#but it comes from someone trying to exert power over others

[stargazerdaisy]

In many of the shows I've been watching lately, the problems all seem to stem from men seeking power over others. While the exact scenarios are different, the themes and attitudes are all the same. They play mind games and continuously escalate to exert power over others.

A lot of the time, this is stemming from a fear of appearing weak. A deep, pathological terror that causes them lash out and make decisions that have huge consequences. The appearance, the perception of others is what drives them, not their own moral center. And it's INFURIATING. I am screaming at the tv that they just need to STOP and shut up. If they would just calm down for four seconds and listen to the rational people around them, then they could make healthier and better decisions.

There are a couple of these characters that are driven by cruelty and the high of having power over others. They hurt people intentionally and with calculation, because they enjoy it. They want to show how powerful they are. It's confidence, not fear.

I'm not sure which is scarier. The fear driven men are more unpredictable, because they're so emotional and mostly re-acting. So they can go way too far with a single swing, even if they don't mean to. But the power hungry ones, they know what they're doing and they're not afraid to do it. They will go farther and harder, because they don't have anything holding them back. There is not a line at which they realize they've gone too far.

This is nothing new. This is something that drives most stories, really. (Hello, every action movie ever.) But it seems to be hitting me harder in the last few days. Maybe because it's just so blatant and obvious. I can see if they would just stop and wait, either they would get the information they need to make better decisions. Or they should just be satisfied with what they have and stop trying to take from others.

It occurred to me last night that maybe it's hitting me so hard right now because I'm seeing this shit play out in real life too, on the national and international stage. I just don't see the point, most of the time. I don't care about having The Most of a thing, showing off to others. I want to be admired for how I act, the way I treat others, for helping people. I want to be the Subject Matter Expert so I can teach others, but not to flex. It's one of the reasons I get so annoyed working for a for-profit company. Everything is about more, better, exceeding results. Can't we just be content with doing as well as we did last time? With maintaining numbers and working to enhance quality?

But to see it result in clear and explicit harm to others, to see so much ego involved, it makes me scream and rage. I can't imagine intentionally hurting people just to ~appear~ strong, because it sends the exact opposite message to me. The harder someone tries to look strong, to act like they are in control, the weaker they look to me, the more out of control I perceive them to be. Pretention and power-hunger are two ways to make me despise someone, instantaneously. Just be real, just be helpful, just be kind.

[queen-of-the-avengers]

An Enigma

Pairing: Mafia!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.4k

Warnings: angst, blood, threat of violence, unwanted touching, harassment

Summary: You and Bucky are in an arranged marriage set up by both your parents. It’s a way to keep the peace between your two families. You thought Bucky didn’t care for you, but when someone from your past comes back into your life, Bucky makes it known that all he ever thinks about is you.

Square Filled: au: no powers (2024) for @buckybarnesbingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

You step into the kitchen but keep to the wall in intimidation. Your husband is standing there with his back to you. He’s shirtless with only a pair of slacks on. You’re not sure what is more hot. Him being shirtless or dressed in a three-piece suit. He has his phone to his ear so you don’t dare interrupt him, scared of what he might do or say to you. It’s not that you’re scared he’ll beat you, it’s just that he’s always so stoic and rarely shows his emotions.

There’s something you want to ask him but you’re scared of what he’ll do when you ask it. He’s your husband for god sake. Just go up to him and ask him! Your inner personality isn’t as scared of him as you are. You wouldn’t be this way if you had married him out of love. No, this marriage was arranged by yours and his parents. You were forced to be his wife, so you’re not even sure he loves you much less likes you.

Still, your marriage meant a truce between your family and his, but that doesn’t mean he stopped hating your family.

“Are you just going to stand there or are you going to come in and say something?”

You snap out of your own thoughts and look at Bucky who is now facing you. His shirtless back is almost as delicious as his shirtless front, but you’re too nervous to appreciate the sight in front of you.

“I just wanted to ask you something.”

Bucky looks you up and down, studying your behavior and body language. You’re jumpy, your hands are sweaty and shaky, and you can barely meet his eyes for more than five seconds.

“Why do you look so scared?” He smirks. “I won’t bite.”

“My dad called.” His smirk is lost. “He’s having a family dinner next week. He wants both of us there.”

“I see.”

“I’d be really happy if you came. He won’t try anything, I promise. They’ll be on their best behavior.”

“Okay,” Bucky says after a moment.

“Wait, really?”

“You’re my wife. If my father-in-law is asking for dinner, then so be it.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you. It’s next Friday.” You take out your phone. “I’ll let him know you’re coming.”

You turn to leave but Bucky’s voice stops you. “One move.”

“What?”

“If he tries one move, my knife will be lodged in his throat.”

Your eyes widen but you hear the threat loud and clear. You nod and scurry off before he can make any more conditions. Your father is part of one of the biggest crime families New York has ever seen. He has power in every single corner of his jurisdiction. No one can do anything without him knowing about it. Bucky’s family is the other family that has ties to mafia dealings, making them just as powerful as your family.

Both families split New York in half, but they’re constantly fighting over drugs, property, clubs, money, etc. If it can be used to manipulate and exert power over people, both your families are greedy for the taking, especially if those businesses live on the border of both jurisdictions.

One day, your father met with Bucky’s father about a truce, something they both will want to agree to. This was when your mother was pregnant with you, but he loves to tell the story so you feel like you were practically there. If you were to marry Bucky, then both families would be able to come to agreement on those petty fights.

A truce would be made. The cost? Your freedom. Any children that you may will bear will be part of the biggest crime family this country has ever seen.

When you were old enough, you met Bucky through a family dinner. He came off as stoic, cold, and calculating. He didn’t let anything get under his skin. Then, his nieces and nephews joined the party and he became a different person. His hard resolve started melting, giving you a show of who the real Bucky was. It’s different when he’s in front of business partners and your family, but you have a good idea of who the real Bucky is.

He’s a mystery, something you’re desperate to solve.

To prepare for the dinner, you decide to go to the gym and hopefully shed a few pounds. You’ve always loved doing cardio, so the treadmill became your best friend. You go so often that the front desk lady knows you by name.

“Welcome, Y/N. Have a good workout.”

“Thank you, Betty. I will.”

You walk over to the treadmill and start with a walk to get your blood pumping. You put your headphones in and listen to your favorite podcast. You listen to all sorts of things when you work out but lately, it’s been about the podcasts. You’re an hour into your workout when someone touches your shoulder. You take out your headphones and look back to see someone you never thought you’d see again.

“Vince. What are you doing here?”

“It’s a gym. I’m working out.”

You look him over and notice he’s not sweaty or red. If he’s been here as long as you have, he hasn’t been working out.

“Right. I’ll let you get back to it.”

You’re about to put your headphones back in when he steps onto the treadmill next to yours. He leans over and rests his elbows on your handlebars, and you immediately stop your machine. It’s a good time to call it a day.

“I came over here to say hi.”

“I should get going.”

You step off the treadmill and walk over to the cleaning station to grab some paper towels when you feel him standing behind you. You used to feel so safe with him but that all changed when your father discovered a hole in your wall that came from his room which was right next door. He was your bodyguard, supposed to protect you from creeps, and ended up being one. He was truly a pervert.

The only reason why your father didn’t kill him was because you didn’t want to deal with it. You convinced him to just fire him, so he did. Now he’s back but you’re not sure why. Your father made it very clear that if he tried to come near you again, he would do more than fire him. You turn and find him standing closer than he should be.

“What do you want, Vince?”

“Just to talk. I’ve become better. I’ve worked on myself. I’m ready to go back to work.”

“Excuse me?”

“I want to be your bodyguard again.”

“Like hell, that’s going to happen. You shouldn’t even be here. This isn’t even your gym. Just go home.” You step around him to clean your machine but he grabs your upper hard harder than normal. “Ow, you’re hurting me.”

“Oh, sweetie, you have no idea what pain is. I’ll do more than hurt you if you don’t give me my job back. I’m a good bodyguard. I kept all the creeps away from you.”

“Yeah, except for you. Let me go.”

He does but he doesn’t move away from you. You have sensitive skin so you know you’ll have bruises on your arm from his grip.

“Don’t be so shocked if one day you find me inside your house. I know you don’t have a bodyguard now.”

You don’t need one. You have Bucky. He’s very possessive and protective over you. You’re not sure what he’s going to do when he finds out about this, but you can imagine it’s not going to be kind. Crew cleaning your machine. You drop your supplies and rush out of the gym in a panic. During the ride home, you think of ways to lie to Bucky. He’s going to take one look at your face and know something is wrong.

You’re a terrible liar, but you can’t think of anything because you’re too scared. Scared to the point of tears. Maybe if you sneak inside and run to your room, you’ll be able to calm yourself down enough to come up with a convincing lie.

You park in the garage and rush inside knowing Bucky has cameras and sensors for when someone enters the garage. You’re about to book it up the stairs when you run smack into Bucky’s chest.

“Where’s the fire?” He sees the panicked look in your eyes and immediately becomes on alert. “What happened?”

“Nothing. Just an intense workout. I’m going to take a shower.”

You go to leave but Bucky grabs your arm in the same place as Vince did. You wince and he lets you go immediately thinking he hurt you. His eyes narrow on the bruises Vince let, and the fire in his eyes tells you he’s not going to believe anything but the truth.

“What. Happened.”

You have no choice but to tell him the truth before you get in trouble for lying.

“Before you, I had a bodyguard. He was caught spying on me through a hole he created in my bedroom. He was fired and my father made it clear never to bother me again. Well, he was at the gym. He… threatened me… saying I shouldn’t be surprised if I find him in this house because I don’t have a bodyguard now. He… wants his job back.”

“Okay.”

Bucky moves around you to go to the garage but you jump in front of him and put your hands on his chest. He looks calm but you know he is fucking pissed. It’s taking all of your strength to keep him from entering the garage.

“Bucky, stop.”

“If you think I won’t pick you up and move you out of the way, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“Bucky, please. I will bring this up to my father tomorrow at dinner. Please let my family handle this. He worked for my dad. He should deal with it.”

Bucky looks down and he sees the desperation in your eyes. It doesn't do shit to calm him down but he backs away knowing this is what you want.

“Fine.”

Bucky retreats to his office for the rest of the day. Before you know it, Friday has come and you’re walking up the steps to your father’s mansion. You’ve been dreading this moment since the gym but you know you have to tell your father about this. Bucky was supposed to ride with you but you hadn’t seen him all day.

“Oh, sweetheart! I’m glad you’re here!” your mother says when you walk into the house.

“Hi, mom.” She pulls you in for a crushing hug. “You just saw me last week.”

“I know, but it feels like a lifetime. Where is Bucky?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure he’ll be here. He said he would.” Your father walks in and you smile when you see him. “Daddy!”

“Princess,” he smiles.

You bounce over to him and hug him tightly. He’s a very tall and muscular man but he has always been gentle with you. You’re his princess. You’re his only daughter, so he takes your health and well-being very seriously. You have six brothers but he’s not the same with them as he’s with you. They’re just as scary as your father. You’re not sure why you ever needed a bodyguard when you had six living at home with you.

You join your family in the dining room and greet your brothers. The family butler brings out the food until there is a plate in front of everyone. You look beside you at the empty chair and wonder where Bucky is. He’s supposed to be here. He said he would. If he had to work, he would have told you.

“So, Y/N, when am I getting grandbabies?”

“Mom!”

“I’m not getting any younger over here.”

“You have grandbabies. Tony and Luke both have children. Gio has one on the way.”

“None from you, though.”

“Okay, well, when I get pregnant, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Where is Bucky?” Stefan asks, shoveling food into his mouth as he speaks.

“Stefan!” your mother scolds. “Don’t eat like an animal.”

“Sorry, mom,” he says with his mouth full.

“I don’t know. He said he’d be here. He’s probably caught up with work.”

Once your brothers are finished with their meals, they eagerly go for seconds. The dining room is filled with chatter about people’s plans, kids, and trips they have coming up. You never talk about work while you’re eating. That’s reserved for after dinner and always over a glass of top-shelf whiskey.

Suddenly, all chatter ceases when someone walks into the dining room. Bucky. Only he’s covered in blood. Blood stains his nice suit and spatters his smooth skin, but he acts as if he has nothing on him. His hands are clean though. He sits next to you and accepts the food the butler brings. He takes a bite of the meat and moans at how good it is.

“Is it taken care of?” your father asks.

“Yes, sir.”

Chatter returns as normal as if Bucky isn’t covered in fucking blood. Even your brothers don’t seem to care that blood is now on the table. Your mother doesn’t care that blood is getting on her nice white dining chair. You lean closer to him and grab your napkin. You grab his chin and start wiping the blood from his cheek.

“What the hell is the matter with you? Where were you? Why are you covered in blood? Whose is it?”

“Vince.”

Now everything makes sense. He must have called your father to tell him what you told him who then told your mother who then told your brothers.

“I told you I’d handle it.”

“He touched what’s mine.”

“Excuse me?”

“He touched my wife.”

You throw the napkin down knowing it’s useless. “Last I checked, Bucky, you don’t own me.”

“No, you but own me.” Your eyes widen in surprise. “I’d do it again and again to protect you.” He grabs your chin with his clean hand and kisses you. He pulls away from you and wipes away the drop of blood he got on your skin. “Eat.”

It takes you several seconds to wrap your brain around what just fucking happened. You grab your fork and take a bite slowly. Maybe there is some warmth to that cold heart.

x

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[ozarkthedog]

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

summary: Declan introduces you to a friend.

pairing: Declan O’Hara x afab!reader / Rupert Campbell Black

warnings: 18+ mdni. filth. unspecified age gap. oral sex (m). Declan calls the shots. fingering. edging. no m/m. slight anal play. dirty talk. squirting. rough sex. Rupert pushing the boundaries aka he’s a menace. cuckhold of sorts. male masturbation. cream pie. light, barely there after care. ep 8 spoilers. w.c: 2.4k

author’s note: i'm a Declan girlie but I had to write something feat. Rupert.

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 ⋅ 𝐅𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐬 ⋅ 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭

Soft golden rays bleed through the aged windows of the O'Hara estate. Its owner, Declan, sits comfortably on a worn chair in the middle of his study. Books and papers litter the room, even on the small sofa adjacent to the chair. As the fireplace crackles, the bright orange flames warm your skin as you kneel naked between your employer's thighs.

Declan groans as he feeds you his cock. His thighs widen, as much as his unzipped trousers will allow, on the tattered chair, giving you more room to swallow him down. His heart beats steadily under his lush brown sweater as you suckle his cock while looking up at him under your lashes.

Declan enjoyed times like these when the house was empty, and he got you all to himself. With Maud gone, leaving everything to Taggie was unfair, so he caved and hired a housekeeper. Little did he realize he'd fall head over heels for you.

You both took your time dancing around one another like nervous teenagers at a school dance. Harmless flirting and late-night conversations over the meals you'd cook for him led to Declan taking matters into his own hands.

He was used to control. He enjoyed it, really. The power felt comfortable, and he had no issue wielding it.

Declan was still on edge one day after a trifling day at Coriniuim. His usual soak and cig in the tub wasn't helping. The radio was blasting ear-aching songs, and the water was getting too cold too fast, but that all changed when you walked in on him with an armful of fresh towels.

He took a chance, one that could've ended with him locked up, but you didn't run. You followed his dubious commands and let him exert his dominance, allowing him to reign over you.

Since then, you two have been inseparable.

"Ah, right on time," Declan notes, looking at the clock perched on the mantle in his study as the large front door creaks open.

Declan mentioned inviting a friend over earlier in the day, but you didn't think he meant now.

The sight of your wide doe eyes makes his gut fervently twist. He's always appreciated someone yearning after what was his, especially an individual so well-loved by the women of Rutshire.

"Don' stop, Love," Declan instructs. His Irish accent dips low as he curls a solid hand around your head when you start to draw back. Your wary, garbled sounds vibrate Declan's cock eliciting a hiss from his lips. He sends you a pensive look and keeps you locked as the steps draw near. "You know I like people ta watch, but I wan' to try somethin' new."

Your heart lodges in your throat. Declan had divulged this kink not long after the two of you began dating. It was harmless fun flirting with other men while Declan observed from the shadows like a deviant; the journalist grew feral until he could no longer hold himself back, scurrying off with you in his arms, leaving the poor target in a stupor.

No one could ever come close to Declan; you never want them to.

"I seem to have come at a rather inconvenient time, have I not?" A pondering English baritone fills the room.

Rupert Campbell Black.

With arms crossed, the affluent man leans on the rustic doorframe. He catches your uneasy gaze with a cheeky smile, prompting a wildfire in your belly.

Declan shakes his head, his thick mustache ticking excitedly, "Not at all. Come in."

You try to move again, but Declan doesn't budge an inch. Your brows knot in confusion as your hands fly to cover your exposed bits as best you can.

"Say hello, ta Rupert, Swee'heart," Declan instructs, his dark chestnut eyes alight with devilry.

Your gaze trails from the man's supple leather loafers and pressed lined slacks to the sepia colored dress shirt that exposes a svelte chest as the top two buttons are undone. Rupert oozes high society and overt confidence, the kind of man you'd go dumb even looking at.

"My, my, where has Declan been hiding you?" Rupert croons. His azure orbs fixate with dark intrigue at your naked, shivering form.

As you greet Declan's neighbor, a slight garbled noise barely registers to the men. Tauntingly, Rupert leans over and puts a hand behind his ear, "Sorry, Angel. What was that?"

Your belly flips, and butterflies flutter carelessly in the wake of being so degraded. Still, your cunt produces a wave of arousal and clenches around nothing.

Knowing he doesn't have much patience, you chance another look at Declan and wish you hadn't. His white teeth bared, and his lips pulled back into a light sneer, like a wolf facing down prey, waiting for you to heed his command.

Declan bites back a moan at the hedonic sensation of you stringing together a messy greeting for the affluent man.

Rupert snickers. "Aren't you cute."

"Thatta' girl." He praises before thrusting his length into your throat and cutting off your air.

He waits for a beat, relishing in the watery glaze that coats your eyes and how your chest heaves. Fidgety hands dig into his darkened slacks, knocking the loose ends of his belt. Drool spills down your chin and settles at the base of his cock.

"Ya know ya waited too long ta give Rupert a warm welcome." He fumes, his expression twisting lightly with displeasure.   

With a soft growl, Declan eases his grip. You fall back on your heels, a blight, coughing up spittle and trying to suck down fresh air at the same time.

"Might I say, you've got a real treasure here," Rupert leers down at your messy face and spit-soaked breasts that make your nipples shine in the light. "Lovely to meet your acquaintance."

"Though' you migh' like a taste." Declan offers, looking up at Rupert like you weren't perched at their feet, anxiously awaiting their next move.

"Would I ever." A Cheshire grin tugs at Rupert's lips. He makes a show of folding his button-down sleeves over his muscular forearms as he stalks around you.

Declan beckons you with the tilt of his head, "C'mere, Love. I ain't done wit' your mouth."

You sniffle before taking your place between his knees once more. Declan can sense your worry as Rupert traces a finger down your spine while he crouches behind you. "Don' worry abou' him. He won' do anythin' out of line."

Declan taps his bulbous crown against your swollen lips, drawing your attention away from the blue-eyed beau. His sturdy thighs are a protective shield, enveloping you like a fortress from harm.

As curious fingers tickle your sticky thighs, your lips part with a gasp, allowing Declan to thrust into your warm, wet mouth.

"Jesus Christ, she's soaked." Rupert husks as he softly skims your glistening folds. Your cunt throbs from his unfamiliar touch, coursing a frightening spark of arousal up your spine.

"She's not 'ad much experience." Declan hisses as his crown breaches the tight confines of your throat. Your hand tugs at the thick base that's peppered with dark curls, fingers barely overlapping, pumping in time with his languid thrusts across your tongue.

"You don't say." The Englishman trails off, no doubt thinking of all the crude ways he could defile you.

As you start a slow rhythm, bouncing your head up and down Declan's cock, making the older man unashamedly moan, Rupert swipes his fingers across your seam and gathers all your shiny slick, drawing it up to your clit before lazily circling the tender bud.

Bright lights erupt under your eyelids. Blood rushes south, pooling in your core, heightening your suffocating lust as your body bends to his will.

"Ah ah, Angel." Rupert tsks, grabbing hold of your wriggling hips. His grasp keeps you stock still, unable to evade his voracious touch.

The pads of Declan's fingers press into your scalp as a soft warning. "Be good ta Rupert."

Being pushed and pulled between the two older men was agony of the luscious kind. You only knew of Declan's touch, the succulent highs and lows. The amorous sublime.

A gentle hand glides over your ass before massaging the plump cheek. Your frantic cries are a mumbled mess as you're pushed higher and higher into the pleasurable abyss from Rupert's caress.

He winds two fingers into your core, cursing from your tightness, and splays his dexterous digits along your walls. His thumb lands square on your clit, swiping back and forth with prowess. "So sweet and responsive. Such a good girl." he curls his fingers along your walls, drawing pathetic noises from your chest.

Your body rolls like waves, back and forth between the two men. Rupert's teeth sink into the tender skin of your ass before a gentle tongue soothes the marks and trails down the valley of your cheeks, causing you to choke around Declan's cock.

A wad of spit lands directly on your rosebud just before a wicked tongue ravishes the tight, untouched hole.

Your belly drops at his vulgar touch. No one ever touched you there before. A heavy wave of arousal slips from your cunt as you fight the urgent need for release. Rupert moans hungrily as he laps the rim of your ass.

Your incessant wriggling alerts Declan to Rupert's perverted actions.

"What'd I say, ya daft cunt?" Declan fumes. His mustache twitches as he shoots daggers at the man posed behind you.

Rupert swirls his tongue one final time before leaving your rosebud with a loud pop. "Sorry, chap. I forgot you haven't filled all her holes yet." The tug of his lips says otherwise.

Declan mumbles under his breath and leans back in his chair, focusing on you. "What'a fuckin' sight," he grunts, yanking your tear-coated face off his girth. His large hand completely cups the side of your face, making you feel like a doll with glossy, swollen lips as he stares at you like a man possessed.

Rupert twists his wrist, and your eyes grow wide as saucers. The need to come moves to the forefront of your mind. Declan can tell you're fighting, doing everything you can to hold back as you're slowly dragged to the edge.

Your jaw goes slack, and eyelids flutter; you're willing to endure any repercussions for coming without approval, but then Declan stamps your orgasm out just as quickly as it started.

"No, no, no. Don' be greedy," he tsks, shoving your dumbstruck face back down onto his length.

With Declan's cock stretching your lips and drooling pre cum over your taste buds and Rupert curling his fingers into the spongy spot behind your clit, your nerves scream for release.

The insides of your thighs are soaked, slick from want and a need held so close yet so far away. A soft cry falls from your spit-stained lips as Declan snatches your head off his cock and curves a large hand under your chin, holding you like a precious piece of art.

His opaque orbs sweep across your face, wild and feral; he's on the edge of breaking but holds steady like the stubborn man he is.

"Come on, Declan, let the girl come," Rupert implores to the stoic man holding captive your utmost pleasure.

The corner of Declan's lips tilts. He knows what'll happen. He can see it in your face, how truly gone you are, how nearly close the dam is to breaking.

"Go on, show 'im what he's missin', Swee'heart." Declan encourages, finally allowing you the taste you've wanted all this time.

Your body writhes in their combined hold with unkempt ecstasy as a ravenous cry fills the large study. You come like a geyser, locking like a vice around Rupert's fingers, forcing a curse from his lips as you coat his wrist and trousers with your creamy release.

"Jesus-" Rupert moans, dark and depraved, watching with rabid fascination as your core pulses in time to the beat of his heart.

Declan gathers you into his arms, away from the still man, propping your knees on either side of his thighs. "Sit on the couch and watch," he orders a dumbstruck Rupert before easing you down on his swollen cock.

A whimper catches in your throat from the obscene stretch as his girth widens your channel for the first time that day. Declan grabs your ass and steadily bounces you on his length, helping you rise and fall since your legs have turned to jelly.

"Gone so dumb, ya can' even move," Declan mocks. Coarse whiskers chafe your skin as he nibbles your chin, pouring filthy praises against your jaw, "Still so tight. Maybe two cocks'll do the trick," he drives his girth into your exhausted body. "Wan' your pretty cunt gapin' fa' me."

The seam of his brown sweater grazes your clit on every thrust; the fibers are soft yet overstimulating, your body boils, on the verge of combusting, and there's nothing you can do.  

A low moan catches your attention, dragging you from your frenzied state. As you turn your head to find the strange noise, you see Rupert with his swollen cock in his hand, barely out of his trousers. His cock weeps, the bulbous tip pulsing red, while he sucks your juices off his glistening fingers like a man starved for days.

His animalistic gaze bores into where you and Declan connect. You can imagine how obscene it is. Declan's sticky balls thwap immorally against your ass. Sticky sounds bounce off the walls as he draws more slick from your core, staining the base of his cock in a creamy ring.

Rupert's eyes flit to yours. You silently mouth his name, playing with the man who's used the women of Rutshire like a kid with infinite toys. The subtle action pushes the posh man over the edge.

Biting his knuckles, Rupert spills over his other set with a ragged string of grunts. The image sets off a chain reaction. You follow suit, crying as you come around Declan's cock, and dragging your other half with you. Declan's thick brows furrow, groaning his ecstasy as he fills you with ropes of white.

The three of you gradually come down from the hedonistic scene. Your hearts beat to their natural rhythm as the birds outside sing a dusk setting song.

"T'was lovely to meet you, Angel," Rupert flirts, cleaning his cock with a handkerchief before tucking himself into his trousers. "Hope to see you again real soon."

"Fuck off, Rupert," Declan quips, jutting his chin toward the door.

Rupert sends you a wink before rounding the couch and exits with the fattest smile you've ever seen.

Declan mumbles under his breath and curls his arms around you. He tucks your head under his chin, letting you unwind comfortably before the crackling fire.

"Was that okay, Swee'heart?" Declan's asks with softened eyes.

With a satisfied sigh, you snuggle deeper into his hold, seeking the warmth and protective embrace he can only give. "More than."

feel free to scream at me -> 💌

reblogs & comments are extremely appreciated! follow @ozzieslibrary for new fic updates!

[mstase]

🏴 ASTROLOGY OBSERVATIONS 2

natives with pluto in the 12th house have the ability to seem like everything is alright, even though they are probably going through the lowest point in their lives. they come off all calm and collected on the surface, but underneath, there’s a whole world of intense emotions and unresolved trauma going on.

saturn square ascendant natives may feel compelled to limit their self-expression (this usually results in their rising sign qualities being hindered). this tendency often stems from childhood experiences of having strict rules and limitations imposed upon them, possibly by parents or authority figures who viewed their spontaneous behavior as “immature.” they were constantly shushed, which caused them to be highly cautious about how they present themselves to others, often wearing a cold, serious face, but deep down they hide their fun, childlike nature in fear of being criticized. 🎭

natives with pluto in the 7th house tend to become suspicious when others get too close to them. often times, these people think others always harbor motives against them or are taking advantage of them. this mindset often stems from past close relationships, whether romantic or platonic, where they felt controlled and used. as a result, they develop a desire for control in relationships, asserting power to avoid being dominated.

mercury-pluto people have no filter at all. very blunt and direct; their words may unsettle others. they can come across as judgmental or too critical due to their honesty, which can sometimes lead them into arguments. these people can smell lies from far away 🔍

sun conjunct neptune / 12th house suns 🤝 no father figure, weak father figure, an unreliable father, father with addictions, abusive father, father living away

lilith conjunct pluto natives carry intense and buried emotions that can explode when they sense someone trying to exert power or dominance over them. they value their independence greatly and have a tendency to react aggressively when they feel their freedom is threatened. these people are acutely aware of their own inner dark qualities and can also recognize such aspects in others. besides these, they tend to notice and are deeply affected by the injustice and oppression happening in their surroundings.

saturn in the 2nd house natives might feel compelled to consistently share or surrender possessions, resulting in a sense of lacking or deprivation. this behavior may have roots in parental actions, such as taking away their belongings and not buying them things. this early pattern affected their self-esteem, leading to the belief that they’d never attain good things in life.

moon-mars people are so expressive. they never seem to keep quiet because their emotions are intense and tend to overflow spontaneously, making it difficult for them to conceal their feelings. these individuals may become easily angered or irritated, showing emotional impatience, and even small things can have a noticeable impact on their mood.

sun square moon natives could be prone to procrastination. they often want to do something in their head but feel emotionally resistant or unmotivated to do so.

gemini rising people are great at handling many tasks at once because they naturally adapt well. their tendency to get bored quickly and try out various pursuits highlights their dynamic and always-curious personalities. it’s common to observe them constantly shifting between different hobbies and interests. they are also able to hold many things at once. 🧺

pluto in the 3rd house natives are the type to know things they shouldn’t know. they might have started swearing early, or at least heard and learned those words sooner than most. this is because of their receptiveness to their surroundings, which causes them to pick up things faster and, more often, darker things. they tend to obsessively ask questions, constantly wanting to know why and how things work. because their thoughts are so intense and deep, others might have teased them or found them a bit odd or weird, which inclined them to keep certain things to themselves.

uranus in the 12th house individuals may be inclined to keep their hobbies and interests private. they might feel that their hobbies are unconventional or “weird” by societal standards, leading them to be discreet about sharing them. others might be surprised when they discover these hidden interests because they may not align with what the individual shows.

[marsidotcom]

i cannot stop thinking about a massive, end-all-be-all fight where marinette has to gather up her whole team to fight against it. something within her plan requires marc’s (rooster bold’s) power for an extended period of time, holding a sublimation power for hours and pushing through the fail safe of his miraculous. near the end of it, he’s so drained that he has to transform back before the fight is truly over.

ladybug has him and nathaniel (caprikid) in a secluded alleyway, and she’s telling him “you have to, you have to, you’re too drained, you’ll hurt yourself and your kwami permanently if you don’t,” all while he insists he can keep going, he needs to keep going, to help fight.

but when caprikid points out the potential damage to his kwami rather than him, the holder, rooster bold finally caves. ladybug tells caprikid to stay with him, makes him swear not to tell anybody rooster’s identity and assures rooster bold that it will be kept secret. caprikid promises, though he looks a little anxious with the new secret to keep.

the “secret” of it all becomes the least of his worries when ladybug leaves to rejoin the fight and he watches rooster bold detransform into none other than his best friend in the entire world. His best friend, the boy he’s been in love with for two years, bleeding from the nose from the exertion and looking almost embarrassed as he cradles his tired kwami in his palms and avoids eye contact.

nathaniel is practically frozen. he watches marc fish a small bag of dried corn feed from his pocket and start feeding orikko, swiping at his bloody nose with flushed knuckles. marc grimaces, his other hand petting over orikko’s feathers as the kwami eats.

“i promise i’m not usually this much of a let down as hero,” he says, almost self-chastising. “I’m pretty lame outside of all of it, but most times i’m more useful than this.”

he looks ashamed, like using his power until he’s bleeding and exhausted was some humiliating failure to prove himself. nathaniel aches at the thought.

marc is rambling now, it seems. he does that sometimes.

“i’m gonna work on it, i’m sure i could train myself to go longer than this. this is the last time you’ll have to babysit, i swear. i’m so sorry i’m keeping you from everything-“

nathaniel doesn’t let him go on any longer. his gloved hands come up, albeit a little shaky, and he watches himself cup one of marc’s cheeks, blood smear and all, and then the other. marc’s words die in is throat, and he sits there, breathing quietly as the flush of his face burns brighter.

“it’s not babysitting,” caprikid tells him. “you can’t-“ his voice breaks, and he swallows, finding his footing again. “you can’t push yourself so far that you’re hurting yourself, marc.”

he sees the flash of shock in those green eyes, the recognition that this is someone who knows his name. someone who knows him in some capacity. he can deal with that later.

“you’re too important to be doing that, you’re-“ he pauses, his thumb swiping over marc’s cheekbone tenderly as he studies his face. the confusion written in it, the parted lips.

he leans closer, resolute. “you matter more than the rest of this. i can’t… i can’t see you doing this to yourself. please, please, don’t push it too far. you’re doing great. you always do. don’t be in a rush to be what you think is better when the best is already there. don’t hurt yourself trying to prove that you’re capable. we see that in you already.”

marc might be making a wordsmith out of him yet.

he watches those green eyes rim with tears, and he almost starts apologizing, but then marc is hugging him, his arms wrapped around his shoulders and his hands lost in the fur of caprikid’s collar. “okay,” the writer whispers. “okay. thank you.” it’s a croaked, teary thing, and nathaniel hugs him back like he’s something precious, something to hold close to his heart.

in the days after the fight, marc keeps thinking about caprikid, and nathaniel clings to his side like someone is going to take him away. if anyone notices the way nathaniel becomes increasingly, gently protective, they don’t say anything.

[lenaellsi]

if you take "I can make a difference" at face value you simply must also consider "you're the bad guys.” like they are both vital aspects of aziraphale's decision. the problem is not just aziraphale's attempt to lead a corrupt system, it is also his continued belief in the superiority of heaven and angels over hell and demons. that's why crowley was so hurt. it's not just a miscommunication, or a disagreement on the practicalities of changing hearts and minds in heaven--it is a fundamental misunderstanding of morality and of crowley as a person. if crowley had asked aziraphale to come to hell to help fix it and protect the earth, he would not have gone. he says so. it’s not just about safety, or reform. it is about being Good.

and all of this happens because aziraphale is not just motivated by fear and love: he is also motivated by shame. he is insecure in his identity as an angel and a Good Guy, and both his alienation from heaven and his relationship with crowley have always aggravated this insecurity. it’s why shax’s mockery hit him so hard, and why he’s so susceptible to manipulation from the metatron. he desperately wants to be taken seriously and treated with respect and to have power and be an uncomplicated Good Guy, and that is just as much of a motivating factor in his decision as his desire to protect humanity and crowley.

and re: “appoint you to be an angel”: I know people want to insist that aziraphale has never wanted to change anything about crowley, but I’m sorry, I just don’t think that’s true. over and over in season 2 aziraphale demonstrates a desire to sand the rough edges off people and things for the sake of the Greater Good, without consideration for the free will or complex emotions of others. obviously this tendency culminates in the ball, where he exerts control over all of the humans to make everything perfect for maggie and nina, and in doing so, infringes on their autonomy and nina’s (crowley’s narrative mirror!) capacity to feel her own anger and sadness. and he has never liked that crowley is a demon. in his mind, the problem has always been that crowley was put in the wrong category, not that the entire system of dividing people and angels into Good and Bad is ridiculous. that’s the exact lesson he needs to learn.

and yes, his intentions are good, absolutely. I don’t think aziraphale ever acts out of malice, and I do think he genuinely wants the best for the people around him, particularly crowley. after all, if crowley is accepted as an angel again, as aziraphale has always secretly considered him to be, their relationship can (in his mind) finally stop being so fraught with danger and conflict. (the other side of that, of course, is that aziraphale can also stop being so ashamed for loving someone who is supposed to be Bad, and everything in his life will make sense again, the way it hasn’t since he met that star maker who got so upset about god’s plan.)

but that’s not who crowley is, and it never has been. even before he fell, crowley’s recklessness and relentless questions made aziraphale uncomfortable. their relationship has never been safe or easy, and in wanting to make it so, aziraphale is demonstrating a desire to change the parts of crowley that led to his fall, whether he intends to or not.

I’m rambling, but the point is: the insistence on reframing this moment as a purely selfless, calculated, self-sacrificing decision by aziraphale to protect crowley and the world ignores the uglier parts of the things he said in order to make their eventual reconciliation less complicated, and it’s really frustrating to me. crowley is in fact right to be upset by what he said, and it’s not just a misunderstanding that can be fixed with aziraphale saying “I was only trying to protect you!” and another kiss. it’s a culmination of all of the double think aziraphale has been doing in order to preserve his vision of heaven as The Source Of Truth And Light And Good since before the beginning of time, and it’s time for him to finally unpack it.

(and because every post on the final fifteen needs a disclaimer: aziraphale is trying his best and has an incredible amount of love in his heart and wants so badly to do good and ALSO the things he says, does, and believes can be incredibly hurtful and destructive. all of these things can be true.)

[jude457]

‘hedges of prayer’ rework (inho & the officer headcanon nsfw/dead-dove)

The main sub-plot I’m trying to weave into the story throughout the rework is darker angle of the Officer’s relationship with Inho. (And honestly the more I sit with it, the more it makes sense to add).

The Officer isn’t just another anonymous servant of the Games; he sees himself as someone who’s earned status. He’s been in this system longer than most. Loyal, methodical, invisible. Then Inho wins. A player. A dog from the pit who clawed his way out. And instead of being erased like the others, he’s elevated. Chosen by Il-nam himself to wear the mask that should have been his.

That betrayal sits at the core of the Officer’s psyche. He doesn’t understand why Inho was chosen. From his perspective, Inho is weak—flawed. The Officer sees himself as the natural successor. That rejection doesn’t just breed hatred; it breeds obsession.

Over time, that contempt festers and mutates into something else—something sicker. The Officer starts watching Inho. He mimics him, studies him, tries to wear power the way Inho does, but it never quite fits. And that’s where this toxic fusion of envy and desire comes in. He doesn’t want Inho in a romantic or even in the basic sexual sense, not traditionally. He wants to own him. To humiliate and deconstruct him. To reduce him into something manageable—something the Officer can finally control after what feels like lifetime of being powerless in the shadows.

It’s this idea of obsession—the combination of hatred, envy, and repressed desire—that makes me want to include a subplot about it. Because realistically, if this had been the Officer’s mindset for years, and he saw the VIPs finally exerting the kind of sexual, emasculating violence on Inho that he himself had long fantasised about—he wouldn’t walk away in disgust or moral conflict. He’d stay. He’d watch. He’d ask for a turn. He would view it we as an opportunity to finally reclaim the control, the power, and the dominance he feels he was denied.

It’s an opportunity to destroy what Inho represents. A chance to assert dominance over the thing that humiliated him by existing in his rightful place.

[s0lemnhypn0s]

(Warning for this post I'm half asleep so I might be incoherent or have disjointed topics. Bare with me, I'm trying to express my thoughts the best I can.)

(and WARNING! i discuss personal paranoias at one point during this, which include the topic of bugs and self harm)

"Billford is ironic we're shipping them ironically" "We don't actually want to see them together" "We don't think theyre a good pair" "its irreconciliably abusive" "its one sided"

ok I'm gonna put forward a take that might be poorly recieved: I think you all are misunderstanding Billford (And each character individually) and just reducing it to "bill abused ford" takes away so much of what makes their dynamic fascinating. And also claiming "Erm its a bit" while engaging in something you "recognize" as abuse only does a disservice to the topic of abuse and how it relates to the mentally ill (I will get into that later). You are treating the relationship as a joke and only acknowledging the abusive aspects when people come at you is just pretty scummy of you. Speaking as someone who experienced a near identical abusive relationship, where my paranoia was preyed upon, causing me to still suffer from the paranoia of being watched by them or that my abuser will eventually send someone after me.

In general, the existence of abuse is a complicated one and abuse is not a catch all, end all term. Not all abuse is built the same. Billford is undeniably abusive, but there is not a period after "abusive", are you picking up what I'm putting down. It's not just "Bill was exerting power over Ford and thats it"

Lets start with: We all recognize Ford is paranoid, but we don't seem to recognize Bill as paranoid in the exact same way, dare I say - Even more paranoid than Ford. I mean, ford got his "Trust no one" quote from Bill directly saying his rule of thumb for trusting people is to just trust no one. He doesn't trust others - He simply doesn't. And this is part of where Bill Cipher's manipulation of SPECIFICALLY Ford comes in.

Now I am going to speak from a personal anecdote of my experience with paranoia and delusions - Me, I will try to "safeguard" against my every little fear and belief that something will, undoubtedly, undeniably, be out to hurt me, and these safeguards are often extreme in nature. They don't make sense to the people around me, but they make sense to me. Sometimes they hurt the people around me. Sometimes, they hurt me. I believe this is the same with Bill Cipher himself. He is taking measures to make sure his worst fears do not come to pass. And because Bill is decidedly not human, only interacts with humans when he deems neccesary, those measures often take the form of something even more extreme than, idk, me shaving my head because I thought bug eggs were in my hair or trying to cut open my skin because I thought something was living in it. They take the form of something abusive (Which is also just... Something that happens with the mentally ill sometimes. I see you guys trying to separate our mental illness from our actions and claim "thats not making you do that". I see you.). Him trying to guard himself from something so terrible(facetious) as Ford's percieved betrayal ultimately becomes a self fufilling prophecy.

Not to mention, if you guys didn't notice. Bill without a doubt projects his own insecurities onto Ford. "I make you feel important" Ford makes Bill feel important. "No one loves you" He was ostracized in his dimension. "Who will miss you" He destroyed his entire home, nobody would mourn Bill, because they were all gone, long gone. "I'm sending someone to steal your eyes" Might be a stretch, but I look towards the silly straw poem "A different kind of eye doctor, who wants to make his patient blind" Obviously the use of "blind" here is metaphorical, but I feel its still in some ways applicable.

Bill very evidently experienced medical abuse and ostracization in Euclydia, something exceedingly common for those labeled as mad. (Which also brings me to the topic of people saying "I'm so glad they didn't make Bill a sympathetic villain in the book of bill" bc. Hi. I'm a guy thats experienced ostracization and medical staff forcibly medicating me in order to fix me. I think he is sympathetic actually). Not only that, Bill Cipher had a trillion years to fester in his resentment and his guilt, and you think that like. Didn't effect him at all. I really and truly beg to disagree.

Not only that: I think Bill felt a kinship with Ford. Ford was ostracized, he was betrayed by the world (and "betrayed" by his brother), he was regarded as a freak for what he was born with, just as Bill was regarded as a freak for his mutation in Euclydia. Bill thought Ford was just like him. Bill thought Ford would understand him, and furthermore would jump at the opportunity to burn the world down with him. And. to his credit. Ford does, in some capacity, understand him. As much as Ford could understand, with Bills lies within lies. Bill craves the intimacy and fears the touch. He uses fear to get Ford to love him, not only because he thinks it will safeguard him from what he fears most, but likely because it is all he knows, all he was taught. Love through fear. Our love is painful, but we only want to help. Pain in love is natural. It's right. It will only hurt a little. This is how you know we love you. He was shocked when Ford rejected him. He thought he did everything right. He had everything planned, for them to be together for eternity.

And bare in mind also that - Bill. Most evidently. Views himself as a monster. When Ford asks about what happened to his dimension, who destroyed it - Bill responds "A monster.", he says "Sixer, it would eat you alive" when Ford offers to help hunt it down. He lets his mask of jovial, mysterious mischief drop just slightly, and we understand just a little bit more of how he feels about the euclidean massacre, how he understands himself through his actions. And what he understands, is that this is just his nature. "I liberated my dimension, Stanford", a lie but not in the way you'd think. He lies, acting like what he did was intentional, as its the only way he could ascribe "reason" to what he did. It couldn't have been an accident. That is just how I am. It wasn't an accident, and I liberated them. (I wish I could go back.) And I come back to the idea of a self fufilling prophecy, because its again- That exactly. Bill decided this was all he could be, he did everything that would make him a "monster" after the accident that caused the euclidean massacre - And so, he was. A sick prognosis that he created and fufilled with his own two hands, he became the monster he and his home dimension envisioned him as.

Abuse is a complicated subject. What Bill did was abuse, yes, but I also distinctly believe it to be a case of abuse between two mentally ill people, one of which is so old, his hate his anger and his regrets, all are ancient and yet so fresh.

I feel another part of the problem is people are taking Bill at face value. Which is exactly what he wants to do because then you dont get at what hes doing all this for and why. You don't get past the exoskeleton to the tender flesh beneath. But stop taking what he says at face value. Read into it more. Analyze the triangle.

Also it might be controversial (hyperbole.) , but I do thing it means /something/ that during Ford's part of the book of bill, where Bill and Ford's relationship is recounted from his perspective, Bill is notably absent, whereas in the rest of the book, he is guiding us through it and constantly maintains a loud presence in it. You could interpret this in a lot of different ways I think, but the way I've chosen to interpret it is as a mix of shame, regret, and an unwillingness to revisit their past together. Perhaps even Bill having enough respect for Ford to not interject his telling of their story together, if you want to get real complicated about it. Paradoxal, if you will.

(Also I find the theraprism to be a most fucked "end" for Bill Cipher due to the medical abuse he experienced as a child. Something something, mad people can never escape the institutions which seek to "fix" them.)

anyway if you read through my mad sleep addled ramblings CONGRATS! i'm probably going to make edits and add to this when I wake up in the morning but i needed to get this out or id forget. billford is abusive but its way more complex than just... abuse. Abuse is a complex subject and it exists on a spectrum, for a lack of better words. and dont twist my words - That isn't saying "this is less bad abuse", this is saying "its complicated and just leaving it at abusive does their relationship a disservice"

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Okay, I'm curious : what's your stance on Leona's and Idia's theory, as mentioned in the recent Book 7 update?

[You can read my full thoughts on the book 7 part 12 Cater and Deuce update here! ]

I'm assuming you're referring to them discussing the possibility of Trey and Cater "using" Riddle for their own nefarious gain? If I recall correctly, it's Leona's theory and Idia mainly reacts to it or comments. To review (for those who may not understand what I'm talking about): in the recent book 7 update, Leona proposes the idea that Trey and Cater propped up Riddle as a successor to the previous Heartslabyul dorm leader. The previous dorm leader was not only lax with enforcing the rules, but essentially made Heartslabyul a pretty lawless land with graffiti on the walls and the garden a mess. However, according to Leona's theory, Trey and Cater didn't boost Riddle up out of the goodness of their hearts or out of concern for their dorm being run into the ground. No, Leona proposes that they did it so that they could gain power themselves. After Riddle is in power, Trey and Cater would become his right-hand men and advisors, thus puppeteering Riddle and manipulating him to act in ways that benefit them. In this manner, Trey and Cater can create the Heartslabyul that they desire while Riddle is just the figurehead. In other words... Leona's saying Trey and Cater spearheaded the revolution to overthrow the previous dorm leader in order to benefit themselves. It's something that's not all too uncommon for unpopular political regimes. (Have to say though, very appropriate for Leona, the literal prince and a rebel of the savanna, to bring this concept up.)

adsjbbiaslyiyovfviea I don't... really have particular thoughts on this theory, because the update basically debunks it by the end of Cater's dream. After waking, Cater claims that he's actually pretty satisfied with how Heartslabyul is irl (so he has no reason to try and puppeteer Riddle). Leona even states that he guesses this theory was wrong--and he has a track record of being intelligent and perceptive, so I'm choosing to believe him when he says he's wrong. Cater then follows up with a jab at how Leona is the type to actually incite a revolution (throwback to book 2), not himself, which I'm going to take as further confirmation that the theory wasn't right.

Beyond what the characters actually say in Cater's dream, I don't think it makes sense for Trey and Cater to be the masterminds that Leona speculated they are, and nor is Riddle some mere figurehead. Like... yes, Cater has been shown to be manipulative, but he doesn't act in ways that are more malicious than tricking underclassmen to do things for him. He also doesn't strike me as someone seeking great power or control. Trey also has a devious side, but again he doesn't strike me as someone that wants to be in charge and he is typically presented genuinely supporting others. He is someone who has been deceived by others (ie Jade) too; do we really think he's as crafty as Leona is saying he may be??? Finally, there's Riddle. Come on, now. Do we REALLY believe that Riddle Rosehearts, Mr. Teapot Tyrant, the Rose Red Ruler himself, would let his dorm members boss him around? Yes, his mother exerts an insane level of control over him, but she's his parent and so Riddle will naturally defer to her. At school, Riddle is extremely arrogant and believes that he is the "most correct". I don't think he would allow himself to rule based on the discretion of others--and if you'll recall, Riddle fails to observe the advice Trey gives him, especially in book 1. No, Riddle actively rules and calls the shots around Heartslabyul. To call him a figurehead or someone who rules according to the whispers he gets in his ear is not accurate based on what we've seen of him. The only real wisdom Riddle seems to take from the third years of his dorm is Trey’s general advice to keep a leash on his temper—which is a very reasonable request, but not some mastermind manipulation tactic to control Riddle.

If Cater and Trey support Riddle, that’s their prerogative. I feel it’s definitely more on Trey’s part than Cater’s, as Cater generally tries to stay non-confrontational (he hesitates to fight OB Riddle + gets freshmen to do things for him) whereas Trey, as Riddle’s second-in-command and childhood friend, is more active in supporting his lead. I don’t think there’s malice or ill intent behind this. They’re more enabling than manipulating. Leona just judged them wrong because his own perspective is angled to doubt others’ intentions (he’s an underhanded character himself, so he perhaps expects this behavior of others too).

[contritecactite]

Hey folks. There sure is a lot of Everything going on, and I'm sorry to be mentioning another piece of it.

But I want to call your attention to beautiful Palm Harbor Library, which is currently being singled out by a member of the county's board of commissioners. The supposed area of concern is "promotion of inappropriate materials and ideologies in the children's section," and though the discussion is largely focused on gender identity, there's also a complaint in his statement about children being exposed to the concept of abolishing prisons. Buddy, there are children 0-12 who have loved ones in prisons. They have every right to be educated about that just as they have every right to be educated about identities.

Vince Nowicki's proposal in the meeting suggests that he's only concerned with promotion of these materials and that his resolution won't lead to banning or removal of works... but the language in the current written proposal suggests otherwise, granting the right to remove materials deemed inappropriate.

Another member of the board speaks very casually about "getting their attention through the budget," which is a pretty thinly veiled threat against staff and resources, which negatively impacts the community he claims to be interested in protecting. There's also a mention of the previous director having "retired or left or whatever"... take your guesses about whether it's a coincidence 🙃

So what can you do? Currently, there is a petition against that resolution, which hasn't yet been pushed. It's worth sharing to try to keep that resolution from moving forward to the point of being enforceable! But remember, these people are going to try to get their way through other means (budget) even if the resolution is never passed.

So the things you can do about that are:

Call them (and others) out on those threats. They willingly admit in the meeting linked about that they're not receiving complaints from the community about materials in the library and are instead acting on their own opinions. They have seen a place where they can exert power and just want to kick over someone's sandcastle because they can.

Spread awareness. Any response to this situation is better coming from members of the impacted community, but they might not yet be aware of the the situation, and you might be able to bring it to their attention.

Check in with your own local institutions! Libraries all over are under fire to different degrees, and they're not the only ones. There is a lot happening, but we can make a big difference by focusing on strengthening local protections.

[psuedosugu]

You know something I've noticed? Yeah, Nifty is your typical yandere but can we talk about Vox? You technically don't even have to request him as a yandere unless you want it to be romanticized toward you and/or further explored because according to ALL of the recent regular Vox x readers (and the show itself), he clearly has many traits of one especially toward Alastor. He acts like a toxic, jealous ex 😂 He cyberstalks people for one, he's manipulative, insecure (this is where possessiveness and jealousy tends to stem from), doesn't take rejection well as we heard from Al, is capable of being obsessed with someone, and an overall control freak. He wants to keep the Vees' image and everything looking perfect. Imagine this guy being attached to you. An absolute nightmare. Never any privacy, eyes and ears everywhere, can teleport with or without a screen, blackmail is 100% on the table as well as other tactics, and constant validation for him whether your relationship is forced or not. What sucks about the last part is that it's a double-edged sword. If you fuel his ego, he's enabled but if you don't give him enough attention, he'll try harder and tighten his hold on you. So while Val absolutely horrible, it's like you can never win with Vox. Not when you don't have equal power and he's stated to be very strong. Especially these days, tech is an absolute must since even jobs heavily rely on it. Life and the afterlife here is much harder without a smartphone. He's literally a TV. He wants to be watched and noticed.

So he'll get it.

exactly brooo

cw: themes of manipulation, blackmail, and toxic, controlling relationships.

gender neutral

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

ੈ✧̣̇ || honestly atp he’s practically a canon yandere.

ੈ✧̣̇ || i kinda talked about this before but i feel like he would manipulate reader into thinking that they need him when its the other way around

ੈ✧̣̇ || as u said, he’s insecure as hell and he needs someone to boost his ego and make him look superior

ੈ✧̣̇ || he also needs some source of stability in his (after) life which is where you come in.

ੈ✧̣̇ || hed also never let things go or get over you.

ੈ✧̣̇ || he started beef with a dude that he hadn’t seen in 7 whole years, for gods sake 😭

ੈ✧̣̇ || bro will start fights over things that happened months ago and are over now done with

ੈ✧̣̇ || he also craves control, not only will he spy on you through your electronics but he’ll also try and control other things that he has no business controlling like what you wear, who you talk to, ect.

ੈ✧̣̇ || if you mention your concerns about it he’ll try and back off, but hes just so paranoid that something will happen to you even though he knows you’re capable of taking care of yourself.

ੈ✧̣̇ || he needs to feel like he’s needed.

ੈ✧̣̇ || he also exerts his control by threatening you with blackmail, wether it be secrets that you told him or pictures.

ੈ✧̣̇ || not like you don’t have a fair amount of dirt on him too, though.

ੈ✧̣̇ || he’d definitely fight a bitch for you, if you’re getting threatened, stalked, and/or harassed by someone (that isnt him ofc) said person better prepare for his wrath.

ੈ✧̣̇ || hes a whiny ass bitch which is either annoying or hot depending on who you ask and what the context is.

ੈ✧̣̇ || its also kind of confusing how he acts, he’ll be practically ignoring you one second and begging for your attention the next.

ੈ✧̣̇ || another reason why he’s so scared of you leaving is because of how vulnerable he’s been to you.

ੈ✧̣̇ || he’s told you things that he’s never told anyone, shown parts of him that no one has ever seen, and the thought of what you could do with this info if you ever were to turn on him makes him feel sick to the stomach.

ੈ✧̣̇ || despite how it feels sometimes he really does care about and love you, he just has an unhealthy mindset when it comes to love.

ੈ✧̣̇ || perhaps you should stay around (not like u rlly have a choice), teach him how to love someone properly. you wont regret it :)

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

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[rotzaprachim]

ok andor season 2 first arc review under the cut

We’re fucking back baby. I still love this show

I also have a lot of fucking kvetches I did not have about the first arc in season 1, which was also slow but felt profoundly more emotionally realized. that being said a lot of things didn’t hit in this, and there were opportunities to be taken that were not taken at the same time as other stuff was needlessly over outlined in red. I’ve mentioned my issues with the incredibly unsubtle undocumented farm workers plot line, not specifically because of the fact that they’re touching on the issue of undocumented farm workers in the U.S./Western Europe *in space* but because aspects felt shoed into the script retrospectively that did not actually fit so well with what they were doing and showing on screen. It missed opportunities - I wish farm work itself, the entire concept of the harvest Failing or not having workers exerted pressure on the plot - I wish both the rebels and empire and local farmers were seriously concerned with the issue of there not being enough Food, something sw hasn’t yet focused on but that would absolutely fit in with andor’s storytelling (notable too with the issue of not enough food among the leftist infighters.) cassian basically destroys one of the silos - is this going to have an impact? I wish the show had given this more weight. It felt so surface level - rather than a simple chummy dinner I wish they’d shown the tension of everyone working the fields in an oppressive system together, of the power imbalances between farmers of different flavours, etc etc. missed opportunities all around

ditto with. This show is interested in space!latines, and it is interested in women, but when it comes to the intersection of those things in bix, it seems to have so little but violence. I thought the scene where the space cop threatens her was well done, as well as the parallel to Mon mothma being threatened by tay kolma- but the whole sequence of the cop trying to rape her was not necessary.

it was also a waste of bix’s character. I’m a massive defender of bix not being a “traditional fighter” or more simply a survivor and in particular a junket and scrapper in a period where everything is depending on the rebellions ability to hold down junk and scrap, and I actually thought the show was going somewhere with the idea that what sold out the ferrixeans to space!ICE was the fact that she (and the others) had repaired the silos and brought new and critical skills into the community that also sold out that they were from ferrix. That’s an interesting issue and an interesting commentary about the importance of immigration in society! Does she save their farm and also mark them as foreigners? They say the word “visa” so many times but what’s the issue with them being in this planet in the first place? DOES EVERY SINGLE FERRIXIAN HAVE A KILL WARRANT ON THEM? This is such an interesting possible place and it’s so wasted. Idk. 5) ditto with cassian and the leftist infighting. I actually screamed at the start of the first episode because it felt like they were doing something so interesting because he’s been yanked “home” or else full circle - he’s a seemingly imperial pilot whose crash landed on a planet like kenari, and his whole arc on kenari started because of a foreign pilot crash landing and bringing their ship with them. This is interesting territory that starts skirting into what might be one of Star Wars’s largely sidestepped moral dilemmas - it’s totally fine and dandy to kill anyone marked as imperial. But how do you know they’re imperial? Cassian andor is a man who kills imperials, but someone acting exactly as he does would age. Milled him right then and there. I thought that in the scheme of things cassian was going to have to be brought into the space!zapatistas or some kind of local group deeply parallel to who he used to be in kenari who understandably don’t believe his story, I wanted to explore the fact that the empire looks different to different people and that he’s come so far he *is* now a stranger in a land like his own, he’s season 1’s crash landed pilot - and then we did not get that. We did not get that at all. This plot knocked him out of use for three whole eps and showing that it was future yavin 3 felt like a cheap source of hey look at that it’s the starry wars!!!! Justification for two episodes that looked like they’d build up to something and did not

anyway I guess Tony gilroy is still involved, but the directing and writing feels different even if the acting from every character is still spot on, and there were things I loved but 2/3 major arcs feeling like wasted opportunities was not one of them

the writing and worldbuilding just felt thinner too. Everything is a little flatter. The farmers and Kellen’s family didn’t feel nearly as fleshed out as even minor characters in ferrix, despite literally having almost as much time on screen by the three episode mark, and the random leftist infighters are just clueless bozos, and the emotional points they tried to hit felt more saccharine, and it could have been. Sigh

[thesensteawitch]

What Is Magical About You? 🧚💕🌱

Pick A Pile Reading

🩵(Left to Right- Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3)🩵

Hello, Senstea Souls!

This reading will give insights about your unexplored potential. A power that you can nurture. So take what resonates and leave what doesn't.

To get more insights about your unexplored potential book a tarot reading with me. If you have any further questions you can also DM me.

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Pile 1

Tarot Cards- 10 of swords, 3 of cups, the world, the high Priestess, 7 of cups, 10 of wands

Hello, my dear pile 1. The first thing that I hear for you is healing your body with positive thoughts and affirmations. Your mind can do astral travel and make your wishes come true within days. You may have noticed your manifestations (be it favorable or unfavorable) coming to fruition within days. You have the powers of a warrior who can put an end to things. You are a destroyer of diseases just by aligning yourself to the vibrational frequency of healing. This pile is a healer. And if not then you have the potential to be a healer. You are a great manifester. I also sense sharp intellect and ability to understand complex concepts. You do know that you have some great insights to share which you learned through some adverse situations in your life. There's a secret of the universe that only you know but sometimes you overthink too much about the things that only you know and may end up concluding that you are being delusional. It's so not true, pile 1. I would highly suggest you to invest in your curiosity. Take classes about things that intrigue you. You will be able to strengthen your magical powers. I sense both the energies within you; soft and sharp. Don't go for a third opinion on things that you believe in because I see that people try to convince you otherwise and you end up being confused. Someone in your close circle is being deceitful. You need to add more meaning to your life but don't be too detail-oriented. You may lose track of the goal by carrying this perfectionist attitude. Your magic doesn't need validation from others. You must be the first person to trust in your intuition then only you can expect others to have faith in you. Don't take life too seriously, be playful and that will be your magic. But when tough times come your capability to exert dominance over challenges will be another strong magical side of yours that will bring stability to your life.

Pile 2

Tarot Cards- 8 of wands, knight of wands, 9 of wands, queen of swords, 7 of wands, 9 of swords

Hello, my beautiful pile 2. Your thoughts have the power to navigate the fire of your magic is what I hear. Your power is so strong that if you aren't aware of it and do not have the skill to manage it then you'll stay blind to it all your life. You'll never be able to see its true potential unless you free yourself from self-doubt. There's a fine line difference between considering the risks and living a life full of fears. Your life has no destination because the potential of your magic is ever-expanding. Don't try to fight with the challenges and put an end to them. As there's no end to your potential and growth there's no end to the opposing forces either. These opposing situations are an opportunity for you to grow and expand your magic. Don't try to reach an end goal. Do anything to expand it as much as you can. You are your only limit. Be very blunt and bold when challenges come up and do not lose your faith. Don't withdraw, keep moving forward. Your journey to realize your magic will bring initial challenges but as soon as you keep moving forward they will subside. Your magic lies in revival. You can revive things and bring them to life after they were dead for a long period. You can bring vegetation to the barren land. Impossible it may seem but for the kind of magic you possess, it's not. I hear rebirth and reincarnation. Rare but possible. Things that may not be possible in other people's reality it is in yours. You can bring joy after a river of tears.

Pile 3

Tarot Cards- 3 of swords, page of swords, the Hanged man, king of swords, 10 of cups, 3 of wands

Hello, my beautiful pile 3. I hear dysfunctional family dynamics. You may feel victimized because of the family you were raised in. You have developed defensive qualities and ceased to believe in a harmonious family or may deny the idea of family or marriage altogether. Though deep down I see the curiosity to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. Nevertheless, I sense that your magic is asking to be explored by you. It wants you to leave the hurt behind because the hurt is keeping you stuck. You can give the right discernment and bring a balanced approach to life. Kids are attracted to you. You leave an impact on children's lives and if you haven't then try talking to children and you'll know because they will feel comfortable talking to you and will have so many questions for you. And that is when your test will begin. What will you tell them? That the world is a shitty place? And never believe in having a good and peaceful life for yourself? No, right? You'll give them hope. So give it yourself too. This ride may be bumpy and with ups and downs but it'll be worth it. The more you open yourself to do things with your heart the more opportunities will open up for you. Don't keep yourself blocked. Some of you can even become a great child psychologist and literally can bring magic into others' lives. Find a way. Because you can! Your magic lies in accepting and adapting. I sense a strong connection with children here. You can literally be the magician to them. You leave such a beautiful impact on them. Children find you to be very interesting. With their help you may learn to see the world from a different perspective. Your magic lies in bringing two forces together and yet keeping their individual qualities apart and appreciable. Something you do with your hands weaves magic. Idk why but I am seeing a juggler.

[c0kitty]

𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 .... 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐈𝐓 w/ boxer!mikasa ackerman x f!reader               « 0:00 ─〇───── 0:00 ⇄                            

summary: boxer!mikasa dating reader! (⛦) content: fluff, kind of smut at the end. buff mikasa. use of strap. sexual themes. you guys live together. mikasa loves spoiling. totally inspired from watching bloodhounds. (⛦) w/c: 500 +

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa who is considered one of the best female boxers of all time. she'll do her signature swift-right-hook, one that neither the opponent, nor the audience saw coming, and the opponent would be on the floor, just as the match began.

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa who just loves to talk about you in interviews. what was she going to do for the celebration? you, of course. what's keepin' her going? you. how does she ground herself? again, with just the thought of your name.

to add on, despite her intimidating muscles and long messy-black hair, mikasa becomes incredibly soft as soon as your name is mentioned.

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa, expect mikasa to spoil you, with the money she makes from boxing, which was a lot. manicures, pedicures, fancy dinners, money to get your hair done, traveling to different countries. visitin' places like france, spain, tokyo, etc.

but sadly, you did have to have a strict schedule since she needed to return to practice training and prepare for matches. she would probably plan what you guys were gonna do, with no detours! or, she'll get a little pissy.

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa who you were a little afraid would exert herself too much. you know how boxer tournaments could be life or death sometimes, so you were scared one day someone would over-power her and do too much. mikasa would reassure you that she wouldn't let that happen, tapping out if she thinks she wouldn't make it in the end.

you knew you couldn't completely trust the circumstance, but her reassurance helped you when your mind wandered a little too far late at night.

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa, who is incredibly fit. even though she wasn't totally ripped, leaner than the other boxers, she did have such a drooling-over body. her arms would flex, becoming prominent, and her shoulder was broader contrasted to her slender waist, moles decorating her figure. — and her thighs, good lord, when she sat down, they looked so muscular and thick. 

all you wanted her to do sometimes is suffocate you with her thighs, n' b intoxicated with the smell of her pussy.

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa who you constantly try to play with, but you guys end up in some type of position, with her tongue shoved in your clit and, her hands gripped around your thighs.

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa who has so much stamina from boxing, and it really plays out in the bedroom. your back pressed into the mattress, acrylic nails find her neck. your moans would fill the halls. her eye's flickering to the strap drenched in your cum as it thrusts in and out your pussy, and to your face, with cascaded with tears.

her glossed lips whisperin' into your ear. "you're doing so good, princess. jus' a little more."

⛦ ── boxer!mikasa who wins the USA boxing championship. she looked so hot, with her mouthguard, sweat seeping down her body, and her muscles glistening. her black shoulder-length hair sticking to her face, looking absolutely flushed as the referee gets her hand to declare her winner.

she would smile radiantly as she watched you cheer her on, screaming, "that's my baby!"

[theonceandfuturequeenoftarts]

Sometimes when Harry looks at Tom, he's reminded of a lesson one of his muggle teachers gave on reptiles. Chameleons that can change their skin colour to blend into their surroundings or anoles that shed their tails to distract a predator and escape – adapting in order to survive, no matter what it takes.

Harry is himself, to a fault. He spent so long beaten down and trying to disappear so he wouldn’t draw his relatives’ ire that he now refuses to hide or apologise for who he is and what he wants. It probably helps that his wants are pretty basic – good food, good friends, a warm, comfortable place to live, someone to love him – and that he inherited the money and name to easily achieve them.

Tom, on the other hand, is so used to being smoke and mirrors and disguising what he wants and what he is in order to pretend to be what others want or need. 

He’d been unapologetically (and tyrannically) himself in his childhood, his magic giving him the power to exert his will over others. But Tom is brilliant and a quick learner, and his first interaction with Dumbledore, which he’d described late one night to Harry when the shadows hid both their faces, had proven a subtler touch might be needed.

Now, Tom reflects other peoples’ desires back at them in order to draw them in, and deflects the conversation away from himself so he never has to clearly define his own position. He doesn’t change himself, but everyone seems to believe Tom is on their side – that they’re on the same page. And because of his power and charm and good looks, everyone wants Tom on their side.

Harry has seen this happen many, many times, and he’s still in awe of how Tom affably manipulates those around him into doing what he wants. How Tom determines what someone wants, says just enough to convince them he does too without committing to anything, and twists that connection into a shape that best suits him.

In fact, the only reason Harry believes Tom actually likes him is because Tom never pretends to be what he thinks Harry wants him to be. Tom is petty and says cruel things and lets Harry see him when he’s less than perfectly put together. And Harry treasures each of Tom’s sharp edges, because he’s the only one who gets to see him as he is. He hoards each truth and preference that Tom chooses to share with him like a squirrel preparing for a long, hard winter.

The trouble comes when people talk to Harry about Tom. By virtue of association, Harry’s had to learn to deflect and prevaricate and lie, though he’s still not very good at it. He does a lot of nodding and smiling and making thoughtful “hmm” sounds as people ask him what Tom thinks of this or that. It’s easier than keeping Tom’s machinations straight in his head.

There are moments when Harry isn’t sure Tom even knows who he is at his core. He is so meticulous about his public persona that Harry doubts anyone else knows which foods Tom actually likes (given the chance, Tom would eat ice cream every day), or what he actually thinks about quidditch (he finds it unbearably dull), or what he thinks of muggles (he’ll never be fond of them due to his treatment as a child, but he doesn’t particularly care beyond that) or muggleborns (new blood is necessary for the magical world to continue, but the mages with the deepest pockets are the most bigoted and ‘traditional’) or purebloods (gullible).

And after the tenth meal of eating foods he doesn’t like, or the fifth quidditch match or ministry event or pureblood soirée in a week, or the nth political tapdance before the Wizengamot, pretending to represent everyone’s interests at once without alienating anyone – and quietly getting his own agenda voted through – Harry has to wonder how Tom stays sane. How it all seems worth it. It certainly doesn’t to Harry.

But that’s Tom. Ambitious to a fault, and willing to sacrifice almost anything in order to achieve his goals.

And whatever other people might think, Harry’s not naive. He knows there’s a chance Tom is lying to him, too. He knows it’s possible – even likely – that Tom figured out that the best way to get Harry on his side would be to give him the best illusion of the truth. Show him some darkness and Harry will believe he’s getting honesty. He’s made his peace with this and decided he’d rather give Tom the benefit of the doubt and be a fool than abandon the other man when he’d chosen to be vulnerable with Harry.

So, when Harry brings home Indian takeaway and offers Tom a bite of his rogan josh, only for Tom to casually say, “I don’t really like lamb,” Harry is fascinated and utterly thrilled.

Especially since he’d seen Tom eat lamb chops at a dinner party two weeks ago with nary a moment of hesitation or complaint.

Harry makes sure to leave plenty of the chicken tikka masala for Tom and mentally notes this new preference down. He’s collected a new fact about Tom.

He spends the rest of the meal with a silly little grin on his face.

[ijwrsmff]

Romantic! Yandere Silco with an overworked female who desperately needs rest but can't relax. He has tried to be subtle and exert his control from the shadows slowly over time but he feels he has to step in now. He thought he was prepared but it is hard for him to take care of someone who is scared of him and what may happen at any moment. Silco learns that being soft and gentle with his dear works much better than kidnapping or threats.

Here you go :3 I hope you enjoy! Thank you for requesting, Silco is 1000000% husband material. I love him so damn much wuijakcfbnx

Word Count: 2,002

He had tried to steal your heart. It didn’t work. You sat there, tied to a chair, with Silco staring over you. He circled the chair, and gently touched your shoulders and arms as he walked around you. “Darling…you have yet to even say a word to me. What is it you want? Anything you desire…you can have. As long as you’ll be mine.” He stopped directly in front of you and took note of the tears that had fallen each time he entered the room. 

“P-please…just let me go! I promise I won’t tell anyone you did it, I just want to go home.” You whimpered and tried to recoil back when he knelt down to your level so you could stare into his eyes…those terrifying eyes. They didn’t even look human. It only spiked your feelings of fear. 

He looked at your face, your tears and expression. When he went to wipe your tears, he stopped before he could touch you. That look…how you flinched and closed your eyes as you whimpered. It broke what was left of his heart. “If…that is what you wish. However, I can’t part from you for long. We’ll strike a deal, then.” Silco started to untie you, and you looked confused if anything. 

“A…deal?” It sounded awful. What if he was only untying you to torture you? However he hadn’t hurt you yet. Except for the slight burns from the ropes. “What kind of deal?” You stayed still as he untied you, not wanting to find out if he really intended on hurting you. 

“Yes. A deal. If you come back here, to my location once a week, you may have your freedom. However you must stay the full 24 hours. You spend hours upon hours doing paperwork. This one day of relaxation could prove beneficial for us both. That is all I ask.” He smiled, but the smile left his face as soon as you jumped out of the chair and put distance between you. 

“Why? Why do I have to come back?” Skeptical, and slightly fearful it made you furrow your brows and try to hide the remaining terror on your face. He was an extremely powerful man, he practically ran the lanes. “What…do you intend to do with me while I’m here?” 

Silco respected your distance, though he wanted there to be little to none between you. He didn’t do so much as step closer. “I want to see you. That’s all, darling.” His genuine look made you even more confused. If he really meant it, then you had gained the attention of possibly the most dangerous man in the underground. If he wasn’t being honest…he was a damn good actor. 

“If…if you swear to not harm me…I don’t think I have another choice…” It was concerning, knowing you had to meet with the man weekly. “What will you do?” He never answered your question. “What will you do to me?” Part of you didn’t even want to know the answer. The other part wanted to be prepared for what was to come. 

“I aim to win your heart. I have had my eye on you longer than you can imagine. We will eat together, read together…anything your heart desires.” This time he did take a step forward, and when you stepped back he raised his hands on surrender. “We’ll do this the easy way, okay?” He held out a hand, waiting for you to grab it. 

To him, it wasn’t even the “easy” way. Though for you it may be. He realized that kidnapping, torture wasn’t the way to win you over. He knew you liked simple things, crafting and music. Perhaps he could really give this a try. Doing things more “traditionally”, even if harsher methods were more common and even simple for him. 

You looked at him for a long time, eyeing his hand outstretched to you. But you didn’t want to know what would happen if you disobeyed him. With that in mind, you held his hand. It was…cold. Just as you assumed his heart was. 

He led you home, and it wasn’t in the least surprising how he knew exactly where it was and how to get there. He hadn’t let go of your hand the entire time. It was a display of ownership, but even moreso, protection. People would see him with you, and either pity you…or be fearful of you. You were holding hands with someone who is known to be powerful. In that way…it seemed you had your own bit of power now. For as long as he wouldn’t harm you. 

From then on, you followed through with your deal. At first it was terrifying, being escorted by Sevika or another guard dog of Silco’s, but you got used to it eventually. In fact…you found you actually really enjoyed spending time with him. He was polite, to you at least. And he had a sweet relationship with Jinx, who you’d also gotten pretty close to. It was…nice. 

Today was another day that you were aiming to go see Silco. It was earlier in the day when you woke up, so you headed in that direction. He had sent many letters, requesting that you take breaks. He really must have eyes on you at all times. To be honest…you really were overworking yourself. You were tired, zombie-like even. It was really calming to see Silco. For some reason you didn’t quite understand yet. 

There were many people on the street, but the closer you got to Silco’s “lair”, the fewer people there were. It shifted from commonfolk, to mainly Silco’s henchmen of sorts. You recognized a lot of them, as Silco would often have to respond to problems in his plans that he had directed those henchmen to do. It was almost funny how he constantly got onto you for overworking yourself, when he did it to himself as well. 

The streets were mostly desolate. But it seemed it wouldn’t be peaceful in the slightest, given who approached you. It was a regular man, but he would prove to be quite the problem. He was clearly drunk, and staggered towards you. The others looked at him suspiciously, knowing you were under Silco’s care. 

“You’re Silco’s, huh? Why not be mine?” He hiccupped and almost tripped as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders. His breath reeked of booze, and a guard or two got closer in case the situation escalated. Did he really think that the “pick up line” would work?

“No thank you.” You shrugged his arm off your shoulders and walked closer to Silco’s main building. Not getting very far, you stopped when he grabbed your arm. Hard. He either had no idea how strong he was, or he was trying to hurt you on purpose. 

“Come on, I’m fun. That jackass probably has no idea how to have a good time.” He leaned closer and you locked eyes with one of the henchmen. Silently begging for help. You weren’t very strong, so breaking free of this firm grasp was extremely difficult. Given how exhausted you were from working nearly all night, it only amplified the feeling of helplessness. 

Luckily the guard saw your look and rushed over. He knew he’d be in deep trouble if he didn’t step in and you were harmed further. Silco had made it very clear you were not to be touched, harmed, or even looked at “wrong”. So when the man grabbed you, he was already in trouble. Silco wouldn’t care about the reasonings if you were harmed in any way, and punish anyone in the area. 

Another guard ran up, and removed the drunk’s hand forcefully. With how he screamed, it wouldn’t be surprising if that arm was broken. The guard led you to Silco’s office, and looked fearful when he noticed the bruising on your arm. 

“What happened?” His words were cold, devoid of any emotion. You knew what that tone meant, and you knew someone…or multiple someones…were about to get hurt. Bad. Maybe even killed. That was not good. Not good at all. 

Before anyone could respond, the other guard walked in with the man who grabbed you in tow. He was screaming profanities and trying (but failing) to remove himself from the guard’s grasp. “He grabbed y/n. Hard. We stopped him as soon as we saw it happening, but he was on her before we could get there.” 

Silco spoke, and directed you to his chair, and made you sit on his lap, facing him. He ran his fingers over your arms and looked at you adoringly. It almost made the following words feel less terrifying. Almost. “Take him to Sevika.” 

He then ignored everything else, and you tried to as well. “Are you okay, my love?” He rubbed the spot covered in a hand shaped bruise. Very gently, mind you. He didn’t want to hurt you, he was simply observing the damage. “He will be dealt with. Never to harm you again.” 

“You don’t have to hurt him! He probably didn’t realize how hard he was grabbing me…” You wanted to save his life. Knowing that those who crossed Silco usually didn’t make it out alive. The ones that did? They lived. But only as a warning to those who dare try the same thing they did. 

He even ignored that statement. “Darling…you look so tired. Had you not obeyed my instructions and taken a rest?” He took note of the bags under your eyes, and how utterly drained you looked now that you were on his lap and he could see you closer. “You know you don’t need a job. You can stay in your home, and allow me to take care of everything.” 

You felt extremely vulnerable at that moment. It did sound…appealing. “But…I don’t know what I would do if I had no job. It’s important, it keeps me busy and I hate not having anything to do…” But your argument continued to grow weaker. You had talked through this many times before, and you know he hated you overworking yourself as you did. 

“I could always provide you with things to do. You could even work for me, as an assistant of sorts.” He smiled and used one hand to cradle your face, the other arm wrapped around your back. “You would never have to worry about anything ever again.” 

“Then…we should make another deal.” It was bold of you to say, and he would be lying if he said it didn’t spark his interest. If it were in his benefit, of course he would. His word was his bond, and you both knew that. 

“What are the conditions of your deal?” It was a fond memory, remembering the deal you had made all those weeks ago. His smile was small, he didn’t often have a big smile. Only with you and Jinx. 

“I work for you…and quit my other job. But I stay here…with you. Instead of my old home. And…” You blushed a little bit, and looked away from him. It took a few deep breaths for you to gather the courage to say the next bit, “And…you stay with me. So we are…together. And you promise not to cast me aside.” It was terrifying, getting those words out. 

You had come to care about Silco, deeply. He was different with you, than anyone else you had seen him with. Softer, more genuine. Your countless “dates”, movie nights, dinners, coffee breaks, hugs…everything. 

His smile was small still, but his eyes lit up. Silco was clearly the happiest man in the world at this exact moment. Having you in his arms, and now knowing you really did want to be with him? It was possible he’d never been happier. 

“Deal.” 

Maybe…just maybe…the easy way paid off in the end sometimes. He would have waited his whole life for you to accept him in this way. But be careful…because now? 

He would never let you go.