#grace 707

[audio-luddite]

Flotsam and jetsam.

My obsessive checking of classified ads can lead to darkish moments. I sold my Sony 2251 Turntable a long time ago. It is good and rare and I have seen mine pop up on rolling seascape of on-line listings twice. Both were oh dear moments. What went wrong? Has it failed? Is it not in a happy home?

The first was the person I sold it to apparently having a bad turn in his health and offering it for a lot less than he paid for it. I almost got in touch, but no my time with it was past. There are a couple out there and they command good prices. I hoped it was to go to a good new home.

Recently I saw it again. Actually I saw a photo of it as just the tonearm was for sale. It was the Grace 707 from back in the day of high compliance 45khz cartridges for quadraphonic. I did not see it as a parting out, but the Sony originally had an SME 3009 tone arm and the arm board was drilled out for that. If an aficionado had it they may have recognized that and wanted to restore it to an SME. At least that is the story I tell myself. Why else sell just the tonearm?

I have to be really careful. My system has a nice balance and I like where its at. My one itch is a MOSFET power amp. At least I tell myself that. Oh and if a Beogram 4002 came up for a good price I would be hard pressed to resist. I recently saw a Mosfet amp for sale for a hot number. The company that made it rode high for awhile, but is now gone. I have not been able to find a definitive schematic as I always look at those.

I am not mentioning where or the brand as I do not want someone grabbing it before I have convinced myself to not get it. This always makes me feel doubt. Still working on that.

I found photos of the interior which evolved over a few years. Apparent that the large power supply is shared by both sides which is a strike against it. There is lots of room to add capacitors, and a bridge rectifier which is a tick in the good side box. But apparently there is a large circuit board on the power supply on later versions for mysterious reasons. Regulation? Some kind of protection system? If I could get a schematic that described it that would really help. If I bought it I would have to split the power supply as that does really help the image clarity.

And if you dig back through the old day reviews as I do you may find reference to FET haze. I assume it is rather like tube haze and FETs are always being compared to the vacuum tube. Vacuum tubes do add something not in the recording. Call it haze or mist or space whatever it is not quite right.

Audiophile neurosis.

My ARC preamp signal path is all FET where it is not a 6DJ8 tube. That works fine for me.

Old school transistors are still used, and every mosfet amplifier I have looked at still has those in critical places. And there are many respected power amps with no FETS anywhere inside. See I have almost convinced myself.

[dotwpod]

(317) Time Travel Radio 1980 Pt 2

Time Travelers! Here we go – the long over-due ‘Time Travel Radio 1980’ part 2. We dig a little deeper into the musical archives for this one, and hope you hear something you’ve not heard in a while, or something totally new. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Set your calendars for 1980, and don’t mind the glitter…\,,/ d(> _ <)b \,,/ Playlist:0:00:00-0:00:59 TTR Intro0:01:00-0:04:16 Snortin’…

[knavesflames]

halloooooo !! I’m not sure if requests are open but if they’re not it’s okay if you don’t write this. I wanted to ask if you could write an Arlecchino x reader (fluff, can be fic or headcanons or anythint) where reader is insecure about her face ? Like they don’t think they’re pretty enough bc of their friends and stuff. Thank you !! Take your time and have a nice day <3

I needed something like this rn so I’m almost glad it took so long for me to get to (though I am sorry, i have been so busy) a lil hard to be positive right now but i tried my best!!

Word count: 707

Contents: fluff, insecure reader

UTC!

Your friends are beautiful, handsome. They truly are. Your girlfriend, Arlecchino, is stunning too. It seems everyone around you has the perfect face, looks utterly amazing. You find yourself admiring them whenever you’re around them. Yet, you, yourself, are not any of those things. Not in your own mind. You can’t even look at yourself in the mirror, at least, not recently. You find your eyes burning with hot tears the second you catch a glimpse, and you find yourself growing bitter at the sight of anyone who doesn’t look like you. At least before it got so bad you could joke about how you wanted to be them, and now jealousy has given way to hatred, even if they’ve done nothing wrong.

It isn’t like Arlecchino hasn’t noticed, either. The way your makeup mirror has been flipped around so you don’t have to see yourself, or the way you purposely avoid looking towards any reflective surface, even during intimate activities. And if we’re honest, Arlecchino loves to make you look at yourself while you’re coming undone because of her, except her recent advances have been met with a firm ‘no’.

She can’t figure out why you suddenly began acting like this. Any mention of either your frame or your face turns you angry and silent, with your fists clenching. You aren’t angry really though, you’re just sad. Sad you won’t ever look like the people you wish you could look like. Devastated at the thought that Arlecchino will one day see sense and leave you for one of them. The thought of that hurts you so much you begin distancing yourself from her, too. Arlecchino, at first, is confused. She, for the life of her, cannot understand any of this. Yet, the day comes where you can’t even bring yourself to look at her while she speaks to you, and she can’t seem to keep herself quiet anymore.

“Look at me,” she snaps. She tries not to lose her temper with you, not when she knows there’s a clear reason why you’re acting the way you’re acting, but you’re not saying anything, you won’t even look at her.

You feel your own jaw setting, all of your negative feelings bubbling up for no reason. Unfortunately this time, she seems to be the target. “Or what, you’ll leave me for someone prettier?”

Arlecchino doesn’t flinch, but her expression, the one that’s usually so graceful and emotionless, crumples into a frown of pure disbelief and confusion. Her voice this time comes out as a quiet hiss. “What? You doubt my affection for you after all this time? Is that what this is about?”

When you go to argue back, and your voice breaks into a cry, she softens as much as someone like Arlecchino can soften. “I see,” she murmurs, sitting down next to you. Her hand softly lands on your knee, squeezing it gently. “This again, is it? I have told you countless times—“

“It doesn’t help. I still feel this way.” Your attempt at a venomous response does nothing but highlight how you’re feeling, the exact opposite effect you wanted. Still, you sniffle, your hands curled in on themselves as you talk. “No words will help that I want to rip off my own skin because it feels like I am the ugliest creature to ever walk the earth, or that I feel like I have been created for the universe to be amused at my torment.”

“Yet to me, you are a creature full of beauty and grace. You are wonderful, your face is, too. Do you not think I would have left if I wanted to?” Your response to her words is silence. Unfortunately for your brain, she has a point. She could leave in a heartbeat, you couldn’t stop her if you pleaded. She stays, though. Doesn’t that say enough?

“If I didn’t know better, I would say you are a descendant of a goddess. So, how dare you speak about yourself in that way? I did not fall for your friends, or some girl on the street. I demand nothing but the best for myself, and that is exactly what I have. Next time you feel this way, you come to me.”

[city-of-ladies]

Genmei (661-721) was Japan's fourth empress regnant. She was Empress Jitō's half-sister and her match in terms of ambition and political skills. Her rule was characterized by a development of culture and innovations. 

Ruling after her son

Like Jitō (645-703), Genmei was the daughter of Emperor Tenji but was born from a different mother. Jitō was both her half-sister and mother-in-law since Genmei had married the empress’ son, Prince Kusakabe (662-689). She had a son with him, Emperor Monmu (683-707). 

Kusakabe died early and never reigned, which led to Jitō's enthronement. The empress was then succeeded by her grandson Monmu. The latter’s reign was short. In his last will, he called for his mother to succeed him in accordance with the “immutable law” of her father Tenji. Genmei accepted. 

Steadfast and ambitious 

Genmei was made from the same mold as her half-sister. She proved to be a fearless sovereign, undeterred by military crises. 

She pursued Jitō's policies, strengthening the central administration and keeping the power in imperial hands. Among her decisions were the proscription of runaway peasants and the restriction of private ownership of mountain and field properties by the nobility and Buddhist temples. 

Another of her achievements was transferring the capital at Heijō-kyō (Nara) in 710, turning it into an unprecedented cultural and political center. Her rule saw many innovations. Among them were the first attempt to replace the barter system with the Wadō copper coins, new techniques for making brocade twills and dyeing and the settlement of experimental dairy farmers.

A protector of culture

Genmei sponsored many cultural projects. The first was the Kojiki, written in 712 it told Japan’s history from mythological origins to the current rulers. In its preface, the editor Ō no Yasumaro praised the empress:

“Her Imperial Majesty…illumines the univers…Ruling in the Purple Pavillion, her virtue extends to the limit of the horses’ hoof-prints…It must be saif that her fame is greater than that of Emperor Yü and her virtue surpasses that of Emperor Tang (legendary emperors of China)”.

In 713, she ordered the local governments to collect local legends and oral traditions as well as information about the soil, weather, products and geological and zoological features. Those local gazetteers (Fudoki) were an invaluable source of Japan’s ancient tradition.

Several of Genmei’s poems are included in the Man'yōshū anthology, including a reply by one of the court ladies. 

Listen to the sounds of the warriors' elbow-guards;

Our captain must be ranging the shields to drill the troops.

– Genmei Tennō

Reply:

Be not concerned, O my Sovereign;

Am I not here,

I, whom the ancestral gods endowed with life,

Next of kin to yourself

– Minabe-hime

From mother to daughter 

Genmei abdicated in 715 and passed the throne to her daughter, empress Genshō (680-748) instead of her sickly grandson prince Obito. This was an unprecedented situation, making the Nara period the pinnacle of female monarchy in Japan. 

Genmei would oversee state affairs until she died in 721. Before her death, she shaved her head and became a nun, becoming the first Japanese monarch to take Buddhist vows and establishing a long tradition.

Feel free to check out my Ko-Fi if you like what I do! Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Further reading

Shillony Ben-Ami, Enigma of the Emperors Sacred Subservience in Japanese History

Tsurumi Patricia E., “Japan’s early female emperors”

Aoki Michiko Y., "Jitō Tennō, the female sovereign",in: Mulhern Chieko Irie (ed.), Heroic with grace legendary women of Japan

[black-lav2]

𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 | 𝚂𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚛𝚞 𝙶𝚎𝚝𝚘

Summary: Geto just loves stuffing his face between your thighs.

Wc: 707

Warnings: 18+, f! reader, cunnilingus, overstimulation, pussy drunk Geto, praising

“Fuck you taste so good babe~” Geto groaned, lifting his head from between your thighs. Your legs are hanging over Geto's shoulders, shaking profusely after pulling yet another orgasm from you, just from using his tongue.

Damn that skillful tongue of his. He takes his time with you. He drags it so slow and softly against your folds, like it’s going to break if he puts too much pressure, yet moves it so effortlessly, drawing you to an orgasm every time. He tongue fucks you to the point he is passionately kissing your pussy, lapping up your juices every time, and not letting one drop spill onto the bedsheets.

“God I can’t get enough of this pussy~” Geto mumbled, seeing how swollen your clit is, just begging to be sucked on. “Cum on my face for me baby,” he says before he circles his lips around your swollen clit, softly sucking and rolling his tongue around the sensitive bud. You groaned as you squirmed against his face. You try to squirm away from Geto at the deliciously painful overstimulation, but with his tight grip on your hips, you aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

So you laced your fingers through his hair and tugged at it, hoping to get a little break. The tears that have been brimming at your eyelids for some time now, cascade down your cheeks at the overwhelming painful yet delicious pleasure.

Geto groans against your clit, feeling the tugs at his hair, the vibration making you moan as pleasure spreads through your body. He can feel more of your juices flowing out of you, down his chin like a waterfall. He draws away from your clit for a moment, but only a moment as he quickly stuffs his face back into your pussy.

You moan, practically scream, his tongue rolling against your folds, as his nose nudges at your clit. You pull harder at his hair, only to receive more moans from him as he continues to eat you out. “Sugu’ I’cant~” you manage to slur out.

“Yeah you can,” Geto mumbles pulling his face away from your shaking thighs, his face drenched with your juices. He pressed his thumb against your clit rolling small, slow circles on it. A smirk graced his lips, loving the sight of you squirming below him. His eyes filled with lust, ready to just fuck you, feeling his hard cock straining against his pants, but he couldn't get enough of your delicious pussy.

“I’cant Suguu’ mm~ I’cant,” you slur closing your thighs together but Geto stops by putting a hand on your knee. “Yes you can,” he says leaning his face back between your legs. He spit on your pussy before spanking two fingers on your clit, hearing you whine from the action. He drags his fingers up and down your slit, spreading the mixture of your wetness and his spit around. “You’re a big girl you cum one more time for me,” he says before plunging back into your pussy.

“Fuckk~” you moan as Geto uses his tongue, skillfully rolling and sucking every part and crevice of your pussy. Your fingers grip Geto’s hair harder, not knowing whether to pull him away from your pussy or push him deeper into your pussy. Geto couldn't help but moan at each tug on his hair, his moans vibrating against you, edging you closer and closer. Geto can tell, your thighs squishing his face more and more, having to use his hands to pry your thighs apart a little.

“Mmm~ someone’s close, yeah?” Geto said against your pussy looking up at you with half-lidded eyes from his drunken state. Drunken with pleasure yourself, you nod, not able to think straight. “Cum, cum in my mouth like the good girl you are for me.”

You moan loudly as your hips buck into his face as he pulls yet another orgasm from you. Geto moans as you continue to cum on his face, slurping up every drop, having his full. Only when he notices your body going limp does he pulls his face away from your pussy. “Mmm~ my good girl,” he says in a slutty tone, laying a few kisses on your pussy.

“Such a good girl for me~”

© 2023 black_lav2 | All Rights Reserved | Please do not repost, steal, or modify my work without my explicit consent.

[hisui-dreamer]

Omg, rinna requests are open ^0^ (and don't worry, you can take as much time as you want) I'd like to request leona with a reader who plays a lot of sports and sucks at all of them 😀 (me. i mean me lmao) Have a great day 💕💕💕💕 AND I SAW YOUR ISEKAI JADE FIC I REFUSE TO SIMP FOR SLIMY EELS. WHY.

the chasing game

Pairing: Leona Kingscholar x gn!reader

Synopsis: Leona's ego is a bit too strong, and oh dear, he thinks you have crush on him

Tags: fluff, misunderstandings (but they're cute), slight pining, leona is a tsundere

Word count: 707

Notes: my best friend and i had a lot of fun with this idea hehe, i hope you'll like it too hehe

Masterlist

Leona thinks you have some ulterior motive at first

why are you trying so hard at spelldrive??? you're not doing that well honestly

he finds no reason whatsoever you'd be so energetic when you're even performing that well

so he starts thinking... maybe you have an ulterior motive??

and somehow, probably because of his big ego he comes to the conclusion that you have a crush on him!!

after all, he is the captain of the spelldrive club

how else would you be able to get his attention?

in his mind, you're just a small little herbivore who's trying to get in his good graces

the smug lion is pretty amused by all this, and he can't say he minds having you around

you being that enthusiastic about playing sports, and the determination to get better no matter how many times you fail, is pretty impressive to him

though he sometimes cringes internally with how bad you're doing

by the time he can't take it, he'll saunter over to you and give you some advice

he'll sound like a jerk doing it, but if you read between the lines, he's giving you good advice

it's probably because he's been studying you for so long

so you listen to his advice, and oh? that shot went pretty well!!

you're jumping around all excited! finally there's some improvement!! maybe there are some sports cells in you after all

you get a bit too excited in thanking him and you throw your arms around him in the heat of the moment

he almost instantly pushes you away, obviously, saying you're sweaty and mumble grumbling

but there's no denying the way his tail is swishing around and the slightest hint of pink on his cheeks it's the sunset he says

from that point on, he'll occasionally join you as you practice, giving you advice and commenting on what you're doing wrong every time he feels like it

it also gives him a pretty good excuse to not actually participate in the sport

then again, he can't say he dislikes playing when you're in the audience

it usually ends up with you gushing over how impressive he was in the game, asking him if you could teach him how to do what he did, and in general just praise all throughout

this all but feeds into his pride, and he has the widest smirk on his face

he gets into an awful mood when you stop showing up for a while though

he becomes even more irritable, and there's more of a murderous aura about him when he's playing against the other guys

it doesn't take long for him to start asking around about where you've gone

epel is more than happy to solve this mystery for him so he'll stop beating people around

though he's pretty amazed by Leona actually putting effort into the games

and excuse me??? you're hanging around in the basketball club now??

little does he know, but you've merely shifted interest from spelldrive to basketball

but in his delusional misunderstood mind, this means you don't have a crush on him anymore

hah. that ended soon enough. he doesn't care at all.

... okay maybe he does actually care a bit

"Oi. Herbivore," Leona calls out to you in the hallway. You turn around and you're faced with his disgruntled expression. "Are ya not comin' to Spelldrive anymore?"

You blink at his question. "Oh! I think so? I got interested in basketball lately haha," you chuckle as you remember the little rivalry Ace started. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Hah. Why'd I mind?" he huffs, but there's something about his voice that makes you feel like he does mind.

"Leona," you close the distance between the two of you. "Would it be okay if I join you for lunch?" His eyes visibly widen at your request.

"I just really like the atmosphere in the garden, but I don't want to interrupt you."

He seems to contemplate it for a moment, emerald eyes shut and eyebrows furrowed. But when he opens his eyes again, there's a certain softness to them.

"Hmph. Do whatever you want." he says, turning around to leave, his tag swishing back and forth once again.

Masterlist

if you liked this post, don't forget to reblog!

[cardinalcanis]

Wheel of fortune: part 1.

"Hey kid? Wanna go down this ride as I make my OC miserable?"

[Next]

Summary: Cato discovers a well kept secret between the primarch and his right hand man.

Pairing: Roboute Guilliman x Ovidius Sulla (M!OC)

Tw: Cato, violation of privacy

Word count: 707

Tag squad (let me know if you wish to be tagged on stuff): @druidwolf21 @wolf-feathers12 @artemisareia @adhd-fandom-hyperfocus

@gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan @kit-williams @egrets-not-regrets @jaghatai-khock @horuslupercal

@moodymisty @lemon-russ @thisuserislilsilly

@sinistermojo @beckyninja @justallll @ms--lobotomy @pluvio-tea

@cosmic-cryptid-from-beyond @finchly-tintinnabulation

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cato Sicarius strode through the hallways of the Macragge’s Honor  with military precision in each step. He had a simple task: deliver a set of vital documents to Primarch Roboute Guilliman. But as he approached the Primarch’s private quarters, an inexplicable sense of foreboding began to settle in his gut.

Sicarius reached for the door, hesitating momentarily, finding it slightly open. He should have knocked anyway, as Guilliman’s privacy was sacred. Something about the atmosphere emanating the room felt charged, he readied his gun in one hand, he had outlived enough tricks of the warp to identify when something was off. What if the Primarch had been secretly attacked during the recent warp jump? 

The commander of the Victrix Honour Guard’s training kicked in as he readily peered through the opening, just as if ambushing the enemy in the field. The sight that greeted him was unexpected, nothing in the Codex Astartes had prepared him for it.

There, on the edge of Guilliman’s grand, well-ordered desk, sat Ovidius, his disgusting mechanical hands wrapped around the Primarch's shoulders. Guilliman was sitting on the floor over his knees, the only way they could make it so their heights sort of match. Seeing his gene sire on his knees in front of a human overfilled Sicarius with scorn, this, this must be some ruinous corruption. 

The warmth of their closeness radiated between them. Sicarius’s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding with disbelief. In that moment, Ovidius leaned in, pressing his lips softly against Guilliman's in a tender kiss, their eyes momentarily closed as they gave themselves to the moment. His disgust grew as he saw how the Primarch melted and surrendered to the Head Logistician’s touch, weakness, that man is planting weakness inside his gene sire. 

There were so many feelings competing inside him; shock, a visceral jolt of confusion and anger. How dare they? The thought flared within him like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the shadows of jealousy and betrayal that lurked in his heart. As he stood frozen at the threshold, he found himself grappling with a tide of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.

There was an undeniable sincerity in their connection, an authenticity that radiated from their shared gaze. Ovidius’s usual anxious demeanor melted away in Guilliman’s presence, replaced by a radiant trust that made Sicarius’s chest ache and stomach churn. The Primarch, the demigod, seemed lighter, almost human, in that fleeting moment. Impossible, Guilliman is not human, whatever this is it’ll only bring them ruin. 

Sicarius clenched his fists as the kiss lingered in the air, a silent promise between them, and as Ovidius pulled away, a shy smile graced his lips, illuminating his features. Guilliman’s eyes softened, a glimmer of affection and vulnerability that should not have a place in a being such as a primarch. How long has this been going on? How did it start? He had seen how competent the Head Logistican was at his position but there was something he couldn’t shake off. He knew mortals and how all they change and twist after having a taste of power. That’s why The Son of Ultramar reinstated the tetrarchs among his gene sons, so they would rule without the corruption that inhabits normal human hearts. The Avenging Son was powerful, and Ovidius had gotten just a taste of what that power was, the bastard wanted more. 

He leaned away from the open door and placed the gun back into its holster. Composing his emotions he would politely knock on the door. 

“My Lord, it is I, Cato Sicarius. I bring you updates from the situation on the western front.” he said, masking his disgust with many layers of cold formality. 

It took Roboute Guilliman a bit longer than usual to respond, Cato’s expression twisted as he waited. 

“Commander Sicarius, you may come in.” His gene sire’s voice answered in its usual tone, away from the human he was playing as. 

He entered, the room had shifted, with Guilliman back behind his desk and the Administratum leech sorting paperwork in a far corner. Cato wondered not for how long this charade had been going on, but how he would stop it. But not now, he must pretend nothing happened.

[k4txlulzz]

the religious meaning and context behind the name luciel that determines it's importance to saeyoung's character uggggf its 3 am and im having thoughts

this is why seven is STILL luciel just as much as he is saeyoung and 707

him choosing the name luciel after lucifer/satan to remind himself to not fall from grace , the name luciel itself meaning "light of god" which is a similar meaning to saeyoung("gift of god") and still being religious . . . guhh he makes my head hurt

[metabolizemotions]

The creative choices on the show are as subjective as each of the viewer's interpretations.

I think a lot of why I personally feel deeply uncomfortable n resistant is the asymmetry.

I get the need for variety. The same thing may be expressed differently for different characters. A healing journey will differ from person to person. Each step is also taken on a personalized timeline.

But I can't help but think of the asymmetry of how the show dealt with Mason vs Beckett n even Dixon. They condemned Mason immediately at his worst but dug deep to show the sides of Beckett n Dixon that were still human despite it all.

The trigger shot scene with Beckett felt like 0 to 100 in his reconciliation with Maya. It felt like a 12-step program of which he skipped many steps when it came to Maya. From the get-go, we saw a sexist, incompetent captain who was demeaning to his team n constantly put them under stress n in danger, on top of endangering civilians n even equipment. For months, we saw this middle-aged man in a position of power, take perverse joy in bullying a younger female subordinate to appease his ego. That was workplace harassment. He also took out his unresolved trauma on the people around him, in this case, people he had authority over. Alcoholism was not the sole reason for all his bad behavior. Even if it was, it should not be used to excuse it.

The team, esp Maya, was trapped in this hostile work environment sanctioned by the female chief. This was a more common n insidious manifestation of toxic masculinity, one that was amplified by his position of power, n sometimes even supported by women, when their goals aligned in the power struggle.

Yet the show gave so much more grace n compassion to the bullies than the bullied. The team treated Beckett n Ross with more kindness n respect than they earned, n less kindness n more apathy towards Maya than she deserved.

Then he was given a long, carefully constructed redemption arc, while Mason, a rushed condemnation arc.

It felt like 100 to 0 with Mason. We saw Mason briefly in earlier seasons, mainly thru the eyes of Maya. We missed a lot of the in b/w. We caught him again at his worst. We only saw the side that was full of hate ideology, but not his side that was also human. We knew about his addiction n homelessness. But we didn’t see how as a young abused person w/o positive role models n a support system, he was vulnerable to these hate groups, which he clung to, when offered him just a semblance of belonging or respect. He had not learned to let go of his resentment of their parents n Maya but taught to transfer this unresolved hate to fill a meaning void.

The scene itself b/w Maya n Mason was great. It was an urgent n imperative story to tell. Maya's actions were right n necessary. But in the bigger scheme of things, it felt like a quick tie-up of loose ends, of a once-beloved brother, who came n went abruptly. Despite it being a logical narrative choice to wrap up the nature/nurture discussions of Marina n discovery that Maya's deepest fears about herself manifested in her bro instead. It's heartbreaking n yet disheartening that it was again about queer hate when it came to another main queer character on the show.

It is just jarring to juxtapose Mason with Beckett in 703 then 707. Also juxtaposing his empathy towards Maya with the lack thereof from the others, despite everyone having just been thru 706 n having witnessed Maya's breakdown. So, in a way, I see the actions of these characters as being designed with the goal to emphasize Beckett's empathetic side, in support of his arc.

When looking at a scene with 2 scene partners, what it is really about? Who it is really for? Would the scene be the same if one is replaced?

There are many different takes on this. For me, it was really about Maya, but choosing Beckett as the scene partner made the scene more for him. If it were for Maya, other scene partners would be more meaningful n realistic. Esp those who earned their right for her to be vulnerable with. Maya, who bottled her feelings, let alone spill her deeper emotions, to someone whom she never had a proper conversation with, not to mention a fraught shared history. To add, alone in a small enclosed space, while administering a shot that made her even more vulnerable.

For the realism argument, this was not more realistic to me than having Carina, for a show which took a lot of liberties. It was a choice to design the circumstances to make Carina n the others unavailable n combine 2 scenes together. Carina's also Maya's life partner n best friend. A more realistic choice for Maya to share this devastating heartbreak n grieving process with. It was a big aspect of their marriage. We saw many discussions b/w them yet when it finally came to the conclusion, it was with the least likely person, an almost stranger.

I see the trigger shot as part of Marina's baby journey I wish we get to see them undergoing together. It reminded me of 5b in that Marina's story about their own baby journey - again with someone of a fraught shared history, of a different nature - was more about him n to lead to his own bio family story. Marina's story was messy n got nowhere. And here we r, seasons later, rushing thru it.

It's not that Maya/ Carina or Marina should not have scenes with others. It's that it's usually more about the others even if it's their storyline. Or they r the backdrop for others' drama. They either isolate Marina or suddenly include them or one of them in an in-depth discussion of their private matters with others, usually something we hear about for the first time. I just don't remember something like that happening with other characters. Is it too much to ask to see a married w|w couple, with little screentime, share a meaningful conversation or moment first, also or exclusively? We so rarely see such a rep on TV. The show is not about Marina, but shouldn't their own story reasonably prioritize them?

[violettduchess]

Gilbert's POV around the MC 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

A/N: I AM DONE GRADING and I can finally breathe again. How better to celebrate the return of (some) free time than with the Prince of Obsidian?

Gilbert x f reader, Gilbert's POV

WC: 707

I know where you are, Häschen. I know where you like to go when you are done with your studies. How you walk the same path to the palace library every evening, the tension of your day slowly melting away like drops of sunshine as soon as you step through those double doors and surround yourself with the familiar, comforting sight of all those books. Then your face lights up and I watch the way your smile reaches your bright eyes. You are at peace now, walking to your favorite sitting chair, the book you have been reading on the small wooden table, a white silk ribbon your book marker.

You’ve settled in, eyes already greedily consuming the words right where you left off. You’re lost, sinking into the starry mist of whatever world is laid out before you, page for glorious page. This is why my presence startles you. The tap of my cane, done with intentional emphasis, rips you from your book, scatters the mist and leaves you wide-eyed and vulnerable. Don’t think I miss the way your gaze darts towards the double doors, which I have conveniently pulled closed and barred. No one will interrupt my meeting with you tonight.

Your voice flutters like a moth trapped under glass as you ask what I am doing here, in the library, so late in the evening. I turn, gesturing with one hand to all the books that surround us, my smile fixed in place. Why, I’m here to read, same as you. My words are no comfort to you. I can tell by the way you glance at the door, the white-knuckle grip of your fingers on the table’s edge. But you are too polite, too petal-soft, to question me, even as I stroll to the shelf, walking my leather-clad fingers over the embossed spines of all the books, finally stopping on a treatise on hunting.

Fitting, I suppose, under the circumstances.

The irony has me grinning as I sink down into the chair next to yours. You expected me to sit across from you. I enjoy not meeting your expectations. From my spot next to you, your scent reaches me. That undeniable mix of rose and lavender. When I learned that you mixed oil from both blossoms, I had several vials made for myself. Just a few drops and you are there. My handkerchief. My pillow. My bath.

I open my book, reading the page once and it is committed to memory. But you don’t know that about me yet and so I linger, acting as though I am a slow reader so that I can take in the sound of your breathing, too quick to be relaxed, and the feel of your gaze as you steal quick glances at me. You are also only pretending to read.

“What do you want?” 

Ah, the bunny has found some courage although your eyes are still on your page, as if avoiding eye contact with me somehow keeps you safe.

“What do I want....?” A thousand answers flood my mind.

I want to sweep the books off this table and lay you down on it.

I want to press your soft body between the hard wood and myself, feeling the surrender in your muscles as you go lax under my touch.

I want to hear you whimper my name among all of these hallowed tomes, to bring a soundless room to life with your gasps.

I want to lose myself in the feel of your skin, the taste of your mouth.

I want to devour you until there is nothing left.

I want to feel your fingernails rake the skin of my back and leave proof of your desire.

I want to bite you, your sweetness on my tongue, and leave proof of mine.

I want to wrap you in my arms, to hold you as tightly as an oyster guarding a precious pearl.

I want to protect you from every sorrow, every pain, every bruise that life may try to mar you with.

I want to keep you all for myself. No other eyes should ever rake over your form. No other touch should ever grace your skin.

I want to smother you in my love.

I want to drown in yours.

“I want....to be your friend.”

Tagging: @aquagirl1978 @alixennial @alexxavicry @queengiuliettafirstlady @rhodolitesrose @ikemen-writer @bellerose-arcana @thewitchofbooks @redheadkittys @dear-mrs-otome @firestar-otomeobsessed @curious-skybunny @kpop-and-otome @writingwhimsey @mxrmaid-poet @silver-dahlia @wendolrea @otomefoxystar @nightfoxqueen @myonlyjknight @queen-dahlia @aceuuuuu @scorchieart @joiedecombat

[most-datable-datable-bracket]

Most Datable Datable Character 2: Round 1 Matchups

Part 1 links below the cut!

Qiu Lin from Our Life: Now and Forever VS Ai Mikaze from Uta no Prince-sama

Pashet from OZMAFIA!! VS Aigis from Persona 3

Flannan Mac Lugh from The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) VS Fenris from Dragon Age 2

Flint from Postknight 2 VS Theo from Titan Arum

Fall-from-Grace from Planescape: Torment VS Xiao from Potion Permit

Rise Kujikawa from Persona 4 VS Kurt from GreedFall

Triss Merigold from The Witcher 3 VS Halsin from Baldur's Gate 3

Rowan from Boyfriend Dungeon VS Yuri Leclerc from Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Hook from A Villain's Twisted Heart VS Teo from The Ssum

Edelgard von Hresvelg from Fire Emblem: Three Houses VS Judy Alvarez from Cyberpunk 2077

Tae Takemi from Persona 5 VS Silas from Fire Emblem Fates

Alistair Theirin from Dragon Age: Origins VS Rachel Amber from Life is Strange: Before the Storm

Grim Reaper from A Date with Death VS QueenBee from Arcade Spirits

The Spirit from Hooked on You VS Jynx from Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers

Vetra Nyx from Mass Effect: Andromeda VS Felix Hugo Fraldarius from Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Lucifer from Obey Me VS Wakuu from Coral Island

Leviathan from Obey Me VS Allen from Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning

Curtis from Pokemon Black and White 2 VS Imtura Tal Kaelen from Blades of Light and Shadow

Rhapsody from Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers VS Jakob from Fire Emblem Fates

Haley from Stardew Valley VS Cameron from Trouble Comes Twice

Victor from Mr Love: Queen's Choice VS Mary Brown from Romance Club Arcanum

Linhardt von Hevring from Fire Emblem: Three Houses VS Ryoji Mochizuki from Persona 3

Caleb Zheng from Gilded Shadows VS Beelzebub from Obey Me

Sebille Kaleran from Divinity: Original Sin 2 VS Zoe from Monster Prom

Dorian Pavus from Dragon Age: Inquisition VS Felicity from Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning

707 from Mystic Messenger VS Loki from Romance Club Path of the Valkyrie

Lucifer from Romance Club Heaven's Secret VS Joyce from //TODO: today

Stephanie from Trouble Comes Twice VS Edel from Thorn for the Villain

Mitsuru Kirijo from Persona 3 VS Shadowheart from Baldur's Gate 3

Gale Dekarios from Baldur's Gate 3 VS Bernadetta von Varley from Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Elliot Damiani from Changeling VS Jeremy King from XOXO Droplets

Jax Argo from Later Daters VS Bella Goth from The Sims

[bungou-stray-dogs-archive]

Gin Akutagawa card - Portrait Studio

Leader skill -  Portrait of a smile Emerald atk increases as the marble hits the wall (Max. 55%) Active skill - Make sure... I look at the camera... Deals x6 Emerald dmg to an enemy Sub-skill - Brother... Are you okay...? Activates when all affinity orbs are cleared Reduces one random enemy's dmg by 100 for 1 turn (125 at lv.5) Memo Gin, who has stopped by a portrait studio on her way back from a mission. Caught together with Higuchi by the shop owner as they were looking at some photos outside, she's now for some reason getting her photos taken, too. Though nervous at first, she displays impressive grace as she enjoys the shoot. Quotes "What a beautiful outfit... It's really different... from what I usually wear, so... I'm getting a little nervous..." "Take the hem of the dress like this, and smile... I know this is to make me look good, but... posing like this, it's... a little embarrassing..." Affiliation: Port Mafia Emerald affinity Atk: 781 (Max) | 132 (Base) Hp: 5309 (Max) | 707 (Base) Defensive type

She's available from the A Portrait Studio at Dusk event (EN & JP)

[kumiaku]

Kinktober Day 10 - Tentacles (Moon Presence)

Kinktober Day 10 - Tentacles, Moon Presence x Reader, Bloodborne

Masterlist

Misc. Tags/Info - Reader is good hunter who takes gehrman's place after the hunt and is Flora's plaything, but is Strangely into it. GN reader - usage of ‘hole’ specifically anal. Angst, actually kinda sad but that is expected of bloodborne, long set up sorry. Flora is referenced as the Moon Presence the whole time and has it/its pronouns, bcuz unfortunately the reader does realize the feminine grace of Flora. Monster fucking ofc, its bloodborne, eldritch horror fucking.

WC - 707

Nsfw under cut

Every Great One loses its child, then yearns for a surrogate. For a long time, that so-called surrogate child was the pathetic old man you knew as Gehrman. You heard him weep, heard him cry out for a release in the darkest of nights. 

So you released him, were embraced by the Moon Presence in his stead, and took his role. It was a cycle, the night began again, then you were alone with the Doll, the night began again, then you were alone with the Doll, the night began again - 

You were tired. So very tired. The Doll, for as kind as she was, did not have much to offer you. She was a mimic, a doll, a copy, a clone, a puppet, and the more you wanted something else, someone else, someone to hold you who’s hands weren’t jointed and cold. 

The Hunters who came were hard to talk with. Some were hysterical, some were downright sociopathic, some were hardly human. The blood, the hunt, the wolves, the flowers, the moon, everything was getting on your nerves. Yet the Moon Presence never seemed to come down - staying stationary and sad, solemnly mourning the loss of its surrogate. 

That is, until you were fed up enough to yell for it, to let out your anger and sorrows in a rampant and rage filled string of words that you were sure it wouldn’t quite understand. But for the very first time, it seemed as though the Moon Presence would recognize you as its surrogate’s successor and do something. 

But it didn’t, not in the way that you believed it would. 

Like the very first time you beheld it, it held you, large spindly boney fingers wound tightly around your torso. You gulped as you stared at it - fear or awe - it didn’t matter, you were long in its grasp.

It tilted - what you thought is - its head at you, peering close, almost brushing up against you. It was a cold neutrality, its grip neither warm nor cold, like some dead zone, like you were incapable of feeling its touch. But you weren’t. You had drawn its attention, and was now rigorously examining you, like some kind of plaything. 

Your breath stilled, you didn’t even struggle in its grasp. The feelers - the tentacles? - behind its head crept forward, slithering over your face, points caressing and dipping against your skin. It wasn’t quite scaly, nor was it fleshy, it was soft and slick, but not sticky or wet. It was a sensation unlike anything you’d ever felt before - one that made your skin tingle beneath it - made you want it to touch you more. 

Once it had sufficiently investigated your face, the Moon Presence’s tentacles slid down your chin, your neck, and between your skin and clothes. Little effort seemed to come from its part, effortlessly extending its reach against your skin, leaving that same impression on your chest as it rubbed against your bare skin. The deeper it stretched its tentacles, the thicker the gap was, tearing your clothes like a letter opener for the curiosity of what was hidden. 

Just as you were curious of the Moon Presence, it was curious of you. Curious of all of your cracks and crevices, taking the time to gently explore you, sliding its tentacles between the part in your lips. Rolling the strange appendage over your tongue, over your body, and investigating you further. 

It didn’t taste bad, not like iron or rot, it wasn’t pungent but fragrant, flowery or floral and tingling on your tastebuds. It left a blooming sensation in your head as it slid inside of you, hardly needing any time to prep you, as its tentacles were thin and slick until they weren't. You couldn’t contain the squeak you made as it rolled inside of you, your rage long gone, disappeared by the ribbed sensation of its tentacles within you. 

Again, it tilted its head, the Moon Presence so very curious and repeating the motion several times in the attempt to coax another noise out of you. You failed horribly in trying to keep anything contained. It seemed intent on exploring every cavity you housed. You didn’t know if you were more afraid, aroused, or amazed.

[topsyturvy-turtely]

turtely's OTP challenge

now on ao3! (tumblr link)

read part 14 here: (prompt: geeking out over something)

summary: Our favourite boys acting out. (Is it Star Wars or Real Life or Johnlock?)

Gen, 707 words, Crossover, Friendship, Young Ben & Martin, Geek

"Every moment spent off camera with Martin Freeman has been my favourite moment."

~ Benenick Cumberpoodle Benedict Cumberbatch

tag list! (tell me if you wanna be added or removed please 💚) @justanobsessedpan @helloliriels @catlock-holmes @fluffbyday-smutbynight @inevitably-johnlocked @hisfavouritejumper @rhasima @forfucksakejohn @ohlooktheresabee @turbulenttrouble @so-youre-unattached-like-me @totallysilvergirl @peanitbear @train-mossman @loki-lock @smulderscobie @timberva @grace-in-the-wilderness @chinike @jawnn-watson @whatnext2020 @escapingthereality @missdeliadili @kettykika78 @7-percent @speedymoviesbyscience @astudyin221b @francj15 @ladylindaaa @we-r-loonies @mxster-jocale @sherlockcorner @noahspector @our-stars-graveside @jobooksncoffee @baker-street-blog @macgyvershe @myladylyssa @battledress @a-victorian-girl @dreamerofthemeadow @oetkb12 @ohnoesnotagain @mutedsilence @jawnscoffee @raenchaosandcozyadashofmurder @lisbeth-kk @quickslvxrr @compact-and-beautiful @kabubsmagga @sunshineinyourmind @booksoversleep

[earlgarden-archived]

Jumin Han x Elegant! reader part 2!

Outline: Jumin with a elegant wife

Characters: Jumin Han

Warnings: Only for female readers. Might be a bit ooc

Sorry if this was a bit short.

Wedding

Yup we're gonna completely skip the proposal and go straight to the wedding. (Because I'm a bit lazy)

The wedding was... Big. And very expensive. Jumin wanted to make this the most memorable day in your life, so he went all out with the wedding. He insisted on paying for your wedding dress, but since he was already paying for everything, you decided to pay it yourself. Of course, you being the elegant queen you are, you wanted a gorgeous, elegant dress. And after a long day, you couldn't really find the perfect dress. So, Jumin suggested to get a custom made wedding dress. And once again offered to hire one, but again, you declined (because you are too kind) After all, being elegant is not just about the looks. You were able to work with the designer to design the PERFECT dress. And oh my god, the look on Jumin was priceless. He had to quickly fix his composure though. He invited all the RFA members for you to meet, and even offered for you to join RFA (its up to you if you accept or not).

RFA members opinions

After becoming wife and husband, a lot of the RFA members have noticed that he's changed a bit. He came into the chatrooms more, often talking about you, and he would be a little more considerate of others, thanks to your influence. He also shares a lot of photos of you in the chatrooms, slightly bragging about how lucky he was to have you.

Zen was SO shocked about the sudden consideration Jumin now has for him. Before, he would constantly tease Zen with Elizabeth the 3rd, but now, he doesn't do it as often. But he is also a bit jealous of Jumin. He kinda thought that he would be the first RFA member to date, or even marry someone. So when Jumin shared the news of their marriage, he was a little jealous and said that he didn't really deserve you. (As shown in Jumin's official after story). But he's come to accept it now.

Jaehee is relieved that you influenced him to be more nicer to people. Now, she has time for breaks and can finally rest. Now that you're there, you're the one to look after Elizabeth the 3rd, leaving Jaehee cat-free! Unfortunately, you are also sometimes busy, so she's still forced to take care of her. But at least it's less often. (Unless you're also busy like Jumin, then she would not be happy).

Yoosung thinks youre super kind, like Rika. He really envies how you are confident in who you are, and how you know you're valuable. He sometimes has a hard time with that, since he always thinks he's the least interesting person in RFA. As well, he notices how you have polite manners, a little bit similar to Jumin. You can also handle conversations really well, almost nothing catches you off guard, you hide most of your emotions behind a graceful smile. He knows why Jumin fell for you.

You and V got along quite well. You both have nice conversations with eachother, talking about various different topics, from Jumin's childhood, to V's photographs etc. And when Jumin asked if you could join RFA, he said he didn't mind, you seemed like a pretty secretive person, so he felt like he could trust you with information. Of course, he and Seven both have to do a background check first before you join. But overall, he thinks that inviting you should be alright.

707 thought you were a chill person, you slightly giggled at his jokes and you seemed like you enjoyed his company (which made Jumin a tiny bit jealous). V asked him to do a background check on you, and he was slightly relieved when he found that you had a safe background. Since he kinda wanted you to join.

When you're a ballerina as a hobby

When he found out you were a ballerina, he made an entire ballet practice room just for you. This is so you don't need to walk that far to practice, and it was more efficient this way. As well, whenever you had a show, he would ALWAYS come. No matter what, he would somehow find time in his busy schedule to come to your show. Several times, meetings were delayed to make time for your show. You always said that he didn't need to come any time, but he insisted on coming. Plus, you were pretty happy that he was so supportive.

One time, you were starring in Swan Lake, and he was stoked. He even invited the RFA members to come. (Believe it or not, he invited Zen, since he knew Zen would probably enjoy this). Everyone was mesmerized. You were just so... BEAUTIFUL. Even Yoosung enjoyed it, which Jumin was slightly surprised about.

[conduit-of-grace]

“Don’t be troubled if, as you consider the marvels of the supernatural world, you hear that other voice - the intimate, insinuating voice of the ‘old man’. 

It’s ‘the body of death’ that cries out for its lost privileges. God’s grace is sufficient for you: be faithful and you will conquer.” 

- St. Josemaria Escriva, “Interior Struggle” from The Way, #707