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[kimblestudies]

Hung out at my brother's + embroidery + repainted my calculator cover.

AP RESULTS CAME OUT!

Lang: 5 ; APUSH: 5 ; Calc AB: 3 :)

Been working on a lot of supplemental essays, enjoying summer, doing art.

[isthiscoinsidenceorasign]

She's Theirs: Blame It on the Tequila

Title: Blame It on the Tequila Summary: Nichole meets Bradley and Jake for the first time at The Hard Deck. Word Count: 10,341 Warnings: Drinking, drunk sex, flirting, threesome, oral sex, P in V, double vaginal penetration, slight praise kink Tags: Smut Author Notes: Hey guys! This is my first official TGM story. It's a bit different then the stories you're probably use to reading, being that it's polyamorous. There's also going to be A LOT of smut!!! I didn't intend for there to be as much as there is but y'all have seen Glen and Miles. It's honestly there fault for looking so good and causing me to think dirty, smutty thoughts. I also would like to warn readers that a lot of the chapters are very long. I'm trying to go through what I've already written and see what I can break into different chapters so they're not as long. And I'm also trying to keep the chapter length in mind for anything new I write. Hence why I put up a poll asking about story length. So if you like long chapters this story is definitely for you! If not I'm sorry in advance! Anyways I hope y'all enjoy the story!

Nichole sat at the bar sipping her beer that Penny had gotten her moments ago.

Penny had decided to offer live music and scored a local popular band, Fuselage, to play out on the deck. She decided to invite her boyfriends daughter Nichole to the first performance.

As she took a swig of her beer she noticed a man in a Hawaiian T-shirt and white wife beater appear next to her.

Nichole glanced sideways at the newcomer, her eyebrow arching slightly as she took in his attire. The clash of tropical print and stark white undershirt was almost as jarring as his sudden appearance at her elbow. She took another sip of her beer, savoring the crisp taste as she waited to see if Hawaiian Shirt Guy would make a move.

"Nice night for some music," he said, leaning casually against the bar.

Nichole smirked, her father's trademark expression playing across her features. "I'd say it's a nice night for a lot of things," she replied, her tone playful but guarded. Let’s see what kind of angle you’re working here, Hawaiian Shirt Guy, she thought to her self. She took another sip of her beer, watching him over the rim of her glass like a cat sizing up a new toy.

From the corner of her eye, she caught Penny watching their interaction, a knowing look on the older woman's face. Nichole suppressed a grin, wondering what sage advice her father's girlfriend would offer later about this encounter.

The band could be heard setting up on the deck.

"I'm Bradley," Hawaiian Shirt Guy said, offering his hand with a confidence that suggested he wasn't accustomed to rejection.

"Nick," she replied, giving his hand a firm shake that matched his own.

"Nick," he repeated, holding her gaze a beat longer than necessary. "Short for Nicole, I'm guessing?"

"Nichole," she corrected, emphasizing the 'h' with a slight tilt of her head. "But only my mother calls me that when she's pissed."

Bradley laughed, a warm sound that seemed to rise from somewhere genuine. "Fair enough. And what brings you to The Hard Deck tonight, Nick?"

She gestured toward Penny, who was now expertly mixing cocktails down the bar. "A friend invited me. You?"

"I fly with the squadron based at North Island," he said, the statement simple but carrying weight. "This place is something of a tradition."

Nichole's interest piqued, though she kept her expression neutral. Growing up around pilots had taught her to recognize the subtle tells—the straight posture, the calculated awareness of surroundings, the underlying intensity beneath the casual demeanor. This guy was definitely a naval aviator.

"North Island, huh?" Nichole swirled the remaining beer in her bottle, her gaze steady on Bradley, as if trying to gauge the depth of his confidence "You must know your way around an F/A-18 then."

Bradley's eyebrows rose slightly, surprise and intrigue flashing across his face. "You know your aircraft."

"Let's just say I've spent some time around hangars," Nichole replied with a cryptic smile.

As she glanced at Bradley, Nichole noticed a shift in his posture. The easy confidence he'd exuded just moments ago seemed to harden, his frame growing taut like a wire pulled just shy of snapping. His shoulders squared subtly, his gaze sharpening as though scanning for an incoming threat—or perhaps, an unavoidable confrontation. It wasn’t alarm exactly, but there was a guarded precision in the way he held himself now, a readiness that piqued her interest. Before she could put her finger on it, a voice cut through the din of the bar. Bradley had to fight the urge to roll his eyes.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" The familiar voice drawled, a hint of amusement coloring the words.

Nichole turned, her green eyes lighting up at the sight of the mystery hunk standing next to her. She had never met him before but could sense that Bradley had.

Nichole's gaze flickered between the two men, sensing the sudden tension crackling in the air. The newcomer exuded cocky confidence, his smirk a mirror image of her own trademark expression. She couldn't help but feel a spark of intrigue.

"Hangman," Bradley said, his tone carefully neutral. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight."

"What can I say, Rooster? I'm full of surprises," Hangman replied, his eyes never leaving Nichole. "And who's this lovely lady you've been keeping all to yourself?"

Nichole raised an eyebrow, amused by the obvious rivalry between the two pilots. She decided to take control of the situation.

"Nick," she said, extending her hand to Hangman. "And I assure you, no one's keeping me to themselves."

Hangman's grin widened as he took her hand, holding it a fraction longer than necessary. "Jake Seresin," he introduced himself, his voice dropping to a silky timbre. "Though most people just call me Hangman."

"Let me guess," Nichole said, withdrawing her hand with deliberate slowness. "Because you've left a trail of broken hearts hanging."

Jake laughed, a rich sound that seemed to vibrate through her. "That's one theory. I prefer to keep people guessing about the origin story."

Bradley shifted his weight, the movement subtle but enough to remind them both of his presence. "Hangman here is one of our squadron's more... memorable pilots."

"What Rooster means," Jake interjected, leaning closer to Nichole, "is that I'm the best damn pilot in the program."

"Second best," Bradley corrected with practiced calm, though Nichole noticed the slight tightening around his eyes.

"Is that what they're teaching you in those simulators now?" Jake shot back, his smile never wavering even as the barb hit its mark.

Nichole suppressed a smile, watching the two men circle each other verbally. Their rivalry had the well-worn feel of something that had been simmering for years. She folded her arms over her chest, leaning back slightly as though preparing to enjoy the show.

"Nichole raised her beer in a mock toast, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she glanced between the two pilots. 'Now, now, boys, let's not make it a competition... unless there's a trophy involved.'

Jake's eyes darkened at her double entendre, a flash of heat passing between them that made her pulse quicken. "I'd be happy to give you a personal demonstration sometime."

"I bet you would," Nichole replied, her voice dropping to match his. She took another slow sip of her beer, letting her lips linger on the glass’s edge.

Bradley cleared his throat. "Nick was just telling me she knows her way around an F/A-18."

Jake's interest visibly heightened, his posture shifting subtly toward her. "Is that right? Aviation enthusiast or something more?"

Nichole shrugged, enjoying the power of withholding. "Let's just say I've spent my life around flyboys. Takes more than a call sign to impress me."

The band struck their first chord outside, the vibration of bass pulsing through the wooden floorboards. The deck was beginning to fill with patrons, their silhouettes backlit by the string lights Penny had hung earlier that day.

"Dance with me," Jake said suddenly, the request carrying the weight of a command.

Jake’s words hung in the air, charged and deliberate. Nichole blinked, the faintest trace of surprise flickering in her eyes before a slow smile curved her lips. Bold move, she thought, her fingers tracing the rim of her beer bottle as if weighing her stien. She let the silence stretch, savoring the tension, before Bradley cleared his throat behind her.

"We were in the middle of a conversation, Hangman." Bradley's jaw tightened.

"Were we?" Jake's eyes never left hers.

“I'll dance with you but only if Bradley can join us.” She admitted, not wanting to choose between either man.

Jake's eyes widened slightly, his confident smirk faltering for just a moment before he recovered. "Both of us? That's...a first."

"I'm an unconventional girl," Nichole replied, setting her beer down with deliberate precision. "Besides, I've always believed in equal opportunity."

Bradley's expression was unreadable, but something flickered behind his hazel eyes—surprise, curiosity, perhaps even a hint of desire. "I don't think that's—"

"Afraid you can't keep up, Rooster?" Jake challenged, already extending his hand to Nichole.

The band had shifted into something with a heavy, insistent beat that seemed to match the sudden tension between the three of them. Nichole slid off her barstool, her movements liquid and confident.

"Coming, Bradley?" she asked over her shoulder, already being led toward the crowd.

Seeing the look she gave him he didn't think twice and followed after her and Jake.

On the way outside Nichole stopped when saw one of the bar workers passing out complimentary shots on a big tray. She picked up three shot glasses of tequila, one for each of them. The worker gave her a knowing smile before moving on to pass out more drinks.

Nichole handed a shot to each of the pilots, her fingers brushing against theirs deliberately. "To new adventures," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye, raising her glass.

Jake and Bradley exchanged a glance for a few moments before clinking their shots together with Nichole's. The tequila burned a path down their throats, setting the tone for what promised to be an interesting night. Nichole shook her head, letting the alcohol warm her body.

As they stepped onto the crowded deck, the music enveloped them. Nichole moved between the two men, her body swaying to the rhythm. She reached back, grabbing Bradley's hand to pull him closer while maintaining eye contact with Jake.

"Let's see if you flyboys can keep up," she challenged, her voice barely audible over the music.

Jake's hands found her hips, his touch confident and possessive. Bradley hesitated for a moment before placing his hands on her waist.

Nichole felt the heat of their bodies pressing against her as she moved to the pulsing beat. The tequila warmed her veins, lowering her inhibitions just enough to make this deliciously dangerous. She rolled her hips, feeling Jake's grip tighten in response. Behind her, Bradley's breath hitched as she pressed back against him.

The song shifted, the tempo increasing. Nichole raised her arms, letting her fingers trail along Jake's jawline before reaching back to tangle in Bradley's hair. She could feel the tension radiating off both men, their rivalry momentarily forgotten as they focused solely on her.

"You're playing with fire, Nick," Jake murmured in her ear, his lips brushing against her skin.

She turned her head, meeting his intense gaze as her pulse quickened. "Maybe I like getting burned," she replied, her voice husky.

Bradley's hands slid further up her waist, his fingers spreading possessively across her abdomen. The boldness of his touch surprised her, sending a delicious shiver up her spine.

"You should know," he murmured against her ear, his voice low and unexpectedly commanding as his mustache gently tickled her skin, "that we take our competitions very seriously."

Nichole turned her head slightly, catching the dangerous glint in his eyes. This steady, controlled pilot had depths she hadn't anticipated. The revelation sent a rush of heat through her core. She allowed Jake to twirl her around before pressing herself further into Bradley. Almost grinding against him.

"Is that what this is now?" she asked, deliberately rolling her hips between them. "A competition?"

Jake's laugh was dark and promising as his hands trailed up her sides, fingertips just grazing the curve of her breasts. "Everything between Rooster and me is a competition, sweetheart. The question is—" his lips brushed against her neck, "—

"—who are you going to declare the winner?"

Nichole's breath caught at Jake's bold words and Bradley's firm grip. She was acutely aware of being sandwiched between two powerful, competitive men, their bodies moving in sync with hers to the pulsing beat. The air around them felt electric, charged with an intoxicating mix of rivalry and desire.

"Bold of you to assume I'll choose just one," Nichole purred, tilting her head to give Jake better access to her neck while pressing back against Bradley's solid chest making him readjust his stance. "Maybe I want to see how you both perform."

Bradley's fingers flexed against her stomach, his touch searing through the thin fabric of her tank top. "Careful what you wish for," he warned, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

Another bartender was walking nearby with a tray full of tequila shots. Nichole gave the woman a knowing look, beckoning her to her.

Jake's lips curved into a wicked smile against her skin. "—oh, I think she knows exactly what she's asking for," Jake finished, reaching past Nichole to snag three more shots from the passing tray.

The bartender gave them a sly smile before disappearing back into the crowd. Jake handed a shot to Nichole, his fingers lingering against hers, then passed one to Bradley with a challenging look.

"To performance reviews," Jake said with a smirk, raising his glass.

Nichole's lips curved into a smile as she clinked her glass against both of theirs. "May the best man... or men... win."

They downed the shots in unison, the tequila burning a familiar path down her throat as before. She closed her eyes letting herself savor the way the liquid felt going down her esophagus.

The music seemed to intensify, the bass thrumming through her body as she resumed dancing between them.

Nichole felt the tequila hitting her system, amplifying the heat radiating from the two men pressed against her. She let her inhibitions slip away, losing herself in the pulsing rhythm and the electric tension between them.

Her hands roamed freely now, one reaching back to grip Bradley's neck while the other traced the firm planes of Jake's chest. She could feel their breathing grow heavier, their touches becoming bolder with each passing moment.

Jake's lips found her pulse point, teeth grazing lightly against her sensitive skin. A soft gasp escaped her, encouraging him further. Not to be outdone, Bradley's hands slid lower, fingers hooking into the belt loops of her jeans and pulling her hips back against him.

The competitive energy between the two pilots was palpable, each trying to outdo the other in their attentions to Nichole. She reveled in it, playing them off each other.

"You boys certainly know how to make a girl feel appreciated," Nichole purred, arching her back to press herself more firmly against Bradley's chest. One of her hands moving to casually brush against Jake's crotch.

"So what's it going to be, Nick?" Jake's voice was rough against her ear due to casual sensation, his breath hot on her skin. "His place or mine?"

Nichole laughed, the sound low and throaty as she turned in their embrace, somehow managing to keep both men close. "Aren't you two getting ahead of yourselves?" she teased, though her eyes told a different story.

Bradley's gaze darkened as he watched her, his usual restraint wavering. "Maybe. But something tells me you've already made up your mind."

She looked between them, her green eyes glittering with mischief in the string lights overhead. She noticed a flicker of vulnerability in Bradley's eyes. As if he felt she wouldn't choose him.

The band had shifted to something slower now, the sultry notes wrapping around them like a caress.

"I have. I decided we should get another round of shots.” She smirked.

Jake groaned, his hands tightening possessively on her hips. "You're a tease," he accused, but his eyes sparkled with appreciation for her game.

"Not teasing if I plan to follow through," Nichole countered, stepping out of their embrace but catching both their hands. "I just believe in... thorough evaluation."

Bradley's laugh was unexpected—deep and genuine. "Careful, Hangman. I think we've met our match."

They gripped her hands as they made their way back to the bar, the crowd parting for them as if sensing the charged energy between the trio. Penny caught Nichole's eye from behind the bar, raising an eyebrow at the sight of her flanked by the two clearly interested pilots. Nichole responded with a subtle wink that made Penny shake her head in amused disbelief.

"Three tequilas," Nichole called over the loud music. “Hell make it six.”

"Six it is," Penny replied with a knowing look, lining up the shot glasses and filling them with golden liquid. "You sure you know what you're doing, honey?"

"Never been more sure of anything," Nichole answered, her voice carrying a confidence that made both men shift closer to her.

Jake leaned against the bar, his body angled toward her. "So, Nick," he said, rolling her name across his tongue like he was tasting it, "what exactly does this thorough evaluation of yours entail?"

Bradley's eyes never left her face, his quiet intensity a counterpoint to Jake's open challenge.

Nichole picked up two shots, handing one to each pilot. "First test—following instructions." She lifted her own shot glass. "These two are for drinking. The next two..." She leaned in, lowering her voice so only they could hear, "I'm thinking body shots.”

Jake's eyes darkened with desire, while Bradley's expression remained carefully controlled, though Nichole noticed his pupils dilate at her suggestion.

"Body shots," Jake repeated, his voice dropping an octave as his eyes widened slightly with pleasant surprise. " Finally, something I can get behind."

"Question is," Bradley said, his composed demeanor belied by the intensity in his gaze, "who's going to be the canvas?"

Nichole downed her shot, relishing the burn as she set the empty glass on the bar with deliberate precision. "Me first," she decided, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Then we'll see about taking turns."

Jake and Bradley exchanged a look—half challenge, half something deeper that Nichole couldn't quite decipher. They knocked back their shots simultaneously, neither breaking eye contact with the other.

Penny slid the remaining three shots toward them, a hint of amusement playing across her features.

Nichole gave the boys a playful wink before she hopped up onto the bar, her movements fluid despite the tequila coursing through her system. She lay back, the cool wood pressing against her skin as she lifted the hem of her tank top, exposing a strip of toned stomach.

She felt completely exhilarated as she looked up at both men. A rush of heat cursing through her veins.

"Who's first?" she challenged, her voice husky with anticipation.

Jake stepped forward, his eyes raking over her body. "Ladies' choice," he said, his trademark smirk in place.

Nichole smirked before her gaze flicked to Bradley, noting the way his jaw clenched as he watched them. There was slight hesitation etched across his features. "What do you say, Bradley? Care to show us how it's done?"

Bradley hesitated for a split second before moving closer, his usual reserve cracking under the weight of desire. He took the shot glass, his fingers brushing against hers deliberately.

"Hold still," he murmured, his voice low and commanding.

Nichole shivered as Bradley's warm breath ghosted across her exposed skin. With extreme slowness, he poured the tequila into the shallow dip of her navel, his steady hand never wavering. Their eyes locked as he leaned down, his lips just brushing her stomach as he lapped up the liquid.

A soft gasp escaped her as his tongue swirled against her skin, taking his time to ensure he didn't miss a drop. When he finally pulled back, his eyes were dark with barely restrained hunger.

"Your turn, Hangman," Bradley said, his voice rough as he stepped back.

Jake didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed the next shot, his movements more aggressive than Bradley's as he poured the tequila onto Nichole's stomach. She arched slightly at the cool sensation, earning a low growl from Jake.

Jake dipped his head, his lips and tongue making contact with Nichole's skin in a searing caress. Unlike Bradley's methodical approach, Jake was all passion and urgency, his teeth grazing her flesh as he lapped up the tequila. Nichole couldn't suppress the moan that escaped her lips, her body arching into his touch.

When Jake finally pulled away, his eyes were dark with desire. "Damn," he breathed, his voice husky.

Nichole sat up slowly, her skin tingling where their mouths had been. She could feel the heat of their gazes on her, the air thick with tension and unspoken promises.

"My turn," she announced, sliding off the bar with feline grace. She picked up the last shot, her eyes moving between the two pilots. "Shirts off, boys. Let's see who makes the better canvas."

Jake didn't hesitate, pulling his shirt over his head in one fluid motion to reveal a muscled torso. Bradley followed suit a moment later, his movements more measured but no less enticing as he stripped off Hawaiian shirt followed by his white wife beater.

Nichole's eyes roamed appreciatively over both men's sculpted physiques. "Well, well," she purred. "Looks like all those flight hours pay off in more ways than one."

She approached Jake first, the shot glass held delicately between her fingers. With deliberate slowness, she poured a thin line of tequila along his collarbone, watching as it trickled down his chest.

Jake's breath hitched as Nichole leaned in, her lips brushing against his skin as she licked a path along the tequila trail. She took her time, savoring the salt of his skin mixed with the burn of the alcohol.

Nichole's tongue continued to trace a slow, deliberate path along Jake's collarbone, following the trail of tequila down his chest. She could feel his muscles tense under her touch, his breathing growing ragged. When she reached the end of the liquor's path, she placed a light nip on his pec, eliciting a low groan from Jake.

She pulled back, her eyes dark with desire as she met his heated gaze. "Not bad, Hangman," she murmured, her voice husky. "But let's see how Rooster measures up."

Turning to Bradley, Nichole saw the barely contained hunger in his eyes. His usual composure was cracking, replaced by an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. She approached him slowly, the remaining tequila sloshing in the shot glass.

With calculated precision, she poured the golden liquid into the hollow at the base of Bradley's throat, watching intently as it pooled there before trickling down the defined planes of his chest. Unlike Jake's eagerness, Bradley stood perfectly still, his control evident in every taut muscle.

Nichole leaned in, her lips hovering just above his skin. "Let's see what you're made of, Rooster," she whispered before her tongue dipped into the hollow of his throat.

Bradley's sharp intake of breath was the only indication that her actions affected him. His hands remained at his sides, though she could see his fingers curling into fists as she slowly licked the trail of tequila down his chest. When she reached his sternum, she looked up at him through her lashes, purposefully maintaining eye contact as her tongue made one final, lingering sweep across his skin. She let one of her hands move to slide down his chest. Loving the feel of his toned body underneath her small hand.

Both men were equally attractive in there own ways. But one thing they had in common was how horny they were making her.

"Jesus," he muttered, his voice strained.

Nichole straightened, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she observed both pilots' reactions. The tequila had left her pleasantly buzzed, her inhibitions falling away like autumn leaves.

Three more shots were placed on the bar. They were probably for someone else but she didn't care. Nick passed one to both men, leaving the third for herself. She quickly downed it causing the two pilots to follow suit. She the watched them for a moment, loving the way they practically worshiped her with there eyes.

"I think," she said, her voice low and sultry, "that further evaluation requires a more... private setting."

Jake's eyes darkened with desire. "My place is ten minutes from here."

"Mine's closer," Bradley countered, the competition between them intensifying.

Nichole laughed, the sound rich and full of promise. "Boys, boys," she chided, trailing her fingers down both their chests. "Why choose?"

Their expressions shifted simultaneously, surprise giving way to intrigue as they processed her meaning.

"You're suggesting..." Bradley began, his usually composed voice rough with want.

"Both of us?" Jake finished, his trademark cockiness momentarily replaced by genuine surprise.

Nichole's lips curved into a wicked smile as she traced a finger along Bradley's jawline and then Jake's. "What's the matter, flyboys? Can't handle a little... unconventional mission?"

The challenge in her voice was unmistakable, hanging in the air between them like a gauntlet thrown. For a moment, the two rivals exchanged a loaded glance—something unspoken passing between them that transcended their usual competition.

Jake recovered first, his trademark smirk sliding back into place. "Sweetheart, there's nothing I can't handle," he drawled, moving closer until his chest brushed against her back.

Bradley's eyes darkened, his gaze intense as he stepped forward, effectively sandwiching Nichole between them once more. "You sure about this, Nick?" he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Her answer was to reach up and pull Bradley's face down to hers, capturing his lips in a searing kiss that left no doubt about her intentions. He responded immediately, one hand tangling in her dark hair while the other gripped her hip possessively.

Jake growled behind her, his lips finding the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder. His teeth grazed her skin, sending shivers cascading down her spine as his hands slid around her waist.

When Nichole finally broke the kiss with Bradley, she was breathing hard, her pupils dilated with desire. She turned her head, meeting Jake's hungry gaze before pulling him into an equally passionate kiss. Bradley's lips moved to her exposed neck, his controlled demeanor giving way to something primal.

"So," she breathed when she finally pulled away from Jake, "whose place is it going to be?"

"Mine," they answered in unison.

Nick laughed. “We'll go to my place. I have a California king bed.” She winked.

Both men paused, exchanging glances that contained equal parts surprise and competitive interest.

"Your place it is," Bradley said, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that made heat pool in Nichole's belly.

Jake's fingers traced patterns along her hip. "Lead the way, sweetheart."

Nichole grinned wildly before she disentangled herself from between them, immediately missing their heat. Both men grabbed there discarded clothes and immediately put them on. She grabbed her jacket from the barstool and caught Penny's knowing look from behind the bar. The older woman raised an eyebrow that clearly said "be careful," but there was no judgment in her expression—just concern wrapped in understanding.

Nichole gave her a subtle nod before turning back to the pilots. "My car's out front."

Both men said no at the same time.

“I'll order us an Uber.” Jake insisted.

With the alcohol they had tonight it was wise that neither one of them drive.

Nichole grinned at their synchronized response. "Smart boys. Uber it is."

Jake already had his phone out, fingers moving across the screen. "Seven minutes," he announced, his eyes never leaving her face.

The anticipation between them crackled like electricity as they made their way to the exit. Nichole felt Bradley's hand at the small of her back, a possessive gesture that Jake quickly mirrored on her opposite side. The competing touches sent delicious shivers up her spine.

Outside, the cool night air did little to dampen the heat building between them. They stood in the parking lot, the string lights from the deck casting them in a soft glow. Nichole found herself sandwiched between them again, Bradley in front of her, Jake behind, their bodies creating a cocoon of warmth and mounting desire.

"Second thoughts?" Bradley murmured, his eyes searching hers.

Nichole shook her head, her green eyes gleaming with certainty. "Not a single one," she replied, running her hands up Bradley's chest. "Though I am wondering which one of you is going to take charge." She said slow walking her fingers up Jake's chest.

Jake's laugh was low and dangerous against her ear. “Sweetheart, you’re in good hands.”

The intensity in Bradley's gaze deepened, something primal emerging from beneath his controlled exterior. "We might be rivals in the air," he said, his voice dropping to a commanding timbre that made her pulse quicken, "but we know how to work together when the mission requires it."

The Uber's headlights swept across them, illuminating the three figures locked in their intimate tableau. Reluctantly, they separated, though Jake's hand remained firmly at the small of her back as they approached the vehicle.

The ride to Nichole's place was charged with tension, and it didn't help when she placed a hand on each of there legs.

The car ride was a delicious kind of torture. Nichole sat between them in the back seat, the tight quarters forcing their thighs to press against hers. Every bump in the road pushed them closer together, creating friction that had nothing to do with the vehicle's suspension.

She kept her hands on their legs, fingers occasionally tracing small circles that inched higher with each passing minute. Jake's arm draped across the back of the seat, his fingertips brushing Bradley's shoulder in what might have seemed accidental if not for the loaded glance they exchanged above her head.

Nichole softly started to sing to a song that came on the car's radio, her voice impressively steady despite Bradley's hand finding its way to her inner thigh, his touch firm and possessive. On her other side, Jake's lips brushed against her ear as he murmured, "You have a beautiful voice. I bet you make even prettier sounds in bed."

A shiver ran through her at his words, her breath catching slightly. She turned her head, meeting Jake's intense gaze. "Why don't you find out for yourself?" she challenged in a whisper.

Bradley's fingers flexed on her thigh, a subtle reminder of his presence. Nichole's other hand found his, intertwining their fingers as she held Jake's stare.

Nichole's fingers danced higher up their thighs, her touch deliberate and teasing. Bradley's breathing deepened while Jake's jaw tightened visibly. When the driver hit a pothole, she let her hand brush briefly against the growing bulge in Jake's pants, eliciting a barely suppressed groan.

"Behave," Bradley murmured in her ear, though his own hand had drifted dangerously high on her thigh.

"Where's the fun in that?" she whispered back, turning to meet his gaze with a challenging look.

The Uber pulled up to her building, a modern apartment complex with a view of the bay. As they stepped out, the cool night air did nothing to dampen the heat between them. Jake's hand found the small of her back as they walked toward the entrance, while Bradley stayed close on her other side.

In the elevator, the tension between them reached a fever pitch. As soon as the doors closed, Jake pressed Nichole against the mirrored wall, his lips crashing down on hers in a searing kiss. She responded eagerly, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.

Bradley watched for a moment, his eyes dark with desire, before stepping forward. His hand cupped the back of Nichole's neck, gently but firmly turning her face away from Jake and towards him. His kiss was slower, more controlled, but no less passionate.

Nichole moaned softly into Bradley's mouth as Jake's lips trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing her sensitive skin. She was acutely aware of being sandwiched between their hard bodies, the heat of their desire palpable in the small space.

The elevator dinged, announcing their arrival at her floor. They broke apart, all three breathing heavily. Nichole's eyes were dark with desire as she looked between the two pilots.

"Last chance to back out, boys," she said, her voice husky.

Jake's trademark smirk returned. "Not a chance in hell, sweetheart."

Bradley's response was more subtle - a slight tightening of his jaw and an intensity in his gaze that sent shivers down Nichole's spine.

She led them down the hallway, fumbling slightly with her keys as she reached her door. The anticipation was making her hands shake. Finally, she got the door open and stepped inside, flicking on the lights.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Jake spun her around, pressing her against the door as his lips found hers in a hungry kiss. Bradley moved behind her, his hands sliding under her tank top to caress the smooth skin of her stomach. Her jacket that she was holding fell from her hand with a semi loud thud to the floor.

Nichole moaned into Jake's mouth as Bradley's fingers traced up her ribcage, grazing the underside of her breasts. She arched her back, pressing herself more firmly against Bradley's chest while pulling Jake closer by his belt loops.

Jake broke the kiss, his eyes dark with desire as he looked over her shoulder at Bradley. Some unspoken communication passed between them, and suddenly Nichole found herself being lifted, Jake's hands under her thighs as he carried her towards the bedroom.

Bradley followed close behind, already taking off his button up shirt. As Jake set Nichole down on the edge of the bed, Bradley knelt in front of her, his hands running up her jean-clad thighs with intentional slowness. His eyes, usually so controlled, now burned with undisguised hunger.

"Been thinking about this since I first saw you at the bar," Bradley murmured, his fingers finding the button of her jeans.

Jake moved behind her, his chest pressing against her back as his hands slid under her tank top. "For once, I agree with Rooster," he said, his voice rough against her ear. "Sweetheart,my thoughts would make you blush."

Nichole laughed, the sound turning into a gasp as Bradley popped open the button of her jeans and slowly dragged the zipper down. "Care to share those thoughts, Hangman?" she challenged, tilting her had. “Because if you think I'd blush at yours, I'd love to see what you’d do with mine.” She said as she dragged a finger a long his jawline.

Jake's lips curved into a wicked smile against her neck. "Let's just say they involve seeing how many times we can make you come tonight."

Nichole's breath hitched as Bradley's fingers hooked into the waistband of her jeans, tugging them down her hips with agonizing slowness. The cool air kissed her exposed skin, making her shiver—or perhaps it was the hungry look in his eyes as he revealed her black lace underwear.

"I like the way you think," she purred, lifting her hips to help Bradley remove her jeans completely.

As Bradley tossed her jeans aside, Jake's hands slid under her tank top, his calloused palms rough against her smooth skin as they moved upward. In one fluid motion, he pulled the garment over her head, leaving her in just her matching black bra and panties.

Both men paused, drinking in the sight of Nichole's toned body clad only in black lace. Jake's hands skimmed down her sides, his touch feather-light and teasing. Bradley's eyes darkened as he took in every curve, his fingers tracing the edge of her panties with exaggerated slowness.

"Beautiful," Bradley murmured, his voice rough with desire.

Jake hummed in agreement, his lips finding the sensitive spot behind Nichole's ear. "Absolutely stunning," he added, his breath hot against her skin.

Nichole arched into their touches, her body thrumming with anticipation. "You two are wearing far too many clothes," she observed, her voice husky.

As if on cue, both men began to undress. Jake stepped back, quickly shedding his remaining clothes. Bradley stood, his movements more measured but no less urgent as undressed. He then kneeled on the bed and leaned forward.

Bradley's fingers brushed against the clasp of her bra, unhooking it with practiced ease. As the lace fell away, Jake's hands cupped her breasts from behind, his thumbs grazing over her hardened nipples.

"Fuck," Bradley muttered, his composure slipping as he watched Jake's hands on her. The rivalry between them transformed into something different—a shared mission to unravel her completely.

Nichole gasped as Bradley dropped to his knees again, his lips trailing hot kisses across her stomach while Jake continued his ministrations. Their choreographed movements suggested they'd done this before, though she doubted they'd ever shared a woman quite like her.

"Bed," she commanded breathlessly. "Now."

They complied immediately, Jake lifting her with surprising gentleness while Bradley pulled back the covers. As they laid her down, Nichole got her first

unobstructed view of both men fully naked. Their bodies were sculpted by years of rigorous training—Jake leaner and more wiry, Bradley with broader shoulders and a more solid build. Both equally impressive in their arousal.

"Like what you see?" Jake asked, his trademark cockiness returning as he noticed her appreciative gaze.

"Very much," Nichole purred, beckoning them both toward her. "Now come here and show me what those pilot hands can do."

Bradley reached her first, his body covering hers as he captured her lips in a searing kiss. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the delicious pressure making her arch up against him. Jake moved to her side, his lips finding her breast while his hand slid down her stomach.

Bradley's mouth moved from Nichole's lips to her neck, trailing hot kisses down her throat as Jake's tongue circled her nipple. She moaned, arching into their touch, her hands gripping Bradley's shoulders.

"God, you taste good," Bradley murmured against her collarbone, his usual restraint crumbling with each passing second.

Jake's hand slid lower, fingers tracing the edge of her lace panties before dipping beneath the fabric. He groaned at the wetness he found there. "So ready for us," he said, his voice rough with desire.

Nichole gasped as Jake's fingers found her center, circling with deliberate slowness. Bradley captured her moan with his mouth, kissing her deeply as his hand joined Jake's exploration, tugging her panties down her legs.

"Tell us what you want, Nick," Bradley commanded, his voice dropping to that authoritative tone that sent shivers racing down her spine.

Nichole arched into their touch, her body aflame with desire. "Everything," she breathed, her green eyes dark with need as she looked between them. "I want everything you both have to give."

Jake's fingers continued their torturous exploration, circling her center with expert precision. "Be specific, sweetheart," he urged, his trademark smirk playing across his lips as he watched her reaction. "We're pilots. We need clear instructions."

Bradley's hand joined Jake's, his touch more deliberate, more controlled. The contrast between their styles—Jake's intuitive intensity versus Bradley's methodical precision—was driving her wild.

"I want your mouth," she gasped, locking eyes with Bradley. His pupils dilated at her command. “And I want you in mine.”

Bradley's eyes darkened at Nichole's command. Without hesitation, he moved down her body, trailing hot kisses along her stomach as he positioned himself between her thighs. His hands gripped her hips, holding her steady as his mouth found her center.

Nichole gasped at the first touch of his tongue, her back arching off the bed. Jake watched with heated interest, his hand stroking her hair as Bradley worked her with his mouth.

"That's it, sweetheart," Jake murmured, his voice rough with desire. "Let us hear how good it feels."

As if on cue, Nichole let out a low moan, her fingers tangling in Bradley's hair. Jake took the opportunity to shift, positioning himself so that his hardness was level with her face.

"My turn," he said with a smirk, his hand cupping her cheek.

Nichole turned her head, her lips parting to welcome Jake as Bradley's tongue continued its relentless assault on her senses. She took Jake into her mouth, moaning around him as Bradley hit a particularly sensitive spot.

"Fuck," Jake hissed, his hand tightening in her hair. "Your mouth is even better than I imagined."

The dual sensations were overwhelming—Bradley's methodical, precise attention between her thighs and Jake's controlled thrusts between her lips. Nichole felt herself spiraling toward the edge, her body tensing as pleasure built within her.

Bradley sensed her approaching climax, his pace increasing as his hands gripped her thighs more firmly. Jake watched her face intently, his own pleasure evident in the tightening of his jaw and the quickening of his breath.

"That's it," Jake encouraged, his voice strained. "Let go for us Nick.”

Nichole's body trembled as the wave of pleasure crested. She cried out around Jake, her back arching off the bed as Bradley's relentless attention pushed her over the edge. Waves of ecstasy coursed through her, intensified by the dual sensations of Bradley's mouth and Jake's hardness between her lips.

Jake groaned, pulling back slightly as he watched her come undone. "Fuck, that's hot," he muttered, his hand gentle in her hair as she rode out her orgasm.

Bradley didn't let up, his tongue working her through the aftershocks until Nichole tugged at his hair, overwhelmed by the intensity. He looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire, lips glistening.

"God, you're beautiful when you come," Bradley said, his voice rough as he moved up her body.

Nichole pulled him down for a deep kiss, tasting herself on his lips as Jake watched with hooded eyes. The intensity between them shifted, the rivalry between the pilots temporarily forgotten as they focused entirely on her pleasure.

When she broke the kiss with Bradley, Jake immediately claimed her mouth, his tongue teasing hers as Bradley's hands continued to explore her body. She moaned into Jake's mouth as Bradley's fingers found her center again, still sensitive from her orgasm.

"You ready for more?" Bradley murmured against her neck, his voice carrying that commanding edge that made her shiver.

"God, yes," Nichole breathed, her body already responding to their touches. "I want you both."

Jake pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting Bradley's over her body. Something unspoken passed between them—a silent negotiation born of their competitive history.

"How do you want us?" Jake asked, his voice husky.

“At the same time.”

The words hung in the air between them, electric and charged with possibility. Jake's breath caught audibly while Bradley's eyes darkened to almost black.

"You sure about that?" Bradley asked, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that made heat pool in her belly.

Nichole's eyes glittered with challenge as she looked between them. "What's the matter, flyboys? Too advanced a maneuver for you?"

Jake recovered first, his trademark cocky grin sliding back into place. "Sweetheart, there's no maneuver I can't handle." His hand trailed down her stomach, fingers dipping between her thighs to find her still wet and ready. "The question is, can you?"

Bradley watched Jake's fingers work their magic, making Nichole arch and gasp. Rather than competing, he seemed to be studying, learning her responses. When he finally spoke, his voice was pure velvet command.

"On your hands and knees, Nick."

The authoritative tone sent shivers down her spine. Nichole complied eagerly, positioning herself in the center of the bed. Jake moved behind her, his hands gripping her hips as he lined himself up. Bradley knelt in front of her, one hand cupping her cheek as the other guided himself to her lips.

"Ready?" Jake asked, his voice strained with the effort of holding back.

Nichole nodded, her eyes locked on Bradley's as she opened her mouth to take him in. Jake pushed into her slowly, giving her time to adjust to the fullness. She moaned around Bradley, the vibrations making him groan in response. Jake's grip on her hips tightened as he began to move, setting a pace that was slow and deliberate at first, allowing her to adjust to the sensation.

"God, you feel amazing," Jake breathed, his usual cockiness replaced by genuine awe. His thumbs traced circles on her lower back as he gradually increased his tempo.

Bradley's hand tangled in her dark hair, guiding her movements as she took him deeper. His usual composure was cracking, replaced by raw desire as he watched her lips stretch around him.

"That's it," he encouraged, his voice strained. "Just like that, Nick."

The room filled with the sounds of their pleasure—Jake's low groans, Bradley's controlled breathing, and Nichole's muffled moans. The competitive energy between the two pilots had transformed into something more collaborative, both men working in tandem to drive Nichole wild. Jake's thrusts grew more powerful, his fingers digging into her hips as he found the perfect angle. Bradley's hand remained gentle in her hair, guiding but never forcing as he matched his movements to hers.

Nichole was overwhelmed by the dual sensations, her body caught between them in the most delicious way. Each thrust from Jake pushed her forward onto Bradley, creating a rhythm that had her teetering on the edge of another climax.

"So good," Jake murmured, his voice strained as he fought to maintain control. "You're taking us both so well, sweetheart."

Bradley's composure was slipping, his breathing growing ragged as Nichole took him deeper. "Look at me," he commanded softly.

She raised her eyes to meet Bradley's intense gaze, the intimacy of the moment striking her even in the midst of their passionate encounter. His eyes were dark with desire, but there was something else there too - a tenderness that made her heart skip.

"You're incredible," Bradley murmured, his thumb brushing her cheek.

Jake's pace increased, driving Nichole closer to the edge. She moaned around Bradley, the vibrations making him groan in response. The tension was building, a coiling heat in her core that threatened to overwhelm her. Jake shifted slightly, changing the angle of his thrusts, and suddenly stars exploded behind her eyes.

"That's it," Jake encouraged, his voice strained.

Bradley's hand tightened in her hair, not painfully, but enough to ground her as the sensations threatened to sweep her away. "We've got you," he assured her, his voice rough with desire.

"I think she's close," Jake said

"I can feel it," Bradley replied, his voice strained as Nichole's mouth worked him with increasing desperation. Her body trembled between them, caught in the perfect storm of sensation.

Jake's rhythm faltered slightly as he leaned forward, his chest pressing against Nichole's back. "Come for us, sweetheart," he murmured, his lips brushing her ear as one hand slid around to find her center. "Let us feel you fall apart."

The added stimulation was too much. Nichole's body tensed, waves of pleasure crashing through her as she came hard around Jake. She moaned around Bradley, the vibrations pulling a deep groan from him as his control slipped further.

"Fuck," Jake hissed, his pace becoming erratic as Nichole's body pulsed around him. "So fucking good."

Bradley gently pulled back, allowing Nichole to catch her breath as she rode out the intense waves of her orgasm. Jake's movements slowed, his hands caressing her back as she trembled between them.

"You okay?" Bradley asked softly, his thumb tracing her cheekbone.

Nichole nodded, her eyes heavy-lidded with pleasure. "More than okay," she managed, her voice husky.

Jake carefully eased out of her, eliciting a small whimper at the loss. He pressed a kiss to her shoulder blade. "You're incredible," he murmured, his usual cockiness replaced by genuine awe.

Bradley helped Nichole shift onto her back, his hands gentle as he arranged her comfortably on the bed. Jake stretched out beside her, propping himself up on one elbow to watch her face.

"Give me a minute," Nichole said.

Nichole took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath between the two pilots. Their heated gazes raked over her body, neither man fully satiated despite the intensity of what they'd just shared.

"A minute is all you get," Jake murmured, his fingers tracing lazy patterns across her stomach. His trademark cockiness had softened into something more intimate, though the hunger in his eyes remained unmistakable.

Bradley stretched out on her other side, his usual controlled demeanor returning as he watched her with those intense hazel eyes. "No rush," he countered, shooting Jake a pointed look over her body. "We've got all night."

Nichole laughed softly, the sound husky from exertion. "Look at you two, still competing even now." She turned her head to press a kiss to Bradley's jaw, then did the same to Jake. "For the record, you're both winners in my book."

Jake's trademark smirk returned, though it was softened by a genuine warmth in his eyes. "High praise coming from you, sweetheart." His hand continued its lazy exploration of her body, tracing the curve of her hip.

Bradley's lips quirked into a small smile, his eyes never leaving her face. "I think we can agree on that," he murmured, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

The tension in the room had shifted, the frantic energy of their earlier encounter giving way to something slower, more deliberate. Nichole could feel the heat building again, she stirred under their touch, her body responding despite the lingering sensitivity from her earlier climaxes. Her minute was up, and both men seemed to realize it simultaneously. Bradley's hand drifted lower, tracing the curve of her breast with intentional slowness, while Jake's fingers skimmed along her inner thigh.

"My turn," Bradley murmured, his voice carrying that quiet authority that made her shiver.

“You know when I said I wanted both of you at the same time I was thinking more along the lines of double penetration. But this is good too.”

Jake's eyes darkened at her bold words, his breath catching audibly. Bradley went completely still beside her,

His typical calm demeanor briefly broke as he absorbed her suggestion.

"Jesus, Nick," Jake finally managed, his voice rough with desire. "You don't hold back, do you?"

A slow, wicked smile spread across Nichole's face as she propped herself up on her elbows, looking between the two pilots. "Life's too short for holding back," she purred. "Besides, I thought you flyboys were up for any challenge."

Bradley's expression shifted, that controlled exterior giving way to something primal as his eyes met Jake's over her body. Another silent communication passed between them—rivalry temporarily set aside in favor of mutual appreciation for the woman between them.

"Well I think we're up for the challenge don't you Hangman?" Bradley asked, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that sent heat pooling in her core.

Jake's eyes flashed with a mixture of challenge and desire. "Oh, I'm definitely up for it, Rooster," he said, the familiar competitive edge creeping back into his voice. His hand slid boldly up Nichole's thigh. "Question is, how do you want us, sweetheart?"

Nichole's breath quickened as she considered the possibilities. The tequila still buzzed pleasantly through her system, lowering her inhibitions just enough to make her bold suggestion seem like the most natural thing in the world.

"I want you here," she said, reaching for Jake and guiding his hand between her legs. "And Bradley..." She turned her heated gaze to him. "I want you here." Her free hand bring Rooster's to lay next to Jake's.

Jake's eyes darkened at her touch, his breath catching as understanding dawned. "Fuck," he muttered, the word more reverent than crude. Bradley's composure slipped further, his pupils dilating until only a thin ring of hazel remained.

"You sure about this?" Bradley asked, his voice rough with desire but still carrying that underlying concern that seemed intrinsic to his nature.

Nichole nodded, her green eyes gleaming with certainty. "Very sure," she replied, her voice husky. "I've thought about it before... just never found the right partners." Her gaze flickered between them. "Until now."

Jake recovered his trademark cockiness, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "Well, we are the best pilots in the Navy. Only makes sense we'd excel at this too."

Bradley rolled his eyes at Jake's boast, but couldn't suppress a small smile.

"Alright, flyboys," Nichole purred, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Show me what you've got."

Jake and Bradley exchanged a loaded glance, years of rivalry and unspoken communication allowing them to wordlessly coordinate. Jake moved first, positioning himself behind Nichole as she knelt on the bed. His hands gripped her hips, steadying her as Bradley knelt in front of her.

Bradley cupped her face, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "We'll go slow," he promised, his voice low and intense. "Tell us if it's too much."

Nichole nodded, her breath quickening with anticipation. She felt Jake's hardness pressing against her from behind, while Bradley's hands guided her hips forward. The initial stretch as they both entered her simultaneously was intense, bordering on overwhelming. She gasped, her fingers digging into Bradley's shoulder.

"Breathe, sweetheart," Jake murmured against her neck, his usual cockiness replaced by genuine concern. "We've got you."

Nichole took a shaky breath, focusing on relaxing her muscles as they slowly filled her. The initial discomfort gave way to a delicious fullness that had her moaning softly.

"Is this okay?" Bradley asked, his eyes searching her face intently.

She nodded, unable to form words as she adjusted to the new sensations. Jake's hands caressed her sides soothingly while Bradley pressed soft kisses along her collarbone.

"God, you feel amazing," Jake breathed, his voice strained.

Nichole felt overwhelmed in the best possible way, caught between the two pilots as they filled her completely. The initial discomfort had faded, replaced by an intense pleasure that had her gasping for breath.

"Move," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please."

Jake and Bradley exchanged another look over her shoulder, before they both nodded. They started slow, Jake pulling back slightly as Bradley pushed forward, creating a rhythm that had Nichole seeing stars again.

"Fuck," she moaned, her head falling back against Jake's shoulder.

Bradley's hand cupped her cheek, guiding her gaze back to his. His eyes were dark with desire, but there was also an intensity there that made her breath catch. "Stay with us," he murmured, his voice rough.

Jake's lips found her neck, trailing hot kisses along her sensitive skin as his pace increased. The sensation of both men moving inside her was unlike anything Nichole had ever experienced—a delicious fullness that bordered on overwhelming. Bradley's eyes never left hers, practically melting her with her with his gaze.

"You're taking us so well," Bradley murmured, his voice strained with the effort of maintaining his composure. His hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements as Jake's fingers dug into her waist from behind.

"So fucking good," Jake groaned against her neck, his usual cockiness replaced by raw need. His teeth grazed her shoulder, sending shivers cascading down her spine.

Nichole felt suspended between them, caught in a perfect storm of sensation. Every movement sent waves of pleasure coursing through her, building toward something that promised to be earth-shattering. She moaned, her body trembling as they found a perfect rhythm together.

"God, I'm close," she gasped, her fingers digging into Bradley's shoulders while Jake's grip tightened on her hips.

"Let go for us, sweetheart," Jake murmured, his voice rough against her ear. His movements became more urgent, more demanding as he felt her body tensing against his.

Bradley's hand slid between them, his fingers finding her center with unerring precision. "Come for us, Nick," he commanded, his usually controlled voice breaking with desire.

The added stimulation was too much. Nichole violently cried out, her body shattered between them, waves of pleasure crashing through her with an intensity that left her gasping for breath. Her vision blurred, every nerve ending alight as the most powerful orgasm of her life tore through her. She cried out, the sound raw and primal as Jake and Bradley continued their relentless pace.

"Fuck," Jake groaned, his rhythm faltering as Nichole's body pulsed around him. "I can't—"

Bradley wasn't far behind, his composure finally breaking completely as Nichole's climax triggered his own. His fingers dug into her hips, his usually controlled expression giving way to raw pleasure.

Jake followed a moment later, his body tensing against Nichole's back as he found his release. His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her steady as they all rode out the waves of pleasure together.

For several moments, the only sound in the room was their ragged breathing as they remained entangled, coming down from the intensity of their shared climax. Nichole felt boneless between them, supported only by Jake's arms around her waist and Bradley's steady grip on her hips.

"Holy shit," Jake finally managed, his voice muffled against Nichole's shoulder.

Bradley let out a shaky laugh, resting his forehead against Nichole's. "That's one way to put it," he agreed.

Nichole hummed in agreement, too blissed out to form coherent words. She felt Jake carefully ease out of her, eliciting a small whimper at the loss. Bradley followed suit, his movements gentle as he helped her lie back on the bed.

"You okay?" Bradley asked softly, brushing a lock of sweat-filled hair aside.

“…you seem to ask that a lot.” she giggled.

Jake slid to her side, his usual cocky demeanor softened by the aftermath of their shared ecstasy. "Can you blame him? That was..." He trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words—a rarity for Hangman.

"Intense?" Nichole supplied, her voice deliciously raspy. She stretched languidly

between them like a satisfied cat. The pleasant ache in her muscles was a delicious reminder of what transpired tonight.

She was surprised that she enjoyed herself as much as she did. It caused a single thought to cross her mind and that was, that she could get use to this.

Bradley chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest where she rested against him. "That's putting it mildly." His fingers traced lazy patterns along her shoulder, the gentleness of his touch a stark contrast to the commanding presence he'd embodied moments ago.

"I've gotta say," Jake murmured, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her, "when you walked into The Hard Deck tonight, this is not how I expected the evening to end."

Nichole laughed softly, the sound vibrating through her chest. "What, two rival pilots in my bed wasn't on your bingo card for tonight?"

Bradley's lips quirked into a small smile. "Definitely not on mine."

"Speaking of rivals," Jake said, his eyes meeting Bradley's over Nichole's body, "we might need to revisit our definition of competition."

"Truce?" Bradley suggested, his expression uncharacteristically open.

"At least in this arena," Jake agreed with his trademark smirk, though there was genuine warmth behind it.

Nichole watched the exchange with interest, fascinated by the shift in their dynamic. "So you two can play nice when properly motivated."

"Don't get used to it," Jake quipped, though his usual cockiness was tempered by a newfound warmth. "We've still got plenty to compete over in the air."

Bradley nodded in agreement, his fingers still tracing lazy patterns on Nichole's skin. "Though I have to admit, this kind of... collaboration has its merits."

Nichole hummed contentedly, luxuriating in the afterglow and the feeling of being sandwiched between two incredibly attractive pilots. "Well, boys," she purred, "if you ever feel like engaging in some more 'collaborative exercises,' you know where to find me."

Jake's eyes lit up with interest, while Bradley's expression became thoughtful.

"Careful what you wish for, sweetheart," Jake murmured, his hand sliding possessively over her hip. "We might just take you up on that offer."

She involuntarily yawned. “I have a spacious shower…maybe we can take our exercises there in the morning.”

Jake's eyes glinted with a mixture of exhaustion and renewed interest. "Morning showers, huh? I like how you think, Nick."

Bradley's arm tightened around her waist, his chest warm and solid against her back. "Get some rest first," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her. "We've got plenty of time."

Nichole smiled drowsily, her body pleasantly sore in all the right places. The tequila buzz had faded to a gentle warmth that, combined with post-orgasmic bliss, was quickly lulling her toward sleep. "Is that an order, Rooster?" she teased, her eyes already drifting closed.

"Consider it a strong recommendation," Bradley replied, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

Jake reached over to pull the sheets across their entwined bodies.

“Because I was ready to say yes Sir and salute you. Nick giggled again.

Jake chuckled, his body vibrating against hers in a deliciously intimate way. "Maybe save the 'yes sir' for round two," he murmured, his voice a seductive promise against her ear. "I've got a feeling it'll come in handy."

Bradley's expression darkened with renewed interest, despite his obvious exhaustion. "I'm starting to think we've created a monster," he said, though the way his hand tightened on her hip suggested he didn't find this problematic at all.

"Please," Nichole scoffed, fighting another yawn. "The monster was already there. You two just happened to find the perfect key to unlock the cage."

Jake's trademark smirk returned as he settled more comfortably against her. "Lucky us."

“Lucky me.” Nichole murmured, her voice growing heavy with approaching sleep. She nestled deeper between them, savoring the warmth of their bodies on either side of her. Bradley's steady breathing behind her and Jake's arm draped possessively across her waist created a cocoon of satisfaction and security.

Bradley's lips brushed against the nape of her neck, the gesture surprisingly tender. "Sleep, Nick," he whispered, his commanding tone softened to something almost affectionate.

As she drifted toward unconsciousness, Nichole couldn't help but smile. What had started as a simple night out at her father's girlfriend's bar had evolved into something she'd never thought would happen.

She reached for Jake's hand that was around her and pulled it tighter to her stomach, loving the feeling of being held by not just one man but two men.

Masterlist Next chapter

[princessasmosprincess]

Hello merry Christmas :) I saw request was open and was wondering if you could do scenario where the brothers and Solomon (separately) celebrate the holiday with mc and their family in the human world ? Thank you and happy new year! :)

Merry Christmas, Anon! 🎄🎁

It's been a while since I've gotten a request and I really wanted to finish it before Christmas is over in my timezone and I just barely made it ^^;

I hope you like it!

***

The Brothers + Solomon at Your Family's Holiday Party

Lucifer is the perfect party guest. He makes effortless conversation and can get along with pretty much everyone. As devilishly handsome as he is, Lucifer looks good in an apron and he'll definitely take advantage of that. He'll help in the kitchen if needed, he might even help out with the dishes and somehow not get any soapy water on his expensive looking clothes. Throughout the night, he keeps you near as much as possible, with an arm slinked around your waist or a hand in yours, gentle but possessive gestures. It's not that he thinks your family will take you away from him, he just wants everyone to know you're well taken care of. Your family may wonder how you got such a catch, but it's very clear that he's chosen you.

Mammon is a favorite with your older family members, though they might not have known what to make of him at first. He joins in on their card games and loses just as many games as he wins. He tries to keep you near him for good luck and that does seem to work, hopefully the two of you end up with a small pile of riches to show for it, be they candies or cash. He'll insist on bringing the flashiest gifts, but somehow he knows exactly what each of your family members would like, even though he hadn't met any of them before the holiday. Mammon's natural confidence and model good looks make him the center of attention at your family party, and his ego will inflate accordingly. Despite all this, he is a very good party guest, and it is clear to everyone that he adores you.

Leviathan is very shy with your family at first. It takes all of his strength to make the most basic responses to their questions and even then, he beats himself up inside for being "weird". If you get pulled away, he panics. Don't worry too much about him, though. He's stronger than both of you think. He'll gravitate toward the kids table, maybe building Legos with them to soothe himself or starting an impromptu Mario Kart tournament. Of course he's a champion gamer and he shows everyone all his special techniques to get a high score. Levi becomes the new favorite of all the kids. As you leave for the night you'll have several cuties telling you to never break up with him. He's blushing, he didn't realize he made that much of an impression (also he's internally freaking out because you breaking up with him didn't occur to him until now, please promise you won't!)

Satan, like Lucifer, is a perfect party guest. No one would ever know he's actually so guarded and calculating. He's taking mental notes of every interaction the two of you have with your relatives. If any of them seem not quite right (backhanded compliments, rude remarks veiled with insincere smiles) he files away that information for later. If he finds your family to be relatively harmless, he's relieved. Satan has a good handle on his anger, but sometimes he needs a break from all the stimulation so he doesn't have an outburst. If he disappears, you might find him taking a breather with one of your family's furry friends (he's ecstatic if it ends up being a cat). Let him rest until he's ready and he'll come back refreshed and ready to impress your family with his charisma.

You don't have to worry about Asmodeus at all. Even without charming your family members, everyone will love him. He fits in well with the adults, but with the young kids as well. Asmo wants to know all the tea, all the family drama, and he'll give his input on things. He'll especially be on the lookout for any of your childhood photos or stories your family wants to tell. I hope you're comfortable with lots of public affection, because he's another who will keep an arm around your waist the whole evening. He might go as far as sitting on your lap or pulling you down to sit on his, and he'll attack your face with kisses every chance he gets (he'll stop if you ask him to, he promises to be on his best behavior). Please do let him indulge in cuddles a little bit, what's better than snuggling by the fire after dinner as everyone winds down for the night?

With the power of love, Beelzebub is able to quell his normally voracious appetite, and when he does that he basically becomes the perfect boyfriend. He's kind, friendly, AND he eats well? He's constantly complimenting whoever is in charge of cooking, and they'll fill his plate again and again. He'll silently glance toward you to ask if it's ok to take more, and when you nod in approval, he happily digs in. That's another thing, with the way he looks at you, your relatives know it's true love. It's very important to him that you have your special time with your family, his family means so much to him. So he might sit back when you socialize, while the kids try to use him as a jungle gym but he doesn't mind. As long as you're happy with your family, he's happy.

Belphegor is a good party guest when he sets his mind to it. It's probably best to keep him away from plush surfaces, especially when there are lulls in the festivities, because he will tend to doze off (I remember reading someone's headcanon a while ago that Belphie is the type to seek out the party's designated baby sleeping room and crash there, and I totally agree). If this happens, you can tell your family he's suffering from jetlag (whether this is true or not). He's definitely the most subdued of all of the brothers, but he's a surprisingly good conversationalist and gets along well with your family. He may lightly tease you (he still is a bit of a brat) which your family might take as a good sign of his affection for you. Though he's no stranger to loud family gatherings, Belphie will need a few days to recover from all the socializing, so I hope you don't mind him napping longer than usual.

Please, for the love of Diavolo, keep Solomon away from the kitchen during your family's party. Everyone will thank you. Solomon's gifts are the most creative, definitely embued with magic, and I don't think he'd be able to help himself from doing a few minor magic tricks for the kids before the party is over. He'll make an excuse, it was a simple trick, anyone could do it. But you'd know the truth. He chats freely with your family, no shortage of fond remarks from him about you. It's been so long since Solomon has spent this much time around human families, he's taking it all in and enjoying having you by his side. If you were worried about the party going smoothly, you don't have to. Just, maybe toss out that plate of cookies for Santa and replace them, our witty sorcerer may have tampered with the recipe when your back was turned.

[akirraa]

Test Results!

Hq Characters comforting you about your scores

Note: Not proofread. I wrote this for everyone who got any kind of grade back and felt like they didn’t do so well. I wrote more of how hq chatacters would comfort u but thats okay. First fic so sorry if this was bad lol!!!

Info: gn! reader!!! A minuscule hint of angst but mostly comfort/fluff

Characters: Hinata, Kenma, Sugawara, Kuroo, Kageyama

Hinata Shoyo

I feel like Hinata would be very reassuring and would be one of those people who would joke a bit by saying his score was lower or something like that. He would be very polite and try to cheer you up if you’re super bummed out.

You glared at the big red mark at the top of your paper. Shock and dissatisfaction filled your body as your eyes scanned for the mistakes you made. As you calculated your score out of a 100%, your orange haired friend appeared, breaking you out of your little trance.

“Hey name,” Hinata greeted with a questioning tone, “what happened ?” He had noticed your distressed state and wanted to check up on you.

“Hi Shoyo.” you quietly greeted back. You looked up at your concerned friend and you felt your heart swell up. You had never done this badly on a test and felt horrible! You couldn’t even imagine how much of a let down you could be to your parents. “I’m really sad because I didn’t get the score I wanted even after all my studying!” You explained with stress evident in your voice.

Hinata looked down at your paper “ Name, don’t feel down, if it makes you feel better I got a way lower score than you.” He pats his hand on your shoulder as a way to soothe your unease. “I know you studied really hard and the next test you’ll ace,” Hinata exclaims, “I just know it!”

“Thanks Sho, I really appreciate it.” You responded to his words, his brown eyes filled with passion and certainty.

“You could also get tutoring with me and Kageyama if you want!” Hinata suggested.

“No thanks,” you chuckled, “I don’t want to overwhelm and burden Yachi even more.”

“Hey!!”

Kenma Kozume

I believe that Kenma would not really be on the comfort side and more of the “idrc I wont judge you for that kind of thing” side. Besides being a super smart setter and strategist, I’m not entirely sure if he would be a perfect score or close to a perfect score type of guy.

The library was nice and quiet, only a few people there besides yourself. You opened up your laptop, biting your nails while clicking for your score. You had heard your professor dropped grades for the quiz that you weren’t so sure on. You studied real hard because of that unsureness. The white illumination from the computer shined onto your face as you opened up your grade from the quiz. Your heart dropped and a feeling of frustration came over you.

“Name.” Kenma quietly called out to you, walking up to your table.

Shoot, you totally forgot that you promised to meet up with Kenma at the library to study for a midterm today. You were too caught up with shock from your results to remember.

“Hi Kozume!” You tried greeting him with some excitement to mask how you were truly feeling. As he was unpacking his study material and getting ready to review, he was talking to you about a new video game he wanted to buy. Usually you would look at him or ask questions to keep up with the conversation, but his observant self noticed something. You were a bit distant today.

“Name,” Kenma asked with suspicion,” are you okay? You seem a bit off.” His vigilant cat-like eyes seemed to catch everything.

You sighed as you hesitantly turned your laptop to face his eyes, the screen showing your quiz score. “I totally bombed that test and I feel so awful about it.” you mumbled as you looked down at your lap with shame.

“Hey,” Kenma stated firmly, “don’t feel ashamed I wont judge or anything stupid like that.” His golden orbs connected with yours. “If you want, we can study together more often so you can feel more confident on tests.” He suggested, genuinely wanting to help you.

“Yeah that sounds really nice.” you said with appreciation. You were really grateful for him saying he isn’t judging you. You thought that was really sweet.

Sugawara Koushi

I believe he is a person who would be super comforting and if you asked him to help you study for next time, he would be on top of it and low-key a bit strict. I love suga smm!!!

You were right next to Sugawara when you got your test outcome. You were so excited and filled with confidence when checking your test. Those emotions all got thrown out the window and were replaced by surprise and panic.

“Oh my gosh!!” You cried out. You didn’t expect to get this low. What should you do now? Should you ask your teacher for any extra credit or something? Many different questions were flashing through your head.

Sugawara had noticed this and wanted to check up on you. “Hello? Name?” he asked, “are you okay?” He saw the dispirited facial expression you had and connected the dots. Sugawara then saw small tears and knew he had to do something to console you. He understood how hard you worked for this quiz so he wanted to acknowledge that.

“Hey,” Sugawara looked into your eyes, both of his hands on your shoulders, “please don’t cry, you worked so hard!” He really felt like hugging you and wanted to propose a really good idea.

His tone was soft and reassuring, “We could study together for the next test, yeah?” Sugawara embraced your downhearted figure and held you in a quick hug. “I wont promise that I wont be a little strict or firm, is that okay?”

You giggled at his statement, “I would love that.” You sniffled and felt that you could really get the score you wanted on your next quiz.

Kuroo Tesuroo

Certified Chem Nerd!!!! Would try to cheer you up with his good flattery skills and he is a good teacher so I think he would be an amazing tutor as well! Love him!

You opened up your laptop, hoping and begging for one thing. That would be a score above a 90% on this midterm test for chemistry. You knew your friend Kuroo would probably get an 100%, so you hoped to get something near or exactly that score. You clicked the test result link and your eyes went wide.

You felt your heart start to speed up and your head felt a bit lighter. You wanted to think that your site was bugged or something, but after the 20th time refreshing, to no avail it was the same super low score you didnt even imagine of getting. You really wanted to ask what Kuroo got because you were so confused on how you got certain questions wrong and needed guidance.

You pulled out your phone and ringed him up. “Hi, this name?” Kuroo asked with a chirpy tone. You could hear some sort of video game ost with aggressive button clicking in the background. He’s probably with Kenma right now.

“Yeah heyy Tetsu,” you quietly responded with a bit of shame in your voice, “ are you busy right now? I really need to ask you about some things from the chem midterm.”

“Ohh that thing? Sure I got you.” Kuroo replied. The next thing you hear is something that Kuroo is telling to Kenma and some ruffling, probably from a bag. “So what do you need help with, Name?”

“Ohh a couple of things,” you said with a bit of hesitant embarrassment, “I got a really low score…” You fiddled with the hem of your shirt as you spoke.

“I appreciate you coming to my name, you’re a super hard worker and I admire you for that.” Kuroo stated with nothing but honestly in his voice. “I could help you since I think i’m pretty good at chemistry,” Kuroo suggested, “wanna meet up later?”

You jumped up and down and felt so lucky to have a friend like Kuroo. “Yes omg thanks!!!” You blurted out, cheeks a but red from how eager you sounded. But honestly you didn’t care and were super thankful for this opportunity.

“Anything for your name.” Kuroo chuckled with sincerity and hung up the phone.

Kageyama Tobio

As much as I hate to say this, with all love, kageyama is not the sharpest tool in the shed in terms of academics. He would do that thing like he did hinata and boasts how he got a lower score just to be competitive. But in all honesty, I don’t think he would care about it because volleyball for life lol.

You got a low score on the entrance exam for high schools. You were super disappointed in yourself, not able to go to your dream school Shitorizawa. You wanted to tell Kageyama and ask him what he got since he most likely got a scholarship for his amazing setting skills.

“Kageyama!” You called and ran up to him. “Hey,” you asked, “where are you choosing to go to highschool?” Maybe he got to go to Shitorizawa and set for the best of the best?

“Karasuno because I heard Coach Ukai is coming back,” Kageyama responded curtly.

“Wait,” you were shocked he didnt say Shitorizawa and wanted to know more, “You didnt get a scholarship?”

Kageyama sighed as he explained his side of his experience “I bombed the academic test ( not shocked btw) and a scholarship never came so im going to karasuno.”

“Ohhh that makes sense,” you said, “I got a pretty low score so I dont even know which one I want to go to.”

“Hah I probably got a lower grade that you!” Kageyama laughed.

“How is that a flex? “ You giggled as you walked home together.

End Notes: really wanted to cram in tsukishima but i might just make a part two with some other characters since it’s one am rn. Ty for reading 🫶

[piracytheorist]

Twilight Eyes Project: "Will They Pass or Fail?" (part 1)

Previous episodes analyses

One might be surprised to find that even a light-hearted, whimsical episode as this has enough material to fill up two posts in this series.

And so we start with a new scene added by the anime, of the Forgers walking to Eden to see the results of Anya's interview. He appears with nervous Twilight eyes, focused to the front.

Just then, Yor's bracelet breaks. He turns to look at her with his eyes in the same expression, before he tries to put on a comforting smile. He's too nervous for it to be effective. Then Yor worries again, and his eyes widen in response, before he sees the source of her distress was a black cat crossing their path.

Yor making a deal out of something he considers unimportant adds to his uneasiness, so all he can offer is a slightly impatient smile. His eyes try to reassure; his brows betray his feelings.

Anya accidentally steps on poop, and all he can do after a quick surprised expression is smile awkwardly with Yor.

Catching up to the manga, all efforts to keep himself together crumble as he realizes, in shock, that Anya didn't pass.

Is this the end of Operation Strix?

His horrified expression lingers on as they start heading off.

A little bonus: one of my favourite of his exaggerated expressions.

In the anime, Anya says the "got rejected" part out loud, prompting Loid and Yor to reply as if it was just another day.

I find his position here interesting. In his mind, this was the first big step of Operation Strix, and right now it looks like it has failed. Twilight supposedly has no reason to stay, no reason to keep up appearances if Loid Forger is to disappear off the face of the earth soon.

Yet, we see him nervous. We see him shocked, disheartened, but when Anya looks ready to cry, he tries to console her with a smile.

There is no "no feelings attached" here, as shown by his general reactions. But he truly doesn't blame Anya, nor does he want her to feel guilty over not passing. Even if he is to leave, he makes sure the child's feelings are spared.

Some interesting changes in his eyes in the next scene. Twilight eyes as he looks at the waiting list, with Anya's name at the very top.

Wide, real eyes and a blush (!) as Henderson tells him Anya still has a chance to be accepted.

His eyes keep an honest expression as he questions how they scored so high after the near aggression they showed in the interview. They're not narrowed, not calculating, nor are they trying to appease someone. He's genuinely wondering.

Especially when we compare it to his absolute "you're kidding me" look when Henderson tells him they scored high because Loid "protected" Swan from a mosquito.

A quick, confused look as Yor is… Yor,

and then, still "real eyes" as Henderson encourages them about Anya's place at school, right before Loid thanks him.

Back to Twilight eyes as he contemplates Henderson's and Swan's potential usefulness in his mission.

Back home, as they await for the decisive phone call, we get an anime addition of Anya doing a "ritual dance" to help her luck getting into Eden, and of Loid looking quite relaxed, albeit slightly amused as he wonders what in the world his daughter is even doing.

The phone finally rings! And we get a major difference in the adaptation: In the manga, Twilight answers it with focused Twilight eyes, before we're treated to a view of him waiting with bated breath and wide eyes.

The anime switches it to less anxious "Twilight eyes" before they narrow as he hears the final answer from Eden.

A quick moment of him looking all too serious as he nearly teases the others about what he was just told…

... and Celebration! Anya passed! Wide, happy, real eyes as he tells them the good news!

They stay on as he picks Anya up to congratulate her.

They get a little softer when he turns to Yor, thanking her for her help.

Franky appears to join the celebration, and after a few drinks he starts spilling too much info, and Twilight reverts to annoyed Twilight eyes as he warns Franky that he's saying too much.

Franky calls out Loid for… not getting drunk, and Loid responds with a professional, albeit impatient in the anime, look of "Twilight eyes".

Franky makes Anya a promise Loid doesn't want to keep and Loid throws him another impatient look with "Twilight eyes".

Anya asks him to play Princess Rescue with her, and he immediately turns it down. His eyes are narrowed, but not with the tenacity of "Twilight eyes". Those look closer to Loid eyes, though with a flavour of "this is my strict father face".

Franky urges him on to play with her, and he's back to impatient Twilight eyes.

Which stay on as he realizes he has no choice but to go along with Anya's request.

Thus, the weirdest mission of his life is on!

(no manga spoilers please)

(continued in part 2)

[rune-rambles-art]

Koleda (and other Belobog Heavy Industries) headcanons bc I am so very normal™️ about her

Her favorite food is cake (pretty obvious) with her favorite flavor being chocolate. She also really likes brown sugar flavored teamilks, and Ben will bring one back for her without fail every time he goes to pick some up for the higher ups.

She likes to be on schedule. If something in her usual routine changes, her fuse is a lot shorter when dealing with trivial tasks

Koleda has a teddy bear that she loves very dearly and sleeps with every night. It was a gift from Grace after her dad disappeared

Grace does Koleda’s hair every morning. If she needs a touch up during the day, she usually asks Grace for help. In the case that she can’t find Grace, Ben and Anton are capable of fixing it up instead (Grace taught them how)

She does wear her eyepatch for a reason. When she was young, she wandered into a hollow and was injured by an ethereal. It became permanently corrupted and as a result, she has severe light sensitivity in that eye. It does look pretty cool though.

She and Anton create training regimens together pretty regularly. The 100 Bangoo single-handed pushup idea came from an off-handed joke Koleda made, but Anton took it literally.

When out at cafes together, Grace and Koleda usually order for each other. Koleda started it as an opportunity to order more “sophisticated” sweets and coffees, but it eventually developed into a game of seeing if they could pick out and surprise each other with dishes the other would enjoy.

Ben attempts to tutor Koleda with math by letting her calculate the totals in his finance reports. He calls her over with the excuse of “double checking his work”, letting her try to work it out, and then showing her how he got his total on a separate sheet of paper. She has not been correct a single time, but she appreciates his consideration.

Grace won’t let Koleda have a cat at home, but in exchange she allows Koleda to name every single one of her machines (keeping up the tradition Khors started).

If both are working on site that day, Anton and Koleda start the morning off with a footrace between the two of them (and most of the company spectate it). The tradition began after Anton asserted he was the fastest runner in all of Belobog to a group of his subordinates, which earned a scoff from the president who just happened to be passing by. After a short back and forth, the duo decide to settle it with a race the next morning. Word spread through the company fast, and there was a sizable crowd waiting for them near the storage area the following morning. Bets were placed (the pool was pretty even, but skewed in the president’s favor just slightly), and the two took the starting line. After a shot from Grace’s nailgun, they began their three laps around the work area. Koleda pulls ahead at a frightening speed, and finishes a full fifteen seconds before Anton. He demands a rematch every day, and the board they used for the firing (nail) gun keeps score of how many times they’ve raced to this day. They’re up to the 4th board full of nails now, and only new hires bet against Koleda. None of the employees considers a work day truly “beginning” until their race finishes.

[aakaneeee]

ROUND 26: AKANE VS. TOV

Everything is shaking. Around her, nothing is clear anymore, lines blurring like watercolor, colors dissipated as if they were particles of dust, the blinding lights shining between the clouds. She can barely hear: everything is loud, too loud, and it's ringing in her ears like the buzzing of a thousand muttering aliens. It feels like they are judging her: no, them. Her opponent was no different: they both had the same fate of losing everyone in the blink of an eye.

If she dies, Naz will go crazy. She'd change completely. She sees her as pure: or at least, purer than her. She doesn't want that to change. If she survives, the next round won't give her certainty. It's something she's learned long ago: in this competition, tomorrow is never certain. She never knows what will happen. She just wants to rest: bury herself in the comfort of something soft, like a cloud, be softly illuminated by stars so as not to be left in complete darkness, and of course, stay together with Naz: forever. And know that eternity is promised.

But no: never has she considered a life where everything is perfect. It's out of her league, out of her possibilities. The heavy fog around her life will never rise. She's older than most contestants, she'd know best escape is impossible.

No.

Escape is possible.

But not for her.

Never for her.

Beneath the muffled sounds of still playing instrumentals, that were already blending in her ears, she hears the scores tallying. She doesn't dare to look back: she's afraid of what she'd see. She wants to die not knowing what is happening to her, if she loses. The sound of the verdict calculating is foreign to her compared to her opponent. Her second round was stopped because of a double kill, and she was left without the experience. It feels new to be on the stage, despite not being.

Her eyes gently closed, sparkly white makeup in it's full glory, adorned by the stage lights. Her performance was good. Was it good enough? She could almost feel Kiba's scrutinizing gaze on her. They were already upset with her, because she cut her hair without permission and mauled the original dress she was given, choosing her own white gown, like a bride to the altar, like a corpse to the funeral. It could mean anything. Nothing and everything at once. It would start up controversies: perhaps that's what her owner wanted her to do anyways. She's already brought them enough fame. And unfortunately, their mannerisms got to her. She's even chosen a calm song. But no: it was for her own peace of mind. It felt like the lyrics were familiar, like a warm embrace of her lover, guarding her from the scarred world.

I promise you, soon, the autumn comes.

She reached for her pocket. Just in the case. Her finger placing itself oh so gently onto the trigger.

To steal away each dream you keep.

The sound stopped, foreshadowing the announcement.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Curiosity killed the cat.

And so, her face fell. 50/50, huh?

Anything can happen. But she knows what will. And she knows what she wants.

She begins walking: slow, but long purposeful strides along the stage, down the stairs, her eyes stuck to a certain someone. They escaped for too long: death was imminent. She didn't want to go down alone, so simple. Everyone should have imagined that an "ANAKT honor student" would not fall without a fight. No, it wasn't a fight. Because she knew she was about to win everything she wanted, and yet, lose it all, too. She didn't have anything except Naz and her own life, anyways.

The muttering and surprised gasps of the public grew dead silent as a gun was pointed towards guardian Kiba's head. She wanted to do it with a straight, unfeeling gaze, but the ominous tie had put her under pressure. She would've much rather to just lose with a small score, than be in the hands of fate. Fate was never on her side. Between rapidly falling tears, she realized she's not ready to die. There weren't many things waiting for her. But there was one, that was worth millions. She will anyways, so at least she should do something for the upcoming humans that would be put in a disgusting adoption center.

And she pulled the trigger.

Gasps rose again, but she didn't hear them for long, as her own fated bullet pierced through her skull. Blood gushed, and she fell to the ground, her dress' veil flowing gracefully behind her, as if it were a ghost, as if it were a star's tail when it falls out of the sky.

"I love you, Naz."

And so, a shooting star was born.

'A shooting star's meaning is the end of the beggining. Some say, it's a sign of humility, others, that it's about the vastness of the Universe. But for her, it was always the same thing. Even though it's falling, it's up in the sky, like a celestial being, and is a sign of undying love. And yet, the differences in between make such an arduous affection impossible.'

@sotogalmo @nottoonedin @junebluues @billwasnot @paradisedisconcert @4listr @lookatmysillies @solei-eclipse @apriciticreveries @ivanttakethis

[would-this-pokemon-be-a-friend]

Would Espurr be a good pet? On one hand it's literally a cat, but on the other hand it also has devastating psychic power that could easily be unleashed accidentally. I'm curious to see what your thoughts are on this.

An espurr, despite their pretty decent score, would not make a great pet in a lot of cases due to the potential damage their biology could present to anyone around them.

Espurrs are, to begin, a great size for a pet. Plus they’re fluffy and cute; they fit the bill as far as looks go. Personality wise, well, they’re a little stoic. It’s said that an espurr’s expression never changes, a symptom of always trying to keep a lid on their psychic powers (Sword).

As you pointed out in your request, espurrs possess some pretty devastating psychic powers (or, at least, that’s what the Pokédex says). Apparently, the psychic power that each espurr does their best to control is strong enough to “send a wrestler flying” (Shield), with a blast radius of 300 feet (Y). This power comes from an organ inside an espurr’s head (which isn’t their brain?), forcing them to hold their ears closed to keep the power from leaking out (X). Unfortunately, espurrs are not always able to contain this power and it cannot be controlled, which bothers them (Y, Shield). It is entirely possible that, because of this, an espurr would not feel comfortable being around others that they could hurt accidentally.

Espurrs’ moves come from this psychic power, but they don’t seem nearly as dangerous as the Pokédex warns. Perhaps this is because these moves are under the control of the pokémon; perhaps they only use a small fraction of their true power? In truth, besides the threat of causing confusion, only Psyshock has a power level above 65.

Overall, it seems that espurrs don’t have a violent bone in their body, and by all appearances would make a great pet. However, accidents do happen with them, and there’s every chance that they could cause a lot of damage unpredictably, especially when they are extra stressed or even asleep. Due to the way the Pokédex is weighed in the score calculation, espurr has been given a B rating, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a lot of practice caring for pokémon with uncontrollable bursts of power. No amount of training can tame an uncontrollable power, so you would always be a big risk.

[archive-of-the-lost]

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 @waffledforbreakfast

Your ideal match is…Michael Kaiser!

♡ You both met through you starting a random conversation with him, and because you managed to ask the right questions, he was happy to answer them. The compliments you gave him helped as well. He was practically preening like a peacock the whole time. But there was this...glint in your eyes, a calculating one, like you were trying to figure him out. He was mostly creeped out, but also intrigued, which lead him to give you his phone number so you both can continue talking sometime again. He is not flirting, what are you talking about?

♡ (You didn't put psychology or philosophy in your likes, but since you used them in an example for setting up a conversation, I'm assuming you do like talking about them!) Kaiser would love to talk about psychology with you! He doesn't often meet people who are interested in it like him, and he isn't interested in talking about psychology with just anyone. It's the topic you both end up talking about the most actually. As for philosophy, it depends on the questions you ask him. But normally he doesn't bring up philosophy in conversations.

♡ Kaiser is the opposite of a people pleaser. Even when trying to befriend Ness, he doesn't act like anything other than his brash and confidant self. He has strong opinions and values and refuses to compromise on them. Rather than change himself to fit in with everyone else, he would rather change the world to suit what he wants. An exaggeration, but you get the gist. Perhaps this quality would be attractive to you.

♡ Kaiser will tell you he doesn't celebrate holidays, but won't protest if you urge him to celebrate with you. Especially if you invite him to do something with you on Christmas. He was happy to make snow angels and gingerbread houses with you, watch a Christmas movie, eat at a nice place. He doesn't tell you his birthday until you both start dating, so at the time you didn't know when his birthday was. You couldn't help but notice that he looked pensive that day, but chose not to comment on it as he took your hand, pulling you towards the Christmas decorations to take some selfies.

♡ He's never tried ice or roller skating before. You offered to teach him, promising that it'll be fun once he gets used to it. He agreed because why not? In hindsight, he should have called you a liar and refused your offer. He never gets the hang of it. He's clutching your arm the whole time for balance, and even then, he falls a few times (for you /j). He can run, he can kick a ball and score goals, but skating is not for him. He gives up after three failed sessions and falling flat on his ass.

♡ So you like straightforwardness (long ass word). Luckily for you, Kaiser is very straightforward. When he wants to tell someone something, he's very direct about it. If he doesn't want to reveal something, he simply won't. Take that how you will. This trait of his really helped speed up his confession process. Once he realised he liked you, which took a few months because his emotions are either repressed or too tumultuous for him to figure out, he started preparing for the best (and most extra) confession you've ever seen. On Valentine's day, because he's cheesy like that.

♡ He likes that you tend to think logically, because he does too. This makes communication between the two of you easier, as you're usually on similar wavelengths. He doesn't think displaying emotions are a sign of weaknesses, but he does find them unnecessary or even a bother sometimes. He doesn't think his emotions should affect his performance, just like you. Get therapy, the both of you.

♡ You like cats? That's great, Kaiser is one. You know those golden retriever boyfriends? Kaiser is NOT one of them. He's the black cat in the relationship. Kaiser strikes me as an ambivert rather than a full extrovert, he needs his alone time sometimes. He's reserved and mysterious, or at least somewhat secretive, about his past. Also, he would mess with your things in front of you when you're distracted and he wants your attention. Smiles when you slap his hand away.

♡ Kaiser also hates it when it's too sunny and dreads getting sunburnt, so he brings a parasol with him when he sees that it's going to be a sunny day. He's a gentleman and holds the umbrella over the both of you so you can be shaded from the sun as well.

♡ Acts of service is one of Kaiser's main love languages! As mentioned in the point above, he likes to do little things for you, especially if you've had a bad day. He'll make you coffee in the morning, carry your things when you both go shopping together, walk just a touch faster than you so he can open doors before you do.

♡ He also loves receiving acts of service, somewhat because he's not that great at taking care of himself? Or rather he just does the bare minimum and sometimes goes into a period of overworking himself. Not great either way. Remind him to take breaks once a while, bring him a snack while he's watching game footage on the screen. He'll melt into a happy mess the moment you leave the room.

♡ Kaiser likes giving gifts. It was a big part of his courting process, his confession and the first few months of your relationship. At first, they're traditional romantic stuff like flowers, a few stuffed toys, sweets and chocolates. As he got to know your preferences over time, his gifts became more personalised to you. Frozen berries especially, since they're easy to buy and you finish them quickly. He'll buy you wigs and costumes for your cosplay too, if you're fine with him buying you expensive things. I say take advantage of his money.

♡ Kaiser also likes physical touch, in the form of always having his hand on you some way or another. On your lap when you both eat together, side by side. Over your shoulders while he waits for you to be done talking to your friends after having lunch together. In your back pocket while you both walk back to his car. He isn't a big hugger or kisser, his affection is in the constant weight on your skin.

♡ "Relatives tell me [...] I worry too much for my future." This is Kaiser we're talking about here. When is he ever not worrying about his future? Even when he was younger and living with his father, he was saving up money to run away in the future. So yes, Kaiser is always thinking about his future, how to gain success and security. He won't tell you not to worry so much, that clearly isn't the philosophy he has, but he will help you to come up with concrete goals and a plan of action, a few backup plans even. To him, you should worry about your future, and take small steps to build the future that you hope for instead of worrying for no reason. That's just anxiety.

♡ You having no problem with telling people when you disagree with them works well for Kaiser actually. He's kinda...into it? Not actual fights of course, just minor disagreements or debates. He treats them like playful arguments. It's enrichment for him. You know the "can we keep arguing it was turning me on" meme? Yeag.

♡ The idea of writing a few realistic headcanons for your dynamic (while still keeping an element of movie magic to it) compelled me so much. This is probably not something most people would opt for, so thank you for giving me the creative liberty. >:)

♡ The way you describe what you can offer in a relationship is so detailed and reminiscent of what one should do in order to be an "ideal" partner. Almost as if you studied the concept. Given Kaiser's motivation to study psychology, he definitely did the same thing, especially since he's genuinely interested in trying out a romantic relationship. He doesn't do anything half-assed; he puts his all into it. Your honeymoon period is passionate and sweet, but with a hint of...coldness and evaluation hidden beneath the surface? Like the period where new lovers are too nervous to show their more authentic selves to each other stretched across months between good morning texts and flowers delivered to your door.

♡ The way you view relationships and speak so nonchalantly about cutting ties with people sounds a lot like avoidant attachment style. And guess what? Kaiser definitely has it too. This spells out doom for the relationship from the beginning, but honestly, I didn't match you with him just to write about a fairytale happily ever after for you both. Because let's be honest, you both are probably constantly on high alert for when things become too vulnerable or if the other party isn't worth the effort you're putting into the relationship.

♡ A long-term relationship for the both of you is going to take a lot of work, even more so than the average couple. It's up to you both to decide whether or not it's worth fighting for.

♡ And even if it doesn't work out, wasn't it beautiful all the same?

Flowers just because, especially roses, iced coffee and silk sheets, matching glasses, bringing each other a snack while working, visiting malls around Christmas to admire the decorations, long discussions, playful arguments as a way of flirting, ironic smirks, testing the reactions of others, sharing earphones on the bus, oversized hoodies, late night drives, city lights from a high rise, visiting a convenience store at 2am, constant hand holding, contagious laughter, emotional walls, passionate love, the it couple

・ ─ ・ ⋯ ・ ─ ⊹ ♡₊˚๑

Im curious, how do u use this info (appearance) to think of a match👀?

I usually look at one's hair colour and go for a character with a hair colour that matches or compliments the requester. So either dark/dark or light/dark but that doesn't say much so. Fashion style is the deciding factor. I will choose a character who matches the requester's aesthetic. Ex: For you, I would match you with Yukimiya Kenyu because of your dark hair and glasses.

[mahou-furbies]

Miss Meguca contest (casual outfits), comments

All preliminary rounds are now over! Since there was some variance in how many people voted each round, I'll have to calculate everyone's scores with percentages. So I think the final round won't start until tomorrow. In the meantime, here are the comments:

Round 1

Let’s Hope Madoka Wins this Thing Again. I want to See an Idol or Maybe a special Surprise Image song round or something.

Most of these outfits are so good. I only docked off points for some of them cause they weren’t as interesting. Also Ayaka’s outfit is perfect except for the color of her tights

Always glad to see my girl, Ashley!

Hoods are always a good taste, so…

I'm a sucker for suspenders!

Yuuna, Rena and Kokoro are the TOP of winter fashion!!!

There're quite a few outfits I WANT to like but they're just drawn so weird. Like. Why is Mitsune's sweatshirt Like That.

Also why is Mami dressed like she's in her 40s.

I really love all the varied silhouettes Magireco gives its characters in their casual clothes. Yuuna's is probably my least favourite because it's so boring. Ikumi's cat socks are extremely 2010s fashion and I love them.

Ashley has the best one here! It's practically something I would wear!

Rena's was so cute… until the short shorts. Girl!!! Your thighs are going to freeze!!! At least with skirts it's easy to wear skin colored thermal tights!

Ikumi: I'm going to wear e-girl cat socks with the most boring fit possible.

Round 2

Ren's outfit is so adorable!

Bring On Da Next Round! I Need Madoka to Win!

Yuma stands out not being super detailed, but I like it.

Scene 0 Madoka's outfit isn't bad but I don't think the silhouette and blue jacket necessarily suit her. Also adult Hikaru's outfit looks like something I'd wear in IRL help

Yuna: I don't understand the transparent fabric on her, but aside from that, is a pretty fashionable outfit

Akari: The bunny purse? The bow with the scarf? The puffy shorts? *chef's kiss

Moka: teh top part is a 10, but the bottom is a 3

I would once again kill for Mami's, but Ria's on the block too

Felicia ily but THAT clothes???????

Round 3

It's designs like these that get my hopes up about character design and fashion.

Alina wins out because of the paint on her clothes!

No Madoka Here but I’m Alright with That Besides Madoka Is Gonna Be the Winner Again!

I love Alina's painting clothes 💚💛❤️

So many cute designs in this round💖

ADORE alinas outfit, its so unique among the rest of the super feminine and cutesy casual outfits!

What is up with that bow on Tomoko’s outfit? It feels like everything was just slapped together when it comes to how she’s dressed.

Round 4

sorry, kyouko. i cant stand orange+green color combos.

Finally a good outfit for Kyoko!

Why does it feel that they put more effort into making the winter ones and just slap some ramdom shirts and skirts for casual?

They really did Kyouko dirty in this game.

Looking Good I know Madoka is the Winner nothing ordinary or new!

Thought Homura had a mustache necklace for a sec

I was gonna give glasses Homura a -1, but she's getting a 2 for the mustache necklace actually. I don't like it but it's such a bold choice and I love that for her lmao

I dislike Kirika but her clothes are in my fav choices ;;

I find my choices a little funny in hindsight because Kokoro's outfit is a hiking outfit and it looks nice but it also feels very generic, but I also feel like Leila's outfit looks like she's about to go camping or something. Also I am OBSESSED with Homura's mustache necklace.

Round 5

I'd like to make a disclaimer that I'm not rating Ranka's outfit 1 because I hate it, I just don't think it makes a good winter outfit necessarily. But does this also mean she's into larme kei and shops at places like MA*RS and Ank Rouge? Also: 1) Yachiyo's cold shoulder sweater dress amuses me for some reason. Girl your shoulders! 2) Green is a very interesting colour choice for Temari.

Hotaru, my beloved!! Sleepy queen!!

This is getting Good Final around Ahead and Madoka must Win!

I want Konomi's one so baaaad!!!!

Homura with glasses has the best outfits ;_; I have seen a lot of hers in the polls and always I love how she mixes cutesy with black clothes

Some of these are awful

Round 6

Lots of threes this time for interesting silhouettes or designs that make me go "yeah, that's [character]"! Also Mifuyu's outfit is just one of my faves in general

These are not as awful as the other but somehow most of them has something that ruins the look for me.

The thing is, a magical girl costume is always so extravagant and beautiful, that when we go back to their casual clothes, we expect nothing less. Bu then it comes some disappointment, because they look so plain and simple.

Last One I Need Madoka To Win!!

hard to be picky abt it ;-; they're all so pretty tbh

ui looks adorable!! i love her little outfit! you can certainly tell she's a kid. i find her outfit works really well over all. a lot of others i felt like there'd be one or 2 elements just don't fit with the rest but ui's just matches perfectly in my eyes

This is so difficult because imo the game has really really good designs for the casual outfits

Round 7

Kyoko looks really good in purple

After seeing Yachiyo's dress everything seems pretty.

Disclaimer I like Kyouko's outfit but I don't think it suits /her/ personally. I don't really like the mauve on Oriko? I feel like she should be wearing white or a very pale lilac at least. Tsubaki's is okay I guess and there's something about Tsukuyo's I don't entirely vibe with for some reason

I came to the conclusion that Homura is the Fashion Queen…

And poor Kyouko has so much to learn…

Let’s Hope Madoka wins this whole Thing!

Kyoko's outfit is great, but not a good fit for Kyoko.

Nagisa gets a 3. The OG deserves it. Too good for this world. Too pure. Deserves all the cheese.

Again, Homura has the best outfits

[brawltogethernow]

3-Draw

[AO3]

With novel 2-player games running thin on the ground, Itsuki and Miss Suzumiya's boy-who-was-also-Itsuki's-friend-but-not-if-you-asked-Itsuki's-superiors-or-likely-the-individual-in-question-himself had, on Itsuki's suggestion, spent the afternoon spectating each others' individual games of solitaire. They compared scores lackadaisically.

It had been Itsuki's suggestion because if he waited on Kyon to choose, 9 times out of 10 the boy would defer the implied responsibility and spend the meeting time ignoring Itsuki (talking to the girls, working on homework, or staring into space), and it was lackadaisical because Kyon's scores had almost instantly outstripped Itsuki's by an order of magnitude and Kyon wasn't one of nature's gloaters.

Where their common cause (Miss Suzumiya), if she were participating instead of over on the computer committing something that was hopefully harmless, would have relished the taste of even the easiest victim, not unlike a cat batting around the corpse of a small animal, Kyon had only glanced at their score table, failed not to make an expression, and then turned away from it back to the piles of cards and gradually but methodically became less diligent about marking his results down as the paper serving as their scorecard casually migrated in small nudges further from the area of play along the table. (Itsuki studiedly marked his tallies down for him anyway, earning askance glances.)

While Kyon's was the more societally desirable response to embarrassingly crushing victory, ordinarily Itsuki found both of his fellow club members' proclivities charming in their own fashion. Today, however...

He leaned down to get a better look at Kyon's hands. His comrade twitched slightly but didn't otherwise try to reclaim his personal space.

"Oh, you've switched to 3-draw?" observed Itsuki, watching Kyon's hands flick through the cards in the draw pile too fast for Itsuki to properly calculate moves. Instead of drawing cards from the pile Kyon was passing them between his hands and flipping them over in a rapid cyclical cascade. "It makes the game more challenging when playing with infinite rounds by decreasing the cards you have access to, correct? ...I can't help but wonder why anyone would wish for that." Itsuki had so far played six rounds of one-draw and not won once. That this was partially dictated by chance did not make it less frustrating.

Kyon didn't seem engaged by the question, lidded eyes fixed boredly on his cards. He supplied without energy: "If you get tired of winning every round, I guess."

Itsuki very briefly contemplated the fantasy of breaking Kyon's nose.

"I see...." he said.

Under Itsuki's eyes Kyon won the round. Again.

He started piling the cards into their stacks at the top of the arbitrarily designated field, but once the outcome was clear he stopped halfway through the completion of play, straightening up and stretching.

Itsuki leaned further forward, feeling his face twitching. "May I finish that for you?"

"Living vicariously, huh?" Kyon arched, but he also waved a hand at the mostly finished game indicating Itsuki could knock himself out.

Itsuki smiled into the ribbing and started to finish the game anyway. "If the Brigade ever needs emergency funds," he said, "we can send you to a casino."

Kyon informed him he sounded like Miss Suzumiya, though he of course invoked her given name for the accusation—something in which Itsuki didn't dare emulate him. Though he didn't think their chief would necessarily mind, or even notice, and if she did notice she may even appreciate it. But he daren't.

Only after all the cards were in suit order did he stack them back into a deck—ordered spade diamond club heart—and then begin shuffling it.

When he placed it back on their table Kyon said, "Okay, look." He shoved the deck over to Itsuki's side. "Set yours up."

When Itsuki returned to his seat Kyon drifted over to stand at his flank and watched silently, scowling vaguely, as Itsuki set up and then, when Kyon did nothing, started play.

A few moves in Kyon swatted his hand as he reached for the three of hearts.

"If you can move two of the same type of card, pick the one on the deeper stack so you free up the ones that are hard to get to."

"Ah, I see!" said Itsuki. "Thank you."

And so:

"Check more closely to make sure you're not missing moves."

"Don't combine those until you need the space it would free up to leave yourself more options."

"You can put this six up top if you move the five to the other six, then you'll have more moves left."

"Never cover a card there's no reason to. Don't just make the tallest stacks you can because they look pretty."

"Itsuki" won.

At Kyon's gesture he tried applying the imparted strategies to the next round while Kyon watched, silent but engaged, perpetual faint frown twitching occasionally.

He lost.

Kyon was looking over his piles of cards with a dismayed face.

"...Was that one mathematically unwinnable, do you think?" Itsuki checked, suspecting he was failing to suppress coming off somewhat morose.

"No," said Kyon with defeated conviction.

"Hmmmmm." Itsuki frowned and tapped a lonely ace against his lip. "Perhaps if you keep tutoring me—"

"Let's switch to gin," interrupted Kyon.

Itsuki had beaten him at that exactly once last time they played it, if he recalled correctly. "I'd love to."

[crack-in-the-chassis]

FAQ

What is Crack?

In short, it's a fanwork--traditionally fic, but we're inclusive--which is absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous, and other -ouses. Imagine the kind of thing you come up with at 3AM during a fit of the giggles. It's exuberant, it's shameless, it's unfettered creativity.

For a lengthier discussion of "crack" with a historical lens, see also: https://fanlore.org/wiki/Crack

Is the event Cas-centric?

No. The line "crack in his chassis" refers to Cas in canon, and we do anticipate plenty of entries to feature Thee Treasured Blorbo, but you can produce fanworks about any characters, items, episodes, monsters, etc. from canon you like.

Is this a bang, or a reverse bang?

It's both! It's neither! Participants will be divided into Pitchers (who create their fanwork first) and Catchers (who select a pitch during Claims and create a fanwork in response to it.) This event is not limited to the traditional fanart and fanfic.

What is the minimum required work?

Minimum word count for fic, meta, and other text-based fanworks: 1,500

Minimum length for audio or video based fanworks: 30 seconds

Minimum size for visual fanworks such as art, comics, sculpture, etc: one image suitable for web browsing, so about 750px width or height. This is very hand-wavy. Gifs can be smaller in dimension because they're technically multiple images stacked in a trenchcoat.

Is there a maximum word length or art size?

No! The minimums are calculated to be feasible for the average creator within the time allotted for the endowed, but if you are endowed with the hubris of gods, then go ahead and write that 150k epic or stage a three hour opera with full sets, score, and costumes. Just make sure it’s done by your posting date, mmkay?

What types of "other" fanworks are allowed?

Fanworks must fit two criteria:

1. Your fanwork must be able to be displayed via a public website. Fanfic and digital fanart are de riguer. Traditional 2D artwork can be photographed. Serial 2D art, such as sequential art aka comics, are displayed in much the same way. But we can do so much more than that.

3D or non-traditional art with a primary visual element--like cosplay, sculpture, cake decorating--can be displayed with photos from multiple angles and accompanied by an artist's statement advising of any elements that are lost (e.g., textures, flavors, scents, mild electrical shock.)

Performance art, music, a podcast or radio play, theatrical skits, etc. can be recorded by video or audio and supplemented with text and photos as needed. Video games which can be played in a browser window also work. (Shameless plug: Dean Dodge https://4mortea.itch.io/deandodge as an example.)

2. Your fanwork must be something that you are considered to be the sole owner of, and which is fair use. So, for example, if you're a filker and you claim a pitcher's fanfic, you can't just set the fic to music, as the ficcer is the owner of the text. But you can compose your own lyrics which comment upon or respond to the fic.

Note that co-creators are allowed--so an author who writes lyrics and a singer-composer who then sets the lyrics to music could present the resultant song as a single pitch or catch, with the "duo" being considered the sole owner.

Fanvids and gifsets that are just clips of canon footage without significant transformation (e.g., other than cutting and color correction) also don't qualify for this event. (We still love them, though.)

Types of transformation which would qualify vids and gifs of canon footage include, but are not limited to: juxtaposing different shots or scenes to create new meaning; adding commentary; altering the images (mod's personal favorite is adding cat ears to the characters). You can also include captions, subtitles, musical accompaniment, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: We know this is a huge tradition and genre, and this hurts us, it does, but using another artist's music on the video without written permission* is not permitted. Youtube will throw your ass under the bus and we will not be able to help you. Crack in the Chassis isn't tangling with Universal Music Group. Nuh uh. Don't go where we can't follow, Mr Frodo.

* if you manage to get permission somehow then holy snackballs please let us know.

For further information on fair use:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/copyright-laws-30-seconds-music-61149.html

https://www.transformativeworks.org/faq/ (specifically the section "What exactly is Fair Use?"

How will Claims work, since you're being so complicated about it?

All of the pitches will be presented in a single gallery for all the potential catchers to review and select their preferences. (Pitches may be split into two categories depending on how many under-18 participants and NSFW pitches we get.)

In addition to stating what elements they would and would not like (e.g., yes to gothic horror, no to adultery and A/B/O), pitchers will also specify the kinds of catches they would and would not like. E.g., If you are a fanficer and the idea of a catch piece that is also fanfic unnerves you, you can restrict fic catches. If you are THRILLED with the idea of a companion fic, you can request *only *fic catches. If you grow weary of traditional fic and fanart, you can specify that the catch piece must be an "other" type of fanwork. Any and all choices. There will be ticky boxes.

Can I sign up as a Pitcher and a Catcher?

YES! For the sake of anonymity for Claims, however, you will be restricted from the Pitcher's channel in the Discord server until Claims are over.

How many Pitches and Catches can I submit?

Each person or team can only submit a maximum of three pitches. Each pitch must be fully completed before submitting additional pitches. E.g., You can submit one pitch that is 50% completed for claims. If you want to submit two pitches, your first pitch must be fully complete and the second one 50% complete. For three pitches, the first two must be fully complete and the third 50% complete.

For Claims, each catcher will recieve their most preferred pitch which is still available, on a first come, first serve basis. If there are pitches remaining after the first round, we will do additional rounds of claims as needed. Catchers can pick up only one pitch per round.

Can I discuss my fanwork before it’s submitted and posted?

No. You are not permitted to publically discuss your fanwork in detail or post any portion of it outside the designated channels in the Discord server prior to your assigned posting day.

Pitchers, we ask that you take precautions to prevent the catchers from being able to recognize your pitch piece at claims. This may mean not publicly discussing your piece at all, or keeping discussion to a private chat with your alpha/beta, or just being obnoxiously vague in shared spaces. We know there will be slip-ups. Catchers, please pretend you Do Not See It and uphold the spirit of the event: to be paired with someone based on their pitch, not their identity, and to make some new friends! This may mean deliberately not choosing a pitch because you know who the creator is.

Can I create a work that’s part of a series?

Yes, as long as the work meets the criteria of the event and the work (but not necessarily the series) is posted in its entirety on the assigned posting date. Pieces that can stand on their own are strongly preferred. Be aware that your catcher may not have the time or inclination to brush up on the parts of the series other than the event piece. Catchers, if you’re creating something that happens to fit into a series you’ve been working on, please make sure your pitcher is okay with that.

Can I use a work I’ve already started?

We do ask that you create a new work specific to this event. However, if you’ve already started on a work but haven’t posted it or discussed it publicly anywhere, the mods aren’t really going to know, are we?

Is this restricted to SPN?

Your work should engage primarily with SPN or The Winchesters, but crossovers are allowed. If you want to focus exclusively on quasi-canon materials, like Supernatural tie-in books, graphic novels, or the Ghostfacers webisodes, that's welcome, too.

What about RPF?

There's two prongs to this.

1. Canon includes fictionalized versions of several crew and cast in the s6 episode The French Mistake, and the character Chuck establishes the conceit of a writer as god of the 'verse who engages with the characters he's manipulating. So anything in that vein is allowed, and godspeed.

2. SPN RPF is a different fandom than SPN, so any SPN RPF fanworks would have to be crossovers--meaning the fanworks must *also *be SPN related. E.G., a Cockles coffeeshop AU wouldn't be eligible, but a Cockles AU where they're interacting with the Ghostfacers would. RPF other than SPN RPF is also allowed under the same mechanism--as a crossover.

Are there restrictions on content?

Other than it must be cracky and SPN related, nah.

There must be something you don't allow.

The limits will be 1. the laws of the area in which you reside (e.g. don't do crime. or at least don't get caught about it.) and 2. the ToS of any services you use to host your fanwork: e.g., Tumblr won't host sexually explicit images, YouTube will scan for copyrighted material, and AO3 does not allow commercial promotion.

No, I mean, do you allow content that is... problematic.

Yes.

Surely you jest.

No.

But what about the panopticon? What about being seen at the witch's sacrament?

Look, fandom isn't a workplace or a church picnic. It's a subculture for freaks.

When posting fanwork, your responsibility is to provide metadata--e.g., tag and warn for potentially upsetting content--so people can curate their own experiences.

When engaging with your pitcher or catcher, your responsibility is to honor the restrictions stated during claims, and use care when bringing up subjects which they may not have explicitly listed but that are commonly considered to be upsetting. In this house we respect hard and soft limits. Informed consent is king (gn.)

Other than that, go wild! It's a crack event. Self-censorship is gonna make the fanworks sad and boring and we don't want that.

[derangedanomaly]

I saw compatibility ratings and I got curious lmao so here I go---

Um. Well, I'm very protective of the people I care for, willing to go to any lengths to keep them safe regardless of the consequences on me/my body. But outside of immediate danger moments, I'm pretty chill I think? I don't really bother anyone lol, I'm kinda like an aloof cat who only comes up for attention when something's wrong with it and it needs comfort. Likewise, my love language is generally through pebbling, leaving lil' gifts (usually memes) on peoples proverbial doorsteps. I'm kinda withdrawn I guess, I... Don't really talk about myself, so writing this ask feels weird as hell lmao. I've got a lot of walls up I guess. I'm also very hypervigilant, always on the lookout for when danger/conflict will arise next and staying on guard for it. I never enter a room and let the door stay behind me where I can't see it, I sit/stand with my back to a solid wall instead. But, despite my quiet and closed off nature, I always extend a hand to people who are hurting, and I use my past experiences with pain to relate to and comfort them as much as possible. I've been hurt, but I've forged it into a sword and shield for others, and I'll keep wielding them for as long as it's needed, no matter how tired I may be. - 💜 anon (hopefully that's not taken yet, please let me know if it is tho)

Hello! No, that anon is not taken yet! ^^

As for the diagnosis! I calculated the exact results, and finally got a legitimate answer..

And with 78%.... I match you up with......TED! :D

"I...admire your... protectiveness.. I find you very endearing... I... I must admit that I'm... nervous.... W-Would you like to take...a walk in the woods..?"

Seems like you just scored a date ;)

[chanquokka]

Here's A Little Get-To-Know-You Tag Game!

Tagged by: de wonderfulest ppl @noonaracha @straykidsgallery and @itsstraykids thank you sm!!! (go appreciate their cool point stories!)

Name(s): juni! is what i decided. some friends on this hellsite also call me solar so wtv u prefer. atp i just have a bunch of nicknames bcs i also have a Weird Name, A Weirder (Family) Nickname in real life

Pronouns: he/she/they/it<3 when i say feel free. pls and thank u

Star Sign: libra, right when it starts (and just a day after seungmin's!)

#of Siblings And Fun Facts About Them(if u have any): one (1) younger gremlin brother, and the funnest fact abt them is that he has been a walking directory of telephone no's since he was 4 and now can be relied upon to calculate large numbers inside his head in point seconds. Still hates physics(and most things theory)> by which, he also stores insane and inane amount of stats info (abt all types of things, but mostly sports) inside his head ready to be flourished at a moments notice, which is mildly impressive when ur 6 and debating with college students the scores of a game that happened 15yrs before u were born but not now when ur 17 and ppl are more focused on your test scores rather than ones u know, so</3 also has his birthday on changbin's but he doesnt know abt that

#of Pets: there's a history there. with fishes that my ma deceived me with on my 12th birthday(when i asked for a pet, i imagined smth i could hold) and then liked too much herself that we had them for 5yrs. three times; birds, but my brother kind of freed them while singing a lullaby with only me as an unbelieving witness. a dog (belovedest of em all) my dad picked from street as a puppy and who, then, had to be given away after 3yrs bcs of Stupid Reasons im still mad abt. now i just have street cats showing up at my front door to safekeep their babies on my staircase's isolated nooks till they grow up and vanish and street dogs who believe i have endless supplies of treats and show me sad faces when i dont. i really want a pet</3 but for now im contending with pictures of kitties whose moms operate on strict 'see-dont-touch' policies and sweet sweet strays who like to befriend u too easy.

Fandoms: many, but rn im active mostly in skz and mxtx. id love to be in other stuff i read and watch but since Capitalism hates me dearly,,,

Favorite Color: darker shades of all and any colors(esp blue green and red)!!! can be relied upon immensely to look warm and pretty always

Favorite Song: picking favorites for anything is out of my capabilities. also am just listening to my favorite bollywood playlist a lot these days.

Favorite Author: have a working list of favorite poets that does not end at 1. have not read a book seriously in four years of exam/prep-locking. but even if i did, idt ill be able to pick any favorite bcs, yk. good things in many things. (tldr; its roald dahl) (and ruskin bond who i read when i was 5 and still read when im so tired bcs his stories inspire me to write always)

Hobbies: I dance(perform) sometimes? I write??(←derogatory, dubious) make stuff, mostly poems and stories and tinker with free things i can do, both online or craft. analysis of things with friends is a beloved activity. i liek yoga and stretching (rn in an ongoing war with 3° winter mornings to drag myself out of bed and go to class at 6) cooking when i have time but mostly, always, reading (or! watching) stories, poems and learning abt cool nonfiction things (does crying abt fiction count)

Favorite Holiday: none of the above its the trips and getaways u make for yourself. all my beloved memories are always mostly from when our family makes a trip to someplace my mom insists or there's a non-worrying emergency to go somewhere. just family getting together under some pretense, even tho it is stressful as fuck.

Do You Have Any Partner(s): persuading my best friend atm but sadly she's straight</3(no lmao)

Fun facts about you/anything extra you wanna share!: since im having it rn- coffee doesnt keep me up or sometimes even makes me nod off, a fact i discovered after my 14yr old brain had the brilliant idea to try out the cool, forbidden drink after dinner knowing i wasnt allowed to. this is not fun to my ma but growing up in a sort of restrictive household, im also just weirdly good at sneaking and doing stuff im not supposed to without getting caught. i also do not know how to talk in lesser words. this is an absolute curse, yes i have tried. beware</3

this^ is a mess but thank u i had fun!! lemme tag: @winterfloral @syannie @hyunhomoons @quokki @chogiwow @agibbangs @rainknow @lixence @hyunebear @straykidsgallery @jerirose @ambivartence @hongjoongpresent + anyone who wishes to! apologies if tagged already!

[morningstar-warriors]

Warrior Playbooks

Warriors are fighters and defenders of the clan. Nearly every clan cat is expected to become a warrior, as it is seen as a title of honor. This role does all the labor, and battle, looking to their leader and deputy as the highest authority. Warriors are more connected to the code than their religion, more so out of a fear and respect for Star Clan. The typical cat does not fully understand Star Clan and its ways, despite this, warriors are often involved in prophecies.

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Hearts of Fire

Your cat is known for their offensive and ferocious fighting style, they are unafraid to run into combat and shed first blood. These cats tend to be heftier, their blows being slow but meaningful. Only those who are brave, loyal, and courageous have Hearts of Fire. These cats are fighting and hunting focused, the ideal cat to have on patrols, hunts, and in battle.

Add +2 Strength to Ability Score. 

Add +2 in Wrestle, +2 in Arch.

Knacks: 

Second Wind

(1 Strength Chips) 

Your cat must be at Bleeding Damage to use this Knack. 

The Second Wind knack grants your cat a quick burst of strength to defeat their enemies. At Bleeding they are granted 3 extra strength chips. This effect wears off if your cat’s health hits Fading, or once the fight is over. 

Duel

(1 Strength Chips) 

Your cat screeches at an enemy, their passionate challenge completely drawing them in. The Duel Knack allows Hearts of Fire to attract any enemy, taking on the burden of a cornered ally, or saving an innocent. Duel allows your cat advantage on the attack roll against this enemy, and can be used on any player’s turn. 

Pummel

(2 Strength Chips.)

Your cat bats at the enemy with their strong paws. Pummel knocks cats off focus, and confuses their senses. Pummel acts as a multi-attack, allowing your cat to punch an opponent twice. This Knack allows you to use any attack Skill or Knack twice. 

Toss 

(3 Strength Chips.)

The Toss Knack allows your cat to throw an enemy away from them, toss a friend away from danger, or heave heavy objects. If a creature is Tossed unwillingly, they will be knocked prone their next turn. 

Asphyxiate

(3 Strength Chips.)

Your cat must be using the Wrestling Skill to use this Knack.

Your cat slams their paws down on the enemy’s throat, temporarily choking them. The creature must roll Strength + Wrestle against your cat to be free, or they will stay locked in the choke hold for as long as you see fit. Each round the cat is held down they take a point of harm. An enemy is unconscious once they are at Severe Harm.

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Claws of Wind

Your cat is swift and calculated, this fighting style can be used defensively or offensively. Your cat may make short bursts of attacks, or dodge gracefully away from enemy claws. These cats are considered the most intelligent, specializing in knowing an enemy’s next move before they strike. Claws of Wind make for good teachers, due to their wisdom and flexibility.

Add +2 Intelligence to Ability Score. 

Add  +2 in Swat Skill, and +2 in Chase.

Knacks:

Sharp Eyed

(1 Intelligence Chips.)

Your cat is experienced enough in combat to predict another fighter’s move. When using the Sharp Eyed Knack, You may choose to have your cat attack at the start of their opponent’s turn or immediately evade an on-coming attack. 

Play Dead

(1 Intelligence Chip)

Your cat goes limp under the weight of an enemy, tricking them into thinking they’ve won. Only for your cat to viciously attack while the enemy’s guard is down. When using Play Dead your cat may make a Bite or Swat attack that causes 1 extra harm, or trick an enemy into leaving them alone. 

Fake out

(2 Intelligence Chips.)

Your cat can use misdirection, tricking their combatants into missing an oncoming attack. A beast must make a DC 4 Intelligence + See check to evade Fake Out’s effects. to give their opponent disadvantage on any skill based attack. 

Sweeping Blow

(3 Strength Chips.)

Sweeping Blow may only be used once. 

Your cat knocks an enemy off their paws, throwing them off from their next attack. A beast must make a DC 5 Spirit + Jump check to evade Sweeping Blow’s effects. Sweeping Blow prevents an enemy from attacking on their turn, effectively skipping them in the initiative order. 

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Minds of Shadow

Your cat prefers to wait in the shadows, only striking when it's essential. These cats are best with a defensive fight style, using their intuition to sense impending attacks. Those with Minds of Shadow may have a cold heart, but their hardened sensibilities allow them to escape unscathed. These cats make for good patrollers, spies, and battle planners. 

Add +2 Spirit to Ability Score. 

Add +2 in Sneak Skill, +2 in Speech.

Knacks: 

Manipulation

(1 Spirit Chip.)

Your cat has a silver tongue that allows it to scrape by and lie to other cats. Using the  Manipulation Knack allows your cat to produce a convincing lie. This is a Knack that can be used on other players, but will only work if your cat wins the contested roll: Spirit+Speech vs Spirit+Focus. Whomever has the most successes, wins. 

Silence

(+2 Spirit Chips.)

Your cat must either be sneaking, or using a stealth based knack.

Your cat slaps a paw over an unsuspecting enemy, muffling their surprised meows until they fall limp. The Silence Knack is an effective way to knock out an enemy quietly, and nonlethally. The creature being silenced must make a DC 5 Strength Check or be knocked unconscious.

Battle Strategy

(3 Intelligence Chips.)

Your cat taps into their knowledge of other clans, and creatures, to discuss which plan of action is best. Roll a 1d6, depending on how high the dice roll is, the Narrator can reveal the stat blocks and moves of the expected enemy. Rolling a 6 guarantees you the enemy’s entire stat sheet. 

Shadow Stalker

(+3 Spirit Chips.)

A cat slinks into the shadows, becoming remotely invisible. Despite a cat's ability to see in the dark, the Shadow Stalker Knack allows your cat to be completely undetectable in the dark.