#and keep practicing doing things in more smaller sessions

[shararan]

i think krita is starting to feel a bit better finally....???? figured out how to best adjust key shortcuts and after 2 months or so the default brushes are actually meshing with me now that i can better feel how similar they are to the ones i always use in csp.... tbh i might just consider using that and csp both side by side once i build my new desktop, theyre different enought to force different things out of me and i find that fun and refreshing honestly

[girlrotterr]

ꉹㅤׅ⠀⁺　⠀⠀ she's got my ࣪˖ ˙⠀❀ attention ˚

photographer!ellie x model!reader Summary: You were hired as a model for a series of photoshoots at a local studio. At first, ellie, the photographer, seemed proffessional. But over time, things shifted. You started noticing how her eyes lingered. It wasn't supposed to be anything more than a job. a/n: finally...some smut ;)

The studio lights hummed softly above you, casting a warm glow that blended with the late afternoon sun filtering through tall, industrial windows. You had just finished another set of photos, shifting your posture as you stretched your limbs and brushed the stray strands of hair from your face. Ellie, the company’s photographer, adjusted her camera, checking the lens with her usual furrowed brow, muttering something inaudible. She had been the photographer for nearly every project you’d worked on in the past few months, and though she had started off quietly professional, something about her behavior had changed lately.

“Can we do one more set?” ellie had asked, her voice casual but laced with that familiar insistence. “I think I’m getting some weird glare on the lens again. The lighting’s off.”

You nodded, as you had done so many times before. At first, it was easy to believe her. Every photographer had technical problems now and then. But lately, the excuses had piled up. She often claimed the lighting was wrong, or her camera wasn't calibrated correctly, always needing just one more shot, another angle. You weren’t naive—you had noticed how her eyes lingered, not just on your form, but on the space between you two, as if there was some unspoken tension she couldn’t quite place.

Ellie adjusted the lights once more, her fingers moving swiftly, an air of practiced skill surrounding her. But there was something else beneath her careful professionalism—a kind of nervousness you hadn’t seen in her when she first started. Now, her eyes were always on you, watching, studying. The distance between the two of you felt smaller with each session, though she never said much. It was like she was drawn to you but didn’t know how to express it—except through the lens of her camera.

“Alright,” she murmured, stepping back to her place behind the camera. “Let’s start.”

You took your position again, moving through the motions of posing—each one more natural than the last as you had grown used to the rhythm of these shoots. Ellie’s camera clicked rapidly, capturing each angle, each shift in expression. But her eyes, when she lowered the camera between shots, spoke of something more than just professionalism. There was an intensity, a quiet obsession that seemed to be growing every time she looked at you through that viewfinder.

“Ellie, is the camera still acting up?” you had asked, breaking the silence. Your tone was light, but the question carried weight.

She fumbled with the camera for a moment, her fingers awkwardly turning the settings as if distracted. “Yeah, just...it’s weird. I don’t know what’s going on with it.” But the way her voice faltered made it clear that wasn’t the truth. You could feel it in the air—the camera wasn’t the problem.

When she lowered the camera again, her gaze lingered, this time more open, less guarded. She studied you, not just through her equipment but in a way that felt personal, too personal for a professional relationship.

“You don’t have to keep pushing these extra sessions, you know. I think the shots are more than fine,” you had said, meeting her gaze directly for the first time. You weren’t accusing her, just...curious.

 At first, she had been quiet, distant even, but over time, that reserve melted away, replaced by an almost magnetic pull. You could see it in the way she always scheduled more shoots than needed, the way her presence lingered even after the sessions ended.

Ellie shifted her weight uncomfortably, biting her lower lip as she considered your words. “I—yeah, I guess you’re right. It’s just... I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Maybe I’ve been pushing it too much.”

There was a brief pause, filled with the ambient hum of the lights and the distant sound of traffic outside. You could leave it at that, but something in you wanted to dig deeper, to see what was really going on beneath the surface.

“Is that all it is?” you had asked softly, taking a step closer, breaking the professional boundary just enough to see how she reacted. Her breath hitched slightly, and her eyes flickered down for a moment before meeting yours again, this time with something like vulnerability.

“I don’t know,” Ellie admitted quietly, her voice almost a whisper now. “I guess I’ve just... I’ve really enjoyed working with you. A little too much, maybe.” She rubbed the back of her neck, her usual confident stance now awkward, almost exposed. “I didn’t want to make things weird, but...it’s hard not to look at you, you know? Not just for the job, but…”

The tension hung in the air between you two, a confession that had been building in the silence of every photoshoot, in every extra session that wasn’t really necessary. It felt heavy, yet it was something you had sensed for a while.

You took a breath, considering your words. There was a part of you that felt the weight of her attraction, her quiet, lingering fascination. But it wasn’t just a one-sided thing. You had seen the way Ellie opened up when she was around you—the subtle changes in her usually guarded demeanor, the way her humor slipped out in moments where the conversation stretched beyond work.

“I’ve noticed,” you replied, your voice more intimate. Ellie blinked, unsure how to respond.

She cleared her throat and stepped back, breaking eye contact for the briefest of moments, and then gestured to her camera again. “One more shot?” she asked, almost sheepishly. There was a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips now, a little more open, a little less guarded.

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Yeah, alright. Just one more.”

Your moans echoed through the studio, mingling with the sounds of skin slapping against skin as Ellie’s hand gripped your ass, guiding you up and down on her strap. Each movement sending jolts of pleasure through you.

The air was thick with heat, the lingering scent of sweat mixing with leather. Ellie’s eyes were dark with hunger, filled with a desperate need that matched your own.

“So fucking good for me,” she huffed, her voice thick with lust, as she pushed you deeper. The weight of her body pressed against yours, every thrust igniting a spark of ecstasy that made you moan with pleasure.

“Keep going, baby,” she urged, her fingers digging into your flesh as she guided your movements. “You’re doing so well.” Her voice was a low, sultry whisper that wrapped around you, fueling the fire burning inside. You could feel her warmth, the heat radiating from her body making you dizzy.

“Ellie…” you gasped, the sound slipping from your lips as you sank down hard onto her strap, the pressure sending shockwaves of pleasure. The way she watched you, her eyes dark with lust, made your heart race faster. You loved the way she bit her lip, the way her breath hitched when you moved just right. It was intoxicating.

“Fuck,” she hissed, her breath coming out in short pants as you began to rock your hips, the rhythm becoming more frantic. 

“You’re taking it so well,” she praised, her voice thick with need. “So good for me-” But her words were cut off by her own moans, the sound spilling from her lips. 

Ellie leaned forward, her breath hot against your neck,“You like that, huh? Taking me so well,” she murmured, the words dripping along your skin. You nodded breathlessly, the pleasure overwhelming as you surrendered. “Tell me how good it feels,” she urged, her voice low.

“It..feels s-so good, Ellie,” you gasped, the words spilling from your lips like a prayer. “nghhh, soo g-good” Your voice trembled. 

She smiled, the corners of her mouth turning up in satisfaction as she increased the pace, thrusting deeper into you.

“God, you’re perfect,” Ellie breathed “So fucking good for me.”

Each thrust became more urgent, her body responding to yours with a need that took you both higher and higher. “Ellie, I’m—” you gasped, the feeling building to a breaking point, the tension in your body coiling tighter. But before you could finish, she captured your lips in a searing kiss, her mouth moving against yours with urgency.

“Let go for me, baby,” she whispered against your lips, the command mixing with the heat of her breath. “I want to feel you cum.”

With those words, the pressure within you shattered, waves of pleasure crashing over you in a violent rush. Your body seized, muscles tightening as the ecstasy enveloped you.  You cried out, the sound echoing in the studio, drowning in the sensation as you felt Ellie thrusting beneath you, her body responding to your every movement, your every gasp.

“Don’t stop,” she commanded, her voice dripping with urgency, a hint of desperation lacing her words. “I want to capture this.”

Before you could respond, she reached for her camera, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she adjusted the settings with quick, practiced movements. The sound of the shutter clicking filled the air. 

 “Just fucking look at you,” she said, positioning the camera to frame the shot perfectly.

With every snap, Ellie groaned, her breaths hitching as she focused on the way your body glistened with sweat, the remnants of pleasure coursing through you. Each shot captured the raw intimacy of the moment, the way you were sprawled against her, your skin flushed and radiating heat.

“God, I can’t get enough of this,” she panted, her voice thick with desire. “You’re perfect.” She shifted slightly, her hips still pressed against you as she adjusted the angle of the camera.

“Ellie-,” you gasped, feeling a thrill shoot through you as she continued to snap photos. 

She captured the way your body moved, the delicate curves, the flush of your cheeks, every angle showing the beauty she adored so much. “Fuuckk look at that,” she said breathlessly, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Can’t you just…” you began, but the words slipped away as Ellie leaned in closer, her breath hot against your ear, the teasing closeness igniting a fire within you again. “Don’t be shy. Show me how much you love it.”

You responded instinctively, arching your back as you grinded against her. Ellie let out a soft whimper, her fingers tightening around the camera. “Just like that, baby,” she urged, a grin spreading across her face. “I want to see you lose yourself in this.”

The camera clicked again, the sound punctuating your movements as you rolled your hips against her, feeling the pressure build once more. Her eyes darkened with lust, a mix of admiration and obsession as she snapped shot after shot.

“You’re so fucking hot,” Ellie groaned, her voice thick with desire as she continued to photograph you. The way her body responded to yours sent shockwaves through you, igniting a heat within that you thought had already burned out.

You could feel your heartbeat quickening, a thrilling rush coursing through you as you realized how much she loved this. The camera flashed and with each click, Ellie’s own breaths became more ragged.

“Don’t stop moving,” she commanded, her voice a low growl that sent shivers racing down your spine. “You’re driving me-, nghhh.” You responded to her words, thrusting against her with renewed urgency, letting your body take over as the rhythm grew more frantic.

“Fuck, yes!” she groaned, the sound a mixture of pleasure and desperation. Her eyes were glued to the screen, capturing the moment as you began to ride once again. “You’re so good for me, baby.”

Ellie adjusted the angle of the camera, her free hand reaching out to caress your thigh, fingers tracing your skin with a featherlight touch that ignited every nerve. “God, I love how you move for me,” she panted, the words slipping from her lips.

“Ellie,” you gasped, losing yourself in the moment, the heat in your belly roaring with every thrust, every click of the camera. “I need you…”

“Just a little longer,” she urged, her voice strained but filled with a desperate longing.

“Ellie!” you cried out, the sound bursting from your lips as you moved against her, the need overwhelming you. The way she captured you, her hands roaming over your body, her eyes filled with awe and lust, made you feel alive in a way you never knew possible.

“Keep going, baby. You’re doing so good.” she encouraged, “I want to see you cum for me all over again.”

[lilipens]

✧. A LITTLE BIT OF REST.

Synopsis: Academics have been gradually taking a toll on you, with each assignment and exam building on the last. Lately, it’s become more noticeable—how the stress chips away at your energy, leaving you drained. They’ve started to pick up on it, and each in their own way, they try to cheer you up. Pairing: All Dorm Leaders/Housewardens (Riddle, Leona, Azul, Kalim, Vil, Idia, and Malleus) x Gender Neutral!Reader Warnings / Genre: N/A. Super duper Comfort, Fluff + Headcanons A/N: highly self indulgent LMFAO. not proofread sorry,,,, also just a quick heads up that i'll probably be posting during sundays more often due to school!

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS.

As someone who studies diligently and holds himself to high standards, Riddle knows exactly how it feels to be overwhelmed by the pressure of academic perfection. He doesn’t just observe your burnout from a distance— he feels it too.

When he sees you pushing yourself too hard, he knows what’s at stake, and his approach is much more calm yet purposeful. He won’t let you bury yourself in endless work without reminding you of the importance of balance.

Riddle values dedication but knows that pushing yourself too far isn’t strength. When he sees you struggling, he steps in with a clear plan to help you recover and stay on track. Using his own experience, he adjusts your schedule or breaks tasks into smaller steps, making things feel more manageable. His goal isn’t just to make you rest but to help you regain control in a way that feels doable.

Rest for Riddle isn’t just about taking a break; it’s about being productive in a different way. He’ll suggest a short time for reflection, perhaps guiding you through a mindful pause to help you reconnect with your goals and recharge.

Though he’s not one to openly express his own vulnerabilities, Riddle has an understanding of the mental and emotional toll of hard work. He provides you support not through grand gestures, but through his steady and practical care. It’s the small things that matter.

Hunched over your papers, your eyes barely staying open as you try to cram as much information as possible. The hours blur together as the pressure mounts. You don’t notice Riddle until he’s already there, standing by your desk with crossed arms. His gaze lingers on the scattered papers, and he steps forward.

Without asking, he begins gathering your messy notes. As he stacks the papers, he refuses to let the silence drag on. “I’m sure you believe this constant cramming is going to help,” he starts firmly, “but you are wearing yourself thin. This isn’t the way to do it.”

“Oh, come on, Riddle,” you protest, feeling conflicted. “You know I’ve got an exam way too soon… I can’t slack off.”

“The more you push yourself beyond your limits, the less effective you become. You’ve been at this for hours, and it’s clear your mind is no longer functioning at its best.” is what he immediately debates with.

You frown, reaching for your notes— Yet, Riddle moves them away from your grasp and he continues on. “You can’t keep going at this pace and expect great results. You’ll just make yourself worse off in the end.”

His blue-gray eyes lock onto yours as he pauses, his tone softening just a touch but still carrying that undeniable authority. “You’ve done enough for now. Take a break before you burn out completely. I won’t allow you to overdo it.”

You want to keep arguing, but his words settle in your mind, and the exhaustion creeping up on you makes it impossible to ignore. With a reluctant sigh, you do realize that Riddle’s right—you need rest, not more study sessions.

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR.

Direct and unfiltered, Leona wastes no time to call you out when he sees you overdoing it. He’s not one for flowery words or unnecessary concern. There’s nothing that can speak louder than his own actions.

And so, he’s able to somehow sense when you’re tweaking out with something, even if you’re trying to push through. His approach is straightforward, helping you reset before you hit your breaking point.

Leona is the type to catch the tiny to huge signs that you’re overworking, and he’ll take action without any warning at all. 

No patience for excuses. Leona doesn’t entertain any attempt to justify your stress. If he sees you trying to power through, he’ll just tell you flat out that it’s not working. Leave it be. He won’t stand around while you waste time on a subject that’s clearly draining you. Instead, he’ll give you no choice but to step back. His reasoning? If you’re going to make mistakes, at least make them while you’re not running on fumes. 

Will let you complain— then call you out. Leona knows that sometimes you just need to vent. He’ll let you grumble and complain about your studies, yet the second you go in circles, that’s where he tells you to quit it. No sympathy, no coddling—it’s just making you know that whining won’t solve anything. That’s his way of caring.

The numbers blur together on the page. Formulas spin around in your head like it’s some sort of ancient language, and nothing seems to fit. You rub your temples, frustration building as you stare at your notes.

“This is insane,” you groan, pushing the paper aside and running your hands through your hair. “How am I supposed to get this in one sitting?”

Next to you, Leona’s sprawled out, his tail lazily swishing and arms behind his head, completely unbothered from how messy your reviewing is. His eyes are closed, looking more relaxed than you’ve felt all day. 

You glance over at him with a heavy sigh. “This is ridiculous. I’m never gonna get this.”

Leona doesn’t even move, but he opens one eye. “What’s the point of complaining, then?” Doesn’t seem amused about your predicament either.

You freeze for a second, your brain scrambling to find some excuse to keep going. “No, well... I just need a little more time.”

“No, you won’t,” Leona states bluntly, which is pretty much true.  “You’re already failing at this point. Take a damn break already.”

You take another look at your lecture and slump back. Definitely not going back to that diabolical thing, so you toss your pen aside. “…Actually, taking a break sounds nice,” you relent, utterly defeated. 

Leona forms a tiny smirk on his face. “Told you.”

You give in with a huff, lying back on the grass next to him. The minute you stop stressing, the thorn on your shoulder disappears and you find yourself, surprisingly, more at peace than you’ve been all day. Leona’s just smarter about these things than you give him credit for.

AZUL ASHENGROTTO.

To Azul, burnout isn’t an abstract hurdle; it’s a problem with a clear, actionable solution. Much like closing a deal, he breaks the issue into manageable pieces, pinpointing what’s been putting you down and offering precise ways to address it.

Support from Azul is as seamless as it is intentional. He doesn’t overwhelm you with constant attention, nor does he ignore the signs of your stress. Rather, he intervenes faintly, leaving a refreshing drink beside you or proposing an unobtrusive break when the strain becomes too evident. It’s thoughtful and calculated, fitting into your routine with ease.

Relaxation is something Azul transforms into an art. When he insists you rest, it’s far from ordinary. He creates an experience: a calming atmosphere, perhaps a luxurious bath, or a lovely massage from yours truly. Every detail is curated to guarantee your recovery is successful

No favors without a price. Azul is a businessman at heart! And although he’s genuinely concerned, he’s not going to help you for free. But this time, his terms are different. What he asks for isn’t payment or a favor— it’s your commitment to take care of yourself properly. Rest and recharge, he insists, are the only things worth trading in this scenario, and he holds you to it.

Even as he maintains a composed exterior, Azul knows what it’s like to hit a wall. If you’re struggling or in need of a break, he’s not one to demand it. He’ll gladly offer his help without hesitation. Whether it’s lending a hand with the task at hand or encouraging you to obviously take a rest, he’s quick to make you feel you’re not left to push through alone.

From what’s happening, Azul doesn’t need to ask what’s wrong—he can tell. He’s already behind you, his hands already working at the tension in your shoulders that weighed as much as the books you had to read for an upcoming test. 

“Struggling, are we?” Azul hums, already knowing the answer to that question. As he continues working the knots from your muscles, his fingers press with intent. “If you think pushing through this fatigue will help you, you’re mistaken.”

His fingers move with an objective, easing the tightness in your muscles. "Rest now, and you'll be able to focus better later," he adds, as if it’s just as simple as that. "Trying to study while you’re exhausted isn’t going to help anyone." 

You feel the tension melt away, and despite yourself, you start to relax. Azul knows exactly how to make you see sense. Rest isn���t a luxury—it’s part of the process. And with his steady, gloved hands guiding you, you can’t argue with that logic.

KALIM AL-ASIM.

His positivity is contagious! When you're overwhelmed, Kalim’s first ever instinct is to lighten the mood and fill your space with good vibes. He focuses on bringing joy to the moment to let you un wind.

Recognizes when you need a break and insists on it. Kalim won't just suggest you rest—he'll almost make it impossible for you to say no! Whether it’s dragging you out for a fun activity or turning study time into a game, he’ll find a way to get you to step away from overdoing it tooooo much.

While his energy is usually high, he knows when to tone it down, if you ever tell him to. He’s totally okay with just being there for you!!

Encourages you to let loose. Kalim’s the type who knows when to push you to relax with a little spontaneity. He may not always be able to solve your problems, but he’s great at distracting you from them. Expect impromptu dance breaks or sudden trips out to take your mind off things. Expect a sudden food trip as well.

A signal that you deserve fun and joy. Kalim doesn’t just want you to get your rest—he wants you to actively seek out happiness, even when the work feels unending. His care for you goes beyond just helping you with burnout; he wants you to feel good in every way possible.

Ugh, these mountains of assignments before you feel insurmountable. No matter how many notes you review, the information just doesn’t stick. Kalim watches you with a concerned expression from across the room, clearly not fooled by your focus. And so, he slowly tip-toes his way to you.

Without warning, he’s up and out of his chair, grabbing your hand with a wide grin. “Alright, that’s it! No more homework for you! We’re going to do something fun!” he declares, pulling you up before you can protest.

“But Kalim, I need to—”

“Nope!” He cuts you off, leading you outside to an open area on campus. “You’ve been working hard, and now it’s time for some fun! You’ll thank me later!”

Despite your initial resistance, you find yourself enjoying with his antics. Kalim’s infectious energy is difficult to ignore, and before you know it, you’re not thinking about textbooks or formulas. After a while, the stress that had weighed you down earlier feels lighter, and you realize that, for once, you’ve actually enjoyed yourself.

“See? Now you’re ready to get back to studying, right?” Kalim asks, his smile bright as ever.

You nod, grateful for the reminder that taking a break is just as important as the work itself.

VIL SCHOENHEIT.

Prioritizes your well-being as much as your performance. Vil understands that success isn’t only about hard work; it’s also about taking care of yourself. When he sees you pushing too hard, he steps in with a nudge to make sure you’re looking after your own needs.

Vil knows that sleep is crucial for maintaining your appearance. If he catches you burning the midnight oil, he’ll quickly point out that lack of sleep can lead to skin problems. He won’t let you skip out on sleep, ensuring you get enough hours to keep your glow intact!

Pushes you to strive for excellence, but not at the cost of your health. Vil doesn't mince words. He’ll tell you that while excellence is key, it’s impossible to reach your full potential if you're physically or mentally drained. His tough-love approach aids you to rest guilt-free.

While he ensures everything you need is within reach, Vil steps back when necessary, giving you space while still overseeing that you’re on the right path. He knows when to be hands-off. What he wants is more about guiding from a distance, making sure you’re supported without being smothered.

Takes a no-nonsense step to self-care. Vil is not the one for empty comforts. When he suggests rest, it’s because he’s seen the signs that you’ve reached your limit. He’ll encourage you to take a break in a way that ensures you actually benefit from it. And that’s through mindfulness exercises or making sure you get full hours of sleep.

Feeling Vil’s hands as they gently rub the toner into your skin, you let out a sigh of relief. “You’re not going to retain anything if you don’t take a step back,” he chides, smoothing a serum into your face. “Your brain’s running on empty, and pushing through it will only make things worse.”

You hold onto your textbook weakly, but Vil silences you with a pointed look. “Studying can wait. Focus on yourself now.” He's firm, but the soothing rhythm of his movements suggests he’s already in control, seamlessly switching between products as he guides you through the routine.

By the time the routine is finished, you feel more at ease. All that clog in your brain has been cleansed by Vil. “You’ve done enough for today,” he tells you assuredly. “Now rest and recover. Your studies will be waiting for you when you’re ready.”

IDIA SHROUD.

Even if he's not the best at emotional support, Idia’s way of helping during burnout involves a combo of companionship and gaming. If you’re stressing out, he’ll slide a controller over to you or invite you to join him for a match—it’s for you to take your mind off things and go AFK from your studies for a while.

When you’re pushing yourself too hard, Idia will pull you away from your textbooks by loading up a game that's often Minecraft or some multiplayer game he’s grinding. He doesn’t really say much about your stress, though the simple act of playing together shows how much he cares about your well-being.

His ability to aid is kinda noob-level, like trying his best to lead you out of a burnout dungeon. He might rambles out of thought from time to time, making him worry you’ll get overstimulated. He’s not exactly smooth; still, his effort is there, even if he's not sure himself things will work.

While gaming together, Idia can be a bit of a tryhard, fully immersed in the game and urging you to focus on the mission rather than stressing.

Idia’s version of self-care is a bit unconventional (as if he takes care of himself properly), but if it means getting you to step away from your textbooks and level up the EXP you lost, he’s all in. He’s sure that winning a few rounds or building a house together is a surefire way to recharge.

You're scrolling through your inventory, trying to figure out where you want to build next. A farm? A simple house? Pixel art? The game’s peaceful enough since both of you are in creative mode. You glance at Idia, who’s still kind of lurking, hovering with his controller in hand, but he’s waiting for you to take the lead.

“So, uh... where should we make the house?” Idia asks, trying not to sound too eager but clearly wanting to get into it.

Without much thought, you pick a spot, pointing to a flat area by a river. “Here,” you mutter, a little more focused on building than anything else. “This seems like a good place to start.”

After a few more minutes into the game, you start to gradually get more energetic. He’s quiet now, looking over you as you get more into it. You’re starting to improve, and he can’t help the small sense of relief that washes over him. It’s a little thing, watching you regain your focus and energy. But, it means the world to him.

MALLEUS DRACONIA.

Malleus is keenly attuned to the smallest details, a habit shaped by his nature. His observation picks up on the tiniest shifts in your demeanor—the signs of stress, exhaustion, or when something feels out of place in your routine. He might not constantly show it, but he’s always watching (in a good way).

When it comes to burnout, Malleus is unfailingly gentle. He won’t pressure you into rest, and offers you to step away from what's keeping you in a hassle. A calm walk in the garden becomes his suggestion, a chance for you to breathe.

Malleus knows he does not need to be forceful. He never demands rest, respecting when you prefer solitude. If you need time to yourself, he’ll watch from a distance, assuring you're okay without intruding on your space. His care isn't as obvious, but you know he's always there, guarding you. After all, you are his favorite person.

Having been isolated for much of his life, Malleus is deeply aware of what it feels like to be overlooked or having to mask turmoil. He recognizes when you're retreating into yourself, and without making a big show of it, he makes his presence known. It’s not about asking if you’re okay—it's just how he shows you that you are not alone.

Malleus’ care doesn’t shout; it’s felt in silence. It’s when he talks to you to take your mind off things. He’s not trying to fix you, merely offering light when everything feels heavy.

Ah, finally. Some fresh air that keeps you refreshed. You walk side by side, taking in the breeze. Malleus walks with his usual regal presence, though every so often, his eyes wander, taking in the details of the scenery.

"Do you think gargoyles are more than just statues?" Malleus suddenly inquires, innocent curiosity laced within his tone. It's as if he’s pondering the thought out loud. "I’ve always thought they have more purpose than being mere decorations."

He takes a little peak at you, eyes gleaming with that same intensity. "In my homeland, there are gargoyles that watch over the castles. Sometimes, I wonder if they’re meant to protect the place, like guardians."

He pauses for a second before turning to you again, that soft smile of his still visible on his face. "What do you think, human? Are they just stone, or do they have some deeper meaning?"

It’s a random thought, but you can’t help feeling endeared by Malleus’ strange musings. He’s not seeking a response, just casually sharing what’s on his mind. You're not complaining. This is better than having to study all those lectures again and again.

© lilipens

[gunwoos]

kim gun-woo relationship headcanons (sfw + nsfw)

a/n: warning these r random and disorganized 😭 also haven't written anything fanfic like in ages so sorry if these aren't the best!

he's such a gentleman/romantic

i feel like getting into a relationship with him, you're either childhood friends with him or u guys become friends when the whole smile capital stuff starts and u slowly realize ur feelings for each other.

even tho he's shy i honestly see him confessing his feelings for u unless ur the one to do it first.

he's very timid/shy especially for the first few weeks u guys are dating

he's just so nervous and really likes u and doesn't wanna mess anything up

when he opens up and gets 100% used to the relationship stuff it's amazing tho

i don't think he'd be super into pda like he'd definitely hold ur hand, sling an arm around u, and hug u in public, maybe even give u a quick kiss but anything more than that he's saving for when ur alone

his love language is definitely a mix of gift giving and physical touch (maybe acts of service too i can't decide)

gives the best hugs. he's so tall and sweet and his MUSCLES. will hug u from behind while ur doing stuff too and put his chin on your head/shoulder

he LOVES having u at his matches, especially if it's a tournament. you're like his good luck charm (he's good regardless of whether or not ur there but it's sweet ok)

or if he's just having a normal practice or training session he loves having u there to watch and support him

we all know he's an early riser and likes to workout / go for runs in the morning. he always invites u to go and if u actually agree he's over the moon

even if u barely participate or give up partway through he's just so happy ur there with him

loves when u wear his clothes. especially if u guys live together he's got that mindset of "my things r yours too"

he loves seeing u in his jackets, shirts, sweaters etc. especially if ur shorter/smaller than him he finds it's so cute

also if u guys r out and u forget to wear a jacket he won't even hesitate to give u his. like u go to mention that it's kinda chilly out and he already has his jacket off and is putting it over ur shoulders

his mom absolutely loves u. we all know he's a mommas boy so he's just so happy seeing u guys interact and get along so well

i see him being very traditional. pays for ur meals if u go out to eat, opens doors for u, my mind is blank thinking of other examples but he's just so sweet and such a gentleman

woojin third wheels u guys all the time. geonwoo is his bestfriend and he lowkey sulks when u guys hangout without him

i feel like unless u were already friends with woojin before u started dating geonwoo he'd give u a hard time at first. he's all like "i was here first 😒"

but eventually he warms up to u and u guys would be besties

u and woojin probably bicker a lot (playfully) and geonwoo just loves that u guys get along well enough to joke with each other. he just kinda watches u bicker back and forth like "😊" and doesn't interfere unless one of u brings him into it

he's definitely protective but just in a way that he wants to keep u safe, he's very secure and he knows he's strong and that he can protect u if he needs to

he also knows that u can handle urself tho, especially if ur a boxer like him

this man is cuddly. any cuddling position is perfect to him like he'll be big spoon, little spoon, whatever but i feel like he'd especially love just falling asleep with his head on your chest

idk if he'd be into pet names but i think he'd call u "babe, baby, honey, sweetie" or some kinda nickname based off of your name

nsfw under ⬇️

this man can be TIMID especially for the first few months of ur relationship when u guys do stuff. like believe me he wants to just as much as u do but he would never wanna make u uncomfortable so he waits for u to initiate stuff for a little while

checks on u like every 2 minutes and before doing anything "is this ok?" "are u sure?" "can i __?"

i feel like he's definitely very traditional or "vanilla" in bed, i don't see him being kinky or liking it rough or anything like that but if ur into that kinda stuff he'd probably be open to experimenting

such a giver. don't get me wrong he loves receiving, but u would definitely have to initiate it he'll never ask u to

as i said before this man is a giver. he gives and gives and gives

this man would happily die between your thighs. i'm telling u he's obsessed with eating u out. he doesn't care abt his pleasure as much, he just wants u to feel good

this man just goes straight in too. he's like "can i?" and as soon as u say yes he's slinging ur legs over his shoulders and diving in

he's so good at it too like. he makes it his goal in life to know what u like and what u dislike and that includes in the bedroom. he makes mental notes in his head of everything and the reactions u have to stuff so he can improve for later

if u do give him head, he's total putty in ur hands. anything u do and the fact that it's you doing this to him just makes it 10x better. he makes sure to return the favour after

lowkey has a praise kink, giving and receiving. when u tell him how good he's doing he just melts he loves it

is big on eye contact. he likes how intimate it is and the non-verbal reassurance from it

likes holding hands or having your hands in his hair

he whimpers. i don't think he'd be very vocal but when he realizes u like it when he is he tries to be a bit more open and do it more

loves kissing u during it and just peppering kisses all over u. i don't think he'd leave hickeys unless u asked him to tho

this man has stamina. we all know he's super athletic so he's prepared to go for as many rounds as u feel up to

he's also very gentle. he's strong and knows his own strength and would never wanna hurt u or be rough with u

he's just so sweet i cant even

[changingplumbob]

CW: Low level sim spice, language - Guide to content warnings

Sun poured in the windows and on to the bed. Glenn loved being outside but a nice sun ray inside could be good to. While he was playing absentmindedly with a tennis ball Silver lay beside him scribbling away.

They had officially been courting for a year and while Glenn thought asking Silver to get a place of their own would result in a great woohoo session it had instead resulted in the werewolf deciding to make a pros and cons list about every single neighbourhood he'd ever visited.

That left Glenn horny and bored, not a great combo.

Glenn: Are you done yet

Silver: If by done you mean all the places that start with A then yes

Glenn: You can't have actually been to that many places

Silver: I'm ancient remember, I've been lots of places

Glenn: True. It must be a lot when you're 207

Silver: I wouldn't know because I'm not 207

Glenn: *sighs* But I want to fuck

Silver: And I want to make sure we don't move somewhere in hunter territory. Which of those things is more important

Glenn: Definitely my pixel parts

Silver: I thought you were practicing making the ball hover

Glenn: I was like... three hours ago

Silver: *smirking* Dramatic much Babycakes

Glenn: You know you like me dramatic

Silver: I do but I'm trying to focus on our future

Glenn: All I need is you, four walls, a roof and a dragon

Silver: Excuse me?

Glenn: I could be argued down to three walls

Silver: I meant the dragon

Glenn: Oh. Would you not want a dragon

Silver: Can't say I've ever seen a dragon. Kind of thought they were a myth

Glenn: Says the werewolf who is in love with a spellcaster

Silver: If they are real something tells me they don't make great house pets

Glenn: I mean yeah, the bigger ones couldn't even get inside a house

Silver: See

Glenn: But there are smaller ones

Silver: How does one get a dragon? They're not trafficked are they

Glenn: I mean magical creatures sometimes are but there are legitimate channels for the domesticated ones

Silver: If you tell me there's a dragon rescue down the road-

Glenn: Not down the road but- Would you let me have a dragon

Silver: Not in our bedroom

Glenn: So that's a maybe for in the house

Silver: I don't know. How are they with kids

Glenn: Some breeds are great, super protective of them

Silver: Okay well what I don't need is one breathing fire at me if I tell a kid off for making a mess

Glenn: No I know, I wouldn't let you get burned Beefcake

Silver: I can't get burned

Glenn: That's what I'm saying

Silver: Yes and I'm saying werewolves can't get burned. My clothes could get incinerated but not me

Glenn: Wait really

Silver: I mean technically I could get burned with wolfsbane but I couldn't be set on fire or anything

Glenn: Damn, wish that was the case for spellcasters

Silver: You are rather delicate

Glenn: Just like my flowers. Are you done now?

Silver: Is it Brind- e- l - ton or Brind -l - e - ton?

Glenn: We are not moving there are we

Silver: Don't know, haven't done the pros and cons list yet because someone keeps distracting me

Glenn: With my good looks

Silver: With your big mouth

Glenn: Hey! My big mouth happens to be of great use to you

Silver: Only when you've spent the day being a brat

Glenn: Well we need to be somewhere where we can adopt a kid

Silver: You say that as if I don't know

Glenn: Do you want a spellcaster or a werewolf

Silver: I don't know. I mean I do miss seeing the young wolves in the pack

Glenn: Do baby werewolves like chew on the furniture

Silver: What are you doing to my hair

Glenn: Nothing, just hold still. Going to answer my question?

Silver: Don't all kids destroy furniture in one way or another

Glenn: True but I mean there's accidentally starting fires then there's teeth marks

Silver: Baby spellcasters start fires?

Glenn: I mean when we're young we kind of have access to a bunch of powers we don't know how to use so stuff can happen that we don't know how to undo

Silver: Don't know how to undo? Such as?

Glenn: Well my trademark green hair? Not intentional

Silver: Bullshit, you're trying to mess with me

Glenn: Because I want your attention

Silver: But wouldn't my attention be so much better in a house of our own

Glenn: Fair. Okay hold still I'm going to get a picture

Silver sighed and tipped his head forward so the ball fell off and rolled away on the floor.

Glenn: Aww, you looked cute

Silver: Don't I always

Glenn: Nah. You're the hot rugged sexy one and I'm the squishy cute one. Well, squishy cute with abs

Previous ... Next

[sirenfromthelostcity]

Snowed In Part 2 [Modern! Mizu x Reader]

Ngl y’all I was really touched by the amount of ppl asking for the proposal scene lol. I was a little worried that maybe the blurb was like too fluffy but I'm really glad you guys liked it, ya big softies lol (but same). This came out a little longer than i anticipated but i was just adding some stuff to add to your relationship and i reeaaalllyy hope you guys like it <3 Also I think i might do one more lil part just to involve the rest of the crew and their reaction to the news so stay tuned for that as well.

Part 1!

Although your anniversary dinner plans were ruined by the snow, it was impossible to remain upset. After all how could one be upset when they're being comfortably held in the arms of their lover watching one of your favorite shows together?

Admittedly you did suggest your bedroom when Mizu asked if you wanted watch something after dinner but she was rather insistent on making it a living room activity. So there you both were, laid together on a makeshift bed of various pillows and blankets in the middle of your living room floor. The lights were low, Mizu was warm and the snowfall was the perfect romantic backdrop.

"Y'know," you started, "this day did not go how we had planned at all but honestly I can't imagine a better way to spend our anniversary together," you contentedly sighed.

"That makes two of us," Mizu snuggled you closer and planted a kiss on your head. "But the night isn't over yet."

She gently moved to get up from her position and you pouted at her for ending your cuddling session.

"I'm getting up to get your gift," she laughed.

"Oh right! I'll go get yours too." you quickly paused your show as you both retreated for your gifts.

Once both you and Mizu retrieved your gifts you both returned to your makeshift bed and sat across from each other. Mizu decided to go first and handed you a large gift bag. Your eyes widened in both joy and surprise as you pull out a designer bag that you've been trying to acquire for a long time.

"Oh my God, Mizu! This is sold out everywhere how did you get this?"

"I know people," she smugly shrugged her shoulders.

"Akemi?"

"Actually believe it or not... Taigen."

"Taigen?! You worked together with Taigen for my gift?" you eyes widened again. Mizu and Taigen weren't enemies per say but they definitely very easily got on each other's nerves, however it was mostly banter. Mostly.

"Yeah despite him being Taigen, he can be quite useful sometimes and I know how long you've been hunting for this bag."

"Oh honey, thank you. I really appreciate it and I love it," you lean towards her to give her a gentle kiss before putting the purse back in the gift bag and setting it aside.

Excitedly you reached for your gift and handed it to Mizu. It was a smaller bag and the first thing Mizu pulled out from it was her favorite perfume.

"I was just running low on this, thank you babe," Mizu smiled at you but you informed her there was one more gift for her in the bag. She dug back in and pulled out a small rectangular red velvet box. Carefully she opened it and in it was a beautiful gold heart pendant. She was in awe of the craftsmanship. You prompted her to flip it to the back and engraved on the heart read the words "Forever Yours" with your initials right below it.

“You have my heart," you said to her. "Promise to keep it safe?”

“With my life,” she looked back up at you. “Baby I love it thank you so much,” she practically leaped over from her spot to envelope you in a hug.

“I’m glad you like it,” you chuckled into the crook of her neck.

When Mizu broke away she quickly went to put on the necklace but you insisted on aiding her. With one hand she held up her long hair and turned to allow you access to put on the necklace. Once it was on she went to observe it again, as if she couldn’t stop admiring it.

“Can you take me to where you had this made so I can make one for you too?” She asked, still looking at the pendant.

"Really?" you asked, your excitement shinning though.

“Yeah,” she smiled at you. “I have your heart and I want you to have mine.”

Overjoyed at her words, you leaned in and kissed her both softly and ardently.

“I’d really like that too. I can take you next week yeah?”

Mizu nodded and leaned back in to continue the kiss. Passion flowed within you both and the kiss became needier. This time you took the initiative and without breaking the kiss you gently pushed Mizu to lie on her back. Your free hand reached to cradle Mizu's face, effectively deepening the kiss. Mizu almost allowed herself to get lost in it but when she felt the small ring box poke at her hip she was brought back to her objective . Gently, she broke free from the kiss.

"Is everything okay?" you asked, slightly alarmed.

"Yeah I just... have to use the bathroom."

"Oh okay," you rolled onto the side to allow Mizu to get up. "I'll wait for you to come back to continue the show."

"Nah no need. Continue without me I'll be quick," Mizu reached for the remote and pressed play on your show before seemingly heading towards the bathroom connected to your room.

In actuality Mizu just wanted you distracted and not focused on how long she'd be gone. She had all her materials for the proposal packed in two of her gym bags but she wanted it all to look perfect and that could take some time.

After about 15 minutes you started to get a little worried and when you tried to enter your room to access the bathroom you realized your room door is locked.

"Hey babe are you okay?” you knocked at the door.

“Yeah! I’m almost out just looking for something," Mizu tried to sound casual but her tone definitely sounded a little panicked which did nothing to ease your composure.

“Do you need help looking for it?”

“No it’s okay! I’ll be out soon.”

You did have a spare key for your room in case you were ever accidentally locked out of it. The thought did occur to you to go get it but something to just give Mizu a little more time. After about 5 more minutes, she finally comes out of your room.

“Found what you’re looking for?”

Mizu nodded. "I have one more surprise for you," from behind she pulled out a black blindfold and immediately you're intrigued.

"Well if it involves that blindfold then I'm liking it already."

Mizu laughed at your response before extending her hand to help you stand up. Carefully she wrapped the blindfold over your eyes and guided you into your shared room. Immediately you're greeted with warmer temperature and the soft scent of roses. Slowly Mizu removed the blindfold.

Your room was lit with strategically placed candles and littered with red and pink rose petals. Placed purposefully on the bed was a box of your favorite chocolate and a bouquet of your favorite flowers. The scene was so intimate and warm. You even caught sight of a small fire extinguisher so you know Mizu really thought this out.

"Oh my god, Mizu this is..." the remainder of your sentence got stuck on your throat when you turned to thank Mizu and saw her propped on one knee holding out a box with a diamond ring.

Immediately your eyes began to tear up, overcome with the realization of what was happening. Instinctively your hand went to cover your mouth but a small overjoyed sob managed to escape from you.

"(Y/N)," Mizu started with glossy eyes as she too struggled to hold back her happy tears. "I have never loved anyone the way that I love you. For a long time I didn't even think this kind of love was actually real, until I met you. I love waking up to you every single day and I've learned to love and appreciate life more since you've allowed me to enter yours. You just make me so fucking happy," she sniffled. "I didn't think it was possible to be as happy and feel as safe with being happy as you've made me feel. Being with you made me feel like I was so easy to love and I want to dedicate the rest of my life ensuring you feel the same way. Will you allow me the greatest honor imaginable, will you marry me?"

"Yes of course I'll marry you!" you cried and wrapped your arms around her in a fervent embrace.

You both cried into each other, so full of love and absolute happiness. You pulled back from the hug and leaned in to share your first kiss as an engaged couple. It was a salty kiss as the tears are still fresh on both of your faces but neither of you cared.

You extended your left hand to Mizu and she happily slid the ring onto your finger.

“Perfect fit,” she smiled.

“It’s so pretty,” you admired the gem, it truly did cater to your taste. “Babe, it’s perfect you made such a good selection.”

“I like to think I know you well enough to pick out a ring you’d like, now I’m glad to know I’m right,” she lightly chuckled as she snaked a hand around your waist and snuggled you closer to her.

“We’re engaged now,” you mumbled as Mizu started planting kisses on your temple, the feeling of euphoria still coursing through you. “You’re my fiancé.”

“And soon you’ll be my wife,” she added, grasping your left hand in hers and tenderly rubbing at your ring finger. “Then we‘ll just have forever together.”

“Forever together,” you whispered as you leaned into the crook of her neck. “I love the sound of that.”

A/N: if the ending looks a lil weird font wise is bc I had to copy from my notes app bc I had previously wrote something and it didn’t save on the draft 🙃. Ngl I’m feeling a bit iffy about this but i really hope you guys enjoyed the read! 💗

Edit: I forgot to say but feel free to change what Mizu gifts you, like if you’re not into designer bags then ofc yeah just substitute what you want. It’s kinda hard to write what gift to get you bc ppl are diff like not everyone is gonna like the same thing 😂

[toadallytickles]

Hey there! Your content is so fantastic and I really have enjoyed utilizing some of the resources you have proved for newer members of the community or for people who want to start branching out like myself! I am going to AUNT and and so excited (and admittedly a bit nervous) to actually meet more people in our community! Any tips or things you’d give to a first time event attendee?

Hello! Thank you so much for enjoying my content! I’m not here as often, though I like to pop in from time to time, and it’s warming to see that my blog continues to be enjoyed and act as a resource! 🥰

Aww, yay! That’s super exciting you’re branching out into the in-person scene and attending your first gathering! That can be a tough first step for a lot of people, I’m proud of you! 🎉

Clay and I will be at AUNT too! :)c

Connect and get to know attendees online before the event! If you’re attending AUNT, you’re likely in the AUNT Discord Server! You can interact with other members throughout the Server, though if you’re registered you can interact with attendees in the private event channels! Check members’ roles and see if they have Open DMs! Navigating a gathering helps when you know people! You can also start pre-planning your AUNT weekend, if you want to play board games, video games, JackBox games, watch movies, go out to do tourist-y things, and/or session/play with someone!

@jerjero and @sugarsoakertkl are newbie coordinators, and are happy to welcome you into the scene!

Write an introduction! It helps people get to know you and what you’re looking for! You can take inspiration from someone else’s introduction, feel free to copy-paste the format they used.

It’s one big hang out in a hotel! NEST is a very scheduled event. The smaller gatherings have a few things scheduled, though other than that the weekend is yours to do what you’d like! I believe AUNT’s “big” scheduled events are the group swim, jam circle, and watching the Super Bowl (not in 2025).

Attend other attendee’s events! With an open schedule, some members host their own events, like going out as a group for dinner, hosting board/video games, hosting movie/tv show watching, or inviting people to party/hang out in their room!

Treat others how you want to be treated. It is a tickle event, though no one wants to be treated like a kink dispenser or their kink role. Treat others like you’re meeting them in a public vanilla setting. Introduce yourself, be nice, be welcoming, be polite, be curious, open-minded, and interested!

Meet and greet everyone you can! Don’t just talk to people you want to play with. Getting known and established in the community can go a long way!

It’s NOT a Pay-to-Play event. Going does not guarantee play. Gatherings are community-oriented ; attendees are real people with boundaries and feelings, they’re attending for community, and to make genuine connections.

Interested in playing with someone? Some people do pick-up play after some conversation! Some people, like myself, like a closer relationship before playing! It doesn’t hurt to ask, and it’s okay if they say no- don’t take it personally (receiving a no is a good skill to practice). Once you’ve asked, don’t ask again; keep the ball in their court, if they’re interested they’ll reach out to you.

Someone is interested in playing with you? Either give them a yes or a no, try not to use “maybe.” It’s best to be as clear and honest as possible.

Vet people before playing with them. Get your references. Ask around. Members going are welcomed to the gathering because they’re friendly or know a regular, but they are not vetted for play. Most members I’m sure are kink educated and care for your wellbeing, but unfortunately I personally know a handful who are not good or safe players. Feminine-presenting afabs especially need to vet.

Tell a host if someone makes you uncomfortable. It is best if you can confront and correct them yourself if you’re involved; some people don’t know they’re harming others, and we’re all capable of making mistakes, and growing from them. If you can’t do it, please tell a host, or a friend you trust to help you. It’s better for a behaviour to be corrected than for it to never be acknowledged, and harm continues. Speaking up protects others.

Don’t be hard on yourself if the gathering didn’t go as you thought. Be proud that you took that huge step to get involved in-person. A lot goes on when you’re new and unfamiliar. Most members are longtime goers, and are in established friend groups and dynamics. You may feel it’s hard to find your place initially. I think everyone, even regular attendees, have had a mediocre gathering at least once. I have! It’s okay if this gathering is just you scoping it out and meeting the in-person scene!

How to approach people in the community

How to be approachable in the community

What tickle parties (gatherings) are like

Play party etiquette

Getting to know someone online

Dos and Don’ts of Play / Bondage

[aquaglow]

do you have any advice for someone who is 100% sedentary and wants to become fit in 2025? I never practiced any sports and never went to a gym

first advice is to bite a smaller piece. if you're completely new to fitness, you're better off not having "becoming fit" as your short-term goal (one year is not a long time for a full on body transformation imo). instead, I recommend that you just make "getting started" as your goal. smaller goals are easier to follow through!

my second advice is to try out different things, if that's available to you. most if not all gyms and studios have trial periods, often for free, so do that! go to different classes, talk to people who are already used to those practices, ask questions to tutors/instructors, get the feel of it to find out what kind of movement attracts you. same goes for sports, if that's more your vibe. lots of cities have community centers and non-pro groups that promote different sports, so seek those out if it's available.

(I honestly believe and always advocate that the most important part in building a healthy fitness routine is to find out what kind of physical activity you actually enjoy doing, because that's how you'll keep coming back to it.)

third advice is to take it slow and understand the process deeply. this shit takes a looooong time to present visible results, and that can be disheartening. like, you'll be exhausted, often bored, sometimes sore, even injured if you go too hard, and you still won't see the results that you're expecting. the effort is not directly and not immediately proportional to visible results.

I say "visible" results because, on the inside, the change is instant. one good workout session can completely turn your life around, I truly believe this. I remember the first time I did an hour of yoga, because it fundamentally transformed me as a person. but things like weight loss, toning, muscle definition, strength, flexibility etc take a long time, especially when you've never done anything physical before.

and my final advice is to not set your eyes solely on 2025! if you want to become a fit person, I can already tell you that it's not a one-year plan, but a lifetime commitment. you'll never reach a point where you're like, oh well I've done it, now I can quit and go back to my old ways. fitness and health are arrangements that need to last forever, because you'll never not need them. we as a society may treat them as optional, but as human beings we need them regardless of how we feel about them.

hope this helps you 💘

[diogenesprintco]

Your prints are incredible, I saw the William Morris one and thought WOW! I saw they were linocut - do you have a secret for making them look so smooth and perfect? Mine always look kind of rough but it may just be I need more practice.

Thank you so much!!! Okay, I'm going to try not to go completely overboard with this answer - there are a number of things I've narrowed down in my printing process over the years that help make the quality more consistent.

I think number one has to be ink: Caligo Safe Wash Relief Printing ink for the most part, occasionally Charbonnel, but the important thing is that it's oil-based, not acrylic. I usually mix in some clear extender, which doesn't drastically affect the opacity unless you use a lot of it, but helps with application and reduces patchiness.

A close second is paper: because I almost always print by hand, it's basically impossible to print on heavyweight paper and not either lose detail or end up with patchy areas. The Morris one was printed on 130gsm lokta paper which has become my favourite/most reliable (it also soaks up the ink quickly and reduces the drying time by a couple days). You could also experiment with different types of washi, or check out whatever big sheets of paper they have at your local art supply store to get a range of weights and see if you find some easier to work with than others.

I usually use a bamboo baren, but recently got one of these from Woodzilla Press which is a lot sturdier and has been working very well! (I haven't tried the Speedball barens, but it seems they'd be better for printing smaller rubber stamps.) If the baren is sort of sticking or skipping on the back of the paper, a trick I've borrowed from Japanese ukiyo-e printmakers is tapping it against my face to pick up a tiny bit of oil, which helps it glide smoothly so you can use a lot of pressure without the risk of tearing lightweight papers.

The last thing I'll mention (for now...) is regularly sharpening your tools. If you're always ending up with slightly feathery edges, part of that might be ink over-application, but it could just be that your tools are getting dull as you work and are catching on the lino, even if they still feel sharp enough to use. I always keep one of those Flexcut strops next to me while I'm working so I remember to sharpen my gouges regularly during a carving session.

I really hope some of that was helpful - obligatory disclaimer that I always see people using all kinds of tools/methods and getting great results; this is just what's working for me at the moment!

[starswirl-the-not-yet-bearded]

"Thank you again for seeing me on such short notice, Miss Fluttershy."

The pegasus across from Starswirl hummed in acknowledgment and shifted her teacup in her hoof, watching the liquid spin around. His eyes kept darting around- From the teacup, to her face, to anywhere but her face. Anxiety bubbled in his chest. By comparison, Fluttershy seemed so... Calm. She was very practiced in the act of keeping a calm head, something her age had granted her. It only make Starswirl more nervous.

"This is about Celestia, I assume?"

Her voice broke Starswirl from his racing thoughts, and he nodded, buying himself a few seconds to get the words in his mind in order as well.

"Well- Yes- She told me you were going to take her to Twilight's School. The next time you were called into a meeting."

"That's true."

"Why?"

He wanted to shoot. What possible reason could she have for putting his daughter in that amount of danger?

"Why not?"

Starswirl felt like he was about to faint.

"Why not-?! It's dangerous- We don't know what Twilight with think if she finds out about her- She'd barely learned that glamour spell- Who knows how long she can keep it up? What if trying maintain it and working on her classes make her crash or-"

"Starswirl." Fluttershy's voice was a calm against his own, making him freeze in his tracks. "Do you trust her?"

"What?"

"Celestia. Do you trust her?"

"Of course I do- She's my daughter-"

"Then... You need to trust that she can handle this. Her magic is going to keep growing. It'll be incredibly helpful for her to have a mentor as experienced as Twilight when her power inevitably surpasses your own, but her skill has not. She knows what she's doing."

"But-"

"But you are a father. And you'll worry. Of course you will. Just... Let her met Twilight, for now. Maybe a smaller session. Let her leave the nest. She'll come back when she's ready."

"...You're really sure this is the best thing for her?"

"I am."

"... Alright."

[kaiser-s-bitch]

a/n: dedicated to my dear @sugarkage >:))

———

Nagi Seishiro - fluff hcs || sfw

• Nagi is a very passive guy when it comes to literally anything he’s not interested in, but if he engages in something that he is interested in, you will not be able to drag him away from it - video games, for the most part

• which, however, makes him the perfect boyfriend if you’re into games too, cause if you can’t beat em… join em!!

• gaming together with you is his idea of ideal quality time, so don’t underestimate how much those joined gaming sessions mean to him even if it feels like he’s not giving you much attention

• Nagi loves just having you close to him, even while gaming he just has to have some body part of his touching you; will throw his heavy ass legs over you and keep them there no matter how much you complain, if you don’t want that to happen you better sit or lay down in his lap first

• will often make deals/bets with you, mainly along the lines of "Whoever loses the next game has to get up to make us dinner/get some takeout"; though he usually only brings that up if he’s confident he’ll win (and if he loses after all, he’ll definitely start bargaining lol)

• if you don’t know how to cook or you can’t be bothered to eat healthily, then you and Nagi would both decay due to fast/instant food overload in your cave, if it wasn’t for Reo making or having good food delivered on your behalf (he’s complaining a lot about it but he keeps helping out, you’re both his baby chicks now)

• Nagi enjoys cuddling you a lot, it combines two of his favorite things: 1) being comfy and doing basically nothing and 2) having your smaller form snuggled up to him is like, having his personal plushy

• as for the position, Nagi enjoys spooning a lot; whether he’s the big or small spoon doesn’t matter to him, both is comfy af (though it’s kinda strange to call this moose of a man "small" in any way-)

• something that Nagi frequently does is taking one of his oversized hoodies and pulling it over both himself and you, that way you’re literally glued to this huge, lazy cuddle monster and can’t get up or move too much

• he won’t pick you up if he’s the one that has to get up though, he’ll just tell you you’re too heavy even if you’re like, a third of his weight (don’t take it personal, it’s just too much of a hassle to carry you)

• this man ALWAYS sleeps in, unless he has soccer practice (though I feel like he might still miss it occasionally if it’s too early in the morning lmao)

• will get very grumpy if you, aka his personal plushy, wrestle yourself out of his iron grip because you have to get up early for work

• half asleep, he might just pull you back down and bury you under his weight to keep you in place, mumbling for you to stop moving - good luck escaping that

• the only way to escape is giving him lots of kisses all over and promising him more cuddles and kisses for when you’re back; he will actually hold you to that so you better not forget

• though it’s not like he would let you forget, cause once you’re back home, this overgrown baby will hug you and lean himself against you, causing you to fall onto the couch with him on top

• there’s absolutely no way out of that one now, but who are you to complain?

———

p.s.: authentic baby chick Nagi

[hoseoks-reader]

HIS FIRST TIME - JUNG HOSEOK

Don't copy or repost on other accounts. Y/N - your name

Genre romance, established relationship, shy hoseok. Warnings sexual content (oral giving and receiving, penetration) Word-count 2,6k, one-shot.

Synopsis Y/N and Hoseok had been in a relationship for a while now, yet Hoseok never seemed to go all the way with Y/N.

You and Hoseok had been in a relationship for about 3 months now. You were his first relationship ever since he debuted back in 2013. You were close to him and the boys, having known them for 5 years now. You were staying in his apartment, waiting for him to come back from his dance practice of the day. You were chilling in the sofa when you heard the front door. You looked over at the entrance and saw your boyfriend walk in, his bag over his shoulder and his hair falling into his forehead.

Hoseok: Hey babe (he said, disposing of his bag and sitting on the couch with you, pecking your lips). Y/N: Hey (you reply, laying a leg over his lap), how was your day? Hoseok: Tiring, but fun. What about your day? Y/N: I mostly missed you. Happy you're finally here (you added, shifting to seat on his lap).

You were face to face with him. You analyzed every detail on his face, your thumb caressing his right cheek. His eyes were staring into yours, attentive to your every move.

Hoseok: Are you gonna kiss me or are you gonna keep staring?

You smiled and closed the gap between the two of you. Your lips danced together, and you had your tongue asking for permission to enter his mouth in no time. His hands were in your hips, and you felt him fighting the urge to grab your bottom. You hadn't been intimate yet, and you always felt him very restrained when you were making out, but you never questioned it, so you always put yourself through the hot sessions, always ending soaked and in need of his touch. You had sex with two other people in the past and you weren't afraid to go for it. It was his attitude that made you stop every time.

He always cut the make out sessions before going any forward and you felt him kind of shaky under your touch, so you never pushed it. But this time something else was different.

Hoseok: Y/N… (he said, his heavy breath against your lips, making you shiver). I need to tell you something. Y/N: Yeah? (you looked at him more seriously now) Hoseok: I really want to go further with you. And I think you want it too…? Y/N: I do hobi. But I don't want to do anything that you don't feel like doing. Hoseok: I feel like doing it (he said, nearly shuttering, and you could feel his bulge right beneath you). I just need to let you know that I've never done it before… and I know you have, and you probably have… I don't know, expectations that I won't meet and-

Y/N: Stop. The only expectation I have is for you to be honest with me, and you did that right now, so I appreciate it. I love you Jung Hoseok. There isn't a single thing in this world I wouldn't do with you. Hoseok: I love you too. Thank you for the reassurance. I did get "prepared". For… you know… whenever we would do it (you looked at him with a curious look, encouraging him to go on). I did some research… and got what we needed and… Y/N: You did research (you asked giggling, making him pout). No, but that's really cute. I'd be happy to show you things but that's also helpful. Hoseok: You can still show me though.

He started kissing you again, his hands on your smaller back. You kissed him back, your hands touching his, encouraging him to go lower. His hands grasped your ass, a soft moan leaving your mouth and your hands raising up to entangle his hair. He kissed you back harshly, need visible on his touch and his sweatpants. You couldn't help but to start grinding against him. His hands lost their way, all of a sudden covering every bit of your body. You were breathless under his touch and against his mouth. You broke the kiss to drive your lips through his jawline, climbing up to his ear where you nibbled at it. You then got lower, planting mouth open kisses all over his neck. His head fell back, a groan leaving his throat as your hips continually straddled him, applying pressure to where he needed you the most.

Hoseok: Jagi- (he panted before your mouth was back on his). If you keep doing that (he said in between kissing you) l-I'm gonna cum in my pants. G-god you're hot. Y/N: I'd rather have you do that in my mouth (you said, grinning against his mouth). Matter of fact I will if you let me. I'll get you back up for round two in no time. Hoseok: Shit- okay (he didn't fight you on it, feeling completely dazzled by your confidence).

You smiled at him, pecking his lips one last time before getting down on your knees, your hands pulling at his sweatpants. He helped with pulling them down and he sighted in relief of no longer being strained. You had his dick right in front of you, plus his eyes resting attentively on your motions.

Y/N: Get your hand all over my hair. And don't pull away from me if you get close okay? Let it go.

Your words made him curse, and as soon as your tongue softly covered the bottom to the tip, he skipped a breath. Your mouth worked him up even more, if that was possible. You ran your hands on his thighs and ended up grabbing his shaft by the base of it, while you slowly sank down on him.

Hoseok: God-Fuck Y/N-ie baby-

You struggled not to giggle at his genuine reactions, his hands grasping fiercely at your hair as if his life depended on it. You continued your ministrations mercilessly as his hips started bucking up to meet your movements, continuously hitting the back of your throat. Good thing you had a hold of your gag reflex. His moans and heavy breathing filled the room, as well as the sound of your wet mouth rushing through his dick. All of his reactions were driving you crazy as you felt yourself more drenched than ever. You had thought about this before and how hot he would look like all fucked out. But you never thought it would be THIS hot.

Hoseok: Jagi- (he said in between heavy breaths, his eyes screwed shut and head fallen back), I'm really fucking close. Please please please don't stop- shit

You started moving even faster than before if that was possible, his moaning growing louder and erratic, both his hands all over your hair. You felt him twitch in your mouth and as soon as the liquid touched your tongue, you slowed down and gave him slow and strong strokes, dragging his orgasm and making it even more intense. Once you felt him grow sensitive at your touch you pulled back, sitting back up on his lap, arms around his neck.

Y/N: Was that nice (you asked, a soft and proud smile on your face as you saw your boyfriend with a very satisfied look on his face)? Hoseok: Was that ni- fuck, nice? That was amazing. Y/N: Hmhm (you giggle softly, pecking his lips), should we go to the bedroom? Hoseok: Please (he said getting up with you in his lap, leaving his pants behind).

You kissed him and pulled out his shirt right before he threw you into his bed. He kissed your neck leaving a few marks, making you moan under his touch. You signaled him to take your shirt off, which he did, just to then stop to stare at your velvet black bra. While he was focused on it, you unclip your bra and take it off, making him swallow hard. You felt him a little shaky on top of you and you kissed him softly. He melted into the kiss, and you felt him getting more comfortable and ease into your touch again. He stopped the kiss while his hand travelled to your jean's button.

Hoseok: Can I… go down on you? Guide me. Y/N: I think you should start by taking off my pants ahah. Hoseok: Y-yeah obviously.

He giggled in between kisses as he worked on unbuttoning your jeans. Once he managed to do it, you helped him by raising your lower body so he could pull the rest of your clothes down. He then proceeded to lower himself, putting his face right in front of your core. You felt his shaky breath meet your center, sending shivers down your spine.

Y/N: Do you know where you need to touch or? Hoseok: I think I know. I saw like- a drawing. Y/N: I wish I was a fly at the time you did your research. Hoseok: Hey don't mock me! Y/N: I'm not baby, I just find it cute. Hoseok: I just wanted to have somewhat of an idea of what to do, but ended up looking things up for 4 hours.

You were about to tease him but he planted a kiss right on your clit, sending shivers don't your spine.

Y/N: Okay- you're in the right spot (you said out of breath, the lack of pressure as he waited for your reassurance making your center hurt out of need), now you can either flick your tongue or literally french kis- oh shit

You got lost in your words as soon as he started circling his tongue. "Is there a single muscle this man doesn't know how to use?", you thought to yourself.

Y/N: Get your hands on me as well please- (you said, your back already arched and your hads tugging at the sheets)

He did as you told him, inserting two fingers inside of you softly, deadly slow. You didn't know if it was the fact you hadn't touch yourself in over a week or if he was incredibly talented, maybe it was both. All you knew was he was playing you like a muppet, all the strings being pulled were sending you through waves of pleasure you had never felt. He started curling his fingers, his mouth now kissing your core as if it was your own mouth. He stopped for a second, only his fingers moving still,

Hoseok: Is this okay? Y/N: Better than okay. (you barely got the words out and your hips were now doing most of the work for his hand) Please continue (you encouraged his head back down with your hand, your fingers getting lost in his dark hair).

You felt him smirk proudly against your thighs as he kissed them before getting back to eating you out. His fingers got dangerously fast as his tongue kept driving you mad. You hadn't noticed how loud you were getting until you felt yourself so close you begged him not to stop.

Y/N: Baby- don't stop, right there-

You let out a groan so loud you almost felt instantly embarrased. Your hips out of control rolling against his face, pulling his hair with one hand and the other getting a good hold of your own breasts as the orgasm took over your entire body. After he was done, Hoseok got up and lied next to you, waiting for you to calm down.

Y/N: Holy shit Jung Hoseok, what the fuck was that (you said panting, and he rolled on his side to face you, a grin on his face). If that was you without any experience, I'm scared of what it will be like when you do have experience. Hoseok: I'm just glad I did it right. Not gonna lie I was worried.

You looked at him and laid on your side. His hand landed on your waist and yours on his neck, pulling him closer to you. You crashed your lips into his and felt his erection against your stomach. Your hand grabbed his shaft, pumping it slowly, making him moan into the kiss.

Hoseok: Jagi- I have- condoms on that nightstand (he said in between kisses, you reached out and took a condom out). Y/N: Do you want me to put it on you? Hoseok: Yeah, please (he replied, his eyes dark with lust as he watched your every move). Your touch drives me insane (he added as you adjusted him to the condom, applying just the right pressure). Y/N: I love you (you climbed to his lap, immediately pecking his lips). Hoseok: I love you too (he placed his hands on your hips).

You aligned your entrance with his dick, ready to sink into him. You looked at him with an interrogative look and he nodded. As soon as his tip entered you, you skipped a breath, and when he was fully inside you, you let out a dragged moan as you lock eyes with him. His arms wrapped around your waist, his face filled with lust and his groans growing louder as you started moving faster. You were so lost in each other that you didn't realize how hard the bed was hitting the wall.

Your moans were instigating his, and his groans only made you scream louder. Your hips were meeting his movements, making him hit places you didn't know could be reached before.

Hoseok: Fuck, let me get on top of you.

He didn't give you any time to react, he flipped you until he was on top, never getting himself out of you. And that's when you lost it. He was fully in control now, his hips rolling mercilessly and thrusting into you. You didn't know what to do with yourself but to scream his name and let your hands wander around his back and his hair, which only seemed to motivate him. He felt himself getting close to his release so he slowly stopped, not wanting to end it just yet.

Y/N: A rapper's tongue and a dancer's hip… you're gonna be the death of me (you kiss him and clench around him, making him moan into the kiss). Hoseok: If you keep doing that I'm not gonna be able to stop myself from cuming jagi- ah (you clenched around him again, and he buried his head on your shoulder, moaning into your ear and sending shivers down your spine).

He didn't spare you after that. He pulled himself together, resting his forehead on yours and letting his hand slip to your clit. You gasped and his mouth crashed into yours, your fingers digging into his back. The second he let go of your mouth you started moaning his name recklessly, leaving him more turned on if that was even possible.

Hoseok: I'm not cuming until you do baby. Come o-fuck I'm really close. Y/N: Me too baby, fuck I'm gonna cum all over you-ooh-shit Hoseok-

You started clenching around him as you came, throwing him over the edge with you, your name continuously falling from his mouth.

Once you both came down from your highs he rolled to your side. You found him panting, staring at the ceiling, and you took the condom off of him, giving it a knot and putting it on the nightstand. You planted kisses all over his chest, climbing up to his neck and finally his mouth. He kissed you back, wrapping his arms around, one hand on your lower back and the other one on the back of your head. Once you broke the kiss, his eyes rested attentively on yours, a soft smile forming.

Hoseok: I love you. So fucking much. Y/N: I love you. Hoseok: I can't wait to do that again. Y/N: Ahahahah (he pouted). Me too though. Hoseok: I'm glad I did this with you. And I'm glad I did research. You looked insanely hot while I was eating you out huh. Y/N: Look who's getting all bold. You're not forgetting who got all fucked out first right?

[cowboy-lover69]

Ghostface Valentines day headcanons

(Minor NSFW ahead 18+ only)

(1,325 words)

Billy Loomis

--- Billy is not a fan of the holiday in general, but he can't just ignore it since he is dating and wants to do something for you.

--- Billy is not good with personalized gifts, unless you guys have been dating for a long time he is not really sure what to get you. Usually he will get you flowers and a stuffed animal or a piece of jewelry

--- Billy likes to take you on a date if he can. Usually it's a restaurant or maybe a surprise window visit to your house at night. Whatever it is on valentines day he likes you to be around you  and tries his best to at least spend a little bit of time with you.

--- on Valentine's Day he likes to surprise you with smaller things outside of his bigger gift and date, whether it's smaller gifts or buying you food among other things. He just likes just seeing your reaction.

Stu Macher 

--- stu LOVES valentines day, outside of him enjoying the romantic festivities and also gives him the excuse to have a grotesque amount of sex, I mean it’s not like he doesn't already but now he has an excuse. 

--- he likes to plan ahead when getting you gifts. He's not very good at gift giving so he will subtly ask you what you want or at least try to be subtle. If he does not know what to get you he will resort to a stuffed animal. 

--- he likes to take you to the amusement park on Valentine's Day because he thinks it's so much more fun than a normal date, and he likes to win you stuff.

--- stu doesn't really expect that much in return he does appreciate when you get him things though which you often do. Outside of the gifts you usually give him you and he often has sex later at night on the holiday, very special Valentine's Day sex. He will often break out the candles and make everything very fancy when you guys do have sex.

Mickey Alteri 

--- he's pretty neutral on the holiday but he loves you so he usually ends up doing stuff with you.

--- gift-wise he thinks he knows you pretty well, so he doesn't really ask what you want and just kind of wings it. He doesn't always land the gift. There have been a few mess-ups, but he has a higher chance to get something you like than not.

--- he doesn't go all out of dates a lot of the time he just comes over and you two hangouts. If he does do something outside of the house, you guys go to the theater or out somewhere fun like an arcade. 

--- he's very touchy in general when you guys are dating, but on valentines he's VERY touchy he's practically attached to you on the hip he's always touching you whether he is kissing you or holding you close.

Roman Briger

--- Roman really likes valentines day, he likes to use it to show off his wealth to you. He likes to feel admired by you.

--- he loves to spoil you on valentines day, he buys you lots of things basically anything you ask for he will buy for you. Even without you asking he buys you many things such as jewelry, stuffed animals, flowers etc.  

--- he likes to keep things more lowkey when you guys go out for a date on valentines day. Well his lowkey is going to the most fancy restaurant in town for a nice dinner. 

--- on valentines day he’s really big on romantic gestures. Like opening the door for you, kissing your hand and generally taking care of you since as much as he wants you to admire him. He also admires and loves you and he wants to show it.

--- sometimes after you guys go on your guy's date, he will book a hotel for a long-interrupted sex session. He would do it at his house, but he likes a spicier feeling of a hotel setting, even though he hates the beds.  

Jill Roberts 

--- she doesn't like valentine's day that much, she finds the holiday unnecessary since she's not the romantic type well she is just in more subtle ways. She doesnt go all out for the holiday but she's dating you so she decides to participate. 

--- she's very perceptive when it comes to gifting, she pays attention to every little thing you do and say so she's pretty good in the gift department. She never tells you you're getting a gift so she can surprise you, but it never works because you always see it coming, since she gets you a gift every valentines day, but you always act surprised because you know she likes it.

--- she likes dates but on valentines dates she likes to keep it lowkey since most places are very busy and she likes having alone time with you. You guys tend to end up watching a movie and hanging out on the couch. Sometimes she just suggests hanging out at home because she wants to sleep with you but she would never tell you that.

Charlie Walker

--- charlie likes valentines day since he likes a reason to hangout with more than he already does. 

--- charlie doesn't really get you anything for valentines day besides his love of course. He finds he is a little too broke to really get you anything he would like to get you. If he does get you anything it be small or a handmade gift like a card or flowers he picked etc.

--- date-wise Charlie likes to keep things low-key for Valentine's Day. He often invites you over to binge the stab movies and make out among other things of course but mostly that.

Amber Freeman

--- amber likes to do things for valentines day. She doesn't really like the holiday herself but she likes the opportunity to treat you to what she can provide.

--- amber near the beginning of your guys relationship around valentines day she would not know what to get you but she would try, at some point she stopped trying to get a good gift for you and started getting pretty stander gifts stuffed animals mostly, but sometimes she still does try and she doesn't always fail.

--- you guys don’t really do anything date-wise for valentines since both of you prefer staying at home and hanging out, maybe even inviting over a few friends to hangout as well as a sort of double date. 

Ethan Landry 

--- ethan really likes valentines day, but most of the time forgets about its existence until the day of even then sometimes he doesn't remember, until you remind him.

--- he always scrambles to get gifts for you if he doesn't remember to get you one ahead of time, which most of the time he doesn't. Most of the time he gives you something he already owns like a book he likes for some of his clothes.

--- date-wise he never really has anything planned most of the time you guys go to a movie if there's any good ones playing. If there isn't you guys go hangout at the arcade or at home. Since neither of you take the holiday too seriously.

Quinn Bailey

--- Quinn really likes Valentine's day, she loves the opportunity to hang out with you and treat you and likes seeing you happy.

--- Quinn doesn't really get you gifts specifically for the holiday besides maybe a card, she likes to buy you things when you guys go out on dates for the holiday.  

--- Quinn really likes to take you shopping for the holiday mostly at the mall and she likes to try her best and pay for what she can for you.

--- at the end of the day she takes you home and you two most likely have sex. She finds a good way to end Valentine's Day or at least for her a good way.

the masterlist

[glasses-drunk]

Actually while I have you here if you have any advice for learning the bass that's a thing I'm trying to do :]

well for starters the same general advice for any instrument also works for the bass. the most important would be practice as often as you feel comfortable and try to have fun. along with that you should try to listen to the kinds of songs you'd like to play and try to isolate the sound of the bass and really focus on what they're doing and how it affects the music.

I personally believe the bass is an instrument that exists to give music feeling, and in order to do that you need to be able to feel the music yourself. I like to really try to get into a groove when I practice/play, it helps keep things fun even when you're doing exercises that aren't very fun themselves.

and speaking of exercises, do finger exercises!!!!! how you play is heavily influenced by the genre you play but all kinds of bass playing requires finger strength and dexterity on at least your left hand. if you're not sure what kinds of exercises to do, you can look up some basic ones on youtube and try them out. I recommend what I call "fret ladders" (idk what they're actually called but I call them that cause you move your fingers along the frets, one finger per fret, up and down the fret board) they really help with loosening up your hand and helps strengthen and improve mobility in all your fingers, especially the two smaller fingers. I try to do exercises like that for about 5-10 minutes before playing, every session. you can do more and I would recommend doing more if you're just starting out.

Other than that, youtube tutorials (song specific ones) and "play along" type videos can help too but they arent for everyone.

I'm sure I missed something but that's about all I can think of at the moment :3

[anony-man]

Been looking forward to this one… thanks for requesting!

Chubformers drabble #53!

Character: Breakdown (& Knock Out - TFP)

Word count: 707

“Honey, I’m home~”

The cheesy earth greeting was met with silence as Knock Out swung the door to their home open and sauntered inside. The wide, cocky smile grew smaller and smaller as he scanned the living room, then the kitchen, then the hall for any sign of his conjux. As far as he could tell, Breakdown was nowhere to be found. And yet…

“Breakdown,” Knock Out called again in a sing-song voice as he headed for their berthroom. If his partner wasn’t to be seen in the kitchen, then maybe there. “Come on, where’s my big hunk at when I need him? I missed you today.”

The surgeon headed for their room and kicked the door open with as much bravado as he could muster. At the sight of an empty berth and folded sheets, Knock Out’s fading smile officially twisted into a displeased frown. He crossed his arms and glanced around the room, somehow still remaining unconvinced that Breakdown could have simply gotten up and walked off. It just wasn’t possible… at least, not anymore.

“If something’s going on here, it better not involve you,” he muttered under his breath, now marching through the halls with a lot less excitement and a lot more annoyance, “or else I swear to Primus, Breaky, you and I are going to have a word—“

In hindsight, it seemed a little ridiculous not to have checked the pantry in the first place. Aside from the collection of high quality bottles of engex Knock Out insisted they keep stored in the fridge, all of their fuel and snacks was always kept in the pantry. It wasn’t easy access, which made it perfect for Knock Out to keep feeding sessions in his own control…

…but horrible for when Breakdown was experiencing another bout of anxiety.

Shoving the door open was hardly an option, and Knock Out immediately discovered this after the hinges nearly snapped in swinging it back shut. The lights above and stock on the shelves was blocked by a massive wall of fat and rolls, and Knock Out was rewarded with a startled “oh!” for his efforts. After putting two and two together, Knock Out realized what was going on.

Breakdown, mere pounds away from becoming bedbound and far too far to make it out of their room on his own, had gotten himself stuck. Again.

“Oh, Breakdown,” Knock Out groaned, having managed to wedge the door open just wide enough to give Breakdown a disapproving shake of his helm. From where he stood trapped in the pantry, his chubby conjux could do little more than turn his helm just enough to catch the surgeon’s gaze, and he practically oozed shame and humiliation from his expression alone.

It was fine, Knock Out thought with a sigh. This was fine. They could fix it. And fix it they did, with plenty of shower solvent and expensive wax from Knock Out’s personal collection. Once they’d finally managed to wedge all of Breakdown’s blubbery rolls from the confines of their pantry, Knock Out led his panting, sweating partner over to their washracks for a much needed pampering.

“We’ve talked about this, Breakdown,” Knock Out said in between squeezing and rubbing the folds of Breakdown’s belly. The wrecker still refused to meet his optics, but Knock Out never relented in rubbing soothing circles into his rumbling middle. “You know I don’t mind helping you. I love it, in fact.”

“I know,” Breakdown said, struggling to fiddle with his fingers over the span of his belly. The nervous habit was one he frequently indulged in, but the increase in size made it rather difficult to reach. “I know. I just—well, I just—“

“Ah ah ah,” Knock Out said, a sudsy finger lifted to Breakdown’s chubby face. “I’ll have none of that from you tonight, mister. We can talk more *after*. Right now, you’re gonna let me do my thing… deal?”

Breakdown was silent, his optics soft with worry, his brow furrowed. He thought over the words for a moment, visibly mulling them over in his processor.

“You promise?” He asked, voice soft and small.

Just like when he had arrived, Knock Out’s grin was as wide as it could be. “Promise.”

[practically-an-x-man]

35 for Vivienne or Madison?

OOOOOH thank you!! I'm gonna go with Madison for this one, since she'd definitely be more affected by that.

35. Child Mistakes Them for a Monster

50 Superhero-Inspired Whump Prompts

____

A high, keening shriek made Madison's head snap up. She pinpointed the sound immediately: there, at the corner of the roof, with his back pressed to the air conditioning unit behind him. The little boy couldn't have been any older than seven, with dark skin and wide, frightened eyes. He reminded Madison of her sisters.

The boy was clutching a stuffed sea turtle, using its plush green shell as a shield as his attacker crept in. One slash of the feral mutant's claws, and soft white stuffing bled out from the toy and fell in drifts around them. The boy screamed again, this time even more plaintive than the first. Madison hoped, if nothing else, that swipe had been aimed to miss. Even in so many skirmishes, it was rare to find someone who would attack a defenseless child.

"Cover me." she hissed, hardly pausing to confirm if anyone had heard her before she darted away. Her camouflage fell around her after only a single step, her body vanishing into glints of light like mirror-shards.

Madison dove for her adversary, launching herself high onto their shoulders and throwing her weight backwards. It was a trick she'd learned from Raven, and had practiced on her teammates in countless sparring sessions. The feral toppled like a tree, and Madison jumped ship just before she could get crushed under their bulk.

She rolled backwards, biting down a spark of pain as her fins were pressed to her spine, then hopped to her feet with another lithe, swift motion. Her knives were in her hands in half a heartbeat, and she all but snarled as the feral took to their feet before her.

It was over with the first spray of blood. Much as a coyote could be diverted from its prey at the sign of a fight, it only took the first slash of her knives for the feral to realize this would not be an easy fight. It wasn't worth the effort, Madison figured, wasn't worth the pain. Even if the feral might have won- was likely to win, against Madison's smaller, weaker build - it was about the fight and not the victor.

With the battlefield cleared, or at least diverted, she allowed herself to take a breath. That could have much worse. Much worse. Madison sheathed her knives and allowed her posture to relax, then took a careful step towards the boy still cowering behind his tattered plushie.

"Hey, it's okay, I'm gonna get you out of here-"

"Get away!"

Madison froze in place. The boy was crying, his whole body trembling as he cringed away from her. He seemed to tuck himself into an even tighter ball, folding himself in against the underbelly of the air conditioning unit behind him. Madison swallowed hard, then slowly crouched until she matched his level. She took care not to move too fast- nothing that would startle him.

"I'm Madison," she said, with as soothing a voice as she could manage, "What's your name?"

The boy just shook his head and curled in on himself, his sobs reaching a fever pitch. Madison's heart clenched.

"What's your turtle's name?" she tried instead, "He's looking a little hurt right now, but my friend can stitch him up for you, okay? He'll be good as new."

She tried extending a hand to the boy, still keeping her motions slow and harmless. Even that much made him shriek, and he kicked away from her like a frightened animal. He clutched the toy to his chest like he thought she'd snatch it away from him.

He was scared. Of course he was scared. There was blood, and there were claws and teeth and sharp things, and even his poor plushie had fallen victim to the attack. He was right to be terrified, of her or anyone else.

"Hey, buddy, I'm not gonna hurt you." Madison continued, "I promise. Do you like puppies?"

That got a nod from him, at least. It wasn't much, but it was something. Madison whistled sharply, and Bravo bounded up to her side.

"This is Bravo." she said, placing a hand on Bravo's furry shoulder without moving from her spot, "He's very big, but he's also very friendly. He's as fluffy as your toy turtle, there. Do you want to meet him?"

Another nod, just barely.

"Okay," Madison said, "I'm going to send him over to you. He's big enough to carry you. You could ride him like a horse. Does that sound fun?"

One more nod. Three for three. The most progress she'd made so far. Animals always helped, she thought. It was a good thing she'd brought Bravo along. And a good thing he treated children like his own puppies.

"Bravo, go. Gentle." she murmured, and the wolfdog trotted over to the boy. Finally the child began to unwind from the tight ball he'd curled himself into, and Bravo ducked in to lick his face. Madison watched the scene, expecting another bout of tears or shrieks, but it seemed she'd finally made a bit of progress.

"Everything okay?" Raven's voice came from above her, and Madison's head snapped up.

"Poor thing's terrified. Won't move." she answered, "I'm hoping Bravo can help calm him down."

"Let me try," Raven said, in that firm Queen-of-the World voice of hers. Madison rolled her eyes.

"Give him a minute," she insisted, "I told you, he's fucking scared. This was probably the first fight he's ever seen. Probably hasn't even heard of mutants before."

"Don't have time." Raven insisted, "Fight's over, cops'll be here any minute. We need to get the kid out of here before they show up."

Without another word, Raven's form rippled from blue scales to pale skin, and she strode easily towards the boy. Madison bit her cheek, wincing in anticipation of new tears-

"Hey, kiddo. Let's get you out of here, alright?"

No tears. No screaming. The boy abandoned Bravo entirely and went scrambling for Raven, grabbing her tight in a hug and burying his face against her legs. And Raven led him away, heedless, taking his hand and walking him to the jet with no more fanfare than an aunt helping her nephew cross the street.

Something slick and cold and oily slithered through Madison's chest, and she slumped to the ground in defeat. Her eyes found her hands, her forearms: painted with rows of coral stripes, wide fins and barbed spines jutting sharply from her skin. They'd become so normal to her. Not human, not by any stretch of the imagination, but... normal. It was easy to forget how alien- how monstrous they could be to a child.

He wasn't afraid of the battle.

He was afraid of her.