#gonna get my friend to out in a good word for me with her tarot

[jackwhiteprophetic]

GUYS IT'S MY BIRTHDAY IN TWO DAYS (FRIDAY) AND SOMETHING BIG IS GONNA HAPPEN IN THE 911 S8 BTS WORLD, I CAN FEEL IT

[armpirate]

Anti-romantic || JJk | Ch. 9

Pairings: Boxer!Jungkook x fem!reader || Enemies to lovers, neighbors

Genre: smut, angst, fluff, curse, illegal boxing, violence

Warnings: fuckboy!Jungkook x reader, smut, dirty talk, curse, mention of tarot and fate

Summary: Jungkook had always been carefree when it came to love. He always believed he was worth sharing himself with everyone, and thought it was selfish of him to ever think of keeping himself exclusive to just one person.

And maybe that was exactly what got him into the big problem he was in.

A curse that kept him away from love didn't seem an issue for him. The fact that his ex-girlfriend thought he'd be affected by the idea of the girls he slept with running away from him after sex was ridiculous. She actually did him a favor, and took a burden away from him.

At least that was what he thought at first.

He had never found himself thinking of the possibility of repeating with neither of his hook ups, because they disappeared before he was able to even think about it. But when he makes the mistake of sleeping with the sexy neighbor that lives in front of him, he finds himself hoping to get the chance for a second round every time their paths cross.

Y/n hated him the second he set foot inside the building by the way he started making her life a miserable mess for no reason. Sleeping with him was a big mistake she wasn't thinking of repeating. At least not until he came up with the excuse that she rejected him for a curse. Not only she thought he was annoying, but she was also convinced he was crazy. 

There was no way she could take him seriously.

Aprox. time of reading: 14 minutes

Previous || Next

MASTERLIST

Jimin's eyes instantly went to Jungkook as he entered the office, seeing his friend deep in thought while he stared at a random spot on the floor.

—I told you not to leave me alone with Elijah —he first said, quickly getting Jungkook's attention.

—Well, I didn't really have a choice —he shrugged—. What did he say?

—I doubt he's gonna give us much money this time —Jimin sighed, walking back to his seat—. He said how the gym seemed to be in a good state for the type of people that come.

—The type of people that come? —he scoffed with his words, tilting his head— It's a gym in a shitty neighborhood. The boys that come here do it because they have no other choice and this is where they start. If he's entitled ass can't understand what I want is for those same boys to stay here because they'll grow...

—Jungkook, give it up. It's not my money, and even I think this place isn't worth it —Jimin's harsh words took him by surprise—. All I know is that you go to each one of those fights, and risk your ass in exchange for nothing. Well, yes, make those assholes' egos bigger.

—You have no fucking idea what you're talking about... This place was once a place where fighters really thought they'd have a future, when I started, I...

—Jungkook, you're a failed boxer. Stop it. You're holding on to this, and risking being in jail or killed because you can't move on from this shit.

Jimin interrupted him again, finally daring to tell his friend what he thought about those fights and why he kept insisting on going there himself instead of sending any of the boys he wanted to train.

—No one's going to see you fight and think you're a boxer worth signing. You think those people actually go around illegal fights and randomly pick the poor boy who's trying to make boxing a thing to live from? At most, the best boxer is a meth addict, fighting his life for a shot and then giving up on it until he needs money again.

—If you hate all of this so badly, why don't you leave? Take your things and look for somewhere else to work.

—If I leave, I doubt there will be anyone holding you back from doing a lot of things you shouldn't do.

Jimin knew how impulsive Jungkook was. It was what got him into that big problem he was in at that point. Doing things out of instinct, to later find out it wouldn't work out was Jungkook's day to date since he grew up. And clearly that gym and everything that came with it were no exemption.

Jungkook's tongue poked through his cheek until it reached the lip ring on the right corner of his mouth. There were many things he wanted to say, but that he tried to hold back from saying because he just didn't want to fight with Jimin.

—I can't close this place —he simply said.

—I really want to understand why. I really want to walk in your shoes and understand why you're so attached to this. But as much as I think about it, I can't get to a logical answer.

It was the same argument every time Elijah showed up in the gym. Jimin was using even similar words to the ones he used the past month when they were told the only thing they needed to upgrade were the boxing bags.

—Honestly, at the end of the day, I'm just a worker, I'll be able to walk away when all of this falls down. Because it will at some point —Jimin assured him—. I'm just giving you advice for your own well. You're a grown up, and I'm no babysitter, so I guess it's up to you, regardless of what I say.

Jungkook wasn't even paying close attention to Jimin's words. He could hear what he was saying, he could make some sense out of the few words he managed to hear, but his brain was also on the other little problem that would probably make everything blow up if he only let her get away with what she wanted.

Whatever Jimin thought, whatever his warnings were, they all could wait for another moment.

—And you aren't even hearing what I say —he sighed—. Why do I even bother talking to you...

—That's the only thing I might agree on with you. Why do you keep talking about this every time when you know I won't change my mind?

Jimin didn't bother to answer back to his friend. Through the years, he had learned it was way more effective to just ignore him and let him be. He already warned him, he already gave him the advice, there wasn't anything else he could do for that stubborn prick.

—Who was that girl, by the way?

—That's the neighbor I told you about.

His head was thrown back in exhaustion when he heard that, getting ready for the reason as to why she bothered to look for him in such a rusty place.

—What the hell did you do to her now?

After he told him about her after the few incidents they both had, Jimin's instance was clear on the matter. He didn't let him defend or excuse himself, because for Jimin there was no excuse to the way he behaved. Other than the obvious one.

—I did nothing to her. She couldn't be here because, you know, she likes me?

—She was anything but happy to see you —he commented, with his eyes focusing somewhere else.

Jungkook almost bragged about what happened two days back, but he bit his tongue, regretting even the thoughts that encouraged him to do it. He had never been the type to do anything like that, not even in high school when his brain was in another head that wasn't exactly the one above his shoulders.

—That's her nature, actually —he walked past him, taking a seat at the chair placed in the corner of the office—. I'll deal with her later.

—"Deal with her" —Jimin scoffed—. Just let her live in peace, for fuck's sake.

—She's the one that came looking for me and I'm the one that needs to let her to live in peace?

Jimin ignored his comment, giving him one last tired look before he picked a few things from the table and stepped out of the office.

What he actually needed to do was to find a way to get out of whatever she was planning to do cleanly.

Her crossed heels were resting over the coffee table, giggling as she grabbed a fistful of popcorn as she watched the reality show she found herself hooked to. It wasn't even intentional. She remembered she was just folding her clothes, with her TV on as always to fill up the silence of her home, when she found it more interesting seeing a couple arguing about a possible affair than practicing the right way to fold her knitted sweater.

—Karen, he doesn't deserve you —she encouraged the blonde woman on the screen—. Beautiful, rich, and smart... yet she ended up with that asshole that should be kissing the floor she walked on.

She could only roll her eyes when she saw the girl crying, to then kiss the man in front of her -and that had cheated on her twice already in less than a year. For sure love was blind, because in no universe she would forgive a man who did that to her. To begin with, she wouldn't even date a man like that.

She turned down the volume of the TV when her phone ringtone sounded above the cracked whins of the girl. Her face instantly lit up when she saw her sister's name and picture on the screen, rushing to pick it up at the same time she went back to the same posture on the couch.

—Hey, copycat —she cheerfully greeted Y/n.

—Please, don't call me that —her huff was clearly heard from the other side, making her sister laugh at her reaction.

It was a nickname that would probably stay with her for the rest of her life, and that was caused by having an older sister by five years. It was the most normal thing for a twelve year old to look up to her seventeen year old sister.

Unlike her, Hannah was that type of girl who belonged to that one particular clique in high school, and that kept that same group in college -and even after she moved out of the country to Malaysia. She was the person she looked out for the most when everything seemed to be turning upside down.

—How are you?

—I'm okay —she sighed—. My boss is whiped for me and my work, so I finished earlier today —she bragged—. Actually, not really. He told me to leave early to close a deal for an article, but I ended up going home after it didn't work out.

—You should've gone back to the office —her sister called her out.

—Oh, sorry for doing the minimum for the minimum salary —she mocked, rolling her eyes—. Not all of us do almost one thousand per year.

It was the first time in her life she had a comfortable job, and the callosities on her palms were only the reminder of how hard she had to work to get to where she was. And of course she didn't expect Hannah to understand either. It wasn't her fault things started going south after she moved out and chose to study abroad, forcing her and her brother to leave those higher studies aside to focus on earning money to pay the bills.

—Are you ready for next week? —her voice softened.

Y/n left all those thoughts aside, the jokes were slowly vanishing, as soon as she asked about the next week. Moving her feet back to the floor, she sat properly on the couch, as if she was being watched, but it was just the fact that a more serious matter needed her body language to be more serious as well.

—I already asked for two days off —she answered.

—I'll be in Chicago by Wednesday —Hannah announced softly, careful with her tone.

—For how long will you stay?

—A week. I think it'll be good for mom to be with someone.

Y/n understood what Hannah meant with that, or at least she hoped she was referring to the fact that their mother would need to spend time with her daughters, aside from Mitchell, during such a hard time.

Although she didn't omit the idea of Hannah actually meaning what she first thought, considering she was the one who disliked the idea of their mother getting married again, and even considered not attending the wedding.

—You know she's not alone, right? —Y/n tried to remind her— Mitchell is always with her, and...

—I mean her family.

—They've been married for four years. I think he's pretty much part of our family as well.

And she knew she hit a sensitive button when she heard Hannah's huff on the other side, wondering when she'd finally accept the fact that their mother fell in love with someone that treated her right and that genuinely loved her and cared for her. Something that their father never did, even if Hannah wanted to believe he did.

—I think I don't really need to tell you what I think about that whole thing.

—It's not like I care either —she cut her off—. Mom's happy, and that's all that matters to me. After everything she's gone through, the least we could do is celebrate her happiness the same way she has always celebrated ours. She deserves that. And Noah would've also thought the same thing. If you aren't willing to do it for her, or for him, don't bother on coming, and stay in Klang.

The last thing her mother needed on the anniversary of Noah's death was to have Hannah making obvious how much she disliked Mitchell, for no logical reason whatsoever, and as much as she loved and appreciated her sister, she wouldn't allow her make it harder for her mother to deal with such a painful time along with her poor attitude.

—You're right —she agreed, clicking her tongue—. I'll make an effort for mom, and Noah.

She was almost going to ask her how things were going where she was, but her door bell interrupted her before she could even formulate the question. Taking a quick look through the peephole, she could feel her small smile dropping and turning into a disgusted expression when she saw Jungkook trying to take a look through the hole.

—I heard your steps —he warned her, before she could even think of ignoring him.

—I'll call you in ten minutes, alright?

She guessed he was there because of the reason why she showed up at his gym, although she expected him to be annoyed and against his will when she imagined him doing that exact same thing earlier that day. But he was smiling funny, showing off his two dimples and the two lip rings on his lips as soon as she opened the door.

—Can I step on your side, or will you kick my ass?

—You don't need to step on my side for me to do that —she rolled her eyes.

Jungkook wasn't surprised in the slightest by her rude answer, he was actually expecting something like that and it was exactly why he dropped his comment first. For some reason, he liked the way she talked to him and how she always had an answer to everything he said.

He ignored her as he stepped inside, walking past her at the same time he heard an unbelieving scoff before the door clicked.

—Oh please, come in —she ironically said—. You're home.

—Thank you —he ignored her tone, and the meaning behind her words—. You look better when you're being nice.

—And you look acceptable when you don't talk —she barked back—. Are you here to talk about what I told you about?

—A glass of water, please.

He didn't really need the water, he wasn't even thirsty, but he just wanted to make the most out of that moment. And he couldn't lie, Y/n looked her hottest when she was annoyed at him.

Her tongue pocked through the space between her chin and her lower lip, making a bulge momentarily show up as she tried to resist the urge to tell him she regretted ever reaching out to him for help.

—Actually —he stopped, when he saw her walking to him with the glass of water—, do you have coke?

If she had been only a bit stronger, that glass would probably have broken down in pieces under her fingers.

She offered him the glass filled with coke, taking a deep breath when he thanked her for it with the cockiest of the smiles. She knew he was trying to test her patience, reaching to her limit to get her to break down, but she wasn't going to give him that.

—Did you think about the article?

Instead of answering, Jungkook took the glass to his lips, gulping the bubbly drink and letting go a loud "Ah" as he exhaled.

—Right. The article —he nodded.

Y/n was hopeful when he seemed to be thinking about that. And bold of her to assume he was actually trying to remember the possible ideas he came up with, or how he was trying to word what he was going to tell her.

—I'm not going to do it.

She could feel her left eye twitching as he said his answer out loud with the most calming of the smiles, as if he wasn't close to death after rejecting her proposal just to piss her off. Jungkook was going to take another gulp of the drink, but Y/n snatched the glass from his hand before he was able to.

—Why not?

—One: I don't have time for your bullshit. Two: I'm not risking my ass. If you want to make all those people behind the fights angry, that's on you. Three: I don't want to.

—If you don't help me...

—What? You'll expose me in the article? —his head tilted, widening his eyes in fake sympathy— You won't do that. And you know why?

She wasn't sure she wanted to know. Only hearing him reject her petition was enough for her to feel tempted to reach for the closest knife and commit a crime.

—If my face shows up in that article, your video will show up on every social media. You think anyone will take you seriously after that? Or that anyone will pay attention to something that's an open secret after I share your video? —he scoffed, smirking as he leaned to her— Bouncy writer —he moved his hands in the air, emphasizing on the title—. Or maybe you'll be able to come up with a better title, since they'll probably ask you to cover it up.

Her blood started boiling. Her whole body was like a kettle reaching the highest temperature, and everything inside of her was close to blowing in a matter of seconds.

—Why so quiet? You thought you really had me, huh? —he rested his back on the backrest of her couch, getting comfortable as if he wasn't in big danger anywhere near her— You're good, but you need a little more practice on the streets to get me.

She stared at the glass, thinking of how nice it'd feel to throw the liquid right at his face, or just crash the glass against his head, but she held back. Jungkook was lucky she worried more about the mess he'd leave on her couch if she actually did any of those than what he'd look after doing that.

—Get out —she calmly said.

Jungkook was surprised by how calm and relaxed she sounded, and how she didn't even look at him as she pointed at her door.

—What?

—Didn’t I speak in English? I said: “Get out” —she stood up, emphasizing even more on the door—. If you aren't going to help, you have no reason to be here. So, leave.

—I thought that, since I'm here, we could...

—Wasn't I clear enough earlier today or...?

—Alright.

His hands raised up in the air, giving up at what he was aiming to say before he stood up. He was already used to Y/n closing the door right at his nose, that was why he didn't even flinch or be surprised when it smacked against the doorframe centimeters away from his face.

She stopped when she saw the almost full glass of coke on her table. She'd have to throw that away anyway, so she listened to her intrusive thoughts and chose to actually do what they asked her to do.

Jungkook opened his door again, pride lighting up his face after he saw her waiting for him to open the door.

That sided smile would only last five seconds, before she spilled all the content of the glass over his head, making him gasp by how cold the liquid felt over his body and how unexpected it all was.

—You were so thirsty for coke, it seemed a waste not to let you finish it —she smiled.

—You're crazy.

—Oh, you have no idea. But don't worry, you're about to see —she assured him.

One thing for sure: she was about to turn his life into a nightmare.

Taglist: @jk97bam @ttanniett

[thatbanditqueen]

No One Walks Out Ch 5: Salty Lips

Warnings: Tarot misinformation, penetrative vaginal sex, manipulation, fluff, smut, then angsty tears. 18+ Minors DNI.

Apparently I don't know how to schedule things so I am posting earlier than expected. Please file your complaints accordingly.

Word Count: 9.4 K

Summary: Becky has settled into the rhythm of life at Graceland over the first few days there, though she still has not had a full tour. Luckily, her hosts finally get it together to show her around. She goes to visit her sister, but encounters an unexpected guest. At least for her.

I need to first thank my alpha, @whositmcwhatsit for reading the first draft and giving me feedback as she corrected my grammar. Which is generally bad. Thanks Jade, I some how fooled you into hanging out with me and I would feel guilty for asking you to read my stuff, because it takes you away from your own writing which is necessary and needed for the good of the fandom. But you always make my work better so I cannot feel guilty at all. No, I selfishly will take every glance and glint and comment you give me.

Also thanks to my fellow Elvis sister wives for all their morale support and brilliance. Just being in your orbit is a gift: @vintageshanny @missmaywemeetagain @be-my-ally @ellie-24 @from-memphis-with-love

If you need to catch up first:

Chapter 4: Kaleidoscope

or start from the beginning: No One Walks Out On Big Daddy Masterlist

Chapter 5: Salty Lips  

11:45 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 1975

Graceland Estate, Memphis, TN

A cardinal twittered loudly, joined by a chickadee, and Becky was so ensconced in the bubble of idyllic life at Graceland that she wondered if this musical rendition wasn’t just for her benefit. Lisa gave an excited hum where she sat next to Becky on top of the picnic table by the pool and slapped down another tarot card.

“Alright, Becky, ‘Page of Swords’, what does this one mean?”

Becky looked closely at the drawing, closing one eye and squinting nearer for effect.

“Well, babt,” Becky mused, trying to stifle a grin and pronounce the girl’s fortune with complete confidence. “They all go together.” She set it next to the other cards they had drawn: Strength, The Chariot and The Moon. Becky was not sure how many cards you were supposed to put down when reading tarot, but four seemed like a good number.

”So?” Lisa slapped her hand on the table.

“Well, so, Page of Swords, as we can see here now, obviously means you are gonna live on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and you’ll have yellow tights, and a pretty pink dress, and a big ol’ sword that you’ll be very good at using,”

“I’m already pretty good with my daddy’s samurai sword, wanna see?”

“Hmmm, maybe later.”

Becky thought of her shooting lesson the other day and decided against more deadly weapons. Getting through the day without letting Lisa kill or be killed would count as a win for bonding with the kid of her new  - lover? fling? friend? - whatever Elvis was to her. She decided to go with fling. A short fling. They were two grown adults having a casual, fun, very short fling. Well, one rock star and one adult. 

Was she even an adult? She had spent most of the last three days playing with a seven year old until the late afternoon, and then playing with Elvis into the night. She felt like she had wandered into a strange, enchanted land where all the adults acted like children and all the children acted like adults. Water fights, target practice, ice cream for breakfast, and impulsive shopping sprees. 

Not having a schedule or others depending on her had been freeing at first, but now, on day four of life at Graceland, Becky had started to feel somewhat unmoored from reality away from the structure of her daily life back home.

She looked down at the table, where Lisa was tapping on the next card, and continued her tarot reading. 

“Ok, see here, Strength, that’s an angel with a lion. Of course, now, that is just symbolic. The angel is your conscience telling you the right thing to do, but you won’t have this moral confidence until you own a lion. They can be very difficult pets, I hear, I recommend getting an ice locker for all the gazelle meat you are going to need to feed it.”

“You’re silly, Becky, no one owns lions as pets.”

“No one yet, but hey baby, according to your fortune, you are gonna change all that. There’s nothing you can do. It’s in the cards. That means it has to happen.”

Lisa rolled her eyes, her lips betraying a smile. “Ok, what else?”

“Well, here, The Chariot, clearly one day you will go to Egypt and meet a prince -”

“And marry him?”

“Well, that depends. On whether you like him or wanna feed him to your lion?” Becky growled and gashed her teeth playfully as if she was going to eat Lisa’s shoulder. Just as Lisa shrieked and hit Becky, the back door slammed and they glanced over to see Elvis’ aunt Delta stagger out.

“Alright, Lisa Marie now, s’getting to be round lunch time. I just got Ma settled out in the rockin’ chair, so it’s time for you to come eat.” Delta looked Becky up and down as she spoke. 

“Whatcha y’all got goin on?” she said, and Becky noticed Lisa stiffen and gather up the cards.

“We’re just playing Old Maid, Aunt Delta.”

Becky raised her eyebrow at Lisa, who just shook her head with a crafty smile. Becky turned to the older woman. Hmmm, I guess these older ladies don’t approve of mystical practices. Or maybe they only let one resident here get away doing whatever he wanted. 

She thought of Elvis’ grandmother, who had turned to her after he had left the dinner table the night before, taken her arm and whispered low:

“I hope ya don’t break his heart, like all the rest. That young boy ova there has been through so much. Don’t know why he canna find a good woman. Guess they just don’t make us like they used ta.” Minnie Mae had then released Becky’s hand and spit part of her chew into the tea cup next to her dinner plate. 

Becky only had a moment to feel uneasy before Elvis swooped back in and pulled her into the den and onto his lap, where he cajoled Lisa to perform “Crocodile Rock” for the group on top of the coffee table. 

No, I reckon these good ole girls who sit around bemoaning the lack of any good women left would probably not go in for tarot cards, Becky thought, as she looked at Elvis’ aunt.

“How are you doing today, Ms. Presley?”

“Hmmm, it’s Biggs. And it’s Mrs. And never you mind, you can save it, I don’t care for you kissing up ta me. I know your kind.” 

Becky tightened her smile at Delta’s grimace, wondering if that was the faint odor of vodka wafting off the older woman. Just then, Delta weaved towards her and gripped a nearby chair to steady herself. Her eyes narrowed at Becky in judgment. 

“You are like all the others, waiting around for your payday. Out for all you can get. Bout as useful as gum on a boot heel. Humph.”

“Oh brother, here we go!” Lisa jumped up and walked past Delta. “C’mon, Becky Butt, let’s go get some chocolate cake.”

Becky smiled even wider at Delta as she followed Lisa, and watched the older woman scan the pool area, before tottering back to the house behind them.

“Chocolate cake? That doesn’t sound like a good lunch.”

“Oh, it’s the best lunch, don’t worry, I told Nancy before she left this morning, so it’s all ready.”

“They - they  let you have that for lunch”

“Let me?” Lisa grinned a devious grin and her eyes sparkled. “I’m the boss round here when Daddy’s asleep. If they ever give me any guff, I just lay down tha law an let ‘em know how it is, jack.”

“Oh? And how is it?”

“Get with the program or git!” Lisa held the door to the kitchen open for Becky, and grabbed the milk out of the fridge.

Sure enough, there in the middle of the counter was a tall, chocolate cake adorned with a circle of pink frosting rosettes. Lisa poured two tall glasses of milk  and carefully set out china plates with all the hospitality of a true, Southern hostess.

“Don’t worry, Becky, it’s vegetarian!” Lisa announced, grabbing the biggest knife Becky had ever seen, almost the length of the short, seven year old’s arm, as she proceeded to carve two large, unwieldy pieces from the beautiful dessert.

*********************************************************************

Becky was certain that her chocolate cake was about to make an encore appearance as the golf cart whipped around the bend. Grabbing the top of the seat, she looked over at Lisa as the little girl pushed her foot harder on the pedal and yelped with glee while she steered them down the grass behind the carport.

“I didn’t realize golf carts could go this fast.” Becky gripped her seat tighter, her knees jostling up and down against the metal bar at the front.

“Oh yeah, these are top o’ the line, Becky. Watch, I can get it to go even fast—” Becky put her hand up in protest.

“Nope, not necessary, this - this is great. Very refreshing in the heat.”

Lisa pushed her feet down a little further and Becky held on for dear life as the air whipped through her dark curls and reminded her very much that she was alive and wanted to keep it that way.

“Ok, so this is the stable,” Lisa pointed to a large white building coming up on their left side. “It’s called House of the Rising Sun, and most people think it's after a song, but actually, it's named after Daddy’s horse, Rising Sun. Though I always say he should be named Setting Sun, on account of the fact that the sun is usually setting before Papa gets up and goes riding.” Lisa slapped her thigh, as if making a rimshot on a drum set, and Becky realized this was her cue to laugh, so she let out a chuckle and rubbed Lisa’s hair.

“Yeah, that is a much better name. Or Sleeping Bear, hmmm?” Lisa giggled. 

“Or Grumpy Sleepy Bear.”

“That one sounds perfect, what do you think? We have time to paint a new sign?”

Lisa laughed as she drove them on, showing Becky the trailer where her daddy’s nurse, Tish lived, and the other where Billy, Jo and their kids lived, and they wound their way around the back of the paddock.

“That’s where Daddy likes to race his horses with the guys.”

“For special occasions? Or just for fun?”

“Oh, he does it to show off for the fans.” 

Becky snorted down a laugh and and attempted to catch her hair and pulled it back up as it escaped into the wind. 

“Um, ha - how do you know he does it for the fans? He tell you that?”

“No, my mama told me; he likes to race the horses round for no good reason, just to show off for the fans cuz he’s a big show off and he’ll never really be a true questrion.”

“Well, I don’t know, I mean your mom may not know —”

“Oh, she does, she knows everything. Daddy’s always saying my mama’s the biggest know-it-all you’ll ever meet. And hippo cat. Why would he call a woman a hippo and a cat?”

“Hmm.” Becky grabbed the side rail as the golf cart swerved back around towards the mansion, trying not to laugh at Lisa’s casual description of her parents. “I bet he meant something else and said it wrong, cuz you’re right, doesn’t make any sense.”

Lisa seemed to agree, nodding her head. And on to the next point of interest, her proud, confident tour guide voice explained that the house butted up to fence over there used to be her granddaddy’s. 

They drove past the throng of fans at the front gate near the bottom of the hill they were coming up and Lisa asked Becky if she needed any money or a new camera. Becky wasn’t sure exactly how this related to the crowd, but she had some suspicions as she looked over her shoulder at the people mulling aroun down at the gate. So, instead, she rubbed the sweat off her forehead and complained about the heat. 

Parking the golf cart back at the side of the house, Lisa led the way back inside, suggesting they cool down in the pool. Becky didn’t have a bathing suit, but jumped in wearing her tee shirt over underwear, letting her feet push off the rough, concrete bottom of the pool. She felt an almost instant sense of relief and rejuvenation as she sprung up weightlessly through the cool water and floated to the top, rubbing the chlorine out of her eyes. This was, of course, a futile exercise, as more chlorine water was in her face almost immediately, followed by the sounds of Lisa laughing from where she was splashing Becky a few feet away.

“Oh, you are gonna get it!”

Lisa’s screams ricocheted through the patio as Becky swam over, grabbed her and threw her playfully back into the water.

They raced each other like this for a bit, and then played catch in the water. Lisa particularly liked trying to aim directly in front of Becky, and shrieked with delight when Becky let the ball hit the water and then dramatically flustered about in the wake of the splash, uttering out a loud, affected:

“Now heyyyyy! That’s not fair!”

After a while, Mary brought them out some lemonade, and ham and cheese sandwiches, and they dangled their feet in the side of the pool, eating. Becky pulled the ham out of her sandwich, and Lisa opened her mouth, motioning for Becky to drop the cold cut in, chuckling.

“Hmmm, we make a good pair, huh?” 

Lisa nodded, speaking with a full mouth:

“Mmmm choww nuhff.” She swallowed, and took a sip of lemonade. “How’d you get to be such a good swimmer? You don’ all kinds of fancy moves out there, I never seen anyone swim sideways like that or stay underwater so long.”

“I was on my high school swim team. Then I used to lead canoe trips down the Cahaba, that’s the big river where I’m from, over in Birmingham.” She ruffled Lisa’s hair. “And I was a camp counselor for a while in Mississippi, we spent most of our summer in the pool. I reckon I was a fish in my past life, that’s what Helga used to say.

“Your nanny?”

“MMhmm. You have a good memory, kid, I can tell. You’re whip smart.��

Lisa giggled and splashed Becky with her foot. Water was violently flying up in the air as they commenced in an epic foot splash fight when a loud, deep ‘Ahem’ made their feet still. Lisa’s lips were pursed, emitting a nervous laugh and Becky met her eyes with frightened giddy trepidation as they turned in unison to see the tall, broad silhouette of Elvis behind them. Becky coughed nervously.

His thumbs hung down from the belt at his white trousers and he tilted his sunglasses down to look over them, adjusting his stance.

“MMMM what's - a -a - ahappenin’ ova round these parts, mhmmm?” Elvis tried unsuccessfully to keep his lip from quirking into a smile as his voice boomed out comically deep.

Lisa giggled, and pointed. “Becky started it!”

Gaping, Becky pushed her into the pool with a whispered, “Thanks a lot, Lisa Marie Benedict Arnold Presley!” Then jumped up to say hi to Elvis.

His face beamed with a grin but then, as she got closer, his lip tightened and his chin tilted out as he took in her swimsuit.

“Becky, what the hell are ya wearin’, girl?”

Becky pulled her shirt down, and Elvis went to grab her hands to stop her, as it just made her nipples more pronounced through the thin, wet fabric.

“Elvis, I don’t have a bathing suit, I didn’t think it was that big of a differe—”

“Honey, I can see your hair through your panties,” he whispered gruffly, wrapping Becky in the thick, white, suede jacket he’d been wearing. As part of his outfit. Outside. In June. In Memphis. Becky rolled her shoulders, trying to shirk it off, looking into his eyes imploringly.

“Elvis, I’m all wet, it will ruin this suede and get it all dirty. It’s so humid, too, I just th—”

“Becky, don’t worry about the jacket.” He pulled her in, unable to resist flicking her over her nipple imself as he scolded her to cover up. “Anyone could see you out here.”

“Baby, no one is out here.”

“But they could be, boy, they could be.. ‘Sides, think now what if a band of drugged-out commie burglars jumped the back fence, and I, I had to send you running to safety at that motel across the street? You don’t wanna be waiting for me and the boys and the police in public like this.” He leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

“Elvis, that’s ridiculous - what is the likelihood tha—”

“Now, c’mon on, you never know, it’s getting rougher every day out there. These are the things ya gotta consider.”

Becky was about to argue with him further, that he was being paranoid, and where did he even come up with this stuff, commie drug dealer burglars? She thought of Elvis doing some of the karate moves he had taught her as a band of crazy-eyed youths scaled the back wall, and almost giggled. However, she was suddenly distracted by the fingers tracing over her hips, underneath the suede jacket, and she shivered as she felt goosebumps rise up on the back of her neck, still chilled from the water. Elvis leaned in to kiss her forehead, and she closed her eyes with a low gasp, feeling his belly press into hers.

“Good thing you got me around to think of every angle.” Elvis clicked his tongue and point to his head. ”Go on upstairs and get cleaned up, wanna give you a tour of Graceland.” He patted Becky on the butt as he turned her to the house.

Shuffling forward in the comfort of her new mobile suede sauna, Becky heard Lisa pull out of the water and ask her dad if they could have a bonfire tonight with hot dogs and baked potatoes and corn and s’mores and coconut cake and ice cream.

“Course, baby, jus let Mary and Charlie know how you want it.” 

Becky opened the door at the side of the house, she looked back to see Elvis kneeling and smiling as he wrapped Lisa in a towel. 

“You’re the boss, booger, I jus’ work here.”

Becky could feel the brightness radiating from Lisa’s broad smile as she went inside, and she shook her head as she mused to herself how sweet they were together. The way Elvis spoiled his daughter was charming when Becky pushed aside her own parenting philosophy, which she had always considered to be overly permissive until spending this last week at Graceland. 

She frowned at the prospect of having to parent with someone like him, and felt a sharp pang of sympathy for Priscilla, a woman whom Becky had always regarded as a bit of a cold Yankee. As if you could ever know what someone is like from reading gossip magazines, silly girl. 

Getting dressed, Becky chided herself for not telling Elvis about her earlier tour of the estate. It was just that he had looked so intent as he told her what they were doing, and the sound of his voice gently commanding her made her agree with whatever he said, take whatever he offered, do whatever he wanted to do. 

Yeah, a long term relationship with this man is trouble. Becky reflected on how relieved she had been when Lisa didn’t wake up and come get her until 10:30 that morning, instead of 8 a.m., like she had the first day, and felt a bit disgusted with herself. Ugh, Elvis’  lifestyle is warping your judgment. Sleep all day, play all night, and now I have to go pretend that I haven’t already seen the grounds of Graceland.

*********************************************************************

The dirt shifted under Becky’s Keds as she walked beside Elvis towards the stables, holding his hand as he squeezed it tightly and turned to look at her, eyes soft and bright as he spoke. Becky summoned a look of awe as if seeing the building for the first time.

“Right, now this is the House of the Rising Sun, on account of my horse, Rising Sun. Though I reckon I shoulda named him Setting Sun, because, ya know, that’s usually when I’m getting up.” Elvis looked at Becky expectantly, and she forced a giggle, leaning into him as they walked into the building.

The sound of horses’ snorting and whinnying greeted them, and Becky followed Elvis as he grabbed a handful of sugar cubes from the front counter and leaned against the white gate of the first stall, waggling his eyebrows at Becky as she cautiously stepped forward. He took her hand, unrolling her fingers and putting a piece of sugar in the middle, then clicking his tongue as the large palomino nuzzled into him, nickering and searching for treats.

“Now, go on, he won’t bite ya - much.” Elvis smirked, watching as Becky rolled her lips in and put out her hand, shrieking at the tickle of the horse’s chin hairs on her hand.

“Is this one yours?”

“MMhmmm, this is Rising Sun,” Elvis told her, turning to ruffle the blonde tuft of hair between the golden horse’s ears.

Becky cautiously stroked the white blaze down the middle of his face, stopping to rub his muzzle as he sniffed her hand for more sugar. She looked into Rising Sun’s large brown eyes, wondering how such a majestic creature could be tamed, and how quickly he would trample over her for more sugar.

“He’s beautiful. And terrifying.” She said, then looked up at Elvis. “Just like you, I suppose.”

Elvis’ fingers caressed over Becky’s dress, stopping at the small of her back to rub into her tenderly. 

“Oh now, don’t tell me ya afraid of me, now honey. Or these horsies, are ya Becky Butt?” He moved behind her, his hand trailing slowly over her arm, down from her shoulder, until it was over the back of her palm. He slowly guided her palm up to smooth over the side of Rising Sun’s face and cheek, leaning into whisper into her neck. “See, now, now, see? He’s a good boy, gentle and well trained as can be. Ain’t got nothin ta fear from hims.” 

Elvis kisses warmed her skin, and Becky shuddered as his lips crushed into her. Moaning, she dropped her hand and turned into him, biting her lip in anticipation as Elvis rolled back on his feet and then forward, pressing her into the white pole that separated the stalls. Rising Sun grunted at them and blew his nose, and Becky squealed at the feeling of his large, gummy mouth chewing at her hair. Elvis' mouth quirked into a smile, but his hand rubbed her side more intently, and a fierce, starved look animated his eyes.  

“Get now, silly horse, that ain’t hay.” He gently pushed Rising Sun away, and pulled Becky into him, gripping her tightly.

A tingle burned in Becky’s belly and she breathed out in hushed desire.

“Huh. How - how does my hair look?”

“Looks a a a, a whole lot better than it's gonna once I’m through wit ya.” Elvis said softly, through a high breathy giggle. Then he looked down, bashfully, his hand rubbing Becky’s waist up and down then pinching her on both sides. Becky giggled, pulling herself into his frame, her hand working up over his chest as she kissed his jaw. 

“Why, Elvis Presley, I declare, are you - are you trying to seduce me? In the barn?”

He shook his head, a goofy expression pushed his lips into a pout.

“Depends.”

Becky arched her eyebrow, her fingers toyed with the high blue collar of Elvis’ shirt. “Mmmmmm? Depends on what?”

Elvis withdrew, blushing, his jaw tightening, suddenly changing his mind from whatever he had been thinking about doing,  “Neva mind, baby. Here, let me introduce ya to the other horses.”

Becky followed him, brushing her hand over the top of his belt and sweeping along his back. 

“Ok darlin’, you’re the boss.” Pushing her hand around him, Becky leaned into Elvis, and he drew her tighter into his side, looking ahead to give a large, black horse a sugar cube.

“This here, now, this boy is special, this is Ebony’s Double, come from a real champion stud, Ebony Masterpiece.”

Becky put her hand up to the horse’s neck, feeling his muscles ripple under his silky black coat as she rolled her hand over him. Breathing in, her eyes locked with Elvis as she caught him looking down at her, and she thought about reaching up on her tiptoes to try and kiss him, but instead kissed his shoulder. It was easier, and she relished the way he squeezed her into him in response. His bottom lip dropped down with his chin, and his voice came out in a raspy croak.

“Hey there, lil’ girl.”

Becky nuzzled in, and shifted the rubber soles of her shoes to pivot and bring her closer into Elvis' chest.

“Hey,” she whispered into his armpit.

Elvis brought her chin up and leaned down, his hand moving to cradle her neck as she curled her fingers into his shirt. Gentle kisses became more fervent as his hands crept lower until they cupped her bottom and Elvis was holding Becky up. Notched above his tummy, Becky’s knees bumped up awkwardly against his elbows, and Elvis chuckled as he carried her towards the back of the barn, almost dropping her with a mild stumble. That would have been the end of the white suede suit. But he quickly recovered, grunting as he jostled Becky up and smiling at the sound of her breathy chuckles as she held onto his shoulders while they staggered to the back of the barn. Becky could hear the sound of horse’s hooves, grunts and neighs, but they were peripheral to the sound of the heartbeat pulsing through her ears.

Becky felt the edge of the workbench where Elvis placed her atop. They were at the back of the stables, next to a saddle presumably left for repair. Beckys legs hitched on either side of Elvis' body, and she dragged her thumb over his cheek, moaning out as his lips found that spot on her neck once more and his hands moved under her skirt, slowly, carefully, tugging on her underwear.

“Hey,” she murmured. Elvis cheeks reddened above a smirk as his dark blue eyes looked down at the ground.

“Hey,” he breathed out in a deep voice.

Becky fell back on the table, resting on her wrists.

“Hey.” she waggled her eyebrows and dangled her legs, then tightened them at his side.

He shook his head, unbuttoning his trousers and moving over her, his lips feathering above her as he whispered: “Heyyyyyyy.”

Becky gasped as she felt him thrust slowly upwards into her, moaning out into his mouth. 

“Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.”

She wrapped her legs around him, rocking her hips to meet him in the slow, gentle cadence of their love making. His eyes narrowed on hers as his movements became more deliberate, and his thumb found the slick over her clitoris, swirling in time to their needy rolls back and forth over the workbench. Heat coiled in her belly, and Becky leaned back as a guttural cry escaped her mouth.“Heeyyyyyy fucking ohmygod heyyyyyyYYYYYY GODDAMMMIT” as her climax overtook her.  

Elvis leaned forward, peppering kisses over her collarbone and burying his head in her bosom where he continued to slow move in and out of her until he came with a vehement grunt and remained there, head in her chest, panting through the final thrusts before stilling completely. 

Becky relished the weight of his body pressing down on her, insistent, immediate, she wanted it to crush her forever. His shaggy swath of black hair moved as Elvis’ chin protruded forward, and she met his blue eyes, looking up at her from his smug, boyish expression. She melted in the radiance of his smile. “Hey.” Elvis blushed, again, then grunted as he pulled himself up and grinned at Becky’s playfully shove.

“Hey is for horses, Presley,” she gasped, and he laughed as he zipped up, bending down to restore her panties to their rightful place.

She wondered if she had made the wrong first impression on the horses, as they ambled out of the stable and back toward the house.

“Hmmm, so that was the tour huh?”

“I think that’s all the tour I can manage right now, lil girl.”

“OK, well, Lisa already showed me the smokehouse, and I’m definitely not having sex in there.”

“Hmmm, well, figured you should know by now, telling me something isn’t gonna happen just about guarantees I havta try.” He slapped her bottom  and she shoved him away, only to have his arm instantly around her, drawing her into the warmth of his body as he kissed her head.

“Just so you know, Becky, I did not intend to get busy back there.”

Becky nestled into his shoulder as they walked. She could still hear the sounds of twenty horses behind them if she focused, joined by the sound of crickets and cars on the far off roads buzzing into the twilight of early evening. Above it all, she could feel the grain of Elvis' voice as it rumbling into her ear, heating the side of her neck with each word.

“I, I  - I just, well, suddenly couldn’t help myself. Don’t feel that way very often, honey, I think - ” He stopped talking abruptly and turned Becky in to face him.

“Honey, now stop walking already, I’m tryin’ to tell ya something.”

As he looked at her, he noticed that her hair really had come half out of the up twist she had styled it in that evening, and he paused to take out her hair pins, freeing her curls and arranging them over her shoulders.

“There, better.” He nodded with satisfaction. “What was I sayin’? Oh yeah. OK. Here it is. I think I’m starting to really fall for ya, baby. I think, well, I think you should move up here. Can’t bear ta think about taking you back to Jackson next week.”

“This week,” Becky muttered, crossing her arms. “Sunday.”

Suddenly the buzzing, post-coital glow disintegrated and she stood still trying to process what he had said.

He took her shoulders in his hands. “Think about it. Didn’t you say you have a sister here in Memphis?”

Becky nodded, her mind still swimming, wondering if there was any way in hell she could, would, should pursue this. Looking up into Elvis’ eyes was like diving into a sea of endless optimism where everything was possible.

“Hey, I got a business meeting I gotta handle tomorrow night, maybe you could go visit your sister? I was thinking you probably would want to while you're up here anyway. And you can think things over. How it would be, if I got you a place up here, come live with your lil girl in Memphis?”

Becky stood there, nodding again, looking back down at the house. Elvis started to walk.

“Don’t just stand there woman, get in here. The most handsome man in the world just asked if you’d be his baby, least you can do is give him some sugar and say thank you.”

Becky leaned back into Elvis' open arm and kissed his chest. “Hmmm, just took me by surprise is all. I, um, I need to think about it, that’s a big deal, Elvis, I , well, I feel strongly about you too.”

She tickled his side as they walked, and he jerked back with a, *Hey, now.*

“You’re right, though, I should try and see my sister. Tomorrow night, I guess.”

*********************************************************************

6:15 p.m. Friday, June 20th 1975

Still at Graceland, for now…

It was one of the new dresses Elvis had bought her that week, a purple, jersey halter dress, that Becky pulled over her head, before asking Lisa to help clasp the simple, diamond drop necklace around the back of her neck. Lisa jumped back, and put out her wrists for a spray of perfume as Becky doused herself and twirled around.

“How do I look?” Lisa put her hand to her chin, thinking carefully. 

“I think you need more eye make-up.”

“Ha, maybe, but trust me, my sister is the opposite of glamorous. She’s a judge. And I’m crashing a dinner party, so I think modest, simple, less-is-more sort of look is what I want.”

“Well,” Lisa sighed, ”you definitely nailed the less part. You’re hardly wearing any diamonds. Sure you don’t wanna borrow some of mine?”

Becky fidgeted with the ring she was wearing, the gift Elvis had given her that first night at Graceland. It was almost too large and gaudy for her style, let alone her sister Deborah’s taste. But it had come to be a comforting talisman, something she felt and twisted when she felt nervous or out of her element here with Elvis, doing whatever she thought she was doing. *Acting like an immature teenager who just discovered what sex is*, she thought to herself. 

Becky also sensed Elvis would be hurt if he saw her without the ring, because he’d mentioned how nice it looked on her several times, usually taking her hand and kissing the ring there before turning her palm and kissing the center of her hand. And pulling her in for a kiss. *Ughhh, these kisses*. Even the way his dry lips bumped over hers at first touch caused a burning electricity to electrify her face and she became instantly incapable of reason. 

Becky sighed, she had this impending sense of doom, her inner Cassandra, as Ida would say, always on high alert to call out trouble at the slightest provocation. Just trust him. This is fun. This feels right. Everything is ok. Wear the damn ring to Debbie’s dinner party.

Becky’s dress swished around her legs as she carefully walked down the staircase, trying not to trip in the orange platform heels Elvis had picked out at the boutique during a late night shopping spree on Wednesday. As she descended, she saw him whispering with Charlie, then the two men heard her and turned around, smiling in an eerie unison. Elvis was somewhat dressed up for his business meeting, in a dark red suit with a light blue dress shirt with a high, starched collar framing his face.

“There she is, Charlie. There’s the most beautiful gal in the world. And the smartest. And the funniest.”

Becky teetered on her platforms as she put her foot down another step.

“And the most graceful woman in the world.” He let out a low guffaw with out, and Becky narrowed her eyes at him

“Oh, keep laughing, Elvis Aaron Presley, I’mma get you for that. Buying me mile-high shoes an then laughing at how I walk in theses unnatural torture devices!”

Becky ran down the rest of the stairs and leapt onto his waist, ruffling his hair as Elvis chuckled.

“God, crazy woman, tryin’ ta kill me?” Becky kissed his forehead as he jostled her up and down, then placing her safely on the ground.

“Mhmmm. Just wanted to give you a kiss for good luck with your business dinner.”

Elvis kissed her back on the cheek as he ushered her and Charlie out of the door with a swat to the butt and a “See ya later, sweetheart.”

Charlie’s white Pontiac was waiting in front for them and they walked around, Charlie leading to open her door. Just as Becky was about to duck into the passenger seat, she saw the long, black snout of Elvis’ Stutz Blackhawk rolling up the driveway, Jerry at the steering wheel. Next to him sat the thin, blonde frame of Linda Thompson outlined against the dark, red leather interior. Jerry was a statue, stoic and serious as he pulled up and Linda burst out of the car to stride over.

“Charlie Hodge, you handsome man, where you runnin’ off to this evening? And who’s your friend?”

Charlie let out a shrill, high-pitched laugh, wondering to himself how Jerry had managed to arrive twenty minutes earlier than he had been told. Becky smiled awkwardly as she watched Linda give Charlie an air kiss on each side of his face, and then turned to Becky and her tight, wide forced cheerful smile.

Charlie stammered quickly, “Ugh, Linda, this is my cousin Becky, from Birmingham, come up to visit while her kid is at summer camp. I, ugh, well I -”

“He promised me I’d get to meet Elvis while I was here,” Becky gushed, summoning all of her energy to force her tongue to sound excited. She watched Jerry get out of the car and walk to join them. His lips were pursed, and his shoulders were stiff.

“Oh, well, it just dills my pickle to meet Charlie’s family, I feel like we’re practically family ourselves, seein’ how much time I spend with this good ole boy.”

Becky tried very hard not to tense up as Linda threw her arms around her to squeeze her tight. Linda wore a red, satin evening gown with cutouts along the side that emphasized her the curves of her sveltetorso and the wide hips below. Becky felt as though her tall, awkward fleshy figure and bust overwhelmed Linda’s body completely.

“Gosh, I just love that dress,” Linda exclaimed, adjusting the layers of Becky’s hair off her shoulder. “Though I don’t know if I could pull that color off, mhmmm, don’t know if that would be my choice, but it's so you, isn’t it?”

Becky smiled. “That’s so sweet of you to say.”

“So, Charlie, the old boy been behaving?” Linda winked at Becky, then whispered conspiratorially. “You know, Elvis is a good, Christian man, s’just that the devil is mighty powerful, hmmm, know what I mean?”

“MMMhmmmm.”

Becky nodded. It was like she was back in high school and one of the popular girls had waltzed up to her desk at the school newspaper, indirectly ordering her to do a story about the committee decorating the homecoming game bleachers. Ughhh.  Becky steeled herself, falling back on the niceties that she was well versed in.

“I can’t even imagine! Gosh, it’s so exciting to meet you, I’ve seen your pictures in the paper and, of course, Charlie has told us about you. But you are just more precious in person, you really are.”

Linda gave Becky another hug. “Well bless your heart, Becky. Aren’t *you* the sweetest.”

Jerry coughed. “Hm, yeah, we better get going.”

Linda shrugged her shoulders. “Ugh, I know, we got this Police Charity Dinner to go to, I flew in from LA just for this. I guess the Lord saw fit for me to make it. And meet you! I hope I get to see you again while you are visiting, are you staying here? With Charlie?”

“Oh God no.”—“No she aint!”

Charlie and Becky both answered together. Becky smiled big again, hugging Linda one more time. From the big, wide-eyed puppy dog look on her face, Becky felt she seemed to expect it. “No, no, I’m staying with my sis - sorority sister from college, who lives here, we’re actually just heading there now, for dinner. In fact, we better scoot, eh cuz?” Becky looked at Charlie, and sat into the car.

Charlie closed the door, a big  smile at Linda as Jerry led her up the steps into the house, and Linda waved goodbye. “I hope y’all have a the best night, see you again real soon!”

A tense feeling pushed up from Becky’s tummy and seized her shoulders in a tight anxious grip. It was one thing to know you were spending the week with a man who was seeing several women at once. It was another thing to come face to face with one and have to lie about who you were and what you were doing. Becky felt dirty, dirty and sick. She didn’t know how she could possibly face her perfect fucking sister, Deborah, and Debbie’s husband Steve, another lawyer, and the various lawyer professional type guests she expected to be at this dinner party. Charlie patted her thigh, seeming to intuit her thoughts, at least in part.

“Ya know, he’s not a bad guy, the boss man. He carries a heavy burden. And Linda’s moved out to LA to try and break into the movie biz. She had him buy her a home here in Memphis. It’s like they both know it’s over but neither one can bear to pull the trigger. And she knew how it was to date someone like him.”

Becky nodded, telling herself not to cry, and leaned against the window, hitting her head on the cool glass a few times as she swore under her breath at how stupid she was to be here. She muttered to herself in yiddish: 

“Ugh, whenever you have choices, oy vey, my sheyna maidel, boy oh boy do you somehow always manage to pick the worst. Your picker is broken, that’s what it is. When you go home, you are turning your love life over to Ida and her yenta brigade. There is a reason they used matchmakers in the old country. People are incapable of making good choices in men when left to their own devices. Stupid, foolish, idiot girl!” She hit her head on the window one last time, and then realized they had pulled up in front of Debbie’s house.

Charlie rubbed her shoulder. “I’ll be out here waiting when you’re ready. I - he - I - he’s gonna be dropping Linda off at the other house. It was, it is, all part of the plan. You see, her brother’s in the police force here. It, ugh, it just made sense that she would be his date for this big charity ball fundraiser for the cops.”

Becky nodded, half in a daze, trying to mentally prepare for her sister, for the dinner party, and for Elvis later.

“Hmmm, yeah, no, totally makes sense, absolutely.” She breathed in, then looked over at Charlie’s apologetic face. “Wait, you’re just gonna wait here?”

“Yeah, the boss, he, well, he wanted me to look after you. On account of all the druggies running wild these days.” Becky nodded. 

“Right. The drugged out commie burglars, those are clearly the biggest threat to my livelihood right now. Not Elvis Presley and his selfish manipulative ways. Not his powerful girlfriend, or her cop brother. Not my family and their judgment. No, no no, it’s the invisible commie drug criminals supposedly lurking everywhere. Well, thank god you’re here Charlie, I feel so much safer.” 

She slammed the car door, knowing it was unfair to take it out on Charlie, but the look on his face when she bent to the window made her heart sink even further before she uttered one word of apology. Because his goofy, winsome smile told her she was not the first woman to yell at him like this. Not only did he seem to expect it, he had mentally braced himself for it. Becky’s face softened apologetically. 

“I’m sorry, for that. I’ll try not to be more than an hour.”

“S’ok, we’re family now, cuz.” 

Becky knew that Charlie’s smile was meant to be reassuring, but it made her stomach drop even more as she turned and braced herself for a night at the Hoffman - Blumfeld’s (very intentionally hyphenated modern family of the 1970s) Dinner Party.

*********************************************************************

To say the night was uncomfortable and embarrassing would have been generous. Everyone else at the dinner party was dressed in jeans, khakis or linen pants and some sort of comfortable blouse or semi-casual shirt, and Becky felt she stood out like a Vegas showgirl at a library full of nerds. Which was probably the best way to describe Debbie, her husband Steve and their social circle. She was grateful it had been Debbie who opened the front door, so she could walk Becky into the side room and they could make their flustered hellos alone. 

Debbie wore a pair of sensible khakis and a tasteful floral button up top tucked in. As predicted, Debbie wore no make-up. And all judgment, though she tried to repress and be loose and fun.

Six years older than Becky, Debbie had always been half friend/half-parent to her, and this was a characteristic she inhabited calling out “Rebecca, please come in!” when she greeted Becky at the door.

Thank god for wine, the Hoffman-Blumfeld intentionally hyphenated household had some very good bottles of wine on offer and, after sipping one glass gracefully, and the another quickly in the kitchen, Becky was able to exhale and confront the evening with a blundering fort of confidence. She decided to pretend the meeting with Linda never happened, and stumbled confidently through her description of her relationship. She was dating a man who worked in the music business, after meeting him with Danny at a radio event fundraiser for the tornado in Mississippi. Was it serious? Well, sort of, he had invited her to Memphis for the week to meet his daughter, and he was trying to persuade her to move there. But her very successful life managing Saul and Ida’s store, and all her f.’

riends, made her reluctant to leave Jackson.

“I’m just taking a day at a time.” Becky winked and sipped her wine, before taking another mouthful of salmon.

After dessert, Debbie cornered her in the kitchen and asked if they could talk somewhere. Putting up her finger while she poured another glass of wine, Becky nodded and followed Deb to a bedroom, where she sat on a tasteful quilt blanket and had a tasteful restrained conversation about the impossibility of letting her father see Ruth secretly the next time she was in Birmingham.

“She is his only grandchild, Becks.”

“Well, they should have thought about that possibility when they kicked me out. Three months pregnant. Pronounced me a shonda, and disowned me.”

“Do you really want to have Ruth grow up without her grandparents?”

“I didn’t make that decision, Debbie, they did. Maybe, maybe, maybe if Papa was willing to admit how wrong they were, and stand up to Mama, and if he had any backbone at all and publicly welcomed me home for everyone to see, for Ruth to experience a true family, maybe.”

Debbie responded with a knowing look. “Well, I told Papa I was gonna see you when he called earlier, and I promised to ask, but I don’t blame you. I wish Ruth was here now, it’s been too long. And this guy, hmmm? Sounds promising. He wants you to move here?” Becky gulped her wine down first, rubbing her sister's arm. 

“Yup, yes, mhmmm. Oh yeah, finally, right? Everything’s coming up Becky. I can’t wait for you to meet him, because I’ll definitely be back up here with Ruth after she finishes camp. Ah, yes, mmhmmm.” She downed the last sip of wine, smiling so enthusiastically she almost laughed at how absurd the charade was. “I feel like, ugh, finally, right? I’m finally getting that happiness I searched for, for so long. ”

*********************************************************************

“You are never going to find happiness.” Becky said to the fork of coconut cake as she brought it to her mouth, letting the sweet, sticky crunchy sugar do its work comforting her momentarily as she chewed it and swallowed it down with some chocolate milk. The door to the kitchen opened, and she jerked her head up to see little Lisa Marie poke her head around.

“What are you doing?”

“Umm, late night cake?” Becky answered.

“Have you been crying?” Lisa asked as she stepped closer, getting herself a plate and a piece of cake.

“No, honey, no, it’s just been a long day.”

“Is it cuz of my daddy?”

Becky shook her head, too vigorously perhaps. “Npoooo no nononoo. No. It’s just been a long day.”

“You’re a bad liar, Becky Butt,” Lisa said, taking a big bite of cake, and then rubbing Becky’s shoulder. It broke her heart to see Lisa’s genuine look of pity staring up at her as she tried to comfort Becky. “Why is he like this? Mommy says he ruins every relationship and he’ll never truly be happy.”

Becky laughed at Lisa’s matter-of-fact statement. “Oh, my dear, I think your mama is very wise, but who knows what the future will bring. I do know your daddy loves you, that’s a relationship that makes him happy. Trust me, my parents never openly showed me love the way I see him show you. He’s a good man. There are just some things I might do differently if I were him.”

Lisa looked up at her. “Like what?”

“Well, for starters, I’d carry around less guns, I guess, that's dangerous. And maybe wear less jewelry, probably out there blinding people with all those dazzling gems and diamonds all over his person.”

Lisa laughed out loud as she finished her cake, and let Becky walk her up the stairs where she tucked Lisa back into bed and then returned to the kitchen.

Becky was down on her knees, looking through the drawers under the phone when she heard the door behind her slam shut. Glancing up, she saw Elvis’ broad figure swagger slowly toward her in the dimness of the kitchen lit only by one of the lights under a cabinet. He sighed and stopped, hands bracing the front of his hips, spread out fully extending his fingers as they tapped a little ditty over the sides of his belly. 

With his jacket pushed back at the hips, he looked even wider and more intimidating than usual. His lips were pursed in a frown at the sight of Becky in the jeans, converse and Destin tee shirt she had been wearing when she left Jackson the previous Sunday.

“Huh, hey.”

Becky turned back to look up at him. “Oh, hey!”

He adjusted his stance, pivoting his feet and twitching his left knee, his thumbs tapping over his belt.

“Watcha doin’?”

“You don’t know where the yellow pages are, do you? I’ve been looking for a phone book for the last fifteen minutes.”

Elvis sucked in a deep breath and adjusted his glasses. “Why, uh, why ya looking for the phone book?”

“Well, maybe you can help me.”

Becky returned her attention to the kitchen drawers in front of her, trying not to flinch as she heard the thud of Elvis boots walk closer and stop directly behind her. She chose not to twist back around and look at him, afraid she might cry or be dramatic, so she decided to speak directly into the drawers as she continued to look through them.

“You see, I’m trying to find a number for a local cab company, so I can get to the Greyhound station.”

“Mhmmm. I noticed your bag in the foyer.”

“Oh yeah, that,” Becky sighed, shutting one drawer and then opening another. “Well, you see, it just dills my pickle to be all prepared and ready to go when I call up a car to come get me. Although I had rather hoped I would have been gone before you got back, I didn’t want to bother you. But, since you’re here, maybe you can make yourself useful and help find the phone book?”

Elvis bent and leaned over the island that jutted out of the counter at the front of the kitchen.

“Honey, I have absolutely no intention a helpin’ you find a phone book.”

Becky stopped and fell back against the cupboard next to the set of drawers, her legs stretching out over the dark, burgundy carpet that covered the kitchen.She banged her hand back and closed her eyes.

“Why? Why can’t you just give me the phonebook?”

Elvis walked over and stood above Becky, his hand reaching down. “Cuz I don’t want you ta leave, honey. Not like this. C’mon, let’s talk. If you still wanna go home, why, I’ll drive you back to Jackson myself, like I promised.”

Becky glared up at his hand. “No.”

“What, you just gonna stay there on the ground?”

“Mhmmm.” She crossed her legs and her arms and tilted back into the cabinet. “Yup, yessiree. This is my home now, til I get a cab, I reckon.”

Elvis meandered over slowly and groaned as he lowered himself next to her on the floor. He moved his hand out to touch hers, only to be rebuked by their swift retreat back under her breasts in a huff of crossed arms and limbs. He rolled his neck to meet her gaze against the wooden cabinet.

“Honey, you are actin’ like a child. This is all one big misunderstanding. Now, c’mon.”

Elvis put his hand over her thigh, but Becky swatted it away, so he grabbed the foot she had criss crossed over her knee, and rolled into her shoulder as he scooted closer, squeezing her foot.

“Becky, look, you know I have other friends —”

“Girl friends, yes, I know about them, but apparently they don’t know about me. Do you have any idea how horrible that felt? Lying, looking at your beautiful beauty queen girlfriend, pretending to be Charlie’s cousin?” She pressed her face against the cupboard and let the tears come pouring out. “Ugh, I am so stupid, I know this isn’t me. I am not cut out to be the other woman.”

“Sssshhh.” Elvis put his arm around Becky’s shoulder, massaging her as he drew her body into his, bringing her head to nuzzle in his chest, where she gave up and grasped his shirt, letting the sobs come out as she cried into him. “Sshhhh. S’ok, s’ok.”

“No, s’not ok, ugh, I’m a horrible person, a traitor to my sex.” Her fist bumped tepidly into Elvis’ chest. She looked up at his chuckles. “What, why are you laughing at me?”

“Baby, you are too pretty to cry. Now, come on. Linda is not my wife, she knows it, I know it, things haven’t been going well and our relationship has been sorta peeterin’ out. But I have to do things my own way, ok? Her brother is on the police force, it made sense, right now, for me to take her as my date. But I swear, nothing happened. I’m here with you. At my house. Would I have a mistress at my house, where I lived, if I was keeping her a secret?”

Becky wiped her eyes. “You think she knows about me? She knew when she met me?”

Elvis sucked in his breath. “Honey, I don’t know, and frankly, right now I don’t care who knows. I-I, I didn’t wanna get into it tonight. But Linda knows well enough how it is with me. Look, I want to be with you, here, now. So let’s be together, and let’s go to bed.”

He said this with finality, and stood up, groaning slightly and steadying himself against the sink,  and Becky followed, exhaling loudly as she pulled herself up on his outstretched hand and walked with him out of the kitchen, still sniffling and wiping her eyes into his silk dress shirt.

“Ok, but only because the floor was starting to feel uncomfortable. And I couldn’t find the phone book.”

Elvis smiled and Becky watched his cheeks twitch above the pout of his mouth, and she couldn’t help it, she led herself into his embrace.

“There now, lil girl, why you go get yourself all worked up like that?”

Becky looked down, blushing trying to just calm herself and feel good about making peace, or whatever it was she was doing. Giving in. No, you are having fun, she told herself. It’s silly to be upset over Linda, and was the use of fighting? This is a short, fun, little fling. Somehow his logic made sense at the same time that it made no sense at all. Becky’s head ached trying to sort it out, she decided that she was tired and exhausted and still a little tipsy, and needed to stop fighting and let herself fall forward into Elvis’ pliant, warm belly. He took a silk handkerchief from the breast pocket of his suit and wiped her eyes, then softly pressed his lips to Becky’s mouth.

 “Mmmm, baby, those are some salty lips.” 

Elvis lifted his hand, thumbing over her lower lip slowly, it made Becky gasp and she watched him respond with a smirk. He leaned in slowly, and Becky shivered when he breathed on her, watching with anticipation as he  licked his own lip and hesitated with a wider smirk before pressing his mouth into hers. More forcefully this time, his hands soothing up her sides. 

“S’alright now, s’alright, no more cryin, ok, lil girl? Too pretty ta cry like this. Goin’ on and making my favorite lips all salty. "

taglist:

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Let me know if you would like to be removed or added to the taglist. Thanks for reading!

[snobgoblin]

How would Danny react to knowing his patron is The Devil... Does he know?

HE DOES NOT KNOW hehehe this is fun to think about, though. gonna do a little mini fic- I'm not a great writer but this is gonna be a little too long for me to do a comic

Danny had been in the upstairs area of the shop all day. He had moments like this, where it would all get to be too much, and Asra would take over for the day. He didn't mind, of course.

The day went along as normal, giving people their tarot readings, offering them protection spells, selling them rare herbs, stuff like that. It was just getting to be closing time when a very unexpected customer came from downstairs.

"I think I might be The Devil." Danny's voice was blunt, as it often was.

Asra looked up at him curiously. "Oh, you think so? That's funny... last I checked The Devil was petrified and covered in chains in another realm of existence." He teased, with that mischievous smile of his.

The man shook his head and left the doorway of the stairs. Fidgeting nervously with his rings. "I worded that wrong. What I meant was, I think he's my patron.  Like with you and The Magician. Think about it, why am *I* the only one that can break his chains. That's The Devil's power, remember? Why do I share that... the same way Nadia shares her intuition with The High Priestess. It just doesn't make sense. But that's not all-" He was pacing, struggling to articulate what he was getting at. He opened his mouth, shook his head, and spoke again. "He said we were similar. Remember? I do. It's been bothering me. He said we're the same, we tie others fates to our own. Except... his subjects know who holds the chains," He was running his fingers through his hair, now. Pacing. He couldn't look Asra in the eyes, it was clear he was getting worked up. "I mean... Are we really friends? Or am I just trapping you here and I don't even realize it, I could be manipulating you and I don't even-"

"Hmm." Asra had let this go on long enough. "He could've been bluffing, of course..."

"Arcana can't lie. Remember? You said that."

"They can twist words," they offered, "But, if you're so sure... Why don't you have a seat." Asra gestured to the booth at the back of the shop and locked the front door. He did not want to be disturbed for this.

Once they were settled in the back of the shop, curtains drawn, candles lit, Asra pulled out his deck. He shuffled as he spoke.

"The Devil is not an inherently malicious card. Like any card, it has its good and bad associations. " He separated the deck into three piles. "It can represent being trapped just as much as it can represent freedom. It's all about the context. What it means *to you*, in that moment, in that reading." He picked up one of the piles and spread it out on the table. His usual theatrics were not present, that was just for the customers. "Go ahead and pick three for me."

Danny did as he was told. Soon the three cards were laid out on the table.

Asra overturned the first card. Temperance, reversed. "Temperance can easily become dissatisfaction..." The second card. Justice, reversed. "Justice can easily become corruption..." and finally, The Fool, reversed "and adventure... can quickly turn into endless self indulgence." He has an especially bitter tone with that last card.

"Everything contains multitudes," Asra concludes, "We as humans are infinitely complex. Every day we wake up and we have the choice to do anything..." He pauses. "You wake up every day and decide to be good. That's more than I can say for... others." He swipes the three cards and shuffles them back into the deck.

Danny takes all this in. He had been watching intently this whole time, trying to understand what Asra was getting at. He's too busy thinking to speak.

"Why don't you go ahead and pick one more for me?" Asra offers him the deck, snapping him out of his trance by addressing him directly.

Danny picks up the card. Turns it over so that only he can see. The Devil, Upright.

"Justice can become corruption. Temperance, dissatisfaction. And sometimes... The Devil is the one to free us all." Asra smiles softly as he takes the card from Danny and mixes it back into the deck, never looking at it. "Do you understand, now?"

Danny had been silent for much of the reading, and that did not change, now. He nodded in response, his head whirring. It had put some of his fears to rest, anyway.

"And, for the record, I happen to LIKE being around you."

[nicromancytarot]

hiii ! i hope you’re doing well <3

will you talk more about your experiences with your spirit guides and also make a list on how you personally connect with them, and stuff ? i loved your tips and tricks on connecting with your spirit guide 🤍

I’d love to, and I’m glad you enjoy my previous posts!

MY METHODS

- Random word generator

This was my most comfortable, unfortunately my guides ended up saying some very out of pocket stuff which did end up making me want to steer away from that lmao, it was all a trial and error type of thing, and you can only get so many answers from that, but it really wasn’t for me. I only use it now in important situations.

- Pinterest

My most lazy option, I do this to connect with my guides, ancestors and future spouse, super simple since you can just ask for a sign on there. Like I asked my guides where I was going to move to, (I thought it was gonna be LA) and they gave me a picture of New York, so that’s all great. I also ask them for a specific thing, and they tend to deliver.

- Tarot cards

The most obvious, I’m a reader so whenever I need some extra clarity or answers on something I just ask them through there, when I can’t be bothered to decipher the cards myself, or wish for some extra perspective in case I’m projecting, I will go on ChatGPT and ask them for their interpretation, tends to be fine.

- Pendulum

I love and hate this method, I use a Topaz crystal which is on a plastic wire and I use a pendulum word map, then I just ask a question and see what I get, I also use my pendulum to find lost stuff lmaoo. Not related, but last month my friend lost her glasses and asked me to ask my guides where they were, they gave me absolutely nothing, so I used my own intuition and said I was seeing them behind a bedside table, they were there 🫡

- Spotify, songs

Shufflemancy, when it comes to my guides I just find a random playlist and ask them a question and see what song they give me, I then look into the name, the lyrics, and the meaning so I can understand it fully. I also use this one mainly when checking in on my future spouse, I use their playlist so it’s more connected!

- Yes or No wheel

I just ask them questions and they give me a yes or no like they would a pendulum, it’s a lot easier than the others since time, and also nothing really to decipher.

Honorable mention is when I just ask them for a sign through numbers, I have my personally assigned angel number, so whenever I see that, I take it as a sign from them that it’s all ok, and life is going good, I’m on the right path etc.

It’s always a trial and error, just test whatever feels right to you, and if you find you don’t like it, feel no fear in trying something else.

[golbrocklovely]

i also sent this to xplrvibes, btw.

i found a psychic reading on colby and malia's relationship, and i watched it. throughout the whole video, it seems like their relationship is starting to go down, and colby might be losing interest, or something bad happened like an argument and they're just distant with each other rn. the psychic reader also said the relationship doesn't really seem serious and as more of a friends with benefits....but i also don't know much about psychic reading so idk if any of that could be true.

here's the link tho so you could watch it, maybe get your own opinion from it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gww1I9VmBNY&ab_channel=MiiksConspiracies

yall are making me come out of retirement with this tarot reading sksksks

imma be so forreal, and this is no hate to the girl that did this reading. but genuinely…. if you're already going into the reading getting the "ick" from both parties involved, maybe that's your sign to not do it. idk, but that's how i feel about it.

also, when i do a reading (and i'm by no means an expert so don't take my word for it, this is just what i do) while i "tap in" to others' energies, i don't try to feel what's going on. i just let the cards talk and then circle back. bc otherwise, when you say "i'm getting the vibe that" it just makes you sound like all the fans on twitter that hate the girls from day one and said "idk why, but i just get bad vibes from them" lol

and i have to add that the ppl on twitter talking about this literally said of this reading "oh she must be one of us" bc she sounded like them so that gives you an idea as to what's said in the video.

so…. here's my reading on malia and colby. and i know, i said i wouldn't but i had to.

this is a very quick reading so i'm not gonna go into the most amount of detail.

how does colby feel about malia: nine of pentacles reversed. colby is guarded and has issues opening up completely, even tho he wants to. fear of losing his independence. shocker to literally no one.

hanged man. love can't be rushed, so while he might feel the connection, he shouldn't jump the gun on this, or listen to outside sources on what to do next in his relationship. don't force things. timing is everything.

eight of pentacles. he's learning new things about malia everyday, slowly cultivating his relationship with her. there's still plenty of room to grow for him and her.

four of swords. colby needs his alone time, he feels as if maybe he is spending too much time with her, or at the very least needs time to sit back and reset (since he is such an introvert).

how does malia feel about colby: two of swords. there's something blocking them from solving certain problems that are arising. my guess is him being unable to completely open up quite yet. this is not a bad thing, since what they need to do is sit and communicate.

knight of pentacles. this is could also be the answer to their "problem". the knight of pents is a dedicated partner, but also extremely absorbed in his work (sounds like colby to a T). but this is also a sign of steady and secure relationship.

the sun in reverse. boredom. however things are still good. just no excitement.

queen of pentacles. stable time, fruitful. a lot of stability.

what does all of this mean?

so what i'm gathering is that colby does care for malia, but he is being held back by his own past issues and isn't able to fully open up to her yet. and on top of that, he doesn't want to move too fast (probably bc his past relationship moved too fast and then he got left behind) so i think he's doing his best to take things slow. and he slowly is enjoying his time more and more with her, but he also needs to remember to give himself some time to unwind and be alone. which he has talked about before in the past needing from previous partners.

as for malia, she wants to connect to colby and get to know him better but his issues are making that a bit hard for her. but not only that, he's busy. that man loves working, so she sometimes feels as if she doesn't get to see him without it being a work vacation, so to speak. but she definitely sees herself being with him long time. she sees he is dedicated to her, but the speed at which they are going is going to bore her a bit. eventually she will realize that it's for the best, since she will soon see that things will work out well.

what i gather is that both of them seem to be in for the long hall, they just have to make sure to communicate. and take time to themselves.

also let's not forget that they have only been together for like four months really, bc they met in late nov/early dec and probably didn't start actually dating/getting serious until january/february so like… let's cut them some slack yall lol

[sillygoofyboii]

Random OC thing

Please note that I am not a professional writer I just put words together and hope that it’s good enough. Enjoy the food chat.

Also, I’m sorry if this is bad. Just expect bad writing from me 💀

—🌸—

Once, there was a laurenstine, in her most beautiful state. Petals in full display, beautifully shown in the sun’s direction. Once, an amaryllis came by, catching the laurenstine’s eye and letting a red rose bloom. They bonded, talked, exchanged numbers and parted ways. “Please, be careful. Don’t get too attached, for your Arborvitae will wilt and leave you in pieces.” The blackthorn foretold. “She’ll be fine,” the laurenstine protested, “she will be fine, for the soil is rich. There is no danger.”

Their relationship bloomed into something more as the laurenstine left from her old garden to be with the amaryllis, her job had bad working conditions anyways. The amaryllis still had a job though, so the laurenstine had to say goodbye frequently. “See you later, my little astragalus.” She yelled out to her from the kitchen as she left. She cleaned the kitchen as she waited for the average afternoon call from the amaryllis.

she waited.

she waited.

(The snapdragon dragged the arborvitae away from the phone)

and waited.

(“Not while there’s work to do,” she lectured to amaryllis, “you’re close to a breakthrough, don’t get distracted.”)

and waited.

(“…Fine. I’ll call her-“ “Don’t call her during work.” “Fine, after work.” “Good girl.”)

….A champignon bloomed as the amaryllis didn’t pick up. She spoke into the phone, even if the astragalus wasn’t gonna pick up.

“Hello, love. I know you usually call to check up on me, but it has been 5 hours since the usual time you call, I’m getting worried. …I’m fine currently, are you?” Silence from the other line. “…I’ll see you when you come home.” Soon, the clock screamed ‘8’ and the amaryllis came. “I’m sorry I haven’t called, my boss has gotten stricter.” The laurenstine scoffed at that, her distaste for snapdragon growing. The same thing happened the next day.

And the next.

and the next.

There was only one call from the amaryllis during the entirety of that week, and even that was a short call that the nightshade walked in on.

…At some point, amaryllis stopped coming home.

Only one call explained it.

“Hey, uh, babe…Sooooo I got a raise for a little discovery I made in the lab, bad news, I’m probably going to be way busier than normal. I’m sorry.”

The laurenstine sighed. She had already deepcleaned the house multiple times out of boredom without the arborvitae, so she took up sewing. The table is covered in thread and plushies (mostly of fish, some weird white four-legged creature with big eyes, and of amaryllis). She made a quick call to a friend of hers after she got bored of sewing and her pitiful attempts at crocheting. “My dear blackthorn,” she began. “I’m sorry that I’m not calling to talk to you about anything important to you, but I need to know; is my dearest okay?” “Of course I’m okay, I never left my house since Monday.” “I love you too, but I was not talking about you. I meant my love, my light, my other half.” Blackthorn chuckled on the other line when laurenstine said that. “And you used to say that you two were ‘just friends’? Anyways, jokes aside, lose your attachment. She will be gone, her fate being sealed. You’ve been missed while she was gone, but her return will not happen. I do not condone calling her every five seconds, for you will get a call soon. When you do, listen carefully, for the words will not be repeated.” Blackthorn quickly hung up, leaving the laurenstine silent. She knew the blackthorn told her not to call the amaryllis yet, but it was routine at this point. Laurenstine never broke routine. “…Day 1, I guess. I just called the blackthorn. They said some…important words to note, so that will be kept in mind. I might do some tarot soon.”

“Day 7, I was able to finally crochet a square, I’m never doing it again. I hope you’re doing better than me though.”

“Day 14, me and blackthorn finally had a normal hangout. They introduced me to some new friends, I hope you’re doing well.”

“Day 20, I got a job as a cohost for a game show. Wish me luck!”

“…Day 21….uh….hm….Soooo, remember that one coworker we used to have? Yeah, she’s my boss now….I’m convinced that she’s gonna murder me in my sleep. I hope you’re doing well.”

“Day 35, I finally met up with those ‘new friends’ I talked about….It..went well I guess? I hope you’re doing well.”

“Day 67, I physically feel unhealthy. Emotionally, I mean. I was always physically unhealthy….That probably made no sense. I….hope you’re doing okay.”

“Day…What was the number again? Ah, day 134. I feel like tearing my eyes out.”

(The amaryllis paused. She was knee deep in work, there being no phone in the room for her to use. She quickly went to talk with snapdragon. “Let’s make a deal,” she said. “You never like it when I try to call or communicate with my girlfriend because it distracts me from work, right?” “Correct. Where are you going with this?” “…If I am able to record a message during my break for her and let it play when she usually calls, I’ll be able to finally leave her a reply for once and do my work. So, what do you say?” The amaryllis waited eagerly for a response. “Fine.” The snapdragon said. “You may give her a recording, I guess. Now leave my office, you have work to do.”)

“Day 236. Please call me. I need you here.”

“Day 365. Happy New Year. The fact that you haven’t called in a year is super concerning. I really hope you’re okay.”

“Day 474. Come back to me, Princess. My bones feel flaccid.”

“Day I-lost-count. Come back. Please.”

“Day 5 hundred- who gives a crap. Come home. I miss you. I need you with me.”

“Day 608. …I saw you in a dream. You apologized for so many things. Please know I forgive you, just come back to me. Please.”

The laurenstine felt like she had wilted, but she was still in decent health. Sure, her appearance was a bit disheveled, but she was fine. It was just the loneliness in the house. “I’m fine.” She repeated to herself, over and over, wishing the statement was true. Soon, she heard her phone ring, assuming that it was the blackthorn, she picked up.

“Hey gurl-“

“Hello, this is a prerecorded message.” The voice was instantly recognizable as the amaryllis.

“This is the only way I’m able to contact you. I have been getting a steady amount of work done and good amount of money, so I’d say I’ve been doing fine. I’ve made a breakthrough, but it is private. Only the company knows what it is. I might be gone for a bit to work on another project, so I’ve decided to trust you with it. The project is a-“

The recording was paused and then another voice came “That was from a good few months ago,” snapdragon stated. “She has…gone missing now. Come to her office on Saturday, she had some tapes and videos she wanted to show you.” snapdragon quickly hung up without another word, leaving quickly to wash the blood dirt and off her hands, quickly taking amaryllis’s project plans, erasing her name, and replacing it with her own to show the higher ups.

Saturday came quick and the words blackthorn said didn’t help. All they said was a simple “Good luck. And I’m sorry.” The walk there was slow, yet even with the seemingly excruciating pace, time seemed to blur and the laurenstine found herself in the amaryllis’s office with some tapes, a broken tv, and a corpse in the chair. Killed by a nightshade, a ‘thorn’ had pricked the flower’s stem. The amaryllis had lost her former beauty, flies and other plants eating away at her remains, it sickened the laurenstine to her core. She sobbed, threw up, screamed. She already wanted to leave. She took the tv and the tapes and ran to another room, her former office. She denied what she saw.

She decided to throw out some of the plushies she made of amaryllis that day.

—👁️—

Once, there was a woman. A simple person put in a not so simple situation. She made herself look somewhat presentable, for there was a guest over.

“I hate to say it, but I told ya not to get too attached.” The guest said, resting their feet on the table.

The woman, Gwen, immediately scoffed at that.

“Mal, I love ya, but shut the fuck up.” —

List of symbolisms used

[honey-im-h0me]

Hello again neighbors, it's been a while since I used this blog but I gonna start to change that now as I have been getting into Welcome Home again.

The story and extra information about the character will be below "read more" and credits to @fetusmeme for the character sheet template.

"Show introduction"

Acerola Suave is one of the older members of the community, but she hasn't been there as much as Wally Darling. Her background hasn't been touched so much in the show but with the bits of lore that she or someone else mentioned and even clues from inside her house, the story put together is as follows.

Acerola, who went from another name never revealed to the public, lived in a small town of reptiles like her, but she craved more, adventuring, self-discovery, and freedom. At some point, she met a guy with whom she had a son, but given that he isn't in the picture or living with her, is safe to assume that the guy either died or left.

Acerola got to the small town without knowing she ended up there, her house is in the forest near a swamp, so when she heard music, laughing, and chatting, she found out that she had arrived in a place like no other.

The books and episodes will often show Acerola not appearing in the neighborhood unless it's with her son or during an event like a party, or a holiday.

But when Waly and his friends go visit her, she's in her element, more talkative and expressive, using the help of her special bug cards, which are bugs she calls that form a position for her to read them, riddles, puzzles, and even branches from the trees, she's able to assist her neighbors with whatever issue they might be having if it involves nature.

However, Acerola would soon disappear from the books and episodes, there was even one titled "Good Bye to a Friend", where Wally, despite smiling, tells the viewer he's sad, that a friend of the neighborhood left, he doesn't know where they went or if they will even come back, or even write to them, but later, in a book, Wally tells the story of this episode in more detail, he says that is Acerola who he's missing, that she "sensed something" and left without a word, not even a goodbye letter, even her tarot bugs were gone.

"Inspirations"

Acerola is a gift/commissioned character for my sister, we were brainstorming the idea for a character cause she loved the art style, so I went ahead and gave her a heads up and we started thinking of ideas.

Immediately she suggested a chameleon, and I researched various species, but sadly I couldn't choose one, so I went with the generic route.

Her theming and personality align a lot with my sister IRL, she practices Tarot reading as well as witchcraft, claiming herself to be a nature witch, and she sometimes calls to talk about it or invites me to rituals, and they are quite a relaxing thing.

and her son is also a reference to her, my nephew!.

"Extra information"

Parents would complain a lot about Acerola smoking from a pipe in the books, but this was addressed quickly as The herbs were used to help Acerola deal better with her mental health;

on the other hand, solo mothers would praise the authors for showing the pretty and the ugly when it comes to raising a child on their own, Wally often showing up to babysit or keep an eye on Lua, as well as the other characters, Howdy seems to be the one who gets asked to watch over the little cricket the most, as the little guy has lots of fun with him;

Frank and Acerola share a lot of bug fun facts with each other;

She and Poppy get along extremely well, most fans assume that is because of Poppy's motherly nature while Acerola has a son of her own, they also think that perhaps Poppy acts as a teacher to little Lua.

[bishiglomper]

Just got back from niece's baby shower. Her first of two. This one was work friends.

It was nice. Small. Only had to make like 3 trips to and from the cars with stuff. Did simple card/sheet games. Painted onesies. Nice people. Who also aren't 'people' people. I think we barely interacted beyond niece as a buffer.

I think I got out of it without using too many spoons. And the food only killed me a little. 👀

Pretty good. Especially considering I've been awake since about 6. Party wasn't even until 10.

In other news, I got the schedule for the convention next weekend!! Helluva Boss stuff is Friday, gonna see Blues clues on Saturday (and get to go to my friend's daughter's graduation party) and Sunday is HAZBIN PEOPLE. So excited. 😚

I did a tarot reading for myself. I always just ask what the theme for the day is but I always attribute its answers to how I'm dealing with the convention shit these last few times lmao. I'm so anxious.

So things influencing my theme told me i had stuff to let go of. Things that aren't bringing me joy or serving me can go. Present situation is I gotta keep balance between my tasks and reserve my energy I guess. But the future outcome sounded VERY NICE because it said I was gonna have a sense of satisfaction at the end. Wish fulfillment! (That's actually one of the key words for that card!) So I'm feeling pretty good about it.

I'm wondering if the thing I gotta let go of it my art because truth be told I'm still obsessing over all of them. I'm not entirely happy with the shading on my last Alastor but I'm not sure how to fix it sooo guess I'm just gonna

[thatpunkmaximoff]

Story: 4 out of 5 Smut: 4 out of 5

Who told me to read this book? Lol. I thought I was just in for an ex con railing a widow. I was not expecting a paranormal romance. There was so much heartbreak, and when the ghost came to the realization that they were the ghost.. oh my god.

I… I don’t have much to say. It was a damn good book, but I just… I don’t know.

Enjoy my ramblings, but head's up.. they're super spoiler-y..

* Mysterious mail showing up..? No thanks.

* “I’ll wait forever if I have to.” — umm, wtf?! Who in prison is being creepy af?

* Why would you reply?! 😂

* Okay so her house is spooky af 👀

* “I can still taste your skin.” — who the fuck is this Dante guy?!

* Purple splotches encircling her neck? One looks like a thumb? Is she being haunted?!

* Why do I get a feeling Aiden isn’t.. Aiden?

* Oh damn. Aiden is bold lol. He wants to bone Kayla and flat out told her.

* The words coming out of Aiden’s mouth rn.. holy shit 😏

* So she runs to Aiden when she thinks someone broke into her house. She totally wants to bone.

* Goddamn. Aiden can fuck 👀

* Now there’s a creepy man down by the tree watching Kayla? I thought I was in for straight up smut.. not some thriller/horror shenanigans.

* So the house is haunted. Cool. 👀

* She wasn’t smiling in her wedding photo to Michael and it appears as if her arm was bruised in the pic? Was Michael abusive and the wreck she mentioned earlier (the reasoning the gave for the bruises on her neck before) do something to her memory?

* GHOSTS?! Wtf is going on 😂

* Aiden and Kayla are some kinky fuckers 😏

* “If you decide this isn’t what you want, promise me you’ll end it before I fall in love with you.” // “I promise.” // “Good. But so you know, you don’t have much time.” — Jesus.. this man..

* is Aiden Dante?! I’m so fucking confused lmao. These ghosts are throwing me off.

* Oh damn. Aiden told her to get clarity and until she found it, he was gonna give her space 😬

* Well that tarot was ominous as fuck. Wtf happened in her past?! What is she blocking out?

* So little ghost boy sees Kayla and freaks? I’m gonna fucking riot if it turns out Kayla is dead and just doesn’t know it. Like her housekeeper said, some ghosts are confused. Especially if they died a tragic death. Like her husband. But what if it wasn’t her husband who died or was the only one who died..? 🥺

* SO DANTE’S THE GHOST?!

* I love Claire. Very chismosa lol

* Omg. This ghost wants revenge. What if it’s Aiden it wants revenge on? What is Dante is Aiden’s dad that he apparently killed?! Wtf is going on?!?!?!

* What… her detective friend is dead? Does that mean he’s the ghost..?

* No… no, no, no. Kayla’s not the ghost. She can’t be. No.

* Holy. Shit. What the fucking fuck.

* “Hey, bunny, did you miss me?” — 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

* Well at least they got to torture Michael in prison 🤷🏻‍♀️

[p0k3rsp4d3]

The House of Tarot

Chapter 1: The Invitation

   {Narrators POV}

    Mark sat in his room with his best friend Zaine, more bored than he had ever felt in a while. He pulls out his phone and smiles slightly as he gets a text from Roxana about her and Roman coming over. "Hey Zaine! Roxy and Roman are on their way now." Mark spoke, looking up at the blonde with a smile. "Thank god, I thought I was gonna die of boredom here" Zaine snickered then laid back down in his spot.

{Marks POV}

    I chuckle and nod. "Yeah same here good thing Roxy saved the day by texting me." I get up from my spot on the bed and stretch. Zaine got up as well and looked out the window, watching for Roxy's shiny red Camero. I looked at my phone, realizing the date. "Woah I just realized what day it is Zai!" I walk over and sit next to him on the window sill. "Huh? What day is it?" Zaine looked at me with curiosity as I pulled up a website. "Today is the celebration of the House of Tarot! it celebrates all witchcraft, creatures, and deities from all over the place! It's one of the biggest celebrations in all of Salem!" I said, my tone excited and enthusiastic for this big event taking place this evening. "Wow, you seem very excited about this event. Maybe we should all go as a group." Zaine chuckled at my excitement as I nodded at his suggestion. 

    I look out the window again as I heard the loud roar of Roxy's car as she pulled into my driveway. I smile and walk out of my room, going downstairs to greet Roxy and Roman at the door. I go up to the door and open it with a smile. "Hey, Roxy!" I look at her before being pulled into a hug by Roman. "Hello there Ro, clingy today are we?" I question as my face turns a bit pink from Roman hugging me suddenly. "They have been like this all day, I had to promise McDonald's on the way here just to get them to let me go." Roxy said then chuckled while looking at Roman, who was still hugging me. I sigh and then smile, picking up Roman with ease and going back into the house. "Have you heard about the celebration happening tonight at the old Tarot Mansion?" Roxy spoke from behind me as she walked inside my house. "Mhm! Zaine and I were just talking about it before you guys showed up! We want to go, but we aren't gonna go without you guys so we wanted to wait so we could ask you guys first." I say as I walk up the stairs and into my room. "Definitely. I have been looking forward to this year's event since they announced it last week." Roman spoke up before burying their face back into my shoulder. "So I take it all of us wanna go to the Tarot Mansion event tonight?" Zaine piped up as he stood from his spot on the window sill. 

    Roxy nods and flops on my bed with a happy sigh. "tonight is gonna be so awesome!!" she squealed and kicked her feet like a little girl. I chuckled at her childishness and sat down with Roman still in my arms. Zaine looked at me and Roman then smirked. I rolled my eyes at him and set my chin on top of Roman's head as they sat up and leaned back against my chest. Roman yawned "What are we gonna wear to the event?" Zaine questions and looks at Roxy, who was the fashionista of our group of friends. "Oh I already have your guys' outfits ready, I just needed confirmation about us going to the event first. The outfits are outside, in my car!" Roxy chirped as she sat up with a bright smile spread across her face. "What time does the event even start?" Roman asks, looking at Zaine and then at Roxy. "I believe it starts at seven-thirty so we can eat, then the actual party starts at eight." I piped up, looking at the event times on my phone. "Well, it's four-forty-five right now so let's start getting ready!" Zaine exclaimed, then we all got up to go get ready for this tremendous event.

{722 words}

[nekomanager]

003. 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙈𝙄𝘿𝙉𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 • DEVOUR

track list • prev - next

What if the sexy stranger in your dreams and your seductive client at work is actually a ravishing demon determined to love you whatever it takes? Can you break through the delusions?

incubus!kuroo, f!reader, deep pnetration, l-bombs, size kink, dacryphilia

wasn't able to write my solo drabble for kuroo's birthday but definitely not gonna miss this! I remembered a friend once told me to keep on writing even just for that one person believing in my works, I'd like to thank you for picking up this fic and believing in me. I love you. mwah mwah 💋💋

You gripped the sheets as his big cock relentlessly rammed into you. There...There...so good aaahhh...You moaned totally enjoying the sensation. 

“Is it good? Am I making you feel good?” he asked, putting in so much effort with how he thrust in you.  

“Yes! Yes! It’s so good. You’re so good-” He ate your words, kissing you like your lips were his favorite food. 

 Your pussy throbbed, and you soon found yourself cumming again. 

Opening your eyes, you placed an arm on your forehead. You must be a very horny girl to dream of this non-stop, but you couldn’t deny liking it and not wanting it to stop.  

You sighed.  

You forgot how he looked like again. Somehow, as days passed, you felt even closer and acquainted to him...the man of your dreams. He’s so sweet but very masculine at the same time.  

Your pussy was still throbbing in a good way. You checked in between your legs and found your panties drenched. Don’t tell me...you squirted even in the dream. Your face heated up, embarrassed.  

On your way to the coffeeshop, you suddenly became more conscious, noticing that people, specifically men, were now looking at you differently. It wasn’t like this before. You were what they would call a normie, someone you would just pass by, but now you’ve been receiving odd glances. 

Having a drink in hand, you saw the old lady again. However, she seemed to be busy doing tarot reading with her makeshift table. You were tempted to approach her to ask more questions, but you’d be having a meeting with Kuroo today. 

All this time, you wanted to know if it’s really an incubus in your dreams how come you felt even better ever since? You’re supposed to be losing weight now or all drained out of energy, but you felt the opposite.  

You shook the thought away, finally reaching your office building. 

“Oh, Y/N! There you are...” A senior from the other department greeted. “Lookin’ good, huh? What’s the secret?” 

“Secret?” You looked down on yourself. You fixed yourself just the same and changed nothing.  

“Yeah, you seem to be glowing nowadays. Something’s different.” 

You’re wearing normal corporate attire, the same minimal make-up, nothing special. “I don’t know.... maybe I’m getting better sleep?” 

Well, better was an understatement. Having those lewd dreams was embarrassing but they did make you feel elevated and amazing like a heavy weight was lifted off your shoulders each morning. 

“Of course, sleep! Or...maybe you have someone?” She cooed then her eyes suddenly glanced up behind you. You looked back and saw Kuroo.  

“Morning, Y/N. Let’s go together?” he pressed the elevator button up.  

As usual, he looked so dangerous again. His dark gray pinstriped suit fit him perfectly.  

“Sure, sir. Good morning,” you greeted back. 

“Okay, I’ll leave you two alone,” your senior bade, winking at you before she walked away.  

No way! No way! No way! Your last interaction with Kuroo proved how tricky your situation was. Though you admitted having e a little crush on him, you shouldn’t get carried away. First, it’s unprofessional. Second, he gave off big fuckboy energy. 

The elevator doors opened and there’s only the two of you inside. It closed and you took in a sharp breath, which you held. It was so spacious, but he specifically chose to be so close to you. You gulped; he smelled so good—a little spicy just like his personality. His scent was drowning you and making your head all dizzy.  

“You smell good,” he leaned down and said to you with grainy voice. 

Shivers ran through your spine. You pressed your thighs together. Oh my. 

Your attention shifted to your reflection on the steel make of the elevator where you found Kuroo pinning your gaze. He tilted his head, eyes not leaving you as he breathed you in and you took in a deep inhale at the same time.  

The doors opened and you told him, “I’ll go to the restroom first.” 

You immediately splashed your face with water. Kuroo was painfully making you feel some type of way. He’s unearthing that hidden part of yourself you never thought existed. He was making you feel like a woman. A beautiful, well-desired, most-coveted woman. He’s making all your dreams a reality, but you’re a romance type of girl and not the type he wanted.  

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 

Swaying the glass in his hand, Kuroo stared at the woman from across the room. She was talking to her friends, but that was a while ago. Now, amidst the pulsing lights and the darkness of the bar, she had all her attention shifted to the mysterious man in suit fully captivated by how his gaze pierced through her while his smirk was oddly turning her on.  

She stood up and headed towards his direction as expected. It would be almost a month now since he hadn’t eaten anything else aside from you. He thought that maybe it was just a temporary syndrome as he adjusted to a new town.  

Kuroo raked his gaze from her head to toes. She’s hot, especially with that white dress hugging her body so tight. Normally, with the quality of sex he thought he’d be having with this woman, he knew he’s gonna get his fill. That’s under normal circumstances. 

“What…what’re you drinking?” she asked. 

He simply answered, “Rum and coke.” 

Dammit! He felt his stomach turning doing this.  

“Can I take a sip?”  

And he allowed her, she leaned forward and dipped. Her cleavage a free offering for him to see and lust over. She placed a hand on his thigh… 

Kuroo grimaced. 

Fuck! He knew this would happen. Appalled…he’s appalled. His body was rejecting her hand on his. Last time this happened, he couldn’t get his dick up and ended up in shame. He couldn’t even bring himself to have sex with anyone now. It’s all because of you. 

He knew that going to a bar would be a bad idea. After all, he’s not even there to bait some food but just to have a nice drink yet...his strong aura as an incubus was reeking and attracting women non-stop. 

Since he was new in town a month back and was still gathering observation, he shifted into his cat form everynight to find a home to stay at. He didn’t expect that you would be kind enough to adopt him, that he would grow fond of you and eventually would come to...love you. It sounded cringey, but right now there’s nothing more cringe-worthy than a hand of a woman on him aside from yours. 

They said once an incubus like him falls in love with someone, they could only mate with them and no one else. Kuroo didn’t know that to be true until now when his cock couldn’t stand up in around any other woman’s presence except you. 

Though his hunger could be satisfied by his nightly visits in your dreams, nothing could be having you in flesh.  

He thought that working with you would make things easier, but he was wrong. His feelings for you only got stronger in each passing day he got to spend with you, and it had been hard to control himself from not having an erection in the office when around you. 

“What’s wrong?” The woman asked, still wanting nothing but to have him in between her legs.  

You’re wrong. This is wrong. “I should go.” Kuroo stood up almost running away from the scene.  

“Wait!” He faintly heard in the background as he loosened his tie and dashed away. 

It was a breath of fresh air once he’s out. Taking in the cool wind of the night, he strolled to clear his mind.  

No, he didn’t view just as a livestock he could feed on endlessly, and it wasn’t just sex for him. Who would’ve thought that he’d fall for you while you took care of him as a pet? 

He drew a long sigh, finding himself at your apartment building. Then, finding himself outside your door. Well, true to his other form, he appeared like a stray cat finally finding his way home after days of misadventure.  

What was he even doing here? He berated himself for acting like a creep. Dragging a hand through his face, he accidentally nudged the food you left for him outside your door.  

The pet dish elicited a sound which prompted you to open the door. 

“Miste-” Your eyes widened at the sight of Kuroo welcoming you instead of your beloved cat. “Sir? What’re you...What’re you doing here?” 

I can’t stop thinking about you. “Hey...” Kuroo tried thinking of an excuse, but he couldn’t bring himself to think of any. 

“Are you drunk?” 

He swallowed. “Just a bit.” 

You sighed. “You can’t drive drunk. Do you...” you blushed. “Do you wanna come stay for a while?” 

His face heated up. “Sure.”  

You let him and he smoothly moved around your apartment much to your surprise.  

“Do you wanna have some cof-” You stopped midway, remembering... 

“You don’t have coffee,” he stated, which puzzled you. How did he know? “I mean, tea.” He continued. 

Maybe, the alcohol was messing up with his speech. You opened one of your cupboards only to discover that you placed the tea on the top shelf. You were about to get a chair to step on, but Kuroo was already behind you, reaching for the box of tea. 

“Here,” he said, giving you the item. 

“Oh...” you muttered, bemused at how keen he was.  

You prepared the tea for him while he watched your every move, reminding you of Mr. Midnight’s habit of doing the exact same thing.  

“Here,” you handed him the cup and he took an immediate sip. “So what brings you here?” 

“This one’s the nearest to the bar,” Kuroo placed the cup down. “Don’t worry I didn’t follow you around.” Not as a human. “I learned your address through the records.” 

“I see...so you sifted through my records, but don’t follow me around. That doesn’t sound creepy,” you teased. 

“Hey! I must know your address, okay? That’s just me being responsible since we always have meetings outside. Anything could happen.” 

You chuckled. “Yeah, such as you taking shelter because you can’t drive home drunk.” 

“Exactly,” he affirmed and continued, drinking his tea. 

You took a glance at the watch and noticed that it was past your bedtime. You were trying to keep yourself awake, but sleep was taking over. You were very tired for the day especially that the gala event was in a few days' time from now.  

“Thank you,” Kuroo said as he finished his tea, and he was eventually surprised to see you sleeping in front of him. He smiled and pressed your cheek with his index finger like how he usually did it with his paw back then to check if you’re asleep. 

Geez...He chortled to himself and carried you to bed. He swept away a few strands of hair from your face and couldn’t help but lay down and curl beside you. Nuzzling his nose on top of your head, he embraced you lovingly tight.

You used to hug him when he was a cat, and he missed those days when he could stay asleep beside you so close like this. How he wished he could finally have you settle in his arms? Though he wanted to pay you a visit in dreams, he’d rather bask in this moment instead, hearing your heartbeat, drowning in your scent and enveloped in your warmth. 

Your phone’s alarm rang, which woke you up from your sleep. You sat up in a rush and in disbelief. You didn’t have any dream last night. That’s odd. Even if that’s the case, however, you could feel the familiar touch lingering through your skin. It was as if he held you for real. 

Your eyes widened, recalling that Kuroo stayed over for a bit last night. You looked around but he’s no longer to be seen anywhere. 

You squashed your face in between your hands and decided to stand up.  

“Kuroo?” You called out as you headed to your arriving at your dining area, where you were surprised to discover a cooked omurice. On the surface of it, was a cat doodle made with ketchup and a note that read, Rise and Shine! 

Kuroo...you whispered his name in your head so fondly as your face split into a warm grin. 

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 

His tongue danced with yours with his arms caging you in. He’s so warm, and you felt safe wrapped around his presence.  

“Were you stressed?” he asked, a hand caressing the top of your face while his eyes conveyed so much concern. “You did a great job. You always do.” 

You cupped his face. “’Twas just a long day, but I got you, so it’s fine.” 

He smiled and kissed the tip of your nose, “Yeah, you always got me, love. Always remember that.” He caught your lips again and kissed you tenderly, lovingly and deeply. “I’m always right beside you.” 

Parting your legs, he thrust into you. Your pussy was slowly being stretched out as he took his time so you could fully feel his size. You bit back a moan as his tip finally reached your core. His hips were moving in a sensual tempo that had you wanting more.  

He saw your need and began hitting with force, your tits jiggled everytime he pushed right back in. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, and he dug deeper, bringing your thighs on both sides if your face, messing you up in a mating press.  

“Can you feel me? Can you feel all of me?” He asked under his breath, trying his best to curb his wilder desires and wanting to make you feel loved instead.  

“Oh! Aaaahhh....” You moaned, feeling the length of his cock go in and out of your pussy. “Yes, you’re so big. It’s so long. Feels so good.” 

“When you say it like that-” he said in pain and pounded fast. His fingers digging into the flesh of your thighs as he went all out not able to control his impulses anymore.  

He conquered your lips and you let yourself be consumed with passion. All you could do was shut your eyes and feel the tears of overwhelming pleasure trickle down. Your nails raked on the skin of his back as you felt like flying with the way he was fucking you senseless yet oh-so-loving at the same time. 

“I love you, I love you,” he spewed out in every thrust, and you were drunk in his tender gaze as your insides melted and your body shook. 

Slowly, your eyes opened. You could still remember his hands on you. The feel of his length inside you. You ached for him more and more each day and not only in a sexual way. That man...he always made sure you were well-fed everynight, but you wanted to remember who he was. Was he just your imagination? A person from the future? All of this seemed so bittersweet. You had a man who only existed on your dreams, and he made love with you every night like you’re the only person in his eyes.  

It’s almost a month now...You hugged yourself, feeling a little cold. At first, you thought all this was sexual, but lately you began feeling loved.  

You had many questions...like if it’s really an incubus in your dreams why did you feel even better each day? Why was he so loving to you? Why do you not only feel lust but affection each time he’d hold you close?  

You snapped away from your thoughts. You’re approaching the end of your campaign, and somehow you felt some kind of ending happening too. This meant you’d never see Kuroo again. You looked at him from across the table. This time you would be having an emergency meeting in the lobby of the hotel where the Gala Event for the project would be held next week. 

However, you were quite bothered at the thought of not seeing him anymore. 

“Why are you sad, hmm?” He asked, resting his face on his palm, breaking your thoughts in the middle of work. 

“Oh, I just remembered something-”  

Your eyes widened.  

Out of the blue, he had something soft pressed on your face. It’s...It’s a black cat plushie. He looked from behind the little stuffed toy. What’s that expression he’s giving you? Like he’s trying to be cute, sporting a small pout with cheeks a little puffed. “He'd be sad if you are too, y’know?” 

“W-What’s this, sir?”  

“All yours,” he said, plopping the plushie on the table. “Take good care of him.” 

Oh...You remembered having a discussion with him about Mr. Midnight. It’s...sweet that he remembered—that he knew how much you missed your little rascal. A smile couldn’t help but show on your face.  

“What would you name it?” he asked. 

“Kuro,” you held the plushie. “I’ll name him Kuro.” 

“I’m honored,” Kuroo the person grinned, and the moment felt like it paused for a while. Why...Why were you feeling the beat of your heart in your ears? 

Get a grip! You shouldn’t be feeling this way. Maybe...Maybe he’s just great with women, you said to yourself.  

How can a man like him even like someone like you, right? 

Your inner musings were interrupted by a hotel staff member when she approached both of you, her expression didn’t spell good news. “Excuse me, ma’am, sir. I’m the personnel assigned for banquet sales. Unfortunately, we found your event booked on a different date on our calendar.”  

“What? We already signed an agreement for this with that exact date indicated,” you replied, conviction evident on your tone.  

“Yes, ma’am. We’re very sorry, but there’s been a mistake.” 

“We already sent out the invitations,” you said, a little infuriated. It would be a shame on your part to deliver a mistaken message to the delegates, especially that the event would be next week, and the suppliers were already booked for the date. 

“My apologies, ma’am. We can schedule your event some other dates or refund you in full.” 

You heaved and fetched the contract in your phone, rereading the agreement despite knowing the outcome. It’s a loss case. It’s written there that the establishment reserved the right to refuse, and you knew all of them had that clause, because the agreement will always be in favor of the contracting party. 

“Do you have any other function halls available on our date?” Kuroo stepped in. 

The lady checked her files and informed, “Unfortunately sir, the only available room couldn’t accommodate your number of guests.” 

“How ‘bout that...” He pointed at one of the dining halls. “Will that be available on our date?” 

“I’ll double check, sir. Please wait here for a while,” said the staff member before she went to check. 

“That’s...That’s expensive,” you worriedly informed Kuroo. 

He placed a hand on your shoulder and grinned, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it.” 

Your eyes searched his. His tone...The way he made you feel so secure...It’s like de ja vu. Who...Who are you?  The question suddenly came to the top of your mind, however before you could make more sense of it, the personnel arrived. 

“Good news, ma’am and sir. The Wine Room was still not taken. We can reserve it for you at a discounted price as our way to compensate for the mistake we made on your original booking.” 

“That’s good then!” Kuroo turned to you and winked. You smiled at him, unplanned and involuntarily.  

Why did he have to be like this? Why was Kuroo making you feel like he might also feel the same way you’re starting to feel for him? 

You hugged the Kuro plushie close. Suddenly, you felt a bit scared, scared that after all of this was done, you were never going to see him again.  

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[welcometomyweird]

Something in the Sky

On the subject of cryptids, I have always been and remain agnostic. My attitude is that stories are great and they're fun to hear, but until I see the thing... in the wild... with my own eyes, all these creatures are are stories. Until they walk right up to me from the woods, Bigfoot, Mothman, the chupacabra and all the haints and boogers that go bump in the night are just urban legends. (Wow! I need to take a break from Old Gods of Appalachia.)

Well, my dear strangelings, as fate and Charles Fort would have it, it turns out that I have actually seen a cryptid... or cryptoid? I'll get into the debate in a bit, but there doesn't seem to be any agreement on what category this critter falls into. Due to the uncertainty, there isn't much in the way of good and well researched information. Even the photographic evidence (as you can see above) doesn't give us a whole lot to go on.

So, what is this squiggle in the sky? I was asking myself the same question when I came across it back in the twenty-teens. The name given to it is "sky serpent". Now, while I saw a total of twelve of these things almost a decade ago, I just learned that they're a thing last week.

"Twelve?" Yes, twelve... four groups of three over a period of about twenty minutes. My guess is it was possibly a migration. They were moving in a southern direction over the city of Boston in late summer or early fall. I only saw them because I looked up while stretching a kink out of my neck. Were it not for that... knot... I would have missed them entirely. City people don't look up, especially in Boston. We keep our eyes down and mind our business.

I wasn't the only one who saw them. The one friend who always seems to be with me when weird shit happens was there. Because we were both looking up and watching these things, a few other people looked to see what had us mesmerized, then a few more. Pretty soon, there were a couple dozen people just watching this sky parade.

The photos aren't mine, but they illustrate the problem of getting photos of aerial phenomena. Unless you have professional equipment and you KNOW it's going to be there, photos will always be crappy. Don't believe me? Take a picture of the moon with your phone. Even the "good" ones I have are mostly lens flare.

Having said that, I mentioned the words... THE words at the root of the debate. Are sky serpents creatures or crafts? Ufologists say they're the former and crypto zoologists say they're the latter. (Of course, I would find the critter that defies classification.) Yes, they move through the sky, but they seem to be organic. They move like snakes or eels. I may not know much about UAP, but I haven't seen anything in the historical record describing extraterrestrials getting out of or off of one of these. (Perhaps Mr. Hanks will find something and correct me.)

What I have seen in the scant literature on the topic of "sky serpents" appears to draw comparisons with the traditional depiction of dragons in Chinese and Japanese art. No, I am not saying dragons are real, but if ancient cultures had seen these sky serpents, I can see how that would give rise to myths about dragons. Had my mother been with me, that is precisely what her conclusion would have been.

Biological entity or extraterrestrial craft, my big questions are: Where are they coming from? Where do they go? Why have we not seen one on the ground?

Obviously, I have no answers. No one does because the people who typically study this kind of thing aren't interested. I've only seen them myself the one time. I did see a video in a Facebook group I belong to. One of the members got footage at about 30,000 feet while on a flight... assuming it's not doctored. That's how I became aware that those weird flying whatevers I saw were a known phenomenon.

Has my position on cryptids changed? Nope! Bigfoot is still gonna have to sit down next to me and ask for a cigarette. Mothman is going to have to read my tarot cards. That said, if the pros don't want to invest the time and energy into getting something close to answers about these "sky serpents" then maybe I finally a cryptid to hunt.

[junkdyke]

So here's how it went!

Initially just my friend N was gonna come, but Dyke Roomie is dealing with girl problems, so she agreed to come 💕 that day, I was treated to more homophobia, so i cried through my makeup, got cute, got my new bikini, and met up with my friends. We walked to the venue, had drinks on the way, it was cute!

We got there, my ticket didn't scan proper, lady at the door let us in anyway. It was on a rooftop, at sunset. Maybe ~20 women are there so far. We hopped into the pool, it was semi-heated, felt really nice. There were 2 butches (can see them a lil in the bg) across from us that I kept eyeing, but I could not muster the courage, girls. One of them took their shirt off, got in the pool, and another femme swam up and starting talking to the other. Cute!! Other women walked in, there was this stunning black girl, couldn't tell if the person she was with was her partner or her friend. I should have complimented them but didn't get the chance.

Anyway, I'm spending the night moreso trying to get my friend N and Dyke Roomie to hook up with someone. We go to the restroom, and as we wait outside, this couple comes up. One of them goes in, the other stays out and asks how our night is. I tell her my friend is having girl problems so we brought her out to have a good night, and she says "ah I know how that is. My fiance left me 7 months ago for her best friend." we're shocked, and in hindsight, i don't fucking know if the fiance was the one who went into the restroom or if that was a new partner for her. Regardless, I just said "....why are we like this" lmfaooooo

Go back upstairs and I get a text from my tattoo crush that she decided to come after all, and she and her gf made it!! So I introduce them to N, we're all chatting, catching up, laughing about Dyke Roomie's girl troubles, talking about how we wished we could take our tits on and off and swap sizes and how my binder is too small so it just gave me 4 titties instead of flattening anything. This older trans woman comes up and asks us how the pool is, we're like "it's excellent, please enjoy it!!" and then this other girl comes up and says "Hi I don't mean to interrupt but I felt like the vibe of your group is just so good so I wanted to say hi!" and we're all welcoming her, introducing outselves, and then she recognizes N and is like "Wait, do you do tarot? Were you at this speed dating event??? You gave me my first tarot reading!!" and I'm like "oh shit, you met at my ex's speed dating event, i was there tattooing" LMFAO because of fucking course the LA lesbian scene is ridiculously tiny. Anyway, she was super sweet, stayed for a bit, then invited us to go to her friend group. Tattoo Crush and gf wanted to hop in the pool for a bit though, so I went with them.

While we're in, Dyke Roomie is like "hey, i found someone I like" and she starts trying to point her out, and she's like "con la mochila" (the one with the backpack) and i'm like alright, we gon' get you mochila! So she's nervous, she doesn't wanna go up, we're egging her on, and then we see her and her 2 friends going to the exit! She's like "oh shit oh shit, she's leaving" and I'm like "lol then so are we" and I grab her and head to the exit. Straight up tap Mochila as say "hey, are you guys leaving?" She's like "oh i'm not but my friend is!" and she's smiling, so I'm like "oh okay good, cause uhhh my friend wants to talk to you!" and nod towards Dyke Roomie lmfaooooo "She's like oh okay!!" "we go downstairs to the restroom first, and Mochila comes down after us and goes inside this other bar area. For like 5 minutes we are DIRECTLY behind her, telling Dyke Roomie how to approach her and what she should say cause she's freaking out. Girl probably heard every word lmfaoooooo. Also while waiting in line for the restroom, I'm trying to open a fucking can of edibles that has apparently childlocked ALL of us out of it. Another girl waiting in line is like "you want me to try?" and also cannot get it open, it's really funny. I ask her how her sapphic love life is going, and she just laughs LMFAOOO. Anyway, I manage to pop the lid off, she is impressed. Eventually Dyke Roomie approaches Mochila annnnnd they talk and hang out the rest of the night 😎

we go back upstairs, we're all hanging out, Mochila is solo with Dyke Roomie while the rest of us chat. I'm pretty drunk, and I straight up ask Tattoo Crush and Gf what their positions are, and they look at each other and simultaneously say "We both switch" lmfaoooo. They're also both way more affectionate that night than i've seen them before and it's really cute and i want them to take me as their 3rd so bad. N's very popular fuckboi studfriend comes, I finally get to meet her, she's cool, and the nights coming to a close. The older trans woman came back over to let us know the pool was great and thanks us and we told her we were glad she enjoyed it and wished her a good night. Mochila has joined our group and since it's closing down early, we try to go to another bar. N's friend mentioned the name of where the afterparty was and we THOUGHT we got it. But we took an uber to wherever it was, and evidently it was a closed restaurant, so wrong address but! It was fine. Dyke Roomie and Mochila swapped info, I knew she'd have no issue cause Dyke Roomie is fucking stunning. Mochila got an uber home, N's partner picked us up and we went back to their place for a bit and chatted more. We're all artists so we spent a lot of the night talking about or respective art and what we're trying to do next. We came up with plans for market and maybe doing some gallery work together, more travel, etc. It was really sweet!! Overall thoughts; I need to be more open to just going up and saying hi to people!! Because it's really cute when other people do it, and it clearly works out when i do it for my friends. Next time, I will go up to those hot older butches and to those pretty black girls and just say "hey, how's your night going, I just wanted to say hi, you look so good" etc. I have rizz, just not for me LMAO

Glad I got to do another pool party before summer ended! 💕

went to a dyke pool party 💦

[jovialjadewrites]

Character Descriptions

this is by no means professional haha, i kinda word vomitted. so if something needs more clarifications please don’t hesitate to shoot me a message! (this is a side blog though, so idk if PM’s will work..)

This is what they look like by the way!

WITCH: HARPER

harper likes to make magic potions for her friends, and by magic potions i mean really yummy juice that she adds flowers and glitter to haha

her parents won’t let her over the cauldron without adult supervision

she is naturally good at speaking with animals though!(her and avery are besties HAHA)

shes the youngest of the group - so shes smol

light hair, huge grey eyes

thinking of putting her in two braids, or leaving it curly

a really sweet dad and a mom

a pet familiar

likes helping dad with spells he makes

help mom clean up the altar spaces, and organize divination tools and crystals

cleaning up after her familiar LMAO

understands animals

good potion maker

does not have the patience to memorize tarot LMAO

her potions duh

also loves her moms goulcake (cheesecake in the shape of a ghost)

JACK O LANTERN DUDE: JACKO

likes to play pranks on his friends

likes to watch the bats at night

LANKY BOI

jack o lantern head - bright glowing inside

kinda always is smirking/mischievous smile

the headless horseman as a dad HAHA

not sure if mom is in the picture quite yet

think its just gonna be the boys against the world yk?

i would also imagine him as a lord, or aristocracy cuz the headless horseman is giving lord of something lol, yall seen his clothes right?

playing pranks

getting gifts for his friends/spending money on his friends

think rich kid asshole, but lovingly LMAO

when he goes too far with his jokes and winds up hurting someone’s feelings

being the oldest he kinda directs the group

a leader frfr

i imagine him being a little closed minded about humans because of how they treated him and his dad

he gets so excited for harpers potions because they change the color of his “flame” on the inside

also really enjoys roasts :)

VAMPIRE: VALDEMAR

flying!

being/turning into a bat!

he loves to let everyone know hes a vampire

cape swishes and hissing are his fav things to do haha

lil man is all vibes no thoughts

MY LATINO BABEY

hes still a vampire so obvi a lil pale, but i want more dead brown people rep haha!

curliest hair!

he likes the look of like the old school vampires so he slicks it back

2 moms!

they adopted him!

literally everything and anything

very excitable

practically jumping off the walls haha

when people are mean/close-minded and aren’t open to hearing him out/change

making people smile

staying still

taking things seriously

blood duh…

but i think his favorite human food would be empanadas

WEREWOLF: AVERY

babygirl LOVES movies

will spend HOURS in front of a TV rewatching her favs

pretty tall compared to her friends! second in height!

athletic looking!

a BIG family

but her immediate family is just her and her mom and dad

only child vibes yk?

sees harper as the sister she never had though <3

GODZILLA!

she likes to mimic his rawr and stomps around like him haha!

also likes to play with valdemar!

the two never hold still

having to try ALL of harpers new potions, most are good, but some give her a tummy ache after a while of trying so many

she protec, but also attack

incredibly loyal to her friends

trusting but almost to a fault

can’t see bad in anyone

LOVES pizza nights with her parents

GHOST/HUMAN???: GRAYSON

he really likes the occult LMAO

he’s obsessed with monster stories

unfortunately he gets bullied for it

i imagine him with kinda an 80s dork wardrobe

but as a “ghost” he’s just gotta white sheet with holes and his glasses

a nerdy frazzled looking kid

omg black nerdy boy rep ftw

in my story its kinda just him? like he’s kinda left to his own devices kinda thing?

but also thinking its him and his auntie, or grandma!

like i said earlier he really likes monster stories, so anything spooky ooky he’s into!

also plays the piano, so he loves music

being bullied LMAO

he really wants friends!

want community and a place to be accepted

knowing all these random ass fun facts

smart as a whip

he’s gotta pretty thick skin

letting folks know he’s hurt

he’ll kinda just distance himself till people think he;s invisible (where the ghost thing comes from)

lil man loves a jamaican beef patty

really thinking him and valdemar would love each others empanadas /beef patties haha <3

[jazzyjesse]

i wanna hear about amy rose

OH BOY!!! okay okay okay so im gonna preface this w a LOT of this is my own shit and not her official whatever but oh goodness okay!!!!!

oh where to BEGIN amy rose my beloved she's sonic first friend and he is hers! she's mega strong due to what may or may not be a natural excess of chaos energy that makes her the closest natural being to shadow to exist, she's 12 (according to sega that is. i mess around w the ages a lil bit so shes usually closer to 14 in my stuff but), she has a giant hammer, she loves fighting, she's in love with love, she has tarot cards, she grew up alone, she has a temper

literally what can't i say about amy? she's aromantic and Wants to be in love w sonic bc thats what she thinks she shld do but it never feels right and she can't tell the difference between loving him as her first friend and loving him like a partner and she's absolutely Terrified that she's broken somehow. so she tries to convince herself she's in love with him bc thats how this works right? they'll get married one day and have hoglets and she can’t word why the idea freaks her out so much

those bracelets she wears are inhibitor rings actually she told me herself! she doesn't actually know what they Do she got them as a child after her first meeting with sonic

before she got the rings she was a mess she couldn't control her strength and she broke everything she touched. no one in her village spoke to her and they were all terrified of her the only friend she had was her deck of tarot cards she found in the trash. then she became pen pals with sonic and they met and she was ecstatic but when she came back from that adventure the exposure to the chaos emeralds and just that Much chaos energy sorta kickstarted her powers further

so when she went back to her village to gather her things before adventuring her strength was far more than she could handle. one of the adults told her she was sick and she believed them. he gave her two bracelets and told her to always keep them on. that it would keep the evil at bay. and she believed him.

amy doesnt even know she has inhibitor rings she thinks its some sort of magic cure for her curse. it isnt until she meets shadow that she sees.. something in him. looking at shadow is like looking into a foggy mirror to her. she can see Something familiar but can't put her finger on it. and then one day during some random battle one of her bracelets breaks and just that one breaking is enough to overwhelm her with power she hasnt felt since she was a kid. she's absolutely terrified, but when she looks up from her hands to her friends expecting to see horror and disgust, she locks eyes with shadow. he looks at her not in fear or disgust but in awe and recognition. he runs over to her, taking one of his rings off. she yells at him to be careful but he doesnt listen to her. he puts it around her wrist and sure it's a little different than her own. it's more elegant and too artificial to feel right, but it works. as soon as the ring clicks in place around her wrist she feels more in control. the terrifying spiral of power dims to what she's used to.

amy looks up at shadow and the fog on the glass is wiped away. she's like him. she's not cursed she just has a high amount of chaos energy. they all go back to tails's workshop where the fox is immediately working on making even more inhibitor rings and asking amy if he can do some tests on her chaos energy and shadow is at her side the whole time. amy rose is no longer alone