#'I know every dog in my pedigree'

[wyrddogs]

#and the more confidently a breeder posts about their dogs' health the more suspicious i get because USUALLY#it means theres a lot they havent checked#OR that they're overstating the things they have vs the things they havent and the things they can't check#there is always something and if someone tells you there isnt they they either dont wanna tell you or they dont know#there is always a recessive something or a sibling with dysplasia or granddad that died at 6 or a heart murmur cousin#epilepsy in the 3rd generation a wonky vertebrae near the back row#or a half sibling that died young from a bizarre set of symptoms the questions are#does it form a pattern. and how is it weighed

and in the spirit of the topic of the day, talking about a subject with great confidence doesn't make anyone an authority or even mean they're particularly knowledgeable. some people just sound really confident, or they don't know enough to know what they don't know. saying shit isn't proof of anything. show don't tell type of deal

[scorittanius]

i love you people breeding animals to be healthy and happy instead of following the 'ideal' breed standard i love you long-snout french bulldogs you can't hear wheezing from a mile away i love you retro pugs that breathe and have eyes that don't bulge i love you scottish straights with strong joints instead of chronic pain and degenerative joint disease i love you doodle/groodle breeders that actually care for their dogs health and temperment over profit i love you 'boring' wild-type reptiles bred for health and temperment over pretty colours i love you working-line GSDs with no hip or joint dysplasia i love you horses that look like real animals and not horrifically heat-damaged toys

[border-collie]

First day of work tomorrow

[buunbaanbeen]

mine w/ johnny ‘soap’ mactavish

hello? is this thing on?? i’m a writer but i’ve never written anything for COD before so uh…. here you go!! anyways, it’s just an idea that’s been on my mind for a while and i thought it would be best to shove it into the void in the hopes that it sticks.

MDNI!!!!

not proofread bc it’s like 4am and i’m tired…

——————————————————————————

there’s something about his upstairs neighbour that johnny just despises. he’s never met you, nor does he even know your name, but with the amount of times you’ve almost come through his ceiling with your banging about, he things he has more than enough reason to. he’s spend hours imagining whoever it is that lives up there, sketching out face after face in his sketchbook before scribbling moustaches and glasses on them like an immature child defacing a magazine. he feels childish whenever he tears the random faces out of the book and tosses them into the bin, but then he hears your forgetful self open and slam your front door 3 times before leaving, and he reminds himself why he hates you so much.

one morning, when the banging starts at 6am, johnny decides that he’s had enough. he’s big and bulky enough to be an intimidating presence to anyone that comes down those stairs, and the bullet scar that sits on his bicep, just beneath the hem of his sleeve, only adds to his overall aura. it doesn’t matter if it’s a little old lady with an equally old dog in her arms, or a man twice his size; john is ready to confront them. maybe a few harsh words will get them to shut the fuck up and give him a little peace every once in a while.

he waits to hear the door upstairs shut once, twice, and then finally a third time before stepping out into the corridor, still barefoot with his pyjama pants hanging slack on his hips. images flash through his head of who you might be, months worth of hate-filled drawings fluttering around his head like kites. the sound of the steps creaking fills him with anticipation until you come into his like of vision.

and john really can’t help the way his breath hitches in his throat upon seeing the way those thigh high socks and that tiny little skirt make your thighs look extra plush. the way your ribbed tshirt sticks to your chest and makes your tits look extra perky as they bounce with every step you take. his throat goes dry as he sees the collar-esque choker that bobs up and down your throat as you swallow down your energy drink, only for it to fill with drool once more when his gaze finally settles on your face.

fucking hell, did his pants feel tight.

you’re still an annoyance, he reminds himself as you offer a polite smile in his direction, your face lighting up like you’d stolen the light from the sun and taken it for yourself. you’re still loud, and clumsy and forgetful and he still despises every bone in your pretty fucking body. you’re still the bane of his—

“can i just squeeze past?” fuck, johnny thinks he might be in love. he’s never believed in love at first sight before, but as you flutter those thick eyelashes at him, he can’t think of any other reason as to why his heart is beating so fast. so perfect, so pretty; you were made for him to have and to hold, and he’s never believed anything more firmly.

“you’re gonna be cold dressed like that,” he blurts out, feeling stupid the second the words leave his lips. why couldn’t he just give you a cheesy pick up line and leave it at that?

but still, you smirk up at him as you lift the can of pure caffeine to your lips, and johnny thinks he dies a little inside. men have gone to war for faces far less pretty than yours, and johnny knows that if you asked him to, he would as well. a single word from you, and he’d be at your beck and call, feeling like a loyal hound at your command. his eyes can’t help but linger on the collar around your neck, and something twinges in his chest.

a mutt and his little pedigree pup; yeah, that feels correct.

“my hoodies are at the laundromat,” you shrug off his comment as it makes him feel any better about you going outside in your current state of dress. as lame as his pickup line was, it was a real concern of his. a precious thing like you out there on such a cold january morning? it just didn’t sit right to him, “which is where i’m going, if you’ll just let me—”

you try to shuffle past his larger form, but a hand on the shoulder stops you in your place. your flesh is so warm to touch, even when hidden beneath your tshirt, and johnny decides then and there that he never wants to be without it again. all he wants it you in his arms for the rest of eternity, and he’d be happy until the end of time.

“you’re headed to do your laundry at this time?” he quirks an eyebrow at your odd decision, and yet you nod back like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“there’s no one there at this time of day; it means i get best pick of the washers!”

johnny’s heart clenches as he listens to your excitement over being able to choose which washer you want to use. if small things like this bring you so much joy, he wonders what it’ll be like if he were to put a ring on your finger? he scolds himself for thinking something so silly and corrects himself; when he puts a ring on your finger.

“so you get up this early just to wash your hoodies?” he thinks about you lay on his bed looking all sweet and pliant in one of his own, the hood hanging over your eyes and the sleeves tucked over your fists like little paws. he can just imagine how sweet you sound when you giggle over him jokingly scolding you for your theft. one day, the sound of your laughter will be his ringtone so he can hear it whenever he’s away from you.

there’s a funny look on your face just before you tip your drink all the way back and finish it off with a gulp. the collar tightens on your throat, and johnny’s boxers tighten even more around his cock. it only gets worse when you put the can on the ground and crush it beneath the sole of your boot. he almost chokes on his spit when you lift your shoe up to reveal the can reduced to nothing more than a flat chunk of aluminium.

fuck, that’s hot.

“not gone to bed yet,” you admit as you pick the debris off the floor and cram it into your bag. johnny’s face falls, “i’ll sleep when i get back, if i have the time. if not, then… tonight? i don’t know, i’ll figure it out.” you shrug like it’s nothing; like neglecting yourself—johnny’s future wife—is an acceptable thing to do. it’s not, and between the lack of clothes and your irresponsible sleep schedule, he feels a sense of duty to take over. after all, it’s clear that he can’t trust your well-being to you.

“which laundromat?” he asks, voice dipping an octave as he lets himself take control of the situation. there’s no way he’s letting your quite frankly stupid behaviour continue, and his intervention starts now, with collecting your laundry for you.

“the one on the corner,” you respond, and johnny nods before telling you to wait a moment. you do, watching as he disappears into his apartment, only to reappear a few seconds later with an oversized grey hoodie in his hands. you wonder what it’s for until you see him hold it up above your head.

“arms up,” he instructs, and you do as he asks with absolutely zero resistance. witnessing your obedience makes his already aching cock twitch, and he can only hope that there isn’t a wet patch on the front of his pants. it’s already humiliating enough that he has a raging hard on, stiff enough to cut glass. “good girl; arms down,” and you do as he says, and he loves every second of it.

[dragonnarrative-writes]

Kinktober Day 1 - Voyeurism

Kate Laswell x Bricks (CIA Asset OC)

CW: Dub-con/Non-con voyeurism (one person is not aware they are being watched), surveillance, sex work, dirty talk, degradation, impact play, daddy kink, too many mirrors, too much setup and an abrupt ending, big dogs

“Got me Watcher?” Bricks covers the movement of her mouth by touching up her lipstick in the mirrored wall of the elevator.

“Coming in clear,” Kate answers. “Go ahead and run a final calibration on the lenses.” She marks the edges of the camera range as Bricks sweeps her eyes in a practiced pattern to confirm the fit and function of the contacts. When she crosses her eyes and sticks her tongue out, confusing the feed, Kate chuckles. “Save it for Mendoza.”

“Please,” Bricks snickers. “My best is wasted on him.”

The doors open. Two large men, Mendoza’s bodyguards, usher Bricks forward. Real professionals, Kate notes, neither of them letting their eyes linger on stunning legs or exposed cleavage. One waves a wand over her, hair to heels, and the other takes the clutch from Bricks’ hand. He rifles through it, then doesn’t give it back.

“My second best lipstick is in there,” Bricks protests, half-heartedly. “I’m gonna want that back, later.”

“You’ll get it back when you leave,” the man grunts. “Come with us please.”

“Give me doors,” Kate instructs as they proceed down the hall. The cameras flick almost aimlessly as her asset strides between her escorts, but Kate is ready. “Left again,” she murmurs, quickly tagging frames for review. “Good girl.”

Once Bricks is handed off to Mendoza, the real work starts. Dinner goes as expected. Mendoza brags and paws. Bricks is charming, flirty, and teasing. She plays every bit of her part while Kate half listens and reviews data on the guards. Contractors, she notes as Bricks titters about something. Mendoza is just oggling her tits, so Kate continues reading the dossier. Contractors, good ones. Ex-military, but unlikely to see Bricks for the threat she is. The only problem will be-

“Puppies,” Bricks coos, as two Rottweilers come trotting up to the table. “I love dogs. How old are they?”

“They’re trained as part of the security detail,” Kate states as Mendoza goes on about pedigree. “German commands.”

Bricks kisses one of the dogs on the snout. “Do they know any tricks?”

“They’re trained killers,” the mark brags. “Only listen to me and designated handlers.”

“The handler command is folge mir,” Kate provides. Luckily, Bricks isn’t able to comment on her abysmal accent. “Ruhig. Geh runter.”

It doesn’t take long for Mendoza to send the dogs away, tired of not being the center of attention. And Bricks plays him like a fiddle, drawing him all around the penthouse to give Kate sight lines, the layout, and an unobstructed view of the server room through the kitchen.

When he finally catches her, Kate cant help but snort. “Is he as bad a kisser as he sounds? Your not usually this all over the place."

Bricks doesn’t bother to hold back a soft laugh. Mendoza lifts his mouth from her neck with an almost affronted grin. “What’s so funny?”

“Sorry,” she giggles, with a peck to his lips. “Ticklish, and I just feel good with you.”

“Can I make you feel better?”

“Here’s hoping,” Kate mutters as she counts server racks in Bricks’ periphery. The woman’s laugh rings off the marble counter tops.

Kate doesn’t bother watching the feed as Bricks kisses Mendoza down the hall, eyes closed to avoid any chance he might notice her contacts. When she opens her eyes again, Kate stifles a groan and pulls out her cigarettes. Mendoza’s bedroom has an entire wall of mirrors, and another on the wall above his headboard. Bricks kisses him some more, but in no time, she’s bent over the bed, looking at her own breasts nearly spilling from the top of her dress.

She’s there for… a lot longer than Kate expected. Whatever Mendoza is doing, she looks as bored as she ever does when she’s in character. Kate decides to step in when she moans, rote.

“Oh no,” Kate chuckles, grinning when Bricks’ eyes snap to her reflection. “I know you can do better than that. If I have to watch you have sex, you’re going to make it worth my while. Get that ass in the air, lets’s see if Mendoza can’t be good for something.”

Bricks’ next moan is much more resonant. Mendoza echoes her as he bends over her back, no doubt pressing his cock against her barely there panties.

“Ask for a spanking,” Kate commands, lighting a cigarette. “Ask nice, the way I like.”

“Please spank me, daddy,” Bricks moans, holding eye contact with the mirror, staring directly at Kate.

“Good girl, there you go,” Kate purrs, over Mendoza’s tiresome noises. “Too bad he’s going to be such a shit lay. You’re right, your best is wasted on him. Say thank you.”

Bricks hisses after Mendoza gives her three quick, sloppy strikes. “Thank you, daddy.”

“Fuck, you’re a slut, huh?” Mendoza flips her, and Kate laughs to see the mirrored tiles on the ceiling. “I can be your daddy, baby girl.”

“I’m tired of hearing his voice,” Kate scoffs. “Put his mouth to use.”

Bricks opts to grab a fistful of his hair and drag the man down her body. Kate gets to enjoy the view of her, chest heaving and disheveled as she winks up at her reflection. There’s no rolling eyes - there’s nothing of interest in the room, really, and Mendoza is apparently all noise and no skill.

“Touch yourself,” Kate commands. “Give yourself a show, beautiful.”

Bricks draws the fingers of her free hand down her neck, toying with her necklace before pushing the fabric of her dress down beneath full breasts. Kate makes an appreciative noise when she pinches a nipple. The woman in the mirror moans and arches her hips into the mouth between her thighs. Her eyes go half-lidded, when Mendoza pulls away to pant against her, one hand working its way up to prod at her. He groans something about “wet” and “tight,” like he had anything to do with the first and doesn’t understand the implications of the second.

“Please,” Bricks moans at her reflection.

“Oh,” Kate chuckles, “Is he really that good?”

“Roll over,” Mendoza growls as he stands. He’s dropped his pants and underwear.

“No,” Kate snorts. “I’m not watching your bored face as you compare him to Ghost. Ride him.”

All it takes is one skilled twist of Bricks’ hips before Mendoza is lying on his back, groaning under the woman Kate could command to kill him at any moment.

But Kate simply sits back in her chair. “Finish him off before I finish this cigarette, and I’ll let you come.”

Bricks narrows her eyes at the mirror. Kate can almost hear her calculating how long it’s been since she heard the click of the lighter. And then she balances on the balls of her feet and Kate grins as she watches the woman tear Mendoza’s orgasm from him with brutal efficiency.

“Good girl.”

[blindmagdalena]

I just lost my dog and I need something fluffy😭 How do you think HL would feel about adopting a pet w/ reader?

Homelander would fight tooth and nail against you getting a shelter dog. he offers all kind of designer and pedigree dogs, the sky is the limit. he wants you to have your DREAM dog. a perfectly bred golden retriever or a rough collie, "Just like Lassie! C'mon," he practically begs.

the absolute last place he wants to be is some dreary shelter that reeks of filth and misery. the whole place makes his skin itch. "You're probably going to catch a disease in here," he warns you baselessly.

naturally you fall in love with the scruffiest mutt he's ever seen in his life. it's only got one big, sad eye and a wheezing bark. "Seriously?" he asks, but he knows by the look on your face that dog is coming home with you.

he complains about it constantly. it stinks, it breathes too loudly, it sheds. he's at his absolute limit with the thing, especially when he keeps finding it in his spot sprawled out on top of you on the couch.

but then a funny thing happens one night. you're watching a movie together, and that dog leans against his leg. he glances at the dog—definitely does not consider nudging it off—and then goes back to watching the movie.

it doesn't happen all at once, but that one tiny allowance is the start of it. bit by bit Homelander makes more and more space for this creature. when the dog puts its head on his knee, he puts a hand atop it. he lets it in so very gradually that by the time you come home to the two of them sprawled out on the floor face to face, with him conducting a very serious conversation, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.

does he talk to the dog like it's a tax paying adult? yes. is it thoroughly charming every time? also yes.

[theborzoiarebackintown]

What would be your advice to a prospective first time noodle horse human? I am looking to get a borzoi when I get my own place and wanted to ask your advice.

Woops idk how long this was sitting in my inbox but I missed it!!!

Okay I apologize if this becomes a novel. (It will)

First piece of advice, get a big ass yard, and strongly consider getting litter mates or two puppies around the same age. You’d be doing yourself a huge favor :P

Familiarize yourself with the breed’s health issues and decide what you’re okay with, because there isn’t a single line of borzoi anywhere that doesn’t have bloat or heart issues. There are levels to these health issues though. Some heart issues can seem scary but dogs live to old ages with them with no problems. Sudden death is the big bad, but isn’t as prevalent as some would have you believe. Every borzoi alive has relatives with bloat. Direct relatives (parents, siblings, I consider parent’s littermates direct as well) bloating are the riskiest, and multiple direct relatives is probably something to avoid. There’s a certain subjectiveness to all this as well, many people may not agree with what I consider okay and vice versa, so do your research and decide what YOU find acceptable.

A breeder with dogs/lines that have health issues isn’t inherently irresponsible at all, it’s what they’re doing to try and mitigate those issues that matters. It’s important to remember a lot of the testing we have now wasn’t available even 10 years ago, and a lot of people breeding borzoi have been doing it for 20-30+ years. They have generations upon generations of dogs bred long before echos, holters, or DM tests, were a thing, and have to balance pedigrees with health and structure. Don’t get caught up in what the internet says responsible breeding is, there isn’t a magical list of good or bad and every breed is different.

A breeder can also do all the health testing required by the OFA and not be responsible at all, health testing doesn’t mean they’re making responsible choices with the information that testing provides. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Don’t do a co-own. I have tried and failed at co-owns with people I thought I could trust, but words are free and anyone can present themselves however they want and flip the script at any time.

Have patience!! Start following kennels and learning structure now. The longer you look at borzoi and the more you learn, the more you’ll know what style of dog you want. The dogs I started out liking when I was brand new are NOT the style of dogs I enjoy today. Understand that borzoi are a rare breed and getting rarer, but pet homes are incredibly important to most breeders and if you’re an appropriate home they’ll want to place a dog with you.

Coursing ability in borzoi is an absolute crap shoot and anyone who tells you differently doesn’t know shit. You can breed the top two coursing dogs alive and get zero puppies that’ll course. That being said, there are definitely show lines that do zero coursing and like what even is the point then lol but a lack of a field championship isn’t much of a negative in my book. If you want a dog that consistently courses, get a whippet. It’s even normal for borzoi that can and do course to not get their field championships. It’s very common for them to learn the game and start cheating, and be unable to finish. Bastards. So my advice is don’t get hung up about it I guess.

Uhhh what else umm Ivanhoe is a BYB even though to a normal dog person they seem pretty good, even titling their dogs in conf. these days.

You can spend lots of time with borzoi but you won’t know what they’re really like until you live with one. They’re hard to describe. Like every breed, there’s a range of appropriate temperaments. They should be quietly confident, neither overbearing or shy. I’ve found the average borzoi will seek out attention from strangers without forcing themselves on anyone, but it’s not rare for them to be aloof and not care about other people at all.

They communicate subtly, and it’s really important to approach borzoi with a patient, but firm, hand. They’re not necessarily soft, but normal temperaments won’t tolerate harsh treatment. They WILL hold a grudge and can absolutely sulk and pout lol They need consistently enforced boundaries but usually a stern tone is enough to communicate they shouldn’t be doing something. On rare occasion they will need a strong correction, but usually only once rofl oh something a lot of people don’t talk about is most males go through an asshole phase around 18 months and you need to be ready to nip that shit in the bud. I’ve seen males ruined because their owners didn’t work through it with them appropriately. They basically need you to take the lead, and prove you’ve got their back and they don’t need to be a jerk to protect themselves. Clear communication and consistent positive public outings are key 👍🏻 (that doesn’t mean every outing must be incident free, but that you work through any shitty behavior and set behavioral expectations while showing them nothing bad is ultimately going to happen)

They’re somewhere between a cat and a “normal” dog temperament, and I consider them to be primitive breed adjacent. A lot of people don’t get them, and don’t take the time to learn how they talk. A lot of people find them flat and lacking personality, but I find those are the same people who don’t have the patience to really learn their language.

Is any of this good advice??? Rofl good luck!!! I’m willing to discuss individual breeders privately, so feel free to DM.

[thingthatgoes-butch-inthenight]

When a citizen of the kingdom mentions the royal hound it is no meer pedigree dog they're referring to. The title belonging to the prince's personal guard, while originally given in jest, now holds a more ominous weight.

It's quite common for you to act as my shadow. For my every step be matched in kind by the clanking of metal against metal. You never stray far enough for the metaphorical leash to pull taught, and yet even if you aren't in my immediate sight I know I'm always within yours. When I'm dealing with the common citizens you're always quick to correct someone whose stepped out of line. In most cases disrespect can be delt with by simply stepping forward with your hand to the hilt of your sword as a warning. But may the gods help whoever dares push you to bite rather than snap, for your quick blade cuts through flesh and bone with ease. Some days I'm inclined to intervene before blood is shed, but other times I simply enjoy seeing you in action.

Most seem to view our arrangement as simply your oath keeping you in servitude. A poor mutt pulled from it's litter, restrained by steel, forever at my beck and call. They never seem to realize just how much agency you have. How you act out of pure loyalty and devotion simply because you wish to. If anything you seem to anticipate my desires before I can even think to voice them.

As lovely as you are kneeling in suplication before my throne during the day, you always have a certain liveliness away from prying eyes under the cover of night. When the days are long and marked by endless training and paperwork, it brings about a snarling hunger in your eyes that I adore indulging in. Feeling the press of your teeth against my skin before each kiss always thrills me. To let our hands simply grasp and pet and claw at whatever we can reach. All the while you fuck me at a brutal pace until words are forgotten and all that pass from our lips are guttural moans and whimpers.

Ever humble, 👑

Perhaps I like the short leash you keep me on. When I get riled up feeling that sway you have over me is something truly impeccable. To feel the way you tug at my metaphorical leash to hold me back, it does nothing to calm me, but rather redirects the focus of my intensity towards you.

The sidelong glances I'm able to catch of you, perched on your throne, gentle smirk betraying that regality you've so long practiced, it throws fuel on the fire. The way you sit there, acting all strong and powerful with your jewelry glinting over fine clothes, I can't help but linger on your neck. The line of your jaw just barely peeking over the ruffled collar of your fine silk shirt captures my eyes. As I quietly return to the foot of your dias, whatever poor fool I got my hands on pleading with you behind me, I drink in every inch of skin I can find on your body. I think of how soft it is, unmarred by toil and battle, I think of the sweet scent and tastes I yearn for, I think of the marks I could leave on you tonight.

When your voice curtly ordered me to stand down all my thoughts went to the last time your fingers were tangled in my hair, telling me how to make love to you. As though you held any real power over me. A knight is bound only by loyalty. That metaphorical leash exists because I allow it to, and we both know that. But oh how I love to serve. How I love to hear your orders melt into cries of pleasure as I succeed in my task. My duty is to serve. My duty is to press my lips to yours, then down to your neck, and your chest, your nipples, your stomach, finally biting your inner thighs and sinking between your legs. Your hand tangled into my hair, locking us together in the only spot you can reach. The pull is intoxicating. The desperation with which your legs wrap around me is second only to how your hands claw and caress me when I come back up to kiss you.

The rest of the audiences that day pass like a blur to me. All I can think of is how I'll remove every garment from your body with a feverish pace. I imagine pressing my mouth past the silk ruffles to take purchase on the side of your neck as my hands grope for the buttons of your jacket. I think of how ravenously I'll take you tonight, and every word from your lips in the court instead draws up a memory of the way you moan and whine for me. I glance back to you as subtly as one can. Your legs look elegant in those pants but all I can think of is how they look thrown around me. I imagine running my hands across your body, my lips following, and just taking in every part of you.

Court couldn't end soon enough

[necros-writing-stuff]

I think Dog Darius would get off on the idea of Lapdog being unable to be satisfied by another of their breed. Another small little lapdog. Exihliarates him, making them scream out and admit that if they had any other lover of their breed, none of them hold a candle to him in size, strength, or stamina. That Lapdog needs Darius, he won't be satisfied by weaker breeds. He needs someone like Darius.

Dog Darius might also get off on dirty talk of filling lapdogs with mutts. Telling them no matter their sex he’ll knock them up with a bunch of half-breeds since Lapdog takes such pride in their pedigree.

I've been adoring the image of pillow princess/prince lapdog reader and guard dog Dare.

Add a size kink and a breeding kink and oh fuck yeah that's some delicious shit.

Being at the dog park together, Darius on edge because there's so many others around you, looking at you, sniffing at you. But every time one of them gets too bold you snap your teeth at them and trot over to him, climbing into his lap with your head held high. You know who you belong to. You know who satisfies you.

Dare has to reward you, of course. Once the sun falls and old Sophia sleeps, he crawls into your room and presses his tongue inside your tight hole before his cock replaces it.

Frantic, harsh, demanding. That's how Darius fucks. That's how you need it as you lay back, satisfaction already clear on your face. He does all of the work for you - insists on it. You do things "wrong". Not that you mind having your big brute take care of you like this. You don't mind at all.

His mind wanders while he services you, while he fills you up and makes your tummy bulge with every deep thrust.

"Gonna breed you till my pups take." His words are breathless, desperate. It doesn't matter if you can have pups for him or not. He just adores the image of it, of you surrounded by pups you made together, proud of your little mutts.

His knot takes longer to deflate on days when he indulges in his kink. Almost as if his body just knows.

The guard dog has to pretend he doesn't enjoy your hands petting his ears while his head rests on your chest.

[reineyday]

i think one of the funniest things about throwing shanks in with the cross guild and depicting him as kinda jealous or sort of puppy-sad🥺 about being left out is that objectively, shanks is like, pretty out of their league lol.

the cross guild is made of ex-government dogs. shanks's bounty is a whole-ass billion ahead of the highest in the guild (mihawk💕 my beloved). shanks very evidently has his own designs on what the new era entails and made a bet on luffy quite early. he's like, genuinely badass with his conqueror's haki and sword skills, and captains a crew whose commanders are all haki users, no devil fruit users (that we know of). he boasts a pedigree of pirate king apprentice and, not that this is public knowledge, he's probably a celestial dragon spitting in the face of where his blood comes from.

the idea that a guy with a resume like that stands there at the top, practically guarding laughtale and the one piece to pave the way for pirates he approves of, and still makes a puppydog face every time the news coo comes in about his ex-sworn brother and his ex-rival and some guy named after a big reptile who is also possibly luffy's parent? because they all seem to be getting up to shenanigans without him is so, so funny. what a loser. i love him.

[doberbutts]

“Also I do not think breeds should be abolished in general.”

Are there people who want to abolish dog breeds? How would that even work? I know very little about dog breeding but I feel like knowing what breed they are is kind of important to that process. Aren’t certain breeds prone to certain behaviors and diseases? How would you keep track of that in a world that doesn’t do categorizations of dogs?

This is the ask from yesterday, today's anon is responding to my answer from this.

There are people who think breeds should be abolished and that purebred dogs and breeding purebreds should be illegal. I disagree with this as a general rule- there are many facets of the purebred dog world that I think need adjusting including that studbooks should open on a rotating basis to matches that make sense for the good of the breed (similar to how nearly every other pedigree system works), but also I think we'd be throwing the baby out with the bathwater if we completely dispose of at least some form of pedigree system.

I also think that the assumption that mixed breeds are always healthier and less inbred is a fallacious one. And I think that honestly a lot of people who claim they like dogs would not like living with a truly "natural" dog. You want to live with a dingo? Certainly some people do but I think the majority absolutely do not want to have to deal with all that. It's hard enough to get people on board for dealing with so-called "primitive" breeds let alone truly feral dogs being re-domesticated.

This is not to say that I don't like mixed breeds- while I have exclusively purebred dogs these days, that's mostly because I don't want to spay or neuter my dogs until I actually have to for their health and the competition venue I chose adamantly refuses to allow non-purebreds to compete unless they have been sterilized. There is this super cute iggy/sheltie sport mix that comes along for the ride to my mondio club and I would absolutely get one... but I'd be forced to put my dog through surgery just to be able to compete. And, um, if I'm not willing to put my purebred through fairly minor cartilage removal in order to compete, why would I then put my mixed breed through major abdominal surgery to do the same?

[kaaaaaaarf]

Chapter 7 of everywhere, everything by @lynxindisguise is up, so I have updated the playlist! I'm going to be real with you, this one made me feel feelings.

Universe 95: Musicians song lyrics and meanings behind the cut (spoilers if you haven't read the chapter!)

+ Through Me (The Flood) by Hozier

Even though this chapter takes place in the 90s, Sirius is very much a Hozier-like musician, singing political songs disguised as love songs. This song felt appropriate.

And he swims on Turning back to shore again Above the outer atmosphere Of a world he's never seen And looking down to his new home He feels the rising of a wave and knows at once He will not weather it Like that man I looked down into the depths when I met you I couldn't measure it Any time I'd struggled on Against the course, out on my own Every time, I'd burn through the world, I'd see That the world, it burns through me But when I'd let go (I'd let go)

+ Thinking About You by Radiohead

A classic 90s song with a dash of longing. I think this one is this universe's Remus during the years before he got with Kingsley and after whatever happened between him and Sirius fizzled out.

Been thinking about you, your records a hit Your eyes are on my wall, your teeth are over there But I'm still no one, and you're not a star What do you care? [...] I've been thinking about you, so how can you sleep? These people aren't your friends, they're paid to kiss your feet They don't know what I know Why should you care, when I'm not there? Been thinking about you, and there's no rest Shit, I still love you, still see you in bed But I'm playing with myself? What do you care when I'm not there?

+ Lover You Should Have Come Over by Jeff Buckley

I couldn't get through the playlist for this chapter without some Jeff Buckley. This is very much Sirius regretting his choices in the past.

Sometimes a man gets carried away When he feels like should be having his fun Much too blind to see the damage he's done Sometimes a man must awake to find that Really he has no one So I'll wait for you, love And I'll burn Will I ever see your sweet return? Oh, will I ever learn? Oh-oh, lover, you should've come over 'Cause it's not too late [...] It's never over My kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder

+ Your Needs, My Needs by Noah Kahan

Both Sirius and Remus in this chapter seem to have different needs that keep them apart.

Oh well, who was I? Who was I to watch you wilt? You ain't gotta tell me what it means Trace the outlines of your dreams You'll always be a flower on my skin And the pain that I am in It's all the same The losing touch, the waiting game You cross that county line I promise to be there this time, alright? You were a work of art That's the hardest part Howling like dogs in the light of the moon Holding our breath after 1:32 You asked me why I wasn't sayin' a word I'm namin' the stars in the sky after you

+ Lovers In A Dangerous Time by Barenaked Ladies

This one for me is very much original universe Sirius and Remus. It's a cover from the 90s and also features some strings, so I felt it fit very well.

Don't the hours grow shorter as the days go by? We never get to stop and open our eyes One minute you're waiting for the sky to fall And next you're dazzled by the beauty of it all Lovers in a dangerous time [...] When you're lovers in a dangerous time Sometimes you're made to feel as if your love's a crime Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight Got to kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight

+ The Look You Give That Guy by The Eels

Sirius wants to be in Kingsley's shoes so bad.

I'm nothing like what I'd like to be I'm nothing much I know it's true I lack the style and the pedigree And my chances are so few That look you give that guy I wanna see Looking right at me If I could be that guy Instead of me I'd give you all I got I never thought that I could be so bold To even say these thoughts aloud But if, let's say, it won't work out You know where I can be found

+ Paper Thin Motel by Matt Maltese

I included this cover to honour everyone's new favourite thruple. May Sirius, Kingsley and Remus be happy for many moons.

The walls of this hotel are paper-thin Last night I heard you making love to him The struggle mouth to mouth and limb to limb The grunt of unity when he came in I stood there with my ear against the wall I was not seized by jealousy at all In fact a burden lifted from my soul I heard that love was out of my control

[jyou-no-sonoko19]

Taster for a Laura/Shelley zine-fic I'm working on...

"Is this really good enough for you? For the rest of your life?"

Shelley froze -- though not before her slender hand completed the motion from the fallen man's pocket to her own, now another bill-fold richer.

People didn't sneak up on her; she snuck up on them. That was her Knack (as the other, younger kids called it), it was what had kept her alive this long, and able to provide for the rest of them; allowed her to have nice things, despite how many people would prefer she have nothing but dirt in her mouth.

"What's it to you?" she asked cautiously. Her knife was in her boot, if this had to turn brutish, but words were always better. You could get a stranger to fall in love with you, instead of rat you out, with the right words.

"Not very much," the woman replied, unmoving as Shelley slowly turned and appraised her. "And if you'd like to tell me that I'm wrong, and that being a petty, backstreet thief is the peak of your personal ambitions, then so be it. I'll take the next train out of London and mark on my little form that this was a wild goose chase. That there is no Ghost of Bromley who makes men hallucinate themselves into a stupor, before having their pockets pillaged and their finer clothes removed."

The woman's Scots accent was as neatly tailored and effortlessly elegant as her outfit: gigot sleeves and slight puffs at the shoulders of her midnight-blue blazer made a stern silhouette even sterner, the nipped waist and fitted hips of her bell-shaped skirt indicating a being of intense self-control.

Pale, piercing eyes tracked Shelley as she stood, arched brows set in neutrality, strict lips set in a polite smile that kept her teeth concealed.

"The Ghost of Bromley is a fantasy toffs came up with, to cover up for gambling away the household's savings," Shelley retorted. With cat-like fluidity, she stepped to put the stupefied-but-breathing man's body between them. "But say that it wasn't… which of its jolly chuckaboos sold it out?" The question stung to ask, but it had to be done; friends who spoke to strangers -- especially charming, out-of-town strangers -- were Judases to the Code and must be amputated.

The severe woman's lips twitched at that: a brief smile of sympathy. "Worry not, my girl. Your compatriots didn't sell you up the river. The people I work for don't need to parley with street urchins; we've got our own ears, far closer to the ground." Ever so slightly, she indicated to the pavestones with her jaw. "Some of them, beneath it."

"I take it we're not talking mutton shunters, then," Shelley nodded, finding no comfort in it.

"The darling wee bobbies?" She gave a single trill of amusement. "They don't even know we exist. And if you'd like," she held out a hand wrapped in fine, dark suede, "they won't know you do either. You'll be scrubbed from every log-book, past and present. In all practical terms, you will be a ghost, free to live however you'd like."

Shelley stared into her palm, tempted but sceptical. "I might not be a day over nineteen, but I know a catch when I smell one."

"Oh, of course there's a catch," the woman chuckled, and Shelley felt herself charmed by the laugh lines that sprung up by her eyes, the genuine warmth that momentarily revealed a sharp canine tooth. "This is reality, I'm not whisking you away to the Elysian Fields."

"Appreciate the honesty."

"It wouldn't serve us to mislead you. After all, wouldn't do much good if we should train you to grasp the full potential of your powers, only for you to turn them against us, now would it?"

"Then that's the sort of place it is? You pull strays off the streets and train them to be show-dogs?"

The woman's brows raised meaningfully. "Not just any strays. Strays with hidden pedigrees."

"And the show-dogs part?"

"Not quite accurate either."

Shelley hmphed. "Why do I get the feeling that it's more likely 'guard-dogs'?"

"Because you're smart. And my superiors might not like smart little whippets around, but I do. And if you stick close to me, you'll find I can offer you something you'll never really have on these streets. Where everyone's too afraid to be truly honest with each other." Through her civility, earnestness was slipping through, extending another hand, right into Shelley's heart...

[mamadarama]

same anon here to elaborate on some of the cats (and other pets) in the story:

every member of knights has a descendant of little john/nyaitsu. (only one i have details on atm: izuleo have a big fat cat named king richard who's dumb as rocks[though they both insist otherwise] and spoiled rotten. they didn't know it was a girl until after she was named that. later on they got another cat who they named maid marian before finding out that was a boy. their names have not been changed regardless)

shu adopted a Fancy Pedigree Sphinx (he makes it little sweaters/outfits to keep it warm). mika has a skrunkly black cat he found in a dumpster (alternatively, also thought it could be cool to give him one of those patchwork cats, where the pigmentation on their face is like. split down the middle yanno). anywho these cats are Bonded for Life

tetohina have a Stupid Male Orange Tabby. tetora thinks the cat is a Fierce Warrior while hinata calls it a stinky dum dum (affectionately)

kohiiai actually have three pets. first was the bunny, then the tarantula hiiro brought home a day later, then a while after that, kohaku found a stray kitten in an alleyway and brought it home (by this point hiiro has adjusted to the idea of domesticated pets, and it helps that the kitten was also on the streets [just like him ;;]) kohaku and the cat are both found regularly napping in weird locations (open to suggestions on cat breeds!! i keep going back and forth on what it should be,, i liked the idea of bingus, but also like the idea of fluffy,, currently tentatively thinking oriental long hair maybe? idk. kitten with ear too big for he gotdam head)

subaru (+the rest of trickstar by extension) has a direct descendant of daikichi

similarly, koga has at least one or two corgis, if not a direct descendant of leon. also probably like a bajillion foster dogs. hes using the rockstar money to care for as many dogs as possible

souma still has kamegorou. turtles live a long time,, (also maybe one or two horses as well)

given your Cat Knowledge, i'd love to hear your thoughts on these, or any other characters who you think should have cats! :3

Aaahh thats so cute . i can totally imagine leo having a cat named king richard thats just like that, if someone told me him and izumi have that exact cat back in italy i wouldnt even question it id just take it as fact

you could give kohaku a purebred, but it wouldnt be that realistic to do that. finding a purebred stray/feral at all, much less finding one alive, is so unlikely that the only thing keeping me from saying its impossible is my personal adversity to making absolute claims like that on the possibility of some bizarre freak situation. all strays and ferals are moggies/randombreds, any purebreds you see in shelters are animals surrendered by their owners (its rare, ive been rehabbing cats for 6-7 years now and its only happened 3 times)

however that doesnt mean you cant give him a unique cat !! mutations and weird patterns happen all the time in stray and feral populations . the bobtail gene is pretty common in japanese colonies (at least more common than it is in america) so you could give him a bobtail cat? i think a little high white calico bobtail would suit him :^)

but of course realism doesnt really matter too much, hell i have purebreds in catstars au and theyre all ferals

also hiiro would have either a tarantula or a stick bug or both. idk i can imagine him absolutely adoring stick and leaf bugs for how they look like sticks and leaves , he thinks its charming

depending on how far in the future were talking souma might still have saigoudon. souma grew up with him so its safe to assume theyre around the same age, meaning saigoudon is around 20 years old. horses can live up to 30 and occasionally even longer so theyve still got plenty time left together. if he moves out of his parents house maybe hed get his own horse though

the twins definitely have their own cats and tetora definitely tells young children that meet their cat that its part tiger.

SHU HAVING A HAIRLESS BREED IS SO REAL he would love having a pet he can make clothes for its too perfect . the split face marking youre talking about is most common in tortoiseshell cats , that would be perfect for mika :D

with daikichi and leon im almost certain theyre both fixed because koga and subaru are responsible dog owners but subaru would definitely stick with shibas . i can picture koga either with another corgi or adopting a shepard mix of some kind ..... when he retires hed probably start fostering dogs but until then hed probably be busy with life and stick with only one dog so he can devote all his attention to that one . fostering more than one or two dogs at a time is kind of a full time thing (believe me my step grandmother fosters dogs and owns 11) he definitely volunteers at some sort of animal place, either domestic or exotics or whatever he just loves animals in general (thinking abt the guinea pig card..... )

[lericekrispie]

TW/ mention of rape (nongraphic by a priest) and the Native Genocide

In Honor of Indigenous Awareness Month here's a quick overview what my life has looked like being Indigenous

My parents didn't raise me Native, bc they were told that being white was better. So I didn't have much other than just the dreamcatchers on the walls and some stories my Grandma told me.

It wasn't until I had a dream about some ones funeral the night they passed in their sleep that Grandma told me it was bc of me being Native.

I didn't know what that was supposed to mean. I didn't know what that meant to me.

Flash forward a few years, I've had a couple dreams here and there but more-so I've been hungry. I'd been searching the internet, searching books, asking my grandma questions. Information, correct information at that, was hard to come by. But when I found the right sources, oh boy was there so much. Everything was so vibrant, everything felt familiar. It was more interesting than learning about the Greeks in class, any history lesson, any religion less, it was full and enticing and beautiful, but we never learned about it. Because the U.S. would rather let something this beautiful be swept under the rug rather than admitting to a genocide.

I'm more into my culture now. My family is more into my culture now. I'm learning my language. I've connected with new relatives.

I will never forget the day that my Grandma told me she was proud of me for making her and the family better.

I've been having more dreams. My spirit guide (a black indigenous man who when i first met offered my a drink at a bar) always warns me when something bad is about to happen, or I'm making the right choice about a big decision.

But I've been laughed at for my name. Nobody can say it right.

I cannot register for enrollment in the tribe, despite my Grandma being full blood. It just so happened that my Grandma's parents were from two separate tribes, and the Blood Quantum only takes one. Thats why I don't count, even tho I have that blood from my mother's side, and some extra from my Father, who is mostly yaqui but was adopted.

My relative said "you know what horses, dogs, and Indians all have in common"

The government requires them to have a pedigree

No white person ever knows what a blood quantum is. I have to explain it. It's current and active genocide.

Nobody knows about ICWA. I wrote my final paper on it. My professor gave me a personalized note saying that he thinks that I'm going to go places, and that was one of the best essays he got. He could feel my passion through the page. My people are dying.

When I said a Native prayer because I was showing off how much I had learned, a acquaintance started making nonsense noise at me, making fun of the way I sounded.

When I smudged at a Halloween Party because some people wanted me to help protect them for evil, some people started laughing that I was doing witch craft.

The first tag that pulls up when I search Native is "#Native Women"

I'm three times as likely to get sexually assaulted. Not by other Native people. By White people.

People don't say I look Native. But if you look for more than one second, that's wrong. I get pale in the winter but really dark in the summer, like a lot of Natives. My face is Native. I have my mother's cheekbones. I wear my weight like a every Native I've ever seen about my size. My hair is dark. My eyes squint when I smile. I was always told to take photos again and again bc I was blinking. I didn't know that was a Native thing. My Grandma said people don't think I'm Native because they're so stupid they'd only realize if I wore a beaded headband and a ribbon skirt.

I have to explain and ask teachers all the time if they know something they are showing in class is racists. Sometimes its a yes, and we'll talk about that, or a no, but can you talk about that. My brother who is 13 was never taught about what happened to the native people, and only knew because I told him. I've always have had to know, because nobody else does.

I left the church after the curtain was pulled back. My Grandma who is 70 was forced into a Catholic School when she was young. The priest raped the girls

I was told never to go to the reservation. My mom remembers it as poverty, going to the salvation army and picking up clothes. My grandma remembers it as the place where she was an alcoholic, and she's fought to stay sober for more than half her life now but that only started when she left. My Aunt remembers it as the place her mama got beat by her good for nothing White Ex Husband.

I have no representation. All the old shit is always racist. I'm used as a figure head at sports and as decorations, I'm not human to them.

Nobody admits the Genocide is currently happening.

My sister was pulled in without her permission to the front office with no warning to talk for morning announcements how's she just like the rest of the white kids despite being Native. They gave her a script. Then afterwords they had the audacity to ask for a photo of her in her childhood doing 'native things'. Mom laughed and said she should've told her she didn't have any photos because she was "just like them".

I realized school was never for me, because I was always learn better the Indian way.

Whenever I see a Native person in the wild, and they notice me, there is already a bond there. If I asked them for anything, to talk, for a ride, they would give it to me. If they did so, so would I. My native friends i met in college I adored like they were my cousins.

I've learned that despite me being raised white, I was actually raised Native. My parents give and give and give. They give to the community, their lives are dedicated to help people. That's the Native way. We bleed compassion, and if someone in my community needs my last 5 bucks, they'll get it because I know someone else in my community will help me to not starve, and when they are starving I'll help them too.

Please listen to Native people. Here's to Indigenous Awareness Month.

[starfolk7]

5,7,9,15,21,22,27 and 30 for Charlotte, Aiko and Rowena 😼

Ahhhh, more of my girlies!! I haven't gotten to think on things for Aiko especially in forever, this will be so much fun!!! ;w;

Given the questions, the girls will mostly be answering for themselves and this will get pretty long. Also, assume a lot of these are answered after most respective main story events lol

5. Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech! Will they give one, and what about?

None of them are inherently ones for speeches, but here's some that I think they might give, though they're all on the informal side:

Rowena: "'Tis true that we're both stuck in this dying world. But does that really mean we have to forsake everything we hold dear? I think not. There are still things to hope for, souls to treasure. You speak truth, acknowledging the cruelty all around us. I, however, stand in defiance of that cruelty. It is the sole way I can continue to live. I only hope you join me in that endeavor."

Aiko: "War does not come to your doorstep and ask to be invited in. It tears down every barrier and cares little if you fall victim to its destruction. You never asked for any of this. Carrying on as if you did is doing you no favors. Stop acting as if you have something to prove to me. Be honest. I refuse to be kept in the shadows in the name of safety."

Charlotte: "How could you possibly know what true despair feels like? You lose once and you think you know it all? You haven't even scratched the surface. While humanity suffered an endless war, you and your heavenly Father sat on high and watched us BURN. Countless people I LOVED could have been saved if someone, ANYONE in Heaven bothered to care. But we weren't good enough to save, were we? Just little living toys for the Father that he could banish out of sight. And now, only now, you expect me to feel sympathy? After everything God, Heaven, YOU, have done?? You don't know SHIT about suffering! It's about fucking time something taught you what it's like!"

7. Describe them in three words. Now let them describe themself in three words.

How I describe Rowena: Selfless, stubborn, bouncy

How Rowena describes herself: "Um...I suppose...thoughtful, considerate, attentive? It's better to ask someone else how they see me."

How I describe Aiko: Gentle, thoughtful, witty

How Aiko describes herself: "Quiet...uninteresting, and small. I know what I am."

How I describe Charlotte: Passionate, kind, fierce

How Charlotte describes herself: "Stubborn, tiring, but also fun, I guess. I dunno, people liked me way back when, and the sinners and some machines like me well enough."

9. Do they empathize with non-sentient things (dolls, plants, books…)?

Rowena: "I hardly let my little bird doll out of sight as a child. It went on every little adventure with me, and I felt terrible if it fell down or got dirty. Father also taught me how to care for various plants and how they like to hear people talk to them. I still sing songs to them sometimes. Don't tell Ornstein, though, I will simply perish if he finds out."

Aiko: "Every piece of nature is alive to me. I love chatting with the flowers! We have such riveting conversations, though they're a little one-sided. I even feel awful if a blanket is out of place and apologize to it as I'm setting it back. I'm sure that's been overheard more than once."

Charlotte: "Hasn't been a single day where I didn't. Books have always been like second pets to me, my dad was a florist, and my mom taught me to care for musical instruments like pedigree dogs. Is anyone really surprised that I befriended machines, sentient or otherwise?"

15. What would they consider a waste of time– other than school or work?

Rowena: "Cooking. I'm alright at the task, but can't it just be ready for me to eat in an instant? The whole process is laborious. Not that I get too hungry these days, being Undead, but the pang still hits me from time to time, and oftentimes I ignore it because of the work involved in solving the issue. I'll risk foraging strange berries over cooking anything. This might explain a few of my deaths."

Aiko: "Cruelty for the sake of it. Why travel down such a path when it's much easier to be kind in most instances? Oh, and fishing. You would think I'd be neutral on the task, but I find it boring and leave it to much more skilled people than myself. They can do that while I gather safe fruits and vegetables. I think that's a fair tradeoff."

Charlotte: "Religion. It was just a personal opinion before, but with everything I've experienced, it's only confirmed my 'heretical' belief system. Why waste time praying to a god that never wanted to listen to us, anyway? I'll put faith in myself long before I ever give that bastard a second thought again."

21. What would it take for them to break up with someone? What would be the last straw?

Rowena: "This is a bit tricky, given my circumstances. I suppose wanton cruelty towards others. If there isn't a blatant reason for clashing with someone, my partner had best have a damn good one to explain going for a person's throat in the first place. Luckily, in Lordran, there's usually a very good reason for such actions."

Aiko: "Animal slaughter with no purpose. Killing an animal to survive, feed and clothe yourself and others, is one thing, but killing a creature for fun? This I can never accept. Call it childish, if you like, but I grew up loving every animal of Tsushima. Unless I need to, I can't imagine myself hurting them, and neither should my partner."

Charlotte: "I used to be able to say 'trying to kill me', but uh..." She gestures towards herself, then gestures somewhere vaguely out of view. "That's already happened a few times." She sighs. "Look, it's complicated, okay? I'm not claiming any of this makes sense, and I'm probably more confused on this whole issue than you are. Besides, that's not happening anymore, obviously. Fuck, I sound insane." She blows some hair out of her face. "But barring that...I guess turning their back on me. Already been fucked over in that regard multiple times in my life. I'm not gonna put up with that from someone that's supposed to be supporting me."

22. Do they like being called pet names? Do they call other people pet names? What’s their go-to?

Rowena: "Oh, um..." She blushes a little. "Gods, I wasn't prepared for this question. But...yes. Pet names are endearing, especially when they get a bit creative. I've been called "sparrow" for most of my life, and that is one pet name that seems to have carried over to the present. Ornstein likes to see how I react to it." She rolls her eyes, then grins. "It's fine, though. The man's stoic exterior collapses the second I call him 'love' or 'my sunlight', so I think we're evenly matched."

Aiko: "Yes!!" She claps her hands, giggling a little. "I adore pet names. Mother and father always compared me to a fox, but Ryuzo calls me his little kitten. He says it's because I'm always sneaking in places I shouldn't be." She makes a face. "It's only partially true! Anyway, I like calling him Ryu. He stops in place whenever I do that. I really need to think of some more for him, just to see what happens..."

Charlotte: "Do I have to answer this question?" She grumbles under her breath, her face flushing pink. "I never asked for them, if that's what you mean. Mom liked calling me 'colibri'. French for 'hummingbird'. Dad called me 'katydid'. Either way, I didn't escape the speedy creature allegations." She hides part of her face with one hand. "...Gabe got attached to calling me 'hummingbird'. Of course he did. He claims it's only natural because of my mechanical wings, but I think he likes seeing me stumble a little. Maybe for old times' sake." She looks off to the side and smiles a little. "It's...kind of nice, though. Makes it even better when I can get him back with something equally stumble-worthy. 'Dove' was a no-brainer, but ever seen an archangel short circuit over a name? That's quality entertainment." She lowers her voice, her face flushing again. "And pretty damn cute but shhh-"

27. Forgiveness or vengeance (or…)?

Rowena: "I strive for forgiveness. But where that won't do, vengeance will suffice in its place. It all depends on the situation."

Aiko: "Forgiveness. I don't have much room for vengeance in my heart. It would take a dire situation to push me towards it. Some say I forgive too much. Perhaps they're right, but this is the way I am."

Charlotte: "Dad taught me forgiveness. Mom taught me vengeance. Lately, I'm leaning towards the latter. Mainly if I ever meet the person that made me a cyborg. Or God. Or any other angels that get ideas about fighting me. Either way, they're getting shot in the face."

30. What would they do if they knew it would be forgiven?

Rowena: "I would do everything in my power to ensure the other Knights of Gwyn survived as long as Ornstein has. Even if that meant changing the course of time. It would likely cause more suffering, but...my heart aches for him. They were truly his close friends, lost to tragedy. If I could ease that burden without suffering the consequences, I would allow Manus to snatch me thousands of times over until I got it right."

Aiko: "Overturn the Shogunate." She glances around a little. "I don't speak on it much for obvious reasons, but the samurai are not as pure and honorable as they parade themselves to be. Lower classes often suffer because of them. It's one thing I wish I could do, if only to put everyone on equal footing for once. But that would never be forgiven, in this lifetime or the next."

Charlotte: "Thin out Heaven's ranks before they got ideas." She raises an eyebrow. "I wouldn't kill all of them. Don't let Gabe give you that impression. Just enough to send a message from the kind they tried to oppress. So much could have been avoided if I were allowed to do it, but instead I had to scramble for my life while they hunted me down through Hell. Not exactly what I'd call a good time."