#i made these myself out of ribbon because I wanna be a doll so damn bad 😭

[rottenandsublime]

All I wanna do is play dress up 🩷

[any pronouns]

[cruecifymesixx]

Love and Leather /part seventy seven/

Word Count: 4.9k

A/N: Enjoy a soft cute chapter before stuff starts to pick back up again!

Warnings: smut, language 

Taglist:   @aryssav , @miserablecunt , @dangerous-like-a-loaded-pistol, @fandomshit6000, @anntheboneless,  @justjodeye, @supernaturalvikingwhore, @hi-my-name-is-riley, @extremesadnerding, @thatbandchick39, @awkwrdcait, @countrygirlswonderland, @awesomealmostdopestudent, @romanticvengeance , @tashy-bear, @krazykatkay456, @terror-triplet, @shouttatthedevill @beachystars, @rodriguez025, @kickstart-myheart-sixx, @s-outhie, @anxious-diabetic, @awkwardblackgirls, @rockersbox, @brooklyn-antiques, @shamelessobsessions, @jerseytaint, @lilytalebi, @criminalyetminimal, @motley-queen, @trapt-in-a-dream, @lunamadhatter99, @broke-n-bitchy @thanks2pete,  @lovesick-heart0, @keepcalm-and-beyou, @miriampraez, @teenwolflover28, @lilyhw1, @motherloovebone, @random-internet-user-4471, @falcon-arrows, @talranocchia2001,  @waywardprincess666, @malibubarbievince, @iluvmesomemarvelndc, @zoenicoles, @vamprlestat, @supersoldierballerina, @primal-screamer @electradestiny, @marshbev, @n0-sh0rtage-0f-faults, @cruebaby, @ggorehorror, @valentines-in-london, @miss2001babe, @nassauartist  @cmft-jr-winchester, @bokkie92, @notworthyofyou1120 @xrosegoldwolfx, @lauravic, @mgkobsessed, @chaoticvybe,  @kellysimagines @thoughtsoftheantagonist @marvelismylifffe, @sleepyjunhong  @meetthesixxter @sparxx27 @gingerspicetalks @kaitieskidmore1 @unknownoblivion @nevergoodenuffbutokaaayyy @sublimeprincesswasteland @kylieinwonderland @haileynicoleseavey17 @lavendersoundbarrier @youretheonlyonewhomakesme, @xxisxxisxxis, @dogmom2014, @cruesixxlover1991, @xpoisonousrosesx, @cranberrirolls, @m0rnlngstar, @love-struck-aries, @findingmyths, @minxtruck, @i-want-to-shoot-myself, @arianareirg, @fentitrbl, @sinningsixx, @motleycrueprincess, @redlipscrystalskies14, @samanthadegaro, @brideofdraculana​,

~Christmas 1995~

“You know what would really make this a good Christmas?” I looked up at Nikki, smiling as I folded wrapping paper littered with golds and greens. It was currently one in the morning and we were scramming to get all the presents wrapped. Arianna so far, has woken up twice to see if Santa has came yet. Luckily, we were able to get her back to sleep quickly.

“Whats that, Princess?” Nikki asked me as he put another present under the tree before grabbing another one.

“Some snow.” I looked at him, taking a sip of a whiskey glass full of Jack Daniels and Irish Cream.

“Snow? But you hate the cold. Which is also why I didn’t understand why you picked New York. It’s freezing there.” Nikki chuckled

“No! No. Dust I mean, you know blow? Coke? Snow?” I smirked and put down the drink, almost missing the table, “Whoops.”

“Shut the fuck up.” Nikki laughed, “I think you’ve had enough of those jack knifes Van.” He tsk’d before cutting paper in one smooth motion.

“No way. This is only my third one and we still have a gazillion presents to wrap.” I took another sip before offering some to him. He gave me a look before bringing the glass to his lips and taking a swig.

“Christ, V. No wonder why you’re already buzzed. It’s all whiskey.” He chuckled before handing it back to me.

“You’re just a pussy.” I said in a matter of fact type tone before putting the glass down and scooting away from the present I had been attempting to wrap for the past fifteen minutes. I laid back and rested my head on Nikki’s thigh, “You think she’ll be happy?”

Nikki laughed and ran his fingers through my hair, “Of course she’ll be happy. Look at all these presents. She’s going to loose her mind. Why are you worried babe?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know. Sometimes I just wonder if I’m doing enough for her ya know? That she knows I’m a good mom and that you’re a good dad...I don’t want her to end up hating us when she’s older.”

“What? She won’t hate us. I mean maybe she’ll think she hates us when she’s a teenager but we still have so many years to go until we get there. You’re a great mom and she knows that. Just like she knows I’m a great dad. Plus, I think the presents will help in our favor too.” He smiled down at me before reaching for my drink and finishing it off.

I was about to protest, “I will make you another one. Don’t worry.” He smiled before kissing my lips and letting me move off of him before he went to the kitchen.

“So, when are we gonna eat these cookies? We better not get any rabbits or moles in the backyard because of all the carrots she threw out there for the reindeer.” Nikki spoke as he brought the plate of cookies and a fresh drink to me.

“Anarchy will eat the carrots and for the cookies...well, we can eat them now. We deserve a snack break anyways.” I grabbed one of the frosted cookies Arianna had decorated today and laid down on the floor and stared up at tree.

Nikki laid down next to me and I shuffled closer to him, “You did a good job decorating it. I think the last time I had a Christmas tree up in the house was 89’.” Nikki explained to me as I glanced at him.

“When I was still here?” He nodded, “Brandi didn’t decorate?”

He chuckled, “No. We were out touring but I had a mini one in my hotel rooms. And Brandi, well, she was always modeling or she would go home to her family during the holidays. We only spent like two thanksgivings together in the four years we were married.”

“You make marriage sound horrible.” I muttered as I took a sip of my drink.

“My marriage to her was horrible. But when we get married? Oh, doll. It’s gonna be fucking amazing.”

“Or a miracle.” I laughed at the serious face he had, “You still wanna marry me?” I asked curiously, grazing my nails over his jawline.

“Uh, duh? Of course I still want to marry you.”

I smiled at Nikki, his green eyes literally sparkling under the strings of white lights wrapped around the tree. I reached up and gave him a slow kiss, taking his bottom lip between my teeth gently before pulling away.

“It’s not too late for you to be put on the naughty list, Vanity.” He smirked, engulfing my hips in his hands and pulling me closer to him.

“And why would I want to join you on that list?” I chuckled and reached between all the gifts and grabbed a shiny tin foil box and handed it to him, “Here. An early Christmas present.”

He groaned before sitting up and putting it into his lap, “Fine, but you gotta open-“ I pressed my finger to his lips, watching him smirk before he kissed it and wrapped his lips around it.

I started laughing, “No only for you- ah!” I covered my mouth when he captured my finger by his teeth, “Nikki.” He grinned before letting it go and his hand started untying the black ribbon.

I cradled my whiskey glass taking a sip ever so often as I watched him toss the lid to the side before throwing white tissue paper at me, “Oh, holy shit!” He looked at me, his smile from ear to ear before he took out the camera out of the box.

“Baby...”

I chewed on my bottom lip and pressed the power button for him, “It’s all charged and I thought I could be the first picture. Your greatest gift of all.” I laughed and took a bow off the sticky paper and put it on top of my head.

“I love you so god damn much.” He smiled before raising to sit on his knees and kiss me, “I want the bow a little lower, though.”

I cocked my head to the side and took the bow off my hair, “Here?” I smirked, taking a sip and put it over my chest. Nikki chuckled but shook his head.

“A little lower baby. I can show you if you want?”

I stood up, with the help of his shoulders and shimmied the Christmas themed pajama pants down my legs before stepping out of them. I sat back down supporting myself with one hand and opened up my legs to him, “Right there?” I placed the silver bow right above my panty line. Nikki licked his lips and nodded.

“Take them off and lay down.” Nikki instructed as I laid back and raised my hips, pulling the red laced thong down my legs before throwing them at him.

Nikki rests his hand on my knee and places the bow between my legs after I opened them again for him. He grabbed the camera before I heard the click of the shutter, “Take off your shirt.”

I did as he said, “Cover yourself with your arm.” I looked at him, “Just do it.” I crossed my forearm over my chest. His hand came down and caressed my chin before tilting my head the way he wanted it. “Just look at me. Give me your pouty eyes.”

“But I’m not pouting?” Nikki smiled behind the camera and raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, pretend I just told you no to using my credit card for a really nice pair of heels you wanted....there it is. Good girl.” Nikki took the shot before looking at it and showed me it, “Beautiful as ever, Van. Can we take one more?”

I smiled and kissed his cheek, “What do you want to-“ Before I could even get the words out of my mouth, Nikki had a hand wrapped around my throat and guided me down to the floor again. I closed my eyes, feeling his thumb brush over my skin and my lips parted when he tightened his grip. I opened my eyes to look at the camera, biting my bottom lip as he squeezed even more.

“I love it when you look at me like that.” Nikki murmured before putting the camera down and pulled my hips towards him. I reached up for his shoulders to pull him down and he happily obliged. His lips captured mine as he slid his tongue into my mouth. I hummed at the taste of him, hooking my knee over his lower back.

I placed my hands under his shirt, pushing the fabric up his body as he sat up and quickly pulled it off before coming back to my lips, his hand wrapping into strands of hair and rested on the nape of my neck. I closed my eyes when his lips and teeth made work out of my neck, sucking and nipping softly. Nikki moved down to my chest, squeezing my breast before pinching and rolling my nipple between his fingers. His mouth stayed busy with the other one.

My hands wander to between our legs as I reached into his sweats and wrapped my hand around his hardening cock, slowly sliding my hand up and down. Nikki closed his eyes and gnawed on his bottom lip as I picked up the pace his hips started following my movements.

“Fuck Vanity.” Nikki moaned, peppering my clavicle with kisses. I swiped my thumb over the tip and used the pre cum to make things a lot smoother. Nikki reached into his pants, placing his hand on top of mine to guide me, “So good...shit.” He breathed out before pulling his pants down more.

I licked my fingers before putting my hand between my leg, rubbing slow circles around my clit as I watched him jerk himself off before he pushed my legs open for him. Nikki pulled me closer to his body before resting my leg against his chest. He placed his lips against the sunflower on my ankle before biting my calf.

A low moan tumbled out of my lips as he rubbed his cock against my pussy. I watched as a tear drop of spit spilled off his tongue and right onto me before he rubbed his thumb over my clit, “Nikki..” I grabbed a hold of his cock and guided him into me slowly. Eyes fluttering close as my back arched off the living room floor as Nikki filled me to the brim, “So...so deep.” I placed my hand on his that had an iron grip on my hip.

Nikki pulled back, almost escaping my body before thrusting back in as deep and harder as before. Nikki covered my mouth with his hand as he started fucking me. I closed my eyes, feeling the overwhelming sensation overcome me as my hands rested against his thighs, nails clawing into his skin.

Nikki watched himself move in and out between my legs before reaching for the camera and taking a picture, “Seriously?” I laughed, grabbing his hand and intertwining our fingers together when he put it down.

He chuckled before leaning over and kissing me deeply, his grunts and heavy breaths being swallowed by me as he moved his hips faster against mine. His forearms rested on either side of my head as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, peppering kisses and bites where my neck meets my shoulder.

My eyes closed as i felt myself tighten around his length repeatedly, mixed with the twitching of his cock I knew neither of us were gonna last long. I wrapped my hand around the back of his neck, weaving my fingers through his hair while the other rested on his lower back. My hips tilted upwards to meet his as his fingers strummed over my clit. I brought my bottom lip between my teeth as a way to keep my moans under wraps as I felt myself cum.

“Fu-fuck, fuck.” Nikki quickly pushed my leg off his hip and pulled out, taking his cock into his hand and jerking himself off and cumming on my lower abdomen.

I wiped my face, pushing hair out of the way as I heard the shutter of the camera, “Oh my god, really?” I rolled my eyes before playfully kicking him in the chest.

“It’s not the snow you talked about earlier.” He grinned before swiping his finger over my skin and brought it to my lips. I licked the cum off his finger before sucking on it, “Dirty fucking girl.” Nikki giggled like a naughty school boy before patting my cheek.

We both looked at each other, eyes wide when we heard a door open upstairs. I rolled away from Nikki before quickly grabbing his shirt and throwing it over my head, “That’s mine-“ Nikki groaned before quickly pulling up his sweats. I grabbed the rest of my clothes and hid behind the couch.

I peeked over the arm rest to see Nikki take the stairs two at a time before meeting Arianna, “Baby, you need to be sleeping.” I watched him pick her up and hold her in his arms as she rested her head on his shoulder, her blanket still wrapped around her.

“But I need to see Santa.” She mumbled tiredly before Nikki took Arianna to her room.

I laughed to myself before slipping on my underwear and going to sit by Christmas tree. I’ll have to clean that wet spot later. I took a sip of the now watered down jack knife and finished wrapping the present I was working on. I looked over my shoulder when Nikki came downstairs.

“I told her that she has to sleep or Santa won’t come and if he does come he’ll leave her coal.” Nikki explained before grabbing another gift for Arianna and wrapping it.

“Good, because Santa is tired and needs to sleep.”

*Christmas morning*

My eyes fluttered open, glancing at the California sun shining through. I sighed before closing my eyes feeling Nikki adjust in his sleep, wrapping his arm around my waist before his hand slid up my shirt and grabbed a handful of one of my tits.

“Good morning.” He mumbled hoarsely, his hot breath tickling my ear as he kissed the back of my head.

“It’s Christmas.” I relaxed back into the bed, before turning my head to give him a kiss.

“God, your breath is horrible.” Nikki laughed before pushing away from me, groaning as he stretched in my bed and buried his face in the pillows.

“Shut up. Yours ain’t all that great either.” I ran my nails down his exposed side, making him squirm.

I heard pitter patter of feet running down the hallway before the half opened door slammed against the wall, “Santa came!!” Arianna screamed excitedly as she ran to the bed, pulling herself up and crawling up towards us, “Mommy! Come on!” She started pulling on my hand to get me to sit up.

“Arianna.” I laughed, rubbing my eyes seeing her smile, “How do you know Santa came already?”

She let out a groan before jumping on the bed, “Oh Jesus Christ.” Nikki grumbled, wincing in pain when she jumped on his back.

“Cause! Cause I saw the presents downstairs! And the cookies are gone! And we have to open them! Daddy! Wake up! Daddy!”

Nikki quickly wrapped his arms around her and brought her down to the bed, squirming as she laid between us, “But I’m still sleepy.” He pouted before Arianna squeezes his cheeks together in her little hands before sticking her finger up his nose, “Quit it.” He laughed, pushing her hands away from his face.

Arianna huffed and puffed before grabbing each of our hands, “Santa brought me a lot of presents.”

I chuckled before getting out of bed and grabbing shorts that were laying on the floor, “And how do you know if they’re for you? What if they’re all for me?” I questioned before offering my hands to her and lifting her off the bed.

“Because daddy said you were on the naughty list so that means you get coal.”

I shook my head, “No way, Santa loves me. I’m always on the nice list.”

“You’re always on my naughty list.” Nikki mumbled before pulling on his sweats, “Okay sweat pea, let’s go see what Santa brought.”

Arianna ran out of my room, Anarchy finally getting off her dog bed and chasing after her, “Let her outside to go potty first, Ari!”

I walked down the stairs, Nikki following behind me before he went to the kitchen to start making coffee, “Ari baby, you gotta wait!” I sighed when she ripped the silver paper to shreds and pulled out a new Barbie doll.

“Mommy! Look!” She said with a gasp as she showed me.

“Very cool! But hold on.” I told her as she pouted for a moment before nodding. I let Anarchy out as she was waiting patiently by the back door.

“I know, I know. You don’t need to look at me like that.” I patted her head before she ran towards the yard.

“Mom!!” I closed my eyes before going to the couch and sitting down, “Open that pink one.” I pointed to the pink unicorn bag as she quickly grabbed it and sat in the middle of the living room with it.

I almost started laughing when she glared at me, “What is it babe?” I watched as she pulled out a black leather jacket that Nikki had picked out for her.

“Mommy I don’t want a jacket.” She frowned before putting it off to the side and grabbing another present.

I thanked Nikki when he handed me a cup of coffee and sat down next to me, “What’s wrong with the jacket? You’re gonna be so cool when you go back to school.” He grabbed it off the floor and motioned her to come to him. He helped her put it on before smiling, “Do you like it?”

She huffed and looked at the sleeves and tugged on it, “Yes. It’s like yours.” Arianna mumbled before shimmying out of it and giving it back to Nikki.

“Told you she’d like it.” He whispered to me as she went back to the tree and started pulling out present after present.

“You wanna open one of your presents from Santa?” Nikki questioned as I rolled my eyes but nodded. He got off the couch and grabbed a gold glittered bag with red tissue paper sticking out of it and put it on my lap.

I put my cup of coffee down before opening up the bag and pulling out the paper, my cheeks turning a shade of pink as I closed the bag, “Nikki. You couldn’t have gave this to me, oh I don’t know last night?”

He grinned and shook his head, “Did you even look at it? I picked it out myself. I think it will fit I had to raid your bra and panty drawer when you were out of the house.”

I pulled out a mesh, see through bra that had small, silver link chains hanging down, “Those wrap around you and I-“

“I know what they’re for.” I chuckled before grabbing the matching thong that went with it, my eyes widening at the leather cuffs at the bottom of the bag that had even longer chains attached to it, “And these?”

He smirked, “I’m glad you asked, well, they can be chained to either my bed posts or yours.”

“What did you get mommy?” I quickly stuffed them back in the bag when Arianna tried taking a peek.

“Oh, just boring clothes from Santa, baby.” I spoke fast as she went back to the tree and started opening another present.

“Go grab one for you.” I nudged him as he groaned and picked a tiny red box and sat back down. I watched as he shook it, making a face when he heard something rattle inside.

“A scooter?!?” Arianna screamed and tried pushing the box to us, “Mommy! Can we open it!?”

I laughed, “Open the rest of them and then we can go outside and play.” I smiled at her as she nodded.

“Please tell me you got her a helmet.” I whispered to Nikki as he chuckled.

“Outside waiting with the Barbie Jeep.” He looked at me before taking the lid off the box and pulling out a tinier black velvet box. He raised his eyebrow in suspicion before opening it, “Oh! Whoa!”

Nikki held up a gold ring that was in the shape of a skull with little intricate details, “Van! This is fuckin’ sick!” He chimed as he slid it on his finger.

“Does it fit okay? The jeweler said I could have it resized if it didn’t.” I asked him as he took it off and examined it some more, “Look.” I grabbed it and flipped it upside down showing him the ‘Sixx’ that was engraved in old English lettering.

“It fits perfectly babe. Thank you.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek before putting it back his middle finger, “I love it. And you.”

After Arianna had demolished through all of her presents, the living room over flowing with ripped bags and paper, she was content playing with her new Barbie dream house and driving the RC Barbie car with her dolls inside, terrorizing Anarchy with it.

“Here. Open this one.” Nikki handed me a white box with a red silk bow wrapped around it. I smiled at him before getting up and walking to the tree, standing on my tip toes to grab a black envelope with ‘Nikki’ written in gold cursive.

“Open this one too.”

“No. You go first.” He grinned, sitting on the floor in front of me with the pink Santa hat on top of his head.

The box felt heavy as I untied the bow, a longer dark blue velvet box inside of it. I glanced at him for a split second before opening it up, gasping when I stared down at a thick strip of diamonds. I took it between my fingers and held it up, the sunshine coming through the window making it glisten, “Baby...”

“Don’t cum in your panties.” He laughed before sitting up on his knees and taking it from me. Nikki pushed my hair away and wrapped the diamond encrusted choker around my neck before clasping it, “You like it?”

I nodded and brought my hand up to my neck to feel it. I walked over to the mirror and looked at it, “It’s absolutely beautiful. Thank you Nikki.” I bit my lip and gawked over it, a contempt sigh pushing past my lips.

“Anything for you princess.” He grinned before he opening up his gift. I took off the choker and put it back in the box, “What the hell is this?” He laughed as he flipped through the little pamphlet.

Clementine had suggested to make something for Nikki because I had no idea what to get him for Christmas. So, I did some research.

“Good for one...one blow job?” He looked at me confused.

“They’re coupons!”

His eyebrows furrowed, “Coupons? You know what those are?”

I rolled my eyes, “Yes I know what they are! Think of them as like golden tickets!” I watched as he flipped through them some more.

“Redeem for a date night? Vanity...uh...thank you?” He flipped through some more, “Redeem for....anything you want?” I watched the wheels turn in his head as he looked at me, “Huh...good for sex, another blow job, a massage, cuddles...” He muttered as he went through them all, “A home cooked meal...don’t want that one.”

“Oh come on!” I groaned, “It’s cute! And if I deny any of them I have to give you one hundred dollars.”

He arched an eyebrow, “...And I can use them whenever?” I nodded, “Any time, any place? I just give it to you?” Again, I nodded, “Hm. I’ll hold onto this for a rainy day then.”

“I have one more gift for you.” I smiled at him, “But you have to close your eyes.”

“Vanity, I thought we agreed we weren’t gonna go crazy.” His eyes fluttered closed, “And I thought you were okay with that, thats why I didn’t get you a lot.”

“Yes I’m okay with that but I just couldn’t pass this up. Keep them closed.” I walked down the hallway and to the closet, grabbing the long dark green wrapped box with a gold bow on it and carried it to the living room.

My mother likes auctioning off a lot of the antiques and rich, expensive items for fun that have have been in the family for decades. Back in October, she had told me some really cool things were going to be auctioned off that myself or Nikki would be interested in. Some guy had came to the auction and had guitars, basses, and pianos from musical artists ranging from the 1950s all the way to the 1970s. I didn’t recognize any of them as they were mainly one hit wonder bands and singers but he did have a signed Marc Bolan guitar with a certificate of authenticity. And I recognized it immediately as Marc Bolan was the singer for T. Rex so I had my mother bid for it.

“Okay. Here you go.” I told Nikki as his eyes opened and he looked at me then the box before quickly taking it from me.

His smile was huge, “It’s a bass right? A guitar?” I shrugged and watched as he ripped the paper off. He sucked in a deep breath of air as he put the box on the floor and towered over it, ripping off the tape and opening the lid. Packing peanuts started flying as he pulled out a burnt orange Gibson Les Paul guitar, “Oh no fucking way. No fucking way!” Nikkis fingers glided over the faded black signature “Marc fucking Bolan?! Vanity Blackwood tell me this isn’t real!!”

“It’s not.”

“You liar!” He yelled excitedly as he picked up the certificate, “Oh my god it’s real! This is real?!Where did you find this?!” He carefully put it down and tackled me on the couch peppering kisses over my cheeks and lips causing me to laugh under him before he got on the floor and grabbed it again.

“Baby...I-I I don’t even know what to say.” I smiled as Nikki strummed on the strings just a bit, “Thank you Van. Really, I’m-just thank you.”

I smiled at Nikki before watching him reach behind and grab the last present, “For you.” He placed it on my lap as he started tuning the guitar.

I tore apart the gift wrap and unraveled the tissue paper before staring at a glass frame the map of a night sky.

‘In your hands now lays the night sky from January 15th, 1981. It was a Thursday night. I had just left the Starwood and you were working at the diner. My memories hazy, but I have an excuse. However, I still remember the way you looked that night. You were wearing black skinny jeans, with a pair of white converse. Your hair was in a bun and you had a blue pen sticking out of it but you were writing orders with a red pen. Your white short sleeved, buttoned down uniform shirt had a pink stain on it but I didn’t pay much attention because you had quite a few buttons undone. I remember when you first looked at me, you took my breath away. I couldn’t fathom how gorgeous someone could be, I still can’t. You light up my world, just like the stars on the night we met. Merry Christmas Vanity.

I love you past the moon, the stars, and the sun.’

I looked at Nikki as he flipped his hair back and out of his face, “What?” He grinned, “I think you got a little something on your cheek, doll.”

I sniffled before putting the picture frame down before taking the guitar away from him and sitting in his lap, “I love you so much, Nikki.” I laughed when he wiped the few tears from my cheek, “It’s absolutely beautiful.” I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and kissed the side of his neck.

“I love you too. I didn’t know if you’d like it or not. And I spent weeks deciding to get it but I’m really glad you do.” He rambled, scratching the back of his head before brushing away pieces of hair from his eyes.

“It’s perfect. I like it way more than the diamond choker.” I said before tilting his jaw up by his chin and pressing a kiss to his lips.

He quickly pulled away from me, “You’re joking.”

I chuckled, “Maybe just a little bit.” I quickly kissed him again and reached for the camera on the coffee table, “Arianna! Come here! We gotta take a picture!”

Arianna came running down the hallway with her new barbies and Anarchy, who had an antler headband, “Come here.” I motioned for her and patted my lap, tickling her sides and making her laugh and scream.

“Okay! Okay, it’s on a timer.” Nikki quickly came and sat down next to me, wrapping both me and Ari up in his arms and pulling us closer to his side, “C’mere girl.” Nikki spoke to Anarchy before telling her to sit.

I leaned my head on Nikki’s shoulder, smiling as Anarchy licked the side of Arianna’s face. The camera beeped and then a flash, solidifying a great moment forever.

[palettes-and-prompts]

Character Palette/Personality Palette

If I have seen the movie/show/or whatever this character is in I will let you know! But if I haven't I'm just gonna give my best guess to their personality or what I think they like and everything. I will make them two palettes, one based on their appearance and one based on what I think their personality is. If you'd rather not see this just block the tag "character palette and personality guess" I figure no one's tagging anything like that so it should be easy to filter out. If you genuinely like this character and I lowkey diss them I'm sorry, I'm not going to apologize though, you're going to have to live with it. If you wanna send me a character for a palette and my guess at their personality/interests just drop it on anon and I'll see what I can do.

Alright so this is Riliane Lucifen D'Autriche from the series Evillious Chronicles. Still never seen this before.

Again with the yellow, I don't get it, who decided these outfits? Anyway, I assume she's that other kid's sister or something because of the blue eyes, blonde hair, and obviously the yellow must run in the family as well. I hate her dress, I really do, there's too much puffiness everywhere She looks like a cake topper. Oh shit, is that a yellow ribbon around her neck? I'm getting vivid flashbacks of the yellow ribbon story, do you guys know what I'm talking about? This guy saw a girl with a yellow ribbon like "Damn, bitch, you always wear that shit, let me see that neck." and she was like "Haha, marry me and I'll show you." And he does and she tells him she'll decide what day she shows him. And like, the day she's laying in bed about to die of old age she's like "Okay, you can take it off." And when he takes it off her her fucking head falls off. I fully expect the same thing to happen to this Riliane girl. What a terrible way to die though, especially by accident and everything, like some twerp ass kid is like "Haha, I got your ribbon!" and her head just pops off like a barbie doll or something. I don't know. She seems nice though, she's got a kind face. It's very dog like, I don't know what kind of dog but it's a small one, maybe a yorkie or something. Are yorkies called yorkies because they came to New York first? No, I'm a fucking idiot, they're called Yorkshire Terriers because they came from Yorkshire which sounds made up by the way. I'm getting off topic. Oh god, I just tried to close out of the wiki and I found out they have really bad separation anxiety and "they don't enjoy being alone" like, it says that in quotes and everything. God, why'd I read that, I'll be thinking about it all day. Fuck. Anyway, so she seems great, either like the kind little sister who probably dies in the anime because she was clearly too good for this world or something or the older sister who endures so much pain but ends up dying and that's how the younger sibling finds out what's really been going on. Oh, if the younger sibling found her before she died or something she's definitely the type that when they're crying she's smiling even if she's in immense pain. And she tells them how to escape and the main character spends their time getting stronger to avenge her or something. She's got big "I'm going to die" energy. I don't know what it is, maybe it's the dress. Maybe it's because I just don't like it and I wish she was wearing anything else. She looks like she gardens, roses in particular and like, that would definitely make the younger sibling hate roses or have a love for them. Either way, the younger sibling wouldn't go in the garden for a while and then when they do they discover the secret of why their sister really died and it's because she was a protector of like a magic sword or something. God, I keep coming up with things that I wish and when someone tells me about this character later I'm gonna be kinda disappointed because I made myself like this idea better. It's fine though. I wouldn't trust her to watch my pet or a child mainly because she's dead to me. Not in the way that I hate her, she seems lovely, I just see her having an early death because of the sword thing.

Anyway here's her palette based on her character design.

And here is her palette based on what I think her personality is.

[artificialqueens]

Objects in the Rear View Mirror (Craquameron) - Chapter Nine - Saiphl

But damn me and curse me for still needing you - Chapter Nine

Kameron’s POV

Bless all the girls staying late after school

They’re playing with fire and oh they’re playing it cool

The full intensity of Aquaria’s gaze stays with me even when I saw her driving away from the house. I didn’t really have to pick up anything, but as a sick prank of my mind, this was the only place I’ve thought to hide. I let myself fall on my dad’s favorite couch, and I close my eyes, pressing the bridge of my nose really strong.

I can’t take out of my head the way Aquaria was looking at me, and I’m a fucking coward, but I don’t dare to think about how hard was for me avoiding to touch her. Truth to be told: she’s gorgeous, like you should be blind to not notice it, but this is not the time to find Brianna’s ex beautiful. Leaning my forehead to the door, I try to make my head clear. Living far from Brianna was not easy, but manageable if I didn’t know she’s here, I could keep everything at bay, but now I feel like I need to get her back.

From the minute I turned and laid my eyes on you, I had no eyes of my own

I was blind to the world, you were too good to be true

I go to the backyard and let myself fall on a chair, the summer heat is on its highest point of the day, and the sun, mercilessly heats every surface on its reach. Memories of the last summer I’ve spent in this house start flooding on my head. That was the only summer I had with Brianna. That’s the summer when I fell in love with her.

Distractedly I kick my shoes and walk to the grass. The scent of the fresh cut and the flowers hitting my nose with the full weight of a fading memory. Brianna and I were sitting on a blanket, having a lazy evening with the last red rays of the sun. The Math tutoring long forgotten by the both of us, still lingering in the book laying on the grass on our first day of summer vacation. Her long wavy hair half tied in a messy bun on top of her head, while she was sitting behind me, braiding my hair.

She lightly kisses the back of my neck and I smile. I turned to face her and we made out lazily, taking the time to enjoy each other. That was the first night we spent together, we didn’t actually did it, but we touched and kissed each other in the most magical moment I can remember. Just as I told Aquaria, things between Brianna and me had always been organic. The kind of things that just feel right.

That’s why I can’t risk let me feel attracted to Aquaria. Because if there’s even a slight chance for me to get Bri back, I’d totally screw it by getting attached to the other. Even if I wanted to take Aquaria with me and fuck her senseless and make her forget of my Bri. I shake my head in a poor attempt to dismiss the idea, that slithers through my mind like a serpent threatening to eat me.

How does it amuse you, let me count the pain

How many rules breaking how many games

One thing is true: Aquaria is a predator, one of the most dangerous kind. Her striking looks and natural charm can get you trapped. I sigh loudly, at this point, all I want is to take a shower and bury myself under the bed covers until I feel less disturbed. I hear the alarm of my clock beep, I totally forgot I promised Morgan to at least message her today.  Tripping on my feet I reach for the telephone and I start typing as fast as I can.

Kameron: hey cous! I’m sorry I didn’t call, got a  little busy here.

Morgan: Sure you did bitch, mom is worried as hell, needless to say that I’m too

Kameron: I know, but yesterday I came almost straight from the airport to my dad’s house

Kameron: took forever reading and signing the paperwork

Kameron: then I cleaned my old room, ya’ know, stuff I didn’t have a chance to get back

Morgan: you ok Kam?

Kameron: with Katlyn? mostly yeah

Kameron: but you won’t believe this

Morgan: what did you do bitch?

Morgan: if you kicked her ass for being a bitch and I wasn’t there to watch it…

Morgan: I’ll be pissed at you for the next 90 years

Kameron: I just cut her off, but that’s not what I wanted to say

Morgan: ok, you’ll have to give me details

Kameron: later, just read

Morgan: ok, I’m just eyes right now

Kameron is typing

Morgan: …

Morgan: …

Morgan: getting impatient here!

Kameron: I went for a walk after cleaning my room, so I ended at Brianna’s, and you won’t believe this… she’s here!!! Like here, for the fucking career advice week, and I just met her at the high school, and guess who else is here?

Morgan: No way!!!

Kameron: Aquaria Needles herself!!

And in the wink of an eye you used to give me it all

And with a kiss in the darkness you’d deliver the light

As soon as the sent marks get blue, my phone starts ringing. “Hey sis! now you’ve beaten your own mark”, I say to Morgan, who starts rambling.

“Details bitch, I want details. What did she say? Was she mean? Was she with Aquaria?” she sighs on the phone, then keeps talking. “Come on Kameron, talk!”. She sounds both excited and wary, maybe she’s expecting for me to start crying any second now.

“I saw her yesterday, when she was literally turning her back on Aquaria” I say. “Then Aquaria found me and she was nice. She also wanted to know what happened with me and why did I disappeared like I did,” Morgan hums in agreement, waiting for me to keep talking. “She actually was very nice. This morning at the meeting we were having a nice conversation when Brianna showed up.” My voice cracks a little when I say her name.

“Ok, I guess by your tone that things weren’t going smoothly” Morgan says, sounding serious.

“She was nervous, and after the meeting she ran out the classroom. Aquaria and I found her at the restroom. It was awkward, first she literally jumped into my arms. Then she greeted Aquaria and both of them seemed sad.” I sigh and then take a deep breathe. “After that we left the school, and Aquaria drove us to a park in the other side of the city. We were talking for a while… like, a while.”

Morgan hums again, and then speaks. “So, I guess that conversation wasn’t smooth. I know you Kammy, I can hear your head working here, and I’m like thousands of miles away from you girl.” I nod, even when she can’t see me.

“Morgan… Brianna kissed me, and then kissed Aquaria.” She gasps, and clears her throat, giving me chance to put my ideas together. “Then she ran away, again. If you wanna ask if I’m alright, I’m not. I feel confused, and guilty, and horny as fucking hell”, Morgan laughs on that last argument.

Bless all the homecoming queens of the night

They’re looking for magic in gymnasium lights

“So, whose bones you wanna jump?” Morgan knows me like the back of her hand, and she will never turn down a chance to mock me. “Let me guess, you wanna jump Brianna’s bones, just ‘cause that’s what you always want whenever you see her. But you want to jump Aquaria’s bones too, and that’s why you feel guilty”. I nod again, feeling kind of defeated.

“You know I hate you, right?”, she laughs in the other side of the line. “Morgan, this is serious, it’s not ok that I want Aquaria too” I say, starting to get annoyed. “I want Brianna back, if I want that, I can’t get to fuck Aquaria.”

Morgan clears her throat again, soothing her laugh. “Ok baby doll, if you know what you want, then stop overreacting. First of all, you need to talk to Bri, and find out if she wants that too”, once again, she’s right. “Did you get her number at least?”

I slap my forehead, how can I be so stupid? “No, I didn’t”, in the most mature expression of herself, she throws a raspberry to me.  

“Then you know what to do honey. Listen, I have to go right now, I’ll tell mom you’re alright, and the next time I hear from you, you should’ve get her number and asked her out. Am I clear?” I silently nod. “I can’t see you nodding bitch, but I’ll take that silence as a yes. Do what you have to do, and don’t call me until you have something for me.”

In the pit of the night you used to pull me so close

And then you’d hold me so tight

“Alright, I will… Love you Morgaine” I laugh, and she throws another raspberry. We say goodbye and finish the call. It takes a call to Blair, 30 minutes, a home delivery of Panda Express and what was left of my sanity, but I get Brianna’s number. And another half an hour for me to write and rewrite a single message before pushing the send button.

Kameron: Hi Bri… it’s Kameron, how are you?

Then, I waited… and waited, and finally ate the food before my nervousness decided to chew my stomach. I was about to finish my noodles when the telephone finally rang.

Brianna: Hey Kam! I’d usually ask how did you get my number…

Brianna: then I remembered it was you, and you always find a way to find me -blushing emoji-

I can’t help smiling at that message, she’s right, I always find a way to get back to her, but this time I’ll make this is the last time I have to look for her.

Kameron: said like that, makes me look like a stalker jk

Brianna: -smiling emoji- you’re not a stalker, you’re just persistent

Kameron: I’ll take that as a compliment

Brianna: I’ve missed you Kammy…

Kameron: I’ve missed you too Bri…

Brianna: how did this happened?

Kameron: we’re both idiots

Brianna: True… can I?

Kameron: yeah, absolutely

Brianna: your parents’?

Kameron: positive… u comin’?

Brianna: I’m already outside.

I nearly drop the food on my attempt to stand up. I toss the box on the coffee table and jump over it to reach the door. When I open the door, Bri is there, a hand in the pocket of her pixie jeans, hair tied in a pink ribbon and a light blouse that shows the best parts of her curves. She smiles shyly, and I just hold her arm and bring her in.

You’re the one girl I’ll never forget

Somebody bless all these girls and everything that they do

But damn me and curse me for still needing you

[general-nion]

The General And Her Hostess

I wait a few moments after that woman, Geneva, left the room. A few cursory glances around the room I’m in give no signs of threat or ambush. If anything the entire place is sickeningly…home-y. The walls are painted an off white while similarly soft decor make up the majority of the room. The curtains to the window are lace and tied back with ribbons while one wall boasts a delicately designed golden filigree mounted to it.

Is this hell?

Throwing back the covers causes me to grimace at the stiffness in my right shoulder. Can’t be dead if I’m registering something so mundane.

Catching sight of a full length mirror helps me manage to force myself to my feet so I can finally get a better look at the full damage I’ve taken.

Three days. She said I had been unconscious for three days and It showed.

Stitches hold my skin together in a handful of places, but the most noticeable is a wound that stretches an honest 5 inches across my left hip- Wait a minute.

What in the hell am I wearing?

My reflection shows my clear disgust at the cotton shorts I’ve been dressed in that are patterned with, what? Are those cupcakes? Oh for the love of-! Even the tank top has a matching emblem across the chest.

All of this paired with my unruly hair being successfully brushed back into a ponytail causes me to appear almost adolescent. If it wasn’t for hard earned muscle definition and the multiple stitched and bandaged wounds I’m sure I could almost pass for some sort of civilian. Horrible.

Embarrassment fuels my speed so I can grab the door to open it. That woman had a lot of explaining to do! I led armies! Destroyed civilizations! I would not be dressed in such a manner-

My rage is silenced with a crack! As the door is ripped from its hinges and stands haphazardly from the grip I still have on its handle.

...gravity is also broken here. Terrific. I hate this planet.

“Sugar are you alright- What the hell have you done to my door?!”, the red head comes running around the corner but stops dead in her tracks to see the door in my grasp.

“What did I do?! What did you do?! Where is my armor? I demand you return it to me at once! I will not suffer another minute in this idiotic clothing!”, I toss the door to the side, not caring as it crashes halfway through the wall it collided with.

“Your armor, much like my door and now my wall, is a bunch of busted junk!”, she looks angry but then takes a deep breath and seems to visibly deflate, “Look, I couldn’t let ya lay around in that armor. Especially since most of what was missin’ from it was found IN ya when the Doc’s fixed ya up. If you don’t like the pajamas then I’m sure I can find you something else, but for now, Dinner is gonna get cold if you keep rippin’ doors off their hinges.”

“You should watch the way you speak to me, woman. For your own health.”, cupcakes be damned. I was not going to be talked to like a child!

“Did I miss somethin’? Cause I’m not the one who had to be dug outta crater or who cried in her sleep.”, her hands rest on her hips and she fixes me with an unimpressed look.

I just blink. She’s an idiot. She has to be. I don’t even need a scouter to tell she has next to no power level but even without any strength she should be able to tell that talking in such a way could warrant that I kill her.

“You should be a bit more grateful, Sugar. You could have died.”

“You should have let me.”, My tone causes a frown to fall on her face before she takes yet another very deep breath.

“Doubt that Frieza fellow would have appreciated that very much.”

“He- what?! What are you talking about?”, words fail me. Did I miss something? Is she actually a threat? Have I been lured into some kind of fake hospitality?

“Frieza? Odd name if ya ask me, but the way you kept sobbin’ like a baby and sayin’ his name I imagine whoever he is wouldn’t like it if I let you die.”

“You don’t know him. And you don’t know me.”

“Still helped ya, didn’t I?”

“...you mentioned dinner?”

Thankfully her whole face brightened and she turned to lead me toward where we would be eating. Last thing I wanted to do was rehash any of THAT with this odd woman.

And luckily she opted to remain quiet while we ate. Though I would grant her one impressive talent. She could cook. The last thing I expected was for such an extensive meal to be ready on the table.

Bowls filled with rice, varieties of meat stuffed dumplings, vegetables, and some kind of broth were all set across the table with an admirable eye to detail.

My mouth began to water and I was struck with how absolutely starved I was. I had forgotten to check the date when I was forced from Hypersleep so there was no telling how long the nutrients from the Cryopod had kept me sustained.

My face must have give away my eagerness because that woman just smiled and gestures toward the food, “Help yourself. If you’re still hungry after this I can always whip up some more!”

I barely spared her a glance before I dashed to a seat and started piling a plate high of food. Caution to the wind. She could be poisoning me right now, but my stomach and energy reserves couldn’t care less at the given moment.

It took no time on my part to clear the entire table, especially since halfway through it the woman brought out a plate of rolls that made it child’s play to eat every dripping.

My manners were probably absolute shit during this but it was mouth watering. All of it. Not a single thing was over done or underwhelming. Perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps that woman was some form of angel. Maybe I wasn’t sent to hell due to some ironic mix up that put me in Heaven.

I smacked my lips in satisfaction and leaned back in the seat, “Ah, my apologies. Did I eat everything?”

“Oh don’t you fret about it, doll! I had already eaten before you woke up.”, she smiles and my suspicions that she wasn’t an actual mortal were slowly being confirmed.

“Then what were you doing in the kitchen while I ate?”

A ding echoed from the kitchen the moment I finished that sentence and Geneva jumped to her feet in a graceful flourish, “You’ll see! Sit tight!”

Before I could even think to question her sudden rush she was to and back from the kitchen in the blink of an eye with something covered with a piece of cloth in both of her hands.

A delightfully sugary scent filled my nose and to my embarrassment I felt my nose actually twitching at the smell. On instinct and gluttonous instinct I began to rise my seat to get a better look at what she held.

“What in the world is that?”

“Figured you’d have room for dessert! So I went ahead and threw together a lil’ somethin’.”

The plate was set in front of me and I sat back down while she pulled the cloth off of whatever pastry she had made.

“Hope ya like cherry pie, doll!”

“...perhaps I won’t kill you in your sleep.”

That was the last she was able to get out of me before I ravenously dug into the Pie laid before me.

Heavenly. Delightful. Wonderful.

I’d always possessed a sweet tooth, but this? Oh this could easily spare the woman’s life.

Geneva seemed content to hum to herself while she worked around me to clear away the empty remains of dinner from the tabletop. I still questioned her full intent, but a lapse in suspicion could be allowed. Absolutely allowed.

My respite was short lived, however. The moment I finished that delectable pie she replaced it with some warm drink that smelled of cocoa and sat across from me.

“So I think we can both agree that ya owe me some sort of explanation. And, ya know, your name? I can’t keep subbing in pet names forever.”

I examined the way she sat for just a moment. She wasn’t tensed and she held no malice in her eyes. Just genuine concern mixed with curiosity.

“Nion. My name is Nion.”, I followed her lead and relaxed back against the chair, “I am a First Class Saiyan from the Planet Vegeta. I have been thrown from grace and had the misfortune to have the highest probability of survival to land on your property.”

Gold eyes blinked once. Twice. Three times.

“So...you’re like, an alien or somethin’? That’s what you’re tellin’ me?”

Ah, that’s right. This planet hasn’t had alien contact, has it?

“Exactly.”

“Saiyan...is that what your people are called?”

“Yes. We are a proud race of warriors that thrive in blood baths and domination. A glorious people that were granted the chance to expand amongst the stars.”, pride begins to swell in my chest as I become reminiscent. I’d had a handful of good friends amongst my people. Less than the enemies among them I had made though. Would I ever see them again, I wonder?

“Um...not to sound incredibly ignorant, but y’all ain’t comin’ to take over…here, are ya?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”, I scoff, “Your planet holds next to no value on the market. I am here because I had no other choice.”

Geneva sips from her drink and hums softly, “You ran away from something.”

“...you’re perceptive.”

“Oh don’t look so surprised! I’m not just a nice figure and a pretty face. I make a livin’ off of figuring’ out what makes people hurt on the inside.”, she tilts her head a bit and looks me over, “You’re heartbroken, alone, and scared. You did somethin’ you didn’t wanna, hurt someone you didn’t wanna, and now ya don’t have anyway to move on past it.”

I’m stunned to silence. And my mind is changed. Hell. I’m in hell and this Geneva who bakes pies and cares for others is an evil entity sent to personally torture me.

“Got it right on the head, didn’t I?”, her cup is set on the table with a soft clink, “I’m sorry you had to go through whatever you did, but I do want you to know you’re welcome to stay here if you’d like. Can’t imagine it’d be easy for a literal alien to be integrated into society without some kind of help.”

“I don’t need your help.”, I spit it out before I can think and my teeth bare in a snarl, “You’ve done all of this foolishness without anyone asking you too and you’ve stuck your nose into my business with absolutely no right to do so.”

“You didn’t have to ask me to help you, Nion.”, how dare she look so unaffected by my hostility, “If you don’t want my help you can dig through the clothes here till you find something you like and then you can up and leave. Stay the night if you feel the need.”

She shrugs so casually, “I can’t make ya do nothin’ ya don’t want to, Sugar. Someone else in your life can, and did, but I can’t and won’t. You make your own decisions and live your own life.”

Pushing her chair back she rises from the table and grabs her cup, “It’s late and I’ll be headin’ to bed. Stay, leave, destroy it all, it’s not my place to stop you. If ya need my help, though, all ya gotta do is ask.”

Geneva leaves me alone in the dining room with only the warm drink to sit with me. I would not be guilted into accepting her help. I wouldn’t.

Frustrated I kick my own chair back and pace over to the window that looks over the yard I crash landed in. The crater left from the impact was rather impressive, but it would seem I caused a lot of damage as well.

A roll of my right shoulder proved that it was nearly healed. My earlier discomfort must have been stiff muscles.

I had caused a lot of damage, hadn’t I?

It took no time to find some simple dark loose fitting pants and a jacket that would cover the atrocious top I was wearing and my bandaging. The back door makes no sound as I flick the lock and exit the house. Nothing stirs when I go soaring into the night air.

________________________________________

Geneva expected to woken up by her alarm clock. Not by whatever in God’s name that horrible noise was. It sounded like a lawnmower was directly outside her house. Which was impossible because she specifically paid her lawn maintenance workers to work when she WASN’T asleep.

She throws on a sheer house coat with fur trimmings before she leaves her room and follows the noise to her backyard.

“What the hell is goin’ on out...here…”, she falls silent in shock at the sight before her.

That crater that had been in her yard was now completely gone. As in, never happened gone. In its place was a lovely green lawn. Complete with a new flower bed that bordered around a walkway that led to a fully functioning three tiered fountain.

“I see you’ve finally chosen to wake up.”

Geneva jerks to the left to see me kneeling in front of the control panel to the fountain I had installed into the side of her home.

“What did- when did...what is this?”, her surprise is funny and I snicker before pushing myself to stand.

“It’s a thank you, and a sort of apology for destroying your yard.”, I notice her eyes dart back to the fountain and I huff, “The fountain was too much, wasn’t it? I thought it may be, but you have so much wasted space back here I figured it would be a nice place holder…”

Geneva gapes and doesn’t say anything and now I’m starting to feel ridiculous. “I should have left it at just filling the crater and laying the new sod. This is too much and you don’t like it. I can remove it if you don’t like it-“

“This is the bee’s knees!”, I’m nearly thrown off my feet when she throws her arms around me, but my surprise is short lived by the panicked Yelp she makes.

On reflex I must have wrenched her arms back behind her to subdue her attack...er…her gratitude.

I let go of her immediately and grimace as I try to right her housecoat, “That was stupid. I shouldn’t have...this is all stupid. I’ve made this worse haven’t I?”

To her credit she collects herself quickly and waved off my concern, “No no! Warrior race. I remember. Didn’t think it out too clearly.”

She smiles and turns back to the work I’ve done, “This is amazing, Nion! Absolutely amazing! You didn’t have to do any of this!”, her eyes twinkle in mirth, “Didn’t have to stay either.”

I clear my throat and reflexively square my posture, “I assure you it wasn’t any trouble. The least I could do for your help during my predicament. Though...you do like it?”

“Adore it. An amazing job!”, she giggles like a giddy child, “Now let’s go back inside! I’ll make some coffee an’ some breakfast! Then you can tell me where you got all of this stuff.”

“Ah, no need to wait that long. I took it.”, I grin cheekily at her shocked expression, “I did not steal anything. You humans seem unable to do many simple tasks. I was told that unloading approximately three tons of inventory takes hours for you people. Completing such a chore in half an hour is apparently rewarded with whatever I felt I needed for this endeavor.”

“Uh Huh…”, I follow behind her back into her home, “Welp! Then I guess you have my thanks, sugar! And I guess you’ll be stickin’ around a little longer?”

“I suppose. I’ve yet to find a better prospect.”

“Glad to hear it.”