#in your nice normal human body and this is a little weird but like............ manageable

[emersonfreepress]

help i'm alive

So! Long time, no see. 2023 was a whole goddamn lot lol

I don't have a demo update to share yet, but that's because I had to scrap nearly everything I managed to write during a very, very, very bad stint of writer's block last year. I hadn't even realized it had been a block like that until I went over my work so far last month and realized it was bad -- like, trust me; a slog to read that didn't even sound like me. It's been extremely frustrating but I've finally broken free of that and it's been easy and actually fun to write again for the first time in actual years. I just hate giving updates that have no actual news in them. And I really had nothing to share other than: I deleted thousands of words and feel so much better now 😅

Anyway, little about my demo plans have changed: I'm still putting out the Chapter 3 demos in Choicescript/on Dashingdon and then will be going dark to move things over to Twine. Where I am in the process right now is... feeling like 35% done with the overhauled version of this chapter and 50% done for the next demo update.

As far as asks, I'm... not really sure what to do?? I believe I've read them all (I love you guys), but so much time has passed since getting most of them that I'm not sure if it's, like... still pertinent??? To go back and answer them?? I suppose some of them like character asks could be, but all the nice messages of support -- that feels weird since I've practically ghosted this blog since August! Idk. Y'all tell me what to do with 'em and I'll do it. Maybe I should make a poll.

Uh... that's really all there is to say regarding the game! I've added some personal stuff after the cut, but if you're done here: Thanks for reading and sticking around. It means the world, for real.

So what has occupied my time all this time? Doctor, therapy, money, and friends. And improv! But especially the first two. There was a lot of non-writing related stuff fucking up my ability to focus and write, so hopefully with my mind and body both feeling a lot better, I can get back to being present and active with the game. I didn't realize how physically unwell I was until last year and it's been like... life-long issues I've been treating. It turns out it's not normal to feel exhausted enough to sleep at any given time, at all times, for your whole life! wow!!

I also uninstalled Tumblr from my phone back in February, so you could say I'm sort of generally focused on offline life. (And what an interesting coincidence that my writer's block dissipated shortly after that...) I also just moved!! The last two weekends have been so expensive and stressful -_- But I can't even compare the old place to the new. We're basically paying the same price for idek how much more space. The cats are so happy; which means the house humans get to be happy.

My schedule is finally freed up from constant medical shit (there was a 3-month stretch this winter with multiple doctor appointments literally every fucking week 🙃🙃🙃). My mental health is doing a lot better -- literally incomparably better compared to where I was this time last year. There's live comedy now (which I dabble in, to be clear lol), but I've finally found myself able to like... balance it all. The physical and creative energy that goes into it all, anyway. The lovely thing about improv is that you kinda just show up and do your thing -- it doesn't cut into my writing time so much as it costs energy. Unless I end up in this comedy debate show thing next month, which I am very excited to give up writing time for

So like... Life is life-ing and I'm just vibing. Or something? I'll be around.

Thank you all again so much for your interest, support, patience, and readership <3

[hannahssimblr]

For a brief period last year, I had this thing about wasps. Miss O’Reilly spurred the whole thing on after poring over my sketchbooks with me. She made some offhand comment about how nice it would be to see some animals too, amongst the endless scrawl of human arms and legs and feet and heads on every inch of every page, because it would expand my anatomical knowledge. This had never occurred to me.

So across town to the zoo I went. Where, through the spring and the earliest days of summer I would draw gorillas in their glass enclosures, giraffes, sloths, red pandas, while parents and children looked over my shoulder at my work, ogling as though I too was part of an exhibition. 

I returned that August, late, in that last week before school starts when the sun still warms you, but the wind carries autumn with it. By then, the leaves had lost that vibrant green and hung tired from branches, curled and russet at the edges. It was wasp season, when they emerge, as though from nowhere, angry, confused, in a ferocious pursuit of sugar. 

One landed on my sketchbook, near the thumb that held the page, and I resisted the tingle of fear in my body, the urge to swat him away. Instead I watched him, and then I drew him, his alien eyes and hairy body, papery wings and the abstract black and yellow stripes like caution tape wound around his horntail. I feared wasps - I think. One had never stung me and had no reference for the pain, but coincidentally, I had read about them in an insect encyclopaedia from the school library. I’d learned about their sad Augusts, when their purpose had been fulfilled, and their queens cast them out of the nest to die. 

That wasp, eating the ice cream fingerprint from my page, was no different. Here he was, addicted to sugar, drunk, perhaps, from the fermenting fruits he had managed to find. If I swatted him away, could I really blame him if, in his desperation and pain, he attacked me? He really was just another creature fulfilling his purpose, adapting to the new environment in which he had been thrown. 

“Oh, God!” Michelle cried, and whacked him with her zoo map. His insides left a stain on the paper, and I turned to her, outraged. “Why did you do that?”

“It might have stung you!” 

And things escalated, as they normally did, to an argument by the elephant enclosure. She erupted in front of a family of four and asked me when I became such a fucking vegetarian about wasps. We didn’t speak a word to one another on the bus home, and then, come September, we forgot about wasps for another year. 

A wasp lands on my arm. I feel it first, the weird little legs tickling my skin. Someone splashed cider on me in the Foo Fighters’ mosh pit. That’s what he’s looking for. For the first time in a year, I think about wasps again, while the rest of my friends plan their next move. He shouldn’t be out at night. He must be confused. Maybe he’s about to die. 

“Oh! Gosh! You’ve a wasp on your arm!” Claire waves her hand about me and the wasp makes a drowsy departure and swoops toward the overflowing bins by the barriers. 

Several seconds pass before it occurs to me to react. “Yeah.” 

As the others head towards the bar, she and Shane hang back, peering at me with that wary concern, as though there’ve sensed something deeply unhinged about me. “Are you okay?” She says gently. “You look like you got a bit of a knock there in the mosh pit.”

“No, it was fine. It felt good to kind of shove everyone around.” It’s true. I wasn’t thinking in there where I was thrashing to The Pretender, but I know how I must look. She eyes the collar of my t-shirt, stretched completely out of shape from where some beast of a man grabbed me to fling me out of his path like a rag doll. it was violent, but it felt good, like something that I needed.

“Look,” Shane scratches his head, “The lads there, they were talking about going to that rave at midnight. They wanted to grab some shots first, but like, if you don’t want to go, and you’d rather go back to the tent or something, that’d be okay.”

Claire nods. “We could even go with you, right? I wouldn’t mind just hanging out and taking it easy if you wanted company.”

Do I really seem that bad? I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just do what everyone else is doing.”

They pause, and I press the issue. “Do I seem like I won’t be able for it?”

“Not that.” Shane says. “You just seem a bit wrecked.”

“I’ll survive another concert.”

“Yeah, I’m not saying you won’t, like.”

“Right then.”

They exchange a look, and I sigh. “I don’t know what you think is wrong with me, but I’m not drinking, I’m not on drugs,” I lean down to show them my pupils, which I realise too late is quite a manic, on-drugs thing to do, but I don’t know how else to prove my sobriety. “It’s just been a day, okay? I’m just… it’s been odd.”

“We can talk about it if you like,” Claire says, in that very kind, Claire way, but I shake my head. 

“Let’s not bother. Come on, we’ll just go to that rave thing and dance, yeah? Then I’ll go back to the tent and we can take it easy.”

“Okay, if you say so,” she says, and with her arms around herself against the midnight chill, she and Shane march past me, towards the big top of the marquee across the bottle-littered fields. 

Beginning // Prev // Next

[starrenati]

Again a week late, but, to my defence. Adulting is hard and I hate it more with each passing year. This chapter is a little bit of a rant at some places, but I hope it all stil fits toghether.

In this chpater I'm trying to finally get back to main course of this fanfiction instead of focusing on the girls. They'll be back, though.

Chapter XVI

"Human-like"

“So, what do we have here?” 

One of the scientists asked, looking at a massive spreadsheet. It looked almost ancient, like it laid something in the archive for way too long to be considered something valuable. After all, they needed to update their information as often as possible. 

“I dug around and found it, it matches the DNA strands we managed to take from that weird thing from the girl. It shouldn’t be possible though, IT has been gone for centuries now, and it died on a completely different version of Earth. Not even this one.” 

The scientist stepped closer to the spreadsheet. His eyes drifted over to “The Perceiver” written in bold letters. Now, that was a problem. That much was clear but it was getting worse as time passed it seemed. Perceiver was one of the Concepts, one of the rulers of multiverse, or even a rule itself. Rule of perception.  Its death went loud among many universes, causing a huge disruption at first, toying with ability to perceive things. Quickly it solved itself out, and luckily they didn’t have to intervene, but it was supposed to stay gone after the forces came back to normal, probably someone else filling in its role. They searched for any traces of its energy, to make sure it's really gone or if it was reborn. For centuries there was nothing and suddenly they got something. A parasite with residue of that DNA. This wasn’t good. Concepts are not reborn, they strive for destruction until only one of them, the strongest one is left. So something had to go terribly wrong that day. 

“You think she might be Its new form? Descendant? Something like this?”

“Highly doubt it. Her DNA is not matching at all to It. Only from that weird thing, parasite. We tried to pull them apart, but it almost caused her to crash and then we observed that it greatly enhances her aggression if we try to pull it away from her body. Like they’re combined on many more levels than just physical.” 

A little hum of acknowledgement. So it wasn’t a reborn form. At least it was good that they could clear that out. It was good, not only because it meant that what they caught and let go into the Void wasn’t a reborn Concept, but also because it meant that a Concept roaming this Earth was very unlikely. 

As long as Concepts stayed in their planes, taking care of rules they had in their hands, everything was usually going smoothly and overall nice. The problem was born, when Concept decided to indwell with humans. Usually it was to teach humans a lesson, a very valuable and bloody one. Each Concept looked completely different from one another, but there was one thing they shared among themselves. They had six pairs of wings. Three big ones, behind their back that could’ve been used as additional functional limbs, not only capable of flying, and three smaller ones on their heads, used to cover multiple eyes. 

It was believed that looking into the eyes of a Concept is an opportunity to learn unknown and ancient facts about the universe, but also almost instant death, as no mind is capable of taking in and comprehending that amount of knowledge. So these ten meters tall creatures cover their eyes to protect those who don’t deserve death. They had a different level of understanding that, it wasn’t pity, it wasn’t mercy, it was simple judgement. You do or do not deserve to die, to be gutted inside out without a single incision. That must have been terrifying. Not only witnessing such monstrosity, but face it and die in almost an instant for others, but probably dying for years on your own, feeling each and every neuron pulled apart, while learning answers to every question that was already asked or was meant to be asked in the future. Beautiful but terrifying death. 

Out of all the angry Concepts, Perceiver was probably the worst. Sure, It had beautiful wings to cover Its eyes, but so what? Its body was covered in various eyes peering right into your soul, as soon as Its rage began. Multitude of color snatching souls and lives in seconds, monstrosity that didn’t even wield a weapon like others do. Its gaze was Its weapon, the worst of them all, the quickest and sharpest. Because how are you supposed to avoid the overseeing gaze? You can’t. You can;t run and hide, you can’t just cover your eyes, because you’re not fast enough as soon as it appears, you’re dead. They had few images of the not yet woken up Perceiver. Tall, pale figure with majestic wings covered in even more eyes, broken halo, floating around Its neck like a broken collar, gleaming with red light, sharp claws and fangs, It was beautiful but deadly. It was hard to admit, but the TVA among the whole multiverse took a breath of relief as soon as it had fallen. And it was believed that despite its deadliness, Perceiver was the weakest among all the Concepts, weak link of the entire race. It was paralyzing to even think what the others were capable of. The highest rank was held by the Order, Concept of Concepts. Then Matter, Energy and Oblivion. Creators and the  destroyer. Then Gravity, Velocity and Space, holders of existence. And Perception the last, ability to see and judge. All of them also had Veils on their eyes, another layer of protection from the deadly eyes, but once the Veil is torn off, only the wings remain. 

“Then, why was it found in part of her? The infested part?” 

He asked after finally pulling himself out of that rehearsal over the Concepts. 

“We don’t know yet. We’re still working on it. Maybe it’s some sort of contamination? It doesn’t appear to power her up or anything like that. Maybe giver her broader field of vision, but she’s still lacking in fields like strength, speed, no healing whatsoever. I doubt there’s anything really worrying, but…” 

“But?”

“If we’ve found some sort of remains of It, I think we should still report back to the Boss. After all, we've sent the contaminated test subject to the Void, if Cassandra catches onto it… We might have a way harder time stopping her, than the last time.” 

The silence was heavy and suddenly, everything seemed much more serious than just a moment ago. They were pretty used to thinking that Cassandra was gone, and sometimes, just sometimes, they still tended to forget that she was very much back, and still seeped with the same hatred as before.

In the meantime, Alice and Cassandra were back in the Void. The sun was shining through, focused on Alice’s hands as she continued to cut paper into strips to make more paper stars. It was clear that the hangover got to her, not having any mercy on her poor mind and body. She was squinting her eyes each time a bit too much light hit her, causing another spark of headache to hit her and make her regret existing at all. 

“Care to explain anything?” 

“Don’t yell.” Alice huffed at Cassandra. “I have nothing to explain, I also have no idea what happened and now I feel terrible.” 

She sort of curled up into herself, pulling her feet up to rest them on the chair as well, hoping that this will help. She was nauseous, but Alice would rather tear through the fabric of time, thread by thread, than throw up. Nu-uh, no one will force her to do that. She moved the paper strips swiftly in her hands, it was almost a muscle memory for her to make those stars. Great thing to do when you want to pull on your own skin and hurt yourself, it was keeping both her mind and hands busy. 

Cassandra just scoffed in reply. This was ridiculous. She wasn’t even yelling! And she just wanted to learn more about what she saw. About what she went through. It’s not everyday that you just get teleported into Oblivion, even higher rank nothingness than the Void. It was amazing, even if they didn’t manage to stay there for long and ended up in some stupid forest, had to walk back all this way and in the meantime Alice got her hangover. Terrible trip.  Now it was only getting worse, watching this girl indulge in something so pointless was almost hurtful for Cassandra to watch, but she decided to go quiet for a bit longer, to ensure that her little lab rat will feel better before that talk. 

Minutes passed by, filled with distant sounds of chatting people outside and the little sounds of paper being weaved like some kind of fabric. Slowly, Alice was feeling slightly better, the hangover slowly passing, leaving her tired and a little uneasy, but at least not in pain anymore. She was still focused on making the stars, but her mind seemed to be somewhere away. Her eyes empty, unfocused, almost glazed over, she wasn’t there with her mind, wandering countless paths in her mind. 

“I can’t remember much from yesterday, but I can sure remember something that was deeply rooted in your mind. “ She spoke suddenly, turning to face Cassandra and tilting her head a bit to the side. “Why do you want to become more human?” 

That question caught Cassandra slightly off guard. How was she supposed to respond to that? She couldn’t really explain that desire at all, but she wanted to become something more human to fool them better, to leave this dump and destroy humanity from the inside out after time. And to do that, she had to become more human, more deceiving, a better copy of what she had left after her brother. 

“For now there’s only one thing you carry as good as humanity.”

“And what would that be?” Cassandra asked, almost taunting. 

“Brutality.” 

That was another surprise, something she didn’t really expect to hear probably ever. Brutality? How were humans brutal? They were defenseless, weak creatures. 

“I know what you think. Them? Brutal? Having no powers and being brutal? But yes, yes they are. One of the worst I fear. Killing just for the sake of killing, or even worse, for fun. Taking lives of innocent, just for beliefs or just to do it, to show who holds the real power. Animals, babies, elderly. Anyone who is inconvenient, the hatred they spread is more successful than any other poison, because it seeps through everything. Through words, air, water, even through screen, aiming right for the hearts of those who weren;t yet consumed to the last bit of them. And anything forbid you to have a different skin color, beliefs or your sexual orientation varies from the standard cis-het label.” Alice shook her head with a forced, sad laugh. Her eyes focused on the paper stars again. “Don’t you dare be disabled, even worse don’t you dare have an invisible from the  outside disability, and when you’re young? Forget about it! You can’t. You’re young. You have to be full of life, full of dreams and energy. You can’t be in pain. You can’t feel anything else than happiness. You have to match every standard ever set. Everything has to be up to the labels, your looks, sexuality, gender, troubles, amount of partners. What do you mean you're a virgin?Prude.  What do you mean you’re not one? Whore. You want to dye your hair? Are you crazy? All that LGBT propaganda got to you! Do you want mental health help? Shut up! It’s taboo you freak, keep it to yourself. What do you mean black people are normal people? They’re criminals! Shoot them! Kill them. He raped you? No, I know him, he wouldn’t, besides he has a whole life ahead of him, don’t say a word. You’re in debilitating pain every month? Lose some weight and get pregnant, it’ll help. What do you mean you don’t like sports? You like art? A man? Are you gay? Freak!” 

Alice stopped speaking for a short moment, her eyes glazed with tears as she looked outside, sun dancing in her tears almost like it was trying to wipe them away with gentle warmth, to heal some wounds that no one could see but they were going oh so deep. 

“They’re brutal. Of course there are good people, but they’re usually the targets of that poison, and it kills so well…” Alice whispered, before looking back at Cassandra with much softer eyes. “ After all, I doubt even you’re as brutal as them, but it matches to some extent…” 

As much as ridiculous it sounded, Cassandra felt bad for a split second. For being that kind of human. She was used to being perceived as a monster, but that hurt in some different way, a sharp sting she couldn’t really explain, but quickly pushed away, just looking at the girl in front of herself. If anyone else would call her that, they would’ve been dead by now, and it crossed her mind to do that. She even raised her fingers, but put them down just as quickly as she lifted them. Why? She didn’t know. 

[thenightfolknetwork]

Hi, we are several hundred rats. More accurately, I am a rat, writing on behalf of my several hundred friends, who are also rats.

It's pretty good, being rats, certainly compared to all the nonsense sapios and other bipeds have to deal with. Like knees, and dentist appointments. Recently, though, we've run into a problem. It's very common for sapios to mistake us for a multi-coporeal entity or a collective intelligence or something of that nature. You know, quote-unquote hive minds. Ignoring the fact that most hives don't actually work like that and the way that the common vernacular exposes the inherent sapionormative biases of the modern social system, it usually isn't a problem. One of us corrects them, the human reacts however they react, no big deal. Their reactions are on them, not our problem.

I'm being asked to add that it's a little sad that the humans don't have the close social bonds that could be mistaken for that kind of thing. So now I have. And now they're discussing whether it's sad or just the nature of the human condition. I'm going to keep writing while they're not trying to co-author this letter.

Well, about three years ago, a colony of cerebrachnids moved in next door with their host body. We don't need to tell you, of course, that brain spiders are actually a collective intelligence. Almost all of us have been of great terms with them since day one. It's nice having someone around who can sympathize with how sapios view us. Rats and spiders, right?

Turns out that they've thought we were some sort of multi-coporeal entity this whole time. It came up last week when some of us were visiting for tea. They've thought for years that we were some manner of genus similar to them, and have just been too polite to ask what we are. I, the rat doing the typing, wasn't there, but the ones who were there all agree that our neighbor got a little weird about it, and they're a lot less overtly friendly since then.

We can't agree if they're feeling awkward, or if they're maybe reevaluating the whole friendship in the light of how we have less in common with them than they thought.

Any advice? Do we just pretend it didn't happen and go on like normal?

Thank you for getting touch, reader – or should I say, readers? I'm extremely heartened to hear how healthy your collective attitudes are to the misconceptions people have about multi-corporeal entities and collective intelligences. I'm also pleased that you recognise your own boundaries in managing other people's expectations and reactions to your lived reality.

That said, I don't think there's any risk of your overstepping those boundaries by reaching out to this neighbour and clearing the air about their misconception. I understand you don't want to take on more than your share of the emotional work. But frankly, simply being aware of that as a potential issue is generally enough to stop it from happening.

There might be any number of reasons for your neighbours' sudden standoffishness. They might be embarrassed by their mistake, or feeling foolish for misunderstanding your nature. Or they might be disappointed at the loss of what they assumed was a friendship built on commonality of experience. The fact is, you won't know until you talk to them.

Invite them over for tea and let them know how much you've missed them. Emphasise how much you all value your relationship with them, and that you're keen that this misunderstanding should be set aside.

I would also take the time to stress how much you do have in common, despite these differences. You may not share the same kind of consciousness as them, but there has been enough shared between you to sustain years of friendship – not only shared interests and talking points, but also deeper commonalities around how sapios treat your genuses.

I don't think anything will be gained by making them feel shamed or punished, especially if they were acting out of nothing more malicious than embarrassment. Give them a little grace, and take the time to clear the air between you properly. Then, with any luck, you'll all be able to shrug this moment off as nothing but an awkward bump in the otherwise smooth road of friendship.

[For more creaturely advice, check out Monstrous Agonies on your podcast platform of choice, or visit monstrousproductions.org for more info]

[cer-rata]

Fic WIP: "Welcome Home(?) Chris Kent!"

Chris sighed. “...So yeah, I don’t really remember being an adult. Just bits and pieces. I remember Thara, and the Nightwing. Um. That’s about it for details.”

Brian nodded and rubbed his chin. Chris was intentionally  leaving things out, that’s what his spot analysis of his body-language, mannerisms and tone told him. Perhaps he’d be willing to share more later when they were friends…if Brian didn’t manage to mess it up.  “Fascinating series of events for a twelve-year-old. Disturbing, in many ways.”

Chris rolled his eyes. “I’m not really twelve, I’m actually an adult, I just look like--”

Brian sighed. “No. No, I'm pained to inform you that you’ve misunderstood the flow of your life.”

Chris frowned. “...What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, from what I can tell, you didn’t live an accelerated life in that you lived at a normal pace in a pocket of reality that moved faster along the timeline than the one you originated from. Rather, your body aged more quickly than it should have on a purely physical level. Sure, that meant your brain reached a certain stage of development sooner, but you didn’t gain the experience you would have had from living into adulthood naturally, so experientially you didn’t really age at all. Legally, and ethically you were always a child. And that would be true even if you did remember everything. 

“So really I could still say you were six or seven, but with the accumulated experience you lived through and do remember...and though you were incorporeal when you were in the phantom zone the second time, and I have no concrete way of knowing how long you were there for…I do know that Kon-El is also from your timeline and only remembers a year passing between when he was lost and when Impulse found him. That was five or six years ago now, and you were conscious for that period of time…well: I think eleven or twelve is probably fair. I can go with twelve if that makes you feel any better. Lucky, that’s where your body ended up as well.”

Chris stared at him with wide eyes. Then his lips twisted and he sat back down on the floor of his containment chamber. “...Oh. I…I guess that makes sense.”

Brian nodded without looking up from the data he was reading. “It does, but I still think it’s kind of messed up, actually. The adults sent me to talk to you because they’re all upset and didn’t want you to pick up on it. Subconsciously they seem to think that I don’t process emotion still and as such wouldn’t bother you by being agitated. Bias from experience with my predecessor. I am not hurt by it, but…I do hope to at some point convince them that I am truly a separate being.” His third eye flicked up and over to look at Chris and caught the alarmed recognition in his eyes in the second before he was able to hide it. “...Sorry, I didn’t mean to talk about myself. I was going to say that I am also upset: You shouldn’t have had an adult girlfriend when you were cognitively six or seven. Very weird for both human and Kryptonian standards. Bird gods be damned.”

Chris hugged himself. “I mean…I mean from what I remember, she was nice.”

Brian desperately wanted to break down the reasons why that didn’t matter, but it wasn’t the right moment, and he felt it would be better coming from someone like Ms. Lane. So he smoothed it over. 

Kind of. “She could have been, I’m not implying that it was…”He paused. “...Well maybe I am implying that it was somewhat predatory, but I doubt she really considered the implications enough for me to judge her as anything more than shortsighted. Perhaps neither of you were completely acting on your own volition even, because again, bird gods. I’m…not trying to make you feel bad, am I making you feel bad?”

Chris looked away. “...A little.”

Brian winced and looked directly at him with all three eyes. He even devoted half of his processes to the conversation, which was dramatic overkill really, but he felt bad.

 “I apologize. Sometimes I talk through thoughts that I should probably process silently. Um…wait, hold on.” He closed his eyes for a second and then opened them again. “Okay, the likelihood that they’ll bother us in the next half hour is low, they’re tending to a minor disaster.” 

Chris’ mask dropped and Brian could see how nervous he was. “...Why…what are you going to do to me?”

Brian had been reaching towards the containment field, but when Chris asked that fearful question, he pulled his hand back like he’d been burned. “Nothing! I wouldn’t--I don’t…” His lips wobbled as he tried to not get upset. It was frustrating sometimes, being so young and knowing so many things. On the one hand he wanted to be taken seriously, to be seen as competent…but on the other, he was still chronologically two, developmentally nine, and that meant that it was hard to mitigate his feelings sometimes. Conrad had reassured him that it was normal, but he knew that already. Normal or not, it was still embarrassing. He sighed. “...I was just going to sit next to you. I thought…I thought it might make you feel better after I upset you by being callous. I don’t have to, I can just--”

Chris’ expression softened considerably. “Wait, what? Wouldn’t the Phantom Zone energy be bad for you?”

“No, I can handle it fine.” It was a lie, it was going to be incredibly uncomfortable, but not so much that he couldn’t hide it from Chris, so it was acceptable.

Chris stood up. “Well…I mean yeah, then that would be okay. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to freak out, just--”

“You’ve been treated as an experiment and tool before…and in a sense I am…Brainiac. That was…that was the kind of thing he did, so it is not inappropriate to be…vigilant.” Brian was thankful at that moment that he’d decided not to install synthetic tear ducts into his current iteration. “Um. Step back just a little? Please?”

Chris pressed lips together in concern, but took a step back. Brian reached out again and touched the containment field, and his skin shifted color just slightly from its bright turquoise to something closer to matching the shade of the barrier, before he walked through said barrier like it wasn’t there. Chris looked him over cautiously. “...You sure you’re okay?”

Brian nodded. “I am sure.” he stretched a bit to try to look casual about the fact that the way the zone energy interfered with his connection to turquoise light made his synthetic muscles burn. It was fine. He wasn’t a baby. He took a seat on the floor, and Chris sat next to him. “If you would like to ask me questions, you may, I think that’s fair. You aren’t my experiment, friends share information reciprocally, and I’d…I’d like to be…that.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Metron’s countenance, I am awkward.”

Chris giggled. “No, you’re fine. This is all kinda awkward I think. For most people it’d be weird. You use a bunch of words I don’t know, though.”

“Sorry.”

Chris offered him a warm smile and patted him on the shoulder, and Brian had to stop himself from wincing at the pain. This was a good sign, a positive interaction that suggested Chris had not decided to fear him. The discomfort had purpose.

“So,” Chris went on, “How old are you? Cause I dunno what your deal is, but you seem to have a lot going on.”

Brian snorted. “Yes that…yes. Um. Technically I…emotionally I am about nine or ten, experientially…is complicated, because I have the knowledge of…quite a few civilizations stored in my mind, so I know and understand quite a bit. Chronologically my body is roughly…two years old at this point?” Brian knew that he was exactly eighteen months, three-hundred hours, thirty-two minutes and fifteen seconds old, but he thought rounding it up sounded better. 

Chris slowly turned to him and smirked. “So I just got a lecture about how my girlfriend was inappropriate from a toddler?”

Brian rolled all three of his eyes. “I’m not a toddler!”

“Awww look at the little guy!” Chris teased and poked Brian in the side.

…Which was not something Brian expected him to do, and so he wasn’t prepared to stop his automatic reaction. It tickled, but it also hurt because at that point everything hurt, and he made a sound that was something between an embarrassed giggle and a pained groan. You could probably call it a whimper. 

Chris pulled his hand back. “Wh--did I hurt you? I thought I didn’t have my powers, I’m sorry--”

“No!” Brian waved him off and then winced at how much that action hurt. “It’s fine, you did nothing wrong, my chassis is strong enough that I wouldn’t be concerned if you did have your powers, it’s just--”

“You lied to me about the zone being fine?”

Brian sighed. Why couldn’t he have been somewhat dense like the other Lor-Zod?

 “...Yes. I thought it wouldn’t be this bad and wanted you to feel better--ahh!”

Brian yelped in surprise (and pain) as Chris gently picked him up and brought him back to the edge of containment. “Out! Go! Before you hurt yourself any more.”

“But--”

“It’s fine! We can hug later or whatever!”

Brian’ cheeks warmed, which was confusing because he didn’t really have blood, but he stepped back through the barrier like he was told to. Instantly he felt his connection return, and the pain was replaced by the strength he hadn’t realized he’d lost. He turned back to Chris. “Sorry--”

“Please don’t do that again.”

“Well, I wasn’t planning on--”

“I mean hurting yourself so I don’t think you’re bad. Don’t do that.”

Brian was somewhat disturbed that Chris had picked up on that. “I…what?”

Chris looked directly into Brian’ two primary eyes. His expression read as genuine concern and compassion. It made Brian nervous. “I don’t think you’re Brainiac, and I don’t think you wanna hurt me, okay? We’re good. I like you. You’re kind of funny in like an alien way. Which, as an alien, works for me.”

Brian rolled his eyes and snorted. “...Alright. I appreciate that.”

“Plus, I’m not gonna be scared of a two-year old.” Chris smiled.

“I’m not--” Brian shook his head. He had to claw some of his dignity back somehow. “I’m going to get you out of that tube before the day is out.”

Chris balked. “...What? But...but Kal-El and Batman and Mr. Terrific said it could take--”

“RIP to them, but I’m built different. Literally. Besides, I understand your biology better than any existing being. If I can’t figure this out in the next six hours, I might as well retire and go live on a farm. Ew.”

“Farms are cool!”

“Farms are outdated, just synthesize the food with an atomic reconstructor, they’re not hard to--you know what, I’m actually going to focus all my processes on you, which means I really like you, because I was watching ‘The Great British Bake Off' for most of this conversation. I love that show. But…I still think the British owe this planet more reparations. Anyway, give me seventeen minutes.”

Chris was about to ask another question, but Brian’ face went blank and his eyes all widened and started glowing bright turquoise at once, and it was clear that the conversation was over. Or at least…paused. 

[skylarmoon71]

Winchester - (Supernatural / Smallville Crossover AU) - Chapter 20

He’s always thought that happiness was a bit out of reach for him.

While he knows he has a great life, it was always hard to fully relate with others. Given what he’s capable of, there was a part of him that understood that life would not be easy or normal. Yet when he met you, the crazy felt a bit more manageable. 

It’s still a bit strange how normal everything feels when you're together. 

Like right now. His father had asked for help with the tractor and you basically sprinted past Clark to assist. When you’d lifted the metal vehicle with one hand you just sent him a grin, wiggling your eyebrows and Clark couldn’t help but laugh. 

There really wasn’t anything more he felt like he needed in life. For once, he was truly happy and there weren't any earth altering events or tragedies.

You were just there and he was just at peace. 

Later that night he’d dropped you back to your house. You informed him that the credit cards your brother used for the place were about used up, so in a few weeks you would have to get a real job and make some real money. 

“Normal life sucks.” 

Clark laughed at your complaints as you dropped your bag on the couch. 

“I guess it’s weird sticking in one place after all the traveling you’ve done.” 

He couldn’t imagine what that was like. He hadn’t ever really left Kansas. But you’d been to just about every state, every city.

“It is a bit weird. Once I get a job I’ll start checking out apartments. Next month I’m going to see my brothers. It’s been a while. I think I’ll spend the break there.” 

Clark understood. He supposed the bunker was the only other home you’d ever known.

“Do you want to come with me? I know it might get a bit stifling.” 

The fact that nearly all of your family and friends were some kind of supernatural entity, well, stifling wasn’t exactly the word he would use. It was nice not being the only uniquely powered being for a change. 

“I’d love to come.” 

You smiled, shuffling to the fridge.

“Great, I’ll smooth it over with Mr. Kent. He likes me better anyway.” 

Clark rolled his eyes and you laughed, grabbing a drink as you slipped the cap off and took a sip. When you were done you placed the bottle down, sending him a look. 

“Don’t be jealous that I’m his favorite superhuman Clark. I think we can both agree that between the both of us I’m the more macho and muscular.” 

You flexed what little muscle you had and Clark could only smile. 

“I’ll take your word for it.” He snorted. 

“I’m serious! My powers are cooler.” 

“I think we can both agree that an alien is much cooler than an angel powered human. “ 

“Nuh uh, angel powered humans are much cooler!” 

“Really, I don’t see it.” 

“That’s because you’re an alien!” 

He was doing his best not to laugh. He’s known for a while that you’re a bit competitive. You look pretty cute with your cheeks puffed. 

Instead of the verbal back and forth, he figured it would be easier to prove his point. You blinked, and in a matter of seconds your back was pressed to the wall, his hand right at the side of you. The action had successfully silenced you. Your lips were parted, eyes staring at him in wonder and awe. 

“I’m cooler..” 

His tone was low, and you swallowed, nodding. You couldn’t get the words out and he seemed satisfied. He held your gaze for a moment, then looked down, watching the way you licked your lips. Without a second thought his lips were on yours, and you hummed, appreciative. Your hands moved to his shoulder and he pulled you flush to his body, holding you close. It always felt so good to hold you. 

Maybe it’s the fact that he’s naturally a bigger person compared to most, so he’s used to the difference on many levels. But with you, there was just a sense of comfort, like you were the same. Equals. Even if your abilities and stories were different, there was just something that you both had in common. 

You didn’t have to hide anything with each other and that’s all he ever wanted. For someone to know every single part of him and still feel the same. Look at him the way you did every time you sent a smile, or held his hand, or even bicker over your silly little competitions. It was the acceptance that he wanted, that he needed. 

He pulled back, and your head lulled forward for a moment, following him before you took a breath, pressing your forehead to his. You licked your lips again, eyes still closed. All he could do was smile. You looked so content. 

“This..This doesn’t mean you won..” 

You muttered, clearly still clouded by the kiss. 

Clark chuckled, pressing a kiss to your cheek. 

“Whatever you say angel.” 

It was a playful jab, and you didn’t have the heart to retaliate, because he’d pulled you into another kiss and you were completely and utterly distracted. 

[chocottang]

heyyys hope this isnt an awkward ask but, since you like cami a very normal amount i presume, i thought i'd ask... do you maybe understand or have any interpretations or headcanons about cami and her shadow and how they manage to coexist in the same body together?

(e.g.: is cami always her shadow? do you think she see it and interact with it like fred? how come she has more control over it than other characters but still not enough? etc.)

overall just your personal thoughts about it just because i think that was never really explained in the show and i would love to see what someone who has such a complex and interesting understanding of her backstory thinks about it ! hope this isnt weird to ask hnhnfnfng

hey! not weird or awkward at all, i love getting asks! and thanks for the nice comments u///u

i put a read more just in case it's too long

like you said, cami's shadow wasn't explored a lot in the show, we only got two frames to be exact.

i'm going to call her shadow tat

i already talked about the first frame in the analysis: i think tat came out as a result of cami's realization that she's not alone, that eak and t-trap have been with her all along. tat was probably triggered by the uncommon influx of overwhelming emotions. her purporse seems to be to keep the body going as normal, since the only thing that we see of cami after this is a frame where she looks the same. we don't know if it's cami or tat in z3r0 but she's also acting the same.

about the second frame, it's interesting in the context of the song, because tat seems to be reaching for something while the lyrics talk about finding a way out. after the song, tat takes over the body, so maybe it was alluding to the way out of the shadow world. but, the frame also goes together with this one in an interesting way.

this frame is actually supposed to go with the one of ttrap reaching for cami when they were kids, cami only reaching out now. but, it could go with both of them. cami is both reaching towards ttrap and tat. meaning, she wasn't taken over by her, but rather, she let tat take control. it may be alluding to cami letting her most repressed emotions take over again, accepting them. nevertheless, we know shadows are sentient beings, not just metaphors, so this leads me to think that:

1. even though cami was met with a pretty strong realization after eavesdropping eak and ttrap, she didn't want to actively change anything about her life. at least not yet.

2. cami and tat have at least met before for cami to willingly give her control. besides, they don't look even mildly surprised about what's happening. only on the second frame does tat look different and it doesnt strike me as surprised, but rather like she's just reaching hard.

which brings me to this question: how does cami have powers? a little out of nowhere, but bare with me.

cami and owynn have powers of some sort that are connected to the shadow world, they can make someone's shadow come out and cami can make someone into a mindless zombie.

we've seen that shadows have some sort of power. gold could turn people into mindless zombies (or maybe he was just retransmitting cami's power?), shadow fox had some sort of fire (or maybe he was the fire?) and fred was able to...explode...and make a group of people forget the last year of their lives.

in z3r0, we learn that when humans and shadows fuse, they gain powers that can debilitate shadows.

this makes me think that cami and owynn's powers are nothing more than their shadow's powers. i don't think its a fusion, since those powers seem to be specifically for debilitating shadows, the opposite of what owynn and cami do. in the case of cami, her powers may be just her shadow coming out, since we dont see her eyes very often. but im very sure that the one time owynn used his powers on that one piano, it was himself. so, there exists a way for a human to borrow their shadow's power. meaning, they have to have a relationahip with them in some way. do they make a deal? do they force them? i dont know. but based on the little we see of tat, it seems that at least her and cami are in good terms.

i don't think it's in the level of fred and freddy though, as i believe most shadows are confined to the shadow world unless they take over the human's body. fred is an exception, a very special boy. but i don't think it's necessary to have a ghost form in order to form a bond with a human. the villains seem to know quite a bit about the shadow world, so maybe they found a way to access it on command so they can regularly talk to their shadow and make sure they access its powers.

so, i think cami and tat are in good terms, and cami visits her regularly in the shadow world. whether it be for accessing her power or to talk about what tat has done outside with the power. since the powers are used to serve the villains, tat has to know about the plan and is on board with everything, and since cami has always been aware of what's happened regarding the plan, it means tat is always telling her what she's done (if she's the one using the powers). they really trust each other and are on the same page. at some point, they had an agreement that when cami has to deal with strong emotions, tat will go out. this may be so cami can escape the situation so she doesn't have to deal with her feelings, while tat keeps normalcy. also, so they can be a productive peon for owynn regardless of the situation. so, they have open communication and willingly give control of the body over to the other one, the frequency of this depending on if tat is responsible for all magic acts or if she only goes out on dire ocassions.

the fact that she has more control over her shadow than most characters may be because she simply has more of a relationship with her. or, perhaps the control she attempts to have over her own feelings manifests in a docile shadow, easily controlled. I don't think tat has the same cold personality as cami, but rather she pretends to. i think, in reality, she houses cami's deepest and most repressed feelings, and tat pretends that she doesnt have them so cami won't get mad at her. she does it and agrees on everything cami wants to do so she continues visiting her. even shadows can get lonely, especially in the black endless nothing of the shadow world.

uhh i think that's all i have. its mostly dumb theorizing. thanks for the ask!!! it was really fun to think about. i do like cami a very normal amount <3

[echoghost1]

InvisoBang 2023 - Dawn Of Influence - Chapter 3

Title: Dawn Of Influence Chapter 3 Title: It’s never good to hear a doctor say “Interesting” Summary: Danny is in his senior year of high school. His life, even with his still secret half-ghost nonsense, has settled down to a new, but manageable normal. That is until one day he starts to notice something is off. He doesn’t feel right, so he tries to find out what’s going on. His ghost form is changing but he has no idea what it’s changing into or why. Characters: Danny Fenton, Sam Manson, Tucker Foley, Jazz Fenton, Clockwork, Pandora, Frostbite Total Word Count: 17,010 Trigger Warnings & relevant tags: Mystery, Horror, Body Horror, Non-Consensual Body Modification, Ghost King Danny Fenton

You can find my fic on ao3 and read chapter 3 down below the cut!

The wonderful art that goes with this chapter

Changes & Cold Comfort

Ch 1 | Ch 2 | [you’re here] | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch 7 | Ch 8 | Ch 9 | Ch 10 | Ch 11 | Ch 12

Danny sat on the exam table and kicked his legs idly as he waited. Part of him was hoping that this trip would have been for nothing. He wanted things to come up normal.

He also didn’t.

He hoped that maybe something was wrong and that Frostbite would be able to fix it.

He’d been feeling like crap for weeks but he really thought it would just go away. He thought it was no big deal.

He was only here because his friends bullied him into coming.

They were only able to bully him into coming because Jazz had apparently talked to them about keeping an eye on him since he had that headache.

He still had that headache.

It hadn’t gone away.

His sides still hurt.

His whole head hurt.

Everything was worse in ghost form, but it was much too cold in the Far Frozen to be sitting around in his human form.

Frostbite finally came back into the room.

“Sorry about the wait, Great One.”

“It’s okay.”

Frostbite had only left to get tools that were the proper size for Danny. AKA small enough.

Danny just had to remind himself that the yetis were just giants and he wasn’t a teeny tiny little guy. He was only small compared to them. 

There was nothing wrong with being smaller than a giant. Most people he knew were smaller than giants.

He definitely wasn’t still mad about that growth spurt of his never really kicking in.

Not at all jealous that his friends were both taller than him.

“You were saying your head was hurting, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“Is it any one area or is the pain moving?”

“It’s kinda just at the top, but sometimes I think I feel it in my teeth? Which sounds weird when I say it out loud.”

Frostbite pulled up a chair and gently held Danny’s chin in his claws, “Open your mouth for me.”

Danny did as he was told but wasn’t sure where he was supposed to be looking so he decided the ceiling would be a good choice.

It was a light gray, kind of like cement. 

“Ah, I see,” Frostbite said vaguely as he let go of Danny’s chin. “Let me know if this hurts.”

Danny braced himself for potential pain but also really wanted to know what Frostbite wanted to look into his mouth for.

Frostbite tilted Danny’s head forward and moved Danny’s hair around like he was looking for something. He hoped he wasn’t looking for his part because he had too many cowlicks for that.

Then Frostbite brushed up against a part of his head that didn’t feel great. “Ow.”

“Congratulations!” Frostbite said with a huge grin as he leaned back in his chair.

“Congratulations for what?”

“I wasn’t sure, with your half-ghost nature, but I’m happy to report that it looks like your fangs are coming in nicely and your horns are too.”

“My what and who now?”

“Your fangs and horns?” Frostbite said as if those weren’t really weird things to have.

Then again, this was Frostbite. The man also had a tail.

Normal is relative.

“So that’s why my head hurts?”

“Yes, but once the base finishes forming the bulk of the pain will go away.”

Danny reached up to where his horns were apparently growing in but hesitated. Frostbite barely touched it and it hurt.

Instead, he placed a finger on his canine. He couldn’t really feel it through the glove, but he could tell it was longer than before.

“This isn’t going to show up on my human side is it?”

“I’m unsure, Great One. You are the only half-ghost I know.”

He really hoped it wouldn’t. Then again, Vlad had ghost fangs but didn’t have them when he was human. Did he?

He didn’t really spend a lot of time staring at the fruitloop’s mouth. Why would he do that?

“As we are already here, do you mind if I give you a full check-up?”

“Sure.”

“Excellent. Would you mind removing your top? I need to get a core reading.”

Danny nodded and unzipped his suit. 

Then he remembered the pain in his side.

He hadn’t really checked on it in a while.

He hadn’t checked to see what it looked like under his suit.

He slipped his arms out from his sleeves but then stopped.

His hands.

When did his nails get that long?

Also, why were they green? Not just his nails, but his fingers and his whole hand, and half of his forearm.

“That’s new,” Frostbite said, sounding just as confused as he was.

“Please tell me this is Ghost Puberty or something.”

“That’s not a thing?”

Danny just whined. That really wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“Oh, that’s different.”

Danny followed Frostbite’s gaze back to his hands. His skin was losing its vibrant green hue and turning more muted. Almost gray.

The more he watched it the darker it got.

Why was this happening?

He didn’t want this. It felt wrong. Bad.

He hadn’t even fully processed the fact that he was growing fangs and horns.

He couldn’t be changing colors too. At least the other things kind of made sense.

His hand was pitch black now. 

It’s not supposed to be.

Why couldn’t he just be normal?

Frostbite pulled him into a hug. “It’s okay, Great One. It’s going to be okay.”

“What’s happening to me?” Danny asked, unable to keep the tremble out of his voice.

“I may not know now, but I will help you find out,” he said as he continued to comfort Danny.

He hugged Frostbite back and did his best to ignore the twinge in his side when he did.

Frostbite’s fur felt nice. The hug felt nice.

Danny wasn’t sure what was happening to him, but he knew he liked hugs.

“Do you think it’s on my other hand too?”

Frostbite leaned back but still kept his arm around Danny, “Did you want to check?”

“Might as well.”

Danny noticed as he took off his other sleeve that the dark color of his skin was shifting back to green.

This time it was more of a blueish green.

His hands matched.

“I have a hunch,” Frostbite started, “but it involves taking your suit off completely.”

As much as Danny didn’t like changing in front of other people, he slipped off his suit. Besides, Frostbite had already seen him in his boxers anyway when he had nearly frozen himself when his ice powers came in.

Plus this was for his health or whatever.

“Interesting,” Frostbite said once Danny was free of his suit.

Danny found his feet matched his hands. Nails more like claws, skin shifting to green that covered his entire foot and went halfway up his calf.

“Were you experiencing any other pain?”

“Yeah, a little.”

“Lift up your arms for a second.”

Danny wasn’t sure why but did it anyway.

“Was it here?” Frostbite pointed to Danny’s sides.

His sides were doing the same color-changing trick as his arms and legs.

“Why is it happening there?”

“Follow me.”

Danny followed Frostbite to a nearby room and was ushered to stand on a platform in the center.

He grabbed a large device that sort of looked like a cross between a laser pointer and a vacuum.

Frostbite aimed his device at Danny and thankfully started to explain what he was about to do before doing it.

“This is our portable scanner. I’m using it because it’s best for precision work.”

Precision. Also known as great for tiny things.

Like Danny.

“What’s it do?”

“It will give me a clearer picture as to what’s going on under your skin.”

“Like an x-ray?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“It won’t hurt, right?”

“Not at all.”

Danny let out a sigh he didn’t realize he was holding.

“Raise your arms up please,” Frostbite instructed. 

Danny lifted them up again and tried not to wince as he felt the twinge again.

Frostbite scanned him, mostly focusing on his sides, and then set the device aside.

“You can get dressed if you’d like. It’ll only take a few moments for the images to finish processing.”

Danny got dressed and then came back to see if Frostbite had the results yet.

Frostbite was staring at the screen that took up most of the wall. Danny assumed it was the scan Frostbite just did but Danny wasn’t sure what he was looking at. 

He either didn’t know enough about the human body or something weird was going on.

He really hoped it was his poor public school education.

“I have good news and not-so-good news,” Frostbite said once he noticed Danny beside him.

“What’s the good news?”

“I think I know what’s happening in there,” he said, gesturing to the screen.

“And the not-so-good news?”

“I have absolutely no idea why it’s happening to you.”

Danny’s shoulders slumped. 

“So what’s happening?”

“I don’t know how else to say this, so I’ll be blunt.”

Danny took a breath and waited for the news.

“It looks like you’re growing a second pair of arms.”

[fancysaladbro]

Life as a First-Time Mom: Muscle Pain, No Rest, But Lots of Love

They say motherhood is the most rewarding job in the world—and I absolutely agree. But what they don’t tell you is how physically (and emotionally) draining it can be—especially when you’re a first-time parent juggling housework, freelance gigs, and a little one who’s on full energy mode 24/7.

As a young mom and housewife who does a bit of freelance design work from home, I often feel like I’m constantly moving, constantly doing, but never really getting to rest. If you’ve been through it, you know what I mean. The cycle is real—and so is the muscle pain.

My Daily Routine: Non-Stop and All Heart

My mornings usually start somewhere between 6:00 and 7:00 AM—depending on whether my toddler thinks sleep is necessary that day. Breakfast time is a messy mix of cooking, cleaning, and managing a little human who has zero chill. Once we’re done with the breakfast mess, it’s laundry time, followed by cleaning up the living room that somehow always looks like a mini war zone.

Then comes freelance work. I try to squeeze in a couple of hours on the laptop—sometimes while carrying my child, sometimes with them climbing on my back. (Seriously, moms should be considered professional multitaskers.)

By mid-day, I’m running low on energy. My back usually starts to ache from carrying, lifting, bending, and running after my toddler. My arms and legs throb like I’ve done a full-body workout (and not the kind you feel good about). And by the time the clock hits 9 PM, I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.

Still, there’s always that one final chore, one last “Mamaaaaa!” before I can finally sit down.

The Housewife Life: Muscle Pain is Part of the Package

Let’s be real—muscle pain isn’t just for athletes or the elderly. It’s for us, too. Us moms who sweep the floors, mop the kitchen, lift growing toddlers, and sometimes even skip meals because there’s just no time.

My lower back pain became so constant, I started to believe it was normal. My shoulders and neck get sore from constantly looking down, carrying bags of groceries in one hand and my child in the other. I didn’t even realize how exhausted I was until I had one of those rare nights when my child slept early—and I didn’t know what to do with myself.

Trying Something New (And Promising)

A fellow mom friend of mine recently told me about a product she swears by. She mentioned it helped her manage her constant muscle pain and gave her a nice energy boost, especially during those long, never-ending days.

Curious (and desperate for some relief), I decided to give it a try. It’s from MyLustre, a wellness brand that I’ve seen pop up a few times online. The best part? It fits easily into my daily routine—no complicated steps, no weird smells, no mess.

So far, so good! 💪🏼✨ It’s still early days, but I’ve been feeling a little less sluggish, and my body doesn’t feel as tense at the end of the day. Maybe it’s just a placebo… or maybe this stuff really works. Any guesses what it could be? 👀

I’ll definitely be sharing more detailed feedback soon once I’ve used it longer. Stay tuned!

Mom Energy is a Real Thing (and Sometimes It Needs Help)

We talk a lot about postpartum changes and sleep deprivation, but we rarely talk about the physical demands that come with just being a housewife and mom—especially when you’re also trying to work from home.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’ve added something to my routine that’s actually helping. Whether it’s the soothing muscle relief, or the gentle energy boost, I’m not sure yet—but I like what I’m feeling so far.

And no, I’m not suddenly backflipping or scrubbing floors like I’m in a commercial. I’m still tired (because #momlife), but it’s the kind of tired that doesn’t feel defeating.

To All My Fellow Moms Out There…

If you’ve ever:

Felt like your back pain just won’t go away,

Wondered if it’s normal to feel like you’ve run a marathon by 10 AM,

Or wished you had something (anything) that could help with the constant fatigue…

Then trust me, you’re not alone.

Being a mom is a full-time job—and a half. We carry so much (literally and emotionally), and we often forget that we deserve care too. If you’ve been looking for a gentle, supportive solution for your muscle pain, or even a little energy drink to help you get through the day—I might have found something worth checking out.

Will keep you updated once I finish the first pack. For now, it’s a little secret between me and my muscles. 😉

[randomlywanderingmoth]

"Didn't I die?" What a way to start a conversation, fresh from the lips of the former director of Chaldea.

"I have no point of reference for how weird that might be anymore," I could only reply, striding through another ServaFes, one hand grasping an ice cream cone, the other gently holding Olgamarie's arm.

We'd winced when it was Mephistopheles manning the ice cream machines, but nothing had happened. I'd reflexively stepped in the way when I'd heard a wolf's howl, but Hessian's Lobo merely trod up and nuzzled Olga's entire face. Caenis looked fit to come to blows with Jason over some power tester machine, but I hadn't need to shield my date from any flaming debris. It wasn't Mash, either- legitimately every Servant we'd seen was on their best behavior.

The entire day I'd been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Olga's comment was the worst that had happened. "In fairness, I think the only people that are legitimately alive here are Mash, Kadoc, and rest of the human staff," I'd commented, trying to lighten her mood.

"And you," she'd followed without a thought.

A few seconds passed. My lack of reply made her snap her head about. "And you?" She repeated, now with two notches of concern.

I shrugged apologetically. "ORT." One word, and Olga's whole body flinched like I'd slapped her. Not quite the intended reaction. "I mean- I got better, I think, but I don't know- I did die, I just got back up- I don't know if I qualify anymore-"

A ball of takoyaki jammed into my mouth. "I'm hungry, so chances are I'm alive. Are you hungry?"

I held up my ice cream as form of pause, chewing, puffing air, and chewing a bit more. The takoyaki went down a bit warmer than I'd hoped, but I'd managed to suppress a cough. "I mean- I've been eating-"

"If you're able to be hungry, you're alive enough." Enough. Alive enough. We were both game to compromise.

Bell chimes rang in the wind. Conversations in the distance gently filled the air. And Olgamarie Animusphere looked like a bouquet of flowers.

"... your kimono looks great," I smiled.

"It's a yukata."

"Ah, my bad. Your yukata looks great." My smile tilted, but remained steadfast.

She looked away, but I could see the red against her ears. "Thanks."

There were so many things I'd wanted to discuss with her. The Lostbelts. Ordeal Call. That whole Foreign God mess. My mind should've been a jumble.

She looked back at me with a warm, soft smile, and my mind was absolutely not a jumble. "Hey, wanna find a spot to watch the fireworks?"

I blinked. "The fireworks show won't be for a good while..."

"Yes, well, now is the perfect time to find a spot. If we wait, it'll get crowded." Her logic was sound.

===== =====

We'd spent an hour, detouring to every little stall. I'd bought her a charm. She'd bought me a mask. We'd both bought paper fans.

In spite of that, we still found a nice spot on a hill overlooking the festival. It wasn't empty, strictly speaking, a few couples were on the hill alongside us, but it was uncrowded enough.

The first pop made us both flinch.

The second made her stare up at the glittering lights painted across the sky.

I listened to the sound of the fireworks, bursting gently in the sky, but my attention was directed at a much closer star.

I wanted to run my hand through her hair. Press my lips into her cheek. Tell her three little words.

I settled for holding her hand.

For however short a time, for just a short day, we weren't a director and a master, two unfortunate souls burdened with the world.

For this ephemeral moment, we were two normal people, with normal joys, and normal worries.

For this brief time, we were both human. We were both alive.

===== =====

"YOUR SERVANTS ARE UTTERLY INCORRIGIBLE!"

The other shoe had dropped the next morning. Or rather, the morning of a week ago.

BB had done it again, trapping us in another time loop with some nebulous goal or other, and now Olgamarie was steaming red in the face with something other than embarrassment at adjacency to me.

"FUJIMARU RITSUKA, AS YOUR DIRECTOR EMERITUS I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO DISCIPLINE THAT WOMAN!" If she'd had a Command Seal and I'd been her Servant, I was fairly sure in that moment she would've made it a Command.

I smiled back at her. "I mean, look at the upside."

"WHAT UPSIDE?!?" Olga certainly had a set of lungs on her. The back of my mind tracked to the notion of testing how strong her lungs were, but I left the thought alone.

"Now we can keep going on dates together."

"THAT- that isn't- you-" her face was still red, but given how she sputtered I could guess her emotions had turned.

I smiled patiently at her, waiting for her to complete her sentence.

"... you'll solve this mess eventually." Less a question, more a gently worded order.

"Kadoc can handle it. I'm on vacation. We're on vacation."

She passed me a squint, but only for a moment. Olga nuzzled her pale hair into my cheek as we waited for the bus to arrive.

And for one week of ServaFes, nothing went wrong. For one week of ServaFes, Olgamarie Animusphere and Fujimaru Ritsuka were normal people. For one week, we were happy. For one week, repeatedly.

Eventually BB would grow tired of it. Eventually Kadoc would track her down and get her to stop. Eventually the Singularity would fade. Eventually we would have to go back to our lives, or our deaths.

Today was not eventually.

Olga and Ritsuka having a wholesome date where nothing bad happens

I love receiving these sort of prompts. Like damn canon really stabbed you in the stomach huh.

[albatris]

Hello I have two things 1) can I see a picture of your cat and 2) I was thinking about ATDAO and the very little stuff I know about it via stalking a while ago and uhhhh I remember something about Kai having long hair but it being burnt/cut off and being shorter at the end? Can I ask if that's a thing that happens, what happens what the heck who would do that and can I fight them? Also take your time replying lol no rush

HELLO hi yes how are you!! thank you for the ask!! I hope you’re having a nice day!!

1) ABSOLUTELY OF COURSE YOU CAN I tried to find a nice pic of them both together that I haven’t already uploaded but alas I came up with nothing so today I present to you just the one cat

behold: buttercup, who is asleep

and

2) lmao yeah ATDAO is a mystery, there are people who have been following me for months and months who still have no idea what the plot is…………….. I don’t remember if I even have a proper introduction for it, honestly, I just post snippets here and there and vaguely reference plot points without context and everyone is just sort of dragged along for the ride hahahaha

BUT yes you’re absolutely right! Kai does start the story with super super long hair which they tie back with a bow and that’s like………. the Iconic Kai Look, the classic Kai, the original

but as the story stands at the moment, they do end up losing a whole big chunk out of it in an incident in the unreality? Unfortunately there’s not really anyone you can specifically fight about this except for perhaps the universe itself if you’re down for that :’D No one intentionally came at Kai’s beautiful hair with the intention of wreaking havoc with it, it was just a matter of otherworldly energies being their usual glitchy self

and honestly wreaking havoc with Kai’s beautiful hair is perhaps the least distressing thing the unreality does to Kai

so Kai’s long hair ends up getting pretty messed up and Kai gets real mopey and in denial about it and spends an amount of time wondering if they can plausibly make “one huge charred off missing chunk of hair” a new fashion trend, and eventually their younger brother Kieran is just like “screw it we’re making this wreck into a bob cut whether you want it or not trust me it’ll look fine” and Kai may have attempted to throw a chair at him

he was right though, but like, change is scary

…..

also like hey so the unreality itself is a whole ‘nother post and a half (I really haven’t explained anything about this story, have I?) but essentially it’s a bizarre whacked-out dimension where multiple universes overlap, basically you’ve got multiple systems of reality trying to work in sync with each other and multiple physical planes trying to exist in the same space which just gets………………….. real buggy real quick. a delightful malfunction of a specific patch of reality

you’ve got roads that don’t exist and houses glitched through other houses and cities made up entirely of sound, like, you can walk in them, you can touch them, but they’re just sound, all your senses are flipping out and getting confused, time is freaky about it, human bodies get all tangled up in weird weird energies

so that’s some words for ya. that’s some words! cool. some of those words were not relevant to your ask but I got carried away and I apologise

[kunikinnie]

requested by: @stygianoir

with an s/o who's ability is similar to Natsume's

featuring: Poe, Chuuya, Lovecraft x GN!Reader

WARNING: contains spoilers for S3!

Edgar Allan Poe

He thinks it's an adorable ability. Seeing you in a "convenient size" brings him comfort for some reason.

His affectionate side will naturally come out (it always happens with animals) but he tries his best to hold back since it's technically still you.

Always asks if he can touch or pet you. Even if you've already given him the go signal he'll still ask just to make sure you don't think it's weird or anything like that.

If you leave by yourself in cat form, he'll be extremely worried. He trusts you but not the world around you - what if you get caught or hurt and can't get home? No one will be able to help you if something does happen.

As for him becoming a cat: he actually likes it a lot.

For one, he can hide in more places. Under a table, on top of a cabinet, in your arms-

Another reason is that you touch him much more often. Whether it's simply stroking his furry body or carrying him altogether, his little heart might explode from the thrill.

Nakahara Chuuya

Of course he'll just say it's hella useful for espionage and hiding. Convenient at times, definitely.

But he won't admit that he adores you in cat form. Even if he's a dog person, he certainly enjoys a little furball walking around and hopefully brushing against him.

Pretends he doesn't like it when you're on his lap, but you're glued there for hours without him complaining.

Aside from your safety, the only other thing he's worried about is your food. The thought of you eating random stuff disgusts him and he makes sure you eat something normal before going out on a mission.

Now as for changing him into cat...

It's annoying that you call him cute and all especially he's gotten even tinier. You'd dote over him, raise him in the air like a baby, and carry him around. His masculine pride doesn't appreciate that.

BUT his simp ass for you loves the attention and how much you touch him. It feels so good, especially when you pet his head and his cheek.

He'll run away if he catches himself purring, though. It's so gosh darn embarrassing.

He'll also hiss at people he doesn't like - maybe even bite or scratch them (especially Dazai, if he could)

HP Lovecraft

He likes cute things, so that definitely includes your ability.

It fascinates him that you can turn into something so small (since he's used to the opposite).

But since he's not too familiar with furred animals, he might not do much and just leave you alone to do whatever you want.

Except the cat toys. He loves using the cat toys with you.

Now if for some reason, you manage to turn him into a cat...

He'll still retain his tentacle powers and morph whenever he wants. Being in an agile but not-so powerful body makes him feel weird, so he'll use his tentacles if wants to reach something.

It's one of those things that he doesn't know if he likes or doesn't. Even if you've done it several times it just feels... strange. It took some time to adjust to a human body so a cat body is even harder.

He's definitely going to take the best naps tho. Somehow the quality of sleep he gets as a cat is so much better than his usual (both human and sea monster), and it's nice not feeling so vulnerable.

[shinra33459]

Legoshi x Human Reader Headcanons

Not much writing here or anywhere with Legoshi and a Human reader. Decided to make my own. 

You were the first human student in Cherryton in several years. Your parents had sent you from your home country to Japan to study here because of the school’s impressive test scores and reputation.

The country you came from had a much higher human population than Japan which had a human population of under 10,000.

Until your enrollment in Cherryton, you had never felt as isolated as you currently did. When you were the only human in a 40+ mile radius, that’ll tend to happen.

Because humans are omnivorous, you were put in the carnivore dorms. You felt a little uneasy at times for a few reasons: the first reason was that you stuck out like a sore thumb more often than not (human + foreigner was one helluva recipe for getting weird looks), and secondly, humans aren’t as strong as many carnivores, nor do they have claws or a strong bite force, so if any sort of incident happened, fighting really wasn’t an option.

The curriculum was pretty challenging, private schools like Cherryton strived to get results and without a tough curriculum, those results wouldn’t manifest.

One day you ran into Legoshi, a shy and socially awkward wolf. You two became friends pretty quickly; he was the only one who seemed to remotely care about you, and you were one of the few people who saw him as an individual instead of seeing him as just another carnivore.

With him as your friend, suddenly, this school didn’t seem that bad. You joined the drama club so that you could hang out with him more often.

Over the course of a few months, you began to grow closer to him, eventually wishing that he was more than just your friend.

Legoshi wasn’t oblivious to this, he noticed how your behaviors towards him have changed recently, you seemed more tense, and you fumbled your words more than normal. Not to mention that he could pick up on your body’s pheromones. He felt the same way, but he didn’t want to hurt you.

Eventually, things really started to get to you. The weird looks anytime you walked into a room, the whispers, racist remarks made in passing, the occasional bullying that seemed to go unnoticed or brushed under the rug was more than enough to give you severe depression and a sense of helplessness. You just wanted to drop out and go back home where this wouldn’t even be an issue.

One day after class, you just ran off into the forested area behind the school. You just wanted to be alone and cry. This place was Hell, and you just wanted to curl up in a ball and disappear, or better yet, wake up at home away from this nightmare.

Your disappearance didn’t go unnoticed. When Legoshi noticed that you didn’t show up to drama club, he knew that something was really off. Even though you didn’t seem happy at all as of late, you would still go to drama club and hang out with him.

He tracked you through the trees by your scent. He knew that the last thing you needed right now was to be alone with those terrible thoughts.

Hearing your soft whimpering cries, he found you curled up against a tree trunk.

He approached you and shyly asked if you were okay. You told him everything: the bullying, the open displays of racism against you, how you just wanted to go home, and how you felt that nobody at the school liked you or even remotely cared about you.

Hearing how badly you were treated by everybody made him upset. You were here to just get an education like everyone else, and you were nice to almost everyone you met. He honestly expected better from his classmates.

He held you as you unloaded months of bottled-up emotions. You cried into his shoulder as he whispered that everything would be okay.

When you finally regained your composure, Legoshi decided that it was time to admit his feelings toward you. He stumbled through it in his usual shy manner, but he managed to get his point across.

After this, he decided to take you to your favorite local restaurant to cheer you up. Dinner with good company is one way to make someone feel better, right?

Your relationship with him kicked off from there. He became the shoulder you’d cry on and the person you’d rant to whenever you were troubled. You became the person to reassure him whenever he’d be doubtful or when he was afraid of hurting you.

Eventually, your allowed time in the county was soon to expire; your visa only covered your enrollment in Cherryton. You told Legoshi about a year before it expired, and he instantly became worried about losing you.

You two talked about ways that you could stay together. He refused anything less than staying by your side.

The following day, he went to your home country’s embassy and applied to immigrate to your country. He knew that you had to go back home, and he would be damned if you left without him.

About a week before your visa expired, his immigration application was approved, and when it was time to leave, he left on the same plane with you.

Getting used to your country’s culture and way of life was an interesting experience for Legoshi, but for you, he would do anything.

You introduced him to your family a few weeks after you came back. They approved of your relationship; they liked how kind and attentive he was as well as how gentle he was, especially for a carnivore.

Within a year, you and Legoshi had saved enough to put a down payment on your own house. It wasn’t giant, but it wasn’t small either.

Since you two had been dating for about 3 years at this point, and you were financially stable, you and Legoshi decided to get married.

All of his and your family and friends from Japan and Cherryton as well as your friends from home were in attendance.

From here on out, you enjoyed a happy and quiet life with your wolf husband. He was everything you ever could’ve wanted and more.

[astaroth1357]

I don’t know if this’ll make the cut, but brothers with an MC wearing their (the brothers) clothes, and I’m talking full ensemble not just a random jacket or accessory (you can delete if you’re not comfortable of course)

So when left with the question of whether this was a full on clothing theft or a cosplay of some kind, I'm going with theft because that's just funnier to me. Just a little MC marching around in Beel's tent of an outfit… Hilarious. 🤭

MC Steals the Brothers’ Outfits

Lucifer 

It started out like any other morning, Lucifer woke up early in bed - as he always does - but when he rolled onto his side to stir the MC, he found their side of the bed empty… 

Normally, he’d have thrown up the alarm in an instant, but his mind was still groggy as he tried to recall what happened the night before… He could have sworn the MC slept over… unless…

MC: “Good morning, love.”

Their voice was enough to get him sitting up again and he uh… well he was not prepared for what he saw. The MC was sitting with their legs crossed at his desk, attempting to imitate his “I’m-in-Complete-Control-Here” energy as much as they possibly could, but with an added detail…

They were wearing his clothes. His favorite suit to be specific which was tailored to his much bigger frame, resulting in a frankly ridiculously ill-fitting look on their smaller human body...

MC: *picks up a poisoned apple off the desk, continuing their very best Lucifer-impression*  “You should get up, love. We have an early meeting today and we can’t keep Lord Diavolo waiting.”

The MC appeared to polish the apple with his sleeve for a moment before taking a bite, looking pleased with themselves before their eyes widened in complete horror. It only took a split second for them to spit the unchewed hunk of apple into a nearby waste basket and toss the apple away in panic.

MC: “Ah FUCK!! I forgot I can’t eat these!!! SHIT!!”

Their panic only grew as Lucifer could no longer hold in his laughter, the booming volume of which is enough to wake up all his brothers throughout the House.

MC: “Lucifer, don’t just sit there laughing!! Bring me some water or something!!! LUCIFER!!!”

Mammon

Look, Mammon always gets up late so not being able to find, like, any of his normal clothes was a serious problem! He’d already dug through half his closest and still couldn’t find anything!!

He had a photoshoot that he had to get to in less than hour and he still needed to take a shower, get dressed, get his stuff together, then bolt halfway across town before-

MC: *literally kicks open his door Kuzco-style* “Yo, yo, yo!! What’s up, Mammon??”

First off, the sudden loud bang of his door hitting the wall nearly scared him out of his skin, but before he could even yell at the MC for their weird entrance his brain had to process what they were wearing….

Good news! He found his missing clothes, the MC had thrown them on while he was sleeping - sunglasses and all - and now stood before him with a toothy grin on their face.

MC: “What's the problem, Mams? Lucifer got your tongu-EEEK!”

Apparently, they weren't expecting Mammon to literally lunge at them and capture them in a tight hug, practically lifting them off their feet with a laugh.

Mammon: “What'cha think your doin', MC?? I'm gonna need those back ya know?”

MC: *laughs loud and bright, throwing their arms around his neck* “I know, I know... But I wanted to surprise you!” *stops laughing suddenly and blinks* “Huh…”

Mammon watched the MC experimentally lift his glasses off their nose then put them back down, repeating the action several times before snickering.

Mammon: *frowns* “What's so funny?”

MC: “Nothing really but… Mammon, do you wear these just to make everything look like gold?”

Mammon actually had to pause before responding, pulling the MC closer with a devilish grin.

Mammon: “Nah… I ‘cause got all the gold I need right here~”

MC: *chuckles and nuzzles his cheek* “Nice save...”

Mammon: *his cheeks flush and he frowns* “I dunno what your talkin’ about... But could ya go put on a t-shirt or somethin’? They’re paying me big for this shoot and I really gotta go!”

Leviathan 

Another convention, another cosplay far too complex to ever hope to peel out of… Though Levi would never regret wearing his five piece Lord of Shadow cosplay, it’s a heavy thing and certainly not something he can change out of in a bathroom stall…

When he finally got back to the House, he wasn’t looking to do anything but drag his tired body back to his room and change into some more manageable clothes… but… well…

When Levi opened his door, he saw the MC sitting alone at his computer desk playing a game by themselves. That was all well and good but… WHY IN DIAVOLO’S BLACK HELL ARE THEY WEARING HIS CLOTHES???

When they heard the door, the MC whipped their head back and they both stared at each other in an awkward silence… His clothes didn’t even fit them right!-or maybe they did?? His mind was panicking because they had the collar of his shirt covering their mouth and it looked so moe it was actually ridiculous!

Levi: ……….

MC: ………….

MC: …. “I can explain.”

Levi: ……. “Y-yea?”

MC: “I was having trouble on this one level and you wouldn’t pick up the phone… so I thought ‘What would Levi do?’... and it escalated…”

Levi: “You think??”

Levi felt like he could die right there, but he wasn’t entirely sure if it was from embarrassment or happiness… On the one hand, the MC was  literally trying to be him in order to get better at video games - which was flatteringly adorable… And on the other, the MC is pretty much cosplaying as him, right in front of him… and looked so damn cute doing it too… 

MC: “Is this weird…? This is weird. I’m sorry, I’ll go change-”

Levi: NO-agh! *he throws a hand over his own mouth, surprised by how loud he just shouted* … “U-uh… no it’s fine…”

MC: “Okay...?”

MC: “But could you put your phone down? I think you’ve been taking pictures for the past two minutes…”

Levi looked down at his hand and sure enough he unconsciously pulled out his phone in camera mode and has been spamming the “Capture” button long enough to have his thumb cramping...

Levi: “Oh.” *stops for a moment, then seems to second guess himself*

Levi: “Uh… just one more?”

Satan

When you share a house with Mammon, you grow accustomed to not being able to find things from time to time, but an entire outfit?? 

When he woke up one morning to find that he couldn't find any of his normal clothes, he blamed Mammon right off the bat… 

I guess in hindsight, what would Mammon want with his jacket? But anger doesn't always jump to the most rational conclusion, you know?

After searching for "long enough," Satan stormed out of his bedroom on a warpath. He didn't stop his march until he was banging on Mammon’s door with a closed fist!

Satan: “Mammon!! What did you do with my clothes you useless, money-grubbing asshole!?”

When he didn’t get a reply, likely because Mammon was hiding in his closet or something, he was about to kick the door in when he felt a tap on his shoulder...

When he turned his head, much to his surprise, he found his missing clothes!... They were on the MC - right down to the single sleeve - and the MC met his eyes with a mischievous grin…

They had a book in their hands he recalled seeing once at the library: "101 Ways to Prank Your Partner," open like they'd been reading down the hallway.

MC: … Page 47.

They winked at him before bolting back down the hallway in a fit of giggles and oooh, it was on now.

Satan spent the morning chasing the MC through the House, both laughing and dashing around in reckless abandon. He really needed his clothes back and he wouldn’t mind an extra hour or two with the MC when he got them… 😏

Asmodeus 

Asmo isn’t exactly a morning person… Though he forces himself awake so he can perform his wake-up routine, by the time he comes to the table it’s a hit-or-miss on how irritable he’s going to be...

Of course, his favorite outfit suddenly disappearing from his massive closet did not help his mood in the slightest!

Who would take his clothes?? Well, that’s not even a question - surely plenty of his devoted, adoring stans would kill to even have his scarf, so maybe the better question was, “How??” Lucifer keeps all the doors and windows magically sealed at night! (He would know, having been locked out on numerous occasions)

Asmo was tearing through his closet, wracking his brain for any place he might have left his beloved outfit, before he heard someone clear their throat by his bedroom door.

What greeted him was a lovely look at the MC wearing the missing clothing in question, even with all the grace and style he would himself!

Asmo: *jaw-drops* “MC???”

MC: *smirks at his delight and winks at him* “Looking for something?”

They strutted into the room with the confidence of a mock fashion model and took a silly vogue pose in front of the closet, barely holding in a fit of laughter from their actions.

MC: “… Or just at me?”

Asmo, of course, snatched them right up in his arms with a delighted squeal.

Asmo: “Oh. My. Diavolo!! MC, you look just gorgeous!!!- Because you look like me, of course.” 🤭

MC: *laughs and cups his cheeks to pull him closer* “Who wouldn't want to be you, Asmo?”

Asmo: “So true… But you’re already perfect, my love~” 😘

And he went on to prove that to them all morning long...

Beelzebub 

Beel didn't even get the chance to notice his clothes were missing. He had a tournament the night before and was sleeping even harder than Belphie that morning...

What woke him up was the smell of food: scrambled shadowhawk eggs, hellboar bacon, pancakes with nightshade syrup…. 

Beel's stomach had him sitting up long before his eyes ever opened, drawn in by his nose alone.

MC: “Beeeeel. Wake up!”

Beel's eyes dragged open at their request and what he found had his mouth watering... The MC had brought him a dining cart with a complete breakfast spread, brimming with portions only Beel could ever finish, but for once he wasn’t looking at the food.

The MC, for whatever reason, had decided to put on his clothes… And keep in mind that Beel's built like an ox compared to almost anybody. They were absolutely swimming under all that fabric (thank the Devil for his suspenders…) 

MC: “Congratulations!!!”

They throw their arms up excitedly, making the unzipped jacket balloon out like a parachute behind them… It's a remarkably cute image.

Beel: *blinks* “Oh.” *he gets a little pink, still very confused* “What did I do exactly…?”

MC: “You won the championship last night, remember? Or did you forget already??”

The MC takes a step to the side and begins pointing at the plates on the cart.

MC: “I thought we'd celebrate with some breakfast! I brought you eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast, cereal-”

As they continued their list, Beel's hand naturally reached out towards the cart eagerly, before something finally clicked in his head. WHY were they wearing his clothes??

Beel: “Wait. MC, why are you wearing-...?”

MC *holds their hand up* “Hold on!”

MC: “-oatmeal, muffins, banana bread, annnd…” *they get onto the bed and plop down onto his lap with a grin*

MC: “Me! Congratulations, Beel!!”

They lean up to peck his cheek while his arms automatically wind around their waist. The combination of their scents already bringing out a different sort of hunger in him…

Let’s say if this is his reward, he'll never lose a game again. 😏

Belphegor 

Belphie was in the middle of his afterschool nap in the library. The day was exhausting, so he didn’t even bother changing uniforms… The couches there were comfortable and the space was quiet, really nothing should have woken him up...

But somehow, for whatever reason, something did. A tug… Something was chasing away his dreams by tugging on the cow pillow in his arms.

MC: “Beeelllppphie….”

The tugging did not cease and he half growled in response, still keeping his eyes firmly closed.

Belphie: “What now...?”

MC: “I need this…” *they tug on the corner of the pillow a little harder* “Can you let go please…?”

What kind of question is that?? No one takes away his favorite pillow!

Belphie: *hugs the pillow tighter* “Go away, I'm trying to nap…”

MC: “Noooo please…! I need it for something right now…!!”

They started really pulling on his pillow now and he only held on tighter in annoyance. Since they wouldn’t leave him alone, he finally opened his eyes.

Belphie: “MC! Why are… you..?”

His voice trailed off as he finally saw the MC standing there in his usual outfit. His cardigan was so long over their arms that they had to grasp his pillow through its sleeves...

While his drowsy mind tried to catch up, the MC snatched the pillow from his grasp with one swift yank.

MC: *grins* “Mine now!”

They turned to bolt out of the library, but Belphie snatched them by the waist and dragged them back to the couch with him.

Belphie: “Fine, but then I get a new pillow.” 😏

The MC yelped as he flopped on top of them, pulling them close like a body pillow and resting his head into the crook of their neck to enjoy the soothing smell of their scent mixed with his.

MC: “W-wait Belphie…!” *tries to wiggle out from under his surprisingly heavy deadweight* “I was just playing around…! Please don't fall asleep on me!!”

Belphie: *yawns and settles in, already drifting off* “Too late… G'night, MC…”

MC: “Belphie!!!” 😫

They could complain all they liked, he wasn’t going to let them go for a few hours. Cute or not, MC, nobody takes his pillow!

[theunquenchablethirst]

Hooked (Jerome X Reader)

Ok, so this is a thing. I was kinda surprised nobody had used this scene yet, because the Gotham fandom seem to collectively agree that Jerome is BIG KINKY and yet the one scene where he canonically has people cuffed up and hung from the ceiling... nobody has touched??? Y'all have been sleeping on that scene! It's fanfic gold! Anyway, enjoy the hedonism. Much love xxx

Warning: SMUT, 18+, GRAPHIC SEXUAL CONTENT, BDSM, bondage, cuffs, dom/sub, vaginal fingering, oral sex, biting, spanking, slapping, pussy slapping, light choking, spitting, belt whipping, praise/degradation, marking, mention of scratching, Jerome is big meanie pants mean man

The new mayor of Gotham is having a meeting with his council members, but things take a turn when the Legion of Horribles show up to kidnap them and reader. When the victims are being unloaded from the truck, Jerome Valeska notices reader, because she isn't exactly on the guest list.

Tag list of lovelies: @gabile18 @valeskaduh @fangirl--writes @persephoneblck

Masterlist

I had been working as a housekeeper for the new mayor. It was a good job, but I wasn't appreciated. I was just there to clean and serve when needed. I don't think he even knew my name. I was just hired help to him. To all of them.

He was hosting a dinner for his council that day. I had been placed in the corner of the room with a bottle of expensive wine where I was to wait until wanted. He gestured for me to come forwards and fill their glasses while they started talking about their displeasure with the rising foul play in the city, like it was anything new for Gotham. The chairwoman wanted to know what he was going to do about it. Very little in my opinion. He was just coasting. In too deep over his head. He had been appointed far too fast and everyone knew it. He wasn't going to last.

He made an attempt to save face and talk about how he too was disturbed by the recent goings on and was doing everything he could. Trash, utter trash. As he rose from his seat, the lights fizzled out. I stopped pouring. Had this been any other city I would have assumed it was a simple power outage, but nothing was that simple in Gotham. The security guard closed us in and went to see what was happening. The air turned icy. No, this was not good. Gunshots and screams came from the hallway and everyone rose from the table terrified. We quickly started walking towards a door hoping to make an escape, but there was something about the windows. They were freezing over.

The doors burst open and I dropped the wine. It smashed into pieces as a blueish man in some kind of robotic suit and a weird looking, but huge gun stepped into the room. Was that Victor Fries? Then through the second set of doors another man in a top hat who I recognised as Jervis Tetch burst in with some other strange looking friends.

Before I could comprehend the situation, we were all being cuffed and taken outside. Our kidnappers pushed and pulled us towards a huge truck, all the while the mayor tried to buy his way free. He was showing just how little he really knew about the underbelly of Gotham. I knew just by looking at them that they were probably Arkham escapees and couldn't be bought like a sane man could. They had their own plans and you can't bargain with crazies.

We got to the truck and they opened the back door. My blood ran cold when I saw that standing there waiting for us was Jerome Valeska. Of all the criminals Gotham had seen he had been the only one that had scared me, truly and thoroughly. He didn't have any kind of reason for what he did. He just enjoyed death and chaos. And after his last escapade he looked like madness personified, his scars circling his face and eyes and giving him a permanent evil smile. Dread consumed me as I realized that he was no doubt the leader of this operation and if that was true, we were already dead.

I felt myself jolted forwards. The mayor had pushed me in front of the rest of the council to get whatever was coming first. If I wasn't cuffed, I would have turned around and broke his nose. I was lifted into the truck, my hands were pulled above my head and fixed to two hooks. I had to stand on my toes to keep standing which made it awkward and difficult as they pushed me to the back of the truck.

Was that Penguin? What was he doing here? He didn't belong here. I had gone to Penguin looking for a job in his club when I was 16. He was impressed with my audition, but when he asked my age, he rejected me.

"This establishment is not a playground for children. It's a nightclub." He had told me. At the time I had been steaming mad, but in hindsight he was probably right. Even if he was rude. So, after that, I found it hard to understand why he was here and working with Valeska. Maybe he had been kidnapped too?

The rest of the council were loaded on and hooked. The mayor was still trying to offer them money and pardons. When he saw it wasn't working, he resorted to empty, unintimidating threats. Jerome was completely unfazed and even a little disappointed in the lack of smiles.

"Nobody knows how to have fun anymore, right?" He said putting his arm around Penguin. So, he was a part of this.

Jerome pointed to a scary looking figure dressed like a scarecrow. Johnathan Crane? Crane released some kind of purple gas in the face of a member of a council. She started laughing and convulsing violently.

"What have you got to lose? Except your sanity?" Jerome joined in the crazy laughter. So, this was his plan. He'd figured out a way to forcefully drive everyone insane. With a gas.

I silently prayed to God in my mind for any kind of help.

After sufficiently terrifying us half to death, they left us in the back of truck. None of us could say anything and after a few minutes the truck started moving.

"Is she ok?" I asked looking towards the victim of the insanity gas.

"Who cares?! We have to figure out what they want and get out of here." Replied the mayor.

"Maybe they want publicity for whatever that gas is. Offer them some TV time." Guessed the chairwoman.

"Don't you get it?! This isn't a situation you can buy your way out of!" I snapped, frustrated with their idiocy.

"These aren't normal criminals. They don't want your money. They want chaos and madness." They stood there silently stunned. They had never heard me speak with such confidence, but in that moment, they knew I was right.

After what felt like hours the truck finally stopped.

"What's going on?" The mayor whispered.

Everything was quiet. We listened for any noise or sign of life. All we could hear was our own breath.

Then suddenly the doors flung open once again and in hopped Valeska, Tetch and Crane.

"We're here!" Jerome grinned.

The other two started to pull the council one by one off the hooks and walk them out of the truck, closely watched by Jerome. Until they got to me.

"Wait..." He stuck an arm out to stop Tetch from unhooking me.

"Who's she? She wasn't on the party list." He took a few steps closer to me.

"This poor young girl is an unlucky maid. Wrong place, wrong time. Very bad day." Jervis explained looking at me.

"Would you like me to... dispose of her?" Asked Crane, stalking close to me and lifting needle covered fingers to my throat.

"Not so fast, Mr Potato Head." Jerome said pulling him away from me.

He came so close that we were only inches apart. He looked down at me as if he was thinking for a few seconds then smirked and turned around to the others.

"Guys, go and see that our guests are comfortable, will ya? Get everything ready." He ushered them out of the truck. Fear travelled up and down my body. This had all been a bad situation, but being alone with Valeska scared the hell out of me.

"You're lucky I have a soft spot for pretty little girls." He closed the truck doors and turned to look at me.

"Freddy Krueger there... not so much." He relaxed, leaning back against the doors with his hands in his pockets. "You got a name?"

I stayed silent, more out of fear than defiance. He sucked his teeth and stood up straight.

"I get it. You're scared. Who wouldn't be, right?" He started slowly walking closer. "But things will go a lot smoother if you just play nice."

I still couldn't find any words.

"Aw, come on, doll! I'm getting awful lonely over here." He brought his hands up out of his pockets and leaned against a wall of the truck.

He was quiet for a few seconds and I noticed that his eyes were making their way up my legs. Being held up by my wrists on my tip toes had pulled my uniform skirt up and almost all of my thighs were exposed. I blurted out my name in an attempt to distract him from my bare legs. He smiled.

"What a pretty name. Now, was that so hard?" He pushed himself off the wall and came a little closer.

"So, you're the mayor's dust bunny, huh? I gotta say, doll, I can see why he keeps you around." He chuckled, eyeing me.

My whole body flushed and my face turned hot and red.

“But, uh, the thing about mayors in this town, they don’t last very long.”

"Please let me go." I whimpered.

"Oh, but we're having such a good time! Plus, if I did that, you'd scamper off to the GCPD and I can't have good ol' Gordon crashing the party early."

I scoffed at his suggestion. Not likely. I had a distinct distaste for the GCPD. They hadn't helped me when I needed them. I would never need them again.

"What's the matter? He book ya before or something?" Jerome smiled with intrigue.

"My parents... they... did things to us. When I ended up in the hospital one too many times..." Tears stung my eyes as I remembered. "They left me there and disappeared with my little brother. No one ever managed to track them down."

I didn’t fully understand why I was opening up to Jerome, but for a second, I saw a spark of humanity in his eyes. Like he understood my pain. I'd heard his first kill had been his mother, so maybe he did?

"I'd give anything to see him again." I sniffed and a tear rolled down my cheek.

"Yeah, I had shitty parents too." He sighed. "I killed them both."

I had thought about what I would do if I ever saw my parents again. What I would say, what I would ask. I could never think of the right words. But the thought of killing them, well that made me smile.

"What was it like?" I asked.

Jerome grinned from ear to ear and stepped closer so that we were toe to toe.

“Have you ever stood at the edge of a really tall building? You know that little voice in the back of your head that says ‘Jump! You can fly!’ even though every other part of you is screaming ‘No you can’t! You’re gonna kill us!’”

I nodded shakily.

“It’s like finally giving in to that voice. Like jumping off Gotham Bridge and finding out you can fly. And realising you never have to walk again.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and my heart felt like it was going a million beats per minute. His eyes were locked on mine and it felt like he was looking straight into my soul.

“You wanna fly, doll?” He brought his hand up to cup my jaw and ran his thumb along my bottom lip.

It wasn’t humanity I saw in Jerome Valeskas eyes. It was freedom. A freedom that I had wanted for as long as I could remember. And I could have it right now. He was offering it to me. The only thing standing in my way was myself.

“Yes.” I breathed. “Yes, I do.”

The next thing I knew, his lips were crashing into mine and he had hooked his hands under my thighs and was holding them around his waist. His kiss was desperate and hungry, like he had been starved for days and his grip on the bare flesh of my thighs was rough enough to leave bruises. I locked my ankles together behind him to steady myself from swaying underneath the cuffs. When I did, he drove his crotch forwards, grinding into my centre, a quiet moan escaping me as I felt him.

He slowly trailed a hand from my thigh, up my back and to the nape of my neck, before balling my hair in his fist. I gasped as I felt the sudden, sharp tug of him pulling my head back.

His eyes wandered down to settle on my exposed throat, before yanking my head to the side and nestling in the crook of my neck. He must’ve left a hundred open mouth kisses, but as he started to suck, I felt his teeth sink into my skin. I pulled back with a hiss at the sting, but he wouldn’t let go. He just kept on leaving harsh, red bitemarks and pulling my hair, all the time grinding harder into me.

He licked over the bruises he’d left and gently kissed them, before trailing his tongue up my neck to nip at my ear. He smiled darkly and pulled back away from me, dropping my legs back to the floor. He stalked around me, eyeing me up and down like a predator. I felt him behind me, his hands softly holding onto my waist, pulling me close to his chest.

“You know what’s great about this?” He cooed. “You’re already pre-cuffed.”

I flushed and my core swelled hot, his breath so close to me made my skin tingle all over. He pulled at the top of my skirt and dragged it down my hips, letting it fall down around my feet. He caressed my thighs and then stepped back, tugging at my underwear, playfully letting the elastic snap back to me.

“Y’know...” He said, before the familiar sound of a belt unbuckling. “Marquis de Sade said ‘sex without pain is like food without taste’...”

My eyes widened at his words and my heartbeat quickened.

“So, let’s make this... delicious.”

A million thoughts raced through my mind, but before I could process any, I felt the sharp snap of leather against my ass. I jolted forwards and let out a high pitch yelp.

Even though I couldn’t see him, I could tell he was smirking. I could hear it in his voice. I bit my lip in an attempt to brace myself and he landed the belt across me again.

“Please, Jerome...” I whimpered at the sting, closing my eyes.

He brought it down again, making me arch my back in a gasp. A couple of tears rolled down my cheeks and I realised there was little point in resisting the torment. So, I gritted my teeth and prepared for another lick of the belt.

He whipped me once more, harder this time and a small scream escaped me.

“Please!” I begged.

I heard him chuckle with dark delight. The bastard was enjoying this. Of course he was. What else had I expected from someone like him? I tightened all my muscles for the next sting...

But it didn’t come. Instead, I felt him pulling my underwear down. Relief washed over me when I heard the belt drop to the floor and I realised Jerome was finished and was now crouched, ready to inspect his work. He ran his fingers over my burning flesh, taking in the bright red lashes he had left on me.

“What a pretty picture?” He said, landing a spank. “I wish you could see too doll, but having you cuffed is half the fun.”

His voice was dripping with venom and arousal and I could practically feel his grin in the air. He traced the marks with his fingers a little longer, before grabbing my flesh in fistfuls and sinking his teeth in. I gasped loudly at the hard bite. I wasn’t sure how many more of Jerome's surprises I could take. He laughed and ran his tongue over the new bruise.

“Yep. Definitely a pretty picture.” He smiled, giving me another spank. “I like those little noises you make, doll. Why don’t you make some more for me?”

He snaked his hand up my inner thigh and began stroking along my slit, relighting the fire in my stomach. I moaned, biting hard on my lip and tried to bring my thighs together, wanting friction.

“Naughty.” He said, landing a swift slap on my entrance causing me to let out a little yelp. “I need you to keep those legs open for me.”

It wasn’t as bad as the belt. In fact, it felt quite good. The heat inside me swelled as Jerome returned to running his fingers back and forth in my slickness. I hummed softly in my throat, fighting the urge to close my thighs again, my knees starting to shudder underneath me.

“Look how wet you are and I’m barely touching you.” Jerome chuckled darkly. “I wonder what happens if I do this?”

Jerome plunged two fingers deep inside me and slowly started pumping them. I let the warmth roll through me, moaning blissfully. He gently started to pick up speed, making it nearly impossible for me to keep my thighs apart. The faster he got, the deeper he dove, making me tighten around his talented fingers and struggle to keep steady on my toes.

My legs were shaking and despite my best efforts I just had to squeeze them together. As soon as I did, Jerome removed his fingers from me, leaving me feeling empty and spanked me hard.

“What did I say about that?” He barked, laying down another spank.

His spanking felt different this time. It felt pleasurable and sent a thrill up my spine.

“Sorry.” I whimpered.

“Sorry for what?” He spanked me again. “For being a needy little whore? Hm?” Another spank.

“Yes!” I gasped. “I’m a needy little whore! I just...”

“What? You just what?”

Jerome landed another slap at my core. It made my muscles clench, but it also aroused me so much more in a way I’d never thought I’d experience.

“What? What do you want, whore?”

“Please...”

“Big words, princess. What...” Spank. “Do you...” Another spank. “Want?”

“I want... I want you...” I forced, breathlessly.

“You want me? What do you want me to do, princess?” Jerome teased, tracing a finger along my burning entrance, just barely touching me.

“Please... Make me feel good, Jerome... Make me cum.”

“Are you gonna be a good girl?”

“Yes...”

“Are you gonna do as I say?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Exactly as I say?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Just please...Jerome.”

I couldn’t take it any longer. I felt so pathetic and needy. I needed him to touch me.

“So desperate.” He giggled sadistically. I supposed he loved seeing me beg.

Then, finally, he spread me open and dove his tongue deep into my wanting warmth. I closed my eyes and bit down hard on my lip as he swirled his tongue around inside me. I wanted to grab his hair and feel it in my fingers, but all I could do was squeeze my fists together in empty frustration.

Jerome grabbed a hand full of my ass, gripping it tightly, digging his nails in and rose his other hand to my pelvis front, pulling me down further onto his tongue. I squealed, a delightful mixture of pleasure and also pain from the tugging on my aching forearms. He ran his front hand down to play with my swollen clit, circling his fingers around beautifully.

He grinded his face deeply into me, sliding his tongue up, down, around and around inside me. He pressed his fingers down harder on my clit, forcing a loud moan out of me. I felt the pressure inside me build, coiling and tightening like a burning spring. I squeezed my thighs around his head in a desperate attempt to pull him deeper, his tongue nestling inside finding all of my sweet spots and lighting them on fire.

I could feel myself ready, ready to burst. He was pulling an amazing orgasm out of me and I wanted nothing more than to just let it go. All it took was one more upward jolt of his head, pushing his tongue that last little bit deep enough to push me over. I screamed out in erotic pleasure, letting the feeling flood me like warm water. My back arched and my legs convulsed until I withered, letting myself dangle from my cuffs in a breathless defeat.

Jerome slid his tongue out of me and pulled his face back away.

“You sing so pretty, dollface. Like a little birdie.” He said, squeezing the flesh off my ass.

He gave me one more light bite and a spank, before he rose back up to stand, snaking his hands along my sides all the way. He let his hands wander up to cup my breasts, massaging them softly. He leaned in close and began leaving wet kisses in the crook of my neck. I shuddered, his touch sending a cool tingle down my spine. He let his hands squeeze my breasts slightly harder, then pulled away and crept back around in front of me.

He stood facing me, his eyes locked on mine. They seemed to burn holes right into my flesh, creating a sense of fear in me. I was scared of Jerome Valeska, I truly was. But everything he was doing to me right now... The way he touched me, kissed me. I wondered how he managed it. How he was able to both terrify and arouse me in equal amounts.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t register his hand rising until it was firmly wrapped around my throat. He leaned down to kiss me, dominating my mouth with his tongue, making me taste myself. Once again, I felt the familiar warmth build in my core as I sensed we were not quite done here. He finished the kiss with a little nip to my bottom lip.

“Are you scared of me, doll?” He purred.

I swallowed hard, unsure if truth was wise here. Then I felt him increase the pressure around my throat, not wanting to wait for an answer.

“Yes.” I breathed.

“Good.” He said through an evil smirk.

He crashed his lips to mine once again, his free hand picking up my thigh to wrap around him. I locked both my legs around his waist, wanting to feel him close against me. I felt his erection hard, under his clothes, grinding into me and I wanted it. Badly. He pulled away from the kiss, leaving his taste on my tongue and raised his hand from my throat to grab hold of my face. He took his other hand away from my thigh and pulled at his tie. I didn’t drop my legs this time, instead I gripped tighter as he slid his tie from around his neck and scrunched it in his fist.

“Open your mouth.” He ordered.

I did as he said and he smiled, before spitting into my open lips and gagging me with his tie. I’d never had anyone do that before and it shocked me a little, but then again, I’d never had anyone like Jerome Valeska before.

He backed up slightly, just enough for him to reach down and unzip his trousers and pull down his underwear, freeing his erection. I couldn’t help but look down at it. It was bigger than any I’d taken before and I wasn’t sure how prepared I was. He started to slowly stroke himself, lifting up my chin to look at me.

He gently stroked a single finger across my jaw and then, suddenly, landed a harsh slap across my cheek. I yelped at the slap, causing a dangerous smile to form on Jeromes mouth. I should’ve been repulsed by him. He killed people and was aroused by my pain and fear, so why was I so attracted to him?

He angled himself underneath me so he was lined up and ready. He wrapped his hand back around my throat and then pushed forwards into me, causing us both to let out deep moans.

“You like that?”

I nodded and whimpered through the material of the tie. Jerome giggled darkly and with his free hand, gripped onto my waist.

“Brace yourself, princess.” He warned, through a poisonous smile.

He pulled back slowly, until he was almost completely out of me and then, like a bullet, ploughed himself right back in, jolting me backwards with force. He continued his thrusting rough and fast, making me whimper and bite down hard on the tie. I closed my legs tightly around him, pulling him closer and forcing him in deeper.

He let out a low, guttural groan and moved his hand upwards from my waist to slap me again, spitting at my face as he did so. I closed my eyes to endure the onslaught of him pounding inside me like a raging animal. I felt like a toy, dangling there for him to use as he liked, but still the searing pleasure of it all made me moan lustfully.

“Open those peepers, princess.” He commanded. “I want you to see exactly who’s in charge here.”

I opened my eyes and saw him grinning at me like a man possessed.

“You like this? You like me fucking you?” He growled, gripping my throat tighter.

All I could do was whimper and moan in response.

“I cuffed you and hung you up, hurt you, spat on you... even made you cry! And you still let me fuck you?” He laughed through shallow breaths. “You’re pathetic, you know that? A pathetic little whore.”

Jerome threw another slap at me and I felt myself tighten around his considerable length, taking him all deep inside me. He drove up into me like he was trying to break me open with his girth and I welcomed every inch of it.

“You’re so fucking tight.” He moaned.

I clenched my walls around him, the feeling of being filled by him sending flutters through me as he pushed in deeper and laughed.

“I don’t think your pussy ever wants to let me go, doll!” He grinned. “But I already know you like taking my cock like this, cause you’re such a good girl for me... I like that.”

I flushed at his words. I didn’t know why, but it made me feel good to please him and, in that moment, I would have done anything for him. I could feel my ecstasy creeping up on me, like magma rising inside a volcano. I cried out wantonly, the heat rising as he worked me, exploring every detail of my canal with his thick shaft.

He let go of my throat and moved both his hands to grab onto my ass and squeezed, steadying me so he could pound me harder and climb to release. His thrusts became erratic and sloppy and I could tell he was just as close as I was. I moaned loudly as he rammed into me harder and faster, burying himself deeper and making my arousal burn.

I could feel it coming, so close. I was about to boil over and all I needed was him. Just him. He continued thrusting like a raging animal, digging his nails into my flesh and scraping them along my ass, stinging sweetly. I whimpered at the sensation and tightened my legs.

“Cum for me, doll.” He panted. “I wanna feel you cum on my cock.”

He plunged into me, pushing the magma higher and just so close to bursting. It was coming. I could feel it.

He pounded again. So close. Again and again, so hard inside me. Just a little more...

I screamed out, closing my eyes and letting everything go. The feeling of my orgasm washed over me like a tidal wave of pure elation. My whole body shook from the force of it and I trembled like a leaf. Jerome continued to thrust into me until he too reached his climax. He growled like a beast and I felt him throb, releasing his hot load of sticky lust deep inside me.

We both relaxed, catching our breath and he stared down into my eyes. He unlatched his hands from the flesh of my ass and brought one round to gently stroke my cheek with his fingertips. It was quiet, but only for a minute.

He threw his head back and laughed like the madman he was, before pulling out of me and stepping back. My legs dropped to the floor and he began to put himself away and zip his trousers back up.

“Well, that was fantastic, dollface. Thanks for playing nice with me.” He said, throwing me a wink.

There was a loud metallic knock at the truck doors and I guessed whoever it was, was trying to get Jeromes attention.

“It’s been fun princess, really. But time waits for no man and I’ve got a party to attend” He said, smiling at me. “Well, more like crash.”

When he turned to leave, I tried to speak, but all that came out was intelligible muttering. He wasn’t going to leave me here, dangling, half naked and gagged like this? Was he? He began walking to the truck doors and I tried to call out.

“Oh! Wait, almost forgot.”

I felt a flood of relief when he began walking back to me.

“I’m gonna need this back.” He said and pulled the tie out of my mouth.

I was glad to finally be rid of it, but my joy was short lived, because he was starting to leave again.

“Hey...” I croaked; my mouth dry.

“Yeah, I’ll have someone come get you later.” He said, too nonchalantly for my liking. “For now, you can just... well, why don’t you just hang out?”

He laughed at his joke and opened the doors.

“Hey! You can’t leave me here!” I tried to shout, but my throat was too dry.

And then... he was gone. He really did just leave me alone, half naked in the back of a truck. How long would it be before someone found me? An hour? Two? The rest of the day?

All alone with my thoughts now, I decided the only thing to do now was wait. Wait and try and go over what the hell just happened between me and Jerome Valeska.

[skylarmoon71]

Bumblebee (Transformers) - Oneshot

You’ve always had this bad habit of sticking your nose where it didn’t belong. Maybe it was the reporter in you. You needed to get to the bottom of every mystery. Most times that wasn’t so bad. The first was the school weirdo Sam Witwicky.

Overnight it seemed like he became somewhat desired, at least to Mikeala. He’d somehow managed to snag the hottest girl in school. A part of you thought he paid her, but sometimes you would catch the look she sent him. It was different, almost warm. Then there was his cousin who popped up like a ghost and no one asked questions. You even did a background check, but you couldn't find anything on social media.

It was like he didn’t exist.

Bee Witwicky.

What kind of name is Bee, did his parents really want him to get bullied on a daily basis?

Your adventure begins.

“Witwicky! I’m really glad I caught you.”

It wasn’t a coincidence. You memorized his schedule. A good reporter always covers their bases.

Bee stumbled slightly at the sound of your call. He’d been attending the school for roughly three weeks.

“O-Oh, hello again."

You could tell that you made him a bit nervous, which just made you that more intrigued. You knew there was a good story here. Your instincts had never been wrong. You’ve printed a number of articles for the school paper, most of which received a bit of recognition. This was your calling. That’s why you couldn’t let this one go to waste.

“Care to answer a few questions? You're still a mystery to the school. I’d love to do a piece on you. Help the students to get to know you better. Like I did with Sean Jeffery.”

“Oh yes, I read about him. He helped the team qualify for the state championship on July 22nd, Dallas Texas.”

“Exactly! I love showing off talented students, you could be one of them.”

It was a little weird the way he recited it like he was a computer.

“That’s nice, but there really isn't anything interesting about me. I’m just a plain old human.” You raise a brow.

“I-I just do regular human things you know!” He was laughing as he backed away.

“A-Anyway I really should get going.”

“Wait I haven’t even-”

“Bee!”

Sam’s voice called from down the hall. When you saw him you frowned. He wore a similar look as he approached.

“Still trying to put my cousin on display so people could mess with him.”

“That’s not what I do, Witwicky. I’m just trying to write a story. Are you worried he might get more popular than you?” You taunt. You can see he’s pretty agitated.

“Hey Sam!” Mikeala’s happy voice sings from down the hallway. When she walks up she looks curious.

“Oh hey, you’re (Y/N). Bee never stops-”

“Telling them about how much you love stories!!” Bee interrupts.

He’s acting weird again.

“I’ll see you later Bee.”

You pull your books closer, walking off to your next class. If only you could get ten minutes without Sam in the way, maybe you could score a great story. As your body fades into the crowd of students, Sam turns to Bee.

“You have to be careful, if people start asking too many questions it’s going to be bad for you.” Sam looks worried.

“She won’t find out anything, trust me. We took precautions. Besides, wouldn’t an article help to prove that I’m normal. “

“He’s right Sam. (Y/N)’s not going to stop. It’s been weeks. I think she likes the chase.” Sam groans.

This wasn’t going to be easy.

~

After school, you’d packed your stuff and set off for your new mission.

It’s become apparent that Sam was going to continue being a thorn in your side, only proving the fact that something was amiss. Like any regular person, you thought stalking them would be the way to go, normal right?

Except this time, you cursed your curious nature, because in this scenario, it would indeed be the thing to kill the cat.

“AAAAH SHIT!!!”

You were pedaling as fast as your feet could take you, but the yellow camaro was still following you down the street. A part of you was praying that it had all been a crazy nightmare. You’d trace Bee back to some weird abandoned building. You found a comfortable spot too. Even Sam and Mickeala were there. At first you assumed they were just delinquents messing with some stuff, but one second they were talking as usual, then the next a blue and red peterbilt pulled up.

Right before your eyes the truck changed, and shortly after, so did Bee. One minute he was human, then the next his skin was replaced by machinery that looked like it was from another universe. He stood upright, blue glowing eyes and all.

Like most teens in such a situation, you screamed. Alerting all of them of your location. You’d almost dropped your phone. But the second you willed your body to move, you jumped on your bike and sped out of there. It’s only when you got back on a main road you saw a car following you. It didn’t take a genius, its patterns were the exact same as Bee’s.

You’d turned down an alleyway to gain some ground and maybe lose them behind the many buildings. For a while you thought it worked, but a large hand came down right in front of you and you were pulled right off the bike. Now you were in a much more secluded place. It placed you on your feet, and as you opened your mouth to scream, Sam rushed over grabbing you and placing a hand on your mouth. You bit him, and he yelled out as you tried to take off in a run.

“I’d advise against running again, human.”

The stern voice of the blue and red robot makes your blood run cold. You fell back, staring up at both aliens.

“Y-You’re gonna kill me. You’re gonna scramble my brains and dump me in some ditch!!”

“Quiet down.”

It sounded a bit angry now, and your mouth slid shut as you trembled.

“We're..not…gonna hurt you…sport..” The radio of the camaro’s car slipped between stations, and you just stared. Bee’s blue eyes blinked, and you finally pushed your way upright, backing away.

“W-What are you….”

Sam looked annoyed as he nursed his hurt hand.

“If you hadn’t gone on a rampage, maybe we wouldn’t have had to get so rough.” He glowered.

“Aliens!!”

Bee pointed to the sky, and the word that came out this time from his station was something you’d heard in a movie.

“Aliens…”

“Yes, aliens!! Are you happy!! You spent the last few weeks poking your nose into our business, now you know. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee here are freaking aliens from another planet that came here to stop other evil aliens that tried to wipe out the human race. We’ve been protecting them as thanks for not letting us go poof into dust!!!”

Sam was huffing angrily from his long speech.

“Calm down Sam.” Optimus said.

“I’m going to take a walk.” He grumbled, sending you a spiteful look as he walked off. Mikaela followed, not before sending you an awkward smile.

“I’m sorry about that, just give us a few minutes.” She walked with him, patting his back. Now it was just you and the two huge aliens. You swallowed.

“I assure you that we mean you no harm. Our only job is to protect the human race from Megatron’s followers. We are allies. That is why it is imperative that our existence in this world stays between very few. We’ve already been exposed once. We cannot run that risk again.”

You clenched the phone in your back pocket.

“P-People deserve to know the truth!! What happened in Mission city, it was all real!! The government covered it all up, lied and said it was some futile attempt by another country. T-This whole time it’s all been a lie!!”

“Sometimes the truth poses more harm than good.” Optimus stated.

You couldn’t believe this.

“Why should I even believe you, this could all be a trick. What if I release what I have right now to the entire internet, would you kill me?” You were treading on dangerous waters, you know that.

“Believe what you will, I cannot stop you from making a decision. Nor will I hurt you.” He sounds almost sincere. Bumblebee takes a step, and the ground gives a little rumble. He kneels to your height, and you hold your breath.

“We’d never hurt you (Y/N).”

Those blue eyes look so innocent, and his voice is the same. The same Bee you’d been dogging for the last three weeks.

“Please (Y/N).” Your hands shake, and reach into your back pocket, gritting your teeth.

“Damn it!!”

You dropped the phone on the floor, smashing it under your feet. Optimus’s optics blinked in surprise.

“Are you happy now?”

Bumblebee knew it took a lot not to follow through with that story. He did a little dance, and you almost fell over. He caught himself, waving his hands in apology. You just released a heavy breath.

So much for your juicy story.

~~~

“Hey (Y/N)!!”

You jump at that voice, and you grab your bag. You’ve been so distracted that you haven’t realized you’re the last one in the classroom. Bee steps inside and he closes the door. Moving backwards, you watch him carefully. He looks like he does a full body scan of you.

“I’m not trying to hurt you, so you can calm down.”

How does he even know you’re panicking? Your face was completely neutral.

“Are you…reading me?”

He looks to the side.

“I’m not exactly human.”

He says it like he’s sad about it. It’s weird, you spent so long trying to read him. Now that you know the truth behind his happy go lucky nature, you aren’t sure what to do with it. More than anything, he should have hated you. All that time chasing him around digging for a story. They could have easily gotten rid of you. Yes it would have raised some red flags, but if the government covered up an entire alien invasion, burying one person would be a piece of cake.

You finally loosen your grip on your bag.

“B-Back at the alley, why didn’t you just take the phone. You guys are super robots.”

It would have been so easy to take what they wanted and threaten you.

“I guess I was kind of hoping you’d keep our secret. I also..” He’s shifting on his feet.

“You also what?”

“I really wanted us to be friends.”

When he looks at you, there’s so much innocence in that gaze. Your first thought is that he’s messing with you, but you don’t read that at all. You aren’t sure what to think at this point.

“Are you pulling my leg?”

Bee’s eyebrows scrunch up in confusion, and he looks down at your legs.

“No I’m not. Y-Your legs look fine to me.”

He looks generally lost, and despite yourself you smile.

“You really are an alien.”

So, it’s possible that you won’t be taken out to keep their secret, that’s good to know.

~

“What about this one?”

You hold out your closed palm, and Bee looks at it.

“It’s an eraser.” You open your hand, and sure enough it’s an ice cream patterned eraser.

“So that’s mad strength, super hearing, crazy hacking skills, and some bionic type vision.” You make a mental note and Bee smiles.

“I thought you were giving up the story.”

“I am, doesn’t mean I can’t still gather data for myself.”

Sam and Mikaela are sitting in his backyard. Now that you know their secret, you were never shy to stop by. Try as he might, Sam couldn’t get rid of you, and Bee liked your company. It’s obvious at this point that he has very little say in what happens. Mikaela laughs at the small frown Sam has.

“Sooner or later you’re going to have to trust her.”

“She bit me.”

“Are you really still mad about that?”

“She never apologized!”

He was a child sometimes.

You and Bee are seated under a tree, and he’s playing with Sam’s dog. You steal a glance at him. If you hadn’t seen it yourself, you wouldn’t have believed it.

“Do you miss it, your home?”

He nods.

“I do, all the time. Everything on this planet is so different.” He looks down, flexing his fingers.

“I used to wonder if it would have been better if we all just perished. Maybe then this world would have been spared of our war. There would be peace.”

Of all the things he could have considered, that’s not one you thought would cross his mind. Everytime you see him, he’s always smiling.

Happy.

“This world was messed up way before you guys came. I don’t think a few alien robots can do much more than what people have already done. “

He smiles, but it doesn’t truly reach his eyes.

“I’m glad you’re here.” He looks over at you, and this time it seems like you’ve finally gotten through to him. Bee just stares, and you jump when a spark bursts from his hand. Mojo jolts, jumping back and running around barking aggressively. Sam starts chasing the poor pup down, and you look back at Bee concerned.

“Are you alright?!”

He nods a bit nervously.

“Y-Yeah I just had a little short. It’s no big deal.”

He’s moving a bit fidgety, and you know something’s up, but you decide against asking. The last time you went poking it landed you in a hairy position. He is an alien after all. You can’t hope to understand everything.

~~~

Whenever you just needed a break from the world, your go to activity was a little walk or jog. This particular afternoon you’re walking through the woods on a path. The quiet was therapeutic.

Or so you thought.

“Move move, shake shake, now drop! What your momma said!!”

The blaring speakers from a car makes you turn. You’re a bit stunned at the car that comes speeding down the trail. Expertly dodging trees and fallen branches. You jolt when it jumps a particular log. As the camaro is airborne, Bumblebee transforms. When he lands, he’s standing upright, hands now on his hips. You’d fallen onto your butt at the harsh landing. He looks down, shoulders raised a bit apologetically.

“Sorry sport.” His radio spits out.

You rise, dusting your pants as you glare at him.

“I asked you to meet me, not crush me.” You lecture. He puts his hands together in what you assume is an apology. You just chuckle, shaking your head.

“What do you need, soldier?”

It’s so funny how he manages to pull dialogues from so many stations.

“I just wanted company.” Bumblebee points to himself.

“Yeah, who else is here dummy.” You giggle at the cute way his optics blink.

“Come on, there’s a really nice spot up ahead that we can chill at.” You reach for his mental hand, grabbing one of his fingers as you pull him along. Bumblebee just follows, his engines revving just a smidge.

Twenty minutes later you pull up to your spot. It’s a little clearing. The trees provide a decent cover, yet he can still see the expense of greenery up ahead. The view was beautiful. You take a seat on a log that looks perfectly shaped into a seat.

“I come here all the time, it’s my secret spot.” You explain. He sits beside you, knees tucked to his chest awkwardly.

“Relax Bee, no one comes here except me.”

It takes him a minute, but he stretches his legs out.

“It’s nice here.”

This time he doesn’t use the radio. You grin.

“Sure is. I’ve been coming to this place for years. It’s my stress relief ball. When things get crazy or I just need a break from life this is where I am. You’re the only one that knows about it now.”

His head turns at that, and you just send him a smile.

“Now you know my secret too.”

He’s not sure how to respond to that.

“She’s so cute.”

So far he's been doing a decent job of keeping his inner feelings to himself, but it’s hard when you keep sending him those smiles. He doesn’t realize until he’s already reaching out. His finger brushes the side of your cheek, and your expression changes to one of surprise. He holds your stare for a few minutes before he processes what he’s just done. Bumblebee practically yanks his hand back.

“I’m sorry!!”

He waves around frantically,

You still appear a bit dazed, and you take his hand, seizing his crazy movements. He stopped altogether.

“It’s okay Bee, I don’t mind.” Your voice sounds so soft. Warm. You shift your position, moving closer to his seated form.

“Bee, is it okay if I..” Your hand is outstretched and he gets the message. He nods, because words have failed him. It’s not done all at once. Your movements are a bit slow, precise. Now standing much closer, both your hands extend, and you cup his metal cheeks in interest. Bumblebee is almost afraid to move. Because he’s terrified that the second he does, then your touch will be gone. His eyes closed, and the sound his engine makes is almost a purr of content. Your smile widens as he leans into your hands.

“Wow…”

It’s crazy, a few weeks ago you thought he was probably some kind of monster. Now you feel almost ashamed for making that assumption. This being was far from a monster.

He’s an angel.

Your curiosity gets the better of you and you accidentally stumble into his lap. To steady yourself, you brace your hands on his plated chest. His hand moves to your waist on instinct. You look up at him sheepishly.

“S-Sorry about that.”

“No problem at all!”

This wasn’t the worst thing to happen. He thinks for sure you’ll pull away now that you’ve gathered yourself, but you lean up, wrapping your arms around his neck as you hug him. Bumblebee grows a bit stiff.

“I’m really glad I met you, Bee.” You breathe against his neck. His optics close, and he does his best not to give off too much of a reaction.

“I’m overheating!”

He is a bit alarmed. Did you really have no idea what this was doing to him? He pats your back stiffly.

“S-So am I.”

You pull back, and when you stare at him, he’s so adorably confused. You grin, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

That’s the last blow.

“Systems buffering.”

You hear from his radio. It looks like he’s stopped functioning.

“B-Bee!!”

He needed some time to get his processes to return.

~~~~

You hand the document to Bumblebee and his eyes lit up as he scanned through the article you’d done on him. When Sam approached you a week ago concerning a piece he wanted you to do on Bee, you sort of thought he’d gone crazy. Then he explained that rather than spilling all of his cybertronian secrets, you present a column on his experiences in life.

“This week’s paper.” you explain.

Bumblebee provided a lot of insight considering what he’s been through. His views and expectations for the future actually made for a good read. It also helps to reinforce his human cover. In a way, you’d gotten your story and Bumblebee’s secret was still safe.

“Wow…that’s me!” He pointed at the picture of himself excitedly and you can’t help but laugh.

“I think this is some of my best work. You’ve actually drawn in an audience. The principal congratulated me this morning. A few of the journalism departments were actually interested in having me for a summer internship.”

“That’s great!”

It really is.

This was the first time you’d held back the punchline for a story and still felt unbelievably fulfilled. Not because of the opportunities that were now being presented, but the unlikely friendship you’ve gained.

“So is this why you were always chasing down a story for Sam and I?” He placed the paper at his side on the porch and you shook your head.

“No, not entirely. “

Bumblebee tilts his head curiously.

“With you it was more instinct than anything else. As for Sam and Mickeala, I guess I was so interested in them because deep down I wanted the same thing they have.” You pull your legs to your chest, and Bumblebee looks over at you.

“It would be nice if I could find someone to look at me like that.” You murmur.

You let out a sigh, shaking your head as you turn back to him with a little laugh.

“Sorry that I’m getting all mushy.” He doesn’t say anything, and you tilt your head.

“I think you’re amazing (Y/N).”

You think maybe he’s just saying that to make you feel better, but his brown eyes are glowing now, a blue hue and you sort of just gape.

“Bee your eyes…”

He blinks, then turns his head.

“Sorry about that! The human body is a lot more complicated than I thought. It’ll pass. I didn’t mean to freak you out.” He’s massaging his eyelids and muttering something under his breath.

“It doesn’t freak me out.” Bumblebee still won’t lift his head.

“Can I see?”

He shakes his head.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

You place your hand under his chin gently, tilting his head back in your direction.

“I’ve literally seen you change from a walking, talking robot to a human. I think I can handle some glowing eyes. “ He finally opens his eyes, and you swallow. It was amazing the way the lights circled his iris. That topped with his innocent nature and boyish charms, there was no way you could truly be afraid of him.

“See, that's not so bad.” You grin, and a small smile makes its way on his face. You move your hand, but neither of you have looked away. Bumblebee is still looking at you, and when he starts to get closer, you take a breath and pull back. You can see the instant regret on his face.

“I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean to… I don't know why I..I..” He’s rambling, similar to the way he does when he’s communicating through the radio.

“I-Its fine Bee don’t worry.” You mess with your shirt.

This is terribly awkward.

“Y-You know it’s normal for boys your age to be interested in that stuff.” Why the hell do you sound like a sex ed teacher.

“W-With the new body you just want to test that stuff out and it’s fine. I just think you should do it with someone you actually have feelings for you know.”

“Someone I have feelings for…do you mean like Sam and Mikeala?”

So he does understand.

“Exactly. They care about each other, so it’s normal. So when you find someone like that, you should go for it.”

“I’ve already found someone like that.”

Your guts twists at that.

“Y-You have.”

Why did you sound so disappointed, of course he found someone.

“Well that’s good. You should probably tell them.”

“I have feelings for you (Y/N).”

You pause, hell your entire body froze. Some part of you thinks it’s a joke, but when you look over at Bumblebee, his eyes emit so much hope that it makes your heart hammer.

“Me..?”

You whisper.

He smiles awkwardly.

“I just think you’re so confident and driven and kind. When you found out about me you could have told the world, but you kept my secret. You protected me even though you didn’t have too. Also sometimes you make this face when you’ve just snagged a good story. And when you accidentally eat spicy foods your face scrunches up and it’s so cute!”

He’s actually gushing.

You can hardly believe this.

Bumblebee takes in your speechless expression, clearing his throat.

“A-Anyway that’s all I wanted to say.”

Now he looks bashful, and you want to interject and tell him that he’s the one who’s absolutely adorable in everything he does.

“If there is someone else that you-”

“There’s no one else.” You interrupt.

You weren’t sure it was possible, but the light in his eyes shine brighter, and you smile.

His cheeks are a bit flushed now.

“S-Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

You’re the one who moves a bit closer now. Bumblebee looks your way, and your gaze trails to his lips.

“Before..were you trying to kiss me?”

He nods, partially in a trance.

“Yeah…”

“Do you mind if I kiss you instead?”

“Please do.” He hums. You release a little giggle, hand resting on top of his as you move in. He’s nervous, you can see it all over his face. The closer you get, the faster your heart beats. Bumblebee’s eyes slide shut slowly as you both begin to meet in the middle.

“Bee you ready to go.”

Sam walks out onto the porch, and you both turn.

“Y-Yeah I’m ready.” He stands, and so do you.

“Damn you Witwicky.” You growl. Sam sends you a look, backing up.

“I’ll take that as my que to leave.” Sam says.

Bumblebee sends you a look that adds to the already erratic beats in your chest.

“Guess I’ll see you at school?” He says softly.

You nod.

“Definitely.”