#but then abandons those complexities as quickly as they suggest them?

[damned-punk]

I’ve been going through a lot with my self esteem and how I view my body lately. I would love something with Kid enjoying an afab reader who’s plus size. Thank you!

Satisfied (Kidd x Reader)

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Content Warning: self esteem issues, suggestive language

Content Description: you’re having complex feelings about yourself and all Kidd wants is for you to see yourself as he sees you ♡

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It had been one of those days where everything just felt off. From the feeling of fabric against your figure from outfits that you once loved to the rays of sun shining against your skin, it was all wrong. You wanted to fall away into yourself, to disappear or shrink to some standard that was anything other than what you were now. It made you ponder why your partner would want you when you didn’t even want yourself, it was exhausting. You’d avoided Kidd for nearly the entire day, occupying yourself with random tasks around the ship and engaging with as little of your crewmates as you could manage.

Most of them brushed your behavior off as symptoms of sleep deprivation or simply being too preoccupied in what you were doing to chat, but your close friends knew that you were bothered. Killer could immediately sense that something wasn’t quite right, but he couldn’t place exactly what was up. He hadn’t heard any yelling, crashing, or cursing so he quickly ruled out an argument with the Captain. He was at a loss for what else could possibly be plaguing you. Killer lingered next to you for a while, making himself appear busy while studying your expressions and body language.

“I’m thinking I might make shrimp scampi for dinner tonight, does that sound good (Y/N)?”, he asked nonchalantly, prompting some semblance of a conversation to break your silence.

“I’m good with that, whatever you guys want.”, you replied without looking at him, continuing to straighten up the room.

You took your leave shortly after, Killer was unsatisfied with your answer but it was obvious you weren’t ready to talk. A part of him wanted to pry but he resolved that it might be better to turn to Kidd for answers. He located the Captain, sweaty and leant over a contraption in his workshop, and questioned him on how your morning had went.

“I was up before (Y/N) and by the time I was out of the shower, she was gone.”, Kidd asserted, somewhat perplexed as to what had prompted the question.

“You haven’t seen her after that?”, Killer asked again.

“Alright, what the fuck is going on?”, Kidd retorted, unsure of what Killer was getting at.

“I don’t know, but I think you should go talk to her.”, Killer patted Kidd’s shoulder, “She’s been out of it all day. Not talking to anyone and keeping herself tucked away, something’s up.”

The two men stood and thought for a second. Kidd went through yesterday’s events and even considered that he might’ve missed an important date but neither of them could come up with any feasible reasoning. If you’d gotten into it with a crewmate, they’d surely already know by now. There had been no change in bounties that they were aware of and you hadn’t mentioned wanting or needing anything that they couldn’t provide.

Kidd wiped his face and washed the grease from his hands, it’d gotten warm in his workshop so he’d long since abandoned his shirt. He figured you might like that, a trade of vulnerability or whatever when he cornered you to talk. Killer wanted to supervise, partly to ensure that you were okay but also to prevent Kidd from making things worse. You’d returned to the cabin you shared with Kidd after the short conversation with Killer, cleaning up after Kidd who could sometimes be messy.

You caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror hanging from the bathroom door, the figure in front of you looking unfamiliar. You adjusted your clothes and tried to level with how others may see you, but your thoughts remained unsavory. Spiraling from feeling disconnected to your own body, you considered the possibility that your time with Kidd was limited. What would you become after? Tears brimmed at your waterline, how could you expect Kidd to want to be with you when you couldn’t even want to be with yourself?

The door suddenly swung open and you nearly jumped out of your skin. Kidd eyed you and made his way to the bed, sitting on the corner and patting the space beside him. You hesitantly joined him, purposefully pushing the bathroom door open so that the mirror wouldn’t face the two of you. He put his hand on your knee, gently squeezing and kneading the soft skin.

“What’s up babe?”, Kidd asked, lightly bumping your shoulder with his own.

He was having a hard time concentrating as the shirt you were wearing showcased your breasts, a little too nicely in his humble opinion. You noticed and huffed a laugh at him, maybe this was enough for him. Maybe you were enough for him. Surely he wouldn’t go through the trouble of all this if he were unhappy.

“Seriously, what’s on your mind? You’ve been quiet today.”, he asked again, this time forcing himself to focus.

“Nothing much.”, you replied, averting direct eye contact, “What’ve you been up to today?”

“You in front of that mirror didn’t look like nothing.”, he ignored your question, your content expression faltering, “Your eyes are all watery and shit.”

“I’m fine, Kidd.”, you refuted his concerns, a futile attempt to calm him down.

“Talk to me (Y/N), I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t give a fuck.”, he pressed you further.

You considered your options, weighing the pros and cons of divulging your innermost insecurities to him. You’d always been open with him about things that mattered, but this was a different kind of vulnerability. This was self-hatred, something that you worried he’d view as weakness. This was not something circumstantial that would blow over in time, this was a part of you as a person.

“I’ve had a hard time with myself today.”, you began to explain, “I look at myself and don’t recognize what I see… or maybe it’s more that I don’t like what I see. I was thinking about you and what you see in me.”

The two of you sat in silence for a moment. Kidd was bewildered, unsure of what to say. He wanted you, every part of you. You fit into his life seamlessly, everything about you complimented everything about him. He needed to articulate that to you and not just convince you to move on. He wished you could see what you are from his perspective.

“I see a strong, beautiful, kick-ass person. You know shit that I couldn’t even hope to think of, always knowing what to say and how to unfuck the most fucked up situations.”, he said with an unusual tenderness in his voice, “I love you, I want you, and I need you.”

Your chest tightened and the tears returned, you looked up at him to see such a warm expression. Despite his roughness, Kidd was an amazing partner. He was always attentive to your needs and undoubtedly put forth so much effort into keeping you satisfied within your relationship. You felt so guilty for dropping all of this onto him, it was unfair for him to have to share this burden with you.

“I’m sorry, I love you too Kidd.”, you squeezed the hand that rested on your knee and attempted to stand, sinking right back down into the bed when he wrapped his arm around you.

He crashed his lips onto your own, passionately sucking and nipping as a way to materialize his feelings. His hand rested against your back, rubbing and massaging as an added layer of security. He trailed his kisses across your jaw, planting one final peck against your forehead. He flopped back against the bed, taking you with him and holding your head against his chest. He let his fingers wander, playing with stray pieces of hair that framed your face and enjoying the tranquility of lying with his person. He didn’t give a fuck what you thought was wrong with yourself, he was just happy that you’d given him a chance to be with someone like you.

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[666writingcafe]

Michael's Report

Zephyr is not as they seem. Not only are they not a demon, but they aren't of this time. Their actual identity is a human named MC who comes from an alternate future universe where the prince's school flourishes enough that he's able to establish an exchange program across the three realms. MC was accompanied here by the sorcerer Solomon, and apparently they're his apprentice. So, as the youth would say, red flag number one.

Number two would be their relationship with the brothers. In their world, MC has formed pacts with all of them. An ordinary human shouldn't have survived that process that many times, especially with all seven Avatars, which suggests that they are no ordinary human. I now understand your concern completely, for a human powerful enough to control the Avatars of Sin could spell destruction for the Celestial Realm and threaten your position of power.

But, I hear you say in my head, we were able to defeat the brothers last time. How could a human change our odds of victory should another war emerge?

And to that, I'd say that the brothers wouldn't be alone. MC has some amount of control over the prince, his butler, the sorcerer, and even one of our own. Not through magic, but something else: love. For reasons unknown to me at this moment, everyone I've mentioned is drawn to MC like a bunch of tiny moths surrounding a flame. If something were to happen to the human, I have no doubt in my mind that they would tear apart the very cosmos just to save them.

MC appears to be their idol, and I do not say that lightly. If it weren't for the nature of their appearance here, I would suggest we eliminate the threat immediately, but the damage that would cause to the fabric of space and time would be far greater than anything the human would be capable of doing. However, once they return to their place in the universe, we need to draw up plans. If we can get them to cooperate with us, then we can avoid another war, but if not, then we can't be caught off guard like last time.

Taglist: @lost-in-time-wanderer, @fuzztacular, @dianedancer18, @sweetbrier2908, @flare-love, @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf, @thunderlightning351, @l3v1chan, @anxious-chick, @5mary5, @expressionless-fr, @tenkobitch, @budbuddnbuddy

[lyledebeast]

The Duality of Martin

Over the years, let's not dwell on how many, I've found that a lot of people's problems with The Patriot lie with its main character, and most of those lie with his inconsistency. Benjamin Martin doesn't support the war, but then changes his mind when the very things he predicted come to pass. He loves his children, but he abandons them multiple times. He's a devout Christian who spends most of the film's plot pursuing vengeance. He has and eats his cake like a certain queen of France, but without facing similar consequences, of course. All this contributes to a character who is meant to be complex but is instead incredibly frustrating to watch. So, this rewatch, I wanted to think about how he might actually be made interesting.

Commentors I have much respect for have suggested that just acknowledging that Martin is not a paragon of moral virtue would go a long way. I agree, but I think acknowledging that there are two different Martins would go further. There is one man who is genuinely concerned for his family and wants to keep them from harm, and it is this same Martin who plans to return to his children after burying Gabriel. It's possibly even the same Martin who declares that his men will, henceforth, spare any wounded or surrendering British soldiers while nearly standing on a pile of dead ones. Then there's the other guy, the one who arms his children and takes them to a massacre where they collectively kill twenty men, punctuated by him hacking a fleeing soldier into mincemeat. It's not just that Martin has a temper when provoked, because the same Martin who does this, who ordered the atrocities at Fort Wilderness, also believes what he does is justifiable.

While watching over Gabriel's corpse, Martin asks, "Why do men think they can justify death?" Well, Benjamin, let's rewind to just about twenty minutes or so earlier when you said, "As long as your officers target civilians, I will order the shooting of officers at the start of every engagement." I mean . . . if you don't know . . .

Wouldn't it be so much better if the violence, and the justification for it, belonged to one part of Martin's psyche and the awareness of guilt and consequences belonged to the other, and the central conflict of this film was between these two parts? It would mean giving up Colonel Tavington as an antagonist, which would be a wildly different film, but just hear me out. If Martin's main conflict was internal, there would be opportunity for genuine reflection and change. Martin could actually deal with his past instead of just shutting it up in a trunk and hoping everyone forgets about it.

The story we have spends about a quarter of its screentime setting Martin up as this humble, peace-loving father, but that characterization is quickly overshadowed by the violent, sanctimonious one and only trotted out when needed to do damage control for the second characterization's antics. Instead of actually giving Martin complexity, the narrative relies on Tavington as a foil to show what a bad war criminal looks like. That this contrast minimizes Martin's atrocities is probably unavoidable.

Martin's choice of violence in this film is, initially, a response to British violence. I'm not saying the British wouldn't commit atrocities in the version I imagine, but that could be accomplished without a British main antagonist. Let's say a British officer does order Gabriel executed, burn the Martin home, and murder the Continental soldiers and Thomas. But then we never see that officer again. Let's say Martin and his sons carry out the massacre in the woods, but rather than having Martin say "I have done nothing, and of that I am ashamed" after he's done . . . THAT, let's make THAT a relapse he deeply regrets. Let's have him endure the fear in his children's eyes for more than just one (1) night. Let's have Martin. not Gabriel, be the one to flip out over his men shooting surrendering British soldiers. Martin claiming to be traumatized by his own actions at Fort Wilderness nearly twenty years ago would carry a lot more weight if he hadn't committed similarly extreme acts just months prior that are never referenced again. Let's acknowledge the horror of Martin's violent actions and let his better nature prevail.

I'm not saying this would be a better movie than Roland Emmerich's The Patriot (2000), but I could sympathize with this version of Martin far more than the one who gets to enjoy all the benefits of violence without facing any of the consequences (at least not himself). This has been an intellectual exercise. Obviously. the version with Tavington is more enjoyable because . . . Tavington!

[saintnightshade]

Swan Song for a Soldat: The Youngest Child

(Soldat’s origin)

Brandon barely managed to open his eyes, hazel met the fleeting slivers of the blue dawn sky through the tree canopy. His mind was foggy, his head heavy with only vague bits and pieces of the day's recent events bouncing around his brain. Pools of red, broken bones, the screams of a different kind of war, the end of an old life and the beginning of a new one; just out of reach and comprehension. Betrayal.

The vet staggered along an uneven dirt path deeper and deeper into the woods, blond hair matted to his forehead with dried blood and sweat. His only guide on this tour was the two figures in front of him, they ignored him, the ones who caused all of this. Why? Why? Why? He wanted answers damn it, he wanted… to be near them. They made the fog clearer. But why? They were the reason for it, the cause, the solution. The only thing he left behind him, aside from the carnage, was his own blood which was flowing far too quickly for his liking. At this rate he’ll never reach them, he’ll die without knowing them. Without knowing Her; the soft whispering voice in its full song. The whispers had only started up when he’d managed to haul his broken body from the forest floor and began to follow them. He had intended to fight to the end, pure stubbornness driving him, but then the voice began and he wanted more.

His brother and fiancée had suggested the fatal camping trip, a quiet retreat to nature away from the noise of the city and the overwhelming flood of faces. They were even planning a little exploration trip to the nearby abandoned forest preserve building, urban exploring was a pastime his brother had always enjoyed. He needed a break from it all, he had been back home for nearly a year but it was just too much. Three others came with them, none of them his personal friends, a mix of people his brother and fiancée knew. His brother… his fiancée… thinking of them brought a searing heat to Brandon’s body the kind that made his blood boil and bile rise to the back of his throat. His mind finally began to clear.

He was born and raised to French creole parents just outside New Orleans in Louisiana. The older brother was lazy and without direction so he was given up on as soon as the next son was born, free to do as he pleases while the younger one has all of his parents’ dreams and expectations piled onto him. A family full of military dogs. He gave up on having dreams and ambitions of his own; played the good boy and did what was expected of him, left for his deployment, came home and found a good girl, got engaged, left for more deployment and came home fucked up and embittered. Honorably discharged due to mental decline. Riddled with PTSD and unable to stand the touch of another person, left to piece his broken mind back together. It lead to a cliche tale as old as time; his brother had been screwing his fiancée the entire time he was gone. The baby wasn’t his… The friends that came along knew and were there to mediate when they told him the truth or were they even going to tell him at all? He doesn’t know and he doesn’t care. Not anymore.

They were the only honest ones, the masked ones that he had been following. They had been behind all of the strange happenings over the course of the previous day and night, the noises, things moving, strange figures in the corner of the eye. It had been driving them all crazy and had them at each other’s throats the whole time, just as the masked guys had planned all along. The one in black had videotapes, he seemed to have taken them during their camping trip, conversations those backstabbers had and the little rendezvous’ they had behind his back. The tapes were scattered around the abandoned building complex, they even left an old lavender-colored camcorder to watch the tapes on. They were meant for him. The more he watched the angrier he got and the angrier he got the more clouded Brandon’s mind became. He blacked out after watching the last tape and awoke covered in blood that wasn’t his with the two masked ones standing over him, he lunged at them on instinct with the little energy he had left and was met with a barrage of knife wounds from the smiley one while the one in black kicked him in all the right weak points. He was left a broken and bloody mess, left to either die or be found and take the blame for their little game. Brandon didn’t know how he survived but he did, he always did.

As I continue to follow them I see them tilt their heads ever so slightly in my direction and whisper amongst themselves. I feel my knees give out and once again I collapse to the forest floor. I strain to lift my head as I hear footsteps coming toward me, this is it they’re going to finish me, but at least they’ll be near me again. As I’m on the edge of passing out the masked ones stop in front of me, one on either side, they lean down and grab underneath each of my arms lifting me as best they can. I suddenly feel warm and content, am I smiling? Why? Why them? Who are they?

As they begin to drag me, with what little consciousness I have left, far off in front of me and in the direction they’re taking me is a dark figure beckoning with the sweetest voice. She was tall and regal, with long hair like blackened spider silk. She whispered about brothers in arms and who she was; Mother. My last thought was this must be what it’s like to hear a swan song.

[pxmun]

Back in the normal realm, Stacy Jones was sitting anxiously next to her phone. She had gotten a call some time ago from Schemer about the disappearance of the Cupper siblings. As of her last conversation with Schemer, he had gotten a hold of Billy Twofeather's and the two had headed out to look for the kids. In the meantime, Stacy was at her computer booking the earliest flight she could get back to Shining Time City. Unfortunately, Stacy was running into trouble with the airlines due to the recent bad weather and flights being cancelled and delayed. Stacy had chatted with an employee over the phone, and they told the former station master that right now wasn't the best time to travel by air. She had tried the trains, but they too were having trouble getting through the snow up in the mountains. Stacy sat in her chair forlorn, first the incident at Shining Time Station and now Kara's kids were missing. She felt helpless just like on that horrible day back at the station, Stacy didn't know what to do. The phone rang and Stacy immediately answered it, Billy was on the other end and Stacy had hopped he had some news on the kids, but there wasn't. Billy and Schemer had checked the schools, Darius's workplace, and the Cupper's house, but there was no trace of them. All Billy knew was that Darius had finally quit that awful job and that his coworkers had said he was moving somewhere, they didn't know where but from what Darius described it sounded like somewhere in the United Kingdom. Billy was suddenly interrupted by Schemer; the former arcade owner had overheard a group of Romeo's classmates talking about how another classmate last saw the teen heading in the direction of Shining Time Station. Both Billy and Stacy were in disbelief, for what reason would the kids want to go to Shining Time Station? The place was abandoned with no running trains. Schemer didn't know why either and he was really worried, as an urban legend had sprung up since the station's closing. A rumor had been spread around about those who visit Shining Time Station would end up being abducted by a ghost train that would take its victims to realms unknown. As soon as Schemer said that Stacy could sense Billy was thinking the same thing she was. "Stacy, you don't think Mr. C..." Billy suggested. "I don't know Billy; he was staying with me over here in California until a few years ago, then he just left and never came back." Stacy replied. With that Billy was determined to check the station and told Stacy that she should look and see if Mr. Conductor left anything behind that could lead them as to what was going on and maybe even the whereabouts of the kids. Stacy agreed, as she hung up the phone, she could hear Schemer in the background asking Billy about who Mr. Conductor was and what he had to do with his missing grandkids. Stacy thought that it might be time to tell Schemer about Mr. Conductor. Stacy searched around her apartment for any clues. After the incident at Shining Time Station, Stacy moved to a retirement complex in California. She was surprised when Mr. Conductor asked if he could come along. Stacy of course welcomed the tiny man to move in but didn't know why Mr. Conductor didn't want to go back to Sodor instead. Mr. Conductor didn't go deeply into his explanation, all he said was that from time-to-time conductors of his family would need to keep an eye on the sea every now and then in case anything unusual popped up. He didn't say what unusual thing, but assured Stacy that if anything did, he had something that could help. That is when Stacy noticed a strange golden light emitting from her closet. She cautiously approached the door, unsure of what was going on. Stacy quickly flung the door open to reveal that the source of the light had been coming from an old lantern. Curious, Stacy grabbed the lantern and carefully examined it. The lantern looked like an old lamp that would place on engines, but Stacy was sure that the Indian Valley Railroad didn't carry this type of lantern. Stacy was surprised by how pleasantly warm the light source was, it wasn't getting as hot as fire, it reminded Stacy of the big warm hugs she would get from her grandma. Stacy took the note attached to the lantern and read it. It was from Mr. Conductor, apologizing to Stacy for what happened at Shining Time Station and wished he could have done more to stop the tragedy, but gold dust can't fix the hearts of people. He tells Stacy to not lose hope and that her and the others will have an even brighter shining time when they were ready to return to the station. Mr. Conductor tells Stacy that should if anything should come up there is a friend, he knows who would be willing to help out. Stacy looks at the address Mr. Conductor had written down, along with a warning that his friend can be a bit stubborn and that they might have motives of their own. Seeing no other option, Stacy decided to ask Mr. Conductor's friend for help. Later that night, Stacy had found herself taking a taxi to the opposite side of Long Beach harbor.  When she stepped out Stacy could see a cruise ship terminal and a few of its big cruise ships, they loomed over the woman menacingly, almost as if they knew the secrets Stacy was hiding. Stacy though wasn't here to take a cruise, no, her business was with the old ocean liner before her. The RMS Queen Mary stood motionless at her dock, like she had since the day she was converted into a hotel. Stacy wondered why Mr. Conductor would lead her to this ship, from what she could see it was closed for maintenance and repair. Stacy wondered if Mr. Conductor's friend was a magical being like him and could possibly be living on the Queen Mary. As Stacy approached a ticket booth to get some information on if Queen Mary was still open during construction, she noticed that the staff member inside hadn't noticed her walk up. Stacy knocked on the glass window and still they did not notice her. At first Stacy just thought the staff member was being rude, but as soon as Stacy set down the lantern she was holding, the staff member jumped in surprise, to them it was like Stacy appeared out of thin air. Stacy was surprised as well and quietly wondered if the lantern had kept her hidden from the human eye. After an apology Stacy had asked the staff member about the Queen Mary and unfortunately found out she was indeed closed and would be for a few months. Stacy was disheartened to hear this as it meant that she wouldn’t be able to get in touch with Mr. Conductor’s friend. As Stacy grabbed the lantern and was about to admit defeat, there came a sudden creak of a port door opening. Stacy watched as one of the Queen Mary’s entrances slowly opened, a light from within the entrance flickered on as though beckoning Stacy to come aboard. Stacy was hesitant, but right now she was out of options to help the kids. She cautiously boarded the ocean liner, the door gently closing itself behind her. Stacy was surprised to see how dark it was inside the ship, at first, she guessed that all the staff had simply headed home for the night, but it was soon disproven as a pair of workmen passed by her in the hallway. Again, like with the ticket booth staff, the workmen did not notice the woman holding the lantern as they passed. By this point Stacy had entered the empty hotel lobby, she suspected that Mr. Conductor’s friend would be found here. She called out, stating that she was a friend of Mr. Conductor and that she had been instructed to come here if she needed help, she asked Mr. Conductor’s friend if they’d be willing to help her find her family friends. At first there was no response, then one of the hallways began to light up one bulb at a time, instructing Stacy to follow the path it was lighting. Stacy was led to a strange door, with a hiss it gently popped open with eerie illuminated stairs leading down into the belly of the beast. Stacy was unsure about going down there, but the note left by Mr. Conductor assured her that everything would be alright. She slowly descended the stairs, the metal creaking and groaning beneath her feet. After about a minute of agonizing terror, Stacy had finally reached the bottom.  Before Stacy was a large single boiler, its hatch was opened and resembled that of a gauging maw, ready to devour. Stacy read the instructions from Mr. Conductor: she was to fill the boiler with coal and then use the light of the lantern to light. Next to her, Stacy could see a shovel sticking out of a pile of coal. She once again set the lantern down and took hold of the shovel and scooped a large amount of coal. It was heavy and Stacy struggled to lift the shovel up to the boiler. She finally managed to dump the load of coal into the boiler, but it still needed plenty more coal before the boiler would be ready. Stacy repeated the process again, but this time she scooped up less coal. It took her a bit longer, but Stacy did manage to get the boiler full. After she was finished, Stacy took a moment to catch her breath and wipe the sweat and coal dust off of her. Once she tidied her up, Stacy grabbed the lantern and brought it to the boiler.  She slowly turned the lamp around so the light source faced the inside of the boiler and the coal. With a bright flash the coal sparked to life and the boiler was finely lit. As soon as it did something happened. Suddenly the whole ship began to shake and rattle violently. Stacy’s first instinct was to run and leave the ocean liner before it fell apart on top of her. As she ran, Stacy didn’t notice the innards of the Queen Mary begin to twist, turn, and readjust themselves. Stacy had to dodge moving parts as she tried to escape. She had managed to make it back into the hallway and came upon a freighting site, the hotel was being ripped to shreds as staff ran for the exit, some screaming that they finally believed the Queen Mary was really haunted. This shocking moment made Stacy realize that the ship wasn’t falling apart; it was repairing itself. Stacy watched in stunned astonishment as the hotel parts were being rearranged to make the Queen Mary the way she once was before her conversion into a hotel and attraction. Bits of metal, wires, and mechanical parts were refitted into boilers, propellers, and turbines. Finally snapping out of her stupor, Stacy saw the open exit door and darted towards it. She was nearly there when the door suddenly slammed shut before her. Stacy was trapped! She felt panic begin to swell up and nearly had a heart attack when the intercom speakers cackled to life. A voice of an old high class British woman was soon heard. “Ah, Miss Jones. I was told I would be meeting your acquaintance sooner or later. Please, come on up to the bridge, there is much we need to discuss.” The voice insisted.

[pragyanpatra]

The Role of UI/UX in Digital Marketing: Humanizing the Online Experience

Understanding UI/UX: More Than Just Design

What is UI/UX?

At its core, UI/UX is about creating a seamless, enjoyable experience for users when they interact with your website or app.

*User Interface (UI)* focuses on the look and feel of the digital product. It encompasses everything from buttons and icons to the layout and color scheme. - *User Experience (UX)*, on the other hand, is about the overall experience a user has with your product. It includes the ease of navigation, the clarity of information, and how intuitive the interface is.

Why UI/UX Matters in Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is all about connecting with your audience and driving them to take action. A well-designed UI/UX can make this process smoother and more enjoyable, increasing the likelihood of users engaging with your content, products, or services. When users find it easy and pleasant to navigate your site, they’re more likely to stay longer, explore more, and ultimately convert.

Humanizing UI/UX: Making Digital Feel Personal

The Power of Empathy

Humanizing UI/UX starts with empathy. Understanding your users’ needs, pain points, and preferences is crucial. This involves:

*User Research*: Conducting surveys, interviews, and usability tests to gather insights into what your users want and how they behave. - *Personas*: Creating detailed profiles of your ideal users to guide design decisions and ensure the interface meets their needs.

Personalization: Making Users Feel Valued

Personalization is a key aspect of humanized UI/UX. By tailoring the experience to individual users, you can create a more engaging and relevant interaction. This can be achieved through:

- *Dynamic Content*: Displaying content based on users’ past behavior, preferences, and demographics. - *Customized Recommendations*: Suggesting products, services, or content based on users’ previous interactions with your site.

Simplifying Navigation

One of the most significant barriers to a positive user experience is complex or confusing navigation. Humanizing UI/UX means making it as easy as possible for users to find what they’re looking for:

*Clear Menus*: Simple, straightforward menu options that are easy to understand and use. - *Search Functionality*: An efficient search bar that helps users quickly locate information or products. - *Breadcrumbs*: Providing a trail for users to easily backtrack their steps.

Visual Design: More Than Just Aesthetics while aesthetics are important, humanizing UI/UX goes beyond just making things look pretty. It’s about creating a visually coherent and pleasant experience that resonates with users on an emotional level:

- *Consistency*: Maintaining a consistent style across your site to build familiarity and trust. - *Accessibility*: Designing for all users, including those with disabilities, by following best practices for accessibility. - *Emotional Design*: Using colors, fonts, and images that evoke the right emotions and reinforce your brand identity.

Practical Applications: Humanized UI/UX in Action

E-commerce Websites

For e-commerce sites, a humanized UI/UX can make a significant difference in conversion rates:

*Streamlined Checkout Process*: Simplifying the checkout process to minimize friction and reduce cart abandonment. *Product Pages*: Providing detailed, easy-to-read product descriptions, high-quality images, and customer reviews. *Customer Support*: Integrating chatbots and live support options to assist users in real-time.

Content Platforms

Content platforms, such as blogs or news sites, benefit from humanized UI/UX by keeping readers engaged and encouraging them to explore more:

- *Readable Layouts*: Using clean, uncluttered layouts with plenty of white space to make reading more enjoyable. - *Interactive Elements*: Incorporating multimedia elements like videos, infographics, and interactive polls to enhance the content experience. - *Related Content*: Suggesting related articles or posts to keep users on the site longer.

Mobile Apps

Mobile apps need to prioritize a humanized UI/UX to cater to users on the go:

*Responsive Design*: Ensuring the app works seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes. - *Intuitive Gestures*: Utilizing familiar gestures like swiping and pinching to make navigation intuitive. - *Offline Functionality*: Providing offline access to essential features or content to improve usability.

User Feedback

One of the best ways to measure the success of your UI/UX design is through direct user feedback. Encourage users to share their thoughts and experiences, and use this feedback to make continuous improvements.

Analytics

Website and app analytics can provide valuable insights into how users interact with your interface:

- *Bounce Rate*: A high bounce rate may indicate issues with the user experience. - *Session Duration*: Longer session durations suggest users are finding value in your content and enjoying their experience. - *Conversion Rates*: Tracking conversion rates can help you understand the effectiveness of your UI/UX in driving desired actions.

Usability Testing

Regular usability testing helps identify pain points and areas for improvement. By observing real users as they interact with your interface, you can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and preferences.

AI and Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to play a significant role in the future of UI/UX. AI can analyze user behavior and preferences to provide even more personalized experiences. For example, AI-driven chatbots can offer tailored support and recommendations, enhancing the user experience.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are opening up new possibilities for creating immersive and interactive experiences. For instance, an online furniture store could use AR to let users visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their home, enhancing the shopping experience.

Voice Interfaces

With the rise of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, voice interfaces are becoming increasingly important. Designing for voice involves creating a natural, intuitive experience that allows users to interact with your brand hands-free.

Inclusive Design

Inclusivity in design is becoming more critical as brands strive to reach a broader audience. This means designing interfaces that are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Inclusive design not only improves the user experience but also demonstrates a commitment to diversity and equality.

Conclusion: The Human Touch in Digital Marketing

Humanizing UI/UX in digital marketing is about creating genuine connections with your audience. It’s about understanding their needs, simplifying their journey, and making their interactions with your brand as pleasant and meaningful as possible. As technology continues to evolve, the focus on empathetic, personalized, and accessible design will become even more crucial.

By prioritizing human-centered design principles, businesses can create online experiences that not only meet users’ needs but also resonate with them on an emotional level. This, in turn, can drive engagement, loyalty, and ultimately, business success.

In the end, the role of UI/UX in digital marketing is not just about design; it’s about fostering relationships, building trust, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression. As we move forward into a more digitally connected world, the human touch in UI/UX will be the key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.

[tokiro07]

Cipher Academy ch.34 thoughts

[There's Always Time for Tea]

Man I love Nohime's creepy smile, every time she does it she moves a little higher on my rankings for how much I like this cast. I can see almost perfectly in my mind how it would transition from her demure, barely noticeable lips to that wide, toothy grin, the sides of her mouth curling with a horrid scare chord as her teeth fade into existence from behind her lips. It's easily the thing I'm most excited to see if CA ever gets an anime. I just hope they don't mess it up by jump-cutting to her already smiling, that'd be such a waste

We didn't quite get the kind of insight on Nohime that I wanted, but we more or less got what I've come to expect. Her puzzle having a built-in trap that would give her the opportunity to say any given answer is wrong is arguably cheating, but since her opponents didn't even try to call her on it and insist that because there are three answers, one for each of them, that each answer by definition must be right, the legality of her method can no longer be up for contention

The fact that she was able to come up with such a complex question so quickly suggests that she'd actually been thinking of it for a while, especially since she'd asked Yugata to confirm with Class E whether the subjects of her puzzle were allowed in the first place. There really isn't a way for anyone to prove whether you already had a puzzle in mind, the 30-second rule is only for setting up a puzzle, not strictly speaking the formulation or presentation of it, and Nohime manipulated that quite well, especially since her puzzle was based around the air, something that takes no time to get into place

Along with all of the timing loopholes, she also masterfully found a loophole in the materials to facilitate a puzzle that didn't require her vision, and thus didn't leave any room for anyone to call her on using her Glasses Weapon. Honestly, she seems more like a "noble villainess" than Toshusai does

Someone asked me what Nohime's plans for the aerial vehicles were when she asked Yugata to check if they were fair game, and I honestly have no idea. My guess is that she wanted to know if she could call them in as transport (which would obviously be cheating), but the anon was concerned that Nohime was going to wipe out the opponents from the sky. I can't imagine that was the intention, but it is Nisio Isin we're talking about, so I wouldn't put it past a character to say something unhinged like that

We conclude the chapter with the revelation that Anonymity's plan has backfired, and that while her captives from Class B have been safely transferred to Yosaimura, she was not able to thin out Class F and instead has been captured herself. I really didn't see that coming, I kind of guessed that Anonymity was going to be like...the Kenpachi (Bleach) or the Hibari (Reborn) of the series, the one who can only lose to the protagonist and absolutely tears through everyone else. Guess not, but that was probably a silly expectation to have anyway since I don't think Nisio tends to use that trope. I certainly can't think of a good example, anyway, but even Medaka Box didn't have the sort of structure that those more traditional battle manga do, so perhaps it'd be impossible to

Anonymity's capture is listed as a 6-star problem, and quite fittingly: as with our previous 6-star problem of who to believe about Omomuro's backstory, this isn't a puzzle, it's a dilemma with no simple answer. Is it right to risk military resources on a rescue mission, especially of someone who has just proven that they couldn't complete their mission, or is it wrong to abandon a soldier in need, especially if they have a fantastic track record prior to that point? Anonymity is a vital asset, but is she worth throwing away other assets for? If other members of the group get captured and Class A can rescue them all at once, that would be much more worth the risk, but why throw away another member for just one? At the same time, though, if four members get captured and the fifth goes to save them only to be captured, that would only leave the jailer to fend for themselves, and Iroha literally can't leave his post to save them. Saving Anonymity now would mean that there isn't an early loss of manpower, but it also risks lowering manpower. Waiting could mean that the enemy manpower is weakened, but it might also happen when Class A is outmatched. There're so many variables that make it difficult to decide what would be the soundest strategy that even though my instinct is to say that Iroha will immediately insist that saving Anonymity is a priority, I can't say I'd be surprised if he honors her wish to abandon her, at least until later in the game

My guess right now is that everyone other than Iroha is going to end up being captured in the end, which will force him to overcome the ball-and-chain to save his team, but I'm unclear on whether he'd be allowed to do something like that since he's the jailer. We'll just have to wait I suppose

Final note for this chapter: Anonymity's nervous little smile while she's blindfolded is super cute to me, I wonder if it's because it combines the aesthetic of her hiding her eyes/having that hairstyle while her actually emoting? I also wonder if her eyes being censored as a "morality ordinance" has anything to do with her connection to Class F, like perhaps they find her face morally reprehensible? Her ties with Class F are definitely the thing I'm most excited to learn about in this arc, let's just hope we get actual backstory and not just vague snippets this time

[goodfish-bowl]

Taste Test

Ectoberhaunt Day 10: Hunger

AO3 Link

Summary: He wasn’t hangry, no matter what Sam or Tucker claimed. He didn’t want the Snickers either!

Warnings: ghost hunger, vivid descriptions of the taste and texture of foods

Words: 1553

Notes: Takes place early on in the story, probably a few months after he became Phantom. Pre-Vlad, and Danny has yet to befriend any ghosts.

@ectoberhaunt

Danny had simply thought it was the stress and lack of sleep that were getting to him. He was exhausted, more so than he’d been in a while, with an irritated twist in his gut. That totally sounded like stress in his opinion. He was eating enough, so he didn’t buy Sam’s teasing that he was simply “hangry” or whatever. Tucker even had the nerve to throw a Snickers at him. He was fine. It wasn’t getting worse; he just needed some decent rest and for the ghosts to leave him alone for about a week. So what if he’d had a short temper for the past few days? It wasn’t helping that he was tiring more quickly from using his powers in fights.

Sam had suggested that he was missing some nutrients from his diet, maybe he needed something weird due to being half ghost or something along those lines. Danny didn’t like how that idea had merit, but he begrudgingly took to the idea. But this led to the question of what he was missing, especially if it was ghost related. It wasn’t like he could really ask the ghosts what was up with his biology. The only one he could think of would be the Lunch Lady, and he wasn’t eager to encounter her a second time. So, Danny decided to do the only other thing he could think of, ask his parents.

Danny brought it up the next time he actually had to confront his parents.

“Hey, Mom?” She would be the one to know this. “What do ghosts eat?”

Maddie paused her cooking, contemplating for a minute. “Well, I’ve never actually seen a ghost ‘eat’ so to say, but they seem to need a steady amount of ecto-energy to continue existing, even if they lack all of the basic needs and bodily functions to do something as complex as consume nutrients and minerals as part of a ‘diet’. We’ve never actually tested their energy requirement, though. What a wonderful idea, honey! I’ll be sure to ask your father to help me conduct some test to figure this out! And we just managed to catch a bunch of small ones recently too!” Maddie gave a light clap of her hands and an excited smile at the idea of a new series of tests to run on ghosts.

Danny suppressed the shiver threatening to race down his spine and gave his own tight smile in response. “Thanks mom.”

The kitchen was abandoned, along with whatever new recipe his mom had been working on. After a moment, Danny let out a groan at the confrontation. This whole ‘keeping his ghost half from his parents’ was getting harder to deal with every time, especially when either of them was excited about tearing some poor looking blob apart. But the information he got out of it was better than nothing. He didn’t like the idea of eating straight ectoplasm though, that was just asking to be caught.

Danny glanced at the fridge in thought, then around the house. Maddie had dragged Jack down into the basement to talk about the idea he’d accidentally given her for their latest experiment. Tucker and Sam were busy doing their homework and taking notes so he hopefully wouldn’t fall behind further than he already has. Jazz was out hosting a “group study night” at the school. Danny looked at the time. It was 4pm, meaning Danny had time to look through his meal options before cramming his homework and going on patrol. Besides, the food in the fridge was usually just thrown out anyways, what was the harm?

Danny got up from the table and walked over to the fridge, making sure to grab the ecto-proof knife that was kept nearby. Carefully, he made sure to crack the door open, weapon prepped. A burst of cold air rushed over his face, and he could hear the ecto-wiennie’s growling in the back. He opened the door more and pursued his options. He obviously wasn’t going to eat a haunted hot dog; those things were actually sentient at this point. He eyed the milk, before wrinkling his nose at the expiration date. There was a yogurt though. Danny grabbed it and looked it over. Vanilla, set to expire in about a week, and it looked like a sample had actually fallen over it, judging by the green stains on its lid. Should be fine to at least try.

Danny took a spoon and popped the lid open, slamming the fridge before the hot dogs could get any funny ideas. What should be white was tainted green and had a faint citrusy-electrical smell he’d come to associate with ectoplasm with a hint of the original vanilla. Danny’s gut twisted and he swallowed the saliva building in his mouth. It looked innocent enough, even though it was most definitely glowing.

Before he could chicken out, Danny scooped some onto his spoon and thrust it into his mouth, already prepared for the consequences. It slid down his throat with little problem, and definitely tasted of ectoplasm. Metallic and thick, like a flat sprite with pennies blended in. He gagged, going to throw it in the trash when his gut twisted, filling him with a raging hunger like he’d forgotten to eat for days, then walked straight into the Nasty Burger kitchen. Suddenly it didn’t matter what the yogurt tasted like; it was food. Danny devoured the yogurt and then lunged right back at the fridge in a mad fury.

If there were a few less ecto-wiennies by the end of the day, that was no one’s problem.

  Danny let out a tired yawn, waiting for the thermos to unload tonight’s haul. Just the box ghost and a few ectopi, but he was finally getting a hang of fighting mid-air. He had the bruises to show for it. His stomach let out a decent growl and Danny groaned. He’d been raiding the fridge for anything ecto-contaminated for the past few days, there was barely anything left at this point, and he had to eat a lot to get the hunger to go away. If he kept at it like this, someone was bound to notice, especially if he snuck a sample again. His mom had definitely noticed when one went missing but had chalked it up to his dad’s shenanigans.  He knew he shouldn’t take another sample like that again, but it really did hit the spot like nothing else could. He told himself he would be fine for one more night at least.

The thermos finished spitting out everything, and Danny swore he heard a solitary “Beware!” before he quickly slammed the doors shut on the portal. Danny sighed and went to switch back when he heard a small keening noise from somewhere in the lab. His eyes zeroed in on a small blob ghost in a phase-proof cage. It was the only one remaining from his parent’s experiments from the past week. It looked at Danny with vacant eyes, to tired and small to move from its place on the bottom of its cage. Danny’s stomach growled.

Without thinking, Danny approached the cage, and turned it off. He reached his hand inside, plucking the small creature from it’s confines and holding it to his face. He should release it, he told himself, back into the Zone where it could recharge or however that worked. It was a better fate than it would meet at his parents’ hands.

Danny had to swallow the drool in his mouth. At this proximity, it smelt like orange sorbet, and he didn’t want to let it go. He looked around the lab, lit only by the light drifting from the cracks in the portal and his own glow. It just looked at him from it’s place in his palm, unreactive, not trying to escape in the slightest. Danny bit his lip. Sam would never let him hear the end of this. He let out a shaky breath, and poked it, trying to get it to react, run away, something. It keened again and his gut twisted in hunger. It had shaken like a jello mold when he poked it, and his mind started to fabricate how that would feel if he swallowed it. Creamy and rich like the sorbet it smelt like? Or would it actually be closer to jello like his parents’ samples? Would it have that metallic taste, or would it be straight citrus?

With a final wrench of his gut, Danny’s mind blanked out and he shoved the small blob ghost down his throat, not even bothering the chew. It went down smoothly and easily, a sweet lime flavor filling his mouth, and the hunger fully vanishing for the first time since he’d noticed it.

Danny stared blankly at his hand for a moment, then two. Oh no. He glanced around, then quickly flew from the lab into his room, transforming back once he was safe behind a locked door then rushing into the bathroom. He gagged, nothing came up, and he devolved into a fit of coughing. He couldn’t believe he just did that, but somehow, he couldn’t find it in himself to regret it, even when it sent his mind spiraling.

Not with the hunger finally sated. At least for now.  

[poursomesunaonme]

11 and 25 with yamagishi time skip pls?

that man... yes...

send me a character and 1-2 numbers and ill write you a lil drabble<3

wc: 673

cw: nsfw, minors dni (pls have age in bio or dm it to me), car sex, corruption, dry humping, use of "pretty girl"

“long day at work?” you ask through the window when kazushi finally rolls up outside your apartment. he smiles a tired smile, unlocking the door for you.

you all but fall into his arms when your lips meet. the kiss buzzes with a tension that had built up for the last few days. kazushi had been needed a lot more for transportation for the gang. so for you, that meant long nights and early mornings that had you lacking in attention paid to you.

“not so fast,” the man mutters as he pulls back. his scar crinkles when he raises his eyebrow, watching you try to catch your breath and steady yourself. “let’s take this somewhere else.”

it takes everything in you not to kick and scream with glee as kazushi peels out from in front of your apartment complex. it doesn’t take long for him to find a parking lot of an abandoned shopping mall where you two can finally have some time alone.

your places were no goes, seeing as all of your roommates were home. so a cramped car would have to do, at least just for now.

“i’ve missed you,” you sigh against his lips. his teeth sink into your bottom lip and you moan, arching your back to press your chest against him over the center console.

“i’ve missed you more.” he rips off his glasses and tosses them onto the dashboard to prevent them from getting in the way. the kiss continues, growing deeper and more desperate, in tandem with the pool forming between your legs.

before you know it, he’s lowering and backing up his seat to allow you room in the cramped space.

“really?” you inquire. “here?” “c’mon, pretty girl,” he smirks, “i know you want it.”

“i do but i-”

“uh uh,” he tuts, wrapping his arms around you and lifting you into his lap, “show me how much you want me.”

you hesitate at first, covering your face with your hands, but he pulls them away before pulling you in by the back of your neck. you know you can’t help yourself.

your hips move with minds of their own over the tenting of his pants, creating a friction that leaves you breathless. it isn’t long before kazushi’s cock twitches painfully in his briefs. he halts your movements with a hand and undoes his button and zipper.

your mouth practically waters at the beads of pre dribbling down his shaft, so you waste no time in fumbling with moving your panties aside. you jump when your back pushes against the car horn, which leaves you both in a fit of laughter. the car idling reminds the man not to waste gas, so he rolls down the windows and rips the keys out of the ignition.

“but won’t someone hear?” you ask before he can kiss you and steal the words out of your mouth.

“you don’t want everyone to hear those pretty moans of yours?” he raises an eyebrow. you bite your lip.

the tip nudges its way between your folds and slips easily into your warm walls. you gasp at the stretch, at how long its been since kazushi’s split you open, but the pain quickly melts away into a pleasure that you without a doubt need to keep consuming.

the car shakes. your moans echo around the empty lot. kazushi’s breath is hot in your mouth as you desperately seek to take more of him, any kind of contact that you can get.

the friction of your clit against his base is simply delicious as you buck your hips harder and faster. he can’t get enough of the sight that greets him - your tits bouncing in his face. his hands guide your hips when your thighs threaten to give out from exhaustion.

he easily pushes you over the edge.

from your cracked eyes you can see the sun begin to dip below the city skyline. and as you catch your breath, you make the obvious suggestion.

“what about a hotel room?”

© all work belongs to poursomesunaonme. do not copy and repost.

[cinnamonest]

//some horrendous gaslighting

I love my stranger-to-noncon very much but I don't give enough attention to consensual relationships taking a turn for the worse, or utterly toxic and abusive boyfriends and Kaeya is the perfect candidate for that so here we go.

-----

I've mentioned before the Kaeya would be exceptionally violent in comparison to other yanderes, but it's important to note that he's also among the most emotionally sensitive, and those two things do not go together well.

Not sensitive outwardly, of course, he's spent years developing that personality of his as a defense mechanism, can easily pretend he doesn't care about anything, but deep down that abandonment complex and those insecurities are strong and easily triggered. Some of the ways it manifests are mild, like how he gets overly attached to you within a week of knowing you, commits and tries to move way too fast even in completely mutual and consensual relationships. The kind of guy that suggests moving in together a week into the relationship, and dropping I love you so early on that you're left to merely blink in surprise because you barely know each other, but under the pressure and awkwardness you find yourself stuttering out a reciprocation, even though it's quite untrue. Guilt-trips and pressures his way into fucking you within a couple of days.

He's a very different person behind closed doors, it comes out maybe a month in when he lets the walls drop and lets himself trust you. He's more vulnerable, sweeter. Oddly... Eager to trust. It's like he desperately wants someone he can latch onto and show some vulnerability around and chose you to be that someone.

But also different in other ways. More... Bitter. More grumpy. More immature.

He's not sensitive in general, he doesn't really care about what most people say or do, but that sensitivity comes out once he's attached to a person, which happens rather quickly. You start noticing it rather quickly in a mutual relationship, and it likely shocks you honestly that he's so... immature. You spend the day with one of your friends -- just one, catch up with them, haven't seen them in a while... and when you get home things are rather quiet. He's usually a very talkative person, so you can't figure out what's wrong. Maybe something bad happened, but he insists no, it's fine. There's nothing wrong. And then you catch the last part, much quieter, spoken under his breath in that lighthearted tone he speaks in, yet with a bitterness to it.

You wouldn't care anyway, you're too busy with your friends.

It takes you by surprise at first because holy shit, really? It seems so petulant that it can't possibly be real, but... Maybe he really did have a bad day and is just getting his anger out by directing it at the first thing he can. That's not right, but hey, everyone has weak moments where they do some bad things. Besides, you weren't there for him, so he feels worse right? Still, you spent every day the past month except this one day with him... No, it's just poor timing, that's all.

Until it happens again. And again. And he swears he likes your friends, smiles at them, but it... Looks forced. Always complaining that you spend so much time with them and completely ignore him. Do you even care? Do you value the relationship at all? You try to not get angry and be rational, but still defend yourself because you spend almost all of your time with him don't you? You can't get much out before he just huffs and stomps away, rolls his eyes (well, you assume he rolls both of them, you can't tell but-- nevermind, not the point) and gives you a cold shoulder. Until you apologize, then it's like the switch has flipped back on, there's love and smiles and warmth and hugs again.

It starts to get on your nerves. You start to wonder if maybe this isn't healthy for you, if maybe you should end things, but you decide to give him another chance, right? We all make mistakes. He's under a lot of stress. Just... It'll be fine.

And the first time it gets physical he swears it's an accident. It leaves an ugly scar. You're going out because come on, it's my family, I haven't seen them in forever.

It just happens, he explains, it's unintentional, emotions get channeled through the vision like that. Comforts you as you sit on the ground crying and clutching your arm that he grabbed as you walked out the door, skin darkened and purplish from the freeze that's seared through a layer of your skin. He sighs and says he's sorry, really, he feels horrible already, so don't get mad, ok? He already feels terrible enough... Don't be mean. He didn't mean it. Don't be mean. Don't be fucking mean about it, stop fucking crying. You're making him feel worse.

He seems genuinely sorry, you tell yourself. It's not his fault. You can't blame him. It's ok.

It's harder to excuse the next time it gets physical. Maybe freezing last time was unintentional, and maybe it hurt, but you weren't terrified like this. A hand around your throat is different.

But can you blame him? You were threatening to leave. Honestly, you weren't approaching it healthily, you weren't trying to actually have a serious talk, you were trying to guilt him and gaslight him and it's honestly emotionally abusive, you know? You're the one in the wrong here. How selfish and cruel. How can you do that and not even feel guilty?

It makes you rethink. It makes you question your own sanity. And it makes you apologize. Makes you say you didn't mean it. You find yourself feeling dizzy, disoriented, like everything isn't real and everything is too much. You try to sleep it off.

And he doesn't like delving into the past. He tries to avoid it. Tries to not think about it. Doesn't even really tell you anything until nearly a year in, a drunken confession of sadness and misery. It makes you feel guilty somehow. Poor thing. He's been through a lot, you tell yourself. Maybe you should be more patient and understanding, help him work through it. You can fix him, per se, can't you? Sure, people say that never works, but... He just needs love, really, it's not like he's that bad.

He hates bringing it up like this even more. It just feels weak and vulnerable but it comes out anyway. You're threatening him again, and honestly, that's a sickening thing to do considering what you know, how can you be so vicious?

You're just like everyone else, aren't you?

You're just going to abandon him like this was nothing. You don't care at all. You're heartless. Ungrateful. He's done so much for you. And this is how you repay him, huh? Disappointing, honestly. He thought you were special. Kind. Understanding. Didn't realize you were just as cruel as everyone else in his life, aren't you?

He just has this way of making you doubt yourself. You pull at your hair and cry. I'm going insane. You keep the thought to yourself, but you fall to your knees and promise you're really sorry this time. He sighs. Fine, he'll give you another chance. He's a patient man. You just need to work on yourself, become a less toxic person.

But apparently that's not enough, and eventually you get dumped.

It comes as a surprise. But he says he's had enough of you being so emotionally manipulative and neglectful. You hardly ever spend time with him (like, only 29 days a month? Unbelievable!). You cry and try to make him feel bad, when the things he does aren't that bad. You always claim to be too tired to fuck. You try to gaslight him into thinking all that's acceptable. It's toxic and abusive, so, he's done.

You find yourself in shock. Confusion. It feels unreal. The first thing you worry about is if you can even find a new boyfriend... Your body is completely littered in freeze-burn scars by now, after all.

Were you really in the wrong? You're not too experienced in relationships, maybe he's right about everything he said... Maybe you really did him wrong...

Which is why you come crawling back. Crying. Apologizing.

Exactly as planned.

So he sighs and agrees. Fine. You can have another chance.

The second time, the third time, he always forgives you and takes you back. Even though you don't deserve it. He just loves you so much, you know? He keeps forgiving you.

Until one day you don't show up.

When you leave that time, you seem almost angry. You don't cry this time. Your hands ball into fists and for once, for the first time, as you storm out, you say--

Fine.

Unusual, but you were always moody like that. Odd choice of words. No matter, it's not like you're actually fine with it, you'll come crawling back any minute now.

It's already been several hours. Why aren't you at his doorstep already? Did he make you feel that bad? Maybe he went too far... You're probably just at home crying or something. You'll come back by tomorrow morning.

You don't.

Ok. Maybe you feel too guilty. Maybe you're reflecting on how awful you've been. That would take some time to get over, since you've done so many bad things. It won't be long before you come back.

A day passes. Two days pass.

What's taking you so long?

He finally swallows his pride. Maybe you're being stubborn. Trying to make him feel bad. Yeah, that's something you'd do. Or maybe you're trying to make him feel all alone, take advantage of the one thing you know bothers him. How mean. But he loves you. You know that. So you'll appreciate it when he checks on you, apologizes for maybe going too far, and he really loves you, he loves you so much, so how about you two just go home and forget this ever happened and have lots and lots of makeup sex and cuddle? And then you can tell him you're sorry and love him too and promise to stay forever? He's already got the speech practiced a few times in his head walking over to your place, the one you haven't really lived in for a while now since he demanded you basically move in with him. All your clothes and stuff are at his place now. You would have taken that with you if you ever actually intended to leave, so clearly this is a ploy to get him to come to you, as if that wasn't already obvious.

Your eyes narrow when you open the door and your face contorts with anger. And you snarl that you've had enough. He wants you gone so much, fine, you're more than happy to oblige, you say. You're done. You don't even need your shit, keep it, you'd rather lose your stuff than set foot in that place again. You finally came to your senses and you're fucking done.

You say nasty things. You say he made your life a living hell and you're happy to be rid of him.

And then you say something worse. Something that sets something deep inside off. Something that feels like a stab to the gut.

You say if you'd known the truth about him you would have kicked him out a long time ago.

Maybe it's not about the same thing. Not meant the same way. But it feels too familiar nonetheless.

You see him freeze up. He just stands still for a moment. Not saying anything. Face blank and empty. His eye twitches.

You couldn't care less. Besides, you already have a new boyfriend, one that's nice to you, you tell him with a prideful spite in your voice. One that doesn't have fucking issues. You're not a therapist, you say, and you tell him to figure out his problems on his own, and you slam the door in his face.

Or, you try to. He catches the door before it can close with one hand. Grabs your arm with the other.

For once he doesn't say anything, not until you make him. Just grabs you, drags you down the street by your shirt. It nearly chokes you, but you manage to start to scream. He slams your back into the nearest building, grabs your shoulders and says to shut the fuck up or I'll break your fucking arms. You go wide eyed and scared tears run down you're face. You're scaring me, you plead. Let me go.

But he doesn't. You figure maybe you can talk sense into him when you get there. You don't realize how far gone he is, you don't think that this might be the last time you set foot outside, the last time you see the sun not through a window. You don't think any of the things you'll wish you had down the road.

You've had rough sex before. Not quite like this, though. You can't breathe. You kick and wheeze and cry and claw at the hand around your throat and desperately gasp for what little air you can get in. He only lets go when you black out, lets you take a few breaths, then does it again. You're still so tight. New boyfriend must not have measured up, huh. It's raw and dry and it hurts. You whimper and you cry and you finally apologize like you should have days ago.

And yet, most importantly, you cum. See? You love him. So say it. Say it already. Come on. You do, you stutter, it's quiet and scared, but he smiles nonetheless.

It's ok. He knows you're sorry. He knows you didn't mean those awful things you said. You would never actually abandon him. You're different. Different. Special. Not like everyone else. You won't leave. You won't just leave him somewhere and disappear, you won't die out of nowhere, you won't kick him aside and leave him alone, you're the only person who won't. Different. That's why he loves you so much. You would never do any of that.

You just need help. You're so emotional, you're really not emotionally stable. Controlled by your wildly changing emotions. They make you say things you don't mean. Do things you don't really intend to do. Things you'll just regret if he didn't intervene and help you.

They make you vulnerable to other people. You're so easily controlled. You believe what they want you to believe. And that's dangerous. That could lead you to try to leave again. That's why you have to be helped. Kept away from becoming victim to your own impulses. The only way to do that is keeping you locked away. You'll come to understand with time. Appreciate it. Thank him.

You'll appreciate it because you're different. You'll never leave. You would never leave him even if you had the opportunity.

But maybe it's for the best that you don't have that opportunity to begin with.

[rotshop]

UGHHH this is so bad. (head in hands) LOOK. look. im sleepy tired and i just needed to warm up w/ something and also took exactly One break during this to grab a dirnk !!! shhh.

-

This was by far the worst situation you could've been in. Nevadean winters were a simple fact of how it was, but that didn't take any of the bite from the freezing winds. Some years, it would be a decent one, there would be a fair amount of hot and cold days and little snow. Not entirely pleasant, but you could work with it with in relative ease. Other years though, the season seemed to just throw it all at you, shoving everything off the shelves and toppling dominoes to see how you'd fair. It was the cruelest whenever those years came about.

This though? This had to be a fucking joke.

The others had already been on edge about the mission, as you and your partner didn't exactly have the best relationship. There'd been several attempts to switch things around so that threat would be eliminated, but ultimately they'd proven fruitless. So, with great reluctance they went along with it, though Deimos had been particularly adamant on you all meeting back up as soon as possible. He'd been especially antsy and anxious as the mission had drawn ever closer, voicing the most concerns and posing the most questions to you. He wasn't the greatest at hiding his worries when it came to those he considered close, you admired that about him.

It was almost funny with how right he'd been to worry about it. Not only had there been far ore agents and mags than expected, there was also jack shit worth taking. Obviously, this had been some sort of trap in an attempt to catch you all off guard. It'd worked, evidently, just not in the way they'd probably expected. At some point or another, it was decided you all had to get out and go. Sanford was far too injured to continue on, 2b was too stressed to think straight, and you and Hank had the luck of getting trapped on the other side of base.

You didn't exactly feel too surprised when you'd been yanked up by the back of your shirt and thrown into the back of a truck, door slamming shut seconds after. You could see a hoard of agents and mags alike nearing closer, unable to tear your gaze away from them even as your partner got in the driver's seat. There was a bit of commotion from them, barking into the comms. about needing to get out and go. You were still too distracted even when they'd begun to speed off, and far too distracted to hear Deimos' confused shouting get cut.

You could tell it was coming, somewhere in between all the pre-existing stress and dread. It was like your own version of getting a headache shortly before it storms, except all it did was tell you you'd be royally fucked for the next day or few. It was always a little too hard for you to decipher exactly how long it would be, a little too fuzzy of a reading for you to say anything accurate on the matter. All you could tell was that it was coming soon, it wouldn't stop just for your less than friendly company.

-

Three days. You'd been stuck driving out here for three days now.

Originally, the plan was to drive off until the agents would give up, turn around, and go back to base to find the others. It'd started off easy enough, the agents chasing after you seeming to lose interest in the hunt after a good while, turning and leaving. You weren't sure why at the moment, but the action had shifted something uncomfortably in your chest. It just felt too easy, too convenient.

You'd soon figured it out when the storm had started to kick in. It didn't seem too bad at first, a minor inconvenience that drew a little grumble and a lean forward in their seat from your companion. Then, it'd worsened and worsened. By this point, neither of you knew where you were. Sure, the anti-aahw had been all over Nevada- but that was just of the Nevada they knew about. It wouldn't be far fetched to suggest you'd both gotten turned around and were now god knows where.

Eventually, it was decided there was no progress that could be made here. You'd both have to either hope for a place to stay or that the car wouldn't fair too uncomfortably. Which, considering the lack of space in it and you with far too little energy to get into an argument, the first would be the blessing of the two. It wasn't too long until your quiet prayers from the back seat had been answered, the faintest of outlines among the storm showing some form of shelter. You could already feel exhaustion settling in, far too quickly for your own comfort. By the time Hank had pulled over to walk in, he'd had to reach into the backseat and tug you by the collar of your shirt with an impatient noise, a gentle encouragement laced with the threat of dragging you out.

You were sure you couldn't have pulled your legs further to your chest than you already had. Your spine was already beginning to set with soon-to-be-aches and cramps as you curled into yourself. You'd attempted to keep yourself as taut as possible, not wanting to look as pathetic as you felt in that moment, half-shaking on the cold hard floor of some abandoned complex. Hank had gone off a while ago, leaving you in the lobby to go look for a room to stay in- a room for him to stay in.

You'd lost track of time, too focused on trying to keep it all together as your mind threatened to go blank and shut down. It was the worst when it was like this, where you could only lay and hope for exhaustion to kick you into sleep at one point or another. Your limbs all felt heavy with weight, uncomfortable with just how impossible it seemed to move them. Every part of your body felt locked up, stuck and stiff how it was when you'd dropped down to the floor. You were at least glad you'd fallen to face the door, able to see the snow falling from your position.

Sure, it was the cause of your current estrangement. Yes, it meant you were stuck with the man who hated your guts with a burning passion. Despite all that, it was still pretty. It was surreal to see the sky something other than a burning red, though that oddness was fully welcomed if it meant a break from that damned color.

You'd been snapped out of your daze by a light nudge to your back, you attempted to summon up a sound of acknowledgement- coming up with nothing. The lack of a response earned another, rougher nudge, shoving against your spine uncomfortably. You'd jumped away from the contact with a little mix of a whine and hiss, head jerking back to meet the eyes of your 'assailant.' Red lenses met your gaze, looming over you from your place on the ground.

"Get off the floor and come with me," it wasn't a request. He'd always been especially bossy with you, a little colder and more detached from you. It didn't take a genius to tell he was on less than stellar terms with you.

You didn't have time to stagger up onto your feet, a hand finding its way to the collar of your shirt to yank you up once more. The world spun around you in a haze as you stumbled forward, attempting to re-balance yourself as best as you could in the short breath you were given. Apparently, it hadn't worked well, you ending up crashing into Hank in the process. He'd barely stirred at the movement, still as a statue despite your disturbance. Distantly, you'd noticed how his hands had moved to your back, keeping you upright. You'd also noticed how they weren't a bruising grip on your form-

"....walk?"

You'd blinked. You had no clue what he'd even asked, did he ask anything in the first place? I mean, you could've totally just imagined it. Maybe you were just dreaming already, it happens sometimes..

"I don't ask questions just for you to not answer. Can you walk?"

You'd opened your mouth to speak, shutting it shortly after. Your tongue was like lead in your mouth and your voice seemed to have gone for a walk. You weren't going to play the chances of you not answering again. Instead, you'd simply given a little nod. He was..surprisingly warm, in all honesty. You found yourself leaning further into him, unconsciously nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck.

He seemed satisfied by the answer, giving a little grunt of acknowledgement before pulling away. You'd caught yourself before you'd fallen, sleep snapping from you momentarily again as reality came back. By the time you found some sort of feelings in your legs again, he was already down the hall, not waiting for you by any means. You were grateful for the little burst of energy that'd found you, stumbling after him quickly.

You were reaching for his arm before you could really even process it, holding onto him once more in a moment of unconscious indulgence. You missed the little curious glance he gave you, and the way he'd pulled his arm (and subsequently you) a little closer to him. Admittedly, you leaning onto him so much did force him to slow down a bit, much to his chagrin. He didn't make any comment about it though. You didn't either, happy to just stay close as you just barely stayed awake enough to continue walking with him.

-

The mattress felt far more comfortable than the floor.

"Better than laying on tile, isn't it?" Came the sarcastic question.

Nevermind, fuck this mattress.

You'd given a little hum, stirring a bit as you got comfortable. You were still curled up as small as you could, some sort of attempt to salvage what little heat you had. The thin fleece blankets didn't offer much relief from the elements, serving more as an empty pressure laying on you. Despite that though, it seemed you were given some mercy, as you were just edging into unconsciousness.

"I'll be in the next room over so don't be loud, alright?"

You'd nodded slowly. There was a pause. There was an abnormally long pause, to be exact. After a few breaths you could hear the clinking of metal and the shuffling of cloth. Curiously, you'd poked your head up, looking at the man over your shoulder in confusion. He'd met your gaze, pausing for the briefest of moments as he tugged his jacket off.

"What're you doin?..." you'd managed, words slurring together drearily.

He'd given a short 'tsk,' continuing his previous ministrations as he answered. "What I'm doing is making sure you don't go into some little coma on me, I'm not carrying your ass around if you pass out that hard. That's on you."

You'd given a little displeased hum at his words, narrowing your eyes slightly at him. He didn't react. Laying your head back down, you'd sighed in some sort of content, peaceful enough in the deteriorating room. You could feel yourself falling asleep, thought slipping from you as you finally found some sot of rest.

Just before you really fell unconscious though, you could feel the weight of a jacket being draped over you. You could've sworn you felt a hand settle on your arm for a moment, tracing a few shapes and lines idly before reluctantly pulling away. You were so sure you heard the faintest of 'Goodnight,'s before the door clicked shut. You could have just been hearing things or dreaming them up, though. You'd just have to ask him about it in the morning.

[earnestly-endlessly]

Hey there dear

I was wondering if you could rec me any cherik professors AU?

Thank uuuuu❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

First of all, I'm so sorry how long this took me. RL has been quite hectic but I finally managed to make a fic rec list for you. Unfortunately, the fandom doesn't have many fics where Erik and Charles are both professors. Charles is usually just the professor and Erik isn't which is a shame because there's so much potential there. Usually college/university AUs are with them as students and not as professional academics. Oh well, if anyone is having trouble finding ideas I would seriously suggest looking into Professor AUs. Anyway, here's my list.

Cherik Professors AU fic recs

An Ideal Grace – afrocurl, nekosmuse

Summary: Erik Lehnsherr is a visiting professor at Columbia University, as well as an acclaimed and award winning poet. Charles Xavier is a lead researcher with the Genetics Department who is well on his way to tenure. But what happens when Charles has to cancel a class because half his students abandon him in favour of a mysterious new English Lit professor? Naturally he ends up sitting in in the class, where Professor Lehnsherr mistakes him for a student. It's really too bad Erik has such a strict policy against dating students. It's also too bad Erik doesn't seem to know how to use Google.

Love’s Own Crown – afrocurl, nekosmuse

Summary: Sequel to An Ideal Grace, in which Charles and Erik navigate the complexities of their new relationship while battling external forces that seem determined to keep them apart. Fortunately they have one thing on their side: Love.

Tuesdays With Charles – Brenda

Summary: Erik's just looking for a quiet place to grade papers. What he finds in the Novel-Tea Tea Shop is so much more than he ever dared to dream.

Special Topics in Mutant Studies – populuxe

Summary: The trouble with Charles Xavier isn’t just that he teaches genetics and holds terrible views about mutant rights—it’s also becoming increasingly clear that everyone but Erik seems to love him.

The Better Men – Turtletotem

Summary: "I do believe the two of you were in the same year as boys, were you not?" Headmaster Shaw said. "Charles is the most competent deputy any headmaster could ask for, Erik, and he's been doing this for years…" He trailed off, as if finally noticing something odd in the way his Potions and Divination masters were staring at each other.

"Of course," Charles said quickly, his voice only a little hoarse, and stuck out his hand. "Welcome back to Hogwarts, Erik."

The Wrong Impression – Rosawyn

Summary: Charles is trying to balance the responsibilities of his career with his responsibilities as a single father to a tiny baby. It's not something he ever thought he'd have to do, and it's not as easy as those women on the internet make it look! He does't have much of a social life (unless talking to his sister on the phone and attending a parents' class where he's the only guy count), and he doesn't even have time to think of dating. He's just trying to keep his job - and keep his son fed and healthy.

Majesty At My Doorstep – emperors_girl

Summary: Alex is not the kind of kid who lives in houses with white picket fences. Alex is the kind of kid who’s had seven placements in five years. He was never, ever going to be able to stay.

My Heart Beats so Unruly – emperors_girl

Summary: Hank isn’t unintelligent. He knows he could be accused of having a particular preference in the type of person he finds attractive. He likes blondes with pretty eyes. Unfortunately, blondes with pretty eyes rarely like Hank back.

Or: Hank is enamored and a bit confused, and Alex is a lying liar who lies.

Sequel to Majesty At My Doorstep

Note: Both Erik and Charles are professors in this series, but the later story is very focused on Alex/Hank. Also, it’s Mpreg if you don’t like that then I might skip this one.

Continuing Education – aesc, spicedpiano

Summary: To his students, Erik Lehnsherr is despotic and terrifying. To his department head, he’s the brilliant young researcher who abandoned his prestigious job overnight, moving across the country to join MIT’s faculty. But to Charles Xavier, he is a contradiction. As Erik and Charles settle into their new roles as colleagues, their professional rivalry starts to spill over into the personal.

Note: This fic has been removed from ao3 but I do have a copy if anyone’s interested. I always mention this one because it’s one of my favorite cherik fics and they’re both professors.

[20moonchild21]

𝗦𝗲𝗵𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵𝘁 [𝗯𝘁𝘀]

⇉ 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 12

[pairings]

JK x female!oc, Bunny!JK x human!female!oc, Jin x female!oc, Leopard!Jin x human!female!oc, Jimin x female!oc, white Tiger!Jimin x human!female!oc, Taehyung x female!oc, black Tiger!Taehyung x human!female!oc, JK x Jin x Jimin x Taehyung x female!oc

[warnings]

angst, nightmare, dream of being taken away

[words]

3.9k

[author]

I am back with a new chapter, finally! I am so excited what you will think about it. Me personally, I absolutely love this chapter. I hope so do you!

By the way, you guys are crazy! I mean, 200 followers?! What the heck?! I can’t describe how thankful I am for every single one of you! It makes me so happy to read your cute messages and see your likes under my chapters. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!💜

I am thinking of uploading two chapters to honor the day! Be excited!

If two new chapters aren’t enough for you today, then I can highly recommend you to check out @starlightauroras-writes profile and her super cute store Inferiority complex. I love her story. She is super talented and the cutest author I know!

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe!

Mꨄ

[chapter 11 ||| chapter 13]

“I am sorry, but you have to leave.” The girl had shoved both, Taehyung and him, towards the door of her apartment. “Here is no longer room for you.”

That was the last thing they heard from her, before she slammed the door shut in front of them. Jimin’s heart broke at her words. Now, the both of them were on their own again, alone and scared, like Taehyung had predicted.

If it was for Jimin, he would have stayed in front of her door and begged for her to let them in again, but Taehyung had lead him out of her building, pulling him down the streets, always careful that they would not be seen by any other human.

But luck had not been with them. Before they could had reached the small forest, they had been caught and taken away. The men had locked them up in cages and were now driving them god knows where.

“I am so sorry, Hyung.” Tae suddenly sniffed from the cage beside him. “This is all my fault.”

Never before had Tae cried. He had always been the one to be strong and rational when everything would fall apart, but not now. Jimin wanted to crawl over and hug him, but they were still separated by the heavy metal bars.

“No, Tae.” Jimin squeezed himself as far as possible through the metal bars, so he could touch Tae’s shoulder with his hand. “Nothing of this is your fault.”

“Yes it is.” He lifted his head to look up at his brother. ���I should have never let her get our trust. I should have make sure we leave as soon as possible, but I was blinded by her, and now we have to go back there. I failed to keep you safe.”

The clicking of the car door was ripping Jimin away from his brother. They were coming, and there was no chance they could escape one more time.

“Jimin!”

“Jimin!”

Jimin shot up from the bed. His normally fluffy, dark hair was now wet and sticky from his sweat, clinging onto his forehead. His heart was beating so fast, he was scared that it would jump out of his chest soon, ad his hands were shaking.

“Jimin!”

When he heard Tae’s voice coming from the darkness again, he quickly turned his head around, just to see him sitting next to him. A small lamp was lighting up the room behind him, and when he realized that they were still in the apartment of the girl, he felt his heart skip a beat out of relief.

“Jimin, are you okay?” Tae crawled closer, laying his hands on Jimin’s shoulders. “You mumbled ‘no’ and strange words over and over again, and you are sweating like crazy.”

Jimin, who was still shocked from his dream, just stared at Tae, before the tears the tears were sliding down his face. He threw himself into his brothers arms, pulling him close and holding him for a few minutes, while telling him about his dream.

He felt Tae’s body stiffen, as he told him everything he had seen in his dream. He knew that it wasn’t reality, but the experienced felt so real to him anyway.

“I would never let anyone hurt you again, Chim.” Tae eventually whispered into the smaller boy’s hair, wrapping his arm tighter around his slim body. “Never.”

Jimin needed another 10 minutes to finally calm down again. He pulled away from his brother, looking him into the eyes. Both of them knew that the other one was thinking, the dream was just a reminder on that.

“You know that we will have to leave, Jimin?” Tae said in an almost stern tone, trying to cover his emotions.

Jimin had known his brother for long enough. Tae was struggling to deal his emotions or to open up about them. He would rather keep them to himself so no one could hurt him.

“I know that, Tae.” He whispered back, squeezing the black tiger hand under the soft duvet.

He mind drifted again. He would miss the soft fabric of the bed. They never asked her to give them this much comfort. All they asked for was that she helped healing Tae’s arm. Jimin would have slept on the floor, he would have starved himself if it was what it would have cost them to make Tae healthy again.

But Hope offered the so much more. She gave them food, a bed and a safe place to stay for that period of time. Not once had she asked for anything in return, which made Jimin sometimes feel bad, because he didn’t want her to think that they weren’t thankful for her help. They were. Both of them.

“But where do we go?” He almost didn’t dare to speak it out loud, too scared of the answer. “We have nowhere to go.”

The younger tiger closed his eyes for a few seconds, nodding his head in response.

“We will hide somewhere.” He eventually replied. “We will be carefully, Jimin. No one will catch us, I promise. Do you remember that old building we stay for a couple of weeks after we escaped?”

Jimin nodded. They had found an abandoned house with a couple of furniture left. It was not comparable to this apartment, but it was more than that old parking garage they stayed in before Hope had found them. There had even been some blankets left, which were good to hold out the cold from the winter air.

Sadly, they couldn’t stay long. One day, they had been surprised by people coming up, looking all over the house, talking about something like ‘renovating’ or something. They had seen the traces both tigers had left and had immediately called the police, forcing Jimin and Taehyung to leave and look for something else to stay.

“I saw many abandoned buildings in that area.” Taehyung continued to talk. “They even had a small supermarket there. Every day in the evening, they throw away a lot of left overs into the trash bins behind the building. If we are careful, we can take something from there.”

Jimin didn’t say anything. He just nodded at his brother’s suggestion, knowing that there was no other option for them. He would miss the delicious meals Jin would make in the evenings. He even helped preparing them a few times.

Jin was the oldest one around here. Jimin was amazed by his cooking skills and his way of talking. The Leopard had given him a welcoming feeling from the first day they met. But also when he got to know the bunny Hybrid more and more, it had felt right. He couldn’t blame Jungkook for his concerns about the two tigers. Jimin would probably be reacting the same way.

“Hey, Jimin.” Taehyung turned Jimin by his shoulders, forcing him to look into his eyes as he put his forehead against Jimin’s. “I will not let anything happen to us again. We will be okay. I promise.”

“Do you really have to leave, Hope?” Jungkook whined as he dropped his ears beside his head. “Can’t you just write your professor an email or something?

The small girl stopped fiddling with the strap of her bag, before she turned around a gave Jungkook the ‘are you serious’ look, slightly shaking her head.

“I am sorry, Kookie.” She said as she swung the bag over her shoulder, looking back at the four boys that were standing in front of her. “I need to discuss this with him in person. But I will be back soon, I promise.”

She made a step forward and stepped up to her tippy toes, before she presses a quick kiss to the bunny’s cheeks. Immediately, Jungkook felt his face redden at this innocent gesture.

“The last time you said this, you came back with those two.” The bunny muttered, slightly pointing behind him with is thumb, where a clearly annoyed Taehyung just rolled his eyes.

The girl just smiled but ignored his comment. She went over to Jin and gave him a small hug as well, before she carefully waved at Jimin and Taehyung. The white tiger was the only one who happily waved back at her, while his brother just rolled his eyes again.

“I will be back soon.” She said and stepped outside. “Alone.”

She had turned back and said the last part directly into Jungkook’s direction, before she slightly waved again and closed the door to go to university.

When the door fell shut with an loud tuck, the apartment suddenly fell in salience, as the four boys stood awkwardly in front of the door. No one said anything, everyone was just staring at each other, as it was the first time they had seen each other.

Indeed, it was the first time for Jungkook that he actually saw Taehyung properly for the first time. Before, he had only seen him when Jimin and him had been here for the very first time, but the bunny had been too busy processing everything so there had been no time to look at him properly.

Taehyung objectively was a beautiful man. He had natural, wavy brown hair that fell fluffily over his forehead, almost covering his eyes. On top of them, there was set a pair of deep black ears, that even had a small patch of white fur at the tip. His deep brown eyes matched his hair, and with his straight nose and fully lips, he looked like a model. He even got that annoyed look all the time.

Jimin was not much different, beside that he was smiling way more often than his brother and the pair of snow white ears with a black tip. Jungkook actually like Jimin. The white tiger was fun to hang out with. Him and Jungkook had played a few video games together, and Jungkook had to admit that it was nice to have some other friends beside his brother.

The tension in the room seemed to increase with every second. None of them knew what to say to each other, because usually, it was Hope who would start a conversation. But Hope was not here in the moment.

“Hmm.” Jin cleared his throat, before he hesitantly looked at Jungkook, giving him the behave-look. Then back towards the other two Hybrids, smiling at them. “I will go and prepare something for lunch. Don’t make a mess here.”

The oldest boy turned around and walked into the kitchen, leaving the three young boys alone in the living room. Jungkook watched as his body disappeared in the kitchen, before he turned back and looked at Taehyung and Jimin, who were just looking as confused as himself.

“What – What are we going to do now?” Jungkook asked, rather talking to Jimin than towards Taehyung.

Jimin slightly scratched his neck, as his gaze flickered over towards the small table in front of the TV, where two controllers were laying.

“Can we – “ He hesitantly begin. “Can we play that game on the TV again? It was fun when we played it the other day.”

Jungkook just nodded in silence, before he moved over and dropped himself onto the sofa. Jimin quickly followed him and sat down next to him, before his gaze moved back towards his brother who was still standing at the same spot. The white tiger gestured him with is hand to come over as well.

Taehyung just rolled his eyes again, but he eventually walked towards the sofa, standing crossed arms next to it. He looked with cocked up eyebrows as Jungkook turned on the TV.

“What are you doing?” He asked suddenly, his tone held a small hint of curiousness.

“This is fun, Tae.” Jimin said happily, as he took a controller. “With those controllers we can make car races. Look.”

Jungkook watched as Taehyung looked wide eyed at the TV screen where now many cars were racing over the rode. Inside himself, he chuckled at the black tiger, knowing how confusing those human things were when seeing it for the first time. He remembered the first time Hope had turned on the TV and those yellow, funny figures had appeared. Of course, he had seen a TV before, but never had he been watching it before.

Jimin next to him was already absorbed in the game. He moved both of his thumbs wildly over the buttons, sticking his tongue out at the same time. Taehyung at the other hand was absorbed in the game as well. His mouth hung open slightly, as he carefully sat himself down at the edge of the sofa, never taking his eyes off of the TV screen. In that moment, it was the first time that Jungkook didn’t see a grumpy or annoyed expression on his face.

Jimin and Jungkook continued playing their car race for several more rounds, warming up more and more to each other. They laughed together when one of them drove his car into the ditch, or when the pushed each other around the roads. Even Taehyung sometimes cheered for Jimin when he was about to win a round, completely forgetting their incidents with each other over the past days.

“Do you want to try it too, Tae?” Jimin asked after the 8th round, holding his controller out towards his brother.

The black tigers eyes flickered from Jimin’s hand towards Jungkook, before he carefully nodded. He moved over next to his brother, taking the controller out of his hands. Jimin was already explaining him how to use all the buttons.

When the black tiger was ready, Jungkook pushed the ‘start’ icon and the race started. Immediately, the loud and wild clicking of pushed buttons was the only thing that could be heard in the room. The game was no longer about an innocent car race. Both Hybrids were rather triggered to win against the other one in proof to be stronger. What none of the realized, that they were unwillingly laughing together all along.

“I won!” Jungkook yelled when his car raced over the finish line.

He threw the controller next to him on the sofa, before he turned his head towards the black tiger, sticking playfully out his tongue. Taehyung just rolled his eyes and breath out hardly, not being able to hide the small grin that played on his lips.

“This is because I let you win.” He said, laying the controller next to him as well. “I didn’t know that human things can be this much fun.”

He crossed his arms and leant back against the soft cushions, flickering his eyes around the room. Suddenly, his gaze held no longer that happy look but once again, his eyes sparkled with arrogance.

“Tell me, bunny.” He said, looking Jungkook into the eyes, cocking his eyebrows up. “Does that girl let her pets do all human things, or are you only allowed to turn the TV on and off.”

Jungkook pressed his eyes together at the black tiger’s words.

“Her name is Hope, and we are not her pets.” He hissed at Taehyung. “We can do anything we want to do.”

“Aww, how cute.” Taehyung fake-awed. “Are you defending your human girl? Do you like her that much?”

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat when the black tiger mentioned that topic. He slightly clenched his fists, pressing his ears flat towards his head. It was not the way Taehyung was calling him ‘pet’, but it was that he was talking about Hope in the respectless way which made him mad.

“Stop calling her that.” He pressed through clenched teeth. “She gave us anything we could have ever asked for. She gave you anything without questioning it for one second, but you do nothing but being respectless towards her. Do you think I didn’t see how you are always showing off your fangs towards her?”

The smirk on the black tiger’s face suddenly dropped.

“You are always trying to scare her away, but I never said anything because she didn’t want me to make you feel uncomfortable.” He continued and by now even Jin was looking out of the kitchen. “You are threatening her and still, she treats your arm. You are growling at her and still, she came to us crying, telling us that she doesn’t want you to go, because she is worried about your safety. But you don’t care you are just talking about her as if…”

Jungkook kept rambling, not noticing that the two tigers’ faces were speechless from what he was telling them. They looked at the bunny with eyes and open mouths until he finished his monologue. When he did, the room was silent again.

“Does – Does she really want us to stay?” Jimin asked after a few minutes of silence, fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

It was just now that Jungkook realized what he just had told them. They actually were not supposed to hear that from him, because Hope wanted to tell them by herself when she thought it was the right time. Well, now the cat was out of the bag.

The girl took a deep breath, before she carefully knocked at the door.

She had been out to discuss her term papers with her professor who was the first one that had been allowed to read them before the committee would. He had told her that he had proofed her terms for any holes that could possibly be a risk for passing that final hurtle, but he had said that it was bulletproof.

When she had come home a few hours ago, she had found the apartment in some kind of a mess. Jimin and Taehyung had been in their room again, while Jin had admonish Jungkook at the dining table in the living room.

When she had asked them what had happened, Jungkook had been near to cry when he told her what he had done. He was blaming himself that it had slipped out of his mouth when they had their small fight a few hours before she had come home.

She was not mad at him though. They would have found out at some point anyway, and that’s how she found herself in front of Taehyung’s and Jimin’s door, hoping to get the chance to talk to them again.

She waited a few more seconds when there was no answer, before she knocked again. Still, there was no answer from inside the room.

“Taehyung, Jimin?” She carefully pushed the door knob and opened the door, not waiting for another answer.

When she peaked her head around the door, she spotted both tigers sitting on the bed together, but something was wrong. Through the silent room, she heard small sobs coming from the bed. She immediately knew it was Jimin.

Though, no one had allowed her to step in, she took a step forward, pushing the door open with a small squeaking sound, making Taehyung’s head shot around. His exes formed to small slits, before he shot up from the bed, facing the girl directly.

“You don’t need to kick me out.” He hissed through clenched teeth. “I will be gone by this evening.”

Hope didn’t know what to response to that. Hadn’t Jungkook told them that they could stay? Why would they think that she would kick them out all the sudden? Jimin’s small sobs ripped her out of her thoughts.

She decided to ignore Taehyung’s statement for now, before she made her way over to the sobbing white tiger who was still sitting on the bed.

“Jimin.” She almost whispered, carefully laying her hand on his. The boy’s hand twitched for a moment, but he didn’t pull away, as he kept on keeping his head sunk low. “Jimin, why are you crying?”

Jimin sighed slightly, before he lifted his other hand to whip off the stains of tears from his cheeks, before he eventually lifted his gaze.

“I am so sorry.” He whispered, still sniffing slightly. “We never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable. Please, don’t make Tae go. I can’t be without him. Please.”

When Hope heard Jimin’s begs to not kick out his brother, her heart broke. She would never kick one of them out, while the other one was allowed to stay. She carefully wrapped an arm around the white tiger’s shoulder, pulling him close so that she could lean her head against his.

“No one will kick Taehyung out.” She said, feeling the tension falling off of the boy’s trembling body. The next part she spoke more towards the black tiger who was still next to the bed, watching the scene in front of him closely. “Taehyung, I know we hadn’t had the best start, but you don’t have to go and neither does Jimin. We can figure things out of you want, so please, stay with us.”

Taehyung’s eyes flickered between the girl and his brother, before his ears dropped in shame. He loved his head and carefully sat down on the edge of the bed, still keeping his distance between the girl and him.

“I am – “ He cleared his throat, his deep voice was holding a tone of shame. “I am sorry that I threatened you.”

He didn’t look up at her, as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt. Hope knew that he meant what he said. There was not a single hint from arrogance or irony in his tone.

“I – I just wanted to protect us.” He began to say again, looking up this time. “I – when we fled from those people, I promised myself that I will always protect us from any human, and I was so – so confused when you suddenly helped us. I thought you had some bad intentions, and that you would hurt us again at some point. I never wanted to hurt your or Jin or Jungkook.”

Hope could image how hard it was for the boy to bring up some trust against her. Humans had hurt them so many times, they had misused their trust and now, they were stock up with a human girl they didn’t knew at all. It would take time for them to trust her fully, and also for her and her boys to trust them.

It was also the first time that she noticed that Taehyung had actually called Jin and Jungkook by their real names. Another proof that he really meant what he was saying. She was still rubbing slight circles on Jimin’s back who had stopped his crying meanwhile and was instead looking at the girl wide eyed.

“And you did a good job doing that.” She smiled slightly at the black tiger. “Look, you both are all safe and sound here. No one will hurt you again, because now, you are with us. We protect each other.”

Taehyung nodded at her words, still trying to process what she was saying. He looked like he was about to cry, but was trying to hold it back at any costs. Hope carefully laid her hand palm up onto the space on the bed between them, hoping that he would take it. The black tiger looked at her for a few seconds, before he finally laid his hands on hers, squeezing it carefully.

It was a first step into the right direction for the three of them. They all had to get used to living with each other, but Hope had no doubts, it would turn out for good at some point.

“Thank you – Hope.” Taehyung whispered, squeezing her hands once again.

[inspirations ||| recommendations]

@starlightauroras-writes

@wishesunderthestars

@agustdakasuga

@ditttiii

@angelicyoongie

[lesbiansforboromir]

Let me tell you all about a very personally satisfying HC I have that, whilst perhaps explaining some things within the books, is really just for my own enjoyment. 

So, the idea originates in the concept that everyone in the Dol Amrothian line are very spooky. The close elven lineage and living near an old abandoned elven haven had particularly mysterious effects on the whole family. Sure there are Dunadain in Gondor and they can develop certain spooky traits, but the Lords of Dol Amroth start out spooky and usually stay that way. It goes up and down depending on the individual, but generally they are all uncanny at the very least.

Denethor can see into the hearts of men, yeah ok cool I guess. Imrahil goes down to the Dol Amroth harbour at dusk and whispers to the swans until midnight, he answers questions you were sure you did not say out loud, he can make you weep with genuine grief over a sadness he hasn’t even mentioned. Speaking with Finduilas sometimes makes you feel like time passes in an instant, or incredibly slowly, or not at all... except no... really... how much time has passed? Wasn’t it just morning? How is the sun setting already? Or, oh my gosh, I’m going to be late! Or... not..? it’s barely been a few moments, yet I feel like I just lived a lifetime...

Ivriniel insists this is all nonsense, doggedly, she refuses to acknowledge it, no matter how many political rivals raise her considerable ire and come down with a mysterious and debilitating illness the next day. Grandmother Duilindes is just straight up a witch. ‘It’s all for the honour of Eru’ she says placatingly, as she enters her rooms in the Palace that she forbids anyone else from entering.

Denethor had heard these rumours before meeting Finduilas and, sure, he sometimes feels like he is being hunted, only to turn and find Adrahil’s eyes on him. But Dunadain are just a little strange like that! Surely it’s been blown out of proportion. He believes this up until he comes to Dol Amroth as Finduilas’ suitor. 

Denethor: Shall we take a walk after dinner? Everyone looks up from their plates in alarm Adrahil: Are you joking? Denethor: ??? Imrahil: It's the seventh day! The gardens aren't to be disturbed! Denethor, whispering to Finduilas: What does that mean?? Finduilas, chuckling: oh, Denethor! 

He sees Imrahil whispering to the swans at one point and is about to call out to him before Finduilas quickly gestures him silent.

Denethor, whispered: What is he doing? Finduilas: Shh, if the swans hear us we'll surely be attacked. Denethor: But then shouldn't Imrah- Finduilas: SHH.

One evening Ivriniel sweeps in with a stormy countenance, muttering over Lord Garahel’s stupidity. The next morning Denethor hears Imrahil mention that Lord Garahel has been taken ill with some fainting sickness. The look he gives Ivriniel is enough for her to know his mind. 

Ivriniel: Your imagination will run wild Denethor, I had thought you more reasonable. You think I, what? Cursed him? Don’t be ridiculous. Denethor, turning to Finduilas: Do you think... she knows she's doing it? Finduilas: Oh no, in fact she's determined to remain ignorant to it. Denethor: Can you... do that? Finduilas: I havent tried :)

At some point Finduilas had told Denethor that ‘Imrahil is the odd one of the family’ and by the end of the visit all Denethor can think is ‘by what metric??’

Denethor had to admit to himself privately that he was not at all put off by Finduilas’ nature, but he did have cause to worry what their children would be like. Finduilas came across Denethor, early after Boromir’s birth, rocking him to sleep and murmuring softly; 'I may have my failings as a father, I am sure I shall, but I swear they will be honestly meant, I love you so dearly my son... please do not curse me when you are older and I do not allow you everything you ask. I promise I only ever have your wellness in mind.' And she thought it was very sweet and proper, but she didn’t tell him he was wrong! And for very good reason! 

Boromir was an unnerving child. He learned to speak just a little too quickly, and when he did he would often say uncanny things, too knowing things, indecipherable things that became daunting the longer you thought about them. He had such a powerful grasp of complex feeling that he would often solve arguments between adults, explain emotions back at his parents or offer reasons for another child’s behaviour that were so accurate it became uncomfortable. 

3yo Boromir: (explains the reason Denethor’s secretary was distracted that day unprompted) Finduilas: (laughs) yes that's right! Denethor: It's.... TOO right. Finduilas: Oh well children are intuitive aren't they? Denethor, picking Boromir up: ... I feel under qualified to teach you things. Boromir: (baby-giggles but in a like way too knowing way)

And then sometimes Denethor would be sitting reading on a bench on a balcony in the early evening with Boromir contentedly playing with a fiddle-toy beside him, and suddenly his son’s voice would break the silence with; 'When I wasn't here I was colder, so I think I like it here, I'll stay. The air isn't as delicious but there's more to see.'

And then he’d go back to playing as though nothing was wrong whilst Denethor had an existential crisis. 

Denethor: W.. where were you, before? Boromir: Well I didn't know, because I couldn't know, but now I can know things, just not that. I haven't decided if I like it.

He asks Finduilas about it as soon as he can find her and she just laughs, ‘don't worry he'll forget he knows that in a few years’ she says, as though that helps at all.

But in general this is as far as Boromir ventures into the ‘spooky Dol Amroth’ territory. Sometimes he mentions things he CHOSE NOT to do that suggests he is capable of more, but other than randomly forcing Denethor to consider his position in the universe and reading him for shit, the first five years of being a parent is fine for Denethor.

At one point, when Boromir was about two, someone asked Finduilas if they were planning for another baby soon. Finduilas laughed ruefully, as though everyone would know that was a foolish question. ‘Oh no, much too soon for that’ she said. Denethor knew he had to follow up on what the hell that meant later. But when asked, all Finduilas said was ‘Oh you know! If siblings are born too close then they align their powers. Haven’t you heard my father talk about my uncles?’ She says it with the same tone as reading something out of a parenting manual. Denethor doesn’t want to hear about Finduilas’ uncles, but accepts this is important and stops thinking about it.

And it’s a good thing they did wait because, whilst Boromir was unnerving, Faramir is straight up terrifying.

What Denethor realised was that Boromir had been showing restraint. Faramir however was very comfortable with his powers and saw no reason not to use them. Denethor would find himself lost in baby Faramir’s eyes, feeling unable to move simply because of the weight of his stare. Finduilas and Boromir would have to save him from Faramir’s grasp, an act that would make Faramir look very put out. 

If people irritated Denethor when he was holding his youngest son, then just a glance from this child would make them drop whatever they were holding, Faramir grinning victoriously all the while. If Faramir did not want to take a bath then Finduilas would have to be present in case the baby decided to make Denethor relive his entire childhood. 

Sometimes Denethor would come outside to see his toddler just surrounded by the street cats of Minas Tirith, conducting some kind of incomprehensible tribunal that all the cats appeared to abide by. At one point Boromir was holding Faramir when Faramir grasped his brother’s face and pulled so that their eyes locked. Boromir passively held Faramir’s intense gaze for a while in this charged and tense moment, before calmly looking away as Faramir pouted. Denethor once again begged Finduilas to explain, but all she had to give was a fond sigh and a ‘Aw, Faramir just wants to get to know him, but our Boromir is too canny, Ivriniel and I used to do that.’ Denethor is used to helpless bemusement and concern by now. 

Now the SECOND part to this HC- YES I’M STILL GOING, THIS IS ALL IMPORTANT- the second part is that Dol Amrothians ALSO get a kind of ‘choice’. (This is likely not at all canon friendly tbh but uwu I can have a leetle canon noncompliance if it doesn’t effect the vast expansive canon... as a treat) It is far more unconscious and happens in childhood, but there is a point where a child will ‘decide’ to continue being spooky or to be more mundane. This never overrides ALL the spookiness, hence Ivriniel’s intermittent cursing and Finduilas’ occasional time dilation, but Imrahil still out spooks the lot of them. Amongst the family this is known as ‘settling’.

Boromir settles when he is eight. One day he comes to breakfast and Denethor looks into his son’s face and feels like he is suddenly more in the world, more in the moment. Boromir seems as himself as ever, but he makes friends easier afterwards. Whereas he had always been liked, now he is popular and has close relationships with children, rather than always seeming too distant. This also coincides with one of Gandalf’s rare visits. He had been trying to connect with Boromir, trying to engage him on very specific topics. Boromir had not been amused. 

Denethor would never say that Boromir hating Gandalf’s vibes was the reason he settled for mundanity. Boromir had many good reasons, he is sure. But the fact that he chose that moment to settle, so that Denethor was allowed to watch Gandalf also realise that Boromir was no longer ‘apt to his hand’, well he might have gleaned some little pleasure from it. 

The only aspect Boromir retains is his general resistance to such spookiness. Hence his frustration in both Rivendell and Lothlorien, the time distortion of those places not effecting him and the imposed rest not touching him, meaning he feels every passing day keenly. It also explains his resistance towards the Balrog’s doomful presence, as well as his heightened distress at Galadriel’s ability to see into his mind, where he had always been able to defend himself before. 

Faramir on the other hand is seven when he settles, thoroughly content with his spooky powers and wanting even more command over them. It is with this settling that he becomes able to sometimes cause people pain for lying to him. Denethor... struggles as a single father for many reasons.

[earthstellar]

TFP Concept Essay: What if the bots had come to Earth and landed in Russia?

Almost a year ago, I posted about a jokey mental image of Ratchet having to wear a giant ushanka if they had landed in Russia because he’s an old bot and would be more prone to cold metal fatigue, but it got me thinking: 

What if the Cybertronians had made contact on Earth in Russia, and not the USA? 

Why Russia? 

Both continents would be appealing from a landing standpoint; The USA and Russia both cover a massive amount of land, so even without knowledge of human national borders, it’s safe to assume that the areas on the globe that would look the most appealing may very well be: 

-North American Continent

-Russia/Eastern Europe

-African Continent 

Now, without knowledge of human national borders, many other parts of Europe, South America, etc. may have also seemed like good options at first, Brazil and Mexico come to mind, but we need to establish what Cybertronians would be looking at in terms of terrain and population risk. 

We can assume that Cybertronians didn’t have prior information on the actual life, society, and general human construction on Earth because the bots (while they have been on Earth long enough to have at least cursory knowledge of humans) still act as though humanity is a bit novel to them.

 A lot of information would not have been available to them outside of Earth’s orbit or atmosphere, and by the time they were in atmosphere, a decision would have to be made quickly based on relative proximity and what data they could scan for within that possibly very limited amount of time.

Nevada, USA likely seemed appealing because it has mountainous and flat terrain in large swathes, with few largely inhabited areas especially near old nuclear testing sites (some radiation may have appeared on any scans they were capable of performing once in-atmosphere and that ambient radiation may have obscured the radiation that they themselves generate as we know sparks emit radioisotopes), making it a good option if they happened to wind up over North America and had to make a quick call. 

(All of this assumes that they had some control over where they landed; It may have been the situation that their ship was damaged enough that they just had to end up wherever they ended up, in which case, they just as easily could have wound up making contact in Russia anyway.) 

This isn’t to ignore the suggestion that Cybertronians had prior, ancient involvement with Earth in some capacity. In fact, that’s a big part of why I think Russia is a reasonable place for them to go. 

-We know Unicron’s energy was deposited into or directly forms the core of Earth. This is explained, albeit quickly, that at some point in Earth’s early history, when Unicron was expelled from Cybertron, his life force ended up on Earth. 

-Would Earth have still been Pangea at that time? What did the continental layout of Earth look like when Unicron’s energy nestled into the planet? 

-Assuming Unicron’s impact with Earth was not the meteor that killed the dinosaurs, which in the TFP universe it may well have been given the timeline of Cybertron relative to Earth, let’s instead assume continental drift had already occurred. 

-Russia is well known for perma-frost and preserved biological life in layers going back centuries. I have a great visual concept of Unicron’s dark energon appearing as purple or black layers of ice, settled unseen and unnoticed under the ground. 

-We also know energon is naturally occuring, in a crystalline, mineral like form. Just like Nevada, USA, many parts of Russia have a similar history of mineral mines and crystal mines, so the actual potential for energon crystals to grow is definitely equal if not arguably better in Russia as there is far more variety of geological conditions across Russia as a nation than there is across Nevada as a state. 

-To better explain the above idea, Czech could also be an energon deposit area, as we know Czech crystal and mineral mines are very successful which is why they are able to produce so much garnet, and even garnet of different varieties. Red garnet and the rarer black garnet. We can assume energon and dark energon would form crystals similar, but not exactly the same, and we know that Central and Eastern Europe have very good geological conditions for this already in real life! 

Compare red garnet with energon, and black garnet with dark energon; Similar structures but very different end results: 

Notice also how energon crystals seem to form in clusters like plain quartz, which is the second most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust: 

We can assume that because the crystal structures of quartz and energon are so similar, that energon may have the geological ability to thrive and be harvested from most areas on Earth in a similar fashion, so this doesn’t necessarily rule out other appealing continents/areas, either! 

But it’s not unreasonable to believe that when coming into atmosphere, the Cybertronian ship tech would likely pick up recognisable energy signatures before managing to process other purely Earth-native data. In doing so, they may notice concentrations of energon and dark energon in Central and Eastern Europe, or perhaps contaminated dark energon from Unicron’s initial contact with Earth within the terrain or perma-frost areas (where applicable), and decide to head towards those regions as fuel will be easier to find and closer to any base they might be able to establish. 

What if Decepticons land first? 

The above section also assumes the Autobots are the first to reach Earth; If the Decepticons were to arrive first, I have no doubt that they would head for any concentrations of dark energon as commanded by Megatron. Countries with larger land mass and older long-lived terrain may have a higher concentration than other areas.

For example, Florida would be a bad place for them to look for energon or dark energon deposits in the USA as the state isn’t that far above seawater and erosion is a huge problem, so there is likely very little dark energon concentrated in the actual land. No significant deposits would be found as there isn’t enough actual ground to contain all that much, compared to other places that may have mountains, hills, ice, valleys, etc. that may accumulate such materials over time significantly better and with higher concentration/overall quantity. This is why other peninsulas, islands, or coastal/water heavy areas like the Mediterranean or Holland may not be as appealing to the Decepticons.

Back to searching for the right spot...

Looking for a place to land, Central Europe, although with good crystal potential, may not look like as good of an option, due to population density that would become evident once better scans were available. Rural areas in a lot of Central European countries are still relatively small in comparison to slightly more north on the map, where rural Russian areas may afford larger spaces to work with, proximity to a wider range of supplies, afford a degree of secrecy, and there may be complexes or materials that could be easily stripped or repurposed that wouldn’t impact on native human life or communities/wouldn’t draw much attention. 

And remember what I said about radiated areas possibly affording cover for their own naturally emitted radioisotopes which may otherwise be detected by human instrumentation; Russia has a similar history of radiological site contamination to that in Nevada, USA-- And not just Chernobyl, which also irradiated Belarus as well as Ukraine, but there’s also Mayak/Kyshtym/Lake Karachay and the surrounding East Urals irradiation, among a few other sites. It might be an appealing factor for them to consider when choosing somewhere to land. 

(I don’t want to skim over the fact that people do live in the these affected areas; I highly suggest you research into this if you’re reading this and have never heard of those sites. There used to be a fundraiser for people living in and around Mayak as well as an awareness effort, but I’m unsure of where that link/website has gone. If I find it again, I will link it. For now, here is a documentary/interview series with local people; Please be aware it may be upsetting, but their voices deserve to be heard if you think you can handle it.) 

Once landed, they could also survey more, and consider their options. Russia has a lot of rural space in some areas, and plenty of very appealing abandoned sites that could possibly be converted into functional bases when supplemented with metal and other materials collected from other similar abandoned industry areas or factories etc., which would spare them the need to actually make their own; They could just re-use the raw material, whatever’s usable, and if necessary look for better cover. 

Russia has tons of biomes/terrain types: 

So they have options. We know in TFP that extreme cold does impact Cybertronians, so tundra and more northern arctic territory would be ruled out, but I can easily see them going for a rural abandoned industrial site in a forested area, which would provide significant visual cover, likely areas already cleared out by previous industry in a given area, and minimal chance of discovery by humans depending on specifically where they end up. 

How would Cybertronian-Human alliances go down? 

A big difference in approach to setting up a base would be the Russian government/forces, and the reaction to the Autobot arrival. 

In TFP, the bots work directly with the USA Air Force/Army, and the base seems to be primarily US Army operated. Their existence and the operations at their base may well be hidden from the wider USA Federal government for the most part at least, possibly using the already secretive clustered Nevada sites as a cover and making the Autobots something of an internal local operation or “quiet site”, which would fit what we see on screen generally speaking. We don’t really get a lot of clarification on this part of things.

But what would the reaction of the Russian government/Army be to discovering the Autobots? 

We know that Russian national forces are very, very capable of defending their air space. It’s unlikely if not impossible that a Cybertronian ship would go undetected or unnoticed, if not immediately then at least within. Seismic data is often monitored and reported as well, so the actual impact of landing may trigger an alert record to be sent to the relevant people, who can escalate those reports. 

Think about Japanese tsunami/earthquakes or West Coast USA earthquakes, and how quickly public alerts and operations are put underway, even before physical effects are felt. Most nations have at least some similar system in place, sometimes to detect earthquakes, others to detect suspected weapons impacts.

We can safely assume that even if they were remote and under as much cover as possible, it wouldn’t be long before Russian forces were involved, and therefore the Russian government. 

I won’t comment on the politics of other nations, although I am very open to hearing from Russian people about their take on this, but it is very possible that the initial engagement would go one of two ways: 

1) Defensive Conflict

2) Attempted Diplomatic Resolution 

I don’t believe conflict would be immediate, because of the sheer physical intimidation and surprise factors. Nobody expects to find giant robot aliens, and there may be immediate challenges surrounding basics like verbal communication (have the Autobots learned human language, in this case Russian, by the time of their discovery?) and so on. This may complicate first contact, as it would anywhere.  

I don’t know if resolution would be reached, as I think it’s likely that the Russian govt would like to weaponize or manipulate the Autobots, use them to intimidate other nations (”look, we have giant robot aliens”), or upon learning of the Russian government or after becoming more aware of the political/social mood amongst Russian citizens if they encounter any communities and perform low key intelligence gathering for a better idea of the local humans, seeing material conditions in some of these more rural areas, after obtaining historical or current socio-political data, etc., Optimus or others may simply decide they don’t wish to work with the government and attempt to peacefully decline, thus issuing diplomatic ultimatums (similar to the back and forth that occurs when trying to establish treaty agreements).

I’d like to note here that I think the Autobots likely had to have a similar discussion with the USA govt, as I think the US Army would have initially had a very similar thought process. I get the feeling Optimus made it clear he wouldn’t be manipulated and wouldn’t be caught up in other conflict(s)/fight human battles.

However, this would be their first experience with human government, as this would be their first contact. They may well assume that this is representative of how things work on Earth until they have the chance to learn otherwise, and in an attempt to be diplomatic, Optimus might cooperate until it becomes clear that it isn’t a good fit, and how the Russian government would handle the subsequent conversation would be anyone’s guess. (Again, Russian people, please tell me what you think!) 

Ultimately, either USA or Russian governments would likely want to at least not ruin diplomatic relations with a space-faring, seemingly extremely powerful alien species. Sometimes that’s what it comes down to, and that would be enough, although conflict could arise here and there, like when we see Agent Fowler have to defend the Autobots to his superiors. 

Episode / Scene Concepts

I have an excellent image of further down the line, however, where things are smoothed over or at least tenuously managed with the Russian govt (perhaps an allotted small autonomous zone for the bots to create their base in with minimal interference, under certain conditions)... There could be so much potential for some great episodes with human interaction with the bots. 

-A great episode of just creating the base, figuring out what’s around, gives us a look at where they are in Russia and who’s nearby, we could see some pretty beautiful shots of abandoned Soviet tech and sites being repurposed and revitalised (with Russian designs remaining evident in the final base construction, just with Cybertronian flair). Maybe within the Autobot Autonomous Zone we would even see locals engaging with the process after the initial shock...

I have an image of Ratchet arguing with an old Russian engineer, and it goes on for a while until the engineer explains to Ratchet that working with scarce resources in less than ideal conditions isn’t exactly new to them, and they might have some valuable tips for working under such conditions. Ratchet comes to respect the engineer after they work together to create a functional power network made from old factory components, a few turbines from an old textile workshop, power generators from abandoned Soviet sites, and power poles made from disused radar systems. 

They relate to each other after they get to talking while cleaning up the rest of the work, and it turns out both of them have similar concerns about the futures of their respective peoples, and have some degree of depression over what they feel they may have lost forever to political games and wars beyond their control, sharing some memories with each other. The engineer is their first local human ally. 

-Russian kids stumbling upon the bots! I’d love to see parallels to the American TFP kids. Miko from Yakutia would be the best, and I believe I talked about that with someone on here months ago. I still love the idea.

-Who would the Agent Fowler character be? He’s listed as being a US Army Ranger, and I’m not sure what the equivalent rank would be in the Russian Army. Google tells me that the equivalent would be a Spetsnaz role, but I am unfamiliar with Russian Army structure, or how personnel might be allocated to the proposed Autobot Autonomous Zone or “secret city” realistically. 

It would be good to get an episode where the Agent or equivalent character first meets the Autobots, and how expectations differ from reality. Maybe over time we see a crisis of conscious with this character, where they initially start out as keeping an eye on things for the government, but slowly become friends with the Autobots and wish to engage more genuinely with them and the other humans who may be involved. 

-An episode where Optimus realises they need to learn more about these humans to work with them more effectively, and sets everyone on tasks related to cultural reconnaissance. 

Optimus studies the literature and history of Russia, and has perhaps some spicy takes. Arcee goes on a drive and has fun going up and down hills in Vladivostok, then races a Trans-Siberian Railway train back and takes note of what the people inside the train are doing. Bulkhead explores cultural identity with Yakutian!Miko. 

Ratchet looks into human medicine and is fascinated by Russian folk medicine and goes on a rant about Soviet spa/sanitorium treatment programs. Ultra Magnus delves into Russian law and almost burns out his processor. Wheeljack explores some industrial sites and studies the detonation techniques of Russian construction workers, comparing their casual conversations to those between him and fellow Wreckers. 

Bumblebee finds an old radio station and uncovers some extremely good bops. Smokescreen discovers Russian dash cam videos and gets pulled over for trying to recreate one. 

Phew! Initial post done! 

There might be more in the future as I love this idea, but I’d equally love to hear from Russian TFP fans: What do you think? What episodes or scenes do you think would be fun or interesting? Is there anything you’d like to add or change? 

Please add whatever you’d like, and if anything I said above comes across as uninformed, I encourage you to correct me or pitch other ideas if you would be so kind as to take the time to do so. :) 

[the-lady-writes-what]

21. Hizashi Yamada and Shouta Aizawa

          Theme: Fox spirits/gods

          Kinks: Threesome, double penetration, biting, marking, praise kink, oral      (receiving), breeding kink (if you squint), polyamory/polyandry

Sorry this is a little late. My brain was like, I know I said I was going to make these short one-shots but how about we make them bigger? 

(The gif has nothing to do with the story, obvi)

Masterlist

You climbed up the many steps leading to the shrine. This was your last resort. The humiliation induced by your vicious ex-boyfriend still left gashes in your heart. Your curse was that you fall in love too quickly and are blind to all faults until it's too late. Your most recent misadventure in love had been so cunning, so cruel that you wasted three years of your life with a man who was, in the words of your best friends, a massive cunt. Manipulative, emotionally abusive, but the cherry on top was the rumor he spread about you having an S.T.D. you'd gotten while cheating on him. Mind you, he was the one with the sexually transmitted disease. You were spared because you hadn't slept with him in recent months. The sting was a deadly blow to your self-confidence and trust in men.

After months of battling depression and anxiety, your aunt suggested a remote village trip and visit this exact shrine. Upon arrival, you were acutely aware of all the women either paired off or visibly pregnant. You noticed this at arrival. It was small at first—a lot of couples paired off, two by two like swans. Then, when you approached the marketplace and asked for directions, you noticed how the shopkeeper was pregnant, along with her sister and sister-in-law. There weren't many single men or single women as far as you could tell. Even a male couple looked happy.

You wanted to burn this town to ashes.

It was insulting, really. You came all this way just to have happiness and love shoved in your face while you, the miserable wretch, were forced to pine. You tried not to scowl as happy couples passed you by. Keeping your eyes focused ahead of you was all you could do to avoid knocking the smiles off their faces. Now, here you were, mounting the steps to a shrine shrouded by pines and red maples. Leaves rustled on the steps, which drew your attention. Fallen leaves littered the stairs and the shrine's sacred grounds, but that seemed awfully unauspicious. Was there no groundskeeper, no shrine maiden, no priest to clear them away? As you reached half-way up the hill, you noticed the smell in the air. Not a bad smell, but it was pervasive all around. The scent invaded your senses. It smelled a lot like jasmine and patchouli. You didn't think much of it and thought it was just someone burning incense at the shrine.

Two masculine figures lounged in the garden. One looked indifferent while the other moped. The latter was blonde; it matched the protruding fox ears on his head and the fluffy, swishing tail patting his thigh. He rested his head on the lap of the former, who appeared much like him except his hair, ears, and tail were black as ink. This one wore an indifferent expression. He looked out into the garden as he made a mental list of all the things he had to do around the shrine. Weeds had encroached where they weren't wanted during the summer and now choked the garden. Fall arrived early this year and made the trees shed their leaves too soon. The steps, as well as the grounds and roof, were covered in maple leaves. The inside needed moping, shining, dusting, and replacing oil lamps. There was still the matter of the hole in the sanctuary's ceiling that needed mending. But was there any human around to do it? No. The last priest died over fifty years ago. Shouta, the black fox, and Hizashi, the blonde fox, had been left alone to answer the whims of pilgrims.

It was almost thankless work. Ensuring happy marriages, love matches, and fertility was hard work when one was forced to clean their own shrine. As long as they were tied to this spot, Hizashi and Shouta had no other choice. The only thing more embarrassing than a shrine-god having to clean up his own shrine was a homeless one.

"I'm starting to miss the old man," said Hizashi. "He was so much fun to drink with. At least he had a sense of humor. Unlike the other fuddy-duddies, they tried to send us."

A few months after the last priest's death, his congregation tried to settle another to take his place. The successor was stern and took his job too seriously for Hizashi's liking. 'He's too dull,' Hizashi used to complain. Shouta wasn't much of a fan either, but it was more due to Hizashi's constant sighs and complaints that drove him to chase the priest away. Shouta ensured that no other settled down for too long. As far as the pair was concerned, the priest who died fifty years ago was their last worthy priest.

"It's so boring and lonely up here. There's no one to play with," Hizashi complained.

Shouta rolled his eyes. Hizashi was in one of his moods again. Boredom took a toll more on him than his 'co-worker' and sometimes lover. It was easy to get bored of making love for fifty-odd years while still working a thankless job. Only occasionally did some old lady or grateful newlywed came to offer incense and drop a donation. Whenever there was money, even a scrap, either Shouta or Hizashi would venture down the hill to mingle with the humans for a little bit. Men or women often flirted with them, but they couldn't decide on a partner they could both enjoy. Instead, everyone was declined.

"Maybe we could call up Nemuri and see what she's up to?" Hizashi suggested.

Shouta gave a flat answer. "No."

Hizashi pouted and went back to his pouting.

"You're no fun," said Hizashi.

"I know." Shouta petted Hizashi's ears to placate him.

Suddenly, a shudder rippled through both of them. They looked at one another. A smile quickly spread across Hizashi's face.

"We have a visitor!" He jumped up at once and dusted himself off.

"We have visitors all the time," said Shouta, but this was a lie. Visitors became fewer after the summer once pilgrims got their desire.

"But did you feel that, Shouta? A poor, miserable, broken-hearted young woman just crossed the path of our statues, and she's heading this way. Don't you feel it? Oh, the poor dear?"

The shrine-gods knew the hearts of all those who entered. It was their specialty to work in all the matters of the heart and the bedroom. Sniffing out broken hearts was a talent they both shared, but Hizashi was the more sensitive one. A fractured heart held an aura that most humans couldn't detect by sensing it alone. Sometimes it was a trifling matter. This time, however, Hizashi felt far more significant pain. Betrayal called out to him like a widow. He hadn't even seen the woman's face but could smell her despair, hate, and ache from miles away. She needed help.

Shouta felt it too. He pitied the human and wondered what brought her to that state. His curiosity was peaked, which didn't happen very often, if at all. Her presence was a sad one, and it threatened to taint the whole shrine with her negativity. Negativity drew hungry ghosts and pesky imps like moths to a flame. All of that meant more work for him. Aside from wanting to protect what little dignity his shrine had left, it was his duty to help this miserable wretch.

"Can we introduce ourselves, Shouta?" Hizashi's bright green eyes twinkled with mischief, hope, and something else Shouta could not easily define.

Shouta weighed the pros and cons in his head. By the time he came to a decision, he could hear the woman walking into the courtyard. Her voice was carried on the autumn wind. She was curious too, likely wondering why a shrine was seemingly left abandoned and in disarray. It would be rude to let her go forlorn after a trek up the hill.

You passed under the second torii gates and a second pair of fox statues. There were no lion-dogs as you saw in most other shrines, but this one had a strong love for foxes apparently. You looked at the water in the pavilion used for ceremonial purification. You cringed at the slightly brackish water and used very little to purify your hands. As soon as you got to the nearest restroom, you were going to scrub your hands raw. Walking down the narrow path leading to the inner sanctuary, you kept noticing very odd things. The shrine was in massive disrepair with cracks, debris, and brackish water. It wasn't a complete eyesore, but something did not feel right. There was not a soul you could find; loneliness pervaded every inch of the place. You pulled your jacket tighter around yourself as you walked on. You found the spot where wishers and pilgrims wrote their prayers on wooden plaques to hang them up. While there were plenty of rustling in the wind, they weren't very many. You scrawled your desire for a loving partner, happiness, and to forget the man who wounded you so deeply.

You hung the plaque alongside the three dozen blowing in the wind. You went further ahead to pay your respect at the small public shrines built on the side of the shrine's complex. There were only two buildings. One foot across, seven feet long, and six feet tall, they were impressively big for small shrines. These were the only buildings uncovered by leaves and pines branches. You marveled briefly at their pristine appearance. In your bag, you brought along the incense your aunt prescribed. You retrieved two sticks of carnation incense and dipped the stick end in the bowl of sand. You lit the incense, clapped your hands twice, and said a prayer. You did this twice at both shrines.

You turned your back to face going all the way down the hill again when you spotted something at the corner of your eye. At first, it seemed like your mind was playing tricks on you. Out of the corner, you thought you saw a ball of glowing blue light flicker in the window of the main shrine. The main shrine was off to limits to everyone but the priests and shrine maidens. This was where the kami, the god, was housed and worshipped by the clergy. You turned to see if what you saw had really been there. Another flash of blue flickered in the window and then another. You swallowed hard, but curiosity pinched at you. You wanted to know. With a quick glance around, you wandered over to the main shrine.

You cut over the grass and walked into the oratory. There were no voices or footsteps other than your own. You called out to anyone who would be listening, yet no one answer was given. Your voice carried down the halls. However, just because no one answered, it didn't exclude the idea altogether that no one listened. The hair on the back of your neck stood on end as you drew closer to what you assumed was the forbidden connecting hall that led into the inner sanctuary, which was supposed to be off-limits to the public. As far as you could tell, no one was around to stop you or tell you no.

You took a deep breath and crossed the threshold. Your heart pounded inside your chest. The halls were so dark you had to grope around just to find a wall. You tried to turn around and head out only to get yourself more lost. It was as if you were stuck in a maze. Every direction looked the same, and turning around seemed to make matters worse.

In desperation, you called out, "Hello?"

Still no answer. You trekked further in the hopes of running into someone, anyone, and get them to show you the way out. You hoped that they had a flashlight on hand. You would barely make out your hand in front of your face if you held it up.

Another flash of blue had you whirling on your face. You whipped your head in that direction. Shivers ran down your spine as you felt a pair of eyes bore a hole into the back of your head. It didn't feel like something glaring at you, but the sensation frightened you nevertheless. You took off in the direction of the blue flash. Yet another appeared up ahead, further along than the previous. You started running after it. More appeared, and each grew more distinct in shape and color than the last. You managed to get close enough to hear the hiss and flicker of its fire. You stared at a ball of blue flames with its tongue licking the air. It disappeared into nothingness and reappear off in a different direction.

You found it hovering in front of a set of shoji doors. It disappeared once more. Lights flickered behind the rice paper. You pried your fingers against the seams and pushed the door open. Lamps lined the walls. They burned with pale blue and white flames behind their screens. You approached with caution and gripped your bag straps tight.

Wooden floors creaked beneath your feet. You mentally cursed yourself for dragging your shoes inside the holy place, but the longer you glanced around the room, the more it seemed that this was not an ordinary shrine. The room had a lower portion accessible by three steps, and a red mat covered much of the space. A shrine rested on the floor on the other side. In each of the four corners was a vase that held carnation flowers. Somehow, all the flowers were in perfect condition and thrived in the forgotten space. You stepped carefully towards the shrine when you felt something behind you.

You looked over your shoulder. Not something, but someone and just a someone but someones. It wasn't the fact that you finally met another person at the shrine or that they were men that gave you alarm. It was the ears sticking out on top of their heads, the tails swishing back and forth behind them, and the regal manner in which they bore themselves. The one in a black yukata folded his arms across his chest and looked quite serious, probably because you were trespassing. The other man wore a red yukata, but he appeared far more friendly than his companion. He smiled broadly at you as if you hadn't just broken one of the most sacred, unspoken rules about behavior at a shrine. You swallowed hard and bowed from the waist.

"I am so sorry for intruding, sirs. I-I didn't mean to intrude…I got lost and couldn't find my way out. I'll leave immediately if you just show me the way. I promise I'll never come back and disturb another shrine so long as I live!"

"Easy there, little sparrow. No need to get riled up," said the friendlier one.

Slowly, you raised yourself up. You looked at them again, still bewildered by their ears and tail. They were either the strangest priests you were likely to ever come across, or they were—

"What business do you have here?" Asked the more somber fellow.

"I-I" You choked on your words. "I had a boyfriend who did rotten things to me. I was hoping to, to, um, to…" Your voice trailed off.

You were too distracted by the fox ears on their heads. They looked too real to be fake, but how was that possible?

The blonde one snapped his fingers.

"My eyes are down here, love," he chuckled.

Your cheeks darkened with embarrassment. "Please, if you could just tell me how to get out of here, I'll leave you alone."

Your first instinct would be to bolt for the door. When you glanced behind them, the doors had been shut when you remember having left them open. Were these demons standing in front of you? Is that why the shrine seemed so empty?

"Leaving so soon? But you haven't even heard our proposal yet?" Said the blonde.

Your brows furrowed. "P-Proposal?"

The black-haired fox-eared man slipped something out of his yukata sleeve. It was your wood plaque you left hanging outside. His ebony eyes gleaned over your wish and read it aloud.

"I don't know who will answer this, but I want to find true love, a life partner who will never stick a knife in me and twist. A man, or frankly anyone who will love and care for me. Please bring me happiness and make me forget about the man who abused me for three years. Is this your wish, Y/N?"

Your face drained of color. "How do you know my name?"

"We have our methods. I'm Hizashi. The dour one is Shouta. It's lovely to meet you."

"W-what are you?" You ventured to ask.

"We're the shrine gods. It's been lonely up here for a while now. The priests haven't been to our liking for the last fifty years, so we're forced to take care of the place ourselves, which is rather insulting if you think about it," said Hizashi.

"And…what are you the gods of?"

"Love, fertility, happy marriages, love-matches, all that fun stuff," answered Hizashi.

"Are you the reason why every other woman I met in town is pregnant?"

Hizashi answered, "Of course. We've been blessing this region with successful pregnancies for centuries. There hasn't been but a handful of miscarriages in all these years thanks to us."

"We're not the cause of the pregnancies if that's what that face is for, Y/N. We just ensure that the infant comes to term and reduce sterility in men and women," said Shouta, who had apparently been studying your face very closely.

Your blush darkened.

"Otherwise, this town would be full of half-fox spirits roaming around, wouldn't it?" Hizashi laughed.

"Okay…" You thought for a moment about what you were going to say next. This was all too surreal, but this was better than feeling miserable. "But what do you want from me?"

Hizashi and Shouta exchanged looks. A soft smile crept upon Shouta's face.

"We'll grant you your wish. On a few conditions," Shouta began. "As you can tell, our shrine is in dire need of—what do you humans call it nowadays? T.L.C.?"

"Tender love and care?" You said.

"Yes. That. Our shrine has been in disrepair for some time, but as much as the villagers enjoy making offerings, they aren't too keen on cleaning it. As you can imagine, it's rather embarrassing cleaning up your own shrine," Shouta continued.

"So, what you're saying is that you'll get me a decent boyfriend if I clean your house?"

"We can do better than, little sparrow," said Hizashi.

You felt his eyes wander your body. You couldn't help but shiver. Out of fear or anticipation, you couldn't tell at this point. You might have been hallucinating for all you knew.

"How would you like to be the wife of a god?" Hizashi laughed again. "Or two?"

"W-Wife? I just wanted a boyfriend who loved me. I don't remember asking for polyandry. Besides, why would you tie yourselves to someone human and mortal."

"We can cross that bridge when we come to it," said Hizashi.

"What do you say? Help us repair the shrine, and you'll have something better than a boyfriend. It sounds like a good deal, doesn't it?" Asked Shouta.

"Yeah," you said incredulously. "A little too good to be true. What's the catch?"

"You would have to live here and 'maintain' the shrine's cleanliness and reputation. We could get someone to teach you to perform the kagura dance. Learn a few things that would make you useful around the shrine and to the villagers. A shrine maiden, for all intents and purposes."

That did even things out. You weren't tied to your apartment, especially since it still had the ghosts of your past boyfriends lingering in there. You didn't go to college, and you hated your job. Becoming basically a shrine maiden and marry a pair of fox-gods seemed like a step-up from your hum-drum life.

"Hypothetically, if I agreed to all that, how would we go about making it official? Are we to have a big wedding? Does Ōkuninushi* have to be involved? Is there supposed to be a ceremony we have to follow?" The questions tumbled out of your mouth one by one in your unusual state of mind.

"So many questions. To answer all of them in one go, here it is. All you have to do is enjoy yourself," said Hizashi.

Before you could ask what he meant, Hizashi closed the gap between you. His mouth was suddenly on yours, and his hands settled on your backpack's straps. Your load was unburdened by your shoulders. Hizashi's hands ran through your hair, holding your head hostage. You heard Shouta's footsteps come along beside you. He worked your shoes off your feet and your socks as well. When he arose, Shouta's hands found your waist. He snatched your head away from Hizashi to kiss you himself. From there on out, it was a frenzy of hands, mouths, and tongues teasing you.

The first thing to go was clothes. Hizashi and Shouta worked together to get rid of the annoying layers that kept them from feeling up more of your skin. Your autumn outfit suited the chilly weather outside but was ill-fitted for their current needs. Their hands peeled off each layer of clothing until you wore nothing but your bra and panties. Somewhere between removing each item of clothing, one of them summoned an extra-large tatami mat out of thin air. You landed softly on the sleeping mat, cradled between them. Their kimonos were disposed of in the same manner as your modern clothes, with one exception. They were both utterly naked underneath their yukatas. Your blush spread down to the top of your chest at the mere sight of their hardening members.

"You look so pretty blushing like that, Y/N," said Hizashi.

He took his place between your legs. Hizashi playfully snapped the hem of your panties. He seemed to enjoy your small yelp as the elastic snapped against your skin. Shouta sat on his knees and pulled your back flush against his chest. He unclipped your bra and tossed it aside. Hizashi pulled at your underwear until the fabric tore. You opened your mouth in protest, but all the words stopped in your throat to make room for the moan. Shouta palmed your breasts and tweaked your nipples into stiff peaks. Your ruined panties were forgotten as soon as Hizashi settled one of your legs over his shoulder, and he ran his long tongue along your slit.

"It's been a while since we've laid with a woman. You'll have to forgive us if we're a bit rusty," said Hizashi.

Hizashi ran his tongue along your slit again and hummed at your taste. His tongue dove between your folds and pinched your clit. Meanwhile, Shouta kept at his administrations to your chest and kissing your shoulders. You arched your back when you felt the tiniest pinprick of sharp teeth graze your skin. Shouta smirked at you and gave you a nice look at the fangs he had. Hizashi had the same situation going on. You could feel his teeth carefully caress your sensitive bits.

"Do you like my teeth, Y/N?" Asked Shouta.

You bit your lower lip and nodded.

"Then you're really going to like this." Shouta lowered his head to the spot where your neck met your shoulders.

He bit down, but not hard enough to draw blood. His hands continued to tease you while his mouth and teeth left dozens of love bites all over your neck. Hizashi pulled his head up from between your legs. He watched for a moment how your face twisted in ecstasy as Shouta marked your lovely skin. It didn't take long for the idea to get in his head that he should do the same. Hizashi brought his teeth against your inner thigh and nipped. He repeated the process over and over until both of your legs bore his teeth marks and hickies. You squirmed for them. Heat traveled in two directions, to your head and your lower belly. Hizashi resumed his task of fucking you with his tongue and added two fingers to help him in this endeavor. Soft squelches from you gushing over him was enough to make you never want to leave.

"You're so pliable, and your breasts are breathtaking," Shouta sighed next to your skin. "Are you about to cum, Y/N?"

You bucked your hips to the rhythm of Hizashi eating you out. Slowly, you nodded. Your fingers clutched Hizashi's head, mindful of his ears.

"Then," Shouta whispered the next part in your ear. "Cum."

Hizashi worked faster, pumping and licking your cunt. You grabbed for Shouta as pleasure ripped down your spine. Hizashi and Shouta shoved you face-first down the precipice. Your walls clenched tight around Hizashi's fingers and tongue while your jaws hung open. No one else could make you moan as loud as you did. And likely, nobody else ever will.

When Hizashi came up for air, his mouth and chin were drenched your essence. He leaned up, but instead of kissing you, he planted his lips on Shouta's. In turn, Shouta licked Hizashi's mouth to get a taste of you for himself while he was at. Shouta reached down and played with your clit while making-out with Hizashi briefly. You felt their members stand proudly against your body, and your inner walls clenched at the thought of one or both filling you to the brim.

Shouta and Hizashi kissed one more time. Hizashi peeled you off of Shouta just long enough for the latter to stretch out on his back. You were turned around. Shouta gestured with a 'come-hither' crook of his finger, and you crawled towards him. His hands grabbed your hips, made you straddle him, and pressed the blunt head of his cock against your slippery, wet cunt.

"Are you ready?" He asked. It was child's play holding you up like that with his cock more than ready to impale you.

You nodded your head. Shouta slowly, carefully pulled you down on his cock. It stretched you open again. You sank down on him until you were fully seated. You tried not to let your eyes roll into the back of your head. Shouta then grabbed your shoulders and pulled you down. Hizashi was right behind you, fisting his cock. He wasn't as big, but he was just as long. Hizashi placed his other hand on the small of your back. You felt his cock probe the area where Shouta was already preoccupied. Something clicked in your head. Shouta grabbed and clutched your hands. Beads of sweat ran down the side of your face while Hizashi brushed his cuck against your cunt.

"Look at me," said Shouta. "Look at me. You're going to be fine. We'll make you feel so good."

"So very good," Hizashi cooed.

You tightened your grip on Shouta's hands. You stared at his face as Hizashi pushed forward, stuffing you close to the point of damage. You were well-lubed up to take both of them, but in practice, this was your first time having two men fill you at the same time. Inch by careful inch, Hizashi pushed into your cunt. When he was fully seated, he let out a long sigh.

"I can feel both of you against, and it feels so good." Hizashi shuddered.

"Can you move?" Shouta asked Hizashi.

"Give me a minute."

You were given a few minutes reprieve, and in that time, you felt your lower belly swell. You felt them stretch you to impossible measures. Though tears stained your cheeks, you never felt more pleasure. The mixture of both pleasure and pain blurred the lines. It wasn't long before you were being pushed and pulled in either direction, their cocks fucking you deep.

Wet skin slapped against skin. The men you were sandwiched between grunted and moaned your praises at your ability to take them both so deep. There weren't any words you could say with any cohesion. Words became meaningless when being fucked into oblivion. Hizashi and Shouta worked in tandem. When one pulled out, the other plowed right in. Both cocks kissed your cervix as they drove themselves, and each other, wildly into your cunt. You felt fluids rush between your legs that mingled with your sweat. You squeezed Shouta's hands and buried your face in his chest.

Higher, higher, and higher still, you were flying. You bit Shouta's chest as their cocks thrust in and out. Your brain turned into mush at this point. All you cared about was getting fucked on their cocks forever. Little else mattered beyond that.

"I'm close," said Shouta.

"M-Me too," said Hizashi.

"Then let's finish it."

Without another word, they started to drive faster than before, and you thought it was impossible. Shouta returned your bruising grip and rammed upwards to meet Hizashi's downward thrust. They both moved quickly and headed towards coming undone inside you. You felt it too. Your walls spasmed and fluttered around both their cocks, though the stretch made it hard to tell. They shifted into an erratic pace rather than a smooth move. Their cocks drove harder into your cunt. Animalistic grunts filled the room as both Shouta and Hizashi slammed home. You screamed your climax just at the same time they did. You kept screaming while ropes of cum warmed your belly. You were moaning into Shouta's chest as you felt buckets of their seed filled your womb. There was nothing for you to wonder about why they were the gods of fertility and pregnancy.

Hizashi pulled all the out first. He massaged your shoulders while Shouta lifted your hips off him. Hizashi's long fingers dabbed some of the cum dripping down your thighs and pushed it back inside your weeping pussy.

"You gotta keep it in, ya, little sparrow. You want to be a good wife to your husbands, don't you?" Hizashi cooed.

*Ōkuninushi- mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki as the god of nation-building, agriculture, business, medicine, love, marriage, and fortune