#been thinking about tress a lot recently lol

[epicmilly]

version with captions so that hopefully it doesn't get ignored lol

request from written in the stars 135!! (don't want to mention again for the same post) sorry for taking so long, i've been meaning to draw this scene for a while and went full effort lol

anyways first time drawing both tress and hoid!! another reason it took awhile was i did a whole character study of hoid to figure out how i want to stylize him! if you guys are interested in the sketchies i can post those too :3

super happy with this!! hope you like it lol

(ignore the crappy quality my phone is terrible it's older than i am)

[seventeenreasonswhy]

SVT Reacts to Seeing Their S/O in Glasses for the First Time 🤓

~ SFW ~

OT13!Seventeen x Fem!Reader

Warnings/Content: SFW, Fluff!, can be read as established relationships or new relationships, just boys being smitten! 🥰

Author's note: Sweet boys being sweet! They are whipped! This one's for my fellow glasses girls out there. (No affiliation with eyebuydirect, they just had a wide range of frames lol)

************************************************************************

S.Coups

You walk out of the bathroom in these frames, with your hair gathered in a lose bun, ready for bed. S.coups is lounging on your bed already, but he has never seen you in glasses before and does a double-take, looking up from his phone. They suit your face so well. It’s like he’s seeing the real shape of your face for the first time. God, she's so cute, he thinks. “You’re so cute,” he hears himself say aloud. You turn to him suddenly, a deep blush spreading across your face at his sudden compliment.

Jeonghan

You walk into the coffee shop wearing these, your hair falling in tresses over your cute cream-colored sweater. You looked so relaxed and cute. Jeonghan almost didn’t realize it was you when he saw this cute girl in glasses walk through the door. “Wah, Y/N!” he can’t help but cry out, beaming as you get closer. “You’re so cute!” You tease him about sounding so surprised, but he ignores you and tells you that he loves how you look in your glasses, he thinks you're adorable. He can’t stop smiling and simping as you drink your coffees.

Joshua

You meet Joshua at the museum wearing these. You were running late and didn’t have time to put in your contacts. You were dressed in a chic turtleneck and grey marbled overcoat. He spotted your high bun right away, and as soon as he saw your glasses he smiled. “I didn’t know you wore glasses,” he said. It’s true, you hadn’t really worn them around him yet. You didn’t prefer them. “You look sexy.” he said softly, and you felt something catch in your chest. maybe you would wear them more often...

Jun

As Jun walks by the laundromat, he does a double take. He sees you by chance, sitting at a counter in the window passing the time reading as you waited for your laundry to finish. He was surprised that he recognized you—he had never seen you wearing glasses before. You were concentrating hard on the book you were reading, so you didn’t see him kind of watching you from the sidewalk. You had your hair half up in a messy-but-sexy bun, long strands hanging between you and your book. You chewed on your fingernails as you read. So cute, he thought. He finally enters the laundromat and comes up behind you. You jump a little, but quickly recover and smacking him with your book. “You look cute,” he says, ignoring your playful smack and tucking a strand of your hair away from your face affectionately, making you blush all of the sudden.

Hoshi

You told Hoshi that you would give him a ride home from dance practice, but he almost misses you in the company parking lot because you're wearing glasses he’s never seen you in before. You only need them to drive at night, but you kind of like them. They frame your face really well and draw attention to your pretty eyes and cheekbones. Hoshi is beaming at you as he gets into the passenger seat. “Ah...” he sighs out softly, a wry smile on his face, as if he's wistful he hadn’t seen you in your glasses sooner, “so you wear glasses, ah...” You smirk, glancing at him sideways. He’s obviously admiring your face in these frames. He holds your hand as you drive, continuing to stare at you while you giggle at his blatant simping.

Wonwoo

Wonwoo has been waiting for a chance to see you in your glasses! You'd mentioned wearing them sometimes when you got tired of your contacts but you’d only recently found frames that you actually kind of liked. You finally wear them one day, styling them with your favorite oversized sweater and baggy pants, your hair in a high, fluffy ponytail. Needless to say, Wonwoo is! smitten!! He finds the dark frames so cool. You look effortless, your glasses adding some mystique to your already very beautiful aura. Unconsciously, he gets a little clingier with you... “What’s up?” you ask him as he fiddles with the sleeve of your big sweater, standing closer to you than usual. “I like your glasses,” he says, and his low, quiet tone makes your heart stop for a second.

Woozi

Woozi loves when you wear your cute glasses. He thinks you look so sweet and squishy, for real. He’d be all over you, pinching your cheeks and tickling you. He can’t help it, something about the big wire frames on your cute pouty face with your pink sweatshirt is just so cute. He wants to squeeze you like a plushy stuffed animal.

The8

He finds your trendy glasses particularly well suited to the outfit you’re wearing today. You look so cool. The whole look really aligns with your style: striking and simple. He catches himself staring longer than usual at your bone structure, really appreciating the naturally beautiful shape of your face and the sweetness of your eyes, accented by those simple frames. He is really staring at you, and you playfully push his face away, but he just keeps looking at you. “You’re so pretty,” he says, smiling at you. You can’t bring yourself to meet his overwhelming gaze, but he doesn’t even mind.

Mingyu

Mingyu sees you hunched over your laptop at the kitchen table when he gets home late. You’re wearing glasses as you stare at the screen, your hair up in a messy bun, wearing one of his sweatshirts. You look up at him as he enters the room, happy to see him and for the excuse to take a break from your studying. “I like your glasses,” he says as you wrap your arms around his middle and give him a big, stress-relieving hug. He pulls back to look at you again. “They really suit you.” You thank him and turn to sit back down, but he pulls you close again, still looking at you. “So cute!” he smiles as he slides his palms up to the sides of your face, gently squeezing your cheeks, puffing your lips out into a fish-lipped shape as he gives you a kiss on the forehead. You can only laugh at how over the top he was being over some plain old blue light glasses, lol.

DK

DK was kind of early to your apartment to pick you up for your date. He figured he could just hang out with you as you got ready. but you answered the door with your hair still up, a toothbrush hanging out of your mouth, and glasses on. he reflexively laughed at how cute and frazzled you were, but you cut him off by trying to ask him why he was so early. unfortunately, the toothbrush in your mouth turned your words to mush, only making DK laugh more at how cute you were, following you to the bathroom as you stomped away in a hurry to continue getting ready. he slowly stops laughing but continues to beam at you through the reflection in the bathroom mirror as he leans against the doorframe behind you, watching your face as you continue to brush your teeth and take your hair down. “You look so cute in glasses, y/n” he says, “why don’t you wear them more?” he pretends to pout, like you’ve been keeping this from him on purpose. “I always wear contacts,” you say, flustered at his presence behind you, the way he’s looking at you through the bathroom mirror. you move to take your glasses off, but you feel a hand suddenly grasping at your forearm. “No, leave them on,” he softly whines from behind you, and you almost jump away from him. but he’s holding you. you just hope that he can’t hear your heartbeat, it’s pounding so hard. “Okay,” you say, blushing beet red. DK just keeps hold of your arm, smiling at you as you both head out the door.

Seungkwan

You told Seungkwan to pick you up at the office after another long day. He hated to see you overworking yourself so much and brings snacks for the car ride home to cheer you up. You climb in the car, and he notices your new glasses right away. He loves when you wear glasses, he thinks they make you look so sexy and sweet. He keeps stealing glances at you as you vent about your day. As you make your way home, he lets his free hand idly float over to play with your hair, soon rubbing his thumb gently against the side of your cheek. You smile at the touch, grateful that he’s being so loving right now. “I like your glasses,” he says softly, and you blush at his earnestness. “They’re so pretty on you.” You float your hand up to his, cupping it against your face, planting a quick kiss on his palm.

Vernon

He opens the incoming FaceTime call to a familiar face, but with a new twist – he’s never seen you in your glasses before. “Do you want me to pick something up, I’m at the convenience store right now,” you ask him, looking at the aisles of snacks in front of you. he just watches you as you hold the tiny microphone built into the side of your headphone wire up to your pretty lips. your lips looked even sweeter and more plush contrasted with these frames on your face. “Did you get glasses?” he asks, not answering your question. “Hm? Oh no, I just hardly ever wear them.” “You look good in them,” he says, smirking at you. He looks whipped, you think with a little inward giggle. “Thank youuu,” you smile, ”I’ll get us some ice cream~.”

Dino

Sometimes you stop by the practice room when you know Dino is there very late to bring him a snack or to watch his new choreography. Tonight is the first night that you’ve gone to visit him bare-faced and your glasses on though. You usually get a little more dolled up, but you fell behind on all of the tasks you had to get done today and didn’t get around to primping. But, it turns out Dino doesn’t care. In fact he stops the choreo he’s in the middle of after catching a glimpse of you in your cute frames from the corner of his eye. “Wah, I like your glasses,” a big smile plastered on his face. He holds his arms out, reaching for you even as he walks across the practice room toward you. You meet and rub noses with your lightly sweaty boyfriend as he takes you lightly by the forearms, leaning toward you as he thanks you for bringing snacks. He can’t help but touch the frames on your face, taking in your more casual look. “How are you so pretty?” He breathes out, and you lightly smack him for being so candid in front of all the other dancers.

[sophiesbookishthings]

August Reads

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This book reminded me a lot of Ella Enchanted for some reason. It had a very similar vibe with the love story and the adventure. Wit/Hoid was the narrator which was delightful. I always love a good immortal silly guy who's actually wise and powerful that shows up all the time. Also this book has pirates, so big selling point for me. And I thought the whole spore thing going on with Tress's planet was really cool. 12 moons is a bit excessive though lol. I really liked this book a lot, it was fun. Definitely a book I'll be rereading at some point I think.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Book of Bill by Bill Cipher Alex Hirsch

Oh Gravity Falls my beloved. This show is still like top 10 for me tbh. It just fits my brand of weird so well. And idk if I was always like this or if I'm like this because of Gravity Falls lol. I can't believe we got new content in 2024. Also, Ford and Bill are totally exes. Mabel's right.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Circe by Madeline Miller

I will always love a good greek mythology retelling. I was (and will always be) a Percy Jackson kid at heart. I will admit, though, I didn't know a ton about Circe going into this, as I often confused her and Calypso. But as per any mythology based book I read, there were a lot of ventures to wikipedia to learn a bit more about who's who and what else they were involved in. Oddly enough, though, I hated The Odyssey when i had to read it in high school. If there's 1000 Odysseus haters, I'm one of them, etc., etc. or whatever. But Penelope (my beloved) was done right in this book. I also liked that Circe is a morally grey protagonist in the story. She does a lot of stuff that is not really very good, but I support women's wrongs so I thought she was super interesting. And altogether i just really liked this book. There's something about the way Madeline Miller writes that hits just right for me.

4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

I love the Wayward Children series so much. I was a lot like Lundy as a kid. Very about rules and books and pretty alone. I really found the goblin market super intriguing and I think it's one of the worlds from the series I would do best in. It's all about fair deals so it can be harsh at times but it was always fair. I knew the end of the book was coming since Lundy was a character in previous books but it did still hit hard.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire

More Wayward Children! The main character of this book was intersex, which I didn't actually know going into it, but it was neat cause I don't think I've ever read a book with an intersex character before. I really liked the setting of this book. The Hooflands seem to be one of the least harrowing worlds in the series. I loved the centaurs that took care of Regan. They were fun.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

This one was really good. I've had this book for a while now and I just haven't got around to reading it until now and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. I really liked both the main character and the love interest, which is kinda rare for me. The whole concept of a girl that's quite literally followed by death was really cool and very well done. I'm excited to read the rest of the series, which I believe is recently completed.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm trying so hard not to finish all the Sanderson books (but mostly the stormlight archive) before Wind and Truth comes out in December. So I'm reading standalones and definitely not Rythm of War. Tell me why this book took me so long to finish though. I've read stormlight archive books in less time than this took me. It wasn't even that I disliked this book in any way I just don't think it grabbed me as much and I struggled to make myself sit down and read it. This book was super heavy on the politics and religious aspects of the plot and I think that may have been what caused it to drag for me since I tend to be a bit more interested in the magic aspect of fantasy books. But luckily that did pick up a bit more toward the end. But anyway! I loved Sarene in particular. I thought she was so cool. She was manipulating the hell out of people the whole book and I loved it. The end did make me interested see what Sanderson will do in the sequel.

3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

[suckitsurveys]

Do you live with your biological mother? Well, she’s dead, so no.

Have you ever tried peanut butter and bananas together? I have. They’re okay.

What kind of music do you tend to like? I like a wide variety of stuff.

Do you enjoy listening to Eminem? Sometimes.

What color are the sheets on your bed? Blue.

Are you a member on Bzoink? Nope.

Do you believe in sex before marriage? Yeah.

When was the last time you went on a shopping trip with just your mom? Over 11 years ago, when she was still alive.

Do you agree that Wal-Mart is the best? Nope.

Do you know anyone who married their high school sweetheart? Yes.

Orange or apple juice? Apple.

Have you ever seen anyone die? Yes.

Is there anything really interesting in your family history? Probably.

What things are you interested in that you study or read about on your own? I don’t know, lots of stuff.

Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring? Maybe.

Would you rather be a world political leader or a rock star? Neither.

Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote? Yeah.

Have you ever sent someone a surprise through the mail? Yes.

Of all animated movies, which is the best one you’ve ever seen? I love the Toy Story franchise.

What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving? Anything really upbeat.

What is the happiest way you can start your day? Not going to work.

What changes are you afraid of? All of them.

Have you ever wanted to be an actor/tress? Yeah.

What is your biggest goal for this year? Make it through.

Where do you want to be in 5 years? I want to have traveled more.

If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat? Fly.

Where is the most fun place you have EVER been? The Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. I’m going there this weekend with my two best friends!

If you had to choose would you live on the equator or at the North Pole? Equator.

Get anything good in the mail recently? Ellen sent me a present last week.

If you could pick one food that you could eat all you wanted but it would have no effect on how much you weigh, what food would it be? Sweets.

When you see a stranger on the street does your first reaction lean towards thinking of this person as a potential friend or as a potential threat? Man = threat. Woman = not so much but also not a friend, unless there is something on her that i recognize and have an interest in--like she’s wearing a shirt with a band or show I like or something

What do you really want to buy? A new phone.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Lol.

Who was the last person you cut out of your life intentionally? An old friend.

Do you like watching scary movies? Eh.

Do you know how to fish? Yeah.

Have you ever been given a rose? Yes.

Do you eat live fish? Live? I don’t think I have.

Would you get engaged right now? I’m married bro.

[purplesurveys]

1908

Do you live with your biological mother?  I do.

Have you ever tried peanut butter and bananas together?  No, I don’t like fruits and really love peanut butter so this has always sounded terrible to me.

What kind of music do you tend to like?  I’m all ears with K-Pop these days, but occasionally I’ll go back to English songs haha. I like songs with a darker indie/folk vibe, think the likes of Coldplay’s High Speed.

Do you enjoy listening to Eminem?  Not really. I don’t dislike him, it’s just that I don’t listen to a lot of rap in general.

What color are the sheets on your bed?  Beige.

Are you a member on Bzoink?  Eh, I was more a lurker than anything. I probably made an account when I was like 11, but never used it again and after that I just used it un-logged in and to look for surveys.

Do you believe in sex before marriage?  I don’t believe in it per se, it’s just that I wouldn’t bat an eye towards it.

When was the last time you went on a shopping trip with just your mom? March, but it was barely a shopping trip. We just went to a store to get a grand total of one gown for a birthday party we were invited to lol.

Do you agree that Wal-Mart is the best?  I would have no clue; I've never been.

Do you know anyone who married their high school sweetheart?  None yet but there are like two couples from my high school that's left standing, and I'm pretty sure both will lead to marriages at some point haha.

Orange or apple juice?  Orange.

Have you ever seen anyone die?  No, but it's one of the things I'm scared of having to experience. I know it's inevitable, so I'm dreading the first time. 

Is there anything really interesting in your family history?  Without doxxing myself, we had connections to the Spanish elite during our colonization years and I come from a family who governed and still currently governs one of our provinces.

What things are you interested in that you study or read about on your own?  History.

Have you ever given or received a lap dance?  Nope.

Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring?  No thanks.

Would you rather be a world political leader or a rock star?  Uh rock star, I guess. Anything to keep away from politics lol.

Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote?  Sure. I used to give my ex one every Christmas as it doubled as a thank you letter for the year that passed.

Have you ever sent someone a surprise through the mail?  No.

Of all animated movies, which is the best one you’ve ever seen?  Toy Story :)

What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving?  I'd be heavily biased because my answer would be BTS haha.

What is the happiest way you can start your day?  As long as it's a morning where I don't need to report to work, my morning is really happy enough.

What changes are you afraid of?  More people I know dying the older I get.

Have you ever wanted to be an actor/tress?  Never crossed my mind.

What is your biggest goal for this year?  Just saving as much money as I can. And getting insurance as I'm finally putting in the work to understand it lol. I was so financially irresponsible my first 3 years working that I'm just hyper focused on making up for it now.

Where do you want to be in 5 years? I hope I've travelled more by then. It would be awesome to imagine doing a different job by then, but that remains to be seen. I've been saying that the last 1-2 years now but I'm still here, so idk.

If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?  Fly.

Where is the most fun place you have EVER been?  Chatuchak market in Thailand has to be up there. I've never had a bigger blast shopping haha. Hoi An in Vietnam too! The Cafe Apartment in Saigon was also so much fun to explore.

If you had to choose would you live on the equator or at the North Pole?  I already live near the equator so uh that I guess.

Get anything good in the mail recently?  I got RPWP last weekend!

If you could pick one food that you could eat all you wanted but it would have no effect on how much you weigh, what food would it be?  Pork belly.

When you see a stranger on the street does your first reaction lean towards thinking of this person as a potential friend or as a potential threat?  Threat.

What do you really want to buy?  I'd love to upgrade my phone for the bigger storage.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?  I wanted to be a writer, and I'm doing a lot of that now.

Who was the last person you cut out of your life intentionally?  My exxxxx.

Do you like watching scary movies?  They're okay.

Do you know how to fish?  Nope.

Have you ever been given a rose?  Yes.

Do you eat live fish?  Never tried it.

Would you get engaged right now?  No thanks.

[obxlife]

Worth It (John B x Reader)

A/N: Another John B request! I wanted to make this as long as my other fics (which means at least 3000 words) which is why I took so long to make this. HOWEVER, I liked how it turned out so I’m pretty happy. 

Pairing: John B x Reader

Word count: 3,409

Request: More John B??? I love your writing!! Where he gets jealous?? ily!❤️

Summary: John B and the reader have liked each other for a while now. It’s been one hell of a ride with unrequited (and requited feeling), but it ends one night with a broken nose and a jealous John B. 

Warnings: Nothing I think. Just some jealousy, alcohol, weed, swearing, and a lot of feelings lol

WORTH IT

The wind that swept through your hair was distracting. Not only to you but to John B as well. He didn’t seem able to concentrate on driving the HMS Pogue when you were sitting on the bow, rolling a blunt with JJ, and wind messing around with your tresses. He actually wasn’t able to concentrate on anything much when you were around him. 

He had met you in school. You were new to school because your father had lost a lot of money, which had caused you to leave the Kook Academy and transfer over to the public high school. Much to most of your classmate’s surprise, you weren’t as stuck up as they had expected. You were laid back and easy going, never bothered by things that occurred around you. Everyone quickly realized that you were as normal as everybody else. You loved surfing, you hated expensive outings and parties that were more about social power than socializing, and you hated Kooks. 

After all, you had been bullied by a large group of them for years. And they had also been the reason for your father’s downfall.

The Pogues had met you because you had been JJ’s lab partner during the first month of school. When he hadn’t shown up for the third time in a row, you had asked around about him and figured out just enough information to find him. That September morning you had busted inside of the Chateau and found John B and JJ smoking and drinking together. At first, you had been angry at JJ for not showing up for school as you had to do the past three graded worksheets by yourself, but soon enough you had relaxed along with them, drinking beer and smoking weed. 

From then on, you had forced them to go to school and then would return to the Chateau to smoke and hang out with them, plus Pope. Kie wasn’t around yet because she would normally only join the Pogues for the weekend. 

And so you became friends. You were motherly towards them but just as reckless as well. It was a strange combination that the Pogues didn’t understand but loved all the same. 

You liked how different and tight they were compared to everybody in the Kook world. Back then, when your family still had money, you had tried to make some friends but they had turned their backs on you once your family became poor. You didn’t mind that much. 

“Their loss,” you would tell yourself. And it really was their loss. They were now extremely jealous of how you spent your days with three of the most attractive boys on the island. 

Months and months went by with you as a part of the Pogues. With time, they began to trust you more and more. Pope told you about his scholarship opportunities and JJ told you about his father. Kie told you about Sarah Cameron and John B told you about his father. You, in turn, told them about how your family had lost their money. 

“We were swindled. The Thorntons stole a lot of money from us and had made a fake deal for my dad to sign. We lost most of what we had.”

The Pogues were silent, not really knowing how to comfort you. Feeling the tense air surrounding you, you smiled at them and said, “Something good came out of it.”

JJ quirked his eyebrow, smiling at you. “Really? What?”

“I’m never saying this again because it’s super cheesy,” you began, “But you guys. You’re the good in it.”

The Pogues had jumped onto you and piled on top of your body. Giggling and laughing, screaming, and shouting out of joy. 

And from then on you were officially a Pogue. Also from then on, John B hadn’t stopped thinking of you. 

Only then had he realized how much he had liked spending time with you. How much he liked being around you because you were such a positive influence on everything. How much he loved that you made every single one of the Pogues smile when you would burst inside of the Chateau with some brownies and beer. How much he hated when JJ would place an arm around your shoulder or waist. How much he hated when you and Pope would talk for hours on end about your science stuff that he just couldn’t bring himself to understand. How much he hated when you would speak about your random hookups with Tourons at the many keggers you had organized together. How much he loved when you would smile at him when he would make you feel better as if he and you were the only people around. How much he loved when you would play with his hair whenever you lay down on the hammock together or just took a seat around the bonfire next to each other. How much he loved when you were present, joking around with him about what stupid thing one of you had done. 

It hadn’t taken him much to come to accept his feelings for you. However, it took him a lot longer to ever confess to the other male Pogues about what he felt for you. 

“Man, what is up with you recently?” JJ had asked when you and Kie had left to help her father at his restaurant. John B had been in a pissy mood all day. He couldn’t shake the thought of you being flirty with JJ out on the marsh earlier or the fact that you had shared your beer with Pope and not him. Both of his friends had caught on to his anger but didn’t bring it up until they were alone. 

“Yeah, dude, why are you so mad?” Pope said while opening the fridge. He pulled out a water bottle for himself and a beer for the other two. JJ took it, but John B didn’t which caused the dark-skinned boy to drop it onto the counter. 

“Nothing,” John B had muttered not looking into their eyes. The other two had shared a look before charging towards John B and pushing him onto the pullout couch of the Chateau. 

“What the hell? Guys, stop!” He began to thrash around in an attempt to break free, but JJ and Pope held him down more forcefully. 

“C’mon, dude. Just tell us and we’ll let go!” the blond screamed. 

The fighting and struggling continued for a while longer until John B began to grow tired. Laying still, the other two boys moved back and stared at their friend. Then, he spoke:

“I like Y/N.”

JJ raised his eyebrows as Pope furrowed his. ��Um, excuse me, what? Like as in more than a friend?”

John B simply nodded and raised his hands to his face. He didn’t feel like explaining himself to his other two friends. He didn’t want to admit that he was jealous of them because he knew that his jealousy was irrational. He had the same relationship they had with you.

“No way,” Pope shook his head. “What about no Pogue on Pogue macking?”

“Why do you think I haven’t done anything?”

Realizing how deep John B’s feelings ran, both boys had decided to pull back a bit from you. JJ would avoid flirting as much as possible, and Pope would maintain a bigger distance when speaking to you. John B was grateful for the support his friends were giving him. You, on the other hand, hated how you seemed to have suddenly grown distant from the boys. 

During one Kie’s shifts at the Wreck that you had gone to visit her, you confessed what you felt. 

“It’s as if, one day from another, they learned something about me that pushed them away!”

Kie stared at you, confused. “What do you mean? JJ seems just as close as he was to you a couple of weeks back.”

You groaned. “He is but at the same time he isn’t. Like, we still tease each other and speak about the things we used to, but now he won’t put his arm around me or anything. And Pope seems to stand twelve feet away from me at all times!”

Kie frowned at you. Now that she heard your complaints she realized that they were true. The following day she had done some snooping while you weren’t around and learned about John B’s crush on you. She had to almost torture Pope to get it out of him. 

“Damn it, Pope!” JJ had exclaimed when the dark-skinned boy had confessed what John B had told them just a few weeks prior. 

Kie never told you what she had learned that day and had only ushered you to ignore the boys and their weird behavior. 

It had been months since then and John B had not gotten over you one bit. In fact, he was pretty sure he was almost in love with you. Evidence? How distracted he was by the wind tossing your hair around. 

JJ had stood up from where he had been seated next to you, giving you the joint and walking up to John B. “Stop staring. You’re making it obvious.”

The whispers of his blond friend went one ear and out the other. JJ had to repeat himself for John B to actually process his words. 

“Oh, fuck off.”

*************************************

Organizing a kegger between the Pogues was something you liked. JJ, Pope, and John B would normally be in charge of getting the beer and some food for you guys while you and Kie would get the cups, ice, and any other items that may be needed. Oh, and Kie would force you to set up recycling bins with her across the beach, of course. 

So that was exactly what you were doing with her at the moment. She had noticed you had been a tad bit off all day and was meaning to ask you about it, but you had begun to work far away from her. She didn’t want to force it out of you, but she could only take so much tension. 

“Okay, what is going on with you?” she asked suddenly turning around towards you. 

Fuck, you thought. You had been acting differently for more than just that day. It had actually begun a few months ago when you had caught yourself staring at the long-haired boy of your friend group. John B had suddenly become extremely attractive to you, which was weird because you had never seen him in that light before. You had thought it had just been a passing thought, but you soon caught yourself thinking about him and imagining how his hand would feel in your own or how his lips would feel pressed against yours. 

You couldn’t understand where this feeling had appeared from, but it had. And you couldn’t do anything about it. You had tried to hook up with Tourons - even tried to hook up with JJ - but nothing worked. And no, JJ had not acted upon what you had wanted and yes, you had pretended as if you were too drunk to remember it the following day. 

John B had taken over your thoughts and you didn’t really like it. But this had been going on for too long, and maybe telling Kie would make you forget him. 

You had sighed and turned towards her, the wind pushing both your and her hair in the direction it was going. You had to confess to her, and this was the best moment possible. 

“I think I like John B.”

Kie had stared at you with disbelief at first, but soon she broke out in a smile. “Since when?”

You groaned, knowing that she would be asking questions. “Three months now.”

She looked as if she would combust with happiness. However, she just shut her mouth and said “Cool,” before turning around and continuing to set up the trash bins. 

You stared at her in bewilderment. No questions? Weird. You ignored your thoughts and continued to place the trash bins around the Boneyard. 

Soon enough you heard the boys approaching the logs where you and Kie were perched. You looked at John B, noticing his open Hawaiian shirt and his beige shorts. He looked really good, which put a smile on your face. You shook your head. 

“No Pogue on Pogue macking,” you told yourself under your breath. 

Smiling at them, they placed the keg down while Kie fished out five cups for all of you to drink. Filling them up and passing them around, JJ spent no time downing its contents and serving himself another. 

You were already dressed for the party, and John B took notice of how nice the clothes fit you. Your shorts were tight around your waist and they made him imagine how it would feel to loop his fingers through the belt loops and pull you close. 

You didn’t even notice his stare on you, too distracted by Pope telling you and Kie how the boys had almost been spotted by the police with the keg. After a while, you tuned to look at John B (who had stopped staring at you by now) to analyze his face. 

That’s it, you thought. I can’t be obsessed with him anymore. Tonight I’m hooking up with someone for sure.

***************************************

JJ was screaming again. He often did that at parties. 

You weren’t looking at him though, because you were concentrated on the boy beside you. You didn’t really remember his name but you knew he was an amazing kisser, judging by the activity you were both engaged in. His hands had been resting in your waist, but you felt them slowly slide down to your butt, pulling you closer to him.

John B wasn’t looking at JJ either, no. He was looking straight at you. Actually, he was staring straight at the boy’s hands and their placement on your body. Rage was coursing through him. All he had wanted to do since he had put his hand on your thigh was rip him away from you and throw him down a cliff or a long flight of stairs. 

However, he remained still, sipping on his drink and observing your every move. He hated this. He hated what he was feeling. 

Suddenly, and out of nowhere, the boy had raised his hand to your breast which made you pull away from him a little. You weren’t really comfortable with the fondling the boy was doing, but you forced yourself to continue kissing him.

John B’s knuckles were wrapped around his now crumpled plastic cup. They had turned white. He had noticed the discomfort on your face and was sure you were going to pull away from the boy, but instead you had continued kissing him. 

You tried to enjoy what the boy was doing, which you were sure you would have enjoyed had you not been practically in love with your best friend. You just couldn’t enjoy what he was doing. When the boy tried to slip his hand down your pants you drew the line. If he was going to try that then at least he could do it somewhere private and not in the middle of the party. The boy removed his hand and wrapped it around your waist. 

“Do you want to go somewhere else?”

You tried to say yes, you really did, but deep down you knew you didn’t want him. At all. 

“Um, actually, I wanted to stay here.”

The brow frowned, anger seeping into his eyes. “So what? You throw yourself onto me and then you don’t want to pull through?”

You shook your head, pressing your hands against his chest. “It’s not that -”

The boy pushed you so hard you fell onto the ground. “You bitch. You enjoyed that didn’t you?”

Before you could try to stand up and reply, John B had thrown a punch at the boy, hitting right on his nose. A sickening crack broke through the midnight air as the boy fell onto the ground. Hands grabbed onto your arms, pulling you up. JJ and Pope stood before you, covering you from John B and the guy you had been kissing. 

The boy turned around and got John B off of him and then raised his hands in surrender. 

“Don’t talk to her like that!” John screamed out, pointing at him. Then he turned around towards you, his eyes trained on your body as if looking for an injury. Then they rose to your face. His features softened as he pulled onto your hand and began to drag you away from the party. You didn’t dare say a word. 

“If you want that bitch, fine! But don’t be surprised when she doesn’t fuck you like the tease she is!”

Before John B could run back to him, the boy had been toppled back onto the ground by JJ and Pope. Watching the scene before you, you continued to tug onto John B’s hand so that he wouldn’t involve himself in the fight. You knew JJ and Pope could deal with the boy you had been kissing. 

When you had walked far enough away from the Boneyard, John B let go of your hand and stomped all the way to the Chateau. You had to run after him, as your legs were shorter than his, and almost crashed into the front door when you arrived. 

“John!” you called out for him. He was seething, pacing around before the pullout couch with his hands tugging on his hair. 

“Why would you do that?” he suddenly jumped at you. “Why would you put yourself in that situation?”

You felt tears prickle your eyes. He had never screamed at you before. He had always been soft and gentle with you. 

“Why would you let him touch you like that if you weren’t comfortable? I just don’t fucking get it!”

“Because I wanted to forget,” you tried to explain. 

“Forget what, exactly?” He was panting as he stopped moving and was turned towards you. 

“I - I was trying to forget you.”

His mouth opened wide, as well as his eyes. The shock the words you said left upon him made you worried. “And I tried to get over you so many times but I just couldn’t because you were -”

John was kissing you. He had run up to you and kissed you on the mouth. He had pulled you up from the ground and wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed his lips to yours, molding perfectly together. Your hands found his bare chest, slipping a little bit under his open Hawaiian shirt. 

Your tongues clashed together as one of your hands moved to his hair, brushing through his perfect locks. His hands moved down in a similar way that the boy from the party had moved his hands. They came to rest on your butt, but this time it didn’t make you uncomfortable at all. Instead, John B’s hands made you feel aroused in a way no one had made you feel. 

Breaking apart for some air, John B lunged at your neck as you let a moan out. However, before even being able to give you a hickey, the door of the Chateau burst open, revealing Pope, Kie, and JJ. They widened their eyes at the scene before them, shocked to find John B and you with surprised expressions and puffy lips. They closed the door again. 

The moment already broken, John B placed you back down on the floor, but he didn’t let you go. You were smiling up at him, eyes twinkling in the way he loved. 

“How long?” he asked. Somehow you knew he was asking how long you had liked him.

“Three months,” you replied, blush to rise to your cheeks because you were ashamed of how long your crush had lasted. 

John laughed and then said, “Don’t worry. I’ve liked you for like a year.”

You opened your mouth in shock. “Was that why JJ and Pope got all weird with me?”

John B nodded before laughing again and bringing you close to him. 

“I’m sorry if I put you through shit,” he told you sincerely. 

“I’m sorry. You must have had worse than tonight if you’ve liked me for that long.”

John B simply laughed and nodded. “Worth it though,” he mumbled as he pulled you close once again.

[kyarymell]

Glaciers

Pairing: Vergil x GenderNeutral!Reader Rating: Explicit towards the end (lol) Note: Hope you all enjoy! Some DT Vergil in here too. There is pining. 2389 words. 

There’s a new person at Devil May Cry. You’ve seen him on occasion whenever you drop by to pick up jobs or pay social visits. Always in the corner of your eye but never saying as much as a word to you- naturally, you’re curious.

“So who’s the guy with the spiky hair? Black jacket, katana?”

Trish pauses from her magazine to raise an eyebrow at you.

“Dante’s brother, Vergil. I don’t recommend him though.”

Blinking, you wondered what she meant by ‘recommend’.

“I don’t have any ulterior motives, just wanted to know.”

She nodded, swiping her tongue against her finger before turning a page. Trish intimidated you, but there wasn’t anyone else present to ask. Lady and Dante were on a job and Nico was tagging along with Nero someplace else.

You were only here today to note down expenses made by Devil May Cry and figure out the budget. Nobody would be paid accordingly otherwise. Business was lively after the Qliphoth incident but there still needed to be some semblance of order.

Heavy footsteps were heard descending the stairs and without looking up, Trish nodded her head.

“Speak of the devil.”

Her words are ironic and you feel a little awkward that they pretty much confirm you were talking about him. If he noticed, he didn’t acknowledge it- simply walking over to the kitchen and making toast. It seemed like he just washed his hair, looking almost like Dante in the morning light with the white tresses lying flat.

Shaking your head, you busied yourself with some papers from last week’s job on the outskirts of Red Grave. There were an excess of demons and someone just had to use more bullets than usual. Biting your lip, you couldn’t help but take a peek towards Vergil once more.

If he was Dante’s brother, then by default that meant he was half demon, right? Dante, who seemed to have pizza when possible and never eat anything else… it was strange seeing Vergil have something so simple.

Back to the budget reports, you calculated in your head the amount needed to compensate for the lack of bullets. There’s some noise from the kitchen as Vergil’s cleaning up after himself, then he disappears up the stairs once more. Shrugging, you figured you wouldn’t see him again, your curiosity ended.

This was proven to be wrong, as you heard footsteps again moments later.

“You’re not thinking of using the Yamato to teleport to the library, are you? It would be better for all of us if the humans knew as little of our existence as possible.”

Trish speaks deadpanned, as if such an occurrence had happened before.

“What happened to not being my mother?”

His jacket is slung around his shoulders and his hair is now slicked back. It’s the appearance you’re used to seeing around and not Dante’s ghost.

“I just don’t want Dante bitching to me about it later. He always finds out what you’ve been up to.”

There’s a quiet clicking noise. It sounds almost like a sword being sheathed, but you’re not too sure.

“As if I would use the Yamato for something as frivolous as that.”

Trish smirks as if she has struck gold.

“Why don’t you take this one with you? If you keep company during the day, maybe Dante’s spies will back off.”

Vergil looks at you properly for the first time. You’re trying not to squirm under his stern gaze. Accompanying him would be a good opportunity to learn more about the mystery that is Dante’s brother. However, his facial expression makes you assume your mere presence is an inconvenience. You open your mouth to protest, something about having work to do-

“Fine. If they agree to it.”

To your mortification, Vergil brings his weapon to the library and all of the staff seem too intimidated to say anything. He stalks off to his preferred section like he’s visited many times before. Grabbing a few books, he settles into a seat that’s far from prying eyes. What’s more surprising is with an incline of his head, he motions for you to sit near him.

Thus began regular library trips with a son of Sparda.

 ---

You’re thinking about him a lot these days. You hope just maybe he’s thinking about you too. At all. Maybe as a friend. Hopefully.

Vergil starts conversations with you on his own now and over time you’ve learned a little about his likes (poetry, silver accessories and quiet mornings) and his dislikes (a lot of things but mainly Dante, if you were to summarise). Sometimes, if you were to squint, you swore you saw an older Nero in those tired eyes of his.

...You wonder what that meant.

---

He’s quite the skilled swordsman, taking up a few jobs of his own. There are also times where you run into him in action, always taking down demons with a grace his brother lacks. Dante, of course, is overjoyed that his brother is in the ‘workforce’ but you figure it’s because Vergil is another source of income.

Vergil brushes it off as having ‘something to do’ but never fails to acknowledge you out in the field. It’s nice to see a familiar face amongst the sea of demons but sometimes you’d prefer it if he didn’t steal so many of your kills.

The things you know about Vergil are superficial, for the most part. As time goes by, you become quite taken with the man who has his personal life shrouded by mystery. You’re aware that it’s not the proper basis for a relationship, him being somewhat closed off by roots of trauma, gnarled and twisted around his heart.

As much as your heart yearns it so, you do not pry. You are only aware of the shadow looming over him when he struggles to talk about certain topics, or the faraway look in his eyes. The few times he opens himself up to you (through circumstances out of his control, he was unaware that Nero was his son until recently), the memories are stored away like something precious.

Dante has been teasing Vergil in your presence, saying he’s ‘softened up’ a little. You wonder what sort of person would have that effect on him and feel a little envious- even if you have no right to be. After that, you strangely see him less and less.

---

It’s a regular day, weather fine and you’re minding your own business. Things are quieter without trips to the library and coincidental run-ins with a certain son of Sparda. There hasn’t been much activity lately, so you’re unprepared when your phone harshly rings.

“I’m an associate of Devil May Cry, how may I help yo-“

“Hey. Need you at the shop. We got a problem. No weapons needed, though.”

It’s Dante, sounding serious for once in his life. The way he abruptly hangs up makes you nervous. Grabbing your jacket and keys, you make a beeline to the familiar establishment with its garish neon sign.

When you arrive, you spot Nero sitting on the couch, tapping his foot nervously against the floor. He’s never usually here, his base of operations being Fortuna where his love, Kyrie lives. Dante greets you, ushering you up the stairs immediately.

“Don’t mind him. He’d never admit it but he’s worried for his old man.”

“Is his condition really that bad?”

“Guess I’ll let you see for yourself.”

“Wha-“

“Heyyyy Vergil. Comin’ in!”

“I told you to leave me alone!”

His voice sounds distorted, otherworldly. You should be frightened, but something is drawing you in. As soon as Dante opens the door, he quickly shields you.

A shimmering blue sword of hard light is embedded immediately into his shoulder. Barely flinching, the Legendary Devil Hunter sighs. You’re slightly off-put by how easily Dante shrugs it off, despite the blood forming on his shirt.

“Ouch, brother. Way to greet someone.”

Vergil hisses, the sword dissolving.

“Dante-“

“Brought you something!”

You’re suddenly nudged forward, stumbling slightly. Dante is already gone, closing the door behind him.

“You... you shouldn’t be here.”

It’s Vergil that much is certain. He’s hunched over in the bathtub, which looks all too small for his form. You approach carefully- not wanting to be pinned by one of those spectral swords of his.

He stares at you, eyes half-lidded and hair sticking to his face. He’s definitely seen better days than this. Trying not to gasp, your eyes travel unabashedly at his naked form. Up close, you’re able to see the state he’s in.

Raised spikes run the down the column of his spine, iridescent scales littering his arms. No longer present are the calloused fingers that flick through book pages reverently- only blackened claws. There’s a tendril wrapped around Vergil’s leg and from what you’ve seen of demons in your life, it had to be a tail.

The bathtub is almost filled entirely with ice, Vergil’s pale skin red and raw from the contact. There’s a thin sheen of sweat covering his arms and legs. Was he trying to cool himself down? The weather had been mild this season, not warranting such drastic measures.

Not to mention the demonic attributes...

“Vergil. What’s going on? You’ve been avoiding me.”

The man shifts in the bath, wrapping his arms around himself. There’s a rattling noise as the ice is disturbed under his weight.

“Have you suddenly lost your hearing? I said you shouldn’t be here. Leave.”

You stayed put, leaning on the edge of the tub. So he wasn’t going to address the elephant in the room. Up close, you’re able to see hollowed out horns atop his head, grooves and indents reflecting blue light.

“I’m not leaving. I’m here.”

Vergil turns away from you slightly and mumbles.

“Of course. I wouldn’t expect anything less. It’s why I’m so fond of you...”

You heart skips a beat. Did you hear him correctly?

“Vergil...?”

He sighs, biting his lip hard enough for it to bleed. You can tell he wants to say something but is extremely troubled by doing so. Knowing you had to be patient, you reached over and swiped his lip clean with your thumb. It doesn’t surprise you that the wound is already healing and you sit in silence as he leans into your touch.

“I didn’t think it were possible.”

You withdraw your hand to let him speak, studying the hardened mandibles along his jaw.

“That I could find,” he licks his lips, uncharacteristically vulnerable, “someone that appeals to me greatly. After everything that has happened.”

It’s such a roundabout way of confessing his feelings for you and you almost want to say something. Except, this is more words than you expected out of him, so you keep your mouth shut. A wry smile graces his lips at your widened eyes.

“…Appeals to me so much, my demonic side just reveals itself at the most inopportune moment and refuses to leave.”

Tentatively, you hold one of his clawed hands in yours. Vergil lets you, showing his trust. It makes his words hold all the more weight.

“Could it be… you’re lovesick? That sitting in a tub full of ice would make this all go away?”

His hand trembles in yours as he makes an utterly soured expression.

“How arrogant of you to presume that your mere presence has that much of an effect on me… believe what you want to believe.”

Shrugging, you made a show of leaving. If he was going to continue being dishonest to you, it was probably better if you left. You were aware of the walls he had built in order to protect himself but there was only so much you could take. The man did tell you to go away after all.

“Right. Sorry for bothering you. Dante said you were in trouble, so I came but clearly-!”

Gasping, you’re pulled back against the bath by a tail wrapping around your waist. It holds you tight, almost reminding you of a boa constrictor. There’s a sense of awe, the fact that he could lift you so easily. Turning your head, you looked at Vergil who looked equally dumbfounded.

It seemed like his body was way more honest than his mouth was.

“I…”

Vergil’s tail loosens its grip on you and he pinches the bridge of his nose in embarrassment.

“So you do want me here. If I’m the cause of this half-transformation, there must be a way I can help. Let me help.”

“You don’t know what you’re offering.”

“Of course I do. I can make my own decisions.”

“Could you possibly feel the same way I do?”

You press a kiss to his temple, about to voice and unravel all the tension that had built up over the weeks. Apparently, that was all the encouragement his lovesick-addled brain needed- for he hoisted you straight into the bath before you had a chance to speak. Pressed up against his chest fully-clothed wasn’t enough to stave off the chill of the ice bath.

Squirming, you tried to move from his embrace.

“Ack- Vergil- It’s cold! Cold!”

Vergil’s clawed hands cup your face.

“Stay still, let me taste you…”

 ---

You find yourself at the mercy of Vergil’s demonic stamina as he fucks you into the mattress with reckless abandon. At your insistence, the pair of you ended up in his room after he had you against the wall of the shower. There would be hell to pay later for the ice all over the floor of the bathroom, but for now you let yourself be lost in the sensations.

There’s minimal scratching on your hips from when he was a little too hasty with you. Whispered apologies and sweet kisses later, the pain is momentarily forgotten. It was awkward getting intimate at the start, Vergil’s scales and horns getting in the way.

He’s looking more human now- as it turns out, reciprocated feelings was all that was required. Reduced to an unkempt mess, you try not to cry out as he hits a sensitive spot within you. A hand pushes your knee against your chest, allowing him to go deeper.

“Vergil…!”

He knows exactly what you need, leaning forward to capture your lips in a heated kiss.

“I’m… I’m here.”

Smiling, you run your fingers through his hair.

“I know. Me too.”

[talpup]

Light In the Darkness:

So I got what I consider good news from my Doctor today.  He wants to make a case study of me.  Yes, I might being a boring introvert that might one day be a bionic woman with all my joints replaced; but at least doctors find me interesting.  LOL.  The study might not mean much for me directly; but it might help other doctors better understand and treat patients with both hEDS and RA, and other illnesses caused by what I call the two big bads. Considering I’ve seen doctors who literally had to look up what hEDS is, this is something I see as a BIG win.  So here I am wanting to celebrate with you all but updating my three main fics.  Apologies to Erase the Shadow readers, I don’t have a lot for you; I promise I’m not drawing out the AizawaxReaderxMic smut scene to tease.  Anyway, here you all go.  I hope these updates can share a portion of my happiness with you.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers.

***If you prefer reading off AO3 here’s the link for that: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887595/chapters/55633552

Thank you to those who have left hearts.  And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently left comments or re-blogged. They really mean a lot.

Taglist: @captncappuccino

23.1

Teris awoke the morning before her birthday to the maids pulling open the drapes and letting in the cursed sunlight.  Squinting, she looked around for Mistress Kleen then remember that the woman had left yesterday afternoon ill.

Just to be certain that the hateful woman hadn’t recovered and returned, Teris questioned trying to keep her hope in check.  “Where’s Mistress?”

“Ill.” A maid said.

“Convalescing in her own home, bed bound.  Another told.

“Yes!” Teris cheered jumping out of bed with an energy she hadn’t felt a second ago.  At the maids startled expressions she sobered, dropping her raised arms.  “I mean, I’m sorry and wish her a full recovery after my departure.”

The maid that had seen to her hair the previous morning fought a smile.

Teris clapped her hands once.  “Thank you ladies, but you are no longer needed.  Accept you.”  She pointed at the tress maid.  “I’d like you to stay if you’re willing.”

With a quick look back at her fellows she turned to Teris pointing to herself.  “Me, my Lady?”

“That’s right.  Unless you don’t wish to stay and help me appear presentable.”

“I’d be honored, my Lady.”

“Teris.” Teris said.

“My Lady Teris.”

“We’ll work on it.  What’s your name?”  Teris asked.

“Celine, my Lady Teris.”

“Everyone out.  Celine and I have work to do.”  She looked at the maid and told in all seriousness.  “I need you to be bold and forceful with me, Celine.  I must show that I am giving my maximum effort these next two days.  It won’t be even half as good as Mistress Kleen could accomplish in me.  But hopefully it will be enough to prove to my brother that I can be relied upon to make the attempt so he won’t ever call upon that horrid woman again.”  She made her way to the vanity and sat.  “Here’s hoping I’m never forced to wear a corset again.”

23.2

Joining the Silva’s and her brothers at the breakfast table in the morning room the four men rose from their seats.

“You’re late.”  Fyntch told.

“I’m glad to see you encouraged our guest to begin without me brother.” Teris smiled lightly as she sat in the chair Julius pulled out for her.  She turned to the Silva’s.  “Lord Nathyn, I hope you and your family can forgive my tardiness.  In all honestly, I couldn’t decide what to wear.”

Nozel smiled at her cheery mood and hoped that their time in the wee hours of the morning had played a part in her joy.  While they hadn’t found anything of use, they had looked through quite a bit.  Three of the five remaining shelves.  They probably could have done a fourth shelf if they hadn’t taken the time to get a late night snack and tallied so in the kitchens talking.  It had pleased him greatly to find that not only did they worked well together but when alone, and without a sense of familial pressure, Teris and he got along well and were comfortable just being who they were with each other.

“Your delay is acceptable.”  Nathyn said inclining his head wondering at the change in the girl, but pleased nonetheless.  “You are most becoming in our family’s colors.  Wouldn’t you agree, Nozel? Lady Teris looks lovely this morning.”

“I have yet to find a color the Lady Teris is incapable of making look good, father.”  Nozel told mindful of Teris’ feelings, turned his eyes to his father instead of her; an act, followed by such words would have undoubtedly upset her and ruined what they had achieved last night.

“You gentlemen and your fine words.  You’ll make me blush.”  Teris teased.

Julius’ quirked curiously as he looked at his sister out of the corner of his eye.  While the conversation between Fyntch and Nathyn picked back up, Julius whispered to her.  “You’re in a fine mood.  I take it you found something.”

“Not a even a hint to a clue.”  Teris whispered back keeping her smile in place.

“Then what’s with the proper lady act?”  Julius wondered almost inquiring in jest if the zealots made another attempt at abducting her last night and replaced her with a transformation mage.

“You wound me brother.”  Teris softly said over the rim of her glass of pear cider.  “I am capable of such an act that rivals the finest ladies society has to offer.  I just hate having to preform and so rarely choose to.”

“Very well.”  Julius allowed.  “Then why now?”

“Because,” she said giving Nebra the sweetest smile, “I refuse to have my ribs bruised and knuckles bloodied ever again.”

Julius scowled not understanding her meaning and wanting to demand who hurt her, his eyes flicking over to their brother.  Even if Fyntch hadn’t been the one to harm their sister he would likely have known about it, if not ordered it.

Setting down the glass of cider Teris said.  “Nebra, I know my expulsion and words against the Ladies League won me no favors with you but given that we will one day be sisters I was hoping you would do me the favor of teaching me a dance or two this afternoon.  It doesn’t have to take overly long.  Just enough to get me by so I don’t appear a complete fool during my birthday ball tomorrow.”

Lord Silva stopped speaking with Fyntch and looked over to his daughter. “Nebra.”  He encouraged when she didn’t answer right away.

“But of course.”  Nebra blinked her voice sounding strained.  “I would love to.  Anything for my future sister.”  She turned to her brothers.  “Nozel.  Solid.  You can join us.”

Nozel’s eyes slid to his sister wondering what she was up to.  Whatever it was, he wasn’t going to let her ruin his returned closeness with Teris.  “I would be happy to partner with you, Nebra.”

“You won’t be partnering with me silly.  You are far too proficient to require my guidance.  Where as Solid needs whatever help I can give him.  No.”  Nebra said.  “You shall be partnering with your future bride.”  She smiled violet eyes turning to Teris.  “Think of it as practice for the big day.”

Teris’ smile tightened around the edges.  “Lovely.”

23.3

After breakfast Julius, Fyntch, and Lord Silva retired to the study while the other four made their way to the ballroom.

Taking a seat Nathyn said to Julius.  “I hope your father will be well enough to join us for lunch.  He has gotten so thin.”

“He has.”  Julius nodded and looked to his younger brother for answer.

“That’s right,” Nathyn said.  “Forgive me, Julius.  I sometimes forget you left your fathers care to your younger brother along with your heir ship.

“It was a difficult decision.”  Julius said stiffly.  “And though Fyntch undoubtedly faced his share of problems because of my decision, my efforts to become the next Wizard King has certainly afforded him and the family name a significant rise in power and esteem.  I wonder Lord Silva.  Have you noted any benefits due my accomplishments and your name being tied to ours with this intent to see Nozel and Teris wed?”

Choosing not to remind the younger man that he was head of House Silva, the second family of the kingdom, Nathyn smiled coolly.  “None that your sisters actions haven’t undone.”

“If Teris is such an embarrassment why maintain the intent for your heir to be yoked to her?”  Julius asked.

Fyntch glanced quickly at Nathyn.

Nathyn sat back and crossed his legs.  “If I didn’t know better I’d think you were attempting to imply something there Julius. Thankfully, for the both of us and your poor sister who’d be hard pressed to find a suitable husband if I wasn’t a man of my word, I do know better.  Since you have a history of showing little care for your family's troubles and well being when pitted against your own it may come as a surprise to you to find not everyone is like that.  I stood by your family after Lady Resa died.  Even when countless other noble and royal family's distanced themselves.  It wasn’t that I never heard the rumors about Lord Jaxon attempting to follow his wife to her death.  I simply chose not to believe them or care about the stigma even a mere rumor of such an act brought with it.  A man such as yourself would, and practically did, cut ties with your family then and there.  But as I said, I am a man of my word.  After you abandoned your family to pursue your dreams I often visited and wrote Fyntch, offering my advice and ear to his troubles.  It may sound strange given the age and general differences in life, him unwed and me a widowed father of four, but your brother and I became friends after a time.  He was there for me during my own strife after Acier died giving us Noelle.”  He soured at the thought of his youngest child.  “Still, even without the bonds that life's trails forged between our families, Jaxon and I made a pledge to unite our houses in wedding his beloved and only daughter to my heir.  In all my life, I have never failed to keep a vow I’ve made.  As aberrant and difficult as your sister may be, I’m not about to let a girl make me start--”

A tinkling, like that of a small wind chime, sounded interrupting Nathyn.  The three men looked about.

“Oh!” Julius cried feeling a warmth in the breast pocket of his jerkin. “It’s me.  Sorry.”  He pulled out a communication crystal. “Magic Knights duties.”  He told Fyntch and Nathyn standing up. “Excuse me.”  Outside the room he answered the call with a short. “Give me a moment.”  With everyone on the first floor he ran up to the second taking two stairs at a time.  Satisfied this would afford him enough privacy he entered his father’s personal receiving room and walked on back to Lord Jaxon’s study.

“Go ahead.”

“Captain,” Jon’s voice sounded from the crystal, “are you alright?  You sound out of breath.”

“Fine.” Julius assured.  “Did Jax get in touch with you?  What did he have to say?  Have Bronn, Yami, and the others returned from their mission?  What did they find?”

“According to Captain Jax’s letter, they returned the same day you left for home.”  Jon informed.

“The same day?  Why are you only now contacting me now?”

“I only today received Captain Jax’s letter,” Jon said.

Julius sighed.  He would have to speak to both his fellow Captain and his Vice Captain about communicating better with one another.  Granted this wasn’t an urgent matter, at least he hoped the news wasn’t, but still with his interest and concern for Teris and Yami’s welfare he wanted to know any and all information as soon as possible.

He paced the room ordering.  “Summarize their report for me.”  He was quickly distracted by the changes to his fathers study that only Fyntch and his style for the ostentatious would make.  So, he thought with distaste, Fyntch had already taken over their father’s seat of power, so to speak, and made it his own.  Shaking his head he focused again on Jon’s voice asking him to repeat what he last said.

When the Vice Captain was finished Julius rubbed his forehead.  “So they managed to make it appear as if the Wild Fire had been another attempt by outlaws to instigate a war between the Clover and Spade kingdoms.”

“Despite Bronn’s adamant words of disbelief in his full report, even he couldn’t skew the evidence they found that pointed to such a conclusion.”  Jon affirmed.

“And Sir Jorah is content to believe that roving bands of criminals suddenly smartened up and began working together?”

“I cannot speak to the Wizard Kings private musing but that is what he has told the other Magic Knight Captains and Head Sentries.”

“Any Captains other then Jax and possibly Pyter find such a quick and seemingly seamless transition from in fighting gangs to formidable force curious?”  Julius asked.

“Curious? Sure.  Curious enough to question the Wizard King or Commander Greywright?  Not in the slightest.”

Julius sighed pushing his ire at the situation aside.  “How’s the squad? Everything well at base?”

“We’re managing without you, Captain.”

“You sure?”

“I think we’ll survive till you return on the fourth.”  Jon said his smile evident in his voice.

“I can return if you need me to.”  Julius offered.

“And leave your sister alone at the mercy of your brother and the Silva’s?”

Julius sighed again, knowing his Vice Captain was right.

“I know it’s not much of a vacation, Sir, but enjoy your time away. You take so little of it.”

23.4

Yami faced Jax in the Captains office and waited for the older man to speak.  As he stood before the Captains desk he wondered if he should take Pilfer out for a run again tonight.  While the ride and hunt only partially succeed in clearing his mind of Teris it had exhausted him enough to the point that after returning to base, he fell into his bed and slept.

“Bronn told me what happened with Iban Halvor and you.”  Jax finally said.

Yami watched and waited.

“Well?” Jax urged after a moment.

“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t hear a question in there.”

Jax gave a throaty growl of irritation.  “Iban’s attack on you wasn’t in your report.  Why?”

Yami put his hands in his pockets.  “From my understanding, it wasn’t an attack.  Merely a misunderstanding on his part of where certain lines, that shouldn’t be crossed, were.”

“That’s a rather magnanimous view.  Especially since when Iban previously used his blood magic on your comrades Bronn or I heard about it straight away.  And Iban never demanded they break free of his hold or made them choke themselves to provide encouragement.”

Yami’s eyes narrowed.  He didn’t see Iban providing such details.  He hadn’t even told Olsen all that when he had confronted the Water Mage about his pet friend.  The bastard had been awake, Yami realized cursing Bronn for his inaction if that had, indeed, been the case. Yami shrugged.  “You were a young man once.  We play rough.”

“Iban is twenty-six, five years younger than me.  Far passed the age for such careless rough housing.”

“Are we speaking about the same man?” Yami asked.  “He might be twenty-six but his sense of right and wrong or when to stop is that of a child.”

“So you have no problem with him using his magic on you to make you choke yourself while demanding you break his hold on you?”

“I made it clear that is wasn’t something I found fun and wouldn't enjoy doing again.”  Yami told.  “And so far he has respected that.  As long as he continues to do so.  No.  I don’t have a problem with him.”

“Very well.”  Jax dismissed.

He watched Yami turn and exit the office.  When Bronn had told him that Yami had broken free for Iban’s hold he hadn’t believed it, certain his Vice Captain had seen wrong in the caves darkness.  But now that Yami had confirmed he had Jax was amazed.  Granted the will to live and thinking you would be forced to kill yourself if you didn’t succeed were great motivators, but Jax had seen Iban control Magic Knight Captains with his magic and barely break a sweat.  It wasn’t just Yami’s magical power that made the young man formidable.  It was his physical might and strength of will.  And the boy had only begun to stretch and grow.  Jax found the boys possibilities both exciting and fearsome.

23.5

The music began again, Nozel and Teris bumping into one another.

“Sorry.” Teris apologized again for stepping on his foot.

It had gotten to the point where Nozel was seriously considering cloaking his toes in mana.  It wasn’t that Teris weighed too much, but that her steps were far from light.  If they hadn’t made peace last night he would have thought she was purposely trying to flatten his toes with her heavy tread.

“You’re not trying to kill a bug.”  Nozel said, once again lifting her head up with a finger beneath her chin.  “Looking at your feet won’t help.”

“I’m not looking at my feet.”  Teris said.  “I’m trying to figure out where yours are going so I can follow.”  It was well past lunch and they had been at it since shortly after breakfast.

“That is what the hold is for.”  Nozel told pressing her lower back with one hand and tapping his fingers on the hand he held, grateful Nebra and Solid were long gone.  Nebra had been full of criticism and nothing else making Teris stiff, and if possible worse then she already was at following his lead.  After their departure, Teris had relaxed considerably making instructing her that much easier.  “My feet may move me but it’s my arms that will tell you where we’re headed.”

Teris stepped away frustrated.  “I’m never going to get this.  I’ll fail miserably and my knuckles will pay the price.”

Nozel puzzled at her last words a bit before stepping to her and turning her to face him.  “You will get this.”  He assured.

“At least one of us can still fake such certainty.”  She laughed humorlessly.

“There’s nothing for me to fake.  You forget how well I know you.”

“And what’s that got to do with my succeeding at this?  Other then the fact that you should know better then to have any faith in my success.”

“Because, I’ve never known you to fail at something you put your mind to,” he said.  He was loathed to lower his arms and release her but forced himself to do so when he felt her muscles begin to tense ever so slightly.  Teris wasn’t so unlike a nervous animal you tried to put at ease as you tried to coax it out of it’s den and accept your ministering hand.  Push too hard.  Touch her at the wrong time, in the wrong way, or for too long and you were back to square one.

“Thanks.” She said feeling self conscious.

“You’re putting too much pressure on yourself is all,” Nozel said.  “Leave us.”  He ordered over his shoulder at the violinist.

“Wait. What.  Nozel.  We need him.”

“No we don’t.”  Nozel said stopping her from following the musician.

“Uh, we kinda do—and now he’s gone.”  Teris said letting an arm fall as the ballroom door closed.

“Trust me.”  Nozel said looking at her.

“Trust isn’t easy for me.”  Teris confessed.

“But we’re friends.”  Nozel reminded.  “You should trust your friends.”

“I knew I would rue the day I admitted that to you.  I just never thought that day would come so soon.”

“Turn around.”  Nozel ordered giving a small smile.

“Don’t tell me what to do.”  Teris played.

Nozel grasped her hand and spun her around in a somewhat dance move. “Right now I am your instructor and can tell you to do as I please.”  It was his turn to tense as the desire and implications of his words struck him.

“Very well.”  She laughed.  “But I must warn you.  I can sometimes be an unruly and awful student.”

He forced a smile trying to shake the battling emotions within him. “Just relax, and trust me to lead you where you need to go.”  He said taking her into his arms in a dance hold.

“Do you think I can look even a quarter as fine as Nebra?”  Teris asked seriously.  She forced a teasing smile and continued.  “Or are you not that great an instructor.”

Nozel stared into her eyes and confessed.  “Even when you think you’re at your worst, you out shine every lady there is.”

Teris pulled away and shook her head.  “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”  Nozel asked feeling the blood drain from his face in fear.

“Don’t flirt.  There’s no reason to.  Even the musician is gone.  Don’t do something neither of us enjoy because your family expects it when they aren’t even present to benefit.”

“I wasn’t flirting.”

“Don’t lie to me, Nozel.  I’m not stupid.”

You certainly are if you think I only do it because it’s expect, Nozel thought.  “Sorry.”

“For flirting or lying?”  She asked.

Nozel closed his eyes pressing his teeth together as he checked his temper. “For both.”  He said opening them.  “It’s a habit I have trouble turning off.”

Teris tilted her head.

“How else am I to convince my father?  He’s a hard man to fool and keeps a keen eye on me.”

Teris’ expression turned sympathetic.  “I’m sorry.”

Nozel shook his head.  “I don’t want to focus on it.”  He looked at her and continued.  “Not when we got our work cut out making it appear as if you’re dancing and not marching through the mud.”

“That’s just cruel.”

“You want cruel?  Step on my toes one more time and I’ll show you cruel.”

It was nearing time to get ready for dinner when Nozel announced.  “It will suffice.”

“That’s all?”  Teris expressed.  “We spent all day at this and my efforts will suffice?”

He gave her the cool gaze the Silva’s were known for.  “If you wanted your ego petted you should have said so sooner.”  It felt wrong to disparage her so, even if it was in jest, but she seemed to enjoy it.  If all it took for her to relax around him was some good old fashioned razing he should have done it years ago.  Who knows where they would be in their relationship if he had.

“Thank you,” Teris said.

“For not petting your ego or--”

“For taking the time to teach me.”  She told him.  “I still don’t like following but I think I can manage for a dance of two.”

“Just remember to keep your feet light.  A gentleman can gracefully ignore a toe or foot being stepping on, so long as his toe is not flattened or bones crushed.”

Teris couldn’t help but grimace at that as she promised.  “I’ll try.”

“You never told me why the sudden interest.”  Nozel said casually as they made their way to the doors.

“Yes I did.  For my knuckles.”

“You may have mentioned your knuckles in passing.  A rather confusing statement I might add, but didn’t say how they figured into your wanting to learn how to dance.”

“It’s probably best if I don’t,” Teris said.  “Let’s just say.  In the hopes of never seeing someone again I decided to try to prove to my brother that I can and will make an effort.”

“I hope this someone isn’t me,” Nozel said.  “You’ll be bitterly disappointed when next we have to work together on a mission.”

“It’s not you.”  Teris smiled purposefully bumping him with a shoulder. “You’re not half bad.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re certainly not as bad as Mistress.”

“I don’t know who this Mistress is but I’ll take the praise,” he said.

“You shouldn’t.  It’s not very high praise.  Anyone would be a preference to her.”

“Are you going back to the library tonight?”  Nozel questioned.

Teris stopped the change in subject taking her aback a moment.  “Why?” She asked cautiously.

“If I find I have trouble sleeping again I thought I would assist you.” Nozel said trying to sound nonchalant.

“You don’t have to,” Teris said.  “While I appreciate your help, more then I can say, you don’t have to.”

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you finish looking? What if something’s there and we just haven’t come across it yet?”

“Alright.” Teris allowed.  “But only if you can’t sleep.”

“Of course,” Nozel nodded.  “I wouldn’t keep myself up just to help you.”

23.6

Teris entered the library to find Nozel had already searched half a shelf's worth of books.  “No luck.”  He told her frustrated.

“What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”  He said turning a page.

“Did you even try?”

He stopped and looked up at her blinking.  “What do you think?  I got into my night clothes and slipped on a robe to make it appear as if I had made an attempt should you ask.”

Feeling silly Teris came around beside him.  “Sorry.  I just don’t want to be a burden.”

Nozel released the breath he had been holding grateful his sarcastic tone had convinced her his truthful words were a jest.  Looking at her sideways he muttered.  “You are not a burden.”

“No?”

“There should be no doubt in your mind that you will never be a burden to me.”  He told turning to her.

“Nozel.” Teris shook her head her expression becoming distant and impatient.

Feel him loosing her again he quickly asked, “If Fuegoleon were here instead of me would you worry he felt you were a burden?”

“No,” she said.  “And if he did I’d kick his butt.”

“Then why question if I do?”

“Cause he’s family.”  Teris answered.  “Distant family but family. Besides, we’ve known each other all our lives.  Grew up together.”

“We’ve known each other for all of our lives.  And practically grew up together.”

“It’s not the same,” Teris said.

“Why? Because of our families plans for our future?  Forget about that. You say it’s never going to happen so it should be easy for you to do so.  I’m tired of fighting you, Teris.  I’m tired of trying to have to prove to you time and again that I am indeed your friend. Can you just forget about the rest and accept me as whatever you want me?  If that is, as you said last night, a friend then let’s be friends in truth.  If it is not.  Tell me.  All I ask is that you stop jerking me from friend to enemy to acquaintance or anywhere else.  It’s tiring.  And I don’t like it.”

Teris stared.  She had never seen Nozel angry at her.  Annoyed.  Yes. Displeased.  Certainly.  A whole host of emotions directed at her had crossed his face and echoed in his tone over the years.  But not once had there been anger.

“I’m sorry, Nozel.”  Teris whispered, her mouth feeling dry.  Fuegoleon, Julius, and Mereoleona had been right.  She was too hard on him.  And now, in his moment of anger she found herself afraid to loose his friendship.  “I’ll try to do better.  It’s just that--”  She shook her head firmly.  “No.  I won’t make excuses.  I’m sorry. I’ll do better.  I promise.”

Nozel swallowed, shocked.  Before she had spoken, in that moment of silence, he had been near breaking and was about to apologize to her for his outburst.  He had never been so glad for not doing something before in his life.

Clearing his throat Nozel gave a firm nod.  “That is all I ask.  Thank you.”

[irrelevantwriter]

Follow The Leader

Pairing: It’s a foursome! John Winchester x OFC, Dean Winchester x OFC, Sam Winchester x OFC (No Wincest)

Rating: Explicit, NSFW, Smut

Warnings: Language, seduction clichés, foursome dynamics (f/m/m/m), Daddy kink, oral sex (male and female), face riding, titty fuck (is that a technical term because I couldn’t find one), mention of bodily fluids (a lot), female ejaculation, grinding, unprotected sex

Word Count: 12.9K  

Summary: Catarina has a new neighbor who has caught her attention. What happens when her plan of seduction brings about more than she bargained for.

A/N: This has got to be the most smut I’ve written for one scene. A foursome is is a lot of work lol. I wrote this more as a joke because it’s all very cliché and predictable, but the more I wrote, the more I fell in love with it. I didn’t think you guys would mind reading this literary porno. Hope you like it and enjoy!

Masterlist is in my bio

***

Cat sipped from her glass of lemonade, the coolness of the beverage only slightly easing the heat coming off her skin. It was one of the hottest fucking days she’d ever experienced and she was fast losing patience with the day. It was why she was currently dressed in a baby blue bikini, the material representing that of a bandage dress rather than a flimsy swimsuit. It was a newer purchase, but one of her favorites. The style flattered her curves while the color offset the golden hue of her olive skin. It was a ploy…a weapon in a carefully crafted plan. A plan that involved a man.

 Her new neighbor to be exact.

 John Winchester was new to the area and had recently bought the place next to hers. The home needed some work; the space not as newly renovated as others in the neighborhood. That was how Cat had discovered the rugged stranger had moved in. Four months ago he’d been doing some exterior work on the house, his broad back encased in a gray t-shirt that clung to him in dampened spots on his skin. He wore dark jeans and thick boots, the roughness of his appearance doing nothing to dissuade her fast-growing attraction. His hair was thick and dark with an even layer of stubble along his jaw and chin. The staggered spots of gray are what made her panties soaked. The minute she’d locked eyes with him as she walked to the mailbox she knew she was a goner. His gaze was dark and penetrating. He’d eyed her with both a gentlemanly interest and a predator’s pursuit of prey.

 It. Was. Intense.

That was what had set her on her current track. Four months of friendly chats and delicate flirting were starting to take its toll. And Cat couldn’t entirely rule out the sudden heatwave having an effect either. The weather aided her efforts, the pool in her backyard a beacon and perfect stage for her theatrics.

 The sun was already high as she stepped onto the porch with her tanning essentials. Music softly floated through the Bluetooth speaker she had set up as she walked to the lounger in the sun. She timed her actions perfectly. Cat may not have a lot of experience in the bedroom, but she’d never had an issue going after what she wanted. Especially when she knew the thing she wanted, wanted her back just as badly.

 The fences that separated the two yards was a newer addition and one she’d originally hated. The people that had previously owned her house were a family and they thought the small white picket fence was cute and picturesque for their apple pie life. Cat despised it…until now. The fence only came up to a person’s waist, the feature more about looks than actual privacy. It had always been on Cat’s list of things to re-do, but the house next door had been vacant for quite some time so there was no need to rush. And after seeing the new neighbor, well now she didn’t mind the lack of privacy.

 The soft scent of coconut filled her nostrils as she rubbed a low level sunscreen and tanning lotion on her skin. The heat was already making her feel toasty, but she persisted. Her dark shades kept her eyes shielded and she was thankful because that meant she could ogle in peace. She laid her towel on the chair and positioned herself so that the yard to her right would have the perfect view of her profile. She piled her dark waves on top of her head, relishing in the cool breeze that swept over her naked neck. She had just laid down when she heard the opening of a door and voices. A small wave of anxiety washed over her when she heard more than one, caught off guard by the fact that John could have company. She remained still and listened intently, realizing she recognized them. They belonged to his sons.

 Cat had caught a glimpse of the two men on a few occasions, never formally meeting them. She only recently found out they were his sons because she heard them address him as such. Luckily for John, she was into the Daddy thing. The revelation had momentarily surprised her, but she soon discovered the strong genes the Winchester men seemed to carry and was lusting after them as well. Both were hulking men like their father with the same intense energy. She’d watched them once as they worked on a sleek black car in the driveway, the action almost erotic and far too arousing for her deprived body.

 And now, instead of covering herself or going back inside, Cat smiled and settled back into the chair. She was bound to catch something with the net she threw out.

 “The hole in the back fence is small, but it needs to be patched up.” John’s voice ran over her body like a blanket, her legs parting slightly at the tempting sound. She’d imagined many times what kind of lover he was. Imagined how he’d take her and what he’d do…the things he would say. The fantasies had gotten her off successfully and she wanted so very badly to experience them in reality.

 “Yeah, should be a quick fix. Right, Sammy?” That voice belonged to the shorter, lighter haired man. His voice worked magic on her body about as well as his father’s. It was deep and soothing, a smoothness to it that his father’s lacked.

 “I think you can handle that by yourself Dean.” This voice was softer, but no less sexy. Its owner was the taller of the men, his giant-like frame making Cat want to wrap her legs around his waist and straddle him.

 She opened her eyes beneath her sunglasses, turning her head slightly to peek into the yard. Her lips were parted as her breathing faintly increased, the excitement of having three gorgeous men so close starting to show. They were huddled near the porch, their backs still to her place. She made a split second decision and decided to up the ante.

 Cat got to her feet, the soft pink color of her toenails already standing out against the developing tan. She made a show of stretching, as if she’d been out there for hours already. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the men shift, their bodies appearing to face in her direction now. She continued to act as if she hadn’t noticed them, adjusting the waistband of her suit as she stepped towards the edge of the pool. Her back faced them now, but she could feel their gazes. A woman could always feel a man’s gaze. Whether it was welcomed or not. A woman knew. And this time she was accepting the attention with open arms, and at some point, open legs too.

 The water was clear and reflected beautifully off the sun. The steps underneath the cool surface aided her as she submerged herself, the sensation making her moan softly. She hesitated on the last few steps, the water only coming to her thighs. She decided to free her hair, shaking the long tresses loose as she tossed the hair elastic and her sunglasses to the side. Her actions were completely cliched and obvious, but they were classics because they worked. It was easy bait for men and that just happened to be Cat’s goal.

 She returned to her descent in the water, aware that no noise was coming from the yard behind her still. She smiled as she plunged below the surface, swimming to one end of the pool and doubling back. On a normal day Cat would be in the pool anyway, though the obvious acts of seduction would not be a part of that routine. She loved the water and she loved swimming, and this just happened to also be a perfect way to show her neighbor what he’d been missing. A notion that now extended to his sons.

 Cat broke the water’s surface back at the end she entered in. She pushed her hair back, the ink-colored locks now weighted down with water. She let her eyes fall to the fence and as she climbed up the steps, the trio of men were revealed to her. They were trying not to be obvious and it was cute. There were beers in their hands, their eyes darting from her, to each other, and down to their feet. She could see how they were trying to be respectful and not perverted in their staring, but Cat didn’t want that noble side they all clearly had. She wanted the grit underneath. She wanted what was hidden behind the curtain.

 She caught John’s eye and he waved somewhat sheepishly. The gesture made a laugh fall from her lips, but she returned the wave. That was her opening and she was going to take it.

 “Hi there,” She called, voice carrying over the sorry excuse for a fence. Her feet propelled her forward, bypassing the towel she would normally grab to protect her modesty. John figured out her destination and met her at the fence. Cat gathered her hair and wringed out the excess water to allow the strands to start to air dry. She kept eye contact with the older man the whole time, becoming more and more aware of her state of undress the closer he got.  

 “Staying cool?” He asked, using his beer to motion to the pool at her back.

 She nodded, resting her fingers along the tips of the pointed fence. “Yeah, the damn thing is a blessing in this godforsaken heat.”

 “Tell me about it. The boys and I’ve been working around the house since the sun came up.” John pointed a thumb to the men that stood behind him and Cat leaned over his shoulder so she could see. They were listening to their conversation, their expressions neutral but the way they gripped their beers said something else entirely.

 “You haven’t met the boys have you?”

 She shook her head and waited as John called for them to come over. Up close they were better than what she’d seen of them. They each were attractive in their own ways. The shorter one had eyes that made her feel as if she were staring straight into a green meadow. His lips were soft and full for a man’s. They made her want a taste. The taller of the two had eyes similar to his father, dark and full of emotion. But they held a gentleness in them too that eclipsed the intensity. His jaw was chiseled and the barest hints of a five o’clock shadow were visible.

 “This is Sam and Dean. My sons.” John said with a smile that showcased just how proud he was of his children. Cat took note of their names, matching them to their faces now. She stuck her hand out and shook theirs in return, noting how they swallowed hers. The feeling made a shiver of desire shoot up her spine.

 “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m Cat.” She introduced, licking her lips when she caught the quick glimpse Dean gave her breasts. She couldn’t nor would she blame him for the action. Her breasts were pushed up and together by the support of the bikini top. The cleavage she had in this suit was stellar and she wanted to utilize it.

 “Likewise.” Sam replied with a polite smile. He was much more discreet about his visual exploration of her body, but she caught it nonetheless.

 “Cat…Is that short for something?” Dean asked, his plump lips wrapping around the end of the beer bottle and taking a long pull. She watched his throat move at the action, his Adam’s apple nearly hypnotizing her.

 “Catarina. It’s a family name.” She answered, noting the way his green eyes bore into hers. It was almost as if he was suspicious of her, but the interest was still prevalent. He was sizing her up. She embraced it.

 “It’s a beautiful name.” John interjected. She met his eyes and smiled, a blush blooming across her skin at the compliment.

 “Thanks.” She replied bashfully, eyelashes fluttering up at him. “So…,” She started, eager to move the conversation along. “You guys just passing through or…” She trailed off, letting one of them finish the thought for her.

 “Yeah, just helping our dad out with some stuff.” Sam supplied, his long hair catching the wind. The statement was vague and Cat caught the slight hesitation at the end, but she didn’t push it.

 “That’s awfully nice of you boys. Wish I had helpers like that.” She was making conversation but she couldn’t help the warmth that spread within her body when Sam responded.

 “If you need help with something we could take a look.” The offer was sweet, but the underlying context was not lost on anyone. Sam surprised her with his brazenness, but she relished in it.

 “You’d do that? I mean…I don’t wanna be a bother.” Cat smiled sweetly, innocence radiating from her eyes, but her body language said otherwise. She bit her lip when she noticed all three of their gazes fall to her breasts as she pushed them together with her arms. It was done with ease and years of practice so that it didn’t look the least bit rehearsed. They all took the bait.

 John cleared his throat with a chuckle while Dean’s lips shifted up into a barely there smirk. Sam looked down at her, letting her catch him as his eyes moved from her face to her chest. The reactions were feeding her desire; feeding the woman inside that yearned to be taken by a man. It’d be so long and Cat was tired of doing everything on her own, including getting herself off.

 “No bother, darlin’. I’ve told you that before.” John finally spoke up, his voice sounding gravelly and lower than before. The term of endearment was one he’d chosen a time or two when speaking with her and it’d always done a good job of setting her panties ablaze…when she was wearing them.

 “I know. I just-,” She stopped when Dean cut her off abruptly, silencing her pitiful explanation.

 “What’d you need?” His voice sounded like honey and whiskey. He’d said it so matter-of-factly that she’d immediately shut up and obeyed.

 “Pipes under the sink in the kitchen have been leaking.” Cat answered immediately, her obedience seeming to please each man.

 “We’ll have a look. Is now okay?” Dean asked, though she took it as more of a demand.

 She nodded. “Yeah, sure. I’ll let you guys in through the front door?” It came out as a question, but neither man answered it.

 “Give us ten minutes.” John said, a new spark in his eyes that had Cat’s blood rushing between her thighs. The three of them didn’t speak, but they seemed to be conducting a silent conversation with just their eyes. It was thrilling and somewhat intimidating. Not five minutes ago Cat had been in complete control of the situation. But now…now she was at their mercy.

 “Sure.” She said, her voice smaller than before. They parted from the fence, Cat gathering her things hurriedly. She tried hard not to listen to her rational brain about how irresponsible and dangerous she was acting in that moment. This was what she had wanted, though with a few extra pleasures. But she was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

 She raced upstairs, knowing she had no time for a shower. Instead she stripped off her swimsuit and dressed in one of her favorite summer dresses. The floral patterned garment came to just above her knees, the sleeveless style allowing her arms to show how much color she’d gotten in the short time she’d been outside. There was a row of buttons that lined the front of the dress from her chest to the hemline. Cat popped open the first few, giving a small glimpse to her braless chest. She skipped underwear and went to the bathroom to assess herself. She wasn’t wearing much makeup. Waterproof mascara and lip gloss were the extent of that. Her hair had already dried for the most part and she left it in the natural waves it formed to.

 A knock from downstairs had her freezing, nerves pitting in her stomach. But that persistent throb in her pussy was what kept her moving forward; the promise of what was to come too good to pass up.

 Cat hurried down the stairs and took a deep breath before swinging the door open. Three men took up the space of her door and then some. John held up a toolbox and she beckoned them in, stepping back to make room.

 “Let me show you the kitchen.” Her voice carried down the hall as they followed, her back feeling the heat from their stares. She moved to the sink and bent to open the cabinet doors. “I noticed it about a week ago but the leak is small so no real damage has been done.” She explained as she turned to face the trio. They were all looking at her hungrily, their posture stiff as they each gazed over a different part of her. John’s eyes were centered on her face. Sam’s were on her chest. Dean’s emerald stare was on her exposed legs.

 Cat cleared her throat and stepped to the side to let them take a look at the problem. Sam was the one who moved first, his large frame ducking under the cabinet to inspect the issue. “You guys want a beer?” She asked, desperate to keep her hands busy.

 “Sure.” Dean replied, his hands shoved deep into his jean pockets. John nodded in agreement as he moved to help Sam.

 Cat removed four beers from the fridge and lined them up on the counter. She grabbed her bottle opener and removed the caps easily, the metal making soft pings as they fell to the counter. She kept one for herself and handed one off to Dean, leaving the others for John and Sam.

 “Impressive.” Dean remarked. At her confused gaze he gestured to the pile of caps and the opener.

 “Oh, I bartended in college. Some stuff stuck.” Cat explained, mindful of the way her dress had shifted to show the top of her left breast. She didn’t move to fix it.

 “Okay, think we figured it out.” Sam’s voice was muffled since his head was still underneath the sink, but she easily could make out his words.

 “Already? Don’t tell me it just needed to be tightened.” She groaned, afraid it was something as innocuous as tightening the seal. While it was a blessing to her bank account, she’d been prepared to have them in her kitchen for longer than five minutes.

 “It just needed to be tightened.” John teased as he wiped his hands on a rag he’d brought. He walked towards her, his tongue playing with the seam of his lips. Cat held her breath as he invaded her space and reached behind her to retrieve his beer. He didn’t back away once he did. He took a long swig from the bottle, his lips now glistening with the beverage. She couldn’t help but think about his mouth and face between her thighs, her juices coating him in much the same way. She clenched her thighs at the mental image.

 Dean saddled up next to her suddenly, appearing out of nowhere. He leaned against the counter, his eyes following the open path of cleavage. John chuckled, pulling her eyes back to him. Their scents made her head feel dizzy. Combined they smelled like whiskey, mint, and motor oil. The effect was tantalizing.

 “See something you like, son?” John asked, though the question was rhetorical. Dean smirked as he licked his lips, eyeing her now without caution or discretion. They were both openly admiring her, the action both pleasing and terrifying. She felt like a sheep with a pack of wolves; visually devouring their meal before they’d even had a taste.

 “You were right…” Dean started, his body now pressed against hers as he let his nose bury itself in her hair. He was addressing his father, but all of his attention was on Cat. “She’s not wearing a bra or panties.”

 She couldn’t help it. She moaned. John smiled smugly, seemingly pleased with himself for his prediction. Cat wasn’t the least bit ashamed or embarrassed that she’d been so predictable. Her nipples were straining against the thin fabric of her dress and she jutted her breasts out in response, eager to have someone show them attention. Dean inhaled against her hair, the rumble in his chest making gooseflesh appear across her skin.

 “She smells good. Like coconut and the sun.” Dean spoke as if she wasn’t standing right there. The action didn’t anger her. It made her putty in their outstretched hands.

 “You need us to help you with something else, baby girl?” John’s voice was gentle, but his eyes were boring into her as if he already knew the answer. He just wanted to hear her say it.

 He set his beer back down behind her and stepped closer, moving a strand of hair off her face. “If you want us to touch you, you gotta say it.” He demanded, his breathing fanning across her skin like a minty breeze.

 “Yes.” She pleaded, eager to have their hands on her.

 “Yes, what?” Dean asked.

 Cat locked eyes with John as she spoke, temporarily putting the ball back in her court. “Yes Daddy.” She said with all the softness and innocence she could muster. John’s reaction was instantaneous. He growled, his meaty hands encasing her throat as he tilted her face towards his.

 “She already knows what you like.” Dean said with a laugh, his words taunting in her ear.

 The eldest of the three men held her throat with a firm grip, but not tight enough to cut off her breathing. His pupils were blown wide, his deep gaze almost black with untamed lust. The heat from their bodies had her leaning into them, the men practically holding her up. She could feel her thighs start to dampen, her arousal overflowing. Her body started to thrum with energy as her pussy tried to clamp around something that wasn’t there. She desperately needed to be stuffed. Stuffed to a fullness that would have her sore for days.

 “You wet for Daddy, baby girl?” John asked, his tongue licking his lips seductively as he spoke. She nodded, unable to form the words. He didn’t seem to mind her silence. “Check her out, Dean…wanna know how badly she’s aching for it.” He ordered, his eyes still locked on her.

 A calloused hand delicately traced up the inside of her thigh. She spread her legs slightly, granting access to the man still pressed beside her. His breath was hot in her ear and against her neck, his breathing not nearly as erratic as her own. A finger came into contact with her bare lips suddenly and she jolted, the touch expected but still a shock to her system. Cat whimpered as Dean teased her opening, his finger never breaking through the flesh to explore her depths. He didn’t necessarily have to. Her cup runneth over.

 “Don’t tease her, son.” John instructed, his hands still encasing her throat. His grip was gentler now, his fingertips tracing small patterns into her neck.

 “You know I like to play with my food before I eat it.” God, his voice was unbelievably sexy. “She’s on the edge already. Juices coating my finger like molasses. Ain’t that right, sweetheart?” His words made her pussy flutter, feeding the high she was currently riding. He abruptly dipped a finger inside of her and she reached for his wrist, grasping it firmly as he swam in her waves.

 “Does that feel good?”

 Cat wasn’t quite sure who had asked the question, but she answered with a strangled moan and a nod of her head.

 “You want more?”

 Again she nodded, trying but failing to push herself down onto Dean’s finger.

 Suddenly, their touches were gone. Cat whimpered pitifully at the unexpected loss of their heat, her body tense with unreleased ecstasy. She opened her eyes and noticed the two men who’d been tending to her had stepped back, their massive figures no longer crowding her. Beyond them she could see Sam sprawled out on the floor on his back, hands cradling his head as he smirked up at her.

 “Take a seat on Sammy, baby girl. He’s gonna help ease that throbbing.” John gestured to his son as if he was presenting her with a new car. He noticed her hesitation and his face grew serious. “You wanna stop you just say the word. No harm, no foul.” His words were drained of any lust that had been there before, but he still spoke with a softness that let her know he wasn’t bullshitting her.

 “No, I want this.” She replied quickly, uncaring of how desperate she sounded. Dean snickered at her, his hand grazing the hardened bulge beneath his jeans. Cat rubbed her legs together, the lack of friction only fanning the powerful fire within her.

 The men caught her pathetic attempt at relieving herself, each of them clenching a jaw. John reached a hand out to her and she took it. He walked her to Sam’s laid out body, his form taking up a huge portion of the kitchen. She went to straddle his waist, but John stopped her.

 “Not there.” He pulled her further along and stopped once she was standing next to Sam’s head.

 “Sit down, sweetheart. Sam will take good care of you.” Dean winked at her as she looked to John for confirmation. He seemed to be the ringleader in all this, so it only felt natural for her to follow his lead. The eldest Winchester nodded and helped her ease down to the floor to straddle Sam’s face. She was nervous and her face must’ve shown it.

 “You ever done this before?” John asked as she seated herself along Sam’s wide chest; the younger man’s hands settling on her hips immediately. His hands were large and rough, and they felt delicious against her body. His face was nestled between her fleshy thighs and the fact that she was completely nude under her dress was suddenly apparent…to everyone.

 “Which part?” Cat asked with a soft laugh, the nerves showing themselves in her words. John smiled warmly, a thick hand tangling in her dark locks.

 “Guess that answers my question.” He teased, his eyes back to being a warm cocoa. His gaze absorbed her and made her feel safe. Made her feel as if he was going to take care of her.

 “Just relax.” Sam’s voice made her jolt in surprise. He’d been suspiciously quiet throughout the events leading up to this moment, but looking at him now, Cat could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes that said he wanted this…wanted her.

 She nodded and let the sensations take over her body. Sam’s scruff between her legs scratched in a way that was both uncomfortable and arousing. John’s hand continued to weave itself in her hair, his blunt fingernails scratching against her scalp. She could feel Sam’s hands start to inch her dress up her thighs to reveal her to him. Cat let instinct take over and shifted the fabric of her dress out of the way. He made a humming noise in his throat, pleased by her consideration. He lined kisses along her upper thighs, dancing around the area she needed him the most.

 “Fuck. You smell good.” Sam growled. The gentleness in his touches and words were gone. He seemed to tap into something primal at the scent of her. He licked the length of her pussy, gathering up the mess she’d made. A noise left her lips, something between a moan and a yell. Her hips retracted from his touch, but his grip pulled back to anchor her to his mouth.

 “Don’t fight it.” Dean was at her side and speaking directly in her ear again. He nibbled at her lobe while his brother lapped at her hungrily. Her hands tangled in Sam’s thick hair, pulling at the root when his teeth encased her clit. Cat threw her head back and she vaguely registered that she collided with a solid thigh. John’s hand was still in her hair; the soft pets to her head making her feel like Daddy’s good girl.

 “How’s she taste, Sammy?” Dean asked as his mouth continued to work along her ear and neck. He appeared to be the mouthpiece of the group. His words propelled the energy into another dimension. He appeared to enjoy taunting and torturing his victims before he put them out of their blissful misery.

 Sam sucked on her clit harshly and then licked his lips lavishly as he spoke. “Like the sweetest cherry pie.” He’d placed an unforgiving kiss to her pussy in between each word. “You’ll love it, Dean.”

 “Open your eyes.” Cat couldn’t stop the gyrating of her hips against Sam, pleading for more. Her eyes were squeezed shut, but they opened at Dean’s demand. She turned to look at him and watched with rapt fascination as he sucked on his finger. The same finger that had been inside her not five minutes before.

 “Yeah, you’re right. Tastes like a ripe cherry pie.” Dean rasped, a knowing smirk planted on his lips.

 A literal flood rushed to her pussy at both the sound and sight of him. A familiar tingling was starting to make itself known, though it felt far more intense than anything she’d felt before. Her limbs felt heavy with lust, her mind mottled by each man and what he was doing to her.

 “She liked that. Filled my mouth up.” Sam said from between her legs.

 “Think she’s close.” That was John. His hand now keeping her against his leg as his son worked her over with his mouth.

 “You need more, sweetheart?” Dean.

 Cat nodded deliriously. She could feel herself ready to crest over the edge. The throbbing in her pussy was becoming downright painful and she needed to find a release soon.

 “Let me take care of that.” It was Dean again. His hands started to unbutton her dress, revealing her naked breasts to the cool air. She pushed her breasts into his hands eagerly and was rewarded with a tug to her nipple. It felt as if another silent conversation had taken place because Sam changed his movements and used his fingers to open her up. He explored her once again with his tongue, her pussy wide open for his abuse.

 “Beautiful.” John remarked as Cat pressed her face into his denim-clad thigh. All three of their actions sent her into oblivion. Her nerves ignited and her whole body tensed as a rush of overstimulation washed over her. Her mind lifted above her as her body rode the waves. She was vaguely aware that she was probably suffocating Sam, but she didn’t think beyond that point. This orgasm felt too good to interrupt.

 Her eyelids fluttered open. She felt as if she’d passed out, but she was till upright and straddling Sam’s face. Her whole body felt hot and satiated. She let her hands loosen in the brown hair she’d been gripping, but jerked away when the owner of said hair licked at her sensitive pussy. She whimpered and cuddled into John’s leg still holding her up. His hand moved her hair out of her face, his movements tender and light.

 “Let her rest a bit, Sam.” John admonished. The hands that had been gripping her thighs so tightly were now gone. She found herself missing them. “You okay?” He asked, his fingers moving to her chin and tilting her face up.

 She meet his stare and nodded, a soft smile playing at her lips.

 “Think you can handle taking care of Dean. Seems to be getting antsy over there.”

 Cat turned and looked for the fairer-haired man. He was now sitting in one of her dining chairs. His legs were spread wide and a hand was rubbing at the hardened muscle straining his zipper. She felt a tremor of new arousal settle into her bones and before she’d even thought about it, she was answering.

 “Yes, Daddy.”

 “Mmmm…good girl.” John praised, the words shooting right to her core.

 He helped her to her feet, her legs feeling like jelly as she moved. Again he walked her to his son, and again she let him take the lead. She moved until she was standing between Dean’s outstretched legs, John’s front to her back. She leaned into the older man’s touch, feeling his hands smooth along her arms and around to her still exposed breasts. He cupped them, pushing them together so that they overflowed in his large hands.

 “She’s got great tits. Bet they’d take a dick good.” Dean lewdly observed, unbuckling his belt as he spoke. Cat moaned wantonly, unable to keep it in.

 “Would you like that, baby girl?” John husked in her ear. She could feel his own bulge pressed against her ass and she pushed back, wedging him between her ass cheeks. He grunted and laughed menacingly at her actions. “Damn, you want a cock bad. Don’t you?”

 “Yes…”

 A loud scrape brought Cat back to reality and she jerked her head at the sound. Sam was pulling out a chair next to his brother. He sat down and stretched out in the same fashion Dean currently was, his eyes glued to her willing body. They were situated as if they were watching a show. Front row seats to the performance.

 “You gonna let us see all of you?” She nodded in response to the man behind her and shivered when he pushed the straps of her dress down. Her dress halted at her hips and John moved to push it down to her feet.

“I gotta say…” He started, his hands rubbing sensuously at her ass once she was completely naked. “Your ass has made me hard as a fucking rock for the last four months.” His hands gripped the flesh hard, spreading the cheeks obscenely. “I’ve wanted to watch it bounce on my cock from the moment I first saw you.”

 A solid slap to her ass made her yelp, the stinging making her nipples harden and her pussy ache. Dean had his pants undone and his cock out as he jerked himself off. He grunted when John spanked her again and Cat cried out in pleasure. Thick fingers were back at her weeping slit, exploring her sensitivity. She moaned when the fingers moved to trace the opening of her ass, the muscles clenching at the action.

 “Anyone ever taken you here before?” John asked huskily while his finger gently probed around the untouched rim of muscle.

 Cat shook her head, both turned on and panicked at the idea.

 He picked up on her reluctance and kissed the nape of her neck, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. “We’ll save that for another time.” The promise was in the air and she couldn’t help the thrill she felt at what that could mean.

 Dean shifted impatiently in front of her and lifted a hand to caress the flesh just above her sex. She shivered at the intimate action. John’s fingers left her and were soon replaced with Dean’s. He was rough with his touch and he curved the digits inside of her, the action making her lurch forward and grip his shoulders. Her nails dug into the flannel he wore, but the sharp sting of pain to his skin showed on his features. She cried out at the intrusion and subsequent assault, not ready for another orgasm but feeling the tension build anyway.

 “She’s tight.” He stated with amusement. “I can feel her pussy sucking me in.”

 “Oh god…” Cat whined, head falling back to connect with John’s hard chest. Dean’s words and fingers felt as if they were teleporting her through space, lights dancing behind her lids at warp speed.

 “I think she’s gotta thing for Dean’s incessant talking.” Sam chimed in. Looking over at him, Cat could see he was entertained, but the arousal that crackled in the air was still very much present. His own jeans were undone and he was stroking himself to their debauchery. He made for a sinful sight, but the sheer size of his cock made her stomach clench in apprehension.

 “On your knees.” John ordered suddenly.

 She obeyed without question. He helped her to the floor in between Dean’s knees, her discarded dress offering some comfort to the hardwood floor beneath her. Dean wrapped the fingers that were embedded in her pussy around his shaft, slickening the flesh with her arousal. She couldn’t look away. And as he groaned at the mixture of their juices coating him, she felt her walls contract.

 Dean reached out and cupped her face, dragging his thumb over her lips and smearing their combined spending’s along her mouth. “You’ve got the fullest fucking lips. Wrap them around my cock, sweetheart.”

 Cat leaned forward and sucked lightly at the head of Dean’s cock. He was thick and had enough length to make her hesitate. She could taste herself on him, as well as his own salty flavor. She took all of him down, his length nearly suffocating her. Her nose was almost flat against his abdomen as she swallowed. He groaned from above her, his hand resting on the back of her head. She could feel his restraint as he tried not choke her, but she disregarded the courtesy. She breathed through her nose as she deep throated him, humming in approval at the way he tensed beneath her.

 “Shit, that feels good…” His voice was strained and she took pleasure in making him that way. Her hair was being pulled and she moaned at the pain. She came up for air, licking the length of him as her hand took over. She took one of his heavy balls into her mouth and sucked, the action making him jerk. He was biting his bottom lip as he tried to watch her take down his cock. She paid the same attention to his other ball, the sounds of her slurping and sucking filling the room.

 Dean’s moans and groans of pleasure spurred her on and she didn’t think twice when she wedged his cock between her breasts. His eyes grew dark when he realized what she’d done and what she planned on doing.

 “Oh, you are Daddy’s good girl, aren’t you?” He growled.

 Cat nodded, her mouth preoccupied with sucking on his tip as she worked him between her tits. He was slick from her saliva and he moved easily against her flesh. His hips began to thrust, meeting her awaiting mouth. He was close and she doubled her efforts.

 “Fuck, I’m gonna cum on your tits.” His teeth were gritted and his jaw was clenched as he started to cum. His hand tangled in her hair, nearly pulling the strands from the root. His whole body tensed as she caught the thick ropes of white on her breasts and chin.

 She continued to gently lick at his cock, the flesh softening as he came down from his climax. She cleaned him up until he pulled away, the oversensitivity kicking in. He licked his lips as he looked down at her and the mess he’d made.

 “Gorgeous.”  Dean mumbled, the orgasm making him sound sluggish.

 Cat dipped a finger into the stickiness painted across her flesh and raised it to her lips. She kept her eyes trained on Dean as she sucked the salty mixture from her digit. A low moan escaped his pouted lips, his hips shifting in the chair at the sight.

 “Goddamn, she’s a keeper.” He addressed the other men in the room, resituating his cock back into his jeans. Cat smiled at the compliment, unexpectedly warmed by the sentiment.  

 “Knew she would be.” John rumbled from behind her, his massive hand tangling in her hair once again. The gesture was making Cat more aroused each time he did it. “You feel up to showing Sam the same hospitality?”

 The question didn’t need to be asked. She was already moving on her knees towards the larger man. She heard the light laughter and soft murmurs of approval from the men around her as she resituated herself between Sam’s legs. His frame was like that of a giant and she imagined she looked quite small perched at his feet.

 “Use your hands first. Then your mouth…slow.” Sam instructed. Cat nodded, relieved that he’d given her some direction. The panic must’ve showed on her face when she came eye to eye with his member. It was enormous, a deep shade of red, and already leaking precum. She licked her lips despite her nerves.

 She did what he said and used her hands, his leaking slit aiding her movements. Her hands worked in tandem as she incorporated his heavy sac. Sam’s eyes rolled back and a deep groan rose from his chest. The display encouraged her. She let her tongue delicately trace his hole, gathering up the cum before it had time to settle.

 “Fuck, that feels amazing.”

 Cat licked the length of him and then sucked the head into her mouth. He reacted in a similar fashion to his brother. His hands moved from his thighs to her hair, unable to keep still. She let him guide her as she took down more and more of him. He hit the back of her throat when he was only half-way down, but she breathed through her nose and continued on. He filled her esophagus, her breathing erratic as she struggled to deep throat him. Drool was pooling around her lips and down his shaft. She swallowed and again he cursed in appreciation. She pulled away to take in a fresh gulp of air, a line of saliva connecting her to him still.

 “Quick learner.” He quipped, fingers tightening against her scalp. He was smirking down at her and she felt her nipples tighten at the action. She had Sam pegged as a do-gooder, but he was fast proving her wrong; proving that despite his boyish charms, he was a man who took what he wanted. His role among the trio was no talk, more action. He didn’t need to tease or taunt like Dean. He didn’t need to run the show like John. Sam was content in letting his actions and the orgasms he gave out speak for him.

 Cat deep throated him again and felt his body tense beneath her. She hummed, letting the vibrations travel down his cock. Sam thrust his hips up, the action making her gag. She pulled off of him and went to take him again, but his hand stopped her.

 “Hold on, baby…I wanna paint these lips.” He held his throbbing cock in his hands and directed the tip to her open mouth. She stayed still as he dragged himself across her lips, a trail of precum left in its wake. “Taste it.” He ordered and she willingly obliged. His taste was more prominent than Dean’s, but not unpleasant. Her thighs parted as she let a hand trail down to the apex of her thighs, suddenly too aroused to sit idly by.

 “I don’t think so, baby girl.” John chided, stepping to her back and placing a booted foot between her spread thighs. He raised his foot to connect with her naked and swollen lips, effectively blocking her hand from making any contact. Cat couldn’t help it; once she felt the rough texture of the laces and leather, she grinded against him. The boot offered just enough stimulation to have her cresting that invisible hill.

 “Oh, fuck…” She moaned, not stopping the motion of her hips. She clung to Sam’s leg as she moved, eyes squeezed shut in pleasure.

 “That is a sight.” Dean exhaled, his figure leaning closer to catch a better angle of Cat’s movements.

 “Suck me while you get yourself off.” Sam commanded breathily. His eyes were no longer twinkling with mischief; he was all business now. Even in her delirious state, Cat abided by his demand. She took him down hungrily as she continued to ride John’s boot. She could feel the slickness of the leather beneath her. She wouldn’t be surprised if she ruined the damn thing.

 Sam’s cock hit the back of her throat and she gagged again. He took the lead and jutted his hips up and into her mouth. She let him abuse her throat; she was too high on endorphins to care about the slight pain it caused.

 “That’s it. Fuck, I’m gonna cum…” He warned, his pace increasing. Cat opened her jaw wider, attempting to accommodate him. She could feel her clit catch on John’s boot just right and she let herself go; the myriad of sensations too much to keep her climax at bay. Sam jerked under her and his hand tugged at the roots of her hair as he started to cum. “Swallow it.”

 Cat did as she was told, even during her blissed out state. Hot spurts of liquid gushed into her mouth and she quickly swallowed it down, not wanting to waste a drop. Wayward streaks leaked from the side of her mouth and once she was sure she’d swallowed most of him, she set about cleaning him up. He was still half-hard, but she could tell he was feeling overstimulated. She softly licked his cock, but he hissed and jerked as she did. The boot that had been beneath her was now gone, her pussy still throbbing with unquenched need.  

 “Baby girl,” John called, a slight lilt to his voice as he spoke. Cat stopped what she was doing and looked in the older man’s direction. He’d moved from behind her to her left. His hands were in his pockets, but his erect dick was apparent under the denim he still wore. “You made quite the mess on Daddy’s boot.”

 Her dark eyes traveled to his feet, paying particular attention to the one that had the shiny sheen of moisture on the laces. She felt her cheeks heat with both embarrassment and arousal, the sight almost making her doubt she’d even done it. She’d been so caught up in the throes of climax that her only goal had been scratching that proverbial itch.

 “Don’t be shy now.”

 “I-I’m sorry…” She started, dark eyes downcast.

 He cut her off with a laugh. “Nothing to be sorry for, darlin’. I’m gonna leave it. Let you stay on me all day.” John boasted, successfully heating her body up all over again. He grinned down at her with a roguish spark in his eyes. It made a shiver travel up her spine.

 “Ready for me?” He asked, though she knew it was a veiled demand. She was more than ready. Had been from the moment she’d seen him. And while she’d gotten off twice already, her pussy still demanded that she be filled to the brim with cock. His cock.

 She nodded mutely and stood as he helped her to her feet. Her knees ached and her legs still felt gelatinous, but her body was humming with electricity. In her peripherals, she could see the brothers still seated in her dining chairs. Their pants were back to being zipped and buttoned, but their eyes followed her like a lion ready to strike.

 John pulled her to him roughly and surprised her by devouring her mouth with his. Her hands rested on his chest, leaning on him for support as he assaulted her senses. He tasted like the beer he’d been drinking. He smelled like saw dust and motor oil. His skin was calloused and rough. He was primal; her feminine nature recognizing and demanding the taste of a true man. Her head swam with lust. She felt doped up and she clung to his flannel as he started to pepper her neck with kisses. His scruff burned and his teeth nipped, but she craned her neck for more. His hands were everywhere and all at once. Each time she felt his touch she arched into it, only for him to pull away and find a new spot along her skin.

 “I want you to sit on my cock, baby girl. Can you do that?” His words were mumbled against the pulse point on her neck and Cat rolled her eyes back in pleasure at his suggestion.

 “Yes, Daddy…” She dutifully replied. A rush of moisture made her thighs slide against each other, the scent of her filling the already sex-filled room.

 John pulled away and seated himself in another chair next to Sam and Dean. They looked like the most sinful lineup she’d ever seen. He stretched his legs out in front of him and undid his belt and zipper, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt like she was standing in a store window on full display for the passing patrons. Only these patrons wanted to fuck the shit out of her…and she wanted them to.

 Cat moved towards him and accepted his help as she situated herself on his lap. She straddled him, immediately moaning when his bare flesh met hers. She smeared him with her juices as she began to move her hips rhythmically against him. He gripped her rounded hips forcefully, struggling not to thrust up and into her.

 “That feels fucking amazing.”

 The sounds of her sliding his dick against her wet folds filled the room. Grunts and groans followed as she worked herself over him. His cock was not as long as Sam’s, but it was definitely thicker than Dean’s. The heavy head caught her clit and she moaned, eager to feel the sensation again. John’s fingers moved from her waist to her pussy, spreading her lips so that she could take more of him in. That action set her off for the third time. It was a smaller orgasm compared to the others, but it paralyzed her none the less. Her own fingers tangled in his salt and pepper hair, grabbing at the roots in the same manner the brothers had done to hers. Lips suctioned against her neck as she tremored and shook with ecstasy. A painful bite to the spot was dulled by the pleasure coursing through her veins.

 “She’s a responsive one.” Sam mused from his spot beside his father.

 Dean nodded in agreement, eyes still glued to her quaking form. “Makes it all the more fun.” He quipped with a knowing smile.

 Cat had gotten used to them talking as if she couldn’t hear them. She was finding herself getting off in it. The way they complimented and observed her as if she were a prized animal…it made her feel owned.

 She was wrapped around John once she’d come down from her high, her face buried in his neck. She burrowed into the muscled flesh, tongue peeking out to taste him. He raised her ass, adjusting them so that he could align with her opening.

 “Let me in, baby girl.”

 Despite the need to pull away because of the still powerful after effects of her climax, Cat did as he said and allowed him to sink into her. She moved slowly, feeling the burn of his girth even with the slick coating her walls. She took him inch by inch, swallowing his cock in small increments before pulling him out again. She could feel every vein and groove inside her, her walls sucking at the intruder desperately. He was tense beneath her, but he allowed her to go at her own speed.

 “Goddamn you are tight. Doesn’t feel like we loosened you up at all.” John grunted, his cock finally bottoming out once Cat took him all the way in. She sat that way for a moment; his cock hard and pulsing inside of her as she sat flush against his hips and thighs. She clenched around him and he gripped her ass hard, a low moan following.

 “Gotta move, baby girl.” His jaw was clenched as he spoke, the last vestiges of his control quickly falling away.

 Cat began to move, rocking back and forth so that he stroked against her. Her mind was still trying to wrap itself around the situation, around the circumstances that led her here. Her whole body was jittery with arousal, but her movements felt lethargic. She was feeling too much, and not enough all at once.

 John’s cock was hitting just the right spot deep inside of her and she began to pick up her pace. She threw her head back, feeling the ends of her hair brush against the denim of his thick thighs. His mouth lowered to her breasts, sucking and biting at her nipples enthusiastically. She could feel her walls start to flutter and she knew she was passed the point of no return.

 “Yes, right there…please…” She begged, unsure of what she was specifically asking for. A finger massaged her clit as she now bounced herself on John’s cock. Everything around her ceased to exist as the dam broke inside of her. Cat trembled with a force so powerful she nearly toppled off his lap. She trapped John against her breasts, holding him to her as she twitched and writhed. Her walls contracted tightly around his cock, feeling the heat coming off him.

 “That’s it. Cum for Daddy.” John licked her nipple as he spoke, his gaze never leaving her face. He let her feel everything as he remained still below her. He hissed when she finally stopped clenching him, the feeling almost painful for his throbbing member.

 Her breathing was rapid as she untangled her arms from John’s neck and hair. He was watching her with a different spark in his eye and she cowered in response.

 “Take me out.”

 She hurriedly obeyed, afraid she’d done something wrong. She lifted up her hips and pulled him from inside her slowly, the sounds obscene and erotic. He lifted her from his lap and stood, his angry looking cock brushing the skin of her stomach. A trail of wetness was left in its wake, the appendage soaked from her release. He reached for her and shifted them so that she leaned against the table, the edge digging into her ass. Her eyes moved to the other two men in the room, hoping they’d give her some sort of clue to what she was in store for, but they were both watching with the same hardened stare their father was.

 Anticipation swelled in her belly. And what felt like fear. For the first time in their time together, Cat was unsure.

 “Lay back.” John commanded gruffly. He sat her on the piece of furniture easily, the cold surface a shock to her overheated skin. Cat did as he said, eyes going to Sam and Dean’s. John stepped between her legs and propped her feet on the edge so that she was lewdly displayed. She wanted to cover herself, but she fought against the instinct.

 “That is a pretty pussy.” His finger teased at her opening, the flesh swollen and sopping wet from all the activity. He ventured passed her lips and she jumped at the intrusion. “She’s still trying to clench around something. She’s a needy thing.” He continued to taunt, his words somehow making her overworked body tingle in newfound desire.

 Dean moved from his chair and stood near her head, his green eyes roving her body as if she’d just unveiled it to him. His hand caressed her cheek and then gently swept her hair from her forehead. The gesture was surprisingly intimate.

 “You look scared, sweetheart.” Dean said with genuine care, though the wickedness still sat idly under the surface.

 “Are you-,” She paused, eyes going to each man in hopes they’d see her meaning. “Are each of you-,”

 “No.” Sam said quickly, cutting off her line of questioning. His response was serious, but the smirk on his lips let her know he was more than willing to go against it.

 “I get to have you today. Only me, baby girl.” John explained, his hands smoothing against the flesh of her widened thighs. He caressed her from her knees to her ass, easing the tension that had settled in her muscles. “The boys can have you next time. If you want. But we’re starting slow. Can’t run before we crawl, can we?” He raised an eyebrow at her expectantly and she nodded, bottom lip trapped between her teeth.

 The idea of all of them taking her at once appealed to her more than she’d liked to admit, but she knew she wasn’t ready to dive into that just yet. The thought was intimidating and almost unfathomable. But at the prospect of getting to have all three of them, even at once, was enough to keep her intrigued.

 “You think you could handle three cocks at once?” Dean asked, his finger rubbing her bottom lip and forcing it from the grips of her teeth.

 “Y-yes.”

 “You don’t sound so sure.” Dean baited, his finger trailing from her lips to her neck. He stroked the sore spot near her pulse point and she realized there must’ve been a mark left behind.

 “I can…” She tore off into a moan when John’s mouth descended on her pussy abruptly. Dean’s finger drifted to her nipple and circled the fast-hardening bud. The dual sensations made her back bow against the table and into their skilled hands. Cat’s hands threaded through John’s hair as he worked, his lips kissing her own sensuously and thoroughly. He wasn’t missing a drop and he made sure he touched every part of her flesh that he could.

 Soon, hands were grabbing at her breasts and pinching her nipples. They kneaded her skin with a roughness and need that had her crying out. She opened her eyes and struggled to keep them focused against the onslaught of euphoria she was feeling. A dark head of thick hair was nestled into the other side of her neck. It was Sam; his mouth was assailing the flesh. He was working with a purpose. To mark her.

 On her other side, Dean’s hands were still grasping her breasts while his lips were positioned near her ear. The words he whispered sent jolts straight to her abused core, her legs clamping around John’s head.

 “You’re gonna take the three of us next time, aren’t you? Gonna fill up every hole. And you’re gonna beg us to stop. Beg us to not make you cum again.”

 Fucking hell, the images he was conjuring for her were making her hips rock against John’s mouth. She whimpered when she felt a painful twinge, indicating another orgasm was on the horizon.

 “You gonna cum for us?” Sam asked, voice low and dangerous.

 She shook her head, not ready. Something felt different. Something she’d never felt before.

 “I can’t.” She whined, feeling an urge to release but unable to let her body do so.

 “You can and you will.” Dean ordered harshly, leaving no room for arguments.

 Cat felt John push his fingers into her and curl them, hitting a spot that set alarms off inside her. His lips suctioned around her clit, the action almost uncomfortable. She shook her head again, trying to convey how close she was to a cliff she’d never jumped off of.

 “Fuck. I think I’m gonna cum.”

 The words barely made it passed her lips before she was cumming. Liquid rushed out of her in a way in which she’d never experienced. Her mind was barely registering the phenomenon as her body seized and contracted with spasms. The hands that had been racing her to the finish line now eased up and stroked her soothingly. Her chest heaved with heavy breaths and her limbs felt like lead as she wafted back to reality.

 “You’re a squirter?” Sam’s voice broke the silence, his eyes watching her with delight.

 “I-I’ve never-,” Cat struggled to get out the words, still trying to catch her breath.

 “Holy shit. That was fucking hot, sweetheart.” Dean praised with awe and lust.

 She could feel the mess she’d made and belatedly looked down to John. He would’ve gotten the brunt of her unexpected talent and she found herself once again embarrassed. She met his gaze as he stood and was met with pure, animalistic desire. His stubble was coated with her spending’s, his white teeth grinning like the cat that ate the canary. He seemed more than pleased by the events.

 “You’re just full of surprises, baby girl.”

 He reached for her arms and she let him help her to a sitting position, the blood flowing back to her legs. He kissed her forcefully and giving her no choice but to taste herself on him. His tongue danced with hers, the flavor a mix of salty and sweet.

 He pulled away and nipped at her bottom lip as he spoke. “I’m not quite done with you.”

 She whimpered, knowing her body was nearing exhaustion. Her skin was sticky and covered in sweat and cum. Her throat felt sore and dry from being impaled on massive dicks. Her hair was tangled and her muscles were delightfully sore. She could die in that moment and die satisfied and happy.

 John sniggered at her half-assed protest, but ignored her obvious fatigue. “Bend over.” He commanded. And even though she was on her last legs, she submitted. Because she knew if she really wanted to, she could put a stop to it. But she didn’t. She wanted to keep going. She wanted to push her limits.

 Her skin stuck to the table under her, but with John’s assistance she was on her feet and bent over the surface. Sam and Dean were out of her line of sight again, having moved to capture the best view of her fucked raw pussy. She gripped the edge of the table as John entered her without warning, his thickness making that burn settle into her walls again. His thrusts were deep and slow. The movements made the table move across the floor as Cat struggled to remain on the tips of her toes.

 “This is the best goddamn view.” He thrust again, the force of his hips making the edge of the table dig into her stomach. “Your pussy is swallowing my cock so fucking good, baby girl.”

 “Oh, Daddy…fuck.” Her face was pressed into the table, her nails digging into the woodgrain.

 His hips stilled suddenly. Cat felt her soaked channel gripping and releasing his cock, but he still stayed unmoving.

 “Fuck yourself.”

 She moved her hips forward and then back at the same speed he’d been thrusting. She angled her hips down and then up as she took him in, letting him hit spots he hadn’t before.

 “Look at all that cream.” Hands spread her ass cheeks as she continued to move. “I’m gonna cum in this pussy. You gonna let Daddy do that?”

 Cat nodded dumbly, unable to form a sentence. A hand came down hard on her right cheek and she flinched. The undercurrent of pleasure made her push back for more. He obliged her, his hand assaulting the other cheek in the same manner. His actions spurred her on and she moved faster. He was still making her do a majority of the work and she cried out in frustration when she couldn’t find the rhythm needed to push them over the edge.

 “Need a hand from Daddy, baby girl?” John taunted, the knowing tone in his voice almost infuriating her. Tears sprang to her eyes as she tried and failed to chase ecstasy.

 “Please…” She begged, wanting the sweet torture to come to an end.

 John’s grip on her hips tightened as he began to pound into her, the grueling speed just what she needed to send her over the edge again. She cried out as she felt his cock continue to bottom out inside her, his grunts mingling with her own litany of whimpers.

 “That’s it, baby girl. Cum on my cock.”

 Cat felt a beefy hand grab at her hair, pulling her back into a near impossible arch. Her whole body felt utterly and truly abused, and yet she found herself craving more.

 “I’m gonna cum…you gonna take it all?” John gruffly asked, his hips smacking harshly against her reddened ass.

 “Yes, yes, yes…” She chanted, ready to feel the warmth of him dripping from her depths.

 “Fuck, I’m cumming.” He gritted out between clenched teeth, her hips now trapped against his. His cock swelled and pulsated as his hands dug into her flesh hard enough to leave bruises. Thick, warm ropes of him filled her, coating her walls and finally making her feel as if she could fall into the deepest sleep she’d ever experience.

 She all but collapsed against the table, feeling John pull away from her. A cool gust of wind washed over her now exposed backside. She could feel his seed start to trickle from her, the cheeks of her ass spreading by the same hands that had held her seconds before.

 “Take a look at this, boys.”

 Cat didn’t have to turn around to see that every man’s gaze was zeroed in on her. The heat of their stare was burning her flesh; and if she wasn’t so exhausted, she was sure new tendrils of desire would’ve overtaken her.

 “Prettiest thing I’ve seen in a while.”

 She was sure it was Dean that spoke. And she was also sure that the hands caressing her lower back and ass belonged to Sam. Their combined words and touches were the last thing she remembered before she was pulled behind a dark curtain of sleep.

 ****

Cat’s eyes fluttered open suddenly, the darkness of the room momentarily frightening her. She realized she was in her own bed, nestled into the comfort of her sheets and blankets. The clock on her nightstand said it was barely after eight o’clock at night. Memories flooded her conscious mind like a faucet had been opened. Flashes of hands on her body, maneuvering her to their liking, painted a debauched picture. Groans and whispered words of praise looped like a song in her ears. Her body was aching and sore, but in a way that made her feel satisfied and alive.

 Her mouth felt dry and her eyes still felt heavy, but she shifted herself to the edge of the bed. She belatedly realized she was nude and shivered as she sat up and took in the space. She quickly did the math…she’d been sleeping for about six or seven hours. And her last recollection was of three strange men, devilishly handsome but still strange, fucking her useless and in her house. They could’ve done anything while she was passed out. Her whole house could be empty. The world could’ve fucking ended and she would be none the wiser.

 She raised up on shaky legs and made her way to the bathroom, her bladder not able to wait another second. She used the facilities, remnants of semen still on her skin. Her reflection met her gaze and she balked at her appearance. Mascara was smeared under her eyes. Her hair was a tangled mass of brunette waves. Her skin was peppered with bruises and beard burn. She almost looked as if she’d been in a serious accident.

 Cat decided to take a quick shower and rid herself of the fucked senseless look she was currently sporting. She didn’t hear any movement downstairs and figured if her shit was stolen, well there was nothing she could do about it now.

 The warm water cascaded over her skin and soothed her tender muscles. The bottom half of her body, specifically the juncture between her thighs, hurt every time she moved. Again, the pain wasn’t unwelcomed. It was a reminder of the unlikely circumstances she’d found herself in earlier that day. The pain and visible marks were reminders of the three men next door.

 She finished her shower quickly and dressed just as fast in shorts and an old off the shoulder t-shirt. She brushed her hair, taming the mess John’s hands had created. She walked through her bedroom and was just about to open the door when something on the floor caught her eye. Cat turned a lamp on to get a better look and froze at what she saw. There were a pair of dark brown leather boots sitting haphazardly at the end of her bed. Men’s boots. The boots she’d ridden and gotten herself off on hours before.

 Her eyes darted around the room, searching for any other sign of a man but found none. If John’s shoes were still here, where was he?

 A noise from downstairs made her stiffen. She walked into the hallway quietly, straining to hear any other sounds. Light was emanating from the kitchen and dining room, her house seemingly alive without her. Her bare feet were soundless on the stairs as she rounded the corner to the first floor. More noises confirmed the presence of someone in her kitchen and Cat wished she’d brought the bat she kept next to her bed with her.

 A man had his back to her, the muscles beneath his grey t-shirt rippling as he tinkered with a light fixture. A flannel shirt was thrown over the back of one of her chairs, a tool box open near it on the table. Cat recognized John immediately and upon seeing him she instantly relaxed. She was also thankful none of her belongings seemed to be missing.

 Her feet made a floorboard whine and he spun around, his eyes softening once he realized who she was.

 “Hey, beautiful…” He greeted with a warm smile, the tools in his hand long forgotten.

 Cat stepped towards him, the uneasiness she’d been feeling seemingly dissipating the longer she was with him. He held out his hand to her and she took it, letting him pull her to him. He was being much softer with her than he’d been that afternoon. His arms encircled her waist, his body radiating a heat that made her step closer into his space. He was quite a bit taller than her and she had to crane her neck to meet his gaze.

 “How you feelin’?” He asked, eyeing the flesh of her marred neck.

 “Good…sore, but good.” She answered honestly. Her voice sounded hoarse and she cleared her throat to dispel the cobwebs.

 John flashed a wide grin at her words. Even though Cat was cleaned up and dressed, she knew she still looked like she’d been fucked ten ways to Sunday. And he was clearly basking in that notion. In that moment he looked like the perfect mixture of rugged man and boyish gentleman. The combination made her stomach flutter and her pussy clench uncomfortably in remembrance.

 “You been out for a while. I kept myself busy.” He gestured to the various tools that littered her countertop, indicating he’d done some more repairs to her home. A lone pizza box sat at one end of the kitchen and she could swear her mouth watered at the sight.

 “You didn’t have to.” She replied, embarrassed that they’d essentially fucked her into a coma. Her cheeks felt warm and her eyes were focused on the material of his t-shirt, unable to meet his eyes. His hand left her hip and tilted her chin. He was staring down at her with a softness and warmth that made her heart beat faster.

 “It’s the least I could do.” He smiled down at her and she couldn’t help but to reciprocate the gesture. “You hungry?” He asked, arching a thick brow down at her. She nodded and let him lead her to the countertop where the pizza box sat.

 “You ordered pizza?” Cat asked as he pulled two slices from the container and placed them on an empty plate that was out. She lifted herself onto the countertop, a slight grimace flying past her lips at the exertion it took for her aching body. John turned a worried glance her way, but she smiled and waved it off, accepting the plate of food.

 “I picked it up in town. I was out for a bit getting some more tools and figured you’d be hungry once you woke up.” He responded, plating two pieces for himself. He leaned against the edge of the counter near her, his clothed form rubbing against the bare flesh of her legs.

 “Thank you.” She murmured, not quite sure what part she was thanking him for. She supposed all of it…the amazing sex, the handyman repairs, and the nourishment.

 He winked at her while he chewed and she figured he’d caught the meaning of her simple, yet loaded words of appreciation.

They sat in a comfortable silence while they ate until Cat belatedly realized that she hadn’t seen or heard from the two other men that had ravaged her that afternoon. She almost felt as if it was a fever dream, a mirage conjured up by her depraved mind. If not for the physical reminders of them on her skin, she would’ve believed it too.

 “Where’s Sam and Dean?” She finally asked after swallowing down a bite of pepperoni pizza.

 John cleared his throat before answering, wiping his mouth with a napkin as he did. “They had to head out. They’ve got some business to attend to out of state.”

 Cat nodded, trying not to feel neglected by the men. They had all had fun and they were under no obligation to hang around and converse with her. And they had mentioned that they were only passing through.

 Still…insecurities and doubts started to creep up.

 “Hey,” A gentle hand lifted her chin as a broad body placed itself between her thighs. She looked up and met John’s warm brown eyes, her mood lifting slightly at the way he stared down at her. “They wanted to stay, but they got a call. They wanted me to tell you that they liked you. Enjoyed you.” He said with a knowing smile as he caressed her fast-reddening cheek.

 A smile lifted the edges of her lips. She tried not to look like an enamored teenage girl, but she knew she was failing. These men, especially the one before her, had her totally and completely captivated.

 “And…” He started, his rough hands now stroking the inside of her thighs. The action made her shiver. “They said they wanted to see you next time they were in town.”

 A warmth spread throughout her body as he spoke, relaying his sons’ message to her. Her body was coming alive under his touch and she felt a coil start to tighten inside her at the idea of repeating their time together.

 John began to trail kisses along her neck as he stepped further into her space. She automatically widened her legs, accommodating his large frame. His stubble burned her skin, but it was in a way that now felt familiar and intoxicating.

 “Would you like that, baby?” He rasped against her neck, his voice sending shivers through her body. “You want all three of us again?” He nipped at her bruised skin, reestablishing his claim on her.

 Cat moaned and pulled his crotch flush with hers. She tangled her fingers in his hair, already losing herself to the sensations. God, he felt like the best drug she’d ever been on. And even though her body was still recovering, she happily accepted him again.

“I need you…” She gasped as he palmed her breast beneath her shirt. She could feel him hard against her and she pushed back in hopes of enticing him.

 “You should rest.” He growled, her hands starting to stroke him through his jeans. She whimpered in response, not wanting to accept his demand this time.

 “Daddy…”

 John pulled away, but his hands were still on her and practically searing her skin. He eyed her with careful consideration and she could tell he didn’t like her act of defiance. She almost felt sorry for it…almost.

 “I’ll let that slide for now, baby girl. But I’ll get my punishment in due time.” His words made her thighs squeeze shut, the need to ease the pulsing ache overwhelming. He seemed pleased by her actions, licking his lips and showcasing those perfect teeth.

 “Come on.” He took a step back and extended his hand to her. She took it without question. He helped her down and began leading her back to the stairs and to her bedroom. “I’m gonna fill up the tub and you’re gonna soak.”

 “Are you going to join me?” She asked once they had made it to her bathroom.

 He dropped her hand and turned on the lights. He didn’t answer her right away. Instead, he moved about her space and did what he said he was going to do. He filled her bathtub, adding bubble bath that she had sitting on the counter. When he finished, he turned to face her and lifted his shirt over his head, exposing his naked torso to her for the first time. A breathe escaped her lips as she took him in. He was all tanned skin, tattoos, and scars. Muscles rippled as he started to unbutton his pants, his eyes trained solely on her.

 “Strip.” John ordered, the tone of his voice leaving no room for argument.

 Cat smiled and immediately complied. From this moment on, she was going to follow this man anywhere. She was a goner.

[lucalicatteart]

Species overview: some nameless ancient pond forest soul feeding scaley people

Quick outline sketches of a possible species??? I wanted to make a group with  eyebrow whiskers since I’ve been using them in makeups .. som little... tall scaley ancient forest dwelling magical pond protectors sustaining themselves on stolen soul candles and riding around on large cats , berhaps... i have no name for them yet however and may still change some things around lol   :V

Details about where they live, how they’re born, species origins, etc. under the read more if interested 

----

I don’t have much worked out about them yet so I’m just going to do random paragraphs as I think of them, so sorry for it not being too organized 

~~~~~~ GENERAL INFO ~~~~~~~~~~

 –--  They’re usually about 10 - 12 feet tall. Skin is usually grayish, with sometimes light swirl or rounded patterns on it, and little ridges of semi hardened flesh sort of like scales, that have brighter color at the tips. Mostly only come in warm colors like red , orange, or yellow tints, sometimes reddish purple. Blues and greens are really uncommon for both base skin and scale tips color, as well as uncommon for hair and eyes. Have legs that curve outward, and they exclusively walk on their tip toes, even though it is possible for them to stand flat footed. Despite their size they seem fairly light, being able to sprint quickly on the tips of their feet and seem to just float everywhere (possibly have different anatomy, like bones made out of a lighter than usual material or etc,, or maybe just have  very strong muscles and good muscle control, or perhaps use magic, etc. Either way, somehow they're incredibly light and springy for 11 foot creatures that should move slowly and be heavy). 

Medium length curved horns sprout from the forehead with ‘scales’ at the base, and parted pointed long ears with curled whiskers at each tip. As well as a little bunch of whiskers above the eyebrow. Pupils are kind of like a curved plus sign or sparkle shape. Fingertips are claw-like rows of scales layered on top of each other.  Usually have long wavy hair since their hair grows pretty fast , but they can cut it constantly every time it grows back, or style it if they like. 

 –--  There are about 145 of them currently in existence. Lifespan is unknown, though it is thought that they can die, nobody is sure if it happens naturally or if it’s something they choose to do (similarly to how Avirre’thel (vampires) are immortal essentially forever, but many of them choose to end their lives after most of their goals have been fulfilled and they then go to a special council to enact their very specific death ritual, etc.). It’s hard to get answers out of them, but many of them are thought to be up to 30,000 years old, making them some of the oldest creatures in Nanyevimi, second to certain species of Jhevona and right above some of the oldest vampires. Their death rituals are also currently unknown, but knowing their general nature/what they place cultural significance on, it can be assumed they return their bodies to the bottom of their sacred pond upon death, or something like that. 

–--  They use giant cats native to the forest in order to get around, keep them as pets and really value them a lot and have special bonds with them (they usually each have a cat to their name, or at least a ‘’family cat’’ that all members care for and share) so it’s not like they’re just solely transport animals. They’re used for fun as pets and also as self defense, especially as guard animals. Particularly for ‘’new births’’ (though the species kind of come out of the lake mostly mature I guess ''new birth'' is still an okay term to describe newly created species members... like maybe the equivalent to if humans were born by just coming up out of a body of water as fully grown 14 year olds?) that haven’t learned to use their magic well yet.  The cats are also used often as transportation animals, especially when they have to leave the forest or travel further into it (very rare, but has happened occasionally during the like 60,000+ years of unknown time this mysterious species has been there) since it’s such a huge forest and they'd be traveling large distance. 

–--  The most precious building in the center of their settlement is a huge stone room with trees intertwined around some of the outside walls and a pond in the middle, surrounded by trees and lit by sun through a hole in the ceiling right above the pond. The pond is seemingly magical and is said to be a source of power for them. They bathe and play in it regularly, though they have to clean themselves before entering and it’s considered very sacred.

 (Side note: The history of this pond and the area around it is a complete mystery (like you never find anything about it in  books, it hasn't been on maps until very recently, etc.), and this sort of thing is extremely extremely rare. Even though Nanyevimi is a place where people are capable of magic, it’s hardly EVER in the form of stuff like natural resources. You don’t find magical stones or lakes or etc., unless they’ve been deliberately created, and even then it’s usually on a small scale (like just a few stones, not a full stone deposit),  and if it is deliberately created, it's usually also documented somewhere,, so the fact that this is both a large magical natural resource and untraceable in origin, is.. immensely odd in terms of the established norms of the world of Nanyevimi and what we know about it's history)

The rest of the building is walls of candles, which are permanently burning, and are actually holding souls. They store souls as the literal flame of these candles, consuming the fire when they need more power. Nobody is sure exactly where they got these souls, how they came to have so many of them, or precisely what sort of magic they use in order to manifest the souls as a flame lighting an ever burning candle (Kind of like the pond, this is a really weird manifestation of magic usage not commonly seen (multiple high level soul magics users have tried to replicate this method of soul storage in the past and they can never quite get it), at least not during any recorded history of the realm. Some think it may be a lost form of magic, a remnant from an older civilization or etc.  ).  

–--  They would be technically extinct, considering that they no longer naturally reproduce as a species and have no means of doing so (they lost all genitals and sex characteristics who knows how long ago), but they feed on souls (in the form of the candles) and the magical powers of the pond, and use these to fill the bodies of new members, which they create  with magic when they feel like they need to (kind of similar to the ythrili in that they only mate to create new members when the population is low or just when they all mutually agree they could use a few more) 

–--  Creating “new births” or new members of the species, is done through a ceremony where they take multiple candles (usually five of them) and combine the flames, then pluck the larger flame off of the candle tip.  Within the flame, they place the blood of at least 5 living species members and scale clippings of five members (which kind of just mushes into the flame and then hovers in place, kind of like if you were inserting an object into a blob of jello or something). They then submerge the swirling flame blob into the water (which still burns under the water somehow), letting it sink to the bottom of the pond (which is oddly deep for how small it is, like 110 feet or so). 

 These materials will merge into a large scaled looking growth and attach to rocks at the bottom of the pond, and being to grow to sprout the new body, who will rise from the bottom of the pond in usually a 3 - 6 days time. Though only a few people wait by the pond to watch for the new birth and greet them with food and clothes to give them when they arrive, after they’re actually “born”, usually the entire group will meet them and have a little ceremony about it, welcoming and teaching them and  giving them gifts and etc. Like mentioned, the new births are pretty developed (in terms of being tall, and already having good muscle control, cognitive abilities, etc.) upon coming up from the pond bottom, like the equivalent of a teenager, but still don’t know how to use magic well yet, and are totally new in the sense of not yet knowing any culture or language or etc. 

-

-

-

~~~~~~~ THE FOREST ~~~~~~~~~~~

–--  They live deep deep in the center of a forest usually referred to as the  “desert woods”,  which is like a wooded area that’s so vast and somewhat bare that  people compare it to being out on the sea or in a desert. There are  actually a pretty plentiful amount of tress and grass and flowers,  but there is little diversity between them, and in pretty much all directions it tends to look the same so it can be extremely disorienting as you walk like, you have no idea how long you’ve been walking or in what direction , there are hardly any landmarks or ways to actually know where you’re going (there are occasionally small pockets where there will be a tiny puddle, or a flower bush of a different color, a fungus that is unique, etc. but overall it’s literally as if someone just uniformly copy and pasted the same few plants in the same exact positions everywhere for miles), thus everything starts to look repetitive and endless. It evokes that type of "as far as i can see everything looks the same and it’s very easy to get lost" sort of never-ending environment feeling. Especially due to the size , which if it were a perfect circle would be something around 320 miles in diameter around, from any angle it will take you close to 160 miles to get to the center. It also seems to grow thicker, taller, and significantly foggier the further in to the center you are, so it’s kind of like you’re increasingly loosing your ability to see into the distance, getting gradually more obscured. 

People get lost and die there all the time, presumably, though bodies are hardly ever found. Some people think their soul and body are merely absorbed into the ‘magic of the forest’ before they can even decompose, others claim the lack of bodies is only an illusion since likely there are bodies but they’re just incredibly hard to find due to how difficult the area is to navigate, and some think that lost travelers are taken by the scaly species of the forest to be harvested, soul captured in a candle and body thrown to the bottom of their pond. 

 ---  An interesting myth is that the ‘pond’ is thought to have used to be a massive lake, which has now essentially become the desert wood, drying up or having the landscape change for whatever reason long ago.  Some people think if you dig far enough in any spot in the woodland, you’ll hit springs of water connected to an underground source, the same one that fills the pond, and that over time it just dried up (at least on the surface) or whatever until the pond in the center was the only part of the water left. The desert wood is pretty damp in general, with soft sometimes muddy mossy ground (though footprints disappear unnaturally fast somehow), and the occasional puddle, so it's not too far fetched to suggest it may still have some sort of water source still affecting it. 

Especially because of the species’ affinity for swimming and the fact that they seem to have remnants of scales and stuff, it’s thought that perhaps they used to be aquatic humanoid creatures living in this giant lake with magical properties that was a source of magic strength, then through whatever the hell happened that isn’t recorded in history, the lake dried up and slowly just became this huge expanse of forest ,  gradually forcing them to move inward and adapt more to being on the land, then eventually getting  to where they are today, how they live in a very tiny area almost directly in the center of the desert wood, with their sacred tiny pond and etc., now more evolved for land dwelling but still swimming in it all the time. Especially since the forest seems to be somewhat magical in nature and unnatural with how repetitive and ''off'' it is, especially the closer you get to the pond in the center, which would suggest some sort of connection with the magic of the water, as if it flows through (or, once flowed through) the entire area. Even just stepping foot into the forest immediately feels completely different than the land outside, a sudden implacable shift in tone that only grows the deeper in you are. 

Various scholars in the past have tried expeditions into the woods, to dig for water, or unearth ruins of past civilizations that used to live there when it was a large body of water before the landscape changed.  They also often attempt  to search for remnants of forest life, since the lack of diversity in plant life and animals and etc. in the woods seems unsettlingly unnatural, and they think perhaps back before the area was as it is today, there were more creatures and plants and possibly even more native humanoid species around)...  But,  pretty much all the explorers just end up getting lost and ‘dying’ (or at least disappearing), like most other visitors do. 

  -

-

-

  ~~~~~   CULTURE ~~~~~~~~~

— If you do happen to reach the center of the forest without much harm, when you come across their settlement, you have to give them gifts of some kind or else they will turn you away. It’s a custom they have for whatever reason. What they’ll accept as gifts seems to be fairly random.  Sometimes if you simply give them a small cake you happened to have on hand, they’d be satisfied. Other times, they may want more extensive gifts, like a majority of your traveling supplies or an animal you have with you.  Sometimes you may be able to just bend down and pluck some flowers from the forest floor right in front of them and hand it to them and they’ll accept you, etc.  Giving them sparkling jewelry or anything that reminds them of water is usually a safe bet, so is offering a small bit of your soul or some of your blood. 

It’s thought that perhaps they use different standards for different people, as even on the most guarded of minds they can at the very least read a person’s vague intentions, So they may already know whether someone means good or bad when they approach the settlement, and adjust their standards accordingly (requiring people who are rude or intending to cause harm to give them more extensive gifts that require more labor, allowing well intentioned or potentially useful people to pass into their living space for a much lesser price, etc.)

— They have special lanterns on every edge of their area, which they use as eyes, and can see through them in order to watch the forest.  They look like innocent lights, but are actually enchanted and allow the forest watchers to have eyes in many places at once (kind of like their mind merges with all of the lanterns simultaneously, as if you were seeing from the perspective of 80 people at once or something and processing it all equally. Which seems sort of incomprehensible, but they are like... mysterious ancient beings so, I wouldn't put it past them to be able to segment their minds into multiple parts at will, connected like a system with all individual fragments communicating together or something, especially if magic is involved. This seems hard to keep up in a long term, but it's thought that they take turns in the role of the 'watcher', tuning into the system of lanterns and etc. for a little while and then passing the task onto the next person while the previous one rests, etc.).  

 There are at least one or two individuals keeping lantern watch at all times, despite the nature of the forest and the relative obscurity of their species, meaning they hardly ever get visitors anyway.  It is thought they have similar mechanisms set up all throughout the forest, though less obviously (wouldn’t want any lanterns laying around, they could be used as a land mark and make the forest less of a complete indistinguishable hell to navigate lol), perhaps having enchanted certain trees or stones to keep an eye on visitors even before they’ve approached anywhere near the center settlement. It’s unknown how far the species’ reach extends in terms of watching and controlling the forest land around them. 

—  They mostly eat root vegetables, mixed dishes with like “raw meat cubes, slivered nuts, flower petals,, tossed together like a salad”, and often large tree leaves with paste spread on them kind of like butter on toast, etc. They make a lot of pastes which are kind of like the texture of hummus but are usually fermented , maybe kind of tasting something more sour like miso paste and stuff, they have a lot of different varieties and really enjoy their pastes, they’ll just dip things in them, spread them on stuff, water them down a bit into soups, eat them totally plain with nuts or chopped leaves on top, etc. Half of the misc objects you’ll see laying around their area are probably just clay jars full of various pastes they’ve made lol.  

There are also a lot of interesting bugs in the forest, which they both eat and also keep as pets or use for other purposes, like glowing moths that they eat the wings and bodies of, but also keep in jars for light, but also smash to create glowing dyes, etc. etc. It’s not rare to see them just pick a bug out of the air and eat it, though usually they prepare their food a bit more. They have some fruit and fungi and moss, but most things that grow in the forest in general tend to be mildly or majorly poisonous, even to them, so they usually stick to the group of things that they grow in controlled environments and gardens on their own lands, and rarely like, go out into the forest to forage for things, since they never know for certain if that stuff will be good or not, even after living in the area for thousands of years. 

 (side note: due to stuff like this, it's usually thought that while they seem to keep watch of the forest and protect it in a way, they seemingly don't create it or control it. Unless it's just a guise to fake people out, but you would think that if you were in charge of a forest, you would have some influence over the things growing there and wouldn't even have anything there that's poisonous or dangerous to you. There are certain things the species members have said and done in the past, and certain aspects of their daily life (like eating habits, etc.) that seem to indicate that parts of the forest are very dangerous or unknown, even to them, and that they're probably not as fully in charge of the land as some theories of their species would suggest)

— They live in small houses slightly sunken into the forest floors, with walls made out of a clay-like material, and roofs usually having a wooden base with dirt and grass and regular forest growing on top of it. Some homes are dug into the roots of trees, or merely have trees growing through them in certain spots. Floors are usually just soft vaguely moist packed down dirt, usually with layers of moss on the top that they use to sit on. It’s also common to grow vines and flowers and bushes directly on your walls or around them, so like a person will usually have their favorite foods growing right on their walls inside or outside of their house for convenience, they don’t have to travel far to search for a snack, since that fruit they really like is already hanging above their bed area, etc. 

They don’t have much furniture usually, though it depends on the person, but many homes are really just an enclosed space of moss with the individual’s favorite plants strewn around about the walls, maybe some lanterns inside for lighting and decorative fabrics hung on the walls or on the floor to sleep on, maybe a large cushion for sitting and a chest or shelf to keep their usually small amount of belongings in, and that’s it. Much of their food is not prepared ahead of time beyond maybe peeling or cutting it up, since they eat pretty much everything raw right there on the spot as they need it, so they don’t really need a kitchen to cook or store food in, and they have no waste system (similar to other magical species that no longer poop or pee, it’s thought they just absorb the food into magical energy or something. Though every magical species is different in the way they function with this in particular, many have a similar system of absorption that makes using the bathroom wholly unnecessary, or at least optional),  and there's plenty of water to bathe and rest in all around them publicly, so they usually don’t need any parts of a bathroom either (though sometimes they have bowls of water in their house as decorations, just because they really.. really.. really love water.. lol. Like not to use it for anything but just.. to look at or look into, to maybe swish their hands around in for fun, etc.).  Homes are really just a place to store your things and to sleep and nest in.  

 — Due to their habit of collecting gifts and taking a vague interest (though quite a shallow one, similarly to how someone would be interested in observing a new pet or wild animal) in outside visitors, they do tend to have a lot of interesting things laying around, all of the gifts they’ve received over the past 40,000+ years. Obviously their area is still predominantly decorated with their own hand crafted items and stuff, since they don’t get visitors often enough to fully stock their lives with outside materials, but most members of the species do have some degree of a personal collection. It’s not uncommon for someone of their species to own a mix of things (all stored in their tiny home) like rugs, jars, jewelry, pots, books, clothing, blankets, bags, pillows, bottles, etc. that come from a wide variety of outside sources, all brought by visitors in the past. You may also see them with plants, animals, and food items as well, but since these have a shorter lifespan there’s a lot less of them lying around, a visitor would have had to have come pretty recently for the food they brought to still be sitting on shelves in someone’s house and still be fresh. Sometimes outside animals and plants are able to actually thrive there and be kept for a while, but most of the time they die out (not that the forest is like poisonous to them and they die prematurely, but just like,, it would be hard to breed an entire population of new animals in the area or introduce a new plant species, they usually just keep the original gifted plant/animal and let it run it’s life course, and don’t try to like breed the animal or replicate the outside plant to keep it around, etc.). 

Sometimes one of the reasons scholars want to show up there in the first place is to look at all the gifts they’ve collected over the years, as the species could very well be unknowingly holding on to some pretty rare ancient artifacts, they probably have plenty of gifts given to them in the past by civilizations that have long since died out, books gifted to them 20,000 years ago in languages that are no longer spoken anywhere in the world, things which would be considered significant cultural artifacts, etc. etc. Of course they’d never give these things away though lol, but people still occasionally come to try and investigate about it.  

  — They seemingly live a pretty relaxed life of luxury, not in the sense of living in mindless excess but, more just that most all labor and etc. it’s easily taken care of by magical means, and they don’t really communicate with the outside world or have any enemies or anything, so it seems like they really do just kind of … lay around on the forest floor napping in the sunlight on a pile of moss, bathing in their pond or some other bodies of water (there are some areas where water streams down kind of like a waterfall from the tops of trees (this is magically manufactured by them and not naturally occurring, it also is not the same water as their pond water, it’s just plain clear non-magical water, which they still love), puddles they’ve created around the place, there are many bathtub-like structures scattered around the settlement so they can sit in water any time they’d like, etc.), reclining on a fabric pile and telling stories in a group while they eat meat cubes  from a tray of leaves, etc. etc. Though there is a small library of texts they've collected, and they do seem to have some existence of arts and crafting and things like making music and putting on plays, and some of them have defined hobbies and things they do like collecting and preparing food or crafting new fabrics or etc., Many of them do just seem to largely spend most of their years napping in puddles or braiding each others hair while sitting in the top of a tree eating fruit. 

— In general they give off a very stereotypical like, ‘ancient secretive isolated species that doesn’t have much else to do with the world and doesn’t care’ sort of vibe, they come off as peaceful and distant, with no intention of harm but also kind of inept and culturally obscure..  Like you could explain to them that there’s a war going on and you urgently need their help and they may just kind of stare at you for a few second and not and nod and then offer you some more food. They’re just not really bothered by outside affairs (for better or worse), and generally give off the unaffected air of living in an entirely different realm or a different timescale than everyone else. 

They rarely welcome outsiders anyway, as they can tell if you’re there for a good or a bad reason just by seeing you (which may be because of a truth seeing enchantment around the outside barrier of the forest or something, or maybe just a mastery of soul magic on their part to be able to peek inside your mind and see your true intentions), and most people show up for bad reasons (to steal artifacts, to dig around their forest, to try to take energy from the pond for themselves, etc.).  They let every visitor in of course, it’s just the assholes they likely end up killing and stealing their souls to put in their candle room lmao (nobody has ever SEEN them kill and it's not outright confirmed, but some travelers have reported that members of the species heavily implied the killing of outsiders on occasion)... But even people who come in good faith and are treated with respect and utmost hospitality still just feel like it’s just impossible to connect with them, the species being too aloof and otherworldly to really understand them.  

There’s never a communication barrier since they can communicate telepathically automatically with visitors, but even with that level of intimate expression (literally communicating through knowing someone’s thoughts) they still just seem disconnected, lost in their own ethereal daydreams and crafts and soul collecting and daytime moss patch naps and magic experiments and etc.,  totally isolated culturally as a community for thousands and thousands of years in a forest that hardly anyone can even find them in, they just come off as deeply preoccupied in their own shit and nothing else. So people who come looking for help or to study them or something often just end up politely taking leave after being treated as an honored guest for a few days, vaguely frustrated over how unhelpful they’ve been or feeling they were never really able to communicate well or make the beings grasp the gravity of what they approached them for or etc. 

A common thing is people approaching to ask to borrow soul candles, or bottles of water from the species’ pond, both things that exist entirely uniquely to this one area and aren’t found  anywhere else.. Though obviously hardly anyone actually gets what they came there for,  since after pleading their case about why they should be lent some of the water and what they’ll trade in return and etc. the beings are usually just like:

 “Aha… hmm… interesting… anyway, how much do you love flowers? *delicately picks a blossom from the tree forming the roof above them* Have you seen ones like this? they’re unique to the forest.. amazing… we love them.. *slowly pulls a single petal off and extends it uncomfortably close to the traveler’s lips*  they taste,, great… we use them in many dishes.. before you leave you should absolutely try one, don’t you think?”

 and the traveler is just like "??? uh??? weren’t we like.. talking about???? the bottles of magic pond water I wanted????".. , to which the being usually ignores them and starts asking the traveler what their opinions on the stars are or if they'd like to taste some fresh berries lol

But the guest usually ends up going along with whatever weird whimsical off topic bullshit the beings invite them to do, since they think “Oh maybe if i cooperate with them, they’ll eventually give me what I want.. Maybe they’re just testing me..” , until like days and days go by and they realize like “damn… these whimsical tangent sons of bitches really just don’t give a fuck do they.. this is the 40th time i’ve had someone offer me some weird food or ask me to swim with them or some shit… they just keep entirely refusing to address my offers… i’m going to leave" .

 It’s hard to know if the beings are genuinely this way, or if they're just being weird to mess with the visitors (knowing they’d never give away their precious resources for the silly affairs of outsiders anyway, they might as well lead them on and have some fun with them while they’re there, since they don’t get visitors often, like a game of "Let's see how many times i can get this fool to eat some tree bark before they get fed up and leave", perhaps the visitors are nothing more than just a form of entertainment for the beings, they like having someone to show around and confuse and attempt to feed leaves to).  Though there is definitely a chance that they are sincerely just Like That (they are a 50,000+ year old culture entirely detached from the world, maybe that tends to make you a bit odd), most scholars are like, 65% sure that the creatures are indeed just messing with outsiders for fun lol. 

–-  Nobody is sure if they actually have a language or if they merely speak telepathically.  In all known accounts of visits to this group, they communicate with the visitor purely telepathically,, but that may be exclusively due to language barrier  (when communicating that way basically your expressions just take on whatever mode makes sense to the brain of the person interpreting them. For example, if they’re an english speaker who can talk, they may hear the thoughts you give to them as spoken aloud (inside their head) and in english, but then their thoughts would also present themselves differently to you in a personalized way that you would best comprehend, etc.  Just like when magically communicating this way with animals, you don’t have to know how to ‘’speak animal’’ to do it, you merely send out your intentions and the conceptual idea you want to express  is interpreted by their mind in whatever means that make sense to them, be it in a different language, simplified, etc. ). 

 Perhaps they do speak among themselves, but even people who have stayed there as guests for a long time have never heard them verbally communicate, even with others of their own kind.  It’s thought that they may be entirely mute (either having lost the ability to speak or just not using it), and possibly only ever communicate telepathically. As seemingly very intelligent creatures, they’re obviously capable of speech in terms of cognitive ability, and could probably learn outside languages and learn to speak if taught (if they are even able to make noises), but perhaps simply don’t since they’re so used to speaking through minds. 

Nobody is sure though if their seeming silence and reliance on only telepathic communication is out of choice or out of necessity (or maybe is just another thing they do around visitors to make themselves seem weird and unrelatable, like maybe they chat up a storm when nobody’s around but all agree not to even so much as let out a cough if an outsider is around, muting themselves with magic to seem more mysterious lmao.. Their silence seems sincere, but they do also have a known habit of messing with those who visit them, so this conclusion is also possible lol.) 

This could also contribute to their seemingly relaxed and peaceful nature, since when speaking telepathically (at least if you’re actually good at it), you’re pretty much reading concepts in the persons mind in real time, so there’s little ability to lie or hide one’s own intentions, possibly leading to less conflict or ability to do harm. Like you already know if someone’s lying to you,  and exactly what they mean when they say something (in normal speech you can misinterpret what someone means if they word something the wrong way, but when speaking entirely through minds,  you really only can receive the true intended meaning, no interpretation necessary. If a person truly doesn't intend any harm, then you won't perceive any, etc.). Maybe this is how they’re able to seemingly get along so well within the group. Though they must have some conflicts of their own on occasion, it seems incredibly rare and you could visit their settlement for 4 months and not even once see a fight or disagreement between any of them.  Discussions perhaps, like people deciding what to eat for the day and all giving their input (they’re not a hivemind, they do all have unique opinions and distinct personalities), but things hardly ever seem the slightest bit hostile (though they are ancient extremely powerful otherworldly beings, maybe they’re just good at hiding their personal beef and don’t like to gossip with strangers lol). 

-

-

-

~~~~~~~~~~ BACKGROUND ~~~~~~~~~~

 – -- They’re thought to be an older species, due to a few things, but especially their scales. It’s likely that at one point they perhaps had the same sort of scales all over their body and over time have lost them. In Nanyevimi, with humanoid creatures at least, it’s common to simplify as you evolve, so most species today that have weird shit like incredibly impractically large horns or scales or fur in weird places and etc. are thought to be older species, or at least closely related remnants of older species.

This is also tied in with the fact that species usually get less magical (on a species basis, not a generational basis. It’s usually on such a long time scale it’s not like if you have a child, your children will automatically be significantly less magical than you,, but more just generally that as a species evolves into new branches it’s thought to get weaker, almost as if magic were just one giant piece of paper and every time you split that pool into more and more fragments of course each fragment is weaker… Like you can take your piece of paper ( a species with magic) and tear it into two pieces (two new evolution of the species), but now each piece is gradually smaller and smaller and smaller (of course scholars aren’t sure where inherently non magical species fit into this, maybe they were just never a part of the paper to begin with, or maybe this understanding is incorrect in the first place, many things regarding the nature of magic are merely theories lol)..

But anyway, it is thought that overtime there is, in most cases, a tendency to become less magical. And this is part of why they also simplify, since like for example if you can magically create all of your food or etc. then it’s fine for you to have unnecessary ornamentation or something, but if you have to be out working in fields and stuff, then outrageously long horns or random flowers growing out of your skin or something are going to become inconvenient (unless you’re adapted to a very particular niche where that works for you, but again this is the rule for MOST species, not ALL).  The less a species can rely on magic to take care of all of it’s basic needs, usually the more their evolution favors “””simpler”” designs (also why most inherently non-magical species tend to have the most ‘basic’ looking forms), so the more ornamented and odd a species looks (even if those traits initially evolved for a practical purpose millions of years ago), the more magical they would typically be, and the more magical you are, the older you usually tend to be. If all of that makes sense despite me not being able to organize my explanation properly lol. 

So anyway, since they do have somewhat impractical ornamentations (again, even if they originally served a purpose, only older more magical species have the luxury of retaining useless traits that inconvenience them, since with less magical species usually if something isn’t important any more, and is also causing them problems, it will favor simplifying away from that,, at least on Nanyevimi, idk how it works on earth because I am not a science boy and magic doesn’t exist on earth lol), and are also ridiculously magical, (and also have evidence of having been in the area for as long as history has been recorded, which on Nanyevimi is  over a million years, with a few gaps or periods of time that no writing can be found from or etc. in between them), it can be assumed they’re very very old, or are at least the descendants of very ancient inhabitants of the same area.  

 -

-

I guess that’s about it for now!!! It’s kind of incomplete and I still don’t have a name for them or other stuff and many cultural themes worked out beyond this vague summary but.... I was in a rush to... incorporate eyebrow whiskers somehow lol... 

[epicmilly]

request from @written-in-the-stars135!! sorry for taking so long, i've been meaning to draw this scene for a while and went full effort lol

anyways first time drawing both tress and hoid!! another reason it took awhile was i did a whole character study of hoid to figure out how i want to stylize him! if you guys are interested in the sketchies i can post those too :3

super happy with this!! hope you like it lol

(ignore the crappy quality my phone is terrible it's older than i am)

[womenofcolor15]

Gabby Douglas Thanks Fans For Encouraging Words After Sharing Traumatic Hair Journey + Women's Health Cover Girl Gabrielle Union Talks Wearing Natural Hair For The First Time On A Cover

Gabrielle Douglas thanks fans for encouraging words after she got candid about her bittersweet hair journey. Peep her touching posts, plus find out what Gabrielle Union said about her “flawless” hair care journey inside….

The 2012 London Olympics was a bittersweet moment for history making Olympian Gabrielle Douglas. At the age of 16, the YBF gymnast became the first African-American woman to win a gold medal in the team competition and the individual all-around. Unfortunately, her amazing accomplishment was overshadowed with vicious and unneccesary criticism of her HAIR! Of all things.

August 2, 2012 — Gabrielle Douglas won an Olympic gold in women’s gymnastics. pic.twitter.com/9RRZIYXBAR

— MoorInfo (@MoorInformation) August 2, 2020

They did the same thing when she was competing in the 2016 Olympics.  Sadly, she broke down in tears when she addressed the hate during the Olympics a few years ago.

Now, she’s 24. And her hair is FLOURISHING, honey.

The Olympic gold medalist took to her social media to open about her traumatic hair journey where she explained how pulling her hair into tight ponytails to do gymnastics damaged her hair completely.

"I had bald spots on the back of my head,” she said. “I was so embarrassed and self-conscious that I put a bunch of clips over the spots to try and cover them up, but it was still noticeable.”

Gabby's hair then began to grow, but she ended up having to cut it all off because it was so damaged. After cutting it, she became self-conscious to the point where she didn’t even want to go to the gym anymore.

”My hair grew a little, but shortly after, I had to cut all of my hair off because it was so damaged,” she wrote. “I cried and cried and cried. most days I didn’t even want to go to the gym because I felt so embarrassed that all my hair was gone.”

Despite the hair drama, she kept giving her hair tender love and care. And now, her hair is the healthiest its ever been.

"Fast forward to the both Olympics and my hair was the topic of conversation," she said. "Now here I am today - no extensions - no clip-ins - no wigs - no chemicals - all me."

Peep her natural tresses below: 

        View this post on Instagram

                  from the heart from a very young age i always had to put my hair in a tight ponytail to do gymnastics and due to that my hair became completely damaged. i had bald spots on the back of my head. i was so embarrassed and self-conscious that i put a bunch of clips over the spots to try and cover them up, but it was still noticeable. my hair grew a little, but shortly after, i had to cut all of my hair off because it was so damaged. i cried and cried and cried. most days i didn’t even want to go to the gym because i felt so embarrassed that all my hair was gone. i used to think: why can’t i have healthy hair? despite yet another challenge, i kept going. fast forward to the both olympics and my hair was the topic of conversation now here i am today - no extensions - no clip-ins - no wigs - no chemicals - all me.

A post shared by Gabby Douglas (@gabbycvdouglas) on Sep 3, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT

Fans flooded Gabby with positive and encouraging comments, praising her for being brave enough to open up about her hair struggle.

”First off I just want to say that I’ve been reading your comments on my last post and I want to thank you for all of your kind & supportive words,” she wrote. “It really means a lot. It’s not easy opening up and being true and vulnerable about certain things, especially in this day and age. not gonna lie... you guys can be BRUTAL,” she shared.

”But in that, I have developed thick skin. I am forever grateful to have this platform to inspire and encourage u all. hopefully one day i will have the courage to share my FULL story with you.”

Check it:

        View this post on Instagram

                  first off i just want to say that i’ve been reading your comments on my last post and i want to thank you for all of your kind & supportive words. it really means a lot. it’s not easy opening up and being true and vulnerable about certain things, especially in this day and age. not gonna lie... you guys can be BRUTAL lol. but in that, i have developed thick skin. i am forever grateful to have this platform to inspire and encourage u all. hopefully one day i will have the courage to share my FULL story with you. nothing but love for u on my side. hope u all had a great week. x

A post shared by Gabby Douglas (@gabbycvdouglas) on Sep 7, 2020 at 2:32pm PDT

Aww!

Now, share that hair routine, Gabby!

Speaking of Gabby and hair...

          View this post on Instagram

                  These are #bts pics from my @womenshealthmag shoot. It was the 1st time feeling truly like myself in front of the camera.The me that my loved ones see everyday. The me that fights daily for my peace and the peace of others. The imperfect warrior thats lost more battles than I've won, but still keeps on fighting. At this grown ass age, I feel like I'm finally ME. And I can breathe. And as long as I have breath, my ass can keep fighting. @flawlessbygu got me rocking my own curls and feeling like a #flawlessbeauties

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Sep 3, 2020 at 9:08am PDT

  As we tread waters into a more “woke” society, Gabrielle Union has been on the front lines advocating for black hair acceptance. Over the years, the “Being Mary Jane” star – who recently did a PSA for the CROWN ACT – has been vocal about how Hollywood REFUSES to hire black hairstylists and she shared horror stories about non-black people totally jacking her hair up on set. It got SO bad, she decided she would go get her hair done on her own time to at least look presentable on camera.

Earlier this month, the multi-hyphenated star partnered up with celeb stylist Larry Sims to re-vamp her haircare line, “Flawless by Gabrielle Union,” which in its new iteration is majority Black-owned after it was originally launched in 2017.

More and more, Gabby is embracing her natural tresses. For the cover of Women’s Health magazine’s October 2020 issue, she shared how it felt so freeing to shoot a magazine cover rocking her natural hair for the first time.

”These are #bts pics from my @womenshealthmag shoot. It was the 1st time feeling truly like myself in front of the camera,” Gabby shared. “The me that my loved ones see everyday. The me that fights daily for my peace and the peace of others. The imperfect warrior thats lost more battles than I've won, but still keeps on fighting. At this grown ass age, I feel like I'm finally ME. And I can breathe. And as long as I have breath, my ass can keep fighting. @flawlessbygu got me rocking my own curls and feeling like a #flawlessbeauties.”

That wasn’t her only “first” experience…

          View this post on Instagram

                  My @womenshealthmag cover is out now!!! My 1st cover shot by a Black woman @djenebaaduayom and the 1st time I've worn my own natural hair for a cover AND been able to have my profile written by the brilliant @rebeljunemarie Such a powerfully beautiful and peaceful experience! Check it out, its available now.

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Sep 2, 2020 at 8:40am PDT

  The 47-year-old entertainer said this was her first magazine cover shot by a Black woman. Woot!

While the black community isn’t anywhere near where we should be as far as representation in society, things are started to shift. And we’re here for it.

By the way, Gabby also opened up about losing her hair during IVF treatments and how her "Flawless" hair care line saved her edges. Get those deets HERE.

Photo: Salty View/Shutterstock.com

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/09/10/gabrielle-douglas-thanks-fans-for-encouraging-words-after-sharing-traumatic-hair-journey-

[eldritchsurveys]

876.

5k Survey IV

151. What is louder and more annoying: 200 adults talking or one four-year-old screaming? >> I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard 200 adults talking at one time. Regardless, I’m sensory-defensive, so many things register as the same level of “too loud” for me. Both of these things would be simply “too loud”. 152. Do you believe the stories about planes, boats and people mysteriously disappearing into the Bermuda triangle? >> I find them vaguely interesting. I liked the X-Files episode about it, Gillian Anderson’s character (it wasn’t Scully, technically...) was excellent in it lol. 153. Who are you the most jealous of? >> I don’t know, I’ve never thought about it. 154. What is the happiest way you can start your day? >> In an Inworld cuddle pile. 155. Do you ever have moments where you feel like everything is all right in the world? >> Occasionally.

156. Who thinks that you are offensive? >> I don’t know who thinks I’m offensive. It’s not like people go out of their way to tell me that or anything. 157. If you had to teach a class in something, what would you be able to teach people? >> I’d rather not. I greatly prefer being a student, anyway. 158. Have you ever had a spiritual experience (an experience that cannot be explained by science)? >> I’m sure science could contrive a reasonable enough explanation for the things I experience (and if it can’t now, it probably will eventually). Regardless, I prefer my explanations, and I’ll stick to them. 159. Do you believe that this experience was truly mystical or do you think there is some scientific explanation for it, only you don’t know what it is? >> An experience being explained in a scientific fashion doesn’t prevent it from being mystical. There are plenty of mystical experiences that science has an explanation for, after all, but the people involved in those experiences keep their own counsel. I think both a mystical explanation and a scientific explanation can exist comfortably side-by-side in my brain; they’re both useful for different reasons, particularly when it comes to communicating the experience to others (I wouldn’t use a mystical explanation when speaking to a hard materialist, for example, because, like... what would be the point...?). 160. Do you get offended easily? >> I wouldn’t say that, no. But I tend to be automatically distrustful of people who seem to go out of their way to be “offensive”. Just because whatever they’re saying doesn’t directly hurt me doesn’t mean I want to hang out with someone who says the kinds of things they say. 161. Would you still love and stay with your significant other if he or she had to have a breast or testicle removed? >> I can’t imagine being affected by that sort of thing at all. 162. Do you believe in fate or free will? >> I don’t care to choose a side. I think the discourse around it is interesting. 163. Do you believe that only boring people get bored? >> Of course not. That’s a rude (and, of course, entirely inaccurate, but mostly rude) thing to say. 164. Can life change or are we all stuck in vain? >> What does this even mean? 165. What changes are you afraid of? >> The kind that cause me pain. 166. Are you a day person or nocturnal? >> I prefer to be awake in the daylight and asleep at night. 167. What one CD could you listen to for an entire week (no mixed CD’s, it must be an album)? >> Why would I even have to do this anymore? It’s 2020. 168. Which is worse, working in retail, food service, or an office? >> For me, all of them are equally bad. Well, okay, maybe food service is worse because there’s the added layer of having to handle food and be around mucky gross things. 169. What’s the coolest job you ever had? >> Manning merch tables at local shows. 170. What is one central idea that your thoughts seem to come back to? >> There is no central idea...? I’m not sure how one even determines this. 171. Have you ever wanted to be an actor/tress? >> I was one in Inworld’s first iteration, when I was physically a child. But I have never really had interest in being one in this world. 172. If you had the power to control one person and make this person do anything you wanted for a whole day, who would you pick and what would they do? >> Total power exchange is totally not my scene, I’d get bored of it way too easily. I could absolutely see myself snapping, “make a fucking decision for yourself for once” after like an hour or two, lmao. 173. What star sign are you and what is your sign like? >> Gemini. I’m not going to go into an explanation of Gemini’s commonly-recognised traits, Google can take care of that for you. 174. Did the Blair Witch Project scare you? >> I haven’t seen it. The new Blair Witch game looked vaguely interesting. 175. Are you in constant fear of death? >> Not constant. I did spend about a year or so like that, recently. It sucked pretty bad. 176. Does fear of death keep you from building a life? >> No. Sometimes I get that bone-deep “what’s the point” feeling, but like... that feeling will just have to exist on its own while I go ahead and keep doing stuff. I can’t give in to that. 177. Do you like all your movies to be in wide-screen? >> I’m not sure what the alternative is, or what the difference is or whatever. 178. Are you a fan of any comic books? >> Sure. 179. At what age did you attend your first funeral? >> I don’t remember. I vaguely recall one happening when I was young, but I have no idea what exact age I was. 180. What do you smell like (lotion, cologne, sweat)? >> Just... like, a person. I showered this morning, but the fragrances from soap and lotion don’t linger very long, and it hasn’t been long enough for me to start smelling like sweat or anything. So I’m somewhere in the middle. 181. What are your greatest sources for wisdom? >> Oh, you know. People. 182. When you were little, where did your parents tell you babies come from? >> My father never had that discussion with me, I figured it out from reading books. 183. What is your favorite band? >> I don’t have one. 184. What’s the best cheesy 80’s song? >> Come On Eileen. /picks one at random 185. What’s the best kind of movie to see on a date? >> I’m not the person to ask. 186. Do you like to sit in the front, middle or back of the Movie Theater? >> Back, absolutely. And woe unto the people who have the same idea and try to sit near me. 187. Have you ever been inside an abandoned building? >> Yeah. 188. Under what circumstances would you agree to work for free? >> The circumstances where I really just want to do whatever-it-is and it isn’t too intensive, I guess. And where I feel like my work is valued in some other way if not financially. 189. Candles or strobe lights? >> Candles. Although sometimes in a dark area, a candle flame dancing around on the wick will have a kind of strobe-y effect, and I hate it. 190. Do you think the Lord of the Rings movies are true to the books or did Hollywood change the story too much? >> I don’t know, I didn’t read the book. 191. When you see a stranger on the street does your first reaction lean towards thinking of this person as a potential friend or as a potential threat? >> I don’t think of them as a potential anything.  192. Is it natural for human beings to fear and distrust each other, or is it cultural? >> Obviously it’s cultural, or every human being in every society on earth would fear and distrust everyone else with or without cause... which... is not the case... 193. What do you really want to buy? >> Nothing. I don’t have the money to buy anything right now, anyway. 194. You have to choose. Would you be happier marrying someone rich for their money or living in the streets and subway tunnels with someone you love? >> God, do I hate this question. First of all, neither money nor love are “everything”, but “love” is work, not some kind of magic bubbly gushy feeling that happens no matter what, and that work starts to take a backseat when all one’s energy is devoted to simply surviving from day to day. How do I know? Take a wild guess. Second of all, the question doesn’t take into account whether you can also love someone you’ve married for the sake of financial security. (Spoiler: remember, love is action and will and intent, not magic, so yeah, you can.) Third of all, can I stress that there’s nothing fucking romantic and movie-like about being homeless? Because sometimes I feel like people imagine “we’ll share a cardboard box and be free of the shackles of modern society <3″ or some shit and meanwhile I’ve seen homeless couples, many homeless couples. I’ve been homeless couples. It sucks. That’s the end of the story. It sucks. (There’s probably similar romantic notions about marrying some tycoon and being a kept lady/boy, or whatever, which do not at all measure up to the reality. I’m sure a lot of people end up abused and neglected and miserable in their gilded-cage master bedrooms, afterwards. But since that’s not my experience, it wasn’t the focus of my fathomless ire with this question, lol.) 195. If someone wanted to understand you what book could they read that would help? >> That’s not going to happen. 196. Do you think it’s odd that Americans have freedom of religion and yet call themselves ‘one nation under god’? >> I don’t think it’s odd because I’m pretty used to how the United States works in that respect. I know it operates under conservative, Christian hegemony while playing the role of secular, progressive Western nation on the outside.

197. In what sense are you a minority? >> I’m Black, disabled/neuro-atypical, socially considered female, trans, and queer. I think that covers it. 198. Are you anti social? >> No. I have a few asocial behaviours and inclinations, but I’m not anti-social. 199. Do you photograph well? >> Sometimes. Not often, in my opinion. 200. Do you think that human beings would survive through a nuclear winter? >> I don’t know. I’m not knowledgeable enough about either human biology (and psychology) or the specifics of nuclear winter to say.

[carmeninguanzo]

“Pelo Malo” is What They Called It...

I was five-years-old when my mom first relaxed my hair. I. Didn't. Have. A. CHOICE. "No tengo tiempo para bregar con su pajón," she told the Dominican hairdresser when she told my mom I was too young to have my hair relaxed. “Los desrizados tienen mucha químicas,” she said. Grant it, I was her only girl-and child #4. She'd been dying for a girl after having three boys back to back, but didn't count on my curly thick coils being part of that desire to have a girl. I guess she was banking on a baby girl with straight fine hair. "Pelo malo" or “bad hair” is what she and my entire family would call it. I was seven-years-old when she cut my hair into a teeny weeny fro. I was DEVASTATED! "No tengo tiempo para bregar con tu pajón," was her response when I begged her not to cut it. You see, I grew up thinking my hair was "pelo malo" and was taught that the ONLY beauty standard was straight, "good hair", and so I hid my "pelo malo" complex behind keeping my hair straightened by going to the salon EVERY week, rain or shine. And God forbid a rain drop hit my hair! My anxiety would go up the roof if my roots would wrinkle and people would see my "pelo malo". As much as I’ve always loved the pool and the beach, even that was a stress factor for me, and for the millions of women that have been told they have “pelo malo”. I’m sure there are cultures other than Dominican ones that think having straight, shiny hair is what makes a woman beautiful. “El pelo es lo que hace una mujer. La mujer que tiene el pelo desarreglado, nunca luce bien y se ve fea.” These words would ring in my ears for more than three decades. These lies, so many of us have been fed. Curly hair or not.   

I stopped relaxing my hair in July 2015. This would be my third attempt to go natural; the first two times going back to relaxers because I truly believed I looked ugly and could not, for the life of me, look past my hair texture and see the beauty I carry within. I wanted my hair to look moisturized and less coily, but I couldn’t achieve that. I read in an Essence magazine article, “unlike straight hair which reflects light, our highly textured strands with their glorious bends and turns, refracts light, giving it a somewhat dull appearance. So, similar to those pesky single strand knots and shrinkage, it kinda comes with the territory.” ~Curly Nikki 

It’s been a difficult transition since I last stopped relaxing, to say the least. For an entire year I continued to visit the salon weekly because I hated the way the two different textures blended when growing out the relaxer. I was afraid to show the world my roots growing in. Then, in August of 2016, I went to a Devacurl salon to get my first curly cut. My intentions were never to do the big chop, I wanted to grow out my hair in stages. Needless to say, the hairdresser who cut my hair messed up so bad I had no other choice but to do the big chop (the process of cutting off the relaxed or permed ends of one’s hair when transitioning from chemically processed hair to natural hair). A very HUGE decision! But of course, I did not go to the same place. He messed up my haircut twice, AND, snipped my ear in the process, leaving me with a bloody painful ear :/ ! For weeks I hid at home because of the shame I felt, because of how terribly ugly I felt. When an uncle of mine past away last summer, I contemplated not attending his funeral because of fear of what my family would say and how they would ridicule me. Thankfully, my cousin convinced me to go. “Carmen, he’s not just anyone. He’s your mother’s brother.” My suspicions were confirmed that day. I was the talk of the funeral. Some of them telling me how horrible my hair looked. “Ay Dios mio Carmen, pero y que te hiciste en ese caquito? Tan bello y brilloso que tenía tu ese pelo.” Since my hair was no longer straight or shiny, they had lots to say. That was just ONE of the many horrible comments I received. I saw the looks on some of their faces, and heard the whispers about my hair. Less than a handful commended me for my decision and said my natural hair was pretty. I didn’t hear those. I didn’t hear the nice comments people made about my hair until recently... This... is called #Trauma.

A month later, my very close friend lost his five-year-old son. Again, I was paralyzed with fear. “Oh my God! I’m going to see people I haven’t seen in years. What will they think of me? I look so ugly.” This was my internal dialogue, daily. Especially, whenever I knew I was going to see people who had always seen my gorgeous, shiny, straight hair. I was there for my friends every step of the way because that’s what friend’s do. I felt humiliated, nonetheless...

It’s been almost one year since that big chop. It’s been almost an entire year of me hating who I’ve been looking at in the mirror. With having to do my own hair every week for the first time in my life, and having such tight curls, the struggle has been REAL. Many times regretting my decision, though going back this time around has never been an option. I made this decision to go natural and I am standing by that decision, irregardless of who likes my hair or not. My mom still not liking it and making sure she brings it to my attention each time I see her. “Pero mi hija, y cuando tu vas a ir para el salon?” (I’m unbothered, by the way.) I will never be a slave to a salon a-gain! This journey has made me develop thick skin and it’s been months since I let a single negative comment send me in a depressing spiral. Because yes, this journey made me even more depressed than what I normally was. But this journey, I’m grateful for. This journey, was meant to be. This journey, has transformed me. I have learned to love myself. Maybe not all of me lol, but a whole lot more than before I embarked on this journey! It’s a process, and I’m grateful for it.

Today, I am happy to say, I like my hair a LOT. I’m getting closer to loving it. I’m just waiting for the detangling process of the constant knots to get easier lol. But I don’t really see that happening as my hair continues to grow longer. I predict it’ll only get bigger tangles with how thick it is. Yikes! But what am I to do? It’s my hair. The hair I was born with. The hair I choose to keep and embrace because the freedom that I’ve felt is indescribable! Because I no longer feel like a slave. A slave to the salon. The slave I was for 35 years of my life! The freedom I feel when I’m outside rain or shine, humidity or not, curly q’s or not. Fuck, I’m fucking free from those shackles! 

This beautiful letter I’m sharing was written by a mother to her young daughter. If only every parent would say this to their child no matter their hair texture. A lot more girls would have confidence and feel pretty, while learning to embrace their natural beauty. It’s called, This is How You Learn to Love Your Hair. 

July 11, 2014  

Dear Zora,

This is how you learn to love your hair in a world that requires such lessons. First, you remember who gave you that glorious head of curls–your parents, your ancestors, your Creator. Then, you care for it like a treasured inheritance.

Loving your hair, like loving your family, your days, your life, requires two things: reverence and effort. To truly love your hair, you must hold it in high regard and you must behave like you do. As you behold it in a mirror or touch its willful strands, you must pause to consider what it does for you and to define what it means to you. Then you must treat it accordingly.

You’re not yet three years old, so this whole discussion may be a bit premature, but not by much. Your hair is cornrowed into a side ponytail today. You wear it that way because I’m calling the styles and long ago adopted a no heat, no chemicals, no fake hair policy for us both.

There’s no peer pressure for you to wear it any other way yet. Most of your friends rock afro puffs, box braids and two-strand twists. But you can look to their mothers’ relaxed and pressed styles for a preview of what’s to come. There comes a day when many moms of daughters with hair like yours reach for hot combs, flat irons and chemicals to “tame” kinky tresses. And when they do, I expect you’ll notice the difference and have some questions for me. Mommy, why doesn’t my hair blow in the wind? Why can’t I run my fingers through it? Why does it get curlier when wet and frizzier in the sun?

The decision to straighten or not is a personal one, albeit one loaded with social, cultural and economic significance for black people. From the moment slaveholders shaved off the elaborate hairstyles of their African captives, hairstyles have mirrored our rocky rise from anonymous chattel to distinctive humanity. To this day, hair is impossibly tangled up in issues of black identity and social acceptability. Just look at the debate raging over the U.S. military’s new grooming guidelines’ bias against black hair, which tends to grow out, not down.

I want to raise you to love your hair in its natural state so that dying it, relaxing it or not will truly be a choice for you. Some women say that they straighten their hair for fashion or convenience, but many are deluding themselves. They are crushing the natural texture of their hair because they were taught to hate kinky hair or never learned how to love or take care of it. They are relaxing, weaving and wigging their hair because in the twisted skin-shade, hair-texture hierarchies of American history, straight hair sometimes affords economic and social advantage. 

I am committed to teaching you this to fortify you against the crazy you will undoubtedly encounter. Soon you’ll observe women who don’t swim or work out because they want to keep their hairstyles intact. You’ll see some who will chemically process their hair to the point of baldness rather than embrace their God-given hair texture. You’ll notice others who would rather sport expensive wigs and weaves than take the time and do the research to nurture their own locks.

As you get older, others will look upon your natural hair and start jumping to conclusions about your class, your potential, your politics. I know because these same people see my afro puff and label me “militant” and worse. (Note: The labels say more about them than about me. Like Whitman, I contain multitudes.)

Avoid their prejudice and make sure your natural hair love is never reduced to straightened-hair hate. Not every naturalista is empowered and not every relaxer is rooted in shame.

When you are old enough to choose your own hair styles, may they reflect great self-awareness, self-confidence and vision. Always remember who gave you that head of hair–your parents, your ancestors, your Creator. Then care for it like the inheritance it is.

Love,

Mom

http://mayasmart.com/natural-hair-love/

[bethy-hime]

Dig a little deeper.

Dig a little deeper.

Do you prefer writing with black or blue pen? Blue for personal use, black for paperwork and stuff.

Would you prefer to live in the country or the city? Country

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? Uhhh...is being a billionaire a skill? xD

Do you drink your tea or coffee with sugar? Usually I do use sugar

What was your favorite book as a child? Don’t know if I could pick just one...I was constantly going to the library for more books. xD

Do you prefer baths or showers? Depends on my mood. I prefer baths, but showers are usually quicker and stuff.

If you could be a mythical creature, which would you choose? Fairy/Siren

Do you prefer reading paper or electronic books? Paper

What is your favorite item of clothing? Ummm Summer dresses?

Do you like your name? Would you ever change it? I do like my name...I don’t think I would change it...but if I did, I would be Leilanna or Letty for short.

Who is a mentor to you? Dany Stormborn. xD Props to people that get that.

Would you ever want to be famous? If so, what for? Ummm...probably not...but if I was...it would be for writing.

Are you a restless sleeper? Pffff....I wake up 20+ times a night so probably. That has to do with some health issues though. Sooo. xD Yea.

Do you consider yourself a romantic? Totally and helplessly!

Which element best represents you? Water!!

Who do you want to be closer to? Ummm. Well. Several people! I’m sure most of them know who they are. :p

Do you miss someone at the moment? Yasssss. Very much so! v.v I miss my grandpa doug dearly. I still get angry that he passed away. I’m also missing a few very special people who are always busy! 

Tell us about an early childhood memory. Playing with my sis and my cousins in law on the trampoline and running around on their farm.

What is the strangest thing you have eaten? Sorry. No idea atm. lol

What can you see outside your bedroom window? 2 giant tress and a fence.

What are you most thankful for? The amazing people that support me and keep me going! <3

Do you like spicy food? Nope

Have you ever met someone famous? Yes, a couple times. Some NBA players and a couple rappers.

Do you keep a diary or journal? I try...xD

Do you prefer to use pen or pencil? Pen

What is your star sign? Pisces baby!!

Do you like your cereal crunchy or soggy? Crunchy!

What would you want your legacy to be? Helping people and being known as a nice person.

Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read? I LOVE reading. I’ve been reading Game of Thrones recently to sate my thirst for the new season. xD

How do you show someone you love them? It depends on the person

Do you like ice in your drinks? Meh. I prefer a cold drink...if I get ice...I only want a bit. I hate when it makes my drinks watery.

What are you afraid of? A lot of things honestly. I have a massive amount of phobias and anxieties!

What is your favorite scent? Coconut, Vanilla, Tropical....I like fruity and natural scents.

Do you address older people by their first or last name? Hmm it depends. I still use Sir, Ma’m, or Mr, etc

If money was not a factor, how would you live your life? Lavishly haha

Do you prefer swimming in pools or in the ocean? Ocean

What would you do if you found $50 on the ground? I would spend that shit most likely.

Have you ever seen a shooting star? Did you make a wish? Sadly, no.

What is one thing you would want to teach your children? Kindness/understanding

If you had to have a tattoo, what would it be and where would you get it? Bethy Hime on my lower back with a cherry blossom tree growing beside it and going up my back...and lots of falling petals.

What can you hear right now? music...typing.

Where do you feel the safest? In bed!!!

What is one thing you want to overcome/conquer? My fibromyalgia

If you could travel back to any era, which would you choose? mid evil Europe

What is your most used emoji? the heart eyes

What is your favorite season? Why? Fall. Smells and colors

How would you spend your ideal day? It depends on who I am with and what mood I am in.

Describe yourself using one word. Princess!

What do you regret the most? Not telling my grandpa doug I love hin before he passed away.

Invent your own word. What does it mean? Laraeh- I love you.

REPOST and tag who anyone that you want to answer these questions!

@eternallovezeki @bite-x-the-x-bullet, @the-tender-princess. @blonde-aristocrat

[womenofcolor15]

MOM BOSS ENERGY: Tia Mowry Says She Doesn’t Have Time For Post-Baby Body Shamers, Shares Update On ‘Sister, Sister’ & ‘The Game’ Reboots + Tamron Hall Covers 'Parents' Mag

Coifed queens Tia Mowry Hardrict and Tamron Hall serve up all the mom boss energy on daytime television. Body shamers can kiss Tia’s behind and Tamron is taking over the magazine circuit. More inside…

Tia Mowry Hardrict just embarked on a new hair journey after chopping off her tresses recently!

The mom-of-two made a stop on the “Tamron Hall Show” to show off her cropped coif in a pink A.L.C. dress and Gianvito Rossi heels. And she also wanted to deliver a message to the post-baby body shamers. The “Sister, Sister” alum is reclaiming her time when it comes to folks opinions about HER body. The 41-year-old actress has said before “snapping back” has not been a goal for her. She’s doing it HER way and she’s doing it on HER time.

In an Instagram post, Tia shared a picture of herself in a body suit with the caption, “Checking in. #17months post pregnant. I did it my way and in my time. Many women feel the need to #snapback right away after they deliver. That was never the goal for me. I was called #fat during my #pregnancy and I was called #fat after my #pregnancy. Why do we do this to each other? Instead of #love one another other? I will never understand that. I intentionally documented my journey and became vulnerable to show #women that it’s okay to go at your own pace, it is okay to love yourself no matter where you are in your journey,” she wrote.

Online trolls have weirdly bashed Tia over her weight, but she shared how she got through it. Basically, she doesn’t have time for that ish! She's too busy being an amazing mother, wife, sister and daughter.

“I really feel that it’s a shame that people just tend to bully women, especially after they’ve brought a beautiful child into this world,” Tia told Tamon.

“Women are vulnerable after they have their baby, you're going through hormonal changes emotionally -- postpartum depression...and then you have people not being kind about the weight that you’ve gained – that you’re supposed to gain - after having a baby. I think I’m so passionate about it because I understand what bullying does to the psyche...I have no time for it!”

"The Game" actress said being a working mother isn't easy, but it has definitely changed her for the good. While motherhood has had an impact on her life, she reminded women that we also have to make sure we carve out time to nurture the other relationships we have with others.

“It’s okay to not be perfect. It’s not easy being a mom and a working mom..I feel like motherhood has definitely changed me. Now that I have two amazing beautiful children and now that I'm a mother I just learned how to appreciate the small things and the little things in life...I think it’s very important that when you are in a union or a marriage and you have children that you keep that relationship strong. My husband and I have date nights once a week, even if it’s at home.”

Cute.

          View this post on Instagram

                  #nyc you were amazing!! Thanks so much for always making a girl feel welcomed! BTS- @tamronhall @tamronhallshow #lady in #pink #naturalhair #shorthair

A post shared by TiaMowry (@tiamowry) on Feb 5, 2020 at 3:56am PST

  Tia also detailed her passion to become the ultimate #MomBoss, saying she just wants to “rule the world” and her motivation behind her supplement line and the importance of self-care saying:

“Life is short. I want women to meditate on this statement that self care isn't selfish. I know a lot of women that when they have children or just women in general we tend to just focus on everybody else, but how can you be the best CEO, entrepreneur, the best mom, sister if you don't take care of yourself?"

In this era of reboots, fans have been wondering if "Sister, Sister" and "The Game" will be making a return to television. So, what's tea, sis?

“So many people are asking this question," Tia said. "We tried to do it, but some rights and stuff kind of got in the way. It makes me sad and also we even tried to reboot 'The Game' and now that’s not happening. Reboots are just not in my DNA I guess!”

Well, there's that.

Peep the clip below:

Tamron Hall covers the March 2020 issue of Parents magazine with her adorable 9-month-old son Moses!

Holding back tears, Tamron spoke with Parents magazine editor-in-chief Julia Edelstein on the vision of the issue and the importance to showcase “mom boss energy” and detailed the honor she feels to be featured on the cover sharing,

“There are some things in your life you never expect. I never expected to be on the cover of a magazine for Parents...it is very surreal...I look at that picture and I know that was my destiny to be with that kid [Moses] and to share this story of not giving up if you want to become a parent in whatever form that is.”

          View this post on Instagram

                  It’s been hard to keep this a secret since December... but here it is! Thank you @parents magazine... watch the full reveal on today’s @tamronhallshow!! And check out more through the link in bio... #mamaandmoses #tamfam #parents #momboss

A post shared by Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) on Feb 5, 2020 at 7:01am PST

  For the cover story, the mom boss took the publication through a day in her working mom life as a first-time mom, a new wife (after marrying Primary Wave's Head of Music Talent Management Steven Greener) and a new daytime talk show host.

"Hall goes to bed too late and wakes up too early. She drinks more coffee than she’d care to admit and eats dinner alone with her husband less often than she’d like. At work, she spends rare free moments on her phone, checking Moses via baby cam and ordering diapers online. “I don’t mind Instagram, with all its filters, as long as we also get real and say, ‘Do you know how many pictures I took before I posted this one?’ ” says Hall. “If we all just rip off our masks and say, ‘Damn it, this is hard,’ we can release the pressure we unnecessarily endure. We’re all just doing the best we can.”"

          View this post on Instagram

                  “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it” -#lenahorne. Whether you are a parent, hoping to be a parent, I’m cool not being a parent, or a powerful loving Mentor ... whatever your lane, it belongs to you not “them”. #dream #faith #claimyourpower @parents #mamaandmoses. @ericniemand @johnnywright220 @tenelleveira -The Glammers

A post shared by Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) on Feb 5, 2020 at 11:25am PST

  We learned, Tamron is like most moms when it comes to juggling so many hats.

"This idea that momhood means uncute is so not true. Yes, I’ve had days when I’ve walked around disoriented in milk-stained leggings. But I’ve also had disorienting days as a working woman supporting myself in a competitive field driven by patriarchal rules. I just didn't have milk stains then."

You can go through a full day with Moses' mama here.

Go behind-the-scenes of the magazine shoot below:

          View this post on Instagram

                  Here's a peek behind the scenes of our March cover shoot with talk show host #TamronHall and her 9-month-old son, Moses! Tap the #linkinbio to find out what a typical day in her working-mom life looks like. #mombossenergy : @taomeitao

A post shared by Parents (@parents) on Feb 5, 2020 at 9:18am PST

            View this post on Instagram

                  Thank you #tamfam for the LOVE. Here’s a little behind the scenes of our cover shoot. Mama make me smile lol. @parents March Cover #mamaandmoses @tamronhallshow. Get your copy now! #parents Also see more behind the scenes @parents social and website!!!

A post shared by Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) on Feb 5, 2020 at 9:21am PST

  Adorbs!

    Photos: ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua and Lou Rocco

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/02/06/mom-boss-energy-tia-mowry-says-she-doesn%E2%80%99t-have-time-for-post-baby-body-shamers-shares-up