#lar: stock

[tavertianmindscape]

Lars Alexandersson...

Blue and White maid outfit...

Blushing cutely...

[ofdraiocht]

might add my favorite sad little sick prince

[weirdgenetic-fuckup]

Day 16: Stockings

Warnings: Smut, fingering (f receiving), public sex, stocking kink, if you think I missed anything let me know otherwise enjoy!

Kinktober

Kirk was always buying you stuff, he just loved to spoil you and for a long time that's all you thought it was, but then it took a turn.

He kept buying you stockings, long, thin socks with matching garters. You weren't to leave the house wearing them unless he was with you, even then they were only for special occasions and would always end with him fingering you under the table or fucking in a closet somewhere.

There was a business meeting, something you weren't quite sure what it was about but Kirk had asked you to come since James and Lars were also bringing their partners and wanted to make Jason jealous.

Jason didn't care but it didn't stop Kirk from running his fingers up your dress, pushing it up higher than he should've.

You swatted at his hand and leaned to whisper in his ear. "Kirk, you're gonna get caught."

"Don't worry about it." He said quietly in return, sneaking his hand fully under your dress, covering your lap with the table cloth. He pushed your panties aside, gathering your wetness on his finger before pushing it into you, moving at a slow pace to drive you crazy.

You just had to sit there and act like everything was ok, but it was so hard when he felt so good curling against your gummy walls. You could feel that knot building in your gut, getting ready to burst at an instant. You couldn't have that happen, Kirk wouldn't make you do go through with it, it was just too mean; besides, he had other plans for you.

Kirk pulled his hand away from you, wiping his fingers on your thigh before setting his utensils and napkin on his half finished plate, your almost untouched dish next to it. "Sorry to leave so soon, we, uh, have something else to get to." Kirk said innocently.

"Oh, yeah?" James asked, he'd seen those faces you made, how you twitched, he sat directly across from you and knew what Kirk was doing to you under the table. "Can't even stay for desert? I mean, Y/n has barely touched her food."

Kirk urged you out of your seat as you brushed your dress down, trying desperately to fix yourself up before walking through a restaurant.

He said a quick thanks before guiding you back to his car. Well, that's where he told everyone you were going. He took you to the bathroom and pushed you into a stall in the men's room before getting on his knees in front of you.

He pushed your dress up and ran his hands up and down your legs, feeling the fabric of your stalking under the calloused pads of his fingers as he kissed your exposed thighs, nipping at the lacy garter.

He pulled your panties down and pushed his fingers back into you, moving them at a much faster pace now as he continued to kiss and bite your thighs, paying more attention to wear your flesh pooled out the top, squished by the tight fabric.

It didn't take long before you felt that rush of heat coming again, this time Kirk didn't stop, letting your ride it out on his fingers and not trying to silence you, even in the publicity of the bathroom.

He gave your thigh a last kiss before looking up at you. "We don't have to stop." He said. "Do you want to go home and finish?" You'd barely caught your breath but you were desperate for more, you could see how hard he was through his jeans.

"Please." You said breathlessly as he stood up and led you out of the bathroom.

As soon as you were out the door someone caught your wrist and you around to see James. "Really?" He smiled down at you as Kirk came to your side, his arm going around your waist. "Have you no shame?" He teased.

"What can I say, I can't resist her." Kirk replied, kissing your cheek.

James rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah, well, try a little harder next time, these meetings are important."

"Are they really?" You asked, looking to Kirk with a small pout.

"No, but fucking under the table isn't great." James said, smacking your ass as he walked past you. Kirk shot him a look that he didn't see.

You were definitely in for it when you got back home

[mustainegf]

ok ok ok so like you’ve been living at the metallimansion w the boys like you’re their roommate and you and james have been hooking up for a few months now and you guys are afraid ur gonna get caught so you’re like “oh let’s go get groceries” wink wink and he parks in the back of the parking lot and yeahhh

AHHHHH THIS IS SO GOOD I NEED THIS

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐓 ¹⁹⁸⁶

For the last couple of months, I had been James's little secret, always sneaking around behind closed doors where no one can see us. Though living in the same house as other members of Metallica, Kirk, Lars, Cliff, has its advantages, there is always a risk of getting discovered. We are always on the look out, knowing full well that one wrong move could expose our illicit affair.

Today, I think the best thing we could do is 'grocery shopping', as that would raise little to no suspicions. "James, how about we stock up?" I say casually over breakfast, my voice cool, though my heart is running in my chest.

He raises an eyebrow-a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Groceries, huh? Alright, let's do it." We pack up quick, not wanting to stay too long prior to making our get away.

In the car, James takes the scenic route, veering into the back of the parking lot.

My heart goes racing when he cuts the engine, turns, and faces me; those eyes-in that piercing shade of blue, lock onto mine. Without words spoken, he reaches across the center console, his big hand wrapping possessively around my thigh. I feel a shiver run down my spine from the touch of his hand.

"You know, baby," he growls low, the hunger in his voice coating each word. "I've been thinkin' 'bout bending you over the kitchen counter all morning."

My breath hitches at the raw desire in his tone. "Oh really?" I manage to stammer out, my body already responding to his proximity.

"Yeah, really," he says, his fingers inching higher up my leg, along the hem of my shorts. "Can't really do that with them there though." In the next instant, he awkwardly scrambles into the backseat, pulling me along with him.

In an instant, he has me pinned against the leather seat, his muscular frame looming over mine. His mouth crashes down onto mine in a bruising kiss, his tongue greedily invading my mouth. I moan into the kiss, tangling my fingers in his messy blond locks.

His hands roam over my curves, greedy, squeezing and fumbling for every bit of exposed skin as though he just can't get enough. He palms my breasts, rough, through my tank top, tweaking my nipples until they strain against the thin fabric. "Fuck, your tits are perfect," he grunts, apparently appreciative between kisses.

He yanks my shorts and panties down in one swift, impatient tug; cool air conditioning hits my slick folds. "Goddamn, look at that pretty little pussy," he praises huskily, spreading my legs wide. "Already so wet for me."

James chuckles softly, his hot breath fanning over the flushed skin of mine as he teases, "Guess I'm the only thing these shorts were good for today, huh?"

We giggle in unison, and for a moment, all stress is relieved. Catching our breath, James captures my lips once more with another searing kiss, his tongue dancing with mine in a duel. we've fought many times

With quick efficiency, he releases his belt and fly, smoothing his jeans and briefs down in one easy motion. His huge cock springs free, thick and hard, the swollen head slick with pre-cum.

"Jesus, James," I exclaim, my eyes riveted by his lucky endowment. "I'm still shocked every time." I giggle.

A sadistic grin spreads across his chiseled features as he catches my reaction. "Like what you see, baby?" he teases playfully, stroking his shaft from base to tip in a languid sweep of the hand.

I nod eagerly, unable to remove my eyes from the mesmerizing sight of his cock throbbing in his hand. "Always," I confess breathlessly, reaching out to trace the prominent vein running along the underside with my finger.

James groans at the contact, his hips jerking involuntarily. "Fuck, that feels good," he rasps, guiding my hand to wrap around his girth. I squeeze experimentally, marveling at the heat and hardness beneath my palm.

He starts to thrust into my grip, fucking my hand slow at first, then picking up speed. "Mmm, yeah, just like that,

I guide James' throbbing member to my slick entrance, the swollen head nudging insistently at my folds. With a roll of my hips, I ease him inside, gasping as he stretches me deliciously. "Oh god, yes," I moan, relishing the sensation of fullness as he sinks deeper.

James lets out a groan, his eyes fluttering shut as my velvety walls clench around him. "Holy shit, you feel... fuck," he pants, burying himself to the hilt. "So fucking tight and wet."

For a moment, we just lie there, enjoying the feeling of our bodies intimately joined within the cramped confines of the backseat. The smell of sex is heavy in the air, mingling with the faint scent of leather and cologne.

The temptation finally proves too much for James, who starts to move, pulling almost all the way out before slamming back in. He immediately sets a furious pace, deep powerful strokes that shake the entire vehicle.

It was the rhythmic thumping of the headboard against the wall, interspersed with our moans and the obscene squelch of flesh meeting flesh. I meet each of his thrusts with eagerness, grinding my hips against him to take him even deeper inside.

"Yes, right there!" I cry out as he hits a particularly sensitive spot within me. "Don't stop!"

James accommodates quite readily and redoubles his efforts. He leans down and captures one of my bouncing nipples in his mouth, sucking hard as he continues to pound into me mercilessly. The double sensations send electric shocks right to my core, pressing me closer to the edge.

His words send a shiver down my spine, followed by a wave of pleasure when he pumps into me relentlessly. "You're such a good girl, taking my cock s-so well," James murmurs against my neck, peppering light kisses along the sensitive skin.

His praise is emboldening; it urges me to press against his thrusts with equal fervor. I arch my back, offering myself to him even more, as he covers my mouth with a passionate kiss, the dance of our tongues sensual.

He whispers filthy compliments between kisses, each one worse than the last. "Look at you.. so fucking wet and eager for me. You love being stretched out, don't you?" His cock pulses inside me, as if agreeing with him.

As we near our climaxes, the world funnels down to nothing but the heavy tie between us.

James' thrusts grow sporadic, his breathing ragged as he approaches the edge. "Fuck, I'm gonna-ahh!" With a loud groan, he pumps himself to the bottom and lets go inside me, hot seed flooding my depths.

The sensation of his release sends mine racing over the edge. I scream out in ecstasy, my inner muscles clamping down upon his spurting cock.

As the aftershocks subside, James wraps me tight against his chest, his heart hammering against mine. "I love you..." he pants into my ear, and those words can swallow everything in that moment.

My body trembles from my orgasm, pleasure spreading from where we're conjoined. James's statement reverberates in my mind, making me warm.

"I love you too," I whisper back, burrowing into the crook of his neck as I savor the feeling. Our chests heave in sync, our hearts still racing.

Slowly, James pulls out of me, his softening cock slipping free with a wet sound. A slight ache hits my tender walls as they adjust to the loss.

He gathers me into his arms, holding me tight as we catch our breath. Everything is perfect.

[haywire-hetfield]

Metallica members getting you high for the first time (gn!reader, can be read as platonic or romantic)

Cliff

Cliff is probably the most casual out of all of them. He doesn't make it a big deal or anything. He's gotten other people high for the first time before, so it's not new to him.

You two are just hanging out the first time you try it. He's smoking on the couch and you mention you've never smoked before.

Of course, he asks if you'd like to. He lets you finish the rest of his joint, telling you that you don't need more than that the first time.

He only mildly laughs at you when you end up in a coughing fit, assuring you everyone does that their first time.

He's the most equipped, making sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks.

You two spend the rest of the night just talking on the couch, some soft music playing in the background.

Kirk

Kirk would be the most supportive during. He makes sure you actually want to try it and aren't just doing it because you feel like you need to.

He'd have a space specifically for getting high and take you there. It's decked out with comfy pillows, blankets, etc.

He stays stocked with snacks and drinks as well as relaxing records he likes to put on while he's high.

He also has the most options for what you can try. He suggests trying a thc gummy or a thc pen first.

He intentionally gets less high than he normally would, wanting to make sure he's alert if you need anything.

Probably has some fun facts about weed (and definitely has weed jokes.)

Stays with you the entire time until you finally go asleep, making sure you have everything you need and making sure you're still okay.

Dave

He's actually the one who suggests you try getting high. He's drunk when he pitches the idea, but when you bring it up again the next day, he's still down.

He doesn't smoke often because he doesn't like the way it makes him feel, preferring to get drunk instead.

He has tried edibles a few times, but he tends to stay away from them. They make him feel weird and besides, he likes how smoking makes his voice sound anyway.

He used to have a pipe, but he decided it was too much of a risk. Anything that could be broken ended up getting smashed at some point, so he sticks to blunts.

He'd have a wide variety of flavored blunt wraps, despite not smoking very often. He even lets you pick whichever one you want to try.

He isn't the outwardly supportive like the others are, not really reassuring or checking in, but he hangs out with you the entire time and he's a comforting presence.

James

He'd be the most nervous about getting you high for the first time. He stresses about what's going to happen if you freak out or get sick or something.

Eventually, he agrees to do it. (Mainly because he doesn't trust all of the others with getting you high for the first time, mostly Lars.)

He prefers edibles over smoking because he thinks it fucks up his voice too much and it dries his throat out.

He's got a collection of various snacks for you two to try and he starts you out with a comically small amount.

He's a bit reluctant to keep giving you more, but he gets more relaxed as time goes on and he realizes nothing bad is happening.

Once you two are both high, it's a lot easier. He's completely relaxed and you're both laughing together.

You two spend the entire night watching movies on the couch and talking, although you're not sure how coherent you actually are during.

James is more willing to get high with you again after the first time, finding he actually had a really good time with you.

Jason

Easily the most excited about the idea of getting you high. He's never been with someone the first time they've gotten high before, so it's interesting to him.

He watches you the entire time you're smoking, trying to give you pointers, but he's not the greatest at explaining it.

He is the most likely to either have a broken bong (the bowl gets stuck now, so he has to pull it for you) or a DIY bong made out of something not intended to be smoked out of.

Asks you a ton of questions during, mostly about how you feel. It's been a while since he got high for the first time, so he's curious.

Definitely the cuddliest member when high, wanting to stay snuggled up to you the entire time.

He tells you horror stories about times he's been high or how others have been because he thinks it'll be funny. (It is not.)

Lars

He's definitely the one who actually encourages you to try it the most. He thinks it'll be fun to watch you at the very least.

He goes for joints for your first time and he ends up having to get it from one of the others. (He's not great at rolling joints.)

He spends most of the night focused on getting you high instead of smoking himself.

Thinks it's funny to mess with you while you're high, specifically putting on whatever movie or TV show he thinks will fuck with you the most.

He's especially giggly and you can't tell if it's because he's high or because you are.

He would definitely brag about being the person who got you high for the first time.

Ron

He's the one least excited to teach someone how to get high. He already has to put up with the rest of the band when they're high, he gets tired.

But when you promise you won't be an asshole, he gives in.

He's the only one who actually knows how to roll joints, but he ends up teaching you how to use a bong.

He's a pretty good teacher, despite being a reluctant one. He isn't as interested in watching you get high, but he enjoys your company nonetheless.

He prefers being outside when he gets high, so you two sit in his car with all the windows down and the radio on.

If it's at night, he absolutely points out different stars and constellations for you.

[jessequinnfirstofhername]

i didn’t like lars mikkelson as live action thrawn, in my mind thrawn should be way more physically intimidating and “other” to enhance his alienness. with lars there it just felt like a guy got painted blue (basically what happened). and what happened to the red eyeliner from rebels?!

Blasphemy! BLASPHEMY!

Look, I concede your point that Lars doesn't quite have Thrawn's physically intimidating presence (though he is very tall). But honestly, I can't see anyone else playing the big blue bastard.

Also, he looks pretty 'other', imo. It's more subtle, but he still has that 'V' ridge in his forehead, and his eyes are downright freaky-looking in live action.

That being said, I am a bit of a fake Thrawn fan; I haven't read any of the books or graphic novels. So perhaps I'm biased because I've only seen Thrawn portrayed by Lars Mikkelson.

Anyway, in response to your other point: Hey! Leave the poor guy alone. Do you know how hard it is to find Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in shade Cherry Punk on Peridea? The Peridean Sephora is always out of stock!

[adelheidsideblog]

How about the Allies’ type appearance wise? I like knowing who I could pull 😈

You're so real for that anon. When I'm writing these sometimes I make my favorite nations be into my body type lol. I'm writing these more towards AFAB people but I would be willing to do it for AMAB people if requested

Alfred

Prefers cleavage but appreciates a nice ass too

Likes partners with a lot of freckles

Loves all body types and isn't picky about sizes, but likes to be able to throw his partners around a bit (although with his super strength he can do that for most body types)

Doesn't have a defined type but tends to go for taller partners. He's slept with most nations, actually, so that doesn't help. His types range from Kiku to Ivan to Arthur.

He had a crush on Marianne as a kid too, like Feli, and also Gilbert and Julia (same)

2. Matthew

Also is really into cleavage but prefers ass/thighs

Likes his partners to have long hair

Likes curvier/softer bodies

Really attracted to partners who are fashionable, high maintenance, wear heavy makeup etc.

His crushes are Yekaterina and Anya, and for masculine partners it would be Lars and Ludwig

3. Arthur

Likes partners that have more feminine traits

Has a thing for facial hair on men

Not necessarily his type but he tends to go for partners with longer hair that he can play with

More of a legs man, goes crazy for long legs in stockings and heels

Really likes partners with nice hands

4. Francis

Another one who doesn't have a defined type

Does gravitate to partners who have a bookish or vintage aesthetic, almost librarian types

Into shoulders in masc partners and waists/stomachs in femme partners

You know when girls wear tighter pencil skirts and their bellies have a bit of a pudge in the fupa area? He goes crazy for that

When he's looking for hookups he tends to go for taller/larger partners, both masc and femme

5. Ivan

Obsessed with cleavage, the bigger the better

Likes partners that are smaller/shorter than him (because he can throw them around a bit)

Is into feminine, almost frilly partners.

His type involved Marianne, Amelia, Feliciano, Alfred.

Also is into blondes

6. Yao

When asked about it, Yao says that he's too old to have a type. For the most part, this is true.

Likes partners who have cutesy, frilly styles. Lolita almost.

Is into partners with a dancer/swimmer build

Long hair is a plus for him

Is into legs and ass on a partner

[eruden-writes]

ooooh, for the smoochin' roulette- how about a gargoyle platter with a side of #41 (kiss out of spite)

For anyone interested in sending a monster + prompt, the list is here.

So, uh, gargoyle platter x human.

tw for mentions of cheating and sexually charged commentary

----

Gargoyle's Gambit

Unlocking her front door, Brisa pushed her way into her darkened and quiet home. For a second, she stood, thinking of how the effort of getting ready had been wasted and how the delight for the evening had withered. The black dress that was classy, but sexy. The makeup she had agonized over. The jewelry carefully chosen. The excitement and delight when Lars’s parents had looked her over approvingly.

She didn’t understand why her supposed-to-be in-laws wanted to host so many soirees, but tonight just made such events taste even bitterer in her mouth.

Unceremoniously, she dropped her purse to the floor and kicked off her heels, rubbing her cheeks woefully. The dried tears, mixed with eyeliner and mascara, scraped against her fingers.

In the dark, she trudged toward her bedroom. After a wave of her hand, the lights bled on and all semblance of quiet and isolation shattered.

“Oi, oi, oi, what’re you cryin’ about now.” From the far wall, Emerick shouted. Brisa winced but ignored the gargoyle platter that hung on her bedroom wall as she went into her ensuite bathroom to scrub her face. If she’d had her choice, he’d be hanging in the living room at all times.

However, the last time he was permanently in the living room, she was woken up at all hours by midnight singing or him bemoaning his inability to use a television. Very loudly.

Not to mention, he often insulted or offended her guests. Again, very loudly.

Undeterred by Brisa’s cold shoulder, Emerick continued, “What’d that sod you call a fiancée do? Run screamin’ when he saw you without makeup ‘cause he didn’t recognize you?”

“I don’t feel up for this tonight, Emerick,” Brisa sighed as she made her way back into the bedroom. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she peeled off her stockings and considered changing for bed. Rubbing at her cheek again, she sighed. A shower was probably in order.

“What’d I do? What’d I do?” As always, Emerick continued on, a motorboat for someone made of stone. Every so often, the platter would vibrate against the wall as he waved his clawed hands. Brisa shot a glare his way, watching as his large round eyes widen in faux innocence. “Just makin’ conversation, all polite-like.”

Not for the first time, Brisa wondered what the point of a gargoyle platter had been. She’d asked Emerick and he always came up with a different answer.

Scaring off rats – or ants, or pill bugs, or any number of pests – from the kitchen.

Scaring off thieves from the pantry or the silverware.

Scaring off unworthy suitors for a family.

Though Brisa understood the whole “scary ugly gargoyles frighten off bad vibes” belief, it never seemed like the whole story. Emerick was certainly… unconventional to her human standards.

A wide face that reminded her of a bulldog, with a snub nose and two rows of sharp teeth. Large ears, like that of a bat, almost hid the little nubs of horns right behind them. The more Emerick moved, the more of a body was shown, though Brisa never saw too far below his torso. Carved muscles rounded the slow of his shoulders and his chest was bare. Behind him, wings flicked, though – if he had been an actual creature – she doubted their size could carry him.

In truth, he wasn’t terrible to look at. It was just what came out of his mouth that made him a pain to be around.

Flopping back against her bed, Brisa snorted, “The last thing you are is polite, you dinner tray.”

“Oi! That’s slander! Never once has dinner been served on my face.” Emerick’s chest puffed with indignation, but a sly grin slid over his craggy lips. “But if you want to set some cake on my face, I ain’t gonna complain.”

“Ugh, you’re so gross.” Brisa rolled onto her side, facing the wall with the platter as she wrinkled her nose in distaste.

“I didn’t say it had to be your cake. Your friend, wasshername, the one with the short red hair that’s spiky in the back—” Emerick made a motion with his large hand, swiping it over his own spiky bits that Brisa thought was supposed to be short, cropped hair.

“Sanguine,” she supplied with an unimpressed tone.

“Yeah, yeah, Sanguine’s cake’ll do. Wonder if it’s red velvet, if you know what I mean.” Emerick’s tongue came out in a cheeky grin, his teeth seemingly biting down on the appendage to add to the rascality of his expression.

Brisa groaned and pushed herself off the mattress, heading toward her vanity. Caddy corner to Emerick’s wall, she could still talk to him with ease while sitting before her mirror.

Her home was filled with magical items, ranging from thingamajigs to artefacts. It was part of her own witch path: history, mysteries, studying, cultures. Unveiling unknowns about the past, learning how to use these items whose manuals were lost to time.

It made her very essence vibrate happily.

But she never could understand why her grandmother kept the gargoyle platter around. Granny Nickels kept it out of sight until Brisa turned twenty-two, for stars sakes! That had to be evidence of Emerick’s unwieldly nature. He was better off in a vault or with a university, given a gargoyle platter wasn’t common.

Donating him to another home especially made sense for Brisa, considering he was one reason why her relationship of eight years was now on the rocks.

Well, Lars had a hand in the end of their relationship. Or more correctly had a dick in it.

At that thought, the make-up brush she’d been fiddling with snapped in her hand.

As if summoning a devil themselves, a message inked its way across her mirror: Please, Brisa, let’s just talk this out.

It didn’t need any signature for Brisa to know it was Lars. She could feel his magic in the message, in her own mirror. She frowned at the surface, considering what to do.

“What’d the fucker do,” Emerick needled, but Brisa ignored him.

She was thirty-two and had to be an adult about this. Adults communicated. Well, good adults communicated.

Waving her hand, Brisa accepted the message. Lars’s face soon filled her mirror. She peered closely, trying to find any hint that he weas as torn up, as bone-deep upset as herself. His face looked no different from most other calls, though.

Slim, aggravatingly handsome, tawny features. Purple-tinted eyes, large and bright with no hint of puffy redness from crying. Chestnut brown hair neatly slicked back, so different from how she saw it earlier when he was in bed with Ophelia. His pointed ears didn’t even droop in shame or worry.

“Oh, thank the gods, sweetheart, you picked up,” Lars gasped, a relieved smile tilting at the corners of his lips.

Lowering herself onto the chair in front of her vanity, Brisa crossed her legs under her dress and crossed her arms. “You wanted to talk this out?”

To his credit, Lars looked briefly abashed. Then he began speaking, ruining the effect. “I-It was a moment of weakness. Ophelia makes time for me and actually cares about my work! It’s natural that… that feelings would grow unmanageable.“

Out of the corner of her eye, Brisa caught Emerick’s platter shudder against the wall as he moved. “He did wot now? A fortnight before your matrimonials?”

When her attention shifted back to Lars, all semblance of remorse had washed away. He glared at the gargoyle, lips thin. Brisa braced herself when his gaze turned back to her, knowing what that look in his eyes meant.

“This is part of what I’m talking about, Brisa. Your family foists these magical artefacts on you and you keep them all, studying them at all hours giving us no time together!” Lars motioned toward Emerick with a sharp movement. His lips curled, nose wrinkling as his voice lowered darkly, “Even if they’re not worth keeping.”

“That’s not fair. Emerick is a very intriguing part of magical history we have yet to fully understand.” She should know. She’d been trying to study him for a long time. The markings that decorated the edges of his platter were in a language long gone. Or completely made up by whoever created him.

The point of his existence, his job, what he was meant to do hadn’t yet been determined fully.

Lars’s features darkened, his face turning a ruddy red as his words became louder, “There’s no reason to have an ugly gargoyle tray that constantly harasses you and everyone who enters your apartment!”

“Oi! I ain’t ugly. I’m distinguished.”

“You’re going to end up alone in that apartment, surrounded by dusty relics and with only that damned thing to talk to, y’know.”

“Better me than a tit like you, boy,” Emerick spat back. “I don’t go wetting my dick in egocentric muff.”

“You don’t even have a dick, you plate,” Lars growled, finally addressing the gargoyle directly.

The platter thumped heavily on the wall behind Brisa, as if Emerick had made a sharp and violent movement. “I got one, I just don’t go flashing it around. Take notes, mate!”

Pinching at her nose, Brisa tried to fend off the ache settling deeper into her brain. “Enough, both of you!”

Her words didn’t have the intended desire of quieting the two. Instead, they merely re-centered Lars’s targeting.

“Like I said, you’re going to end up alone with that thing, Brisa.” Though his voice had soften, almost pleadingly, it took on an edge again with his next words. “If you even cared about me, you would have seen how unhappy I— “

His following words turned into a staticky rush in Brisa’s ears. Pain throbbed through her temples and agitation heated her blood. It was her fault. Always her fault. She never paid him enough attention, never cared enough, never read his bloody mind.

She just wanted Lars to leave her alone. Give herself time to process her feelings and recalibrate her life without him. But he wasn’t giving her that.

Faintly, she could hear Emerick retorting to whatever Lars had said. Her eyes flicked to the gargoyle platter, rattling in its stand as the resident inside spat words. Her now-ex-fiancée always had problems with Emerick. Well, honestly, everyone had issues with the gargoyle platter. The creature was not polite, so she couldn’t blame others. The only reason she knew Emerick was tolerable was thanks to being constantly around him. At some point, the gross and aggravating commentary would pause.

Lars, however, seemed to be an endless fount of unwanted comments. “I thought the prospect of an adult life, married and kids, would finally make you choose something important and worthwhile but— “

Something snapped in Brisa. Her body moved before she could even consider where she was going. Getting to her feet and snatching up Emerick – ignoring the gargoyle’s startled yip – Brisa found her own lips pressed to the cool stone tablet.

Unsurprisingly, the platter was cold and hard against her lips.

At first.

What was cold became warm and the platter suddenly felt much larger, much heavier, in her hands. She must have accidentally lifted it from the nail in the wall, she thought.

It wasn’t until a ginger touch traced up both sides of her jaw that Brisa’s eyes snapped open. Emerick stood before her, much larger than the stone tray he had been before. He leaned over her, hands raised – the touch she had felt – blocking out the rest of the room.

Her heart stuttered in her chest, eyes unable to drink in all the details at once.

Besides being much larger and humanoid-ish in shape, there were other differences Brisa realized. His wings, for one, had grown. Now they appeared large enough to heft him in flight. The odd spiky hair atop his skull was obviously hair, now. Shaggy and less likely to draw blood from a simple touch.

He was also much more colorful. The stone platter had been a monotonous grey, much like Emerick’s skin tone. Though his hair was a darker shade of grey and he had lichen green coloring flecked over his face, shoulders, arms, and chest. As Brisa’s gaze dropped, she realized he also wore a loincloth, thanking the universe for the blessing.

The similarity and foreignness of the person before sent a throb of surrealness through Brisa, alighting the migraine at her temples again.

Vaguely, she heard Lars screeching from the mirror. With an owlish blink, she turned her head toward him, listening to him rage. “Have you been cheating on me with that thing! You ungrateful fucking who—”

With a wave of her hand, Brisa dispelled connection. She could only take one exhausting person at a time and Emerick was, currently, right in front of her.

“Well, this is awkward,” she muttered, turning her eyes back toward the gargoyle.

It was only Emerick’s mumbled grunt that made Brisa’s gaze flick back to his face. He seemed unable to look directly at her, shifting back and forth on his feet.

“Stars preserve me,” she gasped, earning a startled look from Emerick. Despite herself, an almost delirious smile spread over her lips. “You have nothing to say. Never thought I’d hear the day.”

Emerick narrowed his eyes – irises black, Brisa noted – and frowned. “You’re taking this disturbingly well.”

Cocking her head, Brisa narrowed her own eyes. There was something different to the gargoyle’s speech, she thought. But another throb of exhaustion made her sigh and drop the thought. “Today has been long and heartrending and I just want to take a shower and go to bed.”

Turning away from him, she gathered her pajamas from the closet and headed toward the bathroom.

“So…” Brisa turned as Emerick spoke, taking a step closer toward her. A suggestive grin tilted at his lips as he nodded toward the bathroom. “Should I join yeh?”

“Absolutely not.” Pursing her lips, she rolled her eyes, noticing a tail whipping behind the gargoyle. A million scholarly questions flooded her brain, but tiredness had a mighty hold on her. Holding her clothes to her chest with one hand, she motioned toward the door with the other. “Go watch the TV in the living room, as you’ve always complained about wanting to do.”

“Aw, but I could help you get into all those little nooks and crannies.” Emerick raised his hands, making squeezy motions.

“I’m sure you could,” Brisa said slowly, trying to level an apathetic expression at him. It was a bit ruined, she thought, as she couldn’t help glancing curiously at his hands. “But I’m more interested in a shower. Now skedaddle.”

Motioning for Emerick to leave, Brisa didn’t wait for the gargoyle to fully exit before ducking into her ensuite bathroom. Though her curiosity was great, her sense of propriety and safety was greater, so she pointedly locked the door behind her.

[mysticmothworld]

Cordyceps fungi on moths

Cordyceps fungi are parasitic, mostly on insects. This aids in spreading their spores, because at the last stage of infection they take over the nervous system and force the insect to higher ground.

Image credits, clockwise from top right: Lars Fehlandt, stock, Sinobug on project noah, Pete Oxford, last 2 Paul on flickr

Oh, and they can infect moth larvae too

Image credits from left to right: stock, NPR

The second photo is of caterpillars infected with Ophiocordyceps sinensis, used in Tibetan and Chinese traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac. It's so valuable a fight over it caused 2 people's deaths.

This short article about it is an interesting read

[weekend-whip]

well it’s Christmas Eve somewhere I suppose

Hi, @senseiwu! I’m your Ninjago OC Secret Santa! I adore all three of your OCs, so...couldn’t help but do a little thing for all of them! Hope you have a good one!

And here we have image descriptions + my ramblings:

Top: Mei, wife of the FSM, prepares an early morning hot chocolate for her sons on a particularly snowy day. Garmadon and Wu peek above the counter, excited to see what she’s made. Garmadon’s mug is purple and flavored with peppermints, while Wu’s mug is yellow and decorated with cookies. 

Left: Lar, younger sibling of Kai and Nya, opens an early gift by the fireplace while Kai and Nya watching. Stockings for their whole family (Ray, Maya, Wu, Kai, Nya, Lar) are hung above the fireplace, where a raging orange fire warms up the trio. 

Right: Jun, child of Wu and Misako in an alt timeline, falls asleep on Misako’s lap (cuddling her owl plush Hoohoo—which is SUCH a cute name gah) while Misako reads her a story in her personal study beneath a Christmas tree. Morro sits to the side, also listening in but trying to be cool about it, while Wu is on the other side watching with adoration. 

Took the prompt about ‘spending the holidays with their families’ and ran with it XD

[sonofthedunes]

ok. ok. i’ve teased it long enough: it’s time to meet my star wars oc. if you’re interested, venture below the cut…

and here she is: andrie mykarrah of tatooine. her faceclaim is saoirse ronan, specifically in her role as jo in little women-when i began to consider what andrie looked like, this face appeared to me immediately and just fit. (saoirse is perhaps my favorite young actress working today, and in fact auditioned for rey in tfa!) i’m not going to lay out her whole life story for you here, but i’ll tease out some facts for you-and if it piques your interest, she’ll be a character in my next one-shot! for it may shock you to know that she’s luke’s love interest in my little fancanon. :p

born in 19 ABY, about 3 weeks after the twins. of her mother’s eight pregnancies, she was the only surviving full-term child

Andrie’s mother was never especially maternal and abandoned the family when Andrie was eight; they saw each other only occasionally afterward. Andrie’s father loved her but was never around much; he died when Andrie was 13. she was raised on the mykarrah farm with her great-grandmother, grandmother and two uncles

by her own admission is rather hotheaded and temperamental, fighting when cornered and gathering every scrap of agency she can in her sheltered world. this can serve her well in combat later, but admittedly she must work hard to control it

is force-sensitive, but this was suppressed for much of her early life. had at least one relative who was murdered for displaying force powers, and her grandmother feared what might happen to the family if her abilities became known

encountered Luke a few times when they were children, but only properly met him when they were 18 and he came to her farm with his aunt and uncle…because the older women were trying to marry Andrie off in order to continue the family line

of course the marriage didn’t happen (Owen vehemently objected to his nephew being treated like breeding stock), but Luke and Andrie discovered they were kindred spirits who yearned for life beyond the desert and over the course of the next year became friends (of which they both have precious few). neither of them know it, but this is the force guiding the future builders of the new jedi order together…the whole slowly falling in love thing is just a bonus

when the news of the lars’ murder reaches her, Andrie assumes Luke’s been killed too and in her grief vows to travel the galaxy for both of them, no longer willing to allow others to control her life. she runs away from home and makes her way to mos eisley, where in her search for a ship she comes upon a certain corellian freighter on which to stow away…

and thus begins a journey on which Andrie helps rescue a princess, joins the rebel alliance, reaches at least the rank of lieutenant (possibly higher?), becomes a head of the reconnaissance team, sees planets and battles beyond her wildest dreams, recognizes her worth as a woman and soldier, feels accepted for perhaps the first time in her life, fights for an end to tyranny…and eventually opens herself to the power of the force, becoming both padawan and bride to luke. their love, which bloomed in a desert and was solidified by a whirlwind rescue mission, changes the jedi order forever and shakes the stars. not bad for two farm kids.

that’s enough to start on i think :p i’m always open to questions about Andrie, so feel free to drop them in the inbox! and thank you all for indulging me

[lolamarlowe65]

𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 //James Hetfield

“The house next door was just sold, i hope the new neighbour will be nice.”

part eight of ? part seven

disclaimers: smut, age gap (modern day james), slow burn, cursing, smoking, drinking, kissing, mentions of a size kink, mentions of death, big girls stuff nsfw

Wattpad link

࿓ 𓋪・𖧹 𖤐

Chapter 8 - Unexpected turn

I didn't sleep much. Just enough to get me through the day. My mind was occupied with James's picture. During the night I grabbed my phone a few times just to look at it. I am the only one in the world who has this picture. It feels like a part of him; a very public character; is only for me and me only. I turned around in my bed thinking about what could have been his reaction to my picture. I thought that what I sent was too much for a slight moment but given the lingering lust we have for each other, I doubt that. He makes me so alive and I won't regret at least trying. I think so much and feel so much and nothing has even happened between us. I can't help but imagine being with him, at his side, not only for lust but also for him.

I'm trying my best to look alive at work. Pamela is in a bad mood. She actually entered the pharmacy and threw some papers on the floor screaming "motherfucker". She never tells me anything about her personal life and considering her pissy mood I won't dare ask.

The day is slow, it's like it will never end! The store is closed because we had inventory to do, then we've got deliveries and now we're cleaning and stocking back the shelves. I feel like I am dragged into the hell of one of Pamela's manic episodes. But frankly, it occupies my mind.

"- Hey Ann, can you put the TV on?! Like a music channel or something?!" Pamela asks me.

"- Yeah for sure!" i answer.

There's a TV on one of the shelves behind the counter, it's mostly used for commercials and stuff. Those give you headaches all the time and that's why I hate this TV. Except on inventory day, we put it on for music. It goes from shitty music videos to the old music I am so fond of up to interviews and lives. Right now there's this loud guy who's talking about some new exclusive interview with Metallica coming up next. Wait? Metallica?! I turn the sound up to be able to hear clearly. This must be the interview James was in San Francisco for.

"- Hey guys how are y'all doing?" the journalist asks.

Oh god, it is. I can see James clearly, he is the same. He doesn't put up a character or anything. I mean to me he is already very aloof and strong minded so I guess you don't need to change a thing when you're the frontman of a metal band. The fact is, his sweet smile and good heart doesn't disappear either. He mixes them both so well and stays himself. His voice is calm and his words are well chosen, it reminds me of how much I love talking to him. It makes me so happy. I hope I will see him lost in his music one day. Seeing him play must say so many more things.

I recognise Kirk next to him, he looks and sounds the same as when I met him. And the two other guys must be Lars and Robert. Who is who tho? Who is the one that would look the most like an hyperactive drummer boy? I could check but I'll let it go so I can discover it when time comes. If it ever comes. James looks so busy. They are passionately talking about their new upcoming album and their tour next year. I don't know if I will see him as much as I do today and this thought makes me sad. All the people I have an attachment to all go away at some point. I shouldn't think about it. I don't even know what I exactly feel about James. I shake my head around trying to get back to my work and get those thoughts out of my head.

"- So last but not least. James this question might be too personal but we know things changed around in your personal life. We'd love to know how things are going?" the reporter asked James.

I turn my head around. What a shitty question. "Personal life". It means what it says for Christ's sake! Still, I'd love to hear the answer. Just morbid curiosity. From what Stacy told me, I finally remember he got a divorce not long ago. I don't why but this information came back to mind now. Then he moved out here but we never talked about it and as much as I'd love to know about it in a more intimate setting and not through a very public interview I can't stop but listening to the answer. He is very secretive about it so I can't stop thinking he doesn't know what he feels about all that. He has this whole life build for himself, what could he possibly find interesting about a young chick like me? I know he's not doing all that just for my ass, but then, why?

"- Well man, things were complicated at first but I think I'm good now. Let's say "things" took an unexpected turn." James smiles and laughs slightly.

"- Oh! Interesting and are we going to know about this "unexpected turn" soon?" the reporter asks back.

"- That I can't tell you, but I sure hope." James smiles.

I think I turned red. I cannot be what he is talking about. Nah I can't. I'm not the centre of the world, even more of his. I play with his necklace around my neck trying to get all this out of my head.

"- Haha anyway thank you guys for accepting this interview, I know y'all are pretty busy those times." the journalist says before turning his head to look at the camera. "Stay tuned on this channel tomorrow night. Metallica is playing live for charity and we are here to retransmit it! See y'all tomorrow!"

They're playing tomorrow night? I think I will watch the live. I just want to see how he looks while playing, how they look as a band. I need to see this.

"- Hey Ann, the fuck you doing?" i hear Pam coldly saying. 

"- Yeah sorry Pam, coming right up." i answer.

She is right on this point, I just lost myself in my thoughts and the interview for a good amount of time. Let's go back to work. Time is so slow I don't know when I'll get out of here. I better work without a thought in my head to make it go faster.

I finally ended my shift and went to the hospital right away. Early in the morning the hospital called and asked my grandmother to come right away. Apparently, something in her analysis was not clear, they needed her to retake it. Their tone was pressed and I just hope it's nothing bad. Her health is declining those days and I was happy to know nothing was bad in her analysis but apparently my rest was short.

As I arrive I immediately go to my grandmother. They set her up in a room. Just for simple analysis? This definitely doesn't look good.

"- Are you okay grandma?" i ask, voice trembling.

I go and hug her tightly. I need her. I don't want anything bad happening to her. I just wouldn't be able to take it.

"- I am okay sweetheart. I promise." she says sweetly, caressing my head.

"- Don't make me a false promise. You know I couldn't take it." i answer, almost crying.

I can feel that something isn't right. I can feel my grandmother's anxiety through her body. I know she's trying to make me feel better. I know she's telling me to calm myself. But I can't. She's all I have left.

A doctor walks in the room and asks me to talk privately.

"- How is she doing?" i ask.

"- Well, I will be honest with you. Her arthritis is getting worse. There is a high chance she will not be able to walk anymore." he says unbothered, i almost started crying. "We want to keep her here on observation so we can figure out if we can operate on her and to make sure it doesn't spread to her other members." he continues.

"- Will she ever go home?" i ask.

"- Not constantly. It will be better for her if she stays here at the hospital for the time being. I gather some of her friends are also here, we will make sure she has contacts with them and that you can come see her everyday. But it will be better if she stays here."

"- You don't look very optimistic." i say.

"- I'm sorry miss." he answers, not sorry.

The doctor goes away after handing me the papers I need to sign for her admission. I won't do anything without asking my grandmother. My mom asked to get her out of the hospital in her last weeks. She knew she wouldn't make it and chose to stay by our side in the house. Without her asking me, I wouldn't have done anything. My grandma deserves this choice. The doctor was not very optimistic. She is probably going to have her last birthday this year. I am defeated. I want to stay optimistic, to say to myself she is gonna be okay and everything is gonna come back to normal, but I know it's not the case. Preparing myself for this eventuality actually helps me with dealing with it all. I go back to her room and sit next to her on her bed.

"- The doctor wants you to stay here until then." i say, crushed, putting my head on her shoulder.

"- It's okay sweetheart. I will stay here." she answers.

I let out a sob. Today should have been a good day. But it's not. My grandmother tries her best to move around to cup my face with her hands.

"- Ann. My beautiful Ann." she says, putting strands of my hair behind my ear. "You are a smart young woman. I know you understood this visit at the hospital will probably be my last. It's been a few months my health is not doing great and your mother knew it too. Your mother knew I would leave you not long after she did but I promise you sweetheart." her voice trembled. "I promise we will always be with you. Forever and ever. I know you will figure your life out. I know you will find someone who will love you as much as your mother and I do. It's gonna be hard, but I don't want to see my beautiful baby girl losing herself in false hope." she wipes a tear off my face. "I love you. I love you so much. Be happy." she says before finaling. "In the meantime, don't stay here all the time. Come see me everyday, but once you get out, live your life. I want to see you happy during my last moments." 

I'm crying so much. I can't accept the truth of this. I just can't.

"- Grandma... I don't want to lose you. I love you, stay with me." i sob.

She puts her forehead against mine and we cry together. Even if she cries like me, she keeps on her sweet smile, this smile that would always reassure me. That would always cheer me up and make me go on. It still does now. Even if it's hard. I will respect her wishes. I will try to live out of here. I will come see her and change her mind with my stories for as long as she stays here. I don't know what will happen to me after she's gone. But I will try it. Just for my mom and grandma.

"- My mind is good but my body fails me. I will always exist, I will always be with you. Like your mom is in this beautiful heart of yours." my grandmother reassures me.

"- Did you sign the papers miss?" the doctor comes into the room to say.

"- Don't you see my granddaughter and I are having a discussion? What do you think your mother would think of this young man?!" my grandma interrupts him. "She will give them to you, now leave her be." she adds.

Her response made me laugh. Her mind is still there and in good health. But her body isn't. Like my mom. Knowing that she will keep her character intact until her last breath makes me feel more at peace with all this.

"- Sorry ma'am." the doctor says embarrassed before walking out.

"- Don't let them piss you off. Silly little doctors who think they're better than you because they got a diploma." she rolls her eyes. "Know what you want and get it." she says.

I'm still crying. My head's a mess but I gather myself to sign those papers. Before I get out to hand the papers my grandma calls for me.

"- Darling, get home. Have yourself a peaceful afternoon. Get me my stuff tomorrow will ya? The nurses are very nice, they will take care of me." my grandmother asks me.

"- Are you sure?" i answer.

"- Yes my love. Come here so I can give you a kiss."

I walk toward my grandmother. She gives me a kiss on my forehead and hugs me tightly. Before she lets me out she whispers in my ear.

"- Would you get Stacy, Pamela and James to come here tomorrow sweetheart? I want to give them a word." she asks.

Stacy and Pamela I get but James? What does she want to tell him? It makes James even more important to me knowing that my grandmother thinks so highly of him. Even if I don't know how to ask James I will try. I don't know how he is gonna react.

"- Okay. I will. I can't promise anything for James. He is busy. I'll have to catch him before then."

"- I am sure you will, love." she smiles, hinting something.

She let go of me and I got out of the room holding tears in the corner of my eyes. Now, each time I will get out of this room I will not be able to know if this is the last time I see her. But I need to keep my head high and do what she asked me. Before heading out, I give back the papers to the doctor. I know James is coming back soon, I told him I would see him today but I don't know if I actually will. Deep within myself, I hope I will. I want him to tell me everything's okay. I want to open this pain of mine to him.

When I get home I lay down on the couch. I don't want to cry so I look at the ceiling with empty eyes while smoking a cigarette. This house is empty without her. I think about my future. My grandmother has lived a full life. She went for her passion, she travelled all around the world and met my grandpa, she had a kid, which she always wanted to have but she never put her work and passion aside. Do I want to travel? How to live off of your passion? Do I want kids? I don't know. My mom would tell me to stop thinking so much, she would say that I will see what will happen when it will happen. She is right. But I'm sure of only one thing right now: I will keep on living to make these two women who made me who I am proud. I just hate the fact that I am so alone in this. Putting my hand on my collar bone to touch the necklace I open my messages, hoping to see one of James, but nothing. He has seen my message. It's written he saw it. I think I'm gonna break down.

I hear a knock on the door and go up slowly to open it.

"- Coming!" i open the door.

"- Hey Anna." James expresses calmly.

"- Ja... James." i say, surprised.

"- Are you okay?" he asks me right away.

I didn't even answer him. I just threw myself into his arms. I hold him tightly by the chest. Maybe it's too much and he will reject me but I didn't think about it, I just needed to do it. James doesn't move, he doesn't do anything. I shouldn't have done that. I try to go back and stop hugging him but James holds me back immediately into his arms. One of his hands is holding tightly by the waist and the other is in the back of my head. My head rests against his chest and I can hear his heart ringing. It goes fast but peacefully. I'm pretty sure his music is not as beautiful as this sound. I can feel him trying to move around. He doesn't let me go but he makes me understand to take a step back so he can close the door behind him. That's better. It's more intimate and makes me feel more at ease. He doesn't say anything and just holds me without forcing me to talk.

"- My grandma. She has to stay in the hospital. She probably doesn't have long anymore." i say, very softly.

"- Oh Anna." James sight. "Everything's gonna be okay." he holds me tighter.

James lets me out of his arms just to hold me lightly. Looking at me, he studies me, trying to get how I react.

"- You are the most courageous woman I know. And I'm sure your grandmother is the first to think it. I know you will be okay. I know she will be okay. Wherever she goes. It's gonna be hard. I know. But your mind is strong and you will keep her in your heart, always."

"- Thank you James." i say, sweetly.

"- Hey." he says, putting his hand on my cheek. "I know that saying those words won't heal you or make anything better but I'm saying them to you to tell you I'm here." he smiles. "I'm here for you. If you want it and whenever you need it."

I look up to him and my eyes dive into his. How happy I am to have him around. Somehow, it makes my grief more peaceful. Because I shared it with him. Because he is here for me. I had very few people around me when my mom died. Apart from my grandmother, Stacy and Pamela. They all helped me with their presence. Having them around made me more tranquil but having James around I feel protected. I didn't know I needed to feel protected until today, but I do. I want to feel like I have a shield that's not made with my survival instinct. A shield that's made of comfort and hope and mostly a strong shield that you wouldn't dare to try and break. James is that. He is comforting, he gives me hope and he's strong enough to kick anybody's ass. I'm pretty sure, at the very least, his mind is strong, and so is he. And as long as he allows me around him, I will see him as such. James isn't only that for me, well, not the only thing I want him to be but that's still too complicated to say. I love the way he is here for me. I don't know if I'm courageous but I will try.

"- Let me get you something to drink, Anna." he says, looking for the kitchen.

I draw a mellow smile, letting out a small laugh.

"- Here James." i show, walking toward it.

As we walk into the kitchen I go and get two glasses out of the cupboard. When I try to reach for the bottle in the fridge James stops me.

"- Let me do it. Sit down and ease your mind." he presses.

I nod and sit down at the table. How sweet.

"- My grandmother... she wants to see you tomorrow." i remember.

"- I'll be there." he answers immediately. "She will kick my ass if I don't come so I'll be there." he then jokes.

I love the way he jokes around to make me cheer up. And it works like a charm because it does make me laugh. She will kick his ass tho. Tomorrow night, James is supposed to play live and I know it. Now, I don't know too much about the organisation of a metal concert but I'm pretty sure his day will be quite busy. Yet he accepted right away without any condition. While I'm getting lost in my thoughts James pours me a drink and gives me the glass.

"- Thank you." i smile.

James leans himself against the kitchen counter in front of me and locks his gaze on me. The kitchen is not very big, having him here, like this, makes it feel even more tiny. Not in an anxious way at all, in a tensful way. It's like the walls are shrinking because the room wants us close. I'd love to nestle myself into his arms and stay here for hours. Feeling his heartbeat, reminding me that I have to keep on and make mine beat as peacefully as his. But I can't. I won't dare trying. The quick hug I had from him minutes ago was so intense I can barely hold on. He made me feel better just with his arms, he made me forget for a brief amount of time about this day. Made me forget about her leaving me. James observes me, probably wondering what I am blabbering about in my head.

"- I saw the interview." i interrupt my own head saying.

"- Did you?" he smiles.

"- The one you did yesterday in San Francisco. It was on this morning at the pharmacy."

"- And what did you think about it?" he answers, keeping on his smile.

"- Well, I still don't get who's Lars and who's Robert but I recognised Kirk. See, I'm becoming a fan. I'm getting there." i silently laugh.

"- You'd be the best fan we've ever had." he smirks. "But I'm already jealous of Kirk so retard the moment you get to know the two others." he jests.

His dumb joke let out of me an honest laugh. I'm also a hundred percent sure I'm burning red. I know he isn't actually jealous, and that would be weird if he was, trust me, but hinting a certain attachment to me by making these kinds of jokes makes me feel so confused.

"- I loved the way you talked. I love the way you don't change from the James I know. Even if I don't know you much yet. You are so sure of yourself and you show it by using a serene tone, never by bragging or thinking you are better than the ones around you. I love that about you." i say, calmly, James keeping his gaze locked on me. "I don't know much about your music but you sounded so passionate. I'm also glad you said things we're doing okay for you. Truly." i conclude.

I think again about "the unexpected turn" he talked about earlier. I'd loved to know what he was precisely talking about. My heart tells me I am, but my reason tells me that I'm giving myself delusions. But yet, there's the necklace, the photo I have of him, all of this that I can't forget about.

James puts his glass aside next to him and straightens up from the counter. I see him slowly walk towards me. This must be about four steps but it feels like twenty. Sitting on my chair, he approaches me and puts two of his fingers under my chin.

His hand.

He lifts my head up so I can look at him. James is already so tall, looking at him from this perspective makes me feel so weak. I don't have a size kink. I swear. And I'm not even "petite"! He is just so much. So much of him. So much that I want. My hand immediately goes to his necklace around my neck. Our eyes connecting on each other's gaze.

"- You know that you are my "unexpected turn"? Right?" James states.

I take a heavy breath. I think my heart skipped a beat. James looks entranced by me. His eyes glimmer a different light. Something changed in the air. Something that feels like the whiff of his breath in my neck I felt the other day. My heart was right. He was talking about me. He sees me in his future. When he said he would be here for me he knew he wanted my heart. His determination is obvious. I can see it in his eyes. But I can see he is scared. I can see he doesn't know how I will react. I get to see a side of him that I would have never guessed about the first time I saw him. He is so beautiful.

So fucking beautiful.

Suddenly my head moves up slightly, desperately trying to reach him. James's head does move toward mine too and I feel his hand slide slowly in the back of my head, in between my hair, helping me to stand up, pulling me toward him. In between paths, him and I trying to reach each other our lips connect. He kisses my lips passionately, holding onto me like he is afraid I'd disappear. But I'm not going anywhere, I have never felt something like this. Lust, romance, whatever. Time stopped at the moment we connected. My hand goes in the back of his neck, trying to reassure him. Telling him, "I'm not going anywhere." His body straightens up and moves me so I can stand up. At this moment, our lips disconnect so we can take a breath, but those seconds must have felt like hours because we kissed again as soon as we took one breath like we are starving without each other. James pushes me against the counter behind me and I push his head even closer to me with my hand in the back of his head as a way of telling him to deepen the kiss. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I let his tongue dance with mine. Grabbing my waist he pushes me back even further and I hear him grunt before he sits me down on the counter. One of his hands stays on my waist and the other goes in the back of my neck.

This is the best thing I've ever felt. I wish time would stop and we could stay like this forever.

"- Last night." James says, in between kisses and out of breath. "I thought I was going crazy when I saw your picture." he kisses me deeply. "I understood. I knew I had to come to you. All the reasons I am so entranced by you I could see in this picture. I had to see you." he kisses me again. "I had to tell you. I wouldn't even have dared to think about kissing you but here I am."

"- James..." i whisper.

"- Here I was with my silly picture, thinking I would make you smile, thinking I could make your eyes bliss, before you sent me this and made all my effort go to waste." he pauses and smiles. "You are so talented and so goddamn beautiful." he adds, our eyes locked on each other's.

My mouth opens slightly to express how bewildered I am. "You are so talented and so goddamn beautiful." Nobody has ever told me that. Never. Even more with such passion and honesty. I am speechless. I want him. Everything. I don't even wait before throwing myself in his arms again, kissing and hugging him, giving him the opportunity of giving me a bear hug, that he takes instantly. Such a sudden act. An act that I wanted to do for longer than you can think. Just feeling his lips on mine is better than anything I have done thinking about him.

"- James... I... You..." i try to gather my words.

"- Shhh... It's all about you right now." James answer.

I don't know how to tell him everything. Everything he makes me feel. Everything I want him to do to me and everything I want him to be. He understands me so well and his answers make me even weaker than I already am. I smile and he kisses me again, my hands starting to play with the end of his shirt. I need him so much. I can hear him grunt as he slowly slides his tattooed hand under mine, grabbing my waist roughly, playing with my skin.

"- The neck-" i say, interrupted by the phone in my house that starts to ring. fuck it. "Fuck it..." i whisper.

James stopped kissing me as the phone started to chime but I take his head back to crash him back onto my lips. His hand is still playing with this little parcel of my skin, initiating an indescribable fire into me. He's my fuel, my fire, my desire.

The phone stops to ring but bips, letting the person on the other side of the line leave a message.

"- Hey Ann... It's Stacy... I know you've had a shitty day but I really need you there." i can hear her hesitate. "Well... something happened. I tried your phone but as always, you leave it on silent. If you hear this, just know I left my door unlocked, see you soon!" Stacy concludes.

Her tone is sad and struggling and I feel guilty not hearing my phone ringing. If she had to call on the house phone then she was really desperate. I can feel James's hand let go of my waist to put a messy strand of my hair behind my ear.

"- Go." James says. "She needs you."

"- Are you sure?" i ask.

"- What do you think? Your friend needs you. I don't even have a say in this." he smiles, kissing my lips quickly.

James is such a sweetheart. I don't want this moment to end. But my best friend needs me and I will be here for her. Smiling, I can see him trying to gather his words.

"- Listen Anna. I want to do things right. I want you, but I don't want you to think I just want to play with you." he suspends, studying my expressions. "Let me take you on a date. One date."

"- Yes James. Show me everything about you. Take me anywhere." i answer, my arms wrapped around his neck.

"- Then come to my gig tomorrow night, I want you to see me play. Then the rest of the evening is for you, all for you." he pauses. "I will never accept you not having what you deserve." he concludes, one arm around my waist, one hand playing with my hair. "You deserve a date, you deserve something that's done right."

I nod. Delighted by this news. My whole life is changing and at least I'm glad James is a part of my new world. I want to see him play, I want to have a nice evening with him. I want to know him more deeply. I love the way he talks to me, I can't believe he thinks so highly of me, I can't believe anybody would ever treat me as good as he does in my life. Just for that, I don't wanna let it go. I was afraid my age would be a problem for him, I was afraid it would just be me. But he takes it seriously. And if I didn't have enough proof I can just look at the fire in his eyes, I can just feel his heartbeat. His body and mind work together to show me how honest he is. My eyes glimmering, happy the universe sent him to me in this weird period of my life. "Thank you mom" I say to myself chuckling.

"- Let me drive you at Stacy's." James interrupts, still playing with my hair.

I nod, I don't feel like driving right now. As I'll probably stay over at Stacy's tonight and go to the hospital with her tomorrow, using my car is useless anyway. Having more time with James isn't. Going down the counter I follow James to his car.

The ride is peaceful because I spend it looking at his expressions while he drives and I give him the instructions as to where Stacy lives. When he notices it he lets out a laugh and gives me quick looks trying to stay focused on the road. As we arrive, I thank him and get out of the car. Before I could go, he gets out of the car and asks me to come here. As I get to him, I feel a breeze and hold my arms together. I left home without taking anything other than my bag and I forgot my jacket, even if the weather is hot, the breeze in the evening is still cold. I'll take one of Stacy's for tomorrow, it's okay.

"- Here, take that." James says, putting his leather jacket on my shoulders.

"- I can take one of Stacy's, it's okay James." i smile.

"- I don't care." he teasingly smiles. "You look so good when you wear my things." he adds, looking at the necklace.

"- Okay." i answer, burning red. 

His smell is impregnated on his jacket. I wish I could tease him back by giving him something with my smell on. Giving him my panties maybe is too much now but I would if I could easily take them out. I laugh at my dirty thoughts and I kiss his cheek as a thank you. Before I go James takes my wrist in his hand. This hand of course.

"- Send me a text before you go to sleep, just so I know you are okay and safe because if you don't, I'll come rescue you."

"- Don't tempt me, Mr. Hetfield." i conclude, walking towards Stacy's place.

I can't believe how well he treats me. I can't believe he made me actually feel good on a shitty day like this. I can't believe I will get to have that again tomorrow. I can't believe James is real.

࿓ 𓋪・𖧹 𖤐

A/N : i’m sorry it took me so long to write it, i got sick and all. hope you enjoy it because i loves writing it <33 just imagine living that with james aargh

[gaymer-hag-stan]

Today I got called a dumbass and then blocked by a Xiaoyu / Alisa Stan on Twitter who was saying that Lars and Alisa are a better couple than Kazuya and Jun (the bar is literally on the floor) because I pointed out the obvious; that Alisa is modelled after a motherfucking teenager and the own father of said teenager chose to dress her up in a dress with cleavage, her panties exposed and stockings, while Lars is a grown-ass man (middle-aged is apparently false - he's literally in his late 20s but honestly he looks like he's been pushing 50 since 2009 so not my fault 😭)

So it was a good day I would say 🤣

[dutchessofcaladan]

Ghostbusters: Soul Resurgence

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3! This chapter's gonna be a bit more exciting than the last 2. We're also getting a new character! Once again, hope you guys enjoy and as always, a big thank you to @phantomoftheparadise0002 for beta-reading this!

Summary: When the spirit of Sumerian sorceress Ahassunu, daughter of Vigo, possesses Alexis, the Ghostbusters must band together to determine the fate of the world

TW: Some language, paranormal violence, major character death (don't hate me)

Translation for Sumerian:

Ma me nekel, ma su petu inu sessu kunkkum, ma annitu, rabum girabum. Ma inu utu emu salmu kima labasu, ma ina nanna emu kima saleme. Ma inu tamtu samsum isatum ma inu elenu maqatu:

And I looked, and he opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake. And the sun became as black as sack cloth, and the moon became as blood.

Ina nabu sina basu daku…dayyanum suluppu:

The prophecy to be fulfilled...judgment day

Alka:

Come

Taking another sip from his drink, Elis sighed, pulling out his phone. Jumping as it began to ring, he quickly answered.

“Hey, Ray.” He sighed again. “I was just about to call you. Do you have any idea where Alex is? I've called her five times already.” He froze, hearing Ray inform him about what had been going on. Quickly paying his tab, Elis raced to his car.

Arriving at the Firehouse, Elis immediately went inside, causing everyone to stop mid-movement. “What the hell happened?!” He shouted. “One minute I'm sitting in a bar, thinking my girlfriend of 3 years somehow forgot our anniversary, and the next I'm being told she's been possessed by some ghost and is going around blowing up buildings around New York.”

“Dr. Cristiano,” Ray said in an attempt to calm Elis’ nerves, “we have everything under control.” He sent him a reassuring smile.

“Under control? What do you mean?” Elis could feel his heart beginning to race.

Heaving his pack into the Ecto-1, Ray explained, “We’ll restrain her using our packs while Phoebe and Lars fire up the PSD-”

“PSD?” Elis asked, feeling lost.

“Portable Separation Device. All admit, it's not a very snappy name but-”

“Separation device?!” Elis nearly screamed. “What the hell are you going to do to her?!”

Ray sighed, putting a hand on the young man’s shoulder in an attempt to calm his ever increasing anxiety. “To even have a chance at saving Alex, we would need to separate the spirit from her.”

Elis nodded. “So, it’s safe, right? You’ve used this thing before?”

The look on Ray’s face was enough to cause Elis’ anxiety to return three-fold.

"My God, you haven’t even tested it, have you?!” His eyes were wide with fear.

“Well, no-” Ray began, not wanting to lie to him.

Quickly pulling his shoulder from the older man’s grasp, Elis’ hands flew to his hair, frantically running through the short strands. Blinking tears from his eyes, he asked, “So, so you have no idea if this thing will end up killing her?” He whimpered.

“No.” Ray admitted, no longer able to maintain eye contact.

The pained whimper that left Elis shattered the hearts of the team as they stood, stock still, only Janine going to comfort him.

“We’re gonna get her back.” She soothed, running a hand up and down his back as his tears dampened her jumpsuit. Turning back to the rest of the Ghostbusters, her gaze switching from one to another until it landed on Ray, who’s eyes now glistened with fresh, unshed tears. “Fight like hell and bring her back.” She commanded, voice faltering slightly.

Ray nodded, heading towards his bike as the rest headed to the Ecto.

The street had become complete chaos. People had abandoned their cars in the middle of the street and had begun to run in an effort to survive.

“Alka.” Alex commanded, her voice echoing in their heads.

The commotion ceased as the crowd turned and followed the order they’d been given. Slowly lowering herself to the ground, she began to speak.

“Ma me nekel, ma su petu inu sessu kunkkum, ma annitu, rabum girabum. Ma ina utu emu salmu kima labasu, ma ina nanna emu kima saleme. Ma ina tamtu samsum isatum ma ina elenu maqatu.” Looking out at the crowd, she smirked, enjoying that she had 100s under her control. “Ina nabu sina basu daku…dayyanum suluppu.”

“Dayyanum suluppu.” The crowd repeated.

With a raise of he hands, the souls of the crowd fled their bodies, transferring their life-force to Alex. Just as the ritual had finished, the siren of the Ecto-1 could be heard approaching fast. Watching as the car screeched to a stop a few blocks away, Alex became intrigued.

Firing up their packs, they created a barrier between Alex and the Ecto, where Phoebe and Lars continued to work on the PSD.

Stepping to the front of the group, Ray began to speak.

“Alexis!” He commanded.

Her sneer turned to him, slowly morphing to a smirk.

“In the name of the city, county, and state of New York, I command you under the National Invasive Species Act to depart this world immediately and return to your place of origin or to the nearest parallel dimension.”

This time, there were no snide remarks from Peter. No jokes. Each member of the Ghostbusters knew the severity of the situation. The power that this spirit had was unlike anything they’d seen before. Not in Garraka. Not in Vigo. Not even in Gozer.

Alex’s smirk grew as she began to levitate.

“Light ‘em up on 3! 1! 2!”

Before Ray had even finished the countdown, Peter had fired his pack.

The group stared in shock as, with a wave of her hand, Alex froze the proton stream in place.

The world went silent, seemingly moving in slow motion as she curled the stream back towards Peter.

Before anyone could react, a strangled noise left him as the white-hot energy stream ran through his chest.

“Venkman!” Ray shouted, catching him in his arms as Winston shut off the stream. Applying pressure to the wound in a vain attempt to save his friend, he watched through tear clouded eyes as Alex watched with a malicious glint in her eyes before flying off.

[kirk-says-wah]

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐲 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟒

You can also read it here

Pairings: Kirk/Lars, James/Lars, James/Jason

TW: guns, violence, blood

Note: I have no idea where this fic is going so id love to hear your ideas!

The room is silent. 

Lars can only stare at Jason, wonders why the hell he’d risk himself like that. He looks back at James, and James looks like he’s pleading for Jason to stop, face deathly pale, eyes wide. 

Virgil flies out of his seat, jabbing a finger at James, the tension snapping. 

“You said this was over.” 

The accusation is thick, but James just blinks back, still holding Lars’ hand. Lars watches his father whisper to his men in the row behind him and he knows this can’t be good. It seems Jason just bought a one way ticket to hell, and it doesn’t seem like James is going to join him for the ride. 

“Please don’t marry him,” Jason says, eyes wide, lip trembling. “Please.” 

“Jason-“ James tries, his voice barely a whisper, but before he can say anything more, two guards grab Jason, pulling him backwards. 

Jason struggles in the hold, crying out for James, but James just stands stock still, his hand shaking against Lars’. He sniffs, looking down, and Lars watches as a teardrop lands on the floor. 

Lars wonders what they’re going to do to Jason. It can’t be anything good, maybe they’ll beat him, drug him, kill him, and a feeling like guilt settles deep within his gut. 

The vicar clears his throat. 

“Shall I go on?” 

Lars’ eyes slide over, looking to his father who nods. 

He doesn’t want to do this. He wants to go home. 

James finally starts moving then, hands trembling around the ring as he pushes it onto Lars’ finger, voice shaky and small as he recites the vows. He looks like he wants to bolt, like he wants to be anywhere but here, and Lars doesn’t blame him. So does he. 

“I hereby declare you Mr and Mr Hetfield,” the vicar says, and within seconds James is gone, fleeing down the aisle and out the door, his touch now a ghost against Lars’ hand. 

Lars just stands there, unmoving, not breathing, the ring feeling cold around his finger. His eyes land on Kirk, his sweet Kirk, who looks back at him, tears in his eyes at witnessing his lover marry someone else. Theres a part of Lars that wishes Kirk had done what Jason had, but he knows why he didn’t. He’d be risking both their lives. 

The audience filters out of the room and Lars finally finds his feet, the chatter background noise as he walks into the foyer. He feels like shit, his temples sweaty and his hands clammy, and he feels all the more worse when a hand curls around his arm and he’s dragged into another room. 

“Don’t think I didn’t notice your little friend,” Torben says, his hand painful as it digs into Lars’ arm. 

Lars swallows, panic engulfing him. 

“Please,” he pleads, something he doesn’t do often to his father. “Please leave him alone. I’ll leave with James, just please don’t touch him.” 

His father eyes him for a moment, gaze cold before he finally replies, still towering over Lars. 

“You can say goodbye. Then I want him gone. He’s not a part of your life anymore.” 

It’s not what Lars wanted to hear but it’s what he expected. At least it’s something. 

“There’s too much that rests on this marriage,” Torben says. 

“You just want to get rid of me,” Lars snaps back, trying not to show how intimidated he is by his father. Torben just considers him for a moment, eyes raking over Lars’ form and Lars momentarily thinks he’s put his foot in it. He just hopes his father won’t make a scene. 

“Have you heard of Mustaine?” 

Mustaine. Yeah Lars has definitely heard of him. He messed up all Lars’ numbers a few years back with some backhanded deals, and he’d even shot some of Torben’s men. Lars dreads to think how he’s involved with this. 

Lars nods and his father continues. 

“We have a, well, an arrangement, so to speak. You marrying James was the deal to keep the peace.” 

So Lars wasn’t the only one risking his neck if he hadn’t gone through with it. It’s an interesting development, one he wishes he’d known about earlier. 

“Just do as I say, and this will all be over. Don’t, and it’ll be Kirk that faces the consequences.” 

And with that, his father leaves. Lars sucks in a breath, a little rattled, but he knows what he has to do. He’s never been so sure of anything in his life.

He finds Kirk in the ballroom, deep in the shadows where no one will notice him. He can obviously sense something’s wrong, and his face twists with worry, reaching out for Lars’ hand, glad no one will be able to see them in the dark now that the disco lights are on. 

“We need to go,” Lars says, thankful for Kirk’s hand in his own. It familiar, unlike James’. It’s soft and comforting. 

“We’re running away. Me and you.” 

He tugs on Kirk’s arm but Kirk just stays still, eyes searching Lars’. 

“Lars I don’t- I don’t think it’s a good idea.” 

Lars logically knows that, but his need to get out is stronger. This is the perfect opportunity to slip away. 

He’s married, surely that’s all everyone wants. He doesn’t have anything more to give. 

“Cmon Kirk,” Lars says, pleading once again, swallowing thickly as he takes in the concern in Kirk’s eyes. Kirk links their fingers, and Lars wishes he could just pull him forwards, kiss away the panic on his face. 

Kirk finally relents, and they weave between bodies, glad everyone is too busy to notice them as they go through the back, out through the kitchen and into the parking lot. 

Lars is panting, his skin practically vibrating as he pulls Kirk out into the open. 

This could be it. This could be his escape. 

The two of them bolt between the cars, the panic and adrenaline carrying them, only for a small noise to jolt them and they duck. 

Shit. Lars hopes they’ve not been seen. He just knows things will go badly if they’re caught. 

There’s another noise, a groan, and Lars frowns. It sounds like someone in pain, and he crouch walks around the side of the car he was behind. 

He finds James, slumped on the floor, blood everywhere, in his hair, down his tux. He looks a complete mess, face bruised and his shirt ripped. 

Lars gasps, bending down, flattening James into the car to get a look at his face. 

James blinks back, eyes foggy, eyelashes sticking together. 

“What happened?” Lars asks, hands cupping James’ cheeks tentatively. He can’t help the concern in his voice, and he wonders who could’ve done this to him. He feels a bit odd touching James like this but it feels right. He is his husband after all. 

James sniffs, winces, looks up at Lars then at Kirk. 

He swallows, tears running through the streaks of blood on his face. 

“They took Jason.” 

[dynamoe]

Boy Genius wrapped up Feb 2023, but I got this nice review 10 days ago.

Maybe it was someone from Tumblr? If so and you're reading this, it has been the one light in a deeply hopeless two weeks— sincerely, thank you.

As I responded on AO3, I promise I will attempt to make all future backstory adventures more Eurocentric.

→ back to the Billy & White index

↓ more details ↓

Now, me, as a vulgar Ugly American— what do I know about European pop culture in the 1990s? What would have broken through to unambitious, uncultured suburban American teens?

Hmmmm... Barcelona '92 Olympics? The mascot was a scribbly dog thing. That's all I remember.

Ace of Base (Swedish) dominated 1994 with The Sign. They had another hit with All That She Wants (Is Another Baby) from the same year. Urban legends immediately started that they were Nazis and "the sign" was a swastika (an Ankh in the music video). Various levels of confirmation on that.

Do we count Björk as European?

I'm trying to think of European movies that broke through— the 1990s is the era of independent film but that was mostly focused on American auteurs. The big international hits were for an older audience— teens weren't into Lars von Trier or Three Colors Trilogy.

La Femme Nikita and Léon: The Professional (French-Italian) appealed big-time to the guys already into Tarantino and Hong Kong Action. At the end of the decade you get Run Lola Run (German), very big with teens and college students.

Billy and his date go see Jeunet-et-Caro's Delicatessen (French) in Tomorrow's Just Another Day. (Their City of Lost Children already referenced in VB for the design of Watch and Ward.)

Note, I'm excluding British pop culture, which I've already included a lot of in the fiction. The UK is still in the EU in the mid-90s, obvs, but American pop culture has a far different relationship with the British than with the rest of Europe. Even before the Beatles. "Cool Britannia" had a major hold in the US after 1997. A Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Tony Blair was on The Simpsons, before he became a war criminal. Trainspotting, Britpop and Elisabeth Hurley— God Save the Queen. As a British Comedy obsessive, I can write endlessly about the UK in the '90s—music, politics, TV, actors, comedians etc. Ask me anything about Spitting Image or all the stock jokes associated with Deputy PM John Prescott from Have I Got News for You. Except you shouldn't, it will be very boring for you.

Now the big European backstory story I have notes for would be a 1990-1991-set road trip through the Eastern Bloc and newly independent ex-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States as Billy and White try to pick up abandoned super-science research from former state-sponsored labs for pennies on the dollar.

Starting in East Berlin, they stumble through Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia into the Federation of Former Soviet States, heading east. White tries to trade Levis blue jeans for death ray plans. Billy mangles translating a dozen languages he barely understands (he's only 16).

They cause international incidents and nearly get killed over and over, running away to the next country. They are tailed by EuroPol, accidentally become oligarchs and have to be airlifted out of the US Embassy in Tashkent.

Tetris would be key. A Trojan Horse— it was actually a coded super-weapon meant to destabilize the west. Billy and White somehow figure it out and neuter its power while fucking everything else up.

I dunno. I might never write it but it's fun to think about.

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