#I absolutely need to know what that dynamic was like

[callilypso]

II ▷ 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞 — l&ds 0:01 ───|────────────────────

↳ there's no way they're getting jealous over pixelated men.. right? it's not your fault you've got a very particular type.

↳ scenarios in which they witness you fangirling over fictional men (ironic i know) that's actually quite similar to them in personality/vibes

ᴛᴀɢꜱ: mdni; fem!mc (but ur welcome to hc urself as whatvever you want); mostly crack; zayne suggestive (implied smut), fluff, xavier fluff, rafayel angst, hurt/comfort, sylus fluff; references to l&ds myths lore, a lot of anime references and possible spoilers for shows/game (jjk, apothecary diaries, ghibli movies, ff), established relationships; a lot of thirsting, jealousy, mc is emotional and assertive, periods, ovulation mention, mc and sylus have playful banter dynamic; unedited

❥ a/n: these are silly ideas that's been in my head for a while now and its most self indulgent. its been plaguing my head now about how i would let nanami and zayne hit at the same time and dingdingding! ideaaa. i do appreciate some feedback and reblogs!! this is my first time posting about l&ds, and my own interpretation for them may vary from yours. english isn't my first language so pls pardon my grammatical errors. minors and ageless blogs will be BLOCKED.

Now ever since you were both kids, he already knew your absolute fascination for anime, sometimes even joining you as you watch the latest Sailor Moon and Detective Conan episodes. He also remembers vaguely how you had an absolutely massive crush on Roy Mustang from FMA. He was sure you didn't even understand the plot you were just ogling at him as he silently judged you.

So it shouldn't be a surprise that you still are, in fact, a massive weeb.

And it shouldn't be surprising you would still have fictional crushes, even with your established relationship. It's not that Zayne feels threatened in anyway—they're not real for heaven's sake.

But after a long 36-hour shift and a major surgery, exhaustion seeping into his taut muscles, bones aching, skin longing for yours—something just slightly irks him when he sees wayyy too close to the TV, kicking your feet like a silly little girl on the floor, gripping your biggest plushie.

You were giggling and grinning like a mad woman as you were just practically drooling over the latest episode of Jujutsu Kaisen.

You were replaying the part of Nanami Kento pulling some blonde dude's hair roughly, pulling him to his shadowed face.

"What's the number and location of your allies?" Nanami growled through the screen, and you were giggling again, rewinding for the nth time. Damn his wide ass shoulders seems so nice to rest (your legs) on.

He was the perfect balance of serious and dry humor. His suits were always on point, paired with leather shoes and luxury silver watch. The way he would carry himself; his presence bringing in the level-headed maturity needed by the mostly teenage cast, truly the reliable adult they all need. Nanami Kento was truly husband material.

You go over the scene again when Nanami tugs the dude again by his ponytail, a good shot of Nanami's packed pants in side view.

And god, you would have pulled those pants down and showed Shibuya a real incident—

After a while, you were getting uncomfortable, so you stood up from your spot, deciding to get something to drink when you stop dead on your tracks.

There was Zayne, sitting on the couch still dressed from the hospital minus the white coat. He had his arms folded against his chest, watching you with tired eyes.

"Oh—Zayne! Welcome back, love." You greeted as you made your way to him to give him a kiss.

He didn't kiss you back.

You give him a concerned look. Although you were already used to his stressed demeanor though after work, you can sense this was slightly different.

"Love?" You called out to him again, hand travelling to his chest. You see his gaze faltering into a fondness familiar to you, and he looks away.

Ah..

You bit your lip to suppress a snort, grabbing the tie to make him face you again.

"Is Doctor.. sulking?" You quirked an eyebrow at him.

Zayne grabs your wrist, pulling you into his lap and you oblige, effectively straddling him.. You put your arms around his neck as he nudges his nose at the crook of your neck, placing butterfly kisses.

"I don't know... maybe my woman saying she's about to pull down another man's pants is a justifiable reason?" he murmurs into your skin, hugging your waist closer.

Oh fuck, you said that out loud?

He felt you shake with laughter. Unraveling from the embrace, you cup his face with both hands.

"My love, we both know the only man I can and will ever that to is you." You reassure him, still giggling as you feel him sigh a shaky breath.. and a familiar tent poking you down there.

You loved when Zayne gets like this, being extra clingy after long work days—soft, yearning, needy.

The renowned Doctor Zayne, always so frigid when it comes to other matters, is melting under your touch, almost pouty because of a fictional blonde man on TV. You could almost coo.

"Hm.. maybe I'd like a demonstration?" Zayne drawls out in request, almost plea. Polite as always, you would think,

If not for the sudden tug at back of your hair, exposing the column of your neck.

A silent moan breathes out of your lips, feeling him nip down to your collarbones.

You huff out a laugh, feeling Zayne hum on your skin.

"Seems like someone's got inspired."

Xavier is a jealous man. Whether or not he acknowledges this, everyone and their mother knows this is an established fact.

Another man breathes your direction and something immediately itches under his skin to pull out his sword. This may or may not be an exaggeration.. I mean the man is literally jealous of himself.

So what do you expect when, unbeknownst to you, he catches you giggling to yourself at your phone during lunchbreak? He's on his way to spend it with you at your usual place, take out of your favorite food in hand.

"Did your boyfriend text you or something, girl?" He hears someone tease you—Tara, he figures—and he stops at the corner where he's about to turn. Xavier peeks his head a little and he sees her nudging your arm as you look up at her, eyebrow quirked and a goofy smile on your lips. You were both turned away from him waiting at a table.

He remains hidden at the corner, confused.

He didn't text you though? Did he?

"Noooo—it's nothing.. just a new episode." You tuck your phone away from her prying eyes.

"Ohhh, so it's your other boyfriend-" Tara teases, and you hit her playfully. "Who is it now? Gojo? Himmel?"

There's a ringing in Xavier's ears.

"Ssshhhh!—you're so loud!" You whisper yelled, pulling Tara beside you to show her your screen.

It was Apothecary Diaries. Jinshi spotted Maomao at work as a servant after being laid off the palace, and of course, went to bother her.

Jinshi brushes his finger over Maomao's lips, staining it with pink rouge, before bringing it up to his own lips and kissing it. He smiles at her after and she looks away, flustered.

You and Tara start squealing as discretely as possible to avoid looking like total idiots in public to no avail, as you were shaking Tara in giddiness.

"If Maomao ain't gonna kiss him soon enough, I will!" You say through your gritted teeth in frustration.

The way he looks at her, like she's so far out of his reach whenever they do touch, sadness and longing in his gaze. You eat it up every time he's getting starstruck by her hidden beauty. It was so obvious he was the supposedly sickly prince of the kingdom, masking his own identity for the sake of his mission (ahem), yet it cracks sometimes just to let this supposedly common clever peasant girl to seep through, leading to his silly misunderstandings and petty jealousy-

Behind, you both hear someone clear their throat, and you slowly pan over your gazes.

There was Xavier, arms crossed, an unamused look in his eyes as he looks down on you both. Tara stands up way too fast.

"Hey there! I just remembered I have something to do—See you later, girl!" She quickly takes off, leaving you high and dry.. and awkward as fuck.

Yeah, he's seen the scene himself too while you two were too busy fangirling amongst yourselves. Yes, he knows who Jinshi is, as you two were also watching the show together every new episode. And yes, he was aware about your love for shoujo and how you absolutely going crazy over Jinshi and Maomao's moments way before this. He did find it cute whenever you get giddy about them, telling him they should just get together already.

"H-Hey, Xavier!" You stammer, also quickly standing to greet him. Shit, you think to yourself. You were holding those other thoughts to yourself as you watch together because once again..

Xavier is a jealous man.

Maybe you can still get off the hook because its a fictional man for heaven's sake. You internally sigh, remembering the one time you were hitting the sofa too many times with a hushed scream the moment Yuta Okkotsu popped out on screen in season 2 of JJK.. Xavier had his eyebrows knitted the entire evening after that.

But alas, Xavier is your jealous man.

There's a pout on his lips with the familiar frown, and you could almost laugh.

"You watched it without me.." He complained, yet still letting you pull him beside you this time, and sat down.

"We can watch the whole thing later again, bunny." You hook your arm around him, and you feel him loosen up a bit of his tension. But now he won't look at you.

"Maybe, I don't want to anymore.. It's been spoiled now." Xavier pouted.

You can't help snickering, squeezing your embrace on his arm, tugging him to catch his gaze again. He just continued to look away pettily, sulking.

An idea pops in your mind.

You brush your finger over his lips ever so slowly, finally catching his attention.

He watches as you bring them to your own lips, kissing intently just as Jinshi did for Maomao.

A blush creeps into his cheeks, ears tinting red as you smile at him. He's so adorable, and all yours.

"Kiss me?" You ask, eyes lingering on his lips, and Xavier's breath hitches.

"You're no fair.." He huffs, closing the distance between the two of you.

Who was he to refuse?

We've all got our childhood cartoon crushes, in more 'hear-me-out' ways or tame ones. There's ones we grow out of and ones that's like.. forever ingrained into your mind because it changed your brain chemistry.

You were rewatching your ultimate comfort Ghibli movie for the millionth time: Howl's Moving Castle.

Yeah, yeah—it could be considered overrated nowadays but that doesn't matter as it never truly gets old for you. You always find new ways to appreciate the film, from the enchanting music, the vibrant distinct art style and animation, the beautiful characterization of the cast, and the overall themes and plot is just absolutely perfect.

And yes, you do cry every time. You stopped wondering when you would grow out of that phase because it just hits so good.

It also doesn't help that it's your period, so the hormones are wack as hell and your uterus was killing you and stabbing out your fucking ass. You were contorted in an uncomfortable curled position as you downed the left over ice cream on Rafayel's couch in his studio. The night sky through the windows was a nice ambience as the TV illuminated the rest of the living space. You were wearing his favorite cream diamond patterned cardigan, the one with the red and blue hems. It still smelled like him, perfect for maximum comfort.

Rafayel wasn't actually in the studio when you got there. Ever since you got together, he gave you a spare key, insisting you were welcome anytime even when he wasn't around. His home was your home now too, he said. You texted him several times beforehand you were coming over, yet no reply—not even a seen. Moody as hell, you still crashed the place anyways, even more disappointed he wasn't anywhere in his property.

So now, you were just waiting for him to finish whatever business he has you have no idea about. You decided to stop pestering poor Thomas over him either as he too was didn't seem to know where in god's green earth Rafayel was—you were too tired and moody and in fucking pain to give a shit. If he doesn't wanna show up, fuck that guy.

Whatever, at least you've got Howl.

It was nearing the climax of the movie. Sophie was wandering through what was seemingly Howl's dream, finding herself in a familiar stone house in the middle of valleys of flowers. The meteor shower drifted against the night sky. A young Howl stood in the middle, jet black hair flowing with the wind as he catches a falling star. "I know where I am! I'm in Howl's childhood!" Sophie realizes, as the wind starts to lift her off her feet. Howl swallows the star, keeling over at a pain in his chest, and in his hands was his heart—Calcifer. "Howl! Calcifer!" Sophie yells desperately, and they both look over to her. "I know how to help you now! Find me in the future!"

Aaand you were bawling. It wasn't even that dramatic yet but you were bawling. It goes on for god knows how long as your attention wanders off.

Howl, despite his eccentric and seemingly vain nature, is deeply caring. Howl did not care for the war, only that it would end for everyone's sake. He sees the beauty within Sophie when she could not. The symbolism of Calcifer being able to be tamed by Sophie, the implied longing for her all those years, so much so even if the only thing seemingly linking them is an unsaid promise.

To be honest, you might just be projecting right now.

Maybe you actually miss him bad—his familiar low V-neck white shirts and black slacks hugging his waist, his pouty lips, and stupid charming smile. The studio was in the familiar mess, meaning everything was reminder of a touch of your own gorgeous annoying ass lover who's somewhere out there—

"Baby..?" A concerned voice calls out, and despite being here the entire time already, you finally felt like home.

You didn't even notice he was already there cause of your tear-blurred vision, relief making you cry a little harder as Rafayel wipes your tears away. All your irritation and the mental angry scolding you were gonna give him melts away as you lean into his hands.

"Hey—what happened? Are you—" Rafayel stammers, as this was kind of the first time he encountered you this seemingly distraught the entire time you were together. He knew he kind of fucked up by not answering soon enough because of his dead battery—fuck all that actually why are you even bawling your eyes out over the TV?!

He knew you can get emotional in films and shows but not this much. It made his chest ache seeing you like this even if it's just a movie.

"Let's run! Don't fight them, Howl!" Sophie cries out, drawing Rafayel's attention for a moment to the screen at the familiar dialogue. "Sorry, I've had enough of running away, Sophie. Now I've got something I want to protect. It's you."

He remembers you saying Ghibli movies were your comfort movies and you both had plans for a marathon together at some point. Seems like you started on your own. Rafayel knew a bit of this story.

Alright, perhaps more than just a bit.

"A-at the beginning, he greeted her saying he was—" you hiccupped, stammering your words out, placing your own hands over his, "He said he was looking everywhere for her."

"Yeah?" Rafayel whispered, hushing your cries.

"Mhm.. And he did wait for her, looking everywhere for his heart even when it was actually with him the entire time."

There's a pang in Rafayel's chest, squishing your face gently.

"And yet, it wasn't with him, even if his heart was in his chest—not unless she was with him." Rafayel whispered with an aching softness in his tone that's hard to miss.

Because Rafayel was holding his own heart in his hands right now, drying her tears.

You finally get a better look at him, the purple hues in his eyes twinkling like twilight seas against the dark. It was there again—a look into the familiar murky depths he doesn't let you dive into, lest you drown.

Yet you wouldn't mind if it was Rafayel. You wish he could trust you a little more.

Rafayel leans in for a kiss, but you stop him with a hand over his mouth.

"Wait—I'm literally snotty and ugly right now-" You quickly wipe the rest of the wetness from your face away, but then Rafayel's hands directed you back to his now growingly intense gaze.

"You're beautiful." He states, true with conviction.

"Are you trying to make me cry more?" You whine.

"Of course not, cutie. I-"

"You made me wait an eternity here.." You sobbed out, pain twisting in your gut again.

Rafayel's gritted his teeth, a flare of something unwanted momentarily rises but quickly gets doused again. No, this situation was all his fault and it's not fair on you. You were in pain and he wasn't there.

"I.." He manages, "I'm sorry.. But I would wait an eternity for you, my bride. I really will, I—"

I did.

The words immediately die in his mouth, drying his throat.

You notice Rafayel's own eyes glistening, tears threatening to fall and his breath beginning to shorten.

"Fyel? I'm not mad anymore, please don't cry too.." This time it's your turn to cup his face.

"I just really really missed you." You confess, caressing his cheek as you rested your forehead against his own.

"Well, I'm hear now, sweetheart.. Sorry I'm late." He breathes, finally pressing his lips against yours.

A heavy burden beats in his chest, one he knows you will unknowingly carry evermore.

Maybe you really had a type.

You admit you're always quite drawn to the questionable, morally ambiguous characters. Bonus points if the said character is insane to some degree. You tell yourself it's not like you would actually date people that crazy in your actual life. It's just all fun and games, right?

Sure.

Well, now you're dating The Leader of Onychinus, Sylus, the unofficial uncrowned emperor of the N109 Zone himself.

It isn't really as bad as regular people would think really. Sylus is a sweet and genuinely caring man in contrast of his public image. He has a reputation to uphold after all. He always spoiling you in whatever you wish, always open to whatever you want to say, and always present for you to call or visit. His tall imposing figure was more of a sign of comfort. He was basically a walking hearth, free to cling to whenever, wherever as you walk through the frigid streets of the N109 Zone.

Like look just at the man.. You literally fucking won at life.

To be honest, you have no idea how the hell you even got at this point. And who are you to complain? You were living your best life with someone who can match your freak, so to speak.

But, for now..

"Damn, why is he so.." You mutter to yourself, caressing the large tablet at your lap like an idiot.

"Don't deny me." Sephiroth says, doing some mental fuckery with Cloud for the hundredth time. It got you biting your nail. "Embrace me."

You definitely had a fucking type, you giggle to yourself.

You were just killing time since it's your vacation, and you were spending it in the ideal environment: your boyfriend's dark luxurious base, in the comfort of his king sized silk sheeted velvety bed, sleeping your troubles away. Sylus is out as usual, going on about his own business, so you had the whole place to yourself.. and Mephisto.

Upon your doom scrolling, you stumble upon this hauntingly beautiful man, Sephiroth, and you were pulled in like a moth to a flame.

It's not your first time seeing him—heck, everybody who's at least half as chronically online as you are has at least seen him once—but more of the first time to appreciate him more closely, especially that goddamn face—damn, are you ovulating or something what the hell?!

And now you've been going on for hours just ogling at the dude with no idea how long it's been. You already ordered all the games with the help of your so ever generous boyfriend's card, but your ass cannot wait for it anymore and just spoiled yourself silly watching other streamers and silent walkthroughs of every Final Fantasy content you could get your hands on.

One hundred percent no regrets.

You then wonder about how Sylus would look like with longer hair.. it might not be good for your health, you conclude, for both the sake of your heart and uterus.

Luckily for you at least, Sylus doesn't seem like he's hellbent to destroy the planet in an existential downward spiral of insanity. But it makes you think about how far you'd be willing to actually follow him in his path.

(Something dark stirs within you, but you pay it no mind. You don't wanna be hearing those voices again anytime soon.)

The camera pans to Sephiroth's lips for what seems like half of his screentime, and your biting your own goddamn lip. The curve of that upper lip was killing you.

They didn't have to make him literally so damn ethereal, although it fits his fallen angel motifs. His uncanny green eyes literally stares into your soul, pulling you in and in and in, until you you're all snug under his thumb. Sure, the dude is a manipulative murderous bastard with a literal God-complex, because fuck his ugly ass father you refuse to acknowledge has any relation to him..

But now that's just a part of his charm now, isn't it?

"Good, Cloud.. very good.." Sephiroth whispers as he embraces the blond with such eerie intimacy that shouldn't be possible while being fucking stabbed.

You swear you can already feel the hot breath fanning your ear as he said those lines.

"Damn it—Cloud, let me be the trusted adult to save you right now and switch!" You shake the screen with frustration. "That should have been me..!"

"What should be you, sweetie?"

A familiar deep voice calls out from the dark entrance of your shared bedroom, reverberating from your toes and up your spine.

"Sylus!" You throw your tablet so fast you weren't sure if it landed on the mattress as you stood up, sliding your feet towards him.

No one beats your real white haired, ruby-eyed, impossibly handsome, ridiculously tall powerful man for you..

But you would never say that out loud because the man needs to be kept knocked down a peg or you will never hear the end of it.

"A little birdie has been bugging me all night about how.. unfaithful you were being," Sylus tucks a strand behind your ear, finger trailing down your jaw. "Care to tell me what's that all about?"

You gape at him, snapping your head towards Mephisto who was still as a statue at your bedside. From your view, it seemed like that accursed bird is avoiding your gaze in shame.

"You little..!—"

Sylus grabs your attention back by your chin, making you lock eyes with him. There it was—that intense gaze, his crimson eyes pouring into yours, making you come undone. He can pick you apart and mold you back piece by piece, and the scary part of it all was that you would most likely let him.

Again, not that he needed to know that.

"Now, now, kitten. Don't blame him." He chuckles and you swear it's the sexiest sound you've ever heard, your heart pacing faster.

"I—He's literally exaggerating! I was just watching a game here the entire time!" You huffed, crossing your arms and looking away like a petty child. He laughs a little more.

"What were you watching so intently that I catch you still awake at the break of dawn, hm?"

You glance at the clock. 5:02 AM. You were up all night? Damn.. not the first time but you haven't lost track of time that badly since binging House of the Dragon a couple months ago.

"Oh, I thought that little traitor—" You give Mephisto a pointed look, still looking away with guilt, "—told you everything at this point."

Sylus pulls you closer by your waist, until your chests bump each other. "Well.. maybe I want to hear it from you, since you somehow purchased a whole game series with the card I lent you."

Okay, fair enough.

"It's just a game, love. I saw a character I liked, so I decided why not get it myself? But then I couldn't sit around waiting so I just.. watched some videos." You scratch you head in frustration. "Like how did that turn into unfaithfulness!" You whine.

Maybe it's the sleep deprivation drooping your eyelids that's got you more irritated as you hit his chest with some considerable force.

He huffs mockingly. He was obviously messing with you, yet you were oddly taking this more serious than he anticipated. Makes him wanna tease you more.

In a blink, your tablet was in his hands, grabbed by his Evol. It's still open.

"Hey!" You jump up into your tippy toes, trying to pry your gadget back from him, but he's literal fucking giant.

Seeing an opportunity, Sylus hooks his arm under your thighs and hoists you up easily as many times as before. You quickly bring your arms around his neck, trying to remain in balance.

"Put me down!" You struggle in his hold whilst still reaching for your tablet to no avail. It made Sylus laugh even more.

"What's the matter, sweetie? I simply want to watch it together."

Sylus walks the two of you to the edge of the bed, sitting down with you on his lap. Before you could protest more, the video compilation starts playing,

And you wanted the ground to open up and swallow you whole.

"You're practically panting." Sephiroth says, walking up behind Cloud. "I'm excited." Cloud admits, claymore in hand. Amused, Sephiroth tilts his head with a hum. "Such a puppy."

You find yourself your face Sylus' shoulder in embarrassment, pursing your lips to suppress a scream.

Cloud, can you not enable this motherfucker I swear—

"Okay, that's enough of that—Sephi, shut the fuck up right now." You finally get a hold of the tablet with a burst of speed, throwing it in the furthest part of the bed.

Sylus just looks at you with a knowing smug grin, and you wanna smack the it off his stupidly handsome face.

"I am in no obligation to elaborate nor divulge into whatever the fuck that was." You quickly state like an automated message, and Sylus is just laughing at you. "I know that my agony brings you amusement but please just shut up right now."

"I haven't even said anything yet." He says between his chuckling.

"I can feel the judgement brewing in your brain, Sy." You glare at him half-heartedly.

"Could you at least tell me why are you so attached to.. Sephi?" He repeats the nickname you gave him mockingly, and so you smack his chest again.

"I'm going to kill you." You hissed at him. Sylus wants to kiss the scrunch on your nose. You wiggle out of his grasp, but his hand catches your fingers in time, holding you in place. You attempt to tug out of his grasp.

"Where are you going now, sweetie?" He quirks his eyebrow at you, tone amused. Sylus was enjoying this way too much for your sake.

"Out, far away, in another universe so I don't have to deal with you making fun of me." You sneered at him pettily, still tugging your arm away.

Deciding to ride along your silly threat, Sylus asks. "And how do you plan to do that? You can't go anywhere around here without me, kitten."

"I'm flying away with my half winged, crazy, silk-pressed white haired man to help him attain godhood since I am apparently disloyal to you." You spat out pettily, lacking any real venom. Apparently the wrong answer, since Sylus just pulled you back closer, trapping you between his thighs while gripping yours.

He had his eyebrow quirked, crimson gaze laced with something you can't discern maybe because sleepiness was slowly creeping up on you now. Honestly, you're like half aware of what you're saying at this point.

"Don't deny me.." Sylus whispers, almost like a plea instead of a command, breath fanning your skin, raising goosebumps. "Embrace me."

Your eye twitches, reference registering in your mind. "You—How long have you been standing there?!"

You raise your hand to smack him again, but he catches it and keeps it in place over his heart.

"Even if you do leave, sweetie, I'll still be here." He says, the sudden softness slightly catching you off guard. Sylus smiles up at you, not the usual smug one, but pure adoration.

His blood-red eyes were blooming roses as the first dew of sunrise greets its petals—it's pure, unadulterated, natural—like how his heart beats with so much fervor you could feel the thrumming of it under your fingertips like a rushing river. It was overwhelmingly powerful, tempting you to pluck it yourself, thorns digging in your palms. It was almost like you had your hand already buried deep in his chest, his heart pulsing in your grasp, blood pouring out and merging with yours, because you would carve out your own for him too.

"After all, my love, I know you will come back to me." He says with an assurance that shouldn't be possible without sounding pretentious, and yet it got your heartbeat racing, matching his.

Because you were his as much as he was all yours.

"You seem so sure of yourself, huh?" You say instead, feeble way of trying to remain composed after all that, scratching the back of his head lightly the way you know he loves. A relieved sigh leaves his lips. "You're lucky I love you."

"Perhaps I truly am." Sylus draws you closer, placing kisses on your neck, just above an artery. The blood flowing underneath hums against his lips, deciding to gently nip the skin. It made you melt, letting out a shaky sleepy sigh. Your eyelids droop dangerously heavier.

"Seems like your joining me in my sleep, sweetie." Sylus kisses your jaw.

You hum in response, and before you know it, you're curling on his lap again, relishing the welcoming warmth like a kitten and their favorite spot. Sylus swears you're purring.

You smile up at him. "Maybe that was the plan all along."

"Oh? How naughty, ruining your sleep just to blame it on me?"

You yawn, snuggling closer. "I would do anything for you."

He didn't need to know that, but you said so anyways.

He stills for a moment, bated breath, carrying the weight of your words in his embrace. Maybe it was just your groggy murmurings of the moment, but the declaration already sowed itself in his heartstrings, making it skip a beat. The kind that lingers physically for a moment. You were too dangerous, all cutely cuddled up against him to be saying that.

Despite your fading consciousness, you gave him a longing look. Your eyes flickered down where you were mindlessly tracing over his bottom lip, lingering for a moment, then back at his gaze again. It's all he needed to know you were being genuine.

He leaned in for a kiss, savoring the softness of your lips pushing back against his, until it didn't. As soon as Sylus pulled away, you were already softly snoring.

You really were purring.

"Such a kitten." He chuckled.

11:09 ─────────────────────|──

❥ a/n: i definitely got too carried away with sy and raf.. don't blame me i love me howl and raf parallels istg and im a sucker for sylus fluff. zayne got me feeling something all week istg and xavi is my forever baby. let me know what you think but pls be nice c: i'm working on the dads lnds one i swearrrr this just took longer than expected.

[totally-titular]

When I think to myself about the male loneliness epidemic or the absolute exhaustion I feel explaining what feminism is to a man who doesn't think it's necessary for the millionth time, I think about isolation and how being told you're monstrous by one population can push you right into the arms of true monsters that tell you they'll accept you so long as you act just like them.

I think about how isolation is the first thing abusers push for in relationships because they understand how that dynamic works. How forcing a partner to strip away their friendships leaves only one damaging connection. How complicit religious institutions are in enforcing that isolation.

I think about high school bullies, the kind that gang up on you because that's the only way they know to fit in.

I think about my nephew. I think about my nephew, and how he gets angry when he gets in trouble, but once he realizes he's done something that hurt someone, even accidentally, all he wants is to kiss away the boo boos and make sure they're okay.

I think about holding that little boy close and telling him he is loved, he is loved, he is loved, and hoping desperately that that's enough to keep him from the alt-right pipeline as he grows up.

God, I hope it's enough.

But here's the thing. If it's not? If he grows up and puts a confederate flag on his car? Demeans women, glorifies violence? I wouldn't stop loving him and treating him kindly. Reaching my hand out in the hopes that, one day, he takes it, even if he slaps it away a thousand times. That's what love is.

But I wouldn't condone his behavior, wouldn't stay silent. I wouldn't tell him I'm proud of his decisions, because I can't compromise my own morals to soften the blow of my disappointment.

But there is no world in which I would tell him that he is irredeemable, that he is monstrous, that he is unlovable by virtue of the parts he was born with. You can judge someone by their actions, sure, but actions can change. Minds and hearts can change. They just need a hand.

This is an incredibly nuanced topic, but at the end of the day cruelty begets cruelty. Kindness may be what we're missing. Kindness is not capitulation, and it's not people-pleasing. It doesn't have to be sacrificial, and in this case it should never be at your own expense.

Men are lovable. Men have the capacity for kindness and goodness and joy and peace and laughter. Men are a people capable of great feats of strength and vulnerability. Men deserve to live the life that they want... But not at the expense of everyone else.

For those men who are trapped in the alt-right pipeline, there is a way out, back to kindness. Back to respect. Back to basic human decency. All you have to do is decide - do you want to be the kind of man who is loved, or do you want to be the kind of man who is feared?

Take my hand.

I get the good intentions behind it, but something feels off about responding to the observation that white cishet men are becoming radicalized towards racism and misogyny with "maybe you should have been nicer to the men"

[monophobix]

INITIAL THOUGHTS ON ARCANE SEASON 2 ACT 1 (EPISODES 1-3)

(i’m not good at putting my thoughts into words so feel free to give your own opinions, i rlly wanna hear them)

SPOILERS AHEAD///

ok so my biggest critique is the pacing. everything is very quick very fast and a lot is going on. i understand that this is immediately after a large event which of course caused a reaction however it was just very intense and a lot to keep up with especially considering the amount of new and confusing things introduced throughout the three episodes with minimal slow down. it was alittle difficult to keep up. the timeline of the show is confusing and i have no idea how long it has been between scenes. viktor was barely in that weird healing chamber for a few scenes before he was emerging as someone new. caitlyn and vi were going from loving to fighting to understanding to fighting again very quickly with little time to develop independently, their kiss and divorce weren’t even 30 minutes apart from each other. also, who the fuck is this kid hanging around with jinx?? why is she following her, why doesn’t she talk, what’s her name, how long has she been with her?? this lack of time to let things develop has caused these episodes to feel rushed.

with this introduction of many new things some have left me with a lot of questions. my biggest issue revolves around the arcane. i literally do not recall it being mentioned or being an important topic in s1 but all of a sudden jayce knows a fuck ton about it as well as heimerdinger? when did he learn this? i assume it’s from viktors notes and research but that still fails to cover the amount of knowledge jayce now possesses.

HOWEVER THE ARCANE IS VERY COOL AND IM VERY VERY INVESTED. i absolutely love the changes to viktor, his weird apathy and changes are definitely rushed but so interesting to see, his design and behaviour are so very compelling and im very excited to see the development. additionally, this group dynamic between jayce, ekko and heimerdinger is soooooo fun. it offers a break from the intensity with some silliness i think is desperately needed, plus it’s super satisfying to see the trio bounce off each other. that final scene of them in ep3 was visually incredible and i loved seeing the effects upon the hextech weapons during the jinx, sevika vs vi, caitlyn fight. the scene of viktor amongst the shimmer infected was very interesting and it was so cool to truly see the severe effects of shimmer and the inhumanity of viktor is making a clear route towards his glorious evolution which is am keen to watch.

that ambessa reveal at the end was INCREDIBLE. i genuinely didn’t see it coming and it made my jaw DROP. the quiet, smart suspicion from mel is always incredible to see, her political mind and morals conflicting is so very engaging and she’s really developing into herself in these episodes which was a joy to witness. the mystery of her brother is compelling and links well through s1 and s2 to make the storyline fun to follow. i also simply must compliment the designs revolving around the noxians and animal-esque (sorry idk what they’re called) people. the absolute variety and inspiration from real life cultures is beautiful to see. i am incredibly confused about the magic and that one lady (amara?) but i assume that’ll be answered in later episodes.

jinx is not looking good lmao. i love her design being so corpse-like and deathly, it really fits well and really embraces the differences between powder and jinx. but i do wish we saw more of her. i see her actions but i lack understanding for some of them, primarily revolving around the child (isha?) and why the kids even there but the newfound bond between sevika and jinx is refreshing to see. the scene of them in silcos old office brought a smile to my face and the design of that fucking arm is soooo cool i love the clownish purely jinx vibe to it.

caitlyn is probably the stand out character so far (plus maybe viktor). her absolute grief and seeing her facade break down throughout the episodes was heartbreaking, the tentative yet conflicting moments of softness with vi were beautiful yet had that perfect undercurrent of tragedy that arcane masters so well. her rage and break up with vi was easy to see coming yet so incredibly jarring to watch, that harsh and merciless behaviour is so different from s1, the development is well done and a morbid pleasure to see. and that final episode. oh my. the shock to acceptance of darkness was fantastic, ambessa truly is a master at manipulating weakness in even the strongest of people and seeing this duo is going to be so soul crushing that i’m itching for more.

vi felt very rushed to me and alittle dry? idk why tho i can’t really explain it. i understand her choices but it felt like something was missing until that final scene with cait. that was an absolute masterpiece. seeing her realising that the horrors of war is corrupting everyone around her and pleading for it to please not happen is so so SO fucking sad and my heart was breaking. i loved seeing her moral strength and solidity to her values which has always been a key part of her character so i appreciate the consistency. idk why something about her was just… different.

the opening scene was incredible. the absolute horror of it was so clear and i was literally shaking the entire time. 10/10 opening.

overall, i hope things slow down alittle but i greatly enjoyed season 2 and im very excited to see the characters develop and to see even more of this beautiful world.

[elainsgirl]

you know, im actually tired of azriel's bonus chapter being talked 24/7 like its the most major thing ever. I never seen people get worked up on a bonus chapter that didnt even happen at the end of the book! acosf is the reason why this fandom is so toxic!

Hey anon 🫶

I definitely agree. Bonuses aren’t meant to be given such significance as Azriel’s bonus is given. At this point, His bonus seems to be more important then the foreshadowing in ACOSF it self.

“The shadows were ready to strike Nesta when she insulted Elain during their fight? Doesn’t matter because In Azriel’s bonus they disappear therefore that’s the only proof I need to claim that they absolutely despise and fear her 🥸”

Its a BONUS chapter, that too it was only part of a limited special edition. Let’s be realistic for a second - if someone hadn’t posted it online for everyone to see, those of us who hadn’t brought the SE, we would not know the contents of the bonus. If someone hadn’t kept up with SJM and JUST picked up acosf after reading acotar but is unaware of any bonuses, they too would not know about what occurred in Azriel’s bonus, why? Because its information that is not required to know. Its just an EXTRA. That confirms some suspicions in SF. I can go into detail to prove the irrelevancy of the bonus but ACOSF already tells you everything you need to know for the next book. I hadn’t read Azriel’s bonus until two years ago. Before reading it - elriel, much like Nessian, were blatantly obvious. After reading it? Elriel is still endgame. The reason the bonus is so talked about is due to the fact an entire ship relies on it. Gwynriel’s do not have anything in acosf to prove their ship, its just a bunch of out of context scenes and dialogues that aren’t in any way romantic or foreshadowing. Add in the bonus and GA have something to grasp onto even though it contradicts the book and well…the bonus itself lmfao. Then you have eluciens using the bonus as some concrete proof elriel is toxic and a future abusive relationship. That Azriel is an incel who only wants Elain superficially and Elain is just a little, clueless child who walks around lying to people about what she wants.

Antis CLUTCH onto the bonus as most of their arguments and claims use it as “proof” for whatever anti elriel bs they want to spread. But their points only make sense with the bonus, not without which tells you all you need to know about how valid their arguments are.

Feysands bonus is not talked about bcs it easily disproves gwynriel/elucien. Wings and Ember is only used as a way to show how “toxic” Cassian is otherwise its kept under wraps bcs once again, it disproves antis takes. If you had something that dismissed your entire ships within a couple of lines - ofc you’d avoid it like the plague. Its only Azriels bonus that can give them some hope that their worst nightmare won’t come true. That too, the hope is given after they twist and turn the scenes to fit their narratives.

It’s so important to understand elriels bonus sorry, Azriel’s bonus happens during acosf and not after. Its not the end of the book, after the bonus - there is no change or shift in the dynamic between Gwyn and Azriel. They remain as your usual mentor/mentoree duo. Even more important to remember is in regards to Gwynriel, nothing in the bonus is mentioned. Not their session, not the “spark”, not the necklace. Absolutely nothing. Why? Because it is irrelevant. Yet we get told about Azriel’s mood being off which relates to the elriel part of the bonus directly paralleling Cassian after his bonus w Nesta. Because THAT is relevant.

YEP. The fandom was toxic pre-acosf but it’s nothing compared to now. Unless you’re surrounding yourself with content you like and want to see - you can’t just enjoy general fandom spaces anymore.

Acosf brought up:

Anti Feysand agenda

Nesta vs inner circle

critique of the IC

Pro Tamlin apologists to the point of invalidating Feyre’s trauma

The infamous ship war

Anti Nessian vs pro Nesris

Readers opinion being pushed more then Authors intent.

I hope after Elains book - the fandom goes back to being semi-toxic again and more tolerable/enjoyable then it is now.

[doink-boink]

Finally drew my interpretation of Zach's parents!

Have had these fellows in the works for a good while!

Really had to lock in when doing the writing here lol - my handwriting is normally a weird hyper mix between cursive and print. But messier. Hopefully its legible! Enjoy some more yapping about these guys below the cut >:D

Must mention this is within my own AU! My interpretation of Zach specifically is a trans man. So uh! No way in hell Arthur is supportive in that regard. He is a miserable man whose only concern is furthering the family business and his public image.

Really looked to both Moral Orel and Bojack Horseman as inspiration for how these two would be. Did not intend for Arthur to share a name with the character he is inspired by lol - but uhm! He specifically is like Arthur Puppington when Clay was a kid: Distant, cold, though not physically abusive. Emotionally? Oh brother, you bet.

Regarding Kim and Arthur's relationship, that was really dead in the water. Kim is a self published author, or rather, an ASPIRING self published author. She mostly writes crime novellas/dramas, though needed some outsider input regarding the legal side of her stories. So, of course, she decides to reach out to the biggest law firm in the area.

It is initially a short and sweet interaction: "I ask you questions, you give me answers and insight when you can." However, she grows to enjoy Arthur's company, falling for him quickly. VERY rushed marriage ensues! Good god! (Of course not ASAP, within a few months time of dating/correspondence) Not too certain as of right now where Zach comes into the mix, but definitely in that honeymoon stage of a relationship where you don't quite know the person yet to really gauge if things will work out or not.

I mean, things absolutely do NOT work out in the end, but they don't know that yet. Arthur I feel is the type to want a family ASAP. Need that sweet sweet heir to the company. Will accept nothing less than a son. Sucks for him, doesn't end up coming to fruition until much later! AFAB child, disappointment on Arthur's behalf, compassion on Kim's. Like a night and day difference - even after Zach does eventually transition (his mother is deceased by this point) his father refuses to accept it until he dies. By until I mean: "You still are not my son." *flatline*

Kim was there for Zach until the day she died, which would probably be around late middle school to early highschool? In that age range. Old enough to have fond and in depth memories. Which! Arthur is the one who discovers what had happened. Busy writing a novel when wham, sudden cardiac arrest - alone, as she tended to keep to herself. Entire family dynamic changes from then onward, though the abusive aspects of it were ever present. Arthur is generally unsupportive of Zach's endeavors, frustrated that he is going into science and robotics as opposed to law. (Though I do think he'd have been trained or prepped for a career as a lawyer throughout his teens-adolescence)

Zach is the closest to his mother, with most of his fashion sense coming from her. Gotta love the turtleneck sweater! @novazentryx came up with the idea that he inherited his early black sweater from Tazzy Chris from her after it shrunk in the wash, loved that so y'know what! This totally applies here. Not only did he inherit the sweater, but also her V-necklace! (Which, if you have seen Zoey, is where she gets it from! As well as she looks strikingly similar to Kim. On that front I think that was a surprise from Aviva, knowing how close he was to her)

Spitballing with this one, but I think it would be interesting if Zach had assisted in pitching ideas for Kim's stories! What aspects of it I do not know, but maybe names for the characters. Mayhaps that is where he gets ZACH from? Don't ask what his deadname is, haven't thought of that and would prefer not to lol

I think that concludes my rambling! Do not really have anything else that is coming to mind at the moment, so feel free to ask questions or leave suggestions about these two! I will more than likely respond ^^ (To asks or replies) Thank you for humoring me and reading all of this if you're here lol, I really appreciate it!!

[kisakis-boyfriend]

Not sure if this has been here before but...

Izana with a breeding kink? I'm kinda sure it's pretty popular but let's not get that topic be forgotten!

I thought about this when hearing about Kakuiza and thought the dynamic was perfect. Izana is kinda fragile in the hands of someone soooo much bigger than him and maybe that's all this is about. Getting someone big and beefy to absolutely destroy him gets him horny and sometimes you can hear him threaten you in between thrusts "Don't you dare pull out!"

Maybe this is also about how I think Izana would be so cute in a skirt or a dress and think he might feel comfortable in it around his partner. I also adore the image of Izanas body and how it's formed so feminin like- Look at that waist, diagnosis: babygirl!

Yeah just thought I'd drop this here since I don't know where else 🥹🤠

This is canon, as far as I'm concerned lol. Izana begs to be bred, all but dragging you down on top of him so that you can push deeeeep inside and give him what he needs~

I can most certainly picture him with a size kink too! This reminds me of a series (that I really need to continue) where Izana constantly tempts and fucks his two large bodyguards. Man's not ashamed to admit how much he loves a big ass guy plowing him to pieces 😗

Crossdressing Izana though? I've never thought about that, but I can totally see him being comfortable doing that around a partner. (Crossdressing/gender fuckery runs in the Sano family hehe)

[vinelark]

hey you have a wife (!!) so you must be an expert on women. how do i woo a woman. please. help us

i asked my wife (!!) what my wooing strategy was and she said, “well, i wooed you, so jot that down.”

it’s true though; she’s the one who asked me out. she kissed me first. she Defined The Relationship first. which isn’t to say i didn’t participate in the wooing! i watched her favorite show so i could talk about it with her. i made her soup when she was sick (and then she reverse uno’d me when i got sick by making the same soup, only 10x better) (cooking is unfortunately not one of my wooing skills). i told her when i was thinking about her and joined her trivia nights and [redacted for tumblr]. but i did not have a Great Wooing Strategy.

tbh, i think the single best thing i did among the wooing was—and i know this sounds so, so cliche—just be myself. which, okay, hear me out: at the time i met my wife, i didn’t feel like i needed a romantic relationship to be happy/complete, and i had also come to the conclusion that i absolutely hated casual dating. like, i gave it a few tries and mostly found it exhausting and miserable and boring. so i had just decided not to actively pursue dating people i didn’t really know…and then, well, you can guess what happened next. (what happened was: i saw her and went, okay. maybe i could hold off on not dating for a bit. you know. for science.)

so when i first started seeing my wife, i approached it with this mentality of like—i don’t need this to work to be happy. if i date and keep dating someone, it’ll be because i truly, actively want to keep seeing them. which means i’m actually having fun with them. which means i’m just being myself around them, because that’s how i am around my friends, and also other than my Worksona i’m just not good at putting on a facade of any kind. i’m not going to pretend to be really sporty or super into hiking or like i don’t know what anxiety is. and lo and behold, i had fun with her. i wanted to see her again. i wanted to know her. and when i did, i got to do it as myself with no additional pressure of trying to seem cool so she’d like me more. (like, i definitely wasn’t trying to seem cool. somehow on our second date she asked what omegaverse was, and i had a moment where i could have pretended not to know. i did not pretend not to know.)

i mean, i definitely smoothed over some edges for a while, but i also just set a foundation to build the kind of relationship i wanted if it worked out. and i think that was crucial to the wooing; there’s a lot to be said for flirting and grand gestures, and there’s also a lot to be said for inviting someone to know you, and being open enough that they can just see how much you like them. for cultivating a dynamic where all your joy can readily and easily be shared.

[lightningarmour]

Absolute comics first thoughts

For the first time since the end of DOOMSDAY CLOCK I've been persuaded into paying money for a DC comic, and two, no less.

I've been 100% checked out of the DC sphere for about 5 years, only occasionally seeing some news here or there about the latest crossover event or fave character or what have you, and I regard those with the passing interest one might have in seeing a hot air balloon. Nothing has drawn me back partly because I'm old now and don't have the time or inclination to try catching up on years of crossover event, status quo altering storylines and yadda yadda.

I had heard about the new ABSOLUTE line of titles, but from the initial teasers and previews, not the least of which was the character design for Absolute Batman with his giant stupid fat bat symbol, I just wrote it off as them doing yet more edgy elseworlds stories, and thought no more on it until maybe three weeks ago. I saw a little roundup of details about Absolute Superman from an interview with Jason Aaron and it caught my attention.

I've gone on at length in the past about how I think that any earnest attempt at writing Superman for modern audiences that keeps true to the "idea" of Superman without making a cynical edgelord version of the character would need to depict Superman as a politically engaged, class conscious individual at least, and a full on Leninist at best. Now obviously I do not expect DC comics to publish a comic about communist superman without it being a laughable piece of propaganda like RED SON, but nonetheless, hearing that Absolute Superman is about a superman who is fighting a mining corporation to protect a community of abused labourers, and re-imagining Krypton as a caste-based society that was destroyed by reckless exploitation of the environment, I was certainly interested.

I resolved to check it out at least. I'd seen some of the details about Absolute Batman, that he's not a billionaire and whatever and still wasn't too interested, but realized I'd heard basically nothing about Absolute Wonder Woman. "She didn't grow up on Themyscira" okay what does that mean?

At this point both Batman and Wonder Woman were out so I looked it up and found some pages from Absolute Wonder Woman #1 and was pretty much instantly hooked because the art was tremendous, and Wonder Woman is flying on a skeleton pegasus with a huge Guts sword and like, that just fucking rocks ass, come on. So I was now sold on two Absolute series, I decided eh, what the hell I'll check out Absolute Batman #1, maybe I could be convinced.

So now that I've read all three first issues of the new ABSOLUTE Universe, I have some thoughts.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #1 is a confused mess. I think that Batman, being easily the most popular DC character, with the broadest demographic appeal, has too much baggage. You'd kind of think that with a character like this where everyone knows his whole basic backstory, you could gloss over the details a bit more, but this issue is so concerned with establishing and referencing as many iconic Batman characters as possible, it's so bloated.

in this one(1) issue they set up or directly show you: Alfred Pennyworth, Jim Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Killer Croc, Penguin, Riddler, Cat Woman, Two-Face, Black Mask, Ras Al Ghul, and of course we cannot go even one single issue without giving you The Joinker. It's too much. Ease off. We're not going to encounter probably two thirds of these people for ages. And, frankly establishing that half of Batman's presumptive rogue's gallery just so happened to be Bruce Wayne's childhood friends is dumb as shit. The dynamic between all of them is going to follow the exact same "gasp, could it be that my old friend is now a criminal?!" dynamic like 5 times in a row.

This is easily the most edgy of the current Absolute series and is basically exactly what I assumed the whole imprint was going to be, but it really feels in places like Scott Snyder wanted this to be a Batman that was darker and more violent but then DC editorial was like "no, Batman can't kill people" so he adjusted the script as little as possible to reassure the audience that he's rolling non-lethal damage as he stabs the shit out of people with his ear-knives and chops their hands off.

Despite all the parts I don't like about how they portray Batman, the thing that pisses me off is I really like the way they are doing Bruce Wayne.

Typically Bruce Wayne, the billionaire is kind of a hard character for me to like because of how much he serves this kind of great man power fantasy(yes, I know, superhero comics are inherently fascist) He has a vendetta against the concept of crime because his parents were killed by a criminal, so he takes it upon himself to "protect" Gotham, but in many depictions of Batman it's kind of like, what exactly is his connection to the city other than he lives there and presumably is the HQ of Wayne Enterprises. he views it the way a rich person would, dirty and too full of undesirable people who must be punished so that he, a wealthy socialite can enjoy the place without having to see the underclasses.

Making Bruce a working class urbanist is such a more interesting way of exploring the character. He loves the city because he grew up in it's streets, played in it's parks, attended it's schools, rode it's busses. Adding the layer on that that he became a civil engineer and worked with the municipal government does for the first time I've ever seen something interesting with Gotham by kind of interrogating the notion of what makes a city what it is. Is it the infrastructure, the people, the civil servants? It's the most interesting Bruce Wayne has ever been.

But then as Batman he's just fucking mutilating people and blowing them up with bombs and whatever. Yawn. I think that the Batman aspect also annoys me because it so blatantly disregards the central premise of the Absolute line. What if Batman wasn't a billionaire? Well then he wouldn't have access to tons of money and resources to do his Batman shit! So they like, half-ass that by giving him the kind of stripped-down arsenal. No gadgets and gizmos, just knives and a hunk of bat shaped metal used as a battle axe. But then oh yeah he also has some kind of miracle fabric that he can use as like tendrils or whatever and it's completely bullet-proof and so on and so forth. Like, Batman really really does not feel in any meaningful way like he is working at a disadvantage in this version of the story, and that just makes the whole thing so damn boring.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #1 fucking kicks ass. This was by kind of a wide margin the best issue of the three series debut issues. I think that unlike Batman and Superman who both have quite a lot of baggage tied into their backstories and supporting cast and so forth, Wonder Woman has never quite achieved the level of iconography as they have so there's almost more freedom to do something new without hitting a bunch of prescribed plot points. In fact she might be the one of the trinity who has had the most attempts to re-imagine her and spruce her up to get people interested. I recall back in 2010 they did a big shake up that was not too dissimilar to this new take on the character. What if she never grew up on Themyscira? What if she didn't have the favour of the gods, etc. And I really liked that one, so I guess it's no surprise I'd be fond of this new version as well.

I think the number one thing that hooked me on this issue is the artwork, tbh. It's my favourite style so far of the Absolute comics, and everything just looks so cool and big and epic and awesome. That's it. It's just cool as hell.

The next most important thing is it has much better pacing than the other issues. You get a very simple, very effective set-up. The Amazons have been punished by the gods so this baby is being raised in hell by a witch. That's it. Good, effective time lapse of her growing up interspersed within the action scenes of her fighting monsters. It's simple and to the point but still leaves me invested int he mystery and wanting to know more. And again, it did not feel the need to shoe-horn a bunch of characters in so you can do the soyjack point at the issue. They could have easily shoved Steve Trevor in there as one of the soldiers responding to the freaky monster pyramid but that would have just been lame. It's confident enough in itself to not have to try and get you with low hanging fruit.

I don't really have much else to say, it's just cool and good and I'm unequivocally excited for more.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1 is a solid start. Now I'll admit I'm way more of a Superman-head than I am for Batman or Wonder Woman. This was the series that made me interested in the Absolute experiment in the first place, so I'm probably way more willing to be lenient towards a Superman title than say Batman.

That being said, this one also has like Batman, aspects I really like, and others I'm a bit iffy on, though not in as wide a gulf as Absolute Batman. As I said before, I've spent probably too much time trying to think of how to reinvent Superman in a modern context and, specifically, from a politically left-wing perspective, and I'll say that so far I think they're doing a decent job.

It's obviously nothing new to look at Superman as an immigrant story. Going all the way back to Siegel & Shuster, who were children of Jewish immigrants, the whole idea was what if this guy came from somewhere else. I think that the way that Jason Aaron has interpreted that concept for a modern context is actually quite brilliant. It's almost less of what if Superman was an immigrant than what if Superman was a refugee? Rather than unable to return to his homeland, but finding a new home with loving foster parents we are given the suggestion that he's never had a stable home since arriving on Earth. Moving from one place to another, nowhere to go home to, hiding among the economically exploited peoples of the global south.

It's such a riveting set up, I'm really excited to see how this version of the Character is informed by his history.

I also like the use of Krypton as kind of a heavy-handed double metaphor for stratified class society and the dangers of climate change. Like, it is presumably already dead and gone and unable to like, textually affect the story so who cares if it's allegorical nature is too on the nose. I also really like the notion of Kal El having like, living memory of Krypton, rather than only knowing about it from recordings on an alien flash drive or whatever.

I think the use of this "Lazarus" corporation as a kind of stand-in blanket evil corporation that does every kind of exploitative, extractive, broadly seen as morally wrong kinds of industries a bit hokey but hey it's a comic. I love the use of the Peacemakers as the like, corporate PMC security force though, that's fun. I am pretty curious if Lazarus is going to be a kind of fake-out Lexcorp. Like Luthor is the head of it but they called it by a different name so as not to ruin the surprise of his introduction. That or maybe it's related to Ras Al Ghul? Who knows, but I'm interested in what their whole deal is. They not only operate diamond mines and factory farms but also like, hunt down alien technology to reverse engineer?? And employ a Brainiac. curious as to what the deal is with the screaming jars. Does being shrunk down just like, really hurt? Seems like almost going overboard with the concept. Like not only does he shrink down cities and put them in jars but he also tortures the shrunken people? Like why, what's he getting out of it?

Some of the iffy parts for me include the suit AI thing he's got because I'm frankly sick of that trope by now. Ever since Iron man it's like every fucking character in comics has to have some kind of tech suit with a quirky robot voice. I'm willing to give it a chance on the grounds that it's like alien technology so sure whatever. I kind of like that he has to fucking charge the suit with a solar panel. I am curious about what exactly the breakdown is with the suit. He uses his x-ray and laser eyes so presumably it's still Kal himself who has super powers and they're not like, imbued by the suit. The suit seems like it is regulating his powers in some way. Like without it he couldn't control them and would cause havoc, but the fact that he has to like charge the suit's battery is kind of funny. Like, is the suit solar powered and his powers are just inherent no matter what, or does he still derive his power from sunlight as well? Fuzzy on the rules.

I also don't like the Lois reveal. It's just dull. Who care. The little teaser of Kent Farm is interesting to me. Feels like several different ways they could pivot:

Kal El's rocket lands and blows a hole in their barn, they find him and are frightened of him so they call the authorities/Lazarus and Kal flees.

Similar to above but they care for him like usual before Lazarus shows up looking for the alien craft and kill the Kents to remove any witnesses

Altogether it does enough things I'm interested in to keep me going with it despite the few quibbles I have. So far it's 2/3 on the Absolute universe and with the "phase 2" or whatever announced I'm 100% guaranteed also picking up Absolute Flash because it's my boy Wally and Jeff Lemire writing, like come the fuck on, how could I resist that.

[dreamwreaver]

Oh, One Hell of a Team... How I adore you. Now THAT'S a way to establish Charlie and Alastor's characters while simultaneously juxtaposing them in a beautiful manner. God, I have practically been putting this song on repeat ever since I first heard it.

Like it really delves into Alastor's manipulation, spinning this picture of being the perfect business partner for her, catering to her every need, pointing out how she's lacking, that she NEEDS his help because, well, he can make her dreams come true! Of course, Charlie doesn't buy it, rightfully so, doubting his intentions but doesn't deny his help, after all, he does have everything she needs for the hotel to flourish. With all their differences, both of them recognize the potential in each other, wanting the other to join by their side, showing that, through becoming each other's strength, they could make one hell of a team together.

This song is amazing because both characters display a deeper level of nuance and maturity that the show didn't capture well enough. Charlie isn't being beaten down here for her naivete, if anything, she displays her intelligence remarkably well, aware of his dubious behavior. She's expressed as Alastor's equal, his compliment, one that can truly challenge his own perspective and he respects her for that. As much as he doesn't believe in her dream for redemption, he wants her to fight for it, to show what he knows she's capable of and most importantly, he wants to set her free from her doubts and the restraints she shackled onto herself. (God, I swooned at the "No, I only wanna set you free line," why aren't they a thing??)

I would also like to note that there's the whole mirror imagery in the music video, that Alastor and Charlie are each other's reflections, that they see themselves in the other and vice versa. This song is literally the best, right alongside Heaven 2 Hell which is more in line with their canon personalities while One Hell of a Team explores the depths of their dynamic.

Whether or not Season 2 releases Charlie and Alastor's song, I'm just thankful for such a wonderful song made by passionate artists who saw Alastor and Charlie's potential and made a banger of a song out of it.

Also, thank you for the Rambley gif, it made my morning much brighter. Much appreciated.

— rambling nonnie

Hi there Rambley!

Yes absolutely, I adore One Hell of a Team and Heaven 2 Hell. Among some of my favorite songs for them that are specifically about hazbin.

To be quite honest though, possibly my favorite song that has the possibility of their dynamic (and something ngl I apply to all my ships but fits best here) is the Real Tuesday Weld's Me and Mr. Wolf. It's an electroswing song that is playing on the juxtaposition between who seems like the wolf and who really is. The video is also a fun trippy rubberhose style animation reminiscent of the era it's based on. Highly recommend.

Possibly my favorite part, "If I taste you, will we know? If love kills, or makes you whole? Tears you o-pen, takes you home?"

And there are obvious songs from other franchises that fit them. A good friend of mine made a whole Spotify playlist for me based on songs she thought fit them.

[buckets-and-trees]

Loaded and stuffed... I see exactly what you did there.

And the cream.

This is why we are soulmates. (Though I still only aspire to be at your level!)

So the tattoo markers? They're actually a real thing! A couple of years ago I was testing out designs and placements for my first potential tattoo, and so I was ordering some of this company's temporary tattoos, and then they have these markers that you can use freehand or that you can use to re-trace and extend your temporary designs. And they really do stay for one to two weeks depending on placement of skin/how often that area gets exposed to rubbing on things/getting washed, etc.

But the hoe-ness? The debauchery? I hope it's ample with them. They certainly DO get up to some dirty things with you, but I feel like I'm almost keeping them too tame and haven't really gotten too wild with them yet? Like... I've started, but not all the way there. Certainly nothing too extreme yet. Dirty talk, getting there; dirty actions, we can push it further. I need to brainstorm... I may be coming to you for some concept ideas possibly...

Because THE DYNAMIC! If you're with someone who you feel safe with, I think you absolutely are willing to let them do anything, because when they genuinely value you, you know it's only ever temporary degradation, not their genuine reflection of you - and that when it's on that level, it's something they would never even possibly dream of saying or doing to someone else but only with someone that they value and trust and know won't think it's a permanent reflection of their character. So this thing for you, Ari, and Curtis? I'm relishing in it all and loving writing this story for them.

Naughty thought, buuut : tattoo artists Ari and Curtis loving to create on your body, but not all permanent tattoos. Instead they write on your body. Sweet things like "beautiful" or "ours". But also... Nasty things. 😈 "Cum here" or "Owned toy" or a count of how many times they filled you.

Worship In The Bedroom Characters/Pairings: Ari Levinson x curvy female!Reader x Curtis Everett Word Count: 3.3k

Content/Warnings: explicit smut (mfm threesome, kissing, vaginal fingering, anal play, nipple play, vaginal intercourse, anal, unprotected sex, overstimulation, cum play, cum eating, praise kink, dirty talk, light degradation, pet names (beautiful, sugar), body art

Author Notes: For the sixth week of Chris-mas... If you only care about the smut, go ahead and read - it can reasonably stand alone. If you want context and full resonance for the relationship, read the first two parts in the series.

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

As the first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, you stir awake, your body pleasantly sore and your mind stirring with memories of the night before. The warmth of two bodies pressed against you brings a smile to your face before you even open your eyes.

You blink slowly, adjusting to the soft morning light. Curtis is on your left, his muscular arm draped over your waist, his face peaceful in sleep. Ari is on your right, propped up on one elbow, already awake and watching you with a tender smile.

"Good morning, beautiful," Ari murmurs, leaning in to place a soft kiss on your shoulder.

“G’morning,” you murmur, smiling back. This is the third weekend you’ve spent with the men, but the first night you’ve stayed over.

You stretch languidly, careful not to disturb Curtis. As you do, you notice an odd sensation on your skin - a gentle tickle, almost like a feather being drawn across your flesh. You look down and gasp softly in wonder. Delicate lines of ink dance across your skin, intricate patterns and swirling designs covering your arms, chest, and stomach. The artwork is mesmerizing - a temporary masterpiece etched onto your body.

The soft tickle you felt was Ari, adding to the artwork with a fine-tipped marker. Ari chuckles at your reaction. "We got a bit carried away last night," he explains, his voice low and warm. "When you fell asleep, we just couldn't resist."

You trace a finger along one of the designs - a delicate spray of flowers blooming across your hip. As you follow the lines, you notice how they flow seamlessly from one design to the next, creating a cohesive tapestry across your body.

"It's beautiful," you whisper, awe evident in your voice.

Curtis stirs beside you, his ice-blue eyes blinking open slowly. He takes in the sight of you covered in intricate designs and a slow, satisfied smile spreads across his face.

"Morning, sugar," he rumbles, his voice husky with sleep. His hand traces one of the designs on your stomach, sending a shiver through you. "Like what we’ve done with you?"

You nod, still mesmerized by the artwork adorning your skin. "It's incredible," you breathe. "I can't believe you did all this while I was asleep."

Ari chuckles, continuing to add to the design on your arm. "You sleep deep. This isn’t the only thing we did to you."

You gasp and Curtis squeezes your hip and hums in satisfaction.

Then Curtis props himself up on one elbow, mirroring Ari's position. His eyes roam over your body, taking in every line and curve of the temporary tattoos. His fingers trace a particularly intricate design on your ribcage, intertwining with your nearly healed new tattoo.

"These aren't just any markers," Curtis explains, his voice low and gravelly from sleep. "We used special body art pens designed for long-lasting temporary tattoos. They're made with a unique, skin-safe ink that bonds with the top layer of your skin."

Ari picks up from there with, "The designs will stay vibrant for 10 to 12 days, gradually fading as your skin naturally exfoliates. It's like having a whole new set of tattoos, but without the commitment or healing time."

Your eyes widen in surprise and delight. The idea of carrying their artwork on your skin for nearly two weeks sends a thrill through you. You imagine going about your daily life with these intricate designs hidden beneath your clothes, a secret reminder of another incredible night. And them.

Curtis's hand slides up your torso, between your breasts, following the lines of ink. "We wanted to mark you," he murmurs, his voice low and possessive. "To leave our mark in a way that would last a little longer."

Ari nods in agreement, adding a few final touches to a design on your shoulder. "Plus," he adds with a mischievous grin, "we couldn't resist the opportunity to turn your entire body into our personal canvas."

You raise up on your elbows to gt a better look at the artwork on your stomach, over your hips, and down your legs. The designs are intricate and beautiful, a blend of both men's artistic styles covering vast expanses of your exposed skin. You gasp when you register the filthy words they’ve written in the prettiest script. Slut and Pretty Holes and Cockworshipper and Property of Curtis & Ari with the most elaborate ampersand you’ve ever seen.

Your cheeks flush at the implications and the memories of the night before, accompanied by a renewed awareness of the pleasant soreness between your thighs. Flashes of the night before fly through your mind - hands exploring, mouths devouring, bodies intertwining in ways you never thought possible. The intensity of it all makes you shiver with renewed desire.

Curtis notices your reaction and smirks, his ice-blue eyes darkening with hunger. "Remembering last night, sugar?" he murmurs, his hand sliding down your stomach to rest on your hip.

You nod, biting your lip as heat pools in your core. "It was unreal," you breathe.

Ari chuckles, setting aside the marker and running his hand along your thigh. "And we're not done with you yet," he purrs, his voice low and full of promise.

Your breath hitches at Ari's words, excitement and anticipation coursing through you. Despite the soreness, you find yourself craving more.

Curtis leans in, his lips brushing against your ear. "What do you say, sugar? Ready for round... what are we on now? Five? Six?" His voice is low and gravelly, sending shivers down your spine.

You swallow hard, your mouth suddenly dry. "I... yes," you manage to whisper, your voice trembling slightly with desire.

Ari grins, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "That's our girl," he purrs, his hand sliding up your inner thigh. "Always so eager for more."

Curtis captures your lips in a deep, passionate kiss, swallowing your gasp as Ari slips two fingers in your cunt.

You moan into Curtis's kiss as Ari's fingers expertly work your sensitive flesh. The dual sensations of Curtis's demanding lips and Ari's skilled touch quickly reignite the fire in your core. Your hips buck involuntarily, seeking more friction against Ari's hand.

Curtis breaks the kiss, his ice-blue eyes dark with desire. "So responsive," he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly. His hand cups your breast, thumb brushing over your nipple, causing it to harden into a tight peak.

Ari's fingers curl inside you, finding that spot that makes you see stars. "Still so wet for us," he purrs, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I bet you could take us both right now."

Your breath catches at Ari's words, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through you.

Curtis's eyes darken with hunger as he watches your reaction. His hand slides down your body, joining Ari's between your thighs. "Think you can handle it, sugar?" he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly.

You moan as Curtis's fingers circle your clit, working in tandem with Ari's thrusting fingers. The dual stimulation has your hips bucking, seeking more friction.

"Yes, always want you," you manage to gasp out between pants of pleasure.

Ari grins, then nips at the inner flesh of your thigh, making you yelp. Curtis then smacks your clit, and you yelp again.

The sting of Curtis's slap on your sensitive clit sends a jolt of pleasure-pain through you, making you gasp and arch your back. Curtis takes advantage of your movement, his mouth latching onto your breast, tongue swirling around your nipple before sucking hard.

"Fuck," you moan, your hands tangling in their hair, not sure whether to pull them closer or push them away as the sensations overwhelm you.

Ari’s fingers continue to move in and out of your cunt, stretching you further as he adds a third digit.

"That's it, beautiful," Ari growls, his ice-blue eyes intense as he watches your face contort with pleasure. "Let us hear you."

Curtis releases your nipple with a wet pop. His blue eyes are dark with lust as he looms close to your face again and then licks a messy stripe up your neck and over your face. Then his lips brushing against your ear. "We're going to wreck you," he growls, his voice low and gravelly. "Fill you up completely."

Your body trembles with a mixture of pleasure and anticipation as Curtis and Ari continue their sensual assault. Their hands work in tandem, fingers probing and teasing the most sensitive areas of your body with practiced skill.

Ari's fingers curl inside you, hitting that spot that makes you see stars. "You ready for us?" he purrs.

You whimper, your hips bucking against their hands. The thought of being so thoroughly filled by both of them sends a jolt of heat straight to your core. "Please," you gasp, your voice breathy with need.

Curtis and Ari exchange a heated look over your body, a silent communication passing between them. With practiced ease, they begin to maneuver you, their strong hands guiding your pliant form.

"On your side, sugar," Curtis murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

They position you carefully, Curtis spooning behind you while Ari faces you. The warmth of their bodies envelops you, skin against skin. Ari’s hand traces the curve of your hip, following the delicate skull pattern inked there.

Curtis's hand slides down your thigh, lifting your leg and draping it over Ari's hip. This new position leaves you completely exposed, vulnerable, and aching with need. You can feel the heat of their erections pressing against you - Curtis's thick length nestled against your ass, while Ari's presses insistently against your lower belly.

Ari cups your face, drawing you into a deep, passionate kiss. His tongue explores your mouth as his hand slides up and down your side, fingers ghosting over skin, making your shiver. He pauses to murmur, "Eager cockslut," against your lips.

You moan into Ari's mouth at his words, a shot of arousal running through you. You feel Curtis shift behind you, his hand sliding between your legs from behind. His thick fingers probe your entrance, spreading your wetness.

"So fucking wet," Curtis growls in your ear. "Always so ready for us."

You gasp as you feel the blunt head of Curtis's cock pressing against your tightest entrance. He enters you slowly, stretching you deliciously. Your head falls back against his shoulder as he fills you.

"That's it, sugar," Curtis murmurs, his voice strained. "Take all of me."

The stretch is intense, bordering on too much after the night's activities, but the fullness feels incredible.

Ari watches your face intently as Curtis sinks into you inch by inch. When Curtis is fully seated, Ari captures your lips in another searing kiss, and his hand snakes between your bodies, his fingers finding your clit again. He rubs slow circles as Curtis begins to move inside you with shallow thrusts. The dual sensations have you panting, pleasure building rapidly.

"Good girl," he murmurs against your mouth. "Now it's my turn."

Your eyes widen as you feel the blunt head of Ari's cock drag over your clit and then he guides the tip into your pussy. You groan as Ari begins to push inside you, stretching and stuffing you. The sensation of both men filling you completely is overwhelming, a delicious mix of pleasure and pain that has you trembling between them.

"Breathe, beautiful," Ari murmurs, his eyes locked on yours as he slowly sinks deeper. "That's it, take us both."

Curtis's arm wraps around your waist, holding you steady as Ari pushes in to the hilt. You feel so impossibly full, stretched to your limits in the most exquisite way. For a moment, nobody moves, allowing you to adjust to the intense sensation.

"Fuck, fuuuuck," Curtis curses in your ear, his voice strained.

Ari nods in agreement, his forehead resting against yours as he struggles to maintain control. "Perfect," he breathes. "You were fucking made to be used by us.” He squeezes your plush thigh, relishing the purchase his large hands have on your ample flesh.

Curtis nips at your earlobe, his breath hot against your neck. "So tight," he growls, his hips making small, shallow thrusts. "You feel incredible, sugar."

You whimper at the overwhelming sensations, feeling utterly filled and possessed by both men. The slight movement of Curtis's hips sends shockwaves of pleasure through you, making you gasp and clutch at Ari's shoulders.

"Please," you moan, not even sure what you're begging for. "Please, I need..."

Ari captures your lips in a searing kiss, swallowing your pleas. "We know what you need, beautiful," he murmurs against your mouth. "We're going to give it to you."

With that, both men begin to move. They start slow, alternating their thrusts so that as one pulls back, the other pushes in. The drag of their cocks inside you, filling you so completely, has you seeing stars.

Curtis's hand slides up your body, cupping your breast and rolling your nipple between his fingers. "Such a good and nasty girl," he growls in your ear. "So greedy. Taking both our fat cocks.”

"Oh god," you moan. "So full."

Ari picks up the pace of his thrusts and Curtis matches his rhythm, driving into you with increasing force.

"That's it, sugar," Curtis growls in your ear, his hand sliding down to grip your hip.

Their cocks stretching and filling you, their hands roaming your body, has pleasure building rapidly within you. You feel utterly possessed, caught between them as they use your body and assault your mind with their dirty talk.

"Look at you," Ari purrs, his blue eyes intense as they lock onto yours. "Our perfect little slut, stuffed full of cock and loving every second of it."

The praise sends a thrill through you, making you clench around both of them. Curtis groans in response, his hips snapping forward more forcefully. "That's it, sugar," he growls, his breath hot against your neck. "Squeeze us tight with your greedy holes."

You moan loudly, overwhelmed by the onslaught. Your body feels like it's on fire, every nerve ending alight with pleasure. The relentless stimulation of both men moving inside you has you teetering desperately on the edge of your orgasm.

"Oh god," you whimper, your hands clutching desperately at Ari's shoulders. "I'm so close."

Ari grins wickedly, his hips snapping forward with increased force, thumb still circling your puffy clit. "That's it," he growls. "Come for us. Show us how much you love being stuffed full of cock."

Curtis's hand slides between your bodies, his fingers finding one of your nipples. He pinches and twists the peaked nub as he continues to thrust into you from behind. "Come on, sugar," he murmurs in your ear, his voice low and gravelly. "Let go!”

Your orgasm crashes over you like a tidal wave, your body tensing and shaking between them as waves of pleasure course through you. You cry out, your voice hoarse and desperate as you clench tightly around both men.

"That's it, beautiful," Ari growls, his hips snapping forward with increased intensity. "Milk our cocks with those pretty holes."

Curtis groans in your ear, his arm tightening around your waist as he drives into you harder. "Fuck, sugar," he pants. "You feel so good when you come on our cocks."

Your body feels like a live wire, trembling uncontrollably as Curtis and Ari continue to thrust into you, prolonging your intense orgasm. The overstimulation borders on painful, yet you crave more, your body greedily clenching around their thick cocks.

As your orgasm begins to ebb, Curtis and Ari's thrusts become more erratic, their breathing ragged. You can feel them both swelling inside you, on the brink of their own release.

"Fuck, I'm close," Ari growls, his grip on your thigh tightening.

Curtis grunts in agreement, his thrusts becoming more forceful. "Me too," he pants against your neck.

You moan, overwhelmed by the sensation of both men using your body so thoroughly. "Please," you whimper.

"Where do you want it, beautiful?" Ari asks, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. "Tell us."

"Inside," you gasp out, your body clenching around them at the thought. "Fill me up. Please!"

Your words seem to push them over the edge, and they come one after the other, Curtis first, and Ari close behind.

Curtis and Ari slowly withdraw from your body, their cocks slipping free with lewd, wet sounds that makes you shudder. You feel utterly wrecked, but also deliciously used and satisfied as their combined release begins to trickle out of you.

Ari captures your lips in a deep, languid kiss, his tongue exploring your mouth as his hand caresses your face. The tenderness of the kiss contrasts beautifully with the intensity of what you've just experienced, grounding you in the aftermath of your shared passion.

Behind you, Curtis's large hands slide between your legs, his fingers probing gently at your thoroughly used holes. He spreads your wetness around, mixing his own release with Ari's and your abundant arousal. The slick, sticky mess coats his fingers as he rubs slow circles around your sensitive pussy, teases your ass. The sensation is both soothing and arousing, your body still hyper-sensitive from the intense experience.

A moment after Curtis takes his hand away from your messy holes, he tugs your chin away from Ari’s kiss and slips his fingers into your open mouth. Your tongue laps instinctively to taste the complex flavor coating his fingers. The taste is an intoxicating blend - the saltiness of Curtis's release, the slightly bitter tang of Ari's, and the sweet muskiness of your own arousal. It's a potent cocktail that floods your senses, making you moan softly around Curtis's fingers as you suckle them clean.

Curtis watches you intently, his ice-blue eyes dark with renewed hunger as you lap at his fingers. He slowly withdraws them from your mouth, dragging them along your bottom lip, leaving a glistening trail in their wake.

Before you can catch your breath, Curtis captures your mouth with his own hungry lips.

Curtis kisses you deeply, his tongue exploring your mouth, tasting the mingled flavors of your combined releases. His hand cups the back of your head, holding you in place as he devours you. When he finally breaks the kiss, you're breathless and dazed.

Ari chuckles, his fingers tracing lazy patterns over the artwork on your skin. "Insatiable," he murmurs, but his voice is fond.

Curtis breaks the kiss, leaving you breathless. His ice-blue eyes roam over your body, taking in the sight of you thoroughly debauched and marked by their artwork.

"You okay, sugar?" he asks.

You nod, unable to form words just yet. You feel utterly boneless, caught between their warm bodies, pleasantly sore and thoroughly satisfied. You melt under their intense gazes, feeling both exposed and cherished, but this pattern is nothing new with this pair of men who ply you with both the dirty and the delicate in a dizzying combination.

Ari shifts to his back, and you curl into him, resting over his chest. Curtis moves in behind you, nuzzles into you neck, and places a few kisses along your shoulder as the three of you succumb to Sunday morning snoozing.

The room is quiet save for the sound of your collective breathing slowly returning to normal. And as you drift back into sleep, you think of the new ink they’ve put on you. They may be temporary tattoos covering your skin, but they’ll be a tangible reminder of your connection to these two men, a secret mark of ownership that only the three of you know, with a balance of simplicity and complexity that you still need to sort out, but that’s novel and beautiful and only for the three of you to explore.

This is distraction smut. It was on the docket for my Countdown to Chris-mas, but not for this week, but I couldn't pull the headspace that I needed to work on the other story I had intended to debut. Hopefully this can just be a welcome indulgence for anyone who needs it.

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

I do not do tag lists, but FOLLOW @buckets-and-stories and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to be updated any time I publish a new work!

[persephoneprice]

It’s so fascinating to me that Festus Creed had liked (or at least tolerated) Sejanus (to an extent). Obviously, I don’t think they were friends per se but it intrigues me that they were at least friendly to some degree.

I would absolutely love to see what their interactions would have been like pre-hunger games.

Give me Festus Creed and Sejanus Plinth being partnered for a project, talking about their father’s businesses, discussing a homework assignment, or their future plans.

Give me some sort of positive interactions between Festus Creed and the other academy students that aren’t Coriolanus.

Give me anything.

[uncanny-tranny]

At this point, gender nonconformity is about what the person says their experience is.

If a woman with a beard or a man with lipstick and a mustache says they're gender nonconforming, then they are! If a woman with short hair or a man with long hair says they aren't, they aren't! And that's not even getting into the awesome nonbinary, abinary, genderqueer, intersex, and general genderfuckery that may both be and not be conforming.

So much of what is even considered gender conforming or gender nonconforming is based on a world of exclusion. When we start defining one's conformity with whether they fit into white cishetero perisex standards or not, we play into the idea that there's only a very narrow window of what is considered worthy of time and thought.

[shannonsketches]

He said "Fuck this shit, I'm out" I'm crying. Toriyama's Vegeta was so top shelf 🤌

(From Neko Majin Z Chapter 5!)

[quillkiller]

having so many university au rosier twins thoughts

[airenyah]

ok but hear me out.... dunk in a calm/quiet/serious role and joong in a sunshine boy/cinnamon roll role:

[b4kuch1n]

dip pen ink comm batch 4 complete! for Ezechiel, @ohwwhuv, and Leo :]