#draw more chubby folks too

[blackbackedjackal]

what if we DO wanna hear ur onions on character design 🎤

make more milfs

[ckret2]

QUESTIONS BECAUSE IM TRYING TO DRAW YOUR BILL!!!

A, would you consider bill to have sharp or soft features (talking about facial features mostly I know he's chubby)

B, what is your fav thing about Bill fanart/what would you like to see

C, what is something you would like to see people emphasise most when drawing your bill?

🌹🌹

A. Soft features overall, although I also tend to give him a pointy chin and very straight pointy nose. ("Why?" Triangular.) But if it's too difficult to mix & match those traits without looking too weird (idk what style you're working in), then err on the side of softer.

B. idk, I'm happy to get anything. I'll come back to this one.

C. I feel like recently folks are doing a better job of drawing him fat, but one thing I still don't see much of is people drawing his ridiculous proportions. Probably because his proportions are ridiculous. He's got a really goofily exaggerated pear shape—wide hips and really narrow shoulders—and unexpectedly noodly limbs, because... that's how he looked before he was a human: a torso shaped like an equilateral triangle, with thin noodle limbs. irl his body shape would probably look a little uncanny, so idk if it's possible to draw his body shape in any style more realistic than the cartoony GF style without it looking TOO uncanny; but if it is possible, that'd be neat to see.

But again, just like the first question: if that weird mix of thin bits and fat bits is too tricky to pull off, then err on the side of fat.

B, the sequel: okay I thought of some things I'd like to see.

When my Bill's drawn with other characters, it's usually Mabel or Ford. I'm ALWAYS delighted to see him with Mabel & Ford (I keep writing him with Mabel & Ford) but it'd be cool to see him interacting with some other characters too

I always love it when people put him in new Bill-ish outfits

it's heartwarming seeing people, like, imagine a future for him or imagine where he's going

it turns out it's really fun to find pulp romance novel covers and stick him in one of the poses. Try it out. It's great. The more dramatic the pose the more fun it is

[paradox-valleyy]

Lost and Found

Pre-Canon rdr 2 x Teen!fem!oc

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Word count: 3,5 k

Notes: Next Chapter the gang will start getting more involved I promise 🙏

Jolene awoke with a jolt, someone’s boot nudging her leg repeatedly. She scrambled to sit up, her heart pounding from the sudden disturbance. Squinting up through sleep-heavy eyes, she recognized the scowling face of the Sheriff looming above her.

“This ain’t a bed, boy,” the Sheriff grumbled. “You’d best find yourself somewhere to sleep where you’re not botherin’ honest folks.”

Jolene bit back a retort, knowing better than to mouth off while the Sheriff was still in a mood from the night before. Instead, she sighed and picked herself up, brushing the dust from her clothes. Without another word, she turned and trudged out of the alley, her stomach growling softly. Morning sunlight barely stretched across the street, and Jolene guessed it was still close to five in the morning. Too early even for the shopkeepers to start setting up.

With her thoughts drifting back to yesterday, she found herself absently fingering the coins in her pocket, feeling the remnants of the previous night’s meal warming her. It had been good to go to sleep feeling full, and for once, she had enough coin to make that feeling last a bit longer. She stifled a yawn and decided to head out toward the river. A quick wash would do her good, and the early hour meant she’d have some privacy.

The walk took her out past the town’s edge and along the riverbank, her worn boots leaving faint prints in the morning dew on the path. She followed the water until she reached her favorite secluded spot, where she could clean herself up away from prying eyes. Glancing around to make sure she was alone, Jolene stripped off her shirt and pants, exposing her feminine teenage figure, and setting them on the bank beside her boots. Only her necklace stayed on—a long, thin chain with a golden ring hanging from it. She always kept it hidden under her shirt, the one thing she’d never part with.

Wading into the cool water, she shivered as she scrubbed away the dirt from her arms and neck, then dunked her head, fingers scrubbing her scalp with determination. Days on the road and nights on the ground left her feeling grimy, and though the river water wasn’t exactly soap, it would at least rinse some of the dust away. Her fingers brushed the bruise on her jaw, still tender from the chubby man’s punch last night. She sucked in a sharp breath at the pain, her face darkening at the memory. But the water was cold, numbing the ache as she washed the dirt from her skin.

After a few minutes, she stepped out, water dripping from her lanky frame. She tugged her clothes back on, wet fabric sticking to her uncomfortably. The necklace glinted briefly as she tucked it back under her shirt, and she rubbed the ring absentmindedly before pulling her collar up over it. Feeling a bit refreshed, she started her walk back into town, taking the long way through the forest.

As she strolled, Jolene picked up a smooth stone and began flipping it in her hand. Her thoughts wandered to Dutch and Hosea, the strangers from last night. She wondered what sort of life they lived, drifting from town to town. They intrigued her, those men—confident, daring, unbothered by the rules she always found herself breaking. She felt a twinge of envy and wondered what it might be like to live that way, with nothing to lose.

The crunch of hooves on the forest path pulled her out of her thoughts. Glancing up, she saw two men on horseback approaching. They were deep in conversation, one of them speaking in low, annoyed tones. Jolene slowed her steps, curious.

“This ain’t how it works, you gotta stay, help her,” the larger man was saying, his voice gruff but steady.

The other man, younger with dark hair and an irritable expression, glared back. “Just keep to your own business,” he snapped, his tone sharp.

Jolene kept her head down, not wanting to draw too much attention, but as they passed, the larger man dipped his hat and muttered, “Good morning.”

Startled, Jolene gave a quick nod. “Mornin’,” she replied quietly, watching as they continued on, their voices fading as they disappeared down the trail. She wondered briefly who the “her” was they were talking about, but her curiosity quickly waned. In this town, everyone had secrets, and some things were better left unknown.

As she made her way back, Jolene debated what to do with her day. If she lingered in the forest, she could avoid trouble with the Sheriff. Sometimes she spent hours out here, crouching by the water, watching for fish, or tried carving small animals from wood scraps she picked up along the riverbank. The solitude wasn’t so bad—sometimes she even welcomed it.

A sudden rustle in the bushes made her freeze. She crouched instinctively, watching as a fox darted out onto the path, its bushy tail flicking behind it. It paused, eyeing her with as much curiosity as she felt, before bounding off into the trees. Jolene exhaled, feeling a strange peace in that brief encounter. It reminded her of how she felt last night, sitting across from Dutch and Hosea, eating warm food and feeling… almost seen.

Eventually, as the sun rose higher, she made her way back toward the edge of town, deciding she’d risk the streets a bit longer. It was quiet enough at this hour; most folks would still be at breakfast. Jolene wandered down an empty road, fingers tracing the coins in her pocket, as she kept her eyes peeled for any signs of trouble—or opportunity.

Jolene made her way to Johnson’s shop, already savoring the chance to pester the calm, steady shopkeeper. Johnson never raised his voice, not even when he caught Jolene slipping a piece of candy into her pocket or trying to haggle for half the price. The man had an endless well of patience, which only made Jolene want to test him all the more.

As she strolled into the shop, Jolene caught sight of the two men from before, standing by a shelf in quiet conversation. The taller one, the man with the black hat, glanced at her briefly, giving Jolene a small nod of acknowledgement before turning back to whatever he was inspecting on the shelf. Jolene nodded back, moving on toward the counter, where she leaned forward, her hands braced on the smooth wood as she peered over its edge, hoping for something new or interesting to catch her eye.

After a moment, she heard the familiar footsteps approaching. Johnson appeared from the back room, an eyebrow raised at seeing Jolene yet again. “What do you want now, kid?” he sighed, though a small, reluctant smile hinted at his amusement.

“Just checkin’ in,” Jolene said, grinning. “How you doin’ today, Mr. Johnson?”

Johnson shook his head with a long-suffering sigh. “If you’re that bored, why don’t you go on and bother the folks over at the church? I’m sure the sisters’d be happy to fill your head with a sermon or two.”

Jolene groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. “They’re no fun. All they ever talk about is God and what’s proper and how ‘the good Lord is always watching.’” She slouched against the counter, hoping she might at least drag out a few more minutes of conversation. “Not my style.”

Johnson gave her a gentle shove toward the door, still chuckling. “Well, I’m too tired to be dealin’ with you right now, and unlike some folks, I actually got customers who pay.” He gestured toward the two men by the shelf, and Jolene, feigning offense, put a hand to her chest.

“Fine, fine, I’m goin’,” she muttered, putting on a show of reluctantly dragging her feet as she shuffled to the door. She could feel the eyes of the two strangers on her back as she left, their gaze lingering as though she were worth more than a passing glance. It sent a slight shiver down her spine, though she couldn’t say why.

Out on the street again, Jolene squinted up at the rising sun, considering her options. Johnson had been half-joking about the church, but the idea of a free meal and maybe a sip of wine to warm her belly made her mind up for her. Bread and wine, she thought, chuckling to herself as she crossed the street. She didn’t like the taste of the wine, really, but it made her feel grown up, in a way, and that was enough for now.

As she walked toward the little church on the edge of town, Jolene thought about God—or rather, about how she wasn’t sure she believed in Him, or any of it. Still, there was something about the place, the quiet hum of hymns, the light filtering through the dusty windows, that felt safe. And right now, that was all she needed.

Jolene pushed open the heavy church doors, letting the quiet hush of the sanctuary settle around her. Morning sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting patches of vibrant colors onto the wooden pews and stone floor. She looked around, taking in the rare peace, and saw Sister Amelia emerging from a back room. She had a kind face, framed by a white wimple, her expression softening as she spotted Jolene.

“Joel,” she greeted warmly, stepping closer. She ruffled her hair, eyeing her with an amused but gentle concern. “You don’t come by too often, do you? How are you doing, child?”

Jolene gave a small shrug, not quite meeting her eyes. “Been better,” she muttered, rubbing a hand over her bruised jaw absentmindedly.

Her brow furrowed as she leaned in to get a closer look at the purpled skin. “Looks like you’ve had a rough time,” she said, sighing. “Come on, say a prayer or two. The Lord listens, even when you don’t think He does.”

Jolene knew what this meant—a quick prayer, and she’d get some bread for her trouble. She nodded, heading toward the altar and dropping to her knees, muttering the only prayer she could remember. Satisfied, Sister Amelia watched her, a small smile tugging at her lips.

When she finished, she slumped back onto the pew, stretching out her legs a little. Sister Amelia gave a nod, pleased, then looked at her with a glimmer of encouragement.

“How about you step into the confessional while you’re here?” she offered, gesturing toward the wooden booth.

Jolene stiffened. “I, uh…don’t think I got much to say.”

But at that moment, Reverend Thomas appeared from the hallway, giving Jolene a warm, expectant look. “It never hurts, Joel,” he said, his voice gentle. “If you’re here, might as well. Come on now.”

With a reluctant sigh, Jolene trudged over and stepped into the confessional, the wooden seat creaking as she sat down. The small, cramped space was shadowed, with only the thin screen separating her from Reverend Thomas.

Jolene cleared his throat, feeling awkward. “Uh…bless me, Father, for I reckon I’ve sinned.”

The reverend’s voice was calm, inviting. “Go on, Joel.”

Jolene took a shaky breath, then the words tumbled out. “I steal a lot. I take from people ‘cause I don’t got anything. I lie all the time, too. Just…tryin’ to survive, y’know?”

There was a moment’s silence, then the reverend spoke. “And you feel like there’s no other way?”

Jolene’s voice was barely a whisper. “Ain’t nobody out there helpin’ me, Father. Gotta do it all on my own.”

The reverend’s voice softened. “Remember, child, even in the darkest times, the Lord is watching over you. He understands your struggles, and there’s always a chance to choose a better path.”

Jolene wasn’t entirely sure she believed that, but she nodded anyway, feeling oddly lighter for having said the words. She shuffled out of the confessional, where Sister Amelia waited with a small piece of bread. She took it eagerly, not bothering to ask for the wine she usually hoped for. The bread alone was a treat enough.

She sat in the back row, chewing the bread slowly as she gazed up at the colored light filtering through the stained glass, studying the way it painted the floor in patches of blue, red, and green.

A moment later, Sister Amelia walked over and sat down beside her, watching her with a gentle smile. “Something on your mind, Joel?”

Jolene shrugged. “Just lookin’ at the light, I guess. Pretty colors.”

They sat in a companionable silence, and then she said softly, “I need to fetch something from the ranch. Would you like to walk with me?”

Jolene’s eyes lit up at the thought of getting to look at the livestock. “Yeah, sure,” she said eagerly, stuffing the last of the bread into her mouth as they stood.

They walked side by side, the morning air fresh and the town just beginning to stir behind them. Jolene started talking, telling Sister Amelia with enthusiasm how she managed to evade people when they chased her, darting into alleyways, scaling fences, and slipping away into shadows before they could catch her. She enjoyed recounting it, her voice quick and animated as she described near-misses and the thrill of outsmarting grown-ups.

Sister Amelia listened patiently, smiling but also frowning slightly. “Quite the little escape artist, aren’t you?” she said, her tone amused but tinged with concern. “But Joel, you shouldn’t have to live like this. It’s no life for a child.”

She shrugged, trying to brush it off, but the Sisters words gave her pause. She looked at Jolene with a sad smile. “I’m sorry you’ve had to face so much hardship, child. No one should have to grow up alone.”

Jolene nodded, but said nothing.

She reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “God has His plans, Joel. Sometimes life feels unfair, but remember, everything has its purpose. One day, all the challenges you’ve faced will lead you somewhere. You have to trust in that.”

She didn’t fully understand or belive that, but something in her words felt reassuring. They walked in silence for a while, Sister Amelia’s presence a steady comfort as they strolled through the quiet woods.

After two long hours of walking, they finally reached the small ranch on the other side of the forest. Jolene’s legs ached, but the sight of the sprawling fields, livestock, and warm sunlight brushing the landscape made her forget the stiffness in her limbs. Sister Amelia moved toward the ranch house, her long skirts swishing with each step, while Jolene lingered behind, her gaze roving over the faintly familiar surroundings.

She thought briefly about telling the sister about Dutch and Hosea, but something held her back. It felt like a secret she should keep to herself for now, so she stayed silent, watching as sister Amelia made her way toward the rancher and his wife, exchanging quiet greetings and a few words.

Nearby, Jolene spotted a group of pigs rooting around in the dirt. Their snorts and grunts filled the air, and she couldn’t help but grin at their comical faces and muddy snouts. They smelled terrible, a thick, earthy stink that even the open air couldn’t quite carry away, but she didn’t mind. She leaned on the fence, enjoying their silly little dance as they rolled around and nosed each other, completely oblivious to her.

After a while, Jolene moved to another pen, where a large horse stood still as a man crouched near its hooves, carefully lifting one to check its shoe. The horse was a beautiful, sleek bay with a coat that shone like polished wood in the sunlight. Jolene felt a tug in her chest as she watched the animal shift and nicker softly, its big brown eyes calm and gentle. Horses had always fascinated her, but she’d never had the chance to ride one. There was something about them—their power, their quiet strength—that made them seem like creatures from a different world, untamed but loyal, wild but willing.

The man tending to the horse looked up and noticed Jolene watching. “Like horses, kid?” he asked with a hint of a smile.

Jolene nodded, almost shyly, not wanting to seem too eager. “Yeah. I…never got to ride one, though.”

The man chuckled, patting the horse’s neck affectionately. “They’re somethin’ else, that’s for sure. This here’s Daisy, strong as any horse I’ve known.” He gave Daisy a pat, and she nickered softly in response.

Jolene took a tentative step closer leaning against the fence, feeling a thrill in her chest as the horse’s massive head turned toward her. “She’s real pretty,” she murmured just loud enough.

The rancher smiled, nodding his encouragement. “Come here, give her a pat. Just be gentle.”

Jolene quickly jumped over the fence and jogged over letting her fingers brush against Daisy’s nose, and she felt the warmth of her skin, the velvety softness beneath her fingertips. She could hardly believe it. She nuzzled her hand, and she couldn’t help but grin, a quiet, rare moment of wonder lighting up her face.

“You’ve got a way with animals, don’t ya?” the rancher said, watching the gentle exchange.

Jolene shrugged, her eyes still on Daisy. “I guess.”

Just then, Sister Amelia returned, a loaf of fresh bread and a jug of milk laid in her basket. She looked over at Jolene with a soft smile, seeing her reach out to the horse, and for a moment, she didn’t interrupt, watching the quiet moment unfold.

“Joel,” she called gently after a moment. She looked over, reluctantly pulling her hand back from the horse.

“Got everything we need?” she asked, a bit sheepish as she met the sisters gaze.

“All set,” she said, and together they turned back toward the forest, the morning shadows now stretching toward afternoon. But as they walked, Jolene kept glancing back over her shoulder, her mind lingering on the horse and the feeling of its warm, gentle breath against her hand.

As they walked back through the forest, Sister Amelia glanced over at Jolene, noticing the way her eyes sparkled with a lingering excitement. “Did you like that horse?” she asked, her voice warm and inviting.

Jolene nodded, her smile wide. “Yeah, she was real pretty. I always wanted to ride a horse, but I never got the chance.”

Sister Amelia smiled knowingly. “You’re still young, Joel. There’s plenty of time ahead for you. One day, I’m sure you’ll have the chance to ride.”

Her heart lifted a little at her words, feeling a flicker of hope. “You think so?”

“Absolutely,” she said, her voice gentle. “It’s important to dream, you know?”

“Dream?” she echoed, tilting her head slightly.

“Yes,” she said, looking thoughtfully ahead as they continued down the path. “What do you dream about? What do you wish for, beyond a warm bed and a full stomach?”

Jolene thought for a moment, her brow furrowing in concentration. She often wished for those basic things, for a place to call home and enough food to fill her belly. But something deeper tugged at her—a desire she couldn’t quite articulate. “I guess… I wish I had a family,” she admitted slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “But that’s hard because I’m an orphan.”

Sister Amelia’s heart ached for her, but she smiled softly. “That’s understandable, Joel. Family is a precious thing. But what else? Something bigger, perhaps?”

She thought hard, her mind racing through fleeting images of her past—faces of people who had come and gone, the fleeting warmth of kindness, and the painful loneliness that sometimes enveloped her. “Maybe to fly?” she said unsure, but her voice gained a hint of excitement.

“Fly?” she asked, laughing lightly. “How do you mean?”

“Yeah,” she said, her enthusiasm building. “I just feel like birds are so free, especially the eagles. They can go so high, unbothered, just do whatever they want, go wherever they want.” She looked up at the sky, imagining the vast expanse above them, a world where worries and fears didn’t exist, where she could escape from the life she lived.

Sister Amelia chuckled at the innocence and honesty of her dream. “That’s a lovely thought, Joel. Flying does sound wonderful. The freedom of soaring through the sky, looking down at the world below. You’re right; eagles are magnificent creatures.”

“Yeah, they are!” she exclaimed, her excitement spilling over. “They can just glide and catch the wind. I wish I could do that.”

“Who knows?” Sister Amelia said thoughtfully, looking at her with encouragement. “Maybe one day you’ll find a way to make your dreams come true. You’re resourceful, and you have a good heart. That counts for a lot.”

Jolene felt a warmth spreading through her at the words. For the first time in a while, she felt seen and understood. “Thanks, Sister,” she said quietly, a small smile forming on her lips.

As they continued walking, the sun filtering through the leaves above, Jolene couldn’t shake the feeling of hope growing inside her. Perhaps one day she would indeed find a way to soar, to break free from the constraints of her life and reach for something greater. For now, she took comfort in the small moments, like sharing dreams with Sister Amelia under the dappled light of the forest.

[vendetta-if]

How would you describe the body types of the RO's?

'Cause I get several ideas of my own.

Ash: Solid. Wide shoulders, strong arms. They'd have put in the work for a build that's more function over form, yet retains the curves that draws people's attention. Really, put them in a tanktop and passers-by are going to have neck problems from the double takes they do.

Rin: Svelte. Shortest of the bunch, could pull a Marilyn Monroe and wear a potato sack and make it look stunning. A slight build without clear muscle definition. Maybe most visible if they dance or do high-level yoga.

Santana: "Average" if thin leaning. They're overworked, overstressed and overcaffeinated. Whilst they might not necessarily look unhealthy, a good meal more regularly would work miracles.

Skylar: Pick basically any comicbook superhero character from DC or Marvel of the lean and defined variety and you'll have a decent approximation of how they look. Maybe how most Spider-Folk look or if you average'd the Bat-family.

Anything on or off the mark? Maybe got any references of your own?

Love the story, btw. Hope to see more soon, the barfight was a hoot-and-a-half.

You're not that far off actually 🤔 I'm not really the best in describing body types, but I'll try my best 😅

Ash

I like to imagine Ash body built like an MMA fighter, lean and athletic and not too overtly muscular like a bodybuilder. Their muscles are built for practical uses, not to show off.

Rin

You're pretty spot on for Rin. They are slender and elegant/graceful and don't really have clear muscle definition. The prime example of prioritizing their mind and charisma over physical stuff and combat. But yeah, they'd slay anything they wear, undoubtedly.

Santana

To me, Santana is just average overall. Not too slender, but not to the point of skinny where they don't really have muscles. They do have some muscles to a degree (they are a cop after all, and had to pass like police academy beforehand), but certainly not like Ash and Skyar. They don't really go to gym nor do they spar to maintain them. They're also not too plump or chubby as well, because of their less than ideal lifestyle. They're just... average.

Skylar

Picture a fitness model, that's pretty much how Skylar's build (but not the really muscular ones mind you 😂). They are still lean and athletic, but unlike Ash, their muscles are definitely more... defined? Like, Male Skylar definitely has pretty well-defined six-packs and pecs.

They do workout in the Agency's gym regularly and supplemented with some sparring with other superheroes for more practical training. As a superhero, they gotta appeal to the masses while also still be able to hold themself in a fight.

[genericpuff]

I was reading your essay on "fat" rep in LO and as woman who is overweight, maybe not but definitely chubby/pudgy and often getting shit for it by my family... Do we ever see Persephone with a not-flat stomach? Even just a little protruding, not necessarily round. Or a double chin? I know fat looks different on different people, but... To me that seems like a pretty obvious way for an artist to show their character is meant as fat rep. If Rachel actually wanted that, I mean.

There are definitely times Rachel tries to draw her "fat" but it feels so tone deaf because it's still just like... as I've mentioned in my essay about it, it's "Hollywood fat", i.e. the kind of belly pouch fat that many women have that's often painted as ugly even though it's very commonplace to have (because no person is entirely flat! we're humans, not planks of wood!) The problem is if you try to quantify as little amount of fat as possible as "fat representation", you can't really call it fat representation because it only represents people on the lower end of the spectrum of fat. Here's an example of what I mean when I tried to find that one specific image example I was thinking of that I had seen ages ago lmao (this isn't the one I was thinking of but it gets the same point across):

Yes, cartoon stylization is a thing, but watch out for the folks who say they can't draw fat people because "it wouldn't suit my style", it falls into the same type of excuse camp as Tim Burton saying black people wouldn't suit the "aesthetic" of his films. They actually could draw fat characters in their style, it's more likely they just don't want to (but don't want to admit to that).

And honestly, if someone just wants to stick to drawing characters of a specific race, body type, etc. that they're familiar with, that's not a crime in and of itself IMO, but don't claim that your work is representation for a group when it's really only carrying the bare minimum or if you're just forcing it for the sake of seeming progressive. That's pretty much where LO falls, its "fat representation" only represents the bare minimum of fat that doesn't apply to the people who are looking for legitimate fat rep in media. Sure, there will be people who will still connect with that body type, especially for people who have stretch marks or belly pouches, but can it really be called 'fat rep' on the whole when it's not going to connect with the people who are genuinely fat? I'm someone who's gone through weight gain and struggled with body image, while I can totally relate to the type of body Persephone has where she (sometimes) has a muffin top and cellulite on her legs, that doesn't make her "fat representation" as a whole because she doesn't represent the women who are genuinely fat beyond chubbiness or being "not flat".

All that aside, the only indications of Persephone being 'fat' are the odd panel where Rachel gives her a belly or "stretch marks" (tbh they look less like stretch marks and more like scars from a bear attack lol):

But then she'll also draw Persephone with a straight up bodybuilder torso and have her say outloud that she's "small-medium":

It all feels very tone deaf because it's Rachel trying to have her cake and eat it too - she wants to draw Persephone as her usual small cinnamon roll self who can be infantilized and fetishized by the men around her (which Rachel loves to write and draw btw) BUT she also wants to try and take credit for Persephone being "fat rep" so whenever she remembers to do so, she'll throw in her laziest attempts at making Persephone seem "fat" but really she's just the Hollywood version of "fat" by having a belly pouch and stretch marks that many women of varying sizes have regardless of weight changes. We can't even assume that she may have been fat at one point and lost the weight (leading to the stretch marks) because we've seen Persephone in basically all stages of her life from childhood to adulthood. She's always been itty bitty and her entire personality and relationship with Hades is written around that.

[dootznbootz]

Hi! I haven't had the chance to read the Iliad or the Odyssey but I want to draw an illustration with Odysseus, Penelope, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Menelaus, and Helen. I want to try to potray them as close as in the books. Are there descriptions in the books of how they look like?

*cracks my knuckles*

So I'm going to preface this with...

While yes, there are some characteristics listed, you can (and should!) have fun and kind of go a lil crazy :3 Also that I'm no expert and simply a silly goose.

There are many MANY "designs" that can and DO "fit"! For example, one of my dear friends has her Penelope with auburn hair and her Odysseus with black hair while I have that switched! (My Odysseus with Auburn and Penelope with black hair) Many people have Odysseus short while I have him taller. I have my Penelope very smol and my Helen is a chubby 6'4 woman.

That's something that is so fun about these myths! :D So many interpretations and so many that are still "correct"! :)

(Also folks who have better knowledge and/or something to add, please feel free to! :D )

BUT!!! I get where you're coming from in trying to get "as canon as possible" as I try to do that too so I'll do what I can. :3 If you're curious about the BEAUTY STANDARDS of Minoan/Mycenaean Greece, that's a different matter. (I don't mind making a separate thing for that with the sources I have as well)

And honestly? For the Women, (Penelope, Helen, Clytemnestra, etc.) There really isn't like, ANY description of them. At least not specifics other than beautiful.

I think what you DO need to keep in mind for the gals, is like, what their heritage is and then base on that. What do you think of when you think of Zeus and how he looks? Possibly keep that in mind when designing Helen (and Pollux). With Clytemnestra, her and Helen share a mom but have different dads, so keep that in mind.

Penelope is, in the most straight forward myths, is at least half Naiad (freshwater nymph) and even be 75% naiad! Her mother being Periboea, a naiad herself, and her dad, Icarius, being half-nymph in some myths! :D

Now to the guys who DO have some canon stuff. (btw, this is from what I remember on the top of my head with the evidence I can find/remember)

First off, Achaeans are usually given the epithet of "Long-haired", as that was kind of the beauty standard :)

I'll do Agamemnon first.

"who’s that large man, over there, that impressive, strong Achaean? Others may be taller by a head than him, but I’ve never seen with my own eyes, such a striking man, so noble, so like a king" (Book 3, Johnston)

He is implied to be tall but not as broad as Menelaus and Odysseus. But definitely still is strong in his own right. His hair color I don't think is ever described but I'm pretty sure he's described with a dark beard at one point.

For Menelaus:

(sorry but his descriptions are often squished in between other stuff, and I don't wanna sift through it all)

He is often described with either "fair-hair" or "flaming-hair". So most likely blond or ginger. He is taller than Odysseus as well but it sounds like, maybe a tiny bit shorter (or same height) as Agamemnon. He is more described with a broader body in general. (I guess a good reference could be a professional wrestler? I love kind of imagining him, while not as imposing and large as Greater Ajax, he is like a "brick of a man" in how you'd try to rush at him and push him and you couldn't.)

For Odysseus:

Homer doesn't shut up about how ripped this man is tbh lol.

Dear child, come tell me who this man is,                                 shorter by a head than Agamemnon, son of Atreus. But he looks broader in his chest and shoulders. His armour’s stacked there on the fertile earth, but he strides on, marching through men’s ranks just like a ram moving through large white multitudes of sheep. Yes, a woolly ram, that’s what he seems to me.” (Book 3, Johnston)

"She withered the smooth skin on his supple limbs, robbed his head of its auburn locks [...]" (Book 13, Rieu)

"The bushy locks to hang from his head thick as the petals of hyacinth in bloom" (Book 23, Rieu)

"Fine thighs" etc. I think you get the point. He's got a broad chest and shoulders, strong af legs, he gives the vibe of being very toned, probably almost like a "Greek God" as he does have the Epithet of "Godlike". While his hair color can really be anything, He ALWAYS has thick curls (the hyacinth and ram comparison) which was the beauty standard of the time.

For clothes!

This was the Minoan/Mycenaean style for the most part! :D I recommend researching on your own as well but here's some examples! (Feel free to make adjustments in some ways (I know that not everyone is comfortable drawing breasts and that's okay.))

For Men's fashion:

(This is a Boar Tusk Helmet! :3 Many warriors wore but Odysseus specifically did in the Iliad and is commonly depicted with one!)

I hope this helps!!!

[nectaric]

I just wanted to ask if you could write more about Momus asks cause I absolutely LOVE HIM and the way you write him♥️♥️

thank you so much???? that actually. really means a lot to me bc he's just my little Guy! he's so annoying!! and i actually really love that you appreciate him as well, because he came out of nowhere and now dominates much of my mind, so thank you <3

i have a few things hiding in my asks / drafts for him that i'm sure i will reply to shortly, once the writing bug returns, but in the meantime, have some more fun details about him i've been stewing on!

momus honestly looks really sweet and innocent and kind. he has a welcoming face and a pretty non-threatening appearance to mortals. he's chubby and round faced and kinda short, and smiles so sweetly you'd think he was going to say something kind - but then he hits you with the deepest, darkest roast you've ever heard. he lives for the surprise on unsuspecting folks faces

i might have said this before but i'll elaborate - momus loves to draw, particularly portraits of real people. he doesn't often know how to actually show affection without souring it with his words, so he'll draw pictures of people he cares about and drop it off without saying anything so they can appreciate the gesture without his mouth getting in the way

momus needing to 'feed' on the insecurities of others and mocking their deepest flaws vs momus being terrified of actually being alone and unloved, fight

loves to fly. one of the few times he's actually Happy and fulfilled without being annoying is when he's flying, and he gets pretty competitive about it, too. flies everywhere, even if its impractical

he's used to people insulting him back. he's used to threats of violence, even. it very very very very rarely bothers him - unless it comes from one of his family members. not even all of them, just specific ones. and not even every insult. some of them just know best how to get under his skin and give him his comeuppance, and that's the only time you'll see momus falter.

is really quite clever and observant, able to pick up on things most people cannot. in fact, clever about everything.... except romance. and friendship. and being loved, generally.

[radioisntdead]

Good evening folks! I wasn't feeling the best today so I decided to treat myself and I made a sheet + some details for my sona [with a very mild redesign]

She's supposed to be a little more chubby [because I am] but apparently that vanished during my lineart and I did not have the energy to fix it.

She's a lil' deer lady who writes fanfiction and does other things in the hotel, she got taken out around the early 1930's after discovering something she wasn't supposed too.

She wrote a few books that never got published during her lifetime.

Ranging from wholesome romance, horror to children's books.

She has two sets of ears because I have a thing for elf ears, she can hear out of both pairs, the elf ears are pierced, She's more sensitive towards loud noises.

Her pupils are ink splotches, and the marks on her body resemble ink splotches.

She dyes parts of her hair brown, just to somewhat stay in touch with what she looked like before, without the brown it's fully pink [?]

Honestly has no idea WHAT she did to end up down there, has a couple of theories though.

She has a notebook with all the details about loved ones, along with doodles, just in case she forgets what they looked like, She wonders if her loved ones still remember her or if she's buried deep in their memories, forever forgotten.

She has a whole thing with being forgotten or forgetting.

She absolutely HATED some of the deer aspects she got stuck with at first, particularly her deer ears at first, definitely tried to tear them off when she got oversimulated.

She learned to adore her deer parts within time especially her hooves because hooves, they make click-clack noises, she still wants to tear her deer ears off when she gets oversimulated though.

Ended up getting involved with Alastor and temporarily [and without permission] took over his radio tower when he was away for seven years, forcing sinners to hear her sleep deprived rambles and whatever songs she felt like listening to.

Moved into the hazbin hotel because she had nothing better to do plus it gave her more time to indulge in her hobbies without worry of getting murked or something.

Wonders if she truly gets redeemed would her loved ones accept her when they're reunited again?

Her choker has a spades charm on it [Ace of spades]

Occasionally keeps cursed cat Alastor hostage, also kidnaps the egg bois to change their outfits or draw on them.

Crochets little plushies and gives them to everyone in the hotel.

Old versions

Alrighty I'm done being cringe for now, I'm writing the part two for that Velvette fic, so Tune on in later today or tomorrow for it!

[sittinginthewoodsrn]

38, 43, and 141 for the ask game :3

38. Describe your dream girl/guy

huh this is not easy. im bi and don't really care about how a person looks ultimately, but im definitely more attracted to masculine presentation (this doesn't account for genitalia, funnily enough). and personality and looks are totally seperate to me. you can be so so so attractive to me just by being funny, and dorky the same way i am. but if i had to go by looks... i am really into people that are bigger than me in some way?? either taller or more muscle mass or weight. folks that are that fine ass fucking mixture of chubbiness and muscle (and THEN you add hair??????) make me short circuit like my brain literally stops working when i see them holy sh- please lift me up and throw me around(gently though, im fragile)???

but that's not all im attracted to. I basically only draw the line at "people who are standard white person 'attractive' and have nothing but huge muscles" :)

43. Do you smile at strangers?

im so awkward okay if a stranger was like, looking at me for long enough i would smile just to make it known im polite. but if we just glanced at each other id pretend i didn't even perceive them to stay out of their way. i don't think anyone wants the likes of me to notice them, if that makes sense?

141. Night or day?

definitely night. im cursed to feel unproductive all day until about 9pm when i hyperfocus on something until it's waaaay too late

Thank you for asking!!!!!

[fatgumsurpremacy-remastered]

Welcome folks-

My name is Festen Martinez, you can call me Festen. I am an actor above all else and a writer second. I write and draw for Team Fortress Two, as well as the Batman Rouges, (Some Hazbin), and FNAF. If you spark up a convo with me and I know the property and character you have a good chance at me writing for them too.

Feel free to send me requests and I’ll have a look. Current count (41, with 3 more in drafts).

Follow my second blog @faire-of-fictition

My hazbin oc blogs: @mc-tooley-tobias-toby , and @magnum-pritchard-repro

Other info:

21

He/Its

Bisexual

Transmasc

American (West Virginia, and Texas)

You can send me requests for your OCS or you can ask for mine as well. Don’t me shy, make yourself at home. 🧡

Requests open!

I am a Fandom Writer:

I write for:

Btas villains: Riddler, Twoface, Mad Hatter, Scarecrow, Harley, Ivy. Batman also

TF2: All Mercs AND MS PAULING

I will write:

•Should be obvious but chubby (or fat) reader

•Yandere (preferred)

•Smut (preferred, just reference what you’d want in the ask and I’ll give it to ya.)

•Non con/ Dub con/ CNC

•Platonic

•Headcannons

•Drabbles

•Imagines

I’ll draw any of the above as well

I won’t write (or draw)

•Scat

•Pedophillia

•Age Regression (dkh)

•Detransition

Masterlists:

Tf2

Demoman:

Demo joining a LARP group!

Yandere Demo w/ an s/o who doesn’t like dancing

Yan demo w/ bartender S/O

Engineer

Yandere Conagher Brothers x oblivious reader

Dell x trans husband smut

Yandere Engie and forced affection

Traveling preist Engie Art by @virginstoner666 💗

Go! Yandere Engineer x GN reader (almost smut)

Heavy:

Yan heavy cuddles!

Pyro

Yandere Platonic Emesis py Reader

Semi unmasked art

Ms. Pauling

Yandere Ms. Pauling

Semi Marriage proposal

Platonic Ms. Pauling and new trainee

Medic:

Yandere medic smut

Yandere medic with a captive that goes missing

Yandere medic and a partner w/ stolkholm

Yandere medic lap dance

Yandere medic Cycle of violence smut

Scout:

Get bonked

Yandere scout, kissing practice

Platonic scout

Sniper:

In my style

With a bratty so smut

Soldier:

Nsfw thoughts

Platonic Solly and overstimulated hugs

Spy:

Yandere spy egg vibes

All:

Yandere Red Octoberfest drawing

Would I trust them with my pets?

Demo and heavy x reader Head-cannons

Mercs reacting to a love letter

Yandere emesis Blue x reader

Yandere medic and sniper w/ clingy s/o

Emesis character comfort

Yandere mercs and if they’re comforting or not

Yandere mercenaries and how scary they are when jealous

Yandere Angel au with Sniper, Solider, and Medic smut

My my mercenaries

Soldier/Demo

Medic/engineer

Merc Headcannons

Memed science party

Spy and Engie dad stance

Btas

Alberto

Cornelius Stirk:

Stirk img.

Eddie

BTAS Eddie nsfw snippet

Yandere Arkham asylum riddler w/ shy and anxious reader

Yan telltale riddler with a reader who tries to escape

Yandere telltale Eddie

Yandere Arkham Eddie hcs

Handling it (smut)

Caked up Eddie img.

Eddie frame redraws💚

In my style: Ed and Jerv 💚💙

Nightmares img.

An Ed Kento for Sunny 💚💛

For Arkhamverse simps

Scantily clad ed

5’2 Au pt 1

5’2 suited up

5’2 Au ground img.

5’2 classic mv

5’2 smut pic

There’s a light img.

BTAS Insp. Art

Indulgent riddlebat

More fancy Eddie Art

Dilf Eddie?

Flashy Eddie ing.

Yandere platonic Eddie teaching riddles

Harley:

Harvey:

Au art

Harvey and insert art

Tasteful nudity

Ivy:

Jack:

Joinker au

More whore clown img.

Jervis:

Bonkers img

Jervis img.

Wonderlan img.

Reading img.

Johnathan:

Johnny img.

Scarecrow design img

BTAS scarecrow yandere head-cannons

Comp drawing w/ batman

Yandere BTAS headcannons

Ozwald:

Oswald Img.

Compilation

Au Squad: Jervis, John, Jack, and Edd

5’2 height matrix img (WIP)

Batman Vigilante Squad Au

Hazbin/Helluva Boss

Alastor

Under the Same Young Sky (male reader, ao3)

Vox

Yandere Vox housespouse

It Takes Time to See a Doll, Yandere Vox x Cis!Fem Reader P[1] [1.5]

Vox x chubbyfem reader wip

Ocs

Maddox

Maddox x reader play fighting

[valkyrieofsmut]

Just wanted to share how I see reader in any self insert fanfics I read

(I DID NOT DRAW THESE!!! I MADE THEM IN PICREW!! But otherwise I own... Myself basically? Just like... A different looking version of myself??? Whatever lol)

First image is her as a 12 yr old child who has a serious case of resting bitch face syndrome which may have left her with little to no friends and leads her into a lot of fights that could have been avoided but she was perfectly fine with that lol

2nd is her as a teenager (and had just beaten the hell out of someone, only applicable to some fics though otherwise she's normal and NOT covered in blood lol) but couldn't be bothered to cut her hair and barely brushes it which is why it's in a ponytail (she wakes up too early just to get to school you think she's gonna bother cutting it or/and brushing it?) She also developed a more apathetic resting face instead of angry... People find it more unnerving which amuses her and makes them less likely to approach her, much less bother or confront her lol

3rd is her as a full grown adult who has cut her hair a bit shorter than her teenage years but she still prefers to just braid it (a bit more work but it stays in and doesn't get messy as easily) and she learned to smile when amused... Which is all the more terrifying for others since it doesn't quite look... Normal and seems off.. especially if you only ever seen her other more angry looking or/ and her apathetic face and she's just fine with that and even does it to mess with what small group of friends she has

Of course this is all toned down or cranked up depending on what fic I'm reading lol

For example in Tokyo Revengers' Bonten timeline it's cranked to the max but with your bone brigade boys she's much kinder and even sweet (plus the boys can feel her intent so it don't bother them as much I reckon, at least not enough to bring it up...)

And she knows how to slide in her normal mask (any autistic folks here would know all about that... Me included) for her work/dealing with society soo...

In short she might be just a TAD unhinged in some fics, some she's a downright serial killer, and some just misunderstood lol

Wow... My self inserts are super lame and unimaginative in comparison....

Female. Long hair (mine can be tucked in my waistband, I sit on it occasionally...), usually a strawberry blond or purple in color. Eyes, two of them, usually a blue-green color. Shorter than I actually am because I want my mans to be taller than me for once!! 😭😭😭 A body that if I think about it is; Big boobs because I can't remember what life is like without them... Lol (one cup can make a hat... My friends decided to mess with them... Lol), chubby, ten fingers, ten toes... a tail and ears in reaction to situations sometimes, and... Um... Clothes... Either jeans or leggings... Big baggy shirt... Sneakers/skate shoes... Oh! Almost forgot a mouth and nose! Because she does breath, and talks sometimes... Lol

Thank you for sharing!

[maelihi]

give all the balto headcanons. and when i say all, i mean all. dont leave a single one out.

:D!!!

yay!! so these are most if not all of my balto headcanons!

he’s very tall, about 6’7 and he’s also between thin and chubby. i can’t really decide because on one hand big, strong, plus sized werewolf, and on the other since he’s so tall, shouldn’t he be thinner?

anger issues- severe. to the point he punches and throws shit. he did end up harming one of his family members at one point, but when that happened he went to anger management therapy!

he’s scared of thunder and storms in general

thinks werewolves are the ‘superior race’.

liked ivy for a bit since she was pretty, but soon got tired of her bitchy nature, even though he’s also a bitch

a creepy guy- like he really is. talks to girls in a match way, but hates when folks go onto his sister (his sister is another character since i went dumb and made another family lineage- wanna hear about that, dx. anon? <3)

listens to melanie martinez (loves battle of the larynx!)

strong, but not really a working out type? he works at a farm for a little extra cash and he’s pretty good at lifting stuff!

cried at Of Mice and Men (very good book <3)

!!slight warning: this one is a bit more heavy, and this is not to romanticize anything, and it’s simply to give familiarity to my headcanons!!

he has a slight pill addiction. he got it from his mother. he has a pain medicine addiction, and when his younger brother got involved he quickly went cold turkey (that wasn’t too easy.)

!! safe now!!

cold guy. just in general. his hands are always cold, his feet, face- he’s just cold.

birthmark righttt under his right eye

in his full werewolf form his hair is brown with a redder tint, and his eyes are a very deep red (sounds like a cliche factor but-)

when in his most relaxed, human form he has a more natural brown hair color, and brown eyes!

his human name that he uses to get out of werewolf related stuff is something dumb like ‘bruce’ or ‘cole’ (get it?)

loves raw meat (not too much or he gets sick), so medium rare is good too!

total night owl, hates getting up in the morning

loves control over any plans he’s a part of, or he gets overstimulated and nervous

loves to cuddle (mostly because i was just cuddling four of my friends last night)

loves his grandfather, who is the leader of the werewolf population at PDH!

These are some! i’m drawing some blanks right now since i have so many! but maybe ill give more! and thank you sososososo much mx. anon!

[lorbanery]

Chiming in as another fat person to second and expand upon some of the above.

I may be wrong, but I've never seen artists drawing Aziraphale as chubby in a way that suggests they're perceiving Michael Sheen as chubby. Rather, most of the time, it seems more like the artist inclination towards identifying Shapes and exaggerating them.

This

Is a very Round man. Not round in the sense that he's fat, or even what most folks would consider chubby (though he's certainly on the larger side of what most would consider "thin"). Round in the sense that he has a round face. His hair is round. He has a bit of a tummy, accentuated by the closely fitted vest. He wears a large coat (not seen here) that is ever-so-slightly too big for him, that gives off the impression that he's almost swimming in it.

He is a very Round character. His vibes are a nice vintage teapot that you bought at a thrift store. His vibes are the love child of Bilbo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. So it makes sense that when artists start exaggerating his features for Art, that he starts getting chubby or fat.

This is an act of love. This is an act of "I adore this character so much I need to explore his shape and make it More."

I think it's also important to bring up the history of artists drawing fat characters, specifically here on Tumblr.

If you were here during the heyday of Welcome to Night Vale, you might remember the evolution of the fanon appearance of Cecil. Fanartists got all the way through to deciding he had a third eye and moving tentacle tattoos before conversations started spreading about why he was always drawn as a skinny, white anime boy. Why, when there was no physical description given of the character beyond a couple of clothing items, artists took that free reign to design a character that could look any way they wanted, and just drew a generic skinny white man.

Some people took offense, some people argued that they were just taking cues from his actor, who is thin and white (though in that case, why not draw him bald? why draw him like a twenty-something?). But ultimately, gears shifted, and more and more art came out of Cecil as chubby, as fat, as Native American, as Black, as Mexican, etc.

I think that was a real turning point in the Tumblr fanartist community. A lot of folks examined their own biases and their own skillsets and pushed themselves to draw more diverse characters. A lot of folks who had wanted to draw more diverse characters were less worried about folks not liking their art. A lot of folks who were already drawing more diverse characters started getting more attention. Nowadays I see a lot more fanart of skinny characters drawn chubby, where before you'd only ever see that in inflation kink fanart (nothing wrong with the genre, it's just disheartening to only see folks drawing characters with your body type as a kink that exists solely in a fantasy setting). I see a lot more white characters drawn as other races; I see A LOT of characters who are canonically non-white, mixed, or from regions where darker skin is normal, but who are drawn a lot in canon as white (looking at you, DC comics), being drawn with, shall we say, "corrected" skintones.

And it's great!

A lot of it is artists wanting to see themselves in the characters they love and the fact that they not only feel comfortable doing so, but are part of the norm is wild and wonderful! A lot of it is artists trying to find new ways to draw bodies, recognizing that "same face syndrome" isn't only always contained to the face. That being able to draw different body types makes you a better artist.

I am not worried about people drawing Aziraphale fatter than Michael Sheen is in reality. It will only help to further normalize drawing fat characters.

There's two wolves inside you

One of them wants to see as much fanart where Aziraphale is round and big and chubby and soft

The other one doesn't know what to make of it, since Michael is objectively not even that big, but people view his chub and exaggerate it as bigger than it actually is and it makes you feel bad for actually fat individuals and how they are perceived by society

And it's a constant struggle

[theresattrpgforthat]

THEME: Mechs

This week's game recommendations are all about piloting mechs, for victory, for love, for glory and for money.

Last Shooting, by My Name is Grant.

Two pilots can change your destiny. Two massive war machines can change your future. Two players can share the happiness.

Last Shooting is a 2-player RPG that uses a unique system to tell stories about Mech battles. Using a customized version of the Final Bid engine, Last Shooting builds the characters and defines them more sharply during each scene of play. Then, it gives you the power to destroy any of those aspects to propel yourself to victory.

This game is excellent for a one-shot session with one other friend. The game uses a bidding system that requires you to bid elements of your character sheet for a chance to win in each scene, and the game is over after three scenes. It's great for couples looking to roleplay together, or perhaps for that night where most of the group cancels, but you still want to play something.

24XX Goliath by Brick Road Games.

24 YEARS AGO OTHERWORLDLY INVADERS DEVASTATED THE PLANET. To defend ourselves from the monstrous Leviathan, experimental technology was used to create massive mecha called Goliaths. Since the war ended most Goliaths were re-purposed for civilian use. Now, the Leviathans have returned, stronger than before. Pilots from all walks of life are being drafted to fight back.

This is your standard 24XX micro-game, complete with roll tables and quick character generation. This game was inspired by Pacific Rim, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and the Xeno series, so if you are looking to emulate those pieces of media, this might be the fit for you.

ECH0 by Role over Play Dead.

Peace. Kids playing in mech wreckage. A ghost. 

One last journey across an ancient battleground to find a pilot's final resting place.

ECH0 is a game for 3 or more players, about children escorting a mech pilot's ghost to their final resting place. This is a pick-up-and-play game, which means that it requires very little prep and is over after one session. It is a GM-less map-drawing game, and is perfect as a game on its own, but might also work as an interesting set-up story for a mech-themed campaign. The concept for this game is also great for exploring the idea of grief and loss for something or someone that you never really knew.

Dragon's Fire by Majcher Arcana.

This world is ruined. 

Once mighty, shining, and true, the land now festers, ruined by agents of chaos and corruption. The Bastion is mankind’s final refuge, towering at the center of the Five Wastes, sheltering the weak and needy, and fighting to keep the Fallen from breaching its walls, to secure humanity’s future for as long as they hold. 

You are Riders, piloting your colossal machines—the Dragons—as you strike at the Fallen Lands, pushing back the hordes that assail the Bastion, delivering aid where it is needed, and eventually piercing the very heart of each of the Five Wastes, so mankind may once again live freely in these lands.

Dragon's Fire is a game designed from the Together We Go toolkit, a game system designed and inspired from OSR-style games. It's meant to be rules-lite, easy-to-learn, with only a few stats to track and improve. Right now it's not a full game, but the core rules have been released for just over $1 USD. If you're a fan of OSR games and you want a chance to play as mechs in a setting inspired by the Dragon's Heaven anime, this might be the game for you!

Mectors by Chubby Crow Games.

After the war, thousands upon thousands of bipedal mechanized fighting vehicles (or “Bimechs”) were left scattered across the land. Many were brought back to the capital cities to be repaired or scrapped, but the majority of them were too damaged to be easily transported. With the war won, the victors simply left their mechanical refuse in the battlefields to rust and wither. 

Across the nations, in communities that had lost great numbers of working folk, these Bimechs replaced rudimentary tractors and mining equipment. Nobody knows who was the first to call them “Mectors”, but the name caught on and spread. The war ended over a century ago, and while the world still bears its scars, it has also healed. The capital cities still skirmish from time to time, but those fights rarely extend into the farmlands and mines of the common folk.

In Mectors, players take on the role of a farmer, miner, fisher, carpenter, or some other worker in a labor intensive field. Mector Owners come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some own a Mector that’s been in their family for generations. Others came across theirs recently, through purchase or luck. And a rare few have managed to piece their own together using scraps from decommissioned Mectors, but this is even harder than it sounds. No matter how they got it, they now have a powerful tool with a long history.

This is a game designed off of the Charge System, which takes a lot of cues from Forged in the Dark. The designer already has a few supplements released for the game: a Heartland supplement which can be downloaded for free from the main page, and a Steeper Talent Tree that provides some extra character options. This is a game that allows you to take the idea of mechs and view it through an alternate lens: a high-tech version of "beating your swords into plowshares," if you will. For the concept alone, I think it's worth checking out.

Beam Saber by Austin Ramsey

Centuries after humanity abandoned a rotting Earth, blighted by their follies, the Izyan Conflict's seeds sprouted deep in space as plans unfurled.

The Exodus ships fled humanity’s decaying cradle in varying states of quality and completion. Ships failed, were raided or cannibalized, and jettisoned all but the essentials. History, art, and play all fell in the face of necessity. Those that survived found planets to land on, settle, and fight over across the known regions of space. The evacuation left a vacuum of power, but not for long.

After the Exodus, five Factions rose to power—and thus, The War began.

Beam Saber is a Forged In The Dark game about the pilots of powerful machines in a war that dominates every facet of life. They are trying to do their part, then get out physically and mentally intact. The organizations that perpetuate The War throughout all of known space are too incomprehensibly huge to take down. There is no “winning” The War, there is only surviving it. Hopefully you can help others get out too.

This is a game for folks who like Forged in the Dark games, especially games that manage a large number of factions. Each player has their own Pilot playbook, but they will also need to build a vehicle (possibly more than one if they need a replacement or something temporary). Then they'll build a squad playbook, which like a Crew in Blades in the Dark, is something that the group will build together. This is a game that prioritizes fiction, but doesn't lag behind when it comes to lore; you'll get your role-play, your rules, and your rich history, all in one book. (And even more resources besides!)

Lancer by Massif Press

Lancer imagines a future where a survivor humanity has spread to the stars after weathering terrible ecological collapse on Earth - the end of the Anthropocene as a consequence of unrestrained consumption and poor stewardship. Thousands of years later, humanity lives in the wake of a desperate revolution, one where the victorious radicals now manage the galaxy they've won.  

Lancer is truly prolific in what it holds. On the one hand, you have an incredibly streamlined system for narrative role play when you look at pilot creation: your pilot takes four descriptive stats that they'll use to navigate anything and everything they'll interact with outside of their mech. Pilot play is narrative and rules-lite. On the other hand, you have an incredibly stat-heavy and detailed system for mech combat: your mech-driven missions will require grid maps, strategy, and teamwork in order to be successful. It's up to your table how much play is pilot-driven and how much is mech-driven.

Then there's the resources. The core book in the title link has everything you need to run a Lancer game. However, if you're looking for the resources to make a character, there's a free version of the rules, an app where you can keep your character information, and a series of supplements (both official and third-party) to incorporate into your games.

If you like lore, you'll find it in Lancer, but not all in one place. The Core book has a lore section but you'll find lore in the Mech descriptions, in the core bonuses, and in the pilot talents. There's so much to learn about the world of Lancer, and if you're curious enough, you'll find out just how complex this far-flung future truly is.

[tharros-auris-black-asimi]

Lay All Your Love on Me (Chapter 12)

Pairing: Soft Dark Alpha Lee Bodecker x Omega Female Reader

Summary: After moving to Knockemstiff, Ohio with your troubled parents, you find solace in the local Seven-Eleven. There, you bump into the Alpha sheriff, Lee Bodecker.

And then you keep bumping into him. There’s just something about that chubby Alpha that keeps drawing you in. Now there’s something going on with the new preacher of the church that you attend. Everything’s a mess.

But you’re an unbonded Omega. Life can turn to shit anyway.

Chapter Warnings: Strong ABO dynamics, as usual. Dark!Lee has peaked out, once again. Rough, possessive sex in this chapter. A verbal argument too. Mild breeding kink towards the end? Biting. And a mild housewife kink. Everything's coming full circle here folks! All of it is coming in the form of Lee Bodecker proclaiming his possessiveness again. I think that should cover all my bases. If not, please inform me in the comments so I can update it!

Additional Notes: God, I did not mean to have this much smut, but considering it's been like, two chapters and that chapter was mild, I had to give back by giving you this mostly smut filled chapter. I hope you all enjoy!

As always, minors, DNI.

Word Count: 5,872

That following week on a Sunday…

You were in bed, looking up at the ceiling. Dressed in your nightgown, blandly looking up at the white ceiling of the master bedroom you shared with Lee, smelling like a concoction of your Alpha and you.

You were thinking. Very, very deep and hard thoughts.

Your mother was already asleep in her room, having eaten dinner. Sandy had done the same, sleeping in the basement downstairs. Lee’s house had two spare bedrooms, but Sandy wanted more space for herself. Besides, there was only one bathroom upstairs. She wasn’t about to fight your mother about the bathroom upstairs when there was a bathroom right across from her bedroom.

No thank you.

You heard the cruiser pull up to the house, signaling that Lee was home from work.

Your Omega couldn’t help but jump for joy.

Her Alpha had returned.

Lee noticed the kitchen lights weren’t on.

Nor were the lights in the living room.

For a moment, his heart clenched.

He knew your mother was at least home, her car had been parked at the driveway.

But the silence… it made him think. He checked your mother’s room. He saw her asleep. Next, he checked the basement. Sandy was asleep in her room too. Finally, his footsteps carried him back up the stairs from the basement to the master bedroom.

And there you were. Laying on your side on the bed that smelled so much like you and him. You looked so empty, just staring up at the ceiling. However, when you caught a whiff of your Alpha’s scent, your entire face brightened up, making him smile.

He just couldn’t help himself.

You made him happy. Happier than he ever could have been.

Sometimes, in times like these, Lee thought about what if he had never met you.

He would’ve come home to an empty house. No laughter. No conversations. His house would have been fully dark, and he would have walked over to the kitchen, taking out the dinner he would have made in advance because he spent a late night at the office. Before you, he did all of his meals ahead of time because he knew for a fact that he wouldn’t have made time for himself to cook something properly. It had been that or going to the diner to get something to eat.

Not to mention, his floors would be messy and beer cans would have been scattered all over the floors. His house would have smelled like a brewery. Just the thought of alcohol made him want to throw up.

You saw him.

Your Alpha.

Your Lee.

Your Daddy.

“Daddy,” you breathed out. Lee, who had taken off his shoes at the door, happily walked over to his Omega who embraced him. You inhaled his scent, sighing in relief. Nuzzling your nose against his scent gland on his neck. Even licking it, making your Mate rumble in appreciation.

“Love it when ya do that,” Lee’s voice washed over you like the tide washing away at the sand. “Love it when you lick my gland. I love you. I love you so much, Omega.”

Your Omega was doing her happy dance again. And then she was sighing in fondest. You thought she was more in love with your Daddy than you were. Which was an insult to itself. Lee was your Daddy. Not hers.

You happily continued to lick at his gland, drenching him in more of his scent. A deep rumble erupted from Lee’s chest.

Your Omega was preening.

Alpha. Alpha happy. Alpha wants us. Alpha loves us. We’re a good Omega for our Alpha.

Once Lee was absolutely drenched in your scent, you let out a gasp. Feeling his hand creep underneath your nightgown, pushing your skirts up, slipping three thick fingers down the waistband of your panties, sliding past your slippery, wet pussy lips with a slick noise.

You let out a soft little gasp of surprise. Your breath hitched.

“Please,” you let out a soft whimper. “Please, Daddy, I-”

Your pleas were silenced when Lee slid his fingers into your mouth. Like the first time, you accepted them greedily.

“Shhhh,” Lee whispered in your ear. Calming you. “Everybody else’s asleep. We don’t wanna wake em up, now do we?”

In response, you shook your head no.

“You want my fingers?”

You shook your head no.

“You want my cock?”

You shook your head yes.

Lee nearly swore out loud.

The unbuckling of his belt and hearing Lee shoving his pants so quickly, grabbing a hold of his throbbing erection and guiding it into you. Slowly. Inch by inch. Pushing the head of his penis into you, making your vaginal walls stretch out for his thick cock. Holding onto his shaft with one hand, while the other one that had been in your mouth was taken out. His other hand, smeared and slimy with your saliva was creeping up, all the way up your nightgown, so he could hold one of your breasts in his hands.

Your breasts always fit perfectly in his hands. Like a final piece that completed the puzzle.

His thrusts were quick. Fast. Every thrust sent you bouncing back into the mattress as his swift thrusts furthered your impending orgasm.

Good.

You felt so good around him. Your warm walls enveloped him as if someone had just put a warm blanket over him. The way your walls sucked him in made him cum so fast that it took him a second to realize that he had actually come first.

He was just so damn hard. Squirts of hot cum spilled inside of you as Lee let out a grunt, giving you all he had.

Maybe it had been that he had come first because your walls were seizing his dick so damn hard that your back arched up, and you were cumming. Your orgasm made you gasp for air, as your body went slack, falling back into the bed with a soft thud.

Your hands came up to grip his uniform tight. As if understanding, Lee guided you on helping him take off his shirt. You tossed it somewhere. It wasn’t important. Gripping his shoulder blades, you pushed him closer to you. In doing so, his cock wedged deeper inside of you. Filling you up deeper. It made you sigh in content.

“Feel better?” Lee’s voice was rough.

“Mmmm… much, Daddy.” was your hum.

The following Monday…

The sound of you slamming the trunk shut was what Lee heard when you and your mother were going to be driving up to Coal Creek that Monday.

Blowing a piece of hair out of your face, you looked at your Alpha.

“Get there safe, Omega. I'll be waiting for you.” Lee’s voice was low and gentle as he looked at you. Helping you get into the car and shutting the door shut. You looked at him through the rolled-down window. His hand covered yours as he pressed a kiss against your forehead.

“I love you,” you sighed against him.

“I love you too,” he mumbled.

When you and your mother got there, you couldn’t help but feel a knot in your stomach.

Like something had gone wrong.

But, like every time you and your mother came to visit, you greeted Emma, Arvin, and Lenora with enthusiasm.

… Until that Wednesday evening.

You had been in the kitchen, making a peanut and jelly sandwich for Lenora. Something her stomach could handle, with a glass of water to drown it down.

You had headed down the hall to Lenora’s room, lightly knocking. A soft “come in” told you it was safe and okay to enter. Opening her door as carefully as you could, you made your way inside. Putting the plate of food down, you looked at the pregnant Omega.

You sat down on her bed as she lifted herself up so she could be sitting up on her bed.

“How does it feel? Being pregnant?”

Your question caught her off-guard a little bit. Blinking, Lenora struggled to find an answer for a few seconds.

“Being pregnant is… well… it’s hell.”

Your face fell.

“Holy shit…” You breathed out, “Did you just-”

“… Cuss?” Lenora chuckled jolly. Even though she saw the surprised look on your face. “Weren’t you the one who told me everyone does it eventually?” She teased you lightly. Chuckling, “Yeah. But… is it because of… you know… that bitch?”

The bitch in question made Lenora sigh. “Honestly I… I gotta tell ya… sometimes I… I blame myself. That if I had just said no one more time… maybe he would have… stopped.” Her voice dropped from her jolly tone to one of disappointment. You didn’t dare touch her. You didn’t want to do anything to trigger her.

“Hey. Look at me, okay? It’s not your fault. Nobody ever chooses when or where they’re going to present. You didn’t choose to get raped by that little son of a bitch, okay? He did that. It’s his fault. It’s his responsibility. He took away your consent. No one should ever have their consent taken away. Ever. You should always have a voice on what you want or don’t want to do. At the end of the day, it’s not your fault. Your pup…” Your gaze went down to her stomach, “Will grow up in a happy home. Arvin‘s here. Emma’s here. I’m here. My Ma’s here too. And if ya ever need it, Lee’s here too, okay? You got a great support system. You’re stronger than ya look.”

Lenora sniffed. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones or your pep talk, but she found tears rolling down her face and she was leaning towards you and you were bringing her into a hug.

“Everythin’s gonna be alright. You’re gonna be alright.”

After Lenora had finished eating her sandwich and had downed her water, night had slowly begun to fall. You had eaten dinner and had washed the dishes. Including Lenora’s.

Only when the grandfather clock had shown it was midnight did you silently creep down the hall.

And that was when you started to hear the conversation happening behind your mother’s bedroom door.

“… And they said he’s missing? That he went missing?”

That was your mother’s voice. You silently pressed your ear against the door, listening in.

“… Yup. Cynthia said he went missin’ on Wednesday evening. Arvin told me that he was goin’ out shopping. The lady at the market said that he came in round' four. Bought some food. And then he came back home, he said.”

Cynthia was Preston’s wife. That was his wife’s name.

The realization began to slowly show on your face.

“… Ad nothing’s been done to recover him? He just vanished? Outta thin air? Just like that?” Your mother questioned.

“Just like that,” Emma confirmed.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Backing away from the door slowly, you made your way back into your room. Closing the door as silently as you could, you laid back in bed, looking up at the ceiling, to gather your thoughts.

Everything had gone to shit again.

That Sunday, you had bumped into Cynthia Teagardin at the local market.

To say you had been surprised was an understatement. Cynthia however, just beamed when she saw you. Speaking your name, you walked over to her. You had been headed into the baking aisle section, checking for flour.

But, you had time to kill. So, you indulged in a conversation with her.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, I’m moving. The Sheriff of Knockemstiff was a huge help on finding a new place to live.”

You nearly dropped the jug of milk you had gotten from the freezer in the dairy aisle.

“… He’s your Alpha, right? Your husband?” Cynthia questioned you, having not seen you nearly drop the jug of milk, because your back had been turned to her. Hastily grabbing the jug of milk and turning to face her, you nodded quickly.

“Yeah. Lee’s my husband. And my Alpha.” You confirmed as you put the milk jug in your cart. Gripping a hold of the handle, you began to push it. Trying to get your nerves under control.

Your gaze fell back upon your wedding band.

The golden ring that was on your hand- a symbol of what your life was now. You swallowed thickly.

“Send him my thanks, won’t you? Thank him for me. I’m in his debt.” Cynthia sighed in relief.

The twenty-three-year-old Omega couldn’t help but feel relieved.

When Preston had gone out of the house that Wednesday evening, Cynthia wouldn’t tell anyone this. She would take it to her grave.

But, as Preston had left the house, she prayed.

She sent a silent prayer to God hoping that Preston wouldn’t walk through that door again. That when he would eventually walk through that front door, that she would be forced to do whatever he wanted because she was married and mated to him.

Even though she hadn’t chosen to.

Her Omega had not wanted this Alpha.

However, that Wednesday evening, he had not returned home.

And some part of her breathed a sigh of relief.

Free.

She was free.

She would never ever have to be his wife, his Omega, or do anything he wanted ever again.

“U-Um… yes. I’ll do that I’ll make sure to do that.” You promised her. The brunette-haired Omega gave you a warm smile before pushing her cart ahead.

And you were left in the dairy section, wondering just what the hell you were going to tell Lee now.

A few days later, on a Wednesday evening...

Shit had finally hit the fan that Friday night when you had been busy making baked apples. You had just gotten them out of the oven and put them on the wire rack on the counter to cool in the baking pan that you had put them in.

The wafting smell of cinnamon sugar-filled the kitchen as you gripped the oven door, slamming it shut. You gripped the handle so tight that your knuckles nearly turned white.

How could they do this?

How could he do this?

You had been biting on your lower lip so hard you tasted copper in your mouth. You were pretty sure you were going to start crying.

You had become so overwhelmed with emotion that you didn’t even hear Lee’s cruiser pulling up. You didn’t even hear the front door open.

The first thing Lee had smelled walking in through the front door was a singed smell.

For a moment, he panicked.

Had you burned something?

He had made his way into the kitchen, where the singed smell was the strongest. There you were, standing at the oven, gripping the oven handle so tight that your knuckles had turned white. Lee was certain that if you held it any tighter, your knuckles would pop.

A choked noise came from you.

His girl was upset.

You heard familiar footsteps, someone walking towards you. Through your haze, you smelled it.

Bourbon and chocolate.

Lee was home.

Clarity dawned on you. You turned around quickly, shoving him back as hard as you could.

Lee made a noise. He even looked shell-shocked.

Something akin to a deep snarl vibrated in your throat. Your singed smell of burnt chocolate chip cookies became worse if that was even possible.

Smelling that singed smell, you pushed back the bile.

You couldn’t talk to Lee if you were being an overall mess.

Sucking in a deep breath, you mentally counted down from ten. You closed your eyes tight, allowing the loose tears to roll down your face.

Opening your eyes, you saw Lee’s concerned face. You stepped back a few steps.

“Tell me why when I went to Coal Creek last week, that I bumped into the Preacher’s wife at the local supermarket. Tell me why everyone declared him as missing. Tell me why the Preacher’s wife told me, “Oh, I’m moving. The Sheriff of Knockemstiff was a huge help on finding a place to live.”

You crossed your arms. Your defenses were amped up to a hundred.

“Just what the hell did you do, Lee?”

He had not been acting out of the ordinary. At all. In fact, Lee had been like his normal self. He didn’t shower you or smother you with extra affection. Lee was an affectionate Alpha, he enjoyed touching you a lot. And not just in the sexual way. Cuddles, touches, forehead kisses- they were all normal to him.

Before you had left, Lee had been normal. He had seen you off with you and your mother, kissed you on your forehead, and told you to get there safely. That when you came back, he’d be waiting for you.

Nothing had been out of the ordinary.

Nothing had been strange.

But that knot in your stomach, just like the one that Wednesday night, didn’t go away.

So you took in another deep breath, deeply inhaling and searching within you. You were thinking. Your brain was firing at you. Running through every and any scenario.

“… Did you go to work?”

Your question was calm. You were looking at Lee. Watching him. Your stare was burning through him as if you were looking into his soul.

“Yes. I went to work, babydoll.”

Oh, the audacity of this man!

You were in disbelief when he called you that. In the past, it was a nice, cute nickname. When he had called you by the pet name in the past, it filled you with love and adoration.

Now?

In this moment?

It was like a slap to the face.

Like he was mocking you.

“So how do you know about the Preacher’s wife then? Huh? You had better told me right now because I swear to fuckin’ God Lee Bodecker, I will walk out of this house!”

Your announcement caught him by surprise.

No.

You couldn’t leave.

You weren’t about to leave him.

“No.”

“What did you just say?” Your quick response made Lee want to seethe right through his teeth.

“You’re not going anywhere. You’re not leaving the house. We’re going to talk about this like normal adults.”

How?

How could he be so calm?

So unaffected?

Looking at his chubby, soft face, with those blue eyes that you loved so much- it made your heart clench. Almost as if you couldn’t believe what you were seeing.

“You want to talk like normal adults? Fine! Tell me what you did last week. Monday through Sunday Go on. Tell me.” You took off your apron, folding it nicely and putting it on the kitchen counter. You even stepped closer to him, tucking a piece of your hair behind your ear. Then, you crossed your arms against your stomach, your arms brushing over the fabric of your nightgown. The sheer ones. All pastel-colored. The ones where if you had crossed your arms underneath your tits, they would push up.

That position had Lee’s mind racing.

“I went to work on Monday. Tuesday. But not Wednesday. “

Wednesday was the day that Preston had disappeared.

And, to your knowledge, were the days where he’d go into his Rut. He’d lock himself away at his home. Said home that was now vacant.

“I drove up to Coal Creek on Tuesday evening. Considering, it takes eight hours to drive up there.” Lee continued, choosing his words carefully. He did not want to upset you, because he knew this next fact would send you spiraling.

“Then, I met up with the boy. We went into the church. Confessing. Once we got his guard down, we corned him and we shot him. He’s dead. The boy and I drove to the next town over and we buried him. Upstate. Deep in the woods. Nobody’s ever going to find him there. You know how the woods are. Soon, he’ll be a part of the environment. Serves him fuckin’ right, that damn son of a bitch.”

It was there, that you realized.

The boy.

He was talking about Arvin.

Which meant…

“-YOU KILLED HIM? YOU SHOT HIM?”

He had been waiting for that response. You marched right over to him, and you pounded your fists on his chest. You even tried to shove him back, but Lee’s hands grabbed yours. Like a toddler throwing a tantrum, you pushed back.

“… YOU MURDERED HIM? GODDAMNIT LEE! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?” You screeched, clearly enraged.

“… BECAUSE!” Lee roared, pushing you back. You tried to fight back, pushing and shoving him, but to no avail. Alpha strength outnumbered you. Overpowered you. You let out the loudest shriek of disapproval known to man as Lee had you over the kitchen table. All pushed back, bent over the glass table on your back.

Now, you were looking into eyes that instead of blue, were black with fury. His scent was overpowering yours, polluting your nose and making your eyes burn.

Your Omega was a storm inside you, howling at your indecency. She was telling you to offer your Gland up in forgiveness. She was telling you to apologize.

Things that unfortunately, you would not be doing today.

.Instead, your eyes were so full of anger and fury that if it were heavenly possible, that your Mate would have been on fire at this point.

“…You don’t know what he was going to do to you. You wanna know what he’d do to you, Little Omega? Huh? You wanna know what was in that sick, twisted fuckin’ mind of his?” He challenged you. You bared your teeth in response.

What Lee said next made the chills run down your spine.

“Our dear Preacher,” Lee couldn’t help but sneer, “Had a book. And you wanna know what is in it, Mega? Names. All the names of the girls who were around your age, even younger. All these names that he had crossed out. And there were pages. Pages of his bullshit. Lenora’s name was in it too. Her name was crossed out. And then,” Lee let out a bitter chuckle. “And then, I couldn’t believe the kinda shit I saw.”

His hands moved from your hands, so he could be gripping your chin. Forcing any attention you hadn’t had on him, right at him. One-hundred percent. Maybe even more than that.

“He had your name in it.”

The chills ran down your spine. A horrified expression overtook the murderous expression you had previously on your face.

“Lee…” your voice trembled. Your Lee, your Alpha, your Daddy- his hand rose up to stroke again your cheek. Because underneath all that grumpiness, all that power and control he had, under it all, he was gentle.

Your Daddy would never hurt you.

“Your name was all in capital letters, and it was circled. Remember when ya asked me to come to help the boy?”

A nod came from you.

You remembered that.

“Well, the boy found out where Preston’s house was. And then, we drove up to his house, knowing he was out of town…”

The disbelief was slowly creeping back up to you. However, you remained quiet and allowed him to continue to speak.

“And when we broke into the house… and I found that damn notebook… I found the other things. In his closet.”

The disbelief was fully back.

He and Arvin had broken into Preston’s house!

His fucking house!

Could you be any more surprised?

“… He was ready. Fully ready to kidnap you and take you somewhere to breed you. He even had a drug to force you into Heat.”

Lee breathed right through his teeth. His jaw clenched. You could see the vein on his neck throbbing.

You couldn’t help it.

Your pussy throbbed.

Lee’s nostrils flared.

He could smell it. Your arousal in the air.

His grip on you tightened. Just a little bit.

And then he was leaning down, his tongue flattening on your gland.

You cried out.

Suddenly, his hands were everywhere. His hands had found the top of your nightgown, and you heard a loud ripping noise.

An unholy noise came from you in surprise.

He really had done it.

Your Alpha had ripped your nightgown open.

You were so sure that Lee had truly fucking lost it. He was really off of his rocker now. A shiver ran down your spine as you felt those large, soft hands trail up to your chest.

And when his hands roughly grabbed at your breasts, you weren’t afraid.

“… Now you know why I did it. I did it to keep you safe. You’re mine.” A broad lick against your gland had you shuddering. Lee’s teeth sank into your gland, piercing it. You cried out against him, pushing your body against his, as your ears popped. Lee didn’t lift his head up for a few seconds. When he did, he sank his teeth right back into your pierced gland, sinking and marking you deeper. Your arms wrapped around him tightly, pulling him down deeper.

You were holding onto him like a child holding onto their doll. Your pupils were dilated when Lee eventually lifted his head up, his mouth covered in your blood. Blood trickled down the corners of his mouth and down his chin. His eyes were still black, but they were watching you with an intense gaze. So intense that you felt your pussy throb once again.

Your vagina was a goddamn motherfucking traitor.

Oh, this night was going to murder you.

One of Lee’s hands grasped a hold of your left hand, placing it right on your bleeding gland. His breath tickled against your neck when he spoke.

“You feel that, babydoll? I put that there. That was me. I’m your Alpha. It’s my duty to protect you. And this?”

His fingertips brushed against your left ring finger, brushing right up against the gold wedding band. “This means you’re my wife. You’re mine. I made a vow to protect you.”

And you out of all people knew that whatever Lee held close to heart, he’d do anything to keep it.

But, deep down, you knew this wasn’t his first rodeo.

“If you’re gonna tell me that shit Daddy, you’re gonna have to fuck me while you talk all those other people ya mighta offed.”

As soon as those words came out of your mouth, Lee flipped you over onto your stomach shoved you back down onto the table. A deep noise of surprise came from you as he pushed you up until your chest was splayed on the cold glass table. The coldness of the glass made you gasp. Your breath fogged up against the glass when you heard Lee unzipping his pants.

Lee couldn’t explain just what the hell had come over him.

It was as if he had entered a haze.

“I like it when you’re like this. Under me,” Lee rasped, his erection pressed against your ass cheeks, telling you just how hard he was. His hands came to grip your ass, pulling your cheeks apart as he slid his cock into your pussy.

Your sudden cry pierced the air as he slid home. All the way in. All of him. All at once. It made your eyes roll into the back of your head.

Above you, your Alpha’s hips stuttered. Pressed into the glass dining table, mercilessly pounded you against it.

The mixture of his ejaculate and your cum trickled down your legs, and all you could do was grip the glass table like your life desperately depended on it.

“Killed three people before I killed Preston with the boy.”

Three?

Wow. He was on a roll.

“Two of em was my pimp and his bodyguard.”

Your eyes widened.

Smack.

“They were threatenin’ me with ruining the damn election. I coulda lost my position as Sheriff if I didn’t eliminate them. And they coulda came after you. I couldn’t have that.”

A harsh pump, “And then San and I murdered Carl.”

Carl.

You hadn’t heard that name in a while.

So they had-

… Well… you weren’t about to say you missed the Beta.

Because you really didn’t.

Another harsh pump, “You already know why I murdered that goddamn fat bitch. He was lookin’ at you. Like he wanted to fuckin’ eat you. Only I get to do that.”

Grabbing a hold of your thigh, he hoisted you up, easing his cock of you, allowing the head of his cock to slowly drag in between your slippery lips, making you whimper.

“Daddy,” you couldn’t help but whine at the empty feeling.

Slamming into you roughly, a scream slipped past your lips as you found yourself face planting against the glass table again.

With this new position, your thigh slung over his still-clothed shoulder, he continued to plow into you, the sloshing, squishing noises filling the kitchen.

“Feel that babydoll, huh? Ya feel of o’ me? Right here, babydoll. M’ right here-” Lee pressed a hand against your abdomen, where his thick shaft was currently splitting your pussy into two.

“… M’ right here and I’m not popping out.”

One last harsh thrust into you, and you were cumming.

Your mouth opened into an O. No sound came from you as your orgasm swept you off of your feet. Your slick, warm walls clenched around Lee’s cock, milking and seizing him for all he was worth.

Your orgasm made Lee grunt. It nearly made him lose his breath. His lips stuttered.

“… Sweet fuckin’ Jesus babydoll…” gasped Lee, “You’re never gonna wear any more fuckin’ underwear in this house ever gain’, ya hear me?”

A sharp smack against your ass made you sob out loud. Your pussy clenched around his cock.

Sensing this, another sharp smack echoed. Your cry was shrill.

“No more of ya wearing those goddamn undergarments in this fuckin’ house… you can wear whatever ya like, but if I see another fuckin’ pair of panties… I will rip them off myself, you got that?” Lee demanded.

Another sharp smack against you made you gasp out your reply.

“Yes, yes, yes Lee! Fuck!” you cried out.

You came for a second time, your walls squeezing the ever-loving hell out of Lee’s dick, and it left you gasping. You even choked. On thin air. It should have been considered a freaking life skill.

Your cries were muffled out by Lee’s sharp thrusts. He was still going. Because he just couldn’t get enough.

He already knew that he was a greedy man.

He didn’t share.

He was not going to share you with anyone else.

And with that thought, he felt his balls tighten. Signaling that yes, he was getting close. With a grunt into your neck, he came.

It left him panting against your neck as your cunt greedily clenched around him, milking him for all he was worth.

“One o’ these days Omega…”

You were slowly turning your head towards him. Lee was still panting deeply, trying to catch his breath.

“One o’ these days Omega… I’m gonna put a goddamn pup in you. Show everybody in this goddamn motherfuckin’ county who’s your Alpha. Then everybody’s gonna know who you really belong to.”

You couldn’t help it.

Your pussy throbbed again.

The TV was playing some rerun show.

Dinner and dessert had been eaten.

Somehow, you had fallen asleep during an episode of Doctor Who. You were all curled up against Lee, softly snoring away in his arms.

And then, all of a sudden, Lee heard the doorknob turn. When the front door eventually did open, it revealed Sandy. She looked a little disheveled. She looked like she had run home.

Which, she had.

She had run down the street to get back to the house after telling you that she was going on a walk to get some fresh air.

So she was not at all fazed when she saw her big brother and her sister-in-law on the couch, watching some Doctor Who episode that she couldn’t remember. Taking off her shoes at the door, she walked over to Lee in the living room and leaned against the back of the couch on her front. Her arms resting on top of the couch.

“You told her?”

“Uh-huh,” Lee replied, his gaze still focused on the TV.

“You know, you should really clean the glass table. Looks a little messy, big brother. And while you’re at it- half of the neighborhood heard that fight.”

Only when Sandy started to make her way down to the staircase that led to the basement, did Lee throw a pen at her. As if she had been expecting it, Sandy caught it. She threw it right back at Lee, landing the pen square in his chest.

“Fuck you San,” Lee muttered underneath his breath.

Sandy just let out a snicker. When Lee heard the door to the basement open and close, was when you had begun to stir. You opened your eyes just as the credits rolled for the current episode of Doctor Who.

“… She said to say thank you.”

Lee looked down at you. “Who?” he asked, confused. “Preston’s widow,” you replied with a yawn. You stretched in his arms, a soft moan leaving you. Said moan made Lee’s dick tighten under you, making you chuckle sleepily.

“Said that you were a huge help. That she’s in your debt. She’s free now. She don’t gotta deal with his shit no more.”

You shifted around a little, so you could be looking at him.

“Thank you. For protecting us. For keeping us safe.”

Lee brought you close to him. Holding you so gently, like a porcelain doll. As if you were about to break and shatter in his arms.

“I’ll always keep you safe, Omega.” He promised you.

Your hands intertwined as Lee turned off the TV, picking you up bridal style. Walking down the hall, to where the master bedroom was. Putting you in bed, he pressed a soft kiss on your head.

“Wait here. I’ll be back,” he told you gently. You nodded.

Lee made sure the dishes were washed and put on the dish wrack. You were still in bed, still awake when he climbed into bed. Your hands came to tug on his shirt again as you helped him undress to nothing. Your nightgown followed too. Skin against skin, you sighed.

Your voice was low when you spoke to him. As your eyes fluttered closed, beginning to fall asleep.

“I love you, Daddy.”

Lee expressed a smile against you.

“I love you too, Babydoll.”

Taglist: @greeneyedblondie44, @bxnnywriting, @hawsx3

Fic Taglist: @queenslvy, @hawsx3

[jimlingss]

Maybe Baby Retreat

➜ Words: 12.7k

➜ Genres: 50% Fluff, 50% Smut

➜ Summary: In an attempt to conceive, Taehyung discovers a five day retreat dedicated to help with the impregnation process but you're fairly certain that the entire thing is a scam.

[Day One]   Taehyung should be fucking you.   It’s a bit crass to be grumbling that he’s not sticking his sperm in you, but your fertile window begins today and if he really wants a kid as much as he says he does, you wouldn’t be on a godforsaken bus.    The yellow school bus jumps and jolts as it goes down the jagged, unpaved road. Every bump is felt in the back by ten folds as you’re rocked from side to side on the seat and not on your husband’s dick. Said man is too busy singing along with the guide that’s living it up with a mic in hand and his voice on the intercom. He’s trying to bring up the morale, but you’re not having it.   Instead, you turn to the window and stare out at the empty countryside that stretches across the horizon. There’s not a car in sight and if you swear to god if you’re being shipped to a serial killer’s farmhouse, you’re dragging Taehyung down to hell with you.   “You’re frowning, sweetheart,” he says while leaning over to you, flashing a blazing grin much to your chagrin. “You know stress isn’t good for the baby.”   “It’s not like it matters. There is no baby.”   “Not yet.” Taehyung throws an arm around your shoulder, pulling you into him as you scoff. You’re aware being a Debbie Downer isn’t going to help anyone but it’s hard to loosen up when you’re so on guard and skeptical about this whole thing. When you’re surrounded by noisy strangers who are all too overfamiliar.   You suppose it was your fault to begin with.   All those nights of staying up to read about tricks and tips of conceiving led Taehyung to discover the Baby Retreat. A five day sanctuary that ensures people will be able to conceive.    The moment you saw it, you were certain that the whole thing was a scam, but your sweet summer child husband was wholly convinced and no matter what you said, it wouldn’t change his mind.   “Who knows, it might actually work, right?! And if it doesn’t, then it looks fun anyway! When was the last time we had a vacation together?”   It’s also your fault for being so soft. You couldn’t shut Taehyung down when he was so enthusiastic, so here you are. You took off a week off work and on your fertile day, you’re shipped onto a school bus out into the middle of nowhere.   “Oh! Looks like we’re here, folks!” The vehicle slows as it turns into the gravel parking lot and the guide smiles as he peers out the windshield. “Welcome to the Baby Retreat! I hope you leave with a few buns in the oven! And if not, then don’t worry, you can still eat for two here!”   There’s a few snickers and once the bus parks, everyone gets up, slowly shuffling out and stretching their legs.   The air is sweltering hot and the sun beams down onto the back of your neck, making it uncomfortable to breathe. You’re panting with sweat built on your hairline as you drag your luggage through the grass. But no one seems bothered by it. Maybe because they’re excited that they’re here, they have the energy to fill the field with their chatter.    Even Taehyung is grinning and he’s a certified whiner when it comes to hot weather. The guy blasts the air conditioner during summer until it feels like it’s winter. Though you have an inkling it’s just a tactic so you can cuddle up to him for warmth before bed.   “Come on, slowpoke!” Taehyung breaks through your train of thought and then abandons you by running ahead like a hyperactive five year old.    “I’d be faster if you helped me!” Taehyung doesn’t hear you. You wonder if you married a child — but you suppose that’s why you called him the light of your life during your vows. Like Yoongi once said at the dinner reception, Taehyung’s excessive energy is indeed a double-edged sword.   You follow the stream of people to the center building, a modern wooden structure in the middle of the fifteen yurts that form a circle. It surprisingly looks alike to the advertisements, each with a porch and steps up to the door. The grass is verdant and pliant beneath your feet, the numerous trimmed trees around providing some nice shade and the flower beds give bright splashes of colour to the place. If this retreat wasn’t oddly centered around impregnation, you would’ve been convinced that it was a fancy camping resort.   “Welcome everyone! Welcome to the Baby Retreat! I hope the trip here wasn’t too bad!”   You finally join Taehyung’s side and look towards the stage in front of the main building. There’s a man with a half-moon smile and chubby cheeks in a loose tunic and taupe pants. He stands next to a woman in a baggy poncho holding a ukulele for reasons beyond you.   “I see some familiar faces here! To all those already familiar with the Baby Retreat, welcome home. I’ll try to keep this short and simple, so you’re not too bored.” He claps his hands together with a bright smile. You look around at the crowd to see elated expressions. “My name is Park Jimin and this is my girlfriend, Song Hyunjin. A little about us, we’ve been together for over ten years and yes, we have an open relationship with each other, but that does not mean we aren’t in love with each other.”   He draws her in, nuzzling into her without shame and she giggles. “To our new faces, trust me, you’ll find out soon enough.”   Jimin pulls away with an enormous grin. “We haven’t had any children ourselves, but don’t worry. We’re reproductive endocrinologists with proper training and medical degrees. But we started this retreat four years ago to take a more unconventional approach to reproduction. And for the next five days, we have the honour of hopefully helping you ladies conceive and you males impregnate your partner!”   There’s some exchanged smiles and Taehyung looks at you with hopeful eyes. It feels better to hear these people aren’t uneducated and talking out of their ass, but you’re still unsure how to feel.   Hyunjin laughs. “Not only that, our goal is to help you relax and truly deepen your relationship with your partner. While we can’t promise a hundred percent success rate, hopefully you’ll leave this place feeling more refreshed than you did before. With that being said, please feel free to come up and ask us any questions. We’re very open people who are more than happy to help you in your process of expanding your wonderful families. There is nothing more beautiful than pregnancy and birth.”   She jumps off the stage and grabs a wooden crate. With a smile, she begins passing out packs.   Jimin continues, “For the next five days, we’ll be helping everyone improve their diets and exercise habits while getting plenty of vitamin D. What my lovely Hyunjin is handing out now are your survival kits!”    “For men, fenugreek supplements are given to improve your sperm counts and for the ladies, there are prenatal vitamins and folic acid. There’s also a guide to the activities provided around here and a map, some sunscreen and other knick-knacks to remember your time here. Don’t worry, we won’t bombard you with any pregnancy pamphlets or information. I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about that.”   It’s a bit refreshing to hear. You’ve been neck deep in research about conception that it’s been hard lately — another reason that you agreed to Taehyung’s whims.   “Are you the Kim family?” Hyunjin asks and when you confirm it, she hands both you and Taehyung cute pouches. You reluctantly take it, but when you thank her, she happily smiles. “Welcome to the Baby Retreat.”   The introduction drags on for a bit more before Hyunjin admits that it’s hot and that everyone’s probably tired, so the meeting ends and you open your pouch and find information on your yurt.   “Not too bad, right?”    Taehyung can tell by the look on your face as you gaze up at your white-tented yurt.   “We’ll see,” you mumble and he takes the luggage, following behind you. “I thought we were going to spend five days in an orange tent, so I guess this is better by default.”   “An orange tent?” He laughs. “But I showed you the commercial! Did you not pay attention?”   “People lie on advertisements all the time, Tae.”   But to your surprise, the interior of the yurt is even better than expected. It looks like a cozy cabin, wooden panel walls that separate the full kitchen from the full bathroom and provides some privacy to where the queen sized bed is. Light comes in from the top, filling the space with luminescence. There’s a mini-fridge filled with goods, plush towels set on the table with a personalized welcome card, down duvets that are soft to the touch.    And it’s wrecked the moment Taehyung jumps on the bed with his arms and legs wide open like a starfish. He rolls over and props his head up with his hand — in the position where he often asks you in a breathy voice to paint him like one of your french girls. And he uses the same voice on you now while wiggling his brows, “Wanna ruin the sheets with me?”   You burst out laughing, but it sounds all too tempting. He could probably dump a load in you within five minutes, though you’re not sure if anyone could hear you from the outside. “Didn’t they say there’s planned activities in an hour? What if we don’t show up.”   “It’s fine. People come here for one reason anyway.” There’s a pause. “To fuck.”   You roll your eyes, setting your suitcase next to the bed and you look at the nightstand to notice mineral oil lubricants. You’re mildly impressed at the details. “Thanks, Captain Obvious.”   “They won’t miss us.” Taehyung’s own attention is taken to a wooden basket on a shelf of the irregular shaped bookshelf and he comes over, only to grin when he sees what’s inside. “Honey. I think we should have some fun tonight.”   You turn around, wondering what he’s up to now. But any snarky remarks die on your tongue when you find a leather whip in his left hand and a ten inch, neon pink dildo in his other hand.   “Is that...even sanitary?!”    You can’t imagine how many people have used it.   “We can find out.” Taehyung fiddles around with it, pushes a button and the dildo begins to rotate, making the both of you laugh. “Honey, we gotta give them five stars on Yelp! They have a communal sex toy bin for us to use! We can’t get this anywhere else.”   “Oh god. I’d rather not share my sex toys with anyone.” The two of you are interrupted by muffled folk music that begins to leak inside and it persuades you to go out. “C’mon, we should go check out what they have. If we have to spend five days here, we might as well meet some other people too and be social or whatever.”   Taehyung grins, tossing the dildo back into the basket and joining your side. “You’re liking this place, aren’t you?”   “No. I just think the yurt’s half-decent.”   Taehyung can see right through you, but it’s a bit too early for the ‘told you so’ spiel so he holds back and the both of you step outside of the yurt. There’s a few people hanging around and the weather is more bearable as the sun slowly begins moving and setting over the horizon. You meet friendly newlyweds who are surprisingly having their honeymoon here.   “We just can’t wait to have kids,” Rose, the young twenty three year old, says as she embraces her husband, Hoseok. They’re no strangers to publish displays of affection, openly kissing up on each other. It would make you a bit uncomfortable if not for how touchy Taehyung is as well.   When you first got together all those years ago, your friends teased you about it but it’s been years since. No one’s a stranger to how you plop yourself down on Taehyung’s lap or how he might kiss you and then steal your food right off of your own plate.   “When we saw that the retreat offered a honeymoon package, we just couldn’t resist,” Hoseok says, but you’re not sure if he’s talking to you and Taehyung or his wife with how much he gazes at her. It’s a sweet sight though. You remember that honeymoon period.   “Remember when we were that young?” you ask as you leave to the other side, giving the couple some much needed privacy. It was obvious they weren’t up for more conversation with the way they’re shifting and staring at one another.   “When you were still hot? Yeah. I do—” Taehyung bursts out laughing when you jab him. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding! You’re still hot, okay? The hottest chick here and you’d make the hottest MILF too.”   “Damn straight.”   The pair of you also run into another couple that’s older and appears a lot more comfortable with the place. “Oh, this is actually our second time here! The first time gave us the four year old troublemaker running amok back at home.”   You blink in surprise, suddenly more interested in the conversation. “This place...worked for you?”   “It sure did.” The woman, Dahyun, smiles. “Some people didn’t have as much luck as we did, but we had so much fun last time that we knew we just had to come back. We were actually staying in your yurt last time.”   She points and you swivel your head over, intrigued. “Huh.” Taehyung raises a brow, noticing how engaged you are and the corner of his mouth tugs.   Her husband, Seokjin, chuckles heartily. “We thought it was time to give our son a younger brother, so here we are! Tonight’s the welcome party and just a word of advice, I really recommend getting some of that grilled salmon. It’s absolutely delicious.”   “Just let them eat whatever they want, Jin,” his wife sighs in exasperation.   “I’m just saying! I would’ve liked to know last time — I would’ve gotten two plates before they ran out.”   “This is why the doctor told you to eat less of everything. You ate more than I did when I was pregnant with Youngjae.”   “I can’t help that I’m eating for three! For your information, I’m carrying the entire family on these broad, broad shoulders of mine. Soon, I’ll have to start eating for four.”   Dahyun turns to you and Taehyung who are amused at their bickering. “I’m sorry. Please ignore him.”   It’s not a bad place, at least not so far. You weren’t sure what you were anticipating, but on the entire way here, you were worried that it was a scam your poor husband fell for. Luckily though, it seemed like the accommodation is good and the people around are friendly and welcoming, coming from different kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. It makes you feel better about not having internet connection or being murdered in the middle of the night.   The welcoming party turns out to be fairly nice too, and like Seokjin said, the food is delicious.   It’s a buffet style with tables set out, full of what Jimin declares is antioxidant-rich foods. He and Hyunjin go on a tangent about the benefits, how soy and estrogen foods have been limited, how there’s an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins and folic acid, and you’re sorely impressed at the attention to detail they provide.   “Oh my god. The salmon is amazing and have you tried these beans, Tae?!”   Taehyung laughs as he watches you eat, eyes lifted to look at you across the rounded table. “I thought you hated beans.”   “I do. But try it.” You lift your fork and he happily leans over, taking a bite. He swallows it down and smiles at how you stuff your cheeks.   After dinner, the pair of you gather with the rest to watch a few performances held on the main stage. Jimin introduces other staff members who sing, dance and Hyunjin even does a number with her ukulele, belting out some indie songs while standing bare feet.   It’s bizarre and a bit surreal to be sitting back in a lawn chair and watching some chick with flowers in her hair jump around and try to entertain you, but it’s not completely unwelcome. If anything, you were sort of having fun. The sun had set, making the weather milder. The breeze was warm against your cheeks and the fairy lights strung above were twinkling.   The whole atmosphere lulled you and with your head leaning on Taehyung’s shoulder, every blink became heavier and heavier. “This is nice,” you mutter and he catches it.   Your husband turns his head with a tiny smile. “Yeah?”   “Mhmh...”    You feel a wet kiss being planted at the top of your head and you decide to indulge, closing your eyes for just a moment. But the next time they open, you realize that the crowd has thinned, they’ve put on music on the stereo and Taehyung’s windbreaker is draped on top of you as a makeshift blanket.   “Hey there, sleepy head.” He grins at you when he notices your lashes fluttering. “Want me to carry you back to the yurt?”   “I’m fine.” It takes a second to get up and you stretch your arms out before the both of you make your way back to the yurt. There were a few younger couples lingering around and still taking in the scenery, but the years were catching up to you quickly and all you wanted was to dive into the sheets and satiate the rest of your sleepiness. “How long was I out for?”   “About half an hour?”   Taehyung fishes for the key and opens the door. “I didn’t even realize I was so tired.” You manage to kick off your shoes and beeline to the bathroom to brush your teeth.   “Of course, you were tired. You didn’t even sleep on the bus and for the past few days you’ve been up late doing research.”   You mumble incoherently, not having enough energy to argue with Taehyung and he grins, nudging you aside so he can grab his own toothbrush.    In the next ten minutes, it’s lights out. You’re rolled onto the bed, tucked into the warm sheets like a burrito, and Taehyung’s settled in as well. You hear his exhale and you allow your muscles to relax in the comfortable darkness. The exhaustion that’s been built from the entire day washes over you. But before you can drift off, in the quietness of the room, you remember.   And you reach out, arm stretched, feeling for your husband.   Taehyung hums when you tap his shoulder. You feel him shift and mumble, “What’s wrong?”   “I’m fertile,” you mutter with your eyes closed. “You need to stick your dick in me.”   He bursts out laughing and his arm slings over your abdomen. “It’s okay if we don’t have sex tonight, you know.”   You sigh, too fatigued to get up and do the job yourself. “We’re gonna miss our opportunity, Tae.”   A soft kiss is pressed to your temple, and you feel yourself losing the fight to keep your consciousness. “We’ll have other chances. Relax.”   “Relaxing….isn't gonna give us a baby.”   “No, but it will keep my current baby sane.”   After being together for so many years, Taehyung knows how to make his words sound sweet and enticing. And before you can even damn him for always catering to you and babying you, you’ve fallen asleep in his arms.

[Day Two]   Breakfast is as incredible as dinner was. There’s a full fruit platter that’s apparently all organic and a number of carbohydrates to fill yourself all the way to lunch. But you begin to regret eating so much with the scheduled activity that follows.   “Couples yoga is a way to build intimacy and trust with your partner.” Hyunjin and Jimin smile brilliantly and you wonder if they’re happy go lucky all the time. It must be fucking exhausting.   “Taehyung.” You nudge the man beside you who’s intently listening and he turns his head. “You know I’m not flexible at all.”   “Don’t worry.” He flashes a blazing grin. It’s way too early for this. “This is just for fun and I’ll catch you if anything.”   “No. Last time I tried doing yoga, I pulled a muscle in my thigh—”   “Oh look. They’re doing the first pose!” Your husband excitedly lugs you down and you’re forced to comply, crossing your legs and facing him.    It’s simple at first. There are basic poses with him leaning against you. Although it is hard to find a good balance considering how tall Taehyung is and even for being lanky, he’s quite a bit stronger than you are. But when Hyunjin and Jimin begin to twist themselves around and Jimin holds her up by the feet with a single hand, you know it’s impossible.   Unlike Taehyung, you never did cheerleading or any acrobatics.   “You’re going to drop me or I’m going to snap your spine, Tae!”   “Don’t you trust me?”   You look at your half-monkey, half-clown of a husband. “Do you really want to know the truth?”   The both of you collapse into a heaping mess before he can confirm or deny. He laughs and starts tickling you for not being able to listen until you’re begging him to stop before you look more like an idiot than you already do.   There’s a few couples who do a good job and you giggle when Taehyung mutters passive aggressive comments on how they’re teacher’s pets or that their form is awful. But there’s the fair share of other pairs who do as bad as you, namely Seokjin and Dahyun, the old couple from last night, bickering at being unable to do any poses.   You can’t say that couple’s yoga is particularly relaxing, but it’s silly and you find yourself having fun.   Hyunjin leads the cool down exercise and Taehyung nearly whacks you in the head with how he stretches. Your glare gains his exaggerated pout then cheesy smile. “Now as the very last cool down exercise, we’re going to take our partners by the hand.”   You mimic her and clasp Taehyung’s hands, awaiting further instructions.    “And we’re going to gaze into their eyes.” What? “Focus into the colour of their irises, how brown or blue or green they might be, or even the pattern of them. Sometimes we don’t truly look at one another like we should.”   “What are they even saying?” you mutter and the corner of Taehyung’s mouth twitches. In spite of how bizarre it is, you follow and stare into Taehyung’s rounded eyes. They’re brown. Like they’ve always been.   But you must admit, when the morning sunlight catches his irises at particular angles, the colour is a lighter shade than usual. They’re quite bright too.   “They say if we gaze into the eyes of someone we love, our heartbeat synchronizes together.”   What? Your brows furrow skeptically and you’re about to turn away, but suddenly Taehyung grabs a hold of your chin. “Don’t look away,” he commands with an authoritative voice and you swallow hard.   “Okay.” You focus your eyes to enlarge and focus. “I’m looking.”   You wonder if this is a staring contest, but even with his wolfish smile and being married for so long, Taehyung’s intent stare starts to make you feel vulnerable. You wonder if he’s always looked at you so affectionately. More importantly, you realize that even with all his dumb antics — like deciding to paint the fence green and then stopping halfway or ripping out the cabinets in the kitchen and never replacing them like he intended — you still love this sweet and kind dummy.   “Alright. Everyone can relax now,” Jimin announces softly as he claps and you finally blink a few times, eyes stinging from how you forced them open. “That’s the end of this session. Thank you for joining everyone.”   Yet, Taehyung holds your gaze a moment longer. And before you can pipe up and tell him it’s over, the man leans in and presses a soft kiss to your lips. He smiles when he pulls away. “As much as sweat is a good look on you, I think it’s time to shower, Mrs. Kim.”   You scoff and he holds your hand with an enormous grin, dragging you back to the yurt.   The two of you hop into the shower together, a habit that Taehyung insists is to save water for the good of the environment, but you swear half the time, you end up wasting more than if either of you do it separately. You’re sure that right now is one of those times.   “Hey.” You turn around as he’s lathering up his shampoo.   “Hey, yourself.” He smiles and shifts towards the stream of water before screaming at how hot it is. Taehyung quickly adjusts it, dissipating the fog on the glass. “Why do you like bathing in molten lava, woman?”   “You always make it too cold.” You scoff, but don’t dwell on the argument as you lean into his backside. “Listen, should we get a quickie in?”   Taehyung frees himself of the soap and looks at you. “If we do, we’ll miss lunch and then the hike.”   “We’re going on a hike?!”   “Yep, so hurry up cause if we don’t get lunch, we’re not gonna make it!” He gets out of the shower, leaving you to be bludgeoned by the ice, cold water. You sigh in exasperation.   The purpose of coming here is to conceive, not go on a hike. But with how enthused he is, you begrudgingly join.   Afternoons are the worst out here. The sun is sweltering and there isn’t an ounce of a breeze or a wind. As a result, the heat stifles and lingers without dissipating, causing sweat to dampen your clothing and stick to the back of your neck. The weather exhausts you and you feel your creamy lunch pasta up your throat again as you lug your legs up the steep, rocky incline.    No matter how much you try to keep up, you fall behind from the group.   Taehyung twirls around with a big grin, mouth perfectly symmetrically. “Are you okay?”   “W-What does it look like?” you pant. It’s unfair that Taehyung works out once a year and treats his body like a candy trashcan but is still more fit than you are.    “I can carry you if you want.”   “You’re going to snap in half carrying me.” You pass him as he laughs.    You hear him catch up, feet skipping along like he’s playing hopscotch. Then suddenly, you feel yourself being lifted off the ground and you shriek, arms looping around Taehyung’s neck. You’re scooped up in his arms like he’s about to kick down the door into the bedroom, but instead, he starts sprinting up the path like a maniac.   “Taehyung!” you squeal and he laughs again.   “Isn’t this better?”   “Aren’t you tired?”   “If I say yes, you’re gonna think I’m trying to tell you to lose weight, but for the record, I like how soft you are.”   You roll your eyes, embarrassed as you pass a few couples, but none of them seem to find it bizarre and they even smile warmly at you and Taehyung. Yet, he starts to slow down tremendously after a few minutes, panting and sweating profusely. You ask him if he’s going to put you down yet, but you underestimate just how stubborn your dear husband is. Taehyung refuses until you’re up at the top of the trail, making it to where Jimin and Hyunjin are by the waterfall.    There, you’re finally on set on your feet again.   You pass him your water bottle. “Drink it before I’m the one dragging you down.”   He grins and downs it.   Up here, it’s much more refreshing and easier to breathe. There’s a tiny waterfall coming from the higher mountains and there are trees around to provide shade. When you squint, you can see the campsite at a distance with all the yurts.   “We should take some pictures!” Taehyung declares when he steadies his breath and pulls out his selfie stick from the hideous fanny pack that you still won’t admit is pretty convenient.   “Your mom is gonna want a copy so don’t pull any ugly faces, Tae.”   “My face is never ugly.” He tugs you beside him and snaps a few shots before reviewing them carefully. Taehyung always had an eye for these kinds of things. “We didn’t get a good angle of the water.”   “I can take it for you.”   “What’s the point if we’re not together?” His thick brows are furrowed, lips lopsided, sighing.   A matronly and friendly voice pipes up next to you, “Do you need any help?”   Dahyun is smiling with Seokjin beside her and Taehyung appears relieved. “Yes, please.”   She takes his phone as he folds back his selfie stick and she stands off to the side, capturing you and Taehyung smiling with his arm around you. “One. Two. Three. I’ll take another one.”   Dahyun changes the angle a bit and Taehyung leans over to pull on your cheek while you feign a glare at him. The second picture is taken while the woman and her husband laugh, endeared. “There we go. You can check them to see if they’re good.”   The phone is handed back and by Taehyung’s expression, it seems acceptable. “You two are too cute. When did you get married?”   “Oh, I think three years ago? Yeah. Three.”    It’s much longer than it actually feels. It seemed like it was a week ago when you first met in class and thought he was annoying. Like yesterday, he was supposed to propose at a fancy restaurant but failed when you found the ring box the night before — how he screamed at you to stop, but it was too late and he ended up going with it. They’ve all become memories that you cherish.   “We met back in school and dated a while before getting married.”   Dahyun smiles. “Have you decided how many kids you want yet?”   You hitch a thumb to Taehyung. “He wants four, but I’m fine with two.”   “The bigger the family, the better, right?” he says, looking up from the screen of his phone.   “Wait until you have kids, you’ll end up wanting more,” Seokjin chuckles, “That or you’ll want to give them all away, but personally, I could raise a whole football team if she’d let me.”   His wife jabs him in the ribs. “Yeah, because you’re not the one who has to give birth to them.”   “And that’s why you’re the boss of the house.” He pouts at her while the corners of his mouth tickle up into a smile, and she relents.   “Let’s be honest, the real boss of the house is our little troublemaker. I swear he took after all your bad traits.”   Seokjin gasps. “Excuse me, Youngjae is my most masterful creation...even if he painted all over our leather seats and popped our car tire with his batman toy.”   She shakes her head with a light sigh, but it’s hard to hide her beaming expression. “I should’ve known he would give me trouble when he went past the due date for two weeks.”   “T-two weeks?” you sputter.   Dahyun nods, finally having the sympathy she was trying to fish out of her husband. “My stomach was as big as a watermelon and I was in labour for fourteen hours before I ended up getting an emergency c-section and he came out a whopping ten pounds.”   Your head is swirling as you try to imagine a ten pound baby in this petite woman.   It almost seems like a horror story that’s waiting to be picked up by Hollywood.   “But honestly, the hardest part wasn’t the whole pregnancy or birthing process. It was afterwards.” Her exhale is long and fatigued. “Suddenly there’s another human being you’re responsible for and you have to take care of them while you’re still in recovery. I remember when Youngjae couldn’t stop crying in the middle of the night. I always had an idea that having kids was a lot of work, but you really don’t have time for yourself once they’re born, and not to mention my bladder was completely done for after the whole thing.”   “Alright, alright.” Her husband pulls her close. “I already know you’re a woman warrior. I saw it with my own eyes.”   Dahyun smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes and she turns to him, deadpanning, “No, you didn’t. You passed out half-way.”   “I was there in spirit,” Seokjin insists humorously.   Dahyun scoffs while Taehyung grins at their back and forth that’s reminiscent of his own dynamic with you. “But were they worth it?”   “Oh, a thousand percent,” Dahyun responds without needing a second to consider, expression softening. “Enough that I would want to do it all over again.”   She doesn’t get a chance to say much else when Jimin’s voice pierces through the chatter and everyone gathers together with the last stragglers who have finally made it up. “Thank you, everyone, for coming all the way up here. This is Serenity Falls that was actually…”   But his voice drowns out.   You linger on what Dahyun said, about child rearing and birthing, and there’s nothing that can be done to the uneasy emotion swelling inside of you.   The walk back down is silent. Done without a single complaint from you about the hot weather or how your feet ache. Taehyung notices, glancing at you several times. He doesn’t say anything until you’re back at the yurt.    “What’s wrong?”   You look at him from across the room. “Nothing, why?”   “You’ve just been quiet.”   “I just….” You inhale and decide to divulge him. “I was just thinking about what Dahyun and Seokjin were saying. Do you think we’re cut out for this, Taehyung?”   His head quirks to one side. “Why wouldn’t we be?”   “You and I can barely take care of ourselves.”   “That’s not true.”   “We forget to buy food all the time.”   “That makes midnight snack runs fun.” He grins.   You exhale an unsteady breath and Taehyung approaches you. He doesn’t mind how sweaty you are and wraps his arms around your waist. “We’ll figure it out. You said it yourself, right? One step at a time.”   “But what if it’s too much and you decide you don’t want to do it anymore? Or that...you don’t want to be with me?” He opens his mouth, but you keep going before he can jump in. It’s not just about you being self-conscious or needing reassurance. You’re simply trying to imagine the worst case scenario as realistically as you can. “Like when I’m still bloated like a whale and in a bad mood and the baby’s crying and no one knows what to do.”   “I’ll still love you no matter the changes,” Taehyung murmurs earnestly, searching your expression. “Even if you’re bloated like a whale and in a bad mood and the baby’s crying and no one knows what to do. I’ll use google to figure it out and get the baby to calm down and I’ll get you some chocolate and I’ll rub your feet.”   You scoff lightly. “You make it sound so easy.”   “Maybe because it won’t be as hard as you think. I’m great with kids and we got killer teamwork, you know, plus this baby’ll be the best project we’ve ever done together.”   “A project that’s gonna last us eighteen years.” You smile.   Taehyung laughs, the sound mellifluous in the room. “Which isn’t that long considering how fast time moves.”   You hum and encircle your arms around his neck. Taehyung gets the hint and leans in to seal your lips against his, slotting them together to kiss you the way he knows you like it.   It’s slow, comforting, an opportunity to revel in the softness of his lips. Taehyung gives you courage — he always has and when you break apart, smiling against each other, you feel worlds better than before. “I’m gonna start a bubble bath. You can join me if you want.”   It’s less of a suggestion and more of a demand, one Taehyung fully recognizes and makes him smile in amusement as you saunter away. Taking advantage of the tub in the bathroom, you lower the stopper of the drain and dump in the soap they offer. The water gets filled three quarters way with a layer of bubbles and you strip. You sigh as you get comfortable in the tub.   “Is it warm?”   Your husband leans against the doorway, arms crossed and the corner of his mouth curled.   “Uh-huh.” You loll your head on the edge of the tub and lift up your foot, watching the way the water cascades off your skin. “Are you not going to get in?”   “Maybe later,” Taehyung surprisingly replies. He rarely rejects any chance at jumping your bones when you’re being this forward about it. There’s no hike or lunch to catch that’s preventing him from having fun with you either. But as your husband walks out, you catch him unceremoniously stealing the clothes you have prepared and the stack of towels by the sink.   “What are you doing?”   “There’s no point in covering yourself up if I’m gonna strip you anyway.” He flashes a mischievous grin and you sigh, relenting in his antics. You simply lay back to enjoy the water, muscles relaxing and your brain that’s constantly in overdrive empties.   After ten minutes, your skin begins to wrinkle, so you drain the water and get out. But the moment you stand up, the cool air conditioning slams into you and your body starts to shiver.   “Taehyung!” you shout and hear silence. “At least give me a towel!”   Fortunately for you, there’s a smaller one on the rack he missed so you swipe at it and wrap your shoulders to protect yourself. But you’re still dripping wet and in need of your clothes, so you stomp out to find your ridiculous partner who’s apparently five years old and—   “HA!” Said man you’re searching for bursts out of the closet and you scream, startled half to death, nearly falling to the ground. Taehyung starts to laugh like a maniac.   “Are you serious?!” You gawk at him. “How long did you even wait there for?”   “Like five minutes ago.” The bastard wolfishly grins. “Worth it though.”   You cock a brow at him, sighing. “So that’s why you didn’t join me in the bath?”   “No. I didn’t join you, so I could do this.” He yanks the towel where your breasts meet, leaving you nude. Goosebumps rise all over your skin and your nipples harden in the frigid air.   You screech, arms trying to cover yourself. “Taehyung, it’s cold!” “I can warm you up,” he says but then runs away when he reads the glare on your face, giggling boyishly. It’s completely childish. If anyone was watching, you’d be mortified, but it’s been a long time since there was any shame in your marriage, so you stomp after him while nude.    You hunt the man down while he tries to evade by rounding the coffee table. It’s no longer about grabbing clothes or covering yourself up, it’s time for revenge.   Luckily, the yurt isn’t big enough to have a game of tag. You manage to reach him and you steal the opportunity to yank his pants down. Taehyung, mid-laugh, trips on his feet and stumbles on the carpet. You burst out giggles, looking at his ass in the air and he giggles too from the infectious sound bubbling up your throat.   “Oh, you’re gonna get it now,” He mutters in a low voice with half-lidded eyes and you scramble away with another shriek.   “You started it!” You jump onto the bed and Taehyung kicks off his pants. You don’t ask why he’s skipped out on wearing boxers, but you notice he’s already half-hard and that only makes you laugh louder.   He chases after you as you duck and steal his own tactic of rounding the coffee table. But unfortunately for you, Taehyung has always been destined to win with his longer legs. He catches you within two strides and snatches you as you scream. You’re thrown over his shoulder like you’re a sack of potatoes and he smirks. “Caught you.”   “Taehyung! People are gonna hear!” You laugh in spite of being the one who’s making most of the noise and he tosses you onto the bed. Usually, you hate to be manhandled, but your husband’s the only exception to the rule.   “Let them hear.”   He hovers over you and the laughter dies down. Taehyung stares earnestly into your eyes and your breathing becomes shallow. But you don’t like to lose and as his wife of three years, you know his one, true weakness.    Your fingers lift to Taehyung’s armpits and he seizes when you start tickling him. You laugh when he does and once he doubles over, there’s an opening to the left, a perfect escape route. You steal the opportunity while you still have it and start to climb off the bed, but he regains his breath and grabs your ankle, tugging you back to him in one swift motion without even needing to try.    Taehyung grins. “God, you’re such a brat sometimes.”    “Yeah, and I know you like it.”   He grabs your wrists before you can make another tickle attack and pins it above your head. You can tell that there’s no more time for jokes or any more playing around, not when you can feel his hard cock against your stomach.   “You smell good,” he sighs into your neck, inhaling deeply. “Cherry blossom? Peony?”   “Strawberries,” you answer. “You smell like sweat.”   “You’re gonna end up like me anyway.” Taehyung smiles and leans in to kiss you. It isn’t shy or chaste. His tongue licks into your mouth and you exhale, a strangled moan muffled against his lips as you melt against him. He finally has you where he wants and you let him take control.   The pair of you swap spit for a few minutes until he releases your hands, allowing you to curl your fingers into his shoulders as he caresses your waist.    Taehyung eventually breaks away with a playful glint in his eyes. “You wanna try the toys?”   You both look at the basket half across the room and he rolls off of you. You get to your feet to inspect it for yourself and discover an array of colourful gadgets, some that you’ve tried before and others that you’re sure needs to have an instruction manual with it.    “I’m not putting any of these dildos in me, Tae. I don’t know where they’ve been.”   “I know.” He lays with his head propped up by his hand and you eye something at the bottom of the basket. You pull out a leather whip and look at him. “Ooh, a classic pick there, sweetheart.”   A whip seems more sanitary considering it doesn’t have to go in anyone’s orifices.   “Is it?” You approach with a tiny smile, staring down the innocent man. “Roll over.”   “What?”   “I’ll whip you.” You grin and he blinks at you. More often than not, you’re the more submissive one in bed, but the idea of having Taehyung crying out and the idea of you cackling at his pain has him immediately rolling face down in intrigue and you stepping up on the bed.   He turns his face to the side. “Do you know how to do it?”   “How hard can it be?” There’s a pause. “But tell me if it hurts.”   “The point is to make it hurt, Y/N.”   “Yeah, but I don’t want to hurt you-hurt you.”   “I can handle it.” Taehyung smirks and you scoff.    Even in this position, he’s trying to maintain his dominance.   You grip it tightly and don’t count. Simply, with a flick your wrist, you slam the whip across his backside. It makes a loud cracking sound and you hear Taehyung sharply inhale. His teeth grit and you freeze, watching his expression carefully.   “How was it?”   “Is my back split open?” he asks, trying to look over his shoulder.   “No.”   “I think I might have to go to the ER.” He sits up completely, overdramatic in the way he fumbles around and his tone filled with some mischief. “I think there’s internal bleeding. Or my spine is broken. I wouldn’t be surprised.”   “It’s fine, Tae.” you laugh. So much for telling you to go for it. But you already had an inkling Taehyung wasn’t one for receiving pain. After all, he’s still your whiny baby who only eats vanilla yogurt. “Not your thing?”   “Not my thing.” He takes the whip from your hand and tosses it across the room. “I have a better toy in mind.”   You’re about to remind him you’re not gonna put any of those communal toys inside of you, but he instead walks over to his suitcase and starts tearing some clear packaging open with something pink inside. You read the label — it’s a remote control vibrating egg.   Your brows furrow. “When did you get that?”   “Two days before we left. Amazon prime, babe.”   “So that’s what you were looking at when you told me you were doing some online shopping?”   “Precisely.” Taehyung grins and you’re not sure if you should be pleasantly surprised or in dismay since the two of you have already made a pact not to buy anything else online. The treadmill bought on an impulse is still taking up half the space of the living room.   Before you can think too much, Taehyung gets it open and comes over. He nudges your thighs to open and you lay back, leaning against the headboard. You’re not that wet yet, if at all, but it doesn’t stay that way when his long fingers rub against your clit in circles.    With his other hand, he strokes against your slit and then sinks his index finger in knuckle deep. You throw back your head, moaning his name at the intrusion while he remains silent, intently watching your pink cunt squeeze. Taehyung curls his finger and swallows hard. The sloppy sounds of your cunt fill the room and he hums in satisfaction.   “Okay. Ready?”   “Uh-huh.”   The head of the cold egg meets your folds and it slowly enters. While the toy might not be big or long, the girth stretches against your warm walls and you keen. Taehyung makes a low noise, encouraging you to take it. When it’s in, he smiles brilliantly. “Good job, sweetheart. You did it.”   “Now what?”   “This, of course.” Taehyung dangles the remote in front of you and then like a psycho, he ramps it up to the highest possible setting. Intense vibrations are felt through your body instantaneously and you cry, head knocked back against the headboard as your velvet walls squeeze and tremble.   “T-Taehyung!”   “Good?”   “I-It’s too much!” You’re completely at his mercy and he takes advantage of it, drinking you in with a wolfish smile. You’re unable to muster a glare at him, reduced to a complete mess while your center leaks and drips onto the sheet. Still, you try to reach over to the remote.   He dodges when you lunge at him. “Nu-uh.”   Luckily, you get a hold of your husband and climb over to him. His arm is extended straight up, laughing as you try to snatch it from him. He waves it inches away to mock you while enjoying the sight of you quivering on top of him. “T-Tae!”   “Okay, okay.” He laughs and transfers it into his other hand, about to turn the setting down a notch. But right at the moment you’re about to snag it for yourself, the remote flies out of his hand. It falls through the gap between the wall and the headboard.   It clatters to the ground.   “Oh shit.”   “Taehyung!”   “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He rolls off the mattress and looks underneath the bed before abruptly standing. “I’m going to need a long stick or something.”   He starts to look around the room, searching for a tool to grab the remote that’s out of reach, and you don’t know if you should suffocate him with a pillow or facepalm yourself hard enough to get knocked out into a coma.   You can pull out the egg yourself, but the violent vibrations were beginning to thrum pleasure through you, so as your useless husband goes fishing for the remote, you finish the job. Your fingers play with your clit, rubbing the bud as your slick drips down your thighs and you come hard on the toy.   The same moment light flashes beneath your eyelids and your toes curl, Taehyung grabs the remote with the help of a rolled brochure and shuts it off. The both of you are winded for different reasons.   “You know, I'd say that was pretty hot if not for how stressful that actually was.”   “You’re an idiot.” You tug the toy out of you and bat him over lazily, feeling spent on how hard you came. “Now dump some sperm in me, idiot.”   Taehyung has a cheesy grin and climbs over you. Despite the struggles of grabbing the toy’s remote, he’s fully hard from the noises you were making. “I’d tell you to ask more nicely, but I’ll let it go.”   He aligns the head of his weeping cock to your swollen cunt and leans his weight into you. He starts to push in and you whine, gripping his forearms. As wet as you are, Taehyung is still well-endowed — less girthy than the toy, but there’s a considerable length to him.    When he bottoms out, you can feel him all the way to your throat.   He tucks sweaty strands of hair behind your ear and kisses you. “Sorry about earlier.”   “’t’s okay. It was fun,” you admit and he smiles, starting to work up a good rhythm. You feel hot in your face with the pressure of his body on top of yours, hardened nipples brushing against his chest. Your cunt pulses and squeezes around his length. It draws Taehyung’s groans into your neck.   “F-Fuck. You’re so tight.”   It feels good and you know he’s reveling in the pleasure too. His eyes are shut tight, the scrunch made between his brows and it entices you to reach up and kiss him to which he sweetly indulges you. Your tongues twine as you pant against each other and Taehyung starts to lose his pacing.   He bends your knee, hitting you at a deeper angle as his strokes become increasingly frantic and quick. You egg him on and he groans once more before he thrusts himself as deep as he can go and cums. Ropes of white paint your walls, the head of his cock against your cervix and filling your cunt and womb up. You can feel some of it dribbling out, seeping past your folds and when Taehyung’s about to withdraw, you quickly grab his forearm.   “Wait. Just stay put for a second. I have to keep it in.”   He nods and kisses your lips. “Okay.”   Taehyung nestles into you, nuzzling into your neck and you hope this is the one.

[Day Three]   There were lots of activities and amenities offered and advertised by Jimin during the introduction of the retreat, but you realize you might’ve missed over the most important one of all.   “How does that feel?” the massage therapist asks as she works a knot out of your shoulders and smooths your skin with the oil.   “Amazing,” you murmur from the corner of your mouth, melted against the table.    Couples massages were something you always scoffed at, but holy shit, it’s absolutely paradise. With the breeze blowing through the pitched tent and the glowing humidifier releasing a fresh scent, you’ve never been more relaxed as all the stiffness is worked out of you.   You open your eyes to see Taehyung enjoying it as well — though not as much as you are since he’s quite ticklish. Sometimes, he squirms a bit too much and his massage therapist is at a loss of what to do.   But when it’s all done, you feel like you’re in a new body. “Oh my god. I think I’m more flexible than before. Look, Tae!”   You stretch your leg and he giggles at how happy your mood is. “If I knew you liked it this much, I would’ve signed us up for one at the spy near the gym.”   Your eyes are wide, catching the sunlight. “Do you think they’re as good as this place?”   Taehyung grins. “Probably.”   “We should go when we get back then. Oh, do you wanna check out the library?”   “Sure.”   You grab his hand, lacing your fingers together and he smiles to himself.    It’s a free day without many planned activities, giving you both an opportunity to look around the retreat for yourselves and take it easy. And the pair of you take full advantage of the opportunity. Since morning, you were lazing around the yurt and after breakfast and the massages, you decide to lay in one of the hammocks by the trees while Taehyung naps with you.    Said man hasn't seen you this stress free in a while, so he happily indulges you in all your wishes. Even when night falls and you step away from the stage where Hyunjin is performing again to stargaze. It’s an odd activity for you since mosquitoes love to especially swarm around you when given the chance and on numerous occasions, you’ve been a moth landing spot.   But tonight, the breeze is soft and gentle, and you don't feel any tickles on your skin that isn’t Taehyung’s hand grazing against yours. The grass is pliant beneath your feet and the fairy lights twinkle far away enough that its luminescence doesn’t obstruct. You knock your heads back to view the horizon, allowing the darkness to engulf you and the stars to emerge.   “Remember Bali?”   “When you lost your passport?”   “When we went stargazing with the tour group,” Taehyung corrects. “It still wasn’t as beautiful as this.”   “You think everything in front of you is the most beautiful thing you’ve seen. You said that about the Eiffel and then Tokyo Tower.”   He laughs. “Hey, my mind doesn’t change that often. You’re still the most beautiful thing I’ve seen.”   You scoff, looking away from the sky towards him with a pout. He always knows how to lay on the sappiness without needing to blink. Your dear husband has always been shameless in that aspect and you adore him for it. “So I’m a thing to you now?”   “You know that’s not what I mean.” He wraps his arms around your waist. The both of you stare up at the sky. “Is that the big dipper?”   You look at where he’s pointing to the large clusters of stars. “I can’t see it. Maybe that’s scorpio.”   “Nah, I don’t think so.” Taehyung tries guessing, “It might be taurus or gemini. Or libra.”   “Aren’t you just naming astrological signs now?”   “Maybe.” He grins. “I’m a capricorn.”   “Yes, I know.” You two of you clearly don’t know anything about constellations or how to find them, but it doesn’t make the moment any less enjoyable. Yet when your necks start to ache, he takes your hand and strolls down the path through the trees. “Taehyung. What if we get lost?”   None of you have your phones or any flashlights. There’s only the crescent moon giving off its light. “Don’t worry. I have a great sense of direction.”   “You and I both know that’s not true.”   “You have a great sense of direction, so we won’t get lost,” he says and you sigh without putting much of an argument up. Not when you knew he was headed to the lake you had peeked at earlier in the afternoon, and now it was shimmering with the moonlight, reflecting the starry horizon in its water.   There’s a certain kind of peacefulness, a serenity that you would never get back in the city or even the suburbs. Certainly not without light pollution or the occasional car whizzing past. Here, there is none of those noises, none of those distractions, just you and Taehyung savouring the view⁠—   “Hey.” But of course, your mischievous husband has to have ulterior motives for coming all the way here. And you know there are ulterior motives by that glint in his eye and the sly smile he has.   “What?”    “Wanna take a dip?”   Your brows shoot to your hairline. “Are you crazy? It’s probably freezing! What if we get hypothermia and die?”   “For the record, you’d make one beautiful angel. But I’ll warm you up before it gets to that point.” Taehyung grins and starts stripping, tugging his shirt right off his head. It’s always been like this — him proposing something out of your norm, you try to voice your concerns, and then you’re the one who’s diving head first into it without hesitation and end up having more fun than he does.   “God, it’s so cold!”    The moment the water touches your toes, you recoil. But you brace yourself and continue onward with your entire body shivering. It’s your first time skinny dipping ⁠— something normally reserved for rebellious teenagers and most certainly not for late twenty-some year olds. Yet neither of you have qualms, even if you’re shrieking and Taehyung is laughing and following behind you.   “It’s freezing, Taehyung!”   “Come here.” He pulls you to him so your backside is pressed to his front and you wonder how Taehyung can be so warm all the time. The pair of you get waist deep into it and you turn around to grip him. Your husband smiles and holds onto you, eventually going far enough that the water reaches your shoulders. “See? Isn’t this nice?”   You hum, gazing up at the stars and the moon, the sight reflected on the water and how you’re pressed to Taehyung. “Seems like the beginning of a horror movie.” He laughs and your feet try to reach down to find stability, but you realize you can’t touch the ground anymore and your grip on him tightens. “Walk back a bit, Tae.”   “Why?”   “You know I can’t swim.”   His mouth curls. “But I like how you’re holding onto me. I won’t let go,” he adds after a long pause, “if you beg me not to.”   Your arms immediately come to loop around his neck and your legs wrap around his waist, latching onto him in a vice grip like a koala does to a branch. “Taehyung! I’m not kidding.”   “Oh...oh!” The bastard pretends that he’s gonna let go of you and actually does for a split-second. He laughs at your panicked expression. “I’m kidding! I’m kidding!”   You feign a pointed glare that turns out to be more of a pout. “You’re lucky I like you.”   “You only like me?”   “Yeah and if you keep going, I’m going to demote you from husband to friend.”   Taehyung makes a pained, sharp sound. “Can’t let that happen then.” He suddenly hoists you up higher, grip secure on your thighs and smiles brilliantly while you scoff.   You savour the view and the warmth of his body heat, but you’re slightly distracted. “Do you think anyone’s gonna steal our clothes, Tae?” You squint at the small pile near the shore.   “Who would?”   “I don’t know. What if a bear comes from the bushes and takes them? We’ll have to walk back naked.”   “I’m pretty sure there aren’t bears here, Y/N. Stop overthinking it.” Taehyung suddenly grabs a hold of your chin and turns your head for you to look only at him. Then, he kisses you in a soft and gentle way before the tip of his tongue meets the seam of your lips. You happily oblige, parting them and allowing him access to your tongue and giving him a taste of you.   The man hums in satisfaction as soft smacking noises fill the surroundings. You lean into his firm frame while Taehyung’s large hands slinks from your thigh to the curve of your ass. You feel his thumb probe against your folds.   “T-Taehyung.” His hard length is beneath you and you grind down on him, feeling empty. It draws a groan from his throat.   After a moment, you get his cock inside of you. The stretch soothes the itch you had, filling your cunt deliciously. But unlike the movies, it’s not enough for you. The water washes away the lubricant, each stroke rough and the glide slower than you’d like. So you beg him and the both of you are dragged up onto the shore again.   You turn on all fours. The pebbles uncomfortably dig into your knees, but it’s a distraction that blurs into the background when Taehyung pounds into you. You feel all of him, his body heat against yours, each thrusting movement flicking off the droplets of water from your skin. And when Taehyung turns your head to kiss you while rubbing at your clit, you cum around his cock.   He finishes as you beg for it and Taehyung’s sticky fluids leak down your thighs on the trek back.

[Day Four]   Taehyung blinks blearily, slowly coming to consciousness. He scratches his bed head and groans at how his muscles ache. But when he turns his head, the other side of the bed is cold and empty. His eyes widen in confusion and he feels more awake than before.   He checks the time and realizes he slept in, a total of ten hours, which isn’t a surprise considering how last night’s rendezvous continued and was more intense than usual. What is unusually, however, is that you’re gone.   But he soon finds you outside. Bathing in the sun. Laying in a hammock. Napping with a book next to you.   Your eyes flutter open as his shadow covers your figure. The corner of his mouth pulls.   “Morning.”   You sheepishly grin. “Morning.”    “What time did you get up?”   “Like an hour ago. The breeze was nice so I thought I’d do some reading, but I guess I accidentally fell asleep.”   “Looks like you’ve gotten comfortable.” Taehyung’s enormous smile aches his cheeks. You’ve fallen in love with this place more than he has, but he doesn’t mind whatsoever. He loves watching you have fun.   The two of you have breakfast, inhaling in the food, and then head to a meditation class on the grass led by Hyunjin. Typically, Taehyung has to convince you to take part in such a session and you’d usually wave it off as a waste of time. But there are no qualms or an ounce of hesitation in your expression when you head over.   “Now breathe in, and out, a steady stream of breath. Think about all that you are grateful for. Everything that has made your life amazing, and let that positive energy surround you as the negative energy releases.”   But while you’re eager, Taehyung, on the other hand, finds out that meditation is not cut out for him. He’s bored out of his mind from the lack of stimulation. Time feels like it’s dragging on slower, each second a minute and a minute is an hour. Somehow, meditating makes him feel even more exhausted than before and his mind ends up wandering.   Taehyung thinks about how he’s really craving some fatty burgers instead of the organic oatmeal and yogurt he had — how hot the weather is — how it’s hard to breathe — how sweat sticks to his skin.   “Hold your breath for three seconds and release for three seconds.”   He sighs and peels back an eye to see you with your hands pressed together, concentrated in following instructions. The corner of his mouth tickles into a smile.   As bored as he is, it’s worth seeing you happy.   //   The more excited you are about something, the more you run around from place to place and Taehyung’s resorted to looking for you. Luckily, the resort is small, so he finds you in front of the main building, chatting to a certain brunette with a half-moon smile and chubby cheeks.   “—heard that doggy actually works for some people, but for me, it doesn’t feel right...like…”   “The head of the cock isn’t right up against the cervix?” Jimin hums thoughtfully. “Have you tried angling your leg better? Sometimes you need to bend a bit and he needs to be leaning towards the side rather than just hovering straight on top.”   What.   Taehyung’s brows lift and he quickly approaches. Your face lights up when you see him. “Oh, hey.”   “I was looking for you.” Taehyung throws his arm over your shoulder and subtly tugs you into his chest. He looks at the other man, eyes narrowed in on him which he doesn’t seem to notice.   “Sorry, I was just caught up with Jimin.”   “What were you talking about?”   “What position is best for conception.” You blink innocently like it’s not a big deal you’re exploiting the details about your sex lives to another guy, and while he’s not embarrassed whatsoever, it was a bit too much information being shared for Taehyung’s liking. “Turns out elevating the hips might not help as much as we thought it does.”   “Huh.” Taehyung deadpans, “That’s interesting.”   “I know, right?” Your expression is bright, oblivious to his turmoil. At the same time, Hyunjin exits from the building in yet another flower crown and flowy skirt. She smiles at the both of you and joins Jimin’s side, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek and holding his hand.   “Hope I wasn’t interrupting anything important.”   You smile at her. “No, it’s okay.”   The woman nods and looks to her partner while her voice drops into a more private tone. “Just wanted to let you know that Taehoon and I are done.”   As if to validate her words, a timid yet tall man exits the building and they wave goodbye to one another before he walks off towards the parking lot. Jimin smiles. “Did you have fun?”   “Yeah. It was nice.”   Both you and Taehyung exchange expressions. He wonders if you’re thinking what he is or if he’s understanding the insinuations correctly.    As if they catch the inquisitive looks on your faces, they smile in a relaxed way. There’s no need to explain anything to either of you when you’re strangers, but they’re open enough and Hyunjin says, “Taehoon’s my second partner.”   “Second...partner?”    “Hyunjin and I are in an open relationship,” Jimin clarifies in a friendly manner. “It’s not really traditional, but it works well for us.”   “Oh.” Taehyung and you wordlessly bob your heads. He’s pretty sure they mentioned it during their introduction but it slipped his mind. They must get asked a lot of questions too since Hyunjin answers what he’s thinking, telling the both of you there’s not a lot of jealousy involved since they trust each other wholeheartedly and communicate a lot. And rather than finding it bizarre, you’re left intrigued. Taehyung notices as you walk away.   “Do you want an open relationship too?”   “You know it would never work for us.” You lean over, hugging his arm. “I’m too possessive for that.”   He laughs. “Then what about talking to Jimin about our sex positions?”   “He’s a professional.” You shrug. “I thought I could get helpful advice. Why?”   “Nothing, it’s just kind of weird.”    Jimin doesn’t look like a professional. He looks like just some dude in khaki shorts and a white shirt, obnoxiously bulging biceps, probably has rock hard abs, and he’s in an open relationship and clearly doesn’t mind chatting up you, aka Taehyung’s wife.   “Are you jealous?”   “What? No.” Taehyung scoffs, suddenly defensive and you give him that look like you know him better than that. “I just don’t think we don’t need to ask for help yet, and at least not about our positions. We’re gonna have a baby one way or another, Y/N. We just have to be patient.”   “Tell that to my dying eggs.” You walk off and Taehyung grins.   “My sperm’s strong enough that it’ll rescue your dying eggs.”   //   Evening eventually comes and you try to revel in the surrounding sights, the atmosphere of the entire place and the very cozy yurt you’ve grown to adore. It’s sad knowing that tomorrow you’ll have to depart from the resort. You regret not coming here with a more open mind. That way, you could’ve enjoyed and embraced this place much sooner.   “Actually, I’m kind of glad. I’m getting sick of them serving the same food.”   You’re shocked at your husband’s apathy. “But it’s antioxidant-rich—”   “I just want some fried chicken or a burger.”   You scoff. “That’s why the doctor told you to lower your blood sugar and you’re not even over forty yet.” But still, you’re taken aback that he’s not in love with the resort. “Out of everyone, I thought this would’ve been your haven. I was expecting you to beg me to build a cabin here or something to stay.”   Taehyung hums, leaning back into the chair. “I’m not saying the resort is bad. As long as I get to spend time with you, I like it. And I like that you like it.”   “Psh.” He always knows how to say the right thing, especially when he’s doing it absentmindedly and not trying to get something out of you. You lean over, hand lifting to squeeze his cheeks together and you turn his head to kiss him. Taehyung smiles at the soft and affectionate gesture. But you look at him with half-lidded eyes that mean more. “Wanna ditch?”   It’s the final celebration that Jimin and Hyunjin are happily hosting, but you don’t mind leaving for some more quality time with Taehyung, and he happily agrees.   The both of you sneak out of the crowd, stumbling back into the yurt, giggly and giddy like you’re still teenagers trying to be stealthy at midnight. Taehyung kisses you silly and soon, your back is hitting the mattress. He almost rips your dress with how hastily he tries to tear it off your head and you’re stuck for a moment until you manage to get it off.   But in spite of how childish your antics are or how Taehyung blows raspberries on your tummy, each one of his touches is intimate and loving. He holds your hips down and eats you out until you cum twice. Then you’re flipped onto your stomach with him on top of you — his cock is dug into your pussy, every draw and thrust delicious. Your walls pulse along his length and you moan his name and clutch the sheets with tight fists.   You relish in the pressure of his body pressed on top of yours as he pounds into you. It only takes a few minutes before he’s releasing into your womb, cumming hard enough that you feel it too.   He rolls off of you, spent, but you gather your energy and hold him down for a second round.   You’re a woman on a mission and you’re going to make sure you leave this resort with Kim Taehyung’s baby inside of you.

[Day Five]   The final day of the resort has arrived much to your dismay, and you feel sad enough to cry.   “Thank you so much for all you’ve done.”   “It’s our pleasure.” Hyunjin grins, her arms wrapped around Jimin’s. “We just hope you had a great time at our resort.”   “Yes, I really loved it.”   “Our doors are always open,” Jimin affirms. “If nothing’s stuck, you can always come back or if you’re ever looking for more siblings for the little one, you can come again too. We’re happy to welcome anyone that’s family back.”   You’re moved by their words and much to Taehyung’s dismay, you give a brief embrace to each of them. You also manage to see the newlywed couple, Hoseok and Rose, who are still smiling and somehow look even more in-love than when they arrived. Dahyun and Seokjin, as well, wish you luck on your adventures.    “We might be coming back real soon.” The woman sighs, hitching her thumb over her shoulder. “That husband of mine is planning to book another trip next month.”   “So soon?”   Dahyun nods with a long exhale. “I think he’s hoping I’m not pregnant so we can come here again.” Your laugh spurs on her own and you’re able to resonate with the hopelessness of husbands.   Everyone is boarding the same bus, but this is the last opportunity to gather when people are getting dropped off from different places. So you make sure to savour the moment, get your last goodbyes in, and Taehyung pulls out his phone to snap several pictures of you for keepsakes.   Then, the two of you board the bus with your luggage and settle in your seats.   “You know,” you pipe up and Taehyung turns to you. “Even if we didn’t conceive, it was still fun.”   He smiles while taking his hand. “Yeah? I’m glad.” Taehyung laces his fingers with yours and you lean your head on his shoulder as he, too, leans his head on top of yours.   The bus pulls out of the lot and onto the road. Jimin and Hyunjin wave with brilliant grins, and together, you and Taehyung watch the little resort become a particle in the distance.

[Epilogue]   This is terrible. Unexpected and spontaneous.   “I have bad news.” You’re leaning against the door frame of Taehyung’s office and at your tone of voice, your husband looks away from the computer screen with wide eyes.   “Are you divorcing me?”   “No.”   “Did you lose your job?”   “No.”   His entire body deflates in a sigh of relief and he leans back, hands grasping the armrests of his swivel chair. “Thank god because I just bought those new shake weights that were shown on TV.”   “Yea— wait. What?”   Taehyung’s bubbling laughter comes from his chest. “What is it?”   He doesn’t notice the stick in your hand, so you throw it at him. Luckily, Taehyung’s reflexes are still in good shape and he claps his hands together, catching the stick before it hits his head. But then his brows furrow in confusion.   “You’re probably going to need to wash your hands after that. I peed on it.”   He doesn’t answer. Your oblivious husband instead takes a long second to inspect the stick and his pupils dilate. He finally realizes what it is and looks carefully. In the meanwhile, you hitch your breath, feeling unsettled. But then the most enormous smile stretches into his cheeks.    It almost looks like his smile is about to break his face.   “You’re pregnant,” Taehyung murmurs.   “I sure am.”   He looks at you. And then the stick. Then he looks at you again. Taehyung searches your expression in alarm as your words echo back to him. “Why is this bad news? D-did you change your mind? Do you not want kids?”   You shake your head. “No. This is fantastic news. I just wanted an excuse to go to the retreat again.”   He laughs and exhales a long breath. Taehyung scoots his chair over using the heels of his feet and comes to you. He throws his arms around your torso in a secure embrace while his ear is pressed gently to the flat plane of your stomach that’ll soon swell in the coming months. “God, you’re going to be the death of me, woman.”   Taehyung’s brown eyes are lit with mirth and you ease into his hug as your fingers comb through his dark locks. Finally, you’re going to be parents. After waiting and hoping for so long, it was now on the horizon. There’s a sense of fear in you both, but you’re overwhelmed with euphoria and excitement.   “We can always go back for the next kid.”   “I haven’t even had this one yet and you’re already thinking of another.”   “I can’t help it.” Taehyung grins, looking up at you and you lean down to kiss his smile.   You have a feeling this baby’s going to be loved beyond belief.