#locally based (ish) for me!! :3

[lemonofthevalley]

slides this across the table . go listen to this band they're very cool

[moonwoodhollow]

HOHENZOLLERN ALLEE 72-76

a German-inspired 1950s apartment build + a furnished flat

A build download that was in the works for almost a month and made me realise how much I love building local architecture even though it's not the easiest within the constraints of TS4.

It's meant to represent a realistic German apartment build, that is a bit run down and yet still feels homey and nostalgic to those of us growing up near or in these buildings. There's one furnished flat that is ideal for 2-3 sims and furnished in a retro 60s-90s look, that I hope you'll enjoy! This is also a BIG 1K followers gift, with which I want to show my deepest appreciation to all my followers, thank you so much!!

More info, screenshots + DL link behind the cut!

First a little history/backstory to this build:

This build is something you'd see very often in Middle to Northern Europe, less so in the UK, because brick builds there look similar but also different and I based my build off of Northern German brick builds.

The red brick used for these builds dominates the townscapes in quite a few cities where I live and has been used for a few centuries (see Brick Gothic). This build that I based on a real building, however, is more modern and was probably built after WW2, as the design choices, like using tiles on the facades of brick builds is something distinctively 1950s. I know there are older examples, but these buildings usually have more design and decor elements on the facades. These red brick builds were built en masse starting with the 1920s and were usually meant for low-income households. The same goes for the 1950s brick builds, which were built on top of ruins of older buildings destroyed in the war and oftentimes were cheaply constructed and usually don't receive the same appreciation that older pre-war brick builds get, so quite a few are already being demolished for more modern builds.

So what do you get with this build?

Hohenzollernallee 72-76 is a 40x30 lot that I placed in Evergreen Harbor on the Sprucewood Square lot. I created 2 versions of the building, one as a normal residential lot and another as a residential rental. Just choose whatever you want! There are 6 different flats, that have been renovated at different times, which is apparent from the condition of their kitchen and bathroom.. Each flat has its own basement room and the garden is shared between all tenants and there's a shared laundry room in the basement as well.

You'll also have a restaurant shell, the Burger Lab that is not functional currently, but you could make it so if you want.

The furnished flat is playtested and ideal for 2-4 sims max and is heavily 'lived in', meaning very cluttered. I personally see an older woman living there, whose husband already died and her daughter left as soon she turned 18, but the interior was never changed or renovated. I don't know, you could probably come up with a lot of story ideas!

CC is mostly included. You'll find an Excel file with the specific file names and the dl link for all CC that is not included. The build will probably still look okay-ish without the excluded CC but I strongly recommend downloading it, if you do not already have it.

Thank you, especially to these lovely creators: @budgie2budgie, @sforzinda, @surely-sims, @pluto-sims, @syboubou.

@myshunosun, @charlypancakes, @peacemaker-ic, @kkbsmm, @leaf-motif

@awingedllama, @kirsicca, @baufive, @lumenniveus, @kiwisim4 and many more!! it's because of you that this build looks the way it does <3

Uses items from the following packs: For Rent, Growing Together, High School Years, Cottage Living, Snowy Escape, Eco Lifestyle, Discover University, Island Living, Get Famous, Seasons, Cats and Dogs, City Living, Get Together, Get To Work, Werewolves, My Wedding Stories, Dreamhome Decorator, Strangerville, Vampires, Dine Out, Tiny Living, Laundry Day, Backyard Stuff, (Kits): Party Essentials, Basement Treasures, Greenhouse Haven, Bathroom Clutter, Everyday Clutter, Desert Luxe, Little Campers, Décor to the Max, Industriel Loft & Courtyard Oasis

Download: Google Drive | also up on the gallery: aeromantica (but you'll need the cc files from the Drive folder!)

-> Info: I tried to not include merged files, but there are about 3-5 that I missed, sorry :(

TOU: please don’t claim as your own or put behind paywalls etc. If you find any issues (wrong files, etc.) please let me know + tag me if you’ll use the house, I’d love to see it in your games.

[winchesterwild78]

The Hunter pt 3

Master List

Characters: Dean Winchester x Reader (together), Sam Winchester, Jody Mills, Bobby Singer x Reader (Uncle/Niece)

Warnings: SMUT!!, Violence, Alcohol, Drugging a drink, language.

A/N: I’ve been working on getting some stories out and it’s driving me crazy. I’m turning this one into a series, probably short(ish), not 100% yet. This story came to me after starting Supernatural again. We all know how Dean feels about relationships, but let’s just pretend he finally gave in. 😀 

This is my own work, please do not take it or copy it without my permission. It’s based on characters from Supernatural, but doesn’t follow the timeline completely. I wrote it fast and edited it fast. Please overlook any errors. 

Minors DNI 18+

*Time Jump 3 months*

“Dean, honey, have you heard from Sammy recently? I know he was waiting to hear back from Stanford the last time we talked to him.” You asked from the kitchen. “Yeah, he said he called and they told him he could start in the Fall. He’s going to live on campus and get the full college experience.” Dean chuckled. “That’s great. I’m so happy for him. He deserves to be happy.” 

Dean walked in the kitchen of your shared apartment and put his arms around you from behind. It was his favorite thing to do when you were doing anything. He kissed the crook of your neck and you melted into his touch. 

After the two of you left Bobby’s you both decided to get “real” jobs, a place to live and hunt when you could. Hunting was in both of your bloods so there wasn’t getting out of it. Dean got a job as a mechanic in a local shop, and you got a job at the local school as an assistant teacher. You both made decent money, so you could afford a place and not steal credit cards. Something you both were happy about.

Dean’s phone rang and he groaned as he pulled away from you. You giggled and continued getting dinner ready. “Hey, Bobby! How are you?” You heard Dean say from the living room. “Yeah, she’s right here.” “Hey babe, it’s Bobby. He wants to talk to you.” 

You took the phone, “Can you watch the stove, please?” Dean nodded. “Hey, Uncle Bobby. How are you?” “I’m good sweetpea, how are you two doing? How’s the job?” “We��re doing great, and I love it. I love working with the kids. They are so sweet. Dean loves his job too. He actually makes pretty decent money. The owner of the shop loves Dean and wants to promote him to assistant manager. We are still hunting, just not all the time.” “Sounds like you’re really happy, honey. I’m so proud of you and I’m happy for you.” “Thank you, Uncle Bobby. I miss you!” “I miss you too, maybe these old bones can make it to see your place soon.” “I’d love that Uncle Bobby. We have an extra bedroom you’re welcome to stay in if you want to.” “I’d like that, I’ll let you know. Can I chat with Dean before I go?” “Yeah, sure. Love you Uncle Bobby!” “Love you too, sweetpea.”

You walked back into the kitchen and handed Dean the phone. You took over cooking while he talked to Bobby. “Hey, Dean, thank you for being the man she deserves. I wanted to apologize for misjudging you. I was wrong. She loves you and I know you love her.” “Yeah I do Bobby, more than you know. Thank you for saying that. It means so much coming from you.” “You’re welcome son. Well, I need to go. Give her a hug for me, and Dean, if you hurt her I will hurt you.” “Understood Bobby. Bye.”

Dean hung up and walked in the kitchen laughing. “Bobby told me if I hurt you he’d hurt me. I’m sure he could figure out numerous ways to torture me.” “He sure can. I’ve seen how he gets information from demons, you’d be no match for him.” You laughed and kissed Dean. 

You finished cooking dinner and Dean set the table. You served dinner and the two of you sat and ate. When dinner was done you told Dean you had a surprise for him and to wait at the table. “What is it?” He smiled. You giggled and told him he had to wait. You ran to your shared bedroom and put on the sexy nightie you bought and walked into the kitchen and grabbed the pie you got at the store. 

Dean was looking at his phone when you walked back in and you cleared your throat. He looked up and his jaw dropped. “Do you want your dessert or pie first?” You giggled. Dean stood up and growled as he took the pie out of your hands and grabbed you into his arms. He carried you like you weighed nothing towards the bedroom. “So I guess no pie?” You laughed. 

Dean tossed you on the bed and you bounced a few times giggling. “You’re so beautiful. When did you buy this?” You blushed, “I bought it yesterday when I went into town. I saw it and figured you’d like it.” “You damn right I do. God I’m one lucky man, come here sweetheart.” Dean pulled you into his arms and onto his lap. The nightie had very thin panties, so you could feel his arousal very well through his jeans. You pushed your hips down onto his member and you moaned. You did it again and started rubbing yourself on his hard length. “Mmm, take what you need baby.” You started to ride his lap as his cock pushed into your clit. You moved faster as your slick coated your thin panties and his jeans. “Oh, fuck, Dean. I’m gonna cum!” “Cum for me baby. Cum on me.” You moved faster chasing your release. You grabbed his shoulders as you came hard, soaking your panties and his jeans. 

After you rode your high, you slid off and noticed his jeans were soaked. “Oh Dean, I’m so sorry, I ruined your jeans.” He smirked, “Hey, that’s what a washing machine is for. Come here!” He pulled you to him and slid down your nightgown. You removed your panties and he stood removing his pants and boxers. 

You slid to the top of the bed and he hovered over you placing kisses from your lips, down your neck and to your breasts. You sucked in air and threw your head back. “Oh Dean, please.” “Please what baby?” “Please take me. I need you to fill me up.” 

Dean lined himself up to you and pushed himself in. With one thrust he was inside and bottomed out. 

You gasped and grabbed his shoulders, “Oh Dean!” Dean stopped, trying to control himself so he didn’t spill into you too quickly. Between the nightie, you riding his lap, and how tight you were, he was ready to cum right then. You bucked your hips trying to get him to move. 

Dean growled and lifted your legs onto his shoulders. He set a hard pace. His thighs slapping your ass and the back of your legs, his cock pulling almost all the way out and slamming back into you. You moaned and switched between grabbing him and fisting the sheets. Dean’s grunts and moans turned you on and you could feel the slick pouring out of you. 

The wet sounds of sex filled the room. “You’re so wet baby, damn you feel good.” You felt your core tighten again. With each thrust and movement, Dean was hitting your g-spot and sending you closer to another release. “Dean, I’m gonna cum,” You moaned. “Cum for me, sweetheart, cum on my cock.” Your release rushed over you and your walls clenched around Dean’s member. He groaned as your walls squeezed him. 

He moved your legs up and pushed down into you. The changed angle sent a shiver through your body. Dean was picking up his pace and thrusting deeper into you. Each thrust was deeper than the last and had you gasping for air. 

Dean backed off a little. You looked up at him, locking eyes and the love you saw in his eyes filled your heart and soul. He didn’t take his eyes off of you as he chased his release. You could feel him getting close, “Cum for me Dean, fill me up.” Dean leaned down, kissed your lips and spilled his hot seed deep inside you. Coating your walls and womb with his cum. He grunted as he came and you felt his cock twitch inside you. 

Once the twitching stopped he slowly pulled out. A mixture of your release and his seeping out of your hole. He left to go to the bathroom to clean himself up and returned with a towel to clean you up. Both of you collapsed on the bed, laying in each other’s arms. 

Dean held you close and let his fingers dance lazily up and down your arm. “What are you thinking about, sweetheart?” Dean whispered, breaking the silence in the room. “Just us, our life, our future. You know, nothing too big.” You chuckled softly. “Yeah, nothing too big.” Dean laughed. “So since it’s almost the end of the school year, I’ll be off for the Summer. What do you say we take a vacation or something?” You looked over at Dean. “A vacation? I’ve never been on one before. Maybe, I’ll see if I can swing that with work.” Dean pulled you closer to him. You always loved the cuddly side of Dean. The way he held you and kept you close after sex was something amazing. It was like he couldn’t let go of the intimacy of the moment and wanted it to last long after you both were satisfied. 

Dean’s phone ringing broke the comfortable silence in the room. He groaned as he leaned over and answered it. “Hello? Yeah, hey Jody. Okay, did you call my dad? Oh right, yeah that’s fine. Yeah, not that’s not a problem. I can be there in about 5 hours. Yeah, okay. Thanks Jody, see you soon.” Dean hung up and ran his hand down his face.

He looked over at you and smiled softly, “Duty calls. Jody needs help with a vamp nest. You up for a little hunt, sweetheart?” You nodded. Both of you got dressed quickly and packed a bag. You walked in the kitchen and started cleaning up the dishes and put away the food. Dean walked out and saw the pie on the table and frowned. “Guess we forgot about the pie.” His lip poked out. “Oh, so you would have rather had the pie? I see how it is.” You laughed and stuck your tongue out at him playfully. 

He grabbed your waist causing you to squeak. “Nothing is better than you, pie is a close second, though.” He tilted his head back and laughed. God you love his laugh. You playfully hit his chest and feigned hurt. He kissed you and you kissed him back. “I love you, Dean Winchester!” “I love you too, Y/N Y/L/N, so much.” 

“Grab the pie, we will take it with us.” You laughed as Dean grinned and grabbed the box, forgetting about your bags. You made sure everything was locked up and you had everything, then closed and locked the front door. 

Dean opened your door and you climbed in, then he walked around and climbed in the driver’s seat. You could tell he really missed the Impala, but he never complained. He took your hand in his as he drove towards Jody’s house. 

A few hours later Dean was pulling up in front of Jody’s house. She came out to greet you both, giving you a hug only a mom could. “Hey, Jody. How are you?” “Good, Y/N, you look good. Love agrees with you.” She smiled and touched your shoulder. She pulled Dean into a hug too, “Hey, Dean. Long time. How are you? Have you heard from Sammy?” “I’m good and yeah, He’s starting Stanford in the Fall.” “Wow, that’s great! Okay, let’s get you two inside and talk.”

The three of you walked into the house and got settled in. Jody was letting you two stay in her guest room so you didn’t have to stay in a hotel. You were thankful, Dean was hesitant. He said he was looking forward to alone time with you. You rolled your eyes at him, “I think you’ll survive. Besides, we can be quiet.” You winked at him and he laughed and leaned into your ear, “I don’t think you can, but I’m up for a challenge.” 

“Dean, we need to focus on the hunt.” You shook your head laughing at him. Jody smiled at the two of you, “I remember being like you two. Newly in love, can’t keep your hands off each other.” She sighed deeply and had a soft smile on her face. 

You knew she missed her husband and son. It almost killed her, losing both of them and in such a horrible way. “All I ask is you two keep it down”  Dean laughed as you blushed. 

You and Dean took your bags into the guest room and set them down. Before leaving the room Dean pulled you into his arms and kissed you. “I just want you to know I love you so much, sweetheart. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.” “I love you too, Dean, more than you know.”

Walking into the living room holding each other’s hands, Jody looked up and smiled. “I’m really happy for you, Dean and Y/N. I’m sure Bobby hit the roof, but I can see you two really love each other.” You smiled, “Yeah we do. Thanks Jody.” 

Sitting down Jody began telling you two about the case. Three women missing, young, and missing from the same bar. The only evidence is they were all seen talking to a younger man who was buying them drinks, they got up to leave with the man and the girls were never seen again.

“So any other leads? Did the bar have surveillance cameras?” You asked. “No, well, they do but the owner said they haven’t worked in about a week or two and he never got around to fixing them.” Dean looked up, “When did the disappearances start?” “About 2 weeks ago.” “Oh wait, do you think they broke the cameras to prevent being seen?” “I sure do, so Jody, why do you think we are dealing with vamps?”

“Well at first I didn’t, but then a few of our homeless people turned up dead and all their blood was drained from their body. Two puncture wounds in their neck. Then last week we had a blood drive at the sheriff's station and the van carrying the blood was robbed.” 

“Yep, definitely sounds like a vamp. I’m sure they girls are being slowly drained and turned, and they needed the blood to feed with. We need to figure out how to get to the nest.” The three of you sat in silence for a minute then you had a thought.

“So, if they are targeting young women, why don’t I go into the bar and see if I can be picked up. I’ll be bait and you two can keep an eye on me and follow us.” Dean shot his head up and looked at you, “Absolutely NOT. You’re not going to be bait for some fang.” “Dean, you’ll be right there. I know I’ll be fine.” You touched his arm trying to reassure him. “No! I won’t risk your life like that.” 

“Dean, she has a point, if they are looking for a young woman, she fits the profile. Plus she’s not from around here so she’s a perfect target. I know you don’t like the idea, but we will be right there. She will be fine.” 

Dean clenched his jaw and ran his hands down his thighs. He stood up quickly and huffed, “I need some fucking air.” You were startled by the tone of his voice. You’d been on so many hunts before, you knew what you were doing. Jody touched your arm and offered you a soft smile, “I’ll go talk to him.” You nodded.

Jody walked outside to find Dean pacing the driveway, “Dean, look I know you’re worried about her, but she’s been in this life her whole life and she’s a smart girl. We will be right there to protect her.” As she stepped closer she saw Dean had been crying. She grabbed him and pulled him into a body crushing hug. “I can’t lose her, Jody. I love her. She means so much to me.” “Shh, I know Dean. You’re not going to lose her. I promise.” “You can’t promise that. This life is always taking away people I love. That’s why we have regular jobs and live a normal life. We don’t hunt like we used to. I want to be with her, marry her, and start a family with her.” 

Jody could see how hard this was for Dean, she could also see how much he really loved you. You walked outside and saw Dean and Jody. She smiled at you and touched Dean’s shoulder before walking back inside. 

“Dean, honey, I have to do this. You know this is the only way. I’ve been bait before. The only difference now is our relationship. If we are going to continue hunting you have to be willing to let me do my job. Trust me enough to do my job.” Dean cupped your face in his hands, “I do trust you, Y/N. I just can’t stand the thought of losing you. I’ve already lost so much in my life. We have a future together that involves children. If something happened to you, I wouldn’t survive.”

You placed a soft kiss on his lips, “I know baby, but I will be okay.” “Okay, but I’m staying really close to you at that bar.” You chuckled, “Okay, Dean.” 

The three of you got ready and headed to the bar. You drove separately in case the vamp was watching the place, Dean and Jody rode in her truck. You parked and got out of your car, adjusting the very tight, very short dress Jody convinced you to wear. Dean loved it, you not so much.

You heard Dean chuckling behind you as he saw you struggle with the dress. You ignored him and kept walking. You sat at the bar and looked around, acting like you were just checking out the place. Dean and Jody sat at a table near the bar, in direct view of you. 

You ordered a drink and slowly sipped it. A few guys came up and chatted with you, but quickly lost interest when you told them you wouldn’t go to their car and hook up with them. Dean tried to pretend it didn’t bother him the guys were hitting on you, but it did. 

You sent Jody a text to tell her you had to use the bathroom. You stood up and started to walk towards the bathrooms when a tall, dark haired man stepped towards you.

“Leaving so soon?” His voice sent a shiver down your spine. “Oh, just going to use the restroom, excuse me.” Dean and Jody saw the exchange and Jody got up to follow you. 

You made it into the bathroom and let out the breath you were holding. Walking into the stall you locked the door. Jody came in and called your name, “Y/N, you okay?” 

You unlocked the door and stepped out, “Yeah, I just needed to pee, and I think that guy that approached me is our vamp.” “Yeah, I think so too. Be careful, and we’ve got your back.” You finished in the bathroom and you left. Returning to your seat at the bar you glanced over at Dean and he winked at you. You smiled softly. Jody came back out a minute later and took her seat with Dean. 

You noticed they were talking and then the bartender sat a drink down in front of you. “Oh, um I didn’t order this.” You said politely. “It’s from the gentleman at the end of the bar.” You looked where the bartender pointed and it was the same man who you talked to before going into the bathroom. You grabbed the drink, lifted it and nodded at him. 

He took this as permission to come over. He sat down on the stool next to you. He smiled at you and you smiled back. “Thank you for the drink, I’m Y/N, and you are?” “I’m Marco, and you’re welcome. So what’s a beautiful girl like you doing here all alone?” “Well, Marco, I just broke up with my boyfriend and I needed to blow off some steam. So I hopped in my car and just drove. Came into town this afternoon, saw this bar and figured why not.” 

Marco flashed a killer smile that would have had you melting in your seat if you didn’t know what he really was. He brushed a finger over and down your arm, causing a shiver through your body. Dean and Jody were watching the whole interaction. When he put his hands on you, Jody had to restrain Dean.

“So, Y/N, would you like to dance?” You knew Dean would lose his shit if he saw you dancing on some other man, but what were you supposed to do? “Yeah, sure. I”ll warn you though, I’m a terrible dancer.”

He stood and reached for your hand. You placed your hand in his and he led you to the dance floor. Dean’s jaw clenched when he saw Marco’s hand go around your waist. Marco leaned in and whispered something in your ear, you giggled and playfully hit his chest. You were playing the part well, maybe too well because Dean was getting pissed. 

“Dean, you need to pull yourself together, you’re going to blow this. She has to act like she’s interested or he won’t take the bait.” Dean let out a frustrated sigh and ran his hands through his hair, “You’re right, but dammit, look at him. He’s got his hands all over her.” “It’s okay, Dean. She loves you. She’s a damn good hunter. She knows what she’s doing.”

Dean nodded and kept watching you. He noticed the guy looking at another man in the bar. The other man stood up and walked over to where you had been sitting. “Jody, watch that man. I think he’s with Romeo over there.” 

He approached the bar and as the bartender for a drink. Then Dean noticed he dropped something into your drink. Dean wanted to tell you not to drink it, but he knew he had to stay put. As soon as the man walked away you and Marco returned to your seats. “Whew, it's hot.” Marco said, grabbing his drink. “It sure is, excuse me, can I get some water please?” The bartender brought over your water. “Here pretty lady, finish your drink first. You don’t want it to get watered down.” Marco handed you your drink. You noticed the piece of pill lodged between two ice cubes, it hadn’t fully dissolved. 

You brought the drink up to your lips and pretended to sip it. You needed a distraction so you could dump the drink. Dean looked over at you, “She needs a distraction, she saw something in the drink.” Dean smiled. “Damn, Dean. You really know her, don't you.” “I’ll distract Romeo.” 

Jody stood up and walked over to the bar, acting like she was drunk. She leaned on Marco, “Hey cutie, looking for an experienced woman. I can show you things she hasn’t even thought of.” You giggled and took your drink and dumped it between your legs. Once it was dumped you looked at Jody. Marco was trying to get her off of him. “Hey, grandma, hit the road.” You said looking at her. Jody pretended to be offended and walked away. 

When she was gone Marco turned his attention back to you. “So, where were we?” He asked, looking over at your drink. “Wow, do you need another one, sweetheart?” “No, I’m good. I’m actually feeling a little, oh wow, the room is spinning.” You of course knew how you were supposed to act so Marco wouldn’t get suspicious. 

“Come on sweetheart, let’s get you some fresh air.” When you stood you fumbled and fell slightly into his arms giggling. Dean almost jumped up but Jody grabbed his arm, “She’s okay, she dumped the drink.” Dean let out the breath he was holding. They watched as Marco took you outside. Once the door to the bar closed Dean and Jody got up and walked out. They had to pretend they were together, so Jody had her arm around him. 

Outside they saw Marco pushing you into a black sports car. Jody and Dean got in the truck and followed Marco. Jody tailed him and was able to follow him to an abandoned farm. He parked in front of the barn and pulled you out. You were pretending to be unconscious as he pulled you into the dark, damp barn. He laid you down next to a young woman who was crying. 

“Please, Marco, please let me go. I promise I won’t tell anyone. I just want to get home. I have a daughter who needs me.” Marco stepped up to her and slapped her across the face, “Shut up! You’re not going anywhere.” She sobbed and held her face. 

It was dark in the barn, but slivers of moonlight danced in through the cracks and holes in the walls. You noticed she was tied up with rope. You chuckled when you saw the knots. Ha! Stupid vampires. Can’t even tie a decent knot. 

Marco left the room and you slid over to her. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. My name is Y/N, what’s yours?” “Shannon, I’m so scared.” “I know you are, Shannon. I heard you say you had a little girl, what’s her name?” “Caitlyn, she’s 4.” “Okay, I am going to do everything in my power to get you back to Caitlyn. My boyfriend and friend should be here any minute. We are hunters and are here to help.” 

As you talked to her, you untied her feet and hands. As you looked up you saw Dean and Jody. “Y/N, are you okay?” “Yes, this is Shannon. Get her out of here. Marco went through that door over there. I don’t know how many are here.”

Shannon spoke up “I know of at least 3, including Marco.” You nodded and Jody took her outside. Dean helped you up and pulled you into his arms. He kissed you softly and you headed towards the door Marco went out. Carrying your machetes you slowly walked in. Before you got all the way in, Jody was at your side. 

The three of you split up to cover more ground. You went to the right, Jody to the left, and Dean through the middle. As you came around the corner you came face to face with a vampire feeding on a young woman. “Hey asshole! Why don’t you suck on this?” He hissed at you and got up, teeth showing and blood on his mouth. 

Lunging at you, you took a step back and swung your machete, taking off his head. The girl he was feeding on was weak, but was alive. You told her you’d be right back and covered her with a blanket. 

Jody found another vampire feeding on another young woman and took off his head. You walked around the corner and came face to face with Marco. “Oh look who’s awake. Such a clever little hunter. He stepped closer and you backed up. As you went to swing your machete he grabbed your arm and squeezed until you dropped it. He pushed you back into the wall and smelled up your neck. 

“You smell so intoxicating. I can’t wait to take a bite.” Your eyes flicked over his shoulder and you saw Dean stalking up behind him. As Marco leaned back to bite you, Dean’s machete came down and took off his head. His grip loosened and you stepped over his body. 

“Thanks baby.” You shot Dean a smirk. “Good thing I got here when I did, sweetheart.” “I knew you were coming, and you would save me. My big, bad, hunter boyfriend.” You kissed his lips and he chuckled. The three of you cleared the barn and found 3 more vampires feeding off the blood bags. You helped the women out and Jody called an ambulance. You and Dean disposed of the vampire’s bodies as Jody took care of everything else. 

Dean drove you back to Jody’s house. The two of you walked in and he threw his arms around you, pulling you into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay, sweetheart.” “Dean, I can’t breathe”, you giggled. Dean loosened his grip and smiled. He kissed your lips softly.

“Babe, I’m filthy and need to get out of this uncomfortable dress.” Dean smiled at you, “I can help you with that.” You wiggled out of his arms and started to walk towards the bathroom. You stopped halfway down the hallway and turned around to Dean, “You coming Winchester?” You grinned and Dean came bounding towards you.

You giggled as you ran to the bathroom. Dean followed you in. He grabbed your hips and pushed you against the door closing it. 

You kicked off your heels and turned so he could unzip your dress. You moved your hair to the side and Dean grabbed the zipper, slowly unzipping your dress. As your skin started to become exposed, Dean’s fingers slowly danced down your back, sending a shiver up your spine. 

Your dress fell to the cold tile on the floor and pooled around your feet. You stepped out of the bundle and turned to face your handsome boyfriend. Standing in your bra and panties, Dean bit his lip while his eyes raked over your body. “God you’re beautiful, sweetheart.” Dean pulled you flush to him and into a searing kiss. You moaned into his mouth. Your hands moved up and under Dean’s shirt. He backed away and pulled it over his head. Your fingers danced down his chest and to his belt. You began to unbuckle his belt and pulled it through the loops. Dean took off his shoes and stood back up unbuttoning his pants. You slid his pants and boxers down, dropping to your knees. 

Looking up at Dean with lust in your eyes. “No, not tonight sweetheart.” Dean said as he pulled you to your feet. You poked your bottom lip out, “But I want to please you, Dean.” “Not tonight. Let’s get you in the shower.” Dean pulled back the curtain and turned on the water. 

Dean took you in his arms again and unhooked your bra. He kissed a trail down your neck and to your breasts. You threw your head back and moaned as Dean kissed and sucked your breasts. His hands made their way to your hips and he slid down your panties. 

Helping you into the warm shower, Dean pressed his lips on yours as the hot water cascaded down over the two of you. You could feel your arousal running down your thigh, mixing with the water. “Dean, I need you.” “Patiences, you need to cum first.” Your walls clenched around nothing at his words. 

“Please..” You moaned. Dean’s fingers danced down your body and found their way to your folds. As Dean ran his fingers through them, you moaned and gasped. His fingers hooked inside you, hitting your g-spot, and his thumb began rubbing your engorged clit. It wasn’t going to take you long tonight. The mixture of the alcohol, the adrenaline from the hunt, and Dean’s skilled hands, you were already close. 

“I’m gonna cum, Dean. Oh my God!” Dean leaned forward and whispered in your ear, “Let go for me, sweetheart, cum for me.” “OH FUCK!” You came hard on Dean’s fingers. He moved his hand, helping you ride your high. 

You looked down and saw Dean’s cock rock hard, “I need you, Dean. Please.” You bent over and looked over your shoulder at Dean. “Are you sure you want it this way, sweetheart?” Dean asked. “Yes, please.” You said, looking at him. Dean pumped himself a few times, positioned himself and pushed in, grabbing your hips. 

He groaned and you moaned loudly. “Damn, baby you’re so fucking tight for me. I’m not going to last long.” Your hands were pressed against the cold tile in the shower as Dean pushed into you. The room filled with the sounds of flesh hitting flesh, moans and the water running. You could tell this position was going to make him cum fast, so you pushed into him hard, causing him to moan and grab your hips harder. “Fuck, baby. That feels so good.” 

Dean was pulling almost all the way out and slamming back into you, causing you to yelp with pleasure. He could feel himself getting closer to his release, but he wanted to see you. He pulled out and you whined at the loss of fullness. He leaned you up, spun you around and pushed your back against the tile. 

Dean lifted your legs and pushed back in. Taking you against the wall. His lips landed on yours in a searing kiss as he pushed deep inside you. Your hands grabbed onto his broad shoulders and your nails left half moon indentions on his skin. “I’m gonna cum, sweetheart.” You whispered in his ear, “Cum Dean, cum inside me. Fill me with your seed. Fuck a baby into me.” That was all it took, and you could feel Dean’s hot seed coating your womb. He gently put you down as he softened, and grabbed a washcloth to clean you both up. You finished your shower and both of you got out and dried off. 

Getting dressed, Dean leaned down and kissed you. “I love you, Y/N.” “I love you too, Dean.” A knock on the bathroom door startled both of you, “You two save me any hot water?” Jody called from the other side, laughing. You turned red as Dean opened the door, “We didn’t need hot water, it was plenty hot in there.” He winked at Jody as he walked past her. 

You buried your face in your hands and Jody laughed. You said good night to Jody and you and Dean went into the guest room. Dean pulled back the blanket and you both crawled in. Taking you in his arms, Dean kissed your lips softly. “You did great tonight, baby. I just can’t wait to get back home, to our home.” “Me either, Dean, home to our apple pie life.” You kissed him and snuggled to his side, falling asleep in his arms.

Part 4

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[onlyseokmins]

$$60 billion (part 2) • l.s.m.

How did a legendary bounty promised for turning in the wasteland's most infamous outlaw transform into a sick, little inside betting joke amongst your traveling companions? Though you have no idea why they're doing it… you sure as hell don't want that very same gunslinger comrade worth sixty billion double dollars to know anything about it either — but oops — looks like he already does! Damn you and your temper, some unhelpful lip-loosening alcohol, and one no-good, sorry excuse of a preacher you sometimes think of as a friend.

Pairing: outlaw!lee seokmin x fem!reader Genres: smut (minors dni!), trigun!au, action!au, apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic!au, space western!au, slight enemies to comrades to ??? !au, angst, fluff, they're dumbasses your honor 🙏 Warnings: swearing, blood, guns, injuries, medical tingz, destruction, mentions of knives, violence, unsettling space western things, slight body horror and hints at altered dna, weird religious cults, mentions of eating/food, alcohol, threats, bets among friends, tame-ish alien/monster/plant sex (????? listen it'll make sense - think of him like howl's bird form on steroids idk), mating, possessiveness!, marking, bruising, jealousy, smelling/scent kink???, wet messy sex uwu, wing kink (??? listen i was gonna explore it more but decided not to ok??), BITING (bc it's me), mechanical/robotic fingering???, gagging, bulge kink, oral sex (explicit male receiving and brief fem. receiving), seokmin's dick is like SLOPPY TOPPY LORGE w/ a mind of it's own, lowkey forgot how to write smut sorry </3 WC: 13.2k of 32.7k | Part 1 | Read on AO3 A/N: this is for the Now that's 90's - A Seventeen collab and loosely based off/inspired by the Trigun anime/manga! You do not need to know it as I manipulated a whole lot of elements for my own narrative but beware of various spoilers if you do go ahead and check out the series after reading!! I hope everyone enjoys the conclusion and please check out the other writers in this amazing collab ❤️PS, I know nothing abt chess lmaooooo but let me know your thoughts and feel free to ask any questions regarding this au's intricacies!! This part might get a little confusing because of a flashback!! (starts right after the italicized paragraph and ends with "...in this moment...")

The silence is palpable.

"Does it hurt more to get stabbed in the back or shot?"

Only the continual rustling sound answers your philosophical question. Not that you actually care because you weren't really expecting a reply.

So, you keep talking.

"I think it would be more painful to get stabbed… but it would take longer to heal from a gunshot wound."

There's a brief pause in the motions behind you. But the quiet resumes, though the practiced skill of a needle threading through your skin quickens. While the local anesthetics Tonim's doctor supplied is doing its job for the most part, you swear you can still feel the tug of flesh being sewn together.

Or maybe you're just thinking too hard.

"Look. I'm… I'm sorry."

If tension could personify itself right at this moment, it would do so with ease, given how heavy its presence currently sits in the room. A low voice finally speaks up, gravely and roughened after such a long period of silence and the hairs on your neck rise.

"Are you really?"

"… Yes."

A heavy sigh — one burdened with all the worries of the world — follows. You wince and then tremble, wishing you could turn around. It's easy to guess what he's thinking but god, do you wish you could see his face to confirm. The fear of the unknown paralyzes you.

"I seriously am."

"Doubtful. I know you only asked me that question to subtly say you'll be okay and heal just fine but it's not that simple."

The callousness in his tone and the sharp way he says your first name makes you want to shrink down, shrivel up, and quite frankly die on the spot. Gritting your teeth, you succumb to the apparent silent treatment until the snip of scissors signifies your surgeon has finished treating you.

You think twice about your options upon hearing the click-clack of medical supplies being put back into the first aid kit. Then you think, "fuck it!", and use your good arm to keep the fabric of a spare t-shirt pressed against your chest and shift so you can face the man who just rather aggressively threw a handful of unused alcohol prep pads back into their designated slot.

"I'm super duper, utterly, and truly apologetic, Seok."

The gunslinger heaves another grand exhale of irritation. He doesn't even so much as glance at you, frowning sourly down at the roll of gauze in his hands instead. The temptation to reach out and touch him — soothe him — is strong but you decide against that (for various reasons) and resort to huffily pouting instead. Amazingly it seems to work, because he notices right away and folds way too easily without much of your sway, finally facing you with a reluctant but serious expression.

"Then what did you learn?"

Your gaze lowers, eyelashes fluttering while you drown in your feelings of shame and wrack your brain. The urge to toy with the silver chain around your neck is strong though you resist the tick and hesitantly answer instead.

"Um, that I need to fortify my mental block better?"

"Try again."

"Uh…"

"How about the way you're not supposed to play the hero?"

The tin of the trauma kit rattles as Seokmin slams his left hand down on the bed, leaning menacingly toward you. Though narrowed, his eyes seem to glow. You can't help but whimper at the intense ire dancing in those irises paired with his sharp tone. Like the desert's suns, it simmers and radiates off of him with rays of heat that you can easily feel given how close he is.

"I'm, I'm sorry!"

"No, you're not," he states sharply though the rigidness in his body relaxes after your squeak of another apology. "You almost died!"

You'd defiantly cross your arms if you could. "Between the two of us, you were most at risk of dying."

"Was not! And we both know my chances of injury are much, much lower than yours."

"You can't lecture me and flex your stupid powers this time! It's different 'cause Jihooon was fuckin' with my mind."

The harsh bitterness is more so directed at yourself and the damned Crimsonnail than Seokmin. But as usual, you vent all your frustrated emotions out on him, especially whenever he brings up the fragility of your mortality. You both stare stubbornly into each other's eyes, thinking back to what happened and what could've happened.

Lina's protected. The Tonim residents were all immobilized. Seungcheol, Seungkwan, and Mingyu are in good spirits. You are safe.

A burst of air rushes into Seokmin's lungs, relief filling him as he idly scans your figure for injuries. Casually reloading his revolver just in case, he beams as you approach. The mirrored expression of victory on your face accompanied by a hand reaching out causes his whole body to shudder in pleasure. There's nothing he'd like more than to intertwine his fingers with yours.

Instead, he settles for returning your enthusiastic fist bump. Nudging his shoulder against yours, Seokmin chirps out, "Good job, partner!"

"Partner?"

"Yeah, partners."

You shake your head like you can't believe him, amusement tilting up the corners of your lips. He wants to tell you everything, all of it. But his ears catch the faint click of a contraption behind him and he looks over his shoulder just in time to see Jihoon's crossbow assemble.

Joshua looks mightily displeased but makes no effort to put a stop to the Crimsonnail's actions. Seokmin can only thank his lucky stars that Soonyoung remains in a catatonic state. Dealing with a ginormous worm so soon after being in its stomach a couple days ago was not appealing in the slightest.

The fingers of his prosthesis splay out, cybernetic arm lowered and extended outwards in front of you as you turn around as well. He knows you hate unwarranted protection but you'll have to forgive his instincts this time. Nevertheless, he trusts you. And as Jihoon opens fire, Seokmin leaps into action, expecting you to do the same — only to do a double-take when you don't move despite a flurry of nails breaching the air.

Your eyes remain unfocused. Glazed over and cloudy, posture tense but still. He sneaks observatory looks your way from afar while firing Geranium. Round after round, breaking nail after nail to prevent any harm befalling you. A maniacal laughter rings out and Seokmin freezes, putting two and two together.

Then he snarls.

Jihoon must've sicced his killing intent — a nasty ability to project and create illusions of destruction in someone and break their will — on you. Cursing, he starts making his way closer to you, inwardly reaching out to you and begging that you'll break free of the blonde-haired man's clutch on your psyche.

You're obviously more than capable. He knows this. But your movements are sluggish, slowly releasing Sirocco from your grasp. The empty pistol lands on the sand with a muffled thud and Seokmin's pretty sure his heart mimics it. A look of terror and horror spreads across your facial features, surely subject to something awful within the confines of your own mind.

And while you're experiencing visions of things you fear coming true, he's stuck in the vivid reality where they do.

You spin around with a wild look in your eyes — full of rage and anguish. He stumbles back as you teeter one foot at a time toward him and in the distraction, a nail pierces right below your shoulder blade.

Someone wails behind him.

You scream.

Seokmin rushes forward. But he's tackled suddenly to the ground and ends up flat on his back. Completely winded and left with his vision smarting, blinking in confusion at the blurry double halos that definitely shouldn't be around the duo of suns in the sky.

Then your face comes into focus. And god, forget the suns — in all your glory and in all your fierceness, you shine brighter than them all combined — hallucinations be damned.

It takes a bit of wrangling around, given how you try to wrestle and pin the man down. The clunky gun you're waving around goes off several times, harmlessly lodging bullet holes into the sand cushioning around Seokmin's head.

"Stop it, you're gonna hurt yourself!"

Moving and lashing out like a wild animal before it's fully sedated, his words don't come through the hellish haze Jihoon's trapped you in. You pull the trigger with no regard for the injury to your shooting arm.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

He dutifully counts each round fired, multitasking between that and the effort it takes to contain your struggling movements. Once again, thanks to the overpowered strength of his prosthetic, the man's finally able to sit up with you secured in his arms to cease any further movement.

"Lovely, lovely mayfly," he murmurs. The stable cybernetic hand gently feels around the impaled shoulder while a trembling thumb rubs your abnormally chilled cheek. "C'mon and snap out of it, pretty."

Not a spot of recognition in your blank glare. His eyebrows furrow as cold metal presses in between them. Seungcheol is cursing, Mingyu and Seungkwan are shouting loudly. Jihoon gloats.

But none of that matters. Seokmin drowns all of it out by diving in the pooling depths of your empty irises. Searching, calling, begging. Biting his lip, he delivers a quick slap and pleads, "Come back to me, love."

And like a mist that rises after dawn, you return to him. Your stunned grip on the gun falters, the final bullet rattling in its chambers. The pained expression on your face slices open his own heart but its shredded form takes flight in utter relief.

You're back. You're going to be okay — he'll make sure of it. And even if you don't know it, you're his and he's yours.

"Y-you're dead," you choke out and all he can do is smile despite feeling like he's on the verge of crying. Elation, anger, guilt, hope, longing, worry, joy — all of it turns and tosses within him like a rustling flurry of winged creatures struggling to break free.

So, he smiles at you and grasps the barrel of the old pistol aimed at his forehead. "I know, mayfly."

Jihoon howls in fury. Joshua finally steps forward, striking a military pose with his hands behind his back. Composed as ever, his voice remains its deceptively sweet self compared to the harsh jerking movements he's subjected upon the gray-eyed man via telepathy.

"You've crossed the line, lost number thirteen."

"Don't call me that!"

It's no surprise that the pecking order in Dokyeom's henchmen sowed seeds of dissent. Though Joshua was simply a right-hand man, he remained the only unnumbered member, proving the lack of disposability DK saw in him versus the others.

"Know your place."

"Which has always been at the top! But because of you — !"

" — The top of those already at the bottom, perhaps. Respect your superiors and your orders, Crimsonnail. You were not to lay a hand upon Master Dokyeom's brother. Ever."

"I didn't!"

"Or a member of his little group." His indifferent gaze swept over Seokmin protectively cradling your body. "This voids our involvement and nullifies any further implementations of the game."

Joshua would thank his lucky stars that the humanoid typhoon is letting them leave scotch-free if he was a decent man. Unfortunately, he's not — already considering what punishment to enact upon Jihoon per his master's orders. The Crimsonnail feels a shiver down his spine, further enhanced by Joshua's frosty, disdainful look of disapproval as he telepathically drags Jihoon to the car.

Still, it's a good thing Seokmin's a pacifist by nature, that he's more preoccupied by your well being than anything else. Your brow begins to bead with sweat, the pain of your wound finally sinking in past the adrenaline rush wearing off. Black circles dance in your blurring vision, the gun falling from your grasp as you droop forward and rely on the unerring sureness of his support and the safety within in it.

Seokmin knows he needs to get you medical help right away, and it's the only thing he can focus on. There's no time for exchanging a blow with a blow nor the faintest idea of revenge.

Not yet. Not now. Maybe never if it means putting you in harm's way.

Was he really going to give up following the bloody trail to hold his brother accountable for the unspeakable crimes he's committed? Throw away the blank ticket Rem spoke about? All for one person?

The questions all swirl around in his head like a nebulous mass. And like a newborn star — one that's been long in the making — the answer is crystal clear and shining bright as you sit in front of him now looking devastatingly beautiful to him despite all that's happened. Most importantly, you're safe.

But all he can say in this moment aloud is, "I'm sorry."

For a multitude of reasons. So many of them. You seem to spot something in his eyes, frowning ever so slightly.

"You don't have to apologize for anything. I'm fine."

"I almost lost you."

"But you didn't."

"…I know. And I'm so fuckin' glad."

Seokmin runs his fingers in a distressed manner through dusty, matted strands of reddish-brown strands. Immediately drawing attention to the dirt, grime, and dried blood coating and dulling the cybernetic's buzzing glow.

"That's gonna be a pain in the ass to clean."

He appreciates the subject change, shooting you a lopsided grin. "Yeah, tell me 'bout it."

"Let me help."

You get up before he can protest. A tactical way to coerce him into worrying about helping you rather than arguing. The coy part of yourself is applauding the method, especially when the calloused flesh of his palm splays against the bare skin of your lower back in the name of support as you both walk to the bathroom.

That same part whispers naughty temptations to drop the t-shirt covering your chest, press up against him, and see his reaction. But your reasonable, reserved side is too held up on various other matters to give in.

Sadly, you find out you can't offer as much assistance as you would've liked. But Seokmin seems heartened by just seeing you up and about and close to him. Plus, you make use of your idleness while he washes in the sink by reaching for the few stocked amenities you can reach with your good shoulder above it when he asks for them. And you receive a heartfelt smile in return.

"I probably should've just showered."

You shrug. "You still could."

"Nah, it's fine, I can do it later. What about you, though? You're going to need help with those stitches."

"What a roundabout way to say you want to bathe together, Seok. You could've just asked."

Maybe you expected him to splutter nervously or protest fiercely at the tease. You certainly don't expect him to just shake his head — silver earring flashing in the vanity's dull lighting — and chuckle.

"I'm being serious, goof. Besides, it's not the first time I've seen you in the tub."

"What?" you squawk and his grin doesn't falter. In fact, it turns into a smirk.

"I'll go get Sherry. Lina's gonna want to see you too, she wouldn't stop crying about her pretty savior getting hurt."

You frown. Was he still going to dodge The Talk™? And did he think you were really just going to him out of your clutches that quickly?

"We still need to chat. You promised."

His eyes flash. "… And you don't like promises."

Yes, that was exactly why. He knew your history. Still, you refused to back down.

"No, I don't. But I like you… and, and most of all, I trust you. I just want the truth, Seok. Even if you think it'll hurt me, at least be honest. Trust me back. I promise it'll make it less painful if you tell me why you thought I wasn't serious. So, please…"

Don't let me down.

It's unspoken, but he can clearly hear it in your tone. A battle-worn sigh escapes so you try to lead him and finish with a question where he can give a more straightforward answer.

"… How long have you known? About the bet, I mean."

Despite wavering between semi-alertness and bordering the edge of losing consciousness, you're aware of Sheryl's presence as she bustles around with Seungkwan and Mingyu to clear out an empty room above the saloon temporarily used for patients. Seungcheol waits outside the door with you two, a cigarette loosely dangling from his lips.

When Sheryl leaves, she sneaks a peek at the way your face buries into Seokmin's neck, how the man carefully assesses the rest of your body for injuries. His touch is gentle, the cybernetic arm coated in blood as it holds the nail in you steady. He'd been adamant about being the one — the best one — to treat you. Smiling, she hands Seungcheol a couple of double dollars and the pastor raises an inquiring eyebrow.

"For that little game of yours," the woman whispers knowingly and gestures to the two who just exited the room and Seokmin hurriedly heads inside. "They told me all about it."

You lift your head to glare at Seungcheol and then your other comrades as you pass, wondering if this was some sick form of revenge for pulling one on him and if Sheryl was so keen to set you up with someone in the same way pompously done for her. But your shoulder feels like it's on fire so rather than reprimand your stupid, back-stabbing friends and slump back wearily against Seokmin.

He's a simple man who certainly can't hide a silly smile at the unconventional snuggling. Lifting his chin, he then tilts his head questioningly to the money in Seungcheol's hands. "You're still doing that bet?"

"Haf'ta win the lasses 'n hopeless romantics over 'n have 'em rootin' fer ya."

"Y-you know about the bet?"

Seokmin hushes you with a low murmur, words muffled by the press of his lips to the crown of your head. You can't make out what he says, but the timbre is soothing enough that your eyes close.

"Gotta make that sixty billion somehow if we're not turnin' ya ass in."

"Fair enough!" The wanted man laughs and closes the door with his foot.

His cheerful demeanor then dropped to focus on the proper procedures to treat your wound and that's when the silence settles in, soon followed by the weighing air of unresolved tension between you. And now, you're continuing the determined path to fully speed-run ahead and break it, though he shrugs nonchalantly at the question.

"Known for a while, to be honest."

"Seriously? I thought it was a secret!"

"C'mon, you know how bad Cheol is at keeping them."

"Yeah, right," you roll your eyes. "That man takes things to the grave — literally!"

"You're too hard on him." Seokmin leans toward you, bracing himself with an arm supported by the sink and brown eyes sparkling with humor. "Think about how much you've learned about him."

"Against my will, too much…"

"Which means I'm right."

"… I guess you do make a fair point."

"Of course. He's a completely open book once you peel back that damn protective hardcover of his."

Still, you sniff disdainfully and frown. "I swear, you're the only one who sees him like that."

"Like what?"

"Like…. unafraid, unconcerned, unbothered by all that he is, all that he's done, et cetera."

"Why not? He's done the same for me. Besides, I've said it before but he has those eyes, you know. Kind."

Ah, and that's what gets you to resign with a small grin. It's just like Seokmin to see only the good in people.

"And you're not all that different," he continues with a broad, knowing smile. Immediately you bristle and he clarifies, "from me." Some part of you momentarily wonders if you spoke your thoughts aloud or if he just simply knows them that well. "As loath as you are to admit it, you care for him. Most importantly, you trust him."

Though your face sours at the thought, you don't retort right away. Sure, Seungcheol is a trusted ally. And maybe the motivation to free Jeonghan from the control of the Eye of Joshua wasn't solely because it was simply the right thing to do. But also because it might brighten the dull spark and leave one less bloodstain on the hand of a man who bore the burdensome weight of all sins like a cross on his shoulders.

Then you wave away those thoughts for now. "So, is that why you thought I wasn't serious on how I feel about you. 'Cause of the bet?"

"No, because I never knew the full extent of it. But… if you're saying it had to do with your feelings, then I would have to say yes — though I find it hard to believe any bet's worth my bounty."

"Oh." Your cheeks heat at unwittingly giving it away.

Seokmin smirks when you avoid his gaze, and he moves in even closer. "No one has sixty billion double dollars just lying around, mayfly."

"You're just saying that so no one turns you over to July."

"Well, you won't do it, will you?"

"You don't know that," you fire back, intending to heighten your defenses that only weakly falter because you're still not looking at him.

"But I do."

"Yeah? Prove it!"

Ooh, a challenge.

And one more step closer.

"Because you care too much about the man you like to put him behind bars."

Your eyes dart back to meet his, ready to squint reproachfully only to widen at how the gunslinger's face is only a breadth away from yours. Breath hitching, you desperately want to whine out in irritation but it comes out in a low whimper. Seokmin's canines flash in the bathroom's dim lighting.

"That's not, that's not fair." The wall pressing into your bare back keeps you from retreating and the hand keeping the t-shirt covering your chest feels how your heartbeat speeds up. Your skin is on fire, only the cool temperature of your locket and its chain preventing you from utterly exploding after the plaintive admission of, "You already know everything. But…"

"But…?"

The unconscious action of biting into your lower lip only gets realized by the way it keenly draws Seokmin's eyes. Electric blue flashes against brown irises yet they darken to almost black with the sudden thrill of desire that rises to the surface. He's so close, you can feel his breath caress your face, and you swear you hear it deepen into a low grunt before he raises a brow for you to continue.

"But… b-but I don't know…a single… thing."

Seokmin has forever believed Rem's take regarding the ticket to the future always being blank. For him, it's always been an unknown path forward that he's let lead him wherever and to whatever destination.

He holds himself back, just enough to utter the (practically what should be unneeded) words of reassurance, "It could only ever be you — and it's always been only you — that I could be in love with so much, mayfly," and then he's eliminating the meager distance between the two of you. For the first time, he stamps that blank ticket with an assuredness of the future and outcome he's never had before — with a kiss.

Cradling the back of your head with his cybernetic prosthesis, the other cups your cheek and then trails down to your collarbones — but no further than appropriate. His mouth, though, disregards the very notion. A teasing tongue repeatedly runs across your bottom lip to smooth out the indents caused earlier by your teeth then naughtily pokes and prods its way between, eliciting a sweet gasp from you he absolutely devours.

Your whole body shudders with happiness, eagerly surrendering to the man's wild, possessive fervor as he passionately steals the breath out of your lungs and stakes his claim on you by leaving behind shiny kiss-bitten lips. Seokmin only draws away, panting, to admire his handiwork, light-headed and dizzy with delight.

"I love you," he reconfirms with his forehead resting against yours and nose tickling your own, "… partner."

Breathlessly, you joke back after placing a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. "Love you too, partner."

And that was that.

With your shoulder injury on the mend and the other members of your little ragtag group nursing their own bumps and bruises, you all decided to spend one more night in Tonim — much to Lina's delight. While she merrily bounced from one 'hero' to the next, you playfully reminded Wonwoo that he still owed you some free drinks. You were eager to take advantage of the fact and he was more than willing to accommodate.

The tavern that originally held a subdued, slightly hostile air to it when you first arrived was now filled with an unfettered joyous harmony. You're so easily swept up in the ambiance of such high spirits and jubilant townsfolk as mug ales filled to the brim get passed around and clinked together, you fail to notice Seokmin's sudden withdrawn nature.

Not until the next morning do you first realize something's off.

"You're sure about this?"

"Oh, no. Not you too, Seok."

You'd already flipped off and shoved away a complaining, terribly hungover Seungcheol and finally got rid of the watchful, fretting gazes of Seungkwan and Mingyu. The duo had been hovering around you with concern ever since you downed a full glass of alcohol last night. While you generally just let them be and were quite thankful not to wake up with a pounding headache, you certainly weren't above crushing all of Mingyu's pudding cups if he meekly asked one more time if you were okay or needed help.

Seokmin leans against the open door frame as you pack. The pulsating glow of lost technology flickers in your peripheral and keeps you aware of his quiet presence. Part of you had always wondered if the ever-running currents of lighting synced with the flow of blood through the rest of his body.

The gunslinger doesn't speak, and you wonder why. And though you'd like to flatter yourself and entertain the notion that he's watching you — while other times that may be true — you don't feel the weight of his eyes trained on your motions. It wasn't like there was much to stuff in your bag, the satchel's leather cracked, faded, and well-worn after all these years of use through the desert and everything you truly value remains strapped some way to your body. So once you're finished, you inquisitively peek over in his direction.

Brown eyes are trained on the clunky gun on the mattress — the same one you'd pressed against his head. It's also the exact same pistol Chan had spent his adolescence restoring and repairing. Left unnamed unlike the honorary grave Seokmin had helped you prep before leaving the ruins of Ivywood behind. Meanwhile, his gaze darts to linger in contemplation on the chain around your neck before his eyebrows furrow, emphasizing the drawn out features and dark circles beneath his eyes.

"You look tired, you doing okay?"

"Yeah, just haven't been… sleeping well."

Frowning, you step toward him. Although he doesn't back away, his entire posture stiffens. "Will you be able to make the journey?"

He snorts, gesturing to your shoulder you're trying not to move too much. "Isn't that what I'm supposed to be asking you?"

"I'll feel better at the border."

Seokmin nods understandingly. "The weather will align well."

Within the sandstorms that relentlessly swirl near the Melca Border Sea of Sand, hides the only SEEDS floating ship that survived the Great Fall and you have to get the timing just right to reach it. It's home to a large community of humans, and most importantly, it's what you would consider a true home to you and Seokmin. Already, your energy restores — excited at the prospect of getting to relax in a place you trust and people you truly enjoy being around.

"Jun can take a look at my shoulder."

"That's true, it would be good for him to do."

"And I'm sure Hao's going to want to check your arm, maybe fashion some fabric that's not only bulletproof but also nail-proof."

"He's gonna give us both a scolding."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

You share a look of fond chagrin. Even though Seokmin's well over a century older than Juhui and Minghao, they were direct Earth descendants aboard a ship full of lost technology and geniuses in their own right. Those facts alone gave them all the confidence and utter audacity to more often than not, act like fretting toma mothers over the two of you.

Nonetheless, you appreciated them with all that's remaining of your heart.

The trip to the Melca Border wasn't a straight shot from Tonim but it wasn't as far as you thought. A bittersweet farewell to Wonwoo, Lina, Sherry, and the rest of the townsfolk was to be expected. Though their sorrow weighed you down, the knowledge that you were parting from them with good memories and the expectations to visit again kept your steps light-footed.

Seokmin remains zoned out the entire time. You bulk it up to his normal reaction whenever something emotional was on the horizon. Returning to Melca held a grand spread of wonderful, warm memories with a scattering of dreadfully sad ones too. Though the floating ship's defenses have been bolstered to the max over the years, the terrible events weren't easy to forget.

But they were incidents in the past and it's thanks to the intellect of the two who greet you at the entrance of the ship that their defenses continue to improve. Luida proudly stands behind them, accompanied by Brad and his wife.

"Greetings, weary travelers."

"We're no strangers, Luida," Seokmin protests against her formality.

The elderly leader's playful grin smooths out the wrinkles lining her wise face. "Welcome home, children."

It's a simple phrase but one that fills you with inexplicable warmth. Hansol might be the son born of her own body, but no one is immune from her maternal instinct. She beckons for everyone to come inside where the main quarters lie and the growing crew population will certainly be enthusiastic upon hearing about your return.

Seungcheol, Mingyu, and Seungkwan trail after without fuss, also elated to be aboard the familiar floating ship. You smile with genuine delight and step forward to follow while Minghao takes one look over his wire-rimmed glasses to survey Seokmin's dusty figure and elegantly tilts his head knowingly in the hallway leading to the technology laboratory. Glittery, colorful beads woven through the long strands of his two-toned hair clink in time with the movement.

It's hard to hide the snicker that escapes as you watch Seokmin trudge after Minghao like a scolded puppy. Your glee at someone else's suffering doesn't last long when a gentle hand clasps your shoulder. Wincing at the pain, you meet Junhui's puzzled look before his eyes narrow.

"You're hurt," he says, disappointed but not surprised, and leads you away to the med bay. It's exactly what you expected, in fact, the main reason behind why you're here — and yet, you sulk and whine petulantly just because you can.

"Not my fault that the only way to get here is by timing everything right to jump into a sandstorm and then onto a flying platform."

After instructing you to lie down on the medical bed and cutting the fabric of your shirt without fanfare, Junhui clicks his tongue. "You only come to visit when you're hurt."

"Not true!"

He concentrates on disinfecting and resewing the torn stitches in the tender flesh around the parts of your wound that are still healing. His tone borders on slight resentment but the concern weighing in it smoothes it all over.

"And yet most of our time spent together is only when you visit so I can patch you up."

"It's not like that."

"I know… but I would've met you elsewhere."

"Boring."

"Can't you courteously pretend to care about yourself out of consideration for those who worry?"

"You'll go gray at such a very young age if you stress all the time, Jun."

He shakes away silver bangs that threaten to impede his vision, unamused. "And you'll end up buried under the sand next time."

"Sounds cozy."

"I swear —"

You wave his growing ire away. "Seok takes care of me just fine."

"Yes," Junhui's cat-like smile causes your metaphorical hackles to raise. "He does care deeply about you."

"I'll punt you into the fifth moon and give it a second crater with your body."

"Now, now… violence is never the answer."

"Violence is the only reason you have a job!"

If you weren't as close as you were, perhaps he'd be offended by your claim. Instead, he kicks you out (after ensuring you're indeed in relatively good health), leaving you to laugh victoriously. Then, you set off to the technology lab in good spirits, hoping to catch Seokmin and commiserate with him.

Instead, you find a lone Minghao sitting refinedly amongst all the tech with grace and poise. He was in his element. Fiddling with and poking at a well-worn, familiar cybernetic tech with a thin silver instrument, he simply raises an eyebrow to acknowledge your presence.

"Did you fit Seok with a new arm?"

"But of course," the man sighs wearily, "despite my best efforts, my darlings always return home to their father with quite a beating."

"… Then you'll hate what I'm about to tell you."

"No, I cannot fashion you a pierce-proof trench coat. However, I will acquire some stronger material… but there better not be a next time."

You purse your lips and pout. It often seemed like Minghao worried more about his inventions than the people using them, though you knew that to ultimately not be true.

"So, he already told you what happened."

"Oh, yes… he told me everything." Heterochromatic eyes suddenly meet yours, sharp with a spark of amusement. "See, I almost didn't want to give him the latest modification but…"

"But…" You repeat warily.

Junhui was always mischievous, though most of it only ended with harmless pranks. On the other hand, Minghao's sarcasm-filled humor rarely made an appearance, and when it did, it usually delighted in the sickest of satisfactions.

Yet, he simply shrugs, evasive as always. "I think you'll like its improvements."

There's something foreboding about that statement, but he ushers you away under the pretense that he needs to concentrate. And shortly, you find yourself stopped by curious passersby or familiar faces in the hallways to the main quarters. Since your last visit, a multitude of passengers have a lot to share and update you on. By the time you reach your own pod, you're socially exhausted.

Sleep came easy but finding Seokmin did not. The SEEDS ship was already big in the first place and additional construction enlarged it further. An itchy, achy feeling pooled inside your gut on the second evening you'd been unable to catch sight of him. Finally, you acknowledged the bitter truth — he was avoiding you.

You had to come to terms with how delusional it was to think that once everything was out in the open, the scattered puzzle pieces would magically fall together in their rightful places. It should be easy, right? It's what happened in those cheap novels Junhui dug out of an abandoned pod in Melca back in the day. He'd given them to you as a birthday joke — Minghao sighing and handing over your real present (the first bullet-proof trench coat) — but you'd actually read through all the cheesy, steamy piles of romantic drivel.

Seungkwan, ever the cynic, and Seungcheol — who's naturally a heathen — quickly destroyed the slim spark of hope of ever hoping to feel those flutters in your gut. Meanwhile, Mingyu was someone precious and wholesome with a romantic outlook on life underneath the great muscular physique he'd gained from carrying that heavy concussion gun around.

You often wondered why they never tormented him like they did to you. But despite his indomitable stature, the emotionally soft man's tears were the most powerful weapon in his arsenal. Even if he didn't quite realize it, his comrades certainly were aware.

And Seokmin… well, if you knew how Seokmin felt about romance, you wouldn't be stuck in the position of wondering why the fuck he was avoiding you.

Again.

"Where is he?"

"Good morning," Mingyu greets the following morning, cheerful as ever. "If you're still hunting Seokmin for sport, he said he's feelin' a little sick!"

"Sure."

"No, he really is." Seungkwan refutes your aggressive eye roll with a gentle shake of his head. "Loverboy hasn't come out of his room for days and when I almost knocked the door in earlier, he finally responded only to sound like a dying toma."

Your face contorts into a morbid combination of concern and irritation, shifting between the two expressions. "Probably 'cause he stayed out all last night!"

And with a dramatic huff, you glower at the pastor seated in the cramped corner of the floating ship's kitchen area. Seungcheol deemed it was cooler, darker, and the farthest spot in the enclosed space from any of your misplaced wrath. He smiles, the white stick between whiter teeth jollily flicking up and down at you, taunting.

He reveled in the knowledge of being safe since he'd been the only one able to provide any information on the humanoid typhoon's whereabouts. The pastor — who still enjoyed a late-night smoke to cure some of his insomnia — considered it his saving grace to catch sight of the fellow gunslinger slinking through the shadows in the halls. Apparently, Seokmin had been sneaking outside the past few nights and remained resolutely ever-elusive during the day.

"Should go see 'im. Yer all antsy and 'm bettin' he's missin' his… mayfly."

"Oh, go fuck yourself," you snarl and storm out, missing the man's bark of laughter before he continues contemplating the best way to siphon money during a confessional.

The unfaltering stomp of your combat boots is the background beat on your walk to Seokmin's pod. His halls aren't far from the kitchen area and yet each footfall feels like a step into the unknown, the lights above seeming to grow dimmer the closer you get.

Why was he acting like this?

Did he regret everything that happened between you?

Was something wrong?

Would he shut himself away from you?

Worry and anger swirl together, mirroring the vortex of sand you had to pass through to get here. Seokmin's never shut you completely out before but you're familiar with his reclusive acts when things get too much. Too close. Too emotional. And you're afraid to be the catalyst to another spiral.

So, you knock. Harsh, loud, and ultimately unforgiving if ignored.

"Seokmin, open up! I know you're alive!"

A mutter of "Barely," carries through the door before he clearly answers with a curt, "I'm not feeling well but I'll be fine."

"Open the door."

Silence.

"Please."

The silence continues — and your temper flares. "Don't make me go get my bag and grab my lock-picking set!"

You can hear sounds of cursing and some rustling around before the door slowly and reluctantly opens, Seokmin hiding in the shadow it casts.

"As you can see, I'm quite fi —"

Both a coughing jag and the firm push of your shoe interrupts his confident statement. "Sure hope you weren't about to say you're fine!"

A faint smoky scent permeates the pod. You cough and pause to let your vision adjust to the darkness. The first hint toward Seokmin's unusual behavior because he thrived in the sunlight, no matter how weak the sunrays that reached the floating ship were. Then second, you blink in wonderment at the black heaps littering the bed and floor.

Feathers. Everywhere.

Reminiscent of the time you'd broken Seungcheol's ridiculously expensive pillow against Mingyu's bulky bicep during a good-natured fight with Seungkwan's assistance. But instead of an explosion of brown and aqua toma plumage causing you all to sneeze, these were inky dark like the night sky and resembled piles of soot against the pod's stark white backdrop.

You whirl around to find Seokmin retreating to the corner of the room, hands slamming on top of the dresser for support. His back is to you with two thin wings jutting out from it. Feathers rustle as he pants, shoulders coinciding up and down with the motion of the wings.

"Seok, how did… how did this happen?"

It's not fear that causes your voice to tremble but worry. The appearance of his natural Plant form is no longer shocking. In fact, the more you see it, the more you find it eerily beautiful. Probably similar to those who believe them to be messengers of a higher power. But he's only ever transformed in dire situations — either due to stress or the rare exhaustion of his superhuman abilities against stronger foes.

He doesn't reply so you take a cautious step forward. An animalistic growl erupts from his throat, followed by a pained groan. You gasp as he shakes, protrusions rupturing from the lower parts of his shoulder blades. Two more wings burst out and unfurl below the trembling ones already quivering on his back.

So that's how they hide and reappear.

"Is it 'cause you're sick? Choi said you've been staying out all night. You could've caught a cold or something's in the air. Never know what's floating around here." You babble as you frantically search for signs in the mirror above the dresser for any hints to what's caused this.

Seokmin's bent over and you note what should be brunette roots of hair are now pitch-black too. Closer and closer you creep until you can make out each bead of perspiration trickling down his neck and how they coat every bare part of his body in a sheen of sweat.

Then his head snaps up. An eye — unshielded by the black fringe of his red-brown tipped bangs — narrows to glare into your widened ones. A tempest of electric blue rages within it. Like the hottest type of fire, it burns more than you could ever expect in a vortex of one prominent emotion.

Desire.

An involuntary shudder overtakes your whole body, and you unconsciously bite your lip. Seokmin slumps back down, granting respite from that ardent azure glow.

"Sick," he snarls and laughs, strained. "Sick in the head, that's for sure."

"How… how can I help? What can I do for you?"

"Get out."

"Seok —"

"I'm serious, mayfly. For your own good. Leave."

"My own good?"

"I'll, hah, I'll explain… explain it later."

Your arms cross. "Oh, really? Or will you avoid me again? Like you have been for the past several days?"

"I haven't —"

"Don't you dare feign indifference! I'm not stupid — we talk about our feelings and then you retreat. Just be honest with me… please."

You promised.

He sucks in a very deep inhale through clenched teeth, seeming to regret it instantly because his grip on the edge of the dresser is hard enough to crack the strong material. Glowering at your reflection again — not daring to acknowledge your very real and extremely close presence in the room — Seokmin bares his sharpened and widened incisors in a snarl.

"We will talk, mayfly, please believe me. Now's… hah… just not great timing with… with what's happening."

Irritation easily gives way back to worry. "At least tell me what I can do for you. Should I get Jun?"

"He can't do anything. Gotta just… work it out of my system."

"Work what?" You frown, knowing how rare it is for the medical specialist to be stumped.

"It's not for certain…" Four different wings flutter in agitation at various speeds. "Not a lot's known about Plant physiology," his mouth turns downward, "even I don't have a thorough understanding."

"Is it a disease?"

"Wish it was that simple."

"You're talking in riddles and running verbal circles, Seok."

"… Dokyeom and I are independent Plants. Likely the only ones, well, you know — still functioning. Alive. When Rem found us, research was obviously done."

You know the story very well and nod. "And had been conducted before."

"'Course thanks to Rem, it wasn't as invasive but there were, hah, occasional talks. Theories. And then, of course, before us twins, there was…"

"… Tesla."

A Plant with a lifespan of only two-hundred and thirty days.

Seokmin swallows. "Tesla. Yes. I recall bits and pieces. Hypothesized with Luida and company… Outside of Dokyeom following the unethical methods humans sometimes conduct for experimentation," he snorts at the irony, "it's thought that Plants… can copulate… with a mate… of their, hah, choosing."

"Really?" Your eyebrows raise, intrigued. "That's a brilliant discovery!" Then they furrow. "Wait, are you saying that this," you wave your hand to gesture at his current form, "is because… you're, er, ready to… mate?"

He holds his head. "… Yes."

"Oh, okay. So, you need like… relief? A mate? Should I…?"

Your questions hang uncertainly in the air, unfinished because you're really not sure what you're supposed to even offer. A sarcastic smirk graces Seokmin's lips, condescending in the sort of way that's aimed more at himself.

"What kind of man do you think I am, mayfly?"

"A very, uh, Planty one for sure."

"Better than leafy, I suppose."

"Though you are quite… feathery."

Finally, he turns toward you, a wry and defeated smile on his weary face. His wings stretch outward and curl back in, elegantly waving toward you as if drawn in your direction. You can't help but smile at the object hanging from a cord around his neck.

"You still keep that old thing around?"

He looks at the golden cartridge and chuckles. "It's special."

"Me holding a gun to your head was special?""Meeting you will always remain a treasured memory, no matter the manner of how it happened." Seokmin falls quiet, lost in thought before hesitantly asking, "Did I not mention Plants mate for life? Well, at the very least, I know I do."

"Oh." Your astonishment reveals itself in a breathless gasp. There's no escaping that all-consuming, fiery cerulean gaze. "So is this the first time you've been… ready to, uh, mate?"

"No, I'm used to the way these cycles come and go. But this for sure is the worst bout yet."

"… Why?"

You hold your breath. He takes a step forward. Then another.

He's so close, if you leaned the slightest bit forward you'd press up against each other. Somehow, with an overwhelming sense of shyness guessing the underlying thoughts and what his answer will be, your eyes roam his bare upper chest and torso.

If you could caress him you would. All the shiny black feathers adorning his wings and the occasional ones sprouting along his forearms pointing to his Plant abilities. Each scar along with every bit of metal or his body's naturally grown wood that replaces chunks of lost flesh. He's kept them as reminders of when he's failed humans, though you've seen them only as when they've failed him. He shivers, like he can feel it, as if he knows what you're thinking and you questioningly re-meet his burning stare as he shoots you a wane smile.

Sheepishly, he rubs where the cybernetic arm attaches to his shoulder. Many have turned away in disgust or mock pity at the disfigurements. Yet despite the true abomination he looks like right now, there's only ever been pure empathy and acceptance he doesn't deserve — all from you.

"Conscious consent and reciprocation."

Your lips turn upward, joy causing your soul to unwittingly sing. "Does that mean… I'm your mate?"

"No."

It's like Gunsmoke completely collapses, and you're left twirling without footing in space. Seokmin matches your fallen expression with one of his own.

"What? Wh-why?"

"Don't get me wrong, it's —"

"I swear if you say 'It's me, not you'…"

He rather adorably tilts his head. "How did you know?"

"It's a typical cliche," you roll your eyes, "just give it to me straight, Seokmin. Is it 'cause I'm human?"

"… It's not that simple, and this isn't something trivial. It's — hah — it's a huge commitment." The use of your given name indicates his seriousness. "A lifetime one. For me, it's only ever been you… and it will always be you for as long as I live, which could be your whole lifespan! And I don't, hah, I don't know — hell, it's taking everything I can not to tear a dead man apart, let alone what I'd do if you'd change your mind, want something — someone else."

"You're doing it again, projecting and underestimating my feelings for you."

"It could be the effect of my pheromones, mayfly. We don't know every —"

"That's right! We don't know! So we have to trust each other and see."

"It's —"

"Let's not subject ourselves to the hypothetical. And what do you mean by dead man?"

Seokmin's jaw tenses, fingernails digging into numb skin. His wings waver, like they're considering cocooning around him for protection. But their tips simply flutter as if soothed by an unseen force, preventing them from enclosing completely.

Teasingly, you lean toward him and squint. "What else aren't you telling me, Seok? You pick a side hustle up that involves the deceased like Choi?"

He snorts at the audacity and doesn't take the bait. Instead, unfamiliar but still achingly familiar irises dart to your neck, tracing the silver chain laying against your skin. A dull sort of sadness fizzles out those blue fires and you clasp the shape of the locket beneath your shirt in realization.

"He was a boy, Seok. A boy I grew up with for a short period, one that felt like a brother to me."

"… You said you loved him."

"When?"

"… To Cheol. After you first met him."

"That would've been so long ago? How do you even remember that?"

He sighs, heavily. "It's not easy to forget. Your voice was so warm, so gentle, so in love when you admitted it."

"Love can mean different things! And I assure you, my feelings for you differ greatly from how I felt about him. And… he's… he's long gone, Seok."

Guilt burns in his eyes. "I know. Which makes me all the worse."

"No, it doesn't." You shake your head, a resigned smile resting on your lips, and hold your arms out. "'Cause I understand and forgive you. And most importantly, I love you."

It's uncertain if those words break or restore him, but the hard rigidness in his body melts away, sagging in a semblance of relief. Then he rushes forward into your waiting embrace, wings helping to propel him forward until they wrap around and press you to him tight, tickling areas where his arms aren't squeezing around you.

"And I adore you, my lovely mayfly."

You groan. "When will you stop calling me that?"

"Never," he snickers and you feel the curve of his lips as he comfortably nuzzles into the crook of your neck. "For as long as you're mine."

"Yours?"

"Mine."

"Sucker."

A chaste kiss brushes the lower tip of your ear. So ticklish and unexpected, you pull back with a giggle and playfully swat his shoulder. And just as he's about to dive forward and prove your little comment correct in retaliation, you burst into full-on laughter that leaves Seokmin to settle his hands on your waist with confusion crinkling his brow.

"What?"

"So that's why you were always having a deathly staring match between my childhood memorabilia?"

"… Was not."

"You — the most sentimental loser ever — definitely were!"

He pouts momentarily, the cute jut out of his lower lip quickly transforming to a devious smirk. "You'd bet on it?"

"Totally." You place your arms around his neck, bringing your bodies closer again and matching the charge of electricity with a clever tilt of your lips. "I'd win, too."

"And what's on the table?"

"Sixty billion double dollars, of course."

"That so?"

"Mhm, and it seems like someone's bounty matches that worth."

Seokmin quirks a brow. "Seems like you want me on the table."

"Winner takes all?"

"Mayfly, I've always been yours."

"Sap," you laugh again.

A bright grin certainly declares your delight in victory, though your partner in crime uses the distraction as an advantage for his earlier loss and wastes no time. Diving in, a sharpened canine grazes your pulse point, automatically causing your head to tilt to offer easier access. Two left wings sweetly swoop down for support, feathered tips tenderly brushing your forehead.

The heat of his tongue placates the dragging scratch of his fangs. Though it sears you alive, heating your entire body from the tips of your toes, swirling in your core, and concentrating beneath Seokmin's lips on your skin.

When reaching that cold, familiar necklace you treasure so much and he can't help but loathe, it's seized between his teeth before he registers the action. Tugging it away from your neck like a dog, you wonder if he'll even shake it like one. His eyes follow the length of the chain, focusing on where the locket pops out above your chest.

You raise a questioning brow. "You gonna just play with my jewelry or take my clothes off?"

"Oh," Seokmin whispers, jaw dropping, and suddenly stands stiffly at attention.

You watch, entranced by the bob of his Adam's apple as he visibly gulps. Large, calloused hands — so practiced in undressing you for baths and patching up wounds — falter as they skim along your sides in a fleeting touch. Smiling encouragingly, you intertwine your fingers with those of his prosthetic while leading the other one beneath your shirt, the rough flesh of his palm blisteringly hot against your stomach.

"Is this okay? Can it help calm your Plant powers?"

"Yes… but that means… giving yourself to me… forever."

"Can't think of anything I'd enjoy more."

Confident, you trail kisses up his jaw to his cheek, stopping near his ear. Playfully tugging at the earring hoop as you pull away. Then you break away and bend over, shimmying off your shorts in one smooth motion. Stepping out of them, next goes your top. As each fabric hits the floor, Seokmin's eyes become more lidded, heavy with want. Smoldering. Desiring.

Four black wings fan out and stay as rigid as his stance. As if they're waiting with bated breath. And when you finally stand bare before him, he sheepishly drags his gaze to the floor with a flustered smile.

"I'm the one naked and you're embarrassed?" you tease and his posture relaxes.

"Because you're a vision to behold."

"Says the one who looks like an angel."

You back up until your knees hit the side of the bed. Like those morbid tales that depict curious listeners following a luring call to their demise, Seokmin's only a step behind you. He doesn't dare let his eyes stray further from your own, a goofy grin on his face.

"Consider this my fall from grace then, mayfly."

Gingerly, you sit on the edge of the mattress, waiting for his next move. He towers over you in this position. Formidable in appearance yet oh-so-gentle when picking up your left hand to kiss your knuckles and rub his thumb across its faded scar. Another smooch gets placed to your inner wrist and you hold your breath at the passion in those blazing cyan depths that refuse to look away. Then, a cautious touch to your shoulder urges you onto your back. Obediently, you lay down and a bunch of stray loose feathers fly up into the air upon impact.

"Beautiful," he murmurs.

The clothed knee resting between your legs helps his arm support the weight of his body hovering above you. A tentative hand slides down from your shoulder to your hip, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Caressing every scar, memorizing each color and swirl of ink decorating your skin, and erasing any insecurities or blemishes you see in yourself. Cold digits draw whimsical shapes and tickle your abdomen, stopping above your pelvic bone.

"May I?"

"Of course."

Seokmin rejoices in your consent by littering your collarbone with love bites. And his touches move lower, tender despite their mechanical nature. Warmth blossoms and flows under every surface of your skin Seokmin's traced, coiling and settling in a pulsating — almost painful — heat rupturing between your legs.

Only he can be the one to relieve this ache which he precisely aims to do. A simple, single brush across sensitive folds instantly has your breath hitching, shaking beneath him.

"Are you alright?"

"Mhm… yes."

He audibly gulps at your unexpected whimper of ecstasy, reluctantly tearing away from watching amorous bliss overtake your facial expression to the wet heat detected by his pointer finger's sensors. A feral growl rumbles in his chest at the debauched sight of desire beginning to dampen your thighs — the trace of what he's been smelling from you now overloading every single one of his senses as he coaxes more to flow from you. Seokmin's more than thankful for his enhanced vision and the glow of cybernetic technology baring your most intimate parts to him.

Guided by an instinctual impulse, he eases a finger inside. Your back automatically arches off the bed, eliciting a sweet gasp of delight. The cool touch of the digit seized tightly by the pulsating walls of your cunt slowly warms as it adjusts to the welcome intrusion. He soothingly brushes the knuckle of his middle finger across the soft outer flesh of your pussy to relax its grip. Eventually it lets up enough to let him explore further and deeper than your own have ever reached.

"I'm… I'm not sure how best to please you," Seokmin admits, drinking in your every reaction to his curious ministrations. "But there's this urge, this need, to make you feel good. Prep you properly for my… my entry."

By pure accident, he strokes a rough patch of nerves that makes your eyes roll back, hips lifting at the sensation of wanting more of whatever that feeling was, and your quiet noises melt into a loud, needy moan.

"More," you plead, "touch me more, Seok."

He eases his other finger inside without question, grunting at the squeeze that almost prevents him from moving to where you want him the most. But unlike the rest of his quivering body, the prosthesis remains steady, still, and patient. Waiting until it can bully itself and a third finger past your entrance's vice-like clench.

You start pulling on your breasts, trying to alleviate the tingling in them. Seokmin observes with a keen eye and a toothy, fanged grin. After a bit, he leans down to let his tongue trace the underside of one mound, leaving behind a saliva trail shining in the unconventional lighting as he tends to the next. Alternating with playful nips and naughty tugs to your nipples whenever your grip on them falters from the overwhelming pleasure.

So attentive and eager, soon you're writhing beneath him as you hit your peak. One hand grips your hip tightly, surely to leave a bruise with the way it cramps. His other doesn't let up, well-oiled mechanisms continuing to pump in and out of your trembling pussy until you whine from the overstimulation.

His wings fold protectively around both of you like a canopy as you share a tender kiss. Dazed and happy, you tenderly brush back black bangs and play with one of the feathers that's sprouted near the hairline above his ear. He shivers.

"Let me take care of you too."

"Are you sure? What about your shoulder?"

"That's the least of my concerns right now."

"I can still…"

"Later. First, I want to help you."

Suddenly, Seokmin's shy again, flushed cheeks darkening. "I… I think I'm a little different… down there so it's okay if you don't want to… or get scared."

"It's not like I've seen enough dicks to compare whether what you're packing is normal."

The both of you share a goofy laugh that eases the presumed awkwardness. He sits back to unbutton his pants but you stop him.

"May I?"

You might as well have knocked the air out of his lungs. He stares at you wide-eyed and then emphatically nods, finally clearing his throat to squeak out, "Sure."

Ignoring the aftershocks of your earlier orgasm, you sit up and kneel in front of him. Intent on a few minor distractions, your mouth and hands start at his shoulders to work their way down. Imagining you have the power to heal the damage dealt to his body and soul through tender touches.

You see a sad sense of beauty and justice in the patchwork of metal bolts and bark. And as you apply marks of love that bruise and blossom between them, he lets out a content warble. You're quick to undo the button of his pants, both of you gasping at the utterly wet mess seeping through the material when you tug the zipper down with your teeth.

He lifts his hips to help and once he's just as naked as you do you take him in. Anatomy was meagerly touched upon during your days at the convent, so truthfully all you're aware of at the sight of his heavy cock is the need to be filled with it.

And the closest thing to take him is your mouth, jaw already aching before you even open it. Almost reverently, your hands wrap around to stabilize it. Seokmin hisses pleasantly at the contact.

"You don't have to —"

He's cut off by a groan as you inquisitively suckle the tip. The copious amounts of slick smearing from it and down the base taste sweeter than Seungcheol's lollipops and you moan heartily, causing his thighs beneath your elbows to tense at the vibrations.

"Oh, mayfly."

A wing caresses your cheek that bulges as you take more and more of him, Seokmin's hands tearing at the sheets. The tip of another wing tantalizingly drags down your bare back. Your hands begin to explore, finding the puffy edges around the slit from which the thick cock emerges from. His hips jolt upwards at the contact to sensitive tissues, causing you to gag.

"Ah, 'm sorry!"

While he whispers repeated apologies, you're only compelled to take him further. Slowly you get used to the stretch, but no matter how much more you're able to squeeze down your throat there's still enough of his length for both of your hands to play with. It gets easier the more aggressive you get, his cock seeming to respond to your vigor in tandem. Soon you're lost to the haze of whether you're bobbing your head up and down or it's swirling languidly in your mouth on its own accord.

Seokmin's hips stutter but you feel the tremor first pulse against the inner walls of your throat. His cock throbs as you pull off of it, hollowing your cheeks and parting with deliberately powerful suction. A loud pop releases its tip and your hand supports its weighty girth falling forward. You dig the nails of your free hand into the muscle of his quaking thigh, ducking down to teethe at the puffy slit from where his cock must emerge.

Moving on to licking and dragging the point of your tongue along the sizable vein lining the underside causes Seokmin's low groans to turn into a high-pitched trill. Once you reach the swollen, leaking head and nibble on the hard glans, it spasms wildly and finally erupts. From the top slit seeps sweet syrupy fluid that readily overflows into your awaiting, open mouth.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," he blabbers.

You'd reply that there's no need for gratitude, perhaps you'd thank him, but the viscous release keeps spilling out. Rivulets trickle well past your lips and coat your chest. Although still in a euphoric daze, his eyes flash with sharp satisfaction. Instantly possessive at the sight of your bare body decorated so erotically.

His wings snap open — filled with purpose — and your face is pressed down into the mattress. Surrounded in a smoky musk as the angelic monstrosity it belongs to and destined to be your mate hovers above.

Your voice comes out hoarse as you raise up onto your elbows and spitefully spit out a black feather. "Do those wings of yours prevent you from being topped or something?"

"I'll let you find out another time, partner," Seokmin huffs, laughter evident despite his apparent breathlessness. He steals a tender kiss, pleased grunting at how your lips — shiny and swollen — taste of him. "But for now…"

Like an anchor, the tech material warmed by your shared body heat and passion winds underneath your hips, keeping them raised. A calloused, ticklish touch roams traces your spine. He draws an occasional spiral here and there as he goes, mindful of your wound, until firmly pinning the nape of your neck to the side, creating the perfect arch of your back.

"I think you'll like this," Seokmin says as if he isn't liking the view below him.

But for you, straight ahead lies the dresser's mirror. It reflects the full manifestation of an independent Plant poised to devour a human in the most intimate sense. The fearsome size of his cock lies heavy on top of your ass, leaking droplets of arousal all over your backside.

"Will it fit?"

"Of course, you are mine to claim and take." His hips just forward and you both moan. "I think we're both wet enough to try."

"I trust you."

"Let me know if it hurts in any way and we'll stop right away, mayfly."

Many troupes of desert-traveling dancers have mesmerized you before. Yet even they can't compare to the graceful and smooth motion of Seokmin releasing your neck to align his tip with the entrance of your cunt and slowly bullying his way in.

Tears of pain mixing to unfathomable pleasure blur the vision of your mouth widening to let out whines and moans. "Seokkie…"

"Mhm, mayfly… my love… my mate."

Finally, the front of his thighs are flush against yours. Hips pressed tight against your ass. Fully sheathed inside your tight hole, neither of you have ever felt such intensity before. He surrenders his body weight on top of yours, hands braced outside of yours clenching loose feathers and silk sheets. The outer heaviness matches the intensity of what your pussy struggles to accommodate.

"Mine."

Seokmin's hips swirl at a slow pace. Rather than thrust, he massages the sensitive glands at the base of his cock with the soft flesh of your ass. His length seems to shrink and grow and writhe with a mind of its own, filling and teasing you nonstop. Leaving no surface of your inner walls untouched or untended to for too long.

"Yours."

You shudder in blissed-out delirium and Seokmin lights up — literally.

Fluorescent lines glow in distinct patterns across skin, brightening the more he starts to pant and build up your shared pleasure. Sharp canines prick into the skin of your unmarked shoulder as he wraps his prosthesis under your stomach to raise your hips, the new position driving you faster to that rapidly approaching edge. You cry out with a lurch, blurrily making out his glowing form that shudders above.

Though the view in the mirror gets hidden by black wings stroking your entire body. Teasing the underside of your tits and tenderly brushing away the stings of his teeth marks.

"I-I love you," Seokmin rasps.

"Love…" You manage to enunciate the words, mind emptying and drool wetting the bed as your second peak approaches. "Love you too."

Pain and pleasure draw forth an onslaught of your apparent arousal that lecherously mixes with the frothy mess dribbling from his cock. Claws appear on Seokmin's right hand, another addition to the bestial Plant features emerging in the throes of passion. He's not completely lost to the primal thrall though, able to resist from breaking skin.

Delicately scratching your waist without drawing blood, then using the finely pointed tips to pluck and tease effortlessly at your clit. You cry out, body shaking as waves of euphoria crash against the shoreline of imminent pleasure.

Seokmin helps ride out your peak with a couple of speedy thrusts. The feeling of his hips slamming into you has you seeing more stars than Gunsmoke's galaxy contains. And just as you're overcome with too much stimulation, he lets go with a particularly strong bite into the top of your shoulder.

His cock softens and its heavy weight like a blanket along with the continual pump of his warm, soothing release. The feeling of it leaving none of your inner walls untouched feels as sweet as it tasted on your tongue and helps ease the ache inside your cunt. Still joined together and slick with stickiness, he collapses onto his side and gently assists you with rolling over so you can face him.

"Hey, you."

"Hello there yourself, lovely mayfly."

Your nose wrinkles but gets smoothed out by feather tips playing with the ends of your hair. Seokmin smiles as you snuggle closer into his chest so two of his wings can cocoon around you as the heated fervor from prior activities cools.

"Did that help?"

"… Yes," he says though his tone wavers with hesitance.

You raise your chin and see the electric blue luster hasn't faded yet from his gaze. Sheepishly, the corner of his mouth raises and you shiver, feeling the swell of his cock stretch out your pussy. The bulge it creates brushes against Seokmin's abdomen and he twitches.

"Sorry, it's… I'm gonna be kinda insatiable now that I've had a taste…" He trails off, wings snapping behind him. Slowly, he pulls his hips away and you both hiss as his cock is dragged out.

"What are you —"

You're cut off by the animalistic glimmer in his gaze, catching the feral smirk that he attempts to hide by licking his palm. Quick as lightning, Seokmin fleetingly swipes the outer lips of your cunt and brings his fingers, tonguing at them. Body set aflame again, neither of your break eye contact as he moans headily.

"But not of this," he rasps.

Before you know it, you're staring up at the glow-in-the-dark stickers on his ceiling with your mate between your legs. His wings trail along your calves, their flexible ends curling near your inner thighs, encouraging them to spread and stay open, pinning them in place.

"Oh, aren't you a beauty?"

He moans shamelessly at the sight of your messy, glistening pussy. You squirm at the ticklish sensation of his feathers and that smoldering, ravenous look. If only he knew what it was like to see him devour you with his mouth.

Delicious.

Just like the feeling of his tongue working its way inside and licking up the shared essence of your releases.

Your fingers weave between strands of hair as black as night, tugging lightly and accidentally snagging one of his ear feathers. He moans eagerly, and the vibration has you shuddering, already quickly nearing another mind-shattering orgasm. But you don't let him carry you there too fast, smooth brain muscles trying to form a question.

"How… long… how long do these cycles last?"

Seokmin presses a loving kiss to your twitching clit and blows, entranced by how you clench around nothing. Then he smirks, elongated teeth shining in the darkness like a predatory warning though you have nothing to fear.

"As much as you can handle but… we're really only just getting started, mayfly."

The motion light kicks on as Seungcheol shifts his boots in the direction of the unlit kitchen area. Junhui and Minghao's entrance awaken the rest of the lights and they frown at the makeshift bunker set up.

"What are you three doing in here?"

Seungkwan sleepily mumbles a curse word and next to him, Mingyu blearily rubs his eyes. A scattering of empty pudding cups and bottles lie around them as well as a disorganized array of poker cards.

"We're afraid to venture out of here."

Junhui shares a secretive look with his closest friend at Seungkwan's cryptic words. "Ah, so that's happened. Or happening."

"'Bout time y'all came 'round. Time for ya to pay up!"

"Pay up for what?"

"Compensation. 'M the one who got the closest to bein' right knowin' they'd fuck after confessin'."

"If anyone needs compensation, it's me for the mental damage of having to make one of my lovelies into an enhanced sex toy."

Seungcheol guffaws. "Ya didn't! Ya lil cheatin', schemin' scientist!"

Meanwhile, Mingyu looks mighty concerned. "Does that mean Seokmin has a dildo for an arm?!"

Minghao crosses his arms with a steely glare. "No."

"Oh good. I don't think I could look at him the same."

"I don't think any of us will ever look at him the same again."

Junhui eagerly rocks back and forth on his heels, hands stuffed in the deep pockets of his lab coat. "Do you think they discovered all the functions and benefits of it yet?"

"Should be our next bettin' round."

"No more bets. I don't care if it's half a double dollar to go in, I refuse to go through this again."

Mingyu elbows his raven-haired companion. "C'mon, your heart's warmed by this!"

"Warmed and consumed by the rage and fury of hellfire, yes."

Giggling, the tall man smiles widely and holds his hand out. "Alright, I win then!"

"Win what? Thought you didn't remember your bet."

Mingyu purses his lips. "Only because none of you took me seriously and joked with a bunch of gross innuendos when I said they'd find their home in one another!" He then sighs dreamily. "But if I'm right, we'll know by tomorrow morning."

"Who says it'll be tomorrow mornin'. Might take weeks. Months even, I reckon'."

"I'll kick you all out before it comes to that," Minghao threatens and runs a hand through the few strands of hair without a bead. He tosses a wad of money in front of Mingyu. "Never involve me in this again."

Despite all the grumbling, everyone has a sense of lightness in their hearts at the thought of their dear friends finally getting together. And the happiest of them all is Mingyu, who cheerily gathers his prized double dollars, dreaming of all the pudding he can buy.

A lone figure stands on the edge of the valley of the Melca Border. The Sea of Sand, aptly named, can change tide and turn vicious at any second. Their cloak billows in the sandy winds that whip around them, though even the steadfast hood can't hide the satisfied smile on their face.

"You did well," they commend and the name that falls from their lips is one some might consider lost to the sands of time.

"Saintess." Another figure materializes out of the sand gusts in response to the praise. "It is to be done as you said."

"Very well. Shall we go now?"

Whether it's the mysterious sands that swirl around and whisk them away or the lost technology cube that transports them, no one will ever know for no one ever saw them. Like ghosts, they disappear and find themselves outside the real ghost town — where it all began.

A toma croaks in the distance. Brave travelers dare cross the ruined wasteland and the saintess meditating atop one of the largest rocks hidden in the shadows opens her gray eyes tinted by lilac in the glow of the moons to observe. Despite all of her traveling, the white robes wrapped around her body remain in pristine condition.

She turns behind to look at the man standing over a scattering of stones, staring intently at one of them. With poise and purpose, she dusts off her clothes and strides over to him.

"Chan."

Brown eyes tear away from his own name carved into the headstone in front of him to look at the one who's said it aloud.

"Yes, Saintess?"

"Do you regret it?"

"No. Never."

"Good," she states, satisfied with his response. With a grand sweep of her hood to cover short, dark hair, she gestures to the east. "We will set up camp one more night before returning to the Saint in the morning before he speaks with our Master."

Chan mutely nods, following the saintess back into the desert where she confidently leads him to a cave that will shield them from the unpredictable nature of Gunsmoke's wastelands. He thinks of you, the girl he must keep safe and two brothers. One with wings as pure white despite his continual revelry with hate-filled darkness, the other bearing ones the complete opposite color of his twin — a wild card.

He reminisces over the Blessed and Holy Sisterhood of Little Ivywood, the convent and all the orphans that lived there. Pondering Sister Meryl's role, who stands before him now as the revered Saintess, leader for the Eye of Joshua and second only to the Bishop of the cult named after himself. She moves curious little statues back and forth across the surface of a large flat rock and the young man can't help but ask her a question in the unnerving silence.

"Do you think this will work?"

Meryl smiles elusively, as always. She picks up the smallest one with a deliberate flourish, placing it on a blackened space close to the last row of alternating squares carved into the stone's surface.

"Have you ever played chess before?"

"No, what is it?"

"An Earthern board game. It is quite complicated." Gesturing to the piece she just moved, she continues. "This is a pawn, the weakest of all chess pieces."

Chan bristles. "But strength comes in numbers, no? There are eight of each color, surely the right side can find a way to win."

Unfazed by his agitation, the saintess nods placatingly. "With the right strategy, even a pawn may become a queen — the most powerful. Unpredictable." She points to a white figurine with a cross on top of it. "Enough to checkmate a king."

Entranced, Chan watches as she rearranges and repositions various pieces across the faux chessboard. Soon, the pawn that took on the mantle of a Black Queen captures the White King. His eyes roam what's left on the battlefield at the end of the match, pointing to one that looks like a tower.

"What's that one?"

"A rook. It best supports an allied pawn towards promotion from behind the scenes." Her eyes sparkle mischievously. "It's most powerful during the end of the game, as you can see."

Chan gulps, holding his breath for a moment, and clears his throat. "Then I'm ready."

"Wonderful," Meryl nods, "we'll depart for Master Dokyeom's stronghold in the morning. I'm sure Joshua, our dear Saint, will be… pleased upon our return."

"To the glory of the Black King's rise."

"And to the glory of our so-called queen."

Keep him safe, Chan thinks to himself as he settles on the ground. And yourself. One day we'll reunite in the most joyous of occasions…

He pulls out a faded wanted poster with the infamous outlaw worth sixty billion double dollars, donning a wishful smile before closing his eyes and murmuring, "I'd even bet this impossible amount on it."

onlyseokmins: April 2024 ©

[jamelslivres]

Hama

Let's start with the canon(ish) timeline:

Assuming that the young woman with the hair loopies is Katara's grandmother Kana and she's around the same age as Hama, I'm going to say that both are in their early-twenties. This is because Kana needed time to emigrate from the Northern Water Tribe. Yue got engaged at 16, and the healer Yagoda thought Katara was old enough to be engaged at 14. Judging by these engagement customs, Kana was probably engaged and then left around 16/17. To give her enough time to cross the world and settle in, I'd say that she and Hama must be around their early 20s.

During "The Puppetmaster", Hama says "the raids started over sixty years ago". Based on this, Hama is in her 80s during the events of this episode.

As she is describing her escape, Hama says she "walked free for the first time in decades". This could mean anything, but given that she hasn't started graying yet, I'm going to say two decades. Making her in her 40s when she first escaped.

Now, when did Hama get to the village we see in "The Puppetmaster"?

I've collected the relevant pieces from the show and discussed them. I truly can't make up my mind on this point, so I'd love to hear what others think. Let me know if I missed anything or if you guys have different interpretations of the evidence.

Here is what is said in the episode:

A merchant explains to a customer that he won't have any ash bananas until next week. The customer then says 'oh right, the full moon'. The merchant then says that he can't lose another two delivery boys to the full moon.

This interaction, to me, can be used to justify that Hama either has or hasn't been kidnapping people in this specific village for a long time:

Kidnapping in the short time interpretation: The merchant looks to be around sixty or slightly older, so he'd have been around when Hama came to the village (if she arrived immediately after escaping in her 40s). Let's assume he's been running this business for that long. If Hama started kidnapping people near immediately, I'd assume the lost delivery boys incidents happened near the beginning of that time. In this case, up to four decades ago. The merchant might not bring up those incidents to a customer who is (two?) decades younger than him and might not remember that incident. Since telling the customer is kinda bad marketing and makes the merchant look irresponsible or reckless. This could imply that these incidents are more recent.

Kidnapping in the long time interpretation: The customer doesn't need to be reminded that the full moon is that night. He knows it instinctively and doesn't need the merchant to connect the dots between the two day journey and the full moon disappearances. This awareness of the moon phases could imply that this has been happening for long enough that people have been habitually paying attention to the moon for a long time.

2. The guy who tells Aang, Sokka, and Toph about Old Man Ding says he's the "only one person who ever saw it and lived".

The word "ever" here implies that this might have been going on for a long time. However, local legends are quickly made and inflated, so the timing might just naturally be exaggerated.

3. Old Man Ding interaction, in which he says, "I'm not ready to get snapped up by any moon monster".

Honestly, I don't know what to make of this. To me, this reads like a semi-recent event, but I don't have anything to really back this up. Apart from maybe Ding saying he's not ready to get snapped up by a moon monster in response to a conversation about his age, which could imply that he was already old when this event happened.

Fun fact: the credits say "old man dig" even though the subtitles and voices clearly say "old man ding" (: 

Now for some speculation:

If Hama escaped in her 40s, the earliest she could have gotten to the village was forty years ago. In my opinion, that is a LONG time to be kidnapping people and not get caught. However, she does only have the opportunity to kidnap people once a month, but still that seems like a really long time. This brings me to the part of this that is just me asking questions (so again, please let me know what you think!)

When did Hama start kidnapping people?

Did she go to other villages before she came to the one we see in this episode? If so, did she kidnap anyone in those previous villages (I'd guess yes)? If she was in other villages, was there a point before she started kidnapping people, or did she start immediately (I think it could be interesting if she struggled with it for a bit, then gave into the urge. Or even if the urge didn't appear immediately)?

Did she ever try to go home? If so, did she find that she wasn't able to let go of the need for revenge, and leave again?

[quinloki]

June-July Event Announcement

Hey all \o/

I said that I'd have an announcement in May regarding a Big Event for June and July, and here we are! (I know it's not May yet, but I'm excited)

Firstly: Nothing is really going to happen in June except that more details will be provided, and you'll have the chance to make requests of me.

July is when things will really get busy.

But the event is a little bit different than anything I've done before, in that you're going to have the chance to Gift me stuff! But only if you can, and only if you want to - there's ZERO obligation to give me anything, you're 100% welcome to just put in a request. ^_^

Preliminary details below the cut!

Quin's Prime Time Birthday Bash \o/

This even will include the following options:

-:- I'll be taking requests based on prompts (some of which are listed at the end of the post, full list will be unveiled 6/1!)

-:- You can pin 5$ to me through my Ko-fi if you want, but absolutely do not feel obligated. (local-ish birthday custom)

-:- If you want to give me something for my birthday, you can! - tag me in it, let me know it's for the event and try not to post it until July - but I won't be bothered by early or late gifts though, don't stress❤️

Gift ideas if you want to get started on them sooner:

Art of scenes from anything I've written, or of Quill (if you have an OC and wanna draw Quill with your OC I will be so happy T-T)

A re-write of a scene for anything I've written - have an idea for how something could've gone different? I'd love to read it =3

Artist's rendition of "reader" from any story - don't let the limitations of Reader Stories hold you back, if you have a strong opinion of what they look like, lemme see it! \o/

A drabble, ficlet, head canon, bullet-point story, one-shot with ANY ANIME CHARACTER and an afab they/them, he/him, or transmasc reader. I love One Piece, but if you wanna Razzle Dazzle me with Hazbin Hotel, or Fullmetal Alchemist, YYH, MHA, etc. Don't let me stop you.

I'll get into more details in June, that's plenty for now ^_^

Prompt list for the event so far: (this is what I'll write for you)

Trapped in a Room Fuck or Die Aphrodisiac (sex pollen, drugged, devil fruit, etc.) Only One Bed Experienced vs Virgin Lazy Morning Sex Forced Proximity (box, flight, cell, get-a-long-bondage) They Were... (coworkers/neighbors/etc) Erotically Charged Fight Friend's Hot (older sibling/cousin/ >.> parent) The Hat Rule Body Writing (icing, ink, blood, etc >.> )

Hopefully I can write as many fics as I will be years old. I was only 1 shy of that last goal last year. If I'm SUPER lucky I might even illustrate one or two >.>

[gabbbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

So y’all know about my Will Wood x TNMN AU that i posted about right…

welp. It’s a thing now!!! Here we go!!! The Lineups + little lore stuff drizzled here and there!! NAMES AND DESIGNS WILL BE COMING SOON I SWEAR

Some ideas were influenced by @gmanwhore and @core-bagg they r super duper awesome + encouraged me to take this Au out of the drafts

(Everything else under the cut!!)

THE INHABITANTS OF THE TAPEWORM ASYLUM HOTEL!!

Floor 1 + The Normal Album

F1R1:

Roman- Suburbia Overture/Greetings from Mary Bell Township!

Lois- (Vampire) Culture

(Ooh, typical cookie-cutter white middle class 50s household? WRONG!!! BLOOD HARVEST ATTACK!!!! (The guy who’ll be in Roman’s is completely unaware of the shit his wife does. And was probably lobotomized by her to prevent said shit from being acknowledged, and properly comprehended by him)

F1R2:

Robertsky- Outliars and Hyppocrates (A fun fact about apples)

Albertsky- BlackBoxWarrior OKULTRA

(Ok so what if the Peachmans…were APPLEmans…think abt it…o and Albertsky’s gonna be based on a short story i like (the Lottery by Shirley Jackson))

F1R3:

Angus- Laplace’s Angel (hurt people? Hurt people!)

(Self explanatory. Fucked up Omnipresent demon buisnessman that makes deals with criminals and further ruins their lives. Yeah!!!)

F1R4:

Selenne- Love, Me Normally

Elenois- Memento Mori (the most important thing in the world)

(What if a Seraphim/Cupid hybrid and a defective Grim Reaper were sisters that were banished from their homeworld for being “defective” and “not taking their jobs seriously”. Basically their entire story!!)

Floor 2 + Self-Ish

F2R1

Arnold- The Song with Five Names

Gloria- Hand me my shovel, i’m going in!

(Tfw your wife and her nightmarish alter ego become a singular entity, and mangle your body and memory beyond mortal comprehension, love when that happens!!)

F2R2

Izaack-Mr. Capgras Encounters a secondhand vanity

(Local psychologist loses his marbles, and slowly regresses into his own client. Bro is playing doctor with himself 😭🙏)

F2R3

Margarette- Dr. Sunshine is Dead

(A once Beloved Astronomer goes WAYYY too far into her studies and loses herself in the process. She’s completely unrecognizable, a tarnished shell of her former self. She doesn’t quite get it, drowned in a hodgepodge her own ego, tears, and delusions.)

F2R4

Nacha- “Self-“

Anastacha- “-Ish”

(2/3 of a whole family. stuck in a time loop, due to a contract the deadbeat father just HAD to sign. What the fuck, Jimmy.)

Floor 3 + Everything is a Lot

F3R1

Mia- Skeleton Appreciation Day in Vestal, NY (Bones)

Dr. W.-¡Aikido! (Neurotic/Erotic)

(An all-powerful being of divine machinery who worries too much for the safety of his hammy, awesome, but frail evil skeleton wife)

F3R2

Francis- Jimmy Mushrooms’ Last drink: bedtime in Wayne, NJ

(Time traveling Cordycep man who broke an oath and failed up his entire homeworld, now forced to reside in this nuthouse of a hotel, left to soak in the ruins of both himself, and his family. His family.)

F3R3

Steven- Lygerside Daydream

McLooy- Thermodynamic Lawyer Esq, G.F.D

(The personifications of tranquility and joy—and deep, writhing hate. Living together. Ain’t that silly?)

F3R4

Alf- Red Moon

Rafftellyn- White Knuckle Jerk (Where do you get off?)

(A corrupt victorian surgeon who mutilates her patients and anyone who dares cross her path, and her vampiric mothman plaything that follows her around like a shadow. (She reminds him of the moon))

Also before ppl ask: “but Gabby!!! Alf is a LAWYER!! Why not have his Au self be based on Thermodynamic Lawyer?” Because :]

[forgetmenauts]

hello!!! this may get a bit long so i’m very sorry about that, but are there planned to be any shows in the near(ish) future? and if there are, would they be local (sf/bay area area?) or would they be farther out? i was so happy finding out you guys are based in cali (i’m also in cali!! closer to the sacramento area but yk same thing) and i would love to come see some of your stuff live <3333 thank you all for writing these amazing songs and having such an amazing vibe, your band has truly made my life better. your music is so so so so comforting and makes me so happy. it’s always going to be good feelings thinking about the songs. thank you so much for doing what you do and i hope i have the opportunity to see you guys live at some point <3

Hi!! Sorry not sure when you asked but just seeing this now. Thank you so much for your kind words, and we would love to see you at a show sometime!

Most of the shows we play are in the immediate SF Bay Area. We could definitely be better about promoting our shows ahead of time, but in general our Instagram is where we tend to announce shows most consistently. We've actually got two coming up this weekend: Friday 3/29 at Baltic Kiss in Richmond, and Sunday 3/31 at Tamarack in Oakland.

We've played shows a little further afield before (Stockton, Reno, some private festivals in Northern California), and it's not beyond the realm of possibility that we'll play more in the future. (In an ideal world, we'd put together a little California tour at some point in the next year or so, but there are six of us and we all have day jobs, so scheduling something like that definitely involves some logistical complications!) That being said, if y'all know of any good small-to-medium sized venues near you that might be looking for bands to book, feel free to let us know. <3

[inaconstantstateofchange]

back at you though, drinks edition? a type of drink you couldn't do without, that is your go to for any occasion? give us the specific deets, recipe if needed

oh no you've activated my trap card i love drinks

okay so special occasion drink: brown sugar boba (50% ice 50% sweet) but specifically from the tea shop close-ish to my house. it's expensive so i don't go often but holy shit. they use actual proper tea and fresh-as-hell boba and it's just. it's so good, i think anything from there would be insanely worth it (but i've never bothered to branch out from perfection).

my daily bev: i can't be too specific on brand without lowkey doxxing myself a tad, but there's a local company that does this flavored black tea with cornflower, raspberry, red plum petals, and blueberry, and it's just. it's incredible. mellow and rich and lightly (but not overwhelmingly) floral and fruity. i have it every single day and i'm convinced it is the perfect tea.

and two other faves because you asked for recipes:

strawberry (cheong) lemonade: okay so this is more effort than truly necessary, but i went to one of those u-pick strawberry places last summer and then the cultivar fucking sucked so they weren't even good, so i made cheong with them, which is a korean fruit syrup/preserve you make by layering equal amounts of fruit and sugar in a jar and letting them sit (i put them in the fridge just to be safe) for a few weeks.

the end result is preserves that you can blend into a bangin' spread and a fruit syrup that is like the nectar of the fucking gods. i didn't think it would make a huge difference doing it that way rather than a typical heat-based reduction, but it tastes like fresh strawberries. you don't lose any of that to it breaking down via heat treatment, so similar to the difference between a cold brew and a heat-based one.

anyway those mixed with lemonade (i make a concentrate using half lemons and half regular lemon juice, and include some lemon zest) makes one of the best summer drinks i've ever had.

i'm adding a cut for the last one because i can't/won't stop now but i have some self-awareness. okay, last one:

vanilla chai: i haven't made this in a bit, because when i moved here i ended up using up my stock of cardamom, and the local brand available here is just... not it, and i'm still trying to work out the most cost-effective way to order them online. which is devastating, because cardamom is the flavor most beloved to me in chai. anyway-

the thing that rocks about chai is that it is not actually all that hard, and you can customize it so specifically to your taste. my go-to add-ins are cardamom (5-6 pods, crushed open), cloves (2-3), cinnamon (about half a stick, crushed a lil), fresh ginger (idk how to measure this one, like an inch or two?), and vanilla. i used to use vanilla bean paste i got ages ago as a gift, but that is too rich for the world we live in nowadays, so it's whatever vanilla i have.

technically there's a specific kind of tea you're supposed to use, but i prefer it with regular loose-leaf black tea (which i always have on hand anyway). so you basically get a small pot, and bring your water (about half to 3/4 of your mug) to a boil. once it does, add your tea leaves and spices (not vanilla tho) and let them vibe out there for 5-10 minutes.

then, add your milk (about half of your mug) and vanilla, and warm to desired temp, but don't let it boil (this is my personal preference). add desired amount of sugar to your mug (i usually do a small spoonful of white and a small spoonful of brown sugar) and pour the chai into the mug through a fine mesh sieve (to get out the spice bits). if you have a milk frother, i like to aerate it a bit before drinking (improves flavor and also makes it less likely to burn your tongue).

[liesmyth]

How do you decide on focusing on distance vs speed with jogging? I started jogging about 6 months ago and regularly jog a 10k with like a 14min/mile pace. Should I just keep doing that? Should I try to train for a half or do something specific to be faster? 🫂 really appreciate all your tips

HI! first of all, regularly doing 10k is A LOT and you're very cool for it (call me biased but I think running 10k at a slow-ish jog pace is more impressive than a very fast runner doing that same distance bc of how long it takes!)

if your objective is getting faster, and you already have the weekly mileage part down, you might want to transition into a training schedule! most of them follow the format of mixing up 1) "easy runs" (conversational pace / jog) during the week + 2) one "workout" (tempo run or interval run) + 3) a weekend "long run" which is longer than the others. Interval runs along with running volume (weekly mileage) are what really gets you faster in the long run. You don't have to sign up for a specific event, ofc, you can just follow a training schedule for yourself, but if there are some in your area I think it can be fun to have a deadline to train for and a goal to achieve. (Also I love the vibes of local races)

I think a 10k would be a sweet spot for you because it's a distance you run semi-regularly and know you can finish, which takes off a lot of the mental aspect of it IME, and you can give yourself a reasonable goal.

anyway here are some resources — lmk if you have any follow-up questions!!

r/running FAQs. reddit running nerds use a lot of slang and a lot of that stuff in there is majoring in the minors. go straight for the information that interests you and ignore everything else. includes links to popular training plans

bare bones training plan with no specific goal. Based on your jogging pace, aim for 12:10-ish for the "tempo" intervals, and 11:15-ish for the "speed run" intervals. For the long run, keep doing what you're doing finishing 10k; the "workouts" will be considerably shorter in terms of distance. If you run more than 3 times per week, throw in a fourth run in addition to those the comment suggests, at your usual jogging pace, 3 miles tops.

speaking of running plans — I kinda went off on a small rant under the cut that may or may not be useful to you if you're a nerdy type. Otherwise, discard

IF you are of the geeky persuasion, I would recommend picking up ANY "running training" book at your local library (or on the high seas. hit me up!) just to figure out once and for all the various jargon you'll see floating around online. I can't stress enough how many of the training plans out there are just riffs on the same basic principles with slightly different philosophies — once you get it, that's it. There's such a wealth of information in the jock nerdy spaces of the internet, but there's also kind of a big entry barrier because everyone uses slang like "lactate threshold" and "marathon pace" and it's very easy for novices to get lost.

If you're the kind who likes to do their own research, I do recommend picking up a training book. It's great for the slang but also for understanding once and for all the reasoning behind why running plans are structured in a certain way, and how to tweak them to suit your needs + a lot of advice about recovery, nutrition post workouts, how to pick paces etc. and the science behind it. However: I can't stress enough how absolutely optional this is lmao. I guarantee you that most people who run 1) don't need an elaborate program and 2) would never dream of "reading" about it. But, many habitual runners rely on experience and trial and error, or maybe they did sport in school or are part of a running club, or spent a few years fucking around and finding out. Personally, as someone who picked up running knowing nothing about it and not wanting to risk injury, I've found that doing a deep dive into "Why do people recommend X and Y" has really helped me feel like I knew what I was doing. But you don't have to!

^ I hope this wasn't too confusing lol or that it doesn't make you feel like you have to do homework to enjoy moving around. You really don't! But if you want to switch to a more methodical approach and see results, I think it's worth looking into it

[hasdrubal-gisco]

day 2 eval - i'll keep this short, most of everything was covered in day 1 but one thing that stands out is how a lot of the tourism-dependent economy has disappeared (would be nice to have a baseline to compare to but it was my first visit). zero souvenir shops, zero thai foot massage places, no "real authentic 100% ukrainian restaurant not overpriced" restaurants full of brits. no heineken. center proper was full of people who were clearly just hanging out, in a location that is reserved for foreigners anywhere else, and locals are pushed out a couple blocks.

a lot of ongoing construction taking place already, mixed use developments branded with almost exclusively UK-based funds - i know the country was portioned and countries were bidding on contracts for the rebuild, could be UK has dibs on lviv. a lot of glass, i find, for a place nominally in an active war zone. decent number of boys and men walking around in uniforms, skinny 18yo boys looking like they're visiting home for the weekend from training, older guys just walking back and forth. can't recall if it was in the full post or just in snaps, but a lot of crippled soldiers, though seemingly 0 homeless or begging. saw no women/girls walking around uniformed in the city, but coming in by train, the MPs who checked the train were all women. saw(or rather, heard) a single pair of guys speaking russian to each other, otherwise only ukrainian ever. did have some trouble getting gallery tickets due to language barrier, i can understand ukrainian pretty well, got a lot of practice at the start of the war through work, and that paid dividends, and i was replying with some kinda medžuslovjansky-ish thing. turns out there's only one synagogue in the city which is crazy considering it was like 35% jewish prior to ww2. they don't even have a chabad. im not sure if the visual style of the ukrainian greek catholic (real) churches is modern or not (churches seem to be one of the few things restored over the last 30 years), but truly truly gorgeous buildings and decor.

day 3 eval - had to change from my original itinerary, took a 1pm outbound bus across the border to przemyśl, planning to see the city before connecting to my train back home at 10pm (+1 timezone over). crossing the ukrainian part of the border ended up getting detained for like an hour (for sure bcs of us passport), and asked what the purpose of my visit was and where i was staying and they even asked for contact info for the airbnb owner and called her on the phone to confirm i stayed in her apartment. didn't let me pee. eventually let go and i happily returned to sitting in the bus not moving for another 6 hours. overall took like 9h to make the 90km trip, just barely arrived in time for train for next leg of trip. would have for sure killed myself without public wifi provided by spacex's starlink. thank you 16 year old żabka employee for heating up my falafel wrap i owe you my life.

would not recommend, but those with vim will not be dissuaded

[imtwoburdsbitch]

This is my setup so far!

Things might change in the future but so far, I’m pretty happy with it!

Before anyone says anything I know a lot of the items I got were a bit extra and that cheaper alternatives are available but, this is one “big” tax splurge/birthday present!

I'm going to do my best to keep this up to date as things develop!

Cage/Perches

C&C Outdoor Large Cat Cage Enclosure - 4/5

So far I love this cage! With the set up pictured above, I actually ended up with extra panels to expand further in the future.

This cage offers a lot of versatility and would be great for odd shaped spaces or tight spaces that might require a little bit more creativity!

As far as durability goes, I would say that is pretty average for a C&C cage. With that being said... USE THE ZIP TIES! Or invest in additional wire cage supports or else the first time you move it... it will fall apart!

Pros

Weight - Light weight, easy to move and and tare down!

Price Point - Affordable and way cheaper than traditional bird cages of the same size!

Versatility/Customization - This is a build your own cage set! You can go wild and pretty much do whatever you want!

Add-ons - Because this is a C&C cage there are a lot of options for expansions and a lot of add-ons (ramps, doors, patios, etc) that can be bough!

Cons

Durability - So long as your using extra supports the durability isn't an issues. Without the supports... this is going to fall apart the first time you move it!

Bar Spacing - The bar spacing on this is large! 1.65" (4.1 cm). Because of the bar spacing your going to need to get a 2" Fender Washer in order to attach most standard bird accessories. An easy fix but something to be aware of!

Cleaning - Because this cages relies on joints there are plastic pieces that jut into the cage and run the risk of being pooped on. If they are pooped on... You will have to take apart a large chunk of the cage and remove the joint to clean it... It's a pain in the ass.

Corrugated Plastic Cage Liner Base 3/5

This works just as intended! It keeps what it needs to in and what it needs to out! It can be laid flat, and folded for storage if need be.

Pros

It works! Keeps poop and seed inside!

Cleaning - Easy to wipe down and poop doesn't seem to stick to the surface! Water and weatherproof is also a plus!

Cons

Price Point - I, admittedly, did not do my research before purchasing this base! This could have easily been made for about half the price from a local hardware or craft store with a sheet of Corrugated Plastic and either some hot glue or, if I wanted to get fancy, some Plastic Chicago Screws.

Cleaning - While the outside is easy enough to clean, corrugated plastic is hallow-ish on the insides and is IMPOSSIBLE to clean! To avoid dust build up you can use a length Rubber Edge Trim along the top! Make sure you check the with of your Corrugated Plastic before buying any trim.

Perch 4/5

It's a perch, it do what it do. Nothing super exciting.

Pros

It works as intended!

Cons

The shorter perch was NOT pink, lol. Not important to most people but it is important to notes that its defiantly more orange.

Lining/Hammock - 5/5 (I'm bias because I made them, lol!

The lining is simply two pieces of Anti-Pill Plush Fleece sewn to size! Anit-pill fleece is stain resistant, easy to clean and soft to the touch!

Pros

Price Point - Much cheaper then pre-made linings!

Reusable - Simply wash and reuse! No reoccurring monthly expense for something like puppy pads!

Customizable - Make them any color or all the colors!

Easy to Make - For real! Sewing a full bottom lining takes me about 30 mins from start to finish! If sewing isn't your think you could do it tie blanket style or simply cut a piece of fabric to size and call it good!

Food/Water

3 in 1 Cat Bowl - 5/5

I love this this feeder! Not only is it super cute but, it allows you to lock the bowls in place, preventing them form moving. The angled sides of the bowl also really help to keep seed where it should be! This is super easy to clean and the fact that it has two bowls and a gravity feed water dispenser makes it perfect for pigeons!

Pros

One stop shop - because of the two bowls and the separate water dish this works great for offering see, grit and water all separate!

Bowl Position - This feeder has a star shaped grid in the bottom that allows you to change the position of the bowls. This allows you to turn the bowl so the raised edge is facing the water dish preventing water from getting into your grit and feed!

Cons

Seeds under bowl - Because the bottom of the bowl holder is open if there are seeds under it the bowl becomes difficult to lock into place. Not a big deal but it can be annoying to deal with!

Water riser - The water dish has a white, circle riser that is open in the center. It's not a huge deal, Mango got use to it after his second attempt, and it's totally removable!

Toys/Enrichment

I'll make this part short and sweet, lol!

Mango doesn't care at all about anything but his Brick. Bitches love bricks.

10 PC Cat Toy set

Mirror

Doughnut Dog Toy

Cake Foraging Toy

Snuffle Mat

Brick

Nesting Pink Bed

Crinkle Paper

Paper Straws

Hay Feeder

[balkanradfem]

I'm constantly watching videos on local mushrooms, reading mushroom guides for my own area and in my own language, and then I go to the forest all filled with knowledge, and every single time the forest is full of mushrooms I've never seen or heard about. Here's some of them I'm very curious about! If anyone has a guess I would love to have any info!

So this mushroom was everywhere in the forest, I found about 40 of them, and the tops are olive green in color. Based on everything I know, I assume it's Russula heterophylla (Greasy green brittlegill), the brown-green edible mushroom, but I don't know how to be absolutely sure. I don't want to eat it without verifying. It's also very similar to Russula virescens, which is edible, but has scales on the top. The mushroom on the picture has a completely smooth top, except for all of the bites!

2. These look like actual corals in the forest! I looked up coral mushrooms, and I feel like it could be Ramaria botrytis, but again, I'm unsure, I wonder if there's a way to tell for certain! Are all coral mushroom edible, or are some poisonous?

3. These tiny adorable mushrooms were growing in pair and they gave me an experience I've never had before: they smell like CANDY. I smelled one and it was fruity, acidic, sweet, it smells like a ground cherry! Lightly pineapple-ish, but more acidic, I was shocked to experience a smell like that from a mushroom! I took one home to take better pictures, I would love to now what it is.

4. This mushroom is just too pretty. I couldn't resist taking it. It is perfect in every way. Looks like a penny bun except underneath it has gills. Have no clue what it is, but the aesthetic is perfect. It doesn't smell very appetizing; the only thing I can compare the smell to is a worn shoe. Would love to know what this is.

5. The looks of this mushroom just got me; it's growing on the top of a fallen tree, and the top so cracked! I've seen cracked mushrooms before but this one is all cracks. I've read that sometimes mushrooms end up cracked if they grow too fast and the skin on the top can't accommodate rapid growth. There's big ants walking underneath, and it has big gills. Would love to point at this mushroom and say its name.

(if you have those fancy mushroom-id apps and can use them with these pictures, that would be amazing, because my phone is 10 years old and does not support apps, and google lens refuses to work on web)

[oracleofsecrets]

Zelda EOW cosplay log: circlet

After giving up on the staff, which was already another means for me to take a break from sewing, I got started drafting the circlet

I had some Eva foam from another cosplay ish project that didn’t go very well due to inexperience, so that seemed the most logical choice. I forgot how annoying it is cutting Eva foam though… the “headband” part was easy since I could use my rotary cutter, except the length I needed was longer than my ruler, so there’s a wobbly bit from where I had to scoot my ruler. Didn’t feel like cutting out another piece, so it’ll have to do ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Studied some screenshots and Sketched out the gem and metalwork bits on paper to get an idea of relative sizing between all the pieces. That damn pvc conduit ended up coming in handy here—I pressed down onto the foam and traced the indent for the gem. Cutting the crescents was realllly fiddly bc I was using scissors. But idk if I could’ve gotten those curves otherwise with an xacto knife

Only on the smaller bits did I think to transfer my sketch onto the foam instead of eyeballing it. My “transfer” method was poking pins along the outline into the foam, kinda like for pumpkin carving. Nice and clear and easy to follow with the scissors without having to worry about painting over anything

I thought I read somewhere that Eva foam can be sandpapered ? So I tried doing that to fix the uneven edges. Idr what grit level sandpaper I used. I mostly used a nail file board actually lol

Somehow I lost my circle gem piece, so I had to cut another one out and sand that :/ I don’t have proper primer so i figured I’d just spray a little modpodge on it to give me a workable surface to paint on. It didn’t occur to me that the pieces were so small that they’d fly off bc of the aerosol blast, so I had to find those in the dark ground bc I keep forgetting to tell the landlady that the outdoor lightbulb is out

I ended up mostly kinda mopping up the modpodge that was left on the parchment paper to get it nice and covered. Then I remembered I should grab a scrap to prime for when I test out paints. Was smart enough to hold the foam with a clothespin so no more glue would get on my hand. A day later It does kinda look like a nice subtle topcoat on my nails though :3 let it dry overnight so I could play some hades 2 and bc I didn’t want to fiddle with mixing paints at like 10pm

The next evening I tested out the paints. At the store I’d been between one metallic red shade and another, and I’d gotten the one that hadn’t seemed Too bright red. This was a mistake. It’s indeed a lovely garnet color, but that’s not quite light or red enough for this. Mixed with a little red looked pretty good. The gold metallic was perfect straight out of the bottle

Also tested whether to use black or white as a base coat. Going with white to keep things brighter

✨The next day ✨

Got my base coat of white on

(Using some weird Catholic local newspaper that some lady who lived here before me still has delivered to catch the mess lol)

First coat of gold. Probably should’ve made sure my sponge was fully dry before painting on the gold… I’m using makeup sponges since they’re denser than the sponge brushes I got for cheap a while ago. Repeating to myself Trust the Process Trust the Process so I don’t get neurotic about how sloppy it looks rn….

Okay yeah second coat is looking a lil better. Added a Little more red to the mix for the gem. I like how the shade looked overall, and especially layered over the other. I dont need another coat on the gem but def will for the gold stuff

Third coat, now we’re talkin. That’s good enough for the crescent pieces, but I think I’ll give the band another coat tomorrow. Testing my gloss sealant on the back of one of the smaller crescents after putting the first coat on the gem to see how that looks

Im planning on using satin modpodge finish though bc it’s an aerosol spray and bc I think that’d contrast nicely and subtly with the glossy. But the glossy is a normal spray bottle, and I wasn’t careful the first time I used it so it got clogged…I usually borrow the spray top from something else, but it’s not the same diameter as the bottleneck so I have to hold it weird :/ I should just buy a replacement nozzle fjsjdhd. But since the pieces are so small I’m just unscrewing the nozzle, taking it out and letting a few drops of sealer fall onto a plastic lid from something or another, then dabbing it on with a sponge

Now that I’m more like Live blogging and not posting about stuff I’ve already done I think I’ll end the post here lol

[0-iz]

Guide to getting into roller derby (uk edition)

I'm saying this is uk based because that's the experience I've had - I've played with two teams in the UK and been involved in derby since about 2019!

1. getting kitted up

derby kit is sooo fucking expensive. there are a lot of secondhand derby kit groups out there, though - uk people i can recommend the facebook group roller derby recyclables ♻️ !! facebook buy sell groups, facebook marketplace ads, and setting up ebay alerts will all help you out though. You will need to get a custom mouthguard - i recommend the SISU ones that are used by nearly all derby players - they are mountains more comfortable than most mouthguards. You'll probably want a pair of reidell r3s (THE starter derby skate) at some point but any pair of quad skates will get you started, so dont worry about this for now if you already have some. It's also worth contacting the derby team you're looking to join and asking if they have spare kit they loan out! Lots of groups do, and it can really help you out in the beginning.

2. being able to skate is an advantage, but not a necessity.

I came to derby from a rollerblading background - i'd been street skating and doing a bit of skatepark skating for about 5 years prior to starting derby. While quads and rollerblades are very different in terms of balance, they definitely have transferable skills and being able to stop, do little curb jumps, skate backwards (ish) etc on rollerblades set me up with enough basic skills to focus on really skilling up during rookie practice. Plenty of people do come to derby being unable to skate - but i would say you are more likely to have a good time and stick with it if you already know you can go and stop.

3. roller derby is dangerous and serious injuries are common

If you often write someone to be your emergency contact who you know isnt great at answering their phone, or you dont really know that well anymore, or doesn't know you play derby etc - DO NOT do that for roller derby - there is a very very real possibility of that person being called. If putting down a family member or partner isn't an option for you, nominate a friend or even a colleague or other trusted adult in your life.

Be very aware that you can be critically injured playing derby. If you rely on your physical fitness in order to do your job, if your physical health is already impaired due to a preexisting condition, or so on - i'm not saying you absolutely should not play derby, but it definitely requires some extra considerations.

4. Go to games

Find out about what teams are local to you and show up to games! Getting tickets to see your local roller derby teams is the best way you can support the sport, as well as pick up on how the game is played and learn some tips.

5. do you have a local group?

Especially in the uk, our derby groups got hit hard by covid and some have not survived. it's likely your nearest group is in your nearest major city - so depending on where you live that could be a long way away from you. Often groups are in leisure centers and sports halls out of town and not super accessible by public transport. Being able to drive is definitely an advantage.

[pfhwrittes]

hiiiiiiii! i read through all ur jonesy posts and it made me curious about what her relationships are like with the 141? i think u mentioned that jonesy and soap have a friendly relationship and they tease gaz and ghost together. and you said that she drinks tea with ghost sometimes. but what was her first impression of everyone? what does she think of the team now? i hope u dont mind me asking! ok bye have a good day!

Anon I will never mind you or anyone asking about Jonesy. She is my favourite and I love sharing stuff about her! I'm gonna answer your questions under the cut so I don't clog anyone's dash with a long(ish) post about my oc.

(Heads up, I'm going to quote a lesbophobic slur under the cut. So TW for misogyny and homophobia mentions)

Firstly, Jonesy's relationship with the members of TF141 is completely and totally platonic. There's no way she's going to start a romantic or sexual relationship with any of them for a few reasons (which I'll list below): 1. She internalised something she heard/was told early on in her career, "women in the military are either dykes or bikes". Not a great thing to hear and take onboard, but it definitely affected how she portrayed herself to TF141. Soldier first, woman second. 2. She's got this whole complicated thing going on with her ex-husband / current fuckbuddy, Mac. I spoke a bit about it during various asks. Essentially, that means she just doesn't have the emotional bandwidth to handle another sexual/romantic relationship and especially not one that could completely obliterate the team dynamic. 3. Her Bampi would go fucking nuts if she got herself disciplined or discharged for fraternisation. So not only would her career be over and her friendships ruined, her 67-year-old grandfather would rain fury and hellfire down on her.

As for first impressions, I'll list off Jonesy's first thoughts upon meeting them: Soap - "Oh thank god, someone else that isn't English." Gaz - "Why's he wearing a fuckboy cap?" Ghost - "... Fuckin' hell, he's a big cunt." Price - "Oh, Bampi would love him. They can never meet."

As far Jonesy's current thoughts on the team, she thinks of Gaz and Soap as her brothers. There's a lot of love between the three of them, as well as a healthy dose of exasperation at times. She has immense respect for Ghost and Price as her lieutenant and her captain respectively. She trusts all of them implicitly, even if she'd rather they didn't stick their noses into her personal business (i.e her situation with Mac).

I'm working on a little something where Soap and Gaz follow Jonesy to the local pub to spy on her after noticing her dressing up relatively nicely (for Jonesy) and being particularly cagey about who she's meeting off-base. I just need to flesh Mac out a bit more before I post it.