#I'm fine so don't worry about me or anything

[ladyloveandjustice]

I mean, Legend of Lattes did have a conflict, her coffee place straight up burned down? It wasn't a major focus for most of the book but it happened.

I've only read a few cozy fantasy things, and didn't find a few of them super memorable myself, but the definition of cozy fantasy is pretty broad from what I've seen. Emily Wilde is categorized as that and it is FULL of conflict and action and has some great and memorable characters.

But people have always liked stuff that's low tension/stakes/fluffy. See coffee shop aus in fanfic, or fanfic tagged fluff. See slice of life anime where characters are just hanging out. It's not a new thing. People have always wanted to watch or read things that just give cozy vibes and allow them to hang out with characters. The book industry realizing there was a market for that was inevitable. If it's not for you, it's not for you, but it's obviously for someone or it wouldn't be doing well.

I also think this is a good example of how condescending we can get when talking about a genre we don't like. Rather than say "it's not for me, I don't find the characters memorable and want better stakes, maybe there should be more variety" (which was more where OP was at) it has to be somehow bad for people to read it and write it. like...

And so sometimes it feels impossibly challenging to write any book except one where nothing bad happens and nothing is in danger and nobody is really bothered or worried about anything and everything is mostly fine and there aren't any major setbacks…..

That is a hell of a condescending assumption to make about those writers. Jesus. I'm a professional author too, but I would not want to make these assumptions about my fellow writers.You don't know if they're doing it because it's easy, or if they're doing it because they felt there was a need for it, or it was just an idea they liked writing. You don't like it, great. That doesn't mean those writers are slacking off or doing something wrong somehow. You don't know that they don't also write books with tension and conflict. I feel like most of them probably have, actually. Assuming they sat down and thought "omg this will be easy I'm so lazy" is just...do you make the same assumption about romance writers? It can get pretty formulaic, but that doesn't mean it's easy to write. Have you tried to write a cozy fantasy and sell it and make it do well? If not, I don't think you should talk about how easy it is.

But that leaves readers cold.

I mean not all readers obviously, since it wouldn't be doing well or selling well?

And frankly, I don't feel like it does much of anything to nourish either our souls or theirs.

It feels like eating a bag of potato chips for dinner instead of going to the effort of even just heating up a frozen dinner that has a vegetable in it.

Why does reading HAVE to "nourish your soul", whatever that means? What's wrong with eating a bag of potato chips? You teach college, so I wonder if you've ever run into a colleague who thinks this way about regular fantasy and sci-fi. Where they think that genre fiction is inherently more disposable and less challenging than literary fiction. I've sure as hell run into those professors, that look down on readers and writers of "commercial fiction", and I've seen the bad impact they have on their students. Do you agree with them? Because you're sounding a lot like them right now. This is the exactly the kind of argument they'd make.

You don't know whether these people don't also read books with more stakes or a variety of genres as well. Low effort reading has it's place, it just maybe shouldn't be the only thing you read if you want to actually experience the breadth of literature.

And I see this a lot in the book community, but dissing the stuff people are into and saying they need to challenge themselves more or they won't be smart like you (I see this with YA a lot too) is not going to convince them. It frames reading as a chore, and people often don't like doing chores in a life full of them, and reading is a hobby for a lot of people. Rather that say "you need to read this to better your mind" say what can be interesting or intriguing about these books that are more challenging, what kind of cool things you can get from them. Sometimes it seems to me like the point of these arguments is to feel superior, rather than actually convince people.

Nothing's wrong with reading low effort books or watch low effort shows--it's when say, a YA reader says books are inherently flawed if they don't spell things out like YA sometimes does or has more challenging themes. Or a cozy fantasy reader acting like all books should be cozy fantasy and books with tension are bad. Those are the people that ruin the discourse. But, doing the inverse isn't any better.

idk, man. I've taught university classes about this shit, but what do I know.

I teach grad school classes on writing, (I don't like to pull that card, since it's not like teachers can't have flawed ideas about their subject but since we're here) and have taught similar lessons. Yet, here's what I think I do know: telling students the genre they write is wrong is not something a teacher should do. Those literary fiction professors love doing that, and I'm not them.

As a teacher with a variety of students in a variety of genres, I have to read genres I don't like all the time--god I hate most 'dark romance' and man do I not get or like omegaverse, but I sure as hell had to read both. But just because I don't like them doesn't mean they're worthless, or there isn't a market for them, or it's wrong to write them. So I put those feelings aside, think about what kind of help the student needs to be successful in their chosen genre, and what the audience would want, because that will help them improve. (though I do try to hint if something seems like, incredibly sexist, that maybe we should reconsider that, or look at it from all angles and decide if it's something the story needs). And at the same time, I do teach them basic lessons on how to structure a story, and what's good about conflict, stakes, etc.

But I wouldn't tell any of them they're wrong for writing cozy fantasy even if it's not always my cup of tea, because there is a market for it, and I want them to do well at it and do what they love. What pays the bills pays them, and if you actually like what you do, that's also important. Writers do need to challenge themselves, which is why I encourage students to be open minded about all genres, try out writing them, try writing different POVs, different stuff even if they don't publish it, because that can only help them get better at what they do. But if what they publish is cozy fantasy, hey, it gets them good money and they like doing it, that's more than I can say for most jobs.

Cozy Fantasy and Why It Doesn't Work

I think I am among many who feel like they should love cozy fantasy and have found it an incredibly lacking genre.

This newly branded "cozy fantasy" genre that has taken readers by storm since 2020 and while it is new that books are now marketed as cozy, the genre itself isn't new. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is a great example of the genre before it was labeled and also how to make it work.

Cozy fantasy is defined by many as fantasy with low stakes. Fantasy aesthetic but less sword fights. On paper, it sounds great. But the execution has been less than stellar for readers like me. The lack of physical stakes has also impacted the emotional stakes of these books, creating forgettable characters with boring problems. As a romance reader, I find this frustrating. Romance is known for being a predictable and formulaic genre, the now defunct Romance Writers of America defined romances as needing happy endings, a term romances have continued to follow. Yet these romance texts manage to have low physical stakes (how to date your neighbor, how to confront your toxic friends, etc) while still maintaining high personal stakes that keep readers invested and begging for more. So I was initially confused why cozy fantasy authors struggle to write texts that connect to readers like me.

I think I have found the answer which is the genre is just here for vibes. It is all about aesthetic, not even worldbuilding that fantasy is known for as most cozy fantasy I read have so many problems as soon as you ask one question. It is hard to acknowledge that a genre that is pitched to work for readers like me doesn't work for many of us. Especially because occasionally there is one that works beautifully to my taste.

I often say my favorite cozy fantasies that are more contemporary are short and visual, which I plays into the idea of the genre being an aesthetic. The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz is a good example because it is a simple story that is given the perfect amount of pages and gorgeous visuals without dragging on when the message is very clear and easy to understand. Books like The Phoenix Keeper and Legends and Lattes have absolutely nothing for me, their very clear message hitting the reader over and over so the readers don't miss it and focusing on the aesthetic of worldbuilding rather than the reality of the fantastic elements within the world.

I guess my point is. . . I realize this genre isn't for me since I have realized it is more of an aesthetic than anything. .. .but I want it to be. Should I let it go and put my efforts elsewhere? Or should I keep exploring this new trend and find the hidden gems?

[militaryapple]

MY BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER IS THE ONE FOR ME .ᐟ

synopsis. mc leaves to go to the store and youre left alone with her wildly hot "brother". so what if you both get tipsy? whats the harm in that? its not like she liked him anyways.

cw. fem!reader, you & mc are bff's, virginity loss, cunillingus, oral ( fem recieving ), p in v creamie, pet names, unprotected (PLEASE BE PROTECTED OMG), praise like a lot of it, fingering, use of term "babygirl", biting, teasing (omg i need this man bad.)

add ons. this came to me in a dream. sum like that.

wc. 2.6k

sundays were the best. why? because you spent the entire day with her. your best friend in the entire world, and you meant that. you couldn't do anything without her, not like she'd let you anyway. you'd both had always been with each other. you guys were practically holding hands in the womb. which could probably explain the same brain wave you both share.. nonetheless it doesn't wipe away that Sundays were the best. hanging out with your best friend, playing games and well..

eyeing her super-hot unrelated related brother. okay, fine, you go over her dorm on Sundays to oogle her so-called "brother". what's the harm in that? it's not like you're acting on your feelings. it was just a small crush you've had.. since forever. it's also not like he noticed you anyways, he's always had his eyes set out for her. you don't loathe them for that. its how things have always been. its fine you don't mind, as long as you get to keep your friendship its fine.

a loud slapping noise snapped you back into reality as you look down at the table, the red uno card with a number 6 on it scattered down. fuck. pick up 3. you groan as you watched how happily she hummed. for a hunter, she knows how to play uno really well. you sigh in defeat as you set down the uno cards.

"whatever" you mumble softly. "you probably cheated anyways! hey, actually lets do a rematch! I can win!" you slammed your soda down on the table as she shook her head in disapproval. "nuh-uh! you said if I won 3 times in a row you'd do it!" she slammed her cup down in resilience. you really need to stop making bets you cant win. you fall back on the bed to resign. "fine! I'm not going to the store with you though. that shits like an hour away for one and two I do NOT want to hear you rub in my face on how you won."

she hummed in approval as she eyed you down. "I can take that over not winning any day. you might miss out on some really good in and out though" she said sweetly, you thought about it before huffing out "a slushy and small fry." was all she needed to hear before getting up, and right on cue, he came in. caleb looked down at her, then at you. his face widens in a grin. "what bet did you win today pip-squeak?" he said patting her head and chuckling. she pointed towards you and embarrassment washed in. next thing you know she had taken caleb's key and waved goodbye to the both of you.

knowing her it would take 2 hours to get from the store and back, she gets side tracked too easily. sometimes you worry for your best friend. caleb slumped down on the couch, turning on the tv as he looked at you before calling out. "hey, get over here. you and I both know it'll be a while until she comes back. plus.. she has my keys and car. can't go anywhere now." he scooted over patting next to him on the side of the couch.

you got up and moved next to him, scooting towards the other end of the couch as you both watched the agonizingly boring movie that played. sometimes you didn't get these one on one moments with him. compared with her, he's more quiet around you. sometimes with the occasional flirty friendly banter, he seemed.. more comfortable. you two have known each other for a long time, so it wouldn't hurt to just make a simple conversation with him right? with that thought you scooted closer to him.. then after a while a little closer.. then just pushing your luck just a tad bit closer.

caleb looked down at you, he let out a small laugh before holding his arm out and shifting his position, he pulled you closer now wrapping his arm around you while you leaned on him. you could smell the faint scent of musk, like a woody pine tree. it wasn't a bad smell. "you thought I wouldn't notice?" he said gently. he looked down at you in amusement. he enjoyed this, and it was good for you to know that thankfully you didn't step over any boundaries you thought you two had established.

you huffed as you looked away. "I was just making this more comfortable for us." you waved your hand in his face. "we're stuck together, right?" you hummed looking up at him. his face shifting from calm to surprised, and then smug.

you swore you could see a glint in his eye.

"okay, take a shot if you don't want to answer, or you can answer. there was more to the game but uh, that's more for parties." he said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. your face waved over with an emotion of shock, or was it amusement? whichever came into your mind first. "I didn't know mr. gentleman here was the party type. caleb we've been friends since we were kids, I want to play the actual game. not some remake you just made up." you snickered, your arms crossing as you leaned back on the couch, caleb sat across from you on the floor, yet he was still eye level with you.

"hey." he snapped back in a hurt tone, "Im not just a party guy. I only do it if you and her aren't here entertaining me or if you guys are done and I have some spare time. I cant always intrude on both of your adventures. and I still am a gentleman." he prided himself. it makes you think, how many times have you and your best friend left caleb while you both went on your little rendezvous? oh whatever, think later win now.

caleb started out first, he flipped the card over and handed It to you. you looked at it. you gave a quick glance at him before you read the card out loud. "okay, how many times have you got off this week.. and what to?" you said shyly, setting down the card gently. fuck that was a weird question. It's a drinking game but, jesus. caleb turned flushed, he coughed before looking away and pouring himself a shot.

"..."

that's okay, you wouldn't answer either, and skipping it would be more embarrassing, you picked up a card and slid it over to caleb. he almost choked. "are you sure-" he said in-between coughs, "you want to play this? I think I have the wrong deck-" he said quickly scrambling to grab the cards before you could stop him.

"its fine" you said happily "I want to play caleb, seriously." with that, he settled down, looking at the card you picked up once more and reading it out loud. "think of a person, and point out the feature you notice the most when you see them." he said, placing down the card. fuck.

you don't want to point out his obviously big dick that you look at everytime you see him, but you don't wanna get tipsy the first couple of rounds. you looked at your body and the clothes you had on, oh fuck it. lets go out with a bang. you slip off your black shirt, your pink bra flawlessly taking the spotlight. caleb couldn't help but stare at what seemed to be the prettiest bra in the entire world to him before he looked away. "great start." he mumbled.

caleb picked up a card and handed it to you, a grin forming on your face as you held the card, "biggest turn on?" you asked amused. staring at him as his face gave a wash of surprise, he let out a small chuckle. "ah, cliche to say pretty girls with pretty undergarments?" he said softly. your grin stiffening while you placed the card down. whatever, two can play that game.

you grabbed a card, moving in and leaning towards Caleb because all of a sudden he was just oh so far. handing him the card he could see just enough of your boobs, was that a part of your nip- no. Caleb shook it off as he looked at the card in his hand. "wildest sex dream you've had?" he asked, putting the card down and taking another shot. was it him or was the room warm?

you would tease him and say "my best friend's boyfriend and I on a couch fucking nastily" but you couldn't muster up the words. so instead you poured yourself a shot and down the hatch it went. you weren't a heavy drinker, and not much of a tolerance, which is why you chose to skip and strip instead of sink and drink. so much for not getting tipsy, let alone drunk.

he gulped, grabbing another card, before sliding it to you. he was nervous, had he ever been this nervous around you? like really really nervous? fuck fuck fuck. so many things were going through his mind. it was driving him nuts. you picked up the card and read it, snorting. "childhood crush?" oh. that was easy for him.

"you."

you looked up blinking, scanning his face for any sort of joke, any sort of shift to tell you "haha I'm joking" but there wasn't. he was serious. you grabbed the bottle of pink Whitney, downing as much as you could in a cup before setting it down. "you're fucking lying caleb. don't think I don't see how you look at her." you snapped at him, which only made him laugh. god you were cute.

"yeah," he nodded "but how do you think she'd feel if i was messing around with her best friend hm? how i think about you in ways I shouldn't, how I crave you." oh shit. he had a point. though you looked at your phone, you two still had some alone time. "caleb.." you whimpered softly.

"don't do that to me baby. please." he almost begged you. he got up moving to the couch and leaning over you. his eyes scanning over your body, then his gaze unwavering from your face. "I've always wanted you. ha, sometimes I go crazy thinking about how many guys have even attempted to touch you." his voice barely above a whisper. his breath tickling your face.

"caleb, please. I fucking need you."

the sounds of sloppy kisses and clothes unraveling filled the air, you both moving from the living room to your room. you knew this was bad, but all the guilt you felt seemed to be swept to the side. you could deal with the emotional luggage later, you didn't want it to ruin the perfectly good scenario playing out, the one you thought about ever since you were in high school.

caleb was gentle with you, his hands placed behind your back as he attempted to undo your bra, clearly lost, you took it off and held on to him. he was sweet but eager yet tender with you and patient.

"this is my first time," you say sheepishly. caleb's eyes lit up, a smile on his face while he planted a kiss on the crown of your forehead. "It's alright baby. It's my first time too, I'm especially happy because it's with you." his hands circled around your stomach before making its way down to your clit. he pressed softly against the fabric of your panties while you let out a small mewl.

you sounded better than he imagined. his fingers circling around your clit, and in response he got to hear your beautiful sounds. he was practically drunk off them. his fingers pushed over your panties, exposing your cunt. caleb got down. his hands spreading your legs wider as his lips pressed small kisses against your lower ones.

he was like a pro, his tongue hitting all of your spots as you grab his hair. the way the vibrations of his groans overstimulated you more and more. "you taste absolutely delicious. where has this pretty cunt been all my life?" he groaned, breaking away from your swollen cunt. he got up and leaned into you, bringing your head up.

"wanna know how you taste?"

he kissed you while undoing his pants. sweats dropping while he pushed you down the bed, bringing his cock out. and jesus was he huge. you pulled him down on the bed with you, pushing him against the wall as you sat up towards him. "'m gonna ride you, okay?" you dropped your head down, positioning yourself before selling down on his cock. he was huge, fuck did it hurt so good. caleb couldn't help but dip his head in the crook of your neck, grabbing your hips as he whined in approval.

"thaaats it babygirl. you got it, you're so sweet, just for me, yeah?" he praised you, planting soft kisses all over, his hands guiding your hips rocking you back and forth and around. you held on him as he held you still, his hips thrusting in and out of you at a steady pace. you were cock drunk.

his tip hit every spot, every curve, every corner and inner spot of yours. you were made for his dick. you couldn't help but praise him on how good he was hitting your sweet spots, "you flatter me baby" caleb moaned, biting down on his lower lip.

caleb collected your head pulling it back as he bit down on you, sucking you and licking you. leaving marks showing people that you were his. you were taken, and that would never change. in exchange, you dug your nails in him, and only you would know that they were there, that you were there to place them on him.

caleb flipped you over, pounding into you. one blow after the other. there was no stopping him as he rolled his head back in pure bliss. from this angle he could see all your pretty curves, how your back naturally arches for him. he had fucked you stupid.

caleb growled, "finish with me, please baby" he pleaded, "I wanna feel you cum over my cock again 'n again. you can do that right baby?" he coos. you could feel him reaching deeper in you, stretching you out as his balls slap against your abused cunt.

your body felt like it was on fire. electricity flowing through every vein as you shook your walls gummy and clamping down on him. you're shaking violently as Caleb can't help but get a last few thrusts in. you were squirting.

everywhere.

caleb pulls out and moves back, admiring you, like a piece of artwork. "messy girl" he clicked his tongue before scooping you up and fixing the pillows on your bed, lying you down on one side while he moved to other to lie right next to you. he was sweet. Caleb cuddled and coo'd you, telling you how much of a perfect girl you were, how good you took him and how beautiful you were.

he just stared at you, you looked at him before getting out a small laugh, "yes, I love you too caleb." you say sweetly and he was sure his heart skipped a beat. all he could give back was a smile, kissing the crown of your head.

it was a tender moment before you both were rudely awakened by the door slamming open and loud voice in the back. "what the fuck do you think you're doing?"

oh shit.

[littelovelunette]

super random but vi x reader and reader decided to wear high heels on their date together even after video told her her feet were gonna hurt. reader starts complaining and limping on the way home, vi just hauls her over her shoulder, pricks her up princess style, carries her home and then punishes her for not listening (in a nice way)

Pretty Princess

Contains smut, spanking, strap, hickeys

"Don't wear that." Vi said as she tied the laces of her shoes. You both were going to an amusement park date after ages of pestering her to take you to one.

"But they're pretty, look!" You gave a little twirl, your dress flying a little too high as you did giving Vi a clear view of your strawberry printed white panties. Your pink heels went perfectly with the dress, Vi had to admit but nevertheless you were sure to either sprain your ankle or simply have a foot ache by the time you both were done with the park. Vi just knew it.

"Pretty, yeah. But dangerous too. You could fall." She got up from the single-seater sofa and crossed her muscular arms which bulged through her red jacket.

"You could catch me." You said and wriggled your eyebrows playfully before you opened the exit door. "Besides, it's the only pink shoes I have and I'm matching it with my outfit."

"And why does that matter?" Vi asked with a little smirk, she knew how much fashion meant to you.

And she would only ask you all these obvious questions for the hell of it. She leant against her doorway, watching you with her arms crossed like a mother watching her child throw a temper tantrum over a toy.

"It makes me look good!" You said indignantly and huffed before walking out of the apartment.

Vi closed the door, licking it and pocketing the key. "Okay, then, don't say I didn't warn you." Vi said with a roll of her eyes and you huffed again. "I'll be fine."

The amusement was was amusing to say the least, you had strained a nerve atleast two times when you tried to catch up with Vi's pace and needed fifteen minute breaks after every ride. Not to mention, the way you were sweating in effort to not slip and fall on your own heels was anything but pretty and of course Vi's taunts only added to it.

"Maybe you should've skipped a few inches off the heel." Vi said as she bought ice-cream for the both of you. Well, atleast something cheered you up.

"You're mean."

Sun was about set and you both had finished your ice-creams and we're walking home when Vi noticed you were limping.

"Must've gotten a sore toe." Vi thought but didn't offer to carry you yet.

She wanted to see you beg. "Baby." You whined out not longer after, "My feet hurt I cant walk anymore. Help..."

You sounded so desperate with your bottom lip puffed out and cheeks flushed from the effort. Vi couldn't help feel genuinely sorry for you.

Despite a part of her wanting to see you beg for it she knew you were in no condition to put up with another banter, so with a sigh Vi rolled up her jacket sleeves a little before she picked you up bridal style with ease.

"You're such a mess." Vi grunted before she started walking home with you in her arms.

You were thankful the woman worked out or else... With the amount of food you had eaten today, it would've been a challenge even for someone has fit as Vi.

Every now and then Vi would mumble about how you didn't listen to her in any of the times she warns you about certain things.

But you knew she was genuinely just worried for you so you leaned your head on her chest with a small sigh. "I love you." You said suddenly catching Vi off guard midway in her rant.

"I love you too but when we get home you're in for a punishment." Vi said with a little smile.

Uh oh, this couldn't be any good. After you both reached home, Vi opened the door with one hand twisting the key and kicked the wooden door ajar so she could put you on the couch. She pushed the door to close before kneeling down and sighing as she gently unstrapped the heel from your feet.

Your little toe was swollen on both feet making you wince at the sight. Vi let out a sigh, "You should've really listened to me this time."

You let out a pained whine and Vi picked you up taking you to the bedroom. Vi iced your feet and made sure you were comfortable all night.

Next morning when you woke up, you realised you were naked. "Baby...?" You groggily looked around and a bit later Vi walked out of the body, her pierced nipples perky and the ornaments shining.

"Mhm?" She hummed in response. She had on a huge strap, it was slick with lube and made your mouth water suddenly all sleepiness from your brain had been diminished replaced with an insatiable arousal.

Vi walked up closer to you with a devilish grin playing on her scarred lips as she inched closer and closer. "A punishment is in order for the bratty princess."

Without warning, Vi bent you over her lap. "V-Vi, n-n-no." You managed to let out a small whine followed by a yelp as Vi's firm palm made contact with your ass cheeks.

"Count." Vi said as she hit your ass again making your body jolt, tears streaming down your cheeks already, "O-one."

Vi slapped your ass again, "Ever gonna disobey me again?"

"Two, please, I'm sorry, please..." You howled and sobbed but Vi didn't listen. One would call you a crybaby because of how much you're crying due to two slaps on your ass but my goodness, from those hands of Vi's? Those were some well trained hands and slaps from those hands were for sure hard on your sensitive soft skin.

She slapped again, red handprints on your skin getting darker with each hit. "I'm sorry!" You whimpered, burying your face in the sheets as you sobbed. Vi, being the softie she is, couldn't stay pissed at you for a while and even while she was punishing you, when you started crying it was like her stomach did back flips and she didn't like being the cause of your tears even if it was purely sexual.

"There, there, my love..." Vi said as she pulled you to sit down on her lap, wincing as the pain of your spank marks sent a small jolt of pain up your spine, "You're okay, you took it like a good girl." Vi picked you up by your thighs easily heaving your body up and let it sink down on top of the thick strap, watching the inches disappear in your sopping wet cunt. "Such a good girl for me."

Your tears were soon just tears of pleasure as you grinded your hips and tried to ride the huge toy, "Mmm... M-more, oh gosh," you moaned in Vi's hair making the hairs at the back of her head stand and that was it for Vi.

She threw you against the mattress, muscles flexing as she placed one hand over your head holding both of your wrists in a tight grip and the other hand holding your hips as she pounded your pussy, your juices flew around and coated the toy as well as the sheets as you cried out in pleasure. "Vi, more! Fuck! That hits the spot!" You let a loud moan escaped your throat and gasped as Vi bit down on your neck and drew out cute small hickeys all over your collarbone and neck.

Vi's breath hitched as the end of the dildo hit her clit making a small but subtle moan escaped her mouth. She continued thrusting, her thrusts getting harder so she could feel that again. "I'm gonna ruin this pussy," she panted out next to your ear making your toes curl. Your legs shook and wrapped around her waist only making it harder for her to thrust but didn't make her stop completely.

Your hands escaped from her grasp, hugging her close as you both came undone. Breathing heavily Vi pushed herself off of your body and rolled onto your side. "Fuck, that was something." Vi said as she let the strap off her body, getting up after a while to help you into a shower. "That was quite a good morning." You giggled making Vi roll her eyes.

"What's for breakfast?" You murmured as Vi led you inside the shower room, turning the shower tap on and letting it hit both of your bodies. "Hmmm... Waffles?" Vi suggested

"Waffles and tea? Oh yes." You grinned at her.

"Never mentioned the tea, but alright, princess."

[maeumhoon]

pairing nishimura riki x fem reader

as the last week of march approaches and the cherry blossom trees begin to bloom, riki takes the opportunity to confess the feelings he's been harboring for you under one of the blooming trees as the both of you visit.

Riki would have been lying if he said that he wasn't nervous. He did the unspeakable, panicked about his long-anticipated confession to his friends and even asked for help, despite already having built a facade of an independent, teenage boy who's unfortunately turned into a lovesick fool for none other than you.

“I'm scared. What if she doesn't like me? What if she laughs at me and makes fun of me for liking her when sh—” He rambled, only to get cut off by a deadpanned Jake.

“What if,” he starts, shushing Riki. “she doesn't laugh at and make fun of you and actually likes you back but has been too scared to tell you?”

“Stop feeding into my delusions.”

“How about you stop being dense?” The older boy retorts, flicking his forehead. “You'll do fine, I promise you.”

“Woah, Riki, look!” You gasped, pointing to the blooming cherry blossoms. But Riki had planned everything, prepared, and even practiced, for the revelation of his true feelings, unbeknownst to you.

He'd done a quick search one time and found out that cherry blossoms tended to bloom between March and April, and he was internally pleased that today was the perfect time. March 30th, on a chilly afternoon.

He hummed in response, taking his time to observe how your features lit up upon seeing the pink petals of the flowers fall gracefully towards the vibrant grass.

Captivated wasn't enough to describe how he felt when he was with you. You were flawless, so much so that he was almost worried that he wasn't enough for you all this time, that you were out of his league and he wasn't fit for you.

It wasn't until you called him out that Riki snapped out of his thoughts.

“Riki?”

“Sorry, what were you saying?” He asked, embarrassed.

“I was saying, maybe we could go out all the time.” You repeated, gazing over at the blue sky. He was thankful that the landscape had caused you to hardly turn to him throughout the whole walk, otherwise you would've seen how much he was blushing due to the close proximity between you.

“Oh, uh, right... right." Riki shifted awkwardly in his place.

He knew he was acting way too unusual. By that point, he would make comments here and there in hopes of making you laugh, or perhaps try to pull your attention away from the flowers by prodding at you.

You stopped, crouching down to observe one of the fallen blossoms. “These are pretty,” you murmured, the sunlight catching your hair and making you look radiant among the many other things that could never be compared to your beauty.

Like you.

Riki almost said. Luckily, he wasn't too much of an idiot to embarrass himself right in front of you and ruin everything he's rehearsed over the past few days.

“I...” he started, his voice shaky and trailing off.

“Hmm?” You prompted, your curious gaze meeting his. He stuttered, the eye contact being something he'd never gotten used to despite the many years he had known you.

“I—I don't know how to say this.”

You raised an eyebrow, puzzled at his sudden anxiousness. “You don't have to say anything if you're not ready.”

Riki swallowed thickly, the confession edging on his lips, though not quite falling free. Your patient reassurance made everything harder, as if he was frustrated with himself that he couldn't just get the words out and say it.

I'm in love with you.

No, that would be too straightforward. You'd think he was weird, right?

“Riki—”

The sound of his name from your mouth made the weight of the unsaid hang in the air. He quickly, almost abruptly, cut you off. “I like you.”

He immediately cursed himself for letting himself look so small under your look. Riki's eyes fell back onto the flowers, unable to meet yours.

You were surprised, but your expression soon melted into an almost teasing smile. You weren't oblivious to how your best friend had been acting around you. “I was hoping that you would say that.”

“I like you too.” You replied, and the boy instantly let out a breath of relief he wasn't even aware that he was holding. He returned a shy smile, stepping closer.

“You like me too?”

“Yes, 'Ki, I like you too. I'm in love with you, even.” You replied playfully. Once again, Riki inwardly scolded himself for not saying ‘I'm in love with you’ first.

Riki groaned. “I was supposed to say that.”

“Too bad, loser.”

[ask-nurse-curly]

as stated in the updated pinned post, we are diverging from the canon roleswap timeline starting nnnnnnnow :) ask boxes are open again!

[ Transcript under the cut ]

Hey Curly, I just wanted to check in with you. Things have been a little weird recently with this nearby satellite..

Are you doing okay?

Hey Captain!

Funny business, isn't it? I don't think we've ever had anything like this happen before.

It's okay, though. Sometimes I kind of want to follow Daisuke's example, but most people are nice.

What about you, everything alright on your end?

Me too, there's just so much going on at all times, haha.

Everything is mostly alright. I've got nice people, but some of them.. They're just getting under my skin. I should probably put the phone down.

How bad is it? My worst has been spam messages, mostly. Did you know the Halcyon colonies are reopening admission?

Makes you wonder why they need new people so soon after launch.

Oh yeah! I don't think I'm going to take their offer, I'm pretty content with Earth.

As for the messages.. I don't know. Some of them are just.. Mean, I guess. I don't want you to worry about it, I can handle it, it's just frustrating.

Have you gotten any fun messages though? I got one not that long ago asking about how I felt being a pilot, it was a nice question.

'Mean'? I'm sure you know that sounds worrisome. Are you okay?

Ah, I can't even remember all of them! There is this Martian scientist who gave me the scoop of planetary warfare amongst their kind, someone who is very intent on educating me about possums, and I even reconnected with someone from my med school years, that was pretty wild. Also someone from an actual gunship patched into our frequency, apparently their surname is the same as yours? Do you know a Hideo?

I'm really fine, if I couldn't handle a few weirdos, I wouldn't be on this ship lol

But.. That's very interesting. I don't know if I have any familiar faces on my end, so consider me jealous of you. I can't say that I know a Hideo? Should I?

Now who are you calling a weirdo? :-)

I don't know if you should! If it's a coincidence then certainly an amusing one, guess Musumes are just made to be captains. :-)

Maybe so.. I'll have to start a club then, Captain Musume club.

And I would NEVER call you a weirdo, Nurse Curly, never ever......

Uh huh. I believe you.

:-)

What is weird is just...how much some of these people seem to know. I wonder if our phones were hacked into somehow? Do you think I should be worried about my Meeboo subscription at this rate?

I feel like I should be more shocked but with how much of our data gets sold off and leaked on a daily basis, I can't find myself to be horrified.

You should definitely worry about your Meeboo subscription though.

...Fair point.

Well, if my streaming services are what takes the brunt of exposure, I suppose I could live with that.

Do you think that's how they found out about your nurses calendar? If that's even a real thing.. Did you ever model for a nursing calendar? Lol

Haha!

No, god no. I could never. Can you imagine me in a pin-up calendar? That would be bonkers.

No, I was just joking. I guess the very nature of their, uh, request was too much for my English sensibilities, so I turned to my trusty defence mechanism honed by generations of haughty stuck-ups.

...How did you know about that?

Well we certainly love a modest king..

I was told about it by one of the messages I got, I didn't know if it was true or not but I guess my curiosity was piqued. Sorry, it was inappropriate to ask.

Oh god, are they still harassing you about me? I'm so sorry.

They are strangely...invested.

I hope it's not too much of a bother. And I doubly hope they cease soon.

I don't mind too terribly, I just feel bad talking about you when you're unaware. I certainly try to keep my answers vague so that I can maintain your privacy.

Truly, I don't know if I should be offended or relieved they ask me more about you than they do myself, haha!

I'd go for relieved! Or perhaps even flattered. They seem to think highly of your captaining skills. :-)

They do! I'm not sure how they know about THAT information, but I'll take what I can get!

I can't say i blame them, it's pretty obvious!

I mean

Crew ratings should be public access, right? Based on delivery reviews and stuff. Or could be if they weren't and got leaked too.

I definitely don't doubt that...

I don't know, they seem fairly invested in my love life as well. Which goes beyond the scope of simple work appraisal. I've been asked if I'm single, who my type is. I felt like I was filling out a dating application lol

Haha, funny that

You could lean into that too, if you wanted to, let them do all the legwork. It's worse than the Wild West on those apps sometimes.

I'm not trying to find someone through texting strangers, besides, it seems they already have my ideal love interest picked out for me. They're trying to cause trouble is what they're doing.

And how do you even know what those apps are like? Isn't that like.. Cheating for you?

Oh shoot. Er

It would be! It totally would be if. If I were still in a relationship.

Which I'm not. For the record.

In any case, not that I prowl those apps much, it's not really uh, worth it for me.

What? Since when are you not??

You were just talking about Marie before we took off. Unless.. Did you break up when we got service...?

Yeah, haha, turns out it's not always great when familiar faces text you, right?

But yeah, she... It's not easy, I guess, dating someone who isn't there for half a year at a time at least, you know?

It was kind of a long time coming, so. She just was the braver one out of the two of us to cut the cord.

Sorry, didn't mean to be a downer. It really is okay though. We're good, and. I think I've kind of went through the stages of grief back when we were still earthside.

So. Not a big deal.

I'm so sorry, Curly :( I wish you would've told me. I'm still here if you need to talk, okay? Breaking up sucks, even if you see it coming.

Oh no, I promise it's okay! It really, really is

I'm okay, it's not a big deal.

I mean, it would be, it

But it's not like

I didn't really

She maybe...didn't really...exist?

Curly what are you saying right now

I am a fool is what I'm saying :-(

I'm so sorry.

Any chance we could pretend I never said anything?

How are we supposed to do that? I don't even know what to say.

Why would you lie about that?

...Could we talk?

I mean, in person.

I'll explain everything, just

I'm afraid of how much of this might get exposed.

Please.

Yeah

Are you in the medbay? I'm on my way.

Yes.

Thank you.

[frenskcup]

having thoughts about...

the past few days have had your back screaming out in agony. but that's nothing your man can't fix. with his own aching body, yelling out for some reprieve, trust that jason has his own arsenal of solutions that he's more than willing to try out on you. anything to help his beloved.

of course you can hog the heated pad for tonight. the drizzle that gotham is accustomed to has upgraded to an absolute downpour that has his own bones aching, so he knows how it is.

did his comparatively larger hand feel nice on your lower back? yeah, he can keep it there – in fact, he'll include the other and massage your back in tandem if that will help the pain.

on one particularly crappy day, you can't control the grunts and winces of pain when you twist a certain way your back can't take. it's the worst it's been since it started a few weeks ago. jason can tell.

not like that's saying much– he's attentive to your every emotion: every tired sigh you don't think too much about in the moment, the stink-eye you give the lady at the bodega for cutting in front of you, the sparkle in your eye when he plants a big one on your cheek as he passes by and you pull him right back to return the action three-fold.

you're on your phone when he comes through the front door and stops in his tracks. it's not uncommon for you to be scrolling through a random app's feed but the position you chose to put yourself is: upside down with your legs outstretched, resting on the wall.

"how's the weather down there?" his question holds a different meaning behind it, unlike his normal quips about the height difference between you two.

"it was good 'til it wasn't," you groan, dropping your phone and slithering off the couch head first. your legs are still planted on the seat of the couch, and the new position makes jason's back hurt looking at you.

you make grabby hands at him, which he feels he cannot legally deny in any circumstance. he squats down to reach your hands, squeezing to make sure you had a good grip on him and were ready for the force of him lifting/pulling.

with a grunt, jason snaps up from his semi-squat position and drags you with him. the amount of force he uses with you has been carefully calibrated over the time you've known each other.

a yelp has his heart in his throat. there's no way he hurt you, right?

"you okay?"

he's quick to put you down and check your shoulders and arms for any acute injuries. the last thing he needs is to hurt you. he'd feel too guilty to touch you again in that way if he did, which would make performing his previous maneuver at your behest difficult.

you're silent as he firmly grabs at places that could have been injured. as jason faces your front, he notices your silence is paired with a very out-of-it expression. he never hit your head on anything, did he?

"baby? you okay–"

"my back."

his eyes widen with concern. you're still standing but...

"did i make it worse?" your eyes focus in on him, now taking in the worry evident on his face.

"i... think you might have popped something." your hand reaches for his to reassure him. "something good, i promise. wasn't expecting that to happen, so it scared me silent, i guess."

he let's out a breath and squeezes your hand, relieved that he didn't cause any more pain.

"i need you to do something for me. and don't try to talk me out of it. this is for science."

"science is only when you write stuff down."

you scoff at him.

"stop quoting myth busters at me, you absolute nerd."

"it seems like i'm being summoned somewhere else." he pretends to check his phone, making sure to rip his hand away from you. "yeah, definitely something significantly more important than whatever "science" you're doing."

"fine. i'm sorry. you're not a nerd." your pause makes jason think you're about to tell him your idea. "you're a huge nerd. like, physically and quantitatively."

his dead stare at you has your facade cracking, a sputtered laugh falling from your lips. you grab at his hands with great difficulty, as he swats at you and tries to stuff them in his jeans.

"okay, okay. you're my huge nerd. better?"

you give up on trying to pull his hands from where he's planted them, instead reaching around his neck to pull him closer to you. you know jason can't stop his hands from grabbing your lower back to pull you even closer, making you grin. you rub your nose to his when he's close enough.

"not at all."

"just– help me out, please?"

you hold his cheeks in your hands, forcing him to look at you as you look at him with puppy dog eyes, a small pout on your lips. he rolls his eyes and you know you got him.

"thank you, jaybird!" you plant a kiss on his cheek with a loud, exaggerated smooching noise.

(back during your first month or two with him, you tried to find out how much moisture on your lips would have him wiping away at his cheek or mouth. turns out, there was no way in hell jason was going to do that. wipe off your kiss? that you specifically gave to him? you're outta your damn mind.)

you get jason to help you scoot the coffee table out of the way for a more spacious floor to work with. you guide him into the spot you envisioned, closing one eye and telling him "a little more to the left".

"okay. i'm gonna cartwheel in front of you." you point at him. "you're gonna catch my legs."

as the son and protege of a detective, the cogs in his head are turning with the instructions you've given him. he never was the fastest at deducing motives or criminal reasoning when he first started, but now he's pretty good with the experience under his belt.

you move quicker than the detective his mind, swinging a leg up and then the other in front of him.

"now pull me up by my legs!" you shout, not currently being able to register how loud you are when the blood is rushing to your head and you're nowhere close to jason's ears that are more than six feet away from your head. "not fast! just enough to stretch me out!"

he's not for sure on whether this will help your back at all, more just going along for the ride at this point. but like the caring boyfriend he is, he grasps both of you legs with his arms and slowly moves you enough so that you're dangling from his hold.

a loud 'pop' sounds out from your spine, causing you to yelp in surprise.

"i'm okay! that was a good pop!" you learned from your last pop to tell him if it hurt. "i think that's all i'm gonna get out of it today. please put me down!"

jason maneuvers you gently to the ground and your feet away from him. your face is flushed from being upside down and you stumble into his chest, both his arms coming to grab you before you fell.

"i'd offer you the same treatment, but..." you wrap your arms around him and can just only get your hands together in an s-grip. "you're too big a nerd."

with a groan, he effortlessly hoists you up underneath your armpits and throws you before catching you. not wanting to risk a fall, you wrap your arms and legs around him quickly. if you had claws, he's sure you'd be stuck on his shirt. not that he'd mind.

"remind me why i let you bully me."

"because... i'll let you lay on me and rub your shoulders and back like you want?"

"you're lucky you know me so well."

and with that, he traps you under the lumpy couch that you swore you'd replace like a few months ago. true to your word, you take your time massaging his tense shoulders and rubbing and scratching his back to let him feel some relief. besides–

"you're my big nerd."

A/N: didn't think this would be so long, but i always like to stretch a bit for waaaay longer than it should. i'm a new jason todd stan as of like, a month ago. so jason might be o.o.c. but i wanted to get this to the masses asap

[notebooks-and-laptops]

Advertising is such a weird hellscape in such a unique way because I can filter for pretty much any content I want to avoid on most websites; yeah I might see it once or twice but I can block people, I can blacklist tags, there are trigger warnings I could potentially look up, or I could just stop reading/watching a thing if I find it's hurting my physche.

But adverts? No way. There's this one pets at home advert I hate where they show a hamster having a surgery and play 'i would do anything for love' in the background. When I'm very anxious I get really worried that I'm not doing enough to keep my cat Morri happy and healthy, and I found when I was in a dark headspace that advert would actively make me anxious about her wellbeing where I wouldn't otherwise be. But YouTube and Instagram KNOW I have a cat through various data they've gathered about me (presumably) so they aren't going to stop showing me that advert. They WANT me to see this unskipable advert because this anxious reaction is what they WANT in me so I buy more. To a lesser extent Instagram ads are constantly accusing me of being a bad pet owner because of what I feed my cat, or because of what toys she does/doesn't have etc. and it's so manipulative but there's no offence switch! I can't say no! I can't filter this content this content is not only unfilterable but it's designed to be so so I feel anxious so I buy their products.

And then on Friday, I played the lottery. I don't really do that often but I thought it would be fun to get me and my partner a ticket for valentine's day; it was! We talked about where we'd buy our dream home and what we'd get with the money and it was a nice little fantasy and then we won 4.50 and that was a laugh too. But since I created my lotto account literally on Friday I've noticed that my adverts on YouTube are for gambling sites; the lottery or otherwise. Like. These ads actively want to prey on this thing I just did and make it into a habit so they can make money off me and once again I CANT OPT OUT. Gambling can ruin lives, and I just find it so disgusting that they know this and can try and leverage that against someone they seem to know just did gambling for the first time or whatever.

Honestly? I don't really mind adverts on YouTube videos and shit when they're just like 'hey this hoover is great' or 'buy these cool Pokémon cards'. Id rather not be advertised to at all hours of the day but fine, I'll wait the 5 seconds to skip those whatever. But the way adverts are geared these days to exploit our habits and our anxieties to make money off of us and there's NO WAY TO OPT OUT OR BLACKLIST MOST ADS is literally despicable and should be illegal I'm not kidding

[beef-brisket]

Adam groaned as the bell rang, signalling the end of the extermination. He's noticed that the sinners are getting more resistant, and some are even attacking.

Not that it's doing much, his girls are able to handle anything, even if these assholes have angelic weapons.

But that doesn't mean Adam isn't worried. He stuck semi close to Abel, making sure nothing happened and nothing got too close.

Once Adam returned to the barracks, he couldn't see Abel anywhere. He was worried at first and took it upon himself to look around the common areas before heading to the commaders room.

But when he wasn't there, Adam started to panic, and on his way out, he nearly smacked into someone he really didn't feel like dealing with.

Lucifer: I- woah! Ada! Where's the fire?

Adam wants to break this basfards nose, do badly. If he had a nose, that is.

"Move. Abel is missing. I'm going out to find him."

Lucifer: Abel? Oh, I'm sure he's fine!

"He comes back with everyone at the end of each extermination! This is the first time he's late- and sinners have been fighting back, I'm not taking any chances."

As Ada started to leave, Lucifer quickly followed. He didn't know what she meant by sinners are fighting back- they shouldn't be. But... he does t blame them, he supposes.

Adam stopped when he heard someone following him. What he didn't expect was seeing the king.

"...What are you doing?"

Lucifer: Helping you, of course! I don't want the commander getting hurt. Not on our watch. It'll start a damn war!

Adam glared. "Damn fucking right, it will."

-

They flew around for what felt like hours, and Adam was getting extremely worried. He couldn't believe he had left his son for more than a second.

He couldn't trust Hell. His baby was too pure for this shit hole.

Lucifer could sense the growing tension, and as much as he hoped the second son was alright, he was curious about how Ada would act once they found him.

Ada came to a sudden stop. The king watched on a few beats in front of her. He watched her for a second before she dived down into an alley.

The king wasn't ready for Ada to be so quick, so he didn't move right away but when he did, he followed her down.

Landing at the entrench of the alley, he looked and saw Ada hugging a shaking Abel, surrounded by at least ten bloody bodies. One even had his golden sword sticking out of its back.

He could hear muffled whispers coming from the two. Abel sounded so panicked, and... he couldn't make out what Ada was saying. IF she was saying anything.

Lucifer: ...What happened?

Abel jumped, and looked up from Ada's arm: Y-You highness?! I-I didn't know you were here- I- I'm sorry-! S-so sorry! They crowded me- attacked me- I didn't want to- I didn't want to!

There aren't many of Adam's children Lucifer would feel sorry for, but Abel? Now? There was definitely a clench in his chest.

Looking up at Ada, Abel already have his hands wrapped around his helmet. Lucifer cpuld hear him begging to take it off, that he couldn't breath.

Ada helped him, quickly lifting it off his head.

Lucifer didn't know what to expect, but seeing a young man with a mop of blonde hair and Adam's golden eyes wasn't it.

He looked too innocent to be the commander. Lucifer couldn't understand why they got rid of Adam. Sure, he was an asshole but even Lucifer would admit that he was good at his job. Too good, sometimes.

Abel: I-I want to go home- can you- take over? P-Please- please, I can't do this.

Lucifer strained his ears to hear Ada speak, but he couldn't. It was like her voice was at a frequency only Abel could hear, and at first, Lucifer didn't know she was saying anything but by the lack of hand movements he put two and two together.

Adam: We're ending the extermination early, okay hun? We're heading back.

Abel: B-Back? But- can't Sera just... m-make you commander...? A-Again...?

Adam cupped Abel's face: I wish, bud. Really. But it's not that easy. She won't make it easy. So, we'll end it early.

Abel: No! No-no, I can... I don't want to disappoint the exorcists. Make them not have faith in me... I-I want to make you proud.

Adam smiled: You already have.

Abel cried and nuzzled into Adam's neck, making the first man wrap his arms tightly around the him.

Glancing at Lucifer, Adam made sire he was far enough away to not be able to hear them. They we're speaking as quietly as possible, but Adam doesn't trust the little bastard.

Abel: I... I want to try... I don't want to let them down or Heaven.

Adam's always been proud of his children, even Cain, but especially Abel. Right now, at least. He was being so brave, braver than Adam was when he first joined Heaven's army. He refused to attack, but Michael put a stop to that very quickly.

Adam: Okay, hun. I'll stay with you as best as I can.

Abel nodded and pulled on his helmet, both exorcist stand and carefully step over the pile of bodies.

Adam stood near Lucifer and watched as his son pulled his sword from one of the sinners' backs.

Lucifer looked between the two before looking up at Ada: Everything alright?

Ada nodded. "Fine. He was just a little shaken. He's never killed before. And no matter who you are, having a group of people corner you isn't the best feeling."

Lucifer nodded: He defended himself. But, this-.

The king waved a hand towards the carnage at the end of the alley.

Lucifer: Is the point. Their meant to die. And he feels... sorry? He's not like Adam, is he? He's too... sweet. Almost as if Adam never left- uh, it doesn't matter. Forget I said anything.

The first man wanted... to do something violent towards Lucifer. Like he'd know what he was like in Eden, Lucifer was the one that ruined it and turned cold towards Adam BECAUSE he acted that way. Because he was so different than Lilith.

He didn't even notice the changes in Adam as the days went past, as Lilith got bolder and more hurtful.

"...it's his first extermination. He's never killed anything in his life or afterlife- until now. And he doesn't know how Adam acted in Eden. He was born on earth and not in paradise. But I'm sure you remember. Don't need a history lesson after so many years, do you shorty?"

Lucifer stared at Ada, his red eyes burning brightly: No. I remember perfectly well.

"Good. I hope it hurts to remember all the shit you caused."

Lucifer glared, but before he could say anything, the new commander walked up to them, bloody sword in hand.

Abel: Okay- sorry about that... are we ready to head back?

He felt awkward as he looked between Lucifer and his dad. Why... were they together? He's never seen his dad hate anyone more than Lucifer and... well, he's heard the rumours about Lucifer and Lilith's feelings towards Adam.

Not that he understands it, but he knows better than to bring up Eden.

"You're fine, bud. You okay?"

Abel smiled awkwardly, Lucifer was still staring- glaring up at Adam: Uh- yep! I'm ready- are you?

Lucifer: We are. Let's head back. Quickly.

"Agreed."

Adam the Exorcist

@beef-brisket

Lute looked up wide eyed as her commander was giving his speech and there was a little sinner coming up behind him.

Lute: SIR BEHIND YOU!?

Adam stopped and turned, he gasped and grabbed Nifty by the neck and threw her at the hotel crew and Lucifer, glaring at the lot of them.

Adam: THIS ISN'T FUCKING OVER!!

Lucifer: I think it is bud, you should go home.

Adam glared more, he was leaving because he wanted to not because this little fucker told him to. He waved his hand giving them the signal that extermination day was officially over.

Adam: Exorcists fall back!

Lute: But ..... Sir -

Adam: NOW Lute!!

She nodded and glared at the King and princess of Hell along with her friends. They all flew back to heaven and Adam flipped Lucifer off before he was fully back in.

Adam groaned when the portal closed, they had never had it go that wrong that fast. This wasn't going to end well.

-

Adam: Retire!?

Sera sighed she knew Adam wouldn't take this well.

Sera: Yes Adam, it's time you step down as the commander of the exterminators.

Adam: Is this about what happened!? Because it won't happen again.

Sera: You're right, it won't.

Adam sighed: But Abel? My boy is too soft to do that job.

Sera: There's no one else to do it. You nearly died down there we....... We can't lose you.

On one hand he understands where she's coming from, but he was meant to do this! The only reason things went bad was because Lucifer showed up.

Lute just HAD to kill the princess's pet.

Adam: I don't want him to die.

Sera: He won't. We will be doing a more regimented training routine. You deserve a rest Adam.

Adam: ..... Yes Sera.

She smiled and held out her arms, Adam hugged her. She was only doing this because she loves him, he knows that. Doesn't make it suck any less.

Adam went back to his room to lay down, he didn't realize how tired he was until he did.

There had to be a way that he could still be an exterminator.

Some how.

[zylphiacrowley]

I am so exhuasted.

[vaguely-concerned]

in his and davrin's banters, lucanis exhibits a certain little shit energy I don't think we see him have with anyone else other than illario and honestly I am living for this

[naamahdarling]

.

[faerietothe-otherside]

"Maybe I will! Though Ralphie said I should stay away from improv groups. They sound evil," Rangi said back. She traced the rim of her glass for a moment, biting her lip. "Just me, myself and I. Like always. Sad, lonely little Rangi, walking herself home after drinking herself silly. But don't worry about it! I'll be fine. I can handle myself. And if anyone tries anything, I can just scream. No one can withstand a banshee scream in the short term." She snapped, punctuating her sentence.

"Maybe we should start having, like, mediators at those kind of shindigs. Hire private security. I'm sure that'd go over so well." Rangi pushed her glass over towards the bartender, a silent hint for another pour. He easily obliged. "Earlier the better! Early bird gets the worm and all that. Besides, it'd have to be before work, anyway. No rest for the wicked. Or the dead, though I guess they're kinda permanently resting, huh?"

Rangi snorted a laugh, cold and hollow. "You don't have to pretend to like her for me. She's kind of hard to like." She grabbed her new drink and gave it a hardy sip. "Oh, ya know, cause she, like, had to axe her long, lost sister or whatever and I, ya know--" she mimed choking someone, knowing that the only reason it wasn't making her shake was the amount of alcohol in her system-- "the Sheriff."

Júlio César laughed, giving a nod of his head. "Best I ever heard, for sure. Maybe you could launch a career in, like, impression comedy." He gave a low hum of affirmation. "Okay. Good. If you're sure. But...it's dark and shit goes bad in Lunar Cove. You got someone to walk home with you?" He crossed his arms and cocked his head to one side.

JC grimaced. "You're telling me. I don't think it would go well if we tried to cancel those parties, but maybe we could have everyone sign, like, kindergarten good behavior agreements." He offered a weak smile. "I guess that's all we can do, eh? Day by day, but uh, yeah! Let's make it happen. I'll text you tomorrow, and we can plan it. If you get there early, the ice is smooth, and you don't have to worry about first-timers crashing into you. Not that I would ever begrudge someone for trying something new for the first time."

He pursed up his lips. "Which murder thing did you bond over? I hate that I have to ask that because there are...a lot. Anyway, Dilan's...well, she plans a good party." This effort at diplomacy sounded exactly like an effort at diplomacy.

[iguessyouregonnamissthepantyraid]

having a really old dog is just repeating the mantra to yourself "i am grateful for the time i've been given and when it comes time to let him go i will do so gracefully. i am grateful for the time i've been given and when it comes time to let wait why are you not pooping normally WHAT IS GOING ON WHY WON'T YOU POOP ARE YOU DYING" and then calling the vet in a panic, being told actually he's fine but give the probiotic some time to do its thing and then let us know if anything changes, and then you take a deep breath and go "cool. yeah. obviously he's fine. anyway. i am grateful for the time i've been given and

[yingren]

happy halloween i'll be spending the night in a haunted house called my drafts and inbox

[jessicas-pi]

it's actually, genuinely, honestly hilarious that in a fandom where popular ships include characters who are biologically related, characters with a 10+ year age gap who met when one was a teenager or even a child, and characters who have tried to kill each other, people hate on a friends-to-lovers ship with a <2 year age gap where the characters have a deep emotional bond and plenty of romantic subtext, because "they're siblings". my brother in the force they are literally not.

[heavy-draw]

Of course, it's so on-point for Catherine's usual demeanor that it actually makes her angry. She's so sure of herself, and while that's perfectly fine... to act as if death can't claim her at any time, to act as if a blade can't cut her in the same way it can cut anyone else... Shamir's expression shifts into a scowl, and she quickly pulls herself away to glare straight into her partner's face. Her brows remain furrowed, and though fury glints in the depths of her eyes, there's a lot more as well-- perhaps some modicum of pain, a hint of regret. Fear of the unknown, fear of another catastrophic loss. "You don't care how much time you get, is that it?" A dry laugh follows, though clearly it's sarcastic in nature. "What if I do, Catherine? What if I care about how much time you get-- how much time WE get?" Her fist tightens in the fabric of her shirt, and her frown deepens. "It's so easy for you to say. It's so easy to tell me not to worry, and it's so easy to say that you won't die-- but the thing is, we don't get a choice in that!" It's the first time she's raised her voice in a long time. And though it wavers in tone, it doesn't waver in intent. In emotion, almost as if she's begging for Catherine to get the bigger picture here. "I watched the last person I loved die. I see it every night, before I fall asleep. I watched them fall in front of me, and I watched their blood paint the grass in front of me red-- for what? For a war that we lost anyways? For a country that fell in the end?" She sucks in a sharp breath, finding herself unable to keep her words from coming. "Do you think that if I had a damn choice, I would've made the decision to see that? That I would've made the decision to let it happen?" Briefly, the stinging, haunting image of her love splayed across the ground flickers through her mind-- thanks to Pasithee's involvement, it's certainly more vivid than she'd like it to be. "I love you. I love you, and I don't-- I can't let that happen again. Me saying this here and now, maybe I'm just resigning you to the same fate."

"If admitting that means that you'd die too... I'd rather keep my distance. I want you to live, more than anything."

@thunderbanned

GRRR BARK BARK

catherine & shamir - continued from here