#1 was a ya novel i read in 2 days | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

badbatchsprincess · 6 months ago

Text

Heated ~ pt.14

Pt.1 ~ Pt.2 ~ Pt.3 ~ Pt.4 ~ Pt.5 ~ Pt.6 ~ Pt.7 ~ Pt.8 ~ Pt.9 ~ Pt.10 ~Pt.11 ~ Pt.12 ~ Pt.13 ~ Pt.14 ~ Pt.15 ~ Pt.16 ~ Pt.17 ~ Pt.18 ~ Pt.19 ~ Pt.20 ~ Pt.21 ~ Pt.22 ~ Pt.23 ~ Pt.24 ~ Pt.25

Masterlist

Summary: This is an ABO Bad batch!Poly x Omega Reader smut with a plot. This takes place as an AU before order 66. Y/N previously served under the 501st before being transferred to Special Forces 99. This is her adventure with these rowdy Alphas in a quickly changing universe.

THIS IS AN ABO AU ABOUT THE BAD BATCH (NO CANON OMEGA!) Due to the unfortunate situation of her name being Omega… Omega the child from the canon series is not going to be apart of this fanfic/porn with a plot. I feel obligated to put this warning in because it makes my skin crawl thinking anyone could make that mistake.

Warnings: Literally only smut.... smut. smut. smut. It's Hunter's night, and Tech's night.... enjoy bbs... oh ya and some bondage! TeeHee

─ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ♡ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──

Another rainy day on Ord Mantel. You sighed leaning against the window watching the droplets dowse the entire city. You liked it a lot you realized. It made the city lights glow in their neon colors and air was always cleaner the next day. It made Ord Mantel somewhat beautiful, which seemed impossible… except the little moments like this.

It’s been two weeks since the boys started working for Cid… and it was going… alright.

She had decided it was best to post you all up in the apartment above the bar as long as you helped her with the chores around the place and helped serve the customers when they’d meander in. It covered your rent, she said. You were starting to think she just liked having the company around. It gave you good cover though while the boys ran odd jobs.

You and the others decided it would be best to keep you away from potential spies and bounty hunters. You didn’t have a problem staying at Cid’s, the deal worked out fine anyways, and it could be so much worse.

After a long day scrubbing the bar down with soap for the first time in probably months, you were pooped. You had taken a long relaxing shower before curling up in the circular window over looking the main street. You had created a little nest there, where you kept your snacks within reach and your holonovel near by. The boys said they’d be home soon so you were just trying to kill the time instead of eagerly waiting.

They had been sent to rescue an ex separatist senator to Echo’s dismay. You were wondering how that was going while you read through the filthy smut on your holo screen. You could only imagine the chaos these boys were bringing to this unsuspecting plant.

The schedule system seemed to be working well too. If they were able, you’d spend the day with all of them. Echo resumed your combat training in the back courtyard behind Cid’s place, and at night you’d spend it with your alphas.

Echo says you’re making good progress. Though it didn’t really feel like it. You think he just likes wacking you around with a stick for fun. The others sometimes would join in giving you someone to spar with. Wrecker obviously was the most difficult. There was no possible option where you could ever gain the upper hand with him.

Echo had you graduate to fighting with various make shift weapons. Cid’s broom handle, a durasteel pipe, and a dull knife from the bar. It was exhilarating and part of you was really starting to like it.

You hadn’t realized how good of a teacher Echo was. He says it’s because he had extra training himself when he was a shiny. He was really able to help you strengthen your punches to the point that Hunter would actually shift backwards a bit now when you’d strike. It was giving you some hope you’d actually be able to hold your own soon.

You flexed your hands noticing the small scabs forming on your knuckles. With a sigh you set your novel and looked back out at the street watching the speeders zoom by pedestrians trying to get out of the rain.

At some point, you must have dozed off, as you woke up to the sound of your door opening and a freshly showered Hunter comes walking in looking refreshed. It was his night after all.

You smiled and stretched trying to wake yourself up like a lazy tooka.

“What time is it?” You asked realizing it was dark outside now and the city lights were glowing through your window.

“We just ate dinner, thought I’d bring some up for you.” He walked over giving you a tray with some delicious smelling tip-yip. You squealed in excitement and sat up grabbing the spork suddenly feeling awake.

He walked in front of your mirror running his hands through his damp hair trying to push it out of his eyes while you dug in.

“You smell good.” You put a piece of food into your mouth liking the way he smelled after a shower. It was so undoubtably Hunter and it made you feel so safe.

He smiled flashing his k9s at you, “You’re the one that smells good mesh’la.”

You tapped your lips and he huffed a laugh before walking over and bending down to press a kiss to your mouth. You smiled kissing him again before going back to your meal.

He flopped down on your bed in the corner giving a big sigh and a stretch himself.

“How was the mission?” You asked mid-chew.

“Exhausting.” He sighed feeling himself start to relax into your soft bed.

You giggled, “Saving separatist scum is too hard for sarge?” Your baby voice made him scowl.

“It seems that the separatists and anyone not in line with the empire is on the same side now.” He rubbed his eyes, “everything is different now.”

“That we can agree on.” You shoved another bite in, “I got to hang out with a too flirty Gungan today who absolutely has a drinking problem. Told me his wife found out about his girlfriend.”

“Quite a day for you huh ad’ika?” Hunter played along with the dramatics.

You nodded, “Mhmm. I’m doing really hard work while you’re all gone.” You shrugged with a playful smirk.

“You poor thing.” He used his baby voice making you giggle.

Eating your last piece of tip-yip, you set the tray aside before walking over to Hunter and climbing onto the bed to straddle him.

“I missed you.” You leaned down kissing both his cheek bones.

“Mmm.” He hummed running his hands up your sides, “Not as much as I missed you.”

“Show me.” You smirked running your hands over his firm chest.

Hunter gripped your hips before rolling both of you and pinning you to the mattress. He smirked as he lowered himself to kiss you again this time a little hungrier. You smiled into his mouth feeling him press his hips into yours. You felt the hardness between his legs and you whimpered feeling the fluttering butterflies in your stomach and that familiar heat begin to pool in your lower belly. He gave a satisfied groan grinding into you liking the way you responded to him to prettily.

He sat back on his heels, “up love.” He helped you sit up to peel your shirt from your body. He smirked realizing you didn’t have a bra on and leaned forwards to press you back into the mattress to leave a trail of kisses down your sternum before he licked one of your hardening nipples. You moaned pushing your chest further into him while he continued to lick and suck, making you arch your back into his hot mouth. He then went down to grab the waist band of your sweats and yank them down only pulling away from your tits to slide them off of your legs.

You were just about to reach up for him again but he pushed your arms away before flipping you over onto your belly.

“Alpha.” You whined pushing your ass up trying to make contact with him again desperate for the friction.

“Shh adi’ka .” He soothed running his hands over your ass cheeks giving them a good squeeze before he brought his palm down spanking you. You yelped looking back at him already feeling the imprint of his hand welting up. He just gave you a playful smile before reaching into his waist band and pulled out his vibro blade. You sucked a breath in feeling the cold metal press to your skin. He slid the knife along your silky skin before sliding them under the waist band of your damp panties.

“Such a good girl, omega.” With his other hand he ran his fingers over your core feeling the wetness soaking through your panties. You wiggled but he withdrew his fingers, “stay still for me mesh’la.”

You huffed and willed yourself to stay still, but it was agony. He resumed his small strokes stroking your clit through the fabric of your panties while the knife continued upwards until he twisted the blade bringing the sharp side right through your panties, slicing them like butter. He growled finally seeing how wet you were already. He chucked the blade and you watched it fly across the room before impaling into the wall before driving his finger into you.

You let out a loud moan feeling him start a consistent rhythm before adding another thick finger stretching you. You wriggled against him desperate to be filled even more. It was starting to feel so delicious you were certain he could feel you start to clench down on him.

He withdrew his fingers and sat up slightly to kick your knees apart and lift your ass up in the air. He shoved down his trousers and grabbed his throbbing cock stoking git a few times before lining himself up with your aching cunt. You pushed yourself back against him feeling his tip push inside. You moaned as he surged forwards until he was flush with your ass. You cried out finally feeling the relief of him filling you. Hunter was thick, and he was so, so hard. You mewled as Hunter set the sturdy pace.

…You loved the way Hunter fucked…

He was so deliberate making sure his strokes were steady and hitting that yummy spot inside you that made your toes curl with every stroke. He also couldn’t seem to get enough of your creamy cunt. He groaned every time he could hear just how wet you are with every thrust. You think it’s because of his heightened senses, he could probably feel and her every tremor your body made as he pleasured you and you knew it drove him wild. He could probably sense every beat of your heart, and scent the small changes in your scent that let him know you were enjoying yourself.

You tried to push yourself up onto your hands but he grabbed the back of your neck pinning you back down, “take it, omega.” He snarled feeling you clench around his cock. You moaned loudly certain the others could heard you as Hunter pounded even harder. The only sound in the room was your squelching and the slap of skin on skin.

Hunter wasn’t always outwardly dominant, but everyone and awhile his alpha side trickled through and it made your entire body sing.

He pushed himself as far in as possible, mesmerized by the jiggle plush of your ass against his lap. He sighed shaking his head still unable to believe he was able to have the omega of his dreams. Your scent was making him get lost in the fog of lust.

“Fuck, pretty girl,” He slid his hand from your neck to the roots of your hair where he tugged making you whine, “do you have any idea how perfect you look? M’fuck, you were made for me mesh’la.”

“Alpha…. Ahh!” You whined as he brought his hand down onto your ass again hearing the slap ring out into the room. You moaned feeling the warming sting again making you drip down your thighs as you took Hunter as best as you could despite his roughness.

Gripping onto your hair, he pulled you up straight arching you agains this chest as he fucked you on his lap. You gripped onto his thighs absolutely loving this deliciously brutal pace. He was so deep inside you, you were starting to feel it in your stomach. You mewled feeling so damn good, so surrounded in his warmth and affection. It made you so happy.

He snaked his free hand down between your thighs to run slow meticulous circles bringing you to the edge. You clawed at his muscular thighs as you begged him not to stop feeling like you were going to cum. He smiled into the crook of your neck licking your mating gland and you shivered feeling yourself hurtle over the edge.

You let out a scream as Hunter’s fingers threw you over the edge. Your orgasm wracked through your body leaving you spent and shaking. He released your hair and wrapped his arm around your middle keeping you to his chest as he continued to thrust, feeling himself start to cum.

“Fuck.” He bit out. You felt him twitch inside you before his hips stilled and he spilled himself inside you.

You went limp against his chest hearing the rapid beating of his heart against your cheek. He pressed lazy kisses on all the skin he could reach before leaning forwards and gently guiding you down onto the mattress. He pulled out of you slowly making you groan at the empty feeling.

You felt his cum drip out of you, as he got up to grab something to clean you up with. When he came back from the bathroom, he had a damp washcloth to clean up your thighs and then himself before he tossed it to the side. Hunter curled up next to you pulling the sheets up to cover the two of you. You rolled over wanting to lay on his chest which he was happy to comply with.

He tilted your chin up for a kiss before letting you settle against him while he caught his breath.

You purred feeling satiated and tingly.

“I have my heat in a few weeks.” You said quietly knowing he could hear your whisper.

“We’ll need to make sure you get another implant after huh?” He said running his fingers through your hair.

You nodded, “How will that work, same like last time?”

“It’s whatever you want mesh’la, if you want all of us we’ll do that, or if you just want one of us we understand that too.” He kissed your forehead.

“Okay.” You smiled tracing the skeleton tattoo on his ribs with your finger.

“Who did your tattoo?” You asked.

“Crosshair.” He looked down at his arm, “He has a steadier hand than the others.”

“Did you do his?” You smiled poking him in the side.

“No, he did that on his own.” Hunter grabbed your hand before you could tickle him and pressed it to his mouth with a kiss.

“Should I get a tattoo?” You asked jokingly.

“If that’s you want sweetheart.” He pinched your cheek lightly.

You nuzzled into his side breathing him in. His scent was so warming and calming it made you feel like you were at home. The past two weeks had been interesting. You were sad Crosshair wasn’t with you anymore, but the burning agony wasn’t there anymore at least from what you could tell. It was like he was on a vacation and while you missed his presence, it didn’t seem as devastating as it might actually be. It was strange.

The only thing you worried about was being found. You didn’t know what the empire wanted with you, and frankly you didn’t want to find out… there was a tinge of anxiety that seemed impossible to dispel.

Hunter did a really good job of making you feel safe though. If anyone could make you disappear, it would be these boys.

“I can feel you thinking.” He mumbled with his eyes closed.

You squeezed him a little tighter, “I’m just thankful for you, thats all.”

He smiled and leaned down to kiss you again.

“My sweet little ‘mega.” He whispered, “We should get some sleep mesh’la, I know Echo wants you up and early.”

“Ugh.” You ran your hands up and down his chiseled abs, “Can’t you just tell him I’m tired and we can stay in bed?”

“No chance sweetheart, you look too good in those tight pants.” He chuckled.

You sighed and relented, securing your legs around his before closing your eyes and settling in. You just hoped the rain let up before Echo expected you in that courtyard.

~~~

Well you were wrong. The only word to describe your current state was… soggy.

You squeezed the water from your hair before twisting it up on top of your head to keep the loose strands out of your eyes.

“Echo please, I’m begging that we go inside.” You shivered. This was reminding you of Kashyyyk, even though that was significantly not as wet.

“Nope.” He squared up raising his wrapped fists, “You gotta get used to being uncomfortable.”

You pouted, “But omegas like comfort and warm things.” You groused. This was so not your element.

“It’s a changing universe Tiny, gotta make sure you’re ready for anything.” He gave his arms a little shake, flinging droplets, before getting into a fighting stance.

You mirrored him even though your mind was on sitting by the fire in the apartment warm and dry. You looked to Wrecker and the others who sat under a fabric covering staying dry, “Please Alphas.” You begged with your best pup eyes.

Wrecker and Hunter looked like they were on the verge of folding but Tech crossed his arms, “You heard Echo. Again Pip.”

Strict as always… you sighed locking into Echo’s movements. Fine…A fight it will be.

You waited for Echo to make the first move. He lunged forwards, giving you a small window to sneak under his arm, and land a punch to his side.

He hunched over, stunned you had juked him out. When he tried to retaliate you used your small size to out maneuver them. Over the weeks of the training with them, you learned that due to their size they moved slightly slower than you could. They were strong, but your small size allowed to quicker jabs.

When he was spinning around to pursue you, you used your foot to kick up one of the sparing sticks into your hand swinging the metal pipe at him. He dodged it before grabbing his own.

“Good. Use what’s around you.” Hunter coached from the side.

Echo brought down the pipe but you blocked it in time. The rain was making the concrete slippery so you decided to duck down and swing the pipe low catching Echo’s boot. You knocked the ARC trooper down onto his back and pointed the weapon at him. He surrendered giving you the victory.

“I’m going inside now.” You poked him with the stick before tossing it to the side. When you were just about to enter the back of the bar, Echo grabbed you from behind hauling you up into the air.

“Echo!” You screamed trying to wriggle out of his grasp.

“C’mon Tiny.” He growled holding steady despite your squirming.

With a growl, you brought your feet up in the air before thrusting them down changing the weight distribution and rolled the two of you into the nearby crates. You were able to get away from him but he grabbed your boot and tugged you back forcing you to slide across the ground through the dirty puddles.

You kicked at him freeing up your boot before rolling back to your feet.

“That was a dirty trick.” You looked down at all the muck on your shirt.

“Gotta make sure you’re ready.” He laughed wiping mud from his cheek.

“How’s she doing?” The trandoshan stepped outside observing from the doorway.

“She’s improving significantly.” Tech kept his eyes on you scrutinizing your every move.

“Good, because I’m going to need her to cover some shifts later.” Cid waved her claws in the air before going back inside to avoid the rain.

You groaned but put your fists back up prepared for Echo’s next attack. This was going to be a long day.

~~~

“Are you alright dear?” Tech watched you limp into the bedroom looking exhausted. You nodded before turning into the bathroom to turn on the shower. You smelled like alcohol and bar snacks. You just wanted to feel the hot water and scrub until you smelled like soap. You heard Tech outside the bathroom walking around, and you started to strip down before stepping into the steaming shower to wash the day off.

You did everything you wanted to, scrubbed, washed, exfoliated. You felt glorious getting out. Even the soreness in your muscles from training were feeling better. You grabbed your favorite body oils and began getting to work moisturizing yourself. It was such a relief.

When you stepped out you found Tech in his boxers reading something on his data pad. You tightened your robe and made your way over to him suddenly feeling a little warm looking at all of this taut defined muscles. He was so tall, just like Crosshair. They almost seemed like twins at times. You just wanted to sink your teeth into him he looked so good.

“Alpha?” You asked softly getting his attention.

He looked up from his screen noticing your loosening robe.

“Can you massage my back for me? Echo really did me in.” You said lowering the shoulder of the robe showing him your bare skin. You were dying for Tech’s skilled hands. You watched him fix too many things on the marauder not to think about them all the time. Often when you were alone, you would think about how good they’d feel on you… or in you.

“Take off your robe and lay down cyare.” He watched you untie the robe and drop it to the ground revealing your glistening oiled body. He swallowed thickly feeling himself start to harden at the site of you. You crawled up onto the bed laying down face first into the plush.

He got up to grab the lotion off the nightstand before squeezing some into his hands. He warmed it between his fingers before pressing them gently into your back before spreading it around making sure to get every spot… then he went to work. His fingers massaged every muscle and tendon making you absolutely turn to putty.

You were moaning and groaning when he worked down your legs making sure to thoroughly give you an entire body rub down. It felt so damn good. His skilled hands were one of your favorite things in the entire universe.

“Alpha… you’re so good at that.” You whined as he worked a particularly tight muscle in your shoulder.

“We might be working you too much.” He sighed feeling how tight your entire body is under his dexterous fingers.

“Echo was particularly rough today.” You sighed.

He chuckled, “Sometimes, I think we forget you’re not engineered like we are.”

You huffed, “You’re telling me.”

He continued to rub further down to your lower back where some new muscles were forming and you whined as his thumbs pushed and pulled the aching tendons.

“Cyare…” He leaned down so his lips were right by your ear, “I want to try something new tonight if you’re open.”

That peaked your interest.

You cracked open an eye to look up at him, “What did you have in mind?”

“Well with all these new credits I decided to head out to that sex shop on fifth street, I picked up a few things I think you might find interesting.”

You sat up on your elbows feeling your insides start to flutter with anticipation, “What things?” You bit your lip.

He pushed his glasses up and got up off the bed before reaching into his pack. He pulled out a red bag and walked back over to the bed.

“Go on.” He held the shopping bag out for you to investigate.

You stuck your hand inside feeling something soft. When you pulled it out you realized you were holding a roll of red satin ropes. You gasped and looked up at Tech. He nodded towards the bag, “There’s one more thing.”

You reached inside again grabbing something smooth. When you pulled it out you were confused at first, until Tech turned it on and it started to vibrate. It was a black and gold vibrator.

“Are you open to trying these cyare?” He looked at you and lightly skimmed your chin with his fingers, “You can also say no. I won’t take it personally.” He always gave you an out. You, Crosshair, and Tech had agreed to use the color system a while back, and Tech definitely stuck to it.

You chewed your lip and looked back up at him, “Green.” You answered.

He smiled before switching into dom alpha mode.

“On your knees.” He commanded and you shivered sitting back on your heels.

“Use your colors.” He reminded while grabbing the crimson ropes. You nodded and watched him double up the soft strands before bringing the center loop to your neck as he began to expertly tie the knots.

You watched him as he skillfully bound your arms behind your back careful not to touch your skin much, the angle was a little uncomfortable at first, but the more he tied the more secure you started to feel and the pain ebbed away and the heat start to enter your blood.

He then tied a couple more well placed knots squeezing your tits together making you squirm wanting more.

“Tech.” You sighed starting to feel restless wanting him to touch you.

“Color cyare.” He looked at you with lust blown eyes. He was very satisfied with his work.

“Green.” You said locking into the tent in his trousers.

“Can I record you mesh’la?” He ran his finger tips over the ropes still not touching you.

You nodded, “Yes Alpha.”

“Such a good girl.” He touched the side of his goggles and you noticed the little flashing red light turn on letting you know the camera was recording.

He knelt over you gently taking you into his arms before laying you down on your back. You whimpered at just the slightest touch of his warm hands. You desperately wanted more, but you knew you were going to have to work for it.

You were forced to lay slightly on your side to keep the weight off your hands, but it seemed to give Tech the desired effect. He was staring at you like a starving man. Your cunt clenched around nothing and you were sure he caught that on camera. It made you blush.

“Let me look at you.” He placed both hands on your knees rolling you onto your back totally at his mercy.

He spread your legs wide, revealing your dripping cunt. Wet all for him. You were mesmerized by the look in his eyes, that hunger. It was making you even more horny knowing you were doing this to him. It was longer a want, but a need to have his hands back on you.

He ran a selfish hand through your folds collecting some of the wetness but avoiding the place you wanted him the most. He was testing you, to see if you’d complain and get bratty with him.

You usually did under Crosshair’s influence, but you were too desperate for him to touch you to even go there. You just wanted to be a good girl for Tech tonight and submit to him without a fight.

You stared up at him with glossy eyes as he scanned every part of your tied body. He took special time showing off his handy work behind your back. He even rolled you over to record the details and get a good shot of your round ass.

“So beautiful Mesh’la.” He massaged the cheek that still held Hunter’s hand print from the night before. He seemed to take a bit of an interest in it, massaging it himself. You were breathing heavy now, hoping he’d take mercy on you and make you cum.

“Thank you alpha.” You groaned feeling his fingers trail dangerously close to the apex of your thighs.

“Look at you, not even bratting tonight.” You could hear the smirk in his voice, “Is this all it takes for you to behave?” He tugged at the rope around your wrist with a slender finger.

You whined in response.

Usually he’d demand you use your words but he was getting impatient even for himself. Between the massage earlier and now this. You allowing him to fulfill one of his favorite fantasies had him desperate to feel you cumming around him. As Crosshair would say, it’s one for “the spank bank.”

He ripped off his shirt throwing it to the side while pushing down his trousers leaving him bare. You strained to look at him, but the restraints forbade your movements. He chuckled and flipped you back over spreading you once again.

“Now, darling, you’re going to cum for me as many times as I want before I fuck you full, do you understand cyare?” He picked up the vibrator holding it up for you and the camera to see.

You nodded, “Yes, alpha.”

“Good. Let’s begin.” He switched on the toy and slowed it down to your clit making you hum.

Immediately you were squirming around trying to push back against the ropes but obviously that wasn’t going to work. It was tiresome, but the look on Tech’s face made you even wetter. He looked like an animal with that determined squint.

Tech’s cock twitched watching you writhe around under the little toy. He was so fixated on the way the ropes bit into your skin, he almost missed you cumming on the virbator.

“One.” He counted keeping the toy on you as you rode out your orgasm. But then that turned into overstimulation and you started to wriggle around again trying to escape the vibrations. It was starting to feel like too much and you clenched down on nothing to your dismay. You desperately wanted to be filled.

“Ahh!” You whimpered feeling yourself quickly be thrown into another orgasm. You couldn’t believe it. You moaned as the pleasure washed over you, tingling all of your nerves. You had to remember to breathe letting your body try to relax a little.

“Two. Good omega.” He encouraged keeping the toy to your cunt, “Think I can make you squirt with just this?” He rubbed the toy around eliciting more cries. You flinched when he’d trace over a certain spot making you cry out for him.

“Doing so good cyare, I want one more. Can you do that for me omega?” He looked down at you with a stern look. You looked up at him with bleary glossy eyes trying to squirm away from the toy.

“Y-yes.. sir. Yessir.” You threw your head back unsure if you’d be able to take another orgasm again so soon. You were desperate for a break, but you wanted to please your alpha and decided you’d do whatever he wanted.

You greedily watched him fist himself and the drops of precum dripping from his flushed tip. The way his cock flushed as he stoked himself made you salivate. You ground your hips down onto the toy lost in your thoughts about licking him up.

He watched you succumb to the lust as you chased your high with determination. He was purring knowing you were trying to please him, it made him very, very happy.

“Almost there omega.” He was watching your movements stutter before you tried arching back as you came hard.

Tech smiled proudly and withdrew the toy letting you release a massive sigh. You twitched as the aftershocks rolled through you and you squeezed your thighs together trying to calm yourself.

“My perfect girl.” He praised leaning down, “I just have to have a taste cyare.” He gave you a few licks making you cry out before sloppily making out with your cunt.

You moaned enjoying the warmth and softness of his wet mouth it was a soothing contrast to the vibrating toy. It was so delicious you ground down into him as best as you could from your angle. Just as quickly as he started, he pulled away to kneel over you. You watched him spit on his own cock rubbing the wetness around before sliding down to tease your entrance.

“Alpha!” You whined feeling the warmth radiating into you.

“Shh, omega.” He cooed before surging forwards watching himself disappear into you inch by inch. You cried out with joy finally feeling the glorious stretch you craved so much.

“Fuck!” You yelped as he started to thrust making you purr in delight.

Tech focused in on getting a rhythm going watching how you bounced up and down the mattress and the way your bound tits jiggled between the knots. It was going to make him cum. He had to close his eyes and focus on not coming so fast despite how absolutely utterly perfect you looked tied up like this. It was glorious. You were the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on.

“Fuck baby.” He pulled out suddenly deciding he couldn’t take it anymore. You whined feeling empty but he just picked you up setting you down on the floor next to the bed kneeling you on a discarded pillow before pressing his soaked cock to your lips.

You smiled and greedily took him into your mouth letting him grab the sides of your face before he started fucking your throat.

You felt the subspace creeping up on you as you settled into his pace being mindful to breathe while you relaxed your jaw and throat muscles. The grunts and whines Tech were letting out fed the needy omega in you. Alpha was happy. You were making alpha happy.

It made your entire body flutter.

The next thing you knew, Tech was pulling out and splattering his cum on your cheek and across the bridge of your nose while the two of you breathed heavily.

He looked down at you in slight shock before coming to his senses and shutting off the camera to kneel down in front of you.

“I’m so sorry cyare.” He grabbed his discarded shirt and wiped your face, “I shouldn’t have done that.” His eyes were filled with concern.

“Hmm?” You looked up at him with bleary eyes as he cleaned you, “It’s alright alpha.” You smiled softly trying to ease him.

He rubbed your jaw affectionately studying you. When he realized you were heavy into subspace, he sighed and picked you up placing you onto the bed knowing talking won’t help much.

“You did so good for me omega.” He praised while untying the knots carefully. He took extra care rubbing the areas with indent marks with his thumb soothingly. You preened under his ministrations feeling yourself start to free up from the confines of the rope.

You stretched before clinging to Tech. He removed the last of the rope before using his soiled t-shirt to clean between your legs and settle you into the covers. You kept mindlessly reaching for him, whining when he had to clean up the space a bit, removing any objects from the bed.

Tech curled around you surrounding you in warmth, “I’m so proud of you, cyare. You did so fucking good.” He pressed a kiss to your hair. You rolled over and looked at him before pressing into his mouth for a real kiss.

He melted into you instantly and you smiled. He kept kissing you like he couldn’t get enough of it.

“Thank you alpha.” You whispered snuggling into his chest.

“Now, get some rest cyare. You’ve earned it.” He petted your hair soothing you into much needed sleep.

Uhh yeah... so that just happened bahaha...

Anyways - I wonder what Crosshair is doing right about now...

─ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ♡ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──

Taglist: @substantial-exposure

@rains-on-kamino

@minimissmoo

@z-and-the-batboys

@aynavaano

@9902sgirl

@sideofhorny

@sxftiebee

#crosshair #hunter #tech #wrecker #abo #echo #star wars #bad batch #omega #smut #tbbhunter #tbbcrosshair #tbbtech #tbbwrecker #tbbecho

45 notes · View notes

cosmerelists · 9 months ago

Text

Five Reasons I like Sanderson's Prudishness (And One Reason I Don't)

Brandon Sanderson is a self-proclaimed prude (from the WOB where someone asked if there could be a triad with Shallan/Adolin/Kaladin, and Sanderson said that while Shallan & Adolin might go for it, Kaladin was likely too much of a prude, like him). And honestly, I am a pretty big fan of most manifestations of this "prudishness" in the Cosmere novels. And here's why!

[TW: Discussion of off-screen rape in Cosmere novels & rape as a theme in grimdark fantasy generally]

1. I like the lack of sex scenes

I think probably the biggest manifestation of Sanderson Prudishness is that characters just don't have sex on the page. There's a sort of sex scene in Warbeaker and I think Shallan & Adolin cuddle in bed once, but there's definitely nothing graphic. Barely anything tame. And while your mileage may vary, that happens to be my personal preference--I'm a prudish reader, so I'm solidly "meh" on in-novel sex scenes. This, for the record, is not a moral stance but just a personal reading preference. In this, I seem to line up with Sanderson's own preferences, so good for me I guess!

2. I like the fantasy swears

Sanderson also can't let his characters say "fuck." Instead, he uses a variety of made-up fantasy swears which I discussed in another post just the other day. Swearing actually does not bother me, either in real life or on the page--if Kaladin was swearing profusely the whole time using real swears instead of "storming this" and "storming that," I'd be like, "Yeah, that's fair, dude." But I actually like the fun and whimsical nature of made-up fantasy swears, so I'm a fan of this as well.

3. "Prudish" does not preclude gay people

One danger of "prudishness" is that it is sometimes a cover for homophobia--some people will claim that gay people are inherently sexual and that therefore a "clean" text must avoid gay people "for the children" or whatever. Bullshit, etc. So I like that Prudish Sanderson does not do that. Gay people do exist in the Cosmere and they do have (presumably sexual) relationships--they're just entirely marriage-focused and have never even HEARD of casual sex, just like all of the non-gay people. People of all sexualities are equally and strangely prudish, like Sanderson himself, and I think that's beautiful.

4. There is not much rape & it's all off-screen

On a more serious note, I don't like reading rape scenes, and plenty of fantasy novels have them--and a lot of them. Sanderson's novels do contain rape: there are a lot of references to skaa women being raped in Mistborn Era 1, and there's a quick reference to Sadeas, like, gathering up captured women in a Stormlight flashback. But there are no graphic rape scenes and on the whole, Sanderson avoids including any sexual assault, even by allusion. And frankly, I like that. It gives me less anxiety while I read--like, when Shallan joins up with the all-male company of slave traders, I had absolutely no fear that the book was building up to her assault. During Dalinar flashbacks where he was a warlord and killing machine, I was not concerned that rape would be used to make him seem more vile. And that is definitely my preference.

5. I just don't like grimdark fantasy, I guess, but I do like adult fantasy

Again, this is a personal and not a moral stance, but I just don't like grimdark fantasy. And I feel like so much adult fantasy is that--but while I like YA fantasy too, I do still want to read adult fantasy novels. So Sanderson is kind of perfect for what I'm looking for, being an adult-level, perfectly complex and interesting book series that strays away from all the stuff that populates grimdark books. ...Well, aside from that one time when a whole city got burned alive, I guess.

6. But there is one thing I don't like...

And that's the scene when all of the bridgemen are out after the highstorm when it's just raining and they're tossing around a bar of soap to shower together and they don't take off their underwear. When do they clean down there if not then?? Can they really not get naked together??? It's so unhygienic!

Sometimes prudishness can go too far. 😔

#Cosmere #cosmerelists #tw: rape #rape tw

87 notes · View notes

bunniesandbeheadings · 3 months ago

Text

A few days ago, someone tried to get into a debate with me about the Marquis de Sade, taking umbrage with how I said pointing a gun at a sex worker was heinous (they said, they had read, he had pointed a sword at a sex worker and that’s definitely less heinous. And also, although I said Sade had kidnapped some women, there’s no proof, and also, his lawyers pointed out that those women were dirty liars anyway)

I didn’t want to engage, and I don’t want to put that person on blast but I do want to vent and say

1.) Even if I’m wrong about it being a gun and to be fair it’s been like 5 years since I studied Sade hardcore threatening someone with a sword is hardly “less heinous” than a gun. Like. ??? How can you say, with your full chest, “Sade only threatened a woman with a sword and not a gun so he’s fine.” You kidding me?

2.) yes. I know the women who testified against Sade were called lying bitches in the 18th century. But I thought in 2024, we understood, that like… idk… maybe the Aristocrat was up to something shady? Like can we throw the “lying bitches” myth in the trash?

3.) Sade spent the rest of his life writing to his wife and writing fiction justifying horrific acts of rape and torture. At no point, and I mean at no point, does Sade seriously contend that he didn’t do it. It’s always either “they wanted it” or “it’s not any worse than what anyone else is doing” or “it’s always morally justified to rape :) but I’m a feminist because I think women should be allowed to rape men too”

Like. I agree, Sade probably never did enact the 120 Days of Sodom literally

But you can slap me in the face and call me a monarchist if Sade never raped anyone. He did. Like, what more proof would it take beyond Sade taking a video of himself doing it?

I just don’t understand the need to defend Sade. I do find him interesting, and I do enjoy some of his novels, cancel me. But he absolutely was a menace to society and he was not just a victim of circumstance

I tell ya

#rape cw #this is a rant again I want to start no beef #cw Sade #Marquis de Sade

20 notes · View notes

exilethegame · 2 years ago

Note

i've been having an itch to write an if game, do you have any tips? i feel like its a very bad idea to jump straight in head first yk?

So much of it is a "figure it out as you go" kind of thing, but here's what I've learned, personally, and how I usually go about things!

1.) Figure out the kind of story you're trying to tell. That goes with any form of media. Is it a comedy? A tragedy? Is it meant to read like an old fairytale or a YA novel? What makes writing good is incredibly subjective, so it's important to find your genre + voice as a writer and play into your strengths. You can't satisfy everyone, so aim to satisfy yourself.

2.) Figure out who the player character is. What is their history? What's their role in the story? Why are they the player character? Figure out how much variation you want for them-- what's solidified about their past, and what's open for headcanons, and what's open for choices in-game?

3.) Treat MC with as much dedication as your main characters-- don't separate them from everyone else. People want MC to feel like an active part of the story. This is a generalization, of course, but I know myself and others enjoy an MC who has agency and feels just as fleshed out as the other characters in the story. I don't want MC to feel like a "observer" but rather an active character in the narrative.

4.) Plan out your game mechanics + the affinity system ahead of time. This is something I didn't fully do, and while it wasn't earth destroying, it has made coding unnecessarily messy at times on my end. Is it a stat heavy game or choice heavy game? What are the important stats, and how often will the player be able to influence them? I find the second part of that to be the most important, as you want to pace stat increases/decreases with the length + pace of the game. For example, in The Exile, MC's personality can only change in the first three chapters. Once MC is brought to Plaithus, their personality is locked in. This goes for other variables too-- sometimes there are only "windows" when they're able to be influenced. This helps me keep track of what's what and not be overwhelmed by the amount of stats I have.

5.) Plan out your cast, and make sure everyone has a purpose to the story. If you can't defend the presence of a character in your story, you might need to rethink their presence, or otherwise change the character. This doesn't mean they need to have a giant, crazy character arc connected to the main story, but rather that they bring something to the table that other characters don't. That being said, it probably is a good idea to make sure every main character in the story has some sort of personal story arc. It can be small, but it's nice to see how characters change over the course of a narrative, otherwise they might feel "static."

6.) Know why you're making your story. Is it for yourself? Is it for fun? Is it to make money? Is it to make art? Will it be public or private? If you're making the game public, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for critique and external opinions. I think we, as creators, sometimes underestimate (especially in IF and on Tumblr) just how crazy things can get with reader/author interactions.

And, my final piece of advice...

7.) Learn to set boundaries and say no with a full chest. Your game is your game at the end of the day, no one else's. Do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled and write the kind of story you want to read. And, of course, be easy on yourself. Writing takes time and effort, and sometimes you'll hit hurdles. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself and learn to keep on going forward, even when the going gets tough. As I always like to say, writing slowly is better than not writing at all!

Best of luck if you decide to make the jump and write a game!

#answered #writing advice #of course this is just my two cents!

207 notes · View notes

mollyhats · 2 months ago

Text

Kids Book Recs for Palestine

Are you looking for a way to aid a family in need while also getting a leg up on your shopping?

Are you looking forward to seeing friends/relatives in the next few months only to realize "oh no, what do I bring?" Have a baby shower you need to bring a book to instead of a card? Got a kiddo at home who absolutely tears through every book you give them--or, conversely, refuses to open them?

Hi, I'm Molly. In my day job, I work in the children's section of an indie book store, connecting patrons to books they and their young loved ones will love. And I'm offering the same service from the comfort of your own inbox! Unlike online rec lists (which often fall into broad categories or only offer info you could get from the back cover), I will walk you through what makes me think a certain book will appeal to your audience and what content to be aware of going in, and you can ask follow up questions and clarify what does and does not work.

How it works:

Step 1

Send me proof that you d*nated to Marah's Family's Gaza Evacuation Fund. (Tumblr post here, verification info here)

Step 2

Message or ask me proof along with as much of the following information as possible

Age of recipient

(This can be approximate; if you're looking for YA for an adult, you can say that)

Reading level if applicable

(Listing books they've read recently is helpful here, e.g. Magic Tree House for newer readers. You can also think page count, illustrations or no, etc)

Books they enjoy

(Consider especially if you have some idea of why. For example, somebody might like Percy Jackson for the snarky narration, the epic quests, OR the weaving the fantastic into modern America)

Things they like to read about (or just enjoy in general)

(These can be tropes, topics, character types, general genres. For younger kids, if you know their favorite animals or activities, that's a great jumping off point. If they prefer graphic novels, here's the place to say so.)

Any concerns

if there's anything you want me to particularly warn for (such as the dog dying), lmk here. I'll still give you some basic tws but these are ones to keep in mind through the whole process.

Step 3

I'll get back to you with some recommendations, and we can go from there.

Short example conversation

(this was a casual conversation with a friend 2 years ago. My repertoire has grown exponentially since then)

TL;DR give to a family stranded in Gaza, and get professional, personalized assistance in finding the perfect board, picture, middle grade, or YA book(s) for you or a loved one.

#books #book recommendations #book reccs #book recs #book recs wanted #kids books #kidlit #gift ideas #childrens books #gifts for kids #middle grade #young adult #picture books #board books

17 notes · View notes

bubblessunshinehoney · 2 years ago

Text

Big Fan (part3)

chapter 3: where you go on a date....?

don't be shy, reblog, comment, like!

Enjoy, Cloudy

not beta read, english is not my first language. all mistakes are my own

tw: none,bad timing, petnames, bucky is a warning

serie masterlist

chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3

If you don't want to miss any udpate, go follow my sideblog: @cloudysideblog

🥰🌷

This time, no business dinner, no café closing, Bucky decided he was going to invite you for a real date. He was done waiting for his turn.

Since your last encounter, you both texted each other almost all day, sometimes during the night. You even called him, saying it will be easier than typing.

Everything was going smoothly, too smoothly to Bucky liking, but he tried to let his pessimist voice in the closet.

From Y/N

So … I looked over my agenda, im free all weekend, so whenever you can, I’m down for the restaurant.

Did you realise it was a date? Bucky started to overthink and imagine you were just being friendly, not flirting with him, maybe he was to blind…maybe you were not interest.

From Y/N

I was even thinking…what about doing brunch on Saturday then go on a little walk and maybe…well we can see where that lead us? If you’re free of course… 😉

He smiled, the entire day together? Gosh, did he deserve to be this lucky.

From Bucky

This sounds amazing, I’m free all Saturday, going overboard on Sunday. JBB

You giggled; it was cute that he always ended his texts with JBB.

From Bucky

May I come and get you? If you’re not afraid of motorbikes.

“You have to say yes, that’s like super-hot”, interfered your best friend.

“Can you not read my texts?” You said in a fake annoyed ton.

From Y/N

Sounds even better! Let me text you my address… say around 10am?

“Well, finally you’re getting somewhere?” chimed Sam.

“Can you not read my texts?”

Bucky glared at Sam who was just smiling at him, innocently.

Saturday

You were up since 6am, absolutely panicking. You were going to spend most of your day with Bucky, if last night you were impatient, right now, you wonder if it will not be easier to call him to say you were sick. Like if your best friend was in your head, she sent you a text:

“No, you’re not sick, it’s gonna be a good day. It’s your turn, love. Your time to live what you write about for all these years. Go leave your romantic novel. You got this!”

You smiled, grateful for her words.

An incoming call, Bucky, you anserwed:

“Yes?”

“Hi, it’s me, I mean bucky…I’m a bit early, but the weather is so nice I thought… we could take the longer way to enjoy the ride? Is…is that okay?”

“More than okay, let me just put my shoes on and I’ll be right here.”

“Okay, doll, see ya!”

“B---bye”

Did he just call me doll?

You shook your head and put your shoes and jacket on. Running down the stairs, you were meet with a nice view. Bucky was leaning on his bike, arms crossed, biceps bulging, and he looked…ravishing.

“Hey cowboy!” you cheered.

He chuckled and walked to you. “Hey there, doll…is that okay if I call you that? I just realise after the phone that…”

You shut him off with your hand on his left arm. “It’s totally okay, I’m just not use to have a nickname, old fashion one, use for me from a guy.”

“Cowboy is also new to me”, he smiled sheepishly, taking your hand carefully from his left arm, that’s when you realise.

“Oh sorry! I didn’t…I mean, tell me if your left arm is a no touch zone…okay?”

He kissed your hand. “For now, I prefer not. “

He led you to the bike and handed you a helmet. But before you could put it on, he’s phone ranged and he looked at it, cursing.

“What now ?...really…fuck now is not the time and you know it. Can…of course…but fuck Sam…yeah, you’ll make it up to her.”

He hung up and looked at you with the most puppy eyes you’ve ever seen.

“I’m so sorry doll…, but…duty is calling, I have to go early, the target has moved faster and…”

“I get it, go save the world and yes, Sam must make it to me” you smiled, a bit disappointed. “I really was looking for our day.”

“So do I…gosh, Y/N, I wish I could stay here right now.”

He held your hands and you came closer to him.

“Come back fast, okay? We can have maybe… brunch at my place, I make the most perfect banana pancakes.”

He cupped your cheek with his right hand, stroking your cheekbone. “I’ll do my best; I’ll text you when I’m on my way back.”

You nodded, putting your hand on his chest. “Be safe, cowboy.”

“I will, I have a reason to come back now.” With that he kissed your forehead and left without looking back.

When he was out of sight, you called your best friend.

“My life is a fucking joke…”

If you don't want to miss any udpate go follow my sidebloge: @cloudysideblog

update of this fic, every monday (at least i will try)

155 notes · View notes

duckprintspress · 2 months ago

Text

Alright, I know there are four days left of summer technically, but looking at what I have left and what I expect to read in the next few days, I don't expect to finish any more squares, so here we are: my @queerliblib Mega-Queer Summer Reading Bingo Card! I got two bingos total - top row and one diagonal.

Genre fiction: Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham

Coming of age: Sunhead by Alex Assan

Comfort Read: Thousand Autumns vol. 5 by Meng Xi Shi

Comic, Manga, or Graphic Novel: Blue Flag vol. 2 by Kaito

Memoir: Out of Left Field by Jonah Newman

Poetry: blank

Queer pulp fiction: blank

Short Story Anthology: Many Hands: An Anthology of Polyamorous Erotica (I'm the editor so of course I read it!)

Print and post QLL fliers: I DID THIS! I printed out four quarter-sheets and last time I went to the library I asked them to put it on the board. I've got three more quarter-sheets and I'll be asking as I go to other branches, too.

Main character shares your identity: I Want to Be a Wall vol. 3 by Honami Shirono

Stonewall Award winner or nominee: blank

Format swap! Fine by Rhea Ewing (I usually read fiction, this is non-fiction, I hope that counts...)

Free space: Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Indigenous author: blank (to the best of my knowledge none were by indigenous authors but it's also not something I usually check)

QLL book rec: blank (though again, I didn't actually check, oops)

Queer non-fiction: The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel

Main character doesn't share your identity: Silent Hearts vol. 1 by Jing Shui Bian

Lambda Award winner or nominee: blank

Set in the past: For the Love of God, Marie! by Jade Sarson

Queer picture book: Wolfpitch by Balazs Lorinczi (do YA graphic novels count as picture books? oh well.)

Queer book in translation: Blue Flag vol. 4 by Kaito

Do a subject search for a book: At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender by Shou Arai

Queer classic: blank

Book with a protagonist older than 40: Guardian vol. 3 by priest (he's like. 10,000 years old.)

Set in the future: blank (amazingly, I've read like no sci-fi this summer?? wtf????)

This was a fun challenge, thanks Queer Liberation Library for hosting it!!

(are y'all in the US? have you signed up to access the QLL through Libby yet? because you should - check it out here.)

#unforth reads #queer liberation library #qll

16 notes · View notes

celestialbooks · 18 days ago

Text

If you like this song, try this book

Haven't you ever listened to a song and thought Man, I wish I could read a book like this song! Well, allow me to make your day and give you FIVE song-to-YA book recommendations.

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

1) SONG-to-BOOK: That's so True by Gracie Adams to The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals is a YA murder mystery book/series by JLB in which a group of teens make up a secret FBI task force and assist their "handlers" in solving serial killer cases. But my god, JLB writes this book so well. Her understanding of the complexity relationships is chef's kiss. If you loved the dreamy, yet harsh lyrics and beats of That's so True, don't sleep on The Naturals! And, forgive me, but That's So True gives off such Micheal and Cassie vibes.

Remember how I died/When you started walking/That's my life/That's my life

Like, you CANNOT tell me that Michael DIDN'T sing this in his head when he thought of Cassie.

2) SONG-to-BOOK: Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Heartless by Marissa Meyers

When I listen to this song, I think of Catherine. That's it. That's the summary. I can so clearly envision Catherine singing this song it's not even funny. If you love the techno beats of the song and the lyrics, Heartless is THE book to read. Heartless is a Victorian-style Alice in Wonderland prequel. The book follows Catherine, the daughter of a marquess, who is - against her will - engaged to the King of Hearts. This book was so good, and I wasn't expecting it. Like, Catherine and Jest? Perfection. I don't want to spoil this book, but this song can be applied to Catherine at two points of her life. When she found out she was supposed to marry the King of Hearts, and when her love died.

The men cry out the girls cry out/The men cry out, oh no Off, off with your head/Dance, dance til you're dead (dead)/Heads will roll

3) SONG-to-BOOK: Trouble by Valerie Broussard to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This song describes Six of Crows so well that I'm starting to think it's a conspiracy. If you love the background beats, the kind of gothic-dark-ominous-angry vibes of the song, and the strong vocals, Six of Crows is perfect for you. It follows Kaz Brekker, the teenage unofficial leader of the Dregs and nightmare of the Barrel. He brings together a group of five teenagers with special skills and "employs" them on a mission to break into the impenetrable Ice Court. The six teens each have their reasons for joining this mission, and because all of them are so, so traumatized, angry, angsty, and scary, they fit this song perfectly. No, but actually. Like, I want to wrap Kaz in a hug, and Jesper my precious. Inej my beloved, Wylan, you crazy pyro, Nina my strong baby, and RIP Matthias.

We wear red so they don't see us bleed/Hundred dollar bills under our sleeve/We intend not to sleep 'til we're dead/Drink our problems right out of our heads

4) SONG-to-BOOK: Paris is Burning by St. Vincent to The Gilded Wolves by Roshini Chokshi

Okay, wow. This song, this book? Bewitching. That's the only word that can be used to describe both, even individually. If you love the strong melody, haunting vocals, and killer lyrics, you are SERIOUSLY missing out on The Gilded Wolves. The Gilded Wolves is a historical fantasy novel that follows a diverse group of talented outcasts on a heist to claim their rightful inheritances. Led by Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, the team navigates a world of dark magic, ancient artifacts, and dangerous secrets as they unravel a mystery that could change the course of history. This book was so haunting and was on my mind for WEEKS after I read it, and the song pairs perfectly with it. This song reminds me of all the characters mixed into one, and their cumulative anger at their circumstances. My poor babies NEED things to go well for them, okay? The Gilded Wolves is dark, gothic, and lyrical, with witty humor and excellent world-building. If you love Paris is Burning, it truly cannot get better than this book.

We are waiting on a telegram to give us news of the fall/I am sorry to report, dear Paris is burning after all/We have taken to the streets in open rejoice, revolting/We are dancing a black waltz, fair Paris is burning after all

5) SONG-to-BOOK: Carousel by Melanie Martinez to Caraval By Stephanie Garber

Carousel fits Caraval so well but in an underrated kind of way. if you love the hardcore-dream feel of the song with its tough beats and dreamy-hard lyrics, READ CARAVAL! I promise you won't be disappointed. Caraval follows Scarlett Dragna as she and her sister, Donatella, travel to the faraway, once-in-a-lifetime, and mysteriously adventurous Caraval. But as soon as the two sisters arrive, Donatella gets kidnapped. And though Scarlett knows that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance, it doesn't feel like it.

Oh, come, take my hand/And run though playland/So high, too high at the carnival/And it's all fun and games/'Til somebody falls in love/But you already bought a ticket/And there's no turning back now

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

Happy reading to you guys! I hope you enjoy the books I've listed with the songs, and I genuinely hope you give them a try. Some of these books are so underrated, and they deserve all your love. See y'all next time!

#book recommendations #book #song lyrics #songs #caraval #six of crows #kaz brekker #heartless #alice in wonderland #the gilded wolves #mystery #the naturals #booktok #booklr #songs and books

7 notes · View notes

dragonydreams · 7 months ago

Text

No Crisis, Only Calm (Redux) - Buck & May

Title: No Crisis, Only Calm (Redux) Fandom: 9-1-1 Rating: General Audience Pairings/Characters: Evan "Buck" Buckley & May Grant Tags: mentions Evan "Buck" Buckley/Tommy Kinard, Coming Out, TV show recs, pseudo sibling bonding Summary: May shares with Buck the magic of Heartstopper after Buck tells her about his date with Tommy. Timeline: post 7x05 Word Count: 1,633 Disclaimer: I claim no ownership over these characters. I am merely borrowing them from Reamworks, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, and 20th Century Fox Television. Betas: Thank you to @medieshanachie for looking this over for me. Author's Note: This idea popped into my head after seeing an article about Heartstopper S3.

Author's Note 2: I wasn't satisfied with the first version of this story so I reformatted it and expanded it. I'm much happier with this now and hope you enjoy it too.

Read on AO3

Are you on shift?

The text popped up on Buck's phone and he couldn't help smiling at it. He didn't hear from May as much since she'd started college, but she has been checking in more since the lightning.

Not today, Buck responded. What's up?

His phone lit up with May's face as he was alerted that he had an incoming video call. He immediately accepted.

"Why were you being weird Saturday night?" May asked before he could even say hello.

Buck did a wonderful impression of a fish as he stared wide-eyed at May. He nervously licked his lips before he asked, "What do you know about Saturday night?"

"Eddie texted me to ask if I knew why you were acting weird."

"Why would he ask you that?"

"That's what I said!" May exclaimed.

"And it took you a week to follow up with me?"

May rolled her eyes. "I had classes. And study groups. And homework. So much homework."

"Well, Eddie and I have talked since then and he now knows why I was acting weird," Buck said, hoping to end this conversation. It wasn't that he didn't want May to know about Tommy. He actually kinda wanted to shout from the roof to tell everyone about him.

"...and?" she prompted.

Buck took a moment to decide if he wanted to tell her. He hadn't told Bobby yet, but he could trust May not to gossip. If he asked her not to, at least.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly before answering. "When I saw Eddie, I was on a date. With a man. But I was caught off guard and reacted badly."

"Since when do you date men?" May asked.

"Since Saturday," Buck said, wincing slightly.

"OMG, was he your bi-awakening?" May squealed, excitedly.

"I suppose you could call it that," Buck admitted. "He kissed me the Thursday before our date and it felt like the whole world came into focus." He could feel himself grinning like an idiot as he remembered the kiss.

"How far down the research hole did you fall after?"

"Not very, if you can believe it."

"I'm having trouble believing that," May teased.

"I know, it's very not me. Then again, so is being into men." He paused to think about what he'd just said. "Although, I guess that is me, now."

While he'd been speaking, May was obviously looking something up on her phone.

"In that case, go watch this," a text with a link popped up for a trailer, "and then call me back."

Buck clicked on the link after May hung up on him and watched the clip about two teenage boys in England falling for each other - one was gay and the other was bi. Apparently it was based on a graphic novel.

As soon as Buck finished watching he called May back. "How did I not know about this?"

"Because you weren't seeking out queer YA shows?" May suggested. "But you should watch. The episodes are only like half an hour each."

"I guess I know how I'm spending the rest of my day."

Buck watched May look away briefly and bit her lip before meeting his eyes again. "Want some company while you watch?"

Buck blinked back the sudden moisture in his eyes.

"Yeah, I think I'd like that."

"I can be there in an hour. With ice cream," she said.

"I'll be here."

"I'll see you soon," May said before ending the call.

Buck stared at the phone for a minute, moved by May's offer to share this show, which she obviously enjoyed, with him.

~~*~~

Buck was sitting at the kitchen table when there was a knock on the door 58 minutes after he'd hung up with May. Now that May was going to introduce him to this show about a bi-awakening, as she'd called it, he was curious about what else was out there.

He'd found the expected "Could I be gay?" quizzes, but he already knew the answer to that question. He still loved women, but he was also definitely attracted to men. Which made him bisexual, or pan, but he thought bisexual was the right word for him.

He went to open the door and May was grinning at him as she held up the bag with ice cream in it.

"You know, I don't think I've ever actually been here before," May said as Buck held the door open for her. "This is nice."

Buck blinked as he closed the door and realized that she was right. "Well then, it's about time. It's a loft so the tour will be quick. This is the kitchen, bathroom is over there," he pointed to a closed door next to the stairs, "bedroom is in the loft, and living room is this way." He led her through to the room in question.

May took the ice cream out of the bag and noticed that Buck had already set out a couple of spoons and glasses of water. The show was pulled up on the TV, just waiting for them.

As she made herself at home on the couch with one of the pints of ice cream, May said, "So, tell me more about this guy that turned your world upside down."

Buck felt his cheeks heating up as he settled next to her with the other pint. "Well, Tommy's a firefighter with Harbor. A pilot. He's actually the one that flew us to rescue your mom and Bobby."

"Hold up," May said, sitting up from her slouch and holding out her hand. "You don't mean Tommy Kinard?"

"Uh, yeah," Buck confirmed.

"Damn, Buckley. He's fine," May said. "I mean, he's old enough to be my dad, but damn."

Buck felt his face flush again as he couldn't help but agree. "Yeah, he is."

"So how did you go from him helping to rescue Mom and Bobby to him kissing you?" May asked as she settled back.

"Well, uh, I guess both Eddie and I wanted to get to know Tommy better after he helped with the rescue. Those two started spending a lot of time together and I guess I got kinda jealous. Like Eddie was replacing me? But also because he was spending all this time with Tommy. Things got a little out of hand at this pickup basketball game and I got Eddie hurt. Later that night Tommy came over to tell me that he wasn't trying to come between me and Eddie and I told him that I just really wanted to get to know him better. That trying to get his attention was exhausting and then he kissed me."

Buck took a big bit of ice cream after he finished word vomiting all over May.

"Wow," she said. "That was a lot."

"Oh, and after making sure I was okay with the kiss he asked me out for Saturday."

"And you didn't spiral after that kiss?" May asked. "That seems like something that would cause you to spiral."

"Yeah, I was kinda surprised about that myself," Buck admitted. "But it was more like a puzzle piece finally turning the right way to fit in a hole in a larger puzzle. Everything just felt right. Settled in a way that I've never been in my life before."

"That sounds wonderful," May said, in awe.

"It is. Of course then Eddie and Marisol showed up at the restaurant Tommy took us to on Saturday and I was so surprised that I went all dudebro and told Eddie we were just two guys hanging out and were gonna go pick up some hot chicks later."

"You. Did. Not."

"Oh, I did. Tommy was not amused and instead of going to a movie after dinner he got an Uber home by himself. Just left me in front of the restaurant."

"Can't say I really blame him," May said.

"Neither could I. But I told Eddie and he convinced me to call Tommy. Luckily he agreed to meet me for coffee and I invited him to be my date at Maddie's wedding."

May's eyes widened. "You're bringing him as your date to your sister's wedding? Way to come out to everyone at once."

Buck shrugged. "This is who I am. It shouldn't matter if I want to bring a man as my date instead of a woman. I'm happy and that's all that should matter. If anyone has a problem with that, that's on them, not me."

"I am loving this attitude," May said. "And you're right. It doesn't matter."

"Just, uh, I haven't told Bobby yet, so for now can you not say anything? I'd rather he find out with everyone else."

"Of course. So just me and Eddie know?"

"Maddie knows, too. It was kind of an accident, but she does know. I let the pronoun slip when I was talking about my interrupted date to her."

"How'd she take the news?"

"You know Maddie, she was totally supportive. Surprised, but supportive. Eddie, too."

"And now me," May said. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

"Thank you for sharing this," he gestured to the television, "with me."

"Is that your way of telling me you're talked out?" May teased.

"Yes, but I also want to see this show," Buck said.

"Then let's watch. It's been a while since I did a re-watch," May said.

"How many times have you seen it?" Buck asked.

"A couple," May answered. "It's a really sweet story. Lots of good queer representation."

"Is this your way of trying to tell me something?" Buck tentatively asked.

"No, I just like watching all kinds of love stories, not just heterosexual ones," May said. "But thank you for asking."

"Anytime," Buck said.

He grabbed the remote and hit play.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrK4xPy4ahg

#911 fic #evan buck buckley #may grant #bucktommy #Fic: No Crisis No Calm (Redux)

18 notes · View notes

johnbierce · 1 year ago

Text

Magic school book sale

Into the Labyrinth, the first novel in my YA magic school series, Mage Errant, is a Kindle Daily Deal today! (November 15th.) Books 2&3 will be on sale as well for the next couple of days. Mage Errant follows the adventures of Hugh of Emblin, a young student mage whose magic doesn't want to work right- though his anxiety works just fine. Mage Errant features found family, a convoluted science-inspired magic system, a non-neurotypical protagonist, a queernormative setting, Machiavellian politics, lots of explosions, and more kaiju than you can shake a stick at. (Though, uh... I highly recommend against shaking sticks at kaiju in general.)

Mage Errant is heavily inspired by Diane Duane, Dianna Wynne Jones, Will Wight's Cradle, Andrew Rowe's Arcane Ascension, and a bunch of cheesy shonen anime. It's part of the new(ish) genre of progression fantasy, which is much more heavily focused on training and growing in power than average in fantasy. (I like to call the genre "books for people who like movie training montages way too much.")

The whole series is complete now, sans a short story anthology coming out in February. It's also getting a webtoon comic adaptation, which is super exciting! Oh, and whenever I got a bad review for having queer characters (of which I got MANY), I hit a mental button reading "make it gayer."

#fantasy novels #progression fantasy #YA fantasy #epic fantasy #book sales #Mage Errant #I'm probably going to try using blaze on this post to support Tumblr and all that? Dunno how well it will work.#Still figuring this site out. I've only been on here a few months as I slowly evacuate from Twitter and Reddit.#(It would be kinda funny if it didn't get approved until after the sale ended. Hopefully that doesn't happen though.)

49 notes · View notes

beauzos · 5 months ago

Text

The Shadow Over Beau Rudolph | Chapter 1

As promised, here is the first chapter of my novel for you all to read! I'm going to post chapter 2 in a separate reblog for easier reading.

As always, thanks for reading.

Word Count: 5,092

Beau Rudolph had been down on his luck for a year and a half. Perhaps longer if he chose to view the different unfortunate moments of his life as being broken up by only brief interludes of happiness or stability. But preferring to look more on the bright side of life, he only dealt with his bad luck in bursts, never worrying much about the past beyond that. So, it had been a year and a half since he’d had his last stable job, the last of his money, and the last of his freedom. He was freer now than he was before in other ways, if only because he was rarely beholden to anything but his own ever-changing desires. At most he was reined in by Abraham’s stern voice, the same voice that boomed over Brittlebone Creek’s congregation each Sunday, though it never impressed him much. That sound was something he’d grown too used to.

Still, that deep voice always wormed its way into his head sooner or later. The old reverend had that effect upon people, even when they knew he was full of it. Perhaps the old Christian shame was just a more powerful spell upon people than Beau ever gave it credit for. Whatever it was, it was enough to rattle Beau from his lazier ways and scour around for work to do again. He, of course, did want to work, it was merely a matter of finding anyone who would have him. In a town as small as this, word traveled quicker than Beau could catch it, let alone speak his own version of the truth. Though he cared little for mentioning it himself, few others forgot that he was Beau Rudolph, Coward of the Creek. In truth, he was a coward, though he didn’t care to see it that way. His cow-punching days were long, long gone, practically before he’d even started, and he considered himself better off for it.

That wasn’t the only thing good old boys did out in Texas anyhow, not that he was particularly good at sticking to anything. Beau didn’t mind drifting from profession to profession, but he knew it didn’t invoke a sense of trust in any potential employers. Best he could do was aid Abraham in tending to their little church and to any extraneous church duties, anything an idiot could do, just like the reverend said. Didn’t mean he didn’t want more, though, or couldn’t want more. Something was out there for him. Of that he was certain.

Beau leaned over Vincent’s shoulder, putting all his weight upon those two narrow juts, then moved his hands up and squeezed both sides. “I’d be a good teller, I tell ya,” he remarked, snatching a pen from his friend's hand to remove any potential distractions. “I cin count 'n' figure, I cin follaw directions—”

Abraham’s bitter sputter of a laugh rang out as he turned, sheet music in hand. “Beau, you’re dumber’n a bag of rocks. The bank would have to worry more about you than anyone gettin’ ideas. And you’re stubborner than a mule.” Under his breath, he added, “Been dealin’ with that for twenny years…”

“Eighteen,” Beau corrected, resentful, “an’ no, I ain’t.”

Vincent chuckled. He didn’t laugh much, and typically reserved his sincere smiles and laughter for Beau or something particularly special. “Beau, I don’t think you’re making a good case for yourself.” He turned his head, quietly eyeing the pen, and ripped it from Beau’s hands just as quickly as Beau had done the same to him. “Anyhow, you know I would like to help you out. I don’t like to see you out of a job. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, isn’t that right, Reverend?”

Abraham nodded sagely, yet Beau detected the smugness that lay underneath. It was usually there, but few else managed to notice it. That voice was enough to hypnotize anybody into not noticing all the flaws that sat comfortably underneath that veneer of holiness. Abraham often accused him of simply being bitter. Bitter for this, for that, for marrying his late mother, whatever. But Beau wasn’t resentful of that. The smug bastard could think whatever he wanted, though. It was a free country, and Beau was never good at convincing anybody of anything. That much was clear.

“But I couldn’t just give you a job,” Vincent continued. “We have a word for that kind of thing back in New York. You know what it is?”

“No…?” Beau wracked his brain, but he couldn’t think of anything. He knew where this was going, though, and that was enough.

Vincent raised a finger like he was reciting something from memory. “Nepotism. People tend to look down on giving your friends and family jobs just on the merit of your personal connection. If you were qualified, though—”

“Which I am,” Beau insisted.

“—then I would be happy to put in a good word for you. But we have Kevin as the teller already, there’s old Jim to manage things, and I’m the acting president, so there isn’t any room for you.”

Beau pouted, letting his hands slip from Vincent’s shoulders as he stepped around towards the loveseat nearby. He threw himself upon it, which Vincent barely regarded beyond a quick glance, then back to his desk. “Surely there’s more jobs’n that at a bank. That ain’t much at all t’ be handlin’ all that money.”

“If this was a bigger town, then sure. But Brittlebone isn’t like New York City, or Albany, or… anywhere in New York, really. It’s quite the elaborate system when you live in civilization. But out here, we can’t spare much more. You know that.”

He did, but he didn’t truly think about it until now, though Beau was used to that kind of thing. Growing up in Runt, Louisiana was quite the same as this, save for the climate. He’d only been to New Orleans once or twice, and the bustle had been too much. Beau couldn’t imagine spending his entire life rushing. In a place like that, of course they’d need a whole lot more people, all ready to rush around for their impatient customer base. New York was probably even worse than that based on the way Vincent had described it to him. He wondered how a man like that fared out in the West. Vincent always appeared to be in a rush even now. He’d been here for at least a year, but his energy still matched his home state. Maybe a slow town like Brittlebone needed it, though, otherwise they’d only be left with people like Beau who drag their feet and get into more trouble than they’re worth.

No wonder nobody trusted him, honestly. Beau didn’t suppose that he’d trust himself either, and if he did, he’d probably wind up disappointed like everybody else.

“…S’pose someone come ‘n’ rob it, though!” Beau suddenly added, energy renewed with his new argument. “I know y’all don’t carry guns.”

“We have a rifle hidden underneath the teller’s booth.”

“Ol’ Kevin an’ Jim dunno know how ta use a gun! What the hell!” Beau ignored the dirty look Abraham shot him. “You need a feller who knows how ta use it.”

He removed his revolver from its hip holster and spun it, then snapped it into his hand, barrel pointed up. The shiny silver gleamed in the dying light of the evening, his ivory white grips complimenting the gleam. It was the cleanest gun anybody had ever seen. Beau took damn good care of it, and he’d only ever fired it once in the two years that he’d had it. He had no plans of telling Vincent that, not that it mattered. Beau had been hunting since he was a little boy. He knew his way around a gun no matter how many times he’d fired his current one.

Vincent cracked a smile and shook his head. “Beau, when’s the last time you heard about any banks out here getting robbed? Sure, Jesse James did, but he’s been dead for two years.” Beau frowned. “I do appreciate your offer. If any opportunities come up, you’ll be the first to know, I promise you.”

“You shouldn’t humor him so much,” Abraham complained. “That’s how he gets himself into these messes. He’s been spared the rod far too much in his life.” Beau rolled his eyes.

“Well, surely you’re not suggesting I take the rod to him,” Vincent replied dryly. “I don’t know what my neighbors would think.”

Abraham shook his head, unamused entirely. He rarely found humor in anything aside from mockery of Beau. His mouth was tightly closed together in a frown, looking almost like an angry frog in the way it indented his bushy grey beard. “There’s no use in it now. He ain’t a child, though he certainly acts like one.”

“I learnt from the best,” Beau shot back.

“Oh, please. By the time I married your mother, you were already too far gone. She was a good, God-fearin’ woman, but much too soft on you, clearly.”

“You’ve spent more years with me than she did at this point.”

“And clearly I hadn’t managed to impart any sense o’ duty or responsibility in you. I’d rather not waste my time on one lost sheep if I have the rest o’ the flock to tend to.”

“Gentlemen, please,” Vincent cut in. He fished a pocket watch out of his waistcoat and checked the time. “We play in less than half an hour. We’d better get ready.”

Beau could sit and argue with Abraham all night if the fancy struck him, but Vincent was right to stop them then. Putting everyone in a sour mood right before a performance always wound up ruining the whole thing. This was one of the only things he was good at, and was one of the only things he particularly enjoyed doing. Beau would be damned if he allowed himself to be in a bad mood on a night like this. Every night they played, Beau forgot about the world for a moment, melting into the sound of their music until all that was left was a little ringing in his ears.

“Mrs. Dowd would probably appreciate it if we quit bickerin’ in her parlor anyways,” Abraham agreed.

“You haven’t made me very popular with her, certainly.”

“Sorry ‘bout that, Vince,” Beau said as he stood up from the couch, patting his friend’s shoulder.

It was so easy to slip into an argument with his stepfather that Beau didn’t even think twice about it, regardless of where he was. He found himself arguing with Abraham in front of his flock quite a few times already. That didn’t do him many favors in terms of his already diminished reputation. Not only was he a coward, but he was disrespectful to boot.

You’d be disrespectful if you lived with the bastard, too, Beau always thought, though he’d never been brave enough to say it aloud.

Abraham was the first one out of the house, tipping his hat politely to the elderly Mrs. Dowd, who smiled wide at him, a smile that dropped the instant she laid her eyes upon Beau. Beau imitated Abraham and tipped his white cowboy hat and smiled, but there was no smile waiting for him in return. She didn’t acknowledge him beyond that, instead turning to Vincent as he came up behind Beau. She pointed a gnarled finger at him.

“You’d be wise to choose your friends better,” she told him.

“Oh, don’t be so hard on Beau, Patricia,” Vincent replied, voice smooth and unconcerned. “Really, he’s harmless.”

“That’s usually their prob’m with me,” Beau said as he swung his arm around Vincent’s shoulder. His smile was strained, though his eyes remained bright. “Gotta watch out fer the gentle types ‘round here.”

Mrs. Dowd clucked her tongue, hands on her hips, and shook her head. Women, especially older ones, always had that way of making their disapproval as clear as possible. Men, on the other hand, always spent their time laughing behind the back of any man on the wrong side of things. Beau preferred the honesty of old women, though his preference for them ended there. “You’re so crooked, you’d swallow nails and spit out corkscrews, Beau Rudolph.”

Beau couldn’t help but laugh. That was a new one. Vincent ushered him outside with a gentle but firm push on the small of his back, which Beau put up no resistance to. He knew when he wasn’t wanted, and he wouldn’t haunt this old widow’s foyer any longer, nor ruin Vincent’s already tenuous relationship with her. Vincent could probably afford a better place than this, but he was a man used to living within modest means, far from his nature to flaunt his wealth, which all knew or at least suspected he had as a banker from the East. He was probably used to having a nagging woman around anyways. From what little Beau saw of her letters, Mimi seemed like the fretful type.

Outside, he could make out the sound of a few more vague words exchanged between Vincent and Mrs. Dowd. Vincent stepped outside moments later, shaking his head, but he said nothing more of the whole thing. Together, they strolled down the main lane of town, a town bigger than it was when Beau and Abraham had first arrived, but still so much smaller than even their hometown of Runt was. For all the people who complained that Texas was getting full, Beau hadn’t seen hide nor hair of that yet. At the intersection in the center of Brittlebone was the saloon, a bar only referred to as Jack’s, its real name not remembered. The old sign above the building was faded already, sun-bleached and covered in a thick layer of dust so that no one could read it any longer.

It was one of the only buildings still lit brightly at this time of night, just after sundown. While everyone else had locked up their businesses or begun to turn in for the night, Jack’s would rage on into the middle hours of late night. Beau never stuck around that long, leaving whenever Vincent deigned to in order to be well-rested for his job the next day. It’d probably be a dangerous thing, sticking around without Abraham and Vincent to act as buffers between himself and the rest of town. He wasn’t good at talking his way out of things, never was, never would be, and so relied on the goodwill doled out to his companions to slide by without too much trouble.

People were willing to put up with him for a bit of music at night, at least. That was all he could really ask, all he really even cared about in the first place. They breezed past the front doors, with hardly a head turning their way. Patrons knew to expect them a couple of times a week, and so the amusement had worn off. The most attention they got were from the few who weren’t as familiar with Beau’s outfit, bright like a cowboy in a Wild West show more than someone who truly lived out here. Jack still chuckled every time he caught a glimpse of that sky blue and white Western shirt and blinding white Stetson hat, the juvenile, amateur stars embroidered onto his jeans, and yellow and blue cowboy boots that depicted a cowboy fishing from the crescent moon. Then, he wasn’t Beau Rudolph, just the Sky Cowboy. Sometimes, Beau preferred that.

Yawning, Beau approached the bar, resting his arms on the counter. Jack wordlessly set a glass of whiskey in front of him. “Aw, for me?” Beau smiled. “Well, if you insist.”

As he lifted the glass to his lips, Jack spoke up. “You got money this time?”

Beau paused. He gestured to Jack with a nod. “Smart man ta ask. How much is it again?”

“Twenty-five cents.”

“No entertainer’s discount? After all, we make money fer—”

“Save it, Sky Cowboy.”

He sighed and dug into his pockets and fished out a fistful of change. Even looking at it, he knew he didn’t have enough, but he still counted it out. Just shy, seventeen cents. Beau shut his mouth and stuffed the coins back into his pocket. With a solemn nod, he set the glass back onto the counter. “Smart man,” he reiterated, breaking out into an easy smile again. He pointed at Jack. “I’ll be back later once I made some tips, awright?”

Jack eyed him from the side. “Dunno why I even bother at this point.”

“Don’t kick a guy while he’s down, Jack.”

“Beau, you been down your whole fucking life. Like this makes any difference.”

Beau laughed, rolled his eyes, and meandered away from the bar. All he could ever do was laugh. He stepped up onto the small stage where Vincent, Abraham, and Simon, the usual piano player for Jack’s, awaited him. Vincent handed off Beau’s guitar to him, one that was a dime a dozen in places like this. Every cowboy worth their grit played to pass the time, and it was one of the only things Beau had actually learned during his cowpunching days. The guitar was painted black, the only other color being the pure white crescent painted around the left side of the sound hole. Beau pulled the strap over his shoulder and tuned it, fidgeting with the keys.

“I’m surprised you chose not to get drunk this time,” Abraham remarked. Though it sounded casual, Beau could feel the hidden barbs. “Changin’ our wicked ways, are we? The prodigal son has learnt his lesson?”

“Yessir,” Beau affirmed. “Figured I’d save my money ‘n’ start investin’ it real smart-like. Vincent cin help me set up a savin’s account an’ everything.”

Abraham shook his head. “You’d never save a dime. You would rather spend it all on vices.”

“Clearly I didn’t this time, Abe.”

“You ain’t got no money, that’s why.”

Beau touched his chest in mock offense. “Me? Nah, I’m jus’ savin’ my money fer once.”

Abraham approached the piano player, Simon, and clasped his shoulder. “You ought to rest, Simon. I’ll take over here. Get yerself a glass of whiskey on Beau, since he’s turned over a new leaf.”

Simon didn’t hesitate once he heard that. Quick for an old man, he pushed himself up to his feet and made haste towards the bar. Looks like Beau’s drink wound up being used either way, though he sure wished it was him who’d gotten to enjoy it. He really needed a tip now… not that these cheap bastards ever did, though some may take a little pity on him on occasion and toss a dime his way, if only to get him to quit his whining about all the work he did. It was a wonder that he hadn’t been shot yet, but Brittlebone was relatively quiet, at least compared to the horror stories of Tombstone or Deadwood.

“Ee-yup… on me,” Beau murmured.

When Beau looked over to Vincent, quiet as ever, he had his violin resting on his shoulder casually. Abraham seated himself at Simon’s piano, setting aside the previous music sheets and replacing them with his own. There was never any fanfare in their beginnings. Addressing the crowd only ever elicited laughter or silence when Beau spoke as if he thought he really was somebody, and so he had gotten used to starting their songs without any warning. There was no better introduction than his deep, thick, warbling voice ringing out through the bar, clinging to whoever would listen like honey.

Not all of their songs had singing, or singing from him, at least. Men quickly tired of his voice, or perhaps tired, more specifically, of him, and so he tried not to overstay his welcome, although Beau loved to sing. Sometimes Abraham or Vincent would take over on the vocals, each voice deep and richer in tone than his own, an amateur, but not necessarily unpleasant sound, he felt. Vincent’s was best of all, though, as he was the only one with any semblance of vocal training and experience in singing, albeit primarily within the choir at his Catholic church back home. Beau admired it and had tried to imitate it on his own, but could never figure out what was missing. Perhaps it was because it was Vincent’s and not his own that he admired it so much. There was plenty to admire about Vincent, and little to about Beau.

Beau’s mind wandered towards Vincent as he sang and strummed. The more he thought, the more he always wondered what the hell Vincent was doing associating with two people like Beau Rudolph and Abraham Bell. At least Abraham had a respectable profession as a reverend, and although the two were ideologically at odds—of course, old Abe had no respect for Catholics or their ilk—they at least had a mutual understanding as men of more honest means. Beau was by no means a criminal, nor did he consider himself dishonest, but he was a street rat. A bum, if not for Abe. Vincent was the only person who ever put up with him for this long, and Beau had yet to discover what inspired him to continue on this way. It wasn’t a lack of popularity, that was certain. People loved Vincent for the honesty and stability he brought to Brittlebone. The last bank that rolled through here had closed up shop within a year, all the farmers, business owners, and families losing what little they had entrusted to the bank entirely.

Perhaps it was just because Vincent was an overwhelmingly patient man that he did. He was not easily irritated, save for what he felt truly deserved it, and so Beau’s idiosyncrasies, his failures, and his attitude did not deter him from friendship. Whatever it was, Beau did feel touched by that persistence. Vincent was the only person still alive on this Earth that Beau loved. He certainly did not love Abraham, and this would never change, no matter how many years they’d spent together. Beau hoped to shake him loose eventually, but he needed money for that. His luck had not yet turned, but he remained hopeful of finding something better soon. Beau just had to be patient.

Beau’s eyes glazed over the crowd of men, some huddled at tables with cards, some leaned back in chairs chatting, some clinging to the bar or their tables for dear life. He did not notice Jerome Horn sauntering in with his posse, and at first, nobody else did, either. It was not until Jerome crept up behind a patron flirting with a barmaid that anybody knew what was happening. He grabbed hold of the man by his collar and the bottom hem of his shirt and threw him to the floor. Beau snapped out of his thoughtful trance, swung his guitar over his back, and placed a hand on his ivory pistol, sweating palm clinging to the grip. The man on the floor screamed and howled like an angry beast caught in a trap, but Jerome had put all his weight onto his back, immobilizing him as Jerome handily tied his arms together, then his ankles. His posse kept an eye out for anyone thinking to interfere with the scene, but none stepped forward.

“This lowly sunuvabitch’s wanted fer murder in the next town,” Jerome announced loudly as he stood up, akimbo. “Let it be a lesson that if you’re fixin’ to do somethin’ ya might regret, know it’ll catch up ta ya.” Lowering his voice to a more normal level, he continued to his two men, “Get ‘im outta here. We gotta get this jackass to Greysville in the mornin’.”

The two men nodded, and silently hauled the man out of the bar, still squirming and screeching. The second he was gone, he was out of the minds of the patrons, who slowly resumed their usual routines. Beau stayed stock-still there, however, still recovering from the shock. No matter how long he lived here, he’d never get used to scenes like that. Call him soft, but it was true.

Jerome quickly took notice of Beau standing up there, and he saw the wry grin grow crooked in the sheriff’s mouth, pushing the edge of his bushy horseshoe mustache upwards. “Now, I know that ain’t Beau Rudolph with his hand on his gun. At ease, soldier!” Embarrassed, Beau slid his hand off of his gun, and brought the guitar back around to his front once more. He fiddled with the tuning keys again as if it wasn’t in tune already. “Don’t worry, Beau, if I need help watchin’ somebody get away next time, you’ll be the first I come to!”

The patrons erupted into laughter. Beau felt himself turn red, and he lowered his head to avoid eye contact with Jerome. He forced himself to look back up again, straining to grin back at the sheriff. “That’s a good one, Jerome. Force o’ habit, I guess.”

“Maybe you should get in the habit o’ actually firin’ the thing when there’s danger,” Jerome called back, “‘stead’a just standin’ there ‘n’ watchin’.”

“Hadn’t thought o’ that, Sheriff. I’ll do just that.”

“Good on ya. We’ll make a real man outta you yet.”

Beau bristled, but he said nothing. He felt Vincent’s gentle hand touch his shoulder, and he relaxed the moment it touched him. No use taking offense. Beau always did his best to take these jabs on the chin. Being defensive just made it worse in his experience, and his easygoing nature made it simple for him to slide by with nothing more than the occasional insult. He knew Jerome liked him, or at least didn’t hate him. He’d rather be on the side of someone who mocks him than someone who truly loathed him. At least Jerome was upfront about the fact he had no respect for him. He couldn’t stand the thought of people laughing at him behind his back.

Removing his hat, Beau ran a hand over his ash brown hair, then put it back on and dove into the music once more. The crowd’s laughter, long gone, was still ringing in his ears, scratchy, harsh, and obnoxious. He could barely hear himself above the phantom.

It was around midnight when Beau, Vincent, and Abraham stepped out of Jack’s. Abraham made straight for home, a tiny house just behind the church on the northern end of town. Vincent and Beau strolled at a slower pace in the opposite direction towards Vincent’s home. With any luck, by the time Beau got home, Abraham would already be in bed. As the two came up to Mrs. Dowd’s doorstep, Vincent took Beau’s arm before he could turn away.

“Beau, if you need money, I’m perfectly happy to lend you whatever you need,” he whispered, as if anyone was awake to hear. “I have savings set aside for—”

“Vince, I could never.” Vincent stopped then, his mouth still partially agape until it slowly shut. “C’mon now, I ain’t no beggar. I’d never ask fer money from you. It’s why I wanted the job, ‘cause at least I earned it, then.” His friend frowned, but Beau wouldn’t let him speak just yet. “An’ I know you can’t git me that, so don’t worry. I got things under control. I have some ideas o’ what I cin do.”

The way Vincent looked at Beau told him that he didn’t believe it. He was right not to, but Beau never wanted Vincent to worry. Beau was a grown man, nearly 33. If he couldn’t handle himself at this point, then he didn’t deserve help. “I hope you do. I’m sure you’ve already thought of it, but maybe you could take on an apprenticeship somewhere and learn a trade.”

Beau tilted his head. “Yeah, awready thought of that, but I ought to look into it an’ see what I can do. I know I cin learn. I’m a fast learner when I wanna be.”

“You are! You just need to apply yourself more, Beau, I…” Vincent sighed. “I know you can be so much more than you allow yourself to be. I don’t know why you’re always holding yourself back.”

“I don’t do that.” Beau’s voice sounded more irritated and defensive than he had intended, but it was too late to stop himself by the time he even noticed it. “I’m jus’ no good at bein’ satisfied, I s’pose. I haven’t found nothin’ I like ta do ‘cept music.”

Vincent frowned. “We can’t always do things we enjoy. I’m not a banker because I enjoy it necessarily, but because I’m good at it, and because it provides a good life for my family. I know that they deserve that life, so I do it for them. Find something you’re good at, and that should be enough for you. Life won’t stop just because you have to do something you don’t like. You will still have music, you’ll still have your friends, and anything else you like.”

“…yeah. I know.”

There was no reason to argue about it. Vincent was right, whether Beau wanted him to be or not. God, it was pathetic that he even had to be told this. It was the same thing Abraham told him every time he quit a job or flaked out on an opportunity. Somehow, it felt a little easier to swallow when it was coming from Vincent. He really had to do something. Beau didn’t want Vincent to offer him money ever again. He was the only person who ever believed in Beau, and to hear that made Beau feel like he was starting to give up, too.

Solemn, Beau looks out into the street, away from Vincent. “I’ll figure it out. I always do. I better not catch you worryin’ about me anymore.”

When he glanced back, he saw the faint outline of a smile. “I try not to. I know I shouldn’t fret about you, but sometimes… you make choices that make me want to wring your neck.”

Beau grinned. “Trust me. I feel the same way.” He pulled Vincent into a side hug, squeezing him, then let go. “You have a good night, Vince.”

“You too, Beau.”

With his hands in his pockets, Beau walked off towards home, eyes trained on nothing but the dusty road beneath him. He needed to figure this out, and fast.

NEXT CHAPTER >>>

#Psy's writing #SOBR tag #novel excerpt #writeblr

15 notes · View notes

taybatwo2 · 5 months ago

Text

Monster High IDW Comics Review: Part 1 of ?: Free Comic Book Day 2024 Issue

A late review, but I wanted to review this and the Pride Comic together.

Part 2:

https://www.tumblr.com/taybatwo2/754406053729452032/monster-high-idw-comics-review-part-2-of?source=share

Part 3:

https://www.tumblr.com/taybatwo2/754555603918127104/monster-high-idw-comics-review-part-3-of?source=share

Part 4:

https://www.tumblr.com/taybatwo2/754946130507333632/monster-high-idw-comics-review-part-4-of?source=share

Part 5:

https://www.tumblr.com/taybatwo2/755042011333132288/monster-high-idw-comics-review-part-5-of?source=share

Comic Overview: The Free Comic Book Day MH IDW preview has an almost completely different staff to the Pride Issue; the writer is Jacque Aye (she/her, writer who has her own series of novels and likes to “spin tales about woeful women with a surrealist, magical touch.” I don’t feel like that necessarily fits with MH, but her novels look good).

She is interviewed in the back of this preview and it sounds like she has about 40 dolls from various toy lines, and loves her Skullector Series Beetlejuice and Lydia (she used to be afraid of them).

She says that the comic “is YA and inspired by the darkness Wednesday and the drama of Gossip Girl.” Aaaaaand the only thing people need to know about the comic beforehand is to watch the G1 animated webisodes, read the new Once Bitten, Twice Dead novel (it comes out in mid-July) and “to buy a few dolls for your collection ;)” The artist is Siobhan Keenan (she/her, also did “Summer Fangout” in the MH Pride Comic and has a ton of GORGEOUS art on -Twitter- “x” and Instagram: @ siobhanchiffon).

The colorist is Rebecca Nalty (she/her, also worked on “Summer Fangout,” and has beautiful artwork on her own website and Instagram: @ sharkberri). The cover artist (and the MonsterNet artist) is Luciannys Camacho (she/her, again, BEAUTIFUL artwork -including some G3 Venus- on Instagram: @ opal_lines).

Lettered and design is Kielamel Sibal (she/her, another artist on Instagram @ labis_lemaleik). The editor is Riley Farmer (she/her, I think, I can’t access her LinkedIn profile), with the production done by Johanna Nattalie (she/her and has worked on a lot of IDW Sonic titles). They are the same team that also worked on the Pride Comic Issue).

The full series will be rated “T” for teen.

In the back of the preview, it lists a “schedule” for the upcoming releases in the IDW New Scaremester” G1 comic series (I assume they didn’t want to call it Boo Scaremester due to the G1 doll line of the same name).

The floppies will be releasing every month starting in August-May and all 10 copies will probably be collected in the listed “Monster High Fearbook 2024-2025” also in May. ….I assume.

There are three more One Offs: Halloween 2024 (in “Fangtober”), Snow Ball (in December 2024…only October gets a pun), and Spring Break (in April 2025). I don’t know if these will be collected in the Fearbook too, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were.

The “2025-2026 Scaremester” will start its new set of floppies in August of 2025. If this schedule is followed to the “t.”

Some information on the G1 canon to date, because G1’s canon is kinda a mess that contradicts itself EVERWHERE (unlike the EAH books, which all kinda mesh pretty well with another and a pretty good read) and can be broken down into several categories:

The Doll’s Diaries 2010-2022 (I consider these to be the most important as they delve into the characters internal feelings and we get a deeper look at them and their relationships with one another. I wish they continued making them, but not everyone has read them). You can lump UK’s MH Figurine Collection Mini-Diaries, and Nessi Monstrata’s MH Diary Series in with these as they follow the same premise.

The Monster High G1 Animated Webisodes (175 webisodes, 2010-15)/Commercials/New Ghoul at School (these seem to be what most people still imagine the G1 characters acting and sounding like. It’s kinda a mixed bag of episodes -especially the first and ending seasons- and I feel like the diaries do a better job at characterization, but I have a nostalgic soft spot for these webisodes. It does sometimes contradict itself and the diaries).

Monster High Supplemental Books/Web Stuff: Books that mostly just repeated facts/pictures from the Webisodes and Diaries (such as the MH Annuals 2014-2016, 2013’s MH Fearbook, 2013’s MH My Monster Life, 2013’s MH Meet the Monsters, and the 2014’s MH Collection) or LIGHTLY built-off the canon that was mostly explored in the webisodes and diaries. (For some reason the movies were not mentioned quite as often). These include 2015’s Scare-ific Secrets (this one was a great read for a G1 fan), the Monster High website’s 2012 Boo Year’s Eve Countdown, 2012’s-2013’s Freaky Fab 13, and the 2014 Dance the Night Away: A Night in Scare-adise Prom.

The 13 G1 CGI Monster High Movies (these would contradict themselves. Like MH’s Ghoul’s Rule involving a lot of more of New Salem/Salem’s normies, or the Great Scarrier Reef forgetting a lot of Lagoona’s characterization. They do have some of my favorite MH moments in them).

Could MOSTLY fit into the lore. These are stories that can technically fit into the main timeline, but may not be mentioned again by other characters (the Ghoulfriend’s Book series -has a whole new villain, some new side characters, and MH dorms, and the two Graphic Novels: “I Only Have Eye for You” -it is mentioned off handedly in Kieran’s Diary, but doesn’t fit in chronologically- and “Hopes and Screams” -basically a collection of original webisodes in comic form, and Shannon Hale’s EAH/MH crossover: “The Legend of Shadow High,” EAH is hinted at in “13 Wishes” and “Boo York, Boo York”). Or they are just slightly off from the main canon (2011’s MH Ghoul Spirit and New Ghoul in School games have in-game only main characters).

Information given by the creators (such as Garrett Sander’s Q and A’s and Instagram doll breakdowns). They’re really fun and interesting but teeeechnically not canon.

Their own thing (the Lisi Harrison novels were MH in name only and the Monster High Anime: Scary Cool Ghouls, a fun watch, but their own continuity). I’m also going to guess that the just announced Universal Live Action G1 movie will hang out here too.

I’m going to assume (after my breakdown of the FCBD IDW preview that the main IDW comics and Once Bitten will be in the last category…oh…joy…)

Okay, that was a lot of information. Time for my personal thoughts/review and more pictures under the cut!!!!

First off …I don’t have much confidence that I will like it due to:

1. Being out of the age range of “YA” (I still like some of it, but it’s not guaranteed).

2. The writer comparing it to two shows I didn’t personally care for.

3. It sounds like it will be in the same G1 continuity as the Once Bitten, Twice Dead novel and that novel screams NOT FOR ME (it honestly sounds like my least favorite YA fiction tropes: overly angsty and dark…and in a cringy way to try and make it sound more adult. Like CW shows! Or that cancer live action Power Puffs reboot/ continuation). It’s not continuing the G1 MH canon I was personally connected to.

4. Despite all the artists having great looking artwork in their instas, I personally do not care for the artwork….or maybe the layout…both…(?) in the comic. I think it looks a bit generic looking (where is Frankie’s boxier head, Clawdeen’s larger nose, Cleo’s sharp angles?!). Like, it’s not necessarily bad, but the art style just doesn’t grab my attention in this comic (maybe it was rushed…?).

I will probably check out the first full floppy volume for this run, but otherwise I don’t collect floppies (single issue released comics) because they’re so fragile and it’s more affordable for me to get their collected versions.

5. I am not the biggest western-comics fan and generally prefer independent graphic novels or manga/manhwa due to their stories feeling more cohesive (I generally don’t have to worry about different runs being picked up or dropped by different artists and writers) and I like knowing the inside/panel art will look very similar to the quality of the cover art (generally different artists will work on ongoing western comic series and I find it disappointing to pick up a comic with a beautiful cover to only be met with a different art style inside -like this comic-).

Soooo taking that all into consideration, let’s delve in:

The opening letter is from Headmistress Bloodgood (using her original G1 signature, what a fun detail). Remember how Bloodgood would fight for her students and was a fair, but lightly strict Headmaster? Maybe the school board gave her absolutely no choice.

Speaking of Bloodgood, is she a reanimated normie? Or does she come from a long line of headless monsters….ghosts?? I’m pretty sure Hexiciah is mostly human (besides the little bit of fairy blood in him), and Victor Frankstein is most definitely human….

I would be surprised if Jackson/Holt are going to be in this continuity. Their mom definitely broke the “no romance with normies claws” to have made them and Jackson is often considered a normie. I’m guessing the Ghouls Rule movie didn’t happen in this continuity either…

This letter is alluding to a bunch of fuuuuuun (aka dark angsty shit with normies) that went down in Once Bitten and that this comic series is going to be dealing with the blowback from that.

Geeze, for being the most “inclusive and accepting school for monsters” it is hardcore against the real monsters….THE normies. DUN! Dun! DUUNN!

I feel like these “no normie rules” are influenced by G3’s NO NORMIE policy; or the Lisi Harrison books. I’m getting a whole lot of vibes reminiscent of the Lisi Harrison books. Woof…

“”The School Board has voted to more stringently uphold these claws moving forward.”” I do find it funny that the Monster High Universe seems to be run by Monster High’s school board.

If the artwork in the corner is anything to go by, it looks like the G1 CGI movie version of the school will be used for this iteration.

I might have to re-upload the comic pages without the speech bubbles for copyright reasons, but since this one was a free issue, I thought it would slide:

Page 1:

The actual comic starts off with a very distraught Frankie wanting to spend time with her dad this summer, but he declines. He’s too busy with his research into trying to make a perfect reanimating process….?

Whoaaa buddy I’ve got some bad news for you. I think you are a bit late to the party.

G1’s Victor Frankenstein reanimated you and your wife, I believe you guys both made Watzie for Frankie, Frankie created Hoodude and the gingerbread boy and that’s just the Steins. Hexiciah Steam created Robecca, and I’m sure some of Monster High’s Zombies were reanimated and not born naturally!! Another change in this comic, they decided to call Viktor Stein (Frankie’s dad) just Frankenstein. Aaaand make him both conventionally attractive and constantly in partial shadow (is he going to be super broody in this??). I remember him being a lot more playful towards Frankie in the diaries and liking dumb puns.

And, I mean, I’m not against more dilfs in MH (Hexiciah *cough cough* and G2’s Dracula *cough cough*), but I was kinda hoping for a more interesting/fun-take on the monster-y design.

MH already has these designs kicking around!

A small nitpick: they used a distractingly large/thick brush to ink-in the black parts of his hair, and I don’t like how it messily covers the finer lines of hair.

““The day I sewed your parts together and zapped you to life was the best day of MY life.””

From this line, it sounds like G1’s Viveka Stein is going to be MIA in this series as he doesn’t mention her at all in creating Frankie. This man is either taking all the credit here or Viveka was taking a snooze or something…

Pros: Frankie looks very cute in the second panel (except for the fingers which look a bit off) and Siobhan can draw hot older men VERY well.

Page 2:

“Frankenstein” explains to Frankie that he’s too busy trying to get his (redundant) research ready for the “World’s Scare Science Exhibition.” Frankie interrupts and sees that her ghouls need her. Frankenstein once again alludes to this version of G1 being a melodrama “let me know how they’re faring.”

I find Frankenstein’s: “I could never create another you my dear. You’re one of a kind.” Kinda silly.

Alivia has entered the chat (shhh I know she’s G2).

“What I am doing here is something different. Something that’s never been done before.” Again -Vik- Frankenstein, you’re a bit late to the party there.

Personal Nitpick: Why use “Scare Science Exhibition,” when you’ve been using the “Mad Science” pun in G1 already. IMO, I think it also sounds better.

Pro: Frankenstein’s face looks well drawn (especially in the fourth panel-ignoring his blotchy, black hair streaked- look at his cute little bolt eye-glasses).

so does his armchair in the first panel,

and Frankie’s face in the first and second panel.

Con: I think all of their hands look off (especially the fingers). I don’t know if it’s the line work or the coloring, but they all read as awkward and oddly sharp (Frankie’s thumb in the first panel, and whole left hand in the third panel).

Page 3:

Sounds like the ghouls are fighting again, Frankie is caught in the middle, and Draculaura is dealing with the brunt of the shit show from the “Once Bitten” book.

Personal Nitpick: Draculaura is drawn REALLY tall in this photo (in the webisodes and CGI movies, she is teeny).

Pro: Frankie looks great in the first panel, I like her and Clawdeen’s smile in the photo, and her expression in the fourth panel. Con: Frankie’s hands look janky in the first panel.

Page 4:

Apparently Frankenstein remembered electricity being vital to reanimation, and rushes to find his notes (that were apparently not on his desk). But his notes are missing. Dun! Dun!! I wonder who the brains in the jar belong to?? Perhaps Vivika and Victor Frankenstein are in this version of G1 after all…

Pro: I liked his exclamation: “by Mary Shelly’s ghost.”

I really liked how Frankenstein is drawn in the third panel and how he breaks out of the frame of the panel too. It just feels a lot more “alive” and energetic.

The lightning bolt is drawn well and the toppled mug of coffee in the background of the fourth panel is a nice addition. Page 5 (the last of the paneled comic in this preview):

A super eeeevillll person suddenly sprouts up from nowhere (was this guy squatting down in the corner of the room; waiting for Frankenstein to figure out the key to reanimating life) and grabs Frankenstein’s “life’s work;” threatening to destroy it, unless he agrees to work with him. Frankie-boy agrees. Meanwhile, Frankie is still talking to her boos, while flipping through her photo album.

I also wonder if the ghouls are not allowed to fang out during summer break and can only see each other during the school season?? Otherwise, why can’t they all fang out. :/ Personal Nitpick: how did that burglar get into that room?? Was he there the whole time (pretending to be a table) or did he sneak in after Frankie left?

Frankenstein’s “life’s work” is entirely made up of a two whole envelopes(?) and two spiral notebook pages. That’s it Frank?!? That’s all?!? And is Lagoona not part of the main squad in this version of G1 (maybe she WAS actually boiled alive in the previous book)?

Pro: Frankenstein’s hand (once again breaking the panel’s outline) looks very well drawn. Frankie mostly looks great in the last two panels (I love her pose in the fourth panel

and her cute smile in the last one). Con: Cleo’s face doesn’t look like herself in the last panel (where did all of her sharp facial angles go)??

They gave Frankie yaoi-sized hands in the fourth panel. Haha! They’re huge!

This is the last “comic page” in this FCBD preview. There are four Monster Net profiles of the main ghoul, a Schedule (I covered this earlier), an interview with the author (also covered earlier), and another picture of the cover art. The Monster Net is a clever G1 upgrade, I like these and the details that went into them (even if I don’t like the implication of what written here). The artwork is done by the cover artist: Luciannys Camacho, and looks great.

In Frankie’s her dad is confirmed to be her only parent… :/ Boooo!!!

Draculaura’s profile is just…very sad. The poor ghoul apparently has had a bad year with her dad (who may or may not be dead) making her drink blood (to save her life…? Was it a ritual..? He was begrudgingly okay with her vegan life style beforehand) and going to meetings (is she taking over a business, is she being called in to testify what happened the last year at MH)? I am so not looking forward to what’s going down in “Once Bitten”….

I guess that her new step mom from the Diaries Series (Ramoanah) is also not a thing in this either (none of these ghouls get moms). Draculaura also looks super cute in this artwork!!

Clawdeen’s bio really plays up her being a fashion influencer and I think that perfectly works for her. Her bio is also hinting at everyone being sad, distant, and off. It confirms she has a girlfriend: Toralei….which I have mixed feelings on. I really like G3 Clawdeen and Toralei and I have seen REALLY cute artwork for G1 Clawdeen and Toralei. But that’s about it. Besides their dog/cat theme, I haven’t been swayed to ship them just yet (Toralei did some horrendous things to the ghouls and while I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers they haven’t done enough flirting with each other for me to hop on board yet). I assume they will have their relationship built up in “Once Bitten” and not just “Summer Fangout” (because that still just felt like it was skimming the surface).

Her artwork also looks great (her outfit especially looks well drawn).

Cleo’s profile is also fine. But WHY did the newest Monster High Diaries (from the Haunt Couture line) and THIS comic want to break up G1 Cleo and Deuce?!? They are a great power couple and have already gone through so many ups and downs in G1 to prove that they love each other. Since when does Cleo care about who Nefera has dated (apparently Nefera has dated someone in another dimension….is she dipping into the fairy tales and dating someone at Ever After High or the Barbie verse? Is this what happened to Blaine after Barbie dumped him to be with Ken again?!?).

Final Thoughts:

Well, that was certainly a preview of what’s to come and I’m super wary of it. :/ Again, I might’ve just aged out of G1’s YA melodrama that they’re leaning into. But I was hoping for a semi-proper continuation of the MH G1 continuity. Maybe see the ghouls graduate (after following them around their senior year) and head to college…? See some of their family members start MH…? G1 Monster High has some good bones and ideas to play around with (it’s far from perfect-I already mentioned how confusing the lore is). Plus, writers now can be inspired (or know what to avoid) by what’s happened in G2 and G3.

I already stated that this fits into the last category of MH G1 Lore “It’s Own Thing,” and this IS just a peak into it, and MAYBE I’ll be swayed, but so far, I’m just not super impressed. I give this preview a 5.8/10. The artwork is mostly pretty good, the paneling is not groundbreaking, but also not bad, it flows well. The story is what’s holding me back (but it is a free issue and it got me to finally go into our local comic book shop for Free Comic Book day).

Anyways, those are just my thoughts. What do you think of the story so far? Are you excited about “Once Bitten”/IDW MH comics living their best alternate G1 lives? Are all of my takes awful? Let me know!

Part 2 of this series of reviews will be part one of (hopefully four posts of) MH’s Pride Issue’s Comic: “Summer Fangout.”

#Aleta’s reviews #IDW Monster High comic #IDW monster high #Monster high #g1 monster high #IDW monster high comics #IDW free comic book day 2024 #IDW FCBD 2024 #IDW free comic book day Monster high #IDW FCBD Monster High

18 notes · View notes