#booze reviews

[animechick2015]

💀New Nakama Alert💀

NGL I took a while to finish the Thriller Bark arc, especially after the intensity of the Water Seven/Ennies Lobby arc.

Absolutely love how the creator brings back characters that you think you wouldn't see again or just had a small role to play.

Also huge props to Zoro for his dedication for his Captain!

Now on to the next arc

Yo-ho ho ho

[communist-hatsunemiku]

one negative about not drinking anymore is that I can't get buzzed and write. alcohol really is good for getting the words flowing, it's like almost counterintuitive to be sober and a writer lmao

[boozedancing]

Milam and Greene Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

To hear what our SECOND impressions are of the @MilamandGreene Bottle In Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, click the following link…

Way back in May we were invited up to The Big Apple for a tasting of the latest release from Milam & Greene. This isn’t the first time that we’ve been invited to a Milam & Greene tasting, but it is the first time that it was in person, as opposed to a Zoom meeting. As is usually the case, in person is SOOOOOO MUCH better! During this tasting, we were lucky enough to meet with the Greene of Milam…

[oldshowbiz]

1967.

[open-music-reviews]

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers makes you remember the time when you partied with friends on that island that receives ocean energy from southern hemisphere storms. A loud night of beer buckets and jumping into the swimming pool repetitively. Bar hopping and roaming the streets with reckless abandon until dawn.

Recommended songs: How To Fly, Australia Street, Bootleg Rascal, Kiss the Breeze, Sleep Alone, Cool & Calm

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A post shared by Open Music Reviews © (@open.musicreviews)

[musicshelfwithmustard]

Music Shelf Review Roundup - 3/10/23

Mustard and Gimpleg review some new music they recommend you check out.

Baccuda (featuring Katie Canning) – State of ur life  Baccuda (along with Katie Canning) have created something remarkable. On the surface, “state of ur life” is a commentary on twenty-somethings trying to navigate the world. The human world Mustard has observed is unforgiving. Adulthood, and by extension, capitalism does not care about your mental or physical well-being. Which sucks as humans…

[waldensblog]

I’m going to assume that age in the Grishaverse kinda works like cat years in the sense that “17″ might be the equivalent to our “21″ or something because I truly cannot suspend my disbelief enough to accept the Crows as 16-18 year olds as those ages correspond IRL. Their life experiences, behaviour, the way others interact with them... no, it doesn’t read like that. Evidently what is considered an “adult” in Ketterdam is much younger than for us.

[caskompare]

Discover the Eight Magnificent Whiskies in Diageo's Prima & Ultima Fourth Release ->

[chicagobeerpass]

Chicago Beer Pass: Opening Day

Welcome to the Chicago Beer Pass: Your ticket to all the great beer events happening in and around Chicago.

On this episode of Chicago Beer Pass, Brad Chmielewski and Nik White are finishing off another Irish Red they still had from St. Patrick's Day. This time the guys are drinking the South Side Irish Red from Hailstorm Brewing Co. As the guys knock back a can or two of this one, they talk about the Phase Three party and the anticipated Illinois Craft Beer Week happening May 19-26, 2023.

Having issues listening to the audio? Try the MP3 (58.8MB) or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes!

[sykoangels]

Oh, Professor?

paring: mutant!reader x professor!logan

warning: age gap (everyone is 18+) slight dubcon and kissing

notes: something about Professor Logan makes me giggle and kick my feet!! I wanted to start a series so this is part one please tell me what y’all think! Let me know if you want a part two!!

PART TWO IS OUT NOW!!

The clock on Logan's desk ticked loudly, each second dragging like a reluctant participant in an unwanted march. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a single desk lamp that cast long shadows across the worn wooden floor. Logan leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the stack of papers before him. His brow was furrowed, and his jaw clenched as he reviewed the latest batch of assignments from his students. He didn’t want to be here, didn’t want to be doing this, but Charles had made it clear: teach or leave. And leaving meant no more free booze, no more sanctuary

A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He didn’t look up, just grunted in acknowledgment. The door creaked open, and a familiar scent wafted into the room—something floral, yet earthy, like wildflowers after a rainstorm. Logan’s heart skipped a beat, though he’d never admit it to anyone. “Professor Logan?” Y/N’s voice was soft, tentative, but there was a hint of something else beneath the surface—a sense boldness simmering.

Logan finally looked up, meeting her gaze. She stood in the doorway, her hair in a slick ponytail not a single hair was out place besides the strains of hair framing her face perfectly. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her lips were curved into a small, almost shy smile. She wore a simple baby blue dress with a small bow on the collar. The dress that clung to her curves in all the right places, and Logan felt a surge of something he hadn’t felt in years—desire, mixed with a heavy dose of guilt.

“Y/N,” he said, his voice gruff. “What do you need?”

Y/N stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. The click of the latch echoed in the silence between them. “I was wondering if I could get extra help with the calculus assignment. I’m having a bit of trouble with the derivatives.” Y/N mentioned softly looking at the math sheet Logan handed out during class. The paper has some eraser marks and scribbles of some problem-solving work already etched into the paper. Logan raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. She was one of his top students, always acing his tests and assignments. He was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt maybe she didn’t understand some of the problems. It was duty as a professor to help her? Right?

He sighed, pushing the stack of papers aside and patting the chair right next to him. “Alright, come sit down. Let’s see what you’ve got.” Y/N walked over to the chair opposite his desk, her movements graceful and deliberate. She sat down, crossing her legs and placing her notebook on the desk. Logan couldn’t help but notice how her dress rode up slightly, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of thigh. He forced himself to focus, opening her notebook and scanning the pages

“Show me where you’re stuck bub,” he said, trying to keep his tone professional. She pointed to a problem halfway down the page. “Right here, I can’t seem to figure out the chain rule for this one.” Logan leaned closer adjusting their reading glasses, his breath hitching as he caught a whiff of her perfume. He cleared his throat, reaching for a pen and starting to explain. As he spoke, he noticed her eyes drifting, not to the paper, but to his hands. They were large, calloused, and rough—hands that had seen countless battles, hands that could crush bone with ease. But now, they moved with surprising delicacy, writing equations on the paper with precision.

“You understand so far bub? You know if you’re confused just stop me alright.” he asked, glancing up. Y/N’s eyes snapped back to his, and she nodded quickly. “Yeah, I think so.” Logan continued, explaining the concept in more detail, but his mind was elsewhere. He could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken desire that neither of them dared to acknowledge. When he finished, he looked at her expectantly.

“Think you can handle it now? Try this problem by yourself bub.” Logan said pointing at one of the problems at the bottom of the sheet. Y/N hesitated, biting her lower lip. “Maybe… I think I might need you to explain once more. It’s just math isn’t my strong suit.” Y/N says looking at Logan Logan sighed inwardly. He knew where this was heading, and part of him—the part that still remembered what it was like to be young and reckless—wanted to indulge her. But the other part, the responsible part, the part that knew better, wanted to send her away and forget this ever happened.

“Alright,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let’s go through it one more time.” As he leaned in to point out another aspect of the problem, their faces were mere inches apart. The warmth of her breath brushed against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. He could see the pulse fluttering in her neck, the way her pupils dilated as she looked into his eyes.

And then, without warning, Y/N reached out, her hand gently brushing against his. The touch was electric, sending a jolt of arousal through him. Logan froze, his breath catching in his throat. “Professor…” she whispered, her voice trembling Logan’s heart pounded in his chest, every instinct screaming at him to pull away, to put an end to this madness. But he couldn’t move, couldn’t tear his eyes away from hers. The room seemed to shrink around them, the world outside fading into nothingness. “Y/N…” he murmured, his voice hoarse.

Y/N leaned closer, her lips parted slightly, her breath warm against his cheek. Logan’s mind raced, torn between duty and desire, between what was right and what he desperately wanted. He could feel the heat radiating from her body, the subtle curve of her breasts pressing against his chest as she closed the distance between them. Subsequently, just as their lips were about to meet, a sharp knock sounded at the door, jolting them both back to reality. Logan jerked away, his heart pounding in his ears. Y/N’s hand fell from his, and she quickly straightened her dress, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“Come in!” Logan called out, his voice strained. The door opened, and Jean poked her head in. “Sorry to interrupt, Logan, but you have a phone call. It’s urgent.” Logan nodded, grateful for the interruption, even if it came at the worst possible moment. “I’ll be right there.” Jean disappeared, and Logan turned back to Y/N, who was already gathering her things. Y/N avoided his gaze, her face a mask of confusion and regret.

“I should go,” she said softly, her voice barely audible. Logan watched as Y/N hurried to the door, her movements jerky and uncertain. He wanted to say something, to stop her, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he remained silent, his mind reeling from the near-miss encounter. As the door clicked shut behind her, Logan let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. What the hell had just happened? He knew he should feel guilty, ashamed even, but all he felt was a deep, aching need that refused to be ignored.

As he sat at his desk staring at the empty doorway, he realized that this was only the beginning.

[newdawnfadesout]

Blur Book Links

Links to epubs/pdfs of Blur books and some related Britpop ones:

Blur: 3862 Days - Stuart Maconie

The best Blur book, it comprehensively covers their history up until 1999. I've heard there is a newer edition that goes a little bit further but I've not managed to find that.

Bit of a Blur - Alex James

Alex's first autobiography and own account of the bands history, plus a lot of bars, booze and cocaine.

All Cheeses Great and Small - Alex James

Barely mentions Blur tbh, it's mostly focused on his life as a farmer. Unless you really like his writing I wouldn't bother with this one.

Verse, Chorus, Monster - Graham Coxon

Graham's recent autobiography. It covers quite a lot of Blur's early history, then obviously skips the parts he doesn't want to remember so much. There's a lot of side bits about his art and learning guitar techniques.

The Life of Blur - Martin Power

This one covers Blur up until about 2013. He didn't interview any of them directly, but spoke to people who knew them and took a lot from archives and historical interviews. I learned some new things, pretty decent.

Black Book: The Live History of Blur - Drew Athans

This is an interesting book that reviews live recordings of a large chunk of the bands history up til 2009. The 2nd edition print version goes up to 2012. I find it really interesting from a research point of view, and you can find most of the recordings discussed on the Blur Archive Project

Damon Albarn: Blur, Gorillaz and Other Fables - Martin Roach

This is obviously Damon focused so covers his side projects as well as Blur. Some of it is a rehash of what can be found elsewhere, but still had some unique bits.

The Last Party: Britpop, Blair and the Demise of English Rock - John Harris

This encompasses many bands around the Britpop scene but obviously Blur feature quite heavily. Gives you lots of useful contextual info

Just For One Day: Adventures in Britpop - Louise Wener

Louise from Sleeper's autobiography, it only briefly mentions Blur but I'm including it because it's quite a nice little easy read with lots of vignettes from someone in the middle of Britpop.

[boozedancing]

Guinness Showdown: Extra Stout vs. Draught Stout

Today’s video features a @GuinnessIreland Showdown! It’s Draught #Stout vs. Extra Stout. Click the link to hear all about it.

We’re no strangers to Guinness Stout. We go way way back with this beer and consider it a definite go-to. That being said, we’ve never done a side by side comparison of two slightly different versions, so for today’s video, we’re trying the Guinness Draught Stout and Guinness Extra Stout. Here’s a bit more information about each Guinness Stout variation: Guinness Draught Stout: Guinness Draught…

[judesmoonbeauty]

Can you give the context of BLE chap 25? Pleasee

Hi anon, of course! - MDNI

Longish post

25 BLE starts the morning after Kate and Jude sleep together. While Jude is still sleeping, Kate wraps a sheet around herself and explores his room because she's never been inside of it. As she's looking at all the books on his bookshelf, she doesn't realize that he's come up behind her. He hugs her from behind and calls her out for sneaking around his room.

He says it's fine though because he'll just do something in exchange for it, so he slides his hand down her waist before he rips off her sheet. He pinches her nipple with one hand and then slips a finger inside her with his other hand. He teases her verbally, and then Kate asks him if they're now a couple which surprises Jude.

He says she should know without him saying it, and she argues that some things can't be understood without words. Jude never says 'I love you' to her. Instead, he grabs her by the chin and kisses her with force, and marks a snarky comment that she turned red when she was kissed by a man who isn't her lover (he's implying he is her boyfie), and she says, "then we are a couple." Kate is satisfied with that because she never expected normal words of love from Jude.

Before she can kiss him, he pulls his finger out and says he's got a business meeting that morning. Kate, who is is now wet and horny, asks about the continuation. Jude laughs and tells her to finish off herself, and that's what she gets for cheating him. She asks if he's upset that she consulted Victor and the other Crown members instead of him, about staying at Crown. He says she can think what she wants to think and then leaves......

Darius asks Nica if Jude would be a good fit for their family, and Nica is like...uhhhh, no.

Jude also gives Victor heaps of paperwork and contracts to sign as his punishment for going behind his back to help Kate remain at Crown. Still, he thinks Jude is as vindictive and adorable as ever. Ellis says that up until now, Jude has never once been happy, but since it seems to Ellis that he's at his peak happiness, so he asks Victor if he thinks it's okay to kill Jude now. Victor laughs and says that he can kill him later. Ellis is disappointed, but agrees and then he tells Victor he's going to deliver something to Kate.

However, Kate is not at Crown because she is under cover as a new recruit for a criminal group that's been causing a ruckus lately, and who now have been using Raven Co's products for nefarious purposes. Jude isn't having that.

Kate is in a luxurious room filled with men, booze and smoke. Her part of the mission was to go undercover and steal confidential information, which she already has, so now she's just waiting for Jude's arrival to start his revenge as her signal to leave. But, a thug comes in and says that Jude's been captured, which surprises Kate.

Flash back to a few days before prior to the mission when Jude and Kate are reviewing the operation details, (in which Kate narrates that after they became a couple, Jude often randomly touches Kate, but it's also a regular occurrence that he does before each mission.)

So, we have a very touchy-feely boyfriend.

Any way, Kate repeats the plan to Jude. She'll be undercover for three days, and then he will show up at 8:00 pm on the third day. He asks if she remembers her promise she made to him, and she reiterates that she promises she won't die. Jude says that when it's all over he's going to make love to her until she's hoarse, but her improv skills suck so....

Kate denies that statement, and says that she can too improvise and adapt in any situation. Jude smiles and says he looks forward to it.

Back to the present, Kate realizes that Jude got caught on purpose because he wants to see what she can do. This both annoys her that he'd do something like that to his girlfriend, and excites her because that means that Jude has complete trust in her abilities and he recognizes her. So, she calls out to her boss that she'll take care of Jude Jazza.

When she walks into the room where he's being held in handcuffs, the group is cheering for her to kill him gloriously, and she says to just leave it to her. Kate notices that although Jude looks beaten, his amethyst eyes are twinkling with a smile. She walks up to him and straddles his lap, points her gun at him and asks how she should kill him. The two quietly talk to each other as the people around them jeer for his death, and Kate suggests a bullet to the brain.

Jude says that's fine, but if that happens then she won't get her treat later on. Kate retorts that without her his life would be boring, and Jude admits that while may be true, he's going ruin her life for the rest of her life until they're in hell together. He'll never let her go. Kate says that's fine, they can suffer until they die, together.

His cuffed hands are hugging her waist, and before you know it he's got the cuffs removed, and Kate shoots her gun, and the both of them laugh and smile together as they bring down the criminal group, in his cycle of hatred and revenge.

Let's keep making unfulfilled promises to each other. -So long as I can dream the same dream as you.

The last two lines that finish the chapter are rough translations.

[guksvault]

HOUSE OF BALLOONS | JJK

07- SIDEWALKS

synopsis: fleeing the pressure and pretense of your elite life, you stumble into the seductive chaos of the House of Balloons. there, Jungkook waits— ready to make you question everything you thought you knew

w/c: 4.7k

warnings: another party! w Val!, chims <3, get to know Val a lil, jk is such a bad liar!, smut, titty lovin’ (ofc), unprotected sex (WRAP IT UPPP), jk likes to swap cum ok, sue me, lots of peach soju, merry-go-rounds, some more gossip girl, reader is feeling bold!, aftercare :), lots of rule breaking!

!minorsdni! | masterlist

Jungkook has never found much joy in weekdays. He’s always hated how slow they feel, how the days blur together into an endless wait for the weekend.

Patience has never been his strong suit; it’s always been one of his biggest flaws. His mom used to scold him as a kid whenever he ran into the kitchen every five minutes, asking if dinner was ready yet.

Not much has changed. Now, Jimin’s dad scolds him every time he pulls his phone from his pocket, checking the time as he counts down the minutes until his shift ends.

In reality, Jungkook didn’t mind spending his evenings at Chim’s. He actually quite enjoyed it—the smell of grilling meat, the low hum of patrons’ conversations as he wiped down the table beside them, even the occasional tap on the back of his head from Jimin’s father when he got caught checking his phone. It reminded him of his mother.

With only an hour and a half left of his shift, the restaurant was quiet. A few scattered customers—mostly drunk old men leaving their office jobs, stopping by to grab their first real meal of the day, accompanied by a bottle or three of soju.

But every time they walked in, there was an off feeling that settled at the bottom of Jungkook’s stomach. The way they drank themselves sick and stumbled out, only to return home to wives and children who deserved more—it made something sour twist inside him.

He never wanted that to be him. Had made a promise to himself that he would never let his future children see him like that. He knew all too well how important a good father figure was, how much he’d longed for that himself when his own father left, choosing booze over the love Jungkook had always offered.

He hated his father. A coward. Blamed him for his mother’s death, for taking away his childhood and forcing him to grow up too quickly. Blamed him for everything, and maybe that was fair.

“Two pretty girls waiting for you to take their order, Jungkook,” Jimin’s father said, his voice calm as he tossed Jungkook’s apron over his head.

Jungkook blinked, shaking off the remnants of his father’s memory, pushing the resentment and bitterness back into the recesses of his mind. He made his way towards the back of the restaurant, where Valerie was waving at him, her giggles filling the air.

“Leaving a strongly worded review about the extremely inattentive staff tonight.” Valerie teased, her smile mischievous.

“Fuck off, Val, or I’ll have you banned for another three months.” Jungkook snarked, a small laugh escaping as he tied his apron behind his back and made his way toward the booth.

Valerie had just finished a three-month ban from Chim’s. Jimin’s father had told her that if she smashed another shot glass, she’d be out for the night. But that had been before the soju bottle incident—when she drunkenly smashed it on another party’s grill and knocked over his tip jar during her off-key, show-stopping performance of ‘Rock Your Body’. She’d been in timeout for three painful months after that.

It wasn’t until Jungkook stood at the end of the booth that he realised you were the one dining with Valerie tonight. He watched as you laughed, Valerie going on about Jimin’s father not appreciating how fabulous her performance had been.

“Be glad you weren’t here for it. Sonically, very rotten,” Jungkook said, his tone dry.

You looked up at Jungkook as Valerie swatted his arm, telling him to “fuck off.” The brown apron tied at his waist only emphasized how small it really was. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing the ink etched into his skin, and his hair was pulled back into a small ponytail, shorter strands framing his face.

“Two bottles of peach soju and a seafood pancake,” Valerie beamed, “Taking her to her first street rager.”

Jungkook’s face scrunched slightly at the mention of the street party, was one of his items on his long list of ‘things I hate with an extreme passion.’

He had enjoyed them some time ago, always going with the boys and having a blast. That was until he’d accidentally hooked up with one of the hosts’ girlfriends, which had led to a brawl.

After retrieving the order, Jungkook slid into the booth. There was barely anyone left now, and he was feeling thirsty for some of that peach soju.

He watched as you and Valerie laughed and talked over the meal, though it seemed like you both had forgotten about it the moment the second bottle of soju was cracked open. Half the time, he had no idea what you guys were even talking about, convinced that girls spoke an entirely different language.

“Surprised you’re not spending your Wednesday night having dinner with the Mayor or some shit,” Jungkook spoke up, his fingers fidgeting with the lid of the half-empty soju bottle.

You snorted lightly. “That’s Tuesday nights.”

“You know the fucking Mayor?” Valerie choked out.

“I was being sarcastic, you fucking idiot,” Jungkook groaned.

You rolled your eyes and laughed as Valerie pinched Jungkook’s nipple and twisted it, threatening to staple his balls to his forehead if he called her an idiot again.

“Why don’t your parents marry you off to someone like him? A mayor is far sexier than a hotel manager,” Valerie chirped, her tone light and teasing.

You stiffened, the mention of your parents and marriage sending an uncomfortable pang through your chest. “Firstly, ew. They’re all like a hundred years old. Secondly, I’m not marrying a hotel manager. Not marrying anyone,” you added, forcing a laugh, but it came out half-hearted, the words tasting bitter in your mouth.

Jungkook hadn’t expected Valerie to know about your parents’ plans to marry you off into some loveless arrangement, but it only confirmed how close the two of you had grown.

As Valerie kept talking, Jungkook watched you closely, noticing the way your posture shifted uncomfortably. He saw the slight tension in your shoulders, the way your laughter sounded flat and strained. Your hand reached for the soju again, as if keeping your shot glass full could drown out the weight of the conversation.

“He’s cute though, the guy you showed me. At least they don’t want you marrying someone who looks like a melted mug,” Valerie rambled on, unaware of the discomfort that had crept in between her words.

“Or they could just let her marry someone she actually loves?” Jungkook almost hissed, irritation creeping into his voice. He thought Valerie had rocks for a brain—always talking but never saying anything worth listening to.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like her. In fact, he’d found her quite alluring when they’d first met. She was pretty, carried herself with the kind of confidence most people only dreamt of. But, holy shit, she was a yapper—far too dramatic for his taste.

Jungkook’s comment caught both you and Valerie off guard. He was sitting on the opposite side of the booth, next to Valerie, eyes locked with yours. You could feel the heat of his gaze before his lips curled into a smirk.

“Tell ‘em to go fuck themselves,” he said, downing his shot like it was nothing.

A small smile tugs at the corner of your lips, a quiet sense of relief washing over you. Jungkook had helped put an end to the conversation, and in that moment, it felt like someone finally understood. Someone around you had finally agreed—your parents were batshit crazy.

Valerie watched the exchange between you two, her eyes narrowing as she saw the small smile you shared with Jungkook. She wasn’t used to seeing him defend anyone, let alone sound defensive on someone else’s behalf.

“Anyways, should we make our way?” Valerie shifts in her seat, sliding out of the booth with a quick fluid movement.

Valerie makes a quick stop to the bathroom before the walk to the party, and you follow Jungkook to the register, tapping your card against the reader to pay.

Jungkook watches as your fingers slide your card back into your wallet, noticing how your eyes avoid his—darting around the restaurant, anywhere but meeting his gaze.

“Take these. Don’t trust no fuckers drinks over there,” Jungkook mutters, sliding two unopened bottles of Soju across the counter toward you.

You glance down at the bottles and then back up at him, a smirk tugging at your lips. “All part of the fun, no?”

“Don’t fuck with me, D.D. Bunch of weirdo’s over there, take it.”

You take the bottles, offer a small thank you and give a small wave as Valerie returns and pretty much drags you out of the restaurant.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The street party wasn’t exactly what you’d imagined. Unlike the House of Balloons, where people came together, here everyone seemed to isolate themselves in their own little groups, clinging to familiar faces. The music blared from a cheap speaker, instead of the hands of a pretty little DJ spinning his own decks. No red lights casting a moody glow over the crowd, just a few dim streetlights flickering above.

You’d already witnessed three fights, two projectile vomits, and one missing Valerie—all within the span of an hour and a half.

Sitting on the curb, you sipped from the bottle of Soju Jungkook had given you, the other bottle tucked into the crook of your arm, your gaze wandering over the chaos around you.

You found yourself caught in a meaningless conversation with a group of strangers who had joined you on the curb, when one of the girls in their group dramatically declared she had to know where your shoes were from—or she would die.

“You came alone?” Minho, the guy sitting to your left, asked, his voice genuinely curious.

You shook your head softly, taking a sip from the soju bottle to mask your frustration. “Was with a friend, she saw someone and ran off for a bit.” Your voice slightly bitter at the mention of Valerie ditching you.

“Ah! That’s the guy I was telling you about! Woosung!”

You looked at Valerie with a hint of confusion, trying to rack your brain for any memory of this guy.

“You know, the guy I’ve been ‘seeeeing’? Gonna go say hi, don’t go far.” She said, practically bouncing as she ran off toward him.

Five minutes later, you got a text from her: Going to his place. Don’t wait for me!

“Ah, you can hang with us until she comes back, then?” Minho flirted, tapping his beer cup against your Soju bottle.

Honestly, you were ready to go home. Valerie ditching you at this crappy street party to hook up with some guy had killed any remaining party mood you had.

“You wanna come back to ours? We’re having drinks at a place a few streets down. Could be fun.” He smirked, his finger playing with the silver bracelet around your wrist.

“Stopping by Chim’s first for food. Shitty place, but decent food.” He added.

You pulled your arm back slightly irritated. “Chim’s isn’t shitty.” You took another swig of your Soju.

You replied with a shrug, debating if knocking his beer out of his hands for shit talking your friend's restaurant was rude or not.

“Come on, everything’s shitty around here,” he smirked, “but sure, come with us and maybe I’ll change my mind.”

Minho wasn’t taking no for an answer. He shoved his beer cup toward you, the foam sloshing slightly.

“Taste good, have some.”

“Not really a beer girl.”

He scoffed, the sound covered by a forced laugh, before nudging the cup against your hand again. “Just a little.”

At this point, you’d come to the conclusion that knocking his beer out of his hands wouldn’t be enough—he needed to wear it. You opened your hands, ready to take the cup from him, but then you felt a knee press into your back.

You snap your head to look behind you, ready to tell whatever drunk idiot couldn’t watch their fucking steps, but stopped short when you looked up. Standing there was a familiar tattooed, doe-eyed boy.

“There you are. Been looking for you.” Jungkook’s voice was low, and he pressed his lips together in a small tight smile.

Your previous look of disgust at Minho had been replaced with confusion, and you tilted your head slightly, narrowing your eyes to make sure you weren’t imagining things.

“C’mon” Jungkook took a few steps back, cocking his head toward the street, silently inviting you to follow.

It was a no-brainer. No need for goodbyes, no hesitations. You stood up, grabbed your bottle, and walked toward him.

"Told you not to drink anything but the Soju, your ears painted on or some shit, D.D?"

You hold up both bottles of Soju-one almost empty, the other still sealed. "Didn't drink anything else, thanks though, Dad."

"Don't call me that, I've fucked you and your tits. I'll have to really consider regretting it if I find out you have a daddy kink." Jungkook fake gagged out.

You swat at Jungkook's arm, making him stumble on his own feet.

"Where the fuck's Valerie?"

You shrug slightly, "Hopefully getting her own tits fucked, ran into some guy she knows."

"Valerie ain't got tits to fuck." Jungkook deadpanned.

You laugh-not at Valerie's lack of tits, but at how casually Jungkook drops lines like that.

You've noticed this about him before-his ability to speak his mind without hesitation. It's something you envy. You wish you could say exactly what was on your mind, whether with Minho or your parents.

You and Jungkook continued walking, engaging in small conversation here and there—He would point out little spots he and the boys would hang out, or point out a tree he had climbed as a kid and fell off. Nothing important, but it felt like Jungkook was opening up to you slightly.

You had both strolled into a shitty park, a few houses down from the House Of Balloons, you had demanded to go, told Jungkook that it felt illegal to not take advantage of the kid free space.

You were both sat on a slightly rusted Merry-Go-Round, sharing the bottle of Soju. It was quiet, the only sound being when the rare car would pass by, or drunk delinquents would pass by.

“Why were you even there? Thought you said you weren’t a fan.”

Jungkook’s eyes flickered toward yours as he leaned against one of the rusted metal poles. “I’m not. It’s a shit hole. Just passed by on my way home.” His nose twitched slightly, his gaze dropping to the bottle of Soju between you.

Liar. Liar. Liar.

He had actually walked all the way home, stood in front of his door for a solid 40 seconds, and then turned right back around, heading toward the street party. Told himself it was because he was bored, that he’d make you pay for the Soju—nothing more. Definitely not because he wanted to see if you were having a good time.

Is glad he did now, as soon as he got there and spotted you he saw you with a bunch of rando’s. Knew that as soon as he couldn’t see Valerie by your side, she had fucked you over.

“It’s fuckin’ cold. Home. Let’s go.” Jungkook stood up, jumping off the Merry-Go-Round with an exaggerated stretch. He watched you get to your feet, then couldn’t resist—pushed the metal bar as you stepped off. His laugh echoed through the empty park as you lost your balance and squealed when the thing spun beneath you.

You look up at Jungkook, "You fucking asshole!", You manage to jump off, lunging at Jungkook as he runs away.

He lets you chase him down the street to the House Of Balloons, calls you a 'slow fucker', tells you that you run like a little bitch.

Jungkook’s hand presses lightly against your lower back, guiding you through the house without a word.

“Just go to my room, you can call a ride or some shit. Everyone should be asleep, don’t wanna wake ‘em,” he whispered.

You stepped into his room, the familiar scent of chamomile washing over you—a soft reminder of the last time you were here, on your knees. After rummaging through his dresser, he tossed a black shirt toward you without meeting your eyes.

“Here.”

Catching it and tossing it aside with a casual shrug. “Don’t need it. Ride won’t take long.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes, his expression giving away exactly what you both knew—that you weren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

He quietly slipped out of the room, heading downstairs to grab a couple of bottles of Soju. When he returned, he was half-surprised to find you standing by the desk, draping your clothes over the chair, already wearing his shirt.

He flops down onto his bed, discarding his own shirt and throwing it onto the floor. Grabbing his TV remote and opening the bottle of Soju with his teeth.

"Gossip girl?" He offers as he lets the lid drop from his teeth into his lap.

You move yourself beside Jungkook, lean your back against the headboard and hum softly in response. Both of your eyes are locked onto the screen, silently passing the bottle back and forth between each other.

Jungkook's mind, however, was a mess. This wasn't how he did things. Never had been. He had rules-strict ones: Fuck, cum and get the fuck out. Which he is now, shitting all over. He had invited you in, pretty much asked you to stay and is letting you watch Gossip Girl with him.

And then there was the other rule. The one he had never, ever broken before: never fuck the same girl twice. But with you, everything was starting to blur-he hadn't exactly fucked you twice, had he? He'd fucked you, and then, well... he'd fucked your tits. But now, everything about it felt... fuzzy. His thoughts were blurring together, his rules, his actions. The lines were getting hazy, and he couldn't quite tell where he ended and where you began.

He was watching you from the corner of his eye, how your neck bobbed slightly as you swallowed the Soju, how your legs were bare under his shirt, the way it rode up your thighs as you sat next to him.

"You gonna take the bottle or keep drooling all over your bed at my legs?"

"Fuck up, D.D." Jungkook took the bottle from your hands, his fingers brushing against yours slightly, sending a warmth that shoots from his fingers brushing tips, right to his cock.

He shifted slightly, downed the remainder of the Soju and placed the now empty bottle on his nightstand.

"Should I call a ride or you gonna fuck me?"

Jungkook's eyes shot to yours, hadn't expected that—Fuck, he also hadn't expected it to make his cock firm.

His eyes darted back and forth from your eyes to your lips, fuck, fuck, fuck. Fuck it. His hand moved before he could stop it, reaching out to grip your jaw, pulling you toward him. And then, his lips crashed against yours, desperate and full of need. His thoughts spiraled, and all he could focus on was the heat of your mouth, the way you tasted.

Messy. Hot. Intoxicating. His hands grabbing the sides of your waist as you shifted to straddle his lap. You kissed your way down his neck, a trail of warm, soft kisses.

"Fuck, D.D." His hands roamed over you, squeezing your tits roughly, sliding down your sides before finding your ass, grabbing and pulling you closer. A low groan escaped his lips as your hips started to roll over him, the friction driving him wild. "Want you, fuck— need you."

Your hips continue to slowly roll over Jungkook's hardening cock, the fabric between you both causing friction. You pull your head away from Jungkook's neck, your palms running down his chest slowly.

"No one's stopping you," you murmur.

Jungkook's hand grabs your jaw again, pulling you in for another heated kiss. He pulls away after a moment, his eyes scanning his bedside drawer for a condom. He hisses out a frustrated ‘Fuck!’ when he realizes he's out.

"Shit, I canrun down to the convenience store? Or see if one of the boys has one?"

You look at him with a raised brow, your hands slowly trailing lower. "You clean?" you ask softly, your touch sending a shiver down his spine.

"Fuck D.D, yeah 'course I'm fuckin' clean." His own hand moving up under his shirt that covers your body, right to your chest, slips his hand under your bra and grabs a handful of your breast.

"You sure?"

"You callin' me a slut?"

"Yes."

Jungkook rolls his eyes, takes your nipple between his two fingers and rolls it slightly. "Haven't fucked someone raw in like a year, tested last week. Clean."

"Give me anything, and I'll get a hit out on you." Your hands hook underneath the hem of Jungkook's shirt that’s hanging loosely over your body, pulling it over your head and onto the floor.

Jungkook lets out a soft groan of approval, his hands immediately coming behind you to unclasp your bra and throwing it to join the shirts on the floor.

"Fuck." His mouth moves to your nipple, wasting no time to swirl his tongue around the hardened bud, grazing his teeth against it softly.

Your head rolls back, your hips beginning to roll over his again. When you look down and see Jungkook's round eyes looking up at you as he sucks on your nipple, you think you simply might pass away.

You lift your hips slightly and let Jungkook push his pants down and kick them off. You watch as Jungkook's hand pumps his cock a few times, his other hand resting against your hip slowly guides you down.

You press your core to the tip of Jungkook's cock, his hand still at the base of his cock moves slightly to rub it over your folds a few times.

He watches as your lower lip gets caught between your teeth, how your hand holds onto his wrist that's holding your waist. Watches you slowly begin to lower yourself down his cock. Each inch entering you earning a soft whine from your pretty lips.

"Fuck D, so fuckin' tight." Jungkook hisses through his teeth, his hands moving to your tits, squeezing them roughly as you sink down to the base of his cock.

Your eyes flicker up to Jungkook, your hips beginning to roll over his cock. He looks at you, his pouty lips resting ajar, his eyebrows pressing together each time your hips roll.

Jungkook's hands wrap around your waist, holding your back as he moves his legs to lay you down against the mattress, He settles onto his knees, grabbing your knees and spreading your legs apart.

He lets a drop of spit fall from his lips down to your clit, pressing his thumb against it and rubbing small delicate circles over your clit.

"Fuck. Like that, fuck-" Your hips angle upwards, grinding up onto his cock as his thumb presses against your clit.

"Yeah- Fuck yourself D.D. Just like that, so fuckin' hot."

Your hips roll in synchronicity with Jungkook's finger rolling over your clit. Jungkook's hips snap forward, needs to feel your walls contorting around his cock. He lets himself press himself fully into your cunt, slowly sliding out and slamming back into you.

His pace quickens, "Look at me D, watch me fuck this pussy." His own eyes lock onto your half lidded eyes, your lips parted for the endless moans that beg to escape.

His hips continue to fuck into you, only quickening when he feels your walls tighten even more and your finger comes to your clit to help your orgasm wash over you.

"Don't stop- gonna cum Kook, fuck."

Kook. Jungkook thinks he's gonna cum from hearing that alone. Only makes his hips fuck into you harder, his hand coming to squeeze your tit, "Gonna cum on these, yeah? Gonna be a good girl and let me cum on these?"

Its over. Jungkook's filthy mouth is enough for your fingers to quicken as they circle your clit. The feeling of Jungkook's hips slamming into you filling the room with lewd sounds, is all it takes for you to be creaming over his cock.

Your walls pulsate around his cock as your head falls against the mattress and your back arches as your orgasm takes over you, your moans growing desperate as Jungkook's hips don't falter in pace, the over stimulation making your legs shake slightly.

"Fuck, so fuckin' pretty. You're so fuckin pretty, you know that D.D? Could watch you cum forever."

Your hand comes to cover your face, only to be slapped away by Jungkook's, "Don't hide, need to see that pretty fuckin' face while I cum, hm?”

As your fingers wrap around Jungkook's hand that's holding your thigh open, your nails dig in slightly, gonna cum again if he keeps going.

"Cum for me, cum on my tits Kook, in my mouth. Wanna taste you."

Jungkook groans out, his hips stammer into you a few more times before sliding out of you and standing by the edge of the bed, "Up, knees. Gonna cum."

You're on your knees, hands pushing your tits together, Jungkook's hand comes to grab your hair and pull slightly to inch your head to look up at him, his other hand jerking the fuck out of his cock as his moans fill the room. He had wanted to fuck your tits again, but as he looks down at you, your eyes slightly glassy, hair messy and your lips resting ajar, he doesnt have it in him. Is cumming.

You feel Jungkook push your head slightly, opening your mouth as Jungkook presses his tip against your tongue, letting spurts of hot cum shoot onto your tongue, let’s his cock move to your lips, your chin, down to your tits. Wants you messy.

He leans down slightly and rests his forehead onto yours as he lets the high if his orgasm settle, "Fuck, D.D. Don't know what I'm gonna do 'bout you."

Jungkook is quick to grab the pack of wet wipes from his bedside table to clean you up. Doesn’t really want to, would be happy to leave you like this, thinks you look devine covered in his seed.

He sits beside you on the bed, taking the view of you holding your cum-covered tits, lets out a small grunt of appreciation, wants to reach into his drawer for his disposable camera and be able to see you like this whenever he pleases.

He brings his head closer to your chest, replaces one of your hands with his own and squeezes your breast softly, runs his finger over your nipple. When he hears the small whimper escape your mouth, he swears it's the most intoxicating sound he's ever heard.

He lowers his head, brings his tongue to your nipple and licks slowly before taking it into his mouth. He looks up at you, see’s you looking back down at him, doesn’t want to stop, knows he should. He releases your nipple with a small pop and drags his tongue up your breast, coating his own tongue in a layer of his own cum.

He brings his free hand to the back of your neck, brings his lips to yours and swirls his cum coated tongue with yours. Heavy breaths, soft grunts exchanged into eachothers mouths.

He sits back upright, brings the wipe to your chest and begins to slowly clean the mess painting your chest. It’s quiet, no need for conversation.

He stands up and heads towards the trash can beside his door, throwing the used wipes inside. As he grabs the shirt he had given you earlier, he tosses it your way, “Go, shower. Use the white towel, it’s softer.”

You head to the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the sins off your body, you don’t take too long, its late, know Jungkook also needs a shower.

You return back into Jungkooks room, taking a seat back on the bed, Jungkook throws you a quick glance as he gets ready to shower, “Don’t fuckin’ go anywhere, alright?”

Jungkook returns a short while later, his hair still damp, pushed back, wearing nothing but a pair of white boxers.

"You can stay," he says, nonchalantly as he climbs into his bed.

"Can also leave," you reply with a dry tone.

"Yeah, could stay though," Jungkook smirks, eyes glancing toward you as he settles back into the bed. One leg tucked under the covers, the other bent at the knee, nudging against yours.

You meet his gaze, noticing how his eyes, usually so narrow and guarded, are rounded now.

"Only staying for Gossip Girl."

"Only offering for another orgasm."

[gartenofbanny]

I am working on my review for episode 2, which will likely be uploaded later on today, but I want to talk about something that I've heard from people. So apparently, Husk was an Overlord before gambling all his power away and selling his soul to Alastor.

Him being an Overlord was just not hinted at, at all in the pilot (since the pilot is canon) because literally nobody was surprised when Alastor brought Husk into the hotel. He had to introduce Husk to the residents so that they could know who he is.

If Husk was an Overlord, how come they don't already know him? I suspected Angel wouldn't already know since he didn't know who Alastor was, but Charlie and Vaggie? Bare minimum Charlie should know because she's the Princess of Hell. Why wouldn't she know about the Overlord who lost his power?

And wouldn't an Overlord losing their power in the first place be huge news across the Pride Ring? We don't know the exact timeline when Husk did lose his powers, but regardless at least some major characters would've heard about it.

And I honestly question what kind of "soul contract" Husk is even in with Alastor when Alastor had to bribe Husk with booze to work for the hotel, I thought contracts meant "You do this or I'll hurt you". It's what they've shown with Valentino and Angel Dust, but Husk doesn't even get hurt or at least threatened by Alastor.

It honestly makes "Loser Baby" work less as a song because if you actually think about it, Husk isn't even suffering. Yeah, he lost his status as an Overlord, but literally nobody cared afterward. And yeah, he's in a Soul Binding Contract, but Alastor is willing to negotiate with him.

It's like the writers come up with these ideas that seem cool in concept, but also contradict what they did in the past.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

This is the Greatest Show.

When a fox and cat make their way, uninvited, into a bird’s nest.

Be Honest with Me.

“Good morning, Miss Raven!”

She followed the jolly greeting to a fruit stand manned by a rosy-cheeked man. Raven approached, lifting the corner of her skirt in a curtsey. It was routine, this exchange—yet it filled her with a gentle warmth all the same.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Running errands for your uncle again?” the fruit seller asked.

“It’s a leisure trip today. I just picked up a new book and thought to stop by for a snack to go with it.” Raven pointed to a pyramid of shiny red apples. “May I take one of those?”

“Good choice. They’re in season!” He tipped his cap, as if paying his respects to autumn.

Fall had settled onto Sage’s Island as comfortably as a wool cloak in the cold. The vibrant hues of summer had dulled to earthy ones, tempered by a new chill, the days shortening as darkness extended. Fruit ripening with the last vestiges of sunshine, perfuming the salt-slicked air with harvest.

The local birds, Raven noted, had also sensed the shifting of seasons and adapted accordingly. Crows growing fat from plentiful crops, ducks disappearing further south in preparation for the snow and frost to come. Lately, she too had been tucking into her feathers to stay toasty.

“Give the headmaster my regards,” the fruit seller said as he handed an apple over in exchange for some change.

“I’ll do just that.”

Raven bid him farewell and quickly made her way down the street, apple in one hand and book in the other. It had come with on a strong recommendation from the local librarian, along with rave reviews online. The premise, a boy who never wanted to grow up.

Her heart raced. She lacked the patience to wait until she was seated at the bus stop to begin reading. Sticking the volume in her face, she opened to the prologue, eager to devour it.

Second star to the right and straight on till morning…

Raven managed about one and a half sentences before the consequences of her actions hit her. Literally, in fact.

SMACK!

She collided with another body and flew back onto her bum. Her apple, book, and hat landed on the sidewalk. Raven barely had a second to mourn the freshly bruised fruit and the damaged cover—she was yanked up and frantically dusted off.

“Whoa there, little lady! What a tumble you took. Please, allow me,” blared a cheery, simpering man’s voice. It drifted in on a long violet coat that smelled of many things: carnival foods (popcorn, cotton candy, and sugar-dusted funnel cakes) but also cigarettes and booze, all (poorly) concealed under a cloud of cheap cologne.

Raven caught a glimpse of his wolfish grin before her vision was obscured by her hat—returned to her at a skewed angle which covered her eyes. When she set it properly, she looked again. The man, a ginger fox in patchwork pants, spats, and a top hat of his own, had plucked up her items. He was now flipping the book open sideways and upside down as he took a generous bite of the apple.

“Well, well!” he chuckled, a line of juice casually dribbling down his chin, “You’re quite the scholar, I see.”

“W-Wait one moment, those are mine,” Raven began to protest. She was cut off by a pat on her waist, eliciting a yelp.

Snapping her head back, she found a young cat beastman in oversized, ramshackle clothing. He flashed an innocent, sheepish smile—as though he had not been fumbling around for access to any pockets earlier.

“Take a look, Giddie.” Her book was thrusted at the boy. “You ever heard of a word as long as…” The man paused, squinting hard at the pages. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”

He shook his head. A strong “no”.

The man laughed. Crunch, crunch. The apple caught between his pointed teeth appeared less like fruit and more like skin and flesh.

A fast-talking fox beastman accompanied by a silent, slightly dopey cat beastman… Where have I seen this sketchy duo before?

Another curl of sugar and smoke at her nose, and it clicked.

“Y-You’re…?!” Raven jolted back from the two. The hairs on the back of her head stood up, feathers puffing in alarm. “Wh-What are you… Wh-Why are you…”

“Oh me, oh my! Do my eyes deceive me? Why if it isn’t the little lady from Night Raven College!” Fellow Honest cried, feigned ignorance in his exaggerated reaction. “What a coincidence it is to run into you again.”

He bent into a theatrically deep bow. Gidel clumsily mimicked him.

“Coincidence you say… It’s bad to lie. An adult should know better.”

“What’s a little white lie or two, right? We all do it.”

He had shaved the apple down into a thin column and its seeds, which he deposited in Raven’s waiting open palm. She frowned. He was still holding her book out of reach.

“I think this one’s rotten to the core,” Raven remarked in a flat tone. The apple dangled precariously from its stem, held between two gloved fingers.

“Let’s hope not! Getting ill on the road wouldn’t be very fun, would it?” Fellow winked, giving the twirl of his cane—and she would be lying to herself if she said it wasn’t hypnotic.

No, no. Don’t fall for that trick again, Raven scolded herself. It’s his unique magic influencing you, making you more susceptible to being convinced.

She hastily waved away the faint sparkle of magic around her. The corners of Fellow’s mouth twitched, but refused to commit to faltering.

“… So you confess to lying. Do you have anything else you’d like to admit?” Raven folded her arms. “I thought you a coward, but clearly not if you have the confidence to show your faces in broad daylight while you’re on the run.”

“Now, now! Always so quick to get down to business,” Fellow tutted, wagging a finger. “We should cherish destined reunions such as this!!”

Gidel nodded eagerly.

She tensed at their bright eyes. Scavenger to scavenger, Raven recognized the look. They want something from me.

“Destined for whom, exactly? For you?”

Fellow gasped. “Who, me? Perish the thought! It’s mutual, my friend.”

Friend?

“… My book,” Raven demanded curtly, extending her other hand. “I really must be going. I haven’t the time to converse with wanted criminals.”

“‘Wanted criminals’ is so harsh! We’re reborn men, cut off from our… former employer,” Fellow said lightly. He produced a tattered handkerchief from his pocket and drew it over himself like a shawl, batting his eyes demurely at Raven. “I realize I’ve received the odd complaint, but on the whole I’ve been a saint! We’ve pure of soul, I tell you!”

Raven raised an eyebrow.

Fellow continued.

Dramatically.

“But alas!! Cruel fate has dealt us a nasty hand,” he lamented, grasping Gidel by the shoulder and drawing him close. “The weather grows cooler and food scarce… Poor Giddie goes to bed shivering upon a cold floor, his stomach growling for a feeling of fullness…”

Gidel loudly sniffled, clinging to Fellow as his small form wobbled.

“Soon winter will arrive and we will have nothing but the clothes on our backs as we dodge pursuit! You can only imagine how difficult it is.” Fellow wiped away an invisible tear. “Oh, if only some benefactor would be so kind as to offer us a place to rest our weary spirits!”

Ah, so that’s it.

“You want to stay at Night Raven College.”

He nearly leapt at the mention. “Well, if you’re offering…!!”

“I am not,” Raven clarified. “You cannot just… just… waltz in! Night Raven College’s barrier makes it so that the campus is open only to select visitors and to the public during certain times of year.

“Which makes it the perfect location to lay low for a spell,” Fellow butted in. “Not to mention you oh-so-talented and strong mages being near… It puts me at ease! In fact, if I may say so, have your arms gotten bigger since our last encounter?”

Raven cautiously backed up.

So he plans to use us as meat shields in case of emergency. His brown-nosing is unmatched…

“The answer is still no. I’m not at liberty to invite guests to Uncle’s domain. Besides, where would you even stay and keep your things? For how long? Who will keep an eye on you?” Raven groaned. “There are too many factors to consider, even barring your shady record. Think about the students and staff who could be put in danger because of the company your presence attracts.”

To her dismay, he was not deterred in the slightest.

“Surely you must have some sway and pull over the headmaster! A charming little lady like you could have the whole world wrapped around her finger with a single smile. All you would need to do is say the word.

“And with a heart as big as yours? Why, I sense that you’d be so generous as to share your own living space with travelers down on their luck. Not forever, I assure you! Only long enough to allow us to get a bearing for ourselves, stockpile supplies, and prepare for the upcoming winter. You won’t even notice us, we’ll make ourselves scarce. How about it?”

“Bold of you to assume I’d take you on as guests in the first place!!” Raven snapped. When she saw Gidel balk, guilt washed over her.

A mistake.

Fellow spotted the opportunity—a moment of weakness—and pounced on it.

“A shame, but I understand your reluctance. I won’t press any further.” Fellow delivered a harsh slap to Gidel’s back with the flat of her stolen book, making the boy hunch over. “Poor Giddie! Another night of the usual for us then. Stale bread and canned beans, old newspapers for a blanket, a house made of cardboard and crayon, broken hopes and dreams…”

They strolled past Raven, but only took a few steps before Fellow paused and glanced over his shoulder to check if she had been watching. Their gazes awkwardly met for a second. He tore his away and, prodding Gidel with the butt of his cane, whispered the command to keep pretending to walk away. Head down, shoulders slumped.

“Oh, woe is me!!” Fellow wailed. Gidel followed his lead and rubbed at his eyes, faking a sob. “Woe, woooooe!!”

Don’t listen to him, he’s obviously playing it up!

Raven tried to turn away, tried to be staunch in her belief in that line. Another voice rose to counter it.

… But if he isn’t?

A distant memory resurfaced, lazily bobbing up and down in the lake of her mind. There was a little black bird braving the wind and the snow and the hail… until, one day, warm hands cupped it and gave it a place to call home.

She hesitated.

I’m really going to regret this, aren’t I?

“… Only until you get back onto your feet,” Raven said slowly. “That’s it.”

Fellow and Gidel immediately went whipped around. It was as though fireworks had been set off behind their skin, lighting them with joy from within.

“Didja hear that, Giddie?! We’re golden!!”

Gidel could scarcely nod before Fellow had dropped his book and whisked him up. He spun the boy in an excited circle, letting Gidel’s oversized sleeves fly like trailing ribbons.

Raven shook her head as she crouched to, at last, save her novel. (It was badly beaten up by now.) She gingerly dusted off the jacket—but there was no correcting the dents in it.

Raven eyed Fellow and Gidel, still locked in a giddy jig.

Desperate a few moments ago and gleeful now… She shook her head. Fellow-san is full of surprises. Sometimes he behaves like a big child. Let’s hope he doesn’t cause as much trouble as a child would.

Now all she had to worry about was explaining to her uncle how she had come home with a stray fox and cat in tow.