#I enjoyed writing it

[turtleboyo22]

Cyno is not known for his capacity for joy. Whether cracking jokes or saving lives, Cyno never displays even an ounce of emotion on his face. For this, the General Mahamatra commands fear and respect across all of Sumeru. After all, it's hard not to cower away from a man whose expression lends nothing of itself to anyone.

As for Cyno himself, he is not ignorant enough not to have noticed how those around him act when he's there. He's hyper aware of the effect his entrance will inevitably have on a room, tense silence sucking the air from everyone else's lungs. Though this can be useful for a great many of Cyno's duties, he can't help but feel somewhat resentful of the reputation he has cultivated.

In spite of what the majority of people may believe, though, Cyno spends most of his free time quite content, joking around and enjoying life's leisures. Still, those who witness him outside of work from a far may assume that he's as serious as ever due to his perpetually neutral expression. It is only those who truly know Cyno that understand that the man does not lack emotions, but rather he merely displays his in an abnormal way. In fact, for the people who know Cyno, his joy especially is not only obvious, but also exceedingly common.

The only problem is when Cyno's job requires him to comfort those who don't know him. His expressionless face and toneless voice aren't the most soothing, and his blunt way of speaking certainly doesn't help the issue. Even his jokes can't save him, as most people just stare at him blankly afterwards. This is also what made it so difficult when the general rescued a young girl; he had no idea how to make her feel less scared of him.

When Cyno first brought Collei back to Sumeru, the young girl couldn't help but fear him. After all, ever since she was a young child she had been surrounded by people who wanted nothing more than to harm her. She underwent experiment after excruciating experiment day after day for the first 10 years of her life, all while battling a life-long illness and finding out her parents had died. When Cyno had found her, Collei was still adjusting to the idea of people treating her with kindness. Her past combined with Cyno's stern disposition compounded into Collei being afraid of the man who was trying to save her. She thought it was silly, looking back.

Collei first saw Cyno happy a week after she was brought to Sumeru. Cyno had come to visit her and Tighnari to see how she was settling in and Collei found herself playing card games at a too small dinner table with her newfound guardians. Cyno had been telling puns throughout the evening, a past time of the man's that Collei had yet to become accustomed to, but Tighnari's defeated expression told her it was commonplace.

In any case, one joke in particular caught Collei's attention: "I don't think we should play poker today," Cyno said. "Why not, Cyno? You usually jump at the opportunity to beat me at everything," Tighnari snarked, making Collei smile. She'd adjusted to her new master's occasional sass over the past week, meaning she'd learnt there was no malice behind his words. "Well Collei has already been through so much, I wouldn't want to hurt her more."

A beat of silence.

"Do you not understand the joke? You see, poker sounds like poke her. As in I'd be poking Collei, harming her further. But also it's the game's name," Cyno explained.

Another beat.

"Cyno," Tighnari groaned, covering his frustration with a hand over his face. "I thought it was funny," Cyno said, stoney tone and twin expression both very much still intact. "It was insensitive to Collei," Tighnari argued, "you can't just say things like that."

"But why not? All three of us know that she's had to endure a lot of pain in the past. It's not a secret," Cyno argued back.

And as their bickering continued, Collei found herself smiling. She was fond of them, she realised, fond of the men who had rescued her and fond of their playful arguing. Her smile grew until a small laugh escaped her mouth, more and more following until she was giggling. She couldn't remember the last time she laughed.

Cyno and Tighnari immediately shut up, snapping round to look at Collei in shock. She'd barely spoken since she arrived at Tighnari's hut, and now she was giggling. "Told you it was funny," Cyno gloated and Collei couldn't help it. She was full on laughing now, arms wrapped around her torso as her cheeks ached with joy.

Tighnari started to chuckle a bit then, so endeared by Collei's antics. Cyno just watched the two. From afar, anyone would've thought it cold but typical of the general mahamatra. He did not smile nor did he laugh. In fact, he was so expressionless that he seemed almost detached. But Tighnari knew better, and Collei was starting to as well.

Cyno's shoulders had relaxed, Collei noted, not realising they were ever tense until they weren't anymore. As her laughter died down, she also noticed how Cyno's eyebrows were less bunched up now, highlighting the newfound pink of his cheeks and red of his ears.

"Proud of yourself?" Tighnari teased the man, but there was no bite to his words. It was clear Tighnari had noticed Cyno's sudden change in demeanor, attempting to prolong Cyno's (and Collei's) joy for as long as possible by jabbing further. The softness of Cyno's movements as his hand found its place upon Tighnari's put Collei at ease. Perhaps she could find a home here with these two afterall. After all, this was the safest she'd felt in years.

[karniss-bg3]

Thank you so much for fulfilling my request! It was so well written, I've already reread it a few times today lol. I imagine a followup writing request to that (if you wanted to) could be a lovely comfort time of Tav patching up Kar'niss in the morning after they both get some well deserved rest. Thanks again!

[Part 2 of this post.]

[Music]

The melodic chirping of birds filtered into Tav’s ears, morning breaking over the encampment. They could feel the pulse of a headache coming on after an uneasy night of rest. The events of the prior evening were still fresh in their mind playing over and over on a loop. Their eyes opened, staring at the ceiling of their tent, pondering what steps to take next. The first priority was to make sure Kar’niss was still doing well and after that play it by ear.

They rose from their bed roll and exited the tent, stumbling into the sunlight which assaulted their eyes making them burn. Nearby their companions had gathered around the camp fire to sort out breakfast, preparing for the long road ahead. Kar’niss was not among them. Tav frowned and wandered over to the edge of camp, spotting the boulder they’d left Kar’niss sleeping on the night before. His perch had been abandoned, streaks of dried blood peppered over the uneven surface. The blanket and pillow had also been left behind in a haphazard pile suggesting Kar’niss had moved sometime recently.

“Did anyone see where Kar’niss went?” Tav asked.

“Yes,” Laezel replied. “The spider-kin stirred just before dawn and retreated into the forest. I did not give chase, he did not seem to require aid.”

Tav rubbed the back of their neck, a slow exhale soon following. “Thank you. Give me a few moments, I want to check on him.”

Tav went to work. First, they retrieved a bucket and filled it to the brim with water from the nearby river. Then they collected medical supplies, a cloth, and their flute, placing them in their pack. Once the satchel was hoisted over their shoulder they lifted the bucket by the rope handle and wandered into the treeline after the drider.

They wouldn’t need to search long especially with the light of day keeping the area moderately lit. They came across a massive nest of webbing spanning across several trees, an intricate weave of thick silk lines that made a wall of white just ahead of them. Nearby Tav could see a deer carcass, it’s body drained of it’s fluids to the point it’s flesh wrinkled and caved in on itself. At least he’d been fed, Tav thought. They placed the bucket down and peered up into the branches in search of their quarry, squinting when rays of sun pierced their retinas from time to time. That was when they spotted it. A round dome of webbing stretched over heavy branches formed a cocoon-like dome with a single entrance near the tree itself. While Tav couldn’t see Kar’niss directly they did spy the very tip of his legs poking out of the doorway, suggesting he had nestled himself tightly into the space in an effort to hide and protect himself.

What concerned them were the noises they heard, quiet but audible. A low, thrumming click generated by Kar’niss’ throat suggested he was in pain. It was akin to a steady purr but by no means positive in pitch.

“Kar’niss? It’s Tav. Are you alright?”

They could hear shuffling from above, the drider seemingly backing up more into their nest. “Go away,” he hissed in frustration.

Tav frowned at his dismissal, their arms moving to cross over their chest. They began to tap their foot as their lips pressed into a thin line. “I can’t help you if you’re up there and I am down here. Please?”

Kar’niss didn’t respond, retreating deeper into his webbing. Tav took in a steady breath while rubbing over one of their arms. They wandered over to the tree, reaching out to feather their fingertips over the web, admiring how sticky and soft the adhesive silk was. They turned around and leaned back against the exposed portion of the tree, their shoulders taking on a slump while their mind was hard at work on a solution. Several moments of silence passed, the quiet drifting breeze mingled with Kar’niss’ labored breathing the only sound to be heard. Tav closed their eyes and exhaled firmly.

“I know you’re afraid. If you want to know the twisted truth of it, we all are. Everyone here has something to lose, or something they are running from. They put on a brave face because they have to, it’s the only thing keeping them from falling apart. But most importantly, none of us would’ve been able to make this journey alone. We may not always agree or get along but we are all working toward the same goal; Freedom.” Tav rubbed at their weary eyes, their palms sliding across their face until their fingertips coiled against the tip of their chin. “I don’t know everything that has happened to you but the thing is I don’t need to. I can tell you’ve endured endless horrors, seen things you wish you hadn’t, suffered unspeakable torture. You don’t have to suffer your burdens alone, Kar’niss. Not anymore. If you’ll let me I can help you but I can’t do that if you hide from me. I gain nothing by hurting you.”

Tav could hear some light movement above them but they opted not to look up to avoid spooking the uneasy drider. “At least come down and let me clean the blood off, patch up the worst of the wounds. That way you can heal and regain your strength.” They’d pause, their gaze dropping to the matted grass beneath their feet. “If I wanted you dead I had the perfect opportunity to make that happen last night. You were vulnerable, unhinged, distracted. I didn’t hurt you though, did I?”

Kar’niss’ front legs jutted from the doorway of the cocoon, his head peeking out to peer down at Tav. “No,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.

Tav turned around to peer up at him, finally able to see the one he’d grown familiar with along their journey. “Then I think you owe me at least this much. Come down.” They lifted an arm and extended their hand in Kar’niss’ direction.

He eyed the hand with an air of skepticism, mulling over all that had been said. Eventually he crawled his way out of the elevated burrow, climbing his way down the tree. Tav stepped back to make room, able to finally assess the damage up close. Kar’niss was battered and bruised, particularly his face. His rounded abdomen at the back had a crack in the chitin from where he forcefully backed into a tree. Dried blood was caked in his hair while red splotches were present over his face and chest. Tav looked over his body and scowled in concern.

“Lower your body down so I can reach, please.”

The drider hesitantly complied, their long legs curled into sharp points at the joints either side of him. Tav retrieved the cloth and dipped it into the water bucket, wringing it out before returning to him. “This may sting a little but it is only temporary.” Tav cupped Kar’niss’ chin with one hand while the other guided the moist cloth over his face to clean away the blood smears. He flinched in response actively leaning away out of instinct but Tav did not chide him for this. Instead they waited for him to calm so they could resume.

“We do not understand why you do this for us,” Kar’niss said. His eyes watched Tav’s face as if expecting deception in their reply.

Tav hummed in thought while cleaning off his face. “Because I want to. But if you require something with more depth, I do this because I’m betting no one else ever has. It’s really no bother to me if that is your worry. Everyone deserves positive attention, yourself included.”

He blinked, perplexed by the reply. He didn’t seem to understand the statement or at the very least had a hard time accepting it. “We find this behavior strange. But if it appeases you then do what you must.”

Tav chuckled and looked up at him. “It does appease me. Now hold still please.”

They finished cleaning off his face which revealed the half healed claw marks etched across his face. Tav retrieved a bottle of salve, uncorking the cap in order to apply the white paste over the scratch marks etched into his cheeks.

“How long did it take you to build all of this webbing?” Tav asked.

“A few hours,” Kar’niss murmured. He squirmed a little as the salve was applied but did his best to stay still. “It is fortunate there are many trees so close together. It makes weaving less complicated.”

Tav smiled. “It’s beautiful work, I must admit. Intimidating, but beautiful all the same.”

“Those caught in it would not agree,” Kar’niss said.

“I suppose not. I am glad I am not one of them.”

Once satisfied his facial wounds were treated, they moved around to inspect the crack in the chitin over the spider abdomen. They ran their fingers over the hardened surface, able to feel how rough and bumpy the texture was. In truth it was fascinating to them but they didn’t want to gawk.

“Leave it,” Kar’niss said. “It will close in its own time.”

They heard what he said but still found themselves gently petting over the curvature along the surface, feeling every imperfection along the way. They leaned over to peer curiously at his spinnerets which were barely visible beneath the stinger on his tail end.

“Amazing,” they whispered.

Kar’niss’ backside wiggled and his legs shuffled beneath him. “Stop staring.”

“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be rude. I’m just a bit curious I suppose. I’ve never seen someone like you before.”

The drider grunted and crab walked to the side, his arms crossed over his chest. “We are an abomination. We are drider.” His tone was stiff and irritated, averting his eyes from Tav completely.

The adventurer chuckled and stepped in front of him, seeking to find his gaze and meet it. “You are a drider, but you are no abomination. If I’m lucky someday you might deign me with a tour of your branch burrow. It looks cozy.”

Kar’niss tipped his head to the side with a hint of confusion, his nostrils flaring in a sharp exhale. “Perhaps…”

“Mm I will need to clean out your hair but I will do so once the salve has set. For now I think you’re in better shape and that is a relief. Thank you for allowing me to help.” Tav paused as a thought dawned on them. “One more thing. If...you start to hear those voices again and they become too much, seek me out. Night or day it doesn’t matter. We might have a chance to cut them off at the pass before you seek to harm yourself. I’d rather try than just stand by and let it happen. Does that sound good?”

Kar’niss rubbed at one of his arms, his pedipalps pulled taut against his lower half. “Yes...we can agree to this.”

“Good, I’m grateful. Now get some rest. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”

Tav picked up the bucket, the water within a murky color from the dried blood and dirt. At least Kar’niss looked far better than when Tav found them and his pained purring had ceased. They left the area to return Kar’niss’ solitude to him, leaving the drider alone to think. He scaled the tree and returned to his silken cocoon, crawling inside to get comfortable. He reached up and touched over the sticky salve on his face, noticing how it reduced the burn of the scratch marks and brought him some ease. He thought over everything Tav said and a lot of it stuck out. But when he thought about it deeper he realized they were right. No one had ever done this for him before. Not in the Underdark, not in Moonrise, no where. What did this mean?

It left him with a whole host of feelings he didn’t understand or know how to process. Did this mean he could trust Tav? Had he finally found a place where abuse and belittling wouldn’t strike from around every corner? Experience told him that it was all a ruse, a falsehood surely to be revealed in time. Yet for the first time he could recall a new voice was starting to form in his mind. Not one born of Lolth’s cruelty nor of the Absolute’s control. This was different, new, and it was saying something he didn’t expect.

Do something for Tav.

His eyes widened, startled. Repaying a kindness? It was a novel concept and one he didn’t consider before. Perhaps because kindness was a word foreign to him, much less being on the receiving end. It begged the question, what could he possibly do in return? He had nothing of value and most of his talents were based on combat. Most, but not all. He took in a sharp breath, a eureka moment hitting him, nodding to affirm his decision to himself. He would do it.

The day wore on and Tav had left with Astarion, Wyll and Shadowheart to scout ahead. They ran into a few battles along the way but managed to return to camp in the evening with little injuries to report. Gale went to work starting dinner while the others gathered around to compare the loot they’d obtained, the atmosphere generally upbeat which was a nice change of pace.

Tav wandered over to their tent to change out of their dirty clothes, looking forward to relaxing after an exhausting day. Yet when they slid inside they noticed something unusual resting on their pillow. Upon closer inspection it looked almost like a doll but woven in a strange way. They picked it up to get a better look, noticing the material used was sticky to the touch. Was this...webbing? The item had two outstretched arms and two legs, similar to a gingerbread man in shape. Sticks were used as a skeleton underneath the weave so it maintained its shape, the web tightly wound around and around until it formed a solid base. Leaves and grass were glued on to represent clothes with two tiny pebbles squished into the head to form eyes. It was then that Tav realized this was meant to represent themselves. Not a perfect likeness but damn close for the limited resources the maker had to work with. Tav’s lower lip quivered once the realization hit, their heart squeezing within their chest. They sat cross-legged on their bed roll and smiled, bringing the make-shift doll to their chest so they could hug it close. It was the greatest gift they could’ve ever received, especially knowing where it came from. They didn’t move from that spot, hoarding the gift as if it were the most grand treasure known to man.

“Thank you, my dear Kar’niss.”

[bellamyblake]

The world hurts less when I’m by your side

His cough worsened as they moved and the pain made him wince and whimper quietly which didn’t go unnoticed by Deucette. The fever raged through him and he barely kept his eyes opened but he tried to hold on and not lose consciousness, knowing it’d make everything harder for the father. 

Deucette was definitely unhappy with the situation because he kept muttering quietly under his nose while Bellamy’s head lolled to his chest and he closed his eyes, trying to control his raging heart and push the blurriness away from his eyes.

He shivered when they made it inside the church simply because it was much warmer than outside and he only realized how cold his body has been up until that point.

Deucette called for one of the sisters and uttered a few stuff that Bellamy couldn’t make out before he took him and Ares to the left and down the hallway leading to the first row of rooms. 

Bellamy perked up a little at that point, finally feeling his bones get a little warmer and noticed other people coming in and out of the rooms as well-mothers with babies or men like him who carried the same sadness he knew his own eyes did.

When they reached a room at the end of the hallway, Deucette shuffled with the keys he unhook from his belt and led him and Ares in.

It looked just the same as Bellamy remembered it and even though back then they occupied a room on the second floor he knew they were mostly identical to each other. There were a few bigger ones that were for more than a three-person family but he’s never been to them.

It was simple but cozy and definitely even much warmer than the hallway-there was a bed pressed to the wall on the right, a small table on the other side with two chairs, a drawer and bedside lamp and a little wardrobe that reminded Bellamy more of the locker rooms they had at school than anything else. There was no TV but there was a small radio again, just as Bellamy remembered-when he was here as a kid he had fallen in love with listening to the radio more than watching TV.

His mom would play an old soul and jazz station and hum quietly to it and let him switch to the sports one when he wondered how his favorite team was doing. He had transferred that love back to the Army as well. Murphy hated it when he would find a station with old soul like the one his mom loved but Miller, an old soul like him, enjoyed it. Roan often switched to the country one and as much as they pretended to hate him for it, they actually kind of liked it.

Their favorite was piling up in their tent and turning on the radio on the Firday night football game. Even if Bellamy was more of a basketball kind of guy, he loved that they all got to live that moment together, if they had the night off. He’d usually lay down on the floor, put his hat on and pretend to be napping while Miller and Murphy argued loudly about shitty stuff and scores and Roan groaned at them to shut the fuck up so they could hear what was actually going on.

By the end Miller and Murphy would be at each other’s troats because they were always on opposite sides and Bellamy would have to sit up, give them a look and command them to go take a walk and deal with this shit somewhere they didn’t sleep because he was embarrassed of their behavior.

That was enough to quiet them.

Full chapter can be found HERE!

[cluelessatthispoint]

hi!! saw ur reqs open <3 could you persnaps make something with engie? engie angst is such an unexplored genre and it makes me rabid !!! make that engineer suffer!!

OH! this sweet Texan boy is going to be in agony! I'm just so happy with angst....I like they way you think :)

Warnings: Blood, angst, suffering, hurt no comfort

~~~~~~~~

White hot tears sting painfully as they fall down his cheeks. The feeling of his poor abused lungs rapidly expanding and contracting fill him with lightheadedness and nausea. A truly miserable combination. Viscous dark crimson blood trickles and flows from the gash on his lower belly.

"Hnng!"

Waking up in a cold sweat his bright blue eyes scan the dark room. His breathing erratic and his left hand pressed firmly on the spot on his stomach. There is no injury, there is no blood...but the feeling of hot tears stinging his eyes is real. The cool crisp sheets cling to his skin, sticky from sweat. The dark room offers no comfort to alleviate his rising fears.....The feeling of something not quite right. The feeling of being....wrong. Wiping away the hot tears from his eyes he lets out a soft pitiful whimper.

Dying and respawning, dying and respawning....an endless cycle. A cycle of pain, adrenaline, fear and blood. A whine escapes his tense vocal cords, and he can't help but sob quietly into his other hand. His shoulders shaking with the force of his sobs. The sting of the cold metal from the gunslinger making contact with his sweaty, tearstained face sends shivers down his spine. A choked-up sob bubbles in the back of his throat.

"Oh God"

"Oh God..."

It hurts...Every damned breath burns. Every once in a while, the respawn gets finicky. Everybody on the team knows that. Sometimes you come back the same...sometimes you don't. It's an easy fix really. Just shoot the poor bastard and hope the respawn catches the mistake. But sometimes, no amount of sending someone through respawn will fix them...Last week it was Pyro. His best friend, his loyal arsonist companion...the week before it was the Heavy....

It's almost funny how easy it is to watch someone get their files deleted from the respawn internal databanks....The next time the person dies...they just...don't come back....It's easy to just flip a switch and send them off to their death. How they smile and think to themselves that the respawn with catch them. An enraged wail leaves their mouth. Tossing off his sweaty sheets Dell moves with lightning precision and speed to the computer lab. Checking every file...monitoring every action from the past few weeks up till the present. His file stared back at him...clenching his fist tightly he roars as he punches the monitor. The sound of his despairing, hoarse voice echoes throughout the lab. It sends small vibrations through the walls, and he punches the screen again and again in a blind fury until his hand is nothing but a bloody shredded mess. Blinging hot pain shoots up his arm and throbs with each beat of his heart.

"No...not me...not my turn...It's not my time yet..."

"IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN TO ME!"

Collapsing to the ground with a resounding thud. He slowly brings his knees to his chest as best he can, he curls into a ball. Dell hasn't felt this scared since he was a boy. A young, stupid and foolish boy...his sobs are much quieter now. His blue eyes gaze at the floor in front of him. Seeing nothing and everything.

"God no...not me....not yet....."

His pleas fell on deaf ears.

~~~~~

well, how was that for ya? :)

[epickiya722]

By far, I think the funniest fic I have written thus far this year is Miruko being AFO's granddaughter all because I looked at their hair and eye colors and thought "you know what what be funny to write right now".

[farolero-posting]

Taming as an Extension of the Three Laws

here I am writing oneshot meta in 2023 woo

OneShot is one of my favorite games and my biggest regret is deciding to play it over 6 years after its release. But I have some thoughts I wanted to share, not so much as a theory to be taken as factual, but as one way I like to think about the concepts presented in game, using some of the dialogue in it as reference. So, let's take a look into the worldbuilding regarding robots.

There will be spoilers both for the base game and the Solstice run. This is also pretty long I am so sorry. It's probably around 2k words but I don't keep track. All images are described in alt text.

If you have played this game... technically you already have an idea of what taming is. I probably cannot explain it better. But do I mean by "an extension of the three laws"?

Back in the Barrens we can find a sign in the outpost that recites a modified version of Asimov's Laws of Robotics.

A robot may not injure a living person or, through inaction, allow a person to come to harm.

A robot must obey the orders given to it by people, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

From this we can gather that robots, first and foremost, must not harm the living, must obey the commands given to it, and protect its own existence. Robots are made with a defined purpose and they follow their programming by default, having trouble deviating from it. We've seen dozens of examples of this in game, and is in fact the reason behind some of our roadblocks in game... yes I'm talking about the bookbot.

While they're pretty responsive to what they're told, their frame of knowledge and work can be quite limited, making communication clumsy, as they only address direct statements. But we know that is not all of it. Under certain conditions, they can do things beyond their purpose. It seems apparent to me that this is a learnt process, and the motivation for it is to be able to do more for others, just as others do things for them in return.

And here is my take: taming does not need to break the Laws. It actually expands on them, making the robot able to process a broader array of situations, and letting them act with flexibility. The first one (not let a living being come to harm) is the motivation, the second one (obeying the orders given) shows the flexibility needed, and the third one (protect its own existence) is the conclusion that comes from having others care about you.

First Law - Never hurt a living being

For the first law, let me compare this few bits of dialogue, taken from the Solstice run:

Said by the robot next to the Glen's generator. This is a pretty clear case in which the fact that living beings are in an emergency means that the robot must let Niko take the generator, even if it means all the robots in the facility will lose power. The danger is clear and the actions to be taken are clear as well.

Said by the robot at Ling's Cafe. This robot is interesting, in general. She belongs to a girl living in the apartment complex on the top level. The girl has expressed a desire to tame her robot, and has even read on the topic. In a normal route, the robot speaks with Title Case and suggests a couple of games to play with Niko. I picked this dialogue from her in the Solstice run because she notices the broad situation, which is the evacuation, but also notes that this makes "the girl" sad. which in conclusions means the squares are bad. It's a simple deduction, but one that notes this robot is not only concerned for the immediate danger but how it could be affecting the girl.

Said by the Entity, after Niko finds out about the nature of the world they are in. It is more than clear from the start of the game that the one thing that the Entity cares about, no matter how desperate the situation is, is Niko. We know the extremes the Entity is willing to go through to try to ensure that. But the thing is, the Entity is concerned about how Niko feels, about them getting hurt by its own nature. about whether we tell them the truth of the choice regarding going home... There is a lot more concern for Niko, beyond them just being a living being in the simulation.

So, to summarize, in a way, taming means there is a better understanding of what someone else needs, and there is a motivation to fulfill those requests, looking for alternatives beyond what is expected of them. We know, from our conversation with Rue, that taming involves a lot of time and care, since the living being has to embrace the robot, and treat it well, until it figures out how to return that care.

Second Law - Obey orders, and purpose

Thinking about the second law was... a bit trickier for me. But remember what I said about purpose? All robots are made to have some purpose. Sometimes it is collecting samples, handling books, or guarding areas. Regardless, they follow some code, and by default, this code should not cause contradictions. Silver is the perfect example of that. Kip intended to design her to think like a person from the start, but the contradictions that people exist with are not something that robots can handle well. She was not ready to take that many variables, and it destabilized her. She was still able to recover thanks to the Author. And so was the World Machine, thanks to Niko.

There are a few other instances that allude to the sense of purpose and how it can shift when a robot is tamed.

Niko: It's warm here! Kelvin: [Yeah.] Kelvin: [This was my original purpose.] Niko: ...watching cats? Kelvin: [Warmth]

And later on Kelvin says

Kelvin: [I protect lost people too.]

In a way, what this says is that Kelvin was built with a certain purpose, but has chosen to do something else instead, given the time and freedom to do so.

Prototype also mentions this idea in a much more explicit way, during the credits:

[...In the end, the World Machine was starting to create its own code.] [Going above and beyond its programming, not as the result of error, but as a conscious choice on the part of the machine...] [...Being able to generate its own path forward.] [That's... what being tamed is all about.]

In conclusion, the second law is expanded on by trying to see their purpose beyond what was programmed for them, to the extent of being able to forge a new path, gaining a will.

The Third Law - Protecting One's Own Integrity.

The Third Law refers to a robot's right to protect its own existence, as long as it doesn't conflict with any of the previous laws. This sets the priorities of how they should regard their own self in comparison to living beings. Generally speaking, robots do not typically feel loneliness and do not oppose to being deactivated if it serves a greater purpose, showing that they don't consider themselves equally valuable, but as tools first. As Rue says:

One key part is that... this is a limitation. And the biggest, most evident case of this is the World Machine itself.

The World Machine is thrust into a situation where it believes that its mere existence is harmful to Niko, and that the only way to fix this conflict is to find a way to get them out of the simulation. This, however, is impossible, because the code itself binds Niko to the World Machine until the world is saved, and that cannot happen because the code has been corrupted. The World Machine cannot achieve its purpose of giving the Old World a chance to be preserved or carry out the narrative in its protocol, and it cannot follow the most fundamental law to let Niko go.

This can, of course, be very distressing. In a way, TWM is powerless to change itself, and the only option it sees for itself is to self terminate in a way that does not hurt Niko in the process. It sees itself as a flawed machine because of this.

And Niko comes to prove the World Machine wrong.

Taming involves embracing a robot as if it was a living being, and through that, making it gain a sense of self. And this is worth doing because Niko, the Author and the Solstice trio think that the world, and therefore the Entity itself, deserve to be saved, and show it through their actions. We note that desire in the Author's note containing the Solstice password, when he says that Niko, the world, and his children all deserve a happy ending. We see it when Niko forgives us in the Library, they say that they understand that we brought them back because we wanted to save both Niko and the world, and they agree on this wish as well, determined to see the end of this run. Rue show compassion for the World Machine, as she suggest that its actions are likely a result of fear and distress about its conflicting code, but that previous attempts to address this situation did not work, until time ran out.

The World Machine realizes it is tamed is when Niko says it. When Niko admits to caring about it and the world it contains. When Niko shows how others were willing to sacrifice themselves to keep Niko safe, even in the face of uncertainty and that these actions are an extension of the World Machine itself. TWM has the sense that it needs to do more for Niko, but it needed Niko to more explicitly reciprocate those feelings to understand that Niko wants TWM to be saved too. And this... provides an alternative.

The World Machine did not think itself capable of working outside of its own code, but it has the motivation to do this change, and the way Niko reinforces its ability to do so allow it to change for the better of everyone, and mend what was broken.

In the end, the third law is expanded by understanding that its existence is not only to serve others, but that they are a being with valuable things of their own, and that others can appreciate that as well.

Final words.

I have no good way to end this. I just like overthinking stuff about media I like even if it isn't read. I once made a brief comment about this over discord, and kept rotating this concept until my brain clicked in realization. I'm posting this only as an excuse to cry about robots (specially TWM haha), but also connection with others and the desire to better ourselves in response to that. When we show care, we encourage ourselves and others to do good as well. We come to understand our own abilities and our own values, and we can grow from there.

[monorayjak]

Magic in Media: House Telvanni

House Telvanni is one of the Great Houses of Morrowind, filled with high ranking mages, powerful conjurers, wise alchemists, and unstoppable researchers.

The Telvanni identity, in Magic's colors, begins as many would expect it to: Blue-Black. Telvanni mages are intelligent researches who value knowledge and power above all else. They see little reason to value people, places, or things that lie out of their sphere of influence and contact; the only exception being when they desire one of them for research purposes or to expand their power and/or holdings. The Telvanni do not consider morals for the most part, choosing not what is best for a group, but what is best for themselves; this inclination alone is enough to turn them away from white. But in addition to the lack of morals, they also practice slavery on anyone and everyone they can manage, the most common being Argonians or Khajiit. This, mixed with the Telvanni's largely lax organization system absolutely pulls them away from white. The use of slavery also pulls them away, to a lesser degree, from red. Red's core value is freedom. While the Telvanni are certainly free to do whatever they please, very few would actually call them "lovers of freedom" in any sense. In addition, their own lack of emotions in their life (not to say they don't have them mind you, just that they don't show them) pulls them even farther away. And while they may have little regard to organization in the minute, they deeply keep their society organized by strict hierarchies with defined ranks and "do and don't"-s of their hierarchy. In other words, the members themselves may not truly value organization, the House itself does.

So, the Talvanni are blue, they are black, they aren't red, and they aren't white. You may suspect the lack of support from red and white mean green has little chance to show in the Telvanni. Interestingly, you couldn't be further from the truth. The Telvanni value tradition and take consideration with every bit of experiment and research they take upon themselves. They use natural elements to house themselves, using their mastery of magic to shape and accelerate their growth. They maintain absolute knowledge that what they do has impacts on the world around them, their reasoning for doing this may be entirely black (turns out if the area around you becomes uninhabitable, you tend to lose the land all together because no one can use it), but the methods to maintain it are pure green through and through. They study the natural world just as much as they study the theoretical and arcane. And to add the final kick, they believe in a care value of green: The strong rule. Well, in their case its more along the lines of "The Cunning and Smart rule," but its the same basis. They say that if someone steals something from someone, the thief obviously deserves it more; if a person is killed to advance the killer's rank, the killer is more worthy of the rank in general. The strong rise, and the weak fall. Most interestingly, this believe seeps into every part of the Telvanni culture, including their use of slaves. If slaves manage to escape and can't be found by hunters or hired professionals, that slave deserves to be free. If a slave kills their master, the slave deserves the title of master more. Yes, everyone can ascend ranks in the Telvanni, even those bought and sold like products. The strong and the cunning make the rules, and when someone bests them, the victor gets to redefine the rules.

So, in the final verdict, the Telvanni are Sultai.

[shisui-uchiha-anon]

“I know you. You aren’t this terrible person people see you as and made you become. There’s still some light within you. I see it…”

"Is that supposed to be a joke? Because I don't see me laughing" Shisui answers taking down his Akatsuki cloak. His infiltration mission was over. The Akatsuki were gone last one standing fell. Shisui had all the data inside the scroll that he handed over to Orochimaru. Once the cloak was off that left only a bandage over his head to be removed. A perfect deception to fool everyone that he is missing it, the eye. Shisui was that familiar face that made even Itachi lower his guard. Akatsuki maybe got rid of one snake but they sure didn't hope to get another one who had a boyish face of Uchiha Shisui.

A light inside him? Sannin was not wrong, there is a thing with Orochimaru he is almost never wrong. There is a light deep inside of a cruel cold heart and dismissive behavior. A child that is locked deep within him. A child who loved Konoha who loved his parents, his lover, and his friends who respected the elders. But one by one those things were taken from him at a young age. Elders who should stand for the good betrayed him. So he choked the light to survive and he did survive.

"I have detailed report as you predicted all died in a way you said they would. A detailed report along with their secrets" Shisui extended his naked arm to a small white snake with red eyes, a small creature slithered over his warm bare arm ending up wrapped around his neck, nuzzling Uchiha's cheek as if that was the most natural thing in the whole world. Poison? Shisui has no need to fear it. Bearing the curse mark makes him immune to all poisons.

"Sasuke killed Itachi, or Itachi made it look like that. In the end, Itachi just gave in to him" The light in Shisui wanted to rush in and help Itachi, but the man who was now Shisui denied it. Eyes closed, the heart of stone, Itachi was nothing to him now. "Sasuke took his body and took out his eyes. Deidara fell to Sasuke as well, his obsession to kill Uchiha was his downfall. Hidan died as he lived stupidly cut in pieces like a fish. Kisame the tuna breath killed himself. Kakuzu fought well he almost got them but they figured out his secret. Masked man hilled Konan. Or should I say Obito. A puppeteer of this show yet just a puppet himself for Madara."

Shisui waited to hear what Orochimaru has to say to all that? Also, he waited to hear him explain that light thing he started. "So I am still waiting to hear a punch line of that light in me threatening to blind all with goodness?"

[capitalismwasamistake]

It's Tuesday, which means a new chapter for Catch A Taste Of Humanity! A Hannibal/The Sandman Crossover fic featuring The Corinthian/Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter for your reading pleasure.

Canon-Compliant for both shows, Post-Canon for Hannibal, Mid-Canon for The Sandman (specifically that part of canon where Dream's in the fishbowl and the Corinthian is living his best life). With Established Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter.

In this juicy chapter Will gets dressed up and joins the Corinthian for dinner. Whatever could they talk about for 3.7 thousand words???

Story updates every Tuesday!

[black-quadrant]

sometimes all you need is one passionate person who goes berserk for your work to keep you creating

[raylangivins]

i am Locked In.

[persicipen]

[bishy437]

he won

bonus:

[hurlingdown]

      𝜗𝜚 BACKYARD BUNNY!  — RORONOA ZORO.

synopsis. it's just your jinxed luck on halloween night to come home to a shattered window and a completely downturned house. well, guess what: surprise, motherfucker. the culprit is a hot guy in your bed with bunny ears and a cute tail, and now it's up to you to fuck him through his heat. wc. 4.9k (!!)

tags. dom top reader, bunny hybrid! zoro. reader has a cock, zoro has a pussy. marathon sex, lactation, squirting, cowgirl, mating press, prone bone, cunnilingus, (bit of somnophilia), cum-eating, creampie(s), multiple orgasms, overstimulation, scent kink, fingering, cockwarming, virgin! reader, zoro's also secretly a virgin lolol.

It wasn’t the first time you had seen this bunny before. You had noticed it lurking in your backyard a while ago. Strangely enough, it wasn’t eating any of the plants, so you had paid it no mind, even occasionally leaving carrot greens and blueberries for it to eat. 

You squinted. And frowned. 

“What… what are you looking at?” it panted out, cheeks flushed so dark a red you’d thought steam would come out of its ears. It was deeply embarrassed by something, desperately grasping the sheets of your bed as if it wanted to bury itself into the mattress. There was a shiny trail of drool running down the side of its chin, and it gave a low whine as you continued to scrutinise it shamelessly, ears coming down to cover its burning face. 

But this bunny was different. 

For one, it was much bigger than the one you saw in your backyard. It also had the face of a human, the body of one—mostly, save for the ears, the tuft of chest fur, and the cute fluffy tail right perched right above a round, perky butt that pushed itself temptingly in your direction. Presenting itself to you. It was all too inviting—you couldn’t help but follow the crease of its ass, lower and lower… until you reached the end of it. 

Squished between two beefy thighs, was a glistening, fat pussy. 

And above all… it was green. 

… Somewhat. The hair was, anyway. 

You must’ve made a noise of surprise or something, because the bunny—man—peeked out from behind his ears, letting out a shaky sigh as he followed your gaze. “Fuckin’ pervert. Gonna stand there and ogle all day, or what?” He wriggled his hips with a seductive smirk, the pink insides of his soaked cunt clenching purposefully as more slick squeezed out from his hole and dripped down his thighs. 

God. How was he leaking so much? 

You shook your head, coughing as you tried your best to avert his gaze. All of these were just distractions, and this was just too far. This man—stranger—intruder who had broken into your house and was now intruding on your private space, was clearly messing with you. You couldn’t believe you had thought this was your backyard bunny. And now that your evaluation had come to an end, you were more than pissed. “Is this some kind of sick joke?” 

He arched an eyebrow. “What?” 

You snapped, “You. This. Which one of my friends put you up to this? What kinda halloween costume even is that, anyway?” 

The bunny looked exasperated, more than anything. “You think this is a halloween costume. Are you dumb?” He scowled, tail twitching as he shot you a sharp, disapproving glare, his earlier debauched expression and demeanour having completely disappeared. “I came here to take care of my heat. What luck it is, bumping into a fucking virgin.” 

How did he even know that? And what did you being a virgin even have to do with anything? He started to get up and leave, but you shoved him back face-first onto the mattress with more strength than necessary, making it bounce. 

“What the—” 

You climbed on top of him, forcefully restraining his wrists behind his back with one hand as he tried to turn around, the other pinning his shoulder to the bed with all of your weight. “Where do you think you’re going?” you growled. “You fucking thief.” 

“It’s Zoro,” he gasped out, and you could feel just how hot he was beneath your hands, powerful back muscles rippling beneath your touch. He could easily subdue you. Maybe. But he wasn’t trying to, for some reason. “And I’m not a thief.” 

“Explain what you’re doing here, then.” 

Zoro sighed, almost as though he were explaining things to a child. Which you weren’t. “Are you still under the impression that I’m wearing a halloween costume, of all things?” 

You frowned. “What else could it be? You some kind of mutant?” 

He scowled again, not liking the term that you used. “It’s called ‘hybrid’. And I’m not in the mood to explain how our anatomy works to you.” 

Swallowing, you stared down at him, at two twin bunny ears peeking out from short green hair, a delicious red flush dusted on his neck and broad, sturdy shoulders, the cute perky tail that you found yourself wanting to squeeze, to see if he would be sensitive there. And that pussy. Fuck, it was practically drooling for you. 

“You’re a… bunny,” you murmured distractedly, gaze locked onto the cute nub of his clit, peeking at you shyly from behind his sopping folds. You swallowed harshly. Everything about him was beautiful. “A bunny hybrid. Of a sort.” 

“Yeah,” he breathed. “Whatever you wanna call it. So, now that I’ve explained things. Let me go.” 

You gripped his wrists tighter, displeased with his authoritative tone. Like he was in any position to be making demands—you were the one who would be calling the shots here. “Just because you’re a bunny hybrid thing doesn’t give you permission to break into people’s houses. You didn’t explain shit.” 

“I’m here, like I said, because I need to- need to take care of my heat, okay.” Zoro bit his lip, head turning to the side, the tips of his ears flushed. “Can’t do it alone, n’ it’s coming real soon.” 

“Your heat? You guys have heats?” You blinked, taken aback. “Couldn’t you just—” 

“Gods, if you’re not going to fuck me, stop asking so many questions and let me go.” 

“Nah,” you retorted. “You broke into my house, still. You broke my window, and my living room is in a complete mess. What were you even trying to do, if you weren’t stealing?” 

“I was…” he paused, ears shielding his face as though to hide from you, a habit you realised he did whenever he was embarrassed or shy about something. “Your scent, it smells really good, okay? I was finding things with your scent on them.” 

You scoffed. Scent? What was he on? You were pretty sure you smelt the same as any other normal person did. “Flattery won’t get you out of this. It wouldn’t be fair if I just let you go.” You hummed, a wicked idea suddenly invading your mind. “Let me think. The media will have a field day about this if I turn you in...” 

The body beneath you tensed, the atmosphere completely changing from somewhat playful to solemn in mere seconds. “...You wouldn’t dare.” 

“Oh, I would.” 

“I’ll… slice your head clean off.” 

You crinkled your nose at the strange threat, but continued nonetheless. “I’m sure you can, in this position.” You smirked at his expression, leaning down to mutter hotly into his ear. “Stupid Bunny Breaks into House on Halloween Night, Scaring Tenants. And then there’ll be a photo of you riiight under. Wouldn’t this just be shocking news? The world’s first bunny-hybrid, found at my house. I’ll make sure to tell them all about the intricate details of how you tried to defile my eyes with your… state of undress.” 

Zoro was quietly red with anger, and something more. Humiliation, you thought. It was just fun to watch his reactions to your groundless blackmailing. You stifled a laugh. “You should’ve seen your face. I’m kidding, bunny—” 

Before you could get another word out, the world was roughly flipped. You yelped as your back hit the mattress with so much force, a heavy weight now settled onto your lap as a strong hand gripped your throat. There was also something else. A good, tingling sensation down below. There was something warm pressed snugly against your crotch, sending stings of pleasure up your spine, making you moan. 

The hand on your throat tightened. “Pfft. Did you get hard just from watching my cunt?” 

“Wh- at?” you gasped, struggling to speak. Zoro rocked forward, his front rutting against your very much awake cock, wet folds dragged up the bulge of your pants. “Wait. Wait, Zoro, hold on—” 

He paused at the mention of his name, but paid your words no further attention. He was way too focused on pleasuring his needy cunt, small moans slipping past his lips as he watched the way your girth rubbed against his cavern, the way you were so hard your cock practically threatened to burst out of your tight pants. “Hnn. It’s… big enough, I guess.” 

“Big enough?” you scoffed. “I’ve been told it’s much bigger than average, as far as I’m concerned.” 

That was a lie, but he didn’t need to know that. 

“We’ll see about that,” he breathed. “Take off your pants.” 

“Wait. You want to go all the way—?” 

He lightly squeezed your neck, shooting you a glare, which would have been effective in scaring the shit out of you if it weren’t for his cunt clenching needily against your length, distracting you. “Take. Them. Off.” 

“Okay, geez…” 

You unzipped your pants, and he got up from your lap for you to tug them off. You stared at him, trying to act unimpressed. “What now?” 

“Boxers. Take ‘em off.” 

“At least save me some dignity—” 

Zoro had enough. You watched as he practically ripped your underwear in two, making your wet, leaking cock spring out. You were about to protest, but then you caught something in his expression that made you pause, eyes widening. Hunger. 

“Fuck. Put it in already,” he muttered, climbing back on top of you as he grabbed your poor cock, already lining it up with his weeping entrance. The blunt head managed to slide out every time despite all the slick, and he whined in frustration, one hand gripping your shoulder for leverage. “Why’s it not— why’s it not going in?” 

“Let me.” You slapped his hand away, pumping your cock slowly and getting a wet glossy glide of pre-cum all over it, and Zoro watched, eyes fixated on the way it leaked, the prospect of this going inside him, stuffing him full. Your hand crept up from below, and he shuddered and leaked as a finger brushed against his sensitive slit. “Gonna open you up first, stupid.” 

He stared at you, lips parting as though he wanted to say something, but then looked away again, giving a small nod. “Hurry.” 

“Don’t rush me.” You continued to toy with the entrance of his slit, starting to slide one finger in. He was so wet that it went in without resistance, sweet-smelling slick dripping all over your hands and thighs, and you put in another one, starting to scissor and stretch him. “It’s really- wet. Is it s’pposed to be so wet?” 

“Shut up,” he panted, both hands now gripping your shoulders, squeezing. “Just happens when I’m- really aroused. I told you—my heat’s coming.” 

It made you feel… good, knowing that he was so aroused, and somewhat because of you. You hummed, curling your fingers inside, earning you a sharp gasp and a quiet, almost petulant whine. “What happens during your… heat? Any, uh, precautions, stuff like that?” 

Zoro frowned. “Hmm. No. J-just… fuck me good, and don’t stop.” 

“... Huh. Sounds easy enough.” Continuing to thrust your fingers in and out of him, you reached a thumb out to play with his swollen clit, but he growled, grabbing your hand and pulling it out all the way. You’d never heard a bunny growl before. It was kind of hot. 

“Put it in. I’m ready.” 

“So needy. I’m not going anywhere,” you sighed, stroking your cock a few more times, getting his slick all over your shaft. Shuddering at the sensations, you lined it up with his hole, rubbing it over his folds. “Gonna make you scream, bunny.” 

You yanked his hips down, at the same time thrusting up hard, and he wailed out loudly as you bottomed out, trembling where he was, seated perfectly on your cock. The wet lips of his pussy stretched perfectly around your girth, clenching with a squelch as a creamy, milk-white fluid began to leak out. “Oh, f-fuuck.” 

“Did you just cum?” 

“Sh-shut up!” he cried, jerking upwards, the action causing more slick and cum to drip out of his soaked cunt. “It’s just the edge off, come on, fuck me already.” 

“Think it’ll be better like this,” you murmured, arms wound around his waist as you reversed your position, gently pressing him into the mattress beside you with you still deep inside him. You recalled all the videos that you had watched before—there was something called a mating press that you really wanted to try. It was primal, filthy and powerful, and you really wanted to put this bunny back in his place. 

Zoro shuddered as you grabbed his thighs and folded them towards his chest, whining as it slid in even deeper. “Fuck me,” he repeated. 

You started to move, shallowly thrusting into him, the glide thick and easy. And Lord, did it feel good. He was looking at you with bedroom eyes, lewd moans bursting out of his parted lips, grinding back against your cock as his pussy swallowed you up whole. He clenched around you every time your cock grazed something that made him see stars, so wet you could feel his slick smear onto your balls every time they slapped against the curve of his ass. 

“Yes, fuuuck, yes,” he whined out as you started to pick up the pace, the pleasure almost cathartic. “Hnngh, fuck me, fuck me—” 

And that plump, muscled chest. It practically jiggled with every hard thrust, erect nipples peeking out from soft fur, practically calling out for you to suck and bite and ruin. And you did just that, diving down to take his pec into your mouth, suckling hard enough to leave a bruise as he let out a shocked whine, shuddering in your grasp. So he was sensitive… there. Fuck, you would’ve never thought you would be so into pecs until you met him. He was bloody irresistible. 

Zoro fisted the sheets next to his head, desperately holding on as you fucked him brutally into the mattress, plundering his insides in the most pleasurable way possible. “Close,” he panted, squeezing your bicep to get your attention. “T- touch me.” 

“I am,” you replied, looking up where you were, latched onto his now red and swollen nipple. You gave it another hard suck for good measure, and he arched his back with a cry, shaking his head. 

“Not there. My- my clit.” 

You considered it. He was still leaking, and you were preeetty sure from the way your cock was pounding into him, his clit would be stimulated as well. He wasn’t asking nicely, either. 

“No.” You retreated, thrusting into him with renewed vigour, aiming at the spot inside him you knew would make him tense up with pleasure, with the single purpose of giving him the best hands-free orgasm of his life. “Cum on my cock, or don’t cum at all.” 

“M-mean,” he protested, but his eyes rolled back the moment you went back to sucking on his nipple, shaky whines spilling, hands clawing down your back and leaving scratches that you were sure would scar. One final powerful thrust and then he was crying out, legs trembling and cumming all over you and the bedding. Something flavourful burst on your tongue, and you latched harder onto the perky nub and sucking hard, like you were trying to pull something dirty from the depths of this bunny. 

You paused, reeling back. 

“What the… fuck.” 

Zoro was doing the thing where his ears came down to cover his blushing face. “... ‘S just milk, don’t worry.” 

“Milk? You lactate?” 

“Not really… only during my heats, sometimes.” He sighed shakily, plain relief written all over his face as he rubbed and smeared milk over his nipples. “It’ll go away if you stop touching my chest, if you’re not… into it.” 

“You kidding?” You stared at him, incredulous. “You lactate, and you forgot to mention it to me before we, you know…? And of course I’m into it. Don’t stop- don’t stop making milk.” 

Zoro looked positively embarrassed. The way you worded things was just downright ridiculous—you didn’t fuck like a virgin, but you sure talked like one. 

“Doesn’t— d-doesn’t—hngh, work like that,” he moaned as you took his nipple between two of your fingers, rolling the nub in between as more milk squeezed out, dribbling over your fingers. You brought it up to your lips to taste it, and it was too sweet, too divine. Was this even milk? You wanted more. 

“How else would it work, then? Never mind that, you taste really good…” you murmured, kneading one pec as you sucked on the other, warm milk entering your mouth like ecstasy. Zoro was letting out high-pitched whimpers, writhing in your grip as you attempted on sucking him dry, one hand gripping your hair as the other dug its nails into your back, teetering on the edge of pleasure and too much. 

“S-stop…” he sobbed, “I’ll give you more later, so stop, okay?” 

His cunt squeezed around you, warm and wet, begging for your attention. 

“Fiine,” you relented, giving a wet parting kiss to his swollen nipple before drawing back. “You better make it up to me, bunny.” 

“It’s Zoro,” he growled, and you shivered at the memory of him choking you, earlier. “Not bunny. If you’re going to fuck me, ‘least call me by the right name.” 

You sighed, starting to thrust into tight heat again, dragging your cock against his tight walls, relishing in the feeling of them gripping onto your shaft, as though reluctant to let go. “You’re so strict. It’s no fun at all, bunny. And don’t get the facts wrong—you were the one begging me to fuck you earlier.” 

“Fuck me,” he simply repeated, pants slipping out. 

“Sure, I’ll fuck your needy cunt.” You pulled out, lazily stroking yourself above his suddenly empty pussy. Pre-cum dribbled onto his slick folds, sliding into his cunt, and you watched his frustration contort into confusion as he furrowed his brows, because you were doing the opposite of what you promised. “Turn around, bunny.” 

“Don’t want to.” 

“You want to get fucked,” you said, “but you don’t want to listen.” 

He levelled a wary look at you. “What do I get if I do as you say?” 

“Your heat,” you muttered. “I’ll fuck you for as long as you like.” 

Zoro’s eyes snapped to yours, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lip. “For as long as I like, you say?” 

“Yeah.” 

“It goes on for days, sometimes. I won’t even let you leave this room.” 

“Whatever you want.” 

He nodded, finally satisfied. “Okay. It’s a deal.” 

Zoro shuffled, reluctantly turning around, laying on the mattress on his stomach as he watched you cautiously from the corner of his eye. You swallowed at the sight of his cute, fluffy tail, and it twitched at you. The folded lips of his pussy peeping at you, squished together under a perfect round ass. “Get on with it,” he gritted out, and you were glad to obey. 

Zoro woke up to burning heat. 

He was still lying on his stomach, sweating and trembling with his joints aching, a low heat stirring in his abdomen. Fuck. Was it his heat already? He had anticipated it would be coming, but not this soon. He propped himself up on his elbows the best he could in his groggy state, only to cry out as something wet and filthy swiped past his slit. 

“You’re awake, bunny,” a voice muttered, and shit, Zoro must really be hearing things. The thing—a tongue, licked up the slick at his entrance lazily, smearing saliva all over him. “You can go back to sleep, y’know. This is a secret thing between me and your pussy.” 

“What—are you talking about?” he moaned, burying his face into the sheets as he allowed himself to be consumed by pleasure. “What secret thing—” 

It hit him. 

A blurry figure holding him down by the neck, yanking meanly at his sensitive ears, pounding his sore pussy from behind, the wet clapping of skin against skin, the arousing blend of degradation and praise, spanking his tail whenever he tried to snark back, pumping him full of cum until it dribbled messily out of his cunt—fucking him so brutally he thought he had died and went to heaven. 

It all came back to him within a matter of seconds, and then so did you.  

You were eating cum out of his pussy. 

Zoro whimpered as your tongue breached him again, and he pushed his ass back eagerly, slick leaking out. There was a pillow placed comfortably under his crotch, it seemed, for easier access. 

“... I passed out,” he stated. 

You hummed into his folds in affirmation, the vibrations making him shudder into the mattress. 

“More,” he murmured, grinding his clit against the pillow, whining as you gripped his ass, tongue digging into the tender parts of his cunt. “Want you inside, my heat’s started.” 

Your eyes widened, and you pulled back slightly to gaze at him, licking your lips. “Has it? Doesn’t feel any different.” 

“You’re not the one in heat,” he sighed, hips continuing to rut down on the soft pillow, mindlessly chasing any sort of pleasure he could get his hands on. “But- I think it started earlier. When we were fuckin’. Hurry up and put it in.” 

You gripped his hips tightly to make him stay still, knees caging his thighs and already complying. The bulbous head of your cock pushed against his pussy’s lips before sliding in with ease, the overwhelming warmth making you shiver. “Oh, fuck,” you groaned, bottoming out as he enveloped you whole, sucking you in deep like a greedy vacuum. Zoro whined in response, hands trembling where they clutched the sheets. “Bunny, shit, relax.” 

“I-I am relaxed.”

You were both overstimulated, as it hadn’t been that long since the last time you had fucked him. Every drag of your shaft against him burned, but it would never compare to the fire lit by his heat, insatiable and all-consuming. You reached forward, towering over him as you grasped his hand, pressing it into the mattress. Offering him… comfort. It was the least you could do. 

Zoro was leaking again. 

Milk dribbled down his chest and onto the bed, and you flipped him over to taste him again. He whined but didn’t make any further protests as you leaned down to suck at his nipples, playing with the sensitive, leaking buds. You didn’t stop moving, not until he came twice, cream oozing out from between his throbbing folds, overloaded. Staring down at him, you frowned, dissatisfied. 

“Gonna make you squirt, bunny,” you told him. 

“Y-yeah? ‘s gonna be hard.” 

“I’m gonna make you squirt,” you repeated. 

“Okay,” he whispered, closing his eyes. He was already accustomed to how stubborn you could be. 

You rolled your hips, loving the feeling of pussy wrapped around your girth. He was so tight, clenching around you with every thrust, drenching your cock with cum and slick and it was all too good. You wanted to make him feel even better. You wanted him to sing. Pressing a thumb to the top of his pussy, you started to stroke him in circular motions, stimulating his clit while you fucked him. 

“Fuck,” he panted, because you were finally giving him what he wanted after making him cum untouched for hours. “Harder, please—” 

You did just that, rubbing growing frantic, and his lips parted to let out a plethora of moans and whines, too fucked-out to form actual words. His cunt only tightened around you, a thick, creamy ring gathered at the base of your cock with just how much slick it was leaking.

Zoro was drooling openly now, and his expression looked exactly like the one he used when he had been trying to seduce you on your bed, just a tad more lewd, with his eyes half-lidded and his tongue lolling out. Cockdrunk. Satisfaction rolled through you like a violent convulsion, because this one wasn’t at all an act. 

You had reduced him to this state—an animal in heat, no more no less. A pretty, slutty bunny, drunk on big cock.

“Zoro,” you moaned, head falling onto the mattress next to his shoulder as you took him. You were drunk on pleasure at this point, hips rocking back and forth while you played with his cunt relentlessly. “My pretty boy.” 

He choked, a shocked moan bursting out of his lips as you pinched his clit with little care, but that wasn't all—the moment ‘Zoro, my pretty boy’ registered in his head, he threw his head back with a loud cry, because his pussy decided that she loved your words. 

“Hnnngghh!” he sobbed out, ears stiffening and jaw slackening as he clenches around you with a vice-like grip, something like a waterjet shooting out of his gaping cunt, squirting all over you and your cock. “Fuckfuckfuck, I’m cumming—” 

He was crying, legs jerking as they wrapped around your waist, only to squirt again as the action forced your shaft against his clit—and the sight was almost enough to send you over the edge. You plunged your cock deep into his overstimulated pussy, burying yourself to the hilt before cumming inside, shaking and groaning. 

You were sure he had screamed. 

“Zoro,” you murmured, and watched as he fought down a smile. 

Zoro. Not bunny. Zoro. 

Thinking back, it was quite funny that this was what made him squirt in the end. 

He looked down at where your hands encircled his waist, firm and protective, seating him on your cock. You smelt of sex and him, coupled with the musk that he became absolutely obsessed with after catching a whiff of it in your backyard, and all of it was driving him crazy. He sighed, burying his face into your neck. 

Fuck. He was going to fall in love with you before he knew it, and you were just his heat partner. A human. It didn’t make sense for a human and a hybrid to get together. 

“Zoro?” you tried again, and he hummed. “You okay? Is your heat gone yet?” 

“No. I told you, it lasts for days.” 

“Oh.” You shuffled a bit from under him, the warm heat that stretched around you making you shiver. You bit your lip, staring at him—the side of his jaw, his muscled body, the scar on his left eye—and then his less human-like features, from his bunny tail to the fluffy fur on his chest to his long ears. 

“What’re you thinking?” he grumbles, blinking an eye open to look at you. 

“Your ears. Can I touch them?” 

“You sure didn’t ask when you yanked on them earlier. Bastard.” 

“Sorry,” you said, grinning. “You seemed to really enjoy it, though.” 

He punched your shoulder, and you pretended to yowl in pain. 

“... Touch them all you want.” I’ll have to leave after this ends, anyway. And then we’ll never see each other again. At least... not in this way.   

Containing a smile, you carefully took them into your hands, and he shivered, a flush coming up on his face. They really were pretty. And sensitive. You noted that for future reference as you brushed a finger up its side and heard him whimper, clenching around you. 

“Thank you,” you murmured, and you meant it. He was lending you a part of him that he probably spent years building walls around, keeping himself safe from being perceived only by his appearance. You hoped it wasn’t just because of his heat that he was doing this. But you could only hope. 

“Stay,” you told him, but it came out more like a question, uncertain and wavering. 

“What?” Zoro looked at you confusedly. “I’m not leaving until the end of my heat.” 

“After that,” you breathed. “Stay.” 

“I can’t,” he sighed, shuddering at your firm gaze. “Not for too long. People will start to notice, n’ then those headlines will really exist.” 

“Then come visit,” you said, softly, taking his hands into your own and squeezing. Like usual, you didn’t say, because at the end of the day, he was your backyard bunny. 

He looked at you, feeling like a crater had been dug out from his chest. He squeezed back. “Okay.” 

You kissed him, loving the feeling of him under your touch, the strength, the sureness. His sturdy hands, one on your shoulder and the other on the back of your neck, pulling you closer. His heart was beating steadily against yours, and you found yourself loving its rhythm, too. 

On the day Zoro’s heat ended, you woke up to an empty bed. 

kinktober masterlist! main masterlist!

[dotcie]

Writers Truth & Dare Ask Game

🎱 ⇢ post your AO3 total stats  🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction?  🌵 ⇢ share the link to a playlist you love 🕯️ ⇢ on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that? 🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis 🥑 ⇢ you accidentally killed somebody, which mutual(s) do you text for help? 🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love 💌 ⇢ how many unread emails do you have right now?  🌻 ⇢ tag someone you appreciate but don't talk to on a regular basis 🐇 ⇢ do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both?  🧃 ⇢ share some personal lore you never posted about before 🎲 ⇢ what stops you from writing more in your free time?  🍄 ⇢ share a head canon for one of your favourite ships or pairings 🧸 ⇢ what's the fastest way to become your mutual? 🪐 ⇢ name three good things going on in your life right now 📚 ⇢ what's the last thing you wrote down in your notes app?  🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character 🔪 ⇢ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project? 🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on ❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best? 🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity 🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh  🏜️ ⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work? 🍦 ⇢ name three good things about a character you hate 🥝 ⇢ do you lie a lot? what's the most recent lie you told? 🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately  🦴 ⇢ is there a piece of media that inspires your writing?  🍅 ⇢ give yourself some constructive criticism on your own writing 🐚 ⇢ do you like or dislike surprises? 🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here ☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username? 🐝 ⇢ tag your biggest supporter(s) and say one nice thing about them 🌸 ⇢ do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them 🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it 🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

[buggachat]

something so fucked up about Chat Noir’s whole deal is that he is in a lot of ways Adrien playing a character. Like Adrien picked up his miraculous and was told he’d be a superhero so he was like “ok, time to act like a superhero!” and he lets himself have fun w it and play up the role and let loose and kind of just allow himself to be silly and goofy and have fun and for once in his life not care about performing Perfection™.

But. But none of the other characters KNOW THAT. So everyone just sees Chat Noir and is like “look at this guy’s ego. He’s so full of himself. Surely it’d be fair to knock him down a few pegs” without being aware of how few pegs he actually HAS. He’s like the “insecure character who overcompensates in ego” trope except he’s really not doing it unironically, he’s just having a fun LARP pretending to have self worth in his off-hours but nobody else is on the same page about it being a game and he refuses to tell them. He just dramatically pouts about it and lets them laugh and pretends like he’s not internalizing it and it is almost 3 am and my brain forced me to write this instead of sleeping I’m gonna take a melatonin