#And he's made an effort to be more sensitive in recent years

[mariacallous]

Elon Musk’s minions—from trusted sidekicks to random college students and former Musk company interns—have taken over the General Services Administration, a critical government agency that manages federal offices and technology. Already, the team is attempting to use White House security credentials to gain unusual access to GSA tech, deploying a suite of new AI software, and recreating the office in X’s image, according to leaked documents obtained by WIRED.

Some of the same people who helped Musk take over Twitter more than two years ago are now registered as official GSA employees. Nicole Hollander, who slept in Twitter HQ as an unofficial member of Musk’s transition team, has high-level agency access and an official government email address, according to documents viewed by WIRED. Hollander’s husband, Steve Davis, also slept in the office. He has now taken on a leading role in Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Thomas Shedd, the recently installed director of the Technology Transformation Services within GSA, worked as a software engineer at Tesla for eight years. Edward Coristine, who previously interned at Neuralink, has been onboarded along with Ethan Shaotran, a Harvard senior who is developing his own OpenAI-backed scheduling assistant and participated in an xAI hackathon.

“I believe these people do not want to help the federal government provide services to the American people,” says a current GSA employee who asked not to be named, citing fears of retaliation. “They are acting like this is a takeover of a tech company.”

The team appears to be carrying out Musk’s agenda: slashing the federal government as quickly as possible. They’re currently targeting a 50 percent reduction in spending for every office managed by the GSA, according to documents obtained by WIRED.

There also appears to be an effort to use IT credentials from the Executive Office of the President to access GSA laptops and internal GSA infrastructure. Typically, access to agency systems requires workers to be employed at such agencies, sources say. While Musk's team could be trying to obtain better laptops and equipment from GSA, sources fear that the mandate laid out in the DOGE executive order would grant the body broad access to GSA systems and data. That includes sensitive procurement data, data internal to all the systems and services GSA offers, and internal monitoring software to surveil GSA employees as part of normal auditing and security processes.

The access could give Musk’s proxies the ability to remote into laptops, listen in on meetings, read emails, among many other things, a former Biden official told WIRED on Friday.

“Granting DOGE staff, many of whom aren't government employees, unfettered access to internal government systems and sensitive data poses a huge security risk to the federal government and to the American public,” the Biden official said. “Not only will DOGE be able to review procurement-sensitive information about major government contracts, it'll also be able to actively surveil government employees.”

The new GSA leadership team has prioritized downsizing the GSA’s real estate portfolio, canceling convenience contracts, and rolling out AI tools for use by the federal government, according to internal documents and interviews with sources familiar with the situation. At a GSA office in Washington, DC, earlier this week, there were three items written on a white board sitting in a large, vacant room. “Spending Cuts $585 m, Regulations Removed, 15, Square feet sold/terminated 203,000 sf,” it read, according to a photo viewed by WIRED. There’s no note of who wrote the message, but it appears to be a tracker of cuts made or proposed by the team.

“We notified the commercial real estate market that two GSA properties would soon be listed for sale, and we terminated three leases,” Stephen Ehikian, the newly appointed GSA acting administrator, said in an email to GSA staff on Tuesday, confirming the agency’s focus on lowering real estate costs. “This is our first step in right-sizing the real estate portfolio.”

The proposed changes extend even inside the physical spaces at the GSA offices. Hollander has requested multiple “resting rooms,” for use by the A-suite, a team of employees affiliated with the GSA administrator’s office.

On January 29, a working group of high-ranking GSA employees, including the deputy general counsel and the chief administrative services officer, met to discuss building a resting room prototype. The team mapped out how to get the necessary funding and waivers to build resting rooms in the office, according to an agenda viewed by WIRED.

After Musk bought Twitter, Hollander and Davis moved into the office with their newborn baby. Hollander helped oversee real estate and office design—including the installation of hotel rooms at Twitter HQ, according to a lawsuit later filed by Twitter executives. During the installation process, one of the executives emailed to say that the plans for the rooms were likely not code compliant. Hollander “visited him in person and emphatically instructed him to never put anything about the project in writing again,” the lawsuit alleged. Employees were allegedly instructed to call the hotel rooms “sleeping rooms” and to say they were just for taking naps.

Hollander has also requested access to Public Buildings Service applications; PBS owns and leases office space to government agencies. The timing of the access request lines up with Ehikian’s announcement about shrinking GSA’s real estate cost.

Musk’s lieutenants are also working to authorize the use of AI tools, including Google Gemini and Cursor (an AI coding assistant), for federal workers. On January 30, the group met with Google to discuss Telemetry, a software used to monitor the health and performance of applications, according to a document obtained by WIRED.

A-suite engineers, including Coristine and Shaotran, have requested access to a variety of GSA records, including nearly 10 years of accounting data, as well as detailed records on vendor payments, purchase orders, and revenue.

The GSA takeover mimics Musk’s strategy at other federal agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Earlier this month, Amanda Scales, who worked in talent at Musk’s xAI, was appointed as OPM chief of staff. Riccardo Biasini, former Tesla engineer and director of operations at the Boring company, is now a senior adviser to the director. Earlier this week, Musk cohorts at the US Office of Personnel Management emailed more than 2 million federal workers offering “deferred resignations,” allegedly promising employees their regular pay and benefits through September 30.

The email closely mirrored the “extremely hardcore” note Musk sent to Twitter staff in November 2022, shortly after buying the company.

Many federal workers thought the email was fake—as with Twitter, it seemed designed to force people to leave, slashing headcount costs without the headache of an official layoff.

Ehikian followed up with a note to staff stressing that the email was legitimate. “Yes, the OPM email is real and should be taken very seriously,” he said in an email obtained by WIRED. He added that employees should expect a “further consolidation of offices and centralization of functions.”

On Thursday night, GSA workers received a third email related to the resignation request called “Fork in the Road FAQs.” The email explained that employees who resign from their positions would not be required to work and could get a second job. “We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so,” it read. “The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.”

The third question posed in the FAQ asked, “Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?”

“Yes,” the answer read. “You will also accrue further personal leave days, vacation days, etc. and be paid out for unused leave at your final resignation date.”

However, multiple GSA employees have told WIRED that they are refusing to resign, especially after the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) told its members on Tuesday that the offer could be void.

“There is not yet any evidence the administration can or will uphold its end of the bargain, that Congress will go along with this unilateral massive restructuring, or that appropriated funds can be used this way, among other issues that have been raised,” the union said in a notice.

There is also concern that, under Musk’s influence, the federal government might not pay for the duration of the deferred resignation period. Thousands of Twitter employees have sued Musk alleging that he failed to pay their agreed upon severance. Last year, one class action suit was dismissed in Musk’s favor.

In an internal video viewed by WIRED, Ehikian reiterated that GSA employees had the “opportunity to participate in a deferred resignation program,” per the email sent by OPM on January 28. Pressing his hands into the namaste gesture, Ehikian added, “If you choose to participate, I offer you my heartfelt gratitude for your service to this nation. If you choose to stay at the GSA, we’ll work together to implement the four pillars from the OPM memo.” He ended the video by saying thank you and pressing his hands into namaste again.

[the-entitie]

"Just, please... please. I'll beg."

Poly_TF_141 x sex-demon_reader Prt:2

Read part 1 here 》 ....

A_N:... Continuation of the previous! This is part two, and to do with Werewolf Soap going into 'heat' but not the abo kinda heat. Soo, expect more wolf like behavior, and again, the same warnings apply.

CW.|.TW:... Sexual content. Intended male reader. Bottom but Dom reader. Polly-cule TF 141. Religious depictions of demons. Allusion to Reader having an Eating Disorder and the recovery there of. Ghost x Soap x Reader

It had taken some time and effort, but finally, finally, you were OK with the casual emotion that the team shared with one another.

Being a permanent member of the team seemed to help. You even put on weight in the recent months that you've actually fed semi regularly, although it wasn't anywhere near what you should be getting but it was miles better then the months you used to starve through.

Price made sure that any time between missions, there was some form of sexual intention in his team.

Not the hardest thing when all of them have been intemit with each other for years before you joined in with the physical side of things. And Price let you have your fill of him whenever he saw that drop in you again.

But someone else came knocking that night.

A blushing Soap who was leaning heavily on your door frame, looking almost shy for his bulkier body. He hardly says anything as you beckon him in. Eyes still down cast even as he leaves the door ajar and is sitting all but an inch away from you.

"I wan'ed te ask ya if yeh would..." he starts, blush spreading down his neck. "Can ye. I just wanted.."

That's when you felt a pulse of a sweeter emotion, a spiking arousal that was tainted with a primal urge. This absolute need for something so deeply sexual it was practically making your mouth water.

"Your lycanthopic urge?" You question,

"Aye, my heat kinda snuck up on me." He answers with a curt nod. Still not looking at you.

Your fingers find his chin, easily lifting his stubble edged jaw, so he was nose to nose with you.

Soap had dilated pupils, only elipsed by this thin sliver of his irus. Those needs already making his mind want to lean in and chase those lips of yours. Instead, he flicks his eyes back up, that emotion growing thicker, sweeter, with the movement.

"Just please..." he half begs, already so desperate. "Please. I'll beg. I'll go away if ye don't wanna, but I just.."

"Ok, I will lend you help."

You've hardly gotten the sentence out before Soap jumps you. Stealing breathless kiss after breathless kiss.

Guiding your hands to his skin, slipping them under his clothes, and soaking in the warmth with your skin on his. He gets so touch starved, so sensitive to it, when he's like this.

You near fucking his throat with a long split toungue isn't helping him think any more coherently. He tried to ignore the gentle tangle of your hands as you started getting him undressed. Body more demonic with the crackling desires streaming from Johnny's need for intimacy.

"You still got your mind in one peace there lad?"

A deep rumble follows from the door, Ghost standing there with his head tilted. Commenting, "Dumb Mutt just got one thing on his mind."

"You came to watch or pass along something or another."

"Oh, I wanna watch."

Simon crosses the distance from the door to your bed in two quick strides, fingers gliding in the panting Soap's hair. Pulling him back by the grip he has on the werewolf's Mohawk.

"Mainly to see this one don't hurt ya, hun. But to see if yah would need help."

Johnny rolls his hips against your thigh, toungue lulling out past his fangs and bruised lips. Eyes unfocused as he tries to keep his body still while miserably failing.

"Can get a bit one tracked and forget who's helpen 'em. And Price warned me yah got a habit of ignoring yourself."

"Acceptable. Just help me strip him before he cums in his pants."

"Alright hun."

You end up kneeling with Soap, hopelessly humping against your thighs with you stretching out your back so you can reach for Ghost as he leans back. Your hands trace over the fat of his thighs before using your tail to wrap around Johnny's waist, keeping a firm grip to help him actually get what he wants.

His cock already painfully hard, pulsing with each beat his heart had. He was happy to be pulled to where you wanted him, all but panting into your nape as he ruts up against you.

It's always that first breach that knocks the breath from you, but Soap sits still after he's fully sheathed. Just trying to feel as much as he can with skin against skin as that lusty haze fills his mind.

When he does start moving, it's at a brutal pace. Hardly pulling out before shoving back in all the way. Jolting your whole body.

That thickly suffocating emotion had your throat vibrating in the closest thing your kin could produce to a purr. Easily keeping him steady and against you with your tail. You could feel his back tense and ripple with each roll of his hips, with your tail snugly against his waist as he licks along any skin he can.

You heal too fast for him to see the hackies he's working along your shoulders, but the darker marks of his teeth do stick just a bit longer.

It's Simon who traces the rivets of your ram like horns, eyes watching the hitch in your breath. Fingers ever so gentle as he traces all the dents and scrapes along them; careful to rub his palms down the curve against your skull. And you can taste the lust that's just as strong from him.

When Soap had cum with a snarl, as he bared his teeth against your spine, you could feel how the tired feeling was pulsing along the need to keep going. He was hard and needy as he couldn't set a rhythm with the fatigue settling along.

He must have tried to get off before getting the courage to ask for your help.

Feeling a bit sorry for the werewolf, you roll him over; turning to face Simon as you hover over Johnny's body. Watching as Soap mouths over Simon's dick through his boxers, those sex blown eyes watching him.

When you started the roll off your hips, against the shivering Soap who moans egging you on; you saw Ghost lift his gaze. Watching you ride the other with ease.

"Shit." Ghost comments,

He hefts himself up to his knees, nearly covering Johnny's face with his crotch. The wolf didn't seem to mind. Just mouthing and licking at all he could reach. Soaking more of the fabric with his spit.

"Price gave this view no justice when he told me 'bout it."

Redoubled your efforts as more warmth flooded you, but Soap didn't soften. He only meets every roll down with a thrust up.

"Don't know why any of you enjoy it, and not the action."

Johnny is whimpering under Ghost, body trembling in over stimulation. Mind lost in the throws of the absolute pleasure you're helping pump through his very soul.

"More ta do with ya looking like yah enjoying yaself then the act alone."

"You have to be none-"

Those fingers dance over your horns, finally pulling a quiet noise from you. He leaned into you, sharing the quick hiffs of air you're both taking.

"That," Ghost repeats the action. You don't moan this time, but the effect is still evident. "Is what we enjoy of this."

"Prove it."

"Gladly hun." Before his eyes roll back into his skull, "Fuck... watch the teeth soldier."

Soap had pulled his boxers off with just his teeth, getting to his dick. At the comment, Johnny bared his teeth against the intimate skin of Simon's inner thigh. So close to him that the danger runs his blood just that bit hotter.

And for all that Ghost likes the danger, that bit of pain, he doesn't actually want to bite him. And not nearly as hard as he bites at you.

"He will tire out soon, just a warning."

Simon clasps at your horns, pulling you closer by them.

"Not for long hun, he'll be up and wanting more in no time." He presses his lips against yours, mumbling with a smirk, "and I wanna tag team him when he does."

[leiawritesstories]

I Won't Call It Love, Part 1

hi @shyvioletcat!!! happy rowaelin yulemas!!! you love baby fics and idiots to lovers so...here's both of those tropes! This is part 1 of probably 2 parts :))

Word count: 2.1k

Warnings: NSFW, swearing, reference to infertility, pregnancy

Enjoy!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey.” Tucked into Rowan’s side, snug under the blankets that spilled out of the hammock, Aelin tipped her face up, catching her boyfriend’s eyes. Boyfriend. Gods, it still made her giddy to call him that, the title they’d settled on so recently. 

“Hey.” Beneath the blankets, his hand slid lazily from her waist down to her hip, fingertips just barely grazing the dip of her spine. “What's up?” 

She let out a soft sigh and curled closer into his warmth, watching the embers of the campfire flicker out. “I like this.” 

“Me too.” He grinned at her, a flash of wickedness edging his expression, and tugged her more solidly onto his lap. “I like it a whole lot.” 

“You’re a bad, bad boy, Rowan Whitethorn,” she teased, arching her hips ever so slightly into the thickness she felt pressing up into her from below. “I thought we agreed to keep this casual.” 

His hand on her back grew heavy, and he pressed her hips into his in a slow, languid roll. “Does keeping it casual mean I can’t touch you like this, Ae?” He dipped his head, breathed a feather-soft kiss behind her ear. “Do you want me to stop?” 

“I…no,” she managed to gasp, lost already in the feel of his hands on her skin. She’d had dreams like this for years. “We talked about that, Ro.” The teasing lilt returned to her tone, and she sat up enough to playfully flick his nose. “We’re casual, but we’re boyfriend and girlfriend, and as long as we’re together, we’re only with each other.” A brief, haunted spark danced through her eyes, gone as soon as it appeared. “And if we decide this doesn’t work, then we go back to being friends. Right?” 

“Right.” He tugged her slowly back down against him. “But you didn’t answer my question, Ae. Do you want me to stop?” Her hips nestled into his once again, and she barely suppressed the moan that sprang up her throat at the feel of his cock pressing into her. 

“Don’t stop,” she whispered. “I—mmh, Rowan.” Her thoughts garbled into nonsense. She’d buried her feelings long enough. 

He smirked into her neck, his lips brushing the sensitive skin there. “Whatever you say, princess.” 

A moment of clarity broke through her lust-clouded thoughts. “Ro, I—mmh—we’re in a hammock, buzzard. This definitely isn’t stable enough.” She sucked in a jagged breath, let one hand drag down his side and dip into the waistband of his sweatpants. “Not for the things I want you to do to me.” 

“Fuck, Aelin,” he groaned, catching her wrist before she could warp her fingers around his dick. In one smooth roll, he was out of the hammock, and he hoisted her into his arms without effort. “And what kind of things…are those, hmm?” 

She looped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips up against his ear as he kicked open the door to the cabin. “Filthy things.” 

“Good girl,” he rasped out, lengthening his strides and crossing the small, open-concept cabin in barely three steps and splaying her out on the bed. 

“You’re wearing too many clothes, Ro,” she teased, sitting up so she could kick off her shoes and pants. Before she could roll her sweats off her legs, he stopped her, heat burning in his eyes. “Having second thoughts?” 

“Hardly.” He threw his sweatshirt across the cabin floor, his shoes following. “I want to do it.” 

She raised a brow. “That’s the whole point, buzzard.” 

“Not like that,” he huffed, catching the mirth in her eyes. “Like this.” He skated his warm hands up her sides, tugging her sweatshirt up as he went. And he stopped short, sucking in a gasp and staring at her breasts. 

Her bare breasts. 

“What?” She shrugged irreverently. “I don’t like wearing a bra when I’m in my comfy clothes.” With a wink, she added, “And I might have had a plan for this little trip.” 

“Did you, now?” His eyes dilated into darkness as he tugged her sweatshirt off and threw it across the floor, then hooked his fingers into the waistband of her pants. “What kind of plan, love?” 

“This kind.” She smirked, then gasped as he dipped his hand between her thighs, his thumb finding her clit with remarkable speed even through her little scrap of lacy panties. “Yes, Rowan. Yes.” 

“That’s my girl,” he murmured, and tugged her sweats off with one hand while the other continued to draw lazy circles over her clit. 

She groaned his name and wrapped one hand around his wrist, leading his fingertips inside her panties. He caught her gaze, a question written in his look, and she nodded her confirmation as she reached up to kiss him. Rowan braced himself on his free arm and kissed her slowly, his tongue tangling lazily with hers, and she sighed into the kiss as her body melted into the mattress beneath the hard press of his. Unbidden, his fingers curled against her pussy, and she nodded breathlessly, her hips shifting against him. 

“Show me what you like, Ae,” he breathed, hooking his fingers into the waistband of her panties and sliding them off of her. 

“That might be the hottest thing you’ve ever said to me,” she chuckled. Her humor rapidly gave way to a moan as she trailed her fingers down her body, curling around her sensitive nipples and drifting to her wet pussy. She traced patterns on her clit with one hand and let the other slip down, dipping two fingers into herself and watching Rowan’s cock strain through his boxers as he watched her fingers sink effortlessly into her cunt. “Like this,” she managed to say, moving her fingers at an increasing pace, twisting and curling them inside herself. 

“Fuck me,” he groaned, and he pulled her fingers out of her pussy and replaced them with his thicker ones. He licked her wet fingers, his eyes rolling at her taste, and curled his fingers upward, matching the rhythm of her fingers on her clit. 

“Fuck me,” she moaned, rocking her hips into his touch. “Can I?” Her free hand reached towards his cock, and he nodded as he slipped a third finger into her cunt. 

“Yes.” 

“Oh…fuck,” she gasped, going speechless at the sight of his dick. She pushed his boxers off completely and traced a soft touch up the underside of his thick, hard cock, making him grunt and jerk towards her touch. “Are we…?” 

“Don’t worry.” His fingers hit a spot that had her seeing stars, and she gasped his name. “That’s right, love, tell me who’s making you feel like this.” She wrapped her fist around his dick and stroked, and he tipped his head back and groaned. “So good, love. Yes. It’s gonna fit.” 

She looked like she was about to protest, so he swallowed her next words with his tongue in her mouth and curled his fingers, and a tremor rocked her body. “I…Rowan, I’m…” 

“Come for me, love,” he whispered into her neck, and she clenched around his fingers and did just that. He worked her through it, stopping to catch her hand and lift it from his cock. “Fuck, Ae, if you keep that up I won’t last thirty seconds.” 

She laughed quietly, still catching her breath from the orgasm. “Ah, Ro, I think you have better stamina than that.” 

“Damn right I do, Ae.” He kissed her softly and cupped her tits in his hands, the calluses on his fingers scraping gently against the delicate skin. She moaned, her body writhing against his, and he smirked. “Ready?” 

“For you?” Her smile went soft. “Yeah. I’ve been ready for a long time.” 

“Fuck, Fireheart.” His thumb skated up the curve of her cheek. “I think I’ve had dreams where you said that to me.” He notched his hips into hers, his dick nestling against her slick pussy. “I—wait! Fuck. Condom?” 

A shade of sorrow passed through her eyes. “It’s fine, Ro. I’ve pretty much been told that I can’t get pregnant.” 

“Aelin,” he whispered. “I’m sorry, love.” 

She shook her head. “It’s alright, Rowan. There’s lots of ways to have a family.” As she said that, his dick nudged her cunt, and she chuckled. “Someone’s eager.” 

“Fucking right, someone’s eager,” he returned. She guided his dick to her entrance, and he rolled his hips, slowly fitting himself inside her. “Gods.” 

“Fuck,” she gasped, breathless at the sensation. “So full.” 

He groaned, a garbled rendition of her name, and at her nod, started to move. He drove his hips into hers, once, twice, and…well. “Fucking gods, Ae!” He cried out her name and came inside of her after less than a minute. 

Silence stretched between them. 

Then Aelin turned her head sideways on the pillows and burst out laughing, Rowan’s dick still inside of her. “Oh gods,” she gasped through her laughter. “When I said I wanted you to do filthy things with me, love, I didn’t mean for you to two-pump chump it.” 

Rowan blushed scarlet, but a chuckle escaped him despite his efforts. “I’m never like this,” he groaned, dragging his hands down his face. “Fuck me.” 

Aelin chuckled and pushed herself up to kiss him. “There’s more than one way to make a woman orgasm, as you know.” She winked wickedly at him. “Lucky for you, I brought a battery-powered boyfriend.” 

“You really did have plans, didn’t you?” He finally pulled out, and he reached over and picked up her toy from the nightstand. 

“I did indeed.” She let her legs splay apart. “You gonna just make me lay here?” 

“I could.” He smirked. “But I won’t. C’mere, gorgeous.” 

~

The late-September breeze raised a soft pink on Aelin’s cheeks, but it wasn’t cold enough for her to start wearing a jacket yet. The bells on the coffee shop’s door tinkled as she swept in, waved at Elide behind the bar, and headed towards her and Lysandra’s usual table. 

“You’re late, babe,” Lys said, raising a perfectly threaded brow. “Did that man of yours keep you up late?” 

“You’re the worst,” Aelin grumbled, gratefully taking a sip of the latte in front of her. “I walked here from the office, you know.” 

Lys snickered. “I’m just giving you shit, Ae. But I do want to know.” She widened her green eyes and propped her chin on her hands. “Because if he hurts you, I’ll rip his dick off.” 

“That’s graphic,” Aelin drawled. “And we’re…” She trailed off, a glow that had nothing to do with the fall air brightening her face. “We’re great. I won't say it yet, but I think I’m in love.” 

Lysandra cheered. “Atta girl! Give me all the dirty details.” 

“Freak,” Aelin laughed. “I can’t stay, Lys. I have my appointment in half an hour.” 

“Damn,” her best friend sighed. “Fine. We’ll go for drinks later, then?” 

“Absolutely.” Aelin picked up her coffee and waved. “I wouldn’t miss Tuesday girls’ night for the world.” 

“See you then!” Lys waved as Aelin left the coffee shop. 

Aelin went back out to her car, parked a few blocks away. She had yearly appointments with her gynecologist, and she was used to them by now. She’d been seeing Dr. Towers for a good five years, since she was diagnosed with adenomyosis at twenty, and she was glad to have the reassurance of her doctor, even if her condition was a heavy one. 

She arrived at the clinic fifteen minutes later, checked in, and waited for a while before the nurse came out and called her name. Aelin followed her back into the exam room, and she set down her bag and went to the restroom. The nurse handed her a small sample cup. 

“You know the drill,” she said with a little smile. 

Aelin smiled back. “Yep, I’ve been here enough times.” Pregnancy screening was a normal part of every appointment. It had never meant much to her—it still didn’t, not when she and Rowan were only a few months into an official relationship. She took care of things quickly and went back into the exam room, where the nurse took her vitals and went over a few things with her before Dr. Towers came in. 

“Hi, Aelin.” The doctor’s usual gentle smile was absent. 

Aelin’s brows furrowed. “Is something wrong?” 

At that, Dr. Towers broke into a beam. “Not at all.” She set down her laptop and took a pregnancy test out of her pocket. 

A very positive pregnancy test. 

“You’re pregnant, Aelin.” 

The world went silent. 

“Th—that’s not possible,” Aelin whispered. She tucked her shaking hands under her legs to hide them from view. “I…are you sure?” 

Dr. Towers nodded, holding out the test. “I’m very sure, Aelin.” Sympathy warmed her expression. “Would you like to discuss your options, or do you want to have some time to process? We can schedule another appointment in a week or so if you need some time.” “I think I want some time.” Aelin’s mind began to settle, the one thing that she could fully grasp being Rowan. I need to tell Rowan.

~~~

TAGS:

@live-the-fangirl-life

@superspiritfestival

@thegreyj

@wordsafterhours

@elentiyawhitethorn

@mariaofdoranelle

@rowanaelinn

@house-of-galathynius

@tomtenadia

@julemmaes

@swankii-art-teacher

@charlizeed

@booknerdproblems

@earthtolinds

@goddess-aelin

@sweet-but-stormy

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@llyncooljones

@silentquartz

@renxzs

@anarchiii

@fauna-flora11

@cynthiesjmxazrielslover

@mysterylilycheeta

[webcamnibal]

My Sweet Saintess | Hannibal Lecter

sincerely yours, @webcamnibal

Summary: Hannibal Lecter and his pretend daughter. Saintess "Mischa" Ivanova.

Warnings: Sensitive Topics, Obsession, Infatuation, Child Neglection. Not proofread.

Hannah Dodd | Partially inspired by Flowers in the Attic: The Origin.

────────────

"Oh Sweet Saintess, my sweet little angel. You were my salvation from all of this darkness."

Saintess Ivanova was left abandoned by her parents. At least that was said to her. He seemed to know everything about her. In fact she trusted him with her life. But then again, the truth is very different from what she was told.

She only knew he cared for her and wanted her happiness. That much she understood. After all, how could such a man who looked like a Greek statue do any kind of harm to her?

Saintess' parents were former aquaintance with the Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal grew infatuation with Honesty Hawthorne, Saintess' mother. It was the first time Hannibal felt something for someone and it made him feel alive.

Hannibal and Honesty were inseparable since childhood. They knew everything about eachothers darkest and deepest secret. Even though neither one really liked eachother in the beginning. It was a friendship forged through hardship, pain, and suffering.

Honesty knew about Mischa and after learning how they treated the two of them, Hannibal vowed to protect Honesty after what happened to her sister.

Honesty will never leave Hannibal, no matter how hard it may be for her to endure. Because she knows Hannibal is her saving grace.

She would rather die than betray his trust. Hannibal saved her from those evil men, preventing what happened to Mischa from happen to her.

Honesty simply owes Hannibal her life. "Why did you save me?" She asked while looking at him with hopeful eyes.

Young Hannibal looked at her and smiled softly, "Because... I care about you."

Then Malcolm Ivanova, a Handsome Russian man met Honesty Hawthorne.

They have been together ever since. Hannibal on the other hand kept his promise and took good care of Honesty. He also helped her find herself and helped her build her self up. Honesty loved Malcolm, which Hannibal couldn't care less.

Two years has passed, Malcolm proposed to Honesty and she accepted him gladly. The newlyweds then moved to Moscow, Russia while Honesty is expecting a child of their own. A beautiful baby girl.

The little girl has beautiful long blonde hair. She looked just like Honesty, Hannibal thought. Honesty Ivanova named her Saintess as she looks like a saint, an angel dropped from heaven.

When Saintess was a year old, Hannibal started taking care of her. He wanted her to be spoiled and loveable like she is his own daughter. And so he became an angel himself by spoiling her rotten. He loved it. The way she smiles and laugh. The way her eyes sparkle when she sees Hannibal, like she can see straight through to the soul of him. It made him feel whole inside.

She looks so much more like Honesty as she reached 2 years old. He had to remind himself that everytime he sees her. He couldn't let himself get too attached.

Of course, Hannibal's hidden dirty tactics didn't stop. He killed and consumed people. Sometimes innocently and sometimes intentionally.

The Man-eater is what he was known throughout Russia. Occasionally, as the Deathstroke and the Walking Death Plague.

It amuses Hannibal how some people called him names such as Deathbringer and Vile Ghost. He doesn't care. He want those words to come out of their mouths anyway. It only made him feel better.

People are only scared of things they cannot control. Like death.

───────────────────

It was December 25th, the snow was piling up outside. While Hannibal just came back from a killing spree. Some stupid woman tried to cross his path. Of course, he didn't waste any effort to kill. Her throat opened up like a gaping black hole and died screaming without a voice box.

Hannibal prepared dinner consisting of his recent kill and planned to give Honesty's family. When he saw a familiar figure standing in front of the door of the dining hall. His little angel princess.

Little Sweet Saintess stood there looking around and admiring the place before she spotted him. With a big smile, Saintess waved happily at him. Hannibal waved back as he walked over to her. He kneeled down in front of her. She still wore her red hat, scarf, and jacket as the temperature outside was below zero.

Hannibal caressed her cheek as he dusted snow off her clothes, "What brings you here my Sweet Saintess?"

"My papa dropped me off here, silly papa," she giggled cutely, causing Hannibal to grin. Hannibal knew Honesty and Malcolm are arguing right now, but he couldn't care less once again.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "How can your papa leave you here, hm? Did the maidservant somewhat assist you?" Hannibal asked concerned.

"Yep! Dear papa said I'm going to sleep here for the entire night, with you! " She pouted cutely.

"In any chance did you forget that It's your birthday today?" Hannibal asked. "I did!" She exclaimed loudly. "I forgot!"

"Don't worry sweetheart. We'll make sure to celebrate with your favorite, chocolate cake," Hannibal reassured.

"Really?" Saintess asked hopefully. Hannib knew how much she loves sweets. Especially chocolate cake.

Hannibal nodded, "Of course we will. Let us go eat dinner, I have made your favorite."

Hannibal stood up and grabbed Saintess' hand. He led her into the dining hall and sat her on her chair. "You wait here my Little Saintess." Hannibal said before leaving.

The young girl nodded and smiled brightly at him. She loves him so much and he loves her too.

"С Днем рожденья тебя! с днём рождения, с днём рождения, с днём рождения тебя!" Hannibal sang as he placed four candles into the cake.

"You're old man," Saintess muttered randomly. Hannibal chuckled and ignored her, "I'm only two years older than your mother, Saintess."

"Mhm," she said, not believing it. "Mama said she is this number..." She trailed off. Saintess raised her hands into the numbers two. "And you think she's old?" Hannibal asked mockingly, amused of their conversation.

"Well yes! She's pretty old!" Saintess replied. Hannibal chuckled, "She certainly is, darling."

──────────── 3 weeks later

Honesty decided to visit Hannibal without him knowing. The castle was deserted and dark. "Hello?" she called out in a quiet voice. No answer. She sighed and began walking towards the stairs, which led directly to the second floor where it felt more like home.

That is until Honesty began to smell a faint smell of rotting flesh coming from the basement.

"You could have turned a blind eye, Honesty." Hannibal said. "After what you've done to my husband?! It was you!!" Honesty shouted angrily.

Hannibal laughed maniacally. "With what he has done with Saintess? Your little angel? He abused and neglected her. I did what must be done."

"What must be done? Killing him? Feeding his remains to my daughter and I? Is that what you mean?" She shouted back.

The look in Hannibal's face showed that he was enjoying Honesty's reaction. Hannibal didn't speak. Instead, he slowly raised his left arm to reveal a knife in his palm.

"That's enough of your nonsense. You don't need to continue talking." He said coldly. Hannibal approached Honesty slowly as he plunged the knife into her heart and stomach as much as she tried to get away.

Honesty cried out as blood gushed out of the wound.

"Do you know why I saved you? Why I protected you from those men who tried to hurt you alongside my sister? Because you remind me of her..." Hannibal whispered gently as he placed his finger underneath her chin and tilt her head up to face him.

"You remind me of my sweet sister Mischa and now my sweet Saintess reminds me of her. Now, rest."

Part 2?

[justcallmecj]

Seeing Your Dragon Form: First Years

(I feel like this chapter of the series may be crappier than the previous ones. I'm slowly running out of ideas and have used up quite a bit of my writing energy recently. I've come to realize that writing for the First Year Squad is just harder for me because I'm used to the pure crackhead energy the fandom gives them, but I'm still going strong! Oh well, I really want to write, so here I am!)

^Original note from Quotev that I put prior to the chapter. As a sort of mini explanation for my mindset going into this one.

Ace

Ace wanted to look unimpressed and chill, but he was currently losing it, and you could tell.

When you finally settled down, he approached you with his hands behind his head, really trying to hit home the idea he wasn't fanboying over you right now.

You brought your head down to allow him to get a closer look as well as touch your horns and snout.

He was a lot gentler than you thought he'd be.

He carefully ran his hand up and down your snout, making you hum in the process.

He tried talking to you, getting frustrated when you'd only hum and growl, before those two working brain cells in his head worked and he figured out that you couldn't actually talk.

He doesn't know, for some reason, a part of his brain just assumed you'd be able to talk.

Despite the current situation, Ace's behavior didn't change. He still tried to tease you, coming up basically unsuccessful because that's just how it is between the two of you, didn't stop him though.

Once, when you weren't paying attention, he tried to climb onto your back, not expecting the reaction that you'd have.

When you realized, you rolled over, trapping him under you. Due to the size difference, he was completely stuck, despite how much effort he put into trying to push you off him. You made sure not to hurt him though, and you didn't.

He could practically hear you laughing, even if it just came out as draconic grumbles.

sigh "You really never change, huh? You big bully! Though honestly, what can I say? I'm the same way, and I wouldn't want you any other way."

Deuce

Deuce was certainly nervous.

No fear. His brazen, delinquent years prepared him to take on any challenge that may be thrown at him, but this was definitely different.

He was stunned for a decent while after you transformed. Just kinda standing there, frozen in place.

Pretty sure his brain fried for a moment.

When he finally came back to his sense, he tried to play it all off with compliments, but really, there was no tricking you, but you gave him the benefit of the doubt and ignored it.

He was the most interesting by your wings.

(If I remember correctly)One of the reasons he likes being on the Track Team/Magical Wheel(?Can't remember which), is feeling the wind rush past him when he picks up speed. Because of this, he really admired your wings, which could do the same thing but ten fold.

He really wanted to ask you to take him on a flight with you, but was too shy to ask out loud. Maybe one day he'll have the confidence.

He made sure to be extra careful around parts like your horns, tail and other parts that may be considered sensitive/vulnerable. He didn't want to risk being even a little to rough and hurting you. He'd never forgive himself if he hurt you. (He doesn't realize how tough dragon skin and scales are, just give him a while).

All in all, it was a pleasant experience for the both of you. He had fun getting to see a new side of you, and you got to have a breather in your dragon form with no worries about who's around you.

"This is truly amazing. I can't believe you're capable of something like this. You really make NRC much more fun than it would be if you weren't here."

Jack

His reaction was much different from the others.

You and him are pretty similar in more ways than some may think.

Both of you are non-human beings capable of turning into a natural animal form. Him a wolf, you a dragon.

He was calm, but astounded. He didn't think you'd be quite so big.

He gets bigger than a normal wolf when he uses his Unique Magic, but he always assumed that was because he's a bigger person himself. Maybe it's just natural for anyone capable of this ability.

He was cautious to approach, not fully aware of how conscious you are, taking his own wolf state into account.

You just sat down, tail resting on the forest floor, wings at rest, showing just how comfortable you were in the situation. That convinced him that nothing had changed except how you looked.

He sat next to you, showing the same peaceful signs. Tail resting and ears calm.

You came closer, laying your head down next to his side. He reached out a hand and gently stroked the top of your head.

You two just stayed there like that for a while. Peacefully enjoying each others calm presence, until he stopped petting you.

You had gotten so used to the feeling and were so close to falling asleep, him stopping upset you.

In retaliation, you picked up your head and placed it down in his lap. He panicked for a moment before freezing, not knowing quite what to do.

He soon recognized the affectionate action. It was one his younger sister and brother would do when they wanted affection without actually saying they wanted affection. A silent plea.

He placed his hand back on your head, petting you like he was not even a minute ago. Sometimes he'd move his hand and scratch behind your ear, which caused you to hum and delight.

"We really are more alike than I thought. Are you sure you're not just a dog in disguise?" You grumbled at the playful tease, making him laugh.

Epel

Epel actually reacted much differently than you expected.

The moment he saw your dragon form, he wasted no time in rushing over and didn't even attempt to hide his complete adoration.

He jump up and down, bouncing on the heel of his feet. He rushed around, taking in every detail about you that he could.

His attention to speech completely leaves his mind and his natural accent slips in until he's speaking with such a think accent it's sometimes hard to understand what he's saying.

This may very well be the most excited you've seen Epel act, other than when he's getting competitive.

When he was finally able to wrap his head around everything and calm down, his demeanor changed on the dime, much like his personality can.

He softly took hold of your snout and held if close to his chest with his arms holding onto the underside of your head, something he likes to do even when you're in your normal form. For him, it's a show of trust, one he knew you'd understand.

A soft hum found its way out of your throat. He giggled at the affection.

You both took a rest and talked. It may have been a one-sided conversation, but he didn't mind.

He rambled on and on to fill the silence, accompanied with the occasional scratch under the chin.

There was a moment where he got jealous about how much bigger you were than him normally, let alone now. But, he soon got over it after thinking about how it must have just been natural since you weren't human.

"As much as I think it's unfair you can do all these cool things about how you look while I'm stuck like this, I'm still really happy that you opened up to me. I know what it's like to not be content with how you look, but we can do our own thing together!"

Sebek

Now, normally, Sebek is really respectful towards you. A byproduct from how he treats Malleus and how similar the two of you are.

Throughout the school year, it's taken some work, but you've gotten him to truly see you as a friend, not just another fae.

But, things did change a little bit after seeing your dragon form.

He's never seen Malleus's, because Malleus sees no use in taking his dragon form most of the time, so he didn't quite know what he was expecting to see from you.

When he watched a massive, spike covered, ice coated dragon walked out of the mist that practically came out of now where, he was honestly a little scared.

He remembered a story Lilia had told him and Silver once. It was about how once, when Malleus was young, he changed forms after throwing a temper-tantrum. After that, Sebek just started associating the idea with anger.

But, his time as a guard(and your friend) allowed him to be more observant than some. He saw every cue that would tell your current mood. There was no anger, only a calm curiosity. A curiosity towards him.

The idea of you watching him with the intention to see how he'd react embarrassed him. He turned his head to hide the reddening of his cheeks, but he didn't realize the red had crept up his ears and right into your watchful gaze.

You made a sound, one he didn't recognize, but it sounded faintly like laughter.

You were laughing at him!!!

He stomped a foot and grumbled under his breath, only causing you make more of the laughing sounds.

After that whole fiasco, Sebek finally felt comfortable enough to let down his guard.

His sharp hearing allowed him to quickly pick up on the different meanings of certain sounds, enough to have a semi-coherent conversation. He made sure to keep his voice quieter than usual, only being able to guess how sensitive your hearing may be right now.

Eventually, the interaction between the two of you fell into a comfortable and familiar conversation, like nothing was different about this scenario than usual.

"I really should be finding Waka-sama right now, but as Silver has told me, I may need to lighten up. So, we'll stay here for a while longer." His voice got just a bit quieter, "Thank you for showing me this."

And then the original note I put on Quotev after the chapter-

(Well, I think this set actually came out a lot better than I initially though it would. These five weren't as hard to write for as they usually are once I actually started soooo- YAY!!)

You can see the mindset change, wow.

[womp-womp-waa]

It was over. Ashlyn was out of the phantom dimension. It was all over now. She was free.

"Are you happy now?"

Logan's voice interrupted the tranquility of her room. It was silent no music, no voices, no sound, just her breathing. His haunting voice echoed off of the walls, of course something had to break the peace. Turning away from him she tried to find a book to read. She never liked reading, but it's never too late to pick up a hobby, right?

"Awww, come on Ash don't ignore us."

Aiden and Ben were both standing next to eachother. She could not escape them, could she? They were always around her house, they never give her the peace and quiet she needed. Blindly, she grabbed a book. She didn't care what book just give her something to distract herselt with.

"We came here to check up on you. You've just been so distant recently."

"Go away." Was all she muttered in response to Taylor. She opened the book chapter one. Okay, reading is meant to be good for you, right? And it's meant to be relaxing, so if she read she would be relaxed, right? Then she would be left alone, right?

"Don't be rude, carrot"

"Go away" She said it louder this time. She wanted them gone. She needed them gone.

Ashlyn heard them move closer to her. Stop it. Leave. None of you are welcomed here. She wanted to speak, she wanted to yell, but her voice wasn't working.

Their voices started to overlap one another.

"What're you reading?"

"Please don't ignore us."

"Why won't you let us help?"

"You know being inside this much won't help"

"Maybe if you spent more time with us then we wouldn't be-"

"SHUT UP"

She screamed, seemed like her voice finally seemed to work. "AND LEAVE" She needed them gone. Why couldn't they leave?

Suddenly, their worry was replaced with laughter. Cruel. Malicious. Evil. Laughter.

"Awwww you scared, Ash?

"Why are you so surprised?"

"After all it is all your fault."

"Your the reason why we were in that place anyways."

"And your the reason why we're dead."

SHUT UP. SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.SHUT UP.

When she looked up again, they were silent. Standing over her she saw their white, haunted, dead eyes. It was her fault they were gone. She couldn't protect anyone.

Ashlyn could see all of their ugly scars and injuries. Scratches, claw marks, holes. They all started to poor out the crimson blood that she had become all too familiar with over the past year.

It's all your fault

Every single one of them were unique and special in their own way. None of them were similar, that's what made this unlikely group so special to her.

Aiden could always make her smile or laugh. Although, at times he could be unbearably loud for her sensitive ears, he learnt and made an effort. She she learnt as well.

Ben was the first person who she became friends with in their group. He was peaceful, quiet and she knows that it's not his choice but it still meant everything to her.

Logan, who used to be bullied. They let themselves be pushed around by people who didn't understand their worth. And so the group taught them how to fight back, how to stand up for themselves. And seeing that change and witnessing Logan become more confident and comfortable with themselves was magical.

Taylor, one of the sweetest people Ashlyn's ever had the pleasure of meeting (even though she hasn't met that many). Always thinking of others, always buying stuff for people, always being there. She learnt how to dance just for Ashlyn and so she practiced routines with her.

Tyler was the one who people always saw as angry and aggressive. But he was so much more than that. Sure he may have hid behind the aggression, but the amount he cares about people is endless. Tyler cared about his family the most and eventually they all became a part of his family, not that would ever admit it.

They were all so wonderful to be around. They all knew how to make her laugh. They all became eachothers family.

But it was all gone and she will never feel that love again.

[giggly-squiggily]

A Fae's Sensitivity (Cafe Enchante)

Whoops I fell in love with Cafe Enchante oarkjeakjrjkea

Hello everyone! :D A little goal I have this year is to work through the backlog of visual novels on my switch (I feel like I say that every year- whoops) and recently I decided to play Cafe Enchante! :D Lemme tell you; this game is so good??? It's cozy and comforting and at times heart wrenchingly angsty (looking at you, Ignis) but it's just- AH! Y'all!!!

I started with Canus' route, so that's who this fic is dedicated to! I hope you like it! :3

Summary: It's hard to tell if a headless knight is ticklish, but Kotone and friends find a rather successful method.

“Ehehehe, stahp!”

Kotone laughed, delighted at the small squeaks Kariya let out as her fingers poked at his belly. “No way! You’re so ticklish!”

“Shut up! You are too!” With quick fingers, the younger boy managed to poke her ribs, making Kotone jump back with a squeak of her own. “See?”

“Oh it is ON!” She cried, quickly diving back in as she mostly trapped Kariya against the counter, giggling up a storm as they jabbed and poked at each other's torsos. In the background, the regulars snickered quietly to themselves.

One in particular, Canus, was watching them fondly. At least- that was what was assumed given he had no face. Flames puffed and danced with a shimmer of happy green at the sound of the pair’s fight carried over. “The cafe is lively today.”

“Pff- this is normal.” Ignis rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, the tips of his cheeks getting red when he heard Kotone squeal once more. “Oi, don’t let him beat you; you’re older than him, Kotone!”

“I’m trhihihying! Aheahha, Kahahariya!” Somehow the tables had turned, now she was pinned against the counter as Kariya squeezed her sides. “Sahhahave mehhehehe C-Cahahahanus!”

The knight startled, flames blue with surprise at his name. “Huh?”

“You heard her. Go save the princess.” Miysr teased, gesturing at the two across the way. “She needs a hero, doesn’t she?”

“Perhaps he’s nervous because he’s also ticklish?” Il mused, making everyone look his way. Even Kariya and Kotone paused their tickle fight at the statement. “Fae’s are known for being rather sensitive.”

“Wait, real-eheheahhhahahah!” Kariya’s statement was cut off as Kotone squeezed his sides, gently moving him out of the way with curious eyes. “Kotone!”

“Is this true, Canus?” She asked, returning the attention back to the knight. “Are you ticklish?”

The flames sent from blue to a growing shade of vibrant pink the longer the question hung in the air. Canus’ fingers seemed to tighten on his biceps, stiffening up at the question. Despite the body language, he didn’t radiate discomfort- just mild embarrassment. “Erm…that is to say…yes?”

“Oh, really?” Ignis and Misyr shared a look, standing up from their places as they began encircling the knight. “Sounds like you’re not entirely sure. Mind if we..test it out?”

“Ignis…Misyr..do not forget. I might not always use it, but I am quite knowledgeable. If you insist on going through with this, I will be forced to share certain facts with Miss Awaki.”

That made them both pause, Ignis’ face flushing a few shades of pink while Misyr looked nervous. Whatever it was must have been pretty detrimental to make them back off like that.

Luckily for Kotone, Canus had nothing on her the group didn’t know already.

“In that case, here I come!” She cried, running across the room and into his arms. Canus barely had a chance to respond, yelping when she grabbed his sides. “Tickle tickle tickle!”

“Mm! Hhmmhmhmhm!” Canus made a few startled noises as her fingers pressed into his ribs, shivering all over. His arms remained crossed against his chest, but they trembled with restraint. “K-Kotone!”

“Oh, I can hear you starting to laugh!” She grinned, eyes twinkling as she doubled her efforts. The pink flames seemed to bounce and dance with each shake of his body, hands knuckle white as they dug into his biceps. Still- despite her words, he was just barely cracking. For a brief moment, she wondered if he was uncomfortable.

“Keep going, Kotone- he’s smiling!” Kariya cheered from the back, vanishing any worries in an instant. “He’s fighting it, but he looks like he’s gonna break!”

“I am n-not!” Canus grunted, voice shaky. Ignis and Misyr shared another look overhead before slowly starting to smile.

“Well…technically we didn’t start this, did we Ignis?” The demon asked.

“Nope, not at all. That means his threats no longer apply.” The firewolf agreed with a devious grin. “Shall we?”

“Lets.”

Canus didn’t get a chance to defend himself, barely yelping out a “wait-” as Ignis grabbed his wrists, pulling them up and out of the way. Misyr sweeped in beside Kotone to deliver a series of scratches and scribbles against Canus’ ribs. With that, the headless knight was finally laughing.

“Pffft-gehahhahahahaha! HEheahhahahhahahammmph! Hehahahahahaha! Ceeeahahhahase this aahahaht ohohohonce!” He yelped through breathy giggles, twisting some against Ignis’ grip. “Mihihiihstyr! Kohohohohtohohohne! Gehahahhha, pleahahhahahse!”

“Oh wow- check it out! His flames are growing!” Ignis observed, grinning as he watched them rise higher than usual. “Kotone, poke him there again!”

“Okay!” She squeezed the softer parts of his stomach, watching his flames grow in height and color. His laughter seemed to increase as well. “Is this a bad spot?”

“Let me try something.” Misyr winked as he dropped a hand, squeezing Canus’ thigh. “If my hunch is correct…”

“EEH!” Canus let out a shriek of mirth, full body jerking at the touch. “MIHIHIHISYR NOHOHO!”

“Ooo, it worked! It worked- he’s really ticklish here!” Misyr laughed like a child, squeezing more. Kotone was giggling just as hard, her fingers pressing and pinching into the Knights torso with ease. Each gasp and giggle she relished, picturing Canus’ smile in her mind and what it looked like. He must have looked so happy.

Eventually, all good things must come to an end. Canus, remembering he was stronger than Ignis, pulled a hand free from its encapture. He gently tapped Kotone on the head- signaling he was done.

“Okay- enough!” She called to the boys, pulling her hands back. Misyr followed suit as Ignis released Canus’ other wrist. The knight doubled over with a few wheezy laughs as they gave him space, sharing looks of pride with one another overhead. “Canus, your laugh is so cute!”

“He’s adorable, huh? For someone so knightly.” Ignis snickered in agreement. “Don’t you think, Misyr?...Misyr?”

The purple haired demon wasn’t responding, currently doubled over with shaking shoulders. Before Kotone could ask what was wrong, he bursted into snickery laughs.

“Gehahahhaha! C-Cahahhanus, dohohohn’t! Noohohoho fahhahahair!” He cried, his own hands latched onto the Knights as he got his revenge. “Nohohohohoho!”

“I told you what would happen if you did this. Now you must accept the consequences.” Canus growled, his tone playful. His flames turned to Ignis and Kotone standing by, flickering with interest. “Ignis…Kotone…”

“Oh hell no! Not happening- run, Kotone!” Ignis cried, grabbing her and throwing her over his shoulder before taking off running. The cafe owner could only squeal in surprise before laughing, hanging on as Ignis took her from the shop. On the way out, they passed a surprised Rindo.

“What-” He began.

“RUN!” Ignis yelled out, unable to fight down the laugh. “Just run!”

“We’re fine!” Kotone called, giggling when she saw Canus round the doors. “Bye Mister Rindo!”

They could only avoid their fate for so long, but Kotone had a great time all the same.

Thanks for reading!

[melancholymetropolis]

"Quiet down, Little Maid," Tengen smirked. "Unless you want to get caught."

I allowed my head to fall into his shoulder, pressing my mouth firmly against his skin. I used sloppy kisses to muffle the sweet whimpers from my lips. My nails dug deep into the muscle of his shoulder, while his hips continued to collide with mine. The long, girthy member had filled my dripping cunt over and over again. It brought me closer and closer to my sweet release.

I was as good as fired after today.

I had broken the very first rule given to me as a new maid: Do not engage in sexual activities with guests. Especially Tengen Uzui.

The Sound Pillar was a known flirt and ladies' man. He already had three wives but seemed to always be on the lookout for a fourth.

I tried my best to avoid him in my years working at the manor. I made sure never to never enter a room alone with him. I never said more than a few words to him at a time. I kept a healthy distance between our bodies and refused to make direct eye contact.

In hindsight, I should have assumed that my efforts would be performed in vain. He was one of the Twelve Hashira.

He loved a challenge.

Tengen found ways to break almost every boundary I created. He would use his charming attitude and seniority to request me as his personal maid during his stay. He'd pay the others generously to swap places with me and double my usual commission. The sound pillar slipped little trinkets and gifts into my pockets when I wasn't paying attention.

Little things from notes to dried flowers, and, more recently, jewelry.

It was a thick gold bracelet, nearly identical to the ones he wore on his bicep. It was heft, most likely solid. Definitely worth a fortune. I had only found it after my shift. I was changing into my pajamas when it rolled out of my pocket.

Before I could even form a clear thought, I tossed the damned thing out of the nearest window. Only for him to be directly outside of it.

He was in my room in a blink of an eye, holding the bracelet firmly in his hand.

"You hate me that much, huh?" Humor was licking his teeth.

"I am just following the rules," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Which one?"

"The first one--- Don't fuck the sound hashira."

The white-haired man continued to roll his hips into me, pressing against the pleasure spot underneath my cervix. His heavy member was almost uncomfortable in this standing position, but the closeness of our bodies made it worthwhile. My sensitive nipples were rubbing against his hard pecs, adding another pleasurable element to the whole ordeal.

I could feel his member twitch with me, indicating that he too was reaching his peak. His breathing became unsteady and hollow as he continued to work into me.

"You're squeezing me so tight, little maid," he slurred, sweat dotting his forehead. "I'm gonna fill that pretty pussy with my seed pretty soon. Would you like that?"

My eyes widened from the statement. "Y-You better not! Save that deed for your wives."

A wicked smile fell on his lips. "Why do you think I asked you to do it?"

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

Part 2

I may have another drabble AND update in the future.

[blue-little-angel]

@kusuguricafe ! Hope your day is as great as you are! 💙I'm the one who was in charge of making your gift for this year! 🫂

@squealing-santa I probably won't be available December 23'rd so I thought I'd better post it sooner than never ^^

Fandom: Sk8 the infinity

Ship: Renga

Lee: Reki

Ler: Langa

The sunset painted Okinawa in vibrant oranges and pinks as Reki and Langa made their way back to Reki's house after a long day of skating. Both boys were grinning from ear to ear, their passion for the sport leaving them buzzing with energy even as the evening winds grew chillier.

"I still can't believe the new trick you pulled off today!" Reki gushed, giving Langa an admiring smile. "You're picking this up so fast, soon you'll be wiping the floor with all of us!!" Langa bashfully rubbed the back of his neck at the praise. Though he'd only recently discovered skating, being with Reki made every bruise and scrap feel worth it to improve.

When they arrived at Reki's, his mother had a hot dinner and warm blankets ready to chase away the remains of their day's chills. As they ate, Reki regaled Langa with wild tales from other competitions, keeping the mood light and fun. Once their bellies were full, Reki suggested they relax with a movie, and Langa readily agreed.

Cuddling up under the kotatsu, Langa leaned back against the sofa as Reki nestled in beside him, pulling the blanket over them both. As the opening credits began to roll, Langa glanced down at Reki, taking in his relaxed smile and rosy cheeks. Without thinking, Langa reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Reki's ear, his fingers lingering to caress his neck. Reki turned to meet his gaze, bitting his lower lip trying to hide a giggle, and that's when Langa discovered something new—Reki was ticklish!

As Langa's fingers grazed Reki's neck, he noticed the other boy's breath hitching with barely contained laughter. Curious, Langa ghosted his hand lower, trailing gentle fingers along Reki's neck. That's when Reki broke, squirming and giggling helplessly as Langa found one of his most sensitive areas.

"H-hey, no fair!" Reki protested through his laughter, trying in vain to bat Langa's hand away. But Langa was smitten by this new playful side of Reki, and determined to learn all his weaknesses. Shifting closer, Langa slipped his hand under the blanket to test just how ticklish Reki's torso might be.

His hunch proved correct as Reki exploded into peals of laughter the moment Langa's fingers made contact with his tummy. "L-Langa stop!" Reki cried breathlessly, writhing in the other boy's grasp but making no real effort to escape. Tear tracks streaked his cheeks from mirth, a wide grin splitting his face that Langa found utterly captivating.

Wanting to hear more of that wonderful laughter, Langa redoubled his ticklish attack. Reki squealed and kicked his legs, holding nothing back as Langa explored every inch of his trembling torso. By the time Langa showed mercy, they were both panting and giddy. Reki gazed up at Langa with something new and tender in his eyes, and Langa thought that maybe, just maybe, Reki's laughter wasn't the only thing he wanted to keep discovering between them. . . .

[fever-fluff]

Broken Fate

Synopsis: When Azriel is sent to deal with an ongoing problem in the Hybern after the fall of the King nearly two centuries ago, he finds more to the story than he ever thought possible. Three to Five Part series with inspiration from the Netflix show Arcane Word Count: 2.1k

Part II

Everyone was present, Feyre and Rhysand sitting at opposite ends of the table, the rest of them either side. Rhys had started calling these meetings more frequently with the developments of Hybern increasing as the years went on. The fae in power were diligent on keeping good relations with Prythian after everything that had happened, and they had all spent time playing emissary and host to make sure nothing like the past ever happened again.

But something dark had begun to brew in spite of their efforts, though it didn’t spur from the top as it had before.

“The Hybernian Court has requested our aid in investigating a city showing frequent attacks in the recent years. They’ve sent spies and their armed forces in, but neither have come back with any information, and those who have gained some leads haven’t returned at all.” Rhys’ explanation left a sick feeing in everyone, the trauma of the war still a fresh wound. But he pressed on, “There’s a showing pattern of guerilla warfare, and it seems to be a small group of rebels pressing for a cause no one knows anything about.”

All eyes turned to Azriel, but he had been expecting it. Ever since the private discussion he, Feyre and Rhys had the night before on what he’d be asked to do, and he’d accepted with no qualms.

“Make it quick, there’s no need to engage. This is solely reconnaissance. If we’re seen interfering with Hybern directly there’ll be a lot of questions as to what our motives are.” He already knew all of this, ingrained in his psyche since he’d taken on the role of the Night Court’s Spymaster.

The trip was already planned, and the meeting was more of a curtsey to everyone save himself and his High Lord and Lady. He’d leave before nightfall, winnowing to the Hybernian Court immediately to gather any other information to sensitive to send by letter.

But still, as he packed what little he would need for the trip, Azriel felt the sadness of leaving his family hit him hard like it did every time. He’d lost count of the years he’d collectively lost in their presence because his work took him so far into the shadows. But if this was what kept them safe, he do it all for the rest of his life.

A soft knock pulled him out of his thoughts, and at his call the door opened to Elain standing in the space it occupied.

“Elian, its late. What are you doing up?” AZ’s voice aways seemed to soften in his throat when it came to her, as if she would bolt if it raised even the slightest. “I wanted to say goodbye. Cassian said it might be a while until you’re back…” her shyness melted away any frost he felt from leaving, and he managed a small smile. “Missing me already?”

Her cheeks reddened at his question, and her gaze left his as she moved further into the room. There was a small brown parcel in her hand he hadn’t noticed at first until she held it out to him once near enough. “It’s a reminder. To make sure you come back… to all of us.”

He made to open it but she stopped him, “Just, wait until you really need it.”

His smile brightened and he nodded. “Alright.”

It had gone silent between the two of them. Ever since she had learned of Rhys’ intervention on Solstice all those years ago, the distance between them had grown further and further. But it hadn’t stopped the fractures of his heart aching for her any less, even as she had allowed Lucien into her life piece by piece over the last few years. Azriel had resolved himself to care for her from afar, knowing that he’d never have her in the way he wanted. At one point, he had tried to turn his affections to someone else, a fleeting relationship with Gwyn had been the closest he’d gotten. But with the result being both of them returning to friends amicably, he hadn’t attempted anything since.

So, as he stepped into his shadows, Azriel cast one last glance at Velaris until he returned. Whenever that may be.

The arrival and send off from the Court had been brief. No one seemed to have any relevant information beyond what they had been told. The small bits they had gathered was more about the city itself which was under attack, and the randomness of the attacks had left him questioning the motives of these fae.

There was no pattern to suggest anything involving money being stolen under the guise of threats, and shops or buildings with considerable funds hadn’t lost any inventory from the reports following. There was no sign of defence barracks being targeted, and nothing to suggest high officials. The city itself seemed to be underdeveloped compared to the rest of Hybern. A sickness had taken the city by storm, and fae were left shells of their former selves, becoming what the court officials had called degenerate. It had become an underground, where the lowest of the lows had taken residency and the city had become a hive for crime and poverty.

The city had been when the old king had reigned, the new court had established themselves the opposite side of a river, spanning large enough that the two had been disconnected save for two bridges, each one monitored on fae moving in and out – though he’d spotted less than five altogether, and they had been soldiers changing shifts. Going over had been easy with the seal he’d been given, but he was encouraged to leave it when reaching the boarder to the other side. “If they catch you with it, they’ll know you’re fresh meat. Better off not taking the chance considering they’re more like rabid animals than anything else.” The soldier had tucked it into his jacket discretely, “I’m back on shift every three days at dusk, come to the bridge then and I’ll make sure you pass back through.” Azriel nodded his goodbye and thanks before stepping over completely and let his shadows engulf him once again to begin his work.

Flashbacks of his youth in Illyrian camps flitted through his mind as he wandered the streets, head covered but wings out in need of a quick escape. Fae littered the sides of streets, some walking to and from bars and shops, other sitting lifelessly, half covered in the darkness the night provided. He’d even spotted children eating out of alleyway dumping grounds more than he’d like to count.

His shadows had dispersed to grab wind of any mentions of who he was looking for, but as they checked in every hour, Azriel realised it wouldn’t be as easy as that. Instead, he’d sent one out to find a lodging, not trusting the ones given to him by the high fae unless he wanted an easy tip off that he wasn’t here honourably. It lead him to a run down looking tavern, although it was in much better upkeep than its neighbours. A sign for rooms to rent hung beneath another calling it “Aegir’s.”

Inside was not much better. Fae who had wasted themselves on ale slumped over half drained tankards, and two were close to turning violent over spilled coins from a card game further back. The fae behind the bar had stared at him as soon as he’d entered and didn’t seemed inclined to stop even after he sat himself on a stool. Looking at the faelights, Azriel realised that they weren’t in fact what he was used to. Wisps and Devas filles small glass orbs scattered around haphazardly. His dislike apparently evident when the barkeep slapped the cloth he’d been using down on the counter in front of him. “They’re paid n’ fed for the work they do, ain’t got the money to pay for faelightin’ like the seelies over the river.”

“I didn’t say anything.” Azriel motioned to the whiskey bottle behind, but the male didn’t reach for it. “Don’t gotta speak to know you ain’t unseelie boy. Ain’t no one dress like you ere. What with all that tasty lookin leather and cloak you got goin’ on.” Azriel felt a shift behind him, patrons looking up from their cups to size up the newest crop on the market. “I’m not here to cause a scene, I’m just passing through.” He slipped three coppers onto the wood, and they were gone before anyone blinked. A glass of whiskey sat in their place not even a moment later, the barkeep glaring at the fae behind him to settle the scraping chairs back in their place. “There’s easier routes to pass through than ere. Why not save yerself the trouble?”

“No one looks in places like this.” It was enough to have the male backing off from his interrogation. “How much for a room?”

“How long?”

“Three weeks, maybe an extension.”

The number he’d tossed Azriel was absurd but he’d fished half of it out and handed it over, the second half tucked safely away until he’d leave. Azriel had finished his drink in tense silence before he’d followed a barmaid up through winding staircase half ready to keel in on itself. The room was much worse than the bar downstairs, a pile of straw covered by a questionable looking piece of cloth on top. No pillow but a thinned blanket that had seen better days. Azriel slipped a gold mark into the barmaids hand as she made to leave after she’d set a wisp filled orb on the floor beside it, “I’ll be in and out of this room, ask nothing and say nothing. Have only you clean it, and there’ll be more where that came from.” She’d been silent as she closed the door behind her, pressing a key he was sure he should not have in his hand before leaving.

As soon as he was alone, shadows trickled in from the open window and whispered of findings in his ears, but it was short of what he’d hoped. There truly was nothing to say about a rogue group of fae stirring up trouble for the city. Even with all he’d seen, the level of destruction that was happening should have lead to more than what he’d found. But it wasn’t long into his awful first night when he found he’d landed himself bang in the middle of it all.

The noise was unlike anything he had ever heard. The rumbling after reminded him of Rhys when he orchestrated his power in full force. But it was a quick blast. And the shockwave from it didn’t remind him of any powers he had ever come across before. Shooting to the window, Azriel watched as buildings went up in flames not five from Aegir’s, and the flames beginning to sprout spoke of a future of a uncontrollable fire.

He hadn’t changed out of what he wore in the bar, and launched himself down the stairs when he found the window too small to fit through. The bar was empty, the fae having run out at the commotion not far off, and everyone seemed to watch an old, abandoned cobblers crumble in a blaze of orange and a cloud of ash.

Groups had finally began moving towards the disaster, buckets filled with water being thrown onto the heat. It would take hours to put out, but unless he wanted to expose himself, all Azriel could do was watch and grab a bucket as it was tossed his way.

The sun had already started rising when the last of the embers started to smoulder. Azriel found himself standing beside Aegir’s barkeep, both covered in ash and soot from standing too close to the debris. And the building beside it, letters were drawn on the stones in what looked like blood, but up closer he realised it was instead tar.

Fiver letters, drawn with anger and resentment scraped down the walls.

LIARS

“What in the Mother is that about?”

“Somethin tha shouldn’t concern the likes of a fae passin’ through, boy” the barkeep had already turned and gone back inside, as did everyone else. Azriel couldn’t understand how unconcerned everyone was. They all just spent the better half of the night making sure the fire hadn’t spread and just seemed to walk away in indifference.

Defeated from the effort it had taken, Azriel resigned himself to going back to the room and locking the door before he hit the hard surface of his bed for the next couple of weeks.

The stinging from the smoke in his eyes lessened, and a fitful sleep cast over him before he had any more time to think of what had just happened.

[satansapostle6]

Lovers and Liars | Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott, both determined and resourceful from reputable houses, find themselves at odds in the name of love.

Warning: Mature themes/language. Violence. Sexual content.

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten: Rendezvous

Lorelei sat at Draco and the boys’ end of the Slytherin table with Theo, watching Pansy Parkinson intently. Lorelei was beginning to truly hate Pansy. At first, Pansy’s efforts to ruin her reputation by slandering her to quite literally anyone who would listen didn’t bother her much. They were pathetic, and she saw them as such. But at this point, Lorelei was truly growing tired of Pansy’s childish schemes.

First, there was the rumor Pansy had started that Lorelei’s parents were going bankrupt. Then, there was the ridiculous rumor that she had been born with a pig tail. Then, there was the attempt to break up Lorelei and Theo by getting Harry Potter to confess his love for her after their kiss the year before. But now, the attempts to break up her and Theo were becoming even more relentless.

Most recently, Pansy had actually convinced some of the Slytherins and other students that Lorelei was cheating on Theo with Neville Longbottom. This, of course, was a hilarious rumor to spread for everyone except for Neville Longbottom, who had regrettably turned bright red when he had first heard the rumor himself. Lorelei would have been furious about this most recent attempt had she not already worked out her issues regarding the sensitive topic with Theo.

Luckily, Theo no longer exhibited much jealousy or insecurity, whether it be in response to an obvious joke like her cheating with Neville, or the idea of her being attracted to or involved with Draco Malfoy. Theo had expressed to Lorelei on many accounts that he had realized how unfair his paranoia had been to her, which made things much less complicated for her. But still, Pansy Parkinson needed to be dealt with, and soon.

“Don’t pay her any mind,” Theo encouraged her, reading her mind.

Lorelei just looked at him, unconvinced.

“She’s making me seem stupid, and weak,” she glared at the girl. “I don’t like seeming weak.”

“And you won’t, for long,” Theo promised her, pressing a comforting kiss to the top of her head. “I’ve already taken care of it.”

“‘Taken care of it’?” she echoed, unable to let it go.

“Yes,” Theodore nodded, eating his meal with an air of excitement about him.

Lorelei raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

“What have you done?” she asked eagerly.

“Nothing yet,” he shrugged. “Just… put out some feelers.”

“‘Feelers’ for what?” she questioned.

“You’ll see,” Theo chuckled, looking upon her with fondness.

He cupped her chin in his fingers, pressing an affectionate kiss on her lips before returning to his lunch.

*****

After classes were over, Lorelei went with Theo out into the corridor, where she found Professor Moody waiting for her. Theo just looked at her emptily as she saw him.

“Morrigan. I need to speak to you for a moment. Privately,” Moody told her, cocking his head towards Theo uncomfortably.

Theo nodded, disappearing. Lorelei followed Moody, as they ducked behind a corner where they knew no one could overhear.

“What is it?” Lorelei questioned.

“Nott. Does he know?” Crouch Jr. demanded, with no sense of social norm, or decorum.

“Know about what?” she specified.

“My father,” he growled.

“No,” Lorelei said truthfully. “I kept it from him.”

“Good,” Barty Crouch Jr. nodded, “Because he can’t know.”

“Alright,” Lorelei agreed.

“No, Morrigan, he can’t… know,” he warned her. “He can’t know what the plan for the Third Task is.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not sharing the honor of resurrecting the Dark Lord with two people.

“Why are you sharing it with one?” she asked brazenly.

“Because, I like your father, and I like you,” he told her. “I don’t know Nott. Make sure he doesn’t ask questions about the Third Task. Understood?” Crouch stated. “We don’t need him anymore. Cut him out.”

“I will,” Lorelei promised.

“I have your word?” he asked, eyes drilling into hers.

“Yes,” she nodded.

“Good…” he leaned in, taking a swig of Polyjuice potion before continuing. “Because if he gets in our way, I’ll kill you too.”

“Understood,” Lorelei promised, fully willing to comply.

Moody disappeared just as Lorelei returned to Theo, with a hardened resolve.

“What’d he want?” he asked her.

“Nothing important,” she lied.

It seemed she had no choice now. It was either betray Theodore Nott, or betray Barty Crouch Jr., the man who killed his own father.

“Come with me,” Theo told her, leading her outside to the courtyard. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Really?” Lorelei said, pleasantly surprised.

“Yes… Come along.”

He took her hand, leading her outside, under the shade looking out into the courtyard. No one else was standing there.

“What’s the surprise?” Lorelei asked him.

“Just wait,” Theo leaned in to speak to her, as the two waited patiently.

They stood under the roof together until Lorelei saw a Slytherin boy come walking toward them, repeatedly looking around, appearing anxious as he approached them. This seemed to be who Theo was waiting on. Lorelei watched with a burning curiosity as the boy walked up to Theo, obviously not planning on staying long.

“Michael,” Theo greeted him.

“Theodore,” the boy said curtly. “Have you got my money?”

Theo nodded, tossing him a small sack of gold. They watched as he opened it, checking it carefully before agreeing on the exchange of goods. The Slytherin boy, Michael, quickly reached into his coat, pulling out an envelope, tossing it to Theo. He opened it, unfolding the piece of parchment within and quickly scanning it. He grinned as he found what he was looking for, looking up at Michael.

“Well done,” he concluded.

Michael nodded quickly, looking around before making his way back inside as quickly as possible. Lorelei looked up at her boyfriend, unable to wait much longer.

“What is it?” she asked him.

“The key to your revenge,” Theo replied pleasantly, handing her the parchment.

Lorelei took it from him, giving him a look as she slowly read through it.

“What is this?” she asked him.

“A letter. Intercepted from Pansy Parkinson,” he told her.

“This is from Pansy’s mother,” Lorelei deduced. “She has a dress on hold. In Hogsmeade,” she laughed at the opportunity.

“Exactly,” Theo nodded. “The most important part of any event to a girl like Pansy; the outfit. You could buy it. Or destroy it.”

“I’ve got an even better idea,” she assured him. “Just you wait.”

“I love how you look when you’re plotting,” Theo grinned.

She giggled enthusiastically as she was convinced she’d thought of the perfect way to put Pansy in her place forever.

*****

That night, Lorelei and Theo sat with Draco and Blaise Zabini in the common room, chatting here and there. Lorelei had decided to go off to bed earlier than the others, feeling tired.

“Goodnight,” Lorelei said softly, kissing Theo.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he said softly, smiling as she headed off to the girls’ dormitories.

Draco looked up at her, sneering as he decided he’d stir things up with Theodore Nott. He figured it had been a while since he’d seen a good Theo fit.

“Lorelei,” he called, as the others looked at him. “I’ll walk you to your dorm,” he offered chivalrously, eyeing Theo as he got up to accompany her.

Lorelei just nodded politely, agreeing as he joined her. They went down the hall off to the girls’ dormitories, as Theo and Blaise just watched from the common room.

“You know Theo won’t like this,” Lorelei remarked as they walked down the corridor together.

It was dimly lit by a soft emerald green light from the Black Lake above them.

“I don’t care what Nott likes. All that matters is what I like,” Draco Malfoy assured her.

“And what do you like?” she asked in turn.

Draco grinned as he walked alongside her. “I like you.”

Lorelei stopped in her tracks, raising an eyebrow at his boldness.

“Me?”

“You,” he confirmed, looking down at her, eyes lingering over every feature of her face. “And I know you like me too.”

“And how do you know that?” Lorelei demanded suspiciously.

“Because you’d hardly humor me if you didn’t,” he murmured.

“I have Theo. Why would I need you?” she asked softly, looking through him as if he didn’t matter.

Draco chuckled at her persistence, taking a step towards her. She nearly pulled away as he cupped her face in his hand, his cold blue eyes locked onto hers.

“You need me, because he bores you,” Draco told her.

“Theo’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” Lorelei said truthfully.

“And yet, you’ve still deceived him,” he reasoned.

Lorelei looked up at him with widened eyes, knowing he couldn’t have meant the things she’d truly been keeping from Theo.

“I’ve deceived him?” she echoed.

“You have him fooled. About how you feel, and what you are,” he insisted. “He doesn’t know you. Not the real you… You thought he was like you, but he was just another one who fell for your facade. And face it; that bores you,” Draco tsked softly.

“Does it?” Lorelei asked softly.

“You know it does,” he answered. “You need someone who sees you. The real you.”

“And you think you know the real me?” Lorelei asked in disgust.

“I see what matters,” he remarked lightly. “I see the way you look at him. And I see the way you look at me.”

“Please, I hardly notice you,” she scoffed.

“I think you notice me enough,” he provided.

“Believe what you want to believe.”

“You can pretend all you want. I’m a pretender too,” Draco pointed out. “I lie to people just as much as you do. I think you want someone who understands that. What it’s like, to have to sort through personalities every conversation you have.”

“Convenient that you think you know what I want, and it’s you,” Lorelei said coldly.

“Lie to me, and yourself all you want. I see you. I see everything,” Draco said lightly, mockingly toying with a strand of her hair as he spoke. “I see your beautiful hair, your enchanting eyes, and your perfect skin. I’d give you the world.”

“You’re insane if you think you’re stealing me away from Theo,” she told him.

“Oh, it won’t be stealing,” Draco promised her. “You‘ll be mine. Soon enough. And I won’t have to do anything. You’ll know how much you want me. It’s inevitable.”

“You’re a fucking lunatic,” Lorelei scoffed.

Draco grinned, hand cupping the side of her neck as he leaned in to whisper something to her, a smug grin on his face.

“And you’re a fucking bitch,” he grinned, somehow still flirting.

Lorelei stopped for a moment, shaking her head in disbelief as she went into her dorm room and closed the door in his face. Draco just chuckled to himself as he returned to the common room, only to find Theo standing alone in the middle of the empty room.

“What’s going on?” Draco questioned, looking around. “Where’s Blaise?”

Theo came toward him with an angry expression on his face. Draco was knocked to the ground as Theo punched him in the face, positioning himself over him before he could get up.

“I told him to go off to bed,” Theo replied, pinning Draco to the ground.

“Did you hear me and Lorelei?!” Draco questioned.

“No,” Theo responded, “I just assumed you said something piggish.”

“Hardly,” Draco scoffed at him. “I think I was a perfect gentleman. She’ll choose me soon enough,” he laughed, earning him a straightforward slap in the face this time.

Theo scowled at him before getting up, straightening his coat and properly rolling up his sleeves.

“Hmm,” he huffed, before heading off to bed himself.

Draco was left speechless on the ground, touching a hand to his cheek as he sat up, wondering if he’d have a bruise. He scowled spitefully, plotting his revenge as stormed off to bed.

*****

The Slytherins fourth year and older were all ecstatic once the Yule Ball was announced in celebration of the Triwizard Tournament. It was announced in an unusual gathering of the Slytherin students with Professor Snape in the dungeons, in an uncomfortable turn of events consisting of Snape being forced to demonstrate to the students what a proper waltz looked like, with the help of Madam Pince, who seemed equally uncomfortable during the affair.

Lorelei couldn’t help but laugh along with all the others throughout the entire thing. Theo was also amused, although he couldn’t help but keep glancing over at Draco on the other side of the wall where they stood. Draco hadn’t been able to stop looking in Lorelei’s direction, and he eventually began doing it intentionally just to bother Theo. However, Draco Malfoy wasn’t the only one plotting.

Once the students were all set free to choose their own dancing partners before the end of the strange free period, Pansy Parkinson, surprisingly, made an automatic beeline for Theodore Nott.

“Hello, Theo,” Pansy said in a sickly sweet voice before he could get between Draco and Lorelei.

“Pansy,” Theo said curtly.

“Care to dance?” Pansy attempted.

“No,” he replied automatically.

Pansy pouted childishly. “Why?!”

“Because I don’t feel like contracting something,” he said loudly, before abandoning her in front of their entire House.

“I wish my boyfriend would talk to other girls like that,” one of the girls muttered.

“May I have this dance?” Draco asked Lorelei just as Theo came up behind him.

“No, you may not,” Lorelei scoffed, turning to Theo. “Shall we?”

“Yes, love,” Theo nodded, gladly taking her hand as they made their way to the center of the floor.

They both smiled, dancing a graceful waltz as many of the others watched.

“You’re a fair dancer,” Lorelei commented as Theo spun her effortlessly.

“My aunt taught me,” he shared. “Said my mother loved to dance.”

Lorelei did her best to smile, glancing nervously behind Theo at Draco, who just stood on the wall brooding beside Crabbe and Goyle. He ignored every single one of Pansy’s many advances, eyes locked on Lorelei as he just stood there.

“Lorelei?” Theo said finally.

“Hmm?”

She looked up at her boyfriend readily.

“Will you do me the honor of attending the Yule Ball with me?”

“Of course I will,” she smiled, hooking her arm around his neck.

Theo shared in her happiness, a hint of triumph on his face. He leaned down to kiss her, lips meeting hers in front of everyone in the room, including and especially Draco Malfoy.

*****

That night, Lorelei retired to her dorm room to find a piece of parchment hidden beneath her pillow. Frowning, she picked it up to find that it was actually a note, from Draco. Of course, she thought as she read it.

Meet me in the Owlery at 10:30.

- D.M.

Lorelei just sighed, looking at the clock beside her bed. 10:06. She knew it’d be better to just go. She arrived at the Owlery at approximately 10:30, invisible as she walked in. As usual, Draco was already there, waiting for her. She sighed as she undid her Invisibility Charm, appearing before him as she came up the stairs.

“You came,” he stared.

“You probably would’ve tormented Theo until I agreed,” she remarked.

“That I would’ve,” he agreed, “But you don’t care about him.”

“You don’t know what, or who, I care about,” Lorelei said defensively.

“Why don’t you show me then?” he questioned.

The look she gave him was unimpressed, at the very least.

“That’s not what I meant,” Draco said humorously.

“Then get on with it.”

He just chuckled, doing as she asked. “I just wanted to ask you a question. That’s all,” he promised.

“And what is it?” she asked.

“Simple. I came to throw my own card in the ring,” he replied.

Lorelei frowned, waiting for an explanation.

“I came to ask you to be my date to the ball,” Draco said finally.

“You know I couldn’t if I wanted to, and I don’t,” she reminded him.

“Well, you can’t say that for sure, because I haven’t asked yet,” Draco argued.

She watched, skeptical of him as he actually bent down on one knee, as if the theatrics hadn’t gone far enough. Lorelei looked down at him with disdain, unable to believe what she was seeing.

“Lorelei Ackerley Morrigan,” Draco began ceremoniously, earning a strange look from her.

“How do you know my middle name?” she questioned.

“I have my ways,” he replied, ignoring the interruption. “Lorelei Ackerley Morrigan. Will you allow me to be your escort to the ball?” Draco asked, on one knee as he looked up at her.

Lorelei opened her mouth to say ‘no’ once again, but he stopped her before she could, unwilling to hear it.

“I don’t need an answer now,” he stopped her. “Just… At the very latest, come find me at the ball. I’ll wait for you,” he promised, a hint of desperation in his eyes.

“You shouldn’t,” Lorelei warned him.

“Probably not,” he agreed. “But, I look at everyone else, and I see nothing but pale imitations of you.”

“Theo’s going to punch you in the face,” she realized.

Draco just smiled at her, gently touching a hand to the slight bruise that had appeared on his cheek.

“He already has. And I’m still here,” he informed her.

Lorelei looked at him incredulously, surprised she hadn’t heard anything about this from Theo.

“He did that?” she asked.

“I’d let him do it again and again if it meant I could kiss you just once,” Draco said ruthlessly, his blue eyes lingering on her for a moment. “Goodnight, Lorelei.”

She watched in disbelief as he disappeared, leaving her alone for a moment as she tried to put the encounter out of her head. She’d thought Theodore Nott was the darkest soul she’d ever met, but somehow, Draco’s blind recklessness was even more fascinating.

-

Chapter Eleven

[marie-swriting]

Beautiful - Derek Morgan

Masterlist

Summary : you're struggling with the way your body look.

Warnings : body image issue (⚠️please do not read if it's a sensitive topic), implied eating disorder (⚠️please do not read if it's a sensitive topic), angst, hurt/comfort, whump, maybe some grammatical mistakes as English is not my first language, tell me if you see some or if I missed any warnings.

Word count : 3k

French version

Song inspiration : Body by Julia Michaels

In a dressing room, you look at your body’s reflection in a red dress. You look at yourself from every angle and you only see flaws. For you, this dress doesn’t flatter your shape even though Derek promised you it would. You don’t like the neckline, it doesn’t highlight your chest properly. You don’t like the way your belly is showing through the fabric. And finally, you don’t like the way your legs can be seen because of the dress’ shortness. You pull the dress down a bit, hoping it’d make it longer while a sentence from an ex is resonating inside your head. You keep examining every inch of your body in the mirror to the point you’re twisting yourself. You end up sighing, understanding your body is not made for this dress. You feel like your body isn’t made for a lot of clothes and it has the knack for making you suffer.

“You’re ready, sweet girl ?” Derek questions, outside of the changing room.

“Huh, yes.”

With apprehension, you open the curtain and Derek doesn’t say a word for a second, looking at you up and down. His silence makes you a bit more nervous and convinces you you should get out of this dress right now.

“You’re beautiful, Y/N.” he compliments you with a smile.

“I don’t think so.” you shake your head, staring at your reflection again.

“You’re joking ? You’re stunning.”

“I don’t know. Look at my stomach !” you exclaim, showing your body part. “And my legs don’t look good in this dress either. Besides, I find it too short.”

“It’s barely mid-tight. And, it looks perfectly good on you.”

“I don’t know…”

As a way to reassure you, Derek puts his hands on your shoulders and kisses your forehead.

“I promise you you’re breathtaking in this dress.” he promises you and you force a smile. “You should take it and if you still think you don’t look good in it, you can always return it. Come on, I’ll buy it for you.” Derek announces, happy.

“Derek, you don’t have to-”

“Ha, ha,” he cuts you, moving his forefinger left to right, “I’ll buy it for you, it’ll be for our date at the restaurant next week. Besides, recently, we didn’t see each other a lot, I owe it to you.”

“You know you don’t have to make up for your job.” you affirm, taking his hand.

“Take it as a gift because I love you then. Want to try something else ?”

“No.” you state without wasting a second. “I’m going to change.”

You close the curtain and start undressing yourself without lingering on your reflection. Once you’re ready, you get out of the dressing room and see another woman a bit younger than you in the same dress. In spite of yourself, you think it looks better on her. The dress fits her curves perfectly and you think she is beautiful ; looking at her, you wish you could be like her.

After paying for the dress, you go back to your apartment. All the way home, you stayed silent, lost in your own thoughts made by the several remarks you’ve ever heard. Derek notices your mutism right away. He doesn’t question you, knowing you’ll dig your heels in. Despite the fact you’ve been together for a year, you still struggle to confide in him when you need it. It’s one of the things you’re working on. You’ve been making efforts since you met, but sometimes, you still isolate yourself.

When you’re at your place, you put your stuff down and inform Derek you want to get into more comfortable clothes. Derek lays down on your bed while you’re changing. In your bathroom, you look at your reflection while you’re in your underwear. When you feel your negative thoughts are becoming too strong, you turn your back from the mirror and keep changing. Even when you take your makeup off, you don’t look at yourself. The second you’re done, you lay down next to Derek. Instantly, he takes you in his arms before kissing the crown of your head.

“You’re feeling okay ?”

“Yes. I’m just a bit tired.” you lie, hearing his heartbeats. 

“You’re sure ?”

“Promised.” you affirm, pecking his lips. “Can you sleep here tonight ? I’d like to stay in your arms.”

“Sure.”

Your proposal is all Derek needed to know you’re not okay. Derek might not be aware of the reason why yet but it's only a matter of time until he finds out. He knows you enough to recognise your tell when you're not doing fine without you uttering a word. Nevertheless, at this instant, he prefers to hold you close to him, wanting to give you the comfort you secretly need.

You thought in a few days you’d feel better. You often have those phases where you hate your body more than usual, this one is just more tenacious. You don’t feel good in any of your clothes, you feel ugly and you can’t enjoy anything you’re eating. Everything is awful and you just want to stay in bed and never get out of it.

Unfortunately for you, you have to go on a date with Derek. With the small amount of strength you have, you manage to get out of the bed.

After taking a shower, you open your closet. You go through your clothes without will. When you find the dress Derek bought you, you hesitate between wearing it or burning it. You know it’d make him happy to see you in it but you’re still not convinced. Reluctantly, you grab the hanger before putting the dress on, hoping this time, you’ll see what Derek saw.

You adjust the dress and you look at yourself in your bedroom mirror. You still have the same vision : only flaws. Keeping your eyes on your body, your eyes get teary while in your mind, sentences like : ‘you’re not pretty’, ‘you look like nothing’ and other awful words are echoing.

There are more and more tears in your eyes and you refuse to cry. You can’t have a breakdown tonight. You have to spend the evening with Derek. Your demons will have to wait for later. You take deep breaths and when you’re sure you’re not on the verge of crying anymore, you take your makeup. You hope making your face more beautiful will help you. Maybe it’ll remedy your outfit. Furthermore, when you doll yourself up, it sometimes helps you to feel better - even if it’s not a magical remedy. However, this time, your mood gets worse. The dark circles under your eyes are making fun of you while you try to cover them up and some pimples on your face don’t make the situation any better.

You try to hide things as best as you can while thinking, at least you can get rid of these imperfections for a few hours. When you’re more or less satisfied with the result, you go back to your mirror to check if you look a bit presentable.

Despite your makeup, you don’t think you look better. Your dress is still looking ridiculous on you and no matter how many accessories you try to add, you still think you’re not pretty. Annoyed, you end up removing the dress and go back to your closet. You’re in the same situation as the beginning. Looking at your dresses again, you realise your white one is missing. It’s a simple dress but you feel good in it. You have an idea where it might be so you go to your laundry, cursing at yourself. When you find your dress is, indeed, in your washing machine who is currently working, you sit down on the floor, muffling a scream. You don’t have a fallback solution anymore and it’s out of question to wear your new one. Feeling like you’re in an impasse, your tears come back in an instant. This time, you don’t have the strength to hold them back. They run down your cheeks freely, ruining your makeup on the same occasion. You cry for approximately ten minutes, you don’t even want to think about what you look like right now. Once you’re calmer, even if some tears keep flowing, you go back to your bedroom and take your phone.

Message from you to Derek, 6:58 P.M. : 

I just got my periods, I don’t feel like going to the restaurant. Do you mind if we cancel ?

Message from Derek to you, 6:59 P.M. : 

No problem. Do you need anything ? I can stay with you if you want.

Message from you to Derek, 7:01 P.M. : 

No need. I have everything I need. Sorry for the last minute cancellation.

Message from Derek to you, 7:02 P.M. : 

Don’t apologise, get some rest. I love you ❤️

You answer to his ‘I love you’ before setting your phone back on your nightstand. You quickly put on some sweatpants and your favourite sweatshirt then you leave your bedroom. 

In your kitchen, you take several snacks and go to your living room, you start the first show Netflix recommended to you. You watch the episode without paying no mind to it while eating potato chips. Unsurprisingly, you feel yourself falling down even more in your downward spiral. You could be at a fancy restaurant with your boyfriend and you’re in your living room in a sweatshirt snacking.

Guilt is eating you alive when you think of Derek. You feel bad for lying to him, in particular when he pays that much attention to you but you don’t have the moral strength to leave your apartment. 

You burst into sobs again, hating the phase you’re currently in. You can feel yourself drowning and instead of trying to get back to the surface, you let yourself go down in this feeling of emptiness. 

Three weeks later, you’re still miserable and you still haven’t talked about it with Derek. A part of you wants to tell him everything you’re feeling and the other part wants to be able to get through it without his help. You can do it, you could do it before you met him. You can do it again. Therefore, when Derek comes back from a case, you do everything to hide your uneasiness. You know it’s a risky game, his profiler skills will see right through you in a heartbeat, yet you don’t want to burden him with your demons.

Of course, Derek knows what’s going on. He’s been on his toes since the moment he bought the dress and he doesn’t need to be a profiler to know you’re not fine. He knows you by heart. He’s just waiting for the perfect moment to bring up the subject, unfortunately with his job, this moment has been delayed several times.

However, that evening, he’s determined : he’s going to talk with you. He can’t keep staying silent when he knows you’re not coming to him. Before inviting you to open up to him, he wants to make sure you’re at ease by proposing a nice night out. He’s planned a movie then a take away at your place. He wants to finish the evening at yours, wanting you to be in a safe space.

When Derek arrives at your home, you’re putting your makeup on. He gives you a compliment which you don’t take seriously. He looks at you from your bed. He sees your hesitant gestures when you’re looking at yourself in the mirror. Besides, your silence gives him another clue. Normally, you two don’t stop talking, especially when you haven’t seen each other for more than a week because of a case. 

You open your closet and start going through your stuff. When you still haven’t decided anything five minutes later, Derek stands and comes to you.

“Why don’t you wear the red dress ?” he asks, pointing at the cloth in question.

“Isn’t it a bit fancy for a movie ?”

“Not necessarily.”

“I was thinking of wearing the white one.” you tell him, taking it.

“Sweet girl, you’re beautiful in this dress but you wear it often. You have a lot of clothes that look good on you. You should change.”

You quickly weigh pros and cons, remembering all too well your last reaction when you wanted to wear your new dress. You end up forcing a smile and take it.

“You’re right. I’ll wear the red one.”

You’re about to change when Derek’s phone rings. He leaves your bedroom to take it in the entrance. Meanwhile, you take the dress out of the hanger and slip it on. You smooth the dress with your hands then, take a quick look in the mirror. Instantly, tears are back again in your eyes.

Contrary to last time, you hold them back. Derek is in the room next door, he can’t see you like this. However, you don’t have the time to calm down your emotions that Derek is already back in your room. Seeing you crying, Derek takes you in his arms right away. You sob for a few minutes whilst Derek strokes your back, hoping it’ll calm your cries. When he thinks you’re able to talk, he puts his hands on both sides of your face to look at you.

“Talk to me. What’s wrong ?”

“I…,” you stutter, shaking your head, “it’s stupid.”

“You know pretty well it’s not stupid if you’re in this state. Talk to me.” Derek repeats with a soft tone and you sigh.

“It’s just that I don't like my outfit. I told you, it’s stupid to cry for that.” you complain when he frowns. “I don’t feel good in this ugly dress. I look ugly in this dress.” you admit, averting his eyes.

“Why do you talk about yourself like that ?”

“I don’t know why. I just can’t feel good in this dress.” you repeat with a weaker voice. “I don’t understand how you can find me pretty in it.”

“It’s not just about the dress, isn’t it ?” he inquiries, knowing the answer.

“My relationship with my body has always been complicated, you know it, but lately, I’ve been feeling like shit.” you confess, your lips trembling, “I don’t feel good in my body, none of my clothes look good, I can hardly look at myself in the mirror and I feel ugly.”

As you talk, your breath becomes more jerky. Derek wipes the tears that have rolled down your cheeks. You didn’t even know you had started crying again. Derek is about to talk when you beat him to it : 

“I know you’re gonna tell me the opposite, you’re gonna say all of these things are just in my mind but I can’t help it. I swear to you I want to look in the mirror and say it’s beautiful like you do but I don’t see what you see. I want to love my body like you love my body, I swear, I really want to love it, it just seems impossible. I can’t think of one single positive thing about me.” you mumble, your voice breaking. “Everytime I think I’m finally doing a bit better, I remember every word people have told me, whether it’s an ex, a friend or even my family and it’s back to square one.” you inform, trying to dry your tears, in vain. “And no matter how much you compliment me, I can’t believe you. I know you’re genuine but I can’t believe you. I just feel like every word you’re telling me is a lie to make me feel better. It’s not the truth and in one way, I know it but I can’t help it. I feel like I’m doomed to forever hate my body and…”, you keep saying, taking a deep breath, “it scares me. I don’t want to keep going like this. I don’t know what to do.”

Gestures being stronger than words, Derek holds you again. It’s not the first time you break down in front of him but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t break his heart hearing your angst. You hide your face in the crook of his neck, feeling ashamed to be this vulnerable.

“I’m sorry, we’re late for the movie because of me.” you articulate against his torso.

“We can always go another day. It’s okay.” Derek assures you, kissing your forehead.

“The fact is, it’s not the evening you had in mind. Sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologise for feeling bad.”

“I know but it’s the second time we cancelled our plans because of me.”

“You’re talking about the restaurant ? You had your periods, it wasn’t your fault.”

Following Derek’s sentence, guilt finds its way with your other emotions. You break the embrace and set your gaze on your hands, fidgeting with your fingers nervously.

“I lied to you, actually. I had put on this dress to make you happy and I ended up in the exact same state. I preferred to cancel everything instead of talking to you. I’m sorry, I promised you I’d make an effort.” you say, raising your eyes to him. “I’m just so scared to be a burden to you. I don’t want you to grow weary of me because I’m not good mentally. I still don’t know how I got you and I don’t want to lose you for that. Besides, I want to handle it on my own… I mean, it works clearly so well !” you exclaim, rolling your eyes. “I’d understand if you wanted to leave me.”

“Hey, I’m not going to leave you when you need me.” Derek affirms, his hand on your cheek. “Look, I can’t imagine everything you’re feeling, but I will always be by your side, especially when you’re feeling bad. And if I have to repeat every second of every day you’re beautiful for you to believe me, I will. However, I think talking with a therapist could help you.”

“Probably.” you admit. “Would you come with me ? At least for the first session, I’ll need support.”

“Of course. I’ll come with you to as many sessions as you want.” Derek accepts with a comforting smile.

You know you still have a long way to go before loving yourself yet, you’ve already taken the first step.

For the first time in weeks, you let go of a sigh of relief. You peck Derek’s lips then you press yourself against his body again, his arms protecting you from your demons.

Masterlist

{This is my side blog so I'll be answering comments under the username @marie-sworld}

[jukebox-arts]

Haven't made a new chapter art in A BIT (sorry)

“I can’t believe she actually sent us outside. What are we, kids?” Moon grumbled to himself, sitting on the grass, knees pulled up to his chest. With mild disdain, he observed Sun as the golden bot did a stretching routine, running pre-performance diagnostics in preparation for whatever he planned to do next. Moon knew this without needing their Lock to tell him, as Sun’s eyes were cycling from teal to cyan to seafoam and back again in line with the check doing its job by micro-adjusting Sun's internal components from idle to show mode.

With a light smile, stretched out on one foot to check his lateral balance, Sun started, “Well, to some degree–” but got cut off by a displeased groan.

“I’m not being technical, Sun,” Moon shot back, elbows on his knees. “I know we don’t have a lot of up time or even a lot of real-world experiences so we might as well be kids, but we’re programmed with the equivalent mindset of an adult. We don’t need to be babysat or told by ‘mom’ to go play outside while she’s in the kitchen.”

Raising a brow, Sun slowly pivoted his hip, bringing his knee up to his chest. “I was going to say to some degree we’re behaving like children.” Moon scowled at him, which only made him grin more and add teasingly, “But I didn’t think you were coming to see Jenn as our mother~”

It was only for a moment, but Sun’s chroma-sensitive lenses detected a hue shift in his beloved brother’s face--from deep navy to rich purple--as the embarrassment hit him. “I do not!” If the chromatic shift didn’t give away his chagrin, the waver of his voice would have.

“Then why’re you so grouchy we got sent outside, oh brother of mine?” Sun extended his leg above his head, then slowly leaned back into a bend before finishing it as a full flip. Once he was on his feet again, he repeated the move with his other leg.

“I just said–” Catching himself, Moon narrowed his gaze toward his brother, whose face was scrunched in a poor effort to hide his amusement. “You’re being a dingus.”

Finishing his second maneuver, Sun changed the last step into a full split, sliding into the grass with barely a sound; he leaned forward, holding onto his knee to provide a pull that would relax his inner impact mechanisms. Stretching wasn’t really something they absolutely needed, unlike human performers, however many high-end Task Managers, particularly those with a focus on physical effort, had a complex system of metal-and-fluid pseudo-muscles under their shells that worked to grant them an immense range of motion and a high strength-to-mass ratio. While delicate and necessitating specialized workers to repair and maintain, these systems have grown more common in recent years due to their ability to double up on and protect the etherylle system that provided power and information to the rest of the body, working incredibly well with tactile sensors and the other micro-adjusting features of modern robotics to give the individuals with them an almost human level of touch sensitivity and action limitation.

The technology itself has been difficult to integrate into human reconstructive body modifications–-or HumCons as some call them-–due to the haptics often conflicting with natural nerve endings, but that wasn’t an issue when all of one’s body was a machine. Because of the intricacy of the systems working together, while not being absolutely necessary, it was advised that pseudo-muscle systems be eased into high-intensity work by ‘stretching’ them. Long, slow, repetitive engagement of the haptic sensors would cause a reaction in the systems that loosened the inner stability membrane, allowing it more flexibility thus increasing the hydraulic tension or torque it could withstand and deliver without seizing or tearing. In a way, it prevented mechanical muscle tearing and enhanced performance quality in a way–-though Sun simply did it out of habit and because he enjoyed the mental quiet it brought him through focusing on his internal mechanics. The steady release of tension at his joints paired with his cyclical exhaust intake was meditative, which he welcomed happily to ease the tension of the days prior, dulling it to a more manageable buzz in the furthest corners of his mental space.

While also enjoying a good stretch and tumble, Moon didn’t intend to join his brother purely out of spite for being told to do so; Jenn was not their owner and a part of him wanted to challenge her authority just on principle by defying her. He knew it was only because he felt he could get away with it–-pettiness was becoming rather enjoyable to express for once-–though the same part of his personality that wanted to be bratty also somewhat welcomed the possibility of retaliation. It would prove he was right and hopefully show Sun that this human, however altruistic she seemed, was no better than the one they ran from. Not worth attachment.

“What’re you thinking about?”

Moon’s attention pulled itself from his internalized moping to focus on Sun, who was still stretching, this time with his legs in a wide V and him nearly flat on his belly in the grass, chin on his forearms. It was such a normal scene to him, Moon almost forgot for a moment they weren’t in the garden at the estate; how Sun was able to relax and go about such a normal activity in a strange place was beyond him at this point. “You could know already if you wanted,” the navy bot answered after a pause, noticing Sun’s eyes had stopped flashing, meaning he was done calibrating and was now just laying like that for his own sake.

“I like it when you tell me.”

Limiting the use of their Lock’s communication features was something they’d agreed on not long after arriving at their designated ‘home’--partly because openly sharing their thoughts and feelings fostered a sense of trust while providing a boundary of privacy between them, and partly because they were chastised heavily for being ‘silent and secretive’ with each other more than once. By now, he knew Sun wouldn’t just pry into his mind without good reason, even if it would make communicating intent between them easier. Huffing, Moon relented. “I know. It wasn’t anything important.”

“You were making a face.”

Moon’s brow creased. “No, I wasn't.”

“Yes, you were.” Sitting up slowly, Sun stretched his back, pulling his legs in so he was seated between his own calves. “You were scowling and staring off into space.”

“I was not.”

“So your face is just like that?”

As if proving a point, Moon scowled deeply, glowering at his brother’s playful grin. “I’m going to get you if you keep that up,” the nocturnal brother warned, subtly shifting his weight in preparation to lunge.

“I stand by my observation,” Sun insisted, pointing to his own face while frowning mockingly. “You’re lucky we can’t wrinkle like a human or you’d have scowl lines.”

“Sun,” Moon urged, trying and failing to keep his expression from twisting into a grin.

“And with your complexion those lines wouldn’t do you any favors–”

A fraction of a second. Sun turned his head for just a moment, barely catching the tell and intent of Moon’s feet rocking him forward; pushing off with his legs, the lanky robot managed to flop out of the way by a hair as his brother’s hands hit the grass. The awkward position did him no favors in keeping balanced; tucking into a backroll, Sun sprang to his feet, smiling brightly.

Moon pushed up with his hands as he came into contact with nothing, pivoting to land on his own feet with a solid thud, already crouched and waiting without giving an opening to be exploited. Bright against his dark facial mold, Moon’s teeth flashed in his own grin. “There’s better ways to get me to play you know.”

“Do you want me to ask?” Sun retorted, watching as Moon began to side step slowly and matching him beat-for-beat.

“It would give me a chance to get ready, at least.”

“But you never need to get ready like I do~”

Moon rolled his eyes briefly, knowing it was somewhat true as he was always quicker to shift into performance mode simply by deciding it, not needing the stretching for anything more than keeping pace with Sun as he got ready. “I still enjoy the activity.” He chanced a step forward; Sun met it with a step back.

“You could have but you decided to mope instead.”

Moon’s weight dipped to one side–-Sun’s eyes darted there, anticipating him to step that way.

Catching the flicker of attention, Moon’s feint was successful–-he swung the other direction, rushing the gap in a single stride. Sun staggered at the change, failing to back away; pivoting on the ball of his foot, Moon gave a sweeping kick with his off leg. Going low, the move sailed over Sun’s head with plenty of distance.

Neither planned to hurt the other. Playful dance-fighting was simply a game.

With his full weight behind it, Moon was able to carry himself over Sun entirely, landing on his feet with another graceful thud. While distracted and back exposed, the daylight bot could only just avoid his brother’s grasp as Moon ducked down and swung at him, palm open, aiming for his head. Reflexively, Sun used his forearm to move Moon’s wrist away and step back again; Moon’s knee came up between them just as Sun shifted back, which got the darker bot to laugh a bit.

“You’ve gotten good at reading me,” he mused, earning a flicker of Sun’s radials in response. “But it’s still not enough to actually keep up.”

The triumphant grin on Sun’s face faded instantly, radials retracting a bit as he saw the shift in Moon’s demeanor-–from the way he balanced his center of gravity to the thin smirk on his lips that replaced the flash of a smile. Another kick–-forward round–-aimed to the head.

Sun ducked by dropping one leg to a crouch; his eyes widened as the attack passed overhead but Moon didn’t carry through, dropping forward in a blink to his hands. Springing back, both feet together, Moon forced Sun to jump again or risk having the entire mass of his sturdier brother driven into him. Barely, the golden bot avoided the collision, landing in a squat.

Without missing a beat, Moon let his momentum drift down, allowing him to sweep a kick out before either had genuinely recovered their balance. Using his hands to catch himself, Sun let the sweep take his feet out before springing back into another crouch and leaping up to make distance. Moon was on him though, having anticipated the recovery move.

Grabbing Sun’s long arm at the wrist and bicep, pressing in the way that his elbow didn’t go, Sun was trapped, forced into a spin as Moon swung him around while he didn't have his balance. This motion let Moon alter his grip while keeping Sun under control until the taller bot was forced into an awkward bend, arm twisted behind him in a way that kept his body off center. Using his shoulder for leverage, Moon pushed two fingers against the nape of Sun’s neck-–the ‘warning shot’ that indicated victory.

“Okay! Okay! I give! I give!” Sun yelped, teetering dangerously as he tried to keep upright under the uncomfortable grip.

Immediately, Moon released his brother, bringing his arm under Sun’s chest to keep the gangly bot from tipping over entirely. Pleased with himself, Moon mused, “Getting better but still not ready for me to be serious.”

Making a face, Sun shrugged, playing up his disappointment at losing. “I still don’t understand when you learned to do that. It’s not like sparring was something we were asked to do.”

Dusting a bit of grass off Sun’s shoulder, Moon shrugged back. “From what I figured, dancing and fighting aren’t that different, it’s just intent. When you touch someone while dancing it’s gentle and non-violent. Fighting is just dancing but you want to hurt the other person.”

Grimacing, Sun’s rays flitted and returned to normal. “If you say so.” He held his hands out. “Do you want to actually dance now?”

The amusement left Moon’s face for a moment. “Sun–”

Flexing his hands in a ‘give’ motion, Sun insisted. “Please? It’s been so long, it feels like. I need to recalibrate, right? It’ll be easier if I have you with me.”

Relenting, Moon sighed, smile returning tiredly. “Alright, you have a point I suppose.”

Delighted, Sun bounced in place a bit, grabbing onto Moon’s hands to drag him into the middle of the yard. Through their link, they could find a melody they both knew without needing actual music. Agreeing on it wasn’t hard, they had a few shared favorites, Moon simply felt uncomfortable in the unfamiliar environment. Dancing took focus which he’d need to keep aware of the area–-not that he was doing that while they tussled just moments ago, which felt good but the persistent eyes he thought he sensed all around were getting bothersome. He was still uncertain how many cameras this area had, how much privacy they were genuinely afforded–-if the human wasn’t remotely observing them when she wasn’t in direct line of sight of them.

If something happened, would he be able to handle it if he was distracted?

Yet Moon couldn’t fight the desire to dance with his brother. To have those few minutes of peace within their own connection. The one thing that was solely theirs. It would strengthen their Lock, which was always their default priority, so it was practical at least.

A snort escaped him as Sun pulled him to the spot in the yard that had been decided on. Practical.

When did he start needing to justify dancing as practical ?

~

Under the clattering of dishes and utensils a hum bounced through the air, occasionally broken up by rhythmic popping and tongue clicking. It wasn’t without method or reason but to an observer they would only hear the odd sounds coming from the human unprompted, her ears covered by blue headphones that dampened outside noise while masking the music she was wrapped up in. In an effort to calm her own mind, Jenn opted to drown her thoughts out by burying them in her musical library, willfully putting herself into a state of forced focus that ignored everything outside her immediate task. Too many things needed to be accounted for, too many details begged for her to rip them apart into molecular detail–-Jenn had to stop herself before she got overwhelmed by her own bad habits.

She would help them. They would leave. Back to normal. Clear conscience.

Over and over she told herself that whenever her mind strayed to questions. While she hated not having answers, by this point the loner human had determined anything more was a hazard to her safety. In this rare instance, the less she knew, the safer she would be.

I still want to know though, the echo of her thoughts purred, tempting her to the rabbit hole of barbed wire and glue.

Shaking her head to clear it, Jenn focused on the lyrics of the song that currently vibrated her skull, hands working to chop up starchy roots for drying. Under her breath, she sang along, working through her pile of foraged goods to get them ready for later use. She needed to get this done before she wasted perfectly good edibles by forgetting they existed for a week while unpeeling the mysteries she found herself wrapped up in.

I can’t believe I forgot they were in the yard.

Cheeks burning, Jenn shook her head again.

They heard me singing.

She turned the volume up.

I mean, they didn’t say it was bad but they totally believed I was a creature of the forest.

Mental sabotage. Mutiny!

They’re out in the yard right now. Should I check on them?

No, they weren’t babies. She swept the chunks of starch onto a wicker flat and shoved it into the rafters to dry among the spices and herbs.

From the kitchen table she used as a booster, Jenn’s eyes caught movement and flicked to the window. Blue and yellow blurs spun across the yard, taunting her for a closer peek. Against her better judgment, the human clamored over to the glass portal, watching the paired robots as they flowed, jumped around and passed each other in coordinated motions. None of it matched the song currently playing in her ears, but it didn’t matter that much, as Jenn barely felt what had devolved into little more than muddled noise as she analyzed her guests.

“Fascinating,” she breathed, watching the trail of motion and energy the pair exchanged as the lead position shifted from the Moondrop to the Sunrise-–she could just barely tell based on who moved first and how at a given time. Locks were something Jenn was familiar with, along with the various sorts of ‘lesser’ grade model on the market; it was a known but unspoken fact among the inhabitants of the wilds of Azil that there was a direct relationship between the market grade of a companion and the rate of ‘rogueness’ they experienced upon gaining awareness. A fact that might make it a bit difficult for the two of them to be accepted amongst their own if they tried to integrate into a colony.

Not that I care, Jenn mused to herself while watching Moon easily swing Sun around himself in a fancy lifting technique. They could stay here and it wouldn’t make a difference if they were copper or goldlight–

She paused, looking away from the window.

That’s dumb and risky. Frowning at herself, the echo in her mind whispered, Then again, I could study them more if they stayed. Wapping herself on the forehead a few times, Jenn got down from the table. “No, no, bad Jenn! They’re not lab rats. Do not get attached.” Her tongue tapped the corner of her mouth. “I haven’t gotten to really look into their models though–” She clapped herself on the cheeks, voice straining, “STOOOOOPPPPPP!” with a deep rumble of frustration. “Science is for sleepers, and they are not asleep!”

Pulling off her headphones, Jenn took a moment to wet a clean cloth and wipe her face down, then her neck and shoulders; the cold water gave her a mild shock that broke the rampant cycle of cognitive dissonance that had started, granting her a chance to breathe. To think clearly. “Drag my inherent curiosity,” the human mumbled after a moment, squeezing the rag out and putting it over the towel rack to dry.

Regardless of the grade disparity and their mysterious origins, the Sunrise and Moondrop were, for all intents and purposes, still that. The materials were rare, sure, and the other features begged a lot of questions she didn’t feel safe answering, but fundamentally they were still what they were made to be: entertainers. Fancy toys, in a sense, made for the rich. Things that she–-and people like her–-would be incredibly unlikely to interact with, let alone own, a day in their lives simply due to station.

‘Stars shine for everyone but there is only one place for Uls.’

While the original meaning had long been broken and reassembled over the years, the intention remained consistent: you only get the good things when you’re lucky. It was something her parents often disparaged in her youth whenever news outlets pushed stories of ‘rogue robots’ upending construction projects or stealing from convoys. ‘Luck’ had nothing to do with how one should be treated.

But it did have a hand in where you started in life, Jenn felt, and that made a huge difference in how one turned out.

She was lucky by way of having loving parents that encouraged her interests as a child. There were many who could not claim the same even in her own neighborhood when growing up. Despite their job stations, the three of them were not lucky enough, however, to be wealthy; the fantasy of having a companion with the form and features of anything above Silver class was merely smoke and wishful thinking, though she knew now as an adult it had less to do with the economic state of her hometown and more with her parents’ morals and decisions. Those same ethics remained with her, even now, far from that place and the memories it held.

One could see these two immaculately crafted dancers turning somersaults in the grass and assume they were very lucky to be what they are-–Jenn herself was guilty of that very thought initially. Made to do nothing, living in leisurely apartments and condos, enjoying the finer parts of life that others could only dream of having. Running away from that? A fool’s errand. A choice made by the ignorant and naive…

… according to the jealous and shortsighted.

What would make a companion run away from a life of simplicity and excess? Jenn pondered rhetorically, having a general idea bubbling in the corners of her mind that made her gut twist as she put her headphones back on. Given what she knew about E’rta? It wasn’t good–-made worse knowing that they had been there for months, living their entire waking lives among the upper echelons of a city that had what could be generously considered a ‘divisive’ history.

E’rta was a city built on the backs of liars and the bones of the unlucky.

Of course it ends up being me that has to help this situation, a stray thought piped in as Jenn pulled down some glassware jars from a cabinet, placing them in the sink. I promise myself not to get involved in local politics and here I am harboring the runaways of some rich schmuck on the bad end of a political offense–-or worse yet, a military officer who really likes his toys being spicy or the thrill of abusing his power.

Kneeling to another cabinet, Jenn fished out a container that worked as a heat bath, setting it up absently to sanitize her jars for canning. Rinse, place, rinse, place-–she filled the well with glass jars and their matching lids, then poured a bit of water in and sealed it up, letting the heat bath steam up so they’d be ready for fermentable goodies. Music thrummed, slowly pushing away the deeper thoughts that wanted her attention.

It doesn’t matter, she firmly reminded herself. They wanted to leave, they have that right. The rest is up to them to figure out. I’m not their mother.

One thought still lingered, wiggling its way past the barrier of sound she filled her mind with.

A Goldlight class was already rare enough in the wilds; being able to afford such high end parts often included a lifestyle that was hard to justify leaving. Doubled with their particular type being the most expensive–-Sunrise and Moondrop–-the odds gave Jenn pause.

Had she ever met either of those kinds before in the wilds?

Despite the assumption that Goldlight and Quicksilver came from a quality of life considered envious, she had met a few here and there–-a Lune who’d grown tired of always being in the middle of patrons fighting in front of the club his owner ran, a Dawn who’d been replaced as a tutor after a bug in her update messed with her ability to add or modify new lesson plans for her students, a bizarre trio of two Days and a Night that had taken to burglary after their owner suddenly lost their job due to economic issues–-but never a Sunrise or a Moondrop of any class. Not even a whisper. Too rare to have proper sample size, as her father would say.

But both? A bonded pair, even, with Goldlight features–-and then some–-and the most complex array of mental components she’d seen outside of excavation teams and Nebula-class processors.

They might not have had a chance, the whisper added, reminding her of the tracking chips installed in the pair that she’d pried out and discarded before bringing them back online. Perhaps others just never had an opportunity to venture far before getting returned?

Not everyone was lucky enough to find help when they needed it, unfortunately.

Sighing, Jenn lifted her chin so she was gazing at the ceiling. In her mind she was thinking of the sky and the yellow-green shimmer of the aurora overhead, the roof itself barely being an obstacle in her visualization. “Somehow,” she muttered mostly to herself, “this is your fault. I just know it.”

A noise to her left got her attention–-a dark shape lingered in the doorway.

Yelping, Jenn jumped back from the counter, catching her heel on a stack of books. The shape darted toward her–-her wrist was grabbed firmly before she could topple, pulling her upright.

A flash of concern slipped from Moon’s face, replaced by a smug grin as he realized he’d startled her. Whipping her headphones off, Jenn barked, “FOR THAKK’S SAKE–!” but he only chuckled at her, relaxing his grip.

Amused, Moon countered, “I knocked before entering,” while leaning against the table with his arms folded. “Not my fault you weren’t paying attention.”

Heart pounding from the whole event, Jenn took a measured breath, curbing her initial spark of her temper because he was right-–it was her fault for turning her music up too loud. “Okay, yeah, fine, you got me-–what do you need?”

Eyes darting over the current state of the kitchen and only coming away confused at what was going on, Moon’s gaze lingered on Jenn a moment.

/MD-Diagnostic assessment: Subject_Jenn%//

>Symptoms noted:

>>Elevated heart rate_

>>Cold sweat_

>>Flushed skin_

>>Presence of under eye bags_

>>Heavy breathing_

/Results indeterminate//

Moon briefly forgot what he was there for and instead asked, “Are you feeling alright?” out of directive-prone habit.

Jenn squinted at him with confusion, righting herself now that she could breathe calmly. “Yeah? Why?”

An inquisitive arch of a brow gave a silent question.

Deflecting the suspicion, Jenn rolled her eyes. “You just scared the pants off me, don't think too hard on it.” Disbelieving her but unwilling to prod, Moon only grunted dismissively. “Seriously, what do you want? Is he alright?” Faintly she gestured at the window to indicate Sun, her voice holding a genuine thread of worry.

“He’s fine,” Moon replied neutrally though a very slight turn of his lips remained, as he was still amused by getting the drop on her, accident or not. “But he is why I'm here terrorizing you.” Jenn’s lips pursed at his tease. “Stupid question, but do you have anything we can borrow that could work like a balance beam? Sun doesn’t think he’s being challenged enough to recalibrate properly. Assuming you know what–”

Cutting into his jab, Jenn snapped, “I know what a balance beam is,” earning a deflecting gesture, his hands raising. One of you is challenged plenty and it’s not sunshine, she added to herself, knowing he was being snarky on purpose; funnily enough it gave her an idea, her own mouth curling in a smug grin. “And I’ll even do you one better.”

Moon couldn’t tell if he was curious or suspicious of her intentions. Probably both.

~

“What in Azil’s shell is this?”

Neither brother knew what they were looking at for a moment aside from massively overgrown shrubs and climbers that had won the battle against whatever was underneath them, the clearing full to bursting with foliage and creeping vines twisting in and out of tree branches and structures of metal and rope that must have served a purpose before the plant Armageddon arrived. Jenn herself seemed perturbed as they arrived at the edge of the leafy wall after a few minutes of trekking through the forest at her behest, one hand rubbing the back of her head confusedly. “Well, it was my training course,” she answered after a moment, Moon feeling more confused than before. “I knew I forgot something when I got home.”

“Training course?” the navy bot inquired. Beside him, Sun knelt down and grabbed a leaf from the dense cloud of green wrapping around their feet, giving it a gentle squeeze and finding it plush and bouncy.

“Uh, yeah.” Even the human found her words hard to believe for a moment.

“Training for what ?”

Casting a glance at the nosey blue robot, Jenn raised a brow. “Well, unlike you I have to actually maintain my fitness levels.” Moon’s eyes glinted brightly at her sarcasm. “Don’t let the overgrowth fool you,” she added on, kneeling next to Sun and pulling a coil of greenery out of the ground with little resistance. “Trusslin is a very fast growing plant, leave it be long enough and it’ll overtake an area in a matter of weeks. I must have forgotten to come trim it back.”

“It’s soft,” Sun commented, adding the data to his collection of plants.

“Ain’t it?” she mused, grabbing another handful.

“Why not just get rid of it?” Moon wondered, tilting his head while studying one of the overgrown structures.

“Cuz it happens that a carpet of trusslin is really great for breaking falls,” Jenn replied, standing up and pressing a leaf against Moon’s face, causing him to lean away. The leaf dropped onto his shoulder, causing him to pick it up and pause, rubbing it between his fingers; the leaves were velvety and gave way slightly, as if they were little pillows of air that had deflated just a tad. “It’s not gonna stop you from eating shekt if you fall from too high, but I’ve avoided quite a few broken bones because of this stuff. Grows like crazy if it’s light enough and forms natural curls in the stems that tangle together like a net. Just, uh…” She waved her hand over the mess. “Gotta keep up on pruning.”

Taking the leaf from Moon, who was done playing with the plant scrap, Sun squished it between his fingers, trying to contain a giggle. “What do you do with the trimmings?” he wondered, lifting the leaf toward his brother’s face, causing him to lean away slightly.

“Uh…” Thinking for a moment, Jenn counted with her fingers. “Compost, fodder, mulch… there’s no nutritional value unfortunately, and it doesn’t taste like anything, but you can dry them and they stay puffy and soft so I like to use the unbroken ones as scrub pads sometimes, otherwise they’re great padding for pillows and stuff.”

Grabbing Sun’s wrist and shooting him a glare when the leaf returned to his personal bubble, Moon snatched it from his brother’s grasp and dropped it out of reach; Sun only grinned mischievously back at him. “So I’m guessing if we want to use this stuff, we need to cull the overgrowth?” he asked as his other hand moved to stop Sun from putting a vine on his head.

“Unfortunately,” Jenn sighed, turning to face them. “I’ll get a bag and my trimmers and be right back.”

She’d barely left their line of sight before something soft came into swift contact with Moon’s temple–-or it tried to at least, before he’d snatched it mid-arc, incidentally crushing the object in his hand. Wet grass wasn’t his favorite scent, but that was far less important than the sound of Sun’s amused snickering. “Quit it,” the darker bot warned, catching the quick motion of Sun plucking another leaf from the overgrowth. “What’re you doing?”

In response, Sun tossed the leaf at his face, causing him to swat it away.

“Sun!” Moon took a step toward his brother, intending to stop him from grabbing anything else to mess with.

Pftb.

They both paused, looking down. Moon lifted his foot, revealing a crushed trusslin leaf that had all of the air force out of it suddenly.

Sun choked back a snicker, chest quivering.

Moon bit the inside of his lip to keep back a laugh of his own, how voice warbling as he tried to keep it in. “Sun-–Sun that’s not–” A grinding, throaty sound from the golden bot got him to cough a bit, both of them struggling to not laugh at the absurd noise. “Shut up, that–-mkh–-that wasn’t funny.”

“Yes it was.” Sun’s voice was barely a squeak.

Cheeks aching from trying to fight the urge to smile, Moon had to turn away, losing the battle slowly against his own poor humor. “We really are children.”

Doubled over, Sun nodded, trying his best to calm himself down. A thick, fuzzy leaf bobbed in front of him as he exhaled; teal eyes flicked to Moon for a moment, then back to the leaf.

Moon saw the glance. “Do not.”

Sun reached for the leaf slowly, now holding Moon’s gaze with his mouth pressed thin with guilty pleasure.

“Sunrise.”

In a flash, Sun grabbed the leaf and pulled, twisting upright–-

–-Moon darted, trying to rip the leaf away before anything could be done with it.

~

Jenn lifted her head, cocking to one side instinctively in an effort to listen as her eyes skimmed the area. “Was that a yelp?” Standing, she hauled the burlap sack used for trimmings over her shoulder, grabbed the large pair of garden shears from their resting place at the base of the tree holding her home aloft and faced the direction of her equipment. No further rustling or odd changes to the wind came to her, so she dismissed the possibility it was an animal quickly.

Waiting patiently at her side, Rukbat’s nose pointed in the same direction she turned, ears perked and tail held still. With an airy whistle, Jenn gave the command to seek; bounding off, the canine darted into the tree line. She followed, taking long strides to cover ground quickly, only slightly assured that her guard dog hadn’t given an indicator of danger. The clearing wasn’t far by any means so it took only a minute to return, her concerns evaporating into an amused chuckle at the sight of Rukbat, tail wagging fiercely, with his teeth clamped tight to Sun’s sleeve in an effort to yank him upright from his sprawled position.

“What did you two do?” she wondered, failing to hide her laughter as she took in the sight before her. Both of the brothers were prone, tangled in the vines of the trusslin like storm-fallen branches, struggling to free themselves from the twisted grip of the vegetation.

Pointing with his free hand to his unluckier brother, Sun blurted, “He shoved me!”, jerking slightly to one side in time to Rukbat’s continuous yanking on his shirt sleeve.

“I–” the unfortunate Moon huffed, voice slightly muffled by the foliage, “--I did not! YOU fell on your own!” While Sun had the good graces to fall back-first, preserving his dignity, Moon had been less lucky; in an effort to catch himself and avoid his face meeting the ground with unwarranted enthusiasm, he’d thrown his hand out but in doing so had gotten his arm tangled in the coiling vines as they ensnared him in a way that worsened whenever he tried to pull free.

Fighting down her laughter, Jenn mused, “Alright, hold on,” while putting her supplies down and waving Rukbat off from his misplaced eagerness. “Perimeter. Go.” With a single whimper, the Stellis bounded into the trees to check the area as commanded so he wouldn’t be underfoot. Jenn couldn’t help the grin on her face as she planted her feet firmly, offering her hand to the taller bot; with a grunt, she was able to pull Sun upright, the vines snagging and tugging at his clothes in an effort to keep him trapped. They fell away easily enough, having been more a nuisance that kept Sun from finding the leverage to sit up than anything else. “What did we learn today?”

From the foliage, Moon grumbled, “Plants are evil,” while waiting for his turn, a single iris glimmering in the shade of the leaves. This only made Jenn chuckle louder, which he didn’t enjoy much.

“Hold still, I'm coming.”

A click and hum of parts rearranging made Moon twitch, the vines tightening in their lattice-like hold so he couldn’t turn to look.

Blue light filled the shadowy space of the underbrush as Jenn crouched with more grace than he’d fallen with and began to rock her mechanical arm rhythmically against the plants that held him down. A snap–-then another–-she pulled the vines one by one just enough to slide her pinkie finger between them and saw away at them; Moon realized quickly the click had been her finger joint swapping into a small blade, serrated and sharp but no bigger than her finger had been. “How handy,” he commented, meaning it as a compliment but sounding as annoyed as he felt.

“It is,” she agreed, still grinning but unbothered by his tone.

With a final cut, Moon’s arm came free. Standing at the ready, Sun grabbed his brother's elbow and hauled, dragging the dark bot back from the tangle onto his feet. Quietly, the golden bot whispered, “I’m sorry,” helping to dust grass clippings from Moon’s shirt.

Moon grunted, unamused but accepting the apology; it wasn’t worth being genuinely upset over. This time.

Stepping lightly, Jenn retraced her steps to get out of the overgrowth so she wouldn’t wrap herself up by accident and brushed her skirt down, finger blade swapping back with a soft snick. “Well,” she mused, hands on her hips once they were settled, “had enough trusslin trimming for the day or are you boys still willing to help cut it back?”

Sharing a quick look to confirm their answers, they both spoke together, “I’d like to!/I'd like revenge.”

Hefting up the shears, she offered them to the pair with a faint grin. “Who wants them?”

Immediately, Sun shook his head, uncomfortable with such a large, unwieldy tool made of sharp edges and intentions of horticultural homicide.

Moon hesitated a moment before also shaking his head; briefly, he’d considered simply using water to trim the plants back but a fearful weight in his gut made him reconsider just as quickly. Neither of them had made an effort to show off their ‘unique skills’, he realized, briefly pondering if she already knew or not. If she did it wouldn’t matter, but he didn’t feel like risking any more of their personal abilities being known by a stranger if it could come back to bite them later. Thinking fast, he pushed a warning to Sun through their Lock with emphasis on his disapproval of the notion before it could occur to the taller bot–-Sun was more likely to act on a whim, as they’d shown plenty of the higher class their specialty beforehand so the risk would likely not occur to him.

Moon could only pray that the breadth of Jenn’s knowledge stopped at the basics and that she didn’t already know or recognize the pair of them carried the faculty for elemental conjuration. Any advantage they could gain would be useful, even if it was underhanded, in the event of the worst case scenario-–the deep nagging feeling he’d been trying to ignore grew stronger as Sun touched his own head for a moment as the push reached him. He looked at Moon curiously, the idea barely taking form before it was shut down by external prompting. Taking it to mean he had good reason to be cautious about their abilities being made known, Moon simply twitched his head in a subtle ‘no’, doubling down on the warning.

Water and fire would remain their secret until absolutely necessary.

“Well,” Jenn’s voice chirped, unaware of them having any sidebar conversation at all, “have fun using your hands then. Don’t get tied up again.”

Unhappy, Moon accepted the light jab without fuss, watching her turn on her heel and drop to the ground with ease to begin slicing the wayward bushes to pieces. The pair of performers moved to either side of the human and knelt, each grabbing hold of a fistful of vines and pulling them free with differing satisfaction at their respective results. Happy to be helpful, Sun picked systematically at the tangles from their roots, but Moon was more keen to vent his annoyance by taking a vine in hand and pulling, often snapping them half way down as the tension gave out. Jenn focused on cutting, mindful of where each of them stood and where their hands were before making a slice, creating a somewhat clear path into the mess they could walk through without tripping.

Some amount of time passed in busy silence, a growing pile of trimmings marking their progress at clearing the overgrown mess from around the equipment that supposedly lay beneath it all. Constructs made of metal and wood fashioned together with wire, bolts and braces slowly revealed themselves, surprising Moon with how sturdy they were-–absolutely not passing any safety inspections but sturdy enough to be usable. Off and on between exchanging questions and directions, the navy bot thought he heard a hum but couldn't quite pinpoint where it was coming from for a while. By the end of their endeavor, he only had the assumption it was Jenn, yet if it was she would stop if he got too close.

Is she shy or messing with me? he wondered, dumping a load of leaves and sticks into the brush pile.

Jenn groaned and stretched, getting his attention. Somewhere in the back, Sun was coming around with his own collection of detritus. “I think that’s good enough for now,” the human decided, hair matted to her neck with sweat. “I’m ready for–”

“OW!”

Startled by the unexpected sound, Jenn and Moon bolted to the edge of the clearing where the cry came from, skidding to a halt at the sight of Sun nursing his foot while leaning on one of the upright structures. Audibly worried, Moon asked, “What happened??” kneeling to give his brother’s leg a quick scan; the alerts read as superficial with no real damage detected.

“I kicked that,” Sun answered, indicating a circular object buried under the leaves he’d been carrying with a tip of his head. Curious, Jenn circled behind them and pulled the object out, light bouncing off of it with a metallic gleam; it was a ring of chrome-like metal, unadorned with a bright shine despite being out in the wilderness for Azil-knows-how-long.

“Oh!” she chirped, hefting it over her head to give it a once-over. “That’s where I left it! Thanks for finding my hoop, bright eyes. Sorry you used your foot for it though.”

Satisfied nothing was broken, Moon let Sun put his foot down so he could stand, frowning. “You’re lucky it wasn’t a more serious injury. You have too much junk lying around, I'm surprised we haven’t tripped on anything before now.”

Giving the terse robot sharp side-eye, Jenn shrugged lightly. “Before now the only one at risk of injury was me so leaving my ‘junk’ out was never a problem.”

“I’m fine though,” Sun cut in, flexing his toes against the grass; they stung but his system detected no internal errors. It had startled him more than anything. “What is that thing? It’s heavy.”

“A weighted sling hoop,” Jenn answered, giving the ring a twirl over her wrist. “I got one for fitness reasons but got busy and forgot where I left it.”

“Sling hoop?” Sun’s brow furrowed a moment before he recalled why it sounded familiar. “Oh! We had a few of those, didn’t we?”

Moon raised a brow when Sun turned to him for an answer, as if seeking permission to share details. “For a bit, I think, but they were smaller and not weighted as much. I don’t even know where they went, if I’m being honest.”

The motion of the ring swirling brought their eyes back to it, Jenn absently swishing it around her wrist with ease; light shimmered across the surface, almost blindingly at times–-with a flick, the ring soared up above their heads, the metal finish hard to ignore in the yellow glow of the aurora. As it reached the peak of its arc and began to fall, a different flash of the light cut across the canopy with intent to intercept the metal ring before ducking into the trees, treasure in claw.

“OI!” Jenn barked at the flash. “AQUILA!”

The avian circled back overhead, the ring held securely in her talons.

“AQUILA, DROP IT!”

The bird made no indicator of doing so, heading off to the house.

Slumping, Jenn groaned, “Aaaaaaand that’s why I don’t use it anymore, she’s obsessed with that thing.”

“It is shiny,” Sun offered in condolences, which earned him a rueful grin.

Moon sighed, “Well, so much for that,” a bit amused at the situation. Seems she’s not in complete control of her companions. Amusement turned to confusion quickly as that thought settled more at the forefront of his mind: Cygnus units weren’t supposed to be disobedient. In fact, they weren't even supposed to do anything outside of their one function--to look pretty by imitating real birds. Knowing she’d gone to great lengths to build them herself implied Jenn had either intentionally programmed disobedience into her companion or the AI had developed this quirk at some point but she never corrected it.

Jenn was not exercising control over the lesser robots as their maker or owner.

Something in his gut twisted uncomfortably. A touch at his back brought him out of his thoughts, meeting Sun’s concerned gaze as he looked over his shoulder. “Are you alright?” the gold bot asked quietly, Jenn peering around him curiously.

Realizing he was being observed, Moon straightened and replied, “I’m fine, just thinking about going back to the house.”

“Oh.” Sun looked back at Jenn, then out to the equipment they’d spent the better part of a day liberating from the forest’s green grasp. “We can go if you–”

Moon held up his hand. “I want to go back. If you want to stay out here for a bit longer you can.”

Perking up, Sun grinned. “Really? Alright!”

Gives me a chance to look around more, Moon added to himself, giving a small wave as he departed from the clearing. The twist returned as soon as he was out of sight. It wasn’t the same as the nagging at the back of his mind-–that one was persistent, it made his shell feel cold inside and his system like it was running rapidly–-yet it wasn’t positive either.

He felt sick, if that were even possible.

Why?

Exiting the trees, Moon’s gaze drifted automatically up to the roost where he knew the bird made its home; sure enough, its metallic feathers glimmered and shone as it settled down, examining its prize with its beak. The feeling churned deep within his structural coils, slimy and loud. Ascending the steps of the house, Moon was too busy internally assessing to notice he was piloting himself toward the avian’s resting spot until he heard a rasp and snapped back to the present. Wings spread, Aquila stared him down with piercing magenta eyes, a low, metallic scraping noise cutting through the air as a warning he was getting too close.

What am I doing? he wondered, splaying his hands to show he was unarmed and meant no harm. Animals don’t even like me.

Seeing he was empty-handed, Aquila’s wings lowered slightly–-but her grip on the hoop only tightened.

This Stellis was bigger than he considered; while he was growing familiar with the golden shimmer of its feathers, Moon hadn’t truly considered how bulky this thing was, as it was always a distance away whenever he got to look at it. The few times it was near Jenn, whose size he was acutely aware of, it hadn’t truly struck him until now that this was a large unit. A majority of the time, a Cygnus’s size was directly related to its functionality: small units were meant to flutter and move around, large ones were slow and not designed to meander. In this case, though, it was large and functional.

Brilliant magenta eye lenses were set into what he assumed was a salvaged endo-skeleton taken from a parrot or owl base model, but padded and plated with metal feathers layered like shingles that appeared hand-hammered and cut to size for where they were meant to be. Most of them were yellow–-brass perhaps-–but slivers of copper and steel popped up here and there, welded together to make up for missing material or repairs when the base alloy wasn’t available. The forward edge of the wings had structures with deep divots Moon assumed were to help guide air over the wings, but he couldn’t be certain. They weren’t standard at least, he knew that much.

A sharp beak with a hook at the end and dark talons that-–to his shock-–measured nearly a finger-length to him glinted, threatening to teach him a painful lesson if he tried to take the treasured ring by force. Like all the things in this place, this robot was bizarre-–mismatched and not to market spec yet even through his cynical view of things, Moon could tell this one was crafted and maintained with no less care than the canine or the twin computers that floated about, hiding in nooks and crannies to spy on them all quietly. There was no mistaking the amount of deliberate effort that went into, not repairing, but custom building such things out of scrap and sheer gumption.

Jenn was talented, he would admit, but he couldn’t for the life of him grasp why she wasted her effort on smaller things like Stellis units when she obviously had the knowledge to work on Task Managers like them but simply didn’t. Aquila squawked softly, turning her head to eye him better when he didn’t move. His gaze darted across the avian as he thought, taking mental notes on her build and features. The fact this unit was still behaving like a bird when out of sight meant it wasn’t for show, thus not a Cygnus programming feature-–not anymore at least.

This bird had free-running AI, on purpose. Typically this was used for Task Managers, Stardusts and Stellis units with functions outside of decoration, such as the Sirius Guardian line which behaved like dogs at all hours rather than just when commanded or viewed by others. Smaller Cygnus would have this so they could appear ‘natural’ but it made no sense for a large decorative unit to have it nor would it develop this feature organically over time. The only conclusion he had was that Jenn purposefully gave this bird a kind of free will to behave like the animal it was modeled after even when it wasn’t needed.

But why?

None of the things this weird human girl did made sense to him. Not when viewing her through the lens of comparison to other humans he’d met at least. Jenn was not like the humans in E’rta-–every time he tried to catch her in one of their known patterns, accuse her of things he knew them to be guilty of, Moon was proven wrong. None of them would allow something like this Cygnus–-Aquila, he corrected himself–-to exist with its own sense of self-direction simply because. In fact, he was sure they wouldn’t build her in the first place purely due to her being ‘ugly’ with her mottled metal shell and rough layering of feathers.

Yet Jenn gave her self-directing features, played with her in the yard-–there wasn’t even a leash. Aquila was able to steal an object from her master, defy a command, fly off and face no consequences. Jenn had simply accepted the hoop was gone for now. The twist spread through his system again as these facts stacked up, becoming impossible to ignore.

He felt guilty.

Gentle prodding snapped him out of his mental echo chamber, causing him to jump slightly. A raspy squawk that almost sounded like a question made him realize that while he was reeling from his own judgmental thought processes being wrong, Aquila had deigned to leave her spot and shuffle across the hand rail toward him. The hoop rested on the perch, undisturbed and unguarded; he didn’t dare try to grab it with the massive bird staring him down from barely a foot away. She’d scraped her beak across his arm with surprising care, head cocked so one eye had a full view of him. Through the pink lenses of her eye shield, Moon saw a shutter coil in on itself as it focused silently on his face.

Absently, he reached toward her with his far hand, pausing when she opened her beak warningly. The ruffle in her feathers settled after a second, giving him a chance to near her again; a murmuring sound hummed from the bird before she clicked her beak, making him freeze again. What am I doing? Moon asked himself yet again, trying to find a logical reason he was even trying to mess with this thing in the first place. I’m stupid, I’m going to lose a finger because of my own curiosity.

Head swiveling a bit, Aquila considered her options: bite or no bite? Blue was patient but held anger in yellow eyes. Yellow was loud but green eyes were kind. Choices choices.

With a quick nip, Aquila closed her beak on Moon’s finger–-he tensed, fighting the reaction to jerk back just enough to realize it didn’t hurt. Once–-twice more she gave his finger a quick tap between her sharp mouthparts before seeming satisfied with his lack of reaction. Cooing, she sat back, lifting her chin so her neck fluffed.

Unsure what it meant, Moon pursed his mouth, huffed, and took a risk to stroke her neck with the back of his fingers. Unsurprisingly, the metal feathers weren’t soft but they folded aside at the slightest touch, giving the illusion of it; faintly, Moon’s mouth turned up at the edge. Aquila allowed him to pet her neck a few times before having enough and making the rasping sound that he took to mean displeasure. While she shuffled back to her perch, Moon looked out over the yard, finding it quite the vantage point. Somewhere in the brush, he could make out Rukbat still running a perimeter check, while the tree tops were just visible enough that the gap of the clearing was demarcated as a shadowy line; the bird must have seen the flash of the chrome finish from her perch. Up there, Moon felt almost peaceful.

Maybe it was a good thing his assumptions were proving to be wrong.

It was nice here.

[galaxyedging]

Sex Worker!Max Lord x ofc ( Max's reader from It Could Be Better no name or description.)

Warnings: Unprotected P in V sex. M!&F! receiving oral. Edging. Brief breeding kink. Cream pie. Cum eating. (Parts of this felt dirty even to me!😬)

Summary: Max gives a very impassioned pitch for a location for his new motel venture.

WC:1.7k

Part of And It Just Keeps Getting Better. Following on from It Could Be Better.

The Motel

Out in the woods, there's a motel. A motel that looks more chic that in should against it's surroundings. It's bordered by a forest of thick, almost impenetrable, years old trees. A single dirt road is the only access. The only indication of what is down the dirt road is a wooden sign on the edge of the highway that reads, in scrolling hand painted letters…

Hotel del Deseo.

The local townsfolk hear things no and then. When the wind blows through the pines just right, it carries the sounds of music and revelry. With the nights so much clearer out there than the city, a halo of light can be seen in the sky. It's the colour that always confuses people as the drive by, red. The locals know better. They see the cars full of excited people driving up there. The same people drive back down with sated, dreamy smiles. They have no confusion as to what is going on up there. Especially as they receive a tidy sum donated to their town funds to keep the place quiet. 

The motel had caught Max's eye instantly. Recently renovated, a new pool put in, the rights secured to develop on the land out back. "....it's private. There is only one very small town on the way there but it is not too rural as to be hard to get to…." Max practically vibrated with excitement as he rattled off his reasons that he had to have the motel to his business partner. Who found his passion for the place very sexy and decided to redirect it for her personal gain. 

"Max. Is that anyway to pitch an idea to me? You can't just dump a load of information on me. You need to slow down."

"I'm sorry. I…" Max stopped when she silenced him with a wave of her hand. 

"It's okay, Pretty. I'll help you keep a better pace."

The bed creaked as his love arched up off it for the fifth time. "MAX! Nine. Nine, stop."

Obediently he pulled his lips off her clit with a smack and waited for permission.

"Go on, you can tell me one more thing." While she drifted back down from almost reaching her peak, Max told her another reason that they had to buy the motel. "Er…oh…there's a beautiful lake just through the forest. That shore can only be accessed from the motel."

Sensing that Max had blown his load, pitch wise, she let him off the hook. "Thank you, Max. I'll take that all under consideration. Not if you don't mind wrapping this up." With another wave of her hand as his cue Max dived back into her pussy his full lips sucked and dragged over her clit until she came violently with a death grip on his hair. The edging of the past twenty minutes all returning to her body with a vengeance. Max's tongue laved, longingly at her slit. Not too much to overwhelm her in her sensitive state but just enough to be, even in part, inside her. He was a red blooded man and could only take so much teasing.

"I will take a look at your paperwork. Go get it." She dismissed him. Max rose awkwardly from the bed, his thick length jutted out uncomfortably. 

Returning with the file, she cooed at him sweetly. "Thank you, Max." Before turning over on her stomach to read the pages before her. 

Max hovered by the bed, trying desperately not to rearrange himself and look as desperate as he felt.

"Do you need something, Max? Oh, I see. Come closer." She beconned him with one finger. The same finger traced the outline of his swollen, eager cock. "Oh, Sweetheart, do you need help with this?"

Max's hair shook as nodded profusely. It fell in waves as the sweat from his earlier efforts attempted to curl it.

"Do you want to slide your cock through all the mess you've made between my legs?"

Another bounce of his near curly hair.

"You've done so well to get this all together. My brilliant businessman. Do you want to show me how a big, strong, cutthroat businessman fucks his woman?"

The bob of his head was accompanied by an escaping gasp and his brown eyes being eclipsed by the desire that mainly remains hidden with her. The desire to dominate her.

Placing the file out of reach, she expert Max to lift up her hips and take her from behind right there. Max had other ideas. Strong hands dragged her by hers. He led her to the sun bathing platform out back. Roughly his hands found her shoulders and shoved her down her knee. The same hands found her hair and his cock. Holding her in place he stuffed her mouth full until she protested with a tug of her head in his grip. Max only drew back a little before shoving himself back in. 

"I want to be nice and ready before I take your cunt." Max very rarely spoke like that. Waves of fresh arousal made her cum drip down the inside of her thighs.

Max was delighted to see this when he manhandled her into position. He lay her on her side with her knees up. One leg remained on the cushioned, wooden surface. The other wrapped around his narrow waist, spreading her open to give him access to her clit and a wonderful view. He bottomed out and began to thrust, giving her no time to adjust. He brushed off her pleas as he picked up pace. If she truly wanted him to stop, she knew what to say. His hand worked her slick clit. His body was just on autopilot, it knew exactly how to chase both their heights. His mind could think of nothing but filling her with his cum. Originally, she was the one that it drove wild but the more he did it the more he wanted to see it. The power of the ownership it displayed on her body. The most intimate thing he did with her. Only him. A tiny part of his primitive brain thought about how wet she would become if it took. How her tits would swell, how they would leak just as much as her pussy for him. As he fought to push the thought away his body protested by having his seed spurt forth. He managed to pull out a little in defiance. The warm creamy fluid gathered at her entrance. His hand found her hair again to sit her up. 

"Look." He made her watch as his fingers worked his cum all over her puffy, freshly fucked pussy. He shoved some of it back inside her. His thick fingers drumming against her g-spot. His other hand used it to lube up her clit so his fingers could flick over it with ease. They both watched, hypnotised as the rhythmic clamping of her orgasming heat pushed his seed out all over his hand. When she was still again, Max shoved his fingers in her mouth challenging her to clean him off. She rose to his challenge with fervour. Her tongue ran over his knuckles only to be met by his as it swept through their joint release. They savoured every drop before chasing it on each other's tongues. 

The hotel had remained frozen in time for almost a year before the doors opened again. It spent the time in silence gathering dust. Its walls had no stories to tell. Until they arrived. It was cleaned up, given a new purpose. The fresh pine scented air flowed through its windows. It blew away the cobwebs. Slowly, life returned. So much of life! Love, desire, joy, friendship, heart break. Over the next year the walls saw it all.

It started with a couple. Deeply in love and partners in every aspect of their lives. Then they gradually gathered the rest of them. The first one they found walked up the path with a regal air about him. He walked as if the world should throw itself at his feet, as if everyone should be on their knees for him. By the time he left the couple the next morning, everyone had been on their knees for him. 

Author's note: I wanted the motel to have a cheesy love themed name. I tried 'hotel of love' in Google translate to see what that sparked. I came up 'deseo' as an option for love and desire. So I thought Hotel of Desire was a suitably Mills and Boon type name. I translated it back into English to get an idea of what it means in Spanish. I almost didn't believe my eyes when the translator popped out..'wish hotel'!

[open-hearth-rpg]

Safety: Great RPG Mechanics #RPGMechanics Week Nine

One of the greatest things about modern rpg gaming is that the issue of safety has become a great filter. Beyond the actual application of safety tools, it has become accepted and conventional to the point that a game has to make a deliberate choice not to discuss that in some way, particularly for any material moving towards edginess, horror, etc. If a game goes into problematic areas but doesn’t address those issues, someone has made a deliberate decision. 

And that’s something which has changed over the last decade and it makes me super happy. Just a few years ago Free League publish Mutant: Elysium, a game where you effectively play fascist, human-supremacist, state tools who engage in ongoing PVP and player betrayal. Imagine Paranoia without the humor and more jackboots. And the only nod to the potential problems with this was a passage that said, yes players might get mad at one another and if that happened you should probably stop the game and talk about it. 

Weak sauce. 

Or another game, written in part by creators I respect, which covered a licensed property with a strong ethnic element, including a history of white co-opting, which had no talk about cultural issues in play, culture sensitivity, the challenges of playing characters from that culture. It boggled my mind at the time– but it was just far enough back I could squint my eyes and hold my nose. I like to think people would point out that absence today– or more likely that oversight wouldn’t have happened. 

So when a ttrpg doesn’t have any discussion of boundaries, talking to the table, or handling safety– especially with tough themes– that’s a good filter– it moves it down in the likelihood of actually spending the effort to bring it to the table. I appreciate too when slightly older games start to address these issues in later supplements. More recent Star Trek Adventures publications like the Players & Gamemasters’ Guides and the Lowers Deck Sourcebook have called out theme and issues which could be a problem at tables (eugenics, suicide, death) and suggested way to talk about these with the table.   

And here’s the thing I’m going to be brutally honest about. I thought safety tools were dumb when I first heard about them in the abstract. My immediate reaction was to go into grumpy GM mode, worrying about people talking away my autonomy as a GM. I thought up straw man arguments based on how imaginary players could use these to break or derail a game. I was an asshole about it. But then I started to see people actually railing about it and invariably they were people I considered asshole GMs. And I started to ask myself AITA?

More importantly I started to actually see and interact with these things in play. That really showed me how dumb I’d been about the whole thing. But two things sealed the deal for me. First I had a player I’d played with for close to two decades, a big, buff dude stop a game. He said: enough with the spiders. He finally told me that he was phobic, really badly phobic and sketched out an incident as a child. It had always stressed him out, had made him quit games, but he’d never said anything. We’d played together for years and years and I hadn’t known and he hadn’t said and it had made some of his time at the table really awful. 

I see GMs say “my group has played together for years and never needed…” Yeah, f*ck you. I’m willing to bet there’s someone who had an evening ruined or quit your table because of that. And don’t get me started on the “we always had girls at the table and they never had a problem with it” line. Someone did and they felt like they had to get along and keep their mouth shut. But that’s an older generation of gamers– my generation of dinosaurs and the generation which followed us. I am genuinely grateful that the needle has moved and these kinds of discussions have become commonplace and accepted. 

The second event which completely changed my take on this was at Gen Con running a late-night Saturday session for Game on Demand in 2017. A group of five sat down, four guys and a young woman. They were clearly a friend group who had been playing together for three days. I set up the game and then I went through the X-Card with the table. And I looked up at the young woman and saw a look which I can only describe as “thank f*cking god.” She didn’t know me, but she realized there was a chance that I wasn’t a total asshole. 

So yeah, safety tools are one of the greatest modern meta-mechanics to facilitate play. I love reading how different games provide resources. On Open Hearth we ask that GMs use a layered set of tools for all sessions: Lines & Veils, the X-Card, and Open Door. Each has a different purpose and role. GMs have leeway to swap some of these out for other tools they’re more comfortable with but most people use these three because they’re accessible and work. 

The best games spend some time discussing how these tools work in the context of the game and how to implement them. Safety tools aren’t a band-aid, the game facilitator and the table as a whole has to be aware of how to resolve situations using those tools. That can be a challenge and good games illustrate those techniques. There has to be follow through. 

A couple of recent games have solid safety sections. #iHunt uses its own structure and lays things out pretty thoroughly. It also spends time talking about its philosophy regarding safety. Apocalypse Keys has a great three pages which tightly lay out the concepts of the game’s Green, Yellow, and Red approach. I’m biased but I think Hearts of Wulin also does a pretty good job– it combines a CATS explanation, safety tools, and some cultural notes. 

But it wasn’t as good when I first sketched it out. It took time to develop some of those ideas– with influence from Agatha Cheng and James Mendez Hodes for the cultural discussion. Other concepts came from feedback. Hearts of Wulin offers romantic action melodrama. I knew I wanted to make clear that players should consider gender and sexuality fluid in play. But a playtester pointed out that the structure of mandatory romantic entanglements pushed out aromantic characters. 

And again I’m going to cop to being dumb here. My first reaction was “well, it is a game about romance so that’s key to the genre.” But on reflection I realized how limiting and potentially alienating that could be. It didn’t take changing the rules to fix. I just added in language about how players who wanted Ace or aromantic characters could do that. They could swap out a romantic entanglement for a general one or they could read “romantic” as a strong bond of friendship, care, or devotion. 

I’m ranging wildly in this because so much of table culture and play management circles around the broader concept of safety. It’s not an onerous thing and the care spent here pays back. It includes a lot of elements: active tools, collaboration, consent, check ins, establishing boundaries, and beyond. For example I stress that players should identify pronouns for themselves and their characters. In play they should also take care to get those right and make corrections when applicable. 

I love this for a couple of reasons, but most importantly the one I talked about at the start of this. Using pronouns makes fascists, TERFS, and the like really mad. It’s a great filter for them. Every couple of months I’ll get a comment on one of my actual play videos. Most recently I got this one on a Dune session zero: “wow, this is the first time I've stopped viewing RPG content after just 5 seconds. however it is a must, after hearing the application of the pronouns after the presentation."

All I can say is good, die mad about it. 

[thoughtsforsoob]

hi! can i request a txt matchup please?

i'm a 4'11 female with long black hair and dark brown eyes. being comfortable in my body has been a journey tbh but i'm really liking my smile recently: i have a smattering of dimples on my cheeks which i feel makes me stand out! i have horrible eyesight so i wear thick glasses (this year it's been round purple ones). my style is usually pretty casual (comfy over any other aesthetic haha) but occasionally i'll put on a cuter outfit if i'm going out with a friend or have another more formal event.

i'd consider myself an ambivert because i love making friends, but am often the quietest person in the group. i try my best to be kind and empathetic towards everyone (which can lead to me becoming more of a doormat than i'd like haha). i can be a sensitive soul and really appreciate the people in my life that take the time to listen to me and talk through things that make me emotional.

i'm a huge writer and reader and am looking at ways to pursue that in the professional world. i listen to a lot of music all the time (kpop, western singer-songwriters, and indie/alt pop are my go-tos!). i got into scrapbooking and bracelet-making last year so i have a lot of those materials lying around. i love connecting with people online and in person: sometimes not the best at responding but i think of so many people fondly anyway :)

hopefully that's enough info to be helpful. congrats on 200 followers and thanks for doing this! <3

a/n: thank you for sending in a request, anon! hopefully this will be up to your expectations! I also want to apologize for this taking me so long to release. I have no no creativity lately and have kind been forcing myself to post but hopefully the writers block goes away soon! anyways, please enjoy and feel free to request anything you'd like in the future :D

I match you with...taehyun!!

hehe I know the photos are not a matching set or anything but I love these pics of him :(

I feel like your personalities are both similar but different enough for you two to not get bored of one another.

I think one of his favorite things about you would be your creativity. He loves that you enjoy things like writing and reading and just overall, having creative hobbies and interest.

He finds it really sweet when you create anything for him (he would be hinting at you making a bracelet for him and when you finally do it, he feels like crying but holds back)

he loves hand made gifts because to him, they have more meaning than anything that could be bought because you put time and effort into it.

besides that, I also think he finds it so cute that you're as small as you are

he also thinks your glasses are quite cute, even if they are thick

I feel like he's really good are reading your emotions so since he knows your an obvert, he will immediately be able to tell if you're excited to be in a social setting or if you're forcing yourself

he, in my opinion, is the same way. He likes to be around other but not for extended periods of time.

I feel like he is someone that doesn't show his emotions often but when he does, chances are it's going to be with you around

you make him feel safe but he would never express that out loud

he's just so happy he has someone to tease and send silly selfies to

I think he would also be empowered by your ambition to pursue anything create and have your own occupation

he needs someone that can be depended but also not too dependent to where they detach and he finds that in you

he loves hearing about your hobbies and your most recent work

he makes sure you're taking care of yourself and shows you all of the reasons that he loves you

he can be quite the romantic so prepare for baths, fancy dinners (or take out at home with a movie), picnics, etc...

(I hope you enjoyed this, anon!)