#if i want to be hired in my field i have to move to another country. and i dont have the money for that. im stuck in bed

[andromedasummer]

setting up a linkedin for job searching and connecting with my high school friends and seeing them married and in good paying jobs really hits home just how many years ive lost to mental illness and physical disability

[beeseverywhen]

The good thing about living in a block of flats is when your neighbour is irrationally angry about something you have no control over you CAN just ignore them and in no time they'll find a new neighbour to get angry at instead, allowing you to just stand by the door and get the news without being directly shouted at

[cinnbar-bun]

Kiss the Swordsman (Mihawk x Reader)

Summary: Inspired by "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid.

Perona is frustrated that Mihawk won't confess his feelings for you, so she hires Zoro to take part in a scheme to get Mihawk to admit his love for you.

Word Count: ~2.9k

Rating: SFW

You can read this on my AO3 here!

Perona glared deeply at you and Mihawk, who were quietly sitting and eating breakfast. You passed him the butter without him asking, and he refilled your cup while you were cutting your food. 

Zoro raised a brow as he stopped shoveling his pancakes into his mouth. “Why’re you so angry?” 

Perona’s frown grew fiercer as she crossed her arms. “I’m mad Mihawk hasn’t made a move!” 

Zoro glanced at Mihawk, who was taking a sip of his coffee. 

“I dunno, he looks like he’s moving just fine,” Zoro shrugged. Perona smacked his shoulders. 

“Not like that, idiot!” She shouted. Zoro picked his ear and continued to eat. 

“Dunno what you mean then.” 

“Ugh! You’re so clueless!” Perona pointed at you and Mihawk. “It’s so obvious they like each other!” 

Zoro swallowed another pancake whole and shook his head. “I know you didn’t just say that while I’m eating.” 

“Well I did!” 

“Ugh… whatever,” Zoro sighed. “Besides, what are you talking about? They don’t like each other.” 

Perona narrowed her eyes and forced Zoro to look at Mihawk. “You’re blind. Look at how he looks at (Y/n)!” 

Mihawk, at the moment, was focused on his breakfast and Zoro grit his teeth. 

“He’s not even looking at them…” 

“Y-you just missed it!” Perona’s cheeks turned red as she wagged her finger. “Trust me, he stares at them a lot!!” 

“So what? Maybe (Y/n)’s just got a stain or something. What do you want me to do about it?” Zoro tiredly responded. 

“I’m not asking you to do anything ab-,” her eyes lit up as she gasped loudly, making Zoro jolt. “That’s it! You’re a genius, Zoro!”

“I am…?” He asked, unsure if he was going to like her next few sentences. 

“Mhm! You just gave me a new idea! We go make Mihawk confess his love for (Y/n)!” 

“But does he even-“ Perona cut Zoro off by placing her index finger to his lips. 

“Shhhh… trust me. It’s foolproof.” 

---

“So, tell me again how this is supposed to make Mihawk confess?” Zoro asked as he held the shovel in his hand. 

“Duh! (Y/n) will just fall into this hole and maybe get injured or something,” Perona proudly smiled as she covered the hole with a net of leaves. “Mihawk will swoop in and realize seeing the love of his life fall into a hole was too much, then he’ll look into (Y/n)’s eyes and be so emotional over their safety and have to confess!” 

“I don’t think that’s gonna pull a confession out of him.” 

“What do you know, lughead?! Have you ever dated someone before?” 

“No,” Zoro scratched his chin. “Neither have you.” 

“Well that’s just- um, ah- just hush! Shhh! I hear them coming.” 

Perona dragged Zoro behind a tree to peek out and see her victims. Mihawk and you were clad in your usual farming attire, with you carrying a bucket of compost for your garden. Perona rubbed her hands and chuckled, waiting for the glorious moment to come when… 

“Oh, wait, Mihawk, there’s something over there,” you pointed out. 

“Hm? Ah…” Mihawk hummed in acknowledgment as you both began walking away from the path where the hole was. Perona gawked and gripped the bark of the tree. 

“No! Those two-!” 

You and Mihawk noticed a small burrow close to the field of root veggies. “A rabbit, I believe,” Mihawk murmurs, crouching down to the small nest. Before he can even take a look, a grown rabbit bolts out of the hole and dashes under Mihawk’s legs. 

You jump as the rabbit runs past you, and Mihawk recovers to quickly chase after it. The swordsman is fast and swift, able to keep up with the animal, while you’re struggling to close the gap due to the heavy bucket in your hands. 

“And, got you-“ Mihawk leans forward to grab the rabbit, but as he does so, his foot makes contact with the nest of leaves that Perona hid the hole with. “Agh!” 

Mihawk lets out a loud yelp as the rabbit slips from his fingers and he plummets to the bottom of the (thankfully) shallow hole. 

You drop the bucket and rush over to him, looking down at him inside the hole. 

“Mihawk! Are you alright?” 

He dusts himself off, examining how his white shirt is now stained with brown mud and crumbled leaves. 

“Yes. I’m quite alright,” he answers smoothly, as if he didn’t just fall face first into a hole. 

“Do you need a hand?” You ask, extending your hand to him. 

“Thank you, (Y/n),” he accepts, pulling himself up with ease. “Are you alright? You’re not injured, are you?” 

You shake your head. “No, not at all. I wasn’t the one who fell into a hole, anyways. I’ll go check on you back at the castle.” 

“Much appreciated. But first-“ he craned his neck to Perona and Zoro’s hiding spot, causing them to shriek and fully hide themselves behind the trunk. His hawk eyes narrowed at them as he slowly made his way over to them. 

It all happened in a blur, as suddenly the two were lifted by their collars as Mihawk made them face the fields. 

“Since you two love playing in the dirt so much, I’ll allow you the opportunity to till each and every field today. And while you’re at it, fill that hole again,” he stated coldly, his voice giving no room for argument or interpretation. 

Perona and Zoro gulped at the massive garden. 

“If you two try this stunt again, I will have you become fertilizer. Do you understand?” 

“Y-yes, Mihawk,” Perona and Zoro nodded and weakly gave in. Given how Mihawk could be, this was perhaps his form of mercy to them. Mihawk dropped them and walked back to you, examining your hands. 

“Ah, you have a small mark. Next time, I’ll carry the bucket for you,” Mihawk commented. 

“It’s not a problem, Mihawk. I can do it just fine,” you chuckle. “Come on now, let’s go make sure you’re not bleeding.” 

“I most certainly would not be injured from that small of a hole.” 

---

Perona growled as she crossed off yet another idea from her list. 

“Maybe you should give up,” Zoro stated nonchalantly as he was taking a sip of his drink. 

“I can’t! I can’t, because if I don’t, Mihawk is never gonna do it and he’ll die alone like a boring old man!” Perona sobbed. “He can’t keep hiding his feelings! I just don’t get why none of these have worked…”

“Gee, I wonder why injuring (Y/n), burning books, breaking glass, and ruining dinner would make Mihawk not confess,” Zoro deadpanned. 

“Shut up, smartass! I just… I just know that deep down, (Y/n)’s the best thing in his life, and I’m not letting them walk away thinking he doesn’t care!” 

“That’s surprisingly caring of you.” 

“I’m gonna get violent!” Perona stomped her foot. 

“Just take it easy! You’ve been bombarding them nonstop and making us have to do so many chores. I’m not gonna clean any more dishes because of your matchmaking.” 

Perona huffed and nodded. She was exhausted from all the punishments Mihawk gave her after the many stunts she pulled, and manual labor was so not cute. She slid to the floor. 

“This is hopeless…” Perona mumbled. Zoro saw how dejected she looked and sighed. 

“Look, I’m not a romance expert, but why don’t we try something a bit smaller? Ya know? Something that doesn’t end up with (Y/n) or Mihawk getting something broken?” 

“Like what?” 

“Well, I dunno, I figured you’d tell me what people to be romantic. Damn, if only I had that cook here…” 

“Cook?” Her eyes lit up. “Cook! That’s it! We can make them a candlelit dinner!” 

---

Another of Perona’s shenanigans. Mihawk sighs as he opens a letter that tells him to get dressed and be outside in the courtyard. 

“Why did she sign it as (Y/n)…” he asks himself, confused why Perona would think he wouldn’t recognize what your handwriting looked like. Regardless, considering she seemingly put so much effort into this, he plays along and does as told, careful to “dress up nicely” as Perona so eloquently wrote. He fixed his hair and made sure to brush his facial hair before heading to the courtyard. 

“Now, Perona, I hope you have a good-,” he stops when he sees you’re the person standing, waiting in the courtyard. You look breathtaking, elegantly dressed up in an outfit that fits you perfectly. For a moment, Mihawk forgets what he was doing and trying to say. You chuckle and step closer to him. 

“You got her letter, too?” You ask. Mihawk nods. 

“I’m not sure what she’s thinking now.” 

“Neither do I. But it’s been a while since I wore something like this, it’s a nice change of pace.” 

Mihawk stares at you unemotionally, and you’re worried he thinks poorly of what you just said or how you look. 

“Yes… it’s a lovely change of pace,” he adds, his face softening. “You look stunning, (Y/n).” 

The compliment makes you smile, and he feels his face get warmer at seeing your gorgeous smile his way. 

“Come, let’s take a seat, I’m sure Perona has some plans for us,” he offers his hand. You take it and he glides swiftly to the small, white table with a beautiful candelabra in the center. Mihawk pulls out your chair and helps you sit, like a true gentleman. 

“I’m honestly surprised she’d done all of this,” you comment. “I wonder why.” 

“I could hazard a guess,” Mihawk replied, before Zoro arrived in a tux. 

“Evening, you two,” he states, holding a notepad. “The uh-“ he flips through the notepad and you and Mihawk see an obvious script that Perona wrote for him. You hold in your laughter while Mihawk looks unamused. “Y-yeah, sorry, the dining room proudly presents… your dinner!” 

Zoro turns around and makes a motion to grab something, only to grab air. “Wait, where’s the food?” 

Mihawk pours you a drink as Zoro fumbles with the notepad and flounders to find the cart full of food. 

“It seems there’s been a technical difficulty,” Mihawk mumbles. 

“Oh, be easy on them,” you tease. 

Perona stomps to where Zoro is and smacks his head with the notepad. 

“I told you to put the cart there!” She hisses, you and Mihawk are able to hear her perfectly. “Now they’re going to have their dinner ruined!” 

“Hey! I’m sorry! I thought it was here!” Zoro whisper-yells back. He thankfully finds the food cart this time and pushes it towards the table. He then places a silver dish in front of each of you and removes the lid. “There we go! Dinner!” 

“Appetizer,” Perona corrects. 

“Appetizer,” Zoro amends. 

“Thank you. May we have some privacy?” 

“Ohhhhh, of couuuurse!” Perona nods, too obvious in her scheming. She grabs Zoro as the two of them hide in a nearby bush. 

“They do realize we know where they went, right?” Mihawk whispers to you so they can’t hear. 

“Just let them have this. They worked very hard for it.” 

“I understand, but their behavior is quite…” 

“Intrusive?” You add. 

“Very much so,” he sighs as he drinks. “It took me until Perona broke three cups to understand this was deliberate.” 

“For a bit, I thought they were trying to kill me,” you joke. 

“They’d know better than to try such a thing,” Mihawk shakes his head. 

“Although, knowing they’re trying to pull this off makes it a bit sweeter,” you comment. 

“What do you mean?” Mihawk raises a brow. 

“It’s sweet that they’re trying to do this for us. It’s rare we get to spend time together like this nowadays. Usually it’s us taking care of them and training them, but now they’re making us a candlelit dinner.” 

Mihawk’s lips curl into a grin. “You are correct. Even though I would not have done it like this, it’s still rather charming.” 

You and Mihawk quietly chatted throughout the three course-meal. Occasionally, you heard the grunts and arguing between Perona and Zoro from their hiding spot in the bushes. Mihawk would urge you to ignore them as you two laughed and reminisced throughout the evening. Seeing Mihawk relax more and more as he continued talking to you was a treat for Perona and Zoro. 

“I think… I think I’m starting to see what you mean,” the swordsman said. 

“See! Told ya!” Perona smirked. “Look at how he’s melting at their words and smiling.” 

“I didn’t think he could do that,” Zoro replied, impressed at how you managed to make Mihawk’s lips form a grin. 

“They’re almost done eating, now for phase two!” Perona pumped her fists and shot up from the bush. You and Mihawk glanced at her as she floated towards the woods, with Zoro following after her. 

“What do you think they’re up to now?” 

“I feel as if I really do not want to know,” Mihawk sighed. You two waited patiently, until Perona and Zoro came back with a pack of Humandrills. Your eyes widened as you gasped, while Mihawk stayed silent, waiting to see what would happen next. Perona forced the Humandrills to stop before she pulled out a box from a nearby bush. 

“Now do what we said!” She demanded as she shoved a violin to a Humandrill. The Humandrill began to make disapproving noises at her commands. She gave a few more Humandrills other instruments before she pointed at Mihawk. 

The Humandrills looked up the Warlord and then forced a nervous grin and nodded, beginning to play their instruments in sync. You were amazed as they played a slow, romantic song. 

“I…I didn’t know they could do that,” you mumble. 

“Neither did I,” Mihawk stared in awe. You were so entranced by the makeshift orchestra that you didn’t notice Mihawk looking at you, as if debating with himself. He heard Perona and Zoro clear their throats and glanced to them. Perona and Zoro pointed at you and nodded. 

“I guess this was their plan from the start…” Mihawk whispered before he stood up and cleared his throat. “(Y/n).” 

“Hm? Yes, Mihawk?” You asked, looking into his eyes with an expecting expression. He extended his hand to you. 

“Would you like to dance?” He inquired, his eyes briefly moving away from yours. A bright smile was on your face as you nodded and took his hand. 

“I’d love nothing more,” you answer, and for a second, you think you notice a red blush appear on his cheeks. 

You two head to the center and Mihawk gently pulls you in closer, an arm around your waist as your other hands are clasped together. He sways with you, careful to not be too forceful or rough. The Humandrills are getting more excited, along with Zoro and Perona, as some of them begin to hum and vocalize. 

Your smile is bright and beautiful as you look radiant, even in the night sky.

“I hope you are enjoying tonight.” “I am, very much. I won’t forget this night for a long time,” you reply. Mihawk closes his eyes and nods. 

“I don’t think I will, either.” 

He twirls you around as you let out a laugh from the thrilling motion. You two continue to look into each other’s eyes, the unspoken feelings you have for the other clear to the both of you. Despite being in such a vulnerable position, Mihawk finds the feeling rather enjoyable. Having you in his arms, dancing underneath the stars to some beautiful music after a lovely meal- he hasn’t felt this carefree in a long time. You lean closer to him and Mihawk enjoys how you’re trying to get his attention. But you already have it. 

He stops dancing, keeping you both locked in an intense eye contact with his arm around your waist. It’s only you two now, as Mihawk gulps and slowly leans his face to you, silently asking for you to reciprocate. You close your eyes and do the same, your lips meeting his in a soft kiss. 

It’s not lecherous or sloppy, but a gentle kiss with you that says everything he cannot verbalize. 

He loves you, loves you so much that he can’t help but be so gentle and yearn for you. How he wishes to protect you and continue to have your presence within his life. How he loves your smile, your voice, your words, your everything that makes you, you in this lonely world. 

He wishes to say more through touch, but the need for air arises as you both move away. 

“I love you,” you say first. He presses kiss to your forehead. 

“I love you, too.” 

Perona and Zoro clap at your confessions and Mihawk remembers that he’s in front of others. 

“Perona, Zoro,” he calls, his voice low. The two jolt nervously, unsure of what he’s going to do. His lips curve upwards as he glances at them and says a simple phrase, “Thank you.” 

[embersofhope-if]

What interactive fiction would you recommend (besides this one)?

oh anon i follow over 150 if blogs let me get you some of my favorites😊 This is very long so all of them are under the cut🫶

some of these you'll probably already have heard of bc of how popular they are, but trust me, they're popular for a reason, lmao

these ones all have demos (if i messed up and some dont uh ignore that)

@infamous-if - "You're going to be a superstar, no matter what it takes." genuinely one of my favorites ifs (seven lawless my beloved please come back home the kids are asking whats taking so long)

@coeluvr - "You play as the only remaining member of the royal family of Vesphire; living in the home of the man who took away everything from you." another ive been obsessed with recently. i will forever love revenge stories (and my pookie helios)

@merrycrisis-if - "As a late 20-something year-old fresh from a recent break-up and struggling to pay rent in New York, life throws up more questions than answers."

@ramonag-if - "When your village is razed to the ground, you're left fleeing with an exiled prince. You can trust no one but each other. Your father's dying wish was to protect the prince, but can you really trust a man who was exiled from his kingdom?"

@nyehilismwriting / Project Hadea - "Set in a distant future, you play the role of an elite operative of Scytha Industries, a private contracting firm. ‘Contracting’, in this case, refers to anything from political assassinations, to private security, to bodyguard services."

@vapolis - "You’re a mercenary, gun for hire, assassin, information extractor, delivery person – call it what you want, because the people that hire you for your services don’t give much of a shit what you call yourself as long as you actually get them what they want."

@godsandvillains-if - "As the only metahuman with the ability to wield the powerful Chaos Magic, your very blood holds the answers to unlocking the secrets behind the control of time and space, but it has the drawback of being almost completely volatile."

@hvllowheart - "LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER is a spy game where you take on the role of an agent under the codename Wraith, who up until two years ago was one of the best agents TERRA has ever made. now the agency returns into your life and pulls you back into the field as agents go missing by the dozens."

@eyesofshan-if - "Years ago, you were uprooted from the only home you had ever known and captured to be sold as a slave. Now, war is at your doorstep once more while you are left in a delicate position — as a commander of the country that invaded your homeland. While investigating a case of illegal human trafficking, you come across a plot that threatens to rip this tentative peace apart."

@apt502-if - "Moving from your small home to New York City was supposed to be a dream. You were supposed to start your new life with your long-distance partner and dive headfirst into full-on adulthood. Everything was supposed to be perfect. How can you not love being in your mid-twenties in the Big Apple?That is until your put-together, white collar partner dumps you the same day you arrive. Fun."

@acourtofserpents - "As the only human in the Kingdom of Faerie, you're no stranger to shining eyes that hold looks filled with hatred, lips painted in the color of forest fruits whispering your name, heads with pointed ears turning at your every step. Though you long for their approval, for a place amongst the wicked immortals, they remind you with every breath you take that as you came from dirt, to dirt you will return."

@softlyopulent-if - "All of King Adder’s children are a mystery to the common folk, but you—you are nothing but a ghost. A ghost, that spends eighteen years locked away in the deepest part of the palace, so that no eyes may lay upon you.And those that do—they do not treat you kindly.And when you are finally of age, at last, you are betrothed to the child of the King of a far away kingdom, to secure an alliance that your father has been seeking for years.And you are swept away to a place even more foreign than your own land, to be wed to a stranger that looks at you with contempt. To live in a kingdom of citizens that despise you. And perhaps, just perhaps, fight a war."

@heromaker-if - "Stories of heroes, legends and chosen ones are commonplace. But you'd never thought it was your child who would have to save the world from the Demon Lord's clutches."

@theabyssal - "In The Abyssal, you assume the control of a powerful deity that was betrayed by their fellow gods. Imprisoned against your will for all eternity, you had a long time to plan your revenge."

@milaswriting - "By birth, and association, you are one of the most famous people in the big city of Lehsa. Your father's the mayor, and you're from a bright, vibrant, bustling city... and yet, until recently, you didn't realise all the secrets yourself and the city held."

@zico-if - "You were supposed to be a sacrifice in order to bring an eldritch god to your realm, a sacrifice that was never supposed to live. Instead of dying and summoning the god intended, you find yourself face to face with an ancient being that was chained and locked away for the horrors they once committed."

@collegetennisoriginstory - "Experience the ups-and-downs of life as a freshman on the Cargill University varsity tennis team amongst a colorful cast of characters."

@disenchantedif - "You used to be a beacon of hope. Now they only know you as the failure, the Unchosen. Will you rise above them? Will you become better or far worse than they could ever imagine?"

@bouncyballcitadel - "Play as a first-year surgery intern at Citadel Health. Will you become the star intern and curry the favor of the chief? Or will you uncover Citadel Health’s secrets and break a story or two? This will be the best and worst year of your life. Don’t forget to save lives and break some hearts along the way."

@leoneliterary - "You play as a thief pressed into the employ of a mysterious nobleman. With the your life, the fate of your guild, and your honor on the line, you'll have to navigate the perils of the royal court and combat a more mystical threat. The story is set in Cusmo, the naturally fortified, desert capital of Hashind, and will showcase the much praised Upper Cusmo, the crime ridden Lower Cusmo, and much more."

@doriana-gray-games - "Play as your version of Sherlock Holmes in this romance detective game!"

@fallenlightsif - "You are the half-sibling of High General Ezrah Rhys and have lived the past twelve years of your life in Kesdon, the capital of Ebia. You've spent most of your time training and honing your skills for the future that awaits you. A future that is entirely your own."

@shai-manahan - "They call you Ripper. It’s a horrendous name to give to a detective like you, and definitely not one you chose for yourself, but you suppose it’s to be expected given your reputation for putting powerful people behind bars. Businesses feared you. The other cops hated you. Local gangs despised your entire existence. Yet, despite all of that, you remained untouched. Until that day, when all the lies and the deception and the foolish mistakes turned your life upside down."

@larkingame - "someone is after you. for over a decade and a half now, you’ve traveled up, down and across the country--running schemes and hunting fiends with your mentor, con-man-by-day, vampire-hunter-by-night, Wyatt Abrams--the prolific vampire slayer and the living descendant of Gregory Abrams, founder and prophet of the Abrams Family, the nomadic vampire-hunting cult that raised you--and was wiped out years ago. carrying the abrams name means also means carrying on it's enemies--but that isn't to say you haven't forged a couple of your own along the way. now, it seems someone is trying to make good on old threats and promises. they've placed a bounty on your head. so you and wyatt do what you do best: you run away. to some little town, out nevada ways, where the title of town preacher is unexpectedly thrust upon you--bringing back years of trauma you thought long tucked away."

@evertidings - "you are a bounty hunter. responsible for taking in rogue supernaturals, you work for IAOS—the international agency of supernaturals—where, alongside your best friend and partner, you two have quickly become the best hunting duo of the branch. after a particularly tricky hunt, you brief your boss, Caine Atheron, and come back to work the next day to find that he has mysteriously disappeared overnight, the company is now in the hands of his best friend, Sebastian Mai. and though no one else seems to question it, something tells you that there's more to the story."

@rotten-games - Regrets Of The Traitor: "You are the Ruler of Hadaria after killing the previous Queens and betraying all who once trusted you. Sat upon the throne with all the power available to you, one would be forgiven for believing you finished with your quest. With a strange figure in your dreams speaking vague prophecies of magical artifacts, a mysterious cult moving into the city, and a group intent on unseating you from your place, perhaps you’re way in over your head for a farmer’s kid. City of Immortals: "You follow a pair of siblings worlds apart as they get accustomed to their new realities in two very different worlds. One trapped in an unnatural desert wasteland where every resource has a scarcity, not knowing if they’ll be the only one left when everything turns to dust, the other working as a private investigator in a sprawling underground metropolis of the undying. Each not knowing the other is alive, will they unravel the mysteries that somehow connect their two new homes?"

@shepherds-of-haven - "Shepherds of Haven is a dark fantasy interactive fiction game. In it, you play as a Mage living in a world where magic is outlawed and your people—those possessing supernatural powers—are oppressed and reviled. The world is ruled by humans who believe in science, technology, and industry: at best, you and your kind are nothing more than a fairytale, and at worst you are the state’s greatest threat."

@someoneverypretty-world - "As a child, growing up in the slums of Hvinir without any guardians, you believed you would not live to see 30. Until Haven, a thief guild, took you in and taught you how to survive. Facing hardships, the guild leader tasks you to sneak into the castle with the mission to take."

@northern-passage - "The Northern Passage is an 18+ horror fantasy CYOA, where you play as a hunter sent up north to investigate a series of missing people along the border of your home country and in the port cities of the Blackwater. Working with your handler, Lea, you will travel north and discover that things are far worse than you ever could have imagined, and that there is something powerful lurking out in the deep, dark sea…"

@thedecoy-if - "♔ The Decoy is a dark fantasy that follows you, a 21st century normal human, kidnapped to an alternate magical universe to play the part of the missing heir to a powerful throne...who also happens to be your doppelgänger. ♔"

@ripperplague - "You are a doctor, a prodigy in hiding. Deep in the underbelly of Valeris, you hide among the shadows. You work hard to wring the blood stains off your palms, your face...your soul. Redemption and revenge are parallel goals, the flames of rage and disgust mingling. How could anyone ever love you?"

These ones dont have a demo yet, but im still absolutely obsessed

@pavedinashes-if - "You're only 20 when suddenly your life goes bam! Throwing you into a whole new city, a different country even. Wasn't part of the plan, but you know how life loves to mess with plans. People happened, stuff happened, and suddenly you're on the move. The new chapter ahead? Buckle up, 'cause it's not gonna be all sunshine and rainbows. And guess what? Your step-mom? Yeah, she's right there in the same city. She's always had this knack for trying to steer your ship, like every decision's a GPS checkpoint. But hey, there's this one thing that's never let you down—your skateboard. It's like the buddy that's been with you through thick and thin, the one that never bails. Among all this craziness it's like your anchor. So, the big question is—can you break out of the loop you got in? Find your place in the world and restart or lose yourself in temptation? Time to find out."

@riptide-if - "Your dad has always said you swim as if your were born to be in the water; the rest of your family has always said that he is the whole reason you turned out like that. So, it's not really a surprise when you had used all the money you got for your 7th birthday to buy a surfboard. And even less of a surprise when you started joining small surf competitions by the time you were 10, later followed by bigger competitions. It seems you are the only one surprised when it turns out you're able to compete in the World Surfer's League's Ultimate Tournament Tour*. Thrown into a mix of fellow surfing prodigies, rookies, and pros, do you really have what it takes to win?"

@weepinwriter - "You are inmate No. 1441, incarcerated in Tartarus, the most notorious prison on the continent. You find yourself imprisoned for a crime that you do not remember committing, leaving you in a state of uncertainty about your own identity and purpose. The first memory you have is awakening to the sensation of a gun being shoved into your mouth."

@whatawaitsus - "Despite being one of the most expensive schools in the nation, nothing particularly interesting has happened at the school in the nine years you've been here— aside from the occasional accidental possession caused by a ghost or the common room getting flooded after a nixie gets too frustrated over their homework. That is until students start to go missing."

@evermount - "Blue-suited guards stand in every corner, but they're no threat—you're under threat. And this is how you keep safe. It's necessary; the council said so themselves. Under no circumstances shall Evermount be left, ever. So, no one has, and no one intends to. Why would you? It's peaceful—you're at peace. You have your spouse, and you have your house; everyone's happy. This is all you've ever known."

@forsakensword-if - "When the Deathless, an Ancient Evil that hasn’t been seen in over two million years, returns to Earth, it threatens the extremely precarious peace that has settled between the warring factions of Heaven and Hell. God, in an effort to protect Humanity from the consequences of a war between the Angels and Demons, sends Heaven’s best warriors to banish the Deathless once more. When that ultimately fails, it is declared that God’s Sworn Sword and Heaven’s Chief Angel will be charged with finding a way to destroy the Deathless once and for all. That Angel is you. The Archangel Michael."

@velena-if - "You wake up in a dark, cold place with no memories of yourself, save for one: the memory of your death. It becomes clear soon enough that you are in the Nav, the domain of the goddess of death, Morana, and the sanctuary of all the evil spirits and monsters. For you, Nav will be the place where your life changes forever."

@countdown-if - "Three months ago, life took a sharp turn. Your mother found herself entangled in a situation so bad, she couldn't dig her way out of it, like usual. This time, the hole was way too deep. She needed help, and the only people capable of aiding her were the same ones she had vowed never to allow back into her life, let alone introduce to you and your younger sibling. Who were they? Your grandparents—a powerful and well-established duo. In short, they did manage to help your mother back on her feet, but not without strings attached—never without strings. Now, you're facing a senior year in a private school, fully funded by none other than grandma and grandpa, dearest. The only task at hand: do what your mother couldn't—graduate."

@dropout-if - "This is your first summer home since you began studying in Stanford. That is what everyone thinks. This is your first summer home since you dropped out of college, thus becoming the biggest disappointment in your neighborhood. That is what only you know. "

@stonewall-if - "Stonewall Military Academy: the most brutal, merciless, and unforgiving boarding school in the country. Most recruits either desert or die by the end of their first year. It is where the fiercest and deadliest killers are trained and molded to be the military's steel fist. And it is not for the faint of heart."

@viperdove-if - "You are the Dove, the heir to one of the most powerful crime families in your country. The grip your family--your father--has on their side of the land is tight, and now that you've reached adulthood it's time for you to be fully absorbed into the machinations of gang warfare. That means opium, mercenaries, assassinations. In this ancient world, blood moves people just as much as money does."

@fallen-if - "You are an individual that has been known by many aliases over the years. Child of the dawn, the original sinner, star of the morning. But no matter the name, your identity remains the same. You are the one that defied the heavens, the one that cast aside the shackles of tradition and broke free from the constraints of the divine. You are Lucifer Morningstar - The Fallen Angel. "

@maboroshi-if - "Maboroshi is an Interactive Fiction Game based in the world of Naruto, however, all events within the story span during the end of the First Shinobi War and the beginning of the Second Shinobi War."

@greatprotector-if - "Forced out of your family's farm against your will, you are now an ocean away from home, and you have somehow been chosen to be the main protector of the heir to some kingdom you’ve hardly even heard of. The spot's only open because the former protector died of old age, so that's probably a good indicator that it won't be as strenuous as it sounds. But despite that, you pour yourself into your work. You can't help it. You feel safer decked out in armour, and you like having something you're trusted to look after. Protect some royalty, cover all your blind spots, and try not to worry about all you've left behind."

@retribution-if - "Retribution, He Cries is a revenge story set in the Dark Ages of the fictional world of [REDACTED] and other realms."

@thescarsilivewith-if - "You were a kind monarch once. After your mother’s brutal reign, you thought your people needed respite. Evidently, they didn’t think the same since their bloodthirst only increased. Three years after your coronation, your mother’s favourite consort dethroned you with the army and the clergy’s support. As you fled from the palace together with your spouse, from an arranged marriage celebrated only three months earlier, you were found by slavers. You managed to save your spouse but not yourself. Four years later, your spouse finds you, though you’re not the same person they knew. You are not changed in spirit alone, however, for your magic grew in your captivity and now you’re unbound. When the crown chose you as its owner, you wanted peace for your kingdom. Now the only thing you crave is revenge."

[evilminji]

You know what's my JAM?

Extremes being treated as the Serious Dangers they ARE, even when they aren't "oooh its a spooky Grey morality and BADness!" Extreme.

Like? No, people. ALL of them are bad. They are ALL face melting dangerous. The void may crush your soul, but look upon the Face Of GOD? Not gonna be having a fun time! Doesn't MATTER if he's a cool dude! Face melting!

We are creatures of BALANCE. Tiny, fragile, little motes of dust. That can only exsist in the careful, blended, dances of territories and powers that be. We squishy.

Ghosts? Less squishy.

Poor impulse control, too. Especially ones with Fenton genetics. ABSOLUTELY ones with Fenton genetics and a trauma based aversion to therapy. That one? Pretty hardy. Made pretty tough, what with being Fates third favorite chew toy. But? Still gets the Sads, you know? The slightly longer then just seasonal depression.

Would medicine and some therapy help? Oh like a dream!

If medicine WORKED on his Ectoplasmicly contaminated ass. And he TRUSTED therapists.

But... surely, Danny thinks, as he sits grossly in his Depression sweatpants and eats suspect pizza on the floor of his moldering shoebox of an apartment, there must be SOME way to address his Depression? He should... he should DO something about it. Take a break maybe. Look up some ghost doctors or something.

.....

Oooooooooor..... >.>

He could break out that OMENIOUS af, bound in suspect leather, Big Book Of Forbidden Knowledge(TM) that he got from Pariah's.... what, fourth? Fifth? Library? Fuck that Lair is huge. He's STILL cleaning it out and it's been over half a decade. He swears it spawns more floors just to mock him. Bastard. Don't know HOW a building can be a Bastard, but it sure found A WAY.

Anyway!

Book it is! *horrifying Eldritch light as he opens it* huh. Neat. Comes with its own visual effects. *another bite of suspect pizza* Funky.

And so! Danny, the depressed King Of The Zone... fucks of to go cheer himself up in the Fields Of Bliss(TM), an area of Absolute Bliss. Which! Sounds GREAT in theory, now don't it? Lovely even.

Remember that little comment about extremes?

You can ENTER those fields. But no one leaves. No one CAN. The deeper you go? The more doomed you become. Less will to do anything at all. Eat, talk, move. So much as think. Like ALL extreme "Goods", it sounds lovely, but the reality is no gentle little thing.

It's a glue trap.

But how could Danny have known? Honestly, who would have TAUGHT him? Textbooks can only go so far, after all. And placing blame will not rescue the young monarch.

I imagine it's one of his helpers that pieces together what's happened. Come for further clarification on WHERE exactly he wants certain statues moved. Only? Your Majesty? Your Majesty...? Where ever could he BE? Oh? He's left out some of his books. Well, I'll just assist by putting them away for-.....

Oh.

OH ANCIENTS, NO.

But! What can the poor man DO? Ghosts are Beings of Will, Emotion, and Obsession. Were it some sort of Holy Blade or Sentient Tree, you know, something INDIVIDUAL with a will they could FIGHT? Oh no problem. But an area of effect? Especially an EMOTIONAL area of effect!? Ooooooh, this is bad. The Zone can't AFFORD to lose ANOTHER King!

We JUST GOT THIS ONE!!!

Wait. He's heard that there's an organization for this! That loudly cursing fellow who got violently thrown back into the Zone. "Ruined his fun" and all that! Perfect! He'll just hire THEM!

Smashcut? To a nice, peaceful, everybody's screaming Justice League Meeting. John's cursing life, extremely hungover. Zatana still has three cracked ribs. Wonder Woman is enjoying the new sword she... liberated... mid battle. Truely stunning craftsmanship. When?

Knock Knock!

Heads swivel. There... is a glowing green... accountant? Dandy? Dandy accountant. With an equally radioactive day glow green Actual Pirate's Chest Of Treasures, floating next to him. In the void of space; Just beyond the glass. What, the, fuuuuuu-

He seems to be under the impression they are some sort of Heroic mercenaries. And has come to request the retrieve-

"NNNNNOPE! Pariah can SHOVE it!" Snarls a suddenly very awake John Constantine, sitting up straight for the first time in hours. The rest of Dark grimly nod in agreement. Let the fucker rot. It's a kinder fate then he deserves.

No, no, NO! King PHANTOM! Pariah's SUCCESSOR by right of combat! They are not, and were never, allied in any way!

Well, all right then. Road trip to save a young idiot then.

@the-witchhunter @hdgnj @hypewinter @lolottes @mutable-manifestation @nerdpoe

[bunny-jpeg]

the dnf club (vol. 5)

nico hulkenberg

tags: smut/pwp, brazil gp '24, secret relationship, mechanic!reader, rough sex, dom/sub dynamic, oral sex (nico receives)

a/n: this is my first time writing nico! i'm a little nervous, but i hope ya'll love it!

carlos edition // franco edition // alex edition // lance edition

you could feel nico's hungry gaze when he stepped into the paddock. this man stood at six feet tall, it could be a little intimidating. you knew the best course of action would've been to make a hasty escape and out of his field of vision.

but something quivered in you when he gave you another glance before his attention was pulled elsewhere. it lingered on you, in a way that made you stomach twist. while the dnf was not your fault, nico had every intention to pin it on you and you alone. that you'd need to correct your misdoing.

"how is my, prinzessin?" he said when he finally got you alone. a strong arm wrapped around your middle, "you promised me something before the race, didn't you? that you'd make me a winner." he leaned in further towards you, his weight pressed you into yourself, "guess that didn't happen."

you looked up at nico as he sat on the edge of the expensive hotel bed. his hand in your hair and down the side of your face. you squirmed. he was fully clothed, the haas logo across his chest. you on the other hand were stripped of your clothes. the kit you wore when you were out of your mechanics clothes.

while the haas logo wasn't across your pretty chest, nico's dark hickies littered the skin instead. when he got your naked, he left enough bruises to remind you exactly who you worked for. you were hired to make him win and he guessed he just had to get you into peak shape.

"i'm sorry you didn't win, sir." and to do that, meant a familiar game of dominant and submissive, "i'll do better next time." you shifted on your knees a little before he took you by the face. you looked up at him. there was something strong and domineering about him. it was almost scary. it made something comb through you as he roughly patted your cheek.

"see, this is what i like to hear. you behaving." the power dynamic was undeniable. he had power over you and you knew that you fell right into it.

he got his cock out of his jeans and you dutifully went in and touched it with your lips. soon your mouth was fully on it with his hand in your hair. most would feel a sense of defeat when faced with a dnf. but not nico. nico was more than happy to get the frustration out on you, his cock ruin you for an evening.

you were a good girl and took his entire length as best as you could. you didn't like silly things like you gag reflex get in the way of pleasuring him. making him feel good. he tugged at your hair and curled over you to admire how you choked down on his cock. that was why you two made such a good team, you were nico's little stress toy. anytime he felt the pressure of racing, he had a soft cunt to bully his cock into. he knew he wasn't just having your throat tonight. you taking his cock in your mouth was just a taster for what he truly wanted. to be balls deep inside of you.

"you're perfect." he said, "you have no idea. i know you gave me a little failure, but, i can look over it. i know you were just so stressed that you had a little mishap. but that's okay. i forgive you." he pinched your cheek and you looked up at him. you moaned a little bit as you continued to pleasure him.

you made a small noise and nico pressed your further head further against his cock. your nose in his pubic hair before you continued your heavy thrusts of his cock. you felt the shudder of want through you. you planted your hands on his thighs so you wouldn't be tempted to touch yourself. you felt the thrill of sexual pleasure through you as you continued to move your head up and down on his cock.

"trained you just as i like." he chuckled as he felt the surge of pleasure in his body. it wasn't every day he got oral from such a pretty girl. you always did him so proud, always apologetic when he didn't win. it was cute. but he still wanted more.

"come here, prinzessin." he pulled you away from his cock and up onto his lap. his cock fit into you easily and he thoroughly just rutted against you. the roughness of his jeans rubbed against your naked body, you felt over sensitive as you started to ride him.

your voice caught in your throat as you moved against him.

he admired you on top of him. his hands on your bare ass. he grabbed at you as he met your pace. wasn't the easiest to have sex fully clothed, but it was too late for that now. right now nico was driven by the need to fuck your sweet little cunt. to make you squirm and moan until he finished. get all that aggression out. his little mechanic was also good at making him feel good. where he couldn't get trophies, he could bully your sweet cunt until you were a cute little moaning mess. it was all his, you were all his.

he kissed at your neck, leaving more hickies in his wake. his grip on you tightened as he moved you up and down on his cock. your core yearned for him. you felt the flush of pleasure through your body as he quickly fucked you. no one else could ever fuck you like him.

it didn't help that his cock was heavy and thick, that it stretched you in ways that made you see stars. you loved his rough actions, you loved when it hurt. and most of all you adored when you felt streaks of hot pleasure through to your core.

you look good like this." he said as he bounced you on his cock. he could tell that you were losing momentum. that the pleasure was becoming too much. he pulled you in by your shoulders for a heated kiss as he continued to fuck you.

"my little mechanic." he said when he pulled away and slapped you on the ass. your back arched and you clung to his shoulders tighter. he watched you reach your climax and your noises getting painfully loud.

you tensed up around him and arched your back. you felt the leap in your chest as orgasm wracked through you. he pulled you in for another searing kiss and you worked your self through your climax. you were a determined little thing.

he continued to thrust up into you, fuck the anger out of you. you made sweet noises as reached his own climax. he came inside of you, made sure every drop was inside of you. keep a little reminder of him in you when you worked on his car. that you'd know for next time.

after both of your climaxes. you ended up face first on the bed with your ass slightly up. your heard the shuffle of clothes and eventually you were pressed further into the bed by nico's large body. his cock sticky and hard once more. he rubbed against your back and there was not getting out from under him.

"oh, prinzessin. we're not done. we have a whole night of you correcting your wrongs." <3

[enhastolemyheart]

SATURDAY BLESSING | s.jy

pairing. boyfriend!jake x reader

genre. est. relationship, fluff

synopsis. being in a long distance relationship is hard. But, all works out in the end knowing your boyfriend Jake will come right back to you.

warning(s). kissing, jake and yn being cute, none really lmao, not proofread

word count. 0.8k

networks. @.hyfenet @k-films @kflixnet

note. hey!! it'd been a while lmao i forgot how to do this format thing 😭😭😭 but nonetheless, i had this sweet idea and hope you guys enjoy!!

banner by @cafekitsune

As you take your regular Saturday stroll through your favorite park nearby your complex, enjoying the fresh air and the calming ambiance. Birds are chirping, the are children running around, people's dogs are chasing squirrels and frisbees, there are the daily fitness people chasing their 10k steps and of course, you cannot miss the lovely elderly couples on their romantic walks.

Growing up in this area for the last thirteen years, this park has been a second home to you. You knew almost everyone here. You watched this park at its highest and lowest. You loved coming here, anytime and any day. One thing that has only enhanced your love for this place is the amount of time you spent here with your boyfriend of 2 years, Jake sim.

You both spend everyday together, but that has come to a temporary end when you both had to long distance. Jake to move to another state to take care of his sick grandmother. He stayed there longer then he'd expected but you knew and had faith that the relationship between you both would only get stronger once you reunite.

As you turn around the corner of the trail, you stop dead in your tracks tracks when a handsome man steps in front of you. Your handsome man. It's your boyfriend Jake, who you hadn't seen in eight months. Your eyes widen and your feet are stuck in place, your breath hitches and tightens. You can feel tears welling in your eyes at the sight of him.

He is so handsome, his hair has grown alot, looking like a mini mullet which looks so good on him. His eyes are just as bright as you seen him last and that adoring smile not wavering for a second. He opens his arms to you, lips in a smirk, "did you miss me, baby?"

His voice. I think my heart just skipped a beat.

That angelic voice was the final recall that he was here, he was finally here in your sight. You run up to him and he wraps his strong arms around your frame, melting in his embrace and basking in his scent. he release a sigh, almost as a sign of content and relief.

He pulls away, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, lips in a soft smile, "I miss you so much, honey, you have no idea"

"i missed you too Jake, so much,"

And that was it, until he pulls you in for a much needed kiss, his lips in a smile causes yours to smile as well. He holds you very close to him in a gentle but firm grip, not wanting to let go. And you don't want him to, hands on the back of his neck, playing with the grown hair there.

He pulls away, looking into your eyes with full of love, "I love you yn."

you smile ad you kiss his cheek, "And I love you."

As the afternoon turns into evening and the sun slowly sets, You and Jake sit down at one of your favorite spots in the park. You are against a tree, your back warmed up with his chest, arms enveloped around you like a blanket, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze and listening to the birds chirping.

We spend an hour or two just talking, catching up on everything that's happened in the past few months. He tells me that his grandmother is doing much better now and that they hired a woman to take care when his parents cannot. I tell him about my internship at work, it was for the journaling field of a reputed magazine company. We laugh, we tease, and we just enjoy each other's company.

He kisses your temple every so often, and realization dawns upon you that you missed this. You missed this feeling of doing nothing but everything at the same time. You missed his warm hold and his silly, cute laugh, you missed him.

Jake places a kiss on the top of your head before asking you to turn to him, a smile playing on his lips.

"Remember when we first met?" he asks, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia.

You nod, a smile forming on your own lips and you lean the side your face on his shoulder.

"Of course I do," You reply, giggling slightly. "Who could forget meeting the boy of their dreams in a park on a Saturday afternoon?"

Jake laughs, and you share a look of shared understanding. Your time apart may have been long, but our bond feels stronger than ever.

"I love you baby, till death do us apart." Jake says with sincerity.

you smile only widens till your cheeks are hurting, you placed a gently, shaking hand on his cheek and your foreheads meet.

"I love you Jake, till death do us apart."

perm taglist: @jak-ey ; @snoowhore ; @hsgwrld ; @seungiesluv ; @1-800shutthefuckup ; @heeseungshim (send an ask to be added)

[firegirl888101]

Insatiable Madness (12)

|Sagau Yandere Fatui Harbingers x Reader|

People are taking notice. This is good, just... don't allow suspicion to linger for too long...

Reader is Gender Neutral!

It was the next morning.

After your little ‘Dress to Impress’ situation with Signora, you grabbed lots of blankets and extra mattresses for the Harbingers. Originally, you planned for all of them to sleep in the living room and dining room as it was the biggest and the furthest space away from you. However, all the girls complained about this and managed to persuade you to let them stay in the guest bedroom instead.

So there you were, moving half of the mattresses and blankets into the guest bedroom for them, not a single shred of help given to you. You’re not sure how they’re going to decide who gets the bed, but honestly, you don’t want to imagine the petty chaos that will ensue because of it. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to have the girls close to you, after all, you can hear all their arguments through the walls quite clearly…

Anyway,

After that you used the rest of your noodles for yourself and forced the harbingers to eat boiled vegetables. You’re not evil, it’s just the only other thing you could cook without guaranteeing the house would catch on fire. Also, it might have been the only thing left in the freezer.

And off to bed everyone went after dinner. They didn’t say thank you, of course. However silence is better than having to figure out how to piece your sofa back together like a lego house. As of now, you’re downstairs and suffering through an onslaught of Childe’s complaining.

“When’s breakfast?” Childe whined, laying on the sofa with his patched up injuries still healing.

“Never, until you and the others get a job to financially support the house.” You replied, leaning back on the armchair and watching the news. It wasn’t anything interesting unlike yesterday, with the notice of you being missing being the conversation of the day. Today, it was reporting on the increasing average climate temperature. Ah yes, another problem. But luckily, that’s something out of your control right now.

“But it huuuurts! You can’t expect me to walk around the city limping.”

“Yes, but that won’t stop you from using the Internet, will it?”

“I have no idea what that is.”

Maybe this is a good thing. Letting the harbingers go on the Internet without any control or restrictions could possibly not just end you, but also the entire world. At that point, if you let it happen, humanity’s biggest problem wouldn’t be climate change anymore.

“It is decided.” Sandrone gleefully spoke with an excited voice, walking through the front door and entering the living room. “I’m officially working as an engineer in a garage not too far away. Oh, this is simply splendid news!”

“Sandrone, I thought we agreed you weren’t going to work due to you looking too young?” You questioned her with an exasperated sigh, already expecting this outcome.

“We never agreed on such a thing.” She scoffed at your unenthusiastic reply. “The Rooster and I discussed my wishes to learn the field of mechanics of this world. We decided it would be best if I visited the mechanic’s garage we passed by when we were walking to that weird food place we found you in. When I walked inside and inquired about a position, they instantly said yes! Ahh, it seems even in this world humans can detect true talent.”

“Or, get this, they were suffering from this city lacking engineer’s to hire. From the sounds of it, they were desperate to employ just about anyone.” You fired back, voice plain.

“Don’t be so conceited. They specifically asked for my skills. And, after I talked about my puppets and robots, they were instantly intrigued and brought me aboard!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Good for you, or whatever.” You turned back to the television, not giving her anymore attention.

“Well, I believe it is a wonderful thing.” Pulcinella walked into the room, sitting on the sofa with Childe, his back to Childe’s shins.

“At least someone’s got a job. Did anyone else actually try to find one this morning?” You groaned.

“A woman approached me with a business card, something about ‘fitting the vibe’ with a new fashion collection she was working on and offered for me to be a part of it. What did that mean?” Arlecchino spoke up, passing you the business card she mentioned.

Looking closer at it, you could tell it was a relatively new business. One owned by someone just a few years older than you maybe. Honestly, it actually looks really cool. Maybe you’ll check out the website link on the back of the card later.

“She’s asking you to become a model for a fashion branch she’s designing.” You explained, passing the card back.

“Modelling? Hm, looks like I’ll have to find something somewhere else.”

“You don’t want to be a model?” You questioned her.

“I’m used to working in the shadows, I dislike public attention when I work. Becoming a model would be unlike me.” She sighed disappointedly.

“I say you do it, Knave.” Columbina cheered for her. “If you don’t like it, you could always kill her and erase all footage from her Kamera.”

“Please don’t do that.”

“I suppose that could be a possible outcome.” Arlecchino thought to herself, ignoring you.

“Okay, please don’t think about it if that’s what you’re going to do if you don’t like it! Be normal and just quit the job, and read your contracts!” You exclaimed in horror.

“Very well, I’ll contact her later today.”

“And how do you plan to do that?” You turned to her.

“I thought I’d ask you to help me.”

Of course she’d expect that. Children, all the Harbingers are basically children high on drugs in wonderland not knowing what to do or how to do it. Just what would they do without you? It’s no wonder despite kidnapping you they give you a lot of freedom. You’re surprised they haven’t tied you up and left you to rot in your own boredom actually. You often wonder why they haven’t done that, it’s very clear they get more and more annoyed the more time you spend with them.

“Childe, the second you heal I’m kicking you out of the house until you find a job.” You announced, Childe whining as a reply.

“Why are you so harsh with me!? I’m one of the nicest guys here!”

“Because some of the others actually took the initiative to go out and find a job today which I’m pleasantly surprised at. It could have turned out a lot worse, but luckily it didn’t. Therefore, I really don’t care.”

“Decider!! You’re so mean!”

“Why do I hear Childe screaming a lot more than usual this morning?” Pierro yawned, entering the room with hazy and cloudy eyes.

“The Decider wants him to get a job.” Scaramouche bluntly stated, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. 

“Oh, as if you have room to talk. You didn’t even try to get a job this morning. You didn’t even leave the house to pretend to try!” You argued with him.

“There is no way, in any stage of care I could possibly and deniably have for you, am I working to support people I don’t even like.”

“You’re doing it to support yourself!”

“I don’t even need to eat, silly mortal.” He snickered at your flabbergasted face, struggling to keep up and monopolise him.

“Hmph, if the heartless crude doesn’t wish to work, don’t force him.” Sandrone scoffed in his direction, fiddling with the TV remote in her hands, observing which button does what.

“As I have decided and discovered a place to work, allow me to earn as much money as you need. I can guarantee you, I’ll be much more helpful than this…” She struggled to find the word.

“...thing.”

“Excuse me??” Scaramouche couldn’t believe what he was hearing, his head snapping towards her direction as fast as the speed of light.

“It truly is shameful, to take and not give in return.”

“Like you’re one to talk.” Dottore grinned, entering the room alongside Pantalone and shutting the living room door.

“It doesn’t matter what any of you morons say. I’m not getting a job, meaning stop bothering me with blather I’m ignoring. You’re wasting your own time.” Scaramouche scoffed, turning away dramatically and walking in the direction of the dining room going to do something that you couldn’t even attempt to guess.

“...I’m going to kill him.”

“Don’t try it, you’re thinking of what we’ve wanted to do for years. His usefulness is the only thing keeping him alive now.” Pierro sighed, a hand on his head trying to soothe his incoming headache.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

You were back in your bedroom, trying to communicate with the Traveler on the other side again. Alas, he still wasn’t replying in your favour. His blank look was still displayed on his face. Maybe you should stop for a while and give it time, continuously trying seems to be wearing you out more than the Harbingers themselves. Either that, or you’re getting really angry now. …What are you saying!? Nothing will wear you down more than the presence of the Harbingers, never forget what they did and what they could do to you. Even if they’re acting nicely towards you, it doesn’t change how they treat and have treated others. Never forget it, ever.

Speaking of never forgetting, now that you have the time, you should do something about all this merch.

You walked up to your desk, eyeing the different figures and occasional sticker littering your desk. You made quick work of scratching the stickers off, ripping them to shreds and violently throwing them in your bin. You looked at the Arlecchino and Scaramouche figures standing next to each other on the back shelf of your desk, you grabbed them and stared at them, admiring every detail made by the artist.

Such a shame. It’s funny how just last week you were excited that you could potentially buy all the figures and line them up on your desk. Unfortunately, you’ll never be able to see these characters the same ever again. Especially fucking Scaramouche.

You shook your head after a short while of staring, choosing to shove the figures under your bed instead of smashing them like you wished you could with the real people. You’ll try and resell them later for money to support yourself once this is all over.

Anyway, at least now your desk is clear. You can’t remember the last time you saw it bear with only your computer on it. Next, you should get rid of all the genshin plush toy’s on your bed and above your wardrobe. Starting with the massive Childe whale laid out across your mattress. Ugh, but you actually like this one! Without the genshin context, it would just be a cute whale! Should you just shove this one under your bed too? And what about–

“You’ll never guess what I did!” Childe burst through your door, a very excited expression on his face.

“Childe!? What are you doing?? GET OUT!” You shrieked, standing up and running to cover your computer screen before he could see it.

“Okay, so, you know how you told me to go out and find a job when I got better?” He began explaining, ignoring your complaining with a mocking tilt to his head.

“Yes, but get out! We can talk outside of my room!” You quickly ran forward, pushing him away from the door frame and out of the room with haste.

“You don’t even have anything interesting. Just looked like a basic bedroom to me…” He pouted playfully, his eyes narrowing at the door you slammed behind you after you successfully removed him from your bedroom.

“Right. What were you telling me about you looking for a job?” You sighed, not wanting to discuss your bedroom any further.

“Okay. So, I was out looking for a job, yeah? I was struggling and felt really angry, but then I passed by a building with boxers punching and training! I went in and asked if I could try it, and they immediately asked if I could join their gym after I did! Pretty amazing, right?” He hummed, grinning widely.

“...You have to pay to join a gym.” You countered him, a confused expression.

“That’s what I thought too! But, the manager of the place was coincidentally having a meeting with a man looking to sponsor an upcoming athlete. When he saw me, he offered a sponsorship to me. So now I get paid to train in the gym everyday!”

“That’s… um.. You know what? If it’s what you want to do and it pays well, go for it or whatever. Just warning you, sponsored athlete’s training is very harsh and time consuming. You don’t get to eat what you like and have spare time to yourself. You’ll have barely any time to yourself in the house. Not to mention–”

“That I can’t quit until my first fight? Yeah, I know that!”

“Alright fine then. Just… don’t kill anyone.” You gave him a suspicious glance, turning around and opening the door slightly to squeeze through without him seeing your bedroom.

“See you la–”

“Decider, could we have a look at the modelling place now? Pierro has given his permission for us to head outside and find the shop.” Arlecchino walked up the stairs, stopping after seeing the awkward placement of yours and Childe’s conversation.

“I CAN’T CATCH A BREAK I HATE MY LIFE!”

“What are they talking about?” She whispered to Childe, the ginger shrugging as a response.

“Dunno. They’ve been more annoyed than usual today, kind of reminds me of my mother when Tonia steals her clothes and goes outside to make them dirty on purpose.”

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... …

You can’t believe this. The Harbinger’s are actually letting you go outside without the worry of you escaping? Okay, you suppose you are essentially tied to Arlecchino right now due to her grabbing your wrist with an iron hold, but it’s better than nothing!

Your visible appearance must have been one to laugh at. You were wearing an oversized jumper and three of your mothers scarves which were so long they were almost touching the ground, even with the three wrapped around your neck twice. Thank goodness it’s cold today, if it wasn’t, you would be getting even weirder looks than you already are now. You sighed, your breath sticking to you thanks to the blue covid mask wrapped around your face under the bundle of scarves.

“You went overboard, you know?” You turned to her with unimpressed eyes, Arlecchino’s head still looking forwards in attention, ready for any potential surprise attacks like a true soldier.

“No, I say we didn’t cover you enough.” She replied with a rich voice. “I insisted we add a hat to cover your head, but Pulcinella couldn’t stand the fact you’d be sweating with it on.”

“Thank you…” You did a small imaginary salute to Pulcinella. “I would have cried if I had to wear any more clothes. I can already feel my skin soaking wet.”

“That’s repulsive.” She commented.

The two of you crossed the street, heading towards the shopping centre in the middle of your city. When following the link on the business card Arlecchino was given, Google Maps led you to the main shopping centre in town. Seeing this was a beautiful opportunity to see if you could find anybody you recognised to get help, you gladly accepted her request for you to guide her towards the shop she needed to get to.

You walked in, following after the silver haired woman with anxious steps. She stopped, seeing a map of the building and pointing at the words, trying her best to try and read them. With a frustrated sigh, she turned to look at your smug expression, watching her try and fail to understand the map.

“The place you’re looking for is that one.” You walked up to the board, pointing to the name of the clothes shop she was looking for.

“Thank you.” She closed her eyes, trying to conceal her annoyment with a screwed up face.

The two of you then began walking through the shopping centre, yourself occasionally glancing at the confectionary shops smelling like heaven. You were tempted to drag her in, to have a look at the delicious delicacies wrapped in colours and dream of having them, but you decided against it considering her gaze darkened every time you yanked her towards a window.

“You are such a child.” She commented, breaking her silence to mock you. “Pulcinella tells us of your childish behaviour and resorts to disobey, witnessing it first hand at first was entertaining, but now it’s becoming frustrating.”

“I tend to have that effect on people.” You replied, struggling to hold your tongue with a grin. Technically you’re safe right now. There’s too many people around here for her to try anything if you annoy her too much. Sure, she would take out the majority, but there will be some who could run away unscathed in time to call the authorities.

Well, that’s what you would have done if you were 100% sure she came alone with you in the first place. Not only that, but you don’t want to get other people stuck in this situation with you. It’s kind of crazy how traumatic situations like this will either bring out the best or worst in people. In your case, you luckily responded in the former way. To think a couple days ago you were a selfish angsty hermit who never left their room unless your parents called for it.

Arlecchino isn’t stupid, you know she’s the Fourth Harbinger for a reason. She’s intelligent, patient, and excellent at hiding her true feelings if she needs to be careful. A terrifying analyser, and one you should probably stay neutral around when you’re alone with her. If she’s not as arrogant as you think she is, you’re guessing she asked one or two Harbingers to spy on the two of you from afar. It’s a shame you’re not as perceptive as the others, maybe then you’d actually stand a chance.

“Hey,” You felt a hypnotising click in front of your eyes, focusing on the mutated fingers with red nails very close to your eyes.

You came back to reality, finding the silver woman bent over slightly clicking you back. “I would advise you to pay attention and listen to me from here on. I cannot have my guide slacking and leading us in the wrong direction.” She coldly stated, slipping on a pair of gloves you advised her to wear before leaving the house.

“Right.” You coughed, avoiding her mesmerising eyes with a dramatic step back and a light flush on your cheeks. What in her right mind made her think getting that close to you was a good idea!? Is she trying to kill you, and embarrass herself in public??

The two of you walked in silence after that, the happy families and couples you walked by contrasting the tension between the two of you. Thankfully, the shop wasn’t too much further. If you had to walk anymore in that suffering silence, you think you would have charged through one of the shop’s glass windows. The two of you had successfully reached the shop in question and found the woman who scouted Arlecchino inside. You saw her brooming the floor through the glass windows.

“Sooo…” You awkwardly turned to her. “I’m presuming that’s the woman who gave you the business card?”

“Yes. That’s her.” Arlecchino nodded, grabbing your wrist and walking inside with you being dragged behind her.

The shop was very gothic. There were many clothes both in and out of fashion, that seemed to be loved by the community who were browsing the shelves and hangers with bright smiles. Yeah, this is a good shop. It reminds you of one of those small online businesses that only a few people know of due to its rarely appreciated products. You can see Arlecchino fitting in somehow.

“Wow, wow, wow! You actually decided to come!” The woman exclaimed. “Please, do come in! I’ll be with you shortly, I just need to put this broom back.”

She seems… cheerful.

The excited woman ran up to the two of you, standing at the front door. She clasped Arlecchino’s gloved hands, and practically had stars in her eyes.

“If you’re here, I’m guessing you took my offer then? Oh! I’m getting ahead of myself. My name is Aurora, but everyone calls me Rora since the name Aurora is quite posh, don’t you think?”

“I think it’s a beautiful na–” 

“Do you really!?” Rora beamed at you, interrupting your quiet voice with her louder brasher one. “I thought so too, until I realised it didn’t fit the brand in my shop.”

“Anyway…~” She laughed, interrupting herself. “We’ll have to see whether my vision does indeed match your style. Come with me, err, what was your name again?”

“My name is Arlecchi–” 

“Ahem!” You coughed, interrupting her with a side eye. You forgot to tell her she should use a different name for when she applies for the job. Fuck, that reminds you, you didn’t tell the other Harbinger’s who unexpectedly went out to find a job on their own to give fake names either!

She seemed to get the hint, closing her eyes then opening them again. “My name is Arlette, it’s nice to formally meet you once more.”

“Sure, sure! The pleasure is all mine, or something like that. Now come on, I’ll have you model some styles I put together to see if they’re good enough to go on my website.”

“Website?” Arlecchino mimicked, turning to you with a raised eyebrow.

“It means if she likes the way you look, you not only get the job but you get paid for the work you’re going to do today. That’s what it seems like anyway, she seems nice.” You shrugged in reply.

“‘Seems nice’?” She gasped jokingly. “I am nice! We’ll show you, you just wait there and we’ll come out looking fabulous!”

“Yes, wait there. It would be a foreseen shame if you exited this shop without a second pair of eyes on you.” Arlecchino hinted, before turning around and following the woman behind the till and through the staff door.

Well, that confirms your suspicions. She did get a couple other Harbingers to trail the two of you to the shopping centre. How frustrating of her. 

What’s even more frustrating is how Rora didn’t realise your appearance is unnatural! Come on, girl, even though it’s cold it’s not normal to wear this many layers inside a shopping centre! Oh well, maybe you could turn to the other customers in the shop?

You looked behind one of the shelves covered in t-shirts, peering through the gap to see two other girls laughing at a video on their phones. Would now be a good chance? But you’re being watched. Maybe you should test the waters first by having a normal conversation.

Yeah. That’s a good idea. Now, if your legs could just move and guide you to where you want to go that would be great. It would be a bit weird if you called out to them when you’re in an enclosed space together. Huh? Why is the ground shaking? You feel like you’re about to collapse to your knees, where did your strength go? Your eyes widened in realisation when you realised what was happening.

You can’t do it. Your legs won’t move, they’re shaking as if they’re trying to move, but can’t for some invisible wall. You can’t seem to get your voice to work either, it feels as if it’s wrapped itself inside your throat like a coil. Come on, just move! Now’s the perfect chance to try and do something! Are you scared of the fact that a few other harbingers may be watching? Or is it something else?

You looked around the room quickly, feeling a sickly heat wave over your head. You couldn’t tell whether you were crying from disgust or fear. Why is it, when you just need to do something, does your body freeze like this? Is something wrong with you? Surely it isn’t normal to just freeze, when people are scared you usually see them run - not stand like a deer in headlights!

Realising how awkward and how hard it would be to explain yourself if someone saw you in this state, you went to a random corner of the shop and tried to calm yourself down.

“Helloooo?~” Rora called out, stepping out of the staff room with Arlecchino trailing behind her.

“Where areeee youuu? We’re finished, and I need a second opinion!”

You sighed, giving your eyes one more wipe then rubbing your hands as if you were drying them under a hand dryer.

“I’m here, just looking at this collection of… jeans.” You lied, not being able to keep your voice cheery, instead it came off as a dejected unnatural tone.

Walking over to the two after a deep breath, you saw Arlecchino dressed in an entirely different outfit than her usual one. She was wearing a clean white blouse with long sleeves, the blouse tucked in a pair of black jeans with a chain connecting her back pocket to a section on her belt. There was a tie wrapped around her collar, descending down and resting above her chest.

She stood tall, a blazer slung over her shoulder rather than around her body. Not going to lie, she looks amazing, and strangely sexy in a way… Her modelling a tomboy outfit like this reminds you of a fanart you saw once, which you definitely didn’t spam a certain copypasta on… ANYWAY—

Your point is she looks great, Rora really knows her stuff.

“Well?~ From your stunned expression, I can tell I really hit the mark with this one! It’s targeted for office girlies who want to dress differently, but still classy. Non-gender specific and of course, fab-ul-ous!” She stepped beside the harbinger leaning a certain way and spreading her hands out dramatically.

“What do you think, Arlette? Is it comfortable? Is there something you would change?”

Arlecchino looked down at herself, judging her appearance with lidded eyes. After a short pause, she nodded and looked back at the designer.

“I like it. It’s comfortable, and the stitching is beautiful. Sometimes the most basic of outfits can make the boldest statements.”

“Exactly! I knew you’d get me!” Rora cheered. “And my, my! It’s not everyday somebody notices my trademark stitching. You have perceptive eyes!”

“Trademark? Does that mean you sew all these clothes yourself?” You gaped, not believing a word you’re hearing.

“Mhmm. I hate the idea of allowing a machine to create my clothes for me. I want to spread my passion and ideas sustainably, not mass-produce them in a factory without a care in the world. The idea makes my heart wrench!” She comedically weeped.

“Actually… To be fair, that’s actually why a lot of the shelves are still empty. Turns out managing a shop in a busy shopping centre like this takes a lot of work - especially when it’s just you. A lot of the time, when something is bought out it takes me months to refill the aisle back to how it once was. It’s difficult… but, I love it.”

“Wow…” You felt your eyes glistening. “Environmentally aware and sustainable? Rora, I might be your newest biggest fan! I’ll be honest, I thought you were just a massive Pinterest fan.”

“Ahah! I get that a lot!” She giggled into her hand.

“You wouldn’t happen to do custom designs, would you?”

“I haven’t thought about it. Buuuut, considering I’m running a little bit low on funds, I would love the idea if you had something in mind?” She thought to herself, encouraging the thought.

“Sorry, but it’ll have to be another day. My funds aren’t the best either at the moment. I’ll definitely keep the thought there though, if you’ll do the same?”

“Of course!” She gave a thumbs up. “Anyway… Whaddya think? You’ve had a look at one of my simpler designs, and I think you fit the image I had in mind perfectly! Your friend seems to agree also!”

Arlecchino stared at you for a few seconds before brushing a strand of hair out of her face and looking away.

“I’ll take the job.”

“Yippee! Welcome aboard, Arlette!” Rora jumped up and down, unable to control her excitement. Everybody else in the shop awkwardly applauded after being spooked by the sudden noise, not looking surprised in the slightest. It seems Rora getting excited is a usual occurrence…

“Alright-y then! Hmm, let’s see… we’ll discuss contracts and serious stuff tomorrow when you come in for your first official day… for now I guess I can ask whether you’d be okay with restocking shelves and helping me manage the till?”

“Hm? I thought I was simply modelling?” Arlecchino wondered out loud. “It is not a problem, I thought it would just be my image that’s being used.”

“You see, having someone monitoring the shop would give me more time to work on clothes and research. It could possibly get the shop running smoother and make business quicker.” She clicked her fingers.

“And besides, you seem like the thorough type. If someone tried to steal from the shop, I know you would chase them down instantly!”

Pfft, yeah, you can see her doing that alright.

“I appreciate the honest thoughts.” Arlecchino nodded appreciatively. “Would I be paid a higher amount?”

“Why, of course! I can see your added efforts would boost productivity which in turn could increase products being bought. When that increases, I’ll be sure to pay you more.”

“Then I see no issue with our arrangement.” She sighed, eyes shutting harshly when hearing Rora squeal in excitement again.

Oh dear, this is going to be a long day.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... …

“Aaaaand that’s a wrap! Thank you so much for this!” Rora clapped, thanking Arlecchino with a thumbs up and a cheer.

“That was… suspiciously easy.” Arlecchino mumbled her thoughts. “Your Kamera equipment took less than a minute to set up.”

“Well, yeah, duh? Hey, is your friend always like this?” Rora turned to you.

“Something like that…” You coughed into your hand, avoiding eye contact. “Anyway we should be heading out, it’s getting late and I’m hungry.”

“Before you go!” Rora ran behind the till, scrambling to pick up a few notes before running back to the two of you and handing them out. “Here, I’d be a bad boss if I didn’t pay you fairly for today’s work. We got around 12 outfits for my website, so this amount should be alright. Do you have any complaints?”

Any complaints… ANY COMPLAINTS!? She’s given her way too much, no wonder she’s having some financial troubles! Buuut, you are in need of some money… Okaaay, you’ll be a bit greedy and let it slide this time. But when Arlecchino’s next pay-day comes around you’ll definitely say something to protect Rora’s business - being too kind might be her downfall. If only you knew how right you were in saying that.

Arlecchino looked to you, clueless with the money she gratefully took from her new boss. You nodded, smiling as normally as you could, eyeing her as she folded it and stuffed the notes in her pocket.

“I will see you tomorrow.” Arlecchino waved slowly, grabbing your arm and pulling you out of the shop with her.

“Wai– Arlecc– I mean, Arlette, let me say goodbye too!” You struggled to speak, fumbling due to being lurched forward to match her strides.

“Bye Rora!”

She simply waved back, a gentle smile on her face as she eyed the two of you leaving her shop like a herd of elephants. Her smile dropped, her arm going back down to her side as she turned to the other customers in the shop.

“Ladies, you wouldn’t have happened to feel… something wrong there, would you?”

The two girls looked at each other, one looking clueless whilst the other nodded, agreeing without words.

“I didn’t see anything, they just looked like two normal people to me.”

“No, there was a threat of intimidation with your new worker.” The other thought out loud. “It’s hard to explain, but I get what you mean by feeling something wrong. The person with her looked like they were about to burst into tears at one point - hell, they were wandering around the store aimlessly when they weren’t at her side.”

“Huh? But if something was wrong, why wouldn’t they have just… I don’t know, passed us a note if they couldn’t say anything?”

“No. I don’t think they could.” Rora interrupted her. “Did the two of you hear their name, by chance? It’s almost as if Arlette was making sure that question wouldn’t come up, when she was talking the conversation always felt controlled.”

“Okay, even I don’t know what you’re referring to here.” The intelligent girl with the headband said. “If anything, Arlette didn’t speak very much. It was almost as if she was clueless about the whole thing, maybe that’s why she brought her friend?”

“Hmm… Wait, we really didn’t hear her friend’s name! I wonder why they didn’t introduce themself. Oh, speaking of suspicions… Now that I’m thinking about it, did anyone find it weird how they were wrapped head to toe in scarves and coats? They must have been boiling, I don’t think they would have chosen to leave the house like that…”

“That’s true. In fact, now that I’m thinking about their appearance also, I don’t think I could mention a single unique characteristic of theirs at all. If they ever entered the shop without all the coats and scarves, I don’t think I’d be able to recognise them unless they spoke.”

“I’m going to find out everything when Arlette returns tomorrow.” Rora looked determined, turning around back to the till. “Something just doesn’t feel right. I’m sure it’s nothing, and we’re just looking too deep into things, but I think it would be wise to ask more personal questions tomorrow.” 

“Good idea.” The girl in the headband agreed. “Would you like me to also be there tomorrow? There’s strength in numbers.”

“Yes please.” Rora’s face turned serious. “I could use all the help I can get right now. Say, ‘Lils’, you coming in tomorrow too?”

“Of course, girlhood is girlhood after all! We have to stay toge–” She flinched, running up to the window without warning and looked around. She looked back to the other two giving her a suspicious look. “Sorry, I thought I felt something weird. Must be all the creepy talk.”

“...Damn it, Knave. It hasn’t been a day and you’re already garnering suspicion.” Scaramouche whispered to himself in frustration, looking through the window carefully once the girl turned her head.

He sighed, moving away from the window to tail both you and Arlecchino. It seems his presence was needed here after all, the Knave didn’t warn him wrong. He has to give her credit, unlike some of the morons he’s been forced to come here with, everything she planned has indeed come true. He thought this outing would be useless, that it was a waste of time, but it ended up being useful and that’s all he could care about. What to do about those three though? It would be far too dangerous to let them live, especially considering they were onto her. What’s more important to him is this sudden interest in The Decider. In his opinion, they’re becoming far too curious. He would rather them stay entirely clueless.

“Hey, Arlecchino? Now that you’ve been paid… could we plea–”

“No.” She cut you off, placing her hand over her pocket so you couldn’t snatch the money inside. “We are not buying stupid things, we finally have money that you’ve been complaining for. I will not let you waste it.”

“But… But it’s a tradition I have!” You complained.

“Tradition?” She raised her eyebrow, not looking impressed.

“Yeah!! Whenever my mother and I come to the shopping centre, we always stop by a chocolate shop and treat ourselves.”

“What a stupid tradition.” She muttered under her breath.

“Come on, pleeeaaaseee? You’re a ‘Father’, you should know when to treat your children!” You tried to convince her, trying to use puppy eyes with your hands clasped together.

“Don’t try to convince your perfectly fine brain with your own stupidities.” She glared at you. “You are not a child of mine, and you never will be, so end that thought whilst it’s still alive.”

The two of you walked in silence after that, the occasional puppy eyes from you and a heightened glare in return from her. Scaramouche looked on from behind incredulously, mouth threatening to gape open in disbelief. Is he seeing this right, the Knave is tolerating your begging? Not to mention, her facade is definitely dropping. He can’t remember the last time he saw her like this without lashing out in a violent rage.

Before long, the two three of you found yourselves at the front of a shop. You stopped, looking up at her confused, until you realised which shop she stopped the two of you at.

“Arle— You didn’t!” You beamed at her in excitement. No way, she remembered which shop you were looking at the longest on your way to Rora’s shop!? So, she really did care about what you were thinking earlier!

“Pick what you want, and get something for myself also. I am trusting you to get something cheap and delectable, if I dislike what you give me I’ll tell the others not to consider letting you out of the house ever again.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” You ran up to her, wrapping your arms around her tense body. You hugged her tight, smiling widely before letting go and grabbing her hand.

“I’m going to give you a tour of the entire shop so you can make your choice, trust me, you have an expert over here!”

“Ah…” Arlecchino looked away for a moment, the only evidence of her mood being her eyes shining more than usual. “Alright.” She nodded, a twinge of embarrassment showing.

Scaramouche felt his jaw drop, his incredulous expression from before leaking out in the shop like incense. Is he… Is he seeing this right?

Hoh, this will be interesting…

Helloooo! Nice to see everyone before another 6 months have passed. I'm hoping to be more consistent now that studies have become less important for this next year. Still important but my procrastination to do other things has no limit.

Just because I said I feel more motivated to get out of bed every morning in my Christmas message doesn't mean I've changed as a person lol

Please don't expect too many happy, nice and generally fluffy scenes.

This is Yandere, a genre which should never, under any circumstance be considered normal. It's abusive, unhealthy and leads to a lot of victims facing awful conditions which they never should or ever have to endure no matter who they are.

This is fiction that I'm writing, meaning it's all taken light-heartedly IN A FICTIONAL SENSE.

If anyone, by chance, is currently in conditions where a loved-one or yourself has suddenly become distant and/or being hurt when away from eyes please get help. Talk to them, or if it's you, talk to someone you know you can trust.

If you can't talk to anyone, find authorities who can help you. Call 999, as it is in the U.K, or your local emergency service. They will always help you, and will never deny your rights or freedom.

Thanks for reading this, I hope all who's reading knows this information already, but I thought I'd include it since who knows when it comes to where you are in the world and whether your education programs taught critical information like this.

✨Elusive✨ Taglist!:

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Quick Reminder Here! If you no longer want to be on the taglist that's completely fine; I take no offence whatsoever so please don't hesitate to tell me. ^^

[eddiediaaz]

hi guys, i am kind of ashamed and embarrassed to have to do this, but i figured it can't hurt to ask. basically i am really struggling right now (i know a lot of us are). i need financial help, so i set up a ko-fi page ☕

any kind of help would be so appreciated and i am so grateful for anyone taking the time to read this little post.

long story short: because of situations completely out of my control, i lost my job in vfx after almost 8 years and i am now forced to switch careers. i'm going back to school and can't find a part time job even tho i have been working non stop for 15 years. financial aid will only cover my rent, so i absolutely need to work 20 to 30 hours a week to cover the rest of my living expenses, but it's really hard to find a job. i am also currently over 10k cad in debt from my film school loans and credit cards.

signal boost would be appreciated, if you can 💕

my situation in more details under the cut for those who are curious

i was working in the vfx industry as a 2D compositor since 2016 (i have worked on over 40 films and tv shows), but in december of 2023 i lost my job due to the hollywood strikes (as expected, and as it should—i fully support the strikes). this was supposed to be temporary for a couple months where i could get unemployment benefits (only 45% of my usual salary though). unfortunately, on may 31st 2024, my government announced that they are significantly cutting the funding & tax credits for the vfx industry where i live. what does this mean? mass lay offs. thousands of canadians and other people in the world working in the industry are losing their career, including me. there will only be about 20% vfx jobs left where i live by 2025. vfx shops and production houses have already started to close doors here. i'm still mourning this career i have been working in for 8 years and loved, even tho it's been difficult and demanding at times (lots of overtime), but there are just no jobs right now (unless you are a senior vfx artist with decades of experience) and the future will only get more bleak. i could move abroad and follow the industry that is already moving somewhere else, but i don't want to do that on my own (i am already super lonely as it is!!) and i can't afford it.

my unemployment benefits will run out by the last week of september. in 4 weeks. i've been sending resumes everywhere, both online and in person, but i am just not getting anything in return. even tho i have over 15 years of experience working in various jobs and i have never been fired from anywhere. even tho my resume and cover letters are solid because they have been approved my professional counselors (a free service for people under 35 where i live). so much for they're hiring everywhere...

since my vfx compositing skills are very niche and not really applicable to much else, i decided to go back to school, taking college classes in the admin and excecutive assistant fields, since it's something that i think would be good for me and there are lots of jobs for that here. i will be getting some financial aid, but it's nowhere near enough to survive. it will only cover my rent, and that's because my rent is super cheap for my city. my college classes start on september 30 and i am excited for it, but also very stressed because i still don't have a part time job.

i've been living on my own with a small salary for over 10 years now, but it truly is the first time that i'm struggling this hard. i honestly don't have anything worth selling except some taylor swift perfumes, which i sold this week. i also have over 6k of credit debt and another 4.5k of school loans left to pay. at the bare minimum i will need about $1.000 CAD/month to cover my other bills and expenses after rent, hence why the need for a job ASAP. i am desperate and my mental health has been a huge mess. this is why i decided to open my ko-fi accounts. not that i'm expecting much, but anything can help, i think.

i don't have much to offer in exchange, except gifs? i'm wondering if (cheap, low price) gif commissions are a thing? i have no idea know, but i set up a poll on my ko-fi page to see if anyone would be interested.

thank you for reading if you've made it here, it's appreciated 💖

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

Office smut where reader is Rafe's assistant and they both work at cameron developpement

I've never been a fan of these assistant/boss dynamics, but it fits for Rafe so I gave it a try...and it ended up being 2.5k

Warnings: 18+, fingering, unprotected p + v,

my taglists are here + you can send requests here at any time

—

Never in your life did you imagine yourself pursuing a career in real estate, but when an opportunity to work as a personal assistant at Cameron Development practically fell into your lap, you hadn’t been able to decline. 

It was a sunny day on the golf course with your father, enjoying some quality father-daughter time before the end of summer. As you both played a round, you came across one of his golf buddies — Ward Cameron. You vaguely remembered the man, having played with his kids a few times when you were little. Sarah was the one you remembered the most, she had blond hair and always talked about turtles.

Small talk flowed between your father and Mr. Cameron as they caught up on each other's lives. Then, your college studies came into the conversation. You had graduated college this spring, but hadn’t found any jobs in your field yet. Fortunately for you, Mr. Cameron informed you that there were a few jobs available at Cameron Developpement. 

You weren’t interested in real estate, but working for a well reputed company could do no wrong to your curriculum vitae. So you accepted the offer, not knowing that you would be working for his son, Rafe, as his personal assistant. 

You knocked on the door at the end of the hallway, announcing your presence. ‘’You wanted to see me, Mr. Cameron?’’ 

He looked up from the stack of documents neatly placed before him on his desk and your breath caught in your throat. Fuck me. It was a good thing you had put on lipgloss and a nice pair of heels instead of loafers because Rafe Cameron was a fine man. He looked right out of a smutty romance novel with his crisp button up and a navy blue suit jacket that brought out the color of his eyes. 

‘’Yes,’’ he replied, flashing you a polite and effortlessly charming smile. ‘’First, I wanted to meet my new assistant before I hand off the work I'd rather not deal with. My father was insistent about getting me a personal assistant, but I'm actually glad he hired you.’’ His eyes followed down your body in the most subtle way, taking note of how well your skirt was hugging your hips and anticipating the even better view when he’ll watch you go.  

‘’I’m glad I took the job too. Hopefully I won’t disappoint you,’’ you responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of your lips, trying to hide everything you were feeling right now.

‘’I’m sure you won’t,’’ Rafe assured, his voice carrying a trace of amusement. ‘’Secondly, I was reviewing some paperwork, and it has come to my attention that Mr. Gilbert has not remitted his payment for the condo he recently bought. Can you give him a call and ask for payment? If he refuses to forward us the money before 4pm, we’ll cancel the sale agreement and find another prospective buyer.’��

You nodded in acknowledgment. 

Calling Mr. Gilbert. That should be easy for your first task. 

‘’Anything else?’’ 

Rafe shook his head. ‘’Not for the moment. You may leave.’’ 

‘’Well, Mr. Cameron.’’ 

His eyes lingered for a second, a hint of something more as he watched you turn to leave, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

Over the span of a few weeks, professional exchanges gradually morphed into something outside of your assigned tasks. You were still bringing him coffee whenever he asked and answering emails, but specks of flirting now laced your conversation and soon evolved with lingering glances to your chest while going over some work related paperwork. 

Once in a while, he would call you into his office and scheme excuses just to look at you. 

It wasn’t until that argument with his father that he — finally — made a move on you. 

You came to work early that day and, on your way to your office, you had heard Mr. Cameron shout at his son for a mistake he had made concerning the company and how it was going to make a big dent in their finances to fix it. To respect their privacy and not wanting them to think you were eavesdropping, you quickly went to your workspace and started your work. 

When Rafe came out of his father’s office, he saw you sitting at your desk. His chest was heaving with the intensity of the encounter, a storm brewing in his expression. You heard his office door close and, a few seconds later, an email popped on your screen.

My office. Now.

You thought he needed something, but when you stepped in, Rafe was waiting by the door and crashed his mouth on yours, giving in to the desires he’s been pushing aside since you walked in his office on your first day. 

A small gasp left your lips, not expecting to be kissed by your boss on a Thursday morning. A cloud of confusion fogged your brain and you broke the kiss, trying to fight the invisible string pulling you to him. 

Rafe's gaze lowered down yours, a complex blend of frustration and longing evident in his eyes.

The reason why he had never made a move on you before stemmed from a promise to his father, who had made him promise to not fool around with the personnel if he wanted to be part of Cameron Developpement. It hadn't been too difficult until now, the employees being mostly women in their thirties and up. Then, you came around and Rafe had to use a lot of self-control to not charm his way into your panties. To further complicate the situation, you were responsive to his advances and flirting. 

However, after a heated exchange with his father, Rafe was in the mood to piss him off, so to hell with his stupid rules.

‘’Can I trust you that this stays between us?’’ His hands roamed across your sides, down your body, feeling what he had been staring at these past weeks.  

‘’I never kiss and tell.’’ 

Rafe's thumb brushed the corner of your mouth, removing a smudge of lipstick. ‘’Good girl.’’

The way he said it went straight to your core, waking an ache between your legs. How could a voice have such a strong effect? 

Your eyes traveled to the clock on the wall. Agnes, one of the secretaries, should arrive in twenty minutes. You knew her routine because her desk was right by the hallway leading to Rafe’s office. You also knew that she visited him every morning after checking her emails.

Your thoughts were interrupted when Rafe’s mouth found its way back on yours, his tongue slipping between your lips and he pulled you closer to him, pressing his body against yours as his other hand traveled down your legs, to the hem of your tight skirt. He caressed and grabbed one of your ass cheeks, groaning at the feeling. 

Wasting no time getting undressed, Rafe hiked your skirt up, eliciting a small gasp as cool air hit your skin. ‘’Can you be quiet for me?’’ he asked, pressing against you and letting you feel the length of his hard cock against your thigh. ‘’The walls are thin and Agnes is gonna get here soon. We don’t want her to hear us, do we?’’ 

You shook your head. ‘’Are you gonna fuck me, Mr. Cameron?’’ 

Aside from one mishap, you and Rafe successfully kept your secret business from the other employees. If the whispers of your unprofessional doings in his office were to get to his father, you would both be in a lot of trouble. 

 ‘’I have Anthony Gilbert from the construction company on the first line. He has some questions about the new condos,’’ you informed Rafe after he returned from an afternoon meeting, his tie slightly loosened.  

A sigh left his mouth as he leaned back in his chair, visibly tired. ‘’Transfer him to my secretary.’’  

You shifted on your heels, sensing Rafe didn’t want to speak to this man. ‘’He asked to speak to you specifically.’’ 

‘’Well, we can’t always get what we want,’’ he pressed. ‘’Agnes will take care of it,’’ Rafe repeated, his tone final. 

You nodded. ‘’Yes, Mr. Cameron.’’ 

‘’Now, would you please close the door? There’s a document I would like to go over with you.’’ 

A document. You held a snicker and shut the door as requested. 

Once you turned the lock, Rafe patted his lap and you walked around his desk. He watched you with hungry eyes, impatient to get his hands all over you. Get his cock inside you. 

‘’Looking good today, babydoll. Is this new?’’ he asked, running his thumb over the neckline of your wrap dress as you seated yourself on his lap, careful to not rub the sole of your heels on his pants and leave a mark. 

You hummed in response, leaning forward to expose more of your chest. ‘’Do you like it?’’

Rafe let his hand glide down, following the cut of the dress, until he reached the tie to undo it. He pulled until the knot came off, revealing your bra — a soft pink lace number that did not much other than looking pretty. A shudder left your lips as his hand cupped your breast through your bra, his thumb brushing over where he knew your nipple was. 

‘’Very.’’ 

You carded your fingers as he mouthed at your chest and neck, careful to leave no marks behind. A sigh left your lips, wishing he would pull your bra down and just take suck on your nipple, but Rafe had other plans. While his mouth was working, one hand slipped between your thighs, seeking out your warmth, his hand pressed itself against your soaked panties.

He grinned against your skin. ‘’Would you look at that,’’ Rafe murmured, teasing you over the fabric and sending jolts of pleasure to your core. ‘’Were you thinking of me while I was at my meeting?’’ he questioned his fingers pushing your panties to the side, fingers delving into your slick, a low moan fell from your lips. ‘’Get on the desk.’’ 

You wordlessly climb up onto his cold desk, ignoring the papers that got scattered, leaning back with your hands to spread your legs for him. Rafe pulled your panties down your legs and discarded them in one of the drawers — a little keepsake. 

He dipped two fingers between your soaked folds, causing you to moan slowly. ‘’You look so pretty spread out for me like this,’’ he muttered between you, his cock twitching in his pants and straining against the fabric. ‘’Ready for me to take.’’ His thumb grazed over your clit and a gasp fell from your lips, your hands instinctively grabbing the edge of the desk to brace yourself.

‘’I’m always ready for you,’’ you said, speaking the embarrassing truth. ‘’I’ve never wanted a cock as bad as I want yours.’’

Your words had the desired effect, making Rafe groan. ‘’Shit, babydoll. Where did you get that filthy mouth?’’ 

Rafe reached down and rubbed himself over his pants before deftly unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. He stood from his seat, the bulge in his boxers making your mouth water and your pussy clench. 

You used to feel guilty for fooling around on your work hours. It felt wrong and dishonest to your boss, but all guilt would go out the window the moment Rafe’s big cock entered you. Fuck work ethics and policies. 

The rest of his clothes came off and he stood between your parted legs, one of his large hands grabbing your thigh while his other was holding his hard length at your entrance. His blue eyes gazed up at you with a mischievous glint as he rubbed his tip against your folds, making you whine with anticipation. 

His teasing turned on him as you reached for his cock and wrapped your hand around its length, drawing a moan from him. ‘’Little minx.’’

You grinned, continuing your motions. Teasing could go both ways. 

‘’Ahh,’’ you gasped as he pressed in, a slow delicious burn that sent a shiver down your spine as he pushed his way through your tight walls. 

Rafe leaned down his forehead, pressing down onto yours and breathing you in as he rolled his hips into you. A moan spilled from your throat at the sensation, a little too loud, and he was quick to clamp his hand over your mouth to muffle any sounds, the floor still full at this hour. 

To add to the noises, the desk was creaking every time Rafe was dragging his cock in and out of you. Although the angle was great, the desk might not be the quietest — unfortunately. 

 ‘’You like that babydoll, you like when I fuck you like this?’’ 

You nodded, your mouth still covered. 

Fuck, just like that, you wanted to scream, your back arching when he hit the right spot over and over at a toe curling pace. God, this was the best sex of your life. Some men just knows what they're doing.

The shrill of the phone echoed in the office, but you both ignored it — Agnes will answer. It was probably the man who wanted to speak to Rafe calling again. 

Sorry Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Cameron is very busy fucking the life out of his personal assistant.

Your body writhed against Rafe, your hands leaving the desk to pull at his hair and grab at his arm while your heels dug into his ass. He grunted, your walls clenching around him. A few more hard thrusts and his thumb sweeping over your clit had your thighs trembling as the waves of pleasure washed over you.

Rafe continued to push into you, dragging out your orgasm as his took over, pulling out quickly and cumming on your stomach, trying to not get any drop on your dress.  

You didn’t have time to get dressed or catch your breath that a knock came on the door. Momentarily forgetting you had locked it, you jumped, thinking you were going to get caught. 

‘’What is it?’’ Rafe called out, trying not to sound too out of breath. 

‘’I have Mr. Gilbert on the phone on line three. He’s asking to speak to you,’’ Agnes’s sweet voice said through the door. ‘’A pressing matter, he said.’’ 

‘’I’m unable to take the call at the moment. I’m busy going over a document for a client I’m seeing tomorrow morning. Could you please take the call for me?’’ he asked, rubbing his hands over your thighs, wishing his secretary would leave so he can get on his knees and get his mouth between your legs.

Agnes nodded although he couldn’t see her. ‘’I understand, Mr. Cameron. I'll inform him right away.’’ 

Rafe waited to hear clicks of her heels down the hallway to sink to his knees and get back to business. He did tell Agnes that he was working on a document, no one would question how long you were locked in his office for.

—

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[victoriansecret]

Servants and Upward Mobility

This is focused on paid servants in England in the mid-late 18th century. One thing I find fascinating about the structure of domestic service roles was the existence of what essentially we might call a career ladder today. It was not uncommon for a servant to start their career near the bottom of the hierarchy as, say, a boot boy who cleans the shoes and boots of the household, or the scullery maid who does all the dirty kitchen work like scrubbing iron cooking vessels or plucking chickens, but progressively move up the list to better positions.

Part of why this was the case was that it was typical in England to hire servants for one year terms at a time. Often they'd be hired at festivals on the quarter days of the year, which as part of the festivities would often include what today we'd call a job fair. For some reason, Michaelmas (September 29) seems to be the most common as far as I can tell. I had never really thought about why that might be until I started planning this post, and I now wonder if it might have something to do with that being right around when harvest time usually comes in England. I could easily imagine people, especially young people, being on the cusp of another labourious harvest and thinking that maybe they could find another job instead. Related tangent: There are a number of remarks in the period that servants from the northern parts of England were considered to be much more respectful than servants from more populated, urban areas. Those communities were (at least considered to be) a lot stricter about remembering one's place and respecting your social 'betters', and their behaviour as servants was believed to reflect that. Some people would actively have their agents look to hire people from those rural areas, and apparently it was easy to attract potential employees: there are a number of remarks about how when a fancy carriage would drive through a small town, with the fancily-liveried footmen riding on the back, it would bring young people to stare in awe and want to be part of that. Which as someone whose interest in domestic service started in part because of my obsession with livery, I can understand. Anyway, back to the main point: because they often served one-year terms, there was an annual chance for both parties - the servant and the served - to review and determine how to move forward. A servant who was favoured might negotiate for a new position in the household, at least one step higher on the ladder (if not more), and they had leverage because they could leave the field entirely or possibly go off to a new household and find a higher position there. There was also a practice of asking for your master or mistress to provide a "character", essentially what we would today call a reference: a letter to show potential employers detailing their behaviour and skill in their role. Certainly there were times that some employers refused to give a good character, and sometimes that was explicitly because they wanted to keep the servant because they were a valuable asset to their household, but it was considered part of the obligation of the master class to be honest in these.

And it is not at all uncommon to find people who have served many different people/households throughout their career. The most I have seen is 28, although that's slightly misleading: that was a man who decided he wanted to travel, so hired himself to gentleman going on journeys for the duration of the trips, many of which were only a couple months. (The book he published, which he wrote about his travels and the "exotic" places and people he encountered, is interesting, and for my purposes super helpful because he turned out to be a narcissist and wrote a lot about himself, including his career as a servant. It's the only quasi-memoir of a paid servant from this time I am aware of. I might write a post about it/him sometime. I digress.) [continued in next post]

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 84 (Checking In On the Clinic - and Another Baby Boom??)

cw: it's not a Conther baby I'll just say that right now. Sorry!

On top of her responsibilities to her family, Heather worked hard to keep Buttercup Pet Clinic's great reputation, but life at work was rarely easy.

She'd recently noticed a dip in her ratings and was tech-savvy enough to realize she'd been targeted. She traced the IPs to an address connected to George Brindleton's old company and gave the evidence to Conrad.

"He's trying to hurt my business because he's still sore over losing his, but as long as he's not going after the kids, I can take whatever he wants to throw at me. My clients know how good we are."

Conrad remembered his threat to sniff around Brindleton & Sons old financial files, but with this evidence he had cause for something better. "We're filing a restraining order," he insisted. "For you and the kids, because next time he might try to do more than hire a bot farm to drag your reviews down. But if I have to stay away from him, too, I can't look into his finances, if it comes to it."

"Is a restraining order really necessary? What if it makes him more upset? I'll always let you know if I hear from him again, but I'd love to just forget we ever met him."

Conrad nodded apologetically. "It's necessary. He just needed to do something stupid like this before I could file for one. Just keep focused on your clinic. I've got my eye on George Brindleton."

Heather tried to increase the value of her clinic's furnishings, but she lacked a real aesthetic eye and now she also had marketing expenses. With every passing day she worked hard, and though sometimes it never seemed enough, George Brindleton wouldn't break her.

One cold winter morning, Kaori Hayashi, Heather's best vet tech, tended to local blacksmith Abby Harms' Australian Shepherd, Jax. As Heather finished with another patient, Spencer Pancakes surprised her old friend when she brought her dog, JJ, to the clinic.

It wasn't that she'd brought her pet, as she had so many times before, but Spencer sported a sizable baby bump, too.

"Spencer! I can't believe it! I thought the doctors said-"

"They were wrong!" (Mod conflicts! Sorta wrecks the surrogacy storyline but also whatever.) "Needless to say, we didn't expect it. We kept it to ourselves until Dr. Scott said we were healthy. We wanted to tell you!"

"Are you feeling okay about it? I know you didn't want a big family."

Spencer sighed. "Everett's thrilled. I had to move another work trip to Selvadorada, but I'm making the best of it. I took my mom's advice and started painting, and it's nice that Lydia and I are pregnant at the same time. Since it's her first and I need all the help I can get, we're kind of in it together. The pregnancy really does feel like a miracle, and Everett's an incredible father."

"Your boys have a great mom, too." Spencer offered a pitiful smile, and Heather remembered her last visit with Spencer's father-in-law. "Bob came in with one of his cats back in the fall and he mentioned he was worried about you. I kept meaning to call and plan a trip like he suggested, but life's been so busy, and...I didn't want to believe what he was saying, I guess. It didn't feel like any of my business."

(Quick for new readers, Heather doesn't want to intrude on their family because Jett is her biological son with Everett, conceived via science as Heather was their surrogate. She's tried to set a clear boundary to avoid any confusion for or about toddler Jett.)

Spencer nodded. "Bob means well. And I'm doing okay, really. The baby kicks all the time. Like right now. Here: feel. Since we moved back to Henford, it's been better. We haven't had any snow yet!"

"Don't remind me. I miss the mild winters in Henford, but Ash really loves the snow. It's great enjoying it through his eyes."

"The boys love living with my parents and running through the fields like we did. Everett's family comes around all the time, and he's happier at the parish in Henford. Oh! Would you believe that old fox, Pawbin Hood, is still alive?! He's still wearing the Sherwood Forest get up you bought from the creature keeper when we were fourteen!"

"I guess I'm not surprised; I swear, the foxes will outlive us all. Everett thinks they react differently to the wild mushrooms than sims do." Gently, she steered the conversation back to her friend. "And all of that sounds great for everybody else. But what about you, Spence?"

"On days I'm feeling overwhelmed, I'm just glad everyone's there to pick up the slack."

"What about work?"

"Paused for now, I guess. At this point I won't get back to Selvadorada until this one's out of diapers." She pointed to her bump. "But if you can get away, you should come with me next time I go. You're just as good at identifying artifacts, and you love exploring the jungle as much as I do."

"I would love that," Heather said, awash with nostalgia over their first trip to the jungle for Spencer's bachelorette. After their quick visit, she tended to JJ - who was fine other than a mild case of lava nose - and she sent them on their way with a refill of organic disinfectant spray to keep treating him.

Later that afternoon, Heather took a moment to relax and hydrate when she was met by another surprise visitor. The woman walked in heavily pregnant and disguised under a bandana and sunglasses, but Heather recognized her name from her digital sign-in sheet. "Emi Wise? You used to be Emi Kudo, didn't you? You were a vet tech here when I was in high school!"

Emi looked around to ensure she didn't recognize any other faces in the lobby. "I remember you and your parents," she admitted. "When I used VetConnect to find a clinic to help my Olive, I realized Sorrel Jackson sold you this place. I like the rebrand, and I liked it even better when I saw you got away from Landgraab Corp. I think you might be the only vet in Simlandia who can help us. That's the only reason I risked coming back here."

As Heather healed Olive in an exam room, Emi noted the place hadn't changed much since she'd worked there. "You've rebranded, and you should really invest in a whole new look. My husband's an architect, and I think he could design something incredible. When Olive has to come back for her follow-up appointment, I'll bring him with me so he can get a look at the place, if you want."

"That sounds great, actually. I'm always looking for ways to really spruce this place up!"

Heather called Conrad to set one more plate at the table for dinner before she invited Emi to her home next door. Grateful for Heather's hospitality so she and Olive could rest a little before their long journey home, Emi opened up about her life in the years since she'd left Brindleton Bay in such a hurry.

"I had an affair with a married man, and he chose his wife, of course. I was so young and naive. I had no idea what to do, but I knew I couldn't stay. So I bought a one-way plane ticket to Evergreen Valley because it felt far enough away from here. I met a man and fell in love a month after I got to town, and he raised the twins like they were his own from the day they were born. We had a son together, and this one will be a girl."

"It sounds to me like everything worked out for the best. You don't have to tell me who the father is, but there are rumours around town."

(Basically, it's a good thing Kaori finished up with Jax and Mrs. Harms before Emi and Olive showed up!)

Emi's face went white. "Please don't tell him or his wife I was here. I promised I wouldn't ever ask for a thing for the boys, but if they see me here they might think I want to cause trouble."

"Your secret's safe with me," Heather promised.

True to her word, Emi brought her husband Layne for Olive's follow up, and he and Heather spoke about plans to revamp the clinic completely - a total rebuild, with class, elegance, and in keeping with Brindleton Bay's coastal charms.

Buttercup Pet Clinic was a place where people felt comfortable being open and vulnerable, and Heather heard her fair share of gossip inside the clinic walls. She was becoming something of a neighbourhood confidante, and took it seriously when people trusted her with their problems. With this in mind, Layne offered to add a small cafe - a relaxed gathering place for owners to wait for their pets and sip coffee. Heather was excited, and couldn't wait for spring to get started on construction.

As a bonafide Friend of the Animals, Heather was pretty great with her human friends, too. And she wanted her clinic to reflect that. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

NOTE: So my game had ANOTHER baby boom but now I think I'm maxed and need some elders to expire before more nooboos will generate randomly. That said, in addition to Emi and her husband (Layne Wise originally known as Leoric Weild), Everett & Spencer, and Lydia & Alexander, River and Cassandra are expecting again, too! That's two more grandkids for Bella!

I checked on the Gen 1 Nesbitt household, where River and Cassandra live with Neal, Daisy, and their son Michael (plus dog Bernadette and cat Duchess) and pregnant Cass got on an autonomous video call with her mom. 🥰

NOTE 2: It's been on my list to get Heather and Spencer back to Selvadorada for almost a decade (in game!). I'm trying to complete the Jungle Explorer aspiration with Spencer, but there really has not been a good time as they both have small kids or keep getting pregnant. The aspiration isn't a requirement for this generation and more a bonus goal for me, but I really want to do it so stay tuned!

Heather's had Adventurous as a bonus trait since they went on their first trip together, and ever since then she's just been able to use it for wild woohoo and being eager and excited about the Ambrosia Society's challenge, whereas Conrad was a lot more cautious (about the latter - the wild woohoo doesn't trouble him at all!)

NOTE 3: As always, I thank @rinseesims for adding the iconic Leoric Weild from her iconic UDC to the Sims 4 gallery because he makes a great dad/architect in this universe!

[thisgirlnamedblusy]

Hey blusyyy!

I turn 19 in a week—yayyyy! :))))

So, I was hoping you could write a story where it’s the reader’s birthday and Donna is super determined to make it the reader’s best day ever!

That would literally make my day ")

Thanks a bunch!!! xx

Yesss!!! I hope you have/had a happy birthday :D!!! Thanks for your request! I hope you like it and enjoy your 19, it's a wonderful age! :))))))

Your special day

Pairing: Donna Beneviento x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Fluff,

Word count: 7,102

Summary: Does she remember what day is it?

N/A: Sorry about the language mistakes!!! Requests are open!!! I'm waiting yours!!! I love you all!!! :))

“Mm,” you murmured childishly, moving in bed.

Normally you refused to wake up easily, you liked to slack off a bit, but not that day, that day was quite special.

For a girl like you, who had just turned 19, a warm bed and the security of waking up every day was almost a privilege. Living in that village wasn’t what Mother Miranda promised every day, it wasn’t a haven of peace and tranquility.

The cold and hard work was a constant for villagers like you. Work and pray or pray and work, those were the only obligations for you. It might seem simple and even a routine assured for the future, but it wasn’t.

When you came of age, girls like you had already finished living in a contemplative way, and would become servants of the Black Gods, one way or another. You remembered perfectly how your only two friends stopped accompanying you when they were hired at Dimitrescu Castle, as maids.

Being alone wasn’t a very serious problem for you, but even so, it was hard to see how life moved forward without remedy, gradually taking you away from the tranquility of childhood.

Your parents, always worried about your well-being, always kept you away from that rocky path of servitude, but they were no longer there. Too young, and too alone, you saw your dark future approaching with each day. Serving in the castle, getting married, working in the fields...

None of those options matched your abilities and concerns. You weren’t a maid; you weren’t born simply to serve a lout you didn’t love; you were different. A lover of history, books and antiquities, you were very reluctant to assume the destiny the Gods had placed on your shoulders at birth.

Your family, your friends disappeared little by little, isolating you from the world, making you open your eyes. You were about to give up, to recognize that none of your historical skills or your own knowledge would be of any use, maybe just to entertain some Lord while you served him.

Little by little, you accepted your destiny and in front of you, several options were spread out, each with its pros and cons: For a young, and nice-looking girl like you, it wouldn’t have been difficult to obtain a position as a maid in the castle, in addition, there you could have met your lost friends again but... you would never leave that place.

Factory assistant, dam guard... no, none of those alternatives solved your ambitions, not even taking advantage of your knowledge to be useful in some way to Mother Miranda. Obviously you liked your human form; you didn’t want to become a brainless beast.

Erratic, like a tormented soul, you wandered through each of those possibilities, saying goodbye to the world you knew and accepting the irremediable reality of your existence, at least until you met her.

Just when you thought that your knowledge, your desire to learn and your passion for reading were completely useless, the Gods seemed to give you a break. One day, some time ago, you made the mistake of reading in a remote place, in a place you weren’t aware of having crossed; in a dangerous territory from which no one returned, the lands of the lady in black, the youngest and most fearsome Lord, the lands of Donna Beneviento.

It could have been your end, but it was your beginning. You would never have thought that a woman like her, sick and disturbed, could take pity on you simply by seeing you with a book in your hand.

According to her living doll, culture and knowledge weren’t exactly the greatest hobbies of an average villager. Therefore, you had to be special. And so it was, without expecting it, thanks to a gift for books and wisdom you thought was useless, you managed to advance in your destiny, changing it forever.

It didn’t take long for you to discover that this veiled woman, immersed in the shadows, also had a hidden side that no one could ever see. Donna, the doll maker, was much more than that. She was a cultured, intelligent, elegant and intriguing woman. Having things in common with a Lord wasn’t exactly a good thing, but, in your case, it was.

You stopped reading in the cold of the village to do it next to her, to exchange silent opinions about anything. You weren’t made of stone, you had eyes. You could feel a lot of things when the lady in black was around you, when she granted you the privilege of speaking with her own voice, a hoarse but melodic voice.

Every day you went to the estate to spend the day with her, to drink tea in silence, to read, or to chat calmly (as long as the Angie doll didn't feel like making fun of you, of course). During the day you went, at night you returned to your lonely home until... you simply stopped doing it.

Your first kiss had been something you had imagined several times, but never as it really was, never with her, never with that beautiful woman who uncovered her face just for you, who confessed that those things you were beginning to feel were also part of her.

Love and chance shaped your own destiny, and, of course, you couldn't complain at all. Yes, the lady in black had problems you had to learn to deal with, but that was a small, tiny price to pay for being happy with her, for loving and feeling loved.

After almost a year, you no longer had any doubts. That house was your home, Donna was your home, and she always would be.

Coincidentally, that anniversary was just a couple of days before the day you were on, a special day like no other: your birthday. Yes, it's true that it happens every year, but your 19th birthday wasn't just any birthday, it was the first one you lived with Donna.

“Well…” you sighed, turning around and reaching out your arm to reach the brunette, but her warm body wasn't resting next to yours, you just awkwardly hugged an empty space. “Donna?”

You called the lady, still disoriented from having woken up and turned on the light in the room. You would never get used to sleeping in a room without windows.

“Mm,” you hummed, rubbing your eyes and staring ahead with a lost look. “Well, I guess, happy birthday (Y/N),” you said with a mischievous smile, stretching and getting out of bed. “Let's see if she remembers…” you murmured while rubbing your hands.

Donna wasn't stupid, and she knew how to listen, but... would she really remember how special that day was for you? There was only one way to find out.

Yawning, you walked through the dark basement, looking for any sign of the doll maker. The truth was that she used to wake up much earlier, but she used to try to get you up with her, after some cuddling, of course.

The silence in the basement was quite noticeable, something strange that made you have an unpleasant chill. Fortunately, something sounded in the kitchen, thus revealing the presence of the lady .

“Donna...” you said in a sleepy voice, while she seemed distracted picking up something from the counter.

She couldn't help a slight smile forming on her face when she heard you, but it faded as you approached.

“Hi, honey,” you said, hanging on to her waist with a mischievous smile, biting your lip as you affectionately kissed the back of her neck.

“Buongiorno, (Y/N),” she whispered, running a hand through yours and stepping away gracefully.

You shifted nervously on the floor, searching for Donna's eye, which seemed to resist looking at you.

“Oh, um... did you sleep well?” you asked in a slightly petulant voice, slurring your words innocently and wiggling your eyebrows to catch her attention.

The doll maker glanced at you briefly, nodding in the same way.

“Yes, tesoro, as always,” Donna whispered in a somewhat strange tone, colder than usual.

“Great,” you sighed, tilting your head so she could look at you again.

If you didn't know her, you'd think it was just a normal day for her; that she had completely forgotten about your birthday. Of course you refused to believe it, she was probably too distracted.

“Donna,” you said humming, running a finger down her back, catching her attention.

“Mm?” she murmured, kissing the back of your hand and frowning, moving away from you again.

“Um, um…” you stammered somewhat embarrassed, looking down. “Don't you have anything to say?” you asked with your voice broken by nerves.

If she really hadn't forgotten, she was pretending very well… or… or maybe she didn't care that it was your birthday. The second option was definitely the worst of all.

“Yes, you look beautiful, as always,” the lady said, with a passive voice while placing some pans, watching the coffee she made every morning. “Coffee?”

“Oh, yes of course,” you said with a nervous laugh, approaching again. “But, but… well, today is a very special day, isn't it?”

“Special? No, I don't think so, (Y/N),” Donna said, shaking her head and making your shoulders deflate, as well as your chest. “It's just another day.”

“Do you really think so?” you asked in a small voice.

No, there would be no gifts or surprises. You no longer had any doubts, Donna had forgotten. You couldn't blame her. Her mind was sick and loneliness devoured too many years of her life. Thinking about your birthday didn't seem one of her priorities. You would be lying if you said you didn't feel a deep disappointment, but then again, you couldn't blame her.

“W-Well… then I better… prepare breakfast,” you whispered with a sad look, making the lady stop serving the coffee.

“It's not necessary, you know I like to prepare it myself,” Donna said, with a genuine smile, emphasizing your sadness even more.

“Okay…” you sighed, trying not to give away your feelings with your words. “Wait, have you taken a shower?”

“Uh-huh,” Donna whispered, looking at the coffee, completely ignoring you. “You should do the same.”

“Donna… you know I like to do it with you,” you said without being able to feign a bit of frustration.

A hot shower hugging the love of your life… On a normal day that was one of your greatest pleasures, but that wasn’t a normal day.

Donna couldn't pretend she didn't know how much you liked hugging her body under the water, closing your eyes while you felt her skin against yours. The excuse of having forgotten your birthday wouldn't work with that.

“I'm sorry, but I couldn't wait for you to wake up, tesoro,” the lady murmured, placing the cups on the counter. “Go take a shower, get pretty for me, will you?” she ordered subtly, making you nod and give her a look that was a bit... furious, just a bit.

“Okay, Donna...” you whispered, lowering your gaze again, sad.

The day certainly didn't start the way you wanted.

“Aspetta, (Y/N)” she called you, interrupting your sad step out of the kitchen.

Your face lit up, clinging to one last hope.

“Yes?” you asked with wide eyes, with a smile lifting your corners again.

“When you're done, set the table, will you?” she whispered with disinterest, without even looking you in the eyes.

Your sadness slightly mutated into anger, and you gritted your teeth.

“Why don't you set it yourself? You're not doing anything,” you said with an unpleasant tone, making Donna look at you sharply, with a surprised expression.

“I'm making breakfast, (Y/N),” she said, with an annoyed tone, shaking her head. “Do you expect me to do everything?”

“No, I...” you said regretful of your unfair attitude, lowering your head in apology. “You're right, forgive me, Donna.”

The lady just shook her head, ignoring you again.

During your shower, a horrible one, you thought about your girlfriend's behavior. Yes, she could have forgotten about your day, but something in her attitude said that it wasn’t a simple oversight.

You were quite used to the madness taking over her sometimes, to her having... bad days, days in which that brusqueness towards you was the product of the frustration she felt when repressing her desire to cry or scream, just for you, just so that you wouldn't have to suffer her illness.

Getting angry about that would be selfish, but you couldn't help but growl in rage. There were 365 days in a year, and it had to happen to her that one, just that one, right on your special day. You tried to stop thinking about it, and hope or pray, that phase of anger and those crises would pass soon and Donna, your Donna, would be back.

Already dressed, sighing, you walked to fulfill her request, going up the elevator tired, disappointed.

“What the…?” you asked, blinking several times when you reached the dining table.

It was already set, full of delicious breakfast treats, with a steaming plate of pancakes in front of your seat. There were flowers, elegant glasses filled with natural juice and everything was placed perfectly. The salty smell of bacon contrasted with the sweetness of the syrup that, wow, looked homemade.

It was the best breakfast you had ever seen in your entire life and your eyes wandered over every part of the table, over every detail carefully studied. In the middle of the table, there was an envelope, with your name written on it. Your hands trembled from the shock and you were unable to stop smiling as you carefully opened it.

Look behind you

You obeyed with a shy laugh, frowning to look for something that would catch your attention.

“Hey, silly, here!” a shrill voice directed your gaze to a small table, where the Angie doll rested with something in her arms. “Are you blind or what?”

“Angie?” you asked amused, approaching the puppet, who extended something wrapped towards you. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, I’m just following orders, silly,” Angie said, with apparent discomfort in her voice. “Here, here.”

You, with a gesture of gratitude, took the package, running your hand through the wrapping paper.

“What are you waiting for? Open it,” the doll told you, looking over your shoulder to try to figure out the contents.

You nodded, looking towards the hallway, searching for the lady in black with your eyes. You were never a patient girl, and you decided to obey Angie and slowly remove that decorative paper, touching with your fingers the soft fabric of what looked like a dress.

“Wow… it’s beautiful,” you said, taking out the dress and spreading it down, placing it on top of your clothes.

Those seams, that combination of colors… There was no doubt, Donna had made it. She had made it for you.

“Angie, what…?” you asked excitedly, but before you could finish the sentence, some hands on your waist startled you.

“Did you think I had forgotten?” a tender whisper in your ear sent shivers through your entire body and you turned to see a very different Donna, smiling warmly before kissing you slowly, with a delicacy and elegance that almost made you faint.

“Donna,” you sighed, letting yourself be hugged, letting the lady gently touch your cheek with her hands. “My love…”

“Buon compleanno, tesoro,” the lady whispered, kissing you slowly again, bringing your body closer to hers while you clung to it, on the verge of tears.

“I-I really thought you…” you sighed, with a dazzling smile. “Oh, Donna, you scared me.”

“I'm sorry,” she said amused, cupping your face with her hands. “I wanted to make you suffer a little.”

“Well, you succeeded,” you said amused, giving her a tender punch on the shoulder while she laughed, gently pushing you from behind. “H-Hey, the dress is… beautiful, I have no words.”

“Mm, you are beautiful, amore mio,” Donna said purring, indicating for you to sit down.

“Oh, wait, wait, I'm going to change,” you said nervously. “I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks on me,” you said amused, heading to a room.

You shouldn't underestimate Lady Beneviento. She always managed to surprise you, in any way.

“How does it look on me?” you asked once you were changed, turning around so that the fabric moved hypnotically. Donna smiled and came over with a frown, touching the seams, checking that everything was perfect.

“Mm, do you feel it tugging on you anywhere?” she asked in a professional manner, which you found adorable. “Are you comfortable?”

“It’s perfect, Donna, although if it were a wicker dress I would wear it anyway, because you would have made it,” you said with blushing cheeks, moving in a childish way, completely in love.

“Don’t be dramatic,” she said, kissing your cheek and grabbing your hand to guide you to the table, sitting you down in the chair in a gentlemanly manner. “Eat, it will get cold.”

“Yes,” you said, picking up the cutlery, your eyes on that plate of pancakes. “Um, Donna, all of this…”

She looked at you, taking a piece of toast.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it's just that... Honey, preparing this must has taken you a long time,” you said with a regretful whisper, regretful for having doubted her. “What time did you get up?”

“That doesn't matter, tesoro,” she said, with a tender smile, caressing your hand. “I hope you enjoy it.”

“Yes, of course, my love,” you said, biting your lip and starting to eat breakfast. “I don't know how to thank you.”

“Thank her?” Angie interrupted, with her hands on her hips. “Hey, I helped! You haven't even seen my gift!”

“A gift? You? For me?” you asked amused, arching your eyebrows.

“Angie, behave, remember what we talked about,” Donna said with a serious voice, glancing at the puppet. “Don't… do that,” she protested with a sigh when Angie climbed onto your lap. “Angie, you have to…”

“Yes, yes, leave the fool alone because it's her birthday and blah, blah, blah,” Angie said, moving exaggeratedly on top of you. “Look, look, fool, this is for you,” she said, effusively pointing at a piece of paper that you didn't see at first.

“Wow, thanks,” you said, caressing the doll's head, to which, of course, she protested with a grunt.

You laughed when you saw what that gift from the doll contained. It looked like a drawing, some doodles that had the shape of people. Yes, Angie had definitely gifted you with a clumsy drawing of you and Donna, one that reminded you, in a funny way, of the innocent drawing of a child.

“It's... very nice,” you said, holding back your laughter, a gesture the brunette also made, watching that Angie didn't bother you too much.

“Nice? It's a damn work of art,” Angie said, too close to your face, letting herself fall on your legs, pointing at the drawing. “Look carefully, silly, I've drawn you well, I haven't put horns on you or anything like that... although the temptation was great...”

“Wow, I appreciate the detail, Angie,” you said, shaking your head.

“Angie, lasciala estare,” Donna whispered in a kind tone. “There's still a lot of day ahead, tesoro, your time is mine. What do you feel like doing?”

“Oh, after this… well, I wouldn't like you to worry about me anymore, why don't you work on your dolls?” you said kindly, knowing making that breakfast hadn't been a matter of a few minutes.

Poor Donna should have been awake for hours, just for you, you should do something to compensate for her effort and, leaving her alone, working on her dolls without you bothering her was something she always appreciated.

“No, nothing like that, amore mio,” Donna said, shaking her head. “Today is your day, and I want to spend it with you… come on, get up,” she whispered, getting up and raising one of the glasses. “(Y/N), salute.”

“Oh, salute,” you repeated, clinking the glasses softly.

The day had started badly, but you barely remembered that frustration. It would be an unforgettable day, you were sure.

It was strange to see Donna doing everything you asked her to do. You could almost feel like a boss. The morning was very calm, with tender moments of caresses, kisses, words of love, well, as always, but with a special emphasis on making everything the lady did, perfect for you.

You decided what book to read, what to do… You were in charge, it was clear that it was your day, a day where nothing else mattered but you.

A delicious meal, a birthday cake… every hour that passed was better than the last. The smile never left your girlfriend's face, except when she got a little nervous about simple gestures like lighting the candles or watching you make a silent wish. You were clear about what you were going to ask for: to always be by her side, no matter what.

The afternoon came slowly and with it a kind of pause in your euphoric attitude. While Donna cleared the table because, of course, the birthday girl shouldn't do it, you looked out the window, with a melancholic smile on your face.

You sighed, but not with sadness, rather with longing. When you were younger, birthdays were much simpler, but laughter, games, and above all, your friends, were the protagonists. Adult life was cruel, taking those moments away from you, leaving them in your mind as mere memories, memories of a better, different time, one you didn't know that had an expiration date.

You couldn't be happier. Donna had done everything she could to see you smile, to make you feel special, you even suspected that there were even more surprises for you, since the Angie doll was never the best at keeping secrets, and Donna got very nervous when she seemed to want to say something dangerous.

You were eager to know what else was in store for you, but you couldn't help but feel a little sad. As expected, the lady in black noticed that small change in your face, sitting next to you on the couch and running a hand through your hair.

“Tesoro, I notice sadness in your eyes,” she said in a soft voice, lifting your chin.

You smiled awkwardly, shaking your head and kissing Donna to distract her, a strategy that usually worked, but that day, it didn't.

“It's nothing, darling,” you said, playing with her hands.

Her eye shone with the shadow of suspicion and a hand caressed your cheek to make you more nervous.

“(Y/N)…” she murmured, looking at you with pity, begging you to be honest with her.

That day, that very day, you couldn't deny her the reality, not after everything she had done for you.

“Fine,” you sighed, letting yourself fall on her shoulder, resting your head on her chest so she could continue caressing you. “I was thinking about when I was younger.”

“Younger? You're 19,” she joked, with a tender smile, without stopping hugging you.

“Yes, but… I don't know… I've already told you about my friends, right? You know, Tatiana and Martha,” you commented, absentmindedly playing with the buttons on her dress.

“Mm,” the lady murmured, listening to you attentively.

It didn't matter if it was your birthday or not, the ability to listen was one of her greatest virtues, even if you knew that deep down, any person who wandered through your mind and wasn't her, caused Donna a certain… annoyance.

“I miss them,” you whispered with a voice broken by memories. “When it was one of our birthdays we would have a party at home… there were streamers, gifts, games…”

“I understand,” she said dryly, kissing your hair lovingly.

“W-Well, you know that they are now maids of the castle… I haven't seen them for two years, although they have written me some letters,” you commented distractedly, trying not to be sad. “It's not because it's my birthday or anything, but sometimes I wish I could see them, even if only for a little while.”

“Who knows, maybe someday,” Donna said, showing how little interest she had in you seeing your friends, something you already knew made her terribly jealous. “Well, you better stop thinking about the past.”

“Yeah… you're right,” you said, getting up and trying to forget about the subject. “What do we do now? There's still a lot of day left… do you have any more surprises for me?” you asked amused, tickling the lady, who moved away comically.

“Hey, basta, basta, tesoro,”she said, laughing involuntarily, grabbing your wrists. “Maybe you'd like to take a walk with me.”

“More surprises?” you asked anxiously, following the lady, who got up from the couch.

“If I told you…”

“Yes, yes, it wouldn't be a surprise. I'm going to get my coat,” you said, jumping slightly on the floor as the lady in black walked over to the Angie doll, whispering something to her.

“Yes, ma'am!” the puppet said, making a funny military gesture.

You frowned when you saw that Angie stayed at home while Donna subtly dragged you through the grounds, taking you out of the mansion. What did the lady have in store for you? There was only one way to find out.

With that leisurely stroll, you forgot about your birthday. You walked alongside Donna through the woods, with the warmth of her hand in yours, with her smile always present, with her whispers of love becoming the melody that followed the rhythm of your steps.

“Mm, this is quite relaxing,” you commented, getting a little closer to Donna, who smiled distractedly, walking with you towards a slightly secluded corner. “Where are we?”

“I used to come here when I was little,” the brunette commented, pointing at some weathered wooden benches, which pointed to stunning views of the mountains, which shone pink due to the increasingly faint rays of the sun.

“It's beautiful,” you said, sitting next to Donna on one of the benches, taking in the views, not wanting to say anything so as not to interrupt that comfortable silence.

Caresses, kisses... it was a truly romantic moment, and, without the Angie doll to spoil it, you could really consider it perhaps the most romantic moment of your life.

“Tesoro, come, turn around,��� the lady said, breaking the calm with her melodic voice, grabbing both of your hands and guiding your body. “I want you to stay here for a moment, okay?”

“Here? Oh...” you said, raising and lowering your eyebrows petulantly. “Why?” you purred, dragging out your words.

“Mm, you'll see,” she said, bending down to steal a kiss from you and looking around. “But you have to close your eyes.”

“Come on,” you said in a mocking tone, crossing your arms.

“Fallo e basta…” Donna said, with a slightly darker voice, frowning.

“Oh, okay, okay,” you said whispering and rolling your eyes, swinging your legs on the bench.

You heard her footsteps in the snow, moving away, but it didn't take long for you to hear them again, barely a minute later.

“Open them, tesoro,” Donna murmured, while you frowned due to a sweet aroma that was very close to you.

“Oh, Gods…” you sighed tenderly when you saw in front of you a bouquet of carnations perfectly placed in Donna's hands. “Donna… they're beautiful…”

“Do you like them?” she asked, sitting next to you again. “Look, have you noticed the color?”

“The color? Oh, that's right, they have a strange color,” you said, looking at the petals of the flowers, which, certainly, had an unusual tone. “Wow...”

Donna laughed amused, joining her hand with yours and resting her head on your shoulder.

“Does the color of your eyes seem strange to you?” she whispered in your ear, kissing it slowly. Then you realized.

“No...” you said with a distrustful smile, looking at the color of the flowers and checking that her words told the truth.

The color of the carnations was exactly the same as your eyes. It was something wonderful, something you had never seen.

“I can't believe it, Donna, it's amazing. How did you do it?” you said excitedly, devouring the doll maker with kisses. “Donna, you're wonderful…”

“A magician never reveals the tricks, (Y/N),” the brunette sighed, fighting against your merciless kisses. “I wanted to give you a special gift, one that was just for you, although for me these flowers are nothing compared to your beauty.”

“Mm…” you purred again, with your cheeks hot from blushing. “Is that also a gift?”

“No, it's just a compliment,” she joked, getting up after one last kiss and extending her hand towards yours. “Come on, tesoro, it's getting dark, let's go home.”

“Yes, let's definitely go back,” you said amused, letting the lady pull you for another romantic walk towards the mansion.

When you arrived you noticed something strange, the door was half open and darkness dominated inside. You paused a bit, glancing at the brunette.

“Um, Donna, did you leave the door open?” you asked, hiding behind her, who shook her head.

“No, of course not,” she said, climbing the steps and entering the dark mansion, disappearing in the darkness.

“Donna?” you asked when you lost sight of her, with a bad feeling, walking through the dark mansion. “Donna, honey… where are you?”

You were scared by that sudden and unexpected loneliness. The mansion wasn’t exactly a warm and welcoming place. Walking through it alone was the closest thing to a tunnel of terror that you knew.

“Angie? Donna?” you called nervously, opening the living room door.

You had to close your eyes, as a blinding light suddenly appeared, along with some strange voices.

“Happy birthday!” two girls shouted, throwing streamers at you while you blinked in astonishment.

“T-Tatiana… Martha…” you sighed almost without a voice when you recognized your friends, your only friends, who were laughing happily in a room decorated just for you, for your birthday. “Gods… Girls!” you shouted, throwing yourself into their arms, hugging them tightly while they did the same.

“I'm glad to see you, (Y/N),” Tatiana said, equally excited, almost crying in that hug of pure friendship.

“Yes, (Y/N), you look great,” Martha commented while you couldn't hold back your tears.

“But, but... what are you two doing here?” you asked nervously, visibly excited. “Y-You were in the castle and...”

“Yes, well, it seems Lady Beneviento convinced Alcina to let us go out for a while and come here,” one of your friends said, approaching the table, where the food and drink were awkwardly placed. There was no doubt, it was Angie's doing.

“Lady Beneviento?” you asked confused, looking back, where the lady in black was, camouflaged in a dark corner of the hall. “Oh, Donna...”

You sighed, shaking your head and running towards the lady, who was obviously hiding her face behind the black veil.

“Donna...” you sighed with a tear running down your cheek, mercilessly squeezing the doll maker. “What have you done?”

“Well, I just called Alcina a few days ago to see if she had two spare maids,” she commented amused, fighting off your attacks of affection.

“This is too much…” you said, looking back at your friends, who were setting up the things on the table. “Donna, you know how important my friends are to me… it's been…”

“Two years since you last saw them, I know,” she cut you off.

“But you don't like me to get involved with anyone,” you said, confused, looking at her with a frown.

“What I like doesn't matter, tesoro, today is your day, and I want you to be happy,” Donna whispered, brushing a lock of hair behind your ear. “So… go, don't make them wait, they don't have much time.”

“Yes, it's true,” you said, moving away from her arms, but turning around as soon as you started to walk. “Hey, and… what about you?”

“Don't worry about me, I still have to prepare a delicious birthday dinner for you,” the lady said, giving you a kiss on the cheek through her veil. “Go, tesoro, enjoy.”

“I love you,” you said with a loving smile. “Donna, I love you so much.”

“Vai...” she whispered impatiently, pointing to your friends with her head.

You obeyed and prepared to spend one of the best evenings of your life. Everything was just as you remembered it: laughter, anecdotes, interesting conversations... It seemed like you had gone back in time. You were with your friends, with your best friends, enjoying a nice birthday party. Each one of them even had a detail with you, a gift.

You were in paradise, you laughed, you cried, you talked... Everything was so wonderful that you could hardly believe it and thanks to Donna. The lady in black, the lonely and sick doll maker, had given up her jealousy, her reluctance to see you interact with other people; she had sacrificed a few hours with you so you, only you, could be happy.

The dress and the flowers were wonderful but… that time with your friends, that chance to remember happier times… that was, by far, the best of all the gifts.

“Now, let’s play,” Angie said, interrupting your conversation, causing the two girls to look at each other with a comical expression of distrust. “What are you making those faces for?”

“Calm down, girls, Angie is harmless,” you said amused, as Angie began to deal out some cards. “But I warn you, she cheats.”

“Hey!” the doll protested, looking at you dangerously.

“Oh, okay…” one of your friends said, taking the cards from the doll’s hand, the doll who was making a brusque gesture with her mouth. “Ah, she wants to bite me!”

“Calm down, silly, silly, I only bite people I don’t like,” Angie said, sitting in front of you with the cards in her hand.

“Do you like us?” Tatiana asked, looking at you a bit scared. You laughed amused.

“Mm, I don't know yet, maybe if you lose…” the doll murmured.

Games, laughter, Angie… you couldn't ask for anything else, you didn't want anything else, you had everything.

Just as time went by, your friends left the mansion, with the promise of returning whenever they could. The day was ending, although not before a romantic and silent dinner with Donna, a dinner that marked the end of what was clearly the happiest day of your life.

“It's been a wonderful day, darling,” you said with a tender voice as you sat on the bed, exhausted, but happy.

“It’s been?” she asked, approaching slowly. “I'm not done yet, tesoro, I have one last gift for you…” she whispered in your ear, slowly moving away and bringing her fingers to the buttons of her dress.

“Oh, I think I'm going to love that gift,” you said in a sensual voice, watching how, little by little, the brunette's clothes disappeared, ready to give you one last gift, in a much more intimate way.

Passion was quite common within the walls of the bedroom, but that night the pleasure was impregnated with pure happiness, with everything you had experienced during the day.

Donna was much more romantic, slow and affectionate than usual, giving you all the pleasure possible, almost forgetting about herself. Of course, you couldn't allow that, she deserved everything you could give her and much more.

Exhausted, worn out by the screams, the moans and the passion, you collapsed on the bed, hugging your naked bodies, decorating them with small kisses that seemed tireless.

“Donna…” you whispered as you snuggled into her chest, enjoying her caresses, her slow and calm breathing. “I've been wondering…”

“Mm?” she murmured, placing a soft kiss on your head, squeezing you with her arms so the warmth of your body didn't leave hers.

“Hey, when's your birthday? I don't think you've ever told me,” you asked, to know when was the day when you would have to put in your maximum effort just for her, something you were quite sure you would do.

“Oh, well…” Donna said, nervous. “There's still a long time, tesoro.”

“Oh, okay,” you sighed, still in doubt, but focusing on those tender affections, on her sweet kisses and caresses. “Today has been the best day of my life, Donna.”

“Really?” she asked amused, looking at you out of the corner of her eye. “I'm glad to hear it.”

“I really don't want it to end,” you said sleepily, letting the euphoria subside and the tiredness to take over your body.

Donna laughed, turning off the light and positioning you in a comfortable position so you could rest.

“I love you, (Y/N), you are the love of my life,” she whispered, making you smile.

Your day was finally over, but the routine would never be the same again, not after that fantastic birthday.

The next day, you woke up next to her, you showered together… normality had returned, that peaceful and tender normality. Of course, after breakfast, Donna went to the workshop to make her dolls after convincing her that you would take care of cleaning up the mess from the party the day before. It was the least you could do.

“Let's see, where I put you…” you muttered as you picked up an ancient history book your friend Martha gave to you, looking for room on one of the shelves. “Yes, here.”

Nodding and sighing, you placed the book in a gap, gently pushing it. A dull sound startled you, making you bring your hand to your chest.

“Jeez!” you said, taking a breath and checking what the source of that sound had been, going around the shelf. “Oh, isn't there room among so many books?” you asked into the air.

By putting the new book in that gap, you had accidentally pushed another one that was unseen in the same place. You definitely had to ask Donna for another shelf… but that would be another day.

“Well…” you sighed, bending down to pick it up, reading the title with curiosity. “Um… Um… no…” you said amused at not understanding a single word and missing the opportunity to, perhaps, read something interesting.

As you placed the book back down as best you could, something slipped from between its pages, gracefully flying towards your feet.

“Okay, you want me to bend down today, right? I'm not that young anymore,” you said with an exaggerated gesture, picking up what had fallen. “Oh, wow,” you said curiously, seeing that it was a black and white photograph. “But... who is this pretty girl?”

In the photograph there was a dark-haired girl with a scar on her eye, Donna, no doubt. It wasn't the first time you saw a photo of her when she was a child, but this one was something different, since, with a smile (something rare to see in little Beneviento) she was holding a brand new Angie doll.

“How curious, I should show it to Donna,” you said amused, turning the photograph over and checking that there was something written on it, along with a date. “Oh…”

Donna Beneviento, nono compleanno…

“What? Novembre?” you said, reading the date over and over again. “No, no, no, it can't be…”

No matter how you read it, the number was written clearly. It wasn't just a number and a month, it was also an overwhelming revelation that you couldn't believe, you just couldn't.

“Gods… it can't be… Donna!” you screamed, clenching your fists tightly at that unexpected fact, running quickly towards the elevator.

It wasn't just any date, of course. On that old photograph was written the damn day of her birthday, a day that wasn't just any day, it was the same day as yours.

You didn't understand why she never told you, why she refused to tell you that you shared a birthday, why she tried so hard to hide it, and above all, why she did so many things for you when she deserved them too.

The emotion of that horrible discovery broke your heart, and as you walked to the workshop to demand explanations, you broke down, tears starting to slide down your cheeks.

“Donna!” you screamed, opening the doors of the workshop, scaring the lady, who was working on her dolls tirelessly. “Donna… Donna, Donna, Donna…” you repeated, throwing yourself hastily into her arms, crying on her shoulders.

“T-Tesoro… amore mio, what's wrong?” the lady said, handling your arms as best she could, scared by your nervous attitude. “(Y/N), why are you crying?”

“What's wrong with you? Are you stupid or something?” you asked, moving away from her hug and making her open the eye wide, confused by your abrupt words. “What does this mean?” you asked, throwing the photograph at her.

“Oh, it's me, I think I was…” she commented distractedly, looking at herself.

“9, yes,” you said before she continued, turning the photo over and pointing at the inscription. “What is this, huh?”

Donna closed her eye and sighed, running a hand through her hair.

“But… but… why didn't you tell me?” you asked with a sad, guilty look. “Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday too?”

“(Y/N), I…” she said, leaving the photo on the table and taking your hands slowly. “Listen, tesoro, that's not important to me.”

“It's not important?” you repeated nervously, crossing your arms. “Gods, Donna… yesterday was, it was a wonderful day and… shit, Donna, you should have told me… It's not fair.”

“What's not fair?” the lady asked, calming your nerves with a caress.

“Everything you've done for me... all your gifts... fuck, Donna, it was your birthday too, you deserved all those things... you deserved...” you murmured, broken down again, letting yourself be embraced by the lady in black, who stood up and took your head to her chest. “Honey... why?”

“Shh, don't cry, please...” the lady whispered, in a calm tone, moving your body romantically. “Don't cry, my princess...”

“Donna, it's not fair, you should have had the best day of your life,” you sobbed. “I had to...”

“No, amore mio...” she said, grabbing you by the shoulders. “For me the passage of time is just an illusion, it's just days, months, years... the only thing that matters to me, tesoro, is to see you happy, to make you happy every day, to celebrate with you that passage of time that for me is nonexistent. The best gift you can give is to love me as much as I love you.”

[snaccpopstudios]

Hi everyone! We're here with the long awaited post on our newest bachelor, Simoun. We know you've all been abuzz with questions about him so we hope to answer some of that in this deep dive into his creation. This post is in lieu of our usual Wednesday devlogs as we've been writing this over the span of several weeks, and was co-authored, edited, and reviewed by Tobias, Jude, ToyboxToonz, Primarvelous, and Sauce. The above image was drawn by @toyboxtoonz.

You can read the full post for free on Patreon, or click the readmore to see it all!

Personally speaking, some of my concerns since Simoun's debut are thoughts like "Do people think I'm making SnaccPop Studios push an agenda?" and "Do people think I'm going through a checklist while making new characters?" It's made it difficult for us to write this quickly because this is quite personal to myself and the rest of the sensitivity consultation team on the DachaBo team.

Concept to Creation

The story of DachaBo begins way before SnaccPop Studios itself was even a concept (that's Sauce's story to tell though). Early Patreon art of Simoun exists from November 2022, back before I was signed on to manage the Patreon and any other projects besides Sunny Day Jack. Sauce had some ideas laying around for several other characters in the DachaBo universe that didn't make it into the proof-of-concept demo:

I dug up an old draft for the DachaBo cat character we teased and it featured a story concept where the cat character was originally a female DachaBo character, referencing the original female design. And overtime he got tired of how he was being treated and decided to change his own self to reflect who he wanted to be, not the sycophants who collected the toys and whatnot ... It was shelved because I didnt have the means to sensitivity check it The designs are half cooked is all but he was supposed to be Indian ethnicity coded for no other reason than I've never seen a character like that

One thing that's important to note is that there definitely are Indian folks who are gender diverse (see Hijra on Wikipedia for a quick primer on one of the traditionally recognized nonbinary genders in South Asia) so it's not a novel concept by any means, but it's also not very common in media whatsoever.

Why The Long Wait?

One of the other contributing reasons as to why Sauce wasn't able to do much with the concept at the time is because we didn't have a VA for him confirmed yet, as I explained in May:

One thing that's rather unique to SnaccPop Studios in all of my experience as a game developer is the fact that all of our series involve coordinating with Voice Actors from the start, which means we need to take the VAs themselves into account when making characters. Adding another layer of complexity in hiring is the fact that SnaccPop Studios is a strictly Erotic Adult brand focusing on masculine love interests, and even if we focus more on the softcore, there's still the unfortunate stigma that any 18+ work has when attached to your name. All of these contributing factors make the potential talent pool that much smaller. This isn't to make excuses: I know SnaccPop Studios can do better on this front. While we can't make changes to some of the existing series' main cast (we don't want to put people out of a role they've been promised), we will do better moving forward to incorporate more diverse characters into our future titles, and that's a pledge

In the field of voice acting, it's best practice to cast actors with similar backgrounds to the character they're voicing, particularly for characters from marginalized populations (ethnicity, culture, gender, etc.), because it's a recurring issue in all professions where marginalized folks are regularly turned down for employment or career opportunities. You don't have to look far for instances where other voice directors failed to cast the proper talent for a character, even in the AAA sphere where they ought to have the resources to be able to find the proper talent; at SnaccPop, we wanted to avoid that situation at all costs.

Finding Simoun's Voice

So we had to confirm a VA first before we could do anything. Sauce, Reece, and I all tried to put private ads out for a trans masc POC (any ethnicity with dark skin) actor for a R18 game, which was largely met with silence at first, then responded to by folks who didn't fit the role in a full capacity (many only hit one or two of the criteria we laid out, some of them none at all). And it's not hard to imagine why: it's common knowledge that the majority of erotic works often fetishize marginalized people who are otherwise underrepresented in mainstream media. Things such as skin color, body type, hair color, age, etc. are treated as traits to be objectified, and on the off chance that queer folks or people of color might see themselves in porn… it's usually not for the most flattering or empowering of reasons. How could we, an exclusively Adults-only studio, convince someone who isn't familiar with us that we wanted to make something for people like them rather than something that turns them into mere masturbating material?

We were almost about to give up on the Catboy until I decided to take a chance on contacting a VA whom I hadn't had any formal and proper interactions with before. I'd been a fan of his work and knew him from an audition he sent in from a previous game I had worked on, but he knew me solely by name at best since we were following each other on Twitter. Still, it was a lead, and after chewing my nails for half a day, I shot off a message to Soren Viloria.

And what do you know? He said he'd give it a shot as his first NSFW role.

Naming the Lad

Soren is a Filipino VA, and despite the fact that I myself seem to be mistaken as Filipino by other Asians quite regularly, I'm actually not as well-versed in that culture as I ought to be.

There's actually a reason why we were so secretive with Simoun's name for a while: he didn't have one yet, so internally we just kept calling him "the Catboy." We wanted to pick a culture-appropriate name for him, something that was meaningful: Soren initially suggested "Siopao" as it was a common cat name (it's a type of Filipino Steamed Bun, so think of how many pets you've seen who have names like Cupcake or Nacho Supreme), but that didn't seem serious enough for a tsundere catboy like him. A few days later, Soren did a little research on a few well-known characters from Philippine media/culture that fit the bill a bit better:

Elías from the Philippine Revolution novel Noli Me Tángere (a required reading in the Philippines). Cat may like his radical tendencies for revolution and his deep, devoted connections.

Simoun from Noli's sequel, El filibusterismo. Holds revolutionary values similar to Elías, but far less noble and more of a loner. Violent at times, and will do what it takes to get his way.

Panday/Flavio, a very popular hero. Part of his charm is that he doesn't have special powers, but took matters into his own hands and forged a magical blade. Has been portrayed in both 'cool' and comedic ways.

Ricardo "Cardo" from the Philippines' longest-running TV drama Ang Probinsyano. Just a cool action hero dude who cares about family, but is also very ambitious and angy.

Seeing as how we already had an Elias Gallagher, Simoun seemed to be the perfect fit, and the name stuck pretty easily.

Simoun's Boundaries

Now that Simoun had a name, we were able to talk about him more seriously beyond the simple "tsundere cat" tropes. You've all already met Gil Finnegan, who we originally brought into SnaccPop Studios to handle the narrative design for DachaBo but was then onboarded to help with Sunny Day Jack, and those of you in the Patreon Discord server are familiar with our mods Tobias and Jude; along with me and Soren Viloria, that brought the grand total of openly trans masculine members on the team.

We all talked about our personal experiences as trans masc/AFAB people, what things we rarely saw reflected in both mainstream and indie media, things we wanted to see more of. Something we all agreed that was difficult to find was trans masculine folks in sexually dominant roles in erotic media, whether that was live video, audio, writing, art, or a combination thereof; there was only a handful of series we could count on our fingers as far as sexually explicit content that featured trans masculine people in roles that weren't exclusively submissive/bottoms, and the majority of us had already seen those or at least heard of them before (ie. Gummy and the Doctor and Sasha From The Gym were prominent ones). Either discovering this content was difficult due to Search Engine Optimization favoring depictions of trans feminine folks, or it simply didn't exist.

All of this, along with the backstory that Sauce had for Simoun, led us to determine that Simoun would be adverse to submissive roles in intimate situations. Simoun isn't the type to want to be penetrated either due to previous trauma surrounding his gender. Bear in mind that this isn't meant to imply or suggest that there is only one "acceptable" sexual preference for trans masculine folks, nor is Simoun meant to represent all of trans masculinity; he may be our first trans masculine character but certainly isn't the last, as we hope to feature more types of characters at SnaccPop Studios.

As an aside, it should be noted that the trend of erotic trans feminine content being more readily available doesn't necessarily mean that trans women have more positive representation per se; for every kinky piece of art created by trans feminine folks out there, there could be ten more works that fetishize and objectify their bodies. We probably don't need to tell you about the common derogatory slurs that have been used to refer to them; trans feminine and trans masculine people deal with varying levels and types of transphobia as well as situations that oversexualize (or even undersexualize) them, and it's important to focus on content that doesn't strip them of their autonomy.

There actually was a period of time between the release of his concept art after Soren was onboarded where the team observed comments both on Patreon and in the Discord regarding Simoun, and we discussed how we could avoid having people try to ship Bo and Simoun together; because Simoun hasn't had bottom surgery of any kind, we wanted to ensure that tokophobia (fear of pregnancy) or dysphoria wouldn't become a thing for any of us involved in the team or for our trans masculine Patrons. It was a bit of a chicken or the egg situation, trying to keep up with the evolving comments about Simoun to try and anticipate what people might accidentally say.

Debut Day Thoughts, & Moving Forward

We were quite happy with the general reception everyone had with Simoun, and we're excited to see so many people taking a liking to Simoun after his reveal. SnaccPop Studios has always strived to provide inclusive and diverse stories for those who don't often get represented in media, much less NSFW media, and the team was quite elated to see folks who were just as happy to see Simoun.

We hope that the love and care we put into building Simoun has shone through in this post and will continue to shine as we write more of him for DachaBo, because we're just getting started.

[realdramalove69]

Part 3 of Back to Back to Back Pregnancy

Anna may have only been five months into her sixth pregnancy but she looked and felt months overdue. Every step was slow and concentrated, her focus on keeping herself upright and steady as she carried her babies to their high chairs and bassinets for their morning bottles. Two babies were already latched to her, her breasts constantly leaking as her children cried for their breakfast.

Around her, many more toddlers and children bounced and ran around, constantly running in Anna’s blind spots, her belly concealing most of her field of vision. She grunted as she sat heavily on the couch, her belly needing to be set on an ottoman so she could find some form of comfort and relief. As the babies finished eating, one of the new nannys Dave hired quickly placed another where their sibling had been.

True to his word, Dave hired four nanny’s to help Anna care for their exponentially growing family. In spite of the extra help, Anna was still determined to stay in her feet and care for her kids. Whether she was trying to prove a point to herself or Dave she wasn’t yet sure, but the idea of being confined to her bed made her anxious. She knew it was bound to happen (she was already struggling to move from kitchen to living room), but having control over some of her life was important to her. She didn’t want to become a baby factory, despite the fact she had already pumped out 51 kids in less than six years.

The brood within her kicked roughly as she felt a couple of her five year olds slap the front of her stretched belly.

“Boys,” Anna grunted. “Boys please don’t you’re making your brothers and sisters unhappy.”

“But mama,” one of the boys replied. “Your belly sounds like a drum.” He slapped it again as a nanny came and corralled them away to the dining room for breakfast before school.

Dave took his time coming down the stairs from getting ready, the screams and cries of his many children making him smile. When he reached the first floor he stood in the doorway of the living room and stared at his fecund wife. She sat there, overflowing from the couch, her thighs as thick as tree trunks and her arms flabby from excess food she was eating. Her eyes were closed as the babies continued to suck on her milk filled breasts. They looked like soft pillows but Dave knew they were firm and sore.

But nothing compared to her belly. It stretched five feet from her torso, her belly button flush with her tight and stretch marked skin. Dave could see from here his many babies moving inside of her, their feet and hands pressing, as though they were trying to escape the confines of her cramped womb.

Anna moaned in discomfort. Breastfeeding always made the babies in her belly more active and with 13 babies needing to be fed the litter in her womb were constantly moving. Dave walked over and massaged her belly, his hands pressing on the large babies within her.

“Dave please,” Anna huffed. “There’s so little room in there.”

In spite of her pleas her stomach betrayed her as it growled with hunger.

“Sounds like someone’s not full enough yet,” Dave replied, an evil smile on his face. “Tanya?”

One of the nanny’s, a young blond woman in her 20s, came into the living room.

“Yes, Mr. Stevens?” Tanya replied.

“Bring my wife her breakfast. And she’s not to move until she finishes. We need to make sure she feeds these growing babies.”

“Of course, Mr. Stevens.” Tanya went back into the kitchen and a moment later came back with a cart filled with food. Pancakes, French toast, waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast with butter, a whole gallon of milk and a pitcher of orange juice, plus a tray of pastries and fruit.

Anna rubbed her growling stomach, the feeling of being overfull quickly being replaced by a ravenous hunger. Her babies responded in kind, kicking her aggressively until the first plate was placed on her chest and she gave in to her cravings.

“Eat up, babe,” Dave said as he rubbed her belly. “I have to get to a meeting but I’ll be home before dinner tonight.”

“Mhm,” Anna grunted, too focused on her meal and nursing her babies to reply to her husband.

Dave loved how much the babies were taking over her brain and body, her mind was always focused on gestating even if she didn’t realize it. The formula Dave mad had worked beautifully and he had big plans for it at work.

Anna barely registered that her husband had left her once again to care for their children, but she at least had help this time. And now that her older kids were starting school it would start to get easier as well.

“Mrs. Stevens the babies are all down for the nap and the elder kids are off to school.” Tanya came back to clean up the breakfast Anna had finished in record time. “Would you like anything else?”

Anna waved her off. “No, thank you. I just need to start getting to my chores for the day.”

Tanya watched as the overly fecund woman shifted her weight forward, attempting to heave herself up onto her trembling feet. Anna reached under her gut and lifted herself off the ottoman, letting it hit the soft carpet so she could roll on her stomach and stand up.

“M-Mrs. Stevens!” Tanya stammered. “Please, let us handle things you don’t need to be on your feet in your condition!”

Anna grunted, sweat dripping down her face as she pushed her hands into her lower back and lifted her belly off the ground. She wobbled for a moment before finding her center of gravity again. She took a few steps towards the kitchen, Tanya following.

“I’m fine,” Anna grunted. “I can take care of my house.”

In spite of Tanya and the other nanny’s assurances of help, Anna insisted on doing her chores and taking care of the children. She accepted she could no longer cook or do dishes with her belly in the way, but she could still do laundry, sweep, and take care of her babies.

Slowly she would waddle around, a baby always in one arm and her other occupied with sweeping or trying to fold clothing. After an hour of trying to clean the kitchen she finally sat in a wide wooden chair, the legs of it creaking as she tried to give her feet a moment of relief.

“Ooh, please stop kicking mommy while she’s trying to work,” Anna whined. She couldn’t reach the kicking storm at the front of her belly.

Before she could get up and get back to cleaning, the nanny’s came in with the hungry babies, ready to feed again. And so Anna���s day went on, feeding and changing diapers between loads of never ending laundry and picking up after her kids.

Soon enough it was dinner time and Dave was home once again, bounding into the dining room where his gravid wife was nursing while trying to eat a plate of spaghetti. The nanny’s were fighting with the other kids, trying to get them to eat as they cried and threw food.

Dave kissed his kids on the head as he made his way to his wife, eager to share the good news.

“You’re home,” Anna said. “Can you take these two and hand me the girls.”

Dave grabbed the two oversized infants off her chest and replaced them with another pair. Anna shifted them into a comfortable position on her stomach before returning to the never ending plate of pasta on her chest.

“I have some news,” Dave said. “The higher ups at work liked the results of the new fertility treatments I’ve been working on and they gave me a grant to start human trials.”

“That’s great news!” Anna feigned interest. She hated Dave’s work, knowing how focused he was on her and her hyper fertile womb. She could tell where this was going to go and she knew she was powerless to say no.

“I want you to be in the human trials.”

Anna stopped eating, even though her babies still wanted the food. She looked up at her husband and saw the almost sadistic smile on his face.

“Dave I—“

“Think about it,” he continued, a craze look in his eye. “And we’ll talk before bed.”

He kissed her belly many times before grabbing his plate of food and sitting with his children.

Anna took her time getting the kids down for bed, dreading the conversation that was to come. Eventually she waddled down the tight hallway to her bedroom, her wife hips and belly brushing the sides of the already widened door frame.

“I’ll have to call the contractor to get the doors widened again,” Dave said as he watched his wife walked towards their bed.

He was transfixed by her as she struggled to get into the bed, having to hoist her belly onto the mattress before crawling into her seated position in her nest of pillows. Dave watched her belly rise and fall as she struggled to catch her breath, the infants pressing on her lungs.

“I love you like this.” Dave rubbed her belly. “You’re the most fertile woman in the world and I want to see you push yourself further.”

“Dave please, I don’t think I can get bigger than this.”

“I have ways to help, don’t worry. I would never let you be hurt. I love you.”

“You love this!” Anna shook her womb as she cried. “You love my womb and my belly you don’t love me.”

Dave put his arms around Anna the best he could, brushing his hands through her tangled brown hair, kissing her gently.

“Anna I love you and your womb. I love that you gave me a family and I love how much you care for our kids. You’re the most amazing woman ever and I want to help you become even more amazing.”

Anna wasn’t completely sold by Dave’s words of kindness. She looked down at her belly and thought of her many other children, the choice made for her.

“I’ll do it.”

[askagamedev]

On the topic of keywords, what are red flags that will get a resume tossed into the bin)

There aren't any particular keywords that will auto-kill your chances, but there are some things in a submitted resume/CV that will absolutely kill any chances of employment for that submission. Remember, we often get dozens if not hundreds of applicants for a single position. Our recruiters don't have the bandwidth to go over each one in detail. Here are a few red flags that usually get a submission tossed out:

No Proofreading

Bad spelling, awkward grammar, and descriptions that don't make intuitive sense will usually get tossed out immediately. Most of these get ironed out just by re-reading your own resume/CV out loud and making appropriate corrections.

Badmouthing a Former Employer

Any kind of major negativity in either printed or spoken word toward a former employer is usually fatal. Even if past incidents were absolutely warranted and justified, most companies are looking for professionalism and to cover themselves. The hiring company's thought is "If this candidate is willing to slag their former employer in their resume/CV/interview, she'll probably be willing to slag us in the future too." In such cases, it just isn't worth the potential future trouble, so we pass and move on to the next candidate.

Lying

Lying on a resume/CV is a pretty big deal - it's often grounds for firing even if a candidate does get hired. Remember that getting a job is a process, not a prize to be won. Even if a candidate gets the offer, he'll still have to actually do the job under the scrutiny of leads and experts in the field. That kind of thing is really hard to fake. Also, the game industry is pretty small - many of us know someone who knows someone at another studio. I've gotten plenty of PMs from friends and former colleagues at other studios for an informal reference check on an applicant - "Do you know so-and-so? She's applying and her resume says she was also at X studio while you were there."

These kind of issues will get a candidate's resume/CV tossed right away. There are also some yellow flags that aren't deal breakers, but the candidate will get asked about. Any candidate who doesn't want the yellow flag turned red will have a response for those questions. Specifically, issues like:

Unemployment Gaps (> 6 months) - what were you doing during that time? (Real Question - why weren't you able to find work?)

Getting fired from a previous position - why did you get fired? (Real Question - Did you cause trouble and will you bring that trouble here?)

Multiple job changes quickly (< a year at multiple jobs) - why so many job changes? (Real Question - will you quit within a few months if we hire you?)

These kind of questions are mostly to cover the company from problematic hires. If a candidate has any of these on their resume/CV (I've had all three at some point in my career, though not all at once), they will be asked about. Expect the question, prepare and practice an answer beforehand. Be honest and be diplomatic. For example:

I was fired because my lead told me one day that I was not a good fit at the company. There was little feedback around the process. I did everything that was asked of me and my annual evaluation feedback from two months before consisted of "keep doing what you're doing". I have references from that studio who can tell you about what it was like working with me.

It doesn't have to be a really long answer, but it does need to address the underlying issue. Any answer you give needs to reassure the company that you're not going to be a liability or cause them trouble down the line if you get hired.

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