#I want my milk to come from someone who REALLY likes cows and has some excess to sell

[21st-century-minutiae]

The "naturalist fallacy" is a common logical fallacy in the early twenty-first century often found in advertisements, especially in the diet and health supplement industries. The fallacy makes a false equivalence between a 'natural' substance and positive benefits (and, inversely, between a 'man-made' substance and negative benefits). It often takes a direct form (e.g. "our vitamins come from the rainforest so they can cure cancer") or as an indirect form related to an appeal to emotion (e.g. making it very clear in labeling that an object is natural, and presuming that the target consumer has a positive association with the concept).

Ultimately, the quality of consumer items are driven by a profit motive. It is a well known fact that the development for great profit margins has led to the creation of substances that are extraordinarily cheap, at the cost of health or quality. For example, many pesticides used to ensure crop success with minimal loss are known to be outright harmful to humans, and are even banned in many countries, but will be used aggressively in those countries (like the United States) where the pesticide is not banned, leaking into the foodstuff. Or extremely cheap caloric supplements like high fructose corn syrup might be aggressively included in items. In these limited senses, avoid man-made products may be seen as desirable, as natural products have not been engineered (as much) for cost effectiveness.

So, on the other end of things, profit driven companies (who very likely ALSO produce the cheap processed junk) exploit the desire to avoid negative foodstuffs, by marking certain items as 'organic.' These items forgo some specific cost saving measures and pass the price on to the consumer, maintaining (or increasing) the profit margin. By decoupling the desire for health from actual health and instead attaching it to a perception of 'nature,' companies are able to take similar cost cutting measures while charging more. Such as by paying a third party company to 'certify' that they aren't using a particular brand of pesticide and slapping an 'organic' label on their packaging.

That said, making people unhealthy is not the goal of a company. It is irrelevant to a profit motive. Some processed foods and manufactured interventions can have great benefit to the health of the populace. And the organic label sometimes weeds out legitimately harmful practices. But the profit motive encourages a perception of an artificial/natural divide so it can make more money on BOTH sides of the spectrum. ("Organic might be more expensive, but it is worth the money, you can tell it is better because it costs more" and "this regular stuff looks like a very good deal compared to the organic stuff, look at how much I am saving" all the hile prices can increase for both varieties.)

As the post above points out, the naturalist fallacy is ultimately divorced from reality. It is a logical fallacy and it is just as legitimate to argue the opposite as it is to take it straight-forwardly.

[satorusugurugurl]

My Little Milk Cow

Summary: You and Satoru go to a Halloween party at a local bar with some friends. Only to get a little too into character~!

Pairing: Gojo Satoru x AFAB!Reader

Warning: language, role-play, breeding kink, nipple play, sex, unprotected sex, creampie, (a little animal play idk guys)

Word Count: 2.1K

A/N: Kinktober day four: Dress Up: Cowboy!Gojo! God to be on his farm! 😩🩵

“Oh my god.” Utahime laughed out loud as she took one look at your costume.

“What’s so funny?” You laughed along with her as Shoko wrapped her arm around Utahime, her eyes glancing you over with a roll of her eyes. “Not you too, Sho!”

“Sorry, you just look—udderly ridiculous.”

“I couldn't agree more. Oh, by the way, someone was looking for you earlier.” Utahime sipped on her beer. “His name was Old McDonald.”

“Oh yeah, he has a farm!”

You rolled your eyes, adjusting your tight cow print top. “Hardy-har bitches.” They could tease you all they wanted, but you felt so confident in yourself. You were wearing a spaghetti strap form-fitting cow print top and matching pants. The horn headband matched your makeup, and you wrapped a finger around the tail attached to your pants. You, indeed, were as cute as a button.

“Why? Just why?”

“I wanted to match with Toru. It's a couples costume!”

“Why is he? A bull?”

“Oh Utahime~ you really lack imagination, don't you?”

That cocky voice belonged to none other than your boyfriend. A boyfriend you were having a hard time looking at this evening. And no, it wasn’t because he looked like a dork in his costume. It was the complete opposite. He looked too good in his costume.

Tight denim jeans hugged his long, lanky legs, which were tight enough to see the bulge in his pants. He wore a turquoise cowboy belt adorned with silver. Your eyes trail further up along the dark navy blue and black plaid shirt he is wearing, three buttons undone, giving you the perfect view of his collarbone while the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing off his toned, veiny forearms.

His outfit was perfect when it came to his body. But holy fuck, looking past his neck had you biting your lip and clawing at the floor to stop yourself from jumping on top of him. He smiled, his pretty lips curling up and showing off his dimple. All the while motherfucker tipped his black cowboy hat forward, blindfold, securely in place, hiding his beautiful eyes from the world. Not to mention, his ass was perfect, plump biteable perfection! Satoru was so good-looking all the time. But tonight, he looked like a whole-ass feast. You couldn’t believe that this man, who looked like he was hand-picked to be in the newest Western film in Hollywood, was your boyfriend.

“I wasn’t talking to you, Gojo!”

“Yikes~ sorry!” he draped his arm over your shoulder, pulling you close flush against the side of his body. “But what do you think? I’m a cowboy, and she’s my little milk cow~”

“Milk cow?” Shoko snorted, returning her attention to the bar and signaling the bartender to refill her shot glass. Just as she turned back, Satoru quickly looked around before reaching around your body and grabbing both your breasts that were straining against your shirt, giving them a firm squeeze.

The most embarrassing sound left your lips before Satoru could open his mouth to joke around. You moaned out loud in the middle of a busy bar. Shoko choked on her shot, alcohol spurting out of her nose. Utahime gave you a look that was plump and full of judgment. Denial settled in your stomach like a large meal as Satoru hummed incredulously behind you.

You struggled to find the words to justify the sound that left your mouth. But there was no coming back from that. From those sounds that left your mouth. All you could do was look away as Satoru’s warm hands released their hold on your breasts, slowly grazing your skin as he moved them to grab your upper arms. Your bottom lip quivered as his fingers slowly slid up and down your arms, teasing your pretty skin as he inched closer to your ear.

“Ooh, my little cow seems like she's sensitive here.” His knuckles barely grazed over your chest. “Need me to milk you~?” from the twitching bulge pressing against your ass, you knew what he meant. And you weren't doing any better with the wet, slick coating the inside of your panties.

“Yes, please.”

The drive back to Gojo’s estate was full of heavy petting and kissing. You were practically waiting each other up, barely making it inside of the house as Gojo pinned you up against the wall growling against your swollen lips. You were dizzy, as he pressed his knee between your legs bringing it up to grind against your throbbing core. Your body was on fire, every touch ignited more need in you. Especially when his hands found your breasts again.

"Oh, baby. You're getting full, aren't you?" He purred, moving a hand up to his head to slick back his long, white fluffy hair. "I can take care of that for you. I think my way would make it feel better."

"It would?" You asked, whimpering softly.

Gojo nodded before he bent down, setting his broad shoulderto your waist, lifting you over his shoulder and carrying you to the bedroom. "I'll fix it, baby~" You whined, thinking about the sweet pleasure that was going to come to you soon.

"Shh, it's alright, sweetheart." He gently put you down on the bed, kneeling in front of you. "I'm going to make it all okay, baby." Toru pulled your top up and over your head, growling at the large black bra that squeezed your tits. "Oh fucking Christ.”

You looked at your breasts. "It’s a push-up bra." You said, tossing your head back. They jiggled. “I really feel like I'm a cow."

They were so sensitive, and with each jiggle, your hardened nipples brushed over the fabric of the bra, making you shiver. All of this was because of Satoru. Damn him and his devilishly good looks!

Gojo growled at the sight of your pretty tits as he pulled your bra down. "Oh? You are my little milk cow, huh? Don't worry, baby, I'll drink all that milk for you." He smirked as he grabbed both of your tits, pressing them to his face and licking at your hardened nipples.

God, you tasted so good, it was almost criminal. Your sweat, the smell of your body wash, and your natural taste had Gojo feeling drunk even without drinking a drop of alcohol. He groaned. He was swirling his tongue around the sensitive buds, thinking about how good your milk would taste if you were pregnant. Maybe he should knock you up for real, make you his little milk cow.

You gasped, feeling his tongue working extra hard against your nipples. It was as if he was genuinely working to draw out nonexistent milk, wishing it would coat his tongue. God, he looked so good, blindfold still covering his eyes as he feasted on your breasts. He really looked like a cowboy. He was acting like one, too, raw, honest, and massaging you as if he truly wanted to milk you against his tongue.

You were losing yourself, getting caught up in the fantasy, so you blurted out the only thing your mind could think of.

"M-Moo!" You shouted out loud before seizing up, hesitating for a brief moment as your cry registered to your ears. God, what were you thinking? Did that seriously just come out of your mouth?!

Satoru had paused completely, looking up at you in shock, lips still sealed around one of your nipples for a split second. After that initial shock passed, he reached up. You watched as his long finger hooked under his blindfold, tugging it down, revealing dark, lust-filled eyes. The crystalline cerulean blue orbs fluttered back as he let out a groan you’d never heard before—a groan of pure, unadulterated need.

"Fuck!" He didn't know if he had ever been that hard in his life. His cock strained hard against his pants as he pressed you down against the bed, sucking desperately at your tits like a starved man at his last

"M-Mhmm!" You moaned in pleasure and relief. The more he sucked, the less pressure you felt. "T-Toru, so good, baby.”

Satoru groaned as he sucked harder, tasting how sweet you were. "Fuck, I could cum just from this."

"Mhmm, don’t cum too soon." You said, biting your lip and tugging it between your teeth. "I want to cum with you.”

Toru smirked down at you when he squeezed your tots like he had back at the bar. Imagining them being swollen with milk, god he needed to breed you. "Want me to make you feel even better, little cow?” You groaned, running the pale of your hands down his shirt, your fingers grazing over the material seductively.

"Yes, please, Master.” You cooed, sliding your hands down further, cupping his hard cock. "Will you give me your milk now?"

Gojo hissed in pleasure, pushing you into the mattress as he ground his hips down against yours. "Inside your pussy, Sweetheart? I'll give you a baby if you want. Then I could drink your milk."

Hearing him say that had you shivering at the idea of him breeding you and knocking you up. Fuck why did that sound so good?

"Yes! Fuck I want Toru!" You said, watching him grind against you. "Fuck, I want to have your babies!”

“Ask me then.” He reached down, unbuckling his belt and unzipping the almost too-tight blue jeans. “Ask me to breed you.”

“P-Please! Please breed me!”

Satoru couldn't hold back; he roared in need, ripping both your clothes off before flipping you over and mounting you. "I'm going to fuck you so hard, Sweetheart.” He rubbed his tip against your already wet entrance.

"Good," You mewled out, grinding back against him. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With another growl, Toru hissed as he forced his cock fully inside your tight wet pussy. "Nnngh!!" You threw your head back. “Fuck! Fuck you’re so wet and tight?!” He whispered in disbelief at the feeling of how wet you were.

"A-Ah of my god, fuck!" You gripped the sheets, nearly cumming already.

“Heh~ I’m so good I’ve rendered you speechless?” Satoru questioned, holding your hips tight before beginning to slam into you. "Fuck, you feel so good."

"Oh god, Toru," You said, looking back at your boyfriend. The smell of clean linen and musk had you craving more of him. You wanted everything he had to offer you. "Fucking breed me, baby."

Toru's eyes snapped open at your request. Hearing such dirty words combined with his already throbbing cock. Had him on edge already. He growled, sinking his teeth into your shoulder and making you gasp as he slammed into you with all of his might. The headboard slammed against the wall as he slammed in and out, in and out of your pussy. The wet, squelching sounds bounced off the walls of your bedroom as he lost complete and total control over himself.

He needed to breed you. To knock you up. Fuck he needed it and wanted it. Those thoughts, the raw, primal, animalistic need to procreate with you, pushed him further. In that moment, with his cock slamming in and out of you, as you screamed, eyes rolling back, hands gripping the sheets. Satoru reached around, finding your breasts. He squeezed them, pinching and pulling at your nipples.

“T-Toru!” He watched as one hand released your grip on the sheets, darting between your legs and rubbing your clit as you approached your orgasm. “C-Cu—” Your words were cut off by a scream as your walls clamped down on his cock mid-thrust as you came.

“Nnngh!” Gojo clenched his teeth in a loud but surprised whine as he came hard inside of you, pumping you full of his cum. "Fuck!! S-Sweetie! Fuck ooooh~!! Fuuck!!"

You whimpered, moaning as you slowly came down from your orgasm. You were giggling as he kissed up your neck with a growl as he rolled you over, pressing you flat against his chest. Panting roughly, you looked up at his flushed face. "Wow, someone was pent up, weren't they.” You questioned, only to receive a smack on your ass, drawing out a squeak from you.

"Fuck you got me cumming like a fucking teenager."

Gojo groaned, his head falling to rest against the pillows as he wetted his lips. “It’s all your fault moaning like that in the bar.”

“Oooh, right, so sorry, my boyfriend is super fucking hot.”

“Ooh, I’m ‘super fucking hot’?”

“Yeah, the hottest cowboy I’ve ever seen,” Gojo whined as you slowly pushed yourself up, rolling your hips against him, watching his abdominal muscles twitch as his hands rested on your hips. “So hot~ I think I’m going to take him for a ride.”

“Well, by all means.” He reached for the nightstand, grabbing the hand he had been wearing earlier off of it. He plopped it down on your head before placing his hands under his head with a drunken smirk. “Giddy-up cowgirl.”

Forever Tag List:

@darkstarlight82 @pandoness @nealeart @simp-plague @sugurubabe @chilichopsticks @reap3erslov3 @wil10wthetree @msniks @lana18918

Kinktober Tag List:

@candy-s72

[iztea]

hello iz ik it's such a cliche question and idk if you've already answered that but- how do you learnt drawing humans??? like everyone says practice but i don't know how and i struggle so much :( thanks already for answering!! i really really love your art

hi!

the very regulated, academic, objectively correct bs answer: learn the fundamentals, study and practice!

the unhinged, off-the-counter, cool uncle from your dad's side of the family answer:

Imo, the best way to learn how to draw on your own is to reference and study other people's art. There is no need for you to reinvent the wheel, and if you are a beginner and have no idea what you're doing, tackling multiple fundamentals at once can overwhelm and demotivate you quite a lot. So, for your morale and motivation, I think it is totally okay to just observe multiple artworks from multiple artists and engage with them critically ( * N.B. : artistS - plural; by referencing multiple works, you lower the risk of accidentally becoming a copycat or locking yourself into an art style that will never be as good as the original because it was not yours)

What I mean by critically engaging with an artwork is to analyze how they're tackling difficult body parts that you struggle with. For example, let's say you can't/don't know how to draw legs. Look at a picture of a real human leg, observe how someone else has simplified that leg form and anatomy, and then try to recreate it. Don't just copy their linework 1 to 1. That is not the point. Do it your own way, incorporate aspects of others' art that you like, and make them yours. You should have 5++ references of that leg from 5++ different artists. There are maany people out there who post their studies online, raw sketches or structural drawings (TB Choi comes to mind for example). Look for people like them, and if you can't find someone, then Pinterest is your bff. When learning how to draw, hunting the internet for how people sketch >>> rendered art. If speedpaints are more your thing, then youtube has you covered. Personally, I've learned more from a 20 min speedpaint with nightcore bgm and zero annotations from some guy that doesnt even speak english that has 300 views than I've learned from 10 min long art tutorials from fluent english speakers with 1 mil views. At the end of the day, we can yap and theorise as much as we want, but it's the act of drawing that brings results and seeing how other people draw is sometimes worth a thousand words.

> References in general also help a lot. I can't tell you how many times I was too lazy to look something up and spent 14235 hours trying to draw it off the top of my head only to have it done in 10 minutes once I finally gave in and pulled up a reference. So yeah, always use references. Don't be like me this is actually a bad habit

Okay, but how to /use/ that reference if you're a beginner? Very simple: draw on top of it ( *Do Not trace the outlines, that's pointless if you actually want to learn something). Draw guidelines over the body parts, deconstruct and simplify the ref into just boxes and lines ( always think in 3D ). This will help a lot with keeping the proportions in check. You can start by drawing those guidelines first and then get into details. Kinda like in sculpture: you start with a big block of a rock, and then you slowly carve and build form and then detail. The more you draw, the less you will need those guidelines as you get a feeling for the proportions yourself and will no longer need this step.

Once you become more confident in your skills or have a "sense" for drawing and you are in too deep to just give up after hitting your first wall, then you can tackle the scary intimidating stuff that is art fundamentals ( or you can do them simultaneously, all I'm trying to say is to never forget that you are not the only drawer in the world; looking in your neighbor's yard is totally okay within the reasons of common sense ). You don't have to raise and milk a cow it to make butter, you can just buy it from the store. If you want to bake a cake, a beginner chef will use store-bought cake mix because they have no idea how to cook. Once they learn the science behind baking (because it really is a science) they will buy their own ingredients and then improve or personalize the cake with better, well-researched ingredients, they will add their own twist, flavours, adjust the macros, perfect the technique and so on.

This is how I've personally learned how to draw by myself bc I'm self-taught and didn't care for formalities as it's just a hobby of mine that I do for fun. If you want proper advice you should probably listen to more qualified people but I can only preach what I practice.. Anywayssss hope it helped!!

[cheshirecatuniverse]

If Yamato had a baby sister

featuring: Hyuga & Rocky

Yamato has never really had to truly look after his friends. Granted, some of them wouldn't be alive if they hadn't been able to rely on each other but to completely be in charge of someone? Only his sister.

The Sannoh guys aren't surprised whenever he walks in Itokan, 6'ft Yamato with a 4 year old trailing behind him peddling a black plastic tricycle.

She would look at them and shoot them a peace sign. Then, wheel away to go find one of the coloring books Naomi keeps for her.

Yamato treats her like a baby and an adult at the same time.

He's rambling about an issue and she nods and writes something down.

Yamato sighs, rubbing his jaw, "So what should I do now?"

She rubs her chin as she looks at the paper she has in front of her. She grabs it and raises it up for him to see. It's a drawing of a cow.

Yamato would learn how to braid hair and the first time he tried... His mother came home to find her precious daughter with a bird nest on her head.

His sister would have the same big appetite as him. If he's not keeping an eye on his sandwhich, he'll turn around and find half of it gone.

Whenever his mother would get home late she'd make him read to her at night.

His mother would sing to her too, but last time Yamato tried that she stuffed her head underneath her pillow until he stopped.

His baby sister sick, or had a nightmare?

"Yamato...?" He didn't wake up to the sound of her voice but the bright light of the living room coming from the door.

He'd called out her name, groggy but soon aware she was standing at his bed. "Pipsqueak, what's wrong?"

"Bad dream," She frowned and wiped her face. When Yamato was fully awake he reached over to feel her forehead. Sweaty and really warm.

"Hey, hey," He hushed her when she started to cry, "No, you're okay. How 'bout we have a sleepover, 'kay?"

He would instantly get up and lift her up the bed. He would get her medicine and something cold for her head. She would try kick out of the blanket, but Yamato tucked her in too tight for her to escape.

"Yamato?" His little sister drowsily called.

"Uh-huh?"

"Beat up bad dreams, please?"

He raised up a fist, making sure she saw before she goes to sleep, "I'll be ready, don't worry."

Since she was newborn she's been in the garage half her life and Yamato's really careful and stern about what she can't touch. She's good at not touching anything sharp and heavy, but sometimes she gets restless being in the garage all day.

So Yamato sometimes lets her sit by him, passing him tools light enough for her to give. She feels especially proud when he puts out his hands and says, "Okay, clean up time."

She cleans the oil and grime off of his hands with the rag on her lap. She would wave around the rag when she's done, "Tada!"

He's so proud of his little sister that he makes sure to tell her good job, even if she did the same thing twice that day.

Ichigo Milk are surprisingly some of Yamato's go-to babysitters. Usually when he has to go fight or go somewhere with Cobra. At first she's a little shy with them but she warms up to them quickly.

They spoil her a lot with cookies and stuff animals. One time she came home with yamato, asleep with an ichigo milk jacket wrapped around her. (It was Junko's)

"Stop calling Mommy grandma!"

Naomi serves her first before Yamato, which he sulks at every time, and every time Noami says it's because his sister is her favorite Asahina.

Whenever his sister wants pancakes, Noami makes them shaped like animals, and her 4 year old little mind is blown away.

She would like to play with Cobra's earrings.

Other than Yamato, Cobra's the only other person she likes to ask to tie her shoes.

His sister would be too young to remember who Noboru was, so when Noboru joins Sannoh Rengokai again she sees him as stranger.

But when he crouches down to reintroduce himself, she'd say, "My big brother has you in his wallet."

"Wow, that's cool," Noboru choked out while trying not to get teary-eyed.

Yamato would get her a little Sannoh Rengokai bandanna! But because of their enemies, he wouldn't let her wear it if he wasn't around to avoid any trouble.

The one and only time Dan had babysat Yamato's little sister she got LOST. Yamato should have known to leave her with Ichigo Milk, she gets lost easily and the girls are good at keeping her close.

While Dan was searching for her, making Chiharu and Tettsu help, she got distracted by a really tiny kitty. She wanted to catch it so bad that she never noticed how far away home she had gotten.

She noticed there were a lot of shiny things and red banners and paint everywhere. When she finally caught the kitten, she was in a strange building with people in red jackets everywhere. Her stomach hurt when she realized she didn't know where she was.

She didn't cry though, she had to look tough. But everytime she tugged on an adult's jacket, they'd just walk away or ignored her.

When someone finally looked down at her, he squinted, "and who the hell are you?"

She'd be too scared to talk so she just looked at her shoes. With a tug, someone beside the person grabbed her and said "Who the fuck let a kid in? I'll handle this, Hyuga."

"No," She yelled, kicking him away, "Fuck you!"

If Yamato ever found out about that, she'd be done for.

That made Hyuga laugh and crouch down to her, "Where's your parents, kid?"

It would take a little time but she would let him lift her to see if she spot her family. She shaked her head to his dismay.

While Yamato found out she was missing and losing his shit Hyuga tried to get answers from her. To be honest, he had kinda hoped she was from some rich family so that he could get compensation, but from her answers it didn't seem likely. His guys couldn't find anyone who had lost a child either.

An employee from the casino gave her a couple of napkins and a pen to keep her busy. She drew Hyuga a cat with a mustache and chain. She said it was him. Huh.

But the next thing she drew caught his eye. Even for a drawing from a 4 year old it was familiar.

"What's that, kid?"

"Sannoh!" She pointed, "This is my big brother, Yamato."

When Yamato got the call, he thought this day couldn't worse. Everyone from Sannoh Rengokai were riding over to Daruma. Just when things were calming down but Yamato was more than willing to start another war.

At the entrance, both Cobra and Yamato strolled in front. Hyuga emerged with his little sister in Hyuga's arms. Yamato was about to lunge but Cobra held his shoulder.

Hyuga pointed and said something to her which she happily nodded. He let her down and she waved goodbye. When she ran into Yamato's frozen body he suddenly could breathe again.

"Yamato! Yamato! Look!" She held up a daruma doll.

He lost a couple years of life that day. He also gets headaches everytime she asks to see Hyuga.

The next time she wander off, it was completely his fault. Sword agreed to meet for an emergency and he had no one to take care of her. He got Dan to watch over her from the very back of the warehouse. No one would notice and he would be in the same place.

But after the meeting was over, his little sister saw the red jackets from afar and got excited so she ran off and she saw something furry and soft on someone on her way.

She thought she could sneakily touch the fur coat of the person in all white but Rocky had turned around as soon as she grabbed the soft fur.

"Whoa," She gasped at the sight of his grill, "You're shiny!"

"Are you supposed to be here?" He asked laced with concern. She nodded and told him her big brother was here. Rocky told Koo to get the word around before the Sword groups could start leaving.

Rocky wasn't suprised when it was someone from Sannoh who had lost her. She held his hand as they walked over and babbled about Yamato. He found it really endearing.

"Yamatooo!" She ran over to him with a big hug.

"You really need to stop doing that," He knelt down and grabbed his own heart. "You're killing me."

She pointed at Rocky, "I want a fuzzy sweater like that, please."

[radioactive-earthshine]

Random but, any hcs about Kon and his life in Smallville with the Kents?

I'm just going to make a list and babble :) Here's some HCs including bits with Bart bc they did live only 4 hours away.

1.) Not closeting, not in the way people use the term anyway - it was a necessary time that Kon so desperately needed. He needed a place to be someone OTHER than Superboy because he could no longer function without that off-switch.

2.) Kon always had shown interest in his comics of living a life without the Superboy question and being "normal" but it was very rocky for him so I feel like his early transition with the Kents were likely no different. Ma and Pa likely had to endure his dramatics, mood swings and outbursts of anger as he adjusted to being Conner Kent and living in a space that had consistent RULES. This is not to say he was just suddenly dropped off with strangers, because he wasn't, he knew Ma and Pa beforehand having spent a little time on the farm.

3.) If you guys thought Bart was bad at first, Kon was probably worse as Kon had years of baggage to unpack.

4.) We didn't get to see anything substantial of those early days with him with Ma and Pa but we saw small glimpses of him just not appreciating Smallville and thought it was "boring" and outright claimed to have hated it. It's a big adjustment.

5.) Suddenly coming to the realization that he was SAFE where he was and could just BE without suddenly having a fist in his face was one hell of a day...

6.) Yes we all should mock the cishet jeans and t-shirt look but he really was trying to figure out who he was without Superboy as a factor. I don't think Kon ever really does solidly figure it out as Superboy will always BE a part of him and part of his core identity and it's a balance he needed to try to find out - even if it meant going to one extreme side of the spectrum.

7.) To tie into #6 Kon found out he really does have an All or Nothing personality when living with the Kents.

8.) He's allergic to goat products - boy of steel he may be but even he is not immune to goat intolerance. There is no evidence of this, this is a true HC. He found out because Ma had goat milk and he decided to try it with... bad results.

9.) I am obsessed with Kon in his 2011 solo taking the time to WALK to school instead of flying or running or taking the bus - Smallville really brought him down to Earth even though he already was a child of Earth. It grounded him and put a lot of thinks for him into perspective.

10.) Going back to those early days - he reached out to Bart a lot to vent and ask for advice of how Bart coped with Max. They BOTH went from never having to worry about hiding their secret ID and doing WHATEVER they wanted to suddenly having to worry about preserving their identity and operating in an environment with rules that were the antithesis of what they were used to.

11.) Kon's entire first few months with the Kents were literal immersive therapy and I am furious we did not get to see this - this would have made an incredible comic.

12.) Adhering to comic canon I feel like it was during this deconstruction of who he is he realized he was queer. To the surprise of no one.

13.) His first gift to Ma and Pa was a quilt he made himself - you can take artistic-Kon from my cold dead hands. He made it at school in secret.

14.) Clark was a cryptid in Smallville when he was a teenager and Kon really was no different as his deeds throughout town resurface those old rural myths that began 30-ish years prior.

15.) I ignore any and all parallels that Simon was set up to be Kon's Lex Luthor and instead he becomes his BEST civilian friend. We do however find out that Simon's parents were scientists that helped make Kon - Kon has mixed feeling about this at first but he knows he can't blame Simon.

16.) Even Kon cannot help going back to old shenanigans with Bart and they make crop-circles - well they DID before Clark told them to stop - the killjoy.

17.) Cows make him nervous - look - he knew they existed but he wasn't aware of how BIG they were and he knows he is strong enough to pulverize them into instant bouillon but that still did not prepare him for the fact that they are megafauna that you have no control over.

18.) Kon will always take out a tornado - no he doesn't care if it's a small one - he's not going to sit back and watch someone's house be subjected to damage the tenants may or may not be able to afford. If there are TWO tornadoes at the same time he gets into a contest with Bart over who can neutralize them first.

19.) Going back to his acclimation - there was a lot Kon had to sort of unlearn when he started living with the Kents. Stuff he learned from being with Rex Leech, and during his time at Cadmus under Jim. He finally learned what it was like to be a normal person instead of a parody of what a normal person was.

20.) During October, Kon got really.... really.... into making the BEST corn maze. No, seriously, stupidly competitive. Like, not only did he want it to be complicated but he also for an added flavor made Bart chase people around with a de-bladed chainsaw. People think Kon hired like 7 dudes to do this but it's literally just Bart. He also made sure to decorate it with fake blood, webbing, and busted out fog machines just for an added flavor of spookiness.

[shmowder]

HIII!! IT'S ME AGAIN!!!! I LOVED THE BLURBS!!! It really was what I had in mind :D! I think I'll pick 🐈 for my emoji... And here I am again, requesting another thing!! Can you please do one of whatever Patho characters you want with a reader with like.... TEN cats???

Anna Angel was the first character who came to mind. Owning 10 of any pets, but especially cats who tend to shed their fur everywhere, one which they lick, would be her nightmare. Even if you ended up as someone dear and close to her by some miracle, she'd always think twice before accepting any friendly hugs or touches. Maybe even ask you to put on rubber gloves when the two of you hang out.

While Eva Yan would interpret this as you having a kind soul, one must be good inside to be able to care and nurture all these poor strays, right? Even if your cats are high-end rare breeds which you spent a lot of money on acquiring, she still refers to them as strays to support the narrative she's building in her brain. You'll be romanticised against your will as a caring, kind and nurturing person A friend of animals. She also makes the mistake of attempting to give your adult cats a bowl of milk a couple of times.

Artemy Burakh's cousin has a pen with ten cows. your situation isn't that different in his eyes. At least cats don't smell as bad as cows, although the sharp claws aren't something he's used to. Cows are cuddly and tend to walk away when in discomfort, cats make a stronger case with their claws and teeth, he found out. The kittens love playing with his bootlaces and attempt to climb up his legs whenever he comes over.

Vlad Jr. has mastered the art of getting your cats to adore him through a series of trial and error, reading a couple of books, and bringing them a whole slab of raw meat/fish whenever he comes over. They basically go crazy over him, which he views as a sound strategy to use and get in your good graces. He's actually the most considerate of their personal space. You'd think he's been dealing with cats his whole life the way he knows how to pet each one differently, exactly how it likes it. His lap is a prime sought-after spot between your beloved felines.

You know the curse of non-cat person to counterproductivly end up being the cats' favourite human? All of Daniil Dankovsky's effort to step away from your cats, never look them in the eye, never touch them, or their stuff is interpreted as the biggest signs of respect by your animal companions. They adore getting in the way in front of him just as he's about to take a step, tripping him over in the process. Finding his expensive one of a kind snakeskin coat the best candidate for them to exercise their claws against.

[hannahssimblr]

Chapter Seven

I adjust the cat ears on my head for the fourth time, despite only being there for ten minutes. They’re a bit slap-dash, the construction isn’t great, because I made them by following a YouTube tutorial on my laptop the night before the party with bleary eyes and a bit of a tension headache. Izzy let me borrow her glue gun so that I could attach triangles of white foam to black and curl the ears around an old plastic hair band I had that I had lying under my bed, but I’ve been finding myself pulling glue strings off it constantly.

“You look nice.” She assures me now, dressed as a pirate. “Very cute.”

I feel too cute for Halloween. Everyone else is dressed either scary or funny, while all I’ve done is paint whiskers on my face, the result being that I’m neither, I’m just lazy. The tight pleather skirt and corset that I never gave back to Marnie after I borrowed it two years ago makes me feel naked and self conscious, too uncovered, too done up, like a little girl play-acting like an adult. Nobody else is even wearing high heels, not even Claire, who’s in a witch costume from Dealz, and I feel ridiculous in mine. It’s only Shane’s house anyway, Shane’s friends, who I don’t know, and are certainly not bothered about the fact that I can balance in five inch heeled boots that come all the way up to my thighs and have me paranoid that my mother will somehow appear and ask me to change. 

Shane is dressed as Darth Vader, helmet under his arm, because when he’s wearing it he’s not able to eat or drink anything. Someone already got a video of themselves trying to shove Doritos through the tiny mouth slits to no avail, and now there’s crumbs all over the floor that nobody will take responsibility for. Every time he walks into a room, be it the kitchen or the living room, somebody chants “Shane-oooooo” and then all the boys make these weird animalistic sounds with the grace and decorum of gorillas at the zoo. He just grins like he’s used to it. 

“Eviiiiiieeee.” He musses up my hair as he saunters by, as if to subtly remind me that while I might have made an attempt to be sexy tonight, I’m still perpetually twelve in his eyes. He’s also been drinking, and Shane, on account of the rules of the football team, is not allowed to drink. We’ve all been warned that if his coach finds out he’ll be in trouble, hence why nobody is allowed to take a picture of him with a beer in his hand. I’ve seen the scene play out about three times already. The flash of a digital camera and then him, waving his hand around. “Nah, man, delete, delete.”

I think it’s been three years since I’ve seen him this way, and while he’s the merry kind of drunk, I can’t help but wonder if all of this has anything to do with the argument I accidentally overheard between him and Claire earlier this evening. I haven’t asked her about it, as she will deny it, but as I watch her from across the room, her body seems wound tight, tension emanating from her like an aura. Even as she’s laughing with the guy in a cow costume, I can tell her heart isn’t in it. I know her fake laugh from her real one, when she really wants to be somewhere and when she’d rather be at home snuggled in blankets and watching Say Yes to the Dress. 

I wander into the kitchen and take a moderately warm beer out of a box. The fridge is full up with lunchboxes of chicken and rice meals and eight litres of milk, a carton for each of the four guys who lives here and refuses to split one with anybody else. I go into the living room but vacate soon after I come in, as some lad with a big square UCD head has cleared the room by trying to show everyone how he can rap the song from the end credits of Men in Black without looking up the words.

Michelle and Simon are just arriving, and are unloading a shopping bag full of mixers onto the cluttered counter when I return. They wave me over when I wander in. “Are you drinking Galahad?” Simon says in a voice caught between outrage and disgust. I stare down at my hand. I suppose I am. 

“It’s all that was going for free.” I admit. “I didn’t bring any of my own drink.” I’m too cheap. And trying not to drink, clearly unsuccessfully.

“You like that shit?”

“Um.” I crack it open for an experimental sip. “Not really, no. It’s not the best.” 

“Oh, have some of ours then” Michelle says brightly. She lightly grabs my forearm and pulls me closer to them, out of the path of another man in another obstructing helmet who cannot see where he is going. I realise, as she’s rummaging in her giant handbag that there’s actually something quite disarming and pleasant about her. I never thought she seemed particularly friendly before, there’s something tough and no-nonsense about her, but now for the very first time she seems rather sweet. 

She yanks out a bottle of El Jimador Tequila and my palms prickle at the sight of it. I didn’t really intend on diving right into spirits tonight, but something about the way that droplets of condensation are clinging to the outside of the cold glass bottle while the can of Galahad warms even further in my hand makes my mouth feel twice as dry. 

“You alright with tequila?” She asks, reaching around for a few plastic cups stacked on the counter. 

I shrug. “I’ve no issue with tequila.”

“Grand.” Michelle unscrews it and starts pouring glugs into a cup. “I know someone who vomits at just the smell of it, which is why I asked.”

“Great image to have while you’re serving it up to me.” I comment, and she laughs. “Sorry, yeah, I just can’t really think about tequila without thinking about that.” I help her by reaching for a nearby bottle of orange juice. It’s what Marnie and I would always mix it with when there was nothing more sophisticated to be found. As I pour it into the cup, Simon gets distracted by someone nearby and strikes up his own conversation, and I take advantage of my moment alone with Michelle. 

“Hey, sorry if it’s awkward, but I was talking to Jude the other day…”

She nods, still looking at the cup. 

“…and he was wondering if he could have your new number. He said you’ve changed phones or something? He didn’t say why or anything, I just told him I’d get it for you.”

Her eyes flit to mine. “Oh yeah, no worries. You have your phone handy?”

“Uh, yep.” I wrestle it out of the tight waistband of my skirt, embarrassed by the imprint on my skin on the screen. She taps in her details, then I offer his number to her, and transfer the details from one phone to the other. The middle man, just here to facilitate whatever weirdness this is without any insight into why. 

“He didn’t say anything to you about Jen, did he?” She asks, a tinge of vulnerability behind her words, and I blink. “Um, no, he didn’t. Not really.”

“Alright cool.”

“Should he have?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing, like, I was just wondering. She hasn’t replied to my messages in a few days. I thought maybe he might have heard from her.”

“Isn’t she coming tonight?”

“I doubt it. She was invited, but she didn’t respond to the invitation, as far as I know.”

“Oh. Well, Jude didn’t mention that he heard from her, but I have a feeling he hasn’t. I didn’t think they were talking at all.”

“Yeah, well, they’re not not talking. She’s just a bit off the grid at the moment. He said something to Pamela once that pissed her off, but honestly, I can’t really keep up with everything that’s been said or not said…” She fiddles with the torn collar of her zombie school girl costume. “I just hoped that since she’s not replying to me she might have replied to him.”

“Well you can ask him yourself now.” I say with a smile that I hope says please don’t involve me, which prompts her to smile back. A wide, even smile that calls to mind a photo I saw in the depths of her facebook profile before where she was wearing braces. I wonder if Jude’s dad was her orthodontist. They’ve made her look very pretty, but even with crooked teeth I think she’d still be. As if somebody like Jude Turner would have ever settled for anything less than the prettiest girl at his school. As if he’d ever have to. 

She looks down at her phone, staring at his number in her contacts. “Yeah I’ll text him tomorrow, or he’ll text me, I suppose. Whichever. It’s honestly a bit weird to see his number in my phone again, but…” her eyes flick to mine. “What’s the story with you two anyway? Jen said you liked each other, or you’re together or something?”

I bark out a laugh, surprised. “No, well, I fancied him once, and he didn’t like me back. That’s all, nothing really happened.” 

She frowns. “Oh right? Because I-”

“Well, okay, that’s a lie. We kissed once.” I blurt out. “Twice, actually, but it was like, I heard he kisses all of his female friends so it’s a bit classic, you know? I know it didn’t mean anything.” I bury my nose into my cup and take anxious sips from it. I probably shouldn’t have said that. She probably doesn’t need to know it, but her face softens into a smile. “Right. I know how he is. He can get a bit swept away.”

“Right, because you were together… how long?” I say, even though I already know the answer. I’ll have to do this dance, regardless of how stupid and awkward it makes me feel so that I won’t have to admit that I scoured her Facebook page with the kind of intensiveness that could only be rivalled by a full time private investigator. 

“Eleven months. We broke up when he got into that Berlin school, he just didn’t want to do long distance with me, so,” She shrugs, pouring herself a drink. “It didn’t feel great but I got it. I get it. You either have the personality for it or you don’t. Maybe I could have done it, but he couldn’t.” She exhales a laugh. “He definitely couldn’t. He needs too much contact with people. I think he’s a bit ‘out of sight, out of mind’.”

“Still, mustn’t have been easy.”

“No. I liked him a lot. It just felt really hard to understand why we broke up at the time, like there was nothing wrong with our relationship and it felt like he was just chucking it out and that pissed me off for ages.”

“I get it, like if he was your first-”

“Oh, no.” She interrupts. “We weren’t each other’s first anything. He was just my friend who became my boyfriend and then all we ended up doing was making things weird for Jen when we split up. The whole thing was a stupid idea, honestly. I was just young and I was…” She trails off in search of the right word. “Enticed by him.”

“He’s enticing.” I agree, and she nods.  “He is. He’s always had that specific american brand of charisma, we all used to make fun of his accent and stuff when we were younger, I mean, to the point that he tried to disguise it, but actually it was one of the things that made him interesting. You know?”

“I do.”

“And if it means anything to you at this point, I mean, I don’t know how much you even care, Jen told me that he fancied you once.”

“Hm?”

“Ages ago.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Like, years probably. I forced it out of her when we were hanging out, I dunno why, like, I suppose I was feeling self destructive or something, I asked her if she knew about any other girls and she’s so bad at keeping things in, I knew she’d eventually just tell me, and she said that he liked this girl he met on the beach.”

“Oh.” I say with deliberate neutrality, “Well, it was so long ago, I suppose it hardly matters now.”

“Bit late, yeah?” She says with a laugh. “But I think it’s nice to know those kinds of things. It’s good for the ego. I was mad jealous, by the way.”

“You were?”

“Yes of course! I looked up your Facebook page and everything.”

“Oh God” I shield my face. “The state of my Facebook page back then. I bet that made you feel better about yourself.”

“No! I was raging, you were so pretty.” I roll my eyes but she insists. “There was this one picture I remember fuming over, where you were standing by the edge of a swimming pool, and I just thought ‘for God sake, her legs.’”

I stare down at my legs now, poking out of the bottom of this pleather skirt, and they look perfectly average to me. Paler than average, maybe, but that’s about the extent of their uniqueness. “My legs?”

“Yeah obviously. They’re perfect. I almost cried looking at you, like, knowing that he’d never want me again when he’d already wanted someone like you. Then we ran into you that time at that horrible cocktail bar and I had to pretend not to recognise you, I was so scared that you’d somehow figure out what I’d been doing.”

“God, Michelle, that’s so crazy. I did the same thing as you. When I found out who you were I stalked your Facebook for hours.”

“You didn’t!”

“I swear to God.”

“What did you think?”

I tell her, and we laugh about how silly we were, and how much cleverer we are now, and all the things that used to fill our heads and ruin our days, and it���s the most strangely healing thing to know that I wasn’t the only crazy girl, and even she, the sharp, intimidating person I pictured, was unravelling on the inside just like me. 

When I finish my drink she pours me another, and I find myself warming to her utterly. She’s funny, she’s honest, she’s charming, which only makes me feel worse about the horrible, envious thoughts I had about her years ago. Eventually Simon rejoins our conversation, so we pivot to other things, like art and film. The party swirls around us and the music gets louder, and eventually, by the time Macklemore’s Thrift Shop is on its fourth rotation and my cup has been filled and emptied twice more I excuse myself and head out to the front steps for some fresh air.

Beginning // Prev // Next

[mini-munchers]

Blood, Sweat, and Tears—To Love Someone

Chapter 6 of ?: Revelry

Pairing: March x Non-Binary Farmer (Ari)

Words: 6919

Warnings: language, light mentions of blood and death, author does not understand poker, author does not understand blacksmithing

Summary: Mistria is in a dire state after the earthquake hit. Adeline has invited a new adventurer to town to help out. March knows they won't last. Adventurers never last in Mistria. He can't wait to see Ari fail.

Chapter Summary: Someone comes to visit Ari on the farm. A discussion takes place with March, and a night of fun is had at the inn.

(No beta, we die like Dragonsworn.)

----------

“AW SHIT, ewewewewew!” Ari looked down at their foot, now firmly planted in cow poop. “Gross!” Sighing heavily, they wiped their boot in the grass, trying to knock off as much of the nasty excrement as they could. “It’s not your fault, Sage.” Ari looked at the calf who lingered close by. “I just do not like poop!”

A roaring laughter came from the west and Ari turned to look at the path to Sweetwater Farm. Hayden walked toward them, giving a wave as he approached. “What, can’t stand a little cow poop?”

“No! It’s so gross!” Ari reached into their bag, pulling out some hay. They turned and waved it at the small cow, clicking their tongue a bit to call her over. Sage merrily ran to them.

“That’s part of the fun of having animals!” Hayden smiled as Ari turned back to him.

“I disagree, Hayden.” They pet the calf as she ate from their hands. “What brings you over here?”

“Just thought I would drop by and see how you’re doing.” He looked at Sage. “Looks like she is right on track to start producing milk soon. I’m sure Adeline will be thrilled with the additional product.”

Ari beamed. “I hope so! I’ll do anything I can to help Mistria!”

“That’s the spirit, Ari!” Hayden clapped his hand on Ari’s shoulder, causing them to stumble forward a bit. He laughed at their unsteady feet. “Bad balance?”

“Always,” Ari answered, rubbing their shoulder, a wave of pain shooting through it.

“Looks like you’re doing some good work clearing the farm though.”

“I try.” Ari frowned. “It just gets annoying sometimes with all the rocks in the dirt and the branches blowing off the trees.”

“Ah, you’ll get used to it. Always something to do. What do you plan to do with all the space? This place is a whole lot bigger than mine.” Hayden looked over the sprawling plot of land.

Ari beamed, suddenly excited to be able to tell someone else about their plans for the future of Mistgrove Farm. They pointed to various spots around the field. “A coop there, more crops there, and an orchard of fruit trees in the middle.”

“A whole orchard?” Hayden looked back to Ari.

“What can I say? I love fruit! I didn’t get much while I was living in the guild hall.” Growing up, they had always requested fruits from the chefs. But at the guild…

Hayden seemed to lean in, silently offering to listen.

“It was a rare treat. We…didn’t have much money in the guild. Just enough to get by.”

He eyed them curiously. “I thought adventurers earned lots of money.”

“Well, some do. Not really my guild though. Otter, my guildmaster, always made sure to set fair prices for the clients. He’s a really great guy. Very reasonable, never wanted to overcharge anyone. And if we screwed up, he wouldn’t charge at all.”

“He sounds like a really awesome guy.” A soft smile crested Hayden’s lips.

“He is! I miss him so much!”

“Have you gotten letters from him?”

“Yeah! I got a letter about two weeks back! He’ll be here next week. Probably to make sure I’m not goofing off.”

“You’ll have to bring him around. Show him what a real farmer can do.” Hayden chuckled, flexing his bicep in jest. “But you? Goofing off? Never. I have never seen someone run around the town helping everyone so much. You do so much for Mistria.”

Ari laughed “Thanks Hayden. You’d be surprised though. My first few years in the guild, I was notorious for slacking off.”

He gave them that look again, urging them to go on.

“That’s what happens when you never have to do any work growing up. You learn to expect things to be handed to you. I had to learn how to work hard, and fast.”

“Really?” Hayden blinked, face twisting in confusion.

“Yeah. I was basically raised by a few au pairs over the years. My family has cleaners and chefs too. Mother and father were always ‘too tired’ or ‘too busy’ to do anything after work, even with my siblings and I, so they brought in whatever help they could get.”

“Well, that sounds like an interesting family dynamic.” Hayden’s eyes softened as he looked at Ari. “Sorry to hear it was like that.”

“Nah, it’s ok. I found family in my guild, so all is good. What about you? Did you grow up farming at Sweetwater?” Ari internally sighed in relief, happy the topic was off them.

“Yeah! It’s the family farm. Sometimes, I worry farming is the only thing I know. But I enjoy myself. Plus, it’s really rewarding to see the fruits of your labor every day, don’t you agree?” 

“Oh, totally! I always get so so so excited at the first sprout of a new plant! Don’t tell anyone though, that’s our secret.”

Hayden smiled. “Lips sealed, Ari. Well,” Hayden looked back to Sweetwater as a sheep bleated in the distance. “I just wanted to come check on you, make sure everything was ok.”

“Thanks so much, Hayden, it’s very appreciated.” It was so nice to have neighbors who cared. That was something Ari never had that growing up.

“See you at the inn tonight?”

“I’m going to try my hardest to make it!”

Hayden turned to walk back to Sweetwater, giving Ari a small wave. “Looking forward to it!”

“Bye Hayden! Thanks for stopping by!”

“No problem, neighbor!”

Ari smiled, turning back to Sage and humming to themselves. 

“I really like it here, Sage. I really do.”

The cow mooed in response.

“Glad you like it too."

----------

March hadn’t seen Ari in a week or two. Maybe they had finally left? No, Landen had just mentioned Ryis doing something on their farm a few days ago. And March had heard the carpenter’s hammering. He wondered what it was. From what he saw when he went to the farm the other week, things were advancing. It was clear even in the dim moonlight. More land had been cleared than ever before. There were bountiful crops. The area around the old dragon statue had been cleaned up and a stone bench now sat in front of it. Something about it got under his skin. Ari hadn’t given up yet. It had been a whole season and they were still here. That was longer than any other adventurer had ever stayed before.

March poured sweat as he worked, shaping his latest order. More nails yet again. The summer sun beat down on, the heat only amplified by the well fed flames of the forge. His hammer pounded against the hot metal, sending sparks flying. Why. Had. Ari. Stayed. Each word a strike of anger against the willing metal. Why had they stayed? They’d done their job, helping the town get back up to copper rank, even within a season. Wasn’t that enough? Wasn’t it good enough to give up and leave at that point? But now, with the work on the farm…it seemed they were intent on staying a bit longer.

March let his work consume him. Sparks shooting off in every direction, rage untangling from the knot in his stomach. It was the only way he knew to truly express his anger. He’d never had a healthy example set for him in his formative years. His dad had been an angry man. March recalled more than once the hits the man landed on Olric, March’s older brother shielding him from the blows. His father was a drunkard, only sober when he worked. But he did damn good work. March had never matched it. But he would outdo his father’s work one day in the future. It would be the ultimate merit.

“Yo, March!” Ryis’ voice broke through the rhythmic clanging of the hammer.

“Here for your nails?” March set his hammer down and looked up. “Oh.”

“Hi, March!” The adventurer beamed at him.

“Nah,” Ryis said. “Just stopping by to say hello. Met Ari on the way, so we figured we’d come together.

“Nice to see you again! It’s been a while.” Ari rocked back and forth on their toes, hands behind their back.

“Yeah…” March bit the inside of his cheek in frustration.

Ari shot that blinding smile at him again. How…how did they do it? How were they so pleasant in this moment? It was like nothing had ever happened. The yelling? The crying? The rainstorm? None of it. It baffled him. Their mask was back on now, it seemed. ‘Capital scum,’ he thought. ‘Hiding your true self behind a stupid mask. Mistria will see you for who you are one day.’

“How’d that order turn out? The sword for Mor-Molden Cal-Cass…?” Ryis chewed over his words, clearly oblivious to the real name of the master blacksmith.

“Mordon Cassius.” March corrected.

Master Cassius was a hardworking man. He was never much for small talk. He’d had a stern hand during March’s blacksmithing apprenticeship. But Cassius trusted his work now. So much so that he came to March frequently with client requests that required an expert hand. This particular project had been an iron dagger with a small silver inlay in the fuller. It had been tedious and delicate work, but March completed it in record time. He gave himself a pat on the back for that one.

“That’s right. Morton Cassius. He was your master, right?” Ryis scratched at the back of his head, clearly embarrassed at the mistake.

“Yeah.” March let the simple reply fall out of his mouth with ease.

He turned to Ari, to sneer at them, to affirm his place at Cassius’ Smithy. But…there was that look again. They looked like they had been struck. Why though? Did they know his master somehow? 

“Wow…um, that’s great March! He’s pretty powerful in the blacksmithing world.” Ari’s eyes were wide, a genuine look of panic written all over their face.

“What, you know him?” March smirked, crossing his arms in front of him.

“Oh, um,” Ari waved their hands frantically. “No, no, I’ve just…um, heard of him and his team. They’re good, some of the, uh, best.”

“Damn right they are,” he all but spat at Ari. If they knew about Cassius’ Smithy, then they knew his place. March was one of the top blacksmiths in Aldaria, there was no denying that. Hell, maybe in the world. Cassius’ didn’t take on just anyone, they took on the best.

“March,” Ryis warned. “You’re letting things go to your head again.”

“I’ve earned it,” March clicked his tongue. He had earned it. He had every right to brag. He was good at what he did and that was the truth.

“Whatever.” Ryis waved his hand before turning to Ari. “I’ve got to get back to work. See you on the Eastern Road later?”

Ari’s face immediately snapped back into that bright smile. “Yeah! I haven’t been picking the grapes lately, so there should be a lot there.”

“Awesome!” Ryis started to walk off in the direction of the carpentry shop. He glanced over his shoulder, waving at the pair. “Bye, you two! March, play nice.”

“Hmph.” March turned to head back to his work. “Why are you still here in Mistria,” March asked as he grabbed his tongs and threw the nails he had been working on back into the forge. They had cooled too much to draw out now.

“What?” Ari paused for just a second, just enough to tell him they were hesitating, choosing their words carefully. “March, I am here to work, I am here to help.”

“Yeah right,” he hissed, venom dripping off his tongue.

“I don’t get why you don’t believe me.” Ari let out a drawn-out sigh. “I’m not here to hurt you. I’m only trying to help.”

Hurt him? Hah. Had it all been a game? He’d seen the look in their eyes when he went to the farm. He’s heard their voice, pure seduction. Who was Ari? And what was their endgame? He had to know.

“What’s your deal?” March spun on Ari, looking them straight in the eyes.

“What do you mean?” A firm frown rested upon Ari’s lips, but their eyes burned like an all-consuming fire, challenging him.

“You tried to trick me a few weeks ago. I heard your voice. You’re manipulative. ”

“What…? What are you talking about, March?” Ari folded their arms across their chest.

“You know exactly what I am talking about!” He walked over, thrusting a finger at them. “Don’t play dumb.”

Ari paused as if pondering their next step. Then, March heard it. It sent a shiver down his spine. “ What…this voice ?” Ari turned it back on instantly.

“How the fuck do you do that?” He stared at Ari, eyes wide. That voice was so…flirtatious. Enticing. Irresistible. It was like rain in a desert, fulfilling a need he didn’t know he had. But…this was Ari. The stupid adventurer who had come to his town to fuck things up. He narrowed his eyes at them.

“Training,” Ari slapped his hand away, then reached up to adjust their ponytail like he wasn’t even there. Their voice had returned to that even speech pattern the capital was so famous for all too quickly. How could they just…cut it off so quickly? What even was that? Did everyone from the capital do this? No, no one he’d been around in the capital during his apprenticeship had been so…tricky…hard to pin down.

“What kind of fucked up training taught you that?”

“Just what you said. Some fucked up training.” Ari sighed again. “My mother wanted to make sure I would score a man if my betrothed gave up on me.”

“Betrothed?” March’s eyes went wide. Ari was betrothed to someone? Wait, shit. He couldn’t get distracted with this. He couldn’t– “No, never mind. How do you turn it on and off.”

“Years of practice. Why, want to see more ?” Ari reached a hand to rest on his shoulder before sliding it down provocatively. The touch was light, tender even. It was too much for him.

“No!” March slapped their hand away. “God! Don’t ever do that to me again!”

“Good,” Ari let out a deep sigh, body visibly relaxing. It was like they had unshackled themselves from a heavy weight. “I hate doing that, it icks me out.”

“What,” March asked, genuinely confused by the sudden…honesty. Was it honesty? Or were they still faking? He leaned toward thinking the latter. “It icks you out? Then why do it?”

“Jobs,” Ari rolled their eyes, moving to rest their hand on their hip. “I had a few jobs where I had to seduce some people. I was the only femme presenting guild member after all. But I HATE doing that, March. It’s so fake and disgusting. That’s not me.”

“That’s not you? Really now…” March could spot a lie when he saw one.

“March, really. I’m not like that. I was raised to be like that. I’m not like that anymore. It disgusts me.”

He paused, looking a the small adventurer before him. They were short, he noticed. Really short. The top of their head just barely reaching the bottom of his neck. He paused, taking in this new information. Eyes like obsidian, hair like amethyst. Short and willing to flip on that overly powerful manipulation switch at any time? That flashy smile that could blind anyone with working eyes… They’d be able to entice anyone. March shook the thought from his head. Not him. He could see right through their tricks. Anyway, they’d be gone by the end of summer. Still, he found himself asking, “then who are you, Ari?”

“I’m…me? I…I don’t know…” The question left Ari seemingly unsure. March watched as their face morphed between anger, sadness, and confusion and back again. Their hand fell back down to their side, fists clenching into tight balls.

There was a pause in the conversation before March spoke again.

“I still think you’re going to give up.”

Ari huffed before they placed their backpack on the ground and began to rustle around in it. “Whatever. Think what you want. Like I said, I’m staying until I complete my job.” They thrust something into his chest, his hands coming up automatically to grasp it. “I’m done with this conversation. See you later, March.” Ari hoisted their oversized bag onto their back and turned to walk away.

“Hopefully not.” March said, looking down at the iron ore that had been pushed upon him. More…iron…ore… He looked up again, only to see Ari’s retreating form slowly disappear into the distance.

Ari…just who were they? Giving him ore after an argument? Telling him about some of their past? No, something was off about them. He’d forced so much anger in their direction. So much hate. And they just took it. Sure, they’d gotten mad right back at him. But the fact that they still willingly talked with him. Still willingly shared some of their history with him. Still flashed that overly bright smile at him. Just what was Ari’s deal? Did they not hate him the same way he hated them?

----------

March wasn’t at the inn that night. When Ari had talked to Olric earlier in the day, he had mentioned something about a rush order that had come in later in the day. Maybe he was working on that. Oh well, didn’t matter. 

The inn was upbeat with the warmth of the people of Mistria overflowing. Ari smiled. Maybe this was becoming a home now? It felt like it. The atmosphere reminded them a bit of the guild hall. A bit more diverse of a crowd. Not as many ex-bandits and rouges. Just normal, friendly people.

Ari mingled with Elise, Juniper, and Valen at the bar. Elise reminisced about one of her many trysts with former lovers, adding that it was to be included in her book. Ari really couldn’t wait to read that. Juniper and Valen had argued a bit about the current potion that Juniper was making. Valen had commented on one of the ingredients and Juniper had gotten defensive. But Ari knew they still loved each other. It showed in their eyes. And their feet. They couldn’t help playing footsie with each other under the bar. It made Ari smile. Valen and Juniper’s relationship had been clear from the time Ari met the two.

They bid their farewells to the three women, escaping before things got more heated between Juniper and March. Last week they had gotten pretty handsy. That had been awkward.

Heading up the stairs, they went to visit the Dragonguard, the trio of children excited to see the adventurer.

“Tell us a story!” Dell urged.

“One about royalty!” Maple added.

“Well,” Ari started, lowering themselves to sit on the floor with the kids. “There was one time…”

The three squealed in delight as Ari recounted the tale of the time that they had run a job for Baroness Amina with Ginko, Guardian, and Trench. Ari had worn the heels that time, standing in as a high society acquaintance of the baroness. A group of rouges had planned to infiltrate a party that she was throwing. And it had been Ari’s job to help stop the rouges determined to grab Amina and hold her hostage. Thank goodness the rouge’s plan had been leaked to the baron and he took the action needed to protect his wife. 

He’d hired the guild to protect the baroness, Otter immediately bumping the job up to top priority and putting the most skilled guild members on the case. Ari had been selected because they were the only femme-presenting person in the guild. Trench could still play the part of a woman at the time, being assigned female at birth and just starting his transition, but Ari and most of the guild members knew it made him uncomfortable to defy his true gender. So, Ari had taken his place, dressing in the most expensive gown the baroness could have made in time. It was tailored specifically to allow for Ari’s Caldosian long sword to fit in the dress. No one even noticed until they had pulled it out to wield it.

They told the children about the sword fight that ensued. How they had guarded the baroness against the attack of one of the rouges. Trench and Ginko had fought off another four, plenty of blood being shed in the fight. Guardian had been the muscle, handling five other rouges by himself. Ari specifically left out the details of the story with the blood and death. But they remembered the way Trench’s sword had plunged into one of the rouges straight through the heart during a moment of vulnerability. It had startled the baroness and Ari had tried to shield her from it, but the echoing cry of pain that slowly faded to nothing could not be hidden.

It had taken Ari a while to fight off the one rouge intent on grabbing the baroness. Their swordsmanship had been lacking, only just having learned how to wield the long sword, a weapon they still used to this day. But they had successfully defended the noblewoman from attack. They recounted their stances to the Dragonguard, the way they had swung the sword. Sure, they left out the poor hits that didn’t quite make impact on the rouge and the blows to Ari the rouge had been awarded back. But sometimes a little embellishment and a few untold truths made the story better. Ari had been pretty badly injured during that job and had required a few days to recover. All the blood, it was terrible. They had been injured worst of all, Ginko, Guardian, and Trench knowing how to handle themselves better than Ari did.

The children were enthralled with the story. Dell frequently stopping Ari to ask questions. “Did one of the rouges die?”

“No,” Ari lied.

“I think you’re lying.” Dell had caught them, but Ari feigned ignorance.

“What kinds of weapons did they have,” Dell probed further.

“All kinds. Chains, swords, bats; anything they could use, really,” Ari answered.

“What happened to the baroness?” Maple asked, eyes wide.

“Oh, she lived happily ever after with the baron. I even got to meet their daughter last year. She was the cutest thing. They asked me to walk around on their property to make sure there weren’t any traps after she was born. I found two of them.”

“Woah, really?” Even Luc was attentive.

“Yes! I like looking for traps. It's like a puzzle.” Ari smiled at the children.

“Do you think there are any traps in Mistria?” Maple looked a bit scared at the thought.

“No way. If there were, I would know about it.” And they would. Ari had searched high and low as they journeyed around the outskirts of the town, if by instinct. They never found anything. Not like anyone in Mistria would set traps. This wasn’t the capital after all. No one was vying for power here. Well, except maybe March. But he was his own thing entirely.

“Have you ever murdered anyone?” Dell’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Of course not! No one in my guild has. That’s not what adventurers do.” Ari lied again. Of course they hadn’t killed anyone. Otter had never placed them in that position. But the other members of the guild? The ex-rouges and bandits? The ones who found a thrill in the kill? Oh, they had plenty of hits to their names. The guild’s hit list was long. They never attacked anyone who didn’t attack first through, that was the rule. And no innocent bystanders. Mostly, they only attacked bandits and rouges who had actively started harming others in the guild member’s presence. And of course, sometimes they sparked fear in the hearts of people who had hurt others. Only when hired though. Usually.

Most people in the capital knew of the underbelly of adventurers' work. The nastiness and filth of it. Most adventurers lived in relative wealth though. They were mercenaries at heart. A heavy price was levied for the expertly clean jobs they did. Otter’s faction never worked like that though. Otter was an honest man. He only put his guild in the line of fire when needed. Mostly they ran small, repetitive, menial tasks for repeat clients. Ari was good at those tasks. Several clients frequently asked for them by name. ‘I’d prefer Princess on this job.’ ‘Give me Princess.’ ‘Princess always does the best work for me.’ ‘Only Princess can sniff out what I need.’

Ari always tried their best in everything they did. It was beaten into them with a wooden sword after all. Ginko had never eased up on that, even frequently hitting Ari over the head after they had made their relationship official. It was gentler, much gentler than he hit the newer members, but it still hurt. Ari was pretty sure they had a permanent lump on the back of their head from all the times they had been ‘corrected’ by Ginko’s practice sword. They really missed Antonio. One of his strikes to the head didn’t sound so bad at the moment. The ache in their heart still hadn’t healed in the three years he’d been gone after all.

“How did you end up in Mistria? There’s no sword fighting here.” Dell puffed out their cheeks, clearly upset that Ari had ‘given up fighting’ to come to Mistria.

“I think that’s enough for today. I’ll tell you the story about the time I kicked a man in the shin next time.”

“Awe…” The three cried in unison.

“But we like your stories, Ari!” Dell crossed their arms and huffed. “Tell us more!”

“Yeah!” Luc echoed. “Tell us about the traps!”

“And maybe a story of the princess? Did you ever help the princess?” Maple eyed Ari hopefully.

“Another time,” they said as they stood. They patted the three kids on their heads before starting off toward the stairs. “Stay out of trouble or I’ll have to feed you to the mine monsters.”

“There are monsters the mines?!” Ari looked back and caught a renewed excitement flashing in Dell’s eyes.

“Next time,” Ari waved as they descended the stairs. They heard the kids excitedly giggling as they reached the bottom floor.

Balor turned around and excitedly waved at Ari, inviting them over to the far table. Ari obliged and approached the group at the table. They knew that the group was continuing last week’s session of Dragons & Drama. It had intrigued Ari the week before and they were excited to hear more of what was going on.

“Sit down, sit down,” Adeline greeted, a little bit tipsy judging by how much wine remained in her cup. “We’re just about to start the fight with the dragon!”

“So soon?” Ari sat down next to Balor.

“The stone wizard cast a spell on us and transported us right to the dragon!” Celine clapped her hands in delight. “How kind of him!”

“It was very gneiss of him.” Holt agreed. The table collectively groaned. “What’s he’s made of stone! He’s the stone wizard!”

“Back to our session.” Eiland started, drawing the attention of the table back to him. “Your party has come face to face with the dragon. He glances at each of you in turn. ‘Who dares to disturb my peaceful slumber?’ His booming voice echoes through the grand hall. ‘Speak now or you will perish.’”

“May I go,” asked Holt.

“Feel free,” Eiland said, gesturing at Holt to start.

“‘Can we just get this fight started already? This waiting to fight you is starting to drag-on!’”

“Roll for charisma,” Eiland rolled his eyes.

Holt rolled the die and frowned at the result. “It’s a one.”

“The dragon takes a step forward, flattening the pun-ny knight. He dies instantly from the pressure.” Eiland sighed.

“WHAT?!” Adeline about came out of her seat.

“That’s not fair…” Celine looked discouraged.

“Maybe Holt should have kept his puns to himself for once…” Balor huffed. “Now we’re down to three members of the party with no knight.”

Ari looked between the five at the table. They didn’t know anything about Dragons & Drama. It seemed interesting, but they had a feeling that the group wouldn’t like their ideas. After all, Ari’s idea would have been to try and trick the dragon. To toy and play games with its mind. Then strike when it was confused. It was about strategy after all. But Ari didn’t want to think like that anymore. At least for the time they stayed in Mistria. They had decided to be honest here, even before stepping foot into the town.

“May I roll for attack?” Celine looked to Eiland.

“Go ahead.” Eiland held out his hand to Celine.

Celine rolled her die. “I-it’s a twenty!”

“A nat twenty?!” Eiland’s eyes widened.

“What do I get?” Celine’s tone was gleeful. She was enjoying this.

“Feel free to end it. Your choice. However you want to do this.” Eiland looked at his notes.

“Really?!” Her eyes widened. “I…don’t know how…”

“Stab it!” Adeline slammed her fist on the table. She was fully gone at this point, with no more than a single drop remaining in her cup.

“I-I don’t want to hurt it.” Celine winced at the thought.

“Befriend it,” Holt said. “A friend-ly attack.”

The table groaned. Ari let out a huff of a laugh. They had to admit, they liked Holt’s puns.

“I’ll befriend it then! ‘Hello dragon, I would like to be your friend! My party and I only seek your wisdom on an ancient text.’’ ”

“The dragon speaks in a low voice. ‘What is the text you seek to understand?’ ” Eiland changed his voice to a much raspier tone, mimicking that of what the dragon would sound like.

Ari laughed at the party at the table. “I will take that as my leave then. I want to hear what happens to the adventurers next week though. Thanks for letting me listen in.”

“You’ll play with us next campaign, right,” Balor asked.

“Next campaign,” Ari agreed as they stood and waved. They walked to the next table. They were going to make sure to talk to most everyone tonight. They had been so focused on running errands all week, they had barely had time to socialize.

“Mind if I join?” Ari walked over to the table where Olric, Nora, Hayden, Errol, Ryis, and Terithia sat.

“Please do! We are just about to start a new round.” Errol replied, pointing at the cards loosely packed into a half-hearted attempt at an organized deck.

Ari sat down at the end of the table between Terithia and Nora. They “What’s the game?”

“Poker! Olric beamed. “I’ve never played before, I’m just joining this week!”

“Have you played before,” Nora asked.

“Of course! It’s frowned upon in the capital, for the most part. Though I’ve played more than my fair share of games.” Ari replied.

“Frowned upon? They don’t know what they are missing!” Hayden exclaimed with a laugh.

“What’s at stake? Tesserae?” Ari asked sheepishly. They didn’t exactly have much left after buying more seeds and the barn’s blueprint.

“Oh, no!” Nora said. “We just play for fun. No real Tesserae bet here. Ryis is dealing this round.”

“Though sometimes if someone wins enough, they get a drink on the table,” Terithia added. “I’m looking forward to my free beer tonight.”

“I don’t know, Terithia. Errol looks like he is ready to play.” Ryis let out a laugh, turning to the man. “You beat us all last week”

“It was just a stoke of luck,” Errol said with a smile.

“I’m gonna steal that luck of yours this week, Errol.” Terithia smirked, taking a sip of her beer.

“Sounds like we’re ready then!” Nora clapped her hands to get the attention of the table. “Antes in!”

Everyone put their antes into the pot and Ryis shuffled the cards before looking around the table and asking, “Ready?”

“No more talking, just deal.” Terithia said.

Ryis dealt the cards, handing each player 5 cards in turn. Errol went first, placing one chip in the pot. Hayden and Olric called, matching Errol’s bet. Terithia let out a tiny huff of a laugh. She raised, placing down three chips. Ari matched the bet, as did Nora.

The first round of discards took place and things progressed from there. Every round, Terithia upped her bet. What was her game? Was she bluffing? Ari didn’t know.

They looked at their cards, nine, two, seven, king, and king. If they could draw another king, it would be a three of a kind. Nothing spectacular. But if they could just hold out, if they could just bluff a little. They looked around the table. Everyone except Ryis stared at their own cards in observation. Ari didn’t say anything, instead forcing their mouth into the lightest frown. Terithia looked up. She locked in on Ari, eyes narrowing.

The table went through another round of discards and draws. Ari took just one card, replacing the seven. ‘A king,’ they thought as they pulled, “just give me a king!’’ They took the card slowly, raising it to their hand. A king! A rush of excitement filled Ari, but they continued to frown, no break in their bluff.

“Well,” Nora sighed. I fold. She placed her cards face down in the discard pile.

“Me too,” Hayden chucked before putting his cards on the table. “My cards were about as useless as a lash egg.”

Terithia looked between Olric and Ari, suspicion painted over her face. After a moment, she sighed and placed her cards in the discard pile. “You kids got me.”

Errol followed suit.

Ari looked to Olric. “Sounds like a showdown to me.”

“A what?” Olric looked confused, glancing between the members of the table.

“It’s just when you show your cards,” Nora said.

Ari placed their hand on the table, cards face up. “Three of a kind.”

Olric placed his cards down. “What does this mean?” Ari looked at his cards. A straight flush. They could have groaned.

“It means you win!” Terithia laughed. “Better luck next time, Ari.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ari waved a hand in defeat.

They played a few more rounds, Olric clearly winning his drink of choice for the night. His bluff never faltered, not once. Either he was telling the truth that he hadn’t played before, or he was REALLY good a bluffing.

Ari sighed, getting up from their seat. “I give up.” They had always done well at the guild, but they weren’t a pro. They were glad that things were just for fun here. It made things so much easier.

“I’ll take your spot!” Eiland came up behind them. “I’m going to take that drink tonight.”

“Too late,” Ryis sighed. “Olric already took it. Are you SURE you haven’t played before,” Ryis asked as he turned to Olric.

“Never in my life,” Olric beamed. Ah, there was that cheery smile of his. It suited him. His demeanor was the complete opposite of March’s. It baffled them how one brother could be an uplifting ball of sunshine and the other could be, well, March. Ari rolled their eyes as they turned and waved a hand at the table.

“Next week?” Terithia called to Ari as they started to walk to the bar.

“Sure thing,” Ari called over their shoulder as they took a seat next to Celine at the bar. “I’ll make sure to bring my a-game next week though.”

“We’ll be looking forward to it,” Errol replied.

“Good game?” Celine smiled as she turned to face Ari. She’d moved to the bar after the game of Dragons & Drama had ended. She had a pink drink in her hand, adorned with a hydrangea petal.

“Olric is a nightmare to win again!” Ari laughed. “And he said he’s never even played before!”

Reina came up to join the pair from the other side of the bar, placing a plate of sesame balls in front of Ari and Celine. “Try them! They’re really good!”

Celine took one of the balls and bit into it. Her eyes widened as she nodded her head enthusiastically. 

“I think I have a moment to chat,” Reina said as she leaned against the bar. “Everyone’s been served. Dad’s handling the drinks tonight anyway.”

“How did that new recipe turn out?” Celine took a sip of her drink. “This is lovely, by the way. And the sesame balls too!”

“I’m glad you like it!” Reina grinned. “Ari, that petal is from one of the hydrangeas that you shipped the other day. I thought it was beautiful, too beautiful to pass up! I made dad use it in the drinks tonight.”

“Oh really?” Ari followed Celine’s lead and took a sip of their drink as well. “Wow, this is really good!”

“Thanks! That drink recipe turned out well! With all the fresh stuff you have been shipping Ari, I have never had so many recipes on my mind! I think I’ll call that new recipe with your produce summer salad. When your next harvest of corn and tomatoes comes in, let me know and I’ll make it for you.”

“Oh, that would be so nice! I can’t wait to try it.” Ari took one of the sesame balls from the plate and popped it into their mouth. The warm pastry split open as they bit down, a familiar flavor exploding on their tongue. “Black beans?”

“Yes! I imported them from the capital!”

“So good!” Ari brought a hand up to their face and sighed.

“Oh, Celine, how is that flower of yours growing,” Reina asked as she turned to Celine. “The seed that you and Ari found together.”

“Well…” Celine deflated a bit. “It still hasn’t sprouted. I’m worried that it will mold at this rate.”

“I’m sure Ari could come by and take a look, right? You’re so great with plants!”

Ari chuckled. “I’m just trying my best. And I would be happy to come look at it, Celine.”

“Thank you so much!” Celine’s smile returned. “Does tomorrow morning work ok for you?”

“Of course! I just have to tend to the garden and Sage for a bit.” Ari took another sip of their drink. “But then I will be right over. Maybe around 9 am?”

“Oh, that’s right! You got a cow from Hayden didn’t you,” Reina asked.

“Yeah, she’s a cutie too,” Ari answered. “If only she wouldn’t poop so much though. I stepped in some this morning and Hayden laughed at me. The embarrassment!”

The trio giggled. They chatted for a while, talking about everything under the sun. Ari’s cow Sage, Luc and Maple’s insistence on not trying any of Reina’s dishes with broccoli, Dell’s recent interest in specifically dragon-based stories, Ari’s incident with March…

“What?! He said that?” Reina’s jaw gapped.

“Yeah,” Ari sighed. “He’s so difficult!”

“He’s always been a bit...spirited,” Celine said, taking Ari’s hand and giving it a quick squeeze before letting go.

“I just don’t get it. He is the only person in town who is openly hostile with me.” Ari rested their head in their hands momentarily before lifting their head again and running their fingers through their hair.

“He warms up to people eventually.” Reina let out a breath. “It just takes a while.”

“When he and Olric moved in,” Celine added, “he didn’t talk to me for 3 seasons straight.”

“Thanks for listening, you guys. It means a lot.” Ari fiddled with their drink a bit, twirling the stem of the glass in their hands. It had been years since they had female friends. They missed it more than they had thought apparently.

“Of course!” Reina smiled softly. “We’re so glad to have you here!”

“I’m glad to be here.” And Ari really was.

“It’s getting late,” Celine murmured. “I think we better head home, Ari.”

The inn had emptied out a bit in the past 15 minutes or so. It really was getting late.

“Sure, I’ll walk you to your house, Celine,” Ari said.

“Oh, thank you so much!” Celine got up from her seat and Ari followed her lead.

“Have a good night! You two get home safe!” Reina waved from her spot behind the bar.

“Good night!” Ari and Celine called in unison as they walked out the doors of the inn, starting on the path home. They discussed the latest book they had read together as they walked in the dark. The moon was out, so it wasn’t too hard to see. Celine’s house was just down the stairs from Mistria.

“The male lead was so gentle and kind,” Celine said, practically swooning. “I hope to find someone like that one day.”

“I’m sure you will, Celine!” Ari smiled as they walked down the stairs. “I saw Hayden looking your way tonight a few times.”

“W-what?!” Celine raised her hands to her face.

Ari snorted at her reaction.

“Ari!” Celine was clearly flustered.

“What,” Ari asked, laughing outright now. “I’m not lying, he was!”

“We…can discuss this in the morning.” The brightness of the full moon betrayed Celine, clearly highlighting her flushed face.

“Ok, ok. See you tomorrow morning!” Ari raised their hand in a gentle wave as they continued down the path to their cabin.

“See you then!” Celine disappeared into her house.

Ari got in bed that night with a smile on their face. Tomorrow was a new day in Mistria.

----------

Author's Note:

Hey y’all! Shimmer here! I do not understand poker, whoops. I had a ton of fun with the inn scenes. It was nice to have Ari just interact with people. I tried not to have them talk about their past too much, but it came out anyway. Ugh. I see adventures more as hired hands for dirty tasks sometimes. Mercenaries, if you will. Little bit…uh…graphic at times, but that’s just how I see it. Also, three cheers for sword pockets in dresses! The next chapter might be a few days, I have some organizing of information to do. Thanks for reading <3

[vvatchword]

Uprising: Black Scrapbook Hub

Summary

Bits and pieces from my BioShock epfic of Jack Wynand, Johnny Topside, Eleanor Lamb, Dr. Sofia Lamb, and many other brutal motherfuckers. Lots of first draft nonsense. Some of it won't ever be used. Listed in chronological order.

Rating

R Content warnings: Extreme violence, swearing, -isms and -phobias, sexual violence

Notes

Consider this work as Creative Commons 4.0 BY-NC-SA. Feel free to translate, podfic, fanbind, MST, or otherwise reinterpret this work as long as you give me credit, link to the original, and do not profit off of the venture.

I’m fine with criticism—most especially when you catch factual mistakes. It’s very big and very old and I ain’t affordin’ no editors anytime soon, so I see that kind of thing as a huge favor.

And thank you for reading. You don’t have to be here. I appreciate you and all your time.

Uprising Chapters

PART II: UPRISING

The story of Rapture, from founding to failure.

What Things We Have Done Frank Fontaine was really hoping ADAM production could be amped up by milking cows for it. Instead, he gets... this.

PART III: ONLY MAN

The tragedy of Johnny Topside. Prequel to BioShock 2.

Gimmicks Johnny Topside's Rapture debut goes off without a hitch. OR DOES IT

Hobnobbers Johnny Topside ain't scott-free after all. Features Frank Fontaine, Augustus Sinclair, and an original character talking shit.

Protection Dr. Lamb opens a business in Pauper's Drop.

Burning Dr. Lamb beholds the face of god.

Metamorphosis Dr. Lamb writes her first best-selling book.

From on High Dr. Lamb begins to sink her claws into Pauper's Drop.

Bailout Augustus Sinclair and Andrew Ryan address the elephant in the room... albeit obliquely. (Topclair.)

A Game Augustus Sinclair wants Johnny Topside to put out, and he won't take no for an answer.

Someone Else's Dream Subject Delta hates the theater. Too bad he's the star attraction.

The King Is Dead (Long Live the King) Sinclair bets on the wrong horse.

Sleeper Subject Delta can't protect his Little Sister forever.

PART IV: CITY OF WORMS

Jack Wynand and the story of BioShock 1.

Take the Head Jack Wynand lives an ordinary life. I'm sure it will be boring forever and nothing will ever go wrong at any point

PART VI: THOSE WITHOUT FACES

Subject Delta and the story of BioShock 2.

What Is Mine, What Is Left Subject Delta comes back from the dead and doesn't much like it. Warning: extreme violence.

A New Thing Mark Meltzer finally gets to meet Augustus Sinclair. Eleanor Lamb has a few things to say. Delta probably wishes she'd choose a different way to say them.

PART VIIII: LONG BROWN EVENING

BioShock 2 sequel. Everybody lives, nobody dies... but problems are eternal.

Who We Were We're all monsters here.

Brother Jack The return of Jack.

Slow Drive Delta walks to Sinclair's house and freaks out some dogs. (Topclair.)

Main Menu

Uprising Menu

Black Scrapbook You are here

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VII

Part VIII

Part VIIII

Uprising Non-Tumblr Hubs

AO3

Fanfiction.net

deviantArt

Pillowfort

Wattpad

NeoCities

Gopherhole

Non-Uprising Hubs on Tumblr

A Summer for Saya

Mud-on-Her-Face

[tia-amorosa]

Sunset Died - Bunch Family (2)

At the hospital, Judy has an interesting conversation with Yumi. "I was at the town hall two days ago and handed in my Testament. "/"oh, I thought you would have done that a long time ago"/"no, when my son was still alive, I hadn't given it much thought. But now… It's important to me that Sam is well when I'm gone. I don't want him to end up in an orphanage or with the wrong people.“.

"and who did you have in mind instead? would you like to hand over guardianship to someone?"/ "yes,… things are going very well for the little one at the moment, Morgana and her husband are taking very good care of him…". Judy raised her eyebrows with a smile. "The two of them?"/ "mhm. And I really hope he'll be fine. Besides, I don't think it will be long before they have a family of their own." Judy had to smile a little. "my goodness, the things you notice, hnhn…".

"Well, it's unavoidable to hear something in this house that you shouldn't necessarily hear. But I very much hope that they will accept my wish"/ "I hope so… And if not, I'm sure we'll find another solution, you won't be alone, Sam"/ "I'd at least like to see my son's gravestone given a good place in the cemetery"/ "You will, I promise".

Later, while the children are busy with themselves and the wife is on her way home, Jack takes care of the garden. It's a miracle that the blast didn't tear the apple trees out of the ground. The ones he had planted before his children were born. "I might have to get rid of the weeds".

It's just after 8 p.m. when Judy arrives back home. And Jack is always happy when she's back. Since his accident, he has been concentrating more on his family and getting to know and appreciate his wife again. "it's good to have you home again".

"I always come home, Jack"/ "I know. But since this thing, I've just become a bit more sensitive. It's almost embarrassing… I'm actually in the military and I'm used to other things. I've seen comrades die… And friends here…"/ "And I'm still here. I need your help, Jack, or rather Morgana and Jamie".

They sat down together on the sofa. "What's wrong with them?"/ "There's nothing wrong with them, but they would like to expand their equipment for the infirmary. They found an intact X-ray machine in the cellar under the old hospital. But it doesn't work without electricity…"/ "mhm, that's logical, yes"…

"They would need a generator to get the thing running. and they would only ever switch it on when they really need it. After that, it's turned off again, to save gas, of course"/ "finding a generator isn't the hardest thing, but gas?"/ "maybe at the old gas station? It can't all have been burnt there"/ "no".

"It's been a while, there was a rumor that they had found an underground pipe through which the petrol was pumped out of the filling station and diverted"/ "and where to?"/ "The old warehouse,…they've probably already sold it all on the black market"/ "do you think? Maybe there are still some leftovers there…"/ "Nobody drives here by car anymore anyway".

"That doesn't have to mean anything, Jack. There's bound to be something else. Can't you check?"/ "hmm…"/ "Or ask Xander. He may have chosen the wrong side, but he's got his heart in the right place… He works there"/ "Well, you can't call it work either… OK, is there still time until tomorrow?"/ "Sure. I'll make us dinner now".

While Judy is preparing dinner, her son can come to her. "Couldn't Holly stay?"/ "No, she wanted to be a decent daughter and sleep between mommy and daddy again."/ "She's not really doing that?"/ "No, of course not,… What are you making?"/ "Cheese noodles"/ "with that disgusting milk powder? Oh man… Do you know what would be important here? A few cows"/ "and where should we get them?"/ "yeah… good question…".

The day draws to a close and night falls. Lisa managed to be home in time for dinner. She was supposed to be home earlier, but… As is the case with teenagers, they always find it hard to get away from each other.

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

End of Part 2

@greenplumbboblover 💓

Poses by @poses-by-bee 🥰

[flowerprincesscherryblossom]

Fair warning: I am writing this only because I want to get this off my chest. I don't care if you agree with me, disagree with me, or want to yell random words at me (if you want to do any of those, my asks, messages, and replies to this post are open to anyone). Got that? Good.

BTS HAS TO LET THE GRAMMYS GO!!! I'm being serious. LET IT GO! BTS has been in this song and dance with the Grammys since 2019 with BWL and has, at this point, become nothing more than a weird obsession that makes everyone involved incredibly desperate and with insane levels of cope in their bloodstream.

So BTS didn't get nominated for an award show that nobody gives a shit about anyway - big deal, you'll live.

The Grammys don't like boy bands, they never have and that's what BTS is to them - a boy band.

Backstreet Boys and NSYNC were barely recognized by them back in the day. One Direction and Queen (who isn't a boy band in case anyone needed remembering) never got a Grammy.

Why would you think that a non-English boy band, whose songs are all predominantly in non-English and with very little radio play partly because of that, who are better known because of their fanbase/the noise around them, would stand a chance? BTS is popular mostly due to word of mouth, they have the hype but that doesn't equal commercial success - also pop music isn't something that is awarded based on merit or quality, make of that what you will.

I'd love to know who in the goddamn company is this obsessed with the Grammys.

Like seriously, review this a little bit (good chance I didn't get everything): 2022 - Namjoon said that he didn't care/was done with them after Butter lost 2023 - Yet to Come and My Universe get nominations but no wins (BTS also don't attend the show and the reason given was the military enlistment) 2024 - according to Billboard Magazine 2024 Grammy Issue Indigo was submitted to the nominations, no nominations of any kind were present 2025 - Jungkook, Jimin, Namjoon, and Taehyung all submit their works, get zero nominations

For a band who said they don't care anymore, they sure do love to submit their work to the thing they don't care about, don't they 🙄?

Again, I'd love to know who is this obsessed with the glorified toy that you can probably buy on Amazon for cheap.

Namjoon needs to let the fucking Grammys go. Yoongi needs to let the fucking Grammys go. It has reached the point where, instead of coming across as a goal for their hard work, it comes across more as a way to fight whatever insecurity they have and that's why they are so desperate for it (like a child who wants to be told they are a good kid who did a good work if you will).

HYBE needs to let the fucking Grammys go. At this point they'll destroy the group for a shitty Grammy, while at the same time slapping the BTS name onto everything so they can keep selling it to the masses because they sure do love milking their cash cows, don't they?

ARMY needs to let the fucking Grammys go. ARMY has this collective obsession with making BTS win every asinine award thrown their way and it's nothing short of embarrassing and pathetic. Like, it's really good if the boys do amazing and get rewarded for it, no problem from me on that. But seriously, we need to calm down with the amount of obsession we have with meaningless/pointless awards.

And God forbid if BTS doesn't win or doesn't get nominated, then the fandom can get so tiresome and petty.

How many times have we seen someone say some of the following whenever one of the two happens: "they're biased against k-pop/BTS" "who cares, those awards are meaningless anyway" "look at all the other awards BTS won" "BTS doesn't need XYZ but XYZ needs BTS"

It's even worse when another group is the one who wins, like, holy shit, some of the things that ARMY will say. "they won because BTS wasn't there" "it's an attendance award" "BTS is so kind they give them charity awards"

Like, Jesus Christ, do we need to discredit and bring down other groups/fandoms on their hard work and struggles, while trying to boost up our group/fandom with our hard work and struggles? Way to be a hypocrite (then again, several ARMY have no problem being hypocrites when it comes to payola 🤔)

This is what I mean by cope - also, no ARMY, the Grammys don't need you or BTS for viewership numbers. Even if all of us watched the show from beginning to end, we'd only be making a tiny dent in those low numbers.

And before someone comments: Yes, not all of ARMY does this. Yes, ARMY isn't the only fandom that does this. I know that I'm not an idiot.

That's not the point here.

The point is that BTS, HYBE, and ARMY need to calm the fuck down when it comes to awards, they literally mean neither jack nor shit when it comes to the amount of work an artist puts into their craft.

So what if BTS doesn't win/gets nominated for a Grammy? Who cares? Is that all that matters? Maybe they'll win one in the future when the time comes. Stuff like this happens all the time, it's nothing new.

What doesn't help the situation is the level of desperation and cope from the three parties involved which ends up doing more harm than good.

HYBE needs to calm down when it comes to pushing for every goddamn BTS release to be on the Grammys. Stop it, it's not gonna happen no matter how hard you try okay? Stop it.

BTS needs to calm down when it comes to pushing for every release of theirs to be on the Grammys and then being mad when it doesn't work in their favor.

And they to stop doing this stupid thing of: submits work to grammys -> gets nominated -> doesn't win -> gets upset about it -> submits work to grammys next year or submits work to grammys -> doesn't get nominated -> gets upset about it -> submits work to grammys next year

At this point, they act more like children throwing a temper tantrum because they didn't get the stupid toy they wanted, than grown-ass adults taking a loss in stride. They can be pretty petty on this shit too.

ARMY needs to calm down when it comes to giving them every goddamn award win that exists under the sun, it doesn't help the way you think it does, and getting mad when you don't get what you think BTS deserve just makes you look like a bunch of children with bad tempers.

Does anyone remember the phrase: "the road to hell is paved with good intentions"?

That's all I have to say on this matter, now I'll go back to writing.

[pinkpuppp]

Are the space cow idols a species or something? Are we allowed to make our own OCs? Would you ever show how they work (anatomy, magic, etc)? Sorry for all the questions. 🌸

Hi hi!! I guess they count as a species? Of course you're allowed to make your own OCs though!! I just would think it's cute and would appreciate taggin back to me/credit so I can see 'cause I love seein' folks OCs and stuff!

Basically, every star in the universe is a space cow based on a type of milk! So like Starberry= Strawberry milk, Choccostar= Chocolate milk, Starnana= Banana milk, Milkstar= Plain milk! So if you ever want to make a space idol cow OC just have some cow features and make it based off a type of milk! Like you could make one based on almond milk or some crazy flavor like cookies and cream milk! In my story they all have an idol form which is just how they look in space: typically hair up, cute outfit! if they land on a planet with life by someone wishing upon their star/visiting/crashing then their hair typically comes down and they can wear whatever!

For anatomy they always have some cow features! Starberry and Milkstar have hooves, they have cow ears of varying types, etc. They also have heart shaped tails! Plain milk is the only type with two tails! Though they also have canine features, like sharp teeth/fangs, like Starberry's hands or Choccostar's feet! Milkstar has only cow features, no canine since plain milk! Starnana has mixes of canine and hooves for his feet and hands! They are all males and no female stars exist, though they can have both/either male and female anatomy cuz space rules! They also form themselves based on what lifeforms exist in their galaxy! So since my space cows live near humans, they mimic the human form! If they lived near some typical alien species they'd mimic those instead! So if they lived for example: near a planet of mothmen they'd look like mothmen.... mothmen space cow idols.

Oh and the only reason Milkstar is ghost themed is because well, he's dying! He accidentally crashed onto Earth and if a star cow doesn't get back to their home (their physical star in space) they slowly die out. His cow spots is actually space parts from him fading away! He's stuck on Earth because no one made a wish for him and he crashed so he has no way out. Starberry is stuck too! Belle made a wish and forgot what it was and since no one has wished upon Starberry before they don't know what the wish is. Every star has themed wishes: like Choccostar grants love themed wishes if someone makes a love themed wish while eating a bunch of chocolate. Once Belle does remember though, Starberry will fulfill the wish and head back to space and Belle will forget everything!

Magic wise they can do a lot! On planets they can just poof whatever clothes on they want (not in space, they keep their idol forms in there unless they are filming a music video and make a contract with higher space beings to wear certain outfits for those.) they can change their weight and chest shape! They do not have the ability to change their height though! Stars can be born with both female or male anatomy, they cannot change what they are born with but they are all males anyway! Stars are born through just appearing! They aren't really born or anything. Also only people who make a wish can see stars/space entities until the wish is completed!

Sorry that was a bunch gkfdhgkd but I hope I helped! :0

[sims-inmymouth]

Delilah Five - Ep. Six

Jan 19, 20XX

It’s snowing! The first snowfall since last December! Tamah came back two days ago with the supplies she found (a bunch of lumber and wooden parts. The most unique thing she found was a typewriter, but it's broken and we don’t have any paper. Well, besides my diary, but that’s off limits). She came back with a massive grin, and when we looked outside, the whole farm was covered in snow!

I love snow! Winter’s my favorite season, because Christmas comes around, and everything gets all cozy. I’m already excited for Christmas, and it hasn’t even been a month since Santa came around! The storm was intense that morning, so we stayed in and huddled by my new radio, listening to the forecasts. A big storm was expected to come through, but just some snow showers until then. Hossannah made mushroom soup for lunch, and when that was over, the snow had finally stopped enough to where we could go outside!

We had the most INTENSE snowball fight. Turns out that Tamah knows her stuff! She loves snow just as much as I do, and she’s COMPETITIVE with it. During the snowball fight, she accidentally nailed Hossannah right in the face! She had to go in after that, and we decided to follow to keep her company.

Now, this part is just as unexpected as it was when it actually happened. We were all warming up by the fire, and Theodora stoked up the flames a bit. And then the carpet caught fire. And then Theo's pant leg. Theo was on fire.

That was incredibly hard to watch. She was okay - she extinguished herself - but she was shaken up. She spent a few hours by herself. Eventually, she said she just wanted to forget about it and go out in the snow again. Hossannah comforted her and hugged her. It was awkward, a really long hug, but they seemed to like it.

Closer to dinner time, we all went back in the snow! Hossannah and Theodora made a snowman together! I made a snowlady with an orange slice and three raspberries. I, of course, made snow angels. Tamah fed the cows. Hey, someone's still gotta work.

We were out there all evening. Once Tamah had finished the chores, she hid herself in a little corner and made a massive pile of snowballs. Oh, yes. The war had actually begun. It was Tamah and Theodora on one team, the other Hossannah and I. Tamah and Theodora cheated because they used WATER BALLOONS. I mean seriously, who does that??

We got some good shots in, but it was all in vain. No, this time Tamah nailed ME in the face! I fell right over!

That hurt a lot, but nature exacted revenge on Tamah. She woke up this morning with a cold, probably from running around in the snow for 8, 9 hours? She woke up coughing and shivering, but that didn’t stop her from milking the cows and finishing the rest of her farmhand farmer duties. Even though she plays dirty, I hope she feels better soon. It’s midday now, and now that she’s finished all her work, she’s taking a nap on the couch. Hossannah checked her forehead, and she thinks it's a fever. We checked what we could see of her for bites, and there were none to be seen. At least she's not a zombie.

Oh yea. Zombies. You know, with all the fun yesterday, I didn't really think about Abana. I haven't gotten the chance to plant a fruit tree for her, ya know, with all the snow, but I will as soon as the weather gets warmer. Only a few more months until springtime. We could have something growing by the summer.

I felt a lot better yesterday. I think if I keep myself busy, I won't have to think about the zombies and everything. That should work, right? If I stay moving, what I did can't come back to me. It has to work.

Here's a drawing I did of Tamah smacking me in the face with a snowball. Theodora caught me drawing it, and she was a little bit pissed.

Yours,

Ruth Givens

[gainprincess]

Hmmmm, how long has it been since Musashi emptied her boobs?

Does Summer Musashi help her or does she need to empty hers out as well?

"W-Well...Ahh...that's not super important, r-right?"

Saber Musashi attempts to cover her chest with her pudgy, fat-swollen arms, despite the fact that she is most definitely far too busty for that, shyly giggling. The truest testament possible to the wandering swordswoman's greed, her obscenely obese melons are likely twice the size of her head, rest atop her swollen, wobbling gut full of chili and hotdogs, and wobble as if they've just been smacked with the most violent amount of force possible for someone Musashi's size, despite not being touched at all.

Even if they didn't, the flustered samurai's udders, sloshing and slorshing so loud that one could hear them in a mosh pit, give away the fact that she's been backed up for far too long, and that the rivulets of liquid trailing down her top, dark and thick, are most definitely the result of Musashi's rich tittymilk.

"I-I might need a little help..."

"Well, I'd be happy to help you out, Saber! That's the best part of there being two of us, yeah? We won't have to worry about this getting out and making us all embarrassed!~"

Berserker slowly waddles over, carrying a pair of large buckets in her tubby hands. She's equally as busty as her Saber self, and just as obese, which you'd think would be fairly obvious. After all, no matter what kind of class she is, Miyamoto Musashi is practically made to be a gluttonous cow of a woman that stuffs herself ever-so-relentlessly...

As she draws close to her backed-up self, who's gotten onto her knees and hands at this point, belly pooling across the ground and udders nearly mashing against it as well...Saber realizes something.

"Hey, waaaaiiitt...You're not sloshing! Don't tell me you...!"

"Ehehe...yep! My super-cute girlfriend totally helped me out by milking me before I came here!~ She's got suuuch nice hands, and she's really thirsty all the time, so I'm drained out entirely twice a week, and she milks me once a day!~"

As she gets down into a similar sort of position, balancing herself on her gut instead of her hands and knees, and hefts one of Sabersashi's milkers into one of the industrial-grade buckets (made for holding mass quantities of tar and crude oil), the robe-wearing Servant grumbles, moving her top aside so the rest of her strained, swollen boobflesh floooppppsss on out.

"That's so not fair...I want a super cute guy or girl that'll milk me too! How come you got a girlfriend before I got someone?! You're, like, an offshoot of me!"

As Berserker sinks her fatty fingers into Saber's left udder, squeezing gently as she massages the swollen, needy breast, the OG Musashi moans, bucking her hips in an attempt to help coax some of the thick boob-cream from her breasts.

A slow, but constant, flood of white liquid starts leaking from Musashi's heavy left tit, draining right into the massive bucket beneath her. It smells sweet and fattening as it hits the bottom of the container, and Berserker's almost tempted to get a taste, but holds off as she continues the dutiful massaging.

"I'm sure you'll definitely find someone, me! I mean, you're a total catch, and with boobies like ours, there's no way someone doesn't wanna wife you up already! I mean, I met my girlfriend randomly in the hall one day, and we just kept spiraling after all that!"

"W-Well, I mean, your girlfriend's pretty special or something, yeah? I dunno if anyone's trippin' over themselves to date me, but I appreciate the thought!"

"She's totally the best, you mean! The most totally epic Summer Berserker ever (besides me)! But I wouldn't count yourself out just yet!"

She gives an especially rough yank after her words, causing Saber to moan out again as the obese cow's breast starts flooding milk into the bucket at high speed.

"I bet there's someone waiting just out of your line of vision, waiting to hang out and fall in love with you!"

The two continue their milking, the sounds of groaning and chatting and mooing echoing through Sabersashi's bathroom for the next few hours as the delicate and deliberate progress continues.

This is fun. They're having fun.

[cozysimschallenge]

Dear diary,

It's been a while again. I keep meaning to update more often but life keeps us busy and I keep forgetting or choosing to do something else instead.

EVERYTHING has been breaking. Sometimes repeatedly. That is the danger you face when you buy an old house with old plumbing and wiring I suppose, but my gods has Pistachio had to run around looking for replacement parts and new tools and instructions on how to fix this or that. He refuses quite happily to call a maintenance worker for help. He has found his favourite thing to do and it turns out to be repairing broken things. I'm sure that there's a metaphor for himself and his family's damages in there somewhere but I don't press it.

His little garden has also started to produce crops. It's WONDERFUL to cook with fresh herbs straight from our own front porch! And eggs from our own coop and milk from our own cow and honey from our own hive!

Speaking of the hive, we are now connected on a strange deep level that I can't describe, one that still tugs on a long-forgotten period of my past. They swarm on me when I so wish and it freaks Pistachio out (they are protective of me so they may be a bit aggressive around him) - but they pollinate his plants, so he deals with it just as long as I make sure I don't have bees on me when I'm close to him. Kisses or woohoo with a bee interfering isn't a great time and only ends up in someone getting stung (or reflexively getting slapped in my case when Pistachio sees something crawling on me all of a sudden), and a dead bee.

Sometimes I think I understand what they're singing and dancing about and find myself humming with them. I keep craving their honey on everything, and sometimes eat it straight from the jar and then get sick because it's too much sugar and sweetness.

We've laid the foundations for a greenhouse, but the greenhouse itself has to wait still. We're running low on funds again so we have to wait until after these kids are born - thank goodness for being self-sufficient in a lot of simple things already.

I heard of a beast keeper in the woods who sells animal clothes and wanted to buy something nice for Mielikki, but couldn't afford it yet. I'll have to come back another time and trade some honey and crops for it. If I have time and remember. My brain is like a sieve lately. Pistachio caught me carrying one of the chicken somewhere and when he asked me what I was doing, I honestly couldn't tell him. I don't think I meant to take the chicken with me but just... forgot to put it back down. Kim says that the twins are holding my braincells hostage and she may be right.

I have also taken up a habit of visiting town and getting a snack at the pub. Tentatively trying to be a part of the community. I always come home ready to burst out of my skin and crawl under the bed to be away from people, but I'm slowly getting used to it. Starting to remember faces and names. People are recognising me and starting to register me as a neighbour instead of an outsider. It feels nice when I'm not being anxious about it.

My favourite thing to get at the pub is their mushroom soup, though I seem to have trouble eating it correctly sometimes. It's weird - it's like my body slips a little sideways of reality, and I don't interact with it correctly even though I THINK I am - in this case spooning the soup out of thin air and being able to eat it fine. I don't think anyone noticed, but I have to be careful. Pistachio also likes visiting there, sometimes with me and sometimes alone. They serve a plasma drink there that's easy for him to grab when he's feeling thirsty.

Oh! And we saw the strange creature again the other day - this time stealing eggs from the coop. Pistachio was so angry and told it to drop the flapping egg. He got a closer look at it than I have before it shambled away, and he says it looks like a really fucked up old fox, but just... walking around. Its head is bent all the way back like its neck is broken, and its limbs are stretched and stiff, and the spine crooked. It still makes that horrible cracking noise. It didn't seem to want to be near Stash, but I still have a bad feeling about it. I don't like it.

The pregnancy has been going well and seems to follow the usual sim pregnancy timetable. I've had more time to enjoy it and pay attention to how I feel and how it feels, and come to be in touch with my own body in a new way. There's been some nausea and heartburn and a LOT of back pain, but Stash has been a godsend with that, giving me back rubs and massages any time I ask. He's been really attentive throughout the whole thing and has calmed down now that he's seen that it's entirely fine. Sometimes I feel like he can't keep his hands away from me and my belly. It fascinates him and he likes playing with the babies through it. I have to keep reminding him to not get attached, and he assured me that he still doesn't want kids of his own, no worries, and that he likes playing with other people's kids.

Sometimes when we snuggle on the couch and he cuddles my belly, I imagine this, but instead the children are ours. It immediately makes me uncomfortable - I think I'm quite happy enjoying these moments just like this and don't want them to be anything more.

I do want to marry Pistachio though. I have been playing with the thought but once again want it to be perfect, so I keep plotting and planning for now.

This surrogacy is nearing its end. The doctors want me to go be induced early, but I feel fine and want to give birth at home. It feels more comfortable, and Pistachio agrees. It's HIS first time seeing me go through it, and we both want him to feel as comfortable as possible too.

Any day now! I'm both excited and a little sad.

[ilovehimmore]

I'm low-key hungry bruh 😂

I've been saying bruh too much and using the laughing emoji a lot to establish a platonic atmosphere/mood/relationship

Ehhh but the hunger comes from a erm craving

I'm full, I just ate a plate full of udon

And the milk cheese Tokyo factory cow biscuit thing that I'm realizing is way too sweet wth

But I'm craving something, something more. I feel full, but I don't feel satisfied. I don't feel like eating any more, I can't think of a food that's anything else, but....

Shit, depression! Hmmm!

And I didn't manage to hold back, or rather, I just decided to watch porn again yesterday. And it made me realise, wow, yeah. I really am addicted. This thing has got me in a chokehold. The orgasm wasn't even that good, nothing was satisfying.

More of, nothing is satisfying nowadays. I didn't see the point in watching porn, yet I did.

Because I wanted something exciting.

I fear the only thing now that I really want, that might make me feel that same euphoric excitement as those first few porn videos, is sex.

But I don't want to have sex. Fuck dysphoria and insecurities, fear of STIs and performance anxiety.

But I want something real. Something taboo. Something wrong, something foreign. I want to thread on untrustworthy ground, gravitate around something, somewhere I've never been. Some place I've always imagined-- or at least, let the fear consume me and experience the novelty. Feel the familiar feeling, where if I'd never imagined a place like this before, I must have at least imagined what it would've felt like. And it would feel like this. What an honour, what a dazzling atmosphere. And it's nice to run into you here.

A scenario, a wish, an escape. Grant my wish, please. I wish to run, to hide, to deceive, to control. And it feels so tight and uncomfortably painful right at the center of my chest. Jamface is playing in the background of my head as I type this.

Yeah, it's okay. You don't have to talk to anyone else, fuck your friends. I'll just talk to you, Tumblr, and me, and Happiness. He's surely the one for me. And HY too-+ what a great friend! He's always like a wake up call best friend to me, slapping sense into me whenever I'm in a hazy, blurry situation. His advice is exactly what I need to hear, his point of view is exactly what I need to understand.

Anyways, I had a realization. Boys and girls-- at least from what I've noticed-- have a fundamental difference. Take yee yang for example, or tyron. They had an identical difference, something exactly in common with me, that I failed to realise at the moment. And that was the idea that, "the whole world is against us, but you're with me". This tribe-like recognition, this teamworthy trust, this immediate, blind, naive, affectionate belief. Nothing else matters when it comes to you, when it comes to us. It's us against them, we're always together. So when they encounter a problem, they tell me. They don't hesitate to share screenshots with me whenever they feel uncomfortable with someone who hit on them, and about their other friends, etc. that's the kind of blind sheep trust I'm used to, and I'm equipped with. The familial bond, unbreakable. You first, always. You above everyone else. But for my recent friends, like cherry, everyone is equal. "It's me against the world". So all friends are equal in their eyes, why would you spill one friend's secrets to the other? For me, it's a no-brainer-- if you're closer to me than them, I'd talk about them with you. I respect you more, I trust you more, you're more important to me-- because we're in on this together. But no. To this specific type of people, it's "you wouldn't want me to share your secrets to them, so I wouldn't share their secrets with you" because we're seen as people on that equal level.

Maybe we're just not that close yet, maybe you don't trust me as much as I trust you.

Could be time to re-evaluate this friendship.

But it doesn't change the fact that this experience, these memories, gave me the sudden realization from the comparison between boys and girls. Boys are so blind-trusting, us against the world. And that's what I fick with. But for girls, secretive and scheming, it's me against the world. I have to be careful and keep this to myself.

It makes me feel unimportant. But perhaps it's just the biological difference in emotional maturity, trust levels, and way of communicating.

I don't know, I hate it. I'd want to be your number one if we're close. Yee yang, take me back you bitch. Tyron, I've missed you too. Low-key, waiting for so long, I've learned what you meant when you wanted to just take time off for yourself, cherry. I understand. Still, there were many a times I just wanted to unload a big "fuck you" onto you. I think I'm still carrying the anger. But I try to understand everything, everyone, each and every one of my friends.

Still, no one understands me.

This is really stupid. But I've learnt the perspective, I've learned a lot.

Jamface!