#my fear of flying increases i guess

[opeial]

today fucking sucked fellas

[obiwansito]

the bombs were close

the great war - chapter two

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pairing- obi wan x f!reader

word count- 5.09k

summary- your worst fear had come true. grievous was attacking coruscant, and now you had to protect the planet you grew up in. and, finally, be able to reunite with your lover after many weeks.

tags for this chapter- battle descriptions, canon typical violence, tw: jedi council /hj, smut (+18 mdni), intrusive thoughts.

You rushed into the Temple hangar, several Jedi were gathered and ready to fight. You pushed your way through the crowd, finding Master Windu and Master Saesee Tii, who were giving orders.

“Masters.” They noticed you. You were serious, your Jedi General mode on. You were ready to help defend the planet where you had been raised. “What about the Senate?”

“Each senator has their security team, and they are already being evacuated to safe locations. Master Ti was sent to guard the Chancellor, and Master Yoda and I will guard the outside of the Senate building.”

You nodded, and then Windu spoke your last name. “Your battalion was sent to secure the perimeter near the evacuation routes, droids are everywhere. Join them and reinforce them. May the force be with you.”

You headed towards your speeder, your comlink beeping. You answered immediately, you could guess who it was.

“General.” Your commander's voice sounded stressed. Gunfire could be heard clearly on the other end of the line.

“Forge. Send me the coordinates, I'm on my way.”

“Yes, sir.” You received the request seconds later, and were on your way, moving along the air roads of Coruscant that were currently empty due to the emergency. On the way, you encountered some Separatist ships heading straight for a building. Without thinking twice, you opened fire, aiming at the exact angle to explode the engines of the fighters.

You were not a better pilot than Anakin, but you could defend yourself very well.

As you shot down a few more ships, you managed to spot the 621st, your battalion. Countless droids were heading towards them, but your men could handle it. Not for nothing they were some of the best in the GAR.

You headed toward them, but a buzzing in the force made you realize you were being pursued. On your speeder screen, you saw three Separatist ships following you.

“Kriff.” You accelerated sharply, spinning between the skyscrapers to try to divert them. One of the ships tried to follow you, but failed and crashed, exploding in a shower of sparks and debris.

You tried to pass in the middle of two narrow buildings, hoping that one would crash or not enter, but you were unsuccessful. Both followed you, you could feel the lasers near the wings of your speeder.

You watched on the screen and noticed that one of the fighters was getting closer and closer. You took a deep breath and disengaged the engines all at once, letting your speeder glide without momentum, slowing down instantly. The fighter behind you flew past, surprised by your action. You reacted quickly and reactivated the engines to fire at it, destroying it before it could turn.

There was only one left.

You tried to increase speed, but it was too close. The enemy shots hit the back of your speeder, sending sparks flying from the control panel.

“No, no, no...” You mentally braced yourself for impact. You jumped out of your seat at the last second, your speeder crashing as you used the Force to soften your fall. You stretched out your arms and with a final thrust you landed, rolling gently on the ground before coming to a stop on your feet.

“Now I understand why Obi-wan hates flying.” You muttered, gently resting your hands on your belly. Now that you were pregnant, you couldn't afford to do as many Jedi acrobatics as you were used to. “I'm sorry, little one.” You apologized to your baby, even though it was ridiculous because they couldn't really hear you. Or maybe they could? You didn't know how Force-sensitive pregnancies worked.

Your seconds of peace were short lived, for the explosion had drawn the attention of a group of droids now approaching you. You took a deep breath, pulling your lightsabers from your belt and igniting them, their purple glow glowing through the smoke.

“A Jedi!” One of the droids exclaimed, all pointing at you. You closed your eyes, using the Force to shoot down the first arrivals. When they started firing, you managed to evade all of their attacks, moving into the crowd and destroying them with ease. After spending three years at war, droid fights were a piece of cake.

You smashed through several with your lightsabers, but most you could detect with your mind and you pushed them with the force, sending them flying away.

You were decapitating one when your comlink beeped. “General, where are you?”

“I had a... situation.” You sent another droid flying away, who was shouting something about just getting out of the factory and being too young to die. “It's almost under control, I'm on my way.”

“Good, we're waiting for you.”

Once you were done with the droids, you made your way to your battalion's position. Since you grew up on Coruscant, you knew the place well and could easily locate yourself.

You were behind a piece of rubble, the droids still didn't see you. You braced yourself and jumped using the force, landing right next to Forge, who was tearing apart a B-1.

“It's good to see you, Commander.”

“Ah, General. About time.” You smiled at him, dodging the enemy lasers, bouncing them back at themselves.

“It was a good break, wasn't it? Two weeks. You didn't miss me much?”

Forge rolled his eyes, tossing an electromagnetic grenade towards some droids, which fell to the ground electrocuted. “Actually, yes it was a good break. It lasted longer than we've ever had before. The boys didn't know what to do with so much time off.”

You smiled slightly, but before you could respond, a shudder in the Force stopped you. You looked to the side, and found one of your men, Map, surrounded by droids. He was doing fine on his own, but he was being surrounded.

Without hesitation, you extended your hand, pulling them toward you with the Force. In one swift motion, your lightsaber pierced through them, scattering fragments in every direction. As the final one fell, you looked up to the clone. “Are you alright, trooper?”

He nodded. “Thank you, General. I thought that would be the end of me.”

“Not while I'm here.”

You turned your attention back to the battlefield, making casual conversation with Forge. Fewer and fewer droids were arriving, and you would be able to go help somewhere else.

“So, where were you when all this started happening?”

The commander avoided making eye contact, focusing on shooting a droid. “Uh... In the barracks, with... the guys?”

You scoffed, shaking your head. Obi-wan was right, clones were very bad at lying. “You were with your little pantoran, weren't you?”

A few months ago, you had discovered that Forge was having a secret affair with Shen, a lady-in-waiting to Senator Riyo Chuchi. The two of them had met when you and he had been assigned as their guards during a mission.

He blushed, looking around nervously, as if verifying that no one had heard what you had just said. “I don't know what you're talking about, sir.”

“I hope you at least told her I said hi.”

He cleared his throat. “Why do you think Grievous is here, anyway?”

You rolled your eyes, laughing as you noticed his not-very-subtle way of changing the subject. “He's sending a lot of droids to the surface. It's almost like he wants to keep us busy. Like he wants to have a...” Shit. “A distraction.”

“But a distraction for what? What's so important here?”

And as the last droid fell, you both looked at each other, realizing how blind you'd been. “The Chancellor.”

You set aside the shock, immediately grabbing your comlink. “Master Windu, the Chancellor. Grievous wants the Chancellor.”

The Jedi's voice sounded somber and deeper than normal. “It is too late now.”

A massive ship loomed between the skies of Coruscant, and between the closing hatch, you could see it: The half-droid was laughing maniacally, as he held Chancellor Palpatine, who was looking at him with a frightened expression.

You hurried to the temple meeting room, Forge following close behind. As you entered, Master Windu and Master Yoda were standing around the Holo-table.

“What happened?” you asked approaching. “I thought Shaak Ti was with the Chancellor.”

“That's right. But Grievous managed to overpower her and took him away.” Windu exclaimed, who was folding his arms.

"In orbit, Grievous's ship remains. Strange, the situation is, but advantage of it, we can take." The grandmaster looked worried.

“I'll go.” You said decisively. “I can rescue Palpatine, I've faced the General several times.”

But before you could say more, Windu interrupted you. “Skywalker and Kenobi are on their way. They'll be in charge of rescuing him.”

You frowned. “Weren't they on Yerbana?”

“They were. But they have been warned and will be here by the end of the hour.”

“But... I'm sorry master, I don't understand.”

“You don't have to understand anything. That's what's going to be done, end of story.”

Then, you remembered something. “Wait. Didn't... they tell you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Last night, Ahsoka... I mean, former Padawan Tano called Admiral Yularen's ship. She said Maul had been found?”

Windu pinched the bridge of his nose, as if he didn't want to hear any more about it. “I guess Skywalker told you.”

You almost laughed. Obviously, Anakin had told you. Of course you didn't have a secret relationship with one of the council members. Oh, had you mentioned to them that you were pregnant?

The Master's voice snapped you out of your thoughts. “Obi-wan mentioned it to us, but we were in the middle of our problem here. We told them they should come as soon as possible.”

“But...”

He raised his voice, firm. “I hope you understand the gravity of the situation we're in here. The heart of the republic has been attacked and the Supreme Chancellor was kidnapped.”

You nodded. “I know.” You bit your tongue trying not to answer him, remembering your master's words. Don't fight with the Council....

“I'm glad you understand. If your commander doesn't need you, you can go back to your classes. The younglings are waiting.”

You sighed, reluctantly agreeing. You didn't mind taking care of the little ones, but you were capable of so much more. Only the Council didn't want to see it.

You bowed to the masters, leaving the room quietly with Forge behind you. Once you were in the hallway, you turned to look at him. “Are the boys all alright, are there many losses?”

“I'm glad to say no, General. Bones told me the wounded are already on their way to the infirmary.”

“Very good. Are you going home?”

He scoffed. “I wish I was. But I'm afraid there's paperwork waiting for me. And for you too, by the way.”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh, don't remind me. Anyways, don't stay late. I don't think your girl would like it...”

He blushed, ignoring what you said. “Good afternoon, General.” He gave you a military salute and left, leaving you alone in the halls of the Jedi Temple.

“All right children, now, can you tell me what we learned in class today?”

There was no answer. You frowned, the little ones were quite distracted today. You supposed that was normal, given the chaos of the morning.

You approached a zabrak boy, who was busily engaged in telling his friend something. The latter nudged him, causing him to quiet down and look at you intently. “Zaru, do you have something to share with the class?”

“Ehm, no, Master. Sorry.”

“Oh, but you seemed so focused. Don't you want to tell me?”

He blushed, but spoke almost mumbling. “I was telling Kelen about how Master Skywalker and Master Kenobi rescued the Chancellor. I overheard a knight telling his Padawan about it.” As he spoke, his voice became more excited. “Apparently, Master Skywalker defeated Count Dooku, and saved Master Kenobi! Grievous escaped, but they destroyed his ship! Isn't that amazing?”

You chuckled, patting him on the head. “Yes, dear. But you can save the gossip for later. We're in class right now.”

He nodded, pouting. “Yes, Master.”

Just then, the clock chimed, marking the end of the hour. You sighed. “You're saved, kids. You better come prepared next class.”

You watched as the younglings left the room one by one, but someone was missing. It was Kyla.

“Little one? Are you alright?” You kneeled down to stand at her level.

“Yes, master. It's just... I got a little scared. After this morning.”

“Oh, baby girl. It's okay, it's completely normal. But it's over now. Everything's fine now.”

That didn't seem to calm her down. “I know, but it's just... I shouldn't feel scared, right? We're Jedi.”

“We are, but we're also sentient beings. Being Jedi isn't about repressing your emotions, though many interpret it that way. It's about having control over them and not letting them rule you. Do you think I'm not scared when I go on dangerous missions? Maker, of course I am. But you don't have to let it get to you, little girl.”

She nodded, still lost in thought. “I agree, Master. It's just...” She sighed. “Sorry, I know I shouldn't think about the future. But what if my future master doesn't think like that?”

You felt a pang in your chest, and all the guilt you had been trying to banish from your thoughts automatically returned. Still, you smiled reassuringly at her. “Don't worry about it, little one. I'm sure your future master will guide you in the best way.”

You would had been able to do it.

“I trust you, master.”

You caressed her face, getting up. “Very well, my dear. Now, you should go. You don't want to miss dinner, do you?”

She giggled, waving goodbye and heading out the door. You were finally alone.

You grabbed your things, lost in thought.

On one hand, there was the matter of the younglings. Kyla's words echoed in your head. You could have guaranteed her a great future. But now it was impossible.

Memories of the morning's battle still haunted you. You were still upset with the Council, it hurt you that they didn't see you capable of helping in a mission of such importance, when you had shown them more than once how strong you were. And not only physically, but also mentally.

But all those bad thoughts dissipated when you remembered something. Obi-wan was home.

You had felt him earlier, his warm, comforting force mark lingering through the halls. Unfortunately, you hadn't had time to look for him, as you were in class, and you assumed he was busy meeting with the Council. He had probably spent hours there.

You thought of Anakin, he was also at home. If you knew him well, he was probably with Padmé. Your heart grew joyful, surely he already knew the good news. He would be so excited.

As you walked to your rooms, you nervously debated whether it was time to tell Obi-wan. It was already nighttime, surely he would come to see you. How complicated would it be to tell him, “Hey love, you know how we're at war and all, and that our organization doesn't allow us to have partners, but we still do it because we love each other, even though it's very complicated? Well, guess what?”

You sighed. Maybe you shouldn't kill yourself so much thinking about it, surely in the moment it would come naturally to you and everything would be fine.

When you arrived, you headed to your 'fresher to take a long shower. The day had been pretty heavy, but there was nothing that hot water wouldn't solve.

You put on your most comfortable robe, made yourself some tea and settled into your bed, your datapad at hand to finally report on some missions. You thought about meditating, but you were too tired and would probably end up falling asleep. Pregnancy was making you a little weak.

You were sending the report of one of the last missions you had before returning to Coruscant when you felt a warmth in the force. That recognizable mark that made you feel butterflies, as if you were still a teenager.

You held your breath, your gaze darting to the door, which someone was opening with your code.

Within seconds, Obi-wan Kenobi materialized in your room, smiling shyly at you and closing the door behind him.

“You're here.” You whispered, smiling at him like a fool. You were so sensitive, you felt like you were going to cry. But it was the first time you'd seen him face to face in weeks and shit, you'd missed him so much.

”Forgive me for not coming earlier.“ He took off his cloak, leaving it delicately on your desk chair, and walking over to your bed. “I was in meeting with the Council. There was a general report on the sieges, and we were going to report on the fight this morning, but Anakin never showed up.”

You chuckled at that, watching his every move. “Don't worry, I've been busy too... I can just now sit down to rest.”

He sat down next to you, and you set your datapad down on your nightstand, focusing all your attention on him. You ran a hand through his beard, always groomed. But you could notice he was starting to get some white hairs.

He had a few wrinkles, a product of the stress of war. Still, he looked incredibly handsome. You traced every mole, every mark on his face, as he looked up at you in admiration.

“I missed you so much.” You whispered.

“I missed you so much too, my darling.”

Unable to contain yourself any longer, you threw yourself into his arms, giving him a warm embrace. His familiar scent comforted you, made you forget all the troubles of your life and the galaxy. It was just you and him, forever.

He stroked your hair, his breathing calm. “Coming back to the Temple always makes me feel at peace... but more so since I'm with you.”

You laughed a little, pulling away and coming within inches of his lips. “Always so cheesy...”

“And you love it, dear.”

You kissed him, your stomach going crazy from feeling his lips for the first time in weeks. You were finally complete, your life was back and he was kissing you right now.

You climbed into his lap, his hands finding your waist and your arms wrapping around his neck. It wasn't a lustful kiss, but an intense, emotionally charged one. You had missed him so much.

You broke apart after a few minutes, gasping for air. His cheeks were flushed and his lips were swollen. You could never get tired of that sight.

He brushed a lock away from your face. “I missed this so much.”

You both chuckled, your hearts racing, like two teenagers in love.

Suddenly, a doubt returned to your mind. You became serious, but fiddled with his hair. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” His thumbs caressed your waist, making your skin bristle.

“What happened with Ahsoka's call?”

Obi-wan tensed slightly. “Maul is on Mandalore. Anakin helped her with reinforcements, split up the 501st and sent Rex.”

That was a relief to you. So, there was indeed a chance of capturing him. But you could tell something else was affecting your boyfriend.

“I informed the Council.” He continued, his voice lower. “But with the siege here... I had no choice. I had to help.”

You could feel the guilt in Obi-wan's words. He always carried more than his fair share, and your heart broke for that. “She'll make it.” You told him reassuringly. “She's the best.”

He slowly denied, lowering his gaze. “It's too dangerous. I should have gone myself.” He closed his eyes. “I shouldn't have... left her alone.”

You took his face in your hands, forcing him to look at you. “Hey. Ahsoka will be fine.” Your voice was soft, but firm. “There is no more perfect person for this mission. She's very strong. You and Anakin trained her very well. She can do it.”

Obi-wan relaxed a little at your words, giving you a small smile. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

“It's not just to make you feel better, Obi-wan. It's the truth.”

He nodded, your hands relaxing in his hair. You were silent for a few minutes, until he said something. “There's... something else I need to tell you.”

You looked at him curiously. “I guess you heard, but... Dooku is dead.”

“Oh, so I did hear. Believe it or not, some younglings in my class were gossiping. News in the temple travels fast. They said Ani had saved your ass?”

“That may be true. But don't tell anyone I told you. I have a reputation to maintain.” You both laughed, before Obi-wan got serious again. “Anyways, that's not what I wanted to tell you. Since Dooku died, Grievous is the new leader of the Separatists.” You nodded. “The Council made it a priority to locate him.”

You analyzed his words for a moment, your breathing stopping as you realized what he meant. “So... the war could be over soon?”

He nodded, taking your hands in his. “That's right. When we capture Grievous, it will be the end of the Clone Wars.”

You looked at him dumbfounded. You knew the war would end at some point, but you didn't think so soon.

Suddenly, you saw the future with optimism. Maybe you could wait longer to tell Obi-wan about your pregnancy. You didn't want to worry him any more at this point.

Peace is so close, you didn't have to give him this burden now. For the first time in what seemed like a long time, you could see hope in his eyes. The secret could wait a little longer....

Obi-wan's calloused hand on your cheek snapped you out of your reverie. “Are you all right, my dear?”

“Yes. Just...” You chuckled. “I can't believe it. That's... wonderful news.”

You hugged him, your head lying on his chest, his big hands resting on your lower back.

Your hands slid down his chest. You felt his breath in your hair, slow and warm. His distinctive smell of wood and coffee comforted you.

“I still can't believe you're here.” You whispered, looking up at him. He smiled at you, his hand caressing your cheek gently.

“I dreamed of this when I was away.” His eyes looked at you with intensity. “Just you and me, alone after a long time.”

His words sent a shiver down your spine, licking your lips out of instinct. His gaze lowered to them, your breaths quickening.

You closed your eyes as he leaned in, pressing his lips together against yours in a passion-filled kiss. One of his hands cupped your cheek, while the other fiddled with your sleeping robe, caressing your soft skin over it.

Your hands merged with his hair, messing it up a bit as your tongues danced together, a soft sound coming from your lips.

He grabbed you around the waist with his large arms, laying you gently on the bed, and settling on top of you, careful not to crush you. Your legs wrapped around his hips, as he kissed you again with the same intensity as before.

“Oh, gods. I missed you so much.” You purred as his lips began to move down, leaving a trail of kisses down your cheeks, chin, neck. His calloused hands were now under your robe, caressing every inch of your waist.

You helped him remove his layers of Jedi robes, desperate for direct contact with each other's bodies. “This is always going to be my least favorite part.” He whispered, his hands shaking trying to remove all of his upper garments. You laughed, helping him until he was shirtless and pulled him in for another kiss.

His hands explored your entire torso, making you gasp as his thumbs ran over your sensitive nipples. He lifted you up a little to remove your sleeping robe, tossing it somewhere in your room. You were at his mercy, your panties the only thing stopping you from being completely exposed.

He took his time admiring you, licking his lips before returning to attack your neck with kisses and bites that you knew would leave a mark the next day. But at that moment nothing mattered. Just you and him, enjoying your first moment alone in a long time.

He slowly worked his way down, making sure not an inch of you was left unkissed. His lips wrapped around your breast, licking your nipple as he caressed the other with his hand.

You had your eyes closed, stroking his hair as you gasped, enjoying his attention. “I missed this so much...I missed you so much.”

As his lips continued their exploration of your body, he took your thighs in his large hands, spreading your legs, giving him a clear view of your private part covered by your panties, which had a spot in the middle because of how wet you were.

You felt small under his hungry gaze. He stroked the insides of your thighs, managing to send a shiver down your spine. He licked his lips, leaning down to kiss your covered clit. You moaned, desperate for more.

His thumb stroked you. “Love... Stop teasing...” You moaned.

That made him laugh. “Patience, darling. I want to enjoy this as long as possible.”

He kissed your thighs, caressed your whole body, except the part where you needed it most. “Please, Obi-wan. I need you.” You whimpered, trembling with the need for pleasure.

“If you ask me in that cute way...” He curled his fingers into the straps of your panties, pulling them off you and tossing them somewhere in your room.

Finally, you were completely exposed to him.

He started kissing your wet center, you felt his beard scrape your thighs, turning you on even more.

When he licked your clitoris, you moaned, trying to squirm, but you realized he was holding you with the force.

“Don't move, sweetheart.” You obeyed, little moans coming out of your mouth as you felt how well your boyfriend was treating you.

His tongue began to tease at your entrance, his nose brushing perfectly against your clit, enough to make you shudder. Your hand found his hair, stroking it as you begged him for more.

You tried to quiet your moans, but the skill with which Obi-wan was eating you out made it very difficult.

“Shhh, love. you don't want your neighbors to hear us, do you?” he looked you straight in the eyes and you moaned, enjoying the sensations and the obscene sounds Obi-wan's mouth caused against your intimate area.

You felt a knot forming in your stomach, your orgasm was approaching and Obi-wan could tell by your breathing speeding up. “Love...” You whimpered, trying to pull his hair to let you release, but he was still at his job.

His lips sucked perfectly on your clit, drawing a high-pitched moan from you. It was too much, you couldn't hold back any longer. “That's it, beautiful. Come for me.”

You moaned as you heard it, finally the pleasure exploding inside you like fireworks. You covered your mouth, silencing your moans, for you couldn't control them.

Obi-wan gave you a kiss on your thigh, before climbing back up beside you, stroking your hair and murmuring praise as you came down from your cloud of climax.

You finally opened your eyes, panting and with your legs shaking from the pleasure. He was looking at you with a smirk, his hair was messy and his beard soaked with your fluids. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him close to you for a kiss. You gasped as you tasted yourself on his lips, your tongues dancing passionately.

“Wait.” He stood up for a second, reaching for something on your nightstand. It was a condom.

You wanted to tell him it wasn't necessary, but that would raise suspicion so you just took it as he landed back beside you.

You laid him fully on the bed, perching on top of him. Your center lightly brushed against his clothed erection, causing you both to gasp. You kissed him again, his hands on your thighs, your hips moving slightly, causing a perfect friction.

You lifted up slightly to remove his pants and underwear, finally freeing his big cock. You licked your lips, gripping it and running your thumb over its sensitive tip, which was covered in pre-cum.

You masturbated him a little, opening the condom and quickly putting it on him. Positioning the head of his member at your entrance, you slowly lowered yourself down, your head falling back from the sensation of his expanding you.

You looked into his eyes, he was flushed and his mouth slightly open in pleasure. He grinned a little at you. “You look beautiful from here.”

You began to move slowly with his help, your breaths quickening. It took some getting used to his size, but the feeling of fullness made up for it entirely.

Your hands rested on his chest to find stability, while his thumb stroked your clit in circles, causing you more pleasure.

“Oh, maker. Obi-wan...” You moaned, the obscene sounds caused by your bodies joining together surrounding the entire room.

You found the perfect rhythm, the tip of his cock touching your most sensitive spot perfectly, making you see stars. “Good lord...” Your boyfriend whispered, the way your pussy contracted in its extension making him feel closer and closer.

You felt your back arching, Obi-wan resting his free hand on your thigh to help you as you were getting closer and closer.

Your orgasm suddenly erupted, like a bolt of lightning shooting through your entire body. Beneath you, you felt your boyfriend gasping, his own release making his whole body tremble.

You stayed like that for a few seconds, you eventually lowering yourself to lie next to him, his strong, warm arms holding you as you caught your breath.

The rest was a blur. Obi-wan whispering beautiful things in your ear, how wonderful you had been, how beautiful and perfect you were. Sloppy kisses, soft looks.

Eventually he got up, going to the bathroom and returning with a towel to wipe off your remaining fluids. When he was done, he lay down next to you again, stroking your hair until you both ended up sound asleep next to each other.

next chapter 𖥔 ͙ࣳ ⸰ֺ⭑

© obiwansito, 2025. reposts, copies and translations are not allowed. my work cannot be used for training AI.

[thesunisatangerine]

against all odds (to wait for you is all i can do) – part four

alexia putellas x photojournalist!reader

warnings: explicit sexual content

(a/n in the tags) [parts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve]

word count: 4.3k

It didn’t stop after the first and it sure didn’t stop after the third, either. 

Depending on her schedule, you saw Alexia once or twice at most a week; most of the time it was on the night after a Barcelona match and by the next morning, she’d be gone before you even woke up. But you’d noticed her visits had been increasing in frequency lately, not to mention that sometimes she’d still be in bed when you awakened. The first time you found her still asleep beside you, you were dumbfounded, thinking it was a dream image of her in front of you. And what amazed you even further was that it kept happening.

It wasn’t an unpleasant development. In fact, it was something you gratefully welcomed. And it wasn’t just that, either. Sometimes when Alexia came over, you didn’t even have sex you just… talked: about her training and her health, her teammates’ shenanigans–and hers, of course–her family and bits of her personal life. Meanwhile you told her about places you explored and showed her photos of where you’d been. Then she’d tell you about places you could check out, food to try, and even went ahead and promised to take you to some of the places herself when she had the opportunity.

These times were rare, sure, but you found yourself enjoying her company more and more to the point you noticed yourself craving for it–found yourself missing her presence despite your constant back-and-forth messages. And still you didn’t ask where this was going for fear of ruining whatever the two of you had; you were content and you just simply wanted to watch this unfold as it was. And anyway, it wasn’t like you weren’t used to fleeting relationships, situationships–whatever you’d like to call it–because who was to say this wouldn’t end up like your previous dalliances–ending before it could ever truly begin? Despite you hoping otherwise, a large part of you already convinced yourself that this wouldn’t be anything different: just another highlight to your getaway vacation that you’d look fondly back on a few years down the line.

You had a month left in Barcelona, maybe an additional few weeks depending on the client. What could possibly go wrong?

———

A knock took your attention from your work to the door. You looked at the time–it was early evening on a Saturday and you weren’t expecting anyone. Perhaps you just imagined it? But then it came again not a minute later. You were reluctant to open it seeing as it was already dark but a ping from your phone that signalled a message from Alexia asking if you were home had you flying to the door. 

Upon opening it, you found Alexia there with Nala resting in the crook of her arm, phone in hand, and a paper bag in the other. 

“Took you long enough.” Alexia said playfully, all cool and confident but then her brows quirked upwards almost sheepishly as she said in a more tamed tone, “is this a bad time? I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

You smiled at her consideration before you ushered her in. “No, no! It’s fine, really! Come on in. Sorry, I just wasn’t comfortable opening the door when it’s dark without knowing who it was.”

“Ah, it’s my bad. I should’ve let you know before dropping by.” She bent down and let Nala loose before she untied her shoes and left them by the door. Nala bounded to the living charged with curiosity, nose to the ground, tail wagging as she carefully examined the new space. 

Alexia regarded her dog with an amused expression before she looked back at you. “I meant to bring this over after the game tomorrow but I saw the lights as I drove past so… here I am, I guess.”

You reassured her again as you locked the door behind her and you watched as she made her way to the kitchen. As you passed through the archway to the kitchen room, Alexia already situated herself by the counter taking out glass canisters from the paper bag she brought. When she took the lids off, a delicious aroma instantly filled the air, enticing your senses.

“What do you have there?” You asked as you leaned on the opposite side of the counter.

Alexia smiled at the eagerness in your tone and pride shone in her eyes as she spoke, “only the best fideuà and esqueixada in the world. Made special by my mother, of course.”

You peered into the containers and the sight made your mouth water instantly. As if it remembered that you hadn’t had any food yet, your stomach grumbled obnoxiously. Alexia definitely heard it because she fixed you with an amused smile and at that, your cheeks warmed so you tried to divert her attention. “You know what would put this all together?” 

“What?”

��Wine or champagne. Wait–are you allowed to drink?”

“I’m allowed since I’m still not qualified to play yet.” Her visage became somber for a moment–it fleeted so quickly you almost didn’t catch it–before the light in them returned again. “If you have it, white wine is the best complement for this.”

You hummed and tapped your chin, turning to make your way to the cellar. “I’ll have a look. I’m sure Derek has some wine stored in here somewhere.”

You’d mumbled the last part but it seemed Alexia’d caught it because she asked, “who’s Derek?”

Something odd in her tone stopped you and made you look back at her. Her face was unreadable, almost too neutral. She didn’t think Derek was your boyfriend, did she?

“Oh, Derek’s my brother. He hasn’t been here for a while but he owns this house.”

“Ah, I see,” Alexia cleared her throat, looking away and you could just see a hint of redness in her cheeks. “Well, I’ll lay out the plates. I suppose they’re just in...?”

“The bottom drawer to your right and the utensils are in the upper one.” You instructed as you continued towards the cellar.

“Oh, yeah, I see,” came Alexia’s muffled response. 

When you returned with the bottle of white wine, you found that Alexia managed to locate the glasswares by herself and were drying them with a tea towel. There was only one set of plate and utensils laid out though so you fixed her with a confused look.

“You’re not going to eat?”

Alexia shook her head. “I already had my fill with my family earlier. I’ll take the drink, though.”

“That’s nice that you visited your family today. How are they?” You sat at one of the high chairs by the counter, popped the wine open and poured each of you a glass. You noticed that Alexia’d heated up the fideuà for you from the steam that rose from its container which strengthened its aroma and made it all the more enticing. Alexia remained opposite you but she was close enough with her leaning forward on her elbows, her glass of wine in hand.

She sipped her wine and told you they were well, described little snippets of what’s been happening in her family life. She even told you about a prank she recently played on her sister, one that nearly made you choke on your wine. 

You listened as she talked, liking the way her brows quirked and her shoulders move as she spoke, how each gesture became more pronounced the more passionate or interested she was on a subject. You asked questions and engaged with the conversation every now and again as you savoured the rich taste of the pasta and the freshness of the salad. You’d never had anything like it and you told her as much. In response, she said she’d give the compliment to her mother when she saw her next which made your cheeks warm up again. Once you finished, you tidied up and though you insisted she didn’t have to, Alexia helped you wash up anyway. 

Afterwards, the both of you ended up in the living room with your glasses of wine. She gestured at your laptop on the couch with her glass.

“Work?”

“Yeah. Just double checking if I missed anything important and preparing for the match tomorrow.” You sat on the couch and put the laptop on your lap. Alexia opted to sit on the carpet, legs stretched and crossed, back leaned back against the couch, her head just beside your legs as Nala settled by her side.

She turned her head, looking up at you. “Can I see?”

You turned your laptop so she could see better. You flicked through the photos you were sorting through, explaining to her every now and then the thought process behind each shot. On some photos, Alexia asked you to pause so she could soak them in.

“These are great. You have a great eye.” Alexia complimented with an appraising nod as you got to the end. You thanked her as you pulled back. Then a question came to mind.

“Do you ever get used to it? The cameras, I mean.”

A pause.

“I’m not and I don’t think I ever will. I’m more comfortable with it now but if it’s possible to avoid, I’d do it. I know it’s a part of football and god knows how much more exposure women’s football needs,” Alexia released a heavy sigh, “but sometimes it just gets too much, you know? I mean, I really should be grateful, right? To have gotten to this point? But the media side of it is… not without its own set of miseries.” 

There was an inflection in her tone upon her admittance–guilt. You gently carded your fingers through her hair, Alexia leaned into your touch in response, and you replied just as softly, “it must’ve been difficult. It still is and for you, especially. And I don’t know if anyone’s told you lately but you have to know: you’ve given so much of yourself already. It’s not a sin to want a little peace, Alexia, and it doesn’t make you ungrateful for wanting it, it just makes you human.” 

Alexia took a deep breathe before she rested her temple against your knee. Then you heard her whisper, “thank you.”

A silence fell upon the both of you after that but it wasn’t an uncomfortable one. She remained that way for the majority of the night, head against your knee as she watched a game of football on the TV. 

By the time you finished up your work, it was already late evening and Alexia’d dozed off beside you. You felt bad as you gently woke her up and groggy hazel eyes found yours when you did. The sight made your heart ache from how much Alexia looked younger and more at peace this way, and you told her to wash up so she could stay the night.

And she did.

Now, your cheek felt warm against her chest despite the slight dampness of her borrowed shirt from her hair. Her skin smelt faintly of the soap you were using and with her arm around your waist, you fell asleep content, lulled to a deep slumber by the steady rhythm of her heart.

———

“Hey, please don’t wear that, it’s dirty,” came Alexia’s reprimand from behind you.

You glanced at her reflection in the mirror: Alexia was propped up on the pillows against the headboard, an arm behind her head, nude except for the bundle of sheets that covered one of her thighs, the marks you’d left on her neck and chest last night and this morning generously displayed for you to behold. 

She was nothing short of glorious, you thought, looking relaxed and content like this. 

You turned your attention back to your own reflection: Alexia’s Barcelona jersey draped over your smaller frame and fell just partway down your bare thighs. It felt comfortable against your skin and the fact that it smelt just like Alexia made it feel all the more special.

When you looked at her reflection again, you found her with an affectionate smile, eyes lidded and brows inflected slightly upwards, and suddenly the attention warmed your cheeks.

“But you only wore it for a shoot, right?”

“I mean, yeah, but you know what I mean.”

You hummed, “do you need it?”

“No, I have spares,” she replied before she raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“That means I have time to wash it before I give it back since you insists that it’s dirty.” You said drily as you turned away from the mirror and padded your way to the bed, crawling on the sheets on your knees once you got there.

As soon as you got close enough, Alexia’s hands were immediately on you, guiding you to straddle her lap before she embraced you fully, resting her chin between the valley of your breasts as she looked up at you. You carded your fingers through her hair to see those fair, hazel eyes that never failed to make you shiver.

“I didn’t say you have to hurry. Plus… I kinda like seeing my number on you.” And then she was kissing your neck and you felt one of her hand creeping its way down to cup your ass. You gasped when you felt the heat of her fingers brushing against your core and you buried your own in her hair as she traced a path from your throat to your ear with her tongue, nipping at your lobe when she got there.

“Fuck… Alexia…” You moaned, “you’re insatiable.”

She kissed your shoulder and then she whispered, “only for you.”

———

Something flashed from the corner of your eye followed immediately by a string of whispered curses and a familiar whirring sound. You put your thumb over the line you were just reading so you wouldn’t lose your place before you looked over your bare shoulder to the corner of the room you knew Alexia was who you found, as expected, holding one of your Polaroid cameras. 

She was only wearing a pair of grey sweats which left her torso bare and–like all the time you saw her nude–you couldn’t help but appreciate the soft curves of her breasts and the carved muscles of her stomach. When she met your gaze, she smiled almost sheepishly at you not dissimilar to a child being caught stealing cookies from the jar.

You raised a playful eyebrow at her but instead of answering, she placed her eye over the viewfinder, aimed the camera at you, then pressed the shutter again.

The film came out with a whir and Alexia immediately tucked it into the pocket of her sweats. She then began to make her way towards you and at every other step, she’d stop to take a photo of you, carefully manoeuvring the camera to get the right angle as she did so. It was an endearing sight, really, and it was one that filled your chest full of warmth. 

Eventually, she ended up on you, turning you over on your back as she straddled your waist, leaving you at the mercy of Alexia and her camera. From this position, you couldn’t help but feel extremely vulnerable and exposed not because of your bareness, but because you knew with the way your chest surged with warmth from how Alexia gazed down at you with a satisfied grin, the dimple on her cheek showing as her tongue peeked out between her teeth at the corner of her mouth, seemingly focused on getting the right shot, that this was a woman who had the power to completely and utterly unravel you. 

As a photographer, you were well acquainted with how cameras had the capacity to capture the essence of a moment–to display in raw details the emotions of its subject and freeze them in time, readying them for the dissection and scrutiny of the viewer. You wondered then what Alexia would see written in the shadow, the light, and the colours in the photos she just took of you once she looked at them, and the thought both elated and frightened you. 

Alexia brushed away hair from your temple but as she was about to pull away, you put yours atop of hers and turned your cheek into her palm, looking directly at her behind the camera. You heard her breath catch and then she stuttered out a breath, and the flash barely registered in your mind because you were too focused on the strength and the warmth of Alexia’s hand as you pressed butterfly kisses on the inside of her palm. 

The next thing you knew, the camera was abandoned completely and you couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out from your throat when you finally felt Alexia’s lips on yours.

———

Alexia sat on one of the high chairs in the kitchen room, hair damp, a game of football on the mounted TV that was left forgotten in place of… something that you couldn’t quite see from this distance. Alexia’s shoulders were hunched over in concentration and you didn’t have the heart to interrupt whatever she was doing so you leaned on the archway, content with just observing her do her work.

“Are you just gonna stand there or would you care to join me?” You rolled your eyes and you didn’t fight the smile that graced your lips. So much for being sneaky–the fact that Alexia was an accomplished footballer who had crazy spatial awareness occasionally slipped your mind.

“Okay, Gwen Stacy, calm down.” Alexia looked over her shoulder then and stuck her tongue out at you, grinning. “How did you even know I was here?”

“Your reflection on the microwave.” She gestured to it with her chin and sure enough from this angle you were instantly visible especially with the white shirt you had on. The dark glossy surface almost made you look like a ghost.

Standing on your toes, you draped yourself over her broad back, arms wrapping loosely around her neck as you peered down. “So, what are we working on?”

“This.” 

A bracelet made of a dark-blue and red string that looped into itself with a singular, small gold diamond-shaped charm right in the middle, a vertical bar at the two corner points of the long edge of the diamond, dangled between Alexia’s fingers. She took your right hand and placed it in your palm so you could look at it: the bracelet was simple but it’s delicate nature made it all the more beautiful and elegant.

“Oh, wow, this is so pretty.” 

“It’s for you.” At that you looked at her, half-afraid that she’d feel the way your heart raced at her words against her back. 

You were so busy trying to find the right thing to say that you didn’t realise that she took the bracelet back until you felt the warmth of her fingers on your palm as she turned your hand over. You watched her as she wrapped it around your wrist, securing the tie. You turned your right wrist over and looked at the delicate bracelet, and something in your heart soared at the small gift. The fact that Alexia made it herself made it all the more special to you.

“Thank you, Alexia. I love it.”

“You’re welcome.”

That night while you were sufficiently warm nestled by Alexia’s side, naked except for the sheets, your head on her chest, a realisation hit you.

“It represents FC Barcelona, isn’t it?”

Alexia hummed in answer, the rumble from the sound a pleasant sensation on your cheek. Then she held your wrist in the space between her thumb and index finger, the width of her palm supporting your hand as she turned your hand just so so the gold of the diamond could catch the light.

“And what else?”

At that, you looked at the bracelet intently. The two bars: one and one–Alexia’s number. So she really was serious when she said she liked seeing her number on you.

You let out a small laugh, then you nuzzled her jaw as you spoke, “you little sneak.”

———

Minding her bad knee, you flipped the both of you over with a strength that even surprised yourself and with how Alexia’s brows raised high, you supposed it took her off guard, too. You settled your weight on her stomach and you bit your lip when you felt her abs tense against your core, and the desire in you blazed into a raging inferno that threatened to burn you inside out.

She grabbed your ass in both hands with a firm grip, making you gasp when her hold made you grind against her stomach, her eyes smouldering as she looked up at you. 

That look was your last straw; you couldn’t stop fighting your desire anymore so you let it swallow you whole. You fell forward, bracing your weight against your elbows as you craned your neck to kiss Alexia, rough and desperate, her lower lip between your teeth. The action rewarded you with a low moan, a delicious sound that shot heat straight down to your core.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” Alexia gasped out between your relentless kisses.

“I like being on top,” was your simple answer whispered hotly against her ear, nipping gently at the soft skin there–teasing. 

Then it was your turn to gasp. 

Her fingers dug delightfully into your flesh, kneading your ass roughly before easing them apart with equal force. The harsh treatment caught you by surprise and the effect of it even more unexpected as you immediately melted against her, moaning her name helplessly against the crook of her neck. 

She knew just how to make a mess of you.

“Hmm, do you?” She asked coyly and then proceeded in a deliciously low voice that oozed seduction, smugness, and sex. “Too bad I’m still in control.”

“Fuck.” Your body answered for you in a full-body shiver. Her words turned you on to the brink of falling and you found no purchase as you slipped from the ledge.

It should be embarrassing how you could come without Alexia even fucking you, and it should scare you that she had this much power over your body but in this moment, when her hands were everywhere but your pussy and her filthy words were whispered hotly in your ear, you could care less. So you fell apart, shaking and weak, as you sank on top of Alexia’s firm and soft body, her name barely coherent from the sobs that came out of your lips. Euphoria lit every nerve in your body as you came, the fabric of your underwear latched deliciously on your pussy like a second skin and you were sure that you’d made a mess on Alexia’s bare stomach.

You only realised Alexia had stopped her teasing ministrations until you heard her thick voice through the haze of the afterglow which you barely caught.

“You came.”

It wasn’t a question, really, but you let out a small affirmative moan because what else could you do? You were mush–the intensity of your orgasm caught you off guard and left you floundering that no thoughts formed in your mind, just pure bliss and ecstacy. But as the veil of euphoria began to lift, embarrassment bled into the edges of your consciousness and with it the instinct to apologise. The words were poised at the tip of your tongue when Alexia moaned.

“Fuck, that’s so hot,” she breathed out and when you found the strength to lift your head to look at her, her eyes were lidded, pupils blown so wide they were almost all black.

And then she was pulling you in for a kiss, and then the wet heat of her tongue traced the edge of your ear, and she was nipping at your jaw while she dragged her palms from your ass to the side of your ribs. Your skin burnt at her touch and you could do nothing but surrender, to moan and whimper as your heat blazed anew despite having just been swept away.

“But this time, you’re going to come with my fingers in you.”

She didn’t even let the words sink in. Instead she wasted no time to slip her hand between your bodies and to push aside the fabric of your ruined underwear. Usually, Alexia liked to tease you and ease her fingers in you slowly as she sought as much reaction from you as she could, but the slick she found there must had been enough to satisfy her because she pushed two fingers in as soon as she found you. The thickness of her fingers slid in easily and you nearly screamed her name from the pleasure. 

She was relentless in her endeavour to make her words true with the way she gripped your hip steady with her free hand so you didn’t stray too far from her touch when you moved to meet her thrusts, the pace at which she worked her fingers in you left you lightheaded the same way her teeth on your neck worked to drive you insane.

“Alexia, Alexia, Alexia–” You chanted her name like a holy litany, burying your face into her hair that was now slightly damp with sweat and breathed her in: her scent of sun and freshly cut grass, of faint wintergreen, and an essence that was uniquely hers. The moment left you full with something heavy and warm, something that spoke of and hoped for forever, and clarity washed over you: this wasn’t like one of your previous dalliances anymore because you wanted more with her.

The realisation hit you hard, the gravity of it left your mind in a momentary stasis that when you came back to yourself, the shock of your orgasm knocked the breath from your lungs and you felt yourself being pulled by the tide. So strong was it that you could do nothing but pray the flood wouldn’t take you–that Alexia wouldn’t let you drown.

[oldhalloweentape]

🪨Venture (OW II) x (gn) reader ⛏️

(Dragon Reader Edition!)

(Picture’s not mine!)

(I’m gonna be honest with y’all, my bones fucking ache. But it’ll be ok, the week will be done soon enough. Happy early birthday @goohts , you weirdo/pos)

- From my knowledge, I know that most dragons have a human form so meeting them like that is the most likely situation, however, the idea of them stumbling upon your cave and witnessing your full dragon form while on a hiking trip sounds fun.

- Makes them question everything— The mere mention of real-life dragons was preposterous, considering mere folklore and fictional but… Here you were, and it had their brain just emitting a droning dial tone and nothing else.

- They’ll get over it— Eventually. When the initial panic and fear of being honey smoked by your large lizard assed self, approaching this part of you with an air of excitement.

- This is revolutionary to them, you are an absolute marvel to them, every little bit of information you tell them whether it be about your species or parts of history you were able to experience is cataloged neatly in various handwritten and recorded journals.

- Studies you (expect to be poked and prodded a little bit if you let them) as much as they can so they can see whether or not historical depictions of your species were accurate or not.

- The prehistoric lizard facts are endless and they will eagerly ask you about your ancestry, you have them captivated.

- This may be a highly coveted secret of yours and with Venture usually it’s natural to think that they might spill the beans inevitably, and are kind of right. Though they are actually able to swerve certain questions about you fairly well, technically not lying but not indulging in telling anyone.

- Just means they can be slick when they want to be, and will divulge in sharing anyone else’s secrets with you.

- Considering how time after time throughout history humanity, or certain groups of humanity are known for being rather gauche and destructive with their kind, and we know how they are with inhuman species that are visibly able to think critically/emotionally and have bodily autonomy (cough cough omnics cough cough).

- Anyways on a less serious note, I feel like they’d be a D&D player, like usually playing bards or artificers, so— I guess you can say that they can finally seduce a real dragon with their D20 roll/j

- Shared lizard brain? Shared lizard brain, the size of your hoard increases tenfold with rocks and crystals just by them coming on by your cave and waving them around excitedly.

- Got a hoard of ancient treasures? Their immediate reaction is to try to analyze them and ask question after question on each piece so they can hear you talk about how you got them and so on and so forth.

- They’re like a kid in a candy shop, aching to touch everything but asking if they can all the while giving you puppy eyes, saying stuff like “You won’t even notice I’m here! Pleaseeee!!”.

- This goes for them wanting to touch you while in your dragon form, like if you have scales, feathers, fur, etc.

- When you’re cuddling they’re going to run their feelings across them, enjoying the texture.

- Kisses your snout a whole lot, you letting out a small puff of smoke from your nose is just too cute.

- Knowing the whole fire breathing and association with the element you probably feel like a hot rock… And they’ll be the lizard in this relationship now.

- Can and will plead for you to let them climb on your back and fly with you, the wind on their face is rather nice and exhilarating.

- Has “jokingly” asked for you to fry Mauga before, drawing some crude picture of it you keep on a pile of gold coins.

- Ya’ll are extremely cute, as any other Reader x Venture usually is.

(Hmm, monster x human, y u m)

[accirax]

initial thoughts on DCAS episode 8

having just rewatched S1 with my sister (and even while genuinely, actually looking at the screen instead of putting the show on in the background while multitasking), it is so wild to see tomjake in this season as opposed to S1. like, Jake is more or less correct here: although Ellie's meddling and Tom's own dumb moments are also to blame, it was mostly his fault that the relationship fizzled out. how far they've come, to where Tom is the rash fool and Jake is the (mostly) rootable victim...

i KNEW homegirl would be idol hunting this episode.

absolutely baller comeback from Tess. i doubt they increased the prize money from $1mil to $3mil just for this exchange, but what a power move if they did.

if anyone (in the audience) truly believes that Tom has a real boyfriend at this point...

this was a weird ass way to phrase it but okay Emily pop off i guess.

ooh, time for Yul's psychological issues? 👀

wait, isn't Emily hired by the show, not Yul? how would Yul be able to fire someone under Kristal's employment? is this just Yul firing her from the unofficial job of watching over his image, or is it a soft confirmation that Emily has been hired directly by Yul('s manager) all along?

i'm so desperate for Fiore and Alec to like each other again that i'll be happy with literally any vaguely positive note they end on, as long as it's not hating each other. i still hope that All Stars will be able to acknowledge and expand upon their relationship a little more in upcoming episodes, but if this is the end, at least we know that Alec was trying to have her back one last time.

forgive me if i'm wrong, but, would going to space really trigger someone's fear of heights? like, the "heights" are on such a high scale and there are so many other things to be worried about that i feel like your brain wouldn't really process it as "gee i'm going really high up." still, it's always interesting to see how Kristal has more of an established relationship with her (S2) campers. it makes sense, but it does seem like she's not afraid to show her bias in that way.

damn, Trevor must get paid a LOT! even if the vehicle didn't actually take them to space, it's still a huge building with many rooms that can actually fly. makes me wonder how much the producers/hosts are getting paid. (i understand this was just a joke line but it is technically canon now)

this line was only mildly funny to me, but Ally's face is great. she really hasn't had to spend any notable time around Gabby before. get ready for it, girl, because you'll probably be on the same merge tribe sooner or later.

oh dang, he's directly asking Kristal out.

this was an interesting response, especially with Kristal's later agreement to go upon hearing that they had a pool table. Kristal could have either been letting him down gently, or have genuinely not realized that this is flirting. i think it's the latter. that leaves the door open for Kristal potentially reciprocating Derek's feelings later down the line... also, where the hell is Oliver?!

Tess proves that she can be the goth gf AND the gamer gf. step aside, Ally.

they've done SUCH a good job of making Yul continuously pay for his actions this season as opposed to S2; it makes me like him way more. the fact that Alec is the one handing out the punishments just makes it all the sweeter.

ALEC DRINKS HIS RESPECT WOMEN JUICE!! (is that an outdated meme/saying at this point?)

while Jake is still mostly at fault for this conflict, i do like how they're making sure that Ally isn't just an innocent victim, too. she's stooping down to Jake's level of childishness instead of being the bigger person and handling things maturely. it makes both of them and their conflict feel more well-rounded, even if it makes them more annoying as well, lol.

Trevor was right; this particular iteration of the space challenge, at least, is bad. the fact that the Cyan team (Aiden by extension) got literally no advantages or head starts from arriving to this room first means that the first half of the challenge didn't matter at all. even if there's the Survivor saying that "it all comes down to the puzzle," the physical challenges beforehand can at least give one team a head start at looking over the pieces. as it turns out, fucking around on the ship was just a waste of time. it diminished my enjoyment of the episode a little :( (sorry for being a downer)

glad we're revisiting Aiden and Riya's relationship a little more, probably in preparation for them reuniting at the merge. given that Jake and Riya both don't like Aiden, i wonder if they could gather their allies (Ashley, Alec, Yul, Grett) to fuel an Aiden elimination soon.

Emily has to be gay right (/j)

this staging is really great at quickly visualizing the dynamics on each team, and may be foreshadowing for future events. the Yellow Team has completely shut Riya out, with Yul not even being visible, but Alec is still smiling at her from inside. not leaving the door open for Riya will actually waste Yellow's time, but they're so eager to win the challenge that they've actually made things harder for themselves. Magenta leaves the door open for Jake, with Ashley's face expectant and unobstructed, while Ally has retreated inside. despite their disagreements, the Cyan team all waits for Aiden outside, not even opening their door until he gets back. the storyboard artists for DC are a talented group!

Jake, too, is making his case for the villains' alliance.

i liked this sort of rationale from Tess; it feels in character with how they're portraying her this season. i also hadn't considered it as a reason why they would be steadily ramping up Ellie's villainy even as a pre-merge boot. but like... she's totally right.

THEY'RE SO CUTE!!!!! thank god the writers didn't decide to destroy gabbellie this season. instead, it seems to be a basis to set up something even greater...

I'M SO GLAD THAT THIS IS THE DIRECTION THEY'RE TAKING GABBY'S CHARACTER!!! i thought it would be a really good idea, but i didn't know if the writers would wind up taking that path. but it looks like we may be getting our true "explosive girl" back now that Ellie is gone, and i couldn't be more excited. i just know it's going to lead to something buckwild.

... wait what do you mean Ellie isn't doing the patreon reads? is she going to be the real returning player?!

for a somewhat disappointing challenge (for the reasons i described earlier), i'm really happy with this elimination and the direction they're taking the season. some sort of merge or tribe swap has to be happening soon, right? that next episode trailer can't come soon enough!

[xprojectrpg]

Moment of Awesome - Melody Guthrie/Aero: Shortly after her arrival at the mansion, Mel meets a fellow flier and gets words of wisdom from the King of Atlantis.

A laugh bubbled up in Mel’s chest. Lord, she was way too tired for this. Maybe the whole not sleeping thing was catching up to her after all. “Yeah, flyin’ is totally sick, dude.”

Namor shook his head. "It is more than that. My people, you see, we were born to the sea. Promised to the waves, just as humans are condemned to the dirt. I was a child born to both — ears that pointed to the heavens, and the wings to take me there." He stopped himself and took a steadying breath. "The sky is a place neither of our peoples have dominion over. It is freedom. The winds are our right, the clouds our kingdom."

“Huh,” Mel said. “It’s different when you say it like that.” She wasn’t sure she agreed that everyone else was condemned, but flying was freedom. When she was in the air, Mel could do anything, be anyone. All her problems seemed so small from up above.

He wasn’t finished. "Then tell me, why did I find you with your feet on the ground?"

Mel looked out into the dark. Because she was tired. Because it was the middle of the night and she was a flying glow stick. She knew this wasn’t what Namor wanted to hear though. He wanted the itching feeling in the back of her mind ever since the night in the woods. The reason why she hadn’t gone flying with Sam or Jay yet. Why she just sat on the roof most nights.

“Because what if I ain’t the kind of person who deserves somethin’ so miraculous? I can’t fall when it’s taken away if I’m already on the ground.”

Namor's eyes snapped to her's, light refracting like something not quite human. "Fear and doubt are chains forged by lesser men. They only exist to limit those with true power, in an age that already finds any reason to limit those without." His expression tightened. "This world will never give what you deserve. You must take it."

She mulled over his words, but one thing echoed loudest no matter how hard she tried to push it away.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

“I guess. Yer probably right,” Mel looked down to pick at a hangnail. A nervous tick. Mama always scolded her for it. “I don’ know.”

"Mel," which was stated both like 'fool' and, somehow, a promise at the same time, "Tell me who would know." It was a potential promise of vengeance, as if Namor would go and teach this Lord a lesson.

Silence stretched out between them in lieu of an answer. Mel didn’t have one.

"Come with me." He did not hold out a hand, but it was implied. Namor increased his hovering height a couple feet to really drive the message home.

Mel followed, because what else could she do? She’d spent the better part of the last week grounded to that roof. If her powers decided to fail again, then at least Namor might catch her.

One foot, then the other, and they were both soaring. Namor continued to ascend — up and up and up — until the mansion was in miniature, then a dot, until it was lost beneath the haze of cloud cover.

“It’s beautiful.” The sky was a never ending pool of moonlight and darkness. It took Mel’s breath away. She had never been up this high or glowed this brightly. If anyone below could see, they might have thought she was a star.

The other man hung, arms still crossed, like a dark opposite — a moon to her star. "Here is where we belong. The privilege that we few can truly can only appreciate. It is not given, or earned. This is our domain." A snarl crossed over his lips. "You cannot let others tell you who you are, or you will only fall."

“I think I understand.” And she did. The crystallized breath in front of her and the heavens above and the lightning below. Men with wings and men without. Miracles. Faith. Mel understood faith. She’d had faith in so many, so much. Maybe it was time she extended that faith to herself.

“I think you will,” he agreed.

[tomatosoupppp]

Introducing: Ivory Barlowe, aka my first oc for Identity V

Age: 22 years old

Gender: male

Likes: shiny clothes, classical music, strawberries

Dislikes: sudden touches

Role: contain/ assist

Occupation: ballet dancer

After failing to met his mentor's expectations, Ivory came to the manor to seek for the audience he never had - he just wanted to be appreciated for once.

(There will be a hunter, his mentor, their dynamic is kinda inspired by Luca and Alva hihi)

External traits

Delicate movements

Ivory is one of the best dancers of his age. He has multiple, special movements that helps him get away from the hunter.

1. Tour: his famous, mesmerizing tour can hypnotize the audience - it makes the hunter's control system work in reverse for 6 seconds

2. Preparetion: when he performs it, the hunter's location will be exposed for him for 7 seconds, and his vaulting speed is increased by 50% for 5 seconds

3. Grand jeté: when he performs his famous split jump, he can jump over windows, pallets and small obstacles (he can't be hit while jumping, it works like a fly wheel kind of thing, but in vaulting) and his movement speed after the jump increases by 35% for 2 seconds

4. Pas de deux: he can only perform this once per match. He invites a teammate to dance, and he can jump over windows but can't put down pallets while he is carrying them, and can tank a hit for the teammate if he gets hit while performing

He needs to warm up for movements, each one costs 7 seconds of warm up, wich he can do while moving. His movements cooldown are 15 seconds, and can perform each one twice, expect pas de deux, that can be performed only once. He can force out movements without warm up, but that will cause him a 10% damage.

Hyper-focus

Ivory is extremely caotious when he performs, he wants to do it perfectly, so he only focuses on getting the steps flawlessly - wich causes him to not see the hunter's red light when he is performing. But he is a fast learner, so his gets a 8% decoding debuff when he decodes with a teammate.

Fear of mentor

His old mentor participates in the manor games as hunter, and he has impact on Ivory. When they are in a match together, his skills affect Ivory 40% longer and 15% stronger, because he is anxious about him.

Afraid of touches

He doesn't like to be touched. Healing speed decreased by 70%, and since he doesn't let people close to him, only charged attack will cause him 50% damage. Regular attack gives him a 25% chip damage.

He needs a nerf lol, anyway enjoy I guess:3

[talesoflaydbellandtheblackcat]

Heroic Harlem

Noelle finally walked into her room, not exactly expecting to find the Bee Miracle box so soon. She was a bit panicked thinking she was late to an akuma attack, so she quickly opened up the box, freeing the kwami inside.

"Pollen! Is there already another akuma attack? Who is it?" Pollen stretched a bit, her little limbs flailing before she answered simply and shortly. "No." Noelle's face contorted into confusion. "No? Then…what are you doing here?" Pollen smiled. "You've been invited to a party!!" Noelle blinked. "A..party..? With my miraculous..? Why?" Pollen huffed, throwing her arms across her chest. "Ladybell wants you to get familiar with the other miraculous users and Master Chelsea. She says you all need some 'down time' together that doesn't involve fighting an akuma."

"…Who?" Pollen groaned. "Just say the words, girl."

Noelle landed in front of a nicely sized building. She wasn't sure whose it was but something was definitely going on in there, so she assumed pollen was right. She reluctantly knocked on the door. There was a short pause before the door swung open, and Ladybug ambushed her in a tight hug. "You came!"

Noelle froze, not exactly expecting to be embraced so soon. "Uh, yeah. I did.." Ladybell pulled her into the building, where she could hear Taylor Swift already playing. "Cat threw a tantrum for this, didn't he?" Ladybell facepalmed, nodding. Noelle sighed. "Typical."

The two talked for a while before Noelle remembered something Pollen had said. "Hey, Pollen mentioned something about someone you wanted me to meet." Ladybell gasped in excitement, her pigtails flying upwards slightly. "Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot to introduce you to Master Chelsea! Come, she should be in another room making some tea!"

Noelle allowed Ladybell to briefly drag her across the house before they reached a certain room, the scent of chamomile tea and…something else hitting her nose. She looked around for a moment before her eyes zeroed in on an elderly woman stirring a pot. The woman turned around, her expression neutral at first until her eyes widened.

Noelle did not know what to expect, but she definitely did not expect the woman to be THIS old. Chelsea wiped her palms on her apron before walking over. "Ah, there you are. I see you've made work with the Bee miraculous. I am very impressed." Noelle was silent for a moment, still processing this woman's age and aura before nodding. "I…thank you.."

Chelsea grinned for a moment, but went back to her neutral expression. Everything fell silent for a second, which led Chelsea to raise an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"

"Yeah, uh how old are you exactly?" Noelle asked bluntly. Ladybell turned her head, about to say something about Noelle's audacity before Chelsea smirked. "187 years old."

"You're kidding, right?" Noelle asked, not believing her for a second. Chelsea's grin grew smug. "Wanna see my birth certificate?"

When Chelsea pulled out the documents, all Noelle could do was stare. She wanted to say it had to be fake, but the paper looked like if she blew on it too much, it would turn to dust. "Um…"

"Do ya believe me now?" Chelsea asked, looking down at her with a wide grin. "I guess so." Noelle said, still staring at the date of birth. Chelsea put the paper back. "Now, what's this I hear about you revealing your secret identity?"

Noelle froze, her heart increasing in speed. "I..It was an accident..I only told one person…" Chelsea chuckled, briefly turning the boiling tea in the pot. "It's alright, kid." She set the spoon onto the counter before walking back over to Noelle, putting a tight hand on her shoulder. "Make no such mistake ever again. You hear?"

Noelle swallowed, trying to stay calm. "I promise…" Chelsea smiled, looking cheerful again. "Wonderful!" She zipped back over to the tea, turning the stove off. Noelle didn't want to disturb her in fear she'd be waterboarded, so she headed back to the common area. Black Cat was already sleeping, typical. Ladybell was still playing with the bell on his neck, careful not to wake him. Foxtrot was still preparing for the big back Olympics as Jaded Turtle drank some sprite.

"I can tell this is going to be an amazing chapter of my life." Noelle said semi-sarcastically as she walked over to get a drink, hoping her parents wouldn't register her disappearance as a declaration of terrorism.

@coquettesophia dinner is served

[birindale]

Increased number of pictures per post means i can now fit a whole minicomic in one go. very sexy

When Bow is kidnapped while exploring the ominous Dark Forest, Kowl rushes to get She-Ra's help. But a mysterious message is their only clue to his whereabouts, and no one can decipher it! Join our heroes as they face cat phantoms, continuity errors, and way too much verse on a quest to rescue Bow's heart from Catra's evil clutches.

Transcript/Image ID below the cut

[Image Description: A cover and 14 comic pages from the She-Ra mini-comic, “The Hidden Symbols Mystery”.

Cover: She-Ra holds her sword over her head. It is almost entirely obscured by the 'Princess of Power' logo. In the background, the toy version of the Crystal Castle is set into a cliff. Swift Wind and Kowl fly around, and on the ground we see Bow, Catra, a treasure chest, and a mysterious device resembling a magnifying glass on a piece of cloth.

Page 1: A yellow text box reads, "Legend has it the hearts of those who enter Etheria's DARK FOREST are gripped with evil gloom FOREVER!"

We see Bow journeying deeper into a dark, thorny forest, heedless of the narrative boxes.

A second box reads, "A grim warning indeed--but dire tales of danger cannot dampen Bow's CURIOSITY."

A third reads, "As Etheria's great archer steps ever closer to the forbidden forest, a pair of evil EYES follow his every move!" and we see a pair of bright yellow eyes with orange sclera, glowing against the silhouetted trees.

An ornate purple banner spells out the title, "THE HIDDEN SYMBOLS MYSTERY!" and we see that the eyes belong to Catra, who emerges from the shadows behind Bow's back. She's not wearing her mask, but her hair is stylized almost like cat ears.

"SO... the Dark Forest's strange powers lure brave Bow within my evil grasp! PURRRFECT! A little sleight of hand..." she says, as Bow gazes off in the other direction, completely oblivious.

End Page 1.

Page 2: Catra raises her arms over her head, trailing her hands through her ponytail in a weirdly seductive way, saying "Some MAGIC... and the master of bow and arrow..."

She's enveloped in a cloud of magical smoke. "...shall be..."

She emerges from the smoke like a rocket, now a dark-furred house cat. "... MINE!"

"MEEOOWWW! MEEOOWWW!" yowls the cat we know to be Catra, from the branches of a tree. Bow startles. "WHAT? HO! What evil MISCHIEF is this?" he asks.

"WHO GOES THERE?" he demands, evidently unable to recognize cat sounds.

"WHY, it's just a kitten! Guess I've listened to one too many tall tales about the Dark Forest!" he exclaims, when he sees Catra 'stuck' in the tree.

"FEAR NOT, little furball..." he tells her.

He shoots a rope arrow into the trunk of the tree, higher than where Catra's sitting, with a huge THWUNK!

"I'll get you down!" he assures her, scaling the tree.

End Page 2.

Page 3: Catra explodes into her true form, her cape fluttering dramatically. "Kind-hearted FOOL!" she shouts.

"The dangers of this Dark Forest is no tall tale--Your very bravery BETRAYS you! Now, you are MINE to do with what I wish!" she tells him, with a close up on her eyes. Her irises are slitted like a cat's pupils/

"Your SKILL with bow and arrow shall prove most USEFUL to my EVIL PLANS!" says Bow, because someone seems to have drawn the tail to this dialog bubble wrong. "NEVER! I will take no part in your dark designs!" he declares, leaping from the tree. A few vines begin to coil around him. That can't be good.

End Page 3.

Page 4: "Do not dare defy me! You are my PRISONER..." says Catra, jumping down from the tree as the vines wrap more securely around Bow.

"You have no choices here!" she tells him, leaning in close.

A yellow text box reads, "The cursed feline revels in TRIUMPH, unaware her wicked scheme has been DETECTED!" and we see that Kowl has been watching the whole thing.

"Oh me! Oh my! GREAT LAND O' GLOOM! Catra has Bow... he's destined for doom! Oh me! Oh my! What a horrible day! Good PRINCESS ADORA must know right away!" says Kowl, in verse for some reason, as he speeds away to get help.

He reaches Spirit and Adora, who says, "GOODNESS, Kowl! What is the MATTER?" and Kowl says, "Dribble... I mean drubble! Oh heavens... Bow's in TROUBLE!

"It's CATRA--that feline foe! She's trapped him! Our dear friend, Bow, he's in the Dark Forest! Yes! He is in need of your help, Adora, quickly TAKE HEED!"

End Page 4.

Page 5: "BY THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL..." shouts Adora, raising both arms over her head. Spirit is silhouetted behind her. They were still ironing out details like 'catchphrase' at this point in production.

"I AM SHE-RA!" she finishes, as rainbow magic swirls and bursts around her and Swift Wind, both of them now transformed.

"No time to lose! Lead me to this dark trouble spot AT ONCE!" She-Ra tells Kowl.

End Page 5.

Page 6: "May the POWER of the sword protect us! Good Kowl, are you SURE this is the place? Bow is NOWHERE to be found!" says Adora (she's apparently de-transformed) from Swift Wind's back. Kowl flies in the opposite direction at their feet and speaks in verse again, "Bow is gone, that much is true... But I've found something here to give us a clue!"

"What strange fabric, what strange symbols!" says Adora, peering at a piece of green fabric speared on a tree branch. There are four symbols on it--boxes, lines, and triangles interlocking. "I'm sure they hold a clue to Bow's whereabouts, but I CANNOT read them!"

"Woe is me! Woe is me! LOOK! These symbols hold the key!" says Kowl, as Adora pulls the fabric down.

"QUICKLY! Kowl, we must pay a visit to the Wise Old Wizardess and ask her for help!" says Adora.

End Page 6.

Page 7: "She-Ra, my dear, your visit comes as a most pleasant surprise," says a woman with hair that appears to be made of rays of light, even though Adora is still de-transformed.

"But I sense you are in NEED! How is it I may HELP YOU?" says the woman, presumably the Wise Old Wizardess.

"Somewhere in Etheria's Dark Forest, the evil Catra holds Bow PRISONER! The cloth Kowl carries is our only clue to finding him, but I CANNOT decipher it!" says Adora, holding out the cloth, which Kowl is not carrying.

"Perhaps THIS will find your answer... and your friend!" says the Wise Old Wizardess.

She passes Adora an object that looks like a cross between a hand mirror and a magnifying glass. "Place your many colored cloth beneath the powerful gemstone and the symbols you shall read without delay!" she says.

End Page 7.

Page 8: "Why... it makes SENSE! It's a MAP... a map into the DEPTHS of the DARK FOREST!" says Adora, holding the object over the cloth, which is still only one color, showing a grid, compass, and river.

"Go quickly now! Your noble friend's plight is GRAVE indeed!" says the Wise Old Wizardess, pointing dramatically.

"FASTER, Swift Wind, FASTER! We must find Bow and foil Catra's evil plan for him before it's TOO LATE!" says Adora, as Swift Wind and Kowl fly as fast as they can.

"HOOTY HOOT HOOT! There's the Dark Forest door! QUICKLY! Go through it! Let us soar!" says Kowl, pointing at, like... some kind of tunnel through spacetime? It looks like a diagram of a gravity well.

"We're going to CRASH right through it! I want to take that conniving feline by SURPRISE!" says Adora.

End Page 8.

Page 9: A yellow text box says, "Meanwhile..." and we cut to Catra and Bow in a clearing. Catra is standing a few feet from Bow, holding up a finger as though delivering a lecture, while he's on his knees with his hands tied behind his back. "You've served Princess Adora these many years... a PUPPET to her beck and call! And yet it's gained you NOTHING!" she scolds.

"To serve Adora has been my GREATEST HONOR, her FRIENDSHIP my ample REWARD!" says Bow. Catra crosses her arms and scowls down at him.

"Don't be a fool! Join forces with me and the POWER and WEALTH of all Etheria will be OURS forever! LOOK..." says Catra, showing him a vision of the two of them standing on a dais of some kind, Bow waving and beaming down at a crowd of people. Each of them holds a basket of something gold up to Bow and Catra. Catra is gesturing at Bow as though presenting him to the audience, smiling under her mask. She's wearing a long pink skirt. The background is cool and abstract, but it evokes a castle of some kind.

"Doomed to spend a lifetime with you, Catra? No gold or glory is worth so high a price! In your plans I will take no part!" says Bow, waving her off, so I guess his hands are untied now.

End Page 9.

Page 10: "Perhaps my FRIENDS will change your mind!" says Catra, pointing at him and summoning what have historically been called 'cat phantoms' but she never does this again so it's anyone's guess. They're scary little ghouls with cat ears. Ahh!

Bow breaks the ropes around his wrists with a loud 'SNAP' so I guess he was still tied up after all.

He draws his bow despite not having had it a second ago, nocks an arrow, and says, "BACK OFF, foul phantoms... my MAGIC ARROWS will change your tune!"

An arrow, apparently magic, flies.

It goes through two phantoms, who wince in apparent pain.

"OAF! Your worthless weapons are but POWDER..." says Catra, catching the arrow, "... in my HANDS!"

She clenches her fist around the shaft of the arrow.

It warps and withers like a dehydrated plant that somebody like, gnawed on.

End Page 10.

Page 11: "You've had your chance! Prepare to meet your DOOM!" says Catra.

"Toil and trouble, gloom and sadness, feel the POWER of my madness. As the legends have foretold, your beating heart shall now grow COLD! Your happiness shall turn to HATE--I seal FOREVER your DESPERATE FATE!" say Catra, hands covered in magic. "NOOOOO!" says Bow. The heart on his chestplate glows a sickly gray, and the cat phantoms grin smug little cat grins.

"HISSSS..." says Catra, turning from Bow, who's slumped to his knees again. She-Ra has showed up, sword drawn and ready for action. "SHE-RA! My most UNWELCOME guest! The power of my evil spell CANNOT be broken! You are TOO LATE!" says Catra.

"I am outmatched by Catra in this Dark Forest! I must OUTWIT her if Bow is to survive!" She-Ra, who I will remind you is The Most Powerful Woman in the Universe, thinks to herself. "Let me see..."

"You shall NOT have my fine friend's heart! I take it for MY OWN!" says She-Ra, holding up a small green chest. Both it and the Sword of Protection are glowing. "Has the Dark Forest DRIVEN She-Ra from her SENSES? What in Etheria..." thinks Bow.

End Page 11.

Page 12: We see that the box contains a cartoonish heart.

"Oh no you don't! His heart belongs to ME!" says Catra, snatching the chest from She-Ra.

Swift Wind flies off, with Bow and She-Ra on his back somehow, as Catra gloats over her prize.

"SWIFT WIND, be gone! Bow... you are quite safe now, but hold on TIGHT!" says Adora, who has once more de-transformed off-panel.

"MY HEART!" says Bow, with an uncomfortably close close-up.

"My heart! I feel it beating once again! Oh, She-Ra... I don't know how you did it, but you SAVED me!" says Bow, flexing both arms over his head even though she literally just told him to hold on. He looks so happy though... it's probably fine.

End Page 12.

Page 13: Swift Wind and his passengers glow bright as they fly away.

"You miserable MEDDLER! You TRICKED me! The HEART OF DARKNESS is in RUIN and I must FLEE for my life! Oh, you will pay for this someday--Belive me, you WILL PAY!" says Catra, shaking her fist after them. We see that the chest she holds is now empty.

A yellow caption box reads, "Etheria's great archer, weary from his misadventure, finds himself safe within the castle grounds once more!" We see Swift Wind, Kowl, and two human figures silhouetted against the base of the Crystal Castle.

Another yellow caption box reads, "And he tells his true friend, Princess Adora his tale!" We see Spirit, Adora, Kowl, and Bow, safe and sound. "Oh Princess Adora, my CURIOSITY got the better of my good judgement! Catra tried to steal my heart!" Bow tells Adora.

End page 13.

Page 14: "But Adora, she would NEVER succeed because my heart belongs to YOU!" says Bow. They've switched places, Spirit and Kowl have disappeared, and they're now silhouetted by a brilliant green full moon.

"And I'm SURE you have learned a moral as well..." says Adora, smiling at him and apparently just not addressing that at all.

"Yes... be ever so CAREFUL not to let your CURIOSITY take you to DANGEROUS PLACES!" says Bow, in red text. "Oh yes! Curiosity ALWAYS gets the CAT! Tee hee!" says Adora. A white caption box reads, "The End."

End Page 14.

End ID]

[lancermylove]

Voice of Healing (Oneshot) [Part 2]

Fandom: Obey Me

Pairing: Mammon x OC (Mariposa)

Warning: None

Commissioned by: @gr8mammon

Prompt: OC X Mammon fanfic of Mammon discovering the OC can sing when he eavesdrops on her one day and his feelings increases more for her. He then shows up that he knows about her singing abilities and encourages her to show it more. Their feelings are so borderline of confession and one thing leads to another.

A/N: Presenting part 2~. 😁 For anyone wondering, the first song is "Gales of Song" and the second song is "Lend Me Your Voice" from Belle.

Word Count: 2,514

Series: [Part 1]

———————————————

The sounds of her heels clicking against the wooden boards echoed within the walls of the RAD assembly hall. Her footsteps had an uneven rhythm, and that was enough for him to guess she was nervous. Maybe he should have snuck backstage to cheer her one last time, but Mammon had faith in Mariposa as she was nothing less than a determined fighter. As the gentle notes of the music began filling his ears, Mammon held his breath and dug his fingertips into his palms. 'Ya got this, Mari. Show 'em what you're made of.'

The young girl clutched onto her mic, scanning the audience, and though it was dark, she could sense Mammon's presence. She knew he was cheering her on in spirit, but a part of her wished she could meet his gaze while performing. As the music intensified, Mari's heartbeats increased - this was it - this was going to be her moment to shine and defeat her fear. She closed her eye and poured her heart out through her voice.

La. La. La. Gales of Songs, guide me through the storm.

Her beautiful yet powerful voice resonated through the hall, leaving every demon, angel, and human speechless. Mammon freed his fists and exhaled in relief, the hardest part was over, and he had no doubt she would pass her trial with flying colors.

A life without you, I cannot accept.

He wasn't willing to accept a life without her either. Their friendship had gone through so much that imagining a life with Mariposa was impossible for the demon.

Seems like everyone just smiles staring at the sun.

But what about me?

Smilin' while starin' at the sun, huh? That means they're cravin' for light 'cause their life is filled with nothin' but darkness. 'Sides, Mari, you're the sun, and one sun ain't got need to stare at another sun. And you're my guidin' light...so my sun.' His cheeks heated up while he recalled all the times she helped him out of the darkness.

It's just me, lost so far away from home.

Alone I shut myself in.

The song described Mari's journey in her life to the point, and he knew that, but Mammon's heart still pained at the thought of the trauma his love had gone through. If only he had found her earlier, maybe she wouldn't have had to bear so much.

Mariposa slowly opened her eye, allowing the hidden tears behind her eyelids to fall freely. For a second, Mammon panicked - was she sad - but wait, she was smiling. As the end of the song came around, her gaze drifted in his direction, praying he would get the hint she was about to give him.

Gales of song, please stay by my side.

Winds of love, breathe into my life.

The assembly hall was dead silent after she finished singing, and in that minute, countless thoughts swirled in her mind. Did they not like her song choice? Was her singing not good enough? Should she not have joined the competition? But those fragile thoughts quickly shattered once she heard the entire hall erupt into cheers. The screams, claps, and praises, combined with the bright spotlight overhead, overwhelmed her, but Mari managed to bow and thank her audience before hurrying backstage.

Once safe in the dressing room, she rested her dampened back against the cool wall and pressed her right palm on her face. "I did it. I really did it. I won over my fear. I…I WON!"

Mariposa excitedly threw her hands into the air and grinned at herself in the mirror across the room. Right on time, her room's door flung open, and Mammon rushed in. "Did somethin' happen? Why're ya screamin'?"

"MAMMON!" She faced him with her arms still raised towards the ceiling and flashed him the widest smile, "I DID IT!"

"You did. You won, Mari," a warm smile spread across his lips. "I am proud of you."

He took a step closer, wrapped his arms around her waist, and lifted her to his height. A soft squeal escaped her lips, and she tried her arms around his neck to maintain her balance. While Mariposa looked questionably at her friend, Mammon continued to smile. "Did ya mean what ya said?"

"Mean…what I said?" She slightly tilted her head to one side. "Y'know," he mumbled. Did she forget already? Was she really going to make him say those words back to her? His face grew redder by the second, but she left him no choice, and he repeated her words. "P-Please stay by my side. Winds of love, breathe into my life."

"Oh, those words," she playfully giggled.

"Wait, you knew which words I was talkin' about, didn't ya?" He shot her a glare, but that only made her laugh.

"Maybe~. Maybe, I just wanted to hear ya say them."

"Why you..."

"Oh, are ya mad? Whatcha goin' to do 'bout it, Mammon?" Mariposa mimicked his speech in a sweet, high-pitched voice. Amidst her teasing, she had forgotten how close Mammon's face was to her; on the other hand, he took note of details he hadn't noticed before. The heat of her skin against his, the faint pulse of her heart against his chest, the delicate flora fragrance coming from her clothes, and the warm, sugary smell of candy coming from her lips.

In a low, shaky voice, the demon called her name, "Mari."

"Hm?"

Mammon tilted his head, parted his lips, and closed the distance between their faces. Feeling his warm, moisturized lips on her own, Mariposa's eye widened. How many times had she dreamt of kissing him? She had waited a long time for this moment, and it was even more perfect than she had imagined. Her lips tugged into a smile as a tear rolled down her cheek, but she tightened her arms around his neck and returned his kiss.

"Mariposa," the demon slightly pulled away, breaking the kiss. "Will you go out with me?"

"Yes." She pecked his lips and gently rested her forehead against his. "Nothing would make me happier."

----

"I...I can't...," Levi mumbled under his breath but paused before burying his face in his hands and exclaiming, "I can't take this anymore!"

The first, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh brothers and the angels stopped eating and looked at Levi. Lucifer broke the silence with a loud sigh, "Levi. This is neither the time nor the place. Let us finish eating first, then we can talk."

"No! Just, no. I am tired of seeing Mari and Mammon all lovey-dovey. That Mammon...can he get more annoying!?"

"Tired?" Asmo dramatically gasped, "Well, I find it quite adorable. They look so cute together!"

Beel nodded while Belphie added, "They look happy together."

"They do look quite happy," Simeon chuckled.

"Levi, I understand why you are upset. We all wished to be with Mariposa at one point, but she chose Mammon. We need to respect her choice…even if we don't want to," Satan forced the corners of his lips up while tightly gripping his fork and knife.

"Satan is right. We need to respect her decision, and there is a good reason why Mari chose Mammon. Some of you may not agree with my words, but he is the right choice for her," Lucifer set down his silverware and spoke sternly. "If any of you dare to intervene in their relationship, I shall take it onto myself to teach you a lesson. Now, finish eating."

"By the way, has anyone seen them? They missed breakfast, and now they are missing dinner," the older angel asked.

Asmo gasped loudly in response, followed by a squeal, "Maybe they had a long, romantic night together! I can already imagine-"

Simeon quickly covered Luke's ears as Lucifer yelled the fourth brother's name, "This conversation ends here. Finish. Eating."

For the remainder of the dinner, the brothers and angels ate quietly, and all of them had beet-red faces except for the younger angel, who had absolutely no idea what was going on. Unbeknownst to them, Mariposa had spent the entire day planning a surprise for Mammon while he lounged in his bedroom, waiting for her call.

----

"I do hope you enjoy your time here. Also, please refrain from borrowing objects from the castle. I shall take my leave now," Barbatos politely bowed before leaving Mammon near the entrance of the castle gardens. The butler was scarier than Lucifer, especially when he gave an emotionless smile and spoke threatening words in a gentle tone. A chill ran down the demon's spine, but he shook his head and walked deeper into the garden. 'I ain't got time to think 'bout him. Mari is waitin' for me.' 

As he approached the lake, he saw his beloved sitting on a yellow picnic blanket, her eyes examining the falling stars in the sky. On each corner of the blanket sat a glass jar with a large candle inside, adding warmth to the cool-toned backdrop. The setup was simple yet effective, and Mammon preferred it that way.

The young girl heard her love approach and turned her attention to him, welcoming him with a genuine smile. She stood up and patted the wrinkles of her skirt before beckoning him to come closer. "How was your day?"

"I was sulkin' all day. I thought you forget 'bout me. Took ya long enough to message me," he pouted.

Mariposa giggled and shook her head, "I would never forget you. I couldn't, even if I tried."

"Ya? How do I know you're not just sayin' that for the sake of sayin' it?" He knew she was telling the truth but teased her nevertheless. "Or are ya tryin' to get me to kiss you again?"

"I am not, and I can prove it to you!"

While she prepared for the date, Mari attempted countless times to think of a way to convey her feelings without making them seem forceful. How would she begin singing for him? All her ideas ended poorly in her mind, and she decided to go with the flow. Now was her chance. Mammon had given her the perfect excuse to pour her heart out through her song.

Mari reached for his hands and held them in a firm grip, met his eyes, and took a deep breath.

It's easy to push me away from you Easy to say you want to be left on your own

Mammon was confused after hearing those two lines. Didn't she say she wanted to prove she wouldn't forget him? He raised an eyebrow, and the corner of his lip slightly twitched, and though Mari saw this, she didn't stop singing.

Yet somehow I can't help but see how your eyes shy away Your hands seal the entrance and path to your heart Anger kept fear and the sadness you feel Under the surface for so long

His muscles tensed while his eyes grew in size. Where was this song going? Was she trying to say she knew he was pushing her away on purpose when they first met?

With each line, Mammon's heart slammed harder against his ribs. He was aware she could connect well with him, but how was she able to read his heart so clearly? Since his time in the Celestial Realm, he made sure not to be an open book to anyone, including his brothers. That was the very reason why he masked his sadness and pain behind a clown mask.

Mammon took a step back, but the songstress tightened her grip around his head and took a step closer to him.

Bring me close Let me see the past you regret deep down below It's not so hard living all by yourself It's what you have told yourself over and ovеr again in darkness

His face remained expressionless, but his hands became clammy and began shaking. Whenever moments got uncomfortable, he had a habit of running away. Even now, he was trying to do the same. No one had looked so deeply into his heart or attempted to understand him for who he really was. Tears welled up in his eyes against his will, 'What the hell...I don't wanna cry in front of her...but...'

But you know, I just want you as you are

Her intention was not to make him cry but to make him understand just how much she loved him. Mari brought his right hand close to her cheek and brushed her warm skin on the back of his hand. She gave him a comforting smile as she sang the final lines of the song.

Just the "you" that I see right before me It's all that has been on my mind

"And will always be," she whispered.

Mammon was speechless. What was he supposed to say to her? "Thank you" wasn't enough. "You're the best" sounded odd. "I need you" sounded desperate. "Don't leave me" sounded sad. His mind worked over time as it tried to formulate the perfect response. Drained of energy, he slowly lowered his head and rested it on her shoulder.

"Mari..."

"Yeah?" She stood perfectly still, eagerly waiting for his reaction.

"I love you."

Just the reaction she had been hoping for. "I know..."

"You know...?" He chuckled weakly, not expecting such a straightforward response.

"Mammon, I have some more abilities I didn't tell you," she whispered, "I can...hear people's emotions, meaning...I knew you liked me even before you realized it."

'She, what?' So the entire time he struggled to figure out how he felt for her, if he should be feeling these feelings for her, whether Asmo was right or not, whether he was losing his mind, and what she meant to him...she already knew the answers?

"You've to be kiddin' me. Man, that's embarrassin'."

"Sorry, Mammon. I didn't do it on purpose," Mariposa giggled. She would be lying if she said she wasn't getting a kick out of his reaction. "Hmm. If I say, "I love you too," will that make up for everything?"

"Yeah. Yeah...it will."

"Then, Mammon, the Avatar of Greed and the bestest demon in Devildom, you are the best thing that happened in my life, and I will never let you go...even if you get sick of me. I love you and will love you for eternity." She freed his hands from her grip, wrapped her arms around him, and snuggled her face into his shoulder.

Mariposa had been through a difficult journey filled with pain, setbacks, loneliness, and torment. She prayed every day for relief but never thought her relief would come in the form of getting whisked away to the realm of demons; moreover, she didn't imagine meeting a demon who brought out the best in her, understood her, and loved her more than anything else.

Though their journey together was only getting started, Mari couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for them. Even if her future was the same as her past, she knew she could overcome any obstacle as long as Mammon was by her side.

———————————————

➣  Obey Me Masterlist: [1][2] ➣ Main Masterlist

➣ Buy me a Ko-fi? ➣ Commission: Open || Requests: Closed

[schizosupport]

Hi!! I dont know where else to go but im suspecting i may be on the schizo spectrum? Or at least just wondering way too hard. And i have no where to look into more trustworthy specifics besides brief nformation about the common disorders (that i dont really think i fit into at all btw but then again im undiagnosed with everything so im forced to rawdog it and come to conclusions on my own) and no where to find information about specific symptoms that can be overlooked as "normal behavior"

I have psychosis and its been like this since 2018, slowly growing, getting more intense i guess especially during a traumatic event that happened a few years ago *really* increased my delusions. Thats the only primary thing i experience i believe, but now looking back i am unsure if i experience some level of hallucinations as well like thinking im seeing flies n such fly around me trying to bother me or bugs crawling near me in the corner of my eye. Though it may be because im sleepy or something as i like to stay up a lot! And maybe because ive dealt with annoying flies one too many times that im just paranoid abt dealing w them now.

this thought has been on my mind for a while (mainly speaking in terms of hallucinations) but recently i saw a post on twitter about someone asking if other people "have intense fear of monsters or the dark" before going into deph about how her brain is constantly afraid of her life will turn into a horror movie. Like "what if a zombie breaks into my house" and her brain imagining scary scenarios that genuinely terrify her when she does anything. And reading that sounds very familar to something ive experienced even to this day, esp if im alone at night or alone n looking into another room thats dimly lit.

I really do understand her fear of closing her eyes n seeing scary scenarios. Ive noticed ive weirdly been seeing stuff too, mainly faces and eyes that i would see when watching analog horror and it *really* terrifies me and makes me think that ive somehow spawned it in real life (esp if i think about it too much)

Sorry if this is too long. I normally do this when im rly stumped abt whatever brain thing i got n no google search can help me. I guess im just lookimg for some insight. Thanks! <3

"Also forgot to clarify that the person is recently discovering/coming to terms with that shes schizospec too so thats why upon reading that im pretty much going "....huh!" Bec this implies this may not be normal (i mean of course not but. Never really bothered to say or think anything about it until now)"

Hi there anon! I'm glad you're reaching out, and I hope I can help you a little on your way!

What you're describing, intense fear of hypothetical scenarios and "closed eye hallucinations" are both things that I can definitely relate to as constants in my life. I don't have enough information from just this ask to say whether your experiences are full blown delusional/psychotic, but regardless, it sounds like it's taking a toll on you, and have been getting worse. It's common for this type of experience to worsen with stress, so it's no wonder it worsened when you were going through something traumatic.

When I first talked to a psychiatrist about some of my beliefs, they wrote something that I later found kind of interesting, that some of my beliefs were like those of a scared child. As if I had never quite learned how to regulate that type of fear and my imagination would get the better of me. I don't know if your experience is anything like that, but from the way you described it, I thought that might be relatable to you.

The line between fear, anxiety and psychosis can be hard to define. One thing I've learned is that most people with "pure anxiety" are not having anxiety about bizarre or paranoid things, but about more mundane matters that have been blown out of proportion. But obviously there's variability. But I remember when I met my partner of now... 9 years ...? I wasn't diagnosed with anything yet, and we were both like "yeah I have anxiety" and thought we knew what the other meant by that. And then they were confused when I was like "yeah I'm anxious that the spirit of the lamp will steal my soul, and that people are putting poisoned coins in public spaces". But like the anxiety was similar, it's just that the things I was anxious about were odd, I guess.

Anyways, I'm rambling, sorry!

About the images you get when you close your eyes, that is most often described as a type of intrusive thought, and I've also heard people call them "closed eye hallucinations". I get icky and scary images like this sometimes, and it can be really distressing.

I hope your symptoms don't get worse, and I hope you can feel at ease knowing that no matter the exact cause or name, you are definitely not alone with having these experiences, and they are common experiences for people on the schizospec and people with some other related difficulties.

And if you find that you relate to the schizospec experience, there's space enough for everyone, and you are welcome here. Even if you don't fit any specific disorders or you conclude that your symptoms are "sub-clinical" or more related to something else, I believe in an open door policy and I think anyone with this type of experience can benefit from spending time in/with the community, and can bring unique insights to the table themselves.

I don't know if I'm making any sense, I'm super tired today, but yeah that's my two cents I guess ^^

Edit: It might give you some insight to look into other symptoms associated with the schizo-spec, like negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms and ipseity disturbances :) I think that will give you a stronger idea of whether you are likely to relate to most of us 🌼

[purplecrkl]

(Wrote this two years ago and never posted it. Now that I have free time, I want to practice writing again!! I have no idea where this was going, but it’s my first time writing something, so hopefully it makes some sense 💀)

Also I pictured Daniel as Aaron Taylor Johnson from that one BLACK AND WHITE AD URGH 😩 #freeATJ 😔✊🏼

—————————————————

(10 years earlier)

“Tell me to stay. Tell me, if I choose to walk away, you will never speak to me again. Tell me I’m making the biggest mistake of my life. Tell me-“

“Tell me you know how to start a sentence without using ‘tell me’, right?”

“Tell me you’re an asshole without *telling* me you’re an asshole. How’s that?” I say back. Daniel, unfazed by remark, reaches for a pillow on my bed, hurling it at the side of my head. Carefully dodging the laptop showing the unfinished script of my latest story.

“I’m just saying, you’re reaching. I mean come on, no one actually says this stuff. Let alone out loud in an airport. Imagine the looks you’d get if we held up the line like that at Heathrow. I’d barely have time to spit the second line out before security kicked us out. Not to mention the ‘No Fly List’ we’d be put on, and rightfully so.”

This has been our routine since we met in 8th grade. Now, both in college, Daniel remains the only person I share my stories with. The path to becoming a screenwriter is long and treacherous but Daniel had always been supportive of my dreams. If there was anything I could count on him for, it was his brutal honesty. He would never tell me what I wanted to hear, and was always careful to reel me in whenever I was too harsh on myself.

While I wrote, Daniel would sketch quietly on my bed. He had dreams of becoming an architect and could talk my ear off about the ingenuity of various finite materials, how brutalist architecture is his least favourite style and why he’d move to Japan in a heartbeat because timber burnt houses had proven to increase the lifespan of its tenants.

Truthfully I think his desire to create a home that stood the test of time had to do with the fact he hadn’t experienced one himself. Mr and Mrs Keating weren’t bad people per se, they were just bad parents. Daniel didn’t remember much about his childhood. Bringing up the past never bode well for him. A feat Daniel was cruelly reminded of when he was asked to recall his favourite part about his seventh birthday at school the next day.

“My Lego bike”, he said proudly.

“And when I saw daddy kissing mummy in the library.”

The kids in his class let out a chorus of ‘ews’, whilst sneaking glances at who they’d declare their love for in the playground later that day.

Mrs Keating apparently cherished that moment too, going as far as giving it its own highlighted section in the divorce papers she served Mr Keating with the following weekend. A memory she would have no recollection of, if it weren’t for Daniel’s reminder. And after both parties agreed to sell the house, cashing in a hefty cheque large enough to erase 7 years of marriage, Daniel had barely managed to pack his favourite toys before he was waving goodbye to the house he grew up in. To hell with that library, he thought.

Though I didn’t know him back then, anyone could have guessed using your child to communicate the failings of the other parent; then shipping him off to boarding school when he refused to choose a side would end in serious emotional unrest in said kid. To this day, Daniel refuses to subject himself to any notion of love in fear of repeating his parents mistakes.

“God, I cannot wait for the day Daniel Keating confesses his undying love in the middle of an airport” I say, while crawling my way into the space beside him. A loud scoff erupts from his chest and it’s my favourite sound I’ve heard all day. But then it’s silent for a beat too long and I’m afraid I’ve offended him with such a preposterous idea. Daniel, capable of love? Ha.

In a second he’s up on his feet, pacing the room with my laptop in hand. He studies my script for a few seconds and it takes all I have to not stare at him too long. But it’s Daniel Keating. And in the last six years I’ve known him, I’ve stolen enough glances to confidently recite every part of him in my sleep.

Almost, every part.

A quiet chuckle brings me back and I’m scared he’s finally caught me staring this time. He hasn’t. And although it’s impossible to see anything beyond the dark cesspool of cocoa in his eyes, I still catch that devilish glint when he stalks towards me.

“Tell me to stay Lex,” he says.

If his head full of curls weren’t brushing against his ears, I’m sure he would’ve heard my heart stop.

“Tell me you’ll never speak to me again, if I choose to walk away.”

That’s impossible, I want to say. You could walk away a million times and I’d welcome you back a million and one.

Daniel reaches me on the bed and I’m certain if I don’t take a breath in the next second my respiratory system will take ‘you’ll never speak to me again’ quite literally. Does Heaven give out ‘do-overs’ for misunderstandings like this? It’s not like I meant to stop breathing. Blame the boy currently intertwining my hand with his.

“Tell me, I’m making the biggest mistake of my life Lex.”

He cups my cheek, and I wonder if he’s noticed I’ve come undone in the palm of his hand. I wonder if he knows everything I’ve written up to this point has been about him.

About us.

I’m certain I’ve stopped breathing. But I’m not worried. There are worse ways to go out, than having Daniel Keating here with me, like this. So with my hand in his right, and my heart in his other, I make a vow right then and there. To love him with everything I have.

Daniel.

I will love you when you stay.

I will love you if you choose to walk away.

But most importantly, I will continue to love you even if it turns out to be the biggest mistake of my life.

And it is.

[cinemacentral666]

The Short Films of David Lynch 1967-1974

Movies #1,029-1,036 • SHORT FILM MONDAYS

Most, but not all, of these EIGHT shorts are compiled on the 2002 video release. I plan on watching all of the Lynch short films I can find, probably in three chronological installments.

SIX MEN GETTING SICK (SIX TIMES) (1967)

A living painting soundtracked by sirens and other bleeps and bloops. Blasts of color, flashes. Gotta fill them hole sacks, boys! A sudden burst of purple accompanying the vomit. Repeats guess how many times? The repetition seems key, makes it work, as you can pick up on different things each time, like the word "SICK" flashing (didn't catch that until pass #5). Quite the beginning!

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ABSURD ENCOUNTER WITH FEAR (1967)

Huge menacing movie classical piece (I believe this is György Ligeti? It repeats in other early work, primarily “Early Experiments”) soundtracks man (early collaborator Jack Fisk in Blue Man Group mode) walking through tall grass in an open field by a forest, encounters whiteface Peggy Lynch (David’s first wife, who will be a constant in these shorts as well). She’s crouching, looks scared and undoes his fly and pulls out some dandelions? This is the earliest commentary on #MeToo, perhaps. He gets 'caught' by the camera and faints. Lovely destruction of the film stock here as well.

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FICTITIOUS ANACIN COMMERCIAL (1967)

Jack Fisk, looking very Amish, gets some aspirin from God.

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SAILING WITH BUSHNELL KEELER (1967)

An ominous soundtrack replaces native audio of this not-so quaint sailing trip. We see the titular Keeler, his son Dave and a boyish Lynch himself. Things have slowed down. Not your typical day on the boat vibes; what could have been the darkness he was exploring here? Something something capitalism (yachting shit?)? Doubtful. Slow fade to blackness. Nobody knows.

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

EARLY EXPERIMENTS (1967-1968)

This odds and ends edit came out on DVD in 2002, comprises various things made around the time leading up to The Alphabet. Flashing images, some living art again, kaleidoscope-style. We then see Lynch and he's clearly 'acting' — slowly moving his hands, casting shadows, etc., and this goes on for several minutes 

This transitions into a painting with a symmetrical design with fire underneath, utilizing a mirror effect. Then we see Peggy in a rocking chair in black room. She's having some tea. There are jump scares. Jump scares, yes. Lynchian jump scares. She is legit creepy. Green paint on baby doll head. Mirror effect on Peggy in white room to very successful results.

Easily the freakiest thing yet. Really making good use of mirror and other in-camera FX but maybe edited way later?

Back to the symmetrical living art; the fire increases.

We briefly see Lynch behind the camera again, a slower and even more ominous return.

My one issue is maybe the utilization of this music; I think it would make anything you're watching 90% creepier.

Now things have really slowed down, blurry images 

Cut to an older actress but same visuals and scenes from Alphabet room and also Peggy is still there.

Return to the living art and the whole painting has changed and we see a demonic figure at center.

More mirrored stuff with Peggy but more cut up with faster edits and we see some geometric design which looks a lot like the floor in the Twin Peaks red room.

Cool effect over the old lady face, drawing on the film strip...

Mirroring a dead insect now...

I mean, I could just make gifs out of every part of this. Very giffable shit...

Living painting of a tree on black background. And then it ends.

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE ALPHABET (1969)

Probably the best distillation of the early work, condensing all these cool and very weird modes and tricks in a tight four minutes.

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE GRANDMOTHER (1970)

The movie that dares to ask, what if humans grew from the ground like trees and barked like demented seals? At over a half hour this is longest standalone short by a wide margin. It employs similar tactics as The Alphabet (a mix of weirdo live action and kooky living page) but with enhanced sound editing (his first collab with the great sound designer Alan Splet) and a more in-depth narrative: a young boy wets the bed and his dad freaks out, slamming him into the wet spot. The mother's not much better, weirdly over affectionate and so naturally this piss kid grows a grandmother from some magical seeds on his bed. But the trouble persists so he becomes part of the Lynchian cut-out art world and murders them…

Then he briefly makes out with plant Grandma before the whole thing descends into some final chaos. This honestly might be the weirdest thing he's beer made and that's saying something!

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

THE AMPUTEE (1974)

The Twin Peaks log lady (Catherine E. Coulson) plays a legless double amputee and she gets her bandaged stumps treated by a male nurse as she narrates a letter she's writing about relationships and people. I really appreciate how everything before was more or less an experiment in the visual and this one — just a single static shot — is experimenting with form. Feels like an important bridge to the future for Lynch.

SCORE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Dorothy McGinnis Grandmother Richard White Boy Virginia Maitland Mother Robert Chadwick

[aureliadebae603]

This video I found in The New Zealand Herald features Georgina Beyers discussing her life story and what she has endured to become the woman she is today.

These are some quotes that I have pulled from the article which are relevant to significant events she has endured in her life.

"In my time, many of us ended up down in the street sex industry scene, on the fringes of society, utterly marginalised. I've been brutalised and exploited, I've been pack raped. I've had to endure that kind of thing and it either kills you or it doesn't. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

"It's less of a reflection on me but a wonderful reflection on them - rural conservative New Zealand. Who would have thought?"

"On the third reading of the Prostitution Reform Act, I got up and said: 'I will assume Mr Speaker that I am the only person in this chamber who has ever worked in the sex industry'. I paused and looked around to see whose hands were going to go flying up and of course there weren't any. In that moment, I guess they gave me tacit approval that I was the expert on this thing in this chamber," recalls Beyer.

This was another article I found that featured the passing of the prostitution bill, which Georgina participated in to influence the change of votes towards the bill after a condemning speech.

In 2003, after Labour politician Tim Barnett sponsored the Prostitution Reform Bill through Parliament, the final vote saw it narrowly pass into law, making New Zealand the first country in the world to decriminalise sex work. This legislation was unique in seeking to uphold the human and employment rights of sex workers, and included provisions designed to protect them from coercion and exploitation.

The Prostitution Reform Act was actively monitored during its first five years of operation by the Prostitution Law Review Committee, an eclectic group that included sex workers and was chaired by a retired Assistant Police Commissioner. The observations and consultations of this committee were important, given the extreme fears voiced by those opposed to the law change that it would result in massive increases in the number of sex workers and cause widespread corruption and immorality. The PLRC’s final 2008 report was reassuring in confirming no such eventualities, instead outlining some of the benefits associated with the Act’s impact in reducing the stigma and vulnerability of those involved in the sex industry:

The Committee concludes that the PRA has had a marked effect in safeguarding the right of sex workers to refuse particular clients and practices, chiefly by empowering sex workers by removing the illegality of their work. 

In a short documentary that I found about Rainbow Voices and the reopening of the rainbow room in the parliament (possibly an extension/additional video of the speech I was assigned), It featured Georgina Beyers who discussed a hard moment for her being in Parliament and how her dedication to the LGBTQ+ community has helped to support thousands of people across New Zealand.

GEORGINA BEYER, member of Parliament 1999-2007:

I have often been credited with having been a trailblazer, and I will accept that as being true, because as the first out transsexual to serve in a parliament, I had no mentors. I had to navigate my way myself through the mire of political life, I guess. Yes, I had the support of colleagues and the support of caucus, and that we were serving in Government was a huge advantage. I guess I acquitted myself very well when we had what has now come to be known as the 'Enough is Enough' March, led by the Destiny Church. When the 8,000 arrived at Parliament to protest against civil unions, it was a dark day, I feel.

 [ANGRY CROWD SHOUTING AND CHANTING]

I stood on those steps for the two or three hours that they held their rally in front of Parliament, holding the rainbow flag, joined by other members of Parliament: Sue Bradford, Sue Kedgley, Tim Barnett, Chris Carter, various others came out to support me as I stared them down from the steps of Parliament. At one point I just lost it. We had 150 approximately of our supporters who were pro the Civil Union Bill, and they had been surrounded by the 8,000 Destiny Church people. And they were abused, they were jostled, they were shoved, and I could see all of this happening from the steps. At that point, I was so... angry, I suppose. I marched across the forecourt of Parliament yelling out loudly, 'Why do you hate us so much? What is this? What is this that you're teaching your children, this hatred towards us? It's not right!' And words to that effect. I was yelling, which I seemed like a screaming banshee, because they had a sound system the Rolling Stones would have been proud of, so I was trying to shout over that so that they might hear me. That ended up on the news that night, and many of our Rainbow people – around the country – went, 'Hallelujah, our voice is there, to stare down this great adversity we were facing from these people.' One of my proudest moments of my parliamentary life, I have to say. Sorry for getting a bit emotional about it, but it was significant. And of course, civil unions came to pass and then was followed, what, less than ten years later by Louisa Wall's presentation of marriage equality to the country. And considering the venal debate that happened over civil unions throughout the country, marriage equality managed to slip through pretty well-supported from within the parliament – and more importantly, from a majority of New Zealanders. You see, with patience and perseverance, the country by and large will come on board because they can see all we want is equality. We are of no harm to anyone else. We just want to enrich our own lives with equality. And it has been for the better of New Zealand that we have been able to make positive contributions to our country, and to live lives that are far more liberated than when I was young. Well done, New Zealand.

It seemed quite appropriate, given the proud history we have in this country over Rainbow issues, that we should have a Rainbow Room – representation for our community in a solid bricks-and-mortar sense here at Parliament. And here it is!

[theflyingsealion]

Alright, so my first thought was - where are we putting this thing? We can just come up with a list of wacky abilities or we can center around a theme. So I thought of the first two and then from there decided: This is a forest monster. It is, single handedly, the dozens of eyes you feel pressing in on you from the darkness beyond the campfire. It is everything you fear and cannot think to fear might go wrong in the woods. Let's work with that.

So!

Fire - the damage properties of this are obvious, but I'm imagining it hits a small radius around the target as well, potentially even setting the ground ablaze. If the battle goes on too long, you could have a full scale forest fire on your hands.

Blindness - Our totally-not-beholder is probably nocturnal anyways, but between campfires and the endless list of species with darkvision in our totally-not-dnd that might not mean as much as you would think. Time to level the playing field, you are in the dark of the woods and you can't see SHIT.

Teleport - This one works hand and hand with #4, a friendly pair of eyes, if you will. The range isn't massive, but with the terrain difficulties caused by #1 and potentially #6, it doesn't need to be. You've wandered off the path and you are not where you need to be to help your allies or save yourself.

Disorient - So. You're lost in the woods. Yes, technically, the totally-not-beholder is probably only 90 feet away, but suddenly that doesn't seem to matter. Whenever you move declare the straight line of your path... and then roll a d8 to see what direction you actually go tearing off in. Good luck!

Rust metal - This is the wilds, your puny modern conveniences will not save you here. Hope you brought something magic that might be able to resist or recover! Because otherwise your sword is broken and your ac is plummeting.

Increase gravity - Now, some could argue this overlaps with slow, but that's not really my intention. This one is more about tearing trees and pieces of the canopy down on your head, or swatting those pesky flying mages out of the air.

Awaken/Animate - The forest is trying to kill you, and what could be more symbolic of that then a tree hauling itself out of the ground to personally attempt to flatten you? It's free minions. Let's go.

Frostbite - Yes, forest fires are scary. You know what else is scary? Freezing to death because you're lost in the woods. Unlike the fire, this is a strictly single target attack. The cold takes a bite out of you.

Difficult terrain - Again, we're not slowing here, we're more holding in place. The dirt turns to mud, vines tangle around your boots. You are rooted to the spot. Probably would pair well with the #3-4 dream team to keep you away from the real target... Or just leave you somewhere for #7 to take advantage.

Poison - Just because you didn't eat any suspicious berries while in the woods doesn't mean we can't pretend you did. If our totally-not-dnd already has poison condition rules then we can implement those as a punishment, if not... Well. Roll to not spend your whole turn throwing up I guess.

Game design exercise: You've been tasked with creating a non-trademark-infringing version of the beholder. The design brief specifies that your version should have ten creepy eyestalks with ten distinct magic powers, like the standard beholder, but these powers must not overlap with even one of the standard beholder powers.

For the purpose of this exercise, assume that the forbidden list consists of exactly the ten magic eyeball powers that are present in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual. (i.e., you don't need to research every magic eyeball power that's ever been attributed to a beholder in every iteration of D&D ever published.)

For reference, these ten powers are:

Controls your mind

Paralyses you

Makes you afraid

Slows you down

Makes you weak

General purpose telekinesis

Puts you to sleep

Turns you to stone

Disintegration ray

Just fucking kills you

These are all off limits.

So:

What ten magic eyeball powers do you give your legally-not-a-beholder?

[pinkcreationpainter]

Psychological Skills for Traders

1. Discipline

Following your trading plan every time (even if you’re tempted to deviate)

Not revenge-trading after a loss

Waiting for your setup, not forcing trades out of boredom or FOMO

2. Mindset

Thinking in probabilities, not absolutes

One trade doesn't define your success

Focus on the process, not the outcome

Long-term thinking: you’re building a skill, not chasing fast money get more from best stock strategy

3. Emotional Control

Managing greed when you’re up (and not overtrading)

Handling fear and not cutting winners too early

Staying neutral after a big loss or win

💡 Psych Tricks to Stay Sharp

Use a Trading Journal: Track not just your trades, but your emotions during them. You'll spot patterns.

Have Pre-Trade Checklists: Helps remove impulsive decisions.

Practice Visualization: Mentally rehearse being calm during a losing streak.

Limit Screen Time: Staring at charts all day can increase emotional fatigue and lead to bad trades.

🧘‍♂️ Mental Exercises That Help

Meditation (even 5 minutes a day) improves focus and awareness

Breathing techniques before trades to calm the nervous system

Affirmations like: “I follow my rules. I don’t need to trade all the time.”

🛑 Common Psychological Traps

Overconfidence after a win

Fear of missing out (FOMO)

Analysis paralysis — too much info, can’t act

Attachment to money — you see money, not risk

Stock trader emotions are powerful forces—they can either make you or break you in the markets. Trading isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a mental and emotional battle. Here's a breakdown of the most common emotions traders face and how to manage them:

😅 1. Fear

When it hits: Right before entering a trade, during a drawdown, or after a loss.

What it causes: Hesitation, exiting too early, not taking trades at all.

Solution:

Trade smaller size until you're confident.

Use stop-losses to define risk so you're not fearing the unknown.

Follow a written plan — it gives you structure.

🤑 2. Greed

When it hits: After a few winning trades, or when a trade is going well.

What it causes: Overtrading, doubling down, not taking profit.

Solution:

Set pre-defined profit targets and stick to them.

Avoid “get rich quick” thinking — slow growth compounds over time.

😤 3. Revenge

When it hits: Right after a loss (especially if you broke your rules).

What it causes: Impulsive trades, breaking strategy to "make it back."

Solution:

Step away after a loss. Don’t force it.

Remind yourself: “The market doesn’t owe me anything.”

🤯 4. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

When it hits: You see a stock flying or hear others talking about a hot play.

What it causes: Late entries, chasing trades, poor risk/reward setups.

Solution:

Know this: there’s always another trade.

Focus on setups, not hype.

😐 5. Regret

When it hits: After missing a trade or closing too early.

What it causes: Second-guessing, loss of confidence, overtrading.

Solution:

Accept that you’ll never catch every move.

Focus on execution over perfection.

🧘 Tips to Master Emotions:

Journal every trade with notes on how you felt.

Backtest your strategy so you trust it during tough times.

Take breaks — trading while tired or emotional is dangerous.

Celebrate discipline, not just wins.