#and mutual much-needed emotional release/support

[oncillabrigade]

Okay so here's my thing: I figured I would hop right into part 2 of my babby Tim fic after finishing part 1, and then a really fucked up Tim/Ra's idea jumped into my head and got me by the throat, and now I have mood whiplash from my own brain/writing?!

Also, a scene from my truly stupid, self-indulgent "Jason and Tim accidentally become bros immediately" fic sprung into my sleepy mind and then poured itself out of my fingers fully formed into a Google Doc.

So. I may be writing multiple longfics at the same time. Wish me luck?!

[yandere-sins]

Stuck in the Nightmare

I really had to think about this prompt because what nightmare could be made worse by a small change? And then I remembered my Obey Me! Phase and how unsettling Barbatos always was to me. And I realized what I had to do.

Fandom: Obey Me! Pairings: Yandere!Barbatos x Reader Warnings: Yandere, Minor Sexual Content (Consensual Groping and Fondling, Mentioning of Sex) Forced Captivity, Abuse of power, Magical Stockholm Syndrom, Mention of breaking a darling, Depiction of feeling sick Prompt: @sintember Horrifying concept, thank you - A small change in the world could be a nightmare.

»»———————— ♡ ————————««

"Good morning, Dear."

Your lips curled into a sleepy smile as you felt Barbatos' lips press against your forehead, a kiss so tender it made you long for more. "Morning," you sighed blissfully, prying an eye open to see your boyfriend in all the glory of the morning sunlight shining through the window.

Moving aside, you made room in the bed for him to climb in, and you wasted no time sinking into his open embrace like you did every morning. No words were needed to speak about the happiness and love you felt when you were wrapped in Barbatos's arms, his time so precious, yet he spent every free second of it with you. And you reciprocated his affection as best as you could, squeezing your demon boyfriend until he chuckled about your efforts while you slowly worked your kisses up his throat and to his mouth.

Life's been better since you got to know him. Since you fell in love. Even if you had to spend most of the day apart due to his work, you were never happier waiting for someone to return to you. Barbatos was worth every minute of boredom, every hour of loneliness. He gave back thrice as much as you lost, wondering when he'd be home that night. Thrice as much effort, thrice as much care, and thrice the amount of true, unashamed love and adoration he held for you that you could never expect from a mere human. Although strange, you were thankful for your boyfriend being a demon, never once worried about all the implications it bore.

"What day is it?" you yawned loudly before nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck. Barbatos brushed his hand over your hair, ever so slightly pressing you against him harder, showing you once again that he wanted you close to him just as much as you, him.

"Sunday, Love. Although it pains me, I'll be busy again today."

His embrace tightened around you a bit further, and it pained you to know how awful he felt about the fact he was too important to get even a single day off. Sometimes you cursed his employer, but Barbatos, gracious as he was, told you how much he cared about the prince you had heard so much about—good and bad. That he was grateful to be the right-hand man of such a great demon. You didn't really get it, but if it made him happy, you wanted to support him, no matter what. Even when it was the last day before you'd have to go back to work, too, and you'd rather spend it with him fully than to miss him like you had all weekend long.

Squeezing him back encouragingly, you nodded into his chest before releasing a long, content breath. "It's fine," you told him, rubbing his back as you felt the tension build in his body from your reply.

"I'm really sorry—”

"It's fine, Barbs. I know this is important to you, and I'm not running away. I'll stay inside today anyway since we're not in the human world, and I have this really good book I want to finish! And we can have dinner together or go star-gazing when you get home!

Immediately upon hearing your reassurance, Barbatos let out a shuddering breath. "I can't hide anything from you. Thank you for being so understanding."

"Of course!" Letting your head fall back, you caught his gaze, so full of tenderness and love, and felt your heart swell with the same wave of emotions. The kiss you shared was worth more than any confession and any thanks—mutual understanding, trust, a silent vow.

His hands brushed down your body, over the curve of your butt, giving it a squeeze that made you giggle against his lips. You gently scolded him for getting frisky with you before he had to leave. Barbatos couldn't help the playfulness in his voice as he promised, "I'll make it up to you and get your favorite food for you before I get to have a taste of my favorite thing in the world."

"Oh, you," you retorted, but the fake annoyance was quickly diminished by another kiss, your bodies heating up wherever they touched, making it harder and harder to get away while stoking the desire inside of you.

"I really got to go," Barbatos huffed against your lips, and you hesitated before pushing on his chest to separate you both.

"Then off with you, stop seducing me in broad daylight!"

He realized you were just joking around with him, yet, with another yearning glance, he briefly pecked your lips before tearing away, leaving an uncomfortable cold where he laid.

"I'll hurry," he assured you, and you smiled, sitting up in the bed. Truthfully, you already missed him, but you knew it was important to him, and so it was important to you.

"I know, don't worry about me."

"Thank you, Love."

With one last kiss to your forehead, Barbatos grabbed his coat on the way out, waving at you with an almost boyish grin. It was a side only you got to see, a side no one would expect from mysterious Barbatos. The real, vulnerable him, he could only show you. It made you feel special. You were special.

"I love you!" you yelled after him, and before he closed the door, he stuck his head through once more, beaming.

"I love you, too."

With that, he was gone, and you were alone in his home. Falling back into the cushions, you pulled the blanket and pillows around you, still faintly smelling Barbatos on them as they enveloped you in warmth.

Who would have thought you could love someone so much, especially someone not human? Sure, it sucked being stuck alone in the Devildom, but it would all be worth it when you got him all to yourself for the whole night again. A tingle went through your body, right to your core, where you still remembered the pleasure he had given you the night before. You could still recall the gentle, loving words he had whispered into your ear while, at the same time, making you see stars by probing and teasing the most sensitive spots on your body.

He wasn't just your boyfriend you doubted you deserved; Barbatos was also a lover beyond any imagination. Thrashing in the sheets, you couldn't believe your luck that someone like Barbatos loved you. That someone so amazing, wonderful, caring, and loving was yours. Because that's what he liked to call himself.

Yours.

All yours, with body and mind, for all eternity, devoted and reverently.

Your eyes filled up as the happiness overwhelmed you, the worries and agony of the past almost forgotten in the warm sunlight of the Devildom. Barbatos told you to stay indoors unless he was with you, and you couldn't wait for the day he'd take you outside and show you his city in all its beauty. Surely, with him by your side, nothing bad would happen to you, and you two would have the most exquisite experiences.

But that was a thing for another weekend.

Today would be a wonderful day of reading and waiting. Waiting for your Barbatos to return.

Slipping out of bed, you reached for the book on your nightstand, only for your fingers to hit the wood instead of the soft cover. "Strange..." you mumbled, vividly remembering putting the book right there on the nightstand. Or did you? Why did you remember reading in it before going to bed when it wasn't there?

Did you read it?

Looking over to the coffee table, you found your book sitting there. You suddenly remembered how you were reading on the couch the night before, then Barbatos coming home and taking you to bed after you had your favorite food.

"And I was reading on the couch because... it was Sunday. Huh?"

Didn't Barbatos say today was Sunday? You usually read your book in bed throughout the week, one chapter before bed being your credo. Taking the book over to the couch was something you only did on Sundays when you had no commitments and could fully concentrate on reading.

But why did you remember putting the book on your nightstand and reading it all day yesterday at the same time? That wasn't possible. Your own memories were betraying you!

"Ow!" a sudden, sharp pain rattled in your brain as you tried to make sense of your thoughts. It made you clutch your head as you collapsed on the bed, pulling in your legs as the pain began to overwhelm you. Something was wrong! You had to call Barbatos; call for help!

But you couldn't move as images flashed before your eyes, images of you laughing with your boyfriend, reading, having your favorite food. Again and again and again. The image of you putting the book on your nightstand was the most off-putting but real one you saw. You had no idea what was going on, but it hurt terribly. You couldn't even open your eyes from the pain, so all you could do was pray.

Barbatos's name was the last thing falling from your lips as you were knocked out by your own thoughts—your own memories. Memories of many days having passed by, all of them the exact same. And they haunted you, even in your dreams, with no chance of waking up without the man who loved you to shake you awake. Telling you everything was okay and it was just a bad dream.

Stuck in your own nightmares, never knowing you had been for a long, long time.

»»———————— ♡ ————————««

"The how-many-Sunday is it today?"

"I'm sorry?" Barbatos looked up from the teacup he was pouring, only to find Diavolo watching him from beyond the rim of the report he was holding. The prince's eyes were sharp, almost unamused in how they scrutinized his butler.

"You heard me." Lowering the paper, Diavolo made space for the tea to be served, which Barbatos did without hesitation. "This new exchange student project is based on trust with the other races. How can I explain why I let my butler keep his personal human toy in a constant time loop, locked up forever in my castle, while I preach about harmony and equality? And besides, don't you think they need some time in the real sun for once? I heard it's bad for humans to be cooped up for so long. Longer than possible with their physic, at least."

"Young Master, you are mistaken. The human is my partner, we love each other. Nothing as sinister as you are hinting at is happening."

"Then why repeat the same day over and over? Do you really think I wouldn't know what the constant thrumming of magic in the room I have given you on your request to 'educate the staff' is? I'd wager to say we've known each other long enough to know about each other's dirty secrets, Barbatos."

Standing before him, Barbatos maintained his perfect posture and pristine look, paired with a smile on his face, as he watched his master sip from the tea he had prepared. "Very well, my lord. You are not entirely mistaken, although I must say..."

Tapping his chin thoughtfully, Barbatos pretended to think about something before the smile returned to his lips. A smile said more than a thousand words, and although he only wanted you to see his, Barbatos had to keep up the front.

"If we are talking about preferential treatment, shouldn't you be the first one to give up on their highness, the consort that none of your subjects know about? I feel unfairly judged, considering my amusement loves and adores me, while yours plays the part but fears you. Don't you think we'd be better off keeping these two our own responsibility?"

Diavolo's glare was deafening as the room fell into silence. He'd expected the blowback, although his concern for Barbatos's darling was justified after his own experiences. Lowering the teacup, he sighed, giving a short nod of defeat. A wise ruler knew when to back down, and although the circumstances hadn't been ideal, his beloved was the reason he wanted to unite the races in the first place

"Very well, I won't nag you," Diavolo announced. "Just make sure they don't realize the time loop, or else you know the mess it will cause. We've been through this. Sometimes, it's better not to pretend the world is fine. If they truly love you as you say, they'll love you regardless, even when they realize that the love of a demon can be overwhelming."

"61685."

"Hm?"

"That's how many days they've loved me. I loved them. This time, I won't fail my duties, Young Master. At least, not how I have to you."

Barbatos bowed, as Diavolo couldn't help the sad smile flitting over his face, remembering the wonderful days when his darling had still adored him, never knowing they were stuck in a repeat.

"Then, be careful, Barbatos. One small mistake, and they'll realize nothing was ever real. You better not fail... for their sake."

Taking the advice of the experienced prince, Barbatos returned to his righteous posture, smiling as if the conversation had been petty small talk. The life of a demon was long—it was longer when they were alone. But now that he had you, he'd never have to suffer the same loneliness that had driven so many of his kin mad.

"I will, Young Master. Thank you for the advice."

He didn't pity Diavolo, who had long lost his heart to the most pitiful of creatures—a human who realized the true monstrosity beneath the prince's forced gentleness. But Barbatos wouldn't let it come to this a second time. Wouldn't make the same mistake Diavolo had, misplacing one item which managed to break the spell. He had been too careful, too precise this time.

He wouldn't lose you to such a small mistake, and even if he did...

He'd keep you forever, even if that meant breaking your soul into a thousand pieces until only his love could keep you together.

[pnutbutter-n-j-elyy]

𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝙺𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚈𝚘𝚞| Changbin|Hyunjin

~ X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X x X ~

Changbin’s relationship with you is one marked by intense passion and a deep emotional connection. His approach to love is as dynamic and driven as his approach to everything else in life. There is a powerful, almost magnetic pull between the two of you that can be felt in every interaction, from the way he looks at you to the way he holds you close. In your relationship, his passion manifests in the form of heated and fervent kisses that leave you breathless, much like the first kiss you shared at the gym. He isn’t shy about showing his affection, and his feelings for you are always evident in his touch, his words, and his actions. His hands, whether on your waist or gently tracing the contours of your body, convey a sense of possessiveness mixed with deep care and love. He thrives on the energy and intensity of your connection, often finding himself drawn to spontaneous displays of affection; his love always expressed in ways that leave a lasting impression. Despite his bold and sometimes overwhelming passion, Changbin is also deeply respectful and attentive to your needs and feelings. He listens carefully, always making sure that his actions align with your comfort levels. He has a knack for knowing when to push the boundaries of his affection and when to hold back, creating a balance that makes you feel cherished and valued. Your relationship is built on mutual support and encouragement. He sees you as his equal, someone who pushes him to be better and who he can rely on during challenging times. His compliments, like calling you beautiful even when you’re sweaty from a workout, are genuine and heartfelt, reflecting his deep appreciation for who you are inside and out. In essence, being with Changbin means being enveloped in a whirlwind of passionate, heartfelt moments that are always grounded in mutual respect and unwavering support. His love is intense and all-consuming, yet always considerate, creating a dynamic and fulfilling relationship that keeps you both constantly engaged and deeply connected.

The gym was quiet, with the evening drawing to a close and the last few patrons finishing up their workouts. You and Changbin had decided to stay quite a bit later, pushing each other through an intense session that left you both sweating and breathless.

There was something about the vibe of a late-night workout that invigorated you; so when you had officially started dating Changbin a week ago, you were slightly grateful that the only choice you had was late nights; lest you risk the chances of allowing people to see you and Changbin before JYPE released the news of your relationship.

The dim lights and the faint hum of the air conditioning created a serene, almost intimate atmosphere. The owner of the small gym waved at you as they locked up, telling Changbin the keys to lock the back door were in the same place as usual.

You guys tended to stretch together and do a few different things side by side, go off on your own, and then come back together to cool down.

You were seated on a bench, taking a break and sipping water while waiting as Changbin finished his final set. His determination and focus were admirable, and you couldn’t help but feel a surge of affection as you watched him. Despite the intensity of the workout, there was something undeniably attractive about his dedication and the way he carried himself.

In the gym, in his career, and in his newfound relationship with you.

Changbin wiped the sweat from his brow and walked over to you, his breathing heavy but a satisfied smile on his face. "You did great today," he said, dropping onto the bench beside you. "Proud of you." He grabbed the bottle from you hand and you watched his throat work as he drank back the half you had saved for him.

You smiled back, feeling a warm rush of pride at his words. "Thanks, Bin. Although, you're the expert here."

He chuckled, reaching for his water bottle. "You always push me to do better. I appreciate that." He grabbed a towel and used it to pat his head and neck, beads of sweat dripping down towards his naked collarbone. You couldn't help but be fascinated by it; something drew you to the sight, like when you were a kid and used to race water droplets on the car window.

As you both caught your breath, a comfortable silence settled between you. The gym felt like a private sanctuary, just the two of you sharing a moment of camaraderie and mutual respect. You glanced at Changbin, noticing the way his eyes seemed to linger on you, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Do I have something on my face?" you asked playfully, wiping at your cheek. You were sweaty, the heel of your hand coming back slick.

Changbin laughed, shaking his head. "No, you’re just… really beautiful right now." He laughed once more and hid his face by looking down and shaking his head slightly.

Beautiful?

His words caught you off guard, and you felt a blush creeping up your cheeks. Before you could respond, Changbin looked up and leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto yours.

There was an intensity in his gaze, a mix of admiration and something deeper, something you couldn’t quite place.

"Can I…" he started, his voice trailing off as he hesitated. But instead of finishing his sentence, he moved with sudden determination.

His lips met yours in a kiss that was passionate and heated, a burst of emotion that took away the breath you had just gained.

The kiss was electric, a surge of intensity that matched the energy of your workout.

He tasted salty; his lips coated in sweat and a slight citrusy tang from the electrolyte packet you had snuck in your water.

His hands found their way to your waist, pulling you closer as he deepened the kiss. It was a bit messy, with your sweaty faces and the heat of the moment, but it was perfect in its raw, unfiltered passion.

As your lips moved together, you could feel the depth and complexity of Changbin’s feelings, the way he poured his heart into every touch and caress.

You could feel it. Changbin putting in 110%, just like he did with everything else.

A moment later, he pulled back slightly, his breathing ragged as he looked at you with a mix of desire and affection. "I had to hold back during the workout," he admitted, his voice low and husky.

You smiled, your heart racing. "Next time don't; it's not like there is anyone else here."

He grinned, his eyes shining with happiness. "Good, because I don’t plan on it next time."

Before you could respond, he leaned in again, capturing your lips in another kiss, this one slower and more deliberate. His hands roamed your back, tracing the contours of your body with a gentle but firm touch.

You could feel the sweat on your skin mingling with his, adding to the intensity of the moment. Subconsciously having the urge to shower, but realizing you'd do this over and over again even if that meant taking 100 showers.

You realized that kissing Changbin was something special. His kisses were kisses that spoke volumes, conveying everything he felt for you without needing to say a single thing.

It was something you would get addicted to easily, if not already.

Eventually, you both pulled back, breathless and smiling. Changbin’s forehead rested against yours, his eyes closed as he savored the closeness.

"I guess our workout just got a whole lot more interesting," you said, laughing softly.

Changbin chuckled, his eyes opening to meet yours. "Yeah, and I think we just found a new way to cool down."

"Bin...feel my pulse I'm pretty sure it's a warmup."

"Mm...but if we make it a warm up and a cool down then that means we can kiss twice every workout." He holds his index and middle finger up as a visual.

You let out a breath. "Binnie...I don't think we'll get any workouts done at this rate."

He hummed in thought. "I disagree. It'll be motivation...and if not motivation I'm sure there are other things we can make our new workout-"

You threw your towel at your boyfriend as you stood up with an exasperated sigh.

"Ahhh, it was a joke Jagiiiiiyyyaaaaa." He whined.

You couldn't help but smile as you walked towards the locker room to grab your stuff, Changbin jumping up to follow you.

"Bunny, it was a joke." He whined, thinking you were actually mad at him.

You turned and kissed him again, something short and soft and sweet.

His confident demeanor quickly changed, his face red and the witty response he had quickly turning into gibberish.

"Warm-up, cool down, and maybe a mid-workout incentive okay?" You said winking.

All he could do was nod as he went to go grab his keys.

(xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)

Hyunjin's love is akin to an intricate piece of art, filled with layers of emotion, careful brushstrokes, and vivid, unforgettable moments. His approach to relationships mirrors his artistic sensibilities: he seeks depth, beauty, and a connection that transcends the ordinary. His love is expressive, passionate, and sometimes a bit dramatic, but always deeply heartfelt. With Hyunjin, every moment is carefully crafted, as if he is painting a masterpiece. He puts thought and effort into every detail, whether it's planning a date or expressing his feelings. His affection is intense and often poetic, with gestures that might seem grandiose to others but are deeply meaningful to him. He sees the world through a lens of beauty and emotion, and he wants to share that vision with you. His love is a canvas where every kiss, touch, and words add color and texture, creating a unique portrait of your relationship. He desires a connection that is not just felt but seen and experienced in every sense. But art isn't always as perfectly executed as the artist expects it to be. Sometimes they paint outside the lines, muddling their work. But trust in the end that everything will come together beautifully.

The day had been perfect - almost too perfect.

You and Hyunjin had spent the afternoon wandering through art galleries, admiring the paintings and sculptures that filled the rooms with color and life.

You had held his hand as you strolled past countless masterpieces.

Art had never been your forte per say, but ever since you had started a relationship with Hyunjin, you couldn't help but develop a love for the area of life your boyfriend had found so much joy and peace in.

To say Hyunjin had been in his element would have been an understatement; it physically hurt your heart because how much admiration and love filled it as you watched him, his eyes lighting up as he explained the finer points of different pieces, his passion for art shining through every word.

Your loved for him had come in like a thief, unexpected and quiet- but instantly recognizable when in sight.

You had never been in love like this before. Two weeks, but you were already assured that Hyunjin was your forever.

And Hyunjin thought the same unbeknownst to you, and was freaking out all day due to his plans to have his first kiss with you.

You found yourselves in his apartment, surrounded by his own works of art. The walls were lined with canvases, each one telling its own story.

Hyunjin's art had been something that you loved, and once you had the courage to ask him for one piece, the urge he had to give you every piece he made had never left him. To the point that you had filled up almost an entire wall in your small office space the last two weeks you had been together.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of warm lighting, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere that made everything feel even more surreal.

He had some cozy candle burning, and even though it was the middle of Summer, it felt like winter to you.

It only made you want to snuggle up and drink coco with him.

You smiled at the thought of what your guy's first Christmas would be like.

As Hyunjin was mulling over the thought of your first kiss.

He had been thinking about this moment for weeks. The idea of your first kiss had played over and over in his mind, each version more elaborate than the last. He wanted it to be perfect- no, more than perfect. He wanted it to be unforgettable, a moment that would make your heart race and your breath catch in your throat.

As you stood in front of one of his paintings, admiring the delicate brushstrokes and the way the colors seemed to dance together, Hyunjin found himself unable to focus on anything other than you. His mind was racing, filled with thoughts of how to make this moment everything you deserved. Should he lean in slowly? Should he say something poetic before he kissed you? Should he just go for it and hope for the best?

Since when was kissing someone hard?

He approached you quietly, his heart pounding in his chest. He was slightly taller than you, so his head was above yours. His palms felt a little sweaty, and he quickly wiped them on his jeans, not wanting to make things more awkward than they needed to be.

He placed his chin on the top of your head. "You know," he began, his voice soft and a little nervous, "I’ve always thought that art is the purest way to express what words can’t."

His words vibrated against your head and it was slightly ticklish. His arms weren't even around you but you felt engulfed by him, as if he had pulled you flush to his chest in a hug.

You turned to look at him, your eyes meeting his. There was something in your gaze that made his stomach flip - a mix of curiosity, affection, and something else he couldn’t quite place.

"I can see that," your voice was light, sweet. As sweet as Hyunjin imagined your lips would be. You offered him a smile that made his heart palpitate once more. "Your work is amazing, Hyunjin. I think...it helps me understand you more. Know you more. And that's all I want to do."

His lips upturned at your words, but his smile felt shaky. He was trying to stay calm, trying to play it cool, but inside, he was a mess of nerves.

He wanted to kiss you so badly, to make this moment as perfect as he had imagined, but the fear of messing it up was gnawing at him.

Just do it. Hwang Hyunjin just do it.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "There’s… something I’ve been thinking about," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. His heart was racing now, each beat echoing in his ears. "I’ve been wanting to…"

You had turned back to look out the window after something had caught you eye, but when he spoke you turned back to him again.

Although that wasn't the best move because-

Before he could finish his sentence, he found himself leaning in, almost on autopilot. His mind was screaming at him to be careful, to make this moment perfect, but his body had already decided that now was the time.

He was aiming for his lips to brush against yours in a tentative kiss, slow and sultry, the kind he had always imagined would leave you breathless.

For a split second, he believed everything was perfect. Your lips were going to be soft, warm, and the kiss would feel like something out of a dream.

But in his eagerness, Hyunjin moved too quickly, his trajectory straight towards your lips and his mouth a bit too open for a kiss. That paired with you turning to him rather quickly your forehead smacked into Hyunjin's nose with a loud crack and his teeth clashed against your lips awkwardly.

The sound of it the impact felt almost deafening in the quiet room, and you both immediately pulled back, mortified.

Your eyes widened as you immediately rushed to see if you had broken Hyunjin's nose- as a small smudge of blood was on his face.

"Oh my word, Hyunjin I'm so sorry! Did I break your nose?" You were stuck between rubbing your head, or placing your hand over Hyunjin's- which was holding his nose gingerly.

His face turned bright red as he stared at you, his mind racing with thoughts of how badly he had just messed up what was supposed to be the perfect first kiss. "Oh my god," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. He squeezed his eyes shut and groaned in embarrassment. "That was… I didn’t mean for that to happen. I’m so sorry."

What an entirely royal fuck up that was.

"Is your nose okay? I didn't realize you were so near my face."

"I was trying to kiss you." His voice was laced with shame and guilt. And heavily seasoned with embarrassment. "And my nose his fine." He opened his eyes and they zoned in on your lips. "The blood is coming from your lip. Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"

"I'm okay, it's just a nick." You said licking the small bead of blood off your lip. Hyunjin groaned again, his face still warm.

You couldn’t help but laugh, the awkwardness of the moment breaking the tension. The sound of your laughter was like music to Hyunjin’s ears, and even though he was still dying of embarrassment, he was happy that you weren't upset. "It’s okay," you reassured him, your eyes crinkling with amusement. "Really, it’s fine. It was still perfect."

He let out a shaky laugh, still feeling the sting of his mistake. "I don’t know about perfect," he muttered, but there was a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I wanted it to be like… you know, one of those movie moments, but I guess I’m not as smooth as I thought. I mean I didn't even like... kiss you."

You reached out, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him down to your level. "Well, I can assure you I did in fact feel your lips on mine for like .02 seconds. They were warm and taste like mint." Hyunjin instinctively licked his lips - as if to confirm the taste of the chapstick he had put on while you weren't looking earlier.

Mint.

"And It was perfect because it was real," you said softly, your voice filled with warmth, as you pulled your boyfriend even close to you. "We don’t need a movie moment. This is our moment."

Hyunjin felt his heart swell at your words, the embarrassment starting to fade away. He looked into your eyes, feeling that same intense connection that had drawn him to you in the first place. "Can we… try that again?" he asked, his voice still a little uncertain, but there was determination in his eyes.

You nodded, and this time, Hyunjin took a moment to steady himself. He moved closer, his hands gently cupping your face as he leaned in again. The kiss was slower this time, more controlled, but it was still filled with the same depth of emotion he had intended to convey earlier. His lips moved against yours with a newfound confidence, the previous mishap only adding to the sweetness of the moment.

And the taste of your lips as well. He was right. They were as sweet as your voice. Possibly the sweetest thing he had ever tasted.

As the kiss deepened, Hyunjin felt like the world around him had melted away. It was just the two of you now, wrapped up in each other, and the connection between you was undeniable. His hands slid down to your waist, pulling you closer as he poured everything he felt into the kiss.

But even in this perfect moment, Hyunjin’s artistic mind couldn’t help but notice the little details—the way your lips tasted faintly of the snack you’d been eating earlier - possibly contributing to the sweet taste - the soft sound of your breath mingling with his, the way your fingers tightened in his hair.

Keep it long Hwang. He told himself.

It was these tiny, imperfect details that made the moment feel so incredibly real and raw, like a painting that had come to life.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were a little breathless, your foreheads resting against each other’s. Hyunjin smiled, a genuine, heartfelt expression that lit up his face. "Okay," he whispered, still a little out of breath. "Maybe that wasn’t perfect in the traditional sense, but… I think I like it better this way."

You smiled back, your eyes shining with affection. "Me too," you whispered.

@abovenyx @wolfs-archive @oddracha @iyeeeverydee @parisanmorovati @seungmincenteric

@panbish-1209 @fxiry-vtt @sseawavee

@shuporanporang @amarecerasus @softkisshyunjin

@whoa-jo @meanergreener @rikibun

@ayyonoona @shinywombatcrusade @y4yayael

@skzstan12345 @mariteez @allys-reads

@jazziwritesthings @skzstannie @yongbokkiesworld

@kkkeopi @neverendingstay @moony-9

@minsungsthirdwheel @everlastingspring143

@joyofbebbanburg

@leezanetheofficial

[soolh1k]

hi, could you write skz accidentally making you cry?

Skz accidentally making you cry

notes: english is not my first language so apologies for any misspelling or grammar. i hope u like it !! :)))

type: narrated text

genre: angst w fluff

WARNINGS: swearing, a little bit angsty but some fluff at the end, let me know if you'd like to be tagged !! :))

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Bang Christopher

You're at home, eagerly waiting for your boyfriend to return from work. It's been an exhausting day for both of you, but you know you need his support and company to alleviate the built-up stress. Finally, you hear the door open, and your boyfriend enters the room, visibly tired and worried.

You approach him with a smile and give him a warm hug. However, as you embrace him, you can sense the tension in his body. You look at him with concern and ask how his day has been. Your boyfriend lets out a heavy sigh and simply glares at you annoyed. With that look, you knew that things hadn't gone well for him at work.

You understand work-related stress perfectly and try to encourage him, telling him that he's doing a great job and that everything will work out. As you try to uplift him, your boyfriend vents his frustrations, and unintentionally, his tone of voice becomes harsher than usual. The words that come out of his mouth are those of someone frustrated and exhausted, catching you off guard.

"I'm so tired, you know? I'd rather you give me some space, please."

"I know, Chris, but you can always talk to me when you feel like this. That's why I'm here."

"I already know that, but I don't want you around. Your presence annoys me. I just want to be alone, okay? Why do you always make things so difficult? It's like you never understand me, woman. Just go away. I don't want to see you."

"Chris, do you hear yourself? You're being very rude. I understand that you're stressed, but that doesn't give you the right to speak to me like that."

"Just shut up, my god. Your voice is so annoying. If you don't like how I'm acting, why don't you just leave? I told you I want to be alone. Do you not have a brain to comprehend that? Please, go away."

The words deeply impact your sensitivity, and you feel hurt. Sadness clouds your face, and tears start welling up in your eyes. You try to remain calm, but the combination of your boyfriend's stress and the emotional intensity accumulated throughout the day becomes overwhelming.

Realizing that he has hurt your feelings, your boyfriend abruptly stops and looks at you with remorse. His eyes fill with concern and guilt as he sees your tears. Immediately, he sincerely apologizes and embraces you tightly, trying to console you and explaining that he never intended to hurt you in any way.

"Forgive me, my god, I'm an idiot," tears start streaming down his eyes too.

"I didn't mean to talk to you like that. You know stress consumes me, and I know it doesn't give me the freedom to speak to you in that manner. I want you to know that I don't think those things about you. I would never think them, and I don't know why I said them, but please believe me. I love you too much to let my stupid actions ruin us. Please forgive me and try to understand me even though I may seem very selfish. I'm sorry."

As the sincere apologies flow from your boyfriend's lips, you understand that his behavior was unintentional. You know that he's also going through a difficult time, and work stress can sometimes affect his mood beyond his control. You release another sob, but this time, they are tears of relief as you feel his love and genuine remorse.

Your boyfriend continues to hold you in his embrace and assures you that he will always value and care for your feelings. He promises to work on managing his stress better and avoid venting on you in

a way that hurts you. Together, you decide to seek healthier ways to deal with individual and collective stress, such as open communication and mutual support.

This incident strengthens your relationship as you learn to overcome obstacles together and stay connected even in challenging times. Although your tears were a result of momentary pain, both of you understand that it's an opportunity to grow and strengthen your love.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Lee Minho

You're having a fun time with your boyfriend at home. You've been joking and teasing each other for a while, creating an atmosphere of joy and laughter. Both of you enjoy this dynamic and feel comfortable with each other.

In the midst of the fun, your boyfriend decides to play a prank that turns out to be heavier than you expected. He starts making sarcastic comments and teasing about something that you know makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. At first, you think it's just part of the game and try to laugh along with him.

However, as he continues with his jokes, you start feeling more and more vulnerable and emotionally affected. The words he uses no longer seem funny, but hurtful. You can tell that your boyfriend doesn't realize how his words are affecting you and carries on with the prank, thinking everything is fine.

The combination of excessive teasing and your own sensitivity causes tears to well up in your eyes. You try to hold them back, but it's hard to ignore the pain that's building up inside you. Your face reflects a mix of sadness and confusion, as you didn't expect the situation to escalate to this point.

Your boyfriend, noticing your reaction and realizing he has gone too far, immediately stops. His expression changes to one of surprise and remorse as he sees your tears. He realizes that he has unintentionally hurt your feelings and quickly apologizes sincerely.

"Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize I was hurting you. I just wanted to play a playful prank, but now I see I crossed the line. Please forgive me," he says with a mix of concern and remorse in his voice. You didn't know what to feel because it's clear that you're not very open about sharing your insecurities with your boyfriend, which caused this unfortunate situation.

It's difficult for you to speak due to the emotions, but you nod your head, letting him know that you understand it was a mistake and that you accept his apology. He quickly comes closer and embraces you tenderly, trying to comfort you.

As he holds you, you allow him to console you and also express how you felt. You explain that although you enjoy having fun together, there are certain topics or boundaries that should not be crossed. Both of you commit to better communication and maintaining a healthy playful environment in the future.

"I'm really sorry, bunny, it wasn't my intention to make you feel this way."

"It wasn't entirely your fault, babe. I don't talk to you much about my insecurities, but from now on, I'll make sure to share my fears and everything that entails."

"We're both going to improve, I promise, bunny."

He promises to be more aware of your boundaries in the future and make sure that the pranks stay at a comfortable level for both of you. He acknowledges that, although the intention was to play, he didn't properly consider your feelings at that moment.

As the emotions calm down, you both use this experience as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship. You learn the importance of respecting each other's emotional boundaries and how to take care of each other.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Seo Changbin

You're at home with your boyfriend, enjoying a relaxed afternoon together. Suddenly, as you pass by the room's doorway, you overhear your boyfriend speaking negatively to someone. Curiosity and concern flood your mind, and you decide to stay silent and listen a little longer.

As you listen, tears well up in your eyes. The words you hear are hurtful and seem to be directed at you. Your heart shatters as you try to process what you've just heard. Without uttering a word, you distance yourself and lock yourself in another room, trying to cope with the overwhelming rush of emotions.

"God, she's so damn annoying. Can't you understand how much her attitude irritates me? Acting all flirtatious, like she's the best person on earth. Someone needs to open her eyes, please. It even embarrasses me to see her," your boyfriend commented over the phone.

"No, of course not. I never want to see her again in my life. Seriously, I hope she realizes the situation and gets that I'm not interested. Well, hopefully things will get better. Talk to you later, Hyun," he ended the call, and you rushed out of the room.

After a while, your boyfriend realizes your reaction and frantically starts searching for an explanation. He looks for you throughout the house and finally finds you sitting in a corner, tears streaming down your cheeks. His face reflects anguish and confusion, not understanding what has happened.

"What happened? Why are you crying?" he asks, his voice trembling, cautiously approaching you.

Looking him directly in the eyes, you share your hurt feelings and tell him what you overheard. You explain how betrayed and hurt you felt, believing he was speaking ill of you. Your voice trembles as you struggle to hold back tears.

Visibly shocked, your boyfriend takes your hands in his and tries to calm you down. He begs you to give him a chance to explain and assures you that he wasn't talking about you. With a sigh, he tells you that he was talking about a girl he recently met, who doesn't seem to understand that he's not interested in her. His words were taken out of context, and he understands how they could have been misunderstood.

"Love, I wasn't talking about you. I'm sorry if you thought that. I would never speak about you like that, and I didn't even want to speak that way about her. But honestly, I've been so bothered by her flirting with me and she had me fed up. I was just telling Hyunjin what was happening because he noticed I started going to the gym earlier than usual. I wanted to avoid her. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to hurt you."

As you listen to his explanation and see the honesty in his eyes, your tears begin to fade away. Slowly, you start to comprehend that it was a misunderstanding, and your boyfriend never intended to hurt you.

"I'm really sorry, sweetheart. I didn't want you to feel this way. I wasn't talking about you, but about that girl. I made a mistake by not clarifying it, and I understand why you felt hurt. I promise I'll be more careful with my words in the future," he says sincerely.

As your boyfriend's words reach your heart, the tears give way to a sense of relief. You know that he cares about you and genuinely regrets the situation. He embraces you gently, seeking to console you and reaffirm his love.

You decide to forgive him, knowing that we all make mistakes, and he has acknowledged his own. Together, you commit to strengthening your communication and promise to openly and honestly discuss any concerns or misunderstandings that may arise in the future.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Hwang Hyunjin

You're having a fun night with your group of friends, laughing and having a great time. Your boyfriend is also there, but as the night progresses, you start noticing a change in his attitude. He becomes distant and increasingly jealous.

At one point, your boyfriend approaches you and starts making baseless accusations. His words are aggressive and filled with unfounded jealousy. You try to calm the situation and explain that there's nothing to worry about, that you're just enjoying the company of your friends.

"What was that?"

"What are you talking about? I don't understand, babe."

"You saw how your little friend was looking at you? It's obvious he likes you, bella."

"What are you talking about? Don't be ridiculous. We're just friends, love."

"I'm not being ridiculous. I'm telling you he likes you. The way he looks at you is the same way I look at you, with love and desire. I won't let this go unnoticed. Let's go, please."

"Are you jealous, love? You know I only like you. I love only you, babe. Please trust that nothing will happen."

"For once, listen to me, bella. Let's go, damn it. I want to go home now. I'm tired of you and them." You were shocked and couldn't respond, so Hyunjin took it as a "I don't want to leave."

However, he persists in his accusations, raising his voice and demanding unnecessary explanations. You feel cornered and attacked, not understanding why he has taken this aggressive stance. You try to stay calm, but his hurtful words start to affect you emotionally.

"I'm tired of it. Do whatever you want, go kiss him if you want. I don't care anymore."

"What are you talking about? Of course not, Hyunjin, please understand."

"Forget it. I'm tired of seeing you not believing me. Come back before it gets darker. I'm going home. Enjoy your night, I guess."

Tears begin to fill your eyes as you try to hold them back. You can't understand how such a fun night took such a drastic and painful turn. Your boyfriend, noticing your reaction and realizing he has gone too far, stops immediately. His expression changes from anger to surprise and remorse as he sees your tears.

"Oh, bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry," he says with a trembling voice, approaching you with a gesture of repentance. "I was jealous, and I let my insecurities get the best of me. But understand that I only want to protect you and that you mean so much to me. I didn't want to hurt you. It's just that he's so handsome, and I'm afraid you'll leave me for someone better. You're what I value the most, and you're the only thing that keeps me alive. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Despite the pain you feel, you understand that his jealousy stems from a place of love and concern for you. However, you also let him know that the way he has treated you has been unfair and hurtful. You express your feelings honestly, explaining how his words have deeply hurt you and made you feel misunderstood.

"It's not fair what you did, Hyun."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, I know you love me and want the best for me. It's okay, but next time you feel like this, tell me, and we'll work it out together, cutie." He simply nodded his head.

Your boyfriend, visibly affected by your words, apologizes once again and hugs you tenderly. He assures you that he will work on his

jealousy and communicate in a healthier way. He acknowledges that his actions have been unfair and that he needs to learn to trust you and the strength of your relationship.

Together, you decide to take some time to discuss your concerns and fears, setting boundaries and committing to supporting each other. You learn that open and honest communication is essential to overcome jealousy and build a stronger, healthier relationship.

As emotions calm down, you realize that although this incident made you cry, it has also allowed you both to grow and understand each other better. You feel comforted by the fact that your boyfriend has recognized his mistakes and is willing to work on them.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Han Jisung

You're at home, enjoying a chill moment when you receive a text on your phone. It's your boyfriend, telling you he's written a song for you and wants to share it. You feel excited and eager to listen to it since you know he's really talented in music.

You open the audio file and a beautiful melody starts playing. As you listen to the lyrics, tears fill your eyes. The song's words express all the love and admiration your boyfriend feels for you. It's a touching declaration that hits you right in the heart.

Overwhelming emotion and happiness wash over you. You're so thrilled to have someone who values and loves you like this. Tears of joy start streaming down your cheeks as you keep listening to the song over and over again. Your emotions are so intense that you can't help but cry tears of happiness.

Your boyfriend, eagerly waiting for your reaction, realizes he's made you cry. He quickly approaches you, concerned and confused.

"Doll face, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asks softly, wrapping his arms around you.

"Don't you like it? Should I change something? Is the lyrics weird? Give me a few hours and I'll make another song for you, love. Give me another chance."

With a smile through your tears, you try to explain how happy his song makes you and how deeply it touches your heart. You sincerely thank him for his sweet gesture and assure him that these are tears of happiness.

"I'm the luckiest person in the world, Hannie. I don't deserve you, really. You're an amazing guy, and I love you so much. Thank you for always being by my side and making me so happy. If I could give you the world, I would. Please never leave me. I love you."

"Oh, love, I didn't mean to make you cry. I just wanted to express how I feel about you through music," he says tenderly, wiping away your tears with his thumbs. "I'm so glad you liked the song and that it made you happy. You're the most important person to me, and I want you to know how much I love you."

As he comforts you and holds you close, you feel overwhelmed with love for him. You realize how lucky you are to have someone who understands you so well and strives to make you happy. Although his intentions were pure, and the song was beautiful, tears flowed due to the intensity of your emotions.

Together, you celebrate this special moment and promise each other to continue sharing and expressing your love in ways that bring happiness and a sense of being cherished. It serves as a reminder of the depth of your bond and the beauty of your relationship.

This incident teaches you the power of music to convey emotions and the strength of love to touch someone's heart. From now on, that song becomes something very special for both of you, reminding you of the love and happiness you share.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Lee Felix

You're hanging out with your boyfriend at home, laughing and chatting. But suddenly, you notice a change in his behavior. He seems irritated and distant, and his expression shows that something's not right.

You try to figure out what's going on, but he responds curtly and avoids having a conversation. You try to approach him and ask if everything's okay, but he just tells you he has a headache and needs some quiet time.

"Damn it, I have a headache, can you just be quiet? I don't feel good," he snaps. "Do you want me to bring you tea? Or a painkiller? Should I take you to get checked out? You should lie down for a while."

"What don't you understand!? Just shut up, can't you keep that pretty mouth of yours shut for a second, oh my God, are you a parrot? Stop with the nonsense, now leave me alone, go away," Felix seemed to get a bit worked up, even raising his voice at you.

You feel confused and worried because you don't know what caused his irritation. You try to give him space and time to recover, but you can't help but feel hurt by his distant attitude.

In the meantime, you continue doing your own activities, trying to distract yourself and give him the space he needs. But deep down, it hurts that he silenced you and didn't share with you what was bothering him.

After a while, your boyfriend returns to the room where you are. He comes close to you, looking remorseful.

"I'm sorry for being distant and yelling at you like that. I shouldn't have acted that way, I'm sorry," he says softly, with his eyes lowered. "I had a really bad headache, and I was irritated, but that's no excuse to treat you like that. I didn't mean to make you cry, babe, I'm really sorry."

Tears start filling your eyes as you listen to his sincere apologies. Although it hurts that he was irritated and ignored you, you understand that he also has difficult moments that can affect his behavior.

"I don't want you to apologize for feeling bad, but it hurt that you ignored me and silenced me," you respond with a trembling voice. "I understand you had a headache, but I would have liked it if you had told me. I want to be there for you, even in tough times."

Your boyfriend nods, genuinely remorseful for his behavior. He takes your hands and looks into your eyes.

"You're right, I shouldn't have shut you out like that. I appreciate your support and your willingness to stand by me even when I'm going through tough times," he says sincerely. "I promise to work on communicating better with you and not pushing you away when I feel bad. You're important to me, and you should never feel silenced, let alone threatened by me. God, I was such a big idiot, I'm sorry."

Even though tears continue to flow, you feel a sense of relief hearing his commitment to improving communication and valuing you more in difficult situations. Together, you decide to take some time to openly and honestly talk about your emotions and needs, thereby strengthening your relationship.

As the days go by, you see how your boyfriend keeps his promise and makes an effort to be more aware of his actions and words when he's irritated or going through a tough time. Both of you learn to support each other and communicate effectively, overcoming any obstacles that may arise.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Kim Seungmin

You're excited to go out with your boyfriend and decide to wear a special outfit. You make an effort to look good and feel confident in your clothing choice. When you meet up with your boyfriend, he looks you up and down and starts laughing.

"Wow, is that what you're wearing?" he says, laughing. "I think someone went a little overboard with fashion today."

"Damn, I thought I was the one with bad fashion sense, apparently not."

"Stop joking, Seung, you can't handle how cute I look."

"I'm not joking, are you seriously going to wear that today? I don't want anyone to see me with you if you wear that."

At first, you think he's just joking and you join in the laughter. But as seconds pass, you realize that his comments could be hurtful. Tears start welling up in your eyes as you struggle to hide your hurt feelings.

Your boyfriend notices your reaction and realizes that his jokes were inappropriate. He quickly approaches you with an apologetic expression on his face.

"Oh, blossom, I'm so sorry," he says apologetically. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I was just joking. I know you've put effort into looking good and you look beautiful, seriously."

Tears start falling down your cheeks as you try to explain how his comments affected you. You express how important it is for you to feel appreciated and supported by him, even in seemingly insignificant situations.

"I understand it was a joke, but I felt really bad," you say with a trembling voice. "I put effort into choosing my outfit and I wanted to feel good with you. I need you to support me and make me feel valued, even in small things like how I dress."

Your boyfriend sincerely apologizes and embraces you tenderly. He understands how much he has hurt you and is determined to make it right.

"I'm sorry for making you feel this way. I shouldn't have mocked you like that. I just wanted to joke around, you know how silly I can get with my jokes. It wasn't my intention to make you cry, blossom. You're honestly the most beautiful person my eyes have ever seen. Don't let the comments I made affect you. You're even more gorgeous every day," he says softly. "You're beautiful and precious to me, and I never want to make you feel bad. I appreciate your effort, and I promise to be more aware of your feelings in the future."

As he comforts you and apologizes, you feel a sense of relief in your heart. You appreciate his willingness to learn from his mistakes and improve the way he communicates with you.

Both of you take a moment to openly and honestly discuss how you want your relationship to be, based on mutual respect and acceptance. You agree to be more sensitive and considerate with your words and jokes to avoid unnecessary hurt.

Over time, you see your boyfriend keeping his promise and showing greater care and support in all aspects of the relationship. You learn to communicate more effectively, accept differences, and value each other.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

დ Yang Jeongin

You're having a chill night at home with your boyfriend. You both decide to snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a horror movie together. As the movie progresses, your boyfriend starts telling you scary stories to amp up the excitement.

While listening to his chilling tales, you feel the tension creeping over you. You try to keep your composure and not let it affect you, but your imagination starts playing tricks on your mind.

After the movie, you decide to call it a night. You climb into bed next to your boyfriend, trying to leave the scary stories behind and calm yourself down. However, the dark atmosphere and vivid details of the stories he told still linger in your head.

In the middle of the night, you wake up startled by a terrifying nightmare. Your heart is racing, and tears stream down your cheeks. You quickly seek comfort and security in your boyfriend's arms.

Your boyfriend wakes up to your sobbing and embraces you tenderly, sensing your distress.

"What's wrong, babydoll? Did I have something to do with your nightmare?" he asks, concerned, as he holds you close.

"It was my fault, right? I'm sorry. You know my imagination runs wild, and once I start, I can't stop. I'm sorry," his last words make you laugh a little.

Through your sobs, you manage to explain how the combination of the horror stories and your imagination led to a dreadful nightmare.

"You're such a goof, and so am I. How could I have thought that Annabelle would come along with the nun to invite me to dinner at their haunted house?" Both of you burst into laughter, realizing that while your nightmare might have been silly, it was still terrifying.

Your boyfriend gently strokes your hair and offers words of comfort.

"I'm really sorry, I had no idea it would affect you this much. I never intended to scare you like that," he says softly. "I promise I won't tell you any more horror stories before bedtime if they make you feel bad. I'm here to protect and take care of you, not to frighten you."

You cling to him, allowing yourself to feel his warm embrace as tears continue to roll down your cheeks. Gradually, the sense of safety and love begins to alleviate your fear and sadness.

"Thank you for being here and understanding how I feel," you whisper, voice trembling. "Your support means a lot to me. I don't want you to feel guilty, but it comforts me to know that you're willing to avoid things that scare me. I love you."

Your boyfriend hugs you tighter and whispers in your ear, "I love you too, and I'll do everything I can to protect you and make sure you feel safe. Together, we'll overcome your nightmares and anything else that scares you."

You spend the rest of the night in his arms, feeling his love and support helping you calm down and go back to sleep.

.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ࿐.ೃ

Tags !!

@albaficaslover

@damselettism

[literary-illuminati]

Book Review 65 – System Collapse by Martha Wells

I’ve had this on preorder long enough to have entirely forgotten about it by the time I got the email that it’s available for pickup – but thanks to the magic of an extremely obliging local book store, I was still able to pick up and read the entire thing before it’s technically released. So score one for buying indie, I guess.

The book is set directly after Network Effect – directly directly, to the point where I needed to look up a plot summary to remind myself what the situation was – following our beloved rogue and rampant SecUnit, ART, and their assorted humans as they try to convince an abandoned and alien-contaminated colony’s inhabitants to trust them and accept evacuation with them (and also go along with the colonial charter they’re forging) rather than the indenture offers the corporate mission also on site are offering. Along the way there’s hacking, shuttle chases, gunfights, and plot-critical media curation.

Mostly though it’s about Murderbot having PTSD (on account of all the horrible trauma in Network Effect specifically, and also just its life generally) and absolutely zero idea how to cope. After a false memory/panic attack makes it crash out of nowhere it spends the majority of the book terrified that it’s going to crash or freeze up at some vital moment and get everyone killed, dealing with constant alien-related paranoia, and generally second-guessing itself and feeling useless and depressed. Absolutely no one around it has any idea how to deal with this, and their awkward attempts to be supporting are both endearing and entirely unhelpful.

Anyway, this is a Murderbot novel. Do you like Murderbot? Then you will like this. Do you not know the series? Then by god start with All Systems Red none of this will make any sense at all without context. Do you dislike murderbot? I mean hateread as you like but it is largely more of the same, don’t expect any series-saving twists for you.

It’s kind of absurd to call the series ‘cozy fantasy’ – by the end of the book SecUnit is down several extremities and bleeding out on the floor (as is traditional by this point) – but I feel like the series fills about the same emotional niche for me as like say Becky Chambers does for people with normal tolerances for low-tension sentimentality. The setting is a horrible dystopia and the plots are full of violence and trauma, but all that is more or less set dressing to stories that are actually about SecUnit making connections and deciding at a tortuously slow pace what sort of life it wants to have (usually several hours after commuting itself without thinking) while consistently running into the best possible friends and forming mutually affectionate relationships it absolutely did not want. It’s a story about fun, low-tension character dynamics, corporate kill teams aside.

I am being entirely sincere when I say the fact that SecUnit has no idea what it wants or what its doing is a selling point. In the same way, the fact that there’s never any real ~breakthrough~ or moment of sudden recovery is absolutely key to the book working. The story closes with it being hopeful and doing better but from any remotely reasonable baseline still being pretty far from ‘okay’ (in much the same way, it is utterly vital to the whole series that it has absolutely zero angst over ‘not being human’ or pinochle syndrome and only cares about ‘not being normal’ insofar as its had to work really hard on some automated scripts for walking and idle motions to pass as human while doing infiltration work).

Anyway, speaking of character dynamics – look, I’ve always been the first to roll my eyes when people complain about not being able to keep tracks or large casts. But every time I open one of these books, I realize I have only the vaguest idea who the vast majority of the (human) supporting cast is. Not really an issue with actually following the story, but I’m absolutely certain I’m missing out on some things.

The non-human supporting cast are great though. ART best spaceship, and I cared significantly more about the colony’s central control computer than any of the actual colonists. I’m like 70% sure this is intentional.

Stepping back, it’s interesting how the series’ setting has evolved over time. In All Systems Red the universe around SecUnit was incredibly broadly sketched, generic sci f playing with space opera and cyberpunk tropes it pretty much relied upon readers already being familiar with. This never exactly stops – especially for the aesthetics and technology, the book has a profound lack of interest in the specifics of what ‘projectile weapons’ look like or how spaceships work beyond the convenience of plot – but as the books go on the world definitely gets more specific and also broader. You can mostly blame ART for this, I think – there’s a definite shift in the tone of the setting when you introduce an institution like the University with power like it can throw around, and more generally make active resistance to and subversion to the corporate status quo a plausible and fruitful endeavour.

All this to say that there’s an offhand mention at one point about ‘intracorporate violence’ increasing and the system being increasingly unstable, and I’m curious what Wells is going to do with that going forward. Especially with the book’s final resolution and the status quo it sets up going forward.

Anyway like I said, it’s murderbot. This is the 7th book in the series. If you’re considering reading it you’ll probably love it.

[venusiancharisma]

PICK A PILE TAROT READING

Pick an image and then scroll down to the tarot spread that matches that image. Intuition will be key here. try and take a deep breath, focus on the center of your forehead whilst imagining your energy moving inward from the pineal to your brain stem. And then let go of your breath and choose. This technique will help those of you who aren't entirely tapped into your intuition! <33333

*Gender plays no role in the channeled images*

*maiden&seashell* Pile 1

*black&white* Pile 2

Pile 1:

The Ten of Wands as the overall energy indicates that you may be feeling burdened, overwhelmed, or weighed down by responsibilities and obligations. This card suggests that you have taken on too much and may be struggling to manage all the demands on your time and energy.

The Devil in reverse, however, suggests that you are beginning to break free from the chains of negativity, addiction, or unhealthy attachments that have been holding you back. This card indicates a time of liberation and release, where you are starting to recognize and overcome the self-imposed limitations that have been keeping you stuck.

The Nine of Swords upright suggests that you may be dealing with anxiety, fear, or worry, perhaps related to the burdens and responsibilities represented by the Ten of Wands. This card indicates a need to confront your fears and to find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety.

The Three of Pentacles upright and the King of Pentacles upright suggest that you have the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to achieve your goals and to create a stable and successful future. These cards indicate a time of growth, collaboration, and manifestation, where you are able to build something meaningful and lasting.

The Two of Cups upright suggests a deepening of emotional connections and partnerships, perhaps in your personal or professional life. This card indicates a time of harmony, mutual understanding, and emotional fulfillment, where you are able to form strong and supportive relationships with others.

The Queen of Swords in reverse, however, suggests that you may be struggling with communication, boundaries, or decision-making in your relationships. This card indicates a need to speak your truth, to set clear boundaries, and to make decisions based on your own needs and values, rather than trying to please others.

The Sun upright and the Wheel of Fortune upright suggest a time of positive change, growth, and good fortune. These cards indicate that you are moving towards a brighter and more abundant future, where you are able to overcome challenges and obstacles and to achieve your goals and dreams.

Overall, this reading suggests a time of transformation and growth, where you are breaking free from negative patterns and limitations and moving towards a more fulfilling and abundant future. While the path ahead may be challenging at times, with the Ten of Wands and the Nine of Swords indicating burdens and anxiety, the other cards in the reading suggest that you have the resources, support, and inner strength necessary to overcome these challenges and to create a life that is truly authentic and meaningful.

To navigate this time successfully, it may be helpful to focus on self-care and stress management, to cultivate supportive relationships and partnerships, and to trust in your own inner wisdom and guidance. By staying true to yourself and your values, and by embracing the opportunities for growth and change that are coming your way, you can move through this transformative period with grace and resilience, and emerge on the other side stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.

Pile 2

In this tarot spread, the overall energy is represented by the King of Cups in reverse, suggesting that there may be some emotional instability, moodiness, or difficulty in expressing feelings in a mature and balanced way. This could indicate that the querent is struggling with emotional control, leading to potential challenges in relationships and decision-making.

The Two of Cups upright in the spread signifies a strong, harmonious partnership or the potential for a new romantic connection. This card often represents mutual love, understanding, and balance between two individuals. It suggests that the querent may be experiencing a positive, supportive relationship or has the opportunity to develop a deep connection with someone.

The Sun upright is a highly positive card, representing joy, success, and vitality. It indicates that the querent is in a period of growth, positivity, and good fortune. This card suggests that the querent's endeavors are likely to be successful and that they should embrace the warmth and energy of this positive influence.

The Fool upright represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and taking a leap of faith. This card suggests that the querent is at the start of a new journey or is ready to embark on a fresh adventure. The Fool encourages the querent to embrace the unknown, trust in the universe, and approach new experiences with an open mind and a sense of excitement.

The Ten of Cups upright is a card of emotional fulfillment, happiness, and family harmony. It suggests that the querent is experiencing a time of joy, contentment, and strong connections with loved ones. This card often represents a sense of belonging, security, and the ultimate emotional satisfaction that comes from having a supportive and loving family or community.

The King of Wands upright represents a confident, charismatic, and visionary leader. This card suggests that the querent possesses leadership qualities, creativity, and the ability to inspire others. The King of Wands encourages the querent to take charge of their life, pursue their passions, and lead with courage and determination.

The Five of Swords upright, however, indicates conflict, disagreements, and potential betrayal. This card suggests that the querent may be experiencing tension, arguments, or power struggles in their relationships or social interactions. The Five of Swords warns the querent to be cautious of manipulative or deceptive behavior from others and to avoid engaging in petty disputes.

The Queen of Swords in reverse suggests that the querent may be struggling with communication issues, emotional coldness, or a lack of empathy. This card indicates that the querent or someone in their life may be exhibiting bitterness, resentment, or a harsh attitude. The Queen of Swords in reverse encourages the querent to be mindful of their communication style and to strive for clarity, honesty, and compassion in their interactions.

The Page of Pentacles upright represents new opportunities for learning, growth, and financial stability. This card suggests that the querent may be embarking on a new educational pursuit, starting a new job or project, or receiving a message related to their financial well-being. The Page of Pentacles encourages the querent to approach these new opportunities with enthusiasm, practicality, and a willingness to learn and grow.

The Lovers upright represents love, harmony, and the need to make important choices in relationships and life path. This card suggests that the querent may be facing a significant decision related to love, partnership, or personal values. The Lovers encourages the querent to follow their heart, trust their intuition, and choose the path that aligns with their authentic self.

Overall, this spread indicates a mix of positive influences and potential challenges. The querent appears to be in a period of growth, new beginnings, and the potential for deep, meaningful connections. However, they may also face conflicts, communication issues, and the need to make important decisions along the way. The King of Cups in reverse as the overall energy suggests that the key to navigating these influences will be to work on emotional balance, maturity, and clear communication in order to make the most of the opportunities and overcome the challenges presented in this spread.

[bfpnola]

I haven't been involved with bfp and only vaguely know a few things of what happened but I've really appreciated your work even though I never joined as a volunteer. I'm very sorry to see you close, though I understand and support the need to. Will there be any more details on what happens to BFP? Will your blog still exist? Is the organization stopping all activities but keeping up the library? (sorry for all the questions, I hope they dont come across in a hostile way)

hi sweetheart! thanks for the questions, you’re all good, i don’t mind. /genuine

all activities, including updating the library, will cease this sunday, february 4, 2024.

this blog will stay up although i doubt it’ll be nearly as active considering i’m the only person running it. i’ve also left the metalheadsforblacklivesmatter blog due to emotional laborious and racialized discussions months ago with the adult that runs it, so im not sure how far our posts will reach anyways now. i’ll be sure to support yalls mutual aid posts though, pinky promise. and i’ll still be active on my personal blog @reaux07 and especially on my instagram reaux07 to disseminate political education content. (considering tiktok, as encouraged by my peers, but im nervous about filming!)

the library will still definitely be available but all the renovations we were doing will essentially be frozen in time, which i apologize for. it’s just too difficult to keep up with only a few actually committed hands, you know? that “over 3,000 free resources” advertised was never an exaggeration, i really did go through and count them all up. and that was the number from 2022! it’s just too much :(

since all activities will cease tomorrow, all of our youth are officially released from their volunteer duties. those of us who are close have already begun a new project to heal, continue to learn, and stay close though :) those outside of that circle, who have made it difficult to be our authentic selves, will walk a separate path, and i wish them the best.

if you have any more questions, feel free to send them in. i’ll get to them when i can 🫂

— reaux (she/they)

[jahayla-parker]

Tom Holland Navigation

NAVIGATION TOOLS:

FLUFF: ~

ANGST: *

SMUT: #

Banners below sort fics based on type of work(s)

Premieres: Tom Holland x Reader SMAU ~

Description: Social Media Fic for Tom x GF!Reader at some movie premieres; including No Way Home and Uncharted.

Warnings: None

Picturing Tom: Tom Holland x Reader SMAU ~

Description: Social Media Fic for Tom x GF!Reader where the reader is a photographer; meaning she gets the chance to take photos of Tom often

Warnings: None

Comedic Muse: Tom Holland x Reader SMAU ~

Description: Social Media Fic for Tom x GF!Reader where the reader is a comedian and Tom supports her even when she jokes about him being her muse (also mentions of The Brothers Trust)

Warnings: None

This Sacred Heart: Tom Holland x Reader SMAU ~

Description: Social Media Fic for Tom x GF!Reader where the reader is a singer and the fic shows their relationship dynamics including song(s) about him, etc.

Warnings: None

Crowded : Tom Holland x Reader SMAU ~

Description: Tom Holland Instagram SMAU based off bts for/of his show The Crowded Room. Fluff

Warnings: flirting, I think that's all

Spoiler Stopper : Tom Holland x Reader SMAU ~

Descr: reader is an actor who is dating Tom Holland and tries to stop the king of spoilers from spoiling more details about his Marvel projects. Fluff

Warnings: a few curses, Tom being a div who spoils things, that's all I believe

My Darling Queen: Tom Holland x Reader + SMAU ~

Description: 7.4k wc, Tom takes the reader y/n, his girlfriend out for a fancy date night, going out of his way to ensure she has a great night. Contains both a FIC and SMAU

Warnings: Suggestive, implied smut, making out, curse words. 18+ please given material

Waves of Emotions: Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 3.7k wc fic of a Co-Star reader (featuring on set interactions) who is friends with Tom but it forms into a romantic relationship; aka Friends to Lovers

Warnings: Fluff mostly so minor warnings of mutual pining, mentions of fake injuries (as part of the filming), and a few curworse

This Isn’t The End: Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 1.7k wc, Filming with his crush becomes too real and emotional for Tom during a tense scene causing him to expose his feelings for the reader / y/n.

Warnings: Character death, crying, and a fake hospital scene

Self Care Compromise: Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 3.75k wc, Reader/ y/n is dating Tom Holland and once again finds her boyfriend to be overworking himself so she takes matters into her own hands to fix it.

Warnings: None, just fluff (other than brief mentions of being burnt out from working too much)

Buzzing Nerves: Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 2.9k wc, Tom is worried his girlfriend y/n won’t react well to him needing to get a buzz cut for his role in Cherry. Y/n makes it a point to reassure him.

Warnings: some minor self doubt, a little suggestive, spoilers for Cherry, cotton candy level fluff that may cause a cavity, one tiny curse word.

Family Date Night: Tom Holland x Reader ~

Description: 2.8k wc, Tom and his pregnant wife Y/N try to celebrate the release of Uncharted by going to watch a movie at the theaters that he rented out for them to have some privacy but get interrupted by a fan.

Warnings: some minor self confidence issues, intrusive fans (not respecting personal/family time) hormones, mentions of pregnancy, and Tom being so cute it hurts

Conning Fans at Comic-Con: Tom Holland x Reader~

Description: 1k wc, Tom and his MCU Co-Star/Girlfriend Y/N suprise fans at Comic-Con together

Warnings: none (I think maybe one curse word lol)

More Than Kittens: Tom Holland x Reader~

Description: 3.1k wc, Tom is jealous when the reader, his co-star/actress girlfriend is ignoring him while they do the Buzzfeed kitten interview for their latest film.

Warnings: Minor mentions of PTSD (as part of a movie is all, like 2 lines), Tom being cranky I guess lol.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Tom Holland x Reader ~*

Description: 6.1k wc, the reader, y/n is Tom’s girlfriend and he notices she seems to be under the weather but he soon learns there’s more to it than that. Tom learns about her depression and does everything he can to be there for her as she fights against herself/it. Lots of comfort and care.

Warnings: depression (no su!cide discussed), strong emotions, and feelings of loneliness discussed. Note: Does NOT romanticize depression/mental health (more related disclaimers on fic)

Not The Only Option: Tom Holland x Reader ~

Description: 1.9k wc, The reader, y/n and her boyfriend Tom are the leads/co-stars in the remake of Titanic; this is essentially a behind the scenes look at some scenes and banter between each other during filming.

Warnings: a few curse words, titanic events discussed based on the script found here. Otherwise fluff

Spoiling Wonderland: Tom Holland x Reader + SMAU ~

Description: 1.2k wc, Tom and his girflriend y/n are staring as leads in the new Alice in Wonderland remake but it is a secret from the public at first. Tom -in his typical yet adorable manner -spoils his and y/n’s roles in the latest adaption by accident. Contains both a short fic / blurb and SMAU showing the various situations/events that took place during this attempt to keep it a secret and offers a peek at their relationship dynamic.

Warnings: one suggestive comment, Tom spoiling things again, a few curse words.

Stay: Tom Holland x Reader ~

Description: 1.6k wc, Fall prompt of “It’s storming too hard to go home, why don’t you spend the night?” With Tom holland and his gf Reader

Warnings: none just fluff

Ghosted: Tom Holland x Reader ~

Description: 930wc of Tom and his girlfriend y/n go trick or treating even though they’re not little kids anymore.

Warnings: curse words otherwise fluff

Don’t Touch Us: Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 3.4k wc, started based off this and then my adhd took over. Basically Tom’s protective side comes out when the public starts getting more aggressive towards him and the reader.

Warnings: maybe a few curses, aggressive fans, mentions of being tipsy, that’s all I think otherwise just far too fluffy Tommy.

Cannot Be Broken : Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 2.9k wc, reader is dating tom and get into a situation in which overly aggressive and/or eager fans end up hurting her and he has to help take care of it and her.

Warnings: I think two curse words, angry Tom, mention of broken bones and bruises, otherwise fluff

Getting Personal: Tom Holland x Reader #

Description: 13.5k wc smut where Tom falls for his personal assistant y/n and the heat between them is palpable but he struggles given their professional relationship.

Warnings: 18+ smut content, jealousy, p in v, unprotected sex, riding, mentions of orgasm, cum, masterbation, etc. teasing, and similar sexual content

Warmth : Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 41.k wc fluff fic for the prompt “let’s get you out of these wet clothes”. Y/n’s boyfriend cheats on her and her best friend Tom is there to help her through it.

Warnings: mentions of reader’s boyfriend cheating, angst, breakups, confessions, kissing, pining, a few curse words I think.

Dents and Dinners : Tom Holland x Reader ~

Description: 4.78k wc, Tom injures Reader and takes her to dinner to apologize and keep an eye on her during the early hours of her recovery. Minor injury, fluff, meet cute, first date, hurt-comfort

Warnings: minor injury/concussion, mention of doctors/hospitals/related, a couple curse words, I think that’s it!

Aches and Loss : Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 2.1k wc, Tom Holland helps reader through the loss of her aunt. Hurt-comfort.

Warnings: mentions of death, funerals, Catholicism, and related topics.

Crazed: Tom Holland × Reader *~

Description: 8k wc, A crazed fan breaks into Tom's house when his girlfriend is home and she has to defend herself until Tom's security gets there.

Warnings: curse words, violence, stalker/crazy fan behavior, hostage situation, threats, danger, mentions of a break-in, (minor) injuries, hospital (brief), knife/blade, keys used as weapon.

Uncharted Territory : Tom Holland x Reader*~

Description: 9.1k wc, Reader finds herself working on the set of one of Tom's movies in an attempt to escape her stalker. Only, it seems she can't outrun her troubles even in another country. This means y/n and Tom find themselves in uncharted territory as they try to navigate their way through the ordeal. Dark, stalker, hurt comfort, protective, injury comfort, angst to fluff. Happy ending.

Warnings: dark theme(s), violence, curse words, guns and gunshots, wounds/injuries, blood/ bleeding, stalkers, stalker behavior, break-ins, and related.

TikTok Prank Preference: Stuck Tampon ~

Description: blurb preference based on the viral TikTok prank where the person pretend they have a tampon stuck and need their partner to help them to see how they react.

Warnings: mentions of period related items and topics, minimally suggestive words, otherwise fluff

Period Simulator: Tom Holland x Reader Preference ~

Description: 530 wc blurb/preference (Tom is listed 1st) of him trying a period simulator to understand what his GF!Reader Y/N experiences

Warnings: pain, stupid boys, and, a few curses.

Happily Ever After: Tom Holland x Reader ~

Description: Blurb/headcanon and small fic for Tom Holland based on the Happily Ever After character series of fics. This covers topics such as the proposal, wedding planning, who is in the wedding party, etc. leading up to -and including- the wedding day!

Warnings: anxiety/nerves, proposal, weddings, marriage, budgeting/finances, family

“You’re Supposed to Be Dead” : Prompt Preference

Description: "You're supposed to be dead", "Yeah, sorry about that" prompts; enemies to lovers

Warnings: mentions of fake characters/roles deaths

Very British : Tom Holland Blurb ~

In Time : Tom Holland x Reader COMPLETED Series

Series Description: Reader is a cashier at a grocery store in Atlanta and crosses paths with Tom while he's in the area filming No Way Home. Tom quickly falls for y/n but she has a boyfriend. Does/will y/n feel the same? Will they ever end up together? Are they destined to be friends or something more? Fluff, comfort, hurt-comfort, angst, strangers-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, etc.

Series Warnings: cursing, some spice/suggestive content, brief mentions of previous smut/sex but not actually written, toxic boyfriend behavior, minor aggression/violence, arguments, self doubt, mean fans, food/eating, breakups, pining, kissing and related romantic behaviors, and mentions of cheating. Please let me know if I missed anything!

The Master : Tom Holland x Reader COMPLETED Series

Series Description: Reader is the prop master for Uncharted. She therefore meets Tom on set and soon they're falling for each other. But will things burn out before filming is over? Or will they be able to make it? Fluff, some hurt-comfort and angst-to-fluff

Series Warnings: flirting and pining of course, manipulative 'friends", reader can't swim (& falls into ocean very briefly), gift gifting, birthdays, (briefly mentioned) creepy man, mentions of alcohol, SEE WARNINGS for Part 8 separately below,

Notes: Reader's ethnicity (Latina) and age are briefly mentioned in part 7 but rest of the story is meant to read as a reader insert still.

Red Flag (Mini-Series / Two-Part Fic): Tom Holland x Reader *~

Series Moodboard / Aesthetic Concept

Part 1- Tom’s One Red Flag: Tom Holland x Reader *

Description: 3.1k wc, Tom’s GF!Reader only ever saw one red flag when it comes to Tom. His dad (using Tom’s fame for his own agenda without offering real support). Will they be able to keep pushing through when this glowing red flag begins waving between them?

Warnings: Angst, cursing, Tom’s dad

Part 2- Red Flag Recovery: Tom Holland x Reader *~

Description: 5.1k wc, Part 2 to Tom’s One Red Flag . AKA the resolution and happy ending.

Warnings: mentions of grief and strong emotions, weapons/violence used to describe feelings, a few curse words, counseling, family drama, manipulation discussion

Tom Holland’s Characters’ Navigation Masterlists:

Nathan Drake Navigation

Spider-Man & Peter Parker Navigation

Request Info (Details)

Main Masterlist Navigation (All My Works)

[twig-tea]

Love Class 2: A Love Letter

I caught up on the last episodes of Love Class 2 and I felt like I need to give the whole show (both seasons) a rewatch because s2 had so much going on, and my attention definitely suffered in the beginning of S2 from everything else airing at the same time and the proliferation of characters. But I finished the series feeling like something special had just happened, so I wanted to sit with that for a minute and see if I could articulate why. Especially after the disappointment that was the ending of the Minato's Laundromat sequel, I wanted to process my thoughts around what made this one good.

This is not very coherent and very long, mostly because I just wanted to get it down before I got absorbed by other shows again [Spoilers for both seasons follow].

To remind/recap about Love Class 1: The first season focused on Cha Ji Woo and Lee Ro A. Ro A is a returning student who was just released from military service; he lives with Kim Nam Joon who has a crush on him and another roommate. At first, Ji Woo has a crush on Bae Yoo Na, a girl in his class who is being stalked. Her uncle works at the college and so she knows the professor, who is being pursued by one of the other (female) students in the class, Kim Hye Won.

I had forgotten most of this tbh. On rewatch, I remember how much I liked that Yoo Na and Ro A fell for Ji Woo for the same reason, and Ji Woo fell for them for similar reasons too. There is a lot more forced proximity between the leads in S1, with both the class and then the broken arm, which helps because the entire season is so short. There's a resolution with the stalker plot, a nice moment where Ji Woo is honest about how his feelings, and in the penultimate episode, Ro A decides to protect Ji Woo from himself (and homophobia) by rejecting him and disappearing.

Season one ends with a standard separation (that is only kind of earned); an explicit message from the surf shop owner: "If you keep avoiding things out of fear, you'll never experience the good things in life"; and in the last minute we get basically a standard K-drama dead fish kiss (@gabrielokun has done some very kind cropping here so it looks a bit better).

Overall it was ok. Felt very standard at the time, the leads were cute and it was nice that the love rivals Yoo Na and Nam Joon were not treated as villains in the end. The het side plot with the professor felt tacked on. Ji Woo's changing emotions towards Ro A were signposted well but felt fast, and Ro A's fear of ruining Ji Woo's life by turning him gay felt a bit overdramatic and disappearing entirely (including dropping out of class and moving) was a lot. The end left no time at all for them as a couple, so it was very unclear to me whether they'd actually last.

After rewatching S1, I need to give S2 major props for doing the sequel thing right. The show picked up on a lot of the elements of the original while being a completely stand-alone story and not repeating anything in the OG.

Really quick summary of S2 mostly for the names: Lee Hyeon and Min Wu are friends in university together who have known each other since high school. Min Wu has been trying to ignore his crush on their mutual friend Ma Ru (who went straight into the working world and then quit so got kicked out by his parents). Meanwhile Lee Hyeon has been looking for his former tutor Kim An for 2 years; Kim An appears and Lee Hyeon pursues him by joining Love & Marriage class with the help of the TA Sung Min. Sung Min is being pursued by returning student Ju Hyuk after Ju Hyuk sees him in an embarrassing situation with his pants literally down. Shenanigans ensue [many more details recapped below].

Rewatching S1 helped me realize why I liked S2 so much. In season 2, it's like they heard all the complaints and addressed them:

The only heterosexual is there to support the gays; no love rivals here (also PS Sa Ra's character was delightful; I loved the way she knew exactly what to do on those stairs during the fake date!)

All of the couples are gay and get more time overall (the whole series is longer too; 10 instead of 6 eps and some of those eps were over 30 mins each)

All of the couples also have a history together before the show starts, so all have [a varying amount of] feelings before we even begin

And because of the difference in where these couples are starting, everything happens so fast and there is so much more character development

Rather than the love & marriage class being about getting to know someone, because of Lee Hyeon and Kim An's history, the assignments from the class end up being about getting to relearn someone who has changed and you don't know why; bridging barriers and re-establishing intimacy, which was a fun twist

While the first season did a bit of talking about building relationships and forming meaningful connections, it really didn't have time to do much with this and the premise of the "love class" felt barely used. In this season these themes get explored more, with everyone at one point or another needing advice or having to work on their relationship

Of all of the characters, only one didn't know he was gay/bi going into the start of S2

All of the couples express obvious sexual desire and have sex (some before they even date, it's a miracle)

All of the couples have multiple kisses!

Homophobia isn't removed from the world entirely, but it's not a major plot point in this season

None of the couples split up right before the end; the closest is the older couple in ep8 and they reconcile by ep9 [and sidenote: did the professor drop that whatever he lost on purpose so Sung Min would see him with his nephew?!]

They essentially dedicate two episodes to revelling in the happy ending and building out what these characters are like when they are in a relationship, and I love that; no penultimate episode drama

The couples get an entire episode to triple-date and they all just relax being able to be out and comfortable together, it's extremely cute and also heartwarming and a little sad that this is the only place they can feel away from the gay boy scrutiny [this is what I meant by homophobia not being removed entirely from the world, but it's presence is in its absence rather than it being a plot point, and this was refreshing]

The couple that is in the class is out to the class by choice at the end; no more being afraid of rumours the way the original couple were in s1

The stalker plot got darker (it's one thing to stalk someone but to impersonate them at a job that could get you in trouble? Diabolical) and had more clear motivations for his character; also no police were involved in the resolution this time which felt more realistic

Both seasons deal a lot with characters holding in secrets and not communicating; but in s1 the confession from Ji Woo led to Ro A lying to him directly. In contrast, in S2 direct communication is met either with being shut down or with communication back; the other characters sometimes say it's not the time, but never punish the other character for direct communication. And in some cases the direct communication finally helps move them forward/out of misunderstandings. And not directly communicating leads to mess.

In s1 the seniors were bullies and they didn't really face any consequences; in contrast in S2 the boss at the cafe was such a bully and he got harassed into taking a break, realizing he was being horrible, and becoming a better person (and getting a love interest lolol)

In addition to all the things they did differently, there were so many things that echoed or called back to s1! Parallels to the first season:

Sa Ra gets to repeat the moral from the first season: love requires bravery. All of our couples exhibit different levels and kinds of bravery at different times, but all of them at one point or another take that leap and decide to be brave.

The storytelling strategy of flashing back to show us something we hadn't previously seen to recontextualize what we have since been shown was used once in s1 and used in all three couples at the end of every episode of season 2, as well as sometimes mid-episode.

Someone startles/disrupts the Love & Marriage class to ask to be paired with someone of the same sex in both seasons

There is ominous door-knocking in ep2 that ends up being a fake-out but works extra well as creepy because of the knocking by the stalker in s1

There are also similar moments in s1&2 where the "friend" (who is more than a friend but was rejected but still lives/lived with the love interest) stalks and surprises a character to tell them 'truths' about their loved one

The show keeps the feel of s1 in terms of the mix between cute, funny, and sinister (for better or for worse, though I think S2 balances these better)

The relationships in S2 have a lot in common with S1: there are friends who have been friends since high school one of whom is pining and the other rejects him and they agreed to be friends only who live together; rather than a teacher and student there is a returning student and TA; there is a returning student in both seasons; there is one friend out of a trio who is more of a himbo and doesn't go to their school but is still around all the time

Both seasons had a character who seemed to be unaware he was gay/bi until he was put in a position to be forced to realize it, and credit to both seasons, any gay panic was mostly off screen/tied up in figuring out their feelings, and none took place after they told their gay crush

Both seasons touched on how rumours and social isolation can affect you (though the rumours in S2 were not about being gay)

I mentioned it above, but the way the couples relax when they're all in the open and on the trip together was a really touching callback to the first season dealing with the scrutiny of homophobia (whispering, rumours); and the in-class couple showing a photo of them kissing in class is such a huge contrast to s1's couple having a photo of them feeding one another taken and shared without their consent.

Also also in s1 there was a double date near the end of the show so that was also a cute parallel!

While the bullying seniors didn't face consequences in s1, they were interrupted by various people trying to protect their love interests throughout the show. That theme of protecting your love interest from bullying continued to greater effect in S2 and I thought that was really cute!

Cameos of s1 couple and the couple from Private Lessons appeared in s2; it was unclear to me whether the couple from s1 was reprising their roles (though I assume so) but the couple from Private Lessons definitely had the same character names!

Putting aside comparisons now, the storytelling and characters in S2 are so much more interesting!

Ep1 starts with the mysterious fall from the roof [fake-out #1] and then the scene with Lee Hyeon and Min Wu [fake-out #2] in which they call Ma Ru and establish some of the friend group dynamics and then we get the hint that something else is going on with Lee Hyeon (Min Wu asks if he's given up on looking for someone); and then we get the moment that connects storyline 3 to storylines 1&2 between Kim An and Sung Min. So much tight storytelling in this first ep, I remember on first watch being surprised by how much attention this series was requiring considering s1! I scrolled the tag and saw most people found eps 1&2 confusing, and I can say I definitely found it much easier on rewatch and going in with different expectations.

Ep2 hints at the past we don't yet know between Ju Hyuk and Sung Min (only on rewatch did I realize Ju Hyuk asks Sung Min to eat with him like a normal person and the way he promised he would but Sung Min doesn't remember or realize what's happening, and turns him down kindly, which is why he resorts to being an ass.

Ep 3 we get the first hints Ma Ru knows something is up (being afraid to knock on MinWu's door), the first love & marriage assignments (observing your partner and writing them a letter of what you want to say to them) as well as the underwear gift from Ju Hyuk to Sung Min, and the note at Kim Ann's locker. This episode really starts to build on the theme of intimacy and what intimacy means, when is it appropriate, how do you establish it, and the conflict that arises when people are on different pages about your level of intimacy. Like most have noticed, this is where it really takes off and comes into its own as a good show.

The rest of the show really builds on and plays with these histories, intimacies, and conflicts. They have time to actually hurt one another (eg the slut shaming) and actually make up. Each one moves at a different pace. [Sidenote: have I said enough how happy I am that the older couple slept together before dating?! To be clear I am just as excited when an ace/demi/inexperienced character gets to be ace/demi/explore or come into their sexuality, but I only have so much patience for the blushing maiden trope in adult gay men who have clear sexual attraction and interest especially when they have previous experience, and anything outside of one-partner-in-their-entire-lives is still so rare in BL. And as an aside on this aside, I love how much Ju Hyuk's rizz works at first but then backfires on him later, forcing him to use actual communication after all!] Each couple has a reason for the hesitation or delay in becoming a couple (power dynamics and uncertainty about where you stand; friendship you don't want to lose; being burned before and feeling like you aren't allowed to have anything good in your life). Even more importantly, we get reasons for everything: why Min Wu is growing distant with Ma Ru; why Kim An is more terse and cautious with Lee Hyun; why Ju Hyuk is so weirdly rude to Sung Min. And, as I mentioned above, we actually get a motive for the villain of the story too, Kim An's childhood friend/brother/rejected love/stalker (whose name I keep forgetting even in rewatch lol sorry bro). He thought Kim An was only with him because he was desperate, and so when Kim An started making other connections, he thought he had to ruin Kim An's life. And he thought when he came back into Kim An's life, Kim An would still be desperate, and he'd be able to fit back in. He didn't understand that Kim An had still loved him even if he was no longer interested in a romantic or sexual relationship, and would have kept him in his life if he hadn't been betrayed; he didn't understand that Kim An would be able to rebuild his life without him; he didn't understand that Kim An would not forgive him even though he still cared about him. It really is tragic, and the tragedy is in a lot of ways understated.

Yes it was a bit messy with the three plots going on simultaneously but when binged, and definitely on rewatch, it was easier to follow and I enjoyed how the interaction between the characters moved each of the plots forward. I wonder how much the pacing bothered some viewers because it definitely is not paced like a usual kbl, but that's one of the things I liked about it lol and there were some parts that I enjoyed only on rewatch because I could focus on them.

All of this incoherence is to say: I really like the storytelling in S2 so much more than S1; I think it's one of the better sequel attempts I've seen, in that there are clear connections to the first season but everything is built on rather than recreated; and the stories were also just more interesting. Season 2 delivered on the premise of Season 1 without re-using the same structure, plot points, or story beats. Lots of tropes were repeated but they were always used in a new way and played out differently. The finale felt queer in a way I don't expect from Korean BL. We got some of the things I always say I want more of in any series: more time with folks as a couple working out their relationship post-get-together, clear communication, and queer community. Overall, this show affected me more than I expected. It wasn't perfect execution, but TL;DR, more of this please!

[danpuff-ao3]

Ending Mutuals March on a very special note. PI, @perverse-idyll, my longtime writing crush, and now my friend.

It was love at first sight when The White Road was first posted. I can't remember when I first read it, but it was around the time it was posted for sure. And I've read that fic every year since. At least once a year, if not more. By the time I read When the Rose and the Fire Are One I knew it was true love!

PI's stories have been deeply meaningful to me for a long time. And I have always admired her skill. Prose? Gorgeous, stunning, perfect. With great knowledge and great passion she strings words into gorgeous treasures. Raw stones left to their rough glory, or shaped and shined as needed. Not only a gifted wordsmith, but a wise and empathetic person who understands the human condition, and the complexities of emotion. Someone with great love for beloved characters, but also great understanding. Love born of understanding, which is everything I long for!

We love the same characters, and the same OTP. She does such justice to these characters, and their dynamic. She's always written Snarry exactly how I needed it. I have treasured her works for many years, and they have been my favorites for many years. Of course, in those earlier days I was much too shy to let her know just what her works meant to me.

Then, in recent years, I had my first interaction with PI. On Reddit, of places. I recced one of her fics and she responded to it which blew my mind a bit, since her Reddit name isn't perverse_idyll, lol! So...I tried to be chill, which if you know me, you know how hard that is! Me, but an overenthusiastic fangirl trying not to scare off her faves, haha! If I remember correctly, I finally set about drafting a comment on The White Road not long after that. Long overdue that one!

Then...time went on. During a very rough period with an old fandom group, I turned to PI's works for comfort. And in November 2021, the same month I left that old fandom group, PI's episode on @fanficmaverickpodcast (Ep. 25 interview) was released!

I was over the moon excited to listen to it! But the sort of excited that meant I couldn't dive in right away. I had to run around and squeal a bit and settle myself down in order to listen. It is a long episode, two and a half hours long, but well worth it! The host, ChaosBlue, is a dear friend of mine now, and a very professional and charming host. And perverse_idyll was a fantastic guest, with so much insight and enthusiasm for fandom and for writing. 10/10 recommend it. I ran around and shared the episode everywhere I could.

And then...Reddit. PI shared the episode on Reddit, with encouragement for others to reach out to ChaosBlue to do their own episode. And...I did! God, that's a whole other post in of itself and how amazing ChaosBlue is, but basically...I felt pretty audacious! I had to work myself up quite a bit to reach out. And as hard as it was to reach out, I don't think I'd have found the courage to even think about it without PI's little note. It both inspired and comforted me. And doing my own interview for the podcast was such a great (and terrifying!) experience that I'm glad I did. (See: ep. 32 Interview)

From there...it came over time. PI was so kind and supportive about my interview. I found the bravery to reach out to her directly at some point. And though she is quite the busy lady, she is always so giving of her time and energy in responding when she can! PI is such an encouraging, generous, compassionate, supportive spirit. One I feel very blessed to know. She has so much clear respect and admiration for other creators. So much love and dedication to fandom, however busy or wild life may be.

Other fandom experiences reminded me of why they say to never meet your heroes. But PI spared me from being too wary of folk. PI is an excellent reminder that, sometimes, the creators we admire are even better humans.

PI's works were so meaningful to me for so long. And PI as a person has just as much impact! Thank you for being my friend, PI. Thank you for everything that you do. Thank you for all that you give to fandom; for all that you create, and all the support you give. And thank you most of all for being there for me. And showing such kindness and gentleness in times I needed it most, whether you knew it or not.

Here's to you, my friend. Time for me to wipe my eyes and drop some recs! Maybe by the end we'll have forgotten what an emotional mess I am LOL.

The Afterlight

Harry/Severus. Rated: E. Work in progress. Background case. Mutual pining. Friends with benefits. Denial of feelings. Angst. Hurt/comfort. Eventual happy ending.

Y'all cannot know how thrilled I was when PI posted a new fic. This one! And though it's only just begun, I already feel in my bones it will be a new favorite! PI as ever provides Snarry exactly the way I love it!

After surviving the Battle of Hogwarts, a long convalescence, and a short trial, Snape walks free and promptly vanishes from Wizarding society. Six years pass before he shows his face again. A lot can change in six years, and a romantically disillusioned and inebriated Harry hits Snape up for a friends-with-benefits arrangement. After all, they share an experience most people have never had: they both know what it's like to be dead. Their liaison works surprisingly well until Harry's reckless behaviour as an Auror leads to unethical practices and personal calamities, and things start to fall apart.

Candles Lit Against the Dark

Minerva/Wilhelmina. Minor Harry/Severus. Rated: G. Words: 13,585. Old friends. Postwar. Heavy drinking. Fond bickering. Snapecase 2023.

Many feelings. Very realistic and bittersweet. With all of the realism of life, for all of its rough edges, uneven paths, and the love found along the way.

It's been a few months since Minerva's retirement, and she'd promised Wil a dinner out. Before she knows it, friends start turning up on her doorstep and then at the pub, not least among them a certain spy who came in from the cold.

In Infinite Remorse of Soul | And Mine the Gall

Albus/Severus. Harry/Severus. Revenge. Obsession. D/s undertones. Afterlife. Incest (ish.) Dub-con. Twisted love.

I am obsessed. This is dark and fucky and weird and wonderful and gorgeous. The sequel, And Mine the Gall, features one of the lines that has most haunted out of every fic I've read. Love it love it love it!

Albus Dumbledore never makes the same mistake twice. Certainly not in love.

No Room for the Weak

Eileen POV. Rated: T. Words: 10,444. Dysfunctional family. Mindfuck. Pre-Snarry.

Love love love love love this. Some Snape family history. Eileen is great. Very fascinating look at the woman who bore and raised Severus.

There's a Boy Who Lived and a boy who didn't, and even a mother can't always tell them apart.

The Son

Regulus POV. Rated: T. Words: 5,422. Unhappy families.

First there were two sons. Then there was one.

Warm

Harry/Severus. Rated: E. Words: 11,323. PWP. Fluff & smut.

PWP feels wrong for this. So much sensuality and tenderness and good god the LOVE here. Also, I'm sorry, but Harry and Severus existing as themselves basically is plot, but I digress....PI says it's PWP so it's PWP. I'm not going to argue with her!

Severus still suffers the after-effects of Nagini's venom, especially in winter. Harry knows just how to warm him up.

When the Rose and the Fire Are One

Harry/Severus. Rated: E. Words: 81.619. Confinement. Dysfunctional Relationships. Spinner's End. Dubious consent. Sex magic.

Cool magic stuff. The best OC I've ever met (Odile, my beloved.) Ideas of Spinner's End and Eileen Snape that have lived in my head ever since. Big angst and fuckery. Great characters. Great relationship development. Everything is just...A+, chef's kiss, amazing.

Harry's haunted by guilt. Snape's warded by roses. Each must free the other in order to free himself.

The White Road

Lily POV. Harry/Severus. Rated: E. Words: 47,877. Afterlife. Romance. Redemption. Voyeurism. Incestuous vibes.

Longtime favorite. One of the first fics that fully blew me away. I read this and thought "this does not belong on the internet, this belongs on a bookshelf."

One day, comfortably set up in the afterlife, Lily Evans Potter switches on the telly and gets hooked on the Harry Potter show.

for an explanation about Mutuals March, or to figure out why i wrote you a thing, please check out this post.

[saisons-en-enfer]

Personal mental health masterpost:

Hey, so I’m making this post to give some clarity into my situation for anyone that cares so there is a mutual understanding; especially because I tend to spiral in real-time on tumblr

Preface: I know this is my blog but I don’t want that to be a basis for my deflecting the responsibility of my own mental well being onto others and make people suffer because of it, especially because when I’m down I’m extremely avoidant, self-centred, and may be unintentionally callous (no I’m not just saying that lightly, I’ve been in so many situations on tumblr and IRL that I say something that is extremely insensitive but that wasn’t my intent leading to so many “sha you can’t say no one cares I’m talking to you/sitting here with you how can you say that”) and I need to also own up to that and admit that sometimes my feelings are false and my thought process is jagged

I’ve hurt someone that is really important to me on here multiple times over this and sadly but deservedly they will never be in my life again (though they will always be important to me). I don't want this to be an insincere "I'm sorry I was wrong, please forgive me" but rather to come clean and say that it has happened and I just want to make sure I take actions so that no one who cares about me on here will ever go through the same situation with me; I love the connections I have tumblr beyond words so it's time I act as such

The crux of my dilemma: as I'm sure you all know, I don't desire much to be alive for multiple reasons that I wont get into, and I cant really end my life because I am practically unable to inflict such harm onto other people just because I'm having a hard time. I have exhibited suicidal behaviours irl numerous times but each time I either went through it successfully with coping, asking for help (usually on tumblr), and if worse comes to worst asking to be hospitalized (which happened 6 months ago after I lost my job). It's complicated to talk about so feel free to send asks or DMs if you want to know more, I do exhibit suicidal behaviours on here (by talking or implying how much I don't want to be alive and saying that I'm in unbearable pain, both of which are true) but I seldom think I'm a danger to myself. I would say I have more suicidal ideations (henceforth SI) than behaviours.

I was first diagnosed with depression when I was 21, by 24 I was diagnosed with major depression (clinical) along with GAD, OCD (obsessive in negative thinking), later at 26 with ADHD, and, last year with a mood disorder (yet to be configured, consensus right now is that it is just very unstable mood)

The mood instability is important to highlight because I can pretty much show you days in which my posts go from cheery to mellow throughout the course of a single day.

Tumblr to me is a very personal and emotional scrapbook, when my mood crashes or i get triggered by something, and go on an SI spiral, first thing that happens is that i panic really hard especially because I get caught in the trap of "oh I have to live again tomorrow and experience all of this again and live my life with this mind" and when I'm in that trail of thought, shit goes south real fast and I start having physiological symptoms; I can't breathe properly, I get chills etc. so it's either I sit with those feelings by myself (because I'm not brave enough and trust many people IRL to seek help; something I'm working on) or, I release it onto here as posts. I know it's odd but in my mind having a breakdown in public (similar to my tumblr outbursts) is more helpful in that people either ignore you in which case you will have sense to know that there is none but yourself that can bring you up in which case you pull yourself together and move forward, or people do take notice and show kindness and support and help you fight your way through to see another day. Whatever the case, at least your not weeping alone so to speak. It sounds callous and even attention seeking but i don’t believe it’s inherently wrong, it’s a call for help.

The attention seeking part of it I concede my approach is terrible and I’m such an asshole for constantly firing from the hip with saying shit like “I don’t want to be alive, Im better off dead” and other things of the same ilk no matter how much I mean it and feel the depth of those words so closely. I will be better; when I’m emotional I’m not rational so I don’t do what I always do, step back and think am I approaching this person correctly. My cousin told me “if you’re having a hard time, than don’t say things like that to freak me out… say hey K I’m a bit sad today, I need a hug, I need some love, I need to get out of my head a little”

I'm taking mood stabilizers twice a day, whilst this has been deemed to be enough since I tend to have a strong outward facade and keep composed if my mood falters until I'm alone in my room and my interactions with people irl has been functional, I fear it's not enough and I may have to bring it up even though it means more meds (which btw coincidentally my mother just walked in my room reminding my of my next psychiatrist appointment soon). It's just very hard to bring up my tumblr behaviour up in therapy because as soon as I'm honest about my posting, they will just want to hospitalize me... it's not conceivable in most people's minds that yes I dont wish to be alive but I don't necessarily want to kill myself.

Which brings me to this part regarding my etiquette on tumblr:

All text posts pertaining to my mental health, should it imply SI I will tag as "SI posting"

I will NOT be tagging really sad songs as of now, but I can certainly do that if people would like me to

When I post something concerning you can choose to ignore me altogether if you'd like I will not hold it against anyone or be upset or fall prey to the line of thinking that "no one cares" because I know beyond a doubt that people actually DO care

If you do see such a post and want to help me genuinely, interacting with the post (like or comment or whatever) however small helps me so much and makes me feel so much less alone and gives me strength to push through

You can also start a conversation with me and talk about anything at all that also gets my mind off of things

I promise ill try my hardest to just ask for support instead of just posting extremely concerning text posts

EDIT: im also open and welcome any suggestions people may have on this matter and how I can be better

I keep my promises very seriously and just over a week ago I promised someone I really care about that I will try and be better and I very much intend to do that.

Thank you so much for patience and kindness and just not giving up on me when at times I've given you ample reasons to do so, I love you so much

Much love

[churchofthesluttyknee]

A Series of Firsts: Chapter 6 - Glimpses of You. Pt 2

Author(s): A collaboration amongst smutty parishioners of The Church of the Slutty Knee

Pairing(s): Pedro x Oscar

Rating: E18+ MDNI

Word Count: pending

Series Warnings: explicit sexual content, including, but not limited to BDSM, choking, anal, oral, masturbation (self/mutual), toys, public sex

Chapter Summary: Pedro and Oscar face the challenge of being separated due to work commitments after Pedro's project extends much longer than expected, straining their relationship as this marks the first significant period they've spent apart since they began dating.

Notes: Chapter begins June 22, 2019, ends around November 2, 2019.

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Act V: Surprise

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In the four weeks since Pedro had expressed his difficulties in coping with their extended separation, Oscar had been sure to find extra time throughout the week to give Pedro any extra emotional support he needed, while also allowing him to release his stress in a healthier way. While he didn’t completely lift the restrictions they’d established, Oscar did loosen them considerably. These adjustments seemed to have a positive impact on Pedro’s overall mood and mental health. He was having a hard time adjusting too, but knowing he could be a rock for Pedro made it a little more bearable. The rewrites, and resultant reshoots, unfortunately, had not stopped. In fact, as they were about to learn, they had gotten far worse.

On the morning of September 19, Oscar lies in bed, awake, but not ready to start the day just yet. Morning sun streams in from glass doors leading onto a small garden patio. When a text notification sounds just after 9:30, Oscar is delighted to see it’s from Pedro, informing Oscar that he has a few hours before filming resumes and to call when he wakes up. His slippers shuffle quietly on hardwood as Oscar makes his way to the kitchen, where he pops a coffee pod into a single cup brewer and a bagel into the toaster, before moving back down the hall to the bathroom. When he returns, he takes his coffee and bagel to the patio. Propping his feet on the wrought iron table, Oscar takes a bite of breakfast as he listens to the weird ring of his international call. Pedro picks up halfway through the second ring.

“Hey, sexy!” Pedro says jovially as soon as he sees Oscar’s face.

“Hey to you too, gorgeous. How are you?”

“Good, now that I’m talking to you. I didn’t wake you up with my text, did I?”

“No, mi amor, I was already awake. Just enjoying the morning before I have to head uptown. How are things on set today?”

“Surprisingly not too bad. I’ve not gotten any new pages all day. There’s a real chance we could finish this thing on time and I could be back in New York by the 29th.”

Oscar can picture Pedro coming through the gates with his bags. Can see his eyes alight when Pedro spots him from across the terminal. A huge grin spreads across his face at the thought of finally being able to see his Pedrito again. To touch him, to smell him, to taste him again, after being apart for so long.

“I can’t wait until you’re home again, mi Pedrito! I fucking miss having you close to me. So I can touch you, and kiss you, whenever I want to.”

“Me too, mi luna! This distance is killing me. I just want to—, uh, hold on a second. Someone just walked in.” Placing his hand over the microphone, Pedro speaks to the newcomer. Oscar can’t hear the conversation very well, but he does hear Pedro’s response with resounding clarity. “God damn it!! Are you fucking kidding me, Trevor? Please tell me this is a fucking joke!” Oscar can hear Trevor mumbling in response while quickly retreating, then a door slamming as he leaves the room.

“What’s happening? What’s wrong, baby? Talk to me,” Oscar says gently when Pedro returns to the phone. Breathing heavily, Pedro lets out a heavy sigh before answering.

“These god damned rewrites and reshoots have completely fucked the schedule, and now we’re not gonna wrap until fucking October 15th!! I swear to god, Oscar, if that asshole Kyle comes in here—“

Oscar cuts him off before he can say something he may regret. “Pedro, baby, calm down. It’ll be ok, we’ll make—“

“No, Oscar, it fucking won’t be ok!! Oh my god, I’m freaking out over here. Why can’t I just wake up from this nightmare?” Pedro says, his breathing becoming impossibly fast. Oscar can hear it in Pedro’s voice that he is spiraling.

“Pedro, Pedro, breathe baby, breathe. The 6th is just a day. Being together, or not, won’t change its significance. We can celebrate the entire rest of October if you want. We both knew not being able to be together to share something was bound to happen sooner or later.”

“Ugh, you’re right. I’m sorry for snapping at you, mi corazon. This whole thing has been a gigantic clusterfuck, but I had no right to respond the way I did. I overreacted and now I feel like the world’s biggest asshole. This whole project has been a shit show of epic proportions, and my nerves are absolutely shot. It’s just been one thing after another. But I shouldn’t have gone off on Trevor like that, kid’s just the messenger. I have to go apologize, babe. Call you back in a few minutes?”

“Of course. Take care of what you need to. I’ll be here for a few more hours,” Oscar assures him.

Forty-five minutes pass before Oscar’s phone rings. When Oscar accepts the FaceTime request he’s met with a screen full of brilliant blue sky, patches of fluffy white clouds and a tuft of unmistakable brown hair. Oscar grins and tries to stifle a giggle. Before he speaks he grabs a quick screenshot because this image is too perfect not to save.

“Hey, babe. You there?”

“Oh, hey,” Pedro replies, as if shocked Oscar is on the line. Picking up the phone, Pedro looks at Oscar’s face and smiles his adorable little half smile. “Sorry, guess I spaced out for a second.”

“Did you get things straightened out with Trevor?”

“Yeah. Poor kid’s terrified of me now though. He flinched when I approached him, Oscar. Fernando is the only other person who’s ever flinched when they saw me…  for good reason, mind, but it’s weird having this kid be afraid of me. Frankly, I hope Fernando flinches at me for the rest of his life, especially if I’m holding a fork… but I don’t want this kid to be afraid of me.”

“I’m sure he’ll come around. I know you’re a cuddly tiger, but you can be quite intimidating,” Oscar replies flirtatiously.

“Soy tu tierno tigre, y tu eres mi feroz gatito (I'm your tender tiger, and you're my fierce kitten),” Pedro replies playfully. “After I cooled down and spoke to Trevor I went to see Kyle. Without going into details that are none of his fucking business I told Kyle I won’t be on set on the 6th. Since Trevor had already talked to him and told him I was seething mad, Kyle didn’t even put up any resistance. I have to be on set on the 5th and 7th though. So, while I can’t whisk away to come see you, I can at least have the day to celebrate with you,” Pedro says with a heavy sigh.

“I’ll clear my calendar and we can spend all day talking on the phone. Maybe we can even FaceTime a meal together,” Oscar says happily.

He can already feel the cogs churning in his mind though, a quiet plan quickly formulating. As soon as he’s off the phone he contacts his agent to make travel arrangements. Before the day is over he has a one way, non-stop ticket out of JFK. He grins like an idiot when he sees his 13-digit ticket number is made up of their birthdays and anniversary, albeit in absolutely no clear order. Only someone looking for the connection would see it.

Although they talk and text as often as their schedules allow, Oscar gives no hints of his plans to Pedro. After researching the area for a few days, Oscar begins to create a loose schedule that includes dinner reservations for the 6th, and a private boat rental for the weekend. He’s already reached out to Franklin, who was thrilled to be part of making this trip possible, and gladly provided Oscar with Pedro’s hotel information and added Oscar as a guest to avoid any issues with hotel management and security. The plan was for Oscar to slip into Pedro’s room while he was on set and surprise him when he returned. Oscar already had it worked out in his mind how it would go and was excited to finally see his Pedrito again.

His plane leaves JFK the evening of October 4, arriving just before 9 AM in Malta the following morning. Pedro isn’t scheduled to be on set until 10 AM, so Oscar stops at an airport coffee shop for a quick breakfast before heading to the hotel. Forty minutes later Oscar has checked into the hotel and is putting his things away. Knowing Pedro won’t call for a few more hours, he sets an alarm for 1:30 and crawls onto the king bed. Burying his face deep in Pedro’s pillow Oscar inhales his lover's scent and is asleep almost instantly.

When his alarm goes off three hours later it takes him several moments to remember where he is. Looking at his watch, he calculates that he has about 7-8 hours to get everything set up. He calls down to the front desk and is transferred to Luca, the concierge. Oscar proceeds to order large bouquets of daisies, in white, lilac and pink, as well as lilac roses, a bottle of local vintage wine and a tiny stuffed tiger. From guest services he orders two plush robes, two sets of slippers and an extra set of towels. With the exception of the flowers and wine, everything is delivered within an hour. Luca tells Oscar it took quite a few calls to find the tiny tiger, and that he got two because he wasn’t sure the one was small enough. When they’re delivered Oscar assures him they’re both perfect.

At 3 PM, on the dot, Oscar’s phone rings. Brimming with excitement and anticipation, it’s all Oscar can do to not ruin his surprise. Since their schedules have been relatively consistent these past few weeks Oscar has a fairly solid outline for Pedro’s day. They’ll talk until about 5 while Pedro eats lunch, then he’ll stay on set until 7 or 8. After that he’ll return to the hotel to wind down a little, then go out for dinner. When Pedro asks Oscar what he’s been up to, Oscar doesn’t lie to Pedro, but he also doesn’t share more information than absolutely necessary. When their call ends just before 5, Oscar checks his to-do list. Now that he knows Pedro will wrap at 7:30 he orders the flowers be brought up at 6 and the wine at 7:45. For the next three and a half hours Oscar works to prepare the room. The bed, and surrounding floor, are adorned with a delicate tapestry of fragrant flower petals imbuing the room with their sweet essence. After the wine arrives, and Oscar eyes the room to make sure he’s not overlooked anything, he disappears into the bathroom. When he comes out, he’s wearing one of the plush white robes, a pair of slippers and a huge grin, but nothing else.

With bated breath Oscar waits, glancing at his phone every few minutes to gauge how much longer he has before Pedro arrives. At twelve past eight a key card beeps and the door handle engages. The way the room is set up Pedro won’t be able to see him until he’s passed through a kitchen area and short hallway. Oscar can hear Pedro putting his bag in the coat closet and suddenly his stomach is filled with millions of chaotic butterflies. It’s all he can do to keep from crying out Pedro’s name. When Pedro finally rounds the corner he’s looking at his phone. Oscar frowns slightly. This isn’t going quite as he’d expected.

Eyes still down, Pedro inhales deeply, pinpointing the fragrance of a mixture of flowers, but also an undercurrent of something warm, familiar and comforting, that he can’t quite place. One thing he does know is that none of these smells were here when he left this morning. The underlying smell, the one that somehow reminds him of home, is driving crazy because he knows what it is, but his brain just won’t make the connection. Shifting his gaze straight ahead the first thing he notices is a small table topped with a bottle of wine, two wine glasses and two distorted shapes he can’t quite make out. In his peripheral vision he sees the floor is littered with multiple shades and types of flower petals. Eyes traveling left across the room he sees more petals on the bed. As he continues to scan the room his eyes finally fall upon Oscar, who is grinning so hard his face hurts. His head tilting slightly right, Pedro blinks slowly and continues to stare, but doesn’t seem to comprehend what’s now in front of him.

“Pedro?” Oscar asks, a hint of concern and confusion in his tone. “Babe?” Oscar’s eyebrows knit together, his lips pursed, as he stands and walks over to Pedro, who is still staring blankly at him.

As Oscar closes the gap between them, Pedro’s nose, eyes and brain slowly start to communicate with one another. He now recognizes the comforting scent as Oscar’s cologne. Now that they’re standing so close to one another his synapses are finally firing. Pedro blinks rapidly as he comes out of his fugue state and finally sees Oscar for the first time.

“Oscar?” Pedro asks in bewilderment, for surely this three month nightmare has taken a twisted turn, driving him to painfully real hallucinations.

“Hey,” Oscar says softly, the look of concern melting away to reveal a relieved smile. His fingers tenderly brush over Pedro’s cheek as he stares into Pedro’s rich chocolate eyes.

Before either of them can comprehend what’s happening, Pedro’s lips crash into Oscar’s with enough force to make him take a step backwards. Pedro’s hands cup Oscar’s face as he kisses him with a feral hunger neither have ever felt before. To be wanted was one thing, but to be craved like this was exhilarating. As soon as their bodies collided Oscar felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through him like wildfire. Within mere moments he is achingly hard. His fingers weave deep into Pedro’s hair as a moan passes between their lips. Pedro’s hands release their hold on Oscar’s face, only to become lost in the forest of his hair. Grunting loudly against his lips, Pedro’s grip on Oscar’s hair tightens as he walks them to the edge of the bed. When Oscar’s knees bump into the mattress he loses his balance and falls onto the blanket of petals. He scrambles backwards as Pedro’s arms frame him and he climbs onto the bed. Each time their lips break apart Pedro surges forward seeking refuge in them, like a parched man drawn to water. 

Oscar continues to clamber backwards until he hits the bank of pillows at the head of the bed. Pedro advances forward again, arms still framing Oscar’s torso, legs now straddling his thighs. Leaning back, he drinks in the sight of his paramour with eyes darkened by an insatiable hunger. Their frantic movements have caused Oscar’s robe to open, revealing his naked chest and stomach, his skin the color of toasted honey. Leering at Oscar, eyes moving slowly downward, Pedro sees the robe has opened more than he realized when his gaze falls upon the dark patch of pubic hair at the nexus of Oscar’s shaft. A low, guttural growl escapes Pedro as he licks his lips hungrily. A wicked half grin plays at Oscar’s kiss-swollen lips as he realizes just how beastial this man is behaving and he wonders briefly if he’s about to be kissed, ravaged or devoured. He finds he’s happy with any of these fates. 

His scrutinizing stare intensifies as his eyes trace back up Oscar's torso, taking in every detail. When Oscar opens his mouth to speak, Pedro shakes his head almost imperceptibly, before kissing him hard. When the kiss breaks, he takes Oscar’s lower lip between his teeth, biting as gently as his ravenous nature allows. Pedro grazes his teeth over Oscar’s chin, grips his face, and lasciviously drags his tongue along Oscar’s jaw. His tongue craves to savor every inch of Oscar's body, while his hands yearn to caress it with perverse pleasure. Starved to the brink of madness, he’s unable to focus on any one area for longer than a few seconds before moving from one delicious spot to the next. Sliding the robe over Oscar’s shoulders, Pedro nips and kisses his neck, shoulders and clavicles, his mouth paying tribute to the exquisite beauty before him. Moving backwards until he’s on all fours, Pedro swirls the tip of his tongue around each of Oscar’s nipples before licking and kissing a trail to his navel.

Now resting just above Oscar’s knees, Pedro runs his fingers down Oscar’s chest until they reach the belt of his robe, the last vestige of Oscar’s feigned modesty. With great care, Pedro begins to undo the knot that has become taut during their rowdiness. Oscar places his hands over Pedro’s as his lover’s fingers work deftly to undo the belt. Once it’s undone, they languidly draw his robe back, revealing Pedro’s prize. Releasing Pedro’s hand, Oscar grips his cock and begins to work it slowly. When he looks into Pedro’s eyes he realizes Pedro is mesmerized by the sight before him, head bobbing gently in time with Oscar’s movements. Oscar moans loudly for his consort as he brushes the head of his cock with his finger. Pedro gulps loudly, slavering like a carnivore about to devour his prey. Pedro’s grin widens as he loosens himself from Oscar’s grip and begins to slide backwards along Oscar’s thighs, fingers dragging his velvet skin, until he’s straddling Oscar’s knees. Oscar immediately understands the intent behind his movement, draping his legs over Pedro’s shoulders once Pedro is nestled between his thighs. Pedro lays soft kisses along the delicate surfaces as Oscar continues to lazily work his cock, his lover’s stare never leaving his pumping fist.

Propping himself up on his left elbow, Pedro wraps his right arm around Oscar’s leg before kissing a path to his knee, and back to his inner thigh. When he’s back to start he runs his finger over Oscar’s hand, silently urging Oscar to remove it so he can take over. Oscar shivers when he feels Pedro’s tongue on the base of his erection, moaning loudly as it glides up his length. Pedro swirls his tongue over the glistening slit before taking the tip into his mouth as he takes over stroking Oscar’s cock.  Before long Oscar is panting and writhing, bucking his hips until his cock hits the back of Pedro’s throat, causing Pedro to gag. Undeterred, Pedro continues to take Oscar as deep as he can while his wrist continues its rhythmic motion. When he feels Oscar’s cock twitch against his tongue, he reluctantly pulls back and bites Oscar’s right inner thigh hard enough to leave a mark and elicit a gasp of surprise. Sitting upright, Pedro quickly removes his shirt, tossing it to the floor. Undoing his button and zipper, he pulls his pants and boxers down far enough to free his own hard cock.

Now it’s Oscar’s turn to lick his lips with ravenous hunger. He slides back as far as the mountain of pillows behind him will allow so he can sit up straight. Oscar runs his fingertip in delicate circles around Pedro’s head before running his thumb along the sensitive underside of his length. As he begins to stroke Pedro’s cock he leans in and kisses him tenderly. A far departure from the lustful cravings he’s adrift in, Oscar wants to savor their reunion just a little before he lets Pedro devour him completely. Oscar works his hand as slowly as he can, worried that if he goes any faster Pedro may not be able to fight his body’s need for release. He doesn’t want three months of pent-up sexual frustration to end in disappointment. Pedro’s head lolls as his eyes roll back, a low, deep moan filling the quiet room. Oscar takes this opportunity to kiss and lick his exposed neck, relishing the taste he’s been longing for since July. Just when Oscar thinks Pedro’s appetite may have quelled, Pedro grips his hips tightly and pulls him flush before pressing his hand lightly against Oscar’s chest. His eyes half-lidded yet ablaze with unbridled lust, Pedro spits into his palm, stroking himself a few times before lining himself up at Oscar’s entrance. He gently presses his spit slicked head against Oscar’s entrance a few times before he slowly penetrates. 

Moving at an achingly slow pace, Pedro buries himself to the hilt, then stops. His breath catches in his throat as the sheer heat and tightness of Oscar around his cock are almost too much to bear. Pedro presses close to Oscar, his breath warm and weighty against Oscar’s throat, seeking solace in his proximity as he attempts to steady his nerves. Oscar anchors his fingers into Pedro’s hair, pulling gently, but with authority, until Pedro is looking into his eyes. Even though he’s already claimed dominance, there’s a look of questioning in Pedro’s eyes. Has his intense hunger for Oscar’s touch made him go too far? Oscar leans in, bringing Pedro's face close to his own, their foreheads touching. Gently brushing his lips against Pedro's, he softly murmurs "yes". Just a single word, one syllable, is enough to calm Pedro’s nerves. He begins to move his hips in slow, tight circles, mustering all of his willpower to not cum immediately.  Oscar bites Pedro’s chin playfully, drags his tongue across Pedro’s lips and kisses him deeply with a soft tenderness that matches the sudden mood shift. Oscar rolls his hips against Pedro’s, gradually increasing the arc of the circle, but maintaining the same slow pace. Their passionate moans reverberate throughout the room as their tempos slowly increase. 

Oscar peppers tender kisses along Pedro’s shoulder, his fingertips tracing the line of his spine while Pedro kneads his fingers into the back of Oscar’s neck, his lips grazing along Oscar’s jaw. Pedro buries his face into the crook of Oscar’s neck as his hand finds Oscar’s cock, pressed between their stomachs, and begins to stroke him slowly once more. As their tempo escalates, verging on madness, Oscar caresses Pedro’s face, pulling him close. Both struggling to catch their breath, their lips meet softly as they breathe heavily into each other's mouths. They can each feel the buildup of pressure deep in their centers, that marvelous tingling sensation, as their muscles begin tightening. Their orgasms erupt at almost the same time, washing over them with such intensity they collapse into one another. Oscar’s release runs slowly down their chests, stomachs and Pedro’s hand, quite the exquisite mess. Oscar still pulses around Pedro’s cock with the aftershocks of his release. They sit in tranquil silence, gently tracing each other's features and weaving invisible poetry across their bodies, all the while exchanging tender whispers of affirmation. Pedro licks Oscar’s cum off his palm, sharing the sinful taste of him with an ardent kiss. Only for a moment, Oscar pulls back, sucking each of Pedro’s fingers clean, never breaking their eye contact as he revels in the shared taste of himself and the salt of Pedro’s skin. Once again their lips meet, tongues tangling in their carnal desire.

Pedro kicks off his pants and boxers, adding them to the crumpled shirt and robe on the floor. They lie on the bed in silence, gazing at each other’s faces for several minutes before either of them speaks. 

“When did you get here,” Pedro asks, his lips pressed against Oscar’s neck, just below his ear. He smiles when Oscar shivers.

“Around 9 this morning. Had to hang out at the airport for about 40 minutes to make sure you didn’t see me.” Oscar kisses the tip of Pedro’s nose before sliding off the bed. When Pedro reaches out for him, he grins and drags his fingertips along the underside of Pedro’s arm. “I’m just going to get us some wine.”

“How did you get in here,” Pedro asks with amusement. “Did you use your charm on the front desk clerk? He’s pretty sexy.”

“I had to blow so many people to get in here,” Oscar chuckles, handing Pedro both glasses as he climbs back into bed, propping himself up on the mound of pillows. Once he’s settled, he takes his glass back and places both tiny stuffed tigers between them. “Starting with Raul at the front desk. You’re right, he is pretty sexy, but no one holds a candle to you, mi tigre,” he says sweetly, picking up the smallest of the two stuffed tigers and walking it across Pedro’s thigh and up his side.

“What are these,” Pedro asks, picking up the larger of the two tiny tigers and examining it closely.

“Un tigre para mi tigre (a tiger for my tiger), well, two tigers. I asked Luca, the concierge, to find me a tiny tiger while I got the room ready, and he got both because he wasn’t sure the one was small enough,” Oscar says, his smile radiating. 

“You must have given those guys really good head to be on a first name basis,” Pedro laughs, trying not to spill his wine.

“I’ve not had any complaints so far,” Oscar retorts playfully, a mischievous smile on his lips.

“Well, you certainly won’t get any from me,” Pedro says in a sincere, yet amused, tone. 

Pedro winks at him, and Oscar is worried, for the briefest of moments, that his heart may actually explode with the love he feels for this man. He inhales deeply, taking in the mingling smells of Pedro, flowers, wine and sex. It’s an intoxicating aroma, one he hopes he’ll smell for the rest of this life, and in any and all lives thereafter. A tender smile brightens Oscar’s features as he finally exhales, etching this moment into his heart. He knows he’s been staring, but there’s nothing to be done about it.

“What,” Pedro asks, becoming slightly self conscious, “do I have something on my face?”

“Only that gorgeous smile and magnificent mustache,” Oscar responds as he checks the time. “We’d better grab a quick shower and get dressed if we’re gonna make our dinner reservations on time.”

Within moments of getting into the shower they’ve forgotten all about dinner. Three long months of desire and longing and they just can’t keep their hands off each other. They make love again in the shower and by time they finally get out their reservation window has passed, so they order room service and feed each other in bed. Bellies and libidos temporarily sated they cuddle and fall asleep in each other’s arms on a bed of flower petals.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Act VI: A Long, Long Time

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Pedro wakes up the next morning he’s alone, lying naked atop the comforter. The room feels cold and empty. Did he imagine last night? It felt so real, so solid. Had separation anxiety finally driven him to the point of actual insanity?

When he rubs the sleep out of his eyes, he feels something on his cheek. Pulling it away, he stares at it briefly. A lilac-colored daisy petal, one of his favorite flowers in his all-time favorite color. 

“Fuck. If this isn’t real, it’s the cruelest god damned dream ever,” he mutters to himself.

From the corner of his eye, he sees movement on the terrace. Oscar is sitting on a chaise drinking coffee and watching ships pass by. Pedro grins as he watches Oscar’s hair blowing in the gentle breeze off the Mediterranean Sea. Pedro steps into the bathroom and grabs the second plush white robe from a hook behind the door, splashing cold water on his face before joining Oscar outside.

As the sliding glass door opens Oscar looks over his shoulder and grins the grin of lovesick fools. Pedro can’t help but smile as the last 365 days flash before his eyes. How has it been a whole year already?

“Hola, mi carino. How did you sleep?”

“I’ve not slept this good since I left LA,” Pedro responds with a sigh. His voice suddenly vulnerable, he continues, “I still can’t believe you’re here. I’m terrified I’ll wake up and this will all be a dream.” His grin quickly turns into a grimace.

Oscar wonders whether Pedro can sense his heartache as he gazes into those wide, uncertain brown eyes, questioning the reality of the moment. Without uttering a word, he wraps Pedro in a tight, reassuring embrace, unsure of how to convince him that this is not just a dream. The euphoria of their previous night has evaporated, leaving behind a lingering sense of doubt and disbelief.

"I'm here, my love, always here for you. I'll be by your side until we're ready to go home," Oscar assures him, kissing him gently on his cheek. Pedro's tears begin to flow softly, as he nestles his face into Oscar's neck, inhaling his comforting scent. All Oscar can do is caress his back and run his fingers through his hair, offering silent solace. They hold each other tightly for several minutes, rocking gently.

As Pedro’s tears subside, he takes a small step back. “I’m sorry, Oscar. I didn’t mean to—,” 

"Hush now, my love. There’s no need for apologies. I know how hard this has been for you. I only wish I could've been here sooner," Oscar whispers, his touch gentle as he caresses Pedro's cheek. Their lips meet in a tender kiss, filled with longing yet soft and romantic. “Do you feel like getting some breakfast?”

Within fifteen minutes they’re downstairs in the hotel restaurant browsing the menu. Their feet caress each other under the table as they savor their food. Beaming with delight, they relish the thrill of being together again after such a long time apart.

When they’ve had more than their fill at breakfast they take a stroll through the city streets, admiring the beauty of their surroundings as Pedro points out some of his favorite places. They wander through small, local artisan shops, buying the occasional piece of artwork or furniture. Most of these purchases are prepared for shipment to either Los Angeles or Brooklyn. Visiting small fruit stands they sample several pieces of exotic fruit, requesting some to be delivered to the hotel. They also purchase small trinkets to exchange since their actual gifts are in Brooklyn. Oscar regrets not bringing their gifts with him, but he didn’t want to risk them being lost by the airline.

Around 1:30 pm they stop for lunch at a cozy little cafe before walking down to the beach. Afterwards they walk, hand in hand, along the water’s edge in silence, holding their shoes as the warm water splashes against their bare feet. When they come upon a secluded stretch of beach they sit on the white sand and watch the waves crash against the shore. Pedro leans his head on Oscar’s shoulder, with one hand resting on Oscar’s right thigh. Oscar, in turn, places his hand atop Pedro’s, his fingers tracing delicate lines across its surface. They sit on the shore for several hours, talking about everything and nothing. After a while Pedro curls up beside Oscar, lying his head in Oscar’s lap. Oscar runs his fingers through Pedro’s hair, and before long Oscar can hear Pedro’s light snore. They stay like this until Pedro’s growling stomach wakes him up. Walking back into town, they dine at the restaurant they missed their reservation for the previous night. By the time they return to the hotel the sun is starting to set. They sit on the terrace and watch it slip below the horizon while they sip wine.

“This view is stunning. Do you get to enjoy it often?”

“At least once a day I try to sit out here and watch the boats pass. There are fewer at night, but sometimes they’ll be lit with string lights. Those are my favorite.”

When Oscar’s glass is empty, he stands, taking Pedro’s empty glass with him as he goes inside to refresh their drinks. Upon his return, he sets their glasses on a small table before moving behind Pedro, where he begins to massage his shoulders. He can feel so much tension stored there. His thumbs work deep into the tissue, slowly loosening the muscles. His right hand glides, palm extended, tracing down Pedro’s chest, over his abdomen, before gently lifting the hem of Pedro’s shirt. Pedro leans forward just enough to allow Oscar to pull his shirt off, before tossing it on top of the now vacant lounger. As he reclines, Oscar tenderly kisses Pedro's warm skin, planting a trail of kisses from the nape of his neck to just beneath his earlobe. Pedro moans softly as Oscar nibbles, his left hand running over Pedro’s chest. Gently squeezing Oscar's hand and giving a slight tug, he silently encourages Oscar to come around. Oscar's fingers lightly brush against Pedro's shoulder as he moves around to the front of Pedro's chaise lounge and settles himself astride Pedro's thighs. Hands on Pedro’s sides, Oscar leans in, kissing his lover deeply. Pedro's hands rest high on Oscar's back, gliding downward with deliberate slowness. Upon reaching the hem of Oscar's shirt, he firmly grasps it with both hands, leisurely slipping it over Oscar's head and casually tossing it on top of his own. Hands resting on Oscar’s hips, Pedro licks his lips as he takes in the sight before him, a view he’s missed for what feels like an eternity. As his gaze travels over Oscar's physique, Oscar leans in close, his lips nearly brushing against Pedro's, his warm breath heavy against Pedro's moist lips.

“Touch me,” Oscar commands quietly.

“Where?” Pedro asks, suddenly nervous and unsure of himself. Having spent so many months apart has made it feel like it’s his first time all over again.

“Wherever you want to, Pedrito. You’re in charge. I’m yours to do with as you please.”

Grasping Pedro’s hands, he guides them up his stomach, pressing them firmly to his own chest. Oscar craves Pedro’s touch in every way imaginable, utterly consumed by his tactile desire. Even though they couldn’t keep their hands off each other the night before, it still feels like he’s not felt the heat of Pedro’s hungry touch for a lifetime. Leaning in, Pedro brushes his lips gently against Oscar’s, savoring the moment, while his hands move up and down Oscar’s chest. His fingers move across Oscar’s skin as if he were reading an enthralling story written in braille. A soft moan escapes Oscar’s lips as Pedro lightly drags his nails over his lover's nipples and ribs. When his fingers reach the top of Oscar’s shorts, they hook into the waist, pulling the band taught, until he can see the dark grove of Oscar’s pubic hair. The band sounds a satisfying snap as he releases it, causing Oscar to inhale sharply. Oscar bites his lower lip as Pedro’s fingers brush over the outline of his awakening cock. Fingers glide delicately over Oscar's thighs, tracing a path to his knees. When he reaches the hem of Oscar’s shorts, his hands discreetly slip beneath the fabric, his thumbs exerting gentle pressure as his hands move up Oscar’s inner thighs, eliciting a satisfying groan for his efforts. He continues to run his hands up and down Oscar’s thighs in this manner, each upward journey bringing him closer to his prize, but deliberately never quite reaching it.

“God I’ve missed this so much, your touch, your scent, your taste,” Pedro whispers as he leans in, his forehead resting against Oscar’s. Their noses nestle together seamlessly as Pedro tenderly presses his lips to Oscar’s in a series of innocent kisses.

“Me too, Pedrito,” Oscar says softly, his fingers gently caressing Pedro’s back. “The night you left was hard. I was sitting alone in the LA house completely immersed in you, yet you were getting further and further away from me. I sat on the balcony for hours just staring out into the city, willing myself to stop thinking of you not being with me.” Oscar nuzzles Pedro, still so desperate for his touch. Oscar sighs. “I’d intended to head to New York anyways, but after that first night, I knew I couldn’t stay in LA. It would have driven me mad.”

“When we talked about it before I left it seemed like it would be so easy. Daily phone calls and texts, video calls when we could manage. But it was just like this never-ending series of things that prevented us from doing any of that,” Pedro replies softly.

“When I went to bed that first night, the bed seemed so big and empty. I could smell you on the sheets, could almost feel your touch, but it was always just out of reach. I’d try running my fingers over my chest, pretending it was you, I even tried jerking off, but it just wasn’t the same.” Oscar leans back, wanting to stare into those rich cocoa eyes, wanting to lose himself in them. “I decided two things that night. First, that I was going to go back to New York the next day, and second, that until we could be together again, I wasn’t going to touch myself.” His hands move slowly up Pedro’s torso, nails dragging feather soft, as they descend. “Regardless of whether we communicated via phone, video chat, or in person, I felt it wouldn't be right to deny you pleasure if I indulged in mine. So, I only allowed myself pleasure when you could share in the experience as well. It’s why I was so quick to loosen the rules. Had I known it was causing you so much distress I’d have lifted them entirely before you even left.”

“Really?” Pedro asks, his fingers still raking up and down Oscar’s thighs, still not quite reaching the apex.

Oscar shrugs as his fingers begin to fuss with the buttons of Pedro’s shorts. He grins as he unfastens each button. He’d not seen a button fly since the 90’s.

“What?” Pedro laughs.

“You’re making me work for it tonight,” Oscar chuckles.

“I don’t want you to think I’m too easy,” Pedro replies with a mischievous wink.

“I would never think that, darling,” Oscar says in a sultry tone as he pulls the fabric away, exposing the base of his lover's shaft. God how he loves it when Pedro goes commando.

Licking, then biting his lower lip, Oscar lightly runs his index finger up and down this small section of newly exposed skin. Grasping the sides of Pedro’s shorts Oscar tugs gently, prompting Pedro to lift his hips. Oscar shimmies the shorts down just enough to expose most of Pedro’s cock. Their eyes lock as he runs his index and middle fingers smoothly up and down the sides of Pedro’s exposed length. Pedro breathes slowly, deeply, gripping the edges of the chaise, hoping it will help anchor his concentration. Oscar continues this for several minutes, until Pedro is gasping, writhing under his touch.

“Do you like that, baby?”

Pedro nods as a shiver runs through him. Grasping Pedro’s shorts, Oscar slides them down until he’s just past Pedro’s knees. Pedro lifts his legs, allowing the shorts to be removed and discarded on the growing pile of clothes. Taking Pedro’s left foot in hand, he kisses from Pedro’s inner calf to his inner thigh, draping Pedro’s legs over his shoulders as he leans in closer. Oscar alternates between kissing, licking and biting both of Pedro’s inner thighs, eliciting a series of satisfying moans. He licks away pearls of precum that have started to drip down Pedro’s hard cock, before taking the tip into his mouth. When Pedro’s hips lift off the chaise, Oscar places his left hand, fingers splayed, over Pedro’s lower abdomen, gently pushing him back down. He takes Pedro deeper at an achingly slow, but exquisitely delicious, pace, until his chin rests on Pedro’s balls.

“Siete infiernos… Daddy…” Gasping for the breaths that were stolen, he curls his fingers around Oscar’s dark locks, tugging with urgency. “I need you inside me, mi amor. Fuck me until the only name I know is yours. Please…” Pedro begs with a desperate cry.

Gently resting Pedro’s legs back on the chaise, Oscar straddles his legs once more. He crawls forward on all fours, licking a slow, lascivious line up Pedro’s stomach, stopping only when his tongue glides across Pedro’s lips. Pedro grazes his teeth over Oscar’s chin before running his tongue across it. When Oscar leans back Pedro whimpers, until they make eye contact. Holding his gaze, Oscar slowly tilts his head down. Pedro’s eyes follow, as if hypnotized, being guided to the waist of Oscar’s shorts. Pedro leans in, nipping and sucking Oscar’s nipples. Fingers hooking into the elastic band once more, Pedro unhurriedly slides Oscar’s shorts down to his knees, where Oscar quickly maneuvers to discard them. He tosses them haphazardly onto the pile of their clothes, where they rest precariously on the edge of the lounger.

Eyes locked, Pedro spits into his palm, working his hand up and down Oscar’s cock. Oscar positions himself between Pedro’s drawn up legs, licking his index and middle fingers, before sticking them in Pedro’s mouth. Once they’re thoroughly wet, he runs them over Pedro’s tight hole as he lines himself up. He enters slowly, pleased at Pedro’s sharp intake of air. Even a year later it still feels like their first night together, warm and familiar, yet tight and unexplored. But he knows that last thought is incorrect, because he’s explored his lover more times than he can count, each time as exhilarating as the first. Oscar moves slowly at first, reading Pedro’s cues, before increasing his tempo. With each thrust Pedro lifts his hips, taking Oscar as deep as possible while simultaneously clenching his muscles. Oscar groans loudly at the tightening sensation. He alternates between quick, shallow thrusts and slow, deep penetration. With each slow thrust Pedro grips Oscar’s hips, pulling him deeper still, sometimes holding him in place for several seconds, ankles crossed behind Oscar’s back, savoring being completely filled.

Supporting himself on his left arm, Oscar leans in close. Pedro’s panting breaths are like fire against his lips as they crash into Pedro’s in a ravenous kiss. His right hand encircles Pedro’s cock, stroking him between their stomachs. It’s almost too much for either of them to bear after so many months of limited contact. Oscar bites Pedro’s shoulder just hard enough to elicit a passionate cry.

“There it is, mi tigre. I want the people across the sound to hear how much you’re enjoying yourself. I want them to be able to hear those feral sounds you’re making for me. I want them to know you belong to me!”

Under the starlit sky Pedro's voice quivers as he confesses to Oscar, "You own every part of me. My every breath, my every heartbeat. My soul."

"And I am entirely yours, in every conceivable manner, in every possible universe,” Oscar whispers against Pedro’s kiss swollen lips.

Their tongues delicately brush against each other's as they exhale heavily into one another's mouths, their lips tantalizingly close but never quite touching. He can see the telltale signs that Pedro is precariously close to the edge. Oscar presses Pedro’s cock against his own stomach as he ruts harder, the friction of Pedro’s cock grinding against his abdomen a sinful pleasure. The sounds this elicits from Pedro are absolutely obscene and Oscar isn’t sure if either of them can last much longer.

“Say my name when you cum for me,” Oscar whispers into Pedro’s ear.

Even though it wasn’t a command, those three words never fail to drown him in the sea of pleasure. Pedro cries Oscar’s name to the stars that pepper the night sky as his cock spasms with his release. Pedro’s glistening cum drips in thick rivulets down Oscar’s chest and hand, pooling where their bodies meet.

“Cum for me, Daddy, I want to feel you explode inside of me!”

Pedro’s wishes ever his command, Oscar thrusts deeply into his lover, the sound of his hips hitting Pedro’s thighs like gunshots in the still of the night. Oscar vocalizes loudly as Pedro’s muscles pulse around his throbbing cock, his cum erupting with enough force to temporarily expel the air from his lungs. Panting heavily, Oscar licks the spend that’s ran down his palm and forearm.  Still embedded, relishing the heat and involuntary muscle contractions, his hips work slowly back and forth. Oscar runs his hands over his chest, glazing Pedro’s release across his torso. Leaning forward, Oscar cups Pedro’s face with both hands, gently pulling him forward. Pedro props himself up with his left hand, right arm wrapping around Oscar’s neck, fingers lost in soft curls. Oscar kisses him greedily before licking Pedro’s face clean. Now it’s Oscar’s turn to lean back as Pedro licks his essence off Oscar’s chest, savoring the taste of them.

Oscar feels himself slowly sliding out as Pedro reclines once more, back flush against the lounger. Pressing Pedro’s legs against his stomach, Oscar lays prone between them and watches his cum trickle out of Pedro’s stretched hole before lapping it up with his tongue. Once every last drop has been claimed, Oscar props himself up enough to allow Pedro to stretch his legs out, before crawling up far enough to lay his head on Pedro’s still quivering stomach. Pedro’s fingers twirl around Oscar’s damp curls as they work to steady their breathing as they lie in the moonlight, spent and sated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Act VII: Adrift In A Sea of Bliss

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following weeks pass in a flurry of utter madness. One extra week quickly becomes three. Each one filled with ten to twelve hour workdays, five days a week, until production finally manages to wrap the shoot on Tuesday, October 29. True to his word, Oscar remains by Pedro’s side throughout the concluding weeks of production, never missing a day on set. When they walk off set for the final time Pedro is in one of his joyfully chaotic moods. Oscar hasn’t seen him this happy since the party at Jason’s house in July.

“Now that you’re finally free, what do you want to do?”

Pedro looks at his phone and sees it’s late, too late to really go anywhere or do anything outside of bar hopping, and he’s not in the mood for that. Pursing his lips, he ponders for several moments before it comes to him.

“There’s a beautiful place just outside of town called Hastings Gardens. The views are magnificent from every side.”

They stop at the hotel concierge desk where Luca has left a picnic basket full of local fruits, wine, small glasses and a blanket. As Pedro runs their stuff to the room Oscar asks Luca to reschedule the private boat charter one last time. Minutes later a private car drops them off just outside of the garden entrance. They walk around the park, taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature in an area encased by stone. After a brief walk around the rim of the park they settle at a spot overlooking the glittering beauty of Manoel Island. Lights sparkle on the rippling waters surrounding the small land mass. They unfurl their blanket on the garden’s sloping concrete border, watching passing ships as they savor fresh fruit.

“I’m so glad this is finally over. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.” Pedro pauses, his brow creasing, “I was starting to resent even coming here. This whole experience almost ruined this country for me.” Taking Oscar’s hand, Pedro looks deep into his eyes. “And thank you for coming. I’d have probably spiraled way worse than I did had you not come.”

Oscar turns their coupled hands over, pressing his lips tenderly to the back of Pedro’s.

“Sabes que haría cualquier cosa por ti, mi corazón. (You know I would do anything for you, my heart.) I’m sorry this turned out to be such a bad experience for you, but I’m grateful it hasn’t diminished your appreciation for the location.”

Pedro leans into Oscar, resting his head on his shoulder. They sit, fingers entwined, gazing at the city below. As Pedro nuzzles Oscar’s neck his eyes cast upward. He gasps softly. He’d been so focused on the beauty below he almost didn’t notice the beauty above them. The Milky Way glows in brilliant hues of purple, blue and pink. In the stillness of the night, under the Milky Way, they lay holding hands until the park closes at 10 PM.

***

When they return to the hotel they undress and lie naked in bed, legs entangled. They lay in silence for several minutes, lost in one another’s gaze. Pedro softly glides his fingertips up and down the curve of Oscar’s side, while Oscar delicately traces the contours of Pedro’s face. With each pass, Pedro’s fingers travel further south, until finally reaching his hip, where fanned fingers move slowly over Oscar’s pelvis. Running his middle finger up and down Oscar’s sleeping length, Pedro smiles impishly when he feels his lovers cock twitch.

“You are insatiable, mi tigre. Just one of the millions of things adore about you.”

Oscar slides forward until they’re almost nose to nose. Seizing Pedro’s chin, he trails his tongue across the side of Pedro’s face before gently nudging his nose. Pedro tilts his head, exposing the thick column of his neck, where Oscar nips and sucks until a bluish-purple blush darkens the skin. When Pedro’s lips part in a low moan, Oscar takes the plump lower lip between his teeth before kissing him ravenously. Before he realizes what’s happening, Oscar is flat on his back, Pedro straddling his thighs. A low, primal growl escapes him when Pedro starts grinding against his pelvis. When he attempts to sit up, Pedro pins him to the bed with his left hand. 

Arching forward, pressing both hands to Oscar’s stomach, Pedro licks his lips as he continues to move his hips with precision. Eyes alight with mischief, he takes Oscar’s hands, guiding them up his thighs. Oscar’s nails bite into muscle, his skin burning from the heat of Pedro's cock pressing against him as Pedro grinds harder still. Oscar’s cock throbs with need, the friction almost too much to bear. Oscar groans loudly as he reaches for Pedro’s hips, gripping them tightly. He bucks involuntarily as his lover continues to ride him, Pedro’s nails dragging across the velvety soft skin just below Oscar’s navel.

Oscar moans softly, biting his lower lip.  Turning his head to the side, he whispers “You feel so good against me.”

"I know you want me, Oscar," Pedro pants as he continues to grind against him. "You want my cock, don't you?"

Retrieving the lube from the small bedside table, Pedro reaches down between them, grabbing hold of Oscar's throbbing member. He applies the sticky liquid liberally onto Oscar’s cock, feeling it grow harder beneath his touch, stroking it slowly, until he’s fully erect. He rubs Oscar’s head over his entrance before slowing lowering himself onto it. Pedro moans softly in his lover's ear as he takes him deeper. Hips moving in slow, wide circles, he guides Oscar’s hand to his own erect member, encouraging Oscar to touch and explore him as he continues to ride him.

"I want you to stroke my cock while I ride you," he says as he leans forward, pressing his hips against Oscar's. "I want to feel your hands all over me while you’re inside me,” he whispers against Oscar’s lips in a low, sultry tone, before leaning back to give Oscar full access to his body. "Make me cum for you.”

"Anything for you," Oscar gasps, wrapping his fingers around Pedro's hard length, stroking him firmly but gently. He can feel the heat radiating off Pedro's skin as the heady scent of sex fills the air around them.

Pedro’s head lolls back as he moans with pleasure, his love bite glowing in the dim light of the bedside lamp. His hips roll in quick, concentric circles, as he continues to fuck himself on Oscar’s cock, giving his ass a thorough pounding. Having this control over Oscar is exhilarating and he finds he’s not felt such a marvelous ache since the first time Oscar edged him. This ache is almost insufferable, yet oddly euphoric. He feels as though he’s chasing a high he just can’t quite grasp. He loves being at Oscar's mercy, completely under his control, he always has. And yet, even as he enjoys every moment of it, Pedro knows that right now he needs more than just this if he’s going to finally reach that high he’s chasing so desperately. He needs to feel Oscar clenching around his throbbing cock, which has already started leaking with evidence of his pleasure. 

"Oscar," he manages between gasping breaths. Leaning over Oscar, his damp curls framing his face, Pedro nibbles Oscar’s earlobe before growling quietly in his ear, “I want to fuck you until the only coherent sound you can make is my name.”

They maneuver around on the bed until they’re sitting on their knees face to face. Oscar runs his thumb over Pedro’s crown before bringing it to his lips. His eyes dark with desire he licks his thumb slowly, savoring the taste, before reaching for the lube. Pedro guides Oscar’s hand as they spread the gel over Pedro’s cock. With a devilish smirk Pedro makes a twirling motion with his finger. Oscar bites his lower lip, kisses Pedro quickly and slowly turns around. Pedro places Oscar’s hands on the headboard and nudges Oscar’s leg with his knee. In silent obedience Oscar spreads his legs and leans forward. He gasps at the sudden cold as Pedro applies the lube, running his finger around the edge before slowly inserting a finger, then two, to help loosen him up.

Placing the container back on the nightstand, Pedro bites Oscar’s shoulder as he aligns himself. Feeling Pedro’s tip at his eager entrance, Oscar pushes himself backwards, achingly slow, until he’s accepted Pedro’s full length. Oscar groans as Pedro starts to move, slowly at first, but quickly gaining momentum. Left hand gripping his hip, Pedro snakes his right hand around Oscar’s waist, fingers fanning out over his stomach. Pedro's fingers glide down his lover's cock with tantalizing slowness, his thumb hooking over the base of it as he circles around the underside of his balls. He strokes him in this tight arc for several seconds before moving his hand to fully grip Oscar's shaft. As he continues to stroke him, Pedro ruts himself deeper and harder.

Pedro leans forward and whispers into Oscar's ear, "You like it when I touch you like this? When I stroke you and fuck you? Do you want to cum, mi gatito? ¿Le vas a pedir a tu tigre que te de el placer que deseas (Are you going to ask your tiger to give you the pleasure you want)?”

Oscar moans softly in response, nodding eagerly as he tightly clutches the headboard. Pressing his ass back against Pedro’s hips, Oscar looks over his shoulder at Pedro. Baring his gritted teeth, he continues to push back, impaling himself again and again as hard as he can.

“I want to feel your hand gripping my throat while you fuck me. Choke me until I see stars. Make me beg for it like the dirty little slut that I am.”

Their grunts and groans fill the room as they go harder. Soon the headboard is banging violently against the wall with an erratic rhythm. Pedro briefly releases Oscar’s cock, weaving his fingers deep into Oscar’s hair, pulling it tightly before pushing his face against the wall. Oscar moans loudly as stars dance across his backs of his eyelids.

“Pedro, you’re so fucking amazing. It feels so god damned good when you touch me, when you fuck me. I want to cum for you, mi tigre. Please, baby, let me cum for you. I need it, baby, I need it so bad. I want to paint these walls with my cum for you, Pedro… please.”

Pedro's fingers still grip Oscar's throat and stroke his cock as he leans in to lick a bead of sweat from between Oscar's shoulder blades. The sensation sends a shiver down Oscar’s spine and Pedro can feel himself growing even harder at the thought of having complete control over his lover.

"You taste so good," he murmurs softly, his lips trailing down Oscar's back. “I wanna let you cum, baby, I do. But first, you’re gonna have to tell me how badly you need it,” Pedro purrs against Oscar’s sweat slicked skin.

“I’m gonna go mad if I can’t cum for you, mi tigre. The feel of you, everywhere, all at once, it’s almost too much to bear.” His voice just above a whisper, Oscar begs softly, “please, baby, please let me cum for you.”

“Hmm, I love hearing you be submissive. It’s no wonder it turns you on so much to hear me beg. Cum for me, gatito,” Pedro whispers into his ear, his hand pressing Oscar’s cock flat to his stomach.

Oscar’s body vibrates like a tuning fork as his orgasm runs through him, expelling his release all over his chest and stomach. As the waves of euphoria continue to crash, Oscar’s muscles contract tightly around Pedro’s cock, the spasms driving Pedro to near dizziness. Releasing his grip from both Oscar’s throat and cock, Pedro firmly grips Oscar’s hip with one hand and places his other flat against the wall next to Oscar’s. Pedro rests his head on Oscar’s shoulder as he nips at the tender skin of the crook of his neck.

“God, you’re so tight, baby... fuck, mi gatito, you’re squeezing me so tightly with that perfect ass of yours. You’re gonna make me cum.”

“Yes,” Oscar pants as another wave of pleasure ripples through him and he involuntary clenches down on Pedro’s cock again.

“Just like that, fuck! I’m gonna fill you up with my cum and watch it seep out of that tight hole of yours, soaking my cock, mi puta!” Pedro exclaims as his orgasm starts to build, radiating from his center, pulsing through his body like electricity. His balls tighten as his seed fills Oscar, hot and thick, his fingers pressing deep into Oscar’s hip.

Oscar winces and lets out a soft hiss as Pedro's nails dig into his skin, relishing the sensation of delicious pain. He reaches back, gripping Pedro’s side as another shockwave travels up his spine. Pedro's palm meets Oscar's hand, their fingers intertwining as he guides them to Oscar's chin. With a gentle touch, he turns Oscar's head to the side, placing a tender kiss on his lips. Fingers still interlaced, Pedro peppers a trail of soft kisses down Oscar’s neck and across his shoulder. He kisses Oscar’s palm as he backs up, leaving Oscar feeling empty. Helping Oscar off the bed, Pedro kisses him deeply and leads him to the shower.

***

When they finally awake the following morning Pedro stretches lazily and yawns. A glance at the bedside table reveals it’s almost noon. After a leisurely lunch they take a car to the local marina, where a lone ship sits in the last slip at the end of the dock. Nauti Buoy is written across the stern. When Oscar points out that this is the boat he's rented for them, Pedro is surprised by how luxurious it looks. He’s been on plenty of boats in his lifetime, but none quite like this. As they climb aboard, he feels a sense of anticipation building inside him.

As the ship leaves the marina Oscar gives Pedro a tour of the upper decks. When Pedro heads towards the stairs leading to the lower desks, Oscar stops him, assuring him they’ll explore the lower decks after dinner. They ride north, admiring the crystal waters and ancient landscapes. Pedro loves being out on the water like this, surrounded by nothing but open space and endless possibility. Two and a half hours later they pass by Blue Lagoon, a secluded island beach. The medium sized yacht drifts past a packed ferry dock, before dropping anchor in a truly secluded cove. They alternate between swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and lying on the white sand beach until the sun begins to dip below the horizon.

When they return to the boat Pedro is surprised to learn the vessel actually has four crew members instead of just two, including a chef. They dine on the very top deck, overlooking the water as the sky darkens. After dinner it’s finally time to explore the lower decks. The first of the two has sleeping quarters and a kitchen. While there is plenty of room to comfortably accommodate everyone presently onboard, Oscar explains that the crew will be staying ashore while they’re anchored in the cove. After they’ve toured each room on this deck they make their way deeper into the vessel.

Oscar opens a door at the end of the hall and flips a switch. As their eyes adjust to the light Pedro takes in the sight before him and blushes. This room is unlike anything he has ever seen. The walls are lined with various devices designed to assert, or relinquish, control. While Pedro is no stranger to many of the devices hanging neatly from hooks on the wall, he’s not had personal experience with any of them. A swing, suspended from the ceiling, hangs in the far corner of the room. He knows that, before the weekend is over, he’ll become very familiar with many of the devices here.

As they walk through the room, Oscar points out various instruments, explaining their function and operation. Pedro is especially intrigued by a pulley system in the middle of the room, which connects to points on both the ceiling and the floor. Oscar can’t help but smile as he watches Pedro examine the room. This room was clearly designed for exploration, to allow one to let go of their inhibitions and experience new sensations in complete safety. Pedro feels a shiver run down his spine as he takes it all in, excited by the possibilities this room has to offer.

“Tell me more about this…” Pedro says, his fingers trailing over a padded leather wrist restraint, which is part of the pulley system that caught his eye when they first walked in.

“Hmm, this is one of my favorites,” Oscar says, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Oscar can see that Pedro is nervous, but excited. Taking his hand, Oscar kisses him softly as he unbuckles the first wrist restraint. To Pedro’s surprise, Oscar hands him the cuff and extends his arm. Nodding his head, Oscar grins as Pedro hesitantly fastens the strap around his wrist.

When the first strap is secured Oscar gestures to the second one.

“What if someone comes down here?” Pedro asks nervously.

“They’ve already left for the mainland, darling. It’s just you and me.”  He stares into Pedro’s eyes, sensing his trepidation. "I trust you," he says simply, giving Pedro a meaningful look that tells him everything he needs to know.

Pedro feels a bolt of excitement run through him at these three simple words. He has never been given this level of control in their game play before, and it's both exhilarating and nerve-wracking all at once. But he knows that he can handle it, for Oscar's sake, if not his own. After the second strap is secure, Oscar motions to a metal rod on the floor. Pedro drops to his knees and examines the straps at either end. Although he doesn’t know the name of this device, he has a fairly good idea of what it does. Slowly but surely the restraints are fastened around Oscar's body, and Pedro feels more powerful with each buckle that clicks into place. When Oscar’s wrists and ankles are finally bound, and the nylon ropes pulled taut, Pedro feels a sense of satisfaction unlike anything else in the world. He takes a step back to admire his work, gazing at Oscar with an intensity that makes it clear just how much he wants him.

"Are you comfortable? Nothing’s too tight?" Pedro asks softly, running his fingers over the soft padding that extends slightly past the leather on Oscar's wrist.

"It’s perfect and I'm more than comfortable," Oscar replies with a grin. "I’m incredibly fucking turned on."

“I can see that,” Pedro says looking down at the bulge in Oscar’s swim shorts. Seeing Oscar like this, his arms above his head, and his legs spread, is making his cock twitch. “Seeing you like this, helpless, is so fucking sexy.”

Pedro steps closer, gripping Oscar’s chin, kissing him gently on the lips, the corner of his mouth, his jaw. His lips trail down Oscar’s neck as he slowly unbuttons his lover's shirt. Fingers slipping inside, he brushes his thumbs over Oscar’s nipples before dragging his fingers down Oscar’s exposed stomach.  Left hand gripping his hip, Pedro’s right rubs over the straining fabric of Oscar’s shorts, pressing the heel of his palm firmly against Oscar’s already hardening cock with each upward movement. Oscar moans each time Pedro applies pressure to his throbbing member, pushing his hips into every upward pass.

Pedro drops to his knees, kissing the fabric separating Oscar’s cock from his lips. Gripping the waist of Oscar’s shorts, Pedro slowly inches them down until his lovers' cock springs free. Oscar gasps loudly when Pedro’s nose rubs the underside of his length, the tip of his tongue drawing a line from base to tip. Pedro flicks his tongue over Oscar’s head before wrapping his lips around his thick cock. He stares up at Oscar, a wicked glint sparkling in his eyes as he watches Oscar watch him. Relaxing his jaw, Pedro takes him as deeply as he can, holding him there until he feels his lungs burn. Leaning back, he strokes his lover's shaft lazily before letting his cock slide down his throat again, keeping him there until his lungs ignite once more. Over and over again, he takes his lovers full length, while maintaining unwavering eye contact. Oscar realizes Pedro is catching on quickly as he tries to buck his hips forward, craving the heat of Pedro’s mouth.

“Fuck,” Oscar pants as he thrusts his hips forward again. “Please, baby. I want to feel you sweet lips around my cock again. You take me so well.”

He’s desperate for it and isn’t ashamed to show it. But with every thrust Pedro counters, leaning back just enough that Oscar can’t quite reach. He groans in frustration, feeling his pulse pounding against his temples. Pedro rises to his feet, turning his back to Oscar as he takes inventory of the tools at his disposal. His eyes are drawn to a suede flogger with a black and red braided handle. As he collects this from a hook on the wall Pedro spies a black satin eye mask, which he hooks onto his thumb. Oscar bites his lower lip when he sees what Pedro has found.

Pedro kisses the tip of Oscar’s nose as he slips the mask over Oscar’s eyes. As Oscar adjusts to losing a second of his five senses, his hearing becomes more attuned to his surroundings. He can hear waves gently breaking against the hull of the boat and the faint sound of rusting leather as Pedro allows the straps of the new toy to brush lightly against his bare chest. The soft suede feels amazing against his skin as Pedro guides it down his stomach and across his tender, aching member. As leather brushes over his swollen head he gasps.

“Do you like that, baby?” Pedro asks in a silky voice, enjoying his playthings involuntarily reactions to his teasing.

“It feels so good, mi tigre,” Oscar’s pants, “but nothing makes me feel quite as good as you do.” Licking his lips, Oscar continues, his tone playfully condescending. “Do you know how to use it?”

Pedro quickly takes the bait, drawing his arm back and slapping the flogger across Oscar’s chest and stomach. His strike is harder than he’d intended, but Pedro is pleasantly surprised when Oscar encourages him to put more strength behind it. With a slight hesitation, Pedro draws back again, hitting his lover harder. A satisfying snap fills the air as leather meets flesh and Pedro is rewarded for his efforts with a loud groan. Oscar licks his lips again, almost salivating, as he tells Pedro to do it again, commanding Pedro to hit him harder and lower.

“Are you sure,” Pedro asks, his tone slightly uncertain. When Oscar nods enthusiastically Pedro obeys.

The sounds of leather against leather and flesh, coupled with the feral sounds building deep in Oscar’s throat, are enough to make Pedro hard.

“Fuck, mi tigre, just like that!” Oscar exclaims, gripping the nylon ropes tightly.

Pedro smiles sinfully as he continues to flog his lover, elated by the sounds of ecstasy and the way Oscar’s body writhes with pleasure. But as much fun as as he’s having with these new toys, Pedro realizes he wants the chance to be where Oscar is now.

Kissing Oscar with a savage hunger, Pedro whispers against his lips, “Can I play now, Daddy?”

Oscar nods his head as his tongue caresses Pedro’s. Dropping to his knees, Pedro makes quick work of the ankle restraints. He drags his tongue slowly up Oscar’s length, catching pearls of pre-cum on the tip as he stands. He presses his body against Oscar as he undoes the wrist restraints, his erection pressing into Oscar’s stomach. As soon as Oscar’s hands are free, they find Pedro’s face, pulling him into a deep, passionate kiss. Although Oscar wants to see his pet bound in the same manner he was just released from, Oscar has his sights set on a different piece of furniture. Oscar quickly shrugs off his clothes, letting them fall to the floor as he pulls Pedro’s shirt over his head. Oscar teasingly tugs at the waist of Pedro's swim trunks, gently loosening the drawstring and slowly pulling them down, appreciating the view of Pedro's cock as they fall to the floor.

Taking Pedro’s hand, Oscar leads him to the swing. Pedro’s eyes go wide as he takes in all of the straps hanging from multiple anchor points on the ceiling, wondering how in the world this device is supposed to support him. Oscar explains each piece of the swing as he helps him get safely seated. He knows that he’ll have Pedro bound by his wrists and ankles soon enough, but feels the swing is a safer introduction to this new type of play. The device has a fully adjustable back support, but Pedro can’t help but feel like he’s climbing into a hammock. He chuckles nervously as he adjusts himself in the swing, trying to get centered. Taking in Pedro’s angelic innocence as he wiggles his hips in the swing makes Oscar grin so hard his cheeks hurt. How can he be so turned on by this man, yet find him so incredibly endearing at the same time?

“I’ve got you, baby. I won’t let you fall,” Oscar assures him, unable to suppress his own laughter.

Helping Pedro lie down in the swing, Oscar kisses Pedro’s calves as he secures his feet into the stirrups. Once everything has been securely fastened and Pedro confirms he’s comfortable, Oscar steps between Pedro’s spread legs, stopping when his pelvis is flush with Pedro’s ass. His cock settles perfectly between Pedro’s cheeks as Oscar begins to rock his hips back and forth. As he explains the pulley system to Pedro, Oscar runs the palm of his hand up and down the length of Pedro’s erection, his fingers spreading to accommodate Pedro’s girth on each downstroke. It doesn’t take long at all for Pedro to start rolling his hips against Oscar’s cock as it glides over his eager entrance.

Pedro adjusts the straps of the swing so he's sitting upright, with his knees pulled to his chest. He bites his lip in anticipation as he watches Oscar stroke his cock, spreading lube around until he glistens in the warm overhead light. A soft whimper escapes him as Oscar starts to apply lube to the ring of muscle nestled between the rounded cheeks of his ass. Oscar’s thick fingers hint at what’s to come, ensuring he's ready for the press of Oscar’s cock. He gently penetrates his lover, allowing Pedro time to relax around him. Gripping Pedro’s hips, Oscar moves slowly, teasing him with the tip of his cock and groaning at how tight his pet is.

“Do you want it, mi tigre? Do you want me to fill you up, to stretch that tight little hole of yours?” Pedro nods eagerly, licking his lips hungrily. “Let me hear how badly you want my cock inside you, baby,” Oscar says as he continues to rock against Pedro’s ass, tortuously teasing his bound tiger.

Pedro attempts to move in a way that would make Oscar go deeper, but realizes he is at Oscar’s mercy. He can control the back support of the swing, but Oscar controls the entire lower half of his body. Pedro moans, partly from pleasure, partly from frustration, as Oscar pushes the tip of his cock just deep enough to open him up, then pulls out, over and over again.

“God, you feel so fucking amazing, mi tigre. So tight and warm,” Oscar purrs as he begins to stroke Pedro’s cock with languid pleasure. “Do you like being teased, baby?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Tell me, pet, what’s your favorite kind of teasing? “

“I love it when you bring me to the edge, Daddy,” Pedro’s breath hitches as Oscar increases his tempo on Pedro’s cock, hips still rocking, still refusing his lover full penetration.

“Do you enjoy being my plaything?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Pedro pants.

Pushing his aching member slightly deeper, just enough to elicit beautiful whimpers of longing, Oscar continues to edge Pedro for several more minutes. After what feels like a blissfully infinite lifetime Pedro can finally withstand this torture no longer.

Drawing in a deep breath, Pedro growls “FUCK ME!!” His knuckles turn white as he grips the straps tightly.  His entire body trembles with need.

The inexplicably commanding tone in his voice makes Oscar’s cock jump with arousal. Releasing his hold on Pedro’s cock, Oscar grips his hips tightly, fingers biting into his skin. Unable to deny his lover any longer, Oscar drives his hips forward hard, the resounding slap of flesh against flesh filling the room.

“Fuck, yes! Give it to me, Daddy!”

Oscar continues to drive into him, hard and fast. He grunts through gritted teeth each time his hips smash against Pedro’s reddening cheeks. The speed and intensity of his movements fill Pedro with a heady euphoria. Still tightly gripping the left strap, Pedro sticks his middle fingers into his mouth, sucking them fervently. He moans around them as Oscar continues to ram his cock deep into his hole, so deep he would swear Oscar is rearranging his organs.

“Te sientes tan jodidamente bien dentro de mí. ¡Sigue adelante, nunca te detengas!” (You feel so fucking good inside me. Keep going, never stop!)

Pedro pants, trying to catch his breath as he grabs his cock and begins to stroke himself. The sounds spilling from his mouth are feral, resonating from deep in his throat. He’s too lost in his pleasure to be able to speak coherently. It’s all he can do to breathe, and even that is a difficult task. Seeing Pedro in such a delirious state drives Oscar’s libido into overdrive as he continues to fuck his lover with abandon.

“Fuck me like you hate me,” Pedro demands, stroking his shaft faster, pre-cum slicking his fingers, pearls dripping onto his stomach.

Oscar pauses for a moment, balls deep, like he’s considering this command. Pedro’s hand is a blur as he continues to aggressively stroke his cock. Oscar cups Pedro’s face in his left hand, leans in, and kisses him softly. His fingers trace a delicate path through Pedro’s hair, lingering at the soft nape of his neck as his hand gently settles at the back of his head, fingers still lost in his thick curls. His lips brushing Pedro’s ear, Oscar whispers, “I love you so much, mi amor,” and quickly kisses his cheek.

A split-second later Oscar’s fingers grip the hair on the back of Pedro’s head tightly, pulling hard, until Pedro’s eyes meet his own. Momentarily caught off guard, Pedro’s hand stops mid-stroke. His eyebrow arched, a challenging expression on his face, Pedro nods, almost imperceptibly. Oscar pulls back slightly, his fingers still threaded through Pedro’s hair, then slams his hips forward with enough force to cause the swing to lurch backwards. He grunts as he continues to thrust his hips forward, his back arching with forward momentum. His speed increases with each push of his pelvis. Beads of sweat glisten on his chest and trickle down his stomach, his breathing becoming more labored.

“I’m gonna fuck that attitude right out of you, mi puta,” Oscar growls. Releasing his grip on Pedro’s hair, Oscar wraps his hands around Pedro’s thighs for leverage.

“Oh god, fuck. Yes, yes!” Pedro exclaims as he resumes masturbating. His head lulls back as Oscar continues to drive into him with no remorse.

“Make me cum, Daddy!” Pedro cries out as Oscar stretches and fills him.

“You’ll cum when I say you can cum, my little slut,” Oscar barks in response.

With a quick flick of his wrist, Oscar adjusts the position of the swing seat. His next powerful thrust hits home and Pedro cries his name in ecstasy as Oscar hits his sweet spot. He thrusts his hips forward again, Pedro’s pelvis now in the perfect position for his cock to hit that spot repeatedly. Pedro is utterly lost in pleasure. The sounds coming from him now are absolute music to Oscar’s ears and he can tell by the way his pet is writhing and moaning that he’ll cum soon, even if he’s not granted permission.

Oscar kisses and nips Pedro’s inner thighs, biding him to have a little more patience. Pedro slows his hand to a lazy stroke, his unfocused gaze shifting between the slickness on his stomach and Oscar’s sweat beaded face.

“Are you Daddy’s little slut? My dirty little cumslut?”

“Yes, Daddy!”

“Then show me, mi puta,” Oscar replies, driving into Pedro as he nips his calves.

When Oscar thrusts again it’s like he’s hit a detonator. Head lulling back and eyes closed, Pedro moans loudly as his cum spills over his chest, droplets landing on his exposed neck. Oscar bites his lower lip as his lover spasms around him, slowing down to enjoy the sensation. Waves of pleasure wash over Pedro as he tries to catch his breath. He can feel Oscar’s cock jump inside him and knows Oscar is so close to his own release.  Clinching his muscles, Pedro growls when he hears Oscar groan loudly.

“Damn, baby, just a little tighter. I’m so fucking close, mi tigre!”

Pedro clenches as hard as his tired muscles will allow and Oscar finally falls into his own orgasm, filling his lover with his spend. Still nestled in his warmth, Oscar works the straps on the swing, freeing Pedro’s legs and feet, which Pedro wraps tightly around his waist. Freeing himself from the upper portion of the swing, Pedro wraps his arms around Oscar, kissing his face and neck. Nibbling Pedro’s shoulder, Oscar walks them out of the playroom, hitting the light switch on the way out.

When they’re in the boat’s master bedroom just a few steps down the hall, Oscar lays Pedro on the bed. His eyes closed, Pedro sprawls across the bed, stretching lazily as Oscar grabs 2 bottles of water from the mini fridge in the corner of the room. Setting both on a small side table, he steps into the bathroom. Pedro hears the running water but is too tired to pay it any mind. Moments later Oscar emerges holding a washcloth. Oscar sets the cloth on the small bedside table and settles in beside Pedro. Pedro snuggles up to Oscar, who pets his mewling tiger.

“You’re such an obedient boy. You were fucking amazing in there,” Oscar says, kissing the tip of Pedro’s nose and peppering Pedro’s lips with soft kisses.

Oscar runs the warm cloth over Pedro’s sweat dampened face, along his neck and over his chest and stomach, gently washing him clean.

“You look tired, love. Here,” Oscar says, passing him a bottle. “I love you so much, mi tigre. I don’t know how I lived before you.”

“I love you too, mi gatito. Sometimes, when I’m lying in your arms, I can’t imagine the world before you.”

"Happy anniversary, darling," Oscar whispers softly, as he brushes his lips against Pedro's with an innocent tenderness, yet beneath lies a subtle current of desire, a longing that speaks volumes in its restraint. They fall asleep, limbs entwined, to the soft sounds of the ocean.

Over the course of the next three days, they spend several hours in the playroom, trying out new toys and furniture. Oscar takes mental notes of what devices Pedro does, and does not, respond to. He also makes sure to keep the toys in the playroom, so Pedro has a safe space if he gets overwhelmed.  And he does get overwhelmed a few times, ending one particularly intense session by saying ‘nova.’ That night, their final night in the cove, they make love on the upper deck, under the stars.

[ssum-thinginthewayshemoves]

The Ssum Review 2: Electric Boogaloo

So, approximately 50 some-odd days ago, I posted my one week “first impressions” review of Cheritz’s newest phone game, The Ssum: Forbidden Lab. Now, on day 60 of this game (what???), and with a second raffle for merch coming up, I feel compelled to give a follow up to some points and thoughts from my first review.

Under the cut: Heavy Spoilers for The Ssum: Forbidden Lab up through day 14, light spoilers (out of context artwork) up to day 60.

Teo

So first of all, let me start by saying that this game has ruined my life, but like, in a good way.

I thought this was a slow burn simulator (it wasn’t). I thought this was gonna be a chill slice of life (it’s honestly still very slice of life, but some days have been very Not Chill). I thought this was an alien experiment (Ok I still think this is an alien experiment, and we do not have any hard confirmation on that, but I am HOLDING OUT! I WANT TO BELIEVE).

What I did not fully expect was the “slow burn” element to only last two weeks. Some part of me expected this to be a half-year long acquaintances-to-friends-to-mutual-crushes simulator, with both too hesitant to take the next step.

But this boy? He confesses on day 14, and that’s when the game shifted.

I suppose I should have expected this. I did, actually, to a degree: I did not avoid spoilers, I knew a confession was coming. What I did not expect was for the confession to grab me by the cold, dead heart and make me feel an emotion.

I have to give Cheritz credit where credit is due: the confession is a marvel of writing and programming. The degree to which the confession felt so genuine and personalized to the “me” who had played the game up to this point, speaks to how much thought and detail went into tracking player responses through the preceding two weeks. How many programming variables went into those first two weeks alone? How much work did it take? I will likely never know, but some part of me would love to take a look at the source code some day.

The confession and the story following this confession force me to reclassify the game from my previous review: this is not a slow-burn simulator, this is a long distance relationship simulator, and I am enjoying the heck out of every minute of it.

The Forbidden Lab

In the time since that first week of the apps release, an interesting community dynamic has developed in the self contained forums found in the Infinite Universe. Players share information about the game, write and share fanfiction about Teo, make jokes, share their thoughts and feelings, vent about problems, and support each other, all self contained within the apps community. Its astounding to watch.

That said, not all is rosy in the infinite universe. As players run low on the batteries needed to unlock special choices or view paywalled photos, more and more have taken spamming in the various sub forums, begging for help getting more batteries (either by leveling up their planets, earning batteries, or receiving gifts, which can be traded for batteries). It has made navigating the infinite universe rather tedious, as one has to sift through a lot of spam begging to find anything of genuine interest.

The filters used for forum moderation has eased significantly, in the weeks since my last review. No longer do we have to struggle around using everyday words just because they might contain a cuss. We can say “about” again. The word “gratitude” is not blocked, despite containing “tit”. It’s a huge relief.

However, the filter is by no means perfect. For example, I wrote a rather tame short story for the fanfiction community, only to have it repeatedly blocked for “containing inappropriate language”. I poured over the thing dozens of times, and eventually had to resort to test-posting it in chunks to narrow down what section trigger the filter. Eventually, I figured out the two culprits: first, “jerk”, a perfectly PG rated insult that, admittedly, is part of a more lewd phrase when paired with “off”. Second, “snatch”, a word that I had actually forgotten had any sexual connotations whatsoever, and had used to mean “to pick up quickly”. So, that’s frustrating. But it’s still a lot better than it had been.

Glitches

The first month of The Ssum had a lot of bugs, mostly tied in with the timing/scheduling feature. Some players would finish a chat only to be told that their next chat would be available in 24+hours, unable to progress the game at the intended daily pace. Others would complete that days final chat, only for the next mornings wake-up chat to immediately start, and then rushing through the rest in sequence. I ran into the latter bug, myself, which was honestly preferable to me than being forced to wait more than a day.

Cheritz did fix these issues within the first few weeks of the games lifetime, and compensated affected players who submitted bug reports rather handsomely with a substantial supply of batteries. As far as I’m aware, these issues haven’t cropped up again recently, so any new players can join in the game without fear of their games timers glitching out.

Monetization

Cheritz has expanded on the different subscription plans, bundling in the much-covered private account access to both plans instead of just the one, as well as adding in some of the one-time-purchase quality of life features I touched on in my last review to sweeten the deal for players. I’ll admit, with the additional features, I’m slightly more tempted. Slightly. Very slightly. I still have no plans to subscribe in the near future, but may treat myself to one months subscription as I approach the end of the games 200-day initial lifespan.

As a free-to-play user, I’m still getting along just fine without the subscription. Others seems to be struggling, but as I said in my previous review, especially with the support of fellow players in the community, a resourceful player can enjoy the game without needing to spend a penny.

Artwork

I did not go deeply into the artwork last time, but I want to talk about it a little before I wrap up.

From the perspective of someone who’s dabbled in creating visual novels, I absolutely understand the daunting task Cheritz made for themselves, promising 200 days worth of content, including multiple pictures on a daily basis. No single artist could draw that many illustrations with any quality in a reasonable amount of time, and even a small team of artists would struggle to produce that many.

But the artwork depicting Teo is… inconsistent. The art style used looks distinctly different for the majority of the first major arc of the game (roughly the first 30 days of story) versus the second major arc (the next 30 days of story). The difference is best illustrated with examples found by the community: a couple of pictures originally rendered in one art style were later found to have changed to the other art style in an update during:

Side by side, the changes in the updated art are easier to see: The face-to-head ratio is smaller, his neck is longer and more slender (less realistic and more stylized), his body feels more proportionate. The skin on the pre-update art style is much more washed out and airbrushed looking, while the updated art has more shading and detail. To me, the updated art style also looks more expressive. The updated art isn’t perfect, but it manages to distance itself from the uncanny valley by edging a little closer to a more stylized look.

The artwork starting on the 32nd day has much more in common stylistically with the pre-update version of the above example. The art comes across as slightly unpolished but still pretty cute at best, and downright uncanny valley nightmarish at worst, looking more like stickers of eyes and a mouth slapped onto a blank face and airbrushed to oblivion, with nary a nose in sight. I can’t speak for the artwork after day 60, and I have no expectations, good or bad, but I hope that we might see that “post-update” art style return sometime in the next 140 days of the games story.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, though, it is undeniable that I have greatly enjoyed this game. The narrative has had ups and downs, weak days and strong days, but it’s all part of a journey. That’s slice of life for you. Not every day is gonna be jam packed with excitement, that would be exhausting. There’s joys to take from sharing the little things with someone, and that, I think, is the experience this game is trying to give.

“Good” and “bad” are subjective terms that are difficult to define in the context of a review. Ultimately, a proper review should come down to “do I like the thing, or not”, and the answer for me is, unequivocally, “I like the thing.”

No, this game will not appeal to everyone. The usual appeal of an otome game is choice, having an ensemble cast of characters to choose from. That way there’s more likely to be someone for everyone. Trying to make one fictional boy into a one-size-fits-all just isn’t going to work. People have different taste. I have seen many players of this game express boredom or annoyance with Teo. They’re valid. I can’t even say they’re wrong.

But man, I enjoy the heck out of this boy. This game is far from perfect, but I’m having fun, and that, I think, is the part that matters.

[witchofwarkworth]

Soul Musings

:*:･ﾟ★｡⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆

LIONS GATE PORTAL 8/8

This is how I'll grow...

With Fierce Love

to drown out the hate.

With Deep Roots

to build something

real from my visions.

With Raw Courage

to say what my heart

needs to express.

With Brave Choices

to face fear

and rise strong.

With Protective Wings

that carry me

beyond the struggle.

With Daring Moves

that demonstrate

how much I believe in me.

With Endless Hope

to ignite even

the darkest days.

With Determined Honesty

to strip away

the shallow and

draining connections.

With Roaring Passion

to awaken the muse.

With a Wild Heart

to invite in energies

that spark my flame.

With Loyal Intentions

that serve my soul.

I am the daughter of the Sun,

Healer,

Lioness,

Wild Woman.

I am all that is whole,

deserved and divine.

Expect Greatness and it will wrap around you in radiant golden hues. Invite Stillness and it will greet you with honesty at the edge of your quietness.

Embrace Light and it will connect you to a consciousness that transcends this dimension.

The ecstasy and the ache of your growth delivers a powerful charge to your cosmic heart.

Your time to evolve in the heavenly light of the Spiritual Sun is now.

The 8/8 portal harmonises the golden light of the Sun and the energy of the sacred “Spiritual Sun” Sirius as you awaken and activate to new levels of awareness and transformation in Leo season.

Marking a sacred time of preparation and gathering of your energy as you become attuned to the changing frequencies and recalibrate to welcome new clarity of vision.

The energy breathes new light and illuminates change bringing a cathartic and cleansing pause to assimilate and attract.

You are a source of unconditional light and as you align to the vibrational medicine of this portal your soul is witness to the energetic unity of the love and profoundly meaningful purpose that flows through your star-filled body.

Balance is what you seek. Harmony is what you choose. Cooperation and togetherness is the journey that you walk.

Creative inspiration is illuminated in the energy. Pairing you with new possibilities and partnerships. A day for solutions to be accessed as shooting stars cross your pathway.

Relationships in love and friendship are held in waterfalls of white light healing to support mutual understanding, compassion and growth.

This is a beautiful repairing and rebuilding energy that helps restore foundational peace at the core of your intentions, so that you weave the highest loving heart notes into your energy expression.

You may need to wade through some haze before you discover the crystal clean visions you seek. Soothe your soul as you meet any uncomfortable emotions and keep letting yourself move into the growth of this season.

Reflections are deep and heartfelt. They require us to visit our internal emotional landscape to intuit what the revelations are here to teach us. It's not always easy, but it's always valuable.

You will feel super sensitive feeling your way into information, energies and cosmic conversations that are taking you beyond your current understanding.

Try to release how you think this should feel and learn to trust how you’re actually experiencing the energy shifts whilst always seeking to gain the highest wisdom available.

Deja Vu will be strong during this time, observe the moments and tune into your higher self to see where it might be guiding you as you move into new portals of possibility and evolving pathways.

The opportunity to revisit and come to a new conclusion over something significant may be the beginning of a powerful new acknowledgment that takes you by surprise as intense emotions surface.

Don't rush your process, flow with it, and don’t doubt you aren’t receiving what you need. Tap into your cosmic heart to feel the majesty and the might of this power.

Material manifestations are charged, manage your mind and your thoughts to keep them wrapped in gold as you step into a brave and bold new chapter.

We all access our personal truth in unique ways. 8/8 is not just words to read that sound magical but energy to experience individually that may be intense and disorientating as well as powerful and illuminating.

Trust in where your highest guides are signposting to you as you enlighten, evolve and energise your visions.

Know thyself. 💛

Bright Blessings

Keep Rising in Love ♾️

Shared via Romy Wyser

[inspirationbrewing]

Long Distance Dilemma

Does distance make the heart grow fonder?

yes

Negatives

lack of shared experience - we can’t build this on a regular basis which makes us feel disconnected and like we are living separate lives  

Physical distance create barriers psychologically and biologically: Dopamine and oxytocin are released when we are physically close with someone. When we are physically distant we can go into withdrawal because we don’t have this constant chemical going off in our brain.

Lack of non-verbal communication: this can lead us to feel distanced if we struggle to communicate effectively without non-verbal communication

Positives

it make the time spent together all the more valuable

it strengthens/ develops the relationship if you are able to handle that period of stress- you built the boundaries, trust, communicated

you don't take each other for granted as much

it forces us to develop effective communication skills, independence, and resilience

provides you time to spend time with friends, your personal growth, hobbies, and foster a sense of individual fulfillment

Things to consider before doing long-distance

goal alignment and the future- don't put yourself under the pressure if you think the relationship is short term; consider if you have a shared vision, want the same things, have value alignment

communication- effective communication is crucial in this. What is your willingness to putting in the effort to putting in time- consider time zones, work schedules. Your lives are not necessarily parallel, more like perpendicular where you meet at one point in the day

trust- you know that other person will be in your corner and make decisions for both of your best interests; discuss how often do you need to call for example

emotional and physical needs- if your primary love language is physical touch or quality time, you will need to put in extra effort to make it work; evaluate that trade off

your support system- you will feel lonely when you are not together.

Answer these questions before and during the distance

in five years time, can you imagine a future together?

do your long term goals align?

What are your expectations? Are these shared

Are we okay without seeing them in your daily life

what is your approach and strategy for jealousy

How will we manage conflict?

Tips

Have an end date we can look forward to. Figure out when you will see each other next

set up date nights, maintaining emotional intimacy: set aside time for virtual date night and make activities in the relationship. Play virtual scrabble or watching movies together.

Regular check-ins- what can you do better, what has been happening in your lives you haven;'t had a chance to say

create a vision board or physical reminder of why you are doing this. It is a mutual goal and this helps our perception of how we can do this.

Last thoughts:

If you are feeling the way you do (finding it hard or frustrating). It’s biological, psychological, and social. It's not your fault.

[emergentcounseling]

Therapy For EMDR In Oakland Park, FL

Your body will say what your mouth won’t say, and you will continue to feel depressed because of what you suppress.

Many of us have mastered the art of suppressing, denying and ignoring traumatic experiences, because being vulnerable may be viewed as weakness, and has never felt safe. There are instances wherein traumatized individuals feel ashamed, alone in the world, and they tend to minimize their suffering. Unprocessed traumas may manifest as: • anxiety • chronic pain • depression • gut issues • lack of sleep, numbness, • social isolation • people-pleasing • recurring toxic relationships • self-hate and chronic shame • unwanted intrusive thoughts, disturbing dreams

In other words, individuals with a traumatized brain often experience symptoms associated with past traumas on a daily basis. Therapies such as EMDR which was developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, a professor at UCLA during her attempts to treat PTSD. EMDR stands for eye-movement, desensitization and reprocessing. EMDR has been very successful in allowing the traumatized brain and body to process traumatic memories naturally, eradicate negative core beliefs and release trapped toxic stress.

EMDR incorporates movements, or bilateral Tapping, and is used to facilitate overall healing. Our therapists are intentional about screening everyone to determine if this form of therapy is ideal to address the issues that are being presented. We have had much success with our use of EMDR to eradicate:

• Anxiety • Depression • Negative core beliefs, • Chronic pain, • Grief anxiety • Self-Sabotage

EMDR requires consistent attendance, mutual trust between therapist and client, and a commitment to doing the work that is necessary to build up a tolerance needed for processing. An EMDR session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and the overall effects after each session tends to be positive. One cannot determine with certainty length of time for treatment sessions as it is dependent upon the individual’s overall progress.

You will be in control during EMDR sessions, and are invited to advocate for yourself, and set boundaries as needed during processing. Our team members who specialize in EMDR therapy will guide, support you, and ensure that you are able to receive maximum benefits.

About Us

We offer individual, family, couples and group counseling.

Our Vision is to normalize trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health disorders as the body’s way of communicating distress, and help our clients heal by teaching them how to tap into their bodies organic intelligence."

Our Services

At Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC, services are person-centered, culturally sensitive, stigma-free, holistic and strengths-based.

Our services are tailored to meet your needs and help you develop the skills needed to get rid of anxiety and depression, and enhance your quality of life. Our methods are non-invasive, short-term evidenced-based techniques such as Brainspotting, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), which simple and focused on reducing the intensity of distress associated with anxiety and depression.

Call : 954 533 4828

Email : inquiry@dare2emerge.com

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Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC | Oakland Park FL

Emergent Counseling & Consulting, LLC