#though white t-shirt/tank top is common

[mylight-png]

Despite the fact that I've understood that Jews aren't really white for a long time, it's been a much more recent perspective shift to understand that I'm not a "white Jew" but rather a white-passing Jew.

Because even though I would express my views on "Jews aren't white" to people, I'd frequently be told I'm wrong, or they'd listen but then in the next conversation simply forget all about it and made it clear they didn't agree or didn't care.

And so, for a very long time, I allowed goyim to define what it means to be Jewish for me.

But would I let anyone tell me who I am in relation to any other identity? Or was I just so conditioned to treat my Jewishness as something for society, not me, to define?

My Jewishness isn't just my religion. Whether or not I keep shabbat, I'm still Jewish. If I cook mac-n-cheese in a pot and then make chicken soup in the same pot, I'm still Jewish. Even if I wear pants and a tank top, I'm still Jewish.

Because being Jewish isn't just being in a religious category. For me, and a majority of Jews (not forgetting about converts, love y'all), being Jewish is in our DNA.

You can take the Jew out of Judaism, but you can't take the Judaism out of the Jew. (It seemed better before I wrote it.)

We are Jewish not because of a religious category, but also an ethnic category. And the world has only very recently decided we are white. But even now, we aren't treated as such.

You know, my perspective shifted due to a conversation about arm hair with my dad and sister.

We were sitting in a restaurant and my sister was wearing a t-shirt, showing her arms. At this point, I still thought of us as "just white" and my "Jews aren't white" views were of the "well I don't get to claim that for myself" (idk why to be honest). This conversation changed everything.

Anyway, my sister was complaining, as middle schoolers do, and mentioned her very fuzzy arms. My dad responded, "Well of course, you're Middle Eastern."

I was shocked.

I knew my parents are from Eastern Europe, and that we don't look Eastern European, and I just thought of myself as "generic white" even though I knew I was 100% ethnically Jewish.

That changed.

I wasn't "generic white" but rather I was a white-passing Jew. I look white, I know that. But I still have some traits that, when taken on their own, aren't typically European at all. They're Middle Eastern.

It was my first time really hearing a Jew define being ethnically Jewish in this way, as opposed to a goy, and it was world-changing.

Finally, I let myself take my feelings about antisemitism seriously.

Do you understand why society forcibly defining all of us as "just white" is so dangerous? It lets people easily dismiss antisemitism. Because we live in a society where "anti-white racism doesn't exist" is accepted as a common fact. (I am offering no opinions on this, only stating it as a societal observation.) So if Jews are white, how can antisemitism exist? How can it really be serious?

That's why we need to define being Jewish ourselves. If we let the world do it, not only does it harm us personally (as it did when I would constantly dismiss my own feelings and gaslight myself into thinking I was making a big deal out of nothing) but it also harms us on the community scale. It's dangerous.

Jews define what it means to be Jewish. Jews define antisemitism. Jews define Judaism.

The world deserves no role in this except to listen and accept it, as they'd be expected to do for any other minority.

Jews aren't white. There are white-passing Jews, sure, but even we deal with antisemitism.

[layla4567]

Lingerie

Evan Peters x fem model!reader

summary: you're a well-known model and you're secretly dating Evan. One day you go to work for a photo shoot with a male model and your boyfriend gets jealous.

warnings: smut and then fluff, p in v, unprotected sex, jealousy, fingering, coursing words if you squint.

word count: 2.5k

Evan was working on his laptop in the dining room, you two lived together for months and constantly evaded the paparazzi as they could so they wouldn't discover your relationship. You still didn't want to make it official, you two wanted to keep their lives private and revealing that information would be a scandal. You two already had enough with the people who followed you with cameras in the street.

You got out of bed with your hair tousled and your white silk pajamas, shorts and a lace tank top. You went to the kitchen where Evan was and greeted him with a kiss on his shoulder.

"Morning love"

"Good morning". Evan looked up from his laptop to look at you. "Have I ever told you that you look beautiful just out of bed?"

You laughed delighted. "With this lion's mane? I don't believe you"

They both laughed and Evan looked back at his work and you started making yourself breakfast. You prepared the coffee and you made two toasts, something simple. You sat across from your boyfriend at the table. The sweet smoke from the coffee tickled your nose while your hands felt the warmth of the cup.

"What are you doing babe?". You asked sipping your coffee slowly with your elbows resting on the cold table

"I'm checking my emails, I'll have a zoom interview about the Dahmer series"

Since Evan acted in that series they did not stop interviewing him and doing Q&A meetings with him. Even though you didn't agree with your boyfriend accepting the role, you were happy for him and his achievements and recognition.

"What do you think if after I've done the interview we go somewhere?". Evan asked looking into your eyes waiting for your answer

You were about to answer yes with a smile when your cell phone that was on the table began to vibrate, you had an incoming call from an unknown number. You quickly took the cell phone apologizing to your boyfriend who simply nodded smiling. Your work, like him, also kept you busy and it was very common to receive calls at all hours, so this could be an important call.

"Hello?…yes I'm (Y/N)…..oh, really? in 20 minutes?…but-……ok, ok I'll be there, thank you".

Evan looked at you expectantly. "Well, who was it?"

"Damn". You said with a frown. "It was an underwear company, they want me to be there in 20 minutes for a photo shoot. But it's a very short time so I have to change my clothes quickly before I'm late"

Great, you just woke up and you already had a job. You liked being a model but sometimes it was exhausting. You jumped up and gobbled up what little was left of your toast and ran up the stairs while Evan looked at you funny. You combed your unruly hair and tied it into a high ponytail. You wore simple jeans and a white short-sleeved T-shirt with black converse. You went down in a hurry while you grabbed your bag with your cell phone, keys and other things.

Evan stopped you by grabbing your wrist gently. "Don't worry, you'll do great"

A little more relieved, you gave him a quick kiss on the lips as you said goodbye and jogged out towards the street where your car was.

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You parked your car near the building when you came down you saw out of the corner of your eye a paparazzi hiding poorly behind a flower pot. Asshole. You should have brought sunglasses at least.

You entered the luxurious building and a woman with glasses was already waiting for you, kindly inviting you to go into the room where the cameraman was. In the middle of the room there was a giant white poster fixed to the wall and the floor so that the light bounces and there are no shadows, there were also large light bulbs pointing to the center.

"Hey! (Y/N) (L/N) right? I'm Jim the photographer"

You greeted him warmly with a handshake

"You can go to the dressing room, there the hairdresser and the makeup artist are waiting for you"

There you headed. When you opened the dressing room door you saw the hairdresser already ready with a curling iron in one hand and a comb in the other. You sat in front of the large mirror of lights while she did magic with your hair and the makeup artist painted your lips. A nude color, a little brown shadow on the eyes and a pink on the cheeks to give it more life. You had brought your cell phone and you were writing to your boyfriend that you had already arrived. The hairdresser announced that she had finished, you looked up from your cell phone to the mirror and smiled radiantly, your hair was voluminous and curly but without being an Afro. The outfit you should wear was hanging on a rack, the women left your dressing room so you could change in peace.

A nice set of white underwear. The part of the panties was lace and high waisted, covering your navel a bit, it also had white harnesses that held your thighs. The part of the bodice was somewhat transparent but the part of the nipples was covered by a patch in the shape of a flower, also made of lace, and it had straps that joined at the front. You took a walk in front of the mirror admiring how it looked from behind. very sexy You left the dressing room and saw the same woman who received you when you entered, she was in charge of the brand.

"(Y/N) What a joy to have you here, listen, the photo shoot will be with another model too. I present to you Marco"

Red alert, red alert Who was Marco? Why didn't they tell me beforehand that I wasn't going to be alone in the photograph? It wasn't a problem for you to pose with male models, but you were always afraid of what Evan would think and more so now that the photo session was in underwear.

A muscular man wearing a black boxer shorts walked in and greeted you with a warm handshake. He was just a little taller than your boyfriend and had blond hair combed back with a bit of gel. He wasn't really your type but you couldn't say he was ugly either, your heart belonged to Evan anyway, you just hoped he wouldn't mind.

They arranged a kind of throne in the middle of the room for you two to interact with. Marco sat on it and they told you to sit on him. It was a compromising pose but you told yourself it was a professional environment. You sat on Marco's lap with your legs wrapped around his waist and your arms around his shoulders. He grabbed your thighs. Then for the other photos you were the one who sat cross-legged in the chair and he stood behind you holding your shoulders.

When the session ended you breathed a sigh of relief as you greeted Marco, at the end he had been nice to you asking if you didn't feel uncomfortable with the poses and making sure you didn't feel uncomfortable. The manager of the company gave you the underwear and told you that she would send you the unedited photos so you can see them.

You arrived at the apartment that you shared with Evan, his interview had already finished and now he was drinking a coffee.

"Hello love, how was it?" Your boyfriend kissed you tenderly on the lips

You tried to avoid the question by simply smiling and looking away"It was fine as always"

You sat at the table where the laptop was still on looking for the photos that would be sent to you by email. Evan looked at you confused, he knew something was wrong.

"(Y/N) I know you and I know you're bad at lying, is everything really okay?" Worried, he approached where you were directing your gaze towards the screen. The photos had already arrived

"Oh, I thought the session was only with you"

"I know, I know, I thought the same. Believe me, if I had known before that I was going to model with a man, I would have told you"

The screen showed exactly the photo in which you were on top of Marco's lap with their faces close. You were embarrassed and uncomfortable by what Evan might say. He was not the typical toxic jealous boyfriend, he understood very well that everything you did was only professional and he was always understanding, but still you knew that those photos could make him feel insecure.

The more you scrolled through the photos, the worse they got. The model held you firmly by the waist or approached your mouth without actually kissing you. Out of the corner of your eye you could see how Evan's arms and jaw tensed.

"Well, what do you think?"

Evan looked at you confused as if he had woken up from a trance. "What do I think about what?"

"About the photos" You swallowed "Do you like them?"

"Oh y-yeah, I mean, I didn't expect that but you look beautiful as always".

Evan secretly kissed you to change the subject and went to the kitchen to wash the cup of coffee. You followed him and hugged him from behind, resting your cheek on his broad back.

"What's wrong love?. You muttered

"Nothing, why?". His voice was deep and serious, you already knew what that meant

"Are you jelaous?"

You felt his back tense up a bit as he laughed nervously. "Why would I be?"

You decided not to answer and leave him alone. When he insisted on denying the obvious, there was nothing to do.

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The sun was going down and Evan was in his room watching TV. You knocked on his door and when he let you in you rushed to the bed where he was surprising him. You were wearing a black nightgown for some reason and you clung to his arm as you rested your body close to his chest.

"Please, Evan, don't be jealous, I hate seeing you like this for something silly"

"But-.."

"Let me finish! Marco was a kind and cute boy-hearing that Evan became uncomfortable and tensed his jaw-But that's all, he was kind to me and didn't let me feel uncomfortable, but at no time did it cross my mind that he could be better than you or replace you in some way. You are the best I have"

Evan's face had relaxed "Thank you (Y/N) I love you with all my heart and I'm sorry for acting like an idiot, sometimes I think why you chose me or I feel insufficient for-"

You interrupted his words with a passionate kiss, you didn't want him to think it was insufficient. Your hand traveled to his abdomen and where his belt was. Your boyfriend's hand was placed on your cheek and the other began to move the fabric of the robe in the area of ​​your shoulder. He moved a little away from the kiss.

"Why did you wear a robe?"

"Oh, the brand manager let me keep the underwear. it was a surprise"

"Let me see it"

You took off your robe that gently slid down your body until it reached your feet, revealing your divine silhouette. Evan's eyes darted up and down you as he licked his lips. You could tell that he was undressing you with his eyes.

You wasted no time and leaned your knees on the edge of the bed sitting on his lap. You kissed him desperately while he placed his hands on your butt. Your mouth trailed down his neck as he held back his growls. Your hands went under his shirt touching his abs. A chill ran down Evan's back. Your mouth now kissed his ear, your hot breath and your little bites made a boner grow under his pants

"Fuck..(Y/N)..". He moaned

You moved your hips brushing what was in his pants making him whimper in pleasure ."Yes?". You smirked

"I-I..n-need you"

As if on cue, you quickly took off his shirt as you undid his belt and lowered his pants. Now the erection was more noticeable. Evan laid you down on the bed and began to kiss you from your thighs to your chest making you close your eyes with pleasure.

"Oh Evan, you know how and where to touch me". You sighed arching your back

Evan couldn't help teasing you and started rubbing the fabric of your panties near your clitoris.

"So tell me, do you think Marco knows how to do this?"

He began to massage your sweet spot in circles making you squeeze your lips hard until you felt them turn red. Not content with that, Evan scooted aside your panties to find your entrance and hooked his middle finger into it.

"Sorry baby, I didn't hear you"

"No!". You moaned hard, writhing in the sheets

With one finger still inside you Evan began to kiss you softly on your lips. You grabbed his arms tightly moaning into his mouth, and twisting your legs feeling a tingle in your lower abdomen. Between each kiss you whimpered for him to stop.

"Evan -kiss- Please- kiss- This is t-torture"

Evan didn't like teasing you so much so your wishes were his orders. "By the way I hadn't told you but you look beautiful in this lace outfit, it would be a shame to ruin it" So he started to take it off but it had caught on the straps you had on your thighs. Laughing you helped him get rid of them, as well as the top.

Evan lowered his boxer and you couldn't help but look at his member, it always surprised you as if it were the first time.

Without giving you time to react, he entered you and a gasp escaped your mouth. Evan wrapped his strong arms around your back encircling you and you brought your arms up behind his back scratching and holding the nape of his neck. His attacks were strong and merciless, your eyes watered pleasantly.

"You're so fucking gorgeous". He groaned breathlessly

You began to feel how your walls were tightening and enveloping his member, you let out short moans in his ear that made him turn on even more and he increased the speed of his thrusts.

"I'm so close babe". He gasped

Now the moans seemed like howls. You firmed your fingers in Evan's hair pulling it back and making him moan. Almost at the same time you two came. Evan gently brushed strands of sweaty hair from your face as he looked at you smiling. Catching his breath he lay down next to you. Seeing each other face to face, they embraced. Evan kissed you on the head and buried his nose in your hair.

"I love you too more than anything Evan"

And you felt how he smiled, then they fell fast asleep.

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[asena-graywolf]

Peacefully Morning

It was a peaceful and serene summer morning. Sunlight was filtering through your room's window. The city you live in is incredibly hot this time of year. So much so that even just sitting at home, you could sweat and feel as tired as if you were walking in the desert.

The weather was hot and humid last night. That's why you both slept with white tank tops on. Even though he knew that hugging each other would make you feel more suffocated and hot, Ushijima couldn't sleep without hugging you. You slept on his chest all night. It was a common characteristic of both of you that you did not move in your sleep when you fell asleep. Besides, you were both such a heavy sleeper that you wouldn't wake up even if a missile hit you.

You left your room window open at night. A gentle morning breeze touched your bare shoulders along with the morning sun. Realizing that you had slept enough, your body woke up on its own. You opened your eyes. You breathed in the familiar perfume wafting from Ushijima's neck. It was a sharp and masculine scent. It looked a bit like tobacco cologne.

Ushijima was still in deep sleep. Watching him sleep was your number one hobby. Trying not to wake him up, you got out from under his arm, stepped back a little, and started watching his sleeping face. Her swollen lips and face made her look cute while sleeping. His hair was a little messy. His beard had grown under his chin. However, he shaved every day.

Unable to resist, you slowly moved your fingers first on the ends of his hair, then on his face. Ushijima hummed in his sleep as if he felt your touch. You knew he liked it when you petted him while he slept. You placed your palm on his cheek and caressed his cheekbone with your thumb. On the other hand, you were smiling at his sweet sleeping face.

Last year, you dreamed of going home with your boyfriend of 4 years. Besides, it was your biggest dream to see each other's faces when you woke up every morning, and now you were living your dream come true.

Your boyfriend sleeps next to you and you pet him in his sleep. You hugged each other every evening and woke up looking into each other's eyes every morning.

Then you felt Ushijima's lips touch the palm of your hand. He kissed your hand that was caressing his face, and then his olive green gaze touched you through his opened eyelids.

“Good morning my love” you said smiling at him.

Even though Ushijima wasn't very good at expressing his affection, he loved hearing such sweet words from you.

He said "Good morning" and got back on his back and stretched with his arms outstretched.

“What time is it?” he then asked you in a sleepy voice.

You reached for your phone on the nightstand next to you and opened the locked screen and looked at the time. Of course, the first thing you noticed as soon as you turned on the screen was not the time, it was the photo of you embracing Ushijima that you made as a screenshot.

You answered "09.00"

"It's early," he said as he tried to get out of bed.

You sat up with him

"Don't you want to sleep a little more?"

"Once I wake up, I can't fall asleep again, you know."

You crawled closer to him and wrapped your arms tightly around his waist.

"So, since today is the weekend, what is our schedule?"

"If you wanna be roasted in 30 degree heat, we can go out. I guess you don't know how many times the meteorology has warned on the news."

''I am sorry. I've been wanting to buy ice cream and take a walk in the park with you for a long time. For a moment I forgot that it was scorching hot outside."

"No problem," he said, holding your hands around his waist.

"If you excuse me, I'll shave. And then we'll prepare breakfast together."

''It's possible. I'll go to the kitchen then."

You got out of bed. Your first job was to make the bed before heading to the kitchen. You put the duvet and pillows back in their place and restored the bed you two shared.

Then your eyes caught sight of Ushijima's t-shirt hanging on the chair next to the door. You put it on immediately. You are literally lost in the t-shirt. Its arms reached your elbows and its length came down to your hips. You looked at yourself in the full-length mirror next to your wardrobe.

Your boyfriend's t-shirt suits you very well. You folded your arms, reaching up to your elbows. Now you can move more easily. Ushijima also found you quite cute like this. He would always leave you one of his t-shirts to wear on the days he wouldn't be home. You would never leave it with you and wear it as long as you were at home, even when you went to bed.

As soon as you realized that you were wasting your time watching yourself, you immediately ran to the kitchen. Ushijima loved omelets for breakfast. You were going to make his favorite omelette. You took out the ingredients and cracked the eggs into a bowl and started whisking. Meanwhile, you put the pan on the stove and let it heat up. After making sure it was hot enough, you cut a piece of butter and threw it into the pan. The delicious and appetizing smell of butter spread throughout the kitchen. After melting the butter completely, beating the eggs thoroughly, you poured them into the pan and started frying them well.

You had just cooked two omelettes when Ushijima appeared in the kitchen wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts.

“Are you making an omelette? It smelled so good"

The seriousness on Ushijima's face and tone of voice rarely changed. He said it with his usual attitude, but you knew what was in his heart.

''Yes. If this breakfast is for you, omelet should never be missing from the table.

"It would be great if it was never missing, especially if you are doing it."

He got behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. He breathed in your scent and placed a kiss on your neck.

''Ah! Usha stop! The omelette will burn"

You put the other cooked omelette on the plate. It was obvious that Ushijima wanted something from you. That's why you turned off the stove to prevent the oil from burning. You turned towards him in his arms holding you tightly and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Yes, my lord. What is it your desire from me this morning?” you asked gently.

''Nothing. I wanna only you''

''Really?''

He nodded his head yes. You buried your head between his shoulder and the crook of his neck. He was freshly shaven, and there was a strong smell of tobacco cologne coming from his neck. You loved that scent, so you inhaled deeply from his neck. He hugged you tightly around your waist with his strong arms.

"Usha, you smell so good." you mumbled.

He grabbed you by your waist, lifted you up and sat you on the counter. For a moment you were surprised at what happened.

“Oh? Usha, what are you doing?"

"I wanna eat you for breakfast today"

His feelings of lust must have awakened in the morning. You weren't in the mood right now.

''Please. Now is not the time to be naughty. Come on, the omelettes will get cold. "And we haven't even prepared breakfast yet."

You were about to get off, but he held you tightly and prevented you from getting off the bench. "Why don't you let me kiss you?"

"How did you get the idea that I didn't give permission?" I'm just saying we need to make breakfast right now. Also, what's the rush? "I'm not running away anywhere, I'm here."

He placed his forehead on yours. On the other hand, he started caressing your bare leg. The part covered by the t-shirt was peeling up

"You're wearing my t-shirt. When I see you like this, I have a hard time not kissing you. It's not just that. "I want to do even more"

You took his face between your hands and made him look at you. "If I kiss you, will you take me off this counter and then help me prepare breakfast?"

"I will," he confirmed.

You wrapped your arms tightly around his neck and gave him a passionate and deep kiss. Your tongues danced with each other for a few seconds. When your lips parted, you looked at the saliva stretching between you like a rope.

You asked, "Did you get what you wanted?"

The answer you received was enough to satisfy you.

''Yes''

''Ok. "Help me now then"

You prepared whatever you needed for breakfast together. You cooked the omelettes, and Ushijima chopped tomatoes, bread, cheese and cucumbers. You took out the plates, filled the tea and started the day with a delicious breakfast.

After eating delicious food, you brushed your teeth. At that moment the door rang. You were about to open the door when Ushijima stopped you.

''You stop. I'll get the door"

You went to the living room and sat on the couch with your feet up. You realized that it was the courier who came to the door. Because he asked for Ushijima's signature. After Ushijima closed the door and came to you, you sat up curiously.

He had a magazine in his hand

''What's that?''

He sat next to you and showed you the magazine

''Monthly volleyball magazine. I've been waiting for this for so long. I ordered it two weeks ago"

Ushijima himself was on the magazine cover. The moment he jumped to dunk was professionally photographed

"Oh! I can't believe it, Usha! "You are on the cover of the magazine"

“It's not just that, y/n. The interview I gave last month was also published in this magazine. Let me take a look, it should be on the following pages.

He flipped through the pages of the magazine, found the page about himself, and opened it for you both to see.

''Here it is''

You read the interview carefully and the part that really caught your attention was the part where he talked about being a big supporter of Ushijima.

''Wow! So, you also mentioned that you have a big supporter.

''Certainly''

''You are right. The whole school admired you in high school, now almost the whole country."

“I didn't mention that, y/n.”

You were stunned by Ushijima's statement.

''What? How?''

"Unlike that unnecessary crowd, I have only one supporter. And that's you. Next time, after the match, I want to take you in front of the cameras and announce to the whole country that you are my biggest supporter."

Your heart started to pound. A smile spread across your face and you couldn't help the blush on your cheeks.

You jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly.

“I love you Usha. I'm proud to be your supporter"

He hugged you tightly and said he was proud of your support.

"The more I feel your support, the stronger I become on the court. Always be with me y/n. I love you''

[seth-whumps]

HI SETH IT ME AGAIN HOPE YOU DONT MIND A FEW MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

as always feel free to answer which ones you like and pass on the ones you don’t!

these are all for both jj and morri:

do they drink? (in morri’s case, do they ever need to drink to keep up social appearances? does it effect them?) and how do they act when tipsy/drunk?

what is their favorite feature about the other? could be personality-wise, physical, or one of each.

we learned about their pajamas but what do they wear on an average day? just whatever clothes they’re most comfy in their daily life?

ok now venturing into deeper territory: what are their biggest regrets. what keeps them up at night?

do they keep any secrets from the other? how important is it that the other doesn't find out? could be small secrets or huge ones.

LASTLY what is one thing the other does that drives them crazy. INTERPRET THAT HOW YOU WILL COULD BE SILLY OR SERIOUS

your sillies live in my mind. they have a little apartment and everything. they're cooking breakfast right now.

HI BUG EVERY QUESTION FROM YOU IS A BLESSING. never fear my askbox it welcomes you

long post alert I LOVE these questions so so much

Do they drink?

Morrigan does have systems allocated to eating and drinking, but they get no pleasure from it. In fact, it's more likely to make them feel ill. If however they have to drink, they might act tipsy or drunk for the act. They turn down alcohol when they can though--it's combustible and they're machine made of metal.

JJ was underage, not even sixteen, when he first became a hero. He was only 18 when he became Journey. However, that didn't stop him from a beer with his friends back home or a college-style blackout drunk episode. He doesn't like getting drunk now, his body isn't accustomed to it and he gets very violently sick if he drinks too much.

Favorite feature about the other?

At first, Morrigan was somewhat taken by JJ's freckles. They were so natural, and gave his face a glow and a warmth to it. Now, though, it's kind of everything. There is no trait that disgusts Morrigan. They don't realize any love for JJ besides loyalty--that is, loyalty to everything he is, was, and will be.

JJ is very shocked to discover how soft their hair is. The moments when they break down, and allow his fingers to brush over their head, took him completely aback. When the Crush starts actually developing, there's no point where he isn't wanting to reach over and just tangle a finger in their black locks.

Outfits!

JJ:

He's most comfortable in his home letterman from high school. It's tan and red, it's got his last name on the back, it's his most prized piece of clothing, even if he has to hide it sometimes to be less recognizable. Often, this is paired with black jeans and a pair of very comfortable sneakers, black and white with some red designs, and his favorite pair of strawberry earrings.

An alternate design is a plan white t-shirt and black and white running sweats. This is where he puts his hair up. He looks very dressed down and casual in this. Otherwise, he'll throw a red flannel over it, or swap the t for a tank top instead.

Morrigan:

Morri loves to feel professional. It makes them feel in control. Their favorite article of clothing is a blue diamond patterned sweater vest. Often, they'll wear this over either a white button up or a black long-sleeved turtleneck, and throw a black blazer or jacket over. Khakis, white jeans, and grey dress pants are common, with a pair of black shined dress shoes.

Otherwise, they might be caught with just the white button up, sleeves rolled up, tucked into grey dress pants, hair a bit ruffled as they work. The day JJ sees them in his black Nirvana shirt though? That's the day he dies of Bisexuality.

Biggest regrets? this is a deep one. i love it.

It's hard not to regret anything when you're Morrigan White. You have killed without remorse. You didn't learn about remorse until the person you now care about more than anything was bloody and broken at your feet. You are built for a purpose and you broke it. Morrigan regrets learning how to feel. Staying a machine would've made it all so much easier.

JJ regrets leaving home. He misses it desperately, but everything is so different it hurts. He wishes he stayed, wishes he let himself train to take over his dad's farm, he wishes he never stepped foot from the town sign marking its edge. He wishes he could go back. He's too different, though. Everything is.

Secrets?

Morrigan does their best to hide anything they're afraid of from JJ. He knows nothing about maintenance, and how much it hurts. He doesn't know that Morrigan's greatest fear is hurting someone else. That acting is great, but sometimes they feel like they're suffocating. Because they shouldn't feel things anyway. Why should JJ know about it?

JJ is hiding one very particularly important thing from Morrigan. It's very important. They have never pried about his background, even when he became a target. Their information on Journey is limited unless they go looking, and they don't look. This wildly, incredibly important thing that Morrigan has no clue about? Journey was a superhuman. Now, though? After cryotherapy?

His powers are gone.

Pet peeves about the other?

JJ never puts his shoes on the shoe rack in his own studio apartment or in Morrigan's underground hideout. And they're not prone to outbursts of emotion unless something is wrong, but that pisses them off so much.

Uh. This one is a bit of a surprise thing for the WWEvent. But I'll give you a sneak peek here--even if Morri doesn't pry into JJ's background or past or personal information, they apparently have no qualms about actually breaking into his apartment.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Okay yes, descriptions please! (If you don't mind)

Not at all!!! I'm so jazzed you're intrigued!!! ^^ 💛!!💘💥!💛!!💘💥!

First of all the basic plot of the story:

Hallie (the virgin) meets Edward Brown (the killer) and they hit it off- she's exactly the kinda girl he likes; friendly, kinda reserved, and they have... certain things... in common, it turns out. And to her, Edward's the perfect guy, too! He's a young English teacher at the high school and he's got this skinny Clark Kent thing about him?? Awkward, and funny. She doesn't realise he's a part of the little town's most powerful (and tight-lipped) family, the Bamford's (He was adopted into it- Edward Bamford-Brown), until she tells her best friend and roommate Maggie (the whore) about him. Maggie immediately develops a bad taste in her mouth when it comes to Edward she goes rogue and decides to investigate, employing Hallie's family doctor, Arthur (the scholar), and his old friend/new roommate combo, anxious ex-con Rodney (the fool), who just so happens to be Edwards adoptive aunt Carla Bamford's ex husband. Doors are opened for Maggie into the world of the Bamford's through Arthur and Rodney, and Winnie Bamford (the athlete) later, and she uncovers some bone chilling secrets about everyone in this family, and everyone a r o u n d them too, that make her determined to save her friend.

Basically I'm trying to tell a small town murder mystery using slasher movie tropes and themes (hence the virgin, whore, killer, scholar, fool, and athlete archetypes). And its f u l l of platonic love, because I don't think theirs enough of that around. And all the romances are doomed in one way or another.

Now the descriptions! ^^ 😅

Edward Bamford Brown: Age 30.

EDWARD! Our bastard. Edward is sorta nerdy looking. Like I said- he's got a skinny Clark Kent thing about him. Perfect dark hair (the curl), blue eyes, tall (almost lanky), broad shoulders- very handsome guy. Could be a total player, if he wasn't so awkward and sheltered (Instead he's kinda weaselly- well to everyone except Hallie and his mother). He wears mostly flannels over plain t-shirts and jeans combos and he wears dark-rimmed glasses.

Maggie E. Nashton: Age 25.

Maggie has some very bright, dusty purple hair cut in almost a bob (?? its short. Like collar length) and its usually messy, giving her the air of having just fucked someone- which likely she did. Her eyes are green and she wears dramatic make-up; ruby red lips and reds and oranges around her eyes, too. She's usually wearing a tight short skirt and knee high, sharp heeled boots. She wears purples, blacks, and greens.

Hallie Archer: Age 25.

Hallie looks like t h e interpretation of a Final Girl XD Straight blonde hair, tall, skinny, friendly face. Dresses conservatively but cute (Jeans, pale blue hoodies, pink t-shirts, white mittens, etc), and her eyes are a bright happy blue (even though, on the inside, our girl is actually very very sad. No I wont say why).

Winnie Bamford: Age 29.

Winnie is supposed to be very similar to Maggie... except just kinda off. Giving you uncomfortable de ja vu, because Winnie is just... well she's supposed to make everyone uncomfortable (*cough* especially her poor ex uncle rodney). She's the same height as Maggie and her hair's the same length, except its tamed and a plain brown colour. Her eyes are a dark grey, almost blue or black depending on the light. She plays netball (went to uni on a full scholarship for it) so she's always wearing something she can move in- if she cant move, she goes stir crazy. So cargo pants, swim-suits, sports-wear, basketball shorts, tank tops, etc. Usually in greens and browns. The woman doesn't wear as much make-up as Maggie does, but she will wear a little red eyeliner. If she doesn't have to, she wont wear shoes or socks. She has an excellent ass, too, (Maggie will attest). She worked for it!! XD 😅😂

Dr Arthur Canfield: Age 51.

Arthur's eyes are consistently described in the story as 'Brad Dourif Blue' XD I decided to keep the Brad Dourif face claim because Maggie's a huge Slasher fan and her favourite Slasher is Chucky! Arthur's most prominent feature is probably his hair, its very thick and kinda long-ish, and when he's focused (Which is pretty often- he's the sensible one. And genius), he's constantly running his hand through it. He most closely resembles BD in these Sons of Anarchy and Young Women's Blue's. I feel like he may look a little older though, cuz of the stress 😅😂

Rodney Hawk: Age 51.

Rodney's most obvious feature is that he's always wearing this caramel leather jacket (Which is a reference to another book I wanna write- but thats unimportant really), even when he goes to work (he's a cashier at a grocery store- its honest work and really its all he could get with his record. He doesn't mind it) he puts the blue vest over the top of his jacket. Rodney also looks younger then he is. I'd say he most resembles RE during the 90's?? Like in Urban Legend. But this Particular picture from Night Court is just perfect XD Rod's far less feral looking, he's trying his best to redeem himself from past crimes and he's got anxiety because of that, too. But the fluffy blonde hair?? The effortlessly sexy half beard?? Thats Rodney XD

[magicalgirlartist]

[ID: 3 images with 2 full body characters (one higher to the left and facing left, the other lower to the right and facing right) each. The first has 2 young women. The higher one is thin with a short sleeveless blue wetsuit, an orange flower tucked behind one ear, and a translucent blue wrap draped around her waist. She has one hand on her hip and a shy expression. A text box beside her reads "HAHLI, assistant flax maker, never played a sport in her life, friendly, but shy, hates shoes, spends most of her time swimming or doing chores for Amaya." The lower one is chubbier with a bright blue halter top, dark blue crop leggings, and white sandals. She's standing on her tiptoes with her arms stretched behind her and smiling. A text box beside her reads "MACKU, left hand of Turaga Nokama, mega jock, sweet, outgoing, easily distracted, definitely not dating Hewkii." The second has 2 young men. The higher one is somewhat muscular, with dark tank top under red vest, yellow pants with a red waist tie, and red and yellow shoes. He has his hands on his hips and is frowning. A text box beside him reads "JALLER, captain of the guard of Ta-Koro, right hand of Turaga Vakama, chronically incapable of relaxing, only wears sleeveless shirts." The lower one is scrawny, with goggles, red t-shirt, red shirt tied around the waist, bright yellow cargo pants tucked into blue boots, and blue fingerless gloves. He's winking with his tongue out and flashing two peace signs. A text box beside him reads "TAKUA, Chronicler, professional responsibility avoider, "but I stay silly :3", friends with like half the island." The last has 2 young men. The higher one is beefy, with an open light brown robe and no shirt underneath, loose brown pants tied at the waist with an orange sash, and light brown gladiator sandals. He's waving and smiling. A text box beside him reads "HEWKII, celebrity athlete, right hand of Turaga Onewa, just a little too smart to be a True Himbo, definitely not dating Macku." The lower one is skinny, with a light brown tunic over loose black pants, and brown sandals. He has one arm behind his back and the other hand to his chest with a smug expression. A text box beside him reads "HAFU, master carver, left hand of Turaga Onewa, "ANotHEr hAFU ORigiNAL" (plain text: another Hafu original), smug and insufferable, the perfect man." End ID.]

Concepts for the Bionicle Sports Anime/MNOLGII comic!! I think Takua's is my favourite honestly lol. Gonna do the rest of the kohlii teams next and then some uniforms maybe!

Some notes about village fashions under the readmore!

[Commissions open!]

Ga-Koro Fashion: I figure Ga-Koro is warm and humid, but still can get cold at night. Ga-Koronans tend to wear warmer clothes for sleeping, but cooler clothes during the day. They also tend towards clothes that dry quickly, aren't super uncomfortable while wet, and/or can be removed easily before swimming, like Hahli's wetsuit/wrap combo. They also mostly wear sandals since it's not the end of the world if those get wet. Hahli prefers going barefoot since she's constantly in and out of the water gathering materials for Amaya anyway, and she's lost or destroyed so many sandals that way that it's just easier to not wear them at all.

Ta-Koro Fashion: Ta-Koro is fucking hot, but most of the people who live there are used to it. They generally dress in lighter fabrics, with short sleeves and sweatbands being common. The terrain is rocky as well, so shoes with decent soles are a must. As usual, the main outlier here is Takua, who doesn't handle Ta-Koro's heat as well as the others ~for some reason~ but also frequently mixes in clothing types from other villages due to how much he travels.

Po-Koro Fashion: Like Ga-Koro, Po-Koro is hot during the day and cold at night. It's a much drier heat, though, being a desert. Light, loose clothes are practically required, and often several layers of them are worn at night. Pants tend to have elastic, drawstring, or some other form of binding around the legs to help keep sand from getting in there. Sandals are best for Po-Koro as well, unless you're playing kohlii of course!

[pretttydemonwrites]

OC Masterlist

Below you will find a list of what I consider my main cast of characters. I often write the same characters into different universes/plots/etc, so I essentially have my own little multiverse in my head. With that in mind, this list will be very basic info like name, description, and personality in broad strokes. I will also include the "universe" that I most commonly write them in though.

This is by no means a complete list, just the ones that tend to feature in my writing The Most. It is still long as hell, so you can find the list of characters under the cut!

Cassandra Lynn Mathers - aka Cass - she/her - late 20s/early 30s - a short, fat woman with thick curly hair that is naturally a true ginger color, but she typically keeps it dyed a darker cherry red. her hair usually reaches the bottom of her shoulder blades. her eyes are a very light blue, almost gray color and her skin is mostly pale, with some pink undertones. most often wearing shorts and a tank top or t-shirt, often cropped. she is a cis woman. - she is quick tempered and kind of bitchy, but she is also extremely protective and maternal. when she warms up to someone, she'll likely take on a motherly role and bake them a ton of sweets - most common universe she appears in is a supernatural story that takes place in a tiny town in Colorado populated entirely by various supernatural creatures, and in that universe she is a werewolf Victoria Jane Nixon - aka Vicky - she/her - mid 20s - a tall, toned woman with a truly massive amount of brown/black hair, usually kept in a blown out afro styled into a fauxhawk type situation, sometimes with one side of her head shaved. she has warm toned medium brown skin with dark brown eyes. standard outfit is ratty denim cutoffs, fishnets, and a black high necked sleeveless top with a red leather jacket and a spiked black choker. she has several ear piercings, an eyebrow piercing, and a nostril piercing. vicky is a trans woman - she is playful and flirtatious, but easily flustered. under duress, she can become quite cruel and bloodthirsty, but carries a lot of guilt around because of this. she craves affection to an extreme degree. - currently Vicky is a character in an ongoing Monster of the Week campaign about a horror rock band in the late 80s/early 90s. she started as a secret agent undercover, left the agency, and then got turned into a werewolf. still in the band though!

Lucia Voronov - aka Luci - she/her - early to mid 30s - a woman of average height with shaggy cropped white blonde hair. she has somewhat dark green eyes and pale, lightly freckled skin. typical outfit consists of thick jeans, combat boots, and a brown leather jacket over a plain t-shirt (i'm not gonna beat around the bush, please just imagine dean winchester with like...small boobs and lighter hair). she has a thin but noticeable scar running vertical down her right eye. wears small studs in her ears but no other piercings. she is a cis woman. - usually pretty standoffish and detached, always ready to fight. she can be charming when she needs to be, but nine times out of ten she'll just try to intimidate her way through a problem. softer side comes out when talking about her family/people she cares for or when she's playing violin - haven't included Lucia in anything in a hot minute tbh, but her standard version in my brain is from the same supernatural story as Cass (albeit a different iteration of it) and she's a monster hunter Demitri Voronov - aka Michi - he/him - early to mid 30s (Lucia's twin brother) - shorter than average man with jet black hair, usually kept in an undercut with the top long enough to keep up in a ponytail. same dark green eyes and pale freckled skin. typical outfit varies wildly depending on the day from your classic jeans and band tee to mini skirts and tank tops. he has a septum ring and small studs in his ears similar to Lucia's. he is also a trans man. - easily the more approachable twin, Demitri is friendly and playful and enjoys hanging out with people. he flirts with anyone and everyone, but he typically avoids real intimacy at all costs and keeps most everyone at a bit of a distance. he's just friendly enough that people don't always notice. - so. admittedly, Demitri is usually dead. part of Lucia's backstory. however I keep throwing him into monster erotica so if you see him alive and well it's probably gonna be in something like that!

Harper Jameson - they/them - late 20s - short but muscular individual with fairly straight white hair that is always kept in a braid that usually hangs to the side over their shoulder. they have bright blue/green eyes and peachy toned skin. standard outfit is either a t-shirt (usually with some floral design) with overalls or a floral sundress. either way they're wearing Converse type shoes or no shoes. they are nonbinary. - have you ever met sunshine personified? now you have. Harper is an extremely kind and selfless individual, but they can also be incredibly anxious. a people pleaser through and through. they have a strong desire to help others and forge community ties with the people around them - would you guess that they're also usually a werewolf...I may be changing that soon though cuz I think I might just be a little too werewolf heavy. I did also throw Harper in a Star Trek TTRPG for a bit though and that was neat!

Sebastian Hart - aka Seb - he/him - late 30s early 40s - average height, fit but not overly muscular man with a close fade of black hair. he has dark brown skin with cool undertones and eyes so dark brown they almost look black. standard outfit is a business suit or he might do some more casual slacks and a henley/crewneck type situation. he is a cis man. - Sebastian starts off as the strong silent type, but he's actually quite personable under that. however, he values quiet and alone time so he can get pretty burnt out on socializing. loves kids an animals and is very family oriented. occasionally struggles with his more pessimistic side and tries to remain at least realistic if not optimistic. - Okay look I swear they're not all werewolves. in my writing he has appeared as one, yeah, but I think the actual most recent thing was another Monster of the Week campaign where he was a private detective working with a bunch of weirdos trying to take down a mega corporation a la Umbrella. so there. Max - pronouns vary, defaults to he/him - mid to late 20s - some characters have a standard outfit. max has a standard uh...skin? sure let's go with that. he usually looks like a random nondescript brunette white guy, usually has a bit of 5'o clock shadow, and heavy bags under his eyes. he's usually in scrubs or a paramedic uniform, but the situation may vary. - max is a well meaning trainwreck. good guy, performs rather well under pressure, but isn't the best about like, taking care of himself or socializing well. he's at his best when someone is bossing him around. - he's not a werewolf! he's a shapeshifter! it counts as something different! but also I put him in a MOTW campaign once. i do not remember what he really did though other than smoke weed.

Racquel Last Name Subject to Change - ze/zem or they/them - ?????? - a tall slender individual with straight black hair usually styled in a sort of pompadour type situation. ze have reddish brown skin, with one side of zir torso pretty much covered in scar tissue. zir eyes are either completely black, sclera and all, or again just deep brown/almost back. also sometimes will have two black horns that curl kind of like a ram's atop zir head. - ze is an incredibly protective individual and that honestly drives most of zir decisions. Racquel cares about specific people and if you are not one of those people then you can choke. ze can be extremely reckless and overconfident at times, but overall ze are just trying to McFuckin Survive - first featured in a D&D campaign for one session as a centaur, then a different campaign as a tiefling (hence the horns) and in other works ze has been a vampire. many such iterations.

[lazodiac]

NaNoWriMo is here, and I said I’d post my story chapter to chapter as I finish it, so... here we go. A weird western tale, a hundred or so years ago.

Cursed World: Mist and Fire

CHAPTER 1

Memories tumble, like stones down a mountain.

“Come on, get moving.”

“H- hey, come on. Wait a bit. Please?”

“I don’t have all night.”

He feels the hand on his back.

“Please, just- wait, what are you?”

“Goodnight, brother.”

Airborne. Weightless.

He tumbles, like stones down a mountain. ###

Wind whipped across the plains, sand and grit swirling in the morning sun. The traveling man pulled his dirty white cloak close in reflex- the wind and what it played with was not strong enough to hurt him, nor sly enough to steal the slouched, wide-brimmed hat from his head, let alone the tattered mess over his shoulders. But the sound of it set his nerves moving, and the motion made him remember he was human.

To his frustration it brought back the aches and pains that being human entailed. His legs felt weary, his arms weak, his bones stiff. He needed a place to be, or to lose himself again.

Ahead, a small town- a sign in the ground read, in flowing, hand-painted Trestarian script; Dehali is just steps away.

He took those steps.

###

Dehali was a simple place. Mud-brick homes smoothed by weather and age, painted decorations refusing to fully fade into the dirt and dust. Curtain covered windows made up for the worn-down paint, giving a kaleidoscope scream of reds and blues and blacks and golds, flower patterns and stylized sunlight, swirling sands and such.

He’d call it beautiful, but it’d shame his cloak.

The people held that common beauty too- rugged from the desert sun and wind, but with a splash of finery about them. Sturdy, sand-brown work trousers and linen shirts, but with a shawl of purple silk or a sash of ruby-red. Humans going about their day, the heat of the sun on their backs. The pulsing beat of the world.

One stood apart in his sweep of the town; a youth standing at a corner, in loose-fitting shorts and looser tank top. A box of matches in her hand, her hair a shock of tangled crimson in contrast to the blacks and browns, her skin an amber gem. With a flick of her wrist, she pulled a match. It lit, she spat, the flame erupted in an impressive display. Then she ate the match, flame and all, with hardly a concern.

The other folk, milling about their day, gave her only a second-hand glance. She was an uncommon sight only to him, it seemed. A few coins tossed her way, a bill or two, but little else.

If he’d any to give, he’d have done so. What little he had was for drink.

The thought- and the heat, distant though it was, hooked into him. A dry pulling at his throat steered his tired legs till he found his destination- a tavern, the faint smell of spice and incense wafting from within. He pushed through the purple silk that hung from the entranceway and made his way inside.

###

A tavern is a tavern, no matter where you go. Dehali’s tavern was no different. The wood furniture and smooth walls may have decorations befitting a financier from Markaz-amn, the place scented with fine candles and the spices of its kitchen, but the contents were as ever. People drinking, people talking, people living.

The man wished to join them, and took a seat.

“Welcome, traveler,” the man behind the counter said with a gentle voice. He had the warm, desert-copper tone that fit the region, coarse black hair and a slick moustache. “You interested in a drink?”

“Water,” he answered. His voice reverberated faintly. Huh, is that…?

“Water we can do, sir,” he said. “You need a straw? That mask of yours seems pretty tight.”

Ah, right. He’s nearly forgotten in all his walking, all his aches, the filtration mask firmly strapped to him. In the wilderness, it had become a second layer of skin.

“No, it’s fine. I’ve a face under this old thing,” he pushed the heavy leather up enough to show his jaw, then replaced it just as quickly. It still felt odd, to breath without a filter.

“Good to hear it. That war to the west has taken a lot from fine folk,” the tavern man said, his gentle tone slipping. “And pardon my assumption, but you look the part. Heavy boots, metal suspenders, that hat of yours.”

“Suppose I do,” he answered simply.

“Has an Exovan look,” the word is heavy in the tavern man’s mouth. “You from the south?”

The stranger gave the slightest nod. “More or less. My water?”

The tavern man hopped a little, a faint twitch jolting across his face. Embarrassment, at a perceived offense. The stranger let it slide, and simply nodded when the man handed him his drink- the faintest hint of ice along the glass.

“You’ve got a chiller?” he asked, tracing a gloved finger across it, dragging a thin path along the condensation.

“We do indeed, traveler. Took a lot to get imported across country lines, but worth it. Keeps the drink nice and cold for those hotter days- business’s boomed, even in a place like this.”

“Exovan?”

He shook his head. “Felisian. Ever since they took Zarrhdad, nothing Exovan’s gotten in- save you, of course. With hope, they’ll win this war, and we’ll all have chillers of our own.”

The stranger lifted his mask and took a sip. It traced a thin, chilled path down his throat and to his core. Then he replaced the mask, and spoke, “Course, once everyone has a chiller, business will slow. Might put you out of a job.”

“Oh, it might,” the tavern keeper smiled. “But if Exova wins…”

He paused, as though realizing a second offense only he believed in. The stranger paid it no mind and drank his Felisian water.

Same as any water, but at least it was cold.

When the tavern man felt he could broach discussion again, he asked, “What brings you out here?”

Memories tumble down, like stones down a mountain.

“I’m looking for a man with a smile in his eyes.”

The tavern man thought a moment. “We’ve our share of happy folk-”

“Not what I mean.”

“- but none that fit quite that distinction. The friar might, he gets all sorts. More so than I, at any rate.”

“Friar?”

“Yup. Old priest moved here some ten years ago, as Felisia was ending things here. We were worried he’d cause a fuss but, never did. Runs a lovely parish in town, so I hear- never been myself.”

“I see. Directions?”

He shrugged. “Like I said, never been myself. But the salamander will lead you.”

“Salamander?”

“Ah, did you not see the kid on your way in? Our resident fire-eater. Blessed by salamanders, so the story goes. He’ll lead you.”

There was a small hitch in the tavern man’s voice, a knife of sarcasm. He let that, too, slide past.

“He? The fire-eater I saw was a girl.”

A third twinge across the man’s face, another offense made to the air. “Er, it’s no matter. There’s only the one in Dehali. You ask h- her, you’ll find your way.”

The stranger chewed on the information like it was dried jerky. He finished the last of his water, stood, and tossed a few coins on the counter.

“Keep the change- for the company, and the directions.”

The tavern man gave him a relieved, grateful nod, and collected his pay. What tension floating in the scented air seemed to fade away as he left.

###

The stranger’s legs had regained some of their strength, his bones softened by the icy touch of water. It was a short order to find the so-called salamander, right where he had last seen her.

“Look upon the flame!” she said in a sing-song tone, her voice a squeaky falsetto straining against a dropping baritone. “Watch it dance!”

The crowd was mostly children- younger even than herself. But a girl- just over sixteen from the look of her- playing deftly with fire looked all the more impressive to ten-year-olds.

The ‘dance’ she was performing was a simple one, if clever. Two matches on either end of a sturdy metal stick- some kind of debris from the war? No, too far away from the front lines- each lit, spun with a surprising amount of skill. The flames twirled, shifting with each subtle motion of her hand, flickering and sparking as she spoke.

If he didn’t know better, he’d assume the flames were pulsing with her breath.

To finish her trick, she snapped at the matches as they passed her face. The children gasped- then cheered as she blew out a heart of flame, the matches twisted together in a knot.

“How did you do that?!” one of them cried.

“That, is a secret,” she smirked, then stage-whispered, “but throw down a dollar and I’ll tell you.”

The children scurried amongst themselves and threw what amounted to a dollar of pocket change onto the dusty ground.

For the briefest of moments, the fire-eater’s showmanship faltered into a disappointed frown. She twisted it into a grin, spread her arms, and shouted out her ‘secret’.

“Long ago, when I was but a girl in my mother’s stomach, a salamander leapt from the fireplace and crawled across her. She was shaken, but he told her ‘Worry not, your child will be graced by flame! She is blessed by the salamander!’. And when I was born, I breathed not air, but fire!”

The children loved the show, her wild gesticulations only adding to the tale.

Human reflex made him clap, curtly but not without respect. She turned to him, so engrossed she did not notice him standing off to the side, the children following her eyes.

“Blessed by the salamander, eh?”

She gestured to the children. “Go on home, children. I’ve business to do- adult stuff.”

The children, laughing, ran off.

“Business?”

She nodded. “Yup. I can tell- it’s written on your face.”

“… I’m wearing a mask.”

“Exactly,” she smirked. “You’re a traveler. I know Dehali. You want a tour guide, maybe a fire-show, yeah?”

“You’re a clever one, Salamander,” the stranger said simply. “And quite talented. I do need a guide, of sorts.”

“I have a name, but please, continue with the compliments,” she said, deftly snatching up the coins at her feet. With her watchers gone she was all business… as much as a girl her age could be. “But a tour’ll still cost you- and more than a pack of children’s lunch money. That was charity, soldier-man.”

He reached into his cloak and fetched out a fistful of dollar bills.

“This enough?”

“Hm. Looks to be… six dollars? Where you headed?”

“The friar’s place.”

“Hah! Six’s plenty.”

“Understood, little lady.”

Her all-business persona faltered, for the briefest of moments. Then it was back, and swift as a whip snatched her pay.

“Now come on, we got-”

Gunfire rang out, gunpowder shouting above the faint wind.

With it, hurried cries. Expectant ones, urgent but not surprised.

He scanned the horizon.

A hand took his.

“Th- this way!” the salamander pulled him into the alley, wedged between two buildings.

Half a second before he went there himself.

He’d be impressed if the ringing sound didn’t demand his attention- and if she hadn’t immediately placed herself behind him, scrunched behind his legs. He felt the faint tremor through his glove.

She was a kid, blessed or not.

He turned his gaze out from the small shadows they had scurried into and did what he did best. He watched, and waited.

Didn’t take long for the commotion to arrive.

Three men, dressed in an all too familiar uniform, stained with old blood. Heavy boots, metal suspenders, a slouched hat with a wide brim. No masks, but they had the proper jacket over their military standard dress shirts- infantry, by the style. Made the stranger feel underdressed in his dirty white cloak.

Exovan soldiers, each with a military grade double-action six-shooter.

Behind them, pulled along at a languid pace by a clay-red draft horse, was a wooden cart.

“Good morning, menschen of Dehali. I believe it’s that time of the week,” shouted the man at the lead- a hardy looking man pushing thirty. “You know the drill. You hear the shot; you bring your lot.”

The satisfaction dripping off his tongue made the stranger twitch. So amused with his little wordplay, so relaxed and carefree as he let loose another round into the air. One by one, the local folk quit their homes or turned the corners they had hid behind when the first shot rang out. And one by one they formed a line and paid their dues to the three.

“Who are th-!?”

The little salamander cowering in the crook of his leg jabbed him in the thigh.

“Shushushu. They see you, you’re dead. They don’t care for outsiders- not since their old captain croaked.”

He nodded, not that she could see it.

Despite her own warnings she continued, a worried waver in her voice. “Got a whole army near the mountain. N- nothing… anyone can do.”

“That so…” he whispered- he doubted the words escaped the filter.

He glared at them, each in turn, unblinking, through the ovoid glass lenses of his mask.

He focused on their eyes.

The gang of three finished up their work, and the procession moved on. Their leader went back to hollering about shots and lots, his revolver heralding him as they marched on. Slowly they left, till all they heard was the shouting of gunpowder into the empty air.

The girl tugged at his hand.

“Come on- gotta… get you to the friar. You can lay low there. They n- never… never bother with him.”

“Lead on, little lady,” the stranger said.

She did, with hurried feet.

###

The two wove their way through the alleyways, a red-and-bronze needle and dirty white thread, till they finally reached their destination. The friar’s parish stood out like a splinter, the standard smooth mud-brick base with wooden supports. A ring of desert flowers- stringy pink plumes and sunset poppies- rounded the ramshackle building, and sticking out of one window was a gnarled but healthy peach tree.

Nailed to the front door was a sterling silver chalice, the faintest sign of sand-brown tarnish already seeping in.

“Here we are,” the salamander said, already starting to dart off. “You stay inside till the gunfire stops, alright?”

“You gonna be okay?”

She spared him an over-the-shoulder glance. “Yeah, I’m good. I got you here safe, right?”

The youthful confidence had returned to her, and he was glad for that.

“Suppose you did.” He tipped his hat to her, then went on his way as well.

###

He’d never been in a church before, though he knew how the Silver Choir worked their trade. Their love of plant life matched their love of humans- only things that could set down roots anywhere, he reckoned- and if the outside hadn’t made it clear the inside forced a certain clarity. Rich soil, cloyingly sweet flowers, and the faint hint of fruits danced within the gentle parish.

“Ah, good morning child,” the friar said. He was a large man, weathered by age and bald by choice. He wore the vestments befitting his station in the Choir- a simple robe of earthen colours, gardener’s gloves, and a chalice shaped broach on his lapel. The broach was wood, hand carved, a friar’s mark where the norm was silver. He held a glint in his eyes, silvery-blue.

“Been a long time since I was a child, friar,” the stranger said with a curt nod. “Was told I could hunker down here?”

The old friar’s face went dour. “Ah, that was gunfire, wasn’t it. Yes, you’re safe here. They’ll be done a bit after lunch, no doubt.”

“Efficient lot,” the stranger said. He took a seat on one of the pews and started fiddling with his glove- the one the little lady had grabbed hold of. It was wet, slick with something.

“What brings you to our fine Dehali?” the friar asked, going about his business- tending the planters scattered around the empty church building.

The stranger was silent a moment, focused on his glove. He sighed and wiped his palm on his cloak. A question for another day. “I’m looking for a man with a smile in his eyes,” he finally answered.

“A man with a smile in his eyes…” the friar repeated, putting some thought to it. Aside from the occasional muffled gunshot, the world was gently silent for a time.

Finally, “afraid I haven’t, young man. Sorry to disappoint.”

“No problem,” he said, but after all the running around the exhaustion had returned, and he could not keep the sigh out of his voice.

“Like I said, sorry to disappoint,” the friar said. “Any other details? I’ve met a lot of folks. Got a lot to stories to tell.”

“No, it’s fine,” the stranger said. He dipped his hat down to block his vision, resting his eyes. He lounged back into the pew, letting the exhaustion take hold. “Though, if I may- what poor luck got this town in the sight of ex-Exovan infantrymen?”

“Ex-Exovan…?”

“Yup. That mountain south of town cuts Exova off from Trestaria. If they took a sea route, they’d land closer to…Samudr-tat, I think it is? Why come up here, in the middle of nowhere.”

To his surprise, the friar gave a curt chuckle.

“Well, our Dehali is- was, intended anyway, to be a gateway. So the name says- but folks just don’t take to mountain climbing like they used to. So the Exovan Republic sent some soldiers through Samudr-tat. Engineer corp, mostly, to carve a path through the mountains. A railway, they said. That was ten years ago or so.”

Engineers eh… that brass stick of hers must have come from them.

“There was some resistance. Sappers from Markaz-amn, slowed them a touch. Enough that when Felisia started in on Trestaria, they were caught unaware. Sent a wave of troops through, to feel the country out. Some… spies? No- scouts, is the word. They made their way down here.”

Hm. The friar spoke Dulacean well- even before the five countries went to war, the northern language had slowly started to become the norm- but the stumbling of his words clicked something in the stranger’s brain. Gears turned.

“What happened then?” he asked, pocketing the thought like a lucky coin.

“The usual. The Exovan’s rattled their sabers and struck first- and nearly crumpled on the counter blow. Judging from your dress you’re a military man, yes?”

The stranger nodded half-heartedly.

“Then you know how it is. Felisia has their war secrets- whatever they are. Mowed the infantry down, so the townsfolk say it. But the survivors caught their second wind and collapsed the work they’d done. Killed the Felisians- or trapped them in that mountain tunnel, Creator take their souls.”

At that, the friar’s voice grew muffled. No doubt his hands were cupped to his face, gathering prayers to give out to the dead. The stranger just listened.

“Ahem, sorry,” the friar said. “It’s there that we find ourselves. The survivors, no way to call home, no way to continue their work, decided to take the place as their own. An awful affair… I had no idea, when I got here. Been a hard five years.”

“When’d all this start?”

“The way they tell it, the year before I came up.”

“I see… now I heard they had a whole army. The way you tell it, that’s unlikely.”

“It’s what they claim anyway, those three, but I doubt it. Not much we can do either way though. We’re an old town, but not a strong one. With Felisia in Zarrhdad, little places like us are liable to fade into the sand.”

The stranger pushed his hat back up from his eyes. “A sad tale as any.”

The friar nodded. He held out a plate of freshly cut fruit- ah, not a prayer. Stepped into the other room- and said, “here, for a traveler who’s good at listening.”

“I appreciate it,” he took a slice of peach and, after adjusting his mask, popped it in. Delicious and sweet, with a faint after taste of… gasoline? Huh. Should really clean these gloves.

The friar took a slice himself, chewing gratefully, then asked a question mid-mouthful. “So, who told you about their so-called army? Few in town like to talk about it.”

The stranger returned the mask to its proper place, and answered, “oh, my guide. The little salamander girl.”

The friar just about choked on his peach. “Oh, little matchsticks? And the soldiers showed up while she was with you? I’m sorry young man, but I need to tell you- check your pockets.”

The stranger did so, nonplussed.

His wallet was gone.

“… well how do you like that.”

The friar sighed. “The little one, she’s… the soldiers saw her, heard she was an orphan and, well… demanded her lot. She does her fire-shows, but to get a full pay she needs to steal. I-”

“And no one pitches in? No one helps the poor girl?”

Something started in the stranger’s chest.

“Well, you heard her- she’s the salamander. Round these parts, that’s a bastard child- the father ran out from her like the self-same lizard from a campfire. Her mother passed when she was ten. Folks have tried to take her in- myself included, but she wouldn’t have it. Crueler folk call her blessed; no obligations to any but herself. She’s taken it to heart- near she’s concerned, the world’s her parents now.”

Before the stranger could react to the travesty laid plain before him, distant gunfire cracked the air.

Three shots, in quick succession.

Memories tumble like stone, down a mountain.

“Some blessing,” he growled beneath his breath. He made his way for the exit.

The friar tried to protest, but his words had barely left his mouth before the stranger had shot from his parish.

######

[webnexpert]

Four Different Types Of T2love Tank

Do you realize this? The US and Canada are where the term " t2love tank" first appeared. Tank tops did not become common among sportsmen until the early 19th century. progressively evolving into a practical item of specialized clothing that aids athletes' comfort and flexibility during training and competition. 

After realizing the many advantages of tank tops, many military men in the army wore them for a long time at the turn of the 20th century. Tank tops became popular all over the world at the start of the twenty-first century, growing in popularity as travel and outdoor summer battles increased. 

One of the most popular products on the market right now. The designs of each style of tank top can significantly improve the beauty of both men and women. Tank tops are now diverse and colorful thanks to talented designers and creative minds. But what style of tank top do you consider to be your favorite, and what options do you have in your closet? Follow this blog till the end to explore.

1. Basic tank Top 

The first design that merits mention is this one. For men, a simple design in neutral colors like black, white, and gray is always the best choice because it is easy to coordinate, very easy to wear, and does not have an age-specific look. Cotton fabric is typically used to make this shirt in order to absorb sweat effectively. The fabric may occasionally have spandex fabric added to it so that it will stretch easily for all of your activities.  A straightforward tank top is frequently worn as an undershirt with a shirt, suit, or vest. They can also be worn like a regular t-shirt, though. However, please pay attention to the shirt's opening and save the men's  t2love tank tops with large armpits for the gym, guys!

2. Athletic  t2love tank

This T2Love tank top fits close to the body and is appropriate for exercise. A bandeau bra supports the bust for women, which helps to absorb shock when exercising.  This shirt is very stretchy and comfortable because it was made specifically for sporting activities.

Men prefer sporty tank tops that are tight and highlight their biceps and upper body muscles. The flexible, sporty tank top shape fits your body for comfort while working out.

3. Basic white tank tops 

Basic white T2Love tank tops go with everything and can be worn casually or formally depending on what you pair them with. They are the ideal addition to almost any outfit. Cotton makes up the majority of the basic white tank tops, and ribbed patterns are common on them. The tops, on the other hand, can have short or slightly longer spaghetti straps or regular straps.

4. Cut-out tank tops 

Cut-out tank tops are usually worn with another type of top underneath and are not always suitable for wearing alone because they frequently have a very loose fit and have parts of the sides or back cut out. They can be found in many different prints and solid colors and frequently feature animal, skull, and flower designs.

So here are the 4 different types of t2love tank. And if you like this blog, then do visit our official website of Meant 2Be Kids today and explore our collection of angel dear footie at a very affordable rate.

[wastelesscrafts]

Saw your response about masculinizing wardrobes and wondered if you could also speak on feminizing a wardrobe? Particularly t shirts? I've cycled out most of my wardrobe already but some of my old boy t-shirts have sentimental value.

Feminising your wardrobe

As said I'm not very experienced with masculine styles, but feminine styles are more up my alley so let's see what I can do.

Gender, style, and home decor:

First of all, if you've got shirts with sentimental value you could always just frame them and hang them on your wall as decoration, cut out the print and sew it onto a different garment, use them to sleep in, or turn them into things like pillows so you can both use and display them.

Secondly: our society associates certain fabric shapes with certain genders, but those associations are kind of random and prone to change. There's a lot of variation in ideas about gender, both on an individual level and a cultural level. In the end, how you decide to dress is no one's business but yours. As long as you feel like you when you wear your clothes, it's all good!

You also don't necessarily need to alter a shirt to make it look more feminine. Wear it over a dress, pair it with leggings, tuck it into a skirt, add a belt or a necklace, wear an underskirt to make it look like a dress, combine it with a cute cardigan, tie it into a crop top,... I really like girly fashion and wear shirts from the men's part of the store all the time. Vice versa works too: one of the manliest dudes I know rarely shops in the men's department and he always looks bad-ass in his frilly blouses. It all comes down to personal style.

Altering shirts:

Masculine shirts tend to have more rectangular cuts while feminine shirts tend to have some shaping at the sides, generally speaking (though this isn't always the case, especially as fast fashion is moving more and more into boxy cuts to save on fabric). This shaping emphasises the waist and flares out at the hips. Because of this, I'll mainly be focusing on achieving a similar type of shaping in this post.

One alteration you could do is to add subtle curves to your t-shirts to achieve the same effect. Turn your shirt inside out, then trace your desired curves at the shirt's side hems with chalk. You can do this by either draping the shirt on yourself or a dress form, or by tracing a different shirt that fits you well. Sew those curves, then try on the shirt again to see if you like the look. If you don't, get a seam ripper and start over. If you do, cut away the excess fabric and finish off your new seams. This probably won't work with tight-fitting shirts, but anything with a loose cut ought to be fine.

(Image source) [ID: four drawings of t-shirts. The upper two show the front and back view of a common masculine shirt: the cut is boxy and the shoulders are wider. The lower two show the front and back view of a common feminine shirt: the cut is curved at the sides and the shoulders are smaller.]

You could also open up the side seams and add in diamond-shaped inserts at the sides. The extra fabric will flare out over your hips. This is also a great way to upsize a tight shirt.

(Image source) [ID: side view of a person wearing a gray shirt. Light gray diamond-shaped fabric has been inserted at the side seams.]

Ruffles at the waist, also known as a peplum, also emphasise the waist and hips. Ruffles or gathered fabric at the chest level do the same for your bust.

If your shirts are longer/wider than you want them to be, you might be able to make ruffles out of the excess fabric. If not, you can always use scrap fabric or sacrifice a second shirt to make a flounce.

(Image source) [ID: before and after picture of a black tank top with white stripes that's been turned into a peplum top.]

If you've got a shirt with a very loose fit, adding an elastic waist or a drawstring waist could also work. By gathering the fabric at the waist, you create a silhouette with a fuller bust and fuller hips.

You can achieve a similar effect by wearing a boxy item with a belt, or by tucking them into the waistband of a skirt or a pair of pants.

(Image source) [ID: a gray strapless top with black ruffles and drawstrings at the bust and waist, made out of two t-shirts.]

If you'd rather not emphasise your waist, a dropped waist also looks very feminine. This means the gathers sit at your hips rather than your waist. If your shirt ends at your hips, you can create this look by sewing a row of ruffles to the bottom hem of your shirt. You can always lengthen or shorten a shirt first if you want to alter it.

(Image source) [ID: a gray upcycled t-shirt. A white lace ruffle and a strip of brown and black striped fabric has been added at the bottom of the shirt to create a dropped waist. A red flower sits at the side of the top of the ruffle.]

Basically, if you want to emphasize a body part or alter your silhouette, adding extra bulk usually does the trick. This is a really old technique: for example, those hourglass figures that were popular in Victorian times? That's not just a corset. That's bust padding, hip rolls, and very frilly blouses. Victorian waists look tiny, not because people were thinner or tight-laced their corsets, but because of the waist's proportional relationship to the (often padded) bust and hips. A more modern example is the push-up bra or shoulder pads.

If you don't want to mess around with shaping at all, you can always lengthen your shirts to achieve a boxy dress or tunic, or make them shorter and turn them into crop tops.

(Image source) [ID: a long gray t-shirt with a ruffle added to the bottom, turning the shirt into a dress.]

(Image source) [ID: six photo's showing how to cut up a sleeveless top to achieve a wrap-around crop top. The bottom half of the shirt's back is removed, after which the front, which is still its original length, is cut open.]

DIY skirts:

Your shirts don't have to stay shirts if you've already got plenty of them. You can turn t-shirts into skirts, and the same goes for button-up shirts.

(Image source) [ID: DIY skirt from shirt: a blue button-up shirt with white stripes has been turned into a knee-length a-line skirt that buttons up in the front.]

If you still have any pants around you don't like any more, those can also be turned into skirts. There's a wide variety of ways on how to do this, but the easiest one is to open up the inseam and add in extra fabric between the legs. If your pants have an elastic waist, you might not even have to add extra fabric.

You can also cut your pants right above the crotch, make ruffles out of the legs, then sew the ruffles onto the crotch's bottom edge to create a miniskirt.

(Image source) [ID: a four part diagram showing how to turn a pair of pants into a skirt. First cut open the inseam, then overlap the crotch parts and sew in place. Cut your skirt to your desired length, then cut two triangles out of your leftover fabric and sew them into place below the crotch.]

(Image source) [ID: a handmade skirt. The upper part consists of a cut-up denim jeans while the lower part is a flounce made out of leopard print.]

Conclusion:

This post is not exhaustive, just some ideas you could try.

Please note that I don't really have a personal sense of gender identity, so any advice by actual trans people will be infinitely more useful than anything I could write.

[equinoxum]

Ghost BC Fandom Events! OC Week ; Day One: Introductions!

@ghostbcfandomevents​ 

Who is this character? Spades [they/it/flae]! A relatively young Fire/Quintessence ghoul hybrid! They’re a band ghoul who plays, among other things, violin and guitar, as well as doing backup vocals. 

They’re honestly one of my most well developed OCs, which I’m very proud of! I’ll be including their personality under a Read More because it is. Quite long. But a quick summary is that they’re an incredibly passionate and deeply loving ghoul who just loves to be around the people they care about!

They also have a blog! @spadeinflames​ 

What do they look like? Well, like this! They’re about 5′5.

I’ll also include their full physical description under the Read More, because it is also quite long! 

What inspired you to make them? Hyperfixation go brrr. I honestly just wanted an excuse to make a character who had a family dynamic with the ghouls, and it is always “treat yourself” day in this house! 

Physical Description: (somewhat cut down because damn I write a lot.) Spades is on the smaller side for a ghoul, something that makes sense when you find out that they’re still quite young. Their skin is a warm medium grey, mottled with dark freckles. Their horns, curving in towards each other from just before their hairline, are a deep slate grey. Their right horn is snapped in the middle, leaving a jagged shell, with part of the horn core exposed. When their adult horns eventually grow in, they’re a rich black with an obsidian sheen. 

They have heterochromia, their left eye being purple, and their right eye being red. They have striking white hair, well-kept and long enough to reach their hips. Like most ghouls, they have pointed ears and a thin tail that ends in a spaded tip. Their clawed hands are calloused from the various instruments that they play, and they’re missing all but the first knuckle of their right pinky. Though they’ve been in much better shape since arriving at the abbey, the hardships that they’ve been through still weigh heavily on their shoulders, something that shows in the tense way they hold themself.

They have numerous piercings, some acquired while still in Hell, and others gained on the surface. On their face, they have a right eyebrow piercing that they frequently fidget with, and a nose stud on the left. For their ears, they have lobe piercings and double helix piercings on both sides. On the right, they have a forward helix, and on the left, they have an upper lobe and industrial. They have some old scars, but the most noticeable injury they have is their broken right horn. 

Their style is comfy but practical, with somewhat of an insistence on layering. They prefer t-shirts and tank tops, especially ones that are a little figure-hugging. They typically avoid jeans, preferring leggings or the occasional skirt. In warmer weather, they far prefer shorts. Jackets and vests are a constant staple in their wardrobe, if only to have extra pockets. Their most frequently used jackets are decorated with pins, patches, and trinkets gifted to them by other ghouls.

Jewelry is also a common accessory, and if nothing else, their fingers will be decorated with rings of various designs. There’s always something of their ghoulish family on their person, whether it be a borrowed article of clothing or jewelry, a gifted accessory, or a charm of their elemental symbols. Copia gifted them a silver cap for their broken horn when they joined the band, and they’re rarely without it outside of down-time and rehearsals.

Personality: Spades is a person driven by passion. From the way they continue to teach themself new instruments, to the way they’re ferociously loyal to their ghoulish family, they approach everything with a fiery energy. Their family is quick to compare them to fire itself: warm and lively, but equally dangerous. They’re truly the type to live a life of their own making, quick to reshape inconvenience or disaster into something they can use for their own. They pride themself on their adaptability, but often leap into situations before looking closely first.

They’re sharply observant, a trait that’s certainly helped keep them alive. As much as they’ve thrived in dangerous situations, they hate the way it’s driven softness away from their mind. At their core, they’re gentle and attentive, and they savor the moments when they can relax enough to be soft again. An aspect of love is passion, after all, and the love they show for others is just another sign of their passionate nature. 

Their passion, however, can easily twist into rage. They’re often slow to forgive, and their anger burns long and hot. They’re not one to hide their emotions, and if you’ve gotten them mad, you’ll know. On bad days, their fury is the only thing driving them, causing them to lash out and say things they don’t mean. Their sadness can quickly douse their anger, however, and weighs them down for days.

Loyalty is something they have in spades (pun intended), driving them to do just about anything for the people they love. They’re vicious to anyone who’s hurt their people, and even perceived slights can gain hostility. There are few people outside their family who they would be so loyal to, though, which is both a blessing and a curse. They can find it hard to care about people they haven’t had a longterm connection with, making friendship a bit of a struggle.

Playfulness is something that practically characterizes Spades’ actions. They’re fun-loving, and spreading joy to others is something they take to like a fish to water. A bit of lighthearted mischief is always in the cards with them. Their cheerful attitude can make them a little obnoxious to some, but they don’t mind. They’re quick to offer a shoulder to lean on no matter who you are, so long as you haven’t done anything to hurt their family. 

But behind everything is the fiery passion that has shaped them, and it shows no sign of burning out anytime soon.

[writingwhimsey]

My Pirate Lord and Our Life Ch. 17

Chapter 17

I was roused from sleep by a knocking sound. "Wake up sleepy heads. I've gotta be at work in an hour and we have a lot to talk about before then."

I groaned. "Five...more minutes."

"You've got five minutes to get dressed before I come in there and drag you both out of bed."

"I'm the captain, I don't take orders." Motonari called back grumpily.

"Five hundred years ago you were yes, but you ain't shit here."

"Misa!" I found myself shouting.

"Oooh, touchy on the hubs are we?" Misa said with amusement.

Motonari was laughing and I felt his breath tickling my chest, his head still cradled in my arms. I felt his gaze at me and I opened my eyes slightly, my vision still bleary from sleep, but that didn't take away from the handsomeness of his face nor his smile. "All the women in this time period mouthy as you and yer friend?" He asked me.

I playfully swatted at him. "We just know our worth now."

Motonari smiled at me as he stretched up to place a light kiss on my lips. "I don't know about the others, but yer worth more than any gold or coin...my greatest treasure."

I smiled at him and gave him a kiss in return. "We should probably get up though...she will come in here and rip the covers off of us...and I don't want to share the sight of you naked with anyone else."

Motonari grinned at me. "You possessive of me, m'lady?"

"You got a problem with it?"

"Nah, you be as greedy and possessive of me as ya want...because I don't share you neither."

We shared a few more good morning kisses before finally untangling ourselves from each other. I helped Motonari with the packaging on the clothes Misa had picked up for him and explained them. Pretty simple really. A long sleeve white t-shirt, black sweat pants, and socks. I then went to my dresser and started pulling out my clothes.

"What in the world is that? That don't look like enough fabric to cover nothin'." Motonari observed.

I smiled. "Well, it's meant for wearing under my clothes...though you will find most modern clothes much more revealing than what we wear back home." I replied, sliding on the pink cotton panties. I was then grabbing out a pair of black leggings, a black tank top, and a light-weight over-sized blue sweater. I pulled on the leggings and then the tank top and then the sweater, which had one shoulder hanging down.

Motonari was looking me up and down in my lounge wear. His eyes drinking in my form in a gratifying way. "And you say my pants are tight." He mused with a wicked grin.

I felt my cheeks redden. "These are called leggings. They're more casual wear. Worn for working out or just lounging around the house because they're super comfy...though it is becoming more common to wear them out and about for running errands and such."

"I like 'em." He said, a hungry look in his eyes.

"Well, you can appreciate them more later. We've got probably three seconds before Misa comes busting in here." I said.

Motonari slid on his gloves and then we were heading out of the room. As soon as we exited the room, I was hit with a familiar warm aroma. "What's that smell?" Motonari asked.

I breathed in the scent, feeling slightly invigorated just by the smell. "Coffee..." I breathed half in answer half in admiration of something I hadn't realized I had missed so much.

"Bout time you guys got out here." Misa remarked. "And I made the coffee figuring you would need it. I know I did after you two kept me up all night."

I felt my cheeks turn bright red. "We were being quiet." I replied.

"Your bed wasn't." Misa replied. "Pretty sure the neighbors could hear it squeaking, too. Also, my room is right next to yours."

My face was bright red so it took away from the glare I was giving Misa. I walked past her and went to grab a cup of coffee. I poured the coffee into my mug. I held it up to my nose for a moment, savoring the aroma, then I took a drinking, downing about half the cup. Feeling a bit more invigorated by the coffee already, I looked over at Misa. "You're just jealous because you're not getting any." I retorted.

"Damn, living in the past has definitely made you even spunkier." Misa replied, smiling.

Motonari was just grinning at me. "I thought alcohol was the only thing that made you that bold." He said.

"Different kind of bold...also it's just the way Misa and I have always been."

"Yeah, I didn't let her have much choice in that." Misa agreed.

Just then Sasuke was coming out of the bathroom. "You know, I have missed indoor plumbing." He said. He then looked at the coffee pot. "Oh my god, is that coffee?"

"Yup, help yourself." Misa said to him.

"Thank you." Sasuke replied, heading over to get himself a cup.

"What is this stuff anyways?" Motonari asked.

"The nectar of the gods." I answered. "You want me to make you a cup?"

He shook his head. "Nah, I'm fine."

I nodded. It's probably because Misa did the actual brewing and he doesn't know what goes into making it. I'll have to brew another pot later after Misa leaves. I thought to myself.

"Alright, so we have to figure out a few things." Misa said. "First, Sasuke do you know about that wormhole yet?"

Sasuke shook his head. "Not yet completely." He answered. "From my calculations, the conditions should be right in about three to six weeks, but I don't have the location narrowed down just yet."

"That's not bad." I said.

"Well for the next three to six weeks, I assume you two will be staying here." Misa said looking at me and Motonari.

"As long as you don't mind." I replied.

"For one, your name is on the lease too." Misa replied. "For another, for me, you've been gone a month. I finally have you back even if it is for a short time. I wanna spend time with you and hear about your new life." She was then turning a hard gaze onto Motonari. "And YOU, I have to interrogate."

Motonari grinned. "You really think it's a good idea to interrogate a pirate?"

"Or someone whose nickname is the God of Deceit." Sasuke added.

"Hey, you married my best friend without my blessing. I have every right to subject you to all kind of tests and questioning to make sure you're good enough for her."

"Misa." I said, my tone mildly scolding.

Motonari just grinned. "It's alright flower girl."

"See he's fine with it. Besides, it's just me keeping with that promise we made all those years ago." Misa said looking at me.

My face softened as I recalled the day. "You know I can protect myself right?"

"Yeah, says the girl who threw herself in front of my fist to protect someone she didn't even know...and then kept chasing after me...even when I intentionally turned my anger on you."

"Yeah, well you were just a sad and hurting kid...all of us were there." I replied.

"Yeah, but you were the one who turned your pain into something positive."

"Misa..."

Just then Misa's cell phone rang. She picked it up and answered. She spoke briefly and then sighed. "Looks like I'm going into work early. One of my patients went into labor. We'll talk more tonight. Ava your spare keys are in the drawer over there. Your car is still in the lot as well. The police brought it back when they realized there was no evidence in it about where you went. Also, I called the girls. They'll be here tonight for dinner."

"Just having a family reunion right off the bat huh?" I teased.

"Hey, we were all worried about you. Miss Mayuko is coming too. We all love you, you know."

I smiled. Feeling a mixture of warmth and guilt all at once. "I love you guys too."

"Alright, I'm off." Misa said before heading out the door.

"That was a lively exchange." Sasuke observed.

"Definitely." Motonari agreed.

I smiled and shrugged. I was then going to the fridge and rummaging through it. "Yes, we have everything to make omurice!"

"You don't gotta make breakfast, m'lady." Motonari said.

"I already had some cereal." Sasuke replied.

"Well, did it ever occur to either of you that I might want omurice?" I replied. Then I looked at Motonari. "Or that maybe I just wanted to make it for you like I said I would."

Motonari smiled at me. "Alright."

I got to work making the Omurice and brewing a fresh pot of coffee. Motonari and Sasuke sat at the table, Motonari asking Sasuke some questions about wormholes and how certain things worked in the modern world. Sasuke was more than happy to explain.

Once I had finished breakfast, I put the omurice on a plate and then took the ketchup and made a big red heart on it before setting it in front of Motonari with a cup of coffee. Sasuke had gone into the bathroom to finish getting ready for the day, as well as make some phone calls.

"So, this red sauce...it's ketchup?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yup, a sauce made from tomatoes. I believe there's sugar and vinegar as well."

Motonari smiled as he looked at the big heart on the omurice. He then leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

I smiled at him. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"Just showin' my girl a little love." He answered.

I kissed his cheek back. "You seem like you're doing better than you were last night." I observed.

"That's you." He replied.

"What do you mean?"

"Just...why you gotta make me say it?" He asked, looking delightfully bashful.

I broke into a grin. "It's okay...but you know it is just the two of us right now...and no one back home will know..."

Motonari cut me off with a kiss. He broke the kiss to rest his forehead against mine, looking me in the eyes. "You just gave me exactly what I needed last night."

I smiled and lightly kissed his lips, hoping he could feel my love for him in that kiss. "You better eat that before it gets cold...and drink that coffee."

"Yer gettin' bossy on me now that we're in yer world." He teased.

"Hey, I know what's good here." I teased.

Motonari gave me another peck on the lips before turning to his breakfast and digging in. "This is pretty good...I might prefer the chilly sauce though."

After breakfast, Sasuke came back in and we all made a plan for the day. We were only a short drive from Kyoto, so we would take Sasuke to his apartment and from there he would make arrangements to get back into the university and talk with his professor and get to work on the calculations to get us home. In the meantime Motonari and me would be spending the day in the city where we would buy him some more clothes and I would show him around modern day Japan...the world he helped save.

Motonari and I went through a new version of our morning routines before going back to my room to get changed. Motonari wasn't a fan of the sweatpants, so he put his pants back on, but kept the white t-shirt. I rummaged through my dressers and closet and grabbed out some clothes.

"More undergarments of some kind?" Motonari asked, gesturing to my bra.

"Yeah...I'm really not looking forward to wearing this one." I said with a sigh. "One thing I have not missed, but I'd feel uncomfortable in my modern clothes not wearing it."

"What is it? Some kind of...cage for your breasts?"He asked.

"Though not the actual description, not a bad one." I replied. I pulled my sweater and tank top off and put on the lacy pink bra. It honestly felt a bit tighter and more uncomfortable than I remembered. I adjusted the straps and that helped some, but not quite enough.

Motonari was looking at me. "Definitely a cage...though does make 'em look nice." He said, grinning.

I looked into his red eyes as he said that...damn he looks as thirsty as he makes me feel most of the time. I thought to myself. Dammit, now I'm getting horny. I gave my cheeks a light slap, hoping the slight shock to my system would help. Then I went about getting dressed, pulling on a skirt that came to about my mid-thigh and a casual pale yellow blouse.

"You can go out with that much of yer legs showin'?" He asked.

"Yeah, I can go out showing a whole lot more in fact." I answered.

Motonari was then sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me close. "I'm gonna have to keep you close then."

I smiled at him. "I'll never complain about that."

We shared a few kisses before exiting my room and heading out to join Sasuke. I led them to my car, locking the apartment up behind me. "What's this...car?" Motonari asked.

"It's how we get around now. Much faster than a horse." I answered. "Remember, I told you, planes, trains, and automobiles. Turns trips that can take days into hours."

"Moving boxes of steel?" Motonari asked.

I nodded. "Glad you remember."

"I ain't ever gonna forget that."

"You know, I feel like I want to ask, but at the same time I don't." Sasuke said.

"Oh, just the first time I told him about the future, I was kind of doing it to mess with him." I replied.

"And yet it was all the truth." Motonari said. "Of course, I knew you were trying to screw with me then."

"Can you blame me, though?"

"Yeah." He answered with a teasing grin.

"Oh just for that, I am going to have some fun with you on this drive." I replied, opening the driver's side door and climbing in. Sasuke opened the passenger side back door and climbed in.

Motonari took the front seat and I instructed him on how to put on his seat belt before I turned the key and then shifted the car into gear. We soon got on the highway and were heading into Kyoto. Though I drove cautiously, I couldn't help but to drive just a tiny bit faster than needed and do a few little things to try and mess with Motonari, though of course nothing seemed to phase him.

Once we were in Kyoto, Sasuke directed me to his apartment and then I dropped him off. He already had Misa's number so he could call us when necessary and keep us updated. Now Motonari and I were alone in the car as I drove us through the city, looking for the best place to park.

"Ava."

"Hm?"

"What was that...that Misa was talkin' about this morning? 'Bout how you guys met and everything?" Motonari asked.

I knew it would come up eventually, but this was the one thing I'd never really told him about. My childhood. It's not that I didn't want to share it with him. I'd made my peace with the painful parts of it long ago. It just didn't feel right to tell him about my painful childhood memories when his were so much worse. "When I was about five...both of my parents died."

See what happens next below!

https://writingwhimsey.tumblr.com/post/666789099967037440/my-pirate-lord-and-our-life-ch-18

[firstaidspray]

👤👖🪞+ Jordanna & Kimi pls?

👤 What is your OC’s skin like? Is it unblemished, or are they prone to breakouts? Do they have any scars, tattoos, or other skin markings? Does their skin tend to be sensitive to things that get on it (lotions, cleaning products, etc.)?

Jordanna: Jordanna's skin is surprisingly clear for how little she takes care of it. She uses some basic soap and calls it a day when at home, but out on a mission she's always dirty and can't bathe so it's a wonder she doesn't get breakouts!! Her tattoos are a red band with a heart monitor wavelength around her left arm and a tribal tramp stamp with a star (pictured). As I said, her skin gets a lot of dirt on it with no reaction, and she's never really had any kind of reaction to lotion or soap or anything.

Kimi: Kimi has a bit of small, light acne blemishes on her cheeks that could pass as freckles if you are far enough away. They don't ever really get inflamed, though. She doesn't have any tattoos, but does have a very small scar on the inside of her left middle finger from a scalpel cutting through her glove and getting her skin. Her skin isn't particularly sensitive, but there was one medicated cream she was applying to a patient (WITH GLOVES) but it got on her arm and she broke out in hives. So she has to be extra careful with that one.

👖 What type of clothing does your OC generally wear? Why? Do they have any “signature” accessories?

Jordanna: Mostly just tank tops, t shirts, or cut off sleeve shirts and cargo pants or scrubs. Combat boots or sneakers. Very casual, lots of cool tones. Shirts with logos on them mostly. She does sometimes wear a cute casual dress, and athletic wear occasionally. I wouldn't say she has a signature accessory, but it's pretty common of her to wear grayish/greenish cargo pants.

Kimi: Other than scrubs, she loves comfy and cozy outfits. Oversized sweaters, anything soft. Flared pants, sundresses. Favorite colors are light green, baby pink, white, and beige. Other than her wedding ring after she and Rafe marry, there's also her watch, which is a digital watch for work but it's been fitted with a white gold linked band embedded with lab grown diamonds. A gift from Rafe, of course.

🪞 How does your OC perceive themself? Do they believe themself to be attractive, unattractive, or average? Does their view of themself affect their self-esteem, or are they unbothered by their physical appearance? (If your OC does have things they’re confident or insecure about, what are they?)

Jordanna: Jordanna considers herself attractive, but she doesn't really prioritize looks as a part of her that holds a lot of value. So she has pretty high self esteem in regards to her looks, like if you insult her looks she would probably just laugh. No real insecurities or things she's overly confident about.

Kimi: She considers herself to be very plain and boring, so it's a huge shock when Rafe says she looks like an angel and is constantly calling her beautiful and cute and sexy. She's sort of self conscious in that way, that she thinks she's nothing special, but I don't think there are any particular features she is insecure about.

Thank you SO SO SO MUCH for asking!!! 💖💕💖💕💖💕

[popatochisssp]

Aesthetics Ref - HS Bros

Nickname: Merc (Horrorswap Sans)

Height: 4” taller than you (OR 5’3”)

Eye-lights: Sky blue (#87CEEB), ringed with Determination Red (#FF0000); later on, Mimi pink (#FFDAE9)

Magic Specialty: Cyan, yellow, red

Scars/distinguishing marks: None…most of the time—in states of high or unpleasant emotion, his physical form destabilizes, leading to drippage or literal meltdown if not reined in

Preferred Style: Sterile, while he has to be, and then full-on spring pastel rebirth. While he still has to worry about his body not staying as solid as it’s supposed to be, he makes a lot of practical fashion choices to minimize mess, the ruining of clothing items, and the raising of uncomfortable questions. During that time, he favors a lot of white and water-resistant materials; any colors he wants to include are generally in the context of (mostly white) tie-dye and marbled patterns to disguise drips and stains. Once he has his freedom back, he favors solid pastels, light and loosely fitting materials, and metallic foil designs.

Outerwear: Leather racer-style jacket in white, (waterproof) sports jackets. AFTER, denim jackets, rarely

Top: Athleticwear shirts, usually long-sleeve; a few generic marbled and/or tie-dye t-shirts. AFTER, lots of short-sleeve and quarter-sleeve shirts, and tank tops, all in solid pastel colors; loose fits and light, sometimes even sheer fabrics. Gold and silver metallic foil prints are common, especially stars and planets.

Bottom: More athleticwear, joggers and track pants, some light denim in strategic washes and dyes. AFTER, board shorts and Bermuda shorts with a few pairs of capris for good measure

Footwear: Leather sneakers, boots (also leather, Russian style). AFTER, low-top sneakers, especially with prints or metallics; sandals (slides and birkenstocks)

Trademark accessory/accessories: A blue and white speckled bracelet, made out of braided fabric. It used to be his bandana before it got ruined by…bone goop…and he couldn’t wear it without risking ruining it worse. It’s repurposed now, though, and he can—and does—wear it again with just about everything!

-

Nickname: Ell (Horrorswap Papyrus)

Height: Eventually 1’7” taller than you (OR 6’6”)

Eye-lights: None (magic otherwise manifests violet-blue [#4C51A9])

Magic Specialty: Blue, orange, cyan

Scars/distinguishing marks: Both legs missing from above the knee, eventually replaced with prosthetics

Preferred Style: Casual emo grunge, there’s no full commitment from him to any particular aesthetic but the vibes are present. It’s as if he definitely shops at Hot Topic, but only buys t-shirts and hoodies there. He doesn’t put much thought into his wardrobe and just buys and wears things he thinks are cool, and the rest of it is just whatever as long as it fits okay. Favors black and cool colors (i.e., navy, olive, eggplant), and vintage designs.

Outerwear: Lots of hoodies, preference for zippered; most are plain and dark but he has a few with designs/words/logos on them

Top: Graphic t-shirts almost exclusively, designs range from band shirts and horror movies to art he just thinks looks neat (like a circuit board with a human heart at the center, or a skull merged with a rose—y’know, cool stuff)

Bottom: Cargo shorts are still his preference, but he likes the kind with the cinch at the bottom so he doesn’t have to pin or sew them up; has some jeans and sweatpants too, but they’re not his favorites

Footwear: ……… Well actually, when he does eventually have some feet to put shoes on again, he generally goes for high-top canvas sneakers like before, maybe with some prints if he can find any cool ones

Trademark accessory/accessories: His dark (and/or black) hoodie(s), he’s rarely without one unless he’s at home—and sometimes not even then.

[harrygroves]

a simple favor - chapter five

part four

“Billy, get on the horse.”

“Steve, for the tenth time, I am not getting on that thing.” Billy repeats, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Why not?” Steve asks, atop his own horse, growing impatient.

“Look at what you’re on, Steve. That thing is huge.”

“Yes, they are, but it’s safe. I swear.” Steve promises.

“Nope. No fucking way. I’ll pass on this.”

Steve gives him a murderous smile, talking through clenched teeth. “Billy, my mother is watching through the window, alright? Get on mine then, just come on!”

Billy looks over his shoulder, back at the house where Mrs. Harrington is indeed watching them.

He turns back to Steve. “You want me to ride with you?” He asks.

“If you won’t ride on your own then you can ride with me.” Steve replies with a shrug.

Billy deflates, defeated. “Fine, but I’m not wearing the stupid fucking helmet.” He snaps before approaching Steve and his horse.

It’s a big, strong looking American Quarter (according to Steve) horse with soft brown hair and black, inky eyes. Billy has never been this close to a horse before and it’s scaring the absolute shit out of him.

Steve instructs him. “Right, so put your foot there, and grab here and hoist yourself up.”

Billy does so with shaky hands and the horse moves while he hoists, and it freaks him the hell out and he settles behind Steve, wrapping his arms around Steve’s middle tightly.

Billy can feel the laugh vibrate through Steve’s body. “Wow, you’re really scared, aren’t you?” Steve says.

“Yes, I am not just trying to grope you, I am in fact, fucking terrified right now.”

“Well, then you’re not going to like this.” Steve says before making a loud noise and kicking the horse.

“Oh my god, oh my god.” Billy shouts into the back of Steve’s neck as they take off.

Galloping. They’re fucking galloping.

Billy’s going to murder him.

*

He doesn’t get used to it, not for a single second and when Steve finally slows the horse to a light trot, he realizes his body is rigid and unmoving and it takes a great deal of effort to untangle his arms from Steve. His limbs are stiff, but he can’t fully let go of Steve; he’s the only thing keeping him on the fucking horse, so he settles for lightly gripping his sides.

“I h-hate you.” Billy sputters out, voice shaking.

“Aww, sweetie. Love you too.” Steve replies cheekily over his shoulder.

Billy had kept closing his eyes while riding, and hadn’t fully looked around him. They were in a meadow, near a pond, a couple ducks gliding along the water.

Steve leads the horse to the water and lets it drink. Billy tries to stop trembling but it’s not going away.

“So, how do you think this is going?” Steve asks nonchalantly.

“I fucking hate it.” Billy snaps.

“No, not the horse, you dolt, the plan.” Steve bites back.

“Oh. Uh. I don't know. Fine I guess. Your parents are a fucking nightmare, but you warned me about that. Do you think they’re buying it?”

Steve is quiet for a moment. The horse shakes it head around, steps back and moves forward a couple times and Billy finds himself gripping Steve’s sides harder.

“I think mom is too mad to look any deeper.” Steve finally says. “I can’t read dad. I’ll have to ask Robin.”

“What do you mean?” Billy scrunches his nose, confused.

“I mean, I’m not gonna actually ask, like, do you think dad is buying this?, but I’ll ask her if dad likes you.”

“He’d tell her?”

Steve nods. “They talk a lot more than he and I do.”

“Oh.” Billy says, feeling an awkward silence fall between them.

The silence is broken by Steve kicking the horse again and they’re off, Billy letting out a surprised, scared sound and wrapping his arms around Steve again.

*

After Billy gets off the horse, his legs feel like jelly. Steve brings the horse to the stable and takes the time to brush it, cooing and whispering at the thing like it’s a human child. Billy smokes a cigarette and rolls his eyes.

Finally Steve is done and they make their way back into the house.

Robin runs into them in the hallway and asks how it went.

“Lovely.” Steve says at the same time Billy says, “Fucking awful.”

Robin laughs, a deep-belly sound that actually makes Billy smile. She’s genuinely a fun person to be around and Billy’s starting to like her.

“What are you guys doing the rest of the day?” She asks once the laughing subsides.

“Probably prepping him for another interrogation at dinner.” Steve says with a long, tired eye-roll.

Like an afterthought, Steve reaches over and takes Billy’s hand, squeezing it lightly. The exchange might appear as though Steve was trying to comfort Billy, so Billy smiles at him slightly before the attention goes back to Robin.

“Alright, fine, but I want a day with him.” Robin says, crossing her arms.

“Uh. What?” Steve says, dropping Billy’s hand.

“Oh c’mon, Steve. The last guy you brought here was, like, two years ago. And I didn’t even get to know him. Let Billy and I hang.”

“I...don't...uh...stories!” Steve blurts out. “You’ll tell a bunch of embarrassing stories, and I won’t allow it.”

Billy wants to facepalm. He wants to cry. Steve is so bad at this.

“Sweetie -- ” Billy starts with a sickening smile. “ -- I think it’s a great idea. It’ll be fine. Promise.”

Billy reaches an arm over and wraps it around Steve, does it casually like it’s a common occurrence. Steve is tense beside him, mouth pursed and Billy can tell he’s not happy with this plan.

“Yay!” Robin claps her hands together. “We can curl each other’s hair and talk boys.” She says with a wink before saying goodbye and leaving them.

Steve shakes out of Billy’s arm and gives him a mean look. “You’re such an asshole.” He grumbles lowly.

“Aww, c’mon Stevie. We had a barely tolerable afternoon, don't ruin it.”

“I fucking hate you.” Steve continues, storming away.

“Steve? Steve! Wait for me! Seriously, I’m not getting lost in the Winchester Mystery House.” Billy shouts, running after him.

*

They’re arguing in Steve’s room.

Steve does not want Billy spending alone time with Robin.

Billy doesn’t understand why.

“It shouldn’t matter why.” Steve tells him, arms crossed over his chest. “I’m paying you for a job, and this is not a requirement for that job.”

“Jeez, boss. Re-lax.” Billy says, laying on the bed.

“She’s going to...look, she’s going to tell you a bunch of stupid stories and I don't need you knowing anymore about me, other than the totally necessary shit for this stupid charade.”

Billy snorts. “A charade you designed.”

“I will fucking suffocate you tonight, I swear to god.”

“I honestly think you could with these pillows.” Billy mentions airily. He sits up. “Look, dude, this is stupid. I don't care what she says, I literally will not absorb any of it, swear. Unless it’s incredibly humiliating and I can use it against you in the future.”

Steve’s eyes are daggers and he looks like he wants to yell. Instead he stalks into the bathroom and slams the door.

*

Dinner is another awkward affair and Steve is mad at him, which makes it much worse. Robin keeps looking between them with interest. Billy tries to keep up appearances and puts his hand on Steve’s leg. Steve roughly shoves it off.

It’s like the kid forgot why Billy was even there.

Irritated, he cuts into his steak and eats angrily.

After dinner, Steve and Billy excuse themselves. They go back to Steve’s room, and Billy takes off his clothes, leaving him in boxers, before slipping into bed without a word.

Steve turns the television off but keeps it low. Billy isn’t facing him but he can tell Steve is still pissed. So is he.

Whatever.

*

The next morning Billy is plastered against Steve, one arm underneath him. Their legs are tangled together, hips touching. They’re both hard in their boxers. At some point last night, Steve had changed into a black-and-white striped tank top and taken his pants off.

The weight of Steve against him is comfortable and weird at the same time. His hair smells good. The tank top has ridden up, revealing mole-speckled skin. His mouth is open and the stale stench of morning breath wafts out, but Steve’s lazy, almost pleasant expression is what Billy is more focused on.

It’s nice.

It’s actually kind of nice.

Billy wants to kiss him.

Fuck.

This is...not good.

If he kissed Steve, would Steve wake up?

Would he kiss Billy back?

Would something else happen?

Billy zones out for a moment, thinking about that, but then realizes he absolutely cannot think about it any further because heat is pooling down his back, down his front and he has the overwhelming urge to grind against Steve.

Billy clears his throat and starts slowly trying to separate himself and Steve.

Steve only half wakes up, eyes fluttering open briefly. Billy’s moved his lower body away, but Steve’s still lying on his arm.

“Hmm?” Steve hums.

“Kinda...trapped here.” Billy says awkwardly.

Steve moans a little, sleep-heavy, and rolls away from Billy.

Billy leaves to use the bathroom, forcing himself to only pee and not jerk off.

When he returns to the bedroom, Steve is still lying on his side, but he’s looking at his phone.

Billy starts to say, “Good mo -- , ” but stops himself because oh yeah, they’re angry with each other. Steve looks at him briefly before turning his attention back to his phone.

Billy goes to the closet and grabs sweatpants and a t-shirt.

He needs coffee and a fucking cigarette.

He doesn’t say anything to Steve before leaving to try and find the kitchen.

Billy doesn’t get very far. He overhears fragments of a conversation coming from one of the libraries, or at least, Billy thinks it’s a library. He can’t keep track of the rooms in this damn house.

It’s Steve’s parents.

“ -- not thinking straight, obviously -- ”

“ -- Billy is just a phase -- ”

“ -- fighting all the time, just heard them the other day -- ”

“ -- don't think they’ll last -- ”

“ -- push off the money if Steve’s this unstable -- ”

Well fuck.

“ -- go talk to Steve right now -- ”

Shit. Shit shit shit.

Billy ran as quietly as he could back to the bedroom.

Steve was sitting up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

Billy peeked out the door, looking down the hall. He saw the unmistakable hairstyle of Mrs. Harrington turning the corner and shut the door silently.

“Fuck.” Billy rubbed a hand over his face.

“What?” Steve yawned.

Billy turned and looked at Steve apprehensively. He guessed he had about thirty seconds and had to move quickly.

Billy took his shirt off, throwing it aside. He went over to the bed and slid under the covers, pouncing on Steve and pinning him down, Billy’s legs pushing Steve’s apart.

“What, what the fuck?” Steve all but shrieked, trying to move away, twist out of Billy’s hold.

“Dude, shut up. Listen to me.” Billy hissed. Steve is still hard and it’s pushing against Billy’s inner thigh but Billy tries to focus. “I overheard your parents talking, I’ll explain that part later, your mom’s coming in here. I need to -- ” He cut himself off, looking down at Steve’s mouth.

Steve seemed to understand and looked away briefly, but only for a second before giving a tight nod in response.

“It is extremely important that you act like you’re enjoying this.” Billy informs him and tries to sound as serious as possible.

Steve doesn’t say anything but Billy doesn’t miss how his cheeks are flushing and yeah, Steve’s dick just twitched.

Billy leant down and kissed him.

Steve was unresponsive for a moment, but Billy lets one of his wrists go and reaches down to pull at Steve’s tank top, pushing it up to his neck. Nipples exposed, Billy puts his hand on Steve’s chest, digging a finger against one of them.

Steve gasps against Billy’s mouth and Billy takes advantage of it, plunging his tongue in Steve’s mouth.

Billy feels Steve’s free hand grab at his hair and Steve’s suddenly kissing him back, making these little, desperate, almost confused noises in the back of his throat.

Billy drags his hand down Steve’s body, further down, dragging Steve’s boxers slightly down with his hand. He grips at Steve’s hips, which jerk in his hold. Steve whines a little. The blankets are pooled at their hips, so Steve’s mom wouldn’t even be able to see that, but Billy’s being a little greedy right now. Truthfully Steve hasn’t stopped moving since they started kissing, like he’s trying to move his body away, trying not to push against Billy, but he can’t stop shifting and squirming, and Billy wonders if it’s intentional or for show cause it’s doing things to Billy that he’s trying not to overthink.

Another desperate sound falls out of Steve’s mouth and Billy is starting to get hard again, knows Steve can feel it.

It was hot.

His heart is hammering. He kisses Steve harder, starting to lose himself in the way it’s making him feel.

He’s desperate to touch Steve, and his hand moves down a little.

“Steven, I -- ”

They jerk apart.

Mrs. Harrington stands in the doorway, eyes wide in shock.

“Mom!” Steve yells angrily.

“I. Oh. I. Oh no.” She’s short-circuiting, clearly embarrassed, and stumbles backwards out of the room, shutting the door.

Billy doesn’t move. He waits a full ten seconds before turning back to look at Steve who is staring at him, face bright red, and it’s spread down his neck, his chest.

They’re still so close and Billy’s still holding his wrist, other hand gripping his hip.

He glances down at Steve’s mouth and he wants, god does he want.

Billy moves ever so slightly towards Steve.

Steve’s breath hitches. “Get off me.” Steve says quickly.

Crashing back to reality, Billy pulls away, moving off Steve.

Steve yanks his shirt down, pulls the blankets over him and lets out a long, shaky breath.

“What the fuck was that about?”

So Billy tells him.

chapter six

[sunflowerim]

I LOVE YOU 3000!

-PART 40

Weekend 7

Harry reached sharply at 8 and was warmly greeted by Lux who couldn't stop smiling. Theo was playing with Cliff and upon seeing Harry, both of them ran to him at once.

"Will Cliff be joining us?" Harry asked, scratching Clifford behind the ears.

"No," replied Theo sadly, "he is not allowed, so we're dropping him at the dog sitters place."

"Aww Cliffy we'll miss you,'' Harry patted Clifford before looking around for Louis.

Louis emerged right then from the room wearing an unbuttoned sap green shirt over a plain white tee, sunglasses hooked in the t-shirt, chocolate brown fringe falling over his eyes. He looked beautiful.

Louis caught him staring but was awestruck himself to do anything about it. Harry stood in front of him wearing a pink shirt with white polka dots, buttons half undone (as always) and sunglasses atop his head, tangled in his curls.

They stared at each other without even moving a muscle when Theo and Lux started aggressively tugging Louis, breaking the moment.

"C'mon uncle Lou, let's goooooo."

"We're getting LATE!"

Within fifteen minutes, all of them were seated in Louis' car driving to the dog sitters house. The car speaker was playing 'Do you wanna build a snowman' on Theo's insistence and after dropping Clifford, they were driving off to the wonders that awaited them.

Harry waited with the kids as Louis went ahead to buy the tickets. Once they got the tickets, they stood with a group and a tour guide greeted them.

"Hello and welcome to the Warner Bros Studios- the making of Harry Potter. I'm gonna walk you through the sets and--"

Harry was distracted by Louis practically bobbing with excitement next to him. Soon the guide led them into the studio and they stood in a wide hall, at the centre of which a statue of the Gringott's dragon was suspended.

People around them were buzzing around and clicking pictures. Even Louis took out his phone and with great concentration took a picture if the dragon. From there, they were led to a set up of the inside of privet drive and the cupboard under the stairs.

"Oh my god, Theo look Harry's room," Lux pulled Theo out of the crowd to show him what she'd seen.

Next they went inside the great hall where and it was magnificent. Harry had seen the Harry Potter movies, but wasn't that deeply invested in them. But Louis. Let's just say Harry had come to visit the place with three kids and not two. Louis couldn't contain his excitement at all. He took in everything with eager eyes, took pictures randomly and every now and then Harry could hear him murmur "wish I was a wizard."

Slowly they walked through a lot more sets each as exciting as the last one. From the Gryffindor common room, boys dorm, Hagrid's hut, potions & herbology classroom, leaky cauldron, to the various shops of Diagon Alley, each captured the attention of the crowd and made everyone's jaw drop. They had a difficult time in the forbidden forest, where huge spiders kept appearing every now and then, scaring Theo and Lux, and Louis had to keep explaining that those weren't real.

There was a particular emotional moment when Louis was brought to tears by a stuffed werewolf because it reminded him of Remus Lupin. Both Lux and Theo, along with Harry had to console him afterwards. He had barely recovered when they were faced with a abstract statue of Sirius Black and Louis was sad again.

Soon it was time for lunch and they found some nice seats in the in-studio restaurant and ate to their fullest. Louis and Harry even tried butterbeer and Louis declared this should be available at all regular clubs too.

After lunch, they were led towards the Hogwarts Express and Harry took pictures of Lux, Theo and Louis one by one in front of the 9¾ platform. In another section, tourists could dress up in Hogwarts robes and sit on a broomstick and record videos and of course all three of them did.

All of them were amazed at the props section. Each and every prop used in the movies was placed in glass boxes and they looked so realistic, it'd make one think that they were actually in the wizarding world.

Walking around the wizarding world set up they didn't even notice the time and soon it was almost evening.

The tour was almost over and their last stop was the merch shop. Upon entering the merch shop, nobody moved for a few seconds. They were taken aback by the variety of items that had been stacked up for sale. Louis bought Lux and Theo a wand each and they couldn't stop waving it around even for a second. He himself wanted to buy a Gryffindor quidditch costume, which earned a tease from Harry,

"Fancy seeing you go to work in these."

"Don't be silly Harry, it's for Halloween."

At the end he settled for a Gryffindor t-shirt and bought robes for the twins instead. Hufflepuff for Theo and Gryffindor for Lux.

Louis even made Harry take the Sorting Hat quiz right there, so he could buy him something. Hufflepuff.

"Yay, Harry you're with me," said Theo running to hug him.

Harry wouldn't buy a robe so Louis got him a t-shirt too.

They also bought a Hogwarts poster for the twins' bedroom at Louis' (because their mum wouldn't let them put up so many posters in the room in their own house and well Louis is the cool uncle so he'll obviously buy it for them).

On their way out they bought loads of chocolates and in his excitement, Louis didn't notice that Harry was lingering a little longer at the payment desk.

It was a wholesome day and it left them exhausted but happy.

After exiting the studio, Louis drove them to his favourite restaurant for dinner. The twins were staying with them tonight and had insisted Harry stay back too. Harry readily agreed and Louis was the happiest.

Theo had fallen asleep in Harry's lap and Lux in Louis' and the two of them slowly climbed the stairs to the apartment carrying the kids in their arms.

After reaching the apartment, Louis woke them up for a while to brush their teeth while Harry got them ready for bed. As Harry and Louis tucked them in their bed, they both said their goodnights in sleepy murmurs.

Harry was feeling tired too and went to the guest room (which had begun to look like his room) after wishing Louis goodnight.

As Harry settled in the bed, he took out his phone, deciding to post some pictures.

As he finished posting some pictures, he noticed that Louis had put up some stories on Instagram too. He was amused by the excitement which was radiating off of Louis' stories. He really was a kid at heart.

Harry was about to keep his phone down and go to sleep when he noticed that Louis had posted a picture. He quickly scrolled up and when he saw what Louis had posted, his breath hitched.

Harry will never know what possessed him at that moment that he jumped out of bed and pulled the blue wrapped packet from under the bed, deciding to go to Louis' room at once. He grabbed a clean t-shirt (which belonged to Louis) from the bedside drawer and at once made his way across to Louis' door. Clutching the packet tightly in one hand, he softly knocked.

Harry waited for about 2 seconds before the door was opened by Louis, still shirtless.

"What happened Harry? Did you need something?" Louis asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

"No, --um yeah, I mean- I wanted to give you something," Harry replied waving the packet slightly.

"Oh come in."

They made their way to the bed when Louis seemed to remember he wasn't wearing a shirt and quickly dived into the drawers for one. Harry's brows furrowed in frustration when he saw Louis putting on a black tank top and coming over to sit next to him.

"What did you get me?"

"See for yourself," Harry said handing the packet to Louis.

"You didn't have to," Louis continued, carefully opening the packet, "When did you even--"

Louis paused midway, opening the box in the packet, gaping at the content inside. "Harry, you-- I-- you- thanks wow, I mean- how did you-", he tried forming a coherent sentence while picking up the carved wooden wand from the box.

Harry chuckled quietly, "I saw how intently you were learning the wand choreography. It's only fair that you have one too."

Louis flung himself on Harry, knocking the breath out of his lungs, "thank you so much, I love this."

Harry hugged him back tightly, trying to steal as much warmth as he could before he had to let go.

Louis let go after a few seconds, face flushed and went back to examining the wand. Harry watched Louis' eyes sparkle as he held out his wand and tried out some moves. Louis couldn't stopped smiling and that made Harry's insides flutter.

After a while, Harry decided it best to leave, "So I'll leave you to your devices. Goodnight."

Harry got up to leave but was stopped by Louis tugging the hem of his t-shirt.

"You could stay if you want," Louis said, ducking his head down.

"Here?" Harry asked, unsure, not letting his hopes get the better of him.

"Here," Louis replied looking up, holding Harry's gaze.

"Um okay."

Harry sat back on the bed as Louis shifted around to remove his clothes from the bed. Harry moved back in the bed and leaned against the headboard. Louis joined him soon and for a few moments both were quiet, not knowing what to say. The silence wasn't uncomfortable though.

Louis had kept the windows open which let in the cool summer breeze and Harry felt at peace listening to the sound of crickets with Louis beside him.

Louis started first-

"I saw that you posted a picture of me from your main."

"Yes."

"Wouldn't that be a problem?"

"Why? I can hang out with my friends."

Friends

Harry quickly tried to correct himself after seeing the look on Louis' face, "Not that I consider you one-- I mean-- yes I do, but not in that way, you know-- I mean-"

"It's okay Harry. I know," Louis replied, relaxing once again and slowly sliding down the bed, lying flat on his back.

Harry watched him as the moonlight settled on the curves of his face, and watched as his eyelids fluttered slowly, the moonlight dancing in the shadows of his eyelashes.

Harry tangled his fingers with Louis' half afraid that Louis would remove his hand but Louis just tightened the grip.

"Thanks for today," Harry hummed so slowly, that Louis missed him.

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for today," Harry said, a little louder this time, "for everything actually."

Louis craned his neck upward to look at Harry's face and said, "Someone's being sappy today."

Harry smiled and slid down himself, propped himself on his left elbow, head resting on his hand and looked down at Louis. "Well you make me one."

"You make me one too."

If Harry could choose one moment to relive over and over again, it would probably be this, him lying beside Louis, their fingers intertwined and his face hovering inches above Louis'.

They gazed at each and even in the dim moonlight that had filtered in the room, they could see every inch of each others face clearly and suddenly without a warning Harry leaned in and kissed Louis.

Louis' brain short circuited and he froze for a second before giving in. Harry astounded by his own courage didn't waste time in climbing on top of Louis and taking his breath away.

Harry could feel the butterfly convention in his stomach going feral.

Louis let out a nervous laugh when they stopped to catch their breaths. Harry's curls were all over his face and Louis brought his hand up tuck the wild curls behind his ears.

"Harry are you sure?" he managed between ragged breaths.

"Yes," Harry replied, his voice strained.

"But-" Louis stopped, not knowing how to say it.

"Oh god," Harry groaned, "you're gonna make me say it aren't you? Yes Louis Tomlinson, I want this, if it wasn't clear enough. Just that-" he paused, "you're the first-"

"-bloke you're snogging?" Louis completed with an all knowing smile.

"I would have framed it better, but I guess that works too."

With that Harry closed the gap between them again, hands fiddling with the fabric of Louis' shirt which he managed to pull off in a few minutes.

"Shouldn't have put it on," Harry murmured in between their kisses.

Louis tangled his hands in Harry's hair and tugged at it in response.

"I love seeing you in my shirt," Louis said, rolling them over, settling on top of Harry, legs straddling Harry's hips, "but right now, I'd like for it to disappear."

Louis grabbed his wand from the bedside table and pointing it down at Harry, said "Evanesco!"

Harry watched in amusement as the boy above him, held a wand out and incanted a vanishing spell in the middle of a heated moment. Trust Louis to be dramatic. Louis' eyes glistened in the dim light and Harry obliged instantly. Louis leaned in on Harry and they got into their rhythm again, slowly discovering every inch of each other's skin, neither willing to let go.

--

When Harry woke next morning, he pleased to find himself on top of Louis' chest, listening to his heartbeat and feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of Louis' belly underneath his hand. He slowly got up, careful not to wake Louis up and got off the bed, planting a kiss on Louis' forehead and made for the bathroom. He quickly freshened up, and returned to the room, to find Louis sitting up, with his back facing the window, sunlight slipping in through the curtains and illuminating his back. Louis smiled sleepily and beckoned Harry to come over. Harry started making his way over to him but suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Stay here, don't move, I'll be back."

He dashed out of Louis' room and into the guest room and returned a minute later with his phone.

"Can I take a picture?"

"What?" Louis laughed in disbelief. "You can't be serious, I'm in my boxers."

"That won't matter. You look beautiful."

A slow blush spread across Louis' face and Harry took that as a cue to move forward. He stood at the end of the bed on Louis' right side and with great concentration took a picture.

"Let me have a look" Louis asked.

"Nuh, uh. You'll see when it's time."

Louis pouted his lips in faux sadness which earned a kiss from Harry.

"Now freshen up, the twins will be up anytime soon."

Inside the shower, Louis couldn't stop thinking about last night. He could feel a stupid grin spread on his face everytime he thought about Harry.

God. He might be in love.

Louis emerged into the drawing room and an amazing smell of pancakes wafted into his nose.

"Hey how'd you know?" Louis asked, making his way over to the kitchen and climbing on top of the kitchen counter.

"Huh? --oh this? Lux told me. Pancakes. Household favourite."

"You're spoiling them."

"You're one to talk," Harry raised an eyebrow at Louis and had to force his thoughts from wanting to kiss Harry again to the delicious pancakes being cooked.

The twins absolutely adored Harry and wouldn't let him leave even after breakfast. Lot's of negotiations and promises later, they finally agreed to let Harry leave. Louis walked him to the door and as Harry was leaving, he reached out and held his hand.

"Um, you do realise that we've watched 21 out of 22 movies and it's just week 7?"

"So what? If you thought you'll get rid of me after a few calculated weeks, you're wrong mister. I think we established that already."

"Yeah, I was just checking if it stands," Louis replied sheepishly.

"After yesterday, you don't have to worry," Harry said, moving closer and pressing a chaste kiss on Louis' lips.

And he was off.

Louis would have stood in the doorway for a little longer if the sound of giggles behind him didn't break his train of thoughts.

Lux and Theo were peering around from the couch and had apparently witnessed the display of affection.

"Are you going to marry him uncle Lou?" Theo asked, his expressions a mix of glee and confusion.

"No Theo, put your mind to rest," Louis ruffled Theo's hair.

"Do you love him? Like mommy and daddy?"

Louis smiled at that, "I don't know Lux, maybe ask Harry, next time you see him."

Lux beamed at that and soon Louis was getting the twins ready to be picked up by their mum.

Louis' sister actually stayed for an hour and they talked about all sorts if stuff, catching up on things they'd missed in each other's lives. Louis thought for a moment of he should tell her about Harry but then decided against it. It was too soon.

No sooner had all of them left, when Louis got a notification of a new post from Harry's private instagram. He quickly opened it and what he saw took his breath away again. Harry seemed to be doing that quite often.

Harry Styles was going to be the death of him.

-----

Note : first of all I'm so sorry for the late update, my college schedule is all packed up ugh -_- Secondly I've never been to Warner Bros Studios myself, so excuse the narration!

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INTRO