veins, his heart clenched tighter, his mind racing with a torrent of thoughts and emotions.

"I've got you", he murmured softly, his voice barely a whisper amidst the tension of the room. "Just hold on, Baby. Please…".

Ben's heart clenched with each passing moment, his gaze fixed on you, the love of his life, lying so still on the operating table. The beeping of the machines monitoring your vital signs echoed in the room.

As he watched your heartbeat falter, Ben felt a surge of panic grip his chest. In that moment, it felt as though his own heart had stopped beating. The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only you and the desperate need to save you.

With trembling hands, he continued to infuse his blood into your veins, willing it to reach every part of your body, to breathe life back into you. Each second felt like an eternity as he waited for a sign, any sign, that you would pull through.

"I can't lose you", he whispered hoarsely, his voice filled with anguish. "Please, (Y/N), don't leave me…".

The sound of the monitor's alarm pierced through the tension-filled silence like a knife, sending a jolt of fear coursing through Ben's veins. His heart sank as he watched the flatline on the screen, the stark reality of the situation hitting him like a sledgehammer.

"No…", he whispered. Tears welled up in his eyes as he felt a surge of desperation wash over him. He couldn't lose you, not like this.

Frantically, he leaned over you, his hands trembling as he searched for any sign of life. He pressed his ear against your chest, praying for the faintest whisper of a heartbeat, but there was nothing.

Panic consumed him as he realized that time was slipping away, that every second mattered. With a sense of determination, he began to administer CPR, his movements desperate and frantic as he fought to bring you back from the brink.

"Come on, Baby", he pleaded, his voice raw with emotion. "Don't you fucking dare leaving me!".

As Ben continued to administer CPR, his hands working with a mixture of desperation and determination. Despite the risk of exacerbating your injuries, he pressed on, each compression accompanied by a silent plea for your return to consciousness.

With every compression, he prayed for a response, a sign that you were fighting to come back to him.

And then, as if by some miracle, he felt the faint flutter of a heartbeat beneath his fingers.

Relief flooded through him, mingled with a sense of disbelief and gratitude. He didn't dare to hope too much, knowing that you were still in critical condition, but the fact that your heart was beating again was a small victory in itself.

Gently, he cradled your battered body in his arms, his voice choked with emotion as he whispered words of encouragement and reassurance. "That's it, (Y/N)", he murmured, his lips brushing against your forehead. "Stay with me. You're going to be okay…".

As Ben continued to infuse you with his blood, he watched with a mixture of relief and apprehension as your heartbeat grew stronger and your injuries began to heal.

Though the process was agonizingly slow, Ben remained by your side, his gaze never leaving your face as he willed you to keep fighting.

The seconds stretched into minutes.

Ben remained steadfast at your side, his heart racing with every beat of yours. The team stood outside the room, anxiously awaiting any signs of improvement. The doctors and nurses hovered around, their expertise focused on monitoring your vital signs and assisting Ben in any way they could.

For over an hour, Ben continued to infuse you with his blood, his determination unwavering as he watched your wounds slowly close and your injuries begin to heal. But still, you remained unconscious.

As the last drop of his blood flowed into your veins, Ben felt a sense of exhaustion wash over him, both physically and emotionally drained from the ordeal.

Ben pulled the needle away. Before he could stand straight, the dizziness overwhelmed him. The massive explosion and the blood loss were too much, even for him.

Butcher reacted quickly, catching Ben before he could collapse to the ground. The weight of his body felt heavy in Butcher's arms as he struggled to keep Ben upright. With a grunt of effort, he managed to support Ben's weight, his own exhaustion evident as he steadied himself against the nearby wall.

"Easy there, mate", Butcher muttered, his voice strained with fatigue. "You did good. Now let's get you sorted".

Ben's head swam with dizziness as he leaned heavily against Butcher, his vision blurring at the edges.

Hours later, Ben awoke in a hospital bed next to yours. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the grogginess. The sight of you lying still beside him sent a jolt of panic through his chest. He quickly swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, but another wave of dizziness hit him, forcing him to grip the bed's edge for support.

Butcher and Annie, who had been sitting on the couch, quickly stood up. "Whoa, take it slow there", Butcher said, moving towards Ben. "You’re no use to anyone if you keel over again".

Annie nodded in agreement, her expression a mix of concern and exhaustion. "You need to rest, Ben. You’ve done everything you could".

Ben shook his head stubbornly, his eyes locked on you. "I need to be with her", he muttered, his voice rough. "I can’t just lie here".

Butcher sighed, placing a hand on Ben’s shoulder to steady him. "You’re no good to her if you pass out again. Sit down".

Ben reluctantly sank back onto the edge of his bed, his gaze never leaving your still form. "Is she going to be okay?", he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the vulnerability in his tone stark and raw.

Annie stepped closer, her eyes soft with empathy. "She’s stable for now. Your blood saved her, Ben. She just needs time to heal".

Anyway, Ben slowly walked over to your bed, his steps heavy and his body still covered in blood. He gently brushed a strand of hair off your face, his fingers trembling.

He waited for a few minutes, the fear of what would follow was too great.

For a moment, he closed his eyes, focusing his super hearing, desperate to hear the heartbeat of his child. But as the silence stretched on, a cold dread settled in his chest. There was no second heartbeat.

Butcher and Annie exchanged worried glances, sensing the shift in Ben’s demeanor. The realization hit Ben like a physical blow.

“Ben…”, Annie began, her voice soft and cautious, tears in her eyes.

Ben shook his head, not ready to hear the words. "No", he whispered, his voice breaking. "No, it can’t be…".

Butcher stepped forward, placing a hand on Ben’s shoulder, his usually harsh demeanor softening slightly. "Come on, Ben”.

...to be continued.

———————————

A/N: ALRIGHT!

Please… don't hate me. I know, I know. It's a fucking lot.

I can imagine this all seems rushed and too fast, but I'll be honest, I just wanted to get this horrible thing over with.

But! We are far from finished.

Since HOE has a whopping 33 chapters and fucking 164.396 words, there will be a second part, second ´Book` if u will. It will pick up exactly where we left off. Without a time jump or anything like that. The first three chapters are already done and I can´t wait to share them with you.

I promise we will be happy again🥰

Please let me know what you think <3 But pls don´t hurt my feelings too much. HOE is my Baby after all ._.

-

Taglist: @deangirl96, @thatgirljayy, @suckitands33, @deans-spinster-witch@mimaria420@kaz11283@uncle-eggy@jackles010378@vxnilla-hxrddrugs @meowmeowyoongles@sarahgracej @zemosdarling228 @leila22rogers @mostlymarvelgirl@emily-winchester @blacknoirr @onlyangel-444@seasonofthenerd@staple-your-mouth@artemys-ackles@selfdestructionandrhum@mystic-mara @kat-nee @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @star-yawnznn @me1501 @CheyNovaK @faephoria

[artbyblastweave]

So with superhero origins, what's basically always been the case is that the writers exploit whichever area of cutting-edge science is currently in the zeitgeist, banking heavily that the audience will be unlikely to understand the actual effective limits of the science under discussion. In the pulp era many of the protocapes are getting whatever "power" they have from souped-up training regimens, healthy living, "Eastern Wisdom," whatever. In the thirties and forties it trends chemical- they're taking "miracle pills" or inhaling weird vapors or whatever, its steroids, they're on steroids, or possibly meth. In the sixties, in the atomic age, its particles, its radiation, its rays. Eventually, you know, it's pretty well understood that radiation can't do that either, so they migrate over to genetic engineering, cybernetics, nanobots. Every cape and their brother was some kind of cyborg or lab experiment in the 90s. These days it's quantum this, string-theory that, dimensional wonkery, cats in boxes. In 20 or 30 years we'll have a better sense of what all of that actually means in practice (likely not much) and then it'll be something else.

I've observed that Dr. Strange and other magical characters are actually basically immune to this treadmill, because they're magic- that's already post-modern and fluid and squishy and immune to the expectation of real-world scientific rigor. They're vulnerable to changing cultural perceptions of magic, the Strange of the 60s isn't interchangeable with the Strange from the 2010s, but it's not as drastic a shift. From the other direction Green Lantern is also kind of resistant to the treadmill because the lantern tech is, and always has been, ludicrously advanced and totally divorced from any real-world techno-logic- It's Clarke's third law shit. Flash was forcibly made immune to the treadmill through the introduction of The Speed Force into the mythos- it's not a chemical accident, it's a higher fundamental power, it's just how this universe is metaphysically structured, now stop asking questions.

In due time I suspect that all superheroic origins will converge on one of these. Unfalsifiable magic, unfalsifiable alien toys, unfalsifiable higher unifying forces. Or else they'll fall into the gaping maw of the secret fourth thing that lurks beneath and intersects with all three of these- that you got powers instead of radiation poisoning from that accident because we're in a story, the thing happened instead of not happening because it was more interesting, because "narrative" is a force as real, if not realer, than gravity. Of course it goes without saying that you need to be really, really good at writing to pull off the secret fourth thing. Start fucking around with the secret fourth thing and the result is either going to be genuinely transcendent metafiction or something so self-absorbed and tautological that it disappears up its own ass.

[abyssal-lilac]

BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 PART 2 SPOILERS

I personally think that gender bending a character such as Michael into Michaela is a good way of putting in queer plotlines into the show as long as they can figure out how to do it smoothly. While this is the way they've approached it, not everyone is happy while some still are. It's not that Michael is gone, he's just a she now. They'll still show the love story some people want, just maybe not the way they wanted it.

I do however think that they could have done other things to have lgbtq diversity in the show with female leads.

Something to keep in mind is that you can never please everyone.

Personally, I would have loved to see maybe Creloise but not as their end game. Maybe they have feelings for each other but keeping with Cressida's need to be married off they could have her taken away to be married in another city. Leaving Eloise with complex feelings but beginning to understand romance more, the want to be with another person.

Part of her whole story is feeling alone and wanting to marry while she can do she won't be alone. I think it would be an interesting way to also show her beginning to really have an interest in other people romantically and not just settle down for the sake of things. Which is personally one of the things I'm most nervous about.

And I know, someone's queerness shouldn't just be a launching point for a heterosexual plotline but she'd still be a bi icon in the same way and it would keep with the story in the long run.

If anything, to me it would make less sense and not be as exciting if there wasn't build up and a change in character on Eloise's end before her time.

I know she's supposed to come to love him after they marry, but I just don't see how an adaptation where they focus on love matches and not just settling down how it could be satisfying. Not just for viewers but for the characters themselves.

She deserves to start falling in love before settling down and her having something with Cressida is the saddest missed opportunity I've seen.

They could've even taken Violet and had her new story be queer. It would've been an interesting take! Instead of a brother of Lady Danbury, have her meet a beautiful cousin or sister. There are plenty of people who have queer awakenings as they grow older and she wouldn't be dependent on marriage to have children or a home anymore.

I imagine having her beginning to open up and find surprise in having her garden tended to by someone who really knows their way around some violets (if you catch my drift). It could be incredibly sexy and could even be an interesting way to show how maybe people pleasured others back then. Toys wise at least. They could get really creative with it as a subplot.

Especially seeing as it isn't canonically in the novels, she never really moves on or gets remarried. But if they wanted to change things up I can only see things going well for her. It would've been a good way to get diverse and not change up main story plotlines.

[penkura]

Father's Day Moments

Note: Sorry this so late today, I've been busy with my own stuff this weekend, but I got it done! :) This is simply Father's Day moments with a small surprise in each of them, I had a blast writing these. 💚 I know again that this day can be hard for some, so if this isn't something you're okay with reading, please feel free to skip it and read something makes you happy today. 💚💚

Ace has rarely ever thought about Father’s Day, considering his own issues with his father and all that growing up. Even after joining the Whitebeard Pirates he never thought too much of the day, only when Marco or someone else brought it that it was about that time of year. Once he has own his children, the sweet little girls you both share, he still doesn’t think about the day as being that important, it feels more for the kids then it does for the dad in his mind. You do most of the caring for your daughters anyway, even though Ace helps as much as he can when he’s not busy, you two are a team, you should use the day to rest together, right?

That’s why, after you get Rogue and Ann to give Ace the little handmade cards you helped them with (he’s not crying, you’re seeing things), Ace tries to pass the girls off to Marco and Izo for the day, having asked the two the day before if they could take the girls off the ship for the afternoon so you two could relax together. They both had agreed, you find it very odd they’re so willing to take the two when they’ve jokingly called your daughters little hell fires, Rogue and Ann are happy to go with them onto the island you’re docked at for a couple hours.

You’re still skeptical even when all Ace does is pull you into bed for a nap (just a nap, he swears when you ask if he’s got other motives). “Ace, what’s this all about? You know it’s—”

“Father’s Day, yeah, I know,” Ace buries his face in your hair and you can’t help but nearly melt in his arms, he’s so warm all the time, it feels so nice just to lay with him, “But you deserve some time off too~”

The way he nuzzles into your neck makes you giggle, wanting to say something about how you already had your day until he speaks up again.

“I wanna have another baby with you~”

That’s not a surprise to you, he’s said it several times since Ann turned four and you first brought it up, just wondering what his opinion would be and Ace promising he’d get back to you when he had decided. He finally did just about a week or two ago, right after her birthday, telling you that one more would be perfect, your family would be complete whether boy or girl.

“Yeah, that sounds good, Ace.”

It’s a few moments of silence before you hear him snoring, but it still makes you laugh softly before running your fingers through his hair while he sleeps.

“Happy Father’s Day, you dork.”

~~

Father’s Day had left a bad taste in Law’s mouth for a long time, having lost his own father and then Corazon, it first made him resent the day before it became just another day that meant time was passing by. No one to celebrate meant he could ignore it, until you came along and blessed him with your son and daughter, the two angels he watches play doctor almost every day with their stuffed animals. Eight-year-old Rosi and two-year-old Cora, both his spitting image and the brightest part of his days, apart from you obviously.

The day is quiet while your children play, Law trying to take a nap for once when he feels someone come over and put something on his chest, cracking one eye open to see Cora has her toy stethoscope while Rosi holds her up so she can reach, and it makes him smile. They’re both just darling, even if Rosi is reaching the point where he’ll say how embarrassing such statements are.

“What’s up? I need a checkup from Dr. Cora?”

She giggles and nods, while Rosi huffs a little. Cora has gotten so big, its hard for him to hold her for very long. He asks if she’s almost done, when she nods again and takes her toy off Law’s chest.

“All done!” Law ruffles her hair a bit and thanks her, as Rosi tells her they should go check her stuffed bunny now. The two hurry back to their toys, as Law tries again to nap before he feels like someone else is watching him, opening his eyes to see you leaned over giving him a smile.

“Have you gotten to rest at all?”

“No, but it’s fine,” shaking his head a bit, Law notices you seem to want to say something, and gives you a look, “You okay?”

“Mm,” nodding you look over to your children, watching them briefly as they wrap bandages around the bunny’s ears, “Just…what would you say to one more?”

Law raises an eyebrow and sees how fidgety you are by asking, wondering if you’ve already gotten an answer and you’re just double checking with him that it would be okay, or if you just suddenly have baby fever again. Either way, he doesn’t think it would be a bad thing. It would be welcomed.

“I think that would be fine…”

The way you light up and grin makes Law start to smile too, even when you begin to ramble a bit about how you haven’t felt well, which he knew already, and how you had gone and taken a pregnancy test, and well, looks like your ‘one more’ is coming sooner than expected based on the pink plus sign when you show him the test. Rosi and Cora were both planned, and while this one wasn’t, there’s an excitement in his heart that Law can’t deny at the thought of having another child with you.

Its not such a bad Father’s Day gift honestly.

~~

To be honest, Penguin never thought he’d be this lucky. He never thought he’d be lucky enough to find you, to get married and have two daughters with you, and now have the joy of bringing home your newborn son on Father’s Day, two days old and baby Sage has joined his sisters in your home, the eight-year-old and four-year-old girls both squealing over how tiny he is.

Penguin beams with pride while he watches them, Wren has gotten over her jealousy of having little siblings ever since Ivy started to get older and could play with her. When you told them the baby was a boy, they were both ecstatic to get a baby brother, and loved coming to the hospital to see and meet him.

As the two try to push each other out of the way to see him while Penguin holds Sage, you put your hands on their heads and quiet them down.

“Hey now, that’s enough. We don’t want to scare him. Don’t you two something for daddy anyway?”

Wren gasps loudly before nodding and grabbing Ivy’s hand, yelling for Penguin to wait there while they ran off to their room. He gives you a confused look while you sit beside him and start to coo at Sage.

“Babe, what’d you do?”

“I didn’t do anything. It was all them.”

When they finally come back, both are holding drawings they’d made the other day with you watching them (mostly since they were using markers). Wren had drawn your whole family as penguins while Ivy had mostly done stick figure drawings of your now family of five, both making sure to include the newest addition. They both tell Penguin ‘happy Father’s Day’ as they hand the pictures over, and he has to fight to not to cry while he hugs them close, kissing them both on the cheek multiple times and making them giggle.

“You’re both the best daughters I could’ve ever asked for!”

~~

Sanji doesn’t take a day off, what are you talking about? The man is a chef, a professional one at that, and with your twins tenth birthday just two days away, he’s busy making their birthday cakes and all the snacks and treats their friends are going to want at the party too. Even though he knows it’s Father’s Day, you know it too, your twins and second daughter have already given him the cards they’d made, he did cry and didn’t try to hide it, and he went right back to work. It might be a day for him to relax, but he doesn’t for more than those few minutes earlier in the day. He’d taken your three-month-old son Elie after you’d finished nursing him, strapping him against his chest in a baby carrier and getting to work while your baby slept against him so you could rest instead.

Honestly, it kind of made you feel bad because you’d already gotten your day, and Sanji was using his to prepare for your twins birthday party and watch your youngest son, your older three children were busying themselves with cleaning their rooms. You’ve already finished the laundry for the day and go to the kitchen to see Sanji isn’t up and cooking at the moment, instead sitting at the table and playing with your small son’s hands while talking to him while Elie looks up at him.

“I feel really blessed to have all of you, Elie. I really hope that you and your siblings know that as you grow up…” Sanji sighs a bit and places a soft kiss on Elie’s head, “I never want you to feel like I did.”

“They won’t,” you surprise Sanji by wrapping your arms around his shoulders and kissing his cheek, “You’re a wonderful father and doing so well with them, Sanji. Just from watching you with all four of our babies, they all absolutely love you.”

“My love—”

“And don’t argue with me, you know its true.”

Sanji laughs and nods, knowing he’d lose that argument in a heartbeat. You’re always so headstrong and just want him to realize that yes, he’s doing a million times better than his own father did, he’s on par with Zeff nowadays, who your kids also have come to adore as their grandfather.

You look around the kitchen a bit, asking if Sanji wants any help, before he starts listing off everything he still has to do and you just watch him. He starts to take Elie out of the baby carrier and hand him over to you as he sees the look on your face.

“Yeah, I’ll uh…sit with Elie while you cook.”

He laughs again, before kissing your forehead and giving you a smile. “That would be wonderful, my love.”

~~

You never truly know how to celebrate Father’s Day when the father of your children is Zoro. It feels like he doesn’t care about it, even when you roll your eyes at him and tell him just to tell you what he wants, before he shrugs and says he doesn’t need anything. He’s got you, Keitaro, and Kuina, and the rest of the Straw Hats, what else could he possibly want or need? There’s nothing material he needs really, unless you want to get him the expensive sake he likes but you think a liquor store owner might find it highly concerning that a seven-month pregnant woman is buying alcohol, which just made Zoro laugh at you when you brought that up.

Ah right, that’s right, it’s not just you, your two children, and the rest of the Straw Hats anymore, or won’t be in a few short weeks. The baby you actually planned this time would be joining you all soon, that’s more than enough. He definitely doesn’t need anything when he thinks about that, just that you and this baby are safe through the rest of your pregnancy and the birth. That’s all he really wants.

Maybe some of that sake still but he’ll get that another way.

His morning meditation that day is interrupted when he senses Keitaro nearby, the seven-year-old trying to sneak up and catch Zoro off guard, though it never works thanks to his observation haki. Even when your son throws his arms around him and yells “gotcha!”, Zoro just smirks a bit, keeping his eyes closed.

“I knew you were there.”

“Daaaad, you’re cheating!” Keitaro whines and pouts, trying to climb onto Zoro’s back before giving up and going around to sit in his lap. “Mama said haki is cheating!”

“That’s only cause your mom can’t sneak up on me either.” He opens his one good eye and stares down at his little clone, the boy still pouting with his arms crossed over his chest. “Where’re your mom and sister?”

“Umm, Kuina’s still asleep, and mama was awake, but said she was going to lay down cause the baby was making her sleepy again.”

“And what are you doing up so early?”

Keitaro starts to look away a bit, shyly trying not to give anything up, before leaning his head against Zoro’s chest and saying “I wanted to hang out just with you…”

When he was younger, Zoro never thought that having kids was for him. He thought they’d get in the way, that there wasn’t any reason to really have them around apart from legacy, but then you showed up and turned everything upside down. Keitaro wasn’t planned, but he’d brought so much more to both your lives than either of you expected. Your sweet Kuina was a surprise too, you swear she’s made Zoro softer in more recent years, something he tries to deny but everyone else can see it when she’s got his attention.

And your coming addition, the one that was planned, even if they hadn’t been you still would welcome this baby happily. Sometimes, Zoro still isn’t sure that fatherhood suits him, but you swear to him that he’s the best father you’ve ever seen, even better than your own, and maybe you’re right, just from how Keitaro quietly wants to spend time with his dad, just the two of them before the day really gets started. Its more apparent when Kuina convinces him to read to her, and when your unborn child kicks at his hand while he talks to them.

“All right, buddy,” Zoro sets one hand on Keitaro’s back and strokes his hair with the other, watching as he starts to fall back asleep too, not used to being up this early, “You stay with me for now then.”

Maybe he’s not so bad at this fatherhood thing after all.

[mayhellsky]

Art that I've been putting off for a long time.

It took me a VERY long time to find elements of German embroidery... and I did, although in the end I only used a small drop of all the information that I found. Anyway. What am I showing here? Ivan - Dymkovo toys*, Germany - ... Germany. I just took some kind of costume for Oktoberfest in green shades and dressed him in this, that green element is German embroidery(very old, but it’s clear that it’s German). Why did I choose embroidery? Because other crafts are too difficult.. literally.. have you seen that damn Villeroy & Boh pottery?? And in principle, the Germans have an awful lot of detail IN EVERYTHING, which made me sit and just “damn why aren’t they like the Russians, who make cute toys out of clay and paint them in circles and squares..” Anyway, I enjoyed exploring something new to me.

I want to tell you what I changed: Germany was supposed to be with a hammer, but I found it too difficult to draw in that style and position, so I changed it to a torch.

[ordinaryschmuck]

Inside Out 2 is More Emotional and More Impactful

Gonna be honest, I wasn't PUMPED for Inside Out 2. I wasn't AGAINST seeing it and it WAS a sequel I was sure could work. As we grow up, are emotions become more complex as new challenges arrive in life as WE grow up. Yeah, the Puberty Alarm could have started and ended as a gag that didn't NEED to go anywhere, but it would have been welcomed if it did. So I could tell that it would have worked...but given the rough year Disney had in 2023 and how they continue to make weird decisions like this?

Yeah, it didn't really encourage me to be on the movie's good side. But my mom wanted to see it and I couldn't say no because it's been a while since WE'VE seen a movie together. So we went out, watched it, and...my goodness gracious, do I LOVE this movie.

There ARE some sequel rehashing, which really is what stops this movie from being a truly great sequel. Emotions are once again shoved out of headquarters while ones people perceive as "bad" are struggling to control Riley and give her the best possible life. HOWEVER, they DO mix things up.

Firstly, the humor feels stronger than the first. The banter with the Emotions are as great as ever, with the newcomers adding some great jokes and dynamics. It cracked me up with how much Fear thirsted over Anxiety, which makes way too much sense. And there's still all the jokes about the mindscape and all that happens when a teen hits puberty. The scene in Riley's Secrets Vault is filled with jokes that cracked me up to no end, with these two 2D characters having the best jokes in the entire movie. I really wish they were in it more.

As for the animation, it, as always, improved from the last film. Pixar once more proves that they can top themselves with more details, fluidity, expressions, and even experimentation. Like I said, there's this 2D character, and they come with 2D props that the 3D characters interact with. And I love how cartoonish the Emotions look or move, creating great juxtaposition with the more realistic yet semi-stylized world Riley lives in. It's part of what I loved about the first movie, and it feels stronger here.

And while there ARE some rehashes, the movie carries on some things from the last in a GOOD way. Joy remembers her lesson about how there's no bad emotions, and tries to greet the newcomers with open arms and optimism. Only to be met with Anxiety, who brilliantly acts as a negative mirror to Joy and how she acted in the last film. Anxiety wants to help Riley HER way, taking charge and pushing away or neglecting other emotions to make Riley's life fit her idea of "better." It shows what COULD have happened if Joy never learned the importance of Sadness or the others, which is actually a smart way to go about these characters. And, yeah, there is ANOTHER rehash with Joy doing something in the last movie to learn the big lesson, but it IS necessary for her to learn how to properly confront, and even help, Anxiety.

And then we get to that ONE scene. You'll know it when you see it. It's a scene where it shows what happens when we let Anxiety consume us. A scene...that makes me want to go back to this for a second:

When I was watching that scene, it made me felt seen, almost like the movie was talking directly at ME. Because I've experienced the EXACT emotions that THAT scene conveys. Hell, I've experienced them recently, as I cried at work THREE times because anxiety took over for too long. Others might have had an experience like that, but it's something I'VE felt and I don't know if it's exactly common enough for EVERYONE to experience. That's what you take away when you ignore a director's catharsis for the sake of making a fifth fucking TOY STORY!

You miss reaching out to people who experienced certain things in certain ways and giving something to point to when someone asks "What's wrong?" Another example is Ratatouille, which perfectly captures the love of creation and art, all through a rat that controls a human as a puppet. It enacts an experience or emotions that a specific kind of people can appreciate, just through a story that's fun and enjoyable through all. Turning Red is about a teen trying to stand up to her mom, but that teen also turns into a giant red panda. Luca is about a boy discovering himself during a summer, but through two fish-boys who just want to buy a vespa. And Inside Out 2 is about how our own self-perception can destroy us and that change is good, but it uses silly emotions going on an adventure in the brain.

Inside Out 2 is GREAT. I'm not even going to dignify the question of whether or not it's better than the first one with a response. I'll just say that it improves on a lot of things despite it still redoing SOME aspects. But with its strong themes and fun new characters, it leads to a sequel more emotional and more impactful. Watch it if you haven't (though, box office numbers suggest you already HAVE), because it'll definitely make you feel things.

[unusualcliches]

My season three thoughts: After numerous failed attempts of watching part two of Bridgerton yesterday, I finally finished the last episode at three in the morning so I decided to sleep on it. Now that I’ve processed it a little I feel like I must get this out of my chest. Like most fans, I have mixed feelings. Overwhelming feelings. Feelings that are like torture – Kidding!

No but really, it has been a long time since a piece of media has made me feel this much, both good and bad. Watching these last four episodes, my heart was in my throat, I was grinning like a maniac and tearing up more often than I care to admit. And isn't that the point of art? I can honestly say that overall the positives far outweigh the negatives, for me, at least. There's something to be said about the choice of releasing the season in two parts, about cramped, eight-episode-seasons and the lack of breathing room, about the ever growing number of characters, about expectations so high they might as well have been setting themselves up for failure (or rather, the fans up for disappointment) but I don't want to linger on any of that. I understand feeling let down and there are many, many reasons for it. But to me, in particular? Well, all of that is overshadowed by this huge wave of affection I feel for the people who put this show together.

Because this is Penelope Featherington's season, and I have loved this character for at least fifteen years. I've been carrying her around in my pocket, hidden from view, because I was ashamed to admit a "silly, little romance novel that teen me read in secret on my computer when my parents weren't looking" could ever have impacted me so much. (Yes, internalized misogyny, I see you, leave me alone.) But it did impact me, so much so that when I needed to, I took Penelope's name as my alias in the hope it would make me brave enough to come out of my shell on the internet, if not in real life. And no, the irony is not lost on me, there is a reason I was so drawn to her character, just as I know so many other people are. She is incredibly relatable.

This last month I've been talking and talking about all the ways this show's popularity is validating and how freeing it feels to be able to discuss this character that is so close to my heart with so many people, and to see the outpour of love she's been getting. Because she's so relatable, there are hundreds of us who see ourselves in her while at the same time admire her growth and her cleverness and wish we could be that brave, even for just one day. To see her stand up for herself the way she did was amazing and I could never resent a show for fleshing out my favorite character like this. If anyone had told teen me that one day I would get to watch Bridgerton come alive in HD, and that Penelope would be played by the most gorgeous, charismatic actress who'd wear all these beautiful costumes and dance to amazing instrumental versions of some of my favorite songs as she found her way to her happily ever after, I would have thought I was dreaming?! There is simply so much to celebrate this season, I couldn't fathom choosing to lean into the frustration or the resentment that some things haven't turned out exactly the way I wished.

That said, I will definitely be using this blog to work out the things that I felt were lacking too in the near future because I am thoroughly invested in Colin and Penelope's love story and that's not changing any time soon. What's this about this ride being over because the season ended??? Kids, please, now is the time we get to finally play with this toy we've been reaching for at the high shelf of the store!!! It's ours now to do as we please and I have ~so many ideas~. I simply crave more of them. I loved (most) of what we got this season, and I plan to roll around in all the good bits, just as I am already craving all the fix-it fics that I know are coming. You know, one of the things about part one was that the show was so good about giving me everything I ever wanted, there was hardly anything I wanted to read/write about. Well, I will say that that's certainly changed! I'm gonna save my detailed feelings about Polin for another post because this is already completely out of hand but I will say this: I am tired of seeing strong female characters having to sacrifice their romantic relationships as they crawl their way to self-acceptance and empowerment. That is realistic, to be sure, but Bridgerton is supposed to be for the dreamers, isn't it? So why not give Penelope her cake and let her eat it too? All in all, though, I feel like I had a delicious piece of cake but I’m left still yearning for the cherry on top. Perhaps in season 4?

[joanofexys]

i would love some more info of emiko and her time with the ravens

her relationship with the perfect court?

AHHHHH Emiko time!!! Current Em is a lot happier and kinder than Raven Em so that's kind of fun

So I figure the reason that Emiko doesn't start the perfect court and doesn't wear the number one is because she's a woman in the Moriyama family. And I'm sure if Riko hadn't been born that wouldn't have mattered since obviously they're largely cut off from the yakuza anyway but when Riko's born 5 years after Emiko anything that would've been hers is something that he's seen as automatically entitled to.

Despite this she's still pushed to be the best of the best. She still is the Ravens captain when she starts college and before Riko joins them. That intense competitiveness and vicious playing style is still ingrained in her.

Emiko in the Nest acts out of survival and necessity. Unlike Riko she doesn't lash out with cruelty or brutality just for the sake of it.

She'll break bones on the court but never off of it. She's the best when she needs to be and when Tetsuji's eyes are on her she falls into place. She only has as much power as she's given by Tetsuji and she only uses that power when she feels the need to.

She does still have an unfair power imbalance with almost everyone around her. I won't pretend that she doesn't technically hold power over Kevin or Jean. That she's capable of scaring any of her teammates if she chooses to do so. That technically she's entitled to hurt them and use them as much as Tetsuji allows and that it's only because she rarely acts upon it that it doesn't happen.

She's not eager to make friends but she is eager to make allies. She doesn't lose her temper often with her teammates. She doesn't hit them harder than she has to in practice. She knows they're already scared of her and that's enough. She'll be "gracious" where she can to earn their favor.

Exy is politics. She may be a backliner but to her the game is about more than just hitting people hard. She needs to win but a win is more than the points scored. It's the trophies and the fans and a night of reprieve from Tetsuji leaving new bruises on her skin. It's the respect of not only her teammates but her opponents. It's about knowing how to talk to the press in a way where they'll ask about her skills instead of the skills of her male teammates. Instead of the skills of her brother, who hasn't even graduated high school. Everything she does is strategic. I think in many ways, and despite the fact that she doesn't even know it, her and Ichirou are more similar than her and Riko have ever been.

With the perfect court specifically it's not just respect she has for them but love. As much as she hates to admit it now she loved Riko beyond belief. And she does mourn him. I've talked about it before but she holds a lot of guilt because she does believe that she could've changed the outcome for Riko and the kind of person he was. Of course that's without her considering the fact that she was barely scraping by every day. I think the best comparison I can make for them is that they're the option where Mary and Neil don't run. If as a teen she had decided to take Riko and run they both could've been very different people. Unfortunately, all Riko is in her eyes is her beloved brother and greatest failure.

Kevin gets the gentleness that Riko did not. Largely because he has always been much more willing to receive it. While Riko would huff and pull the covers over his head and roll away at bedtime stories, Kevin would let himself be tucked in and soothed to sleep by a little girl doing her best to replace his mother. Where Riko would start screaming if someone dared to touch his toys, Kevin would bring Emiko his as gifts. Where Riko would refuse her affection, viewing it only as some cruel trick to make him weak, Kevin would accept it openly and give it in return. I mentioned in another post that Emiko collects pictures of her happiest moments and most of them have Kevin.

Jean is someone she definitely still cares for but I think they're distant. He was just so angry. And her anger was something she understood but she could never understand why he would express it. I think they're the most similar. I think in a way Jean could've learned a lot of his behavior from her. Seeing the way she shut up and took any abuse that was given and did just what she needed to survive. And maybe when he falls into place with Riko he comes to view her as weak. Despite doing the same thing. Because she's a Moriyama and he's a Moreau and he knows his place yet she doesn't seem to know hers. Jean is likely always waiting for the other shoe to drop with her. And I don't think it's until after Jean joins the Trojans and Emiko joins Olympic Court and they start that forever process of healing that they grow closer. Maybe Jean and Kevin don't talk anymore, don't know how to, but he can dial Em's number at any time, knowing she'll answer, and listen to him as he pleads "why?"

Why him? Why was he picked? Why did he have to be a Moreau? Why did he have to endure? Why did he have to live? Why doesn't it feel like living at all? Why does it hurt to hear his name? Why was he the one to have his forever partner torn away? Why did he have to leave the Nest? Why does he have to relearn everything he's ever known? Just why?

and bonuses cause they're kind of perfect court:

Neil is unique. He's both everything and nothing. She doesn't know a single thing about him. He's the only reason her boys are alive. She blames him for leaving despite knowing it's not his fault. She's glad that at least one of them managed to run. Her relationship with Neil is largely dependent on his relationship with Kevin. And with Jean.

Emiko doesn't trust Andrew as far as she can throw him. He feels the same. The two rely on a mutual respect of the others skills and care. The ability to keep those that they care about safe. She likes Andrew if he's protecting the others. He likes her if she's doing the same. The two's relationship relies entirely on a silent promise that they'll never let their people get hurt.

[e-adlirez]

hello uh,, I was scouring the hellsite for crumbs and I found Shadow Pacifist! Violet and

first of all this looks realllllly angsty (incredible and amazing)

second of all does this have anything to do with The Shattered Pacifist (or is it just a similar title?)

Okay so two things

One, uh, it was meant to be ShatteredPacifist!Violet, not ShadowPacifist!Violet, it was uh a mishearing if you will haha

So yes it does have to do with Shattered Pacifist, though I think Toasty's thinking of snatching some ideas from it for her own thing that she's cooking up (with my consent obviously)

Second of all, it is angsty :3

Very

Very

Very

Angsty :3

I refuse to elaborate <3

[antisocialxconstruct]

.

[brutalmasks]

thinking about the fact that bunny mask literally has an army of shadow-y dogs that she can call upon to protect herself and/or other people in dire circumstances. like ahh... bunny mask, i don't think you realize how simultaneously terrifying and cool you are. they also are most DEFINITELY protective of her, so if she calls upon them, be prepared to get your shit rocked LOLLL because they may or may not throw thing's out of proportion sometimes due to that and fight you tooth and nail so... you know jsjsj

[humblemediagenius]

I genuinely think the mental illness is affecting me no longer in the fun quirky silly way

[bookishjules]

i feel like the 'i could make/do that' mindset is so invaluable to have. i don't mean in the sense of like going to a modern art museum and insisting that you, a non-artist, could have made the art just as easily. no, that is condescending assholery. the mindset i'm talking about is one more of confidence, of optimism and.. i guess the willingness to put yourself out there, to ask the right questions, to try something new. and to fail, or rather for your vision not to come to fruition. maybe you don't have the tools yet, maybe you haven't acquired all the skills. but at least you could try. and you have confidence in the level of ability you do have to start. oftentimes actually sitting down and doing something is the best way to learn, and the only thing that could stop you from starting is telling yourself 'i could never make/do that'