#applies to platinum blonds as well

[jadewing-realms]

me: i’m aro/ace, i don’t simp or thirst after characters and i definitely don’t have a type

these men: exist

me: 

[phoward89]

Based on this ask

You work as an aide in the Presidential Palace. It's not your cup of tea per say, but it's a job. A job with crappy pay, but a job nevertheless.

Your father was so proud of you for getting the job after your fall out with your ex. Yea, after you broke up with Odysseus Odair there was some tension at work, since you worked on the marketing team for his father's luxury cruise line company. So, you quit your job. You had to find a new one and a new place too, since your breakup had turned your life upside down.

Your father offered to let you move back home, but you wanted your independence; turned down his offer. He did help you find a new apartment and pay your deposit along with the first month's rent.

And after scouring the help wanted ads and job posting boards, you received a call for an interview for an office aide position in the Presidential Palace you applied for. You went to the interview and got hired right on the spot.

But, although you work in the Presidential Palace you've never come face to face with President Coriolanus Snow.

Or at least you haven't until the day you're running late.

The line in the coffee shop was ridiculously long. So long, that by the time you get your morning coffee you're a few minutes late for work. And, since you don't have a car, you have to run in heels to the Presidential Palace to prevent yourself from being too late.

As if 10 minutes late isn't bad enough.

But you're afraid of getting fired. You really need your job as an aide. Your savings account isn't very large, so if you lost your job you'd be screwed when it came to paying the rent.

So, you run a few blocks in your black kitten heels- paper coffee cup tightly held in your hand. You feel a sense of relief as you reach the large wrought iron gates and the hedges that surround the palace that you work in. Quickly, you rush thru the open gate and down the long pathway that leads to the large ornate entrance doors of the Presidential Palace.

The grip on your paper coffee cup is like a vice as you scurry inside of the palace. Your heels loudly click against the marble floor as you rush down the huge hallway, heading towards the fork in the road that’ll lead to your closet of an office that's right next to Chief of Staff Festus Creed’s office.

You're speed walking and just turned the corner to your office whenever you smack right into a towering solid wall of a man. You wobble slightly, nearly twisting your ankle due to your heels, and accidentally crush your paper coffee cup against whoever you ran into. The hot latte spilled onto your hand, your white blouse, and the jacket of whomever you accidentally bumped into.

“Watch where you're going, you clumsy, silly girl.” Berated a smooth, but low baritone.

You look up to apologize to the man you accidentally collided with, only to come face to face with the President of Panem himself.

President Coriolanus Snow.

And was he even more handsome in person then he was on tv, posters, and campaign ads. Platinum blonde hair, perfectly slicked back in a coif, striking icy blue eyes, clean cut angular jaw as sharp as a diamond, prominent nose, tall with broad shoulders and a thin waist; one that would be considered sluttty- President Snow was the whole package.

And as your bad luck would have it, you just collided with him and accidentally split your entire flimsy cup of morning coffee on him. Oh, how embarrassing.

To say you're flustered and embarrassed would be an understatement. You wish that the floor would open up and swallow you whole.

Feeling like you’re currently under a microscope, you ramble out an apology of, “I'm so sorry, Mister President. I was rushing and didn't see you.”

“Yes, well, you just ruined my sports coat by not paying attention. It's a Tigris design and now I'll be attending a very important luncheon looking like a fool because I can't wear it.” President Snow complained, his voice cold and insulting.

“I'm so sorry; I can always buy you a new one so you won't be embarrassed about having a stained jacket during your luncheon.” You offer, feeling horrible for ruining President Snow’s suit jacket.

“Very well, go buy me a new jacket.” President Snow tells you in an aggravated tone. “Tell Tigris at her boutique that you need a man’s medium sports coat in royal maroon.” He instructs you before walking past you with regal grace.

Great…

Now you have to go out and buy a jacket that'll most likely deplete your savings. All because you accidentally spilled your morning latte on the president; ruined his jacket.

You step into a posh boutique and immediately start to hear your checkbook crying. Oh boy, the atmosphere just reeked of high end couture; of things you'd never be able to buy. But here you are, in a place you can't afford to buy President Snow a replacement jacket.

A tall, slender woman with warm blue eyes and a few black streaks in her otherwise light blonde hair approaches you. Her plum painted lips smiled as she greeted you with, “Hi, are you looking for something in particular? I have a few pieces that would look fabulous with your complexion and hair color.”

“Oh, I'm not here for myself. I'm just here to buy a men's jacket.” You tell the woman, that you assume is Tigris from how her hair’s styled.

“Are you looking for something in particular for your partner?” The fashionista asked while leading you towards the men’s section of the store.

“A royal maroon sports coat in a medium.” You tell Tigris what President Snow told you to in order to get his replacement coat.

She nods as goes to a rack that's against the wall where a bunch of jackets are. You see her go to one of the lower racks where jackets are in various shades of red. Tigris skims thru the jackets, only to pull one out that's a perfect match for the one you accidently ruined.

And when Tigris tells you she'll ring up your purchase you know it's time to walk to the gallows; to accept the syphoning of your savings.

Although you work in the Presidential Palace as an aide you've never been in his office. Yes, you knew exactly where it was, but never had a reason to go into it. Your boss, Festus, was the Chief of Staff so he was the one that went into the office for things.

And you should be knocking on President Snow’s office door, considering you need to give him his new jacket, but you can't do that. You're still embarrassed by the incident this morning and, to be completely honest, the platinum haired president intimidated you with his stoic, cold demeanor. Thankfully, you're friends with President Snow's secretary, Leo Davis.

The man's nice and befriended you in the staff’s break room during lunch shortly after you started working for the Snow administration. He's a family man and gives out good advice.

“Leo, I need you to give this to President Snow.” You tell the lanky man, who's sitting behind a desk a few yards away from the large mahogany door of the president’s office, as you place the boutique bag on his desk.

Looking between you and the bag, Leo asks, “What is it?”

“It's a new maroon jacket for President Snow. I bought it to replace the one I accidentally ruined by spilling coffee on it.” You honestly tell Leo, who just nods.

“I’ll give it to him.” Leo assures you.

“Thanks.” You gratefully tell him before pivoting on your heel and going back to your own wing of the Presidential Palace to work in.

“Coriolanus, here's the replacement jacket that you made Y/N buy you.” Leo tells his boss, the President of Panem, as he walks into the office with the Tigris Boutique bag in his hand raised high up in the air for the most important politician in the country to see.

Coriolanus nods. Gesturing to a sitting chair in the corner, he says, “Please, put it over there.”

“Tigris is your cousin, you should've just called her for a new jacket instead of sending Y/N out to buy you one with her own money.” Leo tells his boss while going over to the corner chair and setting the bag down on it.

“She offered to buy me the jacket to make amends for foolishly colliding into me and ruining my sportscoat with spilt coffee.” The president defended himself against his secretary. Honestly, the cold blonde didn't see the problem in letting you buy him the jacket. You offered, after all.

“Y/N can't afford the fashions in your cousin's store. She's borderline broke despite being the daughter of Colonel Javani Halvir.”

“Colonel Javani Halvir's daughter works here? On my staff?”

“Yes.” Leo nods. “She's an aide for your friend and Chief of Staff, Festus Creed.”

“Send for Festus, I want to know everything about Miss Y/N.” Coriolanus orders Leo, causing the man to just nod and do as he's told.

President Coriolanus Snow found out very little about you from both Leo and Festus. Just surface level stuff, but nothing he truly wanted to know. The president want to know every single thing about you.

Apparently, hearing that you're the daughter of his late father's bestfriend (who had been deployed between a couple of district bases after the war) and stirred a lowkey obsession over you inside of Coriolanus soul. The cold hearted man never thought he'd meet anyone with a link to his past, a link to a time before the war. But then he met you in a whirlwind of colliding bodies and spilt coffee in a hallway.

Coriolanus, having a teeny tiny obsession with you, began to stalk you. He even felt bad about ordering you to buy him a new jacket since you truly couldn't afford it. Your purchase at Tigris' boutique had drained most of your savings.

Yes, he used his closeness with Livia Cardew to scour through bank records until he found your account.

But, although he felt bad about the jacket, the president wasn't going to reimburse you the money. He was too proud to do that. Coriolanus had an image to uphold and admitting he made a mistake in allowing you to spend your own money on that royal maroon sportscoat would destroy his image. President Snow's a cold, callous, and calculated man; nothing can change that.

He won't let it.

But, to make up for the whole jacket incident, Coriolanus does leave a large cup of coffee on your desk on morning. And under your cup’s a napkin with a tiny note scribbled on it in his flawless flourish.

Miss Y/N, please accept this coffee in replacement of the one our collision made you spill on me the other day. Please, come by my office at noon. We need to talk.

Coryo

Tags: @kuroosbby001 @purriteen @poppyflower-22 @meetmeatyourworst @whipwhoops @bxtchopolis @readingthingsonhere @savagenctzen @ryswritingrecord @erikasurfer @tulips2715 @universal-s1ut @thesmutconnoisseur @squidscottjeans @sudek4l @wearemadeofstardust0 @mashiromochi @gracieroxzy @belcalis9503 @shari-berri @aoi-targaryen @whiteoakoak @spear-bearing-bi-witch @gisellesprettylies @loverandqueenofdragons @qoopeeya @mfnqueen1 @permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 @v-love @swiftieblyth @joyfulyouthlover @princess-harvey @chxrrybomb22 @marvel-hiddles-stark @xjinnix @devils-blackrose @zombicupcake3 @jacesvelaryons @tempt-ress

[daenysx]

apparently i can't stop writing soft!aemond so here it is. i hope you enjoy it, requests are open!!

my masterlist

cups filled with love

modern!aemond tries to comfort his pregnant wife.

another sleepless night and you feel terrible. last weeks of your pregnancy, your body is swollen and achy. all you want is a night full of sleep but sadly you can't have it tonight.

your husband sleeps on his side of the bed, he looks peaceful and relaxed. you don't want to wake him up, he already gets too tired all day long, just to finish all his work so he can spend more time with you.

you move to get out of bed, trying to be silent. maybe a cup of tea would help. all you do is putting your feet on the floor and he wakes up.

"my love, what happened?"

you get back in bed.

"nothing's wrong, i couldn't sleep so i was going to make a cup of tea."

he is still sleepy.

"please go back to sleep, i didn't want to wake you up."

he shooks his head.

"no, no it's fine. i'll make us tea, okay? wait for me sweetheart."

sometimes you feel bad because he tries so hard for you. you love him deeply and you don't want him to lose sleep over you but you can't stop him.

he comes back with two white cups in his hands. he hands you one of them.

"thank you, my love."

he puts his own cup on his nightstand and kisses your hair.

"are you okay?"

"yes, besides being swollen and sleepy."

he looks thoughtful and you know he tries to find a way to relieve you in his head.

"it's perfectly normal, aemond. please don't worry about it, soon it will all be okay."

"when we have our baby?"

"yes, when we have our baby." you smile at his happiness.

you straighten up in bed, he is behind you. he starts rubbing your shoulders and neck in a cautious way to not hurt you. you can't help the soft sounds coming out of your mouth. it feels so good to have his hands on you, trying to bring comfort to you.

his hands are on your waist, he touches you and applies soft pressure to the aching spots he knows so well now. he memorized every spot and every touch to relieve you. after he is done with your backside, he puts pillows to support your back and leans back to take his tea.

he drinks his tea faster than you, you don't like your drinks too hot so you have to wait for them to cool down a little bit. aemond loves them too hot, he doesn't get affected by the steam or hotness. blood of the dragon.

you drink your tea slowly as you play with your husband's hair. you have always loved his hair but right now it brings you comfort to have his soft platinum blonde locks around your fingers.

his hand is on your belly, softly rubbing it. his touch is so light you almost don't feel it. he knows how to bring comfort to you, he slowly brings his fingers to your thigh, drawing faint circles on it.

you finish your tea. you try to get comfortable in bed, as he helps you lay down properly. he keeps touching your belly, kissing your hair and whispering sweet nothings to your ear. you find comfort in his deep voice and soft touch. finally sleep comes to you and you quickly kiss his lips before closing your eyes.

[xinfinityl0ve17]

QUARTER MAZE

Beauty Hair Encyclopedia

MANA (G)

(Malice Mizer)

Favorite Products

Shampoo & Conditioner: Pantene

Treatment: Split-end treatment from the hair salon (Wella)

Styling Products: Finesse mousse

- How long have you been growing your hair?

About 5 years, I think? During that time, I’ve cut it a little.

-How often and where do you get your hair cut?

About once every three years. I have wavy hair, so I don’t get perms. I'm currently in the process of growing it out, so if I think the ends are looking a bit messy, I go get a trim. Any hair salon is fine. I just find a stylish, modern salon while walking around town.

-What do you do after washing your hair?

Basically, because my hair is long, it’s tough to dry (laughs), so I let it air dry. But it tangles quite a bit, so sometimes I do dry it properly with a hairdryer, making it about half and half.

-Do you usually tie your hair up or leave it down?

I tie it back in a ponytail.

-If you dye your hair, what do you use?

Powder hair rinse. The colors I use are blue or platinum.

-Advice for your stage hairstyle.

The way I curl my hair for the stage is something I’ve developed on my own. There’s a trick to the way I curl it so if you want to try practice it. Master your own curling method! The key is to use a curling iron. You definitely can’t do it with curlers (laughs).

-Hair Care Message

Hair is a long-time friend. For a woman, hair is life (laughs). Hair that smells good is the best!!

YU~KI (B)

(Malice Mizer)

Favorite Products

Shampoo & Conditioner: LUX Super Rich

Treatment: V05 Wave Hair Treatment

Styling Products: Anything. I use what I get.

-How long have you been growing your hair?

About 4 to 5 years, I guess? But I sometimes cut my bangs and the sides myself.

-How often and where do you get your hair cut?

I go to the salon when I get a perm, but otherwise, I do everything myself. I cut it whenever it starts to bother me.

-Reason for getting a perm.

I didn’t want to use spray to make my hair stand up, so I got a perm.

-What do you do after washing your hair?

I towel dry it well and try not to use the hairdryer too much. It damages the hair you know. Then I just apply some light mousse and that’s it.

-Do you usually tie your hair up or leave it down?

I tie it up because I have a lot of work. On my days off i leave it down though.After all you shouldn't tighten your hair (laughs)!

-If you dye your hair what do you use?

I bleach it and drop it to blonde before using hair dye. A long time ago, I used to put in red, but as I dyed it black over time, it naturally turned into the right shade...

- Advice for your stage hairstyle.

If you grow your hair and get a perm, you’ll get my hairstyle.

- Hair Care Message

Hair is a woman’s life. No matter how beautiful your face is, if your hair is damaged, I can’t handle it (laughs). Having beautiful hair is a pretty high point for me (laughs)!!

THE END

[i-arch-my-backula]

Bleach: David TLB x GN! reader

This is a little something I've been working on. I want to try and write more regularly but I've been pretty busy trying to balance everything in my life. But I found the time to write this for y'all so I hope that y'all enjoy it.

Content included: Brief mention of smoking, shorter, around 850 words

“I can’t believe that you’ve been doing this for as long as you have been.” You say draping an old, raggedy, heavily bleach stained towel over David’s shoulders. He chuckles and takes a drag of his cigarette. “I swear you’re so high maintenance sometimes.” You say in a teasing tone, picking up your rubber gloves and snapping them on. David blows out the smoke and crushes out his cigarette on a rock nearby. 

“Well at least now I have someone competent to help me. Apparently it takes three vampires to decently bleach my hair.” He says in a sarcastic tone. David has that iconic bleach blonde look. He already has that naturally blonde hair but he likes his to be platinum, so you have to use a volume 15 bleach to get it at the perfect tone. He has a system he’s described to you. Every six weeks he cuts his hair and bleaches it with volume 15 bleach for 18 minutes on the dot. Now that used to take an entire day with the three other goobers running around here, but now it’s just you and him in the cave. 

“When did you even start to do this? I thought hair bleach was only invented in like 1920 or something.” You say, picking up the bowl of bleach as you start to mix it with the brush. 

“It was invented in 1950, I was there when it first hit the shelves. But before that I just used hydrogen peroxide, which wasn’t as effective as this stuff is now. I remember this one actress from the 30’s who was a bottle blonde, I think she coined the term 'platinum blonde’. Too bad I can’t remember her name.” He says, tilting his head back and looking over at you. 

You roll your eyes and turn his head back forwards as you pick up some of the bleach on the brush and you start to apply it to his head, first the back then towards the front, the same every time. 

“Well I’ll have to go find out who she is so I know who gave you the idea to start doing your hair like this.” You say as you start to apply the bleach to his roots, you’d use hair foils if you had enough time to go buy them at the beauty supply store, but of course Paul got impatient while waiting for you to buy the bleach itself. “How do you feel about Billy Idol stealing your look? Or did you steal his?” You ask in a joking tone, turning his head slightly to apply the bleach on the sides of his head. David chuckles too before he replies. 

“I’ve been bleaching my hair since before his great grandparents were born. But I did take up the mullet after him.” He says, smiling to himself as you finish up on his left side and you move over to the right side. “How’s it looking?” He asks. You pick up a hand held mirror for a moment before you remember vampires can’t see themselves in mirrors and you laugh.

“It’s looking good so far. You’re lucky you don’t have super thick hair or you’d be here all night.” You say, picking up more bleach before you apply it to his hair. You’ve got the amount you use down to an exact measurement. By the time you’re done with his hair there’s barely bleach if any left in the bowl. 

“Where’d you even get these skills? I don’t think you’ve told me the stories behind it yet.” He says, looking back at you again before you turn his head straight again and you go back to bleaching his hair. 

“I’ve been dying hair since I was 12. Being a weirdo and being friends with weirdos does that to a person.” You say, focusing your attention now on the top of his hair, picking up more bleach on the brush before you start applying it to his hair. “I quickly learned to wear gloves after staining my hands blue while dying my friend's hair black. I’ve also learned that purple fades the fastest and red lasts forever. I also have a color wheel I bought at a garage sale when I was 15 just so I remember that for when I’m dying hair.” 

David chuckles and taps his fingers on his thigh. “Well I’m glad your hair dying skills haven’t gone to waste just yet.” He smiles to himself before he speaks again. “You could go to a cosmetology school. I mean you could make money off of dying people's hair.” You laugh and shake your head. 

“I don’t think that cosmetology schools are ever really open at night.” You say, scraping up the last bits of bleach from the bowl and finishing off the top of his hair. You pick up a small timer and you set it for 18 minutes. “Besides, I’d much rather get my money pickpocketing people like the rest of y’all do.” You say in a bit of a joking tone as David chuckles with you. 

[digenerate-trash]

All of my teacher head cannons are based on my experiences with real teachers. 

that being said: 

More teacher head cannons!!! 

(this time I rated them on how well I think they would be as a teacher)

Doren

Lowkey would fuck a student if they got consent.

Gives off “I have a daddy kink” energy but not the cool kind 

Calls students Good boy/girl to gauge their reactions.

Will give extra homework to the whole class if one dude pisses them off

Has a ‘I’m the cool’ teacher thing going on but is really the most uncool bitch in the whole world. 

Would spit on you if he could get away with it. 

Is absolutely a bitch that says “I don’t know CAN you?” when you just need to piss

Will put stickers on your tests that say generic shit like “good job” and “wonderful” 

No one gets graded above a 95% because he personally believes that he knows better than every student and even some teacher's real “I'm the smartest man in this school” energy 

Will put on movies at the end of the year because he doesn't feel like teaching the last week 

Overall 2/10 I’m not learning shit in this class (out of spite.)

Mason

Needs approval from everyone for everything. 

Probably just learning the ropes as a teacher 

The cool teacher. 

Everyone wants a piece of this man and he just wants to swim

Could literally convince him the sky was purple he's a gullible mess

Gym body but puppy personality 

Would throw hands at anyone who harassed any of his students. 

Gentle teaching methods. Sometimes super effective but some students use it to coast

Super easy to get sidetracked

Undiagnosed ADHD man 

Students openly flirt with him and he's got no clue how to respond so he's just like “Haha good joke” 

Would not fuck a student no matter what, 

Clueless about other teachers and the inner politics going on at the school 

Stay in his lane king 

Absolutely started off as a lifeguard and doesn't know how his life got here

6/10 I’m a big fan of your class but it's only because it's easy. 

River

Virgin. 

Has a full life outside of school 

Like two years away from retirement 

When the class gets too out of hand wants to curl up and die right there

Stressed as hell 24/7 

Never married never will be 

Teaching style is harsh as hell but will stay after school or give up their lunch break to help out students who are struggling 

No days off in this class it doesn't matter if your exams are done. School is school and you will learn as long as you are here

Doesn't play favourites but he seriously should. 

Hates Doren (just has a bad feeling about the dude) 

5/10 I'm trying my best dude please stop saying you know I can my reach potential if I applied myself. Its math. I'm not gonna apply myself

Sirris

Says she “knows what I'm going through” but I doubt her science teacher was a MILF. 

Why are you always wearing low-cut tops??? 

At least one rumor about how a student fucked her over her desk and it was so good she hentai came. 

Gentle teaching style but doesn't take any shit. 

Has considered slapping students but never would 

Personal stories that tie into the lesson somehow 

Talks all the time about how much she loves her kid and how much of an angel he is 

Would love to get a tiny kiss on the head from her. Please

She brings a lot of momma bird energy to the class. 

Will touch your shoulder very gently 

Will then look over your test and say to the whole class “Remember to read the questions on the test carefully”

A student has absolutely called her ‘mom’ by accident and she feels flattered by that

Will put on bill nye on Fridays after a test to give everyone a break. 

8/10 Either adopt me or let me make out with you. I'm dealing with confusing feelings! 

Winter

Bro if Sirris is a MILF winter is like a super MILF with no kids. 

Big BDSM lesbian energy. 

Her weekends are booked solid and she has no time for school life to get involved with that. 

Wears SFW leather accents all the time no matter the weather. 

Has decided that instead of gray hair they want platinum blonde and they are rocking it 

Calls her students good boys/girls out of habit. 

Absolutely could beat any of the other teachers in a fight. 

She's super passionate about history and has several antiques which she considers priceless. 

Students who mock her subject are always sorry after she lectures them. 

She's happy to help students during lunch. But not after school. She has boundaries 

Overall 8/10. Im not confused. Fuck me into the historically accurate pillary with your massive strap. Im fucking ready. 

Leighton

Evil. 

Will fuck students without their consent 

Absolutely blackmails students and teachers. 

Dude jacks it under his desk at school while he watches porn after using his admin pass to get passed the website blockers. 

Will send teachers an NSFW link and then mark them for disciplinary action for clicking on it. (Mason will fall for this trick every time) 

Has never and will never hire an outside consultant or HR representative claiming its a ‘waste of resources’ 

Dude will rub his hard dick on your back while you're sitting in his office for detention. 

Piss kink. Don't ask me for evidence. I just get this /feeling/

Will take a long weekend more than a couple of times a year just for the fun of it. But will never allow the same grace to any other teacher. 

Has a file of his favourite students that he meticulously plans to molest. It's like a black book. 

Bro obviously watches teacher/student porn or 18yr/old man porn at school. 

Teaching style is fucking old school. Reinforcement through pain/ruler. Writing lines. Detention sessions are just holding a penny between your knees and standing in the corner with a dunce cap on. 

Plays favourites but if you are his favourite fucking watch your back. 

0/10 I’m not learning shit. And also I dread office visits. If you touch me I'm calling the police.

[honeysylvan]

Aiko Shimizu for @dreambot's Lovers Rock BC Challenge!

Cringe video game streamer and wannabe idol! More info under the cut 🩷

BIOGRAPHICAL

Name: Aiko Shimizu Age: 23 Pronouns: she/her Gender: Woman Sexuality: Bisexual Ethnicity: Japanese Traits*: Cringe, Lovebug, Geek, Music Lover, Animal Enthusiast + Gregarious Additional Traits: Happy Infant, Happy Toddler, Practiced Host, Compassionate, Irresponsible, Chopstick Savvy, The Knowledge, Night Owl Aspiration: World-Famous Celebrity Degree: N/A Career: Pro-Gamer (Video Game Streamer) Celebrity Level: Rising Star ★★✩✩✩ Celebrity Perks: Corporate Partnership, Influencer, Noticeable Celebrity Quirks: A Stan! Lifestyle(s): Techi Likes & Dislikes:  Activity - Acting, Comedy, Dancing, Media Production, Mischief, Photography, Romance Skill, Singing, Video Gaming | Bowling, Fishing, Research & Debate, Rocket Science Color - Pink | Orange Conversation Topics - Affection, Compliments, Discussing Hobbies, Gossip, Jokes, Physical Intimacy, Silly Behavior | Arguments, Deception, Malicious Interactions, Potty Humor Sim Characteristics - Funny Sims, Idealist Sims, Pet Enthusiasts, Spirited Sims | Argumentative Sims, Nature Enthusiasts, Pessimistic Sims Music Genre - Classical Music, Pop Music, Romance Music, S-Pop Music, Winter Holiday Music | Americana Music, METAL MUSIC, Ranch Music, Strange Tunes Turn-Ons & Turn-Offs:  Way of Life - Interpersonal, Media & Technology, Performer, Sense of Humor | Engineering, Taken Characteristics - Emotional Decision Makers, Idealist, Optimistic, Pet Enthusiast, Spirited | Ambitionless, Argumentative, Messy Romance Styles - Affection, Gift Giving, Physical Intimacy, WooHoo | N/A Hair Color - Auburn Hair, Black Hair, Blonde Hair, Brown Hair, Hot Pink Hair, Orange Hair, Platinum Hair, Red Hair | Gray Hair Outfit Color - Black Clothes, Blue Clothes, Red Clothes | Brown Clothes, Orange Clothes Fashion - Costumes | N/A Skills: Acting - 6 | Baking - 3 | Charisma - 7 | Comedy - 5 | Dancing - 3 | Entrepreneur - 5 | Logic - 6 | Media Production - 4 | Mischief - 5 | Photography - 4 | Programming - 6 | Romance - 4 | Singing - 8 | Video Gaming - 9 | Wellness - 4

STORY

Like so many children, when Aiko was a kid she dreamed of becoming a world-famous pop star. Unlike so many adults, Aiko never grew out of that dream.

When Aiko was four and growing up in Mt. Komorebi, she saw her first S-pop idol performing on TV. She was instantly hooked and knew she wanted that to be her life, and knew that one day her wish would be fulfilled.

Except, it wasn’t.

Aiko was just a little bit too… weird to become a popular, successful, palatable idol, not to mention her complete lack of drive. She might’ve wanted the idol life, but between her cringe-y humor, obsession with all things nerdy, and chronic lack of responsibility, Aiko never got the life she dreamed. At least, not yet. Despite being 23—nearly retirement age for idols—and having zero experience, she’s convinced that someday, she’ll be recognized as the talent she is and finally, finally make it to stardom.

That’s not to say she has no experience in the spotlight, because she does—just not as an idol. Aiko’s obsessive love of “nerdy” hobbies ended up paying off for her when she started a video game streaming channel and managed to secure a decent following. Her “weird” behavior and lackadaisical personality—traits that were points against her in the idol world—came off surprisingly endearing on-screen, and she quickly rose to minor-celebrity status on SimTube and other streaming platforms.

But while Aiko might enjoy her life as a streamer far more than she’d expected, her newfound fame is, to her, simply a means to an end—the chance for her childhood dream to finally be made a reality. Perhaps, if she amasses a big enough following, she can finally secure an agent… and what better way to boost her popularity than to apply to the hit new dating show, Lovers Rock?

FUN FACTS

Is a very eclectic gamer—she loves a wide variety of video game genres, though her favorites are single-player RPGs

One of her signatures is that she’ll try any game at least once. This leads her fans to rally and mass-suggest the strangest games they can find, especially since somehow she always manages to make them entertaining to watch

Moved from Mt. Komorebi to San Myshuno the day she turned 18

Despite desperately wanting to be an idol, she’s too irresponsible to actually put the work in to even try. She sort of tripped into being a semi-successful streamer

Had a great childhood and very loving parents, who support her dream but are pretty clueless about “idols” and “streamers”

Is an only child and was spoiled rotten

A hopeless romantic who wants a whirlwind romance to sweep her off her feet. But she’s never had a relationship that’s lasted more than a couple months…

Is very affectionate (physically and verbally) and kind. While she seems like she’d be self-centered, she isn’t—just a bit delusional about her lifelong dream. When it comes down to it, she’s a good person!

Is actually quite good at singing, and a passable dancer, so she wouldn’t actually make a bad idol in that regard

LOVES animals, and owns one very affectionate cat

Her favorite animal is cows, and her favorite fruit is strawberries, so she decided to embody the “strawberry cow” aesthetic as much as possible

Despite wanting to be a pop star, her favorite type of music is actually show tunes

*I use the More Traits in CAS mod, but the first 3 personality traits (cringe, geek, lovebug) alone work just fine!

If you read this far... omg thank you so much LOL

Private DL if chosen!

[thepastisalreadywritten]

From the bee-stung red lips to her trademark platinum curls, Marilyn Monroe was – and still is – the ultimate bombshell and beauty icon, who had a penchant for glamour that resonates with so many of us today.

On what would have been her 97th birthday, we take a look at the star’s Old Hollywood beauty routine.

She stayed out of the sun

“I’m personally opposed to a deep tan because I like to feel blonde all over,” explained Monroe of why she stayed out of the sun – despite the fact it was in “vogue in California.”

Forget the bronzers and fake tans many of us swear by today, she was all about the alabaster look.

She liked a very specific shade of blonde

If you’ve ever wondered what hair hue Monroe requested when she graced the colourist’s chair, you probably wouldn’t guess it was “pillow case white.”

According to the author Pamela Keogh, Monroe had her hair bleached every three weeks with a roster of hairstylists including Pearl Porterfield (who also tended to Jean Harlow’s pale blonde hair) and Kenneth Battelle.

To avoid washing it too much (which can affect the color), she swore by a makeshift dry shampoo – Johnson’s Baby Powder – applying every two days to keep her hair looking fresh.

A nifty makeup artist’s trick for plump lips

How to create the full, pouty lips Marilyn was so well known for? A clever use of lipsticks, no less.

Her make-up artist would apply up to five different red hues – darker, plummy reds on the outside, and lighter towards the inside – to create the illusion of dimension and plumpness.

A clever tip that many makeup artists still use today.

She knew the importance of sleep

A woman who enjoyed her sleep, Monroe took between five and 10 hours of shut-eye a night in a wide single bed.

"On Sunday? It’s my one day of total leisure. I sometimes take two hours to wake up, luxuriating in every last moment of drowsiness,” she said in an interview with Pageant magazine.

What she wore to bed

Monroe famously wore five drops of Chanel No.5 to bed, a perfume that she is also said to have added into her ice baths.

Yes… ice baths

While Wim Hof and numerous athletes have since popularized ice-cold showers and baths, Marilyn was well ahead of the curve.

It is said that she used to take ice-cold baths to keep her skin firm and tight.

How she looked after her skin

Monroe joined the likes of Audrey Hepburn in regularly seeing Hungarian dermatologist, Erno Laszlo.

Suffering from dry skin (she is rumored to have obsessively washed her face up to five times a day to ward off breakouts), Laszlo prescribed the actor a rigorous skincare routine, which differed depending on the time of day and occasion.

Her evening skincare routine began with an oil cleanse, using the Erno Laszlo Active Phelityl Oil, then she applied the Active Phelityl Cream and washed it off.

She finished with the Controlling Lotion.

All of these products are still available today.

Get the Monroe glow

While today we go wild for highlighter, Monroe got her glow in another, perhaps less tempting, way.

Deploying the K-beauty trend for “slugging,” she would apply layers of Vaseline under her foundation to help skin catch the light.

She was also a fan of cold cream, like Pond’s, and other iconic products we still use today, including Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream and Nivea Creme, and even olive oil, which she also reportedly applied to her skin to offset dryness.

She wasn’t a natural exercise fanatic

“I don’t count rhythmically like the exercise people on the radio; I couldn’t stand exercise if I had to feel regimented about it,” said Monroe about her approach to working out.

Many of us will relate. Instead, she enjoyed a “simple bust-firming routine,” which involved lifting two, five-pound weights above her head 15 times, moving from a “spread-eagle arm position.”

She would do it bedside until she was tired each morning.

Originally published in Vogue.co.uk

[lovelyney]

⎯⎯ CHAPTER ONE, TANGLED YARN❞

DESC. upon waking you’re faced with two strangers with the same goal to help you.

WARNINGS. brief talk of suicide and self harm.

SONG. Dreamy Night ― Lilypichu

PREV. 《 MASTERLIST 》 NEXT.

©2023 loveloxcked ― please don’t translate, upload or copy.❞

YOUR (COLOR) eyes fluttered open to meet with an unfamiliar place. the first thing coming to your mind was, “why am i alive? who’d pity me enough to save me?” a sad thought, yes, but it was hard not to think of when the last thing you remembered was you stepping off the cliff.

“you’re finally awake.”

your head snapped up at the sound of an unfamiliar voice, eyes meeting a pair of golden ones. you swallowed thickly as you pushed yourself away from the stranger.

“who—who are you? where am i?” you snapped, arms tightly encasing your figure. “why did you save me?”

Xiao stared, slightly shocked at how defensive you got when he walked in. he understood not knowing who he was, but didn’t you recognize the inn?

“cease your worries, mortal. i’m—i’m not here to harm you. you’re in the Wangshu Inn,” he reassured, voice softening when he saw how your body trembled. “as for who i am, you may call me Xiao. i’m an adeptus my job is to protect all those residing in Liyue, so you can rest easy.”   

your fingers subconsciously went to your arms, desperate to claw at something — only to find bandages securely wrapped around them. you sighed, “an adeptus. . . so, that’s why you saved me? b—because you’re required to.” it was a relatively coarse thing to say, but before you had any chance to stop and think, the words had already poured from your lips.

he opened his mouth to speak, only for nothing to come out. he wasn’t expecting such a sharp accusation from a fragile-looking girl. and although a part of it was accurate, it still cut deeper than he’d like.

“anyone who has a least a little mortality would’ve saved you. me being an adeptus has nothing to do with it.” he disputed, watching as you picked at your bandages. “your injuries. . . you purposefully fell from Qingce Peak, correct? mortals have one chance at living why would you throw yours away? why go through such great lengths to put yourself in harm’s way?”

you wrapped your arms tightly around your knees as you averted your gaze away from him, too abashed to look him in the eyes. your heart shouted to spill out everything you’ve been through — to finally cry for help. however, you opted against it and bit down on your lip, choosing to stay silent out of fear. 

Xiao sighed at the feeling of his stomach churning; the apprehension in your eyes made him feel remorseful in a way. what kind of torment did you have to go through to make you too scared to talk about anything?

“if you don’t wish to tell me, that’s fine. however, since you’re clearly a danger to yourself, i’m not going to let you walk back into Qingce Village until i know you won’t try again. you’re going to stay here so we can keep an eye on you,” he added and tossed his hand through his hair. 

you quietly sighed in relief, happy to know he wasn’t going to send you back to your parents. you deflected, “w—wait, what do you mean we? who else is here? a—and i don’t think watching over me is really necessary...” 

“ah, it’s nice to see you’re awake. how are you feeling?” another voice said from the doorway.

you and your heart rate jumped up at the sudden, softspoken voice. your gaze flickered to Xiao and then to the platinum-blonde stranger, unaware if you should fear him or not.

as if reading your mind, the stranger shook his head kindly and held up his free hand — the other holding a plastic bag and a steaming mug. 

“oh! please don’t be afraid! whatever Xiao said, i’m sure it applies to me as well. i’m—i’m not going to harm you,” he comforts and sits on the edge of the bed. “my name is Kaedehara Kazuha. i happened to be awake when Xiao took you in last night. i actually made you some tea and brought some proper medical supplies to treat your wounds — would it be okay if i took a proper look?”

looking back at the adeptus, he gave a short nod, telling you he can be trusted. it wasn’t necessarily your fault that you were so distrustful; you had been treated so poorly in the past that it made it seem that any kind gesture was only a façade or merely out of pity. 

you scooted closer to Kazuha, carefully taking the cup of tea from his hands. “. . .thank you,” you mumbled, only audible for him to hear. “um. . . g—go ahead, i suppose i have nothing to hide now that you’ve already seen everything.” you added.

he smiled warmly and gingerly pushed up your sleeves. “you’re quite welcome. i figured you’d be startled in an unfamiliar place,” the boy hummed, starting to unravel your bandages. “has Xiao told you you’re going to be staying here for a few days?”

“y—yeah. . . about that, you really don’t have to. i don’t want to burden you guys; i’ll be fine...” you interjected, observing as Kazuha patted your arm with some type of antibacterial cream.

Xiao huffed, “you immediately went to scratch your arms when you felt stressed you call that fine?” he examined you and frowned when you unexpectedly quieted. “and anyways, looking after you can hardly be called a burden.”

Kazuha nodded in agreement, reaching his hand up to press against your cheek — stopping when he saw how hard you flinched. “what he says is true, dove. taking care of you is the farthest thing from a bother,” he reassured and gently rested his hand on your cheek, smiling when you relaxed into his touch. “let us help you, please? you must feel incredibly isolated, bearing so much pain for so long...”

your chest fluttered as your breathing went uneven. their words sounded so genuine, something you hadn’t heard in all your life. your (COLOR) eyes studied kazuha’s auburn ones — how they looked so sincere and held some of his own trauma. 

“y—you guys promise you won’t send me back to Qingce Village?” you said, voice shaking with uncertainty. 

Xiao’s eyebrow arched at your desperation to be kept out of the Qingce Village, holding a mental note to visit it and look into who had compelled you to be so afraid of everyone.

“if that is what you wish, then yes,” he answered. “y—your safety is our top priority. if Qingce Village puts you more in danger, then we will refrain from returning you there.”  

you nodded, feeling a crushing weight lifted off your shoulders. “thank you...” you breathed out. 

Kazuha hummed, pressing a small kiss to your forehead before finishing the new bandages on your arms. he suggested, “one more thing — your name! as much as dove suits you, you might feel less nervous if we all know each other’s names.” 

you gulped, the feeling of his lips on your skin burning itself in the back of your mind and setting a different kind of fire in your heart — one that you aren’t accustomed to.

“it’s—it’s (NAME). it’s, um, nice to meet you both...”

CUSTOMERS. @eimuros ― @miaoxi ― @oceanbluesixeyes ― @apple-ai

[chadillacboseman]

Summary: Alex has a -ahem- rather inappropriate dream that leads him to spiral before he is confronted by reality.

Featuring Echo (@roofgeese) and Kate (@thesingularityseries)

--

In the Black Dragon base in the middle of the desert, most of the compound is still alive- fists fly in the cage while still others clutch beer bottles in the bar.

Alex Demir, however, is fast asleep in his bed, face twitching as he enters REM sleep.

It's strange the way you shift into a dream from absolute nothingness.

Alex fades into his own mind and it takes him a moment to register his surroundings. He's in his quarters, on his bed.

With a jolt, he realizes that he's not alone.

A petite blonde is in his lap, her hands clutching his shoulders as her legs wrap around his waist. Alex suddenly realizes he's panting, chest heaving as he thrusts up into her- the rhythm falters for a moment before he truly realizes that he's the one doing it.

He finds it once more and resumes, pulling a huffed breath from the blonde. A shock of platinum hangs, obscuring her face, but with every breathy whimper, a few strands blow gently away from her mouth.

It's got to be the barista from Reno, Alex muses; the blonde that always gives him the eye when he orders his drink.

He moves his hands down to grip her waist, guiding her motions in tandem with his own.

"Alex.." she breathes out his name and he falters for a moment. He's heard the barista speak before, this doesn't sound like her.

Logic doesn't really apply in dreams, though, and his mind is already on fire from the way the blonde grinds down against him and grips at his shoulders.

She moves slightly, and he catches a glimpse of something thick and black under her hair, something that runs along her cheekbone and tucks behind her ear.

Alex furrows his brows and makes to reach for her hair to clear it away. He's almost there when she moves suddenly and buries her face in his shoulder, small whimpers and moans being swallowed up by the broad, sweat-soaked muscle there.

The new closeness sets his nerves ablaze and he quickens his pace, again bringing his hands to her waist to grind her down onto him.

"Alex-" she moans his name again and he snaps to rapt attention. He recognizes the voice, but who?

The blonde tilts her face up to look at him and he feels a scream well up in his throat.

"ECHO?" Her face is unmistakable, even in his dreams; sage green eyes, freckles-

Alex moves to shove her off of his lap, but his limbs don't respond. They hang like leaden weights as she continues to grind on him lewdly, her breath coming in shallow huffs.

Get off. Get off! Alex thinks, his mind running wild with both panic and pleasure that he tries to shove aside.

Still, his body runs as if on autopilot, hips thrusting upward despite every neuron firing in opposition to what is happening.

A loud beep permeates the dream, blaring harshly in his ears until he can no longer ignore it. Finally, his mind and his body seem to come to an agreement and he feels his body, back in his bed, as it thrashes against the weight of sleep.

He almost wakes before-

Alex wakes with a strangled scream as he sits bolt upright in the darkness, his chest heaving as if he's just run a mile.

It takes a moment before he senses the sticky feeling in his boxers. His ears feel as if they're going to erupt into flames. Some part of him is sure Echo knows. Or God forbid, Erron knows.

"What is wrong with you?" He asks his own mind in the quiet darkness of his quarters. Of course he gets no response.

Alex glances at the alarm clock that still blares next to him; the bright red numbers read: 05:30 AM. He sighs and hits the snooze button with the meat of his fist before rolling over and clamoring out of bed.

A clean shirt- he finds one shoved in his drawer. Pants- the same ones from yesterday will do. Boxers- he pauses and shudders at the slowly cooling mess that will surely need to be scrubbed from the garment. Maybe he'll just toss them in the bin along with the fucked up dream.

Alex does, indeed, toss the boxers into the trash and pulls a new pair from the drawer. On the nightstand, his phone rings to life, vibrating until it nearly pushes itself from the tabletop.

He snatches it, bringing the screen to his ear as he hops on one leg to put his jeans on.

"Oi, Turk-"

Kano, of course.

"Need you to rendezvous with Echo. She's got some semtex for ya for the next demo job."

"Echo?" Alex blurts out her name in a jumble of letters that barely sounds like a word.

"Got a gas leak in that filthy room of yours, mate?" Kano grits, "you heard me. She's probably in the server room."

The line goes dead.

--

They know. Alex is sure of it.

Every agent seems to look at him longer, seems to whisper behind their hands as he passes. If Erron found out...

He pushes the thought from his mind, and continues toward the server room. It isn't until he finally registers the footfalls next to him that he realizes that he's being followed.

"You okay, big guy?"

Kate. She finds him at the worst times-

"I'm fine, Kate," Alex answers shortly.

She looks wounded, her brows falling low over her eyes as she sets into stride beside him. He feels a pang of guilt at her expression, but he has no time for whatever conversation she has planned.

"Kano said you seemed out of sorts on the phone," Kate glances back up at him, but he avoids her gaze, "wanted to make sure you were alright..."

"I'm fine," he repeats it almost exactly as he did before and she makes a connection that he spots in her face. She knows when he isn't himself.

God damn her.

"Tell me what's wrong," Kate steps in front of him and he nearly collides with her frame.

"Move, Kate," Alex folds his arms, but she mimics the motion.

Immovable object. Defeated force.

"Kate, please drop it," he softens his gaze and she narrows her eyes, already wise to his deflections.

"Alex Demir I swear to god I will blow this place sky high!"

She wouldn't. Right?

Alex considers her for a long moment. Call her bluff! His mind screams. She won't do it!

But another part of him is dying to tell someone. To get the crushing, disgusting weight of that dream off of his shoulders.

"Fine!" He snaps, and she flinches at the sudden departure from his normal demeanor, "but we have to go somewhere private."

Kate follows him, her eagerness at being an insider almost tangible. Alex finds an abandoned space and ducks in, and she follows suit, trotting along beside him until he stops to slam the door behind them.

"You cannot tell anyone this," Alex stares at her, deadly serious.

"Of course!" Kate answers too quickly, too eagerly, and he feels a jolt of trepidation.

"Kate..." He warns, and she instinctively clasps her hands behind her back and nods fervently.

"Scouts honor!"

Alex narrows his eyes, but decides that it's not worth the hassle.

"I...had a dream last night," Alex begins warily; he keeps his eyes trained on her, waiting for any hint that she is about to pass judgement.

She doesn't.

"I uh, I was having sex with Echo."

There is a pregnant pause as Kate stares at him. She thinks you're a monster! He thinks. She's going to tell Erron!

Kate's face breaks and she bursts into laughter.

She tosses her head back and tears spring into her eyes as she continues to guffaw loudly. She slaps her knee and Alex screws his face up in anger.

"It's not funny, Kate," He snaps.

"Are you kidding? It's hilarious!"

Alex sighs in exasperation and waits for her fit of laughter to subside, his combat boots tapping impatiently on the tiled floor.

Kate wheezes a few times before she finally regains her composure and looks up at him, tears still welled in her eyes.

"Alex, buddy, we all have terrible sex dreams!"

"Not like this!" Alex almost yells.

"C'mon big guy!" Kate claps him on the back and he glares at her, "I guarantee you everyone on this base has had one."

"Oh really?" Alex cocks an eyebrow, "What was yours?"

Her demeanor changes in an instant and her smile fades, "I'm not telling you that."

"Really??" Alex stares at her incredulously and she shakes her head.

"That's personal!"

"I just poured my heart out to you, Kate!" Alex hisses.

"What's going on in here?" Kabal stands in the doorway with his hands resting on his hips.

"Alex had a sex dream about Echo!" Kate blurts before she can stop herself.

"KATE!" Alex stares at her with wide eyes and she grimaces.

Kabal bursts into a fit of laughter and doubles over, wheezing with tears in his eyes. Alex glares at them both, feeling the tips of his ears growing warmer by the second.

"It's not funny!" Alex snarls, but it only makes Kabal laugh harder.

"No, no you're right," he manages in between childlike giggles, "it's fuckin' hilarious! You and Echo? Holy shit.

Kate giggles along with him and Alex feels like throttling her. Throttling them both, even.

"You gonna tell her?" Kabal is still fighting off the laughter, but his question is dead serious, "because I wanna be there when you do."

"No, I'm not going to tell her!"

"I would," Kabal jerks his head toward Kate, "before it comes from Geiger counter here."

--

Echo has to know something is wrong with him.

As she sorts through his semtex order, he's nearly vibrating with barely contained nerves. Occasionally she glances up at him and he tries to smile, but instead looks as if someone has just stepped on his toe.

Echo hands him the box and he gives her a rushed 'thank you' that comes out as one jumbled word. He pauses for a moment as he thinks of Kabal's words.

Just tell her!

Alex shakes his head visibly and darts from the room, leaving Echo to ponder in her confusion.

"Did you tell her?" Of course Kabal was lurking nearby.

"No."

"Big mistake, man. The whole place is gonna know by the end of the day," Kabal muses and Alex squeezes his eyes shut in despair.

"Hey!" Kate appears from around the corner, her face indignant, "I haven't said a word! Well, except to Danny-"

"Carver knows?" Alex feels as if he's going to cry. Or throw up. Or maybe both.

"He wanted to know what was so funny. I couldn't lie to him!"

"You absolutely could have, Kate!" Alex snaps and she frowns.

"No! Danny always knows when I'm lying!"

"Look, man, you want me to tell you mine?" Kabal falls into stride beside Alex, who doesn't answer, "Sonya Blade! Kano gave me shit for weeks."

"But we don't work with Sonya," Alex laments and Kabal shrugs.

"Just sayin', she'd probably rather hear it from you."

--

Alex heads for his quarters after successfully ditching Kate and Kabal, who were deeply engrossed in an argument he had no desire to hear. He rounds the corner and, with a sudden jolt of panic, sees Echo outside his door. Her arms are folded across the black sweater that is draped over her frame, and her glasses are perched on the end of her nose as she reads from a tablet.

"Echo?" he swallows thickly and she looks up at him, her jewel-bright eyes glinting behind her glasses.

"Do you have something you need to tell me?" Echo deadpans. There is no accusation behind her words, but he senses that she's not leaving until he confesses.

Alex stares at the floor, trying to find the courage that doesn't exist.

"Because," she continues, "your behavior in the server room was odd."

He steels himself and takes a shaking breath, deciding in that moment to rip the band-aid off as quickly as possible.

"I uh, I had a dream," he says, rather pathetically. Echo cocks an eyebrow but says nothing, waiting for him to elaborate, "You were in it."

Still, Echo stares at him, but says nothing. Alex squeezes his eyes shut, as if that will make the situation disappear.

Naturally, it doesn't.

"It was...intimate," he continues rather awkwardly. He feels as if his ears are on fire as her eyes narrow. Her expression remains otherwise unchanged, "and...it was between the two of us."

He closes his eyes again and waits for the stabbing to come. Instead, he hears a sound- a small huff that sounds incredibly foreign.

A laugh?

Alex opens his eyes. She's not smiling, but the sound was definitely a laugh, he's sure of it.

"You're not mad?" he asks hesitantly and she shakes her head. He feels as if his legs have turned to Jell-o as he lets out a sigh of relief.

"Just know that you aren't my type," Echo offers in her emotionless affect as she turns on her heel and heads back to the server room.

"The feeling is mutual!"

[anothersquarenoodle]

╭──────────.★..─╮

Silver-haired characters

╰─..★.──────────╯

INTRODUCTION

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Everybody knows that if a silver- or white-haired character appears in any piece of media, it's highly likely that they will be somebody important, whether that be as a protagonist, supporting character, or antagonist. Usually, the white hair is symbolic of a character's purity, wisdom and/or divine relations because they are a vessel for higher powers. I'm sure that at least one of your favourite characters has silver or white hair because it's definitely true for me.

These silver-haired characters don't have to be the protagonist, but they definitely have some connection to the protagonist if they aren't it themselves. The hair colour is close enough to real life platinum or white-blonde hair that it's not unrealistic yet still sets them apart from the majority. It usually signifies that these characters are special and will be important for furthering the plot.

Unfortunately though, modern uses of the silver-haired character fall flat or cause the character to become boring because the feature isn't applied creatively enough to set these characters apart from literally everyone else. This is most evident in YA fantasy novels as the authors use this trait as a "coolness factor" or a way to show the audience that they are "not like other girls".

I want to discuss my opinions about this since the trope on its own isn't particularly bad, but it can feel overused or make characters appear to be copies of other characters. Please note that all of this is based on my own observations and is no way intended to come across as some kind of fictional ruling system.

VISUAL MEDIA

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Silver-haired characters from visual media are able to use the concept of visual storytelling to aid the audience's understanding of them as powerful or important people in the story.

For example, Gojo Satoru in the anime/manga Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) is a special grade sorcerer believed to be the strongest one of this generation. He acts as a mentor figure for the protagonist Itadori Yuji, but has a large enough fanbase that he might as well be his own main character. His "snow-white" hair and blindfolded light blue eyes make it clear to the audience that he is so powerful that lack of sight won't affect his skill. Being visually animated allows the audience to also see Gojo's own feats and understand why he is the most powerful sorcerer of this age as there is clear evidence to support his greatness.

Similarly, Princess Yue from Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) has silver hair because the moon spirit shared its life force with her when she was a child. This silver hair is symbolic of her divine connection with the moon spirit, which she eventually becomes after the death of Tui and her sacrifice to save the moon spirit. Through visual storytelling and the events of the plot, we know that she was also the princess of the northern water tribe and had a great sense of duty for her people, hence being a special character.

As with both examples, the silver/white hair is used as a plot device to tell their own story while also simultaneously furthering the stories of the protagonists. They share the spotlight without taking it away from the message being delivered.

LITERATURE

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Due to literature requiring the audience to imagine the appearances of the characters based on descriptions, visual storytelling is much harder to achieve since everything that is explicitly mentioned must have a purpose. However, visual storytelling can still occur, but requires a specific choice of words to convey the same thing a picture would. For example, silver and white are not the same in literature, but can be used interchangeably in art or animation.

Geralt of Rivia, from the series The Witcher, is a legendary monster hunter known as a witcher (hence the series name) and also has white hair. This white hair is a result of mutations witchers experience as they are subjected to intense alchemical processes and intense training. This sets them, and Geralt by extension, apart from normal humans as they are physically and magically enhanced to be more suited to monster hunting. In this case, the white hair is a side-effect instead of a biological trait, and it allows the audience to easily recognise other witchers in that world.

Unfortunately, due to the rising popularity of modern YA fantasy, some characters simply have silver/white hair because it's just a cool trait that sets them apart. The characters Mare Barrow (from Red Queen) and Violet Sorrengail (from Fourth Wing) both have brown hair at the root that becomes silver towards the tips. This colour doesn't signify anything for Mare except that she is a Red who masquerades as a Silver for plot reasons, and for Violet it's supposed to be the symptom of greying hair caused by her (implied) Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Other than this we are just told, usually by other characters, that these protagonists are smart or cunning and simply better than others, but we don't exactly see this in real time, we are either just told it happens offscreen or the plot bends to make it happen. The only thing that could be considered unique and linked to their white hair is that both Mare and Violet are able to wield lighting powers, where the lighting itself is white.

Yes, the silver/white hair usually signifies the great power of the character and how it makes them unique to the world, but that also needs to be supported by the character's own personality and actions, otherwise they are at risk of simply having that trait for the sake of ticking a box.

PERSONAL OPINIONS

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As an artist I truly love giving characters silver or white hair, especially if it comes with magical powers like controlling water/ice or lightning or some other power that has colour symbolism of any kind because it's fun to design around visual storytelling as well as how many things you can tell about a character based on how they look and the things they wear.

As a reader and (sort of) writer I also love the worldbuilding and lore behind these things because it puts things into perspective and I like to imagine that if I were to be a person in that world it would make sense to me. It is also fun to imagine a kind of world that is different yet similar to our own.

That being said, I do find that to execute such intricacies well, the creator (whether that be the author or animator or otherwise) must take small details into consideration and link different parts of the story together in a way that is organic and would make sense if that world truly existed. Most YA fantasy novels I think fall short of this because as long as they tick the boxes of specific tropes and character appearances, their books would sell regardless of their quality. Don't get me wrong though, it's definitely ok to like and enjoy those books while still finding them poorly written.

Because of this "fast fashion" style of fantasy writing, even cool and timeless designs such as the silver-haired character can feel boring or some copy of another more famous story. Sometimes the debuting silver-haired character feels exactly like another recently debuted one because they are written for the same trope or are made to be blank slates so the reader can imagine that character to be themselves. Having silver hair and immense power will mean absolutely nothing if the character isn't even a character.

Personally, I would love to read stories where the author has used the white hair to subvert the archetypes and tropes that saturate the fantasy market without stereotyping or romanticising facets of the real world. I definitely feel that creativity in writing is a rare find these days and it should be valued especially for storytelling.

FINAL NOTES

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If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading and to be honest, I didn't think that voicing my thoughts would take this long lol.

I hope that this ramble/essay was as thought provoking and entertaining for you as it was for me. If it wasn't, thats ok too and I hope that it at least you learned something from me regarding this topic <3

[sweetie-writer-monika]

Wild Berries Training - The Day Before

A collab story with PurpleAnart featuring his OC Strawberry~ PurpleAnart makes lovely art, go check his out: https://linktr.ee/purpleanart The dutiful Head Maid Serene meets the timid Strawberry on her way to aquire new skills for her reportoire... As a pony!

Sweeping~ Sweeping~

This doll hummed as it swept the manor’s floor.

Its porcelain fingers held the broom gently but firmly, as its ball joints did not easily move if not commanded otherwise. Only its fingers’ ball joints were visible, as the rest of this doll’s body was covered by its trusty maid uniform, a long sleeved long black dress adorned with a white apron over it and a ribbon-collar on the doll’s neck. This doll’s face was garnished with makeup specially applied by its Mistress to better accentuate its gentle porcelain skin, its jewel-like blue eyes and its long golden hair.

This doll finished sweeping, and as ordered by Mistress Morgana it went after Her to report. Mistress Morgana was in Her study, and after announcing itself and curtsying in front of its Mistress, Mistress Morgana allowed it to enter the room.

“Hello, dear. Good job as always with your tasks, Dolly Serene.” Mistress said.

“As my reliable head maid, I decided to give you a little reward.” This doll listened patiently as the Mistress spoke.

“A friend of mine runs a special training program on their farm, courtesy of Purp.co. There you will be disciplined as a pony. Oh, but don’t worry, it will be just another skill for your repertoire.”

“M-mistress…? So this doll… Is it to be trained by someone else…?” This doll tried to pretend it did not blush at the thought.

“Yes, and I will visit you during your training to make sure everything goes smoothly. Another thing, as part of the training my friend will have one of their servants join the program, so you won’t be alone.”

This doll felt its clockwork heart’s gear skip a turn, not only will it be sent for training for who knows how many days but it will also be together with someone else during the entirety of the doll’s time there. It tried its best to maintain its composure but by now Mistress Morgana must have already figured out this doll’s excitement.

“Well, then, since you don’t have any protests we will go to the farm tomorrow first thing in the morning. Until then, you should rest.”

“Yes, Mistress.” This doll said as it curtsy before leaving the study.

Mistress Morgana followed it to its own room where She helped it into its wooden doll case. It was a big box-like structure made of wood and glass with a metal stand and a pole used to let the doll rest, the glass allowed others to look at it if they were nearby and the wood gave it a vintage design. After closing the case’s door, Mistress Morgana said her good nights and left, probably to Her own room. To someone outside it would seem like the only sound in the room was the doll’s clockwork heart’s gear turning, but inside the doll’s head many thoughts filled her mind in both anticipation and excitement for the following day.

Soon the next morning came. Mistress Morgana personally came to greet this doll as it woke up. With her help again it came out of the wooden case and they left to the manor’s entrance. It did not take long before a carriage appeared, pulled by two ponies. Those ponies had their bodies covered by a suit made of a black, body-tight lustrous material, and on top of it tight harnesses that only helped to accentuate their precious body parts. They had hooves-like boots and gloves on and a mask covering their faces, letting out only a flock of their platinum blonde hair come out of the back of their heads.

This doll noticed how the ponies seemed well in synchronization with each other as they pulled the carriage closer to us, they didn't seem to struggle at all, surely strong and well trained ponies. This doll’s gears turned faster again at the thought of what seemed like rigorous training ahead, but this one knew it had to do its best for Mistress Morgana.

And the thought of the tight suit… Constantly pressing against… This doll’s sensitive porcelain skin… An almost perfectly smooth tightly fitted second skin. This one felt it flustering as it imagined being in similar encasement, with all of its harnesses and accessories too.

As the carriage approached us this one couldn't help but notice the emblems embellished on the ponies’ shoulders. Mistress Morgana told this one it was their houses’ emblems, and that this one was to be engraved in such matters as well, with Mistress Morgana’s traditional hibiscus flower coat. This doll is already Mistress Morgana’s servant but this doll will be more than pleased to be further marked as one for everyone to see, even if others wouldn’t appreciate it…! Once the carriage stopped next to us this doll noticed the ponies were also branded on their buttocks’ left cheek with a different emblem: a shield-like coat with bunny ears on top of it. Mistress Morgana explained it was Purp.co’s emblem to properly mark products made by their farm. This means this doll will not only proudly carry Mistress Morgana's pride but of Her friend's as well. This doll wants to make both of them proud with her good work!

Mistress Morgana will sit in the front seats of the carriage so She is able to chat with Her friend, and this one will go into the back seats. Once inside this doll sat down letting its hands rest on its thighs. Next to this doll was someone else, this person was wearing a white shirt with a black waistcoat and tie, and pants akin to a butler's outfit. This one tried to introduce itself but the person didn’t respond at first, only holding their head low as if trying to hide their face.

“Dolly Serene, meet Strawberry, he will be joining you during your training.” Mistress Morgana said.

“P-p-plea-sed… M-meet you…” Strawberry responded shyly.

This one did a short curtsy as able inside the carriage but did not further press on any conversation. In the meanwhile the ponies began to pull the carriage once again.

During the trip this one was unable to not notice Strawberry’s occasional gazes, he seemed to keep looking at its hands, so this doll softly lifted its hand as if inviting him to take a better look. He seemed happy yet still timid at first but soon lifted his own hand, softly towards this one’s hands. This one then let its hand rest on Strawberry’s own hand, which prompted the young man’s face to instantly turn bright red, in an adorable contrast to his short, pink colored hair. For a moment he tried to look away but never moving his hand out of position. Eventually he peeked back, and such short glance soon turned back into admiration.

“Those… Are beautiful…” Strawberry said shyly still, almost muffled by his own reluctant feelings.

“Thank you, mister, this doll takes great pride in its ball joints”.

After a short sigh, this one continued on.

“This one must admit its surprise, most people would say dolls are creepy.”

“That is not true!” He shouted, but once he realized what he did he covered his mouth with both hands and lowered his head.

“I-i am sorry! But… I mean it, your ball joints… Really are beautiful.”

This one smiled, and probably blushed too. It took it a moment or two to process Strawberry’s authentic feelings.

During the rest of the trip this doll kept chatting with Strawberry. He broke out of his shell a little as we talked about various subjects. This doll told it about its ball joints, its porcelain skin and its work at Mistress Morgana’s manor, and about how it often stays inside the manor because other people often harass it for “being creepy” or “making them uneasy”. But Strawberry again affirmed this doll’s uniqueness, and that dolls are to be treasured. Mistress Morgana would often say similar words, and the same words once encouraged it to try out activities outside the manor, such as this upcoming training.

And in return Strawberry told this doll about himself, about how he bakes various snacks at his own manor for his mistress and how in turn she would dress him up in the most adorable outfits, even if it made him very shy about it like this one time his mistress had him wear a pink short dress adorned in green and red details to make it look like a strawberry, befitting of his name in a most adorable way. He also told this doll he had always liked dolls, and once he learnt of a chance to meet a real, authentic doll he just had to grab the opportunity, even if he had to go through rigid training for it. He confided to this doll he was scared of it, he didn’t think he had in him to endure the pony training but he still agreed because he wanted to meet this doll, and because he would be able to deliver his baked goods in style. This one tried to encourage Strawberry as best as it could by telling him that being delicate is a good quality in a servant as it allows one to better discern what is best for one’s master or mistress, and that even the rigid training won’t be able to break his charming gentle self because his smile will surely cheer us up during the ordeal, and seeing how he had a smile on his face during the whole trip, this doll believed it worked out.

Eventually the carriage stopped, this doll barely noticed how long the journey was due to it enjoying its time with mister Strawberry. Mistress Morgana got out of the carriage and greeted us as we got out too, then she and mister Strawberry’s Mistress guided us through the estate showing us around. The estate had various running tracks of various modalities, it seems many different kinds of ponies are trained here, some of the tracks seemed purely for running while others had obstacles set on it. This doll saw some ponies running on them, so there were others who were being trained here as well. Along the tracks there was a small pond with wooden benches and tables and orchards nearby, it seemed like a very calm area. This doll would love to relax here with mister Strawberry after our training, if allowed, perhaps over tea? It would seem we arrived at the perfect season because all the apple trees and the peach trees were in full bloom and some of the ponies seemed occupied with harvesting the fruits and caring for the trees in the orchards.

This doll’s admiration of the white-pink-green scenery was interrupted by the fact we arrived at a certain building and now it had to be attentive to what Mistress Morgana was saying.

“This wooden cabin will be where you two will be staying.” She explained as we walked inside.

“Purp.co’s staff already prepared it ahead of our arrival, as you two will see there are feeders for the two soon to be ponies as well as two hay beds, initially they are set apart from each other.” This doll felt a certain foreboding from Mistress Morgana’s words, did she…?

“And as you may see, there is inside two other small rooms, one is a toilet and the other may be used as a changing room, there is also a locker where you may find your outfits. Dolly Serene and Strawberry, if you may…” Saying this Mistress Morgana signaled with her hand for us to go see what was inside the lockers. This doll obeyed and walked towards the locker while mister Strawberry followed me. This one was the first to open mine and inside this one found various dark red tracksuits with white details embellished with Purp.co’s and Mistress Morgana’s emblems as well as various racing shirts and shorts of similar color. The track suit will cover this doll’s body but the shirt and shorts will leave many of its ball joints exposed…

“Your ball joints will look great on such an outfit…!” This doll’s thoughts were interrupted by someone’s words, it took it a brief moment to realize it was mister Strawberry. This one turned to face mister Strawberry and this one saw his brave expression, and his hands curled into little fists held next to his face. The pose and face of someone who is trying to encourage a friend… But it did not last long as mister Strawberry quickly covered his face, probably out of embarrassment… So this one held mister Strawberry’s hands to encourage him as well.

“M-mister Strawberry will look great too…!”

For a moment the both of us stood there, staring into each other’s eyes, blushing. But this doll knew it had to do it, so with a short nod this doll turned to Mistress Morgana and with a curtsey this doll asked Her to dress it up with its new outfit. “With pleasure” She said, followed by Her taking this one’s hand and taking it to the dressing room. After this one was mister Strawberry’s turn, his mistress wrapped her arm around his waist as they walked together towards the dressing room, this one could overhear her complimenting just how adorable he will look in the bright pink outfits and he kept turning his face sideways trying to hide away his blush. Almost coincidently, as soon mister Strawberry was done changing outfits, another woman walked into the cabin. She introduced herself as our breeder. She looked rather vigorous in appearance with little to no make up and very short black hair. Her outfit consisted of what looked like somewhat sturdy yet flexible materials but otherwise were a long sleeved shirt and pants and she had with her a dressage whip.

“Alright, beans.” She began to speak.

“Your mistresses hired me to fix the pony life into you, and that is exactly what I will do. From today until the end of your education I will be your acting mistress, and this is how you will address me: as Miss Ursula. Understood? Good. Now it’s your turn.”

“Yes, Miss Ursula”. This doll spoke first, followed by a curtsey.

“This one’s name is Serene and it is Mistress Morgana’s Dolly.”

“Oh, my, what a pumpkin you are.” Miss Ursula said. “And you are?” She looked at mister Strawberry.

“Y-yes.. Miss Ursula… My name is… Strawberry!” Mister Strawberry looked rather nervous but he still kept his composure. After he spoke he placed his hands in front of his thighs and bowed his head before Miss Ursula then he said “I-I will be… In Miss Ursula… C-capable hands…!”.

“Another pumpkin. I am sure we all will have lots of *fun* through all those days together.”

After our introductions, Miss Ursula instructed us to follow her to one of the tracks, Mistress Morgana and Her friend did not follow us and this one thought of overhearing Her inviting her for some apple pie and tea. Once at the tracks, we did a series of stretches first followed by trotting around the track as a form of warm up. We were not instructed to run as fast as we can so this doll tried to instead keep up its pace with mister Strawberry, and this doll thinks mister Strawberry thought of the same. Miss Ursula had a stop watch and a clipboard, it seemed she was taking notes each time we passed her but she didn’t say anything, so we kept trotting… One lap… Two laps… Three… Five… This one began to tire from the exercises… Then this one heard Miss Ursula’s command to slow down… This doll slowed down, and then stopped… Trying to catch its breath… Mister Strawberry stopped nearby, also tired. Before Miss Ursula’s next command I whispered to mister Strawberry that we did decent at first, as this doll expects most new ponies can barely keep up with a few laps due to them not being really fit for exercises, so this doll is a bit content with not feeling sick or in pain at first.

Then Miss Ursula instructed us on our next exercise, she set two small tables on the tracks far apart from each other, and on one of them she placed a handful of metal cups filled to the top with water. We were to go from one to another carrying the cups in a tray but without letting them spill but also we had to at least trot, so no walking. For this doll this exercise was relatively easy as it was used to run around with trays back at the manor with the actual physical stress being the actual harder part. This doll managed to go back and forth a few times before dropping her first cup due to her body starting to feel tired again. Next was mister Strawberry’s turn, he wasn’t as nimble as this doll but he still managed to go back and forth without dropping a single cup. This doll wanted to praise mister Strawberry but Miss Ursula gave us no time as the exercises picked up the pace. Right away she gave us backpacks to carry and told us to walk around the track carrying them, and followed by having us hold a metal bar and trot around the track together. After all the exercises, this one was truly exhausted…! It could barely move its ball joints anymore and it felt like its body was burning… But it also felt somewhat satisfying…? This one isn’t truly sure what to make of all of those feelings.

Past this long *morning* of activities Miss Ursula finally let us rest. So this doll and mister Strawberry sat down next to the track. Miss Ursula then gave us an apple and a peach for us to snack on to help us regain some of our energy alongside a water bottle for each of us. After the short break, Miss Ursula told us to follow her and so we did. She led us to the orchards, back to where this doll saw the benches and tables. On one such table Mistress Morgana and her friend were chatting while having tea, but we did not join them as Miss Ursula had us sit on a different table. There we were served our lunch after our first morning of training. At first this one didn’t speak much past a “thank you for taking care of us, Miss Ursula” as it was truly tired, and neither did mister Strawberry say at first as well, but as we eat our meal our bodies’ vitality began to recover and this doll found itself happily chatting with mister Strawberry about our day together. We chatted about how our exercises felt similar to various things we already did as servants of our mistresses like carrying trails loaded with precious tea sets or taking baked goodies out of the oven and quickly placing it somewhere else. This doll was happy to share a little more about itself and to hear more about mister Strawberry, and mister Strawberry seemed happy too as his face was red the whole meal, but not as from embarrassment, this doll thinks, but rather out of the pleasant moment we had. During this time this doll had its left hand rest on the table, and not to this doll’s surprise mister Strawberry let its hand rest next to this doll’s hand. This doll felt its finger touch mister Strawberry’s finger on occasion as we chatted.

[bellasimos]

Praise

You can also read on AO3 !

Warning: p-in-v, smut, female oc, praise kink, eye contact, fingering, explicit content, explicit words.

Words Count:  3,956

The mission on Spain was nothing but a success, rescuing the President Daughter; Ashely Grahams was a success. With several kidnappings, La Plagas, Ada and ex–member of Umbrella along with Leon’s former mentor Krauser. The wounds that needed medical treatment via professionals to save the doctor on other hand was stressful to stop the bleeding. Followed by escaping the factory near death experience; Leon was able to put up good words about the doctor that sacrificed his will to save the daughter and the best agents. Letting Doctor Serra Navarro become a field agent with few others that used to work with S.T.A.R.S.

Leon was not doing it for Luis, but he is. He got along with Luis very well; but he did it for Miyo. His long time best friend that used to date Luis, currently they are after they patch up between them of long history. Although, Miyo owns greatly for Leon, yet Leon brushes it off. He rather sees his friend happier than being sappy over a guy. It is not like saying Leon would rather deal with her own sappy over something that is not about Luis.

Leon will get over it eventually.

Miyo stretches her back, after getting out of her car that was parked in front of new apartment. Choosable from the Government, a nice quiet and private area. Presumably would be in the middle of nowhere at the top of the mountain where the view of the current location that she is staying was nothing but a beautiful sight to see. As she walks inside of her entrance, set the keys in the counter drawer while kicking her shoes off. Relief to be back home after they gave her the green flag to stay.

Making her way to the living room, Miyo casually flopped on the sofa, untied her platinum blonde hair and leaned her head back as she shut her eyes for a couple minutes.

“Mi vida? Are you back?” A Spaniard accent echoed in the hallway of the room to the living room. A male pops his head behind the wall.

Miyo smiled while lifting her head and looking over her shoulder. “I am, babe.”

Luis grinned, walking his way toward the sofa as he sat next to her. He patted his lap while Miyo lifted her both legs on top of it. “Vamós a ver, how was work?” He asks, applying a pressure point to where the stress knot was at her foot.

Miyo was melted by his hand work touch, she breathlessly moaned in relief. “Work was such a pain in the ass, I was surprised that they decided to give me a month off.”

He chuckled. “A month off? Does that mean I have you all by myself then?”

Miyo smiled at him. “Yes, have they given you a green flag?”

Luis nodded. “Yesterday, for a month as well.” He then chuckles and lifts his eyes below from his eyelid.

“That means—Mmm.” Miyo let out another moan.

“Yes, we can finally do stuff together.” Luis mumbles, humming approval of their both vacations.

Miyo sighs heavily. “God, who taught you this babe?”

He smirked, stopping the massage from her foot; he slid his right hand up to her thigh. “What do you mean by that, amór?”

Miyo used her elbow to support the weight of her back. His touch sparkled her sense, trembling slightly under his touch. “That, how did you know where my stress point was? Last time I recall, you knew my weak spot back in Raccoon City.”

Luis chuckles, grazing in a circle pattern on her thighs with his thumb. “Take as in your weak point is where the stress point is, plus.”

Luis pauses, sliding his right hand upward from her thigh to her hip. Gave a gentle squeeze to where he earned a sudden moan from her, Miyo immediately covered her mouth as her eyes grew wider. Old memories flushed all at once, their unique night at Raccoon City in her apartment. Remember his hand claims her skin, weakness spot, marking her.

He chuckles, leans forward but barely brushes his lips against her. “Que paso mi ángel? Remembering our first time?”

She cursed under her thought; she gasped as he squeezed her hip again while carefully, Luis climbed on top of her. His knee forces her leg to spread apart as it contacts her cunt due her fabric pants. He clicked his tongue, observing how her body shivered by his touch, feeling each of her goosebump. Luis chuckles, admiringly from his view, his fingers caressing her hips as he smirked.

“Look at you. So tough yet getting weak by my touch. Eso es linda de ti.” He mumbles, slightly praising her.

“Luis…” she struggled, her voice choking while his hand resumed to squeeze her hip again.

“Hm, qué piensa mi amór? Lo hacemos?”

“Shit…” Miyo whispered, running her hand under his shirt to feel his skin.

Luis shudders, leaning closer to her touch. “I’m waiting.”

“Yes… Please.” She pleaded, her mind was swimming fast on cloud nine.

He gave a wolfish smirk, getting off from her as he cradled her into his arm. Luis didn’t waste any time to bring her to their shared room, position her on her bed. Miyo felt the soft surface on her back but eyes darted at Luis as he slipped his shirt off to reveal his well-toned chest. His shirt was tossed aside on the floor, long forgotten. Her eyes softened with a mix of lust, her hand lifted to touch his chest; ran her finger through his hair. There was a smile on his lip, he gently grabbed her hand, planting each chaste kiss on her knuckles.

“Cariño, allow me to worship you.” Luis mumbles, tugging the bottom of her uniform shirt.

Pleading for him, she obliged as she slipped it off. Accompanied where his shirt was. His eyes froze to see the body of her, swiftly to gentle stare as he drank every small detail on her skin. The beauty mark on her left shoulder, the several on her breast that hang on her bra; aged and recent scars from battle in Raccoon City and Valdelobos village. Subconscious, he guides his left hand to trace her aged scar, almost visible to her beige skin. Her skin twitched by his touch but was soon relaxed by it, he guided his finger to her breast, absorbing her beautiful marks. Luis’s lip twitched into a smile as he leans in to give a loving chaste kiss in her scars.

“Siempre eres sido tan hermosa, cariño.” He compliments, trailed his ghostly kiss up to her neck to earn a small gasp from her. “Solo para mi.”

“Luis.” She said his name breathlessly, arching her back toward him.

He slipped his right hand behind her back, with a quick swift move. Her bra was hook free, falling in her lap as he grabbed it to toss it aside. Her breast is free from the pain holding so much of her chest, Luis chuckled as he then grabbed her chin with his left hand; lift her focus on him.

“May I?”

She shyly nodded, but the expectations were so wrong. Luis went for another kiss, this time, proper passion, guiding her to lay back while he placed his both forearms on either side of her head. She smiled into the kiss, ran her finger into his curly hair to massage his scalp. Luis groaned into the kiss as he bit her bottom lip. Pushing his tongue inside to savor her mouth, he was playing with some of her platinum blond strand hair that rested on her pillow; as he put his hip down to her cunt, making sure her legs stayed open for him. Luis broke the kiss off with a desperate air knocking in their lungs. Yet, he did not waste time to bomb her with his kisses.

He kissed her cheek, jawline before dipping into her neck. Guide his right hand to hold her jaw up for easier access on her neck, to take his time pouring his love and compassion on her sensitive neck. Earning a few mewls, hiss from her as he properly took the time to suck her delicate spot. The beige skin spot was soon marked by purple/reddish, he continued to attack the other side. The desperation to have her neck being marked by him was a need. Miyo moaned his name as he was done leaving a mark in her neck. He then did the same for her collarbone except some had his teeth mark while others had the same bruise mark on her neck.

“Look at you.” He spoke breathlessly. “Eager to submit to me, cariño. Those marks look beautiful on you and all mine.”

Miyo holds his face with her hand as she strokes her thumb on his cheek. “My baby, I’m yours.”

Luis chuckled, his eyes grew soft, loving at her, everything. “I love you, Mi.”

Her heart swelled to hear those three words. Almost a tear could’ve betrayed her. “I love you too, Lu.”

Luis went for another kiss, tender this time, before going down to her breast. Her hand rested next to her head while he took one into his mouth, a breathless moan slipped out from her lip. He took his time to swirl his tongue on her sensitive nipples. She thought that he is a tits man, a blush creep on her cheek as her body shudders. He used his teeth to drag her nipples, building up more pleasure as she felt even wetter in her underwear. Luis smirked into her breast as he could feel the wet fabric in her cunt; a pop sound as he was done with her breast and head over to the other, giving the same treatment. Her vocal was musical to his ear, hearing his name roll under her tongue. It’s all she thinks of, it’s only that she knows.

And he is proud of it.

“Such beautiful vocals you have, cariño. Please, moan for me. Sing for me, I want to hear it.” Luis praises, plant his kiss on the valley of her chest down to her stomach.

She squirmed, a mewl slipped as he grinned into her skin. He continues as a pop sound from his lip, he appreciates her skin. He adores her beauty and her scars. Luis’ mouth hover on top of her clit, his warm breath brushes her sensitive area as he studies her leg tremble slightly. He lifts his eyes up to view, to see any second doubt but only to see her eyes fill with love and lust. The same look when they made love for the first time, she was begging him to eat her up like she was his main dinner.

He chuckled, giving a kiss on her clit before beginning to devour her with his tongue. Miyo threw her head back in the pillow, eyes shut tightly as she let out a long moan for him. Her hand twitched as they ran into his hair once again, massaging his scalp. He focused on pleasing her, building her up before he could claim her. He knows how to please her, to be eating her like this, touching her wall inside in such a sinful way. But she can’t help how good it feels again, he must have slept with women before to do this. She then yanks his hair, wanting to bury his face in her cunt.

Luis took the sign, taking one of her legs into his shoulder while he slipped his finger inside of her. A sudden gasp along with soft moan, he couldn’t help to smirk at his triumphant. Luis chuckled, feeling his erected cock throb on his boxer. He groaned into her cunt to send another wave of pleasure as she bucked her hip.

“Ah, no, no.” He clicked his tongue after he pulled away from her cunt to put her hip down.

Miyo whines, lifts her head to try to frown at him.

Luis chuckled, securing her hip to stay where they were. “A good girl wouldn’t buck her hips.”

“Fuck…” she mumbles.

“Are you a good girl, princesa?” Luis tease, plants a kiss on her hip.

She struggled to admit it, a few inaudible were heard but Luis smirked.

“Hablame claro, amór. I can’t hear what mi princesa is saying.”

“I'm a good girl.” She said, groaning in frustration.

Luis hummed. “Are you? Will you behave once I’m done preparing you?”

“Yes, please, please.” She begged breathlessly.

He resumed back, his fingers were back inside as he added another digit. Feeling her wall tightly around his finger; he clicked his tongue of approval. “So eager, cariño. I love how your cunt behaves around my two fingers.”

Miyo's breath hitched as she felt his finger rub against her wall. Struggling to keep her hip down, it felt good, the wet sound that she made as he pumped his finger in and out was nothing but music to his ear. To see her body react to his touch, his voice, the heavyweight eyes stare at her. Luis couldn’t be even more proud each second to see his own lover melt in a pool of pleasure by him. Miyo gasped, breath was struggling in her lung; she threw her head back, mewling and sobbing of how good he is doing. Practically now begging to let her come as she felt the twisted feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Luis lifts his head to see his lover messed up by his own work. Flexing his arm as he picks up the pace, guiding his body to be in level of her as he leans into her ear.

“Good job, mi dulcena. You’re doing such a good job by behaving, would you like to come?”

Miyo opened her mouth, and couldn't find a word to say it as her mind blissed with only one thing. His finger, his hand, making her tremble of need to cum. Listening to how wet her cunt was making, and for what it seemed, she was able to speak through the pleasure.

“Yes, please, I—Ah..! I need to cum…!” She lingered her moan louder, swore she started to see stars, her head felt lighter.

Luis kissed her neck. “Cum for me, amór.”

Her wall tightened around his finger as she felt herself coming down hard on his finger. Miyo's leg trembles for the longest until it falls on the bed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly; Luis kissed her jawline as he pulled his finger away. The juice coated on his finger as he lifted it to his mouth and sucked it delicately.

“My, you taste good cariño.” He teases, smirking down at her.

Miyo whines, opening her eyes to find him.

He chuckled, leans in to give another, reassuring kiss. “Now, are you ready for the main course?”

She gulped as she nodded. “Go slow, okay?” She stuttered, he was able to pick an anxious voice in her voice.

Luis put his hand on her left cheek, gave a gentle stroke while he smiled gently. “Of course, we haven’t done this for so long. That is why I want to prepare for you. After all—”

He leaned in, planting another kiss on her lips.

“I would still picture myself taking your virginity.” Luis whispered, gaze his eyes into hers.

Miyo was flushed with a fluttering feeling. “I still remember how surprised I was when I saw you pure naked in front of me.”

Luis chuckles, he pushes him away to discard his remaining. He removed himself to be able unbuckle his belt and his pants along with the boxer. That shows where his precum was, Miyo shifts her gaze to see him cock. Her face flushed to see the length yet solid with a little curve of his cock. Not thin but surely not thick either, she was excited to see his cock again.

“Happy to see me, pequeña?” He teases, chuckled at her flush face.

Miyo knew she was caught but she tried to clear her throat. “Who said I am happy about it?”

He gave a sly smirk directly at her, as he went back to the bed and captured her kiss with a swift move. She can feel his hard, throbbing cock on her thigh, soon to be touching her labia. She gladly returned the kiss, looped her arm around his shoulder as he carefully teased her labia with the tip of his cock.

“Breath for me, amór.” He said in between kisses.

“Mhm.”

In ease, he put his cock inside of her. Feeling her wall stretching as he let out a groan, how her wall closed around him so tight, the wet helped slip right into fully. His cock was full inside as Miyo slightly hissed into the kiss, adjusting the size of his on her wall since it has been a long time; he had the urge to pound her due how good she felt vividly around his cock. Yet, he controls it, allowing her to adjust it before he can move. Luis opens half of his both eyelids to watch any discomfort on her face; Miyo moans breathless..

“Are you, fuck, okay?” He groaned, holding the weight from not crushing her.

She bucked her hip at him as she nodded. “You-You can move.”

Luis nodded, began to move his hip, watching his cock slip out and back in as her wall once again accepted his cock inside. The tense was dismissed to comfort and pleasure as Miyo moaned for his name, several times as Luis suddenly started to be vocal. It felt good, too good to be inside of her as he picked up the pace; guide her leg around his hip as he practically was pounding her inside. The wet skin contact with skin, the rattling of bed shake and two vocal fills in the warm atmosphere.

He rests his forehead against her while maintaining eye contact. Their gaze grew heavier as their breath grew warmer, Miyo held his face while he held her hips. Digging his nail into her skin, marking her of his with the nail. Luis then thought of a way to bring more pleasure as he grabbed one of the pillows from the bed and put it beneath her waist. To adjust the height for easier for him to slide in, to bring out the pleasure. She gasped in surprise to see this outstanding move coming out from him. Surely, he never fails to amaze her, time and time again. He let out a small growl, calling her name so many times.

“Ah, Dulcena, you feel so good. So, fuck, made well for me.” He groaned, a hint of praise.

There was a burst of need to praise him, Miyo moaned softly as she smiled at him. Her face was full of pleasure but happiness as tears formed in her eyes.

“You’re doing such a good job, amór.” She panted in each thrust he gave.

Luis looks at her with his eyes of lust and love. He thrust slows down the pace as he leans in to listen to her. Something inside of him just broke, this type of her praising him turned him on.

“Fuck, So good Luis. Your cock fits so—ah—well inside of me. Please, more baby, more. Right there, ah!” She moans between his thrust, feeling the tip of his cock kissing her cervix.

“Right here?” He groaned, smirking wolfish as he slammed hard.

She gasped, let out a moan. “Yes! Right there!”

It was music, her squeal, her mewls making him thrust grew sloopier. They were near, so close. Luis groaned, feeling his cock twitched, desperate in need to paint on her walls.

“Mi vida, oh, I’m so close. Where do you, fuck, want it?”

Miyo once again starts to see stars in her eyes. “Inside me, please!”

He locked his jaw tight, he was able to make sentences. “But, oh god, you’ll-“

“-It’s okay, fuck, I’m on pills. Luis, please, please.”

He nodded, slamming her inside. She can feel his balls slapping her ass; Luis let go her hip as he placed both forearms between her head, looking down as he struggled to open his eyes. “Cum together, amór.”

She ran her hand on his back, digging her nail into his skin to withdraw some blood out. Luis know is gonna be there by next day, yet, he doesn’t care. He focuses on hitting the same spot to drive them both to the climax. He groaned, along with growling. He is close, so close; the look she put on her face was a sight that he will never forget.

“Oh fuck!—Miyo!” He curses.

“Luis!” She shut her eyes after felt her orgasm hit hard.

Both rode to their climax, she felt his cock milking every bit inside of her wall. Warm feeling of his seed but it was satisfying to come. Despite Luis coming inside, he still remained on top of her without crushing her. The air was filled with nothing but sweat and sex, giving a few minutes before he can pull out his cock. As he did, some of his sperm leaked out of her cunt, a small moan slipped out from her as Luis fell on her side. The two try to catch their breath but he secures his arm around her to pull him in. Both exchanged bodies heats. His thumb gently rubbed her shoulder as he cleared his throat.

“Did I go a little too hard?” He mumbles, trying to find any discomfort or unsatisfaction from her face.

But he only saw an afterglow from her, a smile spreading on her face as she carelessly stroked his chest. The spot where he was stabbed, the same spot where she risked herself to get him into the lab to save his life. “No, it was wonderful Luis.”

Luis grinned, showered her with his soft kisses. “Good, I don’t know what made you praise me like that. Dios, I thought I was gonna lose it.”

She hummed silently, Miyo tried to move her leg but as soon she realized, she let out a groan. “Luis, I can’t feel my legs!”

Luis laughed as he grabbed her thigh, knowing how overstimulated she is feeling at the moment, tangling with his leg. “That, mi dulcena, was part of the plan.”

She scoffed. “I bet you are proud.”

“Oh I am, I got you to scream my name again? hm?”

Miyo rolled her eyes, couldn’t hold back the smile. “A point for Luis, ladies and gentlemen.”

He chuckled, wrapping his arm on her lower back. Luis immediately planted a soft kiss on her lip. “How about we go take a shower, are you hungry?”

“What are you in the mood for?” She asks, lift her hand to his neck then to his cheek.

“Maybe we can cook together, like a nice, wonderful dinner?”

“I got you, amór.” She gave him a kiss.

He grinned. “I’ll go warm up the bath and come get you, sounds like a date to me.”

“You remember it?”

“Well of course, you saved me, remember? I owe you a date.” He explained, circling his thumb on her skin.

She shudders slightly. “I guess this was also your plan?”

“No, not even. It was more-“ he paused to figure out a correct sentence to complete it. “Well, it was more I wanted you back for the longest.”

Miyo smiles softly. “I love you, Luis.”

He felt his heart swell to hear those words coming out from her. Luis smiled back, leaning to capture her lips once more. “And I love you too, Miyo. Por simpre.”

[aloeverified]

I recently made a post about how to write character with albinism here, but I wanted to make a post dedicated to different way people can portray Hunter's albinism since the show never really got around to it.

First things first, although Hunter canonically has albinism, it's never specified which type. However, based off his appearance, it's safe to assume he's modeled after those who have either OCA1A or OCA3. This means he has little to no pigmentation in his skin, hair, and eyes — resulting in pale skin, white to platinum blond hair, and magenta eyes. Hunter's eyebrows should also be the same color as his hair as the color does not change for those with albinism as it does for those without it, which the show failed to represent. Please keep this detail in mind if you ever plan on drawing him or decscribing him and you'd like to make sure his appearance is accurate.

It's also important to note that no matter what race or ethnicity you headcanon him as, he should always have these traits as albinism affects people of color as well. Whether you view him as white, Asian, Latino, or Black, his skin color and overall color pallet should remain the same. If you're worried about being unable to properly portray his race or ethnicity without making him darker skinned, I'd recommend looking up people with albinism who are apart of the ethnic group you imagine him as so you can get an example of their features and model him after them.

People with albinism struggle with their sight. Some have minimum blindness whereas others can hardly see at all. I'd recommend making Hunter near-sighted with photophobia, meaning he can only see things that are in close proximity to him with things that far away appearing as an overwhelming bright light (not blurry like those without photophobia). He should also be vulnerable to bright light and the sun. You can show these in an easy way by having him have some type of built in UV ray shades in his Golden Guard mask (and later just by giving him UV ray sunglasses) and by making him fight in close combat with his opponents. For a more silly approach, you can also make him run into or trip on things he doesn't see. It can also be something for him to bond over with Willow.

His skin would also be more vulnerable to the sun, making him more likely to be sunburnt. You can show this very easily as well by having him dress mostly in protective clothing that covers most of his body (like his Golden Guard uniform), or by showing him applying a lot of sunscreen if he plans on dressing differently and going out. You can also show this in a comedic way by having him get badly sunburnt and learning his lesson to use sun protectant from then on.

Hunter is albino as a side effect of him being a clone/grimmwalker, so it makes sense that he may have some negative feelings about his appearance, but make sure your not portraying his albinism as the sole reason for his resentment — he should be upset that he's albino because he's a clone of Caleb, not just because he's albino. Although if you do want to show him feeling upset about the side effects of his albinism (such as his poor sight) than that's understandable, but please make sure you're doing it in a reasonable way.

Overall, there's a lot of ways you can showcase Hunter having albinism that can be fun, sad, and interesting without changing his entire character. One of The Owl House's main takeaways is that representation matters and that also applies to us people with albinism.

[redarrowcw]

My AU TAKE ON AEMOND

Aemond had only been half blind for about a month now, the maesters had been very strict in keeping a close eye on him and the wound he suffered at the hand of his former instructor Criston Cole. It had been an accident on Coles' part. Aemond a prince of the realm had managed to out manuver his mentor with a well timed feigning step. He had countered his teacher and was about to win the sparring match. Cole was a prideful man, arrogant, and not truly suited to serve the up and coming royal family.

Aemond's older sister Rhaenyra had chosen him specifically for his combat experience and this meant, Cole could be too impulsive and not be able to throttle back his instinct. True combat had hardened him and made him a ticking time bomb, he could be rutheless.

The blade had ruptured Aemond's eye like a grape, bursting and spurting blood as he staggered back and let out an anguished howl of pain. His voice went guttural and almost animalistic as the official guard rushed to the young man's aide. He writed and struggled his lithe but toned body thrashing in their arms as he was rushed away.

Aemond remembered the event now, he stood in the very spot it had occurred and his nostrils flared. Each breath was long and slow, the forced exhale audibly loud. Slowly lifting his gaze he fixed Coal with a furiously narrowed brow and blazing a hue in his one remaining Eye. The eyepatch was slowly slid off and Aemond watched his mentor's expression change to a mixture of shock and disgust. No one moved as Aemond spoke. "You did this to me..." His voice was icy, a threatening hiss. The platinum blonde held Ser Criston's full attention, eyes blazing dangerously as he glared at his former teacher, who quickly broke eye contact. He was under order strict orders to not engage the prince.

Aemond trembled for a moment, his rage manifesting in a tremor before he shot forward, Cole readied his blade..surely he could defend himself? The young prince closed with surprising speed, the same unpredictable and lethal grace as the day he was half blinded. Ser Criston had awakened a dragon. "My prince, stop!" Cole said, grunting as the impact of the blow caused him to stagger back slightly. "I will not fight you." Aemond simply tilted his head ever so slightly to the side. "Is that all you have to say to me...for me to yield and that you do not wish to face me?" He asked with a scoff. "You speak like a coward."

The young Targaryen leg swept his opponent, his mentor was too focused on his flaming eyes. Cole fell on his back and Aemon surprisingly took a step or two back. "On you feet, knight.." The words cut deep as intended, he had intentionally ignored the older mans' title. Criston rose and huffed in frustration and indignation. "I am a white cloak I am sworn to-" Aemond interrupted him, "Protect the royal family, yes I know..tell me.. who were you protecting when your blade took my eye?" He asked, his voice so sure and confident a taunt, provoking and meant to belittle. "Did you see me as such a threat, I wonder do you see me as a monster now, of your own making?" Aemond asked with a little tilt of his head.

Criston didn't know Aemond was capable of such words, his guard faltered for a moment and Aemond, now more observant than ever. Dealt a blow, sparks flew from the ferocity of it as steel clashed. The white cloak clenched his fist and groaned , his hand deeply cut. "It is but a scratch..come now, let's have another lesson." Cole took a large step back. "It is done Aemond..-" "Do as I say Cole." Aemond warned with his tone, he would not take no for an answer. Criston tried to reason with the boy. "Aegon has firmly instructed me not to-" Aemond extended his arm, the tip of his sword resting against Ser Criston's chest. He stepped forward, applying pressure knicking the tunic and skin as a small amount of blood stained the white garment. A few precious drops, dripping into the dirt beloe. "I said pick it up!" He snarled. "Or shall I take your hand as payment? That would make it fair I think, oh but then you wouldn't be able to please yourself." He stepped in closer and whispered dangerously. "Or fuck my mother." He heard Cole inhale a bit too sharply, saw a bead of sweat begin to form on his temple. A tense silence passed between the two combatants.

Rhaenyra shouted from the balcony cutting through the tension. "Stop this at once, Brother! You have made your point!" Aemond smirked and spoke quietly under hushed breath. "Until next time...Ser..what was it again Crispin? That's what my uncle Daemon called you yes?" He asked with a smirk and slowly backed away kicking Criston's blade for good measure. He wiped his blade of the blood and sheathed it, brushing past the crowd of onlookers.

—-

Yes I play him with short hair.

[softquietsteadylove]

For the special force AU:

how about Thena putting together her Team and meeting Gil the first time? Like a little flashback?

They called her the Goddess of War.

Well, her name really was Thena. It wasn't an amazingly creative nickname. But it certainly was true, given she was known for being particularly vicious, whether it was in the field or the office. But what she lacked in social skill she made up for in sheer ability.

Gil had to admit he was surprised. He had heard about the Goddess of War, and everyone knew she was a top agent--they had to know that if they were applying to be part of her special ops team. But he hadn't heard anyone mention that she was literally the most beautiful woman on the face of the earth.

He thought that would have been mentioned at some point.

Kingo fidgeted beside him in line, "dude, she's so-"

"I don't want to hear anything about being badass."

Gil did his best to contain his laughter as Kingo's spine snapped straight so quickly he could swear he heard it.

Their new boss and team leader looked up at them finally. She had striking features, razor sharp bone structure under startlingly pale skin. Almost as pale as her whiter-than-platinum blonde hair. She leaned against the bullpen desk, "I'm no more or less badass than any of you. That is why I selected you, no?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Each of you excels in something far and beyond anyone else in the agency," she narrated, eyes scanning over them. Gil met her eyes for just a second as she passed over him. Her eyes were green. "That's why I chose you."

"Yes, sir!"

"But I can un-choose you," she tipped her chin up, and Gil was pretty sure it was almost the beginning of a smile. No one else seemed to think so, though, already quaking with nerves. "The next month we'll see if you have what it takes to be directed by me in the field. And ultimately, if I don't think you're a right fit for the team, then back to rank work you go. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir!"

"You two," she eyed him and Kingo, "stay. The rest of you, back to work. You report here in the mornings now. It's oh-nine-hundred and not a second later."

"Yes, sir!"

"Dismissed," she looked down at the desk again, not even watching the rest of the candidates file out of the room.

Gil snuck his eyes towards the door as a few started whispering to themselves before they were even out of the room, like school children. Rookie mistake; she didn't say anything, but the boss lady made two sharp flicks of her pen on the files she had in front of her. They were already out of the running for placement on the team.

She drew herself up again, arms spread out and shoulders sharply angled, giving her a certain amount of presence. It was easy to forget that she was actually pretty normal statured as far as women went. If anything, she was a little skinny for being such a skilled fighter.

"You," she pointed at Kingo with her pen. "Sharp shot."

Kingo had both the best aim and the best actual shot record in the agency. "Yes, Boss?"

Gil nearly flinched, wondering what the sharp edged woman would have to say to the casual way of addressing her. They were a little higher ranked than some of the other agents she was considering, but certainly they weren't exempt from addressing her properly.

She raised a brow at him.

Kingo cleared his throat, "Boss...lady?...ma'am?"

"Hm," she let out singularly, but Kingo didn't get the little pen mark of doom. "You're...chatty, so I hear."

"Is that really in my file?" he couldn't resist muttering to himself.

"Yes." It obviously wasn't. "And I would like to use that to my advantage."

Gil watched the exchange cautiously. She was testing them both, that much was clear. He just wasn't sure how she was assessing them--and for what.

"How so?"

"I want...gossip."

"You?"

"I want things that aren't in any file," she clarified, keeping her eyes on Kingo. "It doesn't have to be anything sordid, but I do hope that if there's anything about any of your fellow candidates you feel I should know..."

Kingo stared right back at her. It could be a test of his loyalty, to see how easily he was turned on his own with so much as an order. But then again, it could be a test of how well he took orders. It could just be a test of if he lied on his file, for all they knew.

"Well?" she drawled.

Kingo straightened his shoulders. "Nothing worth reporting, I'd say. A friendly rivalry or two, but nothing that would distract them in the field. One is sorting out the tail end of a divorce, but he's a good father, so he hasn't let it affect his work. One of them does smoke, but I've never seen her ask for a smoke break, and she obviously still passed the fitness test."

Everything as promised; nothing worth reporting. It was both things that Thena would want to know as a leader but also the immediate promise that they wouldn't impact the team's work. They were nonstarters, as Kingo was telling her. He had both protected his fellow agents' personal affairs and reported honestly to his superior.

Again, Gil saw just this faint twitch at the corner of her - amazing - lips. He could swear it was a smile (of sorts).

"Very good," she nodded, taking the information for what it was. "Dismissed."

"Yes, sir," Kingo turned on his heel, catching Gil's eye ever so briefly before leaving as asked.

Gil was on his own.

"Gilgamesh," she murmured, looking over his file right in front of him. She nudged the papers lazily with the end of her pen. "But you go by Gil."

He shrugged.

"You can lift almost double what your fellow agents report," she looked up at him, one of her heels coming off the ground faintly. "And you did exceedingly well in your combat training and tests."

He shuffled a little in his stance, unsure if she wanted boastful confidence or sheepish modesty. "If that's what it says there."

She tilted her head, flipping his file closed. "Why do you think I selected you for this team?"

She had just listed one of his biggest assets as an agent, so why ask him? He had been asked to join countless special divisions since becoming an agent, thanks to his size and his strength. Everyone from homeland security to infiltration wanted him.

Gil looked at her--really looked. Her eyes were actually quite expressive, despite the facade she put on. There was no hiding what was in them and that beautiful colour. And he was pretty sure he knew what she was really asking. "My great sense of humour?"

There!--a real smile!

He brightened (he was never any good at hiding what he was feeling). "Is that a laugh?"

"No."

"Almost," he murmured, which he was pretty sure would have gotten him kicked out if anyone else were present for it. But they weren't, and he wasn't. He lifted his eyes to hers again. "I'll get you next time."

Her ice cold glare melted a little and he was pretty sure she did actually think he was at least a tiny bit funny. Maybe amusing, at least. "No one will believe you."

"I'll just have to try harder," he grinned to himself, setting his shoulders again. She resumed the cold, polished mask required of a team leader. But he could still see the very human warmth in her eyes. "Is it because of the cat thing?"

Her eyes sparked, even if her face was as still as a statue.

How had no one ever noticed this before? She was way easier to read than people thought. Or maybe she was deliberately letting him read her just to test him. Oh well.

"That stray cat that got caught in the tree outside of the main office?" Gil repeated, standing by his statement. "I spent all morning trying to get it down. I didn't call in my lateness and got suspended for a week without pay just because of some stray?"

"And you were asked why."

So, that was the reason. He smiled, "poor thing was scared. I couldn't just leave it there."

Another real, almost gentle seeming smile crossed Thena's face. She tilted her head at him, "that was the statement you gave. It's not attached to your suspension notice but I asked around for it."

Kingo must have told some higher up he knew would be close enough for her to hear it.

"That is the reason I chose you," she said without the forced sharpness of her tone. It was actually a lot softer, even higher than she could make it seem. "Because you cared so much for a strange animal that you couldn't abandon it. Nor did you contest your suspension--which you could have."

"Yeah, but I had a new cat to take care of."

She caught it right away, but it had happened, clear as day: she laughed.

Gil felt something rattle in his chest as she pinched her lips together and pretended to look down at her papers again. His life belonged to her, now--no questions asked.

She looked up at him, offering a sleekly shaped eyebrow with the remains of her smile, "congratulations."

"I don't know what you're talking about," he shrugged, and he didn't really consider making someone laugh something to gloat about anyway. "No one will believe me, sir."

She nodded, her smile remaining. "You and Kingo will be my leads. You'll report here at 0800 and I will tell you how the rest of this week will go."

"Yes, sir, Boss," Gil offered a smile--just a small, sheepish one.

"Don't test your luck," she advised him, back to keeping her smile very much in check.

It seemed she really couldn't control that one little corner from twitching upward, though.

"Yes, ma'am," Gil nodded and took his leave. Maybe joining the special forces would turn out to be not so bad.