#Fresh St Market

[goodlifevancouver]

Fresh St. Market Opens in Lower Lonsdale

Fresh St. North Van Market in Lower Lonsdale Partners with FoodMesh to Donate Meals   B.C.-based and family-owned Fresh St. Market North Van celebrated the official opening; it’s now the eighth location at 150 Esplanade West, in North Vancouver on November 15.  We attended the opening and were super proud to see Sea Cider Temperance Series non-alcoholic cider on their shelves. I am the BC…

[prattlinpeach]

St Thomas Day 2: Red Hook and a Snorkel

I don’t think I ever got tired of that view! The only thing I wish our room had was a screen door to the balcony so we could have slept with the door open and had the sea air and breeze, sometimes, coming through the room. I do so love the sleeping with the windows open! Especially at the beach! Waking up on our own with the sun, maybe even a little before…eventually got motivated and went down…

[saintsenara]

At what age do you think Snape joined the death eaters? And when do you think he got the dark mark? (it's hard for me to believe that all death eaters got them right when they joined, but if you think differently, I'm open to reading why)

thank you very much for the ask, anon!

i'm currently writing a big "snape's experience in the first war" fic - scylla and charybdis [don't be put off by the pairing! it's really all about politics! don't be put off by that either!] - so this is, unsurprisingly, a question i've spent a lot of time musing on.

the timeline i'm laying out in the fic is that snape's first contact with the death eaters as an organisation comes in the summer of 1976 - when he's just finished his fifth year of school and is, since his relationship with lily has only just broken down, raw and angry and unmoored, and primed for radicalisation.

it's clear in canon that the death eaters were recruiting openly at hogwarts during the 1970s, especially within slytherin, by exploiting not only the social networks caused by all the pureblood families being interrelated, but also the social ties which existed between recent graduates and those still at school. lucius malfoy - for example - is heavily implied in the text to be one of voldemort's primary sources of new recruits, and to be the person responsible for putting snape in touch with the dark lord specifically.

[it's also clear that this is an element of voldemort's recruitment process that the order are spectacularly naive about - the reaction to harry's belief in half-blood prince that draco malfoy has been marked as a death eater is a case in point. slughorn's complete unwillingness to do anything about the death eaters looking for fresh meat is a key part of this - but dumbledore's failure to intervene is also significant.]

i decided, then, to have lucius tell voldemort - whose operation would need potions for all sorts of reasons [poisons, healing potions for terrorists who can't just rock up at st mungo's, illicit brews for the black market] - that he knows a potions prodigy who, as he's uncovered through his network of contacts at hogwarts, is sympathetic to the dark lord's cause. voldemort then begins a long, multi-stage vetting process to test if this is true - snape is instructed to make a potion of dubious legality and deliver it to one of voldemort's agents, who reveals the criminal use it will be put to. when snape doesn't contact the aurors, the process repeats, with him gradually moving up a chain of command - from a low-level petty criminal [voldemort's version of mundungus fletcher] up to the dark lord's spymaster general, augustus rookwood. having passed the test with rookwood, he is then permitted to meet voldemort.

my view is that snape spends the final two years of his schooling being subjected to a voldemort-sanctioned charm offensive, the most important part of which is the dark lord promising him a salaried job as a potioneer once he leaves hogwarts.

i say this a lot, but it's clear in canon that snape was particularly susceptible to voldemort's propaganda because he believed [not incorrectly!] that the dark lord would offer him opportunities which his blood status and class background would ordinarily deny him - and i think we can assume that the wizarding version of academic science [which - as i've said here, in a longer meta on snape's training, seems to retain its early-modern structure, and therefore rely on personal wealth rather than institutional settings] is one of the things he believed he had no chance of pursuing.

and so, when snape graduates in 1978, i think he becomes a death eater full time - working for voldemort on a stipend paid by the malfoys.

i don't think that he's given the dark mark until he's been in voldemort's service for several months. but i don't think he's kept from it for too long either.

[not least because snape's entire relationship with the mark is hubristic - he's so ashamed of it in the second war because he was so proud of it in the first - which means that he has to be given it before voldemort settles on harry as the child referred to in the prophecy in the latter half of 1980.]

my view is that voldemort doesn't have a set timeline for granting the mark, but instead offers it to his followers whenever he thinks it will be most useful [to him] for him to do so.

draco malfoy, for example, is clearly marked the second voldemort decides to use him to kill dumbledore - and voldemort does this as a way of emphasising the utter disregard in which he holds lucius malfoy following the prophecy debacle, through taking ownership of [and quite literally branding] his son. i think regulus is given the mark similarly quickly after joining the death eaters - not because voldemort has any particular interest in him but because, as i've said in this meta on him, regulus is evidently accepted into voldemort's inner circle because he's related to other prominent death eaters, and so giving him the mark is a way for voldemort to keep these death eaters [bellatrix in particular] happy.

on the other hand, i am certain that peter pettigrew doesn't receive his dark mark until 1994, after he's restored voldemort to the semi-body which allows him to be moved, brought him to england, and helped him contact barty crouch jr. and put the plan to kidnap harry in motion - and i also think that voldemort dangled the promise of the mark [without ever seriously intending to grant it] over him in 1980-81, as a way of keeping him loyal, deferential, and eager to please. he's implied to be doing something similar with fenrir greyback in deathly hallows.

voldemort, master manipulator that he is, will have been very well aware that snape's fundamental pathology is a desire for respect. the teen snape wants to be recognised for his brilliance - and, indeed, his superiority - by those who currently consider him beneath them. he wants james and sirius to cower before him because they recognise that he's fundamentally better than them - despite their wealth and their social position - and he wants lily to choose him over james because she recognises this too.

and so i think snape would regard a quick dark mark as a participation trophy - something someone like regulus gets because they're a toff, but not something which indicates that voldemort holds the bearer in high esteem. but he's also not going to be prepared to wait for years with the mark dangling over his head like a carrot, because he'd regard that as voldemort being perfectly willing to give the posh the mark just for being rich and annoying, but not being willing to recognise that he's the superior recruit.

what he'd want - and what, i presume, he gets - is to be rewarded with the mark for doing something specific for voldemort which he thought displayed his brilliance perfectly, and which voldemort was happy to indulge him in thinking.

and i have two suggestions for what that could be:

a. snape assists voldemort in the creation of the potion which guards the locket-horcrux [not, of course, knowing exactly what it would be used for], which adds another layer to his involvement in dumbledore's death [and - which is relevant in scylla and charybdis at least - also involves him in regulus']. b. voldemort gives him the mark for reporting the prophecy.

[vintagelasvegas]

1500-1506 Las Vegas Blvd. Leavitt Building AKA Lincoln Market and Shopping Center (1954), today’s Travelers B&B Hotel (2020s).

In the 1940s, Lincoln Auto Court operated here at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd, S. 3rd St, and Utah Ave, at a time when this was still the southern edge of town. Gerald Leavitt, fresh from the U.S. Air Force, bought Lincoln Auto Court and added Lincoln Market. Gerald and brother Vaughn Leavitt built the 2-story Leavitt Building in 1954. The building had the market on the ground floor, 20 offices upstairs, and a single story row of motel rooms in back. Sierra Construction Corp, contractor. Ray W. Baldwin & Richard C. Bledsoe, architects. Lincoln Market and Shopping Center had a grand opening Jan. ’55.

Leavitt brothers also opened the modern Towne & Country Motel.

Several businesses have come and gone from the retail space. In the '70s-2010s the lodging in back was Silver Spur Hotel.

Circa early 50s, facing South 3rd St facing south towards Utah Ave. Sign for Lincoln Auto Court on the far block. In the center of the photo is Ritz Vegas Motel, a sign which still stands in the 2020s.

Construction of the Leavitt Building. Review-Journal, 9/20/54.

Gerald (left) and Vaughn (right) in front of Lincoln Market, Leavitt Building, 1950s.

Interior of Lincoln Market. Review-Journal, 1/26/55.

Photos and source information from Lisa Messenger. Lincoln Market photo, yearbook scan from Dane Michael Bruce. Other sources include New Oil Company Opens in Vegas. Review-Journal, 3/13/42; A Few New and Used Mattresses (advt). Review-Journal, 12/1/42 p9; Western Finance (advt). Review-Journal, 11/30/42 p5; Parade (advt). Review-Journal, 11/20/47 p17; New Building. Review-Journal, 9/20/54 p7; New Grocery Market Open On Thursday. Review-Journal, 1/26/55 p15.

[k-hippie]

...

CHAMPIGNAC World ( aka Sims de Nimes ) is coming in few days ;)

If we put the fantastic gameplay apart, ALL Sims 3 Worlds are about AMBIANCE ... and good Sims 3 Worlds are more about ambiance than everything else ;) It's a quest which doesn't end :D

Champignac ( codename : Sims de Nimes ) is a project we began a long ago ( 2018 ) and left rest in a corner of our CAW files. Paused, but never forgotten. Frankly, it was long due and time to finish.

Champignac is a French true suburbia living world based on Champs-les-Sims but cleaned up of its vacation stuff ... So you will get everything of a Maxis standard World ( the ice cream truck, the university guy ) and of course the ability to go to every vacation world ( including Champs-les-Sims )

We redid almost everything : the grass textures, the pavement and road textures, etc ... We added richness to this world with singular and very interesting stuff ...

80 lots are available. Both community and residential. We redid the native lots almost from the ground and used them for something else, except Place des Oliviers which kept its initial function and placement.

We used Votenga @ MTS who converted many things from Sims Medieval such as old castle tower we used a lot or the fantastic St Gall Monastery from efolger997 @ MTS we transformed a bit to get an incredible Winery lot ( yes, there is a Winery ... gosh, this is France after all ) ;)

We used lots from Sims 3 creators and we made many others with great care and as low as possible cheating build options ... We are not bold at Sims houses creation but we tried to make as diverse as possible in our constructions, but always staying in the guide of specific South of France style and design. Anyway, this will be to you to add your own vision and architectural art to Champignac ! ;)

ALL 80 lots are French flavored ( red terracotta roofs, white stone ) to get a unique style for a unique world :)

Nestled in the heart of the charming South of France, Champignac is a town adorned with the alluring flair of Mediterranean culture. As the Sims step into this picturesque town, they are immediately enveloped by the warmth of the sun, and the vibrant colors that paint the streets ...

No false antic stuff here. No false image from the 60's ... It is a fully contemporary world but with its own old stuff. Champignac boasts a unique blend of history and modernity all together :)

The ambiance is one of relaxation and leisure, inspired by the leisurely lifestyle of the South of France. Here, residents take the time to savor the pleasures of life, indulging in delicious cuisine, delightful conversations under the shade of trees. The town's bustling markets offer an array of fresh produce, colorful fabrics, enticing the Sims to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Champignac offers the Sims a captivating and enriching experience. From the stunning architecture to the delectable cuisine, every aspect of this town reflects the South of France's intoxicating charm.

Many more details to come with the coming download post ...

So ... Stay tuned ;) ( and always safe )

blackgryffin

[talonabraxas]

🌻🌞🌻 Blessed Litha to all that celebrate 🌻🌞🌻 Litha 2024

Themes: abundance, growth, masculine energy, love, magic

Also known as: Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Gathering Day, St. John’s Day, St. John’s Eve, Summer Solstice, Alban Hefin, Feill-Sheathain

“Litha” is the name given to the Wiccan Sabbat celebrated at the Summer Solstice. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year, marking the pinnacle of the Sun’s power to fuel the growing season. From here on out, the Sun will set a little earlier each night until Yule, and so we recognize and give thanks for its warmth.

Though it’s typically celebrated on June 21st, the exact moment of the Summer Solstice varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of June 20-22 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year.

As the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the God is now in his full power, and the Goddess of the Earth is bringing forth the greatest abundance of the year. The crops are reaching their full maturity and the forests are bursting with lush growth. In just a few short weeks, the harvest season will begin, but for now we pause to celebrate the manifestation of what was planted in the early weeks of Spring. The warm sunlight is a welcome contrast to the cold and dark of Winter, and we bask in its comforts. There is a focus on the Element of Fire in honor of the Sun God, but recognition is also given to the Horned God of the forest and its wild animal life.

Wicca Sabbats

Ancient pagans celebrated the Solstice with torchlight processions and giant bonfires to ritually strengthen the Sun. Another tradition found among European cultures was centered on the need for balance between the Elements of Fire and Water—large wheels were set on fire and rolled downhill into creeks, rivers or lakes, perhaps as a charm against summertime drought. This is also the traditional time for gathering wild herbs for medicine and magic, as most are fully grown by Midsummer and the power of this particular day will add to their benefits. For this reason, Litha is known as Gathering Day in Wales.

To celebrate this Sabbat, you can decorate your altar with summer flowers, herbs and fruits, and summer colors like yellow, green and blue. This is a traditional time for rites of re-dedication to the God and Goddess, as well as divination related to love and romance. Keep at least one candle lit throughout the day to honor the Sun, and if possible hold your Litha rituals at noon, when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Have an outdoor picnic feast to bask in the warmth of the day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables—ideally from a farmer’s market or harvested from your own garden. This is a good time for magic related to masculine energies and any situation that needs to be “fired up” in your life.

Litha was long known as Midsummer, an older name for the Solstice that emphasizes the actual course of the warmer months in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer was considered to begin around May 1st, when Beltane (or May Day) is celebrated, with June 21st marking the midpoint of the season. The name “Litha” is traced back to an old Anglo-Saxon word for the month of June, and came into use as a Wiccan name for this Sabbat in the second half of the 20th century. However, many Pagans continue to use the more traditional “Midsummer.”

The Cosmic Garden Talon Abraxas

[meltedbluecaterpillar]

Olfactophilia

ST☆RISH - QUARTET NIGHT

TW FOR SEMI SUGGESTIVE CONTENT! These are my personal headcanons on what I think the idols would wear. You do not have to agree with me. I just dislike how Broccoli always gives their character merch scents like; apple or lavender. They are adult men in an entertainment industry. They usually get promotional items so I think that they have preferences... But I also have a thing for exploring the world around me with my nose first. I hope you enjoy.

Quick explanation; top notes, middle notes, and base notes are the length of how long the scent will last when applied. Top notes; 5 - 15 minutes / Middle notes; 1 hour / Base notes; Max of 6 hours

Eiichi Ootori

Heavenly Delusion by ASTRE Unisex Cologne Around 200 USD // 31,554 Yen

I think grape is a very childish smell for someone like Eiichi. It reminds me of candy with the manufactured taste. So! I decided to take some creative liberties. My original choice also wasn't something I wanted to stick with. I like this much better after looking between the two. So this will be my final choice! The top notes are tangerine, blood orange, and pink pepper! It is citrusy with a bite of pepper that I think retains masculinity while still being unisex? Going in to hug him or leaning in close would make your eyes widen with surprise almost. The middle notes are peony, rose, lily of the valley, cinnamon, and ginger! A lot of floral notes but they are not overwhelming because of the cinnamon and ginger. It is a balance that almost smells earthy? It's powdery and you start to feel your body really relax with this one. And finally the base notes. We have coffee, vanilla bourbon, sandalwood, patchouli, and white musk(white flowers like jasmine). This is where we have a soft and alluring smell. Very heavenly (haha!) like you're drifting away on a cloud the longer you inhale and close your eyes. I specifically wanted a coffee note for Eiichi since I know he is a fan of fancy chocolate and coffee. Which... If they would've used either of those in a merch fragrance I would have been happier...

The longer that Eiichi holds you the less you want him to let go... Is it intentional?

Eiji Ootori

Endymion Concentré by PENHALIGON'S Masculine Cologne Around 120 USD // 18,889 Yen

My first reason for choosing this is a personal headcanon. Endymion is said to be very handsome! I think Eiji is very handsome and sweet, but also... I have another reason for choosing it. But that is a secret! The top notes are lavender, bergamot, and sage. These give off the scent that may remind you of a fresh bouquet. Imagine that he brought them to you on a late night date. Very alluring and pleasant when sprayed. The middle notes are suede and geranium! Which I really like because the suede is very masculine and mature and the florals all mesh wonderfully. It isn't overbearing at all! Which can happen very easily with the usage of too many floral scents the fragrance will just smell like a big garden. Finally, the base notes are leather, nutmeg, and incense(usually very powdery). Now this is where the cologne has left its childish phase and has matured into something very sexy and adult which I personally like for Eiji. He looks up to his older brother and wants to show you that him being younger doesn’t mean he can’t treat you right! The nutmeg and leather is actually something very ‘intimate’ when it comes to scent with how they mesh. And the incense as a note reminds me of what tends to happen after the very romantic date. From the start to the finish you are wrapped up in a loving embrace!~!

Eiji wants you to see him as man, not a boy... Please, allow him to show you what he can do...

Kira Sumeragi

Dark Lord by Kilian Masculine Cologne Around 295 USD // 46,543 Yen

This was a choice I was happy to make. I think that Kira would wear something seductive because of how he is marketed. He is actually a very sweet and quiet guy who isn’t very good with his words. So when he wants to prove a point to you, I would like to thing he would do it without having to speak!~! Our top notes are Sichuan pepper, bergamot, and cloves! A spicy and sweet opening that is elegant and an immediate head turner. He already has your attention without saying a single word. The middle notes are davana(sharp and bitter smelling herb), jasmine, rum, and birch. This is much warmer than our top notes and it’s almost like you’re being hypnotized. Pulled in by the smell that lingers on his clothes. Very rich and it’s such a gorgeous smell already and we have one more layer left to the cologne!The base notes are leather, vetiver, cedar, amber, oakmoss, and nagarmotha(strong earthy smell)! So this all melts together and it’s so wonderful it’s actually hard to describe in words for me personally. The leather, vetiver, and nagarmotha all work together in a way that feels very handsome if that makes sense. They go together extremely well which makes me smile! While the cedar, amber, and oakmoss have a lighter and fresh smell. Very earthy and clean and it’s almost like a breath of fresh air. All together you will be captivated by your dark lord Kira- I mean… He wants to tell you about his intense wants. But he wears this instead hoping that you understand him!

It’s already too late for you now… Kira has placed you under his spell without making a sound…

Shion Amakusa

Fahrenheit 32 by Dior Masculine Cologne Around 105 USD // 16,492 Yen

Sadly, this fragrance has been discontinued. But that doesn't change the fact that it smells wonderful. My original choice for Shion was based on a surface level understanding. Mostly me viewing him as an idol with fandom jokes and not really an overall person. So I have decided to finalize my choice of fragrance with something as classy as Fahrenheit 32 by Dior. So the bottle is very glossy, appearing frosted from the cold. However there is a double meaning! The outside if Fahrenheit, and the inside is Celsius. Due to the fragrance offering a warm smell and feeling upon wear! At least that is what I believe! The notes listed are very basic which is actually fantastic. The smell is intended to replicate laying in bed with the person you really love. To invoke the emotions you might feel with something so peaceful and intimate. The top notes are iris, rose and orange blossom. It's very floral and pretty. Delicate in a nice way with the subtle citrus. The middle notes are vanilla, white tobacco and vetiver(it's a plant). Now it fades from floral to warm and smooth! Very cozy and the citrus mixes nicely with the vanilla. Almost like a creamcicle? There is a lingering sweetness but it has a more intimate smell now. Lastly the base notes are... Soap! This is a mix of floral concentrates usually but it smells like a plain white bar of soap if that makes sense! Fresh and clean!~!

Shion would be happy to lay under the sheets with you... But only if you're interested in what could happen next...

Nagi Mikado

Fox in the Flowerbed by Imaginary Authors Feminine Cologne Around 105 USD // 16,492 Yen

Nagi is a cunning and 'cute' character. Also I can never pinpoint how old he actually is? So I assume 13 - 16 range. But he uses the cute gimmick and little kid aesthetic as much as he can since HEAVENS was given a wider range of ages in one group to maximize the appeal. So that means even though Nagi will one day grow up, he has to really play the younger sibling role as long as he can. So I picked this fragrance! It is far more feminine than it is unisex, but I don't think Nagi would choose something overly masculine since that it doesn't fit with his usual aesthetic? But he is also... A young man... He probably had a short phase of wearing AXE before he became an idol. The top notes are jasmine, mountain air (a combination of scents that make it smell fresh and earthy), and tulips. It's a very refreshing smell that comes off as walking straight into a garden when it's nice and cool outside. The middle notes are honey and olibanum (it's a resin that smells like frankincense! Woody and a little fruity). This is where it starts to seem more childish but not in a bad way! The honey and olibanum give you a sweetness that shows what Nagi attempts to project to the fans. He is your 'Cutie Nagi'. Of course he would smell sweet and cute! And finally the base notes are pink pepper and thistle. The base notes together have a slight spicy scent which makes the scent somewhat fierce? The cunning fox in the flowerbed. Nagi want's to be the cute youngest but there's also part of him that wants to be seen as mature. So I think the fragrance being more sweet and floral with that delicate snap of pepper is very fitting for him as a character.

Nagi wants a big hug from you! Secretly hoping his cologne will cling to you when he lets you go...

Yamato Hyuga

Bubble Bath by Maison Margiela Unisex Cologne Around 165 USD // 25,944 Yen

I actually dislike Yamato as a character. For a very petty reason I cannot disclose. But I cannot allow my personal bias to give him something that I don't think would fit him. My heart says 'cheap Old Spice' but after doing a quick search he has a citrus scent for his fragrance? He is childish to a certain extent but just saying 'citrus' always has the reminiscence of cleaner fluids and things you find under a kitchen sink. And I think that wouldn't be accurate to him as a character? So, I decided to give him Bubble Bath by Maison Margiela! It is part of a collection called REPLICA which was designed to literally replicate the smell of whatever the name of the cologne is. It is technically meant to be a unisex fragrance but it is more feminine leaning. Which I chose intentionally for Yamato. He has a very hard outside, but he has soft insides. I would like to see it more if I had the chance... Anyway, our top notes are soap(again!) and bergamot. The top notes are a very... Foamy smell? If that makes sense. A scentless soap for sensitive skin. Although it lacks a fragrance, there is a hint of something clean, fresh, and floral. Delicate if that makes sense. The middle notes are lavender, rose, and jasmine. Still very subtle and pleasant. I like it a lot because I think Yamato is very self conscious and overly hygienic because he loves to workout and move his body. But because of that he fears smelling bad since he is also an idol. The base notes are coconut, white musk, patchouli. It has almost like... A clean linen smell. Fresh out of the dryer where it isn't super hot but it's like a warm hug from your towel after you get out of the lukewarm bath water. Again I view Yamato as overly aware of his personal hygiene because he is a gym rat so I choose to believe he will always smell fresh and clean. He doesn't look like a cologne person at all haha!~!

Someone like Yamato having such a delicate smell... Even he has a soft side to him...

Van Kiryuin

Decimo by Gritti Masculine Cologne Around 193 USD // 30,450 Yen

So it actually came as a surprise to me than Van is associated with the scent of bergamot according to his fragrance merch. My original scent choice was a wood and earthy smell but I decided that I have changed my mind. So we have Decimo by Gritti which I think fits Van very well! The top notes are bergamot and black currant! A citrusy and tart opening. Which gives you a 'cool' feeling. Relaxed if that makes sense. The middle notes are birch, patchouli, and rose. This is where it melts down and you get a lovely inhale of floral. Warm and woody, still masculine and fresh which I personally am a big fan of. Especially for someone like Van! Finally our base notes, which would be ambergris(), musk, and vanilla. "Musk" is actually something you would extract after killing a deer. "Ambergris" is found inside of the Sperm Whale that offers a warm, salty smell. However it is considered cruel and is illegal to buy and sell for the sake of fragrance. So! Both of these are actually something synthetic with a pheromonic effect. And from what I have researched has occasionally caused 'excitement' in the opposite sex if you are catching my drift. The entirety of the base is more like an intimate hug and whispers against your neck you can't help but squeak in surprise!

Van is more bite than he is bark... Please tread carefully or he might eat you up!

[trivialbob]

Last night Sheila and I went to a seafood place. For a cheeseburger.

Coastal Seafoods in Minneapolis is a fresh seafood market. It's a neat little place. When @littlerunnergurl visited us years ago she and I shopped there for ingredients of a seafood stew LRG made for us.

There's a small counter for hot food in back. Two four-tops and a small row of bars stools next to a cold window is the complete dining room. A Facebook page devoted to smashburgers had mentioned this place's burger recently. That's what got us over there.

We ordered one Coastal Burger. "Two 4oz Wagyu Beef Patties, Caramalized Onion Jam, Pickles, American Cheese, & Dijon Mayo on Toasted Brioche!" (images from the Coastal Foods website)

I also ordered the wonderful looking Connecticut Style Lobster Roll. "Warm Lobster & Seasoned Butter on a Toasted Tom Cat Bakery Roll"

The cook cut them in half so Sheila and I could try some of each. Both were fantastic. We didn't order French fries or any sides. The older I get the wiser I am about not ordering too much food. For sure if there had been a serving of fries in front of me I wouldn't have left until the plate was clean. As it was, we walked out feeling satisfied yet not needing to adjust the car seats back so we could fit in the Subaru.

I'd been wanting to see some dive bars. A block away is the Fraternal Order of Eagles #34. It's an appropriately dimly lit place where most of the customers seemed to know each other. We didn't order food, but I almost did just to purchase a cheeseburger for under ten bucks, a rare thing these days.

The bartender was friendly. She knew what to pour for people a few times without asking. I chuckled when she asked us if we'd be okay for a bit unattended when she went outside for a quick smoke.

It's located at the intersection of two similarly named streets. When I was a kid it was mind-blowing when I saw Minneapolis street signs with the same numbers. Sure, the Av and St make a difference, but it still seemed like division by zero to someone not yet accustomed to how cities named numbered east/west and north/south roads. Similarly, I was amazed when my dad pointed out the named streets in some places were in freaking alphabetical order.

After a bottle of beer (and a sunset) we drove south a short distance through the cold and dark night to the Schooner Tavern. It too is at an intersection of numbered streets.

It was a bit louder, but no less dimly lit, than the previous place. The two bartenders were very friendly. Sheila and I again sat at the bar for one beer.

We listened to conversations around us. It was only 5:30 PM but some folks appeared to have started the evening early. A frazzled looking guy (who was probably 15 years younger than he actually appeared) must have gotten the happy hour special on "fucks" which seem to have been a 20-for-1 deal. Whew, I got tired of hearing that word used as noun, verb, adjective, preposition, pronoun, article, and adverb.

The bottles behind the bar appeared to glow. If the bar had been quieter maybe I would have heard them hum.

Sometimes I want of those tiny Red Bull refrigerators with the glass door (as seen in the left side of this picture I took). Sheila doesn't think it would look appropriate on our coffee table no matter how well it fit. People would probably trip over the power cord she also claims. I still want one though.

We still enjoyed the atmosphere while we had one beer. After that we headed to the brewery by our house. It's at the intersection of one named and one numbered street, more to the sensibilities of my suburban mind.

We met up with one couple we know and another couple who were on a second date. The guy is a regular, the woman is new to that crowd. At first she seemed like she wanted to move to a private table. Soon though she warmed up to us, and the six of us had a great conversation.

I'm going to start looking up some more dive bars for another weekend.

[scariusaquarius]

the devil in i.

Serial Killer! Leon S. Kennedy x Female! Reader

Summary: There’s something different about that cute strawberry vendor in town. Leon’s so eager to get to know his new playmate. What better way than a surprise house visit?

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A/n: I’ve been working on this for ages and let it collect dust but after playing boyfriend to death, I’ve become extremely inspired! Let’s see how fucked up my mind can get 😊

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Genre: Horror, Dark Content, Erotica Rated: Explicit Warning: Dark Content, Noncon/Dubious Consent, Stalking, Choking, Blood Play, Knife Play, Death, Gore, Slight Torture, Slight Sexual Torture, Slight Mutilation, DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT

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Author: ScariusAquarius

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Fear was often described as cold. It was a freezing feeling; one that kept a person unable to speak and think…it made people complacent…willing…the perfect candidates for insanity to sink itself into the mind and reap what had been sown.

The thrill of instilling it was addictive and enticing. It was an adrenaline rush that made his blood boil with excitement whenever he would find a new person to play with; to hear their sanity teetering on the precipice until he finally pushed them off the edge.

His hands were stained, red and sweet as he breathed heavily, calming the boiling of his blood as the man stayed kneeling before a stilled body, watching the way the blood dripped from the skinned and disembodied torso he had been playing with.

He would have to dispose of the body…get a fire going to roast the meat he had saved; warm up his cold limbs and eat the strawberries he had bought earlier that day.

The thought of sweetness within his mouth made the man lick his bloodied fingers, a drunk look within his blue eyes as he enjoyed the small treat that he imagined tasted like strawberry syrup before he stood. A mirror stood on the other side of the room, and the man took a look at himself.

His body was naked, splatters of blood all over his body, and his hands ran over the blood. It was his favorite part about coming down from the high and yet the most hated.

He was just never satisfied.

Within his sickened mind, tainted by the years of trauma and abuse that the system had put him through, Leon Kennedy was never satisfied anymore. There was nothing that brought him true joy; nothing that could save him from the tendrils of madness that clutched at him and brought him further and further within the black abyss in his soul.

Truly, it wasn’t his fault.

For years, Leon had been forced to watch people die and turn into monsters that shouldn’t have ever existed. Zombies and mutant monsters were only supposed to exist in terrifying stories and Hollywood, but for Leon, they were very real, and he had watched them destroy his whole life right before his very eyes.

The government had never helped him. They never cared about him nor the people that he lost. Why should he keep doing what he did? Why should he keep saving humanity? Why would he give a fuck about people that never even gave him a simple fucking thanks? The world never knew about all the blood and sweat and tears he had shed for the sake of humanity just to be fucked over and over and over.

Leon glared at himself in the mirror before he turned away from the mirror, trembling and shaking as he slightly stumbled out of the room. He was getting too worked up. If he got too worked up, he was going to need to go hunting again.

But then again, would Leon ever resist the need?

Leon stepped up the stairs to the first floor, walking to the kitchen and opening the fridge, uncaring of the blood he was tracking through his desolate home as he pinched out the bowl of fresh strawberries from the cool shelves.

Plucking the biggest and reddest of the bunch, Leon bit into it and erotically groaned, eyes fluttering shut as he thought of you, the cute little strawberry vendor from the market. Would you taste as sweet? Would you be just as juicy and wet as he played with you, your own juices running down his chin just like the strawberry he was suckling and chewing on?

For weeks, Leon had been frequenting the farmers market, always making sure to swing by your stand and buy your sweet berries when he went into town. From the moment that Leon had first seen you in the farmers market, Leon hadn’t been able to stop thinking about you and stop going to your stand.

Your voice plagued his dreams, your face entered his mind at all hours of the day, and Leon was obsessed. He was obsessed with your presence, and Leon knew that he needed you. Leon needed you so badly that he was sure he couldn’t live without you, so Leon began to plan.

The next time that he saw you, he’d ask you out. He’d ask you out, take you somewhere really nice, and then Leon would bring you home for some play time. Leon could see it now: you’d be in a sexy little dress just for him, showing off your pretty body for him while the two of you had dinner, maybe wearing a lovely little piece of lingerie beneath the sexy fabric of your dress.

You’d be so intrigued with him, wondering about who he was and what he did, and when Leon would refuse to tell you, you’d want to know so badly that you’d even be willing to go home with him…and then play around him with a little bit. Leon suddenly couldn’t help but think about the image of you being a cute little housewife after a while of him fucking you.

You’d clean the dishes, make him dinner, rub his feet after a long day…oh, Leon just had to have you! You weren’t fit to be anybody else’s. Leon made his way into the bathroom to freshen up, stepping into the shower to begin washing off the evils of his actions before he went to go see you. It was like a routine to him now to see you before he would go to bed, watching you sleep and dream without any concern of the real world. You were so sweet, so innocent…Leon didn’t want anybody else but you for his next…affair.

His new playmate.

The whole way to your place, Leon was practically humming with excitement. He wondered if you had noticed some of your missing laundry…if you’ve noticed your panty drawer wasn’t as fully stocked as it usually was.

It was just a souvenir he’d take each visit…panties from your hamper, a bra from your drawer, a shirt or two from the closet, they were sacred little forget-me-knots that the man couldn’t resist taking when he would visit you. As your home approached, Leon took a deep breath and shut the headlights off.

His vehicle was parked just a walk-away from your house, and Leon was quick to get out and sneak his way to your house. His heart was racing with adrenaline, lips wet from how much he was licking and salivating them, and Leon could see your bedroom light dim.

Right on schedule.

You always went to bed at around 9pm so you could wake up early in the morning to set up your spot in the market. Leon nibbled on his bottom lip. Within ten minutes, he’d be in the clear to get inside, and so when those ten minutes passed, Leon was bolting to the front door.

Carefully, Leon unlocked the door with the copy of the house key he had stolen from his last visit. Quietly, Leon looked around. Everything was just as it usually was: blanket folded on the couch, dishes drying on the counter for in the morning, shoes neatly set right by your bag and car keys, and coat hung right on the hanger.

Leon made his way up the stairs, fingers itching with excitement, and Leon slowly opened up your bedroom door. However, you weren’t in bed, and suddenly, Leon’s heart dropped into his stomach.

You were standing in the doorway of your bathroom, eyes wide and mouth agape in shock. For a moment, you both just stood quietly, stunned into a stupor from the shock, and the second you screamed, Leon came at you. You threw the glass of water you had in your hand at him, and Leon cursed when it smashed against his shoulder.

He had to shut you up before your neighbors woke up!

Leon tackled you to the floor, your body thrashing beneath him as he wrestled with you, and Leon hissed as you fought, kicking and scratching at him.

“Dammit, stop it!”

“Get off of me! Someone help me!”

Leon winced before whimpering out, eyes wide and maniacal as he reared his fist back.

“Be quiet!”

Leon brought his fist down against your face, and you stopped moving immediately, body going limp, and Leon panted. Standing up, Leon fisted his hair within his sweaty palms.

No, no, no. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go! He wasn’t ready to be with you just yet. Leon needed more time! Leon began to pace, eyes squeezing shut as he clenched his teeth.

“Dammit, dammit, dammit! Fuck, why couldn’t you have gone to bed like fucking normal!”

Leon kicked your ribs in anger before he shook his head suddenly, hissing softly.

“I’m sorry, I…I didn’t mean it.”

Fuck, he was losing it. Leon needed to get a grip…maybe a drink would make him feel better. Leon ran into the bathroom and placed his mouth under the faucet, turning the tap on and gulping down water as if he hadn’t drank anything in years.

Once Leon finished, he panted and stood up, glancing down at you. He’d just have to move date night to immediately. Leon licked his lips before picking you up, setting you down onto the bed and Leon’s hands trembled as he slowly pulled your clothes off.

Your body was beautiful, so soft beneath his roughened hands as he got you naked, and Leon couldn’t help but salivate at the sight of your naked body. He couldn’t wait to have you beneath him, screaming his name after a successful date.

There was no way this date would go wrong for him again.

Leon’s cock was throbbing beneath his jeans, but he was going to wait. He wanted to enjoy the high of sex with you….wouldn’t it be more sacred that way? Leon couldn’t help himself, his hand gently ghosting his hand up your chest and firmly taking a hold of your breast.

His cheeks were red, blue eyes blown with evil lust as he groped your breast, and Leon couldn’t help but let out a small little whimper. He wanted you so bad, wanted to fuck you so bad, but Leon would wait for you. Leon took a step back and looked through your closet for the sun dress he had seen you wear one time to a date with some bastard that frequented your strawberry stand.

He wondered if you had attended the man’s funeral or if you even knew that he was dead; now just frozen meat within his deep freezer in the basement.

Leon’s heart was racing in excitement as he took out the sundress, and he was quick to put the dress onto your body. Picking your body up and hoisting you over his shoulder, Leon grabbed a handful of your scarves that you had in your drawer. Leon made it downstairs, and he set you into a chair, tying you down tight and gagging you.

You looked so pretty, and Leon was eager for you to wake up. In the mean time, Leon dug into your fridge and began to get to work.

When you came to, there was a pain in your face that had you wincing as your eyes fluttered open. You recognized that you were in your kitchen, the smell of something delicious wafting into your nose, and you were surprised to see that a plate of finely cooked steak, green beans, and mashed potatoes had been cooked.

But you were tied to your chair, wearing nothing but your sundress. Who was that sitting across from you? When you gasped in, a pain in your ribs made you wince again, and you realized he had tied a scarf around your mouth.

What was happening?

The man was one that you recognized, that you knew. He came to your strawberry stand often, always being so sweet and kind…was it really all a ruse? His blue eyes were terrifyingly dark in the candlelight of the candles that he had burned, and you were put-off by the romantic setting he had created.

Was this some sick fantasy?

“I…wasn’t sure how you liked your steak, so I cooked it medium-rare…I hope you enjoy it.”

While his voice was pretty, it was scary to hear him talk so sweet and shy. Your heart was racing, adrenaline rushing through your veins, and you knew you had to get out of here somehow. The man came closer, and you reared back in your seat, eyes wide.

“No, no, it’s okay…I won’t hurt you…don’t you want to eat? You had so little for dinner…you should take better care of yourself.”

His fingers were callused and rough as he pulled the gag back, and his name hit you like a ton of bricks.

“L-Leon? What are you doing? This…this is wrong. Please, let me go.”

His face darkened, and Leon growled at you, grabbing your throat in a tight grip that had you gasping for air.

“Is this not good enough for you? You’d really take that Charlie bastard over me? I could give you so much more than he ever could.”

Charlie, Charlie….oh. The man you had gone on a date with and then never saw again. You whimpered out, hands struggling to break free from the loosening ties around your wrists.

“Charlie…never….never came back!”

Leon chuckled darkly, the sound almost…crazed as his lips curled up slightly in a dark Casanova grin.

“I know he didn’t. He even looks miserable while dying just as he does living…but it’s okay, he was a terrible person anyway…you know he molested his little sister when he was in his teen years? I did the world a favor…another fucking favor.”

He looked jaded, angry, and you took in deep breaths of air as Leon’s demeanor suddenly changed. Leon looked broken, confused and hurt as he clutched your shoulders tightly.

“I keep doing this world favors…and nobody ever thanks me for it….nobody ever tells me they’re grateful…”

He glared at you then, blue eyes wild as begged you.

“Tell me you’re grateful…I did all of this for you! I deserve that, don’t you think?”

You were scared, heart jumping into your throat as his rough nails dug into your shoulders, and you whimpered out as a tear fell down your face and your hands became loose from the ties.

“I…I’m very…grateful. Please, let’s just have dinner, okay?”

There was a plan forming in your head and as Leon bit his lip and nodded, turning to go sit back down, you snatched the steak knife from the table and drove it straight into his leg. Leon howled from the sudden pain, glaring down at the steak knife that was embedded into his thigh right by his knee. You were running away, somewhere still in the house, and Leon’s hand enclosed around the handle before he growled as he yanked it out.

You were going to pay so dearly for lying.

Leon turned, calling out to you as that familiar and boiling rage began to fill him, overturning the table and making plates and everything shatter against the wall.

“Get back here, you fucking bitch!”

He was like a lying stalking its prey, tracking your whereabouts. You hadn’t left the house. Leon didn’t hear the bells he had put atop the doors jingle, so you probably knew that he’d know you had left and would go after you. Smart girl, but Leon couldn’t put it past his cute strawberry vendor.

You’d always been so annoyingly intelligent, but that’s what made it fun.

Stalking quietly through the house, Leon was breathing deeply through his nose. He could smell your shampoo wafting through the air, leading him upstairs to the guest bedroom, and he couldn’t help but giggle and place the tip of the bloody knife to his lips.

“(Y/n), you’re so silly…if you wanted to play a game, all you had to do was ask! I love hide-and-seek…but you know, you’re supposed to let me count while you run!”

Leon’s eyes closed and he whispered.

“One…”

You could hear him right outside the guest bedroom door, your hands covering your mouth and nose as you hyperventilated, trying to keep your breathing down and silent. His steps were almost inaudible, but you knew he was coming. It was only a matter of time.

“Two…”

Looking around the room, you tried to find something you could use to defend yourself within the tiny closet you had hidden yourself in. Boxes that you had yet to unpack were stacked around you, but pulling the tape would create too much noise and alert Leon to your location.

There was a curtain rod in the corner; propped up and unused, and you picked it up carefully.

“Three.”

His voice seemed far away, most likely in your bedroom, and you could hear the man looking through your things. Swallowing thickly, you quietly opened up the closet door. The bedroom door was still closed, thankfully, so you quietly walked out, heart racing.

It was almost disorienting; the fear that was coursing through your veins, and you wandered to the window. It would squeak when opened, and it was quite a drop, but if you could jump far enough to land into the bushes below, maybe you would still have a chance.

“Four…five…”

He was beginning to count faster, becoming unfair in his eagerness to catch you, and you inwardly cursed. Leon wasn’t giving you any time to think of a real plan of action and you swallowed thickly as the anxiety began to get to you. Slowly, you unlocked the window, and your heart began to race as you placed your hands on the window.

“Six, seven, eight!”

He sounded excited; invigorated with the impending doom he would bring upon you, and you swung the window open, the sound echoing through the terrifyingly silent home.

“Nine, ten, here I come!”

Without warning, the guest bedroom door was kicked in, making you scream with fright loudly. The back of your head was grabbed, hair fisted within his large fist, and suddenly your face was smashed into the window. A sickening crack sounded, the window and your nose breaking loudly, and blood gushed down from your nostrils.

Stunned from the force of Leon’s attack, Leon forced you away from the window before he slammed it shut, locking it, and he roughly pushed you down onto the floor, making your knees smack onto the hardwood floor. Fire ran through your legs from the harsh drop, and you could hear Leon pick up the curtain rod.

“What this? Were you going to try to fight your way out?”

Leon couldn’t help but laugh at you, grabbing you by the ankle when you went to crawl away, and you yelped when he yanked you back. Leon was holding the knife in one hand and curtain rod in the other, a dark smirk on his lips.

“I like it when they try to fight…it makes it so much fun…breaking them is the best part.”

Leon swung the curtain rod down, smacking it right into your stomach, and you cried out, curling yourself up into a ball as the pain made tears come to your eyes. Leon was grinning at you, eyes wild at the sound of your cries, and he slowly walked around your body, taking you in.

“What’s the matter, honey? I thought you liked it when I was rough.”

You scooted away from him when Leon began to get closer, and his eyes darkened, shutting slightly as Leon licked his lips.

“Maybe I should take you back to my house so we can really have some fun. I have so many things we could try…but you’ve upset me already…I was going to be so sweet to you.”

You swallowed thickly, pleading softly.

“Please, please don’t do this! I’m sorry!”

That seemed to be the wrong choice of action.

Leon’s eyes became enraged, lips curling back as he yelled out.

“You’re sorry? You’re fucking sorry? That’s all you fucks ever say. The second you get found out to be a piece of fucking shit, it’s always ‘oh, I’m so sorry, Leon,’ ‘I apologize,’ ‘I’ll do better next time, I promise,’ but it never fucking changes. You’re all the fucking same!”

In his rage, Leon smacked the curtain rod down upon you over and over, making you scream and cry as he beat you mercilessly. Pain was blooming all around you as he made contact with your body with every swing. Arms, legs, torso, spine, there was nowhere he didn’t beat you.

What had caused such a seemingly sweet man to become a cold jaded killer?

All the times that Leon had come to your stand in the market, he had been so sweet, his blue eyes filled with something you had associated with happiness. His cute laugh, his sweet gestures…the constant buying of strawberries when you knew there was no way he could have run out of the previous package already…now, you just see that you had been blind.

It wasn’t happiness that gleamed in those eyes, but gleeful obsession. Leon’s sweet gestures were excuses to touch you; to feel how weak you would be compared to him. Leon never laughed with you, but at you. Leon didn’t keep buying your strawberries because he loved them, he bought them to see you.

The thoughts sent shivers down your spine.

Leon threw the curtain rod away, the metal covered with your blood, and you whimpered when Leon forced you onto your bruised back. Holding the knife tightly in his hand, you pleaded with him desperately.

“Please! Please don’t do this, Leon…I…I’ll do anything!”

Leon paused, tilting his head slightly as he pondered your offer.

“Anything?”

You gulped at the implication, but you knew that if you wanted to get out of this alive, you’d have to go along with Leon. He was unstable, unpredictable…maybe you could sweeten him up and make him believe that you were willing to cooperate…just until you knew you had a chance to get away.

Leon’s eyes lit up when they looked all over your body, his fingers brushing against a growing bloodstain on your chest, and you almost panicked when he brought the knife down and forcibly cut the fabric apart.

You jolted from the force of the knife cutting your sundress, and Leon licked his lips in delight as your chest became exposed to him. Taking the knife, Leon dragged it all along your skin, the tip scratching just the slightest but not enough to draw blood. You swallowed thickly when Leon trailed the knife to the hollow of your throat, spinning it around before he whispered to you.

“I could kill you right now if I wanted to…cut that pretty throat and watch you bleed to death…so you better be good for me or I’ll make sure they never find you. Though, who would go looking? You have nobody. Poor little you…all alone…I wonder if anybody even cares about you like that. You got friends?”

You weren’t sure if Leon was actually asking you a question, but the annoyance that flashed in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed by you. Swallowing thickly again, you shakily responded.

“Y-Yes…I do…”

“They haven’t seen you in a while…I wonder why that is.”

There was a foreboding tone to his voice, an implication that had your blood running cold, and you were too afraid to ask him what the fuck he meant by those words. Leon glanced down at your chest again, licking his chapped lips as he roughly grabbed your breast, and you yelped.

Leon was very heavy, pinning you down by straddling your hips, and his cheeks lit up in a slight blush that was unnoticed by how dark it was in the room. Your only light was the moonlight filtering through the window and your eyes adjusting to the darkness, so how would you have been able to tell just how excited Leon was?

Leon did know seem to know what a gentle touch was, roughly groping and pinching your nipples in a way that had you hissing and biting your lip harshly. Taking his knife, Leon trailed the tip along your skin before cutting a harsh slit right above your breast. You cried out from the pain, but Leon was lost within his own pleasure to notice.

He was breathing heavily, eyes wide with intoxicated desire, cupid lips parted, and you knew deep down that he was most likely hard within his jeans. Was torture truly so erotic for him?

You felt yourself panic with you felt the tip of the knife touch your hardened nipple, and you screeched when Leon slice into the sensitive nubs, heart racing as the pain bloomed throughout your whole chest.

Leon moaned softly before dipping his head down and suckling the bleeding nipple into his mouth, and you cried, pushing against his shoulders to get him off of you. Leon, however, did not even budge. He was like a brick wall despite his skinny appearance, and you hated the way his swirling tongue made you feel despite the stinging that came with his saliva making contact with your wound.

Leon pulled off of your nipple, panting hotly, and he cut at the rest of your sundress, uncaring if the sharp knife cut your skin along with the fabric. Just as you were going to scoot away when the man lifted himself up from your body, you screamed loudly when the man swung the knife straight into your shoulder.

“Don’t even think about moving, you filthy whore.”

You cried hot tears as Leon left the knife there for later, forcing you to spread your legs and expose yourself to him. Leon hummed in delight, leaning down and digging his nose right into your entrance. Leon inhaled deeply, making your eyes widen with disgust, and he moaned erotically, gripping his cock through his jeans tightly.

“You smell so good…just the way you always do…so clean and fresh…”

Leon forced his tongue deep inside of you, wiggling his tongue around the best he could because of how tight you were, and you jolted despite how painful it was to jostle your shoulder. Leon wasted no time, licking your cunt like ice cream, suckling on your clit and making your shoulders jump.

If the situation had been different; if Leon hadn’t been a crazed killer, you might have actually enjoyed this. You might have enjoyed the way the man moved his tongue and sucked just right…but there was no enjoyment; no relief. You were Leon’s for the taking, and you knew he did not do these things to you for your enjoyment.

Leon roughly shoved a finger inside of you, making you hiss out, and he was rough in the way he finger-fucked you. Your walls trembled involuntarily, and your hips bucked when he curled his fingers in a way to find your g-spot and rub against it. You whined loudly, and Leon laughed at you.

“Aw, you’re enjoying it, huh? Want me to fuck you now? I’m so fucking hard for you, baby.”

Taking his fingers out of your cunt, Leon made quick work of his jeans, taking out his hard cock from their fabric prison. You felt dread fill your body, but all you could do was watch as Leon positioned himself, brushing the head of his cock against your wet entrance. You almost heaved as he pushed his cock into you, his girth stretching you and filling you up so much that you were almost convinced you wouldn’t be able to take him.

Leon hissed deeply, eyebrows furrowed up in euphoria, and Leon wasted no time in thrusting his hips. His eyes were fixated on you, watching your face intensely as he fucked you, and Leon couldn’t help but to wrap his hands around your neck without warning, grinning as your eyes widened and mouth fell agape. You clawed at his jacket, and Leon just kept grinning.

“Look at you, so helpless…fuck, you feel so much better than I ever imagined! So tight…am I your first, baby?”

Leon didn’t even care for the answer. It’s not like you could give him one with his hands gripping your neck so tightly. Your eyes were rolling slightly, and Leon let your neck go so you could gasp in oxygen, instead smearing your blood all over your chest before he dipped to lick the essence up.

His cock was so deep inside of you, so firm and assertive as Leon fucked in and out of your poor hole, and you couldn’t help the trembling that came from your pussy. You knew you didn’t enjoy this…but your body was responding against your will.

It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong.

Then why did he choose you?

You squeezed your eyes shut as Leon leaned down, suckling on your nipples, and you hissed when his roughly rubbed his tongue against the nipple he had cut. It was painful, but your mind was beginning to become a jumbled mess that you almost didn’t even notice.

Leon could tell that your mind was slowly falling to pieces by the way your cries came to a slow sniffle, that you couldn’t even bear to look at him, that you allowed him to fuck you senselessly. He loved how easy it was to make you break.

But there was a part of his mind that was still unsatisfied.

Where was that fire? That eagerness to escape? He thought you would have put up more of a fight. He thought you would have been different than the rest. You were just the same. The fucking same!

Leon became brutal with his thrusts. He didn’t care if you came or not, Leon didn’t care if you enjoyed this or not, he was done pleasing others. Wrapping one of his hands around your throat, Leon snatched the knife from your shoulder, eyes enraged as he stared down at you.

Your eyes were wide now, mouth agape in a silent scream, and Leon couldn’t help but to hiss out.

“You were supposed to be different…but you’re just like the rest of them…I hate you. I hate you!”

The knife was plunged deep into your stomach, and you began to claw at Leon’s face, trying to get him to stop as he continuously dug the knife into your body over and over. Eventually, whether from bloodloss or lack of oxygen, you slowly stopped moving, and Leon finally moaned and came deep inside of you, loving the way you just took him.

This was how it was supposed to be.

Panting, Leon sat back on his haunches, tucking his flaccid cock back into his jeans, and Leon licked his lips. It was such a shame…but you still looked so beautiful to him. Perhaps he really would keep you…make you into a pretty doll he could enjoy whenever he wanted.

Slowly, Leon stood up, licking the knife clean of blood as he stared down at you.

His pretty little strawberry vendor…he’d just have to visit your gardens for your strawberries now, but that wasn’t too much of an issue since Leon lived so close. Leon sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead as he got to work on cleaning up the mess you had made.

“What a waste.”

[END]

[omamervt]

Whenever people complain about the long-overdue change from AAA games costing $60 to games costing $70 (which let's be real - they already did in some places back in the 2000's/2010s. Retailers with no nearby competition would sell wii games WAY above market value, all the time. Ask me how I know.) The common refrain is always that spending power is down (true.) and that most of the dev budget and profits aren't even GOING to the developers, the CEOs are just pocketing it (also true.) But it's also hard for me to care about those factors when the expectation for what a game should cost has been thrown out the window.

Sonic Adventure retailed at $60 in the U.S in 1998, which is about $115 in today's money, and it takes 9 hours to clear the whole story. Sonic Frontiers had a larger team, budget, development schedule, and despite the fact it has nearly double the amount of gameplay, it sold at almost half the price of Sonic Adventure. Adjusted for inflation.

When I was in middle school, it was understood that if a game was free, it was most likely made by someone on their free time, and therefore it would probably be short and simple. The mobile apps that were worth your time all cost 99 cents. This was a fee people were willing to pay, because a song on iTunes also cost 99 cents. Games with microtransactions were already taking advantage of gambling addictions, so people were willing to put up with a certain amount of adware on the free app market to avoid them.

Then everything went wrong at once. Free-to-Play video games were popping up all over the place with the amount of content you'd normally expect from the most ambitious AAA titles, and the content updates you'd expect to see from subscription-based MMOs to keep things fresh. Music could be streamed, so nobody wanted to spend 99 cents to own a copy of their favorite song anymore, and suddenly that fee looked too high for apps as well. Then Apple stopped pushing the paid apps, encouraging every developer to make apps that either monetized every corner with ads, or baited players into constant microtransactions so they'd be more than one-time sources of income. And despite being driven primarily by cynical profit motives, the leadership of most American AAA studios wanted to be compared to Hollywood. And so games are being pushed to look more like Movies. Photorealism. Cinematics. Stories that resemble the Movies. Stuff had to be more and more ambitious while costing less and less for the consumer on the frontend, sometimes in ACTUAL dollar amount and sometimes just adjusted for inflation, while also being designed to wring as much money out of every player as humanly possible. It's still going on like this and we all know it isn't fucking sustainable.

But sure. your DLC contains stuff you feel should have been in the base game now. The default price is $10 more - and once they've patched out as many of the issues they were forced to ship with as is realistically possible, you'll get what you paid for out of the experience.

You realize that if you get your reality where we have smaller games with worse graphics made by people paid more to work less, the price of heavily marketed, retail-worthy games will still probably go up, right? Because those likely won't go anywhere, even if they all start to look like what we think of as AA now rather than AAA. For a game to ACTUALLY cost $70 it'd need to maintain mass market appeal so it could sell enough copies to make back budget and probably fund the next dev cycle. Because in this world, game devs wouldn't be beholden to shareholder interests, right?

I'm not saying this to discourage you from that way of thinking in the slightest. I'm just pointing out that, as with SO many things in our lives, your sense of what something costs to produce is incredibly divorced from reality because of just HOW exploited the labor behind it is.

But to be completely honest, if an extra $10 on the base price of SOME PS5 games is enough of a stumbling block for you, I don't know how you'll handle the value for that money decreasing, as well.

[starshippingweek]

On the third day of Starshipping,

Mod B gives to you a little silly analysis essay on the topic of: the boys’ “favorite” foods.

It’s a widely accepted and/or portrayed idea that Judai’s favorite dish is エビフライ (fried shrimp) and a less prevalent idea that’s nevertheless also found in fics and arts that Yusei loves milk. Some parts of the Asian fandoms even use the 🍤 emoji as a shorthand for Judai (thus making Starshipping 🦀🍤)! But where did these ideas come from - and how much of it is actually based on canon? 

(Note: This analysis is sourced from the subbed version of both shows. I have not watched the dub of either and cannot account for how the dialogue may influence the conclusions drawn here.)

The fried shrimp dish first appeared in GX in Episode 66 (Judai’s First Dream Duel!). It is said to be a special, once-in-a-month treat at Slifer Red Dorm.

Earlier, in Episode 63 (Kenzan VS The Curry Fiend! A Spicy Duel), Manjoume complained that the food at Red Dorm was the same everyday. We can see that it basically consists of fish, pickles, rice, tofu, and miso soup. However, Kenzan remarks that no matter what the meal is, Judai just digs right in, and without his enthusiasm it is hard for the others to have the appetite. So, even though Sho calls this meal Judai’s favorite in Ep 66, it’s not hard to imagine that if you have to eat the same things every single day, you’d come to appreciate something rare and more indulgent like this fried shrimp meal in comparison, right?

I personally think that Judai is the kind of guy who loves to eat, who enjoys the experience of tasting food of all kinds, and he’s prone to excitement towards things that are hard to come by (another example being the Golden Egg Draw Bread - an very nice detail to reinforce the worldbuilding). Perhaps, outside of the context of Duel Academia, fried shrimp wouldn’t particularly stand out as Judai’s absolute favorite amongst all the other food options he may have at his disposal.

However, Judai must’ve developed a sentimental connection of some sort to fried shrimp. It’s entirely reasonable to imagine that after the show ends, as he travels the world, he will come to crave this dish as it reminds him of the memories he’s made at Duel Academia.

Yusei’s connection with milk, on the other hand, is considered as more of a meme that originated from Episode 11 (The Special Pursuit Deck Returns, Regain the Bonds with a Friend), where he walked into a bar at the direction of Himuro to meet Saiga. The bartender got pissy when Yusei ordered milk, but upon seeing the card that Himuro’d given him, complied and gave him a glass on the house.

Now, there’s practically no information to deduce why Yusei made this order in particular. The beverage never came up again in the series (unlike fried shrimp, which made another appearance at the very beginning of GX’s Season 4). Some on the interwebs have speculated that he was not of legal age to drink, so he ordered something non-alcoholic in order not to attract attention, but why not order something else less outrageous in the setting of a bar - such as juice or soda?

Here's my speculation: Since right after he’d been born, Yusei’d never been outside of Satellite. And Satellite, as it’s portrayed, is basically a colony, kept under blockade and sanctions by Neo Domino City. Food is hard to come by, and there is probably not enough agricultural land to keep cattle at a scale where dairy products would be widely available (given that the “island” was a part of the City not long ago). Based on living conditions during wartime and sanctions irl, and based on the fact that there is a black market in Satellite where goods are illegally transported in from Neo Domino, it is likely that dairy products were only available in processed, non-perishable, and lightweight forms such as milk powder or condensed milk. 

Perhaps Yusei's always wondered, at the back of his mind, what fresh milk tasted like ever since he was a small child - the stuff they give the babies at the orphanage having all been formula/powder, and was also hard to come by. Perhaps the very first stop (aside from jail) he makes in Neo Domino presented him with an opportunity to quench his curiosity - and he took it. And, perhaps there might not be any meaning to infer at all - it was just an inside joke that the script writers and animators were making amongst themselves. 

Whatever it is, he quickly downs the glass and leaves, the letting the plot move on to more serious beats - but this for sure became one of Yusei's most iconic moments because it seems to give us a glance into something about his character that we don’t often get to see. I, for one, would love to know all about the things he likes to eat/drink, as well as any emotional connections he might have to them because of his upbringing - similar to Judai’s attachment to fried shrimps, and I think it's great fun to keep thinking that he really is into fresh, whole milk.

These little details get me imagining so many ways they would show love and affection to each other. In Episode 152 of 5Ds’, Yusei is seen taking charge of shopping and cooking up a feast for Team 5Ds - an expression of the love and care he has for his friends. When they're together, he will learn how to prepare a perfect meal of fried shrimps for any time Judai’s cravings arise. On the other hand, Judai’s enthusiasm for food will definitely open up new avenues and culinary adventures for Yusei, who probably does not put as much care into this aspect of his life due to his origin. I especially love it when people touch on this kind of complementing differences between them in their arts and fics.

What do you think? What would a perfect Starshipping meal consist of? What will become their new favorite foods once they get together and get to know each other’s eating habits? Hopefully if you've read all the way to the end (woah!) your head is now filling up with ideas regarding this topic - feel free to share, I'd love to hear 'em!

[drarryspecificrecsdaily]

2023.09.07

Complete fics posted on AO3 this day

1. draco malfoy starring in... bad idea, right? by @geesenoises [T, 2k]

►Leaving the party to see Potter's new house couldn't be a bad idea, right? I mean, Draco was invited...

2. how dare you? by sweeterthanbeehoney [G, 3k]

►In which Harry questions why and how he fell in love with a man who just wants him dead... (or so he thinks). Draco's no better.

3. When it Alteration Finds by jellybeany [T, 23k]

►It’s hard to see life from another’s perspective when you don’t even understand your own.

---

Fest/Exchange

1. a flower wilts by @beyondtheclose [M, 6k]

►It’s Harry’s fault the flowers are dead. Just like it’s Harry's fault they don’t have any fresh vegetables and that their (Draco’s) cat is living with Pansy and Hermione. Just like it’s Harry’s fault that Draco’s in St. Mungo’s. ★ HP Law of Attraction Fest | @hp-lawofattraction-fest

2. how we were taught to love by @tigerlilycorinne-drarry-me [M, 42k]

►When a fan sends Harry their hanahaki flowers in the mail, Draco and Harry decide to date, to show the public that Harry is off the market. Also, other stuff is going on. ★ HP Law of Attraction Fest | @hp-lawofattraction-fest

3. No One Ever Told Me by Anonymous [M, 25k]

►Harry marries Draco to get him out of Azkaban. Things get weird. And confusing. And then weird some more. ★ Just Married Exchange 2023

[mha-cuties-pls]

One Last Look.

Pairing: reader x Dabi | words: 1k | rating: T |genre: emotional/romance

Bonus Chapter for: ‘Stolen Hearts.” Read Here

Each day seemed to pass by slower than the next as your stomach swelled to the size of a large balloon; it looked like you were a cartoon character who had eaten a watermelon in one bite.

It was becoming a bit more uncomfortable than you had originally imagined.

“Dabiii,” you whined, not moving from the position you had been occupying on the couch for the past day or so. Stretching your arms and feet out a bit, you sighed contently under the warmth of the plush blanket he had gotten you; it was cheetah print, your favorite.

“Yes, my love?” His voice carried from the other room over the TV show you were watching. Walking in to face you, you watched as he put on his jacket and grabbed a hat;

was he leaving you again already?

“We’re out of popcorn.” You said with a deflated look on your face, “I was going to ask you to get me some, but it looks like you already have plans.” The last of your words came out with a ‘huff’ as you turned your nose away from him and crossed your arms over your chest.

An exasperated sigh left his mouth while he made his way over to where you sat, “baby,” he said, voice smooth as he took your hands in his, and he convinced you to finally look into those ocean blue eyes that mesmerized you so much. “Baby, listen, please; you know I have to go out and do my job with the guys sometimes,” then, you watched him crouch down on his knees, and cup your swollen stomach tenderly in his hands as he laid his face against it and said, “but I will always make it back to you guys. Do you understand me?” The feeling of his voice vibrating on your stomach felt good, like you were more at ease.

He was using his serious voice; it made you smile.

“Of course we understand you, daddy.” You joked, smirking at him while you said it. You knew he loved it when you call him that. “You don’t always have to be so serious about everything.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t exactly come by you by honest means,” Dabi grumbled as he shoved his feet into his heavy boots by the door, “so, forgive me for being a bit overprotective.”

Rolling your eyes, you walked up and threw your arms over his shoulders, capturing him in an embrace before he was able to go.

“You think it’d be okay if I went down to the store and got it myself?” You asked, looking up through your lashes, hoping it would win you a few extra points. He hasn’t been so generous letting you out lately, which you suspect is because of your current gestational state but; The time you spent here could get so boring sometimes, and you missed going to the supermarket.

Though, Dabi stood silent for a moment as he stared back at you in contemplation. “Okay,” he finally muttered, “but Ashahi is driving you.” Which meant basically you’ll have one of his right hand guys breathing down your neck the whole time, but the excitement of getting to go to a supermarket overshadowed any other feelings.

“Thank you!” You quipped happily, “I’m going to freshen up quickly then I’ll be ready to go!”

And as you carted off to your room to do whatever it was, Dabi watched you with a warm smile.

…

Walking down the aisles of fresh produce, you were suddenly so glad you decided to stop at a farmers market you had seen a sign for around the way. Being able to see all the fresh fruits and vegetables and other commodities sold right to you is something, you didn’t know you missed. And it feels good to be back.

It’s funny, you thought to yourself, the last time you were at one of these things was with-

“_____?”

You froze. That voice, it couldn’t be-

“_____.” He said, his voice barely a whisper, and more somber this time.

But you couldn’t ignore him; you had to look.

Your eyes were wide as your mouth hung open; there, when you turned, was Shouto.

Standing there.

Staring.

And then you two just kept standing there, staring. Not saying anything; not until you grabbed your stomach instinctively, and watched as his face paled.

Oh no.

“Is…” he started, his face starting to twist up, “is that…” trailing off, his dual colored eyes left yours, becoming fixated on your pregnant belly. “Is that his?” He finally whispered, disgust dripping from every word; and it made you freeze up.

You just stood there, like a deer in headlights, looking like an absolute chump while you sat across from him.

Fuck, you screamed internally, you couldn’t believe this was happening. That he was seeing you like this; it was weird, it was like looking back at another life. You almost remembered what it used to feel like when-

Thankfully though, you felt a strong, but friendly, presence grab your arm and pull you away from the area quickly; it was the guy Dabi sent to watch you.

Turning back once more to look at him, you watched Todorokis face as he slowly disappeared into the sea of the crowd as you were guided into your car.

You never thought you would see him again. It sent a pang through your heart; you even felt a bit wistful. Maybe times weren’t as bad as you thought;

The door was shut behind you quickly, taking you out of your trance and you gazed out the window as Asahi drove you away in the quiet luxury of his private car.

Releasing a sigh, you realized how glad you were that Dabi had forced him to come with you in the first place. And you just couldn’t wait until this little excursion to the store was over and he finally came home so you could see him again.

He was right of course, you didn’t need anything else in the world, but him.

Besides, as the pregnancy progressed you realized that perhaps you could use a few of his little henchmen, who run around trying to hard to impress him, rubbing your swollen pregnant feet. It’s the least they could do for the woman carrying his precious little creation.

“Do you think he’ll follow us, miss ____?” His henchman asked, a worried look in his eyes as he checked the mirrors frantically as we drove away.

“No,” you said without another thought; though it didn’t matter what you said, Asahi was already making a move to alert Dabi.

But as you drove away, you knew he wouldn’t try to follow you. You saw the look on his face.

He was broken;

And it was all your fault.

[pagan-stitches]

June — Josef Lada

🍒 JUNE or ČERVEN in Czech is a month of beautiful weather, high temperatures and, above all, end of the school year, if you're a kid! 🍒

🔥 Some years, June is the month of the Czech Pentecost called Letnice to which we connect some interesting folkloric rituals: https://www.czechology.com/letnice/

✝️ June 13 is the day of St. Anthony of Padua (sv. Antonín Paduánský) and the name day of every man and boy called Antonín.

✨ The night before June 24 is believed to be magical, so prepare your herb basket: https://www.czechology.com/st-johns-eve/

🌽 It is the beginning of the crop yield season (žně in Czech), although it will be in full swing a little later. Our forefathers had special rituals and especially songs that helped them pass the day raking the straw and arranging it into piles.

🚜 Children helped with small tasks like bringing food and drinks and their reward was a barn full of fresh straw that they could play and even sleep in.

🌱 There is a lot of field work going on. Cold-sensitive plants have been in the earth since mid May and now it's time to take care of them - fertilize, get rid of the weed and protect from all the pests. Some plants have already given their fruit, such as strawberries or spinach.

🥗 Children used to help their parents with everything when it came to laboring the field. This was the time families invested all their effort into filling their pantries for winter. And let's not forget that during feudalism, people had to spend up to several days a week laboring the field of their landlord.

🍽️ Acquiring at least a small field was an aspiration of everyone in the countryside.

Having a field meant being able to feed the family. Some people made extra income by collecting forest fruit and selling it on the markets.

🦞 Children also used to catch crayfish in the river. This animal is now protected by law.

- - - - -

🌈 June weather sayings:

- Chladný květen, červen vlažný – je pro sýpky, sudy blažný. (If May is cold and june tibid, barns and barrels will be full.)

- Červen stálý – prosinec dokonalý. (Constant June - perfect December)

- Hřímá-li v červnu, zvede se obilí. (If there are thunders in June, the wheat will be good.)

- Jestli červen mokrý bývá, obilí pak málo rodívá. (Wet June makes the wheat crops small.)

- Červen mokrý a studený – bývají žně vždy zkaženy. (If June is wet and cold, the harvest is always ruined.)

- Jaká parna se v červnu dostaví, tak se i prosincové mraky postaví. (There will be as many clouds in December as there is heat in June.)

- Medardova kápě, čtyřicet dní kape. (If it rains on Medard's Day - June 8 - it will rain for 40 more days).

From: https://www.czechology.com

[rythasbrenelle]

Epilogue: Stray

(Note: Locke's long-suffering boss Rin belongs to @straycatte. There was a bit of fluff I wanted to do for the end of FFxiv Write but simply couldn't fit into the last prompt without making it a behemoth of a post, so I'm doing it here to scratch that itch.)

Locke hit the ground hard, feet disappearing out from under him just moments after they materialized. He closed his eyes against the dizzying light of the crystal looming over him. His stomach churned, his throat burned, and bitterness rolled across his tongue.

Snowdrop fared far better. She stood over him, white feathers fluffed and long neck swiveling, a challenge in her dark eyes as she met the gaze of anyone who looked toward her vulnerable companion. Most moved on. One man stood a polite distance away and waited. It wasn’t until Locke’s stomach settled enough that he could open his eyes, squinting under the sunlight of Radz-at-Han’s aetheryte plaza, and climbed to his feet that the tollkeeper approached.

“Are you alright?” he asked, looking between Locke and Snowdrop. Locke shook his head wordlessly, not trusting himself to speak while his stomach was still performing acrobatics, and dug through his coin pouch. He produced a few coins — most of what was left in the bag — and handed them over. “Thank you, sir. In case you’re unaware, there’s a stall in the market that sells refreshments,” the tollkeeper said. He spoke hesitantly, caught between indulging his own helpful nature and removing himself from the presence of the sick Viera and his protective bird. “A few sips of amra lassi there will help settle your stomach.” Locke answered with a thumbs-up. He had no intention of spending more money than he needed to. The tollkeeper stepped away, and Locke looped the fingers of his good hand around Snowdrop’s reins. He led her away from the noise of Radz-at-Han’s nearby and ever-bustling market, taking the long way to the stables, where the city opened up and the smell of smoke and incense was thinnest. He filled his lungs with slow, deep breaths of fresh air as they walked. Now and then, he felt a twinge of pain across his thighs or his side, irritated by his stroll through the city, and a grimace flickered across his face. But it happened less often than it had a fortnight ago, when he’d awoken from his latest brush with death. He still wore bandages over the worst of his wounds, but a mix of the chirurgeon’s arcanima, mundane medicine, bedrest, and infrequent sips from his supply of potions had seen him through much of the healing process. Time would do the rest.

By the time Locke and Snowdrop arrived at the stables, the former’s stomach had settled but he was ready for a nap, and the latter was looking at the former as if she’d never been subject to such a terrible betrayal. Locke gave her a few consolatory pats and a fistful of greens as an apology. “Be good this time,” he murmured. “No running away. No damaging their stuff. Can’t afford it again. Be on the road soon, visit you every day till then. Promise.” “Warkwark.” Resigned disappointment was written all over the chocobo’s face, but she gave him an affectionate peck on the head anyroad, earning a smile from Locke. “Attagirl.” Locke passed Snowdrop’s reins to one of the grooms. After leaving him with an emphatic warning about the chocobo’s ornery nature and enough gil to cover a sennight of care for her, Locke set off for a cluster of buildings near the marketplace. With each careful, deliberate step, he became more and more aware of the lightness of his coin pouch. It was practically weightless. He could only partially attribute that to the wizard’s enchantment lightening the burdens of his bags. The rest was the result of food, lodgings, travel, and a fortnight of care from Aleport’s chirurgeon. He was probably returning with less money than he’d left with. Locke stepped into a crossroads near the center of the city, overlooked by a number of vibrant buildings, bright colors splashed across the stonework. Crowds of locals and travelers of all sorts came and went, from dancers and performers plying their crafts, to traders pushing their carts and couriers hurrying through the streets. Voices spoke, feet tapped, wheels squeaked. The air was heavy with the smell of sweat and perfume and food. Civilization pressed in around Locke, crowds and sounds and smells all swallowing him like he belonged. He trudged through the throng and slipped through the front door of a familiar building, made his way across the lobby, and climbed the stairs to the building’s apex. At the top, he fished a key from his pack and let himself into the cramped little loft beyond a creaky door. The earthy scent of plants and soil rolled over him the moment the door swung open, setting him at ease in a way the city outside never managed. Locke plodded across the entryway and past the little greenhouse in a sideroom to his usual corner, where he dropped his pack and removed his glove and belts and weapons. The moment his swords were set aside and his firearm was on the table and he simply sat on the floor and breathed, two moons’ worth of exhaustion crashed atop him.

Mortal injuries avoided by movements measured in heartbeats. The ache of overused muscles. The fatigue of travel, mundane and Mist-ical alike. Sight headaches. They all hit him at once. He stretched his legs out, leaned his head back against the side of the couch, and let sunlight fall across him through the window, warming his itching skin. His eyes closed. “Locke?” His fingers twitched toward the nearest of his weapons even as his eyes were still fluttering open, vision blurry from sleep. Silver eyes peered down at him like moonlight from behind delicate-looking spectacles, pale face and dark scales illuminated by scattered candles and a small lamp. Locke let his hand fall back to his lap. “Hey, boss.” “Rin,” she corrected. He ignored it. “I’m back.” “I see that.” The idiot at the end was implied. Or so he assumed. Neither her face nor her voice ever seemed to give much away. “You were gone for a while. Did you run into trouble?” “Yeah. A bit.” Locke sat up a little straighter and stretched. He felt the pull of his still-healing injuries under his shirt and bandages and relaxed again, hand lifted up just enough to count his adventures on clawed fingers. “There were bandits. A wolf thing. A phantom knight. Another bandit. Oh, a swordsman from Tural, wouldn’t fight me though. A buncha ashkin. And a voidsent.”

“All of that in Thanalan?” Rin asked. She sat down and melted into the sofa, exhaustion aging her otherwise youthful features.

“Nah. Job took me up to Coerthas. Got this there though.” He produced a red crystal from his pocket, warmth bleeding into his skin, and set it in front of Rin. “It’s lucky.”

She plucked the fire crystal from the table with slender fingers and rolled it in her bandaged palm. There was the faintest hint of skepticism in the knit of her brow as she returned the crystal to the table.

“Looked for more work after. Wandered across most of Eorzea, fought all that stuff. Except the Turali fellow. Got these too.” Locke set his new backpack and matching six pouches in front of Rin. “Hold more stuff than they look like they can. Share two of the little ones with you if you want. Put plants in ‘em or something.”

Rin smiled, the expression ephemeral but bright nonetheless. “I’ll consider it. Thanks.”

“Uh-huh.” He added the voidsent-killing knife to his pile of spoils. Even cracked, the diamond shimmered in the dimly lit loft, and the broken blade of silver shined. “And I got that. Broke when I killed the voidsent though. I think. Passed out afterward. Don’t know if it’s worth anything now.”

Rin looked less pleased at that, silver eyes sweeping past the obviously magical knife to look at Locke instead. “Wasn’t that just a bit too dangerous to do on your own?”

“Never said I was on my own,” he countered.

She watched him for a long, quiet moment, unimpressed. “Of course you were. You hiss and spit like a stray cat thrown into a bath if anyone gets in the way of your fights. You wouldn’t have accepted help.”

“Okay, sure, you’re right. But I wanted a magic sword,” he said, as if that explained everything. “Just got the bags instead though. And the knife, but that was more circumstance than reward. Oh, and, uh, I got this.”

Locke opened one of the pouches and poured a meager pile of gil onto the table, coins clicking and clattering.

“Does it cover rent?” he asked, a hopeful note in his voice. He knew damn well it didn’t.

Rin set slight fingers on the coins and slid them across the table into a new pile as she counted them out. When she finished, she glanced across the table. Her smile was small and quiet. “It’s plenty.”

“Really?” Locke leaned forward, tapping his claws against the coins as he counted them out himself. “Doesn’t seem like enough.”

“It’s plenty,” she repeated. “I’ve been busy here, collecting some plants and lending a hand to a couple alchemists. Rent’s covered for a while. In fact, I even made enough to get you something.”

She stood up and quickly trotted up the stairs to her loft within the loft. When she returned, she set a pearl on the table in front of Locke, not much larger than one of her fingernails.

He picked up the object and rolled it across his palm. It was perfectly smooth, save for a pair of prongs on one side. “An earring? Guess I can fit more.”

“It’s a linkpearl. Wear it on one of your ears, and the next time you wander off, I can use mine to keep in touch.” She motioned to an identical pearl tied to her right horn, worn on a thin string. “Interference happens occasionally, but barring that, we should be able to speak regardless of distance.”

“Oh! That’s useful.” Locke looked up from the pearl to flash a smile at Rin. “Thanks, boss. Tell you the truth, I was planning on getting back on the road before long. Soon as I can fight without opening all my cuts back up.”

“Already? We don’t need gil that badly,” she said. The ghost of a frown weighed her mouth down, slight and almost imperceptible, but present nonetheless. “Really, I’ve been doing well recently. You can relax for a little while, maybe take a few easy jobs around the city.”

Locke shook his head quickly. “No, no. Not for money. Well, not just for money. Heard there are plenty of great swordsmen in Tural. Wanna check it out for myself. Fight a few. Learn from them.”

“That sounds like it could be productive,” Rin admitted. She opened her mouth to say more, then stopped and stood up instead. She took several steps away, over to the nearby kitchen and the cabinets on the wall. She set about heating a kettle and preparing tea.

Locke watched, curiosity announced by the slight tilt of his head, but she kept her eyes forward. Silence filled the apartment.

Do not repeat my mistake.

“Never been to Tural either, have you?” Locke asked. Rin finally glanced back at him. “Could be nice to get out of Thavnair for a bit.”

She turned to lean against the counter. “I can’t just drop my work at a moment’s notice. Besides, we would need gil for food and lodging. Not to mention rent. The landlord will still want to be paid, whether we’re here or not.”

“Can pick up some jobs while you’re wrapping up your stuff,” Locke suggested. “Find something easy, use that time to heal. And I can hunt for food there if I really need to.”

“Okay. As long as you don’t reopen anything, that’s fine,” Rin said slowly, weighing her words. “But there’s also the matter of securing passage overseas. That’ll be a greater expense upfront than food or shelter.”

“Airship to Limsa Lominsa from here isn’t too bad. We can come up with the coin for it,” Locke said, gesturing toward the door and Radz-at-Han’s airships somewhere beyond it. “Then a boat from there. Know someone who knows someone. Said he can get us from Vylbrand to Tural cheap.”

The idea was winning her over, he was certain. She folded her arms and peered somewhere past him, silver eyes distant and narrowed in thought.

“Let’s say we spend all that gil to get there and pay for lodging and food," she finally said. "You can pick your fights and, if needed, make a bit of coin while we travel. As you said, you can also hunt to keep expenses down. You’ll have no shortage of things to do and ways to make the trip lucrative.

“But what am I to do?”

“That’s easy. Heard there’s plenty of strange plants for you to obsess over. Whole forest of ‘em.”

“Oh.” Rin went silent again. This time, however, she only needed a moment to contemplate the idea. “Well. Since you’ve put some thought into this, and you’re asking rather than wandering off on your own with hardly a word, I suppose I can join you this time."

The kettle whistled, calling for her to turn away and tend to it. But not before Locke saw the beginnings of an excited smile curl her lips.

[appynonna]

Our Universe Chapter 08: Crazy form. Pairing: Poly!OT8xoriginal chararters Rating: 18+ Word Count: 2,134 Words Warning: pet names, angst, fighting, talk of drugs. This is a work of fiction. By no means is meant to be taken seriously and does not reflect on the people used within the story.

Previous Chapter -> Here

Arthur notes: Hello, Deary I am so sorry for the long wait, I hit a block and had a depressive episode. I getting better now. Please enjoy!

--------

180 MPH is the fastest that a Yamaha YZF-R1 Supersport could go. If you need to get some there fast then that was the way to go, and Yechan need to get somewhere fast.

Yechan had been going over her day out with Ari. At the office, then the hair salon, asking questions as they walked around the square on the way to the dress shop. The only thing I could think of was that it had to happen when they were at the dress shop. Ari was perfectly fine before she had come out of the dressing room. She was fine up till the dress shop, and then she left overdosing on fentanyl.

Yechan didn't know what happened, but it happened there. Turning off Skool St. then a left onto Range Rd. Yechan found herself in front of the batting cages. The Batting cages are located on the back side of the school's grounds.

A good-sized Primary school (1st-6th) and a Secondary school (9th-12th) as well as a small Junior college. A lot of the kids when they get done with the Junior college, end up going to the University in Luna City. That is where Jongho and I meet, Being in the same advanced coding class. He was so shy and quiet back then, always sitting in the back of the class.

Pulling up to the main front door, I left my bike running and made my way inside. Jay Park was behind the main desk most likely covering a shift for whoever should have been working today, as his family owns the batting cage. Jay was quick to tell you that he doesn't work here. I walked past him into the employee closet to the wooded bats.

"Should I be concerned? He asked leaning on the counter as I walked out with my bat of choice. "No," I told him shortly and made my way back to the main door.

"The cages are out the other door " Jay Hollard being a smart ass "I know" I replied walking out the door back to my bike.

"Oh shit" I heard him say and the door swung shut behind me. Sitting on the bike I laid the bat across my lap, holding it with my body weight. I took off.

-Yunho's POV -

See as I am the police chief you would think it would be easy for me to find someone! Scoups hasn't seen Yechan in town yet, Neither had Rhea, Jungwon, Matthew, or anyone else I called. Pulling into the station my phone rang, I pulled it out and checked it "Jay Park" You got to be kidding me, I answered anyway "What do you want Jay?"I asked after answering "Oh, Cheif Jeong is that any way to answer your phone" He teased, pissing me off more "I don't have time for you, What do you want" I snapped as I walked into the station DK and Woozi waved as I walked past them heading to my office.

"Well, I thought you would want to know that a little birdie just left the cages with a bot in hand." He said and then dropped the teasing tone "She looked pissed, I don't know what happen but she is about to go fuck someone up" He said, Before I could reply Jay had done hung up.

I sat down in my cushioned leather chair. "What are you planning" I mumbled to myself pulling up the GPS app on my phone and watching Yechan Little Fox move. Giving a little alert of how fast she was going.

It finally slowed as she was now in the town square. Around the corner stopping at the end, it sat for a moment. I looked up at my open door right as Mingyu walked past, "Mingyu" I called out He poked his back in "Ya, Boss?" He asked, "Do you know what stores sit on the west end of the square plaza?" I asked still looking at the screen, Yechan's little fox still not moving.

Mingyu walked in a little and leaned on the door " I think it's the Fresh market, The florist, and the new dress shop" he rubbed the back of his head "Why?" Mingyu asked "No reason, I think I have my answer now." I quickly stood up and rushed out the door. The girls were at the dress shop early.

-Yechan's POV -

Parking next to the sidewalk in front of the dress shop, I looked around still sitting on the bike. the black and red helmet hanging from one had the handles. Looking over at the Fresh market Minhyuk was standing outside sweeping the sidewalk. He wasn't wearing anything special, A white shirt with a button at the top dark blue jeans, and plain shoes. on both of his wrists were fake Leis "Do I Ask?" I said pointing in his general direction, Minhyuk shook his head "Kyungmin and Woo came by early to pick up an order of strawberries, Kyungmin is just so cute I couldn't say no then I didn't have the heart to take them off!" He explained in one breath.

I shook my head laughing at him, then toward the dress shop. there were no other cars in the parking lot but the sign on the door said opened. "Yechan?" Minhyuk called out "Go back inside," I said getting off the bike with the bat in my hand. Heading up to the door I let it drag behind me.

"Welcome in!" A happy voice called out closer to the back of the store. Everything looked the same as it did earlier. The same pink walls, the same white floor. But all I saw was red. "Hey, your back!" I turned to the cat-eyed man in question. "Ya, I'm back," I said looking from him to the low-hanging glass chandelier.

I swang the bat

Hitting my mark, Crystals went flying. "Are you out of your mind?" Sam shouted moving his arms away from his face. I little drop of blood ran from his eyebrow. "Maybe" I started toward him. Letting the bat tap the ground with each step I took.

"I don't know what or how you did it, But I know you did something to hurt someone very dear to the people I care about" As I moved towards him, Sam backed up until his back hit the wall. I raised the bat pushing it into his throat. Sam tried to speak, but I cut him off.

"You better not say a goddamn word" His mouth snapped shut. "If I find out that you did do something to hurt her, They will never find your body" He smirked "You think you scare me little girl" He emphasized the word little, laughing.

Before I could say anything else my name was called from behind me, Yunho. "Yechan, that's enough" He added, I watched as Sam looked at me for a second, and then a switch flipped. "Officer" He started but Yunho cut him off "Yechan," Yunho said again, Slightly more sternly.

I looked up to Sam for a moment before pulling the bat away. Same didn't break eye contact "So scary" he whispered mockingly.

I turned and walked away, Yunho grabbed the bat as I passed. Getting back on the bike I took Off. Yunho is not far behind me.

-3rd Person's POV -

Standing in the dress shop Sam stood for a second breathing before pulling his phone out. Pressing a few bottoms he placed it up to his ear "Channie, It's Hyunjin." he smiled looking at the broken chandler "I found Yechan, Time for stage 2?" He asked

By the time the pair got back to the house, the sun was starting to set. Yechan pulled her motorcycle into its designated spot before walking out of the garage to Yunho's truck.

She fell into his open arms, putting her face into the much taller man's chest. He hugged her tightly back. "I don't want to go back in there" Yechan mumbled "Ok, Come on" Yunho pulled her towards the passenger side door.

Opening the door Yechan climbed in, with Yunho's help without question. Yechan trusted Yunho with her whole being. Knowing that he would never hurt her on purpose without reason, she didn't think twice about closing her eyes and letting Yunho take her where he saw fit too.

When Yunho woke Yechan up the sky was completely black and a soft orange light was coming from behind her.

They were in the field behind the house, with a small bonfire now burning. Walking around the side of the truck Yunho picked Yechan up placing her on top of the tailgate before sitting down next to her, The blanket that he kept in the back seat of his truck under the both of them.

An odd Cement plot sat on the other side of the small fire. Yechan couldn't tell how big it was. "Has that always been there?" Yechan asked pointing towards the plot. "No, Just got put down early today" Yunho was smiling looking at it "It's something I'm having built, but it's a surprise" He winked at Yechan

the air was silent again "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked her, Yechan shook her head "Not really, I don't fully understand what happened" She laid down on the blanket, and Yunho placed a hand on her leg "I mean, I know what happened. She was drugged with fentanyl. But why?" Yechan asked the sky "Ari is so sweet, She wouldn't hurt a soul. So why would anyone want to hurt her?" She stated to no one. "It had to be Sam" She muttered, Yunho watched her as she stared up at the dark sky "That's the only answer" She continued starting to work herself up again.

"What happen at the house?" Yunho asked getting her attention, Yechan sighed "I don't know," she told him "All I saw was red, San was by her side and wasn't moving anytime soon. You and Yeo were trying to help, Hongjoong was all but accusing me of doing something" Yechan started to rant, Yunho stopped her " He was not accusing you of anything, He was just making sure you were ok" Yunho tried to defend his friend

Yechan -

"You know as well as I do that Ari is different to him, He is so overly protective of her it's a little bit obsessive." Yunho laughed I shot up "Is she pregnant?" Yunho laughed harder "Not that any of us know" I threw myself back onto the truck bed. "Then he has no reason to act like an idiot" crossing my arms as Yunho laughed more. "Don't laugh at me" I playfully hit his arm "He was never like that with me, He wasn't protected to this extent" I tried to explain to Yunho "Because he knows he didn't need to be," He told me calmly. I sat back up "Explain"

Yunho pushed his hair out of his eyes just for it to fall right back down "Putting it simple. If I hadn't showed up at the dress shop when I did, you would have killed that guy and Ari can't open a pickle jar" I laughed "You have a point" Yunho laughed with me "In our dark twisted world, She is one side of the light" I turned to look at him, pulling one leg up to my chest. Yunho smiled down at me. "You are the other side of the light" Raising his hand he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

"Ari is our sun, but you are our moon. This family needs both of you to be able to survive" He poked my nose "Now come on we got to get back so I can pack" He jumped down offering me a hand.

"pack?" I questioned "Yep, Hongjoong sprung it on all of us this morning after Ari left. we have to go to Ganji city for a meeting" I nodded" They want all of us there too" Yunho added as he used the shovel to place dirt over the embers "Joong doesn't like the idea of all of us going so far away at once" I leaned back against the tailgate

"I can understand that but we got everyone here to watch the town," I told him "Ya, but he mostly wants someone to stay at the house with Ari. He had planned to ask you to do it but now with everything I don't know what he is planning" Yunho threw the shovel on the back of the truck standing next to me "I'll talk to him when we get home" Yunho kissed the top of my head. "Let's go home," He said.