#he doesn't really want to go back and rather likes the captains attention and affection

[yourbuerokrat2]

Scenario, where earlyTNG!Q gets the idea to teach Picard a lesson about how emotional and hormone based humans are and decides to make a sort of game out of it. After all, after being corrected by Picard about the captains favorite authors work he has gotten quite familiar with it as well and why not incorporate something from Shakespeares most famous comedy. 

At first Q thought it would only be too entertaining to have Picard fall in love with some random person Q would curse to have a donkeys face, but then he gets another idea.

How about he simply makes Picard fall in love with him?

Q tries his best to ignore any and all upcoming emotions on his own part at that thought and instead chooses to simply view it as a more ... convenient way to teach the human this lesson and it would be quite entertaining to see Picard lose at least a bit of his pride in order to court Q.

And Q, only having a very vague knowledge of how morally wrong this is but no clear understanding as he has never had to step down from his own perspective  and who only saw that those kind of situations are considered ‘funny’ in human media and stories, makes it so. 

So, who is to blame Q if he, rather unexpectandly, finds himself actually enjoying the result  and decides to prolong this game/lesson a bit longer than originally planned?

[yeyinde]

The 141 finding out you've never had sex.

Just casually drinking, playing cards. A joke causes it to slip out.

body electric: the virgin edition

Gaz, the instigator, mutters something about not having been fucked in ages. this springs up a sudden surge of comradery, because, yeah. neither have they.

Soap's devote Catholicism (i like to imagine) leaves little room for flippant intimacy. he tries to be a good boy. key word, of course, being: tries. but the last serious relationship was years ago. back when he was grunt. he's pent up. abstinence, yeah? he holds it tight in his hand. but the thing about fists is that they're often mistaken for anger. Soap's a realist masquerading as an optimist. he knows whoever falls into his jowls next will be a MacTavish by the time he's through with them. and commitment. well. his comes at a price. a hefty one.

Ghost prefers casual flings where he doesn't have to take any clothes off. unzips his trousers, frees his cock, and then tries to pretend he's a real, flesh and blood, human. to feel something, anything, except a vacuum between hollow bones. but his tastes are peculiar. on the side of unhinged. he hasn't found the perfect body yet satiate himself with.

Price. well. with his bloody hands, he thinks he'd rather not dirty the same people he swears to protect. and divorcing at the age of 30 does that to a man, maybe. his role as a captain (an excuse in retrospect) also keeps him from unleashing his wants. the very same ones that are probably best under lock and key, anyway. it's just for the best, really. something he ought to do because the moment he has another chance to sink his teeth into someone's neck, he'll tear them apart. break them into pieces.

despite bringing it up, Gaz knows the real reason he's single is because he's pushy. he wants. so he takes. and then takes some more. more. more. until his gullet is full of the person he's obsessed with. carrying them around in his breast pocket everywhere he goes. the perfect mate. the one he can shower with unfettered affection. a deluge, in all honesty. one with the ideation to drown. biblical floods. trapped beneath him. he likes it more than he should, but. singedom, then, he supposes.

and then you roll the dice. admit, sheepishly, that, technically, you have them all beat. zero is always lesser than five, ten, twenty. but it's this misstep—zero, never—that catches their attention.

suddenly, you're not surrounded by kin but a pack of wolves. all hungry in their own ways, all starving. it just makes sense to quench their hunger with you, doesn't it? friend, ally. pretty little thing. so sweet for them. and perfectly mouldable. putty they shape to their hearts desire. the perfect mate.

Soap grips his rosary. the sign of the cross, heavenly Father and Holy Spirit, digging into his palm like the burn of a baptism. what's devotion if not pain? he cuts himself on the gold. offers blood of the sacrament to whoever might be listening, and leans in, sniffing.

Price's knuckles are white. he leans back, hidden in shadows. all you can see is spark of burning orange from his cigar as he takes mouthful after mouthful of smoke, contemplating. assessing.

"that so?" he doesn't even need to look at his Lieutenant to know that the man has gone still. too bad for you, it's not from shock.

Ghost barely holds himself back. keeps tight in his seat. fists clenching. unclenching. he has a good enough read on the people around him to see the unfiltered desire ripping across their face. scorching. but to bite, with his mouthful of jagged, seraded teeth; ones meant to rip, break, tear, would ruin you. permanently. unequivocally. and—

"wanna give it a go?" all eyes turn to Gaz, electric in his seat. eyes smouldering umbre. "i mean, you trust us the most, don't you?" us. it's stunning, he thinks, the way Gaz can weave tapestry in the air like this with just his words. one tangled like shibari binds. "and we care for you a lot. we'll be gentle. it's up to you, of course, but—"

Soap's bloody hand disappears under the table. you gasp. "yer askin' fer it, ain't ye? beggin' so pretty fer it."

"n-no, i—"

"mind your manners." Price. his voice is chiselled into char, authoritative; low. a lulling command spoken in a breath of smoke. "and don't lie, love. or i'll have to take you over my knee."

the tension is thick. Soap's arm moves, slow. deliberate. Ghost has clench his jaw to avoid bearing his teeth. snarling.

Gaz cuts it with a knife. hews compliance into your skin with a fine needle point. "it's okay. we'll take such good care'a you. make you feel so good."

your submission is a heavy thing. oppressive. the shallow dip of your chin, the blistering heat simmering under your flesh, burning right, is the prettiest fuckin' thing he's ever seen. he does clench his jaw this time. tight, tight. tight

until something pops.

"okay." you yield. head bowed. beautifully submissive.

when he looks around, catches the predatory crackle in the air. his hackles raise. immediate. instinctual. and ah, right.

it's easy to forget he's surrounded by a wild pack of stray dogs. starving ones, too.

[witch-hazels-musings]

Good morning, Hazel. Could I please have a protection ritual for Kaeya including evergreen, black tourmaline, and frankincense? Thank you

Evergreen (the unexpected), Black Tourmaline (safety, shielding), Frankincense (confidence) Kaeya x gn reader | Protection Ritual warning: alcohol mention, public displays of affection, nervous reader, kiss on the cheek

"Do my eyes deceive me? Surely they cannot be spying what I think they are." Kaeya's silky voice slithered through the voices of rowdy patrons but before you could turn to face him, his arm made purchase on your shoulder while he took a long, slow drink of his freshly made beverage. You could smell the booze, a stark contrast to the one you held.

"And what might that be?" you asked, your gaze fixed on those below you. The music floated jovially in the air and you watched a couple dancing lively to the rhythm.

"My, what else but a sad sort wasting away their evening."

"That's strange."

"What is?"

"I didn't think Angels Share had any mirrors in here," you said, smirking and peering at the Calvary Captain from the corner of your eyes.

Kaeya mirrored your expression before waving his hand next to your face, his arm still positioned on your shoulder. "It would seem rather foolish to do so. My face is far too blinding. Having multiple on display may just cause a riot."

"I guess you're right. Teyvat doesn't need more than one Kaeya."

"Truly it would be far too much to handle," he hummed in agreement, his lips curling into a sly smile near the rim of his drink. You chuckled at his expression and stared at his profile while he surveyed the lower floor. The dim light of the tavern made the rich shade of his hair deepen. Your fingers itched to touch it. He had let you once, play with his hair. He used it as an excuse to be late to one of the Knights of Favonius's meetings. You didn't mind and, besides, it wasn't like they could get you in trouble - you didn't work for them.

Kaeya took another sip of his potent drink and you watched the way his lips moved, how slowly and deftly he swallowed. His attention flickered to you so you looked away and found reprieve in your cup.

A wooden chair scraped against the floor and soon the pressure on your shoulder eased as Kaeya sat next to you, one leg resting on the knee of the other.

"So, did you do what we discussed?" he asked without looking at you, his uncovered eye darting from person to person in the tavern. He may be spending enjoying the tavern, but his work of collecting Mondstadt's secrets never stopped.

You swallowed. "I mulled it over -"

"So, no."

You stared at your drink. "I'm working myself up to it."

Kaeya sighed and turned his attention to you. From this distance, you could smell him, all of him. You leaned back in your chair. "You will forever remain in place if you do nothing."

"I know that."

"So?"

"So what?"

"Are you going to make your move?"

Your eyes trailed over his face, landing lastly on his lips before falling back to your nearly empty cup. You didn't like the taste of alcohol but you wished at this moment you'd gotten something stronger. "I'll figure it out."

"And what if this opportunity slips through your fingers? They may not be available forever."

"I know that."

"And, yet, you remain."

"It's not that easy."

"My innocent friend, everything is easy."

Friend. Kaeya's friend. The words cut so you looked away, down to the couple dancing closely to the music. Their faces pressed against each other. You wanted that - so desperately you wanted that.

"Do you really think if I asked them that they'd - that they'd chose me?"

"They'd be a fool not to," Kaeya answered, his voice steady, clear like crystal. You looked at him but he didn't turn away.

A nervous surge rose in your chest and you let it take over. The cup slammed onto the table next to you, the chair you had sat in - the same one you'd found all those months ago when you saw Kaeya enter Angel's Share for the first time - screeched in protest to your sudden movement.

You turned to him, hand shaking, and extended toward his face. "Then dance with me," you said.

Everything faded. The tavern, the music, the world. All that was left was you, your outstretched hand, and Kaeya.

"What is this?" he asked, the corner of his lips rising in amusement.

"Shut up. Do you want to do this or not because I'm two seconds from running out the -"

Kaeya rose to you, his body somehow towering even though the height difference wasn't that severe. You felt his cool hand take yours and sensed his presence as he leaned in toward your ear. "And here I thought I'd have to see you with another. How relieved I am to know that is not the case," he said, humming with a smirk so sharp you worried it might cut him.

He held you, even after you tried to pull away Kaeya held you there. "People are looking," you whispered, clearly aware of the others staring.

"Let them. Let them see what they can no longer have," he replied before placing a kiss on your cheek and leading you to the dancefloor to show off while you hid your face in his sweet-smelling clothes.

Thaumaturgy Anthology (October 11-13, 2024)

This event is based on spells and rituals. Inspiration does not equal understanding; liberties have been taken. All content is owned by Witch Hazels Musings, theft of these images and stories will result in immediate action.

[gatitties]

Would you ever consider writing a continuation of your ‘Not in my world’ writings?

─ Strawhats, Heart Pirates & Kid Pirates x isekaed!student!reader

─ Summary: you are definitely not made for this world, luckily you have a good protective squad!

─ Warnings: none

Part one / Part three (Kid Pirates)

I have some more thoughts in mind but not many ideas, although I'm open to suggestions with the theme if you would like something specific :')

─ Before you were struggling with the stress of exams, now you're struggling with the stress of this crew, you can't even spend five measly minutes calm because you're already in hot pursuit.

─ Good side, no one knew you and no one seemed to notice you (just like in your class haha…) which got you rid of a 'wanted' poster at least for now.

─ Bad side, you were exposed to a ridiculous amount of dangers from which you couldn't defend yourself (beyond punching or biting someone).

─ Luckily you have a captain who gave you complete security, and when he was being stupid you always had a swordsman watching your back, and if he was lost you had a cook by your side to help, but if he was too busy (flirting) you also had the strength of a cyborg at your side, and if none of them were there to help you only had one thing left…

─ Cry.

─ You didn't underestimate the protection of Nami, Usopp, Robin, Chopper, Brook or Jinbe, but you felt much safer with those four idiots, for no specific reasons, they were the ones who got you out of trouble the most, but you would trust them all with your life.

─ And speaking of crying, it was the best way to deal with all this pressure of the change in the world, even though in your previous life you were not completely happy, the radical change still affects you, Robin was the one who consoled you the most for that and you always come when you feel bad.

─ At least, you left some of your pessimistic thoughts about your future or what was going to become of it, you just have to enjoy the little moments of peace that you had traveling through this world.

─ Sometimes you got a little irritated because everyone saw you as a scaredy cat (which you really were) and they saw you as a baby that they had to protect, you weren't even that little! although you were not going to complain about the protection when you find yourself in trouble.

─ Without a doubt, it was a change of scenery for the better (largely also for the worse) because it helped you forget about things from your old life and rebuild your person, maybe a little change didn't hurt you, but you still feared for your life when side of this team.

─ You definitely get a lot of hugs with Nami and Usopp when something scary happens.

─ Chopper still scolds you for your sleep schedule and has Brook put you to sleep early for your health.

─ Although you have improved your eating schedules and have started eating healthier thanks to Sanji.

─ You also started training with Zoro and Jinbe, not as intensely, just some defense and stamina because you're going to need it if at some point they're not there to save you.

─ It is clear that Law does not make much of an appearance, rather it's his actions that put him so high on the wanted list, he is much more discreet than Luffy.

─ But that doesn't mean that all his demands to keep you in the submarine cause you stress, much less than before, but it persisted in the back of your mind, couldn't he understand you from emo to emo?

─ Luckily, being a student means that most of the time you have to fend for yourself to survive tests, exams, works... without help because good or kind teachers? Nah, that doesn't exist or they're an endangered species, so you pretty much know how to do everything.

─ Or at least learn fast and adapt, you quickly accepted the dangers of the world and most importantly how not to attract attention (it's not like you had done it before), anyway you were learning from the best, Law knew very well how to go unnoticed.

─ The good thing, you took this whole thing as a little vacation, it didn't bother you too much not leaving the Polar Tang, plus it meant less trouble and less fear of someone stabbing you or something.

─ The bad thing, Law was very demanding with everything, he reminded you of a child demanding new toys (surgical material), unfortunately you couldn't disobey if you didn't want to end up abandoned to your fate.

─ From what you know Law is quite strong so you should be around him, the problem is that you are not useful when you get mentally worn out and it seems that if you receive a lot of demands your mind will just shut down and do everything wrong.

─ Of course, your captain will notice and let you rest and urge you to go out for a while when they stop on an island, he will keep an eye on you because he knows that your appearance stands out from the others, he did not have infinite clothes and sometimes you used the outfit with you ended up here.

─ Luckily you always had your back covered, if he wasn't there, Shachi and Penguin would always follow you as a good dynamic duo, they helped clear your mind due to the amount of absurd comments or jokes they told.

─ Bepo is always there for a hug, the best hugs you've ever had.

─ You started some self defense lessons with Jean Bart just for good measure.

─ Law would like to scold you for your bad sleep schedule but he was no one to talk about it…

─ However, he doesn't take long to point out all the things that are harmful to your health, like when you sit like a shrimp causing back pain.

─ You are doomed, if you thought Luffy was someone who made a scandal it is because you do not know this crew, you definitely threw away a long time ago (literally the first minutes in this world) the possibility of ending up in a beautiful or peaceful place, free of anxiety.

─ Before it caused you a bit of discomfort that your classmates didn't count on you with some activities, now you are more than grateful that your presence is like that of a ghost.

─ Kid doesn't care much if you get into fights or if you draw the attention of someone who could hurt you, if you are inside his ship you must be strong, he only cared that you didn't hurt yourself because he didn't want to have to clean your brains from his boat deck.

─ Don't worry about it, Killer has your back, even if he doesn't show it, he feels sorry for you and your unfortunate encounter with his world, because he was the one with whom you vented the most as if he were your own mother, he will do everything possible by talking to Kid so that don't expose you to so many dangers.

─ Kid agreed to be more 'soft' about your weakness since you were useful in many aspects, you know, you're not stupid and you know how to adapt despite being terribly scared.

─ The good side, you were stopped from involving yourself in small crew tournaments, be it wrestling, drinking, or even a little thumb wrestling, not to mention you wouldn't actively participate in anything that required force or violence.

─ The bad side, they started treating you like the most fragile person on the planet (Kid no, he just stopped being less of an idiot with you), you constantly had Heat and Wire as your personal bodyguards but there came a point where it was ridiculous even for you.

─ It's not like you've never felt scared (or harassed) of someone in your other life, not that you were a warrior, but if you had to throw punches, you were going to.

─ This is how you began to learn to fight with Killer, although he didn't like the idea very much either, he accepted because it never hurts to know something about defense.

─ They all agreed not to bombard you too much either with questions or tasks, they knew what would trigger your anxiety and didn't want you sticking any more forks anywhere else in their bodies, Wire was good at calming you down in the moments you were within a second of hysteria.

─ You couldn't determine if you preferred to suffer in your previous life or in this one, but you thought that being here gave you the courage to live that you didn't have before and you believed that you could improve your person now that you didn't feel so much social pressure on you, in a certain way, you were free.

[marveloustimestwo]

Hi again Robin! This is more a thot than a request, maybe it can help you to relax a little <3

I know skinny Steve is all about a reader who shows interest in him but I also feel post serum Steve would fall really easily for a reader who ignores him the first time they met each other? Hear me out:

Steve going for a coffee and decides to enter in that place that looks empty cause he's tired of hearing the fans screams and peoples murmurs when he enters a place that's crowded. He doesn't even notices the reader until he sat almost in front of her and took his cap off but the reader is so invested in the book she's reading that she doesn't looks up, and this calls Steve’s attention "What is she reading? Why she makes so many faces? Is the book that good?"

"I mean, she didn't saw Captain America is here when reading that" (hypocritical much, Steve? Lol) Neither of them hears the waiter until he's right there clearing his throat and asks Steve what he's gonna order. Steve could feel the reader was looking at him and he thought for a moment that she was gonna ask him a picture or something but that's not the case, she went back to her book, and whatever she was drinking. And that drive Steve nuts lol. "Maybe she didn't actually saw me? Or she's one of those people who don't like superheroes?" 

So Steve is right there the next day but she's not. He drinks his coffee slowly to see if she comes by and nothing, he asks for another one and then another one, nada, until the waiter (Stan Lee cause I miss his cameos SO much) tells him: She comes here on sundays, son. Sundays are her day off. I don't mind if you keep asking for coffee but you're not gonna sleep for a week of you keep drinking them

I really do like the thought of post-serum Steve falling for someone who doesn't give him the slightest glance at the start.

For the most part, it's about the fact that he really wants you to see him as Steve. He doesn't want you to fall in love with him because he's Captain America, or date him because he's famous. Before he was Captain America, nobody spared him a second glance, and now, he is far too used to being stared at, to having people ask him for things. He knows that while some people mean well, the interest isn't genuine. They see him as this blown-up fake image rather than who he actually is.

So yeah, when you initially don't even see he's there, it does catch Steve's interest. Are you so lost in your own world that you don't hear the people whispering around you? It make it even worse that when you do notice him, you don't even talk to him. Sure maybe there is that spark of recognition in your eyes, but is your book that much more interesting than he is?

It does in fact make Steve want to come back and see why you're like that. The hours he spends in that coffee shop are borderline unhealthy, but he's sure the serum will make up for it (does coffee even affect him? He can't really get drunk, so would he get hyperactive?)

Having the sweet old waiter (who's a Stan Lee cameo, genius btw) tell him you're schedule only makes Steve slip a bit further into that obsession, and makes you seem all the more normal and perfect.

[laiosynth]

Flauto (introduction and lore post)

hey guys do u wanna hear about my dunmeshi oc

too bad here we go

Introduction

Flauto is a well known reconnaissance and dungeon cartography expert on the island. Anyone who's met him has something different, but no less interesting, to say.

"He acts like an elf, but he sure bargains like a half-foot." "His eyes are so weird and piercing-- I swear, they're magic-altered!" "He wears bells all over him like an odd jester, but heaven knows he doesn't act like one."

The man is known for running with the oddball outcast party 90% of the time now-- not a party you want to get on the bad side of, if rumors are to be believed. They're freaks, but they're dangerous and protective of their own.

Flauto himself is a man who has no direction-- barely can be called a man, really. Only one year above maturity, and yet, with the weight of a lifetime's troubles on his shoulders, he finds his only anchor with music and his best friend, Ginger, a fellow half-foot in his party.

His party holds him in high regard and affection as a leader, strategist, and mage. They trust his judgement and skill enough to defer to him in any combat situation.

He uses music and sound, along with math and calculation, to do what he does. He explores and understands the world around him in the context of sound and how it interacts with the environment. He uses small but effective spells that create sound at hyper-specific pitches and amplitudes, setting them as alarms or even drones, allowing him to be aware of almost an entire dungeon floor at once with very little mana used.

Although a powerful and respected mage and adventurer, Flauto is rather soft-spoken and non-emotive. He can come off as hoity-toity or rude and dismissive to people who don't know him well, but he's a very kind soul at heart. He is well-acquainted with the half-foot union, and half his party members chose to join from rough circumstances only because of Flauto's steady determination and heart.

History

Flauto wasn't always an explorer- before everything, he was a small, strongly loved half-foot toddler. Unfortunately, his natural aptitude for magic attracted attention from unwanted sources. At barely a year old, he was kidnapped by 2 trainees for the research division of the Canaries-- and to his parents, it only seemed that he disappeared.

Flauto spent 11 years of his life in the labs of the elves, experimented on and manipulated and poked and prodded. At one point, they stole his face, just to see what he would do. They gave it back after a month, but then they took his arm.

He never got that one back.

He was trained in combat and magic, if you could call it training. It was more training in the way you would say you trained a dog, rough and dehumanizing and based in harsh conditioning. He figured out what he could from what he was given, thrown into puzzles like a lab rat.

He escaped when he was 12 with barely a thing to his name other than the lab uniform on his back and the staff he'd grown himself beneath the elves' noses.

He stowed away in the first ship he found leaving the western continent, and never looked back.

Of course, an amateur teen half-foot with a big stick, tattoos, a missing arm, and an elven army uniform is going to be noticed by the ship's men. They corner Flauto, more confused than angry, but a cornered animal is going to strike, so they get an earful of terrible noise for their troubles. Flauto is weak and worn out, though, so it isn't very powerful, and he's (gently) taken to the captain-- a kind half-elf half-foot.

Flauto is allowed to stay and provided with food and a place to sleep without question. He grapples with the realization that he is not the only one who's survived and escaped hell.

When the ship reaches the island, Flauto is let off peacefully and left to his own devices. Of which he has none.

It's only luck that has him finding a shed to sleep in for the night-- but he is discovered in the morning by the owners of the shed.

An elderly half-foot couple named Timturn and Morndoll, upon discovering the terrified child in their shed, decide that there is no better option than to take the child in and raise him the rest of the way like their own. And so, Flauto gets 2 relatively peaceful years of healing, and growing in an environment that cares.

And then, because time comes for us all, Timturn and Morndoll pass away of old age in the same night. They've left a lot to Flauto, but the house is not part of that, understandably, so Flauto leaves.

Once again, he's lost completely, and now he's grieving the loss of the only parental figures he ever knew.

What better way to lose himself and figure out who he is on this island than to throw himself into the dungeons?

And as it turns out, dungeon life was practically made for him. His skills all gain power and relevance in the enclosed environments of the dungeon, and his instincts make him highly useful. He starts to work for pay, seeking out the island's half-foot union.

And then, by pure chance, he meets Ginger.

Storyline

Ginger is the one who chooses Flauto, really, but Flauto finds that he wouldn't be anywhere but with her quite quickly.

A young half-foot seeking money to support her three younger sisters at home, Ginger specializes in tools, repair, and invention inside the dungeon. The skilled way she uses her tools draws Flauto in, and then her unconditional friendship, teasing, and support have him permanently hooked.

The deal is as sealed as a contract with the devil when Ginger shows Flauto the prosthetic she created for him. Up until that point, Flauto had been tackling dungeons one-armed, not seeing the need for extra weight. But Ginger's prosthetic made life easier-- and added new ways for him to use sound and wield his staff.

They team up, now a package deal for any job. But then, their 'package deal' expands by one small beastkin girl, and then a tallman fighter, and another half-foot, and an elf--

And before Flauto realizes it, he's amassed an entire party of his own, skilled adventurers choosing to trust him and follow his lead.

That's when, unfortunately, fate conspires, and Ginger is eaten by a red dragon.

Flauto isn't willing to accept that, though. He doesn't hesitate to trail the dragon until he has a good enough plan to take it down. He sends his party back to the surface. Of course, they aren't having any of it, not willing to lose their leader and friend, and the tallman drags him practically kicking and screaming to the surface.

It's clear: "Flauto, we will find Ginger, but we can't lose you in the process. You need to recover."

Flauto doesn't believe it. It isn't fair. He's lost what he thought he had twice now, and in less than 2 years. It isn't fair, it can't be, it's not fair! For the first time in his life, Flauto finds himself breaking almost completely under the weight of his own emotions.

It should have been him-- it will be him. He'll make sure of it.

He thinks that, but, well... he can't actually escape the watchful eyes of his friends.

They do head back down to the dungeon a week later, once Flauto and the rest of the party are in better physical condition.

When they reach the red dragon, on a level it never should have been on, Flauto and the party watch quietly as another party excavate ginger's remains, along with another girl's, from the stomach of the dragon.

And then, the elf-girl uses what looks like ancient magic to completely revive both of them.

Flauto is quick enough to escape any of the friends who would have tried to pull him back as he sprints towards the blood-soaked body of his partner, unable to stop the tears that are running down his cheeks as he skids to a stop on his knees, ignoring the party that was already there to grab Ginger's arm, then feel her pulse with his good hand. It's there. She's alive.

There's someone else there helping Ginger cough up the blood in her airway and lungs, Flauto vaguely registers, but it's over soon, and she breathes in, then looks at Flauto as she breathes out.

Flauto embraces her tighter than he thinks he ever has anyone, begging her not to do that again.

And then, that night, after the two parties eat together of the meal Senshi of Izganda had prepared from the dragon, Ginger wakes up. She follows Farlyn.

Flauto follows close behind.

And is too late to stop the mad mage from transforming both Ginger and Farlyn into full-on chimeras.

He doesn't remember a lot of what happens after that.

By the time he's back in his own body, Sureau and Kabru's parties have already arrived and left, and his friends inform him that they have no idea where Ginger went.

So, they make it their mission to find her.

(and that's all i can give away without spoilers hehe)

Extras

Here is some extra art of him:

(flauto during his own party's run-in with the changeling mushrooms)

(flauto and chimera!ginger)

Small Fun Facts:

Flauto's musical tattoos on his left arm are magic-enhancing!

He is transmasc!

His full half-foot name is Flauton Chils, but he doesn't know that yet.

He fully believes alto clef to be the superior music clef to read in.

He is an instrument expert by necessity-- could tell you anything you wanted to know about the art of making and repairing bells, chimes, and similar instruments.

Yes Ginger is his girlfriend they are t4t they love each other very much <333

(@punkeropercyjackson thank you for encouraging me to make the full post this was very fun even if it took me two days)

[fohatic]

don't mind if i do.....

there are still beautiful things by @meidui

The day Tony takes Steve home from the New York Army National Guard is the best day of his life.

the hope that kills you (series) by @meidui

Steve used to go on so much about freedom and choice. If we sign this, we surrender our right to choose. Some of the freedom he loved was big, big enough for him to lay his life down for over and over, and some of the freedom he loved was small, like the wind in his hair when he took his motorcycle out, but now he has to sob and take it when Tony sucks a deep flowering bruise where his prison uniform couldn’t possibly cover and whispers in his ear, “Who’s gonna help you now? Where are you gonna run?”

The Prize by @sabrecmc (HOWWWW IS THIS NOT ON ANY OF THESE LISTS YET)

Steve ends up as a concubine in the royal harem.

Deep End by @festiveferret

SHIELD has found a way to make Project Rebirth work - something Tony's father was never able to accomplish. An unexpected side effect has Fury begging Tony for some rather unusual help: the painful procedure has put their volunteer, a sub called Steve Rogers, so deep into subspace he can't come up on his own.

Tits Aren't Just For Ladies by Dr_Amuly ( @everybodyilovedies)

Tony fucks Steve's tits (man-tits, no genderswap or implants or anything).

(Not for) Public Consumption by Poose

“Can’t you like, I don’t know, do a little pirouette for me, sweetheart?” He shuffles backwards cautiously, glancing over his shoulder to avoid hitting the wall. There’s a chair back there, he should sit in it before his legs give out. Steve cocks his head, hand on his hip. He puts his front foot at angle to the one in back and executes a tired swing around. You’d think he’d like the attention a bit more. Tony may have to goad it out of him. “Steve, seriously, you’re like a bored stripper.�� And then, suitably affronted, Steve takes another turn, more slowly, so that Tony can pan down and zoom in on his ass from a slightly lower angle.   *** Or, Steve and Tony make a sex tape. Exactly as sophisticated as it sounds. A non-powered AU of another AU that I haven't written yet. Contains zero plot.

Surrender Yourself by xWinterDreamsx

Tony has Steve tied up in ropes for some kinky fun.

Some Great Reward by @kiyaar

After the events of Captain America: Civil War, Tony and Steve come to an agreement. It doesn't involve affection.

Come on Closer by @epiphanyx7

[[... porn.]] Or, the one where Steve wants to talk to Tony about something important.

Leave Your Marks Written Upon My Skin by blue_jack ( @some-blue-jack)

“I want you to keep your hands right here, alright?”

Keep Us Warm, Tonight by @copper-mouth

Steve and Tony often keep late hours together when sleep won't come to either of them. Tonight is shaping up to go a little differently, however.

Working Late by @tinystark616

Some nights, Tony stays up late, building and rebuilding and upgrading his suits, until Steve walks into the workshop, usually already in his pajamas, and wraps his arms around Tony, kissing him until he forgets what he was doing and then dragging him to bed. A fill for the prompt "Steve sits in Tony's lap and rides him" from last year's Community Gifts prompt list. Because there's really not enough bottom!Steve in the world.

Ship to Shore by @mserm

The Avengers beat Thanos. Everyone is safe. (If you don’t count those five days they thought Natasha was dead.) All that’s left is to return the stones, a feat that Tony is sure will end his new friends-with-benefits relationship with Steve.

Consecration of the Virgin by @dracusfyre (sequel to The Penitent Man)

Steve gives his body into Tony's keeping. For the good of his soul, of course.

In The Springtime of His Voodoo by shaenie

“I’m removing Captain Rogers from this base, but not from active duty. I want him as SHIELD’s liaison to Stark Industries first and foremost. He’ll report directly to me,” Fury says. “As it is, your identity as Captain America is not public knowledge and it will remain that way until I say otherwise. That said, if you think you can get Tony Stark to work with you if you disclose that information, you have permission to do so.”

heyyy！i just saw u reblog an ask and it just happened to be the exact same thing I wanted to ask👉👈 do u have and recommend stony fics that are top Tony/bottom Steve 🥺

you know i do!! see also k's rec list and bulky's rec list, i tried not to rec any that were already on their lists <3

Jackpot by @elcorhamletlive

It’s not always like this.

Tony leans back on the bed, assessing his view. Near the door, balanced on his knees, Steve stares at him with half-lidded eyes, blue eyes darkened under those beautiful eyelashes. His blonde bangs stick a little to his forehead, where a glimmer of sweat is evidence of how long he’s been in that position: knees firmly planted on the rug of Tony’s bedroom, naked aside from a pair of cotton black briefs, hands tied up behind his back, exactly as Tony left him this morning. He breathes heavily, his muscular chest going up and down as he watches and waits.

Doubling Up (Steve) by @elcorhamletlive

“Well,” Tony drawls, his gaze going from the bed to where Steve, and, uh, Tony are standing, next to the small pile where Steve’s shirt lies along with his trousers. “This is awkward.”

Chamber of Reflection by @thahiree

A few years after retiring, Steve and Tony get a surprise visit from another Steve. Steve Rogers from Earth 1610 is lost, grappling with the new century he’s been unceremoniously dropped in, with confusing feelings for his new teammate, with himself.

Steve and Tony decide to get involved.

A Proportional Response by @mserm

Steve doesn't have a reason for cock-blocking Tony.

No reason, whatsoever.

It's Hard To Look Right At You, Baby by Albuss

“Woah,” Tony says, “slow down. Take it easy. Hold your horses.” He can be forgiven for saying the same thing four times because he is already completely, utterly wrecked.

“Fuck me,” Steve whispers. “Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me.”

Five Times Steve Woke Up Early (And One Time He Didn’t) by @airlocksandaviaries

Steve's not actually a morning person, despite his body's insistence. It's quite possibly the one thing about the serum he's not immensely grateful for. Forcing himself up and on a run to burn through the overwhelming, restless energy that builds bright and early would be much more tolerable if it were a few hours later. Tony decides to do something about this.

Underneath it All by @hollyandvice

Steve's finally ready to indulge Tony's fantasy of seeing him in a thong. He just has terrible timing when it comes to implementing sexy times. But that's alright, Tony's a master of making the best of a (not actually) bad situation.

the year you were mine by @areiton

The night that changes his life forever, Steve is on a date with another man.

Or: Steve is a pricy escort and Tony buys him for a year. Neither of them are doing this for love.

a thousand things you call me by @areiton

He calls you a thousand things, and you love them all, count them all and guard them close, because with each he calls you mine.

Your Reputation Precedes You by @vanilla-shoes

Tony agrees to watch the desk for the salon next door to his garage as a favor -- but when he meets the salon owner's fiery best friend Steve, maybe the favor is for Tony after all...

Brooklyn After Dark by darefanny

”I could do that”, Steve had said before his brain could catch up to his big, stupid mouth. He had leaned over Tony’s shoulder to look closer at a photo of a man in lingerie on his tablet.

Slow Burn Fireworks by felisnocturna

Tony fucks him incredibly slowly this time.

praise you like I should by @firebrands

steve gets de-serumed for a hot second, but tony's pretty quick to reassure him of all his lovely traits. (made even better by having to sleep in a shitty motel with a mirror on the bed.)

Suds 'n Studs by @fohatic

Tony didn't mean to hire some super hot, young guy to take his clothes off for money -- honestly! He just wanted somebody to wash his cars! But accidents happen when you let your AI do the hiring for you, apparently. Now the recent divorcee has an awkward apology to make. He also has as an invitation to subscribe to Steve's OnlyFans. What he doesn't have is any clue what he should do in this situation.

In Too Deep by @fohatic

Steve knew that he was asking for trouble when he agreed to let the gallery auction off a date with him for charity, but he needed to get in the director's good books if he wanted to make it as an artist in this cutthroat town. He never imagined that his participation would ignite an outrageous bidding war, or that the infamous, billionaire ex that he hadn't seen since their sudden breakup two years prior would show up and stake his claim.

the thorn in his side by @fohatic

It had been there from the beginning. There was no end to it, that mutual wanting between them—forever unresolved—that had grown so terribly soft and unbearably romantic with age...

But there was an unspoken rule between them, as well: an understanding that they could never act on it.

That is, until an alien parasite's brood nest gets violently dislodged from its Chitauri Leviathan host during the Battle of New York, dispersing its contents directly over two time-jumping tourists who are very much in the wrong place and the wrong timeline.

pull me down by breakeven

He doesn’t mean to pull, is just brushing through the locks there as a means of comfort, to show Steve that he’s still there and present with him, that Tony is just as affected by the wet grasp of Steve’s hole as Steve is by the insistent pressure against his prostate

wind me up by breakeven

Steve hadn’t known it, but apparently Tony could tell after the first time they ever fucked. He could see in Steve the need to please, the need to be of some sort of service, and had known that it would translate perfectly in sexual desires, even when Steve hadn’t had a clue himself.

honey from your hive by meidui

"Steve, stop that," Tony says, sounding strangled as his grip tightens and Steve stops, letting Tony grab his face and tilt him up. "You're kind of scaring the crap out of me. What is it? What's going on with you?"

"We blew up the lab," Steve manages, and something dawns on Tony's face. "Everyone had a reaction 'cept me. Think 'm having it now."

Blushes Per Hour by @blossomsinthemist

Steve chewed on his bottom lip. “Well, no,” he said. “Um, but.” He was breathing heavily now, through his nose. “Rachel liked it when I did it, because she has, uh, she has sensitive breasts, and I, um, err. Sometimes I’d pull on my own nipples during, or, or after, on my own, and. And I’d imagine—wonder, really, if I was. If I had enough, or—”

“Are you saying you’ve fantasized about this?” Tony said, and he couldn’t help the pure delight that came through in his tone, because had he actually stumbled onto one of Steve’s kinks, here? He’d never let on at all before, not at all.

Please Please Me by @blossomsinthemist

Steve looked so beautiful flushed and wanting, on his knees, begging.

Failing To Not Fall by @nvrthlessthsun

Steve was failing to not fall in love with Tony Stark.

AKA the one where Steve thinks he's Friends-With-Benefits with Tony, and Tony thinks he's dating Steve.

Paint Job by @valdomarx

“You want me to what?” Steve looked incredulous. “I want you to detail my car,” Tony said with a smirk.

Relax, Darling by @valdomarx

Steve is stressed and tense after a hard mission.

Luckily for him, Tony and his tongue are available to relax him in a variety of delightful ways.

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd, Four’s a Party by @valdomarx

How to satisfy the secret desires of a horny supersolider:

Ults Steve gets gangbaged by Tony from four different universes (Ults, MCU, AA and 616).

Mark Sixty-Nine by @everybodyilovedies

Tony is irritated that Steve's first hug-and-fly wasn't with him. As the source of many of Steve's other "firsts", Tony has a brilliant idea of how he could take one more. Specifically, Steve's first time being fucked by a machine.

Afternoon Delight by @greyduckgreygoose

Tony watched with narrowed eyes as Rogers nodded politely to Natasha. They exchanged quick, familiar smiles, which suggested that they knew each other better than the acquaintances they seemed to want Tony to think they were. Up close, Rogers was even more attractive than he had appeared on camera, a touch of blonde stubble along his jaw, large square hands.

He also had a nice ass, not that Tony was particularly staring.

“Mr. Stark,” Natasha said, as they both stood before Tony’s desk. “May I introduce Steve Rogers? Or, if you prefer, Captain America.”

The Sixth Time is the Charm by @onemuseleft

The fifth time Steve tried to get Tony to fuck him (and failed) is when he started taking it personally.

Your Kind of Love by blue_jack

The first time they have sex, Tony isn’t really hoping for much.

[ridiasfangirlings]

“Ignoring my boyfriend for 24 hours” challenge for Reisaru?

Fushimi would rock this challenge, he dreams of getting to ignore Munakata for 24 hours XD Munakata would probably have the hardest time with this one, he wants to just dote on Fushimi and care for him and instead he has to ignore him. Obviously Fushimi would be upset at being ignored if he didn't know the reason why but if they were doing it as some kind of challenge he'd be fine with it, probably saying something like 'good now Captain can't bother me for 24 hours' while Munakata just gets this small sad sparkle as he's like 'Fushimi-kun...'. Maybe Munakata's been being a little too affectionate in public and Fushimi's complaining about it, Munakata says it's simply that he enjoys praising Fushimi-kun too much. As it happens the alphabet boys were just chatting about some internet 'ignore my significant other for 24 hours' challenge and Fushimi's like you couldn't handle that one could you Captain. Munakata admits that he would find such a thing challenging and Fushimi's actually intrigued by that, a challenge that even Munakata can't overcome, so he's like all right why don't we try it.

The challenge begins the next day (so Munakata can give Fushimi lots of affection right beforehand to get it out of his system). The rules are probably bent a little so that work isn't affected, like they can still interact for work reasons only and it has to be purely professional. Actually imagine they don't mention this to the squad at all too and within half a day there's all kinds of worried rumors flying that Munakata and Fushimi had a bad breakup and hate each other now, like look how cold Captain is being to him. Even Awashima gets caught up in it, checking on Munakata mid-day and asking if everything is all right, does he need to talk at all or take an afternoon off. Munakata assures her that he is fine but just in case Awashima brings him double the anko to try and cheer him up.

On Fushimi's end this initially seems really easy, now he can finally get work done without Munakata walking over and wanting to give him attention. But then he actually starts to miss it, like he keeps looking up when Munakata walks by without even realizing it and then clicking his tongue and looking back at his computer a moment later. Or when it's lunch time and he doesn’t even realize because usually Munakata comes to get him so they can eat together, it's like oddly lonely without Munakata around. Fushimi can't believe he'd actually miss Munakata this much, like all the things he usually finds annoying turn out to be things he'd gotten used to and suddenly not having them there puts him on edge. He doesn't want to lose though so he refuses to say anything, just focusing super hard on his work. Eventually I imagine Munakata taking the loss on purpose here, like he comes over and just kisses Fushimi in front of everyone and Fushimi sputters like you're supposed to be ignoring me Captain, Munakata smiles all it seems I cannot go an entire day without having you close to me, Fushimi-kun (and of course his real reason is he saw Fushimi was uncomfortable and couldn't leave him that way, Munakata would rather lose the challenge than see Fushimi unhappy).

[latteunwoo]

friendly rivalry || j.ww + k.sy

↪  What happens when two best friends end up going after the same girl? Will one of them be able to win her heart? Will their friendship be in danger?

pairing: oc x wonwoo; oc x hoshi; oc x ??? (wink wonk you'll see at the end)

genre: fluff; humor

A/N: Request from @hazelbean13. Do note that most if not all of the content are not real/accurate because this is an AU (Alternate Universe).

seventeen m.list || main m.list

-

Out of everyone in their friend group, Hoshi and Wonwoo are truly the closest. In fact, some might say that they are exactly carbon copies of each other. They've always liked and done the same things.

For example, when they were little, when Hoshi got the new gaming console for this birthday, Wonwoo just had to get the same one for his birthday so they could play together.

Another example would be when they were in high school and joined both the soccer team as well as the gaming club because they didn't want to spend a second of their after school time without each other.

Of course there are some things one likes that the other dislikes and luckily because of that they've also never liked the same girl. That is until they met Hazel.

Hazel was about two years older than them. The first time they met her was during their college freshman orientation when she just so happened to be one of their facilitators. They didn't know what it was, but there for sure was something about her that caught their eyes.

At first they didn't know that they happened to be crushing on the same girl. However, once the both found out that they liked the same girl, Hoshi wouldn't let Wonwoo live after that.

"Did you talk to Hazel today?" Hoshi asked as he quickly sat down next to Wonwoo while some of the other students in the library quickly shushed him for talking too loud.

"Why are you asking me?" Wonwoo asked as Hoshi's smile grew wider.

"Because I talked to her today and she said that I was her favorite."

"Favorite what?"

"I'm actually not sure because she just said I was her favorite but I'm pretty sure that I'm her favorite freshman at least. Has she called your her favorite before?" Hoshi teased as Wonwoo just let out a small laugh.

"Yes, she has actually," he said as Hoshi gasped.

"No way! I don't believe you."

"Ask her yourself. But I'm pretty sure she's just nice to everyone."

"Are you saying she's lying then?"

"No, I'm saying that she probably tells that to everyone else because she doesn't want to upset them and also because she kinda has to be nice to all of us since she is an upperclassmen and they're supposed to set a good example for us."

"Valid. But I still think she actually did mean it when she said I was her favorite."

"How do you know that?"

"Well, I always talk to her and she always says that she thinks I'm funny-"

"Funny looking," Wonwoo said as Hoshi was about to snap back but was stopped by the sound of Hazel calling out to the both of them.

"Hey guys!"

"Hi Hazel!" The two said as they both turned to wave towards her as she walked towards them.

"Are you guys still helping out at the fair tomorrow?"

"Yeah, we'll be there!"

"Great, thanks! You're the best!" Hazel said as she reached up to pat both of them on the head before walking the other way, "I'll see you tomorrow then!"

"Did you hear that? She said I'm the best," Hoshi teased as Wonwoo just let out a scoff as he rolled his eyes at the older boy.

"Correction, she said that to the both of us so technically-"

"Yeah, whatever," Hoshi interrupted Wonwoo as he started walking away, "We'll see tomorrow who she thinks is better!"

"This isn't a competition though..." Wonwoo said to himself as he followed Hoshi to their next class.

Come the next day, Hoshi was more than ready to kill two birds with one stone by not only proving to Wonwoo that he is Hazel's favorite but also try to win her heart.

"Here are all of the decorations for our booth," Hoshi said as he set down the last two boxes and stood up proudly.

Hazel couldn't help but let out a small laugh at how cute he was, "Perfect, thanks Hoshi!"

"You're welcome," Hoshi said as his face started heating up. Although everyone calls him Hoshi, it just felt different when Hazel called him that.

A few moments later, Hoshi came back with Hazel's hydroflask filled with fresh cold water.

"Here, I refilled your hydroflask for you!" Hoshi announced as Hazel turned around to see him holding out her hydroflask.

"Oh, thank you," Hazel said as she took the hydroflask from Hoshi to take a sip of water, "You didn't have to, but thanks."

Hoshi smiled widely once again when she patted his head before walking away to help out some of the other students with organizing their booth.

Wonwoo let out a small laugh as he watched the interaction between Hazel and Hoshi, "He really is trying hard to get her attention."

Unlike Hoshi, Wonwoo wasn't very forward with trying to get Hazel's attention and luckily for him doing nothing worked just fine as she had praised him for doing a good job even though he didn't really say anything.

"Nice job, Wonwoo! I didn't know you could draw so well," Hazel praised as Wonwoo was currently painting some cats onto their booth.

"Oh, thank you," Wonwoo said as he turned around only to jump at how close Hazel was to him.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," Hazel apologized as she slightly moved back to give him a little space as Wonwoo felt his heart start beating a little too fast than he wanted, "I just saw how good of a job you were doing and wanted to watch!"

This went on for the rest of the day, Hoshi doing anything and everything to get Hazel's attention and Wonwoo doing the bare minimum but still somehow managing to get her attention.

"I think I'm winning," Hoshi announced proudly as Wonwoo just let out a small laugh.

"This isn't a competition, you know?"

"Everything is a competition to me."

"How do you even know if you're winning? Has she said anything to you?"

"Well, no-"

"Exactly. Also, stop being so forward, I'm pretty sure she's starting to feel uncomfortable with how forward you're being; I would."

"No she's not-"

"Why don't we just ask her who she likes better to get this over with?"

"That's actually not a bad idea, why didn't we think of that earlier?"

"Because you were too busy trying to get her attention every second."

"True," Hoshi said as he quickly looked around to see if Hazel was anywhere around. As soon as he spotted her, he quickly started waving at her to get her attention, "Hazel!"

"Oh, hey guys," Hazel said as she quickly walked towards them, "What's up? Is everything alright?"

"We have a question for you," Wonwoo said as he looked over at Hoshi to signal for him to ask it.

"Which one of us do you like better?" Hoshi quickly asked as both him and Wonwoo were eager to hear the answer.

"What do you mean? I like both of you!" Hazel said as she smiled and patted their heads.

"What we meant was, if you had to-"

Before Hoshi could finish his question, a very familiar figure started walking towards the three of them.

"Hey guys! Hey love," the man said as Hoshi and Wonwoo's expressions quickly fell when they saw the guy put his arm around Hazel's shoulder and place a kiss on the top of her head.

"Hyung," Hoshi and Wonwoo said as they looked at the older boy Seungcheol who happened to be the captain of the university's soccer team.

"Wait, you didn't finish your question, Hoshi," Hazel said as she looked back at him and Wonwoo.

"Oh, it's nothing! Nevermind. Forget I even said anything!" Hoshi quickly said as he grabbed Wonwoo and dragged him the opposite way.

"What was that?" Seungcheol asked as Hazel just shrugged her shoulder.

"I don't know. They're pretty weird, but cute."

"He's her boyfriend!" Hoshi yelled as him and Wonwoo were finally out of Hazel and Seungcheol's view.

"I told you it wasn't worth trying so hard," Wonwoo said as Hoshi just let out a small laugh.

"You act like you're not affected too."

"Touche, my friend."

"Well, at least that's settled. I'd rather lose the girl than lose my bestest friend in the world," Hoshi said as he tried to give Wonwoo a hug but Wonwoo quickly swerved his reach.

"You were literally ready to do anything and everything including risking our friendship over her," Wonwoo said as he started walking the other way and Hoshi started following him while apologizing.

The end.

[caranfindel]

Episode recap/review: Walker 1.14

I didn't expect to recap 1.14 and yet here I am, still avoiding my unfinished Summergen fic. I'm actually writing this in real time, as I watch the episode. So for once I'm not pretending I don't know what happens. I literally don't know.

We begin with Cordell and Grandpa clearing up the crime scene. How much do I love Cordell saying "Daddy?" A lot. And not in that way, you perverts. It just really brings out the Texan.

Liam is in bed, recuperating. He gets a call (note that he calls himself William professionally, which is news to me, and I like it for whatever reason) from someone asking for a comment, which he starts to angrily refuse before Gramma Walker grabs his phone and hangs up. Gramma Walker going all Mama Bear for Liam is also interesting, and unexpected. But Liam says "I can take care of myself" and she says "No, you can't. None of you boys can." And then looks sadly out the window, where Cordell and Grandpa are taking down the crime scene tape. I just have to think "none" and not "both" means she's thinking of poor dead Hoyt, who she obviously loved like a son, if not more so. (More evidence for the Hoyt is her lovechild file? Maybe.)

Geri shows up, wearing an unnecessary cowboy hat and Hoyt's old jacket. She's bearing Hoyt's last will and testament, written on a bar coaster! Oh, my heart. And in case you can't read it:

If I get shivved in the shower or some old horse kicks me upside the head. For real Liam stamp it and everything - I leave everything to Geri/"Geraldine Broussard"/angle [sic] face sweet lips etc. So that plot I bought over in Tanglewood is for her and whatever I got in my pockets or elsewhere. See ya in the next life.

Angle face!

I'm not sure this would stand up in court, since he didn't even sign his last name, although it is witnessed by William Walker. Anyway, it's a moot point, because the land Hoyt intended to give Geraldine "Angle Face" Broussard is transferring to new owners, effective tomorrow. Which makes no sense. The deal fell apart because he died, and yet it's so soon after his death that the police tape is still up. New owners wouldn't be in the picture that quickly. Reverting to previous owners, because it was owner-financed? Sure. But not new owners. (Whatever, Caranfindel. Move it along.) She asks Cordell to go with her to gather his personal belongings. And to bring the kids. Hmmm, let's see how Stella can mess this up. (Tanglewood is 71 miles from Austin. Of course I looked it up.)

But first, Cordell has to sign paperwork to begin his leave of absence. So he didn't actually intend to quit. I mean, we all knew he'd be back, but I kind of thought he was, at the time, intending to quit for good. Does Connie the HR person have a big old crush on him? There is hand touching and deep, serious gazing.

Touch him, Connie. Touch him for those of us who cannot.

Micki is sitting right outside the conference room where he signs his papers but still acts surprised that he's in the building. Did she not smell the rosemary mint shampoo as he walked by? He thanks her for the flowers and apologizes for not calling her back. And then cancels their lunch plans so he can go off with Geri and the kids.

Someone said this on Tumblr, and I think it bears repeating here. It's interesting comparing Cordell's grief, over his wife and now his best friend, to Sam's grief. Cordell is clearly deeply affected, and is also clearly moving on. Sam is just unhinged.

Elsewhere. The gang stops for lunch and reminisces about Hoyt dressed as Santa, wearing assless chaps. Well. That's memorable. (Also, I know people who did the whole leaving horse manure and pretending it's reindeer poop thing. Some people are just a lot more into Santa than I was.) Trevor (Travis? Whatever) called Stella. She's apparently avoiding him. Probably a good call, sis. Maybe the only one you've made in 14 episodes. (To be fair, I didn't watch the first four.)

Micki shares tacos with her boyfriend, whose name I can never remember, having been stood up by Cordell. She tells him Cordell seemed "off," which is great now, Micki. Why didn't you pay more attention to that feeling last week? The BF thinks Micki herself might be off, because she misses her partner. And she calls him family. Captain What's His Face comes to talk to Trey (that's his name, dammit) and asks if he knows a guy who goes to the same physical therapist's office. Friends, when I've done PT, I don't even know people who go to my therapist, let alone just go to someone in the same office. But maybe folks in Austin are just friendlier than they are round these parts. Oh, wait. The guy is missing, and was last seen in a heated discussion with Trey? What's up with that, Trey?

Tanglewood. Cordell asks the nice lady (realtor? owner?) about Hoyt's "personal affects," and she says "they are probably out grazing." Because Hoyt's personal effects are four horses and a llama. Which Geri owns now. "Where am I going to board four horses and a llama?" she asks. Cordell is oddly befuddled (and adorably, cause y'all know how I feel about befuddled Jared), as if he didn't live on a ranch. With horses. The family business, remember? The kids are entranced. I would be too. It's a damn cute llama. One of the mares actually nursed the llama, so they're family. (Watch out for falling anvils.)

Micki's house. Trey says the "heated discussion" was the missing guy showing him a judo move. Captain asks Trey to ride along and help him investigate, and poor partnerless Micki asks if she can come with.

Tanglewood. Apparently Hoyt's personal affects also included gear for the four horses, because everyone is saddled up. Geri doesn't seem like an experienced rider - she keeps her hand on the pommel of the saddle, which I always heard was a rube move. (At least she's not clutching the saddle horn. No shade. It's hard not to. It's a perfect handle and it's just right there.) Cordell, of course, rides perfectly, as he does everything perfectly.

Everything except his job. And raising his kids. But do I care about those things? Not so much.

Geri thinks the llama looks unwell. What is she, a llama expert? A veterinarian? And what are they doing on this trail ride anyway - taking the herd back to the Walker ranch? It's 71 miles away! It's an hour and a half driving! How will they get the truck? Why didn't Cordell just say "let's go back to the ranch and get Daddy's cattle trailer?" WHY.

(No one cares. No one but you thinks about these things.)

Stella is on her phone, but it turns out she's (allegedly) re-reading Hoyt's last text, not chatting with friends. And then she says she was "responsible for everything." Oh, wait. We're going there? Stella is finally going to face the music? Cordell says it's not her fault, but they're interrupted by the llama, who apparently is in distress. Cordell wants to leave him at a random homestead. Permanently? Like, "excuse me, ma'am, but can you take this llama?" Or just while they get the horses home? I dunno.

August doesn't like this, because the llama and the horses are family. Geri distracts him by claiming Hoyt wanted him to have the jacket she's wearing, although I find this rather dubious, because why did she wait so long to mention it? Why is she wearing it herself? It's a lucky jacket he won from a tarot card reader and card hustler named The Mystifying Mehar, who was "infamous for getting out of trouble because of that jacket." Cordell then asks Geri to go off with the kids while he hangs back and tries to ditch the llama. Oh no, Cordell, don't do that. He's family!

Back at the ranch, Grandpa chases off some more journalists. He also ignores Gramma's concern about his cancer.

Trail ride. We skipped the whole bit where Cordell found someone willing to take in a goddamn llama, caught up with his kids, and told them what he did. They're mad that he wouldn't even try, and then Stella impulsively rides off, almost falling into a revine.

Team Sassyboots 2.0 questions the missing guy's wife. Turns out he left a note. Doesn't sound like he's as missing as they thought. He said he would "fix everything," i.e., their upcoming foreclosure. They check his workshop and find evidence that he was a military contractor, and apparently this means he should have no money problems whatsoever, because they don't understand how money works. His gun safe is empty, so they figure he's on some kind of "black ops" job. And if it's going to be complete by Monday, I assume it's something local, and not a military operation.

Walker Ranch. Someone who is Liam's "political opponent" comes to take care of him? And he's bringing barbeque? Is it poisoned? Gramma says Liam can't have barbecue because he's on bedrest, as if one had anything to do with the other. And... Grandpa wants to go mushroom hunting with her? Is that what the kids call it these days?

Trail ride. Cordell found someone to keep the horses. Temporarily? I'm still confused. Stella and Geri talk about Hoyt, and Stella asks about her forgiving him. Thinking about some forgiveness toward your own bad boy, Stella? She says "the two of you were always kind of like the dream to me," which is odd considering they were off-and-on, while her parents were very much on, and definitely seem more like couple goals. But okay. Stella confesses again that she is responsible, and Geri says "you let love in, maybe; that's your worse crime." I wonder if Stella blames herself for the fake truck crash that started the whole domino effect, or if she even realizes that's what happened. Obviously Geri wouldn't. Hmmm, I wonder what August thinks about all this?

Walker Ranch. Whoever this political opponent is, he must be a family friend, because he gave a toast at Cordell and Emily's rehearsal dinner. "Hey, when did your brother have such long hair," he asks, looking at a picture of the happy couple. Liam is growing facial hair again. I like it. Opponent suggests the spicy barbecue will put hair on Liam's chest and Liam tosses it aside and says "no, dammit, after I spent all that time waxing?" And Liam might drop out of whatever race he's in. I don't really care about that part. Let's talk more about Liam's chest.

I love that they can use actual Padalecki family photos as Cordell and Emily photos. No bad Photoshop needed!

Team Sassyboots 2.0. I don't really care about this missing guy either. Skipping it. You know, I understand this is meant to be an ensemble show, and Jared Padalecki and his stupid pretty face and long legs are not going to be in every scene. But Micki working a case with her boss and her boyfriend just bothers me and I don't want to be a part of it.

Trail ride. They're bedding down in the barn for the night? What the fuck? Where are they? Why didn't they just drive home? I'm so confused! Cordell and Geri talk about Hoyt some more. Cordell makes an awkward comment about "us together" and then amends it to mean all of us together, as in you and me and the kids camping right now, not, like, you and me together together, and then does a little eyebrow thing like whoo, good job, talked your way out of that one. NO, CORDELL, YOU ARE NOT AS SMOOTH AS YOU THINK YOU ARE. Anyway. There's a lot of guilt about poor dead Hoyt. Cordell tells Geri her name is still on the Sidestep lease (lease? I thought they owned it?), as if being part owner of a bar is always going to be a good thing, with no liability at all. And they don't kiss, for which I am grateful. The horses are really acting up. I hope nothing's happening.

Cordell checks on the horses and apologizes to the mare for leaving the llama behind. He realizes he made the wrong choice. "You know what," he says. "Let's go fix this."

I adore him.

Walker Ranch. Grandpa and Gramma have been mushroom hunting and are now getting silly. Um, what kind of mushrooms did you two find? And then Grandpa says "tonight's about Hoyt," which I do not understand. "I saw the joy he gave you," Grandpa says. Yes, Grandpa, and do you not find that even a little bit fishy? And then he decides to build something.

Trail ride. Cordell went and retrieved his llama! He is precious. I love him so much. He has some pratfalls in the same ravine that almost caught Stella, and then his family shows up and rescues him. (Can I point out that his "a-ha-ha" laugh is the same one we heard when he opened his gift from Dean in "A Very Supernatural Christmas" and I'm not sure it appeared in any other episode?) August offers the Lucky Jacket to use as a llama harness to haul the little guy out of the ravine. Oh, and it turns out the llama is about to give birth.

And, while I'm skipping Team Sassyboots 2.0, it's hard to ignore that Micki is now in a UFC fight. That might have been an interesting story after all. Y'all can fill me in.

Walker Ranch. They're building a little stable. Because this big horse ranch doesn't have enough stables. Liam, who was bedridden to the point of not being able to eat barbeque yesterday, is now helping build. He gets a text from his former fiance, who wants to talk. And Grandpa has decided to treat his cancer. Happy endings all around!

Micki's house. She says she was passive-aggressive with Walker because she's afraid of losing him. I get it, sweetie. He's someone you don't want to lose.

Trail ride. August is carrying the newborn llama, wrapped in the Lucky Jacket. Geri wants to cut out before they get to the ranch. She's going to ride the bus home? Seriously? Isn't her car at the Walker Ranch? She and Cordell talk abou their unfinished business. Yeah, like the fact she was probably involved in your wife's murder? That unfinished business, Geraldine? Grandpa meets them before they get to the ranch and informs them he has a strict no-llama policy on the ranch. But luckily, he just built an alpaca stable. They’re alpacas, not llamas. So, Geri called him, but how did he know they were alpacas? Did she send pictures? I am so confused. Anyway. The new family goes into their new home. They name the baby alpaca Hoyt, of course.

Little Hoyt, guys, he's the sweetest thing.

Breakfast. Political Opponent gives Liam a contribution. Oh, I get it. They're running for the same office, and he thinks Liam will draw votes away from his other opponent. Shrewd. Stella calls Trevor and says she might need to leave the past behind. And you are the past, Trevor. Cordell sees a truck pull up and runs out to meet Micki. She apologizes for holding a grudge over him leaving. She tries to shake hands and he hugs her instead. She thinks they can just be friends now instead of partners, and he says they're not friends, they're family. And then she oohs and aahs over the alpacas, which she recognizes immediately as alpacas and not llamas, and also points out that little Hoyt is actually a girl. Oops. Awkward. Cordell is surprised she can just tell. "Most people can." Yeah, you are the worst rancher's son ever. Then Cordell sees the fence is carved with a memorial to Hoyt. Aw.

He is also the sweetest thing.

So. Less drama than last week. More warmth. A ridiculous B story that was as annoying as giving Cas his own plot. Will I still watch next week? Yeah, probably. I have questions. How did Grandpa know they were alpacas? Where is the baby daddy? Can Cordell and his rancher father really not tell the difference between a male and female alpaca? Why is Geri riding the bus home, when her car is at the Walker's? Why is she avoiding the Walker Ranch? Will August ever get his own plot again?

It's just a shame that this episode didn't have any shout-outs to Supernatural, like the last one did...

[cogitrot]

(oh no it got long. I really did want to talk.)

Wiley Jones:

My alt account on semi-hiatus while I focus on my main. Not very far into his story yet, but Wiley definitely thinks he understands how the devils work more than he actually does, and it is absolutely going to get him in trouble. Wiley enjoys figuring out how people tick and he's very good at it, but the devils are better, and also better at turning that same skill against him to lull him into a false sense of security. I imagine Wiley's going to strut on in too close, get burned, and immediately spook as far from the devils as he possibly can before promptly pretending nothing ever happened. He's just coincidentally avoiding any and all interaction with any devils whatsoever ever and at all. No panic attacks at the mere sight of narrow-brimmed hats and molten eyes for him. He meant to break into a cold sweat and hyperventilate in this alley right here. Tactics!

Corrie Keiler:

Is Managing Their Expectations and as such gets along with them rather well. At least from their end. Corrie doesn't trust them at all, of course, but that lack of trust stems from an understanding that the devils aren't human, are in fact very effective predators who prey on humans, and that everything they do needs to be examined through that lens. This keeps them comfortably on their guard, and their naturally dispassionate nature helps here because every time the devils manage to spawn a surge of affection or obligation or "I wish they'd pay attention to me/I wish they'd like me" feeling in them Corrie locks that shit down immediately like a butterfly to a pin board, all "Oh? And where did THAT come from?" It's not personal, though. In some ways, the devils kind of amuse Corrie, when they aren't being mildly frustrated or exasperated by their antics. Only mildly, though. Once again: Managing expectations. On a related-unrelated note, I have so many Confident Smiles from Corrie politely responding to the opening card in an Intimate of Devils storyline, which has apparently initiated a standoff. The devils are laying siege to their mailbox in a neverending onslaught of hopeful suitors diners suitors and Corrie holds the line with unyielding, non-committal courtesy. I fear we will be here forever.

This does have a downside, kind of. Corrie is Not Susceptible to devils with sob stories. Even ones that may in fact be legitimate. Especially when they may in fact be legitimate, because that may be more likely to make Corrie feel something, and that just means Corrie definitely doesn't trust it. Sorry, Absconding Devil. RIP Crimson Captain.

But why is Hell one of the factions Corrie is also actively courting? If Corrie were being properly cognizant and respectful of the danger, wouldn't they keep their distance? Their very large distance? And yes! Yes, they would! But, look.

Corrie likes big, dangerous predators.

They're curious, y'all. That's it. They dress it up (Hell is a very powerful faction that ends up in a lot of the same circles as them) so they don't really have to acknowledge it because Corrie doesn't like being caught out being indulgent of their curiosity when it's not practical for them, but they are. They want to understand. They want to know. They're collecting bees just to see what the devils do with them all. There's probably a notebook somewhere. Not enough curious to climb over the emotional version of the enclosure fence, sure, but enough to keep them wandering back more often than they probably should.

I actually waffled making the devils the Closest To faction for Corrie, but it just didn't fit. Corrie's not so fond as to let them that close. I mention this though, because I was looking through the wiki and found the options for getting rid of Closest To, and the one for the devils fits perfectly with an AU plot I'd been toying with for end-game Corrie discovering their murdered brother's soul might have been taken before he died, prompting Corrie to go absolutely apeshit. I almost went Closest To just so I could have them do it in the future. Almost. You can imagine this being the inevitable ending to any particularly close relationship Corrie might ever develop with Hell, though.

We're always wanting to talk more about our OCs but it can be difficult to figure out where to start sometimes. Sitting on my porch, I got the idea to run a weekly prompt thing. So here we go!

Week of August 27: How does your oc feel about hell/the devils? How much interaction are they willing to do?

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Congrats on 3 years!!!! I love your content and I can't wait to see what the future brings to your blog and I hope today is a good day for you! I honestly feel like I have been following your for longer, boy does time fly. I would like to ask for a Star Wars ship ( I have recently been rewatching Clone Wars and the Mandalorian lately ). I'm bisexual so gender doesn't really matter to be, but if it helps I do tend to lean more on the male side. (1/5)

Personality wise I am a pretty anxious person and I get really nervous around new people, but once I get to know them I become a pretty sassy and I will joke a lot. I tend to be more of the mom of the group when I am with my friends, and am usually the voice of reason. I am really caring, but at the same time I am blunt and won't sugar coat things and I can be VERY opinionated. I am reliable and pretty level-headed and I would rather think out a solution to a problem than jump in head first.(2/5)

Usually when I am alone I tend to keep to myself and just observe what is going on around me. I like being alone and don't really need to be around a lot of people. I tend to be really quiet so I sneak up on people without realizing it and accidently scare them. For fun I do like writing and drawing, though I never really post either, and I love reading. I also have a soft spot for small children and animals. Now for the fun part! I kind of want to say that I ship you with Obi Wan. (3/5)

I feel your humor mixed with his could result in some pretty great entertainment for the both of you, and those witnessing it. I also think that you and Obi might have some really in depth talks late at night about life and what is going on in the galaxy around you. I think that you both would kind of be like the parents of the friend group with how reliable you both are. (4/5)

Most importantly I think Obi would be really good, and sweet, and pulling you from getting lost in thoughts by just asking what is on your mind but not pushing you to tell him. I also think he would be really understanding and leave you alone if you need to just be away from everyone, but also push you slightly to go out and do things so you aren't always alone, if that makes sense? Anyway congrats again! Love you and your blog!!! (5/5)

I ship you with Captain Rex

You guys would be a pretty low-key, but undeniably loving couple.

Rex really isn’t one for public exhibitions of his affections and you’re not looking to be a center of attention, but you always have each other’s backs.

You make a habit out of making Rex laugh with you observation around the room.

He loves how straight forward you are with your thoughts and opinions. He’s not afraid to challenge you which could lead to some heated backs and forths, but that’s just because you understand each other so well.

You guys are certainly one of the more responsible couples leading some of the 501st to teasingly call you Mom and Dad. Rex pretends to be annoyed, but he likes it.

And this is just an aside, but Rex has perfected the longing heart eyes across the room for you.

This was so thought out, thank you! I do love my beautiful knight in shining armor.

(5/30)