#jac is like a real friend to me

[spookymews]

You're at walmart at dawn wandering aimlessly when you see a lesbian emerge from a shadow portal, what do you do???? Half-body flat color com 1/2 for @fourwing of the beloved Jac from our MOTW campaign, thanks for commissioning me!

[rootspiral]

Agatha All Along deep dive: episode 7 part 1

(Wandavision entries: [1][2][3])

(AAA entries: ep1 [1][2][3][4] ep2 [1][2][3][4] ep3 [1][2][3] ep4 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][+1] ep5 [1][2][3][4][5] ep6 [1][2][3] ep7 [1][2][3][4][5][6] ep8 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7])

ah yes, episode 7, a notoriously low stakes one that people are not emotionally invested in whatsoever. a mere 9.1 on IMDB, nothing to write home about.

we start with lilia dying, because life and death are a never ending cycle. and also because the people who made this show are evil

she's like a teardrop. good fucking shot.

meanwhile billy is marching on, puffing his chest, all stone faced. agatha is pretending to be a nice little guy, to make friends.

she's really TRYING, okay?

rio's busy reaping alice's soul, but we don't reveal that until later. and LMAO agatha being all like, I'm gonna be OPEN and HONEST and a good ment- except for that I donwannatalkabouthat

agatha after she babysits a little boy once, scares him shitless and tries to kill his mom: we CLEARLY had a connection there

that poor little dash in the subtitles. fighting for its life to convey the chasm of time she leaves between ex and best friend

LET'S HEAR IT FOR REBECCA WHO RAISED THIS BOY FOR FAR LONGER THAN WANDA OR AGATHA EVER DID

but the unfortunate fact is, wanda still is his mother. or rather, she's the witch who thoughtlessly created him and left a big scar in her wake. he has to deal with all that.

marvel's powers that be: wanda maximoff is definitely dead-dead

jac schaeffer and co. every chance they get: she sure is!!! *big fat kathryn hahn wink at the camera*

if they ever do a 'marvel most iconic line' poll we as a fandom are voting for this one. just to be clear.

I saw some reactors going ooooh it's ho***rts. HOW DARE YOU SIR. that's the wicked witch castle. billy maximoff would never.

I've been asking myself WHY agatha simply doesn't tell billy about the nature of the Road, not even now that everything else is out in the open. the only answer I can come up with is that the Road is real and it's here and deadly, it's not in any way an illusion. and since the Road is linked to billy's emotional state, we dont' want him to go ballistic one he realizes he's been killing witches. agatha has decided she can only soldier through at this point and get herself and billy's home, they can talk about the implications later. yes, she's really scared of what billy can do.

I've also been trying to figure out the moon phases:

Full moon - water phase, blue, Jen.

Waning moon - fire phase, red, Alice.

Blood moon or lunar eclipse (still a full moon): spirit phase, purple, Agatha

Waxing moon: air phase, yellow, Lilia

New moon: earth phase, green, Rio

so we get full moon, waning, full moon again, waxing, new moon. they're completely out of order??

this whole trial is the equivalent of billy calling lilia a slur. no fr it's billy repeatedly beating lilia over the head with a stick and going, reCLAIM IT RECLAIM THE DAMN SLUR YOU WITCH

i find kathryn hahn as the wicked witch of the west alarmingly hot and i don't know what that says about me

billy is like, i effin KNEW I'd look this good. oh god, the Road was just an excuse to cosplay as maleficent all along

i love how these two find themselves alone for five minutes and immediately proceed to BUTCHER a trial. i'm overusing tumblr lingo these days and all, but I still gotta say it: there is one single braincell in this whole coven and lilia has it. it's like leaving two children in charge

a cursory google search tells me the two sphinxes represent light and darkness, you need to learn how to control both for the chariot to move forward

she always is!! sort of. kind of. mostly.

agatha, who's about as spiritual as a q-tip: how hard caN THIS BE

I can totally see her as a con artist counting cards in vegas

somehow I cannot picture evanora homeschooling her. or sending her to school at all, for that matter. you know this bitch is self-taught.

someone with more time than me should totally check if there's any rhyme or reason to the cards these two buffoons drew

I'm gonna end this entry with lilia's eyes again so it's another nice circle. a fun little ouroboros!

damn patti has such big doe eyes

go to episode 7 part 2

[footprintsinthesxnd]

With All My Heart

Summary: Let’s be honest who doesn’t enjoy a fluffy Dick Winters fic. I just can’t help myself. I also went for a header for this fic instead of a moodboard, I’m not entirely sure why but I quite like the aesthetic and i didn’t want to give too much away for the fic. Pairings: Dick Winters x f!reader

Eugene sighed as he watched Y/n gag again, spitting out the remainder of her breakfast in spluttering breaths.

“Y/n, I’m real worried about ya. This ain’t normal, Chérie,” Eugene’s forehead creased as he smoothed the loose strands away from her face. Y/n gave him a weary smile, her eyes watery from the effort. The nausea had come in a sudden wave and she’d just made it outside, out of view when she brought up the contents of her stomach. Luckily, it had been only Eugene passing by otherwise she’d be in real trouble.

“Gene, I’m fine. I promise,” she tried to reassure him but Eugene didn’t look convinced, his handsome features set in a harsh glare, which reminded Y/n of the look he’d given Winters and Welsh in Holland after Moose had been shot.

“You need to tell him sooner or later. I suggest sooner because if what we’re told is true we are bound for the Pacific. I can’t let you jump out of a plane in your condition…”

“Would you keep it down, Gene? I don’t want the whole company to know,” Y/n hissed.

“Or Major Winters apparently,” Eugene added nonchalantly. You always hated it when the Cajun medic was right and he always took great pride in correcting her.

“I’ll tell him Gene, I promise. Just give me some more time would you.” Eugene nodded begrudgingly. She knew he meant well but she was still trying to figure out the situation herself. The last thing she need was for Dick to hear the news from the likes of George Luz or Nixon.

Y/n entered the temporary mess hall shortly after Eugene, having recovered from her early episode and took her seat between Webster and Talbert.

“You’re looking a little green there, Darlin’,” Bull commented from across the table and Floyd reached across to rest his hand against her forehead.

“You’re a little bit warm Y/n. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Floyd asked, which caught the attention of George, Liebgott and Webster who we’re all looking on expectantly.

“I’m fine. I promise,” Y/n tried to reassure them but just at that moment Chuck and Shifty walked by with more plates of food and the nausea began growing in her stomach again. The pair took their seat next to Floyd and Y/n fought the urge to run from the room, digging her fingernails into the wooden table to try and keep herself grounded.

“Y/n, are you okay?” Webster asked, at this point, Y/n realised she must look like she was going to be sick because Webster and Floyd both shuffled to the side a little.

The bile rising in her throat answered that question, “No!” Y/n felt her legs carrying her from the hall, hurrying down the steps and outside before her stomach erupted again and she felt herself choking on her stomach acid. A hand was placed on the small of her back and she tried to shake Eugene off again but he wouldn’t budge.

“Gene, I said I’m fine,” she spun round to face him but was face-to-face with the five officers.

“Y/l/n, are you feeling okay?” Dick asked, trying to keep a straight face but concern was evident in his eyes.

“I…I’m fine… umm Sir,” Y/n felt herself saluting the officers and they all just stared at her in confusion.

“You don’t look fine,” Nixon commented, seemingly amused by watching his friend try and fight the urge to comfort the woman he loved.

“No, you look like shit Y/l/n. Get yourself to see Doc Roe,” Spiers suggested and Y/n nodded.

“I will, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”

The other four officers continued towards the mess hall but Dick stayed outside, watching to make sure they retreated before turning back to Y/n.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” He reached forward to touch her cheek but she flinched away, wiping her mouth in the sleeve of her jacket. “Talk to me, please. You’ve been avoiding me and I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.” Dick looked defeated, his forehead wrinkled and his eyes watched her sadly. Y/n hadn’t realised the effect her disappearing acts had on the Major. He was hurt.

“You haven’t don’t anything wrong, Dick,” she began but the tears were already beginning to trickle down her cheeks and she could no longer contain the choked sob that spilled from her lips.

“It’s all my fault,” she wailed, balling her hands into fists to cover her face. Dick was by her side in an instant, his arms wrapping securely around her frame.

“Whatever it is, we'll get through it together. You never have to hide from me,” he whispered into her hair but this only allowed for more tears to form in her eyes.

“No, you’re going to hate me,” she blubbered and Dick smiled at her softly, the corners of his lips turning upwards as he fought back a grin.

“I could never hate you. I love you, never forget that.”

Dick placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her into the main house and up to his office, his hand never leaving her back and just that comforting touch helped to dull the emotions slightly. Once inside Dick’s office, he guided her to a chair and sat her down, kneeling before her, he placed a kiss on the palm of her right hand.

“So what is it? What’s wrong? Are you sick? Have you seen Doc Roe?” Dick’s questions came in a flood and Y/n barely had time to process them.

“I’m sorry,” Dick apologised, realising he was rambling like a madman. “Take your time.”

“Oh Dick, why are you so perfect?” Y/n asked, running her fingers through his red locks, as Dick blushed the colour of his hair.

“I’m pregnant,” she blurted out, no longer able to hold back the secret she’d been keeping for months. Dick’s face was every shade of grey before he finally spoke, “But how? When? How long have you known.”

“Well, I think you should know how Major. You know that night in Haguenau when we umm… on the desk and umm… and Captain Nixon walked in and…well you get the idea. I’ve known for about two months

“Two months! You mean you knew all this time and you didn’t tell me,” Dick's face was creased with lines of worry, hurt shining in his eyes and Y/n could feel the nausea growing in the pit of her stomach again.

“Dick, I’m so sorry. I was just scared that you’d hate me a-and you’d hate this baby… I’m so sorry,” Y/n could no longer control the floodgates that burst forth under Dick's hurt gaze but his eyes soon softened. Y/n could feel him pulling her towards him, his large hand pressed against the small of her back as he whispered, “I could never hate you, Y/n. I love you.”

Y/n froze in his arms, pulling away from the Major to look at him, “You mean that. You mean that, you’re not just saying it because of the situation.”

“No Y/n,” Dick replied earnestly. “I should have told you sooner. For Pete’s sake, I should have told you every day since Toccoa because I’ve loved you every day since Toccoa.”

Dick’s smile was infectious and soon the couple were laughing in each other's arms. “As for this little one,” Dick placed his hand gently against her slightly rounded stomach, “well I already love them with all my heart.”

“Oh Dick, I love you so much,” Y/n leaned forward, sealing her lips to Dick’s, as her hand found its way to card through his hair.

“Hey Dick, did you see… oh for Christ Sake will you two just get a Goddamn room.” Lewis Nixon’s exasperated voice rang out through the otherwise quiet room, his booming personality pulling the couple apart quickly.

“Lew, if you hadn’t noticed we keep getting a room and you keep barging in,” Dick retorted, straightening his uniform shirt as he spoke.

“Toché,” Lewis replied, waving his hand at them, “Carry on.”

Dick smiled at Y/n as Lewis slammed the door loudly behind him. “Right, where were we?”

“I don’t know,” Y/n replied, grinning mischievously, “But I recall that last time there was a desk involved.”

“Oh really,” Dick grinned back at her, “Well maybe I could refresh your memory.”

Tags: @georgieluz @iceman-kazansky @yeahcurrahhe-e @lieutenant-speirs @sharpshootershifty @liberteuniteegalite @msmercury84 @blvestxr @dustyjumpwjngs @theflyingfin @jump-wings @kafka-ohdear @kmc1989 @mads-weasley @docroesmorphine @historyisfullofwars @sweetxvanixlla @hesbuckcompton-baby @ronsparky @mutantmanifesto @malarkgirlypop @bucky32557038ww2 @panzershrike-pretz @whollyjoly

[ghostofaboy]

Day Five - Kinktober 2024

Day 5: Body Swap / Fisting / Sexual Frustration Jack Daniels/M!OC Rating: Explicit | Word Count: 1102 Warnings: Mentions of oral sex, mentions of anal sex, rimming, mentions of group sex, fisting, Jack is his own warning

Ghost of a Boy Kinktober Prompt List | Kinktober '24 Masterlist

This is not how Jack thought his day would go, yet here he was ass up, face down in the private suite of the hot young thing he’d been sent to tail. Technically he was still doing his assignment. There was no way the young man, James, could run off and commit crimes while he was dutifully eating Jack’s ass. And as he felt the younger man’s tongue dance around his rim, a pair of strong hands kneading his ass cheeks, Jack felt like this was one of the better assignments he’d had in a while.

They’d already fucked. All day yesterday had been spent riding thick twenty-two-year-old cock leaving Jack walking funny enough for James to laugh, calling him a real cowboy. All morning had been spent doing more of the same, with James adding dildos and beads into the mix to make Jack’s ass feel more used than it had in years. In a good way of course. And while they showered together, and James took Jack to the back of his throat, the subject of really pushing Jack’s limits had come up.

It had been a long time since Jack had been fisted, but as soon as he bought it up James was eager. Over lunch he excitedly told Jack all about his fuck buddy, and how deep they’d been able to fist each other one night together. And just like that, the afternoon’s activity was decided on.

A shiver ran through Jack, as the warm hands and mouth of James disappeared from his rear. Peering over his shoulder, Jack could see the young blond gathering and arranging all the tools he’d need for their fun. 

“Just remember to take it a little easy on me.” Jack chuckled, catching James’ eye. “‘m not as young as I was.”

“Bullshit.” James laughed, easing the first lubricated finger into Jack. “You can’t ride cock for six hours straight and claim you’re not as young as you were. Jesus Jack, what were you like when you were my age?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Jack winked, arching his back and moaning as James added a second finger with no resistance. 

“I bet you have some great stories.” James purred, one hand stoking down Jack’s thigh as a third finger joined the fun. “What’s the most amount of men you’ve fuck in one night?”

“Straight out with the important questions.” Jack's laugh turned into a moan as James began to pump his digits in and out of Jack’s needy hole. Jack let the room fill with the lewd wet sounds of his ass being worked open while he pondered his answer. “Around fifteen I think.”

“Fifteen!” James’ fingers stopped for a second. “You’re kidding me. You fucked fifteen guys in one night?”

“Well, technically it was durin’ the day. And it was- Ooooh fuck.” Jack groaned, involuntarily rising from the mattress as he felt the fourth finger finally breach his rim. A firm hand on his back, pushed him back down onto the bed as he began to squirm. 

“You ok?”

“Yeah.” Jack panted as James resumed fingering Jack open. “Yeah, I’m ok. Where was I?”

“Fifteen guys in a day.”

“Right, right.” Jack tried to gather his thoughts as the thick fog of arousal filled his senses. He could feel his pulse through each throb of his untouched cock as James stretched his hole with slow deliberate pumps of his fingers. Occasionally he would pause to add more lube, but that only added to Jack’s anticipation and lust, building the fire inside him.

“Well, it was an orgy you see. I got an… oh shit… I got an invitation from a friend and well, you can’t turn down an invite to an orgy.” Jack tried to focus on his breathing and the story. “There were way more than fifteen… shit… fifteen guys there. But I reckon I took at least that many in my ass and mouth throughout the day.”

“Thumb going in now.” James gently tapped his leg. Jack nodded.

“That day was the first time I… ohhh, fuck, fuck…” Jack’s jaw dropped open with the delicious stretch as James carefully tucked his thumb in and eased his entire hand into Jack’s gaping entrance. “Fuck, I’d forgot how good this fuckin’ feels.”

“You doing good?”

“So fuckin’ good.” Jack let out a wanton moan as James pulled his fist almost completely out of his ass, feeling the ring of muscle at his entrance yawn open, before closing tightly around the young man’s wrist once more.

“You think you can come like this?” James gave Jack’s balls a quick lick, sending jolts of electricity through his body.

“Yeah.” Jack shifted his knees further apart, stars dancing in front of his eyes. “If you keep it nice and steady and milk me.”

“Fuck yeah.” Jack could hear the grin in James’ voice and the younger man began to methodically and sensually rock his fist in and out of Jack. His other hand soon began to work in tandem, gripping his aching, dripping cock and pulling down in an almost massage. 

“You gonna finish that story about the orgy?” James cooed, as he tenderly brought Jack closer and closer to the edge. But Jack couldn’t think.

All Jack knew anymore was the thrum of arousal, that pushed all thoughts out of his head and replaced them with need and desire. All he could do was listen to his own whines and the filthy sound of his sloppy, gaping hole each time James plunged his hand deep inside him. 

With a loud cry, Jack felt himself shatter, as the tension finally snapped. Shockwaves ripped through him as the hardest climax he’d had in years crashed over his body. The world melted away, as Jack emptied himself onto James’ hand and the bed, before reforming slowly. Jack slumped down onto the damp mattress, boneless and exhausted, James still locked in place at the wrist. 

Carefully, James eased his hand out of Jack’s use hole, pulling a whimper from the agent. Behind him, Jack could hear and feel the younger man starting to clean up. Wiping lube and cum from his body, shifting bottles and towels off to the side. Finally, the warm hot, and still very erect body of James draped itself over Jack’s trembling form. 

“Water?”

“Please.” Jack nodded, gratefully accepting the bottle as it was handed to him. “Give me just a minute and I’ll see to you. A gentleman doesn’t leave someone hard and wantin’.”

Peppering his cheek with kisses, James huffed out a soft laugh. “Good, cos it’s my turn next cowboy.”

[harlowtales]

Jack has a clever way to get you back after a breakup while on his NPLH tour 💔

18 plus - adult themes, drama, romance

You got a frantic text from Jack the day before the first stop on his No Place Like Home Kentucky State Tour. “Need you ASAP!” The message read

You were busy at work but texted back right away. You and Jack were on a break. It got a bit messy with you refusing to move in with him. It just wasn’t working out and you needed space, but you couldn’t resist seeing if something was wrong. You were still in love with him. Jack was always so proud of you and how you were independent and did your own thing. Maybe too independent for his liking. He didn’t mean to seem like your career didn’t matter when he wanted you to quit your job and move in with him.

“I’m in a meeting. Are U ok?” You replied under the boardroom table.

“Can you please come out to Owensboro? I don’t trust anyone else with fluffy.” He answered

“You need a dog sitter??” You texted back in disbelief

“Um sort of.” He replied

“Can one of your little cousins do that?” You texted

“I’d be too nervous unless it’s you.” He answered

“Um my job??” You texted back

“I’ll work it out.” He said

“…and us?” You said

“No funny shit. I swear on the Cardinals.” He answered

You hesitated and didn’t want to say yes right away. Going on Jack’s mini-tour and spending time with the puppy you got together as a trial run for kids would be special, but maybe too much emotionally. Jack had some answering and apologizing to do for girls he said were friends. Friends for him sure, but he refused to see they were trying to break you up. With a couple of them in the new music video, you saw that Jack wasn’t changing his mind. To him friends were friends for life. You decided to gave him an ultimatum.

“Ok, I’ll do it but it’s them or me, take it or leave it. I ain’t staying on a tour bus with them.” You said expecting him to say never mind.

“Done. I’ll have a car get you. Get here ASAP please.” He said.

“I’ll need to talk to my boss first. Some of us are regular folks remember?” You messaged

“Your choice.” He texted back salty

“Be nice Jackman or it’s NO.” You said

“Fine. Just get here…I miss you.” He said

You left him hanging for a while and waited for your boss to say yes.

Jack texted “???”

“He hasn’t said yes yet.” You said

Suddenly Jack called you. “He ain’t gone say yes.” He said right away.

“Hello Jackman.” You said cooly

“Y/n I can’t be kept waiting. It’s yes or fucking no.” Jack said impatiently

“I’m not the one today Jack.” You said and hung up

He called back but you let it go to VM. Then Urban called you. “Y/N whussup.” He greeted “I miss you kid.”

“I…I miss you too Urb.” You said choking up a bit.

“Please come. He’s snippy and not himself.” Urban begged

“Sorry he’s too much. Asking me to dog sit is insulting. I have a real job.” You retorted angrily “I miss our girl, but not like this. I’m not at his beck and call.”

“Stop pretending you don’t want to be here.” Urban said bluntly “We genuinely need supervision for puppers. You report to me, we’ll pay you. If he gets on your nerves tell me. You can be my assistant or Neelam’s. I know you tryna climb that corporate ladder, no matter what he says or if you decide to go home, I’ll always be a good reference on your resume. It’s just a job.”

“Ok how much?” You said firmly

“Y/N come on don’t bust my balls.” Urban said wearily “He made me call, I’m in a tough spot.”

“Fine, but I’m not doing this for free.” You said abrasively. Already Jack was rubbing you the wrong way. He was such a control freak and so many girls would just do whatever he says.

“Ok!! That’s not a no! Ismail will come get you.” Urban said.

“Whoah boss man hasn’t said yes yet.” You said cautiously

“What’s his number?” Urban said ready to put it in his phone.

“I’ll give you his email.” You said not wanting your boss to get a call out of the blue.

“Gee don’t do email.” Urban said seriously

You paused. Jack wasn’t fucking around. You were going. You proceeded to give Urban the number. Within 10 mins your boss texted you to take all the time you needed.

“I can’t fucking stand him!!” You huffed as you packed up your laptop to leave right away. You got instructions to not go home to pack. Jack didn’t want any chance you wouldn’t come. You looked out the window and a black suv was already waiting outside.

“This is kidnapping you know!” You said exasperated

“Tell it to the judge y/n.” Ismail said rolling his eyes

“You should do Uber. That was fast.” You said sarcastically

Jack had already warned everyone you wouldn’t be happy. They just took it in stride. Everyone knew you had a bad temper and didn’t take kindly to Jack thinking he had you wrapped around his finger like everyone knew he did. The drive out of town to Owensboro was beautiful. Jack was set to perform the next day. Ismail made no attempt to make conversation. Jack had sent his best for this mission. You were smart and could talk your way into or out of anything. Ismail couldn’t be swayed to let you off the hook.

“You don’t have to do everything he says you know.” You said trying to wear Ismail down or at least regret that he was stuck in a car with you for hours.

“You want me to pull over and wait for you to get a better attitude?” Ismail said with a straight face.

You folded your arms and looked out the window watching farms and rolling hills pass by. “Y’all are either a match made in heaven or hell…or both.” He said looking at the road ahead.

You said nothing but Ismail saw a little smile creep up on your face. “We’re done so…” you said still looking outside

“My man ain’t done. He’s just letting you think the ball’s in your court. He didn’t bargain for you being such a hard ass. He’s always had a pretty easy time with most women. He thought you were easy going.” Ismail said

“This is a pointless conversation! There’s no balls in any court! I’m done with his balls!” You shouted “Take me back because this is already some bullshit.” You fumed.

“Ok geezus.” Ismail said “chill.” Shortly you pulled up to Jack’s hotel in Owensboro. He was outside letting the puppy go to the bathroom. He couldn’t help grinning from ear to ear when he saw you.

“Wipe that grin off your face.” You said to Jack. “Hello sweetheart!!!” You said to the puppy as she jumped up on you and clearly remembered you. You picked her up and nuzzled your nose in her soft curly fur.

“Ah hum” Jack said clearing his throat holding his arms open for a hug. He had to try.

“Hi Jack. I’m sorry I was rude but you didn’t give me a chance to say no. Like Gee scaring the shit out of boss? Really?” You said

“That’s the point Duh.” Jack said rolling his eyes light heartedly, sticking his tongue out, and doing his famous fake gun to his head with his fingers. He was so damn charming. “Go see your room and we’ll go for a walk.”

You headed into the hotel and opened the door to your room in shock. Boxes of clothes and shoes were waiting for you with a thank you note and some flowers on a desk with a brand new laptop. Jack knew you needed a new one but wouldn’t ask. The card said “May all your dreams come true.” On the desk was a framed picture of when you and Jack picked up the puppy. Urban took the photo. That was the last straw. You broke down crying.

“Babe?” Jack said knocking at the door. “You coming to walk pups?” It was so natural for him to call you babe.

“Um yeah, I’ll take her for a walk. I mean that’s why I’m here right?” You said your eyes watery as you let him in.

“No I mean we’ll all go for a walk….together” Jack said

“Thank you Jack…the laptop. Thank you so much, and this picture….” You said teary eyed. You flung your arms around his neck.

“Whoah that’s all it took was a laptop?” He joked, turning red from all the love he had for you flooding to the surface.

“It’s not that, it’s you supporting my dreams.” You said wiping your eyes. “That’s all I needed, and for you to see people for what they are. You made me feel like I was lying on your friends.”

“Y/n you can be very stubborn. The girls like you, they were just teasing you because they felt like you were cool. We rib each other, that’s how you know you’re in. I’m not interested in any of them.” He said embracing you now. “As for what you want to do in life…I should’ve been more supportive.”

“I feel so stupid.” You said enjoying every whiff of his cologne and resting your head on his chest.

“It’s my fault.” Jack said “My world is a lot. There’s lots of pretty girls but you…I can’t shake if I tried.” He said tilting up your chin kissing you deeply. Just then the puppy peed on the carpet.

“Ah geez!!” Jack exclaimed picking her up and scolding her.

“Give her to me” You said giggling “wanna go for a walksies??” You said rubbing noses with her.

“Can I come?” Jack pipped up

“What do you think can he come with us?” You asked the little fluff ball and she barked in agreement.

“You staying the tour?” Jack asked nervously anticipating your answer

“I think I can be persuaded.” You said

That evening you and Jack parted ways. He was a perfect gentleman heading to his room and texted you “Good night” with a heart ❤️.

The next morning room service knocked on your door. You opened it to a whole selection of homestyle Owensboro breakfasts and your choice of tea, coffee, or orange juice. The server wheeled in a silver cart of all your choices with a warm smile.

“Are you coming to eat some of this?? You texted Jack

“I’m at the gym and headed to rehearsal.” He replied “Enjoy.”

“I guess we’ll see daddy later.” You said to lil pups as you ruffled her fur, but you caught yourself. “Don’t get sucked back in.” You said to yourself “Yesterday was just a weak moment.”

You got to the venue just in time to be ushered back stage with puppers. Jack had been prepping all day for the show so you hadn’t seen him since the night before. He was sweet and texted you periodically and FaceTimed when he got a chance. It felt weird to have so much contact with him again.

You heard the crowd scream as Jack came up on stage through the floor. You were a fan and fanned out like any girl in the audience. Before his last song he said “Can we dim the lights please. I want y’all to meet someone real special to me.”

You were playing with the puppy and heard Jack say “I fucked up and I want y’all to help me out. I want everyone in this bitch to light up your phones. “Y/n where you at?”

You froze and held on tightly to the puppy as you walked like a deer caught in headlights to the stage. You were shaking. Jack put his arm around you as you faced the crowd terrified. “Fellas, if you’re here with your lady don’t be a dumb ass like me. Hold her tight cuz when she’s gone you gone regret it.” Everyone cheered and you started to tear up. Jack motioned for something from off stage and a long jewellery box was handed to him.

“Y/n I been so foolish. I need you back in my life. Please take this and come back to me.” Jack opened the box and a beautiful key pendant on a diamond encrusted chain gleamed in the dimly lit auditorium. “Take this key to my heart.”

You nodded yes and speechless covering your mouth to keep from ugly crying. The puppy let out a bark and every one said “Awwww” all at once.

Jack put the necklace around you neck to everyone whistling and cheering and started to perform his last song while you and the puppy were escorted off stage.

When he entered the green room you stood up. “Jack I…” you started to say

“Y/n, I have something else for you.” He reached in his pocket and produced a real key on a pink diamond keychain. “This is for you. Please I’m fucking begging you. I can’t look after this puppy by myself!”

“Jackman Thomas Harlow what am I going to do with you?” You said kissing him on your tip toes.

“Well if I’m off gentlemen duty I can think of a few things.” He whispered in your ear in his smooth low southern drawl. Your private space fluttered.

“Um ok…” you said blushing and looking down. Jack still gave you butterflies.

“Don’t get all shy and sweet cuz it’s gone go down right here right now.” Jack said lustfully, pressing up against you so you could feel his size.

The rest of the tour continued with you and pups watching Jack from back stage every night, but you couldn’t wait to get back to Louisville and use your shiny new key.

@jacks-daycare @ride4harlow @itsyagirljaz

[cas-skz]

FIREWORKS

Your mom decides to throw a New Years Eve party, and eagerly introduces you to her friends son. You and Changbin pop off into a new year and a new friendship.

18+ MDNI!!! plz&thnx

WARNINGS/SUMMARY: *Michael Scott voice* SEX, unprotected sex (wrap ya dingaling) oral (m to f), big peen probs (momentarily), basically kinda cute fluff into the naughty yanno

yapyapyap sorry if the spacing is weird on this, I’m on my phone posting rn but will fix later. real question I have some real wild stuff in my drafts and if u dare me I’ll post it ok. Also Jac didn’t proof read so expect errrors in grammar and spelling ok thanku

cas xx

“Mooooom, why the help would you invite him?! You exclaimed dramatically as your fingers curled a slice of meat for the charcuterie board you were working on. “Hey, his mother is a good friend of mine and you said it yourself you find him attractive.” She laughed, moving around the kitchen area setting things up for your New Years Eve party. It was the first time you’d been home for the holidays in almost 3 years, and your mom had been raving on about her friends son for at least 1.5 of them. People started arriving around 9:30pm, but you were still hid out in your room touching up your makeup. Since it wasn’t a giant party, you decided to dress casually cute and do simple make up.

“Y/N!! Can you come down, please?” You heard your mom yell. A soft groan passed through your lips as you shoved your Ugg’s on, checking yourself once over in the mirror. Your sweater was far too baggy, but it was a vintage plaid and looked really cute with your black leggings. You skipped down the stairs, a small smile in your lips as your mom stood at the bottom, accompanied by a friend and her son. Giving a small wave, you stopped at the bottom of the stairs as your mom did introductions. “And Y/N, this is Changbin. Evelyn’s son I was telling you about.” You couldn’t help but laugh when your mom gave him a nudge, “You’re so embarrassing sometimes.” You smiled, rolling your eyes jokingly. She had always been like this, and you learned to accept it finally.

Around 10:30 the party was in full swing, mainly your parents friends mingling and chatting in the kitchen, while your little brother had a group of friends gaming in the basement. You had taken to the living room with your glass of wine, watching Dick Clark’s Rockin New Years Eve on tv. “Can I get you a refill?” You heard a male ask, turning slightly to see Changbin with a fresh bottle of wine and a glass in hand. “Please and thank you.” You smile, holding your glass up for him to pour into. He joined you in the couch, and your eyes gazed over him for a long moment. You’d only seen him in pictures but in person, he was way more attractive than you expected. Before he catch you looking, your eyes shot to the tv as Miley Cyrus came on. “She looks so different now.” You commented, taking a long sip of wine as you felt your face turn red.

After chatting for a bit and letting the wine settle in, you and Changbin joined the parents in the kitchen as New Years approached. Your dad had forced you into a game of flip cup, pinning you against Changbin, who you easily beat. He threw you a little smirk, “I’ll get you next time.”

The players had switched, and you stood in the kitchen looking out into the house as the group cheered each other on. Your hand gripped the wine glass, taking a sip as you noticed Changbin starting to walk towards you. “IT’S ALMOST MIDNIGHT.” You heard your brother scream as he and he friends came running up the stairs. “He- HEY, watch yourself dork!” You yelled at your brother as he knocked past you, pushing you directly into Changbin’s large and firm chest. His arms wrapped around you, as the rest of the teens ran by, before he looked down at you. “All good?” He chuckled. You nod, fixing your hair a bit and regaining yourself, laughing shyly as you patted Changbin on the chest. “Yes. Just remind me to trip him or something later.” You laughed.

“Oh, look who’s under the mistletoe.” Your mom said from the dining room, as a wave of giggling started between her and Changbin’s mom. Your eyes glanced up, confirming it was in fact above your heads. Changbin’s hands were rested on your hips, and he gave you a small squeeze before a shy chuckle escaped his lips. “Do- uh. Should we?” He stumbled over his words, which made you blush. “Yes we should.” You say, leaning up on your tippy toes as he leaned down for his lips to meet yours. The butterflies it gave you were unexpected, but the alcohol in your system had you craving for more.

You pulled away once the whole house burst into cheers, shyly hiding yourself in your hands. Thankfully, the count down to New Years took the attention away from the two of you. Turning your attention back to Changbin, his hands squeezed your sides once again, this time pulling you a little closer to him. You didn’t mind, and let your hand rest against his chest. “New years kiss?” He asked, a small smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

The countdown from 10 has started in the background, and you slowly nodded as one of his hands moved up your body to cup your cheek. As the clock struck midnight, his lips met yours, kissing you deeply. Your stomach did flips as you kissed back, leaning into him slightly. The alcohol was definitely having an effect on you and you weren’t sure if Changbin was feeling the same or just had plans of his own. With everyone distracted, and your little make out session quickly heating up. His lips were addicting in a way. How they moved against yours, how perfectly soft they were.

You broke the kiss, but kept yourself close so he could hear you over the crowd. “Do you wanna get some air?” You question, biting your lip gently. Changbin nods, taking your hand and quickly heading towards the backdoor. You took one last glance inside, thanking god no one had spotted you slipping out. You pointed him towards the pool house, which your parents had turned into a tiny hang out for your brother to smoke in.

Fireworks has started in the front of the house while you and Changbin quickly entered the hangout, locking the door behind you. Changbin was quick to pin you against the door, his lips finding yours again, rougher and sloppier kisses being shared. His hand found its way under your sweater, resting on your ribs for a moment as his lips moved to your neck. He placed a few gentle kisses, nipping at your skin before speaking into your ear. “Do you want to do this? I just want to make sure we’re both consenting.”

You lifted his head to look into his eyes before placing another deep kiss on his lips. “You have no idea how hot it is when a guy asks first.” You smiled. “Gotta be a gentlemen, even when you’re drunk.” He laughed, returning his lips to yours as his hand worked to unclasp your bra. His hand moved back to your breast, cupping it as his fingers twisted and played with your nipple. You ran your hand over the bulge in his pants before tugging his belt off, working your fingers to undo the buttons and zipper.

Changbin’s arms quickly swooped you up, wrapping your legs around his waist. You tossed your sweater and bra aside, which sent a small shiver up your spine. Changbin carried you over to the couch, laying you down as he hovered over you. “I feel like a teenager.” You giggled, finger tips running along his muscular chest, down along his abs. “Sneaking around behind our parents backs.” Your fingers worked backed to his pants, pulling his lower half closer to yours. “We’re never telling our moms about this, right?” He questioned. You couldn’t help but laugh, using a finger to motion for him to come closer. You softly pressed your lips to his, “never”

Your fingers tangled into Chanhbin’s curls are his tongue slid quickly along your clit, “You taste so fucking good.” He moaned against you, sliding a single finger into your entrance. A small gasp escaped your lips when his finger started to move slowly, “Fuck-feels so good.” You moaned, your head falling back. A second finger slipped inside you as his lips met your jaw line, working their way up your neck before finding your lips. Changbin’s kisses had softened, each one sending tingles down your spine. His fingers slowly slid out and be brought them up to your mouth, pressing them gently into your lips before you sucked them slowly.

The tip of his cock pushed slowly at your entrance, teasing away but also trying to fit his size. “Might be a little too big.” He half laughed, biting his lip gently as he tried to push in. “I can handle it.” You whisper, your fingers moving to rub slow circles onto your clit. Using his thumb to guide his cock, he slowly pushed inside you, barely able to use his full length. You both moaned in unison as he slowly thrusted, each one allowing him to push deeper inside. “I’m gonna cum” you moan, letting your fingers settled as your walls started to contract. Changbin’s hips started to rock faster as you climaxed, your thighs gripping onto him as your body twitched. You pulled him close, kissing his lips roughly as you felt your body relax slightly, allowing Changbin’s thrusts to bottom out. Your walls were clenched tight around his cock, every stoke hitting perfectly.

Changbin quickly pulled out, gently taking you by the wrists to pull you gently off the couch, where he took a seat. You bent down quickly, your hand moving slowly around his shaft as your lips found the lip, placing kisses upon the bright pink tip. You sucked softly, just taking the tip into your mouth as your hand moved slowly. You placed kisses along his length before making back up and straddling his waist, using your hand to guide his cock to your entrance. You slowly eased yourself onto him, letting your hand rest on his firm abs as you slowly rode his cock, quiet curses escaping his lips as his hand slapped gently against your ass. The second round of fireworks started to ring out as your hips moved faster, wetness dripping down as you hid your face in his neck, unable to control your moans.

Changbin’s lips sucked at your neck as your legs started to shake, another climax hitting. You let your body rest on his lap, moving your lips back to his as your walls continued to contracts against his cock. “You feel so good.” He moaned, “I don’t think I’ll last much longer.” He laughed, pecking his lips into yours. His hands moved to your hips, grinding your them down into his. It didn’t take long before you came again, your walls tightening around his cock.

Your lips moved to his neck, sucking hungrily at his skin, “please cum for me.” You moaned in his ear as your hips picked up speed a bit. You leaned back a bit, looking at Changbin as you rode, smiling drunkenly at him as his hands ran over your body. He cursed quietly as his head rested on the back of the couch.

Your hands rested on both sides of his neck, pulling his head back so you could see him. His cock started to twitch inside you as his hands grabbed your hips, slamming you down onto him as his load shot deeply into you. Changbin pulled your lips to his, kissing you deeply as his hips bucked into yours before settling. You let you head fall onto his shoulder, trying to calm your breathing. “What are the odds we can sneak back to my place?” Changbin questioned with a smirk.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

___

196. The Alien by K.A. Applegate--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such an interesting perspective! I wasn't expecting it a few books back and was curious how Applegate would tackle it, especially since we know so little about the character. It definitely added a new pov to the story and I'm excited to see how they are represented in the future after more time has passed and more character development has happened!

I can't say too much because spoilers. But I am genuinely enjoying this series and can't wait to get to the next one!

___

197. The Grip Of It by Jac Jemc--⭐️⭐️

If there is one thing this confusing and jarring book did really well, it is the representation of what it might be like to slowly fall into madness. The way the characters worked off each other in their madness and the way the dialogue and chapters worked together to create a choppy and disorienting dialogue was genius.

What wasn't so genius was how confused I was most of the time. There are so many unanswered questions and the story is full of confusing moments. I know that Horror can sometimes truly be a hit or miss and that one person's horror won't be another, but this is the kind of horror that should probably be read more than once to fully grasp just what the hell is actually happening.

I will say that while the structure of the story definitely works in creating the mood of the story, listening to the audiobook was an interesting and frustrating experience. The chapters would end rather abruptly and would often leave me wondering what had just happened.

Overall, this book was everything I was expecting, but also underwhelming in its over-all presentation. It was wild and so brain twisting. I don't know if I'd recommend it, but if I did, I'd recommend reading it slowly and maybe more than once LOL.

___

198. The Island by Adrian McKinty--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE ISLAND was both exactly what I was hoping it would be and still completely different than what I was expecting. I knew it was going to be a ride, but I wasn't prepared for the level of wildness that this book would adopt.

Imagine that you're on vacation with your new husband and his children, shortly after those kids' biological mother has passed away. You're in a country you know close to nothing about (Australia) and being the tourists who should be featured in a horror film, you find yourselves on a small, private island being chased by a trigger happy and aggrieved family. What ensues is something straight out of Hollywood.

I saw this as a cautionary tale for "actions have consequences" and while yes, the consequences here are dire, we have to admit that the catalyst for this was heartbreaking. I think McKinty does a good job of showcasing the dangers of grief and the magic of morally grey characters. Let's be real, the MC and her husband are no saints. They do a pretty twisted thing in order to save their asses and while yes, I was rooting for them and the kids, a corner of my mind couldn't forget the awfulness of their choices.

If you're a parent, this might be a little bit of a rougher read since it does include younger kids in dangerous situations. We get to see an MC who grows as a character in order to make sure these kids survive, but I know some parents, especially those who have younger kids, might have a harder time with stories like this one. Keeping that warning in mind, there were some pretty badass moments, but also some very human ones, as well.

I really enjoyed this and I'm glad I finally picked it up!

___

199. Aesthetica by Allie Rowbottom--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

AESTHETICA was a lot and to be honest, I think that's necessary in the world we live in. So many young people obsessed with social media and their appearance on those apps are incredibly impressionable. What can help them be more famous? What can make them look more beautiful? The exploration of beauty standards and how they affect a young woman, in particular, and those around her can be relatable to at least one reader.

I think that Rowbottom's book is also a great look into generational trauma because of how the MC's mother raised her and how she herself had a level of dislike towards her mom that is a whole other side to this book. While we have the clear main story of the MC regretting the choices she made and dealing with that trauma, we also have her disentangling her love/hate relationship for her ill mother.

AESTHETICA was brought to my attention by an article presenting it as a horror story. In some ways, I can understand that. There is a certain kind of horror behind the trauma of selling yourself in the name of success. There is definitely a particular kind of horror in wanting to face all of the trauma you've faced, to the point where you're set on undoing everything that is the physical proof of that trauma.

Though this is a relatively short book, I think it carries a lot of weight. We see the power of social media and a naive mentality. We see the dangers of those who present themselves in a certain way. And we see the sometimes incredibly complex relationships between mothers and daughters and how deeply entwined these relationships and our own self worth can be. Also, a brief mention on the power of childhood friendships and how they can scar us if they end too soon, or shift in any way that is beyond our control.

I'd recommend this if you want a bit of an acid trip of an exploration into the above mentioned topics.

___

200. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RE-READ: September 2023:

My library got the audiobook version, so of course I HAD to put a hold on it. I was a little scared I wouldn't love this book as much as I did the first time around, but I'm happy to say that I DID! ICEBREAKER is still one of my favourite romances, if only because of the level of communication between the characters. I also forgot how spicy and full of sexual tension this book was.

Overall, super happy I re-read this. Maybe it'll be a yearly re-read. 😌

___

201. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham--⭐️⭐️⭐️

There's something interesting about an older man writing a young kid--especially when his MC mentions in the book that at 13 years old, boys don't even notice girls and actively try to stay away from them. LOL. I actually laughed at that because I was thirteen over twenty years ago and I distinctly remember that not being the case. I just thought that was hilarious and felt super disconnected. Not that I want a romance story in a middle grade book, but just...let's be real. And I mention this first because it happens pretty early on.

Anyway, the MC was a pretty cool kid--he knows everyone and even has a little side gig where he gives advice to his classmates. His smart take on the current case and his enthusiasm jumps off the page. I'm not sure how I will feel about the rest of the series, but we will see!

___

202. Misery by Stephen King--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I went into MISERY knowing that it's a fan favourite. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was a bit let-down. I think that while I did enjoy some aspects of this book and was genuinely freaked out at times, this kind of fell into the same category of THE SHINING for me. When I read THE SHINING, it was incredibly hyped up and even though it DID have a terrifying take on the fall of madness, it was otherwise meh for me.

One of the best things that King does with his writing (or at least back them) was his creation of madness in a character. He somehow knows how to take the most terrifying characteristics of humanity and integrates them really well into his characters. The brutality of this villain was something else, especially when we actively see her professing her love for the MC and then causing him bodily harm.

I think one of the downfalls for me in my reading experience of this was listening to the audiobook. It was disjointed and confused the hell out of me. Maybe physically reading it would have been a wholly different experience, but the disorientation of the audiobook could have either freaked me out or confused me and sadly, it was the latter.

Not my favourite King novel, but I can see why so many love it. Will continue on my reading journey with King's books.

___

203. Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Phew, this book was weird and wild and hooked me right from the beginning.

Huang explores so many topics in her skin crawling novel: Racism, social perception of beauty, the addiction the wealthy sometimes have when it comes to "self-care", unexplored sexuality, envy, and SA in the most unusual of ways but could also be an allusion to how the rich can sometimes use money when it comes to getting away with sexual crimes.

I never expected body horror when I picked up NATURAL BEAUTY, but here we are. I remember when that started to show up in the narrative, along with the changing physical body of the MC, I paused what I was doing (while listening to the audiobook) and became even more enthralled. This was such a creepy and genius exploration of societal expectations and the things people will sometimes do to be either "different" or "like everyone else".

There's also an interesting sub-story about the MC's experiences as a child musical prodigy and how that definitely played into her malleability as a victim for the people who would eventually take advantage of her. It definitely played into the stereotypes society has about young Asian children when it comes to classical music.

And somewhere along the way, as the MC is evolving (both metaphorically AND physically), she starts to discovery a side to her sexuality never fully explored. During these scenes, it truly reminded me of the "will they/won't they" that usually accompanies blossoming sexuality--the "I want this, but do I really? But should I? Do THEY want to?" narrative that usually flashes through our minds when we're right on the verge of making that exploration.

Anyway, I'm just rambling now. I really enjoyed this, much more than I thought I would because this book was WEIRD. Like, mind-bending weird. And if it was ever made into a movie, I'd be watching it with the biggest side-eye.

___

Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts!

___

Happy reading!

[jack-kellys]

omg omg javid (im gunning for hurt davey (typical) but either is fine)

"Don't look at them, look at me."

OR

“How long did you think you could hide that?”

- @we-are-inevitable ✨

give me a prompt and i'll write something!!

hiya jac <3 this is a bit long winded but I got there

~~~

Davey had gone back to school. And that was fine.

Jack felt that ‘fine’ was a good word for it. He sold on the weekends still, and so did Les sometimes. Jack would see them after school during the week to catch up, bring them to the lodge or around the city to see their other friends, since Jack certainly wasn’t Davey’s only friend and neither was he Les’s sole role model (for better or for worse). The best and worst trips were to Brooklyn, when they’d get to spend all that time walking and talking and laughing, absorbed in each other, only for Spot to just as easily enrapture both Jacobs brothers the moment she came into view on the other side of the bridge. Jack was shiny and flimsy compared to the layers of rock the two had to dig through to learn new things about Spot, he knew that, so he’d add his two cents and wait around for the walk back to Manhattan.

When they did go over to Spot’s, she’d give Jack this look. She’d tilt her head, narrow her eyes, asking something that Jack couldn’t decode. Race would do it too, which was mildly infuriating, but when Crutchie ever did it, it made Jack feel like a fool, like he was missing something that everyone else knew.

And Davey would simply be continuing on with whatever he was talking about, never commenting or noticing.

It was Sunday, and Davey would be back at school tomorrow. 

“It’s strange when I talk about working in class,” Davey was saying. Jack had convinced him to grab dinner with him, and then convinced him to let Jack walk him home. “They, uh.. well, they admire it, with a kind of distance.”

“That good or bad?” Jack frowned. “A step up or down from how it’d been?”

Davey shrugged, hazel gaze set ahead of them and shaded by the sun at their backs.

“Straddling some kind of middle,” was his answer. “It’s nicer that people know my name, you know, but it ain’t as nice when I don’t feel like a student to them.”

Jack must’ve been wearing some kind of confused pout, since Davey only rolled his eyes and continued with a small smile. 

“It’s- they don’t think I should be there,” he murmured. “Like they think that since I ‘got work over the summer’, I should only be workin’ now. Not really a kid to them, I’m this employed worker doin’ jobs on the weekends.”

“Ain’t that the better thing to be?” Jack asked. Davey scoffed. “No, really, ain’t it? More independent, more- more like you make your own decisions. You don’t gotta work on the weekends, you just wanna, for your family. That’s better than doing nothing.”

“Not to your average schooled seventeen year old,” Davey chuckled. “Kids either look up to it and isolate me as- as an adult, kind of, or look down on it and think I should be removed.”

Jack’s eyebrows furrowed. Davey was busying himself every single day of the week, doing homework and teaching through Hebrew lessons to Les and selling tons more papers than he used to. He was taking care of his family, doing all he could for them while still finding time for his friends. And Davey was still smart and on top of it despite it all. Maybe picking one of the two, working or schooling, would make Davey’s life easier, but Davey didn’t want that, he was dedicated to everything he loved. In Jack’s mind, a kid would have to be some kind of idiot not to admire the hell out of David Jacobs. Jack admired him, he had since- for…a while now, he supposed. 

“Well,” Jack muttered, instead of all that was going through his head, “that’s real stupid of ‘em, man.”

Davey laughed, nose crinkling, and Jack’s insides felt as if they were tinged with rose. 

“Yeah, the day I say that out loud is the day I skip class,” Davey said, “forcibly.”

“Oh, you can take ‘em,” Jack brushed off, nudging his friend’s shoulder with his own. “Buncha schoolboys? Davey.”

“For your information, I am a schoolboy,” Davey shrugged matter-of-factly. “And if I do, as you’re saying, ‘take them’, that’s another way for me to skip class forcibly. Education like this in Manhattan’s too new, I mean- if they think a kid’s a source of trouble, they’re out. Plenty’ll want to take my place.”

“Then maybe you can point ‘em out to me and I can…meet them?” Jack smiled.

“No, Jack.” Davey shook his head, glancing over at him with an amused glimmer to his gaze. “I’m quite alright, thank you.”

“Have it your way.”

They nearly stumbled upon Davey’s neighborhood, Jack so wrapped up in conversation he’d hardly noticed they had to split off. He leaned back against the wall of the building. 

“Sure we can’t hang a little longer?” Jack tried, grinning. “Ain’t like you’re gonna miss a meal or anything, we can just walk around the block…”

Davey’s raised eyebrows stopped him from continuing, letting out a small chuckle instead. 

“Right,” Jack sighed. Davey was rather strict about his personal curfew, less out of fear and more in the name of dedication. “When’ll I see you next, you got- you got anything goin’ on after classes in a couple days?”

“Couple days sounds good, Jackie,” Davey hummed. Perfect.

“You gonna miss me?” Jack teased. 

And Davey fixed him with this look. 

The taller boy tilted his head, narrowed his shimmery gaze, and smiled like the sun.

“I’ll miss you, Jackie,” he said. “See you then.”

‘Then’ felt like an annoyingly long time to Jack, which was new. Initially when Davey first went back to school, it was seamless– Jack hung out more with his own boys, began prep for the fall temperatures, started up on drafting cartoons based on the political jokes he was sent. Sometimes Katherine would come by and they’d come up with their own based on her wider knowledge of that world. Enough weeks of it went by, though, and Jack found himself wanting to talk to someone who wasn’t there, stifling certain jokes or conversations for days before bursting it all out at Davey. It was a relief when Davey did the same, and they’d be in their own world for a few sacred hours.

These days, the hours in between felt stretched, Jack felt stretched, and the only solution to put him back together was getting his time with Davey. 

This was perhaps the one time he wished ‘then’ hadn’t been sooner than they’d planned. 

Jack had made every effort to sell all his papers before three in the afternoon, since school let out around 2:15. Sometimes he caught Davey leaving the building, and he was able to walk him home. He hung by the school, gaze busy with scanning for cops or friends or staring adults. His heart started to sink as the school seemed to empty out, though- he probably missed him, or maybe he’d left through a different door. 

Wasn’t like Jack had anything to do until the evening edition came out. 

Carefully, he strolled around the corner, biting his lip and for once trying to make himself look a bit smaller. He wasn’t as comfortable in this part of this neighborhood; didn’t feel like his turf, his home. His palms were itching with the feeling of it, but his turn to head back was halted with a sound he knew much too well. 

A pained grunt followed what had to be a fist to the face, and against his better judgment, Jack swiftly followed it.

“Davey!”

Two boys crowded Jack’s friend, whose nose was bleeding and one of his eyes half shut, and who was not fighting back. The boys booked it around the school when they saw Jack, and he immediately sprang into action to pursue them. No one was going to smack Davey around and just get away with it.

“Jack. Don’t.”

Jack’s footsteps faltered, stopping and kneeling in front of Davey, who’d sunk to the ground.

“Hey, it’s okay, Dee, I’ll be right back,” Jack said quickly, about to stand. A hand fisting into his collar tugged him back.

“Don’t look at them,” Davey urged softly, and Jack’s eyes found his, “just at me. Just stay with me, Jack.”

“But Davey, they can’t just-”

“They didn’t. I let them,” Davey said. It only made Jack’s blood burn hotter.

“Why?” he demanded. “Davey, you don’t let people do that to you, I know you don’t.”

Davey wiped under his nose, frowning. Without a thought, Jack removed his kerchief from around his neck, handing it to the other to clean himself off.

“I didn’t want to 'forcibly skip class',” he said, giving Jack a hollow half-smile before wiping blood from his lip. “I knew those boys. Their word matters more than mine, and if I fought back…” Davey shook his head, watching his feet with his gaze set in stone. “School’s important to me, Jack. I ain’t gonna do anything to compromise my chances here, if I can help it.”

Jack’s eyebrows raised, lips parting slightly. Impressed, as usual, but this surpassed the normal level of admiration- he wasn’t sure what to call it.

“Wow,” was all he could say, laughing slightly. “You got a backbone of steel, Jacobs. Christ.” 

Davey laughed too, curling in on himself a bit as he hunched with a cough, and Jack found his hands hovering above Davey’s shoulders. Twitching slightly as he wracked his brain for the appropriate method of comfort.

His brain didn’t move fast enough, and now Davey was looking at him. 

Head tilted, eyes narrowed- narrowed as they could be without closing. Gaze amused. God dammit.

“What?” Jack huffed out. “I’m so damn sick of that look, Dee, I get it from everyone, like I’m the butt of some joke.”

Davey laughed again. Maybe he was. 

“Jackie, isn’t it obvious?”

He felt his face heat up, because no, clearly, it wasn’t.

“I don’t like when you make me feel stupid, Dave,” Jack mumbled. “Just get to it, will you?”

Davey’s eyes scanned their surroundings, and Jack lifted his own gaze to follow it before he was tugged forward and into Davey’s lips. 

Jack’s eyes closed, and he saw every instance he’d received some look from his friends. 

Maybe he had been listening too intently in Brooklyn, enraptured with Davey’s words, his voice, his mouth, which had made Spot stare at him. Maybe he’d laughed too hard at one of Davey’s comebacks during a game of cards, and Racer had given him a sly smirk for that. And maybe talking to Crutchie about Davey was more at length than he’d thought, since C had always given him that damned smug look once Jack was done…gushing, probably. 

Oh, Christ. It was obvious, wasn’t it. 

Jack pulled back slowly, hand finding Davey’s vest as he opened his eyes again. Davey was smiling, eyes narrowed, and Jack smiled too. 

“You like me too, right?” Jack teased, and finally, it was Davey’s turn to blush. 

“Let’s just get to the lodge,” he said instead, pushing himself up with Jack’s help. Davey leaned into him, and Jack shifted his arm comfortably around Davey’s waist as they started their way back. He glanced down at Jack’s hand before their gazes met. 

They shared a look, and smiled. 

[thestarlightforge]

Fiona’s Art Journal:

Table of Contents

Hello, everyone! Welcome to my blog!

As outlined here, my New Year’s Resolution for 2024 was to do something for my art every day. Whether writing, drawing, watching/studying, exploring or reading—I’d do something to sharpen my artistic focus daily.

As the year has gone by, I’ve documented some of the process on Tumblr. The tag “#Fiona’s Art Journal” has both reflections and artistic works, and “#Poetry” has an index of poems. This post is an index, and I’ll update it with hyperlinks to journals, art posts, and other favs.

NB: Aside from theatre and art posts, much of this blog is fandom posting about whatever (usually queer) media has most recently captured my interest. You can track various Strange New Worlds, Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Supergirl and House of the Dragon rotations (to name a few), along with other shows/movies on my list. I will probably spend the rest of 2024 crying about Agatha All Along (as WandaVision is an all-time favorite media & I’ve waited 2 years, since the night before I graduated undergrad, for Jac Schaeffer to fix this mess). I appreciate your understanding during this time, lol.

Journals — 2024

PETITION and Info to shut down the Pinyon Plain Uranium Mine and protect the people and lands of the Navajo Nation, Havasupai, Hopi, and Ute Mountain Ute — 8/28/24

DC Metro Accessibility Petition

“Squishy But Firm: Sexcapades of a Crip Girl” at the Kennedy Center Local Theatre Festival 🏳️‍🌈♿️🏳️‍⚧️ — 8/24/24

2024 🏳️‍🌈 Media Retrospective ❤️ — 9/20/24

National Be Nice To Bugs Day! We love a native species! 🥰 — 7/14/24

Setting Intentions: “Through the Sunken Lands” — 1/31/24

Introduction — 12/31/23

Go Listen to Sandra Yellowhorse — 11/20/22

AO3/Fanfic Entries

My awesome friend @heliza24 cosplaying Agatha 😁

“If I can’t hold you / Remember what I’ve told you” Agatha bite-sized

A Rhaenicent & Rhaesaria entry written shortly after HOTD 2x07

An early chapter of my ongoing Snowbaird fic with @imjustmarcy

Artistic Works — 2024

“Hey, It’s Me” — 10/29/24

“Why ‘I’m Billy Maximoff’ Mattered to Me — A Queer Disabled Person’s Journal” — 10/17/24

For Popo (like “Pawpaw”) Wilson: A Real (Union Strong) Redneck ❤️ — 9/25/24

“Clerics Have Necromancy” — 8/28/24

“Winter Blooms” — 8/18/24

“For Gus and Claudia” — 6/22/24

“QUEERING NEVERLAND IS LIVE—MY PAPER MADE THE COVER!” — 6/6/24

“Gentle Animals” Short Story — 5/1/24

“From Your Internet Big Brother” Essay — 4/8/24

Isolation/Recovery Discussion — 4/4/24

“Playing Fetch” Short Story — 3/31/24

“Building Momentum” Prose Poetry — 3/24/24

“Following the River” Short Story — 3/22/24

“Is There A World” Poem — 3/15/24

“A Practical Career” Short Story — 3/10/24

“The arospecs are onto something” Prose Poetry — 3/9/24

“Through the Sunken Lands” Pins Setup Addition — 3/9/24

“I wrote you a play” Prose Poetry — 3/9/24

On the Models of Disability Discussion — 3/5/24

“Threads” Prose Poetry — 3/3/24

“Interdependence is a love poem” Prose Poetry — 2/24/24

“A Shift” Short Story — 2/20/24

“To Falling in Love” Prose Poetry — 2/6/24

“Push-up Contest” Short Story — 2/6/24

“Autistic Katniss saves the world” THG Meta/Discussion — 2/2/24

“Purpose” Essay — 2/1/24

“Oracle Forever” Short Story — 1/29/24

“Stardust” Poem — 1/23/24

“Point of View” Short Story — 1/21/24

Patriarchy Hurts Everyone Discussion (edit: erroneously flagged/removed by Tumblr staff, appeal not allowed) — 1/21/24

“A Winter Morning” Short Story — 1/16/24

“Ymir with the Freckles” Short Story — 1/11/24

On Propaganda & the Cancellation of Queer Media (OFMD) Discussion — 1/10/24

“Glimmer” Short Story — 1/5/24

“What the Antihero, Your Villain, Has Left” Essay — 12/31/23

Some Favorite Art, Analyses/Metas & Journals (2023 + Previous)

“Lost Girl” at the National Theatre in Higher Ed Conference Journal — Aug. 6, 2023

First Day of “Through the Sunken Lands” at the Kennedy Center Journal — Dec. 11, 2023

Intimacy Choreography in “Hacks” Analysis — Jul. 15, 2023

“Swallowtail” Poem — Sept. 18, 2023

“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear” TBOSAS Meta — Nov. 19, 2023

“Wake Up” Gay Poem — Aug. 23, 2023

“Myths” Poem— Nov. 12, 2023

“Thanks, Tennessee” Gay Poem — Nov. 23, 2022

On Strength: Katniss and Lucy Gray TBOSAS Meta/Journal — Dec. 10, 2023

“Trust is more important even than love” TBOSAS Meta — Nov. 24, 2023

“The Valley Song” THG Meta — Nov. 18, 2023

Their first meeting in Twelve TBOSAS Meta — Dec. 24, 2023

Hurt/Comfort Thoughts TBOSAS Meta/Journal — Dec. 17, 2023

Do Better with Queer Rep — Aug. 19, 2023

“Ellee” Short Story — Aug. 15, 2023

I crack myself up

i'm so normal about them :)) — Sept. 26, 2024

“Oh, ableism. Great. THAT’S not gonna go over well with the woke mob.” — Aug. 19, 2024

rhaenicent nation how we feelin 😌 — July 21, 2024

it gets better, apparently :)) — July 22, 2024

representation matters (GoT/HotD) — July 21, 2024

rhaenyra my love, never ever change 😂 — July 21, 2024

SO MADGE X KATNISS LOL — June 9, 2024

Writing while queer — Jan. 2, 2024

Snowbaird “Aca-scuse me?” — Nov. 20, 2023

It’s almost like Suzanne meant to do that — Nov. 7, 2023

Not Coryo being more normal than Gale or Peeta — Dec. 13, 2023

Peeta “my beautiful princess with a disorder” 😆 — Dec. 7, 2023

SnowJanusBaird ≠ Everlark/Everthorne, lmao — Dec. 31, 2023

ValCarol giggles — Nov. 11, 2023

[magicalyaku]

You probably can't tell from the amount of books in the picture (six books plus one I ditched), but I didn’t read that much in April. Mostly because after the first week I picked up writing again. The silly story my friend and I built back in January. It took three and a half weeks and the first draft is finished, yay! Will it be good? How should I know? 8-D But I’m having fun, even if the real work is only starting now. On to what I read in April!

Daresh - Im Herz des Weißen Waldes (Daresh, at the Heart of the White Woods or something) (Katja Brandis): This is one of the worst books I read in a while. I read this at my artist alley table at a convention and I cannot keep a nice face when I read bullshit and I didn’t want to scare customers away with my scowling face the second day, so I just stopped reading after the first half. I was so frustrated with the book. If you're interested in the full tale, refer to the end of the post. :)

The Merceneries of the Stolen Moon (Tales of the High Court 4) (Megan Derr): I knew from the moment Charlaine was introduced in volume 3 that he would be important just by the way his presence is on the pages. I think, the author likes him. :'D Jac and Myra have been around since volume 1 and never gave off so heavy protagonist vibes. Anyway, here's another book trying to break out of the mold, introducing a polycule and all. Personally, with my aro brain the thought of two people finding each other and fitting together so perfectly is beyond me, so three people feeling that way towards each other seems like a even more of a miracle. Good for them, I guess! I read this right after Daresh and damn, what a blessing to my soul. The difference in writing and worldbuilding. One might argue, yeah, one was written for kids, the other for adults, but there's plenty of good books for kids and plenty of bad for adults, so that's not it. One book in the series left!

Lord of Silver Ashes (Rowan Blood 2) (Kellen Graves): Of god, I naively thought, this would end with volume 2. It DOES NOT. I learned halfway through and lost my will to read for a while. xD It does make sense from all the stuff that is happening. Because there is a lot and it builds up and builds up and builds up. But still. If I had known what I got myself into ... It is a good story though. It just took me so much longer to read than I'm used to, because of all the descriptions and pretty words. I have respect for how it is written, as in the style and the plot building. It's not just some easy, smutty lovestory with fairy princes. Behind the veil masking the beantighe's face is a whole complex person. And so is this series. (But it took soo long to read! I don’t get it!)

Spellbound (F.T. Lukens): This one was just cute. So warm and fluffy. There are some serious things going on and all and there characters have issues not to be taken too lightly. But overall, it was a total comfort read for me. Settle back into your cozy sofa and let your heart be healed. (Also there’s a magical cat.)

The Last Sun (The Tarot Sequence 1) (K.D. Edwards): This was kind of a culture shock. Took my brain a while to adjust. Adult men, modern setting, but still some sort of (wild) magic, so much action. But it’s interesting. And how to say it ... not sappy? While there’s a lot of danger to the protagonists’s life, it’s still not overly emotional and I like that once in a while. Also, Brand is great.

Shade & Revenant (Oracle of Senders 1+2) (Mere Joyce): After The Last Sun I found that I didn’t have anything in my book pile that felt right to read, so I had a look in my potential reads and chose this. And it was perfect, exactly what I needed. Simple, not too dramatic, but still engaging, nice characters, quite short. Pure 14-year-olds in the first volume, the cutest little romance in the second volume. I read both volumes back to back and only stopped because I wanted a little more time to enjoy. :D

And now, my full thoughts on a bad German fantasy book that I didn’t even finish! Daresh by Katja Brandis:

The Story: The world of Daresh is split into 4 territories for 4 guilds: Earth, wind, fire and water. And they hate each other. There are also half-humans (different animal races that can talk) who are mainly kept as slaves. Heroine Rena, 16 years, touches some important stone in the castle of the Queen and gets the ability to understand the half-humans’s language and is also hunted because touching is prohibited! She runs away, meets a woman from the fire guild, there’s some secret stuff going on and they decide to go unite the guilds.

The Worldbuilding: I hate it. For a long time I wondered why it bothered me so much, until I realized, it’s probably because I couldn’t figure out the intended audience. The heroine is 16, her love interest and other allies are even older, so I thought, it’s a story for 15- or 16-year-olds. But. The way the world is built is very black and white which I don’t find acceptable for readers that age. Teenagers are smarter than this. Where’s the nuance? The guilds all hate each other, they have a lot of prejudices and are not willing at all to rethink. And this is going on for many many years (100 maybe, I have no idea), but the heroine is apparently the very first person ever to think differently. And sorry, that is not believable. Even if people don’t speak up or actively do something there will always be some who do not share those beliefs. Not in this book. Maybe I just want to believe that people a generally good. In any case it was super annoying.

The Love Story: Is shit. 1) Why is it there in the first place? 2) The way it is written kinda grossed me out. (I can’t even say why. I read smut involving three people the day after and it was fine, but the way this girl swoons over her guy was so icky to me.) 3) The guy is so bland. I didn’t like the heroine as a character very much, but the guy was so nondescript. Also, he had an anger problem? And I’m not sure if it was intended to make him seem dangerous and therefore hot? If so, it didn’t work well. So, there’s the girl and she has a crush on some neighbor’s boy who doesn’t even notice her in the beginning. All good. While on the run already, she meets him by chance out in the woods (totally believable), he is mean to her, because she ruined his important day (the reason everyone went to the castle blabla), and she realized “oh, now I don’t like him anymore”. Alright. Then, like 5 pages later, literally the next male she meets who is around her age (a few years older), she falls for. Hmmm. They exchange like three words. She meets him again half the world later. He saves her life. They run away together and maybe talk more, but we hardly get any of that. They spent the night sleeping 200feet apart and the next day both are madly in love and after a fight with some thugs they kiss. Errr.... Another few days later they reach the next town, vanish into a room to do stuff that is not written (thankfully in this case because I would have vomited all over my table) and then they fight about something silly. I think they reconciled before I stopped reading but I don’t even care. A review for volume 3 of the series told me she gets another guy there, so ...

The Writing: Was fine for the most part, but. There’s no metric system instead every unit is something from nature like breath and person and ... I forgot. The breaths, though, were so annoying? They’re like seconds and come up every other page. There’s no “after a short while” or “it took a long time”, it’s “it didn’t take just 300 breaths, but 3 times 300″ and “after 4 times 11 breaths”. For real. It was so stupid. Who sits there to count till 300? Or starts calculating? I hated it so much after a while. 8D

I do regret a little that I didn’t finish because now I always have to say “maybe it got better after the first half”. But at the same time I don’t really care. I’m not wasting more of my life with these books. (The way the first half frustrated me I would probably be blind to anything good in the second half anyway.)

That’s it!

[madtomedgar]

books read in December:

The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race, Jesmyn Ward: Great essays, really liked it, learned a lot. At the same time I am starting to feel like the issue isn’t so much needing to learn new information as much as it is consistently listening and understanding and applying what I do already know, and I do wish there was more about that, if that makes sense.

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond: I had been putting off reading this for years because it felt like a book I should read and I kind of assumed it would be like a long article or a series of housing white papers. It is the opposite of that. It’s rare you find writing this good in nonfiction. Everyone should read this. I did have to keep taking breaks because it was very upsetting, just the realities of this system which I knew about already from the perspective of working with voucher holders and people trying to get vouchers. But probably the best nonfiction I’ve read since the pandemic.

Chemistry, Weike Wang: I liked the stream-of-consciousness style, almost like reading someone’s diary. I found the main character’s struggle with expectations, with herself, and with coming to terms with both what her parents did to her and and did for her really compelling. It helped me better understand my friends who are or have been in graduate programs. A little hetero for me but nothing’s perfect.

False Bingo, Jac Jemc: So the stories are clever and the author builds suspense well, and the one about the board game couple was a  delightfully scathing portrait of trying to have friends in your 30s. But. They were mostly kind of boring, kind of caught up in their own cleverness, kind of suffused with a certain middle-class midwestern realism that I find dull and off-putting, and occasionally kind of tone-deaf to the point of offensive. There’s one where these women in this town keep getting attacked and the twist is that one woman lied about being attacked to get herself out of a difficult conversation with her boyfriend, and then all the others wanted to feel special and included so they faked it too, and the people honestly upset about the violence against women are chumps who should have known better. And like... sure, fiction should absolutely be able to just go “if there were two guys on the moon and one killed another with a rock would that be fucked up or what!” but. Jac Jemc isn’t Gillian Flynn, who can and does pull this type of subversion off well. And reading it during the current backlash, in the wake of the Amber Heard debacle and while Meghan Thee Stallion was being pilloried for being attacked and daring to say she was, like I said, tone-deaf to the point of offensive.

Last Night in Nuuk, Niviaq Korneliussen, trans. Anna Halagar: Mama Mia wishes its big night was half as wild as the big night in this story. Again, I found the stream of consciousness style enjoyable, though this was more like being tapped into someone’s internal monologue who is very hung over. It’s gay, it’s queer, it’s trans, it’s complicated. I... really wish authors would stop having their queer women characters declare that being with a butch woman is “just like a man without the penis.” And like. How you know they’re Real Lesbians is that they’re into women not ugly bull-dykes. I also wish the trans man’s trans-ness had felt less like it could just have easily been stone butch-ness. But I think that’s more of a me problem where like... I have had enough people treat the state where I exist comfortably as both gross and a pit-stop on the way to inevitable transition (which I don’t want for me) that stories that even unintentionally play into that aren’t enjoyable to me, even as I recognize that they’re transformative and important for others.

[freudianslumber]

Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Summary:  Angel Elvis went through Hell when being falsely accused of betraying God.  Eventually found true love with LAPD narcotics officer B.B. King.

Chapter 6 Moody Blue

Pairing: B.B. King x Elvis Presley (m/m)

Word count:  2.6k

Warning:  description of medical issues due to previous injury

After grabbing a quick bite at a Carl’s Jr. on the way back, B.B. finally arrived at home with his new friend in tow.   Home was a modest single-story house in a quiet neighborhood in Arcadia.  The small front lawn looked like it needed more watering and the backyard was a little overgrown with weeds.  An old blue Dodge Charger parked in the driveway.  B.B. drove his Jeep into the garage before showing Elvis inside.  The interior of the house was neat enough but minimally furnished and decorated.  Other than the usual couch and TV, the most prominent feature of the living room was several electric guitars laying against the wall at a corner complete with amplifiers and a bunch of cables.  Next to these was a standup piano under the covers, looking like it had been less utilized.  “Are you a musician Gunnie?” Elvis inquired with interest.  On the verge of blushing, B.B. mumbled: “Just a hobby…Jimi and I used to be in a blues band and even played the occasional gig around town.  Now I only muck around once in a while at Moody Blue’s down the block.” “Gunnie?! That sounds real professional!!” The younger man’s excitement and enthusiasm could barely be contained.  “Can I go to see you perform?” B.B. couldn’t say no to Elvis’ begging puppy eyes and cute lips which were about to form a slight pout: “Uh I guess, but don’t set your expectations too high!”  

Elvis was very cheerful after that, he followed B.B. to the guest room after the basic layout of the house had been shown to him which included the master bedroom and a kitchen as well.  He noticed some framed nature photography on the walls.  “Is that Sequoia?” He pointed at one of them, curious.  “Close, that’s Kings Canyon National Park next to Sequoia.“ B.B. replied, “I took these photos last spring when I was hiking there.”  “Gunnie, you’re so artistic.” Elvis marveled, “Where did ya learn all this?”  B.B. shrugged, “Suppose I just had too much time on my hands.  I took a couple of photography courses at Community College. ”  Elvis had barely recovered from his amazement at all B.B.’s hidden talents when the latter reminded him it was time to wind down for the night.  B.B. found a small plastic bench to put inside the shower for Elvis to sit on, and cautioned him to stand up slowly when he was done.  Elvis nodded appreciatively, disappeared into the bathroom while B.B. waited by sitting on the twin size bed right outside.  He had to be on the lookout in case Elvis got into another accident.  Thankfully the shower was uneventful this time, Elvis brushed his teeth, changed into cotton underwear and a bathrobe before coming out to the bedroom.  B.B. already had all the wound care supplies laid out at bedside ready to be used.  Elvis opened his bathrobe for B.B. to clean the arrow wounds and redress them.  Then B.B. had Elvis lay down on his stomach, and rubbed a thin layer of lidocaine ointment on the countless overlapping whip scars and bruises on his back where he would have a hard time reaching.  The angel felt so relaxed and comfy he hummed a little: “Gunnie, you are so good to me…”  B.B. sighed, putting a heat pad on Elvis’ back, “Time for bed, Elvis.  Tomorrow we’ll go shoppin��.”  

The next day, Elvis woke up mid-morning.  The two of them finished breakfast and then B.B. made good on his promise to take Elvis shopping.  Of course, Elvis needed to be in some type of disguise to be in public so B.B. lent him a pair of dark wayfarer sunglasses and a black hat.  The combo worked exceptionally well as they spent the next few hours in a nearby mall without disruption.  B.B. ended up purchasing everything from briefs, tank-tops, shirts, pants to sweaters and jackets.  Elvis tried to stop B.B. from splurging on him, but B.B. had no qualms at all spending money this way, since everything looked so darn nice on the handsome young fellow.  So Elvis ended up getting casual shoes and sneakers that day as well, although he was still wearing a CAM boot per Tina’s instruction due to right ankle fracture.  Once home B.B. had Elvis change into the new navy blue turtle neck sweater and a pair of perfectly-fitted pants that showed off his long and graceful legs.  He was enjoying the view when the cell phone went off, he checked the screen, it was Tina.

The X-rays done yesterday confirmed that Elvis’ lower right lung was punctured, it also revealed almost one quarter of the lung was filled with blood from the injury.  This caused Elvis to be easily out of breath and also quite anemic.  Tina told her brother over the phone that the usual treatment for this would be to drain the blood from the lungs by inserting a chest tube, a procedure which needed to be done in a hospital and Elvis would then need to be monitored as inpatient for several days before the chest tube could be removed.  A blood transfusion would also normally be beneficial, however since Elvis was not human, a transfusion reaction would be likely and unpredictable.  Stunned by this new information, B.B. hung up and related everything to Elvis, who took a minute to take it all in.  “No, I ain’t going to the hospital.” Elvis finally broke the silence, “Whatever will be will be.  Being found out, taken away and experimented on would be worse than death.” His eyes grew desperate, breathing more rapidly: “If I was to bleed out my last drop of blood into the lung, so be it.  Please Gunnie, let me stay!” B.B. could not help but pull Elvis into a hug: “Oh honey, don’t despair!  You’re safe with me, remember?  I’ll never force ya into anything you don’t wanna do. There’s gotta be another way, I’ll talk to Tina and see if there are other options.” 

When B.B. got Tina back on the phone, she said she had a feeling this was going to happen.  B.B turned on speakerphone so Elvis could hear as well.  Tina told them there was a chance Elvis’ hemothorax could heal slowly on its own and this was all they could hope for since there wasn’t a third option.  Meanwhile all that could be done was to take common sense precautions, have Elvis avoid any significant exertion or reinjury.  Any sudden deterioration of his condition would warrant emergency surgery.  Elvis thanked Tina for all her concern and the professional advice, he promised to be careful, and added if anything bad happened it would be nobody’s fault but his own.  Tina told B.B. to monitor Elvis for any major change and follow up in clinic in one week before ending the call.

To lighten up the mood, B.B. told Elvis he had a late-night performance scheduled that night at the Moody Blue Bar & Grill in the neighborhood and would bring Elvis to see it.  This did make the young man perk up, or maybe he was just determined not to show any sadness or worry from then on.  The two pretended the phone call never happened and got ready for their night of music.

When they arrived at the cozy restaurant/blues bar, B.B. introduced Elvis to restaurant owner Fats as E.P., a new friend he made on the hiking trail at Sequoia a few days ago.  “E.P.” accidentally broke his ankle slipping on ice so B.B. had to help him out.  This version of the story was partially true of course.  B.B. told Elvis Fats was a wonderful blues/jazz pianist and could sing too, they would often team up on B.B.’s set.  The angel in disguise nodded excitedly and sat down close to the small stage to watch them perform.  Being weekdays and quite late, there were only a handful of customers scattered around the bar and father away in the restaurant area.    

B.B. got off to a flying start with the standard “Everyday I Have the Blues”.  His voice was authentic and soulful, and his guitar licks and riffs on that black Gibson were just divine.  During the instrumental break, the fabulous duo traded brilliant runs with their respective instruments.  Elvis couldn’t believe how good they sounded together, he cheered and clapped loudly at the conclusion of the song, a bit disappointed however by the mere smattering of applause from others that joined him.

B.B. smiled widely at the enthusiastic response from the only customer who really mattered to him that night.  He then launched into the next number with extra gusto, made that guitar wail like there was no tomorrow.  Elvis got so wrapped up in the music he started to sing along with the next song, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, an old record that Mama used to play in the house and that he was very familiar with as a child.  He tapped his fingers and toes to the rhythm, swayed his body back and forth, even had the urge to jump onto stage and dance if it wasn’t for his CAM boot.  So when Fats walked over and gave him the mic, Elvis did not think twice before singing the next verse loud and clear:

I went over the hill, way down underneath I went over the hill, way down underneath You make me roll my eyes And then you make me grit my teeth

The young man was pitch perfect, his tone was rich and vibrant, his voice perfectly complementary to the sound of the blues instruments.  Fats glanced over at B.B. in amazement, the latter responded with a shrug of his shoulders and briefly held his hands sideways and palms up.  The song ended after all three of them joined in the energetic chorus, singing in unison, and B.B. wrapped it up with a flurry of closing chords. 

Audience reception was marginally warmer this time, a couple of whistles could be heard from a table or two as the last notes died down.  Fats took the microphone and spoke into it: “Well, it looks like B.B. has brought us a special guest tonight.  Say hello to E.P.!  B.B. didn’t tell me how well you could sing!”  Elvis blushed as Fats pulled him up onto the stage, a little out of breath.  “Uh, I sang in a choir sometimes, but I’m not a professional, Mr. Fats.”  Elvis scratched the back of his head, staring down at the ground, shuffling his feet nervously.  “A choir?  That makes sense!  I knew you couldn’t be a total newbie at this.  Is it a church around here? Whereabouts?”  Elvis stumbled for a second and then managed to say: “Oh, it’s out of state.  I’m not from around here…” Fats smiled: “I see, E.P.  Don’t be shy, you sing that old time R&B real well.  Wanna sing another song for us tonight?”  B.B. chimed in: “Yeah E.P., sing us a song!”  Elvis glanced around, it was really getting late and even fewer people were hanging around in the establishment.  He felt better that it seemed like the only two paying attention to him right now were B.B. and Fats.  He worked up the courage to say: “I remember an old ballad I learned a few years ago called ‘Blue Moon’.  Can I borrow your piano for a minute, Mr. Fats?”  “Sure, son.  Give it a whirl!”

Elvis sat down at the piano, began playing a quiet and melancholic refrain.  Then his silky baritone rang out, sounding so plaintive and lonesome, as if it came from somewhere long ago and faraway:

Blue moon You saw me standing alone Without a dream in my heart Without a love of my own Blue moon You know just what I was there for You heard me saying a prayer for Someone I really could care for

The second half of the song was interspersed with a haunting and heartbreaking falsetto, along with the repeated line “without a love of my own”.  As the music faded out, Elvis stayed sitting there in front of the piano for a moment, staring into space, lost in thoughts.  Scattered applause around the room brought him back from his musings.  B.B. thought he saw those yearning eyes again for a second when Elvis turned and caught his eyes briefly before standing up and thanking the audience.   Clapping loudly, Fats remarked: “Thanks E.P., that was beautiful and different.  Young man, you’ve got an old soul.  We hope to see your talent again around here sometime!” 

“Elvis!! I knew you’d be back!! I followed your career since back in the day!”  Suddenly a grey-haired lady grabbed Elvis by the arm as he tried to settle back down at his previous seat.  Elvis thought she might have walked over from the far end of the restaurant.  The elderly lady looked to be in her 70s, acted like she was astonished and overwhelmed from recognition.  She held out the other hand and touched Elvis lightly on the cheek, then burst into tears: “I knew it!  You are real!  You said you’d see us again!  You don’t have a sideburn and you wear a hat, but I know you’re Elvis!!”  She started laughing and then crying uncontrollably when a teenager came over and pulled her away: “Come on Granny let’s go, please don’t make a scene!”  He looked at Elvis apologetically: “Sorry sir, don’t mind Granny.  She’s got a touch of dementia.” 

On the way home after the Moody Blue gig Elvis was not as talkative as usual.  He did give B.B. and Fats high praise for their blues set, saying that it was the best live music he had heard in almost forever.  B.B. said he loved Elvis’ song as well and that he should sing more.  That was when the angel fell silent for a while, then finally told B.B. he wanted to know more about his past life.  He said he didn’t understand why he had to be in disguise and people seemed to act strangely when they recognized him. 

B.B. was glad Elvis spoke up because he was starting to get worried earlier not knowing what Elvis was contemplating in his mind.  He reassured his friend there was nothing to be ashamed of in his past life, in fact he had been a world-famous music icon.  Once home, B.B. found a few online bios and articles for the angel to read about his previous life on earth as King of Rock n’ Roll.  Unexpectedly, Elvis stopped reading and closed the webpages after only a short time.  B.B. was puzzled: “What is it? Are you upset about something?”  “Nothin’,” Elvis shook his head: “I just don’t like to read about all the mistakes and wrong decisions I’ve made in the past.  Maybe I didn’t deserve to be reborn as an angel in the first place…”  That was when B.B. turned Elvis to face him, he looked straight into those entrancing doe eyes: “Hey Elvis honey, don’t doubt yourself.  Yes, you made some mistakes and regrettable decisions in your life but who hasn’t?  That’s called being human.  Through your own talent and hard work, you went from being a poor southern kid to the top of the music world, and helped revolutionize the industry.  You loved your fans, supported your family and friends, and helped so many in need!  Look at how many singers and musicians followed your footsteps, and how many fans you still have around the world.  Above all you brought happiness to generations of people, I’d say that makes you deserve to be an angel!” “Wow,” Elvis took a small swallow and stuck out his tongue mischievously: “Gunnie you’re so good at motivational speech, you just might be the best counselor ever!” The two friends then burst out laughing together.

[streetlightdiaries]

Heart Out—

In my world, the only logical thing to do with a heartache is to turn it into a hit song, or a book. Don’t talk about it, don’t deal with it, just toss it in that old Vans box next to our 15-year old fight and your girlfriend’s Jac Vanek bracelet.

An empty gas tank and another era gone by. Another choice to be made, another divide. And I wonder—why do we say, “I’m in love with you?”

In my family, the biggest party one will ever throw is in congratulations to yourself for finding the one other person on this chaotic rock who can deal with you. ‘Your person’ will not care that you fight with your best friends, that you can’t speak as well as you write, or that you sleep all day and play the same 1975 song every night. A big congratulations, you did it! You have found someone who is willing to hang out forever with your special brand of weird. Who’s willing to stay. 

We offer, “I’m in love with you” as a gift—from me to you! Here you go, here’s all my shit and shortcomings, you are welcome. Some times we say it because we’re afraid to lose what we’ve found—Stay with me, I can’t imagine life without you. Some times we mean it as an intro to an entire album and other times it’s a setup because you’re stuck on a second verse and you know I’m good for that poetic kind of pain. Some times we say “I’m in love with you,” because we can���t find our breath until we do. Because our pulse quickens at the mere thought of your voice, our hands shake wondering what you’ll do next. We say it because the feeling is so real, so undeniable, and so pressing that time really does stand still and the angels send you signs that could mean nothing else but fate found.

Some times it is selfish to say, “I’m in love with you.” These grand confessions, although romantic and mesmerizing, only make the speaker feel better and set the receiver up for absolute agony.  

Why do we take our tar-damaged hearts out of our aging chests and hold them out like a solution to stuck storylines? We do it because then the ball is in their court; your move, your choice, will you decide for me? We say, “I’m in love with you” because we’re fucking cowards who would rather write a song or a book then put action to our feelings. See, Van’s box circa 2010.

Why don’t you take your heart out, instead of living in your head?

If you love me and I love you, then nothing is solved. Not a single thing, beyond The 1975 rock-block we’ll obviously have when all of this obviously works itself out.

Terica.

“Heart Out” The 1975 

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

May please ask how did ocs react to Valerie?

Ehehehehehehehehheheheheheheheh

Their first meeting was all with Valerie being a lovely host for dinner and were amazed

She's so pretty and strong and takes care of seven kids mainly by herself so they were impressed

Though sadly there was a slight issue. . .

When Valeria is welcoming everyone, a little force habit of being very welcoming since they seem like her actual children, Charles flinched around her. He tries to smile and laugh it off as he walked it but it was obvious. He was abused by his mother and only knew that and the gentle touch of the nurses when he was being treated for his injuries. He wasn't really allowed to touch his new guardian due to her own injuries so most times he hugs his friends or his pillows

Aya was the most eager to meet her, there was just something about these two meeting was strong

Sia, though she had fun, was a bit thick walled at first. She found it hard to trust her as a mom at first until she started seeing it first hand in not just her own kids but her treating them, her guests, as if they were her kids as well and often praising each of them so much

Joseph was kind of a mix of Sia and Charles with him not having a real mom vibe for a real long time and was distance with her at first, that fixed fast

Maria was flustered cause Valerie was actually treating her like how parental people should

I'll put what I put in their dinner reblog here:

"Oh, I have some baby pictures of my kids, wanna see them?" "MOM!" "YES!"

Heads turn and look at Janice who's eyes shimmer with herself nearly out the table. She LOVES kids and baby pictures are a must to see

Between pictures being passed and conversations being made, pretty much everyone began to feel comfortable around Valerie in her home, especially the ones who lack a mother in their lives

At one point in the night Joseph's phone goes off hinting someone's trying to call in which he asked Valerie if it's okay to answer on speaker, she agrees and hit's answer to hear his step-mother instantly bickering in the phone which he kept calm and silent as he let her go off about how the place isn't cleaned and how she was out shopping all day and his dad is mad and blah blah blah

After she was done he hung up and stated "And this is why I get high."

He stops and looks at Valerie before stammering, "In high I mean, high in my grades. Like, wow, my grades are through the roof..heh... Wow..wow.. this uh...this chicken taste amazing Mrs Kemonohito.." While Jac tries to not laugh

Suddenly Sha thought of something

"Oh yeah, Nadia, your brothers mentioned a boyfriend you had. What he do?"

The table thought long in hard how to explain Mozenrath without informing the whole he's an immortal demisexual sorcerer who has a floating talking eel as his only friend

"...He does trades. Travels a lot."

Later in the night when desert was about to be present Marie looked at her phone and began to gather her things, "Sorry everyone. I have to go help father at the church tonight."

Janice sighs, "You help every night, I'm sure Mr Stick-Up-The-Butt can let you have fun just this once."

Maria chews her lip and shuffled on her feet, "Yeah.. But me and Hugo got this awesome new booking cleaning set. Like it cleans faster than my old feather duster and plus the statues aren't going to wash themselves." She said with a semi forced smile

Janice playfully pouts before standing and going to Maria, "Want me to want you home princess?" Maria blushes, "Oh no no no, I..I can walk just fine Jan, thanks for the offer."

Janice looks behind Maria to the table who just watches them in silence with Jac silently going to kissing motion with Jack staring at him confused and Wilhelm mouthing "Tell her, tell her"

Janice breaths in, "We'll see you tomorrow then."

Maria nods and walks out after thanking for the stay and Janice sits back in her chair where all her friends voice an array of disappointment

Wilhelm puts his head in his hands "I've known you both for years and that was hard to watch..." He mumbled

"Come on guys, it wasn't the right time-"

"You two could easily be in Paris fucking France, dancing in the moon light with roses everywhere while the Lady and the Tramp Italian dudes are singing that song where the spaghetti kiss happened and you'd STILL say it wasn't the right time!" Whined Aya as she slumped in her chair

"She could be straight-" She stopped when Sia stared at her like "don't even joke that idea"

Wilhelm finds her very fun

Janice is being her overly charming self as always

Ivan kept looking at his place not of embarrassment but cause Valerie kept filling it

Sha giggles as Valerie praises her

Jac was. . . really trying not to be his usual self

[crimson-catalyst]

nephfei's Mending Day 2024 was going to be set in Atala, the centicorn capital, but didn't quuiiite make it around jac's busy schedule - but that didnt stop me from unlocking the deep Laika lore for @skittykittycat's Ersie! written piece once more.

(related introduction: Ersie's Mending Day 2023 && followup comic (4 panels) sorry the intermediate time is trapped in discord speculation hell LOL)

~~~~~

bzt bzt!

A text? This late? Ersie carefully shifts the pizza box she’s carrying to get at her phone and flicks it on. It's Laika, replying to her invitation to lunch from much earlier this morning.

sorry i missed you 😭 maybe we can catch each other next week instead?

Well, she was still in the neighborhood... and she had all this leftover pizza that had been thrust upon her by the showrunners at the gig she had just left. What would it hurt to stop by?

aw nbd  💖 im just a block away actually if ur still up and want to say hi rq?

my clients gave me a whole box of pizza if u wanna take some off my paws 😭😂

Laika’s usually fast to reply so she should hear back before she leaves the area... Hope she was okay earlier, Ersie muses. Probably just busy at the studio for Mending Day photoshoots.

bzt bzt!

youre too sweet 💚💛🧡 though id hate to make you go out of ur way

Heck with it, Ersie figures. She’s exhausted socially and physically but whats one more quick visit? Maybe her batteries are so shot that it'll nerf her anxiety (ha, as if). And besides, she’ll never eat this much pizza alone.

its no biggie ill cya soon ;3 

She shoots back a text, plucking the box out of the air so as not to risk magic overuse. Laika’s is... she pivots. This way!

Swapping the stupid box to her other paw again - she really should just use magic, honestly - Ersie pokes the faulty doorbell until she hears its distant chime.

“Hey,” Laika’s mane ruffles in the rush of air as the door opens on her snow white halo. “Late night gig hunh? Don’t let me keep you out too long.” Her voice peaks and cracks. Ersie’s certain her smile is forced.

“Y-yeah,” should she say something?? “A little uh, ~Anti-Mending Day~ rave. It was neat, I’ve never been to something like it! Their previous sparky recc’ed me.” She holds her tongue, as much as she’d like to gush more about the event. It’s late, Laika’s clearly tired...

“There’s so much happening today! Nobody can agree what Mending Day should be about,” she sniffles and not-so-subtly wipes her red nose with a paw. “Haha, I wonder if we would’ve even been able to find a place for lunch. Sorry about that, by the way...”

Okay, she’s not just tired. Every curious bone in Ersie’s body screams for her to pry, especially after last year’s Mending Day when she came home from Roost and talked Laika’s ear off. What had this cat so expertly avoided telling Ersie about her past?

“No no it’s okay! I wouldn’t have been able to stay long anyway what with early setup.” don’t ask, Ersie, don't- “.... Iiis everything okay?” ah.

Laika’s smile falters.

“I just! mean, um, was it busy at the studio today? Or did you have a date that didn’t- ah, um, spent time with family and all their drama-” she was just making this worse. “Ohh my gods. ahem. Did someone-” Ersie!!!! “sorry. SORRY.”

She can feel her cheeks burning as she sinks into the floor, only to be assuaged by a peal of quiet but genuine laughter as Laika giggles at her. Her ears perk up and she looks up at her friend standing in the door. Tears are pricking her eyes, but her smile is real this time.

“Ersie, Ersie; it's okay. You’re right, today sucked.” she hiccups on the last word. “Get in here, I owe you the tea anyway.” She steps back and out of the doorway, gesturing Ersie inside.

“I- you don't have to tell me if you're not ready.”

“I spent all day wishing I’d already told you so I didn't feel like such a jerk calling off lunch. But- only if you don't have to get home,”  she adds, “Don't let me make this all about me.”

“My plan for the night was ‘scroll KucKoo and eat cold pizza.’” Ersie grins.

“Then let's gossip and eat cold pizza. Heavens knows my life is a KucKoo-worthy story as it is, and I skipped dinner.” Laika rolls her eyes, then offers her paws for the box and takes it as Ersie walks into the condo.

“There’s a coaster next to you,” Laika hands Ersie a glass of cherry soda. She reaches her little paws out of the huge plush blanket she’s already nestled in. Ersie’s kind of couch, honestly. She loved visiting Laika’s place. She chirps a quick “Thanks!!”

She takes a little sip as Laika sets down her own drink and arranges herself in a mountain of pillows, carefully tucking her massive tail around herself. “Goddsssss. Okay.” Laika takes a deep breath to hype herself up, sniffling a little bit. “Sorry I'm such a MESS I've been holed up in here all day. Urghhh.”

“The Atala ex?” Ersie guesses. Not that she knows any more than that.

“The one and only,” she groans. “Mending D-day” she chokes, “Is- was- our anniversary. Both for dating and-” she gestures as her horn, and hisses with unmistakable venom. “-this.”

Ersie hides her surprise with another sip of soda. She’s never heard Laika’s voice that hard.

“I just- I’m thinking a lot about how Mending Day was originally all about thanking the other nephs for their generosity to spinx - I mean, I think it's bunk, but that's not the point. He was a religious neph. He chose today. Did he know? Was it just coincidence? I -” she pauses. “Wait. Let me start over, there’s so much to this." She adjusts her tail one more time and shakes her head to clear it, then spreads her beans out dramatically to start the tale.

“So you know I’m from Atala?”

Ersie nods.

“I moved here when Urban Fabrics hired me. That was it, I’ve been working there since I set my first paw on the Catalis pavement - technically I was an employee even before that legally speaking.”

---

“Danik! Danik, I got scouted!”

“You what?” the centicorn turned his head to her as he hung up his coat. She had grabbed the mail first on their way in; he had picked her up from work.

“I got a job offer from Urban Fabrics Company!!” Laika squealed, hopping with excitement as she clutched her letter.

“Urban Fabrics? The guys who put on Next Top Meowdel?? From when they visited your salon? Oh babe, that's so cool! For how long?”

She holds the papers out to him proudly across the apartment. “They have a permanent show stylist position opening up!! Oh my gods, this is a DREAM...”

“Is it for the run of a show? I don’t know anything about showbiz.” he walks behind her, touching her fur gently, and peers over her shoulder at the text. “Six months??”

“That's just the trial contract,” Laika explains, giddy. “Then if they like you you get onboarded on salary. They can afford to be picky.”

“Can you say no?”

“I- sure probably,” she flicks her ears, confused. “If the work environment sucks that's also my opportunity to bail. It’s a win-win.”

“That could work,” He nods thoughtfully behind her. “It’s a long time, but then you’ve got a glowing star on your resume, and we don’t have to move to Catalis.”

Her brain short circuits and she’s silent for a moment.

“What do you- it’s not for one show, it's for the company as a whole, indefinitely. If I get the full-time position we would have to.”

“Why would we move to Catalis?? All our family is here, all our friends are here! We have duties and jobs here and a home! We’d be insane to leave.”

Laika clutches the papers back to her chest, ears flattening. She edges away from her partner as she turns to face him.

“I’d be insane to pass this up! This is the opportunity of a lifetime, Danik, this is the kind of thing you leave behind your childhood for!”

“We’ve always planned to raise our family here!”

“But-”

"But nothing!" The centicorn leans forward over Laika, sweeping an arm in front of him angrily. “We can’t leave our parents, and the temple! I grew up with that congregation - and you're a part of it now too - and we’ve known for a while I’m going to be next on the council!”

“I don't remember talking about either of those things,” Laika mutters stonily.

“Sure we have! forever!! Adopting twins if we can find any? Twilight and Astarion? A mushroom house? You a stylist and me a cleric, on the side while we're parenting???” his hooves sound like firecrackers on the tiled floor as he clops to underline each point.

“Wh- Danik, we last talked about baby names playing hooky behind the school! We aren’t sixteen anymore!! We’re adults with different plans than an idyllic two-and-a-half foals in Atala!”

“You haven't given me any reason to think that wasn’t the plan!”

Her eyes burn with tears and she thrusts the letter in his face. “Well here’s your reason! I want this job that I’ve dreamed of since I got licensed and I want to move to Catalis for it!”

---

Laika faceplants into a pillow and growls in frustration before looking back up at Ersie.

“Like, am I wrong that fangirling over a show so hard that you build a successful career around it and talk about working for them all the time is pretty clear communication? Are Atalan centicorns just that dense??” She throws her paw up in an exasperated one-handed shrug.

Ersie doesn't respond, furiously tapping out some final words on her phone and flips around a shitty meme generator. 'i am dropping hints that i want to work for urban fabrics.' Laika laughs a sharp “HA” and throws the pillow at her, giggling through her tears.

“I mean, clearly you probably should've talked about it,” Ersie admits, “but he could've done the same, girl!!”

“TRUE!” Laika crows, picking up another piece of the cold sheet pizza. Pillows are all over the floor and they've both been back and forth to the kitchen to refill their drinks. They're laughing more than Laika is crying, but it's hard not to feel punchy when you're this tired this late at night. Maybe it's for the best.

"What gets me is that even though the first fight SUCKED I was open to work it out! I tried so many times to have a rational conversation about our future and how much it meant to me - even a long-distance thing - and he just dug his damn hooves in deeper and deeper." She bites her pizza in revenge. "My tipping point was realizing that my friends and my family were barely in the area anymore, and he was only really tallying his. Eventually it was him or the job. His words!! Not even kidding!!!"

"Wow, scumbag much?"

"URGHHH with every year I agree with that more and more, but... we were together for almost fifteen years. He wasn't shitty for most of it... just the very end." Laika droops again, sniffling.

"I don't know, not being willing to even listen to your partner when they say 'this is important to me' doesn't seem like an issue you develop overnight." Ersie tilts her head. "It simply hadn't come up, I guess."

Laika clutches a new pillow and squeezes it, looking away. "Yeah...."

"And!" Ersie adds, "He was ~sooo~ good at communicating in other situations. Like the plan for your entire future. Relationships can't just be trivial things; what if it was about something else? Like kids?? It HAS to be better that this-" she waves a paw, "-happened when it did and not later."

"You're right," Laika sighs. "That's what I keep telling myself too. Gods, he's so good at communicating that 'I just need some space' became 'I'm never gonna acknowledge your existence again.' Not that it matters, I don't want to talk to him anymore."

"In three years??"

"Nope. Nothing. Not since I walked out the door."

"Damn. Cold."

"I broke his heart, I guess." She's trying to shrink into the pillow but it's much too small. "It sucks," she laughs bitterly, "to have a constant reminder of him nailed to my forehead. Sometimes I wish he'd corrupt me."

"...to prove he hates you too?"

"I don't.... hate him. It's complicated, I......" she growls. "Alright. Yeah. A little. But that's not my point, I was kinda getting at this earlier; it's been on my mind all day. You went to an Anti-Mending Day rave, right?"

"Worked it, but close enough." It's a fine line of distinction in Ersie's profession.

"Yeah, and.... there's Destruction Day protestors too. I don't entirely agree with them either but it's gotten me thinking. Does he know? Did he know how much this tied me to him? He was religious, he must have. How much it was expected of Atalan spinxyn - or at least in our neck of the woods - to get gifted horns if they 'did it right', nevermind what 'it' was? You know what I mean." she gestures vaguely to Ersie's normal, empty, catlike shoulders.

Ersie's mind instantly flashes to her brothers. "Ohhhhh yeah. I get it. At least for us it's-" she scrambles for a word. "-more casual? Even a friend can gift you your wings." she snorts, and amends with heavy airquotes, " """Your""" wings, as if everyone should have them. But you know how harpips are, especially in comparison to centicorns."

"It's true! Atalan centicorns, at least, are more reticent. You have to ~earn it~." Laika rolls onto her back and punches the pillow with her back legs, flipping it into the air and over the back of the couch. "I dunno. It's hard to say, he was a part of the system too. I don't think he did anything malicious; he made it look like my tail and he gave me a mane..."

"Your HAIR is his????" Laika, famous(ly employed) hairdresser? Her whole life was her fur!

"IT IS!" She howls with surprised delight that only comes about well past one's bedtime, "You didn't know??"

"I mean I guess he did a good job! Or YOU do a better job blending it in!" Ersie grins and flicks Laika's head fur with her tailtip, happy to have lightened the mood a little again. "I can't believe you've gotta look him in the mirror every single day."

"Yeah..." Laika's burst of energy sputters out again all too quickly. It's late, and the soda's wearing off.

She holds two fingers out in a circle like a telescope. "I try not to think about it too much but being spinxyn kind of sucks sometimes."

“Yeah.”

The girls sit in silence for a moment.

“You should come with me to the Anti-Mending Day rave next year.”

“Yeah. I should. That sounds like fun.”

[turntechghost]

@sunshineterror continued from HERE

Honestly Daive always found it kind of funny that R never learned how to cook, or maybe it was just because most times he could remember their mom cooked, not that he had many memories of her and wasnt even sure which were real and which were just realistic dreams.

"How did you manage to burn it by just looking at it?" Daive asked, no anger in his voice, just honestly amusement, like he was trying to hold back laughing. When R gave him a sheepish look, he'd playfully role his eyes at her before ruffling his younger sisters hair, she was still his baby sister, even if it was just by a few hours. "Well i didnt think you would manage to burn it by just looking at it clearly but looks like you didnt get any talent in cooking. Just pull it off the burner and grab a new pan for me will ya?" He asked as he moved to grab a few things to remake the soup base he had asked R to watch.

Honestly Daive didn't know fully what R was going through but he had a feeling it was a lot, like something was wrong, something was gone in her, but he didn't know what or even why he felt this way so instead of talking about it since, he never was great at talking about feelings or things going on- he blames Bro for that, he wanted to get her mind off it by cooking something together. Okay well- Him cooking and her watching things for him.

"Well you see, im just better and you'll have to get good" He teased "Listen i would trade and let you have the good talents but than you'd have to also take Kat with you since he's been more crabby than normal and sick of him fighting with me over stupid things. So its a win lose situation, whiney" A playful nickname honestly as he never minded her whining. Hell he didn't even really see it as her whining, he just saw it as her being comfortable being her normal playful self with him. Just like he could be his normal self with her, no judgment from friends, or worry over what others think, just being able to be themselves. Of course he could be himself with Jac to, but with others? he didnt feel like he could. Its why he enjoyed spending time with either of them. "Trust me, you wouldn't want Kat, i've got my phone off so its not going off every three seconds because something happened and he wants to fight about it so sadly little sis you'll have to deal with no talent, since you already deal enough with the terrors, you dont need another one" Calling Kat a terror was a bit mean but he meant it in a playful way not a hurtful one.