#YOU DESERVE IT THE COVER LOOKS SO DOPE

[keiteiken]

THE FINAL VOLUME COVER IS YUJI'S DOMAIN EXPANSION USTWISFJSGSIEGB AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

oh there's full form Sukuna too

[rafesaddiction]

The tight end (or: Football Lessons) – Rafe Cameron x Reader

Summary: You need to study for your exams and Rafe wants to watch the football game with his friends. Studying is boring and you need a little help from the boys. Rafe is not pleased.

Warnings: mdni! – heavy smut, spanking, rough sex, p in v, semi-public sex (they can hear you), fingering (they sure can see that), possessiveness, kinda size kink cause rafe is big, bratty!reader, grumpy!rafe, dom!rafe, mean!rafe, amused!barry, curious!kelce, i-can't-with-this!topper

Word count: 1.5k

Tagging @dream-pink , @dope-trope-105 since this is most definitely Rafe Cameron smut. Enjoy!

a/n This is none of the stuff I said I was working on, just something short to indulge myself. Something light and fun. It kinda takes place in the same “universe” as Hole Practice, but it's not part 2. Comments, reblogs and likes are more than welcome. They keep me from going insane. Go Panthers!

“Gonna get myself another beer,” Rafe groaned as he lifted himself of the la-z-boy.

“Might need something stronger to suffer through this shit show.”

He looked at Barry who had made the comment and was pointing at the tv screen with his beer bottle.

On the screen the Panthers were literally fucked up the ass. And they deserved it as they delivered their worst performance ever. This game really sucked. Rafe hadn't bet any money, but he took it kinda personal when his favorite team performed this shitty. It totally ruined his mood. To be fair, it didn’t take much to ruin Rafe's mood, but this was like in the top 20 of mood-ruining events. And this was supposed to be a nice relaxing evening, watching the game with his friends. Yeah, Barry was now officially one of his friends and none of Rafe's kook friends ever doubted his status – if they had, that would totally have ruined Rafe's mood.

“While you're at it, pretty boy, fetch me another one too,” Barry shook his half-empty bottle and grinned at Rafe, who had stopped on his way to leave the living room.

“Anything else I can do for you?” Rafe said in a sarcastic tone, frowning.

“You have some of these tiny snack bites? Diced cheese with a toothpick?”

Rafe shot Barry a deathly glare, who just chuckled.

“Uhm, I'd like another beer, please,” Topper's voice came from the left and Rafe's head spun around, making the blond shrink into the couch and mumble some sort of apology. Next to him, Kelce snickered.

Frowning, clenching his jaws, Rafe went to the kitchen – without killing one of his friends, yet.

Still frowning, Rafe rummaged through the fridge to get four bottles of beer. There were actually some cheese bits, which he left there, but he took a bag of chips out of the pantry, and returned to the living room.

And stopped in the doorway, almost dropping the beer at the sight of you sitting on the armrest of Barry's la-z-boy. You had your back to Rafe and were obviously engaged in some very intense conversation with Barry. You had drawn up your legs and were kinda kneeling sideways on the armrest. You wore one of Rafe's t-shirts, too big for you, but barely covering your ass. Your legs were naked – apart from the cat paw socks you wore.

“What are you doing here?”

You were not supposed to be here. You were supposed to be upstairs, studying for your upcoming exam. You were definitely not supposed to be cuddling up to Barry.

Rafe was fuming as you craned your head back to him and gazed at him with innocent eyes.

When you saw him, a sweet smile appeared on your face.

“Hi, Rafey.” Rafe flinched at the hideous nickname, but you continued speaking. “I was looking for you. I needed some help with opening a water bottle and Barry was so nice to help me.”

Barry sat up, looking at Rafe, winking at him and showing said water bottle.

“Always a pleasure to help a damsel in distress,” he said, his gold tooth showing as he grinned at Rafe whose face had turned red by now, his features tensed up, his nostrils flaring.

“And now he’s telling me all about the tight end.”

You smiled.

Barry grinned.

Kelce snickered.

Topper choked.

Rafe growled.

“Upstairs. Now.”

“But –” you turned towards Rafe, your feet dangling from the armrest, you looked up at him, pouting.

“Now!” Rafe barked and you flinched.

Having put the bottles and chips on the coffee table, Rafe walked up to you, grabbed you, threw you over his shoulder and carried you with him, despite your squealing protests.

Rafe sat you down on the kitchen island. You looked at him, with big eyes and sulky lips. His hands rested on either side of you.

“The fuck were you doing? I specifically told you not to come downstairs!”

He glared at you through narrowed eyes, tilting his head to the side.

You lowered your gaze, your fingers playing with the hem of the shirt you were wearing.

“I was bored,” you admitted in a soft voice. Then you looked up, just with your eyes, meeting his.

“Please don't be mad at me,” you nibbled on your bottom lip, effectively directing his gaze. Then your lips parted, you breathed out and he saw the corners of your mouth twitch. “Rafey…”

He let out an angry growl, grabbed you, flipped you around and you squealed as your chest was pressed down on the hard surface of the kitchen island. Rafe shoved up your t-shirt and his hand hit your butt, only covered by your pink lace panties.

“Don't. Ever. Call. Me. That. Again!” Rafe growled between gritted teeth and each word was accompanied by a slap on your ass.

You cried out, then tried to muffle your cries and whimpers by covering your mouth with both your hands, as Rafe gave your ass a very thorough spanking. He didn't care that your whining and crying could surely be heard in the living room as he hadn't bothered to close any of the doors.

One hand holding you down as you tried to wriggle your way out, while his other hand mercilessly slapped your ass and thighs, leaving marks in the form of his hand print.

His palm started burning and your skin must have felt as if in flames by now.

He was panting heavily behind you, his eyes on your ass as he pulled down your panties. He noticed the soaking wet stain and his hard cock twitched inside his pants.

You were a whimpering mess, your body trembling and only focused on the burning sensation his hand had caused, or you would have noticed what he was up to and you would surely have complained that you were still too sore from when Rafe had fucked you under the shower this morning.

You cried out as he pushed his hard cock into your tight pussy. He growled as he felt your walls clamping around him. He gave your already sore ass another slap, then started thrusting into you in a relentless rhythm, deep and hard, punishing you by using your body to satisfy his own needs. Your cries turned into whimpering sounds as he gave you what your body so desperately craved for.

Whatever you tried to say came out as a whining noise. His name was the only intelligible word you were able to utter.

“Rafe,” you cried.

“Rafe,” you moaned.

“Rafe,” you begged.

He grabbed the back of your neck, pulled you up, made you turn your head and his lips met yours in a fervent kiss, devouring and bruising. He felt you clench so hard around him and moaning into his mouth as you came around him. Pushing your trembling chest flush against the surface, he fucked you through that orgasm, savoring your heated body's uncontrolled convulsing, your shameless moaning and enjoying knowing that he did this to you, that he was the only one who made you feel this way.

Rafe came with a groan, his cock buried up to the hilt inside your soaking pussy, filling you with his hot cum. He felt how you tensed up at the sensation and your walls clenched, milking him.

When he pulled out, you whimpered.

“Shhh…” He caressed your back as he cleaned you with a kitchen towel and put your panties back on.

Rafe cradled you into his arms and carried you back to the living room.

Barry chuckled, but didn't say a word as Rafe shot him a menacing glance.

Rafe reclined in his chair and you cuddled up to him, burying your face at his heaving chest. You were still trembling, your legs drawn up to your own chest and you were clinging to Rafe, when he caressed your back with one hand, the other hand holding a beer bottle as he focused on the screen again where the Panthers had somehow managed to turn the game around.

Rafe's hand trailed along your thigh and you flinched. You pressed your mouth against his chest and he heard you whimper as his fingers brushed over the sore skin. And not only he could hear your little whining sounds has he grabbed your ass.

Barry looked at you from the corner of his eyes and then grinned at Rafe, slightly shaking his head, lifting his bottle to drink.

Kelce licked his lips as his eyes moved over your body.

Topper stared at the tv screen, clutching his bottle so hard, his knuckles turned white.

Rafe’s hand shoved your shirt up, rubbed over your bruised cheek. His fingertips pushed your panties to the side and slid between your folds, eliciting a sweet mewling sound from your lips.

[queers-gambit]

Pretty Boy Swag

prompt: your big ass family comes to town and hosts a town-wide family reunion. after they meet your boyfriend for the first time, your proximity is criticized, and when you try to fall back, Eddie's swift to your side again. -> or when someone else calls you clingy, you try to fall back but your man doesn't want that.

pairing: Eddie Munson x female!reader

fandom masterlist: Stranger Things

collection masterlist: Clingy Baby

word count: 6.2k+

note: AQPDO got me back on my Joe kick, Goddamnit

warnings: Eddie being the man we all want and deserve, kinda AU timeline (Eddie lives, Vecna still happened, and school is back in session? it confused me too, but fuck it we ball). shitty family members being judgmental. the fuck is this plot? idk her. there's insecurity, drama, anxiety, obviously some angst, but mostly hurt / comfort. drug use (it's Eddie, c'mon), kinda abrupt ending, author's lowkey a pyromaniac and advises you do not play with fire or gasoline.

The summer was soon to end, leaving behind a muggy, thick heat that broke several air conditioning units around town from power usage. Windows were left wide open for cross breezes, doors, too; and fans were cranked up high. There was a rather nasty storm on the way in, but luckily, with it, came the usual drop in temperature - just in time for the coming week's activities. The last week of summer before the dreaded school year began anew, but luckily, it was officially senior year.

Eddie jogged up the rickety porch stairs and opened the unlocked screen door that was close to rusting off its hinges; the front door open and an oscillating fan turned on to blow a breeze at Ed.

The door swung open without effort, banging loudly and making Wayne glance up, "Hey, kid."

"Hey, Unc."

"There's a sandwich in the fridge, if you're hungry," Wayne cleared his throat, smoking a cigarette at the tiny coffee table covered in stacks of bills.

"Thanks," Eddie mumbled. "Here," he dropped a small wad of bills to the table.

"The hell's this?" Wayne scoffed, glaring up at the kid - who shrugged.

"Should be enough for utilities and water, maybe a bit for groceries," Eddie answered, grabbing a beer from the fridge and sighing with a grunt as he dropped into the arm chair.

"You selling dope again?"

"It's consistent money."

"You know I don't like that shit, kid."

"Which is why you don't see it - you just get the cash."

Wayne scoffed in amusement and smirked, nodding while releasing a deep sigh. "All right, uh, thanks, kid. I appreciate this."

Eddie nodded, brows furrowing as his mind whirled from his excursion in town; musing, "Something's gotta be in the air."

"Yeah?"

"Mhm. Tell you what, people are... Really in the market to buy this week. Everywhere I went was so crowded - I couldn't even get Goddamn cigarettes - "

"Watch your mouth, boy," Wayne reprimanded automatically. While he was all too used to Eddie's foul mouth, he still didn't like him using the Lord's name in vain. "It's all that, uh, anticipation," Wayne shrugged, dividing a few cash bills to an envelope, "got people all excited."

"Anticipation about what?"

"For the L/N Reunion."

"The what?"

Wayne looked up, offering a stale look, "L/N? Your girlfriend's family?"

Eddie sounded exasperated, "I know that - I'm asking what the hell you're talking about?"

"The L/N family, they've lived in these parts for generations. So, when they have these, like, uh, family reunions, it's an entire town-wide event. Everyone tries to go. I guess you must've been... Oh..." He shrugged, "8 or so last time they were all here. Whole place gets energized, they all participate; you know, it's a big cookout and shit."

"Right."

"It's usually a good time," Wayne assured, taking another drag. "And when it's not, it's because it's a really good time. They use the field out back behind Sullivan's old place?"

"No shit," Eddie chuckled, taking a slug.

"Uh-huh," Wayne hummed, the cig bobbing; ash dropping to dust the bills. "They get a bunch of tents and shit; catering, too - it's like a big carnival. Heard some might drive some caravan in." Eddie was briefly reminded of his adventures in the mobile home with Steve Harrington and Company, yet there was no time to dwell because Wayne was questioning, "Your girl didn't say anything to you 'bout this?"

Eddie's head slowly shook, "No, but she's comin' over tonight."

"I got work."

"I know."

Wayne chuckled, "Which reminds me, I grabbed you a box of condoms."

"Oh, Unc, no!" Eddie begged with a groan.

"You're too young for a baby, Eddie!"

"Doesn't mean buy me condoms, old man!"

"You could just say thank you!"

"I'm not thanking you for condoms!"

The screen door hit the frame in a startling bang, the thin metal slipping from your shocked grip. You stepped into the trailer home, giggling, "Whaaaat the hell did I just walk in on?"

"Oh, hi, baby," Eddie greeted in a grumble; one hand wiping his face, trying to hide his embarrassment, "so glad you heard that!"

"Hey, honey," Wayne followed, you stepping inside and depositing your usual purse by the door.

"Everyone okay?" You asked teasingly.

"Yeah, Eddie's bein' dramatic again," Wayne spoke casually. "Hey, I, uh, I heard about the Reunion. That's gotta be real excitin', 'uh?"

"Oh, God," you groaned lightly, Eddie straightening himself up to invite you onto his lap. "Honestly, Unc? I was hoping this might be the one place in town I could escape from talking about that."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't - "

"No, no, I only mean, it's been nonstop in my family," you pouted. "Everything's gotta be perfect, so there's this, like, palpable tension, which makes it a madhouse, you know, 'cause everyone's coming into town. It's peaceful here."

"They all stayin' at yours?" Eddie asked softly, acutely aware and in-tune with your tangible anxiety; deflating himself and his energy to better absorb yours.

"Yeah," you pouted.

"All of them?"

"Until the festivities kick off, then most are gonna camp."

Wayne frowned, "When was the last time you saw 'em all?"

You breathed deeply, mulling his words while Eddie took a swig of beer; fingers flexing to pet where he held your hip. "Years ago," you answered, "and while it's really nice to spend time with them all, it's just..." You trailed off, frowning.

"A li'l much?" Wayne supplied.

"In the simplest terms, oh yeah," you sighed deeply. "I'm really grateful to still have time with them, don't get me wrong, but Christ Alive. There's four people in my room, we have two cousins in the attic, there's an Auntie in my parent's room, another couple in the basement - it's an absolute mad house!"

Wayne nodded with sympathy, seeing the way you pouted and dropped into Eddie's chest under his chin. His brows instantly crinkled, collecting you closer into his chest in comfort; keeping you curled across his lap. Wayne glanced at the wad of bills Eddie had contributed and sighed, gathering up both paper and cash bills. As he cleaned up around him, Wayne spoke, "You can, uh, stay here, if you wanna."

"Huh?" You gaped, looking at Wayne in earnest shock. "No, no, no, it's not - I just meant to complain to get it off my chest, you know? I wasn't fishing for - "

"I know, honey, but I can physically feel your stress from here," he chuckled. "Tell you what, if you agree to make dinner, you can crash here for the week."

With a grin, you nodded, "Your bodies might go into shock, I'm gonna force y'all to eat vegetables."

Both men laughed in amusement, the tension melting as you were obviously relieved by the fact that you wouldn't have to stay at your family home for the duration of the Reunion. It loosened you up, the trio happy to indulge in witty, harmless banter before Wayne was filing the bills in a mucked-up manilla folder. He stood to get ready for work, leaving you and Eddie in the armchair.

"Can I ask a favor?" You whispered into his neck, slowly pressing open, languid kisses to the sensitive skin.

"Anything you want, baby."

"I should go pack an overnight bag."

"Want me to come, too?"

"No, no, I was gonna ask you to go grab us dinner while I was gone," you mused, smirking gently; his head tilting back and sighing through his nose. "Oh, don't - "

"No, no, baby, it's fine," he scoffed, "we've just been dating 4 years and I haven't met your family. Like the whole family."

You scoffed, "So?"

"Do you not, you know, like, want me to?"

"I think it's more really not wanting you to meet them, Eddie - it's different."

You tried to stand, but his arms were like vices; keeping you in place and speaking softly, "Baby, how? Don't you think it's time? Nothing - not even your family - is gonna make me love you less. Plus, like, isn't the whole town invited to this Reunion?"

"I mean..."

"Did you think we were gonna avoid each other the whole week?"

"I was kinda hoping we wouldn't even go, if I'm honest," you admitted sadly, "but I'm a really good girlfriend, so we're going 'cause I know who would be most inclined to buy whatever product you might have left."

"Wow, you're gonna bring me new customers? Your family, too, huh?"

"Who said anything about family?" You smirked.

"Baby," Eddie sighed, pinning you with the beginnings of his puppy dog eyes, "if you're embarrassed, you can just say that - "

"Of what? Of you?"

"Well, yeah, or of us."

"Eddie, that's the farthest thing from the truth!" Guilt sounded through your words, "Baby, I love you - but I know my family and I don't want them to, like, infect you."

"Not possible," he hummed, bringing you in close to press a kiss to your lips in reassurance.

Not wanting to dwell, you quickly changed the subject and whispered against his lips, "Will you please go pick up a pizza from Reggie's?"

Eddie's head reared back slightly, his expression morphing into confusion, "Reggie doesn't sell pizza, baby."

"He does for me, I'll call it in if you can pick it up. It's just in the opposite direction of my house."

"Baby gets what baby wants."

You scoffed a laugh, kissing him again and standing finally, offering your hand to him; helping yank Ed from his seat just as Wayne was reappearing. After calling Reggie, you all left at the same time, shuffling out into the parking lot together to bid Wayne goodbye; waving as he drove off. Then, Eddie swiftly huddled you into the backdoors of his van; holding your legs around his hips.

Shocked laughter racked your lungs, holding onto his shoulders as he nuzzled directly into your neck and balanced your weight in his arms. He breathed in deeply, you petting the back of his head, both feeling yourselves recharge; usually trying to refrain from these grand gestures of PDA in front of Wayne. "Missed you today," Eddie mumbled, lips tickling your ear, causing you to slightly squirm.

"We were apart all of, what? 4 hours?" You mused quietly with a grin.

"Too long," he whined.

"I know, pretty boy. Which is why we have to hurry up - the faster you go get dinner and I go home, the faster we can come back here. I'm thinking... Blunts and movies tonight?"

Ed lifted up, your chest feeling cold from his retracted heat; but his face was calculating, then agreeing, "Yeah, we gotta go, let's go, c'mon, let's go, let's go, let's go!"

Max could hear your laughter from where she pet her neighbor's dog.

Honestly? The only thing missing from the Reunion were actual carnival game prizes - like stuffed animals, goldfish, novelty gags, sports team embroidered plush memorabilia.

There were caravans of RV's - both rented and owned - lined up with cars of all shapes, sizes, colors, and passenger capacity; Christmas lights strung up around them like spiderwebs. Patio tables were erected to host intimate groups of people while banquet tables were used to boast an array of foods and drinks. Different speakers were set out and connected, playing the same soundtracks - while others at other distances played different genres. The soft ground from previous rain had hardened from the amount of feet (of all sizes) stomping over the mud and grass. Solo cups dotted the area like stars splatter the sky.

Oh! There was also a clown missing! The Reunion did not hire a clown - unless you count Uncle David...

"You scared yet?" You asked, sitting in the open passenger seat of Eddie's van, the back doors wide open to host the attending party members. Eddie was leaning at the hinges beside you, facing the back of the van, quickly dropping his gaze onto you and straightening up.

Eddie shifted subtly, side-stepping so he stood in front of you for a semi-private conversation. "Oh, please, think I'm the scariest guy 'round these parts. Your family's harmless."

"Oh, uh-huh," you mused, scoffing a small chuckle before taking a lazy pull of your red solo cup; matching those scattered in the field. Don't worry, though, 'cause your cousins were Litter Bugs and would pick up any and everything they come across when clean-up commenced. It was a rule of the Reunion - leave the area better than you found it.

"You good, baby?" Eddie asked softly, trying to keep his voice quiet; which was easy, since Robin and Steve were cracking boisterous jokes to the group.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah," you nodded, eyes glazed as you peered over Eddie's shoulder to survey the absolute (controlled) chaos your family entertained.

"Yeah, 'cause that's so convincing."

You sighed and leaned forward some; legs hooking around Eddie's and encouraging him forward so your chin rested on his sternum. "I promise, I'm okay," you whispered with a smile, "just a little overwhelmed."

He nodded, petting a loose strand of hair off your face. "You've not really seen your family much," he noted, "been hiding here with us the whole time."

"I'll... Get around to it."

"When?"

"Eddie," you sighed, pulling back to still look up at him - curse his gangly frame.

"C'mon, baby," he pouted, "come introduce me to your family. Huh? I think it's time, I'm excited."

You felt frozen for a moment before Dustin's voice was whining, "When's dinner? Whole field smells like good eats."

Eddie pinned you with a small 'told you so' look, chuckling as you groaned and nudged him back a little to slide from your seat. "All right," you announced to the group, "c'mon, let's go mix and mingle. Play nice and they'll feed you."

You didn't even hear the small chorus of chuckles as your ears blasted the hammering sound of your nervous heartbeat. You cleared your throat as the group grabbed their things, Steve and Eddie closing the van doors before congregating together to begin stalking across the mud. With the red solo cup in one hand, your other was snatched swiftly by Eddie - tugging playfully to jolt you into his side and secure his arm around your shoulders.

You could see Hopper and Uncle David laughing almost to the point of tears; both with beers in hand, several others dotting around them to share in mirth. Wayne was tearing into a bacon cheese burger with an ice cold beer and a table full of "uncles" - or family friends you just called "uncle". Joyce Byers was playing corn hole with that PI the Hollands hired, Murray Bauman, to find their daughter, Barbra, years ago when Will Byers first went missing, too. They were being cheered on by a sea of cousins - all heavily intoxicated and keeping score on a chalkboard. The Wheelers were seen playing a few table games; Holly happy to play with your aunt's Australian Shepard, Auggie, while her parents were distracted. The Sinclairs were dancing together under the strung Christmas lights, Erica accepting a gargantuan size cotton candy to share with a few friends. Well, honestly, with the way she was eyeing the sugary treat, you wouldn't be surprised if she inhaled it all by herself.

"Hey now, baby girl! Ova here!" You heard, glancing over automatically just to catch sight of your father waving you over to where he and his siblings stood with a few cousins, your mother, and a couple siblings.

"Baby," you mumbled, squeezing his hand. He instantly parted from Steve and followed you; both missing the looks exchanged amongst your family, a few perking their brows swiftly and others even rolling their eyes. "Hey, guys," you greeted kindly when you arrived around the patio table.

"There she is!"

You were happily received by your loved ones, exchanging pleasantries before automatically returning to Eddie's side. "Um, hey, guys, can I introduce you to my boyfriend, Eddie?" You made the proper introductions, holding his arm as he offered his dominant hand to shake as he greeted the family members he had begged you to meet.

"Got you this," your father purred, handing you a full plate of ribs and all accompanying fixings.

"And this, for Eddie," your mother handed you his plate carefully. "You know Cooper's cookin' goes first."

"Thank you, guys," your boyfriend appeared as if out of thin air over your shoulder, leaning in to peck your mother's cheek. He straightened up to shake your father's hand and take both plates from you as your sister stood from her seat.

"Here," she waved, letting you take her spot because it was the only place beside an open seat so you and Ed could sit together.

Darlene, some distant cousin, daughter of your Aunt Rebecca, scoffed, "What? You two have to sit right next to each other?"

You pulled a face, "Girl."

"It's no biggie," your sister instantly defended, "and it's Eddie's first time here, can't let him sit alone."

"Mhm," Darlene snickered, your hand subtly latching onto Eddie's thigh to give a comforting squeeze. He dropped a quick wink, leaning over to take a fork full of baked beans from your plate - humming obnoxiously when he ate it.

Before you knew it, a couple hours had passed, the sun setting, and the bonfire was being structured. In fact, your name had been hollered for aid, looking to Eddie out of habit. He smirked at you, petting the hand he held with his thumb, nodding slightly - not in permission, but in assurance. Before either could say something, your Aunt Rebecca mused (but really scolded), "Oh, Jesus Christ, you two! You're not gonna fall apart if you're not together 20 seconds, he'll be fine to hang while you get the fire goin', girl. Go!"

You bristled at her tone, but only minimally rolled your eyes at Eddie before pecking his lips as you stood from the chair you had been offered. "Be back, baby," you whispered, and as you straightened up, raised your voice, "don't listen to a single thing they say and don't let them bully you!"

Laughing over jeers, you offered your middle finger, slapped your hand into Cousin Allison's, then skipped towards the wooden teepee pyre. Turns out, all "adults" were too intoxicated to deal with the bonfire and your cousins all too nervous to use gasoline - hence why they needed help. So, you playfully pushed them back and fixed the structure; stuffed kindling in ideal places, sprinkled a responsible amount of gasoline, and with a piece of old newspaper, used a lighter to ignite the flame. Then, when it caught, you carefully used it to catch along the gas-soaked kindling. Once that initial contact was made, you dropped the paper and stepped back because, a moment later, the entire pyre caught flame with a small but defining whooshing sound.

The cousins cheered you on, amusement shared as Cousin Maxwell handed you a fresh solo cup as a reward. You blew past the praise, knowing they were just being dramatic for humor's sake; making your way back towards the group you had left - intent on making s'mores with Eddie. Except, Aunt Rebecca stood to meet you, just enough of a distance away that her words weren't overheard.

"So," she smiled, "he seems real nice."

"Hmm?" You took a sip of your drink.

"Your boyfriend."

"Oh," you nodded, "yeah, no, he's arguably the nicest guy I know."

"Even more than that Harrington fella?" She asked, eyeing your friend and twiddling her fingers flirtatiously. Steve smirked and waved back.

"Uh-huh. C'mon, Auntie," you nudged her, "your husband's right over there."

"He's fine," she scoffed.

"Well, all right - "

"Hang on," she halted you from leaving, seizing your arm. "I was just wondering, you know, how nice a boy can be with all them tattoos? I mean, only delinquents defile themselves like that."

You scoffed, "I seriously doubt inking your skin is an indication of kindness in a person - but that's a good one."

Rebecca halted your departure again by asking, "Well, how healthy do you think this is?"

"Be more specific, Auntie."

Her eyes rolled, "Your relationship, girl, pay attention."

You chose not to engage fully, just sighing, "It's the healthiest relationship I've ever known - not much thanks to you, since nobody in this family would know a healthy, functional relationship if it punched them in the face."

With a fake smile, you pulled your arm from her grip and only managed two steps before she was sneering, "You sure it's healthy the way you cling to him?"

"What was that?" You asked, slowly turning to face her.

"You're so clingy, it's actually concerning! David, Kyle, Bethany, Darlene, Casey, and Tom all agree with me, and not to mention, your mother told us that's normal behavior for you two - which is just a red flag, sweetie. You're lucky, though, 'cause when I was your age, my mama would've slapped me silly if I hung all over my boyfriend like that in front of her. You know it's distasteful, right, honey? Men don't like that - they don't want girls who are desperate for love that they claw onto them."

"I'm not clawing - "

"Whatever you're doing, sweetie," she mocked, "it's not a good look. I can smell your desperation - you do know, there's gonna be more boys later. This Eddie guy? He's not your end all, be all. First loves are fun, sure, but this is where you make your mistakes - so, take notes and then try not to do the same shit with your next man. Okay, pumpkin?" She patted your upper arm as if a child winning a sports participation trophy. "The kid is nice and all, but he's not gonna last, honey. Women in our family are prizes, you see, so, it takes a real stud to earn us - not some long-haired, tattooed punk. Don't embarrass this family anymore than you already have by thinking this is a sustainable relationship."

You slapped her hand away and stepped into her space, snarling, "You wanna try that again?"

Eddie glanced over and saw the two of you; needing a double take when he realized how tense the exchange looked. "Shit," he whispered, sitting up in attention while nudging Steve.

"Huh?" Eddie pointed, Steve turned, and after a beat, repeated, "Shit."

Rebecca stuttered and tried to explain, "I-I-I'm just saying - "

"Sounds like you're making pretty snap judgements about the man I love - based on what? His fucking appearance? Do you fucking hear yourself? Like, you're reprimanding me for dating when you're not even my parent. You need to take several steps back into your lane."

"I'm not reprimanding you for dating! Just for... For..."

"For dating Eddie?"

"For being so dangerously desperate!" She snapped. "Jesus, a kid like that? You don't have to cling too hard, he's lucky to just breathe your air! So, maybe loosen the reins, babe, it's not a good look to keep a man so... Beneath you so close and so tight."

Eddie launched from his chair in time to hear you laugh in response. "Yeah? Yeah? This comin' from the woman whose husband cheats on her more than he remembers their anniversary or her birthday? Is that what you mean by desperate?" You narrowed your eyes, "You're right - that is a real bad look. I mean, I've had years to watch you and decide, that's not what love is. That's not respect. Wow. Being desperate for love really is embarrassing, isn't it? Thanks for the advice, Auntie, but don't worry - first place for worst relationship is still steadfast yours. I mean, Eddie and I are actually compatible, you know? He and I actually like one another, mutually love another. Now, I know you're not used to that, so I guess I can excuse you mistaking 'love' for 'desperation' and being 'clingy' - "

"Baby, hey, hey, hey," Eddie caught you around the waist and pulled you back a few steps. "All good, it's all good - don't gotta argue, c'mon. Walk away, just walk away, c'mon, come with me." You scoffed in amusement while Rebecca looked close to tears, Eddie directing you in the opposite direction to force space. "What the hell was all that?" He asked in worry, arm slung around your neck as he checked over your shoulders to make sure you weren't being followed.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."

"Didn't seem like it. C'mon, baby, what happened? Talk to me."

"When my family drinks, you know, they can just get a little mouthy."

"What'd she say?"

Insecurity exploded in your chest, freezing your tongue and heart, pumping icy shards through your body. You didn't want to worry nor upset Eddie by being honest, so you sighed, "Oh, just some dumb shit. She honestly sounded jealous... And bitter..."

"Ah, Uncle Paulie isn't giving it to her, huh?" He teased and you laughed, if only to not tip him off to the brewing storm of emotions threatening to take over.

"Guess not. Hey, uh," you glanced around, "you wanna get outta here?"

"What?" Eddie chuckled, "Baby, no, nah, c'mon, night's just starting. Fire's finally lit, and look," he pointed, "Dustin's challenging Mike to corn hole. And... Is that...?"

"Max and Lucas playing... Pong?"

"Looks like," Eddie smirked. "Think we're bad influences, baby."

"They're not even drinking - how much of an influence can we really be? Do they even pay attention, learn from us?" You teased, arms crossing across your chest in a light hold as Eddie tugged you a fraction closer to place a kiss on your temple. "Well, can we go back to the van and smoke? I left your hoodie in there and it's getting kinda chilly."

"Oh, you left it, huh?"

"Since I was the last in it? Yep."

Eddie chuckled and kept you under his arm all the way to his van, opening the backdoors and letting you climb in first. He shut the doors after himself and instantly rocked onto his back; you mimicking his position.

You both just stared at the ceiling for a moment; breathing together; existing as one. Then his head turned, yours did the same, meeting each other's eyes and without a single word exchanged, let your lips spread in matching smiles. Like two charged magnets, you both leaned in at the same time to let your lips meet in a sloppy meshing; playful, heated, and quick-tempo'd.

When Eddie pulled back, he whispered, "I love you."

After returning the sentiment, you both sat up to rest against the metal van walls and Eddie reached over to snag the wee box he used to store (some) of his drugs in. You breathed a sigh of relief while watching him, engaged in a new and distracting conversation - grateful he seemingly forgot about Aunt Rebecca's bullshit already.

Yet those words seemed to haunt you.

It's been about two weeks since the Reunion and you felt as if you were slowly losing whatever was left of your mind. School had officially started and with all your AP classes, you were already juggling several assignments.

Everywhere you went, everything you did - you second guessed the amount of energy, effort, and diligence you put forth into everything! School! Friends! Family! And you know who suffered the most? Eddie - of course he did! He was closest to you, of course he was on the frontlines; enduring some kind of silent attack.

You didn't know what to do - so, you did nothing! You avoided Eddie because you were afraid of being ridiculed like a bug under a microscope in biology class. It seemed reasonable; not wanting to dig a deeper grave, not wanting to give further room for judgmental assholes to feel comfortable enough to voice their opinions. It drove you insane, living in silence, in this empty space; going from joined at the hip to severed Siamese Twins.

"Hey," your mother perked up when you came through the front door, "what're you doing home?"

"Uh, I live here?"

She sat up from her lounging position, "No, I meant, it's Thursday - isn't Thursday date night with Eddie? You didn't go last week."

"Oh, uh, no, not this week, Ma, I've got this crazy essay I'm swamped with."

"Hm," she nodded slowly.

"What?"

"Hmm? No, no, nothing, it's nothing," she waved you off, and just before you could take a step, she continued, "it's just - last week, you said you had some big test to study for. And now you're blowing him off for an essay? Honey, school just started, you shouldn't be this stressed and upset so soon."

"What can I say, Ma? I'm not blowing him off, I'm focusing on school. You know, the thing you love yelling at me to do?"

"I'm happy you're buckled down, sweetie, I'm just not used to you being here so often. You know? Since you started dating Eddie, I feel like you're only really home some weekdays, and sometimes, I don't even see you! Now, you've been home and I'm just worried something might be, I don't know, wrong."

"The only thing wrong, Ma, is the amount of work I have to do."

She sighed and nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile; finally allowing you to make your escape. First, you stopped in the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water and bag of trail mix, then, you made your way to your room; throwing your windows open, turning your stereo on a low volume, settling at your desk, and rolling a joint - but setting it aside for now. You unpacked your supplies, cracked your knuckles, and got to work handwriting ten pages on The Lord of the Flies.

There came a knock at your door, eyes cutting to your clock and noting you'd been working about an hour. Waving smoke from the freshly lit joint away your face, you plucked it from your lips, inhaled sharply, and called, "C'min!"

Eddie slipped in your room.

"What're you doing here?" You asked in shock, tilting your head back when he stood over you and accepting his kiss. The ends of his hair tickled your face from where he dangled himself over you.

"It's date night."

"Yeah, but I told you I had work, baby," you pouted at him, watching him set the paper bag he brought in front of you and taking the joint from your stalled hand.

"Mhm," he agreed while taking his pull, holding smoke in his lungs and still speaking, "which is why I brought it to you."

"Oh, yeah?" You chuckled, opening the bag and revealing your usual burger and fries order. "Eddie - "

"Eh?" He grinned, producing a milkshake from behind his back, "Ta-daaaa!"

"Oh, a man after my own heart!" You laughed, "You're literally perfect - thank you. This is really sweet."

He smirked and sat in the plush chair you left beside your desk just for him. "All right," he reached out to pick up the essay prompt as you ate a fry, "let's see here, uh... Lord of the Flies?"

"Yeah, it's about - "

"No, no, I know," he nodded, "I read it."

"You did?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

"I thought you didn't read anything except your D&D manual and Hard Rock Magazine?"

"Oh, ha-ha, don't forget Playboy," he mocked, you smirking. "All right, well, let's get crackin'."

"What?" You asked, watching him toss aside the paper prompt and pick up the novel.

"I'm helping you," he shrugged like it was common knowledge.

"You? You're gonna help me write this essay?" You laughed, handing him the half-eaten fry - which he accepted into his mouth without hesitation.

"Why is that funny?"

"You don't even do your own homework, baby!"

"Yeah, well, figured I'd help if it'll get done faster, you've been acting real funny."

"How?"

Eddie pinned you with a harsh look, "You've been distant."

You froze, knowing you're caught, but still responded, "Uh, no?"

"Uh, yes? Since the Reunion, I've barely seen you. And even when I do, it's at school. You don't come over, you don't invite me over, you canceled our date last week, tried to today, too. Baby, look, if something's wrong, you gotta tell me 'cause I can't fix shit if I don't know what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong - "

"Try again."

"Eddie."

"Are you serious right now?" He asked, his voice no longer light and lithe, playful nor silly. "You might have yourself convinced, princess, but I know you better than that. Something's up, something's wrong. Talk to me, please."

"Why does something have to be wrong? Why can't I just be, like, tired or stressed? Or both?" You avoided his eyes, taking the joint from him.

"If you really want me to believe that, answer when you started smoking with homework?" This made you pause, shrugging in embarrassment. Eddie scoffed gently, "Lemme guess? You're just stressed?"

"It's not a lie!"

"But you're not telling me the full truth!" He leaned forward in his seat, reaching for your hand, frowning deeply. "Baby, I just want to help you. Since the Reunion, you've been distant, and I think it's to do with whatever your aunt said."

Tears filled your eyes, mutely taking another long inhale; gently ashing the joint in the tray on your desk hosting several stubbed-out filters. Swallowing the saliva that had pooled in your mouth harshly, you coughed gently upon exhaling the smoke; tears pooling and slowly cascading down your cheeks. Eddie sat closer in worry - literally sitting in a balancing act on the edge of his seat.

"You're right," you squeaked, unable to look at him; fingers beginning to shake. "Y-You're right, and I'm sorry, I just - I didn't know what to do, how to feel - "

"That's why you gotta talk to me, baby, so we can figure shit out together. Right? I help you, you help me," he spoke gently, reaching out to caress the back of your head. He sighed, standing, ushering, "C'mere, c'mon, stand up for me. C'mere."

He lead you to your bed, letting you sit as he toed out of his shoes before joining you. He settled on his back and pulled you in tight to his side; your arms like a vice around his waist, resting on his chest that was dampening from your tears. He rubbed your back and shoulders, up to your head, down to your waist and hip. Eddie spoke softly, encouraging you to talk when ready.

"She scolded me, I guess," you whispered, "because according to her, several other family members think I'm too clingy."

"She said what!?"

"Eddie," you groaned, his voice loud under your ear.

"Sorry, sorry - I just - she said you were too clingy? What? Seriously? Like - Like with me?"

"Yeah. Said it wasn't a good look," you admitted, and then, Eddie just remained silent as you poured your heart out and admitted all that was said. It felt like a never ending cycle; confessing that you loved Eddie so effortlessly, you didn't think you were loving him 'wrong', but your Aunt Rebecca's words made you second guess your own emotions.

And it honestly angered Eddie. No, not (only) about you being upset - but the reason for you being upset. He wished he knew the night it happened, remembering hearing your response to Rebecca, understanding your words now. He wished he knew, he would've had a word or two for your aunt; angry that this woman successfully made you doubt yourself. Doubt the way you love Eddie.

"Hey," Eddie whispered, hand on your jaw to gently encourage your head up so your eyes met his. "Don't do this."

"Do what?"

"Pull away from me. Try to change, doubt yourself, do different. Baby, I love you - and no, you're not fucking clingy. And even if you are, I love it because I love you, and that means loving all of you, exactly the way you are. Fuck your aunt, fuck anyone who had something to say, their jealousy and bitterness and ineptitude are their problem, not ours. And anyone who makes it our issue can get bent." You were honestly shocked into silence, just staring up at Eddie in a daze of wonder. "What?" He asked.

"I'm just processing you using 'ineptitude' correctly," you teased in a whisper.

"Oh, you little - " He laughed, rolling onto you; fingers digging into your flesh and wiggling. Your laughter was loud and genuine, Eddie grinning in amusement before just staring down at you; gently petting hair off your forehead. "Listen to me. Hey? You listenin'?"

"Yes, Eddie," you chuckled.

"Don't ever pull away from me," he told you sternly. "I need you close to me, always. I don't care what anyone ever thinks or says - you're not a bother, not to me, never to me, so, please, for my sake, stay close. I'll fuckin' fall apart without you."

Overwhelmed by emotion, his sweet words, and how they instantly settled your anxiety, you didn't respond verbally. Your hand shot up to hook around the back of his neck and pull him down - but it's not like he resisted. Eddie let his mouth descend onto yours in a heated display of passion, his hips involuntarily rolling forward to roll his hips so his bulge ground into your clothed cunt. His tongue was hot, wet, sliding against yours in a raunchy pace that made your head spin until you were dizzy.

And in exactly 436 days, Aunt Rebecca, Cousin Darlene, and any other outspoken family members sat at home, bitter, while the rest of you (and the town) celebrated yours and Eddie's union of Holy Matrimony.

requesting rules and masterlist

Stranger Things masterlist

Clingy Baby collection masterlist

[mika-no-sekai-blog]

Part X

Word count: 2200+

Warnings: mentions of trauma and burns

Autumn themed divider by tsunami-of-tears

Part IX | Part XI

Waking up was laborious and it needed several tries, but when you finally managed to keep your eyes open, you were greeted by familiar surroundings of your cozy room. You let out a shuddering breath. For some reason, you expected to wake up back in that dark room with those two disgusting males above you.

No! It was nothing. It won't happen again. It won't. It's over, you forbade yourself to think about it. There was no doubt that these unpleasant memories would haunt you day and night, so you did the same thing that you did with all bad memories - you pushed them deep down where nobody could find them, not even you and closed the door. The moment it was done, the tremor stopped and you just lay in bed blankly gazing out the window.

After few minutes you inhaled deeply, ready to start all over. It was nice to find out that you could again breathe normally and even the pain was mostly gone. You raised an arm that was certainly broken before, carefully spinning it and trying to move it. It didn't hurt at all. Next you touched your face and hissed. It was still quite sensitive, but you didn't feel any wounds nor swelling.

Closing eyes you took another deep breath and another, enjoying the feeling, the fact that you could do it. You didn't worry about the scars or any temporary bruises that could mark your skin. For some reason you never had any left, your skin perfectly intact, porcelain white.

You rolled to your side and bumped into something solid and warm lying next to you. Slowly opening eyes, you found your husband still deep asleep on his stomach, covers pulled up to the ends of his short hair. Someone had cleaned him up, the bruise under his eye was almost healed, too. A layer of sweat glistened on his forehead.

Several strands of silky red hair were falling to his face, so you gently brushed them back, founding out that the ends on his right side were burnt as well as tip of his ear. Your heart clenched in pain.

"Eris?" You didn't want to wake him up. You just needed to make sure he was real, that he was alive.

His eyelids trembled slightly in answer and that was it. He didn't even move.

"It will take more to wake him up," an amused voice called from the door.

Groaning you sat up and frowned. Killian with tray of jars and bandages in hands was heading to Eris's side of bed, his face unreadable.

"Healers had to properly dope him to keep him asleep, you know. He was trying to get to you, so we dumped him into your bed, but even that didn't work much." He put the tray on bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed.

It took awhile for his words to completely sink in. Despite of Killian's rambunctious voice, his brother didn't even as much as stirred. Swallowing hard, you gently wiped sweat from his brows.

"Is.. is he hurt? How bad is it?"

"Do not worry," he smirked but it didn't reach his eyes. "He will be fine in day or two. It's just easier when he is calm and stays still."

He reached out and took your hand, gently squeezing it. The warmth spread in your chest in a second. "How do you feel? You looked pretty bad. It's really miraculous how fast and well you heal."

"I'm fine," you shrugged, your gaze again fell down to your husband. Is he fine though? He had to fight with his own brother, even killed him. All because of you. And Killian? It was also his brother.

Killian narrowed eyes on you. He leaned over Eris and grabbed your shoulder, making you look up at him. His other hand cupped your cheek. There was something so warm and brotherly in his touch and the way his sad amber eyes burned up.

"Don't even dare to think that this is your fault. Do you hear me? Volkan was asshole and deserved it. Not me nor Eris feel sorry for him. Believe me. I'd kill him myself for what he has done to you," his voice was grave. More than anything he seemed to be mad at his other brother, Volkan.

He held your gaze until you nodded, then flashed a smile. His attention moved to his older brother.

He pulled the covers off of Eris's back and revealed his shirtless form with the bandages on right scapula and shoulder and on his left side above the the hem of trousers. However that wasn't the reason why you gasped. Whole his back was covered with whiplash scars and burns of different sizes. Your lower lip quivered as your eyes watered at the sight of such cruelty.

"I was wondering whether you two already did it or not and here is the answer," Killian snorted. Despite his attempt at a joke, there wasn't even a hint of amusement in his voice.

"He doesn't want people to know about this. He tried to hide it even from us, his siblings, and especially from mother, but she always knew," he added lowly and began to loosen the bandages with fresh burns under.

"Who-.." You couldn't finish the sentence.

"Who did this? Well.. we have more in common than you think. For start, our fathers were monsters. Yours at least covered up all the traces. Ours loved to show off his work."

You recoiled, pulling the covers to your chest. "Have you seen my body?"

He shook his head. "Only healers and your maids. Don't worry. I went only so far as staring at you while you were sleeping, but you already know that," Killian winked and blew you a kiss. He took one of the jars, dipped finger into the ointment and began to spread it carefully.

In silence you watched him to repeat the process until the wound was all covered. Then he took clean bandages and wrapped the burn. Your gaze moved to Eris's face. It was painful for sure, but he didn't even as much as frowned in this state.

"Can I do the other one?"

Killian looked up at you with raised brows. He hesitated for a moment and then handed you the jar with ointment. "I think that inside he would be so happy to know you took care of him, but he would be also angry that you've seen him like this, you know."

You swallowed hard and moved closer. "Do I just.. spread it?"

"Yeah," Killian answered softly, moved into the chair by the bed and eyed you thoughtfully. "He hasn't told yet, right?"

You tilted head to the side curiously. "Told me what exactly?"

"Nope, nothing," he shook his head. "My bad."

You frowned and focussed on the task at hand.

The outlines of the armour plates were burned into the flesh on Eris's shoulder. This wound was bigger and more severe than the other one. It must have been so painful when they undressed him. Touching him as lightly as you could, you spread the ointment and bandaged it.

When you were done, Killian took the tray, muttered something about the food and left.

Sitting there you watched your slumbering husband, biting on your lower lip anxiously. You suddenly needed to touch him, be closer to him, feel him, so you simply reached down and with feather-light touch traced the lines of his face with tip of the finger. He looked so young and vulnerable in sleep, his features soft and relaxed. You leaned down and kissed his cheek, inhaling his pleasant scent. You snuggled to his neck mindful of his wounds and stayed like that until your heart started to stutter.

You couldn't resist any longer and counted the freckles. Twelve cute little freckles on the right cheek. You smiled, satisfied, hoping that some day you would get a chance to count even the ones on the left side, now hidden in pillow.

Then you weaved fingers into his soft red hair, combing them back again and again, soothingly. Slowly moving to the back of his neck and down the spine, you mapped the scars, wishing you could erase them together with memories that were tied to them. Some of them were really deep and big as your palm and you didn't even want to imagine what could have caused them. It was breaking your heart onto pieces.

"It's gross, isn't it."

You startled at the sound of his hoarse voice clouded with emotions. His eyes were still closed, now wet with tears, but he was undoubtedly awake.

"My back.. It's gross, right? You don't have to-"

"No, it isn't. It just.. hurts to see how much you had to suffer," you sobbed. When did you started to cry? You wiped the tears into a sleeve of your nightgown.

"Not more than you," he finally looked up at you, his amber eyes calm, resigned.

"I'm sorry if I made you angry. Killian told me that you don't like others to look at your back. I shouldn't have touched you without permission.."

"I'm not angry," he sighed heavily. "To be honest, I quite enjoyed it before you got to the scars."

He was awake all this time? You didn't know what to say to that, too embarrassed.

"Do you usually cuddle with unconscious males like that or am I the exception?" he teased you, chuckling when he noticed your blazing cheeks.

You gaped at him, mortified to the bone. You never heard him joke around with others let alone with you. Eris was mostly a serious male, it was hard to believe he had it in him. "I-I don't touch others," you stammered. "How could I? I-"

"I know," still laughing he took your hand and pressed it to his cheek. "I'm sorry..

"I love when you are touching me," he murmured into your palm barely audibly, his cheeks tinted pink.

He closed eyes, his breaths slowed down after awhile. Minutes ticked by and he didn't move even slightest. Thinking that he fell asleep again, you pulled up covers on his bare back and caressed back of his head. Amber eye opened, watching you with a strangely sad glint in it.

"How do you feel?"

"Such small burns can't hurt me much," his smile didn't reach his eyes. "And what about you?"

"Some spots are sensitive to touch, but otherwise I'm completely fine."

"Really?"

"Really," you nodded.

"I saw what they did to you, what they were about to do.."

"I'm fine. Thanks to you." You smiled at him gently while mentally checking the door. Intact yet you felt uneasy all of a sudden.

Nothing happened because Eris was there. He came for me. It was nothing.

He closed eyes and heaved a sigh of relief. "I wanted to kill them all again and again when I saw you on the ground." He exhaled sharply through his nose.

"So little was missing and I wouldn't have found you in time. Just this little," he indicated with his fingers. He slowly got up, grimacing and sat facing you. He seemed to be angry or maybe worried. It was hard to say, but you felt guilty nonetheless.

"I needed something personal for my hounds to track you down," he gestured to the vanity, "but there's nothing solely yours in this castle. Thanks Mother that you haven't thrown away that birthday dress. Why didn't you say anything? It's no trouble to get you some combs, hair clips or whatever you need."

You felt so small. With every word your shoulders slumped more and more. You looked down on hands clenched in your lap, avoiding his piercing fiery eyes.

"If it's uncomfortable for you to tell me, you can.. I don't know.. write me down a list.. or tell your maids.."

"I'm sorry, but I-.. I have everything I need," you muttered, feeling like a child scolded by parent.

"Bullshit," he snorted humorlessly. "You can be selfish with me. Ask me for things you want. I'm begging you. I will give you anything your heart desires."

Anything.. A certain thought flashed through your mind and you bit on your lower lip.

"What is it?" His index finger hooked under your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze. You swallowed hard, hesitating.

"Anything," he reassured you when you didn't speak up right away, his voice soft. "Just name it."

His hand moved to your cheek, thumb gently caressing you, while his burning amber orbs were searching the depths of your soul for answer.

You moistened your lips, your palms began to sweat. "What if.. What if I said I want you?"

He gaped at you and then burst out laughing. "I'm here literally offering you a moon on string and you ask me for something that already belongs to you. Other females wouldn't hesitate to ask for jewellery, more dresses and who knows what but not you." Eris shook his head in disbelief and his features once again softened. If you didn't know better, you would think that you saw tears shining in the corners of his eyes.

Your heart skipped a beat and you blushed fiercely.

"From now on you'll wish you could get rid of me," he winked and flopped down into sheets, making himself comfortable on your bed.

[roguephenon]

II: The Thing That Will Always Be

"...Knowing this was the outcome, would you have still done the same?"

"In a New York minute." (Chapter cover is by @pinkmeanschaos. Check them out; they have fantastic work.)

The beginning of the end lies under the cut.

This would be the part where I post a tease of the chapter, followed by a link to said chapter.

Let's switch it up this time.

You've all given me so much love and encouragement, and I appreciate and cherish it all. Thank you so, so much.

But I'm not the only fanfic writer for this fandom. There are so many others who deserve love too. Some come to mind.

Like...

@geekinclara just recently started a KND fic, "Those Were The Days". It looks to be their take on Rachel's days as Supreme Leader and maybe even beyond that. It's off to a fantastic start. I've occasionally seen their posts about how much prep they've been doing for it (did you know making a cohesive timeline for this show is hard? Because it truly is), so it could do with some love, non?

And then there's @spicedwatermel0n and his KND fic, "The Rebellion," a GKND AU with 15 chapters already. It explores darker themes (which he's gone through the effort of listing before it starts to prepare his audience; he cares!) while weaving a narrative of the cast trying to fight an oppressive GKND regime. In space. Which is dope. He even has his own art of his designs. I hear he loves people asking about his AU and headcanons on his side blog when he has time to answer.

Nowadays, I write stories and create art for myself first and foremost, and I believe that should be the ultimate goal. Learning to love and take pride in your work should compel your drive to tell stories!

But comments matter, too. Feedback and engagement are rarely ever not a boost. I read every review left and respond to what I can when I have spoons, and it's an amazing feeling.

So, this is just me saying, "Help them feel amazing, too!" And not just these two, but all fanfic writers! If you see a fic you like, leave a quick sentence of your favorite moment!

Even if it has no traction, you'll just be their first!

Even if it has yet to be updated in 14 years, maybe there's a chance they'll come back one day!

Just something that came to mind to me today! And, of course, everyone has boundaries and things they like and dislike. Be respectful of those, too! Seriously. I've had to learn lessons the hard way, and I hope you don't have to have as harsh of an experience.

Thanks for listening to me yap!

Here's the link to Cold Reception's penultimate chapter for your trouble.

[thegirlamongthestars]

work for it - c. alcaraz

author’s note: I’m planning on turning this into a series. Not lineal episodes but definetly writing about these two characters and their encounters in the village.

summary: Carlos is the sensation of the Olympic village but certain Spanish volley player is about to turn his world upside down

wc: 1,3k

warnings: none (just a couple suggestive phrases)

“Wonderfull training girls!” our coah said giving us both a hug. “Now go and get some rest, you deserve it”

Emma and I were beyond exhausted due to the intense exercise but also to the incredible heat that had been plaguing Paris since we arrived. It was our first time at the Olympics. Emma and Val. Val and Emma. We have been the inseparable duo since we were 14 years old. It was the first day of high school when we both went to the secretary office to ask for the extracurricular sport lessons and when we both signed up for beach volleyball.

The rest was history. Two-time European Champions and current World Champions.

There’s been three days since we arrived at the French capital and so far the experience was being very nice. The Olympic village, despite of what we have heard from several athletes, wasn’t that bad. The beds’ structure was sure made of cardboard but the mattress was comfortable and sharing an “apartment” with other athletes wasn’t a problem for us. The food (of course not even a quarter as good as my mother’s) was up to our nutritional requirements and the chocolate muffins were to die for.

When the bus dropped us off the entrance of the village, we passed the control and we started our way to our apartment. Near to the Spain building we saw a considerable group of people running towards a guy wearing the Spain tracksuit.

“Are those athletes from…” I squeezed my sight trying to recognize their colors “The Netherlands?”

“I’m just trying to find out who they’re running to” Emma said grabbing my arm and dragging me closer to the scene.

“Emma, ​​you’re so nosy, stop it!” I pulled her away to keep our way through the sidewalk but she was way stronger than me so I just gave up.

Now that we were at a certain proximity, we could see that the group was taking a picture and when the athletes dispersed, we saw who was in the middle of the business.

“Of course it’s Carlitos” Emma, satisfied with the gossip, dragged me to our previous rute. “Everyone’s been following him since he arrived”

“First of all, how do you know that?” I raised my eyebrows wondering if she was part of the “stalking party”. “Second, can we blame them? He is one of the most amazing athletes now”

“I didn’t know you held Carlos in such a high esteem” she was the one to raise her eyebrow now but she just let it be.

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

"Pau, watch out for the enemy jungler! They’re coming your way" Emma's focus was sharp as she called out.

Pau, clicking furiously, replied, "Got it! I’m on my way to cover mid. Just hold them off for a bit longer."

I was sitting nearby and occasionally glancing at the screen. A soft sigh escaped my lips unintentionally. The constant clacking of keyboards and the rapid-fire strategy talk were beginning to tire me. I had really tried to get into the game, but let's be honest, I wasn't very interested.

Seeing the intense concentration on my friends' faces, I decided it was time for a change of pace.

“Hey, I’m going for a walk. You two try not to eat the screen” I stood up, stretching a bit before going to the door.

“Sure thing! Don’t get lost!” Emma barely looked away from the screen.

“And don’t speak to strangers!” I heard Pau shouting when I was already outside in the hall and I couldn’t refrain a little laugh.

I already knew my way out almost by heart so in less than 2 minutes I was in the main avenue of the village. Some athletes with bicycles passed by me and I considered if I should take one, but I decided I should just walk around.

The ambience was always pretty dope and almost everybody that crossed gazes with me greeted me with some “hi” or “good afternoon”. The vibes of the athletes were just something else and I couldn’t even begin to describe how Iucky I was to witness all of this.

I had just reached a quiet corner of a very open space when I noticed a tennis ball rolling towards my feet.

“That’s weird” I thought

There weren’t any tennis courts inside the village. I bent down to catch the ball and looking up a little, I saw a figure coming over to retrieve it. Tanned skin, Nike shoes and jaw dropping thighs.

When I completely straightened, it took me a second to recognize him but my heart did a little flip on its own.

Carlos Alcaraz, looking as dashing as ever, right in front of me.

“Sorry about that!” he called out as he jogged over. His voice reaching my ears like a familiar melody and his accent rapidly taking me home.

“No problem” I replied handing it to him with my best smile. “Though I expected your aim to be a bit better, considering you’re a pro and all”.

 Why did my mouth have to be faster than my brain 80% of the time? I was hating myself right now. Although I obviously used a teasing tone, I didn’t know how he would take the joke.

Carlos laughed, a sound that made me feel bubbles all inside of me and sigh internally with relief.

“You’d think so, huh? I think I just got distracted by something”

My cheeks definitely turned red but with a playful glint in my eyes I said “Well, if I’m your excuse, then I’ll let it slide this time”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly showing that he enjoyed the fact that I responded to his subtle but effective flirting.

“And what about you? Beach volley, right? Valeria, current world champion”

“I feel flattered” I was genuinely surprised. The last thing I was expecting was him knowing who I was.

Carlos shrugged, his grin widening. “I’ve seen your highlights. You’re pretty impressive”

“Well, I’ll have to keep my game up then. Can’t disappoint you now”

He tilted his head slightly, studying me with a mix of curiosity and admiration. “I doubt you ever disappoint.”

By this point we were shamelessly flirting through our tone and our body language.

Carlos broke the silence, his smile turning a bit more mischievous. “You know, I’ve always wanted to try volleyball. Maybe you could show me a thing or two?”

I chuckled, crossing my arms as I repositioned myself grazing my arm with his intentionally. “I don’t know... I wouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone.”

“Oh, so this is how it’s going to be?” Carlos feigned offense, though his eyes were bright with amusement. “Tell you what—how about a trade? You teach me volleyball, and I’ll give you a tennis lesson. We’ll see who embarrasses who”

“Deal. But only if you promise not to go easy on me.”

Oh God, that phrase just sounded so double meaning-like but he did not back down or react.

“Wouldn’t dream of it” he replied, offering his hand for me to shake. When I took it, his heat spread all over my body through my arm. He held on just a moment longer than necessary, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles before letting go.

As we walked back towards the Spain building, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We talked about our trainings, the excitement of the games but mostly, we learned the simple things about our lives. Beneath the light-hearted banter, there was a growing awareness of each other. A connection that we both felt in our core, as if we’d known each other in another life.

By the time we reached the common area, Carlos turned to me with a sweet but devilish at the same time smile. “So, when’s our first lesson?”

“You’ll have to work for it”

With a teasingly wink I ended our conversation and I left him watching me leave with an amusing smirk hanging on his lips.

[starstruckunknown-princess]

Yarrow - Santiago "Pope" Garcia x Reader

Yarrow (Achillea) - Meaning: Cure for a broken heart, healing

Summary: After a humiliating trip and fall when you find your boyfriend cheating, you call Santi for a ride home.

Pairing: Santiago "Pope" Garcia x Reader

Word Count: 1205

Warnings: Mentions of infidelity, language, reader has a broken wrist in a cast but is otherwise not described, bit of a clueless/hopelessly in love situation, snuggling

Day 8! My word count is creeping up and up the last few days...not sure what that's about. I'm also sick and really tired so forgive any errors.

In Bloom Masterlist

Likes, Comments, and Reblogs are appreciated! <3

“So…you gonna tell me what happened?” Santi asked, pulling the car out of the ER parking lot after picking you up. It was late, and raining, and you’d been there for hours so you were beyond ready to get home. At least the pain in your arm was dulled by the meds.

Your head rested heavily against the window of his pickup. The painkillers were making your eyelids droop, and the situation was embarrassing enough without reliving it. However, you figured you owed Santiago an explanation since he schlepped all the way to the hospital at this hour to give you a ride because the stupid doctor wouldn’t let you drive home all doped up. 

“I caught Alex cheating on me. Tripped down the stairs while I was running out. Caught myself on my wrist.” You said, giving him a noncommittal wave with your cast-covered forearm. “I shrieked so loud that they both ran out to help me. Then, turns out the chick he was banging is a nurse and said I should get checked out for a concussion too. She drove me.” 

“Ouch,” Santi replied. Whether to the actual injuries or to the fact that you had screamed so shrilly as you fell that Alex and his booty call had run half-naked out of his apartment to check on you. 

“She’s actually nice,” you admitted, keeping your eyes focused on the passing scenery. “Pretty, too. No wonder he was fucking her on the side.”

Santi’s warm hand landed on your denim-clad knee, “Hey, don’t do that. Any guy who would cheat on you is a fucking idiot who doesn’t know what he has.” 

Your head lolled on your neck as you turned your attention to your friend. While he was stopped at the light, his dark eyes staring at you betrayed his sincerity. You weren’t sure if it was the meds or how tired you were or what, but you stared right back, taking in how handsome he looked in the light of the street lamps. All dark eyes and heavy brow, the firm line of his plush lips, the stubble along his sharp jaw. 

“Thank you,” you whispered into the space between you. “For coming to get me.” 

“Anytime, you know that. I’m sorry this happened to you, querida. You deserve someone so much better than that jackass,” he said as the light turned green and he pulled into the intersection. 

You shifted in your seat, “He didn’t seem like a jackass until tonight.” 

Santi was quiet for a moment, then said, “I could tell. When we met him last month, we all figured out he was a jackass.” 

You snapped your head towards him so quickly your vision went fuzzy for a split second, “Then why didn’t you say anything?” 

Santi shrugged, “Will said it was a bad idea for your guy friends to get involved.” 

“Well next time you think someone I’m dating is a jackass, get involved.” Your tone was flat as you rested your head against the window again, relishing the cool glass against your skin. Letting your eyes drift closed, you listened to the soft click-click-click of the windshield wipers and the rain pattering the truck. You couldn’t summon the energy to be angry at Santi and the guys for not warning you about Alex right now, exhaustion dragging you down, down towards sleep. 

From the driver’s seat, Santi could feel how tired you were and figured it would be better to let you drift off. He could see the bruising on your arms from your fall and looked at the neon pink cast encasing your left forearm, unable to stop his jaw from clenching and his fingers from flexing on the steering wheel. 

That night he and the guys had met Alex he’d wanted to pull you aside and tell you, but Will intercepted him before he got the chance. Ever the perceptive one, Will had caught on to Santi’s growing feelings for you and gave him an ultimatum — if he did approach you tonight, he needed to tell you about his feelings or let you be happy with this guy. And you had looked happy, Alex was attentive enough, and seemed to like you back. 

But now you were half-asleep against his passenger door, injured and in pain after finding that asshole cheating on you. 

Who in their right mind would cheat on you? Wonderful, funny, intelligent, beautiful, generous you. Santi had half a mind to confront your ex, pummel him into the ground, and dump him off in the Everglades naked and disoriented. Instead, he turned down your quiet street and pulled into your driveway, putting his truck in park and turning off the engine — none of which woke you so he put a hand on your shoulder. 

“Hey,” he said, “Querida, we’re home.” 

You awoke to Santi’s face near to yours. The truck was parked in your driveway, rain lightly pelting the window. 

“Right, thanks again Santi,” you said through a yawn, reaching to open the door but Santi stopped you. 

“Let me make it up to you?” Santi asked, dark eyes full of hope as he looked at you. 

You shook your head lightly, confused and still sleepy, “What do you mean?” 

“For not telling you Alex was an ass,” he explained, brushing some of your hair away from your face which made your heart stutter. “Let me take care of you. Please?” 

Your breath caught in your throat at his proximity — when had he moved? Or had you moved toward him? Either way, you both leaned over the center console and were getting closer by the second. All you could do was nod. 

You didn’t miss the smile that broke on Santi’s face as he closed the distance between your mouths, his lips pressing against yours in a gentle but firm kiss. Sparks exploded behind your eyelids, but before you could deepen the kiss Santi pulled back. You chased his lips but his steady hands on your shoulders held you back. 

“As much as I want to continue, you’re about to fall asleep sitting up. We should get you into bed.” He stroked your cheek with a featherlight touch, making you shiver. As awake as his kiss made you feel, you knew he was right. 

He exited the truck and rounded the front to open your door, helping you down and guiding you into the house with gentle touches to your lower back, arms, shoulders. When you got to your bedroom he helped you change into pajamas, his gaze and touches (unfortunately) remaining respectful. 

He pulled your covers back and held your hand while you slipped down into them, making sure you were settled before asking if you needed any more meds or water. 

“No, I’m fine for now. C’mere,” you said, lids falling closed once more. You heard his light chuckle and he rounded the bed, the rustle of his t-shirt coming off and the clink of his belt as he shucked off his pants preceded the other side of your bed dipping under his weight. He took the Big Spoon position and your last thought before falling asleep was how easy, how natural, how right his arms felt around you.

[thirstnotes]

| Rivals to Lovers - Clark Kent - Part Four - Jealous Clark |

pairings: Clark Kent x AFABPlusSizedBlackReader x a little bit of some Bruce Wayne

warnings: more rambling, more thirst, a little bit of awkward, sass, attempts at humor, typos, language, morally gray Clark, jealous Clark

If you don't like it, don't read it. But a quick second for those of you that have hung in there with me this far: I appreciate the love and comments. Seriously, I thought this was gonna be a simple and silly thank you fic for @ramp-it-up--dope writer btw, go check her out when you get the time--who answered my asks in perhaps the best way possible, but it's turned into a chaos series of rambling thoughts and awkward thirst and ngl it's really fun writing a problematic Clark with an equally problematic reader.

In short: I don't think I'm much of a writer, and I promise ya'll that's okay, but thank ya'll for reading and liking and reblogging my raggedy nonsense anyway

(Also I don't write nearly enough to tag people or to do a tag list, but I'll do it just this once bc I never got that kinda request before. Here you go, @glitterandgoldfinds 💖)

“I heard you and Y/N are dating?”

Clark smirked, dusting bagel crumbs off his shirt as he finished his breakfast. “Where’d you hear that?”

“I won’t even entertain the question.”

“Right. The award winning Lois Lane always has the story.”

There was a quiet pause on her end. It was a bit hard to discern as he tried to tune out the bustling sounds of the coffeehouse around him. From the sound of it, she was making coffee. He finally picked up on her laughter approaching the phone. “You should do my PR.”

“Busy, unfortunately. Gunning for your job, in fact.”

She laughed again. “I can tell. Anyway, Luke tells me you’re gonna try the cooking class too?”

“Yeah we are,” he said, now picking out an assorted mix of your favorite donuts. He heard a lower tone in the background and a light smack that had her giggling. He rolled his eyes.

“Oooh we? Sounds kinda serious,” she hummed, giving him an invitation to volunteer more information.

“No comment.”

He heard a male’s voice in the background again. Obviously Luke. It was too distorted to understand, but he was certain it was annoying.

“Hmm,” she purred, sounding like she was following up with a small sip, “Maybe I should pump Y/N for the details.”

She wasn’t joking. She was almost as relentless and nosy as you were to get the facts.

You could definitely hold your own, but he just didn’t need the headache.

He paid for the donuts with a light laugh. “We just got started, I wouldn’t call the reverend.”

“No, but it’s kinda a huge scoop. Maybe I should make this the next cover story,” she taunted saucily, making him laugh a little louder.

“Hilarious. You know, jealousy’s not a good look on you, Lo’,” he sassed back, checking the time. She snickered on the other end.

“Not jealous, just surprised. Y/N’s a pretty hard sell. How’d you land her?”

He left and casually held the door for an elderly couple, eyes on your building two stoplights down. “Just. Lucky, I guess.”

Lois hummed in agreement. “You do have a flair for luck that I’ll never understand.”

He laughed, dipping his head modestly and picking out a table to sit at in the outdoor dining area. You probably weren’t awake just yet, as evident by your phone going straight to voicemail, so he decided to give it 30 minutes or so. “I guess it’s a matter of perception.”

“Clark...Mmh…Clark…”

He paused. It was a whisper. Your fevered gasps that pierced his ears through all the clamoring of the waking city. It was a cry for him. Falling from your lips. It switched something on in him.

“Mmh…yes. Please…I deserve it,” you groaned through needy gasps. What the fuck were you doing to yourself that had you sounding like that?

A soft vibration accompanied you and his mind nearly shut off. You were thinking about him...while you were...Fuck.

“So anyway, see you in class?”

He blinked, his thoughts interrupted. Lois continued on the other end, completely oblivious to any of it. Something about Luke’s pictures or some shit. He didn’t really care. Which was truly a first. He took a small breath.

“Yeah. Sorry. Signal broke up,” he lied, trying to gather his thoughts, “Call you back.”

"Everything okay?" she asked, a little concerned at his detached tone.

He snapped out of it, eyes falling to the stoplight that changed to red.

He licked his dry lips. He did need to stop.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm just almost to her place."

"Ooooh, I see. Well don't let me hold you up."

He could've told her "It's not like that, I'm just bringing breakfast"

He could've worked it around to say "Nah, I like the company."

Anything that came out of his lips next would've been another step closer to stealing her away from her mediocre boyfriend

But instead

He exhaled a low, breathy laugh. "Thanks. Later."

He barely registered hanging up. You'd finished quickly, the soft puffs of your breath fading from his senses just as quickly as they came. That was a sucker punch to his health. He wondered if he could wager just a peek. Just one. Through a few thin walls.

He could just imagine you there, muscles still tense, gradually relaxing, honey-soaked thighs sliding down your sheets, your panties ruined--provided you were wearing any. He took a deep breath. Granted you were his girlfriend--fake or no--you were his friend first.

No peeking. Not yet anyway.

Your shower kicked on and he nearly audibly groaned. You were making it really hard to be a gentleman.

Impossible.

He let his morals slip a little as his view of your apartment faded to the interior, eyes curiously peering into your world. He'd never been up there before. Your decorations revealed a bit more to him than he knew. Your awards and achievements were framed above your work area. He’d recognized a good portion of them. From Fresh New Journalist, to Journalist of the year—two years in a row, around which were framed pictures of you with all the members of your team at some point or another.

It made him smile a bit when he saw that you actually saved the picture of the you and him after losing the office paintball game, both of you splattered with yellow. A color you sarcastically quipped complimented his eyes. His chest pounded when he thought about how cute you were, dusting paint out of his hair, standing on your tiptoes. Jokingly reminding him that it was his fault your position was given away because he was so damn tall. It made him laugh. You always made him laugh.

Shit.

Had it always been you?

No, he’d known Lois far longer, and was in love all the way. But somewhere along the line, you’d sneaked in and hit him with your jokes, your wit, your smile… Dammit Y/N.

Almost as if summoned, you emerged from your bathroom, wrapped in a towel and his eyes darkened a bit, sliding along your curves in the terrycloth.

He could feel his face heating up a bit; this was wrong. He knew that. But he was too curious to stop now. A bead of water caught his attention--a stray drop from your soaked curls that framed your pretty face as you rifled through your drawer. it ran down your chest in a jagged pattern before disappearing into the darkness of your cleavage.

This was so wrong.

You looked so content. So...satisfied. He felt his body tense when you loosened your towel, ready to drop it for the cute floral lingerie you'd pulled out. He swallowed heavily, his eyes dropping just as the towel fell from your chest.

He couldn't. You weren't his. Not yet anyway

Call him a bit of a sentimental sap, but he didn't wanna spoil the surprise.

He ran a hand over his face, glancing at his phone, trying to figure out how to proceed.

So eventually

There he was

Like a soothsaying sex goblin, he was standing in front of your building with donuts

You suddenly felt a wave of panic wash over you

Like if "I LOOK A MESS" was a feeling

Which. As far as you knew, it was, but you'd never say something so cliche aloud.

Besides, as far as effortlessly sexy went that morning, you were ahead of the game

Also you were too lazy to change. Clark was unexpectedly intruding into your space. He was just gonna have to deal

If you were petty, you'd admit that it was a great excuse to show him the ass he was missing out on bc the lounge shorts clinging to you right then were practically screaming "Lemme sit on that face for an hour or two"

But you weren't petty

"Oh wow, is this what they call a full service boyfriend?" you joked with a grateful hum, your interest fully directed at the donuts he'd brought.

Unfortunately, you missed the absolute shameless way homeboy took in your scent

Like he was smelling his favorite pastry

He couldn't understand it

He didn't wanna try

All he knew was that a new fixation was forming and unlike Lois, you were already half his

The sweet smell of something cinnamon-y wafted from you. Body wash or lotion or something. His eyes followed you as you strolled into your kitchen, and set the box down. Your hair was still a little damp, pulled back into a curly bun. Cute.

“Something like that. I thought I’d drive you to class to make up for last night."

“Oh yeah,” you remembered with a laugh, “Drunk texts? What were you up to last night?”

“It was a hell of a night, believe me,” he said, making his way to your sofa, seeming to want to leave it at that. As badly as you wanted to pry, you let it go.

“Well anyway, we don’t have class today.”

“Oh. Well what do you wanna do today?”

You gave him a strange look. “What? Offering to hang out with your fake girlfriend for the day? What happened to Take No Prisoners I’ll Take Your Girl Clark Kent?”

“He’s off for the day,” he said, rolling his eyes. He did that a lot with you. You laughed, successfully working his nerves.

“Damn. I was hoping to ask him for some pointers,” you said, sarcastically snapping your fingers. He eyed you as you moved past to clean your mess.

Damn you hit different in pajama shorts.

Focus, Clark. His eyes flickered to the television. Rather to the assorted bouquet on your television stand. It was rather extravagant, the stems and petals covering the edge of the screen obnoxiously. A gold card was in a black holder sticking out from it and he was curious about the sender.

“Pointers about?”

“I have an interview/dinner date with with Bruce Tall-Dark-and-Broody Wayne tonight and truth be known, my man’s kinda hot.”

If you only knew how broody he was, he thought to himself, feeling a familiar bit of nagging jealousy tugging at him. “He send the bouquet?”

“Yeah. Aren’t they gorgeous? Somehow he found out about my favorite flowers. The man’s mafia, I’m certain of it,” you joked, completely missing the pointed stare he was giving your flowers.

What do you know? Suddenly got an opening in my schedule.

How about dinner, 8:00 at La Mercerie?

It paid to have X-ray vision.

In this case, though, it left a bad taste in his mouth. You were going out on a date with Bruce Wayne. What the shit?

“What's the story?” he asked patiently, his eyes plastered on the tv now, not registering a single bit of what was showing onscreen.

“The 30th annual Wayne Concert Commemoration? It’s one of the other stories that I got bumped to cover since you scooped me on the whole Nightwing thing, remember?” you said, feigning a bitter tone that made him smile again.

“All that salt’s gonna raise your blood pressure.”

You looked pleasantly surprised at the clap back, whirling to face him with your hand—and a soapy spatula—on your hips. So fuckin cute. “Okay. Farmboy’s got jokes. I gotchu next time, though. This story’s gonna be great.”

“I dunno. A concert story doesn’t sound too exciting,” he continued, a small smirk twitching at his lips. In truth, his emotions were swirling. If he didn’t joke, he might’ve actually have tried to convince you not to go.

“I’ll think of something. So watch your ass Kent.”

"I will," he resigned with a small smirk.

He’d much rather watch yours, to be honest, admiring the light way it jiggled when you shifted your weight to your other leg, your focus back on the dishes.

Fuckin focus, Clark.

Bruce Wayne was dangerous. In more ways than one. The Dark Knight persona was, of course, but somehow Bruce himself was even more dangerous. Bruce Wayne was a handsome billionaire. A playboy. Plus, for all the good he’d done, he was still a marked man with a hell of a lot of enemies. Enemies that would hurt you to get to him. Even if you were just a fling.

Which you weren’t gonna be. Were you? One of his knuckles popped. How long had his fists been clenched? His mouth went a bit dry again.

“Do you have something to drink?” he asked suddenly and you looked at him blankly. What were you thinking about? He’d obviously snapped you out of some deep thought. You always had that look when someone interrupted your train of thought at work. You were also usually kind of grouchy when that happened, but you just gave him a lopsided smile. Which somehow made it worse. Your good mood was beginning to bug him.

“Oh! Yeah! Sorry. Help yourself,” you said, nodding to the fridge. He tentatively did as he was told, spotting some sodas in the door and deciding to grab one. He needed a drink. Ideally one with a sting stronger than a Dr. pepper, but he’d just have to take the L. It wasn’t like he could get drunk anyway.

“I was just thinking,” you said, drying your hands on your towel.

Oh fuckin finally

He needed wanted to know what was swimming through that devious mind of yours

“We can go wander around the park a bit if you want. It’s right next to the shopping center, so I can pick up a cute outfit while I’m there. You know, multitask.”

“Works for me,” he said, pretending the soda is what gave him such a stale tone.

“Sweet, lemme go get dressed,” you said with a pleasant smile. He couldn’t lie, the sudden image of you slipping out of those clothes did flash across his mind multiple times that morning, and he wanted nothing more than to tell you to forget Wayne and stay in all night with your boyfriend.

Which he wasn’t

Not for real

But he was most certainly on your mind

He knew that much

It wasn't Bruce's name coming from your mouth

Yet...

(Part 5)

(Part 3)

[tokujenny]

Fuck it Jenny's Top 10 Kaiju (c. January 2023, subject to change)

Number Ten: Gavadon

An imaginary monster created from a kid's drawing? Ultraman is so WEIRD and I love it.

Number Nine: Goro

I love giant monkeys. This is LITERALLY Toho's King Kong suit with a different mask and a tail stuck on. It sparks joy. Goro 💜

Number Eight: Garamon

Okay, so most of you will probably recognize this as the lovable Kaiju Pigmon from Ultraman, but that suit was originally used for Garamon! A giant robotic monster that came to earth in a meteor in Ultra Q. I chose this one because I just love how he moves. Silly goofy guy.

Number Seven: Biollante

You know, I was pretty disappointed when I watched Godzilla vs Biollante. It's kinda... Not what I expected, Biollante doesn't DO much and despite her monstrous appearance she's an extremely passive Kaiju. Her origin and appearance are dope tho and that's what gets her so high on the list.

Number Six: Hedorah

Look at him!! The guy ever!! Slimy!!

Number Five: Mechani-Kong

Oh ho... Hoo hoo oh ho ho ohohoho oo hoo hoo robo monke hehehe

Number Four: Gigan

C'mon!! It's Gigan!! We all love gigan!! You guys!!

Number Three: Alien Baltan

I love that it's mostly a recycled Cicada Human costume from the neck up. Also, the way it moves and clones himself?? So cool, also really genuinely alien.

Number Two: Sanda and Gaira

Is it cheating to include two here? They're a package deal!! The Gargantuas are so cool, they're the kids (clones?) of a radioactive Frankenstein!! They deserved more movies, especially with the gimmick of them evolving to adapt to their environments! Frankenstein vs Baragon rematch?

Number One: Destoroyah!!

Look at this thing!! It's like a metal album cover!! And the gimmick of being a swarm of mutated micro organisms? Being a living manifestation of the weapon that killed the original Godzilla? There's a lot of thematic potential of having Destoroyah fight Kiryu, right? I know it's different continuities but it could work for a comic maybe. Someone get Matt Frank on this!!

[chloe-spade]

The Glass Slipper Chapter 4: A Magical Night

Cater rushed to the gardens and slumped by the fountain, looking at himself at the water's reflection but he couldn't stare at it for long.

"How ruthless could they be?" He whispered, examining the damaged parts of his gown, "And it was such a nice gown too."

It took a while for Cater to realize that he was crying as he saw tear stains on his destroyed dress. He let out a small sob and he finally started to cry, hands covering his face.

Everyone saw and he knew they were trying to comfort him. Kalim appeared and began to wipe the tears. "I'm so sorry, Cater. I didn't know this would happen."

"But that was such a beautiful dress, Kalim. I let them ruin it."

Kalim hugs Cater and lets him cry. It was a mere minute until another hand rubbed against his back.

"You didn't deserve this," Lilia spoke, startling Cater and Kalim.

"H-hey, Lilia," Kalim greeted, "Now is not the time."

"Oh, I think it's a perfect time." Lilia spoke, "Malleus is waiting for you and here you are, wallowing in sorrow. You sound so excited to be there, Cater. What has happened to your spirit?"

"…I don't think I have that anymore," Cater sobs, "or maybe it's that I never had it in the first place. Like I pretended it…"

"I understand that, but that should never be a reason to give up your dreams, Cater," Lilia spoke, "and besides, you and Malleus for instance. You two share a connection and I hate to see you just disregard that."

"But it's…improbable. Implausible..It's…"

"Impossible?" Lilia finished.

"Yes!"

Lilia groans to himself, "Humans, humans…they are always says it's.."

✨

Impossible

For a plain yellow pumpkin

To become a golden carriage!

Impossible

For a plain country bumpkin

And a prince to join in marriage

And four white mice

Will never be four white horses

Such fol-de-rol and fiddledy dee dee

Of course is

Impossible!

✨

"It is." Cater spoke up, not backing down at the argument.

"Well," Kalim murmur.

"You agree with him?"

✨

But the world is full of zanies and fools

Who don’t believe in sensible rules

And won’t believe what sensible people say

And because these daft and dewy-eyed dopes

Keep building up impossible hopes

Impossible things are happenning every day!

Impossible!

Impossible!

Impossible!

Impossible!

Impossible!

Impossible!

Impossible!

✨

"But if you could be a royal guard not a day ago and now are my fairy godfather, then anything is possible, right?" Cater questioned.

"I suppose so," Lilia answered, "If I can be both royal advisor and fairy godfather, I'd say I can make anything possible."

"You could change it all," Cater beamed, getting up from the fountain "You could make it all happen."

"No, but you could change it," Kalim grinned, "You could make it all happen! Like you have several times before."

"Never. I couldn’t." Cater deflected, "I couldn't it'll be…Impossible."

"You’re right. It’s all so-,"

"Lilia…"

✨

Impossible

For a plain yellow pumpkin

To become a golden carriage

Impossible

For a plain country bumpkin

And a prince to join in marriage

And four white mice

Will never be four white horses –

Such fol-de-rol and fiddledy dee

Of course is

Impossible!

But the world is full of zanies and fools

Who don’t believe in sensible rules

And won’t believe what sensible people say

And because these daft and dewy-eyed dopes

Keep building up impossible hopes

Impossible things are happ’ning every day!

✨

"But how?"

"How? I can show you how," Lilia laughs, "as long as you grab me a massive pumpkin! But we need horses."

"Can't you just summon them?" Cater huffed as he grabbed a massive pumpkin from his gardens.

"I mean, you have all that magic but you can't summon them?" Ace chuckled, "…they don't sound all that magical to me."

"Shut it, Ace," Deuce hushed.

Cater sighed as he rolled the pumpkin to the fairy godfathers.

"Here's a massive pumpkin," Cater panted, "I don't know why you need such a big vegetable for this job. I mean, if it was for a feast, I understand, but why would you ever need a pumpkin?"

"Oh? Because of this!" Lilia announced as he used his magic on the pumpkin.

Cater watched how the pumpkin began to grow in size and its orange skin had become a lovely silver as the vines became wheels, seats, and bars, and a door appeared. Cater's mouth went dry. His pumpkin was now a beautiful carriage, one that only royalty could ride on, as it shimmered underneath the moon.

"It's a…" Cater stammered.

"Tada! A beautiful carriage," Lilia grinned, "That's why I needed that pumpkin."

"Noted.." Cater mumbled.

"Now, the second thing we need is six mice," Lilia listed, "and since you already have four out of six,"

"What are you planning?" Deuce squeaked.

"Oh, don't worry," Lilia laughs, "I just need horses, and you guys will be the perfect mice for the job. And besides, this is all temporary, and I can assure you, you won't be horses for long."

"What's in it for us?" Ruggie asked.

"You do want to help Cater, don't you?"

The mice went silent but sighed a yes, as they did want to help.

"I found two more mice!" Kalim cheered, "and two lizards!!"

"The mice, I get. By why the lizards?" Cater started to question.

"You need a coachman and a footman," Kalim explained, setting the lizards down, "and those are very important for a carriage such as this. And I found these two mice and I thought, they might be just right for this job."

Kalim grinned and grabbed his wand. He smiles as he turns the two lizards into the coachman and the footman. Cater watched how the footman just kept staring at his feet and started to laugh to himself as the coachman watched with a similar expression of delight.

"I can see why they are necessary," Cater laughs.

"How can you walk?" The footman asked, "I mean, it's fun but I can't move my feet so often."

"I agree," the coachman spoke up, "but I am grateful that this is going to be an exciting day."

Cater nodded in agreement, "You and me both."

Lilia walked past Cater in a huff as he set the mice in front of the carriage, glaring at them.

"For mice, you cause me so much trouble," Lilia complained, "I get why you can be against the idea, but did it require me to get you caught in a cage to get you to cooperate?"

"Trust me," Cater looks over, "they can be very stubborn and honestly, they don't even like horses."

"Mice don't like horses in general," Lilia stated, grabbing his wand, "Horses, along with elephants, can have huge feet and can be squished like little bigs."

"I'm glad he didn't turn into a elephant then," Deuce spoke up.

"Or a horse," Riddle added.

Kalim laughs as he puts the two other mice in the lineup, being very careful about it.

"We're ready, Lilia!"

Lilia lets out a sigh and takes out his wand as he starts to transform the six mice into six white horses, and white fur to match the silver ropes that were given to them. The coachman quickly grabbed the reins and prepared himself for the upcoming travel.

"I thought he said four white horses?"

"Lilia's…over 600 years old. He might have forgotten, but it's best not to remind him."

Lilia sighs and looks back at them. "NOW we can discuss the dress!"

"You should rest up," Kalim requested, "you might as well faint from all the stress you put yourself under."

"I am not that old," Lilia pouted and sat down by the fountain.

"You sure don't act like it," Cater commented.

"Now," Kalim goes over to Cater, "This calls for a new dress, but one that makes you shine. Like the only bell of the ball!"

Kalim smiles and waves his wand, and his magic begins to surround Cater. Cater gasped as his plum pink dress turned into a silver blue, like diamonds. His flat skirt became poofed and an added layer of sheer sparkle, which matched his newly created bodice, also a beautiful shade of silver. His hair was also put into a cute bun as a diamond crown manifested onto his head.

Cater quickly rushed over to the fountain's reflection, seeing himself, speechless.

"Is the crown too much?"

"A little," Cater gulped, "I…I still love it. And this dress, it's absolutely beautiful! It's like the dress we joked about, but it's real. My dress is real…"

"And now the shoes!" Lilia announced, already bouncing back. With his magic, he made glass slippers, one that perfectly matched Cater's outfit.

"Glass?" Kalim questioned.

"I wanted to make them myself," Lilia answered, "Heard they'll rare."

"And oddly comfortable," Cater realized as he began to walk around, "like they feel like shoes, and not like glass. And they don't hurt as I suspected."

"See, I do have good ideas. This retired fairy godfather still got it."

Cater looks over at the carriage as the footman opens the door for him.

"Should I tell him that these shoes are a little loose?"

"They seem too happy to notice."

Cater nodded and sat inside the carriage.

"Wait! We have one more thing to discuss," Kalim spoke, rushing to the carriage.

"What is it?"

"Well, most fae magic ends at Midnight. It's a fairy godfather thing," Lilia explained, "so, as the clock strikes midnight, all magic will disappear and we need you to come here as fast as possible as magic tends to be quick when it ends."

"I'll be careful," Cater promised.

The carriage rides away and Cater takes a moment to realize that he is not dreaming. He began to laugh as he looked out the carriage to see the town and the castle in front of them.

✨

It’s possible

It’s possible

It’s possible

It’s possible

It’s possible

It’s possible

It's possible!

For a plain yellow pumpkin

To become a golden carriage!

It’s possible

For a plain country bumpkin

And a prince to join in marriage

And four white mice

Are easily turned to horses—

Such fol-der-ol and fiddle-dy-dee

Of course is…

Quite possible

For the world is full of zanies and fools

Who won’t believe in sensible rules

And won’t believe what sensible people say

And because these daft and dewey-eyed dopes

Keep building up impossible hopes

Impossible

Things are happening every day!

It’s possible! (It’s possible!)

It’s possible! (It’s possible!)

It’s possible! (It’s possible!)

It’s possible!

✨

Cater walked up the stairs and gulped as he just stood there. "Breath, Cater," He whispered to himself, "You came this far. You came this far…. you…. can't do this!" He turned to walk away until a rush of magic pushed him inside, almost making him trip on the stairs.

"Leaving?" Lilia teased.

"Not a good move." Kalim giggles.

Cater huffed and walked inside and gawked once he did. He always tried to imagine what the inside of the castle but's nothing like he imagined, but considering how Malleus and his family are, Cater was not surprised about the gothic feel the castle gave off. Cater takes a breath and begins to walk forward, ignoring the stares from the knights, As he climbs the stairs and finds himself in the ballroom, people talking, some are dancing and many women walking over to Malleus.

Cater giggles as he sees how bored Malleus looks, yawning after every woman comes over to him, he doesn't even acknowledge him. Cater just found it hilarious that the picture-perfect prince was yawning at that many women who came from near or far swooning and flirting and no reaction whatsoever from the prince.

Cater smiles and walks closer, but what stops him is Elise and Astrid, strutting over and bowing down to Malleus. Cater slowly backed away, as he wasn't sure if he was properly disguised.

Malleus's eyes lurked around the room and his eyes immediately saw Cater and were mesmerized by how beautiful Cater was, as if he had seen an angel. Ignoring the ladies in front of him, Malleus walked or rather rushed over to Cater and quickly took his hands.

"You came," Malleus whispered, kissing his hand, "My goodness, Cater, you look absolutely beautiful. You are like an angel when you walk into this ballroom."

Cater giggles, his face red. "Well, you were expecting me and I would've felt guilty if I didn't attend."

Cater looks back at the band as they started playing the music.

"Well, may I have this dance?"

"You took the words out of my mouth, dear Cater. I hope you know how to dance," Malleus joked, "I hate to see you fall."

Afterward, the music started again, a romantic melody filled the room as the lovebirds began to dance. Cater smiles as Malleus holds him closer, in a nice embrace. Many turned to see Malleus dancing with a beautiful stranger that no one could recognize, and some were just confused about the new arrival, even the queen was stumped, but seeing her grandson happy made her relax.

"Who's that?" Elise asked as they danced beside her. "It seems like the prince knows them."

"Who cares?" Astrid hissed venomously, "He took our opportunity away like a glove! And I won't take it!" Astrid walked closer, stopped by Rosalind.

"He was familiar to me…" Roselind whispered as she watched them dance away into the gardens. "Follow them, make sure he won't be there long."

Astrid and Elise looked at each other and followed them, as silently as possible.

Cater, in the meantime, kept staring at Malleus and their eyes were locked as they noticed that they dirfted onto the gardens, humming to himself in a soothing melody.

✨

So this is love, mmm

So this is love

So this is what makes life divine

I'm all aglow, mmm

And now I know (and now I know)

The key to all heaven is mine

My heart has wings, mmm

And I can fly

✨

Cater relaxes underneath a beautiful night sky, watching how Malleus looks divine in the moonlight. Malleus looked down at Cater, as he watched how Cater's eyes glowed ever so beautiful with the stars.

Malleus just couldn't stop staring at Cater, and how he considered himself lucky to even be with him underneath the stars on the beautiful night, which he hoped would be the night that he would announce his engagement to Cater.

✨

I'll touch every star in the sky

So this is the miracle

That I've been dreaming of

Mmm, mmm So this is love

✨

Cater smiles and sits down by the fountain. "I can't believe this is happening. I mean, being here at such a beautiful ball with you, a prince."

"Why don't you?" Malleus questioned. "I did especially invite you for this exact reason."

Cater breathes in. "I know. But it has a much more magical flare to this night. For me to be here miraculously. To be with you." He looks over to Malleus. "And me with you," Malleus kisses Cater's hand.

"I'm so happy to see you here on this night." Cater giggles and holds his hand back. "Let us enjoy the night and the beautiful breeze. And dance forever."

"Agreed."

✨

The girls watched in utter jealousy, as Malleus put Cater in a soft embrace, enjoying the romantic evening.

"Ugh!" Groaned Elise, "I don't get it!" She begins to walk back and forth, confused.

"About that?"

✨

Why would a fellow want a girl like her,

A frail and fluffy beauty?

Why can’t a fellow ever once prefer

A solid girl like me?

✨

Astrid looks over and leans over to a pouting Elise, watching the couple once again.

✨

She’s a frothy little bubble

With a flimsy kind of charm,

And with very little trouble

I could break her little arm!

("Don't break my arm here!!")

✨

Astrid looks over and leads Elise over to the lovers as they begin to walk around the gardens, and their anger and jealousy begin to rise as Malleus whispers in this mysterious princess's ear very romantically.

✨

Oh, oh, why would a fellow want a girl like her,

So obviously unusual?

Why can’t a fellow ever once prefer

A usual girl like me?

✨

They glared as Malleus made the stranger laugh and blush through their conversation. They could tell that Malleus kept falling for this stranger as the night progressed.

✨

Her cheeks are a pretty shade of pink,

But not any pinker than a rose is.

Her skin may be delicate and soft,

But not any softer than a doe’s is.

Her neck is no whiter than a swan’s.

She’s only as dainty as a daisy.

She’s only as graceful as a bird.

So why is the fellow going crazy?

Oh, why would a fellow want a girl like her,

A girl who’s merely lovely?

Why can’t a fellow ever once prefer

A girl who’s merely me?

✨

Malleus pulled the stranger into another dance, a smirk that made the stranger giggle like a giddy child. It made the girls sick to their stomachs and Astrid just scoffed at the sight.

✨

She’s a frothy little bubble

With a frilly sort of air,

And with very little trouble

I could pull out all her hair!

("Don't touch my hair!!")

Oh, oh, why would a fellow want a girl like her,

A girl who’s merely lovely?

Why can’t a fellow ever once prefer

A girl who’s merely me?

What’s the matter with the man?

What’s the matter with the man?

What’s the matter with the man?

✨

But as they turned for a moment, they had failed to realize that Malleus had taken Cater into the more secluded parts of the gardens, hoping they could be alone without any guards to look over them like his grandmother ordered them to.

"My diamond," Malleus whispered, as he took Cater's hand, "are you having a great time tonight? I would dread that you would not enjoy yourself."

"Are you kidding!?" Cater laughs, "I never had so much fun in my life. Being able to just go and just have one day to myself with no chores and no orders. Just some freedom to have fun and be with you, Malleus, to be here and found love that I thought were fiction."

"As did I." Malleus admitted, "I never understood what love was until I met you in the village. Despite the dirt and grime that was all over you, you were the only person I found my heart beating for. I, as of this night, understand now what love is and I'm ready to discover more. As long as you are by my side?"

Cater blushes madly but manages to show a big grin as he hugs Malleus tightly, trying to fight the tears that spilled down his cheeks.

"Malleus…" Cater choked.

"I understand if I am going too fast, but I wanted you to know that I am certain that my love for you will never falter."

"Mine won't ever!" Cater sobs, "It's a yes. To everything, if I wasn't so sure about this before, I am sure now!"

Cater and Malleus embraced each other as they watched the stars.

Cater looks over at the clock, which now says 11:58, going towards 11:59.

"Oh! Hey, Malleus…you don't mind if I did one thing before I leave?" Cater asked one last time, looking back at the clock.

"Oh? You're leaving? Already? You haven't met my-?!"

Cater bashed his lips on Malleus's, shutting him up immediately. They didn't know how long they stayed but hopefully for eternity as their embrace began tighter, refusing to let themselves go and drift apart.

The bell rang and Cater gasped and got up. The only thing he could do was run, even when he knew it was a bad idea, considering that Malleus knew about him and who he was. But if he wasn't back at his mansion, it would cause major havoc.

"I have to go!" Cater begins to run, knowing that Malleus calling out to him. "I'm sorry, Malleus! It's kind of like a magic thing! Midnight sucks!"

"But where can I find you?!" Malleus asked.

"The mansion up the hill!! If you look at a certain path! That's where I am!" Cater answered, "Ask one of your guards! He'll know and I promise, I'll be waiting for you, and I can't wait for you to find me once again."

Cater rushed out of the gardens and to the ballroom, where many stared as he pushed past them to the entrance and the carriage, but as he ran down the stairs, one of the slippers fell off.

"Ugh, I knew those slippers are loose." Cater muttered as he jumped into the carriage and watched how Malleus rushed out afterward and picked up the glass slipper that Cater may have purposely left behind, or could be an accident due to Cater's panicked stare.

He quickly got onto his carriage and it sped off, Cater looked back and took a sigh of relief. He couldn't believe that he had done everything that he just did. But it didn't prepare him for when the carriage began to crumble onto the floor, now a pumpkin once again.

Cater looked around, to see if anyone was following before looking at the groaning mice and lizards from the muddy floor. He gasped in astonishment as he got up.

"What a night!" Cater laughed, "I mean…Malleus..he's so sweet and kind, and he basically just asked me to marry him! Marry!" Cater looks back, "..we are meant to be,"

"Good for you, but can we please go home?" Shivered Ace, "and some nice warm water."

Cater grinned and took everyone, even the additional mice and lizards, and started to walk home. Once he began to walk, a twinkle got his attention, and he looked down. His left shoe was accompanied by a glass slipper, the only thing that had not disappeared within the midnight time limit.

Cater just grinned and rushed to the mansion.

✨

"Now, we have Berry, Lyra, Floyd, and Jade," Cater grinned, "Welcome to our small abode,"

"It's comfy," Floyd spoke up, "and I like the blanket!"

"Good, all of you just rest up, and I'll be just downstairs, cleaning." Cater spoke, and carefully put on the warm water in a small bowl for everyone to bathe in.

Cater smiles, walks downstairs, opens the doors to each room, and starts to clean each room until they are squeaky clean, and also a way to finds a way to hide the newly made glass slipper. He did eventually find a perfect hiding place for it. Which, is lucky considering he heard the entrance slam open.

Cater quickly rushed to the kitchen and walked out with some food on a tray, to greet his stepfamily.

"Can't you believe this!?" He heard Elise cry, "He's now fretting over some stranger who left a shoe! It's not like there's another girl who would've married him! I mean, has he seen us? We are available."

"I know! He's head over heels with her! It's not fair!" Astrid exclaimed, pouting on the couch, "I can't believe that that stupid stranger lost their stupid shoe. And the prince wants to marry that person?"

"Wow," Cater grimaced but decided to put the tray down and fill the cups with tea. "How was the night?"

"Not great!" Elise hissed, "That stupid prince decided that I wasn't good enough?! He went over to some stupid stranger he deemed so beautiful, he'll look for that….prince stealer!"

"I meant, the ball," Cater corrected, "how was the music, the people, and the dancing? Was the ball everything you dreamed of?"

"I suppose it is," Rosalind spoke up, "everything was splendid, even though the prince left halfway through it."

"I can imagine it from here," Cater sighs, "the music and watching people dancing. And a man who would just kiss your hand and brings you onto the dance floor."

"Like what?" Astrid pouted.

"I would love to call a lovely night," Cater answered.

"Explain," Rosalind demanded, "what do you know about love."

Cater nodded.

✨

A lovely night

A lovely night

A finer night you know you’ll never see

You meet your prince

A charming prince

As charming as a prince will ever be!

✨

As Cater began to dance around the living room, he imagined dancing with Malles once again, on the dancefloor, listening to ballroom music. Imagining Malles holding him close and whispering his hand.

✨

The stars in a hazy heaven

Tremble above you

While he is whispering

“Darling, I love you!”

You say good-bye

Away you fly

But on your lips, you keep a kiss

All your life you’ll dream of this

Lovely, lovely night

✨

Cater hums and sits down on the couch. Elise, Astrid, and Rosalind didn't know how to express their shock at Cater's very romantic fantasy. The way it was described, and the way he said, it made me imagine the most romantic scenarios.

"Wow," Astrid gasped, "sounds like you know what you are talking about, Cater,"

"Oh, nonsense, I just happen to imagine it, and then it appears in front of me," Cater explained, "That's how I just think of the ball, a beautiful night full of love."

"Elise, play the pianoforte," Rosalind ordered and pushed Elise onto the computer.

"Okay, but it’s not going to be good," Elise mumbled.

She gulped before playing on the piano. The keys she mashed were off-key, but it was still graceful.

✨

A lovely night

A lovely night

A finer night you know you’ll never see

La la la, la la la, la la la

You meet (your meet) your prince (your prince)

A charming (a charming) prince

As charming as a prince will ever be!

La la la la la la la la la

The stars in a hazy heaven

Tremble above you

While he is whispering

“Darling, I love you!”

You say good-bye

Away you fly

But on your lips, you keep a kiss

All of your life you’ll dream of this

Lovely, lovely night

✨

Cater grins as he gives them new desserts to end the night. Elise and Astrid couldn't stay still as they began to dance, laughing and twirling to themselves. Rosalind sat down, petting Pom-Pom, humming along to the girls as Cater just watched, clapping.

"After such a night, seeing the girls in high spirits," Rosalind sighs, "It's refreshing, but do I need my beauty sleep." Rosalind joked with a tired sigh.

"Cater! Cater! Join us!" Cheer Elise, "Please!"

"No, no," Cater laughs, "I still have the chores to do!!"

Elise pulled Cater into the living room and started to dance. They all began to laugh and cheer as they did.

The stars in a hazy heaven

✨

Tremble above you

While he is whisp’ring

“Darling, I love you”

You say goodbye

Away you fly

But on your lips, you keep a kiss

All your life you dream of this

Lovely, lovely, lovely

Lovely night!

✨

Cater laughs and helps the girls upstairs to their rooms. Starting with Astrid, he created a bath for her and took out some clothing for her. And then he entered Elise's room and started to help her with her bath, and now he's on her bed, taking out a nightgown for her.

"Cater," Elise yawns, "I have a confession about the ball."

"Hmm, what about?"

"I met someone," Elise sighs, "…she was so beautiful. She is a baker in town that I would go to so often. Though, mother said I shouldn't even think about hanging out with her, and she's a mere commoner compared to me, but seeing her at the ball and…"

"You fell in love?"

"Yes," Elise answered, "I did. But I can never be with her. I know that, but I want to. And with you saying all of this made me want to just.."

"I understand," Cater smiles, "My best advice is that love shouldn't blocked by you or anyone. Once you found love, you just have to go for it. But that's just how I see it."

Cater turns around and helps Elise onto her nightgown.

Elise takes a hesitant sigh, "Are you sure you can keep my secret?"

"I can. We shall have a secret. That will make us…" Cater stammered.

"Co-conspirators?"

"Friends."

"Siblings." Both laughed in unison.

Cater smiles and holds out his pinkie to Elise, "May we both find our loves."

Elise smiles and wraps her pinkie around Cater's, "And our lives."

✨

The stars in a hazy heaven

Trembling above me

Danced when he promised

Always to love me

The day came through

Away I flew

But on my lips, he left a kiss

All my life I’ll dream of this

Lovely

Lovely

Lovely night

✨

Cater smiles as he closes the door.

"Goodnight," Rosalind spoke, from her doorway.

Cater looked back and nodded towards her and began to hum as he entered the attic door. It was like he was ignoring her. The movement of Cater reminded her of the stranger on the dancefloor with the prince.

Rosalind heard and her eyes narrowed as she heard Cater's humming and song. She hated how happy Cater sounded, especially when he was with her daughters. It almost destroyed everything about bringing the snobby rich kid Cater down, but now he was lifted once again, and now he's dancing around, happy.

She wanted to knock Cater down, even if it meant breaking him down once again.

[baahsu]

in my thinking about yonjis absurd strength era so woe yonji focused vscest appreciation post be upon ye

or more so specifically appreciation of how *easily* he could overpower pretty much all his siblings?? the only one we've seen be able to injure him in canon is sanji so he might be the exception but yk sanjis too much of a bottom to really fight back anyway lol

just. hear me out. yonji wanting to fuck a certain sibling and just.. looking at them for a moment before walking over to them, effortlessly picking them and then hauling them to the nearest private area. like imagine the first time this'd happen!!!

timeline wise he'd probably do it to niji first?? maybe yonji was watching niji flirting with a few service girls and then got unknowingly jealous- leading to him walking over and picking up niji in one arm, hauling his ass over his shoulder and bringing him to one of their bedrooms. niji was probably beating his hands against his back the whole time- face red, voice high pitched with embarrassment, and punches getting more and more aggressive until he was thrown onto a bed and *forced* to shut up.

idk i just think yonji should fuck niji dumb sometimes to get him to shut his noisy ass up 😌😌 niji deserves to be edged and teased to tears- not get fucked into oblivion- but hes hot as a bottom so ig he gets a pass. by the end of it i doubt he could talk, too high on good sex to form anything coherent… bimbo energy…

cant decide if reiju or ichiji would be next timeline wise but I'll go ichiji so reiju can start The Whipping post wci <3<3

but even saying that idrk what scenario would lead yonji to picking up ichi… uhhh hmm maybe… post 14ji mission the two r alone together and ichiji takes off his raidsuit in front of yonji, leaving him butt ass naked (a common occurrence that happens btwn the siblings even pre when they started fucking lol) and yonji is suddenly struck with the Vinsmoke Horny Gene™ which leads to him robotically walking over and picking ichi up :))

methinks yonji would pick ichiji up by folding his hands under his ass and trusting ichiji to wrap his legs around his waist (which ichi does, all while looking through his shades at yonji like "??" bc while hes not complaining/worried he IS confused lmao) this eventually leads to yonji carrying ichiji to the nearest bed, setting him down and just start *ravishing* him. by the end of it they're both numb (in a good way) and panting and ichiji looks over and says "Why didn't you just ask?" with yonji replying back w something along the lines of "Idk actually, you're just really hot." ichijis satisfied enough with that answer :]]

OKAY wci and sanji next <3<3

this ones easy for me- germa/124ji get sanj back and ofc immediately start wanting to fuck him upon seeing how hot hes become and sanji, while admittedly VERY confused and frightened, is like 'sure??' cause 124ji is hot and sex is sex lol. so sanjis walking (more like limping am i right :3c) around germa maybe a day or two before arriving at wci and yonjis just struck with the need to fuck him and fuck him *up* before he loses the vinsmoke name. so yonji walks over, throws that pretty boys ass into a firemans carry, and laughs as sanji is unable to fight back with his legs in that position.

yonji just drags him to a bedroom and throws him down before continuting to make sanji see stars- both because sanji looks good and pretty moaning underneath him and also bc this is kinda yonjis own fucked-up-horny-way of apologizing for all the bs he and 12ji put him thru. fuck away the trauma fahjkhjkklsas.. by the end of it sanjis only half conscious- covered in hickeys with a steady stream of blood coming out his nose and a stupid doped out smile on his face.. yonji likes that look on em

aaand last but not least mommy reijuuu <3<3<3

admittedly this one is more fluffy than smutty but 0&4 dynamic have a very specific place of joy in my heart so let me have this lol. so reijus out tryin on new clothes, yonji tagging along as her pack mule bc she promised him a reward 👀 for doing so, but as she walks out to keep showing off the outfits shes trying on (yonji just says they all look hot on her lmao) yonji eventually notices a creepy looking group of guys eyeing her up. now ofc reiju can take care of herself but.. whenever one of the dudes eyes linger too long on reijus ass whenever she walks out in a mini skirt well thats just too far for yonji. he straight up walks over to reiju, (gently) picks her up bridal style, and punches the douchebags through the wall on his way out. no they didnt pay for the clothes but the hells the store owner gonna do?? contest the man who put a hole in his wall??

anyways yonji carries her all the way back to a germa ship and only sets her down once they're alone and secure inside a bedroom- and reiju is IMMEDIATELY on him the second he puts her down (she could've gotten out of the hold anytime mind you- it was just a really sweet gesture so she didn't want to <3) her littlest brother?? showing concern for his nee-chan??? oh he deserves a reward :)) (his reward is being teased touched and ridden until hes screaming and drooling and laughing like a sex drunk idiot <3<3) what can reiju say?? that was a big step in yonjis journey of being able to Feel ofc she was gonna spoil him for a day ;]

HHAHA8AGIAH I PUT THIS IN A WORD DOC AND ITS LIKE OVER 1K WORDS LONG I AM SO SORRY 🙏🙈🙉

NO DON'T BE SORRY THIS IS THE BEST YONJI RELATED THING I'VE EVER READ EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS PERCEFT AND HOT AND DID I SAY PERFECT????

And it's even better because by the end he's starting to feel and omgkdjfksdfj but everything before that was so incredible too, his dynamic with each of the siblings was so accurate to me, I've never read 1k words so fat in my life, I WAS DEVOURING THIS

Niji being sort of tamed by yonji is incredibly hot, ichiji 100% trusting yonji is incredibly hot too, sanji having that starstruck look on him while covered in his nosebleeds is also incredibly hot and so reiju rewarding yonji. I'M ON MY KNEES OVER HERE, THANK YOU FOR THIS MASTERPIECE

[dollarbin]

Dollar Bin #38:

Carly Simon's Hotcakes

I'll bet you've never sampled Carly Simon's Hotcakes.

You've certainly never listened to the record and you've passed it by in the Dollar Bin a few dozen times in your life because, dude, the record is by Carly Simon and it's called Hotcakes.

Even so, I know you, you hipster, and I'll bet you believe, deep in your soul, that you could ace a brief true/false quiz on the record anyway.

Well, here you go, True or False:

Hotcakes includes the only Simon song you or I can actually sorta sing along to, You're So Vain.

Simon was married to Manasas frontman / bongo lord / and friend of Stephen Stills, Joe Freakin' Lala, at the time of Hotcakes and he does significant and brilliant work on the record.

My famous brother, whose complex taste is secondary to none, swears by Hotcakes, calling it "Simon's space-jazz-country-metal condemnation of the American soul."

But in actuality, the album sucks; that's why it's forever in the Dollar Bin.

Final question, for the win: Simon had no qualms whatsoever about using her curvaceous body to sell records; for proof check out the cover of the record after Hotcakes, below. But Hotcakes's comparatively conservative cover has a salacious back story: the record company airbrushed more clothes on Simon's otherwise naked form so as to avoid a censor's brown paper protection wrapper.

Pencils down, people. And stop staring at the above image already. Well, how'd you do?

I'm rooting for you, I really am, but I'm also guessing that you got a straight up zero because none of that stuff above is true.

This blog will not engage in whispered theory about the object of Simon's ire in You're So Vain. (Sure, maybe she was tasking an oblivious Mick Jagger with singing about himself; or perhaps the song is about my distant cousin Kris Kristofferson, cuz didn't you and I see that written somewhere? Or maybe about it's about one of the two hetero-male-70's-swinging-single-Austen-Powers-types-only-they-were-American, both of whom were pursuing Simon's peer and better, Joni Mitchell at the moment Hotcakes came out 50 years ago: Warren Beaty or Jack Nicholson.) Any of those theories may be correct but we will not go there because, well, you're wrong. You're So Vain is on her previous record.

And no, Joe Freakin Lala, who plays on every bad 70's record, doesn't appear on Hotcakes, which is part of what makes Hotcakes kinda great, nor were they married, though Lala certainly was working on making it happen because did we mention her curvaceous body? Simon was married instead at that point to Sweet Baby Sensitive himself, otherwise known as James Taylor, and he's all over this record.

Their marriage didn't last, however. One wonders how Jamesie felt about Simon's general lack of clothing on her album covers during their marriage; one also hopes she dumped his ass because she's actually a really great songwriter who went to Julliard and who wants to be married to the guy VH1 was essentially created for? But I'm getting ahead of myself...

When it comes to the third question, no, my famous brother does not sing the praises of this record; indeed he claims to have never listened to all of a single Carly Simon record in all of his august life.

And he's a dope for not doing so because Hotcakes is totally (or maybe I should say kinda) good! In fact, maybe it's time for a Carly Simon Renaissance, one that does not stoop to objectifying her for her looks even though this entire blog post has already fallen for that trap. She deserves better!

But we're not done grading your test yet so let's talk about the whole airbrushing thing. No one touched up Hotcakes; Simon's dress on the cover is real. Indeed, she donned clothes for this cover at least in part because of her "situation" as Jane Austen would put it; she was pregnant at the time. It seems that James Taylor was once good for helping to give birth to something other than Blue and early Carole King records.

But the airbrushing thing did actually happen on another Simon record, Boys In The Trees. She posed topless then the label covered her up.

Relax, of course, I'm gonna let you see that cover.

The airbrusher did some clever work here, no? Damn the airbrusher!

But look at me, here I am objectifying her all over again. Simon overcame childhood trauma, dyslexia and a stutter; she deserves more from me, dammit.

She was also the victim of some tough timing: Hotcakes was released simultaneously to both Planet Waves and Court and Spark.

I can relate. Every time I write a cool post about Gordon Lightfoot my brother posts something revelatory about Stereolab and then my wife walks from Point A to Point B; both their acts leave me gnawing on distant third place bronze.

I know, Dylan and The Band's Planet Waves is underrated and unappreciated. But it's also a big deal Bob Dylan record and Court and Spark is, obviously, one of the greatest pop records of all time. So Simon couldn't compete with either title at the time and she still can't compete today.

(Speaking of Planet Waves, hopefully its full sessions will benefit from a big Bootleg Series box at some point this year so as to avoid entering into the public domain, just as Dylan recently did with Pat Garret and Billy the Kid. Oddly this release has not happened yet even though it would be a great excuse to celebrate the recent passing of Robbie Robertson; what the hell is Dylan waiting for, A Series of Dreams?)

(And here's one related extra test question; I think you need the chance for extra credit: Name the only musician who appears on Hotcakes, Planet Waves and Court and Spark. Yeah, someone played on all three records. Come on, you've got this: he's better looking than Taylor and Richard Thompson used his playing as a basis for his own approach on I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight. Please tell me you don't need another hint. You do? He just died and he's mentioned in the paragraph above. That's right, Robbie Robertson: a busy guy in 74.)

Anyway, no one has ever - until now! - considered Hotcakes as a piece of thoughtful art. And maybe that's fine; we don't need everything on our shelf to signal abrupt changes in the popular culture.

Artistic merits aside, Hotcakes still sold like, well, hotcakes; your mom bought a copy and so did mine. And then we all turned around and ignored our mom's sweet style. Damn us!

So let's talk about the record already...

Hotcakes opens with Simon strumming admirably and singing about strange times in Portland, Maine, dancing lobsters and the Chinese divorce rate before giving way to a sweet chorus.

Klaus Voorman, one of several candidates for the title of 5th Beatle, and one of the more oddly named of 70's musicians - he and Hugh McCracken should have got together back in the day and started a pretty sweet cult; I woulda joined up and renamed myself Cheesesteak Murphy in their honor - lays down some super fat and sweet bass and the always admirable Paul Buckmaster, the guy behind the string sections on everything from Tiny Dancer to Moonlight Mile, offers up warm, complimentary tones.

This song is weird and good! I wish the whole album centered around naked motorcycle gangs.

But sadly, no dice. The rest of Side 1 is a bit dull: Simon has her mind on her mustachioed VH1 man, she busts out a soft rock strut to announce that she's pregnant, she reminds us that she has a sister, and so on. Fairly flatulent horns are increasingly prominent; Buckmaster clearly was not consulted.

Happily, Side 2 brings things back into form. Simon's Misfit is a fitting prequal to Neil Young's own bizarro track of the same title; Simon's song seems directed at Taylor and tells him to chill the heck out and be a reasonable husband.

The tone is familiar to me; this is what it sounds like when your wife is a genius and you are not worthy:

Seriously, my wife might benefit from singing this to me every night around 8:45. I'm no longer young and I've never been an intellectual so I should not be miserable, even if Trump seems likely to reenter the White House in a few short months. Rather I could show her an itch I'd like scratched while Buckmaster supplies fifes and swirls. Sounds amazing.

But things go to an even lovelier level with the lyrically straight-forward Forever My Love. Sandy Denny was off making Like an Old Fashioned Waltz around this same time and a song like Forever My Love sits comfortably alongside Denny's more timeless and majestic ballads: sure Joni was making high art at that point; but Sandy and Carly were singing about love in lovely ways.

I'm going to go on the record here and make the claim that Brandi Carlile had this song, with its full tilt rock opera fade out, in mind when she called up Buckmaster at the very end of his long and productive life and asked him to arrange the strings for much of her record By the Way, I Forgive You. Take a listen:

Wow, intense video. I wish the whole thing were the old white grandpa lip syncing. Where were we? Oh yeah, the Buckmaster touch: it's a good thing.

Finally, Hotcakes ends with a pretty good quality 70's pop anthem. I bet my mom listened to this while I was in utero: it sounds pretty damn familiar and I feel like I need the message in it far more than I need any of the news currently swirling around us.

No pain! Happy Tuesday everyone.

[cheemken]

Some more body swap au stuff bc the angst for this is dope hahah

Abt Cynthia this time cans y'all believe it hahaha

Anyways

So while drawing I was thinking of notes to add for more info and such, and then I got to Cynthia and Wallace and like, man

Cynthia being grateful that Wallace has long hair so she can still hide her left eye. It's odd for her. She's not used being able to see w her left eye again, then again, it's Wallace's body. His body was healthier, sturdier, he wasn't blind on one eye, he didn't have scars on his face. And it was,, she wasn't used to it yknow, she wasn't used to not feeling phantom pains or any kind of pain really, she wasn't used to actually having good eyesight anymore. Like, looking in the mirror, she sees everything; she sees how flawless Wallace skin is, sees how well maintained his hair was, could feel how soft it was, his body was built, and that was to be expected really as he's juggling three jobs he has to keep fit. It was weird for Cynthia, but old habits die hard as they say, and she brushed her? His? Hair to the left side, covering her left eye, she thinks she doesn't deserve to see w her left eye again.

But then, it's tempting yknow, for once she felt like her body doesn't have to force her to rest, she feels great really hahah. So she finally got dressed, she remembered she has to take care of Lisia. Oh no, she doesn't know how to cook. God that's embarrassing, she always relied on her grandparents' cooking until now, and she did try cooking once but ah, well, let's just say the Celestic Fire Dept had to rush to their home

Shit well, she has to try at least, eggs and bacon are easy to make, even Diantha can make those! And Dia is one of the shittiest cooks within their group

So she tried, really tried.

"uhm.. uncle, is everything alright? You're kinda burning them"

"ah, yeah, I'm sorry! I'm just.. really not feeling that well, if I'm being honest."

"oh, why didn't you just say so? I'll cook for us! You just rest up!"

Cyn was having real ass mixed feelings cause for once, wow Wallace really was a good uncle he taught his niece how to cook, and she was doing great! And on the other hand, wow a child is a better cook than her. They had breakfast, w Cynthia trying to strike up conversation, asking Lisia what she's gonna do, who she's gonna be w, smth her grandparents always ask her and her sister whenever they went out when they were younger. Maybe Wallace would ask the same too. And it seems she was right, for Lisia it was a normal conversation over breakfast, she answered all the questions, even shared some stuff abt her last performance, and Cynthia made comments she thought Wallace would say.

Once that's done, Lisia got ready for her own stuff too, telling Cynthia to just stay home, "just call me if you need anything, uncle! I'll just get some pain relievers when I get home!"

"of course, thank you, you stay safe okay?"

"I will!"

When Lisia finally left, Cynthia rushed back to Wallace's room, looking for his phone or for his pokenav. Maybe Steven was okay, maybe he can help her. When she found it, she scrolled through his contacts, finding Steven's name, and she pressed call.

Two rings, then three, finally Steven answered.

"what?"

That.. Steven doesn't answer like that

"Steven?"

"what are you talking about? It's me, Lance! Wallace, is this you?"

"no, it's Cynthia!"

"...what?"

Cynthia groaned, of all the people Steven could've swapped bodies w, the gods decided to swap him w Lance?? She's starting to believe this was some sort of karma, especially after Lance was starting to ramble on too, going on how he doesn't know where he is, in some kind of cave maybe. Cynthia sighed, telling him to just stay there, she'll get him, and maybe they can figure out what's really going on. Arceus grant her the patience, today was gonna be a long day.

[randomvarious]

1996 London Playlist

God, you folks really have no idea how much I love making these location-year playlists 🥰. I mean, I love doing the genre-specific ones too, of course, but my name is random fuckin' various, for Christ's sake; I love it when shit's eclectic, which is what these location-year playlists allow me to do!

And no metropolis on this entire planet, as far as I can tell, is more eclectic and vibrant than London. That place seemingly has nearly everything, and when it comes to the very broad and expansive world of electronic music, specifically, I don't think that there's a single place that has more of it than they do.

So here's the start of a super dope look back at London in 1996—all electronic for now. Everything on here involved a Londoner in some way, as either producer or remixer, and as far as the genres go, we've got drill n' bass, deep house/house, breakbeat, trip hop/instrumental hip hop, drum n bass, downtempo, and IDM.

And that IDM track, by the way, I just learned was finally added to Spotify a month ago. If you've never heard of Freeform before, that guy is a *very* underrated IDM artist in my eyes, and while his tune, "Dice," which originally appeared on a comp called Alt. Frequencies, isn't my absolute favorite of his, it's still a total banger. And as of right now, it's sitting at under 1,000 plays, so make Spotify give this man some much deserved money! 🤑

Now, last week, I posted an update to my 1990s breakbeat playlist, and with that update came a song by Ashley Beedle presents The Uschi Classen Band called "Do You Believe in Love?" which, if you're a true-blue hip hop junkie, has a very recognizable sample in it: Smokey Robinson's "Theme From Big Time," which was also used by Company Flow for their underground cult-classic "8 Steps to Perfection." That Beedle/Classen song is on this playlist too, but I've got a couple more for the hip hop heads this week as well: legendary Luke Vibert's "Get Your Head Down," which uses U-God's famous "hip hop will rock and shock the nation" line from Wu-Tang Clan's "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'," and London Funk Allstars' "Junkies Bad Trip," whose lifted funky guitar riff from James Brown's "Blind Man Can See It" was used in Das EFX's huge 1992 hit, "They Want EFX." Surprisingly, "Get Your Head Down" has over 1.1 million plays (!), and "Junkies Bad Trip" has over 250K.

And to open up this whole shebang, we've got some signature madness from the one and only Squarepusher, whose remix of DJ Food's "Scratch Yer Hed" really finds its footing once he finally pairs his stuttering drill n bass concoction with some chilly pads in the second half 😌. Over 144,000 plays.

This playlist is ordered as chronologically as possible:

DJ Food - "Scratch Yer Hed (Squarepusher Mix)" Faze Action - "In the Trees (Original Disco Mix)" Coldcut - "Atomic Moog 2000" Ashley Beedle presents The Uschi Classen Band - "Do You Believe in Love?" Luke Vibert - "Get Your Head Down" London Funk Allstars - "Junkies Bad Trip" Fluid - "Dust Dancing" Fluid - "Spitting Sand" Spacer - "It's a Nano World" Freeform - "Dice" Sir Raymond Mang - "Number One"

Now, everything that's on the Spotify playlist is on the YouTube version of it too, but the YouTube one also has a few extras on it that can't be found on Spotify at all. And speaking of the one who Pushes Squares, I've got another one from him, under his government name, Tom Jenkinson, called "Vogon & I," which is a crazy piece of zappy, head-nod-inducing trip hop-IDM that currently only has a smidge over 860 plays, which is unbelievable considering the fact that it's by fucking SQUAREPUSHER!

And you might be wondering, hey, where the fuck is the techno?! Don't worry! I've got you covered with the terrific Darren Price remix of Underworld's super famous "Born Slippy" and Holy Ghost's highly rhythmic acid-dank basement track, "MK Ultra." The "Born Slippy" remix has almost 353,000 plays across a whole bunch of uploads, but "MK Ultra" only has a little more than 600.

Underworld - "Born Slippy (Darren Price Mix)" Holy Ghost - "MK Ultra" Tom Jenkinson - "Vogon & I"

And this playlist is also on YouTube Music.

So with the maiden voyage for this playlist, we have 11 songs on Spotify that end up totaling 74 minutes, but over on YouTube, we're at 14 songs that total 89 minutes. So if you want an obscure Squarepusher track as well as a couple great bits of techno, go check out the YouTube one!

And I know that I said last week that I'd have another breakbeat playlist for this week, and I didn't, so while you have no reason to ever trust me again, I'm still going to say it anyway: more breakbeat next week! 😎

And here's some more 90s London playlists for you all:

1995 London: YouTube / YouTube Music 1997 London: Spotify / YouTube / YouTube Music 1998 London: YouTube / YouTube Music 1999 London: YouTube / YouTube Music

Enjoy!

More to come, eventually. Stay tuned!

Like what you hear? Follow me on Spotify and YouTube for more cool playlists and uploads!

[cyarsk52-20]

MUSIC

The Best Graduation Songs To Turn Up To

With songs by Kelis, Lizzo, Drake, Big Sean, Queen Bey and more, what better way to celebrate graduation day than with a Black-ass playlist?

By

Candace McDuffie

PublishedYesterday

Comments (1)

Alerts

Graduation season is upon us and what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a Black ass playlist. Once you toss that cap in the air, it’s time to gather your closest friends who both twerk and two-step. Here are songs that are absolutely necessary for the post ceremony turn up.

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2 / 13

List slides

Beyoncé, “Before I Let Go”

Queen Bey blessed the world with this absolutely fantastic Maze & Frankie Beverly cover. Not only does her version of “Before I Let Go” pay homage to original, it features an array of moves for new grads to try out including swag surfing and “work the middle ‘til it hurt a little.” 

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3 / 13

List slides

Drake, “God’s Plan”

Drake’s famous video for “God’s Plan” included him giving away a million dollars to people all over Miami, proving that generosity pays off. This sentiment makes the track an excellent graduation song for graduates as they chart out their next major life step.

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4 / 13

List slides

Mary J. Blige, “Just Fine”

Aunt Mary most upbeat anthem is a perfect way to help celebrate the big day. “Just Fine” isn’t just infectious, it’s a song that encompasses the kind of joy that follows triumph. Graduates may not know what’s coming next, but this track reminds them that it’ll be ok no matter what.

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5 / 13

List slides

Three 6 Mafia, “Stay Fly”

Even though Three 6 Mafia’s “Stay Fly” was released nearly 20 years ago, it remains the ultimate anthem for those who can’t help but effortlessly brag. Getting that diploma wasn’t an easy feat and this track reiterates how dope an individual must be to have obtained it.

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6 / 13

List slides

Teyana Taylor, “Made It”

Teyana Taylor’s “Made It” feels more like a victory lap than a song and perfectly sums up the student experience. The track is a beautiful ode to how hard work truly pays off; Taylor also used the video to honor women graduates of color.

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7 / 13

List slides

Juvenile, “Back That Azz Up”

Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up” isn’t just a club staple, but it’s also the perfect post-graduation turn up song. The epic intro gives you just enough to tear off that gown and drop it low for the ‘99 and the 2000.

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8 / 13

List slides

Big Sean, “Blessings”

Big Sean’s “Blessings” is all about gratitude for how far he’s come in life. On the track, he raps: “Blessings on blessings on blessings/Look at my life man that’s lessons on lessons on lessons.” Not only can students relate, but they can reflect about what they’ve learned so far on their journey.

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9 / 13

List slides

Notorious B.I.G, “Juicy”

One of Biggie’s most powerful themes is about becoming something out of nothing. On “Juicy,” the late emcee rapped: “I made the change from a common thief/To up close and personal with Robin Leach.” That remarkable transformation encapsulates the dreams that many graduates are aiming for as well.

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10 / 13

List slides

Kelis feat. Too Short, “Bossy”

Kelis was in her bag when she made “Bossy,” a song where she bragged about how she started certain trends and deserves the credit for it. This attitude is perfect for graduates who bossed up and got their degrees on their own terms.

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11 / 13

List slides

Nipsey Hussle, “Last Time That I Checc’d”

The late rapper Nipsey Hussle made an unforgettable banger on the YG-assisted “Last Time That I Checc’d.” On the track, the Crenshaw native talked about what it took for his talent to not only be recognized, but rewarded. Surely, this resilience resonates on graduation day.

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12 / 13

List slides

Lizzo, “About Damn Time”

Lizzo isn’t just the queen of body positivity but positivity period! Her track “About Damn Time” is a fun and irresistible track about being “way too fine to be this stressed.” Graduates know this feeling quite well and can dance to the pop star’s song about turning up taking precedence over worrying. 

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13 / 13

List slides

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'I’m working on becoming a better person that my kids can be proud of,' Allen said in part.

Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety (Getty Images)

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Vanessa Williams Is Flawless at 60, Calls Aging a ‘Privilege’

‘The older you get the less you care about what everybody else has to say,’ the Soul Food star said.

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For Lizzo, Working Out Isn’t About ‘Trying to Escape Fatness’

‘I’m not trying to be thin, I don’t ever want to be thin,’ the Grammy winner said.

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[cyarskj1899]

MUSIC

The Best Graduation Songs To Turn Up To

With songs by Kelis, Lizzo, Drake, Big Sean, Queen Bey and more, what better way to celebrate graduation day than with a Black-ass playlist?

By

Candace McDuffie

PublishedYesterday

Comments (1)

Alerts

Graduation season is upon us and what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a Black ass playlist. Once you toss that cap in the air, it’s time to gather your closest friends who both twerk and two-step. Here are songs that are absolutely necessary for the post ceremony turn up.

ADVERTISEMENT

2 / 13

List slides

Beyoncé, “Before I Let Go”

Queen Bey blessed the world with this absolutely fantastic Maze & Frankie Beverly cover. Not only does her version of “Before I Let Go” pay homage to original, it features an array of moves for new grads to try out including swag surfing and “work the middle ‘til it hurt a little.” 

ADVERTISEMENT

3 / 13

List slides

Drake, “God’s Plan”

Drake’s famous video for “God’s Plan” included him giving away a million dollars to people all over Miami, proving that generosity pays off. This sentiment makes the track an excellent graduation song for graduates as they chart out their next major life step.

ADVERTISEMENT

4 / 13

List slides

Mary J. Blige, “Just Fine”

Aunt Mary most upbeat anthem is a perfect way to help celebrate the big day. “Just Fine” isn’t just infectious, it’s a song that encompasses the kind of joy that follows triumph. Graduates may not know what’s coming next, but this track reminds them that it’ll be ok no matter what.

ADVERTISEMENT

5 / 13

List slides

Three 6 Mafia, “Stay Fly”

Even though Three 6 Mafia’s “Stay Fly” was released nearly 20 years ago, it remains the ultimate anthem for those who can’t help but effortlessly brag. Getting that diploma wasn’t an easy feat and this track reiterates how dope an individual must be to have obtained it.

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6 / 13

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Teyana Taylor, “Made It”

Teyana Taylor’s “Made It” feels more like a victory lap than a song and perfectly sums up the student experience. The track is a beautiful ode to how hard work truly pays off; Taylor also used the video to honor women graduates of color.

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7 / 13

List slides

Juvenile, “Back That Azz Up”

Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up” isn’t just a club staple, but it’s also the perfect post-graduation turn up song. The epic intro gives you just enough to tear off that gown and drop it low for the ‘99 and the 2000.

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8 / 13

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Big Sean, “Blessings”

Big Sean’s “Blessings” is all about gratitude for how far he’s come in life. On the track, he raps: “Blessings on blessings on blessings/Look at my life man that’s lessons on lessons on lessons.” Not only can students relate, but they can reflect about what they’ve learned so far on their journey.

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9 / 13

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Notorious B.I.G, “Juicy”

One of Biggie’s most powerful themes is about becoming something out of nothing. On “Juicy,” the late emcee rapped: “I made the change from a common thief/To up close and personal with Robin Leach.” That remarkable transformation encapsulates the dreams that many graduates are aiming for as well.

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10 / 13

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Kelis feat. Too Short, “Bossy”

Kelis was in her bag when she made “Bossy,” a song where she bragged about how she started certain trends and deserves the credit for it. This attitude is perfect for graduates who bossed up and got their degrees on their own terms.

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11 / 13

List slides

Nipsey Hussle, “Last Time That I Checc’d”

The late rapper Nipsey Hussle made an unforgettable banger on the YG-assisted “Last Time That I Checc’d.” On the track, the Crenshaw native talked about what it took for his talent to not only be recognized, but rewarded. Surely, this resilience resonates on graduation day.

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12 / 13

List slides

Lizzo, “About Damn Time”

Lizzo isn’t just the queen of body positivity but positivity period! Her track “About Damn Time” is a fun and irresistible track about being “way too fine to be this stressed.” Graduates know this feeling quite well and can dance to the pop star’s song about turning up taking precedence over worrying. 

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13 / 13

List slides

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Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety (Getty Images)

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett read Republicans for filth on Tuesday, but who exactly is the congresswoman behind the viral…

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‘We Split Everything 50/50’: Gabrielle Union Opens Up About How Money Affects Her Marriage to Dwyane Wade

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Nike has reportedly removed Ja Morant's sneakers from their website.

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The Royal drama continues to unfold with the Karen-ish Queen in the middle and it is juicier than ever.

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Songs We Mistakenly Thought Black People Sang

The death of beloved Bobby Caldwell had us thinking about other excellent blue-eyed soul singers you need to know.

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The film's stars Sinqua Walls and Teyana Taylor also spoke to The Root about how they brought a new flair to an old…

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