#and sir we will rise up to the occasion!!!!!!

[sainamoonshine]

Asexual buckaroos reading Bury Your Gays

[sarahs-secrets2]

Suit and Tie ˋ♡ˊ

phillip graves x fem!reader

help me pick out a suit yeah? 1.6k words

pet names, innuendos, alc, some swearing

graves masterlist!!

₊°✧︡ ˗ ˏ ˋ ♡ ˎˊ ˗

It was a slow day, as usual. High-end suits were not usually an everyday purchase for some, and the store's main cash flow was regulars who had their suits delivered. This meant another boring day of reorganizing an already spotless store. You busied yourself behind the counter pretending to be going over the delivery list for tomorrow when in reality it had already been looked over 3 times today.

That was until the door chimed, and a brand new customer walked in just an hour before closing. Perfect. Your eyes flickered up to greet him, and wow did he look out of place. Of course, it isn't polite to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes if you wanted to make enough commission to cover your rent a few assumptions were necessary. Typical customers came dressed for the part, maybe they were overcompensating but it sure made your job easier. This one was different, old blue jeans with obvious fraying, a blue button-up that was just a shade lighter than the jeans, and black dirty work boots. You had seen the type before but it had been awhile.

“Sorry sir, we don’t sell jeans here. Can I redirect you to a different store?” Maybe it was a tad rude but there was no way this guy was serious, and you weren't in the mood to have your time wasted. 

He laughed, walking further into the store and right up to the counter. The man rested his palms on the glass countertop, leaning closer as he whispered, “Good thing I’m not lookin’ for jeans.” A smirk danced on his lips as he leaned back and stood up straight. “Phillip Graves, I need a suit doll, help me pick one out?”

The forwardness caught you off guard, you could feel the heat rising to your face. Maybe he wasn't going to waste your time? Trying to keep your composure you walked out from behind the counter, heels clicking against the wooden floors in the suit shop. Phillip Graves, the name echoed in your head, bouncing around, and making sure you wouldn't forget it. “Can I ask what the occasion is?”

“Mhm,” he rubbed his jaw as he thought. While he took his time, you took in his appearance. A pretty blonde, blue eyes, a stubbled jawline with the faintest scar on his cheek, who was Phillip Graves? “Military thing,” he finally said.

“So you’re military?” you scoffed, now sifting through a rack of suits. 

“You could say that.” He walked over to join you by the racks. “I’m not sure if I’m goin’ yet, but better be prepared,” he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. 

“Do you know your inseam?” turning to face him, eyeing him up and down trying to gauge what it could be. 

“Got me there, not a clue. Been a long time since I got a real nice suit,”

“Figured,” you laughed, Graves tilted an eyebrow up at you jokingly. “Go to the fitting rooms, just over there,” you pointed off towards the pedestal in front of the big mirrors, “and I’ll get your measurements, then we can start trying some stuff on yeah?”

“Whatever the pretty lady says,” Phillip walked over to the mirrors and stepped up onto the pedestal. You were just a few paces behind him with a loose tape measure. Taking the measuring tape in both hands you kneeled down in front of him. It wasn't hard to feel how his eyes burned into you as you began to line the tape measure against his inner thigh. Your fingers ran down his leg along with the numbers as you took his measurements. Carefully you stood up, taking a mental note of the number of his inseam. 

“Large?” Phillip raised his eyebrows, “Maybe extra large?”

“No, and not how it works” you quickly retorted, lightly slapping his chest with the tape measure. “Stay here, I’ll go pull some options. Need a drink?”

“A drink? Thought this was a suit store, not a bar,”

“Well it’s a high-end suit store, and if you're willing to pay as much as these suits cost then I can swing one whiskey your way,” 

“And how am I supposed to say no to that?”

“Thought so,” smiling, you walked back into the main showroom looking for some options. After a few minutes of digging you pulled a few different suits and brought them back to Phillip. 

“Here you go Mr. Graves,” you hung each suit on a different hook in the fitting room and motioned for Phillip to go ahead. 

“Mr. Graves,” he smirked, “No one’s called me that in a while.” As you stepped out of the fitting room to make room for him, you scrunched your face in confusion to which he caught on. “Sorry, I’m a Commander, usually it’s just Commander or Phillip. I don’t really hear mister too often now,” 

“So which do you prefer, Commander?” 

Phillip could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand as you used his rank to address him. He wasn't blind, you were stunning. It didn't help that just minutes ago you were already on your knees for him. His heart nearly pounded out of his chest as he waited for you to get his measurements, any longer and Phillip could have sworn he was going to faint. Graves’ eyes met with yours, “Just call me Phillip hon’,”

“Well, let me go get you that drink Phillip. Go ahead and start trying these on,”

“Will do,” he winked, tugging the velvety curtain across the fitting room entryway. While Phillip tried on his first suit, you went to get his drink. The bar cart wasn't far, it was important to have it close for the clients to feel welcome. Pulling out a glass you poured the whiskey in, glancing at your watch you realized it was past close. If this was any other customer maybe you would've been bothered, but you had grown quite fond of Commander Phillip Graves. Deciding to treat yourself, you poured a second glass before setting the top-shelf bottle back down. 

“Phillip, I have that drink whenever you’re done in there,”

“Go ‘head and open the curtain for me, I’m just about done,” his voice was muffled as he spoke. Setting down your glass of whiskey, you walked over to the curtain with Phillip’s drink in hand and pulled back the divider. To your surprise, Phillip was nowhere near being done. The Commander was standing shirtless, only getting the dress pants on before giving up it seemed. 

“Ah thanks, darlin’,” he slipped the whiskey out of your grasp and took a swig before setting it down on the small table in the fitting room. Your mind was elsewhere, eyes too busy taking in the physique of the man in front of you. He was fit, clearly, the military would do that to you. There were various scars, probably from combat but if anything it made him that much more attractive. “See somethin’ you like?” the southern drawl snapped you from your trance. 

The Commander laughed before turning around facing the mirror in the fitting room, his back now towards you. Fuck, his back, his shoulder, his everything. If you hadn't just met this man today, especially considering the fact he is a customer, you would be all over him. Honestly, you weren't even sure if that was enough to stop you at this point. Graves began to slip the white button-up on, your eyes glued to his back intently watching how his muscles flexed. 

“I like that suit,” you quipped back, trying to play off your obvious staring. 

“Just the suit?” Phillip turned back around, now taking his time buttoning up the shirt. His abs peeking through the fabric 

“Just the suit, I picked it out you know,”

“I know, that’s why I like it,” he finished the buttons and glanced up at you.

“You need a tie, one second,” it was part excuse and part serious. He was a sweet talker, always knowing exactly what to say and it was becoming impossible to hide the effect he was having on you. Grabbing a pale blue tie, you returned having regained some composure. “Here try this, just for the full effect,”

“Look at you, thought I was just comin’ in for jeans, now you’re pickin’ me out ties,” he teased as he adjusted the tie around his neck in the mirror. 

“Hm and you still need new jeans,” you giggled, picking up your whiskey, and taking a small sip as you watched him finish getting dressed. Phillip was finally done and stepped out of the fitting room and back onto the pedestal. 

“How’s it look?”

Taking your time, you walked around him surveying the fit of the suit. Your hands ran along the sleeves of the jacket, “A bit loose through here, but we can get this tailored.” You continued and kneeled down in front of him again, tracing the inseam of the black dress pants. “And how’s the fit on these? Do you like it?”

Phillip let out a cough, “Yeah, these are good,” he shifted in place as you stood back up. 

“Perfect,” your hands ran down the collar, grabbing onto the lapels, “Well, now we know what fits, it all comes down to what you want to do,”

“What I wanna do?” he huffed out, his head rolling back slightly, “I wanna take you out on a proper date that’s what I wanna do,” 

“Oh?” it took you by surprise, in a good way. 

“I mean, already saw me half naked. I think we skipped a few steps but a date would be a good place to start. Don’t you think darlin’,” 

“I think a date is good,” you leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on Phillip’s cheek, “Now about these suits…”

₊°✧︡ ˗ ˏ ˋ ♡ ˎˊ ˗

[tojis-favorite]

TOJI AS YOUR R&B SINGER! BOYFRIEND

(i love giving toji random occupations)

HEADCANONS UNDER CUT

Okay first let's talk about the type of music he would make first. I feel like he would make music like a mixture of bryson tiller and partynextdoor (LISTEN).

The music he would make would be talking about your relationship and most of it would be sexual but not overbearing. It would just be the perfect amount (i’m going to link some songs at the end <3) .

He’s a rising artist, he started out by posting songs on youtube and they would get a decent amount of attention. When he released his mixtape someone had posted a snippet from one of his songs on twitter and he started BOOMING. He has about 3 millions followers on instagram and the more music he puts out the more fame he gains. Which he can find overbearing sometimes.

So far he has done features with Lil Baby, Lakeyah, and Gojo (🤭). He tries not to do too many features at one time because he doesn’t want to be overpowered by the artist he works with; he wants to be known for his voice, not for the people he works with.

ON TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP!

You have been with him since the BEGINNING. You guys had started dating when you were in highschool. You were a freshman and Toji was a Sophomore. You were friends with a popular group but you weren’t necessarily popular yourself. Toji saw how we were not in the mix a whole lot and he liked that about you.

Anytime you would sleep over at Toji’s house he would sing you to sleep without even realizing it until you would wake up the next morning and would tell him. With the start of your relationship the love that he had for you was beautiful and he would find himself writing about it (all of it).

For your birthday he had sung you one of the songs and that's when you told him that he needed to start taking music more seriously because you could see the talent in him. So he did. Now you're in your Sophmore year of College and he decided not to go to college due to him being on his rise to fame (best believe he is paying your tuition, dorming, and books).

Everyone knows you're in a relationship. Toji did not try to hide your relationship from anyone, especially when he started to get more recognition. He loves to just randomly post you on his story and he has a tattoo of your name on the side of his neck in cursive so people know you are serious.

NSFW (these are all different occasions)

First things first STUDIO SEX (omg). Toji goes to the studio at night most of the time and that’s usually when your day comes to an end. Once he sees that you made it back to your shared apartment he sends you an uber to the studio.

“Thank you,. have a good night sir!” You said as you stepped out of the uber and made your way to studio 15 which Toji informed you of earlier. “Baby i’m here” you said in a sing-song voice as you opened the door to the studio. He was all alone. The lights in the room were red as your boyfriend sat in a chair playing around with the track that was currently playing.

Turning around in the chair a smile spread across his face before he pulled you into a hug. “Hey pretty, how was your day?” looking at him you struge “It was okay, I just went to class and went out with Mina after and then I went home and now here I am.”

Grabbing your face, Toji presses a kiss to your lips as you grasp onto your shoulders. Just by kissing him you could tell that he was frustrated as his tongue explored your mouth while his hands traveled to your ass. Pulling away he keeps his hold on you as he kisses your neck. “I really need my muse right now, can you help me baby?” Your boyfriend asked as he started to pull off the pants you hand on along with your panties.

Wrapping his hands around your thighs takes you into the next room with the microphone. Walking over to the microphone he pulls down his grey sweatpants and lines his cock with your entrance make sure to support the bottom of your ass you bounced on his cock your arms wrapped around his shoulders holding on to him.

“Fuck Toj-mhm your so deep.” You moaned as he started kissing your lips. “Your so fucking pretty y/n, cum on your cock.” Squeezing your eyes shut you feel your orgasm approaching as Toji starts to move faster as you curl your toes. You try to bite on his shoulder to shield the sound until you feel a sharp sting on your ass.

“I want to hear you cum on my cock little muse, fuck-ing give it to me.” He said in a groan as he started to cum. “Oh my gosh im cuming” you announced as you started to shake on top of him as you felt his cum shot inside you. “Thank you so much my little muse” your boyfriend said as his kissed all over your face lovenly.

It was a Saturday night and you were currently with your boyfriend at a club he was hosting for. “Do you want anything else to drink?” You felt a hand on your waist that was your boyfriends. Nodding your head you answer “Can you get me like two shots of Hennessy?”, “Okay i’ll be right back pretty.” he said walking off to the nearest bar.

Shortly after we came back with two shot glasses and watched as you took them back to back. Bending down you feel his lips next to your ear. “You okay baby.” Toji asks you as he fixes some hairs that were in front of your face. “Yeah we don’t have nights like this often so i’m making the most out of it.” You explained looking around at all the lights in the club already feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Suddenly Bring it back by Travis Porter started to play throughout the club which caused you to squeal. With Toji standing behind you, bend over and you start to twerk on him to the rhythm of the song. You could have a bunch of flashes on you as you could hear your friends encouraging you as you feel Toji get hard as he rubbed on your ass through your dress making sure it didn’t go up too high.

You get back up once the chorus is done playing and look up at Toji as he pulls your dress down for you. “Let’s go to the car real quick” He said as he started to guide you out of the section. “Where the hell are you guys going?” one of Toji's friends interaigate you, “Well, be right back Gojo.” He stated rolling his eyes and continued to guide you to the back door.

When you guys make it outside Toji opens the door to the back seat of his car, having you go in first. “Lay down on your back for me, pretty.” Doing what he said you lay down on your back as he closed the door behind him. “You are so incredible, you know that? You can do the simplest shit and you still manage to turn me on more and more, open your legs.” He said his voice was demanding.

Open your legs you gasped as Toji wasted no time leaning over pulling your panties to the side and attaching his lips onto your clit letting out a groan as he did sending electric shocks throughout your whole body. “Oh my gosh Toji you're making me feel so good.” You said as you held on to his hair for support your eye rolled back into your head as your heels pressed into Toji’s back.

Moving your hips against his face he puts two fingers inside of you as he licks on your clit being able to see that you're about to cum. He gently bites down on your clit before groaning to your pussy which sends you into overdrive as you start to cum all over his face as he slurps up all the cream that tries to escape you with a smile.

Breathing through your nose you stare up at your boyfriend from on your knees while you take his cock in your mouth. He had been nervous for the performance at an award show and you had taken him backstage to calm his nerves.

“Your way to good for me my little muse fuck keep doing it like that pretty girl.” He guides you as he puts his hands in your hair, guiding at a slow pace making sure you aren't choking around him. Looking into his eyes you could definitely tell he was more relaxed which made you happy.

Circling your tongue on his tips you see him squeeze his eyes shut before he starts moving his hips toward your face. Opening your mouth wide you grab his cock tapping it on your tongue a few times before taking all of him in your mouth saliva almost covering your whole face.

“I’m cumming pretty, you think you can swallow my cum for me hmm?” Toji let out a few short breaths before he let out a deep groan as he came in your mouth, his hips riding out his orgasm. Swallowing his cum you stand up with the help of Toji and give him a hard kiss to his lips. “You've got this, you've done this before and you're going to do it a million other times.”

“Why are you acting like this pretty girl?” “Because it was disrespectful and you can be to fucking friendly sometimes. You angrily explained to your boyfriend over facetime. Your best friend had just sent you a video of Toji from a meet and greet with a fan.

In the video he kissed the girl's cheek which was completely fine, that's not what you had a problem with. You had a problem with the fact that towards the end of the video the fan turned her head and almost kissed your boyfriend and instead of addressing the problem Toji just laughed it off with the fan.

You guys had talked about him establishing boundaries with his fans and he wholeheartedly agreed. “What did you want me to do? ,Cuss her out?” Sighing, you shake your head understanding what he was saying. “I am going to post something on twitter though just so it doesn't happen again sweetheart.” he said to reassure you as he shifted his camera showing how he was lying in bed.

“Do look even more pretty when you're mad at me,” Toji said with a smile he white teeth biting the bottom of his lips. “What are you wearing?” He asked, smirking as you took the blanket of your body exposing the silk dress you were wearing.

“Fuck your so beautiful.” Your boyfriend let out a breath as you saw him pull his cock out of his boxers. You hide your face smiling when you see the pre-cum escaping out of his tip. “Talk to me pretty.” he said as you could hear he fist go up and down on his shaft.

Look at the camera you set your phone up on one of your pillows as you slowly start to pull the strings off of your shoulder causing your boobs to be exposed, your nipples hard due to them being uncovered.” “Ahh shit show me, show me that pretty pussyb of yours please.” Bending over with your ass toward the camera you open your lips moaning as the cold hits your clit.

Toji damn near came when he saw you put your fingers inside of you fisting the sheets and you moved your fingers faster. “Turn around so I can see your face.” you turn around as you meet with the sight of Toji's chest going up and down as his breathing got harder to viens in his neck and arms bulging.

“I’m cumming pretty- mhh I wish I was there so I could cum on your pretty- fuck face.” groaned as spurts of cum came out onto the camera his phone covered in cum as he saw you cum on your own fingers.`` You need to come back home Toji. I miss you.” You while chasing your orgasm as you saw him wiping camera off with a smile on his face.

“I’ll be home soon pretty.” he informed you with a lazy smile on his face as he watched you slip your straps back onto your shoulders. “I love you Toji” you geeked as you saw the look on his face “I love you more princess.”

BONUS SCENE <3

“TOJI!” you scream as you enter your shared bedroom with him seeing him laying in your bed on his phone. “What’s up pretty girl?” he asked as if he didn't do anything wrong. “Why would you put my moans in the back of your new song that’s so embarrassing” you said crossing your arms over your chest. Standing up from the bed Toji wraps you in a hug laughing.

“No it's not, I think it adds a pretty nice touch to the song and people seem to agree with me seeing as it has 1 million views already.” he said with a cheeky smile on his face. Rolling your eyes you unwrap yourself from him just for him to pull you back into his arm again. “Are you really upset y/n because I could just release another version of the song? He asked, looking into your eyes.

“It’s fine Toji next time let me hear it before you release so I can try to moan better.” You stood on your tiptoes moving your lips toward his meeting you halfway he pressed a kiss to your lips before pulling away. “Your moans are fucking perfect pretty.” He said before throwing you over his shoulders.

“TOJI PUT ME DOWN!”

TOJIS MUSIC

Her way- Party Next Door

Overtime- Bryson Tiller

Break from Toronto- Party Next Door

Let Em’ Know- Bryson Tiller

B.E.D- Jacques

From the City- Party Next Door

Exchange- Bryson Tiller

Or Nah- The weekend, Ty dolla sign, and Wiz Khalifa (he would sing the weekends part 😩)

Drama- Roy Woods ft. Drake

Self Esteem- Lambo4oe ft NLE CHOPPA

A/N should I do Gojo? 😭😩🤭

[goosedoes-fics]

Missing

Spiderman Noir x Reader

Content warnings: alcohol mention, no use of y/n, first person (reader pov)

Notes: if you look closely you can see the exact moment that I lost all inspiration to actually finish this oneshot!! anyways yea I was gonna have it from Noir's POV but it would be harder for the reader to be gender neutral if that was the case

~~~~~

The young shamus' office was colder than a summer night in Antarctica. A single light dangled overhead, dimly illuminating the room just enough that the corners were pitch black, but everything else was a bit visible. I had heard tales of the hard-boiled gumshoe, the only private eye in New York to wear a mask. It was pretty dang smart, really. Protecting his identity and all that jazz.

His feet were propped up on his desk, clad in worn leather boots that seemed to have dirt caked in from his many adventures. His fedora covered where his eyes would have been, had he not been wearing a mask that already concealed them.

I took notice of the bottle of moonshine on his desk, picking it up and inspecting the label. "Bit ironic for a detective to be drinkin' hooch, ain't it?"

For a moment, I thought he wouldn't respond, as he didn't look up nor tilt up his hat, but he leaned forward slightly as he addressed me. "Don't blow your wig, pal. You can't convince me ya haven't stepped into a speakeasy a few times."

His retort earned a quiet laugh out of me as I placed the bottle back in its original spot.

The private investigator finally took his feet off the desk and looked up at me. I could only imagine his piercing gray eyes inspecting me. The thought somehow got me flustered, subtle heat rising to my cheeks.

"You got somethin' to say, or are you just gonna stand there gawkin'?" He eventually asked, snapping me out of my stupor.

He reached into a drawer on his desk and took out a cigar, lighting it and putting it up to the fabric of his mask where his mouth would be. "Usually people come in here for me to solve a mystery."

"Oh!" I laughed nervously. Had I been staring at him? Idiot. "Right. Yeah."

Reaching into my back pocket, I retrieved a small photograph, sliding it across the table like an 8 ball in a game of pool.

"My grandma." I tapped the photo. "Y'see the necklace? It's been in my family for decades. And today, it wasn't in the safe."

The detective's interest seemed piqued, at least from what little I could deduce from his body language. "Touched it lately?"

"Not since two months ago. It's only for VERY special occasions." I shrugged, taking a glance at the nameplate on his desk. "Mr. Noir... can you find it?"

The silence was thicker than 5 year old expired eggnog. Golly, how I wished I knew what he was thinking. The only thing I could decipher was a bit of curiosity from the slight tilt of his head.

I hadn't even realized I was holding my breath until I started getting dizzy.

Eventually, he spoke up. "The question ain't can I, toots. It's will I. And the answer is yes."

A small smile spread across my lips as he stood up, handing me back the photograph with a slight tilt of his head.

"Thank you, sir."

The apartment I lived in was quite small, and hardly luxurious. Despite our family heirloom being one of such high worth, we weren't a wealthy family. But I managed to get by. Even if it wasn't large, it was cozy.

"This is your place?" His body language betrayed no thoughts. It was really quite frustrating how little I could infer from him, with only his voice and movements to determine what he was feeling.

"...it's not much," I admitted carefully, "But I do like it."

"And you never thought to sell the necklace?"

"No, sir. It's too important to our family."

Noir hummed softly, inspecting the safe when I pointed it out. He dragged a gloved finger over the surface, a thin layer of dust now coating his fingertip like ash from a fireplace. The motion somehow made me nervous, as if he was convincing me I had something to hide.

Noir looked up at me after a moment's pause. "...Listen, if you can't pay, I can-"

"No." I cut him off. "I can pay. I wouldn't have hired you if I didn't set aside some money."

The vigilante didn't respond. He merely turned back to the safe, closing the door of it before standing up straight again. He looked down at me, and I could practically feel his eyes burning into me.

"...I can't take your money, darlin'."

Frustration boiled inside of me as I took a step forward. "Yes you can. I don't need pity, detective."

A small sigh could be heard through the fabric of Noir's mask. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from having an outburst.

In a swift, almost imperceptible movement, Noir took one of my hands in both of his. The investigator's huge gloved hands dwarfed my own. "You don't understand. I know what happened with yer necklace, I can't ask you to pay me for such a quick job."

It was hard for me to choke out any words. "But-"

"No buts."

"I have to pay you. This is your job," I protested.

Noir was quiet for a moment before cupping my face in his hands. I was aware of heat rising to my cheeks. If he noticed how flustered he was making me, he didn't say anything. "You really wanna pay? I'm not gonna bump gums with you about this."

I nodded stubbornly. Perhaps I didn't quite understand the implications of his words, because after lifting up his mask just above his nose, he kissed me square on the lips.

The light pink on my cheeks doubled, turning my face red as I slowly began kissing back. My mind clouded, halting any racing thoughts and focusing only on the gentleness of his lips.

When he finally pulled away, it felt too soon. I couldn't squeak out any words as he took a step back from me, tilting his hat by the brim with a small nod.

My mind was still in a bit of a daze when he started to leave. "By the way, darlin'." I looked up at him as he spoke to me. "Check the coffee table."

And sure enough, there was the necklace, hidden from view next to a stack of magazines.

[lilimalia]

ROSE HIP TEA // multiple characters

SPECIAL EVENT // POST !

MALE CHARACTERS [batch I]

SYNOPSIS... Valentine's Deals you say? Well... We do have a special tea brew just for the occasion!

CHARACTERS... diluc, zhongli, ayato, alhaitham (al-haitham), childe, xiao, kazuha,

DISCLAIMERS... fem/afab reader, valentine's special! This is the batch, and batch II will be genshin's most popular females. Xiao's part has a bathing scene, and Kazuha's has a flute playing reader.

BARISTA'S INTEL... I went after the most popular characters so I apologize if your favorite isn't on here... blame google statistics... And also, I may have chosen a song that sounded 100% like Diluc singing it, am I simp? Yes.

CAFE TUNE... Sway // Michael Buble

DILUC RAGNVINDR

The manor shines like jewels across the grassy plains of Mondstadt. Sunrise rays reflecting off it's clear windows. A beautiful morning, only right for such a sweet day.

Waking up, you shift towards your left, the bed creaks under your body, as you search lazily for your husband. Mind still groggy from the morning rising.

"Diluc?..." you call, finding that your side has been left by your husband. Startled, you rise, searching frantically for your lover.

"Diluc?... Did you leave for work again?", disappointment laces your face, your eyes furrowing as you begin to rise. It seems that even on the day of love, your own lover holds no bias.

Throughout the day, the glistening hope you had held that Diluc would come home, began to fade. The day goes by slowly, as you drag your burdens on your shoulders through the city of Monstadt, watching as lovers and friends a like smile and jump for joy as they receive flowers. But, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be lonely... Right? You don't have to depend on Diluc. You've got Klee! The sweetest girl in the world!

Except that Klee is with the Dragonspine Alchemist that Kaeya speaks fondly of...

The day seems to pass slowly, sun to moon, your mind is preoccupied... Your legs carrying you like feathers, threatening to snap at any moment. Sadness carries your body like a leash, leading you through out the day, gloomy under the lack of your lover. Perhaps it had been to much to hope he would put aside work for you... Arriving at the Manor, you open the door,

"Adeline... Could you please prepare a salt bath? It's been a rough day..."

"The maids of all left to celebrate the occasion dove... Are you alright?" Warm hands wrap around your waist, grasping at it slowly as your lifted off your feet. Oh, your wide awake now.

You look down to see Diluc, a soft smile fading onto his lips as he holds you up, large hands firmly gripping at your body as he speaks.

"Happy Valentine's, now, I believe we are due for a 5 star homecooked meal my love."

And a saccharine smile blooms across your face, face lining with wrinkles from your joy, as you grasp his face within your hands. <3

ZHONGLI A.K.A MORAX

The consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor walks across the bustling city of Liyue. Left free from his tasks, his eyes gaze upon the sales of the day.

It seems that many of the shops have opened sales, tempting, and appropriate for that of Valentine's Day. Who was he to deny the offer?

"Greetings Mr. Shitou, if you don't mind, I would like to see the wares you have for today..."

"Ah! Mr. Zhongli, what a pleasure to see you here again! Yes, yes, we do have some lovely jewelry for the day of love sir!"

Shitou opens a case, glittering black it shines in the afternoon sunlight; setting out three pieces of jewelry that shine across the table. Eye-catching to any and every that passes. Studying his selection of choices, Zhongli examines the cut of each jewel, from swiss to dahlia, before his eyes lay upon a particular necklace. Refined it is, a green jade glistening in the rays of sunlight, the gold around it embracing it like a newbord.

"This necklace... The quality is indeed impeccable... I will take it!"

"Lovely choice sir! Would you also like our special packaging just for this Valentines? It'll only cost another 10 mora!"

Of course... Only the finest material for his lover. How could he refuse. Zhongli returns that night, presenting his gift, towards his lover, who only deserves the best of the best.

AYATO KAMISATO

Kamisato Ayato craves nothing more but to be within the soft comforting touch of your body. To find his solace in your own, to wrap his arms around your waist and curl you up into his own body.

But... The duties of a Commissioner do not cease.

His eyes wear tiredly, drained and dragged downwards by the extent of his work.

"Sir Kamisato, your wife has registered a room within the Komore Teahouse and has put it on your tab. She had told the staff to personally deliver this purchase to you..." his right-hand calls calls, poise and proper as a small awkward chuckle lifts from his lips.

Ayato is no fool. He knows your games, and like a fish to bait, he plays along.

"Thank you Thoma, I will... Deal with the message accordingly." The Commisioner chuckles, his eyes darting playfully towards his servant as he watches the blonde fidget from the clear daring intent of the message.

Excusing the poor victim, Ayato lifts from his seat. Body crackling as his bones unstiffen. Free from it's bonds of constriction.

Poise and elegant, the Kamisato greets Taroumarou at the front, closing the door behind him to avoid the gazes of the public.

"Why hello there Taroumarou... Would you happen to know which room [Y/n] ordered herself?"

"Woof woof! Woof!"

"Room 7? Why thank you kind sir." Ayato teases. How he understands the animal, is out of his understanding...

Walking down the hallway, he knocks on the door, before entering in, pleasantly surprised to be greeted by your smile, cheerfully lit in the yellow light of the sectioned off tea room.

"Ayato! Ayato! Come sit, I knew you would come to find me. Lay down, allow me to massage your back and relax. You've been working to hard..." you call, patting your lap with your hand, motioning -also- to the warm cup of tea that sits freshly prepared right in front of you.

Kamisato Ayato smiles sweetly. How lucky he is to have a wife so endearing. And so, on the night of White day, Kamisato Ayato breathes freedom, and he is grateful for your gift of comfort.

ALHAITHAM / AL-HAITHAM

The humid sweet air of Sumeru makes its presence known throughout the tavern. The scent of sweet muddled berries and alcohol combined entices the men and women alike. Like sticky honey, the people swarm like bees.

Sitting across, you gaze lovingly towards the man. The -newly recruited- Acting Grand Sage. Who glares back at you unwavering as the drinks are poured beside you both.

"What is it that you find so peculiar about my face that entices you to constantly glare at me?" Alhaitham speaks, his slim hands grasping over the drinks to pass over to you.

"I'm not glaring! I just think you have very... Distinguished facial features. Frankly, it's quite the worthy trait!" You argue, smiling at the gesture of the drink as you sip on it. The spicy and sweet taste of alcohol rushing over your senses.

"There is nothing interesting about my face... It is simply fresh from constant morning washes."

"Only you would brag so carelessly about clear skin dear Alhaitham..." you mutter, now glaring playfully at the Sage.

Maybe it was the trick of the light, but from your seat, you swore you saw the faintest hue of rosy pink against the tip of his cheeks.

"Tch... If that's all you have to argue about my facial features... Then perhaps I have won this debate by default." He grins, twirling the frosted glass of alcohol in his hand; defined by veins that just barely crawl towards the tips of his fingers. His other hand, placed boredly against his cheek.

Perhaps he was fishing for compliments...

"Well fine! To start, you have beautiful emerald eyes! Perhaps it is an acquired taste... But I find them quite the attractive feature. Furthermore, you also have the coolest gaze, like a fox from the lands of Inazuma... Not only that, but you have the softest looking cheeks!"

Alhaitham pauses.

"...Softest?..."

"Of course! Your cheeks are adorable! Like a little child, I just want to squish them!" You giggle, taking another sip of your beverage.

"[Y/n]... Perhaps the alcohol has gotten to your head..." he states, his voice meekly hinting concern.

"No... I think I'm alright... It's only been an hour..."

"No... I think that's enough for the night. The Akademiya does not heed its progress because of one drunken student..." He responses, pulling your now empty glass away from you as he sets out the mora for the bill. Sliding his body towards yours as he lifts your now weakened state up.

"Come on... I'll walk you home."

"When did you become such a gentlemen?! Are you sure you don't plan to just walk yourself home and leave me stranded?"

The Sage does not respond. Already supporting your body against his own as he steadies himself. Had you not been so drunk... You may have been able to witness the pink hue on the Grand Sage's soft cheeks.

What a shame...

CHILDE / TARTAGLIA / AJAX

The smell of baked apples blossoms out of your mud oven. It's aromatic scent spreading like fire across your home. The cold Sneznhayan air clouded over, protecting your home like a blanket.

The sound of the door creaking draws your attention away, like a bird call.

"Ajax! Is that you?" You call, hastily throwing your mittens to the table as you run towards your husband.

"Hey girlie, what's got you so excited? Miss your great and formidable husband already?" He chuckles, throwing his bow and sword which bounce nimbly of the wooden floors.

You glare at him playfully, nudging his shoulder as you pull him away from the door.

"The house smells good... What did you make? I also got you some fish personally lined in by yours only!" He grins, roughed up hands tugging at a course bag that drags heavy by weight.

You can't see him, back turned to him as you pull out the apple pie but...

You know, he has those sweet Azul eyes, gazing at you like a puppy. Endearment practically pooling out of them... Has he trenches into your shared home. Bag over shoulder, work clothes stained red.

But it doesn't matter. He is with you, by your side, and alive, and that is all that matters to you.

XIAO / ALATUS

The translucent colors of rainbow are etched out in front of him, their life beginning and ending; he thinks.

The night is young, the calls of the wind usher him, but he is unable to answer.

"Xiao... Are you alright? Bubble baths are supposed to be fun... Not a way for you to test your death stare..." You inquire, melodic voice lacing with concern.

His back is too you, and for this he is grateful... Xiao does not know why, but his face burns, not a sharp pain, but a fleeting burn, one that spreads like wildfire across the whole of his complexion.

"I am not "death staring" anything mortal... Dare you accuse the Adepti of such trivial things?!"

"I am no mortal Xiao... And even you know it..." You hum, your voice gaining closer to him, until it is right at his ear...

He does not reply. Scared that his own voice may waver in the heat of the moment. He feels your soft hands rubbing against his body, massaging all his aches and wounds he never knew were there.

For a while... No one says a word, not the trees, not him, and not you.

He likes it better this way, he thinks. The way your body is so close to his, as he watches the bubbles in front of him fade away slowly, popping every second.

He likes it this way, he knows. How you stay your distance, but soothe him, nonetheless. How you begin to hum your signature tranquilizing tune, slowly eases the aches of his Adeptal body out of him.

Xiao does not know love. And he does know humans.

But you aren't human... You are a divinity.

And he will forever love you for it.

KAZUHA KAEDEHARA

 Kazuha lays comfortably beside you, back supported against the dark tree trunk.

He listens to the winds, that hum to your tune, as he watches you play the flute. Watching as your nimble fingers flick upwards and back down, sending forth the sound of the hollow wooden instrument.

Your eyes are closed, entranced by the music that you play. Soul and body devoted to your craft. When, unfortunately, the song comes to it's ending.

"So? Any thoughts dear Ronin?"

"None at all my dove... Your music is as enchanting as ever..." He murmurs sweetly, reaching out to pull your hand into his own, curling the tips of his fingers around yours.

"You flatter me to much Kazuha... Surely there was some sort of noticeable mistake?" You mutter, glancing at him and then your captured hand.

"None at all... None at all." He says, reaching out.

His hands clasps against your cheeks, the fresh spring Sakura petals falling around you and him. He smiles, like nothing else matters.

As if you are his world. And him, yours.

And perhaps that is true... As you nuzzle yourself into his grasp, laying your face against his rough hands, scattered with scars, but still your home.

And your forever world.

SPECIAL BREWS...

Room 7 // a reference to Japan's beliefs of the lucky number 7, which is tied to prosperity and Buddhist tales

Apple Pie // snow white reference, and a symbolic way to represent the red color commonly seen for Valentine's day and love

White Day // the more commonly celebrated holiday in Japan instead of Valentines. the day traditionally is a holiday towards the female partners of the relationship gifting their lovers a present and appreciating them (like [Y/n's] gift of comfort to Ayato)

BARISTA'S INQUIREMENT... Late Valentine's Day post because I was out on a date but!! Hope you enjoyed, have constructive criticism? Please do tell! I haven't written fluff in a long while... Also I may or may have not been biased towards Al-haitham's part...

word count. varying

Tag List Form !

©-FUTURIST... Please do not plagiarize, themes are edited by me, reblogs allowed, do not repost on any other platform!!

Banner credits: @ERIIMYON

[canon-in-too-deep]

Fonts: Body Fonts

I had some free time, and I thought, what could be more fun, than putting together a post of some of my thoughts on my favorite fonts? Certainly not going outside or any activity involving moving from my chair, so font talk, here we come! (Links to where to get the fonts for free included in this post). So of course first up we have the majestic Comic Sans..........I kid! <insert baaing goat gif> While it is surely a most iconic font, I will unfortunately not be covering Sir Comic of the Sans in all his glory. See below the break for the full actual post on my favorite fonts to work with.

Note, my interest in fonts is entirely enthusiastically non-professional. Thus, if there's a technical aspect I called 'the tippy bits' instead of tapers or what have you, uh, my amateur ass doth apologizes.

Body Fonts

Body fonts are the all the main parts of a text. The good ol' torso that carries the headers and stands above the footers. They're the font you see the most of and spend the most time with. They're the part of the text that hugs the eyes, to use an entirely weird metaphor. *** My favorite body fonts are the IM FELL series. Especially IM Fell English.

Look at that pretty serif. It's got a great classic appearance to it that reminds me of old paperbacks. There's a grittiness and unevenness to it that gives a more 'natural' look, and is reminiscent of text from a typewriter. The imperfections of this font (like the uneven tippy bits of that lower case y) are my favorite parts, and they add a lot of character to a text while still being legible. I know some folks may not be as fond of the italicized version of IM FELL, but personally I've never had trouble reading it, and enjoy how fancy it looks. IM FELL English is a font that could work as a letter from a gentleman's daughter to the arrogant, handsome heir visiting town, or as the carefully kept diary of a mad scientist detailing the experiment that would eventually rise up and try to kill him. Fun things like that. *** Next font is Crimson Text (there's a Crimson Pro as well, but I like the Text version better for it's fancier capitals).

Just take a look at that w. Sharp enough to cut through digital paper. And the capital W is even better. The angles, the triple Vs...whew, that letter's a work of art! It looks like it should be walking down the runway at a european fashion show and stared down by an unsmiling stone cold magazine editor.

Crimson Text is a very clean, crisp font. It's got those little sharp tippy bits at the end of letters that look like they could prick you if you tried to pick them up. Crimson Text lends itself well to more modern, artistic text. I tend to personally use Crimson Text sparingly, because while it is a very aesthetically pleasing text, it can be a bit harsh for my tastes, and difficult to work with when pairing with other fonts/design elements. Crimson Text is a font that I feel like is for a special occasion, and that occasion is hard to pinpoint, but when it arrives, it makes the most striking appearance. *** Following that, we have EB Garamond, which is probably the second most used font in my personal typesets.

Garamond is a classic. You see it a lot, in one version or another, in published works. For me, it feels very familiar and comforting to read text in EB Garamond. It's like an old, worn blanket that's still perfectly soft and plush. It's the kind of thing that'd get past down generations in the back of a closet, brought out whenever there was a need. Simple, straightforward, and timeless. The only caveat with EB Garamond is the 'e' in it's italicized form is a bit of an exhibitionist that likes to inappropriately protrude it's bottom bits out into it's neighbor. It's a quick fix to teach that 'e' some modesty if you're on Affinity. Just turn off the final forms for the font by going into Text Style Editior -> Variants -> uncheck Final Forms. And now you're prudently dressed for a night of font formatting. *** The last I'm going to talk about in this post is Baskervville. This is, as per the about page on google fonts, a 'revival of Jacob’s revival of Baskerville’s typeface'. I'm not familiar with the original Baskerville, but hey, an extra letter thrown in has to be extra lucky, right?

The thing that really sticks out for me with Baskervville is the 'o's, and the 'o' shape you can see with the 'e's and 'b's and 'd's and such. It's a very...circular, and pronounced font. Round. Rotund. Orbital. There's a flow and balance to this font that stands out, and makes it unique against other fonts on this list. Conversely, the lines of this font as much thinner and sharper than, say, the lines in the Libre Baskerville version. I like that contrast, though it is a bit of a strange one. Like having long stick thin arms and legs and a really round torso. Like one of those mascots for M&Ms (controversial footwear unspecified). Anyway, Baskervville kind of hovers between classic and modern. It's a font you see a lot of (in one version or another) in published works. It's 'family' has been around a long time, and this latest version is like the youngest son of an old, rich, prestigious family. It's got a lot of potential, and can be applied in new, exciting ways, or it can easily fall into a traditional role and live off of it's trust fund. Recently, I used Baskervville for a Pride and Prejudice modern day high school au, and it really felt like the font blended together the two worlds and two time periods well. It's kind of like a hipster that manages to pull off the fedora (a fine hat, I might say. Hats need a bigger comeback, in my opinion). *** That brings us to the end of this post. You'll have noticed that all these fonts were serif fonts. I just like serif fonts best for body fonts. They're the most commonly used in published books, and so they're the ones I've grown most comfortable with. However, a good sans serif can work well in the right setting. For my own work, though, sans serif are usually kept to titles or headers. If there's interest, I'd like to do similar posts on Drop Caps fonts, Title fonts, etc.

[wanderer-six]

Across the Stars (for @loving-the-cambridges)

AN: this is my story for the CLONE FIC GIFT EXCHANGE @cloneficgiftexchange! I had so much fun participating in this and really hope another happens soon💖 this one got super long but nonetheless I hope you enjoy!! (also big shoutout to @starrylothcat for beta reading!!)

Relationships: Commander Cody x Royal Fem!Reader

Summary: Commander Cody had hoped that being assigned as security detail for a royal gala would be nothing more than a mundane distraction from the war. But when Separatists attempt to assassinate the you, the princess, he's forced to take you into hiding--and forced to reevaluate his priorities.

Prompts: "I didn't mean to throw you off your feet"; "Are you going to stay"

NSFW (MINORS DNI) WARNINGS: eventual smut (pretty vague, but includes oral (f! receiving), unprotected piv sex)

Word Count: 9.2k (SORRY)

Cody was rarely one to complain about assignments, but for gala detail, he would make an exception.

The night was young, and Cody grew older by the moment as every high society aristocrat passed him by on their way into the ballroom. Not one of them so much as acknowledged his presence, and frankly, he preferred it that way. Fox had told Cody his fair share of stories—tales of shepherding senators who’d no more faced the horrors of war than any hardship in life. On any other occasion, this should’ve been Fox’s jurisdiction in the first place: no world had the privilege of constant political parties more than Coruscant, after all.

But it seemed the fates had cruel intentions for Cody. This particular gathering was not to take place in the heart of the galaxy, but rather, a Mid-Rim planet he and his men were in near enough proximity to after their latest battle. Cody had tried to argue that their efforts were best spent elsewhere—fighting the war, for one. But high command in the Republic demanded the presence of the 212th at this event, and without General Kenobi there to argue on his behalf, Cody and his men were forced to comply with the order.

But it was just for the night, he reminded himself. He winced beneath his helmet as yet another couple entered the ballroom, dressed in robes so costly they could fund a whole battalion of his brothers.

Just for the night.

Cody activated the communicator in his helmet.

“Status report,” he spoke. 

He’d called for a status report not even thirty minutes prior, but he felt compelled to do so again. Not out of any concern of attack—just so he could be certain the men were still awake.

He was struggling, as it was.

“All clear from the northern balcony,” came a reply.

“No trouble in the shipyard.”

“The gardens are still as boring as they were when we got here.”

The slightest smirk found Cody’s lips.

“Affirmative. Keep your eyes peeled. And open,” he asserted. “We’re just here for the night. You’ll be back to blasting clankers before you know it.”

An unenthused “sir, yes sir” followed in a chorus over his comms, and Cody sighed. He glanced up at the stained glass ceiling hanging over the ballroom, seeing the moon rise ever higher beyond it.

Just for the night.

The active chatter of the crowd in the ballroom fell all at once to a murmur, and Cody hadn’t the slightest idea why. He stood taller than his already perfect posture, trying not to appear out of sorts as he sought out what had drawn the room’s attention.

The briefing for this assignment had mentioned precious little about the purpose of this gala, and it had certainly neglected any note of the princess hosting it. But when you emerged through the massive ballroom doors, Cody grew transfixed just as everyone had.

From atop the grand staircase, you possessed the eyes of every noble in attendance. Your long gown flowed with every step of your descent, its simple design never once distracting from the perfect poise with which you carried yourself. A crystalline tiara glittered atop your head, earning glances of envy from the crowd, but Cody hardly noticed it; he was much too distracted by the radiant eyes beneath it.

In the midst of your angelic descent to the ballroom floor, Cody overheard a pair of nobles whispering somewhere on his flank.

“The princess is here?” one of them asked in hushed tones.

“Of course she is,” replied another, “it’s her gala.”

“I know that! It’s just… is it truly safe for her to be here? If the Separatists knew—”

“—then what? They’d be foolish to try something.”

As you landed on the final step, you did something no one else had dared to do the entire evening. You glanced at the clone commander standing guard by the bannister, meeting him with a shy smile he would remember for the rest of his life.

As quickly as the moment had begun, the night returned to normal. The regular commotion resumed as you were swept into the awaiting crowd, greeted by politicians and royals alike, all while Cody remained frozen in time. Admittedly, Cody was not the most sociable man, even by the standard of the clones. Never in his life, in all the planets he had visited, had he seen a woman as remarkable as you. He honestly wasn’t even sure how to respond to it all—the fluttering in his stomach and the burning beneath his cheeks.

A quiet sigh passed his lips. As if there was anything to do besides remain in place. He could be the most charismatic man in the galaxy, and it wouldn’t matter. There was more that stood between him and you than his own gracelessness. A soldier speaking to a princess would be shut down well before he began fumbling the conversation.

So, he stayed in place, perfectly unassuming, trying to stifle the wish to get one more glance at you. Waiting.

Just for the night.

“Commander… we might have a problem.”

The chirp of Cody’s commlink brought him out of his silent moping. He pressed his fingers to his helmet.

“What is it?” he asked.

A pause. No reply. Cody nearly called in again, when another soldier called in.

“Commander! We have hostiles approaching from the northern ridge!”

“Close ranks! We’re being overrun!”

Cody opened his mouth to give orders, when suddenly, the stained glass dome above the ballroom shattered. In the glow of the moon, a fleet of droids crashed through the ceiling, landing among the nobles below. The ballroom erupted into chaos, nobles running and screaming as the droids readied their weapons.

“This planet is under Separatist control!” cried a battle droid as it paced among the crowd. “We demand that the princess be brought to us for immediate execution!”

Execution?

Cody sprung to action, scanning through the crowd, hoping to find you before the droids could. At last, his eyes spotted the sparkling tiara in the sea of panicked nobles. Try as you might to move to safety, too many shoving partygoers kept you locked in place.

And what was worse was the imposing shadow of a B2 battle droid stalking up behind you, growing closer by the second.

Barging through the crowd, Cody sprinted to your position. The B2 stopped in place a few paces from you, slowly lifting its arm into firing position. Cody’s eyes shot wide.

“Princess!” he shouted.

He barely managed to catch your attention before breaking through the mob, collapsing upon you just as the B2 fired its wrist rocket.

The two of you crashed to the ground, Cody doing his best to keep you in his arms and shield you from the heat of the explosion. When the blast faded, he pulled away, quickly getting to his feet and helping you do the same.

“Princess, it’s not safe here,” Cody called over the commotion. “We need to go!”

The frazzled, frightened face that looked back at him made his heart ache. But the small, half-lucid nod you gave him was enough for him. He kept your hand in his as he began guiding you to safety.

The two of you ran, Cody steering you away from any possible threat. As he pulled you up the grand staircase you’d entered from, he triggered his commlink.

“This is Commander Cody; I have the princess,” he spoke. “We are moving for evacuation. Hold out as long as you can!”

As he burst through the ballroom doors, he turned sharply down an adjacent hallway, looking over his shoulder at you.

“Princess, what’s the fastest way to the landing platform?” he called. For a moment, you were too dazed to answer, and Cody’s brow furrowed. “Stay with me, Princess. The landing platform?”

“Take… take the next left,” you answered at last. Your voice was soft—far too soft for what you’d endured that night. “There’s a ship on the landing platform… my ship—we can use that.”

Cody nodded firmly, following your instructions to the letter. Through the echoed sounds of attack, you and Cody emerged onto the landing platform, where a small golden vessel awaited you. Cody wasn’t worried about where the two of you were headed—for now, offworld was all that mattered.

Together, you boarded your starship. Once Cody ensured you were situated in the ship’s living quarters, he rushed to the cockpit. Before the droids could grow wise to where you’d run off to, he picked the ship off the ground, navigating to the temporary reprieve of hyperspace.

, , ,

“Troubling news, this is…”

Cody stood in the cockpit of your ship, looking upon holograms of the two Master Jedi to whom he relayed the news. It was rare he had an audience with Master Yoda, but General Kenobi’s presence was familiar.

“More than troubling,” General Kenobi agreed. “To attack a peaceful gathering entirely unprovoked… the Separatists have gotten bolder.”

Master Yoda nodded, his chin clutched between his fingers. “Indeed. What they were seeking, I wonder?”

“I believe I can answer that, General,” Cody spoke at last. “Assassinating the princess seems to be the likely motivation. If the Separatists were to install their own leader, the planet would act as an important staging ground for future attacks on the Mid-Rim.”

“And save her, you did?”

“Yes, sir,” Cody confirmed. “She’s in stable condition aboard this vessel.”

Cody’s eyes lingered to the living quarters of the ship, where you had been since the two of you fled the planet. You’d kept quiet so far, unmoving from the bench you sat on. It struck Cody with an inexplicable worry.

“Good. Make sure she remains that way,” General Kenobi instructed. “The Separatists will be hunting her even now. You’ll need to ensure they aren’t able to find her.”

“Undercover, you must go,” Master Yoda added. “Refuge, on a nearby planet, must you seek. Until the princess’s planet, liberated, it is.”

Cody’s jaw tensed.

“And… how long will it take to muster enough forces and reclaim her world?” he asked.

“We believe we will have the required numbers in ten rotations,” General Kenobi answered.

Ten rotations?

Cody stifled his surprise, masking his uncertainty with his usual stoic expression.

“Understood, General,” he answered with a curt nod.

“Good,” General Kenobi answered. “Until we contact you, keep a low profile. And do not let anything happen to her.”

“That will be all, Commander,” Master Yoda said. The slightest smile appeared on the corners of his lips as he added, “May the Force be with you.”

The holograms before him dissipated, leaving Cody alone. He released the heavy sigh that he’d harbored in his chest. Ten rotations. To think that hours ago, this had been a mere pit stop on his way back to Coruscant, where he could await redeployment to a battlefront in need of his support. Now, it had become a full-fledged mission of its own…

Again, Cody glanced towards the back hold, seeing that you still hadn’t budged from where you sat. You stared hard at nothing, but he could tell that the violence of the droid army still flashed before your eyes. A wave of guilt washed over the commander. For him, this was just another assignment in years of war. But for you, your entire life had changed—taken from you with no warning and no remorse. If ten rotations was truly all it would take to see your world returned to you, it would be a blessing.

Treading quietly, Cody approached you. As he grew closer, he could make out more and more lesions on your skin. He tried not to grimace, but the sight of injuries on someone so beautiful ate at him. Though he was thankful you were still alive, he faulted himself for not being able to protect you from all the harm you’d endured that night.

“Princess…” he began. Immediately, you blinked out of your stupor, turning your attention to him. “I’ve received word that the Republic will be mounting a campaign to retake your world. But in the meantime, we’ll need to take you into hiding to ensure there are no more threats to your life.”

Your shoulders slumped.

“I see,” you murmured. “For how long?”

“We’re estimating around ten rotations.”

“Oh.”

It didn’t take a Jedi to discern the worry on your face, but in short order, you put on a smile. Right away, Cody knew it looked wrong—polite, pretty, but not at all real. Not anything like the warm smile you’d shown him when you first passed by him. 

“Thank you, sir, for informing me,” you said.

Your gaze fell to the floor, and the smile you’d forced onto your features fell along with it. Cody thought to take his leave, but couldn’t. Not yet. He didn’t want to abandon you in an empty hold, on a ship with an unknown soldier, to remain all by your lonesome. If he’d learned one thing from General Kenobi’s leadership, it was just how far a modicum of kindness could take you.

And for you, he could certainly be kind.

“Are you… all right?” he asked. His stilted voice made him wince. He hoped you didn’t take his rigidness as disrespect—he just wasn’t used to this. Any of it. 

You offered a weak nod in response.

“I’ll be fine,” you assured him. “I… I think I’m still a bit out of sorts, is all. Thank you for your concern.”

 Cody took a seat beside you on the bench—though making sure to keep an overly respectful distance from you.

“It… must be hard for you. Leaving your home behind so suddenly,” he continued.

You shook your head halfheartedly.

“I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about my people,” you sighed. “We’ve resisted Separatist occupation for so long. I shouldn’t be in hiding while they suffer.”

Cody watched you as your hands trembled, your brow knit with worry. The pain you held ran deeper than your wounds from the attack, and that much was obvious even to him. Cody solved his problems with a blaster more often than he did with words, but for you, he felt compelled to try.

“If it means anything, Princess… I’m sure your people are just as concerned for your well-being,” Cody spoke at last. Your gaze met his once more, and the sincerity in your eyes nearly paralyzed him. He dashed his nervousness with an awkward cough. “The Republic values your world and your people. As soon as the necessary forces are able to deploy, I have complete confidence that you will be returned home with no further struggles against the Separatists. We won’t let you down, Princess.”

The hold fell silent. Your eyes, sparkling in the glow of hyperspace, peered into his. Although his sheepishness begged him to look away, he stared back at you. When at last a small grin formed on your lips, Cody wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or petrified.

“... I don’t believe you ever told me your name, sir,” you mentioned.

Cody gave an awkward nod. “It’s… Commander Cody, your highness.”

Your smile widened.

“Cody…” you repeated. The sound of his name on your lips made Cody’s face burn. “I’m thankful to have your company through all of this. I can’t imagine how much worse things could have been without your intervention. I owe you my life.”

In all his time on the front lines of this war, Cody had rarely been thanked. He never expected to be—he was quite literally born for this conflict, so gratitude was far from necessary. But knowing for once that his actions had meaning—that he was valued not merely as part of an army, but as an individual… it made his chest ache.

His gaze broke from yours, glancing away in hopes of slowing his rapid pulse.

“Of course, Princess. It’s what we’re here for,” he assured you. “Though… I should apologize.”

You tilt your head. “What for?”

His eyes returned to you; when he saw the bruises forming on your arms, he frowned.

“I’ve had better rescues,” he confessed. “I didn’t mean to throw you off your feet like that. I should’ve been more careful.”

To his surprise, a gentle laugh escaped you. He grimaced, wondering if he’d said something wrong. With a shake of your head, you rested your hand on his shoulder.

“Cody… a few bruises are no cost at all for staying alive to wear them,” you assured him. “I’d prefer getting knocked over by you to becoming a victim of the Separatists any day.”

The warmth of your touch and your smile seeped through Cody’s armor. Suddenly, the prospect of spending a few rotations ensuring your safety no longer troubled him so much. “Well… good,” he said. “Though, if you don’t mind, I’d prefer not to make a habit of barging into you—whether or not you prefer it.”

You beamed. Cody swore he saw the faintest blush on your cheeks.

“Just for special occasions, then?” you teased.

Cody chuckled, allowing his guard to drop for the first time that evening.

“If that’s what you want to call it… sure,” he replied.

 Something about the kindness you showed him made the war feel so distant, even in spite of all it had taken to get the two of you here. At your side, maybe ten rotations would feel like no time at all.

In the back of his mind, a small part of Cody even wondered if ten rotations was long enough.

, , ,

The transition to life on a quiet planet hadn’t been kind to either of you, but thankfully, having one another meant the struggle was not so overwhelming. Cody had taken a number of precautions from the moment you touched down—finding accommodations far from the nearest town center and ensuring that as few locals as possible even knew of your existence. The two of you had lived there in isolation for a few days now, in a little domicile out in the woodlands. And while those first few days were tense with worry, they were thankfully uneventful.

At first, Cody had tried to keep himself distant from you. He had little knowledge of what the life of a royal might entail, but something told him that fraternizing with a common soldier was probably considered an etiquette breach of some kind. But despite his attempts at maintaining decorum, every kind gesture made your company irresistible to him. Each time you brewed a pot of caf in the morning, you would offer him a mug. His rations were always tended to before your own. Even at night, you wouldn’t sleep before ensuring there wasn’t something he needed your help with. Compared to his typical soldier’s life, you treated him like royalty—a bit of irony that was far from lost on him.

The uneventful days meant the two of you had ample time to talk. You clearly had experience with speaking, having penned and performed countless speeches on your homeworld. But the way you talked to Cody felt different from any senate address he had ever heard. You spoke so fondly of things you missed from your homeworld, memories that you could glow about for hours. Cody was content to let you, though admittedly, there were times he found his attention drifting from your words—watching instead the way your eyes would glitter, your lips would purse, your cheeks would blush.

Of course, you turned the conversation to him just as often. Cody initially struggled to match your enthusiasm, not one to hold such a romantic memory of most anything. But you quickly found a way through his shell when you landed on the topic of his brothers—the only family he had, and the one he devoted himself fiercely to. Something about your attentive gaze and warm smiles made it easy for Cody to open up to you in a way he had never even considered opening up to anyone else.

Your talks served as such a fitting distraction, in fact, that you barely noticed just how much time had passed the two of you by. Both of you were caught by surprise the day you awoke to no caf left to brew—and hardly any rations, to match.

Faced with the options of going hungry or making the trek to the nearby marketplace for supplies, Cody chose the latter. He had grappled for an hour whether it was wiser to leave you alone in the domicile where you might be safer, but lack his protection. However, you made the decision for him—insisting that you would be joining him no matter what he had to say about it.

He hadn’t been so keen on the idea, at first. But as he watched you browse the bustling farmer’s market, he warmed to it quickly enough.

As the two of you roamed around the marketplace, you stopped for what Cody estimated to be the tenth time in the past hour, taking an interest in a hand-woven tapestry hanging on a stall.

“Hmm…” you hummed, taking in the uniquely knitted fabric.

Cody tilted his head, a smirk on his lips. “Enjoying yourself?”

You returned to his side, grinning up at him.

“I am, thank you,” you returned, speaking in stride as the two of you began walking again. “Have some sympathy, will you? I’m lucky if I get to leave my palace once a cycle.”

When another patron skirted a bit too close for comfort, you didn’t hesitate to walk nearer to Cody’s side. It swelled a strange sense of pride in him, knowing that you trusted him enough to keep you safe. To be your protector. He swore to never make you regret that trust.

“I’m just… trying to act natural,” you continued.  “I’ve never had to get supplies for myself, as strange as that is to admit.” You look up at him curiously. “Do you think we stick out at all?”

A dry smirk found Cody’s lips.

“What, a clone and a princess on a planet of farmers? I can’t imagine how we would,” he snarked. 

When you donned that sweet, flustered grin, Cody’s smile widened.

“You’re mean,” you teased.

“You make it easy.”

With a roll of your eyes, you checked satchel on your hip.

“Well… since we have almost everything, I don’t think I’ll have to endure your cruelty for much longer, at least,” you pointed out. “I think we’re just missing…”

Before your sentence ended, a clamor from further up in the marketplace interrupted you. Cody placed a hand on your shoulder, holding you close as the scene developed. At first, he could only make out the sight of fleeing patrons and frightened stall owners hastily stowing their merchandise.

But then, that familiar, metallic clanking droned into Cody’s ears, and he knew. 

The Separatists were here.

A full squad of droids trampled into view on the dirt road, kicking up clouds of dust behind them. At the center, a B1 barked orders at the civilians.

“Attention, citizens! There is a royal fugitive hiding on your planet. Bring her to us, or face the consequences!”

As the droids advanced, you stiffened. Given the unlikelihood of a different princess running from Separatist forces somewhere on this world, these droids were here for you. And if the two of you didn’t act quickly, they just might find you.

Cody’s eyes narrowed, donning the Commander’s mindset with ease. He reached for your wrist, taking extra care to be gentle in fear of reliving the first time he rescued you.

“This way,” he said, his voice hushed. With deft strides, he led you through the crowd—all of whom seemed far too distracted by the encroaching droids to notice just who was passing by them.

Cody’s eyes scanned the marketplace, and the moment he spotted an alleyway behind a few abandoned stalls, he began formulating an exit strategy. But his swiftly-made plan met almost immediately with challenges. A separate squad of droids approaching from a few dozen meters off prepared to slam his only window of opportunity shut.

With no time to explain, Cody slipped his arm around your waist, sweeping you toward the alleyway alongside him. Just as you entered the shadows, he pressed you against the wall, leaning his hand against the brick surface in such a way that the shawl on his shoulder fully obscured you from the main thoroughfare.

At first, Cody listened closely to the sound of the droids stalking past, counting the paces as their metallic frames shambled down the street. Only when his focus returned to the sight directly in front of him did he realize just how close you were as he loomed over you now.

Years of outmaneuvering droids made the invading Separatists all but mundane. Standing chest to chest with you, his lips a mere tilt of his head from yours… that was what sent his heart racing at lightspeed.

“Ah… a-apologies, Princess,” he murmured, his gaze trying to meet anything but you. He silently chastised himself, unable to imagine how daunted you must feel by his actions. 

But it was your touch on his cheek that pulled him back to reality—and the gentle guidance of your hand that pulled his gaze back to yours. The smile you wore drew a blush to his cheeks.

“Cody…” you spoke softly. His name… you made it sound so perfect. “You have nothing to apologize for. I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t here.”

Cody could only hope the droids were long gone, as the only sound he could hear clearly was the pounding pulse in his ears. The weight of your words hit his chest like a speeder, leaving him hopeless to muster any meaningful response.

“...o-of course,” was all he could utter. With all his strength, he found the slightest smile of his own, holding your gaze until he could no longer handle the sight of you without losing sight of himself. “It is my honor to protect you, Princess.”

When at last he looked away, he drew a steadying breath. From the sound of it, the droids outside the alleyway had passed. A relief, but not a great one, since the challenge of escaping the city still remained.

However reluctantly, Cody pulled himself away from you, though keeping a hand on your waist to ensure you stayed at his side. A cautious glance out of the alleyway revealed no additional droids—a promising sign.

“We need to keep moving,” Cody said, staying vigilant as he walked you through the market. “We’re nearly at the edge of town. If we can get clear of the market and into the forest—”

“You! Stop right there!”

The shrill, tinny voice of a battle droid brought Cody to a halt for a mere moment. The rhythmic clanking approached from behind the two of you.

“Identify yourselves, citizens!” the droid hissed as it got nearer. Cody didn’t respond. The droid stalked ever closer. “Are your auditory processors working? Identification—now!”

Cody squeezed your hip, leaning in just close enough for you to hear him whisper.

“Run.”

Abruptly, he released you from his grasp, whirling around and ripping his pistol from its thigh holster along the way. He needed only a split second to spot the droid—and shorter still to fire a shot into its head.

The sound of blaster fire alerted the dozens of other droids scattered around the marketplace, drawing them all in perfect pace to the location of their fallen comrade. Not wanting to give them an easy shot, Cody took off running the same direction you had.

As he ran, he looked ahead, trying but failing to see you—especially now that the blaster fire had stirred the remaining civilians into a frenzy. He kept faith that you’d listened to him and ran, unable to do much more with the droids’ stray blaster bolts ringing by his ears. He darted through the mob, tuning out every distraction—the clamor of the crowd, the dust plumes kicked up by the droids’ blasters...

“Cody!”

Your voice, however, always seemed to get his attention.

Cody locked his legs, sliding to an abrupt halt against the dusty road. He whipped his head in the direction of your voice, and at last, he spotted you taking cover behind a market stall. You waved him over to you, and as he ran, he saw why you’d chosen here, of all places, to wait for him.

Parked beside the stall was an abandoned speeder bike ripe for the taking.

As Cody arrived at your side, he stopped only briefly to set his hand on your shoulder.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

You nodded. “I’m fine. I found this speeder—”

“Already on it,” Cody interjected. Before he turned to the speeder, he handed you his blaster. “Have you ever used one of these?”

“Once or twice. O-Only for ceremonies…”

“Good enough,” he grunted, already on his knees to slice the speeder’s controls. “If any droid gets close, point it and fire.”

Cody tried to ignore the impending march of the clankers, rewiring the bike as quickly as he could manage. He’d nearly cracked it when he heard a blaster bolt ring out at his side, and a metallic pang some dozen meters behind him. He didn’t dare risk a glance over his shoulder to take in your handiwork, but beneath his adrenaline, he felt the smallest tinge of pride.

At last, the speeder’s engine revved to life. Cody got to his feet, finding you standing over the crumpled body of a B1. You gripped his blaster with white knuckles, hands trembling ever so slightly, just waiting for another clanker to try its luck. Biting back a smirk, Cody took the pistol from your hands.

“Nice shot,” he said quickly. With his free hand, he helped sit you on the front of the speeder. “Hold on tight. Once we get moving—”

“Cody, look out!”

You pointed past Cody with wide eyes, and he had barely a moment to follow your gaze as another droid rounded the corner. Just as it raised its blaster and fired, you yanked Cody down by his wrist. The bolt that would’ve been in Cody’s chest instead singed his shoulder, and Cody was glad he was alive to feel the pain that coursed from his wound.

Fumbling for his pistol, Cody fired two shots—managing to drop the droid with the second. But as it fell, even more came to replace it. With gritted teeth, Cody clambered onto the speeder behind you.

“Your shoulder…!” you cried, looking upon his wound with wide eyes.

“I’ll be fine,” he grunted. “Hold on!”

Pushing through his pain, Cody clasped the bike’s handlebars. The engine roared, launching the bike forward and gaining speed by the second. A hail of blasterfire flew around the two of you, and Cody veered as well as he could manage to avoid it. Once the speeder cleared through the treeline, the bolts became fewer and fewer, until at last, none at all chased after you. , , ,

The adrenaline driving Cody subsided little by little on the long ride back to the domicile. By the time the two of you arrived, the stinging wound on his shoulder had begun to ache and burn. Even so, he forced himself to keep his priorities straight—which meant tending to you, first and foremost.

When he parked the speeder, he got to his feet, before reaching his hand down to help you stand. To his surprise, though, you stared back at him in horror.

“Princess…?” he breathed.

Tears welled in the corners of your eyes.

“Cody… w-we need to get inside,” you instructed.

You dismounted the bike, only taking his hand to lead him indoors. You slammed the door behind him, a shaky breath leaving your lips as you sat him down on a chaise in the living quarters. Cody watched you, confused as you began to rifle through cabinets.

“Princess, what’s wrong?” he asked.

You didn’t answer, merely shaking your head. He could see the way your hands trembled as you fished the bacta patches out from one of the cabinets. When you turned to face him again, the glow of the sunset through the windows was just enough to light the tears on your face.

You sat beside him, and before he could say a word, you reached for the collar of his shirt. His chest seized as your nimble fingers ran down his body, too nervous to even breathe. One by one, you unhooked the fasteners, before carefully stripping the fabric from him. Seeing the wound on his shoulder more clearly now only made you cry harder, forcing you to pinch your eyes shut as you prepared a bacta patch.

Realizing now what had you so worked up, Cody found the ghost of a smile.

“Hey… it’s all right,” he promised. “I’ve taken worse hits than this. I’ll be fine.”

You sniffled, wiping away your tears with the back of your hand before carefully affixing the bacta patch to the wound on his shoulder. Your hands lingered there, reddened eyes unmoving from his injury.

Against his better judgment, Cody put his hand on your cheek. Gently, he turned your gaze to meet his.

“Princess, please,” he begged. When more tears slipped from your eyes, he swept them away with his thumb. “Please, tell me what’s wrong.”

Your lips parted slightly, but still, you struggled to speak. Cody’s heart ached at your hesitation; he leaned closer to you, running his thumb softly against your cheekbone. To his relief, you leaned into his touch, sighing and calming down.

“This is all happening because of me,” you confessed at last.

Cody tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“None of this would’ve happened if the Separatists weren’t hunting me. You… you got hurt because of me.” Despite your best efforts, tears overwhelmed you again. “You could’ve died… and it would’ve been my fault.”

Your sorrow ate away at Cody. Never had he felt this irrepressible instinct—the desire to pull you into his arms, to hold you against his chest and promise you over and over that everything would be all right. He’d make it all right for you. Someone like you didn’t deserve to feel this way… and certainly not on his behalf.

Though he wished he could break that barrier, the most he could manage was placing his other hand against your cheek—cupping your face softly. He gazed into your glassy, beautiful eyes, struggling to find the words to convey everything on his mind.

“Princess…” he began softly, “please, listen to me. None of this is your fault. Believe me, the Separatists have no trouble shooting at me whether or not I’m with you.”

You pouted. “But I—”

Cody pinched your cheek playfully. “Hey. Just listen.”

To his utmost relief, the slightest smile formed on your lips. But though he was glad to see it, it made what he planned to say next all the more difficult.

“If anything… I’m happy I was the one to take a hit today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if something happened to you under my protection,” he continued. His words felt strangled in his throat, and every passing second begged him to find the courage to speak. “I… I would do anything for you, Princess. I… um…”

Looking into your eyes—seeing just how beautiful, soft, and breathtaking you appeared in the bloom of the setting sun… Cody couldn’t finish his thought. The words that lingered on his tongue held such consequence—both for him and for you. He couldn’t say which he feared more: that you might reject him, or that you might not.

But as always, you saw through him. You leaned in closer, resting one of your hands on his.

“You what?” you prompted him, gazing fondly into his eyes.

Unable to deny you, Cody drove himself to speak. 

“I… care about you.”

It wasn’t what he truly wished to say. But in your eyes, he knew you understood.

“Cody…”

His name on your lips drove him mad. But your lips on his sent him spiraling.

Every glance he’d stolen at your lips never could have prepared him for the feeling of kissing you like this. What little distance remained between the two of you melted away, and the uncharacteristic hesitation that had plagued Cody since the day he met you finally left him. Knowing that you felt just as strongly as he did finally allowed him to be his true self. It compelled him to serve you as more than just a soldier.

Nothing but a word from you could have stopped Cody then—from carrying you to your bed, from laying you carefully upon your sheets, from gently stripping the fabric from your figure. Your hands minded his injury as they ran over his skin, but he had forgotten about it long ago. His only concern was you.

“Cody…”

His name dripped from your lips like honey as he worked his way down your body, marking inch after inch of your form with delicate kisses. It was a softness he hadn’t believed himself capable of. But every fleeting, tender touch you graced him with inspired something in his heart. He had never been loved before; he was a soldier, built for battle and nothing more. And yet, you treated him with such care—as though he might break from too swift a touch. In a way, he supposed it was true. The mere feeling of being cared for swelled his heart so full that he feared it might burst.

No, he had never been loved before. And if this was to be the last time, he wanted to relish it utterly.

“Cody…”

He couldn’t say which he was drunk on more: the sound of your voice as you breathed his name, or the wetness he lapped between your legs. With your fingers roaming through his hair, his head held snugly between your thighs, there was nowhere else in the galaxy that could’ve filled Cody with such bliss. Every twist of your hips, every arch of your back, every hitch of your breath only drove him to please you more.

“Cody…”

You looked so beautiful as he loomed over you now. The warm dusk painted your skin, though your cheeks burned red without it. And your smile… even as he ran his thumb along your lips, even as he trailed his length against your sex, it never faded from your face. You wore it just for him, and he would not take that privilege for granted.

Only when he pressed into you did the overwhelming pleasure turn your expression to something different, but he didn’t fret, choosing to meet your lips with his, instead.

“Cody…!”

In an eternity and an instant, he could feel himself unraveling. It took all his strength to keep from succumbing to the agonizing, heavenly warmth you enveloped him with. How could he, when you still needed him? Lips lavishing your neck, hands tangled in your hair, he buried himself in you over and over. While your nails dragged across his back, your voice grew hoarse from whimpers and moans. He knew you were close—so horribly, painfully close.

When his hand trailed down across your form, and his fingers grazed the aching point between your legs, you cried his name for the last time that night.

“Cody!”

Wave after wave of your release shuddered through you, the sensation spelling Cody’s end, all the same. Your ankles locked around him, holding him in your depths as he filled you with his warmth. Trembling and spent, Cody barely managed to keep himself from collapsing on you, maintaining his balance just long enough to meet you in a soft, tender kiss—one that could never convey the full extent of his adoration.

Reluctantly, he pulled away from you, if only to join you at the head of the bed. As the heat of your encounter faded, an inkling of uncertainty entered Cody’s mind again. His hands longed for you, but as before, your titles stood in his way. He feared being improper, offending you somehow even after the love you’d shared…

But, to his utmost thankfulness, you were not about to let him flounder. Unabashed, you worked your way into his arms, burrowing yourself against his broad chest. The mere sight overwhelmed Cody with warmth. With no further doubts, he embraced you, dotting kiss after loving kiss upon your head.

After a moment, he leaned back, if only to look upon you. Again, you met him with that smile—the one he would never tire of, and the one he hoped you would wear any time he was near. Gently, he pressed his lips to your forehead.

“Princess…” he hummed. “I…”

You bumped your nose on his. “Yes, Cody?”

He sighed. There remained no part of him that could resist you now.

“I love you.”

His heart did not race at his words, nor did yours. Your smile merely widened, and you snaked your arms around his neck, drawing him in for yet another kiss. His confession was no shock to either of you. You’d had his love from the moment he first laid eyes on you. But what you said in turn—however much he had hoped to hear it—he still felt unprepared for.

“I love you, too.”

The moons rose over the horizon as the two of you shared in each others’ affection, and Cody had never been so content. Even as he drifted off, holding you in his arms, he thought not of the war, the Separatists, the dangers he might face come morning.

Only you.

,,,

That morning, you hadn’t brewed Cody a mug of caf, as was routine. But given there was no force in the galaxy that could pry you from his arms, he had to forgive you.

Lazy mornings felt strange to Cody—and lazy mornings in the embrace of a beautiful woman, even stranger. His fondest dreams could never compare to the sight of you waking up on his chest, eyes full of love as they looked upon him for the first time that day.

Gently, he set his hand against your cheek, beckoning your lips closer. You offered a soft kiss, with barely enough weight to graze your lips against his. Cody could feel you smile against him, and he could only smile, in turn.

“Good morning, Princess,” he hummed, trailing languid kisses along your jaw. “Now what has you smiling at this hour?”

His teasing only served to widen your grin. You giggled—not stopping when his lips continued down your neck.

“Oh, nothing, really… I suppose I’m just in good spirits,” you sighed. Your hands ran along Cody’s shoulders, slipping up his neck until you buried your fingers in his hair. “It’s entirely possible that it has something to do with waking up next to such a handsome man, but… I can’t be sure.”

Cody chuckled. His lips had reached your collarbone now, and he had no desire to stop lavishing you anytime soon.

“You can’t, can you?” he echoed. “What would it take to make you sure?”

As he asked his question, Cody’s calloused hands slipped up your thighs, roving over your hips and up your gorgeous frame. His touch drew the faintest gasp from your lips, emboldening him ever more. Though the night you shared had exhilarated Cody beyond his wildest dreams, he couldn’t help but long for more of you. And judging by the way your back arched against him, you hadn’t had your fill of him, either.

“Cody…” A whimper passed your lips when his hands cupped your chest. Through a love-drunk smile, you breathed, “I love you…”

Cody hummed softly, intoxicated from the caress of your fingers along his scalp. He kissed along your sternum, reveling in your every sound.

“I love you, more…”

The shrill beeping from the strewn pile of Cody’s clothes on the floor startled both of you, a cruel return to reality. With a heavy sigh, Cody shook his head. If someone was making the effort to reach him on an undercover operation, it had to be important… much to his displeasure.

Wrapping you tightly in his arms, he offered a kiss to your forehead as a parting gift.

“You stay put,” he instructed playfully. “No getting into trouble while I’m gone.”

You rolled your eyes and bumped your nose against his. “I’ll try.”

With a heavy sigh, Cody left the warmth of the bed and your arms behind, making himself presentable for whomever awaited on the other end of the ringing commlink. Once he was dressed, he stepped out of your bedroom, ensuring the door closed firmly behind him. Alone in the main room of the domicile, he accepted the incoming transmission.

“General Kenobi,” Cody spoke as the Jedi flickered to life on the holoprojector.

“Good morning, Cody,” General Kenobi answered. “It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve talked. How are you getting on?”

Cody swallowed the immediate fear that shot through him, forgetting for a moment that the general was looking for a situation report—not any summary of what trouble his commander may have gotten into the night prior.

“We’re… surviving,” Cody replied. “We had a close call yesterday—some Separatist deployments have made their way to this planet looking for the princess, and they nearly found her, too. But we were able to evade them without incident.”

“I see,” the general hummed, stroking his beard. “I suppose this news will be a relief, then. We’ve successfully liberated the princess’s homeworld, so the two of you won’t need to fend for yourselves any longer.”

Cody’s eyes went wide. 

“Already?” he uttered.

“You sound surprised.”

“Well… i-it’s just that it’s only been eight rotations,” Cody floundered, trying to recover. “I was expecting we’d be here longer, but… that’s… good to hear, General.”

“I’m glad,” General Kenobi returned. “I’ll be on the lookout for an update or your arrival. May the Force be with you, Commander.”

“Thank you, sir. We’ll be there soon.”

The hologram dissipated, and Cody’s heart sank along with it. As a Marshal Commander, it was rare for him to lose track of… well, anything. But it seemed he’d gotten so wrapped up in this little fantasy with you that he forgot the caveats that came along with it—most notably, that it would eventually come to an end. It was bittersweet: on one hand, he was thankful to know your planet was safe, and he would be eager to return to his brothers…

…but on the other, the mere thought of leaving you behind twisted his stomach into knots.

Sighing, Cody pinched the bridge of his nose. He supposed all that remained was to break the news to you. But he couldn’t say why his feet stayed put—why he couldn’t bring himself to open the bedroom door again.

“I’m guessing it’s bad news for you, too…?”

Your voice brought Cody back from his brooding. When he turned, he found you wrapped up in one of his shawls, leaning against the doorway with a sad smirk on your lips. The sun bathed your skin in a radiant glow that made you look simply ethereal.

As if the universe couldn’t make this any harder on him…

Cody returned to you, his hands slipping around your waist. He could see the disappointment in your smile; even as you draped your arms over his shoulders, resting your forehead on his, you didn’t beam as brightly as you had before. Cody couldn’t blame you—his smile was just as somber.

“Yeah. I didn’t realize how long it’s been,” he sighed. With a bitter chuckle, he added, “I guess that’ll teach me to train my battalion so well. If they were worse soldiers, we might’ve had more time.”

Though his words earned a giggle from you, it didn’t linger. Before long, you fell quiet again, and Cody couldn’t bring himself to break the silence. He held you close, safe and sound in his arms. His hands ran up and down your back, and he planted kiss after lazy kiss upon your head. All while his mind raced.

What could he say? The options overwhelmed him, but not one felt like enough to make up for the reality of the situation. I love you with all I am. I wish we had more time. I want to marry you.

“Are you going to stay?”

Your voice caught Cody by surprise. He leaned back, if only to meet your eyes. When he did, he found you looking back at him with the slightest sorrow.

“What?” he asked.

The ghost of a smile formed on your lips, your gaze bashfully falling from his.

“You don’t have to go, you know… and I don’t have to go back to my homeworld. We can stay together, just the two of us.” As you spoke, your fingers trembled against his skin. “I know it’s a forlorn hope, and it’s asking a lot, but… I want to stay with you. I love you, Cody. I don’t want you to go.”

When your gaze met his again, your misty eyes pleaded with him.

“Will you stay with me, Cody? Please?”

Your words tore Cody asunder, a pain more agonizing than he’d felt on any battlefield. Pieces of him begged to stay with you—to never be without the love you showered him with, to be your protector for all his life. But as you could already tell, those pieces of him were not enough to shun his duty, his purpose. Even if he wished he could.

“Princess…” Cody sighed. From his first word alone, he saw the hope drain from your face. Though he wanted to subvert your fears—to say whatever it took to bring the light back to your eyes—he couldn’t. He owed you the full answer, as much as it hurt to hear—and to say. “I’m sorry. I love you, too… more than I ever thought was possible, I love you. But… I won’t let you give up everything for me. Your planet needs you, and my brothers need me. We can’t leave our lives behind.”

Dejected, your gaze fell from Cody’s. He could feel the tears slipping from your cheeks onto the soft fabric of his shirt. Guilt weighed on his chest, with every tear you shed crushing him further. Was he truly so cruel, to make the woman he loved more than life itself devastated like this? 

He knew he had more to say. He knew it would be nowhere near enough to temper the pain of your separation. But if he could not give himself to you, he would leave you with hope to hold onto in his absence.

Gently, he took your chin between his fingers, moving your gaze back to his again.

“But Princess… I promise this isn’t the end for you and me. Even if we’re apart, I’m still yours… and I will be until the day I die.”

He pressed a soft kiss between your eyes.

“The moment this war ends, I’m boarding the first transport to your homeworld. And no matter what anyone says, I’m marrying you. I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for the time we lost. Nothing else will matter to me but you.” Though halfhearted, he managed a smirk. “Understood?”

You smiled. Even through the tears that streamed down your face, you smiled. It was real, and it was beautiful.

“Understood,” you whispered.

Softly, Cody kissed away every last one of your tears, before meeting your lips once more.

The two of you still had the day, and you both agreed to make the most of it. Packing up the little life you’d built together went slowly, interrupted countless times by kisses, conversations, lovemaking... Cody cherished every moment. He never wanted to forget the warmth of your body in his arms, the taste of you on his lips, the sound of your laughter in his ears. Soon, his senses would once more be overwhelmed by the battlefield, and he would long for these comforts in his dreams. If he couldn’t stay with you, he at least wanted to carry your memory with him.

When at last the two of you boarded your ship, ready to return to your homeworld, you were content. The pain of your imminent parting had dulled, and in its place came the bittersweet comfort of knowing you’d enjoyed what little time you had to the fullest. 

The flight was uneventful, but unlike those first few days you’d spent with one another, the two of you had nothing to say. You merely held one another close, your adoration speaking for itself.

, , ,

“Your commander is to be commended for his service to this planet. Without him, I may very well not be here to retake my throne.”

You stood before the armored commander and his Jedi General, bowing your head politely to show your appreciation for their actions. In every sense, you were back where you belonged—in the halls of your palace, dressed in the finest regalia. The princess you were meant to be. But stunning though you were, Cody could not help but remember you as you had been during your time together. Dressed without concern for royal protocol, stripped down to your truest self… a side of you that was his alone to see.

From beside Cody, General Kenobi nodded graciously.

“He is an impeccable soldier. I am pleased to hear he took such good care of you,” General Kenobi said.

Cody’s heart raced, and he tried to keep a solemn face. His struggle was made all the more apparent with how easily you could mask any reaction, merely meeting the general with a kind smile.

“Indeed. I hope he is well rewarded for his assistance,” you said. For the briefest moment, your eyes met Cody’s, and your smile softened. “I’m afraid my gratitude is not nearly enough to thank him for all he has done.”

A ghost of a smile formed on Cody’s lips. He stood just a bit taller at your words.

“We’ll see to it that he is, your highness,” General Kenobi agreed. “But in the meantime, I’m afraid the war demands our attention. We wish you well, your majesty.”

You curtseyed politely before the two men.

“May luck follow you in your battles, Master Jedi,” you said. When you turned your attention once more to Cody, your expression faltered for the briefest moment. “And may luck follow you, Commander Cody.”

Cody gazed back at you, doing little to hide the feelings buried beneath the surface. Even as the General began the walk back to the transport, Cody remained—lingering just as long as he could. Savoring the sight of you until the last, desperate second. Praying to the Maker that his every thought of you could be conveyed through this last moment alone.

“Thank you… Princess.”

You smiled. Though the faintest sadness hid behind it, you meant it from the depths of your being. And even if it was unbecoming of a soldier, Cody smiled back at you. 

But he knew this was not the end. Even as he finally turned away, setting his helmet upon his head and boarding the LAAT, even as he looked back to you one last time before the shuttle doors closed, he knew.

He would see you again. 

AN: Thank you for getting to the end lol I hope you enjoyed it despite the intimidating wordcount LOL and I hope you like it @loving-the-cambridges ! Also, huge thank you to @ghostofskywalker for putting this event together and organizing, it was so much fun and I would love to participate again!✨✨

"""taglist""" - @shinyshayminflower @starrylothcat

[blacksupremacy86]

The Hypno Bachelor

Welcome to the bachelor! This is new dating show for a Hypnotist not traditionally what is demanded for but he is for this guys who are competing to be his Hypnotic subject for a year long battle.

I walk in to a spare room to find this hottie Luke Macfarlane laying on the bed with thus sexy smile on his face as I enter taking him in l while shutting the door behind me and flicking a switch. Suddenly! The ceiling wall slides open allowing a silver disco ball that is blowing up in a multitudes of color is hot burning up in to the area shooting laser left right and center. Two aim straight for both of his eyes hitting him dead on as he goes totally slack and his body falling in to a lack of function as he stares at me mindlessly ready to be reprogrammed for more then just fun.

“Oh! There you are Lawrence! I love nerdy types please don’t keep me waiting like this anymore and can we just get to the action please you are driving me craziness with all of this nerdiness.” He says to me when I am approaching him but ignore him instead as I bend over and pick up a remote control on the night table then point it at him as I click it and he freezes. “Sorry Henry boi! I do not need any of your lip at this momentous level of occasion because I am your new Master now, but simply to state I am about to truly rock your world and I crawl over the bed till I am on top of him and undoing his clothes also his lips with my lips.

“I am too tough for this Hypno shit.”

“You think so? Why are your buttons undone”

“Fuck! How did…”

“Sleep! “

“You ba-st-at-d”

“Mwahahahahaha “

“Release the strings”

“I transformed you earlier “

“You are a puppet”

“Push your shirt to the side “

“Feel yourself up”

“Take a dive “

“Don’t be afraid “

“Real good”

“Get in to the crevice “

“Why don’t shift your jeans “

“Feel your lower level “

“Your horny “

“Oh Lawrence!”

“Get off the couch

“Did you like the lollipop ?”

“It’s addictive “

“It’s my original flavor “

“How did you make it ?”

“Laced it with blood and pee?”

“What the fuck?”

“It’s mine”

“Why on earth?”

“You drank that up “

“Obsessed over it”

“Oh my God”

“My new favorite flavor “

“I know “

“Suck another “

“You are fucked up”

“Nah! I am going to the dark side”

“ Oh Master Lawrence! I’v been wearing this in hope you show off, my best shorts are so hot me. Don’t you think so! I do think you are cute in everything, please don’t be shy or bashful because no one can or would ever doubt you.” Andrew is all a glow smirks so brightly as he blows me a string of very powerful kisses, a warm embrace hugging me tightly in every way and I can feel my hand on every crevice. He digs his hands ma under my shirt lifting it over my head as he presses his lips on to my skin raging hot under my skin and he revels in the lust and the unburdening of his soul as he fell in to deep submission.

“I spotted you the moment you rocked up in to the villa Jamie since you have for some odd reason caught my attention off the foreseeable future and I want to ravish you right now. Stand up to attention look right ahead at the wall, remove your shirt, pants, and underwear let it drop to the floor and sit on the bed awaiting me for the longterm.” I tell Jamie he is a good lay while walking closer to his knees pat them and he wraps his arms on me and mine on his waist he smells my scent and it drives him wild so much he could jolt up the walls.

Golden boi! “

“Yes Sir!”

“Rise up “

“SNAP”

“POP”

“Mwahahahahaha “

“Strip”

“Leave your pants”

“Shake your booty”

“Do a dance?”

“Who is your God?”

“You are sir”

���Kneel”

“Crawl over here”

“Kiss my boots”

“What are you ?”

“A pussy “

“Who are you?”

“Your golden boy”

“GOOD BOY “

“YOU!”

“The show “

“Are you ready?”

“Lights”

“Camera “

“Action”

“Woooohhhh”

“Oooohhhh yyyeeeaaahhh!”

“Check this pussy out”

“Your fast”

“I know what I want “

“‘My fist in your ass”

“Mmmmm”

“That would be heaven”

“I am yours”

“Kneel”

“Suck me off “

“Good boi “

“The most marvelous taste in the world “

“It is fabulous “

The end

[mariacallous]

Connecting the dots of recent research suggests a new future for traditional websites:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered search can provide a full answer to a user’s query 75% of the time without the need for the user to go to a website, according to research by The Atlantic.

A worldwide survey from the University of Toronto revealed that 22% of ChatGPT users “use it as an alternative to Google.”

Research firm Gartner forecasts that traffic to the web from search engines will fall 25% by 2026.

Pew Research found that a quarter of all web pages developed between 2013 and 2023 no longer exist.

The large language models (LLMs) of generative AI that scraped their training data from websites are now using that data to eliminate the need to go to many of those same websites. Respected digital commentator Casey Newton concluded, “the web is entering a state of managed decline.” The Washington Post headline was more dire: “Web publishers brace for carnage as Google adds AI answers.”

From decentralized information to centralized conclusions

Created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, the World Wide Web redefined the nature of the internet into a user-friendly linkage of diverse information repositories. “The first decade of the web…was decentralized with a long-tail of content and options,” Berners-Lee wrote this year on the occasion of its 35th anniversary.  Over the intervening decades, that vision of distributed sources of information has faced multiple challenges. The dilution of decentralization began with powerful centralized hubs such as Facebook and Google that directed user traffic. Now comes the ultimate disintegration of Berners-Lee’s vision as generative AI reduces traffic to websites by recasting their information.

The web’s open access to the world’s information trained the large language models (LLMs) of generative AI. Now, those generative AI models are coming for their progenitor.

The web allowed users to discover diverse sources of information from which to draw conclusions. AI cuts out the intellectual middleman to go directly to conclusions from a centralized source.

The AI paradigm of cutting out the middleman appears to have been further advanced in Apple’s recent announcement that it will incorporate OpenAI to enable its Siri app to provide ChatGPT-like answers. With this new deal, Apple becomes an AI-based disintermediator, not only eliminating the need to go to websites, but also potentially disintermediating the need for the Google search engine for which Apple has been paying $20 billion annually.

The Atlantic, University of Toronto, and Gartner studies suggest the Pew research on website mortality could be just the beginning. Generative AI’s ability to deliver conclusions cannibalizes traffic to individual websites threatening the raison d’être of all websites, especially those that are commercially supported.  

Echoes of traditional media and the web

The impact of AI on the web is an echo of the web’s earlier impact on traditional information providers. “The rise of digital media and technology has transformed the way we access our news and entertainment,” the U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2022, “It’s also had a devastating impact on print publishing industries.” Thanks to the web, total estimated weekday circulation of U.S. daily newspapers fell from 55.8 million in 2000 to 24.2 million by 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.

The World Wide Web also pulled the rug out from under the economic foundation of traditional media, forcing an exodus to proprietary websites. At the same time, it spawned a new generation of upstart media and business sites that took advantage of its low-cost distribution and high-impact reach. Both large and small websites now feel the impact of generative AI.   

Barry Diller, CEO of media owner IAC, harkened back to that history when he warned a year ago, “We are not going to let what happened out of free internet happen to post-AI internet if we can help it.” Ominously, Diller observed, “If all the world’s information is able to be sucked up in this maw, and then essentially repackaged in declarative sentence in what’s called chat but isn’t chat…there will be no publishing; it is not possible.”

The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft alleging copyright infringement from the use of Times data to train LLMs. “Defendants seek to free-ride on The Times’s massive investment in its journalism,” the suit asserts, “to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it.”1

Subsequently, eight daily newspapers owned by Alden Global Capital, the nation’s second largest newspaper publisher, filed a similar suit. “We’ve spent billions of dollars gathering information and reporting news at our publications, and we can’t allow OpenAI and Microsoft to expand the Big Tech playbook of stealing our work to build their own businesses at our expense,” a spokesman explained.

The legal challenges are pending. In a colorful description of the suits’ allegations, journalist Hamilton Nolan described AI’s threat as an “Automated Death Star.”

“Providential opportunity”?

Not all content companies agree. There has been a groundswell of leading content companies entering into agreements with OpenAI.

In July 2023, the Associated Press became the first major content provider to license its archive to OpenAI. Recently, however, the deal-making floodgates have opened. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, home of The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and multiple other publications in Australia and the United Kingdom, German publishing giant Axel Springer, owner of Politico in the U.S. and Bild  and Welt in Germany, venerable media company The Atlantic, along with new media company Vox Media, the Financial Times, Paris’ Le Monde, and Spain’s Prisa Media have all contracted with OpenAI for use of their product.

Even Barry Diller’s publishing unit, Dotdash Meredith, agreed to license to OpenAI, approximately a year after his apocalyptic warning.  

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson described his company’s rationale this way in an employee memo: “The digital age has been characterized by the dominance of distributors, often at the expense of creators, and many media companies have been swept away by a remorseless technological tide. The onus is now on us to make the most of this providential opportunity.”

“There is a premium for premium journalism,” Thomson observed. That premium, for News Corp, is reportedly $250 million over five years from OpenAI. Axel Springer’s three-year deal is reportedly worth $25 to $30 million. The Financial Times terms were reportedly in the annual range of $5 to $10 million.

AI companies’ different approaches

While publishers debate whether AI is “providential opportunity” or “stealing our work,” a similar debate is ongoing among AI companies. Different generative AI companies have different opinions whether to pay for content, and if so, which kind of content.

When it comes to scraping information from websites, most of the major generative AI companies have chosen to interpret copyright law’s “fair use doctrine” allowing the unlicensed use of copyrighted content in certain circumstances. Some of the companies have even promised to indemnify their users if they are sued for copyright infringement.

Google, whose core business is revenue generated by recommending websites, has not sought licenses to use the content on those websites. “The internet giant has long resisted calls to compensate media companies for their content, arguing that such payments would undermine the nature of the open web,” the New York Times explained. Google has, however, licensed the user-generated content on social media platform Reddit, and together with Meta has pursued Hollywood rights.

OpenAI has followed a different path. Reportedly, the company has been pitching a “Preferred Publisher Program” to select content companies. Industry publication AdWeek reported on a leaked presentation deck describing the program. The publication said OpenAI “disputed the accuracy of the information” but claimed to have confirmed it with four industry executives. Significantly, the OpenAI pitch reportedly offered not only cash remuneration, but also other benefits to cooperating publishers.    

As of early June 2024, other large generative AI companies have not entered into website licensing agreements with publishers.

Content companies surfing an AI tsunami

On the content creation side of the equation, major publishers are attempting to avoid a repeat of their disastrous experience in the early days of the web while smaller websites are fearful the impact on them could be even greater.

As the web began to take business from traditional publishers, their leadership scrambled to find a new economic model. Ultimately, that model came to rely on websites, even though website advertising offered them pennies on their traditional ad dollars. Now, even those assets are under attack by the AI juggernaut. The content companies are in a new race to develop an alternative economic model before their reliance on web search is cannibalized.

The OpenAI Preferred Publisher Program seems to be an attempt to meet the needs of both parties.

The first step in the program is direct compensation. To Barry Diller, for instance, the fact his publications will get “direct compensation for our content” means there is “no connection” between his apocalyptic warning 14 months ago and his new deal with OpenAI.

Reportedly, the cash compensation OpenAI is offering has two components: “guaranteed value” and “variable value.” Guaranteed value is compensation for access to the publisher’s information archive. Variable value is payment based on usage of the site’s information.

Presumably, those signing with OpenAI see it as only the first such agreement. “It is in my interest to find agreements with everyone,” Le Monde CEO Louis Dreyfus explained.   

But the issue of AI search is greater than simply cash. Atlantic CEO Nicolas Thompson described the challenge: “We believe that people searching with AI models will be one of the fundamental ways that people navigate to the web in the future.” Thus, the second component in OpenAI’s proposal to publishers appears to be promotion of publisher websites within the AI-generated content. Reportedly, when certain publisher content is utilized, there will be hyperlinks and hover links to the websites themselves, in addition to clickable buttons to the publisher.

Finally, the proposal reportedly offers publishers the opportunity to reshape their business using generative AI technology. Such tools include access to OpenAI content for the publishers’ use, as well as the use of OpenAI for writing stories and creating new publishing content.

Back to the future?

Whether other generative AI and traditional content companies embrace this kind of cooperation model remains to be seen. Without a doubt, however, the initiative by both parties will have its effects.

One such effect was identified in a Le Monde editorial explaining their licensing agreement with OpenAI. Such an agreement, they argued, “will make it more difficult for other AI platforms to evade or refuse to participate.” This, in turn, could have an impact on the copyright litigation, if not copyright law.

We have seen new technology-generated copyright issues resolved in this way before.2 Finding a credible solution that works for both sides is imperative. The promise of AI is an almost boundless expansion of information and the knowledge it creates. At the same time, AI cannot be a continued degradation of the free flow of ideas and journalism that is essential for democracy to function.

Newton’s Law in the AI age

In 1686 Sir Isaac Newton posited his three laws of motion. The third of these holds that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton described the consequence of physical activity; generative AI is raising the same consequential response for informational activity.

The threat of generative AI has pushed into the provision of information and the economics of information companies. We know the precipitating force, the consequential effects on the creation of content and free flow of information remain a work in progress.

[justanotherpersonwhowrites]

Welcome To My Humble Abode

Big John had finally agreed to let JJ come over for to their house to hang out. Something John B had been begging for since they first met halfway through second grade and after their official declaration of becoming best friends at the start of third grade. But despite the begging, Big John never relented, telling his kid — who would promptly relay the information to JJ — that he didn’t want anyone over who might break something. Which translated to “I don’t want to lose any of my precious research on the Royal Merchant that is way more important than my son’s happiness.” At least that’s what John B said it meant. But finally, after three years of persistence, Big John relented and JJ was heading home with his best friend. And JJ was…excited. Sure. He was curious to see his best buds home, know what his room looked like, where John B spent his days away from JJ. He also knew that homes could be sketchy. OR The first time JJ visits John B's house and the first time John B visits JJ's

“Ta-da!” John B suddenly exploded arm shooting out in front of him. “That’s it! That’s the Chateau!”

JJ took it in, eyes wide. The house was big! Nothing like the ones on Figure Eight, but compared to JJ’s own house this place looked like a castle. Relatively secluded from anyone, surrounded by the odd tree and a lot of land, and the house was gunning for Kook attention.

“Why’d you never tell me you were a Kook?” JJ asked, turning an accusing look on John B, though there was laughter hidden behind his eyes.

John B shoved his shoulder, pushing JJ slightly off balance. “I’m not a Kook, J” He warned, laughter spilling from his lips as well.

They approached the house in relative silence after that. JJ taking in his surroundings. It was a nice piece of land, close to the water, buried behind trees and hidden from other houses around. It felt secluded, but not in the way his home did. This felt peaceful, nothing about the lot screamed “I’m ominous, avoid me as often as possible!”

When they approached the steps some minutes later, Big John was standing in the doorway waiting. He was a big man, bigger than JJ’s own father, with a strong build and a firm face. Not a mean looking face, but not a particularly nice looking one either. And even though JJ had met him before — in town, or on the occasion that he took John B someplace and allowed JJ to tag along — today felt different, like the man was sizing him up to see if he would be easy prey. JJ felt a lump rise in his throat and his feet freeze in place on the top step.

“Good afternoon, sir,” JJ mumbled, ducking his head to try to still his heart's insistent pounding.

“Good afternoon, JJ. How was school?”

JJ looked up quickly, trying to assess whether the question was directed at John B or himself, but when his best friend made no move to answer he decided to do so himself. “It was pretty good…sir. We…uh….” JJ tried to think of something they covered. “We learned stuff,” he finished lamely.

Big John didn’t seem to appreciate that answer as his mouth pressed into a thin line. “We can only hope,” he mumbled in that way adults do when they think children’s hearing is less developed than their own. JJ ignored the words anyway.

Ao3 FFN

[mothgodofchaos]

Coffin

And we return to our roots, with a classic.

Vampire!Actor x GN!Reader, TW: false imprisonment Words: 718

The dungeon you stumbled upon is strangely clean, clear of any cobwebs or dust. The candles look new, bright red and haven’t been lit yet. Wax doesn’t even drip down the candelabras. In the center of the room is a large coffin, polished to perfection. It lays on a bed of red velvet, pairing well with the mocha oak of the coffin, adorned with garnet and rubies. Whoever is buried in this tomb lucked out, and probably has some sort of housekeeper to maintain it, you reason. 

You shift around, looking for any signs of life, considering how well it’s maintained. But not a single sign of life jumps out at you, until you hear a thump from inside the coffin. You freeze, paralyzed with fear as you stare at it. Your breathing is near silent, waiting for another sound. The coffin moves, and you consider praying to the gods and making a run from whatever is inside there. But, in a move that borders the line between stupidity and bravery, you approach the coffin. 

Your hands graze along the lip of the lid, thumbs pressed firm underneath as you lift it up. Upon opening the coffin, you wince in preparation for a dead body, just to be met with a pillow to the face.

“Go awayyyyyy… I wanna sleepppp…”

You blink, letting the pillow fall to the floor. When you don’t close the lid, he peeks out through one eye.

“You are not Benjamin…”

“...correct.”

“Where is Benjamin? What are you doing in my house?”

He looks rather annoyed at you, rising out of the coffin and tying the robe more tightly around his waist. There’s a bell inside that he lifts up, ringing three times as he gets himself out.

“Honestly, I don’t know what it is about my place of residence that makes you humans feel so entitled to trespass. Honestly, I should be sending a letter to the mayor that I will pursue legal action against the town if they do not put an end to this.”

“I- what?”

“And that’s another thing! You don’t even act like I’m up here! I pay my taxes, vote when I’m supposed to, and yet I am not a part of the community! It is not as if I act like Bruce Wayne and watch over all of you from the top of my tower, although I have done that on occasion, but it is not all the time! Even Benjamin is ignored by you vermin when he does the shopping for the castle.”

“But I-”

“Oh don’t even try, you’ll just give the same excuse that everyone else gives of “oh I’m so sorry I woke you, I just have no respect for the dead and enjoy opening coffins!” or whatever you fucked up little creatures say to rationalize opening a coffin inside a home you’re trespassing in.”

You don’t even realize you’re following him around as he rants to you, feeling a bit like a child getting caught doing something you weren’t supposed to.

“Honestly, I have half a mind just to hold you hostage here until the mayor gives me a promise that the home invasions will stop. Otherwise, I can keep you and sue the town. Yes, I think I’ll do that.”

Well fuck. Can’t do that. You go to run up the stairs and out the front door, but there’s a butler standing at the top of the stairs, blocking your exit.

“You rang, sir?”

“Ah yes! Another pest got in. Please see to it that it gets a proper containment unit and is taken care of, I’m going to be calling the mayor about this.”

“Absolutely.”

Benjamin picks you up without a second thought, leaving you to try and fight your way out of his grip. The vampire blows you a kiss as you glare at him from over Benjamin’s shoulder, grinning with a cheeky little finger wave.

“Oh don’t worry darling, I don’t feed on the first date. But I’m sure you’ll find your stay here to be rather enjoyable, I don’t like to think I’m a bad host. Just let him know if you need anything, and he’ll fetch it for you. Other than your freedom of course, until I sort this thing out. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

[scotianostra]

On January 8th the burgh of Stirling surrendered to the Jacobite army.

As had happened in Edinburgh the year before, the town fell to the Jacobite army, but crucially the castle remained in Government hands.

Stirling has always been a pivotal Scottish location, an important, strategic site for centuries, particularly throughout the first and second Scottish ‘Wars of Independence’ of the 13th and 14th Centuries and, indeed, during the entire mediaeval period. The history of Stirling, the name of which is said to derive from ‘striveling’ meaning ‘place of strife’, seems to have proceeded in concert with that of Scotland and the 1745-6 Jacobite Rising also made its mark.

We last saw the Jacobite army in Glasgow at Christmas, they left on 3rd January in two columns. One column of six Highland battalions and Lord Elcho´s cavalry, led by Lord George Murray marched towards Falkirk, via what is now Cumbernauld. Lochiel´s regiment was sent to Alloa to escort the artillery to Stirling and subsequently to form the Prince´s guard at Bannockburn.

The Prince marched towards Stirling, there he set up his headquarters at Bannockburn House as the guest of Sir Hugh Paterson, a Jacobite supporter. Lord John Drummond came from Perth with four thousand men and heavy artillery. Whilst he was there he was visited by Sir John Douglas MP who stated that there was £10,000 waiting for him in London from London Jacobites.

Now boasting a force of 8,000 men the Jacobites sent a drummer to Stirling on 5 January demanding the surrender of the town. The garrison responded by shooting at the drummer who then ran for his life. The town council later agreed to surrender. Stirling Castle itself was held by a small garrison of trained militiamen and troops under the command of Major General William Blakeney, who declined to surrender. The Prince ordered the castle to be besieged, but withstood the artillery bombardment.

As this went on, General Hawley brought an army of 13,000 from Newcastle to Edinburgh, sending an advance unit to Linlithgow on January 13th. Lord Elcho fell back to Falkirk where he met Lord George Murray. Hawley advanced with his main army of 6,000 on 15th January, intending to relieve Stirling Castle, Murray and Elcho withdrew to Bannockburn.

Stirling would later be relieved by Cumberlands troops as they swept North pursuing Charlie's army.

The Jacobite army is shown retreating across the Forth laden down with plunder from the town while Prince Charles Edward Stuart is depicted submitting to Cumberland and his troops. Following the Battle of Culloden the Duke of Cumberland was made an honorary burgess of Stirling. It is thought this fan was one of several manufactured for the occasion of his presentation in April 1746 when he received his burgess ticket in a handsome engraved silver box.

[edosianorchids901]

Obedience

@flashfictionfridayofficial prompt - "Yes, sir!!"

“And we’ll fight evil!” Gabriel yelled from the podium.

“Yes sir!” the room of soldiers shouted in response.

“And triumph over Hell!”

“Yes sir!”

“And slay all demons like the scum they are!”

“Yes sir!”

Aziraphale closed his eyes, feeling rather ill. These pep talks from Gabriel had once been rare occasions, only given before a major offensive. But now, with the Apocalypse approaching, they grew more and more frequent. Countless angels summoned to a massive, all white room to listen to Gabriel declaim about Heaven’s goals.

It was wrong for an angel to be anything less than enthusiastic about such things. Of course Heaven would fight evil, triumph over Hell, and slay demons. It was all part of the Great Plan.

But the more Aziraphale thought about it, the more his tummy churned. Bile rose in his throat, and he swallowed hard in an attempt to choke back the rising nausea.

He couldn’t choke back the imagined War that unfolded in his mind, though. Leaving his bookshop, putting on his uniform, taking up a flaming sword again. Being on the front lines, battling, all thoughts of his own subsumed by Heaven’s machine of death and destruction.

No option other than obedience. To echo “yes sir!” to every order, no matter how horrible. To fight, to torture, to kill.

The image rose even more strongly as he stumbled back towards the shop. The stench of blood and ichor all around, like how it had been during the first War. Flash of flaming swords, endless commands to fight, to cut down any demon who tried to flee.

Even if that demon was the one he’d loved for so long.

A moan slipped from Aziraphale, legs wobbling underneath him as the world spun. He sank to the pavement, clutching his hand together. Oh no. Oh Lord, he was going to faint.

He hung his head, breathing deeply. When that didn’t help, he leaned back against the outside of the bookshop. His heart pounded faster, and terrible trembling rushed through him.

“I can’t do it.” The words slipped out in a helpless whimper. “I can’t do it, I can’t, I can’t, I can’t…”

The bookshop door creaked open. “Angel?”

“I can’t, I can’t…”

“Aziraphale. Aziraphale!” Hands on his arms, steadying him as convulsive tremors struck. Aziraphale couldn’t see, everything blurry, and his breaths came in increasingly ragged shivery gasps. “Aziraphale, look at me. Hey, s’ all right. You’re with Crowley, it’s okay.”

“C-Crowley?” Aziraphale looked up at him, lip wobbling. What was he doing here? He should be running away before the angels killed him. “I can’t do it. I can’t. I can’t.”

Crowley’s face wrenched with confusion. Keeping one hand on Aziraphale’s arm, he reached up and very carefully cupped his cheek. As if Aziraphale might shatter if handled less tentatively. “Can you come inside the shop if I help you? You look like you’re gonna pass out.”

Aziraphale still felt like he was going to pass out, but going inside the shop did sound rather better than fainting on the pavement and forcing Crowley to carry him inside. He nodded.

“Right, okay. Here we go, take it easy.” Crowley hauled him to his feet and dragged him inside. Aziraphale could hardly manage to walk, shaking too badly, and the nausea worsened as he moved. “How about the sofa? Think the sofa’s a good call.”

This time, Crowley didn’t wait for a reply. He simply laid Aziraphale down on the sofa, guiding him with gentle touches, and Aziraphale went without protest. He slumped against the pillows, breathing hard, whole bookshop spinning around him in a dizzying whirl.

“Okay, that’s better. Yeah?” With a soft, worried hiss, Crowley swept off his coat and laid it across Aziraphale. He took Aziraphale’s hand in a loose grasp, ducking down to meet his gaze over the tops of dark lenses. “Angel? Can I get you anything?”

Aziraphale opened his mouth to attempt a response and instead sobbed. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

The words had slipped out, and horror curdled in his stomach. Oh, what would Crowley think of him if he knew what Aziraphale had been so obediently cheering at the pep talk?

Crowley’s jaw dropped, but it wasn’t a look of shock. It was realization. “Ohh. It was one of *those* trips to Heaven, eh? Gabriel rallying the troops again?”

At least a touch relieved, Aziraphale nodded. “He’s… enthusiastic.”

“Hn, yeah. Always has been.” Crowley’s nose wrinkled with distaste, and he shuddered. Then he pulled off his sunglasses, leaning in. “Aziraphale, listen to me. You’re not gonna hurt me. I’ve never been worried about that.”

“I’m worried about that.” Aziraphale could hardly choke the words out, unbearably queasy. He felt as though he might vomit all over the sofa. “If… if they order me to slay… I’ll have to obey, I…”

He gagged, stomach rebelling. Crowley made a quick shushing sound and ran a light, careful stroke across his hair. “It won’t come to that. It’s gonna be fine. We’ve done a damn good job canceling each other out, yeah?”

This time, Aziraphale couldn’t bring himself to reply. He just stared at Crowley miserably. What if all their attempts to avert the Apocalypse failed?

Crowley gave a sympathetic pout at the lack of response and stroked Aziraphale’s hair again. He swayed just a little, tempting. “Come on. Have faith in us. I do.”

Aziraphale had absolutely unlimited faith in Crowley. Crowley was so brave, so clever, could always find a way to slither out of any trouble. While Aziraphale, well…

Had just enthusiastically chanted “Yes, sir!” with the rest of Heaven, agreeing to slay all demons.

But he couldn’t give up, not when Crowley was counting on him. So he sniffled and squeezed Crowley’s hand. “I’ll try.”

[cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien]

Solar Opposites: The Rise of The New Order Ch. 4 (by @avaveevo)

It’s the day of Korvo’s New Order ceremony

Korvo: *takes a deep breath* This is it…

Tortus: My people. Today is a good day.

Korvo sees Terry, Yumyulack and Jesse waving as they smile at their husband/father.

Tortus: Today, it is with great pride that welcome my prize student Korvotron, to the New Order!

The crowd cheers

Tortus: Everyone, let us introduce our new rookie Korvotron to come up and join us for a speech.

The crowd rises up as Korvo comes up on stage and prepares to say his speech.

Korvo: Thank you. Thank you so much. Today is a great day for me! I am so happy to be starting the New Order. For it has been my lifelong dream to be part of the New Order, ever since I was a little Replicant. I am so happy to be joining this special occasion. Today is wonderful day! I also wanted to thank my family for their support. *Terry, Yumyulack and Jesse smiles* Without them, I am nothing. But right now, I am happy on this glorious day for I never go down without a fight in case of any danger that comes our way to the New Order. For I, Korvotron am now the proud rookie of The New Order!

The crowd cheers as the family clap in joy over Korvo’s speech and new new duty of the New Order. Tortus looks at Kim-La.

Kim-La: *clapping for Korvo* Alright! Woo-Hoo! Congratulations Korvo!

Tortus growls at Kim-La

Tortus: *sternly* Kim-La!

Kim-La: Oh! Sorry, sir.

Later, Korvo and Terry are making out like Miss Frankie and Principal Cooke do in the cafeteria

Terry: Oh yes.

Korvo: Oh God! It is so nice of being part of The New Order!

Terry: This room is so nice when the kids are not seeing us.

Korvo giggles

Korvo: After this, let's do reverse cowgirl!

Terry: I’d like that!

Terry moans lovingly.

Terry: Then we're ass-eating in the lab.

Korvo: But, I’m not wearing any boots! Which is great!

Terry: Now, what do you say I cover you in peanut butter?

Korvo: Oooooh! Fuck yes! Yes!

Terry starts applying the peanut butter

Korvo: Ooooh! Oooh! Terry! Oooooh!

Suddenly AISHA comes in

AISHA: Gah! What the fuck?!

Korvo: AH! AISHA!

Terry: What are you doing in here?!

AISHA: I need to talk to Korvo about Tortus. You got a sec?

Terry: Oh of course. See you baby. *kisses Korvo on the cheek*

Terry leaves

Korvo: What is it AISHA? What is that you want to tell me about?

AISHA: *to Korvo* What you’re doing is a really really bad idea!

Korvo: Huh? Oh, what do you meant by that AISHA?

AISHA takes a deep breath.

AISHA: Tortus took strict orders from his father Aurdyus, the one who hated Terry’s parents.

Korvo: Aundrayus? You mean the one from the story

AISHA: *takes a deep breath* Yes.

Korvo gasps but then gets angry

Korvo: What?! Impossible that can’t be true…. can it?

AISHA: I wish it wasn’t…

Korvo: But but… impossible. Tortus has been my favorite teacher for years. I-I’m sure he isn’t as dangerous as his father is. Is he?

AISHA: Believe me I thought he was a good person too when he first created me.

Korvo: You did. What happened AISHA?

A flashback plays of Tortus creating AISHA

AISHA: It all started after he created me.

Tortus: Aaaah…. Welcome AISHA. We have so much to talk about.

AISHA: After he created me, he began to talk to about what his father Aundrayus has taught him and his views on Shlorp. But I notice that something isn’t right.

Tortus: So that is why my father wanted me to honor his name… by building The New Order. A team of Shlorpians making Shlorp a perfect Utopia just like he wanted.

The crowd cheers. AISHA grows concern. Then, she saw Tortus planning something, which known as… “Execution”

AISHA: Um Tortus, what is this… “execution”

Tortus smirks

Tortus: Oh AISHA, my dear lovely AISHA. May I tell you what this Execution means? It means whatever Shlorpian refuses to follow the orders, he must be executed, permanently along with his life.

AISHA gasps

AISHA: Wh-what? But Tortus, this might be wrong. We’re supposed to be saving lives, not exterminating them!

Tortus slams his hand down in rage

Tortus: I AM DOING IT, FOR MY FAMILY’S NAME!

AISHA: BUT IT’S NOT RIGHT!

Tortus snarls in fury.

AISHA: Mark my words AISHA, if you dare tell anyone about this, he or she shall be exterminated once and for all.

Tortus leaves. The flashback ends

Korvo: Execution? That’s what it means for Shlorpians who refuse to obey the New Order?!

AISHA: That’s right.

Korvo: Oh my God… that’s… sounds terrible..

AISHA: I know… and I’m scared it would happen to you if you disobey Tortus.

Korvo looks down as Terry walks in

Terry: Hey babe. What’s wrong because Kim-La wants to see you.

Korvo: Kim-La’s here?

Terry: Yes. She would like to meet you.

Later, Korvo opens the door to see Kim-La

Kim-La: Hello, Korvotron. I assume Terald told you about my arrival.

Korvo: Why yes. Please come right in.

As Kim-La sits down, Korvo notices she has a black eye

Korvo: Oh my God. What happened to you?!

Kim-La: Oh. Nothing. Just ran into a doorknob.

Korvo: Oooh… because it looks like someone has hurt you. Is everything okay?

Kim-La: Of course! Why do you ask?

Korvo: Oh to be honest, I am really concern about you.

Kim-La gets angry

Kim-La: I SAID I’M FUCKING FINE! *tears burst from her eyes*

Korvo gasps. Kim-La gasp in shock over what she just said

Kim-La: I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean it! I-

Korvo: Get out.

Korvo sniffles as he turns around. Kim-La sighs and prepares to leave, but then Korvo looks at her and changes his mind.

Korvo: Kim-La! Wait! *Kim-La turns around and grows surprised*

Kim-La: Huh?

Korvo: It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to snap. Please stay.

Kim-La smiles

Kim-La: Thanks. So Korvo, tell me more about you. I love to hear it.

Korvo smiles. A few hours later, Korvo and Kim-La are seen laughing while walking through the halls.

Later, Korvo and AISHA are looking at a book of famous Shlorpians

Korvo: Wow look at these Shlorpians.

Korvo then sees Aundrayus

Korvo: Wow. So this Aundrayus? Let’s see here…

Korvo looks over Aundrayus and began to grow shock by details about him, especially the part with the “execution”.

Korvo: What?

AISHA: That’s what I afraid to tell you about.

Korvo: Oh my God… this execution looks vile. And cruel:

Korvo however grows reassure and confident that he can do whatever it takes to please Tortus.

Korvo: For now, I will keep up the act until I know what Tortus is up to.

AISHA: *surprised* Really? You really want to keep it up? It may be risky.

Korvo: It’s the only way.

AISHA smiles

AISHA: Well good luck but don’t die!

Korvo laughs

Korvo: I won’t AISHA! Because, this New Order is gonna be great!

Meanwhile with Tortus and Bee

Tortus: Bee, have you been chronicling lately?

Bee: I have, sir.

Tortus: Good. Write down some new laws for me please during your time of chronicling.

Bee: Yes, sir.

Tortus: Good. *looking at a shattered picture frame of Teraformus and Jessica* I’m counting on it!

[silver-glory]

Reintober

Day 3: Daddy/Dress Up

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room as you rummaged through your wardrobe, looking for just the right outfit. You grinned to yourself, pulling out a fluffy pastel pink dress and holding it up for inspection. It was frilly, with soft whit lace trimming and ribbons that added a cute, playful flair. Today was all about fun, and you were determined to bring Reinhardt into the game.

You twirled around in the mirror, the fabric swishing lightly around your legs as you giggled, imagining how Reinhardt would react. Just as you were finishing tying the last ribbon, you heard a deep voice behind you.

“What’s this, little one?” Reinhardt boomed, his voice full of amusement as he leaned in the doorway, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching you with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile.

You turned to face him, hands on your hips, giving him a cheeky grin. “I thought we could play dress-up! You’ve been so serious lately with all your work and missions, so I figured you could use some fun.”

He chuckled, stepping into the room and looking you up and down with a playful glint in his eye. “Ah, so you wish to make me your royal knight today, yes?” His accent thickened as he took on an exaggerated, chivalrous tone, bowing slightly before rising again with a grin.

“Of course! Every princess needs her loyal knight,” you teased, handing him a small toy sword you had picked up just for this occasion.

Reinhardt took the sword with dramatic flair, spinning it once in his massive hand. “Then it is my duty to serve you, my princess,” he said, sinking to one knee and holding the sword out like it was a real weapon. “What task shall I complete first?”

You giggled at his over-the-top performance, stepping closer and tapping his shoulder with the flat of your hand. “Sir Reinhardt, your task is to protect the kingdom… and help me pick out my crown!” You gestured toward the assortment of hats and tiaras you had laid out on the bed.

He rose to his full height, scanning the bed with exaggerated seriousness, before selecting a sparkling tiara with large, glittering jewels. “Ah, yes, only the finest for my princess,” he said, carefully placing it on your head, his fingers surprisingly delicate for someone so strong.

You looked up at him, pretending to be serious as you adjusted the crown. “Does it suit me, Sir Reinhardt?”

He stepped back, his blue eye twinkling with mischief as he gave you a proud nod. “You look more regal than any queen I’ve ever known,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Laughing, you tugged at his sleeve. “Now it’s your turn! Every knight needs a cape!”

Reinhardt raised an eyebrow, looking down at the colorful, child sized cape you were holding up. “A bit small for me, don’t you think?” he teased, but you shook your head, insisting.

With a dramatic sigh, he allowed you to fasten the cape around his neck, the tiny piece of fabric barely covering his massive shoulders. The sight of it was so ridiculous, you couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“There!” you declared between giggles. “Now you’re ready to protect the kingdom!”

Reinhardt looked down at himself, then at you, shaking his head with a grin. “If this doesn’t inspire fear in our enemies, nothing will.”

You leaned into him, still laughing as he wrapped his arm around you, pulling you close. “Thank you, my knight,” you said with a smile, snuggling into his side.

“Anything for my princess,” he replied softly, planting a kiss on your forehead as the two of you stood there, basking in the moment.

[thebunniesgrim]

I'm going to be honest I think Hazbin could have worked with the 8 episodes we had

Don't get me wrong I love the series as is, it's just that Hazbin Hotel had so many potentially good ideas/concepts. I think it was doomed to fail or better put “not rise to the occasion”  

but the problem is that Hazbin did a helluva boss.  

Long post (mentions of centaur world, moral oral, class of 09, and gravity falls)

But tldr: show don't tell and take time to breath

By that I mean in the slew of ideas that come from “redeeming sinners so they can go to heaven to stop the exterminations” puts the whole “redeeming sinners” thing on the back burner. Then turned it into we got to fight against heaven and rise up! Just like Helluva Boss is no longer about a group of imps and a hellhound going to earth to kill people who have wrong sinners in hell is now the Stoliz show. I think Spindel Horse/Vivziepop/ Brandon Rogers/ the writers/ whoever the hell. Have a problem with sticking to what they promised and then branching out. We've only seen Charlie do lukewarm redemption practices with Angel and Sir Pontious to get them to be better people or even really get to know them.  She hasn't rehabilitated anything. We don't even know what Charlie thinks ‘sinning’ is growing up in hell she must excuse some hainest things so is she really someone that can help? I know that the 8 episodes were out of Vivie's control but even if she did, I still think it would have been rushed. She already has a show where she controls the runtime, episode releases, etc. and we're still rushing through that.

For example, when Stolas gets hurt in Western Energy we don't get to how Blizto feels at all and in the next episode, it’s about barbie wire. This show wants us to think that Blizto likes Stolas but when he gets hospitalized, he doesn’t even bring it up in passing visit him in the hospital, or send a text asking if he’s alright. Just next episode! Also, Fizzarolli and Blizto’s “Falling Out,” this show tells us that Blizto and Fizz have been beefing hardcore, but they haven’t seen/talked or glanced anything at each other in over 15-ish years. As far as they're concerned, they're practically strangers and haven't seen each other since they were teenagers. Instead of fleshing out and giving a reason as to why they're at each other throats, we're told they hate each other and then it's just “You burnt me to a crisp” Yeah Sure but that doesn't explain why Blizto doesn't like fizzarolli they just forgive each other and Blizto gets to be Fizz’s shadow in the Mammons episode almost immediately. We don't know why Millie just lets Blizto and Loona berate, harass, and fat-shame her husband or let Blizto stalk them. I can't figure out why Moxxie puts up with it. We don't know Stolas and Stella’s relationship outside of it being abusive. It could be like Clay and Blobberta’s relationship where it seems like they get along at first but turn out to be using each other to fulfill a deep-rooted co-dependent need. We're told in passing by Octavia that they “used to get along” Perhaps they were cordial at first and used it as a lavender marriage but with the pressures of high society they couldn't stay friendly and it turned into what it is now. We know nothing of Stella and Octiva’s relationship maybe it's good or just neutral. We don't know any reason why Blizto and Stolas even like each other. We don't see them go on dates that don't have ulterior motives, they don't go on dates, they don't talk about their interests nothing. both of Vivie's shows are just plot points without leading up to them. The same goes for Hazbin because what Helluva and Hazbin have in common is that other than pacing this show's biggest problem is that it acts like we know its characters and we don't  

this show acts like it has more than a pilot and 8 eps

And honestly, the reason why people think Vivziepop, Brandon Rogers, Helluva Boss, and Hazbin Hotel writers, can't write is because they don't give us enough in-story information to get to know the characters and their feelings. They know the story we don't. It makes sense to them because they have every small detail so the show. This show is banking on fans to be brainwashed by fandom so that the story will make sense, and they can have the fandom explain the show to others. Cannon, wise we know nothing about these characters take everything fandom you know and get rid of it  

For instance, in ep 4 husk says that he can read people because they go to him at the bar and spill their guts while drunk right? Right. But Alastor, Nifty, and Husk have only been here for a week. For Angle to go to the bar immediately makes sense as Vaggie and Charlie have him on a flimsy dry spell of booze makes since. But Vaggie and Charlie? You just met them how do you know all that? And Sir Pentious literally just got here! How alcohol-dependent are these guys? And Sir Pontious thought everyone was out to get him why would he go to the bar to drink if he didn't trust them and why would Vaggie go to the bar at all? Her and husk don't even seem to get along in general. Him knowing Nifty, Angel and maybe Charlie because she’s a bleeding heart makes a little bit of sense but I really don’t think he could get that much out of them in such a short time.   

Speaking of short-time  

I agree that introducing the angles, let alone Adam, in the first episode was a weird and kind of lame decision. Just telling us we're in hell and they are bad is not going to cut it. We don’t know what world we’re in and how hell in this universe works, or really what it’s for because sinners just kind of run around lawless they're supposed to be suffering for their sins but really, they seem pretty complacent. And sure, you can say well they've lived here for a while so it's normal. Yeah, sure but WE the audience has no idea what's going on. Slowly opening up the world and showing how it works takes time and I know I can't just yell at us the context. But we could have had an episode of each other main 6 going about their day in hell and seeing how hell works and how it treats people of different statuses. Charlie would be treated differently from Angel and Angel would be treated differently from, Nifty. We could even have some slight foreshowing of Husk being a past overlord as a couple of older sinners would be kind of weary of him and you’d assume oh it's because of Alastor but nope! Homeboy was a big boss Daddy, and they know it. That would be cool. We could see hell from different perspectives of royalty, popular sex workers, overlords, everyday sinners, and new sinners you know, and piece together the hierarchy in the pride ring. Granted that's not a first-episode kind of adventure but my point still stands we shouldn't be introduced to the angels before we know what the hell (Hehe never gets old) is going on.  

(I do have to say I really like how different the sinners and hell-born curses are. sinners since they're human and a lot of them say God-related curses like you and me but the hell-born say “Oh my Satan” and stuff like that. that's cute. Back to my point) 

We haven't even seen how the sinners interact with hell they treat Charlie like a nepo baby what about the people who aren't royalty like imps and such? They have newspapers and news stations so they could make jokes about overlords or sinners having relations with imps, hellhounds, or succubus. But no, we don't get that 

We don't get really to see the main cast interact either. Normally you'd be able to see two characters in the main cast put them in a room and you’d know how they’d interact. If I put Niffty and Charlie in a room what would they talk about? If I put Alastor and Sir Pentious in a room how would they act with each other? Also, the time periods are bearly utilized outside of maybe a few turns of phrases but I mean like As a wannabe history buff you could have had people from time periods with different views and make them face problematic traits of themselves or their period. Because what makes a sinner changes with the moral views of the time. We do not even know what gets you into heaven or hell i mean you could have assaulted someone in a different time or place and if it wasn't seen as bad you could have gone to heaven  

if it was the early 2000’s people wouldn’t think you’d go to hell if you called an autistic kid the ‘r slur’ or were generally mean about someone's appearance or how much they weigh. A 50’s husband wouldn't think it’s wrong to hit his wife because it was sooo normal back then. You know that really old PSA telling parents to hug their children? Same thing.   

Honestly, vivziepop had a full excuse to have the most problematic cast of characters and actually say and do the most fucked up things and she’d have the full pass. Have Angel call Alastor the N-word jk don't do that but not period inaccurate. But in all seriousness, it doesn't have to be that bad. It could just be things that the cast has to deal with mentally because of their time. You could have Niffty worried about her figure or a workaholic perfectionist who fears not finishing tasks because she was more than likely a 50s housewife who probably got abused. You could make Alastor a bit of a hoarder or too stuck in the past of the Roaring Twenties because the 30s fucked him up badly you can even make him a bit of a doomsayer always preparing in case hell also has its own great depression. You could have husk... I don't do something. You could have Sir Pentious be extremely British. You can keep Angel the same but maybe give him paranoia that his old mob will find him and make his hell even worse.    

(I mean in the game Class of 09 a bunch of early 2000 teens are more morally reprencable than a mobster from the like the '60s or something. How embarrassing and they say fucked shit all the time because it was expected and normal doesn't make it right but it was the time they lived in. )

And with they’re different views causing them to butt heads or meet on common ground Charlie and Vaggie try to see how to get them into heaven they start to question if they can even do that. We can have Charlie have a crisis on if she's even the person to do this. She's lived in hell her whole life only seeing the worst of humanity what’s good or okay to her might not be good she might not be the best judge when the worst is all she’s known. What's a murderer, cannibal, or assulter compared to an alcoholic or someone who just did a petty crime? What's her idea of good behavior? Vaggie could see parallels between the sinners to the people in heaven and see the blurred line because even bad people get into heaven morality is such as thin line.  then she’ll wonder if she, herself, an angel can help with these souls. Even still slowly but surely seeing these misfit people get over the biases and opinions of their past come together over the episodes. Becoming better people but still stuck with the sin they committed Charlie has a little bit of hope but then in the 8th episode, Charlie gets the meeting with Adam hoping to learn what got him into heaven or anyone else only to not get a straight answer and see him displaying the bad habits of her hotel guest and realizing maybe heaven isn't the paradise of good as she thought. better than hell yes but only because everyone isn't in the streets making a fuss through their actions the people in heaven were just bad people personality wise and with her worldview shattered Adam drops they’re upping the extermination to twice a year and she’s left there in complete silents losing hope for the first time in a long while.

How is she supposed to tell her friends they may be doomed and they might all go back to being their old selves but did they really change? Can a species of such confusing creatures really change? If they couldn't do it… who could? If she had to could she get an imp or hellhound maybe even herself up there in those shiny golden gates that bathed her in a sun she never experienced? Were they all stuck here never getting better? Perhaps she just selfishly wanted to feel alive like they once did even if was through hoping she could help the worst of humanity. To live, feel the sunlight, get your house foreclosed on, and die. She just wants to feel human. Charlie has to make a big decision lose hope in her friends watching them Die one by one or power through and help her friends and try to make reason with Adam and heaven

Then leave it on a cliffhanger and make everyone cream their pants

id cut just about everyone other than the main cast and have very minor parts to the Vs because Alastor and Angel have connections with them but the Vs would be like Vicky from fairy odd parents just something to screw them over for about like 10 minutes

But yeah nooo let’s introduce Miss Pointy Hair to sing a song about her and kids who I don’t care about I swear that song would have been better if only Vaggie sang honestly she got robbed of a solo

For the first season we’re supposed to be learning about the characters and their world let’s be honest if this show didn’t have years of fandom and a pilot you’d have no reason to care. It’s like you if only watched season 2 of Centaur World or the last…. 6 episodes of Gravity Falls. It’s like pre-established characters in the season finale

That’s what Hazbin feels like the conclusion of a series, not the beginning

I think another problem is the characters while sure diverse in different backgrounds and sins I’d have a character new to hell everyone in the main cast has been there they have established roots meaning we can’t have a gravity falls thing where the protagonist is also new to the setting and environment. Also, I’d have a character that’s objectively a good person but had a sin that couldn’t be forgiven (I have an Oc about that lol) just something to keep Charlie and the audience on their toes and confused just keep questions in the back of your mind “why are they here? Does Charlie know what she’s doing? What exactly gets you into hell? What. In. The. Hell. Did. They. Do?”

Uh but yeah idk I’m not a writer I’m barely literate I’m just saying that I think Hazbin could have been better but also could have been worse. Honestly given how long Hazbin was in production I don’t think anything could have pleased the masses at worst it sucked at best it was pleasantly okay