#is it just really hard to find because its out of the way but it abides by normal laws of space or does it have some of its own rules?

[jovialtacosharkzonk]

“Find your line”…very poignant and actionable advice. Thank you for sharing this.

I’ve been turning things over in my head a lot lately, uncertain what I ought to do and what steps to take in light of…everything…going on here recently. On one hand, I fear I’m just thinking overthinking things, catastrophizing, or being alarmist. It’s hard to believe, in the marrow of my heart, that things could ever possibly become as bad as I’ve started to imagine they might.

I mean, really? Fascism overthrowing the democratic republic of the USA? A country that not even a hundred years ago so ardently and enthusiastically stomped it out overseas? Unthinkable!

At the same time, I find myself unable to avoid, ignore, or casually shrug off many of the changes I’m seeing.

I don’t want to be a paranoid doomer. I don’t want to give up on my country; it isn’t perfect by a long shot, but I still love it.

But if my government doesn’t want me here…if it goes out of its way to harm me…if it sees me as less than deserving of my human rights…then my country can’t be my home. No matter how much I wish it could be.

We’re lucky bureaucracy is slow. Because it gives all of us time to prepare.

The best place to start is finding our line.

The next step is planning what to do if it’s crossed.

The step after that is preparing, as best we can, to enact our plan quickly and safely.

I didn’t want to be here.

To my fellow trans people in the US, think about what that line is. For me? The moment the government begins actively keeping and expanding a list or registry of transgender citizens, I will be leaving. I’m prepared to flee in less than 2 weeks if necessary.

We will make it through this. But we need to be prepared. Running is hard. Especially from the only country you’ve ever known. You’ll have to leave things behind. But you are worth saving. Lives can be rebuilt, but a life can’t be returned once taken.

Find your line. Be ready to leave if it’s crossed.

Pass it along. We all need to think about this. We all need to be ready.

[asterkatt]

ISAT ACT 4 SPOILERS

okay not to continually yap about isat (i'm gonna continually yap about isat) but I cannot get Odile and Siffrin out of my head.

like it's usually isasif (and ship-wise it will always be isasif) but MAN completing the sus quest has me thinking about the two of them constantly. I feel like their dynamic is one that's so under-utilized in media???? like yeah protective people are a thing. cold people (with a secret soft spot) are a thing. but oftentimes I feel like it's only children that they're protective of?? and don't get me wrong, Odile is definitely protective of Bonnie. but to have that worry and care extend to the whole party - including Siffrin?? peak.

she cares so deeply for all of them. she's hard on herself sometimes when she can't help them (there's multiple instances iirc of her saying I should have noticed or I'm not good for that kind of thing that implies that she wants to or feels helpless when she can't). she often relies on the more emotionally open people (Mira and Isa) to handle the emotionally charged moments - but she also pays so much attention and goes out of her way to tell Sif that she's there for him - because she knows that the overwhelming emotion isn't always what they need.

her methods of approaching Siffrin hurt in such good ways. she's always always checking up on him. it's not in big obvious ways. it's not always spoken. but she has one eye on them at all times later in the game because she can tell.

It's so special to me that she's the one who notices. like sure. Mira and Isa occasionally question if Sif is okay or mention that they're acting a little bit different. but they don't really do anything further than that. Odile herself says that if she finds something strange, she "gives it her full attention". she only noticed because of how closely she was watching. she only put it together because of how closely she was watching.

and you can never convince me for a second that it's just because she was suspicious that he had something to do with wish craft - because she never would have picked up on it if she wasn't already paying attention to them because his odd behavior worried her.

and to notice that he was acting odd, she had to know how they acted before. she had to have always been watching. she has been watching for a while because she's grown to love this group and all its members.

she notices because she cares. she notices because she loves them. she loves them she loves them she loves them she loves them.

Odile loves her family. she would do anything for them. she would do anything - "as long as I can be sure you were all safe." anyways. I love Odile.

[trustmypoison]

Which tropes fit SVT?

Requested? Yes!

Request: ‘hi jj! i don't know if you already did this but can you please write something about how svt members met y/n? Its either at a place or from a friend feel free to refuse if you're not comfortable with it I'll understand 🤗’

A/N: The more I wrote of this, the more this became a ‘which tropes fit best’ sort of thing. To the requester, I hope you understand and still enjoy! (I tried not to let my soft spot for some of my previous works sway this too much, but….)

Seungcheol - coworkers to lovers

I think he pours so much into his work that a lot of times you’d have to get his attention at work. With him as an idol, that could look very different and doesn’t have to be an idol x idol thing - think staff, producers, choreographers, or simply just office employees that he might bump into. I think he’d appreciate and be attracted to someone’s work ethic more than most members. 

Jeonghan - fwb to lovers

He just screams ‘it wasn’t serious until it suddenly was’ to me. Like, he would get involved with someone was a way to pass the time and blow off some steam, and he’d be genuinely convinced that that’s all it is. But when you’re vulnerable with someone like that, you sort of get to peek into their soul. So I think feelings would sneak up on him sooner rather than later. (And I do not think he’d always handle that gracefully.)

Joshua - brother’s best friend

(I will finish this fic. I will finish this fic. I will finish this fic!!) I think he’d meet someone through a friend and not think much about them at first. He doesn’t have a problem with that person, but one day it feel like being hit by a bus because he’s finally seeing that person. Like really seeing them. I don’t think he’d be very reserved about going after that person, but he would try to do it in a way that doesn’t upset his friend. 

Jun - costars to lovers

I don’t have an explanation for this one really, it just feels like destiny to me. Like he’d do his best to be professional and respectful, but he gets easily swept up in playing up the romance because of who he gets to play it up with. 

Hoshi - grumpy x sunshine

Guess which one he is??? But, really, can’t you see it? A partner that looks mildly annoyed when he’s so excitable, but would never ever ever make him stop. Him being really understanding of a grumpy partner’s boundaries and subtly maintaining them all the time. Grumpy partner being absolutely ruthless when someone gives him a hard time?? (Where do I sign up? I love this guy so much.)

Wonwoo - roommates to lovers

I think he’s slow to open up, but you have to show some vulnerability whether you like it or not when you live with someone. The proximity, the shared space, the seeing each other in their natural habitat? It would be painfully intimate whether he likes it or not. And I think he’d start to come around to it and have a soft spot for his roommate. 

Woozi - grumpy x sunshine

Guess which one he is????? I promise I’m not reusing this out of laziness, I’m just such a sucker for Woozi and Hoshi’s friendship dynamic, and I think that sort of dynamic would work in a romantic relationship too. I think he’d be hesitant to admit it, but he’d really benefit from someone that makes him loosen up and relax. Someone who injects some excitement into his life outside of work. Or someone who’s simply not shy about giving affection because he may never ask for it. 

DK - golden retriever x black cat

Now this is distinct from grumpy x sunshine in a way that I just don’t have the faculty to describe. I just have this image that he’d be the best person to be with if you find yourself in a dark spot sometimes. He’s simultaneously understanding and pulling you out of your slump, if only for a little bit. Maybe I’m projecting, but someone who’s sort of traumatized could really use someone like DK that is so genuinely kind. 

Mingyu - golden retriever x golden retriever / friends to lovers

Okay, I couldn’t pick. I just picture that he’d make friends with someone that is just like him in a split second. And it’s probably just friends for a long time. You guys go out and have fun and like to be the life of the party and the center of attention. And it might become more on totally accident. I think he’d struggle initially because it was just friends, how did it change? 

Minghao - enemies to lovers

I think he doesn’t let people in quickly. In fact, he might leave a bad impression at first because he can come off as cold and unfriendly. This could come about in so many ways - academic rivals, coworkers that hate each other, or maybe you share mutual friends and have never gotten along. But his soft spot would start to show slowly and it might take some time for either of you to become comfortable with the fact that such a soft spot exists because you’re so used to the hate. 

Seungkwan - the slowest of slow burns

I just get the vibe that everyone around you both are just screaming ‘please get together already, I’m sick of this!!’ Like, they might even try to set you guys up and get you both to finally admit that you like each other. But the catch is that for a lot of those attempts, you don’t even realize you’re into each other!! This is so painful for everyone else around you and you both are terribly confused by the overwhelming relief everyone shows when you’re finally together. 

Vernon - the (un)requited love

Picture that you guys are mutual friends, maybe not close, but close enough for him to know he’s into you. And he will never say anything about it. Basically no one knows about that either because he’s sure it would be a waste of time since you aren’t into him. Like, he thinks he’ll go to his grave never saying anything about it. So imagine his surprise when you just casually admit your feelings. He won’t know what to do with shock. 

Chan - opposites attract

This one is also distinctive from grumpy x sunshine or golden retriever x black cat. What I mean by opposites attract is that he’s got a massive amount of confidence and he would actually be into someone that is very humble and maybe even a little unsure of themselves. I think he likes to be a cheerleader for others and he also thinks it’s sweet if someone does not know how to take that sort of support. 

[27spoons]

CRUSH | ACT TWO: RIBS

pairing: natalie scatorccio/reader

summary: You showed up to the "get-together" Natalie invited you to. It was, apparently, more than just a "get-together".

wc: 5350

warnings: reader drinks alcohol, mentions of drug usage, lowkey reader getting a little obsessive

a/n: i have angst in my pants!

ao3 / masterlist

PREVIOUS - NATALIE'S INTERLUDE ONE

NEXT - ACT TWO: IF YOU'RE TOO SHY (LET ME KNOW) [WIP]

You shouldn't be here.

You aren't sure how many times that thought has echoed inside your head since your mom dropped you off at your friend's house a few blocks away, and how many more times you've reiterated the same thought since you started walking toward the location of the party.

According to Google Maps (because Natalie sent the geographical coordinates to it, like a normal person would), it's on an empty lot in some abandoned industrial sector.

You can see and hear the party from a block away. Because… it is a party. It is not just a 'friendly get-together', or whatever Nat had said. It is a party. And you feel out of your depth by a long shot. Realistically, you could turn around and leave. It's not like anyone has seen you yet, and it's not like you even know anyone here besides Natalie.

…but then you would need to walk back to your friend's house. Call your mom. Ask her to come pick you up already. Explain why you…

Ugh.

You walk into the industrial lot, partygoers surrounding you on all sides, music blasting off of someone's phone that's hooked up to some dollar store Bluetooth speakers.

The entire place reeks of shitty beer, cigarette smoke, cotton candy vape, and weed.

Yep. This is a high school party. You're half expecting to find someone hooking up in a bush somewhere.

Someone probably is. You'd rather not think about that.

You hug the lot's edges, weaving through clusters of people you vaguely recognize from school. However, you swear you see more than a few people who graduated, which is kinda weird if you're being honest, but maybe that's just the 'high school party' experience.

As you continue to walk the lot, you feel more out of place than ever. The music is somehow too loud and cheap simultaneously, distorting with every bass drop. You’re clutching at your phone like a lifeline, scrolling mindlessly just to look busy.

And then you see her.

You aren't surprised to see her surrounded by people. Nat's leaning up against a support pillar, a cigarette pinched between her fingers, and a lazy grin on her face as she says something that makes her friends—faces you vaguely recognize—laugh.

When her gaze flashes over to you, you feel a brief flicker of hope that she's about to wave you over to her friends, introduce you, invite you into her circle…

Yet, all she does is give you a small nod of her head, a slight raise of her bottle, and before you can even think to wave back, she returns to the conversation she was having with her friends.

You aren't sure why her ignoring you hurts the way it does, but you feel a slight sting of pain in your chest all the same. Did she really just invite you just to ignore you? You try and tell yourself that you're just overthinking things—she’s probably just busy with her friends—but that nagging feeling doesn’t go away. 

You move yourself deeper into the lot, immersing yourself further into the party, hoping to avoid drawing attention to yourself by blending in with the crowds. A group of seniors—or maybe they've already graduated, it's hard to tell—pass by you, laughing loudly and overall being obnoxious, nearly drunkenly stumble into you. You sidestep them awkwardly, clutching your phone like you'd die without it as you attempt to make yourself as small as possible.

You find a busted folding table off to the side of the party, various different drinks, mixers, coolers, and cheap beers decorating its surface. You grab the least offensive-looking drink—a Pineapple Truly—and crack the can as you move to lean against a stack of wooden pallets, eyes searching the party for any sign of someone you know.

And, much to your unsurprise, you don't recognize anyone that you would actually know and would know you. The cool night air does little to ease the nerves twisting in your stomach, and you find yourself scanning the crowd for Natalie again. She’s nowhere to be seen.

Great.

The next time you manage to catch sight of Nat, she's walking right past you.

You're taking a sip of a (different) Pineapple Truly, trying to blend in and act like you aren't mentally freaking out. Leaning up against the pallets, you let your eyes scan the busy crowd. Occasionally, someone bumps into you or stumbles too close, and you shrink back further into the shadows.

Then, that person who stumbles too close ends up being Nat. Finally.

Natalie’s walking past you, her head turned to say something to someone trailing behind her. “Hey—” you start to call out, but she doesn’t stop. She doesn’t even look your way.

Oh.

You clear your throat and take a step back, hiding yourself further, and squeeze your can just tight enough to hear it crinkle under your grasp. It's not like you expected her just to drop everything and run over to you, but… something? Anything?

You sigh, down the rest of the drink in the can, and then toss it into a nearby trash bin. "Fuck me." You murmur to yourself as you cross your arms.

“Hey.” A voice pulls you out of your thoughts, and you glance up to see a girl with a sunlit warmth to her skin and dark, wavy hair with a soft smile. You vaguely recognize her—she plays on the soccer team. You're pretty sure she comes from money; if her outfit is any indication. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

“Oh, uh…” You fumble for a response, shifting awkwardly. “Natalie invited me.”

The girl raises an eyebrow, her smile turning a little knowing. “And you’re just… hanging out here? Not with her?” She glances in Nat's general direction before turning back to you, "What's up with that?"

You shrug, unsure how to answer that without sounding pathetic. “Good question. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.” A sigh escapes your lips, and you wish you had another can of… well… anything, honestly, to drown out the noise in your head.

She laughs lightly, her gaze flicking back toward the crowd. “Don’t read too much into it. Nat’s… well, Nat. If she invited you, she wanted you here. That’s just how she is.”

"Doesn't mean it feels good." You murmur, kicking at a discarded cigarette butt on the ground below. 

A sympathetic smile graces her face, "She's a complicated person," a beat, "try not to overthink it." The way she adds the last part makes it sound like she knows something you don't, and honestly? She probably does.

"Easier said than done." You sigh and glance out over the crowd with her, "I don't know, I guess I was just…" You stop yourself, realising that talking to a total stranger about this probably isn't the best idea. "Uh… any advice?" 

"On dealing with Natalie?" She laughs humourlessly, and you get the sense she wants to say something really sarcastic, but when she sees the look in your eyes, she pauses and sighs. "Just… take your time. She's complicated. And there really isn't advice I can give you. Just…take most things she says with a grain of salt." A beat, "You'll know what I mean when it happens."

"When it happens?" You shake your head, slightly confused, "What does that mean?"

The girl shrugs, opens her mouth, then turns her head in the direction of someone yelling, "Lottie!" And… she's off without giving you an answer to your question.

What the fuck did you get yourself into here?

Another twenty minutes of passive-aggressive house music and shitty alcoholic beverages pass before you finally see Nat again.

She's standing in front of a steel drum fire with some lanky goth kid and this dorky-looking guy with curly hair, staring into the fire with a blank expression on her face.

Which is slightly concerning, but that's an issue to deal with at a later date and time. 

But, hey. Might as well approach. You run off to one of the tables and quickly grab a beer for her and another Truly for yourself before darting back out in her direction, and—

God-fucking-dammit.

You swear this girl must be a fucking poltergeist or something with how she just fades in and out of crowds. It could be considered an art, really.

You grumble under your breath in frustration, downing both the beer (which you don't really enjoy the flavour of, but whatever) and the Truly within seconds of each other before tossing both containers into a nearby trashcan.

You aren't gonna sit around for the rest of the party, waiting to talk to the one person that you actually know here.

Grabbing one more Truly for the road, you decide to leave.

When you hear it, you're halfway across the lot, clusters of people slowly thinning out to nothing.

"PRINCESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" A loud, drunken voice slurs out, "WHERE YA' GOIN'?"

The exaggerated drawl and familiar pet name stop you in your tracks, jaw and fists immediately clenching in frustration. You really should just keep walking. Stand your ground. Prove you're angry! She spent the past two(ish) hours avoiding you! You're mad!

Which is exactly why you turn around to face the voice.

Against your better judgment, you glance over your shoulder, and there she is—Natalie Scatorccio, looking far too pleased with herself as she jogs over to you, the ends of her bleach-blonde hair catching the dim glow of the fire behind her.

"Home." You reply flatly, crossing your arms in a subconscious act of putting up walls. "Thought I'd leave since the person that invited me didn't seem to care too much if I was here or not." The words come out petulant, and you honestly sound like a middle school girl who just found out her friends had a sleepover and didn't invite her, but whatever.

"Wait, what?" Nat shakes her head, seemingly sobering up at the mention of you leaving. "Wh— s-seriously?" A nervous laugh escapes her as she steps forward, "But… wait… hold on." Another nervous laugh, "We haven't even talked—"

"You've barely even acknowledged me all night, Nat." You cut her off with a murmur, crossing your arms defensively, "Like… you walked right past me earlier! What am I supposed to assume?"

The blonde opens and closes her mouth for a moment, brain apparently lagging a little as she tries to come up with a response, "I… I was just…" She runs a hand over her face, "Fuck." When her hand drops, you see exactly why her response time is so slow. It's not that you know what she's taken, but based on the way her pupils are dilated and how spaced out she seems, it's glaringly apparent she's done more than just drink while she's been here.

"Princess." She sighs, "Look. I wasn't… I wasn't doing it on purpose, okay? I've just…" A groan, "I've been busy all night, is all."

"Seriously?" You murmur back, "That's it? That's the best you can come up with? That you were busy?"

"Well—!" She throws her hands in the air in frustration, although she looks more upset at herself than you. "Whatever. Look… just… whatever. I was leaving, anyway. I'll come along with you."

"No." You say, shaking your head, "I don't need to babysit you on my walk back."

"Babysit?" Nat scoffs, "I'm fucking capable of taking care of myself."

"Are you?" You don't have much experience with drugs, but you get the gist of what it means to be under the influence. "Because it took you a solid ten seconds to figure out a response to me calling out the way you acted tonight."

She can't dispute that, it seems. 

You huff and turn around, "Whatever, Natalie."

"No, w-wait, hey—!" The sound of someone stumbling over their own feet from behind you, "I… look…" She falls into step beside you, "Come on. Let me make it up to you." Her words are slightly slurred, and her gait growing more unsteady with each step.

"No." You reply flatly, still walking away as if you were a toddler throwing a tantrum.

"Dude." Nat groans, continuing to walk beside you. "Please? I don't… fuck. I feel bad. Please."

Despite yourself, you slow down slightly. "And what exactly would I be doing with you?"

Nat lights up at that, "Uh. Right. Okay. So. I was thinking… I could… just… walk you home? Or something? I don't… I don't know where you live or anything, but I'm assuming it's far from here? And, uh, I could walk you back?"

You shake your head, "Don't you live in the trailer park? That's a pretty long walk from my place. I don't want to—"

The blonde waves her hands frantically and cuts you off, "No! No! Seriously. It's fine. I want to walk with you. I don't care if I have to take a two-hour detour, okay? I wanna walk you home." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out the same switchblade you saw her with the day you two went on the convenience store run and shoots you a small grin, "I can be your bodyguard for the night?"

You sigh, uncrossing your arms. "Am I going to regret this?" A dumb, stupid grin consumes Nat's face. "Nope!" She pops the 'p' excitedly, " You will not—" She trips over her own feet, nearly faceplants, catches herself on a streetlamp, stumbles back into a trash can, and then drops her knife as she almost falls into said trash can.

You stop and turn around, staring at her unblinking like you can't believe that just happened. And you can't. Talk about comedic timing.

"You have to be fucking with me." You murmur as you look down at Nat, lying there in a Family Guy Death Pose. "We haven't even begun, and you've already—"

"Getting up!" She murmurs, scrambling to put her hands on the trashcan to boost herself to a standing position. "Up! I'm up!" She brushes her pants off and looks around frantically for her knife, "Did you, uh, see where—"

You nod at where it's lying in the grass next to the sidewalk, "I'd also see if you can find your brain cells while you're down there." The words come out in a quiet mumble under your breath, "Maybe your… soberness while you're at it."

Nat waves her hand dismissively at the added comments, "Yeah, yeah. Get it out now, Princess." She grumbles as she slips the knife into her waistband, "Now, come on." She hops back up to full height (which, to be fair, wasn't much taller), "I've got a princess to escort home."

You wish you could fight the smile that appears on your face at her words, as cheesy as they are. "You're so dumb." You murmur out, but you swear she can feel the heat radiating from your cheeks. "I better not have to carry you."

The girl—seemingly in a much better mood—shakes her head. "Nah. Promise I won't put you through that. At least…" She leans in slightly, "Well, unless you want to carry me?"

You shove her shoulder to push her back from your proximity, "Fuck off. I don't want to carry your drunk ass home."

"Drunk?" She laughs, stumbling a bit from your shove, "I've only had two beers, thank you very much."

Based on your narrowed, suspicious glance, she knows you think that's a lie. "I'm serious. Two beers. Just two."

"Fine." You roll your eyes as the two of you walk side-by-side, Nat seemingly instinctively standing on the side closest to the street, "But you obviously did something else."

An undignified, incredulous snort leaves her, "What makes you so sure of that? You even been around a party with drugs?" A beat, "Oh, right. You've barely partied at all."

Although the words are teasing, they also hurt slightly for reasons you can't properly name. A lack of the assumed 'high school experience,' maybe? Either way, there's a small stinging in your chest you choose to ignore for the time being. "Your pupils are wide enough that you can barely see the green in your eyes, for starters." You huff, "It took you, like, ten seconds to come up with a response earlier. You were tripping and stumbling all over—" You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out a frustrated exhale, slowing down slightly. "I know I'm not streetsmart, like you. But I'm not completely useless. I know what it looks like when someone is high, Nat."

Nat sighs and slows down with you, pushing a hand through her hair. "It's not like… I took something…" She sighs again, "It was just a party drug. Just some special K."

"Special… K?" You say, confused. "Like… the cereal?"

Nat has to stop herself from face-palming, "The… cereal? Really? No, obviously, it's not the cereal, dumbass." She rolls her eyes, but a grin twitches on her lips at the teasing comment, "Fucking… K." A beat, and when you still don't understand, she swallows and glances around for a moment before mumbling out a "ketamine."

"Ketamine?!" You stop walking, turning to face her, "What?! A fucking horse tranquillizer—!"

She clamps her hand over your mouth, "Jesus Christ! Did you want the entire fucking neighbourhood to hear?!" She glances around properly this time, checking to ensure no one overheard your little outburst, "Yes! Okay? But, like, the dose you take at parties is hardly the same as the dose that gets used to fucking… K.O horses! It's not the first time I've done it, alright? It probably won't be the last! But I'm fine! You don't need to fucking act like I just confessed I was shooting up or some shit!"

"Have you?!" You mumble against her palm, to which she starts shaking her head rapidly.

"No. I've done a lot of shit to my body, but everything's been through the mouth or nose, alright?" A beat, and when she's sure you won't start screaming again, she lowers her hand. "'s not like I do it by myself, alright? It's only ever at parties with friends. People I trust to buy from." And, for added measure, "Don't need you worrying about me. Alright, Princess? I'm…" She hesitates, choosing a word to fit the situation, "Careful. Okay? I'm careful."

"You say that, but you never really know—"

"I don't need your ass getting all over me about this, okay?!" Nat snaps, cutting you off. "Say whatever drug bullshit PSA you need to, but I'm not gonna fucking stop using it when I need—uh, want to, alright?!"

You almost open your mouth to respond to that, snap back at her and raise your voice, but by some grace of God, you don't. 

Pinching the bridge of your nose and taking a step back, "Fine." You sigh, "Whatever, Nat. Do your…" You gesture at nothing, "Drugs. Do your fucking drugs."

"Oh, get off it." Nat scoffs, "Acting that you're soooooo much better than me because you're all straight cut and innocent." 

The assumption and the anger in her tone cause you to step back, swallowing down a lump of… something in your throat. "You know I wasn't even thinking that, Nat." You murmur, hurt lacing the words. "I'm just—"

"I don't need you to be worried about me. I don't fucking need—"

"I get it, Nat!" You cut her off, "You don't need anyone worrying about you. Or caring about you. Or even being friends with you. I get it. But I can't help that I care about people, okay?! You just happen to be a person!"

Nat opens and closes her mouth uselessly a few times, trying to formulate some sort of response to your comment but failing to come up with one that wouldn't just be her repeating what was already said. 

Eventually, "Didn't ask you to care." The blonde grumbles, crossing her arms pettishly. But… she doesn't seem to have a proper rebuttal to your claim, letting the two of you fester in the uncomfortable silence that's accumulated. 

A few moments pass in that awkward tension before Nat scuffs her combat boots on the pavement below, "Look, Princess, I…" She uncrosses her arms and runs a hand through her hair, refusing to meet your eyes. "Look. I appreciate the concern, yeah? I just… I don't need or want it, okay?" Then, under her breath, "Hardly worth caring about like that, anyway."

"Nat, c'mon…" You murmur back, taking a careful step toward her, "I…" But the way she looks genuinely uncomfortable at the idea of someone worrying about her makes you hesitate. 

You haven't known her all too long, but you get the idea she's never had anyone look after her. You may not get it, and you'll never be able to understand what that was like properly, but you can't help the way your heart aches at the thought.

Maybe the walls run higher and deeper than you initially thought they would.

"C'mon." You murmur, nodding off in the direction of your house, "I was promised armed protection on my walk home, wasn't I?"

Nat looks back up at you, and a small, barely perceptible smile makes its way onto her face, "Yeah, uh, yeah. I did. You were." 

"Then let's go. Don't have all night." With that, you turn off to start walking and hoping she'll follow.

She does. 

It's like Nat said. If they want to follow you, they will.

"So, uh, where do you live?" Nat tries after a few minutes of you two walking in silence, "You said it was away from the trailer park, and we're heading east, so… Willow's Court?"

"Oh, uh," You blink a few times in shock, "No, but it's right next to it. Uh, Woodsmere Crescent?"

Nat nods a few times, then realises it probably sounds weird that she just… knows the names of all the neighbourhoods on the east side of town, "Yeah, uh, Shauna lives in Willow's Court. So… you just sorta learn the general area."

That… makes sense, you suppose. Either way, you decide not to push that matter further, "You… hang out with her a lot, then?"

Her nose scrunches in response to that question, "Not really. Just end up going by if I get a ride home from parties. Occasionally, we go over there for 'team-bonding exercises'—or whatever Jackie decides to call them that day—but I don't really spend a lot of time with Shauna. She seems okay, or whatever." Nat shrugs, stuffing her hands in the pocket of her leather jacket as she walks alongside you, feet stable on the solid ground. "Only really talk to Lottie and Van."

You blink at the name. Lottie. That was the girl that you talked to earlier—the one that told you not to overthink your interactions with Nat. You try not to let the slight surprise show on your face as you probe for more information, "You close with them, then? Lottie and Van?"

She briefly considers that before giving you a slight nod, "Yeah. Known Van my whole life. We joined the soccer team together back in middle school. Just ended up sticking with it."

"Hey, obviously, it worked out!" You nudge her with your elbow, "Starting Varsity. Gotta be in the sights of some scouts for colleges, right?"

An uncomfortable frown appears on Nat's face at the mention of 'college,' "Yeah, uh, I dunno. Think I accepted a while ago that my chance to get out of this shithole has passed."

That makes you frown back, "What do you mean?"

The blonde runs one of her hands through her hair, hesitating for a long moment with her reply. "It's…" A sigh, "Don't worry about it, yeah?"

You frown, and really want to find out what the fuck she means by that, but you can tell from the look on her face that pushing the topic would only make her mad. Maybe one day. Silence festers in the air between the two of you for a handful of blocks, and you more than regret bringing up the future. You suppose it makes sense. She probably lives on an 'if I survive this year' philosophy, never entirely thinking about the long-term consequences of her actions. 

Eventually, Nat decides she can't take the awkward silence and again breaks it, "You gotta be smart though, right? You got colleges knocking on your doors? Maybe for your art?"

"My… art?" You glance at her, eyes widened. "It's… it's hardly good enough for college-level arts programs. Just something I do for fun." Nat immediately shakes her head, "No… no, I've seen your work. It's good, dude. Like that's the stuff that belongs in art magazines or whatever. And you can't say it's just for fun when you take art classes."

Your face heats immediately at the compliment, and you find yourself stuttering over a meek 'thanks…' having not expected such high praise, especially from Natalie Scatorccio of all people.

This girl is… confusing. You've already determined she's got walls higher than China, but you've started to see the cracks forming in them. There are small, barely visible cracks, but some fractures in the walls nonetheless. There's that old adage about 'one step forward, two steps back,' but… you think you're making some progress. Slowly chipping away at the defenses she's built over time. Maybe you could—

"I think you could get out of this town." Nat murmurs, breaking the quiet (and your train of thought). "You got the brains and the talent. You could do it." Her words are surprisingly genuine, and you think she shocked herself at the admission, based on the way her eyes quickly dart to and from you. 

"Thanks, uh, Nat." You murmur back, equally as flustered as she is. "Don't get a lot of compliments."

It's like a switch flips in her head at the follow-up comment and her entire demeanour changes. Nat walks vaguely closer to you as the pair of you travel down the sidewalk. "Don't get a lot of compliments?" She clicks her tongue, "Princess, who has been depriving you of that? If anyone deserves praise, it's gotta be you." A lop-sided grin rests easily on her face, a far cry from the girl who was just flustered while complementing your art.

"Uh." You swallow nervously, "Uh. Yeah, uh, thanks." 

Natalie drops a low laugh at your fumbled reply, the sound causing an unexpected shiver to rake down your spine. "Anytime, Princess." A beat, "You know, I've got more where that came from. Started with your art and brains, let's move to…" She hums in mock thought, eyes tracing your form in a way that makes you feel something you aren't used to, "Your eyes." The blonde grins, and you both know that you were expecting her to say something far dirtier. "I like them. Like the colour."

It's a flat compliment; you know it as well as she does. "Thanks. You can thank my dad for the colour."

"Mm, got it from your dad, huh? What you get from your mom?" She leans in a little closer, "Anything specific?"

"Uh—" You fluster yourself further, "Uh… my, uh, hair colour?"

Her smile falters slightly at your response—or lack thereof—but she quickly recovers, "It's a nice colour. Rich. Something I could tangle my fingers in."

You almost trip over your own feet when she leans in a little closer to your proximity, "Oh, uh!" You catch yourself on the fence beside you, trying to play it off like you tripped over a rock. "Uh, wow, uh, t-thank you?" A nervous laugh escapes your lips, "I, uh, wash it regularly?"

Nat rolls her eyes at your continued failure to return her flirtations, even by the smallest amount but keeps pushing regardless. "What's your shampoo smell like?" She leans into your personal space, your breath catching at the sudden proximity. "Mm." You can hear her inhale, your heart caught in your throat, "I like it. Very… you."

You start walking a little faster down the sidewalk, mumbling out something you hope is similar to a sound of appreciation at the comment, face burning something fierce. 

"Princess." Nat drawls with a low chuckle, "Don't act all shy on me now. What happened to the lady who was yellin' at me for 'ignoring' her, huh?" Another chuckle follows her words, and she takes some hurried steps to catch up with you. "Not ignoring you now, am I?"

"No, you aren't, uh, ignoring me anymore. That's, uh, for sure." You nervously rub at your arm, feeling increasingly flustered as the conversation continues. "And I, uh, appreciate you walking me home?"

A frustrated exhale escapes Nat, and she pulls back with a huff, murmuring something under her breath that you can't quite make out.

Admittedly, you feel a little bad that you don't—can't—return her flirting. But she stops her flirting at your apparent reluctance and leans away from you, hands back in her pockets. "Yeah, anytime." She grumbles out, causing you to sink further into yourself at the upset that laces her tone. 

The following five minutes are spent in relative silence, the atmosphere far too uncomfortable for your liking.

You're almost relieved when your house comes into view, giving you an excuse to break the tension in the air. You point at your home, a simple brown duplex nestled beside houses that all look exactly the same. It's the type of house that lower-middle-class families would reside in.

"That's me." As you continue approaching the house, fishing the house keys out of your pocket, you say, "I, uh, I really appreciate you walking me home, Nat." Even if it got really awkward and uncomfortable halfway through, "You didn't have to. Especially this time of night."

Nat waves her hand dismissively, stopping at the edge of your driveway. "Don't mention it. Can't let a pretty girl walk alone at this time of night, yeah?" She shoots you a toothy grin, "Always need protection."

You roll your eyes at the comment and shove playfully at her shoulder, "Whatever, Burnout. Just know I appreciate it."

She gives you a grin and a nod, standing there with her hands in her pockets, staring at you like she's expecting something. "Anytime. And, for the record, I provide other services than just security." Nat leans in, a faint twitch of her eyes as she moves further into your vicinity.

With a strained, nervous laugh, you take a step back and hold up your house key, "We will have to… talk about that another time! Gotta… gotta get inside! Parents, curfew, all that fun stuff. Haha! Thanks again!"

You turn around and briskly walk up the driveway, and when you reach the door, you see Nat still standing there out of the corner of your eye. Hesitation seizes your form momentarily at her continued gaze, and for a moment, you almost debate—

Nat lets out a huff, turns, and walks off in a different direction. She fishes a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, grumbling something unintelligible.

Watching her walk off a moment longer, you feel regret starting to tug at the back of your head, so you quickly slide the key into the lock and open the door with a shaky breath, heart beating a little too quickly for your liking.

When you push into your house, the living room is dark, and your parents have already gone to bed. As you discard your coat and shoes by the door, you let that feeling of regret wash over you. Should you have said something? Invited her in? Said goodnight? Hugged her? Kissed her?

Fuck.

Relationships are complicated, and you two still barely know each other. You can't help that you want to know her. You want to see behind those fucking walls. You want to see through the cracks in her mask.

You think you want Natalie Scatorccio.

That isn't a surprise, not really, but the way your brain accepts the thought is.

Holy shit, you want Natalie Scatorccio.

Well. Isn't that an interesting development?

a/n: does anyone actually read the notes I leave? i could be plotting world domination or confessing to heinous crimes in here. anyways I regularly think about how natalie saw misty while she was tripping on lsd in the pilot and then misty ended up killing her. wild. bro had a fucking 25 year early premonition

[eowynstwin]

I know a good majority of c.ai users (who actually know how the platform generates its content) genuinely do not give a shit, but in the spirit of assuming the best of people—

If you have a favorite writer, and you also use c.ai, please consider how it might make that writer feel to find out that the hard work they put into making something for your enjoyment ultimately has no value to you. That hours spent coming up with interesting narratives and prose specifically to entertain you just flat out does not matter to you.

Like, I know it seems like writing is an easy thing to get into, but think about a book you really liked, that you thought was really really good, vs a book you absolutely hated because it was horrible. Or a show. Or a video game. Any piece of art you’ve engaged with. The differential between those two pieces is a function of labor, not inherent skill. Time and effort and study goes into making any competent creative work.

Writers put forth that effort because the reward is getting to watch an audience enjoy it. It really is a pleasure to be able to see someone appreciate our work, because then we get to experience our own work all over again, in a new way, from a different angle. I don’t know if readers (or consumers of any creative media) understand that—we only get to write something once, but through you, we get to enjoy it a whole lot longer than the hours we spent writing it.

It’s personally validating. You may not think it should be—you may think writers should just write for the sake of it—but that’s just not how it works, and never has been. Making art has always been about that reciprocity. We make, you enjoy, we enjoy you enjoying what we made, and then we make more for you to enjoy. On and on. Symbiosis.

Which is why it is absolutely soul-sucking to reckon with the fact that there is now a machine that you’re using, essentially, to replace us. The effort we make to reach out to you is completely unimportant, because you don’t care about us, you care about what you get out of us. And what’s more, you settle for far worse quality, because you get it faster.

So our effort doesn’t matter, because you just don’t care. We present you a five course meal, and you’re still just as satisfied with slop. And while you may retort with some sort of claim that it means we shouldn’t try so hard to write well, we should just focus on getting shit out faster—we like this hard work. We enjoy it. We take pride in making something good.

You just don’t care about that. All you’re concerned with is your own insatiable appetite.

Like, a lot has been said about the ethics of AI, the environmental impact, and the labor impact, so I won’t reiterate it, but I just want you to think about this. It’s a real person making real effort that you’re turning your nose up at in favor of easy gratification.

[starrysan]

a night to remember

(title is indeed a laufey ref)

pairing: zamboni operator!san x figure skater! fem!reader

prerequisites/warnings: cursing, reader overworking, friends to lovers, me horribly naming different ice skating tricks..

a/n: I had this draft sitting here for a good month (in that time I released killin it, and like 3 chapters of nouvelle vague.. sorry san), inspired when I saw someone cleaning with the zamboni and someone was holding onto it on the side so they were like riding the zamboni together ykyk (ty for my friend for giving this idea) also this is 100% inspired by that one scene from Yuri on ice ifkyk

[2.4k words]

1st person pov (y/n)

the clock strikes 12. all my friends were long gone at this point. double axel, toe jump, salchow. I didn't even need my music at this point I had memorized my entire number in my head. just a few more times till I can go hom- "are you almost done?" I hear a voice that shakes me from my thoughts as I pause my skating.

"what?" I ask, taking my headphones out of my ears. "I said, are you almost done? I can't go home till the ice gets cleaned." the voice belonged to the zamboni operator, san? I think his name was? "oh yeah i'll be done in a minute" I say before skating around a bit more and reluctantly getting off the ice. I sit on the bench, taking my skates off, wiping the ice off of them and covering them before putting them back in my skate bag.

"why're you still here anyway? its way past 12" san asks going over to turn the zamboni on. "competitions in a few months and my numbers still.. missing something? I don't know" I reply, now finished packing up my bag. "sorry for keeping you waiting. goodnight san." and with that, I left the rink before exiting the building to the parking lot and getting on my bus.

3rd person pov

san wondered why y/n was freaking out when it seemed like she had so much time but he paid no mind. he cleaned the ice like usual, rounding the zamboni all the way around the ice before parking it and heading home himself. this cycle repeated the next few weeks. she would stay till almost midnight but san didn't mind, he watched her do the same routine ten times over, even enjoyed watching it to. her expression turn into a pout whenever she messed up or forgot something.

y/n noticed san's glances as she skated gracefully along the ice, so much so.. that she was too distracted and she slipped on a crack in the ice and fell over. "fuck" she muttered brushing the ice off her knees. "you okay?" san shouts over the glass covering the rink, y/n giving a thumbs up in response.

after the first week, san realized y/n was going home without getting something to eat and started bringing her little snacks to eat before her multi hour long skate sessions. it started with little snacks like a granola bar or a bag of chips, but it turned into full out meals or the two would grab food before she started her practice.

they got to know each other, san finding out y/n had been ice skating ever since she was a kid. y/n finding out san worked there because his dad was the owner of the rink. the two got close.. really close. to the point where they weren't sure what the two were anymore. y/n was currently in san's apartment laying on his lap on the couch as the two watched their favorite show together.

y/n was back on the ice when monday rolled around. she skated around her body moving before she even had to think. though she seemed to be having a bit of a hard time at practice today, stumbling onto herself. the lack of sleep seeming to having caught up to her.

she was getting yelled at left and right and looked like she was about to break. her instructor had her take a break and she stepped off the ice. she has her head down only poking it up when she senses san presence in front of her. she looks up at him and before either of them say anything san pulls her into a hug to which y/n breaks down in his arms.

she sobs into his shirt for a while before muttering a quiet, "I suck" into his chest. "you don't suck" san whispers back. "I do.. I cant get it right." she sniffles. "y/n look at me" san tells her looking down to meet her gaze as she lifts her head up. "you're so good at what you do. you know that right? even when you were just first learning your routine you'd work on it night after night and wouldn't leave till you perfected it. you can do it you just haven't gotten the rest you need.. which we both know is the main reason. but you can do it so don't tell me you suck because we both know you don't" san finishes.

"okay?" he raises an eyebrow at her. "okay" she says. "thanks san" she says hugging him again. "now go on show me your.. what's it called.. your triple axel." he smiles. she giggles before heading back on the ice. her instructor could sense something changed during her break and turned on her music. she skates around letting herself take in the music she had started getting sick of and instead relaxes herself as she skates doing her routine flawlessly.

she looks at san who gives her a smile and thumbs up in approval as she skates off and packs her stuff up. "our show at your place again? ill buy dinner" she asks as san revs up the zamboni. "yeah of course" he says. "wanna go for a ride?" he offers. "how?" she asks puzzled. "hang on tight" he says as she grabs onto the handle of the zamboni as san starts it up.

"woah" y/n exclaims in surprise as the two circle the ice rink. she sees the marks from the figure 8's she drew in the ice, the lines of chalk she drew to skate in a circle. she watches the marks practically vanish as san goes over them with the zamboni. after he finished cleaning he helped her off the machine before the two head to his place to watch their show. y/n falls asleep there as she usually did.

y/n was having another late night practice session as san watched from the benches. "so do you get to skate for free here?" y/n asks as she skates around. "technically yeah but um.." san pauses. "I don't know how to skate" he admits sheepishly. "no way really?" y/n says in surprise stopping right by the little doorway leading out to the rink.

"my dad gets me skates for Christmas every other year or so but I've never gotten around to using them." he continues. "do you want to learn?" y/n asks. "I think im gonna fall and bump my head" san tries to get out of it but the next thing he knew he was going circles around the ice clinging onto y/n for dear life since she didn't let him use the wall.

"y/n we're skating way too fast" he squeaks but y/n just giggles as they go towards the middle. she lets go of him for a second and he freezes in place as she does a figure 8 on the ice. she looked so elegant and ethereal. she smiles and heads back to him. "try skating to me" she says skating backwards no more than a couple feet away from him.

san shakes his head "im gonna fall" he pouts. "you will if you keep that mindset" y/n scoffs. "I won't let you fall san skate to me" she says. he slowly moves his feet more walking than skating but y/n didn't mind as he waddled his way over to her. "you got it!" y/n exclaims as he grasps her hand again. "okay that's enough for today" san frowns and y/n nods in agreement bringing them to the entrance. "did you have fun at least?" she asks cleaning her skates. he hums in reply. "guess so"

it was officially 2 days till competition day, y/n freaking out was a understatement. "y/n you're pacing so much you might burn off the carpet" san chuckles nervously as she paced around his apartment. "sorry i'm nervous as hell" y/n admits. "y/n you're gonna do great" he smiles. "I keep fucking up my triple axel.. what if I fall on the ice in front of everyone?" she says in almost fear. "or.. what if you do so good you get a standing ovation?" san counters. "we both know that's not happening" she sighs. "you never know" he smiles.

finally.. finally, finally it was competition day. y/n changes into her costume and heads out and meets up with san. his eyes widen as he sees her costume. it was an icy white with a flowy skirt, rhinestones and glitter along the skirts edge and her sleeves. "wow you look incredible" san says his jaw practically on the floor. "thank you" she says, nervousness clear in her voice as it shook a bit as she replied. "you're going to do great y/n" san reassures her. "hope you're right"

y/n's name booms through the loudspeakers and y/n walks to the rink stepping on it carefully. the music she had been blasting in her ears for months played almost like a bittersweet reminder to all the work she had put into this piece. she skates around, salchow, upright spin, axel, double axel, lutz jump. she hears her music come to an end as she skates to the center of the rink before she lets herself take a breathe so much had happened in the span of a few months. she had gotten praised, yelled at, she met san.. oh san he changed her life for sure. there wasn't time to think about him now though. she takes a moment before clearing her head completely.

without a second thought she jumps to do her final move. the triple axel she worked her ass off perfecting. the scolding of her instructor runs through her ears but its quickly replaced by san's reassurance. within an instant she goes to do her triple axel almost bracing for impact assuming she’d fall but.. no she didn't. she landed perfectly.

before she knew it, it was over. there wasn't any reaction for a moment but suddenly she hears a cheer, she looks to the side to see san practically jumping out of his seat on the sideline. his cheers are followed by clapping from the audience. it was no standing ovation but y/n didnt need one to feel achieved.

she takes a bow practically bolting off as san was waiting for her his arms wide open. she practically jumps off the ice into his arms as they almost fall backwards but san holds them both flat on the ground. it was like the hug he gave her months ago when she sobbed in his arms but this one was different. she releases herself from the hug still in his arms. they look at each other before anyone could say a word she kisses him. without a second thought she presses her lips right onto his. he gasps in surprise at first but he recovers quickly kissing her right back. they finally pull away from the kiss as san slowly brings her down to the ground. "you did it" he exclaims excitedly. "I knew you could do it" he cheers.

the two grip each other's hands as the places are announced. from runner ups to third place, second place, and finally.. "a night to remember by y/n l/n!" the announcer says and san and y/n jump for joy. "holy shit i won" y/n says in almost disbelief. "of course you won" san smiles lifting her up in his arms again spinning her in circles.

the rink clears out and san goes to clean the ice. "victory lap?" he asks giggling as y/n nods with a big smile stepping onto the zamboni's edge. they talk as san cleans the ice going over the cracks and bumps made by all the skaters on the ice that day. he finishes cleaning helping y/n down as he parks it.

y/n walks out with her trophy in one hand and grips san's hand in the other one. they walk to san's car and he opens the door and helps her in before stepping into the drivers seat. "our show at my place?" he asks starting up the car. "I thought you'd never ask" she smiles.

tysm for reading! if you have any requests pls send them my way!!

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[baddiewiththebook]

Over the Years | e.m x reader [18+] | p. 12

-> The origin story of Eddie Munson, and how he fell in love with the worst person he possibly could - his best friend.

-> eddie munson x you (she/her)

-> friends to lovers, slow burn, angst

-> warnings - strong language, suggestive themes, smut [18+]

-> <-

September 1983

Strands made up of perfectly woven thread laced in deep desire of longing and hope. Fresh spring water dances down the rocks wetting them with her tongue. The ocean is somehow bare.

It’s like one day you fall ill. A sickness so terrible that no doctor knows what to do - there’s no medicine to cure this. Falling deeper into a pit of self-distraction, Eddie rolls onto his back. The only comfort he has is the tattered blankets that are too thin to keep him warm. A set of headphones drape over his head with music drowning out his deepest thoughts. Or, so he thinks.

With these headphones, Eddie spends less time worrying about you. What you’re doing? Who you’re with? That’s bullshit. Eddie knows who you’re with.

A viper bites at his leg when he’s not watching. Venom consumes him, and Eddie is now frowning once again. The way Eddie thinks of Gareth is poison enough.

Don’t get him wrong, really. Somewhere. Buried deep below. Way below. Way way below. There has to be a single drop of joy that you are happy.

Eddie tries to sort through the millions of pieces to the puzzle. Of course, he’s blurry to all of the signs that Gareth even showed a slight interest in you. Things begin to make more sense when Eddie finally understands why you’re much more giddy about coming to band practice at the least.

It’s his mistake to ask of you to get along with Gareth in the first place. His friend. Or, was he? Whatever. Gareth better not mess up this relationship he has with you. What’s worse? Him being with you? Him breaking your heart?

Eddie’s stomach flops around like a dead fish. That's about right. He hasn’t eaten much today - if anything at all. A bit too consumed by thoughts of you. The idea of eating makes him queasy.

When the cassette tape stops, and his music pauses, Eddie is agitated. He peels open his eyes for the first time and blinks away the crust built up in the inner corner of his eyes.

There’s a hum that doesn’t come from his headphones. A tapping. A heavy thudding.

Eddie pulls off his headset, and the banging on his front door gets only louder. Whoever it is would learn a hard lesson in “going away.”

Visitors are less than welcome at the Munson trailer. Aside from the select few of his favorite people, Eddie hates when people come to the door uninvited. The religious nuts have got to stop harassing him and his uncle. They won’t join any sort of cult leadership that they are apart of. No amount of pamphlets and pleading would persuade either Eddie or Wayne to join their “congregation.”

The whole concept of church baffles Eddie. They’re organized leaders, so call them that. Their beliefs are there to control the masses. The communities swarm at them like bees to pollen on the flowers of springtime - just to be told what to wear, where to go, and who not to talk too.

Organizations like that are where Eddie Munson wants to be least of all.

Don’t get him wrong, Eddie won’t denounce religion in its entirety. Jeff goes to church on Sundays, after bouncing up and down on a guitar in Gareth’s garage the night before. Metal music is in his blood. The religious thing finds a home there too. Jeff isn’t crazy like the others. Eddie has learned to have some respect for God, only because Jeff begs Eddie to not speak too harsh on His name.

Eddie can respect a man, who stands for what he believes in.

“Alright, alright!” Eddie curses at whoever is on the other side of the door. He lets them get in a few more trashes on the front door, before he’s sure they’re not just going to go away. Then, swings the front door open.

On the other side, you’ve flinched back a few steps. Eddie is in one of his moods. Now, you expect the crassness only because that’s how he always answers the door. However, Eddie isn’t particularly peachy since he found out that you’ve been seeing Gareth a few nights ago. It’s not as though you weren’t going to tell him, right?

You’ve already told Gareth that you’ve made up your mind, and you’re going to speak to Eddie today. Gareth would rather you give Eddie some space - seeing as he tracked him through a parking lot and had almost gotten ran over by him last night.

The core of you knows that Gareth is right. Usually, after a few days of Eddie being pent up and angry over something, he’ll calm down and the theatrics will pause for a moment. This is different. Eddie is hardly ever upset with you. You don’t know how to react. A part of you wants to curl up in a ball and sob. The other part is thinking too logically, and demands you stand at his porch and bang on his door until he answers.

Eddie hates how stubborn you are because he is just as stubborn. Only when it comes to you, Eddie will quickly change his mind at the site of your trembling jaw, and your glossy eyes filled to the brim with tears that are just about to break the dam and flood the surface below. Boy, if that dam breaks. It just might not stop!

“I’m sorry?” You’re apologizing, but it comes out more as a question than anything else. Again, you’re whimpering like a lost pup searching for it’s mommy.

Eddie doesn’t take much to fold onto you. Over you. He envelopes you into a tight hold without much to say. The way his eyes roll back into his head tells you everything you need to know.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he hates the way he caves so easily for you. Every word that ripples off of his tongue is just an admission to what he already knows. Then, he adds (stupidly), “Gareth is- nice.”

There it is. The fully guilty conscience that sucker punches him in the gut. In spite of being completely and totally jealous of what Gareth has to dangle in front of him, Eddie also knows that out of all of his friends - you just have to pick the nicest one.

Eddie can feel your smile across his chest. The dimples. The blush. You push him away a bit harshly, and gasp.

“You’ve never said anything nice about my boyfriends before.”

“Your boyfriends before were assholes,” he’s not shy to share that opinion.

You point a finger to his chest, “admit you like Gareth.”

“I never said that.”

“You said he was ‘nice.’”

“He’s better than, Ricky,” Eddie snorts.

“Who?”

“Er- Rodney.”

It is in that moment, where you're sewn up and dry from tears, that Eddie decides love is a bitch. He can't help, but adore your fresh rosy cheeks. The way your mouth blabs. Only, he wishes you would talk about him that way.

-> <-

October 1983

Eddie is already headed down a slippery slope. This last hour, his teacher has informed him that if he keeps slacking off that he won't be getting a passing grade. Eddie's flunking his math class. So, he missed a math quiz or two? A few homework assignments?

It’s his last year in high school - a senior. Wayne spends most of his time putting pressure on Eddie by speaking of nothing, but a graduation party with all of his friends. How could he possibly disappoint his uncle?

“Hi, baby.”

There’s that rancid nickname again coming straight from your mouth. This follows a wet smacking sound when Gareth kisses you. Ugh, has everyone lost their decency?

Eddie should have put up boundaries when you came to him that day. Rule one; no making out in front of him. Rule two; Eddie theorizes as a wide spread grin stretches across your face; Gareth isn’t aloud to be funny.

Slamming his textbook shut, the crowd at the lunch table jumps.

“Rough morning?” Gareth asks.

There you go laughing again. Head tilted to the sky - Gareth basks in this.

-> <-

December 1983

Trees are bare of their leaves. The hours in the day that are bright become next to none. Eddie still finds time to work on his truck, before nightfall. The break pads are in need of replacement, and he should also be changing the oil too.

Eddie would rather wrestle with his car in the dead of winter where his fingertips could frost off, than to deal with the hot heat from summer time.

Besides, it hadn’t snowed yet.

In the afternoon, Eddie was hoping to see your car pull in the driveway. It’s Christmas Eve. The least he could do is hand you the gift he’s gotten you. Like every year, Eddie takes the time to splurge some extra cash to get you exactly what you want.

Eddie toys with the bow atop the messily thrown together wrapping paper. The reindeer are smushed together awkwardly next to each other. But, they’re all still smiling. Eddie hopes they don’t mind. It’s the same paper Eddie uses every year. Every year, he’s getting a bit worse at wrapping gifts than the year before that.

You don’t declare any sort of discomfort by the way he wraps the gifts. If anything you find the attempt quite charming. It’s tradition to each give your gifts on Christmas Eve; and it has become tradition for you to come to his house for dinner.

Your mom hasn’t been home much.

As per usually, Eddie gifts you another journal. Something for you to do, other than sit around waiting for the rainbow to come after the rain. Maybe one day, you'll show him what you've filled in those pages with. He hasn't asked.

Out of the corner of his eye, he catches himself glimpsing at the other gift he has sitting on top of his dresser. It’s too late for you to receive this now. Out of sight out of mind, Eddie decides it’s best if he shoves the little box inside of his socks away from the world. The charms jangle against the metal chain, as he pushes that tiny square box as far back as he can.

It’s forgotten about for now.

-> <-

(to be continued)

tags -> @leelei1980 @sheneedsrocknroll92 @jesuisbuginette @starrywhitenight @meetmeatyourworst @munsonburn3r @5tud10-54r4h @pvdulmol @loveryanax @am0iur @naatggeo

[qoldenskies]

older twin leo thoughts go !! 🎤

is this whether or not im a truther? because i am a truther to the point where i literally cannot engage with older twin donnie like i will just lose interest in a fic if it mentions it LMAO (<- this is not a condemnation of it, i just dont like it and its everywhere)

otherwise i personally think it makes more sense for their relationship than the other way around, which is why i go so hard on it. what im gonna yap about is all like tag-buried ideas that ive mentioned before lmfao but ive always seen leo as the one who acknowledges it way more than donnie does, because donnie as sappy as he can be is closer to the "two halves of one soul" kind of idea of their relationship, while leo does just see donnie as a younger brother and he treats him accordingly. he loves being twins because it automatically puts them in a special Camp with each other, but he does look out for donnie actively. even if they dont mention it, it's a gigantic influence in their relationship, and also i like the idea of donnie feeling like leo really understands him, which is one of the things he's always wanted the most, y'know?

ALSO MAY I PRESENT AN IDEA: everyone always makes donnie deny the idea of a "twin-sense" while leo pushes for it, but i think it ignores the fact that he's a big fat conspiracy theorist in canon and leo adheres a lot more to logic than he does (the whole episode where he thinks ghosts arent real, and also him repeatedly being grounded and vying for more logical solutions) so have you considered .... doing it the other way around. donnie believes in the twin-sense and leo doesn't. yes they argue about this. a lot. donnie may deny the more sentimental reasons for believing in it but he is SO convinced of this do not destroy his dreams

and even beyond the interpretation of donnie and leo as twins, i find myself more invested in both raph and leo/donnie and mikey than i am in them, and i think raph and leo having older sibling solidarity + donnie and mikey having younger sibling solidarity is my favorite flavor of their dynamics, which is honestly the real reason i like it so much LMFAOOO. b team/pb&j is my favorite dynamic and it just doesnt HIT if they're not the younger two who think raph and leo's bickering is very stupid .... what would i do without it . who would i even be

[pigswithwings]

anyways speaking of like. femininity affecting mirages behavior i want 2 talk abt her conformity to the norm

so here i find a really interesting relationship between the way mirage presents herself and the way she navigates the world. like its always been fascinating to me how mirage's identity as a woman, as the prettiest girl in town, is entirely performance. look here for a second:

in these two bits, mirage plays up her femininity to to the player's perception of her. mirage knows that the player doesn't know her well enough to have a strong opinion and quickly jumps to playing into one of two things when you first meet her. if you're generally nice to her, she leans into self-aggrandizement and almost uses her title/reputation as "the prettiest girl" like a tool to feel better about herself. if you're rude, she ramps up her aggression and leans Hard into the insults.

but all of these are just very exaggerated performance of what mirage believes she should be. it's pretty easy to tell that most of mirage's insults aren't really rooted in actual anger towards you - she's just pissed at you but she'll forgive easily. like you can choose to aggrieve her (refusing to help her up) and then immediately step back (admit you're lost too) and her mood fluctuates with yours. also she quite directly says that "Blowing off steam is just how [she] cope[s]"

so we know that mirage's anger is mostly her way of avoiding the despair and internal pain that comes with her nihilism. BUT what about her femininity? how does her presentation affect or indicate her character? ok see here

mirage says she doesn't care about school. she cares about nothing and nothing matters, she's gotten to the point where she doesn't give a damn what others think of her. basically, mirage is at a point in her life where she doesn't care about herself. her aggressive attitude probably pushes people away, her academics certainly aren't a priority. maybe she's the prettiest girl in town, but this only references what she looks like and never what she Feels like. her whole persona is the true mirage.

therefore i interpret mirage being in a schoolgirl outfit, her title as the prettiest girl, her referral to herself as a fair maiden, and her entire presentation of femininity as a representation of her being stuck in her ways. (in the story, at least. of course mirages physical appearance is a riff on dating sim tropes, but i think that the schoolgirl outfit is too interesting to be forgotten when it comes to her personality and character)

it's clear that mirage is unhappy. it's clear that her nihilistic perspective has made her devalue herself. so i think she continues to wear the schoolgirl outfit and go to school and use her title because she's unable to break free of what's been set out for her.

i think personally that mirage's character is all about being stuck. stuck in your view of the world, stuck in your lifestyle, stuck in a town you hate surrounded by people you hate going to a school you hate. mirage is about needing to be pulled out of the haze that is total despair, and you (as the player character) are meant to do exactly that.

so to me, mirage's outfit and reliance on the classic version of femininity just emphasizes how she is stuck. mirage doesn't know how to get out of her societal role as the prettiest girl. she continues to act as this specific version of what a girl is, she continues to dress as a schoolgirl and go to school because she believes she has to. she enjoys none of it, but it's okay if she rationalizes it as "all of life is supposed to be painful anyways". with mirage's acceptance of the world's meaninglessness, she also accepts the idea that she has to be a girl in this specific way. and it sucks for her

[gold-rhine]

like its literally insane how beat for beat this lantern rite goes into the same notes as natlan final act, but just does it well. the contrast is crazy-making. SPOILERS 2025 LANTERN RITE i guess

like. oh its a story about pyro girlie who had to lose her family very early and tragically, and then she came under huge amount of dire responsibility, but she didn't let it break her and she stayed positive and bright. she is now confronted with a critical situation where she has to do hard decision and be ready to die to save her country. she says goodbyes to her friends, trying to not let them know she's going to sacrifice herself, but they realise it and do everything to save her. in the end, she realizes her life isn't over, its too early for her to go, has heartfelt reunion with ghosts of her family and is saved by unified efforts of her friends, showing how much she's loved and wanted in the world of the living. (im joking, last part didnt happen to mavuika lol, i'll get to it)

but like you can actually see how liyue kids are ACTUALLY friends and how they like each other, they have palpable chemistry that is shown, instead of just like. flatly declared in natlan. hu tao pestering embarrassed yun jin into performing her silly cringe hilichurl song in operatic style has more character than mavuika had in all acts of natlan and her story quest COMBINED. and hu tao visiting friends to give them goodbye gifts under the guise of holiday tradition with half-jokey heartfelt well wishings is what i think natlan tried to do with ancient name thing, where characters like say why they like traveler. except in lantern rite it works because its personal and meaningful, and in natlan its just flashy anime poses and random cliches. "i love being traveler's friend!", "surely she comes from a good home!" like??? its fucking nothings that coworkers awkwardly say at the birthday party because they don't know you.

and suddenly in liyue they know that characters can have differences and STILL be respectful and well-intended, with hu tao and baizhu exchanging jabs about being archenemies, instead of entire cast being blandly okay yay all the time in natlan. hu tao's conversation with zhongli exploring her mental state before going into danger, bittersweet, but finally honest, just straight up doesnt have a parallel in natlan because they never give mavuika any fucking way to express herself. not to mention that hu tao has more conflict and complicated feelings about her lost family and grief than mavuika ever has with her sister where they talk about fucking nothing and just like politely nod at each other.

and the theme of unity actually works in liyue because it does have all other characters uniting to share hu tao's burden and save her, instead of capitano ex machina just showing up and solo taking her place bc he's here to hijack the narrative and make it about khaenriah instead of natlan. so natlan's theme about unity just never goes anywhere except of characters standing in the circle and yelling "for natlan!!", there is no tangible effort for this unity, nothing they have to overcome together. they just wait for everyone to awaken their ancient names, stand in a circle to power up mavuika, and then she solo finishes everything with carpet bombing. and then she solo beats up abyss boss. and then capitano makes it all about himself. like. much unity.

and even traveler being a descender isn't really used in natlan despite making a big deal out of it, her ability to challenge fate or whatever literally never actually comes up. meanwhile in liyue it is used within established lore reasons - not being connected to irminsul, BUT, very importantly, just being special descender would not be enough to save hu tao, its the fact that they are friends, they share a bond and care about each other, i.e. only by using the plum's branch traveler is able to connect and find hu tao.

[phoenotopia]

Introducing Star Iliad!

We’re happy to announce our next game, “Star Iliad”! Now in development.

Star Iliad is a retro-futuristically themed Metroidvania that takes place inside a giant star whale.

See the teaser trailer!

In the game, you’ll play as Blythe Braves, a Star Ranger who patrols a remote region of the interstellar frontier. Heeding a distress signal, she investigates to find a curious large rock formation in the shape of a whale. Shortly after landing and locating a couple of castaways, her ship is destroyed by unknown alien creatures. Stranded and surrounded, but not outgunned, she joins forces with other castaways in a bid to escape. A big adventure ensues!

Where Phoenotopia had more Zelda-style leanings, Star Iliad dives deeper into Metroid territory with a larger, interconnected map and a stronger focus on gun combat. We’ve learned the correct lessons from Phoenotopia— which is… Guns are Good 👍 Bats are Bad 👎 (joking!)

The story won’t be taking a backseat. While Phoenotopia featured a large ensemble cast, Star Iliad narrows its focus to a smaller group of more thoroughly explored characters.

(Characters can leverage expressive portraits to drive emotionally charged scenes)

Some additional in-development pics. We have both very finished & very unfinished looking areas.

Legacy of Phoenotopia

Since Phoenotopia’s development concluded, we’ve received some really encouraging emails from fans expressing how much they enjoyed it and even sharing their concern about whether we were doing alright. This meant a lot, especially considering Phoenotopia was not a strong seller.

For a while now, I’ve felt the need to allay those fears and let everyone know that we’re alive and hard at work on something new. With Steam’s fourth anniversary for Phoenotopia approaching, it felt like the right moment to finally share an update.

True, Phoenotopia was not a strong seller, but it would not turn out to be as bleak as I previously believed. Long after sales should have dwindled to zero, the game found a small, but steady threshold—a lifeline that has kept us funded. We’ve also been able to rely on family (and the occasional side job or two) to stay afloat.

Lastly, I think the game got some organic word of mouth, so there would be random times here and there where a youtuber or renowned streamer covered Phoenotopia and we’d get an unusual sales spike out of nowhere.

So, to all the fans who supported us, whether by buying the game, spreading the word, or just sending us kind messages—thank you! You’ve sustained us in ways you may not even realize, and we’re incredibly grateful 🙇

Chronicling Star Iliad’s development with a new Dev Log! (on wordpress)

After Phoenotopia, there was a bit of wandering around and thinking about what was next.

I wanted to settle into a quieter pace of development for a while. With Phoenotopia, I had been doing long form dev log updates. I wanted to try something different – a smaller, but more frequent form of dev logging. And it appeared that the new dev blogging meta was social media like Twitter & Instagram.

But there was no point in starting right away. Because 4 years back, we didn’t know what we were working on. It would take about a year of exploring & feeling around before “Star Iliad” developed enough shape and form that it could be talked about. Then we started twitter (@StarIliad) and instagram (@StarIliad), and started posting. Not as regular as I thought I would it turns out – short form updates have their own unique challenges and dev logging is always easy to neglect.

Still, if you’re curious, you can look at the StarIliad twitter account and enjoy the past 3 years of short form dev log posts (it may keep you entertained for all of 10 minutes).

As for the instagram account, it never quite took off, basically dying right out the gate >_>

In any case, we’re in the midst of development. It’s difficult to see the finish line from here, so I can’t announce a release date. What I can announce is the return of the dev log, where like times of yore, I will be chronicling our thoughts and tribulations until we reach the finish line. I invite you to join us by subscribing to the new dev log on wordpress.

(Also, please wishlist on Steam! It helps with the algorithm)

[rom-e-o]

I was wondering if you are comfortable writing an asexual Rook/Emmerich?

maybe the others are teasing them about their relationship with dirty humor and eventually Rook has enough and leaves?

if this is something you won't write, you can delete the message

Hello, friend!

Apologies for the delay! I swear I wasn’t ignoring your ask, but I wanted to tend to it properly and give this prompt the attention I thought it deserved.

I hope this still finds you well. <3 Thank you for the request, anon! I had some fun with this, so I hope you enjoy~

Perfect

(Emmrich/GN!Rook)

Harding was a good friend. A very, very good friend. When it came to reliability and loyalty, she was sterling in both departments. The thought had dawned on Rook more than once that without her, they would have mostly definitely died at the temple while disrupting Solas’ ritual. She’d thrown herself right into the fray to rescue them, danger be damned.

Even before that fateful encounter, they’d been longtime allies in the search for Solas, and she’d continued to remain faithfully at Rook’s side even as the stakes had continued to rise.

Rook appreciated the scout for her charming personality and impressive prowess on the battlefield.

… That being said, there was … something that got under their skin. Sometimes it came in the form of a small prick, like a needle.

Other times, it hit as devastatingly as an arrow.

“So, Rook … you and Emmrich are…?”

With a sigh, Rook cast their glance from the bookshelf they’d been keenly examining and gave a waning smile.

“Harding, we’ve been over this,” Rook said, their tone carefully measured.

“Yeah, I know, I know!” she said, her words insistent while her tone stayed playful, “You said you wanted to keep things private.”

“That continues to be my preference.”

“Yes, right. That is perfectly fine.”

“Good. Thank you. I appreciate your understanding.”

“…Okay, but…can I just ask you something? From one friend to another?”

Rook pivoted to Harding curiously, trying to feign politeness even as the question grated the edges of their nerves. “Of course.”

“Really?”

“You may ask me a question, but I may not answer it. If that’s alright.”

“Oh. Well, that kind of defeats the point.”

“Harding.”

“Listen, Emmrich is older than you—”

“Nooo. Surely you jest.”

“—I was going to say, he’s … have you ever been with anyone older, Rook? Like, older-older?”

Rook swiftly slid the book back into its place on the shelf. “How old do you think I am, Harding? I’m not a child. Not even close, actually.”

“I know that!” She huffed, but in her usual determination, cleaved a path forward. “Hear me out. I just wanted to make sure you’d thought about this. Carefully. It’s hard to swim out of the deep end once you’ve already started drowning.”

“What about Emmrich would drown me, exactly?”

After flicking her eyes around the Lighthouse’s library to make sure they were alone, the dwarf close the distance between them with a few wooden footsteps. Then, in a conspiratorial whisper, she said, “I just want to make sure he’s not too much for you.”

Rook chortled. “Too much? In what way?”

“…Rook. You know in what way.”

Right. Emmrich had mentioned that vaguely on their previous dinner date. While he’d disclosed precious few details about his previous relationships, Rook was aware that he had been a mutual participant in more than his fair share of courtships. By extension, they could only fill in the blanks and imagine that a man with a dance card as packed as his had his fair share of experience in the bedroom.

Experience that Rook hadn’t had, and had no interest in experiencing.

“Have you at least talked it over?” Harding inquired. “Because that might be a conversation worth having before things get too serious, don’t you think?”

The two were so caught up in their conversation that they failed to notice a presence enter into the Lighthouse library, then still on the sidelines as their banter continued.

“You’re right,” Rook continued carefully, “We … um, well … we did talk. A little bit. He knows that he’s my first um … anything. I trust he can fill in the blanks. Even after I told him, he was still interested. We’ll just move slowly.”

“…”

“…What?”

“Rook, it’s obvious that even talking about this makes you uncomfortable,” Harding said sympathetically.

She was right, Rook thought. It did.

“Remember when Davrin made that joke about ‘hand-to-bone’ combat? I swear you flinched.”

Rook did recall and remembered their reaction keenly. It was the first moment they realized that, while perhaps they and Emmrich were on the same page regarding intimacy, the others at the Lighthouse perceived their interactions differently. There were comments and innuendos about sexual encounters and concepts that neither of them had put forward. Their friends were thinking about them being together.

Enough to joke about it.

Enough for it to become small talk.

That notion hadn’t annoyed Rook – it had terrified them. The sudden weight of the expectation to perform sexually, like some kind of peacock, when they were already trying to stay afloat with saving Thedas for blighted gods, was heavy. The last thing they wanted while trying to focus on saving the world was coping with lingering doubt about their competence in bed – as if that was anyone else’s business, anyway!

Davrin was one of Rook’s best friends, so they knew the Warden hadn’t met any harm. It was just gentle banter. Completely routine, actually. They’d heard far worse in seedy Minrathous bars and alleyways.

The comment wasn’t the issue.

“Rook, you’re under a lot of stress,” Harding said. “I know Emmrich is a good man who would never pressure you. I just … worry. I know how it feels to withhold your thoughts to avoid confrontation. Not that I think you would do that, of course! I just … ugh. I want to look out for you, but I’m probably coming off as some controlling ass, huh?”

Rook smiled gently. “On the contrary, you’re making a lot of sense.”

“See, I’m sorry for—oh! Wait. Really?”

“You’re not worried about Emmrich pressuring me,” they said, plucking another book from the shelves. A romance novel. It fell open in their hands, and their eyes scanned it lazily. “You’re worried about me pressuring myself.”

“Yes!”

The sound echoed loudly through the open space, reverberating like the knell of a chantry bell through the hollow space. Both cringed at the strident noise, but once it quelled and was replaced with the rumble of the magically-suspended debris overhead, they shared a laugh.

“I appreciate you looking out for me and Emmrich, Lace,” Rook said sincerely. “Thank you.”

The dwarf shifted from one foot to another, wooden clogs tapping the tiles with each humble sway. “Aw, shucks. Well, you’re welcome. I’m sorry I didn’t articulate that better at the start. I’m not great at … things like that. But I appreciate you too, Rook. For everything. I just want you to be okay.”

“I will be. Emmrich will be, too.”

“What will I be, now?”

The two friends snapped their heads in the direction of a new voice entering the conversation. The source of the voice was Emmrich, who had sauntered in, his staff in-hand as he walked. His hazel eyes fell on Rook, whom he regarded with besotted warmth.

“Hello, darling,” he drawled, pausing briefly at Rook’s side to greet them with a gentlemanly bow. One look from him was enough to make Rook practically swoon.

“H-Hello, Emmrich.” They blushed slightly at the way his voice deepened distinctly for them. The way he annunciated the ‘k’ sound at the end of their affectionate nickname never failed to produce a small shiver of delight.

Then, to Lace, he flashed a more casual smile befitting the greeting a friend. “Ah, Lace! I thought I heard you before.”

“S-Sorry about that,” the redhead apologized with genuine sheepishness. “Guess my Ma’s reminders about having an ‘inside voice’ have been dormant for a little too long. Maybe I’m due for a trip home as a reminder.”

“Oh, if you do, I’d love to accompany you,” he said jovially. “Ah, but speaking of that, did I happen to hear you mention my name before?”

Of course he’d heard, Rook thought. For a man of his age, he seemed to have keener eyes and ears than most people in their twenties or thirties. Perhaps years of studying the Fade had honed his senses, or perhaps he was simply a man who took the care needed to keep his mind and body extra sharp. The reality was likely a mix of both.

As Harding rushed to grapple for an excuse, Rook came to the rescue with their usual honesty.

“Lace was just checking in on me,” they said warmly. “On us, actually.”

“Us?”

Rook smiled warmly at the inquiring lilt in his voice. He was already expecting the worst, he realized, so they were quick to dispel his concerns.

“I asked the same question, but Harding just wanted to make sure we weren’t putting additional pressure on ourselves. I was just letting her know how much I appreciated her attention to detail.”

Coloring a shade of deep crimson under Rook’s kind words and Emmrich’s joyful thanks, the dwarf again stammered out another thank you. “T-That’s what I tried to do, anyway. I-I confess, we were also talking about, well, you two. Together.”

Emmrich blinked, casting a glance back at Rook. “Oh.” He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Um. W-Were you?"

“N-Not in detail!” Lace rushed to correct, arms rushing outward as if she was about to summon a wall of stone. “Actually, that lack of detail was what I wanted to um, ask about.”

Emmrich blinked again, slowly. “I don’t follow.”

“I-I just…you two are both really important to me,” she finally admitted. “So, there. That’s why.”

The man’s brow softened immediately at her admission. “Oh. Well, that is most courteous of you, Lace.”

“I agree,” Rook added, their tone chipper. "Courteous and inspiring. It's good to know we have each other's backs."

Emboldened by their friend’s care, Rook decided to act on an earlier impulse. While a kiss on the cheek would have felt too forced, especially right in front of company, they instead stepped alongside Emmrich and gently took his slender arm into theirs. Resting one hand against the swell of his bicep (which his linen shirt did very little to hide), they beamed at the surprised look the gesture earned. A moment later, the man quickly adjusted. He switched his staff to his dominant hand and used his non-dominant one to gently reach up and twine their fingers together.

"I must say, we are quite lucky to have each other here," he whispered, his gaze never leaving Rook's.

"As friends and comrades."

"Among others." His hand squeezed theirs gently; protectively.

Even with his hand partially gloved, the gentle scrub of his palm and warmth of his skin was intoxicating.

It was a small touch, but it was enough.

“Well, look at that,” Harding smirked, “Don’t you two look perfect together!”

And it felt perfect, too.

[rockethorse]

Ranting about irl issues because I don't really have anywhere else to talk about them, and I feel like this community fosters actual connections between its members without necessarily feeling like you're blasting your dirty laundry to the entire world lol

I work in support for people with physical disabilities, and this customer I've had for YEARS and genuinely thought was on good terms with called me today to let me know that he's going to let me go.

I work through an agency so I'm not fired full-stop, but his shifts made up the majority of my income and when I say this came out of nowhere I mean it came out of NOWHERE. Like our last shift in particular went really well, I was able to do a lot and we had good banter. He wasn't even really able to give me a satisfying reason, so I have nothing that I can work on for the future

So I'm stressed about money, I'm completely hurt by the suddenness of it, I'm going to MISS him even though this was kind of unfair, I'm confused, and I don't really have any closure or even any sort of advice/feedback that I can take forward in the future. Sometimes when you're working with a new customer you know you're just not a right fit even though nobody did anything wrong and there's no hard feelings, but I was with this guy for what must have been close to five years if not over. And I had ZERO INKLING that he was even thinking about this

Which is all frustrating enough. But I also had to go have a really scary and slightly painful medical procedure yesterday which I'm waiting on the results from, and I have mandatory training tomorrow, so I was really looking forward to today being a day of rest/healing. And then this happened

I just feel really lost. And stupid? And hurt, and I feel like I must just be an awful worker-slash-person, but that it must be in some way I've never even identified. Like there are ways I know I could've improved as a carer and I was working towards it (it's easy to become complacent when you've worked with someone for a long time and I was trying to find ways to combat that/new things to do during his shifts) but I don't know what to do with this. And even though I think the way he went about it was really unfair and irrational, I also feel bad to think that he'd been sitting on this feeling for a while and hadn't felt like he could say anything. Like even though I think his reasoning is confusing I also don't want to make anyone uncomfortable?

I dunno. I know this is pretty heavy to hear from someone you mostly just play digital dollhouses with. But I guess because the sims is a "life" simulator, I feel like I know some mutuals here a little better than other online spaces, without it being so personal that it would be too embarrassing to share. So if you have energy to spare, maybe send some my way ♥

[lokigodofmyheart]

HOT WATER

Pairing: Legolas x Reader

Words: 2.4k

Summary: Y/N is exhausted and Legolas show her a place with hot water to relax. 

Warning/Content: soft smut.

MASTERLIST

Legolas observed the girl as she walked alongside the Fellowship. The journey has been long and hard for all of them. But it must had been harder on her, a mortal woman.  

Y/N could feel her muscles ache as she walks with the Fellowship. Her clothe were stained with dust and sweat and wherever else were in those roads. The only thing she craved right now was a moment of peace. Legolas fell back to walk in pace with her. He glanced at her, taking a mental note of her current state of exhaustion.  

Aragorn decided to stop and make camp because it' was getting already darkening it would be way too dangerous to walk at night. Everyone agreed, after all, they were all tired. Except for Legolas. 

As soon everything was settled for them to rest, Y/N sat on the grass, her back against a tree and her eyes closed. She closed her eyes, trying to relax a little. Legolas noticed her state and he sat by her side, as he silently observed her for a moment before speaking.  

"You seem tired." he noted quietly, his voice filled with genuine concern. 

“I am a little.” She looked at him.  

The elf nodded, understanding what she meant. "There's a spring not far from here." He offers slowly, tilting his head towards a direction "The water is pure, warmed by the earth. It will help you." 

Y/N hesitate at first, but the thought of washing away the dirty, in a warm water instead of the cold ones they had been finding...she was really tempted. 

“Okay, sure,” Y/N stood up from the ground with a small smile on her lips“lead the way, elf.” 

Legolas smiles back, his expression gentle. He gets up from his seat and starts making his way through the trees, making sure she was following him as he leads her to a small, secluded spring.  

The water is crystal clear, and steam rises up from its surface. The sun sets leaving them with the dark of the night and the light of the moon "Here we are." he says quietly, gesturing towards the spring. 

“That actually looks very nice.” She spoke already taking off her boots. 

Legolas nodded in agreement. The spring looks like a small oasis in the middle of the forest. The moonlight reflects on the water's surface, glimmering quietly. "Let the water soothe your muscles and ease your mind." he advises, as he turns his back at her politely to let the woman undress. 

She finished quickly, throwing her clothes at the ground and slip into the water. The warm instantly relaxed her body and her aching muscles. Legolas stands on the edge of the spring, his back still towards her. He listens to the sounds of the night, his keen ears attuned to everything surrounding them.  

"You don't need to be so vigilant all the time." Y/N says, looking at his back. 

Legolas' attention abruptly snaps back toward her. Her voice cuts through the silence and he turns slightly to glance at her. He can just make out her form in the water, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her skin "It's dangerous out here." he replies in a quiet voice, still standing on the edge. "We must always be on guard." 

“Well, there’s no danger here.”  

She was correct to a certain extent and he knew it. At this very moment, they were safe and in a secluded area, away from the dangers of the surrounding wilderness  

"Habit." It’s all he says.  

"Join me." Y/N says half-playful, half-serious "I won't look. I promise.” Legolas raises an eyebrow at her request, clearly not expecting it.  

She turned her back to him, as she was trying to untangle her hair, giving no mind to him, after all, she was sure he would decline. But then she heard the quite rustle of fabric. The sound of his tunic being pulled over his head and the rest of his clothes. And them, the water moving as he enters. 

Legolas slowly makes his way to her, his steps light and graceful. The warm water instantly easing his tension. He watches her silently for a moment as she struggles with her hair. Letting out a soft sigh, he spoke "Let me help you with that." 

He carefully moves closer to her through the water, his long, slender fingers reach out to gently undo the tangled strands of her hair. His touch is surprising soft, slowly detangling her messy hair. Nothing at all from what she expected from an Elf prince and warrior.  

“You’re good at this...” Y/N spoke quietly, enjoying the touch of his hands in her hair, enjoying how his fingertips barely grazing at her skin.  

"I have had plenty of practice." he replies quietly, his voice low and calm as he continues. 

She let out a soft chuckle and Legolas couldn't help but smile faintly at the sound. He works through the last few strands of her hair and finally, it is free from tangles. "There." he murmurs, his fingers gently running through her now-smooth hair. 

“Thanks.” She smiles, turning to finally look at him. They were very close, she noticed. And very naked too. She expected him to move away, but he doesn't.  

Their proximity makes him aware of her body, the feel of her skin just inches from his own. His gaze meets hers and it lingers. It's intimate and intense as his eyes travel over her face, tracing the contours of her features. Her face is wet from the water and his gaze is captured by the water droplets on her face, his eyes tracing the path they take He reached out a hand and gently brushed away a few more droplets, his fingers lingering on her skin for a moment.  

He speaks quietly, almost a whisper "You are breathtaking." The words slip out before he realizes. 

Y/N reaches her hand to his shoulder, tracing the path of the droplet, making his breath hitches as her fingers touched his skin, the intimacy of it makes his skin tingle. His gaze doesn't leave hers as he swallows, his own hands slowly cupping her face, brushing her cheekbones before he leans into her, pressing his lips against hers in a slow kiss, testing, savoring her. 

As soon as his lips were on hers, she closed her eyes and kissed him back. Legolas deepens the kiss, his tongue gently tracing the seam of her lips. His hands slowly move, sliding down her neck and over her shoulder, pulling her closer against him, their bodies pressed together in the warm water. 

His hands grow bolder, going to her back, tracing the curve of her spine, sliding lower until he grips her waist beneath the water, pulling her even closer. Legolas breaks the kiss for a moment, his breath uneven, and his eyes dark as they lock onto hers. 

"Tell me to stop" He murmurs. 

“Don't.” she murmurs too, before she closed the distance kissing him again, a more passionate kiss this time.  

Legolas responds to her kiss with fervor, his tongue slipping into her mouth, tasting her as his hands grip her tighter, pulling her closer against him while his hands roams over her body, exploring the curves and angles he's longed to touch. Her hands did the same, exploring his chest, his muscles, making the elf whisper words in his tongue, which she could not understand.  

His kiss becomes more urgent, the need to feel her growing with each passing moment. His hands slide down her body, grabbing her hips firmly and pulling her against him. Y/N let out a soft moan, feeling how hard he already was from just kissing. He breaks away from the kiss, his breath jagged as he looks at her with a silent question. 

Y/N understood and nod at him. Legolas doesn't need any more encouragement. He gently lifts her, his strong hands sliding down the backs of her thighs, wrapping her legs around his waist. When he sinks into her, he does it slowly, eyes locked into hers, watching every little reaction. Watching as she moans and her eyes almost roll back as she enters her inch by inch.  

Legolas holds her against him, his hands gripping her thighs as he stays still for a moment, savoring the feeling of being buried deep inside her. His eyes are darkened with need and desire as he looks at her, a soft growl escaping him as he starts to move in a slow and gentle pace.  

The water ripples around them as they move and the night were filled with soft gasps and moans from both of them. He loves how responsive she is to his touch, the way she gasps and moans, the way her nails digging into his shoulder, the way she arches against him as he moves, pushing her closer to the edge. 

Legolas felt when she reaches her orgasm, clenching around him and makes him follows her when the sensation is too much and he finally cum. Legolas holds her tight against him, feeling her body trembles. He buries his face into the crook of her neck, his arms around her waist, holding her as he follows her over the edge of pleasure, murmuring in his mother language. 

“What does that mean?” She asks curiously.  

He lifts his head up to look at her, his eyes still hazy with pleasure he replies in a gentle voice "It roughly translates to 'my sweet flower'”. 

Y/N smiles a little with his answer and he couldn’t help but returns the smile. She lifts her hand, gently caressing his cheek. Legolas closes his eyes at her touch, taking in the feeling of her fingers on his skin, her tenderness bringing him a sense of peace. For a moment, all he can think of is her, the feeling of her body against his, the soft sound of her breathing and the touch of her fingers on his skin. 

“We should go, before Aragorn or Gimli come look for us...” she made no motion to move from him. 

 Legolas reluctantly nods, knowing that she's right. He carefully pulls her legs from around his waist, letting her stand on the ground, but still keeping her close. He caresses her cheek gently and steals a quick kiss before speaking. 

They slowly move to get out of the water. Legolas steps out first, reaching out to help her from the water. He grabs his trousers from the ground and quickly pulls them on. He stays by her side as she gets dressed too, not wanting to leave her just yet "Unfortunately, you're right..." 

They slowly move to get out of the water. Legolas steps out first, reaching out to help her from the water. He grabs his trousers from the ground and quickly pulls them on while Y/N did the same with her clothes. When they’re done, he steps closer, taking her hand in his and lacing his fingers through hers. 

She smiles again, giving him a quick kiss. Legolas responds to the kiss, gently cupping her face with his free hand. His thumb caresses her cheek as he looks at her, his gaze tender and fond as he speaks, his voice low 

"We should return to the others..." 

Y/N nods. She broke the silence as they walk back to the camp “Thanks, I really needed that...the water was indeed good.”  

Legolas nods in understanding, his hand still holding hers as they walk slowly "So did I." he replies quietly "It's a small moment of peace and relaxation, something we rarely get in this journey." 

Once they step back where the fellowship was, they noticed that Aragorn and Gimli were still awake. And obvious Aragorn was the first to notice that Legolas’ hair was also wet. 

Aragorn gives a sly smile at the sight of Legolas' wet hair. His eyes dart to Y/N for a moment, then back to Legolas 

"Went for a swim, didn't you?" he asks, clearly amused. 

“We really needed a shower. You should try one too.” She says back to him. Legolas glances at her with a subtle smile, appreciating her humor.  

Aragorn chuckles in response to her suggestion, but there's a knowing look in his eyes as he replies. "I'll give it serious consideration. A proper bath wouldn't hurt." 

She chuckles too, sitting by the fire with them and Legolas followed her. The man, the elf and the dwarf kept talking, but Y/N was so tired she slowly fell asleep, letting her head fall on Legolas’ shoulder.  

The elf glances down at her, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he realizes she's dozed off, her head now resting on his shoulder. He instinctively brings his arm around her, pulling her a little closer, careful not to wake her.  He looks up to see Aragorn and Gimli's eyes on them, both wearing knowing smiles “Not a word.” 

Gimli raises an eyebrow, a lopsided grin on his face, and whispers just loud enough for them to hear “Looks like someone found a new pillow." 

Aragorn tries to hide a chuckle, but it ends up as a cough. He glances at Legolas, a smirk on his face “Who knew our dear Legolas made such a comfortable pillow?" 

Legolas rolls his eyes at their comments, trying to dismiss them with a snort of feigned annoyance. He looks down at Y/N, still asleep against him, her head resting on his shoulder. His expression softens as he speaks quietly, almost to himself "She's just tired..." 

“Yes, a bath in hot waters must be really exhausting.”  Aragorn says teasing his friend. 

Legolas shoots Aragorn a look, knowing he's not going to give up this topic anytime soon "We both needed it. It's been a long day." 

Gimli can't help but chime in, still smiling in amusement "Of course you did. And since both your clothes are dry, I wonder if-" 

Legolas raises a hand, silencing Gimli mid-sentence “Enough, you two." he mutters sternly, his patience running thin. Aragorn and Gimli exchange grins, but they decide to drop the topic for now.  Legolas carefully scoops her up in his arms, making sure not to wake her, and carries her to her bedroll. He lays the woman down gently, making sure she's comfortable. He pulls a blanket up over her, tucking it around her loosely, and sat by her side, keeping watching her as the other’s sleep. The rest of the night is quiet, and the only sound is the soft breathing of the rest of the Fellowship. 

[poetryandfluffycats]

The Nightime Visitor

A/N: *crawls out from my grave to drop black butler fic* enjoy *leaves*

Pairing: Grell Sutcliff x Depressed!Gender Neutral!reader

Synopsis: You've been placed in a mental hospital, and find that the only time you have space is when you sneak onto the roof. Grell has taken a liking to you, and visits you every night on the roof..

Warnings: implied suicide attempt, depictions of depression, 'darling' used as petname

Words: 1.6k

Story under cut!

Raindrops soaked through the thin material of your cotton scrubs, the added moisture creating the perfect, sad atmosphere for your external crisis atop the roof. The sounds of the busy hospital ward beneath you were drowned out by your own heart thump-thumping and thoughts racing. Thoughts that were, less than intelligent and would definitely land you in a higher level of the hospital than you already were, but they were thoughts nonetheless.

With the sun having departed for the day and the moon at its fullest you could make out every single speck of light in the sky. If you squinted hard enough, or really focused on them, you felt as if you could almost reach out and grab one. For a fleeting moment you stuck out your fingers to the sky only to be disappointed when nothing appeared in your hand. You spent nearly every night up there, counting, recounting and getting lost within the stars. The tiny galaxies of somber blues, dramatic purples and splashes of green were like a childhood home to you. Somewhere to look at fondly but to never return fully to.

The time when you were within the stars-right before being placed in the hospital-when you painted yourself with magical stardust and swan through the midnight sky? That was the only time you'd ever felt something similar to bliss in your whole life.

A speck of red popped in to tear the display of colours apart and break the routine you were used to. The clouds parted behind the new figure-that looked like it was getting closer and closer by the moment-to create a single ray of light that danced over the rooftop and illuminated the red figures path like a ballroom spotlight. Work of something otherworldly you assumed. Red morphed with various splotches of brown, black, white and lime green as the figure neared closer, and it was only when you could see the skip in her step and that ‘kill a man’ grin that you knew whom was joining you.

You couldn't believe how happy the reaper could look with blood matting her hair and her neck-tie cross-knotted and in the completely wrong position. Although, nothing was too over-the-top dramatic or strange for Grell, and really what surprised you the most was how excited she was to see you. Her hand was high in the air waving to you, a smile showing off deathly sharp teeth. The lines that winked around her eyes gave you no doubt that this smile was real, a real smile with warmth that welcomed you to stare for as long as you wanted. Her presence felt like sugar and spice and everything nice even when the blood in her hair suggested violence, so you couldn't help but wave back at her. Something about Grell set off a switch inside you that you weren't sure of. Was it loathing, intrigue, maybe even jealousy? Whatever it was, it slowed down the bad thoughts in your mind by at least 50%, so that was a bonus.

The redhead stopped just a few inches before your feet, using her scythe to lean on as she struck a pose and blew a kiss. “Enjoying the show, my darling?”

You couldn't help the snort that came out through your nose. Grells voice was almost nasally, laced with that thick and deep British accent that made her sound like a parody of an actual British person. Charming but strange, just like everything else about her. The kiss blown your way sent a warm tingle up your spine which turned into a shy grin on your lips.

“Have you come to kill me?” You sounded sheepish, but only because your mind was tired from its constant marathoning.

It was Grells turn to snort now, although hers was more of a laugh whilst yours was pig-like and sarcastic. Her eyes twisted upwards in amusement as she swung her scythe around to its side, using it to support herself plopping down onto her bottom. One arm was rested on her knee, hand placed on her chin and her other rubbing up and down the weapon.

“I could never kill you!” Lime green eyes felt like daggers against your skin as she stared you down, “How could I take away that spark in your eyes? I think I’d simply perish!”

“A spark?” You traced the clouds in the sky with a finger, imagining lying down atop one of them and getting lost within their softness. “Thats really funny. You know I can tell when you’re lying, right?”

Her eyes followed your movements towards the sky, taking in every shape you traced as if you had created them yourself. For some strange reason she always watched every little thing you did as if you were a god she worshiped, even something as simple as moving your arm to itch your nose she’d be fully invested in. “What if I told you I was lying, but then I told you I was lying about lying? You’d never know what I was truly untruthful about that way”

“Hm, I guess then you’d bewitch me with your paradox and I’d have no choice but to believe every word you say” You sighed while a star faded to nothing in the distance.

“Hooray! One point to me!”

What was ‘the spark’ that Grell and so many other people spoke of? 6 months ago, when you’d been admitted to the hospital until further notice, the doctors had told you they were trying to bring the spark back to your life, but what did that even mean? Was it a physical thing, like the twinkle in Grells eyes when they wouldn’t leave your frame, or like those warm tingles still shooting through your body? An emtional thing, like that unidentifiable feeling this reaper made you feel?

Your head was starting to hurt now, and you couldn’t help but think maybe Grell really was bewitching you to make you think about silly things like ‘a spark’. That was something someone like you would never have and didn’t deverse. Wasting your life away on the roof of a mental hospital, your only chompaion being that of a crazy woman(a crazy woman that made your stomach do flips and your heart beat at an ungodly speed, but that was an issue for a later time). The whole world could begin crashing down around you and you’d most likely react the same way you reacted to a star fading. With a sigh.

“Grell.. I can’t do this anymore. Why won’t you kill me? What purpose do I have here?”

Grell stroked her chin, looking deep in thought for a few moments before suddenly snapping her fingers-eyes going bright with enlightenment. “I know, you’ve yet to see your favourite redhead sitting over you in bed, wearing the sexiest of dresses and holding chocolate in her mouth!”

“Are you doing this just to torment me? Because I get that enough from the doctors. They’ve put someone on to watch me from the minute I wake up till the minute I fall asleep” You finally crossed your legs and sat up-right, looking Grell in the eyes and attempting to singel to her through your own-tear-stained ones how hollow you felt inside before you continued questioning, “Why are you here? Why can’t you let me have this time alone? Did I do something to make you hate me or do you just enjoy this?”

Grells shoulders fell, and her eyes at last looked human rather than manic. Shuffling forwards towards you until your knees touched. Her hand was suddenly in your hair, and your heart fell into your stomach just as quickly as it took for her to lace her fingertips over your scalp, rubbing gently up and down. Up, down, up, down. Similar to how a cat owner would comfort their beloved pet.

You gulped as she her hand was removed and replaced by her lips. Being much taller than you by at least 5 inches, if not more, she was able to access the top of your head quite easily. Her lips were soft, comforting like the way she petted you. The feelings for her in the pit of your heart were erutping like a super volcano and you had zero idea how to stop them.

“Don’t kiss me just to get out of the question” You grined as she placed another one atop your temple, taking your face into her hands.

“Darling, I don’t hate you. I do enjoy tormenting you, but thats not for the reasons you think” Grell was trailing her kisses down your face now. One in between your eyebrows, one on the tip of your nose, one on each cheek, “You’re not ready to die yet, not for a long time, so stop trying. Not when there is still people who care for you”

And for her last kiss, she placed her lips to yours.

Even though you were only connected for a second, you could still feel the warmth of Grell as she pulled away. Her sourly-sweet personality transferred over to her lips and you found yourself savouring the taste on your tongue. Despite pulling away her forehead stayed rested against yours, breathing in sync with eachothers and her eyes looking deep into your soul.

Grells lips curled upwards in delight, “See! Whenever you have those troublesome thoughts, think of me and they’ll go straight away!”

From now on you would, you thought, as now your mind finally slowed down to slow rhythm. Now, with her body on yours and your heart in her hands, you could understand that feeling Grell made you feel.

Bliss, like the night you’d been with the stars. She made you feel bliss again.

[gay-jewish-bucky]

#i'm continuing this version on this reblog chain but i'll do the anonymous perspective on the other one bc i have Thoughts #so. the reviews are going well.. until they aren't #it's not the reviews themselves that go bad or that people dislike (homophobes aside. considering this sex act list and the reviews both #were their official “coming out” it did draw its share of negative attention once someone let the homophobes in on it. but the love and #support had outweighed it a lot and honestly.. bucky and steve were both used to being judged. and they both had been through worse #things than being judged. so none of this was really life altering) the problem was actually two problems in one. and later on bucky would #look back and realize that his - bucky's - own mental health was a big part of why steve had hesitated on saying yes to the reviews #it wasn't just about steve's privacy (although that was another part and in retrospect maybe he should have been a little more understanding #but after the shit they had been through - that he had been through - bucky had just been excited to do something fun. something #that combined important parts of his life: his rediscovered jewishness and his steve (and their already indescribable sex life holy fuck) #it let him express himself and he had - at the time - thought it would make him feel like he was taking something back. that he would be #taking something back. something he'd lost for 70 years to ice and strangers and violence and-

#he didnt want to think about it. it wasn't supposed to end up like this. the list hadn't caused any problems but the reviews.. they had #started out fun and helpful (something he had explained to steve one night when steve yet again told bucky that he didnt understand why#he wanted to tell the world about what they did in the bedroom.. and the kitchen. and the living room and the bathroom and the hallway and- #yeah. steve didn't get why bucky wanted to share all of that. and bucky had explained that it wasnt just about the list and it wasnt just #about the sex or getting to lowkey brag. highkey. (hush he was a lucky man) it was about being able to express himself in a way he had neve #been allowed to. not just because of.. things.. but also because of the time they grew up in. it was about showing people that they were #also just people. who were in love and had fun and sometimes clumsy sex. it was about controlling the way he was seen. to really #understate it. and even that.. wasn't entirely correct. the last part. it was hard to explain why it had felt helpful and good initially #it just had. and if it was helpful then wasn't that good?? steve was always trying to help bucky find things that affected him positively #maybe steve's lack of full support of the idea was a warning. a bad sign. if steve - who always supported him - wasn't entirely sold.. buck #thinks - from where he's curled up under a mountain of blankets on their bed - that maybe he should have hesitated too

@mieczyhale bestie i am so very invested in this, on the edge of my seat, your brain, again, is phenomenal

Thinking about Bucky finding this Cosmo article, listing Hanukkah-inspired sex acts.

While initially excited to try them out with Steve, the article is largely a disappointment. It's lazily put together and some don' even have titles, Steve!

Feeling as though the concept has a lot of potential, Bucky decides to spend the next year coming up with his own list, complete with pun or joke titles for all of them, posting it for others to try.

With Bucky taking the role of the NJB (Nice Jewish Bottom), he tests them out with Steve, and blogs about their experience with each (complete with awkward and funny moments).

1. With Your Dreidel I Will Play Strip Dreidel - Rules Nun: nothing Gimmel: lick one of your partner’s exposed body parts Hay: remove all clothing from your upper or lower half Shin: remove one piece of clothing 2. Miracle of the Oil Give your partner a full body rub down with massage oil, progressing to the prone bone position, combining erotic massage with slow and deep anal or vaginal stimulation 3. Latke But Don’t Touch Both partners are naked, one is tied to a chair, being hand-fed latkes, any oil or toppings that drip onto them must be licked up 4. O, Hannukah Partners have penetrative sex in the candle position with the penetrating and receiving partners in vibrating cock rings (for people with vaginas: use a vibrating clit clamp) 5. SufganiHOT Cover and/or fill your partner’s ass and genitals with strawberry-flavoured lube and eat them out 6. Let’s Gelt it On “Buy” sexual favours of your choosing with gelt as currency 7. Maccabeat It Mutual masturbation while reflecting on the Hanukkah candles 8. Light My Menorah Using the shamash of body-safe (paraffin or soy) Hanukkah candle, the partner bottoming straddles (with or without penetration) the partner topping and drips melting wax on their chest (you can reblog the list by itself here!)

Open Fic Prompt!