#mimics sweep the nation

[xoxo-fm]

‼️MIMIC SWEEP‼️

[ahb-writes]

Book Review: 'Iron Widow'

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

action

Asian sci-fi

gender studies

giant robot

rebellion

revenge

sci-fi

social commentary

superhero

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

The unearned demands of the noble class breed a very particular, very familiar stench of greed. Surviving preferential dicta for race, ethnicity, and gender, one encounters a sociopolitical infrastructure whose foundational phobias sting the eyes into blinking. The bigotry, the intolerance, and the chauvinism are ubiquitous, and as such, sweeping efforts of immense chaos are necessary to shake the firmament. IRON WIDOW affirms what is occasionally, truthfully, philosophized: Abrupt revolution is necessary when gradual progress is rendered functionally impossible.

Such are the woeful accuracies framing the corrupt polity of the land of Huaxia, its many provinces, and the army under whose auspices each citizen pays tribute. Forced conscription, unyielding tax burdens, a world under siege from biomechanical alien entities. The glaringly forthright and uncompromisingly distorted culture of violence, scarcity, and sexism of Huaxia gives readers a clear window into the novel's trajectory: Everything is terrible, and one young woman, Wu Zetian, pledges to fight for a new paradigm until it kills her.

Lady Wu, by fashionable accounts, is a mad woman. But readers know better. Readers know she enlists to serve as a concubine, a position of fealty and support during military operations, only to exact revenge upon a pompous fool. Readers know she acquiesces to train with a convicted murderer, only to further her ambitions to end the war on her own terms. Readers know she signs a contract with a sleezy media magnate, with her own blood, only because the manufactured splendor of public adoration is the only mirror that outshines the stratified grandeur of the national army. Many people view Wu Zetian as a bit mad, sure, but everyone in her life has failed her, abused her, or misused her. Zetian cannot unmake the trauma others have wrought, but she can definitely become a nightmare all her own, and terrorize in kind those who deserve it.

IRON WIDOW offers contemporary readers the type of noisy, foul-mouthed, vengeance-seeking young female lead character so many fantasy fiction titles lack. The type of hard-luck woman so many books mimic in earnest but ultimately blink when the blade is swung, when the trigger is pulled, or in the case of IRON WIDOW, when the 40m tall mech transforms and starts ripping people's limbs off. Zetian never knew a good person in her whole life, so why would she ever desire to become one herself?

The novel's setting is a futuristic Asian fantasy realm complete with giant robots, ravaging otherworldly beasts, hover-vehicles, holographic displays, fantastical god-beings, powerful physical manifestations of qì, and sprawling military-industrial complexes. The author clearly loves the mash-up, as readers will find multiple references to ancient Chinese literature and lore alongside sci-fi exploits like transforming mecha that typify the zodiac. The kitsch may not be worth admiring, if the reader isn't in tune with either, but it's plenty enough for those whose interests rightfully intersect.

The best thing about this book is how thoroughly committed the author, and by extension, the protagonist is to seeing this story through to the end. Zetian, for example, isn't bitter and pessimistic about death because she has no options, she's merely giving as much violence as she takes ("Too bad. I am exactly the kind of ice-blooded, rotten-hearted girl he fears I am. And I am fine with that. May he stay unsettled," page 114). Some characters match Zetian's grit; others push back. Another female mech pilot, Dugu Qieluo, for example, is aggressively unlikable. Lady Dugu doesn't hesitate to throw a punch (at a supposed ally) and defends her personhood with vigor ("Never appease. No one's ever been respected for appeasing. The only thing you did was let them know there are no consequences to treating you like trash," page 295).

Fighting massive bug creatures in the wilds beyond the Great Wall occupy the official duties of these and other characters. But piloting giant robots to save humanity feels comically miniscule in importance when juxtaposed with the gravity of avoiding sexual assault, navigating corrupt officials, sniffing out traitors, and spitting in the eye of any supposed fate.

For example, Zetian allies with a wealthy young man, Yizhi, a possible paramour from her days as an impoverished girl in the mountains. Yizhi is a sympathetic man with a gift for big words. His kindness and his wealth seem limitless. But, "How far does the darkness in him go?" (page 183), she asks, knowing full well the corruption that girds her country doubtlessly lines the young man's pockets as well. A soft rich boy doesn't survive as one of dozens of sons what for being only a soft rich boy. He may be an animal, but evidently, Yizhi hides his teeth. A durable contrast to Li Shimin, a 19-year-old man convicted of patricide. Shimin is Zetian's co-pilot, and fittingly, the man is all rough edges, beset with the tired eyes and ruined liver of an alcoholic. Shimin doesn't hide his teeth, and his protective alliance with Zetian, a pledge to bark, tear, and destroy anything in their path, wavers on the border between keenly obligatory and affectionately benevolent. It's a love triangle appropriate for a novel layered with dead bodies.

IRON WIDOW is a thrill. It's difficult to find a fantasy book with female lead characters whose uncompromising disregard for state discrimination and fervent rebuke of institutionalized sexual violence manifest so clearly and cleanly. The first half of the book doesn't waver. Vengeance is on the table from the very first chapter. The action is pointed and the character dynamics are definitive. The violence only recedes when, in the second half of the novel, the story shifts into a rather strategic atmosphere, as Zetian maneuvers her successes and failures into greater grabs for political power.

Nevertheless, the book commits to characters-with-issues and unbuckles their ambitions with glee. It's a riotous adventure whose characters always know the stakes, and whose characters are just smart enough to know the pain of giving in to the greed of others is often greater than the suffering required survive on one's own terms. Buttressing these themes, compelling B-stories fill in the gaps, involving filial piety, bisexuality, the myth of popular karma, the quest to rid the world of entitled pricks, and the sad, disquieting inevitability of death ("Dread hollows through me. We spend so much effort living these lives, yet every trace of their substance and meaning can be erased so quickly. So easily," page 338).

❯ ❯ Book Reviews || ahb writes on Good Reads

[beardedmrbean]

LONDON (AP) — The United States and Europe are drawing up a voluntary code of conduct for artificial intelligence, a top European Union official said Wednesday, as the developing technology triggers warnings about the risks it poses to humanity and growing calls for regulation.

The voluntary code would bridge the gap while the 27-nation EU works on groundbreaking AI rules that won't take effect for up to three years, European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager said at a meeting of the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council, which is jointly led by American and European officials.

“We need accountable artificial intelligence. Generative AI is a complete game changer," Vestager said, adding that a draft of the code was expected within weeks.

She said officials will seek feedback from industry players, invite parties to sign up and promised “very, very soon a final proposal for industry to commit to voluntarily," she said at a press conference after the council's meeting in Sweden.

The council has “an important role to play in helping establish voluntary codes of conduct that would be open to all like-minded countries,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

The breathtaking rise of generative AI systems such as ChatGPT has dazzled users with their capability to mimic human responses while stirring fears about the risks they pose, setting off a global debate about how to design guardrails for the technology.

Scientists and tech leaders warned that mitigating AI risks should be a global priority because it could lead to human extinction, according to a statement posted online Tuesday and signed by hundreds of experts.

Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, signed that statement and has suggested that AI should be regulated by a U.S. or international agency.

The EU is at the forefront of the global movement to regulate artificial intelligence with its sweeping AI Act. The legislation is set for final negotiations, with political approval expected by year's end.

But those rules won't take effect for two to three years “in the best possible case,” while AI technology is developing “by the month,” Vestager said.

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Tradition and Renewal Shaina Tranquilino February 10, 2024

The start of a new year is always an exciting time. It brings with it a sense of hope, possibility, and the opportunity for a fresh start. For billions of people around the world, this renewal takes place during the Lunar New Year. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by various Asian communities worldwide. It follows the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February. This vibrant festival lasts for 15 days and is marked by colourful decorations, delicious food, family gatherings, and age-old traditions.

One of the most iconic symbols associated with the Lunar New Year is the zodiac animal. Each year in the lunar cycle corresponds to one of twelve animals – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep/goat/ram, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. These animals are believed to influence personality traits and predict fortunes for individuals born in their respective years. In 2024, we will bid farewell to the hopeful Year of the Rabbit and welcome the strong Year of the Dragon.

Preparations for Lunar New Year begin weeks in advance as families clean their homes from top to bottom to sweep away any misfortune from the previous year. This cleaning ritual symbolizes a fresh start and invites good luck into their lives. Decorations play a significant role too; red lanterns are hung outside houses to ward off evil spirits while paper cutouts featuring auspicious phrases adorn windows and doors.

Food plays an integral part in Lunar New Year celebrations. Families gather around tables filled with sumptuous dishes that hold both symbolic meaning and cultural significance. Some popular culinary delights include dumplings (symbolizing wealth), fish (representing abundance), rice cakes (for prosperity), and oranges (a symbol of good luck). The reunion dinner on Lunar New Year's Eve is a cherished tradition where family members come together to share a meal and exchange blessings for the upcoming year.

One of the highlights of Lunar New Year is undoubtedly the lion and dragon dances. Colourful lion costumes are donned, accompanied by the thundering beats of drums and cymbals, as performers mimic the movements of these mythical creatures. The dance is believed to bring good fortune and scare away evil spirits. Fireworks also illuminate the night sky during this festive period, symbolizing warding off bad luck and welcoming prosperity.

Another cherished tradition during Lunar New Year is giving red envelopes or "hongbao." These small, red packets contain money and are gifted to children, unmarried adults, and employees as a symbol of good luck and blessings for a prosperous year ahead. It's an act of generosity that fosters joy and excitement among recipients.

Beyond the festivities itself, Lunar New Year holds deep cultural significance. It serves as an occasion for families to honour their ancestors through prayers and offerings at ancestral altars. This reverence for one's heritage strengthens familial bonds, instills values, and preserves traditions across generations.

While celebrations may differ slightly from country to country or region to region, the spirit of unity, hopefulness, and renewal remains constant throughout Asia during this auspicious time. Regardless of nationality or ethnicity, Lunar New Year has become increasingly embraced globally as people recognize its universal appeal in bringing communities together.

Lunar New Year is a vibrant festival that encapsulates centuries-old traditions while embracing new beginnings. It is a time when families come together, wishes are made for prosperity and happiness abound. As we enter another lunar cycle with the arrival of the Year of the Dragon in 2024, let us celebrate diversity and cherish our shared humanity through this beautiful celebration that unites us all. Happy Lunar New Year!

[chrysalizzm]

wasteland briquette: cat boys are ruining my life!

originally written on 5/29/22. ethek n dr3 n yen convinced me. it did not take a lot of convincing. anyway this is set approximately in 2054, just before the end of the silver age and the introduction of the modern era (which happens in august of 2055). ant is catmeleon. bad is halo. wilbur is songster and you'll understand why he's here once i get around to his fic. velvet is bloodmonger and used to be the hero red velvet. fundy is funster. read the series here.

“you have to admit,” ant says dreamily, “bloodmonger’s kinda…”

“catmeleon,” replies bad, “this is a shared comms line…”

“no, no, let the man talk.” songster sweeps past, his dramatic glossy coat flapping after him. his look is very camp, and ant has told him so. “you thirst after that supervillain, catmeleon, and you do it with pride.”

halo says, reproving, “didn’t bloodmonger mimic councilman donner on national television last week?”

“donner’s homophobic, he had it coming,” ant scoffs back, resisting the urge to find the ledge of a skyscraper and giggle and kick his legs. “anyway, bloodmonger used to work here. back when he was red velvet. he’s good with his—”

“one—more—word,” cuts in funster viciously, who has been sullenly silent the entire chase, “and i’ll be canceled for committing a hate crime.”

ant watches as, up ahead, songster starts belting a nonsense song about helmets and skateboards and the listed items begin hurling themselves at the villain they’re chasing, who’s starting to look remarkably regretful. “i think that’s counterintuitive, maybe.”

“if our schedules never overlap again i’d love that,” funster shouts back.

bad chooses that moment to pop back in with a manically bright, “funster, good news! the matrixing algorithms have come back with next month’s blocks; you’re rostered on with catmeleon and songster again twice!”

ant says, “bloodmonger has really nice arms.”

funster, rounding the corner, throws his earpiece to the sidewalk and starts stomping it into the concrete.

[frankbedbroken]

frankcore august 2024 update!!

already more than halfway through september lmfao i suck at this. regardless, here's some musics! this time around there's a Lot of art pop and trip hop related projects, fair few bits of electronic here and there, as well as some tracks in the more experimental end of hip hop and some more guitar-centric stuffs.

in regards to art pop (and other adjacent pop styles, sort of): jenny hval's moving, literally larger-than-life euphoria on spells, martha skye murphy with need and its more solemn and slowly enveloping atmospheres, the ever experimental hakushi hasegawa with a cut of his latest project featuring dizzying blends of jazz, pop and psychedelia, and jessica pratt stealing the show on an a$ap rocky track of all places to be featured in. as for the rest of the pop and r&b on the list: tinashe presenting an ambient-esque r&b piece somewhat in the line of oklou's galore, your-favourite-artists-favourite-vocalist cecile believe's soaring synthpop, strange blends of laidback r&b and pop vocals with latin-american soundscapes and some electronic touches courtesy of argentinian producer / vocalist moro, a cut off mag bay's newest project (solid! not my favourite from theirs but i'm more partial towards their shorter-form material anyway), and a great cut of dnb-infused k-pop from bebe yana.

the trip hop and downtempo related cuts here come from firstly james k and hysterical love project, both of them bringing curious blends of trip hop and ambient pop as well as some more influences from dream pop in the case of the hlp track; ms ray's signs in comparison is a bit cheerier, taking a bit more of inspiration from sophisti-pop and the sunnier side of downtempo, similar in a way to avalon emerson's sandrail silhouette, which is also a great track. on the other end of the spectrum, jabu and chester giles deliver a very nocturnal and dubby piece built mostly on giles' spoken poetry laid atop the somber, looming sample loops. the rest of the electronic sounds here are somewhat varied: a sickeningly short burst of "rally house" courtesy of aesthetic-extraordinaire and extremely versatile producer nuphory, a classic ukg cut from todd "the god" edwards complete with his signature micro vocal chops and rolling grooves, a distorted, club ready flip of sugababes' 2000s hit "round round" courtesy of uk-bass-sensation-that's-sweeping-the-nation duo two shell, a delightfully catchy and satisfying footwork banger from underground producer username, and jazzy and glitchy drum and bass sounds from xploding plastix.

in terms of hip hop, we've got poppy yet aggressive delivery from slayyyter and tommy genesis atop hard-hitting trap knocks, a bouncy, speaker rattling, hyphy-esque beat from ivy lab, and nana フリーク版 by chilean artist akriila, off of her debut album epistolares, which has solidified as a very close second to brat as my album of the year, partly because of cuts like the above mentioned, an extremely hard-hitting industrial hip hop banger (in a way, similar to iglooghost's coral mimic also from this year) with a defiant edge to the lyricism and delivery. i really could've picked pretty much any track from that record, it's that good imo, check it out if a varied ride consisting of club-ready perreo, poppier sounds of drum and bass and even some chilean folk for good measure sounds like a thing you'd be into.

to wrap up, the things i haven't mentioned yet: a curious blend of baggy-esque indie rock with r&b vocal delivery from tama gucci (artist whom i've always adored their voice and whose output is super underrated imo), classic midwest emo with a bit of a twee edge from everyone asked about you, dreamy hypnagogic pop from chanel beads with a bit of a similar vibe to the mica levi track from last week, and the third single off fontaines dc's romance (much like mag bay's album, it's pretty solid, though i feel like it dips a bit in quality by the second half, aside from the closer ofc).

tube it!!

[gokitetour]

The 9 amazing places to visit in the Singapore

Singapore is a dynamic and multicultural city-state with a wealth of amazing sites to see and discover. This vibrant city has something for everyone to enjoy, from well-known landmarks to verdant green areas. Marina Bay Sands, an opulent integrated resort with a rooftop infinity pool and breathtaking views of the city skyline, is one of the best-known attractions. Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic garden complex with tall trees and lush vegetation, is another must-see location. Located off the coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is a well-liked vacation spot with adventure parks, immaculate beaches, and Universal Studios Singapore. With its wide variety of animals and engaging displays, the Singapore Zoo is a family favourite.

Brimming cultural neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India allow tourists to fully experience the rich history of the city through bustling streets, temples, and delectable food. With its picturesque strolling pathways and tranquil lakes, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offer a tranquil respite from the bustle of the city. The National Museum of Singapore, which highlights the nation's legacy via interactive exhibitions and relics, will appeal to history buffs. Singapore provides travelers from all over the world with an absolutely great experience since there are so many incredible sites to discover.

Here are some amazing places to visit in Singapore.

1. Sands at Marina Bay: Marina Bay Sands is a popular Singapore destination that combines entertainment, elegance, and breathtaking scenery. Its rooftop infinity pool, which offers expansive views of the metropolitan skyline, is its most distinctive feature. Within the integrated resort complex, guests may also take advantage of world-class dining selections, exclusive boutique shopping, and exciting entertainment alternatives.

2. Bay Area Gardens: A modern garden attraction, Gardens by the Bay highlights Singapore's commitment to sustainability and greenery. The Super tree Grove, whose tall, tree-like structures are covered with vegetation and function as vertical gardens, is the garden's focal point. Explore the Cloud Forest, which has an amazing indoor waterfall and a mist-filled mountain, as well as the Flower Dome, a sizable greenhouse displaying exotic flowers and plants.

3. Island of Sentosa: A short distance from Singapore's city center lies the well-liked resort island of Sentosa. For guests of all ages, it provides a broad selection of attractions and activities. While thrill-seekers may enjoy rides and attractions at Universal Studios Singapore, beach lovers can unwind on the immaculate sandy shoreline. A few other attractions are golf courses, opulent resorts, adventure parks, and breathtaking cable car excursions that provide sweeping views of the island.

4. Singapore's Universal Studios: Situated on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore is a globally recognized theme park. It has seven themed areas, all of which are based on popular television series and films. In addition to immersive attractions like Shrek 4-D Adventure and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, visitors may enjoy exhilarating rides like Battlestar Galactica and Transformers: The Ride. For guests of all ages, live performances, street acts, and character meet-and-greets heighten the thrill.

 5. Zoo Singapore: For those who love animals and families in particular, the Singapore Zoo is an absolute must. It is also known for its creative displays and lifelike habitats that closely mimic the natural settings of the animals. Elephants, tigers, orangutans, and other animals are among the many species that visitors may see. In addition, the zoo provides guests of all ages with amazing activities like night safaris and brunch with orangutans.

6. The Chinatown: Singapore's Chinatown is a thriving cultural area that highlights the city's rich Chinese history. Wander around the lively alleyways dotted with traditional shophouses, where tourists may purchase handicrafts, souvenirs, and mouthwatering street cuisine. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Chinatown Heritage Centre, which provides information on the history and culture of the region, are some of Chinatown's highlights.

 7. The Little Indian: Singapore's Little India is a vibrant district that honours the Indian people and culture of the city. Wandering through vibrantly coloured alleys with stores, spice-scented marketplaces, and intricate temples is a delightful experience for visitors. The vibrant House of Tan Teng Niah, the Tekka Center food market, and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are all must-see sights. Authentic Indian food, including dosas, biryanis, and desserts like gulab jamun and jalebi, may be tasted in Little India.

 8. Botanic Gardens, Singapore: The Singapore Botanic Gardens, with their verdant foliage, vibrant flowers, and peaceful lakes, are a peaceful haven in the middle of the city. Explore specialized gardens, including the Healing Garden, which has medicinal plants, and the National Orchid Garden, which includes over 1,000 types of orchids. In addition, the gardens include beautiful strolling paths, places for picnics, and outdoor performances, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city.

9. Singapore's National Museum: For those who love history and culture, the National Museum of Singapore is a must-visit location. It is the oldest museum in the nation. Through its vast collection of antiques, multimedia exhibitions, and interactive displays, it highlights Singapore's rich legacy and varied culture. Through captivating storytelling and interactive experiences, visitors may discover more about the island's diversified community, colonial past, and contemporary advancements. The Singapore History Gallery, the exhibition Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years, and special exhibitions showcasing modern art and culture are among the highlights.

 Conclusion

There are many incredible sites to explore in Singapore, each offering visitors one-of-a-kind experiences and priceless memories. There is no shortage of excitement and adventure in this vibrant city-state, from the famous Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to the exhilarating activities on Sentosa Island.

While tourists may fully immerse themselves in Singapore's rich legacy by exploring the cultural districts of Little India and Chinatown, the serene environs of the Singapore Botanic Gardens provide a pleasant escape from the bustle of the city. Families may explore a variety of species in lifelike settings at the Singapore Zoo and learn about the history and culture of the nation at the National Museum of Singapore.

Kolkata to Singapore holiday packages provide hassle-free ways to visit these amazing locations for those looking for ease. Singapore offers a wide range of vacation experiences, including outdoor excursions, food, shopping, and entertainment. As one of the most interesting travel destinations in Asia, Singapore certainly lives up to its name with its dynamic energy, varied attractions, and first-rate facilities.

[jcmarchi]

450 Million-Year-Old Organism Finds New Life in Softbotics - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/450-million-year-old-organism-finds-new-life-in-softbotics-technology-org/

450 Million-Year-Old Organism Finds New Life in Softbotics - Technology Org

In collaboration with palaeontologists from Spain and Poland, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used fossil evidence to engineer a soft robotic replica of a pleurocystitid. This marine organism existed nearly 450 million years ago and is believed to be one of the first echinoderms capable of movement using a muscular stem.

Pleurocystitid fossil and pleurocystitid robot replica. Image Credit: Carnegie Mellon University

Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. National Science Foundation-supported research seeks to broaden modern perspective of animal design and movement by introducing a new a field of study — paleobionics — aimed at using Softbotics, robotics with flexible electronics and soft materials, to understand the biomechanical factors that drove evolution using extinct organisms.

“Softbotics is another approach to inform science using soft materials to construct flexible robot limbs and appendages,” said Carmel Majidi, the lead author of the study. “Many fundamental principles of biology and nature can only fully be explained if we look back at the evolutionary timeline of how animals evolved. We are building robot analogues to study how locomotion has changed.”

[embedded content]

With humans’ time on earth representing only 0.007% of the planet’s history, the modern-day animal kingdom that influences understanding of evolution and inspires today’s mechanical systems is only a fraction of all creatures that have ever existed.

Image credit: CMU

Using fossil evidence to guide their design and a combination of 3D-printed elements and polymers to mimic the flexible columnar structure of the moving appendage, the team demonstrated that pleurocystitids were likely able to move over the sea bottom using a muscular stem to push themselves forward.

Despite the absence of a current day equivalent, — echinoderms have since evolved to include modern day starfish and sea urchins — pleurocystitids have been of interest to paleontologists due to their pivotal role in echinoderm evolution.

Image credit: CMU

The researchers determined that wide sweeping movements were likely the most effective motion and that increasing the length of the stem significantly increased the animals’ speed without forcing it to exert more energy.

Now that the researchers have demonstrated that they can use Softbotics to engineer extinct organisms, they hope to explore other animals, like the first organism that could travel from sea to land — something that can’t be studied in the same way using conventional robot hardware.

“Bringing a new life to something that existed nearly 500 million years ago is exciting in and of itself,” said mechanical engineer and study co-author Phil LeDuc. “But we aren’t just looking at fossils in the ground, we are trying to better understand life through working with paleontologists.”

Source: NSF

[shoshavape]

Bridging the Gap: The Disposable Vape Revolution Changing Australia's Nicotine Landscape

Australia, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has also been a nation with stringent regulations on nicotine-containing vaping products. However, a recent development has brought about a revolution in the vaping industry Down Under – disposable vapes. In this article, we will explore the growing popularity of disposable vapes Australia, with a particular focus on nicotine vape disposable.

The Vaping Landscape in Australia

Australia has had a complex relationship with vaping products. While it is legal to purchase and use vaping devices that do not contain nicotine, the sale and possession of nicotine-containing vape juice have been heavily restricted. This has led to a thriving black market for nicotine products and created challenges for smokers looking to transition to vaping as a less harmful alternative.

Disposable Vapes to the Rescue

Enter disposable vapes, a relatively new trend that has been sweeping across Australia. These compact, user-friendly devices are designed to offer a convenient and discreet way for adult smokers to access nicotine in a regulated and controlled manner.

Disposable vapes have gained traction for several reasons:

1. Ease of Use: Disposable vapes require no assembly or maintenance. Users simply remove the device from its packaging, take a puff, and dispose of it once it's empty. This simplicity makes them accessible to both beginners and experienced vapers.

2. Convenience: These compact devices are easy to carry around, making them an ideal choice for on-the-go nicotine consumption. They fit comfortably in pockets or purses, allowing users to satisfy their nicotine cravings discreetly.

3. No Charging or Refilling: Unlike traditional vaping devices that require charging and refilling, disposable vapes are pre-filled with e-liquid and come with a charged battery. Users don't need to worry about running out of power or juice.

4. Regulated Nicotine Content: Disposable vapes Australia are subject to strict regulations, ensuring that the nicotine content is accurately labeled. This provides peace of mind to consumers who can trust that they are getting a consistent dose of nicotine.

5. Variety of Flavors: Disposable vape brands offer a wide range of flavors, catering to various preferences. From classic tobacco to fruity and dessert-inspired options, there is something for everyone.

Nicotine Vape Disposables in Australia

The introduction of nicotine vape disposables in Australia has been a game-changer for smokers and vapers alike. These products provide a legal and regulated means of accessing nicotine, which is a crucial step in harm reduction for those looking to quit smoking.

Here are some key aspects of nicotine vape disposables in Australia:

1. Nicotine Availability: Nicotine vape disposables contain nicotine salts, which closely mimic the nicotine delivery of traditional cigarettes. They are available in various nicotine strengths, allowing users to gradually reduce their nicotine intake if desired.

2. Government Approval: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recognized nicotine vape disposables as a smoking cessation tool. This acknowledgment highlights their potential in helping smokers make the switch to a less harmful alternative.

3. Health Benefits: Vaping is widely acknowledged as a harm reduction strategy when compared to smoking traditional cigarettes. Nicotine vape disposables provide a less harmful way to satisfy nicotine cravings without the harmful tar and chemicals found in combustible tobacco.

4. Accessibility: With the availability of nicotine vape disposables in Australia, smokers now have a legal and accessible option for quitting or reducing their tobacco consumption. This can have a positive impact on public health by reducing the burden of smoking-related diseases.

The Future of Disposable Vapes in Australia

The rising popularity of disposable vapes, particularly nicotine vape disposables, in Australia indicates a shifting landscape in the nation's approach to vaping. As more smokers and vapers turn to these convenient and regulated devices, there is a growing opportunity for harm reduction on a larger scale.

However, challenges remain, including ongoing debates about the role of vaping in society and concerns about youth access to vaping products. It is crucial for regulators, healthcare professionals, and the vaping industry to work together to strike a balance between providing access to harm reduction tools for adult smokers and preventing underage use.

Conclusion

Disposable vapes, including nicotine vape disposable, have emerged as a promising solution for adult smokers seeking a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes in Australia. These user-friendly, regulated devices offer convenience, variety, and a reliable nicotine source, making them an appealing option for those looking to quit smoking.

As Australia continues to navigate its stance on vaping, disposable vapes may play a pivotal role in reducing the harm associated with tobacco use and improving public health outcomes. The future of vaping Down Under is evolving, and disposable vapes are at the forefront of this revolution.

[zukkaflowers]

because like. for all her flaws, azula was sure good at charming nobles. she knew how to sit tall and strong so that people respected her while they feared her. and zuko is looking for a new personality anyway, now that he’s firelord. he needs people to respect him, and more than that, he needs them to like him. he doesn’t have a good track record of that thus far.

so he tries to remember the etiquette he was taught as a kid. look at who is talking, not down. catch every word. smile, but not too much. relax your hands and arms. hold your shoulders back and strong. keep your legs straight and still. he starts to learn more about court. that it is never safe to reveal if he is particularly interested in something or particularly bored by something else. that everyone has one true passion, and if he digs it out of them and mimics it, he will have their undying trust. that there are questions that reveal ignorance, and others that reveal intellect. that the right question could get someone to go on and on, and all you have to do is listen, and they will love you. that hardly anyone truly cares about you, so it is best to focus the conversation on them.

it’s difficult. every time he sees the disapproval flash in someone’s eyes when he says something too emotional, something ignorant, something unexpected, his heart sinks. be likable, he yells inside his head. it’s the least he can do when he’s so unworthy of his position.

and that’s what he finds himself thinking about when he lays awake at night. how he was born with all the money and all the privilege he could ask for, and he messed it up. how he had his mother and his uncle to look up to, but he still made the wrong choices over and over. how anyone else in his position would have done better. how aang, with the whole world on his shoulders, was doing better, and having fun while he did. how all his friends had made the right choices from the beginning, and he was the only one inferior to them.

his determination wins out, in the end. he feels the nobles settling under his authority as he starts saying the right things more and more often. their wives begin blushing and giggling as he flirts just playfully enough for it to be pleasant at dinners, the way his uncle would have. the servants and chefs and gardeners light up whenever he thanks them with a warm smile and a light touch of his hand.

as his success grows, he slips further away from his friends. he answers their letters less and less—there’s just too much to keep up with at the palace. he needs to study the hobbies and interests of the next earth kingdom ambassador to visit, after all. he visits the other nations less and less—he has lower level people to do that. it’s been a year without exchanging a single word with any one of the avatar’s crew when sokka shows up at the palace.

he’s there for some southern water tribe-fire nation diplomacy officially, but he tells zuko that he just wanted to visit for a bit. he’d heard of all the changes to the fire nation and wanted to check them out. as happy as he is to see sokka again, part of him feels a little bitter as he watches sokka charm an entire room of nobles, leaving one old man heaving with laughter. he’s reminded that what took him years of effort comes naturally to all his other friends. he sweeps over to sokka’s conversation to avoid standing still for too long.

if he looks back, he can tell the signs were there. sometimes, when he said something particularly witty or made a reference to an obscure historical event, sokka would watch him for the next few minutes quietly out of the side of his eye. sometimes sokka would ask to break tradition and sit in on some of zuko's less important meetings, and although zuko could tell that sokka could care less about flutterbat conservation and the export of flaming fire flakes, he kept asking to join anyway.

he started noticing something was off when sokka was no longer satisfied eating with the entire court after a couple weeks of his stay. he asked to eat with zuko privately, at first for some breakfasts and lunches, even waking up earlier than he normally would to match zuko’s schedules. but when he asked for a private dinner, zuko refused before his secretary informed him that sokka had specifically chosen a day when there would be no other visitors to the palace and his presence was not explicitly needed at dinner. “it’s just up to you,” sokka said, and the flash of vulnerability zuko saw in his eyes felt like a needle in his heart. he swallowed his apprehension and agreed. it was just one dinner between friends, he told himself.

until the dinners became monthly, and then bimonthly. he didn’t have time to make them weekly, and he certainly didn’t have time to think about how sometimes sokka would personally cook for them or do his hair a little differently before they met or take him out to the catkoi pond to watch the stars while they ate. he felt like the water was swelling around him, and he was on the brink of going under. he couldn’t let it go further, he was running straight towards a brick wall, but he could never, ever say no to sokka. he never could. because even though sokka had fallen in love with this new, fake, manipulative version of zuko, zuko had always loved sokka for who he was.

so he let sokka take his hand, that one night. he tamped down the wailing sirens in his head when sokka leaned on his shoulder and let himself have it, knowing that sokka had fallen in love with someone who didn’t exist. knowing that their mutual heartbreak was on the horizon. he only had to wait for sokka to learn who zuko really was. that he hadn’t changed after all.

when sokka asks why he is crying, zuko tells him they’re tears of joy. because he is selfish.

because he is a liar.

after the war zuko starts utilizing his fire nation princely etiquette and when sokka falls for him, zuko thinks he tricked him into it

[centralfloridapaving]

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[zooterchet]

Assassinations

Hunter S. Thompson: SDF contract, introducing a crime problem to Japan.

Harvey Weinstein: Buddhist League contract, draft of Uma Thurman to the arts with surgery to remove Tibetan High Knights status.

Marisa Tomasic: Canondroga contract, removal of Non-Aligned Movement agent dealing in cheap labor through conjugal housing.

Jeffrey Langier: Midway Games contract, removal of control of internet from Gentiles and Asian-Americans, to Lutheran-German compounds.

Likud: MI-6 contract, counter of Mossad in debt to Britain, as opposing the rights of the Students Revolution of Iran.

Whitey Bulger: Netanyahu contract, as Arab agent of Lebanon.

9/11: LucasArts contract, stopping six planes, out of eleven, eleventh removed by "nil" hack, the film "The Matrix", with self as Cypher.

Berlin Wall: Irish-Catholic contract, removal of influence of Irish Republican Army, Lutherans, over slavery of Polish-Gentiles, for INTERPOL and Cold War Slovaks.

Teamsters Internationale: Jordanian contract, nullification of rich children exploiting writers, from seeming poverty, actually independent wealth in British housing, from labor unions feeding dole of Canada and United Kingdom and Australia; countermand of internet, in NSA command.

National Rifle Association: NSA contract, strip of Code Pink, Raelians, Middlesex County, and Suffolk Courts, of access to firearms, for rogue cop hunts of drug dealers, endowed to Canadian jazz swing culture of Jews.

Hard Candy: Star Trek contract, posture of self in pornography with cougar dominatrix, to confuse older hot women, with big beautiful women, to confuse Star Trek: The Next Generation fans, into arrests as "William Riker", if a hospital CEO, the politicians contract for building a new wing of a hospital, with a psychiatric mass sweep investment.

Arkham Games: FBI contract, game mechanics of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Knight, Arkham Origins, as game theory stolen from Kill Bill 1, as proper FBI procedure, given procedural state department law.

Havana Affair: CIA/USMC contract, as CIA and USMC armed against INTERPOL with foreign manuals, acting out of precinct, over drug law ritual violations, to induce Transvaal disorder, also known as Havana Syndrome.

That Hideous Strength: Narcotics Bureau MI-6, downfall of Elon Musk, as having seized NSA company data, Twitter, to track records of campus mental health, held in bond as foreign gangster, actually Israeli, through Anglican funeral homes.

Cyberpunk: PRCC contract, the communist Chinese, the print of Cyberpunk 2077, to poison any police working out of Poland anti-Boyar, the Bolshevists, for the Red Russian Army, by tricking into assassinating own trained informants.

GTA 3: Prudential Insurance contract, to blend video game mechanics, with applied gaming, to trap any in crime, also beholden to video game mechanics, someone playing Menonite dynamics, as a criminal, instead of using own academic intuition from schools, libraries, or social words of mouth.

Gotham: MetLife contract, teaching American marijuana dealer ethics, American insurance, the method of exchanged ignorance of fronted monetary benefit, mutually refused on revenge of suit if functional; otherwise, Jerome Valeska, gay haze, admission to insanity, or Jeremiah Valeska, theft of job, transgender disorder.

Nolan Trilogy: Comixology contract, independence of comic book contracting, the sales of FBI COIN, DC Comics, to Time Warner Cable, along with Comcast, AOL, and CNN, for American profit share, through popularity of Heath Ledger's role, to save his daughter, raised as a son.

Adolf Hitler: Disney contract, the printing of Max, through John Cusack, to kill Marvel Haganah writer and research man, John Washburne, cousin of Cusack, after Joan Cusack, sent Washburne, to Westen Massachusetts, over molestation of John Cusack's son; deployed in film "Max", shown to campus, to mimic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, as ill-fated attorney of fiction, Dr. Gonzo, Oscar Zeta Acosta. "Arm ourselves, to the teeth".

Donald J. Trump: Persian Intelligence contract, hired by Dr. Golden, to inform the FBI, that israeli, MI-6, and ExSec, were taking over entire towns; Dr. Golden, as an IDF defector, in MI-6 secretly, and an FBI source, Dr. Isaiah Friedlander, featured as Sanchez in License to Kill, Snake Plissken in the Carpenter films, and Solid Snake in the Metal Gear games; an act of conscience.

Cuban Catholic: Vladimir Putin, the end of the House of Tudor, and slave farming numbers, through kidnapped naval sailors, from the worldwide merchant and military marine numbers, "Lady Carole"; the death of Queen Elizabeth II in chess, King Charles II's loss of his inheritence, Prince Andrew's vice charge, Prince Edwards' knighting of Andrew Lloyd Weber as King of the Jews, Prince William and Prince Harry's switch between serial killer and mental illness; the takover of the royal family, by own device, Scientology (a refusal of cop charges, in favor of lawyer's term of device, but through police arbiter).

Colbert Report: MKULTRA, the trifecta triple bolo of lawyer/cop/economist, through accusation of gay beaches (Taliban), field hockey bets (Ba'ath), and South Park (Likud), as a British combine, recruiting US Navy quartermaster rations (M3) and North Korean lawyer for Saddam's trial (NYPD) for Colbert Report, "Truthiness", the brainwashing of Barack Obama, to pose as John McCain in public during 2008 election, earning the Nobel Prize.

Bickford Schmeckler: Campus Communist Union, the theft of IRA special education records, for sales to small businesses, for purchase of land by corporate combines, by frame of small business families, as sex offenders (Massachusetts special education students).

[hakesbros]

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[dewdrop-writes]

Hello luv💕

I really enjoy your stories, they just really brighten up my day! (even the angsty ones) may I request a oneshot version of zhongli being the only one who recognized God! Reader? Like,,, he found her all bruised up running away from Mondstadt/Inazuma and long story short, they end up together cuz wHo wOulDnT lOvE hIm 😩😩 imagine zhongli showing her his horns and tail and reader is so enamored with them and all. Sorry I think I'm having a zhongli brainrot rn���

THIS IDEA IS SO GOOD ANON <3 I love it!!! Zhongli brainrot is big and I am affected by it too- sure, he can be nice to write as being cruel at times, but soft, gentle and loving Zhongli is alo *chefs kiss* I hope you like it!!! cw: mention of injuries, cult like behaviour length: 3,1 k

The dragon, the knight, the lover

The winds and storms around Inazuma had apparently been getting worse. The harsh, angry winds whirring remnants of lightning with them carried over even the seas, creating an electric feel within Liyue. Zhongli was no longer officially the archon of Geo, but his concern for Liyue would never cease nonetheless.

He had heard whispers of a criminal - a godless villain who dared to wear the face of the creator of Teyvat. From what he knew, said imposter was found in Inazuma, and expectedly, it caused quite a stir within the closed off nation.

An official hunt for the imposter had been set in place by the archon of Electro - Zhongli figured he might have done the same were he in her situation. He was baffled by how someone would even have the abilities or boldness to mimic the face of his beloved God.

The streets of Liyue were beautiful at night, lanterns casting a warm glow upon the streets, flickering off of the waves crashing against the shore of the harbor. Zhongli quite enjoyed an occasional walk along the shore at nighttime, when all other life was long asleep and it was only him, his slumbering city, and his thoughts.

The song of the sea was usually soothing, a gentle hum as it made contact with land and as waves played with each other, rocking the boats in the dock upon doing so.

This night, however, was different. The waves were more restless and dark clouds hid the golden moon and stars from view. The winds were picking up speed, an angry vengeance simmering within them as they thrashed around, hurling waves against the rocks of the shoreline. Zhongli’s brows furrowed at the sight. His long strands of hair were tousled by the winds but he paid it no mind, instead slowly approaching the rebellious shore.

As he slowly approached, the seas seemed to calm a little. Clouds above parted, allowing a single cold ray of light from the moon to illuminate the waters.

The sight Zhongli saw shook him to the core.

Upon a worn piece of shattered wood, a figure lay, clothes drenched and torn and their hair a soaking, tangled mess.

Reacting quickly, he tossed off his coat, rushing into the cold waters to attempt to save the mysterious figure, his heart rate picking up. There was no chance he could allow someone to drown in his very own harbor.

He ignored the cool water seeping through his fine clothes and waded closer, eventually breaking out into a swim, thankful for the moonlight that shone upon the figure almost like a spotlight, guiding his way through the dark waters.

Once close enough, he pulled the limp figure of the person close, a determined frown settling onto his face as he dragged it back to the shore, slightly out of breath as he finally rested the body on top of the rocky beach and sat beside them, taking a moment to regain his strength.

Finally, he turned his attention back to the figure - to you. Despite the darkness of the night, there was a strange familiarity in your features, a familiar pull towards you as he moved closer.

But now was not the time to ponder over it. You were shivering like a leaf in the wind, still unconscious and clearly injured, though Zhongli couldn’t tell to what extent in the darkness of the night.

So, he acted quickly, sweeping up your weakened form and hurrying towards his current abode in the city, thankful for the empty streets with no one to question him about the curious position he’d so suddenly found himself in.

With no time to waste, he stepped into his living quarters, gently laying your body down upon the plush divan in the dark room, before wiping his brow and turning to light up the lanterns quietly. He ignored the droplets of water hitting his hardwood floor and moved to shrug off his drenched outer layers. When a warm, dim light finally illuminated the room, his heart almost stopped. A diluted liquid gold covered his strong hands, shimmering weakly under the lights of the room.

His heart dropping, he whipped around to face your unconscious figure, only to fall to his knees.

There, on his sofa, laid the broken, bleeding figure of his very Creator. The one he worshipped above all else, trembling still from the cold seeped into their bones from the rough waters of the unforgiving seas.

His breath hitched, feeling crushed under a sea of emotions - crushed as the many he had slayed during his thousands of years, hurling pillars at them as the almighty god Morax.

Now, he was just Zhongli - weak before the wounded body of his god. With shaky hands, he approached his beloved Creator, his vision blurring as he eyed every bruise and scrape visible on their once perfect face. He took in the sight of their disheveled clothes, dripping with the salty waters of the sea - stained with dirt and golden nectar from his God’s veins.

He thought himself a sinner, as he carefully peeled away the layers, trying to keep his gaze from wandering too much, focusing only on the wounds.

The wounds.

Oh.

The wounds.

Deep gashes and surface level scrapes, blotches of blues and purples. It’s a painting of pain and suffering.

Zhongli felt an anger long forgotten and suppressed begin to rise in the pit of his stomach, a burning sensation tearing up his insides ravenously as he thought of anyone daring to harm the Creator.

His beloved creator.

But now was not the time for revenge.

That would come later.

For now, he needed to act quickly - to heal his God. His hands shook, the sharp talons threatening to tear out from them - he took deep breaths to calm himself, desperate to keep himself from any activity that might accidentally mar your skin some more.

It took a long time, but with his millennias of knowledge, he was able to clean and bandage you up to the best of his abilities. He would find the best doctors in Liyue to aid you once you awoke - for now, he just wanted to revel in your divine presence, to stay by your side in guard. To fight off anything that may wish to seek out to harm you.

He pressed his forehead against the edge of the sofa, taking in deep breaths - breathing the same air as his wonderful, kind, beautiful god. He cared not for the dampness of his clothes, all that mattered was that you were safe and as comfortable as you could be - so he darted into his bedroom, lighting the fire in the fireplace and setting his warmest covers onto the bed, before returning to you and gently - as though carrying glass - he moved you there.

Now, he could allow himself to kneel on the floor beside you and wait. He was a patient man - but seeing and sensing you did not make it easy. His lips moved in silent prayer all night, his body still as the stone he commanded so masterfully. He would protect you til his very last breath.

You awoke to something you hadn’t felt in a time far too long for your liking.

Warmth.

The air around you was so warm, carrying hints of a spicy, yet floral scent - notes of wood and honey lingering within it. You sunk further into the divinely soft bed beneath you, keeping your eyes closed. You refused to let go of this wonderful, cozy dream just yet - only to be faced with bitter disappointment upon waking up hiding in some cave yet again.

“Your grace?” a smooth voice, silky like honey, yet deep and mature - catches you off guard. Your eyes snap open, feeling the panic rising in your chest.

“Good morning,” the voice speaks again, gentle and soft, even sounding concerned.

Were you still dreaming?

You slowly wake up, finding yourself in a traditional Liyue-styled room, soft light of the morning sun peeking in through the paneled windows and illuminating it. Shelves filled to the brim with ancient books line the walls - a small sandwood desk and chair in one corner with organized piles of papers upon it.

Finally, you turn to face the other person in the room.

It was Zhongli - the geo archon himself - albeit wearing only an ivory dress shirt and dark dress pants. Upon a closer look, you notice the disheveled look of his hair and the dark circles beneath his eyes.

“Zhongli…?” you ask carefully, your voice quivering ever so slightly. If he was anything like the other two archons you’d faced - you should be running by now.

He smiles, sinking to his knees before the bed you were sat upon, an adoring devotion in his rich honey-colored eyes that seemed to have time to focus on you, and you alone.

“How did you sleep, your grace?” he asked, his brows furrowing slightly in concern over your wellbeing.

“Better than I have in a long time,” you admitted, not failing to notice the flicker of anger in the man’s eyes.

“Do you have me mixed up with someone else, perhaps?” you ask sheepishly, recalling what he’d referred to you as earlier.

“How could I ever fail to recognize the Creator - my one true master?” he asked, standing up once again.

“The creator?” you mumbled to yourself more than anything, “the one I got chased out of Inazuma for supposedly impersonating?”

Zhongli froze in his spot, his eyes focused on yours for a moment, before sliding to the bandages covering your body.

“Impersonating?” he asked, his voice unreadable, but judging by the golden glow beginning to emit from his eyes, he was not pleased.

“I promise, I’m not trying to impersonate anyone!” you whimpered, covering your face with your arms instinctively.

Noticing your sudden fear, his breath hitched and he walked briskly towards the bed again, his brows furrowed, but the glow gone from his eyes.

“I know that, your grace. Why would you need to impersonate yourself?”

You stared at him in shock.

“What do you- I’m no creator - I mean look at me! I’m just…me,” your voice fell at the end, a bitter sadness seeping into your thoughts,

“Your grace!” It was his turn to be shocked now, as he rushed to kneel before you.

“Of course you’re the creator! You look just like them - and your body weeps rivers of gold when you’re hurt. You have the aura that I have only ever distantly felt while being your vessel - there is no doubt about it!”

You frowned, slowly processing his words. Your hands slowly slipped to the bandages on your wounds, lifting them up expecting to see the dark brown remains of dried blood, only to be met with pure, glittering gold coating your injuries.

“I…how?” you whispered to yourself, feeling so confused and lost all of a sudden.

“Your grace,” Zhongli spoke quietly, calmly, as he hesitantly stroked the back of your hand.

“I fear you may have lost memories of who you truly are in your current form…but that’s not a problem for now.”

His fingers slowly slid off of your hand, and you could not help but miss the feeling of them upon your skin.

“Who did this to you?” Zhongli suddenly asked, sounding stricter as he referred to the many injuries covering your body.

“W-well the people of Inazuma…the Shogun…most people there were after my head,” you admitted, trying to sound casual, but Zhongli was quick to notice the faint bitterness and anger behind your words. Bitterness at being not recognized. Anger at being treated so unjustly.

“I will strike them down. All of Inazuma.” he stated, a fierce fury burning in his eyes. You looked shocked.

“Wait! No!” you scrambled out of bed, not caring about being barely clothed. Zhongli was already summoning his polearm, when you gripped his arm tight. He froze on the spot, not daring to face you.

“Zhongli…” you whispered, sensing his sudden anxiety.

“I would rather not have you see me in this form,” he spoke quietly, turning his back on you and allowing the polearm to clatter to the floor. You couldn’t help but feel a tug of pain pulling at your heartstrings when you heard him.

“No - Zhongli, you’re…my hero!” you tried to come up with words that did not sound too silly and would strike a cord within the man.

“I would be quite a cruel creator if I didn’t appreciate my creations in all their forms,” you chuckled, playing into the idea of being this strange Creator - just this once.

He turned around hesitantly, before slowly sliding off his shirt, keeping his eyes downcast. You watched in awe, seeing the golden lines running through his darker arms, ending in long, sharp talons. You admired them in silence, your eyes trailing up to his disheveled hair, from which two sharp, curved horns peeked out, shimmering like his talons, coated in an amber hue.

Not thinking about it, much too fascinated by this form you’d never seen of your beloved character, you reached out to stroke his horns. His eyes dashed frantically to meet yours, a faint blush upon his usually composed face.

“They’re beautiful,” you whispered softly, your expression melting from curiosity into admiration.

He was silent for a moment.

“You think so, your grace?” he asked hesitantly, gluing his gaze back to the floor once more.

You nodded, smiling gently.

“Why would you want to hide this from me?”

He inhaled sharply.

“I…this is my form as Morax, destroyer of gods,” he admitted, straightening his back in an attempt to look more composed.

“I didn’t think you’d approve of the form that has destroyed so much.”

You bit your lip.

“Well, no matter its history, I quite like it,” you reassured him, carefully taking his hand in yours, brushing your soft fingers across his talons.

“I…I have a tail too.”

You perk up, managing to let out an airy laugh despite your injuries.

“I would love to see it - if you’re comfortable with it, of course!”

He smiled, bowing his head. “For you, your grace, I’d do anything.” With a snap of his fingers, a long, scaled tail appeared behind him, swaying majestically.

You smile in awe.

“This form looks very graceful,” you mutter, fascinated by his dragon-like features. You supposed it made sense - he was a dragon, after all.

His breath hitched at your words. His Creator could see beauty in the ugliest parts of him - the parts of him that had blood on their hands and destruction beneath its feet.

“Thank you, your grace,” he replied quietly, a content warmth spreading in his chest. If there was a way he could admire you more than he did before, he supposed it had happened now.

For that day, the destruction of Inazuma was called off.

Time passed, your wounds were healed mostly, leaving golden scars in their place and more scars under the surface, ones that would take much longer to heal. Zhongli had made sure you would be accepted as the Creator in Liyue, and soon enough you were wearing the most beautiful clothing tailored for you, in a palace built in your name, and able to have access to anything you might have desired.

Through all this, Zhongli stood by your side as your loyal acolyte, bravely showing off his less human form now - partly as a reminder for anyone with ill intentions, and partly since…you had liked even those parts of himself. Oftentimes, when the two of you were alone, you would stroke his horns or tail and occasionally make a comment about the beauty of them. In a way, Zhongli began to see the beauty of them too - they pleased you - and seeing you smile was the most beautiful sight the archon could ever imagine.

Of course, word spread fast, and apologies arrived in hordes - gifts from all that had wronged you, invitations to visit Inazuma or Mondstadt. It angered Zhongli - that they thought they could so easily try to win the honor of your forgiveness with a few foolish letters and gifts.

“Your grace, do you hold no malice towards those that harmed you, at all?” he had questioned one day.

You’d turned to look at him, the window you were standing by casting a heavenly glow behind your figure.

“Of course I do,” you replied, a sad smile on your face as your gaze trailed to the sky above, watching the golden hues of the setting sun paint beautiful streaks upon it.

“Then I would gladly punish them for you,” he fell to one knee, ready to be your dragon, your knight - anything you needed of him.

“There’s no need,” you replied gently, walking closer to him, your golden robes encrusted with cor lapis and amber flowing behind you. You kneeled before him, a gentle smile on your face as you stroked the side of his face.

“Living with the knowledge of their deeds will be punishment enough, Zhongli.”

God, he lived to hear your voice, lived to hear it utter his name so gently.

“Zhongli, I don’t care for their apologies or invitations - I care for you,” you confessed quietly, leaving a stunned silence hanging above them for a moment as Zhongli’s mind went blank.

“I…I’m honored to hear you think so highly of me,” he attempted to reply in a composed manner.

“Would you mind if I kissed you?” you asked, eyes filled with determination as they met his.

Once again, you left him stunned.

“I don’t want you to say yes out of obligation before your Creator - I would only wish to hear you say yes if you truly, earnestly wanted this,” you added, your cheeks covered with a pink glow that made you look oh so radiant in the golden light.

“Yes,” he whispered, feeling tears well up in his eyes. “Yes, would always be my answer. I live and breathe for you, your Grace. I adore you more than anything else in the world. That you would think me worthy of such an honor-”

You smiled and cut off his rambling by pressing your lips against his in a chaste, gentle peck.

“I adore you too, Zhongli. And I owe you my eternal gratitude for saving my life.” Your gentle hand intertwined with his clawed hand that had seen much blood upon it, embracing every part of him, accepting him just as he is.

“I love you, Zhongli,” you whispered, resting your face in the crook of his neck as he slowly, carefully, wrapped his arms around your figure.

“I love you too, your grace,” he whispered, barely breathing as he felt your wonderful, loving aura envelop him.

He would be your dragon, your knight - even your consort should you so desire. He worshipped you with all his being, and you adored him in return.

There was no greater joy in the world than that for the archon.

[leggerefiore]

Your writing style is so cool! Do you think you could do some dating headcanons for Blue and Red? (Separately please!) Recently been dying over these two, especially Blue's blastoise sygna suit the gold and blue looks so cool 😭 I'm totally stealing it 🏃

i'm taking leaf's bucket hat myself. it's like everything i want in an accessorio

💙Blue📖

🔵 He teases you very often. You'll do something slightly embarrassing, and he points it out with light-hearted chuckle. Blue loves to see you all flustered. Though, when you reverse his actions back toward him, he'll either blush bright red from it or laugh it off. Eventually, you'll just tease each other constantly and flirtingly. It is disgusting how sweet it is.

🔵 He's a minor kind of PDA guy. He doesn't need to be all over you, but it's nice to have you close and to know you're there. People watching you stroll about in Viridian City with his arm slung across your shoulders while he goes on about some of his latest research projects. His hand's warmth in sinks into your own as he pulls you to your seats on the magnet train. Your learned into his side as you sit on a bench in Johto's National Park.

🔵 His more private affections are much the same way, but he's much more passionate. Kisses are pressed to your lips that turn into make out sessions with him covering your neck in hickies. Blue has no shame about it and says you can do the same thing to him if it bothers you that much. He likes for you to sit in his lap while you watch television; his arms are wrapped around your waist and his head rests on your shoulder. He's glad to have you in his arms, and he'd do this any time.

🔵 Not aggressively jealous, but strangely competitive. If someone flirts with you, he's making comments about before showing them how he's clearly your boyfriend. It's a bit annoying when he starts saying weird things that are pokemon related to the whoever decided to flirt with you. Seriously, who starts bad-mouthing someone's team choice when they're attempting to pick up your partner?

🔵 He's always busy helping his grandfather with research and gym leader duties, yet he somehow finds the time to travel often. You get to go on trips with him around the world. He deems them romantic getaways, but they are mostly research related. Your trip to Kalos was because of reporting of a strange, unknown pokemon in an abandoned cave that hikers didn't even bother with. Still, he managed to sweep you off your feet by taking you to many restaurants and cafés. (You even met a man who screamed 'totally not evil' while he went on about a perfect world.) Alola was pleasant, but he was so busy with the Battle Tree, you were left alone for the most part.

🔵 He'd love if you were a trainer. You would be his training partner and a power couple. It's a dream come true. He totally brags about you to Red, who just kind of nods. (Internally, he makes a note to battle you.) If you're not, he doesn't mind, but you definitely have to have a pokemon of some sort. He'll give you one if you don't; it's a joy he wants to share. If you're interested in research like him too, he also loves that. (If you're both a powerful, whiz couple is something enviable.)

🔵 Sometimes, he acts like an older brother rather than a boyfriend. It's hilarious how he sometimes scolds you like a younger sibling when you do something dumb; he's the younger brother in his family! It's because he feels a bit protective over you. He loves you and wants to see you at your peak. This means he mimics what his older sister would for him during his younger years.

🔵 Occasionally, he'll go on about a random topic he's researching to you. It's all very in depth and very obviously something he plans to publish. Blue is looking for your praise in this situation and to search his knowledge with you. Please give him genuine criticism, he appreciates your compliments, but also needs to make sure it is unbiased and factual.

❤️Red🏆

🔴 Quiet. He's so speaking adverse, in fact, it might be best you learn nonverbal communication if you don't already. Red can talk, but he just doesn't prefer to. Something in his brain just inhibits it most of the time, and he does feel bad about it. The few times he does talk is very pleasant. His voice is very soft and calming to listen to. Red only speaks when he feels comfortable or absolutely has to, so feel extremely special.

🔴 Not big on PDA, he's more comfortable enjoying your presence rather than clinging to you. It's a bit lonely, certainly, but you'll know he's there for you. You're allowed to cling to him, actually. He never initiated, yet doesn't mind, so long as you also give him his personal space.

🔴 In private, he's much the same yet more loose. You'll find random hugs from behind are quite common, along with kisses to your temple. It's all very gentle and soft. There are a few times when he just buries his face into your chest while you're laying down together. He's a bit overwhelmed and wants you to hold him for a while. Stroke his hair, blab on about something you learned, talk about the weather; just he there for him.

🔴 It is next to impossible to make him jealous. He trusts you wholeheartedly and knows how much you love and care for him. It takes someone, usually a close friend, taking up all of your time and leaving him lonely to finally feel the harsh strings of envy. You'll notice he's somehow even more quiet while refusing to give you any mind. Reassure him that they're just a friend and that you don't get jealous when he spends large amounts of time with Blue or Leaf. Red then feels bad for getting so wound up.

🔴 He's a professional, celebrity trainer. You're at any tournament he competes in. Cheer loudly for him, and you'll catch a rare, bright smile from him. Your support means many things to him. You'll also travel a lot with him and see many different sights. He's often exhausted from battles, so try to do everything before his tournaments. (You're still not forgiving him for abandoning you in Alola for Blue.)

🔴 He would be enthused if you were a trainer, but really doesn't need that in a relationship. Red would like someone outside of his career choice as a partner. Do you participate in contests? He's interested to hear all about how those work. Are you a breeder? Red used to do some himself, tell him about it. Are you a movie star from Unova? He will watch your films. If you are a trainer, however, please don't use him for practice constantly. He's your boyfriend first.

🔴 His pokemon love you. You cannot leave the house without his Pikachu attempting to sneak out with you. Espeon sits on you and purrs all afternoon. Snorlax loves for you to nap on him. Charizard is your personal escort and bodyguard. Red thinks it's adorable that his team is so infatuated with you. (His namesake is spread across his cheeks after he watches you press a kiss to Venusaur's head.)

🔴 Even if you aren't a trainer, he wants to do Multi battles with you. He will carry you; he just wants the strange intimacy present in being battle partners. Supposedly, you have to be in sync to be good partners for them. Red feels like he is in rhythm with you throughout his day-to-day life. His time at home is bright and calming with you at his side, you're patient with his selective mutism, and you don't mind the comments his rabid fans make toward you. A smile breaks across his face as demolishes the poor trainer couple you were battling. Yes, his synchrony lies in you.

[spohkh]

the unmapped places [steve/eddie]

Eddie confesses. Steve, amazed, confesses back.

Read on AO3

“Okay, Harrington,” Eddie says suddenly, pushing himself up from his slouch against the couch cushions, “what are we doing?”

“Uh,” says Steve, glancing at Eddie, then at the TV across from them, then back to Eddie, “we—are—uhh, watching… a movie?” They are, right? The movie’s playing right there on the TV, right now, but the look on Eddie’s face is really making Steve doubt himself. “I mean, I am,” he corrects, and looks pointedly down at the book held in Eddie’s hand. “You’re reading a book like a total nerd.”

Eddie sits up further and turns fully toward Steve. His knee, bared by the rip in his jeans, presses into the side of Steve’s thigh, and his shoulder brushes against the arm Steve’s had flung across the back of the couch. Steve makes himself keep still. “Oh,” Eddie says haughtily, “excuse me, my fucking liege, for seeking a little entertainment outside of whatever—” he flaps a dismissive hand toward the TV “—this is.” 

“What? It’s National Lampoon! It’s hilarious, come on!”

Eddie scrunches a sarcastic smile at him. “Uh-huh,” he says, not buying it at all. “You could stand to intake a little more literature, my friend.”

“Excuse me, my fucking liege,” Steve mimics, making Eddie snort, “did I not read The goddamn Hobbit for you?” It had taken him a goddamn age—seriously, how did Eddie sit down and just turn pages for hours on end, for fun—but he’d done it. And, to his own surprise and Eddie’s extreme delight, he’d enjoyed it. Enough to push into the bigger books? Yeah, no—though, admittedly, Eddie’s earnest excitement about the whole thing had made Steve waver for a brief second. So maybe he would, someday. Maybe. But come on: credit where credit was due.

Eddie leans back a little, his expression losing its mocking edge. “Yeah, alright,” he concedes. He smiles. “Fine. I’ll give you that.”

“Well, thanks for the charity,” Steve replies dryly, but smiles back, poking Eddie’s shoulder. He lets his fingers hang loose, close, skimming lightly against the soft fabric of Eddie’s shirt.

Eddie just looks at him like that for a second, all quiet. Then that familiar glint catches in his eye, and Steve braces himself. “But—”

And here it comes. “No.”

“Come on, you said it was good, so why not­—”

“No!”

“—just keep the story going! It’s an epic, sprawling world of adventure and magic, The Hobbit was but a mere taste, a tease of—” He presses forward into Steve’s space as he keeps talking, gesturing wildly. Steve catches his wrists to avoid getting smacked in the face with Eddie’s book, or his rings, or just his big hands. Those things can do some real damage, Steve knows. Nerd that he is, Eddie has a lot of power in his hands. A lot of strength. Ridiculous reach, too, his knobby fingers long and tough, calloused from his guitar’s strings. But they’re better suited for—just about anything other than fighting demon alien creatures. Playing guitar and rolling die, rolling joints, holding books, holding Ste—

Steve quickly tunes back in, lifting his focus back to Eddie’s face. “—journey of multigenerational fucking implications, man! It would expand your worldview like crazy." Eddie’s hands flex and dance in Steve’s grip, clearly wanting to make broad, dramatic sweeps. "And also you’d get, like, way more of my references.” 

“Oh, yeah, that’s what it’s really about; multi-whatever be damned, you just want me to catch all your dorkass trivia when you drop it into conversations.”

 Eddie scoffs. “Uh, oh-kay, I mean it’d be a definite bonus!”

“It’s not happening, Munson!” Steve says, laughing as he pushes Eddie back and releases his wrists. “Call me when the movie comes out.

Eddie slants a coy look at Steve, tapping his book against his mouth. Then he points the book at Steve. “I’ll hold you to that,” he says.

Steve shrugs and says, “Fine. It’s a date.”

Like a light switching off, all of the humor drains from Eddie’s face. He stares at Steve for a long moment, his dark eyes unwavering. It’s like he’s looking for something, but Steve couldn’t possibly guess what. Even after all this time they’ve been spending together, he could still be so, like—fathomless, or whatever. Insanely hard to read.

Then Eddie sighs, deep and loud, thunking his head back against the top of the couch. He drops his book open on top of his face and holds it there.

“What is it?” Steve asks, instantly on alert. “What’s wrong?”

 "What are we doing, Harrington?” Eddie says again, his voice muffled by the book.

 “Wh—huh? Eddie, are you okay? Seriously, man, look at me. Come on.” Steve reaches over and gently pulls at the book until Eddie lets it go. Steve puts it on the coffee table. When he turns back, Eddie is just staring up at the ceiling. “Hey. Eddie, come on, talk to me.”

Eddie finally sits up again. Something about his expression makes Steve straighten, giving Eddie his full attention. And for the third time, Eddie says, now in a voice that sounds almost desperate: “What are we doing, Steve?” His eyes are huge, imploring.

“I— I don’t—” Shit, his heart is hammering hard all of a sudden. He shakes his head, trying to clear it. “I’m, I don’t understand what you mean, can you…?”

Eddie groans roughly, irritated. “Y’know, usually I find your whole ‘lost puppy’ thing very…” He trails off, eyes floating all around the room for a moment. “But right now, it’s really—” He laughs a little, but it doesn’t sound amused. He cuts his gaze back to Steve. “Look, man.” He sighs. Steve frowns, wondering how to get back Eddie’s easy, bright smile from moments ago. “I am frankly losing what’s left of my goddamn mind here,” Eddie says, “so I’m just gonna shoot you straight,” and then after a slight pause, a loud laugh startles out of him, making Steve jump. “Sorry, uh, wow, terrible choice of words.”

Steve wants to say something, probably ask if he’s okay again, but he just sits there silently and waits and watches. Watches Eddie take in this huge breath and shut his eyes, like he’s about to belt out the opening notes of a ballad. Watches him release that breath slow. Watches him opening his eyes again, landing his gaze square on Steve.

And he opens his mouth and says in a rush: “I like you.”

And Steve keeps sitting there, waiting. Because there has to be more. –but we should probably stop hanging out, maybe, or at least, –but isn’t hanging out almost every day, like, kind of overkill? which it probably is, but Eddie hasn’t said anything about it and Steve keeps hoping he won’t say anything about it because he really doesn’t want to stop. But Eddie’s just looking at him now—also waiting. And Steve thinks, hold on, is that really it? Because that can’t be it. Because if it is— But it can’t be.

“What?” is all he manages to choke out, voice strangled thin.

Another long, tense silence. Steve is hyperaware of how close they are: Eddie’s bare knee digging into the side of his leg, their hands resting scant inches apart. What is happening here, he thinks, couldn’t possibly be what appears to be happening—because, in Steve’s experience these past few chaotic years, it never is.

But, jesus christ, the longer Eddie sits there, just looking at him, letting his warm proximity wash over Steve, his words settling so solidly in the air between them—the longer this moment unfurls into the space, the more this incredible lightness grows in Steve’s chest. It’s a lightness that Steve only just recently realized Eddie always puts there. And one that, even more recently, Steve has been making a concerted effort to shove down into a secret box inside himself. It doesn’t really work. But he’s been trying, for both their sakes, for the sake of the easy friendship they have that Steve has come to rely on.

But now, it feels like, maybe—

Eddie abruptly jumps to his feet. He loudly smacks both palms over his face and grumbles, “Ho-ly shit, man. I really— This is— Why did I— Haha! Oh, god.” He starts walking loops beside the couch, then expands his track to include the coffee table, muttering to himself. Steve gets the impression that he’d be climbing on top of the table if he felt like he was allowed to. Steve almost wishes that he would, if only because it would mean Eddie felt comfortable enough in Steve’s house to be his usual audacious self, and then Steve could scold him for it, and maybe that would calm them both down a little.

Eddie pauses his nonsensical mumbling, pivoting to cast an accusatory finger at Steve. “And you know that Robin— Robin said—” He cuts off, raggedly shaking his head as he starts to pace again.

“Wh— Robin?” Steve asks, bewildered, heart racing. “What did Robin say?” But Eddie either ignores him or doesn’t hear him, already lost in some other internal tangent. He’d been talking to Robin—about Steve?

With a sudden jolt of alarm, Steve realizes that Eddie’s widening orbit has gradually brought him close to the threshold leading out to the hall, and if the frazzled look in his eye is anything to go by, he’s just about ready to bolt. Steve is standing up and crossing the room before he even processes the thought fully, reaching out to grab at Eddie—before pulling back at the last second, not wanting to spook him with an unwanted touch.

Eddie freezes, knowing he’s been caught. He presses himself back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest, eyes stuck to the floor.

Steve stands before him, hands spread wide, watching. When it seems like Eddie has no intention to make a break for it, Steve takes a slow step forward. “Hey,” he says, taking another step. “It's okay. You're okay." Another step. He gently lays a hand on Eddie's arm, just above his elbow. "It’s just me, right?”

Eddie's laugh is brittle and shaky. He leans his head back against the wall, turning his face away. “It’s because it’s you,” he says dully.

It eats at Steve to see him like this, shrinking into himself. Especially since it's because of Steve. Eddie has proven himself to be wildly courageous and inconceivably brave time and again—brave enough to fight Vecna, sure, but what impresses Steve the most is his bravery in everyday ways. The courage it took to finally graduate high school, and to be himself loudly and without apology, and to say all of this, now, to Steve. He's ashamed to have, literally, pushed Eddie into a corner

Now Steve can see why Eddie had to take in that huge breath. The words are rattling around inside his stomach, but they're going to need to be pushed out. On his exhale, Steve says, “Me too."

And Eddie replies, “Huh?”

“I—" Another jittery breath in. Another exhilarating breath out. "Eddie. I like you, too.”

Eddie stares at him, expressionless. Then he narrows his eyes. “Bullshit.”

An icy shock pools in Steve's stomach at that word. Bullshit. This, again—but no, no, it's not. This isn't like then at all. Eddie isn't Nancy, and Steve isn't the Steve from back then. He isn't hopelessly trying to convince someone to love him; he just needs to convince someone who, apparently, already likes him that the feeling is very, very mutual.

"I'm being serious," he insists. 

But Eddie just shakes his head. “I don't think you're understanding me, Steve. I like you,” he repeats, harried. “As in, like-like. As in, long strolls under the moonlight holding hands-like. Doodling your name in my notebook-like. I am into you, okay? For fuck’s sake?”

Steve knows Eddie is really fucking stressed out right now, but the ligthness in Steve's chest grows warmer and brighter and fuller with every word Eddie says. "Yeah— Eddie. Me too." He moves closer, shifting his hand up to Eddie’s shoulder. "I like you exactly like that." He puts his palm to Eddie's cheek.

Steve watches Eddie's dark eyes slowly come to life with realization. “Steve,” he says. His tone is the same fragile and vulnerable thing Steve had once heard, so long ago now, sitting on the sticky tile of a mall bathroom floor. 

“Yeah,” he replies, keeping his voice just as soft. He will try to be worthy of the trust being placed in him now, the same as it was back then. He gently pushes his fingers into Eddie’s hair, curls catching at his nails as he tucks the strands behind Eddie’s ear, exposing the two little silver hoops he has in. Steve remembers the first time he caught sight of Eddie’s ear piercings, normally hidden by his hair. They’d been talking about movies; Steve recalls that specifically because at some point Eddie had said, I’m a goddamn film connoisseur, and swept one side of his hair back over his shoulder, like some lofty high-society madame. And Steve, for the briefest moment, had seen the glint of his earrings. He’d felt consumed by the desire to see them again, this part of Eddie that was usually out of sight. For days afterward he would find himself staring at the side of Eddie’s face, hoping. He’d only stopped when Eddie called him out on his “frankly kinda creepy stare”—but no, he hadn’t actually stopped. He’d just managed to be a little more discreet about it, which was how he found out that it wasn’t just the one ear that was pierced but both

Now, Steve touches his thumb to the hoops, that questing beast of desire finally satisfied after all this time. He savors the feeling of the delicate skin of Eddie’s neck under his fingertips. These secret and soft parts of him. Steve wants, so badly, to take care of him.

Eddie’s eyelids slip closed. “Don’t…” 

Steve immediately freezes. “Don’t?”

Eddie breathes out a slow breath. When he opens his eyes, he whispers, “Don’t do something that you’ll regret."

Again, for a moment, they watch each other. Eddie’s dark eyes are depthless. Steve could fall into them, probably, which is a stupid and absurd thing to think. It’s an even stupider thing to hear. You’ve got eyes a girl could sink into, Steve Harrington, a girl he’d been seeing once told him. He remembers wondering what the fuck that meant, and why someone would even want to do that. But now, suddenly—Steve understands that old cliché phrase, “to get lost in someone’s eyes.” Maybe not lost, though. Maybe, in Eddie’s wide, brown eyes, it’s just the opposite.  

So Steve says, “Okay,” and leans in and kisses him.

When he pulls away, Eddie looks so shocked that Steve can’t help but laugh. He feels impossibly light. “You kissed me,” Eddie says blankly.

He sure had. Finally. And, damn, does he want to do it again. “Yeah, well, uh. You—you said not to do something I’d regret,” Steve tells him. “And I would’ve really, really regretted not kissing you.”

Eddie just gapes at him. It’s so rare that he’s at a loss for words; Steve is absolutely, unashamedly making notes. “King Steve,” he says eventually, his voice awed. A slow grin grows over his face, his cheeks so beautifully pink. “Smooth as fuckin’ glass.” 

Steve is glad he’s making that impression because he's just bumbling his way through this whole thing. Steve Harrington, the king of cool, known for his casual come-ons and easy charm, thrown completely off-kilter by Eddie 'the Freak' Munson's big brown eyes and teasing grins.

Well, in for a penny, in for a dollar, or however the hell that phrase goes. He pulls Eddie back in. Eddie sighs softly against Steve's mouth, his kiss gentle, almost hesitant, but still so warm and wanting.

When they part, Eddie presses his face into the slope of Steve's neck. "Is this for real?" he whispers. Steve can hear the question under the question, the genuine, gut-deep fear beneath the regular doubt. It pains Steve that they — that all of them — have had simple trust burned out of them. Like anything too good might be a trick or a trap or some kind of illusion.

Steve puts both arms around Eddie and holds him close. "Yeah, Eddie. It's real; I'm here, and you're here, and this is real." Eddie says nothing, only twists his hands into the back of Steve's shirt. Steve rubs a slow hand along Eddie's shoulder blades, soothing and grounding them both. This is real, this is real.

Eddie lifts his head, his hands sliding up along Steve's back to his shoulders, then coming to cup his face. There are no other colors in Eddie's eyes, Steve notices. Just the same deep brown throughout, framed by his long dark lashes. He has faint freckles and old acne scars, crinkles by his mouth and eyes. He's magnetic without even trying. Eddie leans in and closes his pretty eyes and kisses Steve, and Steve melts against him. He can tell he's already getting hooked on kissing Eddie, hooked on the rub of his stubble, the tickle of his long hair, how he tastes like the beer they'd been drinking, smells like the joint they'd smoked together earlier, the undeniable strength in his shoulders and his hands, how wide he is, how solid, how warm, how real.

The parting of this third kiss is slower. They linger close, foreheads pressed together. "You okay?" Steve asks quietly.

"Yeah." Eddie breathes out. "Yeah, I'm good." He leans away so they can see each other fully again. "You?"

Better than good. He's never felt so lit up. "Yeah." He drops his hands down to hook his fingers in Eddie's beltloops. "But, um. Do you want to, like. I don't know. Go home, or…?

Eddie's face collapses. "What? Why— Do you… Do you want me to go?"

"No! I don't. Sorry, I meant, like, if you maybe needed some space or something. Like, to—I don't know—process, or whatever. I don't know." Christ, why is it so hard for him sometimes? "I just don't want you to feel, y'know. Overwhelmed or trapped or anything.

"Oh," Eddie says, the distress gradually melting away. "That's really thoughtful, but with all due respect, uh, fuck no. You're gonna need a crowbar to get rid of me now, Harrington."

Steve scoffs a laugh, trying to hide his relief. "Good to know," he says. "Then, do you—" He rocks back on his heels, pulling at Eddie's beltloops. "Should we…

Eddie smiles, bemused. "Steve, if you're oh-so-smoothly asking if I'd like to sit back down with you, then please." He takes one of Steve's hands in his. "Lead the way."

He shakes his head, but leads the way. Steve Harrington has been on, like, a million goddamn dates, all involving varying degrees of handsy-ness, but somehow loosely holding Eddie Munson's hand as they make the short walk back to the couch together is the most nerve-wracking thing he's experienced. 

They sit. Eddie brings one leg up onto the couch, once again pressing his bare knee into Steve's thigh. It feels suggestive in a way it didn't before. The air between them is heavy with expectation. What should they do now? Steve is, admittedly, still reeling from the fact that his feelings are now not only out there but are actually reciprocated. 

He suddenly bursts into loud laughter. 

"Whoa! What is it?"

“‘As in, like-like,’” Steve intones seriously, then laughs some more. "Holy shit."

“Wh— Dude! Shut the fuck up!” Eddie starts jostling him. Steve just keeps laughing, letting himself get pushed around.

He's about to ask if Eddie really has been doodling Steve's name in notebook margins when another part of the conversation comes back to him with a jolt. He grabs Eddie’s arms, stilling him. “Wait, were you gonna— were you gonna say you find my ‘lost puppy thing’ cute?” 

Eddie cuts him an unamused look. “Alright, don’t get a big head.”

Steve laughs, stupidly pleased. "How could I not? Eddie Munson thinks I'm cute. Stop the presses."

"Oh, fuck you, Harrington, it's not news if it's just, like, a commonly known fact of life."

"So you do think so."

Eddie squints at him. "I can see where Dustin learned his egomania from."

Steve laughs again as he brings his hand back up to Eddie's face, lightly running a thumb under his eye. "Yeah, okay, well. How 'bout this? I think you're cute, too." With his doe eyes and his laugh lines, his curly bangs, his barely-there freckles—how could he not be? But, man, no. It's more than that: "Actually, I think you're beautiful. And I've kinda been dying to tell you that," Steve adds, breathless from how long that thought had been living inside of him, how he finally gets to say it out loud. "Like really, incredibly beautiful."

Eddie seems to be literally stunned into silence. His cheeks are all pinked up. Eventually, he says, "Oh, jesus, I forgot about this."

"What?"

"King Steve's infamous alter ego, Boyfriend Steve," Eddie announces, like he's presenting a new villain to his D&D campaign, "whose powers include: truly offensive amounts of PDA; constantly talking about his partner, to the absolute detriment of those around him; donning matching costumes at Halloween parties—yes, I did hear about that—; and, most noteworthy, being ridiculously over-complimentary." Eddie sighs dramatically. "Bodes extremely ill for someone who is pathetically weak to compliments."

Okay. Breathtakingly gorgeous he may be, but Eddie Munson sure does know how to take the mood in a whole new direction. There are a metric fuck-ton of things needing to be discussed there, like. Seriously. But Steve's mind snags on one word in particular: "Boyfriend?"

Eddie's eyes fly wide, his affable smile dropping away. "Uh— N-not that— I mean, uh—"

"Is that what you want?" Steve asks evenly, doing his best to affect calm, despite how his heart is, once again, galloping in his chest. "For me to be your… your boyfriend?"

"We— You—" Eddie stammers. "You don't, I mean, it's like, we just—"

"Because I—" Steve cuts in. "I think— I want that." There's no way Eddie isn't hearing how loud Steve's heart is beating right now. He takes a steadying breath. Then he takes Eddie's hand in his, which steadies him further. "I want that," he says firmly. "I want to be your boyfriend."

"Oh," says Eddie. He starts blinking rapidly, and Steve is momentarily afraid that he's about to cry. Tenderness wells up inside of him, making Steve afraid that he's about to cry himself. "Yes. Fuck. I want that, too. Like, so badly, Steve. Fuck."

Steve has barely started leaning in when Eddie's eyes fall closed, his face tipping up. A warm affection rushes through Steve at how Eddie has already come to expect being kissed, and he smiles against Eddie's mouth. He doesn't seem that offended by Boyfriend Steve's supposedly infamous PDA.

Eddie's expression is serious when he draws back. He chews on his lip, hesitating before speaking. “Why didn’t you—say anything? And, like, how… how long…”

“I…" Steve sighs. Two very good questions. He looks down at their hands, tangled together, Eddie's blocky rings fitted against Steve's knuckles. "Honestly, man, at first I didn’t, like—know. Like, I’d never had a close guy friend like you before – christ, that sounds so lame, but it’s true – so I didn’t really, like, it didn’t click for me that something was… That my feelings maybe weren’t entirely…" He glances back up at Eddie. "Capital-P platonic.” 

Eddie’s biting his bottom lip, obviously fighting to keep down a smile. He loses the battle pretty quickly, a goofy grin lighting up his face. Steve watches the way his lip changes color as the blood rushes back in; they’re close enough that he can make out the faint indentations made from Eddie’s teeth. “Oh, you never had dude friends who you cuddled with on the couch before me?” Eddie teases. “Honored.”

“Stop, god, I know, okay. In hindsight it’s so obvious.” He rubs his free hand over his forehead, feeling pretty stupid. “But then, when I realized that I, y’know… really, really like you, in a super not platonic way—” Eddie’s teasing smile turns down into something softer, more tender, and Steve has to touch a hand to his cheek “—I almost said something, but… I didn’t want… I didn’t wanna risk losing the, uh, one good thing that happened to me because of Vecna. Or, like. One of the best things. That’s happened…” One of the best things that’s happened, if he’s being totally honest with himself, since the demogorgan. There have been a lot of best things that came of that—the kids, especially Dustin; getting to be close to Nancy in a more profound way; the unexpected best friend he found in Robin. But Eddie is a different sort of best thing completely. 

“Did you, um.” Eddie’s voice is so quiet. Not whispered, or mumbled, but quiet like the words are barely able to make it out of his mouth at all. He swallows. “Did you just say that I, um. Am one of the best things that’s… happened to… you?”

Steve smooths his hand over Eddie’s unruly, incredible hair. “Yeah,” he says, his throat thick. “‘Cause you are.”

Eddie pulls the ends of his hair in front of his mouth, ducking his head. “Oh, shit,” he mutters.

“What?”

He looks at Steve from under his lashes. He drops his hair, revealing a huge smile. “I’m, like, stupid fucking happy right now.”

Steve cups Eddie's face in both his palms. “I’m really sorry it took me so long.” He thinks about the kickstart of this conversation, Eddie asking what are we doing?, and feels sick with having made Eddie confused because of his own inaction. Steve is always seen as the one to jump in feet first, regardless of the risk, but in this… when the stakes were losing Eddie, he couldn't. He wishes he had, though that's pointless now. Eddie, as usual, impresses Steve with his courage. "And I'm, like, really fucking grateful that you said something."

"I mean, I am not exaggerating when I say that I, like, physically could not keep it in anymore," Eddie says, "but I'll take the praise regardless." 

Steve is moved by the thought that Eddie's feelings were too intense to hold inside. Oh, shit—this guy is his boyfriend now. Holy shit. He swallows past the emotion tightening his throat.

Eddie asks, “So what did make you realize?” 

“Oh—ugh. God, it’s so embarrassing.”

“Dude, I just fuckin’ straight up, like, full-on eighth grade schoolgirl confessed my feelings for you. Basically handed you a note that says ‘Do you like me? Mark YES or NO.’ So, come on, spill it.” 

YES, Steve thinks, stomach doing flips. YES YES YES. 

He says, "Fine, okay. It was… I don't even remember, like, a couple months ago maybe? We had all been hanging out here—you, me, Robin, the shrimps. I had to go drive Robin home, and when I got back, you were, like, coaching the kids on how to headbang. You guys looked so fucking dumb.” He laughs, thinking of them sitting on the ground, all of them whipping their heads up and down to the music. “But they looked so happy. And you—you just had this huge grin, y’know, like so proud. And I could tell that making them happy was making you happy, too. So. Yeah, that’s when it sort of clicked, I guess.”

That’s not exactly true. His real moment of clarity came when Eddie had noticed Steve, standing in the doorway watching them. He'd stuck out his tongue and thrown up a hand symbol that one of his favorite musicians likes to do—index finger and pinky up, thumb crossed over the middle two fingers. Then he put his hand down. And he'd smiled. And, out of nowhere, one of Dustin’s five-dollar words had popped into Steve's head: resplendent—shining brilliantly, gleaming. Bright and beautiful as the morning sun. 

It was that smile, in that moment, in that room, surrounded by people they both love having fun, that made everything fall into place inside of Steve. The surprise blitzed through him like a flashfire, quickly replaced by something like relief. Oh, he'd thought, so that's what it is. It was as if he'd been steadily, but randomly, putting a puzzle together, and it was only when the final piece was in place that he was able to see the whole thing for what it was.

"Watching me headbang was your a-ha moment? Jesus, you're right," Eddie says, "that is pretty embarrassing." And then there it is, that smile. Resplendent. 

"God," Steve mutters, then leans in to kiss Eddie again. 

"Man," Eddie says dreamily as he opens his eyes, "I could really get used to this." 

"You better."

"Wait— So are we, like, on a date? Like, right this second?"

No—sitting at home watching a movie is not a real date. Yes—doing anything anywhere is a date as long as it's with Eddie. "Do you want to be?"

Eddie pulls his hair in front of his face again. "Yes," he mumbles shyly. 

Steve's going to pull a muscle if he keeps smiling like this. "Okay, but we will go on, like, an actual first date. Y'know, if�� if you want."

"I want," he says with an immediacy that Steve is frankly flattered by. "I'm ready to be wooed. Give me the Boyfriend Steve special. Even if it's totally lame, I promise to pretend that I'm extremely impressed, because that's how much I like you."

Steve is absolutely fucking floating right now. "Gee, you're a real catch, Eddie Munson."

"Don't I know it, Steve Harrington! How lucky you are to be dating little ol' me."

I really am, he thinks, and then thinks, oh, wait, and says out loud, "I really am."

Maybe Eddie was right in saying that being over-complimentary is an unfair power, but if it surprises him like this every single time, Steve is going to be stupid not to use it.

Then Eddie gets that old familiar mischief in his eye. And Steve, as always, braces.

He starts: “My first decree as your boyfriend—”

“Wh— Decree?”

“—with whom you are so lovingly on a date right now, so you have to be nice to me—”

“Do I, though.”

“—is that we put on an actual good movie. Honestly, I’m trying to forget that we had our big gushy feelings moment to the soundtrack of goddamn National Lampoon.” Eddie starts pushing at Steve’s shoulder, who just looks at him flatly. “Chop chop!” 

“What am I, a goddamn serf?”

Eddie has the audacity to bat his eyelashes at Steve. What’s worse: it actually works.

Steve shakes his head. “Yes, Your fucking Highness,” he sighs, getting up to go root around in the cabinet under the TV. As he's sifting through the movies he has, he becomes certain that his collection is about to receive a real overhaul in favor of someone's more eclectic taste. But he's not so much resigned to that fact as he is, like, maybe actually looking forward to it, all the little ways Eddie will keep making a place for himself in Steve's life.

Eventually, he finds one that he thinks will pass judgment. He holds it up, looking over at Eddie for his verdict. 

After a tense moment of scrutiny, Eddie waves a dismissive hand. “I will allow it,” His goddamn Majesty declares.

Steve rolls his eyes and goes to eject National Lampoon and put the new movie in. “Christ, if this is what it’s like dating Eddie Munson," he laments as he sits back on the couch, "I don’t know how I’ll last.”

Eddie curls up against him and pats his chest, looking smug. “Be strong, soldier.”

Steve slings an arm around Eddie's shoulder, then sneaks a hand up to tweak his ear. Eddie makes an extremely unflattering noise and glares at him. Steve snickers and pulls him in closer. Fuck, he's on a date with his boyfriend right now. Of all the things to happen to him in this goddamn town, this is easily the most incredible.

There's a beach fight happening on screen when Eddie says, "Okay, Johnny Lawrence: yea or nay?"

"Yea or nay as in, like, what?"

"As in, do you think he's hot."

"Uhh." He considers the character in question as he moves around the screen, taunting the protagonist: blond, strong, flashy. A truly impressive nose. "Yea, I guess? Like, objectively, isn't the whole point that he's hot? So, sure, yea." 

"What a perfectly diplomatic answer."

Steve wonders if Eddie meant something more, like maybe he's trying to suss out if Steve has taste in guys beyond him. "But he's kind of a huge douche, so not, like, I wouldn't date him."

"Yeah, okay, but by the end, there's, like, a glimmer of something under the douchebaggery. The way he's practically crying—god, it's so pathetic, it's beautiful." He hums, like he's mulling over a thought, then says, "Maybe I have a type: reformed douche."

"Oh, gee, thanks." He pinches Eddie's cheek. "Wait, you've seen this before?"

"What? Come on, of course I've seen The Karate Kid. Snatch my anti-conformity card away, but not even I am immune to some pipsqueak beating the shit out of a bunch of bullies." Eddie grins toothily up at Steve. "Living vicariously and all that."

"Okay, yeah, I can see that." He doesn't point out that Eddie really doesn't have to live vicariously through fictional characters to get that kind of wish fulfillment anymore. He's strong and tough and smart enough to fight for himself, in real life. A wave of pride washes over Steve, gratified by how far Eddie's come.

"You're way hotter than Johnny Lawrence, by the way," Eddie tells him. "Just to be perfectly clear."

"Oh, great, good, thank you. I'm so relieved that I'm not gonna have to, like, fight this guy for your hand or whatever."

"But you would though."

This is such a stupid conversation. Steve is loving it. "Duh."

Eddie beams at him, so openly delighted. Then he says, “It was actually before all—that." He doesn’t need to clarify what he means by all that. “Me being interested in you, I mean.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, like, witnessing you being a big damn hero was a clincher moment, certainly. And demobat was when I kinda realized, like, oh, okay—Steve Harrington is super fucking hot. I get it now, it’s true, awooga, etcetera etcetera—”

“—uh, yeah, please never say ‘awooga’ again—”

“—but it was actually way back – oh, Stevie, come on, we just established this, you’re very awooga—”

“Stop!”

“—it was actually when you were working at fuckin’—” Eddie cuts himself off with a snorting laugh. “Fuckin’ Scoops.”

“Holy shit.” Oh, no. “What?” Steve’s face is burning. “No. No no no.” 

“Oh yes yes yes,” Eddie says, gleeful. “Dude, there I was, minding my own business, going to the pathetic little record store they had in the mall, when I look over—” 

“Oh, god.”

Eddie is full-on giggling now, which would be cute if Steve weren’t too busy being mortified. “I look over! I look over, and who do I see in one of those dashing little blue sailor outfits—"

“Christ.”

“—but King Steve ‘the Hair’ Harrington himself. Oh, you could not imagine the—" Eddie grips one hand into a fist "—absolute vindication I felt in that moment. How the mighty have fallen! I thought. The big man on campus, reduced to slinging sweet treats at the goddamn mall?" He laughs again, clearly reliving the euphoria he felt back then.

"O-kay, man, jeez—" Steve literally just moments ago made this guy his boyfriend. Unbelievable.

Eddie, shameless, presses on. "Needless to say, I was intrigued. In retrospect, one may even say entranced—nay! enamored. Ye of the perfectly popped polo collar—"

"Wow."

"—brought to such aesthetical lows. Steve, put simply, the sight was so goddamn ridiculous that it awakened an absolute burning curiosity inside me.

"Well," Steve says, honestly at a complete loss with how to respond. "Whatever works, I guess."

Eddie's face is glowing with humor, and Steve finds that he doesn't mind at all that it's at his expense. Okay, maybe he minds, like, just a little. But the glitter in Eddie's eye is worth it. “Did they let you keep the outfit though? Because, man, I will admit it,” Eddie says with a saucy grin, “those shorts were really doing it for me.”

Nevermind, not worth it. “You need to stop. Please. I am begging you.”

Eddie tips his head back to laugh loudly. Steve takes in the long arch of his neck, the chaotic fall of his dark hair, the glimpse of the black cord from his guitar pick necklace. All these little details that make Eddie so addicting to look at, so interesting. “Make me,” Eddie tells him.

So Steve does what he gets to do now: he kisses him. This is quickly becoming a default move, which clearly neither of them mind. 

Eddie pulls away just a little, murmuring against Steve's mouth, "You really like my piercings, huh?"

Steve hadn't even realized he'd been rubbing his thumb over Eddie's hoops again while they kissed. "Yeah," he says softly, pushing Eddie's hair fully out of the way to show off the cut of his jaw, his pale throat. He leans forward and touches his lips to Eddie's earlobe, feeling the hard metal of his earrings. He opens his mouth a little, just enough to catch the hoops between his teeth for a second, before letting up and pressing a kiss behind the ear. Eddie makes a sweet little noise that has Steve kissing down his throat, wanting to pull it out of him again.

Eddie’s breath hitches when he makes it down to his collarbone. "Jesus, Steve…" he sighs, carding his hands into Steve's hair. Steve hooks a finger into the collar of Eddie's ratty band tee and pulls it down so that he can put his mouth to the peek of the tattoo there. He's never seen the whole thing and he really fucking wants to. He wants to see what other tattoos Eddie has hidden away; he wants to be allowed to know every secret part of him. 

Steve slowly makes his way back up to Eddie's mouth. The easy, eager way Eddie opens up to him floods Steve's entire body with heat. Eddie's rings snag at Steve's hair, pulling lightly at his scalp, sending little electric shocks zipping down his spine. He slips a hand up the back of Eddie's shirt and spreads his palm wide, soaking in the warmth of his skin.

When Steve presses closer, Eddie lets out a low, throaty moan, and they both freeze, startled out of the moment. Steve pulls up a little, realizing that, at some point, he had pushed Eddie down against the couch and laid himself over him. One of Eddie's feet is planted on the floor, his other leg bent at the knee and bracketing Steve's hip, pulling them flush together.

"Um," says Eddie, blinking his glassy eyes back into focus.

Steve immediately backs off. "Sorry, uh." It takes a lot of willpower for him to take his hands off Eddie—sliding one out from under Eddie's shirt, untangling the other from his hair—but he manages it, scooting back across the couch. His whole body is thrumming, one big heartbeat. "Shit, sorry, I got a little carried away, uh—"

Eddie clears his throat, pulling himself back upright. His face is a deep, soft red, his hair all fluffed up. And his mouth—Steve tears his gaze away, heart thumping. "What? No, Steve, it's— it's cool, I wanted—"

Steve flushes when Eddie straightens out his shirt. Jesus, when was the last time he'd blushed? His palm is hot with the memory of Eddie's bare skin. "God, I'm sorry—"

"Dude, stop, I want it, like, seriously, I really, really do—"

"No, I get it, yeah—"

"—maybe, just, you know—"

"Absolutely, yes—"

 "I guess we should, like… Let's…"

"Yeah," Steve agrees, "no, yeah, let's… Let's. Yeah."

"Yeah," says Eddie, "okay. Cool."

There's a beat of quiet before they both laugh sort of bashfully. It's been a long, long time since Steve has experienced this… shyness, this almost giddiness, with a partner. Maybe not since the very first time he kissed someone. It could be because this is his first time doing all of this with a guy, but he honestly thinks it's mostly just because it's Eddie. Everything feels bright and new and curious with Eddie. It's really nice. He'd almost forgotten what nice even felt like.

Steve runs a hand over Eddie's hair to smooth out the mess he made of it the best he can. He tidies Eddie's bangs and, because he just can't resist, tucks some of his hair behind his ear so the little silver hoops are showing. Those things are going to get Steve into a lot of trouble, he knows, and drops his hand away before he starts getting into more trouble right now. 

Eddie reaches up like he's about to pay Steve the same courtesy, but instead starts aggressively ruffling Steve's hair. "Dude!" Steve knocks his hand away, pushes against Eddie's chest, who just laughs and laughs. "You are so annoying."

"Yeah, but you like it."

God, he does, and it's proving to be very bad for his health. Or his hair hygiene, anyway. "Just shut up and watch the movie."

"Aye aye, Sailor Steve."

"Holy shit, Munson, I am warning you, do not start with that."

"Too late, Popeye! It's started, and it's not ending."

"I swear to god—" Steve starts dancing his fingers along Eddie's sides, remembering a few weeks ago when Dustin had accidentally discovered Eddie is hilariously, disastrously ticklish. It only takes a couple seconds for tears of laughter to start streaming down his face. Steve's heart swells, so incredibly charmed. He can't believe he was ever able to box any of this away. 

He lets up when Eddie chokes out uncle! uncle! in between breathless laughs. "You seriously just tickled me into submission. I'm in awe, Harrington."

"And I will goddamn do it again. Eyes forward."

Amazingly, Eddie actually listens, settling down against Steve again. (Tickling and compliments are powerful tools against his boyfriend. Important to note. His boyfriend, Eddie Munson. Also important to note.) And despite having seen it already, Eddie seems fully engaged with what's going on in the movie. Certainly more than he was with National Lampoon. Steve still can't believe the guy was really sitting there reading—and how can someone even read with stuff going on in the world around them? Though Eddie's always telling him that a good book can pull you in, distract you just as much as music or movies. And I don't mean your Sound and the fuckin' Fury here, Steve, he'd said once, as if that meant anything to Steve at all, but he'd known better than to interject as Eddie started listing out examples of 'good books', each with a premise more nonsensical than the last. 

Steve pokes Eddie's shoulder to get his attention. “What were you reading, anyway?”

Eddie tips forward to grab his book off of the table. "The Light Fantastic!" he says, presenting the cover. 

"Jesus christ," says Steve, physically recoiling when he sees it, because jesus christ, what a cover it is. There's a wizard and some—gnomes? dwarves?—riding on top of a treasure chest in mid-air, and what the fuck, the chest has feet. A lot of feet. A green woman in a skimpy outfit is hanging onto the wizard's robe, and a grey man in an even skimpier outfit is hanging onto the treasure chest. There're birds. There's a troll. "Uh. Wow."

"Your face," Eddie says, "is absolutely fucking priceless."

"I'm scared to even ask what it's about."

"But you know I'm gonna tell you anyway, right?"

"Obviously," Steve says, settling in to be regaled. This time, he doesn't interfere with Eddie's exaggerated gestures. He just keeps his arm slung around Eddie's shoulder and lets himself be pulled along the thread Eddie spins.

He's amazed at how this night began and how it's now ending. It's true that, ever since that night with the kids, Steve had been aware of his wanting. Looking back, though, Steve knows now that it actually started the day that they defeated Vecna. Eddie had found him on the battlefield and launched himself at him, and though the hug had been a brief, bright, streaking comet of a moment, the weight of him had burned an imprint against Steve’s body.  

It's clear now that Steve had been searching for a way back into Eddie’s arms all along. He'll try not to fault himself too much for not getting here sooner. Because, in the end, finally, here he is. Exactly where he wants to be.