#feedback requested please

[why-animals-do-the-thing]

Animal reference photo compilation concept test!

I've been saving this project for a new website I'm planning, but that's been delayed by the grindstone of capitalism, so I'm going to set up this part early. This is the concept test for a repository of reference photos of a whole bunch of different species of exotic animals.

For every 50 or so photos I take of an animal, there's generally only a couple that I like and are also in focus and also framed correctly. But that led me to realize... all those slightly blurry or off-center photos are probably a great set of references for people interested in general shape/form/movement for their art! So I'm setting up of the idea before fully committing the time into making it happen.

I've been going through my photo backlog and pulling out the shots I think will be useful for art references. Lots of them show posture, facial movement, close-ups of feet or eyes, and walk cycles, but also other behaviors like jumping or drinking. They're not perfect - there's often stuff out of focus or reflections on the glass - but I think they'll still be useful for art?

The link below is to the Dropbox where I'll host these photos until I eventually get that new website/project up and running. Right now I've got folders of four species uploaded for this test: California Condor (CW for carcass feed photos), Jaguar, Komodo Dragon, and Moose. Please go check them out and tell me what you think!

~~WADTT Animal Reference Photos Dropbox Link~~

What I'm looking to learn from y'all is:

Is this type of reference photo repository useful / worth doing?

Do these photos work or are they too blurry/wonky/there's too many?

What things would make a project like this better? (Caveat, it has to stay on Dropbox for now).

If this turns out to be as useful as I'm hoping, and the photos work, I've got a whole bunch more species to upload.

[kaz-dekadent]

I’m sure there’s more than a 1000 stars up here.

viktor x gn!reader

tw // mentions of death

cw: fluff that somehow got angsty, vik smokes, size difference (small viktor), single use of yn

summary: you sneak out with viktor to look at the stars in an unique place in zaun

note: i am posting this at 6 am and not because i just woke up. also this was a request from @agswwww1 and english is not my first language !! (btw if this fic gets 30 reblogs i will come out to my mom as trans)

It was long after midnight but the noise of Zaun’s streets didn’t let you sleep. The lamp’s light diffracted in the air, almost green from pollution. You rolled to the other side on your mattress.

“I see you cannot sleep too,” said Viktor, trying to be as quiet as possible. He didn’t want to wake up his mom, who had to wake up early to work in the mines and his siblings he was visiting with you.

You sat on the matress. “We both can’t sleep. What if we sneak out to look at the stars?”

“We are in Zaun, Y/N.” Viktor hid his face under the blanket. “There is no stars to look at, unless you count the ones you see after you get hit by an enforcer or a thug.”

“Oh, c’mon, Vik. I know a place.”

“Just don’t look for a minute, okay?”

“Okay.”

You closed your eyes. After you opened them again, Viktor was in his clothes. When both of you got dressed, he closed the door and locked it quietly.

You both walked though the living and breathing street, passing three brothels, a workshop and a bar, then, at one of these bridges, as Viktor’s legs started giving him a hard time, you let him have a break. He leaned on the wall, breathing heavily with closed eyes.

“I’ll make this city have benches one day.” He said, fidgeting with his cane. “And I hope the stars too, because by now I only see more smoke.”

“There will be.” You said. “Can you walk again now?”

“I do, I suppose.”

After some more breaks and even more bridges, you could see an outline of a single star in the sky. After as much of both, you finally got here. You covered Viktor’s eyes with your hands. And he trusted you to walk him up here.

The highest building in Zaun.

“Close your eyes, Vik.”

You took out chips and a picnic blanket out of your bag, then you helped him sit down. You covered his eyes with your hands, then adjusted yourself to see his face.

“Now open.” You said as you uncovered his golden eyes. They opened wide and lit up like a star, glistening in awe. Viktor smiled with a soft giggle. He covered his face with his palm.

“Miláčku…”

“I knew you would like it.”

You opened your bag of chips and the air filled with its flavor. Viktor took the first chip, then you took yours, and as you looked at the stars, there was nonstop crunching.

The stars were just small light points on top of the darkness of the sky. More than you, more than even someone as smart as Viktor could count. Were they really cosmically big, huge enough that the planets became the size of a pea in comparison? But they were surely a divinity.

The piltovian sky and its pollution by artificial light could not compare to this. You knew rich people decorated their ceilings with stars just to see them. But the whole city of progress already looked like a star, so the night firmament couldn’t really stand out in its shininess. Zaun was different. In all of its ruggedness, prettiness was turning into magnificence.

But even the gas giants in space paled in comparison to the dainty man sitting next to you. Viktor was gripping his cane in wonder, looking up with sparkles in his golden eyes, that had the universe reflecting in them. His cheekbones looked even sharper. He let the air play with his chestnut-colored hair. And he smiled.

“I feel like I can see dad from here,” Viktor broke the silence.

“What do you mean?”

“He was the one that made me love science so much. But there was an accident in the mines so…”

“Oh, Viktor…,” you sighed.

You curled your legs to your chest, not saying anything. You just looked ahead of yourself, at the steel rooftops of Zaun’s highest buildings. And you could barely see the lower ones –they disappeared in the polluted air. The bridge far away parted to let in a ship. The hexgates were shining with a light blue, almost white luster. In a bar below you, music was playing and people were laughing.

Viktor took out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes. The orange fire sprouted up, lighting up his cold, bony hands. Then the fire gave a bit of it’s orangeness to the tip of the cigarette. Viktor inhaled the nicotine into his frail lungs. His lips shot gray dust.

„The stars are beautiful from here.” He said, as he took another smoke.

“Not as beautiful as you, Viktor.”

“Really? I don’t think I look that good.” His fingers fidgeted with the cigarette, as it’s tip leaked fumes.

“Fuck, Viktor, you’re majestic. I’m literally telling you this for…” You took a breath in between your rapture. “You see how many stars are here? There are definitely more times I told you how pretty you are.”

“I’m sure there’s more than a thousand stars up here.” As Viktor breathed some more nicotine, his voice seemed nonchalant. Unamazed, even.

“And you still don’t believe me.” You rolled your eyes, then took the cigarette out of his hand, inhaling it yourself. You put it back in Viktor’s mouth. “Do you at least know how smart you are?” You said, looking at an airship passing through the hexgates.

“Of that, at least, I’m certain.”

“Good, because I want you to see yourself as almost a tiny bit as divine as I see you.” You spoke and Viktor shivered. “Do you want me to give you my jacket?”

“No, but thank you.”

“I don’t want you to be cold, Viktor. Take it.”

“Alright.” He agreed. You took off your jacket, then gave it to him. He put it on. And the jacket looked so big on his small shoulders.

Silence.

The quiet night smelled of cigarette smoke. He was tired, you were tired, but the stars told you to stay. The small, white clouds on the planet’s ceiling complimented the stars like fine jewelry, a silver earring with diamonds.

Viktor let out a yawn, then something soft touched your thigh. He rested his head on your lap, curled beside you. He seemed so peaceful, with golden eyes closed, and long eyelashes stroking his cheeks. He let out loud breaths out of his delicate, weak lungs, and his tiny chest was rising and falling.

You started counting the stars. One, two, three… Viktor was right, there was more than a thousand stars up here. So much more.

[nalina-nw]

Gouache practice #1 - Agent 4

[hahskeleton]

helloo!! hope youre having a good day :3

was wondering if i could get a drabble of the dca helping reader with something medical? sickfic, stitches, yadda yadda. reader being embarrassed, the whole "i can do it myself" shabang. im a sucker for "patching up" tropes </3 im CURSED!!

Title: Sick but Fine

Word Count: 1,492

CW: nothing, just a lil bit of sick y/n

You hurried through the rain up to the huge doors of the Pizzaplex, feeling heavy-headed and congested. Your body ached and protested that you stay home today, but you couldn’t miss work.

To clear your head of any thoughts of sickness, you thought about how you were probably supposed to take the employee entrance, but why did it matter? Nobody would care, and nobody does. Besides, the front entrance has a much warmer welcome than the old door in the back.

But putting that aside, you rushed through the crowds to get to the daycare. You were already late, trying to push through the sea of people going to see the band’s show was going to make you even more late.

You swore half these people saw the show every day. How does it never get old? You never saw it more than once. Other than that, you only heard kids begging Sun and Moon to take them to see it. The answer was always no.

You finally made it to the doors leading to the Superstar Daycare, and as you entered the completely empty lobby, you sneezed. And you sneezed again. And again. And again. You stopped in the dead center of the room and calmed yourself down. You weren’t supposed to come to work sick. You had to do everything in your power to make sure that Vanessa didn’t find out you had a fever, she’d kick you out.

The final breath you took before you left the lobby was deep and long, and then you left for the stairs and went down to the entrance. Before you opened the large doors to the daycare, you rubbed your eyes and stood a little taller, trying to pass the I’m not sick look.

Finally, you pushed open one of the doors and stepped into the brightly lit daycare. A few kids ran around away from the rest of the children, and over by the ball pit was Sun playing who knows what with quite a few kids. He looked up at you, and his rays spun around, clearly quite happy to see you.

You waved and took your route to the main desk, setting your plastic water bottle next to the computer. “Sunshine!” You jumped, and though Sun did this nearly every day, his popping up suddenly caught you off guard each time.

You cleared your throat, “Hey, Sunny.” You smiled at him.

Sun leaned over the desk and watched you for a moment as you pulled out your chair and sat down. You heard the sunbot say your name with a bit of concern.

Your mind snapped to how you looked—probably a little under the weather. “Yeah?” You replied, acting oblivious.

Sun stood up straight and gestured his hands accordingly as he spoke, “You look a little rosy-cheeked today! Everything's all right?”

You nodded, “Yeah, why?” You lied.

Sun twitched, “Sunflower, you seem… are- are you sure you should be coming into work today? I- I mean, it’s not that we don’t want you here! Moony and I- I mean, you just look unwell, do you have…” He reached over the desk in an attempt to feel your forehead for a fever. You knew you were flaring up, so as Sun tried to place a hand on your forehead, you pushed it away and said, “I’m fine, Sun.”

He would frown, and then he groaned with displeasure, “If you say so...” You stood up from the desk and stretched, “Oh, could you grab the box of art supplies from the closet, please?” Sun chimed, his rays swaying blissfully as he walked along.

You nodded and left for the closet. Sun waved you off and then turned back to the children.

“Moony… I don’t think-”

“Neither do I. They are sick.” Moon’s voice rang from inside Sun’s head, the moon and the sun animatronics speaking through their shared headspace.

“What do you think...? Should we help? Or should we… leave them be?” Sun asked, looking back, scanning around for you even though he just sent you to the closet.

“Leave it to me.” Moon said without hesitation, immediately thinking up a plan.  

You took the box of art supplies from the closet, wandered back to the daycare, and dropped it on the counter. Sun turned around and sighed, then he called all the kids to the tables and signaled for you to bring the box over. You did as you were told and lugged it over, plopping it on the ground beside Sun. “Thank you, Sunshine!” He beamed with enthusiasm, digging through the box and grabbing what he needed.

You watched as he started to pass out the art supplies, and you started to space out.

You were tired. You felt someone tap your shoulder, and you snapped out of it, shaking your head vaguely as you realized Sun had been talking to you. “Sunbite…? You okay?”

You nodded, “Oh, yeah, sorry. I just spaced out for a moment.”

Sun’s brows knitted, but he just turned back to the kids and supervised them. Eventually he sat down and started to color with the rest of the kids, and so did you.

Before you knew it, nap time came around. You went back behind the desk and waited for the lights to go out. Maybe you could get at least five minutes of rest while Moon was taking care of the kids.

Finally, the lights dimmed and went dark. There were a few clicking sounds and the sound of shifting metal, and that told you that Sun and Moon were switching.

The next thing you knew, Moon peeked over the desk at you. "Hey, Moon.” You smiled at him.

He popped up onto the desk, crouching on it as a perch, “Hello, starlight~!” He hummed, his sharp teeth spreading in a wide grin.

“The kids are looking for you.” You said, looking past Moon. “I’m aware.” He jumped down from the desk and lingered behind it, “I’ll be back in a moment,” he whispered, heading off into the darkness to fulfill his job.

Just like he said he would, Moon returned to the desk. But you didn’t see him. He came stealthily from behind and grabbed you, pulling you off your chair.

“MOON!” You whisper-screamed, mindful of the kids that were sleeping.

He shifted you into a position in his arms where one arm held your legs, the other your back and head. He ignored your squirming and complaining and started to walk away from the desk.

Moon’s skyhook came down and attached to his back, and then he was carried up to the platform where his room was. “Moon, what are you doing…!?” You hissed, pushing to get out of his arms.

He walked off the balcony, detaching his hook, and went into his and Sun’s room. It was messy but cozy, with soft lights hanging from the ceiling that weren’t enough for Sun to come out, and blankets and pillows everywhere. There were cleaning supplies and other daycare products in some corners, too.

Moon carried you to a couch in the corner and plopped you down onto it. You tried to stand, but Moon pushed you back onto the red sofa.

“Lay down.” He demanded simply.

“What are you doing?” You groaned, folding your arms over your chest.

“You are sick. You need to rest, so I am putting you to sleep.”

“I am NOT sick! I’m fine!” You hollered in a mutter, standing from the couch and taking a few steps away before Moon inevitably pushed you back onto the couch.

“I don’t care whether you think you’re fine or not. You are going to rest because you are not fine.” Moon grabbed a blanket and a bunch of pillows. He lifted your head and placed a pillow behind you, then covered you with a blanket.

You shook him away, “I can take care of myself, Moon.” You took the blanket off and turned your body, planting your feet to stand, when you suddenly had a huge, painful coughing fit. Your chest felt like it was burning and on fire, and your throat was dry and sore.

Moon just watched you from across the room, arms crossed and a monotone expression. “So. How’s being fine going for you, Starlight?” He murmured, his eyes narrowing.

You shot him a glare, “All right, fine…” You laid back down and covered yourself up, “I’ll sleep…” You moped, turning yourself so you were facing the couch and not Moon.

You heard Moon shuffle closer to you, and then he sat beside the couch. You turned over and looked at him, but he didn’t look at you.

Your arm hung over the edge of the sofa, your fingers barely brushing the hard ground. Moon looked at your hand and thought for a moment before he mended his fingers into yours.

It was silent.

It was calm.

“Thanks, Moon…” you said under your breath, your eyes closing with heaviness and comfort.

He sighed, “Any time, Starlight.”

[shhh-secret-time]

Part 2 is 21 pages. Part 1 was 16 pages. Combine that together and that's a 37 page request I pumped out in a day.

oops.

Warning: NSFW, Strong-Language, Dirty Talk, Slight Praise Kink, a bit of jealous behavior, mention of character death, bug violence(?), bit of PTSD

Pairing: Gunslinger!Kyle x Fem!Reader

When you finally woke up, the first thing that came to your mind was just how dry your mouth felt. You swallow roughly and it burns the back of your throat in a different way the alcohol of last night did. It felt like you were trying to swallow steel wool, forcing what little saliva pooled in your mouth down your throat.

The second thing was the fact the horse had gone back to a slow trot. No longer could you hear hooves on cobblestone. The wind was no longer whipping around your head and through your hair. The smell of the city long gone, now replaced with a deep earthy scent.

The third was the feeling of Kyle's arms still wrapped around you, one pulls away from your side for a moment. You feel him move around, trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. He presses his fingers into his heavy eyelids before returning them to the reigns.

Finally, all three things fall into place as you piece it all together. Kyle feels the way your body bolts up away from his chest and brings his horse to a stop. He pulls her off to the crummy dirt road and off to the side.

"Oh! I apologize! I didn't mean to fall asleep like that! I can't believe I just passed out!" Panic sets into your voice and guilt eats at you when you realize he probably rode all through the night.

"It's fine ma'am. I figured you could use the rest. Please don't take any offense or nothin' but you look like you ain't seen much shut eye." Kyle smiles at you holding his hand up to try and settle you.

"I-.... you’d be right. Still, that's no excuse. You're still a stranger, the fact that I just fell asleep like that..."

"A stranger you shot a man for. A stranger you saved from gettin' strangled to death. I never did get to thank you for that." He pauses for a moment as he gets down from the horse. Kyle takes the reigns with him, choosing to walk along aside the horse now. "I've only had a few people in my time willin' to do somethin' like that for me and I at least know their names."

It hits you like a brick. In less than twenty-four hours you got into your first ever bar fight, shot a shotgun, slugged a man with said shotgun, all but bribed the sheriff, ran off with a man who didn't even know your name, and then fell asleep on said man who didn't even know your name. You catch yourself staring down at the handsome gunslinger, breaking yourself out of the daze trance like stare. It was hard not to admire him; looks aside he's been nothing but a delight to you. It would have been all too easy for him to just dump you off somewhere, leaving you and your problems behind.

Instead, here he was. Walking alongside you and his horse, without even so much as asking you about your business. Why you wanted to go out West, or why you needed to hire him in the first place. You hadn't even told him how much you were paying him for all of this.

"Ma'am?" Oh, right, your name.

"I'm being all types of rude, aren't I? I'm sorry..."

"Ain't nothin' to apologize for. I figured you got a reason for keepin' secrets. If you don't wanna tell me, I ain't gonna make ya." He shrugs.

 It takes you a minute to gather your thoughts, but when you do you finally gain the courage to ask him. "Why are you being so accepting about all of this? Shouldn't you be surprised or at the very least upset?"

"The way I see it, you saved my skin back there twice. Once with Knucklehead and the other with the Sheriff." He says sheriff with a sneer, "I owe you. Besides the way you begged the sheriff to let us go, I could tell you were in some kind of trouble. Wouldn't be right of me to turn my back on someone who needed help."

"So, what, you're just doing this out of obligation and the kindness of your heart?"

That makes him laugh again, but he quickly shakes his head. "Guess you could put it like that. Walk the righteous path and clear all debts sort of ordeal. But I don't think it goes that deep. Like I told the bartender last night, I'm just a simple fella tryin' to make a livin'."

You sit on his horse in awe, if this was an act he was putting on it was a damn fine one. You run your fingers through the horse’s mane, brushing out the sand and dirt on the poor creature who must be so tired. She huffs a little, but she doesn't move her head, so you continue.

After a few moments of walking and silence, you tell him your name. Your full name.

Every time you speak, he gives you his full attention, looking up at you with that gentle smile. You expect his eyes to widen like everyone else's when you drop your last name, your family was famous after all. Instead, he nods along and practices the sound of your name on his tongue.

He says it again and hearing it whispered in that voice of his sounds divine. Once he likes the way it feels and sits, he turns back to the road and keeps walking.

"Pretty name...like the way it sounds. I hate the fact that I ain't gonna get to use it much." His lips purse, talking like he's just mumbling to himself.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it wouldn't be real wise to be usin' your name if you're tryin' to go into hidin'. Even if we are on the road alone, I don't wanna take any chances. If I get in the habit of usin' your name, I ain't gonna wanna stop." He brings the rim of his hat down over his eyes trying to hide the blush on his face. Even though he says it with such confidence it's hard to look you in the eye.

He's not alone, his words have a greater effect on you than he knows. You pull the cloak still wrapped around your body closer to your form, burying your face in the material. Maybe you could just rub your flushed face away or at the very least it would buy you time to slow your heartbeat down.

Kyle was right about one thing. Your last name has brought you nothing but trouble your whole life. So, for now you'd get rid of it, toss it to the side like the various newspapers you saw littering the city streets. Let it drift away and be carried by the Eastern winds. It was time to leave the city girl you were raised to be behind; you were going out West now.

"The only thing I can't seem to wrap my head around." Kyle breaks the silence between you two again. "Is how someone like you learned to shoot like that."

"How do you mean? It doesn't take much to point a gun at someone and pull the trigger, can't really miss with a shotgun when you're that close."

"That's what I'm askin'. It don't take much to pull a trigger, but you knew how to hold it. Held her like you knew her."

"How'd a lawyers boy go from that to being a bounty hunter?" You ask, bringing up the little fact that Sheriff Cartman spat at him last night.

His lips press together in a thin line and for a moment you feel like you might have crossed a line. Said something you shouldn't have, but when his shoulders slump forward you can feel something different. It's not anger in his eyes, maybe regret? Hurt that rests behind those tired green eyes.

"I don't know why I'm tellin' you this. But we're gonna be together for a while, might as well make conversation I suppose." Again, he talks like he's not really talking to you. His inner thoughts spilling from his mouth like brandy in a bottle. "It was bandits."

Your blood runs cold, that could mean anything but, in this context, you had a feeling it wasn't a good one. Your fingers brush down the coat of the horse as he talks, finding comfort in the animal. You can feel the warm and gentle breathing coming from her. If you squint, you could almost swear they had lined up their breathes. She would take in an inhale, and he would let out a puff of air.

"Pa was a lawyer, Ma was a stay-at-home mama. He made enough for all of us and another. I have a baby brother they adopted when I was younger." He goes to tell his story with a little pause in between.

"You said have. He still around?" That question hurts to ask, but curiosity was gnawing at you. You wanted to know more about this gunslinger, that included the bad too.

"Yeah. I think it was when I was fifteen? Pa was puttin' me through school, was studyin' to be like him. I was gonna put away bad people just like him." He takes his hat off with his free hand, he stares down at the inside of the hat. You catch a glimpse of stiches and patchy line work. Past the scuff marks and tears on the old thing it looks like someone tried to patch it back together again. Enough to where it would hold up. But past that there was a little black and white picture tucked in the makeshift pocket of one of the patches.

A skinny man, honestly looked like a strong gust of wind could blow him away, standing next to the most gorgeous looking woman you've ever seen. Her hair was put up in a tight bun, curves on every ounce of her that made her look like something out of those fancy paintings. The dress she wore clung to her body and on her lap was a little boy. Black hair that didn't match the shade of grey on either of the adults behind him. He had a big toothy grin on his face as he held an outstretched hand for the other boy beside him.

It was Kyle. Much younger than he is now, hopeful looking face with his hair cut short and kept clean. The curls sat neatly on the top of his head, and he dressed like some of the men your father did business with. Fine button up grey shirt tucked into a pair of black slacks. A grey tie came down from his collar that disappeared behind a black vest. Still had that soft smile on his face as he looked at the camera.

He quickly puts the hat back on feeling your eyes peering down behind him. Again, you felt like you got a peek into something you shouldn't have seen. If he was bothered you couldn't tell, he just kept talking.

"Pa was always real good at that, puttin' bad people away. Could do it the civilized way, take him down and give 'em a trial. Rely on the system to put 'em behind bars and supposably reform 'em." He scoffs at that statement, "lotta good all that did. Pa put away the wrong man. Some no name bandit leader thinkin' he could take the short way through life and rob some rich folk."

Kyle stops, completely. Stops the horse, stops talking and just stares down at the ground below. You watch a little red scorpion scurry after its dinner. Stinger pulled back and at the ready.

"Men like that got one thing goin' for 'em. They travel in numbers. Numbers that don't like when you mess with their own. Pa wasn't even the man that brought that bandit leader in, but he was the reason why he'd never walk under the sun again. They were gonna keep that no named man locked away in the deepest parts of their holdin' cells. His men didn't like that idea much."

The scorpion chases the target down until they come to a ledge. Something that would be so easy for you to just step over, something that would barely be an obstacle in your way. But for the tiny bug that was fleeing for its life, it was the end of the road. It wasn't dexterous enough to try and make it over the little ledge, the path to freedom taunting it as it falls on its back.

"Don't really know what they were thinkin' or how they came to the conclusion. But they decided in the dead of night they'd...burn down the town? Came in on horseback makin' all types of racket. I remember Ma pushing my brother in my hands an' tellin' me to run out to where we kept the stagecoach. Somethin'-" He chokes and clears his throat to collect himself. "Somethin' about the horses already hitched and ready. To just jump on and wait for her and Pa."

The scorpion closes in on the bug. His stinger blocking the view of the sun, casting the shadow of death over the poor thing.

"I protested, wanted to stay and help her pack bags. Carry somethin' other than my cryin' brother." His hands clutch the sarape around his body, right where his heart would be. "She told me not to argue with her and to get my ass outside. Never heard her curse before..."

The bug kicks its little legs, trying to roll off its back. It squirms, fights, and rocks trying to do anything. Anything but die.

"I did what she told me. Go where she told me. You don't question your mama when she tells you to do somethin' ya know?" He licks his lips, and you wonder if they're as dry as yours are right now. "I put my brother and I in the carriage and I wait for 'em. Then...the house just...erupts. One of those sons of bitches threw somethin' against the side of the house and it catches a blaze."

Kyle closes his eyes, a bead of sweat drips down his face. Like he can still feel the roaring flames against his face. The poor man is standing there reliving it all.

The scorpion finally brings its stinger down. Strikes the pathetic creature in the stomach one good time. The venom does its job, you're sure if the little thing could scream out it would. Instead, it just goes slack, goes limp and dies.

"I... I didn't know what to do. I had just learned to drive the damn thing, so I grabbed the reigns and snapped it. If it wasn't for my brother, I probably would've run into that blazing hell. Probably be a dead man too."

"Probably." Your voice finally pipes up. Kyle looks up at you and you're not giving him the look of pity others have when he tells this tale. Your face is softened sure but there's nothing in those eyes that tell him you're looking down at him.

"That's the last time I saw 'em. Last time I said good night...I only wished I woulda got to say I love you."

The scorpion closes in on its meal. Now that it's not trying to run it figures it can eat in peace. Pinchers at the ready to pick the corpse up.

"I didn't. Spent a lotta time wishin', and a lotta time gettin' good with a gun. Pa taught me there were other ways to take a man down, not everythin' had to be solved with violence. We could do it humane like instead of usin' a gun. Just a shame I turned out to be a damn good shot."

Kyle starts walking again, and as he does, he walks over the scorpion. Crushing the creature under his heel without a second thought. You watch as when he moves his heel the thing lays there with the sand already started to claim it's body. You wonder if it got to at least get a bite of what it worked so hard for.

"So that's how you started bounty hunting?"

"Yep. Started with the assholes that took my parents from me and my brother. Guess they're the only people I never brought in alive."

"Really?!" That was a part of the man you didn't learn from rumors.

"I'm flattered you seem to think I had the ability to bring in fifteen men all by my lonesome, but no. I gave 'em the same treatment they gave my parents." Most men would be proud of that, say it with their chests out. Kyle doesn't, he keeps his eyes on the road and his head down.

"You burned them?"

"Set their whole lil' hideout on fire. Got a bottle of whiskey, drank some of it for courage and then tucked a cloth in the rest of it. Lit the sucker on fire and tossed it."

You try not to imagine the sounds that fifteen men on fire would make, or the fact that not even one of them got away. Kyle was a lucky man that there weren't a few to make it out of that fire that night. Who knows what would have happened if he was caught or worse, they lived to enact revenge like Kyle had.

"Took my brother to an old friend’s ranch and we stayed there for a while. You ever hear of the Marsh family?"

"Sure. They're famous ranchers, good at breakin' in horses and growin' crops."

"Their son is my best friend. I call that man my brother. Call him that until I take my final breath." A smile finally comes back to his face, talking about someone that means so much to him seems to put him at ease.

"Why'd ya leave?" You ask, letting a smile come across your face at the sight of his.

"Didn't feel right just sittin' around. Plus, if word got out that I was stayin' in one place I figured it'd just bring trouble. My brother didn't do nothin' so I asked if I could leave him there. Been out on the road ever since, I send him letters from time to time but it ain't easy gettin' 'em out to me so I just assume he's alright."

"You should visit your brother...I'm sure he misses you." You tell him. It almost breaks your heart the way his smile doesn't reach his eyes.

"With the reputation I built up, I'd only be bringin' danger to his doorstep. I couldn't do that to him or Stan." That must be his friend he mentioned, you note. "I take what I earn from bounty hunting and send it their way. Just because I chose to throw away the life our Pa had set out for me, doesn't mean he's gotta. Every nickel and dime I get goes to keepin' me goin' and buildin' a better life for him."

Your heart swells, swells with admiration and pain. It hurts to see a man who so clearly loves his family have to keep himself away from what little he has left of it. Who has to distance himself from the two people he'd call brother. Neither really blood related to him but they might as well be. You can't help but admire him, how he tries to carry all that responsibility on his back. You thought the tired look in his eye was just from staying up all night and riding into the morning.

"Kyle, that's incredibly brave of you. Putting yourself out there for your brother, if it means anything...I don't think you're throwing your life away." You find that courage you somehow mustered up last night and put your hand over his, the one that still has the reigns. He looks up at you, watching as the sun sits behind your head like a halo. You bend down a bit and get closer to him, whispering as if someone was listening in. "I think what you're doing is the most noble thing I've ever heard. You're the kind of man they talk about in story books...if I didn't believe in you before I do now. Thank you."

"For....for what?" He asks and swallows, his adams apple bobs. For the first time in a long time, he can't seem to find his voice, it drops to a low whisper.

But could anyone blame him? The way you look at him so gently, every little blink of your eyelashes has him sinking deeper and deeper into the color of your eyes. That golden sun behind you makes you look like an angel, and maybe you are one. As far as Kyle is concerned only an angel could look at him like that. Find a way to admire him and sing his praise after being told he set fifteen men to hell in a blaze of hate.

"For being you. I used to not think there were good men out there, but you're changing that." You say it like it's the simplest thing on earth. Like he should have just known the answer to that.

But when you say it, it's like being punched in the chest. You have your hands so tightly wrapped around his heart he's sure if you say anything else he's going to keel over. He lets himself have this moment, lets a breath escape his chest and holds onto each little word you said.

"Ma'am, you ain't got a clue as to what you're sayin'. You don't know me well enough to be passin' judgement like that."

"Hm. Good thing I'm a real good judge of character. A man as bad as you claim to be would've robbed me blind especially if he knew for a fact, I was carrying enough money on me to buy your friends ranch."

His eyes widen at that, he stares at you as if you just told him the sky was red and the rapture was coming. Kyle's respone catches in his throat, unable to say anything at that. You can't help but laugh at that, the sweet sound coming from your lips makes his knees weak.

You toss him the stained white bag of cash, the once pure white cloth now soiled by the desert sands. Dirt clings to it but that doesn't stop him from catching it and opening it up. True to your word, there was so much cash in here Kyle could probably beat a man to death with it.

"You walked into that damn saloon with this?!" Kyle yelled quickly, closing the bag.

"I risked a lot on trying to find you." You say with a little shrug. "Sold everything I owned, took what I could carry and set out to hire you."

"You're either crazy or desperate. Please, for the love of God don't take offense to this."

You laugh again and shake your head; you couldn't argue with him. He was right. Maybe you were both, but it was either this or get unlucky one day and go missing. You'd take your chances with the handsome man next to you. At least he wasn't a stranger much anymore.

"I just got tired of the life I was living. Heard there was good opportunity out West. Figured I could settle in Texas or...Colorado?"

"Colorado?! Ma'am if this is some elaborate plot to give me a heart attack just to take me out, you're doin' a damn fine job." He clutches the bag into his chest and takes a deep breath. Quickly he stuffs the bag into the saddle bag on his horse. She stirs a little and shakes her head letting him know that her patience is running thin.

"So, you're suggesting Texas?"

"It's better than fuckin' God damn Colorado!" The way Kyle's cursing picks up when he's stressed is kind of adorable.

Laughter echoes down the road all the way out of the state. You finally find yourself off the East coast for the first time in your life. The company you keep makes it all the better! Eventually you stop at the nearest town and purchase your own horse. You have to slow down a little because Kyle has to all but teach you how to mount her and how to keep her from freaking out. He's calm and patient with you the entire time, only laughing at you a few times when you forget to buckle the saddle completely and almost slide right off. He teaches you how to take care of her and you end up spending most nights swapping stories by campfires.

You're somewhere deep in the state of Missouri, where exactly you're not sure that's Kyle's job. The night sky hangs above your heads with the stars staring down at you. Each little twinkle makes you think they're winking down at you. Kyle's told you that a few of the stars have names and stories behind them, you let him ramble on about it for hours before informing him that you already knew all that. The look on his face alone was enough to make you laugh.

You must have laughed again because Kyle's looking up from the worn-out map up at you now. He has a lazy smirk, the corners of his lips hidden behind the scruff on his face that's starting to grow in. His hair just now starting to go back to when you first met him, he's shaved it off a few times since your journey much to your dismay. You complained for days when he first did it only to be met with an eye roll.

That was something you always noted, that whenever you would complement Kyle's appearance, he'd brush you off or find a way to deflect. Telling you that you were the pretty one or that you were just seeing things because you weren't drinking enough water. The heat was getting to you, and you needed to take some time by the shade.

But he really was a handsome man, the rugged look didn't really line up with his personality but damn if it didn't do something to you. Being next to the man for so long, having made the first real connection with another person for the first time in your life. Well, it was getting harder and harder not to see him in a different light.

Especially since every moment leading up to this point, Kyle would do everything in his power to protect you. Putting himself in harm’s way time and time again just to make sure you'd be safe. Bandits thinking the both of you were easy picking, Kyle's reputation didn't reach every corner of the country. And the few times it did, it only encouraged people like Knucklehead to try and take a shot at bringing him down. There were a few times people recognized you. Someone had put out missing wanted posters with your face plastered all over them.

Of course, when danger came rearing its ugly head, Kyle would be there by your side. At first it was a lot of him taking shots for you, you patching him up. Using those studies your parents provided, removing bullets, and cleaning the wound left behind wasn't exactly what you had studied but eventually you got the hang of it. Each time you'd scold him to be more careful, he'd argue that catching bullets with his body wasn't something he liked doing. And each time just as you'd finish bandaging him back up, he'd give you a look that had your heart fluttering. His eyelids would lower down, and his lips would part in just a way that made them look so kissable. But every time you'd think you got the courage to just do it, he'd pull away and wish you a good night. Disappearing in his tent as if he wasn't just staring at you thinking the same thing.

Little did you know he was thinking the same thing. Countless nights he'd stay awake at night, tossing and turning in his bedroll trying to get the image of you so close out of his head. It had been a long time since Kyle felt this close with anyone, much less got to share the road with another person. Those little moments where you'd brush your fingers over his exposed skin or when you'd wake up nice and early to make sure he got something in his stomach before riding off. It made it harder and harder to want to not make you, his woman. To not take you up in his arms and take you into his tent for the night.

But that's not why you hired him. Once he got you to Colorado, he'd drop you off, probably stick around long enough to make sure you were settled, and then be on his way. Leaving you in that state all by yourself and he'd return to wherever the road took him. That thought filled him with an indescribable loneliness, one he tried to keep out of his head. He tried to focus on how good he felt just being near you, savoring the moments he got with you now.

Like how pretty you looked when you sat next to the fire, back against a log that he dragged over to make it a little more comfortable. A book resting in your lap and a page between your fingers, some novel you both picked up and swapped back and forth. How every time you looked over at him thinking you could steal a few glances without him noticing, only to be caught in the act. Ever since he met you back at the bar you would avert your eyes from him and try to find something else to look at or pretend that you were looking past him. He found it so cute.

"Somethin' funny darlin'?" You don't know when he started calling you that, can't recall but every single time it makes your heart leap.

"Just thinking about that time, you were telling me about the stars. How I'm gonna miss this..."  You say with a little shrug and smile, reaching down next to you to grab the bottle of wine.

"You'll still be able to see 'em in Colorado. In fact, I hear they're mighty pretty over the desert." He says watching you take a drink from the bottle.

"It's not the same." You wipe your mouth with the sleeve of your blouse, the red liquid staining the shirt. "It's not the same if you don't have someone to share it with."

It's Kyle's turn to blush a little, he gives you a little hum and a nod like he understands. There's a moment where he thinks his heart stops, but it thumps against his chest, and he finds it in him to speak up. "You always know just what to say to make a man flustered huh?"

"Since when have I talked to other men like this?" You ask scooting a little closer to him, that night wind pushing you a little closer to his warmth.

"I don't quite recall..." He mumbles meeting you halfway.

Kyle helps close the gap between the both of you until your thighs are touching. The material of his jeans brush against your legs, exposed because of the skirt clips holding your skirt to where they just cover your thighs.

"Think it would work on another man?" Your voice drops to a whisper.

His brows furrow at that and his face twists into a scowl. You watch the way his eyes narrow and darken a little. He huffs and you can smell the scent of coffee on his breath. Kyle doesn't say anything, instead he goes for the wine bottle in your hand. The man takes a swig of it, trying to hide the jealous feeling that's starting to creep up on him.

"Reckon it would... if you had the backbone to be talkin' to other men."

"What's that supposed to mean?" It's your turn to furrow your brows at him, they knit together.

"Just sayin' you ain't exactly a smooth talker with everyone you come across. I seem to remember a certain run in with that snake oil salesman that was tryin' to get you to agree to go on a lil' date with him." He taps the bottle against his lips a few times before taking another drink.

You take the bottle from him, crawling over his lap to reach the darn thing. You press your palm into his thigh and suddenly he's very aware of just how close you are to him. Kyle isn't sure if you're doing on purpose but either way it makes his dick twitch against the fabric of his pants.

He doesn't give you time to protest as he moves the bottle out of reach, holding it back just as you brush your fingertips against the cool glass. "No, I think I remember you fumblin' over your words and I had to come over and tell the fella you weren't interested."

Damn him. Damn that handsome red head for calling you out and looking so cocky while doing it. His smirk returns as he cocks his head down at you, the way his lips glisten against the campfire almost has you distracted. Almost.

But you wanted your wine, so you take another lunge for it. Pressing your body into him to try and climb over and snatch it back. His hand comes down to your waist, keeping you in place.

"Ah! No ma'am, I think someone's had enough. All that talk about flirtin' with other men ain't much like you. Think this is messin' with your head." He tuts and shifts you in his lap. He's hoping you don't feel the effect you're having on him.

"You know what I think Broflovski? I think you're jealous!" You challenge crossing your arms under your chest.

"That so? That what you think darlin'?"

"Why else would you be acting like this? You're acting like a damn child! Now give me my bottle, I'm a grown woman I can drink as much as I wanna!"

He laughs at that. Laughs right at your protests and the way you're pouting in his lap. It makes your face burn up, it makes you wanna hit him, makes you wanna kiss him until he shuts up.

"You're real cute when you get fussy you know that?" Kyle lets the compliment slip out of his mouth before he has time to think about it.

He knows better. He knows he shouldn't be flirting with you, shouldn't get attached. But that ship has long since sailed, he's been infatuated with you since the day you told him he was a good man. But fuck if it isn't getting harder and harder, especially with you sitting so pretty on his lap.

"Kyle Broflovski! If you don't start acting right!" You know the blush on your face doesn't help, the scolding falls on deaf ears.

"I ain't the one crawlin' into a man's lap for a bottle of cheap wine." He sets the bottle down beside him off into the dark where it no longer matters. That hand finds home on your waist, rolling his thumbs over the material of your skirt.

You suck in a breath and sit up on your knees, pushing them to rest on either side of him. "You're not just another man...that what you want me to tell you?"

"Can't say I wouldn't like it." Kyle's voice dips low, gravely and makes a shiver zip down your spine.

"If you don't want me flirting with other men..., why are you waiting so long to kiss me?"

"Oh darlin'," He growls and squeezes the back of your thighs, rough hands sliding up your skirt. "I want nothin' more but...you and I both know I can't."

"No, I don't think I do. Enlighten me." You're not letting him get away this time, there would be no running off to his tent to avoid this. You had him wrapped around your little finger, even if your heart felt like it was about to explode.

" 'Cause if I start kissin' you. I'm gonna keep doin' it..." He gets closer, sitting up to his full height just to graze his lips over yours. "Keep kissin' ya 'til I ain't go breath in my lungs left. Then I'll wanna take you in my arms jus' like this." He gives you a little squeeze pressing his chest further against yours. "I wouldn't be able to stop myself from makin' those sweet lil' noises come out of your mouth. Wouldn't wanna stop either."

Your breath hitches and you let out a soft little moan. You card your fingers through his hair, his hat was put away somewhere in his tent, so it left those gorgeous red curls unguarded. He groans and inadvertently bucks his hips up into you, the rough feeling of his jeans grinding up against your underwear.

"Fuck and if you ain't makin' it difficult. Talkin' like that makes me think you planned to get me all worked up. You ain't stupid, just about the smartest woman I've ever met in my life." He continues grinding his hips into you, rolling you over his growing erection. Kyle groans and doesn't even bother trying to stop the sounds coming out of his mouth.

"K-Kyle just kiss me already!" You whimper in his lap.

And he snaps, whatever wall he built up to resist you comes tumbling down. Just the way you say his name has him tossing all logic out the window. He grabs the back of your neck and pulls your face down towards him, crashing your lips onto his. His teeth almost knock into yours from how desperately he needs this, how much he needs you. It's like being able to stretch your legs after riding for days, or a cool drink of water after being under that blazing sun for too long.

That crackling fire that keeps your little camp sight illuminated doesn't give off nearly the amount of heat Kyle's kiss does. His chapped lips move against yours, somehow despite being on the road for so long they're still so soft. It takes a second for your brain to register that he's finally kissing you, after so long he's finally doing it. Before he can pull back, you press back into the kiss. Hands coming down from his hair to cup his jaw like it'll anchor you from floating away.

He kisses you again and again, each kiss turning more passionate. He goes from a desperate kiss to kissing you like a starved man. His tongue slips out and swipes against your bottom lip, when you don't open your mouth, he growls and pulls you down, so you're now firmly sat in his lap. The action makes you gasp, and he slips his tongue into your mouth, more than excited to explore the inside of your mouth until he finds your tongue. You poke back nervously and chase after the pink muscle. Finally, your tongues twine together, wrapped up in some kind of dance.

He kisses you until your lungs burn, desperate for air. In this silent little battle to see who would break first, it's you. You pull away from him and take in a large gasp. The lack of air and how heated the kiss was makes your head spin. Just as you collect yourself, he's on his feet lifting you up with him. You cling to him and wrap your arms around his neck, even though you know he won't drop you the shock of being moved so quickly like that caught you off guard.

"W-where are we going?"

" 'm takin' you to bed." He walks you over to the tent he's got pitched up, moving to your tent. Kyle bends down and gently lays you down on the bedroll. He sucks in a breath when he sees the way your hair's all laid out and how you've got your thighs pressed together. Lips wet and slightly puffy from the way he kissed you. "Now if you ain't the prettiest thing I've ever seen. Take your blouse off for me."

Kyle looks down at you with darkened eyes, heavy eyes filled with lust. He watches every single little movement you make. They watch as you slip the buttons of your blouse through the little slots holding them together. Watch as you slip the shirt down your arms painfully slow, far too slow for his liking. But ever the gentleman he simply hooks his thumbs in his belt and watches, rewarding you with a low hum.

"That's my girl." His praise all but makes you purr; you like the way he calls you his. "Jus' a lil' more for me. Take that skirt off." His hand slips up your skirt and taps the side of your thigh.

You do it, work the skirt clips off along with the skirt itself until you're left in nothing but your underwear. He tosses them to the side letting them land in your pile of bags. He tugs off his sarape and works his belt, the clinking of his buckle rings out. The only other sound besides your heavy breathing is the bubbling brook next to your camp sight. Occasionally, you can hear the horses stir, but right now all you can focus on is the way Kyle strips down to nothing.

Kyle lays his gun down carefully on top of his clothes before joining you under the furs used to keep you warm. His cock nudges against your thigh, twitching against how soft it feels. You let out a shaky sigh and peer down at it, the angry red tip brushes against your skin.

"I-is that going to fit?" You ask him suddenly a bit worried, but it melts away when he takes your jaw and kisses you again.

"Darlin' we can stop at any moment. But if you'll have me, I'll make you feel real good." His hand snakes down between you two and his fingers go to spread you open.

You let out a little moan and whisper a soft, 'yes' and it's all he needs to continue. His middle finger rolls your bud gently at first until you start to squirm and push against his hand for more. He applies enough pressure to the circular motion that has you seeing stars. He continues rubbing circles on your clit and your hips buck up against his hold. It felt so good.

You moan out in pleasure when he slides two fingers into your hole with ease, your arousal making it so easy for him. He pumps his fingers in you once or twice, pushing into that spot that has your back arching off the bedroll. Kyle keeps his fingers buried in you for a moment, spreading them out and curling them in a come-hither motion. His lips find their way down on your neck, leaving faint love bites. Sucking on the exposed skin with enough force to pull a loud moan out of you.

"Kyle..." A low breathless whimper escapes your lips as he comes off your neck with a pop. "Please, please."

"Sound so pretty when you moan my name like that. Shoulda done this sooner." He works his fingers in you again, thrusting them up into you over and over again. "Fuck you're so fuckin' wet."

You're moaning so loudly you're sure if you weren't alone on the side of the road you would have woken a whole neighborhood. When you try to muffle those moans, he stops moving his fingers leaving you just teetering on the edge. The knot in your stomach starts to tighten, he can feel the way your pussy flutters around his fingers.

"That's it sweetheart, let go for me. Look at me when you cum." He holds your jaw with his free hand making you look up at him.

Your eyes widen and as you finally clench around his fingers giving you that orgasm you desperately begged for. His fingers keep pumping in and out of you until you're whining, and tears are beginning to spill from your eyes.

"Shh, I know, but I gotta make sure you're nice and prepped for me darlin' don't wanna hurt ya too bad." Kyle whispers in your ear until he pulls his fingers out of you finally. You whine at the loss of contact, suddenly feeling so empty. You watch him bring his fingers up to his lips and swirl his tongue around the digit. "Think you're ready for me baby?"

"Kyle, please. I want this, I want you!" You whimper.

"That's a good girl. Roll over on your stomach for me." He leans back up and gestures for you to do as he says.

So, you do, you roll over on your stomach and just as you do, he tucks a pillow under your stomach. His hands glide up and down your legs until they find purchase on your hips. They tighten and squeeze around your waist pulling you back against his cock. Kyle glides you back against his member, grinding your wet pussy up and down his shaft. He lets out a soft moan and lets his head lull to the side.

"Oh," He says quietly as the tip of his cock nudges against your folds, "thaaaaaat's it." Kyle slips every inch of his cock into you slowly, dragging your velvet walls back against him. He pushes and sinks deeper into you until he bottoms out.

"O-Oh god." You bury your face in the bedroll. "Fuck feels so good."

"You have no fuckin' idea..." He grips your hips and begins slowly thrusting in and out of you, "how many times I've thought about fuckin' you senseless. How bad I just wanted to make you fuckin' mine!" His voice comes out in a breathless moan over your desperate cries.

" 'm yours!" You're a mess at this point and he hasn't done much but finger you and start a lazy pace. Each time he drags his cock out he pulls all the way out leaving you empty again. Only to push it right back in at that antagonizing slow pace, like he's trying to get you to remember every little vein on his cock. "Please just go harder, I can take I-I promise!"

"Yeah? Want me to really fuck you baby? I was gonna take my time with ya, show you just how badly I wanted ya." Kyle bucks into you with a sharp thrust making you bounce forward, "but listen to yourself, beggin' for my cock. Beggin' me to go faster. Do it again."

You bite your lip and squeeze your eyes shut; the first time was easy you weren't really thinking about it. Now that he's making demands of you it makes you feel flustered. That embarrassing feeling of having him looking down at your wrecked form washes over you. When his fingers card through your hair and grip the base of your roots, you let out a shocked gasp.

"Darlin' I believe I asked you to do somethin'. I ain't exactly a patient man right now. Not from the way you're squeezin' me soooo tight." He nudges your insides with a lazy little thrust. All it does is make you moan and claw at the bedroll.

"Please Kyle! Please, please, please" You're reduced to nothing but moans and whines. Begging him to do something, anything!

He seems satisfied with that from the way he pulls you back against his chest. Pulling your head out from the bedroll and letting your moans ring out into the night. With a quick slap against your ass, he begins to pick up the pace. The length of his cock claiming you and pounding into you. Your heart rate spikes as he pushes into you deeper than his fingers could reach. He hits that spot in your pussy that his fingers hit earlier, the one that has you seeing stars and drooling. Kyle lets out a moan when your cunt tightens around him again, one that lets you know just how good you make him feel.

"So fuckin' tight. You take me so fuckin' good baby, like you were made for me. Made to take this cock. Fuck gotta feel you cum around my cock this time. That's it, that's it." Kyle grunts and takes his hand out of your hair. Snaking it around your form he grinds his fingers against your clit again.

Your eyes roll up to the back of your head from everything. The way his cock bullies your insides, how his fingers assault the already sensitive bundle of nerves, and the way he spouts filth in your ear. The praise makes you feel so good, puts you in a head space you've never been in before. The only thing you can think about is what he tells you to. Right now, he wants you to cum around his cock, so you do. You don't even register it until it happens. Until his hips begin to lose that rhythm and he stops pulling out as much.

But when your walls clamp down around him like they had done his fingers, milking him for everything he's worth, he lets out a low moan. He calls your name, not a pet name or the fake name that you've been accustomed to. Your name.

"That's it baby. Fuck I love you, fuck I love you." There isn't so much as a second thought as he just repeats how much he loves you. After one final hard thrust he's spilling into you, filling you with his hot cum. He empties until it's dripping down your thighs, creating a white ring around the base of his cock.

Both of your bodies were wet with sweat from being pressed together. What little strength he has keeps him from collapsing on top of you. His chest pressed against your back, your hearts beating in unison. Eventually Kyle sits back up and slips his cock out of you, carefully lowering you down onto your bedroll again.

You look up at him with an exhausted smile, absent mindedly pushing stray curls out of his face. He looks down at you and smiles in return, he takes your hand and kisses the inside of your palm. That afterglow of sex that clings to you and the way you look disheveled has to be his new favorite sight. You guide him down towards your chest and let him rest his head against your heartbeat. He closes his eyes and holds you close.

"I love you too." You say after a while, not sure if he's asleep or not from the way he hasn't stirred.

"Be mighty awkward if ya didn't." Kyle murmurs in between your chest, placing a gentle kiss onto your collarbone.

"Took you long enough to confess." You joke.

"Yeah...don't know what I was thinkin'. Guess I just didn't wanna put them feelin's out there if you weren't inclined to stick around. You got dreams of settlin' down somewhere quiet..."

"Nothing says you can't be there with me when I do."

"I don't know if I could ever go back to a quiet life like that...I don't think I deserve somethin' like that."

"Oh hush." You cup his face and bring it up to yours. "Don't ever wanna hear you talk like that again Broflovski. You're a good man, I told you that before. I don't love bad men."

"You ain't ever been wrong before."

"Wasn't wrong when I went out to find you all of them months ago. I ain't about to start."

"Ain't?"

"Huh?"

"You said ain't. Never heard you talk like that before, usually you talk all proper like. I think you're pickin' up my accent."

"Go back to laying your head down!" You huff and shove his face back down into your chest which only makes him chuckle.

"If I get to wake up to somethin' like this every day.... I reckon I can see myself settlin' down. Maybe we can get a little farm, start our own little ranch."

"I like that...we can send a letter to your brother, and he can join us."

Kyle smiles warmly at that. You remembered his brother, that conversation on the road that started all this. He closes his eyes and begins to picture it all. You and him tucked away in some area in Colorado with his brother who he hasn't seen in years. Maybe down the road you could change your last name to his. His hand finds yours and he rubs his thumb over your ring finger. Imagining a little metal ring, one that matches his.

The road’s starting to look a lot less lonely.

<- Previous Chapter

[ask-invincible-united]

forgot to send in my daily asks!!! erm... what do your cheat meals look like? 😁😁😁

🎆 "Lamb sosatie..." He sighs. "I haven't had a good one in ages. Maybe I should make some myself... Eh, it's too much of a hassle."

🐊 "I love snacking on those braided, fried doughs coated in syrup! (🎆 "Koeksisters?") Yeah, that's the one! I'd love a whole bowl of them right now..."

🌂 "There's a local Chinese restaurant near me that makes the best sweet and sour chicken I've ever eaten. I order takeout from there on occasion. Maybe even with a slice of tiramisu on the side, and- Ah, I shouldn't get carried away."

🔁 "Anything with curry in it you should keep away from me. I will eat it. All of it. Hell, I'll steal your food if it's got curry in it. They call me the Curry Master for a reason! (🎆 "No one calls you that, dumbass.) Well, maybe this is a good time to start, Skarra!"

[gravityfallsficfinder]

The Return of the Explorer

The antique clock in the living room ticked rhythmically, its hands frozen at ten past noon, a silent testament to the passage of time. Dust motes danced in the sunbeams that slanted through the window, illuminating the intricate patterns on the Persian rug. A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, carrying with it the scent of pine needles and damp earth.

In the midst of this tranquil scene, a lone figure moved with a graceful, almost ethereal rhythm. Y/n, Stanford's beloved partner, twirled and swayed to the music that played softly from the vintage record player. Your eyes were closed as they lost themselves in the melody.

The song playing was a lively, upbeat tune, a blend of folk and bluegrass that seemed to emanate from the very heart of the forest. It was a song Stanford had discovered on one of their many expeditions, a tune that always brought a smile to your face. He had shared it with you, and you had danced to it countless times, your bodies moving in perfect harmony.

As you danced, you thought of Stanford. He was away on another one of his expeditions, this time to the remote wilderness of some vast underground valley. He had insisted you stay behind, citing safety concerns, but you knew he was just being protective. You missed him terribly, but you understood his reasons.

You smiled as you imagined him exploring the vast, untamed landscape, his mind filled with wonder and curiosity. You pictured him hunched over, sketching strange creatures, deciphering ancient symbols, and uncovering hidden secrets. You knew he would bring back fascinating stories and incredible artifacts, just as he always did. Your darling Stanford, The thought crossed your mind, making your heart swell with love.

Your thoughts were interrupted by a sudden sound. The front door creaked open, and a pair of footsteps echoed through the hallway. You froze, your heart pounding in your chest. You had been so engrossed in reminiscing and dancing that you hadn't heard anyone come in.

The footsteps drew closer, and your breath hitched in your throat. You couldn't see who it was, but you knew it couldn't be Stanford. He wasn't supposed to be back for at least a couple of days! a week even! Your thoughts ran wild, your heart pounding in your chest. He had warned you of someone or rather something, whoever or, whatever it was had him shaking like a leaf, and now that you were alone.. You were quite afraid of what exactly that could be.

The footsteps stopped just outside the living room, and your eyes darted around the room, searching for a place to hide. You didn't want to face whatever nightmare was to come.

Just as you were about to dive behind the sofa, a voice rang out, startling you.

"Y/n?"

Your eyes widened in surprise. It was Stanford's voice, deep and resonant, filled with a hint of amusement. You turned to face him, your heart pounding like a drum.

Stanford stood in the doorway, a mischievous glint in their eyes. He was covered in dust and grime, his clothes torn and tattered, but he was smiling.

"Stanford!" You exclaimed, their voice filled with shaky relief. "You.. you're home early.. I-I didn't hear you come in.. "

Stanford chuckled, his smile widening. "I wanted to surprise you," he said, stepping into the room. "Besides, I didn't want to interrupt your dance."

You blushed, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I-I wasn't expecting anyone," you stammered.

Stanford walked over to you, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I know," he said, taking your hand in his own. "But I couldn't stay away any longer. I missed you too much."

Your heart melted. You had missed him terribly too, but you had been trying to be strong for him, knowing his adventures weren't exactly safe, but you wanted to stay supportive of your six-fingered lover. Now though, seeing him standing before you, safe and sound, you couldn't hold back your tears.

You threw your arms around them, burying your face in his chest. "I missed you so much, Stanford," you whispered.

Stanford held you close, his arms wrapping around you in a warm embrace. "I missed you too, Y/n," they murmured, their voice rough with emotion.

You stood there for a long moment, your bodies pressed together, your hearts beating in unison. Finally, Stanford pulled back, their eyes searching theirs.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

You smiled, their eyes sparkling with happiness. "You may," you replied, your voice barely a whisper.

Stanford took your hand, and the two of you began to dance, your bodies moving in perfect harmony to the music that still played softly from the record player. You felt a sense of peace and contentment that you hadn't felt in weeks. He was home, safe and sound, in your arms.

"Next time though, let me know when you come home. It will save you a trip to the emergency room"

You chuckled, referring to your earlier panic. He chuckled, the sound making your heart skip a beat.

"Of course darling."

As you danced, you looked up into Stanford's eyes, and you saw the same love and adoration reflected back at you. You knew that no matter what adventures awaited you, you would always find your way back to each other.

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Call for support

Hey friends and followers, we at Solarpunk Presents Podcast (me and Christina, basically...) would really appreciate it if you would lend us your support this holiday season / solstice.

Support can look like subscribing to our Patreon, where we post episode excerpts, bonus chats, dispatches, and reviews from Christina and I. Sometimes, we post videos and photo essays, and we're fostering a little solarpunk community there.

Support can also look like a one-time donation through our PayPal. Every little bit helps us to keep the metaphorical lights on and support solarpunk podcasting.

If you're strapped for cash right now (and to be honest, who isn't? Global finances are pretty abysmal right now, and capitalism's stranglehold is starting to cut off a significant amount of air…), you can still support us very meaningfully by reviewing us on iTunes or Spotify, liking and commenting on our YouTube videos or subscribing to our channel, or even picking a favourite episode of yours and sharing it with a friend, family member, or solarpunk comrade before the end of the year.

Let's start 2024 off on a note of abundance and with a renewed commitment to bringing solarpunk into the present.

(Ariel's note: I've been putting this off cause it feels gross, but it's also kind of necessary for us; watch as I just c+p this across our social media because rewriting shameless calls for support is difficult for me…)

[aflockofravens]

Ran into an issue with my vampire smut turned murder mystery esque multi chaptered fic and I need feedback 🙃

I wanted to make Yuuji a reporter but I'm not convinced the golden retriever himbo would ask the hard hitting questions the way I had planned out. No hate, I love him so much, I just don't want it to become a case of "he wouldn't fucking say that" or having him be so OOC that it defeats the whole purpose.

Thoughts?

[jerrsterrr]

comic ideas? hmmmm maybe sun/moon attempting to buy y/n their fav thing at a grocery store? HFKSKE i live for domestic stuff!!

Late night grocery run into a late night snack :3

ID: Mostly grayscale sketch panel of Moon and YN. YN has a stick with fruit in it, holding in their right hand a strawberry facing up. On their right is moon facing them with a similar posing strawberry in hand. In front of them a plater of fruit of Grapes, melon, apples and grapes some cut up into shapes of stars. Moon lovingly enjoying setting up snacks for YN to watch them enjoy. End ID.

thankz for the request :D as always comic below the cut !

ID: a six panel low quality comic of YN, and the DCA. First three panels take place in a grocery store. YN wears a hoodie, while DCA is in a white tee and sweatpants. Sun has his rays reduced, with his hand on his chin. "hmmm" making a choice of what to get. Moon in the shared headspace saying, "sun. Sun. Sun it has to be perfect." Moon exaggerates. YN comes up to Sun exclaiming, "oh hey! You've been in the fruit isle awhile" catching sun off guard. YN asks, now facing the same way as Sun at the fruit, basket in hand, "what-cha getting?" Sun replies "oh! just thinking about.." their conversation drifts off. Later at home, YN asks, "I'm going to go wash up, do you need help?" But sun interrupts "Don't worry! moon says he'll do it" holding all the grocery bags on his arms. Switched, Moon flaying arms around in happiness, "yess" there is unbagged fruit behind him. Set up, Moon is over a cutting board of apples, knife in hand. Sun in shared headspace says, "you should make an animal!" Moon replies "bunny?" "yeah!" End ID.

extra:

ID: Extra doodle 1. moon staring down, wide eyed at table. On table are platters of fruits. Sun in shared headspace, "i think we went overboard" Moon replies, "...no such thing." End ID.

they r so silly ^__^

[i-dont-hyperfixate-on-fandoms]

Crooning.

William Afton x GN!Reader

Words: 610

CW: None, just lovey-dovey fluff

It was late when you got back to his house. Maybe one in the morning or so. You quietly entered the front door, careful as to not make a sound to awaken William; though, you doubted he was asleep. Most often he could be found in his basement workshop at this time of night, tinkering away until god knows when. You crept around the house quietly all the same, just to be safe.

However, just as you were about to ascend the stairs to head to William’s bedroom, you heard a gentle tune. It came from behind an ajar office door, the song seeming to call to you. You silently step away from the stairs, and peek through the opening of the door.

Inside the door was William, organizing the contents of the shelf. He was humming to himself, the song an old one you didn’t recognize. It was a rare sight to see your boyfriend doing something besides working on his robotics at night. You smile to yourself, feeling comforted as William swept across the room to set down some files. It truly was uncommon to see Will so relaxed with a chore, especially at this time of night. You were happy for him to find such a moment of peace.

After a moment of comfortable watching, you gently rap against the doorframe, opening the door slightly so Will could see you peeking out at him. He stopped his humming, cocking his head towards the sound of your knock. Immediately upon spotting you, a handsome smile graced his features, the faint hints of smile lines adorning his face.

“Hello, love,”

The sound of his voice alone could make your heart skip a beat. You returned the smile, stepping inside the home office.

“Hey William. What are you doing organizing this late?” You smile, walking towards a bookshelf to lean against it.

“Ah, well… I was keeping myself busy, as I wanted to make sure you got home safe,” He chuckled softly, making your grin widen. “After all, I missed you, dear”

The last bit made your heart flutter a bit. “What was it that you were humming?” That seems to bring a glimmer to his eye.

“Oh, you heard me? Sorry, darling. It’s called ‘It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow’.”

You smile, moving from your position against the bookshelf to a nearby chair in the corner of the room. “Would you sing it for me?”

William chortles, shaking his head. “Trust me, you don’t want to hear my screeching. It’s rubbish anyway.”

“No, I do,” you smile, looking into his silver-grey eyes. “I do want to hear you, if it’s alright. I like the crooning nature of it.”

He looks at you curiously, a small smirk on his face. “Really? Alright, if you insist~”

William clears his throat, feeling on-the-spot. After a semi-nervous glance at you, your boyfriend starts to serenade you. While his voice is a bit scratchy, it’s smooth and sultry to your ears. His song is a simple one, but it suits his voice perfectly. In spite of its message, the way he sings it makes it feels so romantic, so personal, so intimate, as if this song was meant for you. He take a step towards you as he sings to you, adding some flair to his movements to make you giggle.

As his crooning comes to an end, William kneels down to face you as you sit in the chair. He places a pointer finger and thumb under your chin, lifting your head slightly to look at him. You smile at the action.

“That was lovely, William. Thank you for that.”

“Anything for my dearest”

[freefallintothevoid]

I'm so freaking tired of seeing the same handful of tropes and storylines in isekai because it often boils down to: regular guy ends up in fantasy world and immediately gets a) op cheat skill. b)healing magic. or c) the ability to punch/use a sword really well. Regular guy runs around the fantasy world alone at first because hes been abandoned or accused of a crime he didnt commit, completely oblivious to the harem of very diverse but ultimately the same hot women he's building along the way. Regular guy is also weirdly fine with medieval fantasy slavery, discrimination and thinks he's edgy and cool just because he's being kind of an asshole.

so here are a bunch of story ideas that I came up with.

1. When a reasonable adult discovereds that rhe Chosen One (who they didn't even want to summon anyways) is a teenager, they proceed to just defeat the evil threat themselves and adopt the teenager in the process while figuring out how to send the poor kid back home

2. MC doesn't realize he's got a harem because he's very gay for a side character/villain

3. The Villain and the Hero are stuck in a timeloop that resets to the day when the Hero is summoned. This is because during the first loop there was a prophecy that was subverted by summoning the Hero to change the worlds fate. Now they are stuck in an eternal loop until the prophecy is fulfilled.

4. The summoned 'Hero' isn't granted op power upon arrival to the fantasy world. Instead they are the latest in a long line of the kingdoms failed attempts at creating a living superweapon to defeat the Villain via winter soldier style human experimentation. The villain could even be the original experiment that escaped.

5. Instead of the MC being a regular human tossed into a fantasy world with 237 different magic races, they're a non-human tossed into a fantasy world with way less variety. They might not even have other members of their race in the new world, making them unique in that way. Allows a more indepth look at fantasy discrimination and racism and could create some interesting world building implications.

6. The fantasy world and modern world are universe counterparts. Doppelganger shenanigans.

7. The Chosen One is summoned decades or even centuries before they're actually needed to save the world.

8. MCs freshly departed spirit slips through a crack between worlds into the fantasy world. Ghost shenanigans. The reason they decide to seek power and learn magic is because they want to become strong enough to be seen again by other people.

9. MC comes from another fantasy world with a magic system that no longer works at all. They have to learn the new worlds magic system in order to be able to do magic again.

10. MC is reborn into another world because their worlds deity hates them and because they don't want to deal with MC anymore, they just decide make the MC another world's problem.

11. The summoning ritual gets hijacked.

12. MC is summoned from a distant point in time rather than from another world.

13. MC is actually the deity in disguise because they couldn't find a suitable person to isekai.

14. MC is a highly successful Chosen One, to the point where they offer up their services as a Hero to desperate gods who want to save their world/chose the wrong person to be the Hero and need to fix it before its too late.

15. Instead of just joining a guild, the reincarnated MC builds one and becomes the Guildmaster.

16. The MCs modern opinions on slavery, the class system, sexism and equality in general lead to them kickstarting the fantasy french revolution.

17. MC actually liked their life in the modern world. They had a good family, healthy friend group, worked their dream job and all that other happy jazz. They really don't want to be adventuring in a fantasy world -their entire goal is getting back home.

[upliftingpinky]

HELLOOOO🩷

It took some time but here are the Mikhail Shaidorov dating headcanons. Tell me if you want more of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mikhail Shaidorov dating headcanons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* You know how much he likes pandas so basically anytime you see anything panda themed you buy it for him. He’s whole room is just filled up with panda things.

* As nickname he will always call you “тәтті нәрсе” as nickname. It’s sweet thing in Kazakhstan (honestly idk it sounded cute and i feel like that fits pretty well)

* Every time he comes home with new stuffed animals it joins the collection of stuffed animals you two call your children.

* Gets you a Bouquet of flower every time he comes home from a competition. New flowers each time. They can never look the same.

* He’s like a little kid every time he gets excited (he always is like a little excited kid). He gets a good score? jumping up and down smiling. Had a good day? Dances around the living room. He’s always so happy.

* At those very very rare moments where he does get sad which basically never happens as he can be happy from just being at the ice rink but if he for examples got really bad results, he’s stressed and/or all his friends are also I’m not so great mood. At that times he’s a “suffer in silence” type even though it’s very obvious he’s upset. It’s just like his spark just isn’t there. Like a golden retriever walking with their head down. You would have to be very gentle and patient with him. He will open up and become very cuddly. He just want some peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much for the request. I am fully open for more or feedback on my latest posts. I don’t have anymore request so if you have anything you want please request.

Have an amazing evening, morning or day🩷

Love you all🩷🩷🩷

-Your Danish daydreamer💋💋💋

[cheesecakeislazy]

I need some inspiration with writing- so- here are some writing prompts I found on the interwebs

The one I highlighted is one I’ve already written- kinda- so choose any to your liking, or make one up that you want me to write! Porn? I’ll do it. Fluff? 100%. Angst? …probably not unless I really want to die. Platonic fics? Sure! Please I just really want to write good shit.

If you want anything specific like a ship, kink, character, or gendered Y/N, please tell me!

When I write I don’t do drafts! I literally go with the flow!

[livelaughbone]

💙💀 Live, Laugh, Bone 💀🧡 Sales Open in 3 Days!

Come check out the holidays we've included on the calendar!

🧣 You can see the full holiday list and request changes/additions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o1MTwDowPN5PcGKFFkSphFVsmP24lJSzYGd9GmRAZlU/edit?usp=sharing

See something missing or want to request a change? Follow the instructions on the Google Doc to request changes!

You can preorder your copy at livelaughbone.bigcartel.com when sales open!

[jamiesfootball]

A query to those of you who have written fics with an extended cast of characters-

What is your standard for determining whether a character is included as one of the character tags?