#Rectangle Above Ground Pools

[uptoolateart]

At long last, I am very pleased to share a preview of my upcoming fic Catlantis! Written as part of the @mlbigbang2024

Synopsis:

12,000 years ago, Atlantis sank, taking the black cat miraculous with it - along with the story of how the mighty civilisation fell.

But when Marinette discovers that she's switching bodies with the Atlantean prince Adrien, she has a chance to change the past. There's just one problem - she might erase the future.

Only one thing is certain - whatever happens, the boy she's fallen in love with is ancient history.

* Inspired by the anime Your Name, but it's very much its own story *

Rating: Mature / Graphic Descriptions of Violence (you know what I'm like, guys)

Chapter Preview:

Marinette stepped out of the lift and into a room as big as the bedroom and just as opulent. Again, the ceiling was high – perhaps four metres. The furnishings were made of steel and glass, each absurdly large. The tub looked like an indoor pool, yet it still couldn’t fill all that space.

Even in here, most of the walls were glass, drenching the room in light. So much for privacy. But maybe it didn’t matter when you were a godlike distance from the ground.

‘Over there – the mirror.’ Plagg pointed, and she followed his lead to an oversized steel sink against one of the curved walls.

She looked into the enormous rectangle of glass that hung above the sink, blinking at what stared back at her. ‘This can’t be a mirror, Plagg.’

‘Oh, it is, I assure you. Look around your reflection. What do you see?’

‘…the door. The tub. Cupboards….’ With each item she listed, her chest tightened a little more.

She twisted at the waist, glancing around the room before looking at the glass again. He was right. This was a mirror. But…. ‘That’s…that’s not me,’ she whispered.

‘Yeah, that’s what I was afraid of.’

Her eyes rounded as she stared at him in the mirror. ‘W-what do you mean?’

He pursed his lips in consideration. ‘I don’t know what’s happened, but…we kwamis can sense energies and, well…you’re not Adrien.’

‘…Adrien?’

‘That’s whose body you’re in.’

[anitalenia]

𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 ✧˖°.

⋆˙⟡♡ PAIRING ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ diamond x fem!reader x heart

⋆˚✿˖° SYNOPSIS ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑛𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑘𝑒… 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔… ୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

⋆˙⟡♡ AUTHORS NOTE ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ I admit, this may not be my best writing but it’s not like it’s a fic so it’s okay. And this was inspired by Diamond and Heart from A Dimensional Tune, an og trilogy from way back in the day that I read many many years ago. I used to love that book and the brothers so much 😭 So there are a lot of similarities between them but the differences are also there. Enjoy !

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 a pale pink smog; sparkly and sweet like raspberry lemonade. Every breath tickled your nose and left a lingering taste of sugar in the back of your throat. It made your lips grimace and nose crinkle, lungs swell full of whipped cream. The pink fog was vague despite its opaqueness, transparent enough for you to see the pink and black checkered ceiling above you.

You exhaled slowly like you didn’t recognize your own breathing, your chest aching and your throat scratchy and dry. It smelt of birthday cake and buttercream, and you found yourself liking the tantalizing aroma despite its malignant effect. But, you supposed, that was its purpose.

Your head felt heavy, like it was stuffed with cotton candy and confetti, hanging on your shoulders like a limp piñata. Your eyes were dizzy, the room spinning like marbles around and around and making your head ache and neck stiffen. But the air, it was sickly sweet, nauseatingly so; you felt like you were spinning in a candy cloud, choking on syrup and sprinkles.

Your eyes couldn’t focus on anything, too busy spinning and blurring as you felt your head lull to the side in a pathetic attempt to move it.

You sat in a chair, you didn’t know for sure but you had to be, your arms bound behind you tight enough you could feel the burn in your forearms, the scratchy feeling of rope digging into your wrists. Despite that, you felt weightless at the same time, numb, floating in mid air surrounded by that pink fog that made your thoughts muddle together, slow and messy like a dripping honey comb. Your mind seemed full of holes, unable to finish a word or thought, in and out of it like dotted lines, a pen running out of ink on parchment.

Where were you? You heard nothing except buzzing silence, your heart pounding in your ears but yet you felt entirely too calm.

You felt like there was nothing inside of you, like you were hollow. Hollow and light, a feather drifting in the breeze, bouncing on puffy pink clouds. Nothing seemed to ground you here, here, where you were surrounded by that pink mist that dazzled in your eyes like glitter, soaked into your pores and made drool pool in your cheek. You couldn’t think, couldn’t understand your own thought, your mind clogged like bitter molasses had leaked into every crevice of your skull; you swore you could feel your blood thickening up like sweet syrup, swimming through your veins like mud.

You managed to move your head again with as much focus as you could manage, a very faint groan leaving your lips. You looked to your right, where your blurry vision saw pink clouds and checkered walls.

What was this place?

You were barely aware of your own slow wheezy breaths, your dry lips parted and cracked. Your blurry eyes stared at the wall as your senses became overwhelmed with sweetness, like you were a frozen cherry being dipped in a pot of crystallized sugar; stuck and suffocating.

Your eyes closed when it became too hard to keep them open, but not before catching the faint orange glow of a rectangle on the wall, a faint click in your ears you couldn’t help but ignore.

You heard the echoing clack of shoes on the ground, your head limply spinning to your left as you inhaled a breath of sour sweetness. Were you moving your head? Was someone here? You couldn’t tell, unable to open your eyes or mutter a sentence. You only seemed to be aware within your own consciousness that something was not right and you were not supposed to be here. You couldn’t express that though, paralyzed like a moth in tree sap.

Someone had to be here, you could hear their shoes on the ground. You couldn’t even care, mind preoccupied with the image of candy canes and sugar cubes. You almost wanted to giggle, your chest fluffy feeling and euphoric. You didn’t feel bad, didn’t feel any pain, only something close to purity that made your body feel limp and empty, like your insides had been sucked out and replaced with air, a carcass floating endlessly into the stars.

It was a weird feeling, a happy feeling, but your inner mind knew it was a sickly sweet illusion.

“My, we’ve got quite the catch, my dear brother. Wouldn’t you agree?”

A voice. A male voice. Echoey and distant like he was speaking in a hollow church, ringing in your ears as you felt a gust of air swipe on your cheek; he must have walked past you, the undertones of vanilla and black cherry wafting into your nose. You liked it. The voice seemed to be close but way too far, however, you were way too out of it to try and really think about it, mind just as hazy as the room you were trapped in.

You heard the sound of soft giggles somewhere around you; it was chaotic sounding, but also happy and giddy, twinkling around you like the melancholic song of a broken music box. You could feel your skin crawl uncomfortably at the sound of it.

“Ahh yes, brother, of course. You’ve always had such an eye for beauty, Diamond. And this one… this one is quite exquisite.”

This was a different voice, cheerier sounding than the last one. It was closer than the other, you could tell. You felt something sharp brush against your cheek, the tingle of something deadly tracing your skin and making your face itch. Your eyes cracked open very thinly before closing again, seeing the flash of a red and pink blur, or was it just the fog? You couldn’t discern the difference between anything, inhaling another breath that made your body go numb like it was being flooded with Lidocaine. It was strangely addicting, blissful and deadly like a drug. Was this even real? Was this a dream?

“Mmm, yes, I do agree, Heart. She’s much prettier than the last ones. She’ll certainly be a fun little plaything… won’t you, my dear?”

You felt warm breath brush against your cheek, something soft running over the hair on your head. It made your spine tingle in alarm and intrigue. You weren’t able to act on it though, see anything around you, your mind empty like a floating balloon as all you could do was sit there, high on the pink fumes that sparkled around you. How were they not affected, whoever they were?

You heard a manic giggle again and the sound of shoes clacking on the floor excitedly.

“Yes, yes, our plaything! Oh, Diamond, I have such a good feeling about this one. I just know she’ll be a good plaything and entertain us properly, don’t you feel it, dear brother?”

Plaything? You? Brother? Diamond? Heart? Was that there names?

You were only catching bits and pieces of their confusing conversation, but it just raised more questions within you.

“Yes, Heart, I agree. Have patience though, brother. We must wait a little longer for our dear lady to wake.”

You couldn’t see, you weren’t even aware, but poor Heart pouted at his older brother, disappointed at that.

You felt something, a hand, caress your cheek like you were a fragile doll in a case, like you’d shatter to dust under his knuckles. His voice was soft when he spoke, levelheaded and almost condescending.

“Silly Heart, it seems you overdid the sugar bomb again. You always have such a bad habit of that, im afraid.”

“I do apologize for that, dear brother. A mistake if I’ve ever made one. But you know how difficult it is for me to control myself around such pretty things…”

You felt that same sharp feeling run down the plushness of your lips, like a knife caressing your skin. But the texture was soft and silky, possibly a glove.

“I just cant wait to play with her, Diamond, see how sweet her blood tastes on my tongue…”

His gloved hand ran down your jaw, slowly to your collarbone, his claws tickling your skin in its path until you felt it’s warmth leave your cold skin. You wanted to care but you couldn’t, desperately stuck in the effects of this pink smoke.

You heard a deep, happily malevolent chuckle.

“As I’ve said, patience, my dear brother. I assure you once our dear lady awakens we will have our playtime. For now, let us sip tea in the lounge as we wait.”

“Agreed, brother.”

You heard the sound of shoes clacking away from you, distant and echoey as another wave of sweet drowsiness flooded your marrow following a soft inhale.

You heard a click, yellow light washing over your closed eyes all of a sudden.

“After you, Diamond, I insist.”

“Why thank you, Heart.”

You heard a pair of footsteps leave the room, farther and farther until it was silence.

“Farewell for now, my dear lady. Oh, how I can’t wait…”

A giggle sounded once more, stuck and bouncing in your ears like a fly under a glass as you heard a footstep then another click, then nothing at all once more.

[nebulations]

[ID copied from alt:

A black and white sketchy fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. There are three black rectangles, with the white lines creating parallel bridges across the black. In the upper left corner there is Han Sooyoung in a white coat with pages behind her back leading up. Her footsteps are visible on her bridge. In the lower right corner there is Kim Dokja with his coat morphing into one made out of pages. They are looking at each other. There are two blocks of text next to them Han Sooyoung's text: "All that was granted to the fake prophet" Kim Dokja's text: "Is the glimpse of the true divinity she longed for"

A black and white sketchy fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. There are several pages with text scattered across them. A splotch of ink marrs the page, and out of that ink emerges Yoo Joonghyuk. He moves as if through water towards the viewer with a sword in his hand and with his face covered by a shadow.

A black and white sketchy fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. Yoo Joonghyuk is moving towards the viewer, but his face is cut off by the upper edge of the art. Behind him is a huge moon above a graveyard, in front of him are bodies hidden beyond the edges of canvas with just their bloodied hands visible.

A black and white sketchy fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. There are several pages with text scattered across them. A splotch of ink marrs the page, and out of that ink emerges Yoo Joonghyuk. He moves as if through water towards the viewer with a sword in his hand and with his face covered by a shadow.

A black and white sketchy fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. Yoo Joonghyuk is moving towards the viewer, but his face is cut off by the upper edge of the art. Behind him is a huge moon above a graveyard, in front of him are bodies hidden beyond the edges of canvas with just their bloodied hands visible.

A black and white fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. It's a portrait of Kim Dokja standing, holding onto a poll with a smartphone in his hand. He is smiling sadly, and behind his head there is a white broken halo. Behind him are many grab handles, but the lower they hang, the more they elongate to somewhat look like nooses. On the white ground, under Kim Dokja's feet there is a pool of blood leading towards the edge of the canvas in the direction of his eyes.

A black and white sketchy fanart for Omniscient reader's viewpoint. Kim Dokja is standing in front of the wall made out of pages with his back towards the viewer. There is a single huge page in fromt of him. It says "Are you even a person yourself to decide who is a character and who is not?" End ID]

old

[plungepoolsbrisbane]

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[nataliesilverman]

Peace

The deserts have never been so cool during the day as they are now. There is no conflict, no wars, no one coming back from the Holy War in a casket or an urn.

No one is dying by the billion every day for a meaningless conflict. No blood has been spilt.

The breeze carries the sweet smell of desert flowers that I haven’t smelled in an eternity, and the sunlight dances over the tops of the sandstone structures as large clouds roll by. Warm air moves through the folds of my robes, and for once, I am not covered in sticky sweat. The city of Sakiraka is not covered in banners and slogans of war. There are no beatings of me and mine, for we are not slaves here. There are no guards with rifles, swords, or spears. There is no need for those weapons.

In the distance I can behold a new addition to the skyline, the Monument of Forgiveness. Everyone I’ve ever had a hand in killing has inscribed their names upon it in a gesture of preemptive forgiveness that I never asked for. The monument is many miles wide and extends far above the clouds, fading into space. Tears blur my vision whenever I see it. It wasn’t something I asked for, and I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve any of this.

I feel the ground thump with the soft impacts of footsteps behind me, and I look up to see the lightless black form of the woman I love, Victoria. Her eyes glow orange against her charcoal black form. Without a word, we sit down at the circle at the center of this temple. The huge columns surrounding this equally enormous rectangle of polished, pearlescent marble surround us. In the distance I can see more shadow people talking, standing in robes and mingling with those who show more skin, their rainbow of neon war tattoos glowing even in the soft sunlight. The people of Rujag and Liuss are coexisting without conflict.

We sit at the ritual centre of the temple where elders speak and students learn. I don’t know how many young men and women I’ve seen here drilling with weapons and being lectured by the veterans of our society, only to never be seen again apart from having their names scribed into the Halls of Remembrance deep inside of this temple. I remember that structure taking up the bulk of this temple, but now it is nowhere to be found. Those who died were never killed here.

She squeezes my hand, her fingers large enough to engulf my wrist. She is warm and gentle. I feel two more sets of vibrations in the stone. The perpetually frowning face of End the Apocalypse glares at me. Her yellow eyes are not burning with disdain, as they usually are. Her bone-white skin is not adorned with the blasphemous honorary tattoos of war she did not earn, nor is she wearing the trophy garments of those dead elders she slaughtered. End never killed the world, and I never failed saving the world from her. We are not enemies here. She sits opposite of the other woman, towering over even her, sitting so tall that I have to crane my neck to see her face. The last one here is my teacher Sakiraka. He is not an immaterial light construct here...he never reigned in terror for ten thousand years, consuming the life of others only to be horrifically killed as the victim of his own hubris. He never killed and he never died.

I can’t help the smile on my face. All here is well. The horrors are gone. There is only healing and serenity here.

Then my nose is violated with the invasive sting of tobacco. I look upwind, towards the Monument of Forgiveness. It no longer exists, crumbled into colossal boulders underneath its own immense weight. There is a darkness spreading on the horizon, and thunder booms over the landscape. The cooperative Rujag and Liuss in the distance now lie dead in pools of their own blood. A lone woman with a face lined with age stands with glowing orange eyes behind large circular glasses. She glares at me with malice in her eyes as she exhales a stream of smoke from her cigarette.

I scramble to my feet, my head spinning back to Victoria. She lies dead in her own blood, her body covered with bullet holes. End still sits, her body covered in tattoos and her eyes staring at me with disdain. Her whole form resonates with disgust towards me. Sakiraka is once again a transparent blue ghost. He has been dead for eons. The entrance to the Halls of Remembrance gape before me.

“It’s not your time yet.” Men D’Thet says in a low voice behind me. My fists ball and shake in frustration. The flames of rage ignite inside of me, licking the edges of the hollow where my human soul once was and burning what’s left of a person who never was. And then there’s him, standing in front of Victoria, End, and Sakiraka like the violation of time and space he is.

The Agent, standing eye level with me, intruding in here with a red and black tactical uniform with a brass shield on one side of his chest and a bodycam on the other. He stands eye level with me and his wide hips roll as he walks towards me with the poise and self-appointed superiority of someone who has never felt any sort of consequence towards any of his actions. He holds a piece of paper at me and sighs with casual annoyance. “The Washington-Langley Cooperate Aggregate General Intelligence Committee Federal Internal Investigations Department, otherwise known as the WLC-AGIC FIID has issued a Deus Ex Machina Order. You do not belong here, as it violates the Status Quo. By the power vested in me by the Deus Ex Machina Protocol, you are to be evacuated effective immediately. Resistance to this has no meaning, Nmbakwa Sakiraka Munyori, aka Virgil R. Sinclaire.” he says in unenthusiastically. It’s impossible to see his eyes behind those mirrored aviator sunglasses, but his annoyance is palpable when he extends that clipboard at me. The moment I touch it I can feel my thumb slices open and the blood flows to the signature line. I’m about to say something when the wind reaches a fevered pitch.

Sand and blood are blown into my face with such ferocity that I can’t keep my eyes open. I bring my arm up as the coming storm approaches. It’s a screaming shockwave of darkness, consuming everyone and everything until I’m left in a black void. My senses disappear to the blackness. I am numb, I have no body, and I am one with this void. I wish to stay here. Don’t send me back...please. I’m begging you, whoever is listening. Not back there. Let me die. Even this void is preferable to life.

It doesn’t matter. The dream ends, and feeling returns to my limbs. I’m wearing the same suit I was wearing and in front of that damn art exhibit I thought I destroyed. The room is a huge, featureless space painted black with several spotlights shining, two at the corners of the artpiece, and one in the center of the room where I am. The bottom of the colossal golden from has the title of the piece with no plaque needed. Portrait of God. The contents of the frame are a mirror hundreds of feet tall and across. My eyeliner runs down my face as I stare at my reflection. There is no forgiveness. There is no serenity. The sins I have committed will haunt me forever. I will relive those sins forever and ever.

[equipro-surfaces-uk]

BUILDING A HORSE RIDING ARENA

Thinking Outside the Rectangle

Dreamed of having your own all-weather arena? There are several options for indoor and outdoor horse riding arena construction, but taking shortcuts is a risky business that will very likely cost you money and clients in the future.

So what is the best way for equestrian arena construction?

If you have found someone who knows the answer to this question, you should ask them to explain the true meaning of life while they’re at it.

Building an arena is just as much art as it is science. If you asked a twenty people for their views on the best way to build and surface an manege, you will end up with a twenty different answers, if they know anything at all.

Building a horse riding arena: The big mistakes to avoid…

If you carry out some online research you will probably find your eyes will end up as rectangular as your arena, and you’ll still have no definitive answers.

The main problem differential is your location. The raw ingredients for any arena – be they clay, shingle, sand, or limestone – vary from county to county. Lime from one quarry that performs superbly in one arena construction may have different qualities to that taken from a quarry 30 miles down the road.

There are huge variations in the kinds of sands you can buy. Clay also, demonstrates many different properties.

Drainage

Pooling water create soft, boggy patches. It also affects ride quality, and will ultimately lead to failure of the surface and its sub-layers. You will soon end up with areas of the arena containing a porridge of all the layers you had lovingly (and expensively) carted in and used on your arena.

The one thing you don’t want is water pooling and sitting on your manege.

There are two critical factors when installing drainage. Firstly, you want to create a ensure you have a gentle fall so that water is naturally encouraged off the arena. The most common approach is to create a modest crown down the centre line, and have drains running along each side to collect the water and carry it away.

Rainfall will run through the pourous top surface and membranes and to the compacted at the bottom of the construction. From here most of it should run off to the sides. It’s simple in theory. Much will depend upon on your rainfall, the soil type, and, hopefully, using the natural lie of the surrounding land to make this all work.

If drainage poses a major issue, you may need to depart from the model described above and consider an alternative option. A series of herringbone drains can be installed across an arena to carry water to the outsides.

Excavation

A product of arena construction is a large quantity of topsoil. It will cost to cart it away so consider ways of putting it to use. Perhaps it could be shaped into a bund to provide shelter for your arena or home, or perhaps spread on surrounding fields?

However, these drains will need to be placed in a sublayer that remains reasonably porous when compacted. The whole drainage system will add considerably to the final cost, but may be the only solution if your only available area has a heavy soil and cops a lot of rainfall.

Geotextiles may be used to cover these drains to prevent other materials used in the arena’s construction entering the drainage system. This will naturally increase the final cost, but will greatly extend the life of the drains. Inadequately protected drains will quickly clog and fail.

If you can select high ground, you’ve got half the battle won. Normally, side drains will suffice. Seek advice if you’re unsure.

Finally, you may like to call it an all-weather arena, but show it some kindness. Using it straight after a 50mm downpour only increases the risk of damaging the crucial sublayers.

Most arenas have some form of edging. Be careful this does not interfere with the drainage of the arena, or all your hard work will be for nought. The last thing you want is water pooling around the outside of the arena because of edging that creates a barrier, as this is arena area that will normally get the most use.

BUILDING A HORSE RIDING ARENA

[listywrites]

"You should cherish them," warned Pharaoh. "They will protect you no matter what. They would travel to the West for you, in less than a heartbeat."

In an ancient world that never was, A woman is chosen by Anubis to be his aspect in the land of the living.

She is one of the Neter-shuwt, the god-shadows, protectors of Pharaoh's greatest treasure: his heir. This generation, Horus and Set have both sent their shadows, and Anubis has chosen a woman, a rare honor.

Anubis-shuwt and her seven fellows are finding their current charge most difficult, as Princess Netari rebels against her father and the man he has chosen to be her husband, placing herself and her guardians in far more danger than anyone realizes.

When disaster strikes, Anubis-shuwt finds herself in the company of strangers from Babylon, with most of Syria between them and their shared goal. Now, she must risk everything to save her princess from evil and her heart from the jaws of Ammut.

Look for it where you find your favorite ebooks.

A PoD print version is in the works!

※

Laughter echoed through the temple garden.

Behind the grand temple dedicated to the Neter-shuwt were the grounds and garden where the eight guardians of the heir of the Pharaoh resided when they were not watching her from the shaded corners of the palace. Four were women, unusual but ultimately practical, for they were required to be intimately close to the princesses and queens at all times. They all wore black linen kilts that reached the knee and the women wore black bandeaus or short shirts more for support than modesty. Bast-shuwt's shirt was of the sheerest fabric to show off the elaborate inking around her breasts, of which she was quite proud.

She was a slight, petite girl with true catlike grace and bright eyes, well chosen by her goddess. Her straight black hair was cut short above her shoulders. She turned a sneer upon the man who rolled in the grass beside the bathing pool, howling with mad laughter.

"You're a beast," she told him.

He stopped and looked at her. He had been handsome once, but his face was now marred by the severe markings of the Set beast. Why the dangerous god had sent his shadow this generation was anyone's guess--he rarely bothered--but it was a terribly great honor, and the youth embraced his station with relish. His lines were thick and dramatic, Set's staff, known as the mighty was, graced his arm, and the tail of the beast ran right up his spine, forking right below his skull. In honor of the god he had dyed his shaggy hair with henna, though the color was uneven and the roots were dark. "I am," he admitted. "But I cannot help it! I thought Bata-shuwt had joined us, going by the smell!"

There as a splash and Anubis-shuwt broke the surface of the water with a splutter, giving her head a shake. "Are you finished yet?" she snapped.

Set smiled. "Bast is scolding me on your behalf."

She made a face, leaning back to dunk her hair a final time. "I love the child, I really do! But she has lost her mind!" She climbed from the water and snatched up a thin rectangle of linen to wrap around herself. Once it was tied off she turned and clasped her hands to her chin. "Oh Duffa, you are my true love!" she crooned. "Never mind that you smell like a goat and look a bit like one too, you are beautiful covered in dirt! We shall run away together until Father catches you and sets your head upon a pike! Oh, the tantrum I shall throw will shake your corpse, my dearest!"

Set howled, even Bast giggled.

Horus-shuwt sat up from where he had been resting in the shade of a tree. Of all the Neter-shuwt, most agreed he had the most elaborate and beautiful ink. His artist had decorated him from neck to thighs in an elaborate pattern of detailed feathers, each an individual and unique work of art in itself. His face had been carefully marked to mimic the falcon god, and his legs, along with the hieroglyphs which told of his station, had more feathers and patterns to evoke flight among the celestial bodies. His dark hair was cut short and had a tendency to stick up. "Don't mock the Princess," he scolded in his even tone. "Or poor Duffa. At least he didn't smell like a chamber pot."

"He would have, the first time he raised his beloved's ire," she replied. "And I don't mean to mock him, but he should have known better, speaking pretty words to the girl. I heard him. We all did." She waggled her finger in the general direction of the palace. "He'd croon little songs to her and tell her how pretty she was. He thought he was just getting in good with the royalty. Well, he learned his lesson, didn't he?"

"Offending Osiris with the odor of goat, I assume," Set chuckled.

"No, the Pharaoh took pity on him when he soiled his linens, and sent him to the army camp in the south. He told the Priestess as much."

Set found this hysterical, rolling back on the ground to shout with laughter. Bast shook her head.

"Really?" Horus asked. "He's a good man, our Pharaoh."

"Yes."

"The queen still touches his heart," Sobek-shuwt said quietly from the other side of the pool. He had the darkest skin out of all of them, yet the teeth of the crocodile god stood out sharply on his face. "He knows she would have asked him to show the boy mercy."

They all fell silent at this, even Set, and nodded their agreement. They had all loved the queen very much, and she them, calling them "the little shadows" and sending massive gifts of fruit and beer to the temple on a regular basis.

"Be that as it may," said Anubis finally, combing out her hair. She frowned, considering the hours it would take to braid it all again. She thought about doing something different with it for a moment then discarded the idea; she liked her braids. "I will be much quicker to duck next time, and I suggest my sisters do the same. I feel great pity for this Memnir."

"As do we all," agreed Set, and burst into laughter again.

[skydigiblogs]

I kind of dislike the inclusion of Appmon here since they're similar enough life forms that it feels more like a square vs rectangle situation (all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares; in this case, digimon being the umbrella term that includes appmon).

(Giving you the point on D Reaper and Eaters though--- it would be a neat detail to give them a different card type up top.)

However, I want to point out that DigiXros and Assembly are different keywords. Note the text on the following cards, Shoutmon (King Version) VT10-111, and Shoutmon X7: Superior Mode, BT12-112.

DigiXros allows you to use materials from your hand or battle area (including under your tamers). However, a card like Superior Mode has to specify that the trash is viable to use in DigiXros.

In that regard, Assembly feels like an iteration on DigiXros rather than the same mechanic, as it can only target cards in the trash. This has already been present in some cards, only without a keyword. As you see above, Superior Mode even has text that specifies the trash as a viable source.

Another example of something that has a similar set up is Apocalymon BT15-102.

Unlike the Assembly keyword, it specifies that each reduces the play cost by 4--- so it isn't an exact 1:1. However, it won't surprise me if we see EX10 Apocalymon require all four via the Assembly keyword.

(Hopefully this means my man can finally get an unrestricted cards, yeesh.)

We're also seeing Assembly as a keyword used on the new Eyesmon, so I think the specification of trash is being used to help save space on cards that, lore mechanic wise, might benefit from being able to use trash as a resource.

Also, while EX1 Machinedra specifies hand or trash (a sort of middle ground between Assembly and DigiXros), BT19 uses DigiXros. I don't run the Millenniumon archetype, but it wouldn't surprise me if the use of DigiXros limits how useful that Machinedramon is in Mille, as the engine itself is heavily reliant on your trash and self destruction.

Assembly fixes that problem without requiring you to futz around with balancing three resource pools, rather than one or two.

I think also worth noting in the conversation about redundancy in terminology is the old Digiburst mechanic, which uh.

This video is from about 6 months ago, talking about Keyword History in the DCG, and I find it useful for this conversation, because it actually made a link between DigiBurst and Fragment.

Basically, DigiBurst hasn't been used in years now, but a similarly functioning "trash digivolution cards to do a thing" effect has been added with the Pyramidimon line. A lot more keywords have come out since, but I think the main example in the first section still illustrates the point.

Like, yeah, the cheat cards that tell you what every keyword does are gonna get longer (which is annoying for me since I'm always struggling to remember what Raid does), but I think it's ultimately useful to introduce new keywords if something like this happens so often that you think about adding a keyword.

I'm actually surprised considering how many decks rely on the trash as a resource that we hadn't gotten something like this sooner, tbh.

digimon tcg pet peeve

digital lifeforms that are very much not digimon are still labeled 'digimon' on their card art

like I can accept Mother D Reaper, King Yggdrasil and Gate of Deadly Sins being labeled as "digi-eggs" for card game function

but I still think the rest of the non digimon digital lifeforms should have their proper label on the card

the other card game pet peeve is when the come up with a new term name for something that already exist

like why is it Assembly when we already have Digi-Xros ? they do the same thing

unless we're getting like Crack Team/Metal Empire exclusive support I really don't see the point

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[cowboyviolence]

My toxic belief is I fucking hate suburbs. Like cities aren't my jam but I get the appeal of being able to walk to 7/11 or take the bus or whatever but I cannot deal with suburbia I hate you lawns I hate you ugly cookie cutter houses I hate you pavement I hate you little bits of nature packaged up and sold back to you in neat little rectangles I hate you fences I hate you empty beige stripmall I hate you light pollution I hate you golf course I want to look out my window and see trees not Dave from next doors fucking algea infested above ground fucking pool!

[mrsalwayswrite]

To Call Forth Love - Chapter 10

I’m sorry its taken me so long to update. I haven't had much time to write lately due to....well, life. But here we are and its long, so hopefully that makes up for the length. 

Side note- the Norwegian used is from Google translate so....

Warnings: swearing, mild sexual content, Lothbrok family dynamics (yes, its a warning), threats of violence

Words: 15,700 (yep, my longest chapter yet. I packed ALOT into this beast)

Tag List: @youbloodymadgenius @evelynshelby @pomegranates-and-blood @heavenly1927 @zuxiezendler @punkrocknpearls @love-all-things-writing @southernbe @ecarroll1978 @breezykpop @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie​

Series Masterlist

"Where are we going? I thought we were going to your flat?" 

 Gyda slyly smiled at Kari, sitting in the passenger seat of her bright yellow Porsche. "Change of plans."

 Kari stared at her friend. "I'm scared to ask."

 "Torvi asked for female reinforcement. So, we are going to keep her company."

 "Ok…. But where is that?" 

 "At the brothers' house." The blonde answered nonchalantly as she made a quick right-hand turn. "It's tradition. Kind of a last family summer party before it's too cold to swim anymore. They have a pool in their backyard."

 Kari felt her stomach drop. Ivar had told her he lived with his three other brothers. Gyda had her own flat while Bjorn and Torvi owned a house nearby. Whenever she tried to ask Ivar about his home, he would shrug off the question or ignore it completely. Eventually she just stopped asking. Curiosity certainly reared its head when she wondered what his home was like. For how much money meant nothing to him, she guessed it was massive and expensive. Maybe he knew she would not fit in and that was why he never brought her? Even through his speeches of wanting her to be his girlfriend, he knew she would not fit into his lifestyle. Why else would he keep her away? It was a valid truth that she had come to terms with. Even if she found herself secretly desperate to ease into his life, she never would. 

 "Of course, they do…." Kari rolled her eyes at the notion that obviously, there was a pool in their backyard. It fit the stereotype in her mind. Then she thought about what Gyda just said. "Wait. Do you have a swimsuit with you?"

 Gyda raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow at her while keeping her eyes on the road. "Don't worry, I've got you covered. Torvi brought an extra of hers for you."

 "You had this planned, didn't you? We never were going to your flat, were we?"

 "I don't kiss and tell."

 "Yes, you do. There was that guy you hooked up with two weeks ago that kept sending you dick pics after."

 "That guy was way too proud of his dick. I mean it wasn't even that big."

 "I don't want to hear this again." Kari groaned, tugging on her diamond earring. She enjoyed Gyda but she had learned far more about the woman's sex life than she had any desire to know. 

 "Okay, fine. And yes, Torvi and I planned this. Ivar doesn't know you're coming."

 "Why?"

 Gyda smirked. "Because he's been so secretive and only Hvitserk has seen you two together. Besides, the rest of the brothers want to meet you. We may be at each other's throats most of the time but we do care for one another."

 The brunette let her friend's words sink in. Hvitserk had mentioned the others wanting to meet her, but she had not fully believed it. Sure, she wanted to meet them and was curious after hearing Ivar talk about them, but why would they be interested in her? She glanced down at her clothes, the capri leggings and tank top that were practically a signature look for her. For once, she wished she dressed nicer regularly. "I wish you had said something before."

 "You wouldn't have come then. You'd have created some excuse why you couldn't come." Gyda pointed out the obviously painful truth without remorse. 

 Kari slouched in the passenger seat, butterflies doing somersaults in her belly. Slowly, she pulled her ponytail down, letting her hair hang loose past her shoulders, running her hand through it absent-mindedly in hopes it looked decent. 

 At a red light, Gyda looked over at her with a bright smile. "It'll be fun." 

 "I don't know…. isn’t it supposed to be just family?"

 "Ubbe sometimes brings his girlfriend but yeah, it's usually just family."

 There was another long silence before Kari spoke again, unable to fully conceal her nerves. "You should drop me off and just go. I don't want to intrude."

 "You're not. I'm bringing you because there is always way too much testosterone." Gyda groaned, then reached over and swatted Kari's leg. "What are you so worried about?"

 "What if they don't like me?" She whispered. The weight of her confession hung over her like a dark cloud. 

 "What?"

 She kept her gaze out the window. "The…. the others. What if they don't like me?"

 Gyda laughed. "Kari, don't worry. They will love you. I promise. And if they say anything fucking stupid, I'll slap them or Ivar will stab them. See? Simple."

 A smile grew on Kari's face. "That shouldn't make me feel better…. but for some reason it does." Maybe she had already spent too much time with various Lothbroks if the idea of people resorting to violence made her feel better. 

 "You aren't alone, if anything we'll steal Torvi and Asa away and have a girls' party."

 "Asa? That's her daughter, right?"

 "Right, and Hali is her son. I swear that boy is going to be a miniature version of Bjorn."

 "I've never been around kids much." 

 Gyda chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "They are great, Asa is a sweetie who prefers to cuddle in someone's lap. It's Hali who is a bit wild but all his uncles love to play with him. He'll probably be swimming in the pool the whole time anyway."

 Still staring out the window, Kari thought about everything Gyda had said. Of course, she was still nervous about just showing up to a family event unannounced, even if she was sort of being kidnapped by Gyda. Some of her nerves faded away with the knowledge that Gyda and Torvi both wanted her there. She really would not be alone. She had friends. She had people that wanted to spend time with her. Hopefully Ivar would be pleased to see her. His potential reaction was the only real wrinkle in her fluctuating confidence. 

 "Okay. I can do this." She said aloud, wondering if she was trying to fully convince herself. 

 "Good, cause we're almost there."

 Kari stared out the window as they approached a gated community. Gyda showed her ID to a guard who chatted with her like they were old friends. As the yellow Porsche drove by the houses in the community, Kari just stared in awe. She had seen houses, mansions was a better term, like these before but it always amazed her that people lived in them. What did they do with all that space? All of the homes were set back from the road so Kari only caught glimpses of them but it was enough to remind her how out of her element she was. 

 Finally, they pulled up a long driveway to a massive two-story house. It was white with an insane number of windows, and a huge garage attached on the left side. On the right side looked like an expansive addition that made Kari wonder why they needed more space. The roof was made of some slate gray tiles, with a balcony above the front door and ivy draping elegantly over the corners. There were various sized potted plants and shrubbery around the front of the house and leading down the sides. Several European beech trees were strategically placed in the front yard to block most of the view from the road in an attempt at privacy. Whoever the grounds keeper was, for surely they had one, needed a raise. 

 Kari could only gape for a long moment, unable to move as she took in the immaculate, beautiful house. To think this was where Ivar lived and he always came over to her tiny townhouse. It was a struggle to tamper down the post embarrassment. 

 Gyda started talking as she parked in front of the house. The only other vehicle in sight was a silver four-door Audi, that Kari recognized as Torvi's. "Aslaug chose the house for them. When she isn't traveling for work or staying at their family home in Norway, this is where she stays. So, she insisted on this place. Something about the natural sunlight and old aesthetic blending with the new vibe. Or some other shit. I can't remember."

 "Huh." Kari said as she followed the blonde out of the car. She noticed there was no mention of the father, Ragnar, and wondered where he stayed but knew it was none of her business so she kept her question to herself. Maybe Ivar would explain it to her. 

 Gyda opened the solid, wood front door, waltzing in like she had done this a million times. Kari took two steps in and froze. The vaulted ceiling in the foyer was enough to stare at but it was the large chandelier that caused her to stare. The way it caught the afternoon light through the many windows and gently cast it about was truly gorgeous. This view was worth owning the house for itself, in her opinion. 

 A tugging on her arm made Kari squeak as she found herself suddenly being dragged along like a ragdoll. 

 "You can stare later, Torvi is waiting for us." Gyda stated, a large purse over her shoulder and her heeled boots clicking on the shiny, wood floor with each step. 

 Kari caught glimpses of other rooms as they passed down the long, straight hallway. A living room with a TV that took up most of the wall it was on. A kitchen that would make any celebrity chef drool. Pictures and awards displayed along the walls in the hallway that were obviously put up by their mother.  

 The two finally stepped out into a room with glass walls, where the pool and expansive backyard lay before them. Most likely what used to be a porch before being enclosed. Still being pulled along, Kari followed Gyda through a side door onto the stamped concrete that surrounded the pool and lounge area. A pool in a rectangle shape dominated the area, a diving board on the far end. A quick glance around showed a jacuzzi on the other side, closer to the house, the water bubbling like a cauldron. There was a large grill, several short tables and lounge chairs spread over the stamped concrete. At the far end was an adult size statue of the Buddha with two flowering pots on either side of him and some kind of cheap, plastic crown on his head. 

 The backyard was several acres wide and at least that many in length. Trees and large shrubs blocked the views of the neighbor's properties and made the place feel almost like a hidden oasis. Further down in a corner was a lovely gazebo with a cobbled stone path leading to it and gardens decorating the way. 

 "Gyda! What took you so long?!" A distinctly male voice called out. 

 "I had to pick up a package." She called back, pulling Kari into full view of the others. 

 The brunette gave a small, self-conscious smile at the many pairs of eyes that she could feel land on her. Before she could really get a good look at who was around, a shout of her name startled her. 

 "Kari!" Hvitserk jumped up from his lounge chair, wearing only dark green swim trunks, and walked over to her with a beaming smile. 

 "Hey…. OH!" She started to greet him only to be swallowed into a hug and spun in a circle. Unable to deny him, she hugged him back and laughed. It was funny since last time she saw him, he was in business attire, coming to check on her per Ivar's instructions. Now she could not help but notice his toned body. His form reminded her more of a runner, while she was used to seeing Ivar's muscular torso. A couple tattoos on Hvitserk caught her eye and she wondered if all the brothers had them. 

 When he finally set her back on her feet, he kept his hands on her shoulders, green eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. "I didn't know you were coming here."

 "Yeah, I didn't know either until Gyda told me on the way."

 He chuckled, glancing over her head to his half-sister. "Yeah, not surprising."

 "Uh huh. Watch yourself, boy. I could still beat your ass if I wanted too." Gyda quipped. 

 "Maybe fifteen years ago. You don't have a chance now."

 "Keep telling yourself that, Hvitty." She teased, then yelled at Torvi. "You got it?"

 As soon as Kari was released by Hvitserk, she could sense a pair of sharp, blue eyes boring into her. Skin prickling under the sensation, she hesitantly looked up and immediately met Ivar's intense gaze right away, as if subconsciously her mind already knew where he was without having to search for him. 

 Reclined back on a cushioned, lounge beach chair, he wore loose black sweatpants, instead of swim trunks, under his leg braces, but without a shirt. His tattoos were a stark contrast on his skin and shamelessly on full display. Her fingers twitched with the urge to trace them again. It was his penetrating gaze though, the lack of emotion on his handsome face, that made her wonder if being here was a bad idea. 

 Before she could make a run for it, Gyda grabbed her arm as if sensing her desire to flee. "C'mon, let's get changed."

 With one last glance at Ivar, she followed behind Gyda and Torvi, who had joined them, back into the massive house. They headed to the kitchen and Gyda pointed out a bathroom across the way. 

 Placing the beach bag on the kitchen counter, Torvi dug in it for a moment before murmuring a quiet "here it is" and handed Kari something. "Here. I bought this forever ago but never wore it. Bjorn said he didn't like the colors."

 Kari took it, guessing it was the promised swimsuit, and peeked down at the two pieces of clothing in her hands. "Um…. where’s the rest of it?"

 Laughing, Gyda rolled her eyes. "Get in there and change or I'll do it for you."

 With a concerned look between the swimsuit in her hands and the two blondes staring at her expectantly, Kari finally conceded defeat and stepped into the bathroom. It was only a half bath, with a toilet and sink, but it was still roomy and felt fancy somehow. The mirror above the sink was large and there was a small, pretty flowering plant on the counter that upon inspection, turned out to be real. 

 Quickly, she changed out of her leggings and tank top and into the swimsuit, figuring it was best that way, like ripping off a band-aid. Plus, if she stopped moving, her nerves would get the better of her and she would somehow find a way to sneak home. Even if she had to crawl through a window. A smile grew on her face remembering Hvitserk's enthusiasm to see her. That had honestly surprised her but she found she did not mind. Hvitserk seemed like a good guy and the little bit of time they had spent together, she felt comfortable with him. He was funny and caring. 

 Then Ivar's blank face came to mind and all of her excitement slipped away like water down a drain. There had been no acknowledgement, not even the hint of a smile, only a hard stare that made her anxious and self-conscious.  

 Taking a deep breath, she tried to remind herself what Gyda said. At least the two Lothbrok women wanted her here, and apparently Hvitserk was happy to see her. That was what she needed to focus on and not Ivar's reaction.

 Once done changing, she finally took stock of what Torvi had leant her and gasped.  

 "Oh no. No, no, no. Hell no."

 She stared down at the wide-band bikini. The top and bottom both had alternating white and light pink stripes, strangely reminding her of cotton candy. The design was certainly something she would never pick out for herself but she did not hate it. The real problem was the way half her ass cheeks hung out of the bottoms and more of her breasts saw the light of day than they ever had before. Never had she been so exposed. Even swimsuits she bought in the past were never this revealing. Her gaze immediately zeroed in on her fuller hips and thighs, fully exposed. Faint whispers that sounded like her mother's taunts echoed in the recesses of her mind as she stared at herself. There was no way she could go out in this. She would rather wear her leggings and tank top than have anyone see her wearing this. They would all laugh at her. 

 "Kari? You done yet?" Torvi called through the door. 

 "I'm…. I’m not coming out in this!" 

 "Let us see it first!" Gyda shot back. 

 "But…." Kari tried once again, unsuccessfully, to tuck her breasts into the bikini top. "It's padded!" 

 "Open this door, Kari." Gyda demanded, suddenly sounding closer. 

 She took one more look at herself, feeling the embarrassed tears welling in her eyes. With a deep breath, knowing she could not escape Gyda just yet, she opened the door. Immediately her blue-green eyes scanned to make sure it was only Gyda and Torvi in the kitchen before she further opened the door so they could see. 

 "Shit, Kari, you look great." Gyda said after giving a wolf whistle. 

 "Half of my butt is hanging out and most of my boobs. I can't wear this out there." She said, almost panicking now. 

 "No, they aren't, you're overexaggerating."

 "Kari," Torvi said kindly, drawing the brunette's frenzied attention, "you're more curvy than I am and let's be honest, your ass and tits are bigger than mine. I'd kill to have a body like yours. You look beautiful. But if you're uncomfortable, I think I have a cover you can wear over it."

 "Please." She replied softly, hating how she sounded like a fearful child.  

 Torvi smiled at her. "I'll be right back."

 Swiftly, Kari stepped back into the bathroom before Gyda could say anything. Her nerves felt alight and not in a good way. Grabbing her phone, she scrolled through her Pinterest, anything to distract herself from this nightmare. If it was just Gyda and Torvi seeing her in this, she might have been uncomfortable but she could tolerate it. Even with Ivar she might have shied away some but he always made her feel so desirable that she doubted her nerves would have lasted long. It was the thought of prancing around in this in front of the other brothers, men she had never met, that made her stomach twist into knots and her breathing quicken painfully. 

 Finally, a gentle knock on the door and a quiet, "It's me," had Kari open it to take the cover from Torvi. It was a solid white oversized V-neck cover with a simple pattern around the neckline. Without wasting a moment, she slipped it on over the bikini, immediately feeling better. The hem of the cover touched the tops of her thighs, higher than she would have liked, but it was better than before. 

 She looked up, running her hands over the cover. "Thank you." 

 Torvi smiled softly with understanding. "I understand. I don't wear swimsuits that show my stomach anymore. Stretch marks." She shrugged casually, moving back to slip onto an island stool. 

 Kari trailed behind her with her bundle of clothes and purse. Without a word, Gyda slipped into the bathroom to change, leaving the other two waiting for her. It was now that Kari really took note of Torvi's swimsuit; it was a classy black and white one piece with thin crisscross straps across the back. The blonde could easily wear a bikini and look amazing in it, but it made Kari feel marginally better that she was not the only one self-conscious about her body. Perhaps that was why Torvi shared about her stretch marks?

 "Is it…." Kari started then stopped, leaning against the black marble countertop. Surveying the grand kitchen for a second, hoping to gather her thoughts, she took a deep breath before continuing. "Is it okay that I'm here? Gyda said this is a family event and I don't want to intrude."

 Torvi turned to face her fully, green eyes gazing at her before she shrugged again. "Normally we try to keep it just family, Ubbe sometimes brings Margrethe, but I doubt anyone will be upset you're here. Honestly, the brothers keep asking about you, so now maybe they will finally shut up and stop teasing Ivar."

 Kari fiddled with the hem of the swimsuit cover. "He didn't seem happy to see me."

 "Ivar?" At Kari's nod, Torvi snorted. "I don't think it's you he's upset with. He's a very private person, as I'm sure you know. If I took a guess, I'd say he was keeping you hidden."

 "But why?"

 "Look, I've known the Lothbroks for about ten years and during that time, I've seen Ivar go through some ups and downs…. well, as much as he lets anyone see. I mostly heard it from Bjorn. Point is, he's allowing you into his inner circle. Hell, you're probably at the center of his inner circle. I saw how he acted with you at the yoga studio. You mean something to him. It's no secret he wants you to be his girlfriend. Maybe he is worried that you'll meet his family and decide we're too much or that you find one of his brothers more attractive or easier to deal with? He pretends to be super confident but it wouldn't be the first time that a woman chose one of the others over him."

 Every time Kari heard that, her heart broke once again for Ivar. How many times had he been overlooked because of his legs? Or his harsh demeanor? Something that she was beginning to realize was just to protect himself, to keep others at arm's length. It made her want to hug him and never let him go, to remind him he was more than just his disability. That he was worth being cared about by more than just family. 

 Kari must have been lost in her thoughts for longer than she realized. Suddenly she was drawn out of her inner musings by Gyda coming out of the bathroom, having changed into a plant print cutout tankini. Of course, looking like she just stepped out of a magazine cover. There had to be something in the Lothbrok blood for everyone to be this damn attractive. 

 "Are we ready?" She asked, her large bag in hand, presumably with her clothes in it. "Kari, you can put your stuff in here for now."

 Torvi touched Kari's shoulder. "Don't worry. If anything, you are here to keep me and Gyda company, okay?"

 Kari smiled, finding herself reassured and grateful for the two women. "Thanks." She slipped her clothes and shoes into Gyda's bottomless bag. They stashed their bags in the glass room and then headed back out into the backyard. 

 Soon as they stepped out, a little girl came running over. Torvi swept her up into her arms gracefully. She turned to Kari with the little blonde girl on her hip. "This is Asa. How old are you, Asa?"

 The little girl stared at her mom before shyly tucking her face into the crook of Torvi's neck, while her blue eyes stayed on Kari. After a moment, she held up two fingers. 

 "You're two?" Kari asked. When the little girl shyly nodded, Kari's smile widened. "I wish I was that old. It's nice to meet you, Asa. I'm Kari."

 Torvi pressed a quick kiss to the top of her daughter's head. "Did daddy let you play in the pool yet?"

 Asa shook her head. 

 "Alright, let's go kick his butt. He did promise, didn't he?"

 That made the little girl giggle and Kari could feel her heart melting slightly. She was just too cute and most likely spoiled by all her uncles. Even her swimsuit was a purple halter top and green bottom with a little skirt that was very The Little Mermaid-esque.  

 A happy scream followed by a splash drew Kari's gaze to the pool. A young boy resurfaced laughing loudly. Bjorn, she recognized, was in the pool also, but turned to look up at Torvi as she approached with Asa on her hip. 

 "Let's go sit down." Gyda slipped her arm through Kari's and pulled her along to where there was a grouping of lounge chairs. Ivar, Hvitserk and a curly-haired blond reclined with beers in hand. 

 Kari could feel Ivar's gaze tracing over her form as she approached, like fingers trailing over her skin leaving a fire in its wake. She sneaked a peek at him, only to find his ardent gaze on her. She blushed and kept her eyes downward. At least he did not look impassive anymore, but she still felt hesitant. 

 "Hey boys. What are we drinking this time?" Gyda questioned. 

 Hvitserk turned the beer bottle to show the label. 

 "Ew. I don't why you drink that shit. I'm going to get some wine. Kari, you want some?"

 "Ah, sure." She murmured.

 "Good. You boys be nice to my friend, especially you Ivar." With that Gyda walked back towards the house but not before giving Kari a subtle wink.

 "Take a seat, Kari." Hvitserk gestured to an open chair next to him. 

 For a split second she considered slinking into the seat, anything for the attention to be taken off her, but realized that was not what she actually wanted. It had been two days since she had seen Ivar and the last time they hung out, it was when he returned from his trip to Italy. He had picked her up the next day to take her out to eat but he ended up spending the majority of the time on his phone, yelling into it in a foreign language and seeming on the verge of throwing his phone or punching a wall. She ended up ordering take-out for them that they ate at her townhouse but he was too wired to really relax and left soon after. The next two days he had been busy with work so they could only text. The one time they managed to Face-Time, she could not help but notice his bruised knuckles and when she asked him about them, he said he did some boxing to release stress. 

 With butterflies doing somersaults in her belly, she took a step closer to stand near Ivar's lounge chair. Tugging on the hem of her cover as she quietly spoke. "Hey, Ivar. Can I sit with you?"

 "Oh, you're acknowledging me now?" He snapped, never removing his severe blue eyes off of her.  

 She blinked owlishly, surprised by his sharp tone. Her stomach dropped to her feet and she could feel an embarrassed flush rising on her cheeks. "Yeah, I'm sorry." She whispered, dropping her chin, unable to meet his eyes anymore. This was all a mistake, she knew it. This only sealed her poor decision. 

 Shifting to look back at the house, she wondered if she should find Gyda and beg to drive her back home, or if she should find the closest bus stop. Before she could take a step away, a calloused hand snatched hers in a firm grip. Startled, she looked down to see Ivar holding her hand. Her eyes jumped up to stare at him in shock, confused by his conflicting actions. In those vivid, expressive eyes she could easily read the regret in them. Without her conscious decision, her heart softened. 

 "Sit." He said quietly, what most likely meant to come out commanding but sounded more as a plea. She nodded and allowed him to guide her onto the wide lounge chair next to him. 

 A furious blush warmed her cheeks when Ivar wrapped an arm around her waist, tucking her into his side and pressing a quick kiss to her temple. What she assumed was his nonverbal apology. 

 "Hey, this is Sigurd." Hvitserk said, gesturing to the unknown blond sitting with them. "I don't think you've met him yet. Ubbe had to take a call, so you'll meet him later."

 "Hi, it's nice to meet you." She said, looking at the other Lothbrok. He had light blond, curly hair in frazzled braids and brown eyes. At first glance she would not have guessed he was one of the brothers, but she figured genetics were always weird. He had a lean body similar to Hvitserk with a tribal tattoo sleeve and a Thor's hammer necklace laying on his bare chest like the other brothers wore.

 He silently raised his beer bottle at her, still stretched out in his chair like a lazy cat in the sun. 

 Thoughtfully she peered up at Ivar, keeping her voice low. "I'm sorry, I didn't know Gyda was bringing me here otherwise I'd have told you. She literally didn't tell me until we were pulling up."

 "It's fine." He murmured evenly, but Kari got the feeling that was not how he truly felt. 

 "Do….do you want me to leave?"

 He sighed, his grip around her tightening for a moment, before he seemed to relax. "No. I'm glad you're here. It won't be boring…." a wolfish grin grew as he slid his hand up her exposed thigh sensually, ".... especially if you take off this cover and let me see what's underneath." 

 "No!" She squeaked, grabbing his roving hand before it could migrate further. 

 He chuckled. "Come on, kitten…. just a peek?"

 "Ivar, no."

 "Why not?"

 "Its…. it’s scandalous."

 Hvitserk raised his hand, a devious smirk on his face. "I want to see."

 She covered her face with her hands, embarrassment flooding her. "Oh gods, this was such a bad idea." Then she had to rapidly grasp Ivar's hand as it slipped under the swimsuit cover to caress her hip and trace her bikini bottom. "Ivar…."

 "Fine." He slipped his hand back out but splayed it over her exposed thigh. "You can show me later."

 Thankfully, Gyda reappeared with a glass of white wine in each hand and another blond male in tow who carried the wine bottle. He had short, cropped hair and a muscular body that spoke of many hours in the gym. Kari wondered if this was the brother that Ivar regularly worked out with. 

 "Why are you sitting with Ivar? I brought you here! I'm even bringing you wine!" Gyda teased, handing a glass to Kari. 

 "You also dragged me here unknowingly. Wine is the least you could do." Kari said without thinking, making the others laugh. 

 "You know damn well you're happy to be here." Gyda winked then took the open lounge chair next to her. "Right, I'm guessing you've been introduced to Sigurd." She flicked a hand in the curly-haired Lothbrok's direction followed by vaguely gesturing to the last unknown brother. "Now this pain in my ass, over here, is Ubbe. Ubbe, this is Kari."

 Sitting between Hvitserk and Gyda, Ubbe rolled his blue eyes but leaned forward to shake Kari's hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."

 "Yeah, likewise."

 Ubbe sat back with an impish glint in his eyes. "So, you're Ivar's girl?"

 "Um…. we’re just..." She started, unsure what to say to his family. 

 Ivar broke in, his single word answer almost coming out in a growl. "Yes."

 She whipped her head to look at him, only for him to stare her down as if waiting to see if she could refute his claim. Logically, she knew she should say something, argue that they were only friends. Yet any rebuttal died on her tongue under his fierce gaze. Instead she chose to sip on her wine generously.  

 "Right." Ubbe finally said, watching the two with an amused look. 

 Sigurd scoffed loudly before taking a swig of his beer. 

 "Something you want to say, Sig?" Ivar turned narrowed eyes at his brother.

 The curly-haired brother smirked, seeming to debate saying anything. Finally, he sat up and his gaze zeroed in on Kari. "How much does he pay you to fuck him?"

 The reaction from those around was instantaneous. Next to her, Ivar tensed, ready to spring up and fight his brother. A sharp reprimand of "Sigurd!" came from both Gyda and Ubbe while Hvitserk pinched the bridge of his nose. 

 Something rose up inside Kari though. She understood enough to know about the animosity between Sigurd and Ivar. His comment felt more like a cruel jab at Ivar than her. She was just the pathway to try and cause torment between the brothers. But if no one else was going to stand up and defend the dark-haired Lothbrok, she would. 

 So instead of taking his words personally, she just smiled sweetly at Sigurd, placing a hand on Ivar's thigh as she responded. "He doesn't. I'm happy to do it for free. Besides, he has something you never will."

 "And what's that?"

 "A cock big enough to pleasure someone….is that why you go through girlfriends so quickly?"

 The rising tension evaporated in a flash. Gyda snorted so hard she almost dropped her wine glass. Hvitserk threw his head back laughing while Ubbe tried to cover his smile with his hand. Kari was sure her eyes were comically wide as what she said without thinking sunk in. Her face flushed and she pressed her face against Ivar's shoulder. Sure, she had meant to defend Ivar but she had not meant to be so crass. The statement seemed to fly out of her mouth before her brain could catch up. 

 Next to her, Ivar laughed as he nuzzled her. She squirmed under his onslaught but also at realizing she just insulted one of Ivar's brothers. Even if it was the one he liked least of all. For a fleeting moment, the idea she had just made herself an enemy crossed her mind. 

 When she sneaked a peek, Sigurd quickly drained the rest of his beer and walked away murmuring something about getting another one. 

 "I think you'll fit in, Kari." Ubbe stated, still trying unsuccessfully to hide his amusement. 

 Kari was unsure of that. She quickly took a large sip of the wine to settle her fraying nerves. What had she been thinking? It hurt to hear Ivar's brother being so blatantly cruel to him and if this was a regular occurrence, no wonder Ivar wanted to spend most of their time at her place. 

 "I didn't realize you liked my cock so much, kattungen." Ivar whispered salaciously into her ear, drawing her back to the present. His tongue flicked her earlobe, making her jolt. "I think I'll have to give you a reward later."

 She shivered at his tone, her core clenching without resistance. It was unfair how just at his husky tone alone, her body betrayed her desire. But they were in public though, in front of his family no less, so she willfully attempted to cool the heat warming her veins. With a smile, she tried to nudge him away from her but he was too strong, only tightening his grip on her and laying a quick kiss to her neck. 

 "I can't believe I said that." She whispered, hoping only he heard her. 

 He smirked, an unmistakable fire in his eyes. "It was sexy as fuck."

 Thankfully, Torvi came over to join the group, a welcome distraction for Kari as she was sure the fire in Ivar's gaze was enough to set her ablaze and further stoke her own heat. 

 Torvi settled into Sigurd's now absent spot. "What did I miss?" 

 "Kari said Ivar's cock is bigger than Sigurd's." Hvitserk stated smugly. 

 Torvi stared at Kari with a tilt of her head and an amused grin. "Really? And how did we get on the subject of dicks already?"

 Some of the group laughed as Kari covered her face once again, mortified that she was the center of attention because of what she thoughtlessly said. She had the sneaking suspicion none of them would ever let her live this down. 

 "Alright, enough. Come on, it's girl time now." Gyda grabbed Kari's hand and dragged her to her feet, much to Ivar's obvious chagrin. She scoffed, meeting her half-brother's gaze. "I'll give her back later."

 The three women wandered over to some open chairs further down from the guys and closer to the Buddha statue. Gyda carried the wine bottle and her glass while Kari carefully held her own glass. Torvi snatched a beer from a nearby cooler as they meandered over. Gyda settled on a single, lounge chair adjacent to a cushioned two-person seat which the other two sat on. 

 "Alright, we have a very serious matter to discuss. Your answer may or may not break our friendship." Gyda started, leaning forward as she pointed a single finger at the brunette. 

 Kari found herself straightening in her seat, hand clutching her wine glass tighter. 

 Eyes intent, Gyda's voice dropped conspiringly. "Who is sexier: Steve Rogers or Bucky Barnes?"

 Shock rendered Kari momentarily speechless. At Gyda's serious tone, she had imagined a topic that would involve confessing a secret, not…. not a movie franchise. "Um…. Bucky." She hesitantly answered. 

 "Yes!!" Gyda shouted, throwing her arms up and almost spilling her wine. "I knew I liked you! Ivar, she is mine now!"

 Kari laughed at her enthusiasm; all concern having vanished instantly. "I take it you like him too?"

 "Hell yeah. I would willingly choke on his cock or he could pound my pussy to pulp and I wouldn't complain either way."

 Torvi shook her head, a hint of a smile tilting the corners of her lips up. "Something's wrong with you."

 "You prefer Steve?" Kari inquired, once she recovered from choking on air at Gyda's blunt statement. Her friend always had a way of surprising her, and giving her second-hand embarrassment.

 Torvi shrugged. "A tall, handsome blond. That's my kind of man."

 Peeking over at Bjorn who was still playing in the pool with both kids, Kari hummed thoughtfully. "Huh. Makes sense."

 "No wonder you are with Ivar if you prefer Bucky Barnes."

 "But we aren't…. together." Kari fixed her eyes on her wine, knowing her answer sounded lame even to her own ears. 

 Gyda patted her leg. "You keep telling yourself that."

 "We're just friends."

 "No, you aren't."

 "Kari, it's fine." Torvi shot Gyda a look. "It's between you two, it's not really our business."

 "She's our friend!" Gyda whined, throwing herself back in her seat dramatically. 

 "And she will let us know if something changes. Including telling us if Ivar does something stupid and we need to kick his ass."

 Kari giggled as Torvi tapped her beer bottle against her wine glass. "I promise. Hvitserk already made me swear too."

 "Good. So is Ivar really that good in bed?" 

 "Gyda!" Kari exclaimed but laughed at how shameless her friend was. 

 Torvi thankfully changed the topic of conversation to Ubbe's birthday coming up next month. Asa wandered over, wrapped in a green and brown towel with long ears sticking out that made her look like baby Yoda. When Sigurd eventually appeared, Hali dragged him to the pool where they jumped in together. Not long after, Hvitserk joined them, doing a cannon-ball with the splash almost hitting the ladies. 

 Kari chatted with Torvi and Gyda for some time, enjoying herself immensely. The topics varied, but she never felt unincluded. More than once, she glanced over, only to find Ivar's gaze already on her. After the third time, he tipped his head to the side and patted the spot next to him. A not-so subtle invitation or demand, depending on how you looked at it. 

 A smile teased her lips and she nodded. She started to rise, with her second glass of wine in hand, when the sound of a loud "shit" from Gyda distracted her. 

 "What is she doing here?" Torvi quietly asked with an undertone of frustration. 

 Curious, Kari followed their gazes towards the door leading into the glassed-in porch. She was met with the sight of two blondes emerging in matching, white swimsuits that barely seemed to cover anything. Both strutted as if they were on a runway, while chatting with one another. 

 "Kari, go sit with Ivar." Gyda encouraged, snatching her hand and leading her back without a moment's hesitation towards where Ivar and Ubbe were still sitting. The wine was left forgotten on the side table. 

 "What's going on?" Kari asked in a hushed tone. 

 "Drama. I can't believe that bitch brought her. What was she thinking?"

 "Gyda?"

 She clicked her tongue but hurriedly whispered back. "That's Ivar's ex."

 Surprise made Kari almost stumble but she managed to catch herself at the last second. Further explanations had to wait because they came upon the brothers at the same time the two blondes did. Soon as Kari was close enough, Ivar held out his hand, a sweet gesture, but she could see the tension and anger in the set of his shoulders and the thin line of his lips. Silently, he guided her to sit between his spread legs, arms banding around her waist and pulling her indecently close. For once though, she did not complain. 

 "Hey, baby." One of the blondes said in a sickly-sweet voice as she pressed a kiss to Ubbe's cheek. "Sorry we're late."

 "It's fine." Ubbe slowly answered as he shifted his gaze to the other blonde. "I didn't know you were bringing someone."

 "This is supposed to be family only." Gyda snapped, having dropped into her seat next to Ivar and Kari. 

 The blonde, who stood next to Ubbe still, narrowed her eyes at Kari. "Then why is she here?" 

 "That's Ivar's girlfriend." Ubbe answered.

 "Uh, hi, I'm Kari." She decided to speak up, hoping introductions would somehow break the rising tension. At her words, Ivar momentarily dropped his head to kiss her shoulder. Unsure if his actions were encouraging or reprimanding, she laid her hands over his, which were still wrapped around her. 

 "Hmmm…. Margrethe." She replied flatly, with a pinched look, as if talking to Kari was beneath her. "I'm Ubbe's fiancé."

 The other blonde smiled pleasantly as she looked Kari in the eye. "I'm Freydis. It's lovely to meet you."

 "Yeah, nice to meet you too." Kari managed to say around the suddenly tightened grip around her waist. She would be a liar if she said she was not intimidated by Freydis. While both women were beautiful, something that seemed required to be in the presence of the Lothbrok family, Freydis was a step beyond that. With her doll-like features, lovely blue eyes and flawless skin, she was gorgeous. Kari could feel all her own insecurities screaming at her in the presence of Ivar's ex. How the youngest Lothbrok went from someone as stunning as Freydis to as girl-next-door as Kari, she had no idea….and it made her uncomfortable. 

 "What the fuck is she doing here?" Ivar demanded, ignoring Freydis' presence completely.  

 Margrethe rolled her eyes as her hand slowly stroked across Ubbe's shoulders. "I get bored and wanted to spend time with my best friend, so fuck off." She turned her head to look at Freydis beside her. "Come on, let's get something to drink." 

 After a quick kiss to Ubbe, the two headed back towards the house but not before Freydis glanced back at Ivar and Kari one last time. 

 Once they were far enough away, Gyda rounded on Ubbe, not even bothering to contain her ire. "Fiancé? Really, Ubbe?" She sneered. 

 "Hell no. I haven't proposed. I damn well don't plan to and she knows it."

 "Why are you still with her? She's a greedy bitch."

 "Gyda, I know you don't like her but she's still my girlfriend."

 "Who the fuck knows why." 

 Ubbe turned his attention to Ivar. "I swear I didn't know she was bringing Freydis. I'd have told her not to come then."

 "As long as she stays the fuck away from me, I don't give a shit." The dark-haired Lothbrok growled at his older brother. 

 The residual tension in the air was painful to abide in. It felt like a caged animal, pacing, waiting, ready for the moment to unleash a terrorizing attack. 

 "Hey, I have a question." Kari blurted out, unable to take the way the tension made her skin feel like it was being sunburned. Once Gyda and Ubbe shifted to watch her, she posed her question. "Ah, well, I've been wondering for a while but why don't you guys have bodyguards or something?"

 Ivar snorted, brushing her hair over her shoulder to press his face into the crook of her neck, making her squirm although he did not relent his position. 

 It was Ubbe that answered with a wide grin. "Eh, we don't need them. We can handle ourselves."

 "But you guys have drivers, isn't the next step to have bodyguards?"

 "You worried for us?" Ivar whispered, nipping at her skin, only to soothe the spot with his tongue. 

 "I'm serious."

 "Let's just say we know how to protect ourselves. Besides, no one is stupid enough to come after us." Ubbe concluded, raising his beer in a mock salute.

 Gyda snickered. "This is why I stay out of the family business."

 "You've no issue spending Father's money though." Ubbe retorted in a jovial way. 

 She shrugged and sent Kari a playful wink. 

 A minute later, Bjorn, Torvi and Asa came over, taking open seats with Asa sitting in Torvi's lap. Even though Kari had met Bjorn before, it still shocked her to see how much larger he was compared to the other brothers, both in size and physique. Now sitting next to Torvi, he appeared larger. With his long, braided ponytail and shaved sides, a short beard and sharp, blue eyes, he seemed quite formidable. Kari wondered briefly if that helped with the family business. 

 "See Kari there, she is the one who teaches yoga." Torvi softly said to Asa. 

 Asa peeked over at Kari, shyly smiling, still wrapped in her towel but with a juice box in hand. 

 "I bet if you ask nicely, she might show you something." Torvi said then looked up at Kari. "Lately she loves watching me do yoga at home. It's cute when she tries to do it with me."

 Bjorn chuckled, slinging an arm over the back of his wife's chair. "And usually falls down onto her face."

 "Hey, she's trying!" Torvi defended, elbowing Bjorn in the side.

 Looking at the little girl across the circle of seats, Kari smiled. "Want me to show you something I've been working on? I'm not very good at it though, so if I fall over, you can laugh at me. I'll be laughing at myself too."

 Asa nodded fervently, eyes wide in anticipation. 

 "What do you say?" Torvi tapped her daughter's nose. 

 Asa looked up at her mom then back to Kari. "Please." Even though it came out sounding more like "peas".

 "Sure. I need to stretch some first." Kari stood up and immediately had to slap Ivar's hand away that prowled down the curve of her ass. She tried to glare at him over her shoulder, only to be met with a mock innocence. Overly aware of the eyes on her, she chose a spot nearby in the plush, green grass, trying to keep her nerves to a minimum. Carefully, she warmed up her muscles, doing a few simple stretches so as not to hurt herself. Honestly, she was nervous since she never did advanced poses in front of others. It was not that she was unable to, for she did them frequently at home on her own time. It just felt like she was vying for attention or trying to show off when she did advanced poses in view of others. Conflicting memories of her grandmother's encouraging voice fought with her mother's reprimand in her mind as she stretched. 

 "What are you going to do?" Gyda called over, returning from retrieving her wine glass and bottle. 

 The question pulled her from her mind's internal war, bringing her back to the present. "Um, it's called the super soldier."

 "Oooo, I like it already."

 Once stretched, Kari stood frozen for a moment realizing she was going to need to take her cover off to do the pose. 

 "Kari, you look sexy as hell, now take the damn cover off." Gyda called out. 

 Kari hesitated, fears and insecurities rising afresh within her. 

 "Do it or Ivar will get his ass up and help you. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

 "I hate you." She mumbled but gave in. Slowly, she walked back over to the circle of chairs, pulling the white cover off and dropped it on the lounge chair Ivar still sat on. Her eyes briefly flickered up only to meet Ivar's smoldering gaze. Instantly, she could feel herself flush. Hoping no one noticed, she moved back to her grassy spot. A loud wolf-whistle came from the direction of the pool, most likely from Hvitserk but Kari ignored it, knowing if she thought about it too much, she would make a run for it. Mentally preparing herself, she pulled her hair back into a bun on the nape of her neck, then faced the group but kept her gaze downward, too scared to look at them. 

 After taking a deep breath, she bent over to lay her hands flat on the grass without bending her knees. Next, she hooked her right shoulder behind her knee and extended her left arm for balance. She took a long, deep breath before continuing onward. Then she lifted her left foot and grabbed it with her right hand, still tucked behind her right leg. After another deep breath, she pulled her left leg up until her knee was pointed towards the sky. She held it there for three breaths before slowly releasing her leg back down and carefully straightening back up. 

 A small round of applause greeted her when she straightened. 

 "Another!"

 "You go, Kari!"

 "Do another one!"

 Blushing furiously at the cheers, she leaned forward into downward facing dog. Carefully, she slid her hands forward until her elbows touched the grass with her ass still in the air. Taking a deep breath and hoping she did not make a fool of herself, she engaged her core and kicked her legs up so she was doing a handstand but still on her elbows. Once she felt stable, she pressed her legs together and slowly bent her knees until they were almost parallel with her forearms on the ground. Feeling the burn in her core and arms, she hoped she could finish the pose without falling on her face. Next, she lowered her legs, knees apart now and big toes touching until her feet touched the top of her head. She could not help the smile that stretched across her face as she held the pose for a couple seconds, making sure to breathe slow. Scorpion pose was one she was still trying to master on her own, let alone in front of others. If anything, this felt like a victory for her. Methodically she unfurled, bringing her legs up and then back to the ground. 

 When she finally stood up, brushing the grass off her forearms, it was to another round of applause.

 "That was amazing!" Torvi said. 

 "I was thinking sexy as fuck!" Hvitserk exclaimed, a smile on his face from where he now stood, leaning against Ubbe's chair. 

 Self-consciously, Kari tugged on her swimsuit, making sure everything was tucked into place, as much as it could be, before pulling her hair out of the bun. She walked back over to the lounge chair quickly and yanked the cover back over her body. 

 "I'm going to wash my hands." She said without meeting anyone's eyes, skirting around the group and heading towards the glassed-in porch. 

 Laughter erupted behind her as she approached the door but she ignored it as she walked inside. She padded through the porch, stomach twisting in knots, and turned into the kitchen. Her feet stuttered to a halt as she noticed Margrethe and Freydis standing there with bottles of something in hand. For a split second she thought about turning and heading to the bathroom but it was too late as the two blondes noticed her intrusion. 

 "Hi, I just need to wash my hands." Kari explained. After a moment's hesitation, she walked around the opposite side of the massive island from them and towards the kitchen sink.

 "So, you're Ivar's girlfriend?" Margrethe stated with a mocking undertone. "I didn't think someone like you was his…. type."

 "Margrethe…." Freydis chided. 

 "What? Look at her. I mean she's got tits and an ass, and I guess she could be pretty but that's it."

 "I'm sorry." Freydis apologized kindly. After a long, awkward pause where the kitchen was silent besides Kari washing her hands, she asked, "How long have you and Ivar been together?"

 "Um, we aren't…. we’re just friends." Kari found herself admitting, as she finished drying her hands and turned around to see them both staring at her. Though Freydis had a gentle smile on her face, Margrethe looked nothing less than the cat that caught the canary and planned on lording it over everyone. 

 "Oh?" 

 "See. Told you, Dis. He is still single." Margrethe smugly said, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "He's just playing the game."

 "Game?" Kari muttered aloud. 

 Freydis set her glass down and came around the island to stand in front of Kari. Her blue eyes were bright as they met Kari's. "You seem like a nice girl and clearly the others like you too. So, I'll be honest because I don't want you to get caught up in the Lothbrok drama and get hurt. Okay?"

 "Okay."

 "Ivar and I are getting back together. We're just taking a break right now. Truly, I know we are destined for each other and he agrees. We had a bad fight and needed some space but he loves me just as much as I love him. So, I know he will come back to me when he is ready. I'm so sorry to tell you that you're just the rebound girl. I'm sure he likes you but that's as far as it will ever go. Gyda likes to try and mess with the brothers' love lives so I am sorry if she dragged you into this without telling you the whole truth. It's not your fault. I am sure Gyda lied to you and probably Ivar too. But it's good for you to know now. I don't hold it against you if you've have had sex with him but just know your time with him is limited, okay? How long have you two been 'friends'?"

 "We met last month." Kari whispered, dread and despair a writhing mess of snakes churning in her stomach. Air refused to fill her lungs, leaving her struggling for breath. 

 Freydis sighed. "It probably will be soon then. Just take advantage of the things he purchases for you, so when he leaves, you can have something to sell if you're in a pinch. Yeah?"

 "Ah…. sure."

 "Good. You seem like a nice girl. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this."

 "It's…." Kari choked back a sudden sob. "It's alright. Thank you."

 "Of course, we girls need to look out for each other. Is there anything I can do for you?" She inquired, sounding so genuine in her desire to help, her gaze imploring and lips in a faint, comforting smile. 

 "No…. no. I just need to check my phone. Have you seen Gyda's bag?"

 "I think she left it on the porch." Margrethe helpfully added, never having lost the smug grin on her face as she watched Kari with a hawk-like intensity. 

 "Oh, right. Thank you." Kari shifted back and forth on her feet, body primed to run, to flee before anyone could see the tears that welled pathetically in her eyes. 

 Freydis reached out and squeezed her arm, a brief exchange of understanding, then strutted back around to grab her drink and follow Margrethe to the porch and outside. 

 Once alone, Kari pressed a hand over her mouth to try and stifle the sob that lodged itself in her throat. She knew it. Everything Freydis said made sense. 

 Without a second thought, she rushed around the island and onto the porch, quickly locating Gyda's bag. She scooped her purse and clothes out only to hurry back inside. A quick check of the time and she figured she might be able to catch a bus, but in this gated community, there was no way buses came through so she would end up walking somewhere. Feeling the sting of tears in her eyes, she sniffled, trying desperately to hold them back. She looked up the nearest bus stop on her phone, pleased it was only a few blocks away from the gated community. 

 Once positive she knew where she was going, she stared down at her clothes on the counter, wondering if she should change before leaving. It would certainly look odd for her to be walking down the street in the swimsuit cover and sandals in such an upscale neighborhood. Then she thought about any of the Lothbroks finding her trying to leave and pushed the potential oddity of her attire from her mind. It appeared there was a gas station nearby when she found the bus stop, it would be simple to change there quickly. Somehow she could give the swimsuit and cover back to Torvi…. but not today. Right now, she needed to leave. 

 She tried to shove her clothes into her purse, only succeeding by making it look like an over-inflated balloon but it worked. Lastly, she reached to grab her phone off the kitchen counter but froze. Ivar bought it for her. Freydis' words came back to her about taking advantage of the things he bought for her. Bile burned the back of her throat at the idea. She promised herself she would not be one of those girls to him. Slowly, she retracted her hand, forming it into a fist by her side. Ivar could give the phone to Freydis or throw it in the trash for all she cared. Even with the feeling of her heart being ripped in two, she refused to take advantage of him or his money. She was a better person than that. Or so she hoped. 

 Worried someone would come in soon, she tossed her purse over her shoulder and swiftly headed towards the front door. She passed through the hallway she entered in, but the pictures and awards blurred before her eyes as the repressed tears threatened to make an appearance. Hastily, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand but knew it was ultimately futile. 

 "Kari?" 

 Her stride never faltered towards her escape, even after hearing Hvitserk call her name from what sounded like the porch. 

 "Kari? Where are you going?" His voice came from behind her, probably standing at the entrance of the hallway now. 

 "I have to go." Kari said, not bothering to turn around, unsure if he could even hear her. She could barely hear footsteps behind her over the sound of her sniffles and ragged breathing. It did not matter since she was close to her escape, just a couple more moments. Her hand touched the handle, just beginning to pull the door open when Hvitserk's hand appeared in her direct line of vision and slammed it closed. Although the sound was muffled, it echoed in her mind like a gunshot. 

 "What's going on?" Hvitserk stood directly behind her, his hand still firmly planted on the door as if to prevent her from even considering leaving without permission again. 

 "It's nothing." She murmured, staring down at her feet. 

 "I seriously doubt that if you are trying to sneak away while crying…. what happened?"

 "Nothing. I just…. I just want to go home."

 "Okay." He shifted to lean his shoulder against the door, ducking his head to try and catch her eyes. "Does this have to do with the yoga stuff?"

 "No. Just…. please, Hvitserk."

 "You need to tell me something. Look, I'll give you a ride, we can leave right now but you have to tell me what happened."

 She swallowed thickly, still refusing to look at him. It was taking all of her willpower to keep the tears at bay. At any moment she felt the tears would come forth with all the power of a hurricane, reducing her to a sniveling mess on the floor, nursing a broken heart. It was all her fault though. How could she have believed someone like Ivar Lothbrok would actually be interested in her for more than just a one-night stand. She was just a challenge for him, someone to pass the time. Then once she gave in, once they finally had sex, he would walk out of her life and back into Freydis' arms and bed…. where he apparently belonged. 

 "Kari?" Hvitserk softly prompted. 

 "It's…. I just have a better understanding now…. of where I stand…. of my purpose here."

 "Your purpose?"

 She sniffed, wiping her wet eyes once again before the tears fell. "I'm just a rebound girl….and that's alright. I get it. But I just want to go home now." 

 "Fuck. Freydis said that, didn't she?"

 "It doesn't matter. Can you please just take me to the bus stop, I can get home from there." She knew she was begging but she did not care anymore. 

 "Kari, give me that." He grabbed her purse from her and tossed it onto a wooden side table. His hands held hers in a manner that was comforting verse restraining. His thumbs rubbed along the back of her hands as he softly spoke. "Look at me, you know it's not like that."

 "It doesn't matter." She shook her head, even as her hands gripped his tighter, the feeling being the only thing keeping her from falling apart at the front door. "I shouldn't have let Gyda bring me here. I should have made her drop me off."

 "Kari…." He began but was interrupted. 

 "Hvitty?" Ivar's loud voice boomed from the kitchen. "You better not be trying to fuck Kari!"

 Kari flinched at the sound. The facade of strength she fought to maintain evaporated like smoke. The tears she had been trying so desperately to withhold slipped free, rolling down her cheeks like a cleansing rain.  

 "Over here!" Hvitserk called back, releasing her hands but not moving away. 

 Ivar's measured gait could be heard coming down the hallway like the footsteps of doom. 

 "What the fuck is going on? You disappear to find Kari and then…." His voice trailed off as he entered the foyer, piercing gaze zeroing in on her tear-stained face. What sense of jovial teasing transformed into enraged fury. When he spoke next, it came out in an animalistic growl that bespoke impending violence. "Who fucking hurt you?"

 "I'm fine." She mumbled, wrapping her arms around herself. Her chin rested on her chest, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "I just want to go home."

 "Freydis….and I'm betting Margrethe also said something to her." Hvitserk snitched, leaning fully against the door. He watched both Kari and his brother as if ready to intervene at a moment's notice. 

 Ivar snapped, stepping closer. "What did they say?"

 She was unsure who he directed his question to but she still shook her head, refusing to look at either brother. Hearing his wrath, it only made her heart ache more. All of this was a show, it had to be. Why would he truly care? The sound of his heavy gait coming closer brought a fresh wave of silent tears. 

 Moving to her other side, he cupped her cheek. When she resisted looking at him, he shifted his hand to grab the back of her neck, forcing her gaze to meet his. A tempest swirled in his icy blue eyes. "What. Did. They. Say?"

 "Why does it matter?" She questioned, bottom lip trembling as a sob rose from her chest. 

 "Because they hurt you."

 "But I'm no one. I don't matter." She shook her head, pressing a hand over her mouth to contain the cries bound to escape at any moment. "You're just going to get back together with Freydis when you get bored with me."

 His eyes widened as if she had sucker-punched him. His mouth dropped open for a moment before he collected himself, the maelstrom rippling under his skin on the verge of breaking free. "Did they say that?"

 "Freydis said…. she said you two were just taking a break….and I'm the rebound girl."

 "Fuck. Fuck!" Ivar stepped away, running his hands through his loose hair. In an instant, he grabbed the decorative bowl off the entrance table and threw it. The shattering against the wall reverberated in the foyer followed by Ivar's guttural shout. "FUCK!" 

 "Ivar." Hvitserk softly said, warily watching his younger brother. 

 "I'm going to kill her. Fuck! I can't believe she would fucking say that!" Ivar ran his hands through his hair again, looking on the verge of ripping the strands out. The ferocity in his eyes was unmatched as he glanced down the hallway, clearly wanting to go after his ex, then shifted back to Kari, who remained silent and unmoving. "What else did she say?" He barked at her. 

 "You're destined for each other." She confessed after a moment's hesitation. 

 Ivar stormed over to her, devouring the ground beneath his feet as he invaded her space. Standing before her, he cupped her face, eyes imploring her to believe him. "Freydis is a crazy, jealous bitch. She manipulates to get what she wants. Don't believe a word out of her fucking mouth. Fuck! Please, Kari, don't cry. I'm right here, kitten."

 His words seeped into her mind, slipping in through the cracks and delving deep into her soul. His words alone should not have reassured her like they did. Between his pleading eyes and his gentle touch, her few walls surrounding her heart crumbled, unable to fight him. She believed him, even before her mind fully recognized it. 

 She lightly placed her hands on his bare chest, one directly over his heart, feeling the rapid tempo under her fingers. "Promise?" She whispered wetly. "You're not just…. I’m not just a rebound girl?"

 Ivar groaned, pressing his forehead to Kari's. "I swear. I never thought that about you." 

 And she believed him again. The truth falling from his lips resounded in the very core of her being. It made no sense how she knew, but somehow, she did. 

 After a long second, Hvitserk pushed off the door from next to them. "I'm going to head back and keep an eye on them. Kari, if you still want a ride just text me, alright?" 

 "Thank you, Hvitty." She reached out and snagged his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. With a smile, he responded in kind before heading down the hallway towards the backyard. 

 Soon as Hvitserk started walking away, Ivar grabbed her hand and led her in the opposite direction. They hurried through a short hallway to arrive at a closed door. Impatiently, Ivar thrust the door open and pulled her into a room, slamming the door shut behind them. She had a brief moment to scan the new room and notice the two walls with floor to ceiling bookshelves packed full and the couple couches near a large window. 

 Before she could do anything, she shrieked as she found herself suddenly yanked back, her body colliding with the closed door. Immediately Ivar's mouth claimed hers in a hungry, feverish kiss. His body pinned her to the door, hands kneading her hips. It was all she could do to just breathe. Her hands clung to his broad shoulders, desperate to stay above the waves of passion-fueled desire that surged unchecked within her. 

 Ivar withdrew his mouth from hers, but only to place kisses over her cheeks, washing away her tears with his affections. "Don't listen to her. Her and I. We are through. I will never go back to her. She has been sniffing around but that ends tonight. I won't fucking let her talk to you again. I fucking swear it."

 "Ivar…." She whined, tilting her head. An open invitation which he took. 

 He swooped in, continuing to speak between leaving open-mouth kisses on her neck. "It's you. It's you I want. It's you I think about all the time. Fuck, kitten, you have no idea how much I want you. And seeing you do those yoga poses in that swimsuit…. fuck! You looked so goddamn sexy; I got a hard-on just watching." He grabbed her thigh, lifting it up and curling it behind him, pressing himself against her core. At the touch of his hardened length against her, she whimpered. "Do you feel that? That's for you, søte Kari."

 She could not help but roll her hips, grinding against his erection, body automatically seeking friction. 

 "Yes! Fuck." He growled against her neck. "Come here."

 She whined when he released her leg, letting it fall down to the floor. Her breathing was unsteady already, heart hammering away in her chest. A part of her knew she should stop this, open the door behind her and walk out to avoid the temptation. Yet when his hand latched onto hers once again, tugging her towards one of the couches, she followed willingly, unable to deny the sweet sin that was Ivar.

 He dropped onto the couch and settled her into his lap to straddle him. As she settled, he grabbed a handful of the cover over her and yanked it off, tossing it haphazardly onto the floor. Her first instinct was to cover her chest, but as her arms moved to do that, Ivar guided them behind his head. His gaze drunk in the curves of her body, an unashamed starved look in his eyes that made her shudder as it further ignited the fire in her belly. 

 "Kattungen min." He whispered reverently. "Fucking hell, so gorgeous. No one else gets to touch you like I do. Got it? You're mine." He started lavishing her chest and neck with his mouth, alternating between his lips and tongue. 

 She knew she should feel more self-conscious straddling Ivar's lap in only the swimsuit that barely covered all of her assets; but it was as if his touch banished the thoughts away. Instead she felt beautiful and cherished. 

 He palmed one of her breasts and the moan that escaped her was pure wanton. Hands tangled in his long locks as her hips ground harder against his erection in response. His leg braces were only an afterthought that did not impede her actions. 

 "Ivar, please."

 "That's it. Fuck, you're so beautiful. I can't wait to fuck you senseless."

 Suddenly he shifted under her, his hand fumbling between them. Her mind barely took notice as he sucked the skin between her breasts, something that would definitely leave a mark. Next thing she knew, his cock was freed, standing at attention between them. 

 Before she could protest, he spoke up. "I know you're not ready." He slid it under her, pulling her hips back down. At the sensation of his cock rubbing her slit with only the thin barrier of the bikini bottom between them, she threw her head back with a whine. Desire roared through her like a freight train as his cock rubbed against her soaking core. 

 "You like that, kitten?"

 "Yes." She sighed out, head tilted back as she rolled her hips. 

 "Good, my turn." He reached behind her and promptly untied the straps of the bikini top behind her back. 

 "Ivar!" She tried to cover herself but he swatted her hands away. 

 "Trust me."

 Once she relented, he laid a hard kiss to her lips then tugged the top over her head, the band behind her neck without a tie. She desperately wanted to cover herself, now before him feeling on full display. But it was the look on his face that stilled her movements. 

 "Guder. Du er utsøkt. Faen. Den vakreste kvinnen." He murmured with adoration and awe dripping off each word. 

 "What did you say?"

 Instead of answering her, he lowered his face to her chest and captured one of her perky nipples in his mouth. His other hand moved to grab one of her ass cheeks, encouraging her to keep riding him. 

 All breath vanished from her lungs. All thoughts and insecurities fled under his touch. Her hands tangled in his hair, keeping his mouth on her. All she could feel was him. All she wanted to feel was him. Gasps and moans slipped from her as she allowed herself to be overtaken and drawn into an ocean of pleasure. 

 She could feel herself rising higher and higher, riding the wave. Her mind was becoming delirious from fire in her veins and the motion of her hips rocking over his exposed cock. 

 To her surprise, Ivar grabbed a handful of hair at the back of her neck. "That's it, beautiful. Fuck. Let's see what that bendy spine can do." Carefully, he pulled on her hair, not in a painful way but as if to guide her. Willingly submitting herself, she bent her back, following his lead. When her chest was parallel to the ceiling, he stopped pulling, keeping her suspended with her back arched. 

 Ivar groaned loudly, thrusting against her. She met his action, too absorbed in the bliss to care about decency. 

 "All the dirty, fucking things this makes me want to do to you." He licked a scalding line up her sternum, only to swirl his tongue around one of her nipples, making her mewl as she continued to move her hips faster. "Come for me."

 "Yes, yes." She chanted. "Ivar, please."

 "Keep begging, kitten. Let me know how much you want my cock."

 As her climax hit, the tightening coil in her core sprung loose, her mouth dropped open in a silent scream. Wave after wave rolled over her. She could feel Ivar grunt and thrust a few more times beneath her before retracing his cock and spurting onto her exposed stomach. After he released her hair, letting her rise back up to face him. Their eyes fixated on one another, chests heaving as they struggled for breath. 

 Gently, she reached out and touched his cheek, a shy smile on her face. Then, when he made no move to pull away, she leaned forward, uncaring of his cum slipping down her stomach, and drew him into a lazy, slow kiss. He responded, lips melding to hers in a way that was full of softness and contentment. After a moment, she felt him reach behind him for the blanket laying on the back of the couch and wipe her stomach off, all the while never abandoning their kiss. 

 Once she was clean, he dropped the blanket to the floor and somehow managed to keep their lips locked as he guided them to lay down on the couch, their bare chests pressed together and his arm under her head, legs tangled. 

 "Do you believe me now?" He eventually asked, leaning back but only far enough so the tips of their noses almost touched. 

 "Mmmm?"

 "That it's you I want. Freydis and anyone else can go fuck themselves for all I care."

 She bit her bottom lip and dropped her gaze. "I don't understand why."

 "What are you talking about?"

 "I mean…. Margrethe said I'm not your…. type."

 He snorted and muttered under his breath, "fucking bitch".

 "But she's right." Kari pressed onward, her hand running up and down his side as if to ground herself. "I mean, I could never compare to Freydis…. or Torvi or Gyda or any of them. They are all beautiful and….and in perfect shape. I'm not. My thighs and butt are too big and I'm maybe pretty but that's it."

 "You're right. You're not my usual type. But those girls, I'd fuck them and then never look their way again. You though, fuck, I can barely take my eyes off you when you're around. And these," he reached down and grabbed a handful of one of her ass cheeks, making her squeak. "I love them. And these thighs, fucking hell, kitten, I want you to suffocate me with them when I finally eat you out."

 She gasped, a bolt of electricity shooting through her at the image. 

 A devilish grin grew on his face, his hand stroking her ass cheek. "You like that idea? My tongue teasing your folds before slipping inside of you. Your thighs wrapped around my head as I feast on your pussy."

 "Ivar." She whined, unable to stop the sudden roll of her hips. 

 "Soon, sweet Kari." He chuckled darkly, ceasing her movement by melding their hips together. "And your tits, gods, they are perfect. I could stare at them all day."

 She giggled even as she flushed under his praise. "I'm sorry for doubting you. I guess, I'm still just surprised you'd…. well, that you want me."

 "You are mine. You're my woman." He stated resolutely, gazing directly into her eyes so she could see how serious he was. 

 "But we aren't dating…."

 "Doesn't fucking matter. You're mine. And one of these days you'll change your mind and stop playing this game of trying to keep me away."

 She sighed, wishing it would be that easy. Before he could continue with that argument, she changed the subject. "You know, I think we exceeded our kiss quota for the day."

 He snorted. "I didn't see you complaining earlier."

 "That's true. Do you think we should head back out?"

 "If I see Freydis or Margrethe right now…." His voice trailed off, but the fury from earlier lingered in the unspoken threat. 

 "I know. We don't have too. I'm okay right here." 

 A grateful smile on his lips, he kissed her quickly then rolled her onto her back and laid his head on her chest. They relaxed like that for several minutes in silence, her hand running through his hair, just enjoying the feeling of complacency and peace between them now after their fight. If you could even call it that. 

 Finally, she spoke up in a hushed tone, a random question coming to mind. "Do you ever get in the pool?"

 "No."

 "Oh." Was all she could say after his sharp, barbed answer. Clearly it was a subject that was not open for discussion. Her mind wandered, wondering what happened to cause such a response from him. An uncomfortable tension hung over them after his response. Something she was not sure if she should try and dissipate or ignore for now. 

 After a minute of continued silence, he kissed her chest, letting his lips linger there as if using the extra time to mentally prepare himself. Before she could tell him it was none of her business, he spoke. His tone was quiet and, in anyone else, almost shaky. 

 "I…. I used to try when I was younger. They'd put me on one of those stupid floating things and pull me around or someone would hold me. Then, when I was about seven…. Sigurd and I got in a big fight earlier that day. He claimed I broke one of his toys. Fucking asshole. I was sitting by the pool, this in our childhood home in Kattegat, I liked to watch things float on the water. Sigurd walked by me and….and pushed me over the edge."

 She gasped. "Oh Ivar…."

 "Ubbe jumped in and pulled my half-drown ass out." He nuzzled against her skin; his tone having lost the insecurity as he reassured her. "I'm alright, Kari."

 She drew his face up and gave him a long kiss, their mouth connecting with a deeper need and alleviation. "Remind me to thank Ubbe when I see him next."

 He rolled his eyes. "Don't. He's never let me forget the fact."

 "Still."

 They laid there for some more time, wrapped up in one another and content in the peaceful stillness. She could not help but think about the memory Ivar shared with her. How far back did that resentment go between the brothers? Had there ever been a time where they cared for one another? And how bad was the animosity between them if one was willing to kill the other, even as children? If her arms tightened around him, neither one mentioned it as they continued to lay there. 

 A loud knock on the door followed by a yell through the door of "are you two done yet?" disturbed their peace. 

 "Hvits, fuck off!" Ivar called back, burrowing his face between her breasts. 

 "Do you have clothes on at least?!"

 "I do!" 

 Kari swatted the back of Ivar's head at his admission. Leaning up slightly, he gave her a cheeky wink before laying his head back down. 

 "Well cover up, I'm coming in!" Hvitserk yelled through the door. 

 "Ivar, get up." Kari softly said, a panic setting in at the brother coming in and seeing them in this suggestive position and her topless. 

 "No." He mumbled. 

 Before she could shove him off, he snatched the throw blanket off the floor and threw it over his head to cover her chest. As she began to protest, the door cautiously opened. In an instant, she tried to spread out the blanket over them as best as she could, keeping the blanket over her chest and spread it somewhat over their torsos. Although how much good it did was questionable. She peered over to see Hvitserk standing in the doorway with an amused look before shaking his head and stepping in, closing the door behind him. 

 "What the fuck do you want?" Ivar asked, muffled by the blanket and his face still pressed against her skin. 

 Kari raised her gaze to the ceiling for a moment then mouthed to Hvitserk, "I'm sorry."

 Hvitserk winked at her before answering. "Bjorn and Torvi want everyone together before they leave. Sounds like they have an announcement or something."

 "Are the bitches still here?"

 "Yeah." Hvitserk sighed. 

 "Then no."

 "I'll go." Kari softly said. "It must be important."

 "No, you aren't." Ivar nipped at the side of her breast, making her squirm. 

 "Well everyone is waiting on you two." Hvitserk pointed out as he watched, clearly entertained if his broad grin said anything. 

 "I'm coming."

 Ivar pulled the blanket back slightly to stare up at her. "Why the fuck do you want to see them?"

 "Is it….is it terrible I want to show Frey…. her that I'm still here. That no matter what they said, that I'm not going anywhere."

 A positively, feral grin spread over his face. He swooped in and pressed a devastating kiss to her mouth, not letting up until she thought she would suffocate from the intensity of it. "Let's go." 

 He started to rise up but when she squeaked and tried to clutch the blanket to her, he froze. 

 "Hvits, leave."

 "You sure I can't stay?" His smirk grew as he caught Kari's eye and watched her flush deepen. 

 "GO!" Ivar bellowed, glaring at his older brother. 

 "Fine. I'll wait out here for you. If you're not out in three minutes, I'm coming back in." Hvitserk stepped outside and closed the door behind him. 

 Ivar carefully slid off of her, standing up beside the couch, the blanket in hand. His predatory, blue eyes remained trained on her form, raking over her body like a sweet he wanted to devour completely. A familiar warmth awakened in her core, even as she shyly glanced away, covering her naked breasts with her hands. 

 "Fuck, you're gorgeous. On second thought, I think we should stay. I need another taste of you and to hear you moaning my name for everyone to fucking hear."

 She squealed, quickly skirting away from him before he could pounce on her. "Ivar, no!" Yet, miraculously, he managed to snag an arm around her waist and drag her back against his chest. 

 "Should we make an announcement of our own?" He asked, running his nose along the shell of her ear, chuckling under his breath when she shivered against him.

 "What do you mean?"

 "That you're my girlfriend. That this just-friends is shit."

 "I…." She balked, eyes wide and heart beating a painful staccato in her chest. “We…. we can't."

 "Why the fuck not?" He grasped her breasts, rolling her peaked nipples between his fingers. 

 She practically swallowed her tongue, biting back the moan lodged in her throat. When she was positive she could control her voice, she replied. "We've talked about this. I'm just…. I’m not ready."

 "But you'll practically let me fuck you?"

 At his harsh snap, she tried to push out of his embrace, unwilling to have this conversation in their current predicament or maybe have the conversation at all. The innate desire to flee rose up in her but she tried to force it down as she squirmed in his arms. He held her firm, not giving up an inch, her body flush against his own. 

 "Ivar!" 

 "What aren't you telling me?" 

 She hated both herself and him in the moment as she ceased her escape attempts. She hated him for continuously pushing her, for ignoring her words and trying to force her where he wanted her to be. Even more though, she hated herself. If she had kept away from him, however unlikely that was, if she did not have to hide, then none of this would matter. If she could be honest, truly honest, he would most likely reject her. And that was why she hated herself most. Because she was selfish and wanted his attention and affection, even knowing if he knew who she truly was, he would walk away. 

 Carefully, she turned her head to meet his stormy eyes. "I promise one day I will. I just…. can we please just enjoy this? What we have? I just need…. time."

 He stared down at her for a long time. She wondered what he read in her face when he finally gave a resigned sigh. "Fine. I'm telling people you are my girlfriend though."

 "You're unbelievable."

 "I think you like that about me." He matched her smile with his own before letting her go.  

 She quickly found her bikini top, noticing Ivar not-so-subtly adjusting his sweatpants. She slipped it over her head but when she went to tie the straps, a pair of calloused hands covered hers. Without a word, he tied it behind her back. Once done, his hand slowly prowled down her back to lightly smack her ass. 

 "Hey!" She whipped around, only to see a Cheshire grin on his face. 

 "That's my sexy ass."

 "Oh my god. Unbelievable." She muttered to herself as she snatched up the cover and pulled it over. She looked down at the blanket piled on the floor. 

 "Leave it. I'll deal with it later." He took her hand and walked with her towards the door. When they opened it, a still-shirtless Hvitserk stood leaning against the wall across from them. 

 "Took you two long enough. Damn. Almost came in and threw Kari over my shoulder to get you out." 

 Ivar spat something out in their language that made Hvitserk roll his eyes. Before they could move further down the hallway, Hvitserk reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, freezing her in place.  

 "Hey, whatever they said. Just try to ignore it. We all want you here. Hell, all of us would kick them to the damn curb if Ubbe would let us. But Ubbe and Bjorn have already approved of you."

 Ivar scoffed but Hvitserk kept his gaze on hers, letting her know he was serious. 

 "Just know, we're on your side."

 "Thank you, Hvitty." She squeezed his hand, warmth blooming in her chest at his words.  

 "Either one of them tries to talk to her, I'll strangle them." Ivar growled, starting down the hallway, towing Kari behind him. 

 "You can't kill them, Ivar. Mother said murder is wrong."

 Ivar laughed, looking over his shoulder at his brother. "Mother still loves me."

 "Yeah, yeah, we all know you're her favorite."

 "Can you blame her? Look at me. I'm far superior and more interesting than the rest of you."

 "Keep telling yourself that."

 Kari could not help but smile at their teasing, a mock argument that sounded like it had been executed many times before until now it was said out of fondness and mock sibling rivalry. 

 The three walked back outside through the glassed-in porch. On the way, she noticed her purse back next to Gyda's bag and wondered if Hvitserk moved it there for her. Outside, everyone else sat on chairs or lounge chairs that were grouped in a haphazard circle, obviously waiting for the remainder of the group to join.  

 "What took you so long? Thought we'd have to send a search party to find you." Bjorn called out as the three approached. 

 "I got 'em. The library reeks of sex though." Hvitserk said, dodging Kari's swing. 

 Ivar guided her back to the lounge chair they had been sitting in earlier, tucking her into his side with a hand laying possessively on her hip. Hvitserk sat on her other side instead of pulling a new chair over. She tried to ignore Margrethe and Freydis who sat across from them, keeping her eyes trained on her lap, fiddling with the hem of her cover.  

 "Ok, now that we're finally all here." Bjorn said, standing up with Asa in his arms. "We just wanted to tell our family the good news in person."

 "Torvi is pregnant!" Gyda blurted, staring at her sister-in-law in shock. 

 "Fuck! Gyda!" Bjorn groaned. 

 "Daddy said a bad word." Hali looked over at his mother from his spot next to Sigurd. 

 "Yes, he did, thank you, Hali." Torvi replied smiling then addressed the group. "I'm about two months along. So right now, we are only telling family, so please don't share this with anyone else yet."

 "Wow! A third! Congrats!" Ubbe started, others immediately echoing their own congratulations and well-wishes. 

 Kari jumped up and moved to give Torvi a hug after Gyda. "I know we haven't known each other long but I'm so excited for you. You're an amazing mother."

 "Thank you, Kari. Maybe your own time will come soon." She shooting her eyes over to Ivar for a second then meeting Kari's again. 

 "Oh, I don't know." She blushed at the thought. After another brief hug, Kari returned to her seat. 

 "How old are you?" Hvitserk asked suddenly. 

 "Um, I turned twenty-five this summer."

 "Ha! Still the baby of the group." Sigurd laughed, pointing his beer bottle at Ivar.  

 "Hey, nothing is wrong with an older woman. We're in our sexual prime." Gyda defended. 

 "She's not that much older." Ivar retorted, his hand skimming up and down Kari's thigh. "Just a year."

 "And a few months. You're turning twenty-four after the new year." Ubbe helpfully added with a grin. 

 "Fuck off." 

 "Mommy, Uncle Ivar said a bad word now."

 "Yes, he did, Hali. I think it's time for us to go. Say goodbye to everyone." Torvi said. After a round of goodbyes and hugs to all the uncles and aunt, the small family headed back through the house to head to their own home.

 "Did you know Ivar is younger than you?" Hvitserk asked conspiringly, once conversation started around them again. 

 She tilted her head as she looked at him, slowly answering his question. “Yeah…. we talked about this a while ago."

 "Good. Do you want kids?"

 "Hvits, what is this?" Ivar butted in. 

 "Just testing the waters to see how she feels about having my babies. You know they'd be beautiful." Hvitserk chuckled when Ivar glared at him. 

 "Be nice you two or I'm moving." Kari chided. 

 "Yes, mom." Hvitserk said, sneaking a kiss to her cheek before jumping away. He turned around and pointed at her as he walked backwards. "One day you'll have my babies!" 

 She laughed, shaking her head. She could practically feel the smoke coming from Ivar's ears. Before he could burst a vein, she leaned closer to him and laid her head against his shoulder. "He knows I'm yours."

 "He fucking better or I'll beat his ass to remind him." Ivar murmured, nuzzling her temple. 

 She relaxed against him, looking around the backyard. Hvitserk and Ubbe had started some kind of wrestling competition in the pool, both looking like they were trying to drown each other. Gyda and Ivar called insults from their seats. Sigurd was texting on his phone but occasionally looking up and making a comment. At one point he caught her eye and gave her a brief nod, which she smiled back, hoping any animosity between the two of them from her earlier comment was gone. She purposefully ignored the whispering between Margrethe and Freydis, taking a note from Ivar's book and acting as if they did not exist. 

 Looking at the Lothbrok family around her, she smiled at the group, still amazed she found herself in their midst and how welcoming most of them were. For almost two years she had been alone in a new country, thinking that was what she wanted. Now though, she wondered if she had just been missing a group that accepted her without question. 

 She peered up at Ivar, heart swelling with gratitude and affection. Without second guessing herself, she kissed his cheek and leaned back against his shoulder. He hummed, placing his own kiss to the top of her head. 

 She wondered if she should just give up fighting this, whatever this was between them. Maybe it would work out. Maybe everything would not fall apart as soon as the truth fell from her lips. Maybe he could accept her past and who she was. 

 Silently, she shook the thoughts away. It was still too soon to tell and if she was honest, she did not want to lose this. 

 Or lose him. 

[sinkorswimvn]

200 Follower Sail-ebration!!!!

We can't express enough how excited we are for this project and we're thrilled that you guys are too!

We promised we'd keep you updated and our Art team have been working hard on deciding how we want to spend the summer. Let's set the scene and check out the vibes, shall we?

You've not had much luck when it comes to love, but an opportunity arises for you to sign up to a reality television show. An opportunity to find the love you've been missing. A summer of sun, sea and sexy singles is on the horizon.

But that summer isn't complete without a romantic atmosphere. From fountains and fruit trees to hidden places, the villa is the perfect spot for you to spend time with that special someone.

We hope you enjoy it and find what you're looking for!

[Image description: 

Image is of a moodboard-style picture and in the centre there is neon pink lettering that reads “villa concept.” The image contains a collage of eight photographs - four above the caption and four below. The first is of an arched, open doorway, taken in a corridor containing two old-fashioned chests on either side. The corridor leads to an outside courtyard, where there is a stone fountain, decorated with potted plants and hedges. 

The second photograph is taken outside, under the shade of some tree branches. In the foreground of the image, there is a planted up area filled with different bushes and flowers. Behind it, there is an old, run-down building with two archways. The one on the right leads down a path onto a darkened area and the one on the left is held up by four white pillars. Further on the left of that, there are two more pillars in front of a view of the ocean.

The image next to it is underneath a canopy, covered in greenery. In the background, there is a view of the ocean with white boats scattered around the area. In front of the view, there is a cream coloured sofa, decorated with patterned cushions. In front of the sofa, on beige tiled flooring there is a small rectangular coffee table. 

The fourth photo shows a similar concept. It is a brighter photo underneath a canopy of overgrown greenery. There is a sofad seating area, decorated with brightly coloured cushions, with a view of the sea in the background. The flooring is also tiled, with two tables in front of the seating. In the centre, there is a person sitting on the middle sofa, sideways, looking out at the view. She is wearing a brown and cream maxi dress and has dark brown hair, styled into a bob.

The first image on the second row is of an outdoor corridor. There is patterned tiling used as the flooring and there is a tree on the right and a hedge on the left. There is a beige archway in the centre with three visible pillars that have shadows cast on the ground. Under the archway, there is a person standing sideways, looking out to the sea in the background. They are wearing a white shirt and black jeans and they have short, dark hair. 

The next photo is of an outdoor kitchen/bar area, underneath a wooden canopy with leaves overgrowing under it. The bar itself is a curved shape and is made of stone. The surface is marble and decorated with a variety of plant pots. Five wooden stools are placed around it and in the background there is a grassed area and the sea can be seen in the distance. 

The third image on the second row is of an outdoor swimming pool area. In the foreground, the swimming pool can be seen and the water is dark turquoise in colour. On the left side, there is an outdoor chair decorated with white cushions. On the left and right side, there are stone steps leading up to different levels. On the second level, there is a black sofa with white cushions and a small table in front of it. Above the second level, on the left, there are more stone steps leading up into a garden area with many trees in the background. 

The final image is of a small room. In the centre, there is an old stone basin with water inside and there is a rectangle of light surrounding it on the floor, caused by the sunlight. There are two large open doors leading out to a balcony and outside there is grass and hedges. The wall decoration is made up of different paintings. The first has been made to look like the doorway of a house, with a rectangular shape and a triangle above it, built outwards from the wall. Inside the rectangle there is a purple double door that has been painted on, with a person in a white and green dress peeking their head out. Next to it, there is another painting of another person wearing a silver and purple satin dress, holding a guitar-like instrument. End ID.]

[glitching-desert-snake]

prompt time! how about some funpoison, one of them teaching the other how to do something?

Here you go, sorry this took so fucking long (over a month)

description under the read more

[comic description]

Panel 1: Party Poison and Fun Ghoul are crouched behind their white Trans Am in the desert. Party Poison is a light skinned person with dyed red hair that is shoulder length on one side and shaved on the other. They are wearing a light blue dead pegasus jacket with a black t shirt underneath and white pants. Fun Ghoul is a brown skinned person with dark brown hair in two long braids. He has a patch of light green skin to the left of his mouth and a scar along his mouth. He is wearing a yellow long sleeved shirt with stripes a navy green vest over it and dark grey pants.

"Ready?" Party asks, tussling Ghoul's hair.

"Ready as I'll ever be" Ghoul responds, grabbing their rayguns.

Panel 2: Close up of Ghoul handing Party their raygun which is yellow with red and black stripes. "Lets go!" He shouts.

Panel 3: Party and Ghoul stand back to back with their ray guns out as a hoard of Draculoids, who are wearing all white, surround them, walking like zombies with their arms out.

Panel 4: A draculoid with an angry expression punches Party Poison to the ground with iron knuckles. They have a pained expression of their face and a pale pink splotch of a wound on the right side of their face.

Panel 5: Fun Ghoul shoots an orangey red blast from his neon green raygun at the draculoid and it goes down. The blaster makes the sound effect Nyoom

Panel 6: Fun Ghoul helps up Party Poison who is on the ground. Behind them are dead draculoids lying on the ground with blood pooling around them. In the background the sun is starting to set and the whole desert is streaked with red and orange.

Panel 7: Ghoul embraces Poison and puts his hand on their wound. "You're hurt..." He has tears welling in his eyes and looks concernedly at Party. The background is a vignette made of blue paint splotches

Panel 8: Close up of Poison's face as they look anxiously at Ghoul's hand and places their own on his. "Ghoul, I'm fine." They pause, "Really."

Panel 9: Close up of just Party's hand pushing away Ghoul's hand. The background is light blue and the panel is rectangular and shorter than their hands.

<page break>

Panel 10: Ghoul is further from Poison now. He reaches out his cupped hands "You got hit bad" he insists. Poison looks at him blankly, slightly rolling their eyes. Their left hand is holding their arm.

Panel 11:"Have you learned nothing!?" Poison shouts with a zigzag word balloon. Their hands are on their temples and they look angry.

Panel 12: "I'm just trying to help you has a friend" Ghoul shouts back, his word ballon mostly smooth with a few zig zags pointed at Poison. Ghoul's hands are splayed open to his sides he has tears in his eyes.

"Are you really?" Poison demands, also with some zig zags on his word balloon pointed at Ghoul. They are pointing a finger at Ghoul with an accusatory look on their face. The background is orange paint splotches and the panel is rectangular and shorter than the two killjoys.

Panel 13: Profile of Party standing with their hands clasped together "Ghoul we talked about this." They say with a trembling face and tears coming down their cheek, "And if you want our friendship back? You need to stop doing stuff like- like this." They pause, "I see you still trying." The background is maroon stripes of paint starting farther from Poison and ending near but not past them.

Panel 14: Ghoul is looking down, "I'm sorry. I just-" His word balloon has a few dashes in it, then a loop, then he says "I still care about you" The background is a painted soft pink circle behind Ghoul.

Panel 15: An over the shoulder shot of Party and the back of Ghoul's head. "I know that" Party says, looking right at Ghoul with a serious expression, "And I do too. Which is why I'm telling you to stop." The background is a painted dark orange rectangle.

Panel 16: Shot of just Party Poison from the waist up. With a tear in their eye they hand a green helmet with light green stripes to Ghoul, "Take the long way home." Their word balloon stretches and then they say, "And maybe... don't come back trying to make moves this time."

Panel 17: The sun is low, a sunset at its finale letting the stars out from above its swaths of deep red and burning yellows and orange. Ghoul on his bike is small, riding into the distance. His red tail lights streaking into the night. Party Poison leans on the Trans Am, which is reflecting the violet from the sky in its windows and says Look Alive Sunshine across the back. Party watches him go and their silhouette is lighted on the edges by the glow of the last rays of sunset.

[end description]

[plungepoolsbrisbane]

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[raspberry-starship]

Start reading the series here.

Masterlist for this book is here.

Read by scrolling up the tag here.

WARNING: some graphic violence in this one. Forgot to warn about the last chapter lol

Sam’s feet hit the linoleum floor heavily, one after the other in quick succession. He glanced behind him as he ran but saw no one there. He sped onward.

He was led through a maze of hallways that looked somewhat like the Bunker but they were somehow so unfamiliar that he was lost. Eventually he came to the balcony overlooking the war room. A hand grabbed his shoulder from behind. He spun only to find Dean standing there. He raised his other hand and slammed Sam so hard in the face that he went tumbling over the barrier around the balcony and crashed onto the war table.

Sam groaned in pain before being yanked up. He was tossed by inhuman strength into the wall. He slid to the floor in a heap then was hoisted up by the collar of his shirt.

A strong hand wrapped around his throat and he found Dean standing there. His sleeve was rolled up and there on his forearm, Sam saw the Mark of Cain. He turned to look into his brother’s eyes.

“Dean!” He choked out, “Dean, stop! This isn’t you!”

Dean smiled, blinking once before black eyes were revealed to Sam. Movement in his periphery drew his attention. He turned to see that in Dean’s other hand he held the First Blade.

“Dean—!”

Sam was cut off when the blade pierced his heart.

With a gasp he flinched awake, finding himself on the floor. His head ached and the world spun. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, trying to get himself together. Then he remembered where he was. And what had happened.

He shot up off the floor before stumbling back into the doorway he’d slammed his head into. He looked all around and found himself alone.

“Dean?!” He cried, tripping on his own feet as he moved to look out the open front door. The Impala was gone, leaving only a rusty pickup that had clearly been the werewolves’.

He frowned to himself in confusion, then remembered what else had happened. The expression was wiped off his face as he lurched back towards the cellar stairs.

“Sadie!” He shouted, stumbling down the staircase on heavy feet.

He came to the ajar door to the room in the cellar and stopped dead in his tracks. Blood, thick and scarlet, was pooled in the rectangle of light escaping the room.

“No,” He breathed, surging forwards to rip the door open.

There was quarts of blood all over the ground, so much so that even before he saw here body, he knew what had happened.

Tears brimmed in his eyes and he took his first step into the pool of blood. She was face-down on the cement floor, eyes closed and a hand reaching out towards the door. Sam fell to his knees beside her before slowly turning her over onto his lap. The movement caused her to let out a noise.

He froze, staring down at her with wide eyes. His gaze drifted down and he noticed that although she was covered in blood, there was no slash on her throat like he’d been expecting. Then, much to his disbelief, her eyes fluttered open.

The light made her wince and she closed her eyes again. Then she recognized the feeling of being laid across someone’s lap and she force her sore eyes open once more. Sam was there, above her surrounded by a halo of light from the bare bulb in the ceiling.

“Sam?” She frowned, unsure why but she was sure that one of them wasn’t supposed to be here. She then remembered that it was her that shouldn’t be there. She shot up off his lap, both hands going to her throat. “Oh my god—”

“Sadie, wh—what happened?!” Sam asked desperately, grabbing her shoulder to turn her to face him.

She looked shell-shocked and pale as he examined her for any wounds, finding nothing. He looked back up into her eyes and found them staring off into the distance. She swallowed and then her gaze flickered over to meet his.

“I should be dead.” She breathed.

Meanwhile, Dean was behind the wheel of the Impala, an intrigued audience watching him closely from the passenger side.

“So I thought you were supposed to be dead.” He began out of the silence.

“I was.” Lilith nodded, “In the Empty, sleeping the big sleep. Until the boss woke me up.”

“The boss?” Dean frowned and glanced briefly over at her. “Lucifer?”

“Psh, no.” She rolled her eyes, “But he told me that you guys fucked that whole thing up, too.”

“Yeah, sorry.” Dean replied unconvincingly. “So who?”

She just stared at him for a long moment. With a sigh she answered, “Fine. From what I can figure out, Chuck bargained with The Shadow and got it to let me go from the Empty.”

“Wha—wait!” Dean glanced over at her, “Chuck?!”

Her eyes flickered from side-to-side, “Uh… yeah?”

“Why?”

“For a couple things.” Lilith casually checked her nails.

“For the gun and to kill us, right?” Dean asked.

“Ha! No, I wish.” She snorted, laying her hand over the window ledge, “No, I can’t kill you.”

Dean’s browns furrowed, “Then what the hell was that deal we made back there?!”

She let out a little laugh, “Oh, Dean, I may not be allowed to kill you but I do have needs and…” She glanced over to him, “you spared Sammy from the torture I’m gonna inflict on you, big boy.”

Dean clenched his teeth, his hands adjusting their grip on the steering wheel. He swallowed and then asked, “You said ‘allowed’. What do you mean? Chuck doesn’t want us dead?”

She rolled her eyes, “Not by my hand, sadly.”

Dean looked at her briefly out of the corner of his eye.

“No,” She sighed, “that’s not how this story goes.”

Dean stiffened a little in his seat. “This story?”

“Oh, come on, you know how he is.” She turned to look at Dean’s profile, watching as fury washed over his features. “Personally, I thought this whole thing was kind of… easy? Stupid? But I killed the girl and made sure you guys saw those two mutts go all murder-suicide.”

“Why?” He asked after a long moment of thinking. “Just… why?”

“Well, because, of the three potential vessels, Ashley had the best hair.” Lilith replied immediately.

Dean rolled his eyes. “No, why are you doing this? You even said it yourself this is stupid, why are you doing what Chuck tells you to do?”

“It is stupid.” Lilith agreed pointedly, “Do you think I want to be here? I died to free Lucifer from the Cage. I had to die for what I wanted most. And then you two went and screwed it all up.”

“Yeah, but that was… that was God, too, right? I mean, just another one of his stories?” Dean replied.

“Yeah, well, I can’t hurt him.” Lilith settled back into her chair with a pout, “But I can hurt you.”

Dean furrowed his brow at the road.

“I had to listen to his whole ‘writing philosophy’, and all about his very weird obsession with you.” Lilith continued, “And it always ends the same.”

Dean glanced over at her.

“One brother killing the other.” She said, staring into his eyes unwaveringly.

Dean swallowed and faced the road again.

“I mean, this world? He could’ve ended it in so many ways, but he likes that one.” Lilith paused to consider something, “You know, I guess that’s why you had to see the werewolf bros die the way they did ‘cause… foreshadowing or whatever.”

Dean’s hands clenched on the steering wheel and he forced his expression to be neutral. This car ride was starting to feel like forever.

Sam didn’t know what to say to Sadie. She was just as confused as he was and there was an ominous sense that this wasn’t just luck.

He cupped her cheek and she stared up into his eyes. “We have to save Dean.”

She nodded, “Then we’ll, uh…”

“…Yeah.” He nodded stoutly before hauling them both to their feet. “They took the Impala.”

“I saw a truck outside.” Sadie said, going to pull her hands from his when he held fast.

Her eyes flickered up to meet his just before he tugged here into a tight hug. She held him back, laying her head on his shoulder. In her arms, she felt him heave a sigh of relief.

* * *

There was a heavy knocking at the door. Ren jumped, hand reaching instinctively for the long rifle near her, and turning to face the back door.

“Ren! Let me in!” A man’s voice called, banging a couple more times.

Ren stood and went over, unlocking the door and pulling it open. A gust of wind brought in a wave of sand, and then the man walked in. She shut the door behind him, and turned to look at who it was. He removed the scarf from his face and shook the sand out of it and onto the floor. He lifted the goggles from his eyes and turned to face her finally.

“…Dean?” She asked in a small voice.

“Yeah, kid, who the fuck else would it be?” He replied gruffly, walking away to set his things down. “What’s the matter with you?”

She shrugged, unsure of how to answer. It didn’t seem like he wanted one anyways.

He turned to wander through the store, rubbing the sand out of his scruffy beard. “We’re still close?”

For a moment, she was quiet, then she remembered the journal and nodded quickly. “Y—yes, he’s… he’s close.”

Dean nodded, grabbing a granola bar and tearing it open. He turned to face her again, taking a bite. “You sure you’re alright, Ren?”

She nodded quickly, forcing herself to swallow. “Yeah… yeah I’m just…”

Dean waited for a moment and then walked over to stand in front of her again. “You’re worried?”

She frowned at his heartless tone, and nodded. “Yeah, a little.”

“Why?” Dean snapped, “You see what he’s done out there, you know he needs to be stopped.”

“Yes, I know, but—”

“—Even after what he did to Cas—what he did to Sam,” Dean interrupted angrily, “you still think there’s anything worth saving in there?!”

She blinked, and shuffled back slightly. “I… I don’t…”

“Wake up, Ren!” Dean shouted in her face, “The world’s gone to shit and it’s all because we didn’t kill Jack when Chuck told us to! You’re the only thing that can stop him now so step up! Take responsibility!”

She flinched away from him, a pitiful look on her face. He stopped, biting down any other comments he wanted to make, and just turned away.

“We’re leaving in a half hour.” He glanced over his shoulder briefly, “Will you be ready?”

She swallowed. “Yes.”

“Good.” He nodded once then disappeared into the store.

Ren puttered around for a while, walking past the back room every once in a while to check on Dean silently. A couple of the times, she heard a sniffle, but she never addressed it. Finally it was time to go. She followed Dean out the door into the world.

The world outside was doused in gold, with sand dancing across the harsh winds and covering the abandoned objects in the street. For a long while, she just sat there, staring at it all. The cars left en panne across the double yellow line, the empty shopping carts rolling along with the wind and all the sand—there was so much of it.

“Come on.” A gruff, slightly muffled voice said behind her. She turned to see Dean standing there, his face already covered by a scarf and goggles. If he weren’t so upset, she would’ve made a joke about this world looking a lot like Mad Max.

They walked in silence through the sandstorm—not that they would be able to hear one another anyways. She found herself really not enjoying this reality, which was probably the point. It seemed so real, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that something about all of this was wrong. Not only this reality itself, but this plan of Dean’s. What the hell was she supposed to do against one of the strongest beings in all creation?

The city was completely empty. Every time she thought she saw something move in her peripheral vision, she would turn to see nothing. She forced herself to stay focused. They came to the town hall. She frowned, putting a hand on Dean’s arm to stop him.

“Careful, Dean.” She called through her scarf and over the wind. He simply nodded in response, and then they went forwards.

They snuck around back and stopped beside a locked metal door. Dean jerked his head towards it before returning his gaze to surveilling the landscape, holding a glock with both hands. She frowned and turned to face the door. They had once spoken—conceptually—about her being able to use her powers to pick a lock, but she had never done it.

“What’re you waiting for?” He snapped, to which she shooed him with a hand. He rolled his eyes and returned to keeping an eye on their six.

She lifted a hand to hover in front of the lock then took a deep breath. Focusing all her energy, she willed the lock to come undone. There was a soft click, and she opened her eyes to see the door swinging slowly open. She turned to look at Dean excitedly, but he didn’t seem interested in celebrating. She realized that in this reality, it was not the first time she’d preformed this task.

Dean pushed past her, walking in first. She followed, closing the door softly behind her. She crept down the hall after him, feeling naked without a weapon of her own. She then realized that she must be the weapon. This didn’t instill much confidence in her.

Dean paused suddenly at the bottom of the steps, cocking his head. She stopped too, glancing around him to see what the hold up was. He turned to glance over his shoulder at her.

“Do you hear that?” He whispered, frowning.

She furrowed her brows and listened too, then nodded. “Yeah… sounds like… big band music…?”

They shared a confused look, then he shrugged and started up the stairs. The music reached a crescendo when they came to the first floor’s landing. Dean jerked his chin towards the doorknob. She nodded and rested her hand on it. He raised his fingers, counting down silently from three. She yanked it open for him and he charged in. When there was complete silence, she frowned and followed.

The room was transformed—everything was white marble. She looked down and saw that she was wearing a chiffon and satin dress all of the sudden. It was a soft creme color, with long, flowing sleeves that came to cuffs at her wrists. The skirt fell to the floor, and underneath, she could feel a pair of heels. She lifted a hand to touch her hair, to find it tightly curled and partially held pack by a pearly net. She looked up, and found Dean across the room, tied to a chair.

“Dean!” She moved towards him when suddenly her feet were glued to the floor. She looked down at them incredulously, as though offended that they had decided not to budge.

“Ren!” A booming voice called from the front of the room. She looked up to see a large, comfortable-looking chair. A young man sat in it, wearing a three-piece, black tuxedo. Her lips parted in surprise.

“Jack?!” She asked in disbelief.

He smiled, standing and outstretching his arms on either side of him. “You like it?”

She blinked in surprise, then looked around. He began to walk down the steps towards her. “What is all of this, Jack?”

He paused at the bottom of the stairs, eyeing her. A wicked smile curved his lip upward. She shrunk back slightly.

He raised a hand to snap his fingers. She blinked and suddenly she was standing right in front of him. She jumped in surprise, and then he brought her attention back to him.

The room had changed again, and so had both of their outfits. She wore a familiar collared dress with a big belt and a chain hanging off of it. She looked from it up to him, where he stood with a three-piece, dark brown suit this time. He smiled.

“I figure that The Lady Eve was a bit too much for you.” He said, his tone playful but the whole situation menacing enough to distract from it. “I think Ball of Fire Barbara Stanwyck is more your speed, isn’t it?”

She blinked. This was all from movies—movies that she’d shown him. She opened her mouth to speak when he slid one hand around her waist, the other going to take her hand. They began to dance. She stumbled a bit, trying not to step on his toes with her costume heels. Then she snapped out of the trance and shoved him off.

“Stop!” She tangled her fingers in her hair, trying to clear her head.

She opened her eyes to look for Dean, who was still tied to his chair, straining against the rope keeping him there. She took a step towards him. Reality bent around her and she found herself taking a step closer to Jack instead. He caught her and pulled her flush against him.

“You don’t really want me to stop, do you?” He seemed so sure of this that it didn’t even sound like a question. She made a face of disgust and tried to get away again. This only made his grip tighten.

“Get—off—!” Her hands shoved at his shoulders until his hold on her was so strong she could barely move.

“Is it Dean? Hm?” Jack hummed in her ear, pausing to take an audible sniff of her hair. She winced in disgust and finally shoved him off.

He stumbled back slightly, a wicked smirk on his face. With one thumb, he wiped the corner of his mouth, eyeing her predatorily. She felt the urge to shrink—she didn’t like this version of Jack, not at all.

“What are you doing?!” She cried incredulously, “What is all of this?! What’s wrong with you?!”

Something in him shifted at that. His eyes grew dark and he marched towards her, grabbing her arm so roughly she thought it might bruise. She cried out a bit, moving to try and push him away, but his other inhumanly-strong hand now trapped her free arm. She struggled to get away from him, but all he did was turn her around in his grip, her back flush against his front. The pair of them faced the restrained Dean, who struggled against the gag in his mouth, his chair creaking a bit beneath him as he squirmed.

“You and me, Renna,” Jack’s hot breath tickled her ear as he whispered to her, “we deserve this world, not scum like them.”

She continued to struggle against him.

“Maybe now you will be able to see the truth.” He said, “Join me, Renna. Join me in cleansing the Earth.”

Her face squinched up as she put all her energy into getting him off of her. There was a loud rip as he pulled a sleeve off her dress. Suddenly, she was free, and he was skidding away on the oriental rug beneath them. She moved towards Dean, then there was a snap of fingers behind her and a sickening crack! She flinched as Dean’s head went limp and lolled forward onto his collar bone. His chest was still.

A shaky breath tumbled out of her, and she stared at him, unable to look away from his dead body. She spun on her heel to face Jack, tears in her eyes.

“What is wrong with you?!” She bellowed, so furious that he could almost see steam coming out of her ears.

He shrugged with one shoulder casually. “He was a distraction.”

“He was your family!” She cried, “How could you just—?!”

“—ENOUGH!” His voice echoed around the room, and the illusion of the study from Ball of Fire faded, leaving them in a typical town hall. He wagged a finger at her, marching forwards to grab her upper arm roughly again. “I’ve had just about enough of your whining!”

“I’m not whining!” She snapped indignantly, trying to pull her arm from his grip again. He held fast, tugging her to his chest again.

“Now you have two choices!” His voice was menacing and low, “You can either join me or you can die like the Winchesters.”

She tried to shake him off again. His nails dug into the soft flesh of her upper arm. There was a sting as he drew blood. They both turned to look at it, and he grinned. He dug them in deeper, making her cry out in pain.

“Jack! Stop!” She shoved him in the chest to no avail. He leaned closer to her, and she screamed.

Her palm pressed into his sternum, and suddenly he went flying. His body landed on a tipped-over chair, the feet of which punctured his chest. She gasped, hands going to her mouth. For a moment, everything was still, and they both just stared at where the chair legs were sticking out of his ribs. Then, she rushed over to him, almost as a reflex. He grinned, his teeth now stained with blood.

“No, no, no—” She shook her head in panic, which made him give her one last satisfied grin before he began choking on his blood in earnest.

She watched his face until all the light left his eyes. He was dead. She glanced over her shoulder at Dean’s limp corpse, and thought of the desolation outside. Her whole body shook as a sob wracked through her. She sunk to her knees, her hands coming to cover her face as she began to cry.

Then her body was weightless again. She could only see darkness all around her. Her eyelids shot open again—she didn’t remember closing them—to find herself standing on the porch of her cabin, Zophiel pulling their fingers away from her forehead and stumbling slightly as they stepped away. They were breathing heavily, like they’d just run a mile, and their hands seemed shaky.

When they recovered, their gaze lifted to Ren’s. She was staring up the couple inches their vessel had on her with an incredulous look on her face, and tears in her eyes. Shaking her head she stormed past, marching into her cabin and slamming the door behind her. On the porch, Zophiel sighed, looking down at their hands woefully. Still, there was a small quivering in them.

Inside, Ren kept her back pressed to the door as she slid down to sit on the floor. She didn’t start sobbing like she thought she would—she was still in some kind of shock. As she went over and over it all in her head, she grew increasingly angry. Finally, after some period of time, she shot to her feet to tear the door open again. The porch was empty. She let out a little huff of annoyance then spun on her heel, slamming the door behind her.