#Guest Muse;Tristan

[sennenpharaoh]

He squeezed Atem's hand back gently. He knew Tristan was being a bit harsh but he was doing it out of how much he cared. Though he did jump when it was directed at himself. "Yes, I will, promise." He replied. Once at their destination he shook his head.

"I think we got it but Tristan? Thanks for getting us." He offered a small smile. "We do need to catch up, under better circumstances." Turning, he put his arm around Atem again.

"Come on, let's get you to bed."

"We do, Yug. But right now.... Just... take care of yourself. Both of ya. You know I'm a phone call away." Tristan got back in his car and gave a slight wave as he drove away, leaving Yugi and Atem by themselves.

Atem, still a bit down from the scolding from Tristan, gave a nod and leaned against Yugi as they headed to his apartment. Once opened, he slowly hobbled (using both the crutch and Yugi for support) to his bed and sat down.

"It... definitely feels good to have a soft bed again." Atem forced a smile, shifting himself to a laying position on the bed. "Thanks again, Aibou, and..." He wanted to apologize again, realizing how his actions, while yes in self defense, did make everyone worry. But then he remembered Tristan's words and bit his tongue for now. He was safe at home, finally. Holding onto it would do nothing, even if he did feel awful about what he did.

"Never mind. Just... thank you."

[sennenpharaoh]

Atem kept quiet throughout the whole thing. He had been used to being carried by now, so that wasn't an issue. Seeing so many people drop everything to help Atem get from the hospital to his apartment, even into his room, helping out with carrying everything, even the visits to his hospital room. It was a bit upsetting that he made them pause their own lives to help him... but comforting in that he knew he wasn't alone. He knew he was starting to sound like a broken record, but he couldn't help but say...

"Thank you."

"Alright, Taylor Moving Co coming in!" The loud voice of Tristan broke Atem's thoughts as he entered Atem's apartment, a loud whistle was heard too. "Not bad, Pharaoh. I honestly thought it'd be flashier. More... I dunno, royal and prissy, I guess. I like it." He walked into the bedroom where Atem was staying. "Alright, I got here a crutch, your own bag, and this little bag which I guess is from the Doc or something. Here." He set everything down on Atem's nightstand, leaning the crutch against the wall. "That should be everything. Now then... You two gonna be okay if I head out?"

"I... think we should be good. Thanks again, Tristan."

"Ah ah. It's what friends do. They help out at a moment's notice, so long as they are given that notice." Tristan looked right at Atem. "Is that clear?"

Atem paused, realizing exactly what it was Tristan was trying to tell him. "I... I will call you if I need anything."

"Good. Roy, it's a pleasure to meet you, and Atem, fuck you for not introducing me to him sooner." He walked to Roy, putting a hand on the other's shoulder. "We are definitely swapping stories over a beer, just say the word!" He then leaned into Roy, whispering something that only Roy could hear.

"And thank you. Please continue to make him smile. Joey would want that for him." And just like that he left the bedroom, the sound of the door shutting as he left the apartment, leaving just Roy and Atem.

Now that Tristan was gone, Atem immediately let out a long sigh. "Sorry you were in the middle of that. I didn't think he'd be that upset after I called him to pick us up. I hope he didn't put you off."

Roy smiles softly at him as he takes the paper. He could already tell that he would get along with Tristan and that meant a lot to him.

"Thank you for giving us a ride, as well. I will definitely use any help we can get and I won't be afraid to ask for it, either." He assures him. Any help from others if they are in a bind would prove useful for them and he would do what he could for connections like that.

When he puts the paper in his pocket he also noticed Atem hiding his face as well, which could only mean one thing, that Atem was crying.

He watched the exchange while he had squeezed the others hand before he saw the others hand on Atem's shoulder telling him that Joey wouldn't want to see this.

Roy didn't like seeing this either, but he knew that Atem had been through so much and he really needed this wake up call because Roy wasn't able to really say it like he wished he could have, but it wasn't his place.

When he watches Atem's face show more visibly, with obvious tears wanting to fall, Roy leans his head on top of his, wanting to give him some sort of comfort in a way he could.

Hearing the laugh that escapes Atem ring through Roy's ears he looks down at him, watching as a tear fell down his cheek and felt Atem pull his hand away to wipe his tears from his cheeks.

Tristan definitely had seemed to get to Atem and he understood where Tristan was coming from and that made Roy feel at ease when he hears the words repeated back that he will call before running into danger.

That was definitely good to hear considering that was exactly what Roy wanted Atem to do when something was happening and he already scolded him about that earlier today.

They had made it to Atem's apartment and Roy watched as Tristan got out of the car and to his side as he spoke to him.

Roy couldn't help the chuckle from Tristan's comment about them making out, it was rather amusing to think that the other would think that's all couples did, but it wasn't like he wouldn't kiss him later for making up for lost time. He looked up at Tristan hearing him ask Roy if he was going to carry Atem upstairs while Tristan grabbed his things for them.

"Yes, I am going to take him upstairs. I feel like it is more efficient doing it this way." He chuckled softly remembering that was exactly how he had met Tristan. It was definitely a funny first impression he was sure.

He slowly got out from his side, waiting on Atem to move closer so that he could carry him bridal style again and he does so letting Tristan handle Atem's belongings.

It didn't take him too long to get towards the staircase and start walking up there slowly so that he doesn't accidently trip over something while carrying a man who isn't exactly supposed to be walking for the time being.

When he gets to the door, he does his best to grab his copy of a key and open the door with a free hand, kicking it a little so that it can open better and when he is able to do that he leaves it open for Tristan as he heads straight for their bedroom and set him down onto the bed.

"There, now stay there for the time being while I wait for Tristan." He tells him softly kissing the top of his head before heading back out into the living room, he doesn't close Atem's door in case he needs anything, but he stands in the front way looking out the door as he waits for Tristan to come up to him.

[formosusiniquis]

this doesn't have a title cause it's late and I have work in the morning. this is a surprise gift for @cauldronoflove cause her fic last week and the whatever is going on with this show did something to my brain (positive) wc: 860 | T | pre-Max/Avery/Tristan (odt3?)

“Welcome to Eyes Wide Shut week, doctor.” Tristan's smile pulls up higher on the right side, Max’s side, as he wiggles his fingers in a wave at a woman boarding. Her dress is tight as her hold on her husband's arm. She's older than him, easily old enough to be Tristan’s mother.

“Don't call it that,” Avery chides, still it's hard not to miss the amusement that sparkles in her eyes.

“That's the Tom Cruise movie?” He finds himself asking. He hadn't read the briefing, he never reads the briefing, far preferring this rundown where his experienced team tells him what he actually needs to know.

“So he knows the finer details of the Barbie Dreamhouse but not one of the best Cruise films to date?” Tristan muses.

That earns an actual reaction from Avery. Max can feel the smile playing on his own lips as her eyes widen and she leans enough to see around him to stare at Tristan, mouth dropped open just a breath in her disbelief. “Not Interview with the Vampire?”

“I did say ‘one of.’ I can like more than one thing.”

“Oh yes, I forgot you hit two of the B's for your little poker game.”

The quip is right there for the taking and something about the two of them has made it harder and harder for Max to resist taking. “Our Tristan is pretty butch, isn’t he?”

Pleasure ripples across Tristan’s face instinctually accepting the compliment implied with the claim before the next wave crashes over top of it, him catching the tease.

“Funny.” There’s a charm to his scowl. If Tristan weren’t so handsome when he was mad, he wouldn’t be so fun to rile up. As it stands, there’s a light in his eyes as he plans his next comeback, and the tight draw of his brow somehow compliments the line of his jaw. “Maybe you'll find someone who appreciates your wit during this year’s swingers week.”

“That’s what this week is?” He can feel his smile in his cheeks and his eyebrows arching up his hairline. In the milieu beneath their feet he watches with fresh eyes the way the boarding couples greet one another. The way greetings linger, hands on elbows and kisses pressed to cheeks.

“Officially,” Avery says, a warning note in her voice that the fondness on her face betrays, “we are hosting high ranking guests from several fraternal orders.”

“And unofficially?”

“Priapism is the diagnosis of the week.”

A grin that's all boarding school charm melts across Tristan's face. “Good thing for your steady hands, Doctor Odyssey.”

His own smile turns small, his face feels warm as he takes his eyes off his crew and looks back down at the boarding passengers. Faces with the bland similarity that he associates with wealth and power. A former Midwestern Senator moving around the floor holds his focus but not his attention.

That is devoted to the memory of Avery, laid out on his table. His fingers alongside Tristan’s inside her, her life in their hands.

“I thought swingers were couples.”

“Yes, that’s the point.” Avery says.

“No, I just mean that couple was just making eyes at Tristan.”

“Some are just looking for a third,” he says, lips twisting into something coy. “Have you ever known me to deny a damsel in distress?”

The former Senator has found the woman that smiled up at them in the mezzanine. A scowl has found Max’s face and his hand has found Avery’s. Their knuckles graze against one another, seeking comfort in a way that’s becoming increasingly common. He thinks he could pick their hands, strong and sure, out of a line up. 

He understands more than ever the bright flashes of green eye irritation every time he and Avery emerged from a room with a locked door. Tristan laid out against white sheets with… He doesn’t even want to finish the thought.

“Don’t tell me you’re a prude, doctor.” A coy smile grows wider, teasing. Mirth and something Max has come to recognize as curiosity dance across his face, in the lines beside his eyes. 

Tristan keeps his attention on Max, but with every brush of hand against hand he knows his answer will be for both himself and Avery.

“Personally, I think the only couple I’ll worry about pleasing this week are my nurses.”

It’s not been long, but they react the way he would have predicted. Avery scoffs, smacks the back of his hand with hers before crossing her arms across her chest, playing at annoyance and disapproval. Tristan, who’s need for approval and fickle attachment Max understands much better after meeting his mother, gapes any witty retort he might have managed stolen by the blatant way the thing they have been dancing around has now been laid out like a patient on the operating table.

“Now, is there anything other than fine gauge needles we should be preparing? Antibiotics? Some compresses? Condoms?”

As he wanders toward the elevator his team follows. The previous topic not forgotten but transmuted, changed in his favor like the tide beneath him. It’s something he thinks he could get used to.

[riverbills]

WHO: Open @woodrowhub

WHEN: Sunday September 4th 11pmish

WHERE: Secondary Kitchen

For the umpteenth time in River's life he regretted drinking wine. He hadn't drunk enough to make him vomit into a vase or walk into town so he could phone a not quite ex. He hadn't been eighteen in a long time and had left those kinds of mistakes in the past. But River had drunk enough to exaggerate his growing hunger. The buffet at the wake was spectacular. There was enough pâté and cuts of salmon to feed a small country. However, River forgot to eat as much as he should have. He was distracted by entertaining various of Richard’s former colleagues and acquaintances. While some of the other wards talked to the funeral attendees out of obligation River was engrossed in the conversations he had. He found discovering aspects of Richard he didn't know about while he was still alive fascinating. He learned that the funeral guests had completely different interpretations of Richard than he did. But the discovery did come at the cost of his own well-being.

River ventured into the secondary kitchen instead of going to the main kitchen like he did as a teenager when he needed a midnight snack. He saw trays of leftovers from the wake get carried towards the secondary kitchen. For once, he didn’t go somewhere in the house with the hope of bumping into another ward. His focus was on getting food quickly and with minimal effort. He opened the refrigerator when he noticed the presence of someone else in the kitchen. He was pretty sure it wasn't Ms Tristan. He couldn't feel her judgemental stare. “I guess it's still impossible to get a midnight snack in peace around here.” River mused lightly as he reached for a mini quiche. It was obvious that growing up he liked that it was difficult to be alone in Woodrow House. “I'll trade you a quiche for a cigarette.” He commented, closing the refrigerator. In the rush to pack he had forgotten to bring a packet with him, a mistake he was starting to regret. He hoped most of the wards still smoked.

[crimsonlyinglilly]

Day 8: rejected apology / trap / attack

A delayed day 8 for @augustofwhump,

still with Caged Founder, It's the Strix Gala and there's a few uninvited guests.

Takes place some time after this,

Klaus had been sulking in his studio until Lucien dragged him out to recover Alexis with the promise of getting to see Elijah.

----

Sometimes dealing with his lovers is far too similar to managing his siblings.

“Aurora my love,” he called as he spotted, able to know her even with her mask, beside another woman, one he was familiar with who should not be anywhere close to here. “why have you stolen Lucien’s seer?”

“Well-” she started moving slowly to be able to bite her neck, there was no true threat to it but still he moved with vampire speed to slip between them.

“Don’t,” he told her, ignoring as she used her new place under his arm to snake a hand of her own under his suit jacket. “harm her he retaliates.” 

“He’s not-”

“Going to harm you or Jason,” he finished for her, “Ariane however would be the intended target.” a seer for a seer, it was very clear and even with all the protection the Strix could provide he didn't want a price on Ariane’s head.

It was bad enough that unlike the other witches he had taken under his care over the years, she wouldn't have the choice of leaving the Sisters in the future.

“He’s not getting through-” she was pouting at him now, he sighed feeling more than a little sorry for the woman on his other arm stuck listening as they debated her death.

“Beloved of mine, he’s fond of her,” he reminded her, it was one of the few things he and Lucien had come to an agreement, over their concern over the burden being a seer placed on their charges, “he won’t take your murder of her well. Take it from someone who had to use it, having the obsession of a mad man is far more useful than losing it.”

He would be a broken wreak if Tristan didn’t want him him as he was, far too many times Tristan had needed to draw him back from the dark pit of his own mind, and for all they hate each other Lucien and Tristan were far too similar to his brother on their possessive need to have their people as they were but under their control.

“You're comparing Tristan to Lucien.” she narrowed her eyes. He was very aware how badly Tristan would take learning of that opinion but his concern over any future action was distracted as he felt her slim fingers slip through his shirt to drag her nails across the skin over his heart.

He knew he should have worn an undershirt but then he hadn’t suspected she would be coming to the Gala tonight, and he had grown far too used to England's cool temperature to adapt to New Orleans’ heat so quickly.

Elijah attendance was never a choice on attending, from the very earliest a few years after his capture, Tristan couldn’t help but want to show him off, now the galas were the rare times he could check on his former students that had been accepted into the Strix upper ranks.

Aurora however had a choice and while she rarely refused always happy to arrive on either his or Tristan’s arm and switch between the over the night, she had tonight, claiming she wanted to read Jason a story over the phone.

“And Klaus are all very similar,” he told her not bothering to ask about Jason, no doubt she had called their son while in the middle of her abduction and attempted murder, he was going to need to speak to him and try to explain, “you have a type it would seem.” he mused.

“You're different.” she beamed wrapping her free arm around his neck to pull him down into a kiss.

Instead of arguing he met her, tasting the favoured lip gloss she had decided to wear before biting her back slightly when she drew his blood, metallic replacing synthetic strawberry, as he let her slip away from his hold, he licked the last of the blood and lip gloss from his lips.

“Antidote.” he reminded her before she could vanish, he knew when she was trying to distract him, he should stop her wandering free but he needed to return the seer to Lucien, keep an eye on Marcellus and watch over his niece’s mother and her husband, why Tristan had decided to invite a pair of werewolf to a party full of particularly stuck up vampires he didn’t know.

No he did, it was to show off, it was always about Tristan showing off his power in some way.

She giggled as she handed it to him, he raised an eyebrow.

“It’s the real one, just don't go taking a drink from her.” she told him, before sighing “your right, if I start anything it will be even longer before we can bring Jason to our new home.”

He didn’t say anything else as he watched her walk away, Tristan's protectiveness meant he wasn’t going to arrange Jason’s travel to join them until he was sure all threats to the stability of the city and threats within the city were neutralised.

Tristan and Elijah’s ideas of threats were different which had led to more than a few arguments since he had arrived, as had Tristan decision to make him suffer through all of the effects from Klaus’s venom, so he 'could remember it when he next wanted to let Niklaus near him.’ Tristan had explained to an indignant Aurora as he had struggled to control the shivers that racked him. 

Then again Tristan’s original plan had included leaving him and Aurora behind with Jason and if it wasn’t for Lucien warning Aurora, Elijah wouldn’t have noticed his own spies watching his family had been tampered with.

“Take it,” he told the woman as he offered her the antidote, this wasn’t the first time they had met, that had come shortly after Lucien had first learned of the prophecy and shared it with Tristan and Aurora. Tristan had wanted him to let Ariane into his mind to see if she could see more of the threat but Elijah had refused after spending years doing everything to keep her out and spare her that so they had compromised and he had allowed Lucien’s Alexis into his mind instead.

It didn't help as much as they wanted. The future was vague, blood, danger and pain all things Elijah knew but he had at least been a way for Elijah to see his siblings, his remaining ones with Kol dead again.

He was tired of watching and hearing of his sibling troubles a world away, first Finn had tried to trap him in a Chambre de Chasse to convince him of a new escape, which might have worked if a Chambre de Chasse wasn’t Tristan's plans for keeping his siblings out of his way. Elijah had gotten very used to being placed in them by the sisters and Finn in his new body didn’t have half the power of his girls to keep him.

Then Kol had managed to reach out to him in desperation as he was dying, not the way he wanted to learn his little brother was dying again because of a hex Finn and place on him nor the painful realisation that the sisters may have had the power to save him but it was far too late by the time Elijah found out.

That failure was made worse when Kol had revealed he knew about Tristan and had apologised for failing Elijah, his brother’s last moments with him shouldn’t have been tainted by that and yet they were.

They shouldn’t have happened at all but Elijah had a way to fix that now, he just needed Miss Davina Clare and his older sister’s help, they each held a piece of his brothers and his mother’s grimoire was in the city, the final piece needed for getting the unlinking spell to work for sure.

“I didn’t know I was poisoned.” Alexis said, bringing him out of his thoughts, after she took it from him, careful not to touch his skin and took it quickly.

“Aurora’s like that.” he didn’t bother to stop the fond smile appearing on his face.

“Your chains fell away when you stopped fighting them.” the seer told him with an intense look in her eyes as she looked at him.

“Yes, since fighting just led to the dark and I was tired of being swallowed by the darkness.” he replied, time with Ariane had gotten him used to that.

He led her back to the ballroom, her holding the sleeve to his jacket. He was either going to find someone he could trust to return her to Lucien unharmed or convince Tristan to allow him to do it himself; the latter was far more unlikely but he had to try.

He should have been aware that coming to a city not in Tristan’s control would have returned him to his controlling ways of a few decades ago but it had surprised him, he hadn’t realised how much Tristan had let his chains loosen until they were once again choking him.

Before he could fully return to the ballroom someone called their name.

He turned at the call of his name and was surprised to find his brother and Lucien, neither dressed for the gala, there was still paint on his brother.

Had he been sulking in his studio?

Klaus was looking at him far to openly, pain and hurt a world away from the rage he had been snarling at Elijah with last time they had met. Elijah took a breath to smother his emotions at the knowledge that it meant Klaus knew, no doubt Lucien had told him and Lucien had no reason not to tell him everything.

In part to hurt him, no doubt. Had Lucien kept up the mask of sympathetic friend as he retold Klaus how weak Elijah was? How much Niklaus had missed and failed? He was just thankful Lucien wasn’t aware of the true depths of patheticness Elijah had fallen to.

“Lucien, I believe this one belongs with you.” he greeted.

“Alexis.” Lucien called appearing in front of them with a burst of speed to pull her towards him, checking her over for any harm.

“Brother, I’m sor-” Niklaus started, and Elijah hated how much Tristan was right in that Elijah was so willing to accept the words if he finished them, Niklaus so rarely apologised now, seeing them as weakness.

After everything Elijah still had to fight the urge to wipe the paint from his brother's face and promise him everything was fine to chase the hurt from his eyes.

But it wasn’t and Elijah couldn’t lie to either of them. He wanted a future with his family but that included both of them, and he knew Niklaus wasn’t ready to accept that. “No.” he cut him off, he couldn’t take that now.

Not when his brother was looking at him with pity, when he had to face that Tristan was right. Klaus would destroy the life he had built simply because it wasn’t in his control.

Niklaus was far too similar to Tristan and Elijah wasn’t risking losing everything he built for new chains and prison bars built from brotherly love.

Niklaus had a history of his siblings dead lovers and Elijah wasn’t letting Tristan and Aurora join them.

He wasn’t inviting Niklaus’s habit of hurting his family into Jason’s life.

“I wouldn’t recommend drinking her blood for a day or two.” He told Lucien, refusing to look at his brother, it was easier to ignore his brother’s sad pleading blue eyes when he wasn’t looking at them.

“What why?” Lucien narrowed his eyes and placed himself between Elijah and Alexis. 

“The antidote may have cured her; the poison will take longer to clear her blood.” Elijah explained.

“Antidote?” Lucien asked with a little too much teeth for the mild tone he was trying to affect.

Truly if he was going to wear his heart so openly he should protect it better, his girls had a coven and Aya to stand between them and any threats, Jason had the Stix. 

Then again Aurora was very good at finding ways to slip in.

“You know what Aurora’s like.” he shrugged slightly, her fondness for him and his love for her was the only reason he was still alive, after all. Tristan knew killing him would be the one thing Aurora would never forgive him for, and as such stopped Elijah from killing him.

Now it was the fact Jason would be sad if his uncle Luc died, that spared him Elijah, something Aurora likely knew would happen when she introduced them.

“Elijah-” Niklaus tried reaching out, Elijah stepped back leaving his finger to just brush hsi jacket.

“Now then, you can leave as I don't believe you were invited.” he said, ignoring the sound his brother made at the brush off.

“A bit heartless not to invite your own brother when in his city, don’t you think, impolite even?” Lucien grinned as he looked between the pair of them.

Of course he was going to have fun with this, even the shark with a taste of blood and Niklaus’s wounded expression, the more he ignored him, was an open wound. 

He smothered the need to fix it, Niklaus shouldn’t be showing his weakness here, but where they were was hidden from the rest of those gathered.

If he let himself weaken he would fall into his old ways and prove Tristan correct, and he wasn’t doing that.

“New Orleans was once mine as much as his.” Elijah told him with more than a little honest irritation, he had built this city in a way Niklaus hadn’t bothered, far more interested in claiming the power but never working in keeping it peacefully “Besides, Tristan has sent him numerous ones before to be ignored.” he added carelessly knowing it would cause Niklaus to flinch at the reminder. How much would have changed if his brother had accepted any of them? 

True, Tristan had only started offering them after Elijah had given up openly trying to escape but Klaus might have noticed something wrong if he had been there and perhaps just seeing one of his siblings would have prevented one of his breaks. 

“Of course they were more for me than Niklaus,” he explained with a sharp smile, decided if Lucien had already told Niklaus, he may as well add to it, to make it clear he wasn’t the helpless victim his knew his brother was likely already mentally painting him as, “a test and taunt, to see if I would break and beg my little brother to help me. I’d like to think I wouldn’t have-” before he could finish a voice interrupted him, his smile froze.

“But given what happened following Finn’s visit perhaps we should be thanking Klaus for his abstaining.” Tristan’s words were filled with amusement as he stepped beside him, too close to his side not to be read as intimate.

Tristan’s appearance had one positive effect as the hurt puppy expression on Niklaus’ face vanished in an instant.

“Tristan.” Klaus snarled body moving in a way that clearly showed his need for violence, Elijah cut him off just as quickly as he shifted his weight to lean into Tristan, who slipped an arm around his waist.

There was a moment of frozen silence as Elijah could feel Tristan’s smugness without looking away from the complicated mix of rage, disgust and horror on Niklaus’ face.

“I heard you mention Aurora,” Tristan cut the silence “What has my sister done now?” Tristan asked, fondly exasperated.

“What have you done to my brother?” Klaus demanded, making Elijah sigh at being spoken of as if he wasn’t right there, then wince at Tristan’s reply

“When?” Tristan asked with a smirk and Elijah felt the hand on his hip tighten slightly, and bit back the urge to groan because of course Tristan would take this as a challenge. 

“What?” Niklaus forced out, almost wordless with rage.

“When are we talking about?” Tristan started what Elijah had to wonder was a rehearsed speak, had Tristan practised it for when he could finally gloat knowing Elijah would be stuck defending him from a wrathful brother, “the first year, the first ten, the second decade, what point in the last near century are you asking about because the answer changes a lot-”

Elijah cut him off with a kiss, swallowing the rest of his words as he deepened it.

Elijah wasn’t the one to break the kiss, as it took him vampire speed and strength to catch Klaus’ wrist before he touched Tristan to tear out his heart. Tristan did, as he pulled away to look down at the clawed hand aimed for his chest.

“At least the Marshall-Kenner conduct themselves with manners.” Tristan commented snidely running his free hand down the front of his jacket to brush off imagined dirt as Elijah kept hold of the wrist, it now shaking in his hold desperate to reach Tristan.

Tristan's attitude wasn’t helping Elijah’s desire to hold it, while he didn’t want Tristan dead Niklaus offered an excellent way to knock his lover down a few levels of arrogance, maybe once Elijah could be sure he wouldn’t end up accidentally dead.

“Niklaus,” he said with a wide smile as his brother was glued to him, “you may not believe me or want to accept it but I will not be happy, if any harm were to come to either Aurora or Tristan.” he warned him, Aurora and Tristan were his. 

“Brother, let me go.” Klaus insisted but his eyes flickered to Tristan still, his want clear.

“Will you be keeping your hands to yourself?” he asked, making it clear that if he refused he would be breaking his wrist as he tightened his hold. 

“Fine.” Niklaus huffed after a short pause.

“Good.” he beaned and released his hold. “Now Lucien, you have what you came here for and Niklaus isn't dressed for the event, so can both leave.”

He had no interest in being followed by Niklaus for the rest of the night or needing to follow him around to prevent any further disturbance, he still had Marcellus to watch over during his initiation and the pair of werewolves wandering around the party.

“Brother, I'm not leaving you here with them.” Klaus snapped but Elijah caught the undercurrent of a whine.

“Yet you had no issue with that before.” he said, ignoring his own hurt as Niklaus blanched at the word and continuing reminding himself of the words Klaus had spat at him the last time. “You're not welcome.” 

“My dear Sire has spoken,” Tristan voice was spoken to carry, likely bring the attention of Elijah’s guards that had gathered just out of view, but he was far more aware of the warmth of his breath on his neck, Tristan knew better than to bite him in public but the way Niklaus had tensed made it clear he took it as a threat “ so gentlemen please see yourself out.”

Niklaus’ narrowed eyes never left them until he was forced to turn, led out by Lucien who had his arm around Alexis.

“Did you enjoy yourself with that?” he asked, keeping his tone flat and his back straight even if part of him wanted to slouch, to lean into some comfort but Tristan currently was a fragment the cause of his issues, and outside of their home, he would never.

Here, he was the untouchable Sire of the Strix, the treasured Founder, here he didn’t break.

“Yes, watching you tear your brother’s heart out with words was a delight.” Tristan answered, at least catching his veiled annoyance to remove his arm and step back. “I am surprised though, I was sure you would falter at his sad eyes.”

Elijah didn’t mention how close he had come to doing that.

“So what were you doing to miss Aurora arriving with Lucien’s seer?”

“Speaking to the beautiful Hayley Marshall-Kenner and her husband about the future of our son getting to meet his cousin.” Tristan told him with a smile before it dropped for a serious look, “what was Aurora doing with Lucien’s seer?”

“Likely planning to leave her body upstairs to upset Lucien.” he guessed, he had an idea why she was doing it, not what her true plan was.

“Why?” Tristan frowned, “i thought she was getting better, she knows any chaos she brings will delay-”

“She’s angry and lashing out.” he explained, “this separation isn’t easy, she misses Jason.”

“You're dealing well with it.” Tristan replied, looking at him with curiosity.

“I don't have time for a bad day at the moment, the pair of you are keeping me distracted enough.” Elijah informed him, besides Elijah did have a bit more practice with dealing with  the aching longing of missing someone than Aurora, he had decades kept from his siblings. 

“Neither of you would be apart from him had you stayed.” Tristan reminded him, and Elijah smirked and pressed a hand to his lover's chest over the heart his brother longed to tear out.

“Then you would be dead,” he reminded him, adding with far too much oblivious enjoyment over the fact, “because my family will kill you now they know. I’m the only thing truly keeping you safe.”

He left Tristan’s side after that when he caught sight of Kendall, one of the first teenagers Aya had added to his lessons after the moved from France.

[hells-wells]

Start Of Something New 4

The day after saving Mokuba, you and Tea are walking to school when she notices the bruises left from the previous day, and so do the rest of the gang. With Work placement coming up, everyone is excited to see where they'll end up.

With a surprise appearance from Seto that sets everyone's tongues wagging, what will your friends think?

Later on, Joey organizes for the gang to spend the night at the arcade, what surprises will follow?

Reader X Seto, Reader X Kaiba, Joey jealous X reader?

The timeline is between the end of Duelist Kingdom and Battle City

********** Please give any feedback, it's greatly appreciated!

“So, how did you get the bruises Y/n?” Tea eyed you suspiciously as you both walked past the school gates.

You nervously fidgeted with your hair “Umm… Ok, it’s not a big deal but I came across two guys that were about to hurt Mokuba in the city yesterday…” unwrapping your school blazer from your waist, you wore it, hoping it would cover some of the marks left. 

She stopped grabbing your shoulders “Mokuba?... As in Kaiba?!” You nodded “And you what decided to jump in and fight?!” She sighed heavily “I swear you’re more like Joey and Tristan sometimes.” Lightly touched your face “But you’re ok?”

You smiled “Yeah, I’m fine, Seto actually saved the day.”

You watched as her eyes practically popped out of her head “Whoa, whoa, wait… Kaiba helped you? I have a hard time imagining that.” you both continued to walk.

You let out a small laugh “To be fair Mokuba probably talked him into it.”

She continued to eye you suspiciously “Maybe…”

Yugi and Joey ran up and joined you, bringing the conversion to a stop.

“Hey” You smiled warmly.

“Whadda we miss? Anything Important?” Joey stopped in his tracks “What the fuck? Are you ok?!” He grabbed your face, pulling you in closer.

“I’m fine, really.” Shaking him off you continued to walk.

He continued to eye you “You’d tell us if someone hurt you?” You nodded in reply.

“We were just talking about career day.” Tea gave you a wink.

“Oh, what are guys signing up for?” Yugi asked.

You shrugged “I’m waiting to see what's available. What about you?”

“I’ll be working at my grandpa’s shop.” Not surprised at all you giggled. 

“Same” Joey jumped in the conversion. 

“I’m hoping for the dance studio” -Tea mused.

The sound of the bell rang as the group walked through the double doors, making their way to class, and patiently waiting for the assignments.

“Ok class, there’s been, ah, umm, change this year. I know there was a lot of interest in KaibaCorp but they’ve decided they’ll be choosing the students this year…” The room erupted “I know everyone is upset but there isn’t much we could do about it.” Even the teacher looked annoyed. The class broke out in confusion and annoyance.

“Boo!”

“That’s not fair!”

“But I wanted–”

Leaning towards you “What do you think happened?” Tea whispered.

You shrugged “I have no idea but guess I’m definitely not getting that assignment.” 

The teacher yelled over the raised voices “Everyone quiet down, we have an important guest!” everyone fell silent and you nearly fell out of your seat when Seto walked in.

What the fuck is happening right now?

You failed to hide the smile on your face, Joey noticed as he huffed next to you.

“Alright, listen up. I’ve gone through the applicants for KaibaCorp.” His eyes fell on you, he noticed the blush that was spreading across your face “Now, the amount of you who thought you were good enough for my company is laughable… There were only three students that might be worth having around.”

Everyone sat there dumbfounded 

Wonder who? 

“Make any mistakes and you’re gone, I expect nothing but the best… Zeke Snow, Oliver Thompson and… Y/n Y/l/n.” You felt like everyone’s eyes were on you now “Roland here will hand you the folders, I expect you to memorize everything.”

Roland handed them out, as he stopped at your desk “Miss Y/n, the starting information is also inside.”

You nodded “Thank you, Roland.” taking the folder you noticed everyone’s eyes were on you, especially his fan club.

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

After class you all met up on the roof, Joey and Yugi were the first ones there.

“So, wanna tell us what that was all about?” Joey leaned on the wire, eyes glaring your way.

Letting out a sigh as you sat down next to them “I put my name down for a few different places.”

Yugi nodded and lightly gave “Yeah but, don’t you think it’s odd that Kaiba chose you? I mean, he’s not exactly our biggest fan…” 

It took everything in you not to roll your eyes  “Look, it’s probably a thank you…” They both looked confused, Tristan and Tea walked up behind you “I came across Mokuba yesterday and he nearly got hurt, I helped. That’s it.”

Joey leapt towards you “And that’s how you got hurt? For that rich boy?!”

Biting your lower lip, trying to stop your temper “For Mokuba, yes, but I’m fine. Ok, guys?”

“I still don’t like it,” Joey grumbled.

You were thankful when Tea jumped in “Well, no one is asking you. So drop it.” she sat down beside you.

Tristen stood next to Joey “They’re not wrong, Kaiba isn’t exactly known for being nice.” 

You groaned “Can we talk about anything else?”

Tea let out a small laugh “On the funny side, did you see his fan club faces? I thought they were about to scream!”

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

As the day finished up you were walking home when you heard Joey call out for you, turning around he run up to you.

“Geez, I’ve only been call’n for ages.”

“Sorry, what’s up?

“Nah, was just think’n that we haven’t hung out in ages, so we were gonna head to the arcade tonight.”

You eyed him “Sounds like fun, what time?”

He smiled brightly “Say, 7.”

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

The evening arrived, and you took a taxi to the arcade, walking towards the steps, you stopped to look up at the night sky. There was something about a full moon that you loved.

“Hey, up there!” Joey’s voice rang out.

You continued until you were standing next to him “Hey!... Are we the first ones here?”

“Ehhh, about that, Gramps needed Yugi for something, Tristan had to babysit and Tea’s working.” He sheepishly gave.

That struck you as odd but brushed it off “Ohhhh… Did you still want to?” You pointed at the building.

His hand pushed your lower back forward “Duh!” letting out a small laugh as both of you went in “Doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.”

The two of you spent the night playing games, from laser tag to checking out the new duelling platform, taking photos in the photo booth, and only sitting down for something to eat. 

You were finishing off your fries when you noticed he was looking at you “Is there something on my face?”

Joey lightly blushed “Eh, nah… Was just think’n that tonight was fun.”

You let out a small laugh “It was, the remodel looks really good.”

You noticed he became a little awkward “D-did ya want the photos?” he held them up, waving them back and forth.

“How about we split them?” Taking them you rip the booth photos into twos, one each. 

[sunnymegatron]

Authentic Kink & BDSM Community Lessons w/ Mollena Williams-Haas Ep 204 (Pt. 2)

  How do you live your authentic kink life when your needs don't match up with the BDSM community status quo? In part 1 (ep 203) Mollena Williams-Haas told us how returning to the leather community after parting ways sparked an unexpected journey of healing and growth. In this discussion, Mollena shares practical advice for digging past the stereotypical BDSM “supposed to’s” in order to identify your needs and honor them. D/s relationships are about making life better for both doms and subs -- but how exactly do we go about that? Mollena has some helpful answers … 

Mollena Williams-Haas Bio

Mollena is a writer, actress, BDSM Educator, Storyteller, sobriety fiend since March 2007, and Award-Winning Executive Pervert. Owned & collared by renowned contemporary composer Georg Friedrich Haas, she serves as his beloved slave, submissive, wife, servant, and Muse. February 2016 saw a groundbreaking piece about their relationship featured in the New York Times. They are also both the subject of the documentary The Artist and The Pervert.

As a two-time leather title holder and kink educator, Mollena's viewpoints on Kink-related issues are frequently sought after by sources like The New York Times, Newsweek, Essence, Ebony, etc. A frequent guest expert on Dan Savage’s “Savage Lovecast,” Tristan Taormino’s “Sex Out Loud”, and Margaret Cho’s “Monsters of Talk” podcast, she’s even spoken about Kink at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Mollena is also the co-author of the “Toybag Guide: Taboo Play” and “Playing Well With Others: Your Guide to Discovering, Exploring and Navigating the Kink, Leather and BDSM Communities”. 

A professional stage performer since age 5, Mollena’s credits include The Wiz and co-starring with Danny Bonaduce in underground cult-classic America’s Deadliest Home Video. Her short film, IMPACT, won “Cinekink’s Best Experimental Film." Mollena’s latest performance piece and movie is Hyena, a collaboration with her husband. Mollena also appeared on Sex with Sunny Megatron on Showtime. Her latest endeavor is The Kink Doula. (Mollena's Full Bio: http://www.mollena.com/about/ )

  Episode 204 Helpful Links & Resources

Part 1 of this discussion, Episode 203 https://sunnymegatron.com/mollena-williams-haas-bdsm-leather-community/

All That and Mo, Podcast hosted by Mollena Lee Williams Haas https://allthatandmo.com/

Kink Doula https://kinkdoula.com/ 

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Website http://www.mollena.com/

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mollena

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mollena_lee_williams_haas/

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Twitter https://twitter.com/mollena

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MollenaLeeWilliamsHaas

Mollena on RISK! Episode 442 “Slave” https://soundcloud.com/riskshow/slave-by-mollena-williams-from-episode-442-slave

Hyena Teaser Trailer https://youtu.be/UrAJji7qdwk

The Artist and the Pervert Trailer https://youtu.be/ko_6bGeADGU

The Artist and the Pervert Documentary on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Artist-Pervert-Georg-Friedrich-Haas/dp/B08NC5C1PK

The Restrict Act Bill S. 686 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/686/text 

ResistBot  https://resist.bot/petitions

Find & Contact your Legislators https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s686/comment 

Chat GPT https://chat.openai.com/chat 

Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb

Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron

American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp

American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex

  Episode 204 Sponsors & Discount Codes

*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!

40% off Beducated’s yearly pass https://beducate.me/pd2317-sunny and use code SUNNY

Get 20% off + free shipping at Manscaped.com with code SUNNY http://manscaped.com

Go to http://GreenChef.com/sunny60 and use code sunny60 to get 60% off plus free shipping

Pleasure Podcasts Network https://www.pleasurepodcasts.com/

Sunny’s On-Demand BDSM Classes & Coaching:  https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/

15% off most items from Stockroom https://bit.ly/sunnystockroom15 with code SUNNY

–To support American Sex Podcast/Sunny Megatron & help offset the cost of providing no-charge education: http://patreon.com/americansex 

Check out our latest episode!

[the-writer-nerd-ro]

It's time for Sphere Game Night! There's a chance that this one is more about Maddox than it's about Sphere but Sara and Hunter are there!

This is a follow-up to "The girls couldn't afford a beach episode so we're going to the lake"

The Game Is Afoot

Hard Shell: what did you do

Lemonhead: ???

Hard Shell: dont act innocent i know you keep trying to set Marian up with people

Lemonhead: Yeah? So?

Hard Shell: he invited a girl to game night

Lemonhead: Petunia?

Hard Shell: i knew you had something to do with it

Hunter wasn't sure what to make of Maddox's accusatory tone (could you have an accusatory tone over text?), so she chose not to respond, instead turning towards Sara who was doing her makeup before they left.

“Petunia is coming to game night.”

“Oh, fun! Did you invite her?”

“No, Marian did.”

Sara grinned conspiratorially, “Oooh, so the game is afoot.”

“Maddox seems kind of upset that she's coming. Marian's never invited anyone to game night.”

“She wasn't upset when I started coming to game night,” Sara pointed out.

“She's a little protective of Marian. She's never met Petunia so as far as she knows Petunia is just another girl who isn't good enough for her brother.”

“Huh.” Sara seemed a little lost in thought, but it was May and Hunter didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle yet, so she didn’t think much of it.

“Well, if anyone is going to prove Maddox wrong it's Petunia.”

“The only person who can prove Maddox wrong is Maddox.”

“Hm. Well then that will make tonight even more interesting.”

“Interesting is definitely one word for it.”

Hunter wasn't too worried though, Maddox reveled in getting under Hunter's skin but she was generally nice to strangers. Even strangers she was silently judging.

Petunia swung by and picked Hunter and Sara up, so they arrived together. Surprisingly, Maddox hadn't arrived yet. Hunter had fully expected her to be staking out the place.

She was also surprised that Petunia seemed super familiar with Marian's house. She'd known that Petunia had been here after the lake trip, she wasn't sure if there was anything else she was missing.

Batman normally didn't warm up to visitors after only one visit, but the beastly little cat was all over Petunia the second she stepped inside.

“Where's Maddox?” Hunter asked.

Marian sighed deeply. “She's picking up her plus one.”

“What?”

“Apparently she thinks that since you and are both bringing guests she should get to bring someone too. Doesn't matter to me, she's buying dinner.”

That was the deal, whoever hosted bought dinner. But Maddox still lived with her parents and Morgan lived with five other roommates so they both “hosted” at Marian's place. It had been a fun time back when Hunter had lived above the funeral home and they'd had game night in the employee break room.

“Who is she bringing?” Hunter asked, with growing curiosity and a little tiny twinge of dread.

“Some guy. Morgan, what's his name?”

“Tristan.”

“Is he her boyfriend?” Sara asked.

Morgan shrugged.

“Honestly, you know as much as I do. He’s on her debate team, I met him like one time.”

“Interesting…” Hunter mused. She doubted that Tristan was a boyfriend, Maddox was pretty private about her relationships, but the message was clear. This was a protest.

Morgan, however, was not protesting. Morgan was immediately very enthusiastic about meeting Petunia, and after a minute or two of small talk she began grilling her about the meanings behind different flowers.

“For my flower shop AU,” she explained, which didn't explain anything.

While Petunia was interrogated, Hunter pulled Marian into another room and did some grilling of her own.

“So, what made you decide to invite Petunia?”

“I had a lot of fun with her at the lake, I thought it would be nice to hang out again.”

“And?”

“And what?”

Hunter gave him a look.

“Don't play dumb with me, Marian.”

Marian blushed and lowered his voice. “Fine, and she's cute, okay? But I don't think she likes me like that so be cool about it, okay?”

“Nobody is cooler than me.”

Marian gave her a look.

“Okay, Sara is cooler than me. But don't worry, I won't say anything.”

“Yeah, you're not really the one I'm worried about,” Marian said with a sigh.

“I'll make sure Maddox doesn't pull anything,” Hunter promised. “What are we playing tonight?

“Something for seven people, I guess.”

Just then, the doorbell rang, Batman racing through the house to yowl at whoever had disturbed his peace. He was confused to see Maddox, who he loved, with some stranger he'd never seen before.

Maddox had put her boy friend to work, making him carry the pizzas.

“Hey, guys, this is Tristan, he's cool. Whenever we go on debate trips he always brings the cards, so I thought he might enjoy game night.”

Maddox was being suspiciously chill.

“Cool, nice to meet you Tristan. I'm Marian, this is Petunia, that's our cousin Hunter and her girlfriend Sara, and I heard you've already met Morgan.”

“Good to see you again, Morgan. And it's nice to meet all of you as well, I'm happy to be here.” He seemed very mellow, which might have been why Maddox appeared so laid back right now.

“This is my first game night too,” Petunia said.

“Madds said I wasn't the only newbie. We'll have to have each other's backs.”

“Deal,” Petunia said, holding out her hand for a handshake.

“Hey! I'm pretty new, too,” Sara protested, wanting in on the handshake.

“Nuh-uh, you have a nickname and everything,” Maddox said.

“Yeah, once you wipe the floor with us in Uno you stop being new,” Marian agreed.

“I'll have your back,” Hunter promised, taking Sara's hand and squeezing it.

“Thanks, Hun.”

Maddox took the pizza from Tristan and set it on the table. “Let's eat.”

That settled that, and soon they were all crowded around the table. Petunia ended up squeezed right between Marian and Maddox. Hunter kept a wary eye on the situation.

If Petunia knew she was on trial she didn't show it, laughing at most of Marian's jokes and continuing the floral discussions with Morgan. Maddox stayed quiet, tallying up each interaction like she was keeping score. Occasionally she said something in a hushed tone to Tristan, who would nod or laugh but never weighed in.

Tristan was also being cross-examined, but he came from a debate and mock trial background so he was used to that.

“You and Maddox know each other from debate?” Marian asked.

“Yeah, Madds is the best captain I've ever had.”

“Do you get to hang out much outside of debate?”

Maddox frowned at her brother, perfectly understanding this line of questioning.

“No, usually just for debate. Oh, we went bowling a while ago with Logan and Alex, that was fun. And sometimes when our schedules sync up we go off campus for lunch.”

That just sounded like normal high school stuff, nothing particularly romantic.

“Are you going to college here or are you going out of state?” That was the real make or break question, even if Tristan and Maddox were dating now, if he went out of state it would pretty much be over.

“I think I'm going to take a gap year, do some backpacking, decide who I want to become.”

“I didn't go to college,” Hunter said, “and I turned out fine.”

“Well, you don't have to go to college to be a failed artist,” Maddox said.

Sara had gotten along with Maddox up until this point but now she was a little offended on Hunter's behalf. However, one glance at Hunter made it clear that this was nothing to go to war over, so Sara simmered down.

Marian was a little peeved, though. “You don't even have to graduate high school to be an asshole, apparently. Jesus Christ, Maddox, we have guests, can you play nice for one minute?”

Maddox looked stunned. She was used to squabbling with Hunter and Marian breaking it up eventually, but he seemed genuinely upset with her, which was new.

“Sorry. Excuse me.” Maddox got up hastily and fled to the bathroom.

“It really wasn't a big deal, Marian,” Hunter said, feeling uneasy.

Petunia and Tristan both suddenly seemed very interested in their phones, not wanting to get pulled into a family kerfuffle.

Marian looked just as uneasy. Maddox was his little sister, his fishing buddy. Things had grown a little strained recently because she'd started acting like she was too old for all of that, but she'd still come to game night. And now he was the one starting fights.

“Do you think I should go check on her?” He asked, taking a mental poll.

It was pretty unanimous, the only one who could smooth things over was Marian.

“We'll clean up in here and figure out what we want to play,” Sara offered, showcasing why she already had a nickname and a place in the Candy Bowl group chat.

“Thanks, Skittles.”

Tristan was sitting next to her and leaned over, “Did I miss something, should I be calling you Skittles?”

“You didn't miss anything, Skittles is the nickname I earned when I trounced Marian and Hunter in Uno on my first game night. If you stick around, you might get a nickname too.”

“I'm just here for moral support,” Tristan confessed. “I think Madds is pretty stressed out about graduation and stuff. A lot of our friends are leaving to go out of state or find themselves. I just wanted to be there for her while I'm still here.”

“Huh.”

Hunter had really thought Maddox was upset about her brother liking someone but she'd missed the forest for the trees. Maddox was a teenager who was about to be thrust into the real world (or a college-shaped approximation of the real world), of course she was stressed out and frazzled by every little change. And now game night had changed too.

“Thanks for looking out for her,” Hunter said.

“My pleasure. She really is something fierce,” Tristan said it with a lot of love in his voice, but even Morgan (shipping connoisseur) could tell that it was a platonic love.

“Yeah, nothing is ever going to change that,” Hunter agreed.

Maddox, who may or may not have shed a tear in the bathroom, and Marian, whose eyes were noticeably red, came back to the table and looked around.

“Well? What are we playing?” Maddox demanded.

She and Marian had seemingly made their peace, or at least postponed any lingering awkwardness until after game night.

“How about Apples to Apples?” Petunia suggested.

“Perfect. Apples to Apples is a good judge of character,” Maddox said.

Marian rolled his eyes a little but he didn't argue. Maddox could keep score if she wanted to, he knew in his heart Petunia would have a nickname by the end of the night.

[thehungrykat1]

The First Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival Kicks Off With The Grand Tasting

Tagaytay has always been a favorite local destination for those looking for a quick getaway from the city. It's not just a place for relaxation but a foodie haven as well with all the new restaurants that recently opened. That's why this is the perfect time to hold the first ever Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival which just held its grand launch last July 12, 2024 at Anya Resort Tagaytay.

For two weekends from July 12 to July 21, 2024, the chefs and restaurants that have helped mold Tagaytay's storied dining culture will convene at Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival 2024 for a series of events designed to spotlight the finest aspects of the city's gastronomic offerings. This is the biggest food event that has ever happened in Tagaytay and The Hungry Kat was invited to witness the opening of this culinary extravaganza.

The first event of the Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival 2024 happened last Friday with the Grand Tasting at Anya Resort. For P3,950 per person, guests embarked on a feast of flavors featuring Tagaytay's finest chefs and their signature dishes. I met up with my Ninang Bess Howe and foodie friend Nines Licad for an epic Tagaytay evening.

At its heart, the Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival is an exploration of the city’s journey from a scenic highland retreat to a culinary hotspot. Its unique geography and cool climate have played a crucial role in shaping its vibrant dining scene. This transformation has spurred the growth of culinary tourism. Many local and international tourists now come specifically to explore Tagaytay as a dining destination. Taal remains to be its muse, and the food has become its compass.

Each guest was given two stubs which they could use to get a glass of any of the premium wines on display at the venue. These included red wines, white wines, and sangria.

The main function room of Anya Resorts was where all the chefs set up their stations for guests to sample. My first stop was at Happy Ongpauco-Tiu's Pamana and Tsokolateria table which are both places that I often visit when I go to Tagaytay.

I got a selection of some of their popular items like the Hot Tsoko, Smoked Tinapa Pasta, and Molted Queso Bruschetta. This was just one of the more than 10 different stations that guests could try at the Grand Tasting

Aniela Tolentino's Binulo Restaurant featured Papaitan, Dried Shrimp, and Tibuk-Tibuk together with Papa Bolo Microbrewery's Pina Niña pineapple ale. Anya Resort's own Chris Leaning had the Satay Skewer and Grilled Iberia Pork while Taal Vista's Chef Jayme Natividad brought his Beef Shank Ravioli with homemade ricotta and leeks.

The rich heritage of View Park Hotel’s Siglo Restaurant also delighted guest's taste buds with their signature dishes. Dan Puga's Lula Cafe and Binggoy Remedios' Asador by Dos Mestizos were also present to showcase their offerings.

Another restaurant I enjoy going to at Tagaytay is Ribchon and I got to meet its Chef Tristan Bayani.

He served their famous ribs served in three delicious ways. First up was the Lechon Ribs with Tangled Rice, together with the Beer Barbecue Ribs and the Sinigang Ribs. These were probably the most popular items that evening.

Kalel Chan's Farmers Table and My Country House from the Raintree Restaurants served two very interesting dishes. The first was the Pineapple Ceviche with Coconut Ginger Emulsion and Basil Oil.

Chef Kalel also presented the Bull & Tendon Tartufata Cream Meat Pie with peeled tomato confit. Squeeze the cream into the meat pie first before biting away.

Chef Robby Goco of Elaia by Cyma featured the Avocado Salad and Kakavia or Greek Fisherman's Stew. There was also their Lamb Pilaf with Domates Salata, pickles and yogurt in garlic sauce.

I wasn't familiar yet with Reynaldo’s Smokehouse so I really wanted to try their barbecued centerpieces. The Smoked Pepper Rub Brisket and the Smoked Roast Beef were some of my favorites that night, especially with their tender and smokey meats.

Chef Rhea SyCip of Flour Pot Bistro & Bakery is one of the main organizers of the Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival so her cakes and desserts were also very popular. I really love her Tres Leches cake while my husband always enjoys her Strawberry Doughnuts.

I wasn't really able to try all the stations since there were just so many. Some others included View Park Hotel’s Siglo Restaurant, Dan Puga's Lula Cafe, and Binggoy Remedios' Asador by Dos Mestizos. The Slow Food Community Cavite was also there representing local farmers and showcasing their efforts to preserve and promote biodiversity, food heritage, and gastronomy.

Senator Loren Legarda also had a part in the inaugural Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival 2024 as she helps promote culinary tourism. The Harvest Dinner was held on July 13, 2024 at The Fatted Calf where chefs Jayjay SyCip, Rhea SyCip, and Pilgrim Davao’s Jeramie Go collaborated on a menu that featured the best of ingredients, expertly prepared.

On July 20, there will be an elegant six-hands dinner at Luxe at 180 by Chef Sau del Rosario for P4,500 per person. Cocktails start at 4:00pm with the breathtaking view of Tagaytay bathed in the warm glow of dusk. This Black Truffle, Caviar, and Wine dinner will be presented by world-class chefs including Australia’s Oliver Buenviaje, Emirate’s John Buenaventura, and our very own French-trained chef, Sau del Rosario.

The back-to-back weekends will close with the Heritage Buffet on July 21, 2024 at the Veranda Restaurant of Taal Vista Hotel. For P2,200, this unique lunch buffet features the combined talents of chef Jayme Natividad of Taal Vista Hotel and chefs Jayjay and Rhea SyCip of The Fatted Calf. Together, they'll create a delightful fusion of heritage dishes, showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine.

Capping off the festival is the inaugural Creative Bulalo Challenge. In collaboration with the Tagaytay City Tourism Council, restaurants from Tagaytay City will compete in this exciting culinary showdown, where participants will present their most innovative interpretation of the city’s beloved Bulalo. This competition will culminate in September 2024 at the iconic Tagaytay Picnic Grove.

Congratulations to the organizers and participants of the first Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival. This is just the beginning of this annual foodie event that will surely make Tagaytay an even more exciting culinary destination.

[morsvitaque]

*at some point I might add Tristan as a guest muse. Though you are welcome to send him memes, and/or asks' if you want to. Though he does enter the scene roughly around 1870s'.

(page here)

[caraidean]

Favorite Heroes AU Things: Getting to use fankids with people other than just other fankids

[sennenpharaoh]

"You don't have to thank me." He said and kissed his cheek. "Hey Tristan," he offered a tired smile. He wished it was under better circumstances that they were seeing their friend but he was grateful he came to get them. Yugi helped Atem into the car before sliding in beside him and taking his hand again. "We'll get you into bed and I'll make you some food, how does that sound."

"Alright, you two. Buckle up and try not to make out in my car. I just got the interior done."

"Tristan!"

"Yea yea, time and place, Mom." Tristan buckled up himself as he started up the car and began to head out.

"So... do I even wanna ask what the hell happened to you? You look like you've been through the ringer, and you look like you haven't slept in days. You do know you both have my number."

"But I did call you, didn't I?"

"Yea, after the fact. You know what I'm about to say, so don't make me put Anzu on speaker to talk both your ears off." He sighed. "Look, everyone in this car knows you have a bad habit of not asking for help until it's too late, Atem, and I'm here to tell ya that I have no intention of losing another one of my best friends. Do you hear me?!"

Atem just fell silent, looking away, giving Yugi's hand a squeeze upon mentioning their late best friend. No, he didn't want to think about... not again.

"You... you didn't have to mention--"

"Yes, I do, Atem. Look, with him no longer around, someone's gotta punch some sense into ya. It's the only way my words will stick. So, what's going to happen is this. You're going home. You're getting better. And you're going to stop being so damn reckless and throwing yourself headfirst into shit by yourself! You hear me?"

Atem, blinking away... something, don't worry about it, silently nodded.

"I said 'Do you hear me?'."

"Yes... Tristan." Atem finally spoke up, small tears in the corners of his eyes.

"Good. And that goes for you too." Tristan then turned his attention to Yugi. "I don't know what happened, but you look like you haven't slept for days which means you're going to rest up too. You got that?"

He stopped at the front of Atem's apartment. "Right. Now that we're here, you good to walk in, or do you need my help?"

[domino-duelists-moved]

“  I’M NOT CRUSHING ON KAIBA GOT IT!!! EVEN MY FRIENDS THINK I AM? BUT I’M NOT OK? JEEZ!”

..

..

Tristan ;

[insatiablemuses]

She was getting so lost in him and she wasn't sure if it was because she hadn't done something like this in awhile, the fact he was a vampire, or if she was just drawn to him in some way that made this feel even better. She suspected it was a combination of all three. Hearing his growl sends a shiver down her spine. As her pleasure increases with every thrust delivered, the overhead lights in the bathroom start to flicker. Moans continue to leave her, not loud and high pitched, just breathy and desperate as they're swallowed by his mouth. "Fuck.. you feel so good," she breathes out.

insatiablelilith​:

Kat was getting lost in the pleasure, her walls hugging at his length every time her moved her back down onto him. She groans against his lips as she pushed back against the tile. And then he’s moving faster and she grips onto his shoulder a little tighter in response. Moans continue to be muffled by his lips, his touch and thrusts driving her insane. “Don’t stop,” she pants out, teeth tugging at his bottom lip before releasing it. She goes right back to kissing him a moment later and moves with him. 

He loved when she told him not to stop and then how she bit his lower lip might have turned him on even more if that was even possible. Tristan wanted to give her so many orgasms her brain would short circuit and she would just run on lust more than anything. he sped up even more.growling a little in the process knowing that his fangs had come out and fuck did he want to bite her even just a little to taste her blood to take in all of her.

[crimsonlyinglilly]

Day 8: trap

Part two of Day 8 for @augustofwhump,

back to Caged Founder - while Klaus was sulking Freya arranged her own plan for her lost little brother.

Follows on from Day 8

---

Elijah was about to return to Tristan to get the answers on what Mohinder was planning to make him the target of tonight's play when a voice called to him.

“Elijah Mikaelson,” he turned to find Jackson Kenner, his niece's step father and the more experienced alpha of the crescent pack standing alone, “right?”

“Yes, Jackson Kenner” he greeted, a small mannered smile on his face as he wondered where Hayley was, while no one here would dare harm her, it was concern raising to have misplaced one of their guests.

“You know-” the man started,

“I have kept an eye on my family and you are my niece’s family.” he explained even if part of him wanted to know how the man managed to survive Niklaus’ possessive jealousy. 

“You’ve been spying on your family, since when?” Jackson asked and Elijah’s smile widened slightly.

“Decades now,” he confessed, “but that doesn’t matter, how can I help you?” he replied with a question of his own, while he was interested in getting to know this man who managed to force Niklaus into accepting him without bowing to his tantrums or just being killed, here was not the place as the longer they spoke the more attention they were gaining from those around them.

“Hope.” The man admitted gruffly, 

“What?” He raised an eyebrow, something he wanted those around him to hear even less but did want to hear more about.

His niece, his miracle niece who seemed to be changing Niklaus in the way Elijah had tried for centuries.

“Your- cap- partner-” Jackson stumbled over the words but Elijah did manage to catch the one he tried to cover over the most cap cut off before he could say captor, he froze his smile before it could give him away.

It seemed it wasn’t just Niklaus and Marcellus who knew, it did add to more questions on why Hope’s step father was told of Elijah’s failing but he ignored his curiosity along with his shame and anger, and kept his attention on the man who was just growing more fascinating the longer the spoke. 

“Tristan talked to us about your son, and while Hope’s gonna have kids from the pack to grow up with she won’t have anyone on her dad’s side.” Jackson explained.

“I’m not sure my brother’s willing to accept my son as family currently.” he mused, instead of giving into his want and asking more about her.

“Doubt it, given what he’s like about family and you.” Jackson muttered mostly to himself but he had Elijah full attention despite himself.

“And what do you mean by that?” He asked knowing he shouldn’t, it was giving himself away but he doubted Jackson was that much of a danger, physically yes, Elijah had no interest in experiencing hybrid or enhanced werewolf venom again but unlike Lucien and Klaus he wasn’t familiar with him or Tristan at all to notice his tells and clear weakness. 

“Look, can we take this elsewhere?” Jackson requested, adding “I don't really want to talk about Hope surrounded by so many of these blood suckers, no offence.”

“Understandable, none taken“ he smiled, ”lead the way.”

He should have known better when he followed the man out the way to a side room close to an exit. 

It was a trap, he kept his smile up as Jackson stopped with an apology and another masked woman stepped into the clear behind him.

A false promise to lead him out from Tristan’s view away from his guards, yet if they thought he’d fall to a werewolf or two, no matter how enhanced they was they were mistaken.

He wouldn't harm them but he didn’t like being underestimated.

Elijah had shifted his weight to prepare for a fight, his smile vanished as his eyes widened in shock when a wave of heaviness hit him. One very similar to what he remembered a near hundred years ago when he had hesitated and the same had caught him, he couldn’t stop the flare of fear, the last time he had woken up chained in the dark.

But fear didn’t help him against the spell, he tried to stay awake as he fell to his knees, a powerful witch to overpower his will so quickly, he really should have noticed. 

“Sorry little brother.” He heard and almost smiled, he was only the younger brother to two people.

Freya, the missing sister, it seemed she shared the family’s inability to simply talk. ‘Tristan and Aurora were going to be unbearable after this’ he thought before darkness took him.

[sunnymegatron]

Lessons from the BDSM Leather Community with Mollena Williams-Haas - Ep 203

  Mollena Williams-Haas, a.k.a. The Kink Doula, is back to serve up a slice of community healing. As a BDSM Leather community veteran and legend, Mollena understands the challenges of living your truth when it falls outside of the alt-sex status quo. In this convo, she shares how her rocky relationship with a community she once loved transformed into an unexpected journey of healing and growth. And, in true Mollena fashion, the insights she gleaned from this transformative, powerful experience are life lessons we can all benefit from, no matter our chosen community or family. This is part one of our two-episode extended conversation.

  Mollena Williams-Haas Bio

Mollena is an NYC-born and raised writer, actress, BDSM Educator, Storyteller, sobriety fiend since March 2007, and Award-Winning Executive Pervert. Owned and collared by renowned contemporary composer Georg Friedrich Haas since 2013, she serves as his beloved slave, submissive, wife, servant, and Muse. February 2016 saw a groundbreaking piece about their relationship featured in the New York Times.

Active in the Leather community since 1996 and teaching since 1998, Mollena's viewpoints on Kink-related issues are frequently sought after by sources like The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Newsweek, Essence, Ebony, etc. She is a frequent guest expert on Dan Savage’s “Savage Lovecast,” Tristan Taormino’s “Sex Out Loud”, and Margaret Cho’s “Monsters of Talk” podcast. She’s even spoken about Kink at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

Molena is also a leather titleholder– International Ms Leather 2010 and Ms. San Francisco Leather 2009. She’s the co-author of the “Toybag Guide: Taboo Play.” and “Playing Well With Others: Your Guide to Discovering, Exploring and Navigating the Kink, Leather and BDSM Communities”. 

A professional stage performer since the age of 5, Mollena’s credits include singing on the soundtrack for The Wiz and co-starring with Danny Bonaduce in underground cult-classic America’s Deadliest Home Video. Her short film, IMPACT, won the “Cinekink’s Best Experimental Film" Award. Mollena’s latest performance piece is Hyena, a collaboration with her husband. They are also both the subject of the documentary The Artist and The Pervert. Mollena also appeared on Sex with Sunny Megatron on Showtime. Her latest endeavor is The Kink Doula.

Mollena's Full Bio: http://www.mollena.com/about/ 

Episode 203 Helpful Links & Resources

All That and Mo, Podcast hosted by Mollena Lee Williams Haas https://allthatandmo.com/

Kink Doula https://kinkdoula.com/ 

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Website http://www.mollena.com/

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mollena

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mollena_lee_williams_haas/

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Twitter https://twitter.com/mollena

Mollena Lee Williams Haas Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MollenaLeeWilliamsHaas

Mollena on RISK! Episode 442 “Slave” https://soundcloud.com/riskshow/slave-by-mollena-williams-from-episode-442-slave

Hyena Teaser Trailer https://youtu.be/UrAJji7qdwk

The Artist and the Pervert Trailer https://youtu.be/ko_6bGeADGU

The Artist and the Pervert Documentary on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Artist-Pervert-Georg-Friedrich-Haas/dp/B08NC5C1PK

The Restrict Act Bill S. 686 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/686/text 

ResistBot  https://resist.bot/petitions

Find & Contact your Legislators https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s686/comment 

Chat GPT https://chat.openai.com/chat 

Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb

Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron

American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp

American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex

 Episode 203 Sponsors & Discount Codes

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30-day free trial of Dipsea Stories when you use code SUNNY at http://dipseastories.com/sunny 

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